Summary: Some surprises are more surprising than others.

Notes: As done previously, sections of songs have been removed and thoughts/conversations have been put in their place.

Warning: Mentions of depression. Threats of intimidation and violence.

"498,292"

"Jon?"

"No."

"Eddy?"

"No."

"499,014"

"Blainey, what's going on?" Sugar asked as she sat down on his lap. The two tables the group of friends had taken over at the Schuster Reception were overflowing and there didn't seem to be enough chairs, but that meant nothing when it came to Sugar. She didn't need an excuse to sit on Blaine's lap.

"Two things, Sugar Bear. Santana is counting the views on my video with Rachel, and everyone else is trying to guess Beat's real name."

"Oh, that's…"

Blaine nudged her in the side "Remember Sweetie, it's a secret" he whispered into her ear. "And it's not our secret to tell."

"Got it" she whispered back, and then offered to the group "Dominic?"

"No." Beat gave her the same answer as the others, but included a nod to express his thanks.

"500,001! I am officially proclaiming Sugar Shack Boyfriend Shock a viral video."

"That's enough, Tana" Blaine knew why she was doing this, but he wasn't changing his mind "Just because Kurt found out about me and NYADA from the video comments doesn't mean you can tell him about Bibbi. Everyone promised me that this reception would be a No Kurt Drama zone. This is not the time or place for any of that."

"Unless he starts…"

"Santana."

"Fine" Obviously, she had her fingers crossed. If Hummel started anything…well, Lima Heights would be involved "Has anyone figured out who originally posted this and what we're going to do to them when we find out?"

"Oh, I…that's timing" Blaine motioned over to a messenger that had arrived. He gently pushed Sugar from his lap, walked over to the guy and gave him a tip before taking a package.

"Blaine, there's a gift table over by the stage" Tina reminded him when he returned.

"Oh, I know. This isn't for the happy couple. It's for Brittany."

"For me? Blaine Warbler? What? I…"

Sam knew what was going on so he stood and motioned to the others "Come on guys, the dance floor looks empty." Their friends took the hint, but before he left Sam held out his fist "Good job, Nightbird."

Blaine smiled and gave him a bump "Thanks for the assist, Blonde Chameleon." At least he had got this one right. Once it was only him and Brittany, and of course Santana, Blaine sat down and tried to explain why she had unwrapped a box with a Cheerios uniform in it. "Britt, I didn't want to get your hopes up but it's real. You just have to keep your grades at a C or above like you are now."

Santana saw that her best friend and girlfriend were communicating with their eyes and didn't like being outside of the loop "Full story, Anderson."

"Tana…"

It was Brittany that couldn't hold back "The day Sue told me I couldn't be a Cheerio anymore, Blaine Warbler set me up with tutors and all sorts of other people to help me study, and then he and Artie sang an awesome Brittany/Bieber mash-up for me. Then he went back to Hogwarts, but he made sure I still had help. Now Sammy, Sugar, Ryder and Alice come to tutoring with me and all of our grades are much better. I thought he might stop after what happened between me and Sammy, but I should have known better." Blaine gave her a wink, remembering how she had cried when he told her that. It broke his heart that she thought he would give up on her, but then realized that was probably what had happened before. "So, you may be his best girl but I was his favorite bi-corn first."

"You never told me" Santana said, but didn't know if she was talking to her girlfriend or best friend. She'd figure that out later, right now she was too blown away to fully rationalize what she had heard. "So, how is she back on Cheerios?"

Blaine took that one "Oh, I might have had people talk to people in the school district about ways Brittany seemed to have fallen through the cracks and wasn't there some way to help her without lawyers getting involved. Don't look at me like that, I'm not saying. Britt's back if she wants."

Next thing Blaine knew he had Brittany in his arms and Santana clutching his hand "Blaine, this is amazing but what does this have to do with the video?"

"Nothing, but the timing was pretty spectacular. Bree posted the video."

"That Cheerio bitch that was trying to get with little Puckerman last night? Isn't she one of the captains?"

"Not anymore, Brittany is." He took back his hand and then kissed Brittany's cheek "Consequences, my love, consequences. If you'll excuse me, I have to go repay a favor."

Across the room, there was palpable tension at the Hudmel table "Are either of you going to tell me and Carole what the hell is going on?" Burt asked.

