''So, I was with this girl last night and she was so hot. I mean, I know you like cocks over pussies, Hummel, but men. You'd turn as straight as a stick for her,'' Puck said, throwing a rock in the water.

''I don't think it could happen,'' Santana said dryly. ''But I've seen this girl. Hot,'' she commented and Puck smirked, slightly proud that his taste in girls are reciprocated. Puck, Santana and Kurt were on a small pond in the town, enjoying a warm afternoon. Puck was satisfied with his life as a prince in the hotel, taking advantage of his status of the best friend of Blaine Anderson's boyfriend to live a luxurious life. Kurt didn't mind, though. Noah had a shitty life in a crappy neighborhood and lived on Kurt's couch most of the time, so Kurt really, really didn't mind.

Puck threw another rock in the water below them. ''Hey, Pretty Boy, you seem awfully quiet today,'' Santana noticed as she eyed her friend critically. Kurt hadn't spoken much since they got together. He shrugged.

''It's just… complicated.''

''Oh, please. I know the Andersons for years, now. I know complicated.'' Kurt signed and looked into the water. Should he talk about it? Should he let two of the most important people in his life into this mess?

''It's just…''

''Is it Blaine?'' Puck asked. ''Because I told him that I don't give a fuck about his millions; if he hurt you, I'd have his scrawny ass.''

''Calm down, Noah,'' Kurt hissed as he looked over Puck's shoulder to see a mother with his child on the pond who gave some bread for the birds, walking briskly passed them. ''He's nothing but a gentleman to me. It's his family, though.'' He said sadly. He contemplated the water for a moment. ''They don't want me here.''

Santana waited for the downfall as she arched an eyebrow for him to continue.

''Charles gave me money-lots of it, to leave and never contact Blaine ever again.'' Santana's look hardened.

''I'm not surprised.'' She said harshly. Puck's jaw was slacked. ''There' one thing you need to know about him, Kurt.'' She said as she put her elbows on the rails, looking at his friend. ''Charles do what he wants. It's always been that way- but you can't get controlled by him,''

''But he had good reasons to do what he did, though,'' Kurt said quickly-almost too quickly.

''So you protect this asshole or what?'' Puck snarled. Kurt took a deep breath; he better say all the truth, now.

''Of course not,'' he quickly said. ''But the way I live my life; the simplicity of it all bothers him greatly,'' he said bitterly. ''Anyways, the main reason why I concern him if the fact that I saw Christian taking cocaine at the cocktail last month. He told him that and I guess he waited a month to see if I'd say anything. But I didn't and I guess he just doesn't want to take the risk and doesn't trust me.'' He finished his explanation, wishing for some advice; anything. Anything from a best friend with a Mohawk saying `I told you to get your scrawny little ass back to New York' or like a big sister would say `I told you so. My Mexican third eye never lies.'

''Don't take him too seriously, Kurt,'' Santana finally said. ''He's a coward. He's afraid of a nineteen year old. And he's heartless; he wants to keep his reputation intact over his son's happiness. It's sad,'' she concluded quite nostalgic as she looked down at the water.

''Beatrice agrees with him,'' he murmured darkly. At the brunet's name, Santana's head shot up and she began to talk quickly.

''Beatrice crave the attention; it's about time you realize what a phony she really is,'' Santana said. ''She- she manipulate people and she's damn good at it,'' a dark look passed over her eyes. ''You really, really should've trusted her,'' she concluded in a whisper, her voice was shaky.

''She's not the person I thought she was,'' he said, shaking his head.

''I actually slept with her and…''

''You did what?'' Santana and Kurt said in unison. Puck merely shrugged, he didn't think it was a big deal and she was quite good in bed.

''Hey, I didn't know she was a little brat like that. If I knew she was like that with you, I wouldn't have do that.'' he said with a cocky smile. ''I thought she was a little angel with her polite attitude and her good manners but once we get into the bedroom, she nearly begged for it.''

''We get the picture, Noah,'' Kurt said tiredly. ''She's just a hypocrite. She just wants to follow in her daddy's footsteps.'' He signed and just watched as the rocks Noah threw in the water ricocheted.

''And I don't know what to do anymore,'' he said after a moment, biting his upper lip. ''I love it here; I'm so, so happy. Blaine is so sweet to him and I really care about him… and now, his family is kind of after me. How can I be fully happy with a guy whose family hates me? I don't want to leave. Every time I look at them, it's like they are ready to jump at me and… Blaine… I don't want to tell him. He already doesn't like his father, I don't want to give him reason to hate him more.'' He was panicking and Santana put a hand on his shoulder.

