Part 28

Kurt came out from the bathroom the next morning, the day they were to leave for New York. He was all smiles and happy energy.

"Are you ready to go", he asked his boyfriend that was sitting by his desk. Kurt was carrying his bags to the door and then put on his jacket. They would go in casual clothes and only wear their Dalton uniform at competitions. Kurt didn't get an answer from his boyfriend and turned to look at him.

"Wes", he asked carefully. Wes was sitting there staring out at the grounds that were only coming to life with the rising sun. It was 7 am on a Saturday but many boys were still up and out there doing things. Wes was resting his elbows on his desktop and had his fingers intertwined. He was leaning on his clutched together fingers. It almost looked as if he was kissing them but it wasn't love that was in his posture. Kurt had never seen him like this. He was like a stone statue… a cold and bitter thing. Kurt hurriedly got the zipper on his jacket up and walked up to Wes and put his arms around him, resting his chin on top of Wes' head.

"What are you thinking about so hard", he asked. "You aren't nervous for the whole competition are you?"

"A bit", Wes confessed. He knew he could never hide anything from Kurt or his brothers. "That and the rest of my life."

"What about the rest of your life?"

"Will I get into NYADA? What will happen when I'm in New York… where… where will that leave you and I?" Wes turned and looked at Kurt. "I don't want to lose you Kurt. But when I am miles and miles away from you… how can keep you from hurt or from sorrows? I can't be there to share your joys and hopes and dreams… what should I do?"

"Are you having second thoughts", Kurt asked and sat down on the desk.

"Not really… I guess…that I'm just scared", Wes explained with a little sigh. "When we get back from New York, as winners mind you, the only thing left before graduation is the spring ball and then… it's all over for me."

"All over? Aren't you being just a little bit dramatic?"

Wes laughed a bit.

"Yeah maybe I am a bit dramatic. But it's just…" He turned to Kurt and took his hand. "I'm scared of what will come after graduation. I will still be here for summer until I go on musical camp one last time… or get a summer job whatever comes first. But then I'm off to New York and… well… where will that leave you and I?"

"It will leave us as lovers that are being kept from each other but love each other from afar", Kurt said and kissed Wes and the older boy smiled into it and kissed him back, pulling Kurt off of the desk and onto his lap. When they broke apart Kurt was holding his hands on either side of Wes' face and both boys smiled.

"You promise to be mine forever", Wes asked and put his hands on Kurt's cheeks, running his thumbs over the cheek bones.

"Always, you can't get rid of me unless you turn straight", Kurt said and they kissed.

"The only straight about me is my back at formal dinners", Wes teased and they kissed again. There was a knock at the door.

"Ready to go", they heard Mike call.

"Of course", Wes called and he and Kurt got up. Wes took the bags, one suitcase each. It had taken some time to get Kurt to agree to let Wes pack his stuff because Wes rocked at packing. What would usually fill two suitcases when Kurt packed was now roomed in one. Kurt held the door open for his boyfriend while holding in the plane-tickets.


Kurt stood in the centre of Time Square with the rest of the Warblers. They were all looking at the tall buildings and most of them were grinning like crazy.

"We made it", Kurt said and clapped his hands together. "We are finally here."

"It's not the first time", Joseph said and most of the boys gave him looks. Kurt especially and Joseph realized what it meant. "Sorry."

"A year and a half ago you and I were nothing but a group of misfits", Kurt told Mike who was also grinning widely. Kurt gripped his arm. "And now here we are at the top of the show choir heap."

"I know right", Mike said. "I never thought going to school could make me so happy I mean… Dalton is the best school ever and the Warblers… could you imagine in the beginning of the year that you and I would change Glee Clubs, go all the way to nationals and most likely win the whole thing?"

"No but back then I never thought I'd have a boyfriend or a boy-friend even and now I have both… well more friends that happens to be males than just one but you get my point. We are so going to go all the way."

"Together", Thad piped up and all boys cheered.

"Don't get too cocky", Wes said as he came out from their hotel, yes they were staying near Times Square. "There are 50 show choirs that will compete and only ten of them will make it to the next round. Anything can happen."

"Oh don't be such a killjoy honey", Kurt said and kissed him on the cheek. Wes shook his head while everyone else laughed.

"Do we have time for a tune before we leave", Nick asked. They were all going to spread out and check out the town. They had rehearsed non-stop and needed a break.

"Of course", Wes said and turned to Kurt. "Kurt, if you don't mind."

