Hi there. I know that as of late I haven't been updating as quickly as I used to. The reasoning for this is a simple two part answer. Firstly I work too much...lol. It's been so busy and I've had to pick up extra shifts. Secondly, both of my stories have turned into epics so the amount of planning that needs to be done to construct these has taken more time than anticipated. I'm sorry if this is upsetting or irrational but I want to write more frequently if that helps. I've got a head full of ideas of where this story is going but it will be a slow build and very detailed...because that's how I roll. LOL

Well enough rambling and onto the next chapter...yay!

Chapter 11 – A Sentimental Man part 1

(BPOV)

Even after living in the city for a year it never ceased to amaze me when I took the train into midtown and marvelled at the tourists and the traps they got sucked into. I found myself becoming the New Yorker who ignored his surroundings but still laughed at the onslaught of tourists and there cameras flashing away at what I figured was now common place in my new city. I somehow couldn't believe it had only been a year since I moved here but yet it felt like I had lived here all my life : New York was my home.

As I looked over at Kurt I could see he still had the stars in his eyes that a traveller who discovered a new continent did. We had decided to take the train uptown to 5th and when we were done with our shopping exploits we'd take a cab back. Hell we were planning on spending quite a bit today so a hefty cab ride home instead of cramming shopping bags on the subway was a fair trade off.

We walked the remaining distance to Saks and Kurt was so excited that I noticed a new bounce in his step. He was virtually skipping at my side, he was so happy and did I mentioned he looked fabulous? Normally I would roll my eyes playfully when he took forever to get dressed and plan his outfit but today it seemed fitting.

He had commented that we couldn't go shopping at stores such as these without dressing the part...it would be disrespectful to the fashion gods. So for the first and now that I look back on it not the last time I let Kurt pick what I was going to wear. A dark red Banana Republic top and my tailored taupe khakis and he insisted on my more dressy loafers but I was still thankful that he didn't put me in anything too over the top. He of course had to where something by Alexander McQueen because well...it's Kurt; not much else would do for this occasion apparently. Dressed in skinnies and his royal blue McQueen ensemble he seemed to stand up straighter with a sweet arrogance that was endearing and confident.

This confidence was still there but it was being taken over by exuberance and a child like excitement as we stopped dead right in front of the main doors to Saks.

"Kurt honey stop bouncing...you're making me seasick ...ha ha ."

"I can't...I'm tooooo excited." Even his whine was plastered with the intermittent giggle. I placed my hand on his cheek and leaned in to give him a peck on the lips but he pulled away from me and glanced over his shoulders. A sudden nervous aura surrounded him but I steadied the hand on his face.

"Babe its ok. We aren't in Ohio anymore. We can kiss here with less fear of bigots yelling at us..."I leaned in and just before I connected out lips said, "it's ok love."

The kiss was short and sweet but he seemed to relax him some and he pulled away with a smile. I smiled back but before I knew it his fingers had laced in mine and he was purposefully pulling me into the store behind him.

Kurt looked like he had won the lottery. His eyes were wide with shock and respect as he swayed and strolled through the isles, our hands never breaking. He had insisted that it wasn't necessary to try anything on but I was having none of that. He was here to have a blast in his element and I was going to make sure he did.

With smiles and giggles I pushed him at a salesman who greeted us with a warm smile despite our linked hands and I felt Kurt tangibly relax. After a lot of wandering and idle chatting, I left him to it as he gathered all his items in the private change room thanks to Aaron, our salesman, who was very attentive and informative. Him and Kurt had gone off on their own conversation about today's latest fashion trends and how Alexander McQueen's line had changed drastically since his death 2 years ago. I just made myself comfortable on the chaise in the changing area and just watched Kurt.

He was glowing, absolutely glowing and I couldn't stop staring. He's my boyfriend now and he looks so happy and spirited...I can stare now right?

He disappeared into the change room giving me a sideways glance and wink.

Kurt decided that I deserved a full fashion show of all the things him and Aaron had selected and I loved each and every one of them. Kurt was smiling so big I thought he would burst.

"Having fun sweetie?" I stood up to place my hands on his shoulders behind him as he looked in the mirror for the hundredth time.

"Oh my god Blaine you have no idea how fantastic this is? I mean I know we can't get me anything here today really but you know that I just LOVE clothes and I think that..."

I placed a kiss on his neck ever so slightly causing him to halt his ramblings.

"Hmm Blaine...thank you for this."

"Sure baby so you see anything you like? Like really like?"

"Well I did love that new McQueen scarf, the black and white Burberry looking one with the little tiny skull embroidered on the bottom...I guess scarves are kind of my weakness." He shrugged and looked down slightly sheepishly.

"Nothings changed there...I always did love you in your designer scarves." He looked up and smiled warmly, "Really?"

