Chapter 21:
"Blaine..."
The words were soft, but they still hide amusement behind them, and that's when Blaine knew he was caught. A grin slid onto his face as he cuddled closer to Kurt's back, tightening his arms around him with a sigh.
"I don't want to get up yet." Blaine spoke for the first time that morning, slowly opening his eyes as Kurt turned to face him, legs tangling between his. Kurt smiled weakly, fatigue still obvious in his eyes before his morning coffee. Blaine thought Kurt looked perfect like this. Of course Kurt always looked perfect but here, the yawning, just awaking, glossy-eyed, 'maybe we can stay in bed a little while longer' Kurt was a whole different shade of perfection.
"We've been lying in bed for hours. If I knew you were awake, I would've made you get up a long time ago." Kurt mumbled, pecking Blaine's nose before pulling him closer.
"I know. That's why I was pretending." Blaine smiled. "What gave me away?"
"Toes." Kurt said simply. Blaine had a habit of sleeping with socks on just to kick them off in the middle of the night because "socks make my feet feel like they're in prison". He always woke up with cold feet due to the air conditioner, and would automatically seek out warmth from Kurt, whose socks stayed on overnight. It was a flaw of Blaine's that Kurt had quickly caught on and adjusted to, sure to turn up the air so he wouldn't swelter under the extra heat radiating from Blaine's furnace like body.
"Can we stay in bed a little while longer?" Blaine groaned, hiding his head in Kurt's chest, listening to the soft vibrations of Kurt laughing.
"You can stay in bed, but I have to get up and make breakfast." Kurt smiled, kissing the top of Blaine's head. "We're on a schedule Mr. Anderson." He added.
"I want you to stay with me." Blaine groaned, adjusting his arms around Kurt and forcing him to stay in bed.
"You're so clingy." Kurt teased. Blaine remained silent, closing his eyes again and letting out a small sigh. "If I told you I was making pancakes, would you get up?"
Silence.
"Strawberry pancakes...?"
Silence.
"Chocolate chip?"
"...deal."
Kurt grinned as Blaine loosened his grip on Kurt's torso and let Kurt slip out from his hold. Blaine frowned at the automatic loss of warmth, opening his eyes back to see Kurt standing.
"Don't frown, unless you want wrinkles on your face by the time you're twenty five." Kurt commanded as Blaine rolled his eyes before giving Kurt a large fake grin. "Good boy." Kurt smiled, patting Blaine on the head lightly.
"Woof woof." Blaine grumbled before turning and pulling the covers over his head. Kurt smiled and pulled the covers down. He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by a banging at their front door.
"Who could that be?" Kurt mumbled to himself as he walked out of the bedroom to answer the door. Blaine listened to the mumbling of Kurt speaking with someone then the door closing.
"Who was it?" Blaine called, head still stuffed into the pillow.
"Package for Blaine Anderson." Kurt responded as he walked back into the bedroom carrying a large brown box with stamps covering the top.
"This sounds like the beginning of a porno." Blaine mumbled as Kurt nudged his shoulder with a small smile.
"Would you just sit up so you can open it. It's heavy and I'm curious." Kurt told as Blaine sat up with a groan.
"Who's it from?" Kurt asked, sitting the box on the bed and handing over a pair of scissors he had picked up from the living room. The label on the top told of an address from Ohio; one Blaine knew but Kurt didn't.
Blaine opened the box in silence, ignoring Kurt's question. Inside sat an old record player and a record slid in gently next to it. Kurt instantly pulled out the record player and sat it on the bed, studying it, then plucked out the record and gasping at the cover.
"Blaine, it's an album of Roxy Music signed by Bryan Ferry! This must cost a fortune." He told showing it to Blaine, who was more interesting in the note that he picked up out the box.
"Put it back." Blaine said, still staring at the small white note in his hand with a frown.
"What? You love this kind of stuff. I'm surprised you're not-"
"Put it back Kurt." Blaine commanded, standing out of bed and dropping the record player back in its box. "I'm sending it back."
"Why?" Kurt asked, still holding the record in his hand.
"Because I don't want it." Blaine told simply. "Will you just put it back in the box?"
Kurt looked at Blaine skeptically before looking at the note that was balled up is his hand. "What does say?" Kurt asked, meeting Blaine's eyes again.
"It doesn't matter."
"Can I see it?"
"It's nothing important."
"So let me read it."
"No Kurt. Just put the record in the box."
Blaine turned to leave out the bedroom, but Kurt quickly snatched the note out of Blaine's hand, making Blaine's indifferent expression change to frustration and anger.
"Kurt, give it back!" Blaine growled trying to snatch it back, but Kurt held it behind him out of Blaine's reach.
