Okay so here's a whopper for ya! You know I own nothing and you know that I wish I did more than anything. You can always use a little Klaine sunshine and rainbows to make your day better so this is my little bit of love for you, for loving this story. It warms my very being it really does.

Thanks to my friends ( digital pimps and all) that support this story whole heartedly.

Love you! Xoxo...all of you

Bittersweet Symphony

Our beginnings

(KPOV)

I sat in my apartment on Central Park S and 7th and just looked out onto the lightly snow covered street and tree tops that was New York first thing in the morning. I had slept all the way through the night for the first time in god knows how long, and all I could think of was Blaine. I was curled up on my make shift window seat on the 11th floor, a cup of hot mocha in my lap as I lounged in my pjs.

Sunday mornings were always slow for me. Whether it was because I didn't attend church being an atheist and all, or because I had been out with random people until late the night prior, or whether it was just a tradition I had taken up with my dad when I was younger and we were on our own, I couldn't be sure. Maybe it was a combination of all three and this was just my way of rationalizing being a lazy bum.

When I was almost a teen my dad would leave the garage in Bill's charge and spend the mornings and sometimes the whole day just lounging around the house with me. As I got older I would teach him to bake or cook or just generally do things that I loved with him. It was our attempt at father son bonding time, and it was one of the many things that I missed about living in a different state as him now, less time together.

We had a great relationship which wasn't always the case for a single dad with a gay son. People who met us could barely tell at first glance that we were related. I was effeminate but only more distinctly next to my dad who was very much a plaid wearing trucker type man's man.

That was until he opened his mouth. I don't think a kinder voice in the world existed; maybe not even from my dearly departed mom. My father was always the most stern yet sweet and he really was my hero. He loved me for me, and considering the hate and disappointment some parents showed their kids, I have to say that I came out of this very, very lucky. My dad, Burt Hummel, was the best.

Carol was equally the best step mom I could have asked for, and she is the perfect fit for my father. It comforted me when I went off to school and New York right after high school, knowing that Carol was there to take care of my dad. Finn had gone on to Ohio State and maintained a long distance relationship with my best friend Rachel and then moved to New York, once he was done, to finally move in with her. She had gotten her wish and started on Broadway, well off-Broadway, almost as soon as she graduated from NYU. Her career escalated and she received recommendations and numerous auditions for other shows but she was still to land her big break. I was and will be obviously jealous of her because she was still following the dream that her and I both wanted to take together when we left Lima. Unfortunately when we got to New York I had so many doors slammed in my face for the wrong reason, that I got discouraged and changed my major.

That's how I found opera. Rachel would succeed in musical theatre because she was exactly what they were looking for. A well trained powerful voice on a pretty young girl who's ambition did push ups while she slept. Some would say that her ambition was borderline psychotic, but I knew that it was what you needed to succeed in this business. I had it, but I wasn't what people were looking for.

My voice then was too high, I was too soft looking for a leading man and sorry to say it...I looked like I could only play gay characters which closed 90 percent of the doors before I got to them. Unless I wanted to headline at an all male burlesque, which I did and just never told my dad to this day so I could pay my rent and still buy some things on the side, I was going no where in musical theatre.

There were regrets but I could never regret something as beautiful as my love for opera and music in general. I guess I had lost focus over the last few years. I may have been drowning in the mundane nature of it all, but I loved music...period. Sometimes you just needed to remember that if you reach for the stars, landing on the moon is an amazing thing.

I don't know why I was feeling so nostalgic and internally poetic today as I looked out my window again, seeing the ever present yellow snake of cabs moving along Central Park S. I guess since meeting Blaine and talking to Finn yesterday I started to truly understand what my life had been missing...me! Soul searching, rediscovering your love of life...I never smiled like I used to, I never really just sang for no reason anymore and I was beginning to wonder to myself why I had become this person in the first place...how did I get here?

I sipped my coffee again, loving the quick caffeine jolt it gave me and the soothing warmth that past through my body as I drank it again, calming my nerves and thoughts. There would be time enough for speculation and finding myself once again, there was no rush, the hardest thing to come to realize was that I needed to get the real Kurt Hummel back...the one that I let Blaine see last night. The one that let his wall down for the evening so that I could embrace everything he and I were...and that was perfect. I just hope he liked what he saw.

XXXX

I loved Sundays like this, I hadn't had one in a while and somehow my father seemed to be feeling the same when I heard my phone ring from my lap.

Dad and Carol calling...

"Hello dad."

"Hey buddy how are you? Haven't talked to you in a while."

"I know dad. Sorry about that, it's been a hectic few weeks. I was just thinking about you...and Carol just before you called."

