The news of Finn's death rushed through the circle of New Directions old and new, eliciting responses from hushed gasps to sobs to stunned silence.

For Blaine, it was the life-altering epiphany that emboldened him to do what he knew in his heart was right.

Kurt had returned to Lima as soon as he heard, only days after he had headed back to New York; days after he and Blaine had finally struck that delicate truce of the heart that led to their reconciliation.

The past week hadn't been a roller coaster, Kurt thought. It was more like flying the emotional equivalent of the Vomit Comet, the notorious NASA jet that lets aspiring astronauts experience zero gravity by rushing them skyward then plunging back toward earth at high speed, usually resulting in spew.

Blaine was there the moment he arrived home, holding him, steadying him. Kurt had set his jaw and silently held his chin high, but Blaine recognized these gestures. They were Kurt's armor, his means of self-preservation when times were tough. Blaine had seen them before.

Not all that long ago, they had been directed at him.

He held Kurt for long minutes, and when they finally separated, he linked their fingers and held on. He would hold on forever, if that's what Kurt needed.

It was hours before Kurt was at all talkative, but Blaine could wait. And when words finally came, they spent hours reminiscing, first with family, then with friends.

Days passed. Services were planned, teary goodbyes were said. Blaine held Kurt's hand throughout.

When it was finished, the pair walked to a nearby park, where Blaine finally summoned the strength to say what had been on his mind throughout.

"This changes things, you know. It changes the way I look at things," he said, looking at Kurt's hand, gently rubbing his thumb across Kurt's knuckles.

"What do you mean?"

"When you came home the last time, for Regionals, before we made up — I had this idea. But everyone told me 'no'. Everyone said we were too young," Blaine said.

Kurt turned his head to look at Blaine, who seemed to be focused on the ground as he gathered his thoughts.

"When I said I wanted you back, there was more, there was a plan ..."

Kurt took Blaine's chin in his hand, turning his face up, making eye contact.

"Blaine?"

He looked at Kurt, tears building in his eyes.

"I was going to propose. Everyone told me not to. We were too young. We weren't even together. They asked whether I'd learned anything from Finn and Rachel's engagement."

Blaine shut his eyes for a moment.

"Well, I did, Kurt. I did learn something. They missed their chance. I don't want to risk missing ours."

Blaine sank to one knee, holding Kurt's hand.

"I don't care if we're young. I don't care if I haven't officially graduated yet. I love you. I want to grow old with you. I want to marry you ..."

"No."

Kurt's single word sliced through Blaine's speech, silencing him. Kurt squeezed his hand.

"Stand up, Blaine."

Blaine stood, silent, staring.

Then, still hold Blaine's hand, Kurt reversed their stance, kneeling at Blaine's feet.

"I don't want you to propose to me. But I know what you're thinking. I know what you're feeling. I feel it, too.

"I want a lifetime with you, no matter how long that lifetime is. And after this week, all I want is to start that life, to have every second I can have. I don't care when we get married.It doesn't have to be today, or next week, or next month, or next year. But I want that commitment. I want to know that someday, when we both know it's time, that we take that step.

Blaine sniffed, smiled a little and shook his head.

"So you're saying ..."

Kurt smiled his first smile since returning to Lima.

"I'm asking you to marry me, some day."