Blaine had wanted to sit next to Kurt, of course, but Wes was trying to show off his power as head of the Warblers Council, so Kurt wasnt even in the same car as Blaine. Kurt drove his Navigator, carrying five other boys and Blaine was stuck in the back of Jeffs mothers mini van.

The scenery was nice, something different than Blaine was used to, and he sat with his head leaned against the window, his eyes the only thing moving.

“Hey, Blaine, are you okay?” Nick asked. He was sitting beside Blaine and understood what was going on. He was trying to be sympathetic. He had been separated from Jeff, who was sitting in the front seat with Mrs. Sterling.

“Im fine. Sorry, Nicky, I was just daydreaming. If we win this competition, well be going to Australia. I havent set foot there in three years and I miss it,” Blaine said, turning to speak to his friend.

“Oh, yeah, I remember you telling me that. Well, I promise to try my hardest. I want you to be able to go. You do look sad today, Blaine. Whats wrong?”

“Would you think I was crazy if I told you I was missing Kurt?”

“You just saw him 45 minutes ago.”

“Do you miss having your arms around Jeff?” Blaine asked.

“Oh, well, yeah. I do understand you wanting to sit with Kurt. I think everyone here wants to steal Wes gavel and hide it where the sun dont shine,” Nick said quietly so no one else could hear him. “He was a good leader, but when we gave him that gavel the first year he got too big for his britches, didnt he?”

“I have only been here a semester, so I dont have anything to compare his behavior to, but I agree he seems to think a lot of himself,” Blaine complained.

Nick looked around to be sure nobody was listening before speaking again.

“Blaine, were thinking of changing our assigned seats when we pull into the gas station in Fort Wayne. Trent is sitting in the front of Kurts SUV and he is fine with trading. Just be ready when he gives the signal and we can both move. Jeff is going to come back here, Trent in the front with Mrs. Sterling, and you with Kurt. Sound good?”

“You have no idea...”

“On the contrary – I bet I do.”

The vehicles turned into a gas station as planned when they reached Fort Wayne. As soon as they stopped by the pumps, Blaine was climbing over the seat to get out the rear door and over to the Navigator. He was in the front seat and had the door locked before anyone had really noticed. Trent was in the Sterlings mini van and Jeff was sitting on Nickys lap for a moment before they settled down for the rest of the trip. Wes, in the passenger seat of Eddies Ranger didnt even notice as they pulled in just as Mrs. Sterling and Kurt were ready to leave.

“Hey, Babe,” Kurt grinned as he settled behind the steering wheel of his SUV. He let Blaine take his hand and weave their fingers together as they rested their hands on the console between the seats. Blaine was so glad to be near Kurt again, he just sat there and watched his boyfriends face as he smiled and glanced over at Blaine once in a while.

Kurt was a conscientious driver and kept his eyes on the road. His dad had taught him to drive when he was thirteen, so he was used to driving and considered a safe driver. That and the fact that he owned a large vehicle that would accommodate a large number of Warblers made him one of the first asked to act as drivers to Chicago.

They made good time, it being a Friday afternoon before the traffic rush at five. They made it to Chicago in the late afternoon and drove straight to the hotel. Getting out, they all stretched their legs and looked around at the Christmas decorations that graced the streets of Chicago. Going inside the hotel and through the Christmas-themed lobby, they signed in and received their room keycards. Nicky had arranged that, too. Instead of the rooms that Wes had assigned them, they picked their own rooms. Nicky tossed a keycard to Kurt.

“That is for you and Blainers,” he grinned. He had a room for himself and Jeff. All of the remaining Warblers went to their own rooms. Wes was late and didnt even know about the switch.

~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~

“What is on the agenda for this afternoon and evening?” Blaine asked. The Warblers had all come to the small meeting room at the hotel and were sitting around the two tables there.

“Were going to the Birchwood Kitchen for supper and then right back here to practice. The restaurant is just down the road, so lets get going. Questions anyone?” Wes asked. He started out the door when he saw everyone was on the same page.

Mrs. Sterling walked beside her son and Nick, a smile on her face. She had raised seven children, Jeff being the last of the brood, and had learned quickly not to worry over small things. Chaperoning the Warblers wasnt much different than when she did it with a dozen cub scouts or with twenty Jobs Daughters when her older children needed her.

