FIRST OFF - this was uploaded twice because there was a slight wording issue.

Wow... I was just thanking you for 300 reviews and now I'm approaching 400. I don't quite know what to say! I'm so unbelievably grateful and flattered for the wonderful comments.

Couple of things: Special thanks to Madeline1401 (so are impossibly lovely- thank you), paperotta and Joanna – also everyone else who had sent me personal messages too.

1. I hope you all had a VERY lovely Christmas and thank you to those who wished me one!

2. Regarding the 'Christmas Market' – I am SO sorry I confused those in America. I've had quite a few responses saying that such things wouldn't happen in the US for weather and simply that it does NOT happen in America. As I'm from Northern England, I find it very difficult to remember certain things are SO inherently different. We have Christmas markets here (and it's MADLY cold) with shops, food, cakes/sweets, rides and music. It's almost a tradition here so I'm so sorry I didn't write US specific. I KNOW and I did warn about some British-isms – candy floss is cotton candy (I've learned since) and dodgems are bumper cars. Sorry for this and I hope it didn't spoil your enjoyment of the Chapter.

LASTLY ... I have to apologise for some TINY little mistakes I've pinpointed in letters being missed from words and some certain teeny errors. I am NOT going to let this happen again, I promise. Can only apologise if, along the way, I've made some teeny little mistakes.

Thank you ALL once again. This one is a bit of everything and is a little different to the last Chapter but I really hope you like it. This was actually pretty cathartic to write in parts so I HOPE it's not too self indulgent. I hear those people who said they wanted it to go back to Dalton and I am taking them back (of course cos it's more fun!) so not to worry ... read on and you shall (hopefully) not be disappointed... :D

As always, PLEASE forgive any British-isms. Alert me of any and I'll try and cut them out.

"Thank you," Kurt said quietly, his voice unsure and still laced in shock as his hand found Blaine's chest, still sitting in his lap.

"You alright?" Blaine asked gently, keeping his eyes fixed to try to pick out any rogue emotions crossing Kurt's face. His eyes were still wide and obviously processing the past ten minutes so Blaine needed to ask, he needed to be sure that Kurt was comfortable with what had happened.

Kurt took a breath, his shoulders dropping a centimetre or two as he sighed out. "Better than alright," he replied, slowly sliding his hand up to glide around Blaine's neck as he leaned close, pressing his nose into the skin between ear and shoulder. It was warm to the touch and almost intoxicating, the way that Blaine smelled so new and exciting. He'd tasted lip gloss and something reminiscent of flowers as Brittany had kissed him. He hadn't kissed back, he'd simply lay there trying to be into it and forcing himself to close his eyes when he felt it was necessary. The closeness had been nice and she certainly knew how to be gentle but Kurt had felt nothing. Sitting wrapped around Blaine, feeling slightly embarrassed at how tight he was holding on, he couldn't cope with the emotions coursing through his body. So much affection, want, shock, need, fear, exultation, naivety and an almost unbridled feeling of being entirely on show.

He'd always protected himself out of necessity. From his layered clothes and long sleeves to his witty one-liners designed to shoot a person two feet away and keep them there. He'd fought with others to prove a point, complained to some about their lack of understanding and had refused or knocked back help usually when it was offered. He was fine alone and had never needed anyone, except his father, his entire life so what was the point in welcoming someone else with complex emotions and pointless personal drama into his life? He had enough in his own and no room for another. Except he wanted more, he wanted someone and he felt a latent desire to find out what it would feel like to fall for someone and experience all that is perfectly normal and teenage.

Blaine wasn't dramatic or intrusive, he certainly wasn't pushy and had an unique ability to forever remain a gentleman. Yes, Kurt acknowledged, he was a little self-righteous and could definitely do with loosening up at times, had an unrivalled need to fix or protect and was far too perfect that it was irritating. This all said, Kurt liked Blaine's flaws, they reminded him that he was human and hell, he had plenty of his own. He knew he could be snappy, was well aware his ambition shone out boldly and he was certain that he had a gift for shutting himself off in a single second. This was why, sitting wrapped up in another person felt utterly terrifying and unnatural.

"Any closer and you'll suffocate me," Blaine mumbled into Kurt's shoulder, their height difference becoming a little obvious. Kurt leaned back in realisation and unwrapped himself quickly, blushing as he did so.

"Little carried away," he mindlessly spoke, sitting to one side, leaving Blaine suddenly feeling cold and empty.

"Hey?" he whispered, moving to Kurt's side on the couch, "don't do that ok?"

"What did I do?"

