Well that was a bit of a hiatus! I'm so sorry for the wait... I've returned back to my flat, moved back, began my professional studies and am have been working like a maniac this week to settle back in. Reading silly billion paged law books and arguing in a suit all day has meant I have had zero time and zero energy! Now, with a 4 day weekend and less to do, I can find time to write in between actually having a life, seeing friends and doing nice things! :D

...and so the next Chapter appears. I DO understand it was probably the WORST Chapter to leave you hanging with BUT I will reassure you that the next Chapter is very very nearly finished so I SHOULD be able to get them out without keeping you guys waiting as long!

THANK YOU (oh how I sound like a broken record but it needs to be said because it's so very true) for all of the frankly AMAZING comments/messages. For those who added me on tumblr, I am sorry if you followed me expecting for it to only be Glee... and you find a whole load of random pictures of countryside, tea cups, Keira Knightley, Jane Austen quotes, knitting projects, The Office screenshots etc in amongst all of the Darren or Chris or Kurt/Blaine/Burt/Sue etc that's there!

Also, to those who have just started reading and have left a lovely review telling me how you read it all in one go and stayed up late etc – you're all so lovely :D

I wrote this listening to so much RANDOM music, a night of legal work induced insomnia, after watching 'CatFish' (for the love of GOD watch that movie, it's incredible) and after sitting in a teeny tiny cafe being served tea by a lovely curly haired waiter who gave me an extra slice of cheesecake. Safe to say, my mood was all over the shop ; )

I spent the entire train ride back from my family home watching Kurt's entire storyline (which someone so kindly made me) and the Finn/Kurt scenes in Season 1 made this COMPLETELY gut wrenching to write. Those scenes are INCREDIBLE. Cory and Chris are magic together and Kurt's pain- god I feel so much for you guys have it then go re-watch the scenes in 'Ballad' after Finn's sung to Quinn's parents and he's explaining to Kurt what happened on the stage by the piano. When Kurt says "I Honestly Love You" – THAT right there is heart breaking to me. You can SEE how frightened he is to just LET things out. I want to cry EVERY SINGLE time he says "Yes, Better." Chris is just out of this world wonderful.

Well, here goes Chapter 29 – I REALLY hope you like it! Sending love to EVERYONE who makes this story even MORE fun to write : )

Kurt couldn't move. It was as if the wind had been knocked out of his sails and for a second, no witty one liner made itself known, no words formed at all in fact.

'In love'. What did that even mean? Kurt had never considered that someone could feel that way about him. Yes, he was well aware of his talent and impeccable dress sense but with the exception of his father and Mercedes, nobody had stuck with him regardless. He'd always struck out alone and with his head held high, suppressing the loneliness for another day.

The day he'd asked Sam Evans to duet with him was particularly memorable. Not wanting to admit he was imagining things and building up his hopes, Kurt knew he had to ask the blonde haired boy to sing with him. He was sort of cute in a teeny boy band way and was a little odd - where was the harm? He seemed nice and oh definitely gay. Ultimately watching him sing with Quinn and her vixen's eyes had hurt more than he cared to admit to- obviously not gay then. It wasn't as if Sam was particularly his type or anything, he'd been a new face, a new person to talk to and learn about. Being lonely every day and struggling to ignore the adolescent feelings inside was hard enough but being taunted on top of that was torture. He wanted to be noticed, to be appreciated mostly and to find someone who would actually laugh at his jokes or comment on his new brooch or even just share a warm smile. It'd become a habit to keep a distance but now, sitting opposite the only guy he'd ever met who'd looked at him with genuine affection was stifling in a strangely welcome way.

He didn't have an answer. Kurt almost let out a barking laugh at the dawning realisation that he was rendered completely speechless. The numbness began to wear off as Blaine shifted uncomfortably in his chair. Kurt must have let his brain run away with him, he must have heard things, let his dreams run riot and concoct beautiful circumstances like gorgeous boys declaring their love in pretty restaurants after long delicious days of fun. Definitely a dream.

"What did you say?" Kurt asked, his words small and gradual, "sorry, zoned out."

Blaine shook his head smoothly and grinned slightly. "You heard me."

"I-" Kurt began, his eyes startled and blown wide. He couldn't breathe, couldn't move, couldn't focus and certainly couldn't think. "What?"

"I said, if you're not careful, I'm going to fall completely in love with you."

Kurt gasped. The world seemed to shift on its axis and tilt Kurt's life upside down in a fraction of second. "You are?"