"Of course. Now.." I spun him around in his highly attractive Versace ensemble, "go change back into your regular outfit love, we've already been here longer than we should. We're due to meet Mercedes, Jay and Ter in about 30 minutes." His eyes widen and his mouth dropped a little.

"Oh sweet Prada. Blaine why didn't you say something earlier...I still an outfit to show you!" He scurried away back to his room before I could say anything in rebuttal. I took that as my cue to send a text to Terri saying we were going to be a little late. I was distracted with my phone to not notice Kurt emerging from the room again 10 minutes later until I heard him clear his throat.

"Ahem." I looked up and I couldn't even come up with words to describe him. "So what you think?" He gave a very slow turn as I took in all of him. For all the times that Kurt had shown me outfits or dressed up for the most random occasions I had never seen him look more attractive. He always wore elaborate outfits and it was one of the many things that I loved about him but this...just took my breath away.

Kurt looked dashing and so grown up. It was so simple and he needed to have that outfit...for tonight.

"Blaine? Is it ok? I know its simple...especially for me but I thought I'd try it..mmph."

I kissed him probably more passionately than I should have for such a formal location but he just looked so delicious that I had to show him.

"So I guess that's a yes?" He laughed against my lips. I nodded but then turned to see Aaron trying to stay scarce but giving us a smile before he noticed I saw him in my peripherals.

"Oh sorry sirs...I don't mean to intrude..I just wanted to say that I think you two make a very cute couple...how long have you been together?" Kurt didn't take his eyes off me the whole time before he responded, "Three and a half weeks."

"Oh wow I would have guessed much longer than that...you seem so comfortable with each other. Well I'm sorry for interrupting again...but can I get you anything else?" Kurt seemed to muddle that question over but I jumped in, "We're taking this entire outfit Aaron. If you could pack it up for us once he's changed that would be appreciated...oh and don't let him tell you no...it's a present..he has no say."

The look on Kurt's face was a mix of shock, nervousness and love. "Blaine...I..no this is too much..." I silenced him with another kiss.

"Baby, I'm getting this for you. You look fantastic and I would love for you to wear it out tonight on my surprise date that I have planned."

"You really like it that much? I mean I know its fabulous but its so simple...I just don't know."

"Kurt stop. I love it. I'm buying it. We just can't buy anything else today ha ha ha!"

He laughed that musical delighted laugh that always made me smile before sighing and unwinding our fingers and dashing back into the change room yet again.

"Ok..thank you baby...just thanks." The he locked the door behind him.

I lowered my voice to just above a whisper, "Aaron...come're. You know that Marc Jacobs scarf he had earlier?" Aaron nodded but said nothing. "Add that to the charge for today but wrap it up separately so he can't see."

Obviously this wasn't his first experience with secret gifts because he merely winked and went running off to gather the aforementioned item.

After Kurt was changed and the items(s) paid for, the scarf wrapped skillfully small and now placed neatly in the garment bag that held his outfit for tonight, we made our way out the door. Aaron had given us his card and said if we were ever back that we should come in and check out the new line and he would be more than happy to help us again. Kurt was also given his email and cell number because being a new fashion student, knowing anyone in the industry was always good to consult.

The sun was high in the sky when we stood on the curb trying to hail a cab. I looked over at Kurt and found to my complete surprise that he was on the verge of tears but with the faintest smile creeping up on his lips.

"Kurt? You ok?" I gave a tentative squeeze to our linked hands and he looked up just as one of the tears began to fall.

"Yeah I...I just realized how glad I am that I'm here...here with you." He sniffled and laughed a small broken laugh that made my heart clench. "I mean I'm in one of the fashion capitals of the world, going to school for it in a matter of days mind you, and I have my best friend and boyfriend here with me...a-and you surprised me with the ability to love and explore my passion...and share it with me too."

He was going to make me cry now, the thought of hailing a cab on the back burner now as I stared at him willing him to continue.

"I belong here Blaine. I really do. I was never meant to live in Lima. I love my family but this is my home...and so a-are y-you." Our gazes never faltered and only intensified with the short amount of time that we were standing there.

"You...god Kurt do you mean that?" He didn't nod and he didn't need to. The question was more rhetorical than anything.

The hug that ensued was tight and heartfelt, and I could see myself wrapping my arms around this body for the rest of my days. Abruptly Kurt pulled away with a tiny squeal.

"Blaine! Don't wrinkle it! That's expensive! " His voice had that arrogance in it that made me smile but I noticed immediately that with clothes and Kurt it wasn't a laughing natter. Apparently in the emotion of it all we had hugged with the garment bag still draped over my arm, inadvertenty squishing it between us.

I smoothed it out while laughing, "I know honey. I'm sorry. You're cute when your bossy ya know that?"

