There might be some confusion about chapters. This is the second chapter I'm uploading since I took that month off. You might not have gotten an email notification for chapter 23 because instead of uploading it separately, I replaced the announcement with it.

So, just make sure you've read the chapter before this.

I rather like this chapter it's nice and cute.

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 24

11:59 –December 30

Blaine's number lit up on Kurt's phone as his loud ringtone went off, causing Kurt to wake up from his sleep.

"Hey. Is something wrong? It's midnight," Kurt said into the phone.

"Happy New Year's Eve," Blaine answered.

"Blaine, you do realize that midnight on New Year's Eve means nothing, right? It's the midnight on New Years that we have to be up for," Kurt joked.

"Yes. But, you see, I couldn't sleep. I'm pretty excited to see you tomorrow. Well, and Tina, Mercedes and Artie. But mostly you. I haven't seen you since Christmas."

"I know. And, I'm sorry about that. But, my dad had off all week so I had to spend it with him. He said he was going to go back the 26th, but then he had so much fun with me on Christmas Eve that he took the whole rest of the week off," Kurt explained, although Blaine already knew.

"It's okay. I guess it gave me time to spend with my brother. And to find new ways to avoid my parents. Ugh. Did you hear my dad at Christmas? He was non-stop talking about my football career with my relatives. And then yesterday he was all like, 'Let's head out to the field, son.' And I told him, 'Dad, it's ten degrees out right now.' And he said, 'So, we'll wear layers.' So I spent all of yesterday slipping in ice on the football field," Blaine complained. Kurt liked the way Blaine imitated his father's voice.

"I'm sorry that you couldn't hide here all week," Kurt apologized again.

Through the phone he heard a very loud sound, followed by Taylor Swift. "Blaine, are you in a car?" Kurt asked.

Blaine lowered the volume of the CD so he could put Kurt on speaker phone as he drove. "Yeah, I'm coming to get you," he stated.

Kurt sat up in his bed.

"Where are we going? I'm in my pajamas!" Kurt shouted into the phone. He panicked as he remembered that Blaine only lived five minutes away.

"Don't worry about it! I'm in my PJs too. Just put on a heavy coat and snow boots and meet me outside in five," Blaine commanded.

Kurt put on the heaviest coat he could find, plus a scarf that matched his flannel pants. Sneaking out was easy. He just walked out the front door.

Through the darkness, he could barely see Blaine pull up in his father's car. All he saw were headlights, and he assumed it was Blaine, so he hopped right into the car.

"Hello, lovely," Blaine said as Kurt lifted himself into the vehicle.

"What's this about?" Kurt asked immediately. Blaine leaned over and placed a kiss on Kurt's cheek.

"It's not about anything. I just wanted to see you," Blaine answered.

They drove for ten minutes. Blaine parked the car and grabbed his backpack from the back seat.

"Why are we at the park?" Kurt questioned.

"Because parks are fun, Kurt."

"Sure, parks are great. When it's daylight," Kurt remarked.

Blaine grabbed Kurt's hand and led him to the swings.

"Sit," Blaine demanded.

Kurt wiped snow off of it, then sat on the swing while Blaine placed his backpack on the ground and retrieved a camera.

"What is that for?" Kurt asked.

Before answering, Blaine took a picture of Kurt, the flash blinding him momentarily.

"We're making memories," Blaine said simply. He then sat on the swing next to Kurt, turned the camera around and yelled, "Smile!"

The flash stunned both of them. They blinked their way back into reality.

"Blaine, you're being really weird," Kurt stated. Blaine laughed.

"I just wanted to be with you," Blaine said. Blaine pushed his feet against the ground in order to make himself swing higher. Kurt followed, only because it was hard to talk while Blaine was so much higher in the air than he was.

"When I was little I used to go to the park by my old house. Everyone would be pushing their friends on the swings and I never had anyone to push me. When it got late and the kids began to go home, I stayed. And I pushed an empty swing. I liked to pretend someone was there. It feels nice when someone relies on you to get them higher," Blaine admitted. His swings were in perfect sync with Kurt's. For a while they didn't say anything. They just pushed their feet onto the ground and swung.

