Kurt was almost too scared to think that the universe was finally on his side for once, but he still he found himself feeling like things were finally getting back to normal- or as normal as things could be- in his life. His dad was home from the hospital and was beginning to recover, slowly but he was getting stronger every day. So Kurt truly hoped that he would have some happy days ahead to even out how horrible things had been for him. Yet he couldn't ignore the fact that while things had gone from bad to worse incredibly fast, he still managed to pull through. Of course he had been far from perfect in trying to cope; he was still human after all. Right now, Kurt admitted life was pretty good for him as he found himself among his friends in Glee Club. He was currently looking out the window of the choir room, the noise of chatter surrounding him. Kurt glanced from the corner of his eye at Blaine and smiled, he was, of course, one of the main reason why Kurt had gotten though his week of hell.

Kurt's thoughts were interrupted when Mr Schuester suddenly stepped into the room and called them all to attention. Kurt stepped down from his window view point and took a seat next to Mercedes, while he patted the empty seat next to him and beckoned Blaine to join him. The smile Blaine had caused Kurt to have quickly left when Will informed them all Puck was in juvie, as his return was unknown they were once again back to eleven members. The irony of it all didn't escape him and Kurt was far from amused, until a rather attractive blonde stepped into the room, who turned out to be called Sam Evans. Kurt recognized the name from when Finn had mentioned his 'buddy Sam' was going to join glee. As he introduced himself to everyone Kurt couldn't help but eye him over and smile. He was cute, Kurt had to admit, but what really caught his attention was the obvious dye job he was sporting with his blonde hair, which sent his gaydar off ringing in his head. As Will began to tell them about duets and what they meant, Kurt leaned in to whisper to Blaine and Mercedes. “Psst, he's on teen gay, no straight boy dyes his hair to look like Linda Evangelista circa 1993.” Kurt told them with a smirk, as he moved his head in Sam's direction.

“You're crazy, circa 2010.” Mercedes simply commented in reply as she eyed him.

“I dunno, Kurt, I don't really think you can tell just by hair colour alone...” Blaine whispered to them.

Kurt simply rolled his eyes at Blaine and began to smile as he thought what the prospect of another fellow out and proud gay guy at school could mean to him and Blaine. That a possible increase to their small number of two might tone down the hate they were both facing on a daily basis. But more so than anything was the uplifting idea of just having an actual friend he and Blaine could relate to. Kurt began to think of a way to introduce himself to Sam and so far he wasn't getting any good ideas. Until Will suddenly announced they would be choosing a duet partner to sing for a competition. The winning pair would receive a free dinner at Breadsticks for two.

Blaine grinned with excitement with the news and turned to look at Kurt who was smiling just as much as he was. Blaine was thrilled that he and Kurt would get a chance to sing a duet together so early into the school year.

“Oh we so have this, Kurt.” Blaine whispered to him.

“You know it.” Kurt replied with a smirk.

Mercedes chuckled lightly, “I guess there's no pointing asking who you're gonna sing with, Kurt.” she teased.

Kurt grinned back at her, beaming as he returned his gaze to Blaine. But he found himself glancing over at Sam's direction and then it hit him. He had the perfect idea of how just to reach out to Sam in the spirit of fellowship: music. Of course it would mean he'd have to bend the rules a bit but Kurt knew his intentions were pure. So when the lesson for the day finished Kurt hurried over to Mr. Schuester to confirm that his idea was possible. Once Kurt got the answer he was hoping for he knew before he could put it into action he wanted Blaine's approval. Sure enough Blaine was waiting for him by the choir room door and Kurt slipped his arm into the crook of Blaine's elbow as they walked out of the room.

“So, Blaine, I just had a brilliant idea but I wanted to run it by you first. To make sure you're okay with it.” Kurt told him.

“Oh, sure.” Blaine replied.

“What would you think if in addition to me singing a duet with you, I'd also sing with Sam as my second duet partner?” Kurt asked.

Blaine was caught off guard by the question so much that his mouth was now hanging open. Blaine had assumed the idea was that it would be about their own duet plans. “Uh... well, honestly, I'd first ask you if that’s even possible.” Blaine admitted. “Then I'd ask why...”

Kurt was glad that Blaine seemed calm about the idea, which meant he trusted Kurt. He patted Blaine's arm affectionately before continuing. “I actually already asked Mr. Schue about it and when I pointed out if Puck were here we would have had an odd number. He said he would allow it but to make it fair I could only vote once. As for why, well I thought I would welcome our newest member Sam to the New Directions. Strictly for the sake of fellowship and nothing more, of course.”

“And the fact that you think he might be gay has nothing to do with it?” Blaine asked with a smirk.

