Kurt was walking through the halls, something that was still relatively safe, he was no longer thrown against lockers, but he had to watch out for people ‘accidentally’ tripping him. He saw Coach Sylvester talking to Brittany and Santana, then an avalanche of dirt raining from their lockers. Kurt shook his head at the extreme and senseless measures that she would go to trying to destroy their spirits the way she thought they had her Cheerios.

Almost as soon as he turned the corner a shove sent him rocketing into the nearest set of lockers. Kurt was surprised by this, having not had to deal with this in a while, by the time he turns around the culprit has rounded the corner.

That night he is talking to Blaine on the phone relating the events of the day to him, “I am just so tired of being treated like a loser, I can’t wait to leave this hick town,” he fumes.

Kurt can almost hear the smile in Blaine’s voice, “Just think though, in a few years, you will be famous and they will be bragging how they knew you in high school and they were your best friend.”

A chuckle escaped Kurt, “Yes, but I have a long memory.”
They chatted a few more minutes before Kurt had an idea and said goodbye to his boyfriend. He then called up the other New Directions, telling them to come over for an emergency meeting. Once everyone was assembled in his and Finn’s living room, he turned to the group.

“I was talking to Blaine on the phone earlier,” a few of the girls giggled in excitement, “I was telling him about the way we are treated. And he said something that made me think. Those idiots that try and make our lives hell, one day when we are famous or successful, they will regret they way they treated us.” Some of the group grumbled in disbelief. “No think about it, they will want to tell everyone how close they were to us, but we will know, we won’t let them forget. I think that is what we need to focus on for our Original song. We have nothing now and regional’s is in three days. If we can knock out a great group number then we can lead with a fantastic solo. That would complete our set.”

“Well, I myself have many perfect ballads at my finger tips,” Rachel began.

“No, I think Mercedes should have the solo.” Kurt interrupted, receiving looks from most everyone. “think about it, Aural Intensity has no one who can sing like Mercedes. I think it is time we showcase her in a way beside just at the end of a number.”

The group reluctantly agreed, and began working on writing their song. Everyone helped contribute ideas, and soon they had a rough draft. Puck, Sam, Finn and Rachel left to fine tune the music, Santana, Brittany, Artie, and Mike left as well. This left Mercedes, Tina and Kurt to search for the perfect song for Mercedes to sing.
The next day at glee club the group presented their song idea to Mr. Shuester, who loved it. They began to fine tune the number, dividing up the parts and choreographing. During a break, Kurt and Mercedes presented their idea for a Mercedes solo. At first, Mr. Shue was reluctant, really wanting to showcase more original songs. Kurt argued back, “Really Mr. Shue, we were lucky to get one song written, I think we would be pushing our luck trying to come up with another.”

Reluctantly Will had to agree with Kurt’s logic, and after hearing Mercedes solo, readily agreed.
New Directions stayed late into the night completing preparations for the group number, so it was after midnight before Kurt dragged himself into his room and was finally able to check his messages. There were five from Blaine.

6:09- How was school today? Call me.-Blaine

7:34- Hey, are you home from school yet?

9:21-Kurt, I’m starting to get worried, I haven’t heard from you all day. Just want to know you are ok.

10:43-Not trying to be a smothering boyfriend, just want to make sure everything is good.

12:04- I guess I am going to bed, hope to hear from you soon. Sweet dreams.

Kurt looked at his clock, it read 12:17. He picked up his phone and called Blaine. A weary voice answered, “Hello?”

“I’m so sorry I didn’t answer your messages, I’ve been at glee all night. We were trying to get our song choreographed so we can rehearse it tomorrow.”

“Aren’t you cutting it a little close, I mean the competition is the day after tomorrow.” Blaine asked, concerned.

“I guess, but that is nothing new. Are you coming to the competition?”

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to see you.”
They talked for a couple of minutes before bidding each other goodnight.

The next day during Warblers practice, Blaine raised his hand and waited for recognition from the council.

“The council recognizes Junior Member Blaine Anderson.” Wes said in full council mode.

“As you all know,” Blaine began trying to sound just as formal. “the regionals competition is tomorrow. I would like to propose that we put a group together to go and watch the competition.”

“You only want to go because your boyfriend is competing.” David pointed out, a few of the boys looked surprised by this news, not knowing about Blaine’s relationship with Kurt.

“Wait,” Jeff said earning looks from Wes David and Blaine, “How long has this been going on?”

“We didn’t exchange numbers until after sectionals, if you are implying anything untoward.” Blaine said evenly, not wanting to reveal the efforts he made for that not to be true.