"Oh yeah? Having one of your old man's type of Sundays?"

"If sitting in my pjs, ignoring everything except my basic skin regime and seriously contemplating cheating on my diet with a bad of pretzels is your kind of Sunday...then absolutely dad."

"Wow my son taking his skin care down a notch, while not changing outfits like 4 times just to sit in his apartment surrounded by salty treats...you feeling alright there buddy?"

I loved my dad's laugh. It was never fake or pretentious in anyway, it was always from the heart, deep and meaningful. There was a time when I was in high school when I got the scare of my life, that I may never hear that laugh again, but somehow my dad fought against the heart attack and as he puts it is " still kicking". Oh yes...I got my stubbornness from my dad.

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair, which I seemed to be doing a lot these days.

"I'm fine dad. Actually I'm pretty great actually."

"Oh care to enlighten your old man? You got some news for me there son?"

Well I honestly didn't know what was wrong or right at this moment. I had an amazing first date last night but it's a little too soon to bring your parents into it. What could I really tell him?

"I guess I just miss you guys and well...I've just been thinking a lot lately about my life, I miss being...well acting young and spontaneous dad. I've kind of closed myself off ya know?"

My dad sighed before he responded, " I know, it's been hard not knowing how to help you kiddo."

"I didn't really need help, I guess I just got woken up, at least that was what I was telling Finn yesterday."

"Oh you saw Finn yesterday? Did he tell you about his shop?"

And just like that we settled into a comfortable conversation like we always did. He rattled on about the upcoming re-election and he had to get down to business with that if he was going to get re-elected. He had been saying that since Will was no longer helping him full time anymore that Rachel's dads had been lending a hand and the odd cheque. He had been making great friends with the Berry family, especially since Finn and Rachel wed 3 years ago, and almost ten years was a long time for your kids to have known each other.

He talked about Carol finally retiring this spring, since she signed the papers this week, and about the money he was saving from selling the shop.

"What are you gonna do with the extra cash dad?"

"I dunno, Finn seems to be on his feet now, but I have an idea forming involving a trip somewhere for the entire family...that means you too buddy, what do you think?"

"Oooh that sounds great dad, I'm sure Carol will love it."

"It's for everyone Kurt, we'll make those plans later though huh?"

We talked for close to an hour before I figured I should get ready to leave for work and then planning on making a run to the deli and grocery store near me on the way home. Tomorrow was going to be busy but not as much as Tuesday or Wednesday, I had so much planning to do for the kids, and I had to even start on the Christmas recital stuff because that was only a month away or so.

I missed this though. My morning banter with my father. For a guy that wasn't big on talking or letting his emotions show, he always let that face slip for his son; for me. He could be himself because he said that his mother Elizabeth was the only person to truly see him, and Burt saw so much of her in Kurt. Burt swore that he took his take no prisoners attitude and wrapped it in every kind and beautiful thing that was Lizzie. I always took it in the highest regard, even if my memory of my mother was minimal.

We closed off our convo with the usual I love yous after we planned out this weekend. Rachel and Finn were going back to Lima on Tuesday night. Rachel offered to drive overnight since she was used to the late life because of the theatre but Finn of course said no and insisted on paying for a flight for them both so she could see her dads more too, and this gave her more time. With the show she hadn't gotten the chance to head back to Lima during the summer, so it had been quite a while since she visited. Finn giving his wife and my best friend that small gesture made me so proud that my brother wa being a thoughtful husband.

Now in my case, I was finishing up my exams with the kids and whenever I was done then I would head back to the apartment and fly home that night. We made our arrangements and said good-bye, and I silently wished that I could hug my dad now, and not in 3 days time.

When I hung up I got the first of many messages as my day of random chores and errands began.

Morning beautiful! I hope you slept well, what else can I say except that you make me smile, even the mere thought of you first thing. Can't wait to see you again xo- B

I smiled because really, who sent messages that adorable and corny to anyone, never mind their 'first date' from the night before? I could tell that Blaine was no ordinary guy, and that this for some reason just seemed normal, I wasn't nearly as nervous about the intimacy of our gestures as I would have normally thought.

