When Kurt got back up to his room, Josh was waiting for him, his face tense. Kurt set down his laundry basket on his bed. “Kurt, can we talk?” Josh said.

“Always,” Kurt replied, warily.

“I screwed up before. I do want to be friends with you. I don't hate you for not believing in God or anything like that... I'm just so scared. The people at my church say you shouldn't be real friends with nonbelievers because they will lead you into sin. Maybe that's true, in a way.”

Josh winced as Kurt rolled his eyes and tossed his head.

“No, wait, hear me out. You're just so... free. Kurt, you're free and I'm, I'm not, and it scares me because you make it look so easy. You make it look okay.”

“If you're saying what I think you're saying,” Kurt said in a measured, biting tone, “I make it look okay because it IS okay.”

“Not for me, it's not,” Josh said, “Not now, maybe not ever. I don't know. I just know that I do want to be your friend and I'm sorry.”

Kurt's face and tone softened. “All right, I accept your apology. I can see that you're trying.” Kurt's face curved into a slight smile. “Actually, I'm kind of planning something for tonight. You should come along.”

* * * * *

Hundreds of tiny white lights twinkled around the basement, from strands that were tacked in loops across the ceiling beams and from others bunched in glass bottles and fishbowls arranged around the room. Vintage lamps glowed with sensually tinted light, draped with multicolored scarves and casting dramatic shadows. Faded crepe paper dangled from the ceiling in twists and curls. The purloined speakers stood on a chair in the corner, hooked up to Kurt's ipod. A pop song was playing at a low volume.

“You're a miracle worker, Kurt. This place looks amazing. How did you do it?” Blaine asked.

“I found some old boxes of holiday decorations, and I had to press every scarf in my suitcase into service, but a little imagination goes a long way.” Kurt bragged. “I checked with Ian, but he didn't want to come. Did you tell Cate?”

“Yeah, I passed the word after you came and knocked on my door, but she'll be another minute. I think she had a girl she wanted to invite.” Blaine grinned.

Josh started to hyperventilate. “This is so wrong, you guys. We're going to get in so much trouble.”

Kurt rolled his eyes. “It'll be fine, Josh. None of us were seen sneaking out, this building's deserted at night, and there are no windows to the basement. Besides, it's not like we're stealing or smoking pot, we're just going to dance.”

Cate tromped down the stairs, followed by a tall, blonde girl she introduced as Taylor. As Taylor turned to squeal over the decorations, Kurt shared a glance with Cate and raised an eyebrow. Cate chuckled and wrapped an arm around Taylor's waist, admiring the room with her.

Kurt picked up his ipod and flipped to the song he had in mind, an uptempo instrumental number. He looked up from the device to see Blaine hovering over his shoulder, deep hazel eyes locked on his.

“Do you want to dance?” Blaine asked.

“With you?” Kurt responded stupidly, swooning.

“No, with my father,” Blaine quipped, grinning.

Kurt laughed. “I love a man who can quote Larson at me.”

Kurt extended his hand to Blaine. Blaine took it and spun Kurt in to his chest, then spun him out again and they began to step together to the music. Cate took both of Taylor's hands in hers and attempted to lead her through a box step. Josh leaned awkwardly against a side table.

That song ended, and a slow song came on. Kurt pulled Blaine closer and they danced cheek to cheek, Blaine dropping a kiss on Kurt's shoulder. Cate put her hands on Taylor's waist, and the two swayed slightly off-beat while engrossed in each others' eyes. Josh picked at his nails.

“Come on, Josh, let's try some of the stuff we were working on earlier,” Cate said as the slow song ended and another fast one came on. Taylor perched on a table and glowed with admiration for Cate, her crush all the more obvious in light of Cate's mediocre ballroom dancing skills.

Josh and Cate struggled with the steps until, halfway through the song, Cate had an idea. “Here, let me try something,” she said, reversing their arm positions. Cate began to lead Josh through a basic salsa step, and somehow, Josh was able to keep up. After a few bars, it started to actually be fun for the two of them. When Cate guided Josh into an experimental twirl, he laughed openly. By the time the song drew to a close, he was beaming.

The next song had a strong, brooding beat, and Cate decided to try out a tango. Unfortunately, something was off, and they stumbled off-beat multiple times before giving up and bouncing around randomly to the end, giggling together the whole time. Kurt and Blaine watched them with pleasure, exchanging a look.

“Can I cut in?” Kurt interjected. “Here, I'll lead,” he said, taking Josh's hand. Josh stared at his feet at first, but as the dance increased in complexity he had to look at Kurt in order to keep up. Kurt's friendly smile was disarming. Blaine watched the two with a tense smile, while leading Taylor through some simple steps.

Even if he wasn't always with Blaine, Josh thought, he'd never be interested in me. We're just too different... he's everything I'm not. However, he was having enough fun that it didn't occur to him to get mad at himself for feeling the way he did about Kurt.

The five teenagers took turns dancing together, trading partners and sitting out to watch. Finally, Kurt's ipod ran out of ballroom dance music and switched to his Broadway playlist. When Kurt heard the opening notes to “I'll Cover You,” he threw his arms around Blaine's neck and tugged the dark-haired boy into the center of the room. They swayed around together, bodies pressed as close together as was possible with clothes on. Kurt sang the lyrics when they started, and Blaine joined in with Collins' part. Their voices melded together perfectly, Kurt's eyes shining at Blaine in the soft light.

“I think they meant it when they said you can't buy love

Now I know you can rent it

A new lease you are my love, on life

Be my life”

Josh ducked, unnoticed, out of the cozy scene and silently climbed the stairs.