The next morning both Kurt and Blaine woke up in their own respective beds. They had had a great evening as they had continued to talk about their feelings and what actions they would take to move forward. They had cooked dinner together and sat down with Burt and Carole to a more relaxed and fun meal. They both knew that they were on their way to becoming best friends again and probably more but they also knew that falling into bed with each other would put more stress on their relationship in the long run – although there was no denying the sexual tension between them – it was Kurt and Blaine, after all. But, they wanted to protect what they had. They wanted to take it slow. They wanted to give each other the time and space to breathe and heal. They were being smart. So, Kurt was happy. He spent the morning showering and dressing before skipping down to breakfast with his family.

"Good morning, kiddo," Burt hugged him and ruffled his perfectly coiffed hair.

"Dad!"

Burt chuckled as he poured coffee. "What's up today?"

"Well," Kurt kissed Carole's cheek and sat at the table. "I'm actually going to look into joining an AA group."

Burt turned. "Really? Wow."

"Why are you surprised, Dad? I told you how I've spent the last six months."

"Yeah but knowing you I thought I'd have to convince you to go. I know how stubborn you can be."

"Thanks Dad," Kurt groaned.

"Oh, you know what I mean. I thought it would be more of a struggle to get you to go but I'm very happy you've come to this decision."

"It was easy, actually." Kurt took a sip of coffee. "I have so much more to lose now. Blaine and I talked and … well, we want to make a go of it again. I can't do that if I'm drunk, Dad. I can't be a good man for him if I'm so weak that any little problem will make me run to the nearest bar."

"Oh, honey," Carole cut in. "I'm so proud of you. And I hope that you're doing it as much for yourself as you are for Blaine."

Kurt smiled a happy smile. "Thank you. I know it'll be a long road but I'm determined to make this work, Carole, for me and for Blaine."

Burt squeezed his son's shoulder. "Anything you need, I'm here."

"I know. I've always known that. I've just been too stupid to ask for help. But I'm here now."

"Yeah, you are," Burt hugged him and ruffled his hair again.

Meanwhile upstairs Blaine sat frozen on his bed. He had showered and dressed but didn't want to go downstairs quite yet. He was troubled and afraid and he didn't want Kurt to see it written all over his face. "Just ignore it," he whispered to himself. "They're empty threats. He doesn't know where you are." His phone buzzed for the tenth time this morning. He desperately didn't want to read it but he just couldn't ignore it either:

You know I'll find you, Blaine. I found out about your cheating ass and I'll find out where you are too. It's just a matter of time before you're my bitch again.

Blaine felt sick. He had to keep his mind busy otherwise he'd go crazy with worry. He threw his phone under his pillow and headed downstairs to have breakfast with his family.

"Hey you," Kurt smiled happily at the sight of Blaine.

"Good morning," he leaned down to hug Kurt and lingered a while before he searched for coffee. "Where are Burt and Carole?"

"They went to work. You're late. Did you sleep okay?"

"Ah, yeah. Like a baby," Blaine lied and forced a smile.

"Then why do you look like you've just seen a ghost?"

"What? No. I'm fine."

"Blaine Anderson…"

Blaine scooted closer and took Kurt's hand. He needed to diffuse Kurt's suspicion. "I'm fine, really. I just … am a little nervous … because … well, I was wondering if you'd let me take you out tonight."

Kurt raised a brow. "Out?"

"Yes."

"Like, on a date?"

Blaine laughed at Kurt's adorableness. "If you wish for it to be a date then it will be a date."

Kurt gave him a sly look which turned into the cutest smile Blaine had seen. "Okay. Yes!"

"Yes?" Blaine asked happily and kissed Kurt's cheek. "I have the most perfect evening planned."

"Wow, it sounds like you've been giving this some thought."

"Of course."

And he had. He had been thinking about their first date (for the second time) ever since that phone call so long ago on Thanksgiving – when Kurt decided that he still wanted to have Blaine in his life in some capacity. Blaine always wished that they would reunite so yes, he had been thinking about it for a very long time. And to be honest, it had become his escape. When his life turned into a nightmare – when he needed to forget about the yelling and the beatings - his mind retreated to Kurt and to what their second first date would be like … would feel like.

