"Well, here we are again," Rachel said, strolling across the large, open room. "I think this will be a nice, fresh start for us."

"Its going to work out," Blaine told her, placing his arm around her waist. "I just want to make sure youre not alone in this."

"I know," she gave him a hug. "I appreciate that."

"I cant believe we got to move in to this loft so soon. I found it a couple weeks ago, when my dads took me to look for a bigger place to live. Itll be great once we get my stuff in here and we start setting up a nursery."

"A makeshift nursery behind curtains," Blaine reminded her. It was obvious that he wasnt thrilled about the lack of privacy the apartment offered.

"For now, but itll make it easier to hear the baby at night and even during the day while she plays," Rachel said, observing the large space.

"Yeah, youre right," he agreed.

Kurt stood by in the empty corner, watching them closely. He felt so out of place, knowing Rachel hadnt spoken to him in weeks. Now that Kurt was Blaines boyfriend, he didnt know how shed feel about that. It wouldnt be easy for her to deal with.

"Is that everything of yours?" Rachel asked.

"I think so. I didnt take much with me to Sams place," Blaine scanned the room. "Oh, you know, I did leave something in the car. Ill be right back."

Kurt shifted uncomfortably, alone with Rachel. Was she going to tell him off? Would she ignore him?

She slowly walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you for helping Blaine move in. I wouldnt even mind if you helped me move in. Obviously, theres not much I can do."

"Sure, no problem," he said stiffly. He shrugged her hand off and slowly walked away from her, unsure of what else to say.

"Hey... Kurt?" Rachel said quietly.

"Yeah?" He turned back around to face her. Her skin was pale and her expression was sorrow.

"Just like I havent totally forgiven Blaine for cheating, I cant fully forgive you for what you did to me, but..." Holding her belly, she stepped closer to him and said, "I guess if I had to see Blaine with anyone that wasnt me, I - Im glad its you."

"Thanks, I think," he said awkwardly.

She gave a soft laugh. Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear and said, "I just mean that I want to see Blaine happy. Theres not a lot of people I trust in this world, so Im glad its you. I think hed be good for you as well."

"Thank you," Kurt said shortly. He didnt know why Rachel was trying to be this nice, but he wasnt sure what her angle was with this.

She rushed toward him and grabbed his arm, "Kurt, I - Im not being fair to you. Im giving Blaine a second chance, so I feel like I should give you a second chance as well."

"Only because its fair?" He said, feeling slightly hurt that this was her only reason. He had longed for her friendship, but in her previous anger, could he believe this?

"I miss you, Kurt," she gripped his arm tightly. "Please, I want to give you a second chance as well. Your my babys fathers boyfriend. If you were ever to marry Blaine, youd be a part of the babys life too. I think its only fair that were kind to each other."

"I appreciate that," he said, patting her hand. "I value our friendship.

"I do too," she said. "I just needed time to hurt, before I could start healing."

He softened his tone and said, " I really am sorry that you were hurt. It was never my intention to hurt you. Blaine is just so..."

"Damn irresistible? I know," she smiled sadly. "But I know that it wasnt intentional. Youre not that heartless."

"That means a lot coming from you," Kurt said, thinking of the Rachel Berry he knew in high school. She was so self-absorbed back then, she didnt care who shed push aside to achieve her dreams. "Were growing up, arent we?"

"Well, having my dream Broadway role pulled out from under my feet, getting pregnant, and dumped by the man that got me pregnant sort of forced me to grow up, you know?" She hugged herself.

"You didnt turn out half bad though... Im glad we can still be friends. You were the best thing that happened to me at McKinley," Kurt wrapped his arm around Rachel, pulling her into a hug.

"Thanks, Kurt. You were one of the best things for me too," she smiled. "We turned out to be a great trio with Finn in the end."

"Yeah, we did," he agreed.

"Can you imagine how different things would be if... If he was still around?" she blinked furiously. "Maybe you would have met Blaine on your own and the four of us could have been quite the team."

"Can you imagine how short Blaine would have been next to Finn?" Kurt smiled, thinking of his tall brother.

Rachel choked out a laugh against the tears in her eyes. "Yeah, Finn was pretty tall."

"And Blaine is really short," Kurt replied. His smile faded when he saw tears form in her eyes. "Whats wrong?"

