Blaine knocks and waits anxiously for someone to open the door. He's hoping it will be Kurt. He's still upset about the conversation with his mom, and was hoping to talk to Kurt about it, but it's Finn who stands there instead.
"Hey Blaine, come in. Everyone's here already."
"Am I late?"
"No, I picked Rachel up on my way over. How come you didn't ride with Kurt?"
Blaine is immediately on his guard as he's shown into the hallway. "What? Why would I ride with Kurt? He's...I don't...well..."
"Do you really think I'm that dumb?"
"What?"
"Dude. I know you're together."
"He told you?"
"No. And neither did Rachel before you rip her a new one. I worked it out."
"Really?"
"Yeah... I know. But I did. That day at the bowling alley when I asked if Kurt was coming, the look on your face made me think something was up. Then in the coffee shop...you two...together."
"We were just having coffee."
"Yeah but you were all...nervous. And Kurt was- what was it Rachel said?- skittish. Yeah. Skittish. Although I don't know what that means. But then I heard you and Rachel talking before you left...so then I knew."
"Does Rachel know that you know?"
"I told her last night."
"Are you going to tell anyone else?"
Finn thinks for a moment. "Nah. There's not a lot to tell really, is there? You date him. So what? Kind of sucks that he's your teacher though. Rach says you need to keep it quiet until graduation."
"We do."
"Ok. You might want to do something about this then." Finn says, pointing at Blaine's face.
"What?"
"Your face. It goes all sappy when you see him. That's why my mom and Burt get suspicious."
"Today is going to be horrible."
"Today will be fun. Come on."
Finn leads him through to the living room, where everyone is watching the parade.
"Guys, Blaine's here."
Kurt looks up sharply and the two lock eyes. Both try but fail to keep their expressions neutral. It's hard not to grin when faced with the love of your life, Blaine thinks.
"Sappy face." Finn whispers before taking his place next to Rachel.
"Hi Blaine. Happy Thanksgiving sweetheart. Take a seat." Carole ushers him warmly into the room. He smiles gratefully at her and says Hi to everyone before perching on the very edge of the couch next to Kurt- the only available spot.
"Hey kid. Happy Thanksgiving." Burt calls from his armchair.
"And you Mr. Hummel."
"Burt."
"Sorry, Burt."
"Happy Thanksgiving." Kurt says softly beside him, and Blaine can't help but stare. He's taken back to the day in the music shop, when he found himself captivated by Kurt's melodious voice. And now, hearing it in sharp contrast to Finn and Burt's, it's happening all over again.
"H-happy Thanksgiving." he almost whispers, smiling shyly. Finding himself unsure of how to act, and incredibly nervous, Blaine folds his hands in his lap and sits ramrod straight. Kurt shifts quietly closer to him and extends his arm to run his fingers lightly along the back of his waist.
"Relax."
"Kurt! Go and help Carole in the kitchen." Burt suddenly booms, causing Blaine to jump as if burned.
"I'm watching the parade." Kurt objects.
"It's ok honey, there's nothing to be done right now anyway. I'm watching this for a while too." Carole settles on the arm of the chair next to Burt as he glares at her.
Blaine laughs as Kurt sticks his tongue out at his dad. "What are you, seven?"
"No."
"You're like a child sometimes." Blaine teases.
"Am not."
"Are too." Blaine dodges skillfully as Kurt tries to poke him in the ribs, the pair having forgotten completely where they are, and paying no mind to the four pairs of eyes upon them. Laughing loudly, Blaine falls backward as Kurt tries to tickle him, moving so he's almost on top of the boy.
"KURT! KITCHEN. NOW!" Burt roars, and Kurt trails out dejectedly, leaving Blaine to blush furiously as he looks to Rachel for support.
"Ahem. So...who do you think will win the game today then?" Rachel asks, and Blaine wonders when she developed an interest in football, because she's never mentioned it in all the years he's known her. Still, it provides a welcome distraction and he chats animatedly with Finn and Burt until the food is ready.
Blaine is placed opposite Kurt and next to Rachel at the table, Finn protesting that he wanted to be next to his girlfriend, until Burt fixes him with a look. The atmosphere is happy and relaxed, despite Burt having a near coronary whenever Kurt so much as looks at Blaine. Talk turns to college, and Rachel proudly tells Burt and Carole that she has been asked to audition for NYADA.
"That's great news Rachel." Carole says, "What about- Oh! Excuse me." she shifts suddenly in her seat and clears her throat. "Sorry. What about you, Blaine?"
"You ok?" Burt asks her.
"Yes, yes. Fine. I was just wondering where Blaine was applying."