''Just don't tell him'' she said matter-of-factly.

''What? But trust is everything in a relationship and…''

''Then tell him''

''Yeah, but it's his family and…''

''And he's coming,'' Puck said, looking over Kurt's shoulder. In a swift movement, Kurt swirled around and was in an instant engulfed in his boyfriend's arms.

''Hey baby!'' he greeted, enthusiastic.

''H-Hi, Blaine,'' Kurt said, utterly surprised to get caught by his boyfriend; but not really. He knew he was coming to see him on the pond, but he hadn't realized that their conversation ran so deep. His emotions were all over the place, now and he just wanted to sleep and never get up.

''Hey San,'' he went to hug his friend and waved at Puck. He looked at a silent Kurt. ''You promise me a day in the capital. I hope you keep your word,''

And the sleep can wait, Kurt thought as he was dragged by the hand by an enthusiastic Blaine.

''I'm stealing him from you, guys,'' he said as he placed an arm around Kurt's waist. Santana shook his hand and waved at them in a `I don't care' motion.

''I got a kitchen to run this afternoon anyways.'' She fled the scene, dragging along Puck back to the hotel.

-X-

''You know, we didn't have to take the limo to go there,'' Kurt said as they walked through the busy city.

''You like that, don't deny it,'' Blaine winked at him. He looked around himself with distaste. ''When I asked you to go to the city and do some shopping, I was thinking about beautiful and tasteful boutiques. I thought you like fashion… there's an amazing street in this city, a bit like the fifth ave., but more historic obviously, but you have Gucci, Armani, and Chanel… I can pay you anything you want,'' Kurt rolled his eyes good-naturally. They were strolling through the streets with little shops and little stands that sell everything; cheap jewelry, clothing, foods and old records that a man with dreads that looked like a white Bob Marley was selling. The street was packed with people and the chattering was loud. The mix with food creates a delicious smell. Blaine, not use to this sort of thing, felt crowded.

''Of course I love fashion, but I still love places like this. You should try some different things once in a while, Mr. I'm content to stay in my bubble.'' He giggled, and Blaine feigned to look offended. ''In New York, I am always in China Town. Stuff was less expensive and the atmosphere was just great.'' He looked at a stand that sells jewelry, scarves and bags. ''Oh, look!'' He pointed at a powder blue scarf that glittered in the sun and twirled in the wind. Blaine looked at the scarf, then at Kurt and his blue eyes and his heart melted. ''It will look beautiful on you. It will bring out the blue in your eyes.'' He turned to the seller. ''How much for that scarf?'' He asked, taking his wallet.

''What? No! You're not buying me stuff,'' Kurt said.

''I want to. This scarf is great,'' Blaine complemented as he touched the fine fabric with his fingertips.

''Yes, but…''

''Not but.'' He gave the money that the seller asked for, handing him the beautiful scarf. Kurt huffed.

''Fine, but I buy something for you,'' Blaine knew he didn't have a chance to argue; Kurt was stubborn. He shrugged.

''Fine. Anyways, this place won't ruin you. This scarf cost me only 20. You know that if we were in a boutique on the street that I want, then I could've bought you a scarf of 200.'' Kurt shook his head and laughed.

''It's not how much you pay a present that makes it valuable and loved. It's the love you put into this.'' Kurt continued to walk like he didn't know much the words he said impact on Blaine who now walked at a slower pace, deep in thoughts.

''Look at this bracelet,'' Kurt said as he walked at a stand. They were bracelets handmade with pearls and precious stones with and twines are twisted together. Of course, Kurt knew they were fake gemstones, but he thought it could look good on Blaine who was always so preppy with classy clothing; the Hindi look could be great on him. ''I'll buy you this one!'' he said, pointing to a bracelet and the seller reached behind him to take it. The twine was a rich brown color and there were a few precious stones in a honey and bright amber color that were scattered around the bracelet. ''It will brings out your eyes,''

Blaine smiled softly and looked at the bracelet; he'd never had something like that before. His jewelry- mostly watches- were always coming from a well-known boutique or designer, but in a way, this cheap bracelet was the most cherish jewelry he will ever possess.

