This is it. This is the last chapter of this story, and we've reached a milestone! I never imagined I'd spend so many years writing this, and I had little to no idea of how the path would look when I set out on this journey. I just knew that I needed to write. You see, once upon a time there were this girl, who had more thrown in her direction than she could cope with, and finally she had had enough. Fortunately, she got the help she needed, first by staying at a mental hospital for youth, and then by seeing a therapist reguarly. But life was still overwheling, so she grabbed her laptop and decided to create a healthier getaway, and took up again her long-lasting passion for writing - except this time she decided to write in a foreign language, and dive into the craziness that is fanfic. At first, she wrote constantly, and spewed out chapter after chapter. Then she got better and better, had some setbacks, but at the same time got better. She got her spark and energy back, she managed to get out of the house and fill her life with new values and confidences. Which lead to rarer updates, but she never gave up, she never wanted to abandon her story, she wanted to see it through. And so, here it is.
I still love to write, but it isn't solely for therapy anymore, and throughout this journey I've found the passion to write for fun, and I've found the desire to write because I think I have something to say. I have the plot for a novel (in my mother tongue) gnawing at my brain to be let out - I hope I can find the courage to write it out and send it somewhere. It's so much more rewarding writing in here - I know I'll get anything published, hehehe.
I have some more chapters left for No Regrets, and I'll focus on wrapping that up for now. But if anyone is interested, I have ideas for oneshots/future glimpses in this universe. I might even have some scenes written out already, because they kept pestering me until I obeyed and typed it all. But I'll concentrate on No Regrets for now, and I also have some AU oneshots floating in my brain, begging to be let out.
Thank you so much to everyone who's liked and read my story, or even pegged it as a favourite. Thank you to everyone who's left a comment or a hello. You've all helped me heal. Thank you to the friendships I've made through this.
And to those who struggle out there - I hope you get some help. It does get better, but sometimes we're not strong enough to solve everything on our own.
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee, but I own up to my fangirling.
The party is, surprisingly, a blast. Kurt doesn't know everybody, but Blaine seems to do and makes him feel included in all conversations, subtly reminding him who everybody is when Kurt goes blank. Just because he's shared classes with some of these Seniors, doesn't mean he got around to really know them. During his time at Dalton he's mostly spent time with Nick and Jeff, Wes because he's Blaine roommate, and of course the other Warblers. But most of all he's spent time with Blaine. He'd rather make a few quality friends during his stint at this school, than know everybody vaguely. Besides, he still doesn't entirely trust anyone. But he trusts them enough to join this party, with some Senior or other – Mark? Matt? Mitch? – hosting a last hurray before they graduate high school in just a few days.
"Do you want something to drink?" Blaine asks after the first round of celebratory hugs, fist pumps and similar party-greetings.
Kurt thinks about it. He's been off his pills for some time now, and doesn't have to worry about mixing those with alcohol. He's never had the chance to drink much in the first place, and the thought of getting drunk, losing control, or not being able to protect himself, is daunting. So he decides to decline the offer. There are too many here he doesn't know, and thus doesn't entirely trust.
"Do you mind if I have something?" Blaine asks carefully, as if he's afraid of rejection – or judgment?
"Of course not," Kurt answers quickly. He's not opposed to alcohol in general, and although he won't appreciate it if Blaine gets plastered tonight, it's still a far cry from one drink to entirely wasted.
"Thank you!" Blaine beams gratefully. "Do you want something else?" he asks, and when Kurt shakes his head, he squeezes his hand before letting go to skip over to the drink table. Kurt wonders if this is how it'll be to live together – doing everything together, supporting each other, agreeing and making compromises, checking in with the other. If it is, he's looking forward to it. The closeness, the emotional intimacy, the knowledge that he's not alone. Having support and being supportive. Being loved and getting to love. Kurt can get behind that.
Blaine returns giddily with a dark glass bottle in his hand, and quickly leans in to press a quick kiss to Kurt's lips.
"In case you don't like the taste of beer," he shrugs, before he takes his first sip, and Kurt's heart skips a beat. His boyfriend can be considerate in the most ridiculous ways, and also just reminded Kurt that there are still a lot of things they don't know about each other. He can't wait to learn Blaine better, though.
The party is actually fun, watching the graduates dancing, participating in some innocent games, talking, and loads of reminiscing, going through embarrassing pictures on the phone or Facebook through the Dalton years, and unsurprisingly some impromptu vocal performances from those who have been a Warbler.
Blaine switched to water after three beers, and Kurt is nursing a red cup of orange juice.
"Ooh, I love this song!" Kurt says giddily, when someone in control of the iPod switches to Single Ladies. With amusement, he watches Wes, David and a few vaguely familiar Seniors line up to dance. "That's not how it goes," he sighs, when he sees them botch the trademark moves from Beyoncé.
