They ran through everything twice (Wes constantly yelling things and forcing them to pause), and finished before 6pm. With the fête's performance starting at 7pm, the Warblers had time to clear out and set up before people started arriving when doors opened at half past.
Kurt spied Finn's head towering over the crowd at ten to. He tapped Blaine's shoulder without looking at him and dived into the sea of people.
Surprisingly, Brittany was the first person to see him. "Hey, it's Kurt!" she cried happily. "I knew you were gonna be here, Kurt; Santana told me. I can see why you transferred – these boys are cute." She motioned towards the other Dalton boys: Warblers greeting family and other students here to watch.
Kurt laughed awkwardly. "Thanks, Britt," he said uncertainly, but by this time the rest of the McKinley kids had swarmed and were pulling Kurt every which way in hugs and pats and a huge cheer erupted from the group.
Mercedes quickly engulfed Kurt, pulling him close and squeezing him tightly. "Congratulations, baby," she beamed. "It's so good to see you!"
By this time, Rachel had demanded attention and announced, "I think we'd all like to say well done to Kurt for finally getting himself a solo." Claps and cheers. Rachel smiled at Kurt. "And we're all very pleased that you're so happy here. And Mr Schue couldn't actually be here tonight, but he sends his love."
Kurt felt teary at the fact that everyone had everyone and was now wishing him good luck – even Puck acknowledged him with a nod, a smile and a "good to see you, man." Artie had somehow managed to find a space for his wheelchair and was able to be a part of the action. Kurt was also finally introduced to his replacement in the New Directions: a terrifying girl called Lauren, who spent the entire time having eye sex with Puck.
After all this, Finn reluctantly tapped Kurt on the shoulder. "Aren't you supposed to be on at seven...?"
Kurt glanced at the time and gasped. "Oh my gosh, I've got to go!" He flew to backstage as quickly as he could, shouting goodbyes to his friends as he went.
"Kurt!" Blaine grabbed him by the shoulders and led him towards the stage. "You cut it fine."
"Sorry," Kurt said breathlessly, his skin tingling with excitement – whether it was from nerves or Blaine touching him, he wasn't sure. "Lost track of time."
Blaine nodded understandingly. "Well, you're here now," he smiled. "That's what counts."
Kurt beamed back. "Yes, I am," he agreed.
At this moment, Wes leapt towards them, gripping Kurt's left shoulder and Blaine right tightly. "Kurt! You're here. Wonderful. Alright, guys, let's do this." He motioned for the other Warblers to get into position behind the closed curtain. Blaine hurried across the stage to the other side, meaning he made his entrance from stage left after Kurt came in from stage right.
Kurt's stomach twisted nervously, and he smiled at Blaine for support. Blaine, being Blaine, grinned back, completely relaxed.
It went quiet as the audience fell silent, and then all of a sudden, the curtain parted and the Warblers started to sing.
