Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.

- Emily Dickinson

May

"Can I please speak to Kurt Hummel? I'm a personal friend."

Kurt is in the Bellerose Boutique's stockroom in LA, making sure that today's delivery is accurate. He recognizes the voice, but can't seem to place it. Curious, Kurt sets down the delivery papers and enters the main area of boutique. He's surprised when he sees Chandler standing there, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, with a cup holder and bag from the coffee shop around the corner.

"Kurt! I know you're busy today, but can you add one more thing to your to-do list? Me."

Kurt rolls his eyes at the cheesy pick-up line. It's obvious that Chandler hasn't changed one little bit. However, he seems as harmless as ever and Kurt could use a break.

"Chandler, what a surprise to see you here. You're right, I'm pretty busy today, but I can take a short coffee break," Kurt replies, eyeing the take-away bag.

Kurt leads Chandler to the empty staff break-room. When Kurt is seated, Chandler passes Kurt a coffee and an iced cinnamon bun.

"These buns looked like they were baked to perfection when I saw them at the coffee shop. They reminded me of you in your sweet jeans."

"Can I be totally honest with you, Chandler?"

Chandler eagerly nods his head.

"Those lines are darn right creepy. They don't work. I suggest you find another way to capture a man's interest."

Chandler drops his head and nods slowly. "It's just that when I'm around you, I feel so tongue-tied with the awesomeness that is Kurt Hummel, and…"

"So what are you doing in LA?" Kurt interrupts, hoping to get to the reason behind the meeting sooner rather than later.

"I moved here a few months ago, hoping to find a job. It's been tough since Vogue fired me. With no job reference, no-one will hire me in New York City. I'm hoping that there might be a position for me here – that you would help me," Chandler admits.

"Vogue fired you?"

"I was damn lucky that Anderson didn't prosecute me after that video was posted on the Internet. Honestly, Kurt, I had no idea what Smythe was going to do with it."

"Wait… Slow down. Start from the beginning."

"You mean Anderson didn't tell you?" Chandler asks, now white as a sheet, his eyes bulging behind his glasses.

"Tell me what? I haven't seen him since the diva-off last September. I've been living in Paris since the beginning of the year."

"Never mind, Kurt. It's nothing. It was just a simple misunderstanding. Let's talk about the future instead."

"Chandler, if you want my help, you need to be honest with me. I need to know about why Vogue fired you. There is no way I can recommend you to Bellerose without all the facts."

Kurt can see Chandler shake with nerves as he takes a large gulp from his coffee.

"You have to understand, Kurt. I was the top stylist for Vogue until you came along. After that 'floral and pastels' photo shoot, I thought we really got along. That we were good for each other professionally, and maybe could be something more personal. But then Anderson set his sights on you and wanted you all for himself. He felt so threatened by me that he banned me from any of your photo shoots. I was reduced to styling photo shoots for accessories, Kurt! My career was going nowhere."

"You being away from the main photo shoot had more to do with those creepy pick-up lines, Chandler. But do go on."

"Sebastian Smythe contacted me and waved money and a possible job at Elle in front of me. Smythe made me feel important, and the only thing he wanted from me in return was information about you and Blaine. It wasn't easy to find out anything, since I wasn't able to see you, but it was obvious to everyone at the Vogue staff party that you two were smitten with each other."

"I want to hear more about the night of the diva-off, Chandler. You're holding something back."

"The diva-off really pissed me off. When I was told that I wasn't 'required' for the event, I knew that my days at Vogue were numbered. After the diva-off, I went backstage, hoping to convince Blaine to keep me. I figured he would be in a good mood after his win. So, anyways, I could hear you two talking in his dressing room, and I opened the door a crack to see and listen to what you were saying. Just by the way you were looking at each other and talking, I could tell something would happen. So, I took out my phone and started recording."

"You took the video?" Kurt asks with a shaky voice.

Chandler nods his head, shamefully. "Honestly, I wasn't expecting what did go down. I thought that maybe the video would be another way to convince Anderson to let me stay at Vogue."

"Did you give the video to Blaine?"

"I wanted to, but when you two left the dressing room, you didn't even notice me in the hallway. You two made me feel like a nobody. I sent the video to Sebastian Smythe instead."

"So it was Sebastian that posted the video on the Internet?"

"I had no idea Sebastian would do that. Afterwards, he handed over $5,000 in cash and told me to scram. There was no job for me at Elle. Anderson got wind of what I did and fired me. He said he wouldn't prosecute me as he didn't want you exposed to any further media frenzy. Anderson wanted to protect you from the paparazzi and the like."

