Rachel walked in to the apartment as Kurt was walking out of his bedroom from getting ready for his date with Blaine. He still couldn't believe that he was actually going out with him. The whole time he had been getting ready he kept having to lead his mind away from the fact that way he didn't have a panic attack and decide last minute to not go.

After he and Blaine had left the hairdresser's they both had gotten in separate cabs and gone back to their apartments. Kurt made himself a light lunch while he mulled over outfits that would be suitable for the night. Blaine was scheming something and had assured Kurt that it would not be Chuck E. Cheese this time.

The outfit that he had chosen was one that he had been saving for a special occasion, and what was more special than tonight? It was a dark blue military style jacket that had bright silver buttons up both sides of it, they started around his bellybutton. The jacket came to the top of his thigh and the collar was worn out and hugged around his neck. For pant's he chose a simple fitted pair of lighter blue dress pants. He had pulled on leather work like type boots and he had hardly done the laces up. Under the jacket he had on the blue tie that Blaine had bought for him and a shirt that matched the whole ensemble perfectly.

Knowing that Kurt had been saving this outfit for something special Rachel narrowed his eyes at him, "What are you so dressed up for? Actually, I have a better question? Where were you all night? And this morning? Hmm? I warned you Kurt. I told you not to go and get yourself hurt again, but no. You never listen to me and-"

Kurt laughed, "Rachel calm down. Do I look upset, or hurt?" He spun around in a circle that way Rachel could see all of the wonderful lines the outfit created. He heard Rachel admit a small giggle.

"I haven't seen you this happy in a while. Did you finally meet someone special last night? More than just another drunken one night stand?"

"I didn't have sex with anyone last night." Kurt said, beaming.

"Then where were you?" She asked, confused.

"I went home with someone. But we didn't have sex." He explained firmly when Rachel was about to open her mouth again.

"Okay. You lost me. Someone took you home...but they didn't sleep with you. Are you sure he wasn't like a...cop or something. Afraid you were gonna go kill someone in your drunken state."

"You're ridiculous. No. Get this. He didn't want to take advantage of me. So he just put me to bed. And nothing. Happened."

Rachel stared at him in wonder. Happiness was beginning to paint over her features as she let out a small cry of excitement, "Kurt! You finally met someone worth your time! What a gentleman! I'm so happy for you!"

"I know!" Kurt said, a small squeal coming out of his own mouth.

"Okay, you have to tell me all about him. What's he look like? What's his name? Where is he from? Does he have a brother?"

Kurt chuckled, she still hadn't caught on. "Well. He's gorgeous. He has curly dark hair that is just wonderful to run your finger's through. Eyes that can't decide whether they want to be green or brown. Lips that just look like you could kiss them for hours at a time. He's built, but he's no Finn. Just...toned. And he's from Ohio. Like us. So he gets the whole bullying thing."

"Oh Kurt! He sounds absolutely wonderful! But what are you gonna do about...you know..."

"I know...?" Kurt trailed off.

Rachel huffed and rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest, "Blaine."

"Oh," Kurt laughed, "I don't think that will be a prob-"

There was a knock on the door. Both Kurt and Rachel broke out in twin beaming smiles.

"That's him," Kurt mouthed silently. Suddenly anxious, his mouth going dry and all the color leaving his face.

"Get the door!" Rachel mouthed back, flustered. Kurt shook his head quickly. No, no he couldn't do this. What had he gotten himself into? That was Blaine on the other side of the door. Absolutely not. He couldn't do this. The knock came again.

"Well if you don't, I will," Rachel hissed out through her teeth as she started to walk to the door.

"No!" Kurt yelled jumping in front of her right at the door. He couldn't be sure but he swore he heard a chuckle through the door. Kurt closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He clutched the handle but his hand slid off of it, it was so wet with nervous sweat. He tried again, this time the door swung open.

