Author's Notes: For the longest time the very idea that Kurt could really make it to New York seemed like nothing but a far off dream. So who would have thought there would be a chain of events that would make Kurt slowly begin to hope it could become a reality. At first Kurt's longing to set foot in Manhattan had grown from his love of show tunes and how he was going to be a Broadway star. Since he'd joined the New Directions, Kurt had learned what being accepted felt like and that made his desire to find his place in the world that much more urgent. After slowly building up his confidence, Kurt was bent on using his stubborn determination to get out of Lima and make it to New York.

Kurt was currently on a plane bound for New York. The New Directions were heading to Nationals and amazingly the competition event was taking place in the Big Apple itself. This meant that Kurt, the little city show choirboy, was about to get his first taste of being in the big leagues. To say that Kurt was excited beyond belief would still be quite the understatement. Because Kurt could look past what reaching New York personally meant for him so he could focus on its significance for the glee club. But for the moment he was happy to daydream about spending his first day in the big city with the handsome teen sitting to his right.

“Are you nervous about flying?” Blaine whispered to Kurt absentmindedly.

Kurt shook his head. “No, I'm actually excited Blaine. I haven't been on a plane before! Let alone the fact that this small town guy is about to head out into the great big world!”

Blaine's smile widened at Kurt's answer; he was so cute. “I totally get that. I've flown before but not since I was a little kid. I still can hardly believe we're heading to New York. Kurt, it's really happening isn't it?”

Kurt reached over to take hold of Blaine's hand between their two seats. “I haven't really told anyone yet so I want you to be the first. But my wanting to end up in New York is no longer just a pipe dream for me, Blaine. I really want to aim to go there for college. It's like I can hear the state calling to me even from up here in the air.”

The news wasn't shocking for Blaine to hear, but his response was still just as grand if it had been a surprise. “So do I and I've wanted to for a while, just ask my parents.”

“I'm being completely serious too and I already have the starts of a plan. I'm not going to just apply to NYU or anything like that. I want to enroll in a topnotch musical theatre program, like at Julliard for instance. I know that won't be easy to accomplish… but I know I have to at least try,” Kurt explained.

So far neither of the couple had talked too much about post secondary plans but with their senior year around the corner, it was obviously time for that to change. Blaine knew planning ahead when it came to his future was a very good idea and one he needed to really think about from now on.

“I'm totally on board with you here Kurt, and I'm really glad we'll get to go together.” Blaine said.

Kurt nodded. “I know… just the fact that we both want to go to New York for ourselves foremost takes a lot of the pressure off.”

“I guess it further proves how compatible we are.”

“I sure hope it does, Cutie. This visit should at least give a little hint of what our futures may hold.”

“Just as long as we remember that we're here for Nationals and won't have any time to play around. We still haven't come up with our originals songs yet!” Blaine pointed out.

“Good point Blaine, we all need to keep our priorities straight.” Kurt agreed.

Acting mature was all well and good but life would be far too boring if Blaine had to remain mature all the time. “Though I do wish he could have gotten our own hotel room somehow,” he whispered in Kurt's ear.

The cute little confession caused Kurt to break out laughing and he pushed at Blaine's shoulder in amusement. The remainder of their flight was spent rambling on and on about possible college plans and where they might live. Though the couple’s conversation was cut short when they had finally reached their destination.

The New Directions’ first official outing in the Empire State occurred as a whole group minus Mr. Schue, who had left them at Times Square to find their hotel. Finn took over the leadership role and reminded them all that they had no time to idly sit around, even to eat lunch. It wasn't long before the group headed off to their hotel and once they were all checked in, then the real work could begin.

Kurt kept close to Blaine during the wait, because he had the feeling he would soon be separated from his boyfriend.

“What do you think the odds of us being in the same hotel room will be?” Kurt whispered.

Blaine paused when he noticed Will glance their way and they both let out a disappointed sigh at the same time.

“Not well I'm guessing but even if we do end up in the same room… it's not like anything could even happen. We'll all be too packed in like sardines to enjoy it anyway,” Blaine added.

Kurt was about to add that he doubted Mr. Schue would allow any couples to be in the same room when he noticed the man in question was heading their way. Judging by Will's awkward expression it wasn't hard to know what he was going to ask. So Kurt was sure to keep his body language relaxed as he grinned at him in greeting.

“Um Kurt, can I talk to you for a second?” Will asked reluctantly.

Kurt nodded. “Of course, Mr. Schue, what's up?”

Will lead Kurt a short distance away from Blaine before he felt comfortable enough to run his plans by him. “I was going through our head count and I noticed we're a little uneven between the guys and girls. So I was hoping you wouldn't mind rooming with the girls for our stay in New York.”

Right away Kurt was mindful to make sure Will would know he took no offensive from the simple request. “No, I don't mind at all. Actually, I'd much rather share a bathroom with the girls because at least it will be clean. I do appreciate you asking me though and I hardly blame you wanting to split Blaine and I up at night. None of the other couples will be in the same room… so I know this isn't a gender issue for once.” Kurt said in reply.

Will's instant relief from hearing Kurt's accepting the request so easily put him at total ease and he patted the teen on the shoulder in appreciation. “That's great, thanks Kurt,” he muttered and went off to round up the others.

Blaine was already at Kurt's side by this point. “So what's the verdict?” He asked.

“I'm staying with the girls.”

“Oh well, then I can just hang out with you there.”

It would be so easy for Kurt to disregard Blaine's obvious joke but it was too good of an opening to ignore. “Nothing would make me happier Blaine, but if you want to spend time with the guys you should. I might make no efforts to hide the fact that I'm more chummy with the girls, but I don't want you to feel like you have to do the same,” Kurt rambled.

Blaine could already tell that Kurt was about to go overboard as he tried to get to his point and when there was no reason. He placed his hands on Kurt's shoulders, since kissing him in this instance seemed a little too forward.

“Come on, we have some serious song writing to do,” he urged. Blaine took hold of Kurt's hand and both lead them to catch up with the group.

