A Long Time Ago, We Used to be Friends Chapter 17: The One with the National's, a glee fanfic

A/N: Hello. Remember me? Sorry this chapter has been so long in waiting, but I re-wrote it like... four times, and this was the only version I was truly happy with. I hope you guys like it, and I love all the response i've been getting lately. To those of you who've been waiting and wating, i'm sorry it's late, but i've been dealing with some personal issues, and Uni, but here it is. I hope you like it. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.

Chapter Seventeen: The One, With the Nationals

There had been alot of speculation about which songs the Warblers would be singing at Nationals. Finn had been bugging Kurt for two weeks to find out what they were, but the countertenor was tight lipped, and refusing to tell Kurt anything. There hadn't been any talk about what had gone down with Sebastian and the other two boys. All Blaine knew, was that Puck had gotten Sebastian to talk, and they found the other two, all three were currently on their way to a state jail in Columbus, awaiting trial. Kurt hadn't been informed as such, he was so focussed on National's, and finals, and preparing things for New York. Burt hadn't contacted them since Blaine's outburst, and his aunt and uncle had made it very clear that Kurt was welcome to stay as long as he liked, and they had no plans to kick him out anytime soon. The countertenor had been more forward in their relationship, and Blaine was elated, excited almost, especially when remembering the last three nights they've had sex in a row. It's a different side to Kurt, and whether it's the medication, or just the feeling that everything is going to work out fine, Blaine isn't complaining, neither are the other Warblers, who were all too happy to acquiesce to Kurt's request for a solo at National's, to tell his ex-friends what he really thought of them. Needless to say, the last four weeks had been alot better for the countertenor. Rachel had backed off completely, not even bothering to talk at all to Kurt, wrapping herself in the world that revolves around her, and her alone. Finn had been intent on spending as much time with Kurt as possible, and the two, much to Blaine's surprise, had gone on a camping trip with Sam and Puck for the weekend. Kurt had returned, with stories about fishing, making fire, and Finn's attempts at making smores. That had been the highlight of Blaine's week, seeing his boyfriend that happy...

But now, standing in their hotel lobby in New York, knowing that National's is waiting for them, not only fills them all with a sense of pride and accomplishment, but with the knowledge that in a month, they're going to graduate, and move here permanently. That's Kurt's surprise for Blaine... they've been looking at apartments on the internet, but Kurt's already picked one out, and that's what he and the girls in Troubletones have been doing the last two weeks. Organising everything for Kurt and Blaine... before they head back to Westerville, Kurt and the Warblers are going to take Blaine to the apartment and surprise him. It's just Kurt's way of saying thank you for everything that he's done, and that even though it's been almost a year since they started dating... (Nine months tomorrow) there is nothing more in the world that Kurt would ever want, than Blaine... ND and Troubletones aren't staying in the same hotel as them, which sucks, because Quinn was looking forward to sneaking out of their rooms and meeting up with Kurt for a midnight snack. Blaine had just chuckled, explaining that Wes knows all, and Kurt wouldn't have been able to get out of their room without Wes knowing, even though the head Warbler would be three rooms down from them. Finn had been a little weird at the thought of his brother sharing a room with his boyfriend, and freaked when he found out it was a single room, with a double bed... Kurt had just laughed it off, explaining that all the Warblers had to compromise, and that those who weren't dating, had a double room, because of the trust... Blaine was smirking the whole time, which Finn hadn't noticed, much to Kurt's amusement. So, standing in the lobby of their hotel, holding Blaine's hand, not afraid of the reactions of others, Kurt felt complete. For the first time in his life, since the attack almost eight months ago, he feels complete... he feels happy, and somewhere along the line, he knows he's going to be alright... he has Blaine, and Blaine has him, and that's all that he needs...

The first sign of trouble comes when Kurt gets a text from Rachel asking him to meet her in the lobby of the Warblers hotel, because she needs to talk to him. Blaine knows that the two have been trying to be friends again, but Rachel's sudden need to make everything about her was affecting their relationship, and as much as Kurt knows what Rachel is like, he also knows how to handle her, and if she's going to do something stupid, then Blaine wants to be there to help. Kurt only waits ten minutes for Rachel to show up, and she's followed closely by Quin and Santana, who are yelling at her to not do anything stupid... Kurt raises an eyebrow, but soon understands why.