Blaine stood before him, clutching a bouquet of red roses just a little too tightly. He was smiling, but Kurt could see the nervousness in his eyes and in the way he was standing. Blaine's ankles were glued together and Kurt could tell that if he didn't have something in his hands his fists would be clenched. But that didn't make him any less handsome.

Kurt's eyes raked over Blaine's body without him conscious he was doing it. Blaine was wearing a dark gray button down sweater that was white around the edges. He had the first few buttons of the white button down underneath undone and Kurt could just nearly see some of his chest hair poking out. A length of fabric was resting under his collar and Kurt could tell by the shape that it was an untied bow tie. One side of the button up hung down below the sweater and over the edge of his black dress pants. On his feet he had on shiny black loafers. He had styled his hair, not into a helmet but now it was out of his eyes and Kurt sucked in a breath when he looked into them and saw the emotion that was shining out of them.

"You look amazing." Kurt breathed on the exhale and he could feel Rachel trying to peek around him, trying to look at what she thought was the new guy he had met.

"I could say the same. Just...wow Kurt." Kurt's whole body went hot as he felt Blaine's eyes travel heavily across him. They stood there for a few more moments, just looking, now that they were allowed to. Until Rachel cleared her voice, still not being able to see around Kurt and getting impatient. Kurt rolled his eyes and Blaine mouthed "you didn't tell her?"

Kurt smiled, smug, "nope."

"May I come in?" Blaine said and Kurt nodded and backed out of the way, making Rachel trip over her own feet she had been standing so close to him. Blaine had turned around to shut the door behind himself and Kurt knew it was because he wanted to play the game with Rachel a little longer.

"Hi!" Rachel finally piped up, "I'm Rachel Berry, Kurt's roommate. I'm so pleased to meet yo- Blaine!" She squeaked the last word when Blaine turned around to face her. Kurt started to laugh heavily.

"But...you...Kurt- youandKurt- and...what? Blaine? Your the amazing guy Kurt was just gushing to me about?" Kurt stopped laughing and blushed at Rachel's words.

"Normally they are words of anger, but I'm happy for the change," Blaine said easily. "By the way, these are for you Kurt." Blaine turned to face him and extended his arm to hand him the bouquet of roses.

Kurt took the bundle out of his hand, "They're beautiful. Thank you." He leaned his face down into them and deeply inhaled the aromatic scent.

"Arg," Rachel groaned rolling her eyes, effectively ruining any moment, "if you two get any cuter you're going to explode. You make me sick." And then she turned on her heel and stomped all the way to her bedroom and slammed the door behind her.

"I don't think I'm supposed to," Blaine started, "but I'm going to take that as a compliment."

Laughing Kurt said, "No, not supposed to be a compliment. I'm just gonna put these in some water and then we can go?"

"Sounds great," Blaine said as he followed Kurt into the kitchen. Kurt laid the bouquet on the counter by the sink and made quick work of the ribbon and taking the plastic off. Next he moved to the cabinet and pulled out a long, rectangular, clear glass vase. He filled it up with water and stuck the roses into it, arranging them that way they were more pleasing to the eye.

"I suppose I don't have to tell you what those mean." Blaine's voice pulled him out of his work.

Kurt blushed, everyone knew what red roses meant. Love. "No. I know what these mean."

"Good. Just know that I mean it." Kurt turned away from the roses and met Blaine's eyes before responding. He hoped he was doing a good a job at sending love out through his eyes as Blaine did before he answered.

"I do know." Kurt watched as a smile fluttered across Blaine's face. Kurt smiled warmly back at him. This was weird, to be here smiling with Blaine. Having that exciting feeling that something great was happening in the pit of his stomach. Feeling like if he opened his mouth to talk, 10 butterflies would fly out and swarm around Blaine. It was a feeling he never expected to feel again with anyone. It was weird, but Kurt couldn't be happier about it.

"Shall we go?" Blaine asked.