________________________________________________________________________

Soon the entire glee club was packed in one of the hotel rooms and were quietly listening to Will’s attempts to put everyone in a creative mood. Kurt was sitting in a chair, while Blaine reclined on the couch beside him and with Brittany by his feet. Blaine still personally thought that leaving their songs to the last minute was a very bad call. It was clear they were all paying for that choice now and he only hoped they could quickly make up the lost time.

The excitement of New York was making it very hard for anyone in the room to focus, Kurt and Blaine included. Even someone as professional as Blaine was having a hard time keeping his mind away from his boyfriend. He couldn't help it though, not when he had secretly planned a romantic date for them. Or he hoped it could still happen because so far the likelihood wasn't looking good. The one thing he did know was how he should run his plans by Kurt because he could have something up his sleeves as well knowing him. But all of that would have to wait until they managed to come up with two songs for Nationals. The teens were sentenced to lock down until a set list was finalized and at first everything seemed promising.

Though any amount of silence in a room that held thirteen teenagers couldn't go on for very long and already the kids were showing signs of breaking under the pressure.

Blaine stretched and bent over the arm of the couch so he could get closer to Kurt on his chair. “I hate to say it… but I have nothing so far. What about you?” He whispered.

Kurt wasn't fairing any better and he felt no urge to hide the fact from Blaine. “I seriously tried but all I ended up doing is listing running Broadway shows I wish I could see in person,” Kurt admitted sheepishly.

If it weren't for the fact that Blaine knew the New Directions worked best when they were under pressure, he might have been worried. They still had their work cut out for them regardless and the clock was ticking. “This is getting scary…” he whispered.

“Oh well, we're bound to come up with something between the thirteen of us,” Kurt scoffed.

Becoming stressed wasn't a good idea, so Blaine was fine to change the subject to something more pleasant. “Oh, before I forget…” Blaine tried to casually slip in like it was nothing big. “I was hoping we could go on this date I've planned for us while we're in New York. I know Finn has something planned for…” he started but he didn't say Rachel's name since she was in the room. “…you know, so we should be free to have a romantic date night tonight as well.”

Kurt's face light up with delight and it was hard for him to keep from giggling out in excitement. “I love that and I love how you went to the trouble. I'm already looking forward to it!”

Nearly an hour later and the best the group had come up with was a catchy but still inappropriate song entitled 'My Cup'. Blaine watched the scene before him from his spot behind Kurt on the bed un-fold with nervous foreboding. Finn next to him was vastly out numbered when it came to keeping them on task and when Quinn spoke up it was all over. Everyone quickly gave into her idea to head out on the streets to gain any real inspiration.

After the New Directions got their chance to spread their wings in Central Park, it was back to their confinement, in split groups this time. Kurt was with his female roommates and Blaine was with the boys in his own room and both hoped their voluntary separation would help. Kurt knew that he really needed to get back on track and use every page in the book to come up with something really good. So far he wasn't getting too far with that plan but he determined to persevere somehow.

What Kurt hadn't anticipated was how just the act of one of the girls bringing up his charming boyfriend was enough to pull focus.

“So Lady-Hummel, you bummed that you can't bunk with you hobbit boyfriend tonight?” Santana taunted in her normal unfiltered way.

Kurt rolled his eyes at her; he was tempted to ignore her jab but he was in a particularly rebellious mood. “Not at all Santana, we can manage to be apart without wanting to fuck at every waking moment,” Kurt replied nonchalantly.

The room fell dead silent and all the girls in the room stopped chattering and writing away to gape straight at Kurt, who they had never heard swear before. Kurt batted his eyes innocently at the group and he tried to hide his amusement to their dramatic reactions.

“Was it something I said?” He asked mockingly.

________________________________________________________________________

“Hey can I try something out on you guys? I think that one of our songs should be a duet with me and Rachel...” Finn began to ask.

“I just wanna win, we all know that you two doing a duet is our best shot at that,” Mike replied as he threw a paper airplane off in Finn's direction.

“Awesome,” Finn replied with a small smile.

“Okay can we just talk about the Jewish elephant in the room? Ask her out, dude.” Puck commented from where he was laying spread out on the couch.

Finn looked back at Puck in surprise. “Who Rachel? But she's totally into Jesse right now.”

“Actually I don't think that's true, Finn.” Blaine corrected.

“You're in New York, the city of love…” Puck added.

“I thought that was Paris.” Sam interrupted, his mouth full of Doritos.

“Anything’s possible here, you need to ask her out tonight. Take her on one of those big awful dates you see on those unwatchable romantic comedies that you grow a vagina if you watch all the way through.” Puck urged, his voice getting louder.

Blaine rolled his eyes; for a second he thought Puck was actually saying something meaningful until the vagina comment. He wasn't about to argue that he had watched such films and even enjoyed a few while keeping his male genitalia.

“Rachel already finds New York magical, Finn. So let that help you tell her how you feel...” Blaine said. “I also feel the need to say that watching romantic movies with your significant other earns you big brownie points.”

“This is your shot, dude. If I was in love with a girl and I wasn't homeless I'd totally go for it.” Sam commented.

“Sam's right, I for one am not missing the chance to woo my man tonight. I've got this totally romantic date planned. Which for the record Puck, doesn't make me or Kurt in anyway a woman. Good thing, since I wouldn't even know what to do with lady parts.” Blaine scoffed, normally he wouldn't have said such a thing, but Puck's comment still had him somewhat miffed.

Puck didn't show any remorse but in his own way he made up for the derogatory comment by not challenging Blaine's claims. “Whatever, dude… just don't count on you two coming back here to get all 'romantic' in this hotel room, then I don't care what you guys get up to.”

Blaine just smirked at Puck; he was happy to let the weird subject matter drop. “I mean it though, Finn. Call Rachel up. I'll even help you get some ideas on where you can take her but my first advice is… serenade her… there's nothing quite like expressing your feelings in song,” Blaine suggested.

After Finn heard more half-hearted attempts of encouragement from all the males in the room, he nodded and took a deep breath.

“Okay I'm gonna do it.” Finn breathed as he sent Rachel a text.