'Kurt, I can't be your friend. I need this more than you do. I need to get out of Ohio, and make something of myself, and I can't do that if you're holding me down. I know that we've worked so hard to get to this point, but I just feel as though if we continue being friends, our dreams won't come true,'

'Wait what?' Blaine asked, standing beside his boyfriend, gaping at the small girl, who was just watching Kurt, her eyes filling with tears.

'Please Kurt, you have to understand,' Rachel said, reaching out to the boy who stepped back

'I always knew you were self centred Rachel. I always knew you were a cow who just wanted to have everything her own way. Let me tell you something... I'm a better person than you are. I will always be a better person than you are. Fuck your friendship, fuck your apology. From this moment on, we're not friends. You can date Finn, and pretend that our family actually likes you, but you and me... we're done. Fuck you Rachel. I hope you win out there, because then, when you look back, and see the pictures, you'll remember the friends you lost, and the ones you could have saved... so fuck you Rachel Berry...' Kurt replied turning and walking back towards the elevator, Blaine in tow.

Kurt managed to get back to his and Blaine's hotel room before he broke down, sliding to the floor and curling himself up into a small little ball. Blaine knelt down beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, and letting his boyfriend get all his emotions out in the open. That's what Dr. Paul was saying now, that Kurt needs to start feeling everything again, because life isn't all sunshine and rainbows, it's going to be hard, and that means living with people you don't like Rachel I am going to kill you Blaine thought, and Kurt latched onto him, tears falling as Blaine tightened the hug, letting his boyfriend know that he's there.

To: Blaine Anderson

Santana and Quinn just got back to the hotel with Rachel, screaming at her, with Rachel in tears, complaining about how people were being unfair to her, and that she was trying to do the right thing for everyone... Explain?

From: Finn Hudson

Blaine shouldn't have been surprised when he got the text from his boyfriend's step-brother. Kurt had not long ago fallen asleep on their bed, having worn himself out from the crying, and Blaine was trying his hardest to not go out and tell the others about it. They'd done enough to ND, to last eternity, and what Rachel did just now, it killed Kurt almost. Blaine sighed as he typed a response to Finn...

To: Finn Hudson

Your girlfriend just told Kurt, in the middle of a packed Lobby, that she was focussing on herself, and therefore, couldn't be friends with Kurt anymore. She basically broke his heart, and any progress they've made is gone. I don't know what you see in her Finn, but I don't want Kurt around her. He'll tolerate you, because you're his brother and he loves you, but don't expect him to be civil to Rachel...

From: Blaine Anderson

That should hold him off for a few days... Blaine thought, flicking the TV on, and curling up against his sleeping boyfriend to watch re-runs of friends. It hadn't occurred to the lead Warbler that Finn and Rachel were in the middle of a huge fight, and that this could be make or break for them, but to be honest, he didn't really care. If Rachel wanted to break all ties to Kurt, then they would break all ties to anyone associated with her. Blaine knew Kurt would kill him if they lost contact with Finn, but, like he said before, he doesn't care. When someone hurts one of them, they hurt both, and he honestly thought Rachel was a better person than that... but it's like they always say... a leopard never changes his spots...

Flash-forward... June 15th 2013

Finn and Rachel's Wedding

Finn was nervous. Kurt had promised that he and Blaine would be there by three, and it's almost three fifteen. the sounds of cheers, and screaming made Finn stick his head out of the door of his change room, to see his brother, and brother-in-law (Kurt and Blaine are engaged, but haven't gotten married yet, however, Finn just calls Blaine his brother-in-law), engulfed by a sea of people, shouting their names, asking for autographs, and taking pictures. Finn just smiled, noticing Rachel's college friends scowling at the two men, making Finn want to punch them all in their prissy little faces. His fiance has changed alot since highschool. She's more determined, competitive, and has friends that could rival even Santana on the bitch scale. Finn doesn't like them, he thinks they're stuck up, and the fact that they don't like his brother... well that should have been the final straw for him. deep down, he knows he shouldn't be marrying Rachel, he should be marrying someone who loves his family, but if he's being completely honest, he loves Rachel, and he can see a future where she's better than she is now... he can see future, where Burt and Blaine can be in the same room as each other without fighting, or the day when Kurt comes home to Lima to be with his father, and they talk... they haven't spoken at all. Burt didn't even go to Dalton's graduation because he thought Kurt didn't want him there. That, for Kurt, was the final straw. He'd cut all ties to everything in Lima, and moved to New York with Blaine and the Troubletones... Finn could count himself as one now, having proven himself over the last two years. Of course, he got marks off everytime he mentioned Rachel, but what was he meant to do? Deny that he loved her, and pretend to love someone else to please them all? He knows they're all trying to accept it, he knows that, underneath everything, Kurt is there for him...

