Blaine stood with Natalie and Haley after the show, his arms around both of them as the throng of people grew bigger and bigger. Kurt was nearly fifteen feet away and shaking hands with everyone, but he kept glancing over at Blaine to make sure he didn't leave.

The flowers were held tightly in Kurt's hand as he was greeted by everyone.

"You did an amazing job!"

"Fabulous, absolutely fabulous!"

"Extraordinary, they can't say anything bad about it!"

"A revolutionary idea, Mr. Hummel."

"This is one for the ages, Kurt!"

"What are you doing for your next collection?"

Kurt knew he had to answer the questions and reply graciously, though the only praise that he even cared about was the huge smile on Blaine's face as Kurt made his was toward the group. Burt was grinning alongside him, though Santana and Brittany were nowhere to be found amidst the group.

Kurt thanked everyone for coming, enjoying the rush of the praise as he realized that Blaine wasn't going to move. "Thank you everyone so much! We have a reception afterward at Club Thirty which is a few blocks away. It's casual, so please go dress down and then come join us for some dancing and fun courtesy of me!"

Kurt finally was able to walk toward his family, catching both Natalie and Haley in his arms as they ran toward him. Kurt could hear the murmurs behind him as people saw the girls. Kurt never talked about his personal life, but they had all assumed he only had one child. A few looked curiously at Blaine, noticing the similarities, but they said nothing on their way out of the venue.

Kurt put the girls down and moved to hug his father. "I'm so proud of you, son," Burt whispered into his ear, "that was really something special."

Kurt blushed but hugged his father tighter for a few seconds. "Thank you, Dad, I couldn't have done it without you."

Burt shrugged and just smiled proudly, "It was your talent, kid."

Kurt finally turned to Blaine, who was standing and staring at his feet, a small smile curled the corners of his mouth. "What about you," Kurt asked, gently pushing Blaine's shoulder, "you like it?"

Blaine laughed; his eyes flashing as he finally looked up and met Kurt's eyes, "I did. You were amazing all those years ago, but you're even better now."

Kurt pressed his lips together and grinned, eventually getting over the momentary awkwardness and pulling Blaine in for a hug. "Thank you, you have no idea how much that means," Kurt's breath washed over Blaine's ear, causing the shorter boy to shiver.

Blaine held Kurt for a few seconds, allowing his hands to feel the muscles and the dip in Kurt's lower back while trying to keep his mind in the place it should be.

Kurt pulled back a bit, his hands still burning from the heat of Blaine's skin, "Friends?" he asked with a slight quirk in his smile.

Blaine nodded, "Friends." He swallowed thickly as he realized just how close he was to Kurt. His blood boiled when he looked at the boy. He knew his skin was probably flushed red, but he would blame it on the bright lights if anyone asked.

Kurt untangled his arms after a few more seconds and let out a giggle. "I can't believe it went that well! Everyone was so good!"

Everyone congratulated him again, and he just leaned against the runway.

"I'm happy it's just all of us," Kurt said, grinning at everyone, including Brittany and Santana who had just returned with champagne.

Brittany handed the champagne flutes to Burt, Kurt, and Blaine while Santana gave ginger ale to Haley and Natalie. "To Kurt," Burt said first, "who made an amazing show that everyone will be talking about for years."

Kurt grinned and looked down, embarrassed.

"To Kurt, for bringing my family back together," Santana said somewhat shyly.

"To Kurt for letting me see the other side of the country and introducing me to someone really special," she shot a quick smile to Santana before lifting her glass toward Kurt.

Kurt simply lifted an eyebrow at the girls but said nothing.

"To Daddy!" Haley and Natalie said together, giggling.

Blaine made sure Kurt was looking at him, "To Kurt, for coming back into my life in the most unexpected, fashionable, and amazing way."

Kurt placed a hand over his heart before lifting his own glass, "To the people who helped me get here. Whether it was since I was a little boy, a high school student, or halfway through my twenties. Thank you all, I couldn't have gotten here without you."

