Aaaaand another one. Just a warning: all my uploads tomorrow may be slightly later than usual as I am out all day. I just hope I don't fall asleep as soon as I get back home!

This chapter is dedicated to DemigodGleek, for how she has stuck by me and read everything, always leaving me the nicest reviews and making me feel like I really do have a chance in the crazy world of writing. (This is also a shoutout to go read her stuff, and a poke at her to send me more of her writing to beta...)

Story so far...

Klaine have their last night with Mercedes and Gaga, and Kurt accepts the offer of creating Gaga her outfit for her Ellen interview.

-*T&C*-

They stood in the entrance hall, awkwardly looking at each other. They were all still vaguely hungover and embarrassed as to what they had all revealed the previous night. None of them quite knew if they should apologise on continue on as if nothing had happened. In the end, Gaga made the decision.

"I know I don't really have to say this, but... last night?"

"Won't say a word," Blaine promised.

"So long as you don't write about..." Kurt trailed off.

"I'm not an Adele."

"Good," Kurt breathed, before catching himself. "Not that I would have expected you to. Or anything. Or that Adele would do, but-"

"Kurt." Gaga smiled, and he stopped rambling. "I've had a great weekend. Thank you."

Kurt smiled in return. "You're very, very welcome."

Mercedes watched her best friend with a slight smirk. "You know, Kurt," she spoke, "I'm sure you could get a photo if you really wanted one."

Kurt's eyes went wide. "Can I?"

Gaga just laughed. "Of course you can. I mean, don't publish it anywhere or anything. But you could put me in your wallet right next to Blaine." She winked.

Blaine turned to Kurt. "You have a photo of me in your wallet?"

Kurt patted his arm absently. "Right next to the condoms, honey."

Mercedes took her phone from her pocket and raised it. "No time like the present, huh?" Kurt shuffled until he was standing right next to his idol, then Gaga wrapped an arm around his shoulder. Mercedes snapped it before Kurt could react. She looked at the photo with a smile. "Perfect."

Seconds later, all three other phones in the room beeped with an incoming message. Kurt was the first to retrieve his. "It's perfect." Blaine surreptitiously saved the image as his background.

Then, with all phones away and all distractions over, they were left in another awkward silence.

"So," Mercedes said. "I guess this is it."

Kurt grabbed Blaine's arm to look at the time on his watch. "Yeah. I guess so." He gave Blaine his hand back after kissing his palm.

"Come here, Boo." Kurt stepped forwards and was enveloped in a hug. Whilst Blaine was busy saying goodbye to Gaga, Mercedes spoke quietly into Kurt's ear. "Do you think it'll be too much to ask to come to Robert's funeral?"

Kurt shook his head on her shoulder. "I don't think so," he replied. "It's okay to ask Blaine."

"Thank you." They stepped away as Mercedes squeezed Kurt's arm tenderly. "Take care of yourself. And of your boo."

"I will," Kurt promised. "Take care of Gaga."

Blaine hugged Mercedes before she had the chance to reply to Kurt. "Thank you," he said. "Thanks for everything you've done over the last few days. Thanks for bringing Gaga and letting Kurt meet her. Thanks for coming with me yesterday. Just- thanks."

"You're so welcome, Mr Warbler." Mercedes frowned as she considered, but decided to take the leap. "When Robert... Could I come to the funeral?"

Blaine seemed thrown by the question, so he didn't respond for a few seconds. Then he pulled away to see her. "Are you sure? I mean, the Dents will be fine with it, I'm sure. But it's going to be... It'll be soon."

"I want to," Mercedes insisted. "If not for Robert then at least for you and Kurt. I mean, Robert looked like a great guy-"

"He is."

"- but even so. I'd like to make sure you two have someone. Both of you. If one of you gets called away, say if the boys need you, I don't think Kurt should be on his own."

"I'll ask," Blaine promised, nodding. "Thank you."

"Thank you," Mercedes responded. She pulled him into a quicker hug. "Thank you."

And then bags were being picked up and their handles lengthened and final goodbyes were being called out and the door was opening and they were gone.

Kurt sighed, letting the newly found silence sink in. He should leave for work soon, he knew. But his legs were taking him from the hallway into the living room, to stand in front of the cage and look down at Bocelli.

Blaine followed him, feet padding quietly against the carpet. He ended up beside Kurt, watching their little Warbler. Even Boci wasn't singing. The silence was unbearable. Blaine was the first to break it.

"Hug."

Kurt turned his head, a slight frown on his face. "What?"

"Hug," Blaine said again, holding his arms out wide. "Your hugs are awesome and I want one."

Kurt smiled and stepped into Blaine's arms. They curled around him as soon as he was closed enough. Blaine took a deep breath, inhaling Kurt's scent as if he was about to disappear at any moment. Kurt tucked his chin over Blaine's shoulder, tugging him even closer than his arms around his waist were doing. Just hands on backs and heart against heart. The two of them together, friends, just as they had been so many years before, as they continue to be. Amazing friends before one true loves.

And though Kurt was going to be late for work if they just stood there for much longer, they stood there in each others arms for another five minutes, just being.

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