When there was nothing but silence, Carole huffed in frustration "Listen to me boys, and yes I'm calling you that because it's how you're acting. Get over whatever this is or talk to us so we can help, but I am done with the attitudes."

Kurt took a chance and gave her the standard answer he had given everyone else "It's nothing. Just a misunderstanding between brothers."

Finn, on the other hand, chose that moment to let it all out "Misunderstanding? Are you saying that I am misunderstanding that you slapped me because I told you to leave Blaine alone or are you misunderstanding how pissed I am about it?"

Before anyone could say a word, Rachel and Blaine took the stage. Since they were directly behind the bride and groom, the four of them were stuck, none of them wanting to cause a scene. Fortunately, Puck had seen the tension building so he got Mike and Beat to join him at the Hudmel table to act as buffers, or bouncers if necessary. This could have been a train wreck.

Burt and Carole looked on stage, then at each other and finally at the guys at the table, to whom Burt asked "Did any of you know Blaine played the guitar?"

No, this was definitely going to be a train wreck.

"It's going to be fine, Rach. Take a breath. Are the changes too much?" Blaine had suggested that instead of having full orchestral accompaniment, he would just play his acoustic guitar. The arrangement would be the same but simpler, and more importantly, different from the version she sang to Finn. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

"No, I love our change. I didn't realize Finn would be sitting right behind Will and Emma."

"How about the second section we look at Miss Pil…Schu…the bride, but first and third sections we look at each other?" Rachel gave him a quick nod, so he started the monologue they prepared "Hello, everyone. For those that don't know us, I'm Blaine Anderson and this beautiful person next to me is Miss Rachel Berry." There were a few snickers from the crowd but they anticipated that "Yes, that's us in the video, but we're going to do something different for you. Mrs. Schuster, I know you asked Rachel to sing this but I hope you don't mind if I help her out a bit."

Emma gave him a sweet smile, and Blaine was pretty sure Will rolled his eyes, but he couldn't bring himself to care. When he finished the song, he could finally leave and call Sebastian. Rachel signaled that she was ready, so he began to play and let her take the lead.

(R) I can't win, I can't reign I will never win this game
Without you, without you

(B) I am lost, I am vain,
I will never be the same without you, without you

(R) I won't run, I won't fly
I will never make it by
Without you, without you

(B)I can't rest, I can't fight
All I need is you and I,
Without you...

(Both) Without you
Oh oh oh! You! You! You!
Without, you! You! You! Without you

Rachel turned away from Blaine and faced Emma. She was holding Will's hand and smiling so brightly that Rachel totally forgot Finn and was able to focus on the bride and groom.

(R) I won't soar, I won't climb
If you're not here, I'm paralyzed
Without you, without you

Blaine had been able to do the same thing. Unfortunately, as he began to sing his final part of the section, his eyes locked with someone else sitting behind Emma…Kurt

(B) I can't look, I'm so blind
I lost my heart, I lost my mind
Without you

Shit!

He got through the rest of the song and didn't think anyone else noticed what happened. Maybe he imagined the whole thing? Nah, he wasn't that lucky but the good news was Beat had been sitting at the Hudmel table. So, after giving Rachel a hug and putting his guitar back in the case, he got Beat's attention to meet him back by the Under-21 bar.

"Sorry Bud, but if you're going to ask me if I saw you lock eyes with Hummel, the answer is yes."

"So, there's no chance that he didn't notice?"

"Good thing you can sing because you're not funny."

"Shit!"

"Blaine, it'll be fine. It was like half a second."

"Thanks." Blaine relaxed and took a long drink of something he wished had alcohol in it. "How are you doing? Has anyone said anything about you being here without a date?"

"I actually kind of am with one, you know."

"Ok, let me rephrase. Has anyone said anything about you being here without a girl?"

"No, my epic bromance with Puck has been the perfect cover." Beat's entire expression changed when the person they were trying not to discuss gave him a wave "I was so stupid for coming here like this, wasn't I? I mean, I might be ready to open my closet door but he said he's never even been attracted to a guy before."

"Might be ready to open your closet door? That is the absolutely gayest thing you have ever said."

"I'd roll my eyes, but what's the point. You wouldn't be able to see it."

Blaine jokingly punched his friend in the arm. They had downplayed their friendship in public since he returned to Dalton, but maybe it was time to stop doing that. "Quit overthinking things, Beat. That's my job. Ok?"

