A/N: Thank you for the reviews and positive responses to this story. I know the slice of life rewrites of the show are not always the more popular stories but this story was one of the ones I was most excited during the writing so your reviews and follows make me happy other people receive enjoyment from the story :-)


"Look there he goes the boy that's strange but special, a most peculiar monsieur," Blaine sang following Kurt into the choir room, "he really is a funny boy a beautiful but funny boy, that's my Belle," he finished kissing Kurt on the cheek as they sat down.

Santana looked at Blaine as if he had gone around the bend and Quinn was smiling looking amused while at the same time thoroughly confused.

"I love that movie," Brittany said, "Lord Tubbington yowls whenever Gaston comes on screen."

Kurt smiled at Brittany, he really loved that girl, before looking at his boyfriend. "Blaine."

"Yes Belle," the curly haired boy said pleasantly.

"Oh that is really gonna stick now isn't it?" Kurt asked amused.

"Well I was already calling you beautiful so now I'm just saying it in your favorite language, apparently it's always been my name for you," Blaine said with a cheesy grin.

"It's a long story," Kurt said as Santana and Quinn looked at him expectantly while Brittany just laid her head on his shoulder.

"I like stories," Brittany said softly.

"Yeah I love stories Porcelain," Santana grinned wanting the scoop.

"Later," Kurt said as more people filed into the choir room. The three girls seemed appeased for the moment and it was the best Kurt knew he was going to get.

"Okay everyone Regionals was absolutely amazing and the judges really love the all we gave and so for Nationals we have to give that same enthusiasm," Mr. Schue said walking into the room. "Now I know that not having Rachel is going to change things a bit," he said ignoring Santana's now common place scoff that she gave whenever the girl's name was mentioned, "but I think we can take first place, we have a lot of talent in this room and I'm going to utilize it like I always should have."

Quinn, Santana and Kurt looked at one another in surprise for a moment before the same look of understanding stole over all their faces and altogether they said, "Ms. Pillsbury."

The next hour was spent with Scheuster laying out the set list along with who was going to be singing what and who was going to be highlighted and where. It took Kurt and everyone by surprise that Schuester was giving him another solo and this time the man was planning on fully utilizing Kurt's lower register. Considering the man had never thought to utilize Kurt at all before the fact that he was essentially taking full advantage of Kurt's impressive range between the competitions this year was astounding.

"I'm gonna be so hard I fucking love your lower register," Blaine whispered in Kurt's ear while he saw Santana giving him a knowing look like she could hear what was being said despite being across the room.

"Glad to see Schuester finally mixing it up a bit," Puck said as the meeting ended pretty happy with the songs and vocalizing selections, "can't wait to hear you do that solo Kurt never thought Schue would put some rock up in this place."

"Only took the man three years to see he had other people besides Frankenteen and the evil dwarf in this room, better late than never I guess," Santana scoffed.

"You girls are going to kill that closing number," Artie said wheeling along.

"Damn straight white boy," Mercedes said glad to see that she wasn't being toted out to belt out the last note as in previous years.

"I can't wait to go to New York," Kurt sighed dreamily making everyone smile at him, of course that was what had his attention above all else.

"Hey babe let's go to the park," Blaine said pulling on Kurt's hand making the brunette laugh.


"So you both played together here?" Quinn asked sitting on the wooden edge of the sandbox.

"Yep," Kurt said smiling feeling the memory wash over him. He couldn't remember it himself but having been told about it a couple times he felt like pieces were there. "Guess my first kiss really came from you," Kurt said looking into the gorgeous hazel eyes next to him.

"They're all gonna come from me from now on," Blaine said leaning in to kiss the brunette.

"Awwwww," Quinn said smiling eyes just a bit wet.

"I'm gonna be sick," Santana said disgusted earning a look from Kurt and Quinn while Blaine laughed.

"I like the swings," Brittany said, "come to the swings dolphin," she said pulling Kurt up to join her. The brunette laughed but happily went with her.

"You're one lucky little shit," Santana said looking to Blaine after watching Kurt and Brittany for a bit.

"I know," Blaine said watching his boyfriend play on the swings with the blonde.

Santana smirked watching Blaine watch Kurt while plopping down next to him. "You tapped that yet?" she asked

Quinn shook her head laughing.

"None of your business," Blaine said nonchalantly.

"That's a no," Santana said assuredly.

"Well they say that New York is a city where dreams come true," Quinn said teasingly.

"You girls are way too interested in mine and Kurt's sex life you know that right," Blaine laughed.

"Just who do you think slipped your Belle," Santana said emphasizing the name, "a couple pointers about how to give his Beast an awesome blow job," she said grinning like mad.

Blaine turned wide eyes on the Latina as she grinned at him. "Ha I'm right he did finally take that jump," Santana said smacking her hand against her thigh as her suspicions were confirmed.

"Should have seen that play Blaine, too late now you already essentially told her," Quinn said shrugging.

Blaine groaned then shook his head, "I truly don't know why I'm surprised at this point."

"Surprised about what?" Kurt asked walking back over with Britt.

"Nothing Belle, you hungry sweetie?" Blaine asked before Santana could open her mouth and embarrass the hell out of his wonderful boyfriend.

Kurt grinned shaking his head, that nickname was really gonna stick, "starved," he said happily.

"I'm hungry to Tana," Brittany said hugging on Kurt's side smiling over at the Latina.

"Well guess your treating us all to dinner at Stix's," Santana said popping up, "you can consider it a your welcome," she said winking at the curly haired boy.

Kurt shook his head at the normal Santana behavior though what Blaine had to thank her for he wasn't sure. Quinn shook her head as if reading the question on his mind and so he decided to let it go, if Quinn suggested letting it go, knowing how well she knew him and Santana, he figured to let it go.

"Alright," Blaine said, "but I'm not ferrying your ass there," he said to the Latina.

"Yeah, yeah," she said waving him off, "I'll drive myself, Britts and Quinn."

"Tana I wanna ride with my dolphin," Brittany said laying her head on Kurt's shoulder not making a move to leave his side.

"Burn," Kurt said laughing at the look on Santana's face.

"Porcelain you trying to steal my woman," Santana glared.

"Silly Tana Belle is a dolphin and a boy," Brittany laughed at the girl.

Everyone paused for a moment, looking at the girl each with their own look, as the girl spoke.

"Oh not you to Britts," Kurt said resigned.

"What is it dolphin?" Brittany asked concerned worried blue eyes meeting acquiescing blue-green ones.

"Nothing Britts it's all good," Kurt said laughing hugging the girl

"Oh let's just go eat," Santana said grabbing Quinn.

"Those words of wisdom are so coming to bite you in the ass aren't they," Quinn said looking at Santana amused, "a little karma hmm."

Santana shrugged at the blonde before turning and pointing at Blaine, "be careful with my girl and Porcelain," she said before pulling Quinn and walking off with the laughing girl.


The weeks leading up to Nationals were chaotic with the Cheerios practicing non-stop for their own Nationals coming up as well as the Glee club running everyone off their feet arranging the choreography for the Nationals set list. On top of this the seniors in advance placement classes were studying like made in preparation for the advance placement exams right around the corner. Needless to say Kurt felt like he was going to die before all of this was accomplished and he was seriously re-thinking his father's concerns from the beginning of the year though it was far too late now to turn back. Kurt felt like he would have been fine if everything important was't happening in such close proximity to one another.

"Son," Burt said walking into Kurt's room where the boy had collapsed in sheer exhaustion.