"Not at all", Kurt said and cleared his throat before he started to sing:

Start spreading the news,
I'm leaving today.
I want to be a part of it -
New York, New York.

David put his arm around Kurt's shoulders and sang:
These vagabond shoes
Are longing to stray
And step around the heart of it
New York, New York.

All the boys started to walk down the street and Chris jumped onto Wes' back, Luke jumped onto Rock's and John jumped onto James'. The three freshmen started to sing loudly:
I want to wake up in a city,
That doesn't sleep,
To find I'm king of the hill- ha-
Top of the heap.

The boys all started running down the streets, some of them doing more advanced acrobatics, like Jeff and David. Mike jumped onto a bench, with his arms spread and sang:
My little town blues
Are melting away
I'm gonna make a brand new start of it
In old New York.

Joseph jumped up beside him and put his arm around Mike's shoulders.
If I can make it there,
I'd make it anywhere
It's up to you,
New York, New York.

All boys sang:
New York, New York!

Wes put Chris down and grabbed Nick's hand and pulled him out on a square that was mostly abandoned and they started dancing. Some of the other boys followed, doing the same moves. Mike was dancing with Blaine, David danced with Kurt and Fred danced with Thad. They sang:
I want to wake up in a city,
That doesn't sleep,
To find I'm king of the hill,
Head of the list,
Cream of the crop
At top of the heap.

Wes, David, Mike and Fred hoisted their partners onto the fountain and Kurt sang:
My little town blues
Are melting away
I'm gonna make a brand new start of it
In old New York.
If I can make it there,
I'd make it anywhere
Come on, come through,

All Warblers got onto the fountain and sang:
New York, New York.

The crowd that had been watching them started to cheer for them loudly and some even threw coins at them.

"Now that is not fair", a voice said and they all turned around and saw the New Directions watch them with their arms crossed. It was Santana that had been talking.

"We get on that fountain and the people looks at us with disgust", she continues. "And you get on it and you get applauds and money?"

"You most likely caught the morning grumpy people", Chris said and grinned. He jumped onto Mike's back and Mike held a secure grip underneath his knees to make sure his little brother didn't fall off. "We caught the mid-day happy ones!"

"Or Chris' sunniness is contagious", Jeff said happilyruffling the kid's hair. "He kind of radiates it don't you think?"

The two groups stood watching each other and then Santana smiled and ran over to Wes and Kurt and hugged both of them. Rachel and Tina also walked up to the Warblers to hug and kiss their boyfriends. The others in ND followed, except from Finn, Quinn, Mercedes and Artie. The groups stood talking for a bit but Wes never took his eyes off of Finn.

He knew that if the other boy came any closer the Montchangs had to back away. Seven meters… that was the restraining order and Finn was between 6.50 and 7 meters away. Wes wasn't sure. He also noticed that Finn's eyes were glued to Rachel and Chris. His brother was having his arm around Rachel's waist and she laughed at something he was telling Sam and Brittany. Wes did not like the look in Finn's eyes so he stepped in between so that he blocked the younger two from Finn's glare. He saw Finn narrow his eyes and Wes did the same, meeting the glare with his own.

But then someone tapped him on the arm and he looked to the side but didn't see anyone so he looked down and saw Artie. The boy in the wheelchair had moved up to them when he wasn't watching and now he was glaring at Wes.

"What", Wes asked him confused.

"I need to talk to you", Artie said and nodded to the side and Wes followed him, a bit suspicious though. When they were out of earshot from the others Artie turned to face him.

"You suck", he said.

"What", Wes asked confused.

"You are a related to Mike but still can't help yourself from messing with his head and with ruining all our chances at nationals!"

"Whoa", Wes said and help us his hands. "What? Are you implying I tricked Mike to come to Dalton so that you guys wouldn't win nationals?"

"Yes!" Artie yelled. "I can understand why you tricked him but not why you tricked Kurt into it… or what your motives with Brittany are."

"Oh no you didn't", Wes said and bent down so he was on eye-level with Artie. "Now you listen to me Wheelie, Brittany asked me and Kurt to go with her so that you wouldn't bother her about getting back together. She doesn't want that because you hurt her by calling her stupid. Kurt… I love him if you even know what that is and Mike decided to transfer during the summer but changed his mind when he and Tina got together."

"See that's another thing I'm talking about", Artie yelled and Wes stood up straight. "You are friends with Santana and she is a manipulative bitch." Artie paled a bit when he saw the dark look on Wes' face. "And you Montchangs always ruin everything! First you guys ruin my relationship with Tina and then Brittany!"

