Thursday, Sophie and Blaine made a pasta salad and surprised Kurt at work with it and, with that, they settled into what would later become their routine. Kurt would make extra coffee for Blaine every morning and they would stand quietly in the kitchen, softly talking until Kurt left. Mondays and Thursdays, Blaine and Sophie would walk to the office and eat lunch with Kurt. Finn would come over every afternoon after his class let out to drink his coke and hang out, telling stories about Kurt in high school and college until Angie showed up.

It was during one of these afternoon visits, about a month after Blaine started taking care of Sophie, that Finn revealed that he and Rachel had almost gotten married in high school.

"So what happened?" Blaine asked. When Finn just looked at him blankly, he elaborated, "Why aren't the two of you still together?"

Finn shrugged. "We were too young and too stubborn to admit how bad we were together. I think we were too selfish to let each other go because neither of us wanted to be alone. Kurt tried to tell us it was a bad idea, but we thought he was just jealous." He looked at Blaine. "He never had anyone, back then. It was hard for him, being the only out gay kid in a small town. We wanted him to be happy, but..." Finn shrugged again. "But anyway, we finally realized that we weren't meant to be when we all moved out here to New York and it was just her and me in an apartment." He chuckled drily. "Things are different when you have to be an adult. But we're still good friends and I have Jen and she has Jack. I'm worried about her, though, and how she's holding up with Leroy's passing."

Blaine nodded in understanding and Finn changed the subject, telling Blaine about the time Kurt won prom queen their junior year.

The first week Kurt worked late, he came home to find Blaine lying on the couch with Sophie asleep on his chest, the DVD title menu for Kung Fu Panda playing softly in the background. His heart skipped a beat and he fiercely repressed the feeling. He had been battling against his silly crush for the past week and he was determined not to let it get the better of his sensibilities.

But with Blaine looking so adorable and heartbreaking with Kurt's daughter on his chest, the two looking so peaceful, it was pretty damn hard.

Kurt set his things down quietly and tiptoed over. Lifting Sophie off of Blaine, he shushed her when she started fussing before settling her face in the crook of his neck. He rubbed her back soothingly as Blaine started, blinking up at him.

"Shh, it's okay, it's just me," he whispered. Blaine nodded, sitting up slowly as he tried to get his bearings. Kurt took Sophie to her room and eased her into her bed before straightening with a sigh and a pop in his back. He went back to find Blaine stretching, yawning as he worked the kinks out of his neck. His eyes traced the smooth arch of his back and the tanned skin of his stomach from where his shirt had ridden up, broken only by a dark trail of hair in the middle. He forced his eyes to look away, scolding his brain.

"Sorry, she wouldn't lay down without you, so we decided to watch a movie on the couch and, well..." Blaine shrugged sheepishly, settling his arms back down to his sides and straightening his shirt.

Kurt laughed a little nervously. "It's okay, I understand. Oh!" He hit his forehead in annoyance. "I forgot to ask, are you still available to perform next week?"

"Still couldn't find someone?" Blaine asked sympathetically.

Kurt sighed. "No, and we're getting too close to the date to ask people. I know you'd have to put together a set list on short notice and not have much time to practice, but if you're still willing to, I would pay you just as much as I was going to pay Rachel. And-"

Blaine waved his hand, cutting off Kurt's ramble. "It's okay, I don't mind. I actually know several pieces by heart and if you'll allow me to bring my violin over here, I can practice that during the day."

"Thank would be great! Thank you so much, I can't tell you how much that means to me."

Blaine just smiled at him before glancing at his phone. "Well, I better get going."

Kurt nodded, his eyes shifted guiltily. "Do you want me to call a cab for you so you don't have to walk?"

Blaine shook his head. "No, thank you, I don't live that far from here."

Kurt followed him to the door, wringing his hands slightly. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Kurt, I promise I'll be okay," Blaine chuckled softly.

"At least text me when you get home, okay?" At Blaine's nod, Kurt allowed him to leave and kept his phone by his side until he got a message.

Home safe. Stop worrying and get some sleep :)

888

Sophie often dropped her toys to watch him play and soon he was naming the parts and showing her how to hold the bow, allowing her to pull it across the strings while she giggled. Kurt kept hoping he would come home to find Blaine practicing (he knew he had to be good; he had gotten into Julliard after all) but he had yet to hear him.

On Friday, the night before the function, Kurt quietly let himself into his flat. Every night for the past week, he had come home to find Blaine and Sophie lying on the sofa, the TV playing in the in the background as they dozed. He had gotten a couple of pictures the second night because the image was just too cute.

Tonight, however, he walked in to find Blaine bouncing Sophie lightly as he paced the living room. Her head was resting on his shoulder, her eyes drooping as she fought sleep. And then Kurt realized that Blaine was singing.