"I'm fine dad," Kurt mumbled out. His dad was so busy already with congressional sessions the last thing Kurt wanted was for his father to worry about him and over-stress himself and have another heart attack occur.

"You don't look fine Kurt," Burt said sitting down on the bed, "your exhausted kiddo and your barely eating I don't like this," the man said rubbing his son's back in a relaxing manner.

"Everything is just really close together right now," Kurt said appreciating the fatherly comfort being offered. "Between the AP exams and preparation for Nationals for both glee and the Cheerios it's just a lot right now," the boy conceded.

"This was why I was worried about you taking all of this on son," Burt sighed.

"I know dad but honestly I've been fine and it just a lot happening at once right now once it's all said and done I can relax and take it easy and be better off for it," Kurt said rationally trying to assuage his father's worries. "Please don't stress over me," Kurt said sitting up looking at his father beseechingly, "I really will be fine and I don't want you stressing and putting unnecessary strain on your heart things are tense enough right now with your congressional sessions."

Burt shook his head, "I'm the parent here Kurt and I'll worry about you if I want to," the man said.

Kurt sighed, "I really will be fine, I promise."

"Just please take it easy and rest," Burt said pulling Kurt in for a hug.

"Promise," Kurt said softly smiling.

Despite Kurt's promise he still was going full out for the next few weeks. Mr. Schue gave the Cheerios in glee a week off glee to focus on their training since their Nationals was coming up first. So for that week from 3pm till 7pm the Cheerios were training and rehearsing and cheering till they passed out on the green. When Kurt dragged himself home he was studying for his AP exams crawling in the shower by 10pm or 11pm most nights and skipping his nightly facial routine from sheer exhaustion passing out only to start the process over the next day. Most days' food was eaten while studying or doing some other task and Kurt was sure if nothing else he was probably going to lose some weight. Finally Nationals came for the Cheerio's and their routine.

"Porcelain," Sue said pulling the boy over to converse with privately.

"You know I'm actually thankful not to be Captain this year," Quinn said stretching with the team but speaking to Santana.

"I know it's hard to be Captain and be our best flyer," Santana said a rare moment of empathy.

"I don't like how light he's gotten," Quinn whispered to the girl who nodded her head.

It was rare for a boy to be a flyer to begin with but Kurt was shockingly good at it and actually weighed little enough for it which was rare for a boy. His base was an exceptionally strong and muscled young man so he handled Kurt's weight easily. The height he sometimes gave the boy in the air made people gasp but he always caught Kurt. There was a necessary trust between flyers and their bases and every Cheerio flyer could honestly say they trusted their base completely.

"Derek told me he can feel Kurt's gotten lighter than normal lately and he wanted me to know," Santana said glancing to the boy in question, "and I know he's been skipping lunch these last few weeks to study and work on school work because glee and cheerleading has had him so busy after school."

They had both seen how frantic Kurt had been going with everything on his shoulders right now and we're both rightfully worried.

Kurt ran back over to the team after finishing his talk with Coach Sue and gathered everyone round for their talk before the performance.

"Okay guys and ladies," Kurt said smiling to his squad all of whom smiled back. Of all Captains the Cheerios had had at least in the last four years Kurt was the most well-liked and respected. "We've all trained hard and we've got this I want everyone to go out there and do their best remember stay in bound and stick it," he said seriously nodding and everyone nodded back. "Let's have fun with this we're ready," Kurt said smiling and with that the squad headed out.

The amount of noise that erupted was insane but McKinley was a highly respected squad and favorites for the win as they won nearly every year. Everyone got ready and got into place.

The music started and the routine was off. It started off with the members on each end of the carpet tumbling to the other side guys did a neat round off, back handspring, back tuck and the ladies did a neat front-tuck round off, back handspring-layout twist and then it went straight into the team's first stunt. Five bases stood in a diagonal pattern bringing up their designated flyer once situated each flyer was turned in a circle stunt before flipping and being brought down. From there in another diagonal pattern three flyers were tossed in perfect synced basket tosses. From here several more complicated stunts were performed each one done perfectly with no faults. Then came the cheering with the flyer stunt work before the second part of the complicated stunt work came during which the more complicated stunts took place. Kurt was largely featured in these and he did his job perfectly looking nothing less than the perfect captain and flyer. By the end of the 3 minute routine the stadium was going wild with flashes everywhere as people took pictures and videos of the awesome choreography. The team was high on adrenaline and pure happiness as they ran off stage and into the back high-fiving and hugging and congratulating each other on a job well done. Kurt looked over at Coach Sylvester and she wore a rare genuine small smile on her face. She gave him thumbs up and he took it before turning back to his squad that was pulling him in for congratulations on a job well done. That night the McKinley Cheerios returned to Lima as National Champions once again.

Nationals for glee were up next and with the upcoming trip everyone was in full prep mode and that was when it happened. It was bound to happen eventually with the constant exhaustion and lack of proper eating. A couple of people namely Blaine, Santana, and Quinn had noticed Kurt going at an unhealthy pace the last few weeks but no was around him 24/7 to know just how bad his frantic pace was. It caught up with him on a Friday during glee rehearsal. Weeks of not eating right, not sleeping right, and too much on the move finally took its toll and while the group was rehearsing the closing number to their Nationals set list Kurt start feeling dizzy. He shook it off at first though the people around him noticed his momentary lapse. A few seconds later though Kurt felt the dizziness come back full force and before he knew what was going on the world just went tipsy and then it was just black. As soon as Kurt went down the music stopped and everyone rushed to him.

"Everyone back up," Santana said pushing people back as Blaine cradled Kurt's head in his lap.

"Kurt," Blaine said worried when Kurt wouldn't respond to a light shaking and his name being called.

"Finn go get the nurse," Mr. Schue said sending the boy off quickly.

At the same time Brittany had fled the room to get Coach Sylvester. Every Cheerio knew where the Captain was concerned, particularly Kurt, she was to be notified immediately if something was wrong.

Coach Sylvester got to the room with Brittany in tow a few seconds before the nurse. Schue looked confused at Sue's arrival but said nothing just stepped aside as the nurse came over.

"He just fainted," Blaine said to the nurse kneeling next to him looking over Kurt and feeling his wrist for his pulse. "He isn't responding to command or stimuli," Blaine said softly smoothing Kurt's hair from his face, "he's only been out for about a minute and thirty seconds."

The nurse nodded surprised at the exceptionally valid information the student gave her. "Has he eaten today?" she asked softly taking his blood pressure. Everyone stated they hadn't seen him do so personally and Santana stated he'd been skipping lunch lately to study. She shook her head pulling out a small pouch ripping it open and placing something in Kurt's mouth.

"Every year I swear these honor students do not know when to let up," she said softly monitoring his pulse as whatever she gave Kurt dissolved in his mouth. A short time later blue-green eyes blinked open and Blaine practically vibrated relief that at least he was conscious.

"Mr. Hummel," the nurse said pulling his focus, "how many fingers am I holding up," she asked and it took a second but he answered correctly. He tried to move and she stopped him, "no don't move just yet." She looked up at the two faculty members present. "He was out for over two minutes so its required he go to the hospital to be checked up so please call to have an ambulance sent, it may seem unnecessary but its protocol," she said at Schue's shocked face but Sue was already pulling her cell out and making the call.

Kurt felt disoriented but he could feel someone petting his hair and while normally he would thrash anyone for messing with his hair at the moment the gesture felt comforting so he let it go. Everything felt weird like it was all far away but that didn't make sense, oh someone was talking he should pay attention.

