Chapter Thirty-Four:  Prom-asaurus

Kurt Hummel was not looking forward to prom. After the disastrous dance the year before, he would willingly forgo any and all prom festivities. But at the same time, it was his senior prom. He would never get another one. What if he didn’t go and came to regret it years down the road?

He kept his feelings to himself as Will announced with excitement that Figgins had asked the New Directions to perform at prom once more. Will sank down into one of the chairs on the front row, letting Brittany take center stage.

“Hello, my fellow Americans,” Brittany said with a cheerful smile. “The theme for this year’s prom will be . . . dinosaurs!”

"Sheer genius,” Santana said enthusiastically.

As Brittany continued to talk, Kurt turned to Blaine and mouthed in disbelief, ‘Dinosaurs?’ As if there hadn’t already been reason enough to not attend prom.  Blaine merely shrugged. He knew Kurt was not looking forward to prom, and he wasn’t either. Kurt was Blaine’s sole concern, and after what had happened the year before, Blaine would be happy to keep as far away from the school that night as possible. He would do anything and everything in his power to protect Kurt, no matter what. But Kurt hadn’t said they weren’t going to attend either, and if it came down to it and Kurt wanted to go, Blaine wouldn’t protest. All he wanted was for Kurt to be happy, and of course, safe. Kurt tore his eyes away from Blaine, turning his attention back to Brittany.

“To keep the prom elections completely honest, I have elected Santana and Quinn to count the ballots,” Brittany announced, adjusting her grip on her binder.

“What? That makes absolutely no sense,” Kurt said in disbelief.

“Shut it, Richard Simmons,” Santana snapped at him over her shoulder. “Just because Quinn’s my home girl doesn’t mean I trust her. And you know she doesn’t trust me.”

"We’ll keep each other honest,” Quinn agreed with a nod.

“It’s actually not a bad idea,” Mercedes complimented Brittany.

Kurt bit his lip to stop from disagreeing with his best friend. Blaine reached out to take his hand, knowing exactly what Kurt was thinking. Kurt offered him a loving smile, which Blaine returned before they tore their eyes away from each other.

“And last but not least, all hair gel has been banned from the prom,” Brittany announced with utmost seriousness.

Blaine laughed, certain this was Brittany’s attempt at humor. Kurt’s eyes widened and Rachel glanced at Blaine from over her shoulder. Blaine ignored this as Brittany’s eyes sought him out of the group.

“I’m not joking, Blaine. Hair gel was not invented until almost thirty million years after the Upper Paleolithic Stone Age. And frankly, I don’t like the way you look. Therefore, anyone who shows up at prom wearing hair gel will be turned away at the door. I hereby decree this to be the best prom ever!”

“Okay,” Will said slowly. “Let’s start thinking of dinosaur songs.”

Blaine attempted to raise his hand to catch Brittany’s attention but everyone was already collecting their things and on their way out the door. Kurt slipped his messenger bag over his shoulder. Blaine stood up, grabbing his own bag before he followed Kurt out of the room.

“I can’t believe she banned hair gel,” Blaine said as they walked down the hall towards the parking lot.

“I’ve seen you without hair gel plenty of times, and you know I’d vote for Brittany to ban it permanently,” Kurt said with a flirtatious smile as Blaine held the door open for him.

Blaine laughed, following Kurt outside. “Yes, but at prom there will be hundreds of balloons which equals a massive amount of static electricity. Believe me, you don’t want to see that.”

Kurt stepped in front of Blaine, taking Blaine’s other hand in his so he held them both. He looked deep into his eyes, willing Blaine to see how much he loved him. How much he felt for him.

“Blaine Devon Anderson, there will never be a time when I don’t want to see each and every part of you. You’ve seen me at my worst, down at the darkest depths of depression, and you stayed by my side through all the trials and tribulations. For that alone, you will always be the most beautiful person in all of existence to me. So don’t worry about a little less hair gel and a little more static electricity. None of that matters to me. Nothing could ever compromise your beauty.”

Blaine’s heart melted. He pulled Kurt into his arms, holding him tightly to his chest. They stood that way for a while, until they remembered they were still in the student parking lot at McKinley. Reluctantly, Blaine pulled himself away from his lover. He raised one hand to cup Kurt’s cheek.

“I love you,” he said with all the passion he had in his heart.

“I love you too,” Kurt answered, leaning his head into Blaine’s palm.

“Forever,” Blaine promised.

“Always,” Kurt vowed.

