Nobody Loves Me Like You Do

Chapter 16: Duets

My footsteps echo the marble halls of the academy letting my thoughts wander. I don't want to go back to the dorm rooms. The building is silent due to it being 6:00 am, a song rings in my head and I start to hum the tune. I find my way to a path outside, I breathe in the fresh air and smile. The sky burns a light pink with the sun rising. Birds chirp and I find myself murmuring the words to a song.

I got a heart, and I got a soul

Believe me, I will use them both

We made a start

Be it a false one, I know

Baby, I don't want to feel alone

I glance around looking at the scenery enjoying the peace of being in nature. I think about Blaine stammering in front of the blonde boy, the way he looked at him like he was his whole world.

So kiss me where I lay down

My hands pressed to your cheeks

A long way from the playground

The various times we would hang out at the coffee shop, watching movies together, falling asleep next to him, almost kissing him. The memories make me smile and I start thinking about what would happen if we were to actually get together.

I have loved you since we were 18

Long before we both thought the same thing

To be loved and to be in love

Holding hands while taking midnight strolls, study sessions where we would get wrapped up in peppering kisses on each other rather than completing our work, going shopping together at the mall, seeing movies, going on romantic dinner dates.

All I can do is say that these arms

Are made for holding you, oh-oh

I wanna love like you made me feel

When we were 18

I hear the bell for breakfast ring out through the trail snapping me out of my musical-induced dreamland. I walk quickly back to the school focusing on getting back to the academy rather than my romantic fantasy of being with Blaine. I enter the dining hall my cheeks rosy from the morning chill. I spot Blaine sitting with the other Warblers. Grabbing a tray and a fruit salad I practically skip over to my friends. Both Nick and Jeff glance at me with knowing looks on their faces. I smile at them and sit across from Blaine trying not to make eye contact.

"Good morning Kurt, what made you so happy today?" Trent asks.

"Nothing, I just woke up a bit earlier today and found a path outside. It felt nice to take a walk and clear my head," I grin a bit embarrassed.

Trent smiles back, "Oh! I think I know what trail you're talking about, it's very peaceful, especially in the morning."

"I agree, the fresh air was nice. I feel like I haven't been outside in forever," I reply. "I used to go on walks all the time before I came here."

Nick laughs a bit, "Being left alone with my thoughts is never a good idea."

Jeff shoves him playfully, "Anyway, there are going to be auditions for a solo for sectionals today. I know for a fact Blaine is going to have one of them, but there is also rumor of a duet."

"Oh, does that mean that you can audition in pairs?" Thad asks.

"Yes, in fact, it might heighten your chances of getting the duet with your partner," Wes chimes in.

Jeff claps his hands together in excitement, "Nicky we have to audition together! I have the perfect song for us to sing and everything."

I feel Blaine's gaze on me and glance over to him. He moves his head to gesture to talk in the hall. I stand up and follow him out the door. We stand facing each other and I lean against the wall.

"Soooo..." I trail off.

Blaine rocks back and forth uncomfortably, "I wanted to apologize for last night. I was heartbroken and desperate and stupid, so I am sorry."

"It's fine, and I'm sorry for pushing you away I just didn't want to be the r-"

"Rebound I understand."

I blush and look away wringing my hands. I open my mouth to say something else, but the bell cuts me off. We smile at each other and turn to go to our separate classes. The day flies by, all the moments blurring together. The Warblers gather in the common room talking with each other about potential songs and soloists for the competition. I take a seat on one of the couches next to Nick.

Him and Jeff are nervously chatting about their audition, I laugh to myself thinking about how oblivious they are of their feelings for each other. Whoever said Dalton Academy is not a gay school has some rethinking to do, take Wes and David for example. They are both hopelessly in love, but with Wes's strict family and David's lack of confidence, there is no way they will fess up to their feelings on their own. Oh well, there is nothing some good old-fashioned meddling can't fix. Wes bangs his gavel against the table bringing the meeting to order.

"Alright, first up for auditions is Nick and Jeff, take it away."

The two boys stand up and introduce themselves professionally.

"Hello, my name is Nick Duval."

"I am Jeff Sterling."

"And today we will be singing Need You Now by Lady A."

(A.N. Italics is Jeff bold is Nick bold and italic is both)

Picture perfect memories

Scattered all around the floor

Reaching for the phone cause

I can't fight it anymore.

And I wonder if I ever cross your mind.

For me, it happens all the time.

The boys look at each other before jumping up on the tables and dancing.

It's a quarter after one.

I'm all alone and I need you now.

Said I wouldn't call, but I lost all control

And I need you now.

And I don't know how I can do without

I just need you now.

By now the rest of the Warblers have joined in singing backup and dancing alongside their two friends. All the awkwardness seems to disappear between myself and Blaine and we sing our hearts out with everyone.

Yes, I'd rather hurt than feel nothing at all.

It's a quarter after one.

I'm all alone and I need you now.

And I said I wouldn't call

But I'm a little drunk and I need you now.

And I don't know how I can do without

I just need you now.

I just need you now.

Oh baby I need you now.

Jeff and Nick stand face to face, noses practically touching, they seem like they are in their own world where nothing matters but them. The room erupts with cheers and clapping for the two candidates and they step back from one another looking anywhere but at each other. People pat them on the back as Wes calls for order.

"Thank you both for that energetic performance, I think I can safely say that you are going to be tough competition for other duets," David beams.