epilogue.

"Blaine?" Kurt calls out, unfolding his umbrella and taking off his coat. "Blaine, I'm home, and have you checked iTunes today?"

No answer.

Kurt sighs, picking up his bag and walking down the hall towards the living room.

"Blai – "

He's laying on the couch, fast asleep with his guitar next to him and his notebook lying open on the ground, a pen on top of it. Kurt smiles and walks forward carefully. He sits down on the couch right in front of Blaine, scooting carefully right in front of his stomach. Then putting a hand on Blaine's back, he leans forward, kissing Blaine cheek, then moves to his jaw, his earlobe, his neck –

Blaine lets out a sigh.

"Mmm, Kurt," he murmurs.

"I'm right here," Kurt says.

Blaine turns his head, and Kurt kisses his mouth. Blaine kisses back softly, reaching up to lazily wrap his arms around Kurt's neck.

"Hey Kurt," Blaine says softly, pulling away.

"Yes?" Kurt asks.

"My album is number one."

Kurt laughs, nodding. "I know, Blaine. I checked iTunes every half hour today until it got there."

Blaine leans forward again, kissing Kurt roughly.

"I can't believe it," Blaine sighs, and he pushes himself upward, sitting up straight.

It's still baffling to him.

Everything that's happened in the past year is just insane.

After the interview, Blaine was certain things would get better, but of course, things have to get worse before they get better, and things were pretty bad then. His parents got a divorce, and he and his mother moved into his house for awhile. He received a large amount of hatred for coming out along with the support, including countless death threats. His alcohol addiction became stronger, which caused a lot fights between him and Kurt until finally after the movie premiere, he went and stayed at a rehabilitation center for a month.

After that, things did pick up.

Blaine moved in with Kurt soon after checking out of rehab, and he's been sober for six months now. Kurt is good with making sure he stays that way. And the album – Blaine finished recording his first studio album only weeks ago, and it's already up and out there – number one on the charts, his leading single one called "Light."

And things didn't just pick up for Blaine.

His mother got a new boyfriend, and though it stings that Blaine doesn't ever see his father anymore, his mother's happiness is enough for him.

He still remembers when both Quinn and Jeff called him, announcing their relationship. Blaine had always suspected, and he was hardly surpised.

And about a month ago, he sat down next to Kurt in front of TV, watching Santana come out on national television. Her publicist had seen Blaine's interview and softened up, allowing Santana to do the same once all the support came rushing in for Blaine.

It really is hard to believe.

"Well, I can believe it," Kurt says with a smile, and Blaine gives in, leaning back for one more kiss.

"So," Blaine says, standing up and stretching. "How was work today?"

"Eh – fine," Kurt replies. "As fine as you can get in the midst of all the stress of being a new designer."

"It'll all be worth it," Blaine says, sitting back down. "You'll be one of the heads in no time."

"I hope so," Kurt replies, sighing. "Oh – but my dad came to see me at lunch."

"And how was that?" Blaine asks.

"Fun," Kurt admits with a grin. "He brought Carole along." He pauses. "And you know – that is still so weird to me. Bring your dad to one movie premiere and suddenly he's hooking up with the mothers' of celebrities. Next thing you know, and Finn Hudson's going to be my step-brother."

"I wouldn't count that out," Blaine says with a smirk, and Kurt smacks his arm playfully.

"No, but I am happy for him," Kurt says. "It's about time he found someone."

Blaine sighs, "I'm glad I found you."

Kurt looks to him, shaking his head.

"What?" Blaine asks.

"You and your romantic blurts," he sighs. "I love you so much."

Blaine leans his head against Kurt's shoulder, his heart feeling unnaturally heavy. He reaches out, grabbing Kurt's left hand.

And as he stares at their entwined fingers, he suddenly can't get the image of a ring around Kurt's fourth finger out of his head.

"I love you too."

A/N: I am in awe right now. I really am. I can't believe it's all done. This was the first multi-chapter I've ever finished, and even though this has been finished in my documents for over a month, it's even more solidifying publishing it all.

And I just really need to thank all of you. The response has been incredible. I've been choked up so many times during the length of this fic, I lost count.

And Jasmine and Stephanie - thank you both so much for beta-ing. Stephanie, I know you kind of lost track in the middle, but I still appreciate all that you did for me. And Jasmine, okay you are insane. You beta-d half the thing in one sitting.

And I guess now, I'll go.

I really hope you enjoyed this fic, and I hope you enjoy my next, well our next - Jasmine and I.