A/N: I don't own Glee (Ryan Murphy and Fox do) or anything else you might recognize here (like Disney or any other musicals) but use them here with love.

[Cue the Glee voiceover guy] So, here's what you missed! Rachel talked Kurt into going with her to work for Disney World's summer program, and they both got accepted as Cast Members (surprised? Nah, I wasn't either). Anyway, Mercedes is there too, but for a minute it looked like Rachel and Kurt both had eyes for returning Cast Member Blaine! Thank God Kurt's fellow Cast Member Sue helped Rachel dodge that bullet, and Kurt got to sing A Whole New World with Blaine and it was super cute. So, that's what you missed!

Rachel bounced back to their table, still glowing from the applause her duet with Blaine had earned them. She exchanged a knowing glance with Sue as they both noticed Kurt, who was sporting a dreamy expression, his eyes fixed on Blaine, who had stopped at another table to sign something for a fan on the way.

"Kurt wasn't kidding," Sue smiled at Rachel, squeezing her shoulder for a moment. "You really have some amazing pipes, girlfriend!"

"Thank you," Rachel beamed back at her. "This place is so fun!" Then she caught Sue's slightly raised eyebrow and looked over at Kurt. "Fun, but I'm pooped," she added at a louder volume, nudging Kurt's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, what was that, Rach?" He turned to face her, with a distracted smile. "You were amazing, as always," he added quickly.

"Thank you," she inclined her head and batted her eyes at him, eliciting giggles from Sue and an eye roll from Rob, as he reached for his beer. Then she yawned dramatically and rolled her eyes. "And I don't know whether it was all the sun or whatever, but I am so tired. Do you mind if I call it a night? Sue and Rob offered to get me home."

Sue waved at Blaine, who was finally about to join them. "And honey, I'm sure Blaine will give you a lift – I'll ask him myself -"

"That won't be necessary," Kurt stammered.

"What won't be necessary?" Blaine asked, as he squeezed in to sit beside Kurt.

"Well," Sue paused, fanning herself, "Rob and I are ready to call it a night, and Rachel here's tuckered out, poor thing, so I told her we'd be glad to take her home. But Kurt honestly doesn't look like he's ready to go yet." She looked at him imploringly and poured on the charm with an even deeper Georgia drawl. "Blaine, honey, you know the buses stopped running half an hour ago. Can you just be a dear and give Kurt here a lift home, so Rachel won't have to get all worried about him?"

"I think that's my cue to finish this beer," Rob muttered, promptly reaching for his glass again to finish the last of it.

"Oh! Of course I'll take Kurt home. To his home, I mean!" Blaine stammered, blushing slightly.

"You're sure you don't mind?" Kurt asked, eyes bright, and his voice a little breathy.

"Do I look like I mind?" he answered softly, his eyes now fixed on the other boy's. "It means I get to keep you here a little longer," he added a wink and a slow smile as he inched a little closer to him.

Sue grinned triumphantly at Rob, who was already getting up and did a micro version of a bow to her. Rachel smiled back at Sue, and gathered her things. "Well, look at that," Sue drawled, yawning and putting her wrist way out to look at her watch. "Rob here's finished his beer. See y'all in the morning!"

"Kurt, it was nice meeting you," Rob said to Kurt, chuckling a little when Kurt startled as he spun to face the rest of their table.

"Oh, thanks. And, um, you too!"

Rob stepped back and waited for the girls to finish saying good night.

"Bye, Kurt," Rachel trilled as she leaned forward to hug him. "I won't wait up," she whispered into his ear.

Kurt found himself grateful for the dim lighting in their corner, sure now that he was blushing as they both said their goodbyes and gave last hugs. The crowd in the restaurant was beginning to thin out, and they both became aware of the sudden quiet.

"I think we're alone now," Blaine sang to Kurt with a grin. "There doesn't seem to be anyone around."

Kurt laughed out loud at this, and Blaine joined him. Kurt noticed that he reached around to scratch the back of his neck, and wondered why the debonair ex-Warbler was suddenly shy?

"You know," Kurt murmured, "I bet if you had to, you could conduct whole conversations with nothing but song lyrics."

"Maybe," Blaine admitted. "And if I challenged you, what would I win?" He waggled his eyebrows playfully. "We do have a history of competing against each other, you know."

