A very short happy New Year from Kurt and Sebastian!
"Babe, come on..."
"Nope. You know the rules, 'Bas," Kurt said, despite leaning into Sebastian almost teasingly. They were sitting next to each other on the couch in his apartment - Rachel having moved out to her own place back in June. She and a few other friends, mostly from NYADA, were making good use of the space by dancing.
"Are we really the traditional types?" Sebastian asked, looking at Kurt.
"Tonight, yes. It's New Year's Eve, Sebastian."
"That doesn't mean I can't kiss you before midnight, though," Sebastian grumbled, though he was still smiling - a genuine smile that Kurt had only ever seen Sebastian use with him.
"I'm sure you'll keep trying," Kurt hummed, tilting his head so that his nose brushed Sebastian's neck. "And I will keep avoiding it until the time comes."
"You're a fucking tease, you know that?"
"Mhm. But you love me." Kurt bit his lip; he hadn't meant to bring that up. That simple four-letter word that came so easily to him, but not to Sebastian, he knew. Sebastian had a harder time opening up than Kurt did, which was saying something. Before Sebastian could speak, he decided to switch gears. "I could always just... do this."
Kurt started to mouth against Sebastian's neck, unable to keep from smiling mischievously when Sebastian groaned in frustration. He bit down lightly on a spot just below Sebastian's ear for good measure before pulling away, smirking.
"I'm getting you back for that," Sebastian muttered.
"I look forward to it."
"If there weren't so many people here..."
"Hm, I had you pegged as the exhibitionist type," Kurt teased. "Am I wrong?"
"I never really used to mind," Sebastian said. "But I don't think I want to share you with anyone else. You're mine," he added with a hint of a growl, and damn if that didn't send Kurt's blood rushing south. He was considering just dropping the teasing game when their friend James appeared behind them.
"Strawberries?" he asked, holding a plate of strawberries with a bowl of chocolate sauce in the middle.
"Sure," Kurt said quickly, taking one. Sebastian took one as well, though he dipped his in the chocolate. Kurt sighed, resting against Sebastian as he ate the strawberry and vaguely wishing he'd remembered to buy strawberry cheesecake earlier.
Sebastian was eating his strawberry slowly and - Kurt supposed it was supposed to appear sensual, but he burst out laughing when Sebastian accidentally ended up with chocolate on his nose. "Fuck you," he said irritably, reaching up to wipe it off.
"No, wait." Kurt leaned up and playfully licked the chocolate off, retreating when Sebastian tried to kiss him in return. "Nice try, but it's not happening."
"Then stop teasing me," Sebastian said, giving Kurt an exaggerated pout.
"Fine, but that means cuddling," Kurt said with a huff as he pressed closer to Sebastian.
"I'm okay with that."
"Really?" Kurt looked at him suspiciously; Sebastian usually spoke disdainfully about things such as cuddling.
"I'm not coldhearted, Kurt. I can handle a cavity or two if it means I get to keep you with me," Sebastian said, smiling as he leaned into Kurt, taking his hand.
"What happened to you?" Kurt asked, grinning.
"Some guy named Kurt Hummel changed my life," Sebastian said simply. "And, as a bonus, he's fantastic in bed."
"You're not too bad yourself," Kurt murmured, just barely loud enough for Sebastian to hear over the countdown, which had just started.
If Kurt pressed his lips to Sebastian's almost a minute too early, tasting strawberries and chocolate and Sebastian himself, he figured he could live with that.
And if he heard Sebastian's barely-there whisper against his skin of "I love you, Kurt," then he had no problem whatsoever with responding, "I love you, too, 'Bas," in a voice charged with emotion as the room erupted in cheers, the new year having finally arrived.
The timing wasn't perfect, and neither were they, but at that moment, Kurt couldn't care less.
Finished just in time for the new year, hallelujah. Enjoy *u* I finished this at 5:30am, so it might not be totally coherent.
The past two weeks have been a blur for Kurt, and he's not likely to forget anything that happened anytime soon. He's still trying to come to terms with the realization that Blaine actually was raised by elves and that things like Santa Claus and flying reindeer actually exist.
