Of course, most of the parts were quite clearly designed to make Jesse shine even more. Jesse was basically playing himself, with a few enhancements – a talented young performer from Ohio who helped his school's glee club win Nationals and impressed so many people along the way, he went straight on to Broadway from there. Kurt was playing the of-course-not-quite-as-talented gay kid who had a secret crush on Jesse all along. It was a bit boring and a bit more clich�d than he would have liked – but his songs were actually quite beautiful and he just loved the atmosphere of the theater itself, the feeling of getting to do all of this on a real stage, even if it was just a shabby, run-down old theater miles off Broadway. It was still the first taste of what it could maybe, hopefully be like one day.

On top of that, he now had a boyfriend, and he was getting to work with him in the musical, and that meant he got to spend their little breaks backstage with said boyfriend, kissing and holding hands and feeling happy because he had never really known what that was like before. Finally, he was no longer imagining, but experiencing, and even though he barely had the time to stop and think about it, he never wanted it to end.

Things with Patrick were going great. They had been dating for almost three months now and saw each other regularly, and for the first time since he had started dating, Kurt did not feel the urge to be the one to break it off, did not feel like something was missing. For the first time, he believed that it might actually all work out.

Patrick told him he was beautiful, texted him I miss you when they didn't see each other all day, loved to hear him sing, believed in him. And Kurt did all those things for him too, felt all those things in return, wanted all of this for the first time in his life. He had never felt this comfortable with any of the guys he had been dating before. Not that there had been that many of them, but there had been enough to make him wonder if it was ever going to happen.

The only other person in his life he had ever felt this close to was Blaine, and Blaine was a friend, so that was different. Having a boyfriend was nice. Definitely something he could get used to, Kurt thought.

Rehearsal ran ridiculously late once again on Friday night, and both he and Patrick were too tired to go out to their favorite little cafe after that. So, instead, they decided on movie night at Patrick's place, which was closer to the theater.

Kurt liked Patrick's apartment. He shared it with just one other guy who worked night shifts as a security guard at some museum, so there was always plenty of time and space for making out – and other things – after late rehearsals, without the fear of being interrupted by roommates, as would happen quite regularly at Kurt's place.

But now after a particularly late night, both of them tired and with mild Jesse-induced headaches, curling up in front of the TV and slowly falling asleep like that with their arms around each other and their legs tangled on the narrow couch was really all they could handle.

Kurt woke up early the next morning – he had his brunch date with Blaine, because, yes, they still did that. Blaine had made time for him most Saturdays when he'd had a boyfriend, and Kurt would never dream of canceling on him just because Patrick was all warm and cuddly next to him and looking incredibly cute while he was sleeping. He carefully disentangled himself from his boyfriend, pressing a kiss to his temple before heading to the bathroom for a quick shower. His shoulders were a bit tense and he wished they'd had the sense to actually move to the bed last night instead of falling asleep on the couch. Beds were nice. Better than living room furniture. Definitely less likely to make you feel like you'd pulled something in your neck.

He went through his morning routine quickly – he brought an overnight bag to rehearsals most Fridays now, because somehow, he always seemed to end up in Patrick's apartment afterward.

Patrick was still sleeping peacefully by the time he was ready to go, and since Kurt knew he'd been getting up crazy early all week, he simply drew a heart on a post-it and stuck it to his forehead, kissing his cheek one more time before he left.

**

“So, are you ready for opening night?” Blaine asked, smiling at him over his ridiculously large plate of pancakes.

“It's still two weeks away.” Kurt sighed, leaning back in his chair. “But I guess so, yes. Just...”

“Nervous?”

“A bit. It's just... it's a really big thing for me, and yes, I do worry sometimes that I'll forget my lines or lose my voice halfway through a song, or... you know.”

“You won't.” Blaine reached across the table, squeezing his hand briefly before turning his attention back to his food. “And I'll be there, in the audience, the whole time. Your own personal good luck charm.” He looked up again, grinning brightly, and Kurt laughed.

“Thank you. That does make me feel better.” He sipped his coffee, preparing himself for the question he'd been wanting to ask Blaine all morning. “So,” he started, “have you been seeing anyone lately?”