K/B

Kurt was worried about Rachel. Devastated by her NYADA audition, she hadn’t been herself ever since that horrible day. In fact, the school day was half through and Kurt had yet to see Rachel. He knew she was at school because Finn had said she was being unusually quiet. During lunch, Kurt and Blaine split up to search the campus for her. As he walked towards the auditorium, Kurt heard Rachel’s voice drift out through the open door.

The smell of your skin lingers on me now.

You're probably on your flight back to your home town.

I need some shelter of my own protection, baby.

To be with myself and center, clarity;

Peace, Serenity.

Kurt listened to Rachel sing the first verse, knowing the girl’s heart was breaking. Broadway was her dream, and with eight measures of ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade’ that dream was shot down. Kurt wished she would realize this wasn’t the end. Rachel Berry would get on Broadway. Rachel Berry belonged on Broadway.

Kurt began to sing the chorus as he entered the auditorium. Rachel watched him with a sad smile, cocking her head when he climbed up onto the stage. Kurt grabbed a stool from the edge of the stage and carried it over to sit beside Rachel.

I hope you know, I hope you know

That this has nothing to do with you.

It's personal, myself and I.

We've got some straightenin' out to do.

As Kurt dropped out, Rachel began to sing. She was surprised when Blaine’s voice came from one of the wings, harmonizing with her own voice. Blaine walked out onto the stage, carrying a chair that was slung over one shoulder. Kurt smiled when he saw his beloved, raising his voice to join Blaine’s as they harmonized with Rachel on the last line.

And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket;

But I've got to get a move on with my life.

It's time to be a big girl now.

And big girls don't cry.

Blaine and Kurt dropped out. As Kurt listened to Rachel sing, he could tell she was scared. That was normal for any high school senior. Kurt was scared himself. He was scared he wouldn’t get into NYADA and would be separated from Blaine if he went to OSU. But Kurt was also scared about the notion of living in New York if he was accepted to NYADA. Change was scary. And while Kurt’s future could take a right or left, Rachel’s seemed direction was as yet unknown.

But it's time for me to go home.

It's getting late, dark outside.

I need to be with myself and center, clarity;

Peace, Serenity.

Kurt smiled at Rachel as he picked up the first part of the chorus. Ever since Kurt’s self-harm became known to the New Directions, Rachel had been there for him. She had held him while he cried and soothed his anxieties. Now Kurt wished he could do the same for her, but he didn’t know how when Rachel wouldn’t let him.

I hope you know, I hope you know

That this has nothing to do with you.

It's personal, myself and I.

We've got some straightenin' out to do.

As Rachel and Blaine took over the second part of the chorus, Kurt decided he would not let Rachel give up on her dream. She was the most talented girl Kurt had ever known, and he was not going to let that talent go to waste. Kurt would force her to go with him and Blaine to New York if he had to. But one way or another, Rachel was going. Kurt made that promise to himself as he sang the last line with Blaine and Rachel.

And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket;

But I've got to get a move on with my life.

It's time to be a big girl now.

And big girls don't cry.

“Are you rehearsing for prom?” Blaine asked, breaking the silence that had fallen over them with the song’s end. “I love that song but it doesn’t exactly scream ‘prom.’ It’s kind of depressing.”

“It’s just how I’m feeling right now, okay?” Rachel said as she pushed herself up off her stool. “I don’t want to watch Finn and Quinn get crowned king and queen at my prom. I don’t want to watch him dance with her, even if she can’t really dance anymore. I’m sorry; you know what I mean.”

“She’s right,” Kurt said, turning to look at Blaine. “Prom sucks. I don’t want to go either.”

“Figgins will expect you to be there. You’re the reigning prom queen, you’re supposed to crown the next one,” Blaine reminded him.

“As much as I love a good coronation, I can’t risk it. With this school’s wrong and insane tradition of write-in ballots, I could get elected again. It was humiliating, and had I known I would have worn a full kilt,” Kurt joked. He drew in a deep breath before he admitted, “I barely made it through that last time; I can’t go through that again.”

“I know, love. And if you don’t want to go, no one can make you. No one will make you. I won’t let them. Besides, I don’t want to go either with Brittany’s insane ban on hair gel. It’s prom! There will be balloons all over the place and with the taffeta and silk blends the sheer amount of static electricity in that room will be terrifying!”

“So crazy,” Kurt said endearingly.

“You’ve seen my hair without gel!” Blaine said defensively. “It’s baby fine! I’d look like Medusa! It’s not funny and I don’t want to go.”

