It was Kurts first day at Dalton. He was met by the same navy uniforms with red piping as the one he wore when he walked through the door. He heard happy chatter and he saw people laughing around him and then he lowered his head to look down at the tiled floor, knowing hed never be one of those people.

He arrived in algebra class with just a few minutes to spare and there were a lot of seats already taken but there was still one table by the window that wasnt taken yet. He heard some voices asking ‘Who is that? Is he new? Have you seen him before? while he made a beeline to the table and took his seat.

Then he heard another, a louder, voice saying ‘Oh thanks for holding a spot for me, Wes, where am I going to sit now? followed by an exasperated sigh. Not much later Kurt heard the same voice right next to him as he ruffled through his messenger bag. ‘Excuse me, is this seat taken?

Kurt was dumbfounded for a moment when he looked up. The boy who stood next to his table was beautiful, looking down at him with bright hazel-brown eyes that twinkled in the sunlight. His black hair was gelled down with a copious amount of hairgel and his lips formed a blinding smile.

‘The seat next to you, is it taken? the boy asked again and that was when Kurt realized that he had to respond somehow. Make one more sound and youll regret it. He opened and closed his mouth a couple of times before he shook his head and smiled back at the guy.

Oh great, the guy said, sitting down next to Kurt, ‘Because, I saw you sitting here by yourself and no one deserves to sit alone by himself on the first day of school. The boy started ruffling through his bag himself and kept on talking. ‘Oh, and I dont believe I know you already. Im Blaine. Blaine Anderson.

Kurt smiled before ducking his head to look down at his lap. He heard the ruffling sound next to him come to a stop and he could almost feel Blaines eyes on him.

‘Everything alright? Blaine asked, glancing at the name that was written at the top of Kurts notebook, ‘Kurt?

Kurt looked at Blaine when he heard his name being called. It didnt happen very often that someone used his first name in public. He was used to the names Hummel, Fairy, Glitter-nymph, Babyface, Gay-face... He had only heard his family, some teachers and some friends call him by his first name but this, this was different. Blaine made his name sound beautiful instead of a curse. He nodded.

‘Are you sure? You havent said anything since I came to sit here... You sure you dont mind me sitting here?

This time Kurt shook his head and saw Blaine furrow his brows for a moment. He took his brand new notebook and flipped it open onto the first page before writing something down.

Im perfectly fine and yes, Im sure I dont mind you sitting here. Nice to meet you, Blaine and as you already know, my names Kurt. Kurt Hummel.

‘Why- why are you writing all of this down? Blaine asked with a chuckle after reading Kurts written words, confusion clear in his eyes.

Kurt sighed softly and clasped his hands together in his lap, ignoring Blaines question and he looked at the blackboard in the front of the class instead.

‘Oh, Blaine breathed out, eyebrows raising in surprise and he continued in a whisper, ‘You... Youre mute? Kurt didnt react and Blaine tore his gaze away from him right at the moment the teacher came in and started his class.

Blaine couldnt help throwing a few glances in Kurts direction during class. Kurt was absolutely stunning and much different than all the other boys Blaine had ever dated and he was an expert in that since he had dated a lot of boys.

Maybe it was the mystery behind him or his incredibly soft looking chestnut brown hair that was perfectly coiffed but something drew him towards Kurt and whenever Kurt caught him glancing, a blush crept up on both their faces and they both looked away to focus on their textbooks.

‘Im so sorry I said that, Blaine blurted as soon as the bell rang. He saw Kurt packing his bag and he knew it would only take seconds before he would leave. ‘I shouldnt have pointed it out. Forgive me, please?

Kurt smiled at Blaine and nodded, letting Blaine know he accepted his apology before leaving the room.

When Kurt walked through the halls he knew he should be afraid of the butterflies he felt in his stomach after knowing Blaine for only an hour but strangely enough, he wasnt.

*****

Sometimes Blaine asked the wrong questions and he knew that. Just like when he had asked his mom what happened to her and dad after Blaine came out of the closet and his mom had answered "He left because of you, my dear. He told me he couldnt handle the troubles that come with a gay child".

But his mom could handle the troubles that came with him and he was ever so grateful for it. She had helped taking care of the wounds the bullies gave him and she still loved Blaine nevertheless.

Hed done the same with Kurt. Sure, Kurt had forgiven him but then why did he still feel so bad? When Blaine left the classroom himself, he could only see a sea of navy blue with red piping but not the head of perfectly coiffed chestnut hair he was looking for.

*****

It was around seven oclock when Blaine made his way to his dorm after he went to get some pizza for dinner. He had thought about Kurt all day, even during Warbler practice that almost always did a good job at distracting him from his thoughts and he had almost forgotten about his new roommate until he saw the door to his dorm standing wide open and some musical song rang through the room.

He tentatively walked in and was surprised to see who was laying on the bed that had been untouched for two whole months, flipping through a Vogue magazine. ‘Kurt?