This was the last chance Kurt would have to say no. If he said no, Blaine would leave and Kurt would probably never see him again. This could all end right now if he said no. In that one word his life would go back to normal and he would continue with his career and make a name for himself in the fashion world, just saying no...

"Yes. Let's go." The time for saying no was over.

Blaine turned and walked out of the kitchen. Kurt followed after he had moved the vase from the sink to the center of the wooden kitchen table. He found Blaine waiting by the door.

"Bye Rachel," Kurt called over his shoulder. Blaine opened the door and Kurt slipped out behind him. He knew that he was probably reading too much into it, but Kurt felt a weight lift off of his shoulders as soon as he stepped out of the apartment. He was finally letting himself have what he really wanted. And he couldn't wait to see what was coming next.

The pair walked down the steps and down onto the streets of New York. Kurt wanted to dance with how alive he felt. Instead, he just let a tremor pass through his body.

"Yeah, it is cold isn't it? Let's find us a cab." Kurt hadn't noticed that Blaine had been watching him. He blushed, and it wasn't from the cold. Kurt watched Blaine walk to the edge of the sidewalk and bounce on the balls of his feet, it really had gotten cold. Luckily they didn't have to wait long for a cab to pull up. Blaine opened the door and waited for Kurt to climb in first, even though he followed quickly after.

Once inside Kurt quickly realized he had no idea where they were going. Blaine didn't hesitate though, calling out an address to the waiting cabbie. They didn't speak on the ride over, and Kurt assumed Blaine was as caught up in his own thought's as he was. The longer they rode, the more Kurt realized just how cold it had gotten, and how cold he was. Blaine however, seemed to be radiating warmth and Kurt desperately wished he could cuddle himself against the man next to him. But just because they were going out tonight, didn't mean Blaine was suddenly his. So instead, he just inched closer and hoped Blaine wouldn't notice.

Blaine noticed. But he didn't say anything. If Kurt hadn't known him so well, he wouldn't have been able to catch it. The sideways look out of his eyes when he heard Kurt shift. The small crooked smile when he comprehended what Kurt was doing. All he did was shift himself, that way he was closer to Kurt. By the time they had reached their destination, their bodies were slightly touching.

The cab pulled over on the right side of the road and Kurt could see bright lights and lots of people milling around. He looked at Blaine, questioning, and all he did was smile. Before Kurt could even blink, Blaine had payed the cabbie and was starting out the door. Kurt slid over and when he reached the edge of the seat, a hand loomed in front of him. Smiling, Kurt grasped it and climbed out of the cab. Blaine didn't let go even after Kurt had shut the door behind him.

"It's not Breadstix. But it was the closest thing I could think of." Blaine said from Kurt's left side as they stood in front of an Olive Garden.

Kurt grinned and looked over to the man standing beside him. Blaine was beaming up at him. "It's perfect," he said softly as he squeezed Blaine's hand.

Wordlessly Blaine started toward the restaurant, Kurt kept pace easily and didn't even think about letting go of the hand he held in his. Blaine opened the doors for Kurt and as soon as they were inside Kurt gasped when he saw how many people were standing, waiting to get a table.

"Looks like we're going to have a bit of a wait," Kurt said lowly, that way only Blaine could hear. The only response he got was Blaine smirking and leading them up to a frazzled looking hostess.

"There is a 35 minute wait!" She barked at them before Blaine had even opened his mouth.

"Excuse me," Blaine said, still friendly his smile never faltering, Kurt wondered if it had been painted on for the night, "I have a reservation. It's under Anderson."

The hostess huffed and finally looked up. "First name."

"Blaine," he answered happily.

She snapped her eyes back down and started to flip though the pages that were on top of her podium. "For two?"

"That's us," he gave Kurt's hand a squeeze when he said it.

"Missy!" Was the only answer they received and a waitress came running up. The hostess pointed with her index finger and Missy instantly grabbed two menu's and two bundles of silverware.

