Although Blaine was practically shaking with anxiety beforehand, once he took the stage in the round room and began to sing “On The Street Where You Live” everything fell into place.  The orchestra swelled at all the right moments, his voice didn't misbehave, and with each phrase, he relaxed a little bit more.  Through it all, he could see people he cared about rooting for him – Kurt, Sam, and even Rachel, cozying up to a tall, handsome guy he didn't recognize.  A few of his NYU friends that were around for the summer were there too, and Kurt's classmates Cora and Nate.  There were six students performing, including one other person from the extension school class; the others were all regular NYADA students.  Blaine had opened the show with “On The Street,” and although he managed to find his seat afterwards without tumbling over, he didn't really notice much about the performance of the person who followed him, too busy being relieved that he made it through himself.  And it wasn't long before he had to worry about his second song.  “Somewhere That's Green” turned out to be even easier, though, since he was accompanying himself on the piano.  As soon as his hands touched the keys, he knew it was going to go well.  He even felt for a moment like his old self, like he was in complete control of the music coming from his fingers and his throat, like he could bend it and shape it and make it fly out into the hearts of the people listening.  From the applause of the audience when he finished, and Carmen Tibideaux's approving smile and nod, he knew that he had done well.

And if he had any doubt, Kurt's crushing hug and beaming smile put it to rest.  “I'm so proud to be with you,” he whispered in Blaine's ear.  “Now more than ever.”  Blaine flushed with happiness as Kurt introduced him to some of the NYADA professors and students that were in attendance, keeping a possessive hand on his arm all the while. 

“Handsome and super-talented, too,” Cora came up and smiled at him.  “You put those upperclassmen to shame.  Hope you'll be in my musical theater workshop this year, we really need a better tenor.”

Blaine blinked, confused, and saw Kurt shaking his head at Cora, who didn't seem to catch on.  “I don't go to NYADA, Cora,” he clarified.

“Are you serious?  Why not?”

Blaine felt his face go red.  What a stupid question to ask, he thought.  You don't go to Harvard?  Why not?

Cora seemed to realize her mistake instantly, to her credit, and rushed to apologize.  “I'm sorry, that was rude of me.  I know it's hard to get in.  There are lots of good schools.”  Not the best apology, Blaine thought, but at least she tried.

“Blaine did get in,” Kurt pointed out, directing a curious look at Blaine.  “He just decided on NYU instead.”

Now it was Cora's turn to look confused.  “But why?”

Blaine needed to put an end to this conversation before it got more uncomfortable for everyone, if that were even possible.  “I didn't actually get an offer.  I was in an accident -” he held up his cane “and I couldn't make my audition.  I didn't think I'd be able to pursue performance, so I accepted at NYU.”  With an effort, Blaine held Cora's gaze, refusing to let himself feel ashamed about this anymore.  He could feel Kurt squirm next to him, probably searching for something to say to dissolve the awkward silence.

Thankfully Sam chose that moment to appear.  “Awesome job, dude!”  Sam clapped Blaine on the back so hard he almost fell over, Kurt catching him under the arm and glaring at Sam.  Sam ignored Kurt, however, and just grinned, noticing Cora giving him the once over.  Blaine had actually gotten Sam to dress up a little bit tonight, and he was guessing that at this moment Sam was glad he did.  He was looking particularly hot, in a nicely fitted black button down and dark jeans, a little bit of product taming his hair.  “Hi.  Sam Evans.”  He stuck out his hand, and Cora blushed just a bit before drawing herself up to diva stance again.

“Cora Kelly.”  She shook Sam's hand appraisingly, and Blaine noticed Sam giving Cora a second look as well.  She was quite pretty, with long, dark red hair and ivory skin that rivaled Kurt's.  “And how do you know these two?” she asked Sam.

“Blaine's my best friend.  We go way back,” Sam said, giving Blaine a sideways hug around the shoulders.  Blaine wasn't sure this was the best way for Sam to show Cora he might be interested, but figured he could work on that later.

Rachel joined them, kissing Blaine on both cheeks and raving about his performance.  “You were wonderful, Blaine.  I knew you would be.”

“Rachel, who was that guy you were with?”  Sam asked, looking around.

