“What should we get for the auction?” Blaine asked. They were thinking of what to donate for the big charity auction that Dalton students held every year.

It was tradition for the students and faculty to find nice things to auction to raise money to donate to a cause every year, and The Warblers had a special pride in coming up with the things that brought in the most money. Every year they auctioned off a “Night with the Warblers” in which the winner went to dinner with the Warbler of her/his choice and the group serenaded them afterwards in the venue of their choosing – which was usually the City Park so everyone could enjoy the music.

“I could ask Dad to give a free car lubrication at his shop? I could do the actual work, though,” Kurt suggested.

“You know how to work on cars?” Blaine asked, looking at Kurt with new eyes, imagining him in one of those wrench-monkey overalls, dirt and grease on his hands, a streak across his cheek, bending over under the hood of a car....

“Yeah. I mean, I grew up in the shop, I have been helping my dad fix cars since I was eight. It isnt my first choice in recreation, but I can do it,” Kurt looked indignant.

“Sorry, Kurt. I was imagining you in a grease-stained mechanics overall, dirt under your fingernails,” Blaine confessed, looking at Kurt with a side glance. Kurt was rubbing his fingernails against his shirt with a grim and disgusted look on his face.

“Latex gloves, Blaine. I endanger my manicure for no man,” Kurt quipped, laughing at Blaines funny face.

“I called my grandparents and they said I could take one of the watercolor paintings from the pink bedroom. But I wanted something really special,” Blaine said.

“We could go look in Andy and Buddys apartment. I still havent been inside, but I bet we could find something cool to auction,” Kurt suggested.

It was after classes on Wednesday, no Warbler rehearsal, so they were free to go explore the apartment.

Driving up to the building, Kurt parked in front and the two boys got out.

“This brings back so many memories...” Blaine lamented as they found the right key and walked up the stairs.

“I dont know how long Andy was in the nursing home, so no idea how long it was since anyone was here,” Kurt said as he found the second key and undid the deadbolt on the door at the top of the stairs. They walked in cautiously, looking around. Everything had been covered with sheets, the furniture, the bookcases, everything. Kurt walked in, removing the sheets as they progressed across the room.

When everything in the room was uncovered, Kurt began to cough and Blaine went to open the windows to take advantage of the breeze. They walked through, looking around, and when they came to the wall of framed photographs both of them had tears in their eyes.

“Oh...he looks so happy in this one! I think that is the same lake Dad and I took him to when we had the picnic. I walked with him part way around the lake. I really think he had fun that day. Maybe he was remembering the last time hed been there?” Kurt said.

“The man standing next to him is Buddy. Have you ever seen a picture of him before?” Blaine asked.

“No. He had lost his sight not too long after I met him, and his things had been taken to his lawyers office, so I didnt see it if he had one there,” Kurt explained.

“Heres a picture of Buddy and Andy when they were closer to our age,” Blaine said, pointing farther down the wall. “Oh...wow. I knew you resembled Buddy, but look – that could be a picture of you.”

Kurt just stood and stared. It did look like him. No wonder Andy had called him Buddy from time to time. He was a dead ringer for the man. But not more so than Andy looked like Blaine. It was uncanny...even frightening in a way. He got a funny feeling and went back to the photo taken when the men were probably in their sixties. If he and Blaine looked this much like Andy and Buddy in that picture...was this how they would look later in life? He turned to see Blaine staring at him, glancing at the photograph and then staring at Kurt. They were thinking the same thing.

“I...I dont know what to say, Blaine. This is just...it doesnt make sense. How could we look so much alike?” Kurt asked.

“It isnt just that. How could you have known the words to Buddys Song? Why do I feel like Im not getting to know you, its more like my soul is remembering us together...even if my actual memory cant...” Blaine said, his voice sounding scared.

They walked over to sit on the sofa, arms around each other as they gazed at the wall of photographs.

“It just doesnt make good sense, how could it be? But I feel the same way, Blaine. Like I have known you all my life and I have just been waiting for you,” Kurt whispered, hugging Blaines neck.

They sat together for a while, just letting it all sink in. They wanted to talk, but neither knew what to say and finally they just got up and started looking around at the rest of the apartment.

“This was Buddys studio. He was in advertising – he designed and drew illustrations and things for ad agencies. I think he worked for several fashion houses, too. When I would visit, he let me sit at this drafting table and use his tools to draw. It looks like he just left it an hour ago – everything in place,” Blaine said, looking at the drafting tools hung up on the peg board, the table and cabinets tidy. There was a studio portrait of Andy framed on the wall where Buddy probably looked at it while working.