"Ha!" Wes laughed coldly. "Believe me Training Wheels you did that perfectly fine by yourself and in comparison to what your sick little head thinks I'm not playing some stupid mind games to get you guys to lose. 'Us Montchangs' haven't done anything to you this whole year. We've only done things for you.

Wasn't it Mike that got you the crowd that saved your little benefit when Sunshine didn't show and all her 600 followers didn't show? Hasn't Mike helped you time and time again over the year? Wasn't it us that told you to come to Dalton to go caroling so that you could collect money? Weren't we there to cheer you on at regionals?Didn't we get the Hudson-Hummels cheap catering and somewhere to be during their wedding, for free? Tell me something Training Wheels…" he bowed down again. "What did we ever do to you?"

"First you have Mike telling you all our plans", Artie says and roll towards Wes so the older boy has to take a step back in surprise. "Then you 'befriend' Kurt and are quick to 'help' him get to Dalton, then you woo him to make sure he stays at Dalton, you play your game so that he picks Dalton over McKinley, in the same motion you get Mike to transfer too, then you keep this good relationships with Santana and Tina to get them to lose focus and you talk that little bubbly chink into dating Rachel to knock her off her game!" He had been rolling closer and Wes had backed away slowly but now he put his foot where Artie's were resting and stopped him.

"What did you just call my brother", he growled and pushed Artie back a bit.

"I… I… I… Chink", Artie said and tried to look intimidating. "That's what you are… the… the lot of you! Mike's a traitorous chink. Chris is a stupid childish chink and you're the damn gay chink!" He squeaked when Wes marched up him and slammed his hands down onto the armrests of the wheel chair.

"Now you listen to me Cripples McGee", Wes spat in hatred and Artie felt really scared. Wes pointed at his face. "I am this close to hit your face in. I can take it when you go all racist on me. But when you go all racist on my family and Tina, that's where I draw the line." Wes' face resembled that of a storm cloud and the Warblers and New Directions had by now picked up on the dark clouds around him and Artie. Mike and Chris got worried because they hadn't seen Wes this kind of angry in quite some time and it was scary.

"So if you want to keep that nose so that you have somewhere to put your glasses", Wes went on. "I suggest you never ever call my brothers or Tina something like that and that you sort out what your damn problem is! My brothers and I, and I mean all boys in the Warblers when I say that, haven't done anything of what you are implying. The problem is with your school and your Glee Club."

"Don't… don't blame this on Finn", Artie squeaked.

"Oh", Wes laughed without happiness. "I wasn't talking about only Finn."

"Your brothers have ruined him."

"He brought that upon himself!" Wes yelled and the Warblers all jumped in terror. Even Santana, Rachel and Tina looked scared… especially Santana. She had witnessed this kind of anger ones. A pair of boys had told her to go back to Mexico and had called her Spic. Wes had turned this kind of angry and had spoken with eyes so hot with anger that they were cold. Santana had never seen a senior run so fast from a sophomore half his size.

Mike and Chris were right when they said Wes had intimidation down to an art. He never had to threaten anyone with violence, it was enough for him to just glare at someone and they would run. Artie… well he couldn't run but he really should be thinking of rolling away… fast. But Artie did exact opposite. He rolled forward and hit Wes' shins but the older boy stood his ground. The Warblers and the ND couldn't hear what was said between the two. They had only heard Wes' yell.

"You are going to leave him alone", Artie said in a voice that was quivering. "You are going to leave Finn alone, you are going to stop using Kurt and you are going to make your brothers stop using Rachel and Tina to get to Finn and I."

"Oh you are so damn", Wes was struggling for a word. "You are impossible! Do you really think I'd do everything I've done this year, that my brothers would do all of it, just to win a fucking title?!"

"Yes."

"You're crazy!" Wes yelled and glared at Artie. "Show choir is not about titles or competition for me. It's about living my dream while doing what I love and having fun doing it. But you can't understand that because all you ever do is pitying yourselves at McKinley! You got slushies thrown at you, so what?! Kurt got beaten and thrown into dumpsters because he's gay! I know that slushies hurts like hell but a fist to the face is much worse! You think you got it worst of everyone in Glee because you can't walk? But you're wrong. That chair is protecting you Training Wheels."

"Stop talking like Santana and stop using her!"

"Oh don't go there Wheelie", Wes spat. "Don't. You. Dare."

