It's inevitable but here goes... wow. You used to me saying that yet? THANK YOU for sticking with me. I worried SO much that the previous chapter wasn't good enough or was lacking in some way because I'd had to really push myself to write it. To hear your responses was just amazing so thank you. Also, a big thanks for those who wished me a better week (there was no need for you to but you still did, which is far too sweet!). I'm off home back to my little flat and I almost can't wait (even if it means I'm back to my sticking my head in big dusty law books)!

This one is just shameless. It's utter sappiness but I really hope it's not hideously cheesy. The line I think (hope) you'll all love has been sitting waiting in my document of ideas for a while now and I knew a moment would appear when it felt right to use it. It makes me SO happy when people leave a message which says I manage to avoid the cliché at times but still keep it fluffy – I really try hard and it's the way I naturally am. Jane Austen is my life, she's my inspiration. I've always had her words, so witty, poignant and bitingly honest, in my mind and heart... I guess I've always seen love and life like she did, in many ways, and she was one to avoid the hideous cliché but still find the heart. Not that I'm comparing myself to Jane Austen (jesus Christ no!) but I always put my view of emotions down to her! : )

Again, for those who read 'Dalton' – anyone else sob like a pathetic wet rag? I'll join your club. Oh man, the ending sequence read like a film. I really admire clever writing that can evoke emotion and I don't care what people have said about it being over-rated etc (they're in the significant minority though). For someone to write a fan story that people genuinely respect and end up in tears at is outstanding, never mind the fact that a large proportion of readers now don't read solely for Kurt/Blaine. I don't! I read for Shane and Reed *sigh* ;) Wow, ramble. Just thought I'd include that here as I read it today and it's stuck with me!

PLEASE NOTE: FFnet has being playing up recently. Chapters have not been showing up and fics have been delayed vastly in updating ... be patient as it does all correct itself in time! If you're having problems viewing a Chapter, please let me know!

I hope you like this instalment (a little shorter than others but the next is MUCH longer)– sending big special hugs this time to anyone who has been reading with me from Day 1. With 700 reviews, many many tens of thousands of hits and 28 chapters, I am so thankful.

As they climbed back into the car, Kurt felt himself sigh happily. He'd never spent a day with entirely one person where the single aim was to have fun and enjoy each other's company. Days usually had a more specific meaning such as 'help someone' or 'buy something'. It felt strange knowing that he had nobody to impress except Blaine and, well, he knew he was in safe hands there.

They hadn't surpassed the point where they were free and easy with each other yet, a sense of tension still remaining to crackle under the surface. Kurt had no idea what they were, he didn't know if Blaine even wanted a relationship, if he himself would be any good at one and was horribly confused as to how to broach the subject without sounding twelve years old or risking their already amazing companionship.

Kurt glanced over to Blaine in the driver's seat. The slight Winter sun caused his skin to pale in comparison but it suited him, his dark curls contrasting in a way that made him appear almost majestic. Kurt felt his mind wander oddly to an afternoon he'd spent with his mother.

"I'll be through in a second sweetie, you press play."

It was their Sunday afternoon movie. She'd always cherished the weekends when Kurt was all hers as Burt worked to catch up on the week's back log at the garage.

"Mom can we watch the one about the princess?" Kurt asked, pulling himself to nestle in the large purple cushions littering their couch.

Elizabeth appeared holding a large brown bowl full of warm buttery popcorn. "For you sweetie," she cooed, smoothing down his hair and planting a kiss as her hand lifted free, "anything."

She'd known Kurt was not your average five year old. He wasn't into Action Men and football games like other boys his age but instead would sing, dance, draw elegant pictures of slender girls in gowns so lavish that she knew his imagination was vast and wildly developed... he was different but he was unique and she loved him all the more for it. Knowing that he had struggled to make friends easily because of this had always caused her pain and anxiety. He was loving and affectionate, creative and intelligent but other kids didn't see those things- they wanted someone to roll around in the mud with and Kurt did not like to be dirty. She simply wanted him to be happy and to find someone, anyone, who would look through their differences and see the sweet boy underneath.

