Monday morning, Kurt saw Sebastian off to Dalton. He knew they were only four more weeks of school left, but somehow the weeks seemed longer than they did before. After Sebastian left, he headed to the shop to work on the books for a half an hour before heading to school to rehearse.
They had two weeks left to rehearse and the song was ready. Kurt was shocked. They sounded really good.
Kurt headed off to class to do his best at learning something that day. He continued with his previous method of reading how to do the problems while the teacher slowly collected their homework and then doing the problems while the teacher explained how to do them.
Kurt sat down with Puck at lunch. He kept his voice down. "Did you finish your English assignment last night?"
"Mostly."
"Okay. Well, tonight, I want you to not do yours and I want you to copy what I write and put it on your handout."
"Are you nuts?"
"Keep your voice down. Miss Pillsbury knows about it. I complained that the teachers aren't actually grading our work. I showed her some evidence last week, but I want to collect more. You won't get in trouble, I promise."
"Fine. Bring yours down to my room when you get home or whenever you get it done."
"Thank you."
"You're the weirdest person ever, thanking me for agreeing to copy your homework."
"Whatever." He rolled his eyes. "You sound really good on the song."
"Thanks. I'm skipping Glee tomorrow for a glam girls play date. Carole is going to be home and Sarah is having three of her friends over to have their nails painted and do their hair with some hair paint that washes out. And they're dip dying t-shirts or something. Pink dye of course."
"Ooh, I bet she's excited."
"I'm surprised you couldn't hear the squealing in Tennessee."
Kurt laughed. "Tomorrow will mark a month. She's been very flexible."
"She has. I feel bad that she's leaving her friends behind and going to a new school, but she's so young that hopefully she'll make new friends quickly that will live closer and she can go to afterschool care with and play with there."
"She's friendly and outgoing. I think she'll make new friends easily."
"Hey, did any of the other guys ever apologize to you? I told them you didn't accept a blanket apology, just my personal one."
"Mike, Rory, and Joe."
Puck nodded and then got pulled into another conversation. Kurt decided to head to the library for the last half of lunch and get started on his English worksheet.
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Wednesday at lunch, Kurt stopped by Miss Pillsbury's office with both his and Puck's English worksheets that had been handed back that morning. Kurt's had an A written on it while Puck's had a C written on. Miss Pillsbury took the pages, left to photocopy them, and came back. She returned the originals to Kurt and showed him that she had covered over their names on the photocopies.
"This is completely unacceptable."
"I agree. Puck is finally doing all of his schoolwork and the reward he gets is that he keeps getting C's, no matter what answers he puts on his worksheets. I haven't seen his assignments from his other classes, but when I asked him a few weeks back how he was doing, he told me that he was making all C's, except for one class. He's actually doing the homework correctly now and he's still getting C's. This is just ridiculous. Is there some sort of grading system at this school that the teachers have created? All jocks get C's, no matter what they turn in? Obviously the European Geography teacher didn't get the memo because he wasn't getting a C in there. Maybe she just doesn't ascribe to the 'Jock Grading System' or maybe she's just never had a jock take her class, since it's not the typical social studies class that students take."
"I don't know, Kurt, but this is very disturbing. If the teachers really are just giving all of the jocks C's no matter what they turn in, then there's a whole group of students who are receiving grades they don't deserve, whether the C is higher than they deserve or lower than they deserve."
"I've provided you with what I can easily get. I don't really know what you can do with the information."
"I'm not sure yet, but thank you for bringing this to my attention."
"You're welcome."
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Sebastian's week went by slowly, mostly because he felt inundated by the massive amount of schoolwork he had to get done each evening. He had a regular lacrosse game on Thursday afternoon as well as the tournament qualification game on Friday. If they won on Friday, they'd move ahead in the tournament and play again on Saturday.
And prom was Saturday night. He no intentions of having any schoolwork left to do over the weekend. So, he spent every waking moment working on something school related. He went to dinner at the last possible moment each evening to avoid possibly running into anyone wanting to converse with him and keeping him in the dining hall for longer than it took to eat.
The two songs that he was performing at Nationals were looking and sounding good and his plan of not attending Thursday rehearsals was helping him have an extra hour to get homework done.
By the time Friday afternoon rolled around, he was burnt out on schoolwork and long past ready to see Kurt.
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Kurt brought Sebastian's suit and his own suit from Finn and Rachel's wedding. He figured it wasn't the time to be fashion forward. He just wanted to have a nice evening with Sebastian. He brought coordinating vests and ties for them to wear. He made a cake for two for them to have afterwards.
Sebastian met him the visitor's lot in his lacrosse sweatsuit and carried the garment bag and the small box that had the cake in it up to his room. Kurt wouldn't tell him what was in the box.
After they got everything up in Sebastian's room, they headed down for a quick dinner. Sebastian left to get ready for the game. The coach had scheduled a short practice before the game. Kurt wandered around the school for a while, more of those "What if?" questions floating around in his mind.
Burt, Carole, Sam, Puck, and Sarah came to watch the game. Puck and Sarah rode with Sam. Carole drove to the airport to pick Burt up on the way. They texted Kurt when they arrived in the parking lot. Kurt went to meet them. About 10 minutes later, the other three arrived. Kurt hadn't mentioned that everyone was coming, in case something happened that prevented them from making it.
They all headed to the field to surprise Sebastian. He was out on the field stretching after the practice when they got there. Kurt managed to get Flint's attention and he went out and got Sebastian to come over to the edge of the field.
"Surprise," Kurt said, which he didn't need to say because Sebastian already had a stunned look on his face when he got close enough to see everyone. Kurt thanked Flint and asked him to take a picture of all of them. They huddled together with Sebastian down on one knee with Sarah standing next to him. Kurt knelt on his other side and took his hand. Sam stood to Burt's left, behind Kurt. Puck stood to Carole's right, behind Sarah. Flint took several shots and gave the phone back to Kurt, who thanked him.
Sebastian squeezed Kurt's hand as he got up. "Thank you all for coming. This is a huge surprise. I have to go back to stretch some more and get ready to play." He waved and ran back onto the field.
Dalton won and moved forward in the tournament. After the game, Sebastian showered as quickly as he could and dressed in his lacrosse team sweatsuit and headed right back outside to meet up with everyone.
"Congratulations, sweetie!" Carole was the first to pull him into a hug. "You did great out there."
"Thanks."
"So, I figure you two already ate dinner, but how about we all go out for frozen yogurt?" Burt asked.
"Sure. We'll meet you there. That way you all can head out without having to drive back this way."
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When they got to the yogurt shop, they enjoyed watching Sarah have an enormous amount of fun debating over which flavor to choose, sampling a few, and then choosing which toppings to put on hers.
Once they were sitting down, Kurt got everyone's attention and they all started to sing "Happy Birthday". The trip to the yogurt shop had been planned to be a surprise birthday party for Sam in addition to the family trip to see Sebastian's game.