But right now, as he's sitting in his apartment with Blaine, Rachel, Mike, and even Sebastian, he's feeling pretty content with how things worked out. They're watching the New Year's Eve broadcast on his little TV, Blaine appearing utterly overwhelmed by the excitement of it.
"We were always too busy at the workshop to celebrate," he explains as he watches the goings-on at Times Square with wide eyes. "There's a 10-second countdown, but that's it."
"No New Year's kisses?" Rachel asks him, curious. She has the general idea of Blaine's background - Kurt had felt the need to explain after she barged in one day to find him sitting on the couch and eating breakfast with a man dressed as an elf - and she seems to have taken the odd story in stride. If he's honest with himself, Kurt's pretty impressed by her apparent acceptance of the whole thing. Sebastian, on the other hand, had taken some extra proof to convince, which involved St. Nick himself making a personal visit.
Kurt thinks he'll never, ever forget the look on Sebastian's face when that happened.
Blaine shakes his head. "No. I've heard of the tradition, though."
"And do you-" Kurt shoots Rachel a glare, knowing exactly what she's about to propose. Blaine is as oblivious as ever as he takes the bowl of popcorn from Mike, who retaliates by throwing some of it at him. Before it can turn into a full-scale popcorn battle, Kurt steps in.
"You're both children," he mutters, taking the bowl and setting it on the table.
"I have an announcement," Sebastian says suddenly from where he's lounging in the armchair. The rest of them turn to look at him, Kurt a bit apprehensively - he knows Sebastian, after all. "I have an actual job now, at Rocky's Bar."
"That's awesome, congrats," Mike says with a smile, giving Sebastian a good-natured high five.
"We need to celebrate," Rachel says, wandering off towards the kitchen. Once the rest of the room is sufficiently distracted, Kurt speaks quietly to Sebastian.
"And your dad?"
"I've been cut off," Sebastian answers ruefully. "It's okay, though. I'll learn to keep myself on my feet."
"I'm glad," Kurt says, smiling softly. "If you need any help, let me know."
"I'll be sure to remember that." Sebastian winks for good measure, which completely destroys the mood. Kurt just rolls his eyes in response, shoving him lightly.
"Kurt, look! It's Katy Perry!"
"I'm telling you, she's not going to sing Peacock," Kurt calls over to Blaine, who pouts as he returns his attention to the screen.
"Peacock?" Sebastian asks, smirking.
"I didn't expect him to like the song so much when I showed him that playlist," Kurt grumbles. "I even explained the reference to him, but he just seems to like it even more now."
"I've brought refreshments," Rachel sings, walking back into the room with two cases of beer.
"Starting off 2016 classy, Rach," Kurt deadpans.
"Hey, it's your fridge," she says, shrugging as she puts the cases on the table. "Bottoms up."
"What happened to not drinking alcohol after that party at your place?" Mike asks her pointedly, grinning.
"Things have changed since high school," she huffs. "And I don't drink that much."
"Christmas Eve," Kurt says simply, taking a bottle for himself. Rachel gives him a look, which he sends straight back at her. Blaine reaches for a beer as well, and Kurt immediately senses danger. "Blaine, I am limiting you to one bottle."
"Why?"
"You're already so damn cheerful, I'm afraid of what might happen if you add too much alcohol to that. You might actually kiss Rachel."
"Hey!"
"Oh, good point," Blaine says, staring down at his bottle before shrugging and twisting off the cap before taking a tentative sip. Kurt takes a swig from his own; he'd usually prefer something more sophisticated, but he's not feeling too fancy. He's in a room with friends - I can't believe I'm counting Sebastian Smythe as a friend - and his... boyfriend? They still haven't really talked about that, considering Blaine had been fairly distracted by recent events.
Regardless, he feels pretty damn good right now.