“It has every reason, but of course, you better than anyone I knows couldn't be interested in Sam romantically, not when I already have such an amazing boyfriend. Who's handsome, caring, talented, giving... should I go on?” Kurt teased lightly. But he really did want to make sure Blaine was alright with the idea. “I mean, even if I'm wrong and he turns out to be straight. There's no harm in making him feel welcome.” Kurt added. He then gave Blaine a serious look, “But I meant it when I wanted to make sure you're alright with me asking him. Because if not then I won't, because if I had to choose just one person to sing with... I hope you know it would be you, Blaine.”

Blaine smiled warmly at Kurt and wished yet again that he could show how much he loved him by kissing him. Instead he just sighed and placed a hand lightly on Kurt's shoulder. The fact that Kurt had approached him first only showed how their relationship worked because they were so honest with each other. “Kurt, it's fine, you know I trust you and I trust us. So thank you for asking me first but you have my blessing.” Blaine told him reassuringly. “I'll try not to get jealous either.” Blaine added with a smirk.

“Oh Blaine, I'll let you in on a little secret, you already have my vote.” he whispered into Blaine's ear.

“I think I'll be fine if you prove it to me later tonight.” Blaine replied with a laugh.

With the knowledge that Blaine was fine with the idea Kurt set off in search of Sam. He finally found him at his locker and Kurt took a deep breath. He wanted to make sure that when he approached Sam he didn't appear to be anything but simply friendly. Causing another incident like what had happened with Finn was the last thing he wanted to happen, especially because this time he wasn't even crushing on anyone. So sporting the friendliest smile he could Kurt walked up to him. “Hi, I'm Kurt Hummel.” he said as he held out his hand for Sam to shake.

“Hey.” Sam said causally in reply and shook his hand.

“I just wanted to personally welcome you into the glee club.”

“Thanks...” Sam said with a slightly awkward smile.

“Just tell me.” Kurt began, but when Sam only looked at him with a confused face he just continued to grin at him. “Look, maybe at your old school you could get away with the whole, I just stayed in the sun all summer excuse. But I have three gifts, my voice, my ability to spot trends in men’s fashion and my ability to know when it comes from a bottle. ”Kurt explained as he glanced at Sam's hair.

“I don't dye my hair, dude.”

“Yes, you do, but it's just between friends.” Kurt replied as he looked up at the top of Sam's head. “That's not natural.”

“I'm gonna go... cause you're kinda freaking me out.” Sam said as he turned to walk away from his locker and Kurt.

As Kurt watched him pass by he felt horrible because of the look of discomfort Sam had on his face. That made him realize Kurt had crossed the line in his eagerness to find out if Sam was in fact gay. “Wait, wait, maybe my instincts were a little off. Let me make it up to you; team up with me for the duet competition. Listen unless you team up with Rachel, I'm your best bet at winning.” Kurt explained.

“Aren't duets supposed to be like a girl and a guy?” Sam asked as they walked down the hall.

“Well firstly Gene Kelly and Donnal O'Conner would protest...” Kurt began to explain but when he saw Sam's blank expression Kurt quickly added. “Make 'em laugh, Singing in the Rain, 1952...?” Kurt began to list off but all he got was Sam's confused look. “Nothing? Okay maybe you are straight.” he muttered in response.

“What?” Sam asked.

“Nothing, as I was saying and secondly I'm actually also singing a duet with my boyfriend, Blaine. We're two guys and we're singing a duet so that proves it would be fine if we did too.” Kurt pointed out.

“Wait... why are you asking to sing a duet with me if you already have a partner?” Sam asked him.

“Because I checked with Mr. Schue and it's fine, I just get to vote once. I just wanted to give you a fighting chance to win for your first assignment. Think of it as my official welcome for you joining our little glee family.” Kurt explained with a smile. When Sam just stopped and stared at him, he touched his arm for a moment. “Rent, Singing in the Rain and then look up the menu for Breadsticks online and call me. Because don't worry, if we end up winning this I'll just invite Blaine along and the three of us can get to know each other as buddies.” Kurt told him and then walked off down the hallways, leaving Sam alone in a confused state.

Kurt was so pleased with himself he didn't even notice Finn walk by and give him a weird look.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next day Kurt had been heading to the cafeteria after being delayed slightly by his last class. Luckily Blaine was already there and had saved them a table. He had been heading to the line up to get his food when Finn suddenly stormed up to him.

“Dude, we need to talk.” Finn told him.

“About what?” Kurt asked curiously in reply.

“About the fact that you've asked Sam to be your duet partner! I mean what would Blaine think about this?” Finn blurted out.

“Actually I'm singing with Blaine too, he already knows and is fine with it. What surprises me is why you clearly are not. So why is this really a problem for you, Finn? Did Rachel send you? I bet she's worried that I'll be stealing the spotlight from you guys or something... well tell her not to worry, I only get one vote.” Kurt explained.