Tears form in Kurt's eyes after hearing all the facts surrounding the video. Kurt isn't sure whether it's because he was so easily manipulated by Sebastian or whether it's because Blaine was trying to protect him when he had thought Blaine was abandoning him.

"Do you know how much damage you caused by that video? How you ruined my life and my relationship with Blaine? And it was all for nothing!"

"Kurt…" Chandler whines.

"No, I can't help you, Chandler. I can't even look at you after what you've done. Get out of here, now. I don't ever want to see you again!"

Chandler jumps up, preferring to run out of the staff room than to face Kurt's wrath. Kurt places his hands over his face and sobs. If only he could go back in time and lock that stupid dressing room door.


When Kurt goes over the VIP guest list, he notices that Blaine Anderson plus one is included. Christophe has starred the name twice and scrawled 'front row and center' in the margins. Kurt isn't really surprised that Blaine is attending. Kurt knows that Blaine has been keeping tabs on his career. The tweets, the flowers at the Paris Fashion Week, the phone conversations with his father, and the Skype call. They all add up to Blaine still wanting him in his life. What Kurt can't figure out is how, and that's his sole reason for spending time in New York City next week.

The 'plus one' has thrown Kurt for a loop. Would Blaine really bring a date with him? Even worse, would Blaine bring his boyfriend? Or is the 'plus one' a colleague from work? It certainly can't be Sam, because he's modeling for the show. Speak of the devil… Kurt smiles because the next fitting is with Sam himself.

"Kurt, long time no see. You look great," Sam says when he sees Kurt, giving him a fist pump.

"You look great as well, Sam. So tanned!"

"I've taken up surfing since I moved to LA. It's been fun in the sun for a while now."

"I heard that you moved to LA. Blaine must miss you."

"Blaine misses you more. When are you two going to really talk to each other?"

"I think you know the answer to that. He's attending the boutique opening on Saturday. Now turn around, I need to pin the suit from behind."

Sam turns around as Kurt does the necessary chalk marking and pinning along the back of the jacket.

"I also know that Blaine is coming with someone else. Anybody I know?"

"I don't think so."

"Well, then, anybody I should know about beforehand? You got to help me out here, Sam. I need to be prepared if he's coming with his boyfriend."

"It's not a boyfriend, Kurt. I won't say more, though. You know that Blaine is my best friend, right? I don't feel comfortable talking about him behind his back. Why don't you pick up the phone and call him if you really want to know about Blaine's plans?"

"If only it was that easy. I guess I'll just have to wait a couple of days to find out."


Kurt opens the 'Time Out New York' app on his tablet to find out what's happening in the Big Apple next week. He's hoping to find inspiration on where to meet up with Blaine while he's in New York. As he scrolls through the list of events, one item catches his eye. 'Alexander Hamilton: Striver, Statesman, Scoundrel. Open June thru December'.

Kurt sighs as he puts down his tablet. While he bonded over Wicked with Rachel, Hamilton was his and Blaine's thing. It's was what got them spending time together in the first place, and Hamilton seemed to weave its way through their friendship. This morning's meeting with Chandler has been an eye-opener, as he revealed the details surrounding the Klainegate video. Kurt is already determined to mend the bridges with Blaine. Taking Blaine to the Hamilton exhibit seems like the ideal reconciliatory gesture.


The small theater that shows indie and foreign language movies a few doors down from the Bellerose Boutique has been booked for the fashion show. The backstage area is buzzing with models, clothes racks, and stylists. Kurt's job is to approve the outfit on each model before they head to the make-up station.

Now that his work is done until the show starts, Kurt examines himself in the full-length mirror, satisfied with his outfit and look. Ever since he's found out that Blaine will be attending, he has taken even more time than usual making sure that he looks good. Kurt checks the time on his phone and knows he needs to be out front in the entrance hall, greeting the VIPs and leading them to their seats.

Although it's 30 minutes before the fashion show starts, there are plenty of people milling about with drinks in their hands. Kurt greets people he knows and confirms that he's no longer a model, preferring to work on designs behind the scenes.

"Hey, killer."

Kurt turns around and is stunned to see Sebastian walking towards him. "Sebastian, I didn't see you on the VIP list."

"It was a last-minute decision to be here. I was in the neighborhood."

"Oh, really?" Kurt asks, arching one eyebrow.

"I couldn't resist coming and seeing my favorite model."

