The next morning, Kurt's alarm woke him early as usual. He didn't want to get out of bed, having spent most of the night on the phone with Mercedes reliving his entire outing with Blaine. In the end she promised not to say anything to Mr. Hummel or Finn, even promising to keep it from Rachel as well. Never before had Kurt realized just how hard it was to keep a secret from his friends and family. At least they all knew he was in New York and why, even if they couldn't share with the world at large.
He stretched and forced himself out of bed, knowing he had a long day ahead of him. He was surprised, though, when he realized that the rest of the apartment was quiet. He quickly showered and dressed before making his way out of his bedroom. Mrs. Bryant was just emerging from her own room looking just as bad as she had the night before.
"Still sick?" Kurt asked, feeling bad for her.
She smiled sadly, "Unfortunately, but we don't have time to dwell on that now, you have a full schedule today."
A plan began to form in Kurt's mind. "You know you don't have to come with me. I'm just going to be at the studio all day and then back here. I could just take the car myself, and you could stay here and get better. Maybe call the doctor and see if there is anything she can do."
He could tell the offer was tempting her but she said, "I don't know how your father would feel-"
"The way I see it, it is really not much different than you riding with me. Plus, my dad wouldn't want you to go out if you are this sick."
"Maybe if I called him-" she began.
"If you feel like you need to," Kurt said, acting as if it didn't matter to him either way. "But he also left these decisions up to you. It's just a car ride, after all. After that, Mr. Michaels will be in charge anyway."
She looked torn for a moment before her body seemed to relax.
"Fine. Jeffrey knows where to go anyway, and you'll be back before I know it."
"Great," Kurt smiled, trying not to let his excitement show. "Why don't you go back to bed, and I'll just finish getting ready to go. I'll see you this afternoon."
He watched as she retreated to her room, and he raced to grab the phone. He quickly called the car service, cancelling for the day, telling them Mrs. Bryant was sick. That finished, he grabbed his things and walked out the door, making sure he had his metrocard with him. In the elevator, he pulled up directions to the studio, making sure they were loaded before stepping out of the building. Alone, he walked the streets of New York, confident that he could get where he was going. He smiled to himself as the train pulled away from the station, and he didn't falter. He couldn't help thinking to himself that Blaine would be proud. He looked around at the other commuters, feeling like one of them. When he emerged once again he checked his clock and the route. He still had time to stop for coffee and some breakfast, and he steered himself into a small cafe. As he waited in line, he texted Blaine.
I managed to get out of the house again today. And your metrocard came in handy!
By the time he placed his order, Blaine had responded.
I hope this was an authorized outing. I would hate for you to jeopardize our chances for that first date.
Kurt felt a tug of guilt as he replied
Not entirely authorized, but I was allowed to go to school on my own. Just neglected to mention I canceled the car. Not trying to mess up our chance at a date. I will ask my dad tonight. Wish me luck!
His name was called, and he hurried out the door, making his way to the studio. He was still early so he sat on the stoop eating his breakfast and sipping his coffee as he watched the rest of the commuters passing by. He was always one of the first to arrive and so he wasn't surprised when he walked in the studio to find only Todd waiting for him.
"Morning Kurt," Todd called as Kurt set his bag down against the wall and pulled his jacket off. "Where's Bryant? She actually leave you alone for once?"
Kurt could feel himself flush; it wasn't a secret that Mrs. Bryant was his constant companion, but he didn't like the way Todd pointed it out. He liked it better when no one commented on the fact.
"She's sick, and I finally convinced her that at 17, I could actually get myself here without her help."
Todd's smile helped as he said, "Good for you," clapping him on the back. "Now it's time to work, let's start with reps of 20."
As he left for the day, it was already after 5:00. Blaine had sent a text an hour before, obviously already out of school. He sent a quick one back before making his way back to the subway.
Sorry, just heading home. I will call you as soon as I talk to my dad.
He knew something was wrong as soon as he walked in the door. Mrs. Bryant was sitting on the couch, her arms folded over her chest, her face stormy.
"I can't believe you would take advantage of me when I am sick," she said.
"What do you mean?" Kurt asked not sure what part she was talking about.
"I called Jeffrey to see how close you were to being home, and he said you cancelled the car because I was sick. Did you even go to rehearsal today?"