“Oh, he's a teaching assistant for Ms. July.”

“Another one?”  Kurt asked, grimacing.  Poor Rachel.  Where Kurt was concerned, she was never going to be able to live down her unfortunate affair with Brody.

“Oh cut it out, Kurt.  I'm not hooking up with him.  I just wanted to find out who Ms. July is working with these days.  It doesn't hurt to know all of the current information.”

“You mean gossip,” Kurt chided.

“A girl has got to be prepared,” Rachel responded.

Cora was watching this exchange with fascination.  “I don't believe we've met,” she said, an impish smile on her face.  “At the risk of putting my foot in my mouth again, you do go to NYADA, right?”

“Rachel Berry, and yes, I certainly do.  I took a leave of absence but I'm returning in the fall.”

Kurt tugged on Blaine's arm and pulled him aside before he could see how long it took for Rachel to work Funny Girl into the conversation.  The exhilaration of the performance had worn off, and Blaine was leaning hard on Kurt as they found a seat near the back of the room. 

“You really were fantastic,” Kurt said softly, rubbing a hand up and down his arm.  “How are you feeling?”

“I'm good,” Blaine said.  When he didn't say anything else, Kurt tilted his head at him questioningly. 

“That's it?”

Blaine smiled.  “Overwhelmed, and good?”

Kurt smiled back and leaned in for a quick kiss.  “No time for that,” Rachel interrupted.  “We're going to karaoke.  Come on!”

Kurt gave his arm a squeeze.  “What do you think?  You up for karaoke with a bunch of divas?”

On the one hand, Blaine really wished he could just go home with Kurt, snuggle together under his soft comforter, and forget everything else.  But on the other, Kurt seemed interested in going out, and from what he had gathered, this was a pretty rare occurrence for Kurt.  And maybe he'd get to hear Kurt sing.  That thought was enough to make his decision for him.  “I think I'm done singing for tonight.  But I'd love to hear you guys.”

“I don't think that will be a problem,” Cora announced confidently.

“Rachel, I think she stole your line,” Sam crowed, bumping his shoulder against Rachel's.  “Man, these NYADA kids sure are spotlight hogs.”

“Is this really a surprise?” Kurt said dryly, pulling Blaine to his feet.  “All right.  We're taking a cab.  Anyone want to join us?”

----------

The karaoke bar favored by this group of NYADA students had a live piano player and an impressive song selection book.  Blaine and Sam claimed a booth while Rachel and Kurt headed to the front to put their names on the list, Cora following close behind.  “Don't you want to sing, Sam?”  Blaine asked him.

“Maybe later.”  Sam was fidgeting, drumming his fingers on the table.

“She's cute,” Blaine said, poking Sam with his foot.  “Go look at the karaoke book with her.”

Sam gave Blaine an irritated look, then shook his head and smiled at Blaine.  “Can't hurt, I guess.”  He got up and headed over to Cora, apparently taking Blaine's advice.

Kurt appeared a few minutes later, two glasses of water in his hands, and slid into the booth next to Blaine.  “Tonight calls for something more festive, but I wasn't sure you'd be up for it,” he said, indicating the water.

“No, this is perfect.”  Blaine gratefully drank down half his glass at once.  Then he put an arm around Kurt, pulling him against his side, and whispered in his ear, Kurt's hair tickling his nose.  “I can't wait to hear you sing.”

Kurt snuggled against him, closing his eyes for a moment.  “Mmm.  Patience.  I think Rachel and Cora are signed up ahead of me.  This could be a historic night.”

“Oh?”  Blaine found Kurt's hand and tangled their fingers together, resting them gently on Kurt's lean stomach.

“I always imagined what might happen if Rachel and Cora met.  Like when two molecules come into contact and explode.  Something science-y and dangerous.”

“I'm not even going to try to put that into grown-up terms, but I know what you mean.  Cora does seem unlikely to let a challenge go unanswered.”

“Exactly,” Kurt agreed. 

Cora and Rachel both picked up microphones and nodded at the piano player.  “Well, at least Rachel will stop squawking about making me her duet partner,” Blaine commented. 

“You don't want to sing with her?”  Kurt asked blandly.

“Not my first priority,” Blaine answered, leaning his head against Kurt's. 