Morning to you too handsome! My day just got brighter :), and I slept great thanks. I hope to see you soon, but this half week is going to be crazy, what are your plans for the day? xo - K

XOXO it can never been soon enough. Okay that sounded super cheesy, and I LOVE cheese lol. Today is currently occupied with me loitering in my 'Sunday clothes', chores, maybe meeting up with Barb later. A whole lot of exciting huh? xo – B

Oh yeah riveting lol...I know the feeling though, doing the domestic thing today too, maybe laundry, groceries, but before then I have a whole bunch of planning and scheduling to do for this week for mid-terms, and start the Christmas recital planning, so I'm gonna be busy :(. What pretell are you going to talk to Barb about? ;) xo- K

I'm sure you would look cute being all domestic, in the non- creepy 1950's way, okay I'm just gonna pretend I didn't just type that and say that Barb has been messaging me for details about this guy I met and starting dating...maybe you've heard of him? ;) xo – B

Okay, I giggled out loud reading this message because it was times like this that I got to see Blaine's super dorky side, the one that made me feel like a blushing teenager again, and smile from ear to ear. It was playful, no pretension, and it just made me happy, was that so odd?

Hmm should I be jealous of this guy? I mean he's obviously gotten your attention somehow, and he sounds like a pretty lucky guy already. Gonna talk about this new boy with the girls? How very gay-typical of you Blaine, I do think I might be jealous of this lucky man. xo – B

I got up from the window seat, stretching and heading with my phone and coffee into my room to get my clothes and planner out for the day. I waited for a while and then a short but meaningful message came through that made my heart skip in a way that I didn't know was possible.

He's breathtaking, I want to know everything about him, if he'll be mine. xo- B

I smiled as I pulled on my pants for the day, reading over the message a few times so that could memorize the meaning, needing to be sure that he was really asking me whatIi implied he was before I responded.

Are you asking me to be your boyfriend Mr. Anderson? ;) xo – K

Slipping on the undershirt before buttoning up my dress shirt, I waited for his response on baited breath. Could we really have just said that to one another after only two meetings and one actual date? This was moving pretty fast, and I was even more nervous and giddy than I thought because I had missed 3 buttons on my shirt because I couldn't take my eyes off my phone, and somehow I only laughed at myself, too happy once the message came through to actually care.

Yes. I've been waiting for someone like you Kurt. I know it's fast but I can't wait to know you better, and I know I would kick myself if I didn't want to know everything that you are because you amaze me. xo -B

Was this man part poet or something? Everything he said was so genuine and heart-felt that it was hard to not contain the swooning or grinning that his messages were garnering. I didn't think, I knew. I wanted to show this man everything that I was, even if it was scary and even if I was nervous, I knew that I had to give my heart the chance. Finn was right, this felt right, even if it scared the hell out of me, it was because of that that I knew Blaine was what I wanted. I had to try.

I want that too Blaine, I really do. So...we're boyfriends huh? Is it weird that when writing this is may have hopped and snickered to nobody? xo – K

Not at all, I may or may not have bounced on my couch, (don't judge), but we seem to bring out our youth in each other. You already make me happy Kurt, so when do I get to see those beautiful eyes again? ;) xo -B

I gathered the remainder of my belonging as I shoved them in my messenger bag, getting my stuff ready for my day, when I responded.

We'll figure something out I'm sure, I have to make time for my boyfriend after all ;) lol. Text me, gotta run, have a good day and would it be weird to say that I miss you? xoxo – K

Not at all, I feel the same. Have a good day beautiful and we'll talk soon. xo - B

I used to be a very giddy person back in my early teens but this was the first time in along time that I had the urge to skip down the street and not give a flying fuck who stared.

XXXX

(BPOV)

After much bouncing on my bed and couch I began to gather my laundry. Hey I was happy, sue me, and Nick and Jeff used to always comment on my insane need to jump on furniture, so this was my usual response when something like this happened. I had a boyfriend now, and not just anyone but Kurt Hummel, the man that many years ago stole my heart with his voice, and now tried to steal it again with who he was. I just may let him have it if this feeling in my gut was any indication.

I hadn't felt this elated in a long time, this carefree and unabashed by my disability. Kurt didn't seem to care that I could barely hear him, he saw me, and for some reason that I currently can't grasp, he liked what he saw and heard.

The whole day was a blur for me. I spent the time doing my chores, and tidying the apartment, putting away all of the candles and such from the night before, smiling fondly at the new memory with Kurt that they had created. I could only hope for more fond memories of him and I together in whatever capacity.

And to say that Kurt was busy that day too was an understatement. We texted throughout the day but he seemed to be buzzing back and forth for most of the day, heading over to work to finalize his schedule for his midterms. He told me in one text that his students were all pinning for an earlier date for their exams because they obviously wanted them done and over with so they could be finished for the long weekend. I missed that with my students. The nervous anticipatory buzz that surrounded exams, and then the surge of pride that came from hearing them overcome those fears, knowing that even though they were performing for me, they had grown as performers because I helped somehow. Even thought I was a group head of the department, I did know my limitations. I could tell imperfections in fingering and emotional movements in music but the teacher grading these exams had to be someone that could hear.

