By the end of classes on Tuesday, Blaine was so ready for the trip to New York that he thought he might scream. Rachel had sang her stupid solo three times on Monday and she almost sang it again Tuesday before Mr. Schuester cut her off and practically begged them to focus on the group number instead. Theyd done more work on choreography than vocals, and by the time they were finished everybody was about ready to collapse.

Goodbyes and good lucks were had and Blaine drove over to the Hummel-Hudson home, already having his suitcase packed in his car. Theyd leave early the next day, so he was spending the night on the couch as he had many times before. Dinner was spent mostly discussing how excited they were for the next day and what all they had to do and when. Kurt had it all planned, but he still wanted to make sure everybody was on the same page.

Blaine had a surprise for his boyfriend, which Kurt didnt know about but his parents did. He couldnt wait to see the look on the boys face when he found out they were going to see Wicked that Friday night. Carole, Burt, and Finn were going to some dinner at a school Finn was interested in, so it was the perfect evening for a date. Kurt would be so surprised…

Sleeping was difficult as they were all excited and nervous for the trip. Carole and Burt were still coming to terms with the fact that their boys were really growing up and would leave them in roughy a years time. Finn was nervous that he wouldnt find a place where he would fit. Kurt was overwhelmed with choices that he wasnt sure he wanted to make just yet, and Blaine… well, he knew what he wanted. He was just scared there were things that could stop him from having it. He hoped he was good enough for everything he dreamed about.

The morning came without much sleep having been had, and everything was a rush of bags tossed in the car, Kurt squeezed in the backseat between Blaine and Finn while complaining about Finn potentially falling asleep and drooling on him, Carole triple-checking that everything was off and locked and the like, and finally Burt driving them to the airport to catch their flight.

Kurt panicked a little at the takeoff, having never flown before, but Blaine held his hand and calmed him down so that by the landing he was acting like an old pro. Finn was wide eyed and excited like a little kid when they got in the van that would take them from the airport to their hotel. His face was pressed to the window while they sifted through traffic, and Carole and Kurt both laughed at his childish wonder. The hotel accommodations consisted of two rooms- one single for Burt and Carole and one double for the boys. It seemed that since Finn was in the room, Burt wasnt worried about Kurt and Blaine sharing a bed.

Finn did, indeed, threaten them should they do anything funny while he was in the room. "Not that I dont love you, dude, but seriously. Im so not ready for that," hed stated, to which Kurt said he felt the same about Finn and Rachel and they came to a mutual understanding.

Once they were all settled in, it was about lunch time and they all set off for a nearby cafe that Kurt had found in his research. The food was good and the service wasnt bad, which was a plus. By the time they finished, they had a plan to spend the afternoon at NYU, since it was a big hitter for all three boys. (Nobody quite had the heart to tell Finn he probably wouldnt get in with his grade point average.)

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"This could seriously be the school, Kurt. Oh my God Im so… just…" Blaine made a noise that was something like a squeak and a diluted scream, and it just made Kurt grin from ear to ear at him. "I mean, it really really could work! Did you see that baby grand in the concert hall? God if I could just run my fingers over those keys…" Kurt didnt point out that the woman who showed them the room had invited Blaine to do just that, which the shorter boy was grateful for.

He was just so excited! He could seriously see himself becoming a part of this student body. Blaine sat with Kurt in the open area outside the main student building, watching as people walked by them on their way to or from classes, immersed in phone calls and conversations with friends, clutching books and bags and coffees… it was starting to become something he could actually see for the both of them, and it was a wonderful feeling, honestly.

A comfortable sigh fell from his lips as Blaine lounged back against the bench they sat on. There was another perk of being here, in New York instead of Lima. Same sex couples were just part of the norm here. There were two guys who walked by a bit ago, sharing a kiss before they parted, hands lingering together for a brief moment before each went his own way. No attention was drawn. It was amazing. It gave Blaine the courage to sit extra close to Kurt, going so far as to rest his head on the taller boys shoulder, running their joined hands over Kurts thigh.

