Blaine walked into the kitchen to grab a glass of water and jumped in shock to see his parents sitting at the table sharing a late night bottle of wine.

“Mom, Dad, what are you doing home?” he asked in surprise.

His mom laughed at the shocked look on his face. “We came home early, the deal was easier than we thought, you however are home awfully late, it is almost one in the morning.”

Blaine bowed his head expecting to be in trouble, “Yeah, sorry about that, Kurt had a hard day.” He explained all about the funeral and the memories it brought back for Kurt.

“Oh, the poor thing, that must have been hard. I am glad you were there to help him.” His mother said sympathetically. “What have you been up to while we have been gone?”

Blaine explained to them about helping the New Directions with their group number for nationals, and then added, “Carole sent pictures for you from Prom.”

“Prom?” his dad asked with a slight edge to his voice.

“Yeah, didn’t I tell you Kurt and I were going to prom?” Blaine asked confused.

“No you did not and I cannot believe you would do that. What were you thinking Blaine?” Ben yelled.

“What?” Blaine cried, unsure where his father’s anger was coming from.

Ben Anderson stood up quickly knocking his chair over. “Don’t you remember the last time you went to a school dance? You nearly died! And then you go and decided to do it again, without even consulting us? What were you thinking?”

Blaine stood there in shock as he looked at his father’s livid face and the tears in his mother’s eyes. “I thought you accepted me now, I thought you were trying…”

Some of the anger evaporated from his dad, “It’s not that Blaine… why would you risk your life for a silly school dance?”

Blaine then understood, his father wasn’t really mad, he was scared. Blaine sat down at the table across from where his father stood. Ben followed suit and sat as well. “It was really important to Kurt, and… I can’t let fear control what I do. Letting the bullies and the homophobes keep me away from something like that, it would have been worse than anything they would have done to us.” He looked at his parents and when they didn’t say anything he continued. “Being with Kurt, has taught me that if you let them rule your life, you give them the power to do it. By standing up to them, you rob them of their power, by just living your life, and being yourself in spite of them, they are really powerless.”

“But you could have been hurt…”His mother sobbed.
“But we weren’t, they tried to make a joke out of Kurt, but it didn’t happen that way.” He explained all about the prom King and Queen fiasco and how Kurt had handled it. He then sighed, “I am tired of letting fear rule my life. I am tired of running away.”

“What do you mean?” His father asked, his brow furrowed.

“Just that… I don’t, no I won’t live my life afraid anymore… Listen I have to get up early I am supposed to be in Lima at nine for rehearsal. Burt told me I could stay there tomorrow night, is that alright?”

“Sure.” His mom said and Blaine walked upstairs unaware of the glances and whispered conversation his parents exchanged below.

Blaine sat next to Nick watching the other glee club run through the number again. The dance was complicated but even Finn almost had it down. The arrangement was working well, but there wasn’t enough power behind it yet. As the number ended, Blaine stood up.

“I think you are still relying to heavily on the band. Why don’t you try and with just the drums backing you up for now? Use your voices to make the sound as strong as the band would.”

By the end of the rehearsal he thought they almost had it. They were growing more confident not relying on the band to provide the strength in their song. AS soon as Mr. Shue called the rehearsal, Blaine walked up to Kurt.
“Hey, what do you want to do?” He asked taking Kurt’s hand?

“Honestly, I want to go home and curl up to watch a movie, I am exhausted.” Kurt chuckled.

“I think I can handle that.” Blaine smiled, at the thought of cuddling with Kurt.

The two boys spent the evening spooning on Kurt’s bed watching Moulin Rouge and Love Actually. Half way through West Side Story, both boys had fallen asleep. Burt went up to check on them to find them cuddled together fast asleep. He wanted to wake Blaine and have him move to the spare room, but they looked to peaceful, so he simply walked over and draped a blanket over the pair. After all Burt trusted his son, and he just couldn’t bring himself to disturbing the picture. Burt crept out of the room, leaving the door cracked and went to bed to join his beautiful wife.

When Kurt woke the next morning, if was to feel a warm body in his arms. At first confusion washed over Kurt, before he remembered laying here watching a movie with Blaine the night before. Panic then crept into his heart, knowing that his dad could find him, it was then he noticed the blanket that was not draped over them when he went to sleep. Kurt smiled knowing that his father knew and wasn’t mad.

Kurt squeezed the sleeping figure in front of him and planted a kiss on the back of Blaine’s neck. When he felt him stir, Kurt whispered, “Good morning.”

Blaine rolled over meeting Kurt’s eyes, “Good morning.” He murmured back.

“I really like this waking up with you in my arms.” Kurt smiled.

Blaine chuckled, “I love waking up with you holding me… but we may have to compromise because I like sleeping with my arms around you too.”

“I like that idea, because I love having your arms around me too.” Kurt thought for a moment, “I like that we are such equals, neither of us always has to be the strong one. I like that I know you will take care of me when I need it, and you’ll let me take care of you when you need it. I like the balance…” Kurt’s voice trailed off.

“I like that too, we complement each other. I love you.” Blaine told him before planting a slow sweet kiss on his lips. After a moment, Blaine pulled back and said, “We really should be getting up, you have rehearsal in an hour.”

Kurt grunted, “Ugh, I don’t want to get up, can’t I stay here all day?”

“You leave for New York tomorrow.” Blaine reminded him.

