Author's note: Hi, readers! I'm really sorry about the two week hiatus :/ I suffered from severe writer's block with this chapter and wrote about a hundred drafts of it. I'm still not the biggest fan of it but it'll have to do :) I decided to hold Nationals off a little longer because I wanted to show some of Kurt's healing process first, so I put the conclusion to Kurt and Blaine's English project in instead. Sorry about the bad writing style in this one, too, I've kind of been cramming it when I can because I've been busy with homework, then I went to see Warm Bodies and a ballet of Romeo & Juliet, and I seem to be getting sick just about every two weeks and sleeping a lot. (Luckily I don't have some hag rubbing Vicks Vapor Rub on me.) I'm hoping Nationals will turn out better. So, as mentioned, this chapter isn't that interesting or long, but it has some brotherly bonding for Blaine and Finn, Blaine doing something drastic (that everyone was expecting), and Kurt rejecting Blaine's kisses (poor Blaine :p). TREMENDOUS thank you to JMarieAllenPoe, who has helped me so much with this chapter! Some of the dialogue is hers and it's all the loveliness in the world.

More spoiler alerts: Kurt's going to yell at someone for, like, the first time ever. Blaine's going to cry because of humiliation. Prom will be after Nationals and Santana will have a huge surprise for Kurt and Blaine. Brittany will come back from the dead XD.

Nationals set-list (as far as I know, make changes if you want.): Cough Syrup, Fix You, Blackbird (no, Pavarotti won't die :p), and I'll Stand By You (there isn't usually a fourth song but this is a fanfic so I can and will). I'll Stand By You and Call Me Maybe were both song suggestions by ObsessiveGleeSyndrome, who has wonderful tastes in music :)

P.S. Because I missed updating on these two spectacular days, Happy belated Valentine's Day and Happy belated Birthday to Darren! :)

ObsessiveGleeSyndrome: I cannot wait to use I'll Stand By You for Nationals! It's such a pretty song and will fit what happens in my Nationals chapter perfectly! :D Let me know if you have a different song for Nationals/any other occasion :) I always love getting your reviews!

julymom97: Thank you so, so much! I appreciate it :)

devilcat82: I'm glad you weren't too worried :P I have my laptop back now so yay!

Klaine forever and ever 3: Don't go Lima Heights on me because I took two weeks to update XD I have Klaine fluffiness! You'll have to wait and see about France, they still have about another month and a half before they have to face that. And... please... bring the Spanish back. It was always so exciting trying to read your threats :D I love your reviews and your Spanish and your threats and your username. They all make my day. :)

SilverWhiteDragon: I thought you weren't reading this anymore so I'm really glad your back! To re-cap, Blaine did a LITTLE CPR and I actually didn't know about the other fact about ending up brain-dead... so I'm considering Kurt lucky XD or this is just really unrealistic. And they did go to a hospital, Finn mentioned it briefly in his dialogue, but I liked the idea of Blaine taking care of Kurt and then him kissing Kurt awake :P

prosen8966: It's fine that you weren't logged in! I just had no idea that it was you. Thanks for explaining everything. I didn't take anything you said as negative (the only time I ever think that is when someone just says that they don't like it and don't give a reason why) and I totally get where you were coming from. I wasn't in the best mood after writing that, either :P Kurt's just too cute and sweet to be put through that. I actually based some of what I wrote about Karofsky and Kurt's encounter off of Smooth Criminal just so Blaine could sing that. When I was writing the part where Blaine was begging Kurt to squeeze his hand, I actually had no idea I was writing it like how Kurt was with Burt, but I figured it out later and just went with it. I'm glad it all turned out! Thanks for explaining and liking my story!

deshaunwalker: Sorry about not answering for a while! I like to answer in my chapters and don't usually take that long to update. Karofsky isn't dead, he'll come back in a few chapters but that'll be the last time he makes an appearance in this story. He also doesn't get hit by a bus, that will happen to someone else, but I have considered that :P Kurt wasn't in his coma very long because he's my main character and it was really sad writing sad!Blaine... so he's fine now :) Brittany will be out of her coma soon, I'm debating whether it should be the Nationals or Prom chapter. I'm glad Ryder and Jake worked out for you! It was a last-minute thing to have Blaine want to visit the guy he punched and I considered having it be Rory, but Ryder and Jake were pretty obvious because they're so close in the show. And, yeah, Blaine can be a dick. He is very spiteful and resentful because of how Karofsky forced him to be, but his distance with Burt is kind of necessary because it's going to lead him to a huge decision later on. Okay, I'm done boring you with detailed backstory! I hope you keep reading! I appreciate the support :)


Blaine turned into the school's parking lot and scanned for an open parking space, his eyes pausing on each and every student who passed by. He recognized some faces from the football team, or his peers who gave speeches at every assembly, or even the kid who he had a vague memory of sitting next to in calculus or biology, the kid who had asked him for a pencil or something like that. Blaine bet he had a secret. They all did. Maybe Daddy didn't love them and beat them whenever he got drunk—which was often, or they slept with some asshole who blackmailed them for it, or they killed someone because he was different. Blaine had plenty of secrets, but maybe he didn't have to be scared anymore. He could just love Kurt and… let go.