"And you know better?" a girl to his left asks; someone's girlfriend or whatever, Kurt doesn't need to make new friends in Ohio when he's halfway to New York already. He gives the girl his best "bitch, please"-face, thrusts his cup into Blaine's hand, and purposely struts across the room to join the boys. David grins, and waves him over, making a space for him between himself and Wes. Kurt lets the music take him over, and flips his hand, taps his ass, swivels his hips, dips, kicks, and gives his all.
When the music ends, it's as if it also ends the trance he was under, and mortified he looks around himself. David offers a high five, but the other boys are already dancing to the next song – Bang Bang, of all improbable songs to expect at an all boys-graduation party.
Kurt looks over at Blaine, who's standing alone. The girl who questioned him is gone. So Kurt goes quietly over to Blaine, willing his blush to calm the fuck down.
"It almost made me feel normal for a while," he chuckles awkwardly, and accepts the cup from his boyfriend. He stares at his shoes, and tries to remember when he last danced like that among people.
"Normal?" Blaine whispers hoarsely.
"Yeah, you know, most of the time I forget they are actually teenagers. I see them in uniform with combed hair, and wham, now I'm at a normal high school-party with alcohol and dancing and normalcy. Well, technically we've graduated, I guess, but until I've gotten that diploma I think I can justify calling myself a highschooler," Kurt chuckles, and looks up at Blaine, who's staring intently at him.
"You know what else occurs at normal high school-parties?" Blaine wonders huskily, and his gaze drops to Kurt's lips.
"No," Kurt shakes his head, and manages to look at Blaine through his eyelashes – he knows what it does to him, and he thinks he knows what's going on in Blaine's mind.
"Kissing," Blaine whispers.
"You don't say?" Kurt purrs, and leans a little closer, until his shoulder touches Blaine's chest.
B to da A to da N to da G to da uh, a dozen boys sing behind them, lost in the party.
"Lots and lots of kissing," Blaine nods. "Come with me?" he asks, and takes Kurt's hand in his. There's not a fibre in Kurt which objects.
You need a bad girl to blow your mind! David sings loudly, grinding up to an unaffected Wes.
"Hey, where ya' going?" Jeff shouts after them.
Bang bang into the room, Wes sings back, and swats at David's ass.
"I'm taking him to the closest bathroom to blow him, obviously," Blaine shouts back, and Kurt stumbles in surprise at Blaine's brazen answer.
"Sure thing," Jeff rolls his eyes, and jumps back into the dance.
With their fingers laced, Blaine leads Kurt out of the living room, up the stairs, and past a few open doors, and stops in front of the first closed door for long enough to peak inside.
"Parental bedroom," he shivers, and continues down the hallway to the next closed door. He opens it, grins in triumph, and pulls Kurt with him inside.
Before Kurt can question what Blaine is doing, he's pushed up against the door, and Blaine is kissing him deeply, all the while fumbling with the lock behind Kurt's back. Kurt vaguely registers a bathtub and a sink, before he melts in Blaine's arms. Blaine's hands roam over his torso, until they clutch low at his waist, squeezing his hipbones.
"You can always say no," he pants against Kurt's lips, and Kurt licks the taste of beer on his mouth. "But I really wanna blow you. Can I blow you? We're young, we're in high school, and you make me wild for you. Can I please blow you?" Blaine is heaving, his pupils are huge, his hear is a mess from Kurt's hands running through it, and Kurt should probably think about it, but he doesn't want to think, he only wants to experience a normal high school-party.
"Yes," Kurt hisses, and starts working on his belt buckle.
"Don't steal my fun," Blaine giggles, and pulls Kurt's arms in the air until they are resting against the door, bent in the elbows over his head. "Let me know if you change your mind, or I'll just enjoy your sinfully delicious body," Blaine murmurs as he drops to his knees, and starts mouthing at Kurt's inner thigh while he fights with the belt buckle.
"Why the hell would I change my mind?" Kurt wonders, or maybe he asks it out loud? He's not sure. He leans heavily against the door, readily accepts his part in this, and just feels.
"You look amazing," Blaine gushes, wraps him up in a hug, and accidentally adjusts Kurt's cap with his own. Kurt yelps, and hurries over to a mirror to make sure the cap sits as it should. He can't do anything with the gown, even if it's shapeless and so unflattering he'd rather walk across the crowded auditorium in his pajamas. At least they fit and look stylish.
"And you look very handsome," Kurt returns after making sure he looks as okay as he can make himself today. Somehow, watching Blaine in his graduation outfit makes him look both so young and full of hope, but also so mature and grown-up.
"We're here," Blaine murmurs. "We got here, and now we can get out of here."
Kurt smiles fondly at him, and laces their fingers together in a tight clasp.
"I can't wait to be officially done with high school."
"I can't wait to be in New York with you," Blaine beams, and leans closer. He ducks his head and carefully kisses him sweetly. "See you on the other end of the alphabet?"
"Sure thing, Mr. A.," Kurt drawls, and watches his boyfriend skip joyfully to his place in line. There was a time when he didn't think he'd ever manage to graduate from high school. He's fought his way, and he's a year delayed – but he managed. He's just one ceremony away from his diploma, and he can actually see a good future for himself.