Kurt looked up, eyes wide as dinner plates as he saw Blaine close the door behind him. He grabbed his iPod and paused the soundtrack of Wicked he had on repeat.

‘Youre my new roommate? Blaine asked, walking further into the room with a smile.

Kurt nodded, biting his lip nervously while looking at Blaine for a few moments.

‘Kurt, I know that I probably hit a sensitive spot this morning and I know that you forgave me but I want you to know that I still am really sorry, Blaine stepped forward and sat down on the edge of the bed, the pizza box still in his hands, ‘You-you dont mind being my roommate, do you? Because I totally get it if you do.

Kurt shook his head, grabbing his notebook from his bag before he quickly started to write.

Please, dont feel sorry about this morning anymore. Its okay, I swear and Id love to be your roommate...

‘I have the feeling that theres a "but" coming, Blaine said.

But...
Im afraid youll get bored of me after a while...
Because Im so quiet.

‘Never! Blaine quickly said, noticing Kurts face falling, ‘You might be mute but youre not boring. Itll take some time to get used to it but Im sure were going to be best friends eventually.

Youre just saying that to cheer me up.

Blaine sighed and snatched the notebook and pen from Kurts hands who watched him with wide eyes and he wrote his own message down.

Im not, Kurt! I mean what I say and this is my way of showing that because I think this is the only way youll understand. I want to help you and I want to be your friend.

Kurt looked up at Blaine after reading his message.

Are you sure you want to help me?

‘Yes, Blaine smiled, ‘and dont be afraid to ask me anything if you need it. Im here for you, even if you just need a hug or something.

Blaine watched the corners of Kurts mouth twitch up into a smile and then Kurt started writing a note again.

You brought pizza?

‘I, uh, yeah. I did. Its most likely cold by now but I figured we could eat together? Blaine asked, ‘I got pepperoni, I hope you like that.

Its perfect Kurt wrote and grabbed a slice of pizza when Blaine opened the box.

‘So, you like Vogue huh? Blaine asked with a mouth full, pointing at the magazine, ‘Me, not so much, but I like watching football though. Not because Im sportive or anything but the boys are so hot when theyre all sweaty and when their shirts stick to their bodies.

Kurt perked up slightly at hearing that Blaine likes boys but scrunched his nose at the thought of sweat and football. Blaine chuckled: ‘Dont worry, also non-sweaty boys are attractive to me too.

That made a spark of hope ignite in Kurt. He took a bite of his pizza and wondered if he could make a chance with Blaine but then pushed those thoughts away because whod like a boyfriend who cant even say "I love you" or "I love you too" properly?

‘How was the rest of your day? I havent seen you since algebra, not even during lunch, Blaine questioned after taking another bite.

Kurt swallowed and licked his fingers before he opened his notebook again and wrote down: Same as always. I felt like a ghost the entire time so its better that I spend my lunches alone so that I bother no one.

Blaine shook his head, swallowed and tsked. ‘Really? Okay, from now on, you will sit with me. No buts, no maybes, you are sitting with me and the Warblers at our table.

Who are the warblers? Kurt wrote down with a curious look in his eyes.

Blaine gasped comically loud and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. ‘You dont...? he stammered, ‘You dont know the Warblers?

Kurt shook his head but he started smiling as Blaine dropped his slice of pizza back into the box and excitedly crossed his legs like a little kid getting ready for story-time.

‘The Warblers are the showchoir from Dalton but were more than that. We are friends who have a karaoke night three times a week but then without the karaoke machine. Im in it and Im their Tenor voice and their lead vocalist. We do everything acapella and now were currently practicing for Nationals. Pretty cool, huh?

Kurt nodded excitedly with a smile and a mouth full of pizza. He had loved singing when he was younger and he had seen the show choir from McKinley, the New Directions, perform before. If he hadnt been mute, he wouldve joined them for sure! But yeah, some things happened.

‘Kurt? Are you listening? Blaine asked and pulled Kurt out of his thoughts.

Kurt blinked a few times before he shook his head, a little ashamed of being caught on daydreaming.

Blaine bounced on the spot with excitement. ‘I asked if you wanted to come and watch us practice on Wednesday? Im sure they wont mind and it would be the perfect opportunity for you to make some new friends since youre new.

Kurt bit his lip in contemplation and then nodded. Sounds awesome! I loved to sing when I was younger! Blaine squealed in response and grinned widely. God, Kurt wanted to make Blaine smile like that every day.

‘You wont regret it, I swear, Blaine smiled, taking another bite, ‘What songs did you used to sing back then? Maybe I can persuade the Warblers to sing one for you.

I mostly loved singing show tunes. Wicked, West Side Story... I loved all of it! Kurt wrote down in the notebook that was still on his lap.

‘Really? I-Im the same, honestly. You dont know how many times I pretended to be Tony, Blaine laughed after reading and God, the sound of it made Kurt skip from cloud 9 to cloud 10 and beyond.

I always pretended to be Maria :D Kurt wrote before taking another slice of the cold pepperoni pizza.

