A/N: Sectionals is here! If you're not familiar with the songs you should listen to them. I STRONGLY SUGGEST listening to "Behind These Hazel Eyes" so that you understand my arrangement. If you listen you'll hear that Kelly sings lead vocals (DUH)- that's what Blaine will be singing- and that there are background Kelly vocals throughout most of the song after the first verse-that's what Santana and Quinn will be singing. During the chorus, the line 'You won't get to see the tears I cry' has a 'CRYYYYY' background vocal, picture that as mainly Santana. For the final chorus, imagine Quinn and Santana are singing it and that Blaine is belting the random words and phrases that Kelly does. When you're reading the chapter the bolded words in parentheses are Blaine singing above the girls' background vocals. I know this sounds complicated, but if you listen to the song you'll get it. Basically- Blaine is front row and center Kelly and Santana and Quinn are background Kelly. I own nothing as far as the music is concerned. ENJOYYYYY!

The next week and a half completely flew by between classes and insanely exhausting glee practices. Kurt barely had time to dwell on how heartbroken he was. He'd go to school, go to glee and then get home, eat, shower and do some homework before going right to sleep. There were times during the day, and especially during glee practices, when he'd catch a glimpse of Blaine and feel a knot form in the pit of his stomach, but he'd forced himself to keep looking the other way and avoid thinking about it. On the few occasions when their eyes met, both boys held the gaze long enough to say with their eyes what they both refused to say with words: I miss you so much. Blaine's eyes held even more in them. They seemed to be silently pleading with Kurt to change his mind and make everything right again, or maybe that was just Kurt's false hope reading too much into things.

On the Sunday of Sectionals, the New Directions were waiting in their dressing room putting on last minute makeup, fixing hair, adjusting outfits and waiting anxiously for their chance to go on stage. Kurt would be opening with his solo, then they'd perform the group number and then they'd close with Blaine's solo. Kurt was extremely nervous. He'd never had a solo at a competition before and even though he knew the song inside and out he was terrified of somehow screwing it up and letting the rest of the club down. While everyone else was anxiously chatting together before going on, Kurt hid himself in the back of the room by the wardrobe and performed his usual pacing back and forth routine- the one he'd gotten used to during "Guys and Dolls". He started quietly talking to his dad, asking Burt to watch over them and give him the strength to sing his song successfully. He apologized to him for having pushed Blaine away when he knew that Burt had wanted him in his life. He was still speaking quietly to the ceiling, asking for favors and just speaking in a stream of consciousness to calm himself down when he heard a small voice behind him.

"Hey," Blaine said quietly, walking slowly towards him from the other end of the wardrobe.

Kurt looked up, sighing when he saw that it was Blaine who had found him. Of course you found me. You always find me. "Hey," Kurt responded, staring intently at Blaine who was now less than a foot away from him.

"I figured you were probably nervous and pacing when I realized you weren't with the rest of us over there," Blaine nodded his head to the right towards the rest of the glee club. "I remember how you used to get during the musical. You're talking to your dad, right?" Blaine asked meekly a small smile on his face.

Kurt nodded, shrugging. "Yeah, it's kind of a habit I have. Talking to him, well, to myself but directing it at him, it just calms me down and makes me feel more at ease. It's silly," Kurt trailed off, looking down, embarrassed. He didn't even know why he was embarrassed. He knew Blaine was aware of the fact that he spoke to his dad for reassurance about things, but now that they had broken up he felt slightly self-conscious about it.

