"No ! No, how can we still be in Lima ! How can you be here ? Chris ?"

"I don't understand !", Chris answered, looking around them, taking deep breathes, "I don't think I've got any blood in my legs anymore, can we just... swim to the shore ?"

Darren nodded and they swam as fast as possible, Chris letting out a sigh of relief once his feet touched the ground. They both collapsed on the sand, breathless.

"Kurt, I don't, I - ... it's not possible !"

Kurt shook his head and looked at the bridge, frowning.

"I... I switched with Chris, it's... did he jump two minutes after you too ?"

"No, no we jumped together ! We were right on time and -"

Blaine coughed, having swallowed some water accidentally.

"Kurt ! What are we gonna do ?"

"Okay, first, you have to calm down. Then we swim to the shore and find some clear water because my hair and my skin are going to be ruined."

Blaine couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips as they both started to move.

"It's not funny !"

"I know, it's just... I've missed you."

Kurt stopped and turned around, smiling.

"I've missed you too..."

He reached out to take Blaine's hand and they closed the last 20 feet holding on to each other. Once they were out of the water, Blaine threw his arms around Kurt's shoulders and buried his face in his neck, the countertenor returning the gesture just as eagerly.

They pulled back after a long minute, locking their eyes together. Blaine was amazed by how un-Chris-like they were, more green than blue for the first time in the last three days. He was about to say something about it when Kurt leaned closer to him and crashed their lips together.

"Did you jump too late ?"

"No, I was right on time, we even checked to make sure we were on synch with Greenwich !"

Darren rubbed his face with his good hand and sat up, looking at Chris. Even if he was in Kurt's body now, the expression he bore was entirely Chris. And since this sage look already looked out of place on a 21-year-old, this was even weirder.

"Well at least Blaine is going to get some sleep tonight."

"What do you mean ?"

"He's been... restless. Nightmares after nightmares every night... I woke him up once, but then I just... did what you usually do when I have trouble sleeping. Except without the hot cocoa."

Darren smiled and reached out for Chris' hand, the younger man scooting closer and wrapping his arms around him instead. Darren blushed, a familiar warmth spreading from his chest through his entire body.

"I missed you Dare."

"I missed you too. Also, I know it's sort of inappropriate – but I'm... kinda glad you can see all of this for yourself. And there's just... so much for you to see."

Chris chuckled, pulling away with a bright smile on his face. Darren's heartbeat accelerated immediately.

This is stupid. I've been with Kurt for the last couple of days, we even kissed and stuff, and I'm nearly having a heart attack because Chris just smiled at me ?

"We should probably get back to Lima, Finn must be freaking out... I might've overdone the goodbyes."

"... oh. Right. Finn."

"Yeah I've had some trouble not calling him Cory at first. They're just so similar, I had no idea. He's … just a little more clueless. But still, he's a great guy."

"Yeah, well, Kurt's got good taste."

"Finn and Blaine are so different."

"And ?"

"Well, I don't know, it's like..."

"Like Kurt doesn't have a type ? Yeah, maybe. Or he just likes... talented singers who also happen to be ridiculously good looking. Fits Finn, Sam and Blaine."

Darren nodded, thoughtful – before realizing Chris had just said he found him 'ridiculously good looking'.

The shorter man walked faster to match Chris' pace.

"What do you mean 'ridiculously' good-looking ?"

"... so much that it's almost ridiculous ?", he shrugged, "I don't know, people just say that."

"... well, still, I'll take that as a compliment."

"It was intended for Blaine, Darren, not for you."

"I am Blaine. Sort of."

"Oh, honey, please, you two really do look different."

Darren blushed at Chris' pet name.

"That's because I just jumped from a bridge. But I look like me. Normally."

"No seriously, you look younger."

"Not that much younger... right ?"

"Well, you look seven years younger. Doesn't Kurt look different from me ?"

"Not that much, but I guess you're right. It's not just the body in general though. It's your facial expressions."

"... what do you mean ?"

"When Kurt is upset, he frowns and half-pouts. When you're upset, you raise your eyebrows and you fidget with your clothes, but you always try to keep your composure."