“How are you tonight?” Blaine asked her as Jeff and Nick held back to walk with Trent.

“Im fine, my dear. And you? This must be far different from being in Italy or Australia,” she answered.

“It is, but thats the fun in it. Every place I live has good things about it, and I think Ohio might be my favorite of all,” Blaine smiled, his eyes dreamy as he watched Kurt walking ahead of them with Eddy.

“Ah, and I dont have to ask why, do I?” she said, her grin giving Blaine a good feeling.

“No, maam. It is true I found what I was looking for,” he smiled.

Mrs. Sterling winked at the boy. “Well, go catch up, Im fine to walk by myself,” she said, but Blaine was hesitant to leave her side. He had been raised to be polite and leaving a woman alone on a Chicago street didnt sit well with him.

“I dont mind. Kurt will come find me when he wants me. Tell me, what made you want to come along as chaperon?”

“Jeff asked me. All my other children are either in college or have homes and lives of their own. Jeff is the youngest and I wanted to be a part of his life. I love to hear you guys sing – so it seemed the perfect opportunity.”

“Do you know what songs were going to sing tomorrow?” Blaine asked. He was planning something and was a bit apprehensive about it.

“No, Jeff said it would be a surprise. Im looking forward to it,” she said. “Oh, looks like were here. Kurt is waiting for you, my dear. Go catch up to him.”

Blaine held the door for her and then with a quick goodbye he ran to catch up with his boyfriend.

~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~

The evening was fun, the boys running back to the hotel after supper, chasing each other and racing to get back to practice at the hotel before going to their rooms.

As they all gathered in the practice room, Wes was looking for his gavel. He had set it down by his backpack when they left for the restaurant, and the room had been locked. He looked around to see who appeared to be guilty, but couldnt pick out any one Warbler.

He huffed and walked to the front of the room. Determined not to be the laughingstock, he didnt mention his gavel but clapped his hands a few times to get the attention of the students.

“We will practice all three songs tonight as if we were on stage. I need you to stand in your places and we will warm up with a song from last semester: “Okay, lets start with Hey, Soul Sister.”

The boys all paid attention and sang beautifully.

“Okay, here are the songs were doing for the competition. First, Misery – remember the footwork since we wont have tables to pound on. Then straight into Uptown Girl, Nick on solo, and then Somewhere Only We Know, Blaine on solo.”

They went through the songs, everyone was enthusiastic and hit all the right notes. Nick and Blaine were in perfect tune and Wes was so pleased that he dismissed them all early to go back to their rooms to rest for the night.

“Remember, be here with uniforms on at nine in the morning. Well have one more run-through and the buses will be here to take us to the auditorium. Be on time, men,” Wes said as they gathered their things and left.

~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~

“Penny for your thoughts,” Kurt said, lying on the bed on his tummy, feet in the air, in his usual position.

“Just thinking about tomorrow and the competition. Do you know anyone thats going to be in the other choirs?” Blaine asked, sitting on a chair beside the bed, taking his socks off. Kurt glanced over and grinned when he saw they were the pink ones with blue and green checks.

“No, the New Directions were not invited so nobody from my former high school will be there,” Kurt said.

They sat for a while longer, then got up to get their pajamas on.

“Were not having a bed check or anything, are we?” Kurt asked, a bit afraid Wes would show up and make him go bunk with someone else.

“No. Mrs Sterling told me she is keeping a leash on him tonight,” Blaine laughed and Kurt joined in.

“So, who took his gavel?” Kurt asked. Everyone had noticed the missing gavel and nobody was talking.

“My moneys on Mrs. Sterling,” Blaine said, playfully looking to see that there were no spies in the room and making Kurt laugh. “When Wes unlocked the door, Mrs. Sterling was already sitting in the corner by the table looking over the sheet music. She was the only one with access and the sense of humor to do it.”

“Oh! I hadnt thought of her! I was thinking it had to be Trent. He can do things like that and he never looks guilty. He loves his practical jokes and Im sure Wes could never be upset with him,” Kurt smirked. He wished hed been the one to think of absconding with the gavel.