-X-

Scarf around the neck and bracelet around the wrist, the couple were strolling around the city, simply enjoying the company of each other. Sometimes, a few looks were on them and Kurt could've noticed a few flashes, but he made sure not to get too annoyed. He knew Blaine was a face for the public, but he just tried to live, love, and be happy.

They sat on a bench in a beautiful park. They were drinking coffee with a muffin each. Kurt giggled at something Blaine was saying, until his eyes caught something behind Blaine. He stopped laughing and stood up.

''You want to leave?'' Blaine asked, curious by Kurt's sudden change of behavior. Kurt shook his head.

''No, I'll be right back.'' Blaine fallowed his boyfriend with his eyes, until he caught the guy sitting on the ground, back to an old, but beautiful and big building that looked like the city hall. He watched curiously as Kurt gave his half eating muffin and the guy took it slowly and began to eat fast, recognition in his tired eyes. Blaine could see Kurt's mouth moving and the guy nodded and talked with a little smile.

''Sir, I'll ask you to leave,'' said a harsh voice. Blaine couldn't make the words. He just watched a man in a dark suit stepped out of the building and gestured wildly as he pointed accusingly the man sitting on the ground with a blanket over his laps. Kurt approached the man, talking back to him and that was when Blaine saw red. The man grabbed Kurt's bicep and twisted it painfully and pushed Kurt aside. Blaine crossed the park, then the street that led to the city hall, not caring about the cars.

''Hey!'' he yelled. He approached the guy and pushed him away from Kurt. ''Is there a problem, here?'' he asked harshly, glaring darkly at the man.

''Yes, there's a problem, indeed,'' he spoke elegantly. ''This is the city hall and this man,'' he pointed at the greasy-haired man still sitting on the concrete. ''gives a horrible image. He needs to go away; he scares the tourists,'' he said in a nasally voice. Kurt wanted to protest, but Blaine cut him off.

''I'd be happy to say that to my mother, Maggie Anderson. She gives money for your god-damned city for years for several charity cases, as well as rebuilding all the north wing of your precious city hall when they were a fire three years ago.'' Recognition flashed into the man's brown eyes.

''Blaine Anderson,'' he simply said. ''I-I didn't recognise you.''

''Well, now you do.'' He said coolly. ''And you see this man? He's my boyfriend, so you'll make sure to recognize his face in the future. No friends of mine will be harm by your or your stupid protocol.''

''But the tour…''

''The tourists can look away,'' Blaine huffed. ''There's people with no luck all around the globe; surely they won't look too offend if they see it here,''

''I-I…'' the man stuttered. ''Very well,'' he said awkwardly and his suit seemed suddenly too tight on him. ''Have a good day, sirs.'' He flew up the stairs and entered the doors.

''Asshole,'' Blaine murmured as he watched him retreat behind the glass doors.

''It was great what you did,'' Kurt said softly as he took Blaine's forearm. He gave him a soft smile, trying to soothe his boyfriend.

''Thank you'' a croaked voice said behind them. The couple turned around; Kurt's eyes were misty. The man had long and greasy hair and his skin was ravaged by the nature and he got warm and ripped clothes, even though it was summer. ''No one ever stood up for me before,''

''It was nothing, really,'' Blaine replied, giving the man his best smile but Kurt could tell his voice was trembling and he could see Blaine's eyes shining with a mix of emotions; happiness and fullness to help someone, but also sadness like he couldn't believe that there was people struggling like that every day.

The man nodded in gratitude and placed the muffin Kurt gave to him a few minutes ago securely in his old bag and walked away with no destination.

-X-

It was the evening and Kurt and Blaine were in Kurt's bedroom, watching as the rain hit the window. Blaine was quiet for the rest of the day; they hang out and when dinner came, they decided to eat in the bedroom. Blaine didn't want to deal with his annoying brothers and Kurt didn't want to face Charles and Beatrice.

''You've been quiet,'' Kurt said, sipping his tea on his bed. Blaine shrugged.

''I keep thinking about that homeless guy.''

''It doesn't surprise me,'' Kurt said sadly.

''I-I never thought about them,'' Blaine said and looked away, like he was lost in his own deep and confusing thoughts.

''What do you mean?'' Kurt asked.

''I've always known my own little comfort, you know. Fancy clothes, fancy cars, foods, schooling in great schools. I have it all. But some people doesn't. And I just realized that, right now,'' Blaine said, ashamed because yes, he knew they were people struggling in the world but he didn't care; he didn't give a fuck. He felt disgusted with himself. Kurt approached him and took his hand.