--
An hour later, and things have gotten a bit more rowdy in Kurt's apartment. Sebastian has dropped all inhibitions and is dancing with Rachel in the space behind the couch - which could be fantastic blackmail material, if Kurt actually cared to record it. Which he very much doesn't because he's pressed up close to Blaine on the couch, the two of them simply cuddling as they watch a newer band play onscreen.
Mike is talking to Tina on the phone, who's on a foreign study trip in London at the moment. It's 2016 over there, so she's already drunk; Kurt can hear her laughing even from where he's sitting at least ten feet away from Mike.
"Tell Kurt I say hi," she shouts as Mike holds the phone a foot away from his ear. "And make sure he's getting some for me!"
"Will do," Mike says in return, mouthing a "Did you hear that?" to Kurt, who nods. Blaine chuckles, looking away a bit bashfully.
"Hey Kurt, I've always wondered - Upper deck or lower deck?" Rachel asks, leaning over the back of the couch.
"What are you talking about?"
"You know. Jockey or horse? Giver or taker? Conductor or-"
"Rachel, please stop talking," Kurt hisses, quickly catching on. "It's none of your business."
"Fine, but mark my words, Kurt Hummel: I will find out," she says, stumbling back to dance around Sebastian again.
"She's the craziest drunk I've ever met," Kurt says, sighing deeply. "And that's saying something."
"So which is it?" Blaine asks cheekily. Suddenly the room seems a lot warmer and damn this man for being able to leave Kurt flustered and speechless with just a few words.
"Oh- well," Kurt stutters, unsure of whether or not Blaine is serious.
"You don't have to answer that," Blaine says hastily, nudging Kurt's shoulder gently. "Besides, I'm pretty sure I actually will find out at some point."
"Either you've been spending too much time with Sebastian or that one drink was too much," Kurt says, fully aware of the fact that his voice has gone up in pitch in his nervousness.
"You're adorable when you're flustered, you know that?" Blaine smiles, giving Kurt's hand a squeeze between them.
"I'm glad you're finding my discomfort amusing," Kurt says, though there's no bite to it. The band starts playing a slow song, and Blaine seems to be trying to make up his mind about something. Before Kurt can ask, Blaine's on his feet and holding a hand out to him.
"May I have this dance?" he asks, shy and sweet. Kurt thinks he might just melt, or perhaps soar into the sky - either way, he can't begin to describe how he feels.
"Yes, you may," he says simply, letting Blaine pull him up into his arms. They begin slow-dancing around the room, careful to avoid Rachel and Sebastian, who don't seem to be caring one bit about the tempo. "Where did you learn how to dance?"
"Elves have dances too," Blaine says quietly. "I've never been the shorter person, though. It's nice." As the song winds to a close, they stop moving altogether, Kurt resting his forehead against Blaine's. They're both smiling now; Kurt doesn't think he'll ever be able to stop at this point.
They're still standing like that as the countdown begins, Rachel yelling out each number and Mike still on the phone, ready to give Tina his New Year's greetings. Sebastian is watching Kurt and Blaine, though when he notices Kurt looking at him, he quickly turns back towards the TV.
10... 9... 8...
"Be mine?" Kurt asks in a whisper, unwilling to wait any longer.
7... 6... 5...
"I'm yours," Blaine murmurs back.
4... 3... 2...
Kurt presses his lips to Blaine's as the crowd erupts in cheers on the screen, but he isn't paying attention to his surroundings any longer. He doesn't care that Rachel has just tackled Sebastian to the floor, or that Mike is telling Tina, "I think he's definitely getting some this year."
All that matters is Blaine, who's kissing him back with boundless enthusiasm, slipping his tongue into Kurt's mouth when Kurt parts his lips in silent invitation. They break to breathe all too soon, and when Blaine attempts to kiss him again, Kurt can't stop smiling into it. They both end up laughing breathlessly, Kurt giving Blaine a last peck on the cheek before saying, "How was that for a first New Year's kiss?"
"Absolutely perfect."
Kurt can already tell it's going to be one of the best - and most interesting - years of his life. And he can't wait to see what happens next.
Almost there - here's You Make Me Feel So Young to play in the background later. (Like the movie? Like the movie.) The last part will just be short and more like an epilogue, really.