"Nice of you to say so, if maybe a little inaccurate." Kurt looked down, studying his hands.

"Well," Blaine cleared his throat, "the one time I got to hear you sing in competition, you totally killed it." He looked over at Kurt, whose eyes were still downcast. He scooted a little closer, and decided to reach over, covering Kurt's hands with his own. "Though I think I like singing with you better than competing against you."

Kurt's head snapped up, and his eyes searched the other man's. He noticed immediately that Blaine was right there, just inches away, and he looked a lot more sure of himself than he had just moments before.

"That sounds great to me too," he murmured, feeling his mouth go dry as he gazed back at Blaine, feeling the other boy's hands on his own, their warmth welcome in the overly air-conditioned restaurant.

"The stage is clear now," Blaine announced, his eyes flicking over to the piano.

Blaine loved Sue and Rob, and figured they'd had a hand in coaxing Kurt onto the stage to take what would have been Rachel's place. While the audience would have undoubtedly loved having him sing with Rachel in character (he'd already made a mental note to tell Gina about it, to see if they could be allowed to do it at work somehow), he'd felt electrified, singing it with Kurt. Kurt, whose voice was so pure and just plain beautiful. His fingers had almost tripped on the piano keys, and he'd been so floored by how good Kurt sounded on the Jasmine solo parts. Then when they sang in harmony it was pure magic. More than that, though, the more they talked after, the more he wanted to know about Kurt, and it seemed to him that maybe the other boy felt the same. He hoped so, and more than that, allowed himself to dare to dream that the amazing person in front of him could be the one.

He'd never really fallen in love, he had to admit. He'd had a few boyfriends, but it had never exactly lined up. After his last breakup, he'd made up his mind – what was so wrong with being old-fashioned, with wanting romance, someone who wanted a long term commitment? With wanting (he could see his ex's eyeroll in his mind's eye) the love of his life, a soul mate?

Looking at Kurt, he began to feel his heart race as his mind raced ahead, already imagining a future where they would be them. Slow down, cowboy, he imagined his brother Cooper cautioning him. He ran his hands over his thighs, trying desperately to rid them of their sudden clamminess, and wondered why he suddenly couldn't think of a thing to sing with Kurt. He looked at him again as he downed some more iced tea and knew then exactly why – he wanted everything too fast, and didn't know how to stop himself, and now every song selection seemed way too important. Wes wouldn't believe this, he knew.

"Was that your way of saying you'd like to take the stage again?"

Blaine almost visibly shook himself out of his reverie, and focused again on Kurt's eyes. Well, that's not making this easier, he thought ruefully.

Kurt seemed to notice that his duet partner seemed tongue-tied. "Or, you know, we could just hang out here and chat. No pressure," Kurt offered.

Blaine finally snapped out of it. "No! I mean, I'd love to sing some more with you." He lifted his eyebrows and smiled a big show smile at him. "What would you like to sing?"

Kurt chuckled and looked down at the now-empty pretzel basket in front of them. "Really? Leaving it wide open like that? Brave!"

Blaine relaxed, enjoying Kurt's snarky tone. "Well, we could do another Aladdin number."

"You were Buzz Lightyear this morning," Kurt reminded him.

"I think you could be Woody," Blaine said, looking at him appraisingly.

"Um?"

Blaine thought Kurt looked adorable when he was flustered like that. He smiled back at him. "You know, the duet from Toy Story. And, to be Woody you have to be built like, well, you!"

"I'll take that as a compliment?" Kurt wondered aloud.

"Definitely." Blaine was already picturing a day at work with them working together, taking breaks together...

"So, I think we've got our next number," Kurt volunteered. He tried to remember the words, realizing that he didn't know that many of them. And wasn't that a solo in the movie?

Blaine noticed Kurt's fidgeting, and made a guess. "You need some help on the words?"

"You could say that," Kurt admitted, smiling now, and wondering why he'd been worried about it.

"It's on their karaoke program; words, music, the works. You can even tweak it to be a duet," Blaine continued, getting up and walking towards the empty platform of the small stage. He looked behind him for Kurt, flashed him a smile and found the song, fiddled with controls, and stood up when he was satisfied. "I think the key will work fine. How about I sing the red lines, you do blue, and purple is where we sing together."