Chris glared at him in disbelief before stopping in front of the concrete stairs in front of him.

"I'm not sure I can handle that many steps."

"Let's take it slow. Hey look, I'll just... go first, you can take my hand, okay ?"

"But you're hurt too -"

"Your body is exhausted, and more than mine. Because I didn't just switch worlds. Believe me, I remember."

Chris smiled as he took Darren's hand in his, the older man feeling the butterflies in his stomach coming back to life.

They climbed the stairs in silence, and soon enough they had reached the side of the road on which the car was parked.

"Wait, I thought Burt had taken Kurt's Navigator back a while ago ?"

"... what ?"

"Season 1 ? Back when Mercedes had a crush on Kurt and he blew her off ? Amber killed Bust Your Windows, it was super fun ! Don't you remember that episode ?"

"... bits of it ? I remember the song, but... well, season one just seems like one big blur to me. But yeah, I remember that number."

"Because it had girls in bikinis, I bet."

Darren's jaw fell and he was about to retort with something witty when he remembered that, actually, yes, at the time, it had been the reason why he'd liked it.

"Wait, doesn't... Kurt pretend to be in love with Rachel in that scene ?"

"Yes, that's the on... anyways, when he tells Mercedes the truth, or maybe at some other moment, I'm not sure, ehm, he says Burt took the Navigator away when he found his collection of tiaras."

Darren frowned.

"I thought Burt was okay with the whole gay thing ?"

Chris just shrugged.

"I don't know. The first few episodes of season 1 were kinda messy. Keys ?"

"Front pocket of your suit."

Chris passed a hand through his wet hair, brushing some rebellious bangs off of his forehead. His hair looked Born This Way-ish.

Not that Darren knew what Chris' hair – well, Kurt's – looked like in every number. Or that he had seen the Born This Way number more than once. Nope.

He had been watching from a corner of the auditorium set during the shooting of that scene. For around six minutes. He couldn't stand it any longer and had to hide in Chris' trailer to take a cold shower.

Or five.

"What are we going to do ?", Kurt asked

They had stopped kissing – after a while - and were now walking back towards the car. They had had to use an old ladder that went all the way up and Blaine was still shaking a little.

"Blaine ?"

"W-what ?"

Kurt smiled sympathetically. Blaine knew Kurt was very much aware of his boyfriend's fear of height ever since they had had a Warblers' party in David's apartment, on the last floor of the highest skyscraper in Westerville. Blaine had spent the entire evening glued to his side. And then had proceeded to drink anything he could put his hand on.

"Come on, it's alright. Solid ground and all."

"We're still on a bridge."

"Race me to the car ?", Kurt suggested

Blaine raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

"You're not serious, are you ?"

"Of course I'm not serious, Blaine, I'm not going to run, especially in that hideous surf-suit...", Kurt paused, thoughtful, "Oh my God, Blaine !"

"... what is it ?"

"We're in Los Angeles. Oh God, so many shops, and – wait, Chris must have tons of wonderful clothes ! Oh I can't wait to see his closet ! Darren said he was not as fashionable as me but, let's be honest – who is ?"

"Kurt, ehm... There's something you need to know about Chris."

"What's wrong ?"

Blaine took Kurt's hand and started to walk a little faster, eager to reach the car. He took a deep breath before looking back to his boyfriend.

"You... you know all those stereotypes about gay guys ?"

"... yes ?"

"Well let's just say that apart from the love for musicals and the, ehm, voice slightly higher than usual, not that it's a problem because you know I absolutely -"

"Blaine, cut it. What is it ?"

"Chris is a nerd."

"What ?"

"He's got Star Wars and Marvel inspired t-shirts and he's read more fantasy and sci-fi books than Nick and Jeff ever will. Also he doesn't know the first thing about fashion."

Kurt's jaw dropped.

"That's impossible ! He – he plays me ! How can he be me if we're SO different ?"

Blaine shrugged.

"Well you've met Darren. He's nothing like me."

"Yeah, well you two are more similar than you'd think, especially – oh !"

"What ?"

"You know about Darren's feelings for Chris, right ?"

"Uh-hu."

