Okay, this is DEFINITELY going to be the shortest one of the lot. It's just one conversation... but a fun and important one for Kurt and Blaine! (Blaine's not in this episode, so here I go making things up again!) A bit of a one-shot that just happens to fit in nicely with the timeline, I guess. :)

I have absolutely GOT to get some sleep now, so if I haven't responded to your review or message yet, don't worry! I will shower you all with love tomorrow after I post the last chapter, I promise!

(I do not own Glee or any of the characters, dialogue, or songs from the show. It's all just for fun!)

KURT

Blaine linked his arm through Kurt's as they maneuvered the crowded hallways of the mall. Ever since the prom, Blaine had seemed more comfortable with public displays of affection, but this was even more casual than usual.

"You seem cheerful today," Kurt commented with a raised eyebrow. "Even for you."

Blaine winked at him. "Maybe I am."

Kurt narrowed his eyes, but did not pry further.

They grabbed some coffee in the food court, and settled down at a table to enjoy their drinks.

"This is far inferior to the Lima Bean," Kurt commented seriously as they sat down.

Blaine laughed and reached into his bag. He pulled out a fist-sized box, wrapped in silver paper with a blue bow, and he reached across the table to set it down directly in front of Kurt.

"What's this?" Kurt's heart fluttered as he looked at Blaine, who was smiling so broadly that Kurt thought his face might split open. Blaine didn't say anything, but he motioned for Kurt to open the small package and took a sip of his coffee.

Kurt felt himself blushing furiously as he ripped the paper off the box and looked up at Blaine once more. "Open it," Blaine sounded slightly hysterical, and Kurt's curiosity was spiked as he pulled the top off of the small box.

The box was rigged to hold a huge ring. But it wasn't metal and stone. It was a Ring Pop. The plastic ring was blue, and the candy gem was red.

Kurt's eyes flew back up to Blaine's.

Blaine's eyes twinkled. "Remember the other night when we were out with everyone after the prom?"

Kurt nodded.

"Someone may have shown me a video."

"What are you even talking about?" Kurt demanded, amused at his boyfriend's obvious delight.

Blaine reached across the table and plucked the ring out of the box.

"If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it," Blaine sang playfully.

As Kurt's mouth fell open in shock, Blaine grabbed Kurt's hand and slid the candy ring onto his finger.

"Someone showed you that?" Kurt squeaked as he pulled his hand back to look at the candy ring.

"I know it's silly," Blaine shrugged happily.

"No," Kurt breathed. "No, it's not silly at all." Kurt felt like he was going to explode with affection for the dark-haired boy across the table. He kissed the top of the ring to get the taste of the candy on his lips before reaching across the table to grab Blaine's tie and pull him over the table for a kiss.

"I officially have a new favorite candy," Blaine teased as they fell back into their seats.

"You make me feel like I can take on the world," Kurt breathed happily.

BLAINE

"That's because you can, Kurt," Blaine laughed.

"True," Kurt quipped with a grin. "But will you stick around anyway?"

Blaine's heart rate accelerated as Kurt alluded to a future together. He nodded. Kurt blushed and looked down at the candy ring on his finger.

"Remember when you told me that you weren't very good at romance?" Kurt asked lightheartedly. Blaine laughed, knowing what he was going to say next, "Well, don't ever say that again."

"It's worth it to see that look on your face," Blaine admitted.

Kurt looked thoughtful for a moment. "What're your plans for college?" he asked. Blaine frowned.

"I don't know," he answered truthfully.

"I'm going to New York," Kurt said seriously.

"You haven't even been there yet," Blaine laughed lightly, "How do you know you won't hate it?"

Kurt raised an eyebrow. "I just know."

Blaine smiled at him, amused.

"Will you come with me?" Kurt blurted out, blushing furiously.

"What?" Blaine asked, although he had understood.

"I just... I know it's crazy. We're not even out of high school... who knows what the next year will bring? But just imagine New York. Together. We could get a tiny apartment and be poor students and struggling artists together. And I will do all the cooking. And cleaning. And you can do the laundry, but only if I show you how not to ruin my things. And –" Kurt stopped abruptly and clasped a hand over his mouth as he realized that he was carried away.

"You've thought about it that much?" Blaine asked breathlessly. He loosened his tie.

"I can't imagine it without you," Kurt admitted shyly, spinning the Ring Pop Blaine had just given him around on the end of his finger.

Blaine had thought about it before, too, but never with such a specific place in mind. He imagined it for a moment. Coming home every evening to Kurt in a rundown apartment in the city.

"I can't wait to see you on Broadway for the first time," Blaine grinned.

"So," Kurt smiled, reprising their conversation before prom, "I'll take that as a yes?"

Blaine nodded. "Your powers of observation blow my mind," he teased.

Kurt giggled. "I wish you could come with us to New York for Nationals," he admitted.

"Me too," Blaine agreed. "I'll just live it vicariously through you for now."

"For now," Kurt agreed, and he stuck the Ring Pop in his mouth as both boys silently considered their future together.

Oh my god, I had this Ring Pop idea WAY back when they first met – because really, someone was going to HAVE to show Blaine the Single Ladies video at some point, right? – and then Glee went and used it on the show between two other characters! I was like NOOOOOOOOO. So yeah, I swear I had the idea in my mind before that, but whatever. I think it's adorable – I can just imagine Blaine being so proud of himself for thinking of it. I guess I could have had Blaine give him a "real" ring, but I think they're still too young for that kind of seriousness. Maybe in season 3. Or in a season 4 spinoff. WHICH I DESPERATELY WANT, BY THE WAY. I'm not even sure that I can describe in words how much I want a spinoff with Rachel, Finn, Kurt, and Blaine in New York for college. It would basically make my life complete. DO YOU HEAR THAT, GLEE?

Ahem.

Kurt says in the next episode that he talked to Blaine and that Blaine's on board to move to New York, so... they had to talk about it! I tried to be kinda vague on the details, because I have no clue what the writers of Glee will do in the season between now and any kind of potential college experience for Kurt and Blaine. I wouldn't even be surprised if they have personality transplants and decide to become botanists or something. As long as Kurt and Blaine are together in the end, I can deal with pretty much anything. I think.

Speaking of Glee: TOMORROW (or, well, today) IS THE BIG DAY! I'm going to have to post the next chapter/season 2 finale episode tomorrow/later today (sorry, it's just after midnight here)... I've got somewhere I have to be about two hours before the premiere (BOO, I AM GOING TO MISS IT AND HAVE TO WATCH IT ON WEDNESDAY), so it will DEFINITELY be up by then!

I'll say it again tomorrow when I post the final chapter (for season 2, anyway!), but thank you all so, so much for sticking this out with me. It has been so much fun for me, and I just don't think I could really explain how much I appreciate all of your support.

Up next... New York! And the end of season 2!