“We have all night to think about it...” Blaine said in a low voice, then got up and chased Kurt. Kurt jumped off the bed, weaving between the chairs and back on the bed with Blaine a few steps behind him. Kurt squealed, jumping from the bed to one of the chairs and then over to the closet where Blaine caught him by the waist and jerked him close.

He kissed Kurt hard, not enough to bruise his lips, but enough for Kurt to stop thinking about getting away and participate in the kiss. He pulled in a lungful of air when Blaine let go, only to pull Blaine back and kiss him again. Kurt knew where this would lead and was a willing partner as they began removing the pajamas they had so recently put on.

Kurt had put the door lock on when they got to the room and now turned out the lights as they went past them, Blaine practically dragging Kurt.

“Blaine...did you bring...ah...” Kurt started to say before Blaine was kissing him again. As they lay on the bed, Blaine brought a bottle of Astroglide from under the pillow where he left it and put it in Kurts hand.

“Ah, my sweet boyscout – prepared for anything,” Kurt said and Blaine giggled.

“Hey, dont knock it, I was a boyscout,” he told Kurt. Kurt giggled.

“They didnt have boy scouts where I lived.”

“No? I thought they were pretty universal,” Blaine said.

“Maybe they did and I didnt know about it. I was busy delivering baked goods to shut ins with my grandmother back then.”

“Yeah, you were a Volunteer Angel, right?” Blaine asked.

“That was later – in high school. I quit when Andy died,” he muttered, not wanting the sad subject to ruin the romantic feeling in the room.

“Maybe we could do that together? Find a place in need and sign up together, what do you think?” Blaine thought aloud. He had been contemplating this for a week or so and wanted Kurt to be happy helping others once again.

“Oh, Blaine – do you think so? Id like to look into that. A lot depends on things like college, but I think we could find a way to be helpful.” He grinned from ear to ear.

“I bet I know something else that will make you smile,” Blaine offered.

“Oh? Do tell.”

“How about if I show you?” Blaine whispered, coming close to pull Kurt against him.

Kurt turned into the heat of Blaines body, his arms surrounding Blaine as he rolled closer. Skin touched skin and they jumped from the spark. Kurt giggled and made a remark about static electricity to which Blaine proceeded to give Kurt several more shocks as he rubbed his foot on the carpet. Kurt pulled him back to the center of the bed and lay on top of him to keep him still.

“I dont think youre serious about us tonight,” Kurt pouted. He was horny and all the playing around was making it worse.

“Oh...are we supposed to be serious? I thought we came to Chicago to have some fun?” Blaine asked, his eyebrow lifting just that tiny bit that usually made Kurt giggle.

“Kurt, whats wrong? Lets talk this out before one of us goes off half cocked and we get into a fight,” Blaine suggested. Honestly, he didnt know what was up with Kurt lately.

“Im sorry, Blaine. Nothings wrong. I guess Im a bit nervous about tomorrow. Ill try to be more in the moment and stop worrying about the future.”

“Hey, there is no pressure about tomorrow, baby. It isnt any different than other competitions youve been in,” Blaine tried to calm his lover.

“Its ...well, I keep thinking that if I do something wrong, if I dont bring my best, we wont win and you wont get to go to Australia and see your grandparents. I dont want to disappoint you, Blaine.”

“Oh, sweetheart, you wont disappoint me, not ever. Stop worrying. For one thing, you could not mess up. You have such a beautiful voice and I know it will bring us the win. For the second thing, even if we loose, we can go to Australia this summer. So you see? No problems. Just go out there and have some fun. Okay?”

“Okay, Blaine. Thank you, baby,” Kurt showed his appreciation of Blaines words by kissing him so deeply he might have removed his tonsils.

Blaine was still feeling playful, so he came in quickly to nip at Kurts neck, then he nipped at his collarbone, his sternum, and down to his belly. Kurt had started out giggling but now he was whining.

“Dont tease me, Blaine, just ….”

“Just what?” Blaine asked. He knew Kurt was shy about using words to describe sexual things and he loved to kid him about it.

