ryuudancosplay

[forabeatofadrum]

Ljubim te (18/24)

AO3 | S&C  

–

NOSE

Quinn is lovely and Kurt hates it. He wants to hate her. He wants to say she is an awful person who doesn’t deserve Blaine, but she isn’t, and Kurt scolds himself for his childishness.

Blaine and Quinn ordered some pizza as well, and the three of them are outside, making small talk. During the entire dinner, Quinn and Kurt do most of the talking. Blaine remains awkwardly silent.

Quinn compliments Kurt on his looks and how can he refuse that kindness? She also looks marvellous and before they know it, Kurt and Quinn are bonding over fashion. Bonding. Kurt is bonding with the girlfriend of the boy he’s kissed.

“Oh, there is a hat shop over there,” Kurt says after Quinn’s detailed everything about her fancy sunhat. It’s a bit on the nose, but it is stunning and it keeps the sun out of her eyes. “You should check it out.”

Kurt gives Quinn the easy route towards Rikoma, Miha Kotar s.p.

Quinn beams towards Blaine.

“Oh babe, I keep telling you to not slick back you hair, so that you can wear a fancy hat as well. We should go there!”

Kurt’s stomach churns when he hears the term of endearment.

Kurt and Quinn await Blaine’s reaction. It’s an out. They’ve had their dinner and they can go. Kurt has given him a way out, and he didn’t even mean to. But to Kurt’s surprise, Blaine declines.

“How about you check it out?” he suggests to Quinn.

“Oh. Okay.” Quinn seems as surprised as Kurt.

“I��ll just, uh, stay here and catch up with Kurt,” he says, but then he looks at Kurt, “If you don’t mind.”

“I don’t,” Kurt and Quinn say at the same time, which makes Quinn looks at Kurt, then back at Blaine, and back to Kurt. It’s unnerving, especially since she gives Kurt a long look.

Then she kisses Blaine’s cheek and scurries away.

That leaves Kurt and Blaine together, at the pizza place.

“Do you… want to order more?” Kurt asks after an awkward moment of silence.

Blaine shakes his head.

“Let’s take it to Park Zvezda,” he suggests and Kurt agrees.

Once they’ve moved and they’re sat down - of course Kurt’s brought a blanket to sit on the grass – the awkwardness returns. Blaine’s asked to catch up, but now he’s not saying anything, so it is up to Kurt to start off.

“Quinn is lovely.”

Wow.

Great start, Kurt. Let’s start with his girlfriend.

“She is,” Blaine says.

Another beat of silence.

“Look, Blaine-”

“Kurt, I am sorry for kissing you,” Blaine says as he’s staring at the ground, “It was… I have a girlfriend. I can’t leave her.”

“I know,” Kurt says.

“So. Uh. Sorry.”

Kurt closes his eyes and he looks away. He can feel the anger building.

“If that’s all, then why couldn’t you just say so before?” he asks, trying to keep his voice calm, “You could’ve at least texted me. I-”

Kurt stops himself. He was about to say that he’s missed Blaine. That he’s been lonely.

But that just sounds sad. Blaine’s the one who ghosted him.

Suddenly, he feels a hand on his shoulder. It’s Blaine’s. Kurt looks back and whatever Blaine was about to say, his words die on his tongue, because he is staring at Kurt with his mouth agape.

Kurt wants to ask if he’s gotten something on his face, but he’s seen this look before. That’s the way Blaine looked at him before they kissed.

This guy is sending some mixed signals.

Kurt takes Blaine’s hand off his shoulder and he shakes his head.

“You have a girlfriend,” he bites out.

Blaine snaps out of it and he looks ashamed.

“Blaine, please, just talk to me. Tell me what’s going on, because this-” Kurt gestures between the two of them, “-is going nowhere if you can’t even tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I didn’t mean to kiss you. Truly,” Blaine says after a while.

That stings, but Kurt takes it in stride.

“I know.”

Then, Blaine suddenly looks around and he seems scared. It’s as if he’s trying to see if anyone is listening along, but no one seems to care about them. Still, Blaine is nervous.

He lowers his voice. He can’t look at Kurt.

“… but I wanted to.”

Blaine looks guilty and he’s again checking if anyone’s heard him, and things finally start to fall into place for Kurt. Kurt can feel the anger disappear.

Now, this is a revelation.

It’s silent for a while and Blaine looks conflicted, as if he’s wondering if he made the right choice by saying that.

“Blaine,” Kurt says kindly, “Do you like men?”

“No!” Blaine says back, too fast, too loud, and Kurt gets it.

He is reminded of all the times guys at school asked him, albeit in a mocking way, if he’s gay. Of course he isn’t gay! Boys? No! What makes you think that 12 years old Kurt likes boys?

Kurt knows the alarmed look on Blaine’s face. He understands the looking around, figuring out whether others can notice anything. He remembers loudly and quickly rejecting any claims about his sexuality.

“Okay. That’s fine,” Kurt says back, because he knows that is what Blaine needs to hear. But then he adds: “It’s also fine if you do, by the way.”

“I know that!” Blaine says back, “I have no problem with gay people.”

“But you have a problem if the gay person is you,” Kurt suggests carefully and Blaine’s face distorts. He looks afraid, but also relieved, but then guilty and sad.

Really, everything is starting to make sense. Kurt was right. Blaine is struggling.

Of course, this isn’t something to celebrate. Kurt remembers what it was like. He accepted his sexuality relatively quickly, but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t struggle, so he knows that this isn’t fun, but Kurt’s just glad he now knows what is going on.

Blaine looks deep in thought and Kurt’s afraid he’s overstepped. He’s about to potentially diffuse the situation, but Blaine’s frown deepens.

“I’d never thought of it like that,” he says quietly.

Kurt sees this as a permission to ask more.

“Have you ever had feelings for another guy?”

“No!”

Again, too fast, too loud.

Kurt gives Blaine a knowing look, and even Blaine seems to realise something.

“Well, no, really. No! Nope. I mean, my friend Wes has always looked super cute. Trent too, but you know, I was always looking at guys, you know, to compare myself, you know?”

That was three times ‘you know’. Kurt doesn’t point it out.

“And okay, when Nick and Jeff got together, I did wonder…” Blaine trials off and looks away. Kurt waits for Blaine to continue, but he doesn’t. Blaine shakes his head and Kurt decides to let it go.

