Throughout the last week before the battle, the students had been practising their skills and trying to defend themselves from other powers their team mates had. It was the only preparation McKinley had to offer their students. There was one incident where Puck was up against Kurt; Kurt had lost focused and a slim flame skimmed his hip and left a mark in its place. At the time it had been painful for Kurt but now he thought of it as a battle wound, something that made him stronger. Since that day he'd focused extra hard and managed to dodge or return the majority off attacks.

As the last session came to an end he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He dismissed Rachel after she said something about him catching a ride form her by saying that Finn would pick him up as he usually did. With another eye roll in her direction he left the used-to-be-choir-room and pulled out his phone. When he brought his phone to life he smiled down at the screen. It was Blaine.

Hey! We still on for tonight? – Blaine

Off course we are! I'll get Finn to pick you up later – Kurt

The two of them had decided to have one last night together at Kurt's house before they parted for the battle. It was only a couple of days away and Kurt was starting to get nervous. He always used to get nervous before a performance and he guessed it wasn't that different. Well, apart from the literal life or death situation.

Kurt pushed open the doors to McKinley and stepped out into the fresh air, he was free for the weekend. At the end of the car park he could see Finn's old pick-up truck and walked over wondering if it would be the last time he had to walk through the school grounds. Would this be his last weekend?

As he approached Finn all thoughts of the future, or lack it of it, disappeared because he had his family (and Blaine) to focus on. He slid into the passenger seat and returned Finn's warm smile, he truly was the best brother a guy could have.

"Good day?"

"Yeah, I think I'm ready for battle! You remember that you're going to pick up Blaine later, right?"

"Yes I do, don't worry"

Kurt sat back against the seat and stared out of the window and just watched the world go by.

His mind turned to thoughts of Blaine and wondered if there was a life for them together, after the battle. He didn't expect them to run into each other's arms if they survived but maybe they could be happy together. He thought about the numerous dates they'd have, family dinners, romantic nights out, romantic nights in, a proposal, a wedding, children, Blaine had mentioned that right?

"He makes you happy doesn't he?"

Finn's sudden outburst knocked Kurt out of his thoughts.

"Who does?"

"Blaine obviously" Finn laughed gently as he turned into the driveway.

"How can you tell?"

"You've been staring out the window with a giddy smile on your face for the past ten minutes since you mentioned him and haven't replied to anything I've said. Well, not until just then"

"Sorry I was distracted"

"By thoughts of Blaine?"

"Maybe" Kurt smiled and ducked his head.

The two boys made their way into the house that was filled with the smell of home cooked food. Carole was in the kitchen making a beef stew because it was Blaine's favourite meal. Kurt toed of his shoes and padded through to the kitchen to say hi to Carole and kiss her on the cheek.

"How was school hunny?"

"It was good, I'm really nervous about Monday"

"You'll be fine" She gave him a passionate, convincing smile and turned back to the stove.

"I'm going to go and get ready for when Blaine comes" He started to make his way to his room when he heard Carole call something out to him.

"Your father and I are going out tonight and Finn's at the garage 'til late so you'll have the house to yourselves"

Maybe the evening would be better than planned.

...

Kurt made his way up the stairs and walked into his room; Finn had left to pick up Blaine. He tossed clothes out of his wardrobe until he found the perfect outfit and went to change.

An hour later, Kurt was dressed and sat on his bed when he heard the front door open so he hurried down the stairs to greet Blaine.

By way of greeting he said "Bye Finn!" and pushed him out the door. When he turned back around he saw Blaine standing there with a smirk plastered on his face. "What?"

"That's no way to treat your brother"

"Would you rather he witnessed this?"

Kurt stepped forwards and placed a hand behind Blaine's head to bring him into a kiss. The kiss was sweet and gentle, the soft movement of lips against each other. Kurt pulled a little harder on Blaine's hair which earned him a low whimper, so he did it again. This time, Blaine deepened the kiss and pushed his tongue passed Kurt's plump lips. Their tongues tangled together and fought for dominance but in the end Kurt surrendered to Blaine and let Blaine's tongue explore the depths of his mouth. Too soon, they pulled apart for air.