Blaine stood up from the floor and stretched his muscles. “Good luck, Finn. I'm gonna go see what Kurt's up to before I get ready for my own romantic evening. Happy writing.” Blaine said and strolled out of the room.

Blaine knocked on the door to find that Rachel answered and he soon saw the reason why. Behind her looked like a battlefield and Blaine realized he had arrived at the climax of a pillow fight, where Kurt was joining in with gusto. “What in the world is going on?” Blaine asked Rachel as he followed her inside.

Rachel rolled her eyes. “Don't ask…” she warned with a groan. “Blaine, Finn just asked me out on a date for tonight!” Rachel whispered, happy to have someone who wasn't occupied pelting each other with pillows so she could talk to.

“I know; I was just there when he did it. I sure hope you said yes.” Blaine whispered back.

Just when Kurt finally noticed his boyfriend's arrival he was pelted hard in the head by Santana's pillow and he shrieked in alarm.

“Oh my god, enough, Santana! I surrender all right! No amount of bragging rights is worth the pain and humiliation I have to go through to win. I'm sorry I swore in the first place!” Kurt shouted as he crossed his arms over his head in defense.

Santana's face was full of pride and attitude when she threw her battered pillow to the floor. With their ringleader content, the others soon followed her lead. “Damn straight. Serves you right for going against Miss Lima Heights,” she said smugly.

Blaine wasn't about ask anyone what had happened and why Kurt had swore at all, let alone how it had turned into a pillow-fight battle. “Mr. Schue is gonna freak when he sees all this damage,” he said instead.

Kurt was quick to hurry over to greet his boyfriend with a light peck on the lips that caused Santana to wolf whistle but he ignored her. “Why hello Cutie, to what do we owe the pleasure?”

“I wanted to tell you in person that we should start getting ready for our date.” Blaine explained.

Kurt face lit up with excitement. “Finally! I'll get right to it. Be prepared to be blown away by my appearance.” Kurt declared. He quickly dreaded using the word blown when Santana began to holler at him and he scowled at her in response. “Oh give it a rest why don't you!”

Blaine bit his bottom lip to stop himself from chuckling as he watched his boyfriend storm off into the bathroom without another word. He quickly wished Rachel good luck on her date and then rushed back to the guy’s room. Getting ready for his romantic night was easier said than done when he discovered that Finn was currently hogging the bathroom. After a while even Blaine's patience was beginning to run out and he needed to take a shower.

“Finn! Look, I know tonight’s huge for you but you're not the only one with a big date planned. So could you please hurry it up in there!” Blaine pleaded.

“Hold on, I'm almost done.” Finn blurted back.

Hearing the nervousness in Finn's voice didn't make Blaine feel very sympathetic and he was this close to resorting to banging on the door. Maybe if he were to start singing show tunes at the top of his lungs that would do the trick.

“And I thought being in the room full of straight guys would mean I'd avoid any bathroom wars,” he muttered under his breath in annoyance.

When Finn finally stepped out of the room he seemed to be sweating under the strain and Blaine's expression softened a bit. “Finn, you need to calm down and relax. You'll be fine, the date we came up with for you and Rachel is really good. She's not going to be able to resist the romantic atmosphere, or you for that matter, trust me.” Blaine coaxed.

“I know, it's just… I'm so nervous.” Finn admitted.

“I'm sorry I can't join in and help back you up serenading Rachel... but Kurt and I have...” Blaine trailed off when he finally got to go inside the bathroom to start his own preparations.

“It's okay, you helped me enough with planning things.” Finn assured.

There was no more time left to linger and so Blaine was quick to get ready for what he hoped would be the romantic date of the century. Just the fact that it would take place in such an exciting and new place was already in Blaine's favour. After Blaine attempted to use a bit let gel in his hair to let his fluff out a bit, he quickly dressed for the event. He ignored the less than subtle reactions from his roommates about the break from his usual hairdo and hurried out the door. Blaine stopped in front of Kurt and the girl’s hotel room and lightly knocked on it. The door swung open to reveal not his boyfriend but all of the girls minus Rachel beaming at him.

“Yes, can we help you sir?” Tina chimed.

Blaine smirked at then innocently; he felt like he was in 'Kurt Hummel and the five femme fatales. Before he could give any sort of reply, Kurt made his grand entrance and pulled focus the minute he came into view. Blaine was suddenly led out of the door by his well-dressed boyfriend and soon the couple was alone in the hallway.

Kurt kept his hand on the doorknob to make sure anyone within wouldn't try to open the door. When his eyes finally fell upon Blaine, what he saw took Kurt's breath away. Blaine was wearing a dark navy suit, a slightly lighter waistcoat underneath and a pale blue dress shirt under that. His necktie was a striking royal blue and he looked very dashing in Kurt's opinion. But the best of all was the glimmer of silver Kurt caught sight off and he smiled.

“Blaine, you're wearing the bowtie cuff-links I gave you for Christmas,” he gushed.

As soon as Blaine made sure the coast was clean he leaned forward to give his boyfriend a quick kiss on the lips. “Of course I am. Now, let me get a good look at you,” Blaine said.

Kurt was happy to oblige and he strutted in front of Blaine and even did a little twirl to show off his fabulous state of dress. His own suit was black and his hair was swept up into a stylish wave. Kurt wished he could have gone a bit more out but there was only so much room in his suitcase. So he'd only been able to bring one suit along but even with wardrobe limits he looked very class indeed. “Well, what do you think?”

There were so many was Blaine could go with his answer but he already knew what he wanted to say first. Blaine stepped over to Kurt and ran his thumb along Kurt's striped bowtie, which looked oddly familiar to him. “Is that my bowtie?” he asked.

Kurt batted his eyes innocently at Blaine, but his act was fooling no one. “Oh will you look at that, it is. How did that happen?”

He took Blaine's offered arm and the couple strolled down the hallway and off to their wonderful evening. Kurt still had no idea what to expect when it came to their New York date but he fully trusted his boyfriend's ability to deliver. Though he was a little worried that Blaine would spend too much money. His first clue was when Blaine hailed them a taxicab to whisk them off to their first destination.