"Wes", Kurt was suddenly by his side and put a hand on his shoulder. "What's going on?"

"Nothing", Wes growled and Kurt's eyes widened a bit. He knew the anger wasn't aimed at him, but at Artie. "Artie and I just had a little disagreement right Abrams?"

"Yes", Artie said.

"Come on", Wes said to Kurt and walked towards the Warblers that had all moved closer. "Let's get out of here."

"Yeah", Artie called after them. "You better run you fucking gay chink! Go and take your manipulative Warblers and other chinks with you!"

Wes froze and Kurt was sure that Fred and Rock had the abilities of the Flash in that moment because Wes spun around faster than lightning and was about to jump at Artie, but Fred and Rock grabbed hold of him before he could. Kurt heard ruckus behind him and saw Mike being held back by Joseph and James while John and Luke were hanging on Chris.

Finn, Puck and Sam were holding Santana and Brittany, Karofsky and Mercedes gripped Tina before she could jump at Artie. Artie looked horrified. Santana was yelling things in Spanish, Mike and Chris tried to get loose, Tine screamed things in Mandarin and Wes… Wes was glaring at him with a kind of anger Artie had never seen before and it was terrifying him.

"Mike come on he's a cripple!" Joseph called to the middle Montchang-brother.

"Santana we're on the same team you can't kill him", Puck yelled.

"Chris come on", Luke tried to reason with his friend.

"Tina take it easy girl", Mercedes told Tina. Artie rolled closer and was beside Wes now, the older boy was still glaring with hate at him.

"You…", Artie said looking at him. "Should get back to China… maybe they can straighten you out there."

Wes gaped at him as did everyone else. Santana screeched and tried even harder to get to Artie… but someone else got there first. Everyone stared as Rachel punched Artie in the face so hard that his wheelchair overturned and he fell to the ground. Every attempt to get out of capturing arms seized and Rachel snorted and stormed off. Tina followed her, as did all girls except for Mercedes and Quinn.

"Come on", David said and gently nudged Thad and Nick away. The Warblers left too. Wes was in such a state of shock Fred and Rock had to drag him and Joseph had to carry Kurt away slung over his shoulder. The pale boy was rooted to the spot in shock and sorrow.

The kids left stared at Artie as he tried to get up and after a bit Finn took pity on him and along with Quinn and Mercedes helped him. Puck, Karofsky and Sam only watched and then followed the girls back to the hotel.


"Who does he think he is", Kurt shrieked as he paced the big room the Warblers had rented to practice in. Right now the Warblers were scattered around the room, all with looks of rage on their faces. Wes had told them what had happened between him and Artie and Kurt had hit the roof. He and Mike were the angriest and the most hurt by Artie's words. They'd been his friends after all. Mike wasn't pacing like Kurt was but he was sitting on a chair, his arms crossed and glaring at a spot of the wall, probably thinking that it was Artie's head and that he was burning a hole through it.

"He think he's the most vulnerable person in New Directions", Wes answered calmly. He had calmed down a lot since their encounter with Artie. "Which he isn't." Mike got up and kicked a chair all across the room. "Take it easy Mike."

"How can you be so calm", Kurt yelled at him looking completely livid.

"I'm not calm", Wes said.

"Oh really", Chris asked furiously. "Because your face is telling us otherwise!" Wes face was blank and calm at the same time and he looked as if nothing had happened to him at all that day, that he hadn't just been about to jump a crippled boy and beat his sorry ass into next week.

"I assure you that on the inside I am bubbling with a rage so fierce it would make the eruption of Krakatoa look like a damn camel fart!"

The boys broke out laughing at that and Wes shook his head before looking at Kurt.

"Darling I'm just as angry as you are, if not more", he said taking Kurt's hands. "But I know it won't solve anything if I go around all angry. It will only hurt those around me… so I bottle it up and let it out in a less… aggressive way."

"As", Kurt asked and Wes walked over to the piano and started to play a few classical tunes… very angry sounding ones. The Warblers backed away a bit, just in case and when Wes was done he got up and stretched.

"There", he said. "Steams gone." He turned to his boys and smiled. "You know what… we've been working nonstop since the funeral. Why don't we take it easy tonight, just doing whatever we want?"

"Yeah!" his boys all cheered and Wes smiled. They all spread out but Wes caught his two brothers by their arms and pulled them close before whispering. Chris grinned widely as did Mike and both of them hurried off. Kurt looked at Wes and cocked an eyebrow. Wes smiled at him.