Flippin' your fins, you don't get too far
Legs are required for jumping, dancing
Strolling along down a - what's that word again?
Street

Up where they walk, up where they run
Up where they stay all day in the sun
Wanderin' free - wish I could be
Part of that world

His voice is magical, Kurt thought. He stayed still as Blaine started singing A Whole New World and Sophie's eyes drifted shut, Blaine's large hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. He waited until Blaine noticed him on a loop, lifting his hand slightly from her back in greeting. Kurt made a motion as if to take her but Blaine shook his head, indicating that he wait. He finished the song, still pacing slowly, before handing her off. Sophie fussed for a moment before settling down as Kurt took her to her room. When he came back out, Blaine was waiting for him.

"She just would not fall asleep tonight," Blaine chuckled lowly.

Kurt smiled back tiredly. "Yeah, unfortunately, she has nights like that." He hesitated a moment. "Your voice is amazing, by the way." He couldn't be sure, but he thought Blaine blushed.

"Oh, uh, thank you, that's, uh-" He cleared his throat and stood straighter, running a hand through his hair and wincing when it cracked in its gel hold. "So I worked out my set list and everything, if you want a copy."

"Yes, please," Kurt said, taking the paper Blaine offered him and looking it over. He frowned. "Some of these-"

"I know, I know," Blaine cut him off. "I'm going to play some on the violin and some on the piano." he grinned so brightly, Kurt was sure the room lit up a little. "Just trust me, Kurt."

"I trust you with my daughter, there's not much I wouldn't trust you with," Kurt joked. "If you say you can do this set list, then I believe you."

"Awesome! All right, so I'll see you tomorrow. Six thirty, right?" he asked, pulling on his shoes and coat.

"Six thirty," Kurt confirmed, holding open the door for Blaine.

"See you then," he chirped, waving as he stepped onto the lift.

"Bye," Kurt sighed as the doors slid shut, closing his open.

888

Blaine stepped into the reception hall the next night, violin case in hand. His hazel eyes scanned the room until he spotted Kurt towards the back, talking to a man dressed in a suit. He was heading over to them when Kurt shook the man's hand and turned around, stealing Blaine's breath away.

From the back, even at a distance, Blaine had been able to see the excellent cut of the suit. From the front, though, he could see everything, the tailored lines hugging Kurt in all of the right places, the thin black tie over a pressed white shirt, the fit of jacket over his broad shoulders. His mouth went dry as Kurt spotted him, waving as he wound his way through the mass of tables that took up half of the room.

"Blaine, you made it!" Kurt greeted him cheerfully.

"Of course, did you think I would leave you hanging?" Blaine joked.

"The thought never crossed my mind," Kurt replied breezily, making them both chuckle. "Well, the piano is up on the stage and there's a music stand, if you need it. Did you already eat or-?"

Blaine shook his head. "No, once you said it was a dinner, I planned to eat beforehand. But could I get a pitcher of water and a glass?"

"Oh, sure, of course!" He waved over one of the waiters and relayed Blaine's request while Blaine tried not to stare at the man in front of him. Kurt turned back to him with a smile before he frowned and stepped closer. "Your bow tie is crooked," he informed him, long fingers coming up to tug it straight.

"There you go," he said softly, lifting his eyes to meet Blaine's. He swallowed thickly before taking a step back. "You look a- great, Blaine." He managed a small smile as his peripheral vision caught sight of people entering the room. "Sorry, I have to go play host now. Let me know if you need anything."

With that, he was gone. Blaine let out a heavy breath, shaking his head slightly before heading to the stage. He arranged everything to how he wanted it and nodded his thanks to the man who set his water on the small table hidden off stage. Carefully, he removed his violin from its case and began playing a simply tune, lively without being too boisterous.

Kurt let out a shaky breath the moment he felt he was far enough away from Blaine that the other man wouldn't hear. He didn't know why he had straightened Blaine's already-straight bow tie or why he had stepped so close to him to do it. His nose was still filled with the strong scent of Blaine, though it was quickly being diluted as he greeted the first guests.

Focus, he reminded himself. Now is not the time to moon over your daughter's nanny.

888

As the night went on, he alternated between playing the violin and the piano, softly singing along to whatever song he was playing the piano version of. He had caught Kurt's eye a couple of times during the night as the other man worked the room. Each time Kurt had winked, smiling as he watched Blaine before someone had pulled his attention again.

Towards the very end of the night, Blaine sat at the piano once more, contemplating his next song. Originally, he was going to end with a piece by Chopin, but now...

