Chapter 22

The bus journey to Regionals was much better for Kurt than his ride to Sectionals. He joined in with the last minute rehearsals while sat next to his boyfriend and surrounded by the best and most accepting friends he could ever ask for. They arrived in plenty of time and headed backstage to their dressing room to go over the choreography for their performance once or twice more, to ensure it was perfect. After their fourth run through, Wes let everyone have a short break before they moved through to the auditorium to watch their competition. Kurt went over to his bag to check his phone and saw that he not only had a good luck message from his dad, but also a text from Mercedes informing him of the New Direction rehearsal room number. Kurt slipped out of his own dressing room and made sure to knock loudly before letting himself in to wish the New Directions luck.

“Kurt!” Mercedes saw her friend first and ran over to smother him in a bear hug. Brittany, Tina, Artie, Mike and Finn also walked over to catch up with Kurt and fill him in on any McKinley drama that he had missed. Because Kurt was distracted, he didn't see the meaningful glance that Santana sent Rachel, or the look of understanding she got in return.

“Kurt, you really should be getting back to your own dressing room, I'm sure the Warblers will be looking for you.” Rachel said loudly. “Here, Santana and I will walk you back.” Kurt knew that he was about to be faced with the dilemma that had plagued him for the past couple of weeks but couldn't think of any way to get out of the conversation he was about to be a part of.

“Look Hummel, I know Karofsky is gayer than the fourth of July and I am willing to strike a deal with him to get you back to Lima.” Santana wasted no time in informing Kurt of her plans. “He's told me that if I become his big gay beard, he would leave you alone when you transfer back where you belong.”

“And just what do you gain from that little arrangement Santana?” Kurt asked because he knew that there was no way that Santana would ever do anything out of the goodness of her heart.

“Well I get to be forever remembered as the super-hot girl that brought Kurt Hummel back from the hell-hole that is Dalton Academy.”

“But Dalton isn't a hell-hole. I have felt safer there than I ever have in my life –”

“Anyway, as I was saying, I would be remembered and I would also get an exceptionally high number of votes for prom queen due to my sudden act of kindness.” Both Rachel and Kurt rolled their eyes before Kurt turned to Rachel.

“And Karofsky has actually agreed to that?” Rachel nodded and could see the look of excitement that flooded Kurt's eyes. “I don't want to get my hopes up, or yours for that matter, but I need time to think about it as well as some kind of proof that he will definitely leave me alone if I did move back.” Kurt turned around at the sound of Wes calling his name from the doorway to the auditorium. He waved at the older boy to acknowledge the call and said a last goodbye to his friends before sprinting up the hallway and into the big open room where the competition was being held.