''Don't be ashamed, Blaine. You are an extraordinary man. You've grown up into this lifestyle, but you didn't choose it. As a kid, you didn't have the opportunity to look behind those walls your parents built for you and your siblings. But you know what makes you a better person then Beatrice or… your dad?'' Blaine shook his head. '' You realized, Blaine. And you feel their pain. The world isn't perfect, but I try to make it a better place for some people. I can't help everyone, but I can help a few,'' he said sincerely and Blaine couldn't help but ask.

''What made you help them?'' There was a faint smile on Kurt's pale lips.

''When I was a kid, my mom woke me up one morning. I was about six. I didn't know where we were going and it was dawn so it was early and I was still sleepy. We were at Lima Height; the poorest side of Lima. There were people sleeping in alleys. She opened a basket that she carried with her and told me to give some muffins, fruits, breads and hot coffee she had made and poured in thermos. She told me that I shouldn't be scared of them and it was only people who didn't have a lot of chance in their lives. Of course, there were some dangerous people, like drug addicts, but mom knew those guys. She was there almost every morning. She just thought that it was time for me to do the same. I liked it so much that we did it almost every morning when dad was at work. We even helped at the Lima shelter, because my mother was also a volunteer there and she made the soup. So I helped her. She was a teacher too, she was incredible… when she passed away, I couldn't stop doing this, so I continued to help those in needs.'' Blaine looked at him in a whole new light; this man was beyond amazing. ''So you see, Blaine. If my mom didn't show me this, then I'd probably never help those people, so don't feel guilty because your parents covered you from this world.'' Blaine nodded and signed. Kurt knew what Blaine needed right now; something no one could resist when there were down and Kurt Hummel made the best. Choux à la crème.

''Come on, I'm hungry,'' he suddenly said.

''But we had dinner,'' Blaine said as he pointed at the empty dishes near the window. Kurt picked up some keys on a table.

''Yes, but no dessert! Come on,'' He took Blaine's hand and together, they made their way to Santana's hell kitchens.

-X-

''It's 10 o'clock and so usually, San is the last one to leave at 8 when she finished to prepare her next menu for the next day. '' Kurt explained as he unlocked the doors. Some people were still mingling around in different areas of the hotel; mostly men around a table sharing cigars and Jack Daniels.

Blaine knew Santana's schedule like the back of his hand because of his friendship with her and knowing her for years, but it was entertaining to see Kurt so excited to explain something he already knew; it was cute. Blaine didn't say a word and let Kurt leading him into the shiny and big kitchen.

''What are we doing here, exactly?'' Blaine asked.

''Baking,'' Kurt answering like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

''I know, but… why now? It's late.'' Kurt shrugged as he searched for different ingredients in pantries and fridges.

''Cooking and baking relax me.''

''Are you nervous about something?'' Blaine asked and Kurt shrugged and bowed his head. He knew something was up with Kurt but didn't want to sound like the needy boyfriend. If something was bothering him, then he will tell him in his own terms.

Kurt, on the other hand, wanted to tell him so badly about how his family threated him, but he didn't voice his fears. ''Well, I have a lot on my mind, of course,'' he replied easily. ''For example, my dream of opening a restaurant is a big stress,'' he said and it was true, in a way. It wasn't the thing that bothered him at the moment, but he did feel some pressure about his future, even though it was in a few years.

''You'll be amazing, don't worry,'' Blaine said passionately because he truly believed in Kurt.

A couple of minutes later, they were working in silence with Kurt indicating something Blaine should do and he never thought he would say it one day, but he actually enjoyed baking. In his home, he never had the privilege to do it or know how to do it because his mother never cooked. It was always a maid and his father always said that the kitchen was for women and women only. When he watched Kurt mixing, owning the kitchen like he did, men belonged in a kitchen as well as women did.

''This is going to be my mark,'' Kurt said as he took the batter and put in a pan. Blaine gave him a curious look as he copied Kurt with his movements and poured his own batter into another pan. Kurt continued. ''Choux à la crème. This is the ultimate French dessert. This is flaky, fresh and creamy. My restaurant will serve only French food and I want my restaurant in Manahan where the people who knows good food can eat it. My friend Rachel said I'm ambitious, though. But that's what I want to do, you know. New York is a challenging place to open up a restaurant, but I'll try my best.''

