"Oh god," Kurt squeaked, sitting up so swiftly that he lost his equilibrium and ended up on the floor.

He heard the door open.

Shit, shit, shit! This could not be happening! He watched, unable to move or say anything as Blaine pulled up his underwear and jeans (really, he had to have some practice in this because that was really fast).

"Come here!" Blaine whispered urgently.

Because Kurt didn't know what else to do, he scrambled on top of his boyfriend and didn't protest when Blaine pulled him down for an awkward kiss, allowing him to twine his hands in his hair again.

"Kurt? Mom asked me to tell you that dinn – oh."

Finn Hudson stopped dead in his tracks on that staircase.

From then on, Kurt believed he could fake surprise better than anyone he knew. Well except maybe Blaine.

"Finn!" Kurt shrieked, climbing off Blaine, but pulling the boy up with him so that Finn couldn't tell the come-stained state of their clothing. "Don't you knock?"

"I did knock!"

"Not loud enough!"

"I didn't know you'd have your tongues down each other's throats!"

"Shut UP! Dad and Carole will hear you," Kurt said quickly.

"Oh. Sorry. Well…um…sorry for like, interrupting or whatever."

Kurt stayed silent, glaring at him. He tried to ignore Blaine's silent laughter, who was facing away from Finn so the taller boy couldn't see.

"I just…uh…you know, came to say that uh…dinner's ready. And um…mom said Blaine could…stay. If he wants."

"Fantastic. We'll be up in a few. Thank you. You can leave now."

Kurt had never seen Finn blush so hard in his life.

Once Finn had finally walked back up the stairs and closed the door behind him, Blaine burst into laughter.

"You're awfully funny," Kurt snapped.

"I'm sorry," Blaine wheezed in between bouts of laughter. "You play the surprised affronted party so well, though."

"What kind of idea was that, anyway? Make me climb back on top of you so someone could catch us. Outrageous."

"It worked, didn't it? He'll think he just walked in on us making out instead some other nefarious things," Blaine reasoned.

"Had a lot of experience in the area, have you?"

Blaine suddenly stopped laughing because it seemed like Kurt really was angry for some reason.

"Kurt. I dated guys in an all boys' school. In a dormitory. There were no locks on the doors. Of course I have experience with being walked in on."

"…no locks on the doors? What kind of dormitory was this?"

"The kind where they knew that a bunch of horny teenagers could get up to no good."

"Oh. Well that makes sense, I suppose."

"Kurt," Blaine sad sadly, "look at me."

Kurt stubbornly kept his eyes not on Blaine. But then Blaine cupped his chin and forced him to look at him.

"I don't want you to feel jealous over a couple of past boyfriends. I don't want you feeling…bad, I guess, that you have less sexual experience than me. I like you the way you are."

"But I-"

"No. You won't argue with me on this. What we just did, Kurt, meant more to me than anything I've ever done with anyone else," Blaine assured him, a kind smile gracing his lips.

"We didn't even have s-"

"Actual intercourse is not the only type of sex two people can have. You let me touch you, you let me give you a damn orgasm. And you let me touch myself in front of you. It takes a lot of trust to really do something like that."

"People have sex with strangers all the time."

"Yes. But this," he gestured with a hand between the two of them, "meant something more. Because I love you."

Kurt closed his eyes and was oddly surprised to feel a tear slide down his cheek. Blaine's thumb swiped it away and he felt the other boy's lips kiss where it had fallen. Kurt opened his eyes.

"I love you, too."

"I know," Blaine smiled again. "Which is what makes it special."

Kurt let out a nervous giggle and nodded, sniffling a bit.

"Besides, I actually…kind of like the fact that you haven't been with anyone else."

"What? Why?"

"Because it's like…I get to show you everything and it'll be all new and special. And it'll mean something to you. And you deserve to have that, especially after your…past."

Kurt sighed and turned so he could lean into Blaine, letting his head be tucked under his boyfriend's chin against his chest.

"You're insanely sweet, do you know that, Blaine Anderson?"

"Just for you," Blaine said softly, kissing the top of his head.

They were quiet for few minutes, just sort of reveling in the afterglow they really didn't get to have since Finn walked in. There was this happy kind of calm that settled over the two boys. Everything seemed really warm and nice and safe. But Kurt finally had to break the silence.

"We should probably change into some different shirts. I don't know how well my dad would react to come stains."

