"Let's talk." Blaine said several weeks later, plopping onto the couch by Kurt.
"Last final go well?" Kurt asked, reaching up and running his fingers through Blaine's hair.
"We can only hope." Blaine laughed a bit and turned, sitting Indian style and facing Kurt.
"What's up?" Kurt asked, lacing their fingers together. "You've got a very serious facial expression."
"This is pretty serious. Okay…" Blaine said slowly, looking him in the eyes. "You know I love you, right?"
"Of course I do." Kurt nodded, stomach knotting up. Had something happened? Blaine had seemed perfectly fine early that morning and earlier in the afternoon over the phone, so if something had happened it had been very recently. "Is everything okay, Blaine?"
"Yes. Everything is fine… Alright, well… I'm sorry that I acted so freaked out a few weeks ago when we were talking about the future. Or that I haven't wanted to talk about it before now. But I'm ready to talk." Blaine bit his lip. "It's not that I don't want those things with you because I really do. I wouldn't want to share that with anyone but you and I hope you know that… and I hope I didn't hurt your feelings or make you unsure of this because that's the last thing I would ever want."
"You didn't hurt my feelings. I was just a little shocked by how shocked you were is all… and I do know you want those things. It's good to hear, though." Kurt nodded again.
"Look… The fact of the matter is that we don't know what will happen until I take my LSATs in February. The score could literally throw my entire existence into disarray and… I haven't been looking because I don't want to get excited for something that just isn't going to happen—I know what you're going to say, Kurt, but the truth is that neither of us know how It will go. I may fail, have to take the test again a few more times, and have to begin law school late. I may do really well and get to go right in, but we won't know until I get those scores."
"Okay." Kurt nodded. "But I know that you'll pass it the first time. Either way, shouldn't you still be… thinking about it in depth? It's coming up pretty quickly."
"I don't know what I want to do yet. I don't know where I want to go… That is why I'm not planning yet. But you kind of made this huge timeline of the next four of five years of our life. On your own. Without me." Blaine said. "I know you're just trying to be well prepared but I want to have input on situations that surround my life."
"But you said you wanted to go to Capital. I thought I was working around what you wanted." Kurt protested. "I was trying to do this for you, Blaine. For you and for us, but mostly for you. I definitely wasn't trying to make you think that I was… taking control of your life or something, so I'm sorry if it came off that way… "
"I realize what you were doing." Blaine sighed. "But you can't build around me when I don't know where I want to go. And if I choose to go outside of Ohio, then you can't put your dreams on hold because then we could end up even worse off."
"You graduating is coming up really quickly and all that I can see is impending change… and lots of it. It's a little overwhelming. It's a lot overwhelming." Kurt admitted, voice soft. "I don't want to lose you."
"But if you don't go to a school that you want to go to then you won't be you, Kurt. You even brought up just not going to graduate school… And putting that kind of pressure on me is… I just… I don't want that pressure. I'm twenty years old. You want to get married some day and have kids. I want that too. I want to take care of you. I do. But… But not like that. Not with me being the sole provider. What makes you Kurt is your ambition to go after what you want no matter what it takes. You can't honestly tell me you want to just stay at home and take care of kids for the rest of your life; fashion design is your passion. You also can't expect me to be the sole provider because that's… it's not fair. Not that I'm saying… I just… I don't know how to say what I'm trying to say."
"It puts a lot of pressure on you. I get it." Kurt looked down. "It puts more on you if things fall through too."
"Exactly." Blaine nodded, looking relieved.
"Then what are we supposed to do?" Kurt asked. "I'm so confused and I'm scared of making the wrong decision."
"We're twenty… I think… I think we're supposed to… Well, I'm supposed to go to law school and you're supposed to go to graduate school. We've got to put ourselves first and our relationship second, as… as horrible as that sounds." Blaine sighed, looking away. He didn't like to say that even though he knew it was true. They needed to put themselves first. He was willing to compromise on many things for Kurt, but Kurt giving up his dream was not one of them.
"Are you asking me to not go to Kent?" Kurt said, touching Blaine's face and making him look up.
"What I am asking is that you do what you want and what is best for you." Blaine said, forcing himself to look into Kurt's eyes. "And that you let me do that for myself too… Even if what's best for us individually isn't what is ideal for us as a couple."
"I don't understand how I'm supposed to willingly go somewhere that takes me away from you." Kurt said. "I am terrified that we won't be able to handle it if we move apart."
"Do you trust me?" Blaine asked.
"Of course I do." Kurt bit his lip.
"I trust you too." Blaine leaned over and kissed his cheek, squeezing his hands.
"You're not the only reason I want to go to Kent though." Kurt sighed. "My entire family is here. Yeah, I'll be closer to my aunts but… I mean, it would be two years at Parsons. That's two years of barely seeing my dad, Melody, Carole, Finn, my grandparents… you."
"But it's for school, Kurt. And you said yourself that we weren't always going to live here, remember? When you talked about how we had to start doing things for us because soon we wouldn't be just an hour and a half away from them. When we were talking about Friday nights?" Blaine asked. "And what if us going after our dreams whole heartedly is what is best for us a couple? What if it makes our relationship stronger?"