“My point exactly, I would much rather stay here, with my incredibly hot, sweet, sexy, adorable boyfriend, than go to rehearsal. I will be stuck in New York with them all week. Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends, but I love you more, and I won’t get to see you all week.”

“You need to rehearse if you want any chance of winning.” Blaine told him.

Kurt smiled, “Is it horrible of me if I say right now I don’t care? I just don’t want to leave this bed, with you here with me.”

“Not horrible at all, but even if I wanted to stay here all day, do you really think Finn would let us laze around all day if he has to get up to go to rehearsal?” Blaine pointed out.

Kurt groaned, “You’re right and I don’t like the idea of being dragged out of bed by him.”

Blaine smiled, “So we are getting up?” he asked.

Kurt still didn’t move, “Yes, we are getting up. Soon.”

“Don’t you have a routine to get to?”

“Normally, yes, but I would sacrifice my morning moisturizing routine and having perfect hair for today, just to be able to stay here a little longer.” Kurt sighed.

Hearing Kurt say that made Blaine smile light up, that was saying something when it was coming from Kurt Hummel.
Eventually the two got up, Kurt, only applying his moisturizing sunscreen after a quick shower before dressing in a simple (for Kurt) outfit. Blaine used the guest bath, and readied himself for the day.

Finn was grumbling about having to be up early when they made it down stairs.

“Morning!” Kurt called to the kitchen, he was in a good mood considering he hadn’t wanted to get up this morning.
“What are you so happy about?” Finn groaned.

Kurt flashed Blaine a smile. “I have the most amazing boyfriend in the world, why shouldn’t I be happy when I wake up to him?”

“Wait, he slept in your bed?” Kurt nodded, although somewhat sheepishly seeing Finn’s reaction. “That is so not fair, Rachel would never be allowed to sleep in my bed!”

Kurt became a bit defensive, “We didn’t mean to, we fell asleep watching movies. It was still nice though.”
“Yeah, well…” was all Finn could say.

Rehearsal went well that day, by the time it was winding down, both numbers were well polished. Blaine walked Kurt to Finn’s car, since he needed to head home. They lingered outside of the car while Finn distracted himself from the couple playing on his phone.

“Are you sure you can’t come over and help me finish packing?” Kurt whined.

Blaine took his hand in his. “I wish I could but I promised my parents I would be home as soon as rehearsal was over.”

“Why did they have to come home this weekend?” He grumbled.

“I wish I didn’t have to go.” Blaine punctuated with a kiss.

“I wish you could come with us to New York. I wish we could experience it together.” Kurt kissed back.

When they broke apart Kurt sighed, “God, I am going to miss you.”

Blaine couldn’t help but chuckle at that, “You are going to be FAR too busy to miss me. I. on the other hand, will be miserable without you here.”

“I will text you and call you whenever I can.” Kurt promised, and sealed it with a kiss.

“I look forward to everyone.” Blaine leaned in for another kiss.

Just as they were getting more heated, Finn cleared his throat and said, “Can we go now Kurt, we have been here for almost an hour? I still have to pack.”

The two boys exchanged I love yous and then reluctantly parted. As Finn started to back out, Kurt rolled down his window and called to his boyfriend. “Meet me for coffee Friday when I get back?”

Blaine’s smile lit up the darkening parking lot, “I wouldn’t miss it for the World!”

Kurt could hardly contain himself on the plane ride; after all he was sitting in first class next to Mercedes on his way to New York. “I can’t believe this is actually happening!” he gushed.

“I know boo, New York. This is going to be amazing!” Mercedes beamed.

“Can I tell you a secret?” he whispered so no one else could hear. “I am moving here when I graduate, I don’t care what I have to do, even if I don’t get into college in New York, Blaine and I are coming here together.”

“You have talked about this with him?” she asked looking skeptical.

“Yes, a couple of times, it is what we both want. And we are going to do it.” Mercedes was surprised by the ecstatic look on Kurt’s face.

“Wow, Kurt, you two have only been dating, what four months? And you already have this planned?” She asked.
“I know it seems crazy, but… I can’t picture my life any other way. And it’s not like we are really rushing things, we aren’t getting married, even if we could, we are both going in the same direction, so why not go together.” Mercedes could see the hurt in Kurt’s eyes at having to explain himself to his best friend.

“Boo, it’s not that I am not happy for you, or think that you two can’t make it. I was just surprised is all. Nick and I haven’t talked about things like that is all… I think it is sweet that you have.”

“How are you and Nick doing?” Kurt asked.

Mercedes sighed, “Good, I think you are the only person who understands how hard it is to have a boyfriend that lives so far away. I mean I wish that I could spend more time with him, but he is sweet and treats me right. It’s nice. I mean I don’t love him yet, but I really like him.”

The two gossiped about their relationships for the rest of the plane ride, telling stories of their dates, Kurt even told her about their early morning in bed talk. By the time the plane touched down, Kurt was missing Blaine terribly. While they waited for their luggage he sent Blaine a text.

Just landed, can’t wait to see the city. I wish you were here. I miss you. I love you –Kurt

Blaine was sitting in the middle of history class when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He looked down, saw the text from Kurt, and couldn’t help but smile. Just knowing Kurt was more than a two hour drive away made Blaine miss him more than he normally would during school. He covertly sent a text back before resigning himself to the fact that paying attention would be near impossible this week.

