Here we go! I know you're all wanting Blaine and Rachel to finally get together, and believe me, no one wants that more than I do, however they do have to deal with Kurt and Noah first and I doubt that neither of them are going to take it calmly. Here's chapter 21 of 23 with a possible epilogue afterwards. I'll see how you're all feeling after the final chapter.

So now I present to you Blaine's birthday and his surprise birthday party. Please review, I love all feedback and I do read it all, and I take your comments on board, but I've always had an idea of the direction that I wanted this story to take, and I'm pretty pleased with how it's turned out so far. I just can't believe that we're so close to the end. Oh and one more thing, I'm also ten chapters into another story, however that is on a slight break at the moment while I finish this story, but I'd appreciate it if you would read that to. I know it's a shameless plug, but you can't blame a girl from trying right. It's a Puckleberry story, but it has a very strong Raine friendship, which I adore writing for. So please if you've got some free time, go and check out 'International Directions'

Hope you enjoy x

Blaine woke up on Thursday morning to the sweet smell of pancakes, he rolled over to where Kurt should be, but again wasn't surprised that Kurt wasn't lying next to him. Kurt had been busier than usual the last few days and he'd barely had a chance to talk to him, although he knew he needed to do it soon. He'd been rehearsing what he was going to say for a while now, and every time it got more mixed up. He stretched out and sighed quietly, he opened his eyes, but closed them again quickly, not yet used to the bright light shining through a break in the curtains. He rubbed his eyes and tried again, this time opening them much more slowly and cautiously. A familiar outline was visible at the door and Blaine didn't need to adjust his eyes to know who it was. He walked across the room and quickly pulled the curtains open, ignoring Blaine's groans of protest, and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Happy Birthday," Blaine's eyes opened properly and he smiled at Kurt, before peeling back the bed covers and sitting up against the headboard. Kurt smiled and handed him a tray with a stack of blueberry pancakes and a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

"Thank you," Blaine smiled as he picked up his coffee and taking a sip, and smiled with content as the hot liquid slid down his throat, both warming him and waking him at the same the same time.

"You've had some cards in the mail this morning," Kurt smiled as Blaine placed his coffee back on his tray, Blaine nodded and smiled at Kurt, realizing that this was the first time in the last few days that he and Kurt had actually spent some time together, but after Kurt had gone to such an effort to make his birthday so special, he just couldn't break up with him.

"You know what, I'll get dressed and finish this in the kitchen, is that okay?" Blaine asked and Kurt nodded before leaning in to kiss Blaine.

"Happy Birthday," he whispered before pulling away and picking up Blaine's tray and walking out of their room. Blaine watched Kurt walk away before rolling over and letting out a muffled groan into his pillow. Today was his birthday, he should be happy, he should be celebrating, but instead he was worrying about how he was going to break the news to Kurt. He sighed as he heard Kurt singing quietly in the kitchen, maybe he wouldn't do anything today. He'd enjoy one last birthday with Kurt, because he was sure that after he broke his heart they'd never be enjoying anything together again.

Blaine finally walked into the kitchen where Kurt had laid the table perfectly and placed his birthday cards into a neat pile. Blaine smiled gratefully and sat down and tucked into his pancakes, before beginning to open his cards. Five cards: the first one from his mum and dad; the second from his grandparents with a very generous cheque inside; the third card also included some money, this time from his aunt, and the final two cards were from Wes and David – two friends from high school that also lived in the city who he and Kurt still kept in touch with.

"Happy Birthday," Kurt smiled as he sat down next to Blaine, he handed him another card and Blaine smiled as he opened it and read Kurt's perfect handwriting.

"Thank you," Blaine smiled gratefully,

"I'll give you your gift this evening at dinner," Kurt explained.

"About that, Kurt. I really don't mind staying it, we don't have to make a big deal of it you know," Kurt grinned and shook his head.

"You don't know me at all, do you?" he laughed and Blaine smiled at him, as he sipped at his coffee. "Now, we're going to have drinks with Wes and David, it's been a while since we all saw each other, then I've booked a table at your favourite restaurant,"

Footsteps could be heard in the hallway and Blaine knew that it was Rachel, he gulped and tried to focus his attention on his breakfast, he would have given anything to have woken up to Rachel on his birthday, to hold her in his arms as they lay in bed for hours, but unfortunately it wasn't to be. As Rachel appeared, Blaine couldn't resist glancing in her direction, she gave him a small smile before walking inside and pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Morning Rachel," Kurt said quietly, Rachel smiled at him, before walking over and handing Blaine a small card.