As Cora and Rachel did an energetic performance of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” Kurt squirmed against Blaine.  “This song will forever make me think of dodgeball,” he groaned.  “Weird choice for Rachel, maybe she just erased that fiasco from her memory.”

“Yeah, not our best day.”  The girls finished singing and Blaine saw Sam up front, bouncing up to give them each a hug.  “You think you can casually mention to Cora that Sam's straight?”

“I think Sam's got it under control,” Kurt said, smiling, as Sam steered Cora off to the bar.  “She doesn't know you guys well enough to be confused by the Blam of it all.”

Rachel arrived, flushed with excitement over her performance.  “That went well, I think, don't you?  I had wanted to do something a little more emotional, but the night's still young.  Cora was clearly eager to perform with me, and I didn't want to disappoint her.”

Rachel continued musing about her next song choice while the next few people performed – a painful rendition of “I Cain't Say No,” by two girls who had clearly not said no to their last few drinks, and a surprisingly entertaining performance of “Last Friday Night” which had Blaine bouncing in his seat.

“Your performance was better,” Kurt said, giving Blaine a quick kiss and sitting up.  “I think I'm next.  Wish me luck?”  With a sly smile, he slid out of the booth and made his way to the front.

Sam joined them, trying to say something to Blaine, but Rachel interrupted.  “Shush, Kurt's going now.”  Rachel gave Sam a look, and he pulled Blaine out of the booth, taking the inside seat for himself.

“Sam?”  Blaine didn't really care which seat he sat in, but he was confused.

“Figured you'd want to be able to see this.”  Sam smiled and leaned into the corner, poking Blaine with the tip of his shoe until he turned around and looked at Kurt.

Kurt was talking with the piano player, gesturing with his hands as he explained something, and then, apparently satisfied, picked up the mic.  “This song is for someone special.” 

Oh.  So that's what Sam was talking about.

Rachel and Sam catcalled, as did a few other audience members, but Kurt ignored them all.  He turned to Cora, who was sitting over by the bar with Nate.  “About a month ago, a friend of mine asked this person how he managed to get me to forget my lost love.  But what she didn't know is that he is  my lost love.”  Kurt paused and met Blaine's eyes, his own sparkling under the lights.  “And I can't believe how lucky I am that we've found each other again.”  Kurt smiled at Blaine, then turned to the audience and continued.  “He's been singing me love songs for years, but tonight it's my turn.”

Kurt began singing, without any accompaniment, just his clear voice in the sudden quiet of the room.

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

Blaine felt his eyes tearing up, and Kurt had barely started singing.  Kurt knew he loved him, and Kurt loved him back.  And he was serenading him here, declaring his love for him in front of everyone.

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

After just these few lines, Kurt paused, letting the last note fade away.  Blaine froze, hoping no one could hear his heart pounding in the silence.  Then the piano began a happy, familiar tune.  Soon Kurt was beaming, and he jumped right in on cue.

Whenever I see your smiling face, I have to smile myself, because I love you, yes, I do.
And when you give me that pretty little pout, it turns me inside out.
Theres something about you, baby, I dont know.

Isnt it amazing a man like me can feel this way,
Tell me how much longer, it could grow stronger every day. Oh, how much longer?

“He's got you down, doesn't he,” Sam whispered in Blaine's ear. 

I thought I was in love a couple of times before with the boy next door,
But that was long before I met you, now Im sure that I wont forget you.
And I thank my lucky stars that you are who you are,
And not just another lovely fellow set out to break my heart.

Isnt it amazing a man like me can feel this way,
Tell me how much longer, it could grow stronger every day.

Blaine was smiling so hard he thought his face was going to burst.  Before he knew it, Kurt had finished singing the last "no one can tell me that I'm doing wrong today," took a quick bow, and sashayed proudly back to their booth.  Blaine was up and wrapped around him before he could stop himself.  “I love you so much,” he breathed out, lacing his fingers into Kurt's hair.

“I love you too,” Kurt whispered back, squeezing him tightly.  “I've wanted to say it so many times, I hope this was okay.”

“Definitely okay.”  Blaine pulled Kurt down into the booth and kissed him, hard and fast.  “I love you.”