Blaine felt his fingers grip the table underneath, out of sight, to steady himself. His heart beat madly against his ribs in a way that he didn't think he could stand for much longer. Those words had never ever left his mouth before – not in the way he meant it this time. It was the feeling of flying and falling all at once, his heart in a vice as he waited to see how Kurt would react.

"Yes."

Kurt felt his face wash with blush. Every sense dialled up to overdrive, Kurt attempted to breathe steadily, his fingers trembling. "Nobody has ever said that," was all that came out before his voice failed him and trailed off with a slight squeak. It was as if everyone was looking, staring, noticing, hearing and the world was suddenly very very small.

Blaine saw them. He couldn't take his eyes off Kurt's hands and the way they were clinging to each other in a desperate attempt to hold it together. He felt the panic rise again and reacted using the first idea that flew to mind. "Do you want to leave?" Blaine rushed out.

Kurt nodded shakily. Blaine watched as Kurt grabbed his coat and hurried out of the large stained glass doors that arched the entrance before explaining to the waitress that they had to leave.

As he stepped outside, Kurt had found a seat on one of the raised flower beds that decoratively patterned the courtyard. It was reasonably quiet and secluded, covered by the large tree in the centre. The body language was unmistakeable as Blaine approached, his own body on red alert. He simply wanted to tug Kurt to him and just let him feel how fast his own heart was beating to reassure him that not everyone knows how to deal with these feelings too.

Kurt's head flicked up for a second, registering Blaine's presence. It was as if the air hung expectantly around them, thick and suffocating. "I'm sorry if I freaked you out," Blaine said simply, still standing in front of a sitting Kurt.

"No," the other boy blurted out immediately, "don't you dare."

"I don't understand. You're not upset?" Blaine felt the confusion knit up his brain.

Kurt couldn't believe what he was hearing. Upset? No way. That word was possibly the furthest from his mind. "Blaine, nobody has ever said anything like that to me before. I guess," he stopped for a second, realising how tragic he was about to sound, before continuing, "I never expected to hear them. It never seemed like a possibility for me. Didn't think it was going to work out for me like that."

As he spoke, he heard the breaks in the words, the way his voice fell from his lips in awkward notes from the emotion. It was all too much to handle.

"I meant it," Blaine pressed earnestly, kneeling down in front of Kurt and placing his own hands on the other boy's knees. They were trembling slightly. Blaine felt his heart tug tight, a quick rush of solid want and desperate need to hold onto the person in front of him.

"I know you did," Kurt whispered as his eyes slid to Blaine's, locking and remaining, "and I'm sorry. I just had to get out of there. I can't think straight right now."

Blaine needed clarity more than anything. It was time for them to gain some perspective and surety. "Kurt?"

He looked up, eyes shiny but sharp as glass. "I don't want you to go anywhere." Blaine's brain short circuited. It was reminiscent of decoding riddles as Kurt's words flew out in stream of consciousness, unable to grasp a logical formula or order. "You're too flawless and perfect like some sickeningly handsome prince charming with your strong jaw line and curly hair and smart dress. You're not real. You're too nice, too understanding, too accepting, too kind, too generous, too sensitive, too good at doing all of this that it's too good to be true."

The breeze was softer now, icy but refreshing as Blaine felt his skin heat. This was all wrong- he was just as overwhelmed.

"You're beautiful," Blaine admitted, fast and without a second's thought.

"What?" Kurt asked as his head snapped up in reply.

Blaine sighed, his eyes closing simultaneously with a small smile. "You're frighteningly beautiful for a guy. Your eyes aren't even a colour, they're a gemstone. You're real and in your face without apology. You're cultured and know more about music, theatre and the arts than I could ever dream to. You actually like the fact that I have flaws and even enjoy them. You light up a room regardless of the fact your outfits are usually head turning. You have the purest heart I have ever encountered and it's damaged and dormant and lacking in the nurturing it deserves. Why would I do anything other than hold onto you for as long as you want me to?"

"I want you to."

Blaine smiled. "Well there's a start."

Kurt sighed rough and with a deep whine. "I'm having trouble believing this is actually happening. I mean, you took me ice skating on the most picturesque little lake then you were going to treat me to a lavish lunch. It's um-"

Everything fit into place. Blaine huffed out a breath and let his head fall to Kurt's lap. As he raised his eyes, he felt the puzzle pieces gravitate together in line. "It's too much?"