After checking into the hotel Kurt and the rest of the New Directions were whisked off to the theatre to await their rehearsal time. The wait was boring and Kurt couldn’t help but think how much better his time could be used out on the streets sightseeing and shopping. It was evening before they made it on stage to feel out the stage. They only had one run through before the next group would come in.

Kurt was hopeful that Mr., Shue would let them have a night out, but instead he took them back to the hotel with strict orders that they stay inside until they left to go to a local high school to practice tomorrow. Kurt stood looking out at the lights of time square, he was rooming with the girls which he found as a relief. When the hotel clerk suggested to Will rooming them by sexual preference, it was easy to decide where to put Kurt, but there was a lot of debate about what to do with Brittany and Santana. In the end he made Brittany swear (since she was the one Mr. Shue could count on to keep the promise) that there would be no lady kisses or touching in the girls room. So, Brittany was carefully walking around making sure that she didn’t so much as brush up against her friends. Kurt tried to explain to her what Shue had meant but she wouldn’t relent, saying a promise is a promise.

One by one the girls went to sleep. Quinn and Mercedes shared a bed, Rachel claimed the other, saying her back would not appreciate having to sleep on a cot. Tina had already fallen asleep on the couch in the corner. Brittany curled up in a chair, since it was the only way she could make sure she kept her promise while sleeping. Kurt was ready to take the cot, until Santana said that under no uncertain terms would she sleep with Berry. This is how Kurt ended up sleeping in the same bed with his sometimes best friend sometime rival. As he lay there, trying to will himself to go to sleep, he thought. He had already called Blaine and told them about their uneventful first day, so he didn’t want to disturb his boyfriend again. So he just thought, before he let sleep overtake him, a wonderful idea formed in his head.
He woke up early the next morning and quickly got dressed, he needed to look the part. As soon as he was finished he woke Rachel and hurried her to get ready as well. Soon the pair was standing outside of Tiffany’s drinking coffee and eating bagels.

“Can I tell you something?” Rachel asked, as soon as Kurt indicated he was listening she went on. “I am moving here, as soon as I graduate. This is where I belong.”

Kurt tried not to choke on his bagel, “Oh, me too and I talked to Blaine and he is in”

Rachel asked about Finn, the part of Kurt that was Finn’s brother was mildly offended that Rachel hadn’t considered him in her plans, but he understood that she was afraid he would refuse. So he played along with her dilemma, knowing that if she would just talk with Finn, he may surprise her. Soon he was pulling her along the streets of New York headed to the Gershwin Theatre. Sneaking in was surprisingly easy, one of the cleaning crew went out front for a cigarette and they hurried in behind them.
Kurt’s heart was in his throat when the security guard caught them, but he could not contain his giddiness when he gave them time on the stage. Singing on a Broadway stage, even sharing the spotlight with Rachel, was simply magical. Both were high on the experience as the rushed back to the hotel, hoping they wouldn’t be caught.

The rest of the group was just convening in the hotel lobby when they snuck in. Mr. Shue saw them approach the group, “Where have you two been?”

“We came down to the lobby hours ago, star watching, we are in New York you never know who you are going to see.” Kurt lied easily.

“See anyone?” Will asked clearly buying the lie.

Rachel sighed, “Unfortunately, no, we thought we saw Daniel Radcliff, but it wasn’t him.”

Safe in the knowledge that they weren’t caught, they joined the rest of the group to head to The Lower Manhattan Arts Academy, the school they were assigned to for their rehearsal today. They took several cabs, not wanting to make the three mile trek before a day of rehearsal. Kurt sat in the back of the yellow cab sandwiched between Rachel and Mercedes. Kurt and Mercedes squealed when the passed Parson’s The New School for Design and the Fashion Institute. All three of them gushed seeing all the theatres on the way. “One day I will be up there on one of those stages.” Kurt told the two girls, squeezing their hands.

Rachel’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Kurt, “Again,” she whispered in his ear, “we both will be up there, what about you Mercedes what do you want to do?”

“I don’t know, maybe go to LA, although I could get used to New York, do the fashion thing.”

Rehearsal was going well, Tina’s song was dynamic and powerful enough that they felt confident in the chances. Mr. Shuester was just calling Rachel forward to work on her number, when she surprised the whole group.

“Mr. Shue, if I may, I don’t think I should sing Firework,I don’t think it will be as memorable as it could be.” She said with her hands on her hips.

“And what would you suggest, Rachel?” He sighed resigned that there was no use arguing with the headstrong young woman.

“I want to sing For Good, with Kurt.” She said surprising everyone, especially Kurt.

“What? But this is your solo?” Kurt exclaimed.

Rachel smiled at her friend, “I think if we did this number together, no one could ignore us or forget us.”

Mr. Shue still seemed hesitant to make a change so close to competition, but finally agreed to at least see the number before making his decision.

Blaine sat in the common room surrounded by the other Warblers, everyone else was talking animatedly to each other, while Blaine sat lost in his own thoughts. His mind was far away in New York, wishing he could be with his boyfriend. Blaine was soon broken out of his contemplation by a hand on his shoulder.

“Go home.” David urged him, “you are doing no one good here. Go home and call Kurt or something.”