Of course Blaine could tell exactly what Kurt was thinking and he was quick to put him at easy. “I promise you tonight will be a cheap but fun date, Kurt,” he assured.

“Just what I've always dreamed of then.” Kurt teased.

The need to have a memorable dinner but without breaking the bank in the process had led to Blaine Google 'cheap New York dates' and what he had found was pretty great. Dinner for the pair was at a little restaurant named 'Hecho en Dumbo' and where the couple shared a sample platter. It was not only delicious, but ended up costing seventeen dollars. As Kurt finished another bite sized Latin style dish, he gazed across the table at Blaine's deep brown eyes and he let out a content sigh. Candles and music, supplied by Blaine's iPhone on their table, what else could Kurt ask for.

“This is so romantic, Blaine.” he announced dreamily.

Blaine gave Kurt a warm smile in response; he knew the feeling. “Good, I'm glad all my efforts are paying off,” he replied, refilling Kurt's glass of sparkling cider for him.

“If anyone asked me I'd be sitting in New York on a date with my boyfriend of one year… I wouldn't have thought it possible,” Kurt said.

“Isn't it wonderful? Even when I know we should be focusing on getting ready for Nationals… but I'm hoping tonight might motivate us in that department.”

“I dunno about you but I already feel like singing some epic love song. I can't wait to see what's next!” Kurt exclaimed.

The romantic ambiance of the room was broken a little when Kurt got a sudden text message and he let out a groan. Curiosity got the better of him and he brought out his phone to see who was bothering him and he suddenly let out a high-pitched squeal. “NO!”

Concern formed on Blaine's face from the sudden outburst. “What? Is something wrong?” he asked.

“It's Rachel! She and Finn just met Patti LuPone at the restaurant they went to! Oh my god, she talked to her! I'm so freaking jealous!” Kurt sputtered off with near bitter resentment. He quickly realized it wasn't Rachel's fault she had all the luck. When he read her second text saying she had made herself say hello for his sake he was fine to forgive her.

“Are you serious? Man I knew I should of had us go there instead of suggesting it to Finn.” Blaine groaned as he smacked his hand on his head. “Want to run over there and try to catch her?”

“But what about the rest of our date?” Kurt asked in surprise. He was touched that Blaine would through it all away for his sake.

“We can leave that till the next time we're here.” Blaine offered.

Kurt's heart began to ache with love and he reached over to take Blaine's hand and keep him in place as he shook his head. “No Cutie, I'd rather be here with you in the moment than go chasing after stars,” he assured.

“Even Patti?” Blaine challenged.

“Yes Blaine, even her... now let's finish up here so I can find out what's next.” Kurt urged.

Blaine ended up taking Kurt to a near by Brooklyn Ice Cream factory and he allowed Kurt to buy their dessert without much arm-twisting. With ice creams in hand the couple walked side by side while they took in the beautiful scenery around them. He couldn't help but Kurt started to picture that this could become his life in a little over a year. His future with Blaine, where they lived with each under one roof and worked towards making all of their dreams come true.

As soon as they were finished eating their dessert, Blaine slipped his arm around Kurt's waist and urged him to follow him. “Come on, I know just the place to sit and spend the last bit of our date,” he urged and Kurt happily followed him along down the road.

Blaine brought them to another bench looking out on the East River, located at the Brooklyn Heights promenade. They took a seat, keeping close with their shoulders pressed tightly together and Kurt dared to place his hand on Blaine's thigh. They gazed around at the stunning Manhattan skyline before them as it got darker and the lights brighter.

“It's like we're on a totally different planet.” Kurt declared.

“Yeah, quite a contrast to Ohio huh?” Blaine agreed.

“Here we are sitting as close as possible, with your arms around my shoulder and my hand on your knee and nobody cares. Anyone who looks our way would be able to guess we're not merely close buddies in any sense. But is anyone even noticing us? No, they just walk on by without so much as a sneer.” Kurt stated, hardly believing himself.

Blaine nodded in agreement to Kurt's assessment; since he was thinking the exact same thing. “I mean it's not like Ohio is horrible... we've been able to show some PDA there. But not on this scale and not with no retribution at all...” Blaine began.

“Or that.” Kurt added as he pointed to a gay couple a short distance away holding hands and talking to each other with cute smiles.

Kurt and Blaine quietly studied the pair a bit further, hoping they wouldn't notice the attention or take offence to it at least. Both men were in their early twenties and it was like they didn't have a care in the world. It was as if the slightly older couple were physical representations to what Blaine and Kurt hoped to become in a few years.

Suddenly Kurt pushed up close to Blaine; he had that certain twinkle in his eye that meant he was up to something. “Blaine, you trust me right?” he whispered.

Blaine gulped, “With my entire being.”

Kurt closed in on Blaine's mouth to give him a long and passionate kiss and the rest of the world was quickly forgotten. Like usual Blaine hand came to caress the bottom of Kurt's chin as they got into the spirit of things out in the brisk night air. What finally ended up bringing them both back down to earth was when the young men they had been watching had started to break out in clapping cheers.

“Way to show the love, boys!” One of the guys said as he stopped right in front of Kurt and Blaine on the bench.

Kurt and Blaine tore apart. They knew they were blushing but there was no use in becoming flustered over it. “Um thanks... we're visiting here and we just wanted to...” he stuttered.

“See what it's like to get to kiss without starting a riot?” the blond beside him finished for Kurt with an approving nod.

“Where are you two lovebirds from?” The blonde’s boyfriend, a brunet asked.

“Ohio.” Blaine answered. “We're here for Nationals, a show choir competition.” Blaine explained.

Both young men broke out into friendly smiles. “Ah, well welcome to the Big Apple. I can see you're enjoying yourselves so far.”

“Clearly.” The blond warned.

“We just got swept up in the moment I guess.” Blaine said.

“Hey we congratulated you for a reason. The more people like us, who are brave enough not to want to hide their love the better.” The brunet added.