They all sipped the champagne, enjoying the finally quiet atmosphere. Kurt excused himself to make sure everything behind the scenes was going correctly, but he told Blaine to wait around.

Blaine made small talk with Brittany and Santana for awhile before Burt tapped him on the shoulder. "I think I'm going to take Natalie back to the hotel. Do you think Haley could spend the night?"

Blaine thought over it for a moment, "Sure, I mean, there is no harm in it, right?"

"I just want to give them one more night," Burt said honestly.

Blaine was confused, "One more night?"

"We are supposedly going to New York tomorrow. We're going home."

Blaine's heart sank as he just stared at the older man, "But….but I just met Natalie. There are so many things I wanted to show her, I wanted to learn all about her. You can't go back tomorrow…"

Burt shrugged, "I'm sorry kid. Kurt only got the hotel for so long."

Blaine wanted to break down and cry, "You can't go back. Why are you going there?"

"I don't know. Kurt doesn't have work, but that's where our home is," Burt frowned, "I really wish we could stay too, but Kurt hates living in a hotel."

Blaine knew the day was coming, he just hadn't expected it to come with no notice. But then again, he hadn't been exactly talking to Kurt. Sure, they were talking now, but they hadn't actually had a conversation.

Would Kurt let the girls still see each other?

Burt studied Blaine for a moment, "You know, it's a shame. I really like California."

Blaine nodded sadly, "You could always tell him to move here."

Burt just looked at Blaine before grabbing the hands of the two tired girls, "Come on, let's go watch a movie and paint each other's nails. I think I could go for some sparkle." The girls immediately perked up and wanted to go with him.

Blaine knelt down and hugged Natalie tightly, "I love you," he whispered, "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

Natalie hugged him back and just burrowed her head into his neck, "I don't want to go back to New York," her voice was sad, and Blaine knew she was about to cry.

"We'll figure something out," Blaine tried to make his voice seem like it was optimistic, but he knew that it might not work out. Who knew what the future held for anyone in their family?

Blaine reached for Haley next, "You behave," he whispered into her ear. It was somewhat scary for him because, other than sleep away camps, Haley had never spent the night at someone's house before. "And if you need anything call me. I'll have my cell phone on all night, right next to my bed."

Haley laughed and kissed Blaine's cheek.

Blaine watched as Burt took the girls through the venue. He felt a sadness fall over him. He knew Haley was growing up and she wouldn't want to be with him forever. What would happen then?

What would happen when Santana wanted to start a family and wouldn't be around to befriend him?

What would happen when Haley moved away, went to college, and started her own life?

Would Blaine be alone?

Blaine was pondering every life decision he'd ever made when he felt Kurt tap him on his shoulder. "Hello," Blaine turned and looked at Kurt. "You changed," he breathed, looking over Kurt with a smile, "I approve."

"I'll pass your compliments on to the designer," Kurt said with a laugh. Kurt had changed into a pair of tight, dark wash blue jeans that were tucked into boots. On top he had a navy knit sweater that was slightly loose, but had huge buttons. Even though it was warm he had a light scarf wrapped around his neck. His hair was styled very similarly to the way it was in high school.

Blaine laughed, "He does have impeccable tailoring."

Kurt blushed, "So…this reception tonight is in my honor…"

Blaine nodded slowly, not catching on.

"And it would be really pathetic if I didn't have a date," Kurt shifted back and forth.

"Yeah," Blaine said nodding stupidly.

Kurt laughed, "Blaine, would you like to accompany me?"

"Yes!" Blaine said with a smile, "I mean…" he blushed, "that probably wasn't appropriate."

Kurt waved a hand, "Don't worry about it. I just don't want to go alone."

Blaine's face suddenly fell, "But I don't really have anything to wear…"

"It's a shame you don't know a fashion designer," Kurt sighed and leaned against the runway. He looked up at Blaine with a small smile on his face. Kurt still wasn't going to give up on Blaine.

He could never do that.

