Feeling tired and so weary that his bones ache, Kurt trudges through arrivals, pulling two heavy suitcases and carrying a massive bag filled with the clothes Blaine had bought him. He can't help but smile at the sight of the sign, welcoming people to New York, and he knows Anna and Meredith will be waiting at home, especially since he'd hinted that he had something to tell them.

He walks past the crowds of people waiting to greet their friends and family, warmed by the sight of an older man embracing his daughter, and three small children running to greet their granny. Then he does a double take. Standing at the end of the line, waiting patiently, is Blaine.

Kurt wants to run to him, but his massive amount of luggage prevents him from doing so and in a way he's glad, since it gives them a long period of eye contact as Kurt slowly walks forward.

"Welcome home, brat."

"Hey. This is a surprise."

Blaine shrugs, takes Kurt's bag and sets it on the floor. "I missed you," he admits, and then he reaches out, tilting his face up to kiss him softly on the lips. "Come on."

"Where are we going?"

"Nowhere. I'll give you a ride home. I expect you're tired."

He carries Kurt's bag, and pulls one of the suitcases, leading them outside to where a town car sits in a no parking zone. The driver rushes around, loading the bags into the trunk while Blaine holds the door open for Kurt to slide into the plush cream colored interior.

"Where do you live?"

"Mapleton," he mutters, embarrassed. "You don't need to take me there."

"Yes I do. And don't worry about where you live. Remember where I started."

"I'd rather not. It still makes me sad."

Blaine says nothing, but he rests his hand on Kurt's thigh instead, and that's enough.

"I missed you too," Kurt says once they're out into the early evening traffic.

"You didn't call."

"Neither did you."

"I text to ask for your flight details."

"Wow. One text asking when I got back."

"You said to call about taking you out when you got back from New York!"

"Still thought you'd have called."

"And I thought you'd have called, so I guess we're even."

"I guess so." There is a long silence then, until Kurt rests his hand over Blaine's and squeezes gently. "I'm sorry."

"Kiss me, then."

Kurt grins, bringing a hand to the back of his neck and drawing him into a long, deep kiss. When they part, Blaine keeps his eyes closed for a moment, pressing their foreheads together. "I needed that."

"Why? Are you not okay?"

"I'm fine. I just..." He sits straighter, embarrassed, and looks out of the window instead. Kurt thinks that the only reason he needed that kiss was because he's missed him so much, but he doesn't push it, just sits quietly until the car pulls up outside his building.

"Do you want to come up?"

"What for?"

"No reason, just to hang out, maybe?"

"I'm good."

"Okay." He tries for nonchalance but it comes out as pissed off and both him and Blaine know it.

"Don't start with me. I came to meet you, didn't I?"

"I didn't ask you to."

"Don't be a brat, Kurt. Go get some sleep. I'll call you sometime."

"Fine."

His good mood killed, Kurt snatches his bags from the driver and struggles into his building alone, taking a moment to compose himself before the inevitable hysterics from Anna and Meredith upon his return.

"Oh my GOD!" Anna shrieks as soon as the door opens. She vaults over the back of the couch and throws herself into Kurt's arms, squeezing him tight. "Meredith said you'd be here at seven, and I said six. I win!" She squeezes him again, kissing his cheek. "Meredith!" She bellows directly into his ear. "Kurt's here! I win!"

"Whatever," Meredith drawls, emerging from her room. "I still win, because I'm better." Wrapping her arms around Kurt, she hugs him, kisses his cheek, and then holds him at arm's length to study his face. "Okay. Who are you fucking?"

"What? No one!" he cries, but his face burns under the intensity of her gaze and Anna squeals.

"You've met a boy!"

"I have not. Really." He falls onto the couch. "But I think I've met a man."

"Tell us. Now," Meredith demands, and his suitcases stand abandoned in favor of curling up on the couch and spilling every detail. He starts with arriving in London, what he had thought of the city, and the crappy apartment he had been put in, and then he moves on.

"So Blaine Anderson was in London," he says casually, slapping Meredith's thigh when she hisses. "He uh...he took me for dinner."

"He what?" the girls scream in unison, and after snapping at them to be quiet, he tells them the whole story.

"Let me get this entirely right," Anna says when he's done. "The critic guy you hate, and who hates you, paid for you to spend three weeks in the suite of a top London hotel, bought you a whole heap of designer clothes, and made out with you?"