"I thought I wanted someone to sweep me off my feet," Kurt smiled, a hint of sadness masking his expression, "and have that classic romance Cary Grant style but I guess I still need some time. I'm still grasping the fact that you don't flinch when I touch you or recoil when I talk about the things I love."

The anger that Blaine felt in those few moments was more than he thought possible for a past he had no control over. "I'd never do those things."

"I know," Kurt spat out, exasperated with himself more than anything, "and that's why I'm behaving like some spoiled kid, like some psycho when all you've tried to do is take me on a date and say amazing things... more than amazing actually." He felt his eyes fill for a second before continuing. "I'm scared... I'm scared that if I let go and just surrender to all of these feelings and thoughts then I'll lose them as quick as they came. The thing is that I want them all and more and I'm greedy and once I let myself have everything I've dreamed of... it just feels like they'll be taken away somehow or I'll drive them away."

Blaine chuckled lightly, his hand reaching to thread itself with one of Kurt's. "I struggle to see any situation where you'd be able to drive me away Kurt and believe me, the things you're saying, the worries you have... I get it. I just don't want you to feel scared to feel or act when you're with me."

"That's the thing," Kurt pushed on, his hands gripping Blaine's hard, "I feel scared but I know it's you and I remember all of the things you've said to me about taking each day at a time but it's catch twenty two for me. Once second I can't breathe out when I'm around you and can't think straight and that leads to me clinging to you like a limpet behind a curtain backstage at school as you kiss me stupid or on the flip side, it leads to a hard slap of reality that not everything lasts forever and maybe there's a reason nobody has looked at me the way you do which is their problem but then I think maybe there's something you'll see after a few weeks or months that you don't like-"

In a second, Blaine pulled Kurt's lips to his own, fierce and hard. There wasn't anything soft about the way he touched him, nothing tender and affectionate. It was strong, firm and a kiss so deep that Kurt felt a weight in the pit of his stomach curl inwardly, an ache spreading across his body as he felt himself being pulled to a standing position, Blaine's hands still warm and strong against his cheeks. He felt his hands mindlessly fist into Blaine's jacket, clinging on desperately. Blaine's lips found their movement once more and pressed intensely down against Kurt's, drawing their bodies so close that breathing wasn't an option. As Blaine let go, causing Kurt to stumble and sway, he kept close and spoke slowly.

"I want you. You. Not a version of you or part of you or some projected version of you that you seem to think I see. I want all of you, exactly as you are. This isn't me being cliché, this is just the truth."

It was as if the world was providing the single most precious thing in the world. 'I love you' was one thing but being wanted for every single part of who you are, including the parts that you don't like about yourself...

"Is it like falling off a cliff?" Kurt asked, hoping Blaine would understand the meaning of his words.

It worked. Blaine slid his arms around Kurt's waist, tugging him even closer. "No. It feels like being wrapped in the biggest blanket you can imagine, being held close and then stripped bare all at once."

Kurt's eyes were wide open and bright with sheer emotion. "Can you help me?" he stuttered, feeling more vulnerable than he'd ever wished to feel before but knowing he had to take the leap.

Blaine held harder. "You don't need my help," he spoke resolutely, staring into the crystal cyan of Kurt's eyes, "you just need to know that I'm not going anywhere."

"Kiss me again," Kurt said suddenly, bending his head to rest against Blaine's forehead, "I want you to kiss me like that again."

Blaine knew then that he didn't need a reply right away, he didn't need Kurt to say those words back to him yet as just because one of them didn't say it did not mean it wasn't true. The trust and further developed honesty between them shone bright like an aura as Blaine smiled. He obeyed then, holding Kurt tighter with each tiny movement.

They could both breathe a little easier as thy walker to the car.

"I'm sorry that this didn't quite go to plan after you put so much effort into planning it."

Blaine chuckled with a shake of his head. "No, you were right. I guess I just wanted it all to be perfect and memorable and ended up going over the top."

Kurt stopped him mid-walk with a soft hand on his elbow. "I didn't mean that, you know? You were being thoughtful and your usual irritatingly perfect self and you just caught me off guard, that's all."

There was a flicker of something in Blaine's eyes, promise or hope. "Well, if you're sure," he suggested, a flicker of a smile tugging at his lips.

"What is it?"

"Well," Blaine began gently, "I may have had another activity planned that I think you'll love."