"Just let me read it Blaine." Kurt argued. "Is it so important that you need to hide it from your boyfriend?"
"Yes!" Blaine hissed, finally grabbing the note from Kurt. "I'm sending it back so would you please just put the record back and stop being so difficult?!"
There was a moment of silence as Kurt looked down at the record in his hands. Blaine sighed as he watched Kurt put it back, his face resembling a child who had just been screamed at.
"I'm sorry." He spoke in a mumble, looking up a Blaine with guilt in his eyes. Blaine sighed once again, threading his hand through his hair.
"You have nothing to be sorry for." Blaine said, resting a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "I shouldn't have screamed at you."
"Blaine, it's okay-"
"No it's not, that wasn't the right way to handle this. It's just that its from my parents and I have this history with them that I don't want to come up again-"
"It's understandable. It's your business, I shouldn't be invading if you don't want me to." Kurt said. Before Blaine could respond, Kurt pressed a finger to his lips. "Chocolate chip pancakes?"
Blaine nodded with a smile as Kurt kissed his cheek before walking out towards the kitchen. Blaine followed, watching as Kurt pulled out the supplies he needed and sitting them on the counter.
"Kurt?"
"Hmm?" Kurt hummed in response, not taking his eyes off of his work. Blaine came behind him and wrapped his arms around him, resting his cheek on Kurt's back and earning a small laugh from Kurt.
"I love you."
Kurt smiled softly at the sentimental action, turning in Blaine's arms to hug him back. "I love you too." He spoke into Blaine's ear. "Happy birthday."
"Kurt, where are we going?"
"I told you Blaine, I just need to pick something up and we'll go home."
"I've driven you to your apartment before, I know this isn't the way."
"I know what I'm doing."
"This is why you're not allowed to drive. How do you get lost on the way to your old apartment?"
"Just because I use taxis and public transportation doesn't mean I don't know how to get to one place to another."
"Oh god, we're lost. We're probably going to get mugged out here. On my birthday."
"Stop being dramatic and get out of the car."
Kurt pulled out the key from the parked car and handed it to Blaine before getting out, Blaine following close behind after locking the doors. Kurt grabbed Blaine's hand almost immediately, grinning as they walked down the street towards Kurt's old apartment building. They had just finished watching a musical (Kurt's third present to Blaine, following his day out with some of his friends, and a grey cashmere sweater that Blaine insisted on wearing today) and were on their way home before Kurt received a phone call from Rachel, telling him about a package that needed to be picked up.
"I just have to get some stuff from Rachel and then we'll be on our way." Kurt reassured as they walked towards the building, stopping at the doors for a moment.
"Today was incredible. I wish it didn't have to end." Blaine commented, almost groaning, as Kurt smiled with pride.
"I told you today would be perfect." he cheesed as Blaine nodded with agreement.
"It was," Blaine told. "Thank you for everything. Especially this sweater."
"Blaine if you thank me one more time for that sweater-"
"I can't stop thanking you. It was so expensive, and its so soft and warm..." Blaine bragged, grinning as he rubbed his hands over the material and Kurt laughed.
"Warmth is the last thing you need in the middle of June. It was meant to be saved for Autumn." Kurt explained, tracing his fingers over the soft material of his sweater also.
"Admit it Kurt, you love it on me." Blaine smirked, inching closer and slowly closing the space between them.
"I think I like it better off." Kurt played along, his hands playfully tugging at the hem of the extra layer of clothing.
"Kurt Hummel, would you happen to be hinting at my next gift?" Blaine asked, a little too hopeful, as he wrapped his arms around Kurt's waist.
"Maybe..." Kurt teased, leaning in to Blaine's lips to the point that they could feel each other's breath. Before Blaine could kiss him, Kurt quickly pulled back, smiling innocently as Blaine rolled his eyes.
"I hate it when you do that."
"You love it when I do that."
Blaine only shrugged in response, because it was true. He would go wild when Kurt would tease him, even in the most simplest ways as pulling away from a kiss or playing footsies under the table. Teasing was one of the easiest ways to get Blaine going and oh how Kurt loved to tease.
"Just get your stupid package." Blaine said, nudging Kurt a bit as he opened the door for him.
"Aw, is someone angry now?" Kurt teased, grabbing Blaine's hand as Blaine rolled his eyes.
"You know, one day, I'm going to be the one teasing you. We'll see who's laughing then." Blaine threatened, following behind Kurt as they walked through the building.
"Like that'll ever happen." Kurt chuckled, as they stopped in front of a door.
"Are you underestimating me?" Blaine asked with shock as he crossed his arms.
"As a matter of fact, yes. I am." Kurt admitted, knocking on the door as Blaine gasped dramatically.