“No, it's nothing like that, you just don't realize what other people will think about Sam because of this.” Finn replied.

Kurt rolled his eyes angrily at Finn and began to storm away from him, “I do not want to hear this right now.” he muttered as he sped away to the cafeteria entrance.

But Finn matched his speed and quickly caught up to him, “You can't do this to him.” he pleaded.

“You're over reacting.” Kurt told him, not bothering to slow his pace.

“If he sings with you you'll be painting a bulls eye on his back.”

“Once again your closeted homophobia is seeping to the surface at the contents of a crack cesspool.” Kurt muttered in frustration as he got in line and started putting items of food onto his tray.

“Don't give me that crap! Look I know when the whole moving in thing happened I didn't handle it too well. But you can't deny that before Blaine came along it's wasn't like you were totally innocent either. I really like you Kurt, it's like we're almost brothers now, but the fact of the matter is. The way you were all over me last year before you met Blaine, if I did that to a girl she'd take out a restraining order.” Finn explained to him as he followed Kurt in line.

“You have issues with me being gay, I get it. But I'm almost hurt that you won't acknowledge that I saw what I was doing was wrong and truly regretted it.” Kurt replied.

“And I've forgiven you for that and we were able to get passed all the crap finally. But no I actually don't have issues with you being gay. I used to have issues with the fact that originally you didn't understand that no meant no.” Finn pointed out. “Also back then, you might have realized that your actions were wrong, but I had no idea. So you need to realize that everyone else, Sam included is just gonna think you're hitting on him.”

Kurt just stared at Finn for a moment, he couldn't believe what he had just head. “Once again you are worrying far too much about what other people think.” Kurt added with a groan.

“And you’re not thinking how some people might not be as strong as you or Blaine are when it comes to the stuff they have to face in school.” Finn replied.

“I just want to sing with him, Finn, and that doesn't change the fact that I love Blaine.”

“Then you don't give a crap about us, if he sings with you. I guarantee within a week, he'll take so much crap, he'll have to quit Glee club.” Finn pointed out.

Kurt just remained silent, not even bothering to look at Finn at that moment.

“Your call, dude.” Finn simply said and walked away without another word.

Which left Kurt alone and full of so much sheer annoyance he wasn't able to fully take in what had just happened yet. He quickly found himself getting angry until he remembered Blaine was still waiting for him. He stomped over to the table Blaine was sitting and and flopped down into the chair beside him with a large sigh. “Hey.” he said weakly.

“Hey, what took you so long? I was starting to worry I'd have to eat alone here.” Blaine asked with a smile. Blaine then quickly noticed Kurt's sad look and he became concerned. “Is everything okay?”

Kurt gave a long sigh, “Sorry, but Finn wanted to have a word with me. It seems he's against the idea of me singing with Sam. He said that if I did Sam would get teased and taunted so much he'd ended up quitting Glee club! I honestly can't believe he would have the nerve to make it like I'm being selfish. I mean it's not like I'm asking him out!” Kurt blurted out in frustration; he glanced over at Blaine who had a very conflicted look on his face. “What are you afraid to tell me Blaine?” Kurt asked him.

“Well... that I kind of see where Finn's coming from.” Blaine admitted reluctantly but he quickly continued before Kurt could make any protest. “Not that I think he's right because you are the least selfish person I know. But you shouldn't let Finn make your decisions for you, Kurt. No matter what he, or Sam, or anyone else in this school thinks. I am proud to be with you and that I am not hiding my feelings, no matter how many slushies I get in the face.”
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Blaine, relax, my dad wasn't serious when he said he'd be listening with his ear to the floor over my bedroom.” Kurt told him with a chuckle as they walked down the stairs to his room later that day after school.

“If you say so...” Blaine said reluctantly. “I guess he can't come down here to check on us easily anyway. It's not like we're even planning to get up to no good... I just don't want to cause him to have a second heart attack.” Blaine admitted with a sheepish smile.

“I think we can contain our desires enough tonight to behave ourselves, Blaine.” Kurt pointed out with a smirk.

“Your words not mine.”

“Oh hush, why don't you start looking for song ideas on my iPod here? I just have one quick thing to take care of.” Kurt muttered as he tossed Blaine his iPod and grabbed his laptop and took a seat in his sofa chair.

Blaine simply took the iPod and took a seat on his couch next to him and he scrolled through Kurt's music library for a bit, but found himself glancing at Kurt a lot.
“What are you doing that's more important than cuddling here with me on the couch?” he asked.

“If you must know I'm just preparing to send Sam a few song samples of my vocal talents. He seemed unsure in teaming up with me so I want to show him why he should.” Kurt muttered as he typed away.

