Welcome to my new multi-chapter story! This is a short one (at least for me) with roughly 25,000 words over eight chapters. The story is fully drafted and I'm now doing the final editing and polishing up. Updates will be posted each Wednesday and Saturday.

This month marks the two-year anniversary of when Americans took Covid-19 seriously. There are some excellent Klaine fics that cover the initial lockdown period. I thought it would be interesting to write a fic that focused on their lives two years later.

This story is gifted to Lynne, manager of the KlaineCCFanFicLibrary blog on Tumblr. She is a real gem in the Klaine fandom. Thank you for all your efforts and friendship!

The talented Datshitrandom produced all the wonderful story artwork which unfortunately, I can't post here. Please check out her Tumblr blog, because she has a lot of fantastic Klaine artwork. I have cross posted the artwork on my Tumblr - HKVoyage.

January 2022

"Are you ready for your new job?" Burt asked.

Kurt adjusted his phone so that he could see his father clearly on the screen. "As ready as I'll ever be. It's not exactly what I had planned to do when I returned to New York City."

"I know it isn't, son. Don't worry. When everything goes back to normal, there will be plenty of shows that will want you. You just have to ride things out until then."

Although the big Broadway shows had reopened in September, there weren't as many live theater performances in New York City as there had been before the pandemic started. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 variants - would the pandemic be over before the WHO got to the end of the Greek alphabet? - many productions were taking a wait-and-see approach. As a result, there were too many people auditioning for fewer roles. Kurt felt like he didn't stand a chance.

"I don't even remember what normal is. It's been two years, Dad."

Burt gave him a sympathetic smile. "Life can throw some curveballs right at you. I admire you, son. You returned to the City and got yourself a job real fast. It'll pay the rent and put food on the table. Don't be too proud to use the credit card I gave you. My business is still booming."

Global problems producing semiconductor chips meant there was a shortage of new cars. People either bought used cars or held on to what they had for longer. Hummel Tire & Lube were busier than ever with people needing new tires and car repairs.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Kurt had left New York City for Lima. Vogue had let go of all their interns while permanent staff worked from home. The Spotlight Diner had closed its doors. Kurt had dropped out of NYADA, not wanting to pay the high tuition fees for on-line classes. What kind of performing arts education was that? Besides, he had been worried about his dad, who'd had several health issues in the past. When Kurt hadn't been helping out at the garage, he had done the food shopping and had run all the errands. He hadn't wanted his dad and Carole to be exposed to people outside their bubble, and more importantly, Covid-19.

After celebrating the start of 2022 with his father and Carole in front of the TV, Kurt had felt tired of putting his life on hold. He was triple vaxxed and healthy. He took the necessary precautions when going out. When Rachel texted him that the person who'd sublet his room was moving out, it seemed like kismet. He moved back into the Bushwick apartment to start again. His top priority was to get a job that had flexible hours so he could be available for any auditions, but at the same time, allowed him to work lots of hours to make money to cover his expenses. After extensive research, he was satisfied that his new job met all the criteria. Speaking of which …

"Dad, I better get going. It's almost time for my shift."

"Okay. Do your old man a favor and promise me that you'll be sensible. Stick to neighborhoods that are safe."

"I promise, Dad. I'm focusing on Bushwick and the parts of Brooklyn that I know. At least for now."

After signing off with his dad, Kurt got ready for his new job. He checked his weather app, noting it was 30F, going down to 17F later this evening. Even though it was perfect weather for his job, it would be cold outside. He bundled up in a parka, neck warmer, gloves, wool socks, and heavy boots. After checking that he had his keys, wallet, KN95 mask (and a couple of spares), he opened up the GrubHub delivery app.

He switched his status on the app from "unavailable" to "taking offers". He then looked at the regional boundaries on the map to see where the most orders and the hotspots were. Even though he was a new delivery person and at the entry level, he managed to get the 4:30 - 8:30 blocks for Monday night. This gave him priority for orders over other drivers who just jumped on the app and took available jobs. While he checked his bicycle tires' air pressure, he received a notification for an offer.

Kurt pressed "View" to see the details. He couldn't believe his luck! It was a huge $150 order with nearby pick-up and delivery points. The pick-up time was in 25 minutes. He quickly accepted the order. He hadn't heard of the restaurant before so he clicked "Navigation" to pull up Google Maps with directions. Cheeky Chicken was located on a small side street nearby the Holiday Inn Express. From memory, there wasn't a lot of traffic but the street was well-lit. It would take him ten minutes tops to get there. He wanted his first delivery to be a success, so he decided to leave early.