"Yeah, I'm glad he's not here"

Kurt smiled sweetly and replied "I was hoping you'd say that" and grabbed Blaine by the hand to take him upstairs.

...

When they reached Kurt's room they lay side by side on Kurt's bed and shared kisses of various lengths and passion. They started off as lazy kisses but soon increased in adoration as they ran their fingers gently over sensitive skin. They loved each other.

When they parted, Kurt looked at Blaine and could see all the raw emotion in his eyes, Blaine truly loved him and he was fighting that...he didn't want to fight it anymore. He ran his fingers through Blaine's hair lightly and began to sing quietly to Blaine.

"Lately I'm so tired

If I took it all out on you

I never meant to

If I left you outside

If you ever felt I ignored you

No, my life is all you"

Kurt pressed a gentle kiss to Blaine's forehead before continuing.

"So put your best dress on

And wrap yourself in the arms of someone

Who wants to give you all the love you want

Tonight I'm gonna make it up to you

Tonight I'm gonna make love to you

Tonight you're gonna know how much I missed you, baby

Tonight I dedicate my heart to you

Tonight I'm gonna be a part of you

Tonight you're gonna know how much I miss you

And I miss you so"

Kurt's voice was still just above a whisper but it conveyed his true feelings for Blaine.

"I don't wanna act like

I know that you'd be mine forever

Though I hope it's forever

Don't want you to feel like

I take you for granted

Whenever we are together"

Maybe they wouldn't be together forever, maybe the battle would end their relationship before it barely started. They still had tonight though.

"So put your best dress on

And wrap yourself in the arms of someone

Who wants to give you all the love you want

Tonight I'm gonna make it up to you

Tonight I'm gonna make love to you

Tonight you're gonna know how much I miss you, baby

Tonight I dedicate my heart to you

Tonight I'm gonna be a part of you

Tonight you're gonna know how much I miss you

And I miss you so"

Kurt finished and went in for another deep kiss. He moved so he hovered over Blaine and kissed down his neck and bit gently at his pulse point. It was their first time. It was beautiful and perfect. It was just them, making love.

...

Friday turned to Saturday and Saturday turned into Sunday, 1 day to go. Kurt and Blaine had a wonderful Friday evening together, they watched Moulin Rouge and cried because in some way, that could be them on Monday. They didn't know what was going to happen, maybe the story of Christian and Satine would be similar to their own. A forbidden love: check. Loving each other anyway: check. Death: well that was what they didn't know.

They'd decided it would be easier to not contact each other anymore until the battle was over and done with, if that was at all possible. Monday was a big day for everyone.

And Sunday turned into Monday.

Kurt woke up at six o'clock in the morning to get ready to meet with the others, the battle was starting at seven and they wanted a bit of time to ready themselves. Kurt quickly got dressed and hurried downstairs to say goodbye to his dad before he left for work.

He walked into the kitchen and found Carol and Burt embracing whilst Finn looked at them with sadness in his eyes. "What's going on?"

Burt turned to face him and smiled but he could tell that his father had been crying.

"Hey, bud. All set?"

"Yeah, but what's wrong?"

"Nothing, scared that's all but Carol's right, you're going to be just fine. You are a Hummel after all"

"Just remember what I said" Finn spoke from the dining table "just focus and you'll be fine"

Kurt gave his family each a hug and Finn took him to the battlefield.

...

Finn pulled up by the field and gave Kurt a quick embrace before Kurt hopped out of the car.

"I love you dude, stay safe"

"I love you too Finn, and if everything goes belly up, just know that you're an amazing brother and I couldn't ask for anyone better"

"You'll be fine little bro, have fun" With that Finn sped off down the road.

So this was it, this was the battle.

Kurt walked further onto the field and saw Rachel and Santana talking quietly.

"Hey guys"

"Hey Kurt" Rachel's voice was quieter than usual, obviously she was scared too "Santana and I were just saying that we should've been more friendly to each other whilst we had the chance. I'm going to miss everyone here"

A loud whistle interrupted the three as Karofsky stepped out in front to give a pep talk like he would do before a football game.

