Archive of Our Own

“Why are we even open tonight?” Blaine complained, standing by the window looking at the deserted street outside. The small Italian neighborhood eatery, simply named italian eatery, or ie, was empty say for the chef and the waiter this Christmas Eve.

“Because Mr. Antonelli insists that we’re open every day but Christmas Day,” Tina explained patiently.

“But the weather outside is dreadful, who in their right mind is going to go out and eat dinner tonight?”

Blaine watched as the pavement disappeared under a white cover. Flakes whirled all around in the worst snowstorm New York had seen so far that winter. There was nothing friendly about the snow, it fell thick and merciless, and anyone outside would have trouble finding their direction in the white denseness. Blaine couldn’t see the bakery across the street, and though he found the swirling snowflakes bewitching, he was glad he was on that side of the window.

“It’s New York, Blaine, there’s always someone in need of food. Stop complaining and come join me.” Tina patted on the seat next to her on the couch in front of the fireplace.

The fireplace was normally a place for candles, tall, thick candles that burned for hours and hours. When the restaurant was busy, which was most nights except for tonight, no one had the time to watch a fire and add more wood. Candles were a better choice and gave almost the same cozy feeling. Tonight though, with no customers to attend, Blaine had lit the fire and it now burned with a warm, orange glow that reflected softly on Tina’s face.

Blaine tore himself away from the window, padded over to Tina and sat down next to her. “Not on nights like this one.”

“So let's sit here and enjoy each other's company then. Or do you have somewhere else to be?”

“No…” Blaine sighed. He had no place to be. He was spending Christmas alone in the city. “But you have. Wouldn’t you rather be at home with Artie?”

“He can wait,” Tina waived dismissively. “He’s got me the entire Christmas weekend, which you are still welcomed to join, you know. I hate to see you spend Christmas alone.”

“Thank you, but somehow I don't see how I would fit into the mix of both yours’s and Artie’s families in your small apartment. Besides it’s only Christmas Day I’ll be on my own, then I’ll be right back here making sure I make enough money to get me through college.”

Blaine had planned to go back to his parents in Ohio for Christmas but traveling during Christmas weekend was expensive and he figured it would be better if he just stayed and worked.

“You’re still welcome if you change your mind,” Tina smiled and squeezed his knee lightly. Letting go, she leaned back on the couch. “This is nice, just you and me,” she said and put her feet up on the small coffee table between the fireplace and the couch. “It’s been a long time since we hung out just the two of us.”

It was nice, Blaine admitted to himself. Blaine had known Tina since he moved to New York and ended up as her next-door neighbor. She was equally new to the city and they set out to explore it together. For a time they had been inseparable, doing everything together, but then Artie came into the picture and they became a little less inseparable. When Tina got him a job as a waiter at the small restaurant she worked at, Blaine thought it would mean they would spend more time together again. But the restaurant was popular and always busy, so most nights it was only hello and goodbye and him reading up orders to her in between.

So this was nice. Blaine relaxed into his seat and listened to the crackle of the fire and to the Christmas songs that played softly in the background. He looked around the empty eatery. The lights were turned down, and on each table a small candle was burning. Tina had insisted they light them in case somebody showed up, though it didn’t seem likely. From the ceiling hung ornaments they’d spent hours putting up a few weeks ago: large red and gold Christmas balls mixed with green garlands and silvery icicles. It was tasteful rather than too much despite it being a bit extravagant, and the decorations made Blaine smile every time he walked into his place of work.

Tonight though, not even the ornaments put him in a better mood. He was restless for some reason. “How long do you think we have to stay open until we can go home?” Blaine asked, suddenly feeling tired, as if sitting down and watching the flames dance made him let go of the past weeks, or months, stress of getting through college on his own while working to afford it.

“Why are you in such a hurry to get away from me?” Tina asked and nudged his side.

“I’m not, trust me, but I think the weather will only get worse and I don't want you to get snowed in and unable to get home safely.”

“Don’t worry about me. Let's stay a little bit longer and if it gets worse, you can always walk me home,” Tina said with a smile. “Let’s have some fun while we’re here.” Then she started to sing to the music flowing out of the discreetly placed loudspeakers.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Blaine smiled, how could he not? Tina was a great singer and it wasn’t unusual to hear her sing in the kitchen. Sometimes, on those rare slow nights, Blaine would join her. He used to sing a lot in high school, competed even, but that was a long time ago and these days he mostly kept his singing to the shower and the occasional kitchen duets with Tina. Now he felt the urge to sing and Tina gestured for him to continue.

Man, it doesn't show signs of stoppin'
And I brought some corn for poppin'
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Blaine stood up, feeling like letting go of a year full of hard work and intense studying by being silly with his best friend. He offered Tina his hand, and when she took it, he pulled her up and twirled her around until she was flushed against him. When the song allowed for it, he kissed Tina on the cheek.

When we finally kiss good night
How I'll hate going out in the storm
But if you really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

Tina laughed as they danced around in the empty restaurant. Blaine steered them gracefully, in what could be taken for a Waltz, around the candlelit tables and various seating arrangements, all while Tina followed his every move and picking up the next verse. She took the opportunity to kiss Blaine’s cheek in return, and then let out a surprised yelp when Blaine dipped her, holding her tight so she wouldn’t fall, before pulling her back up again. Tina’s eyes sparkled the same way her laughter bubbled over her lips. It made Blaine laugh too. He was grateful he had a friend like her who could read him and know what he needed even when he didn’t himself. Singing and dancing was exactly what he needed tonight.

The unexpected sound of someone clearing their throat had them both jumping apart as though they were caught doing something inappropriate. They had a customer. Blaine groaned to himself. Of course someone would show up when they let go for five minutes. He heard Mr. Antonelli’s voice clearly in his head, talking about respectful and gracious behavior towards paying customers. This was certainly not what he meant by that.

