Blaine was starting to freak out, about to call 911, when Kurt finally opened his eyes.

"Hey...", Kurt mumbled, blinking

"Hey yourself", Blaine answered, sighing in relief, "God, you scared me !"

"Sorry..."

Blaine caressed Kurt's face, giving him a soft peck on the lips before letting his hand fall from Kurt's shoulders and getting out of the car. He'd been sitting awkwardly on the floor and now that Kurt was awake and he could stop worrying, he realized there was no more blood in his legs.

"Blaine, I-I saw Chris."

Blaine turned around abruptly from where he'd been stretching his limbs.

"What ?"

"I – he must've fainted too. We... we had enough time to speak a little."

Kurt sat up, passing a hand on his face.

Blaine felt weird: Kurt's hair - which was starting to dry, pointing in every direction - and the unfashionable surf-suit he was wearing made it difficult to know it was the countertenor in there and not his older alter-ego.

"So, ehm... what did he, you know, say ?"

"That we're completely screwed."

"What ? Why ?", Blaine asked, panicking

"There's no filming scheduled until Thursday and we're leaving for New York on Wednesday."

"... so basically we can't communicate..."

"Well, unless we find a way to know how they can send us stuff -"

"It just mustn't be filmed."

"You mean, if they rewrite on the note you sent us..."

"There's a slight chance it might work. Your copybooks here, that should be props, are filled with the real deal."

"So Chris was wrong ? We actually could talk to them ?"

"Maybe... but since we know nothing for sure, I guess we... we should... sleep ? Or something ? Since it's worked twice already..."

"Yes, that's what Chris said. We have to try and be asleep tonight between 10pm and 2am."

"Wait – we can't, there's a party at Ashley's !"

"Chris told me to tell you to pretend to be sick."

Blaine frowned and walked back to the trunk. He took out the t-shirt Chris had prepared for him and put it on, taking off his surf-suit.

"Blaine ? Can you hand me the clothes I'm supposed to wear ? If we can call them clothes..."

"Sure."

Blaine did his best not to look at Kurt while he undressed, focusing instead on How-To-Remove-My-Swim-Trunk-From-Under-The-Towel-Without-Giving-A-Show-To-The-Passing-Cars.

Jeez, how do girls make that seem so easy ?

After some struggling; he'd managed to take off the blue swim trunks and laid them down next to the surf-suit. The next part was just as tricky, since he now had to put on his boxers.

Life sucks.

"Chris ? Chris, wake up, it's okay... I'm here, wake up, please !"

Darren didn't know what to do. Chris had started shouting and tossing and didn't seem close to regain consciousness.

"Come on, Colfer, you're stronger than your nightmares, wake up !"

Darren froze when Chris stopped moving, his breathing slowing down, back to the normal sleepy rate. That's better than nothing...

The black-haired man passed his fingers through Chris' hair, sighing, before finally resting his hand on his jaw as he slowly caressed his cheek with his thumb.

"Man, come on. You have to wake up. Don't make me throw water at you. Actually, we only have orange juice, so I guess that's what I'd use. It'd be a damn shame."

"... Kurt would kill you if you put some orange juice in his hair..."

Darren jumped back a few feet, startled, as Chris's eyes fluttered open.

"Dude !"

"Sorry Darren, you were just way too cute. Seriously – I want you to do the speech at my death bed."

"It's not funny."

"It's a little funny."

"No, it's not. Man, I don't know what you were dreaming about but I couldn't calm you down", he said, pausing, "I always calm you down", he added

Chris nodded, looking down.

"I know, it wasn't the usual thing either – remember when you and Blaine talked in a dream ? Well Kurt fainted too, in our world, and we... had a chat."

"What the Hell happened ?"

"What do you mean ?"

"You were scared and... angry. Really angry."

"Oh, that – that was nothing."

"Chris, come on."

"Seriously, Darren, it was nothing, just... some scary monster."

"Oh please, I know you. And if it was like Blaine and I's dream, your minds were connected. You've both been through Hell and back, Chris."

"What ?"

"Your minds aren't the happiest places on Earth."

Chris sighed and got up, walking towards the open trunk. He silently picked the tight-fitting trousers Kurt had brought and put them on before turning back towards Darren.

"It was you."

"... me ?"

"And Blaine."

"W-what did we do ?"

"It was a weird mix of you and Blaine, actually, like half-you, half-him, I don't know how to explain it..."

"Oh, Blaine and I – we saw the same thing ! I mean, a mix of you and Kurt ! But it didn't do anything scary or made me angry..."

