Kurt and Rachel decided to go 1950's glam for the Gala.

Rachel looked spectacular. She had gone to her friend, who did makeup and hair for the theatre, and had her hair all done up in a classic chignon. With her little black dress and impeccable accessories and makeup, she was stunning; the overall look being very Audrey Hepburn.

Kurt, in keeping with the theme, wore his vintage black Armani suit with a white silk shirt, black skinny tie and cufflinks, and swept his hair up and over, looking very "James Dean in a suit." With black patent leather shoes completing the look, he linked arms with Rachel and they left their apartment giggling, both with excitement and nervousness for what the evening would bring.

They decided they would cab it up to Midtown as a bit of a splurge. When the cab dropped them off at Rockefeller Centre, there was a small army of gala organizers to verify tickets, escort them to the security check and then direct them to the elevators. Once off the elevator, they were greeted again by more volunteers who offered a long stemmed red rose to Rachel, and a red rose boutonniere to Kurt. As he affixed it to his lapel they walked into the Rainbow Room and were awed by the display. It was decorated for Valentine's Day; twinkling lights overhead and elaborate displays of red roses adorning every available space. A jazz quartet was playing off to the side and the guests were already mingling with one another enjoying complimentary drinks from the bar and appetizers being served around the room.

They had been given a table assignment when they checked in and noted they were at table 10, but when they found the table, they couldn't see their name anywhere. No Carmichael, no Hummel and no Berry. Confused and not sure what to do, Kurt looked around to find someone who may be able to help them, and finally spotted a woman who looked official as she walked around with a clipboard discreetly at her side.

"Excuse me" catching the woman's attention before she walked on, "My friend and I are having problems finding our seats and I was wondering if you could be kind enough to double check for us?" he asked her with a smile showing her his table assignment slip.

"Of course" she smiled 'What was your name?" flipping the papers on her clipboard over to refer to the seating chart.

"Hummel" Kurt replied and then remembered "Oh no, I'm sorry - Carmichael" correcting himself, as she looked at him quizzically. "Ha!" laughing nervously he explained "I'm standing in for my boss who couldn't make it last minute. My name is Hummel but the seats will be in the name of Carmichael.

"Sure, no problem" assuring him as she scanned the chart.... "hmmmm... well you're definitely not at table 10, let me see" she continued on.... "OH! There you are!" looking up at him with a raise of her brow, "Well, it looks like someone got himself an upgrade. Your seats are now at the head table...you must have done something right" she shared with a wink.

Not really knowing what, if anything, she meant by that, Kurt blushed a bit stammering "Oh, wow, lucky us!" waving jazz hands and looking back at Rachel who was now so excited he thought she might burst into song.

"Here, follow me" the woman grabs on to his elbow to guide him over the other side of the room. It was a large table - larger than the others. He recognized some of the names, including David and Wes, the headmaster from Dalton..."my God how old was that man?...a couple of celebrities, and others he did not recognize.

What he did see was that he was now sitting beside Blaine with Rachel to his left. There it was; a place card: D Carmichael (Hummel/Berry) beside B Anderson.

It was looking to be a very promising night.

Once they secured their seats, they went over to the bar to get some drinks to start the night off right. As Kurt ordered a vodka soda with lime for himself and a wine spritzer for the lightweight, they marveled at the faces they recognized in the room, trying to get over the fact that they really truly didn't belong there. Fueled with alcohol the giggles got the best of them again. They couldn't help it and frankly they didn't care. They were bound and determined to have a good time.

Kurt saw Blaine make his entrance as they continued to people watch from the bar. He was transformed from his earlier look in the day. Now clean shaven, his hair gelled into submission, he looked absolutely delicious in his black tuxedo. At least that is what Kurt thought as he licked his lips tasting the lime from his drink. He had a similar boutonniere attached to his lapel and of course he'd adorned a red bow tie, which was now an official Blaine Anderson trademark.

"Kurt" Rachel nudged "There he is" whispering quietly grabbing hold of his arm. "Oh My God, look at him. He looks.... amazing"

"Rachel" he hissed... "Let go of my arm; you're wrinkling my suit", not wanting to admit that she was actually kind of hurting him, she was squeezing so hard.

"Oh, I'm sorry" she apologized letting go at once and smoothing the fabric. "I just... I just can't believe it. He's the same. He looks the same, and yet, he's not. He's famous now... and it's just weird."