Kurt slowly let go of the chain and held out his hand. Blaine grabbed it without thinking about it. They swung back and forth, hand in hand silently.

"Let's make a snowman," Kurt suggested. He let go on Blaine's hand and put his feet down so he could stop himself from swinging. Blaine did the same.

Ahead, near the parking lot, was a patch of light from the street lights. They went to it and began balling up snow. Blaine went to his car to get a hat for Kurt. It striped red and white and was exactly the same as the one Blaine was wearing.

They put together a small snowman, using rocks for eyes and a mouth, and a stick for a nose and arms. Blaine backed up to get a picture of Kurt putting his own scarf around the snowman. Then, Kurt got out of the shot so they could get one picture of just the snowman.

Suddenly, a heavy snow started to come down from the dark sky. Blaine looked up, and small snowflakes stuck to his eyelashes.

"I like when snowflakes land on my coat. I try to see what they look like before another lands on top of it," Blaine said.

"Do you think that every single snowflake really is different? I mean, how many different shapes can they come in before repetition starts to occur?" Kurt questioned curiously.

"Well. There's, like, seven billion people on earth, but they're all different," Blaine mentioned.

"But there's been way more than seven billion snowflakes before," Kurt argued.

"Maybe some of them look the same but are actually different in a very tiny, unnoticeable way," Blaine said.

"It's kind of cool to think that we're all like snowflakes. You know? We're all different in our own ways," Kurt said.

"And even though snowflakes are all different, they're still all beautiful," Blaine added.

Kurt looked at Blaine. He was smiling and looking up at the sky. Snowflakes fell all around him. One even landed right on his nose. His long eyelashes caught several, which make his eyes to appear to be twinkling. Kurt didn't think that Blaine had ever been more beautiful than this moment.

He leaned in to kiss him. Blaine was caught off guard, but was somehow still prepared. Kurt's body was freezing, but the kiss made him think he was completely warm. Kurt's ice-cold nose brushed against Blaine's. He felt like he was in a dream.

Blaine was sure that from an outsiders view, it was a beautiful picture. They stood underneath the stream of light, fingers intertwined, snowflakes falling all around them. Blaine's hair started to get curlier and curlier as the snow melted onto his head. Kurt took this opportunity to run his hands through Blaine's hair. Everything felt right.

9:00- December 31

"Good morning sunshine," Blaine texted to Kurt.

"Morning to you too. Did you kidnap me last night or was that just a vivid dream?" he texted back.

The next text to come in was a picture message. Inside, it contained a photo of Kurt making a snow angel. Clearly it was a picture of a picture. Blaine had taken photos with his camera. Kurt assumed he took his phone and took a picture of the picture on the camera.

Another text came in. "We have to get these pictures developed. They're so cool."

"I didn't know you were so interested in photography," Kurt said.

"I'm not. I'm interested in you….okay I just wanted to sound smooth, but I guess that I kind of am into the photography thing. I don't know, I just like holding memories. (But I'm mostly interested in you)"

Kurt smiled widely.

"That's so cute," Kurt answered.

Blaine blushed.

"I'll see you tonight, sir," Blaine said.

Kurt made breakfast for himself and his father. "French toast for today's breakfast. Do you know what you are wearing tonight?" Kurt asked Burt at the table.

"Yeah. My normal clothes," Burst answered.

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Dad. We're going to Blaine's house. Remember his parents? The rich fancy couple? At least wear a sweater or something."

"Alright, kiddo. I'll wear that nice shirt you got me for Christmas. But no tie. Ties bother me," Burt compromised.

"Thank you, Dad," Kurt said with a sigh.

"It's only because I care about Blaine so much," Burt half-joked.

"That reminds me. His parents don't know about our relationship. So don't, you know, say anything," Kurt mentioned.

"Don't worry, I won't," Burt confirmed. "Why are you so nervous?"

Kurt blushed wildly. "Dad. I really like Blaine. And, I want what's best for him. I just, I don't want his parents to hate him," Kurt admitted.

"Everything is going to work out, Kurt. And, whenever Blaine is ready to come out, we'll be here for him. If his parents kick him out or anything, he's welcome here."

Kurt sighed. "Thanks," he uttered.