"Because you have kind minds, I guess. Look, I don't... I don't really want to talk about it now, I just want to go... well, 'home', for lack of a better word, to take a shower and maybe eat something."

"Chris, we can't leave it there, you can tell me anything, you know that !"

"Yes, and you can understand that I'm in no mood to talk about it right now. So please, just... let's drive back to Lima."

Darren nodded gravely. He was not reassured the least but knew better than to push Chris. He joined the taller man at the back of the car and helped him re-pack their stuff.

"Oh, and ehm, we have to sleep in late tomorrow morning, because I'm hoping we'll see Blaine and Kurt in our dreams."

"You have school."

"I can miss assembly."

Darren frowned at him.

"Christopher, look, this is not a good idea, the last time you skipped your mother and I were very disappointed. If you want to become a lawyer one day you have to – ouch ! Stop hitting me !"

"You deserve it."

Darren smiled proudly and walked back to the front of the car, sitting down on the passenger seat. Luckily, Kurt owned a GPS, and it didn't take him long to find "Home".

Chris settled behind the wheel, smiling.

"What makes you so happy ?"

"I'm gonna meet Finn and Burt and Carole."

Darren giggled at Chris' expression. The excitement had washed off any signs of worries.

"Let's get this show on the road !", Darren said, turning on the radio as the car roared to life, "And if we happen to drive near a diner – I'd kill for a cheeseburger."

"It's not healthy."

"Dude, it's just me, off with the Kurt-act."

"Wow, Blaine, look ! WE CAN SEE THE 'HOLLYWOOD' SIGN FROM HERE !"

"Kurt, please, keep your eyes on the road -"

"BUT BLAINE ! OH MY GOD !"

Blaine bit his fingers, trying to keep calm. This little show had been going on for the last twenty minutes, ever since they'd approached Los Angeles, and were driving in the main streets. Kurt shrieked and bounced on his seat every time he saw... well, anything, from the Prada store to people who looked like someone famous.

"CAN WE GO SEE SANTA MONICA ? PLEASE ?"

"Kurt ! Will you stop screaming ?"

"Sorry, Blaine, it's just... wow, L.A. !"

Blaine smiled. Kurt was just... adorable.

"Look, let's go to Chris' place so we can take a shower and change, okay ? Then we'll go visit the city."

"Really ? Thank you, thank you !"

Kurt leaned closer to Blaine and kissed him on the cheek, making the black-haired boy blush.

They followed the GPS's instructions carefully until they reached a quiet street, parking in front of the tallest building.

"Wait – we know the number of the building, but ehm... which apartment is it ?", Kurt asked

"... there must be some doorbell system, maybe it's written there."

Kurt raised an eyebrow in disbelief but exited the car anyways. Blaine followed him to the glass door, looking at the names on the side, next to each of which was a little orange button.

"Seriously ? Blaine, how could they use orange when they wrote the names in red ? It hurts my eyes !"

Blaine patted Kurt's shoulder.

"It's all right sweetie, don't worry. I'll look."

"Oh, shut up."

"What ? I'm serious, I'll be brave for you and stand up to the clashing colors."

"It stopped being funny two minutes ago."

Blaine grinned at his boyfriend and checked the names.

"There – C. Colfer."

"He's not even using a fake name ?"

"... he should totally use a cool fake name, like..."

"I'm gonna stop you right there, Blaine, because if you finish that sentence I'm not going to laugh at your joke and you're going to be upset."

Blaine pouted and crossed his arms. Kurt looked at him and smiled before caressing his cheek.

"Oooh, don't cry, it's okay, I'm sure our kids will laugh at your jokes... until they turn five."

Blaine swatted Kurt's hand away and stuck out his tongue, the corner of his lips twitching. Our kids, uh Kurt ?

"Fifth floor – don't know which side though. Come on, let's go. I think my skin is peeling off."

The countertenor rummaged through Chris' messager bag, taking out three keys held together by a keychain representing the helmet of a storm-trooper. Blaine chuckled and Kurt rolled his eyes before unlocking the door.

Once they reached the fifth floor, they stared at the doors on each side of the hall, as if hoping a neon sign would indicate which one was the right one.

"Okay, so... if we try to open the wrong one, what will happen ?"

"Chances are some weird dude will open the door, holding a shotgun, and kill us."

"Thank you Blaine, that was helpful."

"You're welcome."

They exchanged a smile and Kurt walked towards the door on the right. He leaned closer, listening carefully for any noise coming from the inside.

"Do you hear something ?"

"I can't tell if there's some water running in there of it's somewhere else..."

Blaine walked to the door on the left and paused for a second before giggling.