Kurt tried desperately to keep dinner that night from getting awkward, which was difficult, considering the fact that every time he even glanced at Finn the boy would blush to the tips of his ears and stare down at his plate.

Please, Kurt silently dared, be more obvious.

"What's with you tonight, Finn? You're being really quiet," Burt said offhandedly.

"What?" Finn said quickly, hitting his plate with his hand so hard that it almost tipped into his lap.

Kurt rolled his eyes and sighed while Blaine just bit his lip to keep from smiling and looked down at the table.

"You're all…jumpy," Burt said. "Something you need to talk to us about?"

"What? No, no, everything's fine," Finn said.

"Is something wrong at school, honey?" Carole asked, concern laced in her voice.

"No, school's fine."

"Something wrong on the team? Is that Karofsky guy still being an ass?" Burt wondered.

"No, the team's fine. It's all fine."

"Finn, you're kinda freakin' us out here, kid." Burt looked worried now.

"Nope, everything's fine."

"But-"

"Oh for the love of god!" Kurt finally said. "Finn, could you please work a little harder at trying to be less transparent?"

"I don't-"

"He walked in on us making out, Dad, that's the big mystery. Ta da, big reveal!"

Everyone went silent. Even Blaine's eyes were a bit wide, as if he really wasn't expecting Kurt to bring it up. Carole put her hand over her mouth to stop from grinning and Burt's fork paused just before he was about to take a bite.

"Oh. Were you…wearing clothes, at least?" Burt asked, as though that was the obvious question to be asked.

"What?" Kurt squawked. "Yes! We were fully clothed!"

"Okay, okay! Calm down, kid, I was just making sure."

Kurt sighed and put his fingers on the bridge of his nose. So much for a not awkward dinner.

After dinner, Blaine thought it best to go home instead of staying the night. 'I don't want to offend anyone's sensibilities', he said. So Kurt walked him to his car and they shared a pretty long goodbye kiss before Kurt went back inside.

"Kurt, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Oh god. He followed his dad's voice into the living room and sat on the sofa next to him.

"Dad you already gave me the 'be safe' talk, I don't know what else you could say."

"Hey don't get all snippy with me just 'cause Finn walked in on the two of you."

"Sorry," Kurt said sheepishly.

Burt acknowledged his son's apology with a nod. "I just wanted to make sure that he…Blaine, that Blaine hasn't forced you to do something you're not so ready for."

"No, dad. He hasn't forced me to do anything at all." Oh that much is true, definitely.

"You're sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Good." There was an awkward silence. "I just…wanted to say that uh…I know you're gonna turn seventeen soon and…well. I know you really like this kid. Blaine. And he seems to really like you too. And I know you said you're happy with him. I don't really see the two of you splitting up any time soon and I know you're gonna want your…uh…private…time. With him. Without being walked in on. So I was kinda thinking it would be okay for you to have a lock. On your door. I'd buy you a new doorknob with a lock."

Of all the conversations he thought would happen right now, this certainly wasn't what Kurt was expecting. "You…really?"

"Yeah. Really. I mean…you know, 'cause I don't think you'd really like it if I were the one who had walked in on you and…I don't really want to walk in on you guys…doing stuff. So yeah," Burt said. "Plus, like I said before, you can't get each other pregnant."

"Yes, I recall that part."

"Right. So…tomorrow. I'll go out and buy it and install it tomorrow."

Kurt gave his dad a bright smile and leaned over to give him a hug. "Thanks, Dad."

"I am trying here, y'know."

"I know. And you're doing a really good job."

That Saturday, Kurt had specifically set aside mall time with Mercedes. He'd sort of been neglecting her lately and he honestly did feel really bad about it. Besides, today Blaine planned on spending his time with his friends in Westerville.

"So, how's the lover boy?" Mercedes asked with a knowing smile and this little sparkle in her eye.

Kurt blushed, sipping on his all natural ingredient smoothie while they sat at the food court. "He's good."

"Just good, huh?"

"Okay, so he's great. Fantastic. Wonderful. Perfect. How many other adjectives do I need to use?"

"As many as you want. I know you want to gush about the boy," Mercedes said.

"No, I don't…I mean, I don't have to."

"Kurt. Spill."

Kurt looked around quickly to make sure that there weren't any prying ears in the vicinity. He got out of his chair and moved to the other side of the table to sit right next to her.

"Okay so…we kind of…"

Mercedes eyes widened. "Did you guys…do it?" she whispered.