"Right this way, Mr. Anderson." Blaine followed her, his hand tugging Kurt along. They twisted around customers and waiters alike until they reached a table that was set for only two in the very back of the restaurant. It was still busy, but the noise level there was significantly lower.

Missy placed their menus and silverware down before smiling and saying, "Your server will be right with you." Kurt watched her disappear back into the crowd. He hadn't noticed Blaine had let go and left his side until he looked up and saw that Blaine had pulled his chair out for him.

"I am not a girl Blaine," Kurt teased but moved and sat down anyway.

"Trust me," Blaine had leaned down that way he was...well literately growling into Kurt's ear, "I know."

Kurt squeaked a little as Blaine moved away and sat down opposite him. He felt the telltale blush creeping onto his cheeks as he took in Blaine's smug smile.

"And just exactly what type of person makes a reservation at an Olive Garden?" Kurt gave a weak attempt at a comeback.

Blaine shrugged, "The type of person that has been waiting seven years for this night. And wasn't about to let a 35 minute wait get in the way of it." Kurt didn't have anything to respond to that.

Thankfully he didn't get a chance to because their waitress had chosen that moment to show up. "Hi! My name is June and I'll be taking care of you tonight! May I start you off with a few drinks?" She chirped happily.

"I'll just have water with lemon please," Kurt smiled at her and she turned to Blaine.

"The same. Thank you."

"Coming right up!" She said over enthusiastically and walked away.

Blaine met Kurt's eyes again, and smiled. Kurt couldn't help but smile back at how happy Blaine was. Actually...how happy he was too. He couldn't remember the last time he had been this happy.

"This is kinda weird," Blaine said, laughing a little.

"A good weird," Kurt quickly agreed.

Blaine smiled even bigger, "Most definitely a good weird."

At that they both lapsed into silent giggles and picked up their menu's. Kurt had a hard time focusing on reading what was printed though because he kept stealing glances over the top of the menu at Blaine. And when he did look down long enough to read something he could feel Blaine's eyes on him. Kurt was startled when June came back with their drinks.

"Have we made any decision's yet?"

Frantically searching the menu Kurt read out the first thing that his eyes found that sounded good. He looked at Blaine and saw him doing the same thing. Kurt covered his mouth to hide his smile and laughter.

"And I'll just bring some bread sticks over for you." Both men giggled as the confused waitress walked away.

"I wonder if Breadstix is even any good anymore," Kurt said through his laughter.

Blaine took a sip of his drink and then ran his tongue over his lips making Kurt bite his tongue to hold back a whimper, "It's good. Not as good as it used to be. But the food is still decent."

"And you know this because..." Kurt edged.

"I ate there right before I moved to New York."

"You were in Ohio?" Suddenly Kurt realized he had no idea what Blaine had done with is life the past seven years. Other than the fact that he had been the best man in Wes' wedding.

"Yeah for about a month. Then I left for here. Going home was sort of the last leg of my journey so to speak." He laughed weakly.

"What have you been doing these past seven years anyway? You know my story."

Blaine laughed slightly and smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "It's not very happy. Or good date material either. Shouldn't I just brag about myself instead?"

"Please Blaine?" Kurt pressed.

He sighed deeply and looked straight into Kurt's eyes before opening his mouth to begin, "I finished off the semester in New York. But I couldn't stay here. Everything reminded me of you. And I mean everything. I needed to get away. I didn't drop out or anything, but I transferred to a school on the west coast.

"I couldn't go home either. Ohio seemed to smell like you somehow. I went back for Christmas before I left for California and I vowed never again. I changed majors when I got out there too. I lost music for a few years and I graduated with a degree in English. Needless to say, it took me more than the 2 and a half years. I ended up being in school for a total of six."

"Okay," Kurt started, "so you were in school for the first four. That leaves me with three." He wanted Blaine to know that he was still with him. That his views on him hadn't changed. Kurt was taken aback with Blaine's words, but that was all.