"What was that all about", Kurt asked as they walked out together.

"It's a surprise", Wes said and kissed him. "Now dress up in your best outfit and meet me outside of the hotel." He kissed Kurt sweetly again before hurrying off. Kurt just shrugged but complied.


A bit later he met the three Montchangs outside of the hotel, they were all dressed up in nice outfits that Kurt and Trent had put together for them a while back. It was so fun to dress up the three brothers because they all had different styles and personality.

Chris' hair was styled in a way that made it look a little like he'd just woken up, but it made him really cute. His clothes were a pair of beige, nice and relaxed slacks, a pair of black shoes and a white shirt with rolled up sleeves. He looked relax but also formal, how he pulled that off was a mystery.

Mike was dressed in a tight pair of dark denim, a black 3/4 sleeved sweater, also tight fitting and a red tennis shirt over that. He wore black sneakers and his hair was in its usual style, just a bit more ruffled.

Wes was wearing black pants that wasn't as 'baggy' as Chris' or as tight as Mike's but that was still sitting perfectly on him, he wore a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a black vest, black tie and black gloves with half fingers. His hair was in its usual style.

Kurt smiled and took Wes' hand in his as it was offered to him. Kurt was dressed in grey pants, black shirt, grey vest and a grey fedora and a pair of black boots. He had a necklace instead of a tie, a silver necklace with a pendant shaped as a bird.

"Where are we going", he asked Wes as the older boy moved his grip on Kurt's hand so that he was now having Kurt on his arm instead.

"First Central Park to pick the girls up", Wes explained and kissed his cheek. "Then you'll see. Oh and this is for you." He handed Kurt a somewhat long but thin black velvet box. Kurt took it and opened it and smiled. It was a thin silver chain.

"Oh I love it", he said and hugged Wes tight and Wes smiled hugging him as well and he saw his brothers grin. Wes smiled at them too. The four of them headed to the park and waited on one of the bridges and then… the girls arrived.

Rachel was wearing the same dress she has in the 'real' episode and Tina was dressed in a beautiful and flattering black dress. Wes had to pick up his brothers' chins when the two of them saw their girls, literally. The two boys were gaping and Weslet go of Kurt's hand for a second and put his fingers underneath his brothers' chins and 'picked' them up. The girls smiled shyly and their boyfriends offered them black velvet boxes as well. Rachel got a pearl necklace that she put on at once and Tina got a beautiful ring that was going to sit on her middle finger, on the right hand. The little group then strolled around in the park for a bit talking, before they got into a horse carriage.

"ND is in trouble", Rachel said and sighed. "The dynamic is so bad right now."

"You don't say", Tina said and sighed. "The girls are divided into three camps, those who thinks Artie is a jerk and those that doesn't. Santana, Rachel and I think he is. Mercedes and Quinn doesn't think so."

"That's two camps", Mike pointed out.

"And then we have Lauren that doesn't care and Brittany that doesn't understand", Rachel explained.

"The boys are also divided", Tina explained sadly. "Finn supports Artie and keeps telling everyone that Mike is a damn double-crosser that Wes put at McKinley to ruin everything from the start but that Mike didn't succeed until the summer when we started dating…"

"Let's not think about that now", Kurt said from where he was leaning his head on Wes' shoulder. "Let's think about the fact that we're in New York!"

"Oh it is amazing", Rachel said holding her hands to her heart, she was also holding Chris' hand so it was resting over her heart as well. Chris just grinned with amusement and Mike and Tina were cuddled together, with Tina on his lap.

"And it will get better", Wes said as the carriage came to a halt. He jumped out and held his hand to Kurt to help him down. His brothers did the same thing for their girlfriends.

"These boys", Tina laughed as they were helped down. "Such gentlemen."

"And you know it sister", Kurt said happily and linked his arm to Wes' as they started to walk. The Montchangs refused to tell them where they were going, but when they got there Rachel and Kurt squealed, Tina just smiled. They were at Sardi's.


"Oh my God I can't believe that we're at Sardi's", Rachel said while they were eating. All the caricatures were fantastic and they had studied them a long time now.

"Sardi's", Rachel squealed. "The birth-place of the Tony Award!"

"It is completely awesome", Wes agreed with a smile.

"One day they are gonna put a cartoon like this of me on these walls."

"That is highly likely", Chris said and kissed her cheek. "But don't count out the rest of us."

"Oh no I would never do that", Rachel said and looked at him. "All of us are going to end up in here and at the Tony's and at the Grammy's and even the Oscars."