"What ?", Kurt inquired

"Unless someone with a questionable taste in music has invaded Chris' apartment, you're in front of the right door."

"Uh ?"

"C'm'ere."

Blaine tried to keep his composure until Kurt was close enough to hear it too.

"Oooh, my God. I haven't heard that song in ages !"

"... don't tell me you like it ?"

"I don't ! It's ridiculous. But I remember, everyone used to listen to it, when we were like 8 or something."

"I never listened to it. If someone at school mentioned Chihuahua, you could be sure he'd make a quick trip to the nearest dumpster."

Kurt rolled his eyes and walked back to the door marked 5b, struggling with the lock until finally they heard a soft "click !".

"Wow ! Did we just walk into Ikea or something ?"

"... it's like, a hundred times cleaner than Darren's place."

Blaine closed the door behind them in order to take a good look at everything. The walls of the foyer were painted in white but covered with posters of various sci-fi movies. Kurt disappeared through one of the doors as Blaine walked into the kitchen. It was small but welcoming, shelves and cupboard filled with wonderful stuff. There were pictures of cookies on the walls, and a giant Diet Coke commercial poster.

"I like this man", Kurt declared from the living-room, "ooooh Blaine, come here !"

Blaine tore his eyes away from the nutella (reluctantly) and walked towards where Kurt's voice was coming from. The first things he saw was an old Hello, Dolly poster that was -

"It's been signed by BARBRA STREISAND HERSELF, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT ?"

Kurt was jumping up and down, clapping his hands together.

"It's a shame I can't bring it back home ! Rachel would be so jealous !"

Blaine smiled.

"My God, he must've met so many wonderful people !", Blaine said

Kurt nodded as he kept looking at the pictures on the wall. Blaine noticed one in particular that showed Chris, who was maybe 8 or 10, holding a younger blonde girl in his arms, both kids laughing at something, or someone next to the camera.

"Who is this ?", Kurt asked

"Chris' little sister, Hannah. She's... she's sick."

"Oh. They look... happy."

"That's true."

Blaine moved to take Kurt's hand but the countertenor wrapped his arms around his waist from behind instead, head falling on Blaine's shoulder.

"Hey, look at this one !"

Blaine looked in the direction Kurt was indicating and chuckled.

"Looks like we're not the only ones taking ridiculous pictures of ourselves..."

"Although Darren seems to be better than you at making faces."

"... true."

"They're cute."

"We're cute."

"Same thing."

"Not quite."

"Well, close."

"Not exactly."

"But close, that's what I said."

"You're right."

"I swear, this is the best cheeseburger I've eaten in a while !"

"If there's some sauce on the upholstery, we're dead. And it's only good because it's fictional. The ad said 'best cheeseburger in town' so of course it's delicious."

"You're being sarcastic, Chris."

"And ?"

"I missed it."

Darren was pretty sure his heart had stopped beating again because the smile that Chris was giving him was just too much to take.

"I missed you too. Although Blaine is a wonderful guy."

"Kurt's pretty awesome too."

"How did we end up with the coolest characters on that show ?"

"You owe it to your talent – and I owe it to you."

"What do you mean you owe it to me ?"

"Without you, there wouldn't have been Kurt. No Kurt, no Blaine – no me."

Chris shrugged, taking a turn left, and Darren recognized one of the streets close to Kurt's.

"I think Kurt said Tina lives here", he said, pointing a pretty house with flowers everywhere, "or maybe it was this one..."

"That's some precise piece of information."

Darren rolled his eyes and took the last bite of his burger, licking his fingers afterwards, not noticing the way Chris' eyes followed his tongue's movements.

Ten seconds later they pulled into the now familiar driveway.

"Looks like Burt's not back yet."

"That's a good thing, no need for him to ask what we were doing with all this stuff and why you don't have any product in your hair."

They exited the car and emptied the trunk before walking up to the front door, opening it carefully. They were welcomed by a loud snore coming from the living-room. They giggled at the sight of Finn, spread on the couch, drooling profusely on one of the pillows as a rerun of Jersey Shore casted weird lights on his face.

Darren eyed Chris questioningly when the actor took out Kurt's phone and snapped a picture.

"What are you doing ?"

"Blackmail material, Kurt will be happy to have it."

Darren chuckled and walked up the stairs towards Kurt's room, dropping his bag on the floor and sitting on the bed, falling backwards against the pillows.

"Wow", Chris said, "that's..."

"Feels weird, right ?", Darren asked, "Wait until you see McKinley."

Chris sighed, leaving the bags he was carrying next to the desk as he started to look around the room with curious eyes, lips parted in an excited smile.