Pulling into a spot, Blaine put the car in park and looked at Kurt, who was curled up in the passenger seat and humming along with the tune on the radio. He was so perky and happy even after all that had happened to him, and Blaine wanted to be like that, to be fine. Kurt's nose wrinkled and he laughed at something Finn said, his blue eyes shimmering and dancing.

Blaine tuned in to what they were saying when Finn reached up and covered Kurt's shoulder with his large hand, "Let me have your books. I'll carry them inside."

Kurt cooed and patted Finn's fingers, "That's very nice of you, Finn." He bent to collect the bag by his toes, then handed it to Finn, "I have two of the sweetest men at my whim."

Finn flushed red, a color that was common for him around Kurt, "It's no big deal. Blaine, the guys said they're waiting inside. They want to know if they can help with Kurt—carry his books, walk him to class, spoon-feed him lunch."

At that last, Blaine shot him a glare and rolled his eyes, while Kurt giggled until his belly cramped and he hiccupped. Finn snorted and shrugged his shoulders, "I'm sure any of them would if he asked."

Blaine slugged him on the shoulder, "Don't push it."

Finn popped his door open and stepped onto the hot pavement, and Kurt wiggled to hop out and see his doting friends. Blaine unstrapped him then himself, and threw his legs out of the car. He walked around it and opened Kurt's door. Kurt's small fists curled and uncurled around nothing until Blaine wrapped him in his arms and lifted him against his chest, then Kurt bunched Blaine's shirt in his hands.

"Are you okay?" Blaine muttered, kicking the door shut.

Kurt nodded so Blaine reluctantly set him on his feet, watching for any wincing or trembling. "Hold onto me?" Kurt mewled, and Blaine was more than willing to practically carry Kurt on his hip, his arm tight around his waist.

When they met Finn around the front of the car, Blaine caught the soured look on his face as he stared at his phone. "What is it?" He muttered.

Finn's brows furrowed and he shook his head, "Nothing. It's just… Rachel's been texting me ever since we broke up. She wants to get back together and I don't know if I trust her anymore. What would you do, you know… if you loved someone and they cheated on you?"

Blaine cleared his throat, startled by the question. Dragging a hand through his hair, he grumbled, "I obviously don't like Rachel but… i-if I was in your position… I'd try to trust again. I've told Kurt before that if he ever cheated on me that I'd stay with him… I'd work things out… I'd do whatever it takes to make him happy again, to be the only man he needs. Even if I wasn't to blame for him leaving and finding pleasure with another man… I'd change for him." When Finn's eyes flicked to Kurt's small, pink face but he didn't say anything, Blaine sighed and lifted and dropped his shoulders, "If you want her, talk to her. Ask what she needs in a man because I'm not it. But… I think you deserve better, Finn."

Finn finally nodded and looked at Blaine, "Thanks for the advice. You're the only person I've talked about this to." Biting his bottom lip, Finn shifted and leaned into Blaine, embracing him tightly. "You're the greatest friend I've ever had. I love you."

Blaine, shocked by the hug, twitched and started to pull away, but, because of something he couldn't quite understand, he was comfortable. Unsure of what to do, Blaine balled up his fists and patted Finn's sides. Finn chuckled at Blaine's stiffness and squeezed him, "It's okay." He promised him, "I'm not going to harm you."

Shuddering, Blaine lowered his shoulders and slowly wrapped his arms around Finn, "I-I love you, too."

Finn smiled and pulled away, then slung an arm around Blaine's shoulders, "You don't have to be afraid, Blaine. Not with me."

Blaine's throat was dry so he cleared it, and he mumbled something that sounded like a "thank you" to Finn. Finn probably didn't know exactly what Blaine was thanking him for, but he smiled anyway and squeezed Blaine's arm. "No big deal," he said again.

Finn left his side and strode ahead of them, so Blaine focused on Kurt, who batted his lashes at him and smiled. Kurt slid his fingers through Blaine's and lifted the hand that wasn't around his waist, pressing it to his lips. Blaine's lips curved with a smirk and he curled his fingers, grazing his hardened knuckles over the soft skin of Kurt's cheek.

"You're brave," Kurt whispered to him, cuddling into his chest so there was no space between them. "My hero."

Blaine tilted his head and kissed Kurt's dark blond hair, "No… you're mine."


I don't let people inspire me. Blaine flicked his eyes to Kurt's small face, pink with giddiness as he giggled at something Puck told him. Probably one of those "…so I said to the guy, Leggo my Eggo…" stories. Their betrayal hurts. Kurt's dimples popped and he tossed his head with a pretty laugh. I don't want to be close to people.