He nodded in agreement as he took another sip of his drink, watching Blaine make his way through the room. He chatted it up with everyone; air-kissed the ladies' cheeks and waved over to others that he could see but could not reach. He'd place his left hand on the men's shoulders as he shook hand with his right and nod to whatever they were saying. All the time with his ever present megawatt smile never leaving his face. It's a smile that the energizer bunny could be jealous of - it just never quit.

"Yes," Kurt finally answered side glancing to his roommate - "it's a bit weird, but honestly, from the short time I spent with him; he really seems to be the same Blaine that we knew in school. You'll see as soon as you get a chance to talk to him".

And then as if Blaine could hear him, he looked over and spotted the two standing at the bar. The megawatt smile turned into a genuine smile, and he quickly finished the conversation he was having and made his way over, not once breaking eye contact with Kurt.

"Guys - you're here!" exclaiming as he reached them. Immediately turning to Rachel, he grabbed her and lifted her up in the air giving her a huge hug "Oh my God! Rachel Berry!" he put her down but kept his hands lightly on her waist. "You've no idea how much I've been looking forward to seeing you since Kurt told me you were coming! How the hell are you? You look stunning...you both look stunning", he said now looking back over at Kurt, running his eyes up and down his body and smiling wickedly at him, causing Kurt to blush.

"Blaine!" Rachel giggled. "I'm wonderful! It's so great to see you again and to see what you've accomplished. We all knew you'd do well for yourself, but really never imagined this" she indicated with her hands sweeping the room. "You must be so proud!"

Blaine bowed his head with a faint blush, slightly still uncomfortable with the accolades. "Well, thank you Rachel" looking back up at her. "Coming from you, that's a true compliment. I'll admit I've had some success, but I'll also admit that it was part talent and part bullshit luck that got me to where I am today. Don't doubt that for a minute" he added with a wink.

"Hey, feel free to say no, because this is really last minute and I don't want to put you on the spot, but I would absolutely love it if you would consider singing a song with me tonight" Blaine asked her with a hopeful look. "There are lots of music industry magnates here tonight...it would be great PR for you. And I would love to sing with you again" he said looking at her. "Just like old times."

"Really?" she squealed, "Blaine I would LOVE to sing with you. What would we sing?" she asked talking faster and faster as she flipped through her repertoire in her head... "Oh! We could sing 'Don't You Want Me Baby?"

Blaine looked panicked at the suggestion and Kurt let out a belly laugh. "Yeah Rach - that would go over so well with this crowd. Sing the song that you sang as a drunken teenager while you tried to convert my boyfriend to the straight life" he expanded with a snicker, and then blushed realizing the reference.

"Well, in all fairness, Kurt, he wasn't your boyfriend then" Rachel quipped haughtily, just having to point out his gaffe.

"Actually, Rach, Kurt has a point" Blaine followed up quickly, trying to diffuse the situation, "Not that I didn't like singing that song with you" he confirmed, "but I had something more mellow in mind; a ballad. I was kind of hoping that you'd sing One Hand, One Heart with me. You know...West Side Story...Tony and Maria...The whole Valentine theme happening here tonight?"

"Oh my god - of course!" she agreed clapping her hands. "That would be perfect, and I've been using it for audition warm-ups so I still know the words."

"Perfect! Well, I have to go and mingle a bit more, but I'll see you at the table in a little bit. I hope you didn't mind the sudden change in your seating arrangements?" Blaine sassed, and as he was leaving he took Kurt's hand in his and whispered "I've got dibs on this hand for the evening Kurt Hummel. Your hand and mine are going to have a date under the table tonight... ok?" he asked softly into Kurt's ear.

"Definitely" Kurt responded quietly. "My hand is looking forward to it".

Blaine smiled and walked away.

The Gala appeared to be a huge success and Blaine lived up to his promise, holding Kurt's hand under the table the entire evening, only letting go when they ate and when he had to leave to perform. The meal was an impressive five courses with different wines paired to each course. Kurt had to pace himself, as he had already consumed quite a bit of vodka and didn't want to get sloppy. Rachel's cheeks were rosy red as she talked up a storm to the poor man sitting on her left. Kurt heard snippets of "Broadway" and "NYADA" and "auditions" with the occasional "Barbra" thrown in.