Blaine realized what Kurt was talking about, "Do you have an outfit I could wear? I don't really fit model sizes…"

Kurt looked guilty, "I may have an outfit for you…."

"You planned this Kurt Hummel, didn't you?" Blaine walked forward slowly, "You planned this whole thing."

Kurt blushed, "Guilty."

"Well, you can dress me," Blaine shrugged, "work your magic."

Kurt winked before he realized what he was doing, "Get undressed."

"Here?" Blaine looked around and turned pink, "Don't you have a dressing room or something?"

"Oh," Kurt laughed, "Sorry, I'm used to people being comfortable stripping down in front of me." Kurt realized what he was saying as it came out of his mouth, "Oh! I didn't mean like that. I just meant...models strip in front of me so I can clothe them. Oh god," Kurt buried his face in his hands, "I didn't mean like that."

"Hey," Blaine laughed and pulled Kurt's hands away from his face, "I know what you meant."

Kurt was still pink but motioned for Blaine to follow him toward the dressing rooms, "You do realize my date has to be amazing, correct?"

Blaine swallowed, "Maybe you should take one of the models…"

Kurt shook his head, "I'm taking you." Kurt sized up Blaine before picking a few pieces from the pile of clothes he'd created while thinking of this night. "Here, put this on." Kurt handed Blaine a maroon striped shirt, a darker maroon cardigan, tight black jeans, and motioned for him to keep his oxfords on. "That should do."

"You can feel free to say I'm too ugly," Blaine said, his head poking over the top of the changing station.

"You aren't," Kurt said in a singsong voice. "But hurry up."

Blaine dressed quickly and walked out. "I don't really look like any of those models," he shrugged and looked a little disappointed, "Kurt are you sure you want to go with me…your ex husband?"

Kurt cringed at the word. He didn't want to be reminded of that tonight, "You are my friend Blaine tonight."

Those words hurt Blaine's heart. He knew that's what he was though. He put on a happy face and nodded. "I will be there to hold your champagne when you have to shake hands with some important people."

Kurt nodded, "Oh yes. And you'll be there to hold my purse when I try on clothing too, correct? What about getting me drinks? Putting your sweater down when I cross a puddle?"

"It isn't raining."

Kurt scoffed, "That is beside the point."

Blaine just laughed and shook his head.

"Seriously though, the only thing I do ask is that you dance with me at least once," Kurt pouted a little, "I haven't danced with anyone for years."

Blaine got gravely serious, "Well that is a shame, Kurt. You were always an amazing dancer."

Kurt just grabbed Blaine's hand and pulled him toward the door and out into the town car. They settled in together, when they both realized it was going to get awkward. "So," Kurt said with a smile, "How's life?"

Blaine laughed, "Kurt…I'm sorry for the way I treated you. I understand what you were trying to do. I don't want there to be hard feelings between us. I want….I want us to be back in each other's lives, Kurt. I want some sort of stability for Haley. She knows you now…there's no going back. You have a way of putting yourself in someone's heart and never leaving," Blaine's smile was soft as he gazed over at Kurt.

Kurt reached over and grabbed Blaine's hand, "Blaine, I want us to be there for each other like we used to. I want us to be there for our daughters. I don't want to fight with you. I know I screwed up over the years, and I am sorry for that."

"It's over," Blaine said, gripping Kurt's hand, "Let's start over, yeah?"

Kurt nodded as they pulled up to the hotel, "Okay. I think we can do that."

"Good."

They walked together into the room with their arms linked. When the door opened, Kurt was greeted with applause. It was like Blaine had always dreamed. He'd always wanted to be the one behind Kurt as he got all of the accolades. He wanted to support Kurt through everything and now he was finally getting his chance.

"You're amazing," Blaine whispered into Kurt's ear, "everyone adores you."

Kurt nodded and accepted champagne, passing on to Blaine. "Just stay by me, okay?"

Blaine nodded and tried to smile as best he could with everyone crowding around them.

The night passed in a flurry of excitement as Kurt introduced Blaine to some of the most amazing, influential people in the industry.