They still talked all the time, hung out whenever Kurt had the time between school and the musical and his boyfriend, but this was one particular topic that Blaine had been avoiding ever since he and Luke had broken up.

Blaine cleared his throat before stuffing his mouth so full of pancake he couldn't answer for a while. Nice try, Kurt thought, waiting with one eyebrow raised for Blaine to answer him.

“No,” Blaine finally managed. “Haven't had the time.”

“The time or the interest?”

“It's... I just... There just isn't anyone at the moment.”

“Blaine.” Kurt had been worrying about him, for quite some time now. He'd taken the breakup with Luke awfully hard and Kurt didn't want him to shut himself off like that. Blaine deserved better. He deserved to be happy again. “You need to get out more.”

“I get out plenty.” It sounded almost defensive, and Kurt was sorry immediately. He probably could have phrased that a little nicer. “I didn't mean with friends. I mean on dates.”

Blaine sighed, staring down into his coffee mug. “It's just hard, you know. I tend to screw these things up.”

Kurt leaned forward, taking Blaine's hands in his, forcing him to meet his eyes. “That's not true and you know it. First of all, you've only done this once. And even if it didn't work out that one time, that doesn't mean it never will. Also, you're wonderful. Anyone would be happy to have you. If you don't find someone yourself, I'll find someone for you. Okay, no, I won't, because that's creepy. But you know what I mean. I don't want you to be lonely. I can't believe you don't get asked out all the time. If you weren't my best friend and I didn't already have a boyfriend, I'd ask you out myself.”

“Oh, I do get asked out,” Blaine said. “It's just... the only ones I even considered going out with are usually guys from the dorm and usually that means they're also Luke's friends. It would just be... weird, you know.”

“Yes, I understand.” Kurt nodded. “Just... I'm sorry for bringing this up at all. It's none of my business really, and if you don't want to talk about it, just tell me to shut up...”

“No.” Blaine sighed. “It's okay. And you're right, I should get out more. It's just that after Luke, I decided that maybe I should figure out what I really want for myself first. Does that make sense?”

“Absolutely. Yes. I know what you mean.” He'd been through something similar himself after Ted, after all. “And I didn't mean you should start a long-term relationship with the first cute guy you meet at a dorm party. I just... I care about you and I know you've been unhappy and I know I can't always be there like I want to. I just... I want you to... be happy.” Realizing he hadn't let go of Blaine's hands throughout the entire conversation, he squeezed them now, trying to convey some of the feeling behind his words.

“I know.” Blaine looked at him, warmth in his eyes. “Thank you.”

**

The next two weeks went by in a blur. Rehearsals were more frequent and running even later than before, and Kurt still had his classes and assignments. Most nights, he ended up over at Patrick's place, needing the distance from both Jesse and Rachel, where he simply passed out around midnight (though rarely ever without at least a text message to Blaine; they didn't have a lot of time to see each other with opening night approaching and Kurt just plain missed him. A lot.)

The upside of all the stress was that he had less time to be nervous. The only times he wasn't up to his ears in work were the times he was sleeping, so the thought that he might trip over his own feet in the middle of a crucial scene or sing in the wrong key rarely ever even crossed his mind.

Not until he was finally standing outside the theater the afternoon before opening night – and freaking out completely.

They were done with rehearsals. They had sold tickets. To actual people who would be here tonight to watch them put on a musical, actual people who would expect them all to be actually good on that stage, and oh god, what if he just went home now and pretended later that he'd fallen asleep at his desk, or better yet, got stuck in the elevator... no, that wouldn't work, they didn't have an elevator. Well, he would have to come up with something to explain his absence, because there was no way in hell he'd make it onto that stage, his knees felt like rubber and, shit, he had to sit down on the curb for a moment because suddenly he felt very light-headed. Or maybe that was just because he couldn't breathe properly.

“I figured you would be freaking out right about now,” a familiar voice said behind him, and he closed his eyes and exhaled, a weird sense of relief and all right and thank god running through his ice-cold blood.

“Blaine.”