"I guess I'll have to prove you wrong then." Blaine smirked. "Lets have a bet."
Kurt stared at Blaine a little skeptical before grinning. "Fine. We'll have a bet if you feel so confident." He said before leaning in close to Blaine, breath tickling the outside of his ear. "After your birthday. I made plans tonight."
Blaine nodded in agreement, already giving away a look of excitement in his eyes, as Kurt gave him a wink before turning his attention back to the door.
"She must not be home." Kurt assumed before pulling out his keys and sliding the correct one into the door and opening. Blaine was about to speak again to Kurt but was interrupted by a crowd screaming 'surprise' when Kurt flicked on the light.
There was instant laughter at Blaine's surprised face as people started to cheer that, yes, they were successfully apart of Blaine's surprise party. Barely a moment after Blaine realized what was happening, he was being pulled into hugs from his friends. His hand still held to Kurt's as they walked around accepting 'Happy Birthday's. Blaine replied 'thank you's and 'I can't believe you hid this from me!'s.
Kurt smiled as Blaine's face lit up with every passing friend that hugged him. After greeting almost everyone in the home, Blaine pulled Kurt aside, grinning like a child. "How long were you planning this?" he asked Kurt, placing his hands on his hips.
"Me? What makes you think I planned it?" Kurt asked, fawning innocent.
"Everybody knows you planned it," Megan suddenly cut into their conversation. "It's too fabulous to have been planned by anyone else. Happy Birthday Blainey!" she squealed, pulling him into a tight hug.
"Thank you Megan!" Blaine replies, hugging back just as tightly before pulling away a bit, Megan's arm still wrapped around him.
"Mind if I steal your boyfriend for a few minutes, Kurt?" She asked. Kurt nodded, giving Blaine a quick kiss on the cheek before walking off to talk to others. Megan quickly pulled Blaine towards the couch and sat them down, a grin on her face. "I have something I need to tell you." She smiled as Blaine looked at her curiously.
"What?" Blaine asked, quirking an eyebrow at Megan's excitement.
Megan held out her left hand to Blaine, showing off a shimmering diamond ring on her ring finger. "Oh my god, Steve proposed?!" Blaine asked, gasping as he stared at the ring the pulled Megan into a hug. "When?!"
"Last night!" Megan squealed. They continued to talk about the details of the proposal and the soon to be wedding, Blaine excitedly listening and chiming in about how great everything was going to be. "So," Megan smirked, leaning in closer to Blaine. "When's your wedding?"
"What?" Blaine scoffed as Megan nodded towards Kurt who was standing across the room. "Me and Kurt? No, we're not... We're not ready for that yet." Blaine told, shaking the idea from his head.
"Why not?" Megan asked, nudging Blaine a bit. "Life is short, marriage is legal, and you're in love. Get hitched!" she exclaimed, as Blaine rolled his eyes at her.
"Says the girl who's been waiting five years." Blaine teased, nudging her back.
"Exactly. Learn from my mistakes. Or, mostly Steve's mistakes." Megan told, twisting his ring around on her finger, smiling at it softly. "You've been together eight months now? You don't really think he'll say no, do you?"
Blaine sighed, looking over at Kurt again. Kurt was... Well he was amazing. An angel sent from god himself and any man would be an idiot not to propose to him. But they just weren't ready for that yet. There were still so many things they didn't know about each other. Yet, the image of getting on one knee made Blaine smile. Seeing Kurt's face as he became Mr. Anderson, or maybe Mr. Hummel-Anderson because Kurt would be stubborn and not want to drop his name. But Blaine would be glad to pick up an extra last name. He'd be delighted.
Kurt's eyes turned towards Blaine's, lighting up to see Blaine staring, his cheeks blushing that adorable way that they always do. Then he smiled. He smiled a wide smile with teeth showing and the side of his eyes crinkled the way they do and Blaine's heart fluttered. It did a little jump in Blaine's rib cage as he realized how absolutely right Megan had been. Life was short, marriage was legal, and he was most definitely in love with Kurt Elizabeth Hummel.
"Will you excuse me for a moment, Megan?" Blaine asked, returning a smile to Kurt as he stood. He walked over to Kurt as the song in the house changed to 'Lucky' and held out his hand, interrupting the ladies talking to him. "May I have this dance?" he smiled, Kurt sitting down the drink that had been in his hand to take Blaine's.
"You may." her smiled as Blaine led them to where everyone else was dancing in the middle of the floor. Before they could wrap their arms around each other, Rachel quickly cut in between them.
"Kurt, I need your help. It's an emergency." she squeaked, her brown eyes wide as she laid a hand on Kurt's shoulder.
"Rachel, I'm busy."
