Nobody Loves Me Like You Do

Chapter 18: Awards and True Love

We clasp onto each other's hands collectively holding a breath, the announcer comes on stage with an envelope in his hand. He holds a microphone to his mouth breathing softly. I look at Blaine nervously biting my lip, he glances back at me and jerks his head in Jeff and Nick's direction. I look over at them and my smile grows, they stand close together giggling softly about something they said to each other. Their hands are entwined together and foreheads rest against one another. I look back at Blaine mouthing 'they are so cute!'. He mouths 'right?!" back to me.

"And now for the moment everyone has been waiting for!" the announcer booms. "Third place, Aural Intensity! Our first-place winner is... it's a tie. Both the Warblers and the New Directions are going to Regionals!"

All of us scream in excitement, we're going to Regionals! I throw my arms around Blaine's shoulders jumping up and down excitedly. I pull away as quickly as I had hugged him. Heat crawls up my neck and spreads onto my cheeks, I step away shyly and look away. Blaine grins his brilliant hazel eyes sparkling. I make an excuse to go talk to my friends from McKinley. I find them celebrating in their green room, I knock on the door before entering the room.

"Congrats you guys! You were amazing!" I exclaim.

Rachel launches herself at me squeezing me tightly. Ever since my move to Dalton she has been a lot more friendly, "You were incredible too! Who was that blonde boy? The one who sang with, what is his name again? Blick?"

"Nick," I correct.

"Right Nick!" she yells. "Well, they were an amazing duet! And the song that Blaine sang was breathtaking!"

"Yeah, you white boys do have some talent," Mercedes laughs.

Finn pats me on the back, "Great job man. Just don't think we are going to go easy on you at Regionals."

I smile, "Oh please, we don't need you to go easy on us."

Mr. Schuster walks into the room smacking the door frame like a middle schooler, "Amazing job everyone! Great energy out there! Now the Warblers are tough competition but- Kurt. How are you? Incredible job out there today!"

"Mr. Schue, I'm good, and thank you."

I glance around the room at all my friends. Sure I miss them a lot, but the Warblers are my family, and I fit in better with them.

"I-I should probably get going, but I just wanted to tell you all that you were absolutely breathtaking."

Mr. Schue claps his hands, "Well, we would hate to keep your friends waiting. Congratulations again Kurt."

"Thank you, Mr. Schuster."

I say goodbye to everyone and make my way back to the Dalton green room. Everyone is dispersed chatting excitedly with one another. Blaine stands off to the side observing everyone quietly. I make my way through the uniformed boys to talk to him. His smile seems to grow wider when he sees me. I stand close to Blaine in order to hear him over the noisy crowd.

"You were so amazing! Everyone at McKinley thinks so as well," I gush.

A blush creeps onto his face and he turns his head away bashfully, "Well, I couldn't have done it without all of you."

"Oh please," I say smacking his arm. "Stop being so modest, you sounded incredible."

"Well... Did you see Jeff and Nick?"

I jump happily, "Oh my gosh I know! They are so cute together! You know when I first moved to Dalton Nick was telling me allllll about Jeff. It was so obvious that they were in love! People can be so oblivious sometimes you know?"

Blaine looks at me weirdly, "Trust me, I know."

I laugh. Blaine takes my hands and I stiffen up a bit, "Would you maybe like to get out of here? I'll buy you dinner."

"That, uh-" I clear my throat, "-that sounds nice."

"Great. I'm going to let Wes and David know that we are heading out."

Blaine makes his way over to the head of the group. I turn around in a circle looking for Niff. A blonde and black tuft of hair sits in a corner of the room. Jeff sits on Nick's lap and Nick's head rests on Jeff's shoulder. I sigh trying my best not to fangirl right there and then. I knew that they were going to work out, ever since Nick said the boy's name. They wave me over and I walk over to them quickly.

"Why hello there lovebirds," I greet. "Your duet was absolutely stunning by the way."

Jeff's face turns bright red, "Thank you. You were great too, Kurt."

"So are we just going to ignore the fact that you are sitting on Nick's lap or...?"

"Jeff and I are boyfriends!" Nick exclaims.

When I first met Nick I never pegged him to be the type of person to be giggly and lovesick. Boy, oh, boy, was I wrong.

I scrunch my nose with affection, "You two are so cute! Well, I just wanted to say hi, and congrats. Blaine and I are going to go grab some dinner before heading back."

"Awwww, you two are going on a date!" Jeff coos.

"It's not a date," I protest. "We're just going to hang out as friends."

"That's what I said. And then I ended up with his mouth on mine," Nick laughs.

I roll my eyes, "You two are so sickeningly sweet." I spot Blaine waiting patiently by the door. "Look, I have to go, but I'll see you tomorrow!"

Jeff winks at me, "Go tap that ass, Hummel."

I scoff and turn on my heel. When I get to Blaine he takes my hand immediately. I pretend not to notice and pull him out into the cool night. It's nice to breathe in fresh air after being in a crowded, stuffy, room all day. Competitions are fun and all but after a little while, I start to feel claustrophobic. The cold air feels freeing and my heart races. There is a fluttery sensation in my stomach, I feel like I'm going to throw up. Blaine and I get into the car and we drive in comfortable silence.