Hey, guys! So I've decided to make Tuesday my update day. This doesn't necessarily mean I'll be posting every Tuesday, but keep your eyes peeled for new chapters coming soon!

For those of you who missed the previous chapter for whatever reason, basically Kurt saved Karofsky's life and they made up. This resulted in Kurt's transfer back to McKinley, as well as him making up with Blaine. Now, he's trying to think of a Valentine's gift idea that will make the holiday special for his boyfriend!

**QUICK DISCLAIMER**

**THIS CHAPTER HAS MENTIONS OF SEX. IF THIS MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE PLEASE SKIP. I WILL COVER THE MAIN POINTS OF THIS CHAPTER IN THE NEXT DESCRIPTION**

As always:

I do NOT own Glee or any of the characters

If you notice any grammatical errors don't hesitate to reach out!

I still have pages of this story saved, so let me know if you'd be interested in seeing more chapters in the future!

"What are you going to do for Blaine for Valentine's Day?" Finn asked. Glee club rehearsal had just ended for the day and Finn was supposed to give Kurt a ride to their favorite pizza place for a pre-valentine's day dinner with Burt and Carole.

"I'm not sure yet. It needs to be something good... I still feel bad that I didn't give him anything for Christmas." Kurt had given it a ton of thought, but nothing seemed meaningful next to the photo album Blaine had made for him.

"I'm sure you'll think of something. You still have all night to come up with an idea." Finn unlocked the car and they climbed in. "At least you have someone in your life."

"You chose to break up with Rachel, you know. You could still get back together." Kurt pointed out.

"It's not that simple." Finn's eyes flitted away. It was settle, but Kurt still noticed it.

"Finn, what's wrong? Talk to me."

"Nothing's wrong, I'm fine."

"No, you're not. You can tell me."

Finn sighed as he pulled into the parking lot of the pizza place, eyes focused on the steering wheel. "I... I wasn't completely honest with you. When I told you about what happened with Rachel."

Kurt nodded slowly. "Okay, what happened?"

"I didn't... I didn't break up with her because I wanted to. I broke up with her because... she cheated on me. With Jesse." Finn sat in silence, hands still resting on the steering wheel.

"She cheated on you? When?" Kurt asked gently. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"It was the night after she came over for lasagna. I could tell she was upset, and when I asked what was wrong she just... broke down. Apparently they'd been seeing each other for weeks before that." Finn sighed. "I wanted to tell you, but then that whole hook up situation happened with Blaine and it didn't seem as important anymore."

"So the whole acceptance letter story was a lie?"

"Yes. Are you mad at me?"

"What? No. I get why you wouldn't want to talk about it. I can't imagine what that must feel like." Kurt leaned over the seat so he was hugging Finn. "Thank you for opening up to me."

Finn gave a small smile. "Yeah, well, we're brothers now. And as your brother, I'm going to help you find a gift that's perfect for Blaine. There has to be something that he'd like."

Kurt froze. Suddenly he had an idea. It had crossed his mind before, but now... now was the perfect time. "I have an idea, but I'm going to need your help."

"I'm all ears. But we should probably hurry this up, Burt and my mom are waiting for us and you know how they get when they're hungry."

Kurt chuckled. "I sure do. Anyway, here's my proposition..."

"We'll be back by eleven at the latest. Make good choices while we're gone and don't trash the place." Burt pulled on his jacket, checking his reflection in the mirror.

"We will, don't worry about us." Finn said, handing his mother her purse. "You guys deserve to get out and have some fun."

"We appreciate this. You boys really didn't have to pay for our tickets, we would've been perfectly fine without-"

"Carole, please. Finn and I just wanted to send you two on a romantic theater date. It's the least we can do."

"Well, we appreciate it. See you later, we've gotta run if we want to make it on time." Burt took Carole by the arm. "Bye boys, see you at eleven."

"See you then!"

As soon as the door closed behind them, the brothers sprung into action.