She took a shaky breath and said, "Its just not fair, you know? Finn and I came so close to getting married and then he slipped through my fingers forever. And then I fall in love with Blaine, and we get pregnant, and I lose him too. Not completely but..." She bowed her head, scrunching her face against her tears. She let out a sob. "And I lost Fanny... When will things work out for me, Kurt? When will I stop feeling so empty and heart broken every time something starts going my way?"

Embracing her entirely, Kurt rubbed her back and softly said, "shh, I know, honey. I know." He felt so guilty for tearing Blaine away from her, but there was nothing he could do. Things never would have truly worked with Blaine and Rachel anyway.

"Im just so tired of hurting," Rachel cried, clinging to his shirt. "And I feel so terrible for pushing you away, when I so desperately need a friend"

"Shh, its okay, Im here... Im always here." Kurt cooed. He heard the front door shut quietly, and peered over Rachels shoulder to see Blaine staring with wide eyes.

"Whats wrong?" Blaine asked, setting the box in his hands on the ground.

"Oh," Rachel pulled away from Kurt. She wiped her eyes and clutched her belly. "Nothing, Im just over-emotional with so many changes."

"Oh," Blaine nodded. "Um, speaking of change.. can I ask you something?" Blaine shifted uncomfortably. "I was going to ask you first, Kurt, but now that youre both here, it seems like a good time."

"Yeah," Rachel sniffed.

"Would you mind if Kurt moved in with us? I mean, hes my boyfriend, he cant stay with Sam forever, and it couldnt hurt to have someone else help with rent," he smiled weakly. "I know its a lot to ask of you, but i cant let him sleep on a couch forever."

"Yeah, Im okay with that," Rachel slowly nodded, after a moment of thinking it through.

"Are you sure?" Kurt asked nervously. After all, she had only just accepted him into her life again. "Are you ready for more change? I dont want to be a burden to you."

"Itll be the best way to get to know you again," she reached over and squeezed his hand. "Im sure it will be fine. Well just have to get used to it. Dont worry about it."

"Im pretty sure Sam and Mercedes wouldnt object either," Kurt joked. "Im in."

Kurt didnt have much. Mostly, his possessions consisted of a portion of his wardrobe and a few items from his home in Lima. It didnt take him more than one trip to move everything to the loft.

Kurt, Mercedes, Sam and Blaine had spent an evening moving some of Rachels items. Rachel helped pack some stuff into boxes, but Blaine refused to let her carry anything.

"Damn, I can see why you guys ditched us for this place. This loft is tight," Mercedes inspected the box-filled apartment.

"Well miss you though," Kurt frowned at her. "Well need to make plans soon."

"We will, dont worry," Mercedes kissed his cheek. "Well see you guys later." She gave Rachel a hug and waved at Blaine.

When Sam and Mercedes left, Kurt turned to his new roommates, and said, "I guess we have some unpacking to do."

Rachel stepped forward and Blaine held out a hand to stop her, "Kurt and I will handle everything. Just relax."

Kurt smiled weakly. Blaine had been extra careful with Rachel, now that he had a chance to make up for the stress he had caused her. Kurt found it sweet, but slightly annoying. Blaine did too much.

"Guys, come on, lets not worry about anything tonight. Lets just sit down and watch a movie," Rachel said. "Then all you have to do is hook up the DVD player."

Blaine and Kurt exchanged glances. Kurt knew Blaine was just as tired as he had been. A movie sounded like a wonderful idea. "What are we watching?" Kurt asked.

"A musical?" Rachel asked.

"Is there another option?" Kurt teased.

"Im pretty sure I only own musicals anyway," she moved to a box stacked with DVDs. Flipping through it, she tossed some aside, before she stood up with a case in her hand and said, "Moulin Rouge anyone?"

"Yes!" Kurt pumped a fist in the air.

"Okay," Blaine called from behind the television stand. "Ive never seen it anyway."

Kurt gave Rachel the best bitch face he could muster and said, "You were his girlfriend for three years and you never forced him to watch Moulin Rouge?"

She bit her lip nervously, uneasy about this turn of conversation, "It never came up."

"I see," Kurt nodded, reminding himself not to bring up Blaine and Rachels past. It wasnt going to do any of them a favor in their healing processes.

"Sorry," Blaine resurfaced from behind the television and grabbed Kurts hand, dragging him to the couch. Blaine sat down and curled up next to him. Kurt placed his arm around Blaine and held him close.