Even though he knew Kurt would be busy on his New York adventure, Blaine left Dalton to go home. At least then no one would have to witness the patheticness that was Blaine Anderson. When he walked into the house, he was surprised that both his parent’s were home. Normally even if they were home from a business trip at least his father would be in the office. However, they were both sitting in the living room, talking and laughing. Blaine tried to give them a smile, but it faltered. Just then his phone rang signaling he had a new text. He opened it and read:

Amazing day… can’t wait to tell you about it. I REALLY wish you were here. Love you! –Kurt

Blaine gave a sad smile before replying, Can’t wait to hear about it. I miss and love you too-Blaine. Blaine then turned back to his parents who were looking at him a little concerned.

“What’s wrong Blaine?” his dad asked.

Blaine rubbed the back of his neck, “Kurt’s in New York and I just miss him.”

A whirlwind conversation with his parents later, and Blaine still wasn’t sure what happened, or how he had gotten where he was.

Wednesday morning Kurt woke up to Rachel kicking him in the shins, apparently dreaming about dancing in a show or something. He decided to get up and prepare for the day since it was already seven. He had a brief text conversation with Blaine the night before, who had told him he couldn’t talk because he was doing something with his parents. While Kurt was happy that he was distracting himself, but Kurt really wanted to talk to him. Once Kurt finished getting ready for the day, he snuck downstairs to the lobby and sent Blaine a text, simply saying Good Morning and I love you. He sighed contentely when he received one in return. He would have loved to text Blaine all morning until they were meant to leave in an hour, but he knew Blaine had class.

Kurt was waiting backstage, his nerves thrumming in anticipation for their performance. These next ten minutes seemed so important. Kurt ached to have Blaine here, cheering him on, supporting him. Never before had New York and Ohio seemed so far apart.

Mr. Shuester was sitting in the audience waiting for his group to perform, going over in his head whether he made the right choices for them or not. He was twisting his play bill in his hands when someone sat next to him. He looked over to see who the new comer was only to see Blaine Anderson shifting in the seat beside him.

“Blaine, what are you doing here?” He asked looking at the boy next to him.

“I couldn’t stay away.” Blaine says with a smile.

The announcer cuts off their budding conversation, “Ladies and Gentlemen, from Lima, Ohio the New Directions!”

Rachel walks out on stage and begins singing,

I’m limited
Just look at me - I’m limited
And just look at you
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda
So now it's up to you
For both of us - now it's up to you...

Blaine looked over at Mr. Shue, this was not the number they had been rehearsing for the past week. Will simply nodded toward the stage and Blaine saw Kurt walking out on stage and begin singing.

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Blaine and it seemed the rest of the audience as well, were held captive by Kurt. The simplicity of his movements, combined with the gentle power of his voice held them in thrall.

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

Rachel’s voice took over the song once more.

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made from what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

Kurt echoed her line.
Because I knew you

And then their voices combined.
I have been changed for good

Rachel grabbed Kurt’s hand, meaning flowing out through her voice.

And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

Kurt cocked his head with a beautiful knowing smile and sang.
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

Their voice combined once more, making Blaine’s voice catch in his throat.
And none of it seems to matter anymore

Then both their voices were soaring in compliment to each other. Tears welled in Blaine, Will and many of the audiences’ eyes at the sheer beauty of the moment.
Like a comet pulled from orbit Like a ship blown from its mooring
As it passes a sun By a wind off the sea
Like a stream that meets a boulder Like a seed dropped by
Halfway through the wood a bird in the wood

Who can say if I've been
Changed for the better?
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better

Kurt’s gorgeous counter tenor lilted.
And because I knew you...

Rachel answered back.
Because I knew you...

Then a wall of sound burst from the stage as the rest of the new directions joined in on the last line as they walked on stage.
Because I knew you...
I have been changed for good...
As the crowd sprang to their feet applauding the performance, the glee club moved into their places for their final number of the day. Tina turns around as the drum start playing and sings as the other members dance behind her.
Right right, turn off the lights
We gonna lose our minds tonight
What's the dealio?

I love when it's all too much
5 AM turn the radio up
Where's the rock and roll?

Party crasher,
panty snatcha'
Call me up if you are gangsta'
Don't be fancy
Just get dancey
Why so serious?

The rest of the New directions join in, in more force, their dance becoming more intricate.
So raise your glass if you are wrong
In all the right ways
All my underdogs, we will never be, never be
Anything but loud
And nitty gritty dirty little freaks
Won't you come on, and come on, and
Raise your glass
Just come on and come and
Raise Your Glass!

Tina continues to lead with the force of her friends voices behind her. Only the bass and drums playing in full force.
Slam slam oh hot damn
What part of party don't you understand?
Wish you'd just freak out
Can't stop coming in hot
I should be locked up right on the spot
It's so on right now

Party crasher, panty snatcha'
Call me up if you a gangsta'
Don't be fancy
Just get dancey
Why so serious?

The full force of the New Directions was once again released on the crowd.
So raise your glass if you are wrong In all the right ways
All my underdogs, we will never be, never be
Anything but loud
And nitty gritty dirty little freaks

Won't you come on, and come on, and
Raise your glass
Just come on and come and
Raise Your Glass!
Just come on and come on and
Raise your glass!
Just come on and come and
Raise your glass!

Mike who was busy dancing in front of the group yelled out.
My glass is empty...
that sucks !

The group sang together again, with Tina’s voice lifted by theirs. Blaine was proud that their hard work was paying off.
So if you're too school for cool
And you're treated like a fool (treated like a fool)
You could choose to let it go
We can always, we can always
Party on our own...