"This is so awesome. So fricking awesome. I'm gonna spend the whole night looking around this place."

"You should go take a shower first. There's a bathroom there, I'll use the one down the corridor."

Chris nodded.

"Oh wait ! Does this mean I can pick anything from Kurt's closet and wear it ?"

"... I guess so ?"

"That's great !"

Darren laughed and shook his head.

"And you say I'm a puppy."

"I'm a kitty, Darren. I only get excited over exciting stuff."

"So do I !"

"You get excited over a leaf falling from a tree !"

"It's beautiful ! You don't understand poetry, Colfer."

Darren left the room with his chin high, smiling inwardly when he heard Chris' giggle. He made his way to the bathroom and took a quick shower after almost forgetting to put his cast in a plastic bag. He wrapped a towel around his naked waist and started to do his hair. Due to his lack of training, it took him around thirty minutes to end up with a hairdo that both pleased him and looked Blaine-ish. He put on his boxers and jeans, before realizing he'd left his t-shirt in Kurt's bedroom.

He certainly did not expect Chris to be shirtless too when he walked back in.

He did not expect him to be crying either.

"Chris ? What's wrong ?"

"L-look...", he whispered, turning around

Chris' back -well, Kurt's, actually- was covered by blue patches. Moving closer, Darren noticed that many scars marred his shoulders and lower back.

He brought his hand to his mouth.

"Oh my God, but... it's impossible, with the Bully Whips and all -"

"I... don't know either, I-I thought he was safe."

"But why didn't he say anything ? Why didn't we see it on the show ?"

"Azimio, maybe ? I don't know."

"Do you think Blaine knows ?"

"Probably not..."

Chris moved to hide his face in his hands but Darren stopped him, taking them instead. Chris sniffled and wrapped him arms around Darren's waist, the older man doing the same around Chris' shoulders.

Darren realized a little bit too late that neither of them had a shirt on and hello, bare skin on bare skin and also my God is he this soft all over ?

He pulled away slowly, not letting completely go but leaving a few inches between them.

"I just want him to be happy..."

"You've read the script for New York, right ?"

Chris nodded, smiling. Darren reached up to wipe away the tears and without really thinking about it, stood on his tiptoes and kissed Chris' cheek.

"Hey Kurt, can – wow – guys, close the door if you're going to make out, because I don't want to walk in on you again."

Darren turned around, not seeing the blush the creeped down Chris' neck. Finn was covering his eyes with one hand.

Chris pulled away and picked his shirt, putting it on as Darren did the same o the other side of the room.

"It's okay, Finn, you can look now", Darren said

"You guys should really be more careful. Seriously Blaine, unless you want to die, make sure the door is closed or that you can hear people coming, because if Burt sees you, it's gonna be like that time I was with Quinn and he came in and then I was grounded."

"I do believe the fact that neither of us can get pregnant makes my dad a little more flexible concerning what we're allowed to do."

"Still. I wouldn't take the risk."

Chris sighed and rolled his eyes in a perfect Kurt-ish way, making Darren smile.

"You need something ?", he asked

"Yeah, right, ehm... my mum called and said they'd be a little late so you have to make dinner. Please."

"... what do you mean late ?"

"Dunno, she said we should – and by we, she meant you- start making dinner."

Finn smiled awkwardly and walked away.

"We're screwed", Chris said

"Oh, come on, it can't be that bad, you don't have to make anything sophisticated."

"It's Kurt we're talking about."

"... we'll see what we can do. Let's not panic. You can be a good cook when you want to, remember that cake you made for my birthday ?"

"It was a cake. I can bake cakes, I can't make real food !"

Darren frowned.

"There must be an iPhone app for that."

"But, Blaine ! No, no, this t-shirt was bought at Target !"

"And ?"

"I can't wear anything from Target !"

"Yes you can, you have to be Chris, remember ?"

"He's got expansive suits right there – and the rest of his wardrobe is as plain as Finn's clothes. I don't get it."

"Please, Kurt, can you make an effort ? Pretty please ?"

"Easy for you to say, you go from hipster to nerd-hipster."

"We're not having this conversation again !"

"But, Blaine -"

"Kurt, I swear, if you don't pick your clothes right now, I'm leaving without you."

"You're so not getting any tonight", Kurt muttered

Blaine's eyes widened.

"I'm sorry ?"

"I've always wanted to say that", Kurt retorted, "it's funny."

"Barely."

He was about to add something when his phone – well, Darren's - buzzed in his pocket. 'Mia's cell'.

Well, shit.

"Who is it ?"