"Yes, I did, of course I went. I just-" he sighed, "I just took the subway instead. Look, I'm sorry if you were worried, I've just been frustrated lately. Don't you get tired of being chauffeured around the city all the time, only seeing it through windows?"
"I doesn't matter what I want, I promised your dad-"
Kurt cut her off, "And I am going to talk to him about it. I should have a long time ago, but- I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, I wasn't thinking about that. I just wanted to see the city."
"Kurt- do you realize I could lose my job?"
"You won't. I will make sure he knows that it was all me. I promise," he assured her, "I'm going to go call him right now. Did you tell him yet?"
She shook her head, "I wanted to make sure you were okay first. I hoped you just walked, if you weren't back in 15 minutes I was going to call you."
Kurt headed to his room. Now more nervous than ever. He pulled his phone out and stared at it for a moment. This was it, his one chance to earn his freedom, or maybe doom himself to losing it all and moving back to Ohio. He just hoped that his dad would see reason and listen to what he had to say.
Kurt sat on his bed, weighing his phone in his hand. He wasn't sure what to say to his dad, what other points he could make to get him to understand. He took a deep breath before unlocking his phone and making the call. The phone rang and rang so long Kurt was sure it would go to voicemail. He was surprised then when it was his father's own voice that answered instead of the mechanical voice for his mailbox.
"Hey, bud."
"Hey, dad," Kurt said, his voice shaking a bit.
"Everything okay?" he asked.
Kurt couldn't help the small chuckle. His dad knew him so well.
"Yea, I just- can we talk?"
"Anytime, you know that." Kurt just hoped he would listen.
"Do you remember when you taught me how to drive?" Kurt asked.
Burt Hummel laughed down the line, "Almost forced you to learn is more like it. You were so nervous to learn."
"Yea," Kurt said, "I didn't think I was ready, but you took me out to the country and made me drive around for hours in your pickup truck. You told me that if I didn't just do it I would never learn. You were right. I couldn't just watch other people do it or read about it in a book, I needed to actually get behind the wheel."
Burt laughed again, "After that first hour, you were a natural. You weren't scared anymore, and you just did it."
"And still you made me drive you around for hours every Sunday."
"Practice makes perfect," Burt reminded him.
Kurt took a deep breath.
"But then when you bought me my car, you researched, and you made sure I had the biggest, safest car you could afford. You told me you trusted me, you knew I would be safe, you just didn't trust the other lunatics out there."
"You love that car," Burt defended.
Kurt couldn't deny that he missed driving sometimes but had no desire to drive in New York.
"Dad, I don't want to take the car anymore," he said.
"Well, I wasn't planning on letting you drive anywhere near that city. I thought the drivers here are crazy, they all drive like little old grannies compared to there."
"That's not what I meant." Kurt sighed, "I meant the car service here. I don't want to do it anymore. It's just like learning to drive. I will never learn to navigate the city if I don't just do it. Only I'm not the one that is afraid this time."
"Kurt, we have talked about this. I don't feel comfortable with you walking around that city. You don't know it, and New York has one of the highest crime rates-"
Kurt cut him off, "If I would have come here two years from now, I would have had to learn on my own. You wouldn't have had a choice. You used to trust me. What did I do to break that trust?"
"It's not you I don't trust any more than it was with that damn car. You are my son, and it is important for me to make choices to keep you safe. Two years from now - I don't know what I would have done, but I wouldn't have liked it."
Mr. Hummel sounded upset, and Kurt knew that was no way to get his dad to agree with what he wanted.
"All I am asking is, if she agrees, can Mrs. Bryant and I walk the city- not take the car?"
Burt was silent for a moment, and Kurt held his breath waiting for an answer, hoping it was the one he wanted.
Finally, Burt spoke, "If she agrees, then fine, you can cancel the car service, but only if she agrees, and I don't want you going out without her."
"But dad-" Kurt whined feeling five again.
"No buts. When I am there in a couple of weeks we can discuss this further, maybe after seeing the city again- I may change my mind. But until then- don't push it," he warned.
"Dad- please can we talk about this now," Kurt insisted, not wanting to push him too far but also knowing he hadn't hit on a very important point.
