With sectionals only a week away, Mr Schuester was insisting on nightly rehearsals. The cheerleaders and football player's were excused on nights they had practise but the rest of the club still carried on without them.

Every night Kurt returned home exhausted. Even though he would be desperate for a shower after dancing for hours, he would first turn on his computer and log on to msn. Every night he was met with the same words;

'Blaine is offline'

Karofsky was back at McKinley but It seemed his bully had taken to avoiding him. He wasn't sure if it was because he didn't want to risk expulsion again or if it was because Finn had made good on his word and become much more proactive in watching out for Kurt. Still, Kurt was very aware that he still hadn't been able to tell Blaine about Karofsky's return and he longed to hear a few words of comfort from him.

After dinner and homework, there was usually just enough time to complete his moisturising routine before falling into bed, ready to repeat it all again the next day. He didn't mind the hectic routine too much. Performing was what he loved to do and there was something satisfying about falling to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow after a long day of singing and dancing.

The night before sectionals, Kurt returned home barely able to keep his eyes open. He made his usual beeline for his room but was intercepted by his dad insisting that he eat something before disappearing into his room for the night.

Once his dad was satisfied that he wasn't going to accidentally starve himself to death Kurt retreated to his room to continue with his routine of turning his computer on and checking msn.

'Blaine is offline'

With a sigh Kurt slumped forward onto his desk resting his head in his arms.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed before he heard a knock at the door and he jolted awake.

"Bwha?" Kurt yelled, confused.

"Hey," Burt said from the doorway. "I just wanted to say, break a leg tomorrow. You kids have been working so hard I really hope it pays off."

"Thanks, dad," Kurt yawned, stretching out his arms behind his back.

"You're welcome. Now go to bed," his dad ordered.

"Sure," Kurt agreed, chuckling at his dad's playful attempt at being authoritative.

He heard his door close and wiggled the computer mouse to remove his screen saver so he could shut it down.

The screensaver disappeared and was replaced by an open conversation window.

Blaine: Hey!

Blaine: Helloooooooooo?

Blaine: Kuuuuuuuuuuuurt

Blaine: I guess you're afk

Blaine: Aw, I got all excited when I saw you were online :(

Blaine: Sorry I've not been around much but I should be online more often after tomorrow

Blaine: I've been logging in everyday but this is the first time I've caught you

Blaine: Or not... as it seems...

Blaine: You sure know how to get a guys hopes up!

Blaine: And yes I am talking to myself right now, don't judge me!

Blaine: Or laugh, when you read this

Blaine: Unfortunately I have to go

Blaine: I hope you're doing ok

Blaine: See you x

Blaine is offline

Kurt smiled at the words on the screen, reading through the conversation three times before shutting down the computer and getting ready for bed.

The bus ride to sectionals was spent in an awkward silence. Mr Schue, still upset that Miss Pillsbury had decided not to join them, didn't even attempt to get the kids singing.

Tina and Artie were now certain that Mike and Brittany were using their extra dance rehearsals to have an affair. Tina would turn in her seat every so often to shoot scolding looks at Brittany. Brittany didn't notice but shifted guiltily in her seat next to Artie anyway.

Rachel still hadn't forgiven Finn for lying about sleeping with Santana. Finn had tried to sit next to her but she shoo'd him away, suggesting he might prefer to sit next to Santana instead.

Quinn and Sam were both sitting in silence. In a few hours they would be singing a duet in front of hundreds of people and they were starting to feel nervous.

Kurt on the other hand, was looking out the window and smiling.

"You look happy," Mercedes said from the seat next to him.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Kurt questioned, still smiling.

"With Karofsky being back I was worried that you'd go back to how you were a few weeks ago," Mercedes said, sadly.

"I'm not pleased that he's back... but there's still lots to be happy about."

"Mhmm... like a new guy in your life?" Mercedes asked, looking at Kurt knowingly.

Kurt's head shot round to look at Mercedes, his eyes narrowed searching her face.

"I can't believe Rachel told you," he said finally.

"I can't believe you didn't," Mercedes replied, punching his arm playfully.

"Because they is really nothing to tell," Kurt sighed. "And I've heard enough from Rachel so please spare me the lecture."

"There's no lecture," Mercedes assured him. "I think it's really romantic."

"There is nothing romantic about it!" Kurt said, exasperated. "We're friends."

"Mhmm, I always stare out the window dreamily when I think of my friends too," Mercedes said sarcastically.

Kurt turned back to the window and ignored her for the rest of the journey.

Inside the dressing room the tension had lifted. Mr Schue lectured them all on their attitudes, leading to the group deciding to put their personal dramas aside and concentrate on winning sectionals.

They had already watched the Hipster's perform and Mr Schue turned the dressing room speaker back on so they could hear the current group's performance.

They listened to the sound of the audience cheering at what must have been the end of a song, then the music started up again.

Hey, hey, hey

Your lipstick stains

On the front lobe of my

Left side brains

I knew I wouldn't forget you

And so I went and let you

Blow my mind

Your sweet moonbeam

The smell of you in every

Single dream I dream

I knew when we collided

You're the one I have decided

Who's one of my kind

Kurt couldn't help but admire the singing. It seemed the Warblers were an all boys acapella group. Whoever was singing lead was extremely talented and led Kurt to worry about their own chances of winning.

Hey soul sister,

Ain't that Mr. Mister

On the radio, stereo

The way you move ain't fair, you know!

Hey soul sister,

I don't want to miss

A single thing you do...tonight

Kurt was still thinking about that voice when he realised that the song had ended and rest of the New Directions were already making their way onto the stage. He quickly ran after them, pushing past the Warblers who were walking in the opposite direction. In his haste he almost knocked over one of the shorter members.

"I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!" Kurt called back to a boy with curly black hair. The boy turned around but Kurt had already gone.

After the New Directions performed 'Time of your life' and 'Valerie', all the groups were called back onto the stage. Kurt held hands with Rachel and Mercedes who were standing either side of him.

They breathed a sigh of relief as the Hipster were announced as third place. They shifted slightly to fill the gap left by the group who were leaving the stage. Again the tension built up and Kurt closed his eyes, waiting to hear the announcement.

"And it's a tie! you're all going to regional!"

Kurt screamed and before he could open his eyes he was engulfed in a group hug. It wouldn't be long before everyone became preoccupied with their own drama again but for now, as they clung to each other jumping up and down, they were just happy to be together and to have gotten through to regionals.