a/n: I feel like I probably should've mentioned before that Cooper is 27, Blaine is 17, and this is an AU so no, they are not related. Sorry for any confusion. Thanks to my delovely Darren for looking over this for me.

When Cooper woke up, it was with the luxury of knowing that he was not needed anywhere anytime soon.

Or at least, that's what he thought until he heard it.

Just a whimper, a tiny one, falling from those sweet, broken lips, and Blaine was squirming against him, snuggling back into the warmth of him, rubbing his ass up against him. Heat coursed through Cooper's body at his touch, but he let him go just gently, pressing a small kiss against his hair.

"Blaine," he murmured softly, "it's time to wake up, baby."

Blaine hummed in annoyance, still writhing a little in his hold, trying to get some friction back on him, but Cooper sat up to get out of his reach. The last thing he would want was to take advantage of him.

When Blaine finally blinked his eyes open, he takes a moment to gather his bearings, then flushes a bright pretty pink.

He was hard, and he knew it.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, mortified.

"It's okay, Blaine," Cooper assured him, "you're a teenage boy, your body is going to react."

"Still," Blaine grumbled a little glumly and it's so adorable that Cooper takes his chin between his thumb and forefinger, lifting him to meet his eye.

"It's a Saturday," he told him, "which means I have nothing in my cupboard. Come with me to the store and I'll let you pick out what you want to eat?"

Blaine nodded. "Okay," he agreed.

"Good," Cooper grinned. "We need to get you some clothes, too. I don't think you can go around in mine for too long…"

Blaine grumbled again and Cooper ruffled his hair.

"Alright, kid," he said, bouncing to his feet, clapping his hands. "Shower time, lets go."

Shopping had never been a particular hobby per se for Cooper, but there was something he adored about shopping for Blaine.

They went for clothes first, and Cooper dragged Blaine around in all his favourite stores before Blaine reluctantly admitted that it wasn't to his taste, upon which Cooper insisted he show him around. Replacing the leather jackets and boots Cooper had been looking at, Blaine found himself some adorable sweaters and curdoroys, boat shoes and more bowties and Cooper had seen since he'd done that nineteen fifties themed play.

"I like these," Cooper told him and Blaine had flushed with pleasure, ducking his head and peeking up under his from under those stunning lashes.

"I like them, too," he said softly.

Cooper was more than thankful that it was the winter break as it meant he had a little more time to prepare for Blaine to start up at school. He decided to save that discussion until later, however, and skimmed past the newsagency, taking him straight to the grocery store where he indulged him in all his favourite foods.

The rest of the day fell by easily. When they got home they put away all their things and settled down in front of another movie with their lunch. Blaine curled up at his side and slept all through dinner and Cooper didn't have the heart to wake him until it was getting very late.

He carried him to bed – their bed – and he slept soundly through the night.

The next few days fell by uneventfully, yet monumentally for Cooper. Slowly, Blaine began to open up to Cooper, more and more and Cooper thought that he might actually feel at home here.

That's what he wanted for him.

Every night they cuddled and Cooper constantly showered Blaine with affection, hugging him from the behind as he worked in the kitchen (Blaine loved to help him cook) or holding him as they watched movies or read together. He kissed his hair and often his cheeks and forehead, just to make Blaine blush.

The week before Christmas they put up the Christmas tree together and Cooper could sense Blaine's lingering sadness. This was his first Christmas without his family.

Cooper would be his family, he decided determinedly. He was going to make this Christmas his best yet.

They talked about it and decided gifts wouldn't be given as they had given each other so much already (and well, Blaine didn't exactly have any money yet). But Cooper resolved to give him something very special instead.

They had a lovely day, even without the presents, Cooper's old radio crooning out his favourite Christmas carols as they drank eggnog and made too much Christmas lunch. Cooper read aloud to him from his new poetry book, the one his mother had given him, and Blaine had listened to him with rapture and awe struck eyes that made Cooper dizzy.

And the lily whispers, 'I wait.'

They're just about to put on The Grinch, Blaine's favourite Christmas movie, when Cooper calls him over to the doorway, a soft light to his eyes.

"Look above us, Blaine," he encouraged and Blaine did, his breath catching as he saw it.

Mistletoe.