"I'll be chilling at Pucks house, let me know when the coast is clear." Finn grabbed his gloves from the counter. "Remember to keep an eye on the time, you only have three hours."

"I know, Finn. You can go now."

"Okay, geez. See you later."

Kurt settled down on the living room sofa to wait. He'd texted Blaine about ten minutes ago, and he'd be arriving any minute. The doorbell rang, and for some reason it seemed louder than usual. Kurt opened it in one swift movement, greeting his boyfriend with a kiss.

"Wow, I wasn't expecting that." Blaine joked. "I'm not complaining though."

"Come in, it's so cold out there." Kurt took his coat, hanging it on the rack by the entryway before shutting the door behind them. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Same to you. I miss seeing you at school every day... it's not the same without our daily kisses in the hallway."

"I miss it too. It's so weird not being able to walk to class together." Kurt nodded towards the stairs. "Your gift is up in my room. I was going to bring it down, but I can't because... just follow me."

"Okay, should I be scared?"

"No, just close your eyes." Kurt slowly opened his bedroom door and guided Blaine inside. "Okay, you can open."

Blaine did as he was told and slowly looked around the room. "Okay, um, not to be rude or anything but... what gift are you referring to, exactly?"

Instead of answering, Kurt practically flung himself at his boyfriend. They kissed for a while before he broke away. "Blaine, I'm ready." His voice came out shakier than he'd expected, and he held his breath as he waited for an answer.

"Ready for what?"

"I'm ready to have sex with you."

Blaine stepped back slightly, eyes locked with Kurt's. "Is this about our conversation at Christmastime a couple weeks ago? Because you know that I said it's fine if we wait-"

"No." Kurt pulled Blaine closer to him. "This is what I want. I want to do this with you on Valentine's Day. You're my boyfriend, Blaine. My parents are going to be out for a couple of hours, it's the perfect time..." his voice trailed off.

"Kurt, this is a big deal. I don't want to do anything if you have any doubt in your mind."

"This is your gift, Blaine. You can't reject a gift, I won't allow it."

"I want to do this, I really do, but... I don't think you're ready." Blaine removed Kurt's hands from his shoulders. "I'm sorry."

"I am ready, okay? I've been ready! I even bought these!" Kurt reached into the drawer of his nightstand and pulled out a box of condoms.

Blaine sighed. "Kurt, it means a lot that you want me to be your first, but I really think you should think about this. Just a couple weeks ago you were telling me how you're not ready to be intimate, and I could never forgive myself if we did this and you ended up regretting it."

"I won't regret it, I swear."

"You don't know that for sure."

"Why would I have regrets?"

"Because you barely know the first thing about sex."

"What do you mean? I know about sex!"

"Kurt, you literally told me that you know nothing yourself, after we did the sexy dance with the Warblers."

"I've learned since then, okay?" Kurt suddenly seemed annoyed. "Look, I wanted this to be a special thing, but if you don't want it as much as I do then you can go."

"Kurt, you know that's not what I'm trying to say here. It's not about how much I want it- it's about your being comfortable. And this whole conversation has just solidified the fact that you're not. And that's fine."

Kurt let out a sigh of exasperation. "I just don't get what the big deal is. Can't you just take my word for it?"

"No, because this relationship isn't something I want to throw away. The last thing I want is for us to grow apart after doing things too soon."

"I'm so humiliated, this idea was so stupid. Now I have absolutely nothing to give you for Valentine's Day. I suck."

"Kurt, you don't suck, okay?" Blaine sat next to him on the bed. "And just because now isn't the right time doesn't mean there won't be a time when we're both ready."

"I know, I just... I wish I knew when that time was." Kurt sighed, leaning his head on Blaine's shoulder. "I'm sorry for making you come over just for this. I guess I didn't think it all the way through."

"I get it. I know how hard it is to keep your eyes off of me- I mean, I'm super hot."

Kurt rolled his eyes. He could tell he was blushing. "Haha, very funny. But yes, your hotness factor sure doesn't help things."