Blaine seemed to catch on and continued his story, "I went to England. I got a small job writing for the newspaper. It wasn't glamorous, and it didn't pay much, but I was working and it was enough for a small apartment and food. But everything was numb. I did it because I had to, not because I loved what I was doing. I was just going through the motions."

Kurt nodded. He understood that. The last seven years of his life had been numb. "What changed?"

"Well, what I wrote was a relationship advice column. Completely stupid and a waste of time, I know. But it proved to be a type of weird therapy for me. About eight months ago I received a letter that was almost exact to what happened to us. For a second I thought you had written it until I realized it couldn't have been you because you would never write into something as tacky as a relationship advice column. In England no doubt. Plus you didn't know my side of the story then.

"But as I sat there, writing to this anonymous person about how they had to go and fight for their love back, I realized I was writing it to myself. As soon as I accepted that I started feeling again. I know all of this sounds like some elaborate story Kurt. But please believe I am not making this up. I got pretty good at faking an accent if you want me to prove it to you. Plus, I saved the clipping from what I wrote to that person that ended up saving me from a life of no emotion."

Kurt studied Blaine for a moment. He could tell how nervous he was to be under Kurt's scrutiny. Like he was afraid that Kurt was going just tell him to leave and then never talk to him again. Kurt could tell that Blaine didn't believe yet that Kurt really did care for him, and Kurt realized for the first time that he had something to prove to Blaine as well.

"Well," he said slowly, "I wish I knew who that person was that way I could thank them. They saved me as well."

Slowly Kurt watched Blaine's eyes come back to life. His features became more animated and he beamed. Kurt beamed back at him. He didn't care about how stupid they looked, just sitting there smiling at each other. That's all he could do. How he ever said no to the man sitting before him was now beyond his realm of comprehension. The past seven years had been just as hard for Blaine, if not harder, and Kurt found himself wanting to take all that pain and loneliness away. It felt like he was falling in love all over again, even though he didn't think he had ever really stopped.

In a way, Kurt guessed that he was falling in love again, but in a different way. Blaine wasn't the same as he had been seven years ago. But neither was he. Life had gotten in the way of them, but somehow they had come back to each other for a second chance. Kurt knew that he wouldn't get another one and he hoped he would never need it.

June came back with their food and they ate together. Laughing and joking. Telling stories from their pasts now that the hard stuff was done. It was so easy to just sit here and be with Blaine. Kurt had forgotten how easy it always had been. They just...understood each other. They had once loved each other. And they had a chance to do so again, even though all of their mess.

Soon the food was gone, but they continued to sit and talk. Both of their floodgates had been opened and they had so much to say to each other. Kurt told Blaine of how he had met Cathy and Blaine told him all about England and everything he had seen in California. They talked into the night and soon Kurt was trying to stifle back a yawn, and when he looked around they were one of the last couples left.

"Are you ready to leave?" Blaine asked.

"Yes. But I'm not ready for tonight to end." Kurt said sadly.

"We can have other night's. If you want them."

Kurt blushed, "I do."

"Then don't fret." Blaine started to pull out his wallet to pay the bill they had all but forgotten about.

"Let me split it with you." Kurt started for his own wallet but Blaine wasn't going to have it.

"No. Tonight's mine. Maybe next time." Kurt's blood ran hot at the thought they would have a next time.

When they stood Blaine walked over to Kurt's side of the small table and he wrapped his arm around Kurt's waist. Kurt looked down at the smiling man next to him, rolled his eyes, and snaked his own arm to wrap around Blaine's shoulders. As soon as they were outside though Kurt was glad he was so close to Blaine. It had gotten that much colder while they had been eating dinner.

Blaine left his side only for a moment to hail a cab and then they both rushed into it. As soon as they were inside the warm interior Blaine held his arm out and though Kurt blushed, he didn't hesitate to snuggle down into Blaine. He inhaled the familiar scent deeply. Recognizing it from years ago and the smell on the pillow this morning. Kurt cuddled deeper into Blaine's side and he heard Blaine hum in content.