"Merry Christmas, Blaine," Cooper murmured, kissing him soft and sweet, until their nerves are doing little dances under the burning cover of their skin, alight with the pleasure of a new and foreign touch.

"Thank you," Blaine breathed, his breath sacred and reverent, just like their favourite little two words.

"You're more than welcome, Blaine," Cooper grinned.

The next morning they awoke to snowfall and heat burning between both their legs. Blaine whined as he rutted against the sheets and Cooper almost forget to stop him before waking him with a gentle hand. Blaine gazed up at him with wide and pleading eyes and Cooper kissed him, because he knew he could now.

But this time, Blaine's body took control and he lunged into it, his tongue peeking through Cooper's lips and darting around the roof of his mouth like he was seeking out the crevices in his restrain. He crawled up and into his lap, planting himself on his hips, kissing him deeper now, dirty like there's sun on their skin and the heat is unbearable. It was sloppy and messy and out of control and Cooper put his hands on his hips, pulling away so they could both gasp for air.

The world was spinning.

"If this is what you want, Blaine," Cooper told him seriously, chest heaving with laboured breaths, "I won't stop you. But think about what you want… I'll always be here."

Blaine considered his words, confliction flickering in his eyes. He waited a moment before the decision was made, and he climbed off his lap, a mumbled apology falling off his lips. Cooper grabbed his wrist before he could get away, pulling him back to kiss him once more, just a small, closed mouth press, soothing him.

"Don't be sorry, baby," he murmured. "I just want you to be sure."

Blaine nodded, his eyes soft and thankful. He rubbed their noses together and Cooper couldn't control his giggle. Blaine blushed a little but Cooper only squeezed his hand.

"You are so fucking delovely," he whispered, "and I promise you, I will always be here."

Blaine nodded again, a smile painting his own face, the next words falling off his words casual and soft, like he was talking about breakfast or the curtains in the windows.

"I love you, Cooper."

And that was the best Christmas present at all.

"I love you, too, Blaine," he returned without hesitation, "so very much."

As Christmas passed, so did New Years, and soon enough it was time for Blaine to head back to school.

They enrol him at Dalton Academy, the best that Cooper can afford, and the first time he sees Blaine in his blazer he takes him by the tie and kisses his lovely lips until the navy and red are dancing in hypnotic waves behind their lids.

They still sleep together, and cuddle as always, but recently, their kisses have become more heated and Cooper can sense that soon Blaine's going to need something more.

"When you do," Cooper assured him, "I promise you, I'm right here."

"Always," Blaine murmured coyly and Cooper just kissed his cheek.

"Always."

The boys at Dalton were nice, Blaine told him. It's a good school where the teachers care about their students and the students care about their work. He's met some nice people, but he's not close to anyone yet. It's too soon for that.

Cooper took pleasure in cooking him dinner every night and hearing the stories and his classes and classmates. He's in the Warblers, the school's showchoir and sometimes he lets Cooper hear their latest arrangement.

Cooper doesn't think he'll ever get tired of his voice.

He loves these nights, when he can just sit back and let Blaine veer the conversation. He loves hearing him talk, just the sound of his voice, or the way he gestures with his hands when he's particularly enthused about something.

But now that he's not around all the time, Cooper's starting to miss him.

He's starting to miss him a lot.

He's been a month at Dalton when Cooper comes to realise just how much Blaine's been missing him, too. He wakes him in the middle of the night with his moans, tossing and turning as he seeks out Cooper, hands grappling desperately for his shirt.

"Blaine?" Cooper breathed into the darkness. "Are you awake?" He gasped as he suddenly felt the warm weight of Blaine rolling on top of him, his lips smacking against his neck.

"Yes," Blaine groaned, rocking his hips down, clumsy and unsurely.

"Blaine," Cooper gasped, his hands instinctively cupping his ass as Blaine panted harshly against his neck, "baby, what do you need, what can I do?"

Blaine's hands fisted into the waistband of Cooper's sweatpants in silent command and Cooper sat up, his hands sliding up Blaine's shirt, sweeping over the warm skin of his back as Blaine wrapped his legs around his waist, rocking in his lap, desperate for it. Cooper knew he couldn't help him now and just held onto his lips, trying to guide them into rhythm with his own, but he barely has time before Blaine's whole body shuddered against him, and he came in the same sweatpants Cooper leant him all those months ago, the ones that Blaine still wears sometimes despite having a few pairs of his own.