"No! Not like…all the way, you know. We did…stuff. But it wasn't…you know."

"Oh! Okay," Mercedes nodded in understanding. But then she gave Kurt that sly cat smile. "So how was it?"

"What?"

"How was it? I know you want to tell me. And I'm kinda curious."

Kurt did not think he could blush any harder. "It was…really hot. I mean, it was just…hands, you know. But…it was really good. And he's really good. At that. With his hands. And with his…er…mouth."

"Kurt, did he-"

"No! No, no, there wasn't any…um…there weren't any of those. I just meant in general. With all the kissing everywhere. It was…really nice. Okay, more than nice. It was fucking great."

"Oh my god! I am so happy for you, boy! I know that might be kind of weird, but I am!" Mercedes squealed, hugging him tightly.

"Thanks," Kurt said with a bit of a nervous laugh. "He's just…really sweet. And considerate. I liked it a lot."

"I'll bet."

Kurt sipped at his smoothie some more. "Okay, enough about Blaine and me. What about you? What's going on? We haven't had girl time in ages!"

"Well…" and he was a little surprised when Mercedes was blushing this time.

"Well what? This is obviously something good," Kurt said. "Do tell."

"Okay. So you know that Anthony guy that you kind of tried to set me up with before?"

"Yes, this I remember," Kurt grinned.

"Well…yesterday after school, he sort of…asked me out."

"What? He did? And you didn't tell me right away? What did you say? What did he say? You have to tell me everything, oh my god."

Mercedes laughed at Kurt's enthusiasm. "Well he just walked up to me at my locker and we talked about our science class. Then he asked if I wanted to go to a movie with him tonight and maybe go for coffee after."

"Movie and late night coffee? Ooh this sounds really promising. Oh my god. We have to get you a new outfit. Get up! Come on! We have to shop!"

So they did. They shopped a lot until Kurt put together what he deemed the perfect outfit for his best friend's date tonight.

When they were in the parking lot, about to split up to go to their separate cars, Kurt turned to Mercedes.

"When you get home I want a phone call, no texting. I want to know everything. And I mean everything."

Mercedes agreed to his terms and they split, each headed for their own home. He was happy for her. He was really, really happy for her. He would have sincerely hated the idea of Mercedes being a third wheel all the time around him and Blaine and he hated how little time he'd been spending with her lately. Hopefully all went well.

Later that night, Burt installed the new doorknob just like he said he would. Kurt was over the moon at the idea of his father trusting him so much.

Blaine called to tell him about his day with his Dalton friends but in the middle of their conversation, Mercedes was calling so Kurt had to hurriedly let his boyfriend go with the promise of a phone call later.

Yes, she had a good time, Mercedes assured him, yes Anthony dressed appropriately, and yes he paid for the tickets and for the popcorn and the soda that they shared. He insisted that they see whatever romantic comedy was out because he wanted them to have something to laugh about on their first date. No, he didn't pay for the coffee afterwards, she paid because movie tickets were so expensive these days that she felt it was the least she could do to pay him back. They talked about school and their classes and about how big of an idiot that creepy kid Jacob was. They even talked about Kurt and Blaine and how happy Mercedes was for the both of them. Anthony said it was really cool that Kurt had a boyfriend now, he always felt kind of sad for him before. He thought he was really brave. When he dropped Mercedes off at her house, he walked her to her door and gave her a very chaste kiss on the cheek and told her he'd really liked to go out with her again.

Kurt decided that he really liked this Anthony fellow.

By the time Monday came, Kurt was in a freaking spectacular mood.

It kind of ended though in Glee club, when he and Blaine sat down in their usual seats.

"How'd the lip locking fest go, lady boys?" Puck asked as he walked in, mimicking kissing sounds.

"What the hell are you on about now, Puckerman?" Kurt sighed heavily.

"Heard all about Finn walking in on you two Friday night. I'll bet it was pretty steamy," Puck said with a knowing, annoying smile.

Kurt and Blaine exchanged a sort of worried glance. "What…who told you that?" Kurt asked.

"Hudson himself, of course," Puck replied.

At that precise moment, Finn walked in with Rachel on his arm.

"Finn!" Kurt shrieked, storming over to his step-brother. "What were you thinking?"

"Whoa, dude, what are-"

"You told Puck. Puck, of all people!"

"Kurt, you don't-"

"I don't what? Please tell me, Finn, exactly what I don't."

"You don't get it, dude! It was weird!"