"Or what if it causes a break up and we end up hating each other for the rest of our lives?" Kurt challenged.
"If we can't handle two or three years not living together, then maybe we aren't supposed to be together. I don't know." Blaine sighed. "I wish we could just find a medium ground school for both of us but, Kurt, it's not going to happen. Not without one or both of us giving up on our dreams. You won't let me give up mine and I won't let you give up yours."
"Where are you going to apply?" Kurt asked, looking at him.
"I'm not sure yet." Blaine admitted, and he wasn't entirely lying. He did know he'd be applying to several schools… some in Ohio and some out. "I'll just start narrowing my list when I get my LSAT scores and I'll start applying to them as soon as I can for early admission. We'll… Well, I'll just have to see."
What he didn't mention was the fact that Harvard would be the only place he would be applying for Early Admissions, because it was a Harvard rule that you could only apply there for Early Admissions. It wasn't necessary to say that because if he didn't get in… well, a few things. First, he didn't want to be pitied. Second, then Kurt might pull one over on him.
He could tell Kurt was still holding onto the Kent idea just by looking at him. Blaine, however, wasn't going to let that happen. Not without a fight. With luck, he would get into Harvard leaving Kurt free to go to Parsons. They would be four hours away from each other. A two hour drive if they met in the middle.
Would Kurt be mad? He'd be furious. But Blaine was not about to play any part in Kurt giving up his dream. Maybe part of the reason he wanted to look into Kent was because of Burt, Carole, Melody, and Finn… But Blaine Anderson wasn't stupid and he knew what the biggest reason was.
He remembered very well sitting in his dorm room at Dalton, Kurt across from him, looking down at applications and narrowing down which school he would go to. Three schools with soccer scholarships that he didn't really want to go to, for any other reason than pleasing his family. And then the one application for a safety school, the University of Kentucky, with its small campus in a fairly small town. University of Kentucky, the one Blaine really wanted to go to. It was Kurt who helped Blaine see that he didn't have to go to college to please his family; that it was for him. As far as Blaine was concerned, Kurt had stopped Blaine from making one of the worst mistakes of his life.
And Blaine was going to finally return the favor.
He just hoped—prayed—that it didn't backfire.
***WBUCT***
"This is hopeless."
"It's not hopeless. Let me try."
"We've already both tried three times, Blaine. It is December 23rd, we are supposed to be half way to Lima, and it is literally icing outside. We just need to accept that we're going to have to stay home for Christmas." Kurt sighed a bit.
"Aw, Kurt…" Blaine frowned. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay." Kurt laughed a bit. "We tried yesterday and couldn't get out. There's nothing we can do. At least we'll be together."
Blaine gave Kurt a goofy smile, leaning over and kissing his cheek. "I'm glad we'll be together. Christmas wouldn't be the same without you."
"I love you." Kurt said, turning his head and pressing his lips to Blaine's. "So, so much."
"I love you too."
Kreacher let out a low whine from the back seat, which was followed by several whimpers.
"I guess we should get the children out of the car and call Dad." Kurt laughed.
Blaine reached behind him and pushed the door open. "Dumb thing."
Kreacher tore from the car, running around and playing happily in the snow. Oreo, however, blinked at them from the back seat as if to say, "I'm not walking in that."
"C'mere." Blaine said, scooping his kitten up and getting out of the car. He and Kurt ran back to their apartment, quickly making their way in.
"It's so freaking cold out there." Kurt moaned closing the door and locking it behind them. "Alright, I'll call Dad and break it to him."
"I'll turn the heat back on." Blaine said, gently placing Oreo on the couch.
Kurt sat down on the couch and pulled out his phone as Oreo rubbed her face against his side, purring loudly.
"You're worse than Blaine when it comes to that." Kurt laughed as he waited for his dad to pick up.
"Worse than me? Huh?" Blaine asked, going over. "Oh. The nuzzling."
"Hey, Dad, it's me… Yeah, we've been trying to get out of the parking lot for ages… Both Blaine and I have tried; it's just too icy." Kurt said into the phone, leaning against Blaine as soon as he sat down. "We tried both cars… No, other people in the complex can't get out either. Well, one did but he hit a car on the way out."
Blaine looked around their living room as Kurt talked, arm going around his waist.
"We really wanted to come." Kurt continued, snuggling right up to Blaine's side where it was nice and warm. "No, we're within walking distance of a store. We can get food… No, don't try to come get us. It's too dangerous… Yes, we'll try tomorrow afternoon but it's still coming down and we're supposed to get more tonight too… No… I promise, we'll be fine. The power is still up and running and Blaine just turned the heat back on… Okay… Alright, I'll tell him… Okay, tell Carole and Melody that we say hello… Bye Dad, love you too." Kurt sighed a bit and put his phone on the coffee table.
"Was he upset?"