"Kiss me," Cooper panted and Blaine wrapped his arms around his neck and does just that, his mouth a little sloppy and his kisses wet, but Cooper drinks them up eagerly.

"You're still hard," Blaine said, frowning faintly. Cooper chuckled.

"Sorry," he muttered, "I… you surprised me."

"Can I…?" he trailed off and Cooper lifted an eyebrow.

"Do you-"

"Yes," Blaine blurted out instantly and blushed at his own boldness. Cooper spread his thighs little and bit back a groan as Blaine settled between them, just a hint of the friction he needed. Cooper let his head roll back as Blaine took the hint, grounding down against him, and it wasn't too long before Cooper was coming too, hips jutting up against him.

"Will you let me clean you up?" Cooper asked quietly when he's come down. Blaine gave him a sleepy nod, rolling onto his back as Cooper slipped out from under the covers, fetching a towel, wetting it a little and bringing it back to bed. He pulled Blaine's sweatpants off gently, mindful of his sensitive cock and cleaned off his thighs were he came against his skin.

He fought the urge to use his tongue.

Blaine squirmed a little under his attentiveness, and Cooper cleaned himself up quickly, changing into a pair of boxes and bringing a pair for Blaine.

He always liked it when Blaine wore his, although he could never quite bring himself to tell Blaine that.

"Thanks, Coop," Blaine breathed, snuggling close as Cooper climbed back under the covers.

Cooper just kissed him.

For probably the first time ever, Cooper beat Blaine out of bed. Blaine woke to the smell of pancakes cooking down the hall and padded down the hall, sniffing curiously.

"Cooper…" he ventured carefully, cheeks flushing as he caught sight of him in the kitchen, the rays of light splaying in from the kitchen window hugging his body in the most alluring way. All at once, the events from last night came flooding back to his memory and he blushed even deeper.

"Hey," Cooper greeted him brightly, tossing the last pancake on the pile, switching off the stove top. "I made breakfast. I was thinking we could talk…"

Oh.

"W-what about?" Blaine asked nervously, his voice wobbling as he sat down at the kitchen table, tucking his toes under his knees. Cooper sat opposite him, helping pancakes onto both their plates.

"Last night," Cooper said gently, putting the dish down and pausing for a moment. "I was just wondering if your parents ever gave you the talk."

Choking a little on the bite of pancake he just took, Blaine flushed down to his toes. Cooper reached out and stroked his hand soothingly, rubbing his thumb back and forth across the skin.

"I…" soothed somewhat, Blaine took a deep breath, "they did… or at least… they told me about the birds and the bees."

Nodding in understanding, Cooper hummed a little, considering his words. Avoiding his gaze, Blaine stuffed another few mouthfuls of pancakes. It tasted like cardboard.

This is why he did most of the cooking.

"Obiovusly," Cooper said at last, "you're going to need to be educated – and I'd be more than happy to tell you everything I know…" Blaine nearly choked on his bite. "But," Cooper grinned, "I know I much preferred to teach myself. If it would be easier for you, I'd be happy to give you one of my books. It taught me everything I know… But," he reached out and took Blaine's free hand again, "that doesn't mean I wouldn't want to tell you myself. It's your call, buddy."

Blaine met his gaze with equal earnesty and he could see the soft love in Cooper's eyes that made something warm spread through his stomach. He smiled back, his decision made up.

"Could I… maybe borrow your books?" he asked carefully. Cooper pressed his lips against his hand, imprinting his smile against his skin.

"Of course."

That night he woke up to Blaine hovering over him, his eyes too bright and his cheeks feverish and flushed.

He wakes up fast.

"Please," Blaine whimpered against his mouth, his shaking hands tangling in his hair as he kisses him desperately, and Cooper can feel him already hard, in his lap. "Cooper-touch me."

Cooper was a little surprised at Blaine's confidence and Blaine apparently was too as his eyes widened with embarrassment and he looked about ready to pull away, but Cooper held him tight, mouthing up his neck slow and soft, trying to soothe him.

"Of course, baby," he murmured, "you only have to ask." Blaine let out a shuddering gasp as Cooper's hands dipped under his shirt, caressing his sides, rubbing up his back in a way that he knew Blaine loved. Blaine rolled into his touch, a small moan escaping his lips as his head tipped back, giving Cooper more leverage on his neck.

