For Kurt, that week was hell. He respected Blaine's wishes and didn't text him. But he couldn't count the amount of times he'd begin a text and have to delete it as he remembered he wasn't supposed to contact him. All of his thoughts were about Blaine. On his way to his classes, his eyes were constantly searching for dark curly hair. During his classes, he wrote letters to Blaine instead of notes on the lectures, letters he would never send. Because he didn't concentrate in class, he had to work extra hours on his homework, which was the only time he could take his mind off Blaine. He knew Blaine wouldn't randomly walk by, so he could concentrate on his work. Warbler practice was hell. As much as he loved the singing, it wasn't the same. Blaine's voice, his presence, was like magic, the sound that brought the Warbler's to life. The sound that made Kurt's heart soar. Now, it was just people singing. He'd given thought to what he would do about his song. He thought about finding a different one. His mind seemed too foggy to think clearly, so he just kept practicing the song he had.

Tuesday he gave in and texted Jake just asking if Blaine was okay.

J: He's ok. The time alone is a good thing. Stay strong, buddy.

Wednesday, he followed someone halfway across campus opposite where Kurt's class was. The curly hair kept his attention and when he finally caught up with the person, it turned out to be someone else. Bright red, Kurt ended up running to his class, embarrassed by making an ass out of himself.

Thursday brought about a new concern. Kurt began having an ache in his chest, a pulling pain that concerned him. He called his dad and they immediately set up an appointment with his cardiologist. He was in that morning, having to miss his classes and Warbler practice. The doctor ran several tests on him, took blood, and decided his heart was perfectly fine. He asked if Kurt had been experiencing stress and Kurt was honest and told him yes. The doctor said chest pain was not uncommon with a great deal of stress. He told Kurt to take it easy, try and ease up the stress, find ways to relax.

He returned to his dorm with his dad's warnings ringing in his ears. "Be careful, try to relax, don't over-exert yourself, eat good, get some rest."

Friday went by in a blur. Kurt was working on homework between classes, trying to catch up what he'd missed from Thursday. He felt like he was in high school as he showed each teacher the letter from his doctor explaining his absence the day before. The teachers were all understanding and gave him his homework. He studied and worked for over eight hours. By the time he was done, he had caught himself up on all of his classes. He lay back in bed with a tired sigh and stared at the ceiling. No matter how busy he was, he still missed Blaine every second. He wondered if Blaine was thinking about him at that moment. He rolled over and pulled the pillow towards him that Blaine had used. It didn't smell like Blaine anymore; he was fastidious about changing the sheets and pillow cases. In this instance, he wished he wasn't such a perfectionist.

Tomorrow was the Spring Concert at the mall. There were several groups playing and singing throughout the day. All of the Warbler's were required to be there all day to sing and support. This was earning money for all the groups participating and it was one of the biggest events and fundraisers of their performance year. Kurt kept thinking about the song. Should he sing a different song or should he sing Candles or should he just not sing at all? He needed to make up his mind. Wes had demanded an answer by the time the Warbler's met up at the hall to board the bus they'd rented.

Without Blaine, it just didn't seem right to sing at all. He had a thought and began practicing quietly in his room. He still didn't know if he could or would do it, but he finally fell into a fitful sleep, dreaming of Blaine laying next to him.

The next morning he showered and dressed in the black slacks, black button up shirt, and aqua colored tie he was required to wear for the performance. They all had different color ties and Blaine had picked the aqua tie for Kurt saying it brought out his eyes. He swallowed as he tightened the tie, trying not to cry.

He got to the bus just in time and gave Wes his answer. He smiled and patted Kurt on the shoulder in encouragement. They arrived at the mall in plenty of time. The performing groups went over the schedule and did their sound checks. Kurt would be performing at one that afternoon as well as the multiple songs the Warbler's would be singing. He swallowed his nerves and decided he would give this his best effort. He just wished Blaine could have been there to offer strength and support.

J: I know you said you weren't coming to the mall performance, but you might want to anyway. He's singing a solo. Just sayin.

Jake couldn't be more blunt if he tried, Blaine thought with a tired smile. He was beyond tired, having barely slept the entire week. He knew he was being completely unfair to Kurt and selfish beyond reason. He had talked it over with the Wilson's, finally telling them that he and Kurt were a couple. Though it took them by surprise, they were supportive and told him it must be kismet. Ever since then, all he had done was think, go to classes, and do homework. He had stopped shaving and had a twenty four hour shadow on his face. Could he continue to have a relationship with Kurt, knowing he was going to fall in love with him, all while knowing his body contained the heart of the man he had wanted to love forever?

His phone buzzed again.

J: I wasn't trying to hint. I'm telling you. Getcha ass to the mall. Now.

He sighed. It looked like he didn't have a choice. He changed from his sweats to jeans and a t-shirt, but that was the extent of his concern with his appearance.