Blaine turned around, pink cheeked, to greet their guest.

“Are you open?” A man, whose coat and shoes were covered in white, asked uncertainly. “Or am I interrupting some private moment?”

“No, no, we're open,” Blaine hurried to say. “I’m sorry, we were just goofing around. We’re definitely open if you want something to eat or drink. Or just some good company.”

Good company? Blaine wanted to hit himself. Why would someone come to the restaurant looking for good company?

The man looked around the empty eatery. “Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother.”

“Nonsense,” Tina said when Blaine did not. “This is a restaurant, of course it’s no bother. Choose a seat and Blaine here will help you. Right, Blaine?”

Tina nudged his side, before turning around and disappearing into the kitchen. Blaine quickly gathered himself. He had for a moment lost his manners, staring at the man. The man not only looked beautiful with his chestnut hair (that for some reason was still perfectly coiffed despite the snowstorm outside), his rosy cheeks, and his bashful smile, he also had the most beautiful voice.

“Feel free to sit wherever you like,” Blaine said when he found his voice again, gesturing around the restaurant. “As you can see, we’re not exactly crowded tonight.” He laughed a little, but the man showed no signs of finding him amusing.

“I’ll just sit by the bar,” the man said and made his way over to the dark brown, walnut counter.

Blaine, remembering how to act around customers, was by his side in seconds, helping him out of his coat and scarf. Both were of good quality, he noted.

“Thank you,” the man said with a brief smile before sitting down on one of the high stools. He took off his gloves and put them on the counter and then he picked up his phone and started to type something on it.

Blaine hung the coat and the scarf on the coat rack by the door, and then hurried back and grabbed the menu behind the bar. He wanted to make a good impression on their one and only guest, to not let him think this was a flimsy restaurant where the staff danced and sang at any given opportunity.

“I’ll have the Linguine all’Aragosta.” The man didn’t as much as a glance at the menu, but he did lift his eyes from the phone to glance at Blaine as he placed his order. “And a glass of Pinot Grigio.”

Blaine was impressed, the man not only had an exquisite taste in pasta, but he also seemed to know exactly what wine went perfectly with the lobster dish. Either it was a lucky guess, or he was a connoisseur.

The man looked away from Blaine again, rubbed his hands together and blew warm air into them.

“If you want to, you can sit by the fireplace, it’s definitely warmer over there,” Blaine said while pouring him some water from the carafe behind the bar.

“I’ll be fine here. I’ll just eat real quick and be out of your way.”

“There’s no need to hurry,” Blaine said, feeling like he needed to make it clear to the man that he was welcomed and not an inconvenience in any way. “We’re open until midnight. Or however long our guests want to stay.”

“It doesn’t look like you’ll have any other guests.” The man looked around the empty eatery and then out the window. “And I’m sure you and the chef wouldn’t mind closing early to go home and not get snowed in.”

“Don’t worry about us, we have a snow shovel in the back and Tina knows how to use it,” Blaine joked, but the man only smiled dutifully. “Seriously, we’ll be here until midnight whether you’re here or not, so please relax and enjoy your meal.”

“Then maybe you should place my order with the chef?” There was amusement there, but for some reason the man was trying to hide it.

Blaine felt his cheeks tinge as he realized he’d been lingering because he wanted to make sure their guest felt welcome, but by doing so he’d forgotten to let Tina know what to cook for him. “Yes, yes, of course,” Blaine laughed. “Sorry,” he added as he turned around and walked into the kitchen.

Walking through the black swing doors he heard an ‘ouch’ and when the door closed behind him, he saw Tina standing there rubbing her nose.

“What are you doing?” Blaine whispered. “Why are you standing there?”

“No reason,” Tina whispered back innocently and made her way over to the stove where she already had water boiling.

“Were you spying on us through the windows in the door?”

“No!” Tina frowned and waved away his words like they were the most ridiculous she’d ever heard. She put her full attention on stirring the pasta water instead.

Blaine shook his head, deciding to let it go. “I think I’ve smoothed over our dancing/singing faux pas. I’m sure Mr. Antonelli wouldn’t like it if he heard about that. Anyway our customer would like some Linguine-“

“all’Aragosta,” Tina filled in and stirred something in a different pot. “It’s almost ready.”

“Were you eavesdropping?”

“No, but that’s what he always orders.”

“What?” Blaine asked, confused. He’d never seen the man before, yet Tina knew exactly what his order was.

“He comes here every weekday after his show.”

“His show?” Blaine felt himself frown.

“You know that’s Kurt Hummel, right?”

“Kurt who?”

“Kurt Hummel, Broadway's newest star,” Tina stated as if it was common knowledge.

Blaine racked his brain, trying to remember hearing that name. “Never heard of him,” Blaine confessed when his mind came up blank.

“Blaine!” Tina exclaimed. “You’re gay and you claim to be into show tunes and you’ve never heard of Kurt Hummel?” Blaine shook his head. “He plays the phantom in Phantom of the Opera and everybody loves him. He's great!”

Blaine was surprised he’d never heard of the man, but to his defense he had been focusing a lot on his education and work lately, and everything remotely connected to entertainment and social activities had been placed on the back burner.

“How come I’ve never seen him here before?” Blaine asked.

“He only comes during weekdays and you normally only work weekends, sweetie,” Tina smiled. “I can’t believe you don’t know who he is.”

“I need to change my schedule, he’s cute,” Blaine confessed.

“And he was totally checking you out when you turned your back and walked over here.”

“He did not.” Blaine couldn’t help glancing through the window in the door, but all he saw was the man staring at his phone.

“Yes, he definitely did.”

“Wait, how do you know that if you weren’t spying on us?”

