“Warblers, Regionals is this Saturday. That is only a few days away! We need to be prepared! We need to finalise our set list and perfect our two-step! Everyone pay attention!” Wes demanded, tapping his gavel against the Council table.

I kept my head resting on Blaine’s shoulder as I noticed the other Warblers continue to play on their phones, talk to other Warblers or, as in Jeff’s case, sleep. I felt Blaine place a kiss on my forehead, causing me to smile and snuggle into his shoulder in return.

“Warblers I am serious!” Wes slammed the gavel onto the table causing us all to jump and for Jeff to bolt awake, “That’s better! Jeff, wake up. If you fall asleep again I will pour ice cold water over you. Kurt, sit up. We all love Klaine and are happy you are together but this is an important Warbler meeting. If I see anyone with their phone out, I will chuck my gavel at your heads. Capiche?”

I quickly removed my head from Blaine’s shoulder and nodded, alongside every other Warbler. Jeff actually looked terrified. We had once before all crept into Jeff’s room when he hadn’t turned up for Warbler practice and had thrown ice cold water over him. It was obviously an experience he did not wish to repeat. We normally didn’t pay much attention to Wes when he talked about important Warbler meetings but he was always on the rampage when it was near a competition.

“We still need to decide what songs we will sing. At least one of them has to be a rock anthem,” Wes said, glaring around the room trying to see if anyone was not giving him their full attention.

David placed a hand on Wes’ shoulder to calm him down, “Warbler Blaine has suggested doing a Pink song and we agree with him. It’s just the matter of which one.”

I chuckled slightly and leaned in closer to Blaine’s ear, “You really are obsessed with Katy Perry and Pink.”

Blaine looked slightly sheepish at my words, “Well I do love them. But we did do a Train song for Sectionals. That’s not Katy Perry or Pink.”

I raised my eyebrow and whispered, “That doesn’t mean you’re not obsessed with them.”

“Kurt! Blaine!” Wes banged the gavel on the desk, “Would you like to tell the rest of the Warblers what you were talking about.”

I quickly racked my brain, “I was making a suggestion for a Pink song Wes.”

Wes smiled at me, “Well Warbler Kurt, what was your suggestion?”

I went through my favourite Pink songs in my head as quickly as I could. ‘Perfect’ was my ultimate favourite Pink song of all time but it was special to Blaine and I; plus it didn’t really suit the rock anthem thing for Regionals that I knew Wes would want. ‘So What’ came into my head but it didn’t really suit the Warblers. Suddenly the perfect Pink song hit me.

I smiled back at Wes, “I was thinking of ‘Raise Your Glass’.

The room went silent as they took in my words. Blaine smiled at me; signifying that he liked the idea but it was his job as my boyfriend to back up my ideas.

Thad broke the silence, “I think that’s an excellent idea Warbler Kurt. What do you think Warbler Wes, Warbler David?”

David smiled at me, “I think Warbler Kurt has made a great suggestion. Warbler Wes?”

Wes stared at me, making me feel a little unnerved, “I’m almost a hundred percent sure that it was not you were taking about with your boyfriend but nevertheless, I love it. It’s the perfect song selection for Regionals. Gentlemen, we have our first song.”

The Warblers cheered, happy to know we only had one more song to go and happy with the song I had suggested. Jeff gave me the thumbs up while a few other Warblers said, “Well done Kurt.”

Blaine leaned in and kissed my cheek, “Good save there babe but love the song.”

I squeezed his knee in return and turned to look at the Warbler Council as Wes was banging the gravel to draw everyone’s attention.

“Okay then” Thad made a note in the official Warbler memo book, “Blaine will be singing ‘Raise Your Glass’ but I think it should be the last song. What do you think Warbler Wes, Warbler David?”

Wes nodded in agreement, “Yes we should finish on a high; get the crowd going.”

David nodded but then frowned, “What about the first song though?”

I rolled my eyes at the fact Blaine was once again singing a solo and muttered, “Definitely like Blaine and the Pips.”

Unfortunately my boyfriend heard my comment and frowned at me, “What?”