Blaine just grinned and went back to his song searching. But about fifteen minutes later he couldn't help himself. “I know I said I was fine with you singing with Sam and all... but now I'm not so sure... I'm starting to feel like a neglected boyfriend over here.” Blaine said with a pout.

Kurt had just finished sending his e-mail to Sam when he turned to see Blaine pouting at him. He chuckled, starting to shake his head and stood up. He gave Blaine a seductive look and came over to where he was sitting. He leaned over and pushed Blaine back on the couch so he was now lying over him. “Well then, I guess I'll have to convince you that you're the only one for me.” Kurt said as he brought his lips to touch Blaine's with enthusiasm.

It didn't take very long after that for Blaine to become quite aware how much Kurt loved him, his lips said it all.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

After Kurt's talk with Finn at lunch he was very determined whenever Sam talked to him next he try to make it very clear he wasn't hitting on him. When Sam ended up approaching him and Blaine at Kurt's locker the following day Kurt got his chance to do so. Only he was unsure how to pull off making his interest in him not look romantic at all. Kurt quickly locked onto Blaine's arm and pulled him close and greeted Sam with a small smile.

“So I listened to you singing and I gotta admit you're good. So as long as your boyfriend’s still okay with it. I'll be your duet partner, you have my word.” Sam told Kurt.

“It's fine with me.” Blaine said as he looked at Kurt with a small smile.

“Excellent! Start thinking of song ideas and we'll figure things out soon.” Kurt told him with a smile.

“Cool.” Sam simply replied and then headed off to class.

Kurt watched him go and smiled to himself in triumph, he turned to Blaine. “That went well.”

“With your voice, I never doubted it wouldn't.” Blaine said sweetly.

Kurt smiled at Blaine and reached out to take his hand as they began to walk down the hallway. They were off in their own little romantic world until Azimio came up from behind them and shoved Blaine into the lockers on their left, tearing their hands apart. But Kurt didn't even have time to react because Karofsky's rough hands pushed him crashing down to join him a second later. Kurt hissed from the pain and he struggled to steady himself.

“Take that as a warning butt boys, don't think you're gonna get away with thinking you're normal.” Dave told them.

“So if you know what's best for you, you'll stop with the sick hand holding crap.” Azimio added.

Kurt just glared silently as he watched their attackers walk away, laughing as they went. Kurt knew checking to see if Blaine was alright was far more important than trying to deal with them. Kurt pulled himself up to stand and looked over at Blaine, who was also getting back up. “You okay?” Kurt asked him.

“It's not like I'm a stranger to being shoved into lockers, Kurt, so I don't want to hear you blaming yourself.” Blaine told him as he dusted himself off.

Kurt just gave Blaine a weak smile in response and slumped his back against a locker and regretted instantly when the pain the movement released. Blaine came over to lean beside him and Kurt could tell he wasn't any better off. “I know, I know... It's just I'm worried, Blaine. It wasn't so bad before when it was just me that was getting shoved into lockers. But now they've found a way to affect me way more, by hurting you...”

“Kurt, don't let them win, don't give them the satisfaction. Because you know of all people should know that they aren't worth it.” Blaine told him softly.

Kurt could only nod in acknowledgement as he followed Blaine down the hallways to go to his next class. He knew Blaine was right but he couldn't bring himself to take hold of Blaine's hand as they walked. It had taken their tumble with the lockers for Kurt to realize no one’s opinions had changed. He had been a fool to think maybe the school had come to accept his relationship with Blaine, if only a little. But it was now clear they had only gotten away with any PDA they had openly shown each other before because when his dad had been in the hospital, even the meanest bullies hadn't dared confront them then. As the truth came to the surface, Finn's words to Kurt the other day only came back to hit him that much harder. That even Kurt had to admit it was tempting to simply give up and hide who he truly was just to fit in. That the world could be a very cruel and unfair place to live, yet all it took was for Kurt to look over at Blaine beside him and he smiled. Because Kurt also knew that the world could also be a wonderful place to live in when you were true to yourself and in the end, that was all that really mattered.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Kurt hummed to himself as he brought a full dinner tray to where Burt Hummel was sitting on the couch in the living room. “First course is served, heart healthy vegan vegetable soup with whole grain croutons and you better eat all of it. Do have any idea how hard it is to find saffron in this town?” Kurt told his dad as he placed the tray on the table.

“Not to mention the lovely d�cor you have to compliment your meal, there are flowers from Blaine and his parents.” Kurt added with a smile as he went into the kitchen to get them.

Burt just started at the tray for a moment from where he was sitting on the couch, “Alright let me eat this at the table..” he muttered as he began to move his legs. “You could make a plastic cast of my ass with the cushions from this couch.”