“Well, if we’re all going to be miserable, who says we have to go?” Kurt asked, repeating Blaine’s idea.

“You’re both right,” Rachel said with a smile. “But I have a better idea, an antiprom!”

Kurt and Blaine jumped at the idea. They spent the rest of the lunch period hammering out the details. They immediately set their plan into motion, getting as much done as possible before school was over and it was time for glee practice. They were the last ones to enter the choir room. Rachel stood in the center of the room to make the announcement. Blaine and Kurt stood to the side of the drum set, behind which Finn was seated.

“Kurt, Blaine, and I are hosting an antiprom party,” Rachel said once Will had quieted the group down.

“What’s an antiprom party?” Mercedes asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

“It’s a party for those of us who feel disenfranchised by the actual prom,” Rachel explained as Brittany entered the room with a rolled up poster. “I got us a hotel room at the Red Rooster Express Suite and everyone is invited!”

“You’re supporting this?” Quinn asked Finn in disbelief.

“I’m supporting Rachel,” Finn said as he stepped out from behind the drum set, coming to stand beside Kurt. “I will be at the prom long enough to fulfill my obligations.”

“The mood will be celebratory and the food will be catered! The dress code will be creative black tie,” Kurt said with excitement.

“Optional,” Rachel added quickly. “Black tie is optional! Again, everyone is welcome and unlike the actual prom which ends at eleven, ours goes until the wee hours of the night! It’s where the fun’s at you guys!”

“Okay, how is everyone invited when this is clearly a party for you and the Winklevi twins?” Santana asked snidely.

“Actually, Santana, we’ve invited most of McKinley’s underclassmen,” Rachel corrected her.

“I’m in,” Puck said suddenly, surprising everyone.

“What about your tradition of trying to spike Coach Sylvester’s punch?” Artie asked as Puck climbed down the risers to stand next to Rachel. “I almost lost my teeth for that last year.”

“It’s not possible,” Puck said with a shrug. “Plus it’s a bummer failing . . . at everything.”

“Just admit what this is really about,” Santana demanded. “Rachel Berry isn’t getting her way so she’s punishing the rest of us.”

“That’s not it at all, Santana.”

“Stop pretending you’re okay and deal with your problems! You can’t run from them! You choked at your audition; I get it. I’m sorry. But it happens. I understand you’re mad at the universe but imploding on one of the last nights we have to spend together because you’re not in the mood to dance is one of the pettiest things you have ever done. So have fun at your ‘I’m a victim party’ acting like you’re not some selfish, self-centered, lame ass, wannabe diva from Hell because I’m going to my senior prom with my girlfriend and my friends.”

“This wasn’t just Rachel’s idea!” Kurt exclaimed before Santana could stride out of the room. “Have you forgotten what happened to me at last year’s prom? Did you honestly think I would want to attend another one? Yes, Rachel has been down lately but that doesn’t mean this antiprom is just about her.”

Santana scoffed at him, shaking her head before she continued out of the room. Rachel turned to Kurt with a sad smile.

“Thanks for sticking up for me.”

“I’ll always fight for you,” Kurt said simply, pulling the girl in for a hug. And he meant it. He would fight until Rachel got to New York, and after.

K/B

Rachel opened the door to the hotel room. Kurt, Blaine, Puck, and Becky followed her into the room. Rachel cut the light on. Kurt looked around the room, smiling brightly. This was so much better than whatever he would have been forced to endure at the actual prom.

“Alright, let the very first annual McKinley High antiprom begin!” Rachel said with excitement.

Everyone dispersed throughout the room, taking in their surroundings. Kurt sat on the edge of the bed. Puck walked towards him, still carrying his box full of beer.

“So what should we do now?” he asked.

“Duh, play strip poker!” Becky answered.

"Becky, Blaine and I are gay, remember?” Kurt said patiently.

“Never stopped me before,” Becky replied.

“Well, no matter what this will be better than prom,” Rachel said, standing awkwardly beside the table.

“Yeah, who wants to be in that smelly old gym anyway?” Kurt asked, bouncing on the bed.

“We could put on a fashion show!” Rachel suggested, looking at Kurt. She knew he would most likely be the only one to agree with her but it was worth a shot.

“Yeah! We can go all Sound of Music and make some old-timey couture out of the drapes and sheets!” Kurt hurried to the window, pulling out the curtains for examination.

Becky and Puck quickly shot the idea down. Blaine didn’t voice his opinion. Truthfully, he agreed with Puck but he didn’t want to disagree with Kurt when he was trying so hard to make this night a good one.