"Okay," Kurt brought him out of his thoughts. "But will you go someplace with me first?

"I'll go anywhere with you."

A smile. "Well, it's not romantic," Kurt laughed. "I want to check out this AA group and I'm a little scared to go alone."

Blaine grabbed his hand. "Say no more. We'll go together," Blaine gave him an encouraging smile. "I'll be right beside you."

Upstairs another text lit up the underside of Blaine's pillow:

Lima, Ohio huh?

After they arrived back home from the AA meeting, Blaine wandered upstairs for a nap. He really hadn't slept well the night before and he wanted to be refreshed for their date that evening. So after he was sure that Kurt was okay with all that transpired at the meeting he crawled into bed and drifted off fairly quickly.

Kurt, on the other hand, was not anywhere near sleepy. He was too worried about what he would wear that evening. Blaine had told him casual but how casual could he be on a first date? He looked through the limited wardrobe he had brought with him and grumbled. He finally decided on navy skinny jeans and a simple grey t-shirt with a white vest. That's as casual as Kurt Hummel was going to get. He sat on his bed and decided to call Santana.

"How are you, Hummel" she answered.

"Hey you. I'm good. Really good."

"Wow, you sound … sober, so that's a start," she said earnestly.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I actually went to my first AA meeting today and it went well. I didn't really say much I just mostly observed and listened to other people's stories. It was an eye opener for sure."

"I'm so proud of you Kurt. I wish you could see my smile right now."

"Thank you. I mean, really thank you, San. You are an amazing friend. I wouldn't be here without you."

"Oh hush. You would do the same for me. How are things with Blaine? Last time we talked you said he was staying with your dad. What's that about?"

"Oh my god, Santana," Kurt squeaked. "He's taking me out on a date tonight."

"Whoa. Whoa. That's kinda fast?"

"It is. But it feels so right. He makes me so happy." Kurt was almost bouncing on his bed.

"You do sound happy. I'm glad you were able to see him and talk to him. But why is he there? I thought he lived in Boston?"

"Yeah. Well, he's been going through some things. Um, things with his now ex-boyfriend took a bad turn and he needed to get away." Kurt really didn't want to get into the specifics. Santana was his best friend but this was Blaine's story to tell, not his.

"Everything has sort of worked out then, I guess," Santana said. "And as happy as I am for you I do miss your crazy ass, Kurt."

He laughed. "I miss you too but we will be together soon enough, I know it."

"I can't wait."

"Okay, I'm going to go. I need to shower and get ready for the date."

"Oh, Hummel, just … please … be careful with that heart of yours. I know he's adorable but falling into bed with him so soon will not help the situation."

"Santana, what do you take me for? A floozy?"

"Absolutely."

"I love you too, San," Kurt laughed and hung up.

Blaine was adamant on picking Kurt up so he knocked on his bedroom door at seven sharp for their date. When Kurt opened the door Blaine almost fell backwards. He. Was. Beautiful. Kurt's jeans were insanely tight, even for Kurt Hummel standards and his hair was coiffed in a gentle upward swoop to perfection. But his eyes … those beautiful and clear blue eyes that Blaine had fallen for all those years ago seemed to burn into Blaine's soul. "Hey," he breathed. "You look amazing, Kurt," He held his hand out. "Are you ready?"

Kurt couldn't speak. He could only nod his affirmation because Blaine looked gorgeous in his burgundy jeans, showing off his ankles of course, his black polo shirt with the top buttons undone, and the grey cardigan that was vintage Blaine Anderson. He had just a small amount of gel in his hair so his curls showed beautifully. And his eyes … those enchanting honey-laced eyes that Kurt could never quite forget.

"Shall we then?" Blaine smiled and offered his arm so that Kurt could link into it.

Blaine drove but it was hard for him to keep his eyes entirely on the road with Kurt sitting beside him. He kept stealing glances his way hoping that he wasn't being too obvious but he just couldn't help it. "Kurt, I need to tell you that you look stunning tonight."

Kurt blushed as he looked out the window, trying to guess where they were going. "Oh, thank you Blaine. I thought the same of you. You're very handsome tonight. Well, always really."