Burt and Carole gave him a card with a gas card in it. Sarah had made him a homemade card with a cake drawn on it. Sebastian gave him a card and a framed picture that he had taken of all five of the Evans family members when they were in Kentucky. Sam opened Kurt's gift last. Kurt had gotten him a set of specialty paints that he had talked about wanting to try, but was never willing to risk the cash to buy for himself.
After they finished, Burt, Carole, Puck, and Sarah headed back to Lima. Before he headed to Kentucky, Sam pulled Kurt into a hug in the parking lot and thanked him, knowing that the impromptu birthday party had been his idea.
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"Well, that was a lot of fun," Sebastian said as they walked up the stairs to the building.
"It was. He loved that photo. You're really good."
"Thanks. He seemed surprised by your gift."
"I waited to get a 60% off coupon to buy the set. I knew he wanted it, but he wouldn't buy it for himself."
"I thought you were going to give him everything in Lima before you came over here today. And then you surprised me to by having everyone came to the game. A year ago, I could never have even imagined a life where I had a fabulous boyfriend, pseudo-parents who like me…"
Kurt cut in, "who love you."
"And three pseudo-siblings, well five I guess if Finn and Rachel ever start to come around again."
"Well, I can't say that I had imagined any of that either. But it's pretty amazing."
They walked up the stairs to Sebastian's room and went inside. Once the door was shut and locked, Kurt wrapped his arms around Sebastian's neck and kissed him. "You were great tonight."
"Thanks. It was really fun to play knowing that people came to watch me. Not in a show-off way, but just really fun. Having you come to every Saturday game and then having other people come sometimes has been really fun. Thank you."
"I wanted to come to more of the games, but with them starting at 4:30, I just couldn't get to them in time."
"I know. I know you would have come if you could have. I couldn't come to watch you cheer at the games that weren't on the weekends, even though I wanted to."
Kurt kissed him again and hugged him tight. "I know it's not even 10:00 yet, but how about a shower and a massage for you?"
"Yes. Definitely, yes." He started undressing Kurt.
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After Kurt finished Sebastian's massage, he curled up and Kurt scooted up behind him and wrapped his arm around him.
Kurt took a deep breath and let it out. He started placing little kisses along Sebastian's neck and shoulder. "I love you."
"I love you too."
They lay in each other's arms talking about any and everything until they fell asleep.
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The next morning, they ate some cereal bars that Sebastian had in his room and just stayed in bed snuggling for a few hours before they got up and got ready.
"Three weeks."
"21 days."
"Oh, we did finally persuade Brittany to make Prom a costume party. People can still come dressed up in regular prom attire and just wear a mask, but people will also show up wearing costumes. I thought maybe you could wear my John Travolta outfit or Sam's if his fits you better. He's determined to wear that baby blue suit. And I'm going as Freddie Mercury. The New Directions will be providing the live music again this year. But you can sing too. Last year, I didn't participate, but I'm going to this year. We could sing together."
"Isn't that likely to cause you problems at school?"
"There's only four days of school after prom. If I have to, I'll get Puck and Sam to be my bodyguards for four days. I think the bullies that are left aren't dumb enough to do something to get suspended during finals. They want to graduate."
"That's a good point. We'll have to think about what we could sing."
"Did you turn the form in for graduation indicating six guests for the evening?"
"I did." He had a big smile on his face.
Kurt couldn't resist that smile and he leaned forward and kissed him. "Good. Are you ready to get dressed and go out to the reservoir like we planned."
"More kisses first?"
Kurt laughed. "Of course."
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They stopped at an inexpensive Chinese restaurant on the way to the reservoir and picked up lunch. They had a picnic at the park and went walking on the trails through some of the wooded area. They stayed until they had to head back at 3:00 for Sebastian to get ready for the Regional Quarterfinals game in Columbus.
Kurt dropped Sebastian off at Dalton, and then he headed toward the school in Columbus where the game was being played. He stopped by an office supply store on the way. He picked out a black Cross pen and pencil set and a notebook to go in the leather notebook cover he had gotten for Sebastian on their trip.
Dalton won again and advanced to the next round of the tournament, the Regional Semifinals, the next Friday night. While Kurt was glad for Sebastian, he knew that winning was going to complicate things for Sebastian with the Warblers going to Nationals the next weekend.
Kurt headed back to the school and waited outside the bus unloading area for the team to get back. He waited for Sebastian to get off the bus. When he did, he walked over to him and they talked briefly. He and Kurt waited around for the coach.
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"Coach, can I talk to you?"
"Follow me to my office, Sebastian."
Kurt followed too. Once they were in the office, the two of them sat down in the chairs facing the coach's desk.
"What did you need to talk to me about?"
"Well, we won, but that creates some complications for me and for Flint. He and I are both Warblers and we're singing in Chicago next weekend at the Show Choir National Championship."
"I had heard that the Warblers had made their way to Nationals."
"The issue is that the two of us can't be here both Friday and Saturday night when we have to be in Chicago to perform during the day on Saturday. The team is traveling by bus and it's a 6-hour drive I believe. The plan was to leave after school on Friday and arrive in time to sleep. They have planned a sightseeing trip for Sunday and aren't planning to arrive back at school until 9:00 or 10:00 Sunday evening."
"I see."
"You're our high scorer, Sebastian. If you don't play, we have very little chance of winning."
"I understand sir, but I am also lead Warbler and there isn't someone to take my place."
"Let me look at something." He turned and looked at a print out on his bulletin board. "Both of those games start at 7:00. What time are you scheduled to sing?"
"No one has said when we actually perform. There are 25 choirs I think. It starts in the morning at 10:00, but the winner isn't announced until 4:00."
"Which is 5:00 Ohio time. So, even if you tried to take a flight back as soon as it ends, you couldn't get here by 7:00. Let me see what I can figure out. I'll get back to you as soon as I can."
Sebastian nodded. He and Kurt left the office. Sebastian headed into the locker room and Kurt went out to the hallway to wait for him.
Kurt leaned against the wall and thought about Sebastian's dilemma if the coach couldn't do anything to change the time of the second game. About 10 minutes later, Sebastian came out. They were the only ones in the hall and Kurt wrapped his arms around Sebastian and hugged him.
"You go eat something since you used up so much energy playing. I'll wait upstairs in the lounge for you. I want to eat what's being served at Prom and if I eat now, I won't be hungry then."
Sebastian stepped out of the hug and took his hand and they walked to the dining hall. "I'll just grab a sandwich and a banana. Just wait for me, okay?"
Kurt smiled and nodded.
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When the got back up to Sebastian's room, Kurt started undressing. Sebastian gave him a quizzical look.
"We have two hours before Prom. I want a pre-Prom nap. And I thought you might like to join me."
"Are we actually going to sleep?"