"Happy Birthday," she said, her fingertips brushing against Blaine's, sending shivers through his body. He smiled at her and carefully opened the card, inside was the usual birthday greeting, and a small piece of paper with a handwritten message on it.

'We need to talk, meet me in my room, please?' Blaine lifted his eyes and glanced at Rachel and nodded slightly.

Rachel knew that it was risky move leaving a note like that in Blaine's card, but she didn't know what else to do. Blaine still hadn't been able to end things with Kurt, she was still in some sort of sham relationship with Noah, and she didn't know which way to turn. Then she had to contend with Blaine's birthday party this evening, as soon as she'd informed Kurt of Finn's idea he dived into immediate party planning mode, he'd insisted that she invite Noah, along with Mike and Tina, stating that Blaine seemed to get along well with the three of them, so it only made sense. Rachel could sense now just how awkward things were going to be. A part of her wanted to break up with Noah that night when Blaine finally told her that he knew what he was going to do, but then the sane part of her wanted to keep Noah around, just in case Blaine couldn't go through with any of it. At least she knew that Noah cared about her, and she did care about him, just probably not in the same way that he did. She glanced across the room as Kurt fumbled with his phone; he threw a look at Rachel and then sighed loudly.

"Well, it looks like I need to go to work after all," he announced loudly, Blaine glanced at him and frowned.

"I thought you said you'd managed to get the day off?" he asked and Kurt shrugged as he walked across the room.

"I know, but I guess something has come up, I promise I'll be back in plenty of time for dinner though," he kissed Blaine quickly and left the apartment. Rachel sighed quietly, she knew that Kurt was really going to meet up with Finn and make a head start on decorating Wes and David's apartment for the party tonight.

"Well, I guess we don't have to sneak into your room now," Blaine smirked and Rachel smiled as she sat down in the seat next to him, allowing him to pull her closer to him.

"I guess not," she smiled.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Blaine asked and Rachel giggled and shook her head.

"I didn't, I just wanted an excuse to spend some time with you on your birthday," Blaine laughed and stroked her hair softly.

"I have tried you know," he told her honestly,

"I know," Rachel smiled, "I have to figure out what I'm going to say to Noah anyway,"

"How did we manage to get into such a mess?" Blaine asked and Rachel simply shrugged.

The couple sat quietly for a few minutes, enjoying this rare alone time, where they could act like a proper couple.

Later that evening, Kurt was hurrying Blaine along, he was trying to style his hair ready to meet up with Wes and David, but with Kurt following him around, yelling at him to hurry up, he was having trouble concentrating, add that to fact that he was thinking about Rachel who had already gone out – with Noah presumably.

When he was finally ready, Kurt led him out of the apartment and the two of them made their way over to their friends apartment, and Blaine still couldn't stop thinking about Rachel. He pictured her kissing Noah and felt a stab of jealousy hit him a full force, he knew that thinking about Rachel right now was a really, really stupid idea, so instead he took a deep breath and clasped Kurt's hand in his. When they finally arrived Blaine couldn't help noticing that all of the lights were switched off.

"They do know that we're meeting them tonight, right?" Blaine asked Kurt, who nodded and pushed the main door open for the two of them. The walked the stairs quietly and Blaine knocked once again on their friends door. He was more than a little stunned when Mia opened the door.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, grinning as he pulled his sister into a tight hug, he hadn't seen her since the wedding and he'd missed her, "Why are all of the lights turned off?"

"Come on," she laughed, pulling Blaine into the apartment by his hand, Kurt following closely behind. Mia fumbled for the switch and finally switched it on.

"Surprise!" Blaine froze as he glanced around the room to see all of his family and friends staring back at him. He glanced at Kurt who shrugged and pointed back at Mia.

"Happy Birthday baby brother!" she grinned and Blaine pulled her into yet another tight hug. Blaine pulled away and glanced at everyone again, this time spotting Rachel in the far corner with Noah, Mike and Tina. He smiled widely when she gave him a small wave.

"Let's get this party started then!" he laughed as Finn hit the music.

Rachel was enjoying herself, although she'd hardly seen Blaine all evening, something she was prepared for, she realised that she was having just as much fun with Noah, Mike and Tina. A slow song came on and Noah placed an arm securely around her, she smiled and continued to talk to Tina, she barely had time to register that Blaine was now standing next to them.

"Hey, happy birthday dude!" Mike grinned, nodding in Blaine's direction.

