Let's start with a big hug... you are all so lovely! I really, really appreciate it, and I hope you continue to enjoy the little extras I'm adding to Kurt & Blaine's story!

It's Christmastime at Dalton, and you know what that means... time for the flirtiest duet in Glee history! And one of the best, if you ask me. I could watch and/or listen to this duet on repeat forever.

(I do not own Glee or any of the characters, dialogue, or songs from the show. It's all just for fun!)

KURT

Kurt was alone in one of Dalton's grand rooms, studying for finals. It was already dark outside, but Kurt planned to stay in this room until he was confident that he could pass his history exam. Classes at Dalton had proved much more difficult than he had anticipated. While he welcomed the mental challenge, he was worried that his grades might not live up to his expectations if he didn't study hard.

Suddenly, something hit the table in front of him and he looked up, startled, to see Blaine standing by the table with a small stereo.

"Hey," Blaine said with a confident smile.

"You scared me," Kurt admitted, pleased to see his friend.

"Good," Blaine said playfully, "Because I'm actually Marley's ghost and I'm here to tell you to stop studying so much."

Kurt was amused at Blaine's lighthearted attitude. "What's with the boom box?" he asked.

"I need you to sing with me," Blaine admitted. "Well, rehearse with me. I got a gig singing Baby It's Cold Outside in the King's Island Christmas Spectacular!"

"Ah," Kurt acknowledged, "A personal favorite. Too bad they'd never let us sing it together."

Blaine narrowed his eyes.

"I mean," Kurt clarified vaguely, "as two... artists."

"Mmm," Blaine acknowledged just as vaguely. "So, you gonna help me out here?"

"Anything to get me to stop reading about Charlemagne!" Kurt said, relieved for an excuse to take a break.

"Very good, then!" Blaine said, and he slammed Kurt's book closed. He stepped over to start the music before dancing back over to Kurt, who began the song.

I really can't stay – But, baby, it's cold outside

I've got to go away – But, baby, it's cold outside

This evening has been – Been hoping that you'd drop in

So very nice – I'll hold your hands; they're just like ice

Blaine reached over, pretending to warm Kurt's hands as he sang, and Kurt could tell that Blaine was in performance mode. He thought about the first time he had watched Blaine perform and how pleasantly shocked he had been at Blaine's flirting. This time he would mirror the trim young man and do some flirting of his own. He stood up to move about the room as they sang together.

My mother will start to worry – Beautiful what's your hurry

My father will be pacing the floor – Listen to the fireplace roar

So really I'd better scurry – Beautiful please don't hurry

But maybe just half a drink more – Put some records on while I pour

The neighbors might think – Baby, it's bad out there

Say, what's in this drink? – No cabs to be had out there

Kurt tried to ignore the affection in Blaine's eyes, but his heart was pounding. He had never been particularly skilled at flirting – a consequence of being the only gay male he knew for most of his life – but with Blaine it felt easy.

I wish I knew how – Your eyes are like starlight now

To break this spell – I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell

I ought to say no no no sir – Mind if I move in closer?

Kurt leaned on the back of one of the leather couches, and Blaine scooted across the back of the couch until the two boys were shoulder-to-shoulder. Kurt couldn't help but squirm happily.

At least I'm gonna say that I tried – What the sense of hurting my pride?

I really can't stay – Baby, don't hold out

Baby it's cold outside

Blaine played the piano in sync with the recording for a moment. Kurt knew Blaine was just showing off, but he was impressed anyway.

I've got to get home – But, baby, you'd freeze out there

Say, lend me a coat? – It's up to your knees out there

You've really been grand – I'm thrilled when you touch my hand

But don't you see – How can you do this thing to me?