Kurt can't help but watch the clock as his shift goes on, even though it seems to have stopped completely. Work isn't distracting him well enough, nothing is, but eventually there are only twenty minutes left until he's free to leave. He decides to take his chances; he could use all the time he can get.
"Sebastian!"
Sebastian turns in the massage chair where he's been surveying the store and looks at Kurt, surprised.
"There's nothing important that isn't covered by anyone else right now," Kurt says, walking up to him. "Is it alright if I leave early?"
"Why?" Sebastian asks, appearing suspicious.
"I have a date." Kurt smiles in spite of himself at the thought of Blaine waiting for him just outside. "I want to have some time to make myself presentable."
"Whatever, go ahead," Sebastian says with a sigh. His signature smirk is gone, replaced by forced neutrality, and Kurt isn't sure why. "I'll cover for you if something comes up."
"Thank you so much," Kurt says, but he tilts his head to the side and watches Sebastian, who doesn't seem to want to meet his gaze. "Is something wrong?"
"Forget it, Hummel." Sebastian slumps back in the chair, a hand on his face. "I can't find a job, it's no big deal," he says quietly, mostly to himself.
"But-"
"I know what you're thinking," Sebastian snaps, finally looking at Kurt right in the eyes. "But I don't have the best track record, okay? It doesn't matter what I look like or how persuasive I can be, I can't get a 'respectable' job." He says it in a mocking, deep tone.
"What's wrong with working at... I don't know-"
"A strip club? A bar?"
"Well, yes," Kurt says. He may not be the sort of person to go for those jobs, but he understands the appeal and - sometimes - the necessity of taking on such occupations.
"Nothing. I'd be happy to do it, except I'd be cut off by my dad."
"So you wouldn't be able to keep up your easy, comfortable quality of life." Kurt can't keep his tone from coming out a bit acidic, bitter because he's been on his own for three years now and has had to deal with plenty of problems with expenses.
"Don't you get it? I'm useless in the real world. I'm a good fuck and a pretty face, but that's about it." Sebastian stands up then, turning away from Kurt and apparently regretting his confession.
"Sebastian-"
"Just leave it, Princess. Your Prince Charming is probably waiting." With that, Sebastian's gone, disappearing into the cutlery section. Kurt dithers on the spot, debating whether or not to follow. He decides it's best to leave Sebastian alone - for the moment - as he hurries to the locker room to change.
--
His hair isn't a complete loss for once, which is great considering he's just worn the elf hat for hours on end. Kurt takes that as a good sign as he heads for the door, pushing it open and letting the city noises wash over him before he's suddenly engulfed in a massive hug.
"Wh- Blaine?"
"I'm so glad you're here," Blaine says, pulling away and looking at Kurt. "Wow."
"What is it?" Kurt panics internally as he wonders what's wrong - does he have something on his face, is his hair actually not as fantastic as he thinks, is-
"You look... wow." It seems like it's all Blaine can say, his eyes wide and Kurt finally realizes why he thought the girl's eyes from the day before were familiar - they had been the same bright, clear hazel color as Blaine's.
"I could say the same to you," Kurt says teasingly, looking Blaine up and down for the first time and noticing that he's no longer wearing his elf attire. Instead, he's in a sleek dark jacket, a maroon scarf, and a grey winter cap with black stripes. "You're pretty toned down today."
"Most of this is my dad's stuff," Blaine says as he looks down at himself. "The hat is Mike's, though."
"I thought I recognized it. Well, shall we get going?"
"Oh! Yeah, just follow me," Blaine says, grinning and holding his hand out for Kurt to take.
They walk down the sidewalk hand-in-hand for a while, Blaine practically skipping in anticipation next to Kurt, who can't seem to fight off the smile that appears every time he looks at that idiot next to him. That cute, sweet, genuinely kind idiot. When they pass by a window display for a men's clothing store, Blaine comes to a stop.
"Mike told me these are bow ties," he says, peering into the window at the shelves. "I want to have some one day. I could wear a different one every day of the month!"