Kurt spent the rest of the day slowly getting ready. He stretched out every task he had to do so the day would go by faster. Everyone was going to be at Blaine's house at six. This included their friends and Cooper's friends.

Kurt said he'd come at four, to help with anything they needed help with. Mrs. Anderson said that she didn't need help, but he could still come early to hang out with Blaine.

At three, Kurt's phone rang. He thought it was Blaine, but thankfully he checked the caller ID to be sure, because it was Tina.

"Hey, Tina," Kurt answered the phone.

"Kurt! What are you wearing tonight?"

"I think I'm going with this light brown shirt I have with a black vest over it. I'm not sure about pants yet," Kurt said.

"Is it supposed to be formal? Because I was just on the phone with Mercedes and I planned on wearing something, well, not formal. But she told me she was wearing a dress and now I don't know what to wear," Tina shouted into the phone.

"Calm down. Okay, how about your white shirt with the black skirt that has the white stripe on the bottom? And, stockings because it'll be cold," Kurt advised.

Tina sighed. "Thank you so much, Kurt. I'll see you at six," she said and then hung up.

Kurt got dressed at three thirty in the exact outfit he told Tina he would wear. His hair was on point and his face was softer and clearer than ever.

"On my way," he texted Blaine at three forty.

When Kurt arrived at his house, he took notice to the decorations that had been put up.

"Blaine, are there more Christmas decorations than there was on Christmas? Or am I just imagining that?"

Blaine chuckled. "My mom gets Christmas decorations for Christmas every year, and then she puts the new ones up until January. She's crazy about decorations," he explained.

Kurt nodded his head in understanding. He breathed in heavily and smelled nothing but vanilla. He thought Blaine's house was so cozy, but he didn't say it, because he knows Blaine doesn't feel the same way. He's probably used to the vanilla scent and the warmth that comes with it.

He thought of having his own house with Blaine. It would smell just as wonderful, maybe there would always be a hint of cinnamon in the air. They'd have clean furniture, and a huge fire place. They could lay on the floor right in front of it and just listen to each other breath.

"Hello, Kurt! Always nice to see you," Blaine's mother said politely. Kurt thought it was quite fake since he's only seen her once before, but he still returned the compliment.

"Thank you, Mrs. Anderson. You too," Kurt said.

"Blaine, I just need help with one last thing in the kitchen, and then you two boys can hang out downstairs until everyone arrives," his mother said with a smile that never dimmed.

"Sure. Kurt, go on downstairs. I'll be there in a second," Blaine said.

Kurt walked down to the basement, and Blaine followed his mother to the kitchen.

"Please, slice this block of cheese for me. I'll do the white, you can do yellow. And then put the slices on this platter," she directed Blaine.

They sat at the table and worked in silence.

"Blaine," his mom called.

"Yeah?"

"I like that Kurt boy. He's extremely polite. I know you like hanging out at his place with his father, but maybe sometimes he can come here," she suggested.

"Thanks. Kurt's such a good friend. Maybe he can come here sometimes. I don't think Dad likes him very much though. Every time he talked at Christmas, Dad gave him dirty looks. Thankfully, he didn't notice, but I did," Blaine said.

"Well, your father thinks that Kurt is a little…feminine," Mrs. Anderson admitted. Then, she leaned in and whispered, "He thinks that Kurt is a homosexual," then, back in her normal tone, "but I don't think that he's one of those just because he dresses nice. Your father can just be a little weary. He wants you to have good friends that are a good influence."

Blaine felt his cheeks become red, but he wasn't sure if it was because of embarrassment or anger. "Does one's sexuality determine their influence on someone else? I don't think that's fair to judge him upon that. Whether he kisses girls or boys, he's still the best friend I've ever had. He's sweet and polite and smart and everything else that a parent would love to see in their kid. You two should be glad he's my friend," Blaine fumed.

"Honey, I am glad. I never said that he was homosexual," she replied.

"You're missing the point. What I'm trying to say is that it shouldn't matter if he is," Blaine argued.

"Okay, let's just drop it. He's a nice boy, that's all,"

Blaine finished up quickly and left the kitchen right away. He went downstairs to find Kurt looking through an old toy box.