“You know,” Kurt growled. He wanted Blaine and he wanted him now. Blaine knew exactly what Kurt wanted, but he was going to tease him for a while first.

“Please, Blaine?”

“Please what?”

“Aarrggghh!!” Kurt huffed, getting irritated. “Please stop teasing me. Im not in the mood for that, and now Im not in the mood for anything but sleep. Good night, Blaine,” he said in a gruff tone and got off the bed to find his pajama pants. He put them on and got back in bed, scooting over to the far side and pulling the blankets up to his shoulder. He was turned to the wall and closed his eyes.

Blaine got up and followed suit, putting his pajama pants on, too, and getting into bed. He laid on his back, looking up to the ceiling.

“Kurt?” he asked, not wanting to just leave it at that. He knew it might be better to just go to sleep and sort things out in the morning, but...that wasnt him. He had to ask.

“Blaine.”

“Can we...talk? I mean...well, I did ask first if there was anything wrong. I did,” Blaine said logically, thinking quickly to align his strategy. He didnt have a full shelf of debating trophies for nothing.

“You did. Then you decided to tease me, and I hate to be teased, Blaine. You know this. Lets just get some shut-eye and be fabulous tomorrow, okay?” Kurt said in clipped tones indicating his less-than-amused state of mind. Sometimes the stress still nailed him to the wall, leaving him feeling weak and helpless, which led to him closing down. Blaine knew Kurt very well, but the time had not come for him to understand this part of Kurt. He had to admit that these moods were a mystery to him, but as with everything that he wanted to learn about Kurt, he would be patient and learn this, too. If he didnt kill him first.

“Im sorry. I do know you hate to be teased. Except when you like to be teased. My problem is just telling the difference,” Blaine said, a bit shorter than he had meant to.

Kurt sat up, turning to stare at Blaine.

“What the fuck?”

Blaine took a breath. Did Kurt just say fuck?

“Kurt? I didnt mean to upset you, baby. I love you – you know this. Lets just cuddle together and go to sleep. I dont want to go to bed angry. You dont either, do you?”

“No. Okay, pax.” Kurt settled himself down once again, scooting his butt so it fit just in the perfect space in front of Blaine, whose arm went automatically around his waist.

“Pax. Goodnight, baby. Well patch this all up come morning, okay? I dont want to fight with you,” Blaine whispered as he lay his cheek on Kurts warm back. He felt Kurts muscles relax and his breathing even out. Kurt hummed an answer just before he fell into deep sleep.

How had this gotten out of control so quickly? Blaine was just teasing and he thought Kurt was playing along. Some days Kurt didnt make any sense to him and he wished Cooper were here to ask. He missed having someone to go to. His parents were busy and not likely to be available – hell, they didnt even know hed had his appendix out until Cooper sent them a telegram a week later.

Blaine was chastising himself for being so oblivious to Kurt who was not enjoying the teasing. He did ask Blaine not to tease him, so that was where he had made the misstep. Not listening. He made a pact with himself to always listen to what Kurt said, no matter what. It couldnt be that hard to do.

He knew Kurt was asleep, and Blaine tried hard not to move in case he would wake him up. They needed to be on their best game to win tomorrow. He really wanted to go to Australia. He listened to Kurts breathing, it was slow and constant, so he was definately asleep. Blaine closed his eyes and tried to join him.

Kurt, however, wasnt asleep any more. He was very busy blaming himself for the rift between them. He knew he was being grouchy and distant, but he didnt know how to stop. He would like to kick himself, but that wouldnt help anything. He could feel the warmth of Blaines body snuggled so near to him and couldnt help but let a smile cross his face. Blaine was so good to him, so loyal and kind. How could he, Kurt, be so unkind? He pulled the blanket closer to his neck, feeling cold and suddenly alone. Blaine had turned away from him and retreated across the large bed, sleeping with his face to the door and about a hundred miles between them.

~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~

The alarm went off, waking Kurt who jumped up right away, blinking and pulling his hand from his pants. He was embarrassed to be caught doing that, but he was asleep and had no control over it. He neednt worry, Blaine wasnt in the room. His side of the bed didnt even look slept in, despite Kurt knowing he was there last night.