"They're together now, and... they're going to have to act as a couple."

Blaine smiled at Kurt's smug expression.

"I'm still not a hundred percent sure Chris reciprocates Darren's feelings, though."

"What do you mean ?"

"Well, from what Chris has told me, I know they're very close to each other and do act all couple-y already, but Chris didn't give me any sign -"

"If he thinks Darren is straight, why would he act on his feelings ?"

Blaine sighed. Kurt was right, after all. They had reached the car and Blaine kneeled down.

"What are you doing ?", Kurt asked

"Chris left the key on the tire, he said jumping with it was too risky."

"Oh God I hope they didn't lose mine !"

"Hey, speaking of cars..."

"My dad's taking care of it. Oh, and... your parents called."

"And... you answer my phone ?"

"Darren did. He didn't have a long enough conversation for them to notice anything, don't worry."

Blaine opened the trunk and handed Kurt the clothes Chris had packed. The countertenor eyed the shirt suspiciously.

"They wouldn't have noticed anyways. What did they say ?"

"Asked if you were okay, and since you weren't dying or anything they decided it was unnecessary for them to come back. Darren did that thing you do every time your father mentions me."

"Emphasize 'boyfriend' in the next sentence ?"

"Yup. He was... was... amazing, you know. Acting like y – what are you doing ?"

Blaine looked down on himself, not noticing Kurt was blinking rapidly and clutching the side of the car.

"Taking off the surf-suit so that I can put this t-shirt on..."

"Aren't we gonna take... take turns and change in the car ?"

"Kurt, what's wrong ? You've seen me shirtless before !"

Kurt blushed and avoided looking at Blaine's exposed chest.

"Kurt ?"

"Look, I-I'm just gonna go change in the -", he muttered

"No, Kurt, tell me what's wrong !"

"... have you l-looked at yourself in a mirror ?", he slurred

"Yes, every morning when I get ready -"

"In this body, silly, did you take the time to see it yourself ?"

"Not really, why ?"

...does he find Darren's body hotter than mine ?

"You're, you're... you look great at 17, and you'll look even better at 24", Kurt trailed off, gaze falling to the ground, "Let's just hope that when we're in New York your studies or your job doesn't give you much free time otherwise we're going to be tired."

Blaine blinked, processing everything Kurt had just said, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red.

"Did I really just say th-that out loud ?", the countertenor stutter

Blaine barely had the time to open his mouth to ask his boyfriend if he was feeling okay that Kurt's legs had given up under him. Luckily Blaine got a hold of him before he hit the ground.

"I'm not feeling so well...", Kurt muttered

"It's okay, I've got you, why don't you just lay in the backseat for a while okay ?"

Kurt nodded groggily, eyes unfocused. Blaine helped him to the door and settled him on the seat.

"Kurt ? Can you hear me ?"

"Why are you speaking Chinese ?"

"Do you know how to get back to Kurt's house ?"

"... I guess ?"

Darren was doing his best to change into Blaine's clothes without looking at Chris, who was currently buttoning Kurt's shirt and had yet to put some pants on.

"Because we need... we... D-Darren, I don't..."

The actor didn't have the time to finish his sentence that he was falling against the passenger door.

"Wow – Chris ?"

"Help -"

Darren hurried to his side and wrapped his arm around the younger man's waist.

"Lie down", he said, "You're feeling dizzy from the swap – just try to stay awake okay ?"

"Yeah..."

Darren opened the passenger door and helped Chris sit down, pressing a button on the side of the seat to put it in a more comfortable position. Chris opened his mouth but the only sound that passed his lips was a faint "oh" and before Darren had the time to react, he had lost consciousness.

"No, no, no – Chris ? Chris please wake up, you have to wake up... Can you hear me ?"

Darren slapped his cheek gently.

"Oh, dammit..."

Kurt stood still for a long minute – or at least it felt like a minute – staring at the white curtain in front of him. Or was it a wall ?

The countertenor reached out, fingers brushing against the thin satin-like cloth. He took a step forward and the curtain disappeared.

"... Dalton ? I'm dreaming about Dalton ?"