Before I could rectify myself, Blaine had put his hand in the air, “Warbler Council, may I say something?”

David smiled at the lead soloist, “Of course Warbler Blaine. The floor is yours.”

“I think you should take this down in the official memo book,” Blaine instructed before hesitating, trying to get the words to form correctly, “I don’t think the Warblers should all be about me.”

Immediately there was uproar. Trent was demanding if this was a joke, David was asking Blaine if he was feeling all right, Wes was trying to maintain order and Thad looked sick to his stomach. Jeff had his head in his arms while Nick was glancing around the room, with a look of confusion on his face.

“Order please!” Blaine stood up and addressed the Warblers, “I don’t think we should just focus on me otherwise we could lose at Regionals. The New Directions will be bringing their A game and I know I can’t beat them on my own. This is why I am suggesting a duet at Regionals. I was going to speak to the Warbler Council later,” Blaine turned to me and winked, “Opinions were said that forced this to be said now.”

I blushed at Blaine’s words and quickly ducked my head to avoid eye contact. I hadn’t expected Blaine to hear what I had said. It did sometimes annoy me that Blaine was automatically given the solos, even though there was a lot of talent in the room. I wasn’t really complaining as Blaine had an amazing voice and I loved to listen to him sing.

I glanced up to see David looking in my direction, “And I presume you would like to sing this duet with one Warbler Kurt?”

Blaine took a deep breath, “Yes I would like that very much.”

David grinned at the two of us, “Well in that case, all in favour of Warbler Blaine and Warbler Kurt singing a duet together at Regionals?”

Every Warbler’s hand shot up immediately. Even Thad, Wes and David raised their hands. I couldn’t believe that everyone wanted us to sing together. Blaine turned to smile at me and winked at me once again.

Wes banged his gavel on the table, “Then it’s decided. Warbler Kurt and Warbler Blaine will perform the first song as a duet and... and we will let them decide what song they want to sing. Of course they have to let us know what their decision is before the set list is finalised. Anything else to discuss?”

I glanced around as everyone shook their head, eager to be released.

Wes banged the gavel again, “Meeting adjourned. We’ll meet again tomorrow at our usual time as we need to practice. Warbler Kurt, Warbler Blaine, I hope you will have your song ready for tomorrow’s practice.

“We definitely will Wes,” Blaine replied and Wes nodded in return.

The Warblers piled out of the common room; several of them congratulating me on getting the duet with Blaine. I just sat there in shock. This was my first solo at a competition. I had always expected it to be when I was performing with the New Directions but the fact I was singing with my boyfriend made everything better.

“Kurt?” Blaine was standing in front of me with his hand out, “Ready to go or do you want to daydream for a little longer?”

I rolled my eyes at Blaine, happy it was a lot less painful for me to do so as my bruise had almost faded, “I’m ready to go now. I was just thinking about Regionals.”

I stood up and accepted Blaine’s offered hand, entwining our fingers. Blaine led us out of the senior common room, waving to the Warbler Council as he did.

“Where do you want to go to?” Blaine asked me as we headed in the direction of the dorms.

“My room?” I proposed, fully knowing we would go to my room as mine was a single dorm, unlike Blaine’s as he had a roommate who wasn’t too keen on us constantly making out in there.

Blaine grinned at me, “Of course. I can’t wait to get you all alone.”

I gasped at Blaine’s words, “Blaine we need to decide what to do for Regionals. Dapper thoughts Mr Anderson!”

Blaine chuckled to himself and brought our entwined hands up to his lips to place a gentle kiss, “I’ll try to remain dapper but I can’t make any promises.”

I rolled my eyes once again as I led Blaine’s towards my dorm. Once outside, I went to reach into my trouser pocket to retrieve my key but Blaine grabbed my hands.

“I’ll get it,” Blaine reached in my pocket to get my dorm key but as he did, his hand slid to my arse and gave it a squeeze.

I jumped at his touch, “Blaine!”

Blaine just laughed as he unlocked the door, “God I love your arse.”