Blaine pressed his lips together and watched the road. He didn't think himself handsome – particularly not lately. "Kurt, I'm not handsome. My face is still bruised and cut."

"Oh stop. I don't care about that. I mean, I do care that you've been hurt but you have always been and will always be handsome to me Blaine – even if your face falls off. Your beauty radiates from your heart."

Blaine wanted to kiss him. How was this happening to him? Last week he was being thrown into the tiled shower wall and now he was being wooed by the most gorgeous man to ever walk the earth. "Thank you," he said softly. "I don't know what I've done to deserve this second chance with you Kurt but I want you to know that I'm not going to screw it up this time. I promise."

Kurt smiled at him and slid his hand over Blaine's thigh. "I somehow know that. It just feels different this time. Feels good."

Blaine drove the car into Westerville. He made a pit stop to pick up Chinese food from their old usual place then headed to Dalton Academy.

"Dalton, Blaine?"

"Yup, I pulled some strings. It's beneficial to be a Warbler legend," he winked and Kurt rolled his eyes.

"I know, I know, the legend with the voice of an angel who oozes sex appeal. How did Sebastian put it? Oh yes, sex on a stick. That's you Blaine Warbler."

"Do I sense some jealousy," Blaine teased as he led Kurt into the familiar common room.

"Not jealous because I know that I will be the only one who will keep this legend's attention for the rest of our lives."

Blaine stopped as he set the bags down. "Kurt…"

"I'm sorry, was that too much?"

"No. It was perfect. And hot." There was no holding back. He leaned forward and grasped Kurt's face gently, pulling him in, closing the space between them as he kissed his lips. Blaine swooned into it as he pressed his tongue against Kurt's mouth, asking for permission. And Kurt granted it. They kissed slowly but deeply for what seemed like hours. Soft moans filled the room before Blaine broke the kiss and blushed. "Umm, that was…"

"Yeah. More please," Kurt breathed.

Blaine kissed him again. And again until he remembered that they were in a high school and their food was getting cold. "I promise you there's more where that came from but we should eat."

Kurt bit his lip. "I presume you mean food, right?"

"Kuuurt!"

Kurt laughed and started to take out their dinner while Blaine lit the fireplace. "So, I called in and talked to the head of the Warblers. I don't really know him but he knows who I am which is fantastic because he assured me that no one would disturb us in here tonight."

"Wow, you really do have pull."

"I told you. I'm a legend here."

They sat on the familiar leather couch each with their box of food and chopsticks. The fire added to the romantic ambiance as did the falling snowflakes beyond the tall windows. Blaine pinched a broccoli between his chopsticks and offered it up to Kurt's mouth. "We made so many memories in here."

Kurt chewed. "Yeah, such lovely ones."

"I want to make more memories with you, Kurt. Here, everywhere, and anywhere. I was stupid to not fight for you. I've wasted so much time on feeling sorry for myself and getting into that nightmare relationship. I don't want to waste any more time."

Kurt fed Blaine a water chestnut. "Nor do I, but Blaine I thought we said we were going to take it slow."

"I'm all for that. We will take it slow but I just wanted to be up front with my feelings," he paused so that Kurt would look into his eyes. "I want you. I need you. Forever. And I'm not going to walk away this time. You're it for me."

Kurt put his box down because his hands were shaking so badly and he didn't want to drop his food. He took Blaine's box from his hands and placed it on the table beside his. "Blaine," his fingers trailing slightly over Blaine's thigh, "You're it for me too. You've always been it – it just took a little while to get here." His eyes softened as he looked into Blaine. "I love you. I love you so much."

This time the kiss was more urgent. It was filled with passion and love. Their mouths latched onto each other and Kurt pressed Blaine back to lie onto the couch. Blaine's eyelids, cheeks, nose, lips, jawline, and throat were thoroughly explored.

"Kurt, we should…" God, that feels so good, Blaine thought.

Kurt was busy kissing him…

"Kurt. We're in a high school," Blaine moaned.

Kurt's hand slid under and up Blaine's shirt, his fingertips caressing that toned flesh he loved so much.

"Kurt, please honey. Stop."