"Thanks," Blaine grinned, "And thanks for coming," Tina and Mike smiled, but Blaine had quickly turned his attention to Noah and Rachel.

"Do you mind if I steal Rachel away, for one dance?" he asked Noah, quite boldly if he was honest. Rachel grinned at Blaine and quickly glanced at Noah who shrugged, and removed his arm from around her. They didn't stick around any longer, Blaine pulled Rachel into the middle of the room and the pair began dancing slowly together, Blaine placing his hands comfortably on her lower back and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Rachel placed her head on Blaine's shoulder and inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of Blaine, a scent that she knew too well now. It was torture that she couldn't kiss him, their lips were only inches away, it was so tempting but she knew that she couldn't do anything, not here. She instead she closed her eyes and allowed Blaine to turn her around in time to the music.

Blaine was feeling exactly the same, he wanted to kiss her so badly – he had for a while now, he'd spent the first half of the evening with one eye on Kurt and whoever they were talking to at that moment, and the other on Rachel who always seemed to be engaged in conversation with Noah. Kurt stared at Rachel and Blaine dancing from a far corner of the room, he noticed how meaningful their dance seemed to be, and how incredibly confortable Rachel looked as she rested her head on Blaine's shoulder. He sighed and continued to watch the two of them, before he knew it, the song ended and he watched as Blaine leant in and kissed Rachel's cheek, she grinned and Blaine pulled away, before saying a loud "Happy Birthday!" The pair immediately separated and Rachel quickly made her way back over to Noah and Blaine walked over in Kurt's direction.

"Hey," Blaine grinned and Kurt forced out a smile, "Thanks for doing this,"

"It was Finn and Mia's idea, I only helped with the guest list," Kurt mumbled, "Jesse is over there, why don't you go and talk to him. I've got to talk to Finn about something anyway," Blaine stared at Kurt for a moment before nodding and sighing and making his way over to Jesse.

"Hey!" Jesse grinned holding out a beer for Blaine, Blaine took the drink gratefully and leant against the wall, sighing loudly.

"So, I'm guessing that's Rachel over there?" Jesse asked, and Blaine nodded.

"Have you figured out what you're going to do yet?" Jesse asked quietly, and Blaine closed his eyes tightly and nodded.

"I saw the way you two were dancing, I'm guessing she feels the same?"

"I love her Jesse," Blaine whispered, Jesse's eyes widened and he shook his head at his friend, "What do I say to Kurt?"

"I don't think I'm the right person to ask, do you?" Jesse smirked; Blaine rolled his eyes and downed his beer.

"Yeah, you're right about that." Blaine laughed, punching his friend jokingly in the shoulder. Blaine didn't mention Rachel again, but Jesse knew that he was still thinking about her. If he was honest, he was pretty stunned by Blaine's admission, sure he thought that Blaine had developed a crush, but he didn't think it was this bad.

"So, have you sorted out your duet yet, or have you been to preoccupied in your rehearsal schedule?" Jesse smirked, arching an eyebrow. Blaine rolled his eyes again and shook his head.

"I often question why we're friends," he smirked and Jesse laughed.

"Because, I'm the only one who can put up with your drama," Blaine laughed and nodded.

"That is very true."

Their conversation was cut short as Blaine could hear Kurt trying to get everyone's attention in the centre of the room, the room fell silent and Blaine and Jesse moved further into the room, standing next to Finn and Mia.

"Hey everybody, I'd like to start off by thanking everyone for coming tonight. I really appreciate you all helping to celebrate Blaine's birthday," there was a ripple of applause and Kurt grinned back at everyone. "I'd just like to take a moment to talk about Blaine, and how he's always been such a big part of my life." Blaine's stomach tightened and everyone turned around to face him, he smiled politely at everyone, and Kurt caught his eye.

"Blaine, why don't you come up here?" Blaine shook his head in protest, but Finn laughed and pushed him forward. Blaine groaned inwardly as he stood alongside Kurt and stared at their friends and family.

"Now, where was I?" Kurt asked and everyone laughed, "Oh, I remember, Blaine has always been such a big part of my life, we've been friends since we were four years old, that's quite some time, I'll tell you." Everyone laughed again and Blaine forced out yet another uncomfortable smile, he glanced at Rachel who was staring at him and Kurt, she shrugged, telling him that she had no idea what was going on either.

"Now I'm sure you're all wondering why I'm telling you all this?" Kurt asked again, "Well, being friends for that long, you don't keep secrets from each other, well at least I thought we didn't." he stated, his tone now cold. Blaine froze in horror, he shot a look of panic at Rachel who had turned white and Kurt laughed.

