"Were you aware that they are making the Hobbit into a new movie in 2012?" Blaine said, dumping his bag on the floor. His eyebrows furrowed. "I suppose its a shame were all going to die then."

"We can only hope theyll have mercy and release it before December twenty-first then." Kurt replied, not missing a beat.

"Ah, but heres the catch. Its going to be two parts. No matter what well never know how it ends."

"Notebooks out!" Mrs. Swanson called, closing the door and switching off the light. "No more talking if its not French related."

Kurt ignored her. "Ever hear of a book Anderson?"

Blaine grinned, but didnt have the chance to reply.

"That means everyone." Mrs. Swanson said while looking directly at them. She wore a stern expression, but Kurt knew she was pleased by their civility.

The boys took out pens and began taking notes along with the rest of the class. Well, Kurt did. Blaine began writing notes to Kurt.

I do read you know -B

It was strange thinking back on just a little over a month ago. Then there was nothing but unfamiliarity and hostility between them. Now, weeks after the Karofsky debacle and Kurt and Blaine had since managed to maintain a friendly if not civil relationship.

They shared two classes and during those periods they often talked. Kurt was delighted to find that despite their outward differences and seemingly opposite personalities, they actually had a lot in common. And if Kurt ever bored Blaine with his rants on the goings on amongst the glee club or the latest news in gay marriage, the boy never showed it.

Its not like they constantly visited each others houses or shared meaningful, longing looks (as much as Kurt wouldnt have minded either of those things). Just because Blaine didnt treat him like trash and vise versa didnt mean anything more than they were willing to not judge the other based what everyone else thought. To Blaine, Kurt wasnt just some freaky gay kid. To Kurt, Blaine was a person with feelings and a story beneath all that leather and bravado. For example, during those class periods he learned that Blaine enjoyed music, was a huge Buckeyes fan, and that he had a secret aptitude when it came to politics and government. Blaine also mentioned an estranged older brother and implied that he lived alone. Every tiny detail Kurt learned about him made him that much more intrigued and fall just a little more in love, which in turn made him feel guilty about practically hiding their friendship from his other friends.

Puck, Sam, and Mike were one thing, but many of the others still saw Blaine as a threat. To them the boots, leather jacket, piercings, and motorcycle screamed bad boy: avoid at all costs. Even though he never really did anything he still had a bad rap based mostly on looks and occasional attitude. Kurt often forgot about Blaines reputation and appearance, and on occasion when he was forced to remember he wondered if it wasnt all a pretense.

Then there were the Warblers. Since that fateful day where hed been caught spying they had hung out and texted each other. On several occasions hed met many of the other members of the group, including their council. Most of them were decent guys and quickly accepted Kurt, even their uptight leader Wes.

In life things were finally starting to look up. Burt and Carole had recently been married at a beautiful ceremony, Finn was starting to truly become like a brother, the bullying had lessened greatly, his crush on Sam was dissipating after an intervention with Blaine, and he was in love.

Blaine turned and caught Kurt looking at him. Kurt grinned sheepishly. Rather than looking creeped out, as many people would have been, Blaine bumped Kurts shoulder, then tipped his head toward a sleeping Azimio Adams. He blinked at Blaine confused. Blaines lips twitched and his eyes twinkled mischievously as he balled up a sheet of notebook paper and surreptitiously flung it at Azimios head.

Azimio jolted awake and accidentally knocked over Christians water bottle. Cold liquid spilled into the soccer players lap, making him jump out of his seat and stare menacingly down at Azimio. The rest of the class watched on as Christian shouted at Azimio and Mrs. Swanson attempted to calm the two boys down.

Kurt looked at Blaine and all traces of laughter slid from his face. Suddenly the prank wasnt so funny because a few seats over a pretty cheerio threw Blaine a flirty smile that he returned.

Being totally in love with Blaine Anderson royally sucked. It got Kurt down a lot more than it was worth, particularly on the few occasions hed seen Blaine outside of school and he was flirting with girls. It probably shouldnt have bothered him as much as it did, considering it was really obvious Blaine wasnt interested in pursing them, but every time he saw it a flash of rage would shoot through him. Luckily, Blaine never seemed to either catch on or be bothered by Kurts feelings toward him.

Kurt tried not to look too put out when Blaine finally looked at him again with that big adorable smile of his. It was easy to when Blaine smiled like that. Kurt huffed out a content sigh.