Kurt stopped. "Oh. I'm sorry." He lifted off and stood up to fix his ruffled hair, using the window as a mirror.

Blaine was quick to hug him from behind. "No, no. It's not that I don't want it … because oh my God I do. I want you so bad." He pressed his face to Kurt's shoulder, "But I just don't want to get carried away here. I know no one will bother us but it's still a public place. Come home with me."

Now that he was a bit more under control Kurt was able to form coherent thoughts. He was hesitant. Santana was right. Falling into bed with Blaine so soon wouldn't do either of them any good. "I don't know if that's a good idea."

"What?"

"I mean, I want to too but it may be too soon. Let's take it slow like we agreed. I think it will strengthen our bond." Kurt turned in Blaine's embrace and placed his hands on his shoulders, squeezing.

"But you were just all over me, Kurt. And now you're telling me no?"

"Blaine…listen to me. I was all over you because I love you and I want you. That is also the reason that we should wait."

Blaine sighed. "You're right. I know. I just … I love you and want to share everything with you."

"I know honey. And we will. Just give it time." Kurt held out his hand and Blaine took it. "Come on. Let's finish eating so that we can put that piano to good use. We haven't sung a duet in far too long."

Blaine smiled and followed.

Just like he was adamant on picking Kurt up, Blaine was adamant on walking him to his door too. They trailed up the stairs of the Hummel-Hudson home, giddy with happiness. "Shh," Kurt whispered. "Burt Hummel will not be happy if we wake him up." Blaine pressed his hands to Kurt's hips and followed him up the stairs and to his bedroom door. Blaine stood there, his eyes shining as he gazed at his date. "I had such a good time. I'm glad we did this."

Kurt grasped his hand. "I don't want it to end." He thought back to the duet they sang and how beautifully their voices still harmonized. And that dance – it felt so good to be in Blaine's embrace again, swaying to the music. He could have burrowed into Blaine's chest and remained there forever. "Stay with me, tonight," he breathed, eyes searching for Blaine's response.

"Kurt…"

"Please, Blaine. I just want to hold you. I want to sleep with you in my arms."

There could have been a hurricane happening in Kurt's room and Blaine would have still agreed. "Yes. I would like that very much."

Kurt took his hand and led him into his room, closing the door behind him. He stood there for a moment before he slid his arms around Blaine's torso, simply hugging him, enjoying his warmth and comfort. "There is no better feeling in the world than being close to you, Blaine."

Blaine wasn't sure if he would be able to resist. How was he supposed to lay with Kurt in his bed … in such close proximity and not make love to him. He was deeply in love him, after all – he was the one. He took in a deep breath. "I love you. I love you so much." He smiled into Kurt's blues and pressed a kiss to his jaw, trailing along the bone and to his ear. "And I want you so much."

Kurt seemed to purr from Blaine's affections. His hand slid down Blaine's arm to grasp his hand. "I want you too. Every cell in my body is screaming at me to take you, to love you … but Blaine, we should sleep. Just sleeping with you has always been one of my favourite things."

Blaine nodded. He knew Kurt was right but that didn't help the intense need cultivating in his soul … and in his pants. But he had vowed to himself earlier in the week that he would not screw this up. Not this time. He took Kurt's hand and led him to the bed and slowly started to remove his many layers. "You're right. Let's sleep. Let's hold each other and sleep."

Kurt smiled and placed sweet kisses all along Blaine's cheeks and throat as they undressed each other. Once they were down to their boxer briefs, Kurt threw back the covers, got in and held them open for Blaine to slide in beside him. Blaine turned the bedside lamp off; they were in total darkness except for the moonlight filtering in through the window. They moved swiftly and seamlessly – their bodies remembered, their hearts knew… they lay together, forehead to forehead, nose to nose, hands clutched tightly at their hearts. "I love you," Kurt murmured as his eyes fluttered closed and he felt Blaine's lips on his.

"And I you, sweetheart. Always."

That is how Kurt and Blaine drifted off to sleep. They were huddled together in deep slumber when Blaine's phone buzzed in the back pocket of his discarded jeans – incoming texts from Tyler:

Never underestimate me. You're mine.

I'll see you soon, sweetness.

Very soon, indeed