And that's when he remembered what Darren had told him after the first night. Maybe Chris had fainted too and they were sharing the dream ?

He walked down the gigantic corridor towards the first door he found, marked 2-B. Which meant he was on the second floor, and this was the english class he had pretended to exit on the day he'd come to spy on the Warblers. He smiled at the memory, picturing Blaine's eyes lighting up when he'd shaken his hand and introduced himself, later taking said hand to lead him to the commons. And then his voice...

"Kurt ?"

He turned around, taking a step back in surprise when he found himself face to face with... himself ? Or, not so much.

"Chris ?"

"Oh my God, are you okay ? You-you're in L.A. ?"

"Yes, yes, with Blaine. I... I don't know what happened, we were about to change back into our clothes and then I started... speaking out loud instead of thinking. I don't know..."

"Yeah, me too - I was talking to Darren and my head started spinning. We're still by the car, near the bridge. You too ?"

Kurt nodded. It was... weird. Chris looked like him. A lot like him. Only older and with a slightly darker skin. And he was wearing tight grey jeans cuffed above the ankle with a Phantom Planet t-shirt and had pink sunglasses on the top of his head.

"... this is like the dream Darren talked about, right ?", Kurt asked, "Why are we in my head ?"

Chris turned around and pointed a few cables nailed to the walls, that Kurt hadn't noticed before.

"I think it's part of my head too. But you're in uniform."

Kurt looked down on himself. He hadn't paid attention to his clothes, but now that Chris mentioned it...

"Wait – that's not my uniform, it's... it's Blaine's ! The pants are too short for me and the jacket smells like him."

Kurt took a moment to inhale the perfume, candies and cookies and flowers. His very favorite.

"Are you... are you wearing Darren's clothes ?"

Chris raised an eyebrow before staring at his clothes in disbelief.

"Seems like it. This is one of his favorite t-shirts."

"Blaine has got the same one. Wears it to sleep."

"And those are some of his favorite jeans."

"I think I've seen a similar pair in Blaine's wardrobe !"

The two boys stared at each other for a few seconds.

"What are we going to do ? How do we come back ?"

"I don't know... and there's no way to contact each other !"

"Why ? We can put anything in any scene, can't we ?"

"No, there's no scene shot until... until Thursday."

"What ?", Kurt shrieked

"Yes, we're all flying to New York once – once some people are done recording the songs they're singing."

Kurt raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, and you've got a party at Ashley's tonight !", Chris smacked his forehead

"Ashley ? Who's Ashley ?"

"Lauren Zizes."

"Are we supposed to go ?"

"Ashley's my best friend... you better not miss it. Oh, and ehm, I'm sure Blaine's seen enough of me to know what I'm like, so, just... ask him."

"Yeah, okay. I guess I don't have to tell you how to be me", Kurt smiled

Chris chuckled, nodding.

"True. Wait - do you hear some music ?"

Kurt tried to concentrate and noticed the faint sound of a piano playing a familiar melody.

"It's coming from the Warblers' Hall, come on -"

"Wait !", Chris stopped him, "Do we really want to go there ?"

"Why not ? It's not going to be something dangerous..."

Chris bit his lip and followed Kurt down the stairs, both instinctively stoping on the third step, smiling.

Kurt turned around and exchanged a meaningful look with Chris.

"That's where it all started", he said, "I could've asked anyone – but no. 't was Blaine."

"Ironically, that's where I met Darren, too. I was looking for the director of the episode and I ran into him. I was supposed to meet him an hour later... it was sort of intimidating, seeing him there, in the flesh..."

Kurt frowned.

"Wait – aren't you the famous one ?"

"I guess I am, but... I was a fan of Darren's work on A Very Potter Musical. We... we both fanboyed over each other for a while, it was super funny."

Kurt smiled. I don't know how Blaine thought he didn't return Darren's feelings... just look at his eyes when he's talking about him...

Chris took a big breath, which he figured was strange, because you never need to breathe in a dream. He broke the silence that had followed his last sentence by walking towards where the piano was still heard from.

His heart was beating faster, after talking about his first meeting with Darren.