Yeah I knew that my disability did hinder my entire grasp of the performances and I had to succeed that when molding these kids futures I could be the best help I could, but there were still some limitations on what I could do.

It was then, after a quick reheat of last night's lasagna that I all but shovelled into my face and ran out the door, that I contemplated my place at MSM and my future over a beer with Barb.

"It's not that I don't get it Barb, I know I have limitations, boundaries, I just wonder if I will ever get my hearing back so I can reach my full potential as a teacher."

Barb and I had been talking about this for a while now, sipping our beers, as she watched me glance at my phone every 5 minutes or so.

"Blaine...shut up."

That shook me out of my revere for a moment to look at my friend. She was smiling a little cheekily at me and shaking her head.

"What?"

"You are too cute for words Blaine, or signs for that matter."

Okay Barb spit out the words of wisdom already, sign and speak your mind lady, get it out because you look like you're going to burst.

"You are a great teacher, no qualms, no questions, you just have boundaries on performance abilities for the school. You don't have limitations to your kids, they worship you Blaine, they see you as this all wise older brother ya know? You know Zac was almost failing his theoreticals until you started tutoring him Blaine? Ms. French, sorry old habit, Judy, was amazed that he picked up his game in every class she had with him once you took over his tutelage. So shut your hole about this..'I have limitations because I'm deaf' shit and tell me about your date with Kurt! I'm dying here! Details boy! I live vicariously through you know don't you remember?"

We laughed as I reached over and grabbed her hand.

"He's perfect Barb...just perfect."

The smile that came from her face matched mine as she gave me her best I told you so face.

"Still mad at me for a being a meddling bitch there Anderson?"

She had me there. God I hate when she was right.

"Yes...but I love ya Barb, did I mention he's amazing?"

I went on and on about the talk the other night that resulted in me bearing my soul to Kurt and how he hadn't run off and since then had made no mention of my disability. I told her about Nick helping me get ready for our date night, the dinner, the awkward blackout, and somehow the harlequin romance novel we found ourselves in for the rest of the night. I told her about the music he had inspired and I was talking and signing about a mile a minute, and I was never more thankful for her keen eyes and ears because she kept up with my excitable pace. I was gushing, I knew it, but her smile remained plastered on her face as she watched me regale her.

Kurt was a breath of fresh air in a stuffy life that had less meaning than it did years ago. He was the new salvation that I had been looking for and Barb seemed to agree with that sentiment. I looked at my phone again as I finished talking to see a message from the man in question.

Finally done my prep, exams start tomorrow first thing. Managed to get them all into two days so I can have a longer weekend. Since it's late, gonna head home via the deli for something I shouldn't eat and fall on my face, thank god I only live 10 minutes from work. How's your night going?...miss you xo -K

I must have had a goofy expression on my face because Barb looked at me with amusement.

"Oh my god honey, you've got it bad already." The mature thing to do would be ignore the jab, I stuck out my tongue instead.

"Oh save that tongue for someone who wants it...Kurt perhaps?"

"Barb!"

"Okay okay kidding...although not really ha ha, what's he saying for himself?"

"He's just finished his prep for his exams and is heading home. Wait, don't you have the same thing starting tomorrow for your kids? Shit I shouldn't have kept you so long Barb."

She waved her hand in front of me.

"Meh it's fine Blaine really. I'm used to early starts and besides we needed to catch up." She downed the rest of her drink and stood.

"It's only a 15 minute train ride back uptown so no worries honey. You gonna head out too?"

"Yeah just let me respond really quickly."

"Oh I see...the girlfriend is already taking a backseat to the boy...I see how this is going to be." She nudged my shoulder playfully.

"Oh shut up, gimme a sec."

Glad to hear you are done for the night, miss you too. Get some rest. What time are you done tomorrow? Fancy a late dinner or drink? xo- B

The response was immediate as I pulled on my coat.

Late dinner would be lovely. I finish my last exam at 6:30 but it usually runs later than that. You can come by the school and meet me there, as long as you don't mind waiting a bit I can tell the main office to expect you so they can guide you to the auditorium I'll be in? Xo -K

Sounds great. I'll always wait for you ;) xoxo – B

I was blushing and Barb started laughing.

"Oh my god Blaine, you seriously look like a lost love-sick puppy. Anything good from the man?"

"We're having dinner tomorrow again."

I must have only whispered that because my bashfulness seemed to come out. I could feel the rosiness on my own cheeks as we were met with a cold breeze when we hit outside. He texted back.