"You turned in on yourself," Blaine explained, trying to catch Kurt's eye to attempt to reassure him. It happened all too quickly, Kurt sidling up against him in one fluid moment and resting there pressed so close without a single word. It took minutes before they were asleep.

Kurt opened his eyes slowly and laboriously as the warmth in the room kept them heavy. He felt sedate, boneless almost, and more relaxed than he ever thought possible. He felt movement so his brain reacted, waking him up instantly.

"Hey?"

Kurt realised his head was pressed tight into the crook of Blaine's neck, his arm draped lazily over the boy's chest and his entire body flush with Blaine's side. He glanced up, smiling slightly as his eyes reached another set.

"This is becoming a habit," he yawned, sitting up and stretching himself as Blaine rose up too, both straightening themselves out.

"One I could get used to," Blaine whispered, leaning in close to Kurt again, unable to keep a distance anymore. Kurt shivered. Blaine leaned back into the couch and turned to face Kurt. "So... tonight," he mused wistfully, attempting to catch Kurt's eyes solidly but failing. Blaine could sense Kurt's reluctance to instigate anything further as he was straightening his clothes and fussing with his hair.

Kurt wandered down into his basement leaving Blaine on the couch, confused and a fraction fearful of what was going to happen. He followed immediately.

"You did it again," Blaine spoke, leaning on the steps and peering down into the room where Kurt stood, central and motionless.

"I'm sorry," he muttered with his back to Blaine, his heart beating fast and panicked. He didn't know why he felt so scared or why he wasn't able to breathe right and think straight but it was petrifying. He didn't like feeling that way. He missed his control, longed to have it back and to assemble those barriers again. Blaine was open and honest in a way that was almost intimidating to Kurt. Yes, Kurt would speak his mind and was never afraid of offering an opinion but the real things... the secrets and personal corners of his mind were private and forever deemed so. He had never felt it was possible to show those thing to another person.

Blaine's hands landed gently on his hips, turning him on the spot and let himself look into Blaine's eyes. He blinked as he saw their true honesty shining bright.

"Talk to me," Blaine said softly, removing his hands from Kurt and placing them in his own pockets.

Kurt sighed and shook his head, unable to find the words that wouldn't cause Blaine to run a mile. He didn't want Blaine to leave, he wanted him close and pressed firm against him again, his warmth so soothing and precious after seventeen years of dreaming of a feeling so comforting. The problem was that Kurt didn't know how to deal with this new flood of emotion and the prospect of letting another person see his soul. It frightened him that Blaine might not like what he would discover.

They found themselves on Kurt's bed, sitting shoulder to shoulder leaning against the wall.

"I've never felt like that before," Kurt said quietly as he felt his face on his hands. He didn't want Blaine to see the fear in his eyes.

"To be honest, neither have I," Blaine began, turning and laying a hand lovingly on Kurt's knee, "Just because I've had a little more experience doesn't mean that I'm an expert and have been there and seen it all Kurt. This is all confusing, I get it but I want it to be clear."

"I like you," Kurt said suddenly, his palms sweating a little and a cool chill of candour rushing through his body.

Blaine chuckled lightly. "I'm a little crazy about you."

Kurt felt his entire body react to every syllable. It was like a warm blanket and a set of extra bright, extra vibrant fireworks simultaneously. He wasn't sure he'd ever hear those words in his life. He turned to look into Blaine's eyes again, desperate to find that connection again that made him so numb to the fear and so protected by desire and trust. He trusted and wanted Blaine... his brain was just too busy, too defensive and all too unused to affection.

"I think you scare me," Kurt admitted then fell silent. The tension flooded back immediately, Blaine flinching at the words.

"Kurt-" he began, frowning. As Kurt looked at him once again he felt cruel and downright thoughtless. It didn't come out like he'd intended.

"I'm sorry. I need to explain what I mean. You scare me because you're so wonderful. You think anyone's ever acted like this towards me? You think anyone's ever done anything like that for me before? I don't know how to be around you even though you've only been completely honourable. I can't imagine anyone having a more perfect first kiss."

Blaine shook his head with a hint of a smile. "It takes two people to make a kiss that good Kurt," he laughed out with a breath, "and I understand more than I think you realise. I know you've been forced into things that haven't been your choice and it was so wrong of those people to treat you that way. I know you have been treated badly by people. It's so unfair and you don't deserve any of it. I don't want you to feel like that with me. I don't think I could bear th-"

"I don't. God I don't I promise. That's not why you scare me," Kurt cut in, panicked and turning to grab Blaine's hand," please don't think it is." His eyes were frantic and staring deep into Blaine's.

Blaine could see it- the fear. He felt Kurt's fingers dig into his hand, his emotions pouring directly into him.