“You said that already.”

“Too bad.”

Sam cleared his throat, and Blaine realized they had pretty much trapped him there against the wall.  “Not that I mind the close quarters, but I think I'm actually up soon,” he said, smiling broadly.  They scrambled to let Sam get out, then settled back down, Blaine letting out a groan as he did so.

“You okay?”  Kurt looked concerned.

Blaine shrugged.  “My leg hurts.”

“You're tired, too,” Kurt said, looking appraisingly at Blaine.

“I am.”  He really was, but he wasn't ready for this night to be over.  “But Sam hasn't sung yet.  And I don't want to go home.”

“No?  Why not?”

“I don't want it to be tomorrow.  My parents are going to be here, then the next day's the surgery… just, you know, yuck.”

Kurt took Blaine's hand and gave it a squeeze.  “What's the plan with your parents?” 

Blaine couldn't help rolling his eyes.  “Their flight gets in around ten.  They're going with me to see my doctor, and then I guess just come back to my apartment and drive me crazy for a while.  Thankfully they're staying at a hotel, but I'm sure they'll show up bright and early on Friday to take me to the hospital.”

“Are you all going out to dinner tomorrow?”

“I'm not supposed to eat at night, so probably not.  Maybe a late lunch?”  Blaine sighed.  “But in a few days it will all be over.  Do you have anything to do on Sunday?  I should be home by then, maybe you can come over and say hi?  They'll be glad to see you.”

Kurt put a hand to Blaine's face, and gave him a sweet, lingering kiss.  Blaine closed his eyes, wanting to lose himself the feeling of Kurt's soft lips against his.  But Kurt broke off the kiss all too soon.  “I have a different idea.”

Blaine opened his eyes, curious.  “Oh?”

“Well, we could go with your plan, and leave you to the ministrations of your well meaning but somewhat suffocating parents.  Or, we could do it my way.”

“What's that, exactly?”  Blaine smiled; Kurt's tone was infectious and he knew something good was coming.

“Tomorrow night, text me when they leave for their hotel.  I'll come over, and together Sam and I will keep you from freaking out.  We'll cuddle you all night if we have to.”

“I hate to be a burden,” Blaine said, smirking.

“I know, dear, I know.”  Kurt smiled and went on.  “Tell your parents we'll meet them at the hospital, and I'll go over with you in the morning.”

“I like your plan,” Blaine admitted.  “Especially the cuddling part.  But you really don't need to be at the hospital with me.  I'll be fine.”

“You really think I'm going to let you do this by yourself?”

“I won't be by myself,” Blaine explained.  “Sam will be there, and my parents.  I'll be okay.”

“Do you not want me there?”  For the first time tonight, Kurt looked uncertain.  Shit, that was not at all what he wanted.

“No, I mean I do, but…”  Blaine took a deep breath, and grabbed Kurt's hand, holding it tightly.  “Listen.  It means the world to me that you are willing to go through this with me.  And truth be told, I would love to have you there.  But I'm scared, too.  I'm scared to let myself need you like that again.”  He gazed at Kurt, searching his eyes.  “And, you know, my hair gets all crazy when I'm stuck in bed.  It's not pretty.”

Kurt relaxed.  “I won't take pictures, I promise.”  He looked down at where their hands were joined, Blaine rubbing circles into his palm with his thumb.  “So, does this mean I can accompany you to the hospital?”

“Yes.  But don't start singing Camelot, or my parents will never stop.”  Blaine leaned back against the corner of the booth and pulled Kurt up against him, singing softly, ”Then you may take me to the fair, if you do all the things you promise.  In fact, my heart would break should you not take me to the fair….”

Blaine was almost about to doze off, there in the noisy bar with Kurt warm and heavy up against him, when Sam finally took the stage.  He forced himself to open his eyes and pay attention, and smiled when Sam began to sing.

What would you think if I sang out of tune
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and Ill sing you a song
And Ill try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm I get high with a little help from my friends
Mm going to try with a little help from my friends.

Leave it to Sam to pick the perfect anthem for the night.  Maybe even for the summer.  Surgery or not, Blaine's life was pretty damn good these days, he thought.  Now, if he could just make it home without falling asleep…