“Can you give me a chord, bossy Blaine?” Kurt asked. Blaine grinned in response and strummed a chord on his guitar. Kurt hummed the note in perfect tune and thrust the music back at Blaine.

“Be nice! These songs are for your album,” Blaine said, smoothing out the crumpled edge of one sheet.

“Yes, but I’m not working on my album right now, I’m filming our TV show,” Kurt snapped, picking up his script again. It had been revised for the third time that morning and while the first two drafts had been ok, he was quite pleased with the third one.

“But I’m working on your album right now, so maybe you should just be grateful I’m helping you at all,” Blaine said, sticking his tongue out at Kurt when Kurt looked at him, his trademark eyebrow arched.

“You’re a dork,” Kurt said, turning back to his own work. “I trust you to write good songs, Blaine, you don’t have to show me every note you write.”

“Sorry. I just appreciate a little input is all,” Blaine grumbled, pouting as he went back to his guitar.

“Aww, is our resident power couple having a little lover’s quarrel?” Patrick strode up to them, his arms full of purple folders, and a rather large, somewhat angry looking girl behind him.

“Just playful banter is all, Patrick,” Kurt said, glancing curiously behind Patrick at the girl.

“That’s good. We can’t have the two of you arguing, now can we?” Patrick smiled as he held out a purple folder to each of them. “Scene three was rewritten again. Sorry boys. I promise it’s final this time.”

Kurt and Blaine collectively groaned and took their respective folders.

“We’re shooting it in an hour, so put the guitar and the iPad away and get working!” Patrick said, a little too cheerfully. Then he seemed to remember the girl behind him and he took a step to the side, as though they couldn’t already see her. “This is your new costar, Lauren Zizes. She’s playing Chris’s new friend.”

Lauren stepped forward, unsmiling, with an eyebrow raised that rivaled Kurt’s. Kurt felt a little unnerved by her almost overwhelming presence, and he hoped this girl could act a lot nicer than she seemed.

“Apparently,” she started to say, “I’m here to cheer up your skinny ass.”

“You mean Chris’s skinny ass?” Blaine chimed in. He looked up at her from the floor with his trademark puppy eyes. She turned her gaze down to him and Kurt saw her lips twitch upwards in response.

“Yeah,” she said. “Chris’s skinny ass.”

Before the conversation could continue on, Patrick towed Lauren away to show her the rest of the set. When they were comfortably out of listening range, Kurt looked down at Blaine.

“My skinny ass?” Kurt scowled.

“Well, you’re not exactly fat. And you have an ass. Put two and two together,” Blaine shrugged.

“You love my ass,” Kurt said, flipping open the purple folder to the newly revised scene, hoping one of these days they’d finally be happy with it.

. ~ . ~ .

Episode Fourteen: Do Over
Scene 1

(INT. Chris and Darren are in the kitchen, silently washing dishes together. Chris stops rinsing a plate and looked out the small kitchen window.)

DARREN
Are you ok?

CHRIS
Would you please stop asking that?

DARREN
I’m sorry. We’ve both been really tense lately.

CHRIS
Gee I wonder why.

DARREN
You know what I think we need?

CHRIS
What?

DARREN
A do over.

CHRIS
You’re insane.

DARREN
No, like we should totally start over. Do it right this time. Introduce ourselves, flirt, date, all that crap that people do when they’re interested in each other. No ex-boyfriends or pregnant girlfriends. No drama. Just…us.

CHRIS
How do you propose we go about this?

DARREN
(smiling mischievously)Oh, I have an idea. But in order for it to work I’ll have to catch you off guard.

CHRIS
I repeat: you’re insane.

DARREN
You wait and see. It’s gonna be totally awesome.

. ~ . ~ .

“You’re doing a duet with me on your album,” Mercedes demanded. Kurt laughed as he looked up at her from his spot on the couch. They had been cuddling together while watching Mulan while Blaine retreated to the second bedroom that had been turned into the music room, when all of a sudden Mercedes launched herself off the couch and put both of her hands on her hips.

“Um, ok?” Kurt pulled his knees up to his chest and drew the blanket that had been draped over both of them up to his chin.

“It will be great for my music career. If I sing with the Kurt Hummel, someone is bound to notice me,” Mercedes said, as though it was only common logic.

“Then take it up with Blaine. He’s writing the songs. Tell him he needs to write another duet,” Kurt said, waving his hand as he reached for the remote to turn up the volume of the movie. When Mercedes didn’t return to her spot on the couch, Kurt looked up to see she had disappeared.