He didn't open his eyes, just kept his head between his knees as he felt his friend sit down beside him, felt a warm hand rub the tense spot between his shoulder blades.

“Are you all right? How are you feeling?”

Kurt gave a little shrill laugh, shaking his head just once. “Unprepared. Kind of tingly. Scared?”

Blaine was quiet for a while, just stroking his back, before slipping his arms around him and hugging him to his side. “Don't be,” he said finally. “I mean, it's okay to feel that. Just... you'll be great. I know you'll be great.”

Kurt nodded, opening his eyes at last, letting out another shaky breath. “I should get in there now.”

“Right.” Blaine jumped up, slipping his arms under Kurt's from behind and heaving him off the curbstone. He just kept hugging him like that for a moment, as if to make sure Kurt could stand on his own two feet, before turning him around, grinning. “Go in there. Be a star. I believe in you.”

Kurt nodded, feeling the corners of his mouth curl upwards in a tentative smile. “What are you doing here already? You're early. Like, very early.”

Blaine shrugged. “I'm your fan, obviously. Get used to it. One day, you'll have people lining up in front of the doors in the middle of the night, just so they can get a look at you when you enter the building.”

“Oh god.” Kurt closed his eyes again, fighting another wave of nausea. “People. There will be people here tonight. Thanks for reminding me.”

“Kurt.” Blaine put both hands on his shoulders, giving him a firm look. “You. Will. Be. Amazing. But,” he added, “if it helps, let's come up with some sort of signal. If you really don't want any people here tonight, just give me some sort of sign before the curtain goes up and I'll yell 'fire.' Should get everyone out in a few minutes. You'll still have to perform for me, though. I'm not going home without hearing you sing tonight.”

Kurt laughed, slumping forward into Blaine's arms and allowing himself to just be held for a few seconds. “You would actually do that for me, wouldn't you?”

“Sure, if you needed me to.”

“I don't think I will.” Kurt pulled back, smiling at Blaine. “But thanks for the offer. And keep your cell phone on vibrate so I can text you if I change my mind.”

Blaine walked with him to the door, where he gave him another long hug for good luck. “Break a leg. I'm so proud of you.” Kurt nodded. He didn't necessarily feel more confident now, but at least he was a little calmer. Calm enough to actually make his feet carry him all the way inside the tiny theater.

**

“There are actually quite a lot of people out there.” Patrick kept bringing up a hand to his head as if to run it through his hair, always remembering at the last moment that this would be a horrible idea right now as he had to be on stage in a very little while and his hair was already all done.

Kurt looked at him incredulously. “Don't tell me you're nervous.”

Patrick laughed shortly, a little too high. “Of course I'm nervous.”

“But you've done this several times.”

“There's a... I did tell you about my father's friend who has this small theater company, right?”

Kurt went over to adjust Patrick's jacket. He kept pulling at his sleeves, stretching the fabric too tight over his shoulders. “You did.”

“I think he's out there. Tonight. I've been trying forever to get them to take me on. Maybe if I'm really good out there, this could be my chance. If I screw up tonight...”

“Patrick.” Kurt took his face between his hands, pressed a small kiss to his lips to shut him up. “You won't screw this up. You're amazing. I know amazing when I see it.”

Patrick hugged him tight and Kurt felt less like throwing up. Calming someone else did wonders for his own nerves, apparently. “You would know,” Patrick said quietly into his shoulder. “You see amazing every time you walk past a mirror.” Kurt felt himself blush, not yet completely used to those kinds of compliments even though Patrick always was more than generous with them.

It was incredible how slowly time suddenly seemed to be going after the hectic pace of the past two weeks. It just went slower and slower until it seemed to stop completely and the hands on the clock just weren't moving at all anymore, and Kurt started to panic again, because there were so many possible mistakes he could make tonight. He didn't remember feeling like this before his glee club performances back in high school. But then, he'd never really had a solo then. And college... he never felt anything like this with any of his school projects, jumping at every chance to get a solo. But this... this was a whole different kind of story and even though it was just a small musical, not the material to jump-start his career, probably not even anything that would get a lot of reviews... it was incredibly important to him that this go well.