"I know, and it's not silly" Blaine said quietly. Kurt looked up to find Blaine smiling reassuringly at him, a deep pain evident in his beautiful eyes. He walked closer and grabbed Kurt's hand, lacing their fingers together and kissing them before bringing up his other hand to close around them. He stared deeply into Kurt's eyes. "I've missed you so much, Kurt. I don't want to make you anymore upset or nervous so I won't try to talk to you about us now. I just- I… We haven't really spoken at all in the past week or so and I hate it and it makes me so angry and it breaks my heart. But there hasn't been a single moment during that time when I didn't believe in you. You're gonna be amazing. You've nailed it during rehearsals every single time. I wouldn't be surprised if you're the sole reason we win this thing. So just take a deep breath and if you get nervous I'll be here," he paused, taking the hand that wasn't intertwined with Kurt's and placing it on the other boy's chest over his heart. "And if that's not good enough, I'll be waiting on the side of the stage and if you need strength, you just look over at me and I'll be there, too. You've got nothing to worry about. You're outstandingly talented and now everyone else is going to see that. This is your moment, Kurt. Go get it, baby." Blaine released their clasped fingers and leaned in to kiss Kurt's forehead gently. Kurt's eyes automatically closed at the touch. Before he could open his eyes or respond to a single thing he had just said, Blaine turned and walked away. Kurt heard his silent sob as he went and felt the familiar knot form in his stomach.

After taking a few deep breaths and finishing his conversation with Burt, Kurt only had to wait a few minutes before the lights in the room staring flickering and the sound of a woman's voice blared through the intercom. "New Directions, up next. Places in five. New Directions, up next. Places in five."

"Alright, guys!" Mr. Schue addressed the group as they all rushed to the center of the room, forming a circle. "This is it, everyone. This is what we've been working for for weeks and there's no reason why we shouldn't take this trophy and move on to Regionals. You are all so talented and the dedication you guys have shown to this club since we started simply astounds me sometimes. In the beginning, I had to practically beg most of you to stay and make you realize that it would be worth your while. It really makes me feel so proud seeing how much things have changed since then. You all have a fire in your eyes and in your hearts and you can just see that you're not going to let this go without the fight of your lives. Every single one of you brings something unique and different to our club and that's what makes us stand out and win competitions. It's your fire. It's your passion. It's your heart. It's how unique we are. I'm so proud of all of you and I know that we are gonna walk out of here today one step closer to the National Championship that we want so badly. This is our year, everyone. This year, we take it all." He paused, smiling at the group, relishing the way that each member was beaming back at him with energy and pride and love. "Now let's go out there and win this thing!" He shouted, reaching his right hand into the middle of the circle. All of the other members reached their hands in and on his count of three screamed "New Directions!"

Kurt only had to look over at Blaine once quickly before his song started. A strong, bright smile from Blaine and the cutest little thumbs-up Kurt had ever seen gave him all the courage he needed. He blasted through the song, pausing dramatically at all the right times to make the song even more powerful. He hit every note with the perfect support of air and a certain amount of poise. He glanced pointedly in Blaine's direction during certain lyrics (mainly those of the chorus) and it didn't go unnoticed by the smaller boy. When he finished, the applause from the crowd was defeaning and Kurt felt a large lump form in his throat as tears clouded his vision. He had just enough time to look back and see Blaine clapping his hands together vigorously, tears pouring down his cheeks, before the stage went dark and the group ran to their spots for the next number.

The group number went extremely well. Everyone was completely on point with their choreography and Finn and Rachel harmonized the best they ever had during "Catch My Breath". The number was full of energy and served as a complete contrast to Kurt's solo. The audience was screaming and applauding thunderously before they had even reached the second verse, which only gave the group even more energy to power through the rest of the number. By the time they had finished, the crowd was on their feet roaring with cheers. Finn and Rachel lead the rest of the club in a bow before they all ran off stage, Blaine, Santana and Quinn the only ones remaining behind.

Kurt waited in the wings as Blaine sang his solo, just as Blaine waited for him. Kurt had only watched Blaine practice his song maybe once or twice. It was usually the last number they'd run through during each rehearsal and Kurt and Finn would always leave before he'd start. Mr. Schue knew things were rough between the two boys and understood when Kurt couldn't stay. Kurt knew it was unfair to Blaine since Blaine always had to sit through his solo, but he just couldn't handle the pain that he heard with every single word out of Blaine's mouth. It was like an open letter from Blaine to Kurt and it was too much. But now he had to suck it up and wait in the wings and be there for the other boy just as he had been there for him. Blaine stared deeply at Kurt before the music started. I'm singing this to you, Kurt. Listen carefully.