So raise your
So raise your glass if you are wrong
In all the right ways
All my underdogs, we will never be, never be
Anything but loud
And nitty gritty dirty little freaks
So raise your glass if you are wrong In all the right ways
All my underdogs, we will never be never be!
Anything but loud
And nitty gritty dirty little freaks
Won't you come on! and come on! and
Raise your glass
Just come on and come and
Raise your glass
Won't you come on! and come on! and
Raise your glass
For me
Just come on and come and
Raise your glass

In the silence of the auditorium Tina sang.
for me
Blaine was on his feet with the rest of the audience cheering for this small, but powerful Midwestern choir. Mr. Shuester had tears in his eyes watching his kids bowing on stage drinking in the love from the audience. Suddenly he pulled Blaine into a bone-crushing hug, surprising the young man, who eventually patted the adult on the back.

As Mr. Shue led Blaine back stage to meet the students, Blaine asked him, “When did you change the solo?”

“Yesterday, it was Rachel’s idea.” Will called over his shoulder, just as the New Directions burst through the stage door. Seeing Blaine, the rest of the club parted, allowing Kurt, who still hadn’t seen his boyfriend, to walk almost directly into his arms before he noticed him.

“You were fantastic!” Blaine cried bringing the surprised Kurt into his arms.

“B-Blaine, how are you here?” Kurt asked, hardly able to believe that Blaine was actually here with him in New York.

Blaine laughed, “It seems my parents were tired of seeing me moping around the house missing you. They banished me to New York with the instructions not to come home until I found my smile again… guess what…” He kissed Kurt gently on the lips, “I found it.” A bigger smile erupted on both boys faces.

The wait for the Top Ten to be posted was nerve wracking. While the New Directions knew that they had done their best, and there was nothing more they could do at this point; knowing that did not make the wait any better.
After sitting in the lobby for two hours, to keyed to watch the remaining performances, a commotion brought them from their silence. They heard someone yell, “They’ve posted it!” The group scrambled down the hall, pushing their way through the crowd. They saw many groups walking away in defeat and tears, a few others were celebrating. Kurt and Blaine were at the head of the group and saw:

Jefferson City Airplane
New Directions
Portland Scale Blazers
Singaz Wit Attitude
Soundsplosion
Teenage Scream
The Waffletoots
Vocal Adrenaline
Vocal Chordz
Vocal Extreme

They stood there for a moment not quite taking in what they were reading. Blaine then turned to Kurt and grabbed his shoulders, “You did it, you are moving on to the finals!” before planting an excited kiss on his boyfriends lips. As they pulled apart, Kurt saw the rest of his glee club approaching, having been held up by a celebrating Vocal Adrenaline. He yelled at them, “We did it!” The pandemonium that ensued was beautiful, hugs were exchanged without notice of who they were hugging, tears were shed and cheers heard throughout the theatre. Once this began to die down, Mr. Shuester announce, “Alright, let’s go back to the hotel to form a game plan for tomorrow.”

Once back at the hotel, Shue convened the club in the girls’ and Kurt’s room since it was cleanest. “Okay, we have one more chance to win the judges over, we need suggestions on what to do. We can either perform our group number again or come up with a new one.” He told the group. Blaine sat there in shock at them thinking of changing the number at the last minute.

“I for one,” Rachel began, “Think that it is in our best interest to showcase a new number the judges haven’t seen before. If we go out there with ‘Raise your Glass’, I don’t think they will be very impressed.”

Everyone else (except Blaine) agreed with Rachel’s point. Finn stood up and addressed each member of the glee club. “I think we should do ‘Born This Way’,” there were murmurs of disagreement, “hear me out. At this point it can only help us if we show that we are willing to put ourselves on the line. It’s a good number, it’s current, and it’s bold.”

“And it showcases two of the three people we have already used,” Kurt protested, “We need to find a number that features someone new.”

“We’ll put it to a vote, tonight after dinner. I want you to use that time to think about what number you most want to perform tomorrow. We will meet back here at nine.” Shue told his class.

“Can we leave the hotel?” Kurt asked excitedly.
Will seemed to think about this for a moment, before sighing, “Fine, but you must be in groups of no less than four. This is a big city, I don’t want anyone getting lost or hurt.”

An hour later found Kurt and Blaine seated at Sardi’s with Rachel and Finn on their own a few tables away. Kurt and Blaine sat holding hands talking, waiting for their meal to arrive. Kurt look up and his breath caught in his throat. “Blaine, ohmygod, it’s her,” he whispered to his boyfriend. “It’s Patty Lupone.” She neared his table and in a last minute decision, Kurt stood up and faced her.

“I am so sorry to disturb you Ms. Lupone, but I just had to say that you are my idol. You inspire me to be a performer.” He couldn’t help but beam at her.

“Thank you so much.” She replied, then looked over at Blaine still seated at the table smiling at the scene before him. “Oh, is this your boyfriend?” she asked Kurt.
“Yes Ma’am.” He blushed.

“Well aren’t you a handsome couple. Keep shooting for your dream…” she said and waited for Kurt to give her his name.

“Kurt… Kurt Hummel.”

“Keep shooting for your dream Kurt Hummel, don’t ever let anyone tell you it is not possible.” She patted him on the arm and walked away.

Kurt slowly lowered himself to his seat, “Patty Lupone… I really just met Patty Lupone.” Blaine took his hand and squeezed it gently.