"Oh, it was weird? It was just so weird walking in on two guys kissing that you just had to tell someone, and that someone had to be Puck!"

Blaine hurried over to Kurt's side and put his hand on his shoulder. "Kurt, it isn't that big of-"

"No," Kurt said, shrugging Blaine's hand off of his shoulder. "This is big to me."

"Dude, it wasn't because you're both dudes, okay! It's because you're my brother!" Finn finally shouted.

"And what exactly do you mean by that?" Kurt snapped.

"Well you wouldn't want to walk in on Rachel and me making out, would you?"

"Ugh, god no."

"Well I didn't want to walk in on you guys making out either! It was weird, okay! You're my brother. I didn't want to see…that. And I just…wanted to talk to someone about it. It's not…not because you're gay, Kurt."

Kurt went kind of white because now he was really embarrassed. Finn wasn't attacking his sexuality. He wasn't going back on his word from the wedding, wasn't saying that he didn't accept Kurt for being who he was. He was just talking to a friend about how weird it was walking in on his brother getting all hot and steamy with someone else.

"I…I'm sorry, Finn," Kurt said, turning away from his brother.

"Dude. It's okay," Finn said quietly, putting his arm around his younger brother's shoulders.

"I'm just…used to…to having…to defending who I am. I didn't…"

"It's okay, little bro, I get it," Finn said with a goofy smile, steering him towards the chairs. "Sorry I told Puck. Maybe that wasn't the best idea."

"You think?" Kurt said, laughing a little.

And that was that. Everything went back to normal. Well, except for Puck making disgusting little kissing noises right behind their heads.

"Noah, I'd really stop that unless you want me to show you exactly why our famous make out session was so spectacular," Blaine said abruptly. "And believe me, if I have to, you won't think yourself so straight anymore."

Puck went silent. Mercedes reached in front of Kurt to give Blaine a high five.

Yeah, Kurt thought, his boyfriend was pretty awesome.

And so yeah, life resumed at McKinley High. Classes were classes, lunch was lunch, passing periods were passing periods. Blaine continued to meet Kurt at his locker whenever he could. He always gave him a quick kiss before rushing off to his own classes. Glee club was still Glee club, except now everyone was trying to get their set list together for Regionals.

If we do Journey one more time, Kurt thought, Mr. Schue might just wind up dead in a ditch.

"Classic Broadway hits!" Rachel shouted.

"Spice Girls!" Brittany screamed. "We should do Spice Girls!"

"No we should do some like really hard core rock!" Puck and Finn agreed.

"Or some Michael Buble," Quinn suggested.

"My Chemical Romance!" Tina yelled. "MCR!"

"Is it always like this?" Blaine said loudly into Kurt's ear, considering everyone else was yelling at the top of their lungs to be heard.

"Pretty much," Kurt said, leaning back into his seat, filing his nails. "We never get anywhere though."

Mr. Schue finally shut them up, bringing out large bags of candy for everyone, just to get them to quiet down so he could talk.

"Guys, we'll figure something out, we always do," their teacher assured them. "In the meantime, we should probably think about what songs we want to sing for our Christmas show."

"We're doing a Christmas concert?" Rachel was practically squirming in her chair with excitement.

"Yes, I was thinking we should do one solo, one duet, and three group numbers."

"I think we should have two solos," Blaine said.

Everyone just sort of turned and looked at him because Blaine never really suggested anything so…bluntly.

"And…why do you think that?" Mr. Schue asked.

"Well, it always seems like there's only opportunity for one solo. And everyone just fights so hard for it. This isn't a competition, we don't have to follow any rules. It gives a fairer opportunity, I think," Blaine reasoned.

"That…actually sounds like a really good idea," Sam said.

"One of the solos could sort of transition into a group number as well. We could start off with a solo, then a duet, and then another solo that segues into the group numbers," Blaine said.

He received a bunch of stares. "How exactly did you get to be so good at this?" Artie asked.

"Oh. Uh…at Dalton we didn't really have a director. We had a panel of three elected students that had the final say in all song selections, but we all helped in creating the set lists. It was all…very diplomatic, I suppose. People didn't just shout things because we had no adult around to control us if we did."

"That sounds really boring," Brittany commented.

Blaine laughed a little. "Yeah, I suppose it could be."

"Well. I like that idea, Blaine," Mr. Schue finally said. "I think we'll do that."