Kurt sidles up to Sebastian and whispers into his ear in a calm voice, "It's a good thing that we're in public. Otherwise, I would punch that smirk off your meerkat face."

Sebastian chuckles, "And why is that, princess?"

"I will never, ever forgive you for posting that video of Blaine and me on the Internet. How could you! And for the record, I'm nobody's princess."

"I call it like I see it. Come on, Kurt, the video was for the best. It showed you what Blaine's true colors really are. Besides, you made a ton of dough working at Elle, so it wasn't all that bad."

"Really, Sebastian? The video showed what your true colors are. It's all fun and games... until it's not. You screwed around with my life – used me for your own personal twisted rivalry with Blaine."

"All's fair in love and war. You must know that by now, Kurt."

"Get out of my sight before I do something I regret."

"Ooh, the pussycat has claws."

"Is everything here okay?" Christophe Bellerose asks, giving Kurt a questioning look.

"Just peachy. I'm Sebastian Smythe from Elle magazine. I'm looking forward to seeing your summer collection."

"Enchanté, Monsieur Smythe. I'm honored that your travel plans allowed you to join us today. Perhaps you will see an outfit that will adorn an upcoming issue, non? Elle's French edition has already used the last suit that you'll see this afternoon. Let me personally take you to your seat. At such short notice, I could only squeeze you into the third row…"

Kurt closes his eyes as Christophe Bellerose leads Sebastian into the main theater, thankful that his boss saved him from making a scene. Kurt takes a few deep breaths to calm himself down, relieved that he is no longer a pawn in Sebastian's games. When he opens his eyes, he looks around the lobby and sees Blaine enter from the street. Blaine looks absolutely gorgeous in his Armani suit, tailored to show off his body to perfection.

Kurt's eyes pop open when he sees who Blaine is with – Mercedes Jones, the new darling on the radio. Kurt loves all her music and even has a playlist of his favorite songs from her two albums. However, nothing has prepared him for seeing Mercedes heavily pregnant. The official photographers flock the couple and they pose for photos. At one point, Blaine leans in and kisses her cheek. Blaine gently guides her to a seat along the wall, and then retrieves a glass of orange juice for her to drink. What the hell? Are they together? Blaine told me he was a perfect gold-star gay!

After ensuring that Mercedes is comfortable, Kurt can see Blaine scanning the lobby as if looking for someone. Kurt momentarily forgets how to breathe when their eyes finally meet. Blaine's eyes are warm and sparkling, and Kurt feels like he could get lost in them forever. Kurt shyly smiles back at Blaine and slowly walks over, trying to calm down his nerves. He wasn't expecting to see Blaine with a woman as his date, let alone a heavily pregnant woman.

"Kurt, you look amazing," Blaine greets him, giving him a brief hug. Kurt can feel Blaine's fingers tremble and his upper body stiffen. It doesn't feel like their usual hugs, which always made Kurt feel cherished and safe.

Kurt raises an eyebrow as he looks at Mercedes.

"Kurt, I'd like you to meet Mercedes Jones. Mercedes, this is Kurt Hummel."

"I've heard a lot about you, Kurt. I'm so glad to finally meet you. Sorry, I'm not getting up 'cause my feet are killing me already," Mercedes apologizes as she holds out her hand.

"Oh, please stay seated. I'm pleased to meet you as well. I'm a huge fan of your music. Your cover of 'I'll Stand by You' is absolutely amazing. However, my personal favorite is 'Hell to the No.'"

"I like a man who knows all my songs. I have a feeling we're going to get along just fine. Maybe you can even give me some fashion advice once this baby has popped out. I'll need all the help I can get to plan my wardrobe for my upcoming tour," Mercedes laughs.

Blaine looks at Mercedes fondly, and rubs the top of her arm. It's as if they are having a secret conversation with just a look or two. Kurt looks away from the intimate moment, thoughts racing through his mind. Oh, so Blaine isn't gay – he's bi!

This thought infuriates Kurt. How dare Blaine play with my emotions like that! Blaine has conveniently omitted that he's attracted to both men and women. Do I really know Blaine at all? And when did this all happen?

Kurt smiles at Mercedes and looks at her baby bump. His eyes narrow as another thought pops up in his head.

"When is the baby due?"

"I'm expecting this baby to pop out in six weeks' time."

Kurt looks at Blaine who is smiling back at him, nervously shifting his weight side-to-side.

"Congratulations. You must be very excited for the day to come." Kurt holds back his tears and quickly looks around, relieved to see Christophe walk toward them.