"I..uh...well I haven't..."
"Blaine is hoping to go to Julliard." Kurt interrupts.
"What? Since when?" Rachel shrieks.
"Since never. Kurt...what are you talking about? I'm not applying to Julliard."
"Well you should."
"Well I'm not." Blaine answers sharply, glaring at him.
"I've already sent for the forms."
"What?" Blaine stares darkly at Kurt, angry that he's waited until now to share this information, when he knows Blaine can't argue about it.
"Now why would you do that?" Burt asks, pushing his plate to one side and leaning forward waiting for Kurt's explanation.
"Because Blaine is the most talented musician I've ever heard. He can write the most wonderful music and lyrics, and can play any instrument he picks up. Music is in his soul."
Blaine blushes at the compliment but doesn't smile, still simmering with anger that Kurt has gone behind his back like this.
"Why would you care enough to send for the forms for him though?" Burt persists.
"For the love of God dad! Can't you just leave me alone?" Kurt yells.
"Ok. Let's all just settle down." Carole interrupts as Kurt sinks down in his chair and tries his best to make eye contact with a very downcast Blaine. "Blaine, for what it's worth, I think you should consider Julliard. You have the most magical singing voice. I'm no expert, but I'd say they'd be lucky to have someone like you."
"Thank you Carole."
"Now, why don't we- Oh!" She yelps again. "Sorry. Why don't we get this cleared up and then we can get dessert. Kurt, can I see you in the kitchen for a minute please?"
Kurt follows Carole into the kitchen where she closes the door and leans against the counter.
"Kurt...honey...I think you've got the wrong leg."
"Huh?"
"You keep running your foot up my leg. I'm guessing it's not me you're aiming for."
"Shit." Kurt holds his head in his hands and tries to calm the furious blush creeping up his neck and cheeks.
"Come here." Carole wraps her arms around him and rubs his back soothingly, despite having to stand on tiptoe to do so. "What's going on with you two?"
"Nothing." Kurt mutters into her shoulder.
"I'm not buying that. Do you see him outside of school?"
"A bit." Kurt lies.
"Do you...Are you...No. You know what? I'm not going to ask anymore. I'm not your mother, it's not my place. Just...be careful."
"Thank you." Kurt whispers gratefully, dropping a small kiss to her cheek. "He's mad at me I think."
"He'll come around. It was a very sweet gesture Kurt, but I don't think he's worked out what he wants to do yet, so having someone tell him what they think he should do...well it's probably going to upset him. Maybe call him later and talk to him, explain you were only acting in his best interests. Do you have his number?"
Kurt merely raises one eyebrow.
"Right." Carole replies.
Blaine makes his excuses after dinner and leaves, thanking the Hummels profusely, hugging Finn and Rachel and completely ignoring Kurt. He leaves soon after, feigning tiredness.
"He's not going home, is he?" Burt asks Carole as they wave at Kurt's car disappearing down the street.
"I doubt it. He's gone the wrong way for a start."
"What are we going to do?"
"Nothing. Leave them to it. They're big boys, both of them. They need to sort this out themselves."
"But he's the kids teacher."
"I know. And I'm not saying what they're doing is right or wrong. But right now we have another son sitting on our couch making out with his girlfriend who is exactly the same age."
"Can't pretend I'm happy about that either." Burt grumbles as he heads back inside.
"I know. But that's just because you're a grumpy old man. I think we may just have to face the fact that Blaine makes Kurt incredibly happy."
"Do you think..." Burt clears his throat gruffly before continuing, "Do you think they've..."
"I would have thought so. Blaine's been home alone for nearly three weeks. I can't imagine he's not taken advantage of that. But they're young, sex is all boys ever think about at that age."
"I was going to say kissed."
"Oh."
Kurt waits for the longest time but eventually, Blaine opens the door. He takes in Kurt standing there, leaning against the doorframe looking suitably remorseful, huffs, and walks back inside.
"Can I come in?" Kurt calls down the hallway.
"Door's open isn't it." Blaine states.
Kurt follows him into the kitchen and leans against the counter as he watches Blaine doing the vigorous cleaning of the countertops that he does when he's stressed.
"Are you mad at me?"
"No. I'm over the fucking moon. What do you think?"
"I'm sorry if I upset you."
"You had no right to humiliate me like that Kurt, and in front of your parents too! I was trying to make a good impression, so when we eventually tell them, they will already know and hopefully like me..."
"They do, I..." Kurt protests, but Blaine isn't letting him speak.