An awkward silence hangs in the air. Blaine just bared a part of a soul, potentially a part he didn’t even know he had. Kurt feels for him, but he also needs Blaine to understand what he did.

Kurt closes his eyes and he deliberates what to do. He has an idea, but it might be a terrible idea.

But all of this is already messy.

“Blaine,” Kurt waves to get his attention, “Only you can decide who you are, and if you want to talk to me about it, that is fine, but I…” he takes a deep breath, “But I do like you, as more than friends.”

Blaine’s eyes go wide.

There’s no going back.

“And that is why I was so sad about the fact that you ghosted me.”

“Kurt-”

“And if this makes things weird between us, then I am sorry, but this is how I feel. I understood that you had to deal with something, but a part of me was also really upset, because I don’t want to be your experimentation.”

“You’re not,” Blaine hurriedly says, and then once again looks shocked by his own admission.

“I know that now,” Kurt shoots him a small smile, “But as you keep saying, you have a girlfriend.”

“… I do.”

Kurt looks over his shoulder and as on a cue, he can see Quinn walk out of the shop. She looks around for Kurt and Blaine and she smiles when she spots them. Kurt gives her a small wave and Quinn walks to them.

Blaine gets up to look at Quinn’s new purchase and Kurt sees that as his cue to leave. He rolls up his blanket.

When Quinn sees it, she asks where he’s going.

“I only just met you,” she says.

“Next time, I promise,” Kurt lies. He doesn’t think there’ll be a next time. “But now I need to go.”

“Kurt…” Blaine seems lost for words.

“It was good to see you again,” Kurt says earnestly and Blaine nods, “Call me, alright? Don’t ghost me again.”

He says the last part with a jokey tone, but it is true and Quinn’s head jerks towards Blaine. Kurt decides to let them be. Their relationship is none of his business.

[klaineadvent]

[slipping-through-my-fingertips]

Klaine Advent 2022

Christmas Crush

AO3

Nose

All throughout glee Blaine was sneaking glances at Kurt. It’s like they shared a secret now. Blaine had Kurt’s shirt—now cleaned—in his locker to return. He was hoping to stop him after glee. Steal a moment with him.

Rachel was singing another rendition of a Barbra Streisand song so Blaine was dozing off and staring at Kurt’s cute little nose.

It was awful how smitten Blaine was. He really needed to gather up the courage to ask him to this dance.

Once Rachel was done soloing, there was another round of talk about sectionals, which was right before their winter break began but after the Winter Formal dance. Blaine was hoping to score a verse or something as a solo but he knew being the New Kid had its downfalls.

Then, Mr Schue did something he hadn’t dared to dream.

“Kurt and Blaine will secure our duet spot.”

“Mr. Schue!” Rachel exclaimed. “That is so unfair, Finn and I—”

Blaine tuned her out then, a duet…with Kurt…

He glanced across the room to his new duet partner and Kurt was already smiling in his direction.

[gleekto]

Klaine Advent 2022: Chemistry Sucks (15/?)

Summary: Nerd!Kurt/ Popular!Blaine high school AU - Kurt joins Glee club in his junior year to please his dad, though he’d rather just hide out in the library until he can graduate and get out of Lima.

Turns out he’s not the only gay kid in town. Too bad the other out gay kid is cocky and popular senior, Blaine Anderson. Sure of himself, gets all the solos, things served to him on a platter. Kurt finds him shallow and infuriating.

Blaine finds Kurt square and irritating.

Yet at a party one night, they promise to sleep together if they don’t have other opportunities by the end of the year. A dare. Naturally competitive spirits.

Day 1, Day 2,Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14

Chemistry Sucks (Day 15: Nose)

Kurt's summer goes by in a blur. Fortunately, interning at a busy production of Rent at the community theatre takes up a lot of time and takes the sting out of missing Blaine. The hectic schedule lets him settle into his new long distance friendly texting normal. As friends. Friends who had an epically romantic night of making out - or was it just epically hot? Either way, now they are texting and friends.

B: Poster of James Dean or poster of Katy Perry for my room?

K: Blaine you are a musical, sporty, popular guy. Despite what you might imagine, you are the farthest thing from a rebel.

B: Ouch. I'm a rebel with a cause. Two show-stopping male-male duets, gender bending heteronormative showchoir conventions.

K: You don't even want to see the look on my face right now.

B: Do you think I'm boring?

K: Of course not. You're just a Katy Perry through and through.

B: James Dean is hotter though.

That night, Blaine sends him a one line voice message, on tune. "I kissed a boy and I liked it," with a photo of his new Katy Perry poster. A little too on the nose.

They text a couple of times a day, about everything and nothing.

B: Got an 83 on my music history test.

...

K: Tried a new low sodium chicken recipe for my dad. There's a reason why we salt things.

...

B: I'm spending an hour in the gym for every cronut I eat. They don't warn you how addictive they are. Like a croissant and a donut making sweet sweet love.

...

K: Got to understudy in the chorus for La Vie Boheme! Not quite the same as you actually living la vie boheme, but I was quite excited.

B: That's awesome, Kurt - on stage and only an intern. And yes, we did have a bit of a crazy night at Chad's loft yesterday.

K: Uh oh. Boys and alcohol don't mix.

B: I'm afraid they do. Sodomy, it's between god and me.

K: To S&M?

B: Not quite any of those things but you know.

K: Not really - stuck here in Ohio, remember? But I assume it was fun.

B: It was.

...

K: So I'm going to go on a third date with Matteo.

B: Third?! Why didn't you tell me about one and two?

K: I just wasn't sure.

B: And now?

K: It's fun. Still not sure.

But Kurt becomes more sure as school starts. With Rachel and Blaine graduated and off in New York, he and Mercedes become the leads of the Glee club. They want to win again, plus he has to keep up his 4.0 GPA to get that NYU scholarship. And homecoming is in two weeks. It's a very busy time.

That night, he ventures outside of his texting routine for an old fashioned phone call - at least that's what his dad says to him when he's texting all the time.

It's strange to hear Blaine's voice.

"Kurt?" Blaine is, of course, surprised.

"How do I break up with Matteo?"

[1908jmd]

Klaine Advent 2022 day 18 Nose

Still drabbling my way Kurt and Blaine catching up with their old friends over Christmas period. Today, it's one of my favorites to write

"Remember when you sat in the choir room and told us you and Kurt were going to have a happy ending?