Blaine smiled. "You know, I'm glad you invited me over. And just because I'm not receiving my gift tonight doesn't mean I won't ever get it."

"We'll see." Kurt joked. "But a raincheck sounds like a good idea. Until then we can still fool around a little."

Blaine smirked. "I like where this is going. I guess we'd better get started."

"You know I can't resist you when you beg." Kurt kissed him, toppling backwards onto the bed. They had three hours, and both were determined to have the hottest and most wild make out session ever.

"So you didn't end up doing it?" Finn asked, eyes glued to the unwrinkled bedsheets on his brother's made bed.

"No, we just kissed. I thought I was ready but once it was actually happening I... I guess I kind of got weird about the whole thing." Kurt's eyes flitted around the room, avoiding all eye contact with his stepbrother.

"It's always weird, trust me. I barely even knew what I was doing the first couple of times."

"That's probably because you did it with a girl who you barely knew at the time that turned out to be lesbian." Kurt pointed out.

"That's a fair point. Anyway, I'm sure it wasn't too bad."

Kurt paused, laying the brush he'd been using back in its spot on his dresser. "I can say with one hundred percent certainty that it was bad. Very bad."

"What made it so awful ?"

"Well, for starters Carole's traditional cd was playing in the background- you can imagine how horrendous that would be. Oh, and not only that but I may or may not have shoved a box of condoms in Blaine's face and practically begged him to hook up with me."

"Wow, and he still said no?"

"Yeah, I guess he really wants to be cautious as we move forward. I'm not mad about it, though- in fact I'm kind of glad he talked me out of it."

"Well, good for you. You'll know when the time is right." Finn gave a small smile. "Oh, and speaking of being right, I've decided to try and patch things up with Rachel. I don't want to get back together or anything, but a little closure would be nice."

"That's a good idea. Sometimes it really does help to hear the other person's side of the story." Kurt moved a strand of hair to the other side of his hairline. "And at least you two are fighting for a good reason and not over some misunderstood text message."

Finn grinned. "To be honest that was kind of hilarious."

"No, it really wasn't."

"It kind of was."

"Get out of my room." Kurt jokingly flung his hairbrush at the doorway.

"Okay, okay, I'm going."

"Today we're going to be focusing on the word hope. Can anyone tell me why hope is important?" Mr. Schuster asked, eyes scanning the room.

Rachel raised her hand high, practically falling off the edge of her chair.

"Rachel?"

"Thank you. Hope is an amazing thing because it can make any situation feel a little less lonely. It's important to always stay optimistic. Now, can I sing a song I prepared?"

Mr. Schuster shook his head. "I know that usually I'd say yes, but today we have other things to focus on."

Rachel raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "What other things?"

"Nationals. They're going to be here before we know it, and I'd like to begin getting familiar with the music." Mr. Schuster took a pile of papers from the top of the piano, carefully handing them out to each student. "As you can see, I've chosen a classic yet original opening number- Whitney Houston's When You Believe. Before we begin, I just want to let everyone know that there is a solo in this song. If you're interested in auditioning feel free to sign your name on the paper hanging on my office door."

Kurt studied the sheet music in his hands. Whitney was one of the best songwriters of all time, and he couldn't wait to perform her music.

The rest of the class seemed to go by in a blur. Kurt was aware of the people singing around him, but he couldn't seem to focus on the task at hand. Every once in a while he'd catch a classmate or Mr. Shu giving him a look of concern, which he responded to by lip syncing along with the piano. He was so distracted that he almost didn't notice the hand on his shoulder.

"Kurt? Class is over. We should probably get out of here before the hallways explode with noise." Mercedes said, only half jokingly. "Are you alright?"

Kurt faked a smile. "Yes, I'm fine. Just a little... distracted."

Mercedes nodded slowly. "I can see that. You didn't even seem fazed when your scarf became off center earlier. What's going on?"

"I told you, nothings wrong. Now come on, we should go." Kurt was suddenly tense as he swung his bag around his shoulder.