Kurt hurried back to the couch and placed the flowers on the table and gave his father a concerned look. “Absolutely not, I am in charge of your care when Carole is at work from now on. You had a serious arrhythmia, Dad. The doctors say you need to rest until your stress test.” Kurt told him.

“You’re my stress test, especially after how long Blaine was down in your room with you last night. When I was helpless to check up on you two.” Burt muttered.

“If you’re well enough to joke, you're well enough to eat.” Kurt replied with a smirk.

“Does this mean I can't get salt?” Burt began to ask, but one look at the glare Kurt was giving him and he gave up on that quickly.

Kurt then took a napkin off the table and tucked it into Burt's shirt carefully, “Chin up.” he told him.

“What's up, how's school?” Burt asked as he began to eat his soup.

Kurt gave a sigh as he thought of what to tell his dad, “It's fine, I guess, I am enjoying Blaine being there with me...” Kurt began to explain, but he decided to change the subject to something more current. “There's this new kid, Sam, in Glee club. He and I are singing a duet together...” Kurt began, but when he saw his dads eyes widened in surprise he chuckled. “And before you ask, I'm singing a duet with Blaine too, so don't worry. He's still my boyfriend and I made sure Blaine was fine with me asking Sam.” Kurt told him as he rolled his eyes.

“Well then why does it sound like it's still a problem?” Burt asked as he took another spoonful of soup into his mouth.

“Finn practically begged me not to, even though I'm not even interested in Sam romantically. He said I'd ruin Sam's reputation.” Kurt answered in a slightly annoyed tone.

“Well this kid Sam, um does he... y'know play for you and Blaine's team?”

“Undetermined.” Kurt answered, as his annoyed tone increased.

“Oh, well... maybe Finn has a point.” Burt said in reply.

Kurt just looked at his dad in disbelief and shock, “You're siding with him? After how he freaked out on me when he moved in here? How he outed Blaine and I’s relationship to the glee club without even coming to see me first?”

“I was talking to Carole and you weren't totally honest with me. She told me that you use to have a crush on Finn, you know before Blaine and you weren't afraid to show it. Is this true?” Burt asked him seriously.

Kurt let out an exasperated breath as he tried to think of something to say in defence, “So a gay guy can't be friendly to a straight guy without it being predatory.” Kurt blurted out as he stormed back into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water.

“You gotta understand, most guys don't know how to deal with unwanted advances.” Burt began to explain.

“So you're saying I shouldn't sing with this Sam guy, because it might upset a couple of homophobes. Because this time, that's all I’m really trying to do. Just make a friend, Dad, nothing more. I thought you said no one pushes the Hummel’s around.” Kurt pointed out.

“No one does, I'm a... I'm not saying that, I'm saying that maybe it's you who's trying to push this Sam around by trying to take advantage of him. Because you're really just hoping he's gay like you and Blaine are. What I am trying to figure out is why should it matter that much if he's gay or why you need to sing a duet with him.” Burt asked Kurt.

“Dad, you have no idea what it's like, Blaine and I are the only openly gay kids at our school, in this town! I mean, why can't we walk hand and hand down the hall, why can't we slow dance at our prom? I am just so sick of seeing everyone else being able to express how they feel about who they're with. But when I want to do that with Blaine, something as innocent as holding his hand at school and all we end up facing for it is hate. So why is it so wrong for me to be excited at the possibility of finding someone else who could relate to that?” Kurt blurted out.

Burt looked over at Kurt and saw the pain building up in his sons eyes, “Come here.” he told him as he put his bowl down on the table. Kurt silently walked over to the couch and came to sit down beside him.

“You think I don't want those things for you two? I do. You think I can't see how in love you two are? You've been lucky enough to find someone as open and as brave as you are, which I am grateful for. But until you run into other people who are facing all that's out there like you two have been. You're just going to have to get used to defeating those things together, which, as far as I'm concerned, is amazing already. Don't you think?” Burt asked him with a small smile.

Kurt simply nodded, “Yeah, I do, dad.” Kurt admitted softly. He then just came to rest his head on his dads shoulder silently, letting those words reach him fully.

“Did I do good enough with my advice to earn some salt now?” Burt asked with a grin.

“I'm afraid not.” Kurt replied with laugh. He then gave his dad a pat on the shoulder, “If you'll behave enough so I can trust you now. I'm going to go call Blaine, I'll be back soon to clean up the dishes.” Kurt explained to him as he got up off the couch.

“Fine, tell him thanks for the flowers.” Burt called as Kurt left the kitchen.

Kurt stopped once he was far away enough that he knew the call wouldn't be overhead by his dad and dialled Blaine's number quickly.

“You're calling early tonight, Kurt, I like it.” Blaine voice said through the speaker of the phone.

