Blaine had never been more impatient for a day to come since his first date with Kurt. The two had spent all Friday night watching movies simply to pass the time. Kurt was nervous about his solo, but refused to sing it in front of Blaine. “I want it to be a surprise,” he kept saying, much to Blaine’s disappointment. Blaine just wanted to see his solo. He wanted to see Tina’s solo and the rest of the group perform. It had been a long time since he’d seen them, and never in competition. He knew how hard that club worked and, even before seeing them, he was proud of them. He couldn’t wait to see what they’d put together.

            Saturday finally came and Blaine made his way to Kurt’s house. He was going to the competition with Burt and he was glad to have a chance to spend time with him. He really respected Burt and the relationship he had with Kurt. Of course he was nervous too—an entire day together made for a lot of chances to screw everything up, but he was confident the day would go well.

            “So, Blaine,” Burt asked after nearly half an hour of silence, “how are things with you and Kurt?”

            “They’re good.”

            “Just good?”

            “Um, they’re great.” Blaine laughed. “I really love him.”

            “I know you do. And I know Kurt loves you too. I was so worried about him before you came along. He was so lonely and so sad all the time. I thought he’d do something stupid—date some jerk or let somebody use him. I thought he’d come home with some thirty-year-old covered in tattoos with a page-long criminal record just so he could say he had somebody. Don’t tell him I said that,” Burt laughed at the Blaine’s shocked and confused face. “Kurt’s a smart kid, but it was hard for him, I think, to see everybody else around him in a relationship while he didn’t think he had a chance. When I first met you I remember thinking I hoped he’d find somebody like you. Back then I thought you were straight. When you guys told me you were together I was over the moon.”

            “Thank you, sir,” Blaine said timidly. He wasn’t sure where this conversation was going, but he was glad to hear Burt liked him so much.

            “I don’t mean to weird you out or anything, kid. I just wanted you to know that I like you and I think you’re really good for my son. He couldn’t have made a better choice.” Blaine felt himself tear up a bit at this, so he simply smiled and nodded before turning out the window. He had no idea the impact he had on Kurt’s life. Kurt had a huge impact on him, but he’d never imagined it would have gone the other way around, too. He made Kurt happy. He found him when he was sad and lonely, just the way Kurt had found him. Burt liked Blaine, was glad Kurt had him. Him.

            We’re soulmates, Blaine thought, we have to be. We needed each other and we found each other and we’ll always be together. Blaine felt himself grow warmer as he blushed. The more he learned about Kurt— the more he understood about him, his imperfections, his insecurities—the more he fell in love with him, and he didn’t think that was possible before. Now all he wanted was to find Kurt and hold him in his arms and kiss every inch of him, reminding him over and over that he loved him.

            Blaine spotted the New Directions the moment he and Burt pulled into the parking lot. He ran out of the car towards the group, nearly tackling Kurt to the ground when he threw himself at him. Kurt laughed as Blaine whispered “I love you” over and over. He heard a collective “aww” from the girls and a few “get somes” from the boys before Burt approached the group.

            “Good luck today, kids. I know you’ll do great. Blaine?” Blaine pulled himself reluctantly from Kurt and walked into the auditorium with Burt, but not before giving the glee members a smile and a thumbs up.

He sat fidgeting as the first group performed. Blaine didn’t know much about music, but he knew enough to know that these guys sucked. The audience clapped politely when the group finally took their bows, and Burt mouthed “thank god” to Blaine, who just shrugged and laughed. The Dalton Warblers were up next, and they were really good. Blaine found himself tapping his foot along with the music, an amazed smile on his face as the group sang without background music. They were their own music. Blaine had never heard anything like this before, but he enjoyed it. Not as much as he’d enjoy New Directions, of course, but he could appreciate their talent.

            It felt like they’d been sitting there for hours before the announcer finally called New Directions to the stage. Burt and Blaine both yelled obnoxiously, smiling at each other and knowing full well they’d get an earful for it later. The lights dimmed and a single spotlight shone on none other than Kurt. The two men in the audience both gasped, waiting anxiously to finally hear the top-secret solo. Kurt smiled and opened his mouth.