Kurt smirked. "It's like it was designed by a kindergarten teacher. But, sure, sounds good to me!"

They got up to their mics and waited for the music. Blaine was bouncing like a kid after one too many juice boxes, Kurt thought. Except when Blaine turned to him, all thoughts of underage kids vanished – he really is flirting with me! Before turning back to their dwindling audience, Blaine smiled a small smile just for him.

"We've totally got this," he reassured Kurt, then straightened up to begin the song.

You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

When the road looks rough ahead,

And you're miles and miles from your nice warm bed

You just remember what your old pal said!

Boy, you've got a friend in me.

Yeah, you've got a friend in me.

Kurt smiled, watching Blaine perform. The song may be corny, he thought, but Blaine totally sold it, delivering his lines with the tiniest edge of roughness, reminding him of the original from the movie soundtrack a little. Was it his imagination, he wondered, the way Blaine looked at him when he sang about his nice warm bed? Get a grip, Kurt, he scolded himself, and got ready for his part.

You've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me

You've got troubles and I've got 'em too

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you

Blaine knew it, he was falling for Kurt. Damn, probably anyone here who was paying attention knew it. Did Kurt know it? He berated himself for his song selection; I mean, could it be more friend zone-y? It wasn't even a particularly good fit for Kurt's voice, though Kurt was showing him more of his incredible range. Oh well. He looked adorable singing it, that was for sure.

A minute or so later, and the song was done, the last patrons clapping politely as they left the stage.

As they eased back into their seats, Blaine got their server's attention. Another friendly woman who seemed to know Blaine, Kurt thought.

"Any dessert for you two tonight?" she asked them. "Love the singing, by the way."

Blaine glanced over at Kurt with a raised eyebrow. "May I?"

"By all means," Kurt encouraged him. "Will I hate myself in the morning?" he teased.

"No way. Character work burns tons of calories. And besides, you can't miss this." He turned to their server. "Mindy, do you have any cheesecake left?"

"I happen to have two slices left," she answered with a smile. "With or without strawberries?"

Kurt's eyes widened at this discussion. His favorite dessert! "Did Rachel tell you or something?"

"Tell me what?" Blaine looked momentarily confused.

"Nothing," Kurt blushed. "It's just my favorite dessert of all time, and I can't believe you're ordering it."

"I'd love to blame it on Disney magic, but I guess I was just lucky," Blaine admitted. He leaned forward, and said in a conspiratorial whisper, "the best outside of Manhattan, or so I'm told."

Mindy looked around, seeing other customers who might needing some attention. "So, berries? And maybe some coffee to go with your dessert?"

"Absolutely," they answered in union, prompting giggles from Blaine and a snort from Kurt.

"Okay, yes to both. I'll be back in a flash," she assured them.

Dessert ended with them each passionately defending their choices for best modern musical of all time (Rent for Blaine, and Wicked for Kurt). Then Blaine's phone buzzed with a message.

"Oh, go ahead," Kurt waved his hand, settling back into his seat.

Getting late, darlin'. Last call's coming up. Rachel says ask him to sing Bring Him Home. And I want to hear all about it tomorrow. Love, S.

He looked as his phone thoughtfully as he finished the last bit of cheesecake. Traditionally, before closing time, when the manager knew she had a good (and still sober) performer, she'd ask for a quiet song after last call. Sure enough, Blaine saw her heading towards their table. How on Earth did Sue know to text him? He got his silver pocket watch out and frowned at the time. Well, being able to tell time wasn't exactly difficult. He sighed, drinking in the sight of Kurt again. Kurt, who if he were a cat right now, looked like he'd be purring, fresh from drinking a dish of pure cream.

"How was everything tonight?" She smiled at them, noting with approval that they'd finished their desserts and coffees.

"Perfect!" Blaine gushed.

"Well then!" She beamed at them now. "How about sending these nice people home?" She scanned the room, seeing into the lounge where quite a few people still nursed their last drinks.

"Happy to oblige, ma'am," Blaine said, in his best cowboy imitation, prompting a laugh from her.

"Great. I'll announce you. And here," she pushed bright blue coupons across the table at him. "Dessert's on me next time."