For Kurt, he was happy just internalizing and observing everyone around him. David and Wes were clearly best friends - anyone could see that. The Headmaster at Dalton was indeed really old and everyone had to speak quite loudly for him to hear the conversation over the general noise in the room. The celebrities were... well, celebrities... what more could he add to that. They seemed nice enough from what he could make out.

After the dessert dishes were cleared and the coffee was being offered, it was time for the entertainment portion of the evening to begin. David got up and went to the podium where, acting as Emcee, he did the usual greetings and mentions of those that sponsored the event. There was a live auction to be held at the end of the evening, he reminded everyone, for a luxurious 5 star trip to Paris, and there was the room of various silent auction items that one could still bid on for another hour.

Once that was out of the way, he repeated his brief talk from earlier that day at the school outlining the programs offered through the Pavarotti Music Foundation and why fundraising, like this evening, was critical to ensure their continuance. He then proceeded to introduce the first performers. They were a group of Glee kids that had formed in the Chicago area as a direct result from the funding they received through the Pavarotti Music Foundation.

Blaine leaned over and whispered into Kurt's ear, "This group is fantastic Kurt! They're from the south side of Chicago and would not have been able to go to competitions if they hadn't received a grant from the Foundation." Kurt nodded and gave Blaine's hand a squeeze, which in turn caused Blaine to turn back around and plant a small kiss on his cheek. No-one seemed to notice, except Rachel, as everyone was watching the students get ready for their performance. Kurt could have sworn that his cheek actually tingled for a good ten minutes.

They sang the three songs that they had sung at their Sectionals competition, winning them first place and the right to move on to the Regional competition next month. Blaine's band accompanied them, and Kurt had to admit, they were really good. Possibly even better than the 2011 New Directions, which Rachel emphatically disagreed with when they discussed it later.

The second performance was by the Dalton Academy Warblers. They were still a capella and although they were a smaller group than the one Blaine, Kurt, David and Wes had been in, they were nevertheless magnificent. They too had won their Sectionals competition, beating out McKinley High.

And then came the time that everyone had been waiting for; Blaine's performance. He and Rachel had quietly slipped out during the Warblers performance to warm up. Kurt whispered "break a leg" to him, causing Blaine to smile and wink at him as he got up to leave.

David once again took the podium to introduce Blaine. "And now we come to the highlight of the evening Ladies and Gentlemen. It's with pride that I can introduce one of my best friends to you. We've known each other since we were 15 years old, going to Dalton Academy together and being fellow Warblers in our Glee Club. Even back then we all knew that this man was destined for greatness. He is a consummate performer and a Dalton gentleman to the core. Last year he was named Best New Artist at the Grammy's and he has had 2 singles go platinum to date. He is the Founder and CEO of the Pavarotti Music Foundation and the reason why we are all gathered here together.

Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together and give it up for my friend, my business associate, my brother-in-arms, Mr. Blaine Anderson!" David concluded the introduction with a resounding round of applause as everyone joined him welcoming Blaine on to the stage where he sat down on the piano bench.

Waiting for everyone to quiet down and take their seats, he softly started running his hands up and down the keys warming up his fingers and settling into the music.

When he felt he had everyone's attention, he took hold of the mic to position it better and started speaking.

"Thank you everyone. Thank you for that wonderful welcome" and twisting around to find David, "thank you man for the intro. You really are like a brother to me and I'm so glad we are working together" and then to lighten the mood he added "and we haven't killed each other yet.... It's rather remarkable!" David nodded in agreement and everyone chuckled.

"So tonight is a special night for so many reasons. First, it's special because of why we are here. Any time I can do something positive for the continuation of this Foundation, I think it's rather special."

"Secondly, it's special because it's Valentines Day" he said with a smile. "So, Happy Valentine's Day to you all! I hope you're getting lots of kisses today. Everyone deserves kisses. That's kinda special, don't you think?" he asked around nodding his head, still playing the piano keys.

"And thirdly" he paused and stopped playing. "Is that even a word?" he asked around with a puzzled look. "Thirdly?" Giving his head a shake he continued his playing saying defiantly "I don't even care. It's a word tonight.... And thirdly" he repeated "I am thrilled that in our midst tonight is a wonderful singer who I had the pleasure of singing with in Glee when I was in public school. Our Glee club won Nationals in 2011 and that same year we played Tony and Maria in the school version of West Side Story. Ms Rachel Berry is here tonight and has agreed to come up and sing One Hand, One Heart with me. So, please help me welcome Rachel to the stage" he encouraged the audience, who all started clapping as she made her way to the piano.