Seems like just yesterday you were a part of me

I used to stand so tall, I used to be so strong

Your arms around me tight

Everything it felt so right

Unbreakable like nothing could go wrong

Santana and Quinn started harmonizing behind Blaine at this point. The harmonies were soft and beautiful and the high sound was beautifully juxtaposed with Blaine's lower tone. Kurt felt his breath hitch and his throat tighten.

Now I can't breathe no I can't sleep

I'm barely hanging on

When the drums and the heavy guitar started blaring behind Blaine, the boy seemed to find power from the instruments and he became even stronger as he continued singing. His body was moving through the small choreography, just some simple swaying and arm movements so that he wasn't standing static on the stage, fluidly and softly, but he had complete control over the entire song.

Here I am, once again, I'm torn into pieces

Can't deny it- can't pretend- just thought you were the one

Broken up deep inside

But you won't get to see the tears I cry

Behind these hazel eyes

He cast a quick glance behind him so that Kurt understood that he was singing the song to no one else but him. These lyrics, every word, he was singing it all about how he felt for Kurt. He was singing to Kurt, telling him how heartbroken he was and how he hated everything that had happened, but that he would never let Kurt see how deeply it was hurting him. Sure, Kurt would always know it was hurting him, but he'd never know the true degree of it because Blaine would always try to hide it and keep his pain a secret. He'd never let Kurt see him cry. He'd never hurt Kurt because he was hurting.

I told you everything- opened up and let you in

You made me feel alright for once in my life

Now all that's left of me is what I pretend to be

So together but so broken up inside

Cause I can't breathe- no I can't sleep- I'm barely hanging on

Blaine gripped the microphone stand tightly, lifting it off the ground, tilting it behind him and walking forward on the stage. His body was moving up and down, his knees bending and bouncing as he sang, and Kurt couldn't help but think that maybe this movement wasn't choreographed. It seemed like Blaine was rocking himself back and forth and willing himself not to cry and ruin all of this. They were so close to victory that they could taste it and Kurt knew that Blaine wouldn't want to ruin that. He also knew that Blaine was probably struggling to get through this song with Kurt standing there behind him, watching every move he made and understanding that the song was being sung for him. He wrapped his arms around himself and took a deep breath, willing himself to be strong as Blaine continued pouring his heart out into these heartbreaking lyrics.

Here I am, once again, I'm torn into pieces

Can't deny it- can't pretend- just thought you were the one

Broken up deep inside

But you won't get to see the tears I cry

Behind these hazel eyes

Swallow me then spit me out

For hating you I blame myself

Blaine spat out the lyrics 'spit me out', and during the lyrics 'for hating you I blame myself' his eyes were closed and he was vigorously shaking his head. Kurt took that to mean that he was trying to tell him he didn't hate him. Although he was singing this song to him, he didn't want him to misunderstand. The truth was that Blaine didn't hate him, could never hate him, and he needed him to know that.

Seeing you it kills me now

No I don't cry on the outside anymore

Anymore

Blaine finally looked back at Kurt, holding his gaze while the music picked up again, and Kurt could tell that he had been right about the body movements. Blaine's eyes were full of tears despite how steady his voice still sounded and Kurt knew that he was trying to tell him that, yes, it killed him to see Kurt, but no, he didn't hate him. He loved him so much despite everything that had happened. He hated that this was happening and he wanted nothing more than for Kurt to change his mind and take him back. Kurt finally let the tears that had been building up in his eyes fall slowly down his face as Blaine faced the audience and began singing once more. Santana and Quinn were steadily singing the chorus behind him as he picked and chose words to belt. The arrangement was absolutely breathtaking.

Here I am once again (Once again), I'm torn into pieces

Can't deny it (Can't deny it)- can't pretend- just thought you were the one (You were the one)

Broken up deep inside

But you won't get to see the tears I cry (I cry)

Behind these hazel eyes

Here I am once again, I'm torn into pieces (Here I am, once again, I'm torn)

Can't deny it- can't pretend- just thought you were the one (Just thought you were the one)

Broken up deep inside (Deep inside)

But you won't get to see the tears I cry (The tears I cry)

The girls stopped singing then, and Blaine took a breath before finishing the song softly and beautifully. It amazed Kurt how easily he transitioned from belting notes to soft, warm melodies.