Rolling his eyes, Kurt paused the DVD and flung the blanket off him. He marched through the living room, then down the hallway to where Mercedes had no doubt barged into the music room like the diva that she was. Kurt stood in the open doorway, watching a startled Blaine looking up at her as she told him how it was going to go down.

“Listen lover boy, you’re gonna write me a song I can sing with Kurt. It’s gonna be a good song. Something with a little rock edge to it. Something I can do a lot of runs in. Something that makes white boy here belt it like he did on that Broadway Cast Album,” Mercedes demanded. Blaine looked over at Kurt, who looked conflicted.

“Mercedes, maybe you should talk to Kurt about what kind of song he wants to sing with you,” Blaine said, meeting Kurt’s gaze. Mercedes turned around to face Kurt, who had his arms crossed in front of him as he leaned against the doorframe.

“Kurt?” Her tone softened.

“Cedes, I don’t know if I can belt it like that anymore,” Kurt confessed.

“Have you tried?” Mercedes asked. Kurt looked down at the floor, then shook his head. “Well, then you should try! You keep putting your voice down and then surprising yourself.”

“I think he just doesn’t want to wear it out so soon,” Blaine said. Kurt offered him a tiny, almost grateful smile for saying it. “But if it makes you happy, Mercedes, I will write an amazing song that you can belt out an entire verse and Kurt can sing however he likes.”

Mercedes smiled at Blaine, then glanced back at Kurt.

“C’mon Kurt, let’s go finish the movie,” Mercedes said.

“No,” Kurt shook his head. “I think maybe you should go home now.”

Mercedes looked hurt, but she understood and left the room. Kurt and Blaine stayed there, silent, until they heard the front door close. As soon as it was just them, Blaine set his guitar aside and Kurt walked over to him, perching himself on Blaine’s leg and wrapping his arms around Blaine’s neck. He rested his forehead against Blaine’s.

“You ok?” Blaine asked.

“I used to have a huge vocal range and I used to really be able to sing. I’m just so worried that I won’t be able to record this album, and I really want to do it,” Kurt said.

Blaine wove his arms around Kurt’s waist, hugging him tightly.

“You have a beautiful voice right now, Kurt. I think we should just take it in stride and see what you can do as we go, ok?” Blaine spoke softly, one hand softly stroking Kurt’s lower back under his shirt.

“Ok,” Kurt sighed. He leaned in a pressed a soft kiss to Blaine’s lips. “Do you wanna watch the rest of this movie with me? I think I just need to be close to you right now.”

“I’m sure I can manage to cuddle with my boyfriend through my favorite Disney movie of all time,” Blaine said with a smile that managed to cheer Kurt up. They stood and Kurt took Blaine’s hand. When Blaine tried to move forward, he glanced back at Kurt, who was just standing and staring at him.

“What?” Blaine asked.

“Nothing,” Kurt said. “I just really love you.”

. ~ . ~ .

Episode Fourteen: Do Over
Scene 3

(INT. Chris just got home from a long day of filming and is opening a can of Diet Coke when the doorbell rings. He reluctantly goes to answer, and Darren is standing there)

DARREN
My car broke down just out there and my cellphone is dead. I was wondering if maybe I could use your phone?

CHRIS
You’ve got to be kidding me.

DARREN
I would’ve asked someone else, but your neighbors weren’t home.

CHRIS
You’re ridiculous.

DARREN
So can I come in? I promise I’m not a rapist or anything like that.

CHRIS
You’re a dork.

DARREN
You know, you’re kinda cute.

CHRIS
(rolls his eyes, decides to play along) Coming on to me already? But we only just met!

DARREN
Sorry, am I coming on too strong? Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Darren Criss. (holds out a hand)

CHRIS
(stares at his hand before taking it) Chris Colfer.

DARREN
Pleasure to have made your acquaintance Mr. Chris Colfer.

CHRIS
You’re an idiot, Darren.

DARREN
So quick to judge. You wound me, kind sir.

CHRIS
Dare, could you cut the crap? I’ve had an exhausting day filming and I really just need to cuddle before I fall asleep.

DARREN
Now who’s coming on a little strong?

(Darren steps closer to Chris, pulling him into a tight hug. He kisses Chris before pulling away)

DARREN
Do you maybe wanna go to dinner or catch a movie sometime?