Blaine looked at Kurt in confusion. ‘Um... he said after he swallowed.

Kurt smiled at the way Blaine looked at him and wrote down: I had a pretty high voice, I was a countertenor.

‘Oh, Blaine said, chuckling a bit, ‘I thought you meant you pretended to be Maria by wearing dresses and stuff.

Kurt shrugged. Well, I did that too...

‘Oh my God, Kurt! Blaine laughed, ‘Really?

Kurt grinned and ducked his head with a blush on his cheeks. You could say I was a VERY special kid back in the day.

‘I could say that, yes, Blaine said between fits of laughter.

Oh shut it, Anderson! :D

Blaine had dissolved into giggles by now and when those had died down too, he and Kurt continued to eat in silence until the pizza box was empty.

Blaine got up from the bed and threw the pizza box in the trash. He hesitated for a moment before he walked back to Kurt. ‘Would you mind telling me about it? he asked after he sat down again.

Kurt swallowed audibly. About what?

‘Your muteness. I-I want to understand, Blaine said.

Kurt hesitated for a moment before nodding once. He started writing sentence after sentence and he started sniffling after a while. Without a word, Blaine shuffled further onto the bed and rested a comforting hand on Kurts knee. He flashed Kurt a small smile when Kurt looked at him with tear-filled eyes.

‘Im here for you, Blaine whispered and Kurt nodded before he focused on his notebook again.

It was about ten minutes later that Kurt clicked his pen off and handed Blaine the notebook. Then, he pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around them, making himself as small as possible while Blaine started reading.

It happened 8 years ago when my mother passed away. She had cancer and I still miss her very much. My mom was one of the first and few people who accepted my sexuality. When the kids at school found out I was gay, they started bullying me. At first people just told me that I am worthless, useless and that no one would ever love me. They even told me that Im the reason my mother died, that I was part of her cancer and I know full well that thats not true but I have been told so many times that I started to believe it! I yelled at those guys, telling them that my mother didnt die because of me but in the end I still believed them. Ive cried myself to sleep a lot of times and after a while I would come home with bruises and Id tell my dad not to worry even though I knew he was worrying himself sick about me.

The bullying became even worse as I got older. Throwing me into dumpsters, locking me up in the girls bathroom (they thought I belonged there) et cetera became a daily routine for me. Once, the bullies caught me by surprise and attacked me in the alleyway close to my high school. They carved the word "fag" into my chest so that Id never forget what I was. The leader of the bullies told me that if I made one more sound Id regret it. Thats the reason I dont speak anymore, Im too scared to do so.

Ive lost everything because of them: my pride, my dreams, my passion, my friends... Everything was gone after they took my voice. You already know that before the bullying I loved to sing but then people told me that I "sing like a girl" and so I quit and hid in the background. Whenever I said something in class, kids would mock me and laugh at me. I also once dreamt of a big Broadway career and now thats gone too.

Every doctor my dad took me to told me that I have reactive mutism caused by the bullying but I never told anyone that the jocks had really attacked and ‘marked me. The doctors told me that I need a calm and quiet environment to regain my will to speak again so my dad transferred me to Dalton because this is a zero-tolerance one and so no one can hurt me here. I honestly dont think Ill ever get my voice back but my dad said I should give it a shot so here I am.

Now you know my full story.

Blaine honestly had tears in his eyes when he looked up to see Kurt with his head resting on top of his knees. He heard quiet sobs and he watched Kurts shoulders shake with the force of them.

Be like your mother, Blaine. Be. Like. Your. Mother, Blaine told himself.

He reached out and grabbed Kurts hand, making Kurt raise his head to look at him with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. Dont worry, Ill stick by your side. Together well get you your voice back, he told Kurt with a shaky voice, I promise you that.

Kurt nodded shakily and his bottom lip trembled before he broke down into a sobbing mess. Blaine was there in a second, wrapping his arms around Kurt and whispering ‘Im so sorry all of that happened to you into his ear with a shaky voice.

Blaine held Kurt tight until he stopped crying and pulled out of Blaines embrace. You okay? he asked Kurt eventually.

Kurt nodded and reached out to touch Blaines arm. I would like to be your friend, Blaine, if the offer still stands of course he wrote down afterwards.

‘Of course, Blaine smiled, ‘Were friends. He yawned and looked at his bed. ‘I think Im gonna go to sleep. Promise me youll wake me if anythings wrong?

A single nod from Kurt was Blaines cue to get up from the bed. He walked over to his own bed and crawled underneath the covers. When he turned onto his side, he saw Kurt had done the same and they just looked at each other for a moment before Blaine reached for the lamp on his nightstand. ‘Goodnight, Kurt, he whispered right before he switched the light off and settled further under the covers. The last thing he saw before he closed his eyes was the smile on Kurts face before turning the light on his own nightstand off.

It was going to take a while but Kurt was going to be okay and Blaine was going to be there every step of the way.