I rolled my eyes at his statement, “I know you do Blaine. You tell me every day; plus are constantly trying to get me to wear my skinny jeans even if I’m supposed to wear uniform.”

Once we were in the room, Blaine placed his hands on my hips and pulled me in close, “I just love seeing how perfect your arse looks in your skinny jeans.”

I wrapped my arms around Blaine’s neck, “I know you do love. I’ll tell you what. I’ll wear my extra tight ones just for you next time.”

Blaine leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my lips, “I can’t wait.”

I pulled Blaine’s face back towards mine and kissed him. He immediately responded, pulling me closer. One of my hands found its way into his hair and was messing up his hair as I deepened the kiss. I eventually pulled away, causing Blaine to pout. I just laughed and leaned in to kiss Blaine again, before pulling away.

I ran my hands through Blaine’s hair, “Come on mister, we need to think of songs for Regionals.”

Blaine nuzzled his nose against mine, “I have been thinking of songs for us to sing. I wasn’t just going to throw out the idea of a duet with any back up to help us win our case. Wes trusts us so that’s why he let us pick a song.”

I manoeuvred out of Blaine’s arms causing him to moan, “Blaine we need to sort out a song. We can make out later.”

“Are you scheleduing making out?” Blaine cocked his eyebrow.

“At the moment yes I am,” I replied before sitting down at my desk chair and swivelling it around to face Blaine, “Come on Blaine, let’s find a song. The sooner we do this, the more free time we have.”

At this Blaine hurried over to my face and sat down. I faced him and smiled at Blaine; his facial expression looking similar to an eager puppy.

“So,” I pondered, trying to think then remembering Blaine had some suggestions, “Let’s hear the amount of top forty songs you’ve selected. Or have you decided to turn ‘Teenage Dream’ into a duet?”

Blaine chuckled at my words, “No but that could be a suggestion. I’ve decided to go for something a little more emotional.”

I smiled at my boyfriend, “I’m impressed. You’re usually so top forty. So do tell. What are the songs you’ve been thinking of?”

“The first is ‘Candles’ by Hey Monday,” Blaine said, waiting for my reaction.

“Blaine...” I gaped at him, trying to breathe, “That is emotional but... but it’s a break up song. Oh my God are you breaking up with me? Is this because I made that comment about ‘Blaine and the Pips’ because I’m sorry I offended you but you have to admit it is true...”

“Kurt!” Blaine had leapt off the bed and had grabbed my shoulders, “Breathe! I am not breaking up with you! Why would I do that?”

I took several deep breaths before replying, “You suggested we sing a break up song! I get that it’s emotional but that’s because it’s about the end of a relationship!”

A look of guilt appeared on Blaine’s face, “Oh yeah... shit... I’m sorry Kurt. I heard the song and thought it would be good to sing as a duet. I’m so sorry baby.”

I calmed down at Blaine’s words. I was terrified that one day Blaine would turn to me and tell me it wasn’t working anymore. I loved him so much and he was it for me. I knew I wanted to be with him forever.

Blaine ran his hands down my arms, attempting to comfort me, “Kurt Hummel listen to me. I am not breaking up with you. I could never do that. I love you way too much.”

“I love you too,” I managed to say, “I’m sorry I freaked out.”

Blaine interrupted me, “I would have done the exact same if I thought you were breaking up with me. You’ll be pleased to know that’s the only break up song I had in mind.”

“Good to know,” I replied, feeling relieved, “So what else did you have in mind?”

Blaine made his way back over to the bed, “I thought about ‘Lucky’ by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. I did think about ‘Need You Now’ by Lady Antebellum but now I realise that’s about a couple who have broken up. I also thought about Michael Jackson’s ‘I Just Can’t Stop Loving You’ and then I started considering Broadway numbers. So what do you think?”

I let Blaine’s suggestions sink in, “I do love ‘Need You Now’; at least the couple want to get back together where as in ‘Candles’ it’s signifying that it’s the end of the relationship for good. I like the song ‘Lucky’; Sam and Quinn sang it in the duets competition we had last October.”