The music started up, lilting and swelling forth from the television set, as she sat down by Kurt on the couch and placed the bowl between them, smiling as he sneakily leaned in behind it and cuddled her arm. She sighed and kissed her son's head once more, watching him gasp at Cinderella dancing with a broom.

"I want to sing when I'm older," he'd said, sure and with an abundance of confidence.

"You have a beautiful voice. I can't wait to hear you sing and come to all of your concerts. I'd buy your album too," she'd laughed, tickling him playfully.

"I'll wear nice clothes and sing a song for you," he'd assured her, patting her arm before turning back to the movie.

As the movie drew to a close, Kurt had turned to her, eyes wide and sparkly. "Does everyone get married?" he asked. It was a simple question but one that Elizabeth was clearly careful to answer.

"Not everyone sweetheart but that's sometimes because they don't want to and there are also many other reasons why someone might not get married but if you find someone that you love and they love you back then there is no reason why you can't live a happy life together. You don't need to get married to do that though."

He'd thought about that for a second, his eyes alert and focused on the closing scenes of the movie. "Do you think someone will sing to me and love me like the Prince loves Cinderella? Like dad loves you?"

Elizabeth wrapped her arm tight around Kurt's middle and squeezed him to her. "That's one of the things I wish most for you and when it does happen, which it will, I hope it's everything you've ever dreamed of."

That was their last Sunday together.

He felt himself blink back into the car, his eyes filling and lips quivering of their own accord. Kurt panicked, sneaking a dab at them with his hand.

Blaine was oblivious, his keen eyes on the road in the icy conditions, and Kurt was grateful for being spared the embarrassment of crying on their lovely day. It was the hair and the bone structure and the eyes and smile and smart way of dressing...

Blaine looked like the men he used to draw when he was small, the ones standing beside his princess with their shoulders back and a delighted smile painting their faces proudly. It was weird to realise, mainly because it was inexplicably cheesy but mostly because he'd been four and five years old at the time. The only difference was that Blaine was real, he was tangible and human.

Kurt sighed and lay his head back on the seat.

"You still cold?" Blaine asked, suddenly drifting out of his own head.

Kurt grinned, small and at ease. "I'm good thanks." He watched Blaine nod happily then turn back to the road. He wanted to say something, to explain to Blaine how much this day meant and how, regardless of his strops and idiocy on the ice, he was having the best time. He felt many phrases tug at his lips but instead spoke the first that came to mind and one that he meant with all of his heart.

"My mom would have loved you, you know?"

Blaine's breathing shuddered. He was grateful for the stop lights turning red for a second as he slowed and turned his head to the left. "Kurt."

There were no other words to say, not when someone pays you the biggest and most beautiful compliment. He didn't believe it for a second but the very fact that Kurt had chosen a spontaneous moment to say such a thing had meant the world. Blaine half smiled feeling his eyes fill a little as he took in the expression on Kurt's face. The aching honesty in his eyes was penetrating, never mind the lopsided smile he wore so the fact that Blaine managed to begin to drive again as the lights changed was a feat in itself.

"It's ok you know," Kurt assured, his voice small, "I don't mind talking about her. I was just thinking about something she'd said that's all."

Blaine's eyes softened further. He wanted to stop the car and scoop Kurt up into the biggest and most smothering of hugs. "I'm sure I'd have thought she was wonderful," he said gently, "and with a son like you, I bet she was a force to be reckoned with."

Kurt laughed, nuzzling his head into the chair further as he lay on his side to look at Blaine. "She was very pretty and gave the best hugs. I think I forget things about her sometimes and I hate it, it makes me worry that one day I'll forget more and she'll-"

"Kurt," Blaine cut in, "don't even think that. She was your mom. She will always be and you will always have those memories, no matter what."