“Well, I can show you my prom dress. I’d hate for it to go to a complete waste,” Rachel said.

Blaine settled down against the headboard. Kurt crawled up the bed to sit beside him. Blaine switched on the TV, finding an old repeat of Tabitha.

“I wish Tabitha would take over this antiprom,” Kurt said dismally. “God this sucks.”

“Yeah, well. . . .”

“If you had wanted to go to the prom I would have gone with you,” Kurt told him.

“I am not going to give into Brittany’s insane ban on hair gel,” Blaine replied. “Freedom to use hair care products is in the Bill of Rights.”

“Didn’t the founding fathers all wear wigs?” Kurt asked slowly.

“You haven’t seen me without hair gel when there’s a massive amount of static electricity or humidity,” Blaine reminded him. “It’s really bad.”

“You’re always beautiful to me,” Kurt said with a loving smile.

Blaine grinned. He looked to make sure Becky and Puck were turned away before leaning over to kiss Kurt quickly. He pulled back, reaching for Kurt’s hand.

“You know, on second thought this antiprom seems pretty perfect to me. I’m with you.”

Kurt smiled, leaning his head on Blaine’s shoulder. Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Becky hurried to answer it, expecting room service. Instead the door swung open to reveal Finn.

“Hey, Becky,” Finn greeted her. He walked into the room, noticing Rachel was missing. “Where’s Rachel?”

“She’s been in the bathroom for forty-five minutes,” Becky told him.

“All right, let the antiprom fashion extravaganza begin,” Rachel said from inside the bathroom. She opened the door, stopping when she saw Finn. Finn was sure he stopped breathing. Rachel was stunning in a light pink, floor-length dress that fit her perfectly.

“Hi,” Finn said finally.

“W-what’re you doing here?” Rachel stammered.

“I’ll keep it simple. I love you. You’re beautiful. Prom sucks without you. Prom sucks without all of you,” Finn turned to face everyone. “This is the last time we’ll be together like this. I want to dance with my fiancé; I want to dance with my friends.”

Kurt was the first one to move. He started towards the door, knowing Blaine was right behind him. Rachel tried to persuade Becky and Puck to join them but they opted to stay at the hotel. Blaine had been hoping to avoid Brittany the entire night, but unfortunately she greeted them the second they entered the gymnasium.

Rachel pulled Finn onto the dance floor as Joe, Rory, Sam, Artie, and Mike began to sing ‘What Makes You Beautiful.’ Brittany stopped Kurt and Blaine before they could escape.

“No, I’m sorry, Blaine. I said no hair gel, remember? I can totally smell it,” Brittany said.

Blaine raised an eyebrow but before he could ask any questions, Santana was pulling Brittany away from them to dance. Kurt put his hand on Blaine’s shoulder and squeezed it gently.

“You can do this,” Kurt said encouragingly.

Blaine took a deep breath before exiting the gym, heading towards the bathroom. He ducked his head under the sink, working his fingers through his hair until all of the gel was washed out. He moved to the hand dryer, flipping the vent upwards so he could dry his hair. When he was finished, Blaine looked at himself in the mirror. He cringed when he caught sight of himself but knew there was nothing he could do.

“Here goes nothing,” he said with a sigh. Blaine pushed open the bathroom door, walking slowly back to the gym.

Blaine tried to ignore the horrified looks he got as he walked towards Kurt. When he finally reached Kurt, Kurt had a similar look on his face.

“Oh my dear god,” Kurt gasped, bringing a hand up to his mouth.

“Don’t make fun of the new kid with the bad fro; it’s hair bullying,” Brittany reprimanded Kurt.

“That’s not a new kid, that’s Blaine without hair gel,” Kurt told her.

“Is it really that bad?” Blaine asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yeah, you’re Mr. Broccoli Head,” Brittany answered.

“It’s not that bad,” Kurt argued.

“Yeah it is. It’s really bad. You made your point. I abused my power as president. But, to help save the prom and keep people from turning to stone when they look at you, I’ll give you special permission to wear hair gel. Immediately.”

Blaine smiled. As Figgins called everyone to attention, Blaine took a step back to leave.

"I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t you dare,” Kurt said. He grabbed Blaine’s wrist, stopping him. “I love finally getting to see the real you. I want everyone here to know just how proud I am of my brave, handsome, bushy-haired boyfriend.” Blaine’s face softened. Kurt smiled before saying, “Come on, Borat!”