"Christophe, let me introduce you to Blaine Anderson, from Vogue, and his date, Mercedes Jones. I think they're ready to take their seats."

"Monsieur Anderson. I meet you at last! The Vogue issues under your direction are incroyable (incredible). Congratulations on the upcoming birth…"

Kurt quickly leaves the lobby and rushes into the backstage washroom. He turns on the cold tap in the sink and quickly splashes water all over his face. So far, this trip to LA has been an absolute nightmare. It was bad enough when Chandler told him what he'd done. Just when Kurt thought he had his emotions under control, he had to run into Sebastian Smythe. Kurt has never hated anyone quite like that in his life. He could sympathize with Karofsky on a certain level, but Sebastian is just plain evil.

Then there's Blaine - his adorable and sweet Blaine. It hadn't taken Kurt long to do the math and realize that Mercedes fell pregnant last September. It was the exact same time that he and Blaine were working together, hanging out together, and the diva-off took place. Was this what Blaine wanted to tell him on the phone after the diva-off? That he was now in a committed relationship with Mercedes Jones and expecting a baby?

What a fool he's been. He has meant nothing to Blaine. How could he be with Kurt, Sam and Mercedes all at the same time? Kurt wonders how he could not have known that this was happening at the time. Has he really been that naïve?

Kurt hears the music start up in the theater and quickly dries his face with a paper towel. He's going to have to put his thoughts on the backburner, at least until he takes the red-eye flight to Lima tomorrow night. He takes one last look in the mirror and gives himself a pep talk. I can do this. I'm an actor, after all. I'll put on my game face for the opening.


Kurt can hear the applause from the audience as the models walk out onto the stage. So far, the show has gone without a single glitch, and it's coming to its end. The caterer texted him minutes ago to say that everything is set up for the reception at the Bellerose Boutique afterwards.

"Kurt! I need your help. Mercedes is unwell. I've called her doctor and she's going to meet us here backstage. Where can I get her some water?"

Kurt looks up to see a very distressed Blaine, and Mercedes sitting in a chair, clutching her belly.

"Sam… I want Sam now," Mercedes moans.

Kurt hands over a bottle of water. "Have you called 911, Blaine? Is Mercedes in labor?"

"She thinks that it might be Braxton Hicks contractions. The doctor is coming to confirm."

"What are those?"

"I think it's false labor pains. How the hell would I know, Kurt? I'm not an expert."

"SAMMMM! I want Sam now! So help me god, Blaine…" Mercedes screams.

"What's going on, angel? Are you okay? Is the baby all right?" Sam asks, after rushing into the room and sliding down to the ground next to Mercedes in the chair.

"I think I'm fine, babe. I felt a little bit off when I sat down in the theater. Once the show started, I started to feel contractions. It was like the ones last night. Blaine saw me squirm in my seat and asked me what was wrong. When I told him it was a contraction, Blaine went into full-on emergency mode. He brought me backstage, called the doctor and insisted that she come immediately, and got me some water. I feel much better now."

Sam hugs Mercedes and gives her a long kiss on the lips. Sam then gets up and fist-bumps Blaine. "Thanks, bro. I owe you for this. Mercedes is way too relaxed about these damn contractions."

Sam turns to Kurt and asks, "Kurt, I finished my part on the catwalk. Is it okay if I miss the reception? After the doctor has checked on Mercedes, I want to take my wife home."

"Your wife!? I didn't know you were married! When Blaine and Mercedes came in together tonight, I thought they were a couple," Kurt huffs.

"Blaine, you idiot! You didn't tell him?" Sam shouts, slapping Blaine's shoulder.

"I-I wanted to…. I tried to… But… things happened, and everything spiraled out of control."

"You're both idiots then," Mercedes sighs.

"Kurt, since Blaine seems incapable of talking to you, I'm going tell you like it is. I'm straight and not even bi-curious. I'm in love with my wife, Mercedes. We're about to start a family. Blaine is definitely gay, and not dating either of us."

"I thought you used to be Blaine's boyfriend," Kurt admits meekly.

Sam sniggers and says, "You and every other crazy Blam fan. Blaine wants to do me, but we're just friends."

"Sam, I can't believe you just said that. It was so long ago," Blaine groans.

"Whatever - it doesn't matter. Kurt, Blaine only has eyes for you. It's been that way since he saw you on that first photo shoot and the heart-eyes have only gotten bigger. Blaine is most definitely in love with you."

Kurt turns to look at Blaine, his heart beating double time. "You're in love with me?" he asks in a soft breathy voice.