Kurt swallowed, fighting tears and the thickness creeping up his throat. He'd perfected that now. "I always remember the way she smelled. My dad used to buy her Chanel perfume every Christmas and even though he had to instruct the help of the lady at the counter in the department store and she expected it every year, she still wore it religiously. I know I'll never forget that."

Blaine smiled. "She'd be so proud of you and your father. You are such a team and he's so good to you."

Kurt let out a small bark of a laugh. "My dad always says 'nobody pushes the Hummels around'. He's kind of my hero... even if he does have terrible dress sense and eat artery clogging food."

The moment lingered for a second before a comfortable silence reigned. Before he knew it, Blaine was pulling up in an off-street car park just off a little paved square full of flowers and ornamental plant designs. The black iron railings lined the walkways and directed passers-by into the surrounding cafes and shops. A large birch tree swooped protectively over the tiny square. Kurt held his breath again, wondering how Blaine knew of these wonderful spots.

"You hungry?"

Appearing beside him, Blaine stretched his arms out and relaxed once more, smiling comfortably.

"Starving actually," Kurt replied with a deep breath.

"Well, I have a few choices for you. I hate when people pressure me into the kind of food we eat. I love all three places I'm going to suggest but you let me know which you like," Blaine explained with a hint of tension. He just wanted things to run as smoothly as possible and, if truth be told, he was no expert at dating at all. He didn't even know what their status was and if Kurt wanted him as more than what they were. There were incredible kisses, a couple of pretty intense make-out sessions and a lot of feelings, intense feelings flying about, but nothing was set in stone. Blaine was not going to forge ahead and ruin the current perfect equilibrium. "There's a tiny vegan restaurant that sounds bland but the food is incredible. Their chick pea curry is delicious. There's the small renowned sea food bistro but I know it's not to everyone's taste and then there's a place Sylvie took me when she came to stay. It's an Italian restaurant called 'Pedro's' and it serves the most amazing dough balls and tortellini."

"You had me at dough balls," Kurt said, his hands automatically reaching for Blaine's arm and pulling on it.

Blaine chuckled. "Pedro's it is then."

As they began to walk through the square, Kurt let go of Blaine but walked close to him still, their arms brushing every other step but no closer than that. It felt enough for now.

Kurt kept his eyes on anything other than Blaine. It wasn't because he didn't want to stare into those startling eyes that made him lose his mind, it was more on account of the general public being in open view of everything he and Blaine did. Kurt felt himself tense for the first time all day.

"You ok?" Blaine asked, still perusing the menu but speaking over the rim of it, a look of concern painting his face.

Kurt knew he must have been giving away more than he intended. Blaine had said his eyes were the windows to his soul. Damn them.

"I'm fine. This place is gorgeous."

The waitress had shown them to a booth in the corner of the 'L' shaped interior, encircled by high deep purple leather seats. It was decorated sumptuously, much to Kurt's approval as he noticed the Italian colored glass lamps hung decoratively from the ceiling and the mismatched pottery tiles lining the walls on one side. It felt eclectic but tasteful. It was perfect.

Blaine let his eyes flicker over to Kurt every so often as they sat in an easy silence, attempting to choose something from the lengthy menu. It was obvious he wasn't ok. His eyes were lingering on anything but the words in front of him, his slim fingers sharply drumming on the wooden table and he seemed on edge. Blaine could guess why. He'd been the same the first time he'd ventured out with a guy into a public place- nervous, on edge and just a little bit fearful. Of course the people around were clueless as to anyone's sexual preference and, as far as they were concerned, it could be two male friends out to lunch. That wasn't what Blaine wanted and it wasn't, now, what he was used to. Yes, he'd eaten out with Thomas and known it was a harmless situation but it was different with Kurt. Blaine sighed, thinking about all of the things he wanted to do like hold Kurt's hand over the table the way people do in movies, share a desert with two spoons, snuggle together in the booth under the glow of the lanterns... it was all within reach but frustratingly difficult compared to heterosexual couples.