“He must have gone down to the rehearsal,” Kurt said aloud. He shook his head. He was going to have to fix this rift. This was getting to be too much of a habit, one or the other of them getting irritated over some small slight and turning it into a huge mountain of trouble and hurt feelings before they could talk it out.

Kurt opened the closet and found his uniform, pressed and wrinkle-free. At least hed feel neat and presentable even if he did have to wear the uniform.

Kurt walked into the practice room right on time. He glanced around, hoping to see Blaine. He was beginning to worry, Blaine was nowhere to be found. He even asked Trent and Nicky if they had seen him, but both boys shook their head. Kurt went to sit a bit away from the others and worried.

“All right, lets just give “Misery” a try before we go,” Wes said, looking daggers at Trent and Eddy giggling. They straightened up immediately.

After a few bars, Wes stopped them, seeing Mrs. Sterling in the doorway signaling to him.

“The buses are here. Lets go.”

The boys filed into the two buses, Kurt searching everywhere for a sign of Blaine. He had a solo – where could he be? Kurt tried to tell Wes that they had to wait to locate Blaine, but Wes just mumbled that Blaine would be there for the competition, he was a loyal Warbler and everything would be fine – then rushed Kurt onto the bus.

They arrived at the auditorium, crowding in through a back door that led to the dressing rooms. Kurt brushed his jacket and a few of the boys asked him where Blaine was, but he just shrugged his shoulders. They had a short pep meeting, everyone excited they got to go last in the line-up. They had seats in the front of the auditorium and watched as three groups sang, each one amazing. Kurt had no idea how the judges would choose. These were real judges from the international consortium, not some used car salesman or local minister rounded up just for the competition. Winning this would actually mean something.

Kurt fiddled with his fingers, nervous and worried as he tried to figure out where Blaine could be. They were finally called to go backstage and get ready. He stood near Jeff and Nicky, trying to concentrate. He saw Wes and started to ask him if he knew anything about it, but Wes just patted his shoulder and said they would be fine and to go get in place.

The lights came up and Kurt, standing in the middle row on the right, looked out over the audience, spotting two people he knew. His dad was sitting in dead center, second row back next to Cooper Anderson. He blinked is eyes and rubbed them, the lights so bright he couldnt see well. There at the front near the orchestra pit was Blaine, leaning forward to say something to Burt and Coop. He turned and looked up at Kurt, blew him a kiss and ran backstage.

Wes made a clicking sound that alerted the Warblers to be ready for his hand signal. All eyes were on Wes except Kurt, who watched the wings for a glimpse of Blaine. He was still feeling a bit guilty for their fight last night. Or was it a fight? Kurt wasnt sure. In any case, he regretted his actions and couldnt wait for the competition to be over so he could make it up to Blaine. He snapped back to reality as he saw Blaine slide into the formation, then they were singing Misery, stomping their feet at the place where they would have pounded the table back at Dalton.

Kurt tried to pay attention now. He knew Blaine was alright and his dad and Coop were in the audience. He would give it his all, hoping they would win so Blaine could go see his grandparents in Australia. He pasted on his show choir smile as they finished the song and he heard wild clapping and his fathers distinct whistle.

Nicky walked to the front of the stage and Wes snapped his fingers to bring everyones attention to him. Nick moved his hand to start and they were singing Uptown Girl. This song required footwork that was more complicated than the last one, but they had done it so many times it was like habit. Nicks voice was in perfect tune, the backup voices blending in and Kurt had never heard them sing it better. He was getting so excited, it looked like they had a chance to win.

When that song was over it was Blaines turn. He was singing Somewhere Only We Know, which showcased his voice so well. Kurt smiled at the thought when Jeff bumped his arm. He looked over and Jeff signaled that he had to tell him something. Kurt stepped a bit closer and Jeff whispered, ”Dont sing when Blaine starts.”

Kurt stared at him.

“Why not?” he mouthed.

Trent leaned closer on his other side.

“Dont ask, just dont sing. Lip-sync.”

Kurt looked at each of them. That made no sense, but if they both said...well, it wouldnt matter if his voice wasnt in the first few notes. There wasnt time for explanations, so Kurt decided to trust his friends.