The older of the two couples started to walk off once more, but they turned back to Kurt and Blaine seated on the bench one last time. “Enjoy your stay, maybe we'll see ya at a gay bar in the future.” the blond called out and they were gone.

Soon Blaine and Kurt were on the move again and walking hand in hand as they made their way back to the hotel.

“You know I'm really glad we'll get to pursue our Broadway dreams together. I know a lot of which we'll need to do on our own, but who says getting to support each other is a bad thing right?” Kurt said.

“It isn't.” Blaine agreed.

All great nights must still come to and end and much as the teens wanted to experience New York's thriving nightlife. They knew they were pushing their luck already by going out at all. So when they arrived back at the hotel they merely shared a goodbye kiss, but stopping themselves was never easy.

Kurt was the first to pull away but only because he faced a room full of girls, who would surely want details. He took a deep breath; wishing he could spend the night in the arms of his hot boyfriend but it was not to be.

“Well, this was a wonderful end to a pleasant evening, Blaine. Thank you.”

Blaine smiled in victory and he also did not want to let Kurt go but he had no choice. “Anytime, Handsome,” he cooed.

Their second kiss was short but sweet and once it was over Kurt snuck back into his room on tiptoe, his appearance was still noticed. Fortunately Kurt was still too on cloud nine to react to their teasing demands for all of the juicy details. Kurt merely told them how it had been a lovely evening and that there was sadly no steamy gossip to share. As soon as they let up on him Kurt noticed that Rachel was back herself and she didn't look very cheerful. Kurt put his own happy mood aside to see what was wrong with his friend.

Kurt stepped up beside Rachel, who was writing down song ideas on a notepad. “Hey there, why so blue?” He asked softly.

Rachel looked up at Kurt and managed a weak smile in response. “Oh hi Kurt, I'm fine...” Rachel said, badly lying. “Um, how was your date with Blaine?”

Her attempt to change the subject was weak but Kurt let it slide. He flopped down on the bed beside Rachel; hoping his cheerful mood would rub off on her. “Magical of course but I'm far more curious about how your own night with Finn went. Or that you got to meet Patti LuPone, which I am immensely jealous of but I'm proud that you had the nerve to talk to her. But we can hold off on that... because I can't help but notice how you don't seem very happy right now,” Kurt pointed out.

Rachel knew Kurt wouldn't let up and it wasn't like she didn't appreciate what he was doing. “The date was lovely Kurt, but... now I'm hopelessly torn. I've been so bent on focusing on my career and I decided that the only way I can make it to Broadway is if stay single. I already told Jesse I don't want to date anyone right now. Only after spending the night with Finn... I'm not sure if I can stay away from him. I don't know what to do...”

“You'll figure it out... you always do.” Kurt told her.

When it was clear that Rachel wasn't about to tackle her problems just yet, Kurt let it go for now. They were both too tired anyway and tomorrow would need to be spent working on their set list for Nationals. But not before Kurt set his own intervention in motion, and like Finn, Kurt intended to use the location to his advantage.

________________________________________________________________________

It was quite a spectacle going on early next morning, but no one in either of the New Directions hotel rooms were awake to see it. Kurt Hummel was fully decked out in his black suit from the night before, wearing a black tie and he had his hair styled up as high as possible and it was quite a sight to behold. Kurt slipped on his left oxford shoe on his foot and grinned at himself in the mirror.

“Yes, this will do nicely.” Kurt said to himself in approval.

Kurt brought his phone and sent Blaine a quick text message and he hoped the buzzing wouldn't wake anyone up in the room. He waited for a moment but when he got no reply, he let out a sigh of relief and hoped Blaine would forgive him for it later. Right now Kurt had a mission that didn't include his boyfriend and he crept towards the bed and leaned over Rachel. She was sprawled out and fast asleep but not for long. Kurt tapped her on the shoulder lightly to wake her.

“Rachel, Rachel wake up.” he prodded.

Rachel woke with a sudden start and covered her mouth to yawn. “Why?” she mumbled as she wiped her mouth.

“We're going to breakfast with Tiffany's.” Kurt answered with a happy whisper.

“Wait, we're what?” Rachel whispered back as she sat up on the bed.

“You heard me, and I think you can guess what I'm getting at. Now hurry up and get dressed and do it quietly. We don't want to alert the masses.” Kurt coaxed.

“What about Blaine?” Rachel asked as she got off the bed.

“He'll be okay with missing out on this one little adventure. Just this once this is about you and me. Come on, let me help you.” Kurt dismissed as he pushed Rachel towards the bathroom.

Of course Kurt had already picked a dress for Rachel to wear and one that would match his ensemble as well. As soon as she was dressed he whisked them both off for a breakfast of champions: bagels and two steaming cups of coffee. The pair soon found themselves leaning against the front entrance of Tiffany and Co., like a scene straight of a movie but that was Kurt's whole plan to begin with.

Rachel loved a good thrill ride now and then but even she needed to voice her worry about getting caught. “We could get into so much trouble for this.” she said warningly.

“Oh well, what's life unless you don't live a little huh? We both were brave enough to go on killer dates last night remember? So sneaking out for breakfast hardly seems that incriminating to me.” Kurt scoffed.

“Kurt...” Rachel warned.

“How awesome are these bagels!” Kurt gushed, changing the subject.

“It's the water.” Rachel replied and she got on board with their little morning of celebration. “Oh you're the only one besides me who understands how amazing this place is.” Rachel started.

“What about Blaine? He might not be here but he's heard New York's call as well.” Kurt reminded.

“We'll you're here right now and he isn't and that was you're call... so try to humour me. Because I have a secret to tell you...” Rachel said with determined eyes. When Kurt stopped chewing his bagel to give her his full attention she continued. “After we graduate I'm coming back here and I'm going to college here. This is where I belong.” she announced.

“I'm so coming too, I talked to Blaine and he's on board as well.” Kurt chimed in reply.

“Good.” Rachel breathed, happy she'd have company. “But what am I gonna do about Finn? I-I mean… I think he wants to get back together and I, I really do too but I can't let anything keep me from my Manhattan destiny.” Rachel began to ramble in worry.