There's bound to be talk tomorrow – Think of my lifelong sorrow

At least it will be plenty implied – If you got pneumonia and died

Blaine leaned toward Kurt across the back of the couch as he sang, and Kurt wanted more than anything to close the gap between them and kiss the dark-haired young man. He had thought about kissing Blaine before... what Blaine's lips would feel like, taste like. As Blaine leaned close to him, singing such a flirty duet, the urge nearly overwhelmed Kurt, but he didn't want to ruin the moment. He was letting himself be carried away with the flirting, and so was Blaine, but he wouldn't kiss the other boy until he was absolutely sure that Blaine wanted him to.

I really can't stay – Get over that hold out

Blaine gestured grandly for Kurt to sit down on the couch, and Kurt obliged. Blaine sat down beside him and leaned into him as the song ended.

Oh, baby, it's cold outside

They looked at each other for a moment, both energized after the flirty duet. Blaine looked away first, and Kurt felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest.

"I think you're ready," Kurt said confidently. If Blaine sang the song like that, Kurt had no doubt that every person in the audience would be swooning by the second line. He felt a twinge of jealousy toward the unknown girl who would get to sing the song with Blaine in front of an audience.

"Well," Blaine sighed as he stood up, "for the record, you are much better than that girl's gonna be."

Kurt tried to contain his excitement at the compliment as Blaine left the room. As his eyes followed Blaine on his way out, Kurt was distracted by someone else entering the room. He felt his heart clench for an entirely new reason at the sight of his former director.

"Mr. Schuester!" Kurt said, jumping up to embrace the teacher.

"Good to see you, Kurt!" Mr. Schu said warmly. He motioned toward the door where he had just passed Blaine. "Someone special?"

Kurt turned to make sure that Blaine wasn't still within earshot. "No," he said, "just a friend. But, on the upside, I'm in love with him and he's actually gay." Kurt felt giddy as he admitted his affection for Blaine. "I call that progress!" he teased, aware that Mr. Schu knew of his previous crushes.

The confession seemed to please the older man. "How're you doing?" Mr. Schu asked.

"Classes are harder," Kurt admitted, "but the kids are kinder." He felt homesickness clenching in his chest again as he thought about everyone he had left behind. "But I miss you guys a lot, though."

"So what brings you here?" Kurt changed the subject, "Are you looking at teaching in a place where pencils aren't primarily used as weapons?"

"Actually," Mr. Schu seemed a little embarrassed, "I need a little holiday help. I don't know if you know this, but I am really bad at Christmas shopping. This year I drew Sue in the office pool Secret Santa, and, I tell ya, I can't think of anything good. And you are so great at shopping I thought I'd..." he trailed off.

Kurt thought about it for a moment before an idea struck him. "I have the perfect idea."

"Yeah?" Mr. Schu said hopefully.

"While Coach Sylvester doesn't have the most enviable sense of style, I'll give her one thing. She's consistent." Kurt analyzed. "Perhaps a personalized or seasonal track suit?"

"Yes!" Mr. Schu said excitedly. "Maybe with a fur-lined hood for when it's so cold."

"I am only going to say that's acceptable on two conditions," Kurt said skeptically. "One, that it's faux fur. And two, that I don't ever have to look at it."

The teacher laughed. "Deal. Thanks, Kurt."

"It's good to see you," Kurt admitted. "I'm sorry that I left so unexpectedly."

"No, Kurt," Mr. Schu said calmly, "you did what you had to do. You look good. Better. I think this place is good for you." He raised an eyebrow, "And, based on the look on your face when I walked in, I'm guessing that boy is good for you too."

Kurt felt his face burning. "That remains to be seen," he said expectantly. "Speaking of holiday shopping, I need to think of something to get him."

"Clothes?" Mr. Schu suggested.

"I thought you were a terrible holiday shopper," Kurt scolded. "And anyway, I've only seen him in his regular clothes a few times. Uniforms," he rolled his eyes, motioning at his blazer.

Mr. Schu shrugged. "What does he like?"

Kurt's eyes lit up. "Mr. Schu," he announced eagerly, "I don't think you give yourself enough credit."

KURT

Kurt paced outside Blaine's door for five minutes before he found the courage to knock. He was carrying a present that he had wrapped in red paper and shimmery golden ribbon.