Remember that time Sue locked you in the cupboard claiming it was a fake elevator? She claimed you’d eloped. I had a nose for her bullshit. You can’t get anything past Kitty Wilde."

"Also, remember the time you flirted through that duet, and Kurt was so shocked when you kissed him. After he’d totally set it up.”

Kitty and Blaine reminisced.

“Yeah remember you were really mean to us Kitty, and then became our friend?”

“Those were fun times.”

[cerriddwenluna]

The Diary of Kurt E. Hummel (18/24)

This diary belongs to Kurt E. Hummel.

Please do not read this without my express permission. (Yes, that includes you, Finn.)

***

Have you always wanted to find out what Kurt writes in his diary? Now is your chance! But, ssssht! Don't tell Kurt we stole it... ;)

Surprise! I've alluded to it last week, but I have *finally* finished writing my @klaineadvent fic, just in time for a Christmas in July Advent 😁

I'll post one chapter per day till the 24th, so hold on to your hats cause we're in the endgame now ;)

You can read chapter 18 now, on AO3 and S&C!

Read from the beginning

[spaceorphan18]

Scenes from December (16/24)

Klaine Advent Day Sixteen : Maintain

***

December, 2045

The house was quiet. The sound of a gentle wind swooshed against the window, signaling the chill that was growing outside.  Inside, just the soft slap of skin against skin, and the warmth of one body against the other.  Kurt was on all fours, raising his ass so that Blaine could have easier access.  Blaine was on his knees, buried deep in Kurt, letting himself go.  Kurt closed his eyes and just let his body be used.  

This wasn’t his favorite position, but it had been a while since they’d been able to bend themselves into face-to-face.  Besides, Kurt had come a little while earlier, comfortable on his back, legs spread wide as Blaine’s beautiful mouth worked him through an orgasm.  That had always had good give and take when it came to sex.  It was one of the perks of being with the same person for so long.  

Kurt knew he wouldn’t have to maintain the position for that long -- he knew intuitively how long it took Blaine to come. A gentle rhythm, followed by an erratic speeding up, then a few long thrusts laced with a few grunted curse words and Kurt felt the hotness of Blaine spill inside him.  Blaine always took a moment, as if savoring it, when he came inside Kurt, before pulling away.  

Kurt wanted to sit up; wanted to bend backwards so to kiss his husband -- he always wanted to keep that connection going just a little longer after sex.  But his stamina wasn’t what it used to be, and he uneasily flopped to the mattress.  Blaine tumbled beside him, sliding a leg around Kurt’s.  Kurt tried to turn to shuffle closer, not quite making it.  Blaine, a grin on his face, grabbed Kurt’s ass, giving it a playful squeeze before pulling them together.  

Kurt laced their hands together, brushing their noses together.  It was strange, Kurt couldn’t help but think as he took a moment to really look at his husband, how age has changed them.  There were wrinkles and gray hair and the fact that their bodies just didn’t move with the finesse or grace that they used to.  But Blaine’s eyes still sparkled with the same dark gold warmth as they always had.  Kurt moved in for that kiss, deliciously sliding his lips against Blaine’s.  The years may have passed, but the familiarity of Blaine’s kiss, of his touch, had stayed remarkably the same.  It still grounded him, still anchored his heart.  

“What are you thinking, Kurt Hummel?” Blaine asked, his eyes searching.  

“That I’m getting cold and sticky,” Kurt replied, getting an easy laugh from Blaine.  

But also that he was very deeply still in love with his husband.  A funny thing that he often forgets about since it’s such a constant.  But sometimes, in these two few moments, he remembers its depth.  He doesn’t say it - doesn’t need to.  Blaine can read it in him.  

“So, let’s get crazy - how about a make out in the shower?” Blaine suggested.  

Kurt raised his eyebrows amused.  “You really think, at our age, we’ve got a round two in us?” 

“Oh, I have it all planned out,” Blaine said, suggestively.  “Following said hot shower make out, we end up on the couch, where we proceed to have hot cocoa and fall asleep as we catch up on The Great Canadian Bake-Off.” 

“Oh, my god, everything about that sounds perfect.” 

“Right? Now we just have to make it off the bed.”

[notarelationship]

Klaine Advent 2022!

Title:  Snow Place For a Mystery, pt 1 Word Count: ~317 Warnings: None Day 1: Team

Summary: The gang helps out Santana and Brittany, hijinx ensue.

--

“So do we?”  

“Hm?” Blaine always sat on the back bench with Sam, not entirely because Sam was his best friend. Sitting in the very back seat of the van gave Blaine an excuse to stare at Kurt, who always sat in the middle. “Do we what?” 

Kurt twisted around as well as he could with his seat belt on, his stare moving back and forth between Blaine and Sam. “I think Sam’s hungry.”

“Do we have any snacks left?” Not waiting for Blaine’s response, Sam leaned over him, squishing Blaine into the seatback and grabbing their backpack full of snacks from the floor of the van. “Kurt’s right, I'm starving.” Sam dug around in the back and made an excited noise, pulling a small handful of crackers out and holding them up. “Cheez-Itz! My favorite!” 

“You two make a weird team.” Kurt shook his head, turning back around to face forward; Finn was driving, Rachel curled up in the passenger seat. “So Rachel, can you explain to me how Santana and Brittany wound up owning a ski lodge?”

Rachel’s eyes lit up as she twisted around to fill them in on the detail. “Yes, it was very unexpected. Brittany’s Uncle Leopold died last year, and apparently he owned a ski lodge, and he left it to Brittany.” 

“Did we know Brittany had an Uncle Leopold?” Blaine asked.

Sam nodded, still munching on his crackers. “Yeah, I met him once. Cool dude.” 

“That doesn’t explain what Santana and Brittany are doing with it. Are they actually trying to run a ski lodge?” Kurt shook his head. “It seems very responsible for them.”

“We can ask them about it when we get there.” Rachel shrugged. “Oh!” She pulled a brochure out of her bag, handing it to Kurt. “They sent me this.” 

Kurt took the brochure, chuckling sharply. “Beaver Creek Lodge? Seems a little on the nose.”