"Um...yeah."

"And he showed up at the airport, only to tell you you're a brat, and he'll call you sometime?"

"Yeah."

"And you're insanely attracted to him, which makes you mad, and you love and hate spending time with him, all at once?"

"Yes."

"Well damn, Kurt, you have finally rendered me speechless," Meredith declares, while Anna gives a low whistle. "Do you think he'll call?"

"I don't know." Kurt shrugs. "If he doesn't, I'm cool with that. We had a moment of fun, and now it's done. Time to move on."

But Kurt is entirely not cool with that, and though he'd never admit it, he wishes that Blaine had held him the way Anna and Meredith had when he'd returned. He wishes he'd agreed to come inside, even if it was just to sit on the couch and drink tea. Not for the first time, the thought that he likes Blaine a lot more than he loathes him, makes itself known.

Blaine calls at six the next morning, and Kurt does not welcome it. "I was asleep!"

"Really? I thought you'd be awake because of the time difference."

"I'm exhausted."

"Oh." Blaine breathes hard. "Listen, yesterday, I think I was rude."

"You're always rude."

"Yeah." He breathes again.

"Blaine, what the hell are you doing?"

"Working out."

"Thank god." Kurt laughs, falling back on the bed. "I thought you were pulling a Frank."

"Is that an innuendo?...Oh! Frank as in your sleazy director."

"Yes!" Kurt laughs louder when Blaine joins in. "It wasn't a euphemism for masturbation, but I still wondered if you were masturbating, if you get me."

"Why the hell would I call you up to apologize while I was jacking off?"

Kurt can hear his grin, and it warms him. "I don't know!"

"You dirty boy."

"Say that again."

"Kurt! Now who's pulling a Frank?"

They laugh for a long time, until Kurt sighs. "I like it when you're like this."

"Hot, sweaty, and half-naked?"

"Are you?"

"I am," he confirms. "But I got what you meant, and ditto. See me today."

"Blaine."

"Sorry." Heeding the warning in Kurt's voice, he tries again. "Please can I see you today?"

"Yes."

"You could've said yes the first time."

"You're such a charmer."

He laughs, gradually getting more out of breath. "Treadmill," he explains. "I'll pick you up in an hour."

"You will not! That'll be like...seven in the damn morning."

"Suit yourself. I'll be there at eight, then."

Secretly, Kurt quite likes the way Blaine is so direct and forthright about wanting to see him. What he doesn't like, is the panic that now ensues over what to wear. He'd like to text him and see where they're going, but eventually he figures that Blaine will be in a suit whatever happens, so he settles on the outfit he'd bought him in London, because he knows he likes it.

He escapes the apartment without waking the girls, which he's glad about. He knows they'd only get giddy over the arrival of the town car anyway.

"Do you ever drive anywhere yourself?" he asks as soon as he's inside.

"Good morning to you too. And no, I don't."

"You should."

"Why? I haven't got any need to. Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"Okay."

As if that's some command, the car pulls away, and Kurt settles back to look out of the window.

"The uh...the clothes look good," Blaine says quietly.

"Thank you. I was hoping you'd notice."

"I always notice. With you, I mean. I always notice what you're wearing, because you always look incredible."

Kurt looks across at him, raising one eyebrow. "Even in my cheap clothes?"

Blaine smiles. "Even then."

Liking the way Blaine seems so sweetly shy when it comes to compliments, Kurt decides to try a new tactic, and open up a little more himself, hoping it will encourage Blaine to do the same. "I was really happy that you called."

"You were not!" he scoffs. "You yelled at me."

"I mean after that point," Kurt corrects. "And I was kinda overwhelmed that you met me yesterday. That meant a lot."

"Good."

"When I asked you to come up... I wasn't...expecting anything. I just wanted you around."

"You needed to sleep."

"Why do you always presume to know what's best for me?"

"I don't. I just... I didn't want to follow you home when your roommates were no doubt waiting to see you, and you were tired out, and... I barely know you, and I certainly don't know them."

"I didn't mean to make you feel awkward."

"You didn't, but I know you were upset that I declined. That makes me feel awkward."

"All I really want, is for you to kiss me again like you did the morning you left."