"Aw, shucks, thank ye kindly, dear lady," Blaine drawled, still in character.

Kurt thought he heard her say, "actors!" before she got out of earshot. The prospect of free desserts for next time (and he found himself really looking forward to that) was a welcome bonus.

They got up as she announced last call, and Blaine turned to Kurt as they crossed to the performance space.

"You look like you have a plan," Kurt murmured.

"I may have gotten some inside advice." He said in a soft voice near Kurt's ear, "they like a slow number, preferably with the word 'home' in it, after last call's been announced. Janet there thinks it gives a gentle hint."

"Okay," Kurt nodded.

"And I would like to play, while you sing. By yourself. Would you sing Bring Him Home from Les Miz? I know I've got the music for it up there in the bench."

Kurt nodded again. It didn't sound like Blaine knew the back story, how with this song he'd won – against Rachel, no less – at NYADA's Midnight Madness, a sort of musical duel. This evening had convinced him that Blaine was certainly a fan of his vocal abilities, and if there was one song he knew he could nail under pressure, this would be near the top of that list.

Blaine found the music, settled in at the piano, and watched as Kurt prepared to sing. A quietness came over the taller boy, who looked back at him now, waiting for him to play.

God on high

Hear my prayer

In my need

You have always been there.

They'd both agreed that they loved Les Miserables. He probably could have faked it even without sheet music, but was glad for the focus it gave him as he listened to Kurt sing. Oh my God, Blaine wanted to say aloud. Everything he'd heard tonight (and remembered from his high school solo) had been memorable, but this was amazing. His tone clear and beautiful, he played on as he listened to the pathos Kurt imparted with each line.

The summers die

One by one

How soon they fly

On and on

This wasn't just singing, Blaine realized. This was longing, and laying his soul bare, giving this performance everything. He felt his fingers practically tremble as he played the simple accompaniment, eager to get to know him better. Can you fall in love with a voice, he wondered?

The crowd clapped, and Kurt bowed, and then gestured to Blaine, who received his share of applause.

Blaine wished the moment could linger, where he could listen to Kurt on and on. But it was closing time, for them as much as for anyone else there.

Blaine held the passenger door open for Kurt when they got to his burgundy Prius.

"Thank you," Kurt said, then watched Blaine as he crossed in front of the car to get into the driver's seat. This night had completely blown him away. He knew it was late, but it really didn't feel that way at all. He knew Rachel gripe at him for drinking coffee so late, but he knew he'd be awake a long time, with caffeine having little to do with it.

"I guess this is where I have to drive you home," Blaine said, buckling himself in. "Um, I don't mean that I'm not happy to do that," he blurted out, "but … I mean -"

"I think I understand," Kurt said, looking at his eyes, noticing how they looked in this light, the gold coming to the fore. "Just wish it wasn't so late?"

"Something like that," he answered, searching Kurt's face. "I think we'll have to make plans for our next time. I mean," he waggled his eyebrows playfully, and grinned back when he made Kurt laugh, "you know … free dessert!"

"Which means cheesecake," Kurt said evenly.

"Of course," Blaine agreed smoothly.

"And we both know this is a matter of utmost seriousness."

"Are we still talking about dessert?" Blaine teased.

"I don't know. You decide!" Kurt punctuated this with a smirk.

"Well, we still have the drive home," Blaine reasoned. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?", he intoned in his best evil mastermind voice, then felt extremely pleased with himself at Kurt's answering fit of giggles.

"Sing off, Pitch Perfect style?" he ventured, once he was able to talk again.

"Ooh, I do like that idea. We'll just say, sure, that's exactly it." Blaine turned onto a side road. There was no rule that he'd have to take the most efficient route to drop Kurt off, was there?

A/N: Dear readers, if you're here and amazed that this fic has come back after a long hiatus (hey, those are now canon!), I thank you so much and hope you're still enjoying this tale. I do plan on getting back to regular updates – while I'd been reluctant to even say that here, I think I can say that now realistically. And if you're returning to this story after that long gap, thank you so much!

New to this story? Welcome, and I hope you continue to enjoy!

As always, if you're so inclined, I'd love to hear from you – like any other writer, I thrive on feedback (not to mention I've been known to grant wishes...).