"Rachel we're not actors", Mike teased.

"Oh please you have the cute, shy, skinny Asian guy-act down to an art baby", Tina teased and they all laughed.

"Damn you caught me", Mike said and they laughed again.

"But we are gonna end up on these walls", Rachel said and Chris smiled at her.

"I love the way you dream so big", he said. "I don't know how to do that."

"Of course you do", Tina told him patting his hand. "And even if you don't you still got three whole years to figure it out. We'll help."

"Totally", Kurt agreed and then gasped and clutched onto Wes' arm.

"What is it", Wes asked.

"Oh my God", Kurt whispered. "It's Patti LuPone." They all followed her gaze and saw Kurt's idol get up from her table.

"Oh no", Kurt said and hid his face in his hands. "Oh my God I can't do this."

"Hey look at me", Wes said and took his hands in one of his and forced Kurt's chin up, gently, so that they could lock eyes. "You can do this. You are smart and brilliant and all awesomeness. You can do this, I know you can."

"You're right", Kurt said and got up slowly. Wes and the others smiled.

"Excuse me Miss LuPone", he said and the woman stopped and looked at him. "I-I have to say that you're my idol."

"Well thank you", she answered and smiled at him. "I love your outfit, who made those?"

"A… A friend of mine and I."

"Very wonderful", she looked at the group. "You all look wonderful."

"Curtesy of Kurt Hummel, Trent Lewis and their wonderful taste", Wes said and smiled.

"So are you a designer", Patti asked Kurt.

"Um no", he said. "Well I want to be… um in musical theater but-"

"We're in high school", Tina jumped in.

"We're in town for the National Show Choir Competition", Wes said and took kurt's hand because the younger boy looked paler than usual, nervous.

"I was in choir in high school", Patti said happily. "It was my favorite class. What's your name?" She asked Kurt this.

"Kurt Hummel", he said. "This is Rachel Berry, Tina Cohen-Chang, Mike, Chris and Wes Montchang."

They all smiled at her and she smiled back.

"Well Kurt Hummel", Patti said smiling. "Promise me one thing. You'll never give up and never pretend to be something you're not."

"Yes Miss LuPone I promise", Kurt said.

She smiled, shook their hands wishing them good luck and she walked away, but she first reached over and whispered to Kurt:

"He's cute."

Kurt sat down beside Kurt and they all started to snigger and laugh happily… and Tina and Rachel got the greatest idea for a song.


"Wow", Wes whispered as he and Kurt got into the girls' room and found them all passed out on their beds. They had decided to sneak out today before rehearsals to fullfil a dream of Kurt's… and Rachel's. So while everyone else in the Warblers were sleeping deeply the two of them snuck away all the way to the McKinley Glee Club's hotel and into the girls' room. They saw their goal, Rachel, lying on her bed with pen and paper close by. They hurried up to her, Kurt even jumping onto the bed.

"Rachel wake up", he said and patter her one the shoulder. She woke up instantly.

"Why", she asked.

"We're going to have breakfast at Tiffany's", Wes whispered and then he and Kurt got outside to wait for Rachel. It didn't take her that long and soon they were outside of Tiffany's eating bagels and drinking coffee. Rachel sighed.

"We're gonna get into so much trouble for this", Rachel said.

"We're not", Kurt teased. "Wes is the boss and he's here so nothing for us to worry about."

"But-"

"How awesome are the bagels", Wes cut in with a smile.

"It's the water", Rachel answered with a smile and sighed.

"Mm", Kurt agreed.

"Oh you're the only ones besides me who understands how amazing this place is", Rachel then continued. "Which is why I have a secret to tell you."

Both boys looked at her curiously.

"When we graduate", she said. "I'm coming back here and I'm going to college here. This is where I belong."

"Good plan", Wes said.

"I'm so coming too", Kurt said happily. "Wes is already going this fall so we can live with him and he can show us around."

"Wow", Rachel said and looked at Wes. "I-I-I didn't know you were going here Wes, to where? Julliard?"

"NYADA", Wes explained. "They only take about 20 students each year and I have my final audition at nationals tomorrow. If I pass that one I'm coming back here for NYADA…or if I don't get in I'll hopefully get into Julliard."

"Do you… think that Chris would like to come?"

"Are you kidding? Chris adores the ground you walk on, he'd do anything for you. Besides he's had his eyes fixed on Julliard or NYU since he was little. He loves New York."