He sat up straight, his fingers falling gracefully over the keys as Blackbird began playing. He didn't know why the Beatles song popped into his head, but he went with it, adding his voice as his eyes flicked inevitably to Kurt.

He was standing in the middle of a group of people but his eyes were fixed on Blaine, his lips parted slightly in wonder. Blaine's fingers twitched reflexively, the sudden need to compose washing over him as he fought not stumble on the song. He managed to tear his eyes from Kurt's so he could focus on the song, memorizing the look on Kurt's face as he promised himself that he would write later.

He finished the piece and stood, bowing gracefully and thanking the crowd for listening. With one last glance at the stage, making sure he had everything, Blaine grabbed his violin case and exited the hall, his mind filled with notes that he put to paper the minute he got home. The look on Kurt's face during Blackbird, the way his nose scrunched when he laughed, the careful way he talked when he was upset; all of these things and more wove themselves in notes that were easily transferred to paper.

At half past three in the morning, Blaine allowed sleep to finally pull him under, his dreams haunted by the melody and thin black ties.

888

Blaine watched the weather report as spring came around and by the second week of April, he thought the weather would be well enough for an outing.

"Hey, Kurt, I was wondering if I could take Sophie out next week?" he asked the Thursday before as he got ready to leave. "The weather is supposed to be really nice."

"Out? Like, to the park?" Kurt asked from his seat on his couch, where he was smothering Sophie with kisses.

"Well, sort of. I wanted to go to the zoo, actually, if that's okay with you." He looked up to find a contemplative look on Kurt's face. He shifted nervously when Kurt didn't say anything. "I mean, if it's not, that's fine, I just thought, since it's supposed to be nice and not too cold, it would be nice for her to get out."

"No, it's fine, I was just thinking. What day did you want to go?"

Blaine shrugged. "I was thinking Tuesday, provided the weather report doesn't change."

Kurt nodded slowly, still thinking. "Yeah, I think that would be fine. I've wanted to take her and just haven't had a chance to."

Blaine looked horrified. "Oh my god, I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to, like, usurp her first time at the zoo or anything, we don't have to go."

"No, Blaine, it's okay," Kurt laughed, shaking his head. "I've just been so busy with work and everything that I haven't had time. Go, take her." He grinned down at Sophie, who held up the toy she was playing with. "I know she'll love it."

Blaine let out a small sigh of relief. "Awesome! We can pack a lunch or-"

Kurt cut him off. "No, if you're going to the zoo, you have to get the full experience and eat at the cafe. I'll leave some money-" He held up his hand when Blaine began to protest. "No, I'll pay for it. You're going because of my daughter, it's on me."

"But it was my idea," Blaine countered.

Kurt leveled him with his infamous bitch glare. "Don't argue."

Blaine held up his hands in mock defeat, thinking he could just pay for everything and pretend he forgot about the money Kurt was going to leave or hide it somewhere so that Kurt would find eventually and just think he forgot it.

888

As the weekend past, Blaine became more and more excited about their impending zoo visit and Tuesday morning, he practically bounced into Kurt's flat. Kurt laughed and reminded him that he would have to wait for Sophie to wake up and that the zoo didn't even open until ten.

"About what time are you going to head out?" Kurt asked, taking a sip from his coffee.

"I think about nine thirty or so, give us enough time to walk to the zoo and be one of the first people in." Blaine went to pull a mug down and was stopped by Kurt.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Kurt asked, looking pointedly at Blaine, who was bouncing slightly in place.

Blaine laughed. "My hyperness will wear off soon and I'll need something to keep up with Sophie!" He grinned. "I'm just excited; it's been a long time since I've been to the zoo."

Kurt drained his cup and rinsed it. "Well, I tucked some money into the side of Sophie's diaper bag, and I expect you to use it," he gave Blaine a pointed look. "If you'll please just text me when the two of you head out?"

"Sure, no problem." Blaine grabbed a mug and quickly filled it with coffee, smirking when Kurt rolled his eyes. "Do you want us to pick you up something from the gift shop?"

"No, I'll be fine without an expensive stuffed animal that will inevitably end up in Sophie's room." He sat his mug in the sink. "I'm going to kiss Sophie goodbye, I'll be right back."

He moved past Blaine in a practiced manner as the other man went about making his coffee. He hated that he had to work today; he wanted nothing more than to spend the day at the zoo with Sophie and Blaine. It wasn't until he was leaving the building that he realized that, with Blaine having kept Sophie the past couple of months, he was pretty much caught up on all of the things he needed to be and that things wouldn't get crazy again until next week.

The first hour at his desk, he thought over his plan, considered the pros and cons. By the time Leigh showed up at eight, he had made his decision and at 9:30, he received a text from Blaine.