"He said it's more important for us to be safe, but I could tell he was a bit upset. I've never spent a Christmas away from home… well, my grandparents' home." Kurt said. "If we didn't stay the whole night, we'd at least go for dinner and to exchange more presents."
"I'm sorry." Blaine said, giving him a sad smile.
"Dad said to not eat all of the cookies and candy or he's taking your Christmas present back." Kurt laughed.
"Can't you tell me what I'm getting since I won't get it on Christmas day?" Blaine asked.
"That would ruin the surprise, my little elf." Kurt giggled and moved into a laying position, his head on Blaine's lap.
"Who said I wanted your head there, hmm?" Blaine scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You usually don't complain when my head is in such close proximity." Kurt said, making no move to sit up.
Blaine let out a fake sigh, shaking his head and running his fingers through Kurt's hair. "I'm sorry we can't get to Lima."
"It's okay." Kurt said, smiling. "We'll just have to walk down to the store if we need anything… which we probably do."
"Or we could…. Order food." Blaine suggested slowly.
"I suppose that is the safer option if we can find anyone who delivers in the middle of an ice storm." Kurt nodded.
"And if it ever stops icing we can go out and make a snowman." Blaine grinned.
Kurt rolled his eyes. "Carole's right. You're just a big kid… excuse me, little kid."
"Stop with the height jokes, Hummel!" Blaine exclaimed. "You make Christmas time horrible with those jokes!"
"You love them." Kurt teased. "Admit it. At least, you love the fact that I make them."
Blaine rolled his eyes this time. "Do not."
"Mhmm. You just keep telling yourself that, honey." Kurt smirked and sat up. Teasing Blaine about his height was almost as fun as playing with his curls. He was pretty sure Blaine's curly hair would never be topped.
"I'm not talking to you anymore." Blaine pouted.
"I can think of a way to make you talk." Kurt bent down, kissing Blaine's neck. It was a low blow considering Blaine's neck and stomach were his two sensitive spots, but it always got a lovely reaction.
Blaine gasped out, eyes involuntarily closing.
"What was that?" Kurt mumbled into his skin.
Blaine said nothing, only tilted his head to give more access.
"But what if I don't want to?" Kurt said, still smirking. "Hmm?"
"Kurt." Blaine gasped out. "Don't be an asshole."
Kurt laughed quietly and began kissing Blaine's neck again. "Is that what you wanted?"
"Shut up and stop talking." Blaine whined. "Just do—that, oh God. How do you do that?"
"Must be all the practice I get." Kurt said, beginning to suck gently.
"Oh my God, Kurt, we should… should stop before we get too… too…" Blaine trailed off as Kurt's hand slid up his leg. "Too late… we should get iced in more oft—." He gasped loudly as Kurt bit down. "Shutting up now."
"Mmh good. You talk entirely too much sometimes." Kurt grinned. "Bedroom?"
"I don't know if we'll make it to hallway before I pounce on you, but goals are nice and necessary to progression and… such…." Blaine gasped as he stood, unable to comprehend much of anything. "C'mon, c'mon."
"You are such a horny person, Blaine Anderson."
"I'll stop being horny when you stop looking the way you do. I said c'mon!"
…
"I cannot believe the pizza place is delivering in this!" Kurt said three hours later as Blaine carried three boxes of pizza into the kitchen. "Uhm… how hungry are you?"
"I figure that it's likely we won't be able to get more food until after Christmas." Blaine shrugged, placing the boxes on the counter. "In case the weather gets worse. You should have seen the wheels on his truck, Kurt. They were huge. That is why they're delivering. He backed out like it was nothing."
"Well if we had a huge truck I could do that too." Kurt said somewhat haughtily.
"You could drive a huge truck, hmm? I don't believe it." Blaine opened a box of pepperoni pizza and pulled out a slice before biting into it.
"Well I can drive my dad's. I can't assume it would be that different." Kurt shrugged.
"t'an." Blaine said, mouth full.
"Blaine, why do you insist on doing that?" Kurt sighed, grabbing a slice of cheese pizza.
Blaine just shrugged one shoulder and grinned. "Are you excited for your Christmas presents?"
"Should I be?" Kurt asked, arching his eyebrow.
"Yes. You're going to love it." Blaine said confidently. "At least you better or I'll be heartbroken."
"I'm sure I'll love it then." Kurt said, nudging Blaine until he was sitting at the table and then sitting on his lap.
"You are slightly in the way of my pizza, dear." Blaine said, eyes bright.
"I somehow think you'll manage to eat still." Kurt laughed. "Or I could feed you?"
"I am a man, Kurt. I can feed myself." Blaine teased.
"You like when I feed you strawberries." Kurt pointed out.
"That's different." Blaine scoffed, sliding his arm at an angle so he could take a bite of his pizza. "That's sexy."
"You're so weird." Kurt laughed, taking a bite of his own piece. "So, how big is my present? What size package, I mean?"
"Small." Blaine said.
"So probably not a replacement sweater." Kurt said, nudging Blaine's side.