"Darren's ex-girlfriend."

"Answer it, just... say you're tired or something ?"

Blaine nodded and pressed the "answer" button.

"Hello ?"

"Hi, Darren, ehm... I'm sorry to call you so early, but ehm... I've left some stuff at your apartment and I'd like to... have them back."

"... and you... want to come here to pick it up ?"

"We're leaving for New York in two days", Kurt reminded him

"Is this Chris ? Are you with Chris ?"

"Y-yes, we're ehm, picking some... things from his place. Because there's, you know, a party. At Ashley's."

"Right. Well I won't bother you any longer then, just – since you're coming to Chicago soon, if you could please bring my CDs and sheet music with you, I'd appreciate it. Have a good evening. Say hi to Chris for me."

The line went silent. The bitterness in her tone had been obvious and Blaine wondered if he should have said something to comfort her.

"Well that was awkward", he muttered

"That's an understatement."

"The problem is, I think Darren would be the kind of person to stay in good terms with his ex-girlfriends."

"He'll sort it out when we'll switch back, don't worry", Kurt said, "speaking of which, we need a plan."

Blaine nodded.

"But first, showers, so please hurry up so we can go back to my place ?"

"Your place ?", he chuckled, "Why don't you shower here and borrow some of Chris' clothes ? I'm gonna need some time to plan correct outfits."

"Kurt..."

"What ? Come on ! I promise I won't overdo it."

Blaine rolled his eyes and picked a purple v-neck t-shirt as well as a pair of jeans that looked like they would fit, kissing Kurt's cheek on his way to the bathroom.

"Don't worry, just follow my instructions and everything will be all right."

"What if I screw it up ?"

"Want me to make it ?"

"What if Finn comes in and sees you making dinner ?"

"We could say I'm just helping you ? Whatever, you can make some pasta, I'll prepare the sauce. It's fine, I'm sure he won't notice."

"All right... do you have everything you need ? You know the recipe by heart ?"

"My roommate used to make some all the time when I was in Italy. It's like riding a bike ! And yes, I've got everything."

Darren smiled at Chris' nervous expression and gathered the ingredients he needed, taking out a saucepan.

Finn was off brooding in his bedroom, singing along to some Bob Seger song.

"You know, if we showed your back to Finn, maybe it'll change something."

"What do you mean ?"

"We've got some proof that Kurt's still harassed somehow, I think we need to warn someone."

"Burt will hear about it and make him change schools again."

"And ? He was much safer at Dalton !"

"Dalton was too safe ! How is it a good preparation for life ?"

"Gives him the chance to have a normal teenage life without any bullies or anything !"

"Normal ? Life at Dalton was not normal, and Kurt wants to be with his friends."

"What about Blaine ?"

"They still see each other after school and on the weekends, and maybe if Blaine transferred -"

"Chris, they can't make Blaine come to McKinley ! What excuse do you want them to give, uh ?"

Chris put the pastas in the boiling water and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I don't know. The writers could figure something out."

"Well, if Blaine transfers because he misses Kurt too much, I will complain. That would be lame."

"Oh boy, the fans would bitch so much if this happened."

"Well what else then ?"

"Money trouble ? Or Blaine could realize that, just like I told you, Dalton is not a good preparation for what's out there and wants to face his nightmares. He said he regretted running away, right ? He's got the chance to make it right."

"It's not easy."

"I'm not saying it's easy either."

"But can you imagine it, though ? Blaine at McKinley ? He wouldn't accept being reduced to swing in the background while Rachel and Finn sing about whatever they're feeling like this week."

"Oh, Darren, please. Kurt and Blaine would be the new power couple !"

"You're right. It would create some tensions though."

"I'd love it."

"The fans would die."

"Totally. Oh, just thought of something even better – they're both stars, right ? Imagine if they both want a solo and they have like a diva-off ?"

"Oh, yes. Absolutely. It'd be so fun to beat your ass !"

"Oh, Darren, it's cute. You think Kurt would let Blaine win ?"

"Righteous."

"You're wrong. Blaine is totally whipped !"

"He's not !"

"He totally is ! Open your eyes !"

"Well maybe, but Kurt is whipped too !"

"No way. Kurt is manipulative. He can get Blaine to do anything."

"But if Blaine gave him the puppy eyes, Kurt would fall on his knees. Ehm, not literally. Well, maybe. Not yet."

"Oh please, the puppy eyes are...", he trailed off, "Darren, stop it ! What do you want ? No, stop it ! I'm not looking at you. Go away. It's not fair. Go away !"

Darren walked closer to him, giving him a lopsided smile, his eyes still in full-on puppy mode.