Next to the photo of Andy was another of a huge dog, shaggy but sweet looking. He was sitting in a place surrounded by grass, perhaps a park. Kurt looked closely at the dog and he began to tremble. It was the dog that chased the bullies away from him at the park. But Buddys dog died decades ago....he had to have, Written across the bottom of the photo it said: “Buck – June 1967”. There was no way it could have been the same dog. - but it was. He remembered Andy calling the dog Buck. Kurt grasped Blaines hand a bit tighter as they went to the next room.

“This must be Andys music room, right?” Kurt guessed, although it was a foregone conclusion with the instruments in their cases and piles of sheet music in bright color folders and stacked on the shelves.

“Yeah...I spent a lot of time here. Did I tell you that Andy taught me to play?” Blaine asked.

“No, but I dont doubt it. What did he teach you?”

“Everything but the harp. Grandma taught me that, but Andy taught me guitar, violin, cello, piano, banjo...he even taught me to play a harmonica. I loved music and he was the same way. We bonded the minute I met him,” Blaine said, smiling at the memory. “I dont even know the words to describe my first meeting with Andy and Buddy – Cooper and I came one summer and our uncles picked us up at the airport. I had been hesitant to leave home, even though Coop was with me. I must have been seven, maybe eight, that summer. It was such a long flight and I was scared because Cooper kept telling me that I might start flying around the cabin like the astronauts, and all we could see below us was the ocean.

“So, when we cleared customs with the stewardess in charge of us, I saw Andy and Buddy waiting for us. They scooped me up in their arms and I just knew I was home. Like when I met you, Kurt. I knew the moment we touched that day...that we were meant to be together. Didnt you?” Blaine asked, his heart pounding so hard his chest hurt. He was a little afraid of Kurts answer – not that Kurt would deny it, just that it might scare him to admit the truth of it because Blaine was absolutely convinced they were meant to be together.

Kurt stood next to Blaine, the truth of what Blaine had just voiced filling him. He knew Blaine was right, he had felt the very same thing at that moment. It still overwhelmed him to think of something that huge – that he had found his Prince Charming, found the love of his life and that it was beyond the ken of anyone looking in from the outside. He put out his arms, needing Blaine to hold him before he fell to the ground.

And Blaine was there, holding him, kissing him, saving him from all the bad things in life. He loved Blaine. He did. He tugged Blaine closer and kissed back, knowing this – what they had together - would indeed last the ages.

They fell down on the dusty sofa.

Kurt coughed, the dust all over the room. He laughed and Blaine joined in. Served them right for getting too serious.

“Okay, lets check out the rest of the apartment,” Kurt encouraged, getting up and holding out his hand to Blaine. They went in the next room.

“This was Buddys room, but it was where Coop and I slept when we visited. Tell me what you think of the vibe in this room,” Blaine requested. Kurt stood still for a moment, his eyes closed. Then he opened them and looked around.

“Buddy didnt stay here, even when they didnt have guests, did he?” Kurt asked, but he was making a statement by the tone in his voice.

“No. I dont think so. They were lovers at a time when that was taking your life into your hands. They told everyone they were roommates, but a few of us who really knew them understood the truth of it,” Blaine said. They left the room, which didnt really have bad vibes, just non-existent ones. Walking into Andys bedroom, Kurt knew the difference immediately.

“Oh...this is the heart of the apartment, I can feel it,” he smiled, feeling so close to Andy he half-expected to reach out and touch him.

“Yes. This is where they spent most of their time – reading, playing gin, talking. Here, wait a sec...” Blaine said, stepping over to the window to open the drapes which revealed French doors. He opened those and stepped out on the balcony.

“They ate breakfast out here in the warm months and sat here to look at the stars at night. This place, above all, I remember as the best place to be. I spent so many hours sitting here with them, playing my guitar while we sang,” Blaine said, his eyes dreamy.

Kurt walked over and sat in a chair, dusting off the seat first. Blaine sat next to him, a smile on his face.

“Its a pretty view from here you know,” Kurt said, looking across the park.

“Its even better at night,” Blaine said.

“I guess we should be looking for something to give to the auction,” Kurt said. They walked back through the apartment, but neither of them found anything to give away. Every piece seemed precious to them, like it wasnt supposed to leave the apartment. In the end, they put the sheets back over the furniture and closed and locked the windows and doors. When they were about to leave, Kurt went to the wall where the family photos were and took the one that had Andy and Buddy, sitting next to each other and holding hands, a shy smile gracing both faces.