"Tell me."

Kurt took another breath, steadying his racing heart. "I don't know how to do all of this. I don't think I've ever felt as exposed as I am right now and I don't know how to deal with that."

Blaine moved closer without realising. "Do you trust me?" he asked, sincere and slow.

Kurt nodded without a thought. "Yes. I think that's what I'm scared of and so grateful for at the same time."

"I can't promise I'm never going to make mistakes Kurt because I'm only human. I know I can be intense and a little over the top and some of my past is always going to be there. It's made me who I am and I'm learning but you have to realise how much I care about you."

Kurt smiled then, he couldn't resist the look in Blaine's eyes. They were eyes to get lost in.

"I'm a bitch you know?" Kurt spat out quickly, biting his lip, "I've been told."

Blaine chuckled. "You may have noticed that I can give as good as I get. I have Wes as a floor mate and my father happens to be the world's most uptight ass. I've got the skills."

Kurt flashed him a look so full of 'oh stop lying and being so perfect' and continued. "I'm kind of high maintenance."

Blaine laughed, resting his chin on his propped up elbow. "I happen to have, not that I talk about it very often, money to spare and plus, you're not high maintenance. There's a difference, you just like nice things."

"Ok then. I've never held a guy's hand. Not properly. I would fight to the death for a solo and I can be a really pushy when I want to be."

Blaine breathed in, readying himself to reply. "Firstly, that can be arranged," Kurt smirked, biting his lip again, "Secondly, bring it on and thirdly, there's nothing like a bit of spark to keep things interesting. You're not pushy, you're determined. There's nothing bad about that. I know I told you that you shouldn't try so hard at Dalton and that you needed to learn to be part of the team. That's true but there's nothing wrong with knowing and fighting for what you want. If you don't lose yourself, there's still a way to be a Dalton-boy and still kick up a little controversy every now and then."

Kurt let out a heavy but happy sigh and flopped back onto his back. Blaine stayed still, watching as Kurt lost himself in thought. "You have an answer for everything," he said finally with a small chuckle.

"There's something to add to my list."

Kurt sat up in a flash. "I don't want to be scared."

Blaine's eyes widened a millimetre then nodded, his brain catching up to Kurt's line of thought. "Just remember the way you felt before," Blaine offered slowly , smiling a little too dreamily. Kurt flushed scarlet. "Yes, remember that, remember how your heart raced and head went fuzzy and remember how close and warm and how nice it felt..."

"Blaine..." Kurt urged, his cheeks burning and arms desperate to reach out, lips aching to kiss again. He couldn't bear Blaine talking like this... it was all too desperately sexy. It was ruining his resolve.

"You remember?" Blaine asked, aware of how his mind flooded with headiness. Kurt nodded, stiff and holding himself back. "Did you feel scared then?" Kurt shook his head without a sound. "How do you feel now?"

"Like I want you to do it again."

Blaine laughed affectionately, shaking his head. "That can be arranged too but first ... what I'm getting at is the fact that there is no need to be scared. Not with me. You set the boundaries. You tell me how you're feeling and you control how fast things go. I know how it feels to open up for the first time and how frightening it is to let someone else in."

"You're not scary," Kurt explained, "it's the feelings. I don't know what to do."

"So we do what feels right and take things each day at a time."

Kurt considered this for a moment, his brow crinkling slightly in a way that made Blaine yearn to reach and cuddle him.

"You don't mind that I'll probably be useless and will make a ton of mistakes?" Kurt asked, his usually hidden insecurities flooding to the surface.

Blaine reached to hold his hand, squeezing tight. "As long as you don't mind me doing the same?" he quipped with a beaming smile.

Kurt let his head fall into his hands with a wry laugh. "How did we go from, erm, well you know that to this?"

"Easily," Blaine sang, infusing the conversation with something a little more light hearted. Kurt seemed to grin back but his heart wasn't fully in it, Blaine could see that – he wasn't convinced.

"Blaine. Can I just say stuff and will you just listen?"

"Of course," he replied earnestly, settling himself on the bed and leaning close to listen intently.

Kurt took a deep breath and set his hands daintily on his lap, his back straightening. "Ok," he breathed deep, "I like you. I really really like you. There I've said it. I wanted to kiss you and I wanted you to be my first kiss. You are the first person who has ever looked at me like I'm worthwhile and I worried thinking that I only had feelings for you because of this, because you paid me attention but it's not that. You're kind and caring and warm and fun, when you're not being all 'Dalton'. You're thoughtful and you're on my wavelength and you are, like really really affectionate. You reach out and just touch and it's weird. You're so different to anyone I've ever met before and believe me, McKinley's full of weird. I just can't breathe properly when I'm around you and it's something I can't control and it scares me so much but at the same time there's no way I can stop being around you. I just want to be with you all-"

Blaine's lips were on his immediately. Kurt gasped, his hands dug into the duvet by his sides, propping him up from Blaine's weight pressing slowly to him. He felt a hand snake up the side of his neck and tickle the bottom of his hair.