Blaine walks over to Kurt and takes his hand. "This wasn't exactly how I planned to tell you. I was hoping for a more romantic setting than backstage, and certainly not with an audience. But… Yes, I'm in love with you. Always have been and always will be."

"I'm in love with you too," Kurt sniffles.

Blaine tentatively moves forward and Kurt automatically opens up his arms. When Kurt closes his arms around Blaine, he feels the love and warmth radiating from Blaine's body. It feels even more magical than their past hugs. Kurt squeezes Blaine tightly, as if he'll never let him go. Blaine relaxes into the hug and leans his head against Kurt's neck and kisses under his chin. Kurt feels puffs of warm air as Blaine's breathing syncs with his own.

Kurt gets concerned when he starts to feel Blaine's body trembling and pulls back to take a look at Blaine's face. Blaine's eyes are closed, and Kurt gently kisses each eyelid. When Kurt feels Blaine's eyelashes give him butterfly kisses, he pulls back his head to allow Blaine to open his eyes. Kurt sees that Blaine's beautiful eyes are brimming with tears, but are sparkling and full of hope.

When Kurt realizes that Blaine is looking at his lips, he closes the space between them. Their kiss is so sweet, so tender and so loving that Kurt feels as if he might cry. The kiss is like a promise to each other – a promise of love, commitment and good times ahead.

Kurt is reminded that they have an audience when he hears the applauding and hooting nearby. Kurt looks up and sees smiles from those gathered around them, and Sam with his phone up towards his face.

"Sam, I can't believe you're videoing this. We've had enough problems with videos already," Blaine whispers.

"Relax, dude. This one is definitely not for the Internet, although I might show it to your children when I become their godfather."

Blaine pushes his body back into Kurt, squeezing his waist even tighter. Kurt can feel Blaine's chuckle reverberate against his body, but it's soon replaced with sobs. Concerned, Kurt whispers in Blaine's ear, "What's the matter? Is this too much? What do you want me to do?"

"It's too much in all the right ways, Kurt. I never allowed myself to imagine being in your arms again like this. It's where I belong."

"Votre attention, s'il vous plait (Attention, please), Christophe shouts, entering the backstage area. "The show is over and it's has been a huge success. I need everyone over at the boutique for the reception. The audience is about to leave. There is also a doctor at the backstage door. Is someone ill?"

"The doctor's here for my wife. She feels fine, now but I want to get her checked out," Sam replies.

"Of course, use the manager's office. Ah, Monsieur Anderson. You are with my assistant extraordinaire. Did you see the show?"

"I was in the audience until Sam's wife felt ill. From what I've seen, your summer line is going to be a hit in LA. It's the perfect blend of business casual chic. I'm on holiday next week, but can I call you the week after about how some of the pieces could be included in Vogue?"

"Oui, I can see that you'll be busy next week with Monsieur Hummel, while he's in the States. I look forward to hearing from you soon. I'll see you at la réception?"

"We'll be there in fifteen minutes," Kurt replies.

Kurt and Blaine are too busy gazing into each other's eyes to notice that the backstage is now empty of people. They are startled when they hear a crew of cleaners and the vacuum cleaner roar to life.

"I guess it's time to go to the reception. I can't blow it off," Kurt murmurs.

"I'm not expecting you to, Kurt. Is it really true what Bellerose said – that you're in the US for another week?"

"I'm taking the red-eye flight from LA to Lima tomorrow night. After a few days at home with my dad, I'm off to New York City for five days."

"More business?"

"No, silly. The whole point of my trip to New York was to find my way back to you… To see if we could re-establish our friendship. I've missed you so much, Blaine. You have no idea."

"I think I do, Kurt, because I've missed you too… Probably more."

"No way, Jose. You've been gallivanting around India and setting up that foundation. Seriously, Blaine – did you name Monarch House after…"

"A butterfly? Yeah, I'm glad you got that."

Kurt giggles as they walk out of the theater arm in arm. "Of course I did. I know you, Blaine. It's sentimental and cheesy and I love it."

"You always get me, Kurt. We're like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly."


Sebastian eyes Kurt and Blaine walking into the Bellerose Boutique together, with kiss-swollen lips, rumpled suits and smiles so broad it looks like that they should hurt. They've obviously gotten their act together and are now BlaineandKurt. He takes two flutes of champagne and walks over to greet them.

"Congratulations, Anderson. You two look like you're together, ready to ride on a rainbow off into the sunset."

"No thanks to you, Sebastian. Now leave us alone," Blaine snarls.