~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~

Blaine chose one of the watercolors from the pink bedroom for the charity auction and Kurt offered a tune-up on a car. They added these to the large amount of items for auction the day before the charity event.

All of the Warblers had been practicing, meeting for rehearsal after rehearsal to be sure they were ready. Several solos were assigned: Blaine, Kurt, Sebastian, and Nick would each have a solo for the singing portion of the event.

The carnival people came and set up the rides on Daltons soccer fields, the risers were moved outside for the Warblers to stand on when they sang, and the food court was set up by parents of the Dalton boys as an added fundraiser.

Back in their dorm room, Kurt and Blaine were setting out the clothes they would wear after the Warblers part of the evening. They would be first, then they had the rest of the evening to play and enjoy the event.

“I like the dark brown linen slacks with the fox-colored sweater-vest. Maybe use the cream colored shirt underneath?” Kurt suggested. Blaine had thought all of his life that he was perfectly able to pick out his own clothes, but apparently he wasnt. According to Kurt, who had something to say about everything he wore. Some days he was glad for a bit of advice, but today was not one of them. He just nodded his head at Kurt and went on setting out the red denim jeans with the black polo shirt and yellow suspenders that he had planned on in the first place.

Kurt looked over at Blaines bed and the clothes lying on it.

“Oh, so you dont like my suggestion?” he asked.

“Your suggestion is wonderful, Kurt, but I know were going to be walking around the grass, riding on carnival rides that have young children on them with sticky fingers and who spill all manner of gross things wherever they go. No, I dont want to wear my best linen slacks. And I would advise you not to dress in your best, either, no matter how gorgeous you look in them. Now, lets rethink the jeans?”

Kurt laughed.

“All right. Now that you put it that way – yes, I think jeans are the way to go tonight. Thanks, Blaine,” he said, leaning over to kiss his boyfriend. Blaine smiled into the kiss, gloating that he had been right in a fashion choice for once.

Blaine glanced at his watch.

“Yikes! We had better get going...oh, cant forget my tie,” he said, grabbing the Dalton tie and swinging it around his neck to tie on his way out the door. Kurt, of course, was already dressed and looking like he was about to entertain a queen. He always did.

~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~

“Tonight we welcome you to the 105th Annual Dalton Days, a tradition here at Dalton Academy reaching back over a century in the schools history to pay back to our fine community some of the love and faith they have given Dalton for all of those years. First up, I would like to introduce you to Daltons own “Warblers”. They are as old as the school itself and have a glorious tradition of winning competitions on a national scale. Here they are, The Dalton Academy Warblers!”

The boys stood on the risers, all eyes on Wes for the nod to begin. When they saw it, they began to hum quietly, building in tempo and volume until Sebastian stepped forward with a microphone:

The sun goes down,
The stars come out,
And all that counts,
Is here and now,
My universe will never be the same,
Im glad you came,

For the verse, all of the Warblers join in, singing “Glad You Came” for the visitors.

You cast a spell on me, spell on me,
You hit me like the sky fell on me, fell on me
And I decided you look well on me, well on me
So lets go somewhere no one else can see, you and me.

With that rousing start, the Warblers sing five more songs, ending with Blaine singing “Teenage Dream” to the cheers and whistles of the crowd.

The Warblers file off stage, going back to their dorms to change out of their uniforms for the rest of the evening. They would sing the last song of the evening, but not in the uniforms.

“What do you want to do first?” Blaine asked, heading for the rides.

“The Carousel, of course,” Kurt said, leading Blaine to the line to wait their turn.

“It must be a culture thing – I would call this a Merry-Go-Round,” Blaine told him.

“Do you know the difference?” Kurt asked, a teasing smile on his face. Blaine shook his head no.

“Well, this one is a Carousel because it goes counter-clockwise. A Merry-go-Round runs clockwise. Now, which animal do you want?” Kurt asked as they walked on board the carousel.

“Oh! I want the Zebra!” Blaine shouted, running to claim the beautifully carved animal and swinging up into the gold and red saddle, grasping the red reins. The Zebra had long eyelashes and pink cheeks, and jewels set in the bridle with carved roses all around his neck. Kurt laughed at how much its face resembled its rider with those long lashes.

“Then I want the . . . Ostrich!” Kurt announced. He jumped aboard the elegant bird that had a similar saddle and bridal to the Zebra, but the Ostrich was done in blues and greens. Kurt sat side-saddle, his hand wrapped around the reins and resting upon his knee as he struck a pose that had Blaine laughing.

“Oh...you got the Ostrich!” they heard Trent say, sighing dramatically. Kurt grinned.