“Well it's healthy to be spontaneous once in a while but I'm actually calling early to fill you in. After having a talk with my dad I've realized I should just focus on the things that matter. So I've decided I'm going to release Sam from his oath and not sing a duet with him.” Kurt explained.

“Really?” Blaine replied in surprise.

“Yes, really. I've decided that I don't care about anyone else, I just want to sing with you. Because you're the person I want to be with and I'm proud to have you on my side.” Kurt added warmly.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Santana and Mercedes ending up being the first duet partners to sing their song the next day in class. Kurt and Blaine found themselves watching the pair sing an amazing rendition of River Deep. As the couple did their best to be good sportsmen and cheered along they knew they needed to get their game on. Which meant they needed to find their own perfect duet song and quickly. Once glee club was over Kurt leaned over to Blaine in his chair. “So we really need to find our duet song after school today.” Kurt told him.

“I agree with you completely, so I say we search at my place? Or do you need to be at home for your dad?” Blaine asked.

“No I'm free tonight, Carole's going to be home to pamper him this evening.” Kurt answered. “So I am all yours, but before that fun happens... there's one thing I need to do first.” Kurt replied as he glanced at Sam sitting beside Quinn a few chairs down the way.

Kurt finally found Sam later that day in the men’s locker room but he was horrified to find out that Sam was taking a shower. Kurt didn't like the idea of approaching him there but Blaine was waiting for him and Kurt needed to talk to Sam right away. So as Sam turned on the water of his shower, he walked up to the stall, making sure he didn't get too close. He cleared his throat to get Sam's attention, who turned to look at him in surprise. “Don't worry, I'm not gonna go all shaw shank on you.” Kurt quickly muttered awkwardly.

“This is kinda weird, guys usually don't talk to each other in here...” Sam replied just as awkwardly.

“Well this couldn't wait, I'm setting you free, you can do your duet with someone else in glee. Someone that the world deems more appropriate.” Kurt told him.

“Did I do something to offend you?”

“No, no... it's not you, it's me. You've been honourable, actually and I wish you the best. But I've realized that I need to sing with someone who matches my talent and passion level. Who I know already is Blaine and I realize I should just focus on singing with him. Because let's face it was hardly fair for me to have two duet partners anyway. So it's probably for the best and... that means you can go after the person I know you really want to sing a duet with now.”

“Who's that?” Sam asked.

Kurt just smiled and didn't give him an answer, since they both knew he was referring to Quinn. “You know they make special shampoo for colour treated hair.”

“I don't dye my hair.” Sam called out as Kurt began to walk away.

“Uh-huh.” Kurt simply replied playfully as he left the locker room.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As usual once Kurt and Blaine found themselves reclining together on Blaine's bed it became very hard for them to focus on anything except how good each other’s lips felt. It was all going very well with their make out session until Blaine rolled onto his back and gave a sharp hiss of pain. Hearing this Kurt stopped kissing Blaine's neck and gave him a concerned look.

“Are you alright?” Kurt asked him.

“Yeah.... just really sore still I guess, I think I must have a pretty big bruise from our locker tossing.” Blaine explained to Kurt.

Kurt gave him a worried look, “Stay on your back and I'll have a look.” Kurt told him. Once Blaine did just that, Kurt gently pushed Blaine's shirt up enough to inspect his back. Only to find a very large bruise on his far left side, that was already turning purple.

“Yep, you got a dozy here.” Kurt commented with a sigh.

“As sore as it might feel right now for me, it's only temporary.” Blaine pointed out. “I also have the feeling you've got one too.”

Kurt smiled lightly and then leaned down to very softly kiss Blaine's bruise, who shuddered lightly from the touch.

“There, all better.” Kurt said playfully.

Blaine grinned and pulled himself up to a sitting position and just smiled lovingly at Kurt. “Guess we should actually start searching for our song now?”

“If we're aiming to win, I'd say it's a good idea.” Kurt said in agreement.

Blaine got up and grabbed his laptop and brought it back over to where Kurt was now sitting on the bed. He sat down beside him, their knees touching slightly. “Got any ideas?” Blaine asked as he scrolled through his music library.

“A few yes, while my first instinct is for us to sing a romantic ballad or show tune, I realize that's what people will assume we'd choose.” Kurt answered.

“Also as far as getting votes, it might not be our best option.” Blaine agreed.

“Never the less I'd like to find something with a good meaning.” Kurt added.

Blaine nodded in agreement as he continued to search, he came to one album he had been considering. He saw the title of one of the songs and grinned. “Kurt, I think I have found just the song for us to sing.”
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Once Kurt and Blaine had their duet practised to perfection, when Will came up and asked who was up next in glee club. Kurt raised his hand right away, “Mr. Schue, if I may?” he called and stepped up in front of everyone.