"They're beautiful," Kurt said, breaking the silence and motioning to the lamps above them, "I've always wanted to import some of the more sought after glass lampshades from foreign countries. They're so intricate and bourgeois."

That was it, Blaine thought fondly, that was the kind of thing he loved. The way Kurt would find interest or beauty in something that others would possibly overlook. He was a details guy, always one for the little things.

Blaine felt himself smiling as the other boy spoke, taking in every syllable and being utterly charmed by the descriptive words and the passion in Kurt's eyes.

"What?" Kurt said suddenly, noticing Blaine staring with an odd expression.

"Just you," Blaine murmured gently, "the way you talk."

Kurt's chest tightened for a second. Was he boring? Was he going on too much? He knew Blaine was so very understanding and easy going with an interest in culture but he had just been talking about lamps- it was hardly a discussion of world-wide politics.

"I can be guilty of being a little too much," he muttered, glancing down at his menu as if it was drawing him in.

Blaine flinched. "Woah woah, that's not what I meant," he urged, reaching out firmly for Kurt's hand and rubbing a small circle gently across the back of it, "I meant that I love the way you talk about the things that interest you, the things you like."

Kurt's mind raced. 'I love the way' Blaine had said, Blaine had hold of his hand and he was perfectly ok with hearing Kurt's rambling about interior design. It was too much to process but he knew one thing and that was the fact that a lady from a couple seated to the left of them on a normal, non-booth table, had glanced over with wide eyes before muttering something to her date. It felt like a slap in the face. Her look wasn't sincere or warm, it was one of shock. Kurt felt like a circus freak, an unusual spectacle to behold, but he wasn't- he simply wanted to be left ignored as people did most other couples.

Blaine watched Kurt drag his hand away quickly and blush a deep red. The fact that Kurt was noticeably uncomfortable was difficult to process and painful to watch. He'd suffered far too much in the way of belittling and being told that he was wrong to feel and act in a way that was so normal to him, so much that he was completely unaware that there were still a lot of people in the world who were accepting and entirely comfortable with a gay couple in society. The homophobic sector of society would always be there but there was no way Blaine was going to sit back and allow Kurt to be controlled by his own conditioned thoughts.

"Kurt?"

The other boy glanced up, eyes apologetic. "Yes?"

"I'm going to reach to hold your hand again ok?"

Kurt frowned, his eyes sharpening. "Blaine, I don't-"

"I vowed something recently," Blaine spoke softly, his eyes fixed on Kurt's, "I vowed that I would never let others dictate to me what I was going to do and how I'd live my life. Don't feel as if you have to be someone else or hold back Kurt."

Kurt seemed to think for a second. "I've never done this."

He felt himself recoil in a little, honesty flowing and causing him to close up again. Blaine was sweet and so very thoughtful but it was still difficult, the thought of letting every guard down and not caring a bit about the consequences. The clothes, the sharp wit and incessant passion to perform all required confidence which Kurt knowingly owned in abundance, however, the true inner organic confidence to strip bear and lay yourself out to the world was still too terrifying.

"I know," Blaine soothed with a small duck of his head, "and that's why I don't want this to be awkward. We've never been awkward with each other and I'm not sure I could handle it all that well."

Kurt half smiled, breathing out. "If I was on stage I'd be fine to do my thing but I just feel a little uncomfortable with people looking. I want to say 'to hell with it' and just throw caution to the wind but something's stopping me."

Blaine moved his hands across the table to rest mere millimetres from Kurt's. He wasn't going to make the move himself. "You know all of those things you've been called and the things people have said to you?" Kurt nodded, almost mesmerised, "well, stop letting them in. Stop giving them headspace because they're not worth it. You deserve to have this. I mean I know it's nothing special and we're only in an Italian bistro in Westerville but it's me. I'm not scared and I don't want you to be either."