[gleefulpoppet]

A Secret Affair 6 NEW Chapters (16-21) (This is from Chapter 20)

I was missing you today and flipping through pictures on my phone. I was thinking about you teasing me last night by burrowing your cold nose everywhere you could find in my neck until you were warm again. And I treasure how you press your nose firmly against my cheek when you kiss me. Or rub yours against mine like that first time so long ago. There are so many thousands of things I adore about you, but today it was your perfect nose that had me wiping a tear off my cheek. I love you so much. I hope our lives are filled with thousands more days where you need me to keep you warm. 

Written for Klaine Advent 2022. The story itself is finished and entirely posted. All the additional chapters are visuals that enrich the narrative.

You can read it from the beginning on AO3 [Here].

[ckerouac]

Fic: Operation Secret Santa

Klaine Advent 2017 Day 14: Nose

Also on AO3

“He’s totally the famous writer,” Kurt said.

Blaine scoffed, taking a sip of the wine.  “Why do you say that?”

“Because they keep talking about how much she wants to meet him and loves him, so of course the cute stranger across the hall is that guy.”

“Don’t you think that’s a little on the nose?”

“This is a made-for-tv Christmas movie,” Kurt laughed.  “Subtle is not the name of the game.”

“But maybe it’ll surprise you,” Blaine said.

Kurt shrugged.  “But they aren’t supposed to be surprising.  They’re supposed to be comforting.”

“And it would be the most comforting if he was the famous author she already loved?” Blaine asked.

“Maybe,” Kurt said.  “Actually, what would be most comforting would be if he was secretly the prince of a made up European country who was in desperate need of a bride but didn’t want the one he was currently betrothed to.”

“And then he realizes that he didn’t want his girlfriend because he met an American guy who worked as a barista in the coffee shop next to the house he rented to get away from it all,” Blaine supplied.

Kurt nodded.  “Yeah, and then he has to reassess these new feelings for this guy he never thought possible.”

Blaine turned to face Kurt on the couch.  “But damn all of the naysayers, he deserves to be happy.  So he and the barista finally share a kiss under the Christmas tree.”

“And then they go back to their fake country of Aldovia or Finburg and have the biggest, most extravagant gay wedding cable tv has ever seen,” Kurt beamed.

Blaine holds out his glass to toast Kurt.  “I would watch the hell out of that.”

“Right?” Kurt replied.  “We should write movies.”

“There’s an untapped market for romantic holiday stories with two male leads.”

“You just want Santa to help bring two guys together.”

“Santa’s not in this one, remember?” Blaine teased.

“Yeah, but he’d be in mine,” Kurt replied.  “Santa would play a major part.  Perhaps as part of the conflict of misunderstanding that always happens right before the big declaration of love.”

This wasn’t how Kurt had seen the evening going.  He thought they’d either sit on opposite sides of the couch, quietly watching a cheesy movie until it ended and Blaine politely excused himself in order to get home to more important things, or… they’d end up making out on the couch because Kurt had been a very good boy this year and the universe owed him this.  Instead they were planning out gay Hallmark movies and Kurt was realizing that it was getting harder and harder to just be friends with the cute coworker down the hall with the jacked boyfriend.

“More wine?” Kurt asked as he finished off the last of his glass.

Blaine shook his head.  “No, I probably shouldn’t.  I have to get home soon.  But please don’t let that stop you,” he added.  “You’re already home and I wouldn’t have to carry you up the stairs again.”

“Oh, ha ha,” Kurt replied drolly, rising from the couch ostensibly to get more wine.  The fact that it also gave him a moment to steal his expression from one of surprise was an added bonus.  He’d been so drunk that Blaine carried him up two flights of stairs?  Or was Blaine just teasing him?  Was Blaine a fan of hyperbolic teasing?  Maybe Blaine actually carried him firefighter style, thrown right over his shoulder.  He was short, but he looked sturdy.  How much sturdier would he look dressed as a firefighter?  Wasn’t that one of the Christmas movies too?  A firefighter and a cat?  “At least I’m no longer an embarrassment out in the open where everyone could see me,” he added.  That was safe enough since he couldn’t remember the specifics.  Mercedes said they’d seen him in the line to get in, after all.

“You’re not the first drunk guy I’ve helped get home from a bar,” Blaine chuckled.  “And I’m sure you won’t be the last.”

“So chivalrous,” Kurt said.  He returned with a full glass and sunk back onto the couch.  “Have you been in the Christmas bar yet?  Since I ruined that attempt.”

Blaine shook his head.  “Not yet.  I figure I’ll get in sometime before Christmas Eve.”

“Ooh, wait, you should totally go on Christmas Eve,” Kurt said excitedly.  “Because of the gorgeous Santa stripper that’s going to be there.”

Blaine’s nose wrinkled up and he shook his head.  “Yeah… no.  That’s not something I need to see with my own eyes.  I’d rather just leave that to my imagination than have it all confirmed.”

Kurt shrugged.  “Suit yourself.  But you really should go, if only for the drinks.  There are plenty of days between now and Christmas Eve.”

“Not that many,” Blaine pointed out.  “It’s why I had to get this wrapped soon.  They want them under the tree in the break room in the next couple of days.  What about you?  Have you… found the perfect something for your Secret Santa?”

Kurt sighed.  “No.  My assignment is… difficult.”

Blaine leaned forward.  “More difficult than Rachel Berry?”

Kurt had to laugh at that.  “No, difficult in a different way.  I just… it matters what this person thinks, so I don’t want to disappoint with the gift.”

“I don’t think you could disappoint anyone with any gift,” Blaine said.  “Maybe… take a hint from an interaction you’ve had together.  Something you’ve shared.”

I’d share anything with you, Kurt thought.  A drink, a bed, a box of condoms… and yet, still nothing appropriate for an office Secret Santa gift exchange.  “Yeah, probably,” he murmured as he tried to keep his mind from going too wild.  They were alone in his apartment, on the same couch, and each time they spoke Kurt found them inching closer and closer to each other.  If they kept talking long enough, one of them would end up in the other’s lap.  Boyfriend, he reminded himself.  He had a boyfriend.  Who wasn’t here.  “Maybe something sweet.”

“Something sweet is great,” Blaine said.  He turned to fold his leg up on the couch, and ended up brushing Kurt’s thigh with his knee.  “I guarantee that whoever is lucky enough to be on the receiving end of your present will love it.”