"What is so damn important about this that it can't wait until I am there?" he yelled.
"I want to go on a date," Kurt hurriedly said.
His dad was quiet for a moment, then, "Back it up- what do you mean, date?"
"I met a guy. He seems really nice, and he asked me out. He has lived here a couple of years. He knows the city really well. If I am with him, can we go out... on a date?" Kurt said slowly, choosing his words carefully.
"Just where did you meet him? Is he in the show or-"
Kurt huffed a breath, "I met him at a coffee shop, or rather outside of a coffee shop."
"Just how old is this guy?" Burt asked.
"I don't know," Kurt answered, "around my age. He is in high school."
"Are you sure?"
The questions were starting to annoy Kurt but he tried to keep his response even. He didn't want to screw this up now.
"Unless colleges have started requiring uniforms, I am pretty sure."
Burt sighed, Kurt could tell that he was losing patience, too.
"I would rather you wait to go on this date until I can meet him. It's only a couple more weeks until I'm there. After I meet him, we will see."
"Dad-" Kurt hated how whiney his voice sounded.
"Kurt- I have been more than fair here. I don't see why this can't wait."
Kurt wished he could see his dad's face. He couldn't gauge through the phone just how much more he could take. "In two weeks, everything is going to change. I want to go out with Blaine before - I don't know what is going to happen, and I would like to go out with him as just Kurt- not with whatever hanging over my head."
"He doesn't know?" Mr. Hummel asked quietly.
"No, and I would rather not tell him before I have to," Kurt answered just as quietly.
"Has Laura at least met him?"
Kurt knew he couldn't lie, "No, um- I may have taken an unauthorized trip out when she was sick last night. I met him then. I promise if you let us go out, I will not leave the apartment alone again. Please."
He could hear his dad huff in annoyance down the line.
"You're telling me you snuck out and you expect me just to let that slide and let you go out with this guy instead. What kind of parent do you think I am here?"
Kurt closed his eyes, "The kind of wonderful parent who will forgive me because the worst thing you have had to deal with is me sneaking out one time after having the freedom to go wherever I wanted within reason for years?"
Burt laughed, "I think I recall a call from your guidance counselor about a pair of shoes you ruined."
"Okay, that's true," Kurt laughed too, unable to help himself. "I did learn my lesson with that one. You have to admit, I have been an easy teenager so far."
"Besides moving ten hours away two years before I was ready," Burt sighed again, but this time Kurt recognized it. It was the sound his dad made when he knew he couldn't win. "Fine, go out with the kid. But I want to meet him when I get there."
"If he is still around- I promise," Kurt said, hopping on his bed in excitement. "Thanks dad- for everything."
They talked for a few more minutes before ending the call. Kurt sat for a moment in wonder that everything he had asked for was actually going to happen. While he would have liked to have been given full freedom, knowing he would be able to travel the city, even with Mrs. Bryant by his side, was exhilarating. In a couple of weeks his dad would be here, and he wanted to be able to show him that the city wasn't as bad as he thought and hopefully earn the rest of his freedom. He knew he still needed to talk to Mrs. Bryant about it but had an inkling that she wouldn't be a problem.
He couldn't contain his smile, thinking that he was going to get to go out with Blaine. A date, he was going to get to go on a real date. All he had to do was make the call. He debated for a moment which to do first, call Blaine, or talk to Mrs. Bryant.
He decided that it was probably best to talk to Mrs. Bryant first. He wanted to make absolutely sure that everyone was on the same page. He didn't want anything to mess this up. She assured Kurt she would be calling his dad to confirm their new travel arrangement. He couldn't be too bitter about it after sneaking out and lying the last two days. She did seem surprised to hear about Blaine and a date, but if she was judging him for it she didn't let it show. When she grabbed her phone to call his dad, Kurt excused himself to his room again.
He dialed Blaine's number before he could let the nerves take over. This was a nervous feeling entirely different than those he felt before talking to his dad. It wasn't dread, but instead, his insides fluttered in a not entirely unpleasant way.
Once Blaine answered he said, "So how about that Broadway show you were talking about?"
"Really? Wow. Your dad said yes, then?" Blaine stammered over the phone.