"I guess that depends, but mostly it's just an excuse to snuggle up with you."
"I see. So, it's a pre-Prom snuggle?"
"Umm hmm." Kurt continued to undress.
"Without any clothes on, it seems."
"Umm hmm." By then Kurt was down to his underwear. He folded his clothes and put them in the desk chair and swaggled his way over to the bed. "Are you joining me or are you just going to stand there?"
"Right." Sebastian refocused and undressed, tossing his clothes into the laundry basket in the closet. He turned around and got right in bed with Kurt.
"I figured you're tired after running around and we're going to dance all evening. So, we should rest for a while. I set my phone for 7:15."
"And if I want to rest by kissing you?" Sebastian teased, kissing up Kurt's neck.
"I'm not sure how 'restful' that would be, but I'm not opposed to the idea."
Sebastian rolled Kurt over onto his back and started kissing him.
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Before they went downstairs, Sebastian used the timer feature on his camera to take several shots of the two of them.
Nick and Jeff met them outside the dining hall. They found a decent area and they took pictures of each other using their phones to send to their mothers and Carole.
Once they were done, they stepped inside the dining hall, which the school had done an excellent job of transforming into a lovely dance hall. They didn't have any of the ceiling lights on and they had hung strings of lights from the light fixtures all around the room, almost giving the effect of the night sky with stars. The food tables had strings of icicle lights hanging over the tops of the tableskirts.
Kurt and Sebastian spent a lot of the evening dancing together. They also took turns dancing with Nick and Jeff and anyone else who asked. None of the guys seemed fazed by dancing with other guys, just like the night they had gone to the club. The girls dance with each other too. Friends danced with friends. Kurt and Sebastian didn't know any of the girls, but that didn't stop some of them from asking them to dance.
Kurt was glad that he had skipped dinner. He and Sebastian enjoyed sharing the appetizers and a few of the mini-desserts that were set up along the edge where the food was normally served for meals.
As the evening wound down, they danced together to the last few songs. After the last song, the band took a bow and everyone clapped politely for them. They played quietly as everyone slowly exited the room.
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A lot of the couples headed out for hotels to be able to spend the night together and Kurt and Sebastian had discussed the idea and decided against it. They headed up to Sebastian's room.
He opened the door and said, "Close your eyes and stand right there." He shut the door and locked it. He turned the bathroom light on so he could see what he was doing and then turned it off. He went back and stood next to Kurt and said, "Open your eyes."
Kurt smiled when he opened his eyes. Sebastian had hung a set of twinkling icicle lights across his curtain rod behind his curtains. They lit up the room just enough to see, the way a few candles would.
Sebastian pulled his phone out and played an instrumental version of "Never Gonna Let You Down". He held out his hand to Kurt. "May I have the last dance of the evening?"
"Your name is permanently etched at the top of my dance card." He took Sebastian's hand and they danced until the song ended. When it did, he pulled Sebastian close and hugged him tight. "Tonight was beautiful. I'm glad we went."
"Me too. Do I get to open the box yet?" He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.
"With that type of request, I'm afraid that you might be let down by what you find inside."
"I'm figuring that it's something tasty."
"Well, good. I was concerned that you thought it was something more risqué."
"Oh, no. You oftentimes bring me some kind of treat and you didn't let me have it last night, so I've been wondering what it is for a whole day."
"It's nothing really fancy since I couldn't refrigerate it."
"I'm sure it's really good."
"Do you want to shower first or do you want to open it now?"
"How about we hang our suits up and I'll think about it?" He started to unbutton Kurt's vest, then his shirt. He untucked his undershirt and slid his hands around Kurt's back, which caused him to moan.
He reached over and started undressing Sebastian as well. By the time they were down to their underwear and the suits were on hangers, Sebastian had made up his mind.
"I want to open it now."
"Alright."
Sebastian opened the box and found a fabric picnic tablecloth inside. He took it out and handed it to Kurt, who took it from him, opened it, and put it over the bed. Sebastian pulled out a tall storage container that was in the box upside down.
"Did the whole thing get dumped upside-down?"
"No, it's right-side-up. Sit it on the desk. The lid is being used as base."
"Got it." Sebastian carefully removed the container, which was the cover. He grinned. "It's a baby chocolate cake."
"It's a chocolate lava cake for two."
"Mmm." He grabbed the two napkins with forks wrapped in them and carefully carried the cake over to the bed.
Kurt sat down on the tablecloth first and then took the cake so Sebastian could sit down without dropping it. Once Sebastian had sat down, Kurt put the cake on the bed in between them. He took a napkin and fork from Sebastian. He cut into the cake and offered the first bite to Sebastian.
"Mmm. That's delicious."
"I'm glad you like it."
They fed each other the cake until it was gone. Kurt stood up and put the container and forks back in the box. Sebastian stood up as well. Kurt went back over to the bed and took the tablecloth and folded it up and put it in the box too.
Sebastian wrapped his arms around Kurt from behind. "Shower?"
"Of course."
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The next morning, Kurt and Sebastian spent a leisurely morning together, ate lunch as soon as the cafeteria opened, packed up everything in the Navigator, and headed to the Columbus Zoo. On their way to the ticket counter, an employee offered them a membership brochure. They looked at it, but laid it at the ticket counter for someone else to look at. They bought their tickets and waited near the entrance for Nick and Jeff to arrive.
"The membership thing would be a cool idea to do at the Cincinnati Zoo if we like going there. We'd still get that 50% discount on all of the other places, but we'd get in free to the zoo we live near," Kurt said.
"We'll have to go sometime and see. We had a good time at the National Zoo and the aquarium in Gatlinburg, so it sounds like a good idea." Sebastian reached out for Kurt's hand, which was quickly accepted and they interlaced their fingers.
"I like going places with you, period." Kurt rubbed his thumb along Sebastian's index finger.
A few minutes later, Nick and Jeff arrived. They bought their tickets and the four of them headed into the zoo. They spent the whole afternoon looking through the exhibits and enjoying spending time together and watching the animals.
Once the zoo closed, they headed out. Nick and Jeff pointed out where they had parked and headed to their car. Kurt and Sebastian climbed in the backseat of the Navigator for a few minutes of kissing before Kurt left.
"I'll miss you." Kurt said and gave Sebastian one last kiss before he opened the door to get out. "I love you."
"I love you too. I'll call you after I talk to the coach about the games and everything."
They both got out. Kurt moved to the driver's seat. Sebastian waved before he got in Nick's backseat.
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Kurt managed to get a load of laundry in and the suits stored back in the closet before it was time to eat. He moved the wet clothes to the dryer, and then he helped set the table and carry the food into the dining room. Finn, Rachel, Puck, Sarah, Sam, and Carole all sat down together to eat.
Carole started the conversation. "Is everyone excited about Nationals next weekend?"