"Now we just have to find my perfect school, huh?" Kurt said with a happiness in his voice that Blaine never thought hed tire of hearing. "I think Im actually leaning toward Parsons. Is that… odd? I mean, I always thought Id go the performing route like Rachel but…" Blaine knew Kurt had been thinking more and more about schools for fashion lately. The brunette had taken a risk and put some of his sketches up on his fashion blog and got a lot of positive feedback. Hed even caught the eye of someone from Style magazine, which he would have been a fool to ignore. That particular comment encouraged him to get to a fashion school and start working on his own line. Pronto.

Blaine smiled easily at his boyfriend, enjoying the way his whole body felt warm, starting in his chest and worming its way out to his limbs. "I dont think its odd at all, baby. I think it makes the most sense of all your options. Let Rachel fight for the spotlight. Youll be in it as soon as you learn the ropes. When you present your first big ideas, the industry will have Kurt Hummel blinders. Nobody else will even get seen."

The desire to go to a more specialized school had crossed Blaines mind, but hed decided hed rather go to a well-known school with a more generalized curriculum. There were some minors he was considering that would be easier to get if he was studying at NYU as opposed to somewhere centered solely on music. NYADA was Kurts other big consideration, but it seemed unlikely now. Blaine really believed that Kurt would do better in fashion. He could still perform on the side, after all, but in things like Broadway hed always be judged as he had before in school. Hed always be too different for starring roles, and that would kill both him and Blaine to see happen. In fashion, Kurt could rise to the top without anything holding him back.

"How do you think Finns doing?" Kurt murmured, a bit of worry in his voice. Blaine had to remind himself that Kurts brother would probably have a harder time finding acceptance to the school he really wanted, and it did make his heart ache for the quarterback. He always wanted the best for Coop, even when they werent getting along or talking much, so he could imagine how Kurt was feeling.

Making a mental note to call his own brother once he was back home, Blaine focused again on Kurt. "Hell figure out what he wants and then find a way to make it happen. Finns a determined guy. And if hes not determined enough, then Carole and Burt both are." Kurt laughed at that, knowing it was true. The Hummel-Hudson family wouldnt let one of their own fail or give up. Finn would be fine.

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Later that evening, the family plus Blaine went out to a diner called Callbacks which Kurt had read about with Rachel ages ago. Blaine was floored by the place, with its singing waiters and waitresses and the general Broadway vibe of it all. He was shocked, to say the least, when Kurt dragged him from their large booth and sauntered up to the little stage where a piano sat untouched for the night.

It seemed Kurt asked someone if they could try their hand at providing some entertainment, and the wait staff encouraged them with grinning faces. It was a fun place, Blaine though. A place he wouldnt mind working during school if things worked out that way, actually.

He was pulled from his thoughts as Kurt shoved him to the piano bench and whispered in his ear. The suggestion was a lesser-known band who Blaine had stumbled upon once and taken a liking to. Hed just shared them with Kurt a few weeks ago, and now he wanted to perform one of their songs in front of a whole restaurant full of strangers? Sometimes he really loved his spontaneous, albeit insane, boyfriend.

The jovial tones beat out form the piano as Blaine easily started the song, grinning at Kurt, who sat on the edge of the bench, leaning slightly so they could share a mic. Blaine started to sing, happiness flowing through his body and into the lyrics with ease.

"In a field outside of town

We could always be alone

Carry a blanket, maybe a basket…

And thats it"

Kurt took the next string of lines, glancing at Blaine with all the love and happiness in the world mirrored in those crystal blue eyes.

"Innocence was the key

I was locked up never free…

Til you turned me…"

Their voices harmonized then, some of the wait staff who knew the song falling in for the backing vocals.

"Like vines we intertwined

(like vines we intertwined)

Carelessly growing up and growing old,

Life was on our tongues

(on our tongues)

It tasted heavenly… so good"

They continued singing through the chorus, someone taking over the piano so that Blaine could get up and grab his own microphone, the two belting out the song by The Hush Sound and opening ears to a mostly unappreciated sound. Kurt took the start of the next verse, his voice ringing through the diner clear and stunning as ever.

"I knew this was a dream

It was too good to be true

Coincidences, were a bit much too,"

Blaine fell into step beside him then, wiggling his brows as the quick words slipped from his lips.