“Is that when you sang ‘Le Jazz Hot’ by yourself?” Blaine asked, shuffling back so his body was against the wall.

I nodded in reply, “I kicked ass though!”

Blaine grinned at me, “I’m sure you did baby. So is that a ruling out of ‘Lucky’?”

I shook my head, “No Sam and Quinn sang it in Glee club, not in a competition. We could still use it. The lyrics fit us well.”

“I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend,” Blaine sang to me, capturing my eyes with his.

“I love you too Blaine,” I replied, smiling at him, “Any other suggestions?”

Blaine thought for a moment, “I thought about ‘Endless Love’ by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross...”

Blaine stared at me as I had giggled when he mentioned that song, “What Kurt?”

“I’m sorry,” I said, trying not to laugh, “It’s just Rachel sang that song with Mr Schue and she was singing it to him in a total stalkerish way.”

“Are we going to have this with every song I suggest... wait... Rachel sang with Mr Schue?” Blaine said, sounding completely confused.

I nodded, “Mr Schue had us pick out of a hat and as this boy called Matt was ill, Rachel was paired with Mr Schue. She had a crush on him. And no honey, just because someone from New Directions has sung it doesn’t mean we can sing it together at Regionals.”

Blaine brightened up at my words, “Thank you Kurt. I also thought about ‘It’s Your Love’ by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Finally I thought of ‘Up Where We Belong’ by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. I thought you might like that one as it’s used in ‘Elephant Love Medley’ in ‘Moulin Rouge’.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet Blaine. I love ‘Moulin Rouge,” I said, smiling softly at my boyfriend, “In terms of song I think ‘Endless Love’ as that applies to us, ‘Lucky’ as that applies to you or ‘Up Where We Belong’ as it’s in ‘Moulin Rouge’ and applies to us.”

Blaine laughed, “Basically they all apply to us. Okay we have three songs. Let’s rank them in order and have the second and third options as backup in case the Warbler Council disagrees with our choices.

That sounded like a smart decision, “Okay that sounds good. I think ‘Endless Love’ should be number one, ‘Up Where We Belong’ second and ‘Lucky’ third. ‘Endless Love’ is beautiful; plus I hope Rachel and Mr Schue both cringe when the music starts but swoon at the sound of our voices.”

“Nice save,” Blaine muttered before speaking louder, “Well that’s exactly what I was going to suggest.”

I stood up from the desk chair and jumped onto the bed next to Blaine. He pushed himself up on his arms to look at me. I just grinned at my boyfriend, causing him to look at me in confusion. I reached up and brought Blaine’s face down to mine. Blaine’s body fell on top of mine but I didn’t care. I just wanted him closer. Blaine placed his arms either side of my face to support himself as he deepened the kiss. I felt his tongue push through my open lips as I gasped, flicking my top lip as he did. I moaned in pleasure as I clutched Blaine closer to me.

Blaine pulled away gasping, “We should practice.”

I raised an eyebrow and spoke, sound breathless, “I thought we were.”

Blaine grinned at me before bringing his lips back down to mine.

(break)

I stood backstage watching as Aural Intensity filed off the stage. Their performance of ‘Jesus Is A Friend of Mine’ was an interesting choice watch but I just thought it was a pathetic performance to score highly in the judges’ books; similar to what they did last year with Olivia Newton John and Josh Groban. I realised that the Warblers were up next. Butterflies filled my stomach and I felt myself unable to move without the fear of being sick. This was my first solo at a competition and I didn’t want to screw it up.

“Hey beautiful,” I turned to see Blaine making his way towards me, “You ready to kick ass?”

“Has anyone ever died on stage before? Because I think I might be the first,” I replied, wanting to fall into a hole and never come out.

Blaine glared at me, “Don’t ever talk about you dying! I couldn’t cope if you did!” His glare softened, “Are you nervous?”

“Don’t judge me!” I quickly exclaimed, trying to justify myself, “I just have a fear I’m going to get on stage and forget the lyrics; that I will open my mouth and nothing will come out. Oh Gaga, why didn’t we just stick with your original choice of ‘Candles’?”