CHRIS
I don’t know. You’re not really my type.

DARREN
My poor little heart can’t take this rejection.

CHRIS
Well if that’s the way it’s going to be, then pick me up from the set at seven.

(Darren smiles, knowing his plan is working)

. ~ . ~ .

Episode Fourteen: Do Over
Scene 5

(EXT. The set of Chris’s movies. Extras are wandering about, and two makeup artists are fussing over Chris. Suddenly one of the extras, a rather large girl, trips and loses her balance and falls over, knocking into the makeup artist, who knocks Chris over)

ASHLEY
I am so sorry, you guys. I just tripped and I couldn’t help it. I’m sorry.

(Ashley gets to her feet and helps Chris up, pulling him up easily)

CHRIS
You’re strong.

ASHLEY
You’re not very big.

(Chris smiles and brushes off his arms.)

CHRIS
Are you cast or crew?

ASHLEY
I’m just an extra. The name’s Ashley.

CHRIS
I’m Chris.

ASHLEY
Oh I know who you are, and I really am sorry about knocking you over. You’re not hurt, are you?

CHRIS
I don’t think so. No doubt there will be a bruise later though. Just something else for Darren to fuss over.

ASHLEY
Darren?

CHRIS
(hesitantly) My boyfriend.

(To his surprise, Ashley smiles, and he sighs in relief)

ASHLEY
Is he cute?

CHRIS
(smiling) Yeah. You wanna come back to my trailer and get something to drink? I’ve got an hour before they need me again.

ASHLEY
You want to hang out with me? But you’re like the star of the movie.

CHRIS
You seem like a fun person. Come on.

(Ashley follows Chris over to his trailer. He pulls two cans of Diet Coke out of the mini refrigerator and hands her one)

CHRIS
Do you think you could help me with something?

ASHLEY
You barely know me.

CHRIS
You seem likeable. Now answer the question.

ASHLEY
Sure. I guess.

CHRIS
My boyfriend, Darren, has a birthday coming up and he was telling me about how his friends used to always prank him on his birthday, and I want to keep that tradition alive, but I can’t think of anything good.

ASHLEY
Well you can do one big thing, or you can do a bunch of little things.

CHRIS
I don’t want to do something bad that’ll make him mad at me. Or anything that’ll hurt him. Just something funny that’ll make him just a little frustrated.

ASHLEY
I have a few ideas. But I’ll only tell them to you on one condition.

(Chris just looks at her, a little afraid of what she’ll suggest)

ASHLEY
I want to be there when all these pranks take place.

(Chris considers her, then reached out to shake her hand)

CHRIS
Ok. Sounds like a plan.

. ~ . ~ .

Kurt walked into the condo, calling Blaine’s name out to see if he was home. He was met with no reply, and as he walked into the kitchen, he found a note taped to the refrigerator door. Kurt smiled at how clich�d it was. The note simply read:

Kurt, out with Wes and friends. Be home in a few hours. Love you. xoxo Blaine

With a sigh, Kurt set the note on the counter and pulled out a bottle of water from the refrigerator. He was glad Blaine wasn’t there. He’d been hogging the music room lately, and Kurt wanted to try a few things alone.

Taking a deep breath, he headed into the music room, over to the upright piano pressed against the wall. He pushed the bench away and stood in front of the ivory keys. He reflected for a moment how difficult Blaine had been when they moved the piano, adamant about not getting a single scratch on the damn thing.

“Ok, Hummel. You can do this,” he whispered to himself. He rested his finger over a high F, pressing down lightly and listening to the note. The note that at one time, had been well within his range. Now, that note seemed daunting.

He moved down to the next F, pressing it. It seemed far more achievable. But right now it didn’t matter what seemed achievable. He had to see if he could do this. He had to see if he could push this new, almost more masculine voice he’d been given. He had to be sure.

He sat down and rested his hands on the keys, plunking out a few notes until he finally got his fingers to remembered the tune. He played the chorus, humming along, building up to the part he really wanted to sing. Taking a deep breath, he began to sing, feeling his voice straining to reach the higher octave.

“I’d sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye I’m defying gravity
I think I’ll try defying gravity
And you won’t-…”

Kurt’s voice cracked worse than it had when he botched his audition in high school. He cringed and pulled his hands away from the piano. He stood and closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then cleared his throat. He could feel it getting sore already and something deep in his chest ached. Something unrelated to his voice.