"Are you angry with me? Did I say something to offend you?" Mercedes asked, concern in her voice.

"No, I'm not mad."

"Did you and Blaine get into another fight?"

"No."

"Is it Karofsky? Is he bullying you again?"

"It's not that." Kurt paused so abruptly that Mercedes practically ran into him. He racked his brain for something to say, anything. Finally he took a deep breath before breaking the silence. "I guess I'm just tired. I'm tired of trying over and over again to be recognized just for people to push me away."

Mercedes nodded, suddenly understanding. "This is about the solo, isn't it?"

"Yes. I want to try out, I really do. It's just... what's the point? Rachel's going to get it anyway."

Mercedes shook her head. "You don't know that for sure. Kurt, you have an amazing voice, and I know you can do this. I believe in you."

Kurt gave a sad smile. "Thanks Mercedes. I appreciate it, I really do, but the last thing I need right now is your pity. I just can't see the point in trying anymore." With that he turned towards the exit and left, leaving his best friend stranded in the hallway.

Even though Finn had offered to drive him, Kurt decided to walk home. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he knew he needed to think. It was only a solo, not a life changing thing, but to him it was more than that. He knew no one would understand if he tried to explain, which is why he'd lied to Mercedes earlier. Sure, it would be nice to have a solo for once, but that wasn't what was bothering him. He flung open the back door, tossing his bag onto the table before shakily sitting down on the couch.

The garage door opened and Burt walked in, grease staining his clothing. "Oh hey, you're home early. Good news, I'm done for the day so maybe we could-" his voice cut off as he caught sight of his son's face. "Kurt? What's wrong?"

"It's stupid." Kurt hugged his knees, sitting still as a stone.

Burt sat next to him, using one arm to rub his back. "You can talk to me. What's going on?" Burt asked gently.

Kurt opened his mouth to answer, but before he could tears began to spill from his eyes.

Burt handed him a tissue, cradling him for a while.

Once Kurt was finally calm enough to speak he placed the used tissue on a small table near the couch. "It's about glee club. We just found out what song we're opening with for nationals."

"And?"

"And... it's When You Believe." Kurt held his breath, eyes focused on a stain on the corner of the sofa. He couldn't look his father in the eye- he had no idea what to expect.

Burt's face turned to realization. "Oh. I can imagine that was hard for you."

"Yeah, it was."

Burt sighed softly. "Kurt, it's completely fine to miss her, you know. I miss her every single day, and when I do I remind myself that we've come so far since then."

Kurt turned to his father, eyes glistening. "I don't know if I can sing it at Nationals. It was her favorite song, and I don't want to disrespect it like that."

"It's not disrespectful to sing it. Your mother would've wanted you to enjoy yourself at Nationals and to have fun, not worry about her. Don't think of it as being wrong- think of it as an honor to her. She would tell you to go for it if she were here right now, I know she would."

Kurt nodded. "I guess you're right. Thanks for listening, I know it's hard for you to talk about her."

Burt smiled a little. "You're right, it is hard. But I'm so lucky that I have you and Finn and Carole to help me enjoy every single day to the fullest."

Kurt wiped at his eyes before standing. "I need to go grab something from school, is it okay if I run over really quick?"

"Of course, but make sure you're back in time for dinner."

"I will be, thanks dad." Kurt didn't even bother grabbing a coat as he made his way back to the building. He flung open the double doors and practically sprinted to the music wing.

He stopped at Mr. Schuster's door, out of breath from all the running. There he was, face to face with the signup sheet. He took a deep breath as he grasped the pen in his hand. His father was right, his mother would've wanted this. Without another thought he signed his name.

Well, that was... Interesting. I sort of just wanted a chapter that showed how much Kurt and Blaine cared for one another, which is why I wrote this one. Anyway, what do you guys think about the whole Rachel and Finn scenario? I kind of wish it had been drama in the show, lol.

Stay tuned to find out what will happen with the Nationals audition!

Bye guys, thanks for reading!