They rode like this all the way back to Kurt's apartment. Blaine paid the cabbie again and as soon as they got out it took off like a rocket.

"We forgot to tell him you needed to get back in." Kurt said sadly.

The pair walked up to the door before Blaine said, "I can get another cab."

Without words, they slowly slipped into a tight embrace. Kurt couldn't even feel the cold anymore wrapped up in Blaine's arms. Kurt's chin was resting on Blaine's shoulder and Kurt could feel the warm breath of Blaine's mouth on his own ear. Kurt didn't know how long they stood like that, but it seemed far too soon when Blaine moved his head away. He followed Blaine's lead but neither of them let go.

"Kurt?" Blaine whispered. "Is it okay...can I kiss you?"

It was the first time in Kurt's life that anyone had ever asked him that question. It was the first time that he ever had the power to say the word 'no.' He almost did, just for the fact that for the first time he could. But he didn't.

"Yes."

And in the same instant Blaine's mouth was on his. Warm and perfect against his lips. The suddenness had taken him by surprise but in a few moments he was kissing Blaine back. As soon as Blaine felt Kurt's lips moving beneath his he let out a soft sigh and it spurred Kurt on more. He deepened the kiss. Bringing one of his hands to the back of Blaine's head and holding him there.

Blaine shuffled closer to Kurt and soon Kurt felt Blaine's tongue trying to get inside of his mouth. Just softly. Letting Kurt know that he didn't have to. But Kurt wanted it. He slowly opened his mouth just a little and then they're tongues were dancing and dueling together. Kurt felt one of Blaine's hands come up to the side of his face and run his thumb along his cheekbone. It was an old move but it made Kurt whine under Blaine.

At the sound Blaine pulled away and Kurt tried chasing him with his own lips. Until they finally reached home and he placed them gently against Blaine's own wet lips chastely. Satisfied, he pulled away and rested his forehead against Blaine's. He fluttered his eyelids open and smiled, dazed.

He had forgotten what it had felt like to kiss someone he actually truly cared about. Kurt's whole body was burning from the inside out. He was breathing heavily even though the kiss hadn't lasted very long at all. But he felt the warm puffs of air against his face that showed him Blaine was having the same reaction. Kurt's toes were curled inside his boots in happiness as his hand was shaking against Blaine's head.

"Thank you," Blaine whispered.

"For what?" Their foreheads were still pressed together and they both were beaming.

"Letting me kiss you."

Kurt laughed silently, "I wasn't letting you. I wanted you to. I wanted to kiss you too."

Blaine suddenly pressed his lips against Kurt's once more. This one was chaste and dry, but Kurt could feel zips of sparks flying off of them. Too soon Blaine pulled away again.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. Seven years is a long time."

"I know. Don't apologize." Their heads were apart now but Blaine still had Kurt's face in his hand. He started to run his thumb across his cheek again.

"I've missed that so much. I've missed you so much."

"I know Blaine," Kurt couldn't think of anything else to say. Those words said it all.

"I've got to go home."

Kurt frowned and nodded, understanding. But before Blaine moved away he kissed him. Just as chaste as the last one had been, but still giving him that rolling happiness in the pit of his stomach. He pulled away and smiled.

"Seven years is a long time."

"I know." This time Blaine was the one to say it.

Slowly they broke their embrace even though neither one of them wanted to. Kurt turned to the door, instantly missing Blaine's heat.

"Kurt?" Blaine called from behind him. He turned around to see Blaine looking at him nervously.

"Yes?"

"Please don't make me wait seven years to kiss you again." Kurt's heart broke a little bit. How could Blaine believe that Kurt would stop him now?

"Never again."

Blaine smiled, satisfied. But Kurt could still see the doubt behind his eyes. Kurt sighed.

"Goodnight Kurt."

"Goodnight." And Kurt turned back to the door and let himself into the building as Blaine turned around and hailed another taxi to take him home.