"I know we're not all friends and I know I'm the worst one here, but today we really do have to work together as a team. So, I apologise to those I haven't been the nicest to but now isn't the time for grudges, we have to kick some Dalton butt!" The crowd, apart from Kurt, cheered. "We have practised a lot to bring us where we are today and as these final minutes bring us closer to our match, remind yourselves that we're fighters and if we don't win we're going to die trying. We know that there can only be one winner, but we're not going to turn our backs on anyone in this team. If you see a man down, help! If you see a woman struggling, help! If you see a fellow teammate die, remember them. That's all I ask of you today. Rachel how are we doing for time?"

"The Dalton boys are just getting out of their vehicle at the top of the hill"

"Perfect, aren't we lucky to have someone who can tell us right when our attackers are arriving. I'm going to give each of you a walkie talkie, only use it if you're in trouble or you see someone else in trouble. We've all got each other's backs. Now let's go do this thing"

Karofsky lead the team of McKinley students up the hill to their rival team for the introduction. All competitors arranged themselves in a circle and held hands. The formation was as follows: Karofsky, Puck, Kitty, Santana, Sam, Rachel, Tina, Kurt, Blaine, Wes, Sebastian, Trent, David, Thad, Jeff, Hunter. At one end of the circle the two team captains and the other end two lovers.

Hunter, as captain of last year's winning team spoke clearly "Dalton versus McKinley 2013, name and representation please. Hunet, past"

"Jeff, body"

"Thad, sound"

"David, movement"

"Trent, earth"

"Sebastian, water"

"Wes, light"

"Blaine, heart"

"Kurt, sight"

"Tina, soul"

"Rachel, sight"

"Santana, speed"

"Kitty, mind"

"Sam, air"

"Puck, fire"

"Dave, touch"

Hunter brought the introduction to a close "Let the battle commence, five minutes!"

Both teams went to their side of the field ready to start.

"We need to play this well if we want to win guys" Karofsky, ready for another group talk began planning. "Rachel what are they doing?"

"Just standing there"

"Right, move guys, get into the trees we can sneak around the outside and attack from there. Is it still clear Rachel?"

"They're moving forward and getting in a triangular formation"

"MOVE! Rachel give us a hint when they're ready to attack"

"Will do captain"

The students fled into the trees and moved round the edge to get closer, it was a sneaky tactic and it might just work.

Rachel whispered into the walkie talkie "Hunter is getting ready to command them, water boy is ready to attack"

Kurt spoke up "We have to keep Puck save from Sebastian, he's out to extinguish him"

"Alright, Puck get further into the trees we'll signal when it's safe to come out"

Puck did as he was told and went further into the forest.

From the main field the McKinley students heard a shout "I hear something in the trees!"

Dave turned to his crew "Shit, we forgot about Thad! Quick back to base"

Just as Dave said those words David began to knock down trees to reveal their hiding spot but they were gone...apart from Puck. Puck was still deep in the forest.

...

Puck had left the group to escape from Sebastian and didn't know that they had been found out so he was sat on a tree trunk when trees began to fall right before his eyes he could make out tiny people in distance and they were coming closer but from the distinctive navy blue uniform he could tell it wasn't his teammates. He stood, legs slightly apart with his hands in front of him. "Focus you moron, you can do this" He focused on orange flames and created a ring of fire around his rivals and began to move closer for his power to be stronger. His ring of fire had quickly disappeared to just a charcoal ring as Sebastian used a jet of water to foil Puck. As he moved closer he began throwing fire balls in random directions but each one vanished into thin as they collided with water droplets. He was no practically face-to-face with them. He was in trouble.

From the other side of the field Rachel could see the situation unfold and team had decided it was time to send in Santana. She may not be able to really fight but she was one girl who could get Puck out of this mess. With her power of speed she could bring Puck back to base safely.

She set of quickly and in a matter of seconds she was by Puck's side. "Morning fellas, mind if I take my boy back? No? Good" She wrapped a supportive arm around Puck's waist and vanished again.