Unable to help it, he sat down in the chair on the opposite side of the room of the piano, burying his face in his hands. He’d never have his old voice back, and as much he’d thought he’d accepted it, he just couldn’t hand it. He missed being able to sing like he had in high school and on Broadway.

Before he could do anything to stop it, he was crying. Uncontrollably sobbing into his hands as he wondered just what kind of singing career he could possibly have with this stupid average voice that couldn’t even sing Defying Gravity like it used to.

“Kurt?”

He looked, having not heard Blaine enter. He quickly wiped his eyes.

“Kurt, baby, why are you crying?” Blaine asked, coming over and kneeling in front of him, taking his hands away from his face.

“It’s stupid,” Kurt muttered, trying to avoid looking into Blaine’s kind eyes.

“No, Kurt, it’s never stupid. Now tell me what’s upsetting you,” Blaine urged, bringing Kurt’s hand up to his cheek and cupping it around his cheek.

“It’s my stupid voice,” Kurt said, sniffling unattractively. “I used to sound like fucking Faith Hill and now I can’t even pass for fucking Wynonna Judd.”

“Don’t say things like that,” Blaine said. “Your voice is beautiful.”

“You’re biased,” Kurt insisted.

“So what if I am. You’re obviously good enough that someone wanted to give you a record deal,” Blaine told him.

“Yeah, well, someone wanted to give Justin Bieber a record deal too, so that really isn’t saying much.” Kurt pulled his hand away from Blaine’s face and stood, walking out of the room and leaving his boyfriend sitting on the floor.

Kurt knew Blaine wouldn’t let it go, but he wanted to have the last word this time.

. ~ . ~ .

Episode Fourteen: Do Over
Scene 6

(INT. Chris and Ashley are hiding in the living room when they hear Darren’s alarm clock going off. They look down the hallway, trying not to make noise as the hear Darren come out of the bedroom and go into the bathroom. The way for a moment)

DARREN
Fuck! What the fucking hell?

(Chris and Ashley cover their mouths to stifle their laughter)

DARREN
Chris, I fucking know this was you! I am not cleaning this up!

(Chris makes a face at Ashley, who just winks. In the kitchen, Darren opens the fridge and pulls out a pitcher of what looks like grape Kool-Aid. He shrugs and pours a glass, then puts a bagel in the toaster. He takes one sip of the juice and realizes instantly it’s not Kool-Aid. He runs to the sink and spits it out.)

DARREN
Dammit Christopher Paul Colfer, that was just cruel!

(Chris bites his lip to keep from laughing as Darren turns on the sink, the spray nozzle instantly showering him with water, causing him to jump back and water to get all over the kitchen floor)

DARREN
If you were here, I would fucking kill you!

(The water shuts off and Ashley holds her hand up for a quick high five. Darren cautiously puts cream cheese on the bagel, inspecting everything closely from the knife to the paper plate. Chris and Ashley move to the hallway just before Darren goes to the small dining table. He sits down in his usual spot with his bagel, and a phone begins to ring. Darren looks around everywhere for it, and Chris and Ashley are in the hallway holding Chris’s phone, which is calling Darren’s.)

DARREN
Ok, wise ass, what the fuck did you do with my phone?

(He looks all over the living room, then finally goes back to his chair and realizes it’s taped underneath the chair. He pulls it off and sees Chris is calling. He answers the call.)

DARREN
You are so not getting any tonight, Colfer.

(Chris steps out of the hallway and looks right at Darren, a convincing pout in place.)

CHRIS
Does that mean I can’t give you that extra special present I planned for tonight?

(Darren looks up at him with wide eyes)

DARREN
You are such a bitch! You were here all along!

ASHLEY
(steps out behind Chris) You think we’d miss this?

DARREN
(glaring) I knew she was up to no good! This is the last time I allow you to make new friends, Chris.

CHRIS
Ok you are so not getting your extra special present now.

DARREN
(realizing what extra special present Chris is talking about) Chris, I didn’t mean it. I promise. I love you. These were the best birthday pranks anyone has ever pulled on me!

(Chris and Ashley both laugh, then Chris strides over to the table where Darren is still sitting. He cups Darren’s cheek in his hand and leans down to kiss him quickly)

CHRIS
You’re cute when you want sex.

(He leans down again and kisses Darren deeper, more passionately, then pulls away)

CHRIS
Happy birthday, Dare. I love you.