Disclaimer: I do not own Glee in any way.

A/N: Set between the events of Acafellas/Preggers.

Chapter Twenty One

"I looked out this morning and the sun was gone. Turned on some music to start my day! I lost myself in a familiar song… I closed my eyes… and I slipped away…"

With Tina's solo finished, the club began the chorus, stepping easily into the moves that Kurt had choreographed.

"Til I see Marianne walk away," Finn sang the penultimate line of the chorus. "I see my Marianne walkin' away…"

Artie wheeled to the front and began his solo.

"So many people have come and gone… Their faces fade as the years go by. Yet I still recall as I wander on - as clear as the sun in the summer sky!"

Will walked in quietly, watching his students perform. They were so much better than they'd been three weeks ago - back then they couldn't harmonize at all! It looked like it had taken him leaving for them to gain some confidence and find their way as a group.

Under Kurt's leadership, everyone was starting to shine. Tina, Artie, and especially Kurt - had had amazing solos in this song.

For the second time in a while, Will realized that Rachel wasn't the only soloist. Maybe singing had come naturally to Rachel - but with a little practice, and enough encouragement - everyone in the club was amazing.

By keeping all the best parts for Rachel, Will hadn't given anyone else a chance to shine - and had probably kept them from their full potential.

"It's more than a feeling, when I hear that old song they used to play… I begin dreaming… 'til I see Marianne walk away," Finn finished, and everyone moved together, in perfect synchrony - as the song ended.

Will stepped forward, clapping slowly, blinking away the tears in his eyes.

"That was so beautiful, all of you. I can't thank you enough. And I can't apologize enough - for leaving you for so long."

"It's okay, Mr. Shue," Tina smiled shyly.

"We got along just fine," Artie admitted.

"But we missed you," Kurt smiled, stepping up and handing the sheet music to Will.

Everyone nodded.

"And - I'm sorry I insulted your choreography," Rachel said bravely.

"Don't worry about it," Will smiled at her. "You guys seem to have it under control, anyhow."

"Thanks to Kurt," Mercedes pointed out.

There were many sounds of agreement from the other club members.

"Well, when you've seen as many music videos as I have…" Kurt began.

"Thank you," Will spoke quietly, putting a hand on Kurt's arm. "Now, I do have a new song that will be great. Kurt, would you care to take the solo?"

"It's okay," Kurt whispered, nuzzling his head into Finn's neck. "Next game will be better."

Finn just nodded and held Kurt tightly.

"I think we set a record for losing by the biggest amount."

"Well, next time I'll cheer harder," Kurt promised.

Finn chuckled sadly.

"You were amazing," he said, taking Kurt's cheek in a palm and just looking at him.

"Every time I wanted to quit - I just looked over at you - and I could keep going."

Kurt let out a little oh as Finn traced a thumb over his lips.

"I wish I could have won for you," Finn said quietly, and Kurt's heart just about broke.

"Don't say that," Kurt whispered. "I don't need things like that. It doesn't matter if you win or lose, I'll love you just the same."

Finn's frown slowly turned up, and Kurt realized what he'd said.

"Oh," he whispered, his heart speeding up.

Finn had said the words, a few days ago, but given that it was in the heat of passion, Kurt was inclined to doubt them.

"I love you too." Finn told him softly.

Kurt felt a strange swooping feeling as his heart seemed to leave his chest.

Finn smiled at him, wrapping one arm firmly around Kurt, and replacing the finger at the corner of Kurt's mouth with his own lips. Starting at Kurt's chin, he worked his way across his neck, ending with sucking tenderly at his earlobe. Kurt panted, his eyes closing as if seeing what was happening would be too much.

Kurt took the lead, turning his face to capture Finn's mouth in a passionate kiss. He tasted his boyfriend with a wet, inquisitive tongue - and he didn't know how, but somehow it felt better than it ever had before, now that they had both admitted to the depth of their feelings.

They broke for air, gasping in tandem. Kurt looked into Finn's eyes and saw his love mirrored there - and wondered how he'd never seen it there before. He'd been too scared to believe…

"Let's go home," Finn gasped. "Please."

"Oh, you want something?" Kurt teased.

"I want you," Finn said darkly. "In fact…" He leaned in to breathe heavily by Kurt's ear. "Tonight, I want you..." He whispered quietly, so Kurt could barely hear what he said.

Kurt froze, staring at Finn.

"You mean that?" He asked hoarsely.

"Please. I'm ready." Finn looked down shyly, and Kurt kissed him fiercely, his mind working overtime.

Kurt had imagined their first time before - and in every scenario, he was giving himself to Finn. But the thought of having Finn... was overwhelming, unexpected, but so absolutely perfect.

"Good," Kurt growled.

Finn shivered in anticipation.

"Don't be nervous," Kurt said softly, rubbing their noses together in an eskimo kiss.

"Can't help it, but I trust you," Finn replied.

"It's going to be good," Kurt said reassuringly, as he took Finn's mouth in several soft, wet kisses.

"Of course," Finn whispered, feeling rather dizzy. "It's you and me. It's going to be amazing."