With Puck having a few hundred meters between him and the Dalton students he thanked her greatly with a bone crushing hug which was very much out of character.

"RAIN IN THREE, TWO ONE!" Kurt shouted as a huge dark cloud formed above them and rain began to fall fast.

"I can't do it!" Sam tried to move the cloud over to the Dalton side but he couldn't to focus. The grass was filling with water and it was getting slippery, they were at a loose end.

"Don't worry guys, we have an inside man" Rachel replied with a small grin on her face.

...

As the rain began to fall and no reaction came back from the other team, Blaine's heart beat sped up. Kurt's vision, Blaine had promised to stop it.

"Captain, they're struggling, says they can't do it" he heard Thad say. It was time for him to step in. He walked up to Sebastian slowly, hands shaking, his teammates would hate him for this but nevertheless with all his strength he pushed Sebastian, simultaneously ending the rain and sending him tumbling down the steep slope onto McKinley turf.

"What the fuck Blaine! What was that?" Wes snapped at him from the other end of their formation.

"An accident?"

"Just because you've got a crush going on doesn't mean you can ruin it for the rest of the team! Now get out of here! You want him, have him! Go and join his team, because we sure as hell are not having you drag us down and after your stunt? We'd love to get even." Blaine stood there, motionless. "I SAID GO!"

...

From the other end of the field the McKinley students witnessed Sebastian tumbling down into their base and come to a stop at Dave's feet. With a simple touch, electricity passed through the young boy's body which caused him to go into a state of shock. His face turned red and it looked like he was struggling to breathe, Dave turned his head away from the sight, he may have been a bully but he'd never want to kill someone. When Dave turned back, all life had been sapped from Sebastian's eyes. Dave removed his hands and shut Seb's eyes so he could rest peacefully. The battle was horrible, forcing people to fight each other literally to death was sickening. Dave stood up and walked away from the sight feeling ashamed.

In the distance Dave made out a boy walking down the slope, hands in pockets, looking innocent. "Guys get ready to attack!" Puck stood ready to fire (literally) if the need came about. As the figure came closer, Kurt recognised his friend? Boyfriend?

"BLAINE!" Kurt ran over to Blaine and hugged him tightly. "Blaine, I'm so scared"

"Me too, Kurt, me too"

"What are doing here?"

"They don't want me, something to do with betraying the school but I have no idea what they're talking about" he said with a smirk gracing his lips.

"So you're fighting with us?"

"Yeah, that is if your captain will let me"

Kurt turned to Dave expectantly.

"You're a Dalton boy through and through why should we trust you?" Dave said walking towards the pair.

"I gave you Sebastian didn't I? Truly, I don't want to fight against the team my boy- the team my friend is on."

"I don't know..."

"Well you'd better decide fast, Dalton academy charging at us with everything they've got." Rachel screeched as she took her position in formation.

"Assemble team, you too Blaine, quick! Puck get ready, we need you here"

The next few seconds seemed to slow down as they waited for the full on attack of Dalton boys.

A row of navy blazers lined up at the peak of the slope and a silver ball of light came tumbling towards the group, Kurt took position and held his hands up to slow it down just like he did in practise. Like before, he zoned out entirely as the ball became power of his own. Once the light was safely in his hands he returned to the real world just in time to dodge a tree that was hurling towards him. Then, with as much force as he used last time he sent the ball back up the hill, as it flew through the sky a trail of blue light marked the air. With perfect aim, the ball hit Thad straight in the gut and winded him, the power sapping on his own life to gain more energy. No-one bothered to help him for they knew it was too late. Trent's power of earth allowed him to open a gaping hole in the ground which sucked in several competitors including Santana, Puck and their own leader Dave Karofsky.

With hopes of taking out their leader, Tina split herself into two and darted up the slope towards the boys, it was a brave move. Both Tina and her double dodged bullets of light and crumbling parts of the slope but unfortunately was not able to survive because she didn't have any power to fight back against the attackers. Her aim was to cause a distraction so the others could get around but unfortunately it just cost her own life.