“You have a lot of faith in my gift giving abilities,” Kurt said, his hand coming down to rest on Blaine’s knee before he realized what he was doing.  

Blaine smiled.  “I have a lot of faith in you.”

Kurt realized where his hand was, but Blaine hadn’t pulled away yet.  Why hadn’t he pulled away yet?  Why wouldn’t the guy with the stupidly hot boyfriend not pull away when his hand was on his knee?  Why wouldn’t… oh, and now Blaine’s hand was on his, and he felt his breath catch in his throat.  “I appreciate the faith,” he murmured.  “I feel like this is the part where someone would come out and talk about Christmas magic,” he chuckled.

Blaine, for his part, smiled as he looked down and gave Kurt’s hand a squeeze.  “You can’t deny Christmas magic,” he said.  “Kurt, I…”

This was it.  He was going to declare his love.  He didn’t move his hand, hell, he took Kurt’s hand, so maybe he’d broken up with the boyfriend and he was going to make his move.  They were practically in each other’s lap, and the lights were low, and there was wine, and if ever there was a moment for Christmas magic…

“...there’s moment when you say to yourself…”

Kurt leaned forward in anticipation.  His eyes closed as he reached up with his free hand to touch Blaine’s cheek.

“...no, Kurt… I’m sorry.”

Kurt paused his air, his eyes opening and his hand stalling as he watched Blaine pull back.  

“I… can’t.  I’d lose everything.  I need to talk to people, get things settled.  I… I can’t.  I’m sorry.”

Kurt leaned back.  “I… yeah, of course, talk to people,” he murmured.  “Gotta get this settled by committee,” he added sarcastically.

However, Blaine either didn’t get the sarcasm or ignored it.  Instead, his expression bloomed into a smile.  “Exactly.  Yeah, great, so… I should probably get going.  Just so we don’t… you know… “

Kurt just nodded.  What the hell was happening?

“I’ll see you at work, okay?” Blaine added, standing up from the couch and grinning broadly.  “Thanks for the help.”

Kurt sat frozen on the couch as Blaine collected the gift for Rachel and left his home.  

What the fuck just happened?

[whatstheproblembaby]

Klaine Advent Day 14 - Nose

One of the many little things that Kurt loved about being with Blaine was their temperature difference. Kurt himself always ran a little chilly, while Blaine was like a tiny space heater, so they could stay intertwined for hours while Kurt warmed up and Blaine barely even noticed a difference.

Of course, there was one part of Blaine’s body that never seemed to get the memo.

“Ahh!” Kurt gasped quietly, trying not to disturb Blaine. “God.”

Blaine just snuffled, burying his face farther in Kurt’s chest. His cold nose pressed harder against the bare skin by Kurt’s neck, making goosebumps erupt on Kurt’s skin.

“How is it that every part of your body is warm except your nose?” Kurt muttered. “Even your fingers and toes stay pretty warm, for God’s sake.”

“Kurt?” Blaine mumbled sleepily.

“Shhh, it’s fine. I was just talking to myself,” Kurt said, rubbing a hand down Blaine’s back. “Go back to sleep.”

“Kay.” Blaine rolled over and dozed off again immediately.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” Kurt whispered, curling up close behind him to press his feet up against Blaine’s.

Blaine shuddered in his sleep, which made Kurt quirk a half-smile.

All’s fair... was his last coherent thought before drifting off.

[gleekto]

Fic: Loose Ties

Summary: Blaine Anderson knows who he is - lead Warbler, A-student, student council representative - the Dalton boys all tell him he’s got charisma and charm, and his girlfriend tells him he’s dreamy.

When rival glee club student Kurt Hummel turns up at Dalton one day -  land of glee club rockstars, blazers and ties, and a zero tolerance harassment policy - he doesn’t totally get why Blaine Anderson - the popular lead Warbler - would be so eager to court his friendship.

And to be honest, Blaine doesn’t really get it either.

Loose Ties

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13

Part 14 (Nose)

“You left the dance so early, dude.” Dave plops down on the brown leather common room chair.   Blaine looks up from where his nose is buried in his English homework. He’d been bracing himself for the inevitable aftermath of his early departure last night. 

“Break up, blues?” Wes joins them on Blaine’s other side. “I know how-”

“No, not really,” Blaine shrugs.  “I mean, it’s more fun with a date but-” Blaine hasn’t exactly figured out how he’s going to break the news. He just knows that being relegated to standing by the punch bowl for slow dances isn’t something he’s planning to tolerate again. Especially not after last night.

“Why did you break up with Jenna, anyways?” Wes asks, uncharacteristically prying. “She’s such a cool girl.”

“And a babe,” Dave adds.

“She is,” Blaine nods. He knows that Jenna is very pretty - She’s athletic and stylish. Should he just say it?  “And she’s cool too. It’s just-”

“Is there someone else?” Wes asks. 

“There’s someone else!” Dave decides emphatically.  “Why didn’t you tell us?” Dave slaps him on the back and Blaine wonders if he’s going to be able to get a word in.  “And why didn’t you bring her to the dance?” Dave’s eyes go wide, “It’s not Sarah, is it? Because I’ve heard stories of-”

“No Dave, no,” Blaine shakes his head and rolls his eyes. “It’s not Sarah. I would never do that. And besides, she’s not my type,” Blaine says a little bit proudly, trying to start the conversation. 

“Hey, that’s my girlfriend,” Dave defends, elbowing him in the side. “And she’s pretty near perfect. I know you’re picky and all, but if Jenna’s not your type and Sarah’s not your type, I’m not sure who’s going to be able to steal the heart of-”

“Kurt.” Blaine stops him. “Kurt is my type.” He realizes that was a little more on the nose than intended “I’m gay.” Was all he was really planning to say.

Dave and Wes both freeze. “Well at least that shut you up?” Blaine tries. Still silence. Blaine sighs, “Is this where it gets weird and-”

“No. No, definitely not,” Wes says and  Dave turns right to him and places both hands on Blaine’s shoulders. He squeezes.   

“This is Dalton,” Dave says.

Blaine huffs out a laugh. “Yeah, but there is a difference between a no harassment policy and wanting to hear about my love life woes. Or my non-love life woes as the case may be.”

“Does Kurt know?” Wes is all serious concern. A bit over the top but Blaine can appreciate his earnestness.

“That I’m gay? Yes. I told him before the fall ball, after I broke up with Jenna.”