Despite a few unfortunate situations, he was at the least actually happy.

. . .

"That Karofsky kid still pickin on you?" Burt asked over dinner one Friday night.

At the mention of being bullied Red-hot shame flowed up from the pit of Kurts stomach to his cheeks, making them burn. It wasnt exactly something he could help, but it being brought up in front of Carole and Finn was humiliating. Of course Burt hadnt meant to embarrass him, but that did nothing to alleviate the sting.

Kurt didnt look up at any of them as he shook his head.

In truth Dave had taken to avoiding him as much as possible. On the rare occasions that they did cross paths Kurts life would be threatened, but no physical harm would occur. At first it had terrified him, then over time the shock wore off and he realized he had the power over Karofsky. The guy was too scared to even look him in the eyes, let alone bring him harm. Kurt actually hadnt seen him in a week or so.

It surprised him when Finn commented, "Kurt could probably take him in the state hes in now."

"Whats that supposed to mean?" Kurt asked curiously. The kid was jacked like an ox and a head taller than Kurt, even Finn wasnt that stupid.

"You dont know?"

"Please Finn, get on with it." Carole said, knowing how easily sidetracked her son could get.

Finn finished swallowing. "He got the crap beat out of him. Im surprised you dont know. He missed school, then showed up to football practice with two black eyes and a real bad limp. Beiste sent him home."

Burt looked between his sons suspiciously. "You didnt have anything to do with this Kurt?"

"Of course not dad. It obviously wasnt me and I dont know anyone who could have done that."

"What about that Blaine guy? The one youve been hanging around at school." Finn said.

An unpleasant feeling worked in his gut as the blood from his fingers to his toes ran cold and tingly. "What does he have to do with it?" Kurt asked. In truth he already knew. The second that name left Finns mouth it had clicked.

"The rumor is that he was the one who did it."

An unfamiliar need to defend welled up. "Those are just rumors Finn." He snapped.

Finn meant well, and Kurt knew that he was only sharing what he knew about the Karofsky mystery, but he really wished the boy wouldnt. The last thing that he needed was his dad thinking that his new friend was some crazy delinquent. Regardless of how true it possibly was.

"Whos this Blaine kid?" Burt asked.

"Nobody." Kurt said at the same moment Finn answered, "New Kid, transferred from some detention center in Westerville."

"You dont know that." Kurt said quietly, looking down at his lap.

Nobody paid him much mind, instead they chose to listen to Finn continue around a mouthful of potatoes, "He seems alright though. Hes like a modern day Robin Hood."

"Now Im not condoning violence or revenge," Burt said carefully. "But I do believe in getting whats due. So if that Blaine kid was getting messed with, then Karofsky deserved it."

Kurts stomach clenched. Knowing Blaine it was revenge, and not just that, it was done in Kurts name. He couldnt have been defending himself, as far as he knew nobody at school had issues with Blaine, he mostly kept to himself. In fact Kurt was certain he was the only one at the school whod had an actual conversation with him. A small part of him cheered victoriously that Karofsky got what was coming and from Blaine no less, but his conscience quickly took over and he felt guilty.

"I doubt even Karofsky would be stupid enough to start something with Blaine. I think hes alright, but he keeps to himself and he can be kinda scary. Hes intimidating even though hes scrawny and small." Finn grinned. "Like Peter Parker."

Kurt shared a look with Carole.

"Im still glad someones standing up those idiots at that school." Burt said.

"I just hope Karofsky gets out of that cast in time to play at championships." Finn sighed.

Burt glanced at Kurt. "Id feel better with him in it."

The Karofsky-Blaine conversation ended there and the rest of dinner was spent discussing the Titans chances at the next football game. Happy for the change of subject Kurt even joined in, adding some insight with his limited football knowledge. Burt seemed so pleased by the news that Kurt didnt bother reminding him that David Karofsky was only one of the jocks at McKinley.

"Hey, Anderson!" An angry voice shouted, thoroughly breaking the peaceful silence.

Blaine briefly glanced up to see who was speaking to him. It was Levi Johnson a varsity lineman on McKinleys football team. He was nearly six feet tall and so broad his shirt stretched tight over his chest revealing huge muscles. At least a head taller than himself too, Blaine noted.