He knew that after this night he would define himself and his (possible) future career on how well he did out on that stage in just a matter of … well, still quite a large number of minutes. Maybe that was a stupid notion, but this was his first real test, his first step out into that part of the real world that he wanted to be his life in the future, and he wanted to be good at it. This was his chance to prove – maybe to himself more than anyone – that he'd been right about his talent all along. If he'd been wrong, he'd have to hide under a rock for the next decade or so, but right now, he just really, really hoped he'd been right. He had been dreaming for so long, projecting a confidence he didn't always feel, but ever since he had come to this city, he had started to believe. Every belief had to be tested at one point or another though, he supposed. Well. This was one of those points for him.

The waiting took forever. Long, agonizing minutes of forever, and when Jesse finally called them all together for a few last words of (actually incredibly helpful for once) encouragement, he almost felt like he was leaving his body, completely disconnecting from the reality around him. He wasn't prepared. He also had no choice. It felt a bit like falling, or flying, or maybe he'd just actually left his skin and was observing all of this from a distance.

Someone bumped into his shoulder on the way past him and reality came rushing back at him, the voices around him, the smell of dust and wood and make-up, and he shook his head, feeling oddly calm all of a sudden. He'd been waiting for this moment for a long time. And it was here.

He was in the first scene, just in the background, just one line, but it was his first line in his first real musical, and he didn't screw it up. It felt like waking up a little, and he was feeling almost exhilarated by the time he left the stage to wait for his reappearance in scene IV. At the end of which, he'd have to sing. For the first time since he had arrived that day, he actually felt like he could do it.

Patrick passed by him as he was waiting to go back out, squeezing his hand briefly and offering an encouraging smile. He wasn't going to be on stage with him for scene IV, which made him feel relieved and a little sad at the same time.

Being back on the stage, he forced himself to just ignore the audience, just slip into his character like he had done in all those rehearsals. He had a few lines throughout the scene and he didn't mess up a single one. In fact, everything went smoothly and even though his stomach was still in knots and his palms sweating a little, he felt himself gain confidence by the minute. And somehow, even the nervousness felt good, like a friend he hadn't known had been missing from his life.

So, when his time came, he stepped into the light, head held high, focusing on his breath, his heart beating too fast, but he was in the moment and he knew he was up to it. He had his boyfriend who believed in him backstage, he had his best friend who would believe in him no matter how hard he failed in the audience, and with that thought he opened his mouth and started to sing.

**

He had changed back into his real clothes and was just buttoning up his shirt when he saw something out of the corner of his eye hurtling towards him, and seconds later he found himself nearly toppling over with an armful of best friend clinging to him so tight he had a little trouble breathing.

“Hi, Blaine,” he managed to choke out, still trying not to lose his balance.

Blaine swayed them from side to side slowly, arms in a vice grip around Kurt's back, face pressed into his shoulder. “You. Were. So. Amazing,” he mumbled into his shirt, before letting go and smiling at him instead. “So amazing, Kurt. Seriously.”

Kurt couldn't help grinning like an idiot as he felt tears of gratitude well up behind his eyes. “Thank you. I... It means a lot to me to hear that.” He knew he hadn't done too badly, considering that it was his first part and all that, but Blaine looked so sincere, so proud... proud of him... Kurt thought he'd never even realized just how much he'd been craving that kind of recognition. The kind he'd never had in glee club.

“I mean it.” Blaine took his hands, swinging them between their bodies. “I'm going to see it again and I'm bringing all of my friends.”

Kurt laughed, blushing a little. “You know, I wouldn't even have made it through the stage door earlier if it hadn't been for you. Thanks for saving me from my emotional breakdown.”

“Always.” Blaine let go of him at last, allowing him to finally close those last few buttons on his shirt. “I'll always be there for you.”

“I know.” Kurt smiled at him, feeling that familiar warmth that was only for Blaine settle in his chest. “You know I'll do the same for you.”

“I know.” Blaine bounced a little on his feet, looking around the room. “So. Do I get to meet the elusive boyfriend tonight?”