“Okay, so maybe I cast a glance through the window just when you were walking back here,” Tina said in passing, but Blaine knew her better than that. “But what’s important is the way he looked at you when you weren’t watching.”

“And what way was that?” Blaine couldn't stop his pulse from quickening.

“Like he liked what he saw and wouldn’t mind spending more time with you.”

Blaine laughed. It would have been a nice confidence boost, if it was true. But there was no way the man out there actually looked at him the way Tina described. He showed no interest when Blaine tried making conversation with him.

“Thank you for trying to make me feel better, but if he’s Broadway’s newest darling, I’m sure he’s got plenty of girls attracting his attention.”

“He’s gay you know.”

“Really?” Blaine asked, his heart apparently decided to take this piece of information as a sign of permission to beat a little bit faster.

“Yes, so go out there and show your interest. You never know what could happen.”

“My interest?” Blaine tried to play unknowing, but the truth was that there was something about the man, Kurt, that had caught his interest.

“Yes, your interest. You just said he was cute, and the way you blushed around him before…” Tina left him to fill in the blanks himself.

“I did not! I just… I just didn’t want him to think this was some kind of flimsy place. You know with the singing and dancing, and… Okay, maybe I’m a little bit interested. Is he really gay?” Tina knew him better than anyone and Blaine decided there was no use to pretend in front of her.

“Yes! It’s common knowledge, Blaine.”

“I don’t know how to talk to him. He didn’t seem at all interested in me when I tried.”

“Just go back out there and do your job, before he thinks you’re avoiding him. Use your charm and improvise.”

“Improvise?” Blaine raised an eyebrow. “That's your best advice?”

“I've been dating Artie for four years, I don’t remember how to flirt with guys. Just be you and I’m sure you'll be fine.”

Blaine hadn't flirted with anyone in a long while either, but he was sure ‘just be you’ was not the best advice Tina could give him. Being himself had led him to exactly zero boyfriends in the past two years, which was why he had decided to focus on his education instead.

But what did he have to lose tonight? If he made a fool of himself, he could always not show up at work on weekdays. Which he didn’t normally do anyway, so it wouldn't be a problem.

“Okay,” Blaine said and turned to walk back out to Kurt, his mind on trying to figure out what to say.

“Don’t forget the complimentary bread,” Tina said just in time for Blaine to grab a small basket of bread before returning through the swing doors.

Blaine put the basket on the counter next to Kurt’s phone, which was now showing a black, turned off screen.

“Some bread,” Blaine said and smiled. “Your dinner will be ready shortly.”

“Great.” Kurt started to pick pieces off a slice of bread and put them into his mouth, without offering a smile in return.

Blaine glanced at the clock on the wall behind Kurt. It was only just after nine, but Blaine figured Tina must already be tired because clearly she was imagining things.

“What brings you out on a night like this?” Blaine asked, gesturing at the weather outside.

“I come here almost every night. Your all'Aragosta is to die for, and some snowfall isn’t going to keep me away,” Kurt said and looked out the window. They both watched the snowflakes sweep by sideways. A sudden gust of wind howled so loudly it overpowered the music and the crackling of the fire for a second.

When the wind had passed a new kind of silence settled between them. Blaine tried to think of something to say, but Kurt being a famous Broadway star made him feel shy and insignificant and he couldn't think of a single thing.

“I haven't seen you around here before. Are you new?”

Kurt looked at him while putting another piece of bread into his mouth. Maybe there was a glimpse of interest in his eyes?

“No, I've worked here for two years, but I only work weekends.”

“Today is a Thursday,” Kurt noted.

“And Christmas Eve, which means nobody wants to work and I’m a poor student in need of money, so here I am. Despite it being a Thursday,” Blaine added with a wink.

A wink he immediately regretted. Who winked at a guy he'd known for five minutes? Well Blaine apparently, but other than that? Creepy, stalking type people?

Kurt offered him a small smile, and maybe a quiet chuckle too? Blaine wasn't sure but it sounded like it, and it made Blaine feel like less of a creepy, stalking type person.

“What do you study?” Kurt asked.

“Law.”

Kurt let out a low whistle. “Impressive.”

“I'm going to become a human rights lawyer,” Blaine stated proudly. He had his career path set out for himself. It might take a while to get there but it wasn't something that bothered him. He wanted to specialize in lgbtq+ cases, it was a cause close to his heart.

“And expensive,” Blaine added with a bit of frustration, which earned him a new chuckle. “So here I am, slaving away to get myself through college.”

“Maybe you would earn a decent tip if you actually served your customers what they ordered.”

Kurt gestured at the empty glass in front of him and Blaine wanted to hit himself. Hard. He’d been so busy first feeling insecure and then trying to impress Kurt, that he'd completely forgotten Kurt's wine.

“Oh yeah, right! Sorry…” Blaine offered Kurt a sheepish smile. He was sure his cheeks would soon take on a permanent red color in Kurt’s presence.

Fetching the wine, he poured a small amount for Kurt to taste. Kurt closed his eyes, inhaled the rich aromas of the wine, before tasting it. He was definitely a connoisseur and not a lucky guesser.

“Perfect,” Kurt exhaled in deep content.

Blaine poured a generous glass to Kurt. It was the least he could do after making him ask for it twice. It might also be that the look on Kurt’s face while tasting the wine stirred something inside Blaine. In a perfect world, Blaine would pour himself a glass too, sit down next to Kurt and talk away for hours while eating and drinking. But in this world, he was merely Kurt's waiter. The sound of the kitchen bell Tina used to announce that the food was ready to be served, made that perfectly clear to him. He offered Kurt a smile before heading for the kitchen.

“How's it going?” Tina asked eagerly almost before the door had closed behind Blaine.

“I don't know. I think you must have imagined him checking me out, because he doesn’t seem interested. He’s only asked if I was new and when I explained I only work weekends to help pay for my education, he asked what I’m studying.”