Levi didnt have much of a history in fights outside of wrestling but mostly due to his stature he could undoubtedly stand his ground. Blaine closed his eyes and leaned back against the tree he sat under, hoping this wouldnt end the way it appeared to be going.

Naturally the jock wasnt about to give up so easily. Levi left the group he was with and walked over to Blaine, a nasty scowl on his face. His enormous stature loomed over Blaines smaller one that was on the ground. Sensing the other boys presence Blaine squinted up at him through one eye, appearing totally unfazed if not a little annoyed.

"You injured Karofsky. Were now a man short for this Fridays game." Levi added the last part as though it clarified anything. When Blaine again said nothing he continued, "I hear you think we should stop messin with Hummel, that right?"

Blaine tilted his head, suddenly a little more interested in the conversation. Levi, fed up with the lack of aggression from the smaller boy, grabbed Blaine by the collar and pulled him to his feet. "You got anything you want to say for yourself before this gets ugly, Anderson?" The group that Levi had left came over and stood behind him. Most of them were fellow footballers and then there were a few cheerleaders. "We wont touch Hummel. But then we gotta take it out on someone else. Is that what you want, Anderson? Go on, say something." Levi accentuated the last sentence with a rough shove.

Blaine stumbled backward and just managed to catch himself before he fell.

"You think youre a tough guy, gettin my guy? Prove it!" Levi took a couple of steps backward, his arms splayed at his sides an obvious come at me gesture. His buddies formed a crescent behind him, their faces lit up in malicious anticipation.

"Oh, youre guy? Im sorry, If Id known that was your boyfriend..." Blaine shrugged unapologetically.

The smile on Levis face quickly vanished and was replaced by a scowl. "So he can speak." Behind him his friends chuckled.

Blaines pulse quickened preparing his body for the imminent fight. He shrugged his jacket off and threw it to the side where his bag sat under the tree. A few curious bystanders approached the boys and soon there was a ring of people surrounding them. From Blaines perspective all he could see was a sea of Letterman jackets backing up Levi, so he assumed it was the same all around. With a heavy sigh he prayed that he wasnt about to get jumped. Unknown to him there was an even larger group of well-wishers backing him. Several New Direction boys whod just left football practice were among them. Blaine tuned everyone else out as he watched Levi rip off his own jacket off and toss it to one of his teammates, using the pause to size up and mentally tear down his opponent. With an action plan in mind Blaine carefully rolled his sleeves up.

"Thisll be quick." Levi smirked. Blaine silently agreed. "And afterwards I think we will go find Hummel. Teach both of you a lesson."

There was a wave of angry hissing behind Blaine. For the first time Blaine turned around and noticed the New Directions in their own Letterman jackets. Sam, Mike, and Puck were at the front of the crowd, and visible just behind them was a little gap large enough for Arties wheelchair. All of them were glaring at their counterparts, looking ready to leap into action if need be. Though he didnt know them all too well he knew enough and remembered some things Kurt had said regarding them, and he couldnt help but feel all the more confident.

Blaine heard heavy footfalls and leapt out of the way just in time to dodge a punch aimed at his head.

"Finn, are you coming?" Kurt asked, stopping a few feet short of his Navigator.

"Hold on." Finn distractedly replied, beginning to walk in the opposite direction of his own car.

Kurt followed. He could hear distant voices from the direction they were walking, but that was all. Being a head taller Finn had the advantage of being able to see across the parking lot that Kurt did not. It wasnt until they were right behind a large crowd of noisy people that he could finally tell what the commotion was about. It was a fight. A rather large one at that.

"Finn, lets go." Kurt insisted, tugging on the taller boys sleeve. He was ignored.

"Blaines fighting Levi." Finn said in surprise. Kurts heart dropped into his stomach. Without thinking he strode forward and attempted to push through the crowd. Finn stopped staring long enough to notice and hold him back.

"Hey! Whoa, slow down." Finn pulled him away and stood firmly between Kurt and the fight. "What are you doing?"

"We need to stop this." Kurt said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Finn clearly didnt see it that way. "Noooo." He said emphatically. "Bad idea."

Through a gap Kurt saw Blaine turn around as a fist came flying at his head from behind. Finn stepped in the way right as it happened, blocking his view and causing his anxiety to spike.

"Finn, thats Levi Johnson. He could kill Blaine." He said, trying to get Finn to understand.