"Okay, I didn't mean to do it! Why was it in the laundry basket anyway? I didn't even see it until I pulled it out of the dryer. I have no idea how it got in there." Blaine said in a rushed and exasperated voice.
"I'm kidding, Blaine. I was going to sell it anyway. It's just fun to give you a hard time." Kurt grinned and kissed his cheek. "But I don't know how it got in there in all honesty… probably Kreacher or Oreo's doing."
"I don't think that it's fun." Blaine scoffed. "And don't bring my kitten into it. If it's anyone, it'd your dog."
"First, of course you wouldn't think it's fun. I'm teasing you. Second, my dog that you bought for me. Therefore, you have no one to blame but you, yourself, and you." Kurt teased. "And thirdly, a small box?" Is it a key to your heart? How cute."
"Don't you think you've had that for a while?" Blaine teased right back. "Wouldn't you get pissed off if you opened your big present tomorrow morning and it was a key?"
"Well, it would have sentimental value…" Kurt said thoughtfully as Blaine took another bite of his pizza.
"Then I guess I could have spent a lot less money." Blaine laughed.
"Like you don't have money to spent." Kurt laughed also. "I can't believe how much interest that inheritance has put into your savings account, Blaine. It almost makes me nervous that you bring the bank slips home. I'm half afraid someone will break in, take the slips, and get all of your money."
"I don't worry about it." Blaine shrugged.
"I know. You just worry about small stuff. Big stuff, however, you're just like 'ladedaaaa sunshine and flowers.' You and Brittany would have gotten along so well."
"So you've said a few times." Blaine finally finished his pizza and slid his arms around Kurt's thin waist. "What is my present?"
"I thought you said you didn't want anything." Kurt mock gasped.
"That's why you basically had the bedroom door taped off with caution tape earlier, hmm?" Blaine asked. "I'm smarter than you think. My hair holds all of the knowledge, Kurt. All of it."
"So my theory was true." Kurt said, pushing down a curl that was threatening to escape it's gelled hold.
"If I had straight hair I wouldn't be so smart. It wouldn't trap everything, see? Wes and I worked out this long theory about it when we were fifteen."
"You would." Kurt rolled his eyes. "Everyone always says you were so much sweeter before they corrupted you and I think you're pretty sweet now. I wish I could have seen that."
"It would have given you cavities." Blaine winked and then kissed his cheek. "I'm really saving you from harm."
Kurt finished his own pizza and curled up in Blaine's lap, resting his head on Blaine's shoulder. "Sorry we won't have a Christmas dinner. I guess we should have headed out right after finals."
"I don't care about that." Blaine said, tugging Kurt even closer. "I'm just glad I get to be with you. You forget that I'm not used to big family oriented Christmases. Anything that doesn't involve my family is the most amazing experience in the world… and it might be nicer to just only be with you tomorrow… assuming the power doesn't go out."
"Don't jinx it!" Kurt shushed him quickly. "I don't know what we'd do without power. We wouldn't be able to warm our gourmet pizza."
Blaine laughed loudly. "It's Pizza Hut."
"Right. Gourmet." Kurt said, a very serious expression on his face. "It's not Pizza Hut. It's gourmet pizza. All that we had for meals were the stuff conveniently to make a gourmet pizza and so that what he had to survive off of."
"Alright. I won't tell anyone you ate fast food three days in a row. The secret is safe with me." Blaine laughed again and did a lock and key motion. "We should go do something."
"We don't have anything to do." Kurt said, sliding off of Blaine's lap.
"Well we could go outside for a walk or, if no annoying kids are outside the complex, we could make a snow man." Blaine grinned, hopping up. "C'mon. Have you ever made a snow man?"
"Not since I was seven." Kurt said.
"Then we're doing it! I promise I won't throw snowballs at you this time, but I can't make any promises for next time." Blaine said, holding his hand out. "Come on!"
"It's cold out there." Kurt protested, staring at Blaine as if he'd growth three heads.
"How many expensive hats, scarves, and gloves do you own?" Blaine asked, tugging Kurt towards their bedroom. "Pick your least favorite, put them on, get a jacket, and shush. I've got this, Kurt."
Kurt rolled his eyes, still not moving. "What do I get out of this?"
"You'll receive a happy boyfriend and two happy pets. Well, Oreo will probably stay inside, but I'm sure Kreacher will want to play in the snow." Blaine said cheerfully, tugging on his thickest pair of jeans over his sweat pants.
"You did not just do that." Kurt gasped.
"I want to be warm." Blaine shrugged, pulling a warm sweater over his long sleeved t-shirt. "Don't judge me, Kurt. I can't believe you've never made a snow man."
"I did when I was little. I'm not deprived or anything." Kurt sighed, pulling on some pants that wouldn't suffer from water damage and his least favorite sweater.
"Good boy." Blaine cooed as if he were talking to Kreacher.
"I hate you, Blaine Anderson." Kurt said, mostly pretend scowling. "That is so demeaning."
"You know I didn't mean it that way." Blaine kissed his cheek and handed him his jacket.