''I admire people with drive like you'' Blaine said, looking at Kurt across the steel table. ''I've grown up with people who always received without trying. You actually fight for what you want and it's admirable.''

''Thanks, Blaine. It means a lot to me that my boyfriend encourages me.'' He said with a teasing smile. Blaine chuckled and leaned forward and captured Kurt's lips in a tender kiss.

''You're welcome,'' he whispered.

-X-

''These are fabulous,'' Blaine exclaimed as he ate a Choux à la Crème covered in chocolate. Kurt ate one with vanilla and pistachio cream and he genuinely smiled; he loved it when people liked his food but with Blaine, it was more than loved it; he was proud of himself.

''I should cook more often for you, then.'' Kurt teased.

''Definitely. San's good, but you are just on a new level, Chef Hummel.'' Blaine teased back but he was sincere. Kurt blushed at the compliment. They were sat on the cold ground, just like they were when Blaine found Kurt in the kitchen with his memory book wide open on his lap. Blaine ate the cream puffs like they were no tomorrow.

''Can I ask you a question?'' Kurt asked after a moment. Blaine stopped eating and looked at him and nodded. ''We know each other for over 2 months, now. And I still don't know a lot of things about your family,'' besides being hypocrite, selfish, cold-hearted and mean.

''And I still don't know much about yours,'' Blaine said with a smile. Kurt rolled his eyes.

''My dad's a mechanic, my step-mother's a nurse and Finn decided to be a teacher while my friend and future sister-in-law wants to scream at the top of her lungs in some show on Broadway.'' Blaine laughed at that; he really wanted to meet that girl. Kurt always whined about how she is, but you could see the love and adoration he had for her. ''But seriously, though. What are you guys do? Living off on your daddy's money for the rest of your life?'' Kurt giggled.

''Oh, I'm wounded!'' Blaine said with a comical hurt expression. ''If you believe that we didn't need to go to school, then you're wrong. My dad takes education very seriously. We were in the best of schools. Uniform and all.'' Blaine chuckled. ''We were all in a boarding school in Boston named Dalton Academy, and Beatrice went to St-Mary. It was pretty far from our home in Miami, but I guess he liked his children to be as far away from him as possible.'' He rolled his eyes at his father coldness. ''Patrick graduated and went to Yale, where he met his future wife, Lucy. Christian and Daniel got into Columbia in New York and Beatrice went to some fancy school in France.'' He shrugged, clearly not interested by his sister's whereabouts. Kurt made a humming sound.

''They are smart if they went to those colleges,'' Kurt mused and Blaine huffed.

''You don't need to be smart if you have money, Kurt.'' Kurt nodded. It was very true.

''And what about you? Did you go to college?'' he asked. Blaine scoffed.

''I was too busy to party,'' he said matter-of-factly.

''But do you want to?''

''There is a time, I would've said yes. But now, I'm not sure. My dad always said that my brothers and sister were good enough to go and pursue a big college career. He always encouraged them, but I never get any encouragement, so I never really get pushed to go into college. Anyways, at that time, I was more interested looking for a guy to sleep with then what my future will entailed.'' Kurt looked at him sadly. What kind of person his dad was? You always should encourage your child, no matter what. ''My dad got this big dream of his; he wanted his sons to go to school and after their degree, they will come back and run the family business with him. And I'm a part of that, too. Even though I refused to go to school, he wants me by his side. He believes we can be bigger.'' Kurt arched an eyebrow.

''Bigger?'' He scuffed. ''You are more powerful than the Hilton hotels and Paris is green of jealousy as we speak.'' Blaine grinned at the comparison. He took Blaine's hand tenderly and stroked the flesh. ''You let him or anyone run your life. Do something you like or you'll regret it. Life's too short for regrets.'' He took another bite with his free hand of his pastry. ''Look at me, I'm here for that reason, after all. And you're 22 years old, it's not too late to go to college if you really want to.''

''You're right. Life's too short and that's why I'm going to kiss you now. You have some cream at the corner of your lips,'' he said with a smile as he leaned forwards to capture Kurt's full lips and to lick (in a so not sensual way) the cream off of his face.

''It's sweet; just like you.'' Blaine said and Kurt rolled his eyes at the cheesiness. He won't admit it, but he liked it.

-XX-

Why, hello, my friends! I'm sorry this took so long, but it's summer and well, I've been lazy. :) I hope you still like it! A bombshell is coming soon.