"Kurt sweetie, look here," the nurse said she didn't like how the boy was losing such focus. "Is that ambulance almost here?" she asked Coach Sylvester and the woman nodded affirmatively her lips in a thin line as she looked at her head Cheerio lying on the floor. "Someone needs to notify his father," the nurse said softly.

"I can," Finn said shakily worried out of his mind about his little brother. He should have thought to call Burt before now. He quickly pulled his cell out dialing the number. It was Friday so Burt was already back in town, he was usually back Thursday nights these days so Finn knew he'd be home.

"Hello," came Burt's voice from the phone.

"Burt its Finn, Kurt and I were in glee and we were rehearsing and he just passed out," Finn said quickly.

"What?!" Burt shouted on the other end and Finn could hear movement. "Is my son alright?" the man asked the fear in his voice evident.

At that moment EMT's came in and the nurse was explaining what happened and what she had done and giving the stats and vitals she had. Kurt was being loaded on gurney and Finn moved forward while still talking.

"He seems okay but he's being taken to the hospital," Finn looked at the EMT, "I'm his brother I'm coming I got his dad on the phone which hospital are we going to?" the boy asked.

"Lima Memorial Hospital," the EMT said, "it's the closest."

"Finn I'll meet you there," Blaine said he wanted to go in the ambulance but knew it was best if Finn went and there would only be so much room.

Finn shook his head and followed the EMT's. "Burt their taking him to Lima Memorial," Finn said.

"I'll be there," the man said disconnecting the call.

Everyone watched as Kurt was loaded into the ambulance with an oxygen mask in place and looking for the entire world completely out of it and just hoped he would be okay.

Blaine hopped in his car and followed the ambulance to the hospital parking quickly and running inside. Finn was already sitting in the waiting room seats and he joined him. They both saw Burt Hummel walk to them not 5 minute later.

"Where is he?" Burt asked face ashen.

"They took him back, the doc's are with him," Finn said worry clear on his face.

"What happened?" Burt asked looking at both boys.

"We were rehearsing our closing number for Nationals and he had a momentary lapse then suddenly went down," Blaine said calmly but the concern was all over his face. "He was out for over two minutes so it was required that he come to the hospital to be checked out for problems," the boy explained, "he did come to in the choir room and he was able to answer questions and be logical but he was also clearly out of it."

Burt nodded and looked up at the doors.

"Burt," came a familiar voice.

Burt looked over and saw his wife.

"What is going on?" she asked walking over when she saw her husband and son and Kurt's boyfriend. "Where's Kurt?" she asked suddenly noticing who was missing and suddenly afraid of why they were all here.

"He passed out in glee club and was brought here," Burt said looking at Carole worried out of his mind.

"Let me find out what's going on," the woman said immediately rushing off.

"We should have seen something was up with him," Blaine said bringing Burt's attention back to him. "He's been going non-stop lately trying to prepare for cheerleading Nationals and Nationals in New York for glee and those AP exams, he hasn't been eating regularly, he's been tired and we should have noticed something was off, I should have noticed," the boy said angry with himself and everyone that someone didn't see the signs, that he didn't see the signs, that it was bad before it got to this.

"Don't do that Blaine," Burt said and hazel eyes snapped to the man. "Don't blame yourself I know my son and Kurt is stubborn like me and he does what he believes he needs to and no one can convince that boy otherwise he's got too much of his old man in him sometimes," Burt said grimacing, "and too much of his mom to let anyone worry over him." Burt shook his head, "he's too good at hiding things is the problem."

Blaine wished he could let Burt's words absolve him of his guilt but he still felt like he should have seen the signs. Before he could dwell too deeply Carole appeared with a doctor beside her in rapid discussion that ceased when they reached the chairs.

"Mr. Hummel my name is Dr. Bennett," said the doctor who came out with Carole.

Doctor Bennett was a tall beautiful woman with skin in a paler tone with medium neutral brown hair and glasz eyes similar to a certain young man they knew. Their resemblance was startling and Burt and Blaine both saw it. Particularly the doctor's eyes which were that mix of blue and greens and greys that was so unique and hard to miss and the doctor's eyes had a light behind them that seemed to shine through her eyes only highlighting the unusual color. If it weren't for the thinner lips and narrower nose the woman would have made Burt think Elizabeth had come back from beyond to care for her son. As it was the similarities the woman did have were unnerving.

While shaken by the similarities this woman held to the two people Burt held dearest in his heart his concern for one of those people overrode that for now. "Yes Dr. Bennett how is my son?" Burt asked worry etched in his face.

"Kurt is suffering from severe adrenal fatigue that seems to have been brought on by too much stress, not enough rest, and not nearly enough caloric intake in recent weeks," the young doctor said calmly and rationally. It reminded Burt of the tone Kurt used when he was trying to rationalize with him. "Your son is exhibiting quite a few symptoms of this diagnosis including fatigue, low blood pressure, a sensitivity to cold, anxiety, brain fog, and a loss of appetite which is only further exacerbating his low caloric intake," the doctor said in that same calm voice. "Kurt assures me that his eating patterns have only changed in the last week otherwise I would be tempted to say that he is exhibiting symptoms of anorexia," she said sternly tilting her head to Carole, "your wife has confirmed that it does appear to be only recently in the past few weeks that your son's eating patterns have changed so I ruled out that diagnosis."

Burt was growing more and more worried as he found out what was wrong with his son instead of less worried at being aware of what was going on. "He's had a lot going on with school with exams and competition preparations," Burt said shaking his head, "I knew he was doing too much I tried to get him to slow down but that boy doesn't know when to stop."

"He's stopping now Mr. Hummel," Dr. Bennett said in a clear concise manner. "I'm keeping young Mr. Hummel here overnight to intravenously get some nutrients into his body that it needs and is severely lacking this will help to get his body on the road to recovery," she said looking at Kurt's chart, "I'm currently running some blood work to ensure that there are no other background conditions that he may be suffering from that could have contributed to his recent state of unconsciousness."

Burt nodded and actually felt himself calming. Between the doctor's clear concise manner and her absoluteness in all she was saying he felt his worries easing. Somehow her rational tone seemed to help stabilize his racing heart. He was thankful for that and her efforts. "Thank you doctor," Burt said reaching out and shaking her hand, "can I see him?"

"Yes, he's awake and stable and more alert now so I'm comfortable allowing him visitors," she said nodding an affirmative, "no one under 18 is to be permitted to visit without an adult present and even with you present I would like the visit to be brief with his brother and boyfriend," she said her tone not deviating in the least, "he needs his rest and their presence will not facilitate that therefore I'm limiting the time they may visit to 1 hour upon which they must leave," she said looking at each of the young men sternly leaving both Finn and Blaine with the impression if they stayed one second over that 1 hour limit she would know and toss them bodily from the room. They both nodded. She nodded briefly at their nods of acceptance turning back to Burt, "you can stay until visiting hours are over Mr. Hummel and then I must insist you go home and rest as Carole has made me aware of your own heart condition which while a hospital would be an optimal place to care for you should you have an episode I would like to avoid such circumstances altogether," she said rationally.

Burt was a bit taken aback but found he rather liked this woman and her rational and firm manner. The honesty the doctor exhibited was refreshing and he nodded in agreement to her words which she also gave a small nod of approval to once receiving.

"I will be checking up on Kurt periodically," she said addressing both Burt and Carole, "and as Mrs. Hudson-Hummel has the night shift this evening she can check on Kurt periodically as well and I will inform you at once of the results of his blood work once I have had a chance to review them and come to you with a definitive answer," she said smiling briefly, "Carole will guide you to Kurt's room," she said before heading off.

