Don't think about it, don't think about it, don't think about it...Instead, I tried to focus on the huge stack of numbers sitting on my vanity. That flirting-to-get-discounts trip had surely paid off. Of course, Santana was still too scared to go all the way and spent her time flirting with the male clerks, however she'd suggested I go for both, which seemed to work quite nicely. Despite what she's always coming off as, she can be a real good friend. She's funny, bubbly, strong, and we have oodles in common. Maybe that's what Brittany sees in her. It must be.

I began whistling absentmindedly, having been put in a much better mood. Pavarotti soon began chirping along, and I smiled, whistling a response. This didn't go on as long as it usually did, because suddenly he stopped chirping. "Pavarotti...?" I said, turning to see him lying dead on the floor of his cage.

Even though I was mourning, I still took the time to admire my fabulous black outfit I'd assembled. I sighed dejectedly. I'm going to be honest - I wasn't that upset about Pavarotti's...passing. He was a great friend of mine and had a gorgeous singing voice, but he was a bird after all and recently I've come to find humans are far better companions.

Let me get this straight. Your bird died. - Santana

Not my bird. The Warblers' bird. I was just taking care of it. Warbler tradition. - Kurt

Then why are you going to school in a black outfit? - Santana

It's considered respectful to mourn the dead. - Kurt

Please, Dear Lord, tell me you aren't going to wear that all year. - Santana

What? No. Where did you get that? - Kurt

Women did that in the 1800s. I saw it in Gone With The Wind. -Santana

Well, I'm not a woman and this isn't the 1800s. It's just for one day. Besides, if I play my cards right I might get a solo out of this. - Kurt

Good luck, Porcelain. - Santana

I smiled. Despite the fact it had been given to me by Coach Sylvester, I found myself rather liking the nickname. I thought of it as somewhat of a compliment.

I knew I might be being a bit manipulative, but I was upset, and I'd never gotten the chance to sing "Blackbird." I just hoped I'd be able to keep myself together.

I pulled into the Dalton parking lot and put on my best depressed face. It wasn't hard; I just had to remember my last days at McKinley. I sulked through the halls, making sure to ignore anyone who waved or smiled at me. As I approached the commons I heard an argument erupting and had to stop myself from smiling when I heard "kangaroo court." Instead, I used both arms to shove the doors open and entered dejectedly.

After a bit of discussion, I was allowed to sing. The tape began and I held back a sniff. I tried to clear my mind of any and all things family-related or happy or good and instead thought of Night on Bald Mountain. I saw Blaine in the corner of my eye begin to hum along and almost smiled through my now-flowing tears.

It wasn't about the bird. The song...my mother used to sing it every night I had nightmares. It wasn't often, but occasionally I'd have them. Mostly about childish things, like the trees in Snow White or the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz. She'd always come in and sing Blackbird to me until I fell back asleep. Something about that song just soothed me in a way nothing else would. Maybe it was the melody. Maybe it was her voice. Maybe it was both. I'm not sure.

As the song came to an end, I looked around the room and noticed, again, Blaine, staring at me with a new softness I hadn't seen before. Probably sympathy.

"Thank you," I choked out, trying not to meet his gaze.

How'd it go? - Santana

Fine. I got to sing. - Kurt

Any action? - Santana

I don't think anyone would put the moves on me while I was mourning. Isn't that morally unethical? - Kurt

Never stopped me. - Santana

Does Blaine not being able to keep his eyes off me count? - Kurt

OK. WHAT. - Santana

DETAILS! - Santana

NOW! - Santana

There are no details! He was just staring at me. That's all. - Kurt

You're so going to get some. - Santana

Oh, please. - Kurt

I walked into the commons, now clad once again in my uniform for rehearsal, putting my phone away. I sat down on the edge of the couch and rested my head on my fist, sighing. Blaine came in almost immediately after me. "Hey," he said quietly, resting a hand on my shoulder. "You alright?" There was that softness again. I'd seen something like it in his eyes before, but never that prominently.

"Fine, thanks," I replied softly, the intensity of his gaze slightly throwing me off.

"I now call this meeting to order." I began to drift away into my own world, Blaine's hazel eyes staring directly into mine still fresh in my memory.

"...into a duet." Wait, what? The room erupted and I sat up straighter, paying attention once more.

I told you! HA! - Santana

Just because he wants to sing with me doesn't mean he likes me. - Kurt

Oh, PLEASE. You have to sing a duet with someone right before you get together. It's like a show choir rite of passage. - Santana

Don't be ridiculous. Our voices blend well, okay? - Kurt

There's another sign you two were made for each other! I'm telling you, it's about to go down. - Santana

You're crazy. - Kurt

Keep me posted. ;) - Santana

I giggled before taking a seat and laying down my arts and crafts materials on the table and beginning my work, starting with bedazzlement.

It wasn't soon before I heard the door creak open. "What'cha doing?"

Yeah. I know. No hate, please! Klaine is coming, don't you worry.

Until next time!

PS - Tumblr is now allyouneedislessthanthree. :)