"This is the biggest night of your life, Kurt!" one of the women yelled to him.

"I know! I'm so excited!" Kurt yelled back, laughing as he danced a little with himself. "Dance with me," he said to Blaine, his judgment a little cloudy from the amount of champagne.

Blaine had been with Kurt glass for glass and could feel it in his veins, "Can we wait until a slow song?" he whispered into Kurt's ear.

Kurt pulled back and nodded, a small smile on his lips.

It took some time, but eventually a slow song started playing.

"Dance with me," Kurt stuttered, "Please?"

Blaine nodded and held out his arm. The crowd around the men watched as they danced. No one knew exactly what was going on with them, but everyone could see the spark between them.

I thought sometime alone
was what we really needed
you said this time would hurt more than it helps
but I couldn't see that
I thought it was the end
of a beautiful story
and so I left the one I loved at home to be alone (alone)
and I tried to find
out if this one thing is true
that I'm nothing without you
I know better now
and I've had a change of heart

Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt and they swayed in the club. Most people weren't dancing, but both men didn't care. They weren't sure exactly what was going on in each other's minds, yet both knew that tonight might be the last night they have for something, for anything again.

Kurt put his head on Blaine's shoulder and swayed to the music, pressing himself closer to Blaine. It was the first time he'd really been in someone's arms in over a decade, and he just wanted to feel it again.

I'd rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else
I'd rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myself
I'd rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apart
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart

Kurt tightened his grip on Blaine, "Tonight is my last night in the hotel…" he whispered. "I go back to New York tomorrow."

Blaine hadn't forgotten. "I know," he said quietly, "I don't…Kurt, I don't want you to leave. I don't want Natalie to go. I don't want your dad or Brittany to go."

And then I met someone
and thought he could replace you
we got a long just fine
we wasted time because he was not you
we had a lot of fun
though we knew we were faking
love was not impressed with our connection built on lies, all lies
so I'm here cause I found this one thing is true
that I'm nothing without you
I know better now
and I've had a change of heart

Kurt all but whimpered into Blaine's neck, "Blaine…I'm sorry. I should've let myself stay longer. I just didn't…I didn't want to hurt my pride."

"No, I should have been a gentleman and invited you and my daughter to stay at my house," Blaine's voice was steadily climbing.

I'd rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else
I'd rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myself
I'd rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apart
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart
who holds my heart

"Blaine…I want to stay. I want to have a friendship with you. There is nothing for me in New York right now…" Kurt knew a lot of the talking was champagne, but he didn't care.

He knew what he wanted.

I can't blame you if you turn away from me, like I've done you,
I can only prove the things I say with time,
please be mine,

I'd rather have bad times with (please be mine) you,
than good times with someone else (I know)
I'd rather be beside you in a storm (anytime),
than safe and warm by myself (so sure baby)
I'd rather have hard times together,
than to have it easy apart
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart (my heart)

"So stay," Blaine breathed as the song swept towards the end, "Stay with me. Come live in my house for at least a week. The girls deserve it. You and I can…work something out between us."

Kurt hesitated; he didn't want to do that. He and Blaine were friends; would living together ruin any possibility of more?

I'd rather have bad times with you (surely),
than good times with someone else (surely)
I'd rather be beside you in a storm (oh yeah),
than safe and warm by myself (all by myself)
I'd rather have hard times together,
than to have it easy apart (you know it)
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart

"Next week Haley and I are going camping. You can come with," Blaine said with a slight smirk. "You and Natalie. We can bond. Be a real family."

Kurt hesitated at the thought of having to be outdoors.

I'd rather have the one who holds my heart
I'd rather have the one who holds my heart
whoooo...who holds my heart

The scent and the strength of Blaine surrounded Kurt as they both let their final walls fall. They needed each other in some way, even if it only be friendship.

"Yes," Kurt finally said, "For a few days."

Blaine felt his heart soar as he pulled Kurt into a bone crushing hug.

Friends.