"And if you get involved that gives the other jocks the okay to come after you, which will get all of us in trouble. Its like the rules of fight club."

Kurt gave him a thoroughly unimpressed look. "Thats incredibly stupid."

"We dont even know what happened." Finn said. He did have a point. If they ran in with swords blazing and it turned out Blaine had been aggressor, then that would be really bad.

"Look, just please stay here." He made a heel gesture that in turn made Kurt roll his eyes.

He wasnt a dog, but he stayed nonetheless. Finn was able to easily push his way through the crowd to the front. From where he was Kurt stood on his toes in an attempt to see over some of the taller people. He only saw an unidentified fist fly through the air, and heard the aftermath in the crowd; half cheered loudly and the others groaned sympathetically. Judging by who did what he guessed that Blaine was at least winning. He anxiously tapped his hand against the phone in his pocket.

Blaine aimed a kick at the back of Levis knees and took advantage of his loosened grip to slip out of a headlock and get another punch in. Levi was a much bigger guy than what he was used to fighting so it was more of a challenge. He wasnt worried though. The difference between now and all of the other times where he fought some drunken nobody in a parking lot or a dumb jock that had antagonized him was that he now had a reason to fight, there were higher stakes here. In addition to that he was angry, much more so than he could ever remember being. It was invigorating in a way. He spat blood on the ground, then wiped his mouth on the back of his sleeve. He glanced up. Over the crowd a pale, scared looking face stuck out and caught his eye. For the first time he made a deadly mistake by freezing. He paid for it in the form of two hundred pounds crashing into him.

Too dizzy and uncoordinated to aim a proper punch, Levi had charged at Blaine while hed been distracted and used his full weight to knock him off his feet.

Blaine felt the wind get knocked from his lungs as his feet left the ground. He flew forwards with enough force to propel him into the nearest group of people. Luckily he had the sense to rotate so that his back took the full force rather than landing head first. Due to his position the group had been able to catch him and he landed in the arms of Mike, Puck, and Finn. Blaine groaned and pawed at his aching jaw.

"Kick his ass." He heard the voice of Noah Puckerman from somewhere on his left.

Together the three boys gently but forcefully thrust him back into the makeshift ring. Blaine used the momentum to his advantage and tackled Levi who had his back turned. He wrapped his arms around the boys neck and then used his weight to send them crashing down. Blaine maneuvered himself on top of the jock and began mercilessly punching wherever he could.

Without stopping he bellowed, "Get Kurt out of here!" in the direction of Kurts friends. As he said that two more jocks emerged and lunged at Blaine. Together they pulled him off. One held his arms behind his back, while the other wound his fist back. Before the jocks fist could connect with its target Blaine kicked him in the groin. Sam Evans immediately jumped in to help.

Mike turned to Finn, "You better get Kurt out of here." He said seriously. "If Blaine doesnt hold up, theyre coming after him next." Mike then rushed in after Sam.

Artie and Puck watched on helplessly. Puck especially looked uncomfortable at having to stay behind in a fight; it was only his parole keeping him away. A few feet away Sam was punched in the eye and his resolve to stay out of trouble broke; Puck too entered the fray.

It only got more chaotic from there. A few people left. Most of the bystanders who chose not to get any more involved stepped back. The ring of people thinned out grew in circumference as more people joined the fighting.

It was the sound of distant sirens that finally broke the chaos up. Both participants and bystanders scattered. Puck threw in one final blow before retreating and wheeling Artie away. Mike and Sam werent far behind. Levi had been among the first to retreat, having snuck away while no one was paying attention to him long before the sirens. Finn tried to pull Kurt away but was brushed off. He reluctantly followed Kurts orders to leave without him.

Besides Blaine Kurt was the last one on the scene. The parking lot was nearly empty and it was completely silent.

He spotted Blaine under a tree, an arm wrapped around the trunk for support. He rushed forward. "Blaine!" He called. When Blaine saw him approaching he began hobbling forward. He only paused to grab Kurt by the wrist when he passed, and didnt let go even after Kurt began following, instead continuing to pull him along.

"What the hell are you still doing here Kurt?" Blaine snapped in a strained voice.

Kurt rolled his eyes. He pulled his arm out of Blaines grip and wrapped it around the other boys waist; he pulled one of Blaines arms around his shoulder to support him. "Saving you." He gestured to the Navigator up ahead. "My cars right there."