"That's right, look at her Blaine, after all, you've been doing a lot more than just looking since Finn and Mia's wedding!" Kurt snapped,

"Kurt, don't do this," Blaine whispered, as Finn and Mia exchanged confused glances,

"Don't do what Blaine, tell everyone how you've been sleeping with Rachel freaking Berry behind my back for the last month!"

Rachel felt physically sick, she knew that something wasn't right when Kurt had insisted that Blaine join him in the front of the crowd, she'd seen the panicked expression on Blaine's face, but neither of them had been prepared for what Kurt was throwing at them. The whole room gasped and felt Noah's body tense as she he looked down at her. She didn't dare meet his eye, they were already brimming with tears, instead she kept facing forward, watching the horrific scene play out in front of her.

"So there you have it, happy birthday Blaine, I hope it's everything you imagined it would be!" Kurt shrieked loudly before quickly making his exit from the apartment.

Everything seemed to be in slow motion after that, everyone was staring at Blaine, waiting for him to tell them that Kurt had got it wrong, and that it was all one big misunderstanding, but he couldn't do it.

"I've got to go," he mumbled, before turning on his heel and running out after Kurt.

Rachel watched as Kurt and Blaine left the apartment, she could see people already pointing and whispering about her. She didn't know what to do, she wanted nothing more than to just leave and not have to deal with anything, but she knew that it wasn't going to happen. Slowly she turned her head and glanced at Noah.

"Tell me it isn't true," he said slowly, his voice low. He knew the answer already, but he wanted to hear it from her.

"I'm so sorry Noah," she said, tears streaming down her face, Noah pulled his hand away from her abruptly and stormed out of the door. Rachel sobbed quietly, as she glanced at Tina who shook her head at her friend and turned her back on her. Rachel had never felt so alone before. She sighed quietly, and quickly ran out of the apartment, hoping to catch up with Noah. She spotted him walking quickly down the stairs and hurried after him.

"Noah, wait!" she shouted, he froze when he heard her voice and turned around to face her.

"Do you have any idea how humiliating that was!" he snapped, Rachel had never heard him so angry before, she didn't think that he was capable of talking to her like this.

"I'm so sorry Noah," she sobbed, "I never meant to hurt you,"

"Save it Rachel!" he snapped, "My girlfriend is screwing around with a gay guy, and it's not supposed to sting?"

"I never meant for it to get this far," Rachel tried to explain.

"A f*cking month Rachel, you've been screwing him the whole time we've been seeing each other, what was I some sort of consolation prize while he was screwing his boyfriend? Is that why you invited me over last weekend, so you could get some action while he was in Vegas?" Rachel winced at his tone and shook her head.

"It wasn't like that Noah," she said quietly, "I do really care about you," Cautiously she reached out and placed her hand on his arm, he shrugged it off and Rachel quickly moved her hand back to her side.

"We're done talking about this." He stated coldly, he turned his back on her and continued to walk down the stairs, Rachel watched him leave, her heart aching as she started crying fresh tears. She didn't know what to do next, she couldn't return to the apartment, everyone hated her now, but she couldn't go home, she knew that was where Kurt and Blaine would be, and she couldn't face either of them yet.

"Hey, it's Rachel, isn't it?" she sighed quietly; as she heard someone talking behind her, slowly she turned around and stared at the young man in front of her.

"Who are you?" she asked, wearily.

"I'm Jesse, I'm a friend of Blaine's," he explained and Rachel started crying again. Jesse sighed quietly as he watched the broken girl in front of him; carefully he pulled her into a tight embrace and allowed her to cry on his shoulder.

"I don't judge you, you know," he said quietly.

"Why not, everybody else does," she sniffed, "I'm such a terrible person,"

"All you did was fall in love, that doesn't make you a bad person, that makes you human," he smiled slightly; he never thought that he'd be in this situation; he was never one to deal with girls and their emotions. He was a love them and leave them kind of guy, it was less messy that way.

"Come on, you can't stay here," he told her quietly,

"Where are we going?" she asked him.

"My apartment isn't too far from here," he said leading her down the stairs, "I'll make you a coffee and you can stay there until you're ready to go home."

"Why are you being so nice to me?" she asked him as he held the door open for her.

"Because Blaine is one of my best friends, and he'd never forgive me if I left you alone here to face the music on your own," Rachel smiled gratefully at him and the two walked silently to Jesse's apartment.