As it grew closer to dusk, Kurt wondered what else was possible. Yes, Blaine was hopelessly idealistic but it worked. It worked so well because Kurt recognised the same element to his own personality in a way. Both were different in so many respects, for one Blaine did not have an atom of fashionable prowess, but in certain distinct areas, their similarities were frighteningly distinct.

"Try me."

"There's a touring cast performance of Les Miserables at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus. I got us tickets."

Without a thought, Kurt flung his arms around Blaine's neck, breathing in deep and sighing out contentedly. Blaine gasped as the weight hit him but laughed out his anxiety in a second, feeling Kurt's fingers tighten into his coat lapels. There was something different in the way Kurt acted that felt much more intense and mind-blowingly heart felt. Blaine wondered if this was Kurt at his most natural now. It felt far too good.

"So is that a yes?" Blaine asked happily.

Kurt laughed, his breath warm against Blaine's neck. "I'd love nothing more."

They were in the darkness, a slight bustle around them as people shifted in their seat, keeping their eyes fixed upon the stage. Blaine had seen the show before as a child but hadn't quite grasped the meaning behind the words or the beauty of the melodies- Sylvie had laughed when the first thing he'd commented on had been the cool guns and the costumes. This time, however, was entirely different.

Kurt had hold of his hand as he sat rigid in his seat, eyes transfixed and captivated. They hadn't discussed the show before so Blaine hadn't even been sure if Kurt was a fan or not but it became obvious as soon as they'd piled into the car. Kurt had launched into a monologue about how "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" is one of the most heart breaking songs ever written and how the angel's melody in the show's Epilogue was possibly one of the most breath taking melodies he'd ever heard. Blaine had smiled into the dark as they drove, thanking whatever entity had blessed him with foresight.

The off note sounds of the end number began as Kurt gripped Blaine's hand tighter, unable to move. Jean Valjean had taken a seat in his chair, preparing to die, and Kurt knew he'd cry. The tears came even from the Cast Recording as an inevitable eventuality. The music has always moved him from an early age and sitting in the dark with Blaine close after a day filled with a multitude of emotions, Kurt felt himself choke with tears. He could barely see as he fought to keep them in.

Blaine glanced with a fond smile at the way Kurt's knuckles were turning white against his own hand and noticed the sparkling tears fighting at the rim of his eyes. It was precious. Blaine felt the music fill the auditorium, soaring over their heads, reverberating off the walls and soaking into every single heart in the audience.

As Cosette began to sing to her 'father', her voice crystal and piercing, Kurt swallowed hard and listened to every syllable as if his life depended upon it. Fantine then began to sing.

Come with me, where chains will never bind you
All your grief, at last, at last behind you

Lord in heaven, look down on him in Mercy

Take my hand, and lead me to salvation
Take my love for love is everlasting
And remember the truth that once was spoken,
To love another person is to see the face of God.

Kurt felt himself shudder as the tears fell. He wasn't a believer in religion but he knew it didn't matter as the music filled his soul. He felt his breath catch as the ensemble began to sing, loud and hopeful, their voices so powerful that Kurt's spine shivered uncontrollably. The voices grew louder, cascading in melodies so strong and heartfelt.

He snapped out of it as the voices stopped, the score soaring still in the background. It felt natural to lean closer to Blaine, enjoying the way the darkness shrouded them but suddenly less aware of the public sitting close-by. Kurt let his head fall against Blaine's shoulder, his tears his black woollen sweater.

"You ok?" Blaine whispered, smiling through the dark as he tilted his head to look into Kurt's eyes. They glittered against the blackness.

"I will say it you know?" Kurt whispered with certainty, overcome with emotion, need and the closeness, "I will."

Blaine smiled lazily. "I know," he soothed, planting a bay kiss against Kurt's temple as the music swelled once more.

Wow. That was a Chapter and a half. HA! So many emotions, so many thoughts, so many settings... HOPE you enjoyed it. I swear I was nearly in tears at so many moments – I'm such a complete softie.

I have a feeling Kurt would like Les Mis. My heart belongs with Les Mis. I've seen SO many West End shows as I spend quite a lot of time in London and try and see a show as often as I can but I saw Les Mis for its 25th Anniversary Tour with John Owen Jones and have never been as moved and captivated by a show in my entire life. I have seen it three times since! If you're not familiar, I'd recommend watching the 10th Anniversary performance of the Epilogue for the part I included – Ruthie Henshall plays Fantine and she is outstanding.

...and off we go back to Dalton :)