After they were bundled up, Blaine scooped up a highly excited Kreacher (who seemed to know he was getting to go outside to play) and ran out the door.
"What is he, five?" Kurt mumbled after him, going outside.
"Nobody else is out and the snow hasn't even been walked through much!" Blaine cheered, looking like a little kid.
"Because nobody else is insane enough to come out in this when it was just icing a while back. You're going to break your leg again." Kurt called, not having taken more than two steps out of the apartment.
"It's mostly snow in the yard." Blaine said, unceremoniously sliding and falling onto his butt.
"Oh, right. Mostly snow." Kurt laughed, going over. "Are you okay?"
"Nope." Blaine grunted, pulling Kurt down over him.
"BLAINE!" Kurt shrieked as he thudded onto Blaine.
Blaine beamed. "You were coming to save me."
"Yes, and you evidently want to pull me to my death." Kurt huffed.
"Mmmh well I'd be able to get rid of Kreacher." Blaine teased. "Besides, it wouldn't have been as romantic if there wasn't peril involved."
"I'm getting all wet." Kurt whined. "Blaine, let me up."
"Nope." Blaine said, wrapping his legs around Kurt's to keep him in place. "Hello."
"Hmph." Kurt responded, trying to wiggle free. It was no use though. Blaine was smaller but still much stronger than him. Not to mention his leg muscles were a bit ridiculous from all of the running and soccer.
"Uh uh. I don't think so." Blaine sang, pulling his head down until their lips met.
"Stop being cute." Kurt grunted after Blaine finally allowed him to pull away from their very cold kiss. "You're going to hurt your leg, Blaine."
"It's cute that you're still worried about my leg. You're cute." Blaine said, slowly sitting up.
"The doctor said you have to —mmph!" Kurt was cut off as Blaine kissed him again. "Blaine, we—mmph, you can't do that out here."
"We're the only ones outside and plus, our neighbors think we're cute." Blaine grinned, but untangled his limbs from around Kurt.
"Don't you dare pull me back down." Kurt warned, slowly standing up and holding his hand out to help Blaine.
"I won't." Blaine promised, his eyes twinkling as he grabbed Kurt's hand.
Kurt moved to pull him up but his left foot slipped on ice, sending him and Blaine both tumbling back to the ground. "Blaine! This was a horrible idea!"
"I just wanted to build a snoooowman!" Blaine laughed, rolling off of Kurt. "I'm s-sorry!"
"Are you two okay?" Their next door neighbor called, poking her head out her window.
"Yes, Mrs. Baker!" Kurt called, flashing her a sweet smile and then hitting Blaine's arm.
"Be careful. It's slick out there." She said before closing her window.
"Yeah, Kurt. Be careful. It's slick." Blaine giggled.
"You think you're so funny. Now Mrs. Baker thinks we're insane." Kurt said, standing again and holding out his hand.
"No, no. If you pull me up the same thing will happen." Blaine said, standing up slowly on his own.
"Can we go inside or do you really want to risk our lives for Frosty the Snowman?" Kurt asked, watching Blaine. He was really going to be an amazing father one day. Their kids would love him.
"Let's try under the tree! It's more sheltered so it's probably not icy!"
"You were supposed to say, 'Yes, we should go in.'" Kurt mumbled as he followed Blaine to the corner of the apartment buildings where the tree was, trying to not imagine Blaine playing in the snow with their two future daughters. "There's not enough snow over here, babe."
Blaine let out a whine and hung his head, admitting defeat. "You're right."
"We'll just have to wait for the ice to thaw a bit. We can try tomorrow." Kurt said, surprised that he actually felt bad that they couldn't make Blaine's snowman. What on Earth was this boy doing to him?
"Yeah, I think it's supposed to warm up a bit in the afternoon." Blaine pouted some more. "Can I have a kiss for all my trouble?"
"Your trouble?" Kurt echoed, wrapping his arms around Blaine's waist. "Who pulled me down? Who dragged me out here?"
"Your loving boyfriend." Blaine grinned, looking down at Kreacher pranced towards them, completely covered in snow. "Who is immensely disappointed that he couldn't build a snowman with the love of his life."
"You're such a charmer, Blaine Anderson." Kurt leaned forward, pressing his lips to Blaine's briefly before pulling away. "Let's go curl up on the couch and watch Christmas movies while we eat cupcakes and candy. I'll even let you hold the plate of candy and we can keep the cupcakes on the coffee table for easy access."
"We've got a lot to eat since we couldn't make it up to Lima." Blaine grinned. "That sounds like an excellent plan to me, Mr. Hummel."
"Somehow I thought you would approve." Kurt laughed and led Blaine back into their apartment complex, Kreacher prancing behind them.
***WBUCT***
"Mmmh Blaine, no. It's early." Kurt whined, rolling onto his stomach.
"I've missed having to wake you up like this. You always get up on your own during the school year." Blaine said, leaning over Kurt and kissing his cheek repeatedly. "Wake up. It's Christmas. I made breakfast and we're going to eat in bed."