“Man,” Dave is just standing there shaking his head. “So you two are-” Dave gestures.

“No! I mean Kurt doesn’t know that part. Let’s pretend I never said that.” Dave and Wes both raise their eyebrows.  “You would not want to create any discord in the Warblers camraderie, right?” Blaine warns.

“Oh no, we are definitely not forgetting that part.” Wes shakes his head.

“No can do, bro.”

“You yourself said how amazing you guys sound together,” Wes reminds.

“That’s singing, Wes. And we live together, remember? Any potential love story is destined for complicated disaster. I can manage my crush just - ”

“Think of the drama-” Dave has a twinkle in his eye.

“Kurt’s a great guy, Blaine. And if he’s the guy for you, who are we to stand in the way?”

“In fact, I think it’s our obligation to pave the way. Don’t you, Wes?” Dave grins. Blaine does not.

“Guys, his friendship is important to me. I don’t want to screw this up.”

“Oh you won’t,” Dave winks. “Because we won’t. Warblers’ honour.” Dave and Wes salute Blaine, pat him on the back, and give stiff-but-loving hugs, before they high five themselves and run to class. 

Well, that went well.  Maybe.

[notthetoothfairy]

KLAINE ADVENT 2017: LoveSick (14/24)

Summary: Kurt has SCID and can’t leave his house. Ever. Luckily, Blaine moves in next door.

A/N: A fic?!?!?! Yes, my dears, after what feels like an eternity, I finally wrote a new thing. I was going to do just one prompt for @klaineadventbut - ha ha ha, and ho ho ho - never mind, I’m writing an entire story. And I’m late. Sorry about that!

The plot is loosely based on “Everything Everything”. Saw it on the plane, didn’t end up liking it all that much but I loooved the premise for Klaine, so here it is. :D It’s not all that realistic, sorry about that, but I tried to make it as accurate as possible!

Beta: @a-simple-rainbow (who’s surprised? not us - we’re basically fandom wives)

Read: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24

Read on: AO3 (to be added later)

NOSE

It’s the first time Blaine faces the door since October, and he’s glad he isn’t holding a bottle of wine this time around, lest he comes across as an alcoholic – that would probably not make him an attractive dating prospect for Burt’s son.

Burt and Carole are both there when he arrives, and he spots Kurt behind several glass doors, shifting from one foot to the other impatiently. Blaine waves hello and gets a small wave and a mouthed “hi” in return.

He leaves his shoes and jacket in the first room, puts on the clothes Carole hands him in a little changing room to the side, and makes his way to another room where he’s instructed by Carole to wash his hands with antibacterial soap.

Then they finally let him through the last two doors to get to Kurt. Blaine almost hits his nose on the second one because he can’t wait for it to slide open. Thankfully Burt and Carole are behind him, so Kurt’s the only one to see it, and he’s discreet enough to hide his chuckle behind his hand. Blaine’s embarrassed but the feeling is overpowered by the sudden yet familiar urge to hug the boy in front of him.

Any words he had prepared before going in die in his throat; he’s too overwhelmed to get them out. Two months of interaction with a changing number of windows between them – and now there’s only air. Kurt is right there in front of him.

“You okay, son?” Burt asks him. “You look like you’re about to throw up.”

“Dad, be nice,” Kurt warns before turning to Blaine with a soft, “Welcome, I’m glad you’re here.”

“M-me too,” Blaine gets out, still a bit choked up. He composes himself and adds, in Burt’s direction, “And if I have to throw up – which I don’t – I’ll use the extra bathroom that Kurt doesn’t have access to. I’ll excuse myself if I have to sneeze or something like that, and we’ll keep space between ourselves for minimal contact risks.”

“He read my detailed email!” Carole gushes. Blaine tries not to look to proud. “See, Burt, I told you he’s a keeper.”

“Why are you telling me, it’s not my decision,” Burt replies with a shrug. Blaine wonders if he’s imagining the almost-hidden grin. Then his face turns stern again. “Kurt, you know the rules, yeah?”

Kurt huffs. “Do you want me to recite the poem like Blaine or do you trust me without proof?” he teases.

“Ha ha ha. Don’t mock me for worrying.”

“I know the rules,” Kurt confirms, and winks at Blaine as he turns to the stairs. “Come on, I’ll show you my room.”

“Have fun!” Carole says sweetly as Blaine follows Kurt down the hall.

He can’t stop looking around. The house looks mostly empty, scarcely furnished, and exceptionally clean – of course, since Kurt has to live and survive in it. It’s a weird thought.

“Sorry about my dad,” Kurt says as they walk up the stairs. “He’s a bit of a weirdo.”

“It went a lot better than I thought it would,” Blaine admits.

“Yeah, good thing he didn’t see you walk into the last door nose first, though,” Kurt teases him as he comes to halt in front of an open door in the second-floor hallway. “You would not have lived that down.”

“Oh god.” Blaine facepalms. “That was… a bit of a weak moment.”

Kurt leans in slightly, making Blaine’s breath hitch, even though there’s still a fair amount of space between them.

“I was excited to see you, too,” he confesses in a whisper.

Blaine doesn’t even attempt to hide his smile.

“Well,” Kurt continues. “This is my room. You’ve seen it – sort of.”

“Never from this angle though,” Blaine says. “Wow. It’s huge.”

It’s true, the room is at least twice as big as Blaine’s room. The large window front makes it seem even bigger. Blaine’s bed is nothing compared to Kurt’s king sized one, and Kurt’s desk actually looks like it could belong in Miranda Priestly’s office. Blaine tells him as much and Kurt is delighted because, quote, “Comparison to Meryl Streep – continue talking and I might let you sit at it.”

Kurt gives him a tour of his walk-in closet – most of it is simple clothing as Blaine is wearing at the moment but there are a few extra things Kurt has begged his dad to buy for him, apparently, and of course also the few ones that Kurt designed on his own.

“What about this one?” Blaine asks, pointing at the asymmetrical sweater Kurt is wearing. “Did you design that one?”

“I wish!” Kurt says. “I’m not that talented – yet. I’ve only designed very simple stuff so far.”

“Well, you started, like, two months ago, right? These are very impressive already.”

Once Kurt is done showing him everything, he sits down on his bed. Blaine lingers in the open space between the door and Kurt’s desk, unsure of what to do.