"Kurt, do you think you'll make it to Nationals?" Artie patted Kurt's shoulder, and Kurt turned to him with a breathtaking smile that caused the guys to flush, each absolutely enthralled with him.

Kurt looked at Blaine and he wrapped his arms around his neck, "Blaine and I would like nothing more."

Blaine touched Kurt's hands to keep him looped around his shoulders, his cheek pressed to Blaine's nape. But Kurt's impossible to avoid.

Kurt sighed on Blaine's hot skin and he nuzzled under Blaine's chin. He changed me… made me into a man.

"Finn, dude, who's your presentation on?" Puck bumped Finn's shoulder.

I love him.

"Cooter Menkins," Finn shrugged like it was no big deal.

He'll come back to me.

"Any volunteers to present next?" Lumbly muttered from his desk, scratching something down about the last person's presentation.

I proposed to him here.

"Mr. Anderson and Mr. Hummel."

I'm gay.

Running a hand over his hair, Blaine got to his feet and lifted Kurt out of his chair. Kurt put his toes on the floor and held onto Blaine as he walked to the front of the room. Blaine turned and looked at his classmates, most of them bent over their phones or passing notes. His friends stared at him, giving smiles and nods of encouragement. Finn winked.

Blaine swallowed.

Maybe I don't have to be scared anymore. I can just love Kurt and… let go.

Blaine took a breath, "I don't let people inspire me…"


Kurt wobbled and clutched Blaine's shirt to keep his balance, so Blaine quickly scooped Kurt off his feet and cradled him against his chest. "Better?"

"Oh, thank you." Kurt sighed, lifting his foot and unstrapping one of his shoes. He tugged it off and rubbed a red mark, "It feels so nice to take those off."

Stopping in the middle of the parking lot, Blaine boosted Kurt higher and bent over his toes, kissing them one by one. "I'll give you a foot massage when we get home. Are they sore?"

"A little," Kurt frowned at his toes. "I'd like a foot massage very much… as long as you use our cherry-flavored moisturizer. It always makes me hungry for cherries because it smells so good."

Blaine chuckled at that and kept walking, "I'll make you a cherry cheesecake for dessert, then."

"That'd be very sweet of you," Kurt cooed, growing oddly quiet as he stroked Blaine's strained biceps. "Blaine? Can I ask you something?"

Blaine paused in step again, "Of course, honey. Anything."

Kurt mashed his lips and tugged one of the strings on Blaine's jacket, "Why am I your inspiration? There are so many wonderful people to look up to… Patti LuPone and Barbra Streisand… Oh! And even Paris Hilton. Not when she drinks or hooks up with those bronze, buff sugar daddies… but her fashion line is very pretty. I would wear anything of hers on the runway."

"Kurt," Blaine shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. "Kurt, sweetheart, look at me."

Kurt jumped from his fashion daydream and lifted his blue eyes to Blaine's grinning face. "That's exactly why you're my inspiration."

"What's exactly why?" Kurt looked confused.

Chuckling deep in his throat, Blaine hugged his fiancé tighter and brushed their lips. "Everything about you is so perfect." He whispered against his earlobe, nipping it between his teeth. "Even when you babble about Paris Hilton's hook ups."

He carried Kurt to his car and popped open the passenger door. Setting Kurt down, Blaine started to close the door until Kurt grabbed his sleeve. "Blaine?"

Blaine stared at Kurt's round eyes, his blond lashes quivering, "Yeah, baby?"

"I'm so proud of you." Kurt covered Blaine's hand with his soft palm and squeezed, his fingers wrapping around Blaine's hard wrist. "You had the courage to let everyone see that you're really mine… that you're gay."

Blaine shuddered and pressed his lips to Kurt's, "I want you to be."

Kurt suddenly giggled against his mouth, and Blaine tugged away, "Two million, Blaine Anderson, and that's all I promised." He stuck his nose to the ceiling to make his rejection clear.

"You little brat!" Blaine took Kurt's chin between his fingers and turned his head so he could press kisses all over Kurt's blushing face, "I lost count. I could be at a thousand."

Kurt's blue eyes popped open and he scrunched his face, "Not the way you ravish, you're not."

Blaine stole another kiss on Kurt's nose, "Let me count the hickeys on your pretty, little bottom. That'll prove if I'm at two million or not."

"Maybe three million wouldn't be so bad." Kurt murmured on Blaine's mouth, sighing as Blaine's tongue pressed his bottom lip.

"Five million," Blaine's voice was muffled.

"Fine," Kurt gave in, wrapping his arms around Blaine and tugging him close, "but only because your kisses are amazing."

"I'll get you up to seven million by the time you go soft under me." Blaine threw his leg over Kurt and pushed his tongue between Kurt's lips, and to Kurt's shame, he easily conceded at nine million.