Kurt grabbed his bike and every insulated bag that GrubHub had provided to him. While many delivery people in New York City used e-bikes, he decided to start with his 10-speed cruiser. It would be a good way to stay fit. He was getting rather bored of exercising with videos at home; Richard Simmons's positivity was getting on his nerves. When he left the building, there was a cold brisk wind. Kurt was grateful that he had splurged on high-tech cycle pants to help keep him warm.

In no time at all, he arrived at the location. Above the door, there was a sign that said "Warbler Food Enterprises. Home of Cheeky Chicken, Sweet N' Spicy, Party on the Rocks, and Sunshine Eats. Delivery Drivers Entrance."

The windows were covered by black blinds. This must be a ghost kitchen that he had heard about: one that was only available online and didn't operate out of an existing restaurant. He was very interested to see what a ghost kitchen looked like inside. Before entering, he checked the order. Ten chicken burgers, ten milkshakes, but only one order of French fries. He quickly sent a text message to the customer:

Kurt: Hi, Ms. Brown. This is Kurt, your GrubHub delivery guy. I wanted to check that you only needed one order of French fries.

Ms. Brown: OMG! I need 10 orders of French fries. I'll update the order. Thanks!

Kurt: No problem. I'll text you when I leave Cheeky Chicken. Do you want anything else?

Ms. Brown: I'll add a Margarita to that order. I'll need it when my son's birthday party is over.

Kurt: I'll make sure that it's in the delivery. Sounds like you'll need it!

Kurt hoped that his text would earn him a good tip. Ten children and only one order of French fries would have ended in tears. Or worse.

He put on his KN95 mask before entering Warbler Food Enterprises. It was reasonably busy so he took his place in the queue and took a look around. There was a long counter which contained tubs filled with completed orders. Behind the counter, there was a large kitchen, broken down into smaller stations, presumably one for each "restaurant". Some kitchen stations were busier than others, and Kurt assumed that had to do with the food on offer and this time of day.

When it was his turn, he faced someone who definitely had a sense of style wearing bold colors and a geometric scarf. Holding a scanner in her hand, she barked, "Show me the order, honey."

Kurt held up his phone, and she scanned the QR code. "Nice scarf. I'm Kurt by the way."

She stroked her scarf, and Kurt could tell there was a smile behind the mask. "I got it at a thrift shop down the street. You're early. They're filling the order now." She extended her hand. "I'm Unique."

After shaking hands, Kurt asked, "Did the customer update the order so that there are ten orders of French fries and a margarita?"

Unique looked at the screen. "Uh huh." She returned her focus to Kurt. "I haven't seen you before. Are you new?"

Kurt ducked his head. "This is my first delivery. Is it that obvious?"

Unique chuckled. "Not many delivery people arrive so early for an order." Unique pointed to a few tables and chairs where others were checking orders. "You can take a seat over there. I'll call you when it's ready."

Kurt pointed to the end of the counter. "Do you mind if I stand over here? I promise I won't get in the way. I've never seen a ghost kitchen before."

Unique nodded, and Kurt moved down. He couldn't help but overhear the conversation in the kitchen.

"Nicky, the chicken strips are in the fryer. How about the French fries?"

"Chill, Jeff. They'll be ready soon. Last-minute change to the order."

"The Giants are playing the Cowboys tonight. Do we have enough chicken wings?"

"Got the delivery this morning. Before you ask, the potatoes are already cut into wedges."

"Mac and cheese is ready, too."

"We've got a ton of orders for later on tonight, just before kickoff. I think that calls for a song."

"I think it does," a short chef with dark hair replied and he started to sing.

When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind

Kurt's jaw dropped open. Even with a mask on, this chef could really sing! And wow, he certainly had some dance moves. Kurt's face flushed when the chef stared directly at him and the other kitchen staff joined in the song.

Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
A lovely day (lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)
(Lovely day, lovely day, lovely day, lovely day)

Kurt was amazed at how all the chefs were able to harmonize together as if they had practiced the song a hundred times. Their side shuffle seemed well rehearsed, too. They were even in formation, for goodness sake! By the way some of the men gazed at each other, it was obvious that they were couples. Were all the chefs gay? Kurt looked around to see the other delivery people getting into the performance, dancing along. But somehow, the lead soloist made the performance feel special, as if it was directed at him. Kurt couldn't wipe the smile from his face.

When they had finished singing, everyone in the ghost kitchen clapped and hooted.

Kurt asked Unique, "Do they always burst into song like that?"

"Always. Any excuse. None too small. Any time we're not too busy." Unique stroked her short hair. "One day, you've got to come here at the end of my shift. I've got a good set of pipes."

Kurt had no doubt that Unique was a great singer. He noticed that there were no delivery people in line, and decided to ask her the questions he had been holding back. "I've got some questions about this ghost kitchen. Do you have some time?"

Unique looked behind her. "Hey, Blaine. We've got a new kid asking questions about the kitchen. Care to help me out?"