“As many of you know, I had two duet partners, but due to sensitivities I'd rather not get into at the moment. I have dissolved one of the partnerships.” Kurt began.

“Who you are you still singing with?” Will asked him.

“Only the other most talented and caring glee member in this room, my boyfriend, Blaine Anderson.” Kurt said gesturing to Blaine where he was still sitting.

Blaine gave an embarrassed smile and stood up and went to stand beside Kurt, who clapped lightly.

“When you're different, when you're... special, sometimes you have to get used to being alone. That's what I use to have to face, before I met Blaine. So I realized he's the only one I wanted to sing with.” Kurt explained.

“We've picked a number that I think will speak to a lot of us here in this room.” Blaine added.

“And we sort of mashed the song up to make it more contemporary...” Kurt began to explain, he turned to Brad sitting at the piano. “Hit it.”

As Brad began to play, the music revealed their song was 'Lost' by Coldplay. It started out as the piano acoustic version and Kurt began to sing the first verse. But when it was Blaine's turn to sing, it switched to the original version of the song. Their two versions of the song switched back and forth for each of their parts. When it came to the chorus they sang together and the two versions mixed together.

Just because I'm losing
Doesn't mean I'm lost
Doesn't mean I'll stop
Doesn't mean I will cross

Just because I'm hurting
Doesn't mean I'm hurt
Doesn't mean I didn't get what I deserve
No better and no worse

I just got lost
Every river that I've tried to cross
And every door I ever tried was locked
Ooh-Oh, And I'm just waiting till the shine wears off...

You might be a big fish
In a little pond
Doesn't mean you've won
'Cause along may come
A bigger one
And you'll be lost

Every river that you tried to cross
Every gun you ever held went off
Ooh-Oh, And I'm just waiting till the firing starts
Ooh-Oh, And I'm just waiting till the shine wears off
Ooh-Oh, And I'm just waiting till the shine wears off
Ooh-Oh, And I'm just waiting till the shine wears off…

When they finished singing they found themselves smiling at each other lovingly, only to be interrupted by their fellow teammates applause. Kurt and Blaine took their bows and found themselves feeling very blissful at the moment.

“We were amazing!” Kurt said in triumph as they headed out of the choir room to their lockers.

“Even I’ve got to admit that we were good. Although that's no real surprise.” Blaine added with a grin.

“We haven't even won yet and I already feel like celebrating.” Kurt replied. Only when he turned to face his locker, once again he felt the cold pain of a slushie hit him in the face. He glanced up and saw that Azimio and Karofsky were up to their old tricks again. Kurt just stood there, too angry to even feel sorry for himself at that moment.

Blaine had already come up to him and took hold of his arm. “Looks like it's my time to take care of you now.” Blaine told him with a light smile.

Kurt sighed and let Blaine lead him to the men’s washroom, even he had to admit having Blaine there had lessened the blow a bit. Kurt was also relieved that Blaine had been spared this time. But it didn't make him forget how much harder it was for the both of them to survive in school.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When it came time for the next wave of duet numbers, Kurt found himself wondering what Rachel and Finn had been on when they made their song choice. He could only assume they had something planned, since they hadn't protested too much when they were disqualified. “Something’s up with those two I know it.” Kurt whispered to Blaine, who nodded in agreement.

Sam and Quinn where up next and Kurt was amuse to see his hunch had been right. But his mood darkened slightly as he watched them begin to sing together. The song and their performance was very lovely but it brought a total different reaction to Kurt's mind. He couldn't help but notice while he watched them sing how it reminded him how easy things were for straight couples. How earlier in the week Blaine and Kurt had been shoved into lockers just because they had been holding hands. No matter how much Blaine said it didn't bother him or that it didn't matter Kurt still felt guilty, because Blaine had to face these things all over again as he wanted to be with Kurt.

During the song Blaine couldn't help but look at Kurt and was surprised to see his sad expression. But for once he didn't try to comfort him because deep down he knew what Kurt was feeling. It wasn't hard for Blaine to guess the cause of Kurt's mood when he looked over at Sam and Quinn. He guessed that Kurt was wishing that things could be that easy for the both of them. Which even though Blaine didn't regret transferring, he found himself wishing as well. How straight couples could be cute, sweet and physical with their growing affection without any repercussions. Everywhere in McKinley High Kurt and Blaine were forced to watch the various hetero couples display their happy bliss without a care in the world. But if Kurt and Blaine tried to do the same thing and even be far less graphic about it, they risked possible injury. He fought to regain his usual positive outlook on life and watched Kurt's handsome face to do just that. Because it was true, things were far harder for them, but it only made what they shared that much more special. As Blaine came to realize this a warm smile spread across his face.