Kurt had a simple answer for her conundrum. “Bring him along, he'll be great if we need to move anything heavy.” Kurt replied with an encouraging grin.

Kurt simply listened as Rachel went on to say Finn wouldn't want to come with her or it wouldn't work out if he did. Kurt brought up the age-old dilemma of love versus career to her but it was hard to forget how he wouldn't need to make that option. He was determined to keep things focused on Rachel's needs and he suddenly got a crazy idea how to help her decide. The result of which was so amazing it was hardly believable it had even happened. But it had, Kurt and Rachel had gotten to sing For Good in the actual Gershwin theatre. It didn't matter if it had been empty and there was no orchestra to back up their emotional performance. The magic of stage had done wonders and by the time it was over, the friends were hugging each other in tears.

Kurt was busy blowing his nose when he got a phone call from Blaine and he was quick to answer. “Hi Blaine, are you angry with me ditching you for Rachel?” he asked warily.

“No of course not! I'm calling to warn you. You two better get back here quick before someone other than me notices you're gone.” Blaine hissed.

“Thanks for the heads up. We'll head back there right now! Love you, bye.” Kurt said.

Rachel and Kurt sprinted back to the hotel as fast as their legs could carry them and were greeting by Blaine in the hallway. Kurt handed his boyfriend a brown paper bag before he could catch his breath to say anything.

“Hi, you're finally here! What's this?” Blaine greeted.

“A peace offering. I'm sorry to have left you like that but Rachel needed me.” Kurt explained.

Blaine rolled his eyes. “You don't need to apologize. It's not like we need to be together all the time.” he scoffed.

Rachel was fine with her already being forgotten by the couple and she slipped into her room without a word.

Kurt watched as Blaine started to eat his bagel with suspicious eyes; it all seemed too simple to him. “Are you sure you're not mad at me?”

Blaine shook his head. “Nope. It would have been too risky for me to try to sneak out of the room.” He came over to Kurt and gave him a quick peck on lips to further convince his boyfriend before he could start to pout. “You look nice,” he whispered.

Kurt laughed as Blaine started to kiss his neck in just the right spot. “Only nice?” He teased.

________________________________________________________________________

The time had come for a beloved tradition to take place; the anxious wait for the show to begin behind stage. Blaine was in his usual spot, standing behind Kurt with his arms wrapped around his waist as the pair swayed side to side. Their moment to shine had come, at long last Nationals, and the chance to prove themselves was about to happen. The New Directions confidence were at an amazing high and there was nothing left to do but give it their all on stage.

But reality checks were never far away from the McKinley students and there was no denying how Vocal Adrenaline, armed with Sunshine Corazone's talented voice was a force to be reckoned with.

It was pretty hard to feel nervous when Kurt had Blaine at his side, because his presence always calmed him down.

“You know... I don't mind that neither of us has a solo or even a duet this time. We're still here and we'll get to sing and dance together as a group on stage.” Kurt admitted.

Blaine in that moment was so thankful he'd had the courage to transfer to McKinley. His return to public school was anything but stress free but he had no regrets. Not when it had brought him that much closer to Kurt and had how he truly knew what it felt like to fully belong.

“I love you.” Blaine said.

“I love you too.” Kurt replied.

History it seemed, kept on repeating itself as Blaine noticed there was another re-occurrence happening directly behind the closed curtain. Blaine smiled at the sight of Rachel and Finn quietly talking each other.

“Some things never change.” Blaine said with a chuckle.

“For once I'm not bitter, or even jealous that they're doing another duet.” Kurt commented.

“Just because you don't get to be the star very often doesn't mean you don't shine just as bright, Kurt.” Blaine whispered as he kissed the back of his boyfriend's neck.

Duty called when the couple heard the bell that signaled it was time for the New Directions to take their place for their performance. Blaine and Kurt quickly shared a kiss for good luck and scurried off to join their teammates. The couple watched as Finn and Rachel started to sing their duet and hopefully their obvious love for one another would go in their favour. All seemed good until at the end Rachel and Finn came together to share a passionate but very uncalled for kiss right out for all to see.

Kurt's mouth fell open in shock, but there was no time to react, not when they had the group number to perform still. The show much go on and the New Directions danced out onto the stage to perform their second original song 'Light Up the World'. Through the pulsing beat and catchy chorus they managed to bring the crowd back to break out into erupting cheers by the end.

Blaine and Kurt practically leaped into each other’s arms to share a fierce hug but that was as far as they let their celebrations go. There had been enough unprofessional public displays for affection as it was. Everyone hurried off stage in nervous anticipation and it was clear on all of their minds were on the same thing.

Back in the lobby Kurt finally allowed himself to comment on Rachel and Finn's bold move. “Even if we had gotten a duet. I know we wouldn't have gone that far,” he whispered to Blaine.

“Agreed.” Blaine replied.

Kurt urged Blaine towards the board and judging by the swarm of students he knew they were posting the results. The pair ran back to collect their teammates and they all rushed over to discover their fate. The young couple clutched each other by the hand in anticipation as they waited for Will to return with the results.

Blaine's expression of hope quickly fell when Will broke the news of how they hadn't even made it on the list. It was hard for even him to look to the bright side in this case and his grip on Kurt's hand tightened on reflex.

“We gave it our all guys...” Will began to say but his words did little help to lift their somber moods.

As they made their woeful return to their hotel rooms the only thing that flared out the second they all cleared the room was to Santana who went berserk and she could be barely be held back. Blaine snapped into action to helped Quinn, Mike and Sam keep Santana back. Rachel screamed in horror and went to cover behind Kurt but he would have none of that and pushed her off in Finn's direction.

________________________________________________________________________

The night the New Directions touched ground back in Lima Ohio, Blaine and Kurt were happy to be back in the sanctity of Kurt's bedroom. Both were more than reading to break their looming silence and talk about what had happened.

Blaine watched Kurt from his spot lying on the bed as he busily unpacked his belongings. “I'm happy to see you smiling so soon, Kurt.” Blaine admitted.