He curved his hands around Blaine's hips and squeezed, just to hear him moan before he trailed them lower, sneaking under the waistband of his pants, dipping under the fabric of his briefs, electing a full body shiver from Blaine.

He cupped him using just one hand and he repressed his smirk at the way Blaine immediately jumped in his hand, his hips bucking up, obscene moans spilling straight out of his mouth into Cooper's and he loves the feel of him, loves the warmth, the heaviness, the slickness as he rubs and strokes him, flicking his wrist just to make Blaine tighten his grip in Cooper's hair.

And Cooper ended up coming just from that, just from Blaine in his palm, coming hard, little sobs wracking his tiny frame. Cooper cleaned them both up as quickly as possible, pulling Blaine back to his chest, cradling him tight as he petted at his hair.

"I love you," Cooper reminded him. Blaine buried himself closer, his mumbles tickling Cooper's neck.

"I love you, too."

This happened a few times before Cooper began to notice the real change in Blaine.

He was bolder, more confident, more sure, less awkward in the roll of his hips, less shaky in his touches. He kissed him deeper, kissing him longer, lingering.

He learned how to tease.

Cooper loved it, and would let Blaine have him anyway he wanted.

Blaine's happiness is what made him happy, after all.

"Been doing your research?" Cooper quipped one autumn morning after Blaine had joined him in the shower, sucked the soap right off his skin and made him come with just his increasingly skilled hand.

But Cooper could still make him blush.

"Maybe," he murmured, batting his lashes coyly. "Is it working?"

Cooper laughed, ruffling his hair. "You are precious, Blaine."

But soon enough, Cooper began to see that Blaine was needing something even more.

In the few times Cooper had sucked him off, it was when his hands strayed to his ass, dancing over the crevices of his cheeks that Blaine came the hardest, his hips bucking up with every touch to the sensitive skin.

Cooper loved Blaine's little ass. He loved when they were making out, and he would cup it under his palms, and Blaine would rock his hips back into him, pushing into his touch. He loved that Blaine loved when he touched it, when he would smack it playfully as he walked past, petting it absently as they laid down together.

Most of all, Cooper loved it when Blaine sat in his lap, and Cooper could feel his ass pressed against his thighs, or his cock, grinding down as they kissed, or a simple, warm weight when they just cuddled. More than anything Cooper loved the feel of him, so soft, yet so masculine.

He wanted him, he wanted him badly.

But Blaine would have to make the first move.

And he did.

They were on the couch, an old black and white film playing in the background, and Blaine was sprawled out under him, his hands rubbing frantically up his chest, his hips bucking up to meet his.

"Please-Cooper," Blaine panted, writhing beneath him, "I'm… I'm ready."

Cooper halted instantly, his breath catching as he looked down at him in wonder. "Are you-are you sure, Blaine?" his heart stuttered like untuned engine in his chest until Blaine finally nodded, slow, but sure.

"Yeah," he breathed, a soft smile melting over his lips, "I'm ready."

Cooper managed himself on wobbly feet then, taking Blaine's hand in his, trading secret smiles as they wordlessly moved to the bedroom. Cooper could sense Blaine's nervousness and knew he had to try his best to appease him. He pushed him back down against the sheets and kissed him, softly at first, then again, once more, until Blaine was whining, aching for more.

"Shhh," Cooper hushed him, kissing down his jaw, his tongue tickling at his skin. He undid the buttons on Blaine's shirt with steady fingers, prying them apart slowly, not wanting to scare him off. This wasn't unfamiliar territory, but he still knew Blaine could be insecure about his body.

If only he saw what Cooper saw.

He leant back for a moment to admire his artwork. The canvas spread of a beautiful boy, not entirely finished, not done yet. His cheeks were flushed and his lovely mouth was plump and worn and touched and bruised, ruined as it lay open, waiting for him to meet him again. His hair was tousled and hung in his eyes, green like the tea he brought him every morning. His white shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his toned upper body, dark hair dusting across his tan skin.

Cooper just wanted to kiss every inch of him.