"I'm not really sure what's been planned. I've been leaving as soon as we finish practicing to head to the shop," Kurt said.
Rachel responded. "Well, we're planning on sightseeing on Sunday. We're going to leave super early Saturday morning rather than spend the night Friday night since we're only spending one night. That way we can enjoy the sightseeing on Sunday."
"Alright. So, we're leaving at what, 5:00 in the morning?
"Yes."
"So, we're staying in a hotel Saturday night and sightseeing on Sunday. Anything else I've missed?"
"Just that Tina is kind of freaking out because you haven't brought the bows for the girls' dresses to school yet."
"I have them done. I need to take them over there tonight. I completely forgot to take them to school on Friday. I had so many other things I packed for the weekend Friday morning that I left them behind. As soon as we eat, I'll take them over. Thank you for reminding me."
"You're welcome."
"While you're here, Finn, I need to tailor your shirt."
"Sure, dude. We're gonna watch a movie after dinner, so you can do it when you come back from Tina's."
Carole remembered, "Oh, Kurt. There's some mail for you on your desk."
"Thanks."
Finn asked, "Kurt, can you add me back to the shop schedule?"
"Sure. I'll have to ask Dad how many hours I can add you for and see if any of the guys working in the afternoon want to switch to mornings first."
"That's fine. I want to start after we get back from Nationals anyway."
"Okay. If there's certain days you can't work, let me know before I rearrange anything. Just text me so I can look at the list when I'm at the shop."
"Got it."
"Any prospects on jobs for you, Rachel?" Carole asked.
"I applied to work at several summer camps in the area. Interviews should start soon."
"That would be good because those are set hours and so much easier to deal with than the craziness that jobs like mine involve. I'm going to start looking into getting on at a doctor's office three days a week. I'm getting too old for the rotating 12-hour shifts and trying to get people to switch with me so I can be home when Burt is or have enough days off to go out to see him."
"That sounds like a better fit," Kurt said. "I hope you find a position like that."
They finished up eating. "I know I'm supposed to help clean up, but could I be excused, just for tonight so I can take those bows to Tina and tailor my shirt and Finn's?"
Sam spoke up. "I'll do the dishes instead of Kurt. We need those costumes ready for Tuesday because we're having a dress rehearsal."
"Thanks, Sam." Kurt got up and grabbed the clothes from the laundry room and laid them out on his bed to keep them from wrinkling. He grabbed the box that he had put the bows in and headed downstairs.
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He rang Tina's doorbell.
"Kurt?"
"Hi Tina. I'm so sorry. I had these ready for you Friday morning and I forgot to bring them to school. I don't know that it will do any good to give them to you now, but if you want, I'll help you sew them on during lunch tomorrow." He handed her the box of bows.
"Alright. I'll see if I can get a couple sewn on before school too. I have US History before lunch. Maybe Mr. Schue will just let me go sew during class."
"I hope so. I'm really sorry."
"It's okay. At least they're done. Everything else on the dresses has already been done. This won't take that long. We're way more prepared than we've ever been before."
"That's true. I have to get home and get some other stuff done. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye."
Kurt waved as he got back into the Navigator and pulled out of her driveway and headed home.
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Kurt went upstairs and knocked on Sam's door.
"Come in."
"Hey. Can you put your shirt on so that I can see how to alter mine and Finn's?"
"Um. Yeah. Sure. Give me a minute." Sam grabbed his shirt out of his closet and went in the bathroom to put it on. He came back out with it tucked in his jeans.
"Turn."
Sam turned slowly.
"Thank you."
"No problem." He went back into the bathroom and changed back. He hung it on the back of his bedroom door. "I'm supposed to take it to school tomorrow so that everything will be in one place."
"Right. I have to get mine and Finn's done tonight."
"You're burning the candles at both ends again like Burt told you not to."
"I know. Three weeks."
"Three weeks. This school year's gone by really fast and really slowly both. It's weird."
"I know. I just want it to be over with in some ways and in other ways, I wish this year were just starting, but starting differently than it actually did. So many things have been a mess this year. I wanted this magical senior year where we were finally all friends, where the rivalry was replaced with camaraderie instead. No more fighting and a lot of good times together. But that's not what we got, at least it's not what I got."
Sam just nodded and sat back down on his bed.
"Well, I have to go fix Finn's shirt." Kurt went in his room and grabbed Finn's shirt and some straight pins.
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"Just go slip it on in the half bath or the storage room. Tuck it in and come back out so I can mark it."
Finn came back out and Kurt marked where to put the darts and sent him to take it back off.
"I'll be back down after I've fixed it for you to try it on to make sure it fits right."
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Once Kurt was back up in his room, he remembered that he hadn't looked at the mail that Carole had mentioned. He grabbed it and moved it to the vanity so he could set the sewing machine up on the desk. He laid Finn's shirt out and pinned it so he could sew it. He finished it and took it right back downstairs for Finn to try on. It fit him and he brought it back upstairs to take to school with everyone else's.
He knocked on Puck's door and asked for his. He collected Sam's from him and put them all in a garment bag together to keep them clean. He still had his left to do, so he got his out and did the alterations on it as well and added his to the group. He took the garment bag down and hung it in the Navigator so he couldn't possibly leave them behind like he had the bows on Friday.
He went back upstairs and took care of the clothes he had washed and dried. He put the sewing machine back away and grabbed some scissors from the drawer and opened the mail. The first one was a letter from NYADA, which surprised him.
Mr. Hummel,
Please accept your invitation you to join the NYADA Musical Theatre Class of 2016.
Please fill out the enclosed forms to accept or decline your acceptance into the program and choose your housing option for the 2012-2013 school year by the May 15th deadline.
Sincerely,
Carmen Tibideaux
Kurt put the letter down on the desk and texted Rachel. She came upstairs just a few minutes later.
"Kurt?"
"Come in, Rachel." He got up to meet her and handed her the letter.
She took it and unfolded it and read it. "It's the exact letter I got. What are you going to do?" She handed it back to him.
He sat down at the desk and she sat in the chair in the corner.
"I'm not going to NYADA. I'm not even sure why she sent it since I told her that I had applied to another school."
"Maybe it was just to prove a point. I talked to our counselor about what happened. I think you probably have grounds for getting Mr. Schue fired over this."
"I don't know if that's what I want. I mean he's not awful, but what he did was really wrong. What if I hadn't applied anywhere else and I didn't looked into why I hadn't been accepted?"
"That would be terrible, especially with me choking and still getting in. He didn't really teach us a lot after I started to really think about it. He's not a bad choral arranger, but he's not really taught us much about music, like actual musical training."
"I know. When I started voice lessons in the fall, I realized how much Mr. Schue wasn't doing. I didn't mind learning about the history of modern music, but he left out a lot, plus like you just said, he didn't do much to teach actual musical skill."
"Wait. You've been taking voice lessons?"
