Sam's Silly Love Songs.

Lonely hearts did not have to be unhappy ones, or so Kurt was learning. He was actually sublimely happy by Blaine's side, laughing and content that their time would come. Now that Blaine knew how he felt, it was only a matter of time before nature brought about the inevitable.

"I just noticed, these decorations are all red." Blaine looked at Kurt. "No room for pink or white?"

"There is nothing worse about Valentine's Day than the color scheme."

They shared a smile and Kurt felt them take one step closer to their destiny together...

"Cool dinner." Kurt turned to see Sam, hands jammed into his hoodie.

"Thank you! And thanks for coming." Then he frowned. "But this was for lonely hearts. I thought your heart was partnered."

Sam's face flushed and he shrugged. He opened his mouth, but just as he would have spoken, Blaine did.

"Who is this?" Blaine beamed at Sam, and Kurt widened his eyes at the warbler. That one step inched back in his mind. He waved in Sam's general direction as Sam looked at Blaine with polite curiosity in his eyes.

"Blaine, this is Sam. Sam, Blaine."

The two boys shook hands, and Blaine seemed to hold onto Sam's hand just a little longer than necessary.

"Straight!" Kurt blurted, plastering a small smile on his face as both boys gave him a funny look.

"Straight Sam," Kurt emphasized. "Gay Blaine." They were still giving him those looks. Was his jealousy showing?

Blaine recovered first and nodded. "Nice to meet you, Sam, sexuality not withstanding."

Sam nodded back.

Kurt tried to catch Sam's eye. He tilted his head and pretended to play with his hair, all the while pointing his finger away from him and Blaine. Maybe Sam didn't know anything about Singin' in the Rain, but surely even someone like him would get the hint to leave. But Sam just plopped a hand on Kurt's shoulder, making Kurt jump.

"Look, can I-" Sam sighed. "Can we talk, dude?"

Kurt felt a headache coming on. He had already planned to stay at Blaine's side for the entire evening, perhaps persuade the delicious warbler to come to his house for a romantic viewing of When Harry Met Sally or Sleepless in Seattle. He opened his mouth to kindly - but firmly- refuse, but one real look at Sam's face pierced Kurt with guilt. The corners of his mouth were turned down, drooping like unbecomingly pale cheeks and poorly treated hair...

Kurt sighed in his head. I should be next in line for sainthood. When he turned to Blaine, he amended that thought. Martyrdom.

"Be back soon. Friendship calls."

"Completely understand," said Blaine.

Kurt saw admiration in his eyes and preened. Perhaps this intrusion wasn't in vain.

Kurt joined Sam at his table, and didn't even think about Blaine as Sam told him the most absurd tale of desperation he'd ever heard. Sam's tone was forlorn, but as he regaled Kurt with his exploits Kurt could not help first blinking in disbelief, then graciously holding back his laughter. And he was doing so well, too, until Santana appeared. Then, he let out a full snort that he tried to cover with his hand.

Sam had been pouting at his chocolate cake as he spoke, but when Kurt snorted he looked up. His cheeks were ruddy with embarrassment, but he was watching Kurt closely as he continued. Another snort escaped, and Sam's mouth twitched as his story ended. He was still watching Kurt, and Kurt bit his bottom lip to stop the wave of laughter inside of him. He thought he had control of himself as he spoke.

"Sam, I'm-" A giggle erupted, was quickly supressed. He tried again. "No, really-" A small expulsion of breath from his nostrils almost broke the dam of resistance. With each would-be expression of sympathy, Sam's lips curled until a crooked smile graced his bright pink face. Kurt let his laughter free.

"Can I be honest here? That was the craziest thing I've ever heard. A real queen? Sam, even the queen mother herself doesn't have knights with swords defending her honor. It's 2011, not 1311."

Sam shrugged and looked down. "Guess I wasn't thinking. I just - I'll do anything." Sam played with his chocolate cake. "I think I'm losing her."

Kurt almost reached out and patted Sam's hand. It really was bittersweet, how Sam's love life was crumbling just as Kurt's was looking so promising. He smiled at Sam. "Sam, I'm sure things will turn out fine."

Sam gave Kurt a doutbful look. "Then why is she acting like this?"

Kurt didn't know. The inner workings of Quinn Fabray were not his forte, but Sam's gaze was still latched to him, begging him for sage advice. And on this day, when he'd taken a step in the right direction regarding love, he couldn't leave someone so upset. He scrolled the recesses of his mind - what would Vogue say? No, too intellectual and fashion-forward. What would Cosmo say?

"Hmmm...maybe she's grown bored. She knows that she has your affection, and some people really love the thrill of the chase." Kurt nodded, relieved at Sam's hopeful gaze. "Maybe you should bring a little of that first-date chase back into your life."

Sam tilted his head. "So, chase her?"

Kurt winked. "Chase her."

Okay, so he wasn't going to literally chase her this time. They were too old to play, like, tag and Quinn would never go for that. Sam threw himself down on his bed and lay facedown wracking his brain. Nothing. How could he chase her? He turned onto his back and sat up, looking around his room for inspiration. His eyes snagged on a neon flyer, and his smile spread wide. Of course!

He bounced as he pumped a fist in the air, giving a little cheer on Kurt's behalf. He'd felt awful today, all alone like a loser when he technically had a sweetheart. Somehow, Kurt had made the whole situation bearable - even kinda funny. Now, he'd given Sam an awesomely fun idea.

Quinn stood beside him with her arms folded, glaring at the black entrance before them. Pinball machines activated and the familiar tunes of Pac-man sprang to life as Sam sweated under Quinn's gaze.

"Laser tag?"

Sam put his arm around her waist, trying not to be discouraged as she leaned away.

"Sam-"

"Just try it!" He gave her his best smile. "It'll be fun, promise."

Quinn's eyes narrowed, but she just sighed and clasped Sam's hand. She followed him in.

They played on opposite teams, the only teens among preteen boys. Sam loved it, aiming his laser gun with accuracy. He went after Quinn with relish and found her firing and doing pretty well. She was like a cheerleader assassin! And he was her target...but also, her hunter. The chase was definitely on - and a hit!

At the end of the game, Sam pushed back his hair and beamed at his warrior princess. She had a small smile on her face as she handed her gear back to the arcade clerk.

Once they were outside in his car, Sam bounced in his seat, turning to face her.

"That was amazing!"

Quinn turned to him with a sour look on her face. "Sam, I've borne many things for the sake of this relationship, but that was an unacceptable date. Only junior high schoolers and freaks come to this place."

Sam's excitement evaporated. "But you were great-"

"I excel, Sam," Quinn explained patiently. "In cheerleading, in school, and with the gross exception of Rachel Berry even in glee club. That's who I am, that is why I will be Prom Queen. I'm starting to wonder if you understand what it takes to be my Prom King."

The car was barely parked in front of her house before Quinn hopped out. Sam thought about getting out to walk her in, but the slam of his car door told him not to. He sat there and watched her disappear into her house before slumping in his seat. He'd failed again and he barely understood it. She had been smiling, and really into it! Why would she just play along like that when she never had before?

Sam realized that he was gritting his teeth and gripping the steering wheel hard, and a shock went through him. He let go of the steering wheel slowly as it settled in that this had been the first date that he'd chosen to go on - the first one that was his kind of thing. He shook his head. As he started his car home, he found himself wondering how Kurt would react to this new disaster. An image of Kurt laughing popped into his head, and he found his shock and frustration dissolving into humor. He'd think about this thing with Quinn later. He'd had a good time at laser tag- he wouldn't let this get him down tonight.