"Your turn," Blaine murmured, and Cooper gave him a saucy grin, whipping his shirt off in one motion, tossing it beside the bed. It wasn't the first time they'd been shirtless together, not by a long stretch, but Blaine's eyes were wide and aweful as they swept across his body, his hands following after, tracing the contours of his ribs and hcest. Cooper let his eyes flutter shut and just let him touch, let him feel. This newness, this first time thing was something he wasn't ever going to get back. And Cooper wanted his first time to be perfect.

He let out a gasp as Blaine's fingers grazed his nipples and Blaine grinned with the newfound knowledge. His fingers tapped lower then, dancing across his torso, and lower, across his stomach, fingering with his belt.

"Can I take this off?" Blaine murmured demurely.

"Please do," Cooper chuckled, just to see the look on Blaine's face.

Worth it.

"Your shirt off first, though, please," Cooper requested and Blaine didn't hesitate shrugging the fabric off his shoulders. His arms were beautiful, toned and strong, veins poking out from under his skin. Cooper traced a long one with his fingertip reverently. "I love your arms," he whispered.

"Belt," Blaine commanded, his voice low in a way that made shivers threaten at the base of Cooper's spine. He helped him then, pushing the buckle through and unthreading it. Blaine's hands were shaking a little but Cooper's were still steady. He pushed the belt off his hips and then tucked his fingers under the waistband of his jeans.

"Is this okay?" he asked Blaine who was watching him with wide eyes.

"More than okay," Blaine choked out and something fond tapped knowingly at Cooper's heart.

He loved this boy so much.

He kicked his pants off easily, tossing them aside with his shirt, and waited Blaine's body to catch up with his brain. He was still watching him intently, his eyes drinking in all the new, previously unseen skin. They traced over his calves, loved his knees and lingered on his thighs. He wet his lips with a nervous drag of his tongue as he took in the hardness between them, before lifting his eyes to meet Cooper's once more.

"Mine?" he offered, scooting up a little on the bed and presenting his legs to Cooper, heat creeping up a little on his neck.

Cooper moved after him eagerly, unbuttoning his pants slowly, wordlessly. He kept eye contact with Blanie as he slowly pulled the fabric over his thighs. Blaine hissed out a gasp as they brushed over his sensitive cock and he kissed his thighs apologetically, before tugging the denim the rest of the way down, pushing it off the mattress and crawling up next to him.

Left now only in their underwear, Cooper could see the little nervous trembles dancing under Blaine's skin and he stroked a hand across his torso reassuringly.

"We don't have to do any more than this, sweetheart," he assured him. "We can go slow."

Blaine shook his head, meeting his eyes with a determinded glint. "I want you to fuck me, Cooper," he said, his voice surprisingly dark and thrilling. "I've wanted this for so long…" he closed his eyes then, leaning into Cooper who met his lips midway, their lips melding together once more.

"On your back," Cooper murmured against his mouth, hovering over him as they shifted. "Spread your legs."

Blaine complied and Cooper slipped through the space between them, slotting a thigh between Blaine's, sucking the moan right from the base of his throat. Blaine rolled his hips down against him, panting frantically, his kisses reduced to quick, sloppy presses, landing across his chin and cheeks, down his jaw.

"Can I take these off?" Cooper whispered, right in his ear, hooking his thumbs under Blaine's briefs. Blaine whimpered but nodded frantically, his eyes clenching shut as Cooper removed them. Cooper stroked him gently and Blaine shuddered, instantly jumping up into his hand, his exhales stuttered and laboured. Cooper kissed him gently, on the mouth, then on his cock, gently sucking just the head of him in. Blaine keened above him, his hands threading through his hair, tugging frantically. Cooper moaned around his cock, the taste of him, salty and slightly bitter, wrapped around his tongue.

He pulled off, kissing up his thighs, nosing across the juncture between his hip and leg and finally sucking at his hipbone.

"Lift your knees, sweetheart," Cooper prompted and Blaine did so, hugging them as close to his shoulders as he could. Thankful for his acute preparation, Cooper quickly slidoff the bed, seeking out the condoms and lube he kept in the drawer, returning hastily. Blaine watched with eager eyes as he uncapped the lid, slicking the liquid over his fingers.

"This might sting a little," Cooper warned him, "but I just want you to look me in the eye, and tell me all the beautiful things you can… it'll keep your mind off the pain."

Blaine nodded, swallowing thickly as Cooper inched close, his fingers dancing along his sensitive skin. He fought down a shiver as he pressed in, just lightly at first, then further.