"Yes."
"He didn't really provide any vocal training. He let me get away with being really awful and encouraged my childish behavior by giving in."
"He did. I think I really like your new counselor."
"I would have learned a lot more by seeing this guy if I had gone to see him since I started high school instead of the therapist I used to go to."
"Well, at least you've found someone to help now. Are you and Finn doing better?"
"Not really. We're fighting less because I'm less of a basket case, but I thought about what you said about me and Blaine. And you were right in some ways. If he had been bi, he would have been perfect in a lot of ways. I don't know that things would have worked out with him because there are other issues going on with him. But I thought about what you said about him being able to be my 'best gay' and boyfriend. I love Finn, but I don't like anything that Finn likes. He doesn't really like anything that I like, except food."
"This is why I tried to convince both of you to wait. I knew you loved him, but sometimes love isn't enough. You have to be compatible too. Being with him at school during lunch and Glee and maybe one or two evenings a week is a whole lot different than living with someone."
"I know. I feel torn. I don't want to get divorced, but I'm certain now that the only reason he's going to New York is because of me. He wants to make me happy. That can't be someone's purpose in life."
"I don't know what to say."
"There isn't anything to say. We have to figure things out for ourselves. I just think we're headed for a split, whether we stay married or not. I don't think he's going to go with me to New York. I don't even know if I should go. I know if I go to NYADA, I can't be the person I've been. I have to be ready to face criticism, like you said, and I don't know if I can." She started crying.
Carole came up looking for Rachel. She knocked on the open door. "Rachel?"
She wiped her eyes and turned towards the door.
"The movie ended, dear. Finn's ready to go."
"Alright. I'll be right down."
Carole walked away from the door.
"Well, I didn't tell Finn about your rejection letter, so no one but the two of us knows, and maybe Miss Pillsbury? I think you should just tell everyone that you got in. There's no reason to give anyone the impression that you were rejected because of Mr. Schue's lies, unless you want people to know."
"I don't. At least I don't want anyone in Glee to know. I didn't specifically tell Miss Pillsbury that I got a rejection letter, but I am sure that she assumes that I did. The only thing she know for certain is that I requested that she provide an accurate account of the falsehoods in Mr. Schue's response to NYADA's request for more information."
"Alright. So, it's okay if I talk about me going to NYADA?"
"I told you it was fine before."
"Well, I didn't want to add to the terrible things I've already done."
"I appreciate that. But yes, feel free to tell anyone you want. If people come to me and ask, I'll say that I got in as well. You can give people the same answer. Just don't say that I accepted or rejected. Just say that I got in too."
"I can do that." She went downstairs.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Kurt opened the second letter. It was a letter stating that he had gotten one of the scholarships that he had applied for. He called Sebastian immediately.
"Bas, I got a scholarship. I got a letter yesterday."
"That's fantastic."
"It's only $1500, but it's something. And it's renewable. I also got a new letter from NYADA offering me a place for next school year."
"What?"
"I guess Madame Tibideaux reconsidered my application after she found out that Mr. Schue had misrepresented the truth."
"So what are you going to do?" Sebastian sounded concerned.
"I'm going to decline the offer because you and I are moving into our house and going to school in Cincinnati," he stated with conviction.
"Are you sure that's what you want? I don't want you to look back and regret this choice."
"Yes, I'm sure that it's what I want. I want to go to school and learn and I want be with you. UC is a really good program. We can move to New York after we finish school or never if we find we want to live some place else instead. I would have never agreed to getting the house if I still had doubts."
"Okay. Oh, I got an email from my coach. He did a lot of work and got the other three teams that are playing in the Region 1 Semifinal games to agree to move the games to earlier in the afternoon so that the Region 1 Finals game can be played Friday night. The first game will be at 4:00 and the winners will face off at 7:00. The other three regions in Ohio will keep the original schedule."
"That's great. I found out that the New Directions bus is leaving a 5:00am on Saturday morning. Maybe you and Flint can ride with us since the Warblers are leaving Friday after school. I'll ask tomorrow."
"I will talk to Flint. I don't see why he wouldn't want to. The only other option is to buy a plane ticket and fly out. If his family has money, he might prefer to do that though. I'll let you know at lunch tomorrow. That way you'll know whether to ask about both of us or just me."
"Okay. I had a really good time with you at Prom. And the park and the zoo. I miss being with you. I need to get ready for bed though. I have rehearsal before school tomorrow."
"I miss you too. Good night, mon étoile. I love you."
"I love you too."
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Kurt and Tina managed to get all 13 bows on the dresses before the end of the day. And surprisingly none of the guys forgot to bring their shirts. Once everyone arrived, they moved to the auditorium.
They ran through their set list three times. After the third time, Mr. Schue had them sit in the auditorium to go over some details. This time Kurt stayed to listen instead of going to the shop. Once he finished talking, Kurt raised his hand.
"Yes, Kurt."
"I wanted to ask if it would be possible for Sebastian to ride with us to Chicago. The Dalton lacrosse team has made it farther in the tournament this year than it has in previous years, so there was a conflict between the lacrosse Regional Semifinals and Regional Finals and Show Choir Nationals. His coach managed to move the Saturday game to Friday, but now he has two lacrosse games on Friday after school. The Warblers are leaving on their bus right after school on Friday. Flint is on the lacrosse team too, but his parents are paying from him to fly to Chicago after their second game. Sebastian would rather not spend close to $200 on an airplane ticket, unless he has no other option."
Mr. Schue didn't say anything.
"He's already 18. He doesn't need a parent's permission. We're not going to be practicing our songs when we leave at 5:00 in the morning. People are going to bring pillows and sleep. Plus, what good would hearing us sing our entire set list do for the Warblers now? It's not like an a cappella group can change their set list a few hours before a competition."
Rachel spoke up. "Kurt's right. I've acted ridiculous about this all year. A cappella groups can't just create arrangements in a few hours. They've been rehearsing as long as we have and all we can do is our best. I'm not opposed to him riding with us."
"Is anyone else?" Kurt looked around and no one seemed to care. "So, can I take the fact that no one is saying anything opposed to the idea to mean that it's okay?"
"He can ride with us," Mr. Schue said.
"Thank you."
"I will remind everyone to pack light. A single backpack or small overnight bag is it. We'll only be staying one night. We'll have 30 people on the bus, plus our costumes. Dress rehearsal tomorrow. Bring your shoes. They'll stay here with the costumes."
Quinn asked, "Where are we sightseeing?"
"Good question. Miss Pillsbury will be talking about that tomorrow. That's all for today."
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Kurt texted Sebastian at 4:05, hoping to catch him on his way to lacrosse practice. When Sebastian got the text, he called Kurt.
"Good afternoon, mon étoile."
"You're cheerful."
"You want to talk to me. Why wouldn't I be cheerful?"
"You're a sweetie. I called to say that you can ride with us to Chicago."