"Glad I could help," Blaine said, squeezing the hand that Kurt had slipped into his.

"At the end of the week, we'll have auditions for the solos and the duets. By that time I'll have come up with a couple of songs for the group numbers. See you all tomorrow!"

Later that night, Blaine and Kurt were on Blaine's bedroom floor, perusing his mother's fantastic array of Christmas albums.

"I will fight Rachel Berry to the death for one of these solos," Kurt said, looking at the track listing of one of the CDs.

"Oh…so you want one of the solos, then?" Blaine asked.

"Of course. Don't you?"

Blaine shrugged. "I don't know. I had my fill of solos at Dalton. I'd be happy just being a part of the group."

"You're being modest. You're a fantastic singer, you could easily get one of the solo spots."

"I don't want one of the solo spots."

"Everyone wants a solo, Blaine."

"Well maybe I don't," Blaine said, a bit on the defensive side.

"Why on Earth wouldn't you?"

"Maybe because I'd rather sing a really nice Christmas duet with the boy I love in front of hundreds of people."

Kurt dropped the CD he was holding. Luckily it didn't have fall to far and landed harmlessly on the carpet.

"You…would?"

"Of course I would."

"But it…this isn't Dalton, Blaine. Two boys singing a…showy, lovey, Christmas tune might not go over so well with the people at McKinley High School."

Blaine shrugged. "It was just a thought." He continued to peruse the other CDs on the floor.

Kurt was quiet for a minute. That was the point, though, wasn't it? Of Blaine being here? So they could be proud to be who they are…together?

After a few minutes of strained silence, Kurt wordlessly fished through the CDs until he found what he was looking for. He scooted closer to Blaine so that their knees were touching.

"What about this one?" Kurt asked, his finger on the track in question. "We could do this one."

Blaine looked where Kurt was pointing and a smile slowly crept on his face. "That one looks perfect," he said softly, giving Kurt a gentle kiss. "We should probably practice it."

Friday came and auditions were held. But they were held quite differently this time. The members of New Directions sat in the audience of the theatre, waiting for their teacher. It seemed that everyone wanted a solo. Only Kurt, Blaine, Sam, and Quinn were going up for the duet spot.

Mr. Schuester finally walked in.

With Sue Sylvester hot on his heels.

"Sue, you don't have to be here. It's a Christmas concert. It's not like there's a really big song selection, much less something raunchy or inappropriate."

"William, if there's one thing I've learned about your little Glee Club outcasts, it's that they could make a song from Barney sound raunchy," Sue countered.

"Sue, they aren't-"

"Figgins said I'm judging, Schuester. So I'm judging. Besides, why would you think I would let an opportunity, in which I could make fun of you and your ridiculous hairstyle, pass me by?"

Mr. Schue sighed, seating himself at his normal table in the audience. He gestured to the chair next to him. "Fine. Have a seat."

"Don't mind if I do, Sir Keebler Elf."

When she sat, Mr. Schue rolled his eyes.

"Okay everyone. We'll start with the solo auditions first."

One by one, members of New Directions took their turns on the stage, singing their little hearts out. Some even sang renditions of the same song, including Rachel and Mercedes, both belting out 'All I Want for Christmas Is You.' They were both quite evenly matched, so it came as a surprise when Rachel stood up in the audience and turned to face their judges.

"I'm officially pulling myself from the competition," she stated loudly.

Everyone froze, even Blaine, who had finally realized how power hungry the girl was.

"Why is that, Rachel?" Mr. Schue asked, truly baffled.

"Because I had a solo at Sectionals. And I know you're trying for diversity when it comes to who gets solos now. And I'd much rather have an opportunity for a solo at Regionals."

"Fair enough. Thank you, Rachel."

The small girl sat back down next to Finn, who gave her a kiss on her cheek.

"Now we'll move on to our duets. Sam and Quinn? You're up first."

The blonde couple took the stage and did a very quaint little rendition of 'Silent Night'. They made it work very well as a duet, but…there was something lacking.

"Blaine and Kurt, you're up."

Blaine stood and took Kurt's hand as they made their way to the stage.

"It's going to be fine," Blaine assured him, giving his hand a squeeze.

Kurt gave the sound guy a nod and their music began playing.

No one really expected two gay guys to start singing 'Baby It's Cold Outside'.