:D...see you tomorrow then, still miss you. Xoxo- K

XOXO - can't wait to do that for real, and likewise. Nite Kurt xo - B

"Come on lover boy, let's get home. I have a long day ahead of me and you have to go to school tomorrow and get all that admin done that you promised you would before the holidays before Marcus tears you a new one."

My smile changed into a pout because I had actually forgotten about that paperwork, and I also had a doctors appointment in the afternoon with my otologist. Looks like my day was going to start early-ish too.

"Tuck in that lip Anderson, save the puppy pout for Kurt, come on let's go, my ass is freezing out here."

Once Barb had descended into the bowels of the Metro heading back uptown, I glanced at my phone whist walking through the west village home.

G'nite Blaine. Sleep sweet. xo- K

Yep, I was hooked.

XXXX

Monday

(BPOV)

"So Blaine, I'm sure you've noticed the minute improvement in your right ear over the last little while. You were at 9 percent hearing and you've improved to 14 percent efficacy in that ear. There's still no response from your left obviously, but the anti-virals seem to be helping a little."

I was glad that Dr. Rosenberg came so highly recommended from my 3 other otologists, and that despite him costing me a fortune, I was glad that my family money allowed me to have the best. For once my family's money had a positive aspect. I always found it interesting for someone who was a throat and ear specialist, and having some deaf patients, that this doctor was the only one who could sign perfectly.

I sat there listening to the small bit of good news, but after 3 years of doing nothing, and then picking up the anti-virals at different doses, I always hoped that I would get a more positive response than this.

"Yeah...there is a tiny difference but, ya know it's small. Not really that encouraging ya know?"

"Well Blaine I know you haven't been receptive to the idea of long term corticosteroids but maybe now with the combination of that and the anti-virals which seem to be having some effect we can add the steroids and possibly have a greater response. It's worth a try if you want to. Either than that, and altering your dose every once in a while so that we can get you onto the lowest effective does to minimize the long term side effects, I don't have many other ideas Blaine. That or we just stop treatment because as you well know by now idiopathic SSHL doesn't have a point of origin for surgery or any direct cause...so...what do you think? It's up to you but I would love to try the combined steroid treatment, because you're young enough that your system should be able to handle the treatment options."

I sat there and muddled over what I was going to say. This wasn't the first time that he had preached at me, logically so, about the use of steroids. I had never been very receptive to the idea, that was true, but there was something in me that wanted to try it now.

"Umm...well I guess we can, ya know give it a try. As long as we keep up the regular blood work, I am a little paranoid about any side effects from the steroids but...well I want to try, I now, more than ever, want my hearing back, even if it's a little."

Honestly I knew in my head that it was Kurt that spouted thisnew found bravery and want to fight. I wanted to hear him...actually hear his beautiful voice if the small amount that I had heard already wasn't enough to entice me already. To be able to hear him, laugh loudly, to hear the little lisp I knew he had when he talked to fast and it looked like he was tripping over that full top lip, or to hear him sing. Wow, to hear Kurt sing again. That was something to fight for alone.

"Wow okay Blaine, I didn't think it would be so easy to convince you to try this. It's gonna be more meds in total. I want you on regimented multi vitamin supplements, vitamin E especially, the anti-virals we will keep up as we have been. I also want to increase the amount of anti-coagulants that you're on by about 30 percent and we are going to add systemic steroids as opposed to injectable steroids because they are safer in case your body does have an unnatural reaction from them. Are you going to going away for the holidays?"

"Um yeah, my parents, well my mom asked me to go home to Ohio for Thanksgiving." The doctor didn't need to know about my family issues in any specific detail.

"Well I would suggest you don't start the new meds until you are home and can readily get to the office or emergency...just in case okay Blaine? I'll just write you the necessary prescriptions and you can start them when you get back. Then you can get out of here which you seem itching to do."

He started writing on his prescription pad, and I took a long look around his office. There was a picture on his desk that I never noticed before, he was standing with another man close to his age that looked similar, probably a brother and he had his arm wrapped around the man beside him, a very attractive looking black man with an elated smile.

"That's my brother Blaine, Issac, and his husband, Jeremy."

My eyes must have bugged out of my head because he laughed at me.

"I know I know right. My parents were less than thrilled when he came out to them when he was 20, and even more so when he met Jeremy. My parents disowned us both. Jewish orthodox and I supported my brother so I got the brunt of the family wrath as well. The fact that Jeremy was black just made things worse in our parents eyes. Issac and I lived together until we both graduated from premed, then he moved in with Jeremy the next year. I gave up my family for my brother because I needed to be fight for what I thought was right. They just got married 6 months ago."