"Thanks Bud. I know keeping my…"

"Stop. I would never say anything. You know that, right?"

"I know." Beat looked over at their friends. He didn't know why he kept this from the guys, they would never judge him for being gay. However… "You know I'm actually more afraid of telling them that you and I never lost contact when you went to McKinley. By the way, good save with Sug earlier."

"Yeah, that was close. I love her to death, but now that she's not keeping our secret it's harder for her to keep the others that went with it."

"Hey, the fact that she's around Nick and Thad all of the time and hasn't said anything is pretty amazing. As much as I hated how it happened, I'm glad we're roommates again."

"Me, too."

"And Bud, mom saw the video."

"Shit!"

"She wants you to come back to LA with me for Spring Break."

"I'm going to Paris with Bas for Spring Break."

"LA is warmer."

"Paris is more romantic."

"Katy has a concert and the last time we met her she said we could go onstage and sing with her."

Blaine folded his arms, scrunched his face and pouted "That's…not…playing…fair!" He was going to continue whining when something caught his eye. Thad was over at the tables, literally doubled over in laughter, with all of their other friends staring at him in disbelief. "That doesn't look good. Where's Kitty and her whip when you need her?" Blaine looked up at his much taller friend and asked "You ready to go back?"

"Yeah, and Bud, thanks."

"What can I say? I'd do anything for my best friend Samuel."

As they walked back, Blaine took note of the dynamic of the table. Sugar, Kitty and Nari were off with Marley and Unique. That meant the younger element of the group was gone. Puck, Mike, Finn and Rachel had come over and sat down, but no one was talking. They were all just staring at Thad. "What's going on?" Blaine asked but wasn't sure he wanted anyone to tell him.

"We don't really know." Quinn said, but Blaine could tell she was trying to psychoanalyze the group. Good luck with that. "Thad and Nick were telling us about how Sebastian and Trent are still having problems finding their portmanteau name."

"And I told Quinn to stop using her fancy Yale words" Sam continued.

"And then Quinn, I hope you told Sam that he and I have a portmanteau name…Blam."

"Yes, she did" Sam announced proudly.

"And then I asked them to tell us some of the ones they've tried" Mercedes told him. "They were all pretty bad and then they said Smixon which I am assuming is a combination of Smythe and Nixon." Thad almost instinctively began to giggle.

Then it was Puck's turn. That should have been Blaine's first clue "And I said that Smixon sounded like one of Santa's slutty reindeer."

"Santa!" Thad was doubled over again, laughing just as hard as he had before.

Blaine dropped his face on the table. He knew there was no way he was getting out of this. "What part of A secret you must take to the grave sounds like You can tell everyone in 4 days? 4 days!"

"You told Harwood who Santa is?" Beat didn't know why he was upset, but he was.

"Blaine Warbler, you know Santa?!"

Oh great, Blaine had forgotten about Brittany and her love of Santa. Shit! He lifted his head, took a deep breath and prepared himself for the most humiliating moment of his life. He really wished Sebastian was there to share his pain. "No, Brittany, not that Santa. Ok listen up. I am telling this story once. If anyone interrupts me, I'm done and Thad won't be able to tell you because I am duct taping his mouth shut. I am warning you now, this story involves gay sex so if you want to leave, now is that time." Sam, Santana, Brittany, Rachel, Mercedes, Quinn, David, Wes, Nick, Mike, Puck, Finn, Beat and Thad. Not one of the assholes even flinched.

Shit!

Back over at the Hudmel table, Burt and Carole where trying to follow Kurt's train of thought "So, it's Sebastian's fault that you and Blaine aren't together anymore because he tricked you into thinking you should break up with Blaine and that you were in love with him." Burt was glad Carole asked because he probably couldn't have said that without adding "What the fuck were you thinking?!"

"Yes, because he wanted Blaine. He told me so before Sectionals last year. Now, I'm going to go warm-up. They may have kept me from singing last night, but when Blaine hears what I prepared, he'll understand."