"Yeah but… do you think he should come with me too? I mean I love him so much and even though Finn clearly wants to get back together I can't see myself with someone else than Chris. But I can't let anything keep me from my Manhattan destiny."

"But bring him along", Kurt said as if he couldn't believe his ears. "Chris loves to perform and will always support you and it will only make you better. Besides he'll be great if we need to move something heavy, Wes will be too."

"Thank you I'm happy I can be of use", Wes said and drank from his coffee.

"Oh shut up", Kurt teased and kissed his cheek and Rachel smiled at how happy and cute they were together.

"But what if it ruin our relationship", Rachel asked. "I-I mean he's a freshman and I'm a junior… I'll spend two whole years parted from him."

Wes laughed and they looked at him.

"What's so funny", Kurt asked.

"You two don't know my brother like I do", he explained. "Time difference, geographic difference doesn't matter to Chris. As long as he has a phone or a computer with a web-camera in it. Maybe the physical contact will be the hardest to deal without but I think you can both handle that and meet up at every break the two of you have. You'll get through it."

"But what if we can't", Rachel asked.

"Ah the age-long dilemma", Kurt said and watched traffic. "Love or career?"

"Both", Wes said.

"How", Rachel asked.

"Yeah I wonder that too", Kurt said.

"I know how", Wes said and smirked. "Follow me." He started to walk really quickly down the sidewalk.

"Wait!" Rachel and Kurt exclaimed and followed him.


Wes lead them all the way to Broadway and the Circle In The Square theater were Wicked were currently showing. They all watched the sign.

"I love the show", Rachel said. "But I don't know how it can help me understand."

"We have to break in", Kurt said and Rachel stared at him. Wes just smiled.

"No we have to go in", he said and just walked through the doors. The other two followed. Wes walked through the foyer and into the big salon.

"No we can't be in here", Rachel said as Wes led her and Kurt down towards the stage. "They say that if you get arrested in a theater you get blackballed for life!"

"That's what I heard too", Kurt whispered.

"Hey", a voice said behind them and Kurt and Rachel turned around and saw a security guard and another man.

"You're not supposed to be in here", the other man said as he and the guard walked towards them.

"We're extras", Kurt hurriedly said. "They told us to come early."

"I didn't tell any extras to come in early", the guy said. "And I'm the director. Now what are you doing here?"

"Aw Thomas you said I could come by whenever I wanted", Wes said and turned around now to face the two men. "Isn't the offer still standing?"

"Wesley!" the man, Thomas said and hurried down to hug. "Oh so good to see you!"

"You too!" Wes said happily. "How's everything going? You said it would be hard to direct Wicked without your 'babies' from camp."

"It is harder because I keep waiting for Elphaba to sound like a boy but she never does and Glinda is too high pitched to be a boy." The man sighed. "Any chance you can do a few shows during summer break?"

Wes laughed. "What, you mean here? On a Broadway stage?"

"Of course! All original cast-members will want to have vacations so I'm searching for summer subs. I'm planning on doing a somewhat gender-bend show this summer… interested?"

"Only", Wes said and put his arms around Kurt and Rachel. "If my two friends here can get parts." Kurt and Rachel stared at him. Too shocked to speak. Was Wes getting them onto a Broadway stage?!

"Well they'd have to audition of course", Thomas said.

"Of course", Wes said and smiled. "Guys come on… can we borrow the stage for this… I mean can they? I've already sung on this stage before."

"Of course", Thomas said and Kurt and Rachel squeaked and ran onstage. Wes sat behind the piano and played why the duo sang For Good. When they were done they got down to Wes and hugged him close. Wes smiled.

"Thank you", both said and then they heard applause from behind them.

"I see it now", Rachel said. "I don't have to choose between my career and love because this, I mean this stage when I'll perform on this stage my true love will sit in the front seat and watch me. I can have both."

"Exactly", Wes said and winked.

"Not bad", Thomas said. "Let me think about it."

"Come and watch us at nationals", Wes said and winked at Thomas. "You will be able to make up your mind then."

"For you Wes, anything. Now scram I have rehearsals starting soon."

The three kids smiled and ran off. The day went on without anything major happening. The Warblers though ran into Mr. Schue on Broadway but promised to not tell anyone about it, after Schue asked about it.


Then the day finally arrived, nationals. The boys stood outside and watched the signs. For the first time in days they were now wearing their uniforms and it felt a bit odd. But they weren't only going to be in uniform… well Wes wouldn't at least not today. Trent had made a costume for him that would highlight that he was a 'wicked' warlock.