"Stars," Blaine said, biting down a hiss as Cooper inched in slowly, the burn of the stretch heating up now. "Four AM…"

"Four AM?" Cooper questioned, successfully distracting him as he pressed a little deeper, his first finger halfway now.

"The air is really nice and cool and no one's around," Blaine explained. "I used to like going for walks then… just as the morning was breaking through and there was no sun yet but the clouds rolled along the sky and it was like…" he gasped as Cooper slid in a second finger by the first, "new beginnings," he managed.

"Go on," Cooper urged, scissoring his fingers. Blaine swallowed tightly, continuing.

"Coffee stains… pianos… music… keys… clocks…"

"You're very abstract, aren't you?" Cooper mused, as thoughtful as he could be with two fingers up his ass. Blaine gasped as he twisted his fingers again, the pressure more forceful now as the burn dulled. His eyes fluttered shut, fanning wet across his cheeks as they caught against his damp skin. He wet his lips and a shuddering gasp left them as he rocked down on Cooper's fingers, the need in his stomach growing heavy now.

"Please," Blaine begged, "Cooper, I need you."

Cooper pulled back gently, peppering kisses over his stomach and thighs before reaching for the lube to prep himself. Blaine struggled to catch his breath as he waited, watching Cooper with rapt attention as he got himself ready.

Finally, Cooper closed the last distance between them, lining up his cock and hovering over him, pressing his forehead against Blaine's.

"I love you," he said reassuringly. "I'm going to take care of you, I promise."

Blaine nodded, his eyes unwavering as they locked with Cooper's. The trust in them was so sure and steady that Cooper's heart swooped in the pit of his chest, just as he pressed in through Blaine's sensitive skin. Blaine's cry was instant and he gasped for air at the intrusion, so much more than just fingers.

"Shhh," Cooper soothed, raining kisses over his forehead and cheeks, "you're perfect, Blaine, you feel…" he gasped as he pressed in a little more, deeper this time, "amazing."

Blaine nodded, his moan wavering a little as he gripped Cooper's biceps tightly, steadying himself. Cooper pushed in further, moaning at the wet heat of a small, beautiful boy, consuming him, coursing through his veins like fire.

"Kiss me," Cooper gasped and Blaine complied, a small cry sounding under his lips as Cooper buried himself completely, resting his forehead against Blaine's. "Perfect," Cooper managed, "you're perfect."

"Move," Blaine pleaded, and Cooper rocked his hips up, just lightly at first, letting Blaine get used to it. Blaine stuttered and gasped through clenched teeth, his eyes scrunching up as his body was consumed by the sensations of it. Cooper tried it again and Blaine moaned this time, pushing back on him.

"Beautiful," Cooper murmured softly, kissing up the column of his neck, "just like this…"

Holding onto his hips, Cooper guided him to move with him, and Blaine bit silent screams into his shoulder as he rocked into him, his hands grappling up the overheated skin of his back, clutching hard.

Cooper wondered whether he'd find hand-shaped bruises on his back in the morning.

(He didn't think he would mind at all).

"Cooper," Blaine whined, rocking a little faster now, his breathing shorter, needier, "I'm close-soclosesoclose…"

"Me, too, honey," Cooper choked, his hips picking up pace to match Blaine's. "Me too…"

"I'm-"

He'd seen Blaine fall apart under his hands, under his mouth, under his body, many times before now.

But never like this.

His whole body shuddering, his lips opening and closing with silent screams as his hips rocked and he came, harder than before, his orgasm ripped from him. Cooper came quickly after, and he gave them both a few moments of stillness before he pulled out, Blaine whimpering, his breath still and quiet, reverent, like it always had been.

"Thank you," he whispered. "Cooper… fuck… thank you."

He kissed him, just a gentle rub of their raw skin before he snuggled down next to his heated body, holding him close despite the discomfort of it all.

Blaine would need him close.

"You're welcome, baby," he murmured. "I love you."

"I love you too."

And as their breath slowly fell back to gentle beats, their bodies calming down from the aftershocks, they fell asleep together, wrapped in each other's arms, feet and legs tangled, foreheads just touching, hearts just a few centimetres apart.

They didn't beat together, but they beat for each other.

They were all they had.