Blaine walked to his place in front of the Warblers. They would be singing very softly anyway, so it wouldnt matter if Kurt joined in late.

What Kurt didnt know was that last night, Blaine had spoken to each Warbler – with the obvious exception of Kurt – before they got on the buses. He was smiling a secret smile as he walked up in front of the choir. He tapped his toe to signal he was starting. Instead of “Somewhere Only We Know”, he began a different song:

“Baby, Im amazed at the way you love me all the time,
And maybe Im afraid of the way I love you.”

Kurt looked at Blaine. When did this change take place? He was with Blaine almost all the time and he hadnt heard anything about the new song.

“Maybe Im amazed at the way you pulled me out of time,
You hung me on the line.
Maybe Im amazed at the way I really need you.”

As Blaine sang these words, he turned to look right at Kurt. Kurt blushed when he realized what was going on and the rest of the Warblers turned to look at Kurt, too.

“Baby, Im a man, maybe Im a lonely man
Whos in the middle of something
That he doesnt really understand.

Baby, Im a man,
And maybe youre the only lover who could ever help me.
Baby, wont you help me to understand?
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh.”

The Warblers all chimed in with the Oohs, swaying in time as they smiled at the two lovers. The audience was a little late in catching up to what was going on, but they were smiling by now – thinking it was all a part of the show.

“Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh,
Oh.”

Kurt had figured it out by now and stepped down from his place on the riser when Blaine held out his hand. He joined Blaine in singing, feeling all at once light-headed and wonderful. His eyes only saw Blaine and the sparkle in them could be seen to the eighth row.

“Baby, Im a man, maybe Im a lonely man
Whos in the middle of something
That he doesnt really understand.

Baby, Im a man,
And maybe youre the only lover who could ever help me.
Baby, wont you help me to understand?
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh.

Maybe Im amazed at the way youre with me all the time,
Maybe Im afraid of the way I love you.”

Blaine wanted to kiss Kurt in the worst way, but that might just disqualify them. He had hold of Kurts hand, though, and squeezed it gently, his heart pounding even harder when Kurt squeezed back. Both boys bowed, then turned to the Warblers with a sweep of their hands. The choir bowed and the curtain came down to loud applause from the audience.

As soon as the curtain was down, Blaine embraced Kurt, kissing him gently and holding him close. Kurt kissed back, but kept it light considering they were on a public stage. He pulled back after the hug, looking at Blaine with tears in his eyes.

The Warblers left the stage, filing back to the dressing room to await the verdict of the panel of judges.

“When did you plan that?” Kurt asked, still a bit in awe.

“This morning. I got up early and sent texts to the rest of the Warblers, they all agreed, and it worked,” Blaine said, his grin reflecting how proud he was of himself. Kurt giggled.

“How on Earth did you get Wes to agree?” Kurt asked, knowing how much Wes loved to be the one in charge. Blaine leaned close to Kurt and whispered in his ear.

Kurt practically jumped back, staring at Blaine. Blaine nodded his head as if to further convince Kurt of what he had whispered. Kurt leaned forward and kissed him, hard.

About a half an hour later, all of the participants in the competition were called out to the audience. When they were seated, three choirs were called to the stage. The Galeton High Serenade, The Springfield School Melody Makers, and The Dalton Academy Warblers were escorted to the stage. Kurt and Blaine, standing in the back, held hands. The officiant of the competition came forward with his microphone.

“This was such a close competition, all of the choirs were on their best and it was hard to choose. In the end it was unanimous that the show choir that made their song sound fresh, as if it was their first time singing. The song sounded like they had just decided to sing it, not as if they had practiced for 100 hours. The winner is: The Dalton Warblers!!”

The audience cheered and clapped, the boys hugged each other, Blaine laying a kiss on Kurts cheek as they jumped up and down with the rest of the choir.

Each of the Warblers fanned out and shook hands with the other singers on the stage, showing their good sportsmanship.

As the Warblers came out of the auditorium, they were greeted by their parents and friends. Kurt ran forward, hugging his father and picking him up to twirl around and around. Blaine was in Coopers arms, hugging him, too.

“Were going to Australia!”

“Were going to Australia!”