“You can sit down,” Kurt says with a pointed look.

Blaine moves towards the desk but Kurt shakes his head.

“I was thinking here?” He pats the bed.

Blaine knows he looks conflicted, and he wishes he wouldn’t, or wouldn’t have to.

“It’s okay if we sit far enough apart,” Kurt says.

“Are you sure?” Blaine asks. Carole’s email didn’t include anything about sitting on Kurt’s furniture.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Kurt says, rolling his eyes. “I’ll feel awkward if you stand the whole time.”

As soon as he’s seated, they embark on different topics from the newest Vogue issue to juicy celebrity gossip, and time – as always with Kurt – flies. Blaine makes sure to leave space between them even as they move to lie down, Kurt on the left side, Blaine on the right side of the bed, facing each other.

“So, how’s McKinley?” Kurt asks. “Still the hell hole you described?”

“More or less.” Blaine shrugs. “A few of the football guys are making me their new target, I think.”

“What?” Kurt frowns. “Why?”

“Well, they know I’m gay for one. Not that it’s a secret or anything. And also… well, they kinda know about you.” Kurt raises his eyebrows, and Blaine’s quick to say, “Not that I’m, like, telling everyone about you, and it’s not you specifically they know about, they just saw my date plans in my notebook and, well, things went downhill from there.”

Kurt blinks a few times. “Uh, okay… I mean, not okay. Obviously. I don’t want you to be bullied because of me.” He grimaces, then bites his lip. “But I like the part about the date plans.”

“They haven’t really done anything. They throw me dirty looks but that’s it. I haven’t even been slushied.” Blaine smiles. “And I like the date plans, too, if I do say so myself.”

“Should I ask Finn to tell them to lay off?”

“No. That would probably make it worse.”

“Alright…” Kurt pauses. “Promise you tell me if it gets worse?”

“Of course.” Blaine nods, and holds his fingers up to do a pinky promise by himself. “I swear.”

“I wish I was there with you to tell them off. I have a few good comebacks up my sleeve.”

Blaine laughs. “I bet.” He looks up to the ceiling. “How’s doing school stuff all by yourself? Is it as peaceful as I imagine?”

“Ah, well, depends on the virtual classroom.” Kurt sighs. “Some lessons are more private, others have a ton of annoying people in them. I’ve only ever really enjoyed French and Music, to be honest. And the extra classes I take, like designing and private singing lessons.” He props himself up on his elbow. “Oh, and I took a composing class, you might have liked that.”

“Really?” Blaine asks, excited. He told Kurt before that he’s thinking of making composing his minor in college if he gets into any music schools. “Did you compose something, too?”

“Eh, just basic stuff.” Kurt waves it off. “But I did have this idea for a Broadway show… I’ve got the plot, anyway. I want it to be a musical about kids like me. If you ever make it in composing, you should help me out.” He grins at Blaine. “I’m calling it ‘Soothing Chords in Daydreams’.”

“Why that title?”

“Abbreviate it.”

“S. C. – oh! I see what you did there.” Blaine laughs. “That’s clever.”

Kurt beams. “Thanks.”

“I’ll totally write the music for you if I ever advance to that level of skills in composing,” Blaine promises.

“I’m sure you will. It wasn’t that hard, I just didn’t really have the patience for it, I guess.”

Blaine shakes his head in wonder. “You’re 17 and have a fully-fledged story for a musical, you design your own clothes and you don’t think composing is ‘that hard,’” he says, using air quotes. Only half-joking, he asks, “Is there anything you can’t do?”

“Yeah,” Kurt answers. “Go outside.”

Blaine closes his eyes. Foolish thing to say, of course. “Touché.”

He feels the bed dip a little and his eyes fly open as Kurt scooches close. Face only inches from Blaine’s, their noses almost touching, he mumbles, “Or kiss you.”

Blaine tries to lie completely still, daring every muscle in his body not to move, because if he does, he is most definitely going to lose control and kiss Kurt senseless. Kurt’s way too close already. He stares at Kurt’s lips, wondering what they’d taste like.

“Kurt,” he finally gets out. “You can’t say that.”

“Sorry,” Kurt whispers. “Words are all I have in this scenario.”

Blaine backs away a little, still scared to accidentally make a move he’ll regret. Kurt looks a bit taken aback, so he wills himself to be as open about it as Kurt.

“For the record, I want to kiss you, too.”

The frown disappears from Kurt’s face. All that’s left is a bittersweet mixture of a smile and sad, endlessly blue eyes.

“Good to know,” Kurt says. “Even if it’ll never be enough.”

[kriskubed]

Klaine Advent 2017 - Nose

Playing catch up. Christmas fluff...

AO3

“Daddy, what’s that?” Ella asked, pointing up at the little sprig of greenery dangling from the top of the archway that separated their living and dining rooms.

“That is mistletoe.” Blaine scooped her up and walked over to stand underneath it. “And whenever you get caught under it with someone, you have to give them a kiss,” he said, kissing her little nose in demonstration.

She giggled, but then looked thoughtful. “What if you don’t like the person under there with you?”

“Oh.” Blaine hadn’t really considered the practicalities of the tradition. “Well, then I guess you wouldn’t kiss them. No one should have to kiss anyone they don’t want to. But in this house, we all like each other, right? So it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Ella nodded in agreement. “You and Papa kiss each other all the time anyway. And me. But then, why do we need the mistletoe for kissing?”

There was nothing like a preschooler to make you question the simplicity of simple Christmas traditions.

“Well, it’s always nice to have an excuse for extra kisses, don’t you think?” he said. As if to prove his point he nuzzled against her belly and covered it with a quick succession of noisy smooches, making her laugh.

At that moment, Kurt appeared from the kitchen where he'd been listening to the exchange. “I definitely agree,” he said, kissing Ella on the cheek and Blaine on the mouth and pulling them in for a family hug. “Never too many kisses…”

[darriness]

Klaine Advent 2017 - Day 14 - “Nose”

Title: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Author: darriness

Word Count: 481

Summary: Blaine’s got a new favourite time of year.

Blaine’s favourite time of year growing up had always been summer. Nothing beat the warm weather, the lack of school and the Neanderthals that went with school, and as he got older and started dating Kurt, nothing beat the thinning of layers in Kurt’s wardrobe during the summer.

