Thursday, March 31

Rachel decided to celebrate the fact that Thursday was not a school night by inviting Mercedes and Kurt over for a slumber party. After watching American Idol and Rachel's DVD of Rent, the three friends had moved on to a game of "Who Would You Do?" as they finished the last of the pizza.

"Okay ladies, I've got one," Kurt declared. "Ewan McGregor, or Jude Law?"

"Definitely Ewan McGregor," said Rachel. "He was so amazing in Moulin Rouge!"

"I know, right?" Kurt agreed. "Do you cry at the end? I totally cry. Mercedes?"

"Why does it always have to be white guys? All right, Jude Law. But if he messed around on me he'd be sorry. Your turn, Rachel."

Rachel took a moment to swallow a mouthful of pizza and consider her suggestion. "In the spirit of diversity, Taye Diggs or Jesse L. Martin?"

Mercedes snorted. "Too easy! Taye Diggs!"

Kurt nodded. "Taye all the way!"

"The people have spoken! It's unanimous!" cheered Rachel.

Kurt was glad that he and Rachel had become friends. She actually could be a lot of fun, and they had a lot in common…with the exception of her horrific taste in clothing and interior decorating. He couldn't help but wonder how two gay men had managed to raise a daughter with no sense of style whatsoever. He'd finally come to the conclusion that Rachel's condition was a type of disability. She wasn't color blind, she was fashion blind. Since the poor girl couldn't help it, the decent thing to do was keep his comments to himself.

Regardless of the fact that Rachel's room looked like the scene of a tragic accident involving the Good Ship Pepto-Bismol, it was the only place he could have a slumber party with the girls. Kurt figured it was a bad idea to invite Rachel to spend the night in the same house as Finn. There were too many ways that situation could go wrong. Mercedes's parents liked Kurt well enough but were uneasy with the idea of having him share their daughter's bedroom. Rachel's dads were fine with her having both straight girls and gay boys stay overnight.

"Me now, right?" asked Mercedes. "Okay, one for you two nerds, Harry Potter or—"

"Harry Potter," Kurt said.

"You didn't even hear the second guy."

"I don't need to. Harry Potter, Harry Pot-TER! At Hogwarts there is no one hot-TER!"

Mercedes gave him a playful shove. "You are adorkable. Rachel, that's Harry Potter or Draco Malfoy."

"Gotta be Draco."

Kurt made a face. "Ew, why? He's such a creep."

"I could change him!" Rachel sighed. "Besides, he's loaded."

"So's Harry."

"He doesn't have a family estate," countered Rachel. "I could be mistress of Malfoy Manor!"

"Don't make me regret bringing it up, you two. Is the popcorn gone?"

"No, there's still plenty." Kurt passed the bowl to Mercedes. "What should we do now?"

"It's almost midnight."

"Pajama time!" squealed Rachel. "I want to show you guys my new nightie." She jumped off the bed and walked over to her dresser. "The bathroom's all your, Kurt."

Kurt got his pajamas from his overnight bag and went to change in Rachel's bathroom. Mercedes pulled on her red sleepsuit, and Rachel slipped into her new pink floral print nightgown. By the time they finished changing Kurt still had not returned.

"Kurt? Are you okay?" Mercedes called.

"I'm fine!" Kurt called back. "Just making sure I look my best for you ladies, ha ha!" A moment later he reappeared in Rachel's room, wearing his blue pajamas…and his blue and white striped scarf.

The two girls exchanged a look. Finally Rachel said "I hate to question your fashion choices, but I don't think it's a good idea to be wearing a scarf to bed."

"I don't think it's a good idea for a short girl to be wearing a maxi length nightgown," Kurt retorted. He instantly felt bad. "No, I'm sorry, that was mean. It's very pretty, and maxi skirts are in. Something above the knee would make you look taller, though."

"Kurt, I'm sure Blaine didn't expect you to wear that 24/7," Mercedes said. "You're lucky you haven't strangled yourself in your sleep!"

"I'm not stupid, Mercedes. I'm going to take it off when I'm ready to go to sleep. But we're not going to sleep yet, right? This party's just getting started!" He joined the two girls on the bed. "Hey Rachel, what's your favorite Barbra Streisand movie? Most people would say Funny Girl, but I think a strong case could be made for—"

Mercedes was not fooled. "Why do you keep trying to change the subject?"

"As much as I enjoy discussing the filmography of Ms. Barbra Streisand, it can wait," Rachel agreed. "Is something wrong?"

"No, no, nothing's wrong," Kurt said. "I just thought it would be fun to try something a little different. You know, liven up the ol' PJs with a fun accessory!"

"Kurt, stop playing around," said Mercedes.

There was no use trying to hide it anymore. He wasn't sure he even wanted to.

As Kurt untied his scarf, he heard bells ringing in the distance. It was midnight.