He slides in place behind Nick, who turns around to smile at him.
"Have you tied your shoelaces?"
"Nah, I went with Velcro today," Kurt shrugs, and smirks.
"Clever!" Nick beams, and offers a fist. They fist pump the gay way, with sounds and all.
"Boys!" someone calls from the rear end of the line, everyone turns silent, and the headmaster begins his speech.
The ceremony is a blur of names, handshakes, hugs, music, caps thrown in the air, diplomas; the whole shebang. His dad finds him quickly, and gives him one of those bear hugs that might just break his bones, but it's okay, because they also fill his heart with so much warmth and love. Carole is quick to embrace him as soon as Burt manages to let go of him, and Finn hovers in the background, smiling shyly.
"You're here!" Kurt says dumbly, and Finn ducks his head.
"Hey, little brother."
"Oh my God, still three months older than you, idiot," Kurt beams, and Finn finally hugs him.
"Are you ready for dinner?" Burt asks, and Kurt both nods and shakes his head. He'd hoped to spend the day with Blaine, but neither family were willing to alter the plans for a family dinner. The rational part of Kurt can understand – even if Blaine and he have known each other and then later dated for a long time, their parents have hardly met. Carole, bless her, had suggested the Anderson's come over for brunch this Sunday, to celebrate the boys and discuss New York. The selfish part of Kurt wants to spend this important day with his boyfriend. But he's too sensible to be that immature. And there's brunch in two days. Kurt loves brunch, and Carole has promised him all rights and opportunities in the kitchen, including her devoted assistance.
Kurt looks around to see if he can spot Blaine, and finally he at least sees his boyfriend's taller brother.
"I'll meet you by the car?" he suggests, but Burt cuts him off.
"Nonsense. As if we'd wait until Sunday to offer Blaine our congratulations. Where is that boy of yours?" Burt says gruffly, but smiles, and Kurt's heart skips a beat. To think he has a boyfriend, whom his father not only accepts, but even likes?
So Kurt leads the way through the clustered crowd, aiming for Cooper.
"Kurt!" Cooper beams excitedly, and points at him as soon as he sees him. "You made it, no tripping, and good eye contact with the audience. I'm so proud of you!" He whisks him up in an unexpected hug, but it feels too good to object, so Kurt wraps his arms carefully around North-America's most handsome actor and enjoys the hug. Over Cooper's shoulder, he sees his dad shake hands with Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, before he turns his attention to Blaine. Cooper lets go of Kurt, and Kurt politely greets the parents of his boyfriend, hoping his hand isn't too clam. And then he can finally touch Blaine.
"We did it", Blaine whispers in his ear as he hugs him. "Oh, Baby, are you crying? Here, let me…" Blaine murmurs softly, and flails to get his hands between buttons and under the gown at the same time, until he extricates a packet of paper towels. Kurt gratefully accept the help, and dabs under his eyes to remove tears without puffing his eyes too much. He was hoping to get one more picture, even if his dad must have filled most of the memory card on his compact camera this morning. Still, he'd like a picture with his boyfriend in it too, in their graduation gown, as high school sweethearts.
"I didn't think I'd cry," Kurt sniffs, and laughs watery.
"It's okay," Blaine coos, and cups his cheeks with both hands before he kisses him, surprising Kurt with his forwardness.
"Aww!" Cooper coos, and Blaine startles.
"I forgot where we are," he blushes.
"This was stuck to the floor; it's probably filled with your hair gel," Cooper laughs, and hands Blaine a cap. "Let's take some more pictures outside, the sun does wonder for your skin tone on camera. And we can find a tree stump you can stand on next to Kurt."
"Ha. Ha. Ha," Blaine says, but accepts the cap – he doesn't care who it initially belonged to, and wraps his other hand around Kurt's. After looking for Kurt's cap, they finally head out for more pictures, one more goodbye-kiss, and then Kurt disappears with his family for their celebratory dinner.
"Come on, boys, the maid promised to have dinner ready for us. She's making your favourite for the occasion," Mr. Anderson instructs, and strides towards the car.
"How does she know my favourite?" Blaine muses.
"I guess we'll be eating what father thinks should be your favourite," Cooper sighs, and slings an arm around his shoulders.
"Boys…" their mom sighs softly from Blaine's other side. "What do you think of me? Of course Blaine is getting his favourite."
"The maid's making your lasagna?" Blaine beams, and quells the annoyance of not knowing the name of their latest help. He hates to reduce them to just a position, he'd love to have a name to their face, at least for as long as they can fulfil his father's expectations and demands.
"I made you lasagna," she winks. "Sophia is just putting it in the oven."
Blaine shakes his brother off of him, and throws himself around the petite woman.
"Thank you!" he says with a voice full of gratitude. He knows how sick his mother is, and he knows how much energy it takes from her to even prepare a dish, curling her stiff fingers around knives and tools to cut onion, vegetables, prepare the meat, to whisk the sauce with sore arms… It's the biggest gift, that she went through what must have been a lot of pain, just to make him his favourite dish.