"Come in!" Blaine's voice floated through the closed door.

Kurt opened the door a little and stuck his head in, feeling unnaturally shy. "Are you busy?"

Blaine's face lit up at the sight of Kurt. "No, not at all!"

Moment of truth, Kurt thought to himself. They had not discussed exchanging gifts, and he didn't want things to get awkward if Blaine hadn't bought anything for him, but he was excited to give Blaine his present.

"Winter break starts tomorrow..." he trailed off as he entered the room, holding the present in one hand like a waiter would hold a tray.

"Any big holiday plans?" Blaine asked from his desk, pretending that he had no idea what was going on. His white shirt was unbuttoned at the top and he had untied his tie, but it was still draped over his shoulders.

"Not really," Kurt said as he walked across the room to where Blaine was sitting. "It's our first Christmas with Carole and Finn, so I guess we'll spend quite a bit of time figuring out which traditions work well together. You?"

"We always go to my grandparents' house in Indianapolis for Christmas and the New Year," Blaine explained. He stood up and shrugged off his blazer before motioning at the present in Kurt's hand with a smirk. "Who's that for?"

Kurt shook his head in mock annoyance and handed the box to Blaine. The dark-haired boy carefully unwrapped and opened the box.

"Oh my gosh, Kurt, thank you!" Blaine smiled widely as he turned the box over and gently dumped its contents onto the bed.

Six little tins of coffee.

"They're all different varieties," Kurt explained. "There's a fair trade store in town... they said these were their most popular flavors."

"It's perfect," Blaine sighed, sinking down to sit on his bed to examine the flavors. He looked ridiculously content.

"Do you need a minute?" Kurt teased.

Blaine rolled his eyes playfully and reached over to pull open the large drawer at the bottom of his desk. He pulled out a perfectly wrapped silver package and looked a little apprehensive as he handed it to Kurt, who was immediately intrigued.

"You look nervous," Kurt commented as he started to open the present.

"I hope you like it," Blaine admitted.

Kurt lifted the top off the nondescript box and nearly dropped it in shock.

It was a scarf. Black with thin red and white vertical lines.

"How did you know I wanted this?" he gaped at Blaine.

Blaine shrugged happily. "You picked it up three times last week at the mall. So I crossed my fingers that you wanted it."

"Are you kidding?" Kurt said dreamily as he set the box down and pulled out the scarf. He wrapped it around his neck and looked up at Blaine with a huge smile. "Thank you!"

Blaine jumped up from his bed and threw his arms around Kurt. Kurt's eyes widened and his chest clenched with delight as the other boy squeezed him tightly. After a moment, Blaine stepped back, and both boys laughed nervously. Kurt knew his face was bright red.

Blaine turned to pick up one of his new tins of coffee, and he shook it in Kurt's direction. "Just because I have these doesn't mean I don't want to see you at the Lima Bean at least a few times over the break," he pretended to scold.

"I think that could be arranged," Kurt said happily. He scooped up the box and the silver wrapping paper, and he could feel Blaine watching him as he skipped out the door.

I know, I know, the presents are cliché. The challenge was to think of something that was appropriate but also not too adorable... they're not a couple yet (season 3 Christmas, come to me. I want adorable holiday Klaine)! I liked the idea of Blaine noticing something that Kurt had shown interest in from a previous outing and going back for it (because usually he's so oblivious!), while Kurt knows how much Blaine loves coffee (and Kurt loves their coffee dates so much). I like to imagine that the lady at the store asked Kurt if the coffee was for his girlfriend, and Kurt took secret pleasure in telling her no. ;) Also, the scarf is supposed to be the one Kurt wears quite a bit over the next few episodes... I'll post a screen cap of it on my Tumblr (functionaloptimist (dot) tumblr (dot) com)!

This one was short, but don't worry... starting with Silly Love Songs (to be posted on Sunday – The Sue Sylvester Shuffle tomorrow), they'll get long(er)! That's when Kurt and Blaine's relationship really starts to pick up! :D