“Ha! I told you he was interested,” Tina said triumphantly to Blaine’s great confusion. “He wants to know things about you,” Tina clarified.

“That only means he’s a decent human being who can hold up a conversation.”

“He’s definitely interested,” Tina insisted. “Now, take the food and go out and ask him some questions.”

“Wait. How old is he?” Blaine suddenly realized Tina knew about Kurt and that she could answer questions about him. Questions he didn’t want to ask Kurt unless he wanted to come across as a creepy, stalking type person. Like Kurt’s age. Maybe Kurt was so much older he would never be interested in Blaine. He had this timeless look about him that made it impossible for Blaine to judge his age.

“24, I think. Or 25. No, definitely 24.” Tina was holding the plate in her hand, waiting for Blaine to take it from her.

24 wasn't that old, it was only two years older than Blaine. Okay, so the age wouldn’t be an obstacle.

“Is he single?”

“As far as I know. I follow him on twitter and Instagram, and there’s no mention of a boyfriend.”

“And you’re sure he’s gay?”

“Yes! Now take his food before it gets cold and go out there and be the charming guy that made me fall for you.”

Blaine was about to take the plate when he stopped in the middle of his movement and looked at Tina. “What?” Did Tina just…?

“What? No, nothing,” Tina said as her cheeks turned redder. “I said nothing. Here.” She handed him the plate and shoved him towards the door.

Blaine almost stumbled out the swing doors, looking over his shoulder wondering if Tina just confessed to having a crush on him once upon a time. Then he turned his attention towards their guest, and wow. Was it possible that Kurt had gotten more beautiful the few minutes Blaine spent in the kitchen? It felt that way at least. Blaine was suddenly struck with nerves. How was he supposed to catch this beautiful man’s interest? Someone like Kurt probably had tons of interesting people already wanting his attention, why would he show any interest in Blaine? A broke college student slash waiter.

Blaine placed the food in front of Kurt on the bar counter. “Enjoy your meal,” he said before stepping away. He walked over to the fireplace and put another log on the almost dying fire. He hunched and watched as the fire slowly started to come alive again. He had decided to give Kurt some space to eat in solitude. He didn’t come here to chat with the waiter. He came alone and probably wanted to eat alone. He was most likely surrounded by people all day and this was his quiet time. Blaine didn’t want to disturb that.

“This dish is so great,” Kurt hummed, and when Blaine looked in his direction wondering if Kurt was talking to him or merely stating facts to himself, he saw that Kurt was looking right at him. “Have you ever tried it?”

“No,” Blaine said standing up. “Never.”

“You should. Here, want to taste a bite?” Kurt held up his fork.

“No, thank you.” There was no way Blaine could eat from Kurt’s fork. He just couldn’t. Beside the fact that it probably violated some customer/staff rule he didn’t know about but that he was sure Mr. Antonelli had instituted, his mind would totally flip out if he put Kurt’s fork into his own mouth.

“Okay, but you’re missing out,” Kurt said as if he was eating what might be the best meal in the universe.

Inside, Blaine’s mind still flipped a little bit. Kurt started up a conversation with him. Maybe he didn’t want to eat in solitude. Maybe he welcomed the company. It gave Blaine enough courage to keep the conversation going. He walked back to his position behind the bar, picked up a cloth and started to polish some already polished wine glasses.

“Tina tells me your Broadway’s newest, hottest star.” Blaine watched as the comment made Kurt blush and look down at his food.

“I don’t know about the hottest or the star part of that statement, but I am new on Broadway,” Kurt admitted.

“That’s so cool!”

“Not really. It’s a lot more work than you’d imagine. I bet you law school is easier than doing eight shows a week.” Kurt already sounded tired by it all, and it made Blaine feel sorry for him. He wondered if Broadway had been Kurt’s dream and now that he was living it, it hadn’t turned out to be what he expected it to be.

“I wouldn’t bet your savings on it, law school is pretty darn hard,” Blaine said which made Kurt smirk. “Did you have a show tonight?”

“Yes, just like you I have to work on Christmas Eve. I get tomorrow off, but on Saturday it's business as usual.” Kurt was back to sounding tired. “I'm sorry if I sound like I don’t love my job. I do. It's just, I wanted to go home and visit my dad, but the time doesn't really allow for it.”

“Couldn't you go home tomorrow and then back again on Saturday?”

“My dad was supposed to come here, but he's got a heart conditions that's gotten worse. It's not super critical, but his doctor doesn't want him to fly. Dad waived it off as if it was nothing, but I can't allow him to take any risks, so I told him to stay home, that I could fly home instead, but all flights were full and I can't exactly drive 600 miles in this weather… So the universe isn't really on my side and I'm stuck spending Christmas alone in this city,” Kurt said, finally taking a moment to breathe. “Sorry, I didn't mean to dump my story on you.”

“It’s okay,” Blaine quickly assured. He could listen to Kurt talk for hours without being bored by it. Kurt was fascinating and his voice was beautiful to listen to. “I'm spending Christmas alone too, and I agree that it sucks. I can't afford to go back home, and my parents aren't really interested in spending Christmas in New York.”

Or spending it with him. But that was something he'd rather not think about now. He watched as Kurt took another fork full of pasta into his mouth and hummed contentedly. This was another thing Blaine could spend hours doing - watch Kurt eat.

There was something graceful about it and his face softened when the taste of pasta and lobster mingled in his mouth. Blaine could tell from just looking at Kurt how much he enjoyed the meal, how it made him relax and let go of some of his frustration with the universe.

“Are you sure you don't want to taste some?”

Kurt’s smile was friendly and a little bit teasing, and Blaine knew he'd been caught staring for too long, so he quickly looked away. He probably blushed too because that was apparently a thing he did around Kurt. He couldn't tell why Kurt had caught his interest from the moment he walked through the door, but there was just something about him. Besides the fact that he was simply stunningly beautiful, there was something else there too, beyond the superficial, and it only grew the more he talked to Kurt.