Blaine didn't need to hear anymore, he couldn't listen to anymore because it was too much and far too sweet to stand. He didn't dispute that Kurt meant it all and this was the glowing reason for his inability to keep his hands and lips to himself. Someone cared and someone definitely saw past the constraints that society paints as barriers. Kurt looked into his eyes and saw Blaine, not some faceless preppy guy with money, not the dutiful son destined to follow in his father's footsteps and certainly not the weak teenager bruised by taunts of his past.

Kurt felt himself melt into the touch, his hands now dragging themselves up to clutch at Blaine's sweater, holding tight. He let out a tiny noise of pleasure, his heart beating wildly. It felt exquisite and nothing remotely close to scary. He smiled in the kiss, his head light and stomach blooming with happiness.

Blaine felt the smile. "Scared?"

"Shut up," Kurt snapped playfully, suddenly pressing his lips with more passion and feeling like he really could do anything he wanted now. Blaine wouldn't judge and he certainly would not pressure him – he had to just work on his issues and everything would be perfect.

It was at this moment that Kurt's phone buzzed by his side.

Incoming! Stop whatever you're... doing and look cool. Finn ;)

It took a single night for everything to change. Carole had managed to arrange a flight for Blaine the next morning- the day before Christmas Eve- as the snow had let up gradually and returning the airports back to slower but reasonable service. Kurt's heart sunk. Blaine had packed up his belongings, thanked everyone profusely, including even receiving a pat on the back from Burt, and stood by the door waiting to leave.

Carole carefully took Burt's arm, steering him away from the door and into the lounge. Finn mumbled something awkward and wandered off too leaving Kurt alone on the doorstep and nowhere near ready to say goodbye.

"The Hudson-Hummels work fast," Blaine thought out loud with a half smile. He loitered just outside the door way with his bag slung over his shoulder and guitar by his side.

Kurt stared at his feet, his slightly pointed brown suede shoes jabbing into the step at the door. He knew they wouldn't scuff or mark but he had to kick something. "Damn snow stopped," he groaned, keeping his eyes averted.

Blaine smiled, shaking his head affectionately. "Two weeks."

Kurt frowned deep, his face alarmed and in shock. "That's forever."

"Such a drama queen," Blaine teased, his hand reaching to tug the chord hanging from Kurt's jacket. Blaine was lying, of course. No way were the two weeks going to pass quickly, they were going to drag horribly.

"I am still trying to work out exactly what happened last night," Kurt admitted, shaking his head in what Blaine presumed was disbelief, "and now you're leaving."

"Hey," Blaine soothed, moving closer to Kurt and tipping his chin a little. Kurt's added height didn't seem to matter, "we can text and call and Skype too. Once we're back at Dalton, we've got all the time in the world to work things out, ok?"

Kurt leaned into the touch, closing his eyes a little before letting a tiny smile pass his lips. "Ok," he whispered, "doesn't mean I'll miss you any less though."

Blaine's heart swelled a thousand times. He wasn't all that sure he'd been truly missed before. He was fully aware that Burt was only in the other room and no doubt listening intently for any mention of his son's virtue to which he'd crank out his revolver and blow Blaine down the street. It wasn't the time for a kiss so as Burt opened the door with a sharp cough at the sight of his son pressed up against another boy who was fondling his face. Burt did not look particularly comfortable until Carole hugged his shoulder and began to speak.

"Well Blaine sweetie, it has been a pleasure having you here with us. You're welcome anytime," she cooed as Finn appeared behind her.

"Yea Dude, I'll see you at Regionals. We're gonna kick ass," he provoked with a smirk.

"And we'll be ready," Blaine replied. Kurt noticed Blaine's eyes sparkle as he teased his brother. He wanted to capture that image somehow, to keep is sacred so he could look at it whenever he felt alone or in need of something to cheer him up. Blaine was so composed but his tiny details gave away his inner-most secrets.

"Are you sure you don't need a lift to the airport sweetheart, Burt would be glad to drop you," Carole offered, her tone motherly as always.

Blaine signalled to the snow, his countenance the very picture of gratitude. "That's very kind of you but I called a cab and I honestly don't want to put you ouy. You've done more than enough for me this holiday."