"No food in the bedroom. Crumbs on our sheets are gross." Kurt mumbled, face buried in his pillow. "Take it away."
"No. Christmas is the day for exceptions." Blaine protested. "Which is why you should wake up. I made you eggs. You know you love my scrambled eggs."
"Eggs?" Kurt mumbled into the pillow.
"Scrambled eggs. They're delicious, Kurt." Blaine said, kissing his cheek again. "Wake up, my love."
"But I was having a nice dream." Kurt said, sitting up. "About a shopping spree at the Mall of America. It was lovely."
"I'm sure you thought it was." Blaine laughed, grabbing a plate off of the nightstand and holding it out. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you too." Kurt yawned, putting the plate on his lap and attempting to push down his messed up hair.
"I take pride in the fact that I'm one of the few people that get to see Kurt Hummel in bed hair." Blaine grinned.
"Is it that bad?" Kurt asked, taking a bite of his scrambled eggs.
"No. It's cute." Blaine said, handing him a glass of orange juice.
"Thanks. Is the ice gone?" Kurt asked, yawning. "I'm sure Dad will be calling to see if we can make it out."
"No, sorry." Blaine frowned a bit. "It actually got worse. When I let Kreacher out to go to the bathroom he…" Blaine trailed off, giggling. "Never mind."
"What?" Kurt asked sharply.
"Slid all the way down the walkway." Blaine giggled. "It was so funny, Kurt."
"You are so mean!" Kurt exclaimed.
"No! He was enjoying it! I had to make him come in!" Blaine said quickly. "And Oreo just sat in the doorway with me, this look of annoyance on her face… I don't know if it was because Kreacher wasn't letting her snuggle anymore or because Kreacher was having an ice skating party."
"Probably a bit of both." Kurt said, eyeing him. "Are you sure you didn't just leave him out there because you're mean to him?"
"I promise. Go out into the living room when you're done eating and see. Oreo's camped under the Christmas tree playing with ornaments and Kreacher's at the door just waiting to go out again. Any time I walk through, he perks up and starts yipping." Blaine said very seriously, taking a bite of his own eggs and snuggling up to Kurt.
"Breakfast in bed would be easier if we had trays." Kurt said absentmindedly, reaching for his orange juice, which he'd sat on the nightstand on his side of the bed.
"There's no point in that since you only let us eat in bed once a year." Blaine said. "Unless we're sick."
Kurt shrugged a bit before finishing his plate. "Presents time!"
Blaine quickly shoved the rest of his eggs into his mouth before standing. "After you, sir."
"Yay! Let's leave the dishes. We can get them later." Kurt said uncharacteristically, hopping up and going out into the living room. "Hurry up, Blaine!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Blaine followed his younger boyfriend, coming to a stop next to him. "I wish you'd been this enthusiastic for your breakfast. We would have had them all opened by now."
"Big ones or small ones first?" Kurt asked happily.
"Small."
"Okay because yours isn't under here. I wanted to make sure Oreo didn't destroy it… or pee on it. Which we really need to work on more. That litter box has a purpose." Kurt said, sitting on the ground by the tree and looking at the kitten. "Yes, I'm talking about you."
"She's so adorable." Blaine said cheerfully, sitting next to him as the kitten meowed loudly.
"Okay. Here. I got you this. It's a bit early, I know, but I figure you'll like it." Kurt eagerly handed Blaine a thin box. "This is… well, just open it."
Blaine opened the box curiously as Oreo crawled onto his lap, purring. "Aww, Kurt…"
"It's a book that's recommended for students going into law school. I just… I want you to know that I have faith in you. I know you're going to ace the LSATs in February. Do you ace them? What you do, you're going to do awesome. You've been studying in your spare time for ages already. You'll get into whatever school you decide to go to—of which I am not supposed to be worrying about…" Kurt trailed off but then picked right back up. "You're going to do amazing, you'll get in, and in the meantime you can read that book and be ahead of everyone else. I know maybe it's too soon but I saw it at the bookstore and… knew it'd help. Do you think it will help?" The question came out hesitant and hopeful.
"Yes." Blaine said instantly, smiling. "Yes, Kurt. It will help. I'm sure… Thank you. Even if I've still got three semesters of UK to go, I still love it."
"I figured you could start mentally preparing now." Kurt smiled back. "I'm glad you love it."
Blaine leaned over and kissed him briefly before pulling away. "So, this is actually your big one."
Kurt glanced down at a small box, eyes widening.
"It's not an engagement ring." Blaine said quickly to ward off any disappointment before Kurt had a chance to really assess the box. "But it's still special and I hope you'll like—love it. I hope you'll love it."
Kurt reached out for it, locking eyes with Blaine.
"Open it." Blaine urged, dropping the box into Kurt's hand somewhat nervously.