“You can have it...I see one I like up ahead...” Kurt slid off, patting Trents back as he smiled at Kurt and got up on the Ostrich.

“Wait up, Kurt...Ill walk with you,” Blaine offered. They looked at all the animals around the Carousel: a Camel, Sea-horse, Panda, Pig, Unicorn, Rabbit, Goat, Hyena, Giraffe, and of course, Horses...until they saw the ones they wanted. Kurt got on the Tiger, whose mouth was open in a snarl and had a long tail.

“You look absolutely regal on your steed, Sir Kurt,” Blaine grinned as he hopped onto the Lion next to Kurt.

“As do you, Squire,” Kurt giggled.

The music started and Kurt was surprised to find that instead of the typical Entry of the Gladiators, which was universally known as Circus music, this carousel was playing Edelweiss. He sang along for a bit, then turned to Blaine to encourage him to sing, too. The trend went all around the Carousel as the Warblers broke into song and attracted a bit of a crowd.

As a new group of kids came to get on when the ride was done, the Warblers helped them find seats on their favorite animals, staying to hold some of the very young children when the ride started once again. This time Kurt and Blaine were standing in the Roman chariot pulled by two Polar Bears. Several youngsters were with the boys and Blaine helped them hold the reins as if they were driving the bears.

The children laughed and giggled and had a wonderful time.

“You are so good with kids, Blaine. Have you ever thought of going into something like teaching?” Kurt asked as they walked to the booth where they could throw ping pong balls at milk jugs. If the ball stayed on the rim of the bottle, you won a prize.

Blaine bought ten tries and got seven of them to stick, winning a kitten dressed in a jester costume for Kurt.

“Thank you, my hero,” Kurt said in his most sensual voice, “I love it!”

Blaine squeezed Kurts hand, then leaned up to give him a sweet kiss. They walked on, getting funnel cakes and then deep fried pickles.

“Want to go on the Tilt-A-Whirl?” Kurt asked, pulling Blaine along towards the ride. They paid for tickets and got on the ride, squeezing into the car together, placing their hands on the wheel. The ride started up, tilting them into the air and swinging around in circles as they spun the wheel to make the car go around faster. Kurt crashed into Blaines side and made him squeal, then it tilted the other way and Blaine crashed into Kurt as the car spun around faster and faster. Kurt ended up with his eyes closed, no longer holding the wheel, but Blaines arm instead until the ride stopped.

Blaine helped Kurt out and tried not to laugh as he wobbled along on shaky legs.

“Hey, stop laughing...this isnt funny. Here...hold me, please,” Kurt whined. Blaine put his arms around Kurts waist and practically carried him to a bench under a tree to sit until he felt better.

“That was fun,” Kurt said, his head leaning on Blaines shoulder. “Can we do it again?”

“Ah...no. You look like youre going to lose your lunch, my dear. No, I dont think Tilt-A-Whirl is good for your tummy after funnel cakes and deep fried pickles.” Blaine laughed, putting his arm around Kurt and scooting close enough to kiss him properly.

“Okay. Lets try another luck game...maybe you can win me something this time?” Blaine asked.

“Lead me to it,” Kurt smirked and got up, holding his Jester Cat in his arms. They found a booth where Kurt had to get three of five bean bags into tall milk cans. He put his money on the table and picked up the bags. In short order he threw all five into the milk cans.

“We have a winner here!” the barker proclaimed and asked Kurt which toy he wanted. “Or, if you can put five more in, you can have a toy off the back wall,” he continued, waving his arm at the back wall of the booth. Blaines eyes got big when he saw a big tiger. It looked like a real tiger, just smaller, with glass eyes and soft fur.

“Okay, five more bags then,” Kurt said, laying down his money. He picked the bags up and threw them, one at a time, and got each one into a milk can. Blaine squealed and threw his arms around Kurts neck, giving him a big kiss as the barker got the tiger down from the wall, patting Kurt on the back and smiling.

“Come see the winner, folks, ten bags in a row – its that easy, everyone a winner tonight! Come play, come win!”

Blaine hugged his tiger, making growling noises. They sat down for a few minutes and Blaine managed to sneak Kurts cat away, placing it in his tigers mouth. Kurt noticed the loss immediately and was looking behind himself, then on the path they had walked when he saw it in Blaines tigers jaws.

“Hey! You cant feed my little kitten into your hungry tigers jaws! No!!” Kurt said, smacking the tiger on the nose and snatching his kitten back with a glare at Blaine. Blaine giggled and tickled Kurts side, just where his ribs were really sensitive. He squealed and batted at Blaines hands, giggling more as Blaine pretended to be hurt, then pretended that his tiger was eating his hand. Kurt was laughing so hard he almost fell off the bench.