Wes decided to just ask who wanted to go, “All those wanting to travel to this year’s regionals competition please raise your hands.”

Blaine looked around and besides himself; Wes, David, Thad, Nick, Luke, and Trent raised their hands. Blaine was excited that almost half of the Warblers were going to attend.

Kurt and the New Directions were working hard that afternoon, perfecting their numbers, picking costumes and getting props and light cues worked out. Kurt made sure today to check his messages more often, Blaine’s messages of encouragement lifted Kurt’s spirits, willing him to work through his tiredness. Kurt’s replies assured Blaine everything was going well and Kurt was thinking about him.

The morning of the competition Kurt took his time getting ready, looking perfect was very important to him, especially for a competition. He made sure his hair was just right and his costume was pressed, before dressing for the day. He took the extra precaution to make sure that Finn’s costume was immaculate too. By the time the two of them made it to McKinley the rest of the group was ready to board the bus to leave. The bus trip Kurt spent talking to Mercedes about fashion, Blaine, movies, Blaine, music, and Blaine. Kurt knew Mercedes was excited for him and his relationship, but he also knew that at times it was hard for her to listen to him ramble about his love life. But try as he might, Kurt just couldn’t help but talk about Blaine.

In Westerville, Blaine met the group that would be traveling to the competition. They split into two cars, Blaine with Wes, David, and Thad in his car. And Luke with Nick and Trent in his car. Blaine talked the entire way about the New Directions idea to perform an original song. The other boys were just as horrified at the idea of not coming up with numbers until right before competing. What the other boys wouldn’t tell Blaine was that they didn’t expect good results from their past rivals.

Once they arrived at the theatre the Dalton Boys looked around for any sign of Kurt and his group. They then found out that since there were only two choirs competing, New Directions was already backstage, getting ready for their performance. The first group Aural Intensity performed ‘Jesus is a Friend of Mine’ making the boys raise their brows at the silliness of it. After a brief intermission it was the New Directions turn to perform.

Mercedes walked out on the dimly lit stage to a microphone set up center stage. She seemed to be focusing on the microphone itself before she started singing, the band joining in soon after her first notes rose above the theatre.

At last,
my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

Oh, yeah, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clovers
The night I looked at you

I found a dream that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to rest my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
The rest of the Glee club moved onstage taking their positions singing soft back up as Mercedes powered through the last verse.

Oh, yeah when you smile, you smile
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last

The Warblers sat in awe at the sultry voice produced by the beautiful girl. Blaine was one of the first to stand clapping in approval at the beautiful simple number.

A beaming Mercedes announce, “Ladies and gentlemen, we are the New Directions!” before grabbing a wireless mike and moving to her position. After the music started, the boys watched as they began to stomp with the music before Rachel starting singing.

Yeah, you may think that I'm a zero
But, hey, everyone you wanna be
Probably started off like me
You may say that I'm a freakshow (I don't care)
But, hey, give me just a little time
I bet you're gonna change your mind

She was joined by Brittany and Santana.

All of the dirt you've been throwin' my way
It ain't so hard to take, that's right
'Cause I know one day you'll be screamin' my name
And I'll just look away, that's right

Soon the whole Glee Club was singing together. The Warblers were amazed that this was thrown together so quickly. Their moves were nearly flawless, and the song was well written

Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the words you got and knock me down
Baby, I don't care
Keep it up, I'm tunin' up to fade you out
You wanna be
You wanna be
A loser like me
A loser like me

Blaine was surprised to hear Finn sing the next part, never having heard him sing before.

Push me up against the locker
And hey, all I do is shake it off
I'll get you back when I'm your boss
I'm not thinkin' 'bout you haters
'Cause hey, I could be a superstar
I'll see you when you wash my car

The crowd was enjoying the show, clapping along and cheering.

All of the dirt you've been throwin' my way
It ain't so hard to take, that's right
'Cause I know one day you'll be screamin' my name
And I'll just look away, that's right

Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the words you got and knock me down
Baby, I don't care
Keep it up, I'm tunin' up to fade you out
You wanna be
You wanna be
A loser like me
A loser like me
A loser like me
Blaine couldn’t help but laugh when the glee club started rapping or chanting the next section.