"Excellent. Now, I don't have to spend $200 on a plane ticket. Oh, in other good news, Nick and Jeff's parents are paying for a room for them, and we've been asked to join them."
"That will be fun. That leaves Finn a whole bed to himself. He'll be pleased."
"Finn wouldn't have shared a bed with you, would he?"
"Oh, no. I would have shared with Sam. But with me not sharing a room with the Glee guys, there will be 7 of them, leaving one bed with only one occupant and since he's the tallest, I'm sure he'll claim that bed."
"Well, I want the bed that has you in it."
"Mmm hmm."
"I've got to go get changed now. We'll talk later. I love you. Thanks for calling me."
"You're welcome. I love you too."
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Kurt called Sebastian at bedtime. "Good evening, mon joyau."
"It's definitely better now that you've called."
"So, I've been planning."
"Umm hmm."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It just means that I'm listening and ready to hear what you've plotted."
"So, I'm going to skip Glee on Friday while everyone else loads the bus. And I'm going to drive to wherever your first game is."
"Both games are going to be at the same school, in Dublin."
"Well, that will make it even easier. So, I'm going to come watch you and then take you out to dinner and then go watch your second game and bring you home with me afterwards. We should get home in time to go to sleep by 10:00 and not be completely dead tired to get to the school to leave at 5:00."
"I figured I'd drive to the games and then drive home afterwards."
"That would mean your car would be here and you'd be going back to Westerville with the Warblers Sunday."
"I was going to try to ride back to Lima with you and stay until Monday morning like usual."
"Hmm. So, either I get to watch you play or I get to spend an extra night with you. That's so not a fair choice. I want both."
Sebastian laughed. "You're so cute. I want both too."
"Not to minimize getting to spend the night with you because I really do love that, but there won't be any other games for me to come see you in unless you win both games Friday night."
"Okay. I'll ride with the team to the game and go back to Lima with you afterward."
"Send me the name of the school where the games are being held."
"I will."
They talked for a while longer before they hung up to go to sleep.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
The rest of the week was a blur of preparing for Nationals, schoolwork, working for Kurt and lacrosse practices for Sebastian. By the time the two of them spoke before going to bed Thursday night, they were both pretty beat.
Kurt got up Friday morning and made a batch of pan cookies for Sebastian. As soon as school got out, he headed to Dublin to watch the games. He arrived 30 minutes into the game, but he was pleased to at least get to see part of it. He found a seat and checked the score. Dalton was ahead at the half. Kurt refrained from yelling because he knew how much that could hurt his voice. But it was hard not to. Sebastian scored three times in the second half. Dalton won.
Kurt headed out of the stands and out to the Navigator. Sebastian texted him once he was showered and dressed. Kurt pulled around to the entrance and Sebastian put his garment bag, suitcase, and satchel in the back seat, climbed in the passenger seat, and leaned over the console and kissed Kurt.
"You won! Congratulations!"
"I'm glad you're here."
"What would you like to eat, and where do I need to drive to get it?"
Sebastian took his phone out of his hoodie pocket. "How about Thai food? There's a place not far from here."
"Sure." Kurt followed Sebastian's directions and they arrived a few minutes later.
They ordered chicken dishes and sat down and waited for their food.
"So, are you excited about Chicago?"
"Yeah. It should be interesting. We're going to a museum on Sunday."
"That sounds cool. I wish our group was going to a museum. Maybe I can go with you somehow. Miss Pillsbury planned a shopping trip for the girls and a sport-something trip for the guys."
"I see."
Their number was called. Kurt got up to grab their tray of food and brought it back to the table.
"You try both. Whichever one you like best, you eat."
They took bites of each dish.
"I like them both."
"Me too."
They left the containers in the middle and put some of each on their plates. They talked and ate. Once they finished, they headed back to the school in case the coach wanted Sebastian there for some reason.
After Kurt parked, they climbed into the backseat, and then decided to put the seats down and lay out in the cargo area. Kurt had already put the camping pillows in the back to take with them on the bus, so they lay on their sides facing each other, gently kissing and talking until Sebastian had to head back into the locker room to change back into his lacrosse gear.
Kurt kissed him one last time. "I love you. I'll meet you back here after the game."
Sebastian climbed out and Kurt put the back seats back in position before he headed back into the stadium to wait for the game to start.
He looked up the museum that the Warblers were going to and he decided that he was going to go with them, even if Mr. Schue didn't really want him to. He didn't have to wait too much longer before the game got underway.
The game was neck and neck the whole time. It was definitely their toughest match of the year. It came down to the last few minutes and Dalton scored. Kurt couldn't tell who it was. But they were up 14-13. They managed to keep the other team from scoring in the last 2 minutes and they won. Dalton was the Region 1 Champion. They were headed to the State Semifinal game the next weekend.
Kurt headed out to the Navigator and waited for Sebastian. He got in and Kurt headed for Lima.
"Who scored that last shot? I couldn't tell. Everyone was moving around so fast."
"I did."
"You're amazing. I'm glad you decided to play. You're really good."
"It's a lot of fun. I've gotten the team to loosen up a bit and it's been more fun than I originally thought it was going to be."
"I think I have everything ready for the weekend. Open the glove box."
Sebastian reached up and opened it and pulled out a ziplock bag of cookies.
"Mmm." He stuffed one in his mouth. "You spoil me. Are they cookies or brownies?" he asked after wolfing down the first one.
"I like spoiling you. They're pan cookies. I didn't have time to roll the dough into balls to make individual cookies. That's about a quarter of them. The rest are at home to take with us."
"Peanut butter chocolate chip. That's new. I like them."
"I think you like all cookies."
"Well, you haven't made any that I haven't liked."
Kurt reached over and took his hand and interlaced their fingers. They talked the rest of the way back to Lima.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Sebastian left his uniform hanging in the garment bag in the cargo area of the Navigator. He went straight to the laundry room and put his clothes in the washer.
Kurt was upstairs double-checking the suitcase when Sebastian walked in. He closed and locked the door. He walked over to the bed where Kurt was looking through everything.
"I just need to add your socks and underwear, unless there's something else you need to add."
"I think my slacks and a button up shirt. The Warblers are expected to dress for dinner Saturday evening."
"Should I add a nice outfit as well? Or am I not allowed to go to dinner with you guys?"
"I hope you're coming. Otherwise, I'm bailing and doing whatever you're doing." He kissed Kurt.
Kurt moved to the closet and grabbed Sebastian's slacks. "Come in here and pick a shirt."
Sebastian chose his green button up with the tiny black diamonds on it. Kurt chose a shirt and took the items and folded them neatly and put them in the suitcase.