Blaine took my hands in his, “Kurt breathe sweetie. First off, you’re adorable. The only people dying tonight are the audience as we are going to kill this thing. ‘Candles’ is a great song and all but this song highlights the love we have for one another. It’s perfect for us.”

I nodded as I heard the announcer say, “Please welcome to the stage the Dalton Academy Warblers!”

Blaine placed a kiss on my lips and whispered, “Courage.”

I grinned back at him and followed him and the rest of the Warblers onto the stage. We took our positions as the crowd cheered for us. I could see the New Directions sitting together and smiled in that direction.

The music started and at the cue I took a start forward and started to sing, ‘My love, there's only you in my life, the only thing that's bright.”

Blaine took a step forward to join me, “My first love, you’re every breath that I take; you’re every step I make.”

I took over, “And I...”

Blaine joined in, “I-I-I-I-I...”

“I want to share,” I sang, looking at my boyfriend who was grinning back at me.

The two of us opened our mouths to sing together, “All my love with you.”

Blaine stopped as I continued to sing, “No one else will do...”

I glanced at Blaine as he sang, “And your eyes...”

I joined in, “Your eyes, your eyes...”

Blaine and I turned to face each other as we sung, “They tell me how much you care, Ooh yes, you will always be, My endless love.”

I could hear the audience singing along and cheering. It was going well. No one was throwing eggs or rotten tomatoes at the stage as two gay boys were singing together. Blaine and I walked towards each other as the music continued. Blaine even winked at me; showing he knew it was going well too.

We both continued to sing together, “Two hearts, two hearts that beat as one, our lives have just begun.”

Blaine sung the line, “Forever,” causing me to smile as he was my forever.

“Ohhhhhh” I sang, seeing Blaine return the grin.

“I'll hold you close in my arms, I can't resist your charms,” we sang together, our voices fitting perfectly.

Blaine’s voice carried on, “And love...”

“Oh love,” I sang, joining in.

Blaine and I were standing side by side now, “I'll be a fool for you, I'm sure...”

“You know I don't mind,” Blaine sang, smiling at me.

I returned the smile, “Oh, you know I don't mind.”

Our voices were reunited, “Cause you, you mean the world to me, oh...”

Blaine started again, “I know...”

“I know...” With me joining in again

We sang together once more, gazing at one another, “I've found in you my endless love.”

“Oooh-woow,” I sang trying to keep a straight face.

“Boom, boom, Boom, boom, boom, boom, booom, Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom,” Blaine and I sang, avoiding eye contact as we would start laughing as we did in rehearsals which annoyed Wes, “Oooh, and love...”

I turned to face Blaine, “Oh love...”

Blaine faced me as well and sang with me, once again winking, “I'll be that fool for you, I'm sure...”

“You know I don't mind,” Blaine sang, his beautiful voice ringing out.

“Oh you know...” I followed, feeling so much love for the man beside me.

Blaine reached out and took my hand as we sang together, “I don't mind and, yes you'll be the only one, 'cause no one can deny this love I have inside and I'll give it all to you.”

I turned back to face the audience, “My love...”

Blaine coped my action, “My love, my love...”

“My endless love...” Blaine and I turned our heads so we can finish singing the last line gazing at one another, full of love for one another.

I held my breath as we waited for the crowd’s reaction. Suddenly everyone was on their feet, applauding and cheering. I beamed at the scene in front of me, so happy that I had been able to get away with singing a love song with my boyfriend. I could see the New Directions all on their feet cheering. I felt so loved in that moment. Blaine raised our joined hands into the air and we bowed. Suddenly I found myself pushed forward as Blaine let go of me and stepped back. The spotlight was just on me. I glanced at Blaine who was gesturing to me. I did one of my famous bows and curtsies, causing another eruption of applause. Blaine walked back over to me and pulled me into a tight hug, kissing my cheek as he did. When we pulled away I stepped back into formation of the Warblers, knowing we had to get ready for ‘Raise Your Glass’.