Their meal finished the two couples walked back to the hotel. Rachel was upset that she missed seeing Patty Lupone, but understood why Kurt didn’t call her over. Kurt loved walking hand in hand with his boyfriend down the streets of New York, beside his bother and one of his best friends. “Just think in a year we could do this every night.” Kurt mused aloud.

“What do you mean?” Finn asked, with his brow furrowed.
“New York, walking through the streets together, enjoying this amazing city all the time.” Kurt said, avoiding the slightly panicked looks Rachel was sending him.

“That would be pretty awesome.” Finn said, “I never really thought about moving here, but I could totally see it.” Finn looked over at Rachel an adoring look in his eyes. “What would you think about moving to New York after graduation?”

Blaine and Kurt slowed their pace, leaving Finn and Rachel to talk about their future. Blaine put his arm around Kurt’s waist pulling him closer. “One year…” he whispered in Kurt’s ear, sending shivers down his spin. “One year and we can be here together for real. Can I tell you, I really can’t wait.”

“Me either,” Kurt told him slipping his arm around Blaine’s shoulder. “I still can’t believe you’re here with me now. It like a dream, a really good dream.”

Back in the hotel room, the group sat waiting for Mr. Shue to begin the meeting. Blaine sat on the floor leaning against Kurt’s legs, their hands intertwined. “Okay everyone, I hope you have thought about what number you want us to perform. I will be handing out paper, write your suggestion down, majority rules.”

Paper in hand, Kurt suspended his pen over it, trying to decide what he thought would most impress the judges. Finally, he wrote Valerie down and folded the paper in half, before handing it back to the teacher. Once all the papers were in Mr. Shue’s hands he began sorting them into stacks. Kurt watched as one stack grew higher and higher with a few lone papers scattered around it. That done, Will turned back to his students, “It looks like we have a winner with eight votes, we will be doing… Born This Way.” Cheers erupted around the room, it seemed everyone but Kurt was ecstatic about the decision. While Kurt loved the song, he had really wanted to showcase someone else’s talent. Always a diva, and always craving the spotlight, didn’t mean he thought it was a great idea to deprive it to others.

“Now that that is decided, we need to come up with a game plan for tomorrow. Since I am sure that none of you packed your T-shirts, we will have to make more. They don’t have to be the same as before. We have to be at the theatre by eleven, so I will run out to get some shirts and paint so they can be drying. While I am gone, get the rest of your costume together.”

The next morning, Blaine took the elevator up to Kurt’s room, breakfast in hand. Tina opened the door with a wide grin on her face. “Come in!” she said gesturing into the room. Kurt was sitting in an armchair talking to Mercedes. “Kurt, Blaine is here.” Tina called to her friend.

“Good morning,” Kurt told him, before making his way over for a good morning kiss. The girls made various ooo’s and catcalls at the couple. Kurt sent them playful glares, “Shut it, this is pay back for having to watch all of you for the last two years.” He pulled a blushing Blaine in for another kiss.

The couple walked down to the lobby eating their bagels and drinking their coffee. Kurt had his garment bag slung over one shoulder, ready for the completion. “Are you ready for today?” Blaine asked.

“I’m ready, at first I didn’t want to do this song, but the more I thought about it, the more I think Finn is right. The judges can clearly see that we are not your cookie cutter glee club, so maybe it is best if we show that off.”

Blaine agreed with Kurt, and together their enthusiasm for the event grew. By the time everyone else was ready to go, the two boys were so excited, they could hardly be contained. Walking amongst their group to the theatre, they could be heard talking in quick voices about anything under the sun. Once at the theatre, Blaine went to save a seat for Mr. Shuester as the glee club went backstage to prepare.

Kurt stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room, looking at himself. His hair was spiked up and disheveled but in a way that showed that it was deliberate. His white Tshirt proclaiming the he ‘likes boys’ clung to his torso and was covered by a bright blue jacket. A pair of black skinny jeans and his converse finished off the look. He snapped his jacket shut and left to join the rest of the glee club in the green room, they had ten minutes before they would perform.

By the time Will made it to his seat next to Blaine the lights were beginning to dim and the first group, Jefferson City Airplane took the stage. They performed an impressive rendition of Time After Time. As the applause died down, New Directions were introduced. The curtain came up to reveal Kurt alone on stage. Once the cello’s started to play the crowd watched in anticipation, Blaine could see shock on several people’s faces as Kurt began to speak the opening of the song. A few gasps were heard as the girls ripped open his jacket to reveal the words there, but soon the crowd was drawn into the performance. Blaine noticed understanding dawn on their faces as more and more shirts were revealed. The crowd clapped along encouragingly until the conclusion when cheers erupted through the theatre. Mr. Shue and Blaine were not the first ones out of their seats this time, but quickly joined in the applause. Once it began to fade away again they left their seats to congratulate and wait with the performers.

An hour later the competition was over but the judges were just beginning to deliberate. New Directions sat in silence, unsure of what they could say. Blaine sat on a sofa in their green room with his arms wound around Kurt. He could feel tension radiating from Kurt. Waiting was the worst.

Half an hour later the stage manager called the group to gather on the stage, as Blaine began to make his way to his seat, Will called to him, “Where are you going? You are an advisor, come on.” Blaine lept at the chance and ran to link is hand with that of this boyfriend. Once on stage, Blaine stood behind Kurt, placing a reassuring hand on the small of his back. The head of the American Show Choir Association walked out on stage.