"Stop it."

"Say it works."

"It doesn't, Kurt wouldn't fall for it."

Darren chuckled, Chris still avoiding his gaze.

"But you most certainly can't resist me, can you ?"

"Shut up ! I can totally resist you !"

"Chris ? Can you give me a back-rub ?"

"No !"

"Look at me and say it again ?"

"No, I won't, I... oh, okay, fine, stop it !"

Darren grinned in victory, walking back to his half-finished sauce on the stove, gesturing towards his back. Chris rolled his eyes.

"You're using me. It's not nice."

"It is. Now make my tension go away."

He hadn't meant to make it sound so... erotic. At all.

"Guys, come on. Not in the kitchen."

Chris and Darren jumped several feet in the air when they heard Finn's voice coming from the doorway.

"And please, can you stop rubbing your coupleness in my face ?"

"Coupleness ? Is that a thing ?"

"Oh you know what I mean."

Chris chuckled, wrapping his arms around Darren from behind, making the older man blush uncontrollably.

"Dude, come on. Please ?"

"Why don't you sit down and explain what's wrong, Finn ?"

"I called Rachel. She answered but said she couldn't talk to me right now because she was in a hurry, and then I heard Jesse's voice asking who was on the phone."

"Well, maybe they're together because... they're talking about her solo."

"Oh, I'd forgotten - Mr Shue gave the results ?"

"Oh, right, you missed the Glee practice... well, Mr Shue said that we would do group songs only, but we all know how that's going to end... Jesse sort of got mad and said that we were going to lose and everything. But ehm, yeah, we still haven't written anything."

"Did Mr Shue say anything about a duet between Rachel and I ?"

"No. But... we all agreed it would be a good idea. I mean, most of us did."

Darren sensed the vague hesitation in Chris' voice and turned his head slightly to look at him, raising an eyebrow.

Chris shrugged it off and let go of him to go sit down next to Finn, Darren missing the warm touch as soon as it was gone.

"Do you ever do real group songs ?", Finn asked

It took Darren a few seconds to understand the question was directed at him.

"Ehm... all our songs are group songs, we all have a part in the harmony -"

"I know, I know, I just meant like... when we did Don't Stop Believing last year, we all had a verse to sing."

"For competitions, we prefer to have one lead vocalist with the others backing up, that's the point of an acapella group."

"You sang a duet with Kurt."

"It's not the same."

"Being the lead singer's boyfriend gives you some privileges, I guess", Chris said, smiling proudly

Darren smiled as he lowered the fire under the saucepan and sat down at the table.

"And the other Warblers just... accept it ? No one ever fights you for the solos ?"

"We hold auditions."

"And you win every time ?"

"Often, yes. But I don't always participate, and we don't always hold auditions, but ehm, I guess the council likes me."

"Oh please, Thad's in love with you."

"He's not in love with me..."

"He was the only one happy to see me come back to McKinley !"

"What do you mean ?"

"Remember when I announced I was leaving ?"

Darren would've wanted the entire world to see what was happening right now because Chris deserved a fricking Oscar for his improvisation.

"How could I forget ?"

"Well, everyone was shocked and sad. Except for Thad. Thad got up and did the happy dance."

"... really ?"

"Yes."

"I guess I was too busy glaring at Trent when he asked if that meant the two of us were breaking up."

"... he asked you that ?"

"Yes."

"Guys. I thought we were discussing my problems, not the fact that everyone has a crush on you."

Chris glared at Finn and Darren did his best to remain in character. It was in that moment that he realized how wonderful Chris would've been among the Starkids. With improvisation skills like his, he might've surpassed Joe Moses and Nick Lang.

"It's so unfair."

"What's unfair, Finn ?"

"You don't have jealousy issues."

"What do you mean ?"

"Well, if I was Blaine, and you were Quinn or Rachel and Thad was... anyone else, my ears would be suffering a great deal."

Darren frowned.

"I don't see what's the point in fighting. I'm clearly not interested in Thad, and Kurt's not interested in Trent either."

"Can I just become gay ? You seem to have it easy in relationships."

"... seriously, Finn ?"

"What ?"

"I've waited for you to say that during two years, and you wait for me to be completely over you, in a stable relationship and for us to be brothers to let it out ? I'm mad at you now."

Darren giggled at Finn's shocked expression.

"But anyways", Darren said, smiling at Chris all the while, "I'm sure Puck would agree to make things official between you two"

"Yeah, totally. He spends half of his life here anyways. You should get married."

"Oh and have kids ! I want to be an uncle !"