There’s a still in the street outside your window

You’re keeping secrets on your pillow

Let me inside no cause for alarm

I promise tonight not to do no harm

I promise you, babe, I won’t do you no harm

Blaine couldn’t help the giant grin on his face as he listened to the angelic voice. It was different than he’d ever heard it, but it was still Kurt. The rest of the lights turned on and the group appeared behind him, backing Kurt and somehow making him sound even more beautiful.

And we’re caught in the crossfire

Of heaven and hell

And we’re searching for shelter

Lay your body down

Lay your body down

Lay your body down

The auditorium erupted at the end of the song, and Blaine cheered proudly next to Burt. God my boyfriend is hot. The tempo picked up as the group performed “This Love” by Maroon 5. Blaine actually knew this song, one of the first he knew all day. Mike and Brittany danced skillfully at the front while the rest danced behind them, the joy evident on their faces. Blaine loved watching them perform. They were so different up there, but somehow were still them. Just enhanced, Blaine decided.

The group pulled stools from the wings and gathered toward the front of the stage. Tina sang a song about some girl named Jolene that Blaine didn’t recognize. She had a beautiful voice too, and Blaine couldn’t help but smile at the proud look Mike was giving her. It was the same look Kurt gave him sometimes, and it was one of his favorites. He was glad Tina and Mike had that too. He clapped and cheered for Tina when the song ended while the group took off the stools. He was proud of her, and he saw Kurt give her a high-five as they set themselves up for their final song. Blaine wondered how he got such an amazing boyfriend.

I never loved nobody fully

Always one foot on the ground

And by protecting my heart truly

I got lost in the sounds

Blaine had never heard this song before either, but he made a mental note to get it from Kurt. It was fun and upbeat and had the entire auditorium on its feet, dancing along with the group. Even the Warblers were out of their seats, clapping along to the music. Blaine knew he was biased, but he was pretty sure it was the best performance he’d ever seen. The noise from the audience made him think everybody agreed.

There was a short break in between New Directions and the award ceremony, so Blaine went out to find his friends. After a few minutes of searching he finally heard his name above the crowd. He turned toward the sound to see the entire glee club smiling and waving him towards them.

“You guys were amazing!” he said as he approached. “Tina, Kurt, your solos were so beautiful. I’m so proud of you guys!”

A chorus of “thank you” followed as he hugged each member. They were all smiling broadly, and Blaine couldn’t help but smile back. He liked this side of them, of Kurt—they were all so happy and proud of themselves. They usually fought all the time but right now they just seemed so…together.

The group’s nerves grew as the clock ticked by, though, and by the time they made their way onto the stage they were gripping each others’ hands so tight they all had white knuckles. They tried for pleasant smiles, but Blaine thought Rachel looked manic up that stage and he couldn’t help but laugh. When the announcer finally stepped on the stage, Blaine too found his hands clenched nervously. He wanted them to go to Nationals—Kurt hadn’t stopped talking about it since sectionals. He had learned that they’d gone the year before but didn’t make it to the top ten. This year they were hoping to win it all.

The first performers got third place. Obviously. They ran off the stage happily as McKinley and Dalton waited to hear their fates. The announcer was dramatic, pausing and going on tangents just to get the crowd worked up. It took every ounce of self-restraint Blaine had not to yell “just tell us already” to the man. He didn’t think anyone would have minded if he had.

“Alright, alright. Enough teasing,” the announcer finally said. “In first place, qualifying for the Nationals competition in New York is—“ one last pause, “the New Directions!”

Rachel’s scream could be heard above the rest, but Blaine was too excited to roll his eyes at her. The entire group was jumping and hugging each other on stage, and Burt and Blaine high fived in the audience. Blaine looked up at Kurt, who was hugging Mercedes with a wide grin. He looked so happy, so proud. Blaine thought he could get used to that look. Mr. Shuester grabbed their trophy and the group headed off stage while the announcer dismissed the audience.

They were still celebrating by the busses when Burt and Blaine arrived.

“Congratulations!” they said, and more cheering and laughter followed. They stayed and chatted for a while until Mr. Shuester reluctantly told the group that it was time to head back to Lima. Blaine gave Kurt one final hug goodbye.

“I’m so proud of you, Kurt.”

“Thank you. I’m so glad you came,” Kurt said, looking at Blaine shyly.

“I would never miss a chance to hear you sing.”