"I'm so proud of you, Bambino."
"Ti amo, Mama!"
They make the most of the summer, knowing a lot will change come September. Kurt spends time in the garage, but not because he is actively pursuing a future in mechanics, rather because he wants to spend as much time with his dad as possible. When Finn comes home for the summer, they start jogging two or three nights a week – when the sun is setting, and they end up talking much more than Kurt could ever imagine, and about deeper topics than before. Burt insists the family go on vacation together as a whole family, the last summer before both boys have moved out, so they drive to Chicago for a week of everything the members of the family love – fun at the beach, theatre, museums, shopping, a boat trip, and lots of great food.
There seems to be an abundance of parties; always someone offering to host a barbeque in the backyard or garden, they enjoy Mike Chang's family pool, there's laughter and music, dance and games. Blaine joins them as often as possible, and is easily whisked up by Rachel's enthusiasm about NYADA. Kurt catches them talking about the upcoming school year more than once, and is glad his boyfriend has someone to help him navigate and settle. Kurt still hasn't got a plan for when he moves to New York, but he's optimistic about the diner where Rachel and Santana work, and their earlier promise of helping him getting a job there. He doesn't know much about being a waiter, but how difficult can serving people their coffee and meals be?
The downside to the summer is the annoying lack of sex. There's always someone around, and it's a big transition from having their own rooms at Dalton, to living under their parents' roofs. They're not bold enough to try anything at the parties hosted by Kurt's friends – he just knows that they won't react like the Warblers did; oblivious and naïve. Kurt doesn't want his relationship and what they do to be a spectacle, so they don't even try to sneak off to feed the rumour mill. They do, however, take advantage of Kurt's car and what little acrobatics it can accommodate, so they don't have to go entirely celibate. But they're both looking forward to a place of their own in New York, for so many reasons.
And then the day is there, with a truck filled to the brim with their boxes and some furniture, and Cooper and Burt in charge of driving. A loyal customer had offered to lend Burt the truck, free of charge, when he learned that Kurt would be moving. They don't need a car in New York, so the two boys are crammed into the cabin of the truck with the two men. It's a tight fit, but it seemed a waste of money to drive two cars to and from the big apple. Kurt had been wary of placing opposites as Burt and Cooper in the same limited space for so long, but surprisingly they work. Kurt suspects that his dad has realized that Cooper is an important carer of Blaine, if not on paper then in reality. Mr. Anderson doesn't seem to care all that much, especially not now that Blaine is actively pursuing a career far from what his father wished. Although he had handed Cooper a credit card, telling him it was to cover fuel. His mother does her best, but is limited by her health. So with Cooper's position in Blaine's life, he seems to have garnered a certain respect from Kurt's dad.
The two families have spent some time together over the summer, for brunch or lunch to discuss practical matters. The apartment is mostly furnished, but they'd need an extra desk and more bookshelves to accommodate for two students living there. Both Carole and Burt are convinced Kurt will apply for college and join Blaine's student life after New Year, but Kurt just doesn't know what he'd be interested in or even qualified for studying. What can he have to contribute? The way he sees it, it's better if he gets a job, and maybe he can even be to some use by supporting Blaine through his education. But he didn't object when Carole took him to IKEA for desk-shopping. He's sure he can use it to something. And his magazines and DVDs can be stacked in the new bookshelf as well.
Blaine is sleeping on his shoulder, lulled to sleep by the rumbling motor, by the time they arrive in New York. Burt and Cooper have been discussing quietly whether it's safe to leave the truck with the boys' stuff on the curb, or if they should unload it tonight. The plan has all the way been to spend the night and return to Ohio next morning. Kurt is looking wide-eyed out of the window. He most definitely isn't in Kansas anymore. It's like a different planet all together, and he feels incredibly miniscule. But maybe being small will be an advantage in this city, maybe it'll be what helps him survive and settle down. If he can just go on unnoticed, it would be the best thing ever to happen to him.
Cooper and Burt compare notes from Mr. Anderson, making sure they are on 20 Herkimer Street, before stopping the truck outside a row of colourful brownstones.
"We're here," Kurt murmurs to Blaine, and runs a hand up and down his arm.
"I'll give you a piece of advice that'll improve your relationship – Blaine is a heavy sleeper. He needs more than that," Cooper grins, and leans over Kurt. "New York, here we come!" he yells, and drums some kind of fanfare with his palms on Blaine's thighs.
"…the fuck, Coop!" Blaine groans, and swings a hand to swat at his brother, but almost hits his boyfriend in the process.
"No need for violence, kids," Burt sighs, and climbs out of the truck to check that it's parked properly and legally. When he deems the truck safe enough, the four of them climb the stairs up to the third floor.
"Why don't you live somewhere with an elevator," Cooper groans, panting behind the trio.
"Consider it your gluteus-workout before your next audition," Blaine says calmly.
