Kurt had only been home a little over an hour before he got a phone call, he was expecting it to be one of his friends, but was surprised when Mr Shue's name flashed across the screen.

He hesitated for a second. He knew Mr Shue had roped Finn into helping with Glee club. He loved the New Directions and all but it just seemed too much like a step backwards. Just because he didn't get into NYADA this time didn't mean that he wouldn't next. It was all about persevering here and working towards his destiny at New York, including saving up money with his job in The lima bean...as well as buying more fabulous outfits.
With a small breath he answered the call,
"Hello?"

"Hey Kurt, Its Mr Shue, I was wondering if you wanted to come and see the new directions perform and regionals tomorrow. I have spare tickets?"

Kurt thought for a moment, it would be nice of him to go, for moral support at least. And it was nice of Mr Shue to invite him.

"I Dunno Mr shue I have work in the morning" Kurt replied.

"It's not until the evening, please Kurt? I've already asked Rachel, Mercedes, Finn and Quinn and they all agreed on going"

Oh well that changes things, Kurt thought excitedly.

"Well, I guess so, if they are going, I'll see you there then?"

"Yes! Thanks Kurt you won't be disappointed!"

Kurt smiled softly as he hung up. He couldn't wait to see all his friends again, and it would be nice to see the new members, apart from that Kitty girl who had complained that her iced drink was too cold the last time he'd seen her.

After helping carol cook dinner, Kurt was feeling pretty tired, he barely managed to eat the rather tasty homemade lasagne that carol and him worked hard on, before he was half asleep at the table.
Kurt dragged himself upstairs after a few teasing comments about his tiredness from his Dad, quickly changing into some comfy sweats and crashing face first on his bed, sighing gratefully into his pillow. He pulled his duvet over him and closed his eyes. Smiling at today's turn of advents. He thought about how tomorrow would go, looking forward to hearing how everyone was doing. He was a little upset about being stuck in Lima while all his friends were out discovering and making their dreams come true. But he'd accepted that it just wasn't quiet his time yet, next year people better watch out because Kurt Hummel was on his way to New York.

As he drifted into sleep a brown eyed, curly haired boy slipped into his dreams he hoped he would show up tomorrow.

..................................................................................................................

However Kurt's good mood didn't last long. After waking up late the following morning and having to rush round the house in his haste to get out the door and to work on time. Needless to say his mood was worsened when Blaine failed yet again to show up. He had once again stood watching the clock miserably, and by ten O'clock Kurt lent against the till with a defeated sigh. He guessed the boy didn't love the coffee here as much as he did. He lightened up a little when he saw all of his friend's happy smiling faces again. It had only been a few months, but he'd missed them all like crazy. After a long overdue catch up they followed in separate cars behind the glee clubs minivan. The drive was long but no one was in any hurry, including Kurt who enjoyed sitting between Quinn and Rachel as they caught up on how much their lives had changed in the short amount of time.

Eventually they arrived and as everyone gathered there belongings, another group that they were competing against arrived. Kurt watched them, happy to see nothing too threatening. As he was doing this another minibus pulled up opposite him, Kurt felt his heart start to beat frantically as the boys pilled off the bus, they were all wearing somewhat familiar Red and blue uniform. Realization Hit Kurt like a ton of bricks. They must be from Blaine's school. He bit his lip nervously, trying to look for one boy inparticular. But as the group slowly began to form a team circle, Kurt was left unable to see the faces of most of the boys.

After craning his neck a bit and Rachel yelling at him to hurry up, he let out a sigh and followed his old classmates inside. He was on edge for the most part of the night. He barely paid any attention to the opposing team who came on stage first; he couldn't even recall what song they sang. Although he did manage to settle down a bit to watch the new directions perform. They were good, but obviously not as fabulous without him humming and shaking his hips in the background. The Marley girl could really sing, and the boy she sang with (who he heard was Noah's half-brother or something) had a nice voice too, he had away about him that made him seem as cute and cuddly as a teddy bear, but also kinda badass at the same time. Bit like Noah after you got to know him (Kurt took great pride in the fact that Noah had accepted the paler boy would never call him Puck.)

Kurt clapped and cheered as the new directions finished their rendition of 'Hall of fame' and left the stage. Kurt suddenly feltbutterflies return to his stomach. Finally the part he'd been waiting for.

"And now presenting...the Dalton Academy Warblers!"

Kurt made a strange noise in the back of his throat when the lights went up and he saw a stage filled with a sea of red and blue blazers. And right there, in the middle of the front row, was a very familiar face, beaming at the audience with a charming grin. His hair loosely gelled, and his bright eyes gleaming with happiness. It was very obvious at that moment that the boy loved every minute of what he was doing.

Rachel raised an eye brow at the noise that escaped Kurt's mouth.

"Are you okay?"

"R-Rachel...that's him! The guy I told you about" Kurt gaped, staring wide eyed as the boy stepped forward and began to sing in a voice so dreamy that Kurt felt his head spin. Rachel stared at the boy closely, "They all look the same in those outfits, how can you tell?" She screwed up her nose.
Kurt shook his head.

"No...Its him, I'm sure" Kurt lent forward on his seat.