"Wow, that must have been tough on all three of you."

"It was...but some things are worth it."

He handed over the prescriptions and looked at me earnestly before letting the papers go.

"Hey, cheer up Blaine. I really hope this works, I would love for you to get better believe me. I'm glad you are willing to fight for this again...to try."

I smiled shortly because I knew that he meant well but it made me a little uncomfortable thinking that my doctor thought I didn't want to fight until now. Maybe I had become nonchalant about my condition, maybe this was a good thing. I wanted to hear again, and once again I found Kurt being my inspiration to do these things.

Kurt.

I took the prescriptions and put them in my coat and checked my watch. I was supposed to meet Kurt at Julliard in half and hour. I better get a move on.

"Thanks for everything doctor, I'll see you 3 weeks for a recheck yeah?"

"Jon, Blaine, call me Jon if you like, and yes 3 weeks from the day you start the medication. It should be right before Christmas okay?"

"Okay thanks again, I gotta run."

"Hot date?"

I walked to the door to go back to main reception area when I turned with a smile.

"You could say that. Thanks uh...Jon."

"Happy Thanksgiving Blaine." I smiled and walked out the door, confidently holding the prescriptions that might actually help change my life.

XXXX

(KPOV)

I was taking notes as Kenneth performed. He was the last of my graduates for the day, and was secretly one of my favourite students, everyone had disappointed me a little with their midterms but this kid seemed to have his head on straight. He was quietly proud of his talent and his humility only exemplified his talent. His French Aria was flawless, except for one minor breathing infringement that I would have to dock him for, the rest was perfect.

Kenneth Mancini, obviously Italian, was now performing in what I would call his natural singing language. Aside from him being Italian by birth and him having a natural flow and feel for the language, I always found each person to master singing in one language because it suited them, and this man's talent was for the Italian verse hands down. His voice rang true and echoed deliciously, as I listened to him belt out the last few notes of Nessun Dorma.

When he was done Kenneth politely bowed and went to grab his bag. And it wasn't customary procedure for me to say anything regarding the exam but something made me stop him.

"Kenneth?"

"Uh Kenny, Mr. Hummel."

"Okay Kenny call me Kurt and we're even."

I stood up and dropped my pen and straightened my vest as I walked towards him.

"Fair enough Kurt. Is there something I can do for you? Was that audition not good enough?" He looked a little panicked for a second before I waved him off. I hadn't noticed the door in the back of the auditorium opening at the time, nor did I see Blaine quietly making his way into the back of the auditorium.

"No no no Kenny, I was just wondering. You're Italian is perfect, and you had the choice to pick whichever aria or arrangement you wanted and you picked one of the most well known arias in Italian. I mean Puccini is amazing but everyone uses it, why didn't you try something different? More challenging?"

I asked him honestly because I couldn't tell you the number of students that used that aria as their Italian curriculum.

"Well honestly, um Kurt. I think trying to master something so well known was a bigger challenge. I mean people know it so well that mastering it would be more difficult, don't you think?"

I had to agree actually now that I thought about it. This kid really was something special, and mature for his age.

"That makes sense, I'll take that into consideration in your review. Ironically it's such a beautiful piece and I never performed it myself before."

Kenny looked at me in awe, "Well would you like to sing it with me Kurt? I mean I know that may sound unorthodox but if you have time I would love to hear it from a countertenor, and you don't sing much for us anymore."

Normally I would have said no but, hey what the hell, I needed to live a little again.

(BPOV)

I snuck into the theatre trying to to disturb the last few notes of the performance that I'm sure was going on. I could just make out the light, tenor I think, that was singing something that sounded vaguely familiar...Puccini?

When I crept forward, I saw Kurt stand and start talking to his student. The kid looked entranced as Kurt spoke, a sign of a good teacher, having your kids attention. Before I could really figured out what was going on a huge smile appeared on the kids face as he walked back over to the sound system and pressed play. The same music played through the auditorium, the muted hum of the familiar tone which I figured out to be Nessun Dorma was louder now that I had gotten closer. Kurt was now standing with his student, facing him on a slight angle, before I heard his student start to sing. His beautiful tenor voice rang through the space, I gripped the seat in front of me, feeling the vibrations in the empty space bounce off me and the chair I was gripping with rapture.

"Nessun Dorma! Nessun Ddorma! Tu pure, o Principessa, nella tua fredda stanza, guardi le stelle che tremano d'amore, e di speranza!"

This was when I thought I had fallen asleep and fallen into a dream state that I was ever wondering if I wanted to wake from. Kurt had opened his mouth and the most familiar and angelic sound I had ever heard came out. A true countertenor, this much I remembered, never falling back on vibrato, he took up the song where his student left off. Only a full octave above the other. Barely hearing was more than enough even if I would have given my right arm to have heard him completely.

"Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me; il nome mio nessun saprà! No, No! Sulla tua bocca lo dirò quando la luce splenderà!"

They sang the next part together. The tenor and countertenor blending and I never wanted to hear something more fully in my entire life. I found myself completely overwhelmed. The emptiness of the theatre and the strength of the two mens voices in front of me, had me hearing the music, actually picking out the song and each voice. I strained intently, starving for more sound, more beauty.

"Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio che ti fa mia!"

"Il nome suo nessun saprà, E noi dovrem, ahimè, morir, morir!"

"Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle! Tramontate, stelle!

They alternated each phrase and then combined on the remaining words, my world veritably splitting between joy and supreme sadness that I couldn't hear the entirety of the performancein complete clarity. I would get better, if only to hear Kurt sing like this again, but only for me.

All'alba vincerò! Vincerò! Vincerò!"

Kurt smiled largely and shook his students hand before he picked up his books and made to leave the auditorium. When Kurt turned around he was smiling and rubbing his forehead, shaking a little from laughter. I stood up and the movement caught his attention. He remained smiling but stood where he was and smiled just for me. I walked away from where I was sitting to stand in front of him, seeing his eyes brighter and more full of life than I have ever seen before.

"How long have you been there Blaine?"

I took his hand and brought the hand to my mouth and kissed it quickly. I didn't wipe the tear stains that his performance had induced but merely smiled at him.

"Long enough. You move me Kurt."

"You could hear that? I mean, I was..g-good?"

Stuttering Kurt was incredibly cute so I had to kiss him now before I burst. Leaning in he smiled into the kiss which was quick but filled with passion, one that I could feel from his lips, and was rapidly becoming my new favourite drug. I spoke against his lips as I held his hands tightly at our sides.

"Better than good, I'm so proud that I can call you mine Kurt...so proud."

I kissed him again, unabashed of where we were and just deepened it as Kurt allowed me to taste and explore for a he pulled away he spoke into my mouth before turning his head to the side, breathing rather ragged.

"You take my breath away Blaine."

"Hmmm wanna get out of here, grab some food?"

He pulled away and straightened himself up looking me in the eyes.

"Yeah, mind if we just grab coffee and something small. I'm too tired to eat anything to large."

"Sure I know just the place." I let him go reluctantly, as he gathered his paperwork, his tablet and his bag, pulling on his trench and I had to resisted the sigh that came out of my lips as I watched his breathtaking figure and grace.

"Shall we?" I asked as I offered him an arm.

"We shall."

XXXX

Kurt kept giving me these side glances as we held hands and walked the few blocks or so to Le Pain Quotidien on W. 65th Street. It was a quaint little coffee house but one that I frequented on numerous occasions because before I moved to the west Village I had only lived about 3 blocks from Julliard. I had to leave that apartment though, my father had bought it for me and I needed to severe all ties from him and get my on place. I shook myself from the depressing thoughts and stopped in front of the door, turning to Kurt and seeing his face change a little, was it amusement?

"Oh my god Blaine we're going here? This is my coffee shop. I come here like, every morning."

"Is that a good thing?"

"A very good one, they have the best non fat lattes." I chuckled at him and opened the door.

"Well let's not keep the lattes waiting Kurt."

XXXX

(KPOV)

I can't believe that Blaine knew about this coffee shop. Yeah there were a few of them in the city but this was my coffee house, and the fact that he thought of it was instrumental and amazing all at once. We had a lovely night. We loitered there for what I figured out was probably hours, each of us showing our love for coffee, and sampling a few savoury and sweet pastries and such. We just clicked. The date last night was very romantic and personal but this was just relaxing. It was like we were old friends connecting again. We talked about everything from our favourite movies and old TV shows, and we both seemed to have a love for old musicals and musical theatre in general. I told him all about the New Directions and the love and mishaps that were my high school glee club memories. It was probably what a normal relaxed first date should have been but we kind of did this backwards...but it worked for us.

"So...you're heading back to Ohio this week?" Blaine was sipping his second medium drip and awaiting my answer patiently.

"Yeah, I'm supposed to fly out on Wednesday night but I may have to push my flight up because I'm actually done with the midterms tomorrow. How about you?"

I finished my coffee and noticed his slight facial change. What was that about?

"Yeah...yeah I'm going back to Westerville, the parents have requested my presence. Wednesday morning, but I'm driving. I can't fly anymore, planes, pressure changes, inner ear issues, you get it."

I had never heard Blaine silken voice sound so stoney and cold. I wanted to comfort him for some reason even though I had no idea why he was upset in the first place. I could hazard a guess that him and his family didn't get along but the details were fuzzy and I wasn't going to push for answers quite yet. Although...I did have another idea, it was a lot of information so I spoke slowly and tried to regain my nerves.

"Umm..Blaine stop me if you think this is nuts or anything but...umm well since we both live in Ohio, and we're like an hour away from each other, and well I wasn't planning having an extra car there or anything and well, I know that the drive can be well...lonely, and I hate to fly by myself...so um w-would you...dammit forget it...it's silly sorry."

Blaine's face lit up slowly but there was a glow behind his eyes as I tried to hide the blush from the red that was rapidly spreading through my cheeks, because I couldn't stop the bumbling blushing moron that I turned into sometimes around him.

He chuckled and interrupted my apologies.

"Kurt did you want to drive back with me, is that what you were trying to suggest, very awkwardly and adorably?"

"Oh god..." I buried my head in my hands.

"I would love the company."

What wait huh? I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face as I lifted it from the confines of my palms. He really wanted me to come with him, was he serious?

"You aren't just pulling my leg to make me feel better for saying something so left field? You don't have to Blaine, it was just a random..."

"Kurt...shut up. Ha ha ha...it would be nice to get to spend the time with you anyway."

I smiled because really could he be more perfect? Somehow he made me feel better for being a bumbling fool, blush and all.

"Okay...well I guess I'll just call my dad and tell him to expect me...well when would he expect me? It's like a 9 hour drive back home."

Blaine thought this over for a second, " Well we can leave first thing Wednesday morning and non-stop it to Ohio and be there in the late afternoon or we could leave tomorrow night and just stop over in like Harrisburg or something for the night, up to you." Blaine shrugged and I tried to hide the blush, yet again, that appeared on my cheeks when he mentioned staying overnight at a hotel with him. Yes it was a tempting offer, and it meant more time with Blaine so I was leaning more and more towards that option. Matter of factly...I loved the idea in its entirety.

"Okay we'll leave tomorrow after my midterms are done. Are you sure about this Blaine? You won't get tired of me?"

We had gotten up as I made this admission and began to walk out the door. Apparently I forgot to face him when I was talking, because after a few very nervous moments I looked at him as we walked outside wondering why he hadn't answered me.

Once we turned a corner he grabbed my hand and gave me a reassuring smile. I didn't want to feel more awkward than I already did so I just repeated the question.

"Blaine, are you sure you want me to accompany you?"

"Why wouldn't I want to spend more time with you? I'm a-already crazy about you, and I still mean it when I say that I want to get to know everything about you..."

He stopped our walk east when he swung me around and kissed me without warning. He elicited a small squeak against my cheek as I kissed his neck, once our lips parted. I breathed in the smell that was clean and masculine that I was associating with being Blaine's natural aroma, and it made me drunk every time we held each other.

"Okay it's settled then." I kissed his neck again, this time letting my tongue trace his tendon in an act of bravery I could not have imagined myself having and Blaine hummed and shivered.

Blaine's expression was shocked and ecstatic at the same time as we turned back in the direction we were heading, back to my apartment.

Blaine walked me all the way home in a silent manner that was comfortable and warm despite the cool night air.

"So this is where you live?"

"Well if not, this could be very awkward for one suspecting family."

"Smartass." We both chuckled lightly together, me humming against his hearing aid and feeling him shudder at the combined sensations.

We kissed goodnight, saying we'd text each other the details, and I had a hard time letting him go, but part we must, that was until tomorrow, which made me smile as our hands parted finally.

Getting into my apartment I dialled my father's number.

"Hey kiddo, to what do I owe the honour of this call?"

I giggled because I couldn't help it, my dad's fake British accent was terrible.. ."I was just calling to tell you that I would be there on Wednesday in the early afternoon, instead of the evening. I'm driving down."

"Oh okay, you renting a car buddy?" Well not exactly dad but...

"Umm well no. Blaine and I are driving back together." I sat down on the couch, hearing Pav chirp happily as I walked past him. This was going to be a long conversation.

"Okay...who's Blaine?" Here goes nothing...

Okay that was long, I hoped you liked it. Most chapters won't be this long but I felt like I owed you something long since you waited a while for it. Please let me know that I did okay with this one. It was a labour of love to get right. xoxoxoxox