After Kurt walked off, Burt and Carole sat speechless. They had found out a lot of things in the last half hour that they had blissfully unaware of. Carole was about to ask Burt a question when she heard something that she hadn't heard in months…her son laughing. Not a friendly chuckle, but honest to god belly busting laughter. She found Finn at a table with several of last year's New Directions plus some of Blaine's Warbler friends. It wasn't just Finn laughing, it was everyone. Puck would occasionally jump up and give everyone a high-five. Sam looked like he was trying to support Blaine, but then would begin laughing himself. Mike stared at Puck's friend Beat like You knew this? and Beat nodded. And then there was Rachel. Rachel who was sitting on Finn's lap with his arms around her waist.

Carole didn't realize she was crying until Burt handed her a tissue "That's a sight I never thought I'd see again" he told her.

True, but that wasn't the only reason she was crying. "Finn asked me today about what I thought about him going to therapy. Puck had Blaine speak to him. He explained that it was hard, but if it wasn't he wasn't doing it right. That it was not something he could half-ass or quit if he began to feel better."

"Like how he said after directing Grease that he had been depressed but the play had cured him?"

"Is it wrong for me to get my hopes up?"

Burt looked at the friends, but couldn't help but think about the one person missing "I think it's amazing that Finn is willing to try therapy, but how do we get Kurt to accept that he should try too?"

While Burt and Carole continued their conversation, Blaine tried to text Sebastian yet again. His public flogging had taken longer than expected and now it would be rude to leave before the cake was cut. Damn his parents for instilling manners in him!

Everyone had scattered for the moment. Some were dancing. Some were getting food and drinks. Some were mingling with other guests. Some were on their phones…

"Guess what Blainers? I get to see you and the guys at your Regionals next week" Santana told him.

"How?"

"There's been this campaign that my boss has been having problems with. I had an idea, so I sent him some pictures and your amazing Godmother wants me to stay here and work out a couple of things. The plane has to go back, but I'm staying."

Blaine got up, picked her up out of her chair and spun her around "Tana, Bibbi told you to work out one of your ideas. That's huge!"

"Blaine, she liked my idea. She liked my idea! Oh my god, what if I screw this up?"

"Don't. You know Bibbi. She would not give you this responsibility if she didn't expect you to excel. I'm so proud of you."

They stood there and held each other and let everyone stare, but then Santana pulled away "Blaine…".

Blaine turned and saw a shell-shocked Mercedes standing behind them, holding her phone. They separated and quickly went to her side, probably the only thing that kept her from hitting the ground. Soon everyone else that had scattered were back, concerned for their friend, but there was one person that was more concerned than the others.

"Mercy, are you ok?" David asked. When she didn't answer he turned to Blaine and Santana "Do you two know what's wrong?"

"Maybe. Mercedes, did you get the call?" She didn't say anything, only nodded.

Santana tried to take her phone, but she couldn't get Mercedes to let go "Mercedes, you're going to have to tell David. Hell, you have to tell me! Am I getting a new roommate or what?"

"Santana, what do you mean? I'm you're roommate!"

"I know Rachel, just…" Santana looked at Blaine to Do Something!

"Ok, everyone calm down. Mercedes, you've really left us no choice, did you get it?"

"No" she whispered, but then lifted her head and grinned "But, I am the understudy."

"Roomie!" Almost everyone was beyond confused as Santana, Mercedes and Blaine began hugging and jumping and crying together. Rachel, on the other hand, started to put the pieces together. Mercedes would have to move to New York to live with Santana. If Mercedes was moving to New York to be an understudy, that meant Broadway. And if it was Mercedes and Broadway, that could only mean "Oh my god, you're going to be the understudy for Effie in the Broadway Revival of Dream Girls?"

All David heard was "You're moving to New York?" When Mercedes smiled, he pushed Blaine and Santana away and planted a huge kiss on her. Everyone cheered, well everyone but the one diva that thought she would be the Broadway star of the group. She knew she shouldn't be jealous, but…before she had to start justifying her feelings, Rachel felt a familiar hand take ahold of hers. She looked up to see Finn giving her a smile that he understood and would be there for her. He always did know her best.

"Yo, clearly we've missed a lot, but Blaine you need to go." Artie had joined them as well as Sugar, Kitty, Nari, Tina and the rest of the New New Directions.

"Why?"

"Kurt's about to sing and I heard him say something about showing up the Meerkat and his pathetic attempt at a big, romantic gesture."

"Too late, dude." Sam pointed out that Kurt was already on stage. "What do you want to do?"

"There's nothing to do. I'm not causing a scene and neither are any of you. Everyone grab a seat, this should be interesting."