"Hey, if I can be a gracious loser, the least you can do is be a gracious winner. I've got something for you."

Blaine gives Sebastian a puzzled look when he hands over an envelope. Blaine opens it and sees that there is a check made out to the Monarch Foundation. He raises his eyebrows when he sees all the zeros.

"I don't understand, Sebastian. I mean, thank you, but… why?"

"You're not the only person who had a difficult time growing up in Hicksville, USA. Why do you think my father took that two-year contract in Paris? We might not see eye-to-eye in most areas, but this is one thing we agree on. LBGT teenagers do need better support in small towns. Now make sure that some of that money is used for sex education. We can't have the Midwest produce more uptight baby penguins like you two. Call it a truce, but a temporary one."

Sebastian winks at Jayden, the LA boutique manager, before leaving. They have already arranged a rendez-vous for later that evening.

Kurt and Blaine watch him go, stunned.

"I don't understand how he could do all sorts of horrible things to us, yet have the heart to make such a sizable donation," Kurt comments as Sebastian leaves the boutique.

"I don't get him either, and I've known him since I was 16 years old. However, I'm going to use this donation as a way of maybe getting that truce to be more permanent. I don't think I can put up with another scheme of his, particularly when it comes to you."

Blaine smiles fondly at Kurt, before giving him a hip check. Kurt responds by giving Blaine a gentle kiss on the lips. Kurt is amazed at how natural it feels to really be with Blaine.

"I'm sorry, but I've got to start working. I can see that Christophe and Jayden are busy with so many people."

Kurt starts working the reception, introducing himself to guests and taking business cards from interested buyers. Kurt is always aware that Blaine is never far from his side, talking up the new line. At times, Blaine hands him a glass of water, and at other times, Blaine simply gives his shoulder a squeeze. It's a welcome reminder that Blaine is still there and taking care of his needs.

A few hours later, the crowd disappears and the staff at Bellerose are left discussing the event. The consensus is that it went much better than expected and they'll be busy taking orders next week. Meanwhile, many of the suits have been preordered by men in the LA area – men who can influence style in this big city. Blaine gently pulls Kurt away from the crowd and gives him a one-armed hug.

"Sam rang and everything is fine with Mercedes. It was Braxton Hicks contractions after all. He's taken her home and she's settled in bed."

"I'm glad that she's okay. Mercedes seems very nice. I hope that she meant it when she said she wanted me to help her with a wardrobe for her next tour. That's a project I could really sink my teeth into."

"I'm sure she meant it. On to more important matters. Do you have any plans in LA before you go to Lima?"

"I have one huge plan that's going to keep me busy until I catch my flight tomorrow night."

"I should have known you would be busy. Can you text me your flight details for New York City?"

Kurt smiles softly at Blaine, whose body has slumped and who has a very disappointed look on his face. "Aren't you going to ask me what my plan is?"

"I'm sure it has to do with the Bellerose Boutique."

Kurt shakes his head. "No, I'm officially on holiday for the next nine days. My huge plan has to do with the man in front of me. The man I'm not going to let out of my sight for a single second."

Blaine looks up with sparkling eyes.

"It's called 'Operation Woo Blaine'. I'm going to use every trick up my sleeve. I'm going to dine him, cherish him and love him. And that's just the beginning."

Blaine giggles and Kurt can see that he looks dreamy. "Sounds perfect to me."

"So, are you staying with Sam or Cooper? I'm afraid that they'll cramp my style. I want you all to myself."

"No, I'm staying at the Beverly Wilshire, a few blocks away."

"That sounds perfect. I've never stayed at a five-star hotel before. Lead the way."

"Are you sure? I don't want to rush you into anything…"

"Blaine, I've never been surer of anything – or anybody - in my life. I mean it when I say I love you. Now I have the next 24 hours to prove it."


Author's notes

It took 33 chapters and roughly 160k words but they're finally together! And there are nine more chapters of Klaine goodness to go.

Thank you to Lilyvandersteen, the most fabulous beta ever, although all mistakes are mine. Come visit me a Tumblr (HKVoyage) for the story artwork and my thoughts when writing this chapter.

I will continue to update twice a week until the end of the story. I'm travel on two separate occasions in February during the week and will not have my computer or reliable Internet access. I'll warn you ahead of time, but the Wednesday update will be late.

Next up: Blaine and Kurt have just declared their love to each other. They're both in love, single and will be together for the next 24 hours. They're headed to a five-star luxury hotel. They are most definitely not going to watch Disney movies. Yes, it time for the story's rating to kick in.