“Yes, I'm sure. I think there are rules against the staff eating a paying customer’s dinner.”

“Even if the customer is offering?” Kurt said, looking at Blaine through his eyelashes.

“Even then,” Blaine smiled. He felt all warm inside from the look Kurt was giving him. “But you've piqued my interest and I think I have to force Tina to make me some at home.”

Blaine wasn't sure, but he thought he could see Kurt's smile falter for a second. Kurt quickly schooled his expression and leaned back on his chair. It wasn't until then that Blaine noted that Kurt had been leaning in when they talked.

“Aren't there rules about talking to paying customers while they eat too?” Kurt asked. He smiled, but it was a different kind of smile, with less of the intense interest.

“Probably, but since this customer in particular seems to enjoy the conversation and started it himself, I believe we can look past that rule tonight. Especially when said customer is really interesting to talk to.”

“I am?” Kurt chuckled, making Blaine's heart beat a little bit faster because apparently that's what happened when Kurt laughed and looked at him that way. The way where he tilted his head slightly and gazed at Blaine with what looked like curiosity in his eyes.

“Oh, most definitely.” It wasn't an exaggeration and Blaine wanted Kurt to know he was interested. He wasn't bold enough to say it out loud though, but he thought he was pretty good at sending those signals out.

He was, however, not good at reading Kurt. He couldn't tell if Kurt was interested or not. Some of the smiles and looks indicated it, but maybe that was just because Blaine wanted to read it that way, because at other times the interest just wasn't there in Kurt's eyes.

A companionable silence settled between them as Blaine continued to polish his glasses and Kurt continued to eat.

“So are you and the chef close?” Kurt asked casually after a while.

“Tina?” Blaine asked, wondering why Kurt was asking about her. Thinking about his friendship with Tina made him smile though. “Yes, you could say that. She's the reason I'm still living in this city. If it wasn’t for her, I’d be back in Ohio before my first year here had come to an end. Her love and support have gotten me through some rough moments.”

“Oh...” Kurt sounded disappointed for some reason. “I mean, that’s great! To have someone like that in your life.”

“She’s a very special girl and she will always carry a piece of my heart with her.”

Kurt looked down at his plate, which was almost empty by now, and swirled some linguine around his fork before bringing it up to his mouth. Blaine couldn’t tear his eyes away from Kurt’s lips and the way his tongue went out to catch a few drops of the white wine sauce.

The bell from the kitchen startled Blaine, and he quickly looked away from Kurt’s mouth. His eyes darted up towards Kurt’s to see if he’d been caught staring again, but luckily it seemed Kurt was too busy staring down at his food.

“Excuse me,” Blaine said and retreated to the kitchen. There was no reason for Tina to ring the bell again, there was no more food going out.

Tina took a step back to not get hit by the door this time.

“What do you want?” Blaine asked.

“I just wanted to see if he checked you out this time too, and the answer is a big yes. Happens every time you walk away from him.”

Blaine ignored the fact that Tina was spying on them through the window in the door, he was more curious about her observations. “He did? I can't tell if he's interested or not. One minute we're talking and he leans in and seems to want to listen to me talk, the next he's got something disappointed in his eyes.”

“What are you talking about?”

“All kinds of stuff,” Blaine said, trying to remember. “Like that he's spending Christmas alone here too because of his work.”

“Oh!” Tina exclaimed and got something that could best be described as fire in her eyes. “You should ask him if he wants to spend Christmas with you! It makes so much sense! He's alone and you're alone, why not be alone together!”

“Okay, that's crazy even for you, Tina. I don't know him. I can't ask him to spend Christmas with me.”

“Of course you can! Oh, this is going to be epic!” Tina bounced up and down, clapping her hands. “You’ll meet up, take a walk through the city to look at all the Christmas lights and Christmas trees, talk about your favorite Christmas memory, fall in love and kiss. This is so romantic!”

“This is also not going to happen,” Blaine said. Even if the picture Tina painted sounded like exactly the way Blaine wanted to spend his Christmas, it wasn't going to happen. Those things just didn't happen to Blaine, and there was no way he was asking Kurt, a near stranger and a Broadway star who he'd talked to for maybe 30 minutes in total, to spend Christmas with him.

“Come on, Blaine, don't be like that. Take a chance.”

“I'm gonna go back out to Kurt now and ignore you, Tina.”

“Fine! But it's a great idea and you know it!” Tina called after him as he left.

Blaine shook his head. It might be a great idea in theory, but in reality it would just come off as creepy.

“Is everything alright?” Kurt asked.

He looked a little bit worried and Blaine thought he must be wearing a frown when he walked back out. He quickly changed it to a smile.

“Yes, everything is good. Do you want some more wine?” He asked, noticing Kurt's empty glass.

“I shouldn't, you probably want to close up and go home soon,” Kurt said and glanced out the window. He shuddered when he saw the snowstorm outside.

“I'm in no hurry,” Blaine said. “Tell you what, I'll have a glass together with you.”

“Aren't there rules about staff drinking while working?” Kurt asked playfully.

“Very strong rules, but I don't think anyone else will show up tonight and talking to you doesn't really feel like working. And maybe I wouldn't mind if you stayed a bit longer and talked some more.”

Blaine's heart was beating fast when he uttered the words. He was flirting, or trying to at least, but he had no idea how Kurt would respond to it.

“Really?” Kurt quirked an eyebrow and gave Blaine a quizzical look. “You're so peculiar.”

Peculiar? Was that a good or bad thing? What did he even mean? Peculiar. Did he think Blaine was weird? Had he been acting weird? He couldn't really remember. Or did he also find Blaine difficult to read? Was he not obvious with his attempt to flirt? Blaine's mind was spinning trying to figure out what Kurt meant.