"Having fun peeping through my childhood?" Blaine joked.

"Honestly, Blaine, how could your parents not know how extremely homosexual you are? I've found three Prince Charming Barbie dolls, two of which are naked. Also, a makeup kit. Do you wear makeup?" Kurt teased.

"I liked to give my cousins make overs. I have no excuse for the Barbie dolls though. I stole them from my cousins. Well, I didn't really steal them. They each left their doll here at some point, and I just never gave them back," Blaine confessed. They both laughed.

"Let's just sit and relax until everyone gets here," Blaine suggested.

They plopped down onto the couch and turned on the TV. Blaine put his arm around Kurt.

Before they knew it, it was six o'clock.

"Blaine! Honey, someone is here!" his mom shouted down the stairs.

Blaine and Kurt ran upstairs to get the door. It was Artie, but he wasn't near the door.

"Sorry, I couldn't get up the porch stairs so I kind of just stayed here. I figured your parents would notice I was out here," he apologized.

Kurt and Blaine lifted his chair and carried him to the door. "No worries, dude. How did you get here?"

"My dad dropped me off, but he was in a rush so he didn't notice that there was stairs before he drove off," Artie told them. As they were walking in, two of Cooper's friends pulled up and walked right into the house.

Tina and Mercedes showed up together. Tina was wearing the same thing that Kurt told her to wear, right down to the stockings.

"You two look gorgeous," Kurt commented.

All afternoon, the five of them were inseparable. They laughed loudly all night, probably annoying the other guests.

Kurt's dad arrived at 6:30, apologizing for being so late. Blaine's parents didn't mind though.

At dinner, Mrs. Anderson tried to make light conversation with everyone.

"So, how do the three of you know Blaine?" she asked.

"I go to school with them, mom," Blaine jumped in quickly.

"Yeah and we're all in glee club together," Artie stated.

Blaine's eyes went wide and his cheeks heated up. His throat closed up and he couldn't even speak. Kurt hit his forehead with his hand lightly.

Blaine's mom kept her smile on. "I'm sorry?"

"Yeah, Blaine's such a great singer. And a great friend," Tina added.

Blaine's dad cleared his throat. "Blaine, you're in the glee club?" he said in a deep, unshaken voice.

Kurt jumped in for Blaine. "Um, he joined for me. He was just being a good friend. I didn't want to join alone so he joined with me," Kurt lied.

"Wait, I thought Blaine started the glee club?" Mercedes said.

This time both Kurt and Blaine put their heads into their hands.

Blaine's parents were clearly embarrassed, but also angry.

"Blaine, we'll discuss this later," his father said quietly but harshly.

Blaine nodded his head.

Kurt knew they had to talk about something else fast. "So, Cooper, how's college?" he asked Blaine's brother.

Cooper started talking about his school but Kurt wasn't listening. Blaine grabbed Kurt's hand underneath the table and squeezed it. Kurt, then, brushed his foot against Blaine's lightly.

After dinner, everyone sat around in the living room and enjoyed the snacks that were put out. Burt sat with Cooper and talked to him about football. Blaine, Kurt, Tina, Mercedes, and Artie all sat in a circle on the ground and talked amongst themselves. They were sitting cross-legged, and Kurt's knee rested on top of Blaine's. They acted like they both didn't notice, but really it was the only thing making Blaine smile.

"You guys can all sleep over if you want," Blaine said around eleven. He knew getting home in the middle of the night wasn't easy. Everyone agreed.

At five to midnight, everyone stood up. Kurt and Blaine were standing right next to Blaine's parents.

At a minute to midnight, Blaine's heart was pounding. He wanted to kiss Kurt so badly.

"I'm glad I get to start the year with you, Blaine," Kurt whispered at 30 seconds to midnight. That was it. That was what made Blaine decide what he was going to do.

"Five!"

Blaine thought he was going to throw up.

"Four!"

His heart was about to jump out of his chest.

"Three!"

He turned Kurt toward him.

"Two!"

'Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit.'

"One!"

'Kurt's so beautiful.'

He leaned in quickly before he could stop himself. His lips landed on Kurt's roughly, but it softened immediately.

"Happy New Year!"