Burt watched Dr. Bennett walk off and smiled to his wife, "she's something else," he said slightly amused.

"You have no idea," Carole grinned, "she is absolutely brilliant though and you couldn't have a better doctor to be charged with Kurt's care, I'm actually glad she happened to be on shift when he was brought in."

Burt shook his head. "Well take us to my reckless son," he said starting then stopping when Carole stopped them all.

"I know that your all worried about Kurt and upset that he hasn't taken better care of himself," Carole said looking at the three men present, "but he knows that he needs to be more careful from here on out and he is in the hospital where he should be resting and after Elizabeth and you Burt you know how Kurt hates hospitals he's stressed right now so you all need to be calm and supportive when you see him or you'll just upset him unintentionally and stress him further and that won't help his current state and will not be conducive to the rest Dr. Bennett has ordered," Carole stressed the nurse in her taking over and the motherly concern behind it obvious. "No yelling at him no reprimanding him just love and support right now," she said firmly and both young men nodded and Burt smiled at his wife, he really loved her and how much she loved his son, he nodded as well at her look.

She smiled at them all and led them quickly and quietly to the boy they were all desperate to see with their own eyes to assure that he was in fact okay.

Kurt barely registered the ride to the hospital. Everything kept going in and out of focus and he felt like he was constantly missing things and losing time. He didn't really become aware of his surroundings and start normally registering things again until Dr. Bennett was questioning him. He felt a sharp prick which was apparently an IV being set up and once they started a drip of something going into him he felt more and more awareness coming through till he was answering the doctor's questions steadily and with much more coherency.

He'd been horrified when he realized the doctor thought he might be anorexic and purposefully starving himself. He hadn't been eating much lately but it hadn't been on purpose he was just so busy studying and practicing and preparing that food kind of slipped his mind now and again. He was incredibly grateful when Carole appeared and backed up him up that he wasn't intentionally starving himself. Though the look she gave him didn't make him feel much better than if he had been frankly. When the doctor did finally diagnose him it didn't sound much better and he knew his dad was going to freak not to mention how Blaine and Finn must be feeling having seen him pass out in the choir room.

When he had been left alone briefly for the nurses to check his vitals again to make sure they were steadily rising and get him changed into a hospital gown he took the opportunity to simply feel miserable before his family no doubt came in to yell at him. He wasn't keen on the idea that he had to stay here overnight but he realized he'd done it to himself ultimately and that just made him feel worse. When his dad finally did come in the room all it took was three seconds of seeing the worry all over his face and realizing how it must look to his father to see his child in a hospital bed hooked up to machines and an IV especially after his mother. A couple tears leaked out and when Blaine appeared followed by Finn behind his dad and he saw the same worry all over them the dam broke and Kurt brought his hands up sobbing and apologizing profusely.

Upon entering the hospital room Burt had been struck with horror. Seeing Kurt in that hospital bed looking so small and frail hooked up to an IV with a blood pressure cuff on and finger pulse monitor, the scene reminded him of when Lizzie was sick and in the hospital. All he could think of was how had they, how bad he, let things come to this. When Kurt started crying he felt his body jump-started and rushed over to his son carefully pulling him into a hug.

"It's alright buddy," Burt said into the soft brown hair, "you're gonna be alright, I'm not mad," the man said thinking on what Carole had said and he knew his son he knew Kurt would feel guilty. He was his mother's son through and through.

Kurt latched onto his father his hands grasping the soft cotton of the shirt he wore as his tears soaked the man's shirt. He felt his dad kiss his head like he did when he was sad when he was little and he sunk further into the man. He let the words seep through and tried to find comfort but all he could think was how he had worried this man he loved whom he never wanted to worry. He felt a hand on his leg and watery blues looked to the side to see Blaine looking at him with so much love and concern and he just felt guiltier for worrying his boyfriend who had his own worries right now.

"It's okay beautiful," Blaine said softly when he saw Kurt glance to him. Burt looked to him as well and he tried his best to smile assuredly thought he wasn't sure how well he pulled it off.

"Don't you worry kiddo we're gonna get through this," Burt said rubbing Kurt's back disturbed at how easy he felt bone, "we're gonna get you better and we're all gonna do better okay."

Kurt nodded miserably against his father and after a few more minutes of crying the boy managed to get himself under some semblance of control. Finally the tears stopped and Kurt's eyes were left red and puffy his face blotchy from the crying and hiding against his father.

"I'm sorry," the brunette said miserably plucking at the hospital blanket unable to meet anyone's eyes. "I really didn't mean for this to happen, I thought I was fine, I was just trying to make it through everything and do my best," he said sadly.

Blaine grimaced and Burt sighed.

"Kiddo I told you that you need to learn to stop and rest," Burt said with fatherly concern no anger or reprimand in his voice, "you need to learn to take it easy once in a while and not take so much pressure on," Burt said rubbing Kurt's arm. "You're going to be going off to college soon and you're gonna have to manage your time and health better," the man said softly.

"Your dad is right beautiful," Blaine said laying a kiss on Kurt's temple. "You've been running frantic these last few weeks and not eating or sleeping properly and you know it, you can't do that babe," he told his boyfriend grabbing the hand to keep it from picking at the blanket. "You have to take care of yourself," the boy said squeezing the pale hand.

"Kurt knows better now and like Burt said we'll all do better here on out right," Carole said jumping in smiling when she saw Kurt start to pull in.

The brunette shook his head and everyone agreed.

"I'm sure the doctor told you that you're gonna have to stay here tonight while they help get you better but from the sounds of it you can come home tomorrow," Burt said trying to make the situation sound better. "Once you get home you'll rest and relax and start fresh on Monday," the man said pulling his son's attention happy when Kurt nodded and a very small smile graced his face. "Now the doc is only giving Blaine and Finn an hour to fuss over you so I'm gonna get some coffee with Carole and let them do that," Burt said smirking happy when a more genuine smile fell over Kurt's face. With that said he walked to Carole and the two walked out to leave the boys alone to talk and spend some time together.

"Between the two of us we're gonna have to keep a close eye on him till we can trust him to do it himself," Burt said. Despite the wakeup call Kurt's habits weren't going to change overnight so he knew it was necessary that an eye be kept on his son till he changed them appropriately.

"Agreed," Carole said smiling rubbing Burt's back tenderly, "let's get some coffee and you can unwind from all the tenseness this has caused," she said knowingly.

Burt smiled and nodded and the two headed to get coffee.

"How are you feeling beautiful?" Blaine asked sweetly taking a chair seat close to the hospital bed.

"Miserable," Kurt said the misery clear in his voice as well as the guilt. "I really never meant to go at a pace that would bring me here," Kurt stressed.

"Dude," Finn winced but when Kurt didn't even correct him he knew the other boy felt bad, "bro we know you didn't but your like Rachel sometimes and you just don't know when to stop."

At Kurt's look of horror and Blaine's subsequent closed eyed sigh then look of 'really' Finn knew he'd said what he was trying to say really wrong again.

"I didn't mean it like your annoying and don't know when to stop making people be mad at you," the taller teen corrected quickly, "I just meant you just go and go and you try to do so much and you just don't know when to stop and breathe like most of us we get some downtime and we leap for joy but I'm not sure you know what the meaning of it is sometimes," the boy said walking closer.

