"So, how many times have you auditioned?"

Blaine is sitting next to Nick and Jeff. Hes been at Dalton for two weeks by now. He has joined the Warblers and hes met great people. He understands what Kurt meant; the Warblers are huge. He might be able to learn all their names, but they wont be as close as the Warblers that matter.

The Warblers are more professional than the New Directions. Blaine cannot just tell the council his ideas, no, he has to fight for it.

And a week ago, Kurt told him that the Warblers wanted Blaine to audition for a solo for Sectionals.

"Three," Nick answers.

"Six," Jeff shakes his head and Blaine whistles. The door opens and the three of them see Kurt standing in the doorway. Kurt smiles to Blaine, but then turns to the others. "Nick, Jeff, congratulations," he says and both Nick and Jeff jump on their feet. They hug and enter the Warblers room.

Blaine did not see that coming.

He does not want to be rude, but his audition was much better.

Kurt seems to notice that theres something wrong. "I assume youre a little bit…" "Upset? Disappointed? Yeah," Blaine sighs.

"Im sorry, but its the councils decision and that decision is final," Kurt says as he sits down next to Blaine, "Youre really upset, uh?"

Blaine nods sadly.

"Look, Id love to tell you that it will all get better," Kurt starts, "But this is what it is. I dont know how the New Directions operated, but if youre here to get noticed, youre in the wrong club." Blaine shoots him an "youre-the-one-who-can-talk" look.

Kurt laughs and Blaine rolls his eyes.

"I only get all the solos because they want to show off my countertenor voice," Kurt explains, "Its not like I asked for this. This might sound crazy, but when I first joined the Warblers, I felt like I needed to be noticed. That, until Wes told me the same thing I told you. And suddenly, they saw me as an equal and discovered my voice. And one day they will discover yours, Im sure of it."

"Blaine!" Oh no.

Even with him being at Dalton, Blaine cannot escape the wrath that is Rachel Berry. He knows shes here. Its Sectionals. The entire New Directions is here. But to his surprise, she doesnt start talking about the Warblerss setlist or the competition. She tackles him in a hug.

"Weve been looking for you," she says when she pulls back, "Oh you look so good in that blazer. If you were straight Id totally go for you, you know. Our voices would sound perfectly together while singing As Long As Youre Mine with you being the Fiyero to my Elpha-" "Nice to see you, Rachel," Blaine cuts her off.

Rachel is beaming at him, and it kind of freaks him out.

He and Rachel havent always been friendly. In fact, last year Blaine despised her ego and in a way, she was competition since Blaine mightve liked Finn (something no ones allowed to talk about), but then Rachel started to understand his perspective. Also, they both love Broadway.

They arent best friends, but theyre friendly.

So it is very surprising to see her this happy to see him.

"How is Dalton?" Shes still not asking about the setlist, "Are they, uh, treating you right?"

Blaine cracks a smile. "Its… different," he admits, "It is great, I have to say and the guys are great too, but its another atmosphere. I dont think they appreciate my individuality as much as you guys did, though."

Rachel is looking at him with wide eyes. That also freaks Blaine out.

"…Is there something wro-" "Do you miss us?" Rachel blurts out, but quickly composes herself, "I-I mean, you forgive us for letting you down?"

"I actually have the feeling Im letting you all down, but yeah I do."

Rachel is taken aback. "You letting us down?" she asks indignantly. Its like Blaine just offended her animal sweaters (which he did once, but she doesnt have to know that). "Blaine, we all feel so bad that we didnt act sooner," she continues, "Were all kind of wondering if you still think of us after everything."

"Oh Rachel," Blaine sighs and he leans forward to hug her, "Forgiven. All of it."

When he pulls back, she looks surprised. Shes about to say something else when someone taps on Blaines shoulder. Its Kurt. Blaine tries to hide his grin.

"Ready?" he asks.

Its almost time for Christmas break and Blaine still cant believe the Warblers and the New Directions tied.

Tied.

What the hell, he mutters to himself and its not because of the homework hes trying to do in one of the common rooms.

Kurt enters the room, looking equally annoyed.

"I am so sick of being here," he announces as he sits down, "I want to go home."

"Two more days, Kurt," Blaine reminds him, still looking down on his books, "Which means two more days for me to finish this freaking essay." He really needs to stop studying.

"I just want to go home to my family," Kurt says bitterly, "We both know that I didnt want to board. I should be at home, debating if we should have chocolate chip cooking for Christmas with mom. But no, Im here."

Blaine looks up and opens his mouth to say something, but then he sees a blue boom box. He had forgotten about that one. He had been listening to Christmas songs while studying.

"Sing with me," he says confidently. Kurt looks surprised, so Blaine explains: "Laugh if you want, but Im going to sing at the Kings Island Christmas Spectacular – thanks to Coop – and I still need to rehearse." Its only half a lie.

"Well, it is a bit sad we never get to sing," Kurt says, looking brighter. He shuts down Blaines book and Blaine puts on the music.

I really cant stay - But baby its cold outside
Ive got to go away - But baby its cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that youd drop in
So very nice - Ill hold your hands, theyre just like ice
My mother will start to worry - Beautiful, whats your hurry?
My father will be pacing the floor - Listen to the fireplace roar
So really Id better scurry - Beautiful, please dont hurry
Well maybe just a half a drink more - Put some records on while I pour

Theyre moving around on the music. Theyre basically circling around each other.

The neighbors might think - Baby, its bad out there
Say, whats in this drink? - No cabs to be had out there
I wish I knew how - Your eyes are like starlight
To break the spell - Ill take your hat, your hair looks swell
I ought to say no, no, no, sir - Mind if I move in closer?
At least Im gonna say that I tried - Whats the sense in hurting my pride?
I really cant stay - Baby dont hold out
Ahhh, but its cold outside

Blaines delighted when he plays the piano.

I simply must go - But baby its cold outside
The answer is no - But baby its cold outside
This welcome has been, - How lucky that you dropped in
so nice and warm - Look out the window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious - Gosh, your lips look delicious
My brother will be there at the door - waves upon a tropical storm
My maiden aunts mind is vicious - Oh, your lips are delicious
Well maybe just a cigarette more - never such a blizzard before

Blaine allows himself to lean a bit closer, but Kurt turns away. Blaine decides not to take it personally, because theyre still performing after all.

Ive got to go home - But, baby, youll freeze out there
Say, lend me your coat - Its up to your knees out there
Youve really been grand - I thrill when you touch my hand
But dont you see - How can you do this thing to me?
Theres bound to be talk tomorrow - Think of my life long sorrow
At least there will be plenty implied - If you caught pneumonia and died
I really cant stay - Get over that hold out
Ohhh, baby its cold outside

They fall on the couch together and smile, but quickly look away.

Kurt coughs. "I think youre ready," he says and Blaine just grins.

"Well for the record, youre much better than that girls gonna be." And thats not a lie.

"Thank you," Kurt says softly. He pats Blaine on the knee and leaves.