It was then that a cab rolled up, timing impeccable much to Kurt's disgust. He'd never felt so irritated by anything in his life; he felt rushed and uncomfortable. He simply wanted to say goodbye to Blaine in his own way, preferably if it involved a long, slow kiss and a bone-crushing hug.

Blaine shifted somewhat awkwardly. "Well, I'm off. Thank you once again for having me and have a wonderful Christmas," he added sincerely with one of the warmest and most charming smiles Kurt was sure his father had ever witnessed. It felt good to be proud to introduce Blaine to his family – he was definitely the type that parents were guaranteed to adore.

As Blaine picked up his guitar, he glanced at Kurt, unsure and a tad frantic. Kurt felt his stomach clench in panic, his throat thickening as he felt tears welling up. It wasn't simply because Blaine was leaving or that it'd be two weeks before they'd see each other again. It lay in the sheer realisation that Blaine had, without a doubt, began to change his life. So much had changed so quickly and had hit him like a freight train in the stomach. The gratitude was overwhelming, causing Kurt to huff out a breath of frustration and throw his arms around Blaine's neck as he walked backwards down the drive.

The other boy laughed, dropping his guitar and hugging his arms around Kurt's waist tightly. "I left a couple of things on your bed for you," Blaine whispered into the embrace as Kurt released him, his eyes regretful and sad.

"Damn you for making me like this," Kurt whined in a petty manner before letting out a laugh, "I hate you."

"What a note to leave on," Blaine scoffed with a roll of his eyes, "I don't think I can stand the romance." With a quick glance towards the door, noticing it was clear and free of obviously understanding family members, Blaine stepped forward and placed a baby kiss on Kurt's cheek.

"Miss you like crazy," Kurt whispered as Blaine leaned back, an apologetic sheen to his eyes. Blaine smoothed down Kurt's jacket, petting it affectionately and glancing up into his eyes, the eyes he knew he shouldn't look into, especially when they looked ready to well up. With a small murmur of 'ditto', Blaine smiled and climbed into the cab.

As the cab drove off down the snow strewn road, Kurt watched until is disappeared, sure of the fact that he was completely and utterly smitten.

"Got the parentals inside. Figured you'd want, you know, time alone," Finn explained as Kurt entered his room again, wiping his eyes a little. It didn't go unnoticed by Finn.

"Thank you," Kurt simply said, unable to really think straight.

"Blaine's nice, dude. He's got that whole 'I'm rich but I'm a good guy' thing goin' on. Think my mom wanted to adopt him."

Kurt had to laugh, it was so true. "You think my Dad's going to lecture me in the morning?"

Finn screwed up his face in thought. "Dunno. Don't think so. Blaine said he loved sports that night you fell asleep and I thought Burt was gonna have another heart attack thing. Guess he didn't think that guys... gay guys liked that kind of thing. They had a full on conversation about it. Think he was safe after that."

As Kurt made his way towards his bed, he noticed a small black box and a small sheet of paper tucked underneath it. Under that was Blaine's chucky knit sweater- the one Kurt couldn't resist Blaine in.

If there was a time for overly dramatic and self indulgent tears, Kurt was sure this was it, but with Finn in the room it was a little difficult. Instead, he lifted the items into his bathroom and sat on the floor with them on his lap.

He unfolded the note and felt his eyes dampen as he read Blaine's loopy writing.

Kurt,
I hope this keeps you warm over the holidays. No labels but it's hand knitted so couture – one of a kind ;)
Merry Christmas! (yes, only open on Christmas Day!)
Thank you for turning my life upside down.
Blaine x

Kurt wasn't prepared to wait, needing to see what was inside the box desperately in order to cling onto the way he was feeling- cherished.

He prised open the small velvet clasp. As he peeled away the thin layer of black velvet inside, he felt his hands shake. Inside, placed delicately in the centre, was the large circular blue crystal from the Christmas market. It shone in every direction, the blues melding into greens and, at times, shocking purples. Kurt was crying. He knew it was impossibly pathetic and horribly cliché to be huddled on the floor with his back to the door with tears running down his face but it was unavoidable. He clutched the box to his chest and let himself wallow in the beautiful agony of the moment, knowing that someone actually understood exactly what was inside his heart.

NOTES: We ARE going back to Dalton next Chapter so not to worry. There is SOME more to come with home but that's the beginning of the next Chapter and will turn a little angsty (for a short while) so for those who wanted it, you didn't need to worry – it was coming :D Thank you so much for reading this far and enduring my silly habit of writing so in-depth. It means a lot that even ONE person likes it. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday :D