"Merry Kurt and Blaine Christmas," Kurt sing songs as he lowers himself onto Blaine's back. "I think Santa's been."

"I think Santa emptied his sack into my ass last night," Blaine grouches from underneath his pillow.

"Blaine!" Kurt laughs and rolls off him onto his side, swatting his backside with his palm. "You're gross."

"You're a damn good fuck," comes the gravelly response.

"Oh my God!" Kurt cries in shock. "What is with you?"

"I'm horny as hell," comes the quick reply as Blaine emerges from underneath the pillow and tackles Kurt around his waist, laughing as he tickles and showers him with kisses. "Merry Kurt and Blaine Christmas to you too," he says with a firm kiss to his lips. "Today is going to be perfect. And I have no intention of getting dressed all day. Or answering the phone, or reading emails or generally communicating with anyone who isn't you."

"Sounds good to me," Kurt agrees. "Although..."

"What?"

"Nothing. I made breakfast," he says brightly as he works his way out from underneath the tangle of Blaine's limbs. "Wait there."

He returns a few moments later, carrying a huge tray holding copious amounts of food, coffee and orange juice along with a single red rose. "For you," he says sweetly, offering the flower as he crawls back on the bed.

"Thank you," Blaine beams. "Very cute. Ooh, bagels."

They eat in companionable silence, sitting side by side with their bodies touching all the way from shoulders down to tips of toes. It makes it rather awkward when either of them has to move, but it also makes them happy, the constant reassuring presence of the other only serves to reinforce their love.

"December twenty eighth," Blaine sighs as they push the tray to one side and he pulls Kurt onto his chest. "Can you believe nearly a whole year has passed?"

"Yes, because the calendar tells me so," Kurt says, laughing at the dig to his ribs. "What are we doing for New Years?"

"Um... I kind of invited some people," Blaine begins sheepishly, not wanting to give the game away. "Like Wes and Santana...maybe Rachel and Finn."

"Oh. Okay," Kurt agrees. "They didn't say anything over the holidays."

"Preoccupied I guess," he tries with a nervous laugh, but luckily Kurt buys it.

"Yeah. I guess everyone was pretty busy. It was a good time though, wasn't it?"

"Yes. I can't believe how the twins have grown up."

"Maddie snapping at you was one of the highlights for me," Kurt smiles into his chest. "'I don't quiz you about your love life, Uncle Blaine,'" he impersonates, "'so stop interrogating me about mine.' Classic."

"Yes, given that the only thing she ever does is question me about you endlessly."

"Because you indulge her," Kurt smiles.

"I like talking about you. I can't help but indulge her. She's my niece and she's beautiful. I told her she's not allowed to date until she's thirty."

"What about Taylor?"

"He can date," Blaine says. "But he must be chaperoned at all times."

"Ha! Yes, I'm sure they'll listen to Uncle Blaine."

"I'm gonna be a terrible father," he groans as he covers his face with his hands.

"You're gonna be the cutest daddy imaginable," Kurt corrects. "A little protective, maybe, but loving, adoring and playful. Everything a little girl could ask for."

"You know, Kurt, every year lots of baby girls are born. There's another type born as well...boys. You might have heard of them? And rumor has it that you can't choose."

"I know, I know," Kurt laughs. "But I have this mental image of you and I in the future, walking along with a little girl holding our hands, smiling up at us, her hair in pigtails..."

"Okay, enough. I'll cry."

"You always cry," Kurt laughs.

"I know."

"So...are we gonna do gifts, or what?" Kurt asks impatiently. "I wasn't kidding when I said Santa had been."

"How lucky I am, that at thirty four, Santa visits me not only at your dad's house, but my parents place and here as well," Blaine laughs, bending to kiss the tip of Kurt's nose.

They wander into the living room, where their little tree still stands, both reluctant to remove the momento of their first Christmas in their own place. A small pile of gifts sit under the tree, and Kurt squeaks in excitement when he spots another pile tucked around back.

"For me?"

"No, for the woman on the second floor who has six cats," Blaine says as he rolls his eyes. "What do you think?"

They unwrap small gifts from one another happily- socks, maple candy and aftershave for Blaine, Two books on musical theatre and much longed for Spider-Man Pajamas for Kurt, along with the hideously expensive moisturizer which Blaine knows Kurt loves but seldom can afford.

"I have a proper gift for you," Blaine says as he spits maple candy everywhere.

"Well isn't that attractive," Kurt says dryly. "I have a proper gift for you too, but you're not getting it until you wash your hands."

Blaine jumps up and returns a few moments later, carrying a large box which he sets down before holding out his hands for Kurt to inspect.

"Very good. Okay, me first," he demands, knowing full well Blaine will be happy to indulge, which he does, laughing and sliding the box over to him. "Ooh! Ted Baker!" Kurt squeals as he undoes the large ribbon and lifts the lid. "Oh. My. God. So many clothes! So many clothes!" Pushing the box to one side for a moment, he throws himself into Blaine's arms, who falls backwards with the force of the hug.

"You'd better see if you like them," Blaine laughs.

"Ahhhh!" is all Kurt is capable of as he unpacks shirts, pants and a blazer, gazing at it and running his fingers adoringly over the lapels. "Folies Jacquard Blazer in black," he sighs happily. "Oh how I have longed for you. Feel it Blaine, it's all velvety."

"I take it you like it? I feel lame, buying you clothes all the time, but I know how much you like designer stuff..."

"I adore it, which is why it's all I ever ask for, and why I leave magazines lying around the place in the hope that you'll take the hint," he smiles.

"There's more."

"Cravats! I love cravats! Did you just buy the whole store?"

"Umm...pretty much," Blaine laughs.

"Shoes! Blaine! You got my shoes!"

"You've been on about those darn silver shoes forever," Blaine says with an indulgent smile, watching as Kurt puts them on. "How could I not buy them?"

"They're not 'silver shoes,'" Kurt admonishes. "They're Patmet High Shine Leather Derby in Metal," he corrects as he stands. "And oh my god they're fabulous."

"And they go so well with the Spider-Man pajamas," Blaine says as he snaps a photo on his phone. "You're a fool."

"Do you want your gift or not?" he asks, hands on hips as he stares down at him.

"Yeah, I do actually."

"Okay. Well it's not as...extravagant I guess," Kurt says as he heads to the guest room. "But it seems that we both had the same idea." He returns with a large garment carrier, sitting on the floor and handing it to Blaine as he smiles shyly. "Merry Christmas."

Blaine unzips the bag, staring in awe at the dark green velvet suit, complete with a gray vest with green velvet paisley pattern running through it and matching bow tie.

"Holy shit Kurt," he marvels. "This must have cost you a fortune."

"I...I made it actually," he says quietly, causing Blaine to look up sharply.

"You...?"

"Uh-huh," he nods, a shy smile playing on his lips.

"Kurt, it's incredible," Blaine tells him sincerely. "Really, truly incredible. It's...my god, it's perfect." He inspects the stitching closely, finding no flaws as he shakes his head and looks at him again. "You have a real gift, a talent. Use it, please. I sometimes feel like I wasted mine. Don't let the same happen to you."

"You didn't waste anything," Kurt says as he blinks back tears. "You make music for a living."

"I write annoying jingles and play instruments for other people to sing over," Blaine replies with a rueful smile. "I wanted to be a symphony musician."

"You were."

"Once."

"Blaine...I'm proud of you no matter what. But I will heed your advice. I'm thinking of taking costume design as one of my electives anyway."

"Good. Do it." He falls onto his hands and knees as he leans across and kisses him deeply. "This is the best gift I've ever gotten," he smiles. "You're the best. I can't wait to wear it."

"I'm glad...because I'm taking you out to dinner tonight."

"What?"

"You heard. I want to show you off. And now I need to show off all my new clothes too. Is it acceptable to wear three pairs of pants and six cravats simultaneously?"

"I was hoping you'd wear the blazer on New Years."

"I can wear it for both."

"Dinner where?"

"Mind your own damn business and eat your candy," Kurt says with a kiss to his cheek.

They spend the afternoon curled on the couch watching movies, Kurt's fingers tracing idle patterns over Blaine's skin as he nuzzles into his chest, their breathing in sync with one another and with the occasional lazy kiss shared. Eventually Kurt moves reluctantly, taking a shower before his energy returns at the prospect of having brand new designer clothes to wear- and even if he does have to wear a coat over the top of his blazer, at least it's his beloved Burberry trench coat, and the silver shoes alert all to his presence.

"Come on!" he calls to Blaine as he paces impatiently in the hallway. "I want to see! And you know, if I need to make any last minute alterations I...I... Oh my goodness look at you. You're perfect." He stares in amazement as Blaine stands facing him, hair neatly gelled and suit fitting to him as if it were a second skin.

"No alterations needed," he says softly. "Kurt, you look radiant."

"Thank you." He walks towards him, taking Blaine's hands in his and kissing his lips lightly. "You are so beautiful."

"It's the suit."

"Be quiet and take the compliment," Kurt smiles against his mouth. "By the way... Are you still scared of heights?" he asks as they leave the building and search for a cab.

"Why would I have stopped? Hang on...we're not..."

Kurt holds the cab door open for him as he climbs inside warily. "The Hancock building," Kurt tells the driver as Blaine's head falls back against the seat in disbelief. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know," Blaine tells him honestly. "It's the tallest building in Chicago."

"With a very fancy restaurant at the top," Kurt says as he laces their fingers together. "But you've managed in a second floor apartment- even though you won't go near the edge of the balcony. Just try?"

"Of course," Blaine says, sounding braver than he actually feels.

"Oh. It's okay!" Blaine says in surprise as they're seated. "Wow. The view is incredible. And I...woah! Don't look down Blaine," he tells himself as Kurt laughs. "Looking out is fine. Looking down is not. Can we see our building from here?"

"Probably," Kurt says as he browses the menu. "But it's hard to tell in the dark. The lights look pretty though."

"They do. But not as pretty as you."

"Stop that," Kurt says without looking up. "And take your foot away from my leg please."

"Spoilsport."

"Wait until later," Kurt says, glancing at Blaine over the top of his menu and smiling smugly at the way he blushes.

"Kurt...this is really fancy," Blaine whispers. "Can I please pay half?"

"Absolutely not," Kurt tells him firmly as the waiter approaches. "Can we get some champagne please?" he asks, flashing his fake ID at the waiter who glances at him warily, looks at Blaine then shrugs and walks away.

"Are you insane? It's a hundred dollars a bottle. What did you do, sell a kidney?"

"Something like that," he murmurs. "Now what are you doing?"

"Gazing at you."

"Kindly gaze at your menu instead," Kurt tells him, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

"I don't know what to have," Blaine says in awe. "I just...this is incredible, Kurt. The whole day...being with you...the best gift imaginable."

"Duck," Kurt says decisively, snapping his menu closed. He reaches across for Blaine's hand once more and squeezes gently. "It's been perfect for me too," he smiles. "And it's not over yet."

"Shrimp," comes Blaine's response, making Kurt laugh as the waiter looks at them quizzically.

They flirt over dinner, not in the manner of a shy couple on their first date, but in the way a seasoned couple with a deep seated love for one another do. Teasing, making suggestive comments to make the other laugh and sharing coy glances, soft touches of hands or sly rubbing of legs under the table with whispered I love you's as they grin broadly at one another. By the time their dessert is cleared, both are thoroughly relaxed, slightly giddy with champagne and the hand holding turns into a firm arm around Blaine's waist as Kurt escorts him from the restaurant.

The cold night air, which holds the promise of snow, hits them as they step outside and Blaine pulls Kurt close for a long kiss, resting their foreheads together as he smiles blissfully with his eyes still closed. "Thank you for dinner," he whispers, his breath puffing in a white cloud between them. "Thank you for being you."

"You're welcome," Kurt tells him, hugging him close despite their bulky coats. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Blaine smiles over his shoulder. Truth be told, he's suddenly overwhelmed by his feelings once again, excited yet nervous at the prospect of proposing in just three days time. "Let's go home," he tells Kurt brightly, offering his arm.

"I was thinking we could take a walk," Kurt says as they fall into step together. "Maybe along Navy Pier? It's not far."

"It's freezing," Blaine moans lightly, but he doesn't disagree as they alter their course and cross the street.

"Snuggle close and I'll keep you warm," Kurt teases as he wraps his arm around his waist. "I love Navy Pier, it reminds me of the first time we visited here."

"You skipped school."

"I did," he grins. "And you nearly had heart failure."

"I still can't believe your dad knew all along," Blaine laughs as they step onto the waterfront. "I was so worried about him finding out."

The pier is quiet, most people choosing a night in the warm over a night out in the cold, but Blaine and Kurt pay the temperature no heed as they stroll along together admiring the lights on the water. Suddenly, Blaine turns. Capturing Kurt's face in his gloved hands he kisses him fiercely, almost desperately, breathing in sharply through his nose as Kurt responds eagerly under his touch. When Blaine breaks the kiss it is to walk away a couple of paces, where he leans heavily on the barrier and stares out at the night.

"Kurt, I..." he begins. Turning, his eyes scan the area where Kurt was standing, then looking down he suddenly sees him on one knee. "What are you doing down there?"

"Blaine," Kurt starts, voice high and shaking with nerves. "You...you are my everything. You came into my life and swept me off my feet when I was still a kid. Now I'm a man, and I love you more than I ever thought possible. I just...I need you in my life. Blaine Devon Anderson... Will you marry me?"

A stunned silence falls and Kurt stares with wide, hopeful eyes as Blaine swallows repeatedly, flushes red and then whispers "Are you serious?"

"Blaine, I know humor has played a great part in our relationship over the years, but I'm not joking about this."

"But I... Me? You want to marry me?" he asks softly, falling to his knees to take Kurt's hands in his.

