"Okay, got any brilliant ideas that will blow those disgusting knee-high socks off of Miss Berry in there?" Kurt asked, making his way to the choir room chairs with a little happy bounce in his step. "Because she cannot win again, her ego may just inflate to a size big enough to endanger those nearby...poor Blaine."
As Kurt plopped himself down on the nearest plastic chair, he noticed that Rory was still lingering by the piano, looking slightly downcast, and gave him a confused look before beckoning him to take a seat. He didn't move.
"Kurt, I am so sorry!" Rory sniffled and took a deep breath "I didn't mean to get you in trouble with Blaine again last night, I was just really enjoying myself, and I just got comfortable. I didn't even think about what I was doing until I saw how angry Blaine got when he came in. Maybe we should ask Mr Shu to change our partners, I mean, we won't be on stage much together anyway. I see how happy you and Blaine are, he only ever seems to get mad when I'm there, and I don't want to mess things up between you two."
Rory, a little pink in the face and short of breath after his speech, leaned back against the piano looking even more down than before.
Kurt sat staring for a while, letting his words sink in, before he smiled lightly and walked over to Rory, stopping right in front of him.
"You, my little Leprechaun, are a complete fool." Kurt announced, giving Rory a flick to the forehead, and a very smug look. "You haven't done anything wrong, and Blaine is not mad at me. In fact, he only just got done apologising to me after you left last night. Also, we are not changing partners, no way!"
Rory looked confused for a moment, twiddling with his fingers and thumbs. Kurt grabbed the others hands, and flung them out dramatically to the sides, still holding on, so they both had their interlocked arms spread wide.
"This is the best chance I'll ever have of beating her, you know we would both sing beautifully together, our voices just complement each other so well."
"And it doesn't bother you?" Rory asked, voice wavering with nerves "How I act around you?"
Kurt laughed deeply, easily bringing a smile to the other boys face, and then released the boy's hands.
"Of course not. I got a little confused at first, but Finn helped me sort everything out in my head. He said we could both use a good friend, and it just takes time to adjust to one another's quirks. I don't care if you're a little touchy feely, have you met Mercedes, that girl isn't happy unless I'm there on her arm, I'm used to affectionate friends. Finn says I attract them. So stop being all weird and nervous and let's get back to normal and pick a winning song!" Kurt announced excitedly, a competitive gleam in his eyes.
Rory just stood still, beaming from ear to ear, before practically leaping at Kurt, throwing his arms round his shoulders and squeezing him tight. Kurt quickly returned the hug, wrapping his arms tightly around his friend, resting his head on the others shoulder. He started humming contentedly when Rory started toying with the ends of his hair, nuzzling into him slightly.
"You're amazing Kurt." Came a thickly accented whisper, making Kurt feel warm all over.
Both boys pulled back slightly, although Rory was hesitant.
"Guess we should get to..." Kurt was rudely cut off by the loud bell signalling the end of lunch. Looking a little startled by the interruption, he continued with: "Or not. Maybe class instead."
Both boys turned, with one of Rory's arms still over Kurt's shoulder, and headed together to class, neither one noticing the dark haired, immaculately gelled boy behind them in the corridor, stock still and seething by the choir room door.