"So, I have the dress outfit, two pairs of jeans, the gray short sleeve button up and the burgundy short sleeved Henley for you. And a dress shirt, two pairs of jeans and two button up shirts for me, but they're not really dressy ones. Hiking boots or Vans? I'm packing your dress shoes. My slacks and dress shoes are already packed with our costumes on the bus." He grabbed a vest at the last minute and added it as well.
"I'll just wear my Vans when we leave."
"So, then as soon as your socks and underwear are packed and we add our toiletries, we're done."
Sebastian was standing in front of the dresser moving things from his school satchel into the small canvas bag he used when they traveled. "I think that's it other than whatever we're wearing on the way there."
They both went in the closet and pulled out outfits to wear. Sebastian ran down and moved his clothes to the dryer and came back up. He shut and locked he door again. Kurt was standing and staring at his docked iPod, looking through playlists. Sebastian wrapped his arms around him from behind and propped his chin on Kurt's shoulder. "Dance with me?"
"Always." He chose some jazzy big band music and pressed play. He turned and wrapped his arms around Sebastian and they danced around for a few minutes.
Sebastian was in a really upbeat mood and started being silly. He spun Kurt out and back in and dipped him.
"You goof. I'm not a girl."
"I know you aren't. Trust me." He kissed Kurt passionately. "But you're flexible and hot. And I love dancing with you."
"Mmm." Kurt was enjoying the dancing and kissing too much to respond with words.
When the song ended, Sebastian started undressing Kurt, who responded in kind. They headed to the shower. Kurt washed Sebastian's hair, which was one of his favorite things to do. After they got out, Sebastian slipped on pajamas and headed down to grab his clothes and came right back up. He hung up what went in the closet and put socks and underwear in the suitcase and zipped it up. Kurt had added their toiletries while he was gone and was waiting for him in the bed.
Sebastian turned off the lamp on the dresser and climbed into bed with Kurt, who almost immediately plopped himself over onto Sebastian and wiggled his way into wrapping himself all around Sebastian, who laughed.
"Comfy yet?"
"Mostly."
"Only mostly?"
"You didn't pull me close yet."
"That's because I wanted to kiss you some more first."
"Mmm." Kurt tipped his head up and met Sebastian's lips with his own. "I set the alarm for 4:30. Let's try to sleep for 6 hours."
They kissed a few more times and Sebastian pulled him close and they fell asleep.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Although Kurt's internal alarm clock went off early every morning, 4:30 was too early even for him, but he kissed Sebastian who was sleeping through the alarm.
"Bas, we have to get up and get dressed."
"Kisses."
"A few, but we can't be late to the school." Kurt kissed him a few times. "Come on. We have to go."
Sebastian stretched and sat up. "Okay. I'm up." They got ready quickly and headed downstairs. Sebastian put their suitcase in the Navigator and came back inside.
Carole had gotten up early and made everyone breakfast. They all thanked her and headed out to the Navigator to ride together.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
The bus ride was long, but Kurt snuggled up against Sebastian and they napped for a while. When the sun came up, they listened to music for a while. They talked quietly in French. When they got off the interstate and headed into Chicago, they started looking out the windows at the city.
They pulled into the hotel where all of the show choirs were staying at 9:00. Mr. Schue headed to the choral director's area and the other three chaperones started distributing the card keys. Kurt had texted Jeff when they pulled up. He had gotten their room number and got in line himself to get his and Sebastian's card keys. Kurt hadn't mentioned not staying with the New Directions guys, but Sue saw him in line getting his own key and didn't request one for him. By the time the room keys were distributed, Mr. Schue was back.
"We drew 10th position. I checked the list, Sebastian. The Warblers are 12th."
"Thank you."
"You are all free to go up to your rooms and get ready. Be back here in 30 minutes at 10:00 sharp. There are some rooms that we can practice in."
Sebastian carried the garment bag and Kurt pulled the suitcase up to their room. Sebastian opened the door and stepped in and held the door for Kurt to get through. Kurt put the suitcase on the bed that was still made and opened it. He got Sebastian's dress shoes out. Sebastian was already changing into his uniform. He laid his clothes on the bed next to the suitcase. Kurt headed into the bathroom with his styling products and got his hair under control. He put on small amount of eyeliner and mascara so he'd look better on stage. Sebastian leaned against the bathroom door watching Kurt.
"Does the make up bother you?"
"Nope."
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure. You're gorgeous. Make up or no make up. It's like wearing fancy clothes. You look hot all dressed up, but you also look hot in your coveralls at the shop or in a t-shirt and shorts."
Kurt put the make up back in their toiletries bag. He turned and kissed Sebastian gently. "Thank you."
"Much better."
Kurt looked confused.
"No upswing on the thank you." He smiled and put his hand on the side of Kurt's face and ran his thumb down his jaw. "You believe me now."
"I believe that you see me that way. I trust you not to lie to me. And if you think I look good in those items, then I have no reason to not believe you."
Sebastian pulled him close and kissed him. "I love you. Let's get downstairs before we're late."
Kurt took his hand. "I love you too."
They walked down to the lobby hand in hand. Once they were there, Sebastian let go and headed to the room the Warblers were in.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Performing 10th gave the New Directions plenty of time to get their costumes on and be ready. They changed in the room they had been given, guys first, then the girls. The guys ran through their number first, while the girls did their make up. Once the girls were ready, they practiced their piece. They practiced the group song and headed up to the balcony where the participating choirs had reserved seats. They watched four groups before they headed down to the stage area. When group number 8 exited the stage, they moved to the wings to be ready to perform.
All of their pieces went well. They had practiced and worked on their numbers and that work paid off. They were excited, but not tense like they had been at Nationals the year before. They received a standing ovation. They exited off the stage. Kurt didn't see Sebastian standing with the Warblers that were waiting to move into the wings as the 11th group took their places.
Kurt headed out into the lower auditorium and found and empty seat and quietly sat down and waited for the Warblers to perform. Sebastian did a great job on "Stand", just like he had at Regionals. The piece was even more polished than it had been. They looked really good.
Their second piece surprised Kurt. It was a One Direction song, "One Thing". The crowd was on their feet before the first verse was finished. Flint, Thad, Jeff, Nick, and David were singing lead taking the parts of the five members of the group. The rest of the Warblers were the vocal band for the song. During each chorus, the group broke out in amazing dance steps that were different each chorus. Kurt saw the flips that were mentioned way back after Sectionals. He didn't know that Sebastian could do them too. Kurt was really excited for the other seniors who finally got a chance to shine.
He stopped the video once the song ended and he slipped out of the audience and into the hall. He headed up to the balcony to sit with the New Directions again. He waited until he heard the applause and then opened the door and went down to where they were sitting. He slipped in and sat next to Sam.
"They were really good. Better than I've ever seen them," Sam said.
"They were. We'll just have to wait and see. I bet a lot of the groups are really good."
"I didn't know that Sebastian could break dance and do flips like that."
"Me either. He surprised me too."