"That's a lot of bow ties," Kurt says, laughing. "But I think you'd look good in them."
"Really?"
"Well, to be honest, I'm pretty sure you could look good in just about anything."
"Even nothing?' Kurt stares at him for a moment, stuttering as that particular image comes to mind. Blaine is completely oblivious - he's actually curious and not at all thinking about what Kurt can't stop thinking about.
"Y-yes, I'm sure even then," he finally says, sure that he's blushing fiercely in such a way that he can't just blame it on the chill of the wind. It's not that he's totally inexperienced - he's had a couple of short relationships and a drunken one-night stand - but around Blaine he feels like he's back to high school crushes and overactive imaginations. He decides to change the subject. "Um, was there somewhere you wanted to go?"
"Yeah, we're almost there." Blaine hums as they continue on their way, drawing stares as he pulls Kurt into a sudden twirl in the middle of the sidewalk, both of them nearly knocking over an irritated-looking woman talking on her phone. "Okay, close your eyes."
"Is this a kidnapping?" Kurt asks, smiling.
"Do you trust me?"
Kurt finds himself answering without hesitation, "Yes, of course," and it scares him a little bit how readily he trusts Blaine, considering how little they really know each other. Especially considering the fact that Blaine thinks he was raised by real, honest-to-God elves. But one look at Blaine's exuberant smile, the way his dark curls are just peeking out from underneath his hat, his expressive eyes, and Kurt's inhibitions are gone as he closes his eyes.
A second later, he's being pulled blindly into a building. He instantly recognizes the smell of the place and grins, but he doesn't say anything. Blaine sits him down at a small table and whispers, "I'll be right back."
Kurt shakes his head and resists the urge to peek, even though he has a pretty good idea of where they are. He relaxes as he listens to the buzz of chatter around him, leaning back in his chair. It isn't long before footsteps alert him to Blaine's return, and one of his hands is grabbed and guided gently to the tabletop in front of him. Blaine places a cup in his hand.
"Try it," he says excitedly. Kurt obligingly brings the cup to his mouth, eyes still shut tight, and takes a careful sip.
"Wait," he says, his eyes opening in surprise. "Is this-"
"Your favorite nonfat caramel mocha from your favorite lunch break coffeeshop?" Blaine grins, pleased with himself. "I made friends with Jeff the other day," he adds, pointing up at the counter where, sure enough, a tall, blonde-haired guy that Kurt has spoken to on occasion is watching them. He waves at them, laughing when Blaine waves back animatedly.
"You have a knack for finding my friends and using them against me," Kurt comments, taking another sip. "I'm definitely not complaining, though."
"Good, because I never want to stop seeing that smile on your face," Blaine says casually. Kurt opens his mouth, but doesn't - can't - say anything. Instead, he reaches across the table and takes Blaine's hand, holding it tightly.
"I don't care if you came from the North Pole or from the depths of hell," Kurt says. "I don't think I've ever met a guy as perfect as you." Blaine looks down bashfully, absently rubbing Kurt's thumb where their fingers are intertwined.
"I'm not perfect," he says quietly, shaking his head. "I don't fit in at the North Pole, but I don't fit in here either. My real dad doesn't even want me around, I can tell." Kurt bites his lip, searching for the right thing to say.
"Well, you're perfect to me," he says. "And I have a pretty high bar. Your dad will come around, it's probably a bit of a shock to have his long-lost son suddenly appear on his doorstep." And say he's just come from the North Pole and he was raised by Papa Elf, Kurt thinks, but he keeps that to himself.
Blaine squeezes his hand in reply, smiling softly. He tilts his head and says, "What song is this?" Kurt listens to the music for a few seconds and recognizes it, huffing out a laugh.
"Strange song to play in a coffeeshop," he scoffs. "It's Teenage Dream, by Katy Perry." He peers around Blaine to look at Jeff, raising his eyebrow as he points to one of the speakers. "Really?" he mouths at him. Jeff just shrugs as he washes out a ceramic mug, swaying to the beat.