He's the one with the key, but he takes Kurt's hand in his before unlocking the door. Together, they walk inside, followed closely by one dad and one brother.
Kurt's brain must be twirling in his skull, and he can't grasp the concept that they'll be living here. Suddenly, it's all so much more real.
The living room looks cosy, with an L-shaped couch tilted towards a TV mounted to the wall. The coffee table is clearly stained from mugs and bottles used by previous guests, but what can you expect from people who live here maybe three weeks, maybe two months. Nobody to really care for and look after the place, just use it. Kurt is certain he can fix the table with some sandpaper and paint. Or maybe decoupage? He'll have to check Pinterest for IKEA-hacks and DIY-projects, but he'll get on it ASAP.
The kitchen isn't overly huge, but it's big enough for the basic appliances. The cupboards have four plates, mugs, glasses and some mismatched cutlery, so they'll need to buy more china if they don't intend to do the dishes during their meals. The apartment has an open solution, but the kitchen is separated from the living room with a tall island and four bar stools.
Walking through the living room, they enter a corridor with one door to the left and two to the right. The left side is the bedroom, the first door on the right is a decent-sized bathroom with a tub, and the last door leads to an empty room. Potential office, Kurt's mind instantly suggests. They'll have to do some measurements and play furniture-tetris, but he thinks they can fit two desks along one wall, assemble the book shelves on the opposite wall, and still have room for their office chairs in between.
"Okay, we have some lifting and carrying to do," Burt says, and rubs his hands.
"Oh no, you don't," Kurt immediately objects. "Not with your heart. You drove all the way, that's more than you should have done."
"Son, I haven't had any heart issues in more than two years."
"Because you eat healthily and don't exaggerate the strain on your heart," Kurt says pointedly.
"Lifting a few boxes will hardly do me much harm," Burt says patiently.
"Oh, I forgot your crystal ball and how you can predict cardio arrests," Kurt groans.
"Mr. Hummel," Blaine says softly, "I think we're all hungry. Would you mind being in charge of ordering pizza? You can use my phone to search for something local and decent?"
"Nice try, Kiddo, but you don't want me around one of those Smartphones. I tend to make them stupid," Burt grins.
"There are some flyers and menus in this drawer," Cooper informs them, his curiosity making him open every single cupboard, drawer, door and nook in the apartment.
"Fine," Burt sighs. "Let the old, frail man be in charge of placing a phone call and opening the door. Kurt, I'm surprised you're even letting me have pizza," he shakes his head regretfully, but winks at Blaine.
"Only this once, and only because we don't have groceries," Kurt huffs.
"Come on, Squirt, those boxes aren't gonna fly up themselves. Let's get started," Cooper suggests, and practically pushes his little brother out through the door.
"Are you gonna be okay?" Burt asks soon as the Anderson's are out of earshot.
"I think so?" Kurt answers honestly. "It's a nice apartment, Mr. Anderson has made sure it'll be paid for the next year, Carole and I bought a new mattress topper, and according to Google Maps there are grocery stores, coffee houses and take out-places within just a few blocks." He scrunches his nose, and makes a mental note to get the mattress out of its plastic so it can unfold and flatten before bedtime. He's not gonna sleep somewhere anybody can have done anything.
"I'm not worried you'll starve to death. I'm worried if you'll be okay?" Burt asks again, and rests a hand on his son's shoulder.
"I think so?" Kurt says again. "I want to be here. I want it to work. I just have to figure out how first."
"Just remember you don't have to figure out everything during the first week. You're young, these years exist for figuring out your future. You're in no rush, okay?"
Kurt nods, and Burt pulls him closer to hug him.
"And you have friends here," he whispers in his ear. "Let them help you, will you? At least Rachel, I'm not so sure about that Lopez-girl…"
Kurt can't help but laugh at that. Santana is probably the last he'll ever take advice from.
They hear Cooper talking loudly from the stairs, probably in a mature effort to signal their approach. Even if the gesture is kind enough, Blaine probably could stand to live without the loud teasing of his short legs. If you ask Kurt, Blaine has perfect legs, with a dancer's calves, strong thighs he can just bite, and an ass he can bounce nickels on…
"I guess I'll start ordering us pizza. Anything the Anderson's don't like?"
Oh right, parental person present. Kurt clears his voice, and pushes daydreams about hot, naked boyfriend 24 hours into the future.
"I think you're safe if you just ask for their two most popular pizzas," he shrugs. "Just don't order it in their names. It's a pride-thing," he adds when his father looks confused at him. "Italians make their own pizza; they don't order it."
"Of course," Burt says and rolls his eyes, but heads for the kitchen counter where Cooper left the menus. Kurt opens the door to let the brothers in, before he skips down the stairs to contribute to the hauling.
It takes a surprisingly short amount of time to get it all inside – not much more than an hour with the three boys working efficiently up and down the stairs. One heavy box filled with books works as a door opener, and they leave as much as possible in the door opening, so Burt can carry or carefully shove it to the right room according to the appropriate label: Bed linens, kitchen utensils, DVDs, clothes, books, towels, and so on.