Kurt stood up after the 13th group performed and sat behind Mr. Schue. "I want to know if I am free to do what I want or if I am required to stay with the group."
"I'd rather you not wander around alone."
"I won't be alone. I'm going to go with the Warblers. I'd like to go with them this evening as well as tomorrow. They're going to the Museum of Science and Industry and that sounds like a lot more fun than a sports tour of wherever."
"As long as you're back here to leave with us at 4:00 tomorrow afternoon, it's fine with me."
"Thank you." Kurt moved to go sit with Sebastian and the rest of the Warblers.
When Sebastian saw him walking up the aisle, a huge grin formed on his face. Flint got up and moved to sit somewhere farther down the row and gave Kurt his seat on the end. Sebastian reached out for Kurt's hand.
He leaned in and asked, "So, what's the verdict?"
"I can stay with you guys. Mr. Schue says I have to be back here at 4:00 tomorrow to leave with the group."
"Perfect. The council ordered subs to be delivered to the hotel at 1:00, during the lunch break. We're going to go eat them and come back and continue watching."
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
The format had been changed from the previous year and this time only the top five teams were in the Showcase. Each group was allowed to perform a single song from their set. After that, the final placement would be determined.
At 4:00 the top five teams names were posted on a list in the foyer. Both the New Directions and the Warblers were on the list. They headed off to warm up again to perform starting at 4:15. Each group sang one song and at 4:45, the wait began. The five groups stood along the edges of the auditorium waiting.
The final three groups were called up to the stage.
"Would the Warblers, the New Directions, and Vocal Symphony please take the stage?"
The placement was announced in reverse order. The 5th, and 4th place announcements were made, leaving the three groups on the stage in suspense.
"For the first time in the history of the Show Choir Nationals, an a cappella group has place in the top three. Congratulations to the Warblers from Westerville, Ohio for placing 3rd!" The audience cheered. The announcer placed the trophy in front of the Warblers. Blaine was standing to the left, followed by the five seniors who sang lead on their group song, and Sebastian on the right.
"Next, in second place Vocal Symphony, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana." The crowd cheered for them as well.
At that point, the New Directions realized that they had won, but they kept quiet waiting to hear the announcement.
"In first place, the New Directions from Lima, Ohio." The crowd clapped and cheered. The announcer placed their trophy in front of the group.
Once the cheering died down and the crowd began to disperse, Coach Beiste, Coach Sue, and Miss Pillsbury appeared on stage and got the group to get in formation and Miss Pillsbury took several photos of them.
After giving everyone directions on what to do, the group headed to change, but before they could exit the stage, Madame Tibideaux made an appearance and approached Mr. Schue and indicated for Rachel and Kurt to follow her. Although she was dressed in her typical clothing, she was quite inconspicuous somehow and no one really noticed her in their excitement to follow the other groups off the stage. She walked to the front edge of the wings on the opposite side of the stage, where they would be alone.
"Mr. Schuester, I attend this competition annually to see up and coming talent. I saw your group last year. They had a lot of energy, but were clearly not ready to perform that day. This year however, they were quite good, as evidenced by your first place finish. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"I would like to point out to you that the misleading information that you supplied for Kurt was corrected by another faculty member at your school. I was pleased to offer him a place in our musical theatre department for the fall. I was quite put out that you jeopardized one student's future by submitting false information and misled me about the merits of another. Rachel is a talented performer, no doubt. But your rave review of her skills is called into question by your misleading and false information provided about another student. I am in a bind because I am not allowed to rescind an invitation to join our school. So, Miss Berry's acceptance is secure. But your actions have caused me to reconsider how to collect additional information on our prospective students. If I cannot rely on their choral directors to be honest, where does that leave me?"
Mr. Schue was tongue-tied.
"I'll answer my own question. It leaves me with a dilemma. I believe that we will be asking for and requiring recorded submissions in addition to the previously collected information in the future. You are a fortunate man to have had so many talented students in such a small school. Several of your students that I saw today would have made good candidates for various music programs around the country. IF you're still employed next fall as an educator, I'd suggest that you learn about the different music programs around Ohio to help your more talented students pursue their passion."
"Are you threatening me?"
"No. I'm not the one about whom falsified information was submitted. It would be his place to notify your superiors of your lack of ethics since it was his future that was jeopardized. Good day." She turned her back and walked off the stage. Kurt followed her.
"Kurt?"
"I'll be back in a few minutes, Mr. Schuester."
Madame Tibideaux stopped. "Is there something else I can do for you, Mr. Hummel?"
"No, not at all. I just wanted to thank you for the opportunity to study at NYADA."
"But…"
"But I will be attending UC."
"What role did you have in the performance today?"
"I suggested the song the guys and the group performed. I suggested the costumes, and offered ideas on altering them, and contributed to the alterations. I set up the rehearsal schedule, insisting that we start rehearsing about 8 weeks ago. I suggested the male lead singer because he hadn't been featured in the three years he had been in the group. Um, I worked on the arrangement for the guys' song. Oh, and I helped with the choreography on the group number and came up with the idea to pass the lead through the couples rather than have an individual sing the song with the rest of us as back up."
"And Rachel's role?"
"She rehearsed her part and she had originally chosen the dresses and matching shirts for another event. As I said, I suggested that we reuse them and order a few more for the additional girls in the all-girls number and then alter them for this competition. "
"I see. Well, I can truthfully say that I am sorry to hear that you won't be joining us. The department will miss out on a talented new student, who is definitely not one-sided. Our loss is UC's gain. I wish you the best Mr. Hummel. Should you ever change your mind and wish to transfer, the answer will be 'yes'."
"Thank you, Madame Tibideaux."
Kurt turned back to speak to Mr. Schuester as he had requested, but he was no longer standing on the stage.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Kurt and the Warblers headed out to a pizzeria for traditional Chicago style pizza for dinner. After they ate, they returned to the hotel. Some of the guys had brought video game systems and set them up in the rooms to compete against each other.
Instead of joining them, Kurt and Sebastian headed back to their room, which was not being used as a gaming center. Nick and Jeff went with the others to play for a while. It was only 8:30, but Kurt and Sebastian were tired from not getting enough sleep the night before. They undressed, showered, packed their clothes away neatly and left out their outfits for the next morning. They got into bed and snuggled up. When Nick and Jeff came back an hour later, they all watched a movie together.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) (p)(d) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
The Warblers met up and had breakfast together. They all checked out of their rooms and put their luggage on their bus. Kurt went ahead and took their suitcase with them as well, not wanting to risk it getting misplaced and left behind when the New Directions repacked their bus.
The Warblers headed to the museum and arrived right as it was opening. They had made it through the exhibits on the 3rd and most of the way through the 2nd floor when Sebastian's phone rang. He stopped and Kurt stopped because they were holding hands. Sebastian pulled his phone out of his pocket. The incoming number was the landline from the flat in Paris.