"Ready?" Rachel sat on the other side of Kurt. She glanced at Blaine, curled next to Kurt, and let out a shaky breath.

"Ready," Kurt reached over and took her hand, giving her a reassuring smile. He understood that it must be hard seeing Blaine with someone else, but she had agreed to this living arrangement, so she had to expect this.

In time, Rachel had rested her head on Kurts shoulder and drifted off to sleep.

"I like this song," Blaine whispered, halfway through Come What May.

"Me too," Kurt kissed the top of Blaines head. "When I was younger, I swore to myself that I would sing this with my spouse at my wedding."

"That would be beautiful," Blaine hummed. He turned his head to see Kurts face and said, "if we ever get married, I would be more than happy to sing this song with you."

His stomach flipped at the way Blaine said "if we ever get married." It was so natural, so casual. Like it wasnt hard to imagine. "Im holding you to that, Doctor Anderson," Kurt kissed his forehead.

"Its a beautiful thing to tell someone. You should always show your love to the people in your life," he said.

"Yeah," Kurt blushed. He felt a rush of happiness toward Blaine, knowing that he had to tell Blaine how much he finally felt happy and welcome since he had been in New York.

Blaine stretched his hand across Kurts torso and gently touched Rachels belly. He whispered softly to the baby, "I will love you until my dying day."

Kurt smiled, "she loves you too, you know?" He placed his hand on top of Blaines and said, "and I think I do too."

Blaine sat up quickly, his hazel eyes glowing. "Youre serious?" He said a little too loudly, causing Rachel to jump in her sleep.

Shushing Blaine, Kurt waited until she re positioned and then said, "Yes, Im serious."

"I love you too," Blaine placed his hand around the back of Kurts head and kissed him. He shifted on to his knees and deepened the kiss. "Im so happy were all together, like a family."

"Like a family?" Kurt asked, knowing he wasnt really a part of their little family.

"Youre close enough to family," Blaine placed his forehead against Kurts and said, "Thats good enough for me."

"Do you know I havent even been near this part of the city since I gave up Funny Girl," Rachel said, looping her arm through Kurts. Living together took time to get used to, but Rachel had agreed to spend some one-on-one time with Kurt to make the situation easier to deal with. If they fell back into step, she said she could cope easier.

"How do you just ignore an entire part of a city?" Kurt glanced at her.

Shivering, she hugged herself tightly and said, "I just havent had any desire to be here. Broadway used to be so hopeful for me, and now it just feels like a big hole in my chest."

"Do you regret getting pregnant? I mean, I know it was an accident, but do you ever have second thoughts, between Broadway and Blaine?" Kurt wrapped his arm around her, trying to shield her from the cold.

She huddled close and said, "Some days are harder than others. When my body starts aching or I feel so overwhelmed from this, I curse myself for getting so caught up in too much, for not knowing better." She placed her hand on her belly and smiled, "But then I feel her kick or I see the longing look in Blaines eyes every time he touches my stomach, and I know that were going to be okay." She rubbed her belly and said, "Were not a perfect family in any way, but I love her so much, and I know that Blaine does too, and thats really all I can ask."

"Im really happy for you," Kurt smiled at her. "Youve come a long way from Lima, and I know Finn would have been proud of you."

"Thanks, Kurt," she smiled sadly. Then she stopped abruptly and gave a quiet, "oh."

"Whats wrong?" Kurt glanced down at her stomach, hoping something wasnt wrong with the baby.

"Look," she pointed. A few buildings down was the theater for Funny Girl. An image of a thin, brown-haired girl sat on the billboard. She resembled Rachel in so many ways: Her long hair, and her bright brown eyes.

But it wasnt Rachel.

"We should go," Kurt tugged on her arm. This was obviously going to be too much for her.

"No," she said quietly. Her eyes burning brightly. "No, I have to go in."

"Rachel, sweetie, dont do this to yourself," he warned her. "Youve put Funny Girl behind you. Dont open a closed wound."

Placing a hand on his chest, she pushed him backward slightly and begged, "Kurt, please, I need this. I need to find peace with my choices."

He hesitated and Rachel gave him the saddest eyes she could. He couldnt really say no, so he nodded, "okay."

Dragging him by the hand, Rachel led him into the theater, where rehearsal was taking place. She slid her coat off and paused near the back and gasped.

The girl from the billboard stood on the stage singing Im The Greatest Star. She had a powerful voice, and she moved with ease, almost like she was made for the part. It was mesmerizing, and Kurt felt like he could stand there and watch through the whole rehearsal.

