A/N: "People Will Say We're In Love"-from the musical "Oklahoma" (I changed the order of the lyrics slightly).

"Let's Go Crazy"-by Prince.

This was written before the "RHPS" episode. So, my Becky is a kinder, gentler, non-knife wielding version. And I'm keeping her.

Last chapter! Again, thank you so much to everyone who's followed the story, taking the time to read and review. A special thank you to Demented Symphony, Fallen Upon, Matchbook Jealousy and Jason Dragon64 for all of the reviews! And to My Teenage Dream and Bookworm51485, thank you for your constructive criticism. The story came out much better because of it!

Finally, I'd like to recommend a few other amazing fics that deserve attention:

Survival of the Fittest by Ella Greggs-Best. Sue. Ever. Seriously, go read it!

All Those Who Wander Are Lost by angst cupcake. Glee and zombies. And very cute drunk!Kurt/Sam sex. What more could you want?

Masquerade by myownwayx. I never cared for Will/Kurt but this fic changed my mind. Beautifully written, hooked me on the first page.


Part Fifteen

FAB.

Kurt stared, horrified, at the rhinestone letters adorning his locker. Dozens of bold, rainbow flashes of light erupted across the surface of the metal door. More rhinestones, sequins and glitter glue framed the word, outlining it against the newly painted black enamel background. When he finally dared to approach the monstrosity, Sue Sylvester intercepted him. He was grateful for the reprieve from having to-shudder-actually touch his locker.

She tapped his locker once. Kurt noticed that front and center, eye level above the FAB, in permanent gold magic marker, was the Cheerios practice schedule.

"Fifty push ups for every practice you miss. So far, you owe me 150. And if you think that's going to be hard? Try extracting an impacted wisdom tooth with a pocketknife while traveling across a desert under a hail of sniper fire. That's hard. So if I were you, fancyface, I'd put some serious thought into making sure my oh, so fashionable keester is parked front and center Saturday."

She leaned in. "Because between you and me? I don't see these pathetic lasagna noodles you call arms being able to kiss the floor 200 times." Spotting another victim, she stalked off to corner her prey.

Kurt shook his head. Some things-some people-would never change. It was a comforting thought, actually. He glanced at the Cheerios schedule again then realized that others had signed his locker, too. Some were barely readable scrawls. Others, sweeping signatures with heart dotted i's or more quickly jotted notes wishing him well. He recognized most of the Gleeks but, surprisingly, realized that many of the names were people he didn't know. And one-he almost laughed out loud-Brittany-had left a glittery kiss. He hoped she hadn't actually put the glitter glue on her lips.

"Do you like it?"

Kurt turned to see Becky beaming at him, obviously pleased with her work. He didn't have the heart to tell her that Liberace on steroids wasn't exactly the creme de la creme of haute couture he envisioned for himself.

"I love it. Thank you."

"Kurt?"

"Hm?"

"I would be really sad if you died." Kurt's carefully neutral smile faltered. Becky held his gaze with her own. "So don't die, okay?"

"Okay."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Becky giggled and jabbed her little finger firmly towards Kurt. "Pinky swear!"

Kurt hooked his finger around hers and shook it. "Pinky swear."

Satisfied, Becky skipped down the hallway.

"Kurt."

Kurt flinched, startled by his dad's voice behind him. He turned, unconsciously keeping the metal locker door between him and his father. The movement wasn't lost on Burt. The way Kurt hunched his shoulders, the quick, nervous glances from his locker to see where Burt was standing-how close he was standing. It hurt to see the uncertainty-geez, the fear-in his son's eyes and to know he was the cause. He knew he should say something, anything, but he was never a man of many words. The few that came to mind-"I'm sorry"-"I didn't mean to."-"It'll never happen again."-just didn't seem to fit.

He wanted to promise Kurt that he wasn't going to leave him. More than that, he wanted to hear Kurt make that promise to him.

"Hey."

Kurt glanced up from the sheet music he had been gathering. His dad was awkwardly holding his little finger out.

"I expect you to be around when I retire. Someone's gotta keep Finn and Carole from packing me off to Boca Raton."

Kurt heard the familiar gruffness in his dad's voice, but his throat tightened when he saw the also familiar love in Burt Hummel's eyes. Tentatively, he wrapped his finger around his dad's.

"And I expect you to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day. In a tux. And tails."

"No top hat.", Burt grumbled.

Kurt sighed dramatically as if making a great sacrifice. "Fine, Dad. No top hat." He smiled slyly, "Well, not for you anyway."

They shook pinkies, a silent promise that things would get better.


The minute Kurt stepped into the choir room, Rachel flung herself into his arms and hugged him within an inch of his life. He had barely recovered from her enthusiastic welcome when Finn picked him up in a bear hug. Kurt desperately thumped on his arms to be let down. The rest of the Gleeks welcomed him back just as warmly. Even Santana's "Idiot." was said with affection. Mr. Schue gave him a long look before giving Kurt a quick, emotional hug.

Sam was the only one missing. But when he arrived, everyone noticed. The bright pink sweater was garishly attention getting on its own. The larger than life, green Kermit the Frog face on the front transformed the garment from mere fashion faux pas to a nausea inducing assault on the senses. Kurt noted with some satisfaction that even Rachel looked appalled .

And yet, Sam strutted in wearing it as if it were a perfectly tailored Armani suit. He took the empty seat next to Kurt, beaming.