Blaine looked at Kurt, trying to assess what he meant, but all he got in return was that same quizzical look. Until he looked away and there was no eye contact anymore.

“Okay guys, I'm gonna head home now.” Tina's abrupt entry from the kitchen startled Blaine from his thoughts, and he too looked away, turning his eyes towards Tina. “I don't think I'll be needed here more tonight. I've prepared two portions of Tiramisu in the kitchen for you. I know it's your favorite dessert,” she added to Kurt.

Blaine was grateful for the interruption. He didn't know how to respond to Kurt’s statement and now he didn't have to.

“Artie will be happy to have you home early,” Blaine said. “Give him my best.”

“I will,” Tina said and kissed his cheek. “Enjoy your evening!”

Then she was out the door and disappeared into the swirling snow.

“Artie?” Kurt looked confused and intrigued at the same time.

“He's Tina's boyfriend.”

“So Tina's not your girlfriend?”

“Tina?” Blaine scrunched his nose. “No! That would be so weird since I'm gay,” Blaine laughed. “She's my best friend and- Wait, did you think that Tina and I…?”

“No! I mean, the way you were dancing when I got here and you said you'd make her cook for you at home and that if it wasn't for Tina you wouldn’t be here… I might have assumed… but you're not, so…”

“Sooo…?”

“So, now I know you’re not Tina's boyfriend.”

“I'm not anybody's boyfriend actually.”

“Good to know,” Kurt said and leaned back.

A silence settled between them for a few moments. Blaine didn’t know what to say. Was Kurt interested or not? He still couldn't tell, and he didn't know what the right next move was.

“Do you want to have that glass of wine and maybe some dessert over by the fireplace? With me?” Kurt surprised Blaine by asking. He tilted his head towards the couch and gave Blaine a warmer smile than he had all evening.

“I would love to,” Blaine smiled.

His heart started to race again as he placed second glass on the bar next to Kurt’s empty glass, and with a slight shake to his hand, poured wine into both of them. He then picked up Kurt's empty plate and retreated to the kitchen where he found the plates of Tiramisu and a note.

Go get him! Win his heart tonight <3

Blaine crinkled the note and threw it in the trash bin. Tina was crazy. She was a romantic with a very big heart, but these things only happened in movies, not in real life. They might share a night of interesting conversations but that would probably be it. He couldn't help the smile spreading across his lips as the crumbled piece of paper landed in the bin though. He wanted Tina's fantasy to come true. He wanted to win Kurt's heart. Maybe this could be his movie moment.

Blaine returned to the restaurant to find Kurt already seated by the fireplace, the two glasses of wine placed on the small coffee table in front of him. The fire was burning bright and orange, Kurt must have added a new log to it.

Blaine set down the two plates next to the glasses and then sat himself down on the couch. Not so close that they were touching, but not too fat away either. Blaine wanted to touch, so much, but he wasn't going to get ahead of himself.

“Tina told me you're in Phantom of the Opera,” Blaine started. “I’ve never seen it, is it any good?”

Kurt burst out laughing. “You're asking me that? If the show I'm currently starring in is any good?”

Blaine blushed. “I-I mean of course it is,” he stuttered feeling stupid. What kind of stupid question was that? “You're in it, so of course it is.”

He looked down at his hands. Why was he suddenly feeling nervous around Kurt? Why couldn't he just be flirty like before when he was trying to catch Kurt's attention. What should he do now that he actually had it?

“You're cute when you blush,” Kurt said.

Blaine looked up to see if Kurt said the words out loud by mistake, but when his eyes met Kurt's there was no sign of embarrassment or regret. Kurt had the bluest eyes, Blaine noted, and he was completely mesmerized by them.

“Ehm… thank you?” Blaine said and blushed some more. Was this really happening? Did Kurt really think he was cute?

Kurt smiled. “I could get you tickets. To the show,” he added when Blaine looked confused. “I have this ticket I was supposed to give my dad for when he came to visit, but since he isn't… I mean if you want to go.”

“I want to,” Blaine said eagerly. He couldn't believe Kurt was offering him a ticket to see him perform.

“It's for Tuesday evening, I don't know if you're available or-.”

“I am. I only work weekends.”

“Except when it's Christmas Eve,” Kurt added slowly, smilingly.

“Except then.” Blaine wanted to bounce up and down on his seat. He was going to see Kurt again. He was going to see Kurt perform on a Broadway stage. But he remained cool and leaned forward to reach out for his glass instead. “Thank you. I'm really looking forward to seeing you perform. Tina says you're great.”

“She sure seems to know a lot about me. What I do, my favorite dessert,” Kurt said and nodded towards the plates on the table.

“Your favorite meal too, and that you come here every weekday. Why every weekday?”

“I come here after my shows to relax before I go home.”

“Why here?”

“Because you can't find all'Aragosta like the one Tina makes anywhere else in this city. And it's on my way home from the subway.”

“Convenient,” Blaine said and suddenly he knew Kurt lived in the Village. “Why not on weekends?”

“That's when I make plans with friends, you know the normal kind who have nine to five jobs, who are only free on weekends.”

“Ah, those kinds,” Blaine said and shook his head as though they shared a common opinion that those kinds of people were the not normal ones. Although Blaine longed for the days when he was one of those people, when he was finished with college, worked as a lawyer and had weekends off to spend with friends.

Kurt chuckled for a short second. “And there's normally a bigger crowd of tourists here on weekends, so I tend to avoid it. But maybe I need to change that.”

Kurt held Blaine’s gaze for a second as a grin spread across his lips, just before he turned his eyes back to the fire.