Kurt and Blaine managed to make it to Finn's dressing room, ditching their fans, without too much hassle. The paparazzi were all outside, and Rachel, in her selfishness, thought it was all for her, that was until one of her friends mentioned that "her husband's fag brother is here" and Rachel had to bite her lip to keep from defending her former friend. She knew it was wrong, but it's her day not there's. They shouldn't be taking photos of Kurt and Blaine; they should be taking photos of her. She's the award winning Broadway star and Hollywood actress... she's the one with the famous husband who plays Quarterback for the Buckeyes... it's all about her... Rachel Berry...

Present Day

The stage at National's was bigger than Kurt had anticipated. Standing in the middle, rehearsing with the Warblers, he felt the sudden need to just... close his eyes, and let the sounds of his friends drown out everything else he was feeling. He knew that Rachel shouldn't be affecting him like this, he's going to get over it one day, but it's still raw, and he doesn't know how to act around Finn now, and everything is so confusing... Blaine... his beautiful Blaine is standing beside him, singing like there's no tomorrow, and if they walk out of here National champions, then Kurt will feel the success and the pride, and the rest of the world will wash away... Santana and Britt are watching them from the wings, tears in their eyes, clapping and laughing happily along with the Warblers. Kurt knows that the song he's chosen completely fits into all their lives right now, he knows that it's like the final goodbye to all the people he used to call friends... it's as they say... when one door closes, another opens, but the path is always better the second time around... Blaine had been asleep yesterday, when Kurt had woken up after his breakdown form Rachel, so the countertenor had taken the opportunity to go for a walk and clear his head. In that time, he'd managed to think of a song to fully support their situation, and work it into the Warblers routine... Wes had to say it was "fucking brilliant" and that the other schools "won't know what hit them, until Kurt Hummel hits them in the face". Blaine had just grinned, and kissed Kurt, their bond so obvious in that one moment...

Nick had blindfolded Blaine, and he, Kurt, Jeff, Wes and David had managed to get the tenor into a taxi without too much argument on his part. Kurt had been secretly planning the whole thing since before their rehearsal, and couldn't wait to show Blaine their apartment, which had been paid in full, and was there's for the next four years. Their arrived at the apartment complex, Wes and David's gaping when they got out of the taxi, the ice-breaker they all needed, as the led a blindfolded, and very confused Blaine, towards the elevator. Kurt was holding his hand that much he knew for sure. His location... for all he knows, he couldn't be heading to his death... although, why Kurt would do that is beyond him... the dinging of an elevator told him they were in some kind of multi-story building... Geez Blaine, real smart of you... he thought, as Kurt squeezed his hand, and another ding alerted him to them arriving on whatever floor they were on. It was only when Kurt removed the blindfold that his confusion grew. He was standing in front of a large mahogany door, with the number 413 in gold, stuck on the front. He turned to look at Kurt, who just smiled, and motioned for Wes to unlock the door.

'Kurt, what are we doing here?' Blaine asked, as his boyfriend let him into the stylish penthouse apartment

'This is our home for the next four years Blaine. It's paid in full for our time throughout college, and we don't have to worry about anything, because it's all here. What do you think?' Kurt asked, as Blaine stood, looking around

'This... is ours? How... when? You did all this for us?' Blaine asked, tears filling his eyes, threatening to spill over in happiness.

'No Blaine, I did all this for you. You always said you wanted the best college experience, living in the penthouse apartment with the man that you love, going through the motions, but knowing that no matter how bad your day, or week, or month, that you're always going to come home to the person you love, in the nice apartment, with food on the table... well, I'm the person you love, this is the nice penthouse apartment, and this... is the food on the table... Welcome home Blaine...' Kurt said, handing his boyfriend a key, and smiling at the food on their kitchen table

Kurt didn't have time to react before Blaine was pulling him into a bone crushing, but loving, hug. He was sure that any minute now, he'd wake up from the dream, and they'd be back in their room in Westerville. Wes and the others had tears in their eyes, clapping and cheering when Blaine kissed Kurt, one hand wrapped tightly around the key, and other around Kurt's waist, as he pulled back, and took in the apartment that he still couldn't believe was theirs... we're going to be here for the next four years... I can't believe Kurt did all of this for me... Blaine thought as they all sat down to the lunch Kurt had made, talking about their impending win at National's, and toasting to the future, Blaine talking non-stop about all the firsts they would have in their apartment, and all the time they'd spend just decorating it to be their own...