Both of them were so caught up in their thoughts, that neither Blaine or Kurt noticed Rachel's concerned face when she glanced up at the both of them. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-

Voting day was soon upon the members of the New Directions when they arrived at the choir room the next day. Kurt took his piece of paper and began to doodle his and Blaine's name and put a big heart and arrow around it. Satisfied with his work he grinned and leaned over to peak at Blaine paper. Blaine had drawn their names being surrounded by a number of tiny hearts and Kurt grinned.

When the winner was announced to be none other than Quinn and Sam, Kurt and Blaine both clapped for them lightly. But Kurt couldn't bring himself to smile at that moment, he simply felt fed up with how the world had been treating him and Blaine lately. So later that day when Rachel approached him in the hallway he was in no mood to put up with her.

“Hey, I have something I wanted to talk to you about.” Rachel began to explain.

“Please not another pregnancy.” Kurt said in an annoyed tone as he arrived at his locker and fiddled with the combo lock to open it up.

“I think that you and I are a little bit more similar thank you think.” Rachel continued.

Kurt just glared at her, he definitely wasn't in the mood for this right now. “That's a terrible thing to say.” he replied as he added another layer of hairspray over his hair.

“I know you and Blaine are disappointed about how people are reacting to your relationship here. I can't even imagine how hard it must be to have feelings in high school that you can't act on, for fear of being humiliated, ridiculed or worse. We're going to win Nationals this year and you know how we're going to do that? Because we have you and now Blaine too, which is also thanks to you.” Rachel told him softly.

“That's true.” he admitted.

“There are twelve people in addition to your amazing boyfriend who love you for being exactly the way that you are. Look, I know you two are lonely, but neither of you are alone. If Blaine were here with us right now, you know he would agree with me.” Rachel told Kurt. When she saw Kurt's dark mood lighten a little she smiled at him. “So, I was wondering if you would maybe want to sing a duet with me. I think Blaine would be fine if I borrowed you for a song in the spirit of friendship. I think you would be really happy with my song selection. It's sort of everything that you and I love.”

“But the, uh, duet competition is over.” Kurt pointed out to her.

“I know, I just thought this one could be for me and you.” Rachel explained.

Kurt found himself smiling warmly at Rachel, truly touched at her reaching out to him like this. “How can I say no to that?” he replied.

After he and Rachel said their goodbyes for the day, Kurt saw Blaine walking up to him. He smiled at Blaine and was happy to find his dark mood was almost gone completely.

“So I think that you and I should go celebrate.” Kurt told him with a cute smile.

“Even when we didn't end up wining?” Blaine asked, but Kurt could see by his smile he was just teasing Kurt lovingly.

“Yes, because as far as I'm concerned, I'm the biggest winner of them all, just by being with you.” Kurt explained.

After their wonderful date, Kurt ended up asking Blaine to help get his opinion on his outfit choice for his duet with Rachel. So Blaine found himself sitting on Kurt's bed yet again waiting for him to finish changing in his bathroom. Only this time Rachel was sitting beside him, while Finn was close by sitting on Kurt's couch.

“I can't wait to see you to sing tomorrow for glee club!” Blaine told them in excitement.

“And I'm glad you're fine with it being just a duet and not a trio! I promise we'll have our own duet in the future.” Rachel told Blaine.

“Oh it's fine, Kurt is free to sing with whoever he wants to after all.” Blaine replied with a grin.

“Remember that if I ended up flirting with someone famous hunk one day while we sing on Broadway!” Kurt called from the bathroom.

“Stop the playful banter and get out here Kurt!” Finn called to Kurt, it seemed that he was trying to make up for his and Kurt's argument earlier that week.

Kurt then stepped out wearing a shining silver suit, with a black dress shirt and a darker grey bow-tie. Blaine whistled as he posed for them, while Finn and Rachel cheered and laughed. Rachel stood up and linked her arm with Kurt's, she was already dressed in her matching Sailor dress. “So how do we look? Are we worthy of our exalted song choice?” Rachel asked Blaine and Finn with a cute smile.

“I think that Judy and Barbra would definitely approve.” Blaine told them both.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next day Blaine just found himself watching Rachel and Kurt as they sand their duet together and couldn't stop smiling. The song was a perfect reminder that no matter what someone faced, happy days would return.

As Kurt eyes fell upon Blaine during the song he noticed the dreamy look he was giving him and Kurt almost began to laugh. Instead he just managed to give his boyfriend a warm smile as Rachel sang one of her lines. He looked around the room to see all his friends in addition to Blaine watching them and he could see the acceptance in his eyes. At that moment he knew what he and Rachel were singing was indeed true. That no matter how hard or sad things became, happy days would be here again and Kurt Hummel had a lot to be happy about.