"I saved it for a special occasion-your first day back."

"I see."

Sam eyed Kurt, amused. "It's not bothering you is it?"

"Not at all."

Sam frowned. Kurt really wasn't reacting to the sweater . "Why not?"

"Because I realized something, Sam."

A smug grin broke across Sam's face. "You're crazy in love with me?"

Kurt patted Sam's knee and smiled indulgently.

"If I'm Kermit, that would make you Miss Piggy." Kurt cast a critical eye at Sam's perfectly toned body. "And it looks like little piggy has been in the Cool Ranch Doritos again." Sam's face fell. He ran a palm over his smoothly muscled abdomen. Kurt let him think about it for a minute before he leaned over to whisper, "Ain't payback a bitch?" He winked. "Gotcha." Kurt slid his hand into Sam's.

"Okay." Mr. Schue clapped his hands together once. "Everyone take your seats. I know you've all been understandably distracted the last few weeks. So, let's refocus and get back to where we left off. Sam will be singing a song Quinn picked. Sam, you're up."

Kurt caught the look that passed between Quinn and Sam. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "I'm not going to like this am I?"

"Nope." Sam was grinning as he pulled a stool over and sat directly in front of Kurt. Sam nodded to Brad that he was ready.

Don't sigh and gaze at me.

Don't please my folks too much.

Don't laugh at my jokes too much.

People will say we're in love.

Kurt felt the heat rush to his cheeks. He glanced over at Quinn who gave him a friendly wink. Kurt shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Sam, however, was enjoying the hell out of this song. And, Kurt admitted, Sam had a lovely upper register to his voice.

Let people say we're in love.

Sam finished to warm applause. His eyes sparkled as he held his hand out to Kurt, who took it and stood beside him. The rest of the Glee club knew they were a couple by now-or at least suspected as much-but Kurt and Sam had decided to make it official.

"Sam and I have an announcement to make."

Kurt looked happily at Sam. He opened his mouth to continue his prepared speech, and suddenly found himself swept off his feet, bent over backwards and being well and thoroughly kissed. After the initial shock, Kurt threw his arms around Sam's neck and embraced the moment.

Tina elbowed Mike sharply. "You never kiss me like that!"

"You're not a guy." Which earned him questioning looks from Puck and Santana.

Will cleared his throat loudly. Sam took the cue and stood a disheveled Kurt back on his feet. Kurt tugged his sweater down, smoothed his hair and eyed the room haughtily.

"Any questions?"

Kurt directed the question to everyone but looked pointedly at Finn. Rachel was also giving Finn "the look" until he sheepishly shook his head and slunk down in his chair.


Emma took a seat next to Will, eager to see Kurt's performance. The lights dimmed and Kurt appeared on stage, a dark silhouette against the backlight. An organ chord filled the room. Emma's eyes widened, "Oh, a hymn?"

Will frowned. "I'm-not sure."

Dearly beloved, we're gathered here today to get through this thing called life.

A spotlight flared and Kurt snapped around smartly to face his audience. Will's mouth opened in surprise. This was no hymn. And the teenager with long bangs falling across his eyes, skin tight jeans and flamboyant frock coat made no pretense of being a choir boy. Will glanced around. Everyone seemed to mirror his reaction. Except Artie. Artie was grinning as Kurt strutted across the stage, commanding attention.

Kurt Hummel singing Prince.

Will shook his head, amused. Well, he had said he wanted them to try something new. As he listened to the lyrics and watched Kurt's energetic performance, he realized just how well Artie had done in choosing this song.

'Cause in this life

Things are much harder than in the afterworld

In this life

You're on your own.

Kurt danced his way across the stage from Artie on electric guitar to Finn on the drums behind him.

And if de-elevator tries to bring you down

Go crazy - punch a higher floor.

And then he came off the stage to mingle with the rest of the Glee club. He pulled Rachel to her feet, planted both of his hands on her hips and playfully coaxed her into gyrating with him.

If you don't like the world you're living in

Take a look around you

At least you got friends.

Next, he pulled Mercedes to her feet and she joined him in the vocals.

Are we gonna let de-elevator

Bring us down

Oh, no Let's Go!

He spotted Puck sitting in back, arms crossed, trying very hard not to be noticed. No such luck. Kurt motioned him forward with his finger. Puck rolled his eyes. But Quinn, Santana and Brittany, caught up in the music, soon had him up on his feet, too.

We're all excited

But we don't know why

Maybe it's 'cause

We're all gonna die.

Mike didn't need an invitation. He quickly grabbed Tina and was dancing with her in the aisle. Kurt laughed, nodding his approval. He nudged them both towards the stage.

And when we do

What's it all for?

You better live now

Before the grim reaper comes knocking on your door.

It was only by chance that Kurt was singing those lyrics when he came to the last Glee member. Sam. A look passed between them. Kurt grabbed Sam's hand and pulled him to his feet. By now, the entire Glee club was on the stage, singing, dancing and laughing.

Tell me, are we gonna let de-elevator bring us down?

Oh, no let's go!

Will's chest tightened with emotion. His kids were back. All of his kids were back and he was going to make damn sure that they made it to Nationals.


Sometime in the early morning hours, Det. Pulaski finished the last of his paperwork, finally closing the Hummel case as unfounded. He shut down the computer, turned off the lights and went home to his husband.