“Maybe I need to start work on weekdays.” Blaine's heart was fluttering. This was really happening. Kurt was flirting with him. At least, he thought Kurt was flirting with him. Where was Tina when he needed her to convince him he wasn't delusional?

“Did you talk about me back there in the kitchen?”

The way Kurt said it, it was clear he was joking, but at the same time Blaine thought he could detect a hint of curiosity.

“Maybe,” Blaine said mysteriously. “Maybe just a little.”

Blaine could only see Kurt's profile, but despite the dim light, he could see that Kurt was smiling.

“So, what else did she say?” Kurt asked.

That you're gay. That you were checking me out. More than once.

“Nothing much,” Blaine said and took his glass and raised it towards Kurt. “Cheers.”

Kurt only shook his head in amusement and raised his own glass too.

The wine was surprisingly good. It was fresh, neither too dry nor too sweet, and had a slight nutty and honey-like taste.

“You're good with wine, this is delicious. I have absolutely no clue what goes with what other than the recommendations I'm told to give.”

“I had an ex who was a sommelier, I guess I picked up a few things from him. I don't know that much really, but I know this goes well with all'Aragosta,” Kurt said. “And with tiramisu.”

Blaine took his plate with the dessert in his hand, tasted a bite and then swallowed some wine immediately afterwards. Kurt was right, this was a good combination and Blaine might have found himself a new favorite wine.

“Good, right?”

“I will never be able to eat tiramisu again without drinking Pinot Grigio to it. This is like a match made in heaven!” Blaine took another bite and another sip of wine and the combination was really that good.

Kurt picked up his plate too and they ate while making small talk.

“Do you have any plans for tomorrow, since you're not going back home to your parents? Any grand Christmas plans?” Kurt had put his empty plate away, tucked one leg under the other and turned towards Blaine. His elbow leaned against the couch and he rested his head in his hand.

“Nope. Tina invited me over, but with two sets of parents and a dog, their one-bedroom apartment will be too crowded. I think I’ll just take a walk through Central Park, if it stops snowing.” Blaine turned towards the window. The sky was still letting down masses of white and the wind didn't seem to be subsiding anytime soon. “Then I'll glue myself to my couch and do a Christmas movie marathon. And you, what's your plan?”

“I was thinking of getting drunk and forgetting it was Christmas.”

“Come on Kurt, you can't do that. It's Christmas, it's the season to be jolly.”

“I just know I will miss my dad so much. Christmas has been a special holiday for us ever since my mom died.”

“Oh, I'm so sorry.”

“It was a long time ago, but it's always been just me and my dad since then and this Christmas I won't be able to see him and it sucks.”

Tina's words made a reappearance in Blaine's head and even if he still thought it was a crazy idea, he had nothing to lose really.

“Why don't we spend Christmas together?”

The surprised and hesitant look on Kurt's face made Blaine almost want to retreat his words. But only almost because he hadn't been able to stop thinking about spending Christmas with Kurt since Tina planted the idea in his head.

“I know it's a crazy idea because we don't know each other, but I kind of like talking to you and if you think about it, it actually doesn't make any sense for us to spend Christmas alone when we could spend it together. We can combine our plans - we can get drunk and have a Christmas movie marathon. We can laugh to Home Alone, sob to Love Actually and watch the beauty that is The Nightmare Before Christmas. And then there is of course Gremlins too.” Blaine said enthusiastically. He really wanted Kurt to like the idea.

“Home alone 1, 2 or 3?”

“Duh, one of course,” Blaine said, his hope starting to rise. “Unless you want to see all three?”

“I think one Macaulay Culkin movie per night is more than enough, even if it is Christmas. Besides, the first is definitely the best.”

“So, is that a yes?” Blaine raised an expectant eyebrow and chewed his lip.

“Are you a talker during movies? You seem like the kind of person who loves to comment on movies.”

“Uhm, yes… but I can be quiet if that bothers you.”

“No, please don't,” Kurt laughed. “I love to make commentary during bad movies.”

“Hey! My movie selection is not bad!” Blaine said with feigned hurt.

“If you say so,” Kurt teased.

“So it is a yes then?” Was Kurt actually considering accepting Blaine’s (well Tina’s) crazy idea? Blaine was sure Kurt would say no, that he’d rather wallow in his misery alone, but now it sounded like his answer might be something else. Blaine held his breath waiting for Kurt's reply.

“Okay, let's be alone together on Christmas.”

“Really?” Blaine exhaled.

“I kind of like you too.” Kurt quickly realized his mistake. “Talking to you! I kind of like talking to you too.” Kurt's cheeks turned bright red, and he lifted the glass to his lips and took a large sip of wine.

“And I am kind of cute.” Blaine felt as though he was flying. He was spending Christmas with Kurt and it was just unbelievable that this was actually happening. And did Kurt just say he liked him?

“Only when you blush,” Kurt said, pretending he wasn't the one doing all the blushing at that moment.

Blaine laughed, and decided not to tease Kurt about his tinged cheeks. “Well, you're quite easy on the eyes too.”

“Easy on the eyes, huh?” Kurt sounded pleased when he repeated Blaine's words. His eyes wandered a bit before they landed on Blaine. He smiled and Blaine smiled back.

Blaine wanted to lean forward and pull Kurt in for a kiss, but something was holding him back. They might be flirting, but that might be the wine or maybe this was just the way Kurt was. Maybe he had a flirting nature with everyone in his surroundings without it meaning something. Blaine didn't want to risk their Christmas date (which wasn't a date date), so he remained where he sat, leaning against the backrest.

“Can I add a movie to the list?” Kurt asked after a while.

“Of course.”

“Miracle on 34th Street.”

“Miracle on 34th Street?”

“Hey, don't look at me like that. It’s a great movie!”