At this, Blaine swallows hard. He looks down at his hands, and then back up, keeping Kurt in a steady gaze. "I don't think I should. I'm sorry. If I'm honest, I've been agonising over this a lot. The fact is, I'm twenty years older than you, and I'm a horrible, horrible person. You'll end up hurt, and you don't deserve that, so as much as I enjoyed kissing you like that, and I really did, I don't think it's right for me to act that way with you."

Kurt takes his time to process all of this, and he's alarmed at the level of self-loathing Blaine hints at. "What if it's all that I want, though?" he asks, moving closer. "What then?"

"Don't do this," Blaine says, unable to tear his gaze away from Kurt's face. "Because I'm trying to do the right thing, but you..."

"Say it."

"You're just..." Unable to finish, Blaine closes the gap between them. "I'm powerless to resist you," he murmurs against his lips. "I know I should be stronger but..."

"No. No, you shouldn't be, really. Kiss me, please. Please."

Then Blaine's mouth is on his, hot and demanding, making him feel weak as he slides his hands back into his hair. While the kiss is intense and sensual, it's not that which really gets Kurt going; it's the way Blaine suddenly pulls him into his lap, so he's sitting astride his thighs, and wraps his arms around him. He holds Kurt like he matters, like he never wants to let go, like he's keeping him safe, and it makes heat build up quickly between the two, until the car pulls to a stop and they part, both remembering that there's a driver sitting up front fully aware of what they're doing.

"Um..." Kurt slides off, biting his lip as he glances at Blaine.

"You'll be the death of me," Blaine grouches, then he rights his hair and steps quickly from the car.

He reappears on Kurt's side, pulling open the car door himself and offering his hand. "Breakfast."

Kurt looks up at the Plaza, shaking his head. "I'm not dressed for this."

"Then get undressed and I'll eat you instead."

Shocked, Kurt turns to Blaine with wide eyes. "What did you just say?" he shrieks, but Blaine just laughs and, keeping a hold of his hand, leads him into the hotel.

"That was a joke."

"I got that. But you know what?" he tugs Blaine to a halt in the middle of the foyer and kisses his cheek. "This isn't a joke. I'm an adult, Blaine. Twenty years makes no difference to me. I think you're...ridiculously hot, and you kinda make me weak at the knees." He laughs, embarrassed. "You know what else? Your family might not accept you, but I happen to think you're really quite something so please, kiss me all you want, because I want it too."

Stunned, Blaine gives a crisp nod, keeping his eyes downcast. "Thank you."

"Welcome. Now buy me breakfast, I'm starving."

"Sure." They walk to the restaurant together and while they wait to be seated, Blaine leans in close, sliding an arm around Kurt's waist. "Is this okay, or too weird?"

"It's very okay," Kurt says, pressing closer to his side.

They're led to a table, but Blaine takes one look at it, then glares at the waiter. "I don't think so, do you? Find something better."

"Blaine!" Embarrassed, Kurt tries to smile at the waiter as they're led to another spot. "That table was fine."

"It wasn't. This will do," he informs him, gesturing to a chair. "Move my seat next to him," Blaine orders, and the waiter obliges, then retreats without a word.

"Blaine, you can't speak to people like that."

"Like what?"

"Like they're put on this earth to do your bidding."

"He's a waiter."

"He's a person. You know, that day you came in the shop, you made me feel worthless."

"I apologized for that."

"I know, but it still hurt. That waiter was following the seating chart on the screen, which tells him what order to fill the tables in. It's not his fault."

"I dine here often. They should know where I like to be seated."

"You know, I'm going to the coffee shop this afternoon, to see if they're able to hire me again. What will you think of me then?"

"Don't be stupid. This isn't anything about you, or your line of work."

"But it is," Kurt insists; "Because I don't want to worry, or feel ashamed... I don't want you to feel ashamed of me. You've had tough times, Blaine. Don't block all that from your memory just because you have money at your disposal. No one likes an asshole."

"Are you calling me an asshole?"

"No...I just..." Kurt stops. He knows Blaine understands his point, he's just being stubborn and refusing to acknowledge it. "I'm getting pancakes."

They order, wait for their food, and eat, in silence. Finally, Blaine throws his napkin down and nods to the anxious waiter, who hurries over to clear their plates. "Apologies if I came off as rude, earlier," Blaine tells him awkwardly. "I don't know what I was thinking."

"Perfectly okay, sir," the amazed young man says quietly.