Kurt felt himself choke up again. Blaine did this to him; he made far too much sense and had an uncanny ability to say the best and most wonderful thing to defuse tension or calm Kurt's racing mind.

"It's not just an Italian bistro. It's my first first date with a guy. I guess I'm just a little nervous."

It was all Blaine could do not to plant the softest kiss on Kurt's cheek, just to reassure him. "Don't be. Like I said, it's me and you, that's all."

Those words meant more to Kurt than he could calculate. He knew that there was nobody he'd rather be with, nobody he trusted more and nobody who could be as gentle and understanding as Blaine. He felt his heart beat faster, forgetting the couple a few metres away, and slid his hands the tiny distance to press on top of Blaine's. In a second, they were threaded together and held tightly. Kurt let out a shuddered breath. "How do you always know what to say to make me feel better?"

Blaine smiled, wide and beaming. "I chalk it up to experience. You think I'm not nervous? You think I'm not mentally freaking out about the fact that I could get spinach in my teeth and you'd think it was horrific or that I could say something that would make me appear terribly uncultured compared to you and your incredibly in-depth knowledge about Italian interior decor? You scare me Kurt," he stated with a breathy laugh, "you scare me in the best way possible but there's no way I'm pulling back or giving up. The things that feel hard are the ones that are worth it."

Kurt was silent. He knew that, without a single doubt in that second, his heart was Blaine's.

"You're wonderful," he whispered, shocking himself as he said it. His heart began beating quicker as his palms, entwined with Blaine's, began to sweat and shake. It was something utterly spontaneous. He was petrified. As Kurt's eyes began to glaze in a mild sense of panic, Blaine let go of his hands and took one, resolutely between his fingers, raising it to his mouth and pressing the softest kiss there. Kurt was sure he physically swooned in relief.

"I'd say ditto but then I'd sound hideously cliché." Blaine's eyes were deep and transfixed, his heart hammering wildly. He had no idea where those words had come from or if Kurt had even intended to say them but they were a glimpse into Kurt's fascinating brain, into his truth, his honesty, his inner monologue that seemed to be on fire at all times but always unspoken.

"I have always had a distinct lack of cliché in my life so you won't hear a complaint from me."

Blaine smirked, his eyes sparkling. "Well then, ditto and may I add something if we're running with the honesty thing?"

The air in Blaine's chest held for a second, his torso vibrating from his violent heart beat. He had to run with it, to push the boundaries that they'd found themselves held at. Kurt wasn't ready to do it himself but there was something in his eyes that reassured Blaine that it wasn't because he didn't want to yet or at all – Kurt had made the first move that afternoon in the senior commons so now it was Blaine's turn to push their relationship. It had no definition and each step had been followed by a complication which threw them off course and limited their ability to just say what they were and put a label on it. There was no requirement to do so, no need to add a name to what they felt but Blaine wanted to. Kurt had never experienced having a boyfriend before, among a few other things, and had, through no fault of his own, experienced the worst kind of abuse- the kind that told you it was wrong to be true to yourself. Not one for bowing down to cruel words and social pressure, Kurt had fought but the remnants were there, plain for Blaine to see. There was a way of reassuring him and showing him that he didn't have to go it alone anymore.

Kurt nodded eventually in response, his eyelashes fluttering with a hint of anticipation. He felt himself breathe in.

"If you're not careful," Blaine began, his words slow, "I'm going to fall completely in love with you."

TO BE CONTINUED...

I swooned myself writing this ;)

So yes, there's one more 'date' Chapter to go and then we're back to Dalton.

I HAVE to let you know that the story won't be going on forever (as much as I'd love it to) ... there will be a natural ending and on which I have planned to write. It's not happening quick or anything, but I just wanted people to know that... I'll tell you when it's winding down. Promise : D

Thank you again for your INSANELY kind words on here, tumblr, Twitter and LJ. They're so cherished and appreciated.