The boy was stepping side to side in time to the music with a charming smile and dreamy chocolate brown eyes that made Kurt feel a little weak at the knees, making him glad he was sat down. He watched in awe as the boy winked at the audience and he swore he saw his eyes land on him for a brief second, which caused Kurt's heart to beat a little quicker

When the performance had finished, Kurt clapped the loudest. Not sure how he was supposed to feel about tonight's turn of events but he knew he needed to see him... Kurt was halfway through the crowd before he even realised he had started walking, Rachel's cry of "Kurt!" Was muffled by the crowds raging applause as the Warblers left the stage.

He barely noticed a few people watching him curiously from the crowd as he walked down the steps and along the front row, managing to sneak backstage without drawing too much attention to himself. If he asked he could always say he was with the New Directions anyway.

However the moment he was back stage he was practically pounced on by a nervous Mr Shue.
"Kurt! How do you think we did? Think we were good enough?"The teacher panted.

Kurt was hardly listening though; instead he was craning his neck to see over the swarm of show choir students. Searching for the head of lush- dark curls he had come to know.

"Er, yeah. Yeah awesome...You were awesome," he mumbled, still trying to look past Mr Shue who was almost jumping up and down nervously in front of him. When had Mr Shue turned into a 3 year old?
"Really?" The man let out a breath and relaxed, "Good."

"Yep, great. Of course if I were there it would have been better but..." Kurt trailed off with a small wink before he was back to looking for the boy of his old teachers shoulder.

He scanned through the crowd with concentration. Therefore, when Kurt felt a soft pat on his shoulder he let out a yelp and jumped before turning around. Only to come face-to-face with the boy he had been so occupied looking for.

"Oh my God," He breathed out.

The boy's eyebrows shot up and he took a step back, "Er...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"No. No Don't...Hi," Kurt blushed furiously, "You were er...really great."

The boy's own cheeks coloured, "You really think so? Thanks."

Kurt nodded, looking at his feet as a slightly unsure silence fell over them both.

"Um...T-Thanks, for....on my cup in the shop. It really...thanks," The boy stuttered ducking his head and looking at his feet.

Kurt's face lit up and he grinned. "You're welcome...I'm Kurt" He said, blushing and holding out his pale hand.

The boy smiled softly and slid his hand gently into Kurt's, "I know."

"You do?" Kurt frowned a tiny bit, "How."

"Your name tag," the boy quickly said, "I'm not some creepy stalker I don't, I mean I don't...." He sighed, "I'm Blaine," he mumbled.

Kurt laughed lightly, chewing on his bottom lip as he realised his and Blaine's hands were still together and suspended awkwardly between them.
"Nice to officially meet you Blaine."

"You too," Blaine smiled.

Up close Kurt could see how utterly breath-taking the boy...Blaine was. Kurt had to remind himself not to stare at the beautiful man.
He reluctantly pulled his hand out from Blaine's.

"So..how come you didn't stop in for your coffee?" He asked casually. Although he desperately wanted to know the answer.

"Oh er....I was with friends and I was...busy, real busy with school and...rehearsing for this," Blaine blurted out, gesturing around.

Kurt could tell straight off that he was lying, but he just smiled and nodded, not wanting to push Blaine. They'd only just me after all.

"So will you be back in the store now?" Kurt asked, "I...I miss seeing you," he admitted.

"Oh..." Blaine racked his brain for another excuse. "N-Not for a few days... I have a lot of homework" He mentally cursed himself for such a lame excuse.

"Oh-Right," Kurt shrugged, trying not to sound too disappointed.

"I'll be back next week though," Blaine offered with a hopeful smile.

"Great, I can't wait," Kurt told him truthfully, although his expression was slightly forlorn.

"Hey..cheer up" Blaine said smiling.

Kurt chuckled, meeting Blaine's eyes. He chewed his bottom lip again, and ran a hand through his hair before blurting...

"Can I have your number?" He blushed.

"Oh," Blaine's cheeks flushed bright red and his eyes flickered from his shoes to Kurt's face, "S-sure."

Kurt couldn't keep the smile off his face as Blaine scribbled his number down on the corner of Kurt's entry ticket. Just then the overhead voice boomed loudly. "All contestants to the stage, it's time to find out the winner!" Blaine gave Kurt a nervousglance. Kurt smiled softly at him,

"You were really good, don't be scared."

Blaine laughed lightly, "Thank-you," He said, so seriously that Kurt felt he meant more than just the cheesy comforting words.

"Good luck," Kurt told him before Blaine was dragged on stage by another boy in a navy blazer who threw Kurt a curious glance.

He quickly re-joined the audience. His head spinning and a huge smile on his face as he dropped back down next to Rachel.

"Where have you-"

she trailed off noticing Kurt's goofy expression.

"I got his number..." Kurt whispered.
Rachel gasped hugging him tightly.

"Kurt!" She squealed, "That's great."

Kurt grinned at her, feeling a little dizzy, "I know. God Rach, he's so perfect. Don't you think?"

Just as she was about to answer all three groups entered the stage. Cheering echoed from the audience and Kurt's eyes quickly found Blaine. Kurt crossed his fingers and the crowd fell silent.

"And now...for what you've all been waiting for." Kurt met Blaine's gaze and held it.
"The winner of the 2013, Lima Ohio show choir competition is..."