"Who wants to wake up,

Who wants to lose it,

Who wants to live in this place?

I dont… so Ill be sleepin in."

Their voices harmonized again, this time marked by cheers from some of the diners and staff. Apparently they were a bit of a hit, which had them both grinning ear to ear.

"I wake up and I feel alone

I was just asleep

(sleep sleep)

Right where I belong

Inside this sad sad sad song…"

When they finished, they took a bow together before handing the microphones back to the staff and returning to their table. Carole, Burt, and Finn all clapped and cheered for them, proud and impressed by the performance. Kurt was beaming and Blaine… Well, Blaine was beyond happy to have had the courage to perform like that, and to be accepted by this crowd of strangers.

New York was going to change everything for him. Hed never felt so optimistic. Hed never been so happy. Blaine had never felt this complete.

_____________________________________________________

The next day, Kurt and Blaine headed to Parsons while Finn, Burt, and Carole went to a few more schools that Finn might be interested in. Burt had offered to go with Kurt, but hed insisted that he knew what he was looking for and pretty much had everything figured out, and Finn needed his dad more than he did at the moment, so Burt nodded and went along with his wife and stepson. It was true Finn needed all the help he could get, and Blaine was happy that Kurt was enjoying their time spent together, just the two of them, making their way around the city.

It just felt natural, walking around the streets and campuses with Kurt. Blaine hadnt thought hed be confident enough to stride in uncharted waters actually holding hands with his boyfriend. But this was New York, not Ohio. This was a place where dreams came true and people took chances. It was a city of dreams and dreamers.

Blaine loved it here, and he could tell by the happy look that had yet to leave Kurts eyes that he did as well. This was a place for them. These were their people and their shops, their buildings and their potential careers. All around them sprouted different futures, and all they had to do was reach out and take one.

"This is amazing, isnt it?" Blaine muttered, holding Kurts hand as the looked up at one of the taller buildings near campus. He was stunned by their surroundings and the overall experience so far. It was just… breath-taking. He couldnt help it.

Kurt let out a giddy squeak as he closed his eyes and grinned, grasping Blaines hand a little tighter. "Yes! Oh my God, Blaine, I love it here!" It was like he had been trying to hold his excitement in when all Blaine wanted him to do was let it out. Share it with him, because Blaine felt the same way. "We can hold hands! We can sing in diners! There are no slushies and no threats of dumpster tosses… there are hardly any stares even. I mean, I know theres still some bashing and hate-crimes and whatnot, but nowhere is perfect. This is just… its so much better than Lima!"

They couldnt help it anymore and fell into each others arms, sharing a chaste kiss before giggling together, Blaine resting his head on Kurts shoulder while Kurt carded through his silky curls. "Im so happy," Blaine whispered, and Kurt just sighed, eyes closed, letting it all soak in.

It took a few minutes before they were composed enough to enter the main building at Parsons. The school was busy and amazing and Blaine thought Kurts eyes might pop out of his skull or his heart might stop beating any time now. They made their way to the admissions office in the fashion and design part of the school, and Kurt immediately hit it off with the director of the program.

Sketches were shown, interest was expressed, and Kurt had all the information he needed to get an early application submitted as soon as he was ready. There was a chance that he could get a scholarship if he applied for an internship for the fall. It would be unpaid, as internships generally are, but it would count toward his tuition. Hed only need to pay room and board if he got the internship, at least for the first two years. That was as long as one could hold the intern position, and by then, he would have his foot in the door somewhere thanks to the job.

It all sounded so perfect. Kurt couldnt wait to tell his dad all about it, and Blaine was so excited for his boyfriend. Theyd found their places in the city! Theyd done it! It was really happening! The only down side to all of it was that they still had another year at McKinley to get through. Blaine hadnt thought hed ever be ready to go off on his own into his future like this, but now… Now he just wanted it to be time to spread his wings already.

___________________________________________________

They all meet at a pizza shop near their hotel, sitting at a high table and talking loudly about the successes and failures of the day. Kurt went on and on about Parsons and how perfect it was and how his sketches even went over well, which made Burt beam and mutter thats my boy while wrapping a loving arm about his son.

