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Norton hardly had to look up to know who'd opened his door, shifting his book to one side and opening his arm to catch the form that slumped against him. Norton chuckled, looking down at the man curled against his chest. He snapped his book shut, setting it aside to fully wrap his arms around him.
"Bad day?" he asked. Kurt gave a low hum, burrowing closer. "Wanna tell me about it?"
"You know that presentation I had today?" Kurt asked, turning his face just enough to be heard.
"The one on old fairytales?" Norton asked. Kurt nodded. "Yeah, I remember. You were so excited for it. What happened?"
"I think I was a little too excited," he said with a sigh, "I got quite the round of laughter though. Mike would've been proud." Norton frowned, stroking the older man's hair. "Hey Nort, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he replied, "ask me anything."
"Do you think I'm annoying?" He asked. Norton sighed, holding him tighter.
"Kurt, I promise you're not annoying. Not to me at least," he said firmly, "I know I can get a bit hostile and need to be alone sometimes, but that's never because of you." It also made him guilty after a particularly dark episode, but Kurt had never abandoned him. He'd always been around, a cheery ball of sunshine ready to comfort when wanted.
"I'm a mess," Kurt mumbled.
"Hate to tell you, but so am I," he replied, "and I think my moods might be harder to deal with for you than your hyperactive personality is for me."
"I never mind," Kurt protested, "it's not your fault your brain chemistry is all out of whack."
"Just as it's not your fault that you're a little hyper and get excited about stuff," Norton replied, "besides, I'm sure your presentation was great. People just don't like sitting still and listening to people talk."
"You're just saying that," Kurt said, though a smile was growing on his face.
"I say it because it's true," he answered, "just like how its true you're the most perfect boyfriend I could ever have. Or how it's true that I love you way too much to be remotely healthy for a human being."
"Or how it's true I'm dating a romantic sap," Kurt snickered, sitting up to look down at the man, "you know, everyone thought you were so scary when I first met you. They were all sure you were some miscreant looking for trouble. Instead you're like a big, lovable puppy."
"You wound me," he replied, feigning hurt, "my reputation will suffer from such slander. Betrayed by my own boyfriend!" Kurt burst out laughing, shoving at the younger man's chest.
"You're such a drama queen Norton," he teased. Norton tugged him down to lay with him, nuzzling into the other man's hair. He tried to get up, only to find himself held securely in the other's arms. "Norton, I have class in an hour."
"So?" He countered, "a quick nap never hurt anyone."
"You know I can't nap during the day. I can hardly sleep at night," he replied, absently tracing patterns on Norton's chest, "but if you need to nap I can try and keep quiet." Norton cracked an eye open, studying him with an odd look.
"Really?" He asked skeptically. Kurt nodded.
"Yeah. I mean, I know I have a hard time sitting still but if you need your sleep I can manage," he said, "I have a few books I've been meaning to read anyway, and you always look so peaceful when you sleep."
"You like watching me sleep huh?" He asked with a smirk, "I never took you as the voyeuristic type.
"Don't make it weird," he said with a laugh, slapping at him, "you just look so content. It's calming." Norton smiled softly, reaching a hand to stroke his cheek.
"How about a compromise," he offered, "lie down with me until you have to leave for class. I'd love to listen to you read something." Kurt's eyes widened, a grin on his face.
"Really?"
"Yes, really," he said with a snort, "but take your binder off first. Gotta give yourself a break for a bit."
"But-" Norton pulled him forward, kissing him gently.
"I don't want you to hurt yourself," he said, "just until you have to go to class. Then I'll take you out somewhere later for dinner."
"That...you're bribing me with food again," he said with a pout, though he stood to do as asked.
"Of course," he said with a smirk, "I picked up some extra work the next few weeks, so hopefully soon we'll have enough for your surgery." Kurt froze, standing stock still as if paralyzed. Norton frowned, sitting up. "Kurt? Are you alright?" The man sniffles, wiping at his face. In an instant Norton was on his feet, hugging Kurt from behind. "Hey. What's wrong?" Kurt shook his head, leaning back into him.
"I'm just happy," he said after a moment, turning to press against Norton's front, "I...I just don't know what I'd do without you."
"Well you won't have to worry about that," Norton said, holding him close, "I don't plan to go anywhere. Not even if someone tries to take me by force." Kurt gave a little giggle, smiling at him.
"You're such a drama queen," he said again, "but I wouldn't change you for anything." Norton smiled, kissing the top of his head.
"Thanks babe," he said, "I wouldn't change you for anything either. You're absolutely perfect just the way you are." He stepped back, giving Kurt space to finish changing. "Pick your favorite book. Anything you want to read." Kurt perked up, hurrying to find a book while Norton settled back in. Kurt was quick to join him, curling happily into his side and getting comfortable. "Alice and Wonderland huh?"
"Yup! I love this series," he said, looking up at him, "you're alright with it?"
"Course I am," he said, resting his head on one hand, "read away. I'll try and stay awake."
"Don't worry about it," Kurt said, opening the book and starting to read. Norton watched him, trying to push away his exhaustion. Sure, he was probably wearing himself out with all his classes and extra work, but in the end it would all be worth it to see Kurt finally happy with himself. "You okay?"
"Hmm?" He realized he'd started to space out, Kurt eying him anxiously. "I'm alright. Just thinking how much I love you." Kurt flushed, turning back to his book.
"You're a dork," he said.
"Yeah," Norton said, "I guess I am. But you love me anyway." Kurt twisted to press a kiss to his cheek before smiling.
"Yes. Yes I do."