Behind these hazel eyes

The music cut out and the audience jumped to their feet in seconds. The applause was defeaning once more and the stage went black. Blaine walked off the stage slowly towards Kurt and before Kurt could process what might or might not happen, the other boy was flinging himself into Kurt's arms. Kurt held him tightly and he could feel Blaine grasping at his back for the fabric of his shirt, trying to hang on to any piece of him that he could reach and never wanting to let go. He heard the other boy sniffling in his ear and when they finally pulled away, both boys' faces were stained with tears. Neither boy spoke, they simply stared at each other, willing the other one to say something. Before either had the chance, they were interrupted by Quinn and Santana joining them from the stage and the rest of the group joining them shortly after. Everyone was congratulating each other on the fantastic performances that had just occurred. Kurt told Quinn and Santana that "Behind These Hazel Eyes" would never have been as amazing as it was without them. Santana snapped a witty remark ("Of course because I bring a certain little something to the stage that no one else does. I knows what I wants and I gets what I wants, and what I wants is that trophy.") but Quinn was more modest, thanking Kurt as her face turned a certain cherry color.

Mr. Schue ushered everyone from the wings on the side of the stage back into their dressing room where they all wound up jumping and screaming and hugging and crying and laughing and anything else to release their pent-up energy. There was simply no way they weren't winning this thing and they all knew it. After the celebrating had died down some and they had to wait for the awards' ceremony, Blaine found Kurt in the same hidden spot as he had before. He knew he had probably gone there to talk to Burt about how everything had just gone, to thank him and tell him that he wished Burt had been there to see it. He knew how hard going through big things like this without his father was for Kurt and he wished more than anything that he could take that pain away from him. He wanted nothing more than to hold him and kiss him and make him better, but Kurt didn't want that anymore. He swallowed the lump in his throat that had formed as he remembered that.

"Hey, you," Blaine said, his voice small.

Kurt turned around, smiling brightly this time, no longer nervous. "Hi," he said as he walked to Blaine and wrapped himself around the other boy again. Blaine held Kurt as tightly as he could, breathing him in and losing himself completely in Kurt's warmth and smell. "You were absolutely amazing, Blaine," Kurt whispered into Blaine's ear. They pulled away and Kurt continued talking. "I hated that we didn't get to sing a duet together, and I know it's all my fault, but it was the best decision we could have made. Santana and Quinn's voices were so beautiful harmonizing behind you and your voice was just absolutely fantastic. I don't think I could have ever imagined how wonderful that was going to sound, but if I would have tried I would have been wrong. I would never have been able to come even close to how amazing you were. It was completely breathtaking." He stared directly into Blaine's eyes, unwavering, and his eyes were completely glowing with pride and love for the other boy. Blaine could barely take it.

"You are so beautiful, Kurt," Blaine said in response, turning the compliments off of him and onto Kurt instead. "I was so proud of you that I couldn't even hold it in. I was a sobbing mess and people were staring at me and I didn't even care. Telling Mr. Schue and the rest of the club that you had to have a solo was the only thing I've done right in a long time. You shined like the brightest star in the sky."

"I miss you," Kurt said, simply. "I miss you so much and I hate being away from you. I hate being near you and not being able to touch you or kiss you or tell you how much I love you. And, again, I know it's my fault and I know I said I wanted this. It's just… hard." Kurt swiped his index fingers under his eyes before the tears that had welled up behind his lids could fall. He smiled a small smile at Blaine.

"I miss you too, Kurt. So much. I just wish you would change your mind. You know how I feel. You know how much I love you. All I need is to hear you say the word and I'm yours again. Please, Kurt." Blaine was pleading with him and it was so tempting that Kurt almost just shouted out that he loved him and wanted him back.

Just as he was about to open his mouth Mr. Schue walked up behind them and addressed Blaine. "Hey, Blaine. I'm sorry to disrupt you guys, but you have a visitor. He says he's a friend of yours?" Kurt looked up, curious, and saw, to his greatest dismay, that Sebastian was standing behind Mr. Schue, smirking at Blaine.