"Blaine, you wouldn't technically be uncle until we're married."

"Oh, right."

"But yes, you should have a baby. You'd have awesome ideas for his or her name."

Finn glared at them until he looked up, frowning.

"Wait, I thought two dudes couldn't make a baby ?"

"... oh Finn, tell me you're not serious."

"What ?"

"... remember Rachel ?"

"Oh. Oh ! Right. Yeah, I get it."

He smiled proudly, as Darren and Chris exchanged a meaningful glance. If only Cory could be here and see that...

"But I'm not sure I'm ready to give up on boobs just yet."

"I don't quite see the appeal", Chris said

"Of course you don't. And I think Puck would agree with me."

"You'd have an awesome couple name though", Darren interjected, biting his lips together to keep himself from laughing, "great name."

Chris frowned for a second before opening his mouth, finally understanding.

"Well that's classy, Blaine", he said

Darren gave him a questioning look before realizing that yes, that line might've been way out of character.

"I don't understand", Finn said

"It's better."

Finn was still frowning three minutes later when Chris got up and took five plates and glasses from the cupboard, walking towards the living room to set the table.

"Hey Blaine, is... something wrong ?", Finn asked

"What ?"

"I don't know, there's like, some tension between you and Kurt. But not like, anger. I don't know."

Darren frowned. Finn Hudson, Captain Oblivious, could just not be able to feel the ever-lasting sexual tension (at least from his side) between the two of them. There was just no way.

"Nah, everything's fine."

"I, ehm... tomorrow, after school, I can go to Puck's place, you know."

"... I'm not sure I follow you ?"

"That would leave you the house... to yourselves."

"... why would you do that ?"

"Well, we're going to New York 'til Sunday, so..."

"Oh. Ehm...", he blushed, "that's nice, Finn, but we... don't need it. Thanks anyways."

"It's fine, dude, you totally saved my life the other day by inviting Kurt to your place. Thank you, again, by the way."

"Don't mention it."

Darren smiled and got up, picking some forks and knives in a drawer and joining Chris in the next room.

"Hey", he said, settling the cutlery on the table

"Hey", Chris answered, smiling as he put down the last plate, "It's so weird."

"You'll get used to it after a few hours", he smiled, "...what are we going to do ?"

"Well... what's death-threatening and available in L.A. and here ?"

"I have no idea."

"Oh, look Blaine, this one's The Beatles' !"

They were walking down Hollywood Boulevard, Kurt stopping every two steps to look at the stars on the pavement.

They had seen a few same-sex couples walking hand-in-hand, no one giving them second looks. After the forth one, it had been difficult not to hold on to each other. Blaine was afraid someone would recognize them, but Kurt had said that it was unlikely and had taken his hand for approximately three seconds until they spotted a giant Glee poster and various related merchandise in a small shop, a few people looking through them excitedly.

They'd looked down and walked faster.

"Can we get some ice-cream ?", Blaine whined

"... sure", Kurt agreed, "There's a Ben and Jerry's there and -"

"Oh my God, you really are Chris Colfer !"

Kurt stiffened and turned around to the direction where the voice came from. The voice belonged to a teenage girl, who couldn't be older than fifteen, with two of her friends.

"Hi, sorry, I'm, ehm, I'm a huge Gleek, Kurt is like, my favorite character !"

Kurt blushed and smiled.

"Really ? That's ehm, that's nice, thank you very much !"

Blaine approached the girls too, taking off his sunglasses.

"Oh my God ! You- you- you're here too !", the girl stuttered as one of her friends turned a bright shade of red, "Hi !"

"Hi", he said, trying to keep his voice calm, "How're you doing ?"

"... so much better than a minute ago", the girl who had blushed said, "Oh my God, Darren, you're so awesome ! Can we like, take pictures with you ?"

Kurt gave Blaine a questioning look.

"Sure !"

The girl who had spoken first asked a passing guy to take pictures with each of their cameras.

"Thank you", the second girl said, "what are you doing here, by the way ?"

"Re-visiting", Blaine answered, "I've been living here for a while and realized I hadn't been back here."

"So, ehm", the first girl said, giggling, looking at her friend, "We're huge Klainers, and... please, please tell us you're staying together forever ?"

Blaine chuckled and took Kurt's hand, doing his best to make it look as if it wasn't a habit.

"Don't worry, we're going steady", he said, "We might even get married next season."

"Unless I find someone taller", Kurt said, winking

The two girls looked horrified. Blaine noticed that the third girl still hadn't said anything, yet she'd been looking at them with an adoring look on her face.