"Hm. I like it," Blaine hums, tapping his knee as he listens. It isn't long before he catches on to the chorus and is murmuring it softly as he watches Kurt finish off his coffee. "I like this singer," he says once the song is over.
"Personally, I prefer P!nk, if we're talking female pop artists," Kurt says. "I'll have to have you listen to my music sometime so you can get caught up on the times."
"I look forward to it." Blaine looks like Christmas has already arrived as they stand up to leave, Kurt leading the way this time.
"I think you'll like what I have in mind," he says, tugging Blaine out the door and across the street.
--
They don't get to where Kurt wants to go immediately, as they keep getting distracted by the sights and sounds of New York. Kurt hasn't felt so happy to be in the city since he first moved from Lima three years ago, and he has Blaine's pure excitement and awe to thank for that. They act like a pair of tourists as they walk down the streets, occasionally exploring a shop or a bakery. At one point, Blaine pulls Kurt with him as he skips down a less crowded avenue, both of them laughing and Kurt no longer caring that his hair is getting disheveled by the wind rushing past them.
It's starting to get dark when they finally reach their destination: Bryant Park. Kurt rents two pairs of skates, aware that Blaine doesn't exactly have money - he'd admitted to Kurt that Jeff had given them the coffee free of charge, mostly because Jeff seems to be quite supportive of the two.
"That's a beautiful tree," Blaine says when Kurt returns to their bench with the skates in hand. "I don't think I've ever seen a bigger one."
"Remind me to take you to Rockefeller Center sometime," Kurt says, tying his skates on. "That's an impressive tree."
Somehow, Kurt isn't surprised to find that Blaine could be a professional skater from the way he skates around Kurt in circles. "Do you want me to teach you how to do a spin?" he asks, demonstrating one unnecessarily.
"No thanks, I'd like to stay out of the hospital," Kurt says, rolling his eyes fondly. "C'mere, you can win a gold medal for figure skating later." Blaine skids to a stop next to Kurt, letting him link their arms together.
As they skate lazily around the rink, ignoring the people around them, Kurt hears Let It Snow playing softly and smiles. This time he's the one to start singing quietly, Blaine soon catching on and joining in. By the time the song is over and many more have gone by, they're exhausted.
"So you don't have limitless energy, hm?" Kurt says, nudging Blaine's shoulders playfully as they take their skates off.
"Hey, I'm not actually an elf," Blaine says in response, sticking his tongue out at Kurt. "I'm just a human."
"No, you're Blaine Anderson," Kurt says, having learned his last name earlier. "A holiday-loving, sugar-obsessed gentleman. And I'm enjoying every bit of that."
"Really?" Blaine looks a bit self-conscious; it's only then that Kurt realizes this is probably his first date, at least with a human like himself. Hold on, did I just indirectly admit that there are really elves?
Kurt shakes his head to himself after assuring Blaine that yes, he really is enjoying it. He can figure all that out later. For now, he's just happy to be with Blaine as they wander away from the park, Blaine absently humming something that sounds a lot like Teenage Dream.
--
"Kurt, why aren't you here?" a loud voice practically screeches through the phone, making Kurt flinch. "We're having so much fun!"
"I'm sorry Rach, but I don't want to spend Christmas Eve getting drunk with a bunch of theater assholes," he replies. "Not you, everyone else," he adds hastily, before Rachel can get too offended.
"Well, your loss then," she says, her words slurring just slightly. "I'll call you in the morning!"
"I look forward to it," Kurt says, finally hanging up. He's not sure why Rachel Berry isn't spending Christmas with her dads, but at least he'll have the satisfaction of saying "I told you so" when she calls him to complain about her massive hangover.
He makes some of his favorite hot cocoa - unwilling to pass on that Hummel family tradition despite not being at home to share it - before settling on the couch in his apartment. He tries not to feel too lonely; Blaine had given him his dad's home number (not owning a cell phone himself), but no one had answered it all day long.
Maybe they've settled their differences and are spending a nice family holiday together, he reasons, turning on the TV. Or maybe I've just been making all this up in my head.