"I know the meaning of downtime thank you," Kurt sniffed. "It's just we're going to New York for Nationals and Mr. Schuester gave me a solo and I don't wanna let the glee club down and Coach Sylvester went out on a limb and made me Captain of the Cheerios when she didn't have to and I know she was helping me though she'll never admit to that and I didn't want to let her or the squad down and those AP exams are so important for college and I just needed to get through everything I was going to rest when it was all done," Kurt stressed.

"Baby that's a lot of stuff you have got to stop carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders and let the many people around you who love you and care about you help carry the weight sometimes," Blaine said rubbing Kurt's hand.

"I don't want to let anyone down," Kurt said quietly, "I don't want to let myself down."

"I swear I don't mean this bad but you're like a perfectionist bro trying not to let yourself down is like trying to do the impossible no one is perfect and none of us would think you were letting us down if you needed a break or whatever like when Schue told the Cheerios to take a week off so they could focus on preparing for their Nationals," Finn said standing by the bed now. "Besides think about how much more it hurts to have you pass out and wind up in the hospital, I'd rather pick up some slack in glee then you faint in the middle of rehearsal what if that had happened on stage at Nationals?" the boy asked.

Kurt burst into tears again and Blaine got up pulling the boy to him glaring at Finn over his head.

Finn winced; oh that last part was probably exactly the kind of thing that the doctor and his mom were saying they shouldn't say.

"What's going on?" Carole asked as Burt and she appeared in the doorway. It only took a second to take in Kurt's crying form in Blaine's arms and Finn's look of abject misery to realize her son had done what she had asked him strictly not to do. "Oh Finn," she sighed.

"I didn't mean to say it like that," Finn said wincing again when he realized that was the second time he'd done that.

"I think you should give him some time and leave Finn," Blaine bit out glaring at the tall boy.

Finn nodded dejectedly and ambled out, now he had made Kurt cry and Blaine was mad at him again; just great. Carole grimaced patting her son on the back as he walked out of the room.

Burt sighed walking over to the other side of the bed, "kiddo it's okay," he said again.

This time it wasn't working. Kurt wasn't calming and the tears just wouldn't stop no matter what Blaine or Burt did or said. Carole couldn't calm the boy either. Finally the woman looked at Burt then headed out of the room momentarily returning shortly with Dr. Bennett.

The doctor took one look at the situation and sighed with a look on her face that she was annoyed her instructions hadn't been followed and the boy had been agitated and was therefore clearly not resting. She walked over pulling a syringe out of her white coat and injecting something into the IV. Within moments Kurt was quieting and within minutes he was out and resting peacefully.

"I gave him a rather strong sedative to help him rest and sleep," Dr. Bennett said checking the boy's vitals now that he was calmly resting. "It's imperative that he rest, all of this stress will impede recovery," she said to the people standing around. "This is a very serious situation and if he cannot be kept in a calming environment then I won't release him anytime soon," she said sternly checking the boy's pulse which was a little elevated from recent stress to her displeasure. "Kurt's body is under a significant amount of duress right now and getting nutrients into his system is only one part of him recovering, he needs rest and a significantly reduced stress environment for a least a few days to jump-start his recovery and then he needs to keep up with his nutrients and stress levels as he recovers," she said in her rational calm manner, "he can recover from this but only if my instructions are followed."

"They will be and he can be," Burt assured, "his step-brother has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth we'll simply keep him away from him for a while so there isn't the risk of him upsetting Kurt unintentionally and stressing him unnecessarily."

"It would be quite impossible for a person to put their foot in their mouth Mr. Hummel," Dr. Bennett said confused as to how the man could come up with such a theory, "if his step-brother has a tendency to cause these kinds of reactions and will unduly stress Kurt and result in him not resting they will need to be kept separated until Kurt has started to recover and his condition improves."

Everyone looked at her a bit funnily and nodded for lack of something better to do or say.

"Well since he is calm now I suppose if you want I will allow you to stay till visiting hours are over with Mr. Hummel Mr. Anderson," she said and then left the room.

"She has a tendency to be a bit literal but she is extraordinarily brilliant," Carole said.

Burt reached out a hand smoothing Kurt's brown locks back, "oh kiddo what are we going to do with you."

"Tie him to the bed," Blaine suggested. Burt and Carole looked at Blaine at the same time then to each other and then all three erupted in laughter.


Dr. Bennett did agree to release Kurt the next day following his night at the hospital. However, she was very clear with both Kurt and Burt that the adrenal fatigue Kurt was suffering was to be taken seriously. She advised that it was going to take a few months for Kurt to really recover and for cortisol levels to return to normal in his body. She did stress that as is the case with many illnesses much of Kurt's recovery would depend on Kurt himself. She advised that for an optimal outcome Kurt needed to take the advice being given to him.

Kurt was advised that he needed to monitor his diet better which meant no more skipping meals and eating so irregularly. She advised that it would be best for him to develop a habit of grazing throughout the day. Not only was this a healthy way of eating because it kept the body's metabolism constantly going but it also kept people from overeating as they never got to the point of starvation or overate due to eating too fast from being excessively hungry. In Kurt's case it would do all these things and ensure he was getting the nutrients he needed that he had not been getting due to his lack of proper eating habits.

The larger issue Kurt was advised on was his stress. She said it was imperative that he identify and eliminate sources of extreme stress in his life. While she did sympathize with the difficulty in such a task she stated it was by no means impossible. She advised that Kurt turn to family and friends to help with emotional issues so he was not carrying everything around and bottling up his feelings to help his stress. She also advised that he make a schedule to manage his time so that he could practice and study while still resting and sleeping properly. She strongly urged that proper time management and leaning on those around him would significantly help in lowering his stress levels and allow him the much needed time his body would need to rest and relax as part of his recovery.

Dr. Bennett advised that if Kurt started looking at his life and making these kinds of changes now it could greatly help him in the future to avoid over stressing and putting himself right back in this situation or a situation even worse. She did advise that the blood work that she had done revealed that Kurt was suffering from iron deficient anemia. This background condition made him more susceptible to certain issues. He was advised to take an iron pill once in the morning and once at night for the next 30 days and she would take some more blood to see how that was helping to improve his condition. The doctor also stipulated she wanted to see Kurt once a month for the next six months to monitor his condition and progress and this was non-negotiable. She stated that for the remainder of the weekend Kurt was to remain on bed rest and only to leave to shower or go to the bathroom. She wanted him to understand how serious this was and how seriously he needed to look at his life and start making the necessary changes to better his health.

So once Burt got Kurt home it was right up to his room and into bed. Kurt managed to get his dad to let him take a shower first but after it was into bed. Someone was checking on him every hour to see if he needed anything and to make sure he was still in bed and resting. By the time Blaine came over that afternoon Kurt was ready to climb the walls.

"Beautiful I know you're not thrilled about bed rest but you also know why it's necessary and just think if you start changing things you can avoid this happening again," Blaine said smiling at his boyfriend entirely to perky in said boyfriend's opinion.

"I'm 100% convinced that everyone is enjoying my being restricted to this bed a little too much," Kurt said narrowing his eyes.

"Because we all love you and know you have been overdoing it and are happy to see you taking it easy forced or not," Blaine said tilting his head with that you know I'm right look.

"Okay well at least study with me while I'm confined to my thankfully very comfy bed," Kurt said giving in.

Blaine smiled and the two spent the next couple hours studying with Burt popping in the first hour and then Carole the second and when Burt popped in again he suggested that maybe that was enough studying for now. Kurt and Blaine got the message and closed the books. Apparently there was an alternate agenda because not five minutes after the books were away Santana, Brittany, Quinn, Mercedes, Sam, Tina, and Mike came busting in the room.