"So, what're your names ?", he asked

"Lucy", the first girl said,

"Sami ! You wrote a song for me !", the second girl joked, smiling

"What about you ?", Kurt asked the third girl

"S-Spencer", she whispered, blushing, eyes locked on the tip of her shoes

"It was super nice meeting you !", Lucy said, "Can't wait for Born This Way tomorrow night !"

"Ooooh, yes", Sami said, "I cried like a baby for Somewhere Only We Know. It was totally awesome ! Can't wait to see the full episode !"

"Thanks, I, ehm... liked doing the song too !", Blaine said

Ouch. Yep, still a sore spot.

"See you at Glee Live ! Well, you won't see us, but we will."

Kurt froze for a moment, not understand what they meant by 'Glee Live'. Blaine remembered Chris telling him about it and smiled.

"There'll be a good surprise for you."

He mentally noted to tell Kurt about it later.

"What do you mean ?", Lucy asked

"You'll see."

"I can't wait !", Sami said, excited, "Well, have a nice day !"

"You too girls !"

They waved and started to walk away, but Spencer turned around and walked back to Kurt.

"C-can I hug you ?"

Kurt gaped for a second but nodded, opening his arms.

"You made me accept who I was", she said, her voice broken, "Your speech at the Golden Globes, and everything you do... and also Kurt in general, he inspires me, you... you're my idol. Just... thank you."

Blaine smiled as Kurt held the girl tighter, tears in his eyes. When they finally parted, he smiled at her.

"Never give up", he said

Spencer nodded and walked away.

Kurt stood still for a long moment, a lone tear falling down his cheek. Blaine reached up and wiped it away.

"I... I... Blaine, did... did you hear her ? I'm... I inspire her ?"

"Of course you do, Kurt. You inspire me every day. And from what Chris has told me, you inspire thousands of people here too."

Kurt blinked, biting his lips together.

"Come on, let's go get that ice cream."

"Maybe we should just jump from a bridge again ?", Darren suggested

They were sitting on Kurt's bed, Chris looking through a pile of books while Darren was exploring the internet.

"I'm not sure it's a good idea. If we're both switching... it could be dangerous."

"It has to be dangerous."

"Maybe we could switch at different moments ? Like, with half an hour in between ? To make sure everything is okay ?"

"That sounds like a good idea."

Chris wrote it down on the yellow pad next to him, on which were already a few ideas.

"I still think that swimming with the sharks was cool."

"I'm so not going swimming with sharks ! And I told you, we're not breaking in an aquarium."

"You suck, Colfer. I liked the idea."

Chris rolled his eyes and punched Darren in the ribs lightly.

"We could provoke an accident ?"

"You're already broken all over."

"My wrist is vaguely hurt, otherwise I'm fine."

"Darren. Please."

"Fine", he sighed, "but what about -"

"Boys ? I think it's time you go to bed", Carole said, standing in the doorway, "and Blaine, honey, since I suppose you won't be back to Dalton tomorrow, would you mind coming with me to the store and helping me choose the curtains and the paint for the living room ?"

"Not at all, I'll be happy to help."

She smiled.

"Thank you. Good night, you two !"

"G'night Carole", they answered together

Chris smiled at Darren.

"... what ?"

"What what ?", Chris asked innocently

"You're smiling at me."

"And ?"

"It's distracting me."

Oh. I just said that ? Well, shit.

"Oh, I'm sorry to distract you..."

The silence that followed Chris' sentence was perceived by Darren as a threat and he let the computer aside just in time to be able to shield himself from Chris' tickle-attack. He grabbed the younger man's wrist in one hand and played his fingers along his waist, laughing evilly when he heard Chris' giggle.

"Hey, hey, stop", he tried to fight back, "It's not fair, release me !"

"Not until you say the magic words !"

"... expelliarmus ?"

Chris used Darren's laughter at his advantage and freed himself from his grip. They fought for a few minutes, giggling, failing miserably each time they were close to winning.

Unfortunately, Burt came in just as Darren was straddling Chris, holding his wrists above his head and blowing air slowly in his neck, knowing it to be Chris' weakness - and obviously Kurt's, too.

"Ahem !", Burt coughed

Both boys looked up and Darren jumped three feet away from Chris.

"Sorry", he muttered

"Go to sleep, boys. In separate beds."

"Y-yes dad. Sorry. Tickle-fight. We weren't... doing anything."

"It started with a tickle-fight the day you were conceived, son."

"Ew, dad, too much information !"

Burt smiled and walked away, closing the door.

"... are you really going to sleep on the couch ?", Chris asked

"Burt goes to work at five in the morning. What he doesn't know won't kill him !"