Blaine told them he was pretty well set on NYU, talking about possible minors and possibilities to go with his music studies. He was a little shocked when Burt gave him a sideways hug and a that sounds great, kiddo while Carole started talking to Kurt about how he could design for one of Blaines musicals. Blaine didnt exactly thing hed be writing a whole musical on his own- that was one hell of a dream- but he was touched. These people cared about him. It was so strange and wonderful and perfect and he wouldnt trade this for the world.

It seemed Finn was still having some issues figuring out where he was going to go and what he was going to do. Realistically, he had a while still to think about it. This trip would give the quarterback more options to consider. Luckily, he didnt seem to be letting his ongoing search get him down. In fact, Finn seemed thrilled to discover just how many options were available to him. "I mean, I dont think NYU is really realistic for me, but dude!" he playfully punched Kurts shoulder, making the countertenor bristle and rub his arm. "There is so much here! This city is like… huge. I could even do stuff that isnt college. Did you know that? And Id still be in the same place as you and Rachel!"

Kurt rolled his eyes, but at least smiled at his idiotic brother. Blaine found their display heart-warming. It also made him wonder how it would have been with Cooper if they were a little closer in age. He resolved to call his brother after this trip. Hed update Coop on his school ideas and his relationship with Kurt, and hed see if his brother had any plans to visit his old home state. He missed the guy even if they did argue and fight over the spotlight.

The pizza was delicious and the bonding time was great. Blaine felt more and more comfortable as part of the Hummel-Hudson clan. It was clear everybody else felt the same way about Blaine. The next evening was Wicked and Finns dinner thing, so Burt and Carole decided they should tuck in early. If they were going to be touring all day and mingling all night, they would need their rest after all. Kurt still didnt know about their date, just that they had the evening alone. Blaine was practically bouncing with excitement for Kurts reaction.

"Alright, boys. Get to sleep so we can start things early tomorrow. Kurt, Blaine, are you two coming with us to look at more options with Finn, or did you have other plans?" She was giving them the chance to explore New York together on their own. Blaines jaw nearly dropped while Kurt grinned in shock at his step-mom.

It was Finn who spoke up, though, tossing a crooked smile at his brother and said brothers boyfriend. "Let them explore, mom. It isnt every day Kurt gets to wander around Broadway and 6th Avenue-"

"Fifth Avenue, Finn," Kurt correctly in a higher pitch than normal, to which Finn shook his head and laughed.

"Right, that. You guys should go shopping or sing somewhere or whatever other things make you super happy and just confuse me. Well be fine without extra company."

Blaine laughed as Kurt literally leaped at his brother, hugging him hard and squeaking. "Youre the best brother ever, Finn. I take back all the mean things Ive said about you that you didnt deserve." That only made Blaine laugh more, especially when he saw Finns confused face. Burt and Carole shared a look and shook their heads, heading to their room for a good nights rest. The boys followed suit once Kurt let Finn breathe again, and they all fell asleep with ease.

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Shopping was fun for Blaine, as he got to see his boyfriend flitting about happily from rack to rack, finding some items that he loved then putting them back because they were too expensive. He didnt realize that Blaine had been following behind him, snatching the items and purchasing them when Kurt was distracted. Hed openly bought a couple of bow ties and a pair of yellow pants that made Kurt smile as he hummed you are my sunshine. Those bags were used to hide the other purchases hed made. Kurt wouldnt be able to return the stuff if he didnt even know about it until they were safely back in Ohio.

Blaine managed to convince Kurt to get lunch from a street vendor after dropping their purchases back at the hotel and making their way to Central Park. The couple ate in the park by a fountain and just enjoyed being together in this perfect place. They spent the afternoon strolling through the park hand-in-hand, then Blaine insisted that they go back to the hotel and dress up for a fancy dinner.

"You dont have to spoil me, Blaine," Kurt commented, a blush on his cheeks. "Youre going to create much too high of standards for yourself to live up to in the future, you know." The taller boy giggled then, which made Blaines heart soar in delight.