Their voices were flawless, they moved around each other perfectly, flirting as they sang. When the lyrics reached the part about 'lips looking and being delicious', Blaine put one of his fingers to Kurt's lips. The younger boy kissed it and then Blaine put the same finger to his own lips. It wasn't overtly sexual and it wasn't over the top or cliche. It was just very, very sweet.

The song finally came to a close and they harmonized the last bit beautifully. The music cut off.

There was an awkward silence. Everyone turned back to look at Sue Sylvester.

To everyone's surprise, except for maybe Kurt, Sue stood up and clapped.

She turned to Mr. Schue. "If those two don't get the duet spot, I'll shave your head, Will Schuester."

"Are you…serious?"

"Of course I'm serious. You don't think I can't break into your house and shave your head in your sleep? How dare you underestimate my criminal abilities."

"I just meant…and I mean no offense to either of you, boys, but the song…was really meant for a male and female duet."

"Your point being? They sure as hell can sing it better than Jessica Simpson and that class A douchebag, Nick whatever his name is."

"But-"

"William, I want you to listen very carefully. Those two kids up there have every right to sing whatever song they want. I don't care if it was two girls, two guys, or two dogs. They out-sang Ken and Barbie fair and square. Their performance was better as a whole. And if you don't let them sing that song at your little Christmas party, then you are not the supportive teacher you ought to be."

With that, she stormed out and everyone remained silent. Mr. Schue sighed.

"She's right. I'm sorry for even having a minute of doubt. Blaine, Kurt, I'd be more than happy to see you two sing that song at the Christmas concert. I think it might be just what this town needs to see."

There was another moment of silence before the entire Glee club stood up and cheered. Kurt and Blaine gave awkward little bows and returned to their seats with goofy smiles on their faces.

"That was so good, Kurt," Tina said supportively.

"Yeah, you guys definitely deserve the duet," Quinn said with a smile.

"Good job, dudes," Finn said, giving both of them a high five.

"Blaine, did anyone ever tell you that you kind of look like a hobbit?" Brittany asked, quite seriously.

Everyone laughed in return. Oh, Brittany, please don't ever change, Kurt thought.

"It was my nickname at Dalton for a while, actually," Blaine replied.

"Does that mean you have really hairy feet?" she wanted to know.

"Ah, no. I don't."

"Oh. That's sad."

"Okay! And I have the winners for the solos as well!" Mr. Schue finally said. "To open, we will start with Brittany, who will be singing 'I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas', then Blaine and Kurt with 'Baby It's Cold Outside', and our second soloist will be…Mercedes, whose song 'All I Want for Christmas' will lead us into our group numbers."

It was decided, somehow, that the Christmas concert would be during school. Like, in the middle of class time. So the entire school was forced to attend. A notice was sent out around town as well, inviting anyone in Lima that wanted to come as well.

As such, it was early December and New Directions huddled behind the curtains on the stage in McKinley High's auditorium. The house was packed. Children were sitting in their parents' laps. Students were everywhere. It seemed like the whole of Lima had showed up. 'There's something about the Christmas spirit' Mr. Schue told them, 'that makes people just want to hear Christmas music, no matter who's singing it.'

The house lights dimmed and Brittany took the stage. She sang her hippopotamus song, her hair up in pigtails, and a stuffed hippo clutched to her chest (an early Christmas gift from Santana). Children sang along happily, clapping with fervor at the end. They all decided that they wanted stuffed hippos too.

Kurt's palms began sweating. He was about to go on stage and sing one of the most classic Christmas love songs to the boy he adored…in front of all of Lima, Ohio. He only hoped that no one threw fruit at them.

The music began. And they began to sing. Once again, their voices were pitch perfect and lovely. When Blaine put his finger to Kurt's lips and then back to his, someone catcalled from the back of the audience. (Kurt suspected Sue. Or maybe Anthony.)

When their song ended, they received a standing ovation, something Kurt did not expect at all. A couple of flowers were even thrown at their feet.

Something about the Christmas spirit, indeed.

Mercedes killed her solo and the curtain rose to reveal all of New Directions, singing and dancing along to the last few songs of their set.

When the concert ended, an amazing amount of applause filled the auditorium. The group bowed together, and then Mercedes stepped forward to bow alone. Brittany followed shortly and then Kurt and Blaine moved up to bow as well.

Kurt decided Christmas was going to be really good this year. Life was perfect right now.

But Kurt didn't see the ominous figure at the back of the auditorium. The figure did not applaud. The figure did not throw flowers. But the figure did storm out the back door amidst the cheers at the end of the concert.