Despite the fact that Kurt and Patrick had been dating for months, he and Blaine had never actually met. Heard a lot about each other – yes. But never been in the same room together. At first, something had always interfered with their plans, and then Kurt hadn't really felt comfortable hanging out with just Blaine and Patrick. Blaine was his best friend and he knew he was Blaine's, but they didn't share any friends otherwise – well, maybe with the exception of Rachel, who had, after all, introduced them. But there just hadn't been any kind of opportunity to meet in a group of people and Kurt hadn't wanted to flaunt his relationship in front of Blaine who was, apparently, still not quite over his breakup with Luke. Tonight, though, he'd finally get the chance to introduce the two most important people in his life.

“He's already outside,” Kurt answered. “There's some guy here who runs a theater group he's been trying to join for months and I think he went looking for him. We're meeting at the after-party. You're still going, right?” he added.

Blaine rolled his eyes. “Of course I'm still going. I want to celebrate this with you.”

“Thank you. I'm so glad you're here, Blaine.” He meant it. Somehow, having so many people here who cared about him, so many people he cared about, made this whole night even more meaningful and better.

“Well, I'm glad I'm here too.” Blaine's smile was so bright, it was almost blinding.

“Some of my college friends are here too,” Kurt said. “I don't think you've actually met all of them. Let's go and I'll introduce you. Oh, have you ever met Simon? Good-looking, funny... He's single. I could –”

“Uh, no. Thank you.” Blaine shook his head firmly, walking over to sit on one of the stools along the wall. “I'm not here for that tonight.”

“No, of course not, sorry, sorry.” Kurt mentally kicked himself. He just couldn't let it go, could he? It would just... be so much easier if Blaine had someone too. He always felt bad even mentioning Patrick for fear of making Blaine feel lonely. Not that Blaine had ever given him any indication that he minded. It was just... it would make things so much simpler if they were both happy. “I didn't mean to suggest anything.”

“No, Kurt, it's all right. I know that.” Blaine gave him a look that clearly said relax and leaned back against the wall behind him.

“Blaine?” Kurt chewed his bottom lip, taking a tentative step closer to his friend. “Seriously, if I get like this, you have to tell me to shut up. Just tell me to leave it and I will. I don't want to be that kind of a friend.”

“What kind?”

“The Rachel kind.” Kurt laughed nervously. “I know I have been telling you to get out more again and everything, but... It's just that I can't stand it if you're unhappy and maybe living with Rachel has rubbed off on me a little and now I’m this person who has to meddle in everyone's business...”

“Kurt, no.” Blaine stood up quickly, shaking his head. “Seriously, it's fine.” He laughed. “You have to admit, though, that Rachel's meddling does lead to incredibly good things, sometimes.”

Kurt just raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a quizzical look.

Blaine sighed, a slow smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “If it weren't for her, we'd probably never have met. That was rather nice of her, don't you think?”

“You're right,” Kurt agreed, smiling back and putting a gentle hand on Blaine's shoulder. “I have to remember to thank her for that sometime.”

“She's here tonight, isn't she? I saw her a few rows behind me. I wanted to say hello, but I had to come find you first.”

Kurt smiled. “Of course she's here, yes.”

“I still can't believe she turned down a part in Jesse's musical.”

“Well, they had artistic differences.”

“She didn't get enough solos?”

Kurt laughed. “You know her well.” He gathered his things, walking out beside Blaine into the cool night air.

There was a lot of hugging – really all of his college friends had come tonight and Kurt couldn't remember ever feeling happier in his life. Ted hugged him for a good five minutes, Cameron, his new boyfriend, standing with his arms crossed in the background and giving Kurt a tight smile when he finally turned to greet him.

“You were so great,” Ted told him over and over, grinning brightly. “Cameron thought so too, by the way. He just gets jealous,” he whispered to him when his boyfriend wasn't looking.

“I'm really glad you came,” Kurt said. “It helped with the nerves, knowing I had friends out there.”

“Wouldn't have missed it for the world.” Ted gave him an affectionate slap on the back before returning to his pouting boyfriend.