Hey, you, over there
Keep the L up-up in the air
Hey, you, over there
Keep the L up, 'cause I don't care
You can throw your sticks, and you can throw your stones
Like a rocket, just watch me go
Yeah, l-o-s-e-r
I can only be who I are

Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the words you got and knock me down
Baby, I don't care
Keep it up, I'm tunin' up to fade you out
You wanna be
You wanna be
A loser like me
A loser like me

(Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
So everyone can hear
Hit me with the words you got and knock me down
Baby, I don't care
Keep it up, I'm tunin' up to fade you out
You wanna be
You wanna be
A loser like me (A loser like me)
A loser like me (A loser like me)
A loser like me

During the last lines Mike rolled out a slushee machine and the crowd watched as everyone grabbed a cup. As the last word rang out they flung them out, showering the first few rows with red confetti.

The crowd was going wild, cheering and clapping. By the time Kurt and his friends made it off stage they were jumping up and down laughing at the great response they had received.

Blaine twisted his program in his seat nervous. He felt that New Directions was the best, he just hoped the judges felt the same way. After about fifteen minutes, the two choirs came back out on stage. Blaine was surprised to see Coach Sylvester standing with Aural Intensity. When the governer’s wife announce New Direction as the winners, he was even more surprised to see Sue punch out the poor, unsuspecting drunk woman.

Waiting outside the theatre, Blaine scanned the crowd for Kurt or any of his friends. While he scanned the crowd, he was surprised when both Nick and Luke approached him, looking as if they were holding a silent battle with each other. He was even more shocked when they said at almost the same time, “Can you introduce me to the soloist?” and “I need to meet that girl.”

Blaine smiled, “Mercedes? I’m sure I can arrange that.”
Just then he turned to see Kurt running through the crowd, “We did it, we’re going to New York.” He cheered almost tackling Blaine in a fierce hug. Blaine hugged him back adding a kiss on the cheek and said, “I am so proud of you!”

Blaine then introduced Kurt to the Warblers who came with him. Luke and Nick both shooting him imploring looks. “Hey, could you bring Mercedes here?” Blaine asked. “I think she has a couple of admirers.”

Kurt beamed back a Blaine before running off to find Mercedes. He ran up behind her weaving his arms around her waist, and whispered in her ear, “Come with me, there are some dapper young men who want to meet you. AND I think they are straight.”

“Is that so?” she questioned then followed Kurt back to where the Dalton boys waited. When they approached the boys Kurt extended his hand and properly introduced himself. “Hello, I’m Kurt Hummel, and this is my best friend Miss Mercedes Jones.”

As Kurt shook each boys hand, they introduced themselves. Then Wes and David shook Mercedes hand politely and complemented her solo. Trent did the same. When it was time for Nick and Luke to introduce themselves they almost fell over each other in their eagerness. Luke, who was bigger than Nick won out in the end. He took Mercedes hand tenderly in his, covering it with the other hand. “Mercedes, my name is Luke Wright, it is a pleasure to meet you, your solo was simply mesmerizing,” he said in a low sweet voice.

Nick then stood in front of Luke breaking their connected hands. He then gently took her hand and placed a soft kiss on it, causing Mercedes to blush. “I’m Nick Duval, may I just say that you are breathtaking and I have never heard a voice as astounding as yours.”

Mercedes turned to Kurt and said in a stage whisper, “You were right Kurt, very Dapper.” Then she turned back to the boys, “Thank you very much. Now really I must be heading back, our bus will be leaving soon.”

Both boys quickly asked, “Can I have your number?”

Mercedes just laughed, “Well, I don’t know, maybe if I see you again you can ask.” She then walked away from the group.

Kurt turned to Blaine, “I have to go before Shue starts throwing a fit. I think we are going to get together at my house to celebrate our win, do you want to come over?”

“I wish I could, but I have to get these guys back to Dalton.”

“I’ll come with you, and Trent, Thad, Wes and David can ride with Luke.” Nick said quickly.

Blaine laughed, as Luke looked affronted and cursing himself that he drive his car. “That is up to the others, sorry man.” Blaine told him.

Luke was adamant that he would not be driving with four other people in the car, so that Nick could go ‘gallivanting after the girl of his dreams.’

Wes decided that it was best if they just go home, to avoid a fight. Thad agreed to ride with Luke back to Dalton, since Nick and Luke were not too happy to have their sights set on the same girl.

Kurt kissed Blaine goodbye, making him promise to come over the next day and hang out. A few more kisses later, he took off in the direction of the buses.

On the way home, Kurt and Mercedes talked about the high caliber of the boys of Dalton. Finally Kurt had to ask. “Cedes, why didn’t you give them your number?”

With a big smile she said, “Hey I figured a little hard to get worked for you, it may work for me too. After all, a boy has to work to get with the hotness that is me.”