"Dolphin!" Brittany squealed running over and jumping on the bed with a flying leap making the bed bounce pillows fly and the blankets fluff around her.

"Hey Britt," Kurt laughed as Brittany came flying on the bed. Santana and Blaine smiled indulgently at their significant others before shooting each other a meaningful look that everyone missed.

"How are you boo?" Mercedes asked sitting down far more reserved then Brittany's bounce.

"I'm peachy," Kurt said overly cheery. "I'm confined to my nice fluffy bed like a pregnant lady and being waited on hand and foot."

"Shut up Porcelain you know you like being waited on," Santana said smirking sitting behind Brittany as the girl curled up by Kurt laying her head in his lap so he could run his fingers through her hair.

Kurt thought on her words and then nodded acquiescing to that statement while absently running his fingers through Brittany's hair.

"You're really okay though right?" Tina asked kneeling on the floor by Mercedes who was on the bed.

"I am," Kurt said smiling, "and I'm going to continue to be okay," he said softly.

"You really gave us all a good scare you know that," Quinn said sitting on the bed in front of Kurt. "I've never seen Coach Sylvester as out of sorts as she was when you wouldn't wake up," the girl confessed.

"I'm really sorry about that guys please know I really didn't know that things were that bad I guess I was just so focused on what I was doing but I never meant for this to happen," Kurt said apologetically frowning.

"We know Kurt," Mike said patting the boy on the back standing off just to the side of Mercedes close to Tina.

"I promise to let you all in more and to help me more when I need it," Kurt said sincerely.

Everyone nodded their heads accepting that realizing it for the boon it was considering who was saying it.

Since a good number of the glee club was there they all agreed to sing to practice their numbers for Nationals when Kurt asked. He was still in bed and they weren't running through the choreography just singing the songs and practicing the vocals and it was clear Kurt was enjoying himself so everyone was happy to go along with it. After a while Carole said Kurt needed some downtime so everyone reluctantly filled out. Brittany being the hardest to get to go but Kurt promised they'd hang again soon.

"Hey Kurt," Finn said popping his head in the doorway, "can I come in?" Finn knew technically he was supposed to be leaving Kurt alone but he really wanted the chance to be a good brother.

"Sure," Kurt said softly tilting his head. Blaine had gone to get drinks and he was sure Finn had done that on purpose.

"I just wanna say I'm sorry about upsetting you in the hospital and I never meant to and I was just really worried about you is all," Finn said sadly.

Kurt smiled softly. "I know that Finn," he said trying to assure the tall teen.

"Finn what are you doing in here?" Blaine asked coming into the room with drinks for himself and Kurt. "You know you're supposed to be giving Kurt some space," the curly haired teen said still not having forgiven Finn for upsetting Kurt so badly in the hospital that he had to be sedated.

"I was just apologizing and letting Kurt know I'm here for him," Finn said awkwardly backing away from Blaine.

"Well Kurt needs to rest so I think you should go now," Blaine said softly but there was an edge to his voice that said he was trying to keep his tone level for Kurt's sake more than anything.

"Why don't you stay Finn," Kurt said looking from Finn to Blaine and then back, "the three of us can watch a movie." Kurt suggested with a smile.

"Kurt," Blaine said with a sigh. He knew what his boyfriend was doing but he really didn't want to run any chances right now.

"Come on Blaine the three of us will sit here on my bed and watch a movie what's so stressful about that," Kurt teased.

Blaine shook his head with a laugh looking at Kurt with that look significant other's shared that was like a secret language between them. "Alright," Blaine said giving in and the smile that split Kurt's face made it worth it to Blaine to have to spend time with Finn around.

"Really?" Finn questioned turning back tentatively.

"Really," Blaine said, "come on in and sit down," the boy gestured to the tall teen.

"Awesome," Finn said smiling happily sliding onto Kurt's bed next to his little brother.

"Okay what are we watching?" Blaine asked setting the drinks down looking at Kurt.

Kurt took a moment to really think about it. He looked at Finn who stared back blankly but with a smile, then looked to Blaine, then glanced outside to a darkening sky and what was clearly a storm rolling in, and back to Blaine. "How about Disturbia," Kurt suggested out of the blue.

Blaine looked at Kurt surprised, it was an off the wall choice for the boy. Kurt had mixed taste in movies but he honestly hadn't seen that one coming. It was a movie he enjoyed though and from the look on Finn's face so did he and Blaine was sure that had factored into Kurt suggesting it.

"Disturbia it is," Blaine said popping the movie in.

When Blaine went to slide next to Kurt the boy sat up and moved down a little bit and Blaine paused, "cuddle," Kurt suggested. Blaine smiled happily and slipped behind Kurt spreading his legs allowing the brunette to slip back and between them leaning his back against Blaine's chest and head on his shoulder. It was a position they didn't often sit in but Blaine loved it when they did. He loved having Kurt so close and being able to hold and envelope him. Somehow Blaine just knew that it was part of the reason Kurt did it right now particularly during a period where he was recovering from a health incident knowing Blaine's protective instincts were on high alert.

As the movie started Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt's midsection as the boy leaned his head comfortably into Blaine's shoulder. Finn lay out on the bed with his head towards the bottom and feet hanging off so as to not bother the couple with his feet and give them some privacy to enjoy the film and their time together. Everyone quickly became engaged and after a while Burt walked by to check on Kurt and smiled at what he saw. He grabbed Carole as she was walking by and pulled her to look. She smiled as well before they smiled at one another sharing a kiss. It was all going to be okay, they were a family and they would get through this hurdle together.


As Kurt lay back in his first class seat on the plane to Nationals he thought of all he had done to get here. The preceding week which had been after his fainting episode had everyone under the sun and moon watching him. All the glee club members, all the Cheerio's, and even the football team had been watching Kurt like a hawk. All to make sure he wasn't bothered, make sure the week went smoothly, make sure he ate, and if he looked the least bit down or tired or upset or hungry he was made to do whatever it was that would fix what seemed wrong. Constant reports were ultimately sent back to Sue Sylvester who had also pulled Kurt into her office on Monday for a talking to. That Friday Kurt had begged and pleaded with Dr. Bennett not to keep him from going on this trip to New York. After promising to take it easy and despite his excitement not go site seeing to the point that it disrupted his rest and swearing to eat regularly she agreed to let him go. However, Burt was given a letter with strict instructions on looking after him and signs to watch for to make sure he was doing as he should and wasn't at risk that was then passed to Mr. Schue.

Burt's exact words to one William Schuester, unbeknownst to his son, had been, "Scheuster I strongly advise you look after my son and keep him safe and well and should anything happen to my son I do have several guns and I will shoot you and bury your body and allow my wife to grow roses over your rotting corpse and as a congressman I will likely get away with it regardless", William had left the house looking significantly paler and when Kurt saw him the next morning for the flight it looked like the man hadn't slept well. Burt had hugged his son and wished him luck then had shaken Schuester's hand rather tightly before they left with a pointed look that had the man gulping. William Schuester had always been a bit weary of Burt Hummel since the man had threaten to bring take a flame thrower to McKinley High if his son didn't get the chance to audition for a solo now though, he was downright terrified of the man.

"It was pretty nice of Schue to get these tickets upgraded to first class," Blaine said surprised the teacher had done so, "was surprised he was so insistent about it."

"Guess he's really serious about keeping his promise to my dad that I'll rest," Kurt said sighing happily. This really was way better than coach; he could get use to this.

When they exited the plan Will went right up to Kurt.

"Are you feeling okay Kurt?" the man asked worriedly, "well rested and all that?"