Kurt shook his head. Who was he kidding? Yeah, she was good but Rachel was born for this part.

"How did I ever get this role when shes so much better than me?" Rachel ogled from next to him. "I wasnt hard to replace at all."

"They lost something great," Kurt hugged her.

"Hey! No trespassing!" someone called from the front of the theater. "Security!"

They had been spotted.

"Wait!" The new Fanny called from her spot on the stage. Squinting across the theater, her eyes widened. The girl began moving down the steps from the stage, with a hand on her hip, and she called, "My, oh my, if it isnt little miss Rachel Berry. Id recognize the face I replaced anywhere."

"Um, thanks I guess," Rachel scuffed at her. It was hardly a compliment and Kurt gave her his best bitch-face.

"I was so hoping to meet you and thank you for giving me your part. When I got the call saying Rupert wanted to see me, I was thrilled. I knew it had to be a mistake when he originally told me he was going in a different direction. I mean, Ive been singing Dont Rain On My Parade since I was two."

"Rachel didnt give you the part," Kurt replied. He didnt like this girls attitude. "She didnt come here to hear you boast."

The girl strolled down the aisle until she was only a few rows away. "Why are you here? Did you come to see what you gave up, Rachel Berry? Did you come to admit that I deserved this role over you?" She said with a prideful tone to her voice.

"Watch it, lady," Kurt growled beside Rachel. There was no reason to be this rude. Rachel wasnt a threat to her anymore.

"The name is Penelope Marsh, and I dont believe I asked your foul opinion, skinny hips," she lifted her chin proudly in the air.

"Leave Kurt alone," Rachel snapped, stepping forward. "Hes my friend."

"Like I care," Penelope hissed, examining her fingernails lazily. "He probably sings like a girl and has a less chance on a Broadway stage than you."

"Just remember who got hired as Fanny first, honey. You were only picked as a last minute resort," Rachel growled, and Kurt felt proud of her for standing up for herself.

But then he panicked, because Penelopes eyes flickered dangerously, as she stormed toward her with a hand in the air. "How dare you walk into my rehearsal and say that, you bitch."

Kurt dodged forward and seized her wrist, inches from Rachels flinching face. "Dont you even think about slapping a pregnant woman," he said harshly.

Penelopes mouth dropped and her widened eyes found Rachels protruding abdomen. Something she had over-looked. "Wait, hold on," she laughed. "The Broadway gossip just said you got fired. I figured you just sucked or something. I had no idea I replaced you because youre a whore."

Rachels face was full of unsettled surprise, but Kurt felt his body pump with a rage toward this girl. He stepped in front of Rachel defensively, still holding on to Penelopes wrist. "Dont you ever talk to my friend like that again," he said in a low growl.

"Dont you bring that bitch into my work space again. Fanny is mine, and I dont need her fat ass getting in my way," she yanked her hand away from his grasp, cradling it in her other hand.

"Look, it doesnt matter. Rachel still would have had this part without the baby, so youre not better than her. Fanny isnt a competition. You lucked into this job," he snapped. He could feel Rachels shaking hand touch the back of his arm but he didnt budge.

"Oh please. It is a competition. I cant wait for this news to hit the fan, the public already loves me, babe. But youre Broadway reputation will be ruined. Quitting the show because she got knocked up. No one will want you after this, Penelope laughed. "More leading roles for me, I guess." She turned on her heel to head back to the stage.

Kurt grabbed her arm and stopped her. "You wouldnt dare tell anyone."

Penelope smiled nastily, "Why not? Shes nothing to me." She then turned toward the stage and called, "Security, remove these idiots from my presence immediately. The tall one is harassing me."

"Excuse me?" Kurt said loudly, pulling his hand off her arm.

"Kurt," Rachels soft voice caused him to stop and look at her nervously . "Please, lets just go. I need to get out of here."

Two security guards came thundering down the aisle and Kurt grabbed Rachels hand, rushing her away from them. He slipped into the entrance hall, just as Penelope called, "I always win, Rachel Berry! Dont forget that!"

Shoving the main doors open, Kurt dragged Rachel out on to the street and nearly ran into a man standing near the doorway. The man winked at Rachel, and Kurt scowled at him, pulling her down the sidewalk.

When they reached a store front, Kurt led her inside to get out of the cold. "Are you okay?" he turned to face her, cupping her tear-stained face in his hands.