Kurt put down his can of hairspray and went over to Blaine, who pulled him into his arms and onto his lap. “Well... it's soul crushing that we lost of course and truth be told I'm still pissed off at Rachel and Finn. But becoming depressed over it won't help, it will just make things worse.”

Blaine chuckled lightly, “That's very mature of you.”

“The world is far from over, the only thing that's ending is another school year. Speaking of which, I remember you saying me just before we left for Nationals that you have a possible summer job already lined up?”

“That's right. Not that I don't want to spend the summer with you at all times but I figure it's time for me to start saving for college. My parents have offered to pay for most of it but I still want to pay some of my own where there because living in New York will not be cheap.”

When it came to Kurt's own fund raising plans for the summer he too intended to work, at the shop, to bulk up his savings. Just the thought of how they both were gearing up for their New York dreams was putting him a very good mood. Kurt suddenly kissed Blaine full on the mouth and his boyfriend needed no further encouragement to get into the groove.

“I love it when you talk finances.” Kurt growl seductively.

Blaine let out a loud laugh; it was true he was a little worn out from their flight, not to mention performing at nationals but he needed this. But it had been far too long since he and Kurt had gotten to anything sexual. It was problematic for the busy teens to find the time, let alone the energy, to get any action in the last week. So Blaine was very much on board with the idea that he could finally get with his handsome hottie. A little too much maybe but Kurt hardly seemed to mind that when he only started to make out with Blaine after him throwing them both down onto the bed.

“Can we please console each other finally?” Blaine moaned.

Kurt smirked at Blaine. He thought it was pretty obvious that what they were already doing that, considering his hand was down Blaine's pants. Really Kurt wished they had enough time to indulge in some lazy tender sex, but his dad and Carole wouldn't be gone for much longer. Not to mention how Finn was always a high risk cock block, whether it was intentionally done or not.

“Do you even need to ask?” he teased.

Loosing a show choir competition sure was easier to get over when Blaine was no longer single. So he had no trouble putting the past behind him as Kurt pushed him aggressively to lie on his back and continued to kiss him. Blaine glanced at his watch and he hoped they had enough time for at least one round.

“Ready for it?” Kurt growled.

“That's quite the understatement. Get the condoms.” Blaine breathed.

Kurt was back on Blaine in and instant and the pair had every intention to take the next step but the universe apparently had other ides. Right when Kurt was about to put the condom on his ready cock, they both heard a car pull up in the driveway.

“Fuck! Not now!” Blaine swore.

“I'm so hard I could die.” Kurt dramatically cried out in frustration.

There was no hint of maturity in the boy’s eyes as they came to look at each other and yet again, they were of one mind.

“Risk it?” Blaine suggested.

“Risk it.” Kurt agreed and they smashed their lips together.

The fact that they had no idea who had even come home only made the risk of getting caught that much hotter. Making it very easy for them to throw caution to the wind and get on with it. Kurt tore open the condom package while Blaine got down on his hands and knees and bent in front of Kurt. No matter what the circumstances were, whenever Kurt entered Blaine he felt the same rush of pleasure.

“Oh sweet lord yes.” Kurt breathed.

Blaine rocked back and forth from Kurt's frantic hip movements and he bit his bottom lip to keep himself from shouting. “We're gonna have to be quick here.”

Kurt laughed, “When has that ever been a problem for us?”

Blaine let out a quiet chuckle and they both focused on getting off and considering how the added danger was affecting them, they had little to worry about. Blaine tried his best to push backwards to help them along but Kurt was really pounding his ass.

“Fuck.” Blaine swore.

Kurt on the other hand was nearing the mutual goal and his gung-ho performance was to ensure Blaine would soon follow. Luckily Kurt's valiant efforts paid off when the pair cried out in pleasure at almost the exact same moment. Kurt slumped forward over Blaine's back end but there was no time to enjoy any lazy pillow talk. He pulled out of Blaine and the couple made quick work to hide any signs of their sexual escapades.

By the time the chore was finished, Blaine and Kurt were both fully dressed and freshened up enough to hope they could get away from their impulsive decision. Kurt poked his head out of his bedroom and let out a sigh when the coast was clear.

“We're good, come on... just act natural.” Kurt said as he began to stroll down the hallway to the stairs.

Blaine laughed and placed his hands on Kurt's shoulders to stop him for a moment. “Good advice but you don't look very calm.” Blaine pointed out.

Finn ended up for once not having his usual less than perfect timing when he walked up the stairs to find Blaine and Kurt laughing away. He was happy himself because despite their loss he and Rachel were on the roads to getting back together. In fact Finn had plans to make that clear to her tomorrow at school. But that still didn't explain why his step-brother and his boyfriend were so cheery right now.

“What's gotten into you?” he asked Kurt.

Blaine was still giddy and on high and still feeling a little rebellious so his answer was something very different from his usual dapper demeanour. “Oh, just Kurt.” he stated innocently.

“Blaine!” Kurt blurted out in mixed amusement and embarrassment.

________________________________________________________________________

To break up their usual routine, the next day Blaine and Kurt decided to head to the Lima Bean before class. Blaine was in need of sheet music for his fated audition at Six Flags anyway, hence the pair’s early start. Kurt himself was looking forward to starting his own little musical project, one he hoped would pay off one day.

The happy couple was seated at a different table than their regular one and had even ordered something other than their usual coffee orders. It was the last day of school and come tomorrow summer vacation would begin.

Blaine leaned forward from his seat with his chin resting on his hand as he gazed at Kurt with large heart eyes. “You know I'd like to think you're infectiously good mood right now had something to do with what we did last night... but I know it's all you.” Blaine declared.

Kurt pursed his lips and his face all scrunched up with adorable delight. “Ah well that's partly true. Sure we lost but the trip was still amazing. I got to fly on the plane for a first time, sing on a Broadway stage and have the most romantic date imaginable with you in the Manhattan. That quite a list to look back upon as happy memories, Blaine.” Kurt replied.

Blaine simply tilted his head to his side. “I love you.” He announced casually.