"It's not, but it's very kind of you to be so gracious. Thank you."

The waiter nods, gathers the plates and leaves, while Kurt reaches out, covering Blaine's hand with his own. "That was lovely of you."

"I only did it so you'll kiss me again."

Kurt laughs, flirtatiously resting his chin on the palm of his hand. "Oh yeah? You like that, do you?"

"You know I do. Now come on."

They go back to the car, which travels slowly through the busy morning traffic, giving them both time to surreptitiously study the other one, until Blaine sighs and puts an arm around Kurt's shoulders, pulling him close.

"Have you got any auditions lined up?"

"Frank said..."

"Don't you dare," he snarls, and his fierce anger has Kurt quickly placing a hand on his thigh to reassure him.

"No, no, I wouldn't. He's doing a show in Chicago, and offered me a role. I think he thought I'd take it as it's nearer to dad. Anyway. There's a revival of Planet America happening. I thought I might go up for that."

Blaine pulls a face. "Really? You're better than that."

"Well you never seem to think so."

"Don't start with that again."

"It's true!"

"It is not. I told you, I think you have talent, I just don't think you know how to nurture it."

"The pay's really good."

"So? You don't do theatre for the pay, Kurt. You do it for the love of it. For the joy of creating art. I go and watch endless shows, some awful, some outstanding but each and every one gives me a chance to write about an art form that I love. The money doesn't matter."

"Not to you it doesn't, because you have money," Kurt explains. "I have to make rent, and eat, and be able to fly back to dad and granny... I need money."

"There must be other shows."

"Not really. Not right now. There's a play... Whiskey and the Rye, but that's only a two hander, and I don't think I'd stand much chance."

"You would! See, that's exactly the type of roles you should be going for. Push yourself, step outside the boundaries you've created and embrace the unknown, Kurt. I know the play..the old guy with his son, right?"

"Yeah, but it's set in the south so..."

"Who gives a damn about an accent? You can work on that. What matters is that you have your relationship with your own dad to draw on here. I'm telling you, you should give it a shot. Call your agent and have her book you an audition."

"I'll think about it."

"Stubborn brat."

Kurt smiles, wondering when he came to think of the word brat as an affectionate pet name. He's perfectly content, despite the traffic and their heated discussion over his career. Sitting in the back of the car, with Blaine's arm around him, is the only place he wants to be right now.

"Do you work in an office, or at home?"

"Home. I don't like people."

"And where is home?"

"Upper West Side."

"Nice. Are we going there now?"

"No. I told you, I'm powerless to resist your charms. If I take you home who knows what will happen?"

"Exactly."

"Kurt." A hint of annoyance in his voice, Blaine closes his eyes for a moment. "I feel like we barely know each other, still. I don't want to rush into anything, okay?"

"Okay." He shrugs, feeling a little deflated. "I just..."

"I know, trust me."

But Kurt can't stay mad for long, not when they arrive at a helicopter launch pad and Blaine takes him on an aerial tour of Manhattan. Letting go completely, he screams his delight as they climb and climb, and Blaine seems to embrace his excitement, smiling broadly and pointing out landmarks as they pass.

"Oh hey, you'll see my place," Blaine says, leaning across Kurt to point to a large building overlooking the river. "Riverside Drive."

"Beats Mapleton."

"Ah, but it doesn't, because Mapleton has you."

Kurt turns back to look at Blaine, to find his brown eyes shining with sincerity. "I really like spending time with you, Kurt," he says above the noise of the engine. Kurt beams, and makes to kiss him, but their headsets get in the way and in the end he settles for kissing his jaw, laughing all the while.

"My legs feel like jelly," he says when they land. "But that was incredible. Best date ever. Oh... I don't mean it was a date. I just mean..."

"It was a date," Blaine says, taking hold of both his hands. "And I'm glad you enjoyed it. I like it when I can make you smile. But then, I also like it when you get angry at me too, so I don't know what that says about me, really."

"That you respect my sharp mind and intelligent conversation?"

"Hmm. I do." Blaine leans in, kissing softly behind his ear. "But I also respect your amazing eyes," he whispers. "Your smile... Everything about you makes me want you more and more."

They kiss then, right there, on the waterfront, with tourists milling around them and the noise of another helicopter taking off. They kiss deeply and passionately, and Kurt swoons once more.