He slapped me playfully but that seemed to make him forget what he was chastising me about so when I finally managed to hail a cab he got in smiling.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Once we had met up with the boys and Mercedes at Bloomingdale's and of course calmed Kurt down because he was chanting something about this being his Mecca, we had a very enjoyable afternoon. Jay, Mercedes and Kurt were in fashion heaven trying on everything under the sun and dragging me and a helpless Terry through countless departments analyzing everything from watches to wallets and evening wear to the correct shade of taupe to wear with your skin tone. I hadn't noticed how many fashionistas I knew and hung out with on a regular basis until I got them together. They were the shopping threesome from hell and I swore that I saw Kurt bursting at the seams numerous times as he criticed Mercy and Jay's choices on everything.

On one of their many change room moments Terri spoke up rather abruptly and the tone in his voice sounded like he was arguing internally with himself.

"Blaine...last week remember when I kept calling Kurt and you gave me that whole I'm jealous but I'm not going to pry treatment?" I blushed a little at this because of course I remember it, I was acting like such a jerk for worrying about Ter's faithfulness around Kurt. Naturally I was just upset because neither one of them had told me what was going on but from the sound of Ter's voice I was going to find out.

"Um yeah why Ter, you know you can tell me anything right?"

"I know Blaine. You're-you're my best friend these days, besides Jay, and I wanted to get Kurt's opinion as the new kid before I told you so that's why we've been talking so much... I need to get this right."

"Ok what's going on man?" I gave him my undivided attention.

"I'm going to ask Jay to marry me?" He had whispered this to make sure the others didn't hear but I had to cover my mouth to contain the girlie squeals that were threatening to escape my lips.

"Ohmygodohmygodthat'sawesome Ter." He smiled so big that I swear he was a kid in a candy shop.

"I know right. Well I was talking to Kurt about how to do it, where I should propose and he's been super helpful with the romantic details and such."

Still squealing slightly I removed my hands from my mouth to respond. "Yeah Kurt's always been the romantic type..." I sighed glancing at his closed change room door willing Kurt to know yet again how much I loved him even if he wasn't beside me.

"So I guess what I'm trying to ask not so eloquently is if he says yes, which I hope he will, will you be my best man Blaine?"

Stunned into silence. I had never been anyone's best man before. I didn't think I would be anyone's best man but now I couldn't think of something I wanted to do more. "Of course I will silly. I'm so happy for you Ter!"

"Thanks B but don't be too happy yet...he still has to say yes first."

"Oh geez really Ter, You guys have been together like what 8 years or something...I don't doubt he'll say yes...just follow Kurt's advice...he''s never wrong with romance ideas." This was true naturally I've never known someone quite like Kurt because he always saw things through rose coloured glasses when it came to couples romance...even us sometimes...it was yet another thing to the long list of why I loved Kurt Hummel.

"Thanks B." he grabbed my shoulder just as the boys and Mercedes were chatting loudly as they met us in the waiting area.

"Blaine are you hittin on my man ?" Jay asked with a super diva attitude.

As if one cue Mercedes and Kurt exchanged glances and then adopted the same quizzical expression as Jay, complete with posture in my direction.

"Yikes Blaine I don't think we can afford to piss off all three of them." I shrugged stood up to face Kurt, his expression warming up from it fake frigid stare. I placed my hands on his hips and massaged them gently.

"Come on you know there's no one for me but you...besides Terri? really?." He laughed and nudged my forehead with his.

"Um Blaine? Shouldn't you guys be heading back if you've go to change for the s-"

"Mercedes!" Jay cut he off.

"Oh damn right...well shouldn't you get going?"

I glanced at my watch and sure enough it was getting late and we needed to leave.

"S'ok honey. The lady, Ter and I are just gonna finish up here and then head out for food cuz we're starving! You get that sweet ass back home ya hear me? Big night ya know." He winked. Jay please stop talking, I don't want Kurt asking too many questions.

"Alright guys, thanks for coming with us, I'll see you guys later ok. Mercedes take care of my boys alright?" I asked as we made our way out of the room

"Oh don't you worry Blaine, you can steal my boy, he'll thank me later for not telling him. Besides I like your friends...I think I might try and steal them permanently." She winked and I chanced a glance at Kurt who was beginning to turn red from the obvious hints but lack of information. I snickered at her and shook my head.

We waved lovingly at our friends again as we grabbed Kurt's outfit from the bag check area and headed back in the direction of my apartment.

(Blaine's inner monologue)

Ok so I had the reservations: check. The actual gift as it were: check. I got the building hours: check. I got my own dress clothes picked out: check. Alright everything seems in order but I had to make sure timing was perfect because everything was on a time line. I hope the weather holds?

OK so I know this didn't include the whole evening but I assure you it is already being written as we speak so no worries. Any ideas my friends? Review...let me know...please :( They make me :)