"We made it", Kurt said. "We are one of the top 50 show choirs in the nation. Tomorrow only 10 will move on to showcase, where they'll vie for the national championship."

"We so got this!" John said and jumped onto Wes' back. Wes laughed.

"Okay", Wes said and turned to his boys, still letting John ride on his back. "Usually I'm pretty cautious about getting your hopes up but honestly guys… I think we got a really good shot at winning this thing." He grinned.

"Okay guys", Thad said. "Everyone put your hands in the middle." Everyone followed orders.

"And remember", David said. "Once a Warbler…"

"Always a Warbler they all cheered and headed inside. They saw the ND a bit away from them and Rachel and Tina blew air kisses to their boyfriends, that winked in turn. Schue walked over and wished them good luck before they all headed inside.


They watched the first few choirs and most of them felt nervous and Wes picked it up quick. He nudged Luke that was sitting beside him, fidgeting nervously.

"Hey", Wes whispered as Vocal Adrenaline performed. "Don't worry. Yes she is good but she is one singer, we have 16. No one is so tight as our group is and we will go out on that stage and show them that we are going to get that trophy."

"But what if I sing the wrong thing?"

"Just smile", Wes said and nudged him in a friendly way. "Your smile lights up the whole room, let others than us see that for a change."

Luke blushed a bit and smiled. Then after a few more numbers it was time for the New Directions to take the stage. Chris watched in anticipation, eager to know what his girlfriend had been cooking up for this.


Said girlfriend was now standing behind the curtain, waiting for them to be called. She turned her head and saw Finn watch her, she looked away again but could hear him walk over. She looked up and saw him stand there.

"You wrote an amazing song yet again Rachel", he said. "I knew you had it in you."

"Thanks it speaks about how I felt before saying yes to Chris when he asked me out."

"Why do you care so much about that freshman is beyond me. But what I don't understand, is all you've ever wanted is for us to be together and I'm basically standing here begging for you and suddenly you're not interested."

"It's true Finn it was something I always wanted but then I met Chris and I got what I needed and wanted. And I'm not gonna let anyone or anything keep me from him. I loved you but you let me down so many times this year that… that I can't love you anymore. You were my first love and would still have a special place in my heart if you hadn't done so many stupid things lately. I'm sorry Finn… but you have to forget about me. I loved you but… not anymore and there's nothing you can do to change my mind about it."

She sounded near crying and turned to look at the curtain again and Finn went back to his spot.

"And now from William McKinley High in Lima, Ohio the New Directions", the emcee said happily and Finn and Rachel went onstage and music started. (Rachel, Finn, both)

Face to face and heart to heart
We're so close yet so far apart
I close my eyes I look away
That's just because I'm not okay
But I hold on, I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong

Will we ever say the words we're feeling
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have our happy ending?
Or will we forever only be pretending?
Will we always, always, always be pretending

"Whoo", Chris cheered loudly and the Warblers got on their feet cheering for their friends.

Keeping secrets safe
Every move we make
Seems like no one's letting go
And it's such a shame
Cause if you feel the same
How am I supposed to know?

Will we ever say the words we're feeling
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have our happy ending? – The cheers got louder when everyone in the ND came onstage.
Or will we forever only be pretending?
Will we always, always, always be
Will we always, always, always be
Will we always, always, always be pretending?
Pretending

The Warblers all gaped in shock because Finn had pulled Rachel to him and kissed her. At first she just stood there but then started to kiss him back. All eyes turned to Chris. Kurt and Wes saw that the youngest of the Montchangs stared at the stage with eyes full of anger and betrayal. No one onstage except for the kissers themselves seemed to be aware of what was going on. Chris pushed past his friends and stormed out.

"Chris!" Mike called and jumped over a few seats to get to him and Wes also took off after him. Kurt was about to follow but Blaine grabbed him, wanting to give the Montchangs some time alone, Chris would most likely only want to talk to his brothers and by the looks on the faces of the Warblers… Kurt and Blaine knew that if Rachel didn't watch it she'd be dead meat.


TBC i fear I'm gonna get a lot of reviews with messages of hate aimed at various characters after this one ;)

Answer to guests and non-members or non signed in members:

Anon - A few ;) Some angst around the corner i can tell you :P

gleeklove - There will be angst, I think anyway ;) I'm not really sure what is cathegorized as angst ;)

Sarah - Thank you :)