New York City is proud to be hosting the 2011 Show Choir National's Competition...

Vocal Adrenaline and Aural Intensity had blown the house down with their songs, and the New Directions were nervous as hell, knowing the tough competition, and their need to work together as a team was crumbling at the scene's. Mercedes had told them that they all needed to pull their heads in to beat the Warblers; because they all needed this more than them... it was only when Finn reminded them that Kurt used to be one of them that she shut up... it's not like he was just handed things... everything Kurt has, he's worked for... the New Directions too their places on the stage, Light Up the World their group number starting. Finn watched his brother in the audience the whole time, he was smiling and clapping along with the others, but there was pain in his blue eyes, and Finn knew it was hard for him to be watching them all... Blaine took Kurt's hand, squeezing it comfortingly, as ND wrapped up their number, and the Warblers stood to make their way onto the stage, the picture reminiscent of Regional's... Kurt didn't make eye contact with ND; he was focusing on breathing, making sure that he was in the zone to sing the final goodbye to his ex-friends... Filing onto the stage and taking their positions, Blaine took one last look at Kurt, before stepping forward to sing their first song, Last Friday Night by Katy Perry. Kurt rolled his eyes, but sang along; trying to hold back the laughter at his boyfriend's odd dancing on the stage... Wes nodded to Kurt once Blaine had finished singing, the countertenor stepping forward, as the Warbler's started their acapella accompaniment to Kurt's song... A Long Time Ago, We Used to be Friends by The Dandy Warhols...

A long time ago, we used to be friends

But I haven't thought of you lately at all

If ever again, a greeting I send to you,

Short and sweet to the soul is all I intend.

A, ah-ahh-ahh-ahh

Come on now, honey,

Bring it on, bring it on, yeah.

Just remember me when you're good to go

Come on now, sugar,

Bring it on, bring it on, yeah.

Just remember me when.

Kurt searched out ND when he sang the next verse, knowing that each and every one of them would understand the lyrics perfectly. Blaine was beside him, the Warblers were around him, the Troubletones were standing and cheering, and in the centre, Rachel... with tears in her eyes...

It's something I said, or someone I know.

Or you called me up, maybe I wasn't home.

Now everybody needs some time,

And everybody know

The rest of its fine

And everybody knows that.

Come on now, sugar,

Bring it on, bring it on, yeah.

Just remember me when you're good to go

Come on now, honey,

Bring it on, bring it on, yeah.

Just remember me when.

Finn was clapping proudly, along with the other Troubletones. Rachel and the rest of ND were glaring at him, but he didn't care. He needed Kurt to know that he was there, and that he loves him, and if that means he loses everyone else, then that's fine with him...

We used to be friends a long time ago.

We used to be friends, hey hey

A, ah-ahh-ahh-ahh

A long time ago, we used to be friends

But I haven't thought of you lately at all

If ever again, a greeting I send to you,

Short and sweet to the soul is all I intend.

We used to be friends a long time ago.

We used to be friends,

A, ah-ahh-ahh-ahh

Kurt and Blaine bowed, the other Warblers following suite as they filed off the stage, cheering and clapping loudly, patting Kurt on the back, and hugging him. Blaine couldn't wipe the smile off his face. it had been there since the apartment episode, and it wasn't going to leave anytime soon. Wes called them at attention, and followed them back to their green room to wait out the other performances, and judges. They didn't need to watch, it wasn't necessary. No one was going to bring them down, and even if they lose, then at least they know they have one thing that ND doesn't have... family and friends, and people who love them, no matter what...

'The winners, of the 2011 National Show Choir Championship... from Westerville Ohio, the Dalton Academy Warblers...' the announcer said into the microphone as the boys went mad, jumping, and clapping

'We did it babe. It's over,'

'I love you Blaine Anderson...' Kurt replied, kissing Blaine once, before Wes thrust the trophy towards them.

'Kurt, congratulations sweetie... we're so proud of you...' Santana said, the Troubletones coming over to congratulate the Warblers, the rest of ND making their way off the stage...

'Thanks Sanny, we all love you guys too,' Kurt replied, smiling...

A/N: That's it for this chapter. Next chapter is graduation, and then the Wedding of Finchel, which you saw a little of here. We'll also find out what happened with Karofsky, Jesse and Sebastian. I'm thinking of doing a sequel of Klaine and Troubletones/Warblers in college, but i'll only do it, if I get enough response to the next few chapters. Hope you enjoy this chapter... JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.