"You know most people just give a simple yes or no answer," Kurt teases. "I know we said forever, I know neither of us want anyone or anything else but... I just really want us to be the Hummel-Andersons, or the Anderson-Hummels, depending on which you'd prefer," he says with a small, trembling laugh. "I want to be able to thank my husband when I collect my Tony. On our daughters wedding day I want to start the speech with 'my husband and I...'"

"You're determined to have a girl aren't you?" Blaine laughs, and Kurt smiles indulgently as he notices he's crying.

"I am...but I'm more determined to have you, forever and ever. I love you so, so much my old man."

"I love you too gorgeous boy," Blaine says, voice thick with tears. Leaning forward he takes his face in his hands and kisses him deeply, running his tongue into his mouth and moaning when Kurt instinctively grabs his hair. "And by the way..." he grins as he pulls back to look into his eyes. "Yes."

"Yes?" Kurt repeats, eyes shining with excitement.

"Yes."

"You said yes!"

"I did," Blaine confirms, his whole face lighting up with joy.

"I want to get married the day after I graduate," Kurt says, pulling back slightly to look at him.

"After you graduate for sure," Blaine agrees. "It doesn't have to be the day after..."

"It does."

"Okay," he smiles before they kiss, lips moving together as tears mingle on their faces and they pull back with breathless smiles.

"Oh! Ring! I have a ring!" Kurt remembers as he pulls his gloves off with his teeth and rummages inside his suit pocket. Brushing away tears, he proudly opens the small box and with trembling, fumbling fingers, manages to slide the ring onto Blaine's left hand, who holds it close to look at it. It is a thick titanium band, with two thin bands of gold running around the edges. In the middle, glinting under the streetlamp, is a pure, brilliant cut diamond.

"You're my fiancé!" Kurt cries in happy disbelief, then crashes their lips together before pulling Blaine- who is now crying freely- into a tight hug. "What must we look like, to passers by?" He laughs tearfully against Blaine's neck.

"I don't really care," Blaine tells him, but pulls him to his feet nonetheless and showers his face with kisses. "I love the ring," he tells him as they admire Blaine's hand together. "But how did you...?"

"I sold my car," Kurt admits sheepishly.

"You what?"

"It's not like I'm using it," he reasons. "It's just sitting on my dad's driveway because we share yours here, and when we do go visit I can always use Finn's car, or even dad's truck if I need to."

"But you love that car."

"And I love you. I've been saving as much money as I can...but I wanted it all to be perfect. I was going to wait until your next birthday," he tells Blaine, who smiles in disbelief at how similar their plans were. "But something changed."

"At Thanksgiving."

"Yes!" Kurt agrees, happy that Blaine noticed too. "And I just realized that I wanted to make you my fiancé now. I couldn't wait any longer."

"So you planned all this since Thanksgiving?"

"Yes. I didn't dare to plan anything until your dad had agreed."

"Huh?"

"The Saturday after Thanksgiving, when we went fishing? Um...well...it was actually so I could ask his permission."

Blaine's jaw drops in surprise at the thoughtfulness of the gesture as his eyes fill with fresh tears. "You...you did that for me?"

"I wanted to do things properly," Kurt smiles. "But I made him promise not to tell anyone."

"No one else knew?"

"No. Not even my dad. It's been hard," he laughs. "Particularly not telling him or Rachel but... Well my dad has a tendency to get a little over excited, and he spills too much to you anyway. And Rachel is the worlds worst at keeping exciting news to herself." He misses Blaine's nervous swallow and tight nod as he carries on. "And luckily for me, your dad seemed to think it was a fantastic idea," he says as he nudges against him playfully. "By the way, he gave me a hundred dollars to buy the champagne."

"I'll be sure to thank him," Blaine says as he cuddles close to his new fiancé. "But please tell me you didn't spend all your money on this."

"No, I still have some left," Kurt confirms. "It's in a savings account which I like to call 'wedding fund'"

"I think I like that name, and I think I'll be needing to add my name to that account, if you don't mind."

"Wedding planning!" Kurt says suddenly, the realization hitting him. "I didn't even think of that! We get three years to plan our wedding!"

"You know, on second thoughts, maybe an engagement wasn't such a great idea..." Blaine teases, laughing as he dodges the smack to his arm. "You proposed to me, Kurt," he cries suddenly, picking Kurt up and twirling him around, ear splitting grins on both their faces. He sets him gently on his feet again and climbs onto a nearby bench, holding his arms wide as he yells out across the water. "WE'RE ENGAGED!"

"Get down here, you crazy," Kurt laughs, holding his arms out as Blaine hugs him tight once more.

"You proposed to me, Kurt," Blaine whispers happily into his ear. "You proposed to me."