Kurt did so, eyes widening even more. "Blaine…"
"It's a promise ring. Kurt, I don't know where we'll end up in a year and a half… We'll be moving from this apartment, beginning new schools, working for real careers… It's untelling where we'll be." Blaine said quietly. "But we will be constants. Even if we don't live together… whether it's a four hour drive or four hour flight. As long as you want me—us— then I'll be here. I'm not proposing marriage… yet. But one day I will. Without a doubt. And this is a promise that my heart is yours and yours alone. Forever. As long as you want it… And I hope you want it forever."
Kurt stared at the ring, unable to completely register what was happening. It was such a turnaround from four weeks prior. Blaine was giving him a promise ring?
"You don't even have to wear it. I just…" Blaine leaned over, touching his face and making Kurt look up and into his eyes. Kurt's silence was making him even more nervous. What if Kurt didn't want a promise ring? What if he'd messed it all up and now Kurt didn't want a commitment? Then again, it was Kurt. "We're going to make it, Kurt. We're going to get through school, move out, become successful in our careers, get married, and have kids. We're going to have that life. I promise you. I promise."
"Blaine, oh my God…" Kurt finally whispered. "Ever since last month I've been sitting here convinced that all of this was stuff… you were just so shocked and… I thought maybe you didn't want it, at least yet."
"I know I want to be with you. Forever and ever." Blaine said. "I want that stuff eventually. I know it's going to happen. I was shocked when it came up in such a… abrupt way. But… you showed me what it's like to belong… and I don't think it's just this need for a family, Kurt, because I've been 'a part' of Wes and David's family for years… It's you. I love your family. That is an added bonus…"
"A very nice one." Kurt laughed a bit, still in awe. Was he dreaming? Maybe he was dreaming.
"Very nice… but it's you I want. We've been through so much and I… you're the one that I want."
"Why did Grease just pop into my head?" Kurt laughed, blue eyes bright.
"I should have known that was coming. As soon as it was half out I saw it too, but I was already committed." Blaine giggled and then bit his lip. "Is this okay? Is this a good next level? Commitments to one day make a commitment?"
"O-Of course this is okay." Kurt whispered. "But are you sure, Blaine? You seemed very shocked last month and I don't want to rush into anything. I don't want you to feel pressured to do this and I don't want you to say it if you don't mean it."
"Kurt, I have always known it was you. I'm very sure." Blaine nodded. "I just want you to… to have this as a reminder that no matter what comes up when I graduate UK and you graduate CCAD… that everything will be okay."
"Thank you so much." Kurt said, looking at Blaine. "For choosing me… For being my best friend and for always being there for me without me even having to ask. You… You're a great person, Blaine."
"You are too, Kurt." Blaine said, looking right back at him. "You've always been there for me too. I'm really glad you're such a terrible spy."
Kurt laughed loudly and scooted closer to Blaine, lacing their fingers together while still holding the box containing his ring with his other hand.
"Thank you for changing my life, Kurt." Blaine said. "And for making me happy… For showing me what love is like."
Kurt dropped the box, wrapping his arms around Blaine. "I love you so much."
"Don't make me cry, Hummel. I swear, if you do—."
"Shut up, Blaine." Kurt said, kissing him. "Just shut up and kiss me."
Blaine obliged, kissing Kurt slowly and meaningfully. This was how it was supposed to be. He was sure of it. No one else could ever make him feel this way. It was impossible.
"I can't believe you picked me." Kurt whispered after pulling away, forehead pressed against Blaine's.
"I could say the same thing." Blaine smiled warmly and reached between their legs to pick up the box. "Do you want to wear it?"
"I'm afraid I'll lose it." Kurt said, voice soft.
"You won't lose it." Blaine laughed a bit and pulled the ring out, sliding it onto Kurt's finger and then tracing his own finger around the ring, staring at it.
"It's beautiful." Kurt said, staring down at it also. "Thank you, Blaine."
Blaine leaned up and kissed his forehead. "You're welcome, my love."
Kurt smiled at him and then attacked him with a forceful hug. "I love you so much, honey."
"I love you too." Blaine grinned and pulled away. "Now where's my big present? Good luck topping this."
"I don't think I could ever top that." Kurt said very seriously. "Let me go and get it."
"I'll be waiting right here." Blaine said cheerfully, turning the velvet ring box over in his hand.
Kurt stood and walked to Blaine's bookshelf, pulling out a box from behind some books.
"That was smart!" Blaine gasped.
"I know you don't have time to read regular books. The bookstore in the mall has been working you a lot lately." Kurt said, smirking. "I told you that you wouldn't find it. I know you were looking everywhere."
"Including behind the fish tank." Blaine pointed out.
"Yeah, I don't know how you thought I could ever fit something back there." Kurt laughed. "But I caught you checking back there five times."
"I wanted to make sure that all of the bases were covered. Evidently I missed one." Blaine shrugged and reached for the box. "Give it, give it, it's mine and I want it."
"Say please." Kurt teased as he reached Blaine, holding it out of his reach.
"Kurt, may I please have my gift that is mine?" Blaine asked, forcing himself to sound put out.
"Only because you asked so nicely." Kurt sat next to him on the couch and handed him the box. "It's not nearly as good as my present."