The pizza arrives right before they finish up, and the heavenly scent of food going straight to growling stomachs speed the boys up for their last two journeys up and down the stairs. Exhausted, they collapse on the couch with food and beverages, and Kurt wonders if maybe he'd like to live life as a minimalist next time he has to move.
It's been a long day, and there's no reason to stay up late just to be obtuse, so as soon as the food is digested, they get ready for sleep. They cajole Burt into taking the bed, arguing that he needs to be well rested before a new day behind the wheel. When Kurt starts on traffic safety, there really isn't much the mechanic can say to object. Cooper takes the second room – future office – with an inflatable mattress Carole sent with them, and the boys crawl under thick blankets to spend their first night with shared address and mailbox on the big couch, heads meeting in the corner of the L-shaped furniture, sharing pillows and trading a few giddy kisses before they fall asleep.
Blane dabs at his mouth with some toilet paper after finishing a cold slice of pizza for breakfast, and watches his boyfriend talk quietly with his father. It aches, to see them so close, but at the same time he's so glad that Kurt's always had someone by his side. At least Blaine's always had his brother, in some insane capacity or other, and he knows his Mama loves him, but can't be there for him like Burt can for Kurt.
Cooper is lounging on the couch with two slices of leftover pizza on a plate in one hand, and the remote control in the other, claiming he needs to do a thorough control of the quality of the TV-package the apartment came with. Meaning he's checking to see if they'll be able to see the new soap where he has a guest appearance later this fall.
"Are you sure there's nothing more we can do?" Burt asks as the two Hummel's cross the apartment towards the kitchen. Blaine is already brewing coffee for them.
"You've already done so much for us," Kurt shakes his head. "I don't want to impose."
"Son. Your mother and I tried for so long to get pregnant, and you were so, so wanted. Never, not for a second, have you imposed, or been a bother," Burt rolls his eyes in a very kurtesque manner, and it makes Blaine smile fondly.
"Not even when I insisted on bedazzling my coveralls in the garage?" Kurt smirks.
"Especially not when you're being true to yourself," Burt nods, and rests a hand on Kurt's shoulder.
"The truck is here now. Are you sure you don't want to take advantage of it? Any shopping you need to do? Stuff from IKEA, or schoolbooks, or whatever? It's only so much the two of you can carry with you."
Blaine wonders if Burt is hesitant to leave yet, and that's what makes him interfere with a suggestion without consulting Kurt first.
"Mr. Hummel…"
"Burt," the man interrupts.
"Burt," Blaine repeats. "It's a generous offer, and we'd like to take you up on it. There are things from IKEA, or somewhere else, we obviously need," he says, and gestures at the roll of toilet paper they used during breakfast. "And we don't have any groceries, so maybe we could stock up on basics while you're still here?"
Cooper yells in triumph behind them, and jumps out of the couch to join them.
"You're all set," he grins, and nods at the TV. "What's up?"
"I was suggesting we find a mall to do some shopping before you return to Ohio."
"We can manage on our own," Kurt says softly, "it's a long drive back, and I don't want it to get too late."
"Worst case scenario, they spend another night," Blaine shrugs, and is rewarded with a smile from Burt.
"You have literally no food here," Burt agrees.
"Or beer," Cooper adds helpfully, "and beer is heavy."
Kurt sighs, so Blaine nudges his shoulder.
"It would be nice to have some baking basics here, for when I get cookie cravings," he grins.
"We're never ever gonna have cookies for breakfast," Kurt says sternly.
"So we buy some breakfast options. Stock up on basics to get us through for a while. We'll have to add fresh fruit and veggies, of course, but it would be nice to have some chicken and fish in the freezer. And I will try to follow the Healthy Hummel Haute Cuisine, but sometimes I just need red meat," Blaine groans.
"Not enough sausage in your diet already," Cooper wiggles his eyebrows obnoxiously, and punches Kurt's arm.
"You didn't," Blaine whispers, and beside him Kurt is blushing fiercely.
"I didn't hear any of that," Mr. Hummel shakes his head, and opens the fridge. "So, a bottle of tabasco sauce, half a jar of green olives, and some interesting looking mustard, if by interesting you mean self-reliant and mobile. I'm not gonna leave until I know my son will be fed. Blaine, is that phone of yours smart enough to find us a mall where we can park with ease, and get you guys some plates, cutlery and food?"
"I guess it would make us poor hosts if we don't have anything to offer Rachel and the others when they come by tomorrow," Kurt relents. "And I can make you sandwiches for the ride back home, something to energize you without making you full and drowsy," he murmurs, and Blaine can see the cogs in his brain going through options.
They ended up at an IKEA, getting a practical starter set with plates, glasses, cutlery and other necessities – and half a paper bag full of candles. So much candles! But if Kurt wants to arrange romantic dinners for them, Blaine isn't gonna stop him. He'll just have to up his own game.