Kurt didn't introduce himself or say something to Will and Emma like all of the other performers had. He just signaled for the piano player to begin.

Someone to hold you too close
Someone to hurt you too deep

Someone to sit in your chair
To ruin your sleep

Most of the people in the room did not recognize the song, but Blaine and Rachel did. Both of them had to admit that the song selection was surprising…in a good way.

Someone to need you too much
Someone to know you too well
Someone to pull you up short
To put you through hell

The attitudes that everyone had developed toward Kurt the last few months softened. The Kurt that was on the stage was the old Kurt. The Kurt that they had all once cared for in some way.

Someone to crowd you with love
Someone to force you to care
Someone to make you come through
Who'll always be there
As frightened as you
Of being alive

Being alive
Being alive
Being alive!

Rachel couldn't help but think that if Kurt would have sung this for his NYADA audition he would have gotten in.

Somebody need me too much
Somebody know me too well
Somebody pull me up short
And put me through hell
And give me support
For being alive

Make me alive
Make me alive

Make me confused
Mock me with praise
Let me be used
Vary my days

But alone
Is alone
Not alive

Somebody crowd me with love
Somebody force me to care

Wes, David and the other Dalton boys looked at Blaine and began to panic. He had that face. The There you are. I've been looking for you forever face.

Being alive
Being alive
Being alive!

Blaine left the table and Kurt ran off the stage to follow him. Sam and Santana went to do the same, but were blocked. "David and I will go. The two of you are too emotional." Wes told them.

David could see that wouldn't be enough "He can handle Kurt. The Blaine from six months ago couldn't, this Blaine can. We promise we'll jump in if we have to."

"Fine, but know this. If Kurt hurts him in any way, I'm going to take care of him but she's going to take care of the two of you." Sam had spoken for the both of them, but when Santana sat back down the former Warblers took it as a sign to go.

While they went in search of Blaine, Kurt had found him in the men's room splashing water on his face. "You cannot tell me you don't still have feelings for me. I know that expression you had as you watched me sing. It was the same one you had when I sang Blackbird. The same one you had when you realized you loved me."

Blaine got a paper towel to dry his face which allowed one of the now Mrs. Schuster's relatives to leave before things became even more awkward "I want you to listen to me. I love Sebastian. I love him in ways I never thought possible, but you're right. I do still have feelings for the Kurt that was up on that stage. My problem is that Kurt doesn't exist anymore."

"Blaine…"

"No! That Kurt is gone and has been for a long time. He was probably already gone by the time I got to McKinley, but for some reason I didn't notice. I don't know what happened to him, but if I am responsible in any way I'm sorry. I'm sorry for him and I'm sorry for me because I miss him."

"Blaine, come with us. Sam and Santana need to see you." David held out his arm and Blaine walked past Kurt to him. They began to walk out, but Wes hadn't moved "Wes?"

"You two go. I'll be there in a minute." David escorted Blaine out of the men's room and Wes locked the door behind them.

"Listen Wes…"

"Oh, will you just shut the fuck up Hummel? I have spent two years listening to your whiny, woe-is-me bitch fest and I am done. Stay the fuck away from Blaine."

Huh? This was Wes? The way Trent spoke to him last night was surprising. This was mind-boggling "Wes…"

"Did I say you could speak? You know what, you're not worth it, but hear this. I know all about that charity case nugget you tried laying on David last night. Drop it. Drop it now or I swear you will regret it. Don't believe me? Think about this…Blaine had to learn about consequences from somewhere." Wes unlocked the door, but wanted to make sure Kurt got the point. "Oh, say hi to Karofsky for me next time you see him. Hopefully he's gotten that pesky drug problem under control. It would be a shame for him to be snagged a second time."

Back at the table, Santana let out a sigh of relief when David come back with Blaine. She got up to greet him, but Brittany pulled her back and pointed to the door.

TBC

Notes:

Without You: DAVID GUETTA, FREDERIC JEAN RIESTERER, RICHARD PRESTON JR BUTLER, TAIO CRUZ, USHER RAYMOND, GIORGIO TUINFORT 2011

Being Alive (from the Musical Company): Stephen Sondheim 1970

I chose to have Mercedes win the role of understudy primarily due to her age as she would be 19 here. I know, canon…Rachel…Funny Girl…no.

There were "Easter Eggs". Several, in fact. Did you find any?