"Now they'll just think I'm some dumb ass kid who can't make up my own mind, that I need an adult to tell me what to do all the time. Instead of being pleased for you they'll think you're taking on a child."
"They would never think that. Blaine I didn't do it to try and humiliate you. I would never, ever do that. And I'm so sorry if I made you feel that way. I..I..was trying to surprise you. I thought if I told you when everyone was around you'd just go all bashful and agree to apply."
"But what the fuck made you think I would want to apply to Julliard anyway?"
"It's the most prestigious music school in the whole country." Kurt replies softly.
"It's in New York, it's stupidly expensive and I have no hope of getting in. Yeah...I can see why you thought it might be suitable."
"You are incredible Blaine. You can do anything if you set your mind to it."
"That's just it though...I don't WANT to do anything!" Blaine yells, finally losing his cool completely.
"But why, Blaine? Why? You're an exceptional student. It's not just music you're gifted at. I don't get why someone like you would want to waste your life stuck here in Lima!" Kurt shouts back, hating how his naive attempt at a grand gesture has turned into a fight.
"Because someone like me doesn't want to move away and leave behind someone like you, that's why!" Blaine continues to yell, pulling at his hair in frustration. "Jesus Kurt! Don't you get it? How can I move to New York and exist in a world where you don't? How do you expect me to sleep at night knowing it could be weeks or even months before I see you again? I am overwhelmed that you have enough faith in me to believe I could be good enough for Julliard, but it's never going to happen." Blaine has stopped yelling, looking at Kurt with sad, wistful eyes. "I'm so scared of the future, Kurt- of our future- of messing it all up by moving away, that I'd rather not go."
"What if I come with you?"
"What?"
"It makes sense." Kurt tries to keep calm and rational but in reality is about ten seconds away from losing it altogether. "I never wanted to leave New York anyway. I'd love to go back, and if you were there too it would just make it so much better. We wouldn't have to live together if you didn't want- I mean you might want to live with Rachel if she's there as well."
"Would you want to live together?" Blaine looks almost crazed with hope, eyes shining bright and leaning across the counter toward Kurt.
And now it's Kurt's turn to be shy. How do you answer that? What does he want to hear? Every panic alarm inside Kurt is ringing loudly, and he doesn't know what to say.
"Would you want me to want to live with you?"
"Quit with that. I asked you a question. Would you live with me, if I asked you?"
"Yes." Kurt nods and looks down at his hands, and yelps as Blaine vaults over the counter and lands in front of him.
"Kurt, please move to New York with me. Don't make me live with Rachel."
"She's your best friend."
"And I love her like crazy, but she's not you. I want to live with you."
"If I say yes, will you apply to Julliard?"
"Yes."
"Yes."
Blaine grabs Kurt's face and kisses him forcefully then showers kisses over his face as Kurt laughs and bats him playfully away.
"Ok, ok. Listen to me. I want you to promise me something. This is all very fast. Lighting fast. So fast that people would have us committed if they..."
"Yeah, yeah. I don't care. You're it for me." Blaine repiles, trying to pull him in for another kiss, but Kurt resists.
"And I hope it stays that way. But if things change, if we decide not to go through with it for whatever reason, you have to promise me you will still go to college."
"Why would things change?"
"Because you're seventeen Blaine. When I was seventeen I didn't know what I wanted for breakfast, let alone what I wanted for the rest of my life."
"Don't play the age card Kurt." Blaine says, pulling back and folding his arms. "It's never been an issue, and I don't see why it should start. I didn't expect to fall in love this young, but I have. I know what I want, and it's you. But if it makes you happy, I promise that whatever happens, I will still go."
"Are you mad at me?"
"A little."
"Please don't be."
"I just don't see why you always have to be so damn realistic about everything. It was you who told me to live a little. If we want to make fanciful plans to move to New York together then why can't we? Why does it have to come paired with a back up strategy of what to do if things go wrong?"
"I could say it's because I'm twenty seven and I've lived a little. You haven't." Blaine offers a tiny smile in Kurt's direction at this. "But I won't. I'll just remind you that I gave up everything- friends, a job I loved, the city I adored, to make satisfy someone else. And look where that got me. I don't regret it now I've found you, but I don't want either of us to compromise on what we might want in six months time just to keep the other one happy."
"'Kay" Blaine mutters
"You sure?"
"Yes. But it doesn't matter anyway, I'm not going to change my mind and neither will you, so it's pointless even discussing it."
"Shut up and kiss me then." Kurt says, wrapping Blaine's arms around his neck. Just before their lips meet, Kurt pulls back just a fraction. "New York baby." he smiles, before tilting his head to meet Blaine's beautiful lips.