Kurt sighs and resigns himself to watching the news since he's not feeling particularly motivated enough to get up and find a movie to watch. There's something strange going on at Central Park, but Kurt doesn't really pay much attention. It's New York - there's always something weird happening.
However, he nearly drops his mug when he sees a familiar figure on the screen, dressed in green and red. Is that...?
Before he knows it, Kurt's pulling on a jacket over his sweater and bursting out of the room, just barely remembering to lock the door before bolting down the hallway.
If Blaine's in trouble, Kurt is determined to find a way to help him - even if it means doing something crazy like saving Christmas itself. Of course, that's the stuff of children's stories and cheesy Christmas rom-coms.
Just one (or two) more part(s) to go after this regrettably short one if all goes as planned. I hope you still have some Christmas spirit left over... my timing is horrible I'm sorry
Christmas is just days away now, and Selwyn's is as busy as ever - if not more so. Kurt is just returning from his lunch break, happily imagining life without working at that damn place, when Sebastian accosts him at the employee locker rooms.
"We need your help," he says, slightly out of breath. Kurt sighs, resigning himself to the inevitable.
"With what?" he asks as calmly as possible.
"Someone needs to keep the kids in line," Sebastian says, running a hand through his hair. "Most of the parents aren't watching them, so they keep trying to sneak to the front."
"Why don't you do it? You don't have any other jobs here. And I do."
"Dad wants- You know what, it's none of your business," Sebastian snaps. "Just do what I tell you and you won't get fired, nice and simple."
"Fine," Kurt says irritably, his patience having flown out the window. "Let me get my uniform on, unless you want me to work shirtless or something."
"Not for this job, sweetheart," Sebastian says with a wink before leaving Kurt alone with his thoughts once more.
Asshole.
Kurt dresses quickly, inwardly groaning as he puts on the elf hat that always seems to find a way to completely ruin his hair no matter how careful he is. It isn't long before he's walking quickly to the main floor of the store, glancing around at the elaborate decorations that - despite the owner's apparent dislike of them - haven't been taken down or even simplified.
He turns a corner to reach the Santa meet-and-greet area and immediately knows why someone is so desperately needed here. Most of the kids are disregarding the candy cane-striped rope fence as they try to cut in front of the others in line. Some are crying while others are standing stony-faced as they wait, clearly unhappy with the arrangement. Kurt gathers up as much composure as he can before practically diving into the crowd of children.
"Okay, you all need to get in line," he says gently, prodding at one sandy-haired boy who's slipping under the fence to get ahead. "If anyone cuts ahead, I'll make sure to tell Santa - except he probably knows who's done it already. There's still time for him to change that list of his, you know." Most of the kids are silent after this, staring wide-eyed at Kurt as though he's just announced that Christmas might be canceled.
Okay, maybe that was a bit much.
"Are you an elf?" one tiny girl with long black hair says; she can't be more than four years old. Kurt smiles at her warmly - he really does love kids.
"Yes, I am. My name is Kurt - what's yours, sweetie?"
"Emily," she answers shyly, looking at the floor in front of her.
"That's a lovely name," Kurt says. "Hey, can you look at me?" Emily does so, her eyes bright and wide and so strangely familiar, but Kurt can't place where he's seen eyes like those before. "You're very beautiful, you know that?"
"No, I'm not," she says a bit ruefully, shaking her head. "My brother says I'm ugly." At this, an older boy behind her suddenly looks terrified as he tries to avoid Kurt's watchful gaze.
"He's wrong," Kurt says, pointedly looking at the boy as he speaks. "Anyone that can't see how beautiful you are on the outside and the inside isn't worth your time, okay? Can you promise me not to let anyone get to you like that?" She nods, smiling wide.
"I promise, Mr. Kurt!"
"Good. Now you," he says, pointing to the boy behind her. He looks like he wants nothing more than to sink right through the floor, but Kurt isn't feeling particularly sympathetic to people like him today. "You're the brother, right?" He nods. "I strongly suggest you leave her alone, maybe say some nice things to her once in a while. No one likes a bully, and that's what you're being to her. Got it?"