He remembered it perfectly. The bright smile, the pretty eyes, the amazed expression, looking as if he still hadn't quite registered what was happening to him, and his voice... well, it was beyond everything Chris had expected. He'd loved his voice in AVPM, but this was just a hundred times more wonderful. The shy, excited stuttering when he'd said "Oh my God, you're Chris ! Hi ! I'm Darren !".

"Chris, wait, it's – it's Teenage Dream."

The two boys exchanged a confused glance. Now that Kurt had said it, Chris could hear it more clearly.

"Do you think it's..?"

"Who else ? But... Blaine or Darren ?"

"Let's see."

They walked side by side down the corridor to the half-closed doors.

They were close enough to hear the voice behind the piano, but couldn't see through the crack who was singing.

"You and I, we'll be young forever...

You make me feel like I'm living a teenage dream"

"Did Blaine talk about anything more than meeting Darren in the dream ?", Kurt asked in a low whisper

"No, he didn't. What did Darren tell you ?"

Kurt looked down.

"Not much, we... we had a fight shortly after he woke up."

"A fight ?"

"I... Sam's mother had just died and I thought... I thought Darren should've done something to prevent this from happening. Later, when... when Sam talked to us, I understood nothing could or should have been done. I apologized to him."

"Oh."

The music had stopped.

"You can come in, you know", the voice said

Kurt and Chris looked at each other before the actor pushed the door open. In the middle of the room, next to the piano, stood...

"Darren ?", Chris asked, just as Kurt whispered, "Blaine ?"

The man smiled. He was wearing a blue Dalton sweater with an old pair of jeans and designer brown shoes that did not match the rest of his outfit.

"You seem surprised."

"What's happening ?", Chris asked, "And who are you ?"

"To you, I'm Darren. And to you Kurt, I'm Blaine. Haven't you noticed we are at the frontier of your minds ? Everything you share is here. And so am I."

Chris blushed at Darren/Blaine's flirty smile. He didn't notice the glare Kurt gave him, clearly jealous.

"Oh, Kurtie, it's okay, don't worry", the boy said, "Blaine might've let his eyes linger on Chris' body but you'll always be the only one for him."

Kurt blinked as Darren/Blaine approached him and caressed his face before bringing their lips together.

Chris fidgeted uncomfortably. He was about to cough and let them know Hello, I'm here ! when Kurt pulled away, cheeks red.

"What's this dream supposed to mean ?", the countertenor asked

"You're not dreaming, sweetie, not really", he answered kindly, "You're inside your mind."

"But why ?"

"Why would you need a reason for everything ?"

Kurt didn't answer, looking at Chris instead, who ran his fingers through his hair.

"Look, I just wanna go home", the actor said, "and bring Darren back with me."

"Oh, honey, there's nothing I can do. I'm not magical", he said, grabbing Chris' hand and dropping a kiss on his palm, "Even if you sure believe I am."

"W-what ?"

Darren/Blaine smiled and kissed Chris' cheek.

"Come on Chris, after everything we've done together, don't play it shy with me."

It was Kurt's turn to frown.

"Wait, I thought Darren and you weren't together ?"

"We're not !", Chris answered

"But I'm not real", Darren/Blaine said, "Oh Kurtie, your teenage fantasies are nothing compared to -"

"Shut up !", Chris interjected, "Just, don't. Please."

"It's okay, Chris. You're with him now. You're supposed to be Kurt, he's supposed to be...", he paused, before smiling, his features softening, "... well, the other part of me. It's everything you've ever wanted. There in Lima, you've got many accepting friends. Lots and lots of friends. And a loving boyfriend. Bonus point – inside, he's the one you've been looking for all these years. Outside - he looks just as hot."

Chris hadn't noticed the tears he'd been holding back had started to fall down his cheeks.

"Do you really want to come back, Chris ?", the man asked, "What about you, Kurt ?"

"Yes, of course I -"

"Shhh - consider it. You're living in Los Angeles. You're famous. And you've got Blaine by your side. Don't you think he'd want to escape your shitty reality too ? You could be so happy together."