"Hush. I'm opening my big present. Don't spoil it with nonsense." Blaine shushed him, waving one hand in the air before ripping off the purple and gold wrapping paper. "I appreciate the colors. Very fancy."
"I thought you'd like them." Kurt snorted.
"Oh my God, Kurt." Blaine gasped. "You got me—and this is a… Holy. Fucking. Shit. Is this a Tiffany's box? Where did—oh my God."
"It's a bracelet." Kurt said. "I wasn't sure if you'd like it but sometimes you wear those ones and I figured that you might like it. Do you? Because if you want to take it back, I won't be offended. I just wanted to get you something really nice, but if it's too—."
Blaine cut him off with a kiss and then a rushed, "Stop rambling. Of course I like it. I love it. I'll wear it."
"You don't have to wear it every day." Kurt said, smiling and feeling relieved.
"Maybe not every day but I'll definitely wear it a lot." Blaine said, staring at it. "This gift is amazing. I don't even want to know how much money we spent on presents put together."
"God, me neither." Kurt admitted, watching Blaine stare at his present in awe. Clearly he'd made the right choice. He smiled to himself, reaching up and ruffling Blaine's curls.
"You can say that again." Blaine said. "Thank you so much."
"Mmh, you're welcome." Kurt slid his arms around Blaine's waist and rested his chin on Blaine's shoulder. "I love you."
"I love you too." Blaine smiled. "You should probably call your dad at some point, you know?"
Kurt sighed a bit and nodded. "You're right. If I don't, he'll convince himself that our power went out and that we froze to death. I'll call as soon as we're done opening presents."
"There are still more!" Blaine said happily. "I love Christmas!"
…
"I'm glad you like your bracelet." Kurt said later that evening, after hanging up the phone. He had spent the entire last hour cleaning the kitchen while talking on the phone with everyone in his family. Well, both he and Blaine had been talking in the beginning but Blaine had left the room a little earlier to read one of the new books on his Nook. Evidently, however, Blaine hadn't gotten much reading done. "Melody said bye again, by the way."
"I love it." Blaine, who had been looking down at his new silver bracelet from Tiffany's, smiled. Truth be told, he was having a hard time not staring at it. "She's getting so big, Kurt. Does it ever make you want to just put a stopper on her?"
"No because the only way to do that would be to kill her." Kurt sat down on the couch only to be pulled into Blaine's lap. "This was a success, don't you think?"
"Hmm?" Blaine asked, tracing the ring that was on Kurt's finger.
"Our first holiday alone. I think it went really well. If Grammy wouldn't kill me, I'd suggest doing it again next year." Kurt smiled.
"This is what life will be like once we're in our house when we are older and set in our careers. By our house I mean the one that we have built that is made just for us." Blaine said, still tracing the ring.
"Oh, so now we're having it built for us? I like that. We can both have our own walk in closets. Preferably exactly like the one in your old bedroom. That was the best closet I have ever seen." Kurt said, wiggling his fingers.
Blaine grasped them tightly, squeezing his hand. "We can have whatever kind of closet you want. And you can have an at home office to sketch in and I can have an office for paperwork."
"Oh?" Kurt asked.
"And the kids can have their own rooms and then we'll have a toy room."
"How big are you planning on this house being exactly?" Kurt laughed.
"Master bedroom, two bedrooms for our kids, a toy room, two offices. Obviously you'll want your own bathroom since my 'hair gel containers take up so much space.' I'm thinking it's going to be pretty big."
"And a big back yard for Kreacher."
Blaine sighed. "You mean you want to keep him? Can't we pawn him off on some unsuspecting person who thinks he's actually cute?"
"You bought me that dog and I love him." Kurt said slowly and stubbornly. "We are never getting rid of him, Blaine. He is staying with us until he… you know."
Blaine kissed Kurt's ear. "Fine. I guess I can't complain seeing as it was my idea to get the dumb thing anyway."
"You can't." Kurt agreed, glancing over at Kreacher who was busy chewing on a bone. "Besides, you love him. You were freaking out last week when he hurt his paw and couldn't move without whimpering."
"I dispute that claim." Blaine scoffed. "I was merely afraid you would blame me."
"You were the one who stepped on his foot…"
"I didn't mean to, okay?" Blaine whined, eyes widening. "I didn't see him down there. He always sleeps on the foot of the bed, never on the floor. I didn't want to hurt him!"
"You love him." Kurt smirked. "You love him as much as you love your fishes and your kitten, if not more."
Blaine mumbled incoherently.
"Did you just admit you liked Kreacher?" Kurt asked, his own eyes widening this time.
"I said nothing of the sort." Blaine said, not making eye contact.
"You did!" Kurt gasped.
"Hey, do you know what else that ring is a promise for?" Blaine asked impishly, moving Kurt off of his lap and standing.
"What?" Kurt asked, eyebrow arching.
Blaine held out both of his arms. "Lots and lots and lots of sex."
"Starting now?" Kurt asked eagerly, allowing Blaine to pull him up.
"Starting now."