“You can’t do that Blaine.” They were not far behind the rest of the glee club, arguing in hisses as they made their way through the theatre. “Can’t… that’s… So it’s completely acceptable for you to feel that way but not me, God that’s rich Kurt.” Mercedes turned around for a final time, a concerned grimace gracing her face. Blaine ignored her and gave Kurt a pained look. “Who gave you the right to assume I don’t feel that way?” Kurt sighed; this was not how he planned his regionals warm up. “Just forget I said anything.” He tried to grasp Blaine’s hand but instead Blaine took him by the shoulders and pulled him into one of the wings. They faced each other, Blaine hands on his shoulders, vibrating with what Kurt assumed was the urge to shake him. “No, I’m not going to forget what you said.” He paused kneading his fingers gently into Kurt’s shoulders. “I’ll never forget it. God, Kurt, why are you so hard on yourself? Have you not been listening to me for the past three months? I am insane about you, absolutely crazy. So don’t you dare take it back, and don’t you dare for one second think that I’m only saying it back because I feel sorry for you.” He brought his hands down Kurt’s arms to finally hold his hands, and then lifted his face to look directly at him. “I. Love. You.” He accompanied each word with a squeeze of his hands. “Got it?”

It was quarter to twelve on an busy Thursday and hearts were beginning to heal.