"Blaine doesn't mind, do you Blaine?" Rachel asked, pleading with her eyes for whatever reason.
"If it's an emergency, then I guess-"
"See, he doesn't care, come on." with that, Rachel grabbed Kurt's hands and tugged him away. Kurt gave an 'I'm sorry' look to Blaine as he was pulled away, which Blaine just simply nodded, telling him it was ok. They'll dance later.
Blaine went on to talk and dance with the rest of the party goers. His birthday was going swell, and though he was disappointed he didn't get to spend the night with the man he wanted to, he didn't let it show. After about 45 minutes, Blaine was deep in a conversation about cardigans with one of his friends before he felt a tap on his shoulder. Blaine spun around to see Kurt holding out his hand for Blaine to take.
"I'm sorry about earlier; Rachel and her boyfriend problems." Kurt explained with a roll of his eyes. "May I have this dance?"
"You may." Blaine smiled, excusing himself, and taking Kurt's hand and followed Kurt to the floor. Once again, the dance was interrupted, this time by the beep of Kurt's pager.
"Not now..." Kurt groaned, pulling it off his waist to look at the number on it.
"Kurt, this is the second time you've blew me off."
"I know I'm sorry. I'll be back before they sing happy birthday." Kurt assured, as Blaine showed obvious signs of disappointment and annoyance. "Please don't be mad at me, you know how work is-"
"I'm not mad." Blaine sighed, pecking Kurt on the lips. "Just hurry." Blaine turned to walk away, but Kurt quickly pulled him back, pulling him in for a longer kiss. Blaine sighed into it, wrapping his arms around Kurt neck as he kissed back.
"Save the last dance for me." Kurt mumbled, pulling away from Blaine. Blaine nodded his head in agreement, letting Kurt go. Kurt left with one last kiss to Blaine, leaving Blaine to communicate with other guest, again.
Despite his promise, Kurt missed everybody singing Blaine happy birthday. He missed the first piece of cut cake and Blaine opening presents, and most of the guest bidding their farewells and last birthday wishes. Kurt actually arrived as Blaine and Rachel started to clean up, stumbling in the door out of breath.
"Oh god, Blaine I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to stay out but-"
"It's fine Kurt." Blaine grumbled, brushing past him to pick up the trash on the floor. Rachel quickly moved to a different room, giving the couple their space alone.
"I said I'd be back for happy birthday, and I missed the entire party, I'm so sorry-"
"Kurt, it's fine."
"It's not fine. You're upset."
"I'm not upset," Blaine told, stopping his cleaning to rest his hands on Kurt's shoulders, and giving Kurt a huge grin. "See, not upset."
"You're disappointed in me." Kurt spoke quietly. Blaine's smile slowly faded, as he bit his lip, not knowing what to say. It was a bit true, but Blaine would rather hide his disappointment then make Kurt feel guilty for it. Especially something he couldn't help.
"I'm happy you threw this party for me. It was so sweet. You've done so much for me today, I don't mind you missing the rest of the party. Just as long as you come back eventually. Because I saved one more dance for you." Blaine smiled, pulling Kurt to the floor and holding him in his arms.
Kurt smiled, his eyes showing how much he loved Blaine, and Blaine felt proud to make Kurt have those eyes. It meant he had done something right. Something that just made Kurt fall even more in love. Blaine would do anything to make Kurt have those eyes.
Then Kurt said the thing he was thinking, resting his head on Blaine's shoulder. "I love you." he mumbled, wrapping his arms around Blaine and pulling him closer.
"I love you more." Blaine smiled softly, rocking Kurt to the soft music playing in the background. They rocked like that for a few minutes before Kurt pulled away with an 'Oh!'.
"Do you still need a celebrity endorser for your musical?" Kurt asked, continuing to dance with Blaine.
"Yeah, why?" Blaine asked, his eyebrows furrowing a bit.
"I have a couple of friends who would be interested in going." Kurt said with a small smirk. "They're not insanely famous but, they still have a fan base. Plus Rachel said she'd help bring in some people. Enough to have each one of your shows sold out." Kurt spoke proudly.
"You did all of that for me?" Blaine asked, his heart swelling a bit in his chest.
"Of course I did." Kurt said, as Blaine was foolish to ask such a question. "You're my boyfriend, I'd do anything for you."
Blaine couldn't do anything but smile. "Thank you, it means so much to me." he grinned, leaning in to kiss Kurt. Kurt let out a small giggle as he kissed back, pulling Blaine close again.
"Let's get out of here. I'll help Rachel clean up tomorrow." Kurt spoke, his eyes showing what he was implying by 'get out of here'. Blaine smiled to himself as he thought about how this was probably his best birthday ever.
"Okay."