Blaine got to the mall at half past noon, just in time to hear the Warbler's perform "Raise Your Glass". They did an amazing job and Blaine was sad that he missed the opportunity. He knew they had several more songs to perform and he settled in a seat in the very back of the quad, hoping nobody would notice him. He listened to another group who, he had to admit, didn't hold a candle to the Warbler's. The emcee stepped up on stage and encouraged people to donate money to the baskets around the area. "Next up, from the Warbler's of Ohio State, Kurt Hummel singing "I Believe My Heart" from the Broadway classic, "The Woman in White"." The announcer stepped off the stage and Kurt came to the microphone at the center. Blaine drank in his appearance like a starving man. He looked beautiful, as usual. Tired, maybe, but so beautiful, luminescent even. Blaine's heart contracted painfully at the sad look on Kurt's face. That sadness was his doing, his fault. Kurt took a deep breath and took the microphone. As the drifting sound of a piano played in the background, he opened his mouth and began to sing.

Whenever I look at you
the world disappears
all in a single glance so revealing
you smile and I feel as though
I've known you for years
how do I know to trust what I'm feeling?

I believe my heart
what else can I do
when ev'ry part of ev'ry thought
leads me straight to you

Kurt's voice rose into a crescendo, sending chills down Blaine's body. His voice was beyond angelic, but strong and powerful at the same time.

I believe my heart
there's no other choice
for now whenever
my heart speaks
I can only hear your voice

The lifetime before we met
has faded away
how did I live a moment without you?
You don't have to speak at all
I know what you'd say
and I know every secret about you

At that moment, Kurt spotted him, sitting in the back. He paused for the barest second before resuming the song, his voice stronger than ever. Blaine couldn't hold back the silent tears that tracked down his face at the words he was singing. They both knew the extra meaning behind the lyrics.

I believe my heart
it believes in you
it's telling me
that what I see
is completely true
I believe my heart
how can it be wrong
it says that what I feel for you
I will feel my whole life long

Kurt's voice rose once more, rising and falling like the ocean through the lyrics. A powerful burst of sound came from him as his eyes closed and he sang the final verses.

I believe my heart
and it believes in you
it's telling me
that what I see
is completely true

And with all my soul
I believe my heart
the portrait that it paints of you
is a perfect work of art

Kurt had tears rolling down his cheeks as he finished the song, his voice trailing off into a whisper. As the music ended, the room was silent. Over two hundred people and you could have heard a pin drop. Suddenly the applause began and became a roar as they stood to their feet and gave Kurt a standing ovation. He looked mildly shocked, his cheeks turning red. He gave a low bow, one leg going behind him so he could bend. That got the audience more worked up and they hooted and shouted for him. Blaine also stood and clapped, wiping the tears from his face. That had been the most beautiful piece he'd ever heard. And he knew he'd been an idiot. This man was his. As for Kurt's heart, it was already used to loving Blaine, so there was really nothing to worry about.

J: He was awesome, wasn't he? Maybe you should do something about it.

Jake was nothing if not subtle, Blaine thought with a smile. He got up before Kurt left the stage and went back to his dorm.

Kurt couldn't believe he'd gotten a standing ovation. It was like he'd lost himself in the song as soon as he'd opened his mouth. It was the most difficult song he'd ever sung, but it had spoken to him. Then to spot Blaine in the back of the crowd... It was perfect. He got to hear how Kurt really felt. From then on, he was singing to Blaine, everyone else forgotten in those moments.

He left the stage and went in search of Blaine, but couldn't find him. Disappointment flooded him. Since, technically, the week wasn't over, he didn't bother to text him. Instead he found a place in the audience and listened to the other performers. The Warbler's were done for the afternoon and now they were wandering around talking to folks about fundraising and the work they did around the college. Kurt knew he should be involved, but all he wanted to do was sit and wallow. How much longer would this go on? Would Blaine ever speak to him again? Kurt couldn't change anything, he couldn't give back the heart or bring Charlie back. All Kurt could do was love Blaine to the best of his ability. Like the song said, he believed his heart and believed he could love Blaine forever. He knew it was too early to claim deep, abiding love, but it felt right, and good. He just didn't know if it would ever happen.

He got up to buy a bottle of water and when he came back, he saw the Warbler's assembling on the stage. He panicked and hurried toward the stage when an arm grabbed him.

"Sit down, Kurt, they don't need you for this one," Jake said and pulled him into a chair in the second row.

"What is going on?" Kurt asked, confused.

"Just listen, okay?" Jake said and patted his leg.

The emcee announced the Warbler's and then a familiar face came forward to center stage holding a microphone.

"This is for you, Kurt," said Blaine, smiling as he spotted Kurt in the crowd.

An amazing a capella sound came out of the group and the crowd started clapping.

Yellow diamonds in the light
And we're standing side by side
As your shadow crosses mine
What it takes to come alive

It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny
But I've gotta let it go

We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place

Blaine jumped off the stage and came towards Kurt before falling onto his knees in front of him. Kurt smiled and clapped his hands over his burning cheeks as Blaine serenaded him.

Shine a light through an open door
Love and life I will divide
Turn away cause I need you more
Feel the heartbeat in my mind

It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny
But I've gotta let it go

We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place

Yellow diamonds in the light
And we're standing side by side
As your shadow crosses mine...

We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place

The crowd was on its feet by the end of the song, clapping and dancing in the aisles. The Warbler's had brought the house down. Blaine had that affect on people, his voice inspired those who heard him.

Blaine stayed on the stage as he and the Warbler's had their final bow. Then he handed the microphone to Wes and jumped off the stage and walked right to Kurt.

He held out his hand to Kurt. "Can we walk?"

"Okay," Kurt said, taking his hand.