“I'm not,” Blaine assured, “I just didn't expect you to like that movie.” For some reason Blaine hadn't pictured Kurt to be into old, black and white movies. That's why he didn't mention the movie before despite it being his favorite Christmas movie.

“I love it, it's one of the classics.”

“Me too! Okay, let’s add that one, too,” Blaine said and felt that his Christmas Day was just getting better and better.

They sat talking, for what could have been 30 minutes or two hours, Blaine completely lost track of time listening to Kurt. They talked about Broadway and law school, about parents and siblings (of which Kurt had none), about favorite Christmas memories and favorite Christmas thing to do in New York.

Blaine listened intently, captivated and mesmerized by every word Kurt spoke.

When Blaine got up to put another log on the dying fire, Kurt said he was going to call it a night. He was tired after a long day and an intense performance. Blaine understood but at the same time he didn't want Kurt to leave. He could spend the night talking to Kurt if he was allowed to. With every passing minute, with every new little thing he learnt about Kurt, he fell deeper and deeper for the man who walked into his restaurant in the middle of a snowstorm on Christmas Eve.

Blaine had never believed in love at first sight, but spending these hours with Kurt, he was beginning to re-evaluate his beliefs because these feelings he felt for Kurt, no matter how briefly he'd known the man, sure reassembled falling in love.

He glanced at the clock on the wall and realized it was almost midnight and that he and Kurt had been talking for over two hours.

“Okay, just let me turn everything off and we can leave together,” Blaine said.

“Do you live around here?” Kurt asked.

“No, in Brooklyn.”

“There's likely no cabs to be had out there,” Kurt said and pointed at the snowstorm outside the window. “Can I walk you to the subway station?”

“You don't have to in this weather,” Blaine said, though he didn't really know why he said it. Maybe he didn't want Kurt to feel obligated.

“But I want to.”

Blaine's heart fluttered. “In that case, yes you can.”

Blaine cleared the table of their dessert plates and wine glasses, made sure everything in the kitchen was turned off, blew out the candles that were still burning, turned off the lights, turned on the alarm before stepping outside and locking the door.

The weather wasn't as bad as it looked from inside. It was still snowing and it was still windy, but the wind had subsided some and it wasn't as cold as Blaine had expected. Kurt looked like a model in his charcoal colored coat, his emerald scarf and his hair still perfectly coiffed. Blaine felt less than perfect walking beside him in a worn navy parka and old boots because he couldn't afford to buy new ones.

Kurt didn't seem to care or notice. “I just love snow. Don’t you?” They had been walking for a while when Kurt asked Blaine, smiling like a giddy five-year-old.

“Not when it comes down like this. When it's all white and the sun shines then yes, but not one nights like this.”

“Come on, it's still beautiful.” Kurt nudged Blaine's side and Blaine took the opportunity to step in closer to Kurt so that he could nudge him back. They were so close their arms brushed as they walked down the deserted street, leaving white shoe prints in their tracks. Blaine expected Kurt to take a step to the side so that they wouldn't constantly bump into each other.

He didn't.

Kurt stayed close to Blaine's side. “Look at all the pretty snowflakes dancing in the sky. Look at how they fall. Don't tell me you aren't mesmerized by it."

They rounded a corner and a gust of wind blew snow up their faces. Blaine covered his face to protect himself from the cold, wet white that was suddenly everywhere. He huddled closer to Kurt as though he could offer protection from the strong wind. “You think this is pretty?”

Kurt only laughed, a warm, heartfelt laugh that Blaine could feel through their connected arms. Kurt wrapped an arm around Blaine's shoulder, pulled him even closer as if he actually wanted to protect him. “I think you are pretty.”

The words were merely a warm breath of air in Blaine's ear and Blaine wasn't sure he heard him right, the wind wishing in his other ear. He stopped and looked at Kurt, who's arm slid off his shoulders as their eyes met.

Kurt didn't turn away, he held Blaine's eyes steadily while biting his lower lip. He thinks I'm pretty. The words danced around in Blaine's head. This was it. This was the moment and he'd regret it if he didn't take it.

Blaine took a step closer, heart racing, raised a hand to cup Kurt's cheek, and pressed his lips against Kurt. They were cold and warm at the same time, soft and full and just heavenly to kiss. Kurt kissed him back, grabbed hold of Blaine's coat and pulled Blaine closer.

Through the wind, Blaine could hear Kurt's sharp intake of breath as the kiss went from gentle and trying to intense and powerful. When they pulled away, Kurt's hands were still grabbing Blaine's coat and Blaine's hands were still cupping Kurt's cheeks.

Wow. It was all Blaine could think for a few seconds as he looked into Kurt's eyes. His heart beat like a drum in his chest and did that really just happen?

“You are not what I expected,” Kurt said breathlessly. Snowflakes had gotten caught in his eyelashes and it made him look like something out of a fairy tale.

"I hope that's a good thing," Blaine said, still taken by the kiss.

"It's definitely a good thing."

"Good," Blaine's blood was rushing, his mind spinning, after what truly was the most amazing, breathtaking kiss of his life.

“So… See you tomorrow?” Kurt asked and let go of Blaine's parka, smoothing the crinkled fabric with his glove-covered hands.

Blaine first then noticed that they'd stopped right outside the subway station.

"Two o'clock at Bow Bridge?" They hadn't actually included Central Park in their plans, but Blaine hoped Kurt wouldn't protest because he really wanted to walk through the park with Kurt.

"It's a date," Kurt said and Blaine felt like he was floating. Kurt gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before he turned around and started to walk back in the same direction they came from.

Blaine only then remembered Kurt saying that the restaurant was on his way home from the subway station and that Kurt had walked Blaine five blocks in the wrong direction, in the snowstorm, and now had to walk all the way back and then some more to get home.

With a smile on his lips, Blaine watched Kurt until he disappeared in a cloud of snow. Kurt was not what Blaine had expected either.