Standing to his side, they sang the duet together. Rachel gave it her everything and by the end, even Kurt had tears in his eyes and he had heard it so many times before. Their voices blended beautifully - each bringing the best of the other out. It was an endearing performance and perfect for the evening. After receiving a standing ovation from everyone, and a kiss on the cheek from Blaine, Rachel did her obligatory curtsies and made her way back to the table where she grabbed Kurt's hand, squeezing so hard he thought she was going to break his fingers.

"That was fantastic Rach" he congratulated her. "I'm so proud of you!" She gave him a side hug from her seat. "Thanks Kurt.... I gotta tell you" she confided "that was almost better than sex!" breaking them both up with laughter.

When the room quieted down, Blaine started again on the piano, announcing softly "This is for all the lovers in the room" and proceeded to start singing his hit "I'll Never Say Goodbye".

It was a beautiful song, and while Kurt had heard it before, he had never really paid a lot of attention to the lyrics. But sitting there, watching Blaine perform it, he listened. And then he got it. He couldn't believe he hadn't got it before. This song was about THEM. It was a story of undying love between two people; soul mates. A promise made by one lover to the other to never say goodbye.

What the actual fuck!

How could Kurt have heard this song as many times as he had, and never figured that out? Perhaps, he reasoned to himself, he hadn't wanted to. Unconsciously knowing what the song was about, but unable to really process it? In any case, it was all becoming clear to him now, and tears were coming back to his eyes again. He blinked madly trying to keep them at bay. He did not want to cry in front of everyone. He could see Rachel side-eying him. She must have figured it out too and was attempting to make sure he was ok. He couldn't look at her, but he blindly took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She squeezed back in affirmation. He continued to watch Blaine sing the song. Blaine turned his head every so often and made eye contact with him. Kurt felt safe that Blaine could not see the emotion in his eyes and would smile a little at him with each glance.

When the song was over, there was a roar of appreciation from the crowd. It was what everyone was waiting to hear that evening and what everyone assumed was his last song.

Blaine got up from the piano grabbing the cordless microphone and went to the centre stage. But instead of thanking everyone for coming and saying good night he waited again until the applause had stopped and asked everyone to be seated.

"So, when I was a teenager at Dalton Academy, a very good friend of mine insisted that Valentine's Day was just a miserable excuse for corporations to profit from greeting card and chocolate sales." he began his tale, looking over to Kurt smugly who was sitting there with a bit of a bitchface, trying to look smug back. "But lo and behold, he eventually came around and I ended up being the cynical one when I got turned down by a boy I thought I was in love with. I made the enormous mistake of trying to woo him by serenading him at his workplace" Blaine admitted embarrassingly. "It will be forever referred to as the Warbler's Gap Attack and Blaine Anderson's Day of Humiliation!" he recalled laughing with the audience.

"So, my friend and I both ended up on Valentine's Day with no dates, and instead...his idea...we gathered up the Warblers and sang to all our other single friends at a local restaurant"

Blaine moved over on the stage and signaled to someone at the side that it was time. "I'd like to bring back out all the performers from tonight and I'm also asking David and Wes to come join us on stage for an impromptu rendition of one of the songs we sang that night". Motioning over to David and Wes to join him, they moved around the tables to get to the stage, as surprised as everyone else, but certainly willing to participate. As they got in to Warbler formation, Blaine again paused one more time "And now I'd really love it if that same friend, from all those years ago, would come up and join us too, because he's here tonight...Kurt?" he asked looking at Kurt, hand extended out.

Kurt had been sitting, watching the whole scene unfold, and hadn't even considered the possibility of being asked on stage, but once Blaine invited him, he realized of course he should be up there. That night had been his idea - his show. He couldn't believe Blaine remembered and he couldn't believe Blaine wanted to re-create it, but it was perfect.

So, Kurt got up from his chair, with the help of a little shove from Rachel, and to the applause of those around him he accepted Blaine's hand as he brought him on stage whispering "I'm going to get you for this."

"I'm counting on it!" Blaine replied with a knowing wink.

As the Warblers started their doo wop Blaine thanked the audience, "Ladies and Gentleman, thank you so much for being a part of this wonderful evening. We thank you for your continued support and we wish you a life of love and happiness. Happy Valentine's Day! And we'll end the evening now with "Silly Love Songs".

And they began to sing.