“Welcome Back, I think we can all say that this year’s competition has been wonderful. Out of thousands of show choirs nationwide, these ten have been deemed the best. But only one can be named National Champions. First I will call the top five choirs forward, these are in no particular order: Vocal Adrenaline, Jefferson City Airplane, Soundsplosion, Vocal Extreme and New Directions.” The robust woman announced. The Audience applauded as the other choirs left the stage, dejected.
Kurt slyly grabbed Blaine’s hand that was still positioned on his back. His grip tightened as the woman brought her microphone back to her lips.

“And without further ado, in fifth place, Vocal Extreme.” She waited between each announcement for applause as the group was handed a trophy and left the stage. “Fourth Place, Soundsplosion… Third Place, Jefferson City Airplane.”

The tension between the two remaining groups was palpable, but they closed the gap between themselves preparing for the announcement. “And now the American Show Choir National Champions are…” her pause for dramatic effect left Kurt heart in his throat. “the New Directions!”

It took a moment for everything to sink in, the New Directions stood there looking at each other in shock as the crowd cheered. Puck then broke the silence yelling, “Hell yeah!” breaking the rest of the club from their trance. Kurt jumped and turned around squeezing Blaine, then grabbing each of his friends in turn into a hug. Blaine hugged the girls, patted the boys on the back and waited for Kurt to return to him. When he did Blaine once more brought Kurt into a bone crushing hug telling him, “You did it, I am so proud of you!”

Back at the hotel Will was true to his word and bought sparkling cider for the whole group. They celebrated in their room, ordering room service for lunch before convincing Mr. Shue to go with them site seeing.

Blaine relished the happy carefree attitude that Kurt was displaying, and a huge smile played on his own face. They walked around Time Square, went to the Empire State Building and walked through Central Park. For dinner they even ate Hot Dogs from a street vendor. Kurt decided, when in New York… The group was exhausted by the time they made it back to the hotel. Will gathered them around and finally decided to share the judges critics of them. The comments ranged from praise of their vocal arrangements to their bold song selections. The only negative comment they received was a want to see a more polished performance saying that while superb their final number didn’t look rehearsed enough. Everyone laughed at that, considering they hadn’t had time to run through the number before they performed.

Blaine reluctantly went downstairs to his room, when the girls started getting ready for bed. The next day they would be traveling home to Ohio early in the morning.

The plane ride home was uneventful; everyone was too exhausted from their whirlwind trip and fell asleep almost instantly. Blaine, who Artie had traded seats with, sat with Kurt’s sleeping head on his shoulder. His eyes kept drifting down to his boyfriend’s peaceful, beautiful face. Completely content with the sight before him, Blaine drifted off to sleep himself.

At the airport, a bus waited to greet the new Champions and escort them to school, where their parents would pick them up. Blaine’s parents also waited. Ben and Rebecca watched their son, smiling and happy, interacting with the misfit group of teens. Ben’s heart swelled seeing his son so happy. He didn’t realize how much he missed his son’s laughter. After a moment, they approached their son, prompting him to bid farewell to the group, saving Kurt for last.

“I will call you as soon as I can,” he told Kurt, pulling him into a hug. “Maybe I can come over later?”

“I would love for you to, just let me check with my dad. Thank you for coming to New York, it really meant a lot to me, seeing you there. I love you.”

As soon as the Andersons were settled in their car, Ben looked at his son’s smiling face in the rearview mirror. “Glad to see you happy again, did you have a good time?”

“It was fantastic,” Blaine said excitedly, launching into the story of his trip to New York. He gushed over watching his boyfriend and the New Directions perform. He told them of meeting Patty Lupone and hanging out with the glee club. “It’s nice hanging out with them, not just because of Kurt either, they seem to really accept me it’s nice. I’m accepted at Dalton too, don’t get me wrong, but it’s different with them. It’s silly but at Dalton, I knew that people had to be nice to me, at least in the beginning, with these guys, they don’t have to like me but they do… it’s pretty cool.”

“You know that the boys at your school don’t only like you because of the no harassment policy right?” his mother asked.

“I know, that’s not what I meant. I meant, because of the policy it made it easier for them to get to know me.
Almost like they had to, Kurt’s friends had every reason not to. I spied on them, and I was pursuing their friend they are very protective of, but they like me anyway, it’s nice.” Blaine tried to explain. “Mr. Shue even brought me on stage with them when they announced the winner, it’s pretty cool, like I am an honorary member.”

“That’s good to hear,” Blaine’s father told him, “Your mother and I actually wanted to talk to you about something.”

Kurt was excited to see his father, he had never gone this long without seeing him before. Once of the bus, he embraced Burt and began excitingly telling him about their trip. Kurt’s gushing did not come to an end until the three men were back at the Hummel house. Carole greeted each of her boys home with a warm hug and kiss on the cheek. Kurt let Finn tell his mom about the trip, and went upstairs to unpack.

Kurt was just about to take his dirty laundry downstairs, when his phone rang. He dropped the pile of clothes on the floor and rushed to pick it up. As soon as he saw Blaine’s name, he accepted the call. “Hey! I just got home, what’s up?”

Blaine sounded nervous and a little subdued, “Hey, I can’t come over for a while, but my parents wanted me to invite you and your family out to eat tonight.”

“Oh,” Kurt said a little surprised. “Sure I will ask my dad, but I am sure it will be fine. What time?”

“Seven, they want to go the new Italian restaurant in Lima. You know the one off Singer Ave.” Blaine said, still not showing his normal enthusiasm.