Leaning against the glass window behind her, Rachel panted heavily, Her face was pale and she shook her head furiously. "Im so stupid, Kurt. Im so stupid," she cried, burying her face in her hands.

"Youre not stupid," Kurt pulled her close to his chest. "Youre not stupid. Penelope Marsh is just a bitch."

She choked out a sob, "Ive never been that difficult to deal with, have I?"

"No, you would never try to hit someone," Kurt held her away from his body and stared intently into her eyes. "Dont you let her bring you down. You are ten times the woman she will ever be."

"Okay," she said quietly.

"I mean that, Rachel. You are an incredibly talented performer, and seeing you glow carrying that baby, youve never looked more beautiful. Penelope has nothing on you.," he tucked her hair behind her ear.

Reaching up to touch his hand, she whispered, "This is why you will always be my best friend. I couldnt have done this without you."

Blaine trudged in from the cold, his cheeks bright red. He took his coat off and shivered, "Holy crap."

"Do you need me to keep you warm?" Kurt smiled.

"Yeah," Blaine said quietly, the corners of his mouth twitching. He hung his coat up and kicked his shoes off. Curling on the couch next to Kurt, Blaine placed his icy hands on his cheeks.

Kurt jumped, "You do need to be warmed." He grabbed Blaines other hand and kissed it.

"Its a blizzard out there," Blaine simply replied. He leaned his head on Kurts shoulder. "How was your day?" He asked.

"Well, Rachel and I nearly got in a fight with the lead role from Funny Girl, Penelope Marsh," Kurt shook his head.

"Is she okay? Where is she?" Blaine bolted up in his seat.

"Shes fine. Shes in bed right now. She said she just needed time to herself and went to take a nap," Kurt nodded toward her partition curtains. "I think shes just shaken up by the whole thing."

"Whyd you go there?" Blaine asked.

Kurt shrugged, "she said it was something she had to do. I dont know." He squeezed Blaines hand, "how was your day?"

Blaine sighed heavily, "I was distracted all day. I went to see Savannah but her mom met me outside the pediatric ward and said today wasnt a good day for visitors."

"What did you do?" Kurt asked.

"What could I do? I left. I told her to let Savannah know Id be back next week. So I went to the lobby and tinkered on the piano for a while," he placed his head back on Kurts shoulder. "Im just bummed. Now I know how that girl feels when I stand her up. I missed not spending the morning with her."

"Im sorry, sweetie," Kurt kissed the top of his head. "Youll see her soon enough."

"I know," Blaine looked up and smiled at him. "Its nothing like going a week without you. I missed you today too, and I saw you this morning."

"Blaine, please," Kurt blushed.

"What? You didnt miss me?" Blaine batted his long eyelashes at him, and Kurt felt his heart skip a beat.

"Of course I did," Kurt lifted Blaines chin with his finger and dipped his head to meet his lips. "I always miss you."

"Same here," Blaine clambered to his knees and kissed him more forcefully this time, wrapping his arms around Kurts shoulders, humming softly.

"Blaine," Kurt whispered.

Climbing on Kurts lap, Blaine straddled his hips and ran his hands through his hair. "I could spend every minute with you." He moved his lips across Kurts cheek.

A rustling from the kitchen, caused Kurt to pause, pushing Blaine away from him. "Rachel?" He asked.

"Sorry, dont mind me," she appeared in his line of vision. "I was just hungry. Eating for two, you know?"

"Are you okay?" Blaine cleared his throat. "Kurt, told me about what happened earlier."

She shoved the spoon in her hand into the ice cream container she held and clutched her belly. "Were fine. Kurt was a real knight in shining armor today."

"Are you okay emotionally though?" Blaine toppled off Kurts lap and got to his feet. He stepped toward her.

Rachel backed up, fear in her eyes. "Im fine," she said quickly. "I just, um... I just have a lot of adjusting to do. Funny Girl, the baby, you two... Ill be fine." She turned on her heel and went back to her room.

Kurt and Blaine exchanged nervous glanced. Kurt could hear her sniffing from behind her curtain and he said quietly, "you know, we should probably be more careful around her."

"Yeah," Blaine nodded.

"Wanna go for a walk?" Kurt asked, hoping to give Rachel some space.

Blaine smiled, "as long as you promise not to push me in the snow again."

"I cant make that kind of promise," Kurt replied.