"He did," Kurt smiled. "Would it be too forward of me if I wanted to go out tomorrow night? I know it isn't much notice but-"
Blaine cut him off, "Not too forward at all. In fact, I would like that a lot. I get out of school at three so I am free anytime after that."
"My classes end at five, I know that doesn't give us a lot of time before any of the shows, but- do you think we can make it work?" Kurt bit his lip as he waited for Blaine to answer.
"It may be cutting it close, but we could always have dinner after the show- that is if you don't have to be home. When is your curfew?"
"He didn't exactly give me one. I think as long as I let him know what I am doing and who I am with, we should be fine." Kurt laid down on his bed, smiling at the ceiling.
Blaine laughed, "Wow, how did you manage that?"
"I just reminded him that he trusted me in Ohio. And pointing out that you knew the city helped."
"So what show were you wanting to go to?" Blaine asked, his voice soft over the phone.
"Wicked, that is if you don't mind seeing it again. I know Mamma Mia is closing, but Wicked has always been my dream."
"They don't rush Wicked tickets, it's a lottery. I'm sorry Kurt, I just don't have the cash to swing for the show full price. Not right now." Blaine sounded so upset that he couldn't do this for Kurt.
"Let me see what I can do. If I can't get them we can try for something else. Would- would that be okay?" Kurt asked, he wasn't sure what the proper etiquette for these things was.
"If that is what you want. I'm sorry I can't swing them myself." Blaine still sounded so small.
"No need to be sorry," Kurt assured him. "I'm really excited for tomorrow, even without the Broadway show. I -I want to get to know you better."
Kurt was glad Blaine couldn't see him. He knew he was blushing scarlet. "I- That's what I want, too. So what time do you want me to pick you up?"
"Six o'clock, my place? I can text you the address," Kurt said, unable to contain his smile.
"Perfect," Blaine said, before asking Kurt about his day. They talked for hours, and while the conversation flowed with ease, Kurt was mindful not to let anything slip that may lead to questions he wasn't ready to answer.
Kurt stood in front of his mirror taking himself in. When he rushed home, he tried not to second guess the outfit choice he had made the night before. He knew he didn't have time to start again from scratch. Now that he was dressed though, he felt like something was off. His pants clung to his legs accentuating his "assets", his shirt was fitted perfectly as was his vest and a scarf was tied neatly around his neck. He looked incredibly put together, he looked perfect. He looked too perfect, Kurt realized. He looked like he was ready to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week, not the streets of New York City. He pulled the scarf and untwisted it from his neck before throwing it on his bed. He popped the first two buttons on his shirt and looked at himself once more. He huffed a breath and decided, he was ready for his first date.
When he walked into the living room Mrs. Bryant was sitting on the couch flipping through channels on the television.
"What time should I expect you home?" She asked before smiling, "You look very handsome by the way."
"Thank you," Kurt said, returning the smile. "We were going to go out to dinner after the show so I should be back around midnight. You don't have to wait up for me."
"You're lucky your father didn't send me out after you; he was tempted. I will be up until you return, boss's orders," she said, resuming flipping through the channels.
Kurt had just rolled his eyes ready to make a retort when the door buzzed. He pushed the button to hear, "A Mr. Blaine Anderson to see you, Mr. Hummel."
"I'll be right down," Kurt told the doorman breathlessly.
Kurt said a hasty goodbye to Mrs. Bryant and rushed to the elevator. He could feel his insides shaking with nerves as he waited in the elevator. He knew he shouldn't build this up too much in his mind, but he couldn't help it. This felt like an important moment. Not just going and seeing his first Broadway show, not just it being his first date, but because of who waited in the lobby for him. Their conversation the night before had made him realize that Blaine was more than just cute and charming, there was something innately special about him.
Kurt emerged from the elevator, and there he was fidgeting by the doorman's desk. Kurt looked him over in the moment before Blaine noticed him. He was dressed nicely, fitted slacks and a button up shirt. When Blaine turned around, Kurt's heart clenched at the site of the bow tie around his neck and then again, at the sweet smile he gave Kurt.
"Wow, you look amazing," Blaine said before extending his hand to him. "Are you ready to go?"
Kurt could feel his face flush, but took Blaine's hand anyway. "Absolutely."