Since they were operating on a really tight budget and didn't have the money for anything fancy, the after-party was hosted by Kathy, who was playing Jesse's love interest in the musical and happened to have the keys to her gone-for-the-weekend parents' rather spacious ground-floor apartment not too far from the theater. Ground floor also meant that everyone who wouldn't fit inside could simply spill out onto the street and still not miss the party. They'd all brought drinks and their friends, and Kurt was actually, really looking forward to it. He didn't like parties much most of the time, but tonight, he felt like celebrating.

Patrick finally caught up with them just as they were about to set off to Kathy's parents' apartment, surprising Kurt by catching his arm and spinning him against his chest, kissing him with a bright smile on his face.

“Hi,” Kurt said as they broke off. “I've been looking for you.”

“Sorry,” Patrick said, a little breathless. “But my father's friend is here. We talked.”

“And?” Kurt took his hands, feeling the excitement buzzing off his boyfriend. “What did he say?”

“He's showing up at the party later. I gave him the address. He said he'd like to talk to me further.”

“Patrick, that's great.” Kurt hugged him enthusiastically. “I told you he'd like you. I knew it. This is good, right? Showing up at the party to talk to you is good.”

“Oh god, I hope so.” Patrick groaned. “Maybe he just wants to catch up, ask about my family and stuff. Who knows.”

“He wouldn't come to the party for that,” Kurt assured him. “He could do that any time. Besides, you were really good tonight.”

“You were really good tonight,” Patrick answered, kissing him again. “Okay now. Let's go.”

“Oh. Wait.” Kurt caught Patrick's hand to stop him, looking around. He spotted Blaine near the door, talking and laughing with Rachel who was apparently telling him something incredibly funny judging from all her bouncing around and wild hand gestures. Blaine was laughing, clutching his sides.

“Come on.” Kurt tugged at Patrick's hand, dragging him over to his friends. “Blaine,” he called out.

Rachel and Blaine looked up, and Rachel immediately jumped over to him, throwing her arms around him. “Kurt,” she squealed. “You did great. I knew you had it in you.” She let go again, spinning around. “Hi, Patrick.”

“Hi, Rachel,” Patrick answered, rather carefully. He had spent some time at Kurt's place too, but Rachel still scared him a little, as he had admitted to Kurt frequently.

“Patrick,” Kurt said, waving Blaine over. “This is my best friend, Blaine. Blaine, this is my boyfriend, Patrick.” He watched as the two shook hands, smiling at each other politely, and only the relief he felt made him realize how nervous he'd actually been about this meeting. He wanted them to get along. Needed them to, actually. He knew Patrick had felt threatened by Blaine at first, even if he'd never actually met him. But now, there was actual warmth in his voice as he spoke to Blaine.

“Kurt told me how you saved him from freaking out earlier. Thanks for that.”

Blaine shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “That's what friends are for. I liked the show, by the way. You were great.”

“Thank you,” Patrick answered. “Yeah, Jesse wrote us some great songs.”

“Oh yes, where is he anyway?” Blaine asked. “I wanted to congratulate him too.”

Rachel frowned. “At the party, probably.”

Patrick laughed. “Well, last time I saw him he was chasing some people down the street with a pen, convincing them that they wanted his autograph.”

“We should probably find him, then,” Kurt suggested, speaking mostly to Rachel. “Get him to the party and distract him. You know how he gets after a performance.”

“Right. Let's go.” Rachel took Patrick's arm, leading him away. “Listen,” she said, “I know we don't know each other that well, but Kurt has probably told you all about me. Your voice is great, but I noticed that it still tends to get a little breathy in your higher range and I know these exercises, I've helped my boyfriend with the same problem a few years back...”

Kurt shook his head, smiling, before offering his arm to Blaine, who took it with a smile. Side by side, they set off behind Rachel and Patrick.

“I think Rachel just kidnapped your boyfriend,” Blaine said. “Aren't you worried he'll run off in fear, or, I don't know, at least be scarred for life?”

Kurt laughed. “Oh no, I think he can take it. Besides, he has to get used to Rachel at some point.”

They walked in silence after that, their shoulders bumping occasionally. And, Kurt decided, this was definitely one of the best nights he'd had in a long, long time.