Kurt was shocked when the lead singer walked over. His face flushed when the chef looked over his body, knowing that his new high-tech cycling pants didn't hide anything. Not. A. Single. Thing.

The chef took off his latex glove and extended his hand. "Hi. I'm Blaine."

Kurt took off his gloves and shook his hand. "I'm Kurt."

Kurt felt a buzz of electricity flash through his body at the warmth of their handshake. He couldn't stop staring at the warm honey hues of Blaine's hazel eyes. He smiled when he spotted Blaine's curly hair peeking out from the hair net. He really wished that he could see the chef without his mask.

Kurt refocused when he heard Blaine clear his throat to get his attention. "Unique mentioned that you have some questions?"

Kurt replied, "Only if you aren't too busy."

"No, I'm fine. I'm the spicy half of 'Sweet N' Spicy'. We don't get busy until people get off work," replied, then winked.

Kurt could feel the heat in his face. "Spicy, huh?"

It was now Blaine's turn to blush. "Well, that's what my friends say."

Was Blaine flirting with him? After a beat, Kurt decided to change the topic. "I'm a newbie. This is my first delivery with GrubHub," he confessed.

"We're all newbies at some point. Fire away with your questions."

Kurt was relieved that Blaine understood his curiosity. "I've heard about ghost kitchens, but I've never seen one. Are you part of a large restaurant chain or owned by GrubHub?"

"Nope," Blaine replied, popping the p. "All the chefs here own the business. I finished culinary school in December 2019. The timing really sucked. Once the pandemic started and restaurants closed, there were no jobs. My high school friends graduated soon after, and they couldn't find jobs either. I came up with this idea for the ghost kitchen, and taught them basic culinary skills. We all invested in this business."

Kurt did a mental calculation and realized that Blaine and the other chefs were about the same age as him. "How did you decide what food to offer?"

"My friends Wes and David are really great at researching stuff. Wes and I prepare Asian food for 'Sweet N' Spicy'. Jeff and Nick cook chicken, french fries, and milkshakes for "Cheeky Chicken'. Trent and Tadd arrive early to do the breakfast orders for 'Sunshine Eats'. David is the bartender for 'Party on the Rocks'. Unique is a really close friend of mine, and she mans the counter, along with her friend Marley."

Kurt was surprised by how a group of friends from high school could still be so tight knit. Thinking about their performance, he blurted, "Are you guys all gay?"

Blaine chuckled. "Uh, uh, no. I mean, I am, but Dave and Wes have girlfriends. Nick and Jeff are together, as well as Trent and Thad."

"Are you with one of them?"

"Just like the Beatles' song, I'm free as a bird."

The conversation stalled for a few beats. Kurt was embarrassed that he had asked such a personal question to someone he had only just met. He decided to change the topic. "What's the most popular order for 'Sweet N' Spicy'?"

"Pad Thai."

"Ooh, I love Pad Thai."

"Judging by the number of orders, so does half of New York City."

"Why aren't you busy now?"

"Kurt, it's only 4:30 PM. We tend to get orders for Asian food after five. I usually come in early to help out with the kiddies' birthday party rush. It's a gold mine."

"Kurt, your order is ready," Unique called out. She slid the tub that contained the order towards him.

"Thanks, Unique." Kurt put on a pair of disposable gloves to check that the order included everything, especially the Margarita. He knew that Ms. Brown would want it once her son's birthday party was over. When he was satisfied, he pressed "order received" on the HubGrub app and texted the customer that he was on his way. The order was a tight fit in his bags, but he was relieved that they held everything.

He looked up, surprised to see Blaine still nearby, handing him a paper bag. "Here are some paper plates, napkins and ketchup packets. These should help get you a good tip."

Kurt gratefully accepted the bag. "Thanks for everything, especially the song. I really enjoyed listening to you and the others sing."

Kurt noticed that Blaine was blushing. He had a warm feeling, knowing that his compliment somehow affected the chef.

"Thanks. Good luck on your first day. Just so you know, people hosting kid's birthday parties are really good tippers. We have a lot of orders for them, especially around this time."

"Good to know," Kurt replied.

Kurt dashed out of the ghost kitchen, wanting a five-star review for his first delivery. He also suspected that this wouldn't be his last delivery for Warbler Food Enterprises.

Author Notes

The song used was "Lovely Day" performed by Bill Withers.

Many thanks to my amazing friend and beta Lilyvandersteen. . I made the last-minute edits and performed the final proofreading by myself, so all mistakes are just finished posting "Never Saying Goodbye to You". This is a really great Klaine fic, and I urge you to read it. You will find it on this site.

Next up: How long do you think it will take for Kurt to accept another delivery for Warbler Food Enterprises? Spoiler alert: not long at all!