They walked along hand in hand for a moment before Kurt spoke again, "I thought you were cute in your uniform, but I think I like this even better."
Blaine beamed at him, "Are you excited?" he asked.
"It almost doesn't seem real," he said, squeezing Blaine's hand.
He chuckled. "You have a hard time believing good things, don't you?"
Kurt ducked his head. "A little. Coming here has always been my dream, and now everything seems to be coming together, it just feels too good to be true sometimes. I promise I will get there, though."
They continued to chat as they made their way to the subway station. Kurt gave Blaine a smug look when the train lurched away from the station, and he didn't falter a bit. "See, I told you you would be a master before you knew it," Blaine said.
Blaine purposefully took them through Times Square. Kurt didn't think the sight would ever get old. Broadway was more crowded than it was the other night, as people were waiting on the sidewalks for shows, others were rushing to make it to their theatres. Kurt reveled in the moment, at being in this place with a sweet guy beside him. They entered the theatre and made their way to the box office to the Will Call window. When Kurt gave his name, the woman smiled at him before handing him his tickets.
"Enjoy the show, Mr. Hummel."
"Where are we sitting?" Blaine asked, obviously ready to lead the way once more.
Kurt looked down at the tickets. "Orchestra A seats 110 and 111," he read.
Blaine gaped at him.
"What?"
"I'm sorry, but how the hell did you get these seats?" Blaine asked, his eyes wide.
"A friend of the family. I asked him to see what he could do. Why?" Kurt asked, his heart quickening.
"You'll see." Blaine smiled.
It was clear what Blaine meant when they found the seats. They were four rows from the front, right in the middle. They were probably some of the best seats in the house.
"That must be one great friend," Blaine said before taking his seat.
Kurt looked away but was smiling, "One of the best. This calls for more than a thank you note I'm afraid." He looked over at Blaine and laughed, "Although I did tell him it was a date, so maybe he wanted to help me impress. Is it working?"
"Oh, you didn't need his help, you are pretty impressive in your own right," Blaine said, taking Kurt's hand again.
The show was everything Kurt imagined it would be and more. He sat mesmerized by every second on stage. He knew the story, he knew the songs word for word, but seeing it brought to life in front of him, larger than life, was more than he could have dreamed of. During intermission they raved over every moment they could until the lights dimmed again. Kurt wasn't even ashamed of the tears he shed as they were standing and clapping with the rest of the crowd as the cast took their bows.
As they waited to be able to leave their seats, Blaine asked, "So did it live up to your expectations?"
"I have no idea how you haven't spent every night of your life in the theatre. It was amazing," Kurt said, staring in awe at the empty stage.
Blaine laughed, "Well, even rush tickets add up. I want to be on the stage someday though, giving people this same feeling. Can you imagine how that must feel, knowing you have touched so many people at once?"
Kurt could answer completely honestly when he said, "I can't, not yet. But I want to find out."
Blaine smiled again, "Yes, me, too."
Kurt took Blaine's hand and squeezed it gently then led them out of the theatre.
"Where to now?" He asked once they were outside. Kurt longed for the day when this would all be familiar to him. He didn't want the city to lose it's magic, but he yearned for it to feel like home.
They made their way to a little whole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant, for once bypassing the hustle of Times Square, their hands still entwined. Their conversation bounced around from topic to topic, never faltering as they walked. Once seated, it continued to flow and Kurt bathed in the ease of it. Being with Blaine felt as natural as breathing. Kurt took a moment as they grew silent, to take in Blaine once more as he perused the menu. It almost seemed like a dream that he was there at all with this handsome man.
"I really like you," he blurted, turning bright red as Blaine looked up with his eyes wide. A feeling of panic washed over him for a moment before Blaine's face broke out in an enchanting, delighted smile.
"I like you too, Kurt." Blaine beamed. "In fact, I was hoping we could do this again?"
Kurt felt his breath catch in his throat as he nodded, "I would like nothing better."
His heart pattered pleasantly in his chest as he finally turned his attention to the menu himself.
By the time Blaine was walking him to the door, Kurt felt like he was floating. They bid each other tentative good nights. As the door latched behind him, Kurt rested his head against it. His only regret that evening was not kissing Blaine goodnight.