(break)

Sitting in the Lima Bean with Blaine, David, Nick and Jeff after Regionals took our mind of the loss we had just suffered. Wes declined our invitation as he needed to be on his own. I was proud of the New Directions for their work and original songs but I wished we had won instead. The Warblers were perfect today and did deserve to win. It had been announced that it was really close but the New Directions had scraped through. They were going to New York; the one place I had always wanted to go. Blaine had bought a grande non-fat mocha and biscotti to share with him, while getting himself the usual medium drip. My phone was buzzing with texts from the New Directions.

From Rachel 15:50
Did you choose ‘Endless Love’ just to make me feel uncomfortable? I know you remember when I had a crush on Mr Schue. It’s so embarrassing! Anyway you and Blaine were amazing. I’m sorry you didn’t win. Wish you were coming to New York with me. Love you Best Gay. Rachel xxx

From Finn 16:02
Hey dude, the Warblers were great and you were great. Sorry you didn’t win though. See you later bro. Finn x

From Mercedes 16:10
Hey boo. You were amazing today. You and Blaine were perfect together. I kinda wish you had won as you deserved it. I love you. Mercedes xxx

From Brittany 16:13
Dolphin love was so beautiful! Brittany xxx

From Puck 16:18
Don’t tell anyone this Hummel but I cried when you and Blaine sang that song. Klaine ftw!

From Santana 16:19
What a devious little porcelain! I know you chose that song to make Berry feel awkward and embarrassed over how she obsessed over a teacher; especially one like Mr. Schue. Anyways you sang really well Hummel and so did your little Hobbit man. Sorry that we beat your ass. Love ya. Santana xxx

I got up to grab a napkin when I saw someone work in. Someone I hadn’t seen in a few weeks, even though I had come into the Lima Bean to see them. It was the barista Michelle. She had really helped me when Martin had punched me in the face and I had been hoping to thank her but never had the chance. Now was my chance.

“Michelle!” I called, gaining her attention and the attention of the Warblers I was with.

Michelle smiled at me and walked over, “Kurt! How are you?”

“I’m good,” I replied, “I’ve been trying to thank you ever since that incident but you haven’t been working.”

Michelle chuckled, “Yeah I’ve had a few days off recently and changes to my work hours. Oh honey you don’t need to thank me.”

I interrupted her, “Yes I do. Thank you for all the help you gave me and for kicking him out of the Lima Bean. I’m so grateful.”

Michelle pulled me into a hug to my surprise, “You’re welcome sweetie. Just tell me you’re with that boy you usually come in here with. I think his name is Blaine?”

I hugged her back and nodded, “Yeah his name is Blaine and yes he is my boyfriend.”

We pulled away and Michelle grinned at me, “Took your time! All of the staff here have been watching you two and waiting for you to get together. They’ll be happy to know you two are.”

“Wow... that was unexpected. Thank you though,” I said, glancing between Michelle and Blaine.

Michelle just simply smiled, “I had better get to work. Hope to see you again soon Kurt.”

I smiled as I watched her walk off to behind the counter. I grabbed the napkin and sat down to my boyfriend, who squeezed my knee, “Who was that?”

“Oh that’s Michelle a barista here,” I replied, “She helped me the day Martin punched me and I’ve been meaning to thank her.”

Blaine’s eyes darkened before he took a deep breath, “I hate thinking about that day.”

I took Blaine’s hand in mine, “Just think that the day after it happened, we got together.”

Blaine grinned at me, “We got each other out of all this.”

I nodded, “Exactly. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Blaine leaned in and kissed me for a second, remembering we were in a public place in Ohio.

“Aww I just love a bit of Klaine!” David’s voice broke Blaine and I out of our little love bubble.

We turned to see David, Nick and Jeff grinning at us. I just gave them the famous Kurt Hummel bitch glare causing them to laugh. I picked up my coffee and drank a little, while letting my thoughts wonder. Blaine was right. Despite my incident with Martin and the fact we had lost at Regionals earlier that day, Blaine and I had each other and that’s how it always would be if I had anything to do with it.