Kurt agreed to let him know as soon as he talked to his dad about the arrangements. “Blaine, is everything alright?” Kurt asked not being able to take the change much longer.

“Sure… yeah… I have to go, I’ll tell you all about it later okay?” Blaine said distractedly.

Kurt felt a twist of discomfort in his gut, he didn’t like the tone of Blaine’s voice. But it couldn’t be all bad, if they were having dinner with both their families, Kurt tried to reason with himself. Taking the laundry back in his hands, Kurt went downstairs to talk to his dad about tonight.

Blaine sat at the table in the restaurant, twisting his hands together anxiously waiting his boyfriends arrival. His mother placed a warm loving hand on top of his, “I don’t know what you are so worried about, everything will be fine.” She then saw the family of four walk into the restaurant. “You’ll see.”

Both Blaine and his father stood up at the arrival of Kurt and his family. “Welcome,” Ben said with a smile, “I am so glad you could join us.” He then shook everyone’s hands before rejoining his seat.

“Thank you for the invitation,” Burt said politely, “I hope this means that we can start again. Fresh slate and all that.”

“I would like that.”

Conversation flowed nicely throughout the meal, but Blaine hardly added to the conversation. Kurt kept shooting him worried glances, earning him subdued smiles but nothing else from his boyfriend. As they waited for dessert, Mr. Anderson cleared his throat and began to speak.

“There was actually a reason I asked you to dinner today.” Burt raised his eye brow at this and Ben went on. “As you are probably aware, Rebecca and I travel a lot on business. The more that we have thought about it, it is not practical for us to keep such a large house when we are never home to enjoy it.”

Kurt could feel his heart clench, he knew this was all to good to be true, his boyfriend was moving away. He was going to be losing everything. He dared to glance up at Blaine, who gave him a warm smile, motioning for him to listen to his father.

“We are going to be selling our house, and plan on buying a smaller one here in Lima.” Kurt gasp and looked over at Blaine again, who nodded. “What we need is… we want someone here to be able to look after Blaine when we are gone. My sister lived in Westerville that is one reason we moved there in the first place, she would always make sure Blaine was alright. I know he is almost an adult, but I would feel better when we are gone if there is someone to keep an eye on him, someone we trust.”

Burt was the first to speak, “Of course we would look after the boy. But why Lima?”

Rebecca smiled at the group assembled there, “Blaine has found so much happiness here. Kurt,” her eyes fell on her son’s handsome boyfriend, “friends,” she looked a Finn, “and people who were there even when we weren’t.” Her eyes fell on the other couple at the table. “Plus, it would save us worry, knowing he is not driving two hours home every night.”

Finn looked slightly confused, “But he will be, you know, for school.”

“No,” Blaine said, looking right at Kurt a nervous but excited smile on his face. “I’m going to public school next year. Dalton has been great, but I am tired of letting fear rule my life. Plus with Wes and David graduating, it won’t be the same.”

Kurt stuttered out, “You’re going to McKinley?”

“If it is okay with you? I mean, i-if you don’t…”
Kurt cut him of almost yelling, “Really? I would love to have you at school with me!”

The table chuckled watching the boys break into wide, content smiles.

Three weeks later, Blaine pulled up to McKinley High School. Today was Kurt’s last day, Dalton having finished three days prior. Kurt sprinted out the car, hopping beside his boyfriend. “Hey! Finally free!” Kurt said, leaning over for a kiss.

“Come on, I want to show you something.” Blaine said, after enjoying the kiss.

Blaine drove through the streets of Lima, finally
entering a small quite neighborhood. “Where are we going?” Kurt asked confused.

“Here.” Blaine said, pulling in front of a small yellow house with a white wraparound porch. Blaine leapt out of the car without further explanation. He waited for Kurt to join him, linked their hands together then pulled his boyfriend to the front porch.

As he placed a key in the lock, Kurt laughed. “This is it? This is your house?” He wrapped his arms around Blaine’s neck.

“Yes, my parents signed the papers this morning. Come on, let me show you around.” Blaine said pulling Kurt inside. Old, dark, hardwood floors greeted them. They snaked through the entire house. The whole front of the house was open, the livingroon, dining room and kitchen all layed out before them. The rooms were bare, but Kurt could picture where everything would go. A half bath was hidden under the stairs that led to two bedrooms upstairs. Both fairly good sized. Another set of stairs led off the kitchen down to the finished basement.
“I was thinking of using the basement as a den and using the second bedroom upstairs to sleep in. What do you think?” Blaine asked bouncing on his toes.

“I think it is perfect.”

“We move in tomorrow, want to help?” Blaine asked kissing his boyfriend softly on the lips.

Laying in bed that night, Kurt mused over the events of the year. Last year, he was depressed and lonely, feeling Mercedes was his only true friend. This year, he was a national champion, he had many great friends, and he was completely in love with a wonderful guy. He wished he could go back and tell himself how great this year would be. He snuggled into his bed, drifting off to sleep, thinking about helping move his boyfriend closer to him.
Blaine lay wake in his bed thinking about what was to come. He would be going to public school again soon, but he knew it would be better. He already had friends who are willing to help him, not to mention his boyfriend, to help to remind him what it is to be brave. He had already said goodbye to the Warblers, promising to keep in contact, he was ready for a new beginning. When Wes and David sent him off on a two hour drive, no one could have known the impact on his life that spying would lead to.