"Yes, sir," the boy says quietly. Kurt blinks in surprise; no one has ever called him 'sir' before. He finally takes pity on the poor kid, since he's still quite young and seems sufficiently chastised.
"Because I believe you're going to be nice, I'll put in a good word with the big man," he says, nodding towards the front. "I'm sure you'll be on the nice list in no time."
The boy's face breaks into a wide grin. "Thank you, Mr. Kurt!"
"It's no problem," he says, chuckling. Kurt checks out the rest of the line and is satisfied to see that there aren't any issues left to fix. He lets himself lean against a support beam as he watches the line, yawning a bit. He turns his head to look at the clock and-
Wait. Was that... No, it couldn't be. He hasn't seen that person in years, not since high school. The man steps back out from behind a shelf of ornaments, though, and there's no mistaking him.
"Mike?" he says loudly, which catches the man's attention. Mike stares at him like a deer caught in headlights before giving him a quick wave, a hurried smile, and practically running for the exit. What the hell was that?
Kurt glances at the kids and hopes nothing happens while he's gone; the next moment, he's stalking down the aisles to see if he can catch up to Mike. He's thinking about how he's going to berate Mike for not even trying to talk to him when he turns the corner around the ornament shelf and runs straight into someone standing on the other side.
"Oh my God, I'm sorry, I-" Kurt stops when he sees the hat, the jacket, and - fuck - the tights. "Blaine?"
"Oh! Um, hi Kurt," Blaine says, smiling wide as always.
"Hello," Kurt says cautiously. There's something going on, and he's determined to find out what it is. "What are you doing here?"
"I just- I wanted to see you," Blaine says, looking nervous. "And I wanted to tell you that I think you're really amazing at singing and... everything, and that whenever I see you I can't take my eyes off of you and it's like-" Blaine hesitates, frowning. "It's like you're my anchor, and when I'm not around you I just feel like I'm floating away."
Kurt's speechless, and he's trying to find the right words to respond when Blaine starts speaking again.
"So I wanted to ask you if you wanted to maybe go get... food," he finishes a bit lamely, his smile sheepish.
"Get food? You mean..." Blaine nods, encouraging him. "You want to go out? With me?"
"Yeah. I mean, if you don't want to, that's okay. I just thought-"
"I just had my lunch break," Kurt says, interrupting him. But as Blaine's face falls, Kurt makes a hasty decision. "I'm free tomorrow afternoon, though."
"Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow." Blaine's face lights up with joy and he looks like he's about to start singing again, so Kurt hurries to head him off. "Meet me right outside around two?"
"Yes, I will meet you outside at two," Blaine says, nodding happily. "Oh- I'm sorry, Kurt, but I have to go. Mike needs to get back to work, I think." Kurt peers around Blaine and, sure enough, Mike is leaning against the wall near the store's entrance.
"How the hell..."
"He works for my dad," Blaine explains. "I sit next to his desk while my dad works. He's a lot of fun, but he can dance way better than me."
"I don't doubt it," Kurt says, shaking his head. "Come with me, I want to talk to him."
"Are you going to hurt him?" Blaine asks, though he doesn't look at all worried as Kurt tugs on his jacket to get him moving.
"What? No, I just want to catch up. We were friends in high school. Show choir," he adds at Blaine's confused look.
"Oh. He sings?"
"Sometimes. Mostly he danced, and I have no idea why he's working an office job because the last time I saw him he was set to go to an arts school. Michael Chang Jr., fancy seeing you here," he says loudly once they're near him.
"Hey, Kurt," Mike says, looking a bit apprehensive. "How have you been?"
"Pretty good, but you first - why are you not out there dancing for the President or something?"
As Mike starts to explain (money became scarce, he needed another job, then another, and he could no longer keep up with both school and work), Kurt finds himself holding Blaine's hand almost protectively, as though he expects Blaine to run off again.
And, if Kurt's being completely honest with himself, that's the very last thing he wants.