The four of them shopping together had been an experience, to say the least. Taking Cooper somewhere would have to be like bringing a toddler. Blaine doesn't understand why he's always teased for his furniture-jumping; at least he – mostly – restricts it to dancing to music. His big brother, however, had pulled off his shoes and played 'the floor is lava' in the bed section until staff kicked him out. They later found him in the parking lot, flirting with girls and helping them load heavy pieces into their cars. Blaine is pretty sure he'd done it deliberately. But at least it had prompted Kurt to cut their IKEA-shopping as short as possible, and focus merely on the necessities. Before Cooper was kicked out, Kurt had taken his time testing and critiquing couches and chairs, even if they don't need that kind of furniture. Blaine is just glad to see him smile and be excited, and Burt seemed to be of the same opinion for a long time.
With their IKEA-purchases – which also included a new rug, an extra lamp for the two desks-office they're furnituring, three couch pillows, some fabric which spoke to Kurt, and a hamper – loaded into the truck, they crossed the parking lot on foot to get groceries.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Hummel, you really didn't have to," Blaine had spluttered, or versions of that sentence, while they walked across the asphalt. When they came to the cashier at IKEA, Kurt's dad had insisted on paying for their purchases, and Blaine still hadn't figured out how to express his gratitude properly by the time they were approaching the grocery store.
"I'm no billionaire, but at least I can get my boys plates and some food. And it's Burt," he'd replied.
As if on cue, Cooper started belting out Bruno Mars' Billionaire, and grabbed Burt's hand to twirl him. The older man had looked perplexed for a moment, until going with it, lifting his free hand to flip it left and right, before tapping his own butt.
"Is… Is he doing the Single Ladies?" Blaine had asked confused, but impressed.
"My dad's the best," Kurt had sniffed and laughed, leaned against Blaine, and just looked so goddamn happy.
Loading up on grocery shopping had been fairly efficient – in the end, they needed basically everything, and again Burt had said the bill was on him, and they should make sure to get what they needed.
"Let the old man spend a dime on his son before he's moved out for real," he'd said. "Both Carole and I'll sleep a hell of a lot better if we know the two of you have eaten properly. I bet you'd like to spend the next few days sightseeing instead of hauling food up those stairs," he'd added, and that was the end of that discussion.
By the time they are back in the apartment, and all purchases are brought inside, it's too late to start driving back to Ohio. Burt insists they can drive at night, and Kurt equally stubbornly insists they can do no such thing. So Kurt and Blaine host their first dinner with guests, together making a pasta salad and cookies. Cooper disappears to the bedroom to make a few work-related phone calls, and Burt relaxes in the couch with a game he finds on TV. It's all so easy and comfortable, and Blaine could sing with joy. He at least hums under his breath while cutting the cucumber, and Kurt catches his eyes, sharing a smile.
Cooper pulls out a bottle of champagne from his bag, and Burt silently accepts the underage drinking in front of him – it's not as if a bottle lasts for long between the four of them. They repeat the sleeping arrangements from last night, and early the next morning Blaine and Kurt wave goodbye to brother and father.
The boys spend the next hours unpacking, assembling IKEA furniture, moving in and settling down. They reward their own effort by taking a tour of the neighbourhood, and splurge on lunch seated outside in the sun from a local café.
"We better go back home. Our guests will be here in four hours," Kurt says.
Blaine just smiles at him. Home. It's still chaotic with boxes and bags, but it's their shared home. They shove most of the mess into the office, so the living room is tidy and inviting for their little moving in-soiree. Kurt starts working on the tapas dishes they together had decided on, easy finger food with lots of taste. Blaine works on making the living room more personalized and theirs. He places candles on all shelves and steady surfaces, mounts strings of fairy lights under the ceiling, gets out the decoration pillows from IKEA, places the CDs and DVDs they brought from home by the entertainment set, and replaces some of the generic art on the walls with their own pictures. Finally, he sets the table with their brand new stem glasses, and tries to fold the napkins just like he saw on Pinterest. He then washes his hands and offers Kurt his assistance. Kurt, who's been cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and already have five different dishes ready.
"I'm going to get fat living with you," Blaine chuckles.
"I'm sure we can find a way to work it off," Kurt quirks an eyebrow, and Blaine blushes while butterflies in his stomach wake up.
Rachel and the other guests arrive promptly at six. Rachel brought flowers to their new abode, and Kurt takes her to the kitchen to find a vase. Blaine is left with Santana and a girl she introduces as their colleague Dani, and politely he offers to take their coats. Santana extricates a bottle of rhum from her bag, and Dani offers him a wrapped present. It's a box of chocolate, and he thanks both of them.
The rest of the evening is a whirlwind of eating, drinking, talking, singing and friendly teasing. It doesn't take long before Blaine realizes that Dani is much more than a colleague. At least he'd never shove his tongue down a colleague's throat while straddling her lap. At some time, Rachel and Santana get caught up in a fight of the distribution of solos during high school, and Kurt tries to meddle by arguing how there were other members of New Directions who never got enough solos, like Mercedes. Blaine, feeling a little left out, navigates towards Dani, and find out they have important things in common. She had noticed his guitar, and asks if she can play. She ends up teaching him a few cool tricks. He's always been more of a piano guy, feeling more comfortable behind the keyboard than with the strings. But he wants to master both; he thinks it can come in handy.