Kurt looked at his teacher funny, "I'm fine Mr. Schue it was like a 45 minute plane ride, don't worry so much," Kurt said smiling.

"Heh," Mr. Schue said not seeming to calm in the least. "Let me know right away if you need anything or if you feel dizzy, here," the man said handing Kurt a protein bar.

Kurt took it tentatively and watched the man smile nod and walk off.

"Okay that was weird right?" he asked looking to Blaine.

Blaine thought about it and then thought about the look he had seen Mr. Hummel give Mr. Schuester before they left and smiled.

"I wouldn't worry about it beautiful, he's just being a good teacher for once and looking after you," Blaine said wrapping an arm around the beautiful boy.

Kurt wasn't entirely convinced of that but let it go since he couldn't make sense of it anyway. Besides he was in New York less and less that wasn't that was losing focus.

Mr. Schue took everyone straight to the hotel and Kurt took the time in the taxi to cuddle with Blaine while the taxi driver shot smiles when he saw them in the rearview mirror whispering about the sweetness of young love. When they arrived at the hotel Mr. Schue revealed he had three rooms. One for himself and one for the boys and one for the girls, Kurt look around and then sighed closing his eyes.

"Yeah that's gonna be restful," he groaned already dreading the idea of sharing a room with the guys. It wasn't that he disliked them but it was just a little overwhelming. Maybe he could sneak in with the girls.

Mr. Schue overheard Kurt and panicked, "oh your right I wasn't thinking," Schuester said, "that's not conducive to proper rest and sleep," he continued anxiously looking for a way to fix the situation. When he checked with the hotel clerk to see if more rooms were available she looked at him like he was crazy. "Kurt you'll stay in my room with me," Mr. Schue nodded happily. "There are two queens so you'll have your own bed to relax in," the man said as though this was the perfect solution but stopped at Kurt's horrified look.

"You want me to stay in a room with you with just us," Kurt said as if it was the worst idea he had ever heard and he was tempted to say it was. "Mr. Schuester!"

"Oh no please don't stress Kurt please," Mr. Shue said well and truly panicking now a full on anxiety attack approaching. "Please calm down don't get upset," the man blubbered but Kurt didn't show any signs of calming down or not getting upset.

Blaine almost laughed at the hilarity of the scene and he guessed that the fear of Burt Hummel had something to do with the man's anxiety after all he had once known that fear it was pretty fucking debilitating.

"This is so amusing," Santana whispered while watching Mr. Schue try to calm Kurt down and failing miserably.

"Mr. Schue," Blaine cut in, "if I may why don't you let Kurt share the room with Santana, Quinn and Brittany," the boy suggested logically, "their all on Cheerios together and used to being around each other in a more intimate setting and this way Kurt can be more comfortable with people close by who will of course be invested in his well-being and should anything happen one of them can come to you immediately and you can stay with the boys I'll even room with the girls to make it easier and since I'm gay that really shouldn't cause any issues." The girls' nodded figuring Blaine was likely to disappear at night anyway.

"Yeah don't worry about this Schuester we got this," Santana piped up smirking. "We'll keep an eye on Porcelain plus we can send reports to Coach this way," she added.

Schuester looked around and Kurt seemed to be calming at this idea so he readily agreed. With that settled the groups we're off again.

"Thank you," Kurt said grateful a hand coming to his chest as he took a sigh of relief. "I can't believe that man thought we should room alone together," he said shivering.

"It's okay beautiful," Blaine said rubbing Kurt's back while Santana cackled and Quinn shook her head.

Once everyone was settled in the group insisted on some sight-seeing. Everyone was stoked to be in New York and excited to see the city before the upcoming competition, however Mr. Schuester was adamant they practice and prepare for Nationals which was to begin in few short hours.

As it turned out New Directions was glad that Mr. Schue had taken a hard line on them practicing when they were watching some of the other choirs perform. At one point everyone just stared as two rows of 10 students filed from each wing of the stage to form four unified identical rows on the stage.

"There like an army," Puck said staring.

Everyone just looked at the stage a little intimidated by the choir. Suddenly they all turned at once into position and began.

"Damn," Santana whistled.

Needless to say some of the choirs were a little more intimidating. Everyone was glad to head back to the room to get ready as they were in the next group going through. Santana who took that moment to realize that she was literally in every number started having a mild panic attack of whom no one but Kurt seemed to be able to bring her out of. When they rejoined the group she was officially ready to rock it. Finally they were in the wings waiting their turn on stage and Kurt got a text. He pulled his phone out and smiled at it. He turned to show everyone Rachel had sent a text wishing them all good luck and she knew they'd be fabulous.

"Shocker," Santana said with no scoff for once making Kurt nudge her shoulder. "Yeah yeah everyone has their moments," she said brushing him off.

Immediately two more texts came through and Kurt showed Blaine. The first was Jeff and Nick wishing them good luck and telling them to each break a leg. The second was from Sebastian wishing both boys good luck but putting emphasis on the fact that he knew Kurt would rock his solo with a little winking emoticon.

"Awww," Kurt said smiling at Blaine's grumble to Sebastian's text. He quickly shot a response to all three parties including a smiling emoticon to Rachel, a hugging one to Jeff and Nick, and a blushing one to Sebastian.

"Don't you dare blush," Blaine said to the tinted cheeks of his boyfriend in person.

"Too late," Kurt sang.

"Okay guys," Mr. Shuester said clapping his hands together. "You got this, you've practiced, you've prepared.."

"For like the second time ever," Santana interrupted.

"You're ready," Mr. Schue finished giving the girl a look to which she gave a big smile making him shake his head.

The last group went off stage and everyone headed on. They quickly formed the formation for the opening number with most of the group standing in their designated spots on the risers with five members further towards the front of the stage. Blaine was in center position with Kurt to his immediate left and Santana to his right. Behind Kurt was Puck and behind Santana was Mike.

As the song started for the very beginning, the first 2 lyrics, spotlight was on Kurt for the first two words of each line and then on Kurt, Blaine and Santana during the rest of the verse. After the first two verses the spotlight highlighted all five members with the group in back still blacked out for the moment.

Who's gonna save the world tonight?
Who's gonna bring you back to life?
We're gonna make it, you and I
We're gonna Save The World tonight

As the beginning lyrics ended Blaine picked up the lead singing the next versus with the other 4 members harmonizing and singing to back him.

There was a time, I used to look into my father's eyes
In a happy home, I was a king I had a golden throne
Those days are gone, now the memories are on the wall
I hear the songs, from the places where I was born

My father said
Don't you worry, don't you worry child

Heavens got a plan for you
Don't you worry, don't you worry child, yeah

Suddenly the lights went up showing everyone on stage as the whole choir began to sing.

Ohoh oh oh, oh oh ohoh oh [x9]

As the verse finished Blaine went back to singing lead with his five members harmonizing and the background members providing a very low harmonize to give it a beautiful sound quality.

We're far from home, it's for the better
What we dream, it's all that matters
We're on our way, united

Turn the crowd up now, We'll never back down
Shoot down a skyline, watch it in primetime
Turn up the love now, listen up now, turn up the love

Kurt and Santana joined Blaine on the next four versus with Mike and Puck still harmonizing.

Who's gonna save the world tonight?
Who's gonna bring you back to life?
We're gonna make it, you and I
We're gonna Save The World tonight

All five members then sang the next three versus together as their background members took up full harmonization.

Don't you worry, don't you worry child
Heavens got a plan for you
Don't you worry, don't you worry child

Santana's vocals suddenly rang clear on the next two versus as she took lead briefly with everyone else singing softly with her.