...

Back in the McKinley crew Rachel turned to her few teammates and said "would anyone believe me if I said that there is dinosaur coming to eat us?"

"Ah, Jeff finally perfected his power" Blaine said sadly, knowing that he'd have to watch his best friend die if he wanted a chance at a life with Kurt. "Sam can you hold him back with you power for as long as possible, then maybe whip him up in a tornado or something?"

"Sure I can try"

As Jeff came running, well more like snail pace walking, down the slope Sam started a breeze and put all his effort into starting a tornado, thankfully he did and Jeff was sent...God only knows where. Unfortunately, Kurt and Blaine were also caught up in it where Sam hadn't fully mastered his power and they were sent tumbling back several feet. Kurt got up a brushed the dirt off his trousers but when he turned to face Blaine he realised that Blaine had been thrown back into a tree. Quickly, he knelt down beside him and shock him carefully.

"Come on Blaine, please don't die, you're strong come on snap out of it. Without you, I am nothing, I don't know how I've managed to live without you for so long. You're everything that's right in this world, you're beautiful and funny, flirty and you're my other half. You're the missing piece of me. Come on!"

"Keep going I think it's working"

Kurt smiled and laughed a little and despite the battle going on behind him he still continued say sweet words for Blaine. "You're like a fallen sun Blaine, you've brightened up my life from the minute you walked into it, you're a drop of rain in the middle of a drought, you are the-"

"Okay I get that Kurt, what does this mean exactly?"

"It means I love you, you idiot"

"There are the words I wanted to hear"

"Well why didn't you just say so?"

"'Cause it would ruin all the fun" Blaine finally opened his eyes and looked up at a smiling Kurt. He pressed his lips to Kurt's and stood up. "Let's finish this then!"

But when the two boys turned to face them they'd noticed that only Wes remained, and he was right in front of them. With a ball of light already hurling towards them.

Kurt pushed Blaine out of the way as the ball of energy sapping light struck Kurt, knocking him into unconsciousness.

"You bastard! Wes how could you? I hate you!" Blaine cursed at his ex-friend as tears welled up in his eyes.

"I needed my revenge, I told you that and now I'm going to finish you"

As Wes formed a new power source Blaine quickly tried to recap the brief lesson Finn had given them, feet apart, hands ready, mind focused, slow the ball. Kurt, Kurt, Kurt. That was the main thought whizzing around his head. He needed to do this for Kurt, he needed to be completely free in order to save him. So when that light did meet him and he did stop it and it was resting in his hands, he didn't hesitate to send it back to its rightful owner and it was the greatest feeling in the world, to know you've done something big for the person you love.

With all members defeated, Blaine hurried to Kurt's side and place tender kiss to his lips. "God, I have no idea what I'm doing here Kurt" Blaine placed a gentle hand above Kurt's heart and poured all of his emotions into thinking about Kurt getting better. Hundreds of thoughts came to mind, them running through a field of flowers, a picnic in a deserted place, a trip to Times Square, a wedding and a honeymoon, he had no idea where that last thought came from but whatever he was doing he was doing something right. He saw Kurt's hand clench but he didn't stop. With as much raw passion as Blaine could muster he placed another kiss to Kurt's lips to convey all the emotions he felt and more. A few seconds later Kurt began to reciprocate the kiss and he ran one hand through Blaine's curls to bring him closer and on top of him.

"God I love you Blaine"

"And I can only ever love you"

"Shit, you saved me didn't you?"

"Yes...?"

"I'm sorry"

"Sorry?"

"That you can't love anyone else now"

"I told you-"

"I know but I'm sorry you're stuck with me because I can be a real pain in the ass just ask Finn"

"Well I don't know about Finn but I do know that I could give you a real pain in the ass if you'd allow me to" He winked at Kurt and just sat with him, completely relaxed.

"Y'know considering I've lost all of my friends, I've never felt like I've gained so much in my life as I have today"

"Really?"

"Really, because now I have you, for good" Kurt kissed Blaine again, sweeter this time knowing they had all the time in the world...together.