Day 5: Orientation

Kurt couldn't believe Rachel had talked him into this. He could not fathom what he'd been thinking when he agreed to be an elf at Santa's Village in a department store. He had nothing in particular against Christmas, Santa, or elves, and of course he loved a good department store, but combining all of those with stressed-out parents and impatient children hopped up on candy canes was not his idea of holly or jolly. Only one thing made the whole experience bearable.

Santa.

Despite Rachel's teasing, Kurt did not have a "thing" for Santa himself. He did, however, find himself head over pointy-toed shoes for this particular incarnation of St. Nick. Unlike most stores who hired elderly gentlemen with white beards and round bellies, this department store had gone with another option: a young man with a twinkle in his golden eyes and a laugh that could make even the most hardened Scrooge's heart happy. He had such a winning way with the children that no one seemed to mind the fake white whiskers or obvious padding around his middle.

Kurt had spent the last three weeks admiring Santa (who had the most charming real name of "Blaine") from afar. He'd seen Blaine send a smile in his direction now and again, but their staggered schedules meant that they never got to speak to one another before or after work. They'd seen each other out of costume when one left or arrived while the other was working, but there wasn't much time for chit-chat while on duty.

So why, one might wonder, had neither Santa nor Elf asked the other for a phone number or to coffee outside of work? Corporate policy, of course. Due to an unpleasant incident a couple of years ago that involved Mrs. Claus, an elf, some very traumatized children, and an expensive legal settlement, the store had implemented a "no fraternization" policy. It was made painfully, excruciatingly clear during orientation that any socializing of a romantic nature among the employees was strictly forbidden.

Which brings us to now, Christmas Eve - the last day to visit Santa at his Village. Kurt kept the lines moving, handing out candy canes (as if these imps needed more sugar) while wondering what kind of parents waited until the day before Christmas to bring their kid to see Santa. The giant holiday clock in the corner, which played the same tune every hour on the hour – a tune that haunted Kurt's dreams – finally struck five p.m. The last child slid off Santa's lap, and the candy-striped velvet rope was hooked into place to close the line for the last time this season. Everyone seemed to let out a collective sigh of relief as they made their way out of the Village area and headed to the employee lounge to change and make their way home for the holidays.

More importantly, Kurt and Blaine were no longer employed by the store and no longer subject to the dreaded corporate policy. Kurt had promised himself not to wait a moment longer and that the second they were out of sight of customers, he'd make his move.

A short time later, clad in his own much more fashionable clothes, Kurt loitered in the lounge. Everyone else had cleared out immediately, but he knew Blaine always took a little longer to change in the dressing area. He had more to remove, with the padding, fake beard, fake eyebrows, and such, and was always very careful with the unusually elaborate costume the store had provided. Finally, he emerged, dressed in a casual but smart outfit – dark green pants that hugged all the right places, a white button-down shirt done topped with a red bowtie with little Christmas trees on it, and a red cardigan sweater trimmed in green and white.

"Don't you look festive," Kurt commented appreciatively.

Blaine preened, straightening his bowtie for show. "Why thank you, kind elf. You're quite dashing, yourself," he replied. Kurt blushed, suddenly shy and nervous.

They shared a moment before Kurt glanced away, blushing even harder. Blaine approached, adjusting his messenger bag on his shoulder and coming to stand right in front of Kurt.

"Can I walk you out?" he offered.

Kurt beamed. "Thank you," he said, nearly stammering as his heart beat pounded in his ears. They both donned their coats and gloves, Blaine adding a beanie to his own wardrobe, before offering his arm and smiling warmly when Kurt slipped his own arm through.

They walked toward the parking lot together, chatting idly about the end of their run as holiday workers. Once outside, they stopped on the sidewalk. A few snowflakes danced around them in the cold night air. The chill seemed to revive Kurt's courage.

"Would you like to get a cup of coffee or cocoa or something?" Kurt asked hopefully.

Blaine sighed, his breath visible in the chilly air. "I'd love to, but," he began, pausing to pull Kurt aside out of the flow of busy holiday shoppers rushing up and down the street. Once settled more safely, he continued, "but tonight's kind of a busy night for me."

Kurt's face fell, but he tried to hide it. Of course, Blaine wasn't interested. Why would he be? He probably had some gorgeous supermodel boyfriend waiting for him at home or something.

Kurt apparently didn't hide his reaction as well as he thought, because Blaine was suddenly touching his arm and speaking hurriedly. "No, no, Kurt. I mean it – I would love to spend some time with you. Tonight's just not good for me, that's all," he assured him.

"Really? Y-you want to see me?" Kurt couldn't help the disbelief in his tone.

Blaine stepped closer. "Yes, Kurt. I've been dying to go out with you since the first day I saw you, but I needed the extra money for the holidays and couldn't afford to lose the job," Blaine explained, the hand on Kurt's arm giving a gentle squeeze.

Kurt felt like the warmth of Blaine's touch was traveling straight to his rapidly-beating heart. "I guess it was kind of silly of me to ask Santa for a date on his busiest night of the year."

Blaine laughed aloud. "Well, I don't have a sleigh full of toys to deliver, but I do have parents and a brother in from out of town who are expecting me for dinner tonight." He let his fingers slip down Kurt's arm, and Kurt easily intertwined them with his own.

Kurt glanced down at their joined hands, swinging them lightly between them. "So, if I were to get your number and call you on December 26th…" he trailed off, leaving the question open.

"I'd be the happiest former Santa on the planet," Blaine said sincerely.

They traded phones, entering their contact information. As Kurt took his phone back, he smiled and looked up at Blaine. "What do you know," he murmured, just loud enough for Blaine to hear him over the din. "Santa gave me my present early."