Kurt pulled Blaine into the crowd. Blaine ignored the looks he got. He had Kurt by his side, and that was all he needed.

“I would like to invite last year’s queen, sassy male student, Kurt Hummel, to crown this year’s winners,” Figgins said.

A lump formed in Kurt’s throat. Blaine squeezed his hand, giving Kurt the courage to walk onto the stage. Kurt ignored everyone as Figgins announced this year’s prom king. When Finn’s name was read, Kurt couldn’t stop himself from applauding. Finn stepped forwards in a state of shock. He bent down so Kurt could place the crown on his head. Figgins looked down at the notecard in his hand.

“Students, for the second year in a row we have prom anarchy,” Figgins said.

Panic seized Kurt. He couldn’t go through this again. Or worse, what if it was Blaine who had been elected prom queen? But the name read out was not Kurt or Blaine, but instead Rachel Berry. Kurt broke into a wide grin. Rachel was in shock. Blaine gently pushed her towards the stage. Rachel carefully climbed the stairs to the stage. Kurt placed the tiara on her head, whispering, “Smile and breathe.”

As Finn and Rachel moved to take their first dance as king and queen, Kurt returned to Blaine’s side. Blaine pulled him into his arms, holding him close. Kurt relaxed into Blaine’s embrace. He never felt safer than when he was in Blaine’s arms.

“I’m so proud of you,” Blaine whispered in his ear, causing goosebumps to break out across Kurt’s skin.

Kurt hugged him tighter. They spent the rest of the night dancing together or with their friends. Kurt was glad Finn had brought them to the prom. When the night came to an end, he bent down to whisper into Blaine’s ear.

“Let’s go to your house.”

Blaine’s parents were on yet another business trip, so they had the house to themselves. Blaine kissed Kurt passionately the second they entered the house. They somehow made it up the stairs without injury. Blaine kicked his door shut behind him when they stumbled into his bedroom. They made love slowly, drinking in the love that radiated through them. Later, Blaine lay with his head on Kurt’s chest, listening to his heart’s steady beat. Blaine lifted his head slightly to look into Kurt’s eyes.

“Sing to me,” he requested.

Kurt smiled, lifting the hand that wasn’t holding Blaine’s to run through his bushy hair. He pressed a kiss to Blaine’s hand before he began to sing.

When I'm lost in the rain,

In your eyes I know I'll find the light

To light my way.

When I'm scared,

Losing ground;

When my world is going crazy,

You can turn it all around.

And when I'm down you're there,

Pushing me to the top.

You're always there,

Giving me all you've got.

There were no words to express how much Kurt loved Blaine, how much he felt for him. But he showed it to him each time he kissed him, each time he held him in his arms, each time they made love. And Blaine felt that love and returned it just as passionately. They had only been together for a year, but to them it felt like a lifetime. They both knew they would be together for the rest of their lives.

For a shield from the storm;

For a friend; for a love

To keep me safe and warm

I turn to you.

For the strength to be strong;

For the will to carry on.

For everything you do;

For everything that's true

I turn to you.

Blaine was Kurt’s everything. He gave him strength, courage, love, safety, warmth; everything Kurt needed Blaine provided. And Kurt did the same in return. They never took without giving back just as much as they received.

When I lose the will to win,

I just reach for you and

I can reach the sky again.

I can do anything

'Cause your love is so amazing,

'Cause your love inspires me.

And when I need a friend,

You're always on my side,

Giving me faith,

Taking me through the night.

Blaine looked forward to spending the rest of his life with Kurt. Whether Kurt stayed in Ohio or joined him in New York, he knew they would be together. They would make it. Blaine could see their future as clear as he could see yesterday.

For a shield from the storm;

For a friend; for a love

To keep me safe and warm

I turn to you.

For the strength to be strong;

For the will to carry on.

For everything you do

I turn to you.

For the arms to be my shelter

Through all the rain.

For truth that will never change;

For someone to lean on;

For a heart I can rely on through anything;

For that one who I can run to. . . .

Many people were uncertain of their future, but not Kurt. He knew wherever he was, Blaine would be there also. If not physically, he would remain forever in his heart. They would get married. They would have children. They would build a life together.

For a shield from the storm;

For a friend; for a love

To keep me safe and warm

I turn to you.

For the strength to be strong;

For the will to carry on;

For everything you do;

For everything that's true

For everything you do;

For everything that’s true

I turn to you.

“I love you so much,” Blaine said when Kurt finished singing.

“I love you too,” Kurt answered with a soft smile.

“Forever.”

“Always.”