Who's gonna save the world tonight?
Who's gonna bring you back to life?

The lights brightened as everyone sang again altogether for the remainder of the song.

Ohoh oh oh, oh oh ohoh oh

Don't you worry, don't you worry child
Cuz I'm gonna bring you back to life

Ohoh oh oh, oh oh ohoh oh

Don't you worry, no
Don't you worry, no

Ohoh oh oh, oh oh ohoh oh

Don't you worry, no
Don't you worry, no

The stage went dark as the song ended and everyone rushed off with the exception of Kurt and Santana.

"You got this Kurt," she said softly briefly.

The brunette nodded and suddenly music and lights came back up. The music was hard unlike anything Kurt had ever sung to in competition and he prepared his lower register. As the song started Kurt pulled all his showmanship together and started signing rough and low with Santana popping in on certain lyrics to pop the song. The combination of his low and rough register with her higher raw vocals was just the impact the song needed.

I'm just a step away
I'm just a breath away
Losin' my faith today

(Fallin' off the edge today)

I am just a man
Not superhuman

(I'm not superhuman)
Someone save me from the hate

It's just another war
Just another family torn

(Falling from my faith today)
Just a step from the edge
Just another day in the world we live

I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero (save me now)
I need a hero to save my life
A hero will save me (just in time)

I've gotta fight today
To live another day
Speakin' my mind today
(My voice will be heard today)

I've gotta make a stand
But I am just a man

(I'm not superhuman)
My voice will be heard today

It's just another war
Just another family torn
(My voice will be heard today)
It's just another kill
The countdown begins to destroy ourselves

I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero (save me now)
I need a hero to save my life
A hero will save me (just in time)

I need a hero to save my life
I need a hero just in time
Save me just in time
Save me just in time

Santana joined Kurt briefly on some of the next vocals for an amazing sound mix.

Who's gonna fight for what's right
Who's gonna help us survive

We're in the fight of our lives

(And we're not ready to die)

Who's gonna fight for the weak
Who's gonna make 'em believe

I've got a hero (I've got a hero)
Livin' in me

I'm gonna fight for what's right
Today I'm speaking my mind

And if it kills me tonight
(I will be ready to die)

A hero's not afraid to give his life
A hero's gonna save me just in time

As the next lyrics came back up the two jumped back to the original mix between them they had done at the beginning.

I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero (save me now)
I need a hero to save my life
A hero will save me (just in time)

The lights went down highlighting just Kurt as he finished out the song on stage alone and Santana walked off in the darkness to get ready for the group number she was part of next.

I need a hero
Who's gonna fight for what's right
Who's gonna help us survive

I need a hero
Who's gonna fight for the weak
Who's gonna make 'em believe
I need a hero
I need a hero

A hero's gonna save me just in time

The stage went black as Kurt finished and he quickly headed off stage smacking hands with Santana as she headed on with Quinn, Brittany and Mercedes for the closing group number.

As Kurt stepped off stage in the wings for when he would go back on Blaine leaned in.

"Totally hard right now," he whispered, "now how in the world am I supposed to dance while watching you shake your ass out there in the next number."

"Well maybe if you do a good job and we place I'll reward you later," Kurt whispered back to which Blaine groaned head falling on Kurt's shoulder as the brunette laughed.

As the closing song started Santana, Quinn, Brittany and Mercedes started singing and dancing with some excellent vocalizing and dance moves.

Mama told me not to waste my life
She said spread your wings my little butterfly

Don't let what they say keep you up at night
And if they give you shhhh
Then they can walk on by

Santana stepped forward to dance and sing her part.

My feet, feet can't touch the ground
And I can't hear a sound
But you just keep on running up your mouth yeah

As she finished she seamlessly blended back in as Quinn stepped forward to sing her part.

Walk, walk on over there
'Cause I'm too fly to care, oh yeah

When done like Santana had she seamlessly was back in line with the rest and the four girls sang the next lines together owning the stage with their vocals and moves.

Your words don't mean a thing
I'm not listening
Keep talking, all I know is

Mama told me not to waste my life,
She said spread your wings my little butterfly
Don't let what they say keep you up at night
And they can't detain you
'Cause wings are made to fly
And we don't let nobody bring us down
No matter what you say it won't hurt me
Don't matter if I fall from the sky
These wings are made to fly

At this point Kurt, Blaine, Mike Tina, and Puck came in from stage left while Finn, Sugar pushing Artie, Sam, Rory, and Joe entered from stage right to sing background while dancing behind and with the girls

Huh huh

At this point Brittany stepped forward for her part.

I'm firing up on that runway
I know we're gonna get there someday
But we don't need no ready steady go, no for her part.

Brittany merged back with Santana and Quinn as Mercedes stepped forward for her part.

Talk, talk turns into air
And I don't even care, oh yeah

As she merged back all four girls started singing with the rest backing them vocally.

Your words don't mean a thing
I'm not listening
Keep talking, all I know is

Mama told me not to waste my life,
She said spread your wings my little butterfly
Don't let what they say keep you up at night,
And they can't detain you
'Cause wings are made to fly
And we don't let nobody bring us down
No matter what you say it won't hurt me
Don't matter if I fall from the sky
These wings are made to fly

I don't need no one saying hey, hey, hey, hey
I don't hear no one saying hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
You better keep on walking
I don't wanna hear your talking, boy'd
You better keep on walking
I don't wanna hear your talking, boy'd

Your words don't mean a thing
I'm not listening

Quinn and Brittany stepped forward to sing together and dance on the next part.

They're just like water off my wings

They stepped back as Santana and Mercedes stepped forward to sing and dance the next line.

Mama told me not to waste my life

As the girls rejoined they all started singing together with Brittany's voice vocalizing certain lines through the other three to mix it up.

She said spread your wings my little butterfly
Don't let what they say keep you up at night
And they can't detain you
'Cause wings are made to fly
And we don't let nobody bring us down

Brittany vocalized through the next versus joining together with the other three on the last word.

No matter what you say it won't hurt me
Don't matter if I fall from the sky
These wings are made to fly

The girls fell back together to finish out the rest of the song.

And we don't let nobody bring us down
No matter what you say it won't hurt me
Don't matter if I fall from the sky
These wings are made to fly

As the song ended the auditorium erupted in applause and everyone on stage was hugging and jumping excitedly before running off. The adrenaline and energy was high. New Directions was happy with the feeling they had done all they could do to try and win this thing and regardless with which place they left with at this moment they were happy and satisfied.

As it turned out the place they left the show choir nationals with was first place. Blaine grabbed Kurt with hands holding the boy's face tenderly as he kissed him right on stage when they won and Santana turned to Brittany and smiled pulling the girl to her for a congratulation smooch.

That night New Directions celebrated their first victory at Nationals.

The following day everyone returned to Ohio with a few of the members of New Directions dreaming of the day they would return to the city where dreams really do come true.


A/N: Here are a list of the songs used in this chapter and just in case my writing didn't clearly display vocals and such please look up the links below the song for a better idea particularly on the opening and closing numbers. All the links start with https a colon then a / and place a dot instead of the word and of course remove all the spaces.

Pentatonix - Save The World/Don't You Worry Child (Swedish House Mafia Cover)

www . youtube dot com / watch?v = 7YAcMgoSpDE

Skillet - Hero

www . youtube dot com / watch?v = uGcsIdGOuZY

Little Mix - Wings

www . youtube dot com / watch?v = nFvLKnb5m6c