Darren/Blaine smiled sadly at the countertenor, who held out his hand and, much to Chris' surprise, took the actor's, squeezing it, instead of his... well, half-of-his-boyfriend's.

"Don't pretend you're not tempted. I know everything."

Darren/Blaine brought one hand on each boy's face, who both closed their eyes.

"It's okay."

"N-no, we can't. We have to switch back, my family -", Chris started

"Shhh, they'd understand. And Kurt here always wanted a little sister. She won't even see the difference, you know, since you've left her -"

"DON'T YOU DARE !"

Kurt moved quickly and managed to restrain Chris, wrapping his arm around the -slightly- taller man, to prevent him from jumping on the offending fantasy in front of them.

"Chris, stop – please, look at what you're doing !"

The actor looked around – the walls were starting to crack and the ground was trembling.

"You have to calm down, please, Chris..."

"I was only speaking your mind, sweetie", Darren/Blaine said, "You don't have to be angry at yourself, being selfish from time to time wouldn't hurt you."

Chris took a deep breath, doing his best to force his heartbeat back to normal. Kurt released his grip slowly but took his hand, intertwining their fingers together.

"It's funny, isn't it", the dark-haired boy said, "It's like I'm the bad part of your mind when Kurt is the better one... the angel on your shoulder."

Chris felt Kurt scoot closer to him, and the actor wrapped his arm around his character protectively.

How many times have I wished I could do that ?

"Kurt ?"

The countertenor looked up at him.

"Yes ?"

"We need to... we're going to figure something out, another plan to switch back, but... we have to meet again in a dream."

"How clever", Darren/Blaine interjected

"You – I'm not talking to you."

"Are you afraid Darren will find out about what you want ? I won't appear in that dream if all four of you are there", he smiled before turning to the countertenor, "Oh – Kurt, please. You're not the needy one in this relationship. Blaine's not going to run away from you."

Kurt rolled his eyes and glared at him.

"Stop it, Kurt. You know I like it when you look at me like that."

Chris' eyes widened as he looked at a deeply blushing Kurt.

"I don't even wanna know", Chris said, chuckling

"You better not", Kurt answered, "it involves too much alcohol and the worst Warblers' party of the year."

"Oh. Right."

"That cheerleading fetish of Blaine's will come in handy !", the dark-haired boy said, interrupting, "Okay, sorry, bonding time for you two, blablabla..."

"You know you're not even acting like Blaine or Darren anymore", Chris pointed

"If anything, you're like...", Kurt trailed off, unsure

"A mix of their bodies but with your personalities ?"

Kurt and Chris exchanged a considering glance before turning back to the other man and nodding.

"Well of course you agree with me, it's your opinions."

"Kurt, we created a monster."

"You mean – super good looking with a give 'em Hell attitude ?"

"Yes."

They smiled at each other and remained silent for a while.

"So, you need to be asleep from, say... midnight, to 2 in the morning. It makes it from 8 to 10 for us."

"Yeah, okay – but, wait, you have to go to school."

"Oh, shit... school..."

"Come on, you must've graduated not so long ago, must be fresh in your mind. Oh, no...", he winced, "I've got a french test second period ! It's worth 25% of the final grade ! Oh my God I am so screwed..."

"Ne t'inqui�te pas, Kurt, je m'en occupe", Chris said with a smile [don't worry, Kurt, I'm taking care of it]

"Oh", Kurt blushed, "Okay then."

He smiled brightly.

"Anyways, Darren can sleep in and I'll wake up when I need to."

"Or we can go to sleep super early ?"

"That'd mean you have to leave the party early... well actually, it won't be a problem, just tell Blaine to pretend he's having a bad headache."

"Sure."

"It's all going to be okay, don't worry."

The sound of the piano made them both turn to... well whoever the fantasy was supposed to be now.

"What ? You two are talking, but I know what you're going to say before you say it, so I'm bored. Oh – looks like your significant others are really desperate to have you back !"

The walls were trembling and the fantasy-man disappeared, leaving Kurt and Chris alone. They barely had the time to move before the walls fell down completely.

"Be careful !", Chris said, feeling himself being pulled away

"You too !"

They held on to each other's hand for as long as they could until everything went black.