It didn’t take long for the gang to settle in their hotel rooms, nor did it take long for Kurt to slip in an excited phone call to his father, updating him on everything. He talked to Carol and Finn (only briefly, Kurt knew that Rachel became uncomfortable even with her ex on the phone) and found himself smiling almost to the point of pain, his heart longing to be back with them again. He didn’t mention Blaine to anyone, nor did he mention that he was currently in Ohio, and if you asked he wouldn’t be able to tell you why.

They arrived in Ohio at 11:35 am, and so decided that first-things-first meant that food was top priority. They had planned to catch up with the other Warblers that night, just as a get-together before they performed the following evening.

“I’m kind of nervous about meeting them.” Kurt confessed over his Caesar salad.

“Why’s that?” Blaine said, poking at his food with his fork.

“Well, I mean, do they know about Rachel and I? Do they know we’re here?”

“No.” Sebastian replied. “You’re the big surprise! We figured it would be much more fun that way. I was actually thinking; how do you feel about jumping out of a cake in diamante underwear?”

Blaine looked at Sebastian out of the corner of his eye and laughed. “That is a perfect idea!”

Kurt looked between them, a genuine look of horror on his face. His mouth formed a small ‘o’ and his face drained of color at the thought. Noticing this, Blaine decided to speak up.

“He’s kidding, Kurt. No one’s going to make you pretend to be a stripper. Unless you’d like that? To answer your question – yes, they know who you are, and that you’re coming.”

“That wasn’t funny. I actually thought you were serious.”

“It was a little funny, Kurt. Just a little” Rachel smiled. “You actually thought they were serious. That’s hilarious.”

“Yes, yes. Got it. I’m an idiot, moving on!”

The other three continued to laugh for a couple of minutes.

Meeting the Warblers was considerably less daunting than Kurt had envisioned. They were overly polite, happy, charming men, much like Blaine. They greeted both him and Rachel warmly, not allowing any awkwardness to ruin their night. Overall, Kurt enjoyed himself. He was much more excited for the performance the next day after witnessing an impromptu two-step number by the group.

“Just imagine we’re in dark navy blazers with red piping and a red and navy tie.” Blaine smiled. Kurt had to admit, the idea of seeing Blaine in his old school uniform was doing things to him. Rachel spent much of her time getting acquainted with the attractive straight boys. And wasted no time, once back at the hotel room, in telling Kurt all about Wes and David and all the other gorgeous boys. And as usual, she claimed that each and every one of them was interested in her.

Rachel came to consciousness some time around 9 the next morning, greeted by a god-awful headache and a taste in her mouth that resembled dirty feet. She sat up, just a little too fast, and chastised herself for drinking at all the previous night. She made her way to the bathroom just as Kurt came out.

“Morning, sunshine” he said, smiling and already ready to go out.

Rachel grumbled and stepped past him into the bathroom.

She spent considerably less time perfecting her appearance that morning as she desperately craved a hot cup of coffee. Kurt knocked on Blaine’s door to invite him and Sebastian along, and his smile broadened a little when Blaine said that Sebastian was still a little hung-over, so he wouldn’t be joining them. Rachel simply watched the two of them laugh and chatter meaninglessly. The tension between the two of them almost made the air a little denser, and she was overcome with the urge to slap them both in the face.

Blaine had made a great effort to include Rachel in the conversation, which she much appreciated. Kurt spent almost the entire outing staring at Blaine, or fiddling with something when Blaine caught him doing so.

“So, Blaine, what do you do when you’re not performing reunion concerts or lying in hospital beds?” Rachel asked.

“Well, I’m currently at Julliard, studying music. I play the odd gig in some bars. My life is really not all that interesting.” Blaine laughed. “I’ve heard you’re one to keep an eye on though.”

“Oh, Julliard? That’s no small feat, you must be good. I’m impressed. Aren’t you impressed Kurt?”

“So impressed” Kurt said dreamily, to which Blaine laughed so hard he snorted and half-choked on the sip of coffee he was swallowing. Kurt’s cheeks flushed bright red.

“Yes, very impressed.” Rachel continued. “And to your other comment; thank you. I’m not really doing much at the moment, but you’ll see me on Broadway one day. Don’t worry, I’ll get you tickets!”

“Well, thank you. I’m looking forward to it.” Blaine smiled charmingly and Rachel could definitely see where Kurt’s new infatuation had come from. This was the most dapper individual she had ever come across in her entire life.

“All the good ones are gay.” She muttered, not realizing she’d said it aloud.

“Sorry?” Blaine laughed a light apology.

This time it was Rachel’s face that reddened.

“You are not allowed to crush on Blaine, Rachel!” Kurt yelled from the bathroom whilst prepping himself for the concert. “Not allowed.”

“Why? You’ve never stopped yourself from crushing on my boyfriends, or almost-boyfriends! Besides, I don’t have a crush on him.”

“You promised you’d never bring that up. Far too awkward now, Rachel. He’s my step-brother.” Kurt shuddered. The period with Finn was not one he looked back on fondly. “And, you better not.”

“Don’t threaten me, Hummel.”

“Oh yeah?” He retorted, mock-threateningly. “What are you gonna do?”

“I’ll ruin your hair. Worse, I’ll burn your wardrobe.”

Kurt feigned horror “Rachel, please. Have mercy. I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m sorry!”

“Fine, you’re spared.” She laughed. “Now help me pick an outfit. I need to look hot.”

The venue was a large hall that looked almost palatial from the outside. The details were beautiful. Carved stone sculptures, large chandeliers and high cathedral-like ceilings. It was positively grand. The actual function room itself was huge, with a large stage positioned at one end of the room and tables scattered around with place-cards on them, and if he didn’t know better, Kurt may have thought this was a wedding reception or rehearsal or something. There were staff passing around drinks and about 200 people greeting each other warmly. Blaine’s senior class plus guests, he assumed.

 “Wow.” Kurt breathed.

“They certainly went all-out.” Blaine smiled, coming to stand beside Kurt. We’re not on for a while, so we should just go and mingle. Sebastian came and looped his arm around Blaine’s waist, and before he could say anything Kurt was left behind as they went to greet old friends.