Of course, Blaine simply insisted that it was no problem and that he liked living up to high standards, insisting that Kurt put on his custom-lined vest and matching jacket while fastening the bow tie Kurt had made him about his own neck. They were matching, loosely, which made them both a little giddy.

The food was amazing, and Kurt actually moaned when the decadent French food hit his tongue. "Oh my God, Blaine this might be better than sex," he muttered, which had Blaine choking into his napkin.

"Kurt!" he hissed, clearing his throat and taking a drink of his sparkling water. "You did not just say that. Youre going to destroy the small ego that Ive developed." He had to hold back a grunt-like noise when Kurt licked his fork in a ridiculously seductive way.

Blue eyes glinted with mischief while Kurt leaned slightly over the table toward Blaine. "Maybe youll just have to remind me how good that particular activity is then, hmm?" He licked his lips and Blaine was pretty sure he looked as stunned as he felt, only shaking himself out of his thoughts when Kurt giggled at him.

They shared a ridiculously wonderful piece of cheesecake for dessert, feeding each other from their forks and both moaning as the substance melted on their tongues. Blaine wouldnt let Kurt even see the bill when it came, and they were off with the swipe of a card and flourish of Blaines signature.

"Youve been awfully mysterious about this date. Why do I get the feeling I am going to be extremely happy while having to ignore the fact that you keep spoiling me?" The question came with a peck on the cheek as they strolled toward Broadway with arms linked.

Blaine just smiled broadly at his boyfriend, leading him toward their destination and preparing himself to cover his ears for the inevitable squeal. That squeal came as soon as they slowed down, approaching the theatre with the Wicked marquee. "Oh. My. GOD!" He screamed, jumping up and down and hugging Blaine like he was some sort of magical being or something. Yeah, he knew Kurt would be excited, but he hadnt quite expected tears of joy.

Once hed calmed his boyfriend down enough for them to enter the lobby, Blaine led the way to their seats, which were excellent of course, buying a playbill on their way. Kurt was happily reading the facts about the performers theyd see at the show, and Blaine listened to all the information he shared while dreaming about how this could be a normal part of their lives someday. Someday somewhat soon, too!

When they lived in New York… theyd be able to go to Broadway shows and off-Broadway productions and maybe they wouldnt be able to get the best seats since Blaine was pretty sure his dad was cutting him off and hed only have his trust fund to rely on, but they could experience all of this on a regular basis! Hell, they might be involved in this scene knowing how they were. Blaine could seriously see himself composing pieces for smaller productions some day. It would be incredible, especially if it made Kurt this happy.

Kurt mouthed the words to the entire show, holding Blaines hand and gripping it tighter at his favorite parts. They went out at the intermission and bought shirts to wear to school when they got back, Kurt even agreeing to wear only one layer beneath the tee and none over it besides his coat. If anything showed Blaine how much his boyfriend appreciated this date, it was the obvious change in his wardrobe just to make room for the shirt.

Somehow Blaine managed to get them into a meet-and-greet with the performers and they got autographs and mingled a bit. The woman who played Glinda even encouraged them in their future endeavors. She told them the stage was open for anyone with enough ambition, then left with a wink that had Blaine wondering what all his future might actually hold.

Everyone was back at the hotel when they returned, so they werent able to get up to anything as theyd implied back at dinner. It was okay though. Kurt had clung to Blaine, kissing him deeply enough to make him blush when they were just in the lobby of the hotel. The declaration that he had the best boyfriend ever when they got into the hotel room had Blaine smirking while Finn rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Blaine. Now I have you to live up to. Rachel is never going to let me live this down…"

Plans were made for a full Saturday of tourist things, which theyd all do together, then theyd be heading out early Sunday to catch the plane back to Ohio. It seemed unlikely that Kurt and Blaine would get any real alone time again until sometime the next week, though Regionals would be too stressful for them to even try to find time and they didnt have much time in Ohio before then. (Sunday night through Monday night, with school on Monday? That was barely enough time to get out of vacation mode.) Maybe they could justify celebrating together on Wednesday if they won? That was Blaines official plan as he nodded off dreaming about crystal blue eyes dancing with glee, snuggling into Kurt on their shared bed and feeling more safe and secure on that hotel mattress than he ever did alone in his empty house.