Blaine’s an adult now and while he still enjoys summer for all the same relevant reasons (seriously, Kurt in a tank top just does something to him), his new favourite time of year is just as it starts to become cold in New York City.

The first day he has to bring his jacket out of the closet and get his gloves from the bin always gives him a little thrill. Even as Kurt grumbles about the cold (“Why did we choose New York, Blaine, when LA doesn’t have these frigid temperatures?”) he can’t help but smile as they get ready to leave in the morning.

If anyone were to ask Blaine why he so enjoyed this time of year, he would direct them to his and Kurt’s morning commute; he on his way to the gym before rehearsal and Kurt on his way to the office. The two take the same train, with Kurt getting off two stops after him. And it’s that 20 minute train ride that has completely changed Blaine’s opinion.

Kurt has always hated the cold, and it takes him forever to warm up once he’s cold. He’s shivering as they enter the subway (the 5 minute walk to the station was enough to chill him to the bone) and he’s trying to contain his teeth chattering as they magically find two spots to sit next to one another.

Blaine, ever the considerate husband, slings an arm around Kurt’s shoulder and rubs his hand vigorously up and down Kurt’s arm as Kurt hunches next to him. Kurt smiles at the gesture before leaning into Blaine and THIS is why Blaine loves this time of year.

Kurt unapologetically nuzzles his nose into Blaine’s neck and hums contentedly at the warmth he finds there. Blaine tries to keep the shit eating grin off his face. Blaine absolutely loves not only having Kurt this close, his chilly nose leaving dots of sensation on Blaine’s skin where it taps against him, but also that Kurt feels comfortable enough to do this.

He thinks about where they came from; where they were afraid to hold hands at the movies for fear of harassment. To now, where they can cuddle on the subway and no one even bats an eye. In fact, he’s pretty sure the smile on the face of the lady across the train is because of them.

“How are you always so warm?” Kurt asks, bringing Blaine out of his reverie.

Blaine shrugs, before twisting to kiss Kurt on the head, as the ride continues.

Yup. Definitely his favourite time of year.

[spaceorphan18]

Scenes from December 2/24

Written for Klaine Advent 2022. Day Two: Cork

***

December, 1999

“Burt, you’re being crazy.” 

“I’m not crazy, Liz.  I’m being practical.” 

“Yes, practically crazy.” 

Six-year-old Kurt sat on the floor of his living room, warm and comfortable in his Sesame Street pajamas, his Barbie and Ken dolls in a nice row in front of him, with all of their accessories spread out in a protective radius around them.  It was important to little Kurt to make sure each doll wore what best fit their personality - he had so many stories for them in his head, and everything had to be just perfect.  But it was hard to concentrate - he didn’t get to stay up past his bedtime very often, and the fatigue from a very long day was beginning to set in.   

It was exciting to see what his parents were up to after he went to bed.  Sometimes he would pretend to be asleep, and crawl to the edge of his bed and peer out - just to listen, but most of the time the TV was on too loud to really hear anything.  Tonight was different though.  Tonight was a special night.  Tonight he could stay up with them as long as he wanted.  

They sure were acting weird though.  

Dad had been unusually antsy all day - checking the house over, making sure the windows were sealed shut and that the furnace was working accurately.  There hadn’t been a storm - it had been a nice, sunny day even if it had been too cold to go to the playground.  He and Mom had had hot chocolate and colored in his coloring books and watched Wizard of Oz redone in color.  All the while, Dad was stockpiling cans and blankets and flashlights and batteries onto the kitchen table.  They had to eat dinner in the living room.  

Mom watched him silently, a smirk on her lips as Dad ran around the house.  Now that it was evening, she sat in her usual spot on the couch, near the lamp, a book in her lap while she uncorked another green bottle, pouring a white fizzy liquid into one of her fancy glasses.  She had let Kurt play on his own but she had watched Dad more than she read her stories.  

Dad, finally, seemed to finish his tasking, coming to the living room, hands on hips as he remained deep in thought.  “Look, if anything is going to happen tonight, I just want to make sure my family is safe.” 

“Safe from what?” Mom asked, her question was gentle, as she took a sip from her glass.  “I’m pretty sure absolutely nothing is going to happen at midnight.  The computers aren’t going to explode or come to life or whatever it is you are afraid of.  We’ll just roll into the new year - and it’ll be just as boring and routine as last year.” 

Dad let out an unsatisfied grunt.  “Well - not nothing.  We will be rolling into a new millennium.”  

“That’s next year.” Mom grinned.  “There wasn’t a year zero, so technically, we’re still stuck in the old millennium for another year.”  

Dad let out another grunt, and waited a long time before speaking again.  “But all the numbers are changing.” 

Mom shook her head at him.  “Kurt, c’mere,” she said, patting her lap.  Kurt stumbled to his feet.  Mom seemed to know that he was getting sleepy, which was really unfortunate because he had just figured out which Ken doll deserved the very lovely three-piece suit.  “Would you like some of Mommy’s fancy drink tonight?” 

Dad scrunched his nose at her.  “You’re not really going to give him that, are you?” 

“It’s sparkling grape juice, Burt, do you have any objections to that?” 

Kurt would be lying if he said he wasn’t thrilled to be drinking the bubbly juice, but the gruff look on Dad’s face made him hesitant.  “It’s fine, baby,” Mom assured him - handing him her glass.  Kurt took a tiny sip.  It was sweet and fuzzy and had the same tingling feeling soda gave him.  He wished he had his own glass, so he could hold it like Mom and feel like he was at a fancy party.  Mom kissed his forehead and he relaxed into her, allowing himself to take another drink.  

Dad came over to sit next to them, his calloused fingers brushing some hair out of Kurt’s eyes.  “I hope you get your mother's sensibility, kiddo.”  Kurt didn’t really understand the statement but it made Mom smile.  

“Well, I hope you get your dad’s big heart.”  

The two of them shared a sweet, lingering look.  It seemed to Kurt as if they were having some kind of conversation with their eyes - but what was being said, Kurt didn’t yet understand.  Mom then shuffled Kurt to her side, settling him in-between them, then gave Dad a quick kiss before getting to her feet.  

“Kurt, stay here with Daddy for a moment.  I’m going to get more glasses, and we’ll make a toast to the end of the world.”

“You think you’re funny - but when the power goes out, don’t come crying to me.  Also, grab a couple of those flashlights on your way back in here.”