Heading to the zoo now! I'll text you some pictures :)

Kurt smiled down at his phone, not looking up until the elevator dinged. "Pictures won't be necessary," he said, casually falling into step beside Blaine when he walked out.

"Holy crap!" Blaine yelped, jumping, his arms tightening around Sophie reflexively. She let out a squeal, her cubby arms reaching for Kurt.

"DADA DADA DADA DADA!" she yelled. Kurt laughed, taking her from Blaine.

"Hey, sweetness," he cooed. "Are you ready to go to the zoo?"

"You're coming with us?" Blaine sputtered.

"Is that okay," Kurt said, raising one delicate eyebrow.

"Oh, of course, of course, I'm just surprised, I thought you- Do you want to just go with Sophie? I don't mind missing a day of work."

Kurt shook his head. "No, I thought the three of us could go together. It'll be fun."

"Oh, o-okay," Blaine stuttered. He blushed with Kurt looked at him over Sophie's head, a small smile playing on his lips at Blaine's discomfort.

"Just relax, it's not like it's another interview."

Blaine nodded as they headed towards the Central Park Zoo. They were almost there when Kurt noticed something. "You didn't bring her stroller?"

"No, I thought we would just get one of those wagon things, since you insist on doing the 'full zoo experience,'" Blaine smirked.

Kurt smacked his chest playfully. "Fine, throw my words back at me. We'll rent one of those disease-ridden wagons."

"Ah-ha, that's why I brought these," Blaine triumphantly pulled a pack of Lysol wipes out of his pocket. "I planned on wiping it down before I put Sophie in it."

"Good thinking." Kurt nodded appreciatively as Sophie pulled his attention back to her. Blaine watched them talk, enjoying the carefree look on Kurt's face as Sophie very seriously told him... something.

The walk to the zoo seemed to fly by and soon they were moving past the entrance after an argument on who was paying the admittance fee. Kurt won in the end, simply stepping up to the ticket booth and loudly requesting tickets for two adults and a child, throwing a smirk over his shoulder at Blaine as he slide his card through the slot.

"Where to first?" Kurt asked while they let the wagon dry from its antibacterial scrubbing.

Blaine looked at the directory. "Well, do you want to go to the Tisch Children's Zoo first? Before Sophie gets tired, I mean."

"Yeah, that sounds like a good plan, doesn't it, Sophie," Kurt said, tickling her tummy.

They headed that way, Blaine placing Sophie's diaper bag on one side of the wagon while Kurt carried Sophie. They played with the birds, petted the alpacas and watched as Sophie crawled around in the turtle shell, yells of "Dada!" and "Bane!" echoing as she tried to get their attention. They waved, their eyes focused on her as she played. After awhile, they pulled her away so they could look at the other exhibits.

They wandered around until lunch time, and then headed to the Dancing Crane Caf�. Once they were settled with their food, Blaine asked, "Why did you come today? I mean, I'm not complaining, but I thought you had work."

Kurt shrugged. "I did tell you I've been wanting to take Sophie and this morning, I realized that I'm pretty much caught up with my work, enough so that I could take the day off." He looked around, chewing slowly. He swallowed and finished, "Plus, I haven't been to the zoo in so long, I kind of missed it."

Sophie didn't appear too tired, so they decided to keep walking around until she began yawning. Blaine took picture after picture with the camera Kurt had borrowed from work. He was taking a picture of Sophie and Kurt in front of the sea lion pool when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Would you like me to take a picture of the three of you?" a little old lady asked.

Blaine sputtered for a moment before Kurt called, "Come on, Blaine, come and take a picture with us!"

"Bane, pitchur, pitchur!" Sophie yelled, giggling.

"All right." He showed the woman how to take the picture and then hurried to stand on the other side of Sophie. She threw one arm around his neck and the other around her fathers. They all smiled as she snapped the picture, and then took another with Kurt and Blaine making silly faces and Sophie laughing.

The lady brought the camera over to them, cooing over Sophie as Blaine hung it back around his neck. "Such a beautiful family," she said, smiling at them before she walked away, leaving both men with their jaws dropped, in too much shock to correct her before she disappeared into the crowd.

They laughed awkwardly, avoiding each other's eyes for the rest of the trip. Kurt sent Blaine home after they got back to the flat, insisting he get some rest after their long visit to the zoo.

That night, Blaine added more to both Sophie and Kurt's songs, as he had every time one of them did something that burned into his mind.

888

Two weeks later, Blaine was slipping on his shoes to go home when Kurt appeared next to him. He handed him something wrapped in paper, smiling softly at him before telling him goodbye and closing the door after him. Blaine waited until he got home to open it and inside was a framed picture of the three of them, beaming at the camera in front of the sea lion pool.

He placed it on top of his TV.