The trio leaves around midnight, in various states of tipsy. Blaine calls for a cab, so they know they get home safely. He has an unscheduled date with Rachel, so she can give him a tour of NYADA. There are still two weeks before school begins, but both he and Kurt wanted to come to New York early, to settle down and be introduced to their new city before it all begins. Kurt has to drop by the diner where the girls work as soon as possible, to hopefully join them as their colleague.
Back in the apartment, they secure the food in the fridge, so they have eatable leftovers the next day. The rest of the mess they decide can stand to wait, and giddy from rhum and life they get ready for bed. Blaine has yet to unpack the bag where his PJ must be, so he decides simply to sleep in his boxer briefs. It's summer in New York; he doubts he'll get cold anytime soon. Kurt joins him in bed shortly after, with minty fresh breath and glowing skin.
"Hey you," Blaine grins.
"Hey you," Kurt echoes, and laughs. He's wearing a tank top and some low-slung PJ-pants that looks entirely too comfortable, but also in the way for what Blaine wants. He leans over to kiss Kurt, starting out sweetly, but eagerly responding when Kurt groans and grabs at him to get him on top of him.
"Yeah," Blaine says for no reason, but he's getting hard, and so is Kurt, and it's been too long. His hands have somehow found their way under Kurt's tank top, and Kurt's legs are bracketing his hips.
"Too many layers," Blaine sighs, and Kurt quirks an eyebrow, because he really is only wearing that one. But then he winks, and somehow manages to get out of his pants without Blaine moving away for too long, and they kiss again, and find themselves naked, and this is going to be so quick and rushed, but they are teenagers who've had a busy schedule lately, and oh my God, this is amazing!
Their hips are bucking frantically against each other while they are kissing messily, and they've never been so unrefined, but they have time for more and lovelier any day.
Kurt's arms are flailing around, as if he can't decide where to put them.
"Touch me," Blaine pants, lifting his head just enough to breathe the words against Kurt's lips. "Hold me. I'm yours. All of me. Yours," he exhales, and as if Kurt was waiting for permission he plants his hands on Blaine's ass, squeezes, and pulls him impossibly closer. They rut clumsily and uncoordinated, but it's still too good.
Five minutes later, they are side by side on their backs, and the worst of the mess is wiped off with moist napkins.
"That was fun," Kurt giggles, and Blaine immediately agrees. "But I feel as if I should take a shower…"
"Hmm…" Blaine agrees, and his dick twitches at the thought, at the reminder of a fantasy.
"What?"
"Nothing," Blaine shakes his head, but Kurt crawls closer and Blaine can't look away. "I just have this fantasy," he shrugs, trying to play it cool. But he doesn't want to pressure Kurt to more than he wants. And for all the rushed hand jobs and blow jobs, and even some delicious frotting, they managed at Dalton, they haven't really ever talked that much about sex.
"What do you want?" Kurt asks softly, no judgement or hesitation in his voice.
"I… I dream of sharing a shower with you. Being naked together, touching you everywhere, licking and tasting you here and… and there," he describes vaguely, hoping Kurt either will understand or not understand at all but not ask either.
"Oh."
Blaine waits for Kurt to say something more, trying not to feel disappointed. He's so sated and happy from the things they do, but he's still curious to explore more.
"I guess," Kurt says, and chews on his bottom lip, "it would be better if we took that shower someday we're well rested and have some time, then?"
Blaine nods eagerly, and wraps an arm over Kurt's waist to pull him closer.
"How about you? Anything you fantasize about?"
The way Kurt blushes reveals that he must have been thinking about something, and Blaine is expectant and eager.
"You can tell me anything," he prods.
"I'm not some leather fetishistic sado," Kurt rushes out.
"Okay."
"And I love how comfortable you are with touching me, and I love having your hands on me."
"Okay," he still nods.
"But for once, I'd like to tie or cuff your hands, so I can explore you undisturbed," Kurt blushes, and he probably wouldn't have admitted as much if there weren't still a little rhum in their veins. "I just want to touch you, learn you. But your hands can be distracting," he says apologetically.
"So you want to constrict my arms?" Blaine asks, to make sure he got it right.
"Yes…" Kurt admits nervously.
"That's hot!" Blaine gushes.
"Oh! Okay, good," Kurt nods, and curls in closer in Blaine's embrace. "Maybe one day we could find a costume shop to buy some fake police-handcuffs?"
"Kurt," Blaine giggles, "we're in New York now. I'm pretty sure we can find a sex shop which caters to all of our needs and then some."
"Well then," Kurt laughs too. "New York, the city of endless possibilities," he grins, and Blaine whistles if I can make it here I'll make it anywhere.