Kurt quickly swallowed his mouthful of liquid and smiled at Blaine; slightly taken a back. Even when he had heard Blaine utter those three little words so many times, he still felt the same thrilling reaction. “I love you too,” he replied finally. Kurt watched Blaine's expression soften slightly but he made no effort to say anything back.

“You know when you think about it, Kurt Hummel's had a pretty good year,” he stated.

Blaine wasn't about to point out that was hardly true, that what Kurt had gone through could be described as hell on earth. But the fact that Kurt would say such a thing where he was only focusing on the positive points was one of the many reasons Blaine loved the sassy young man in front of him. Alas, his chance to lay his heart out at his feet was denied when of all people, Sam and Mercedes approached the couple at their table.

“Oh look who's here.” Kurt commented.

Now it was Blaine's turn to almost choke on his drink when he turned around to see who Kurt was referring to and his whole face lit up to form a big friendly grin. “Hey what are you guys doing here?” He asked, turning around in his chair to face the surprising twosome.

“Well we're just uh... getting a coffee...” Sam replied innocently.

“We ran into each other at the parking-lot.” Mercedes added.

Blaine and Kurt merely smiled away; acting like their excuses sounded plausible and not at all suspicious when deep down they had other theories. At the moment they chose to humour their ignorant friends though.

“We're on our way to get some sheet music, tomorrow's my audition for the summer show at Six Flags.” Blaine explained as he crossed his fingers hopefully.

“Where as I'm spending my summer composing Pip Pip Hooray, the Broadway musical about Pipa Middleton.” Kurt told them as Blaine rolled his eyes with affection and gestured to Kurt like they were an old married couple already.

“I... I uh have no idea who that is but it sounds totally awesome.” Sam sputtered off in reply.

Mercedes just simply laughed at Sam's antics, not noticing Blaine and Kurt's excessive grins. “We'll see you both in class.” she finally said.

Blaine gave them both a little wave. “Bye guys.”

The couple at the table then allowed the two alleged friends make the escape and once they were out of each shot Kurt stopped Blaine from rambling about his song options for a moment.

“How can they think they're fooling anyone?” Kurt whispered.

Blaine shrugged. “Let them be happily naive, Kurt. Don't you remember the magic of young love at the start? It's not like we can talk either. We kept out whole relationship a secret remember?” Blaine countered.

Kurt snickered, “Fine you're right, please continue about song choices, Cutie.”

________________________________________________________________________

Anyone who looked into McKinley's choir room would have never guessed that the glee club had placed twelfth when Will Schuester strolled into the room with their pitiful trophy and the choir room erupted with cheers. The final Glee club meeting of the year was full of nothing but festivities and everyone was looking forward to next year and getting another shot at Nationals.

Kurt clapped along beside Blaine and they grinned at each other. The past year had been one of many ups and down. Most of all it had been the year where Blaine had transferred to McKinley to be with him, to be his own person and stop running and find where he truly belonged. Throughout the drama, heart ache and let downs. Kurt had become stronger than he had ever been and had faced every hurtle to come to this point. Among friends, love ones, truly family in every sense and the fact that the next year would be their last all together wasn't in his mind.

Blaine watched from his view point sitting next to Kurt as he leaned closer to Mercedes on his other side, just letting everything sink in. Sure he was no longer a rock star in Dalton Academy, but he had come to learn over the last year being an underdog wasn't so bad.

After classes was over for another year Kurt noticed a familiar face make his way up over to his locker. Only to stop in front of the locker next to Kurt's and Blaine placed his hand on the door.

“You are so mine next year, locker, so be prepared.” he muttered.

Kurt laughed at Blaine while shaking his head. “How did you enjoy your Junior year at McKinley Blaine? Did all the slushies to the face make you have any second thoughts along the way?” Kurt asked playfully.

Blaine making a scoffing noise; playing up the drama for fun. “Heaven forbid, Kurt! No, I'm very glad I transferred. I got to help us make it to Nationals, I got to show the students here you can't shy away from showing who you love. Most of all, I got to spend my time with the most amazing and sassy young man I have every met. That a little over a year ago was up on a stage at a mall, singing to Katy Perry.” Blaine told Kurt.

“And thanks to a pair of skinny jeans, stupid jerks and messed up coffee order... lead us to finding the love of our lives.” Kurt added.

“Soul-mates.” Blaine argued.

Kurt giggled; he very much wanted to kiss Blaine but that could wait. “Maybe we can end this school year singing the song we created in New York? Like a scene out of a Broadway musical?” Kurt offered playfully.

Blaine didn't shy away, never one to turn down an impromptu performance even in the middle of a hallway at school. “Even when it's a mash-up and not an original song?” he questioned.

Kurt smirked at him, getting a little twinkle in his eye and he nodded. “Like that matters, come on sing it with me...” Kurt coaxed.

Blaine laughed and just nodded, closing his eyes to get ready, waiting for Kurt to start the first verse.

How do I get closer to you
When you keep it all on mute?
How will I know the right way to love you?

You gotta help me out
It's all a blur last night
We need a taxi
'Cause you're hung over and I'm broke

Usually the queen of figuring out
Breaking down a man is no work out
But I have no clue
How to get through to you

You wanna cash out
And get the hell outta town
Don't be a baby
Remember what you told me

Blaine and Kurt soon risked breaking into laughter at the two songs, both being not very romantic but both held important meanings. Each where by Katy Perry and both songs had been the first ones Kurt and Blaine had heard each other sing. So while Mannequin and Waking up in Vegas was nothing compared to Teenage Dream, they still continued with their duet.

If the past is the problem
Our future could solve them, baby
I could bring you to life if you let me inside, baby
It will hurt but in the end you'll be a man

Remember what you told me
Remember what you told me
Told me, told me, oh yeah

And understand?
But you're not a man

That's what you get for waking up in Vegas

“Oh, my god that was ridiculous, Blaine.” Kurt laughed.

“Yeah, too bad we didn't finish our original song in time.” Blaine added.

“Well can reconcile that now, I even thought of a title.” Kurt continued.

“What's that?” Blaine pressed.

“The boy in skinny jeans.” Kurt answered with a wink.

The End