“Hey, the evening is almost over. We have enough time for one more ride before we need to be back at the risers for the last song,” Kurt said. We should do something romantic! I know...you can sit on the dunking tank and I will throw bean bags at the target. Im not very accurate, so youll be safe, Blainey.” Kurt smiled at Blaine.

“Ah...no. Did I mention no? Im pretty sure I was on the no side,” Blaine gave him big eyes.

Kurt laughed. “Where would you like to go?”

“How about...the Ferris Wheel?” Blaine suggested.

“Oh, Id love that,” Kurt agreed, taking Blaines hand as he walked towards the ride. They bought tickets and stood in a short line, then got on the ride together, the tiger taking up a whole seat.

“Hey, should we leave the tiger with someone?” Kurt asked.

No, I paid for a seat for him,” Blaine laughed, buckling the seat belt around the stuffed animal. Kurt giggled and put his arm through Blaines and laid his head on Blaines shoulder.

“Wow, look at all the stars out tonight,” Blaine said, staring at the sky. Kurt smiled and sighed. This was perfect. When their car went above the crowd, Blaine leaned over and took Kurt in his arms, kissing him thoroughly. They barely stopped for air as the ride slowly moved them up into the sky, Kurt holding Blaine so close, pressing his soft lips to Blaines warm ones, moving slowly and tasting Blaines lower lip. Blaine opened his mouth, letting Kurt in, moaning just a little as he became aroused.

“Hey, we need to keep calm. We have to stand in front of all of these people to sing in fifteen minutes and you are wearing sinfully tight jeans, my love. Lets save it for after...” Blaine warned, but kissed Kurt one more time before sitting back and enjoying the view.

It ended too quickly, and the boys were running to get to the risers to sing the last song of the evening. All of the Warblers in place now, Wes signaled them to start the song.

“Oh I, never thought Id feel this way
And as far as Im concerned
Im glad Ive got a chance to to say
That I do believe I love you
And if I, I should ever go away
Well than close your eyes
and try to feel the way we do today
And then if you cant remember”

Blaines voice rang out across the grounds as the people gathered for the end of the evening. All eyes were on the good looking student, especially Kurts. Blaine stepped back at the end of the verse, Kurt walking forward for his solo on the second verse.

“And I, though you heard it all before
Well Ill tell you one more time
So I can be completely sure
So you know how much I love
And if I should ever go away
well then close your eyes and try
to feel the way we feel this day
and then if you cant remember”

All of the Warblers stepped up and sang the chorus, Kurt fading back to stand next to Blaine, reaching out to hold his hand for a moment, but skittering away when he saw Wes give him a frown. He stood straight and smiled at the crowd as they had practiced.

Keep smiling, Keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
Thats what friends are for
For the good times and the bad times
Ill be on your side forevermore
Thats what friends are for, Yeah

The crowd clapped and whistled, enjoying the Warblers. It was a good song to end a great evening. After the last song, the announcements were made for the charity auction.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have achieved the most funds ever raised at a Dalton Days Charity Event in the history of the school! Preliminary totals are still being added up, but I can tell you they have exceeded any charity contributions on record,” the Master of Ceremonies told the crowd. When the cheering was done, he announced the winning bid for one of the Warblers to sing at a private event.

“This year the winning bid to have A Dalton Warbler was for $2,500, bid for one of our soloists of the night, Sebastian Smythe!” The crowd clapped, a few whistles were heard, and Seb walked forward to bow and wave at the crowd. All of the Warblers clapped, happy to see he was so thrilled.

~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~

That was the end of the evening, and Kurt held out a hand to Blaine. They walked back to the dorm room amid the carnival workers taking down the booths and rides to pack away for another event. It was still a lovely evening and the boys strolled under the trees, coming out on a grassy field.

Standing in that field, Blaine looked up at the sky, smiling at Kurt.

“Andy and Buddy probably looked up at the same sky and told each other how much they cared for one another, and maybe even that they shared a love that just might last the ages,” Blaine said, pulling Kurt closer and wrapping his arms around Kurts waist.

“I think we have the same future, dont we? To spend the rest of our lives together? I just feel it in my bones, Blaine. Every time I see you, every time you take my hand, touch my face, kiss my lips – it says it all to me. We were meant to be together in this world,” Kurt smiled, hugging Blaine.

“We are meant to be together in this life, Kurt, and into the next. I know it,” Blaine replied. They broke apart, each squeezing the others hand before letting go to run the last hundred yards to the dormitory.