He quickly helped Blaine into the passenger before hopping into the drivers side.

"Shit." Blaine groaned. "I left my stuff."

Kurt spun the car around and sped across the parking lot. He slammed on the brakes and jumped back out, then sprinted over to the tree and grabbed Blaines jacket and bag. He froze for a fraction of a second and listened to the approaching sirens. He got back in the car and the door hadnt even been shut when his slammed his foot down on the gas. The Navigator sped into the neighborhood across from the school. There he parallel parked at the nearest curb and turned off the car. Blaine remained in a silent state of shock as Kurt jerked the passenger seat back into a horizontal position, then ducked against the steering wheel so that neither of them could be seen from the outside. Seconds later two cop cars zoomed past them and pulled into the school.

Blaine looked across the center console at Kurt. The older boy had his eyes closed and his forehead on top of the steering wheel; his hands clutched the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles were white. A minute later Kurt reached over and pressed the button to bring the passenger seat and Blaine back up, then sat back in his own seat. He calmly started the car then pulled out and drove past McKinley. While Blaine watched the policemen searching the area, Kurts eyes didnt once leave the road until they reached the main street.

"Where do you live?" Kurt asked calmly, startling Blaine. Blaine gave him the address when he finally regained the ability to speak. "I can give you a ride in the morning so you can get your bike." Kurt told him.

Blaine shook his head. "No need. I walked to school today."

They came upon a red light and Kurt took the opportunity to stare at him. "Blaine, thats almost seven miles."

"I needed to clear my head." Each word was said with increasing frustration. "What the hell were you thinking back there? Both of us couldve been caught." It felt strange being the responsible one considering the circumstances.

"We got away didnt we? And now theres no evidence."

Blaine snorted. "Except JBIs blog and numerous YouTube videos."

Kurt sighed and continued driving.

Today had been one of those instances that Kurt go reacquainted with Blaines rep. It was too easy to forget that Blaine had the bad boy persona going on when dreaminess and charm shone out his ears; then again, those characteristics were probably why he rocked it so hard.

He glanced at Blaine. Even slumped back in his seat with eyes closed he looked gorgeous.

Kurt didnt look it, but on the inside he felt like passing out. Over the course of about ten minutes his status of baby penguin had been blacked out and changed to accomplice. Sure, he hadnt actually been the one in a fight, but he did drive the getaway car and then hide from the police. None of this ever would have happened had he not been put next to Blaine Anderson in class. He could only hope that it wouldnt become a regular thing.

Twenty awkward minutes later the Navigator pulled into the cracked driveway of an older two story house. Kurt was surprised by how well kept up it was. Naturally, the white paint was peeling and there were rusty patches on the front porchs railing as was expected from a house that appeared to have been built before the sixties. Unlike its neighbors however, the lawn was recently mowed and the foliage around the house was in full bloom as opposed to wilted. Compared to the surrounding neighborhood the house was actually quite nice.

Kurt was snapped out of his thoughts by Blaines door slamming. Blaine walked to the front of the car and watched Kurt expectantly. Kurt hesitantly opened his own door and stepped out. Blaine rolled his eyes and motioned for him to follow. Kurt awkwardly walked up the drive.

Blaine Anderson was inviting him into his home. Something about this seemed so much more personal than if it was anyone elses house. Maybe it was because Blaine was such an enigma at school, or it could have been the nagging feeling that this wasnt a normal occurrence. For some reason he just couldnt get it out of his head. Being nice and friendly to each other in school was one thing, but being actual friends just threw Kurt for some reason. Like a Im here, now what? kind of moment.

"As your champion dont you think you owe me a few minutes of your time?" Blaine teased, turning to Kurt with comically raised eyebrows. When Kurt remained unsure he added, "Come on, live a little."

"Um, I dont -"

Blaine opened the door without a key; it hadnt even been locked. "Relax Hummel, Im not a serial killer."

"Thats exactly what one would say." Kurt muttered.

Somewhere inside the house he heard Blaine chuckle and say, "Nothing gets past you."

Kurt paused on the porch with the door held open in front of him. He glanced back at his car, momentarily considering running away like a coward. Blaine was already at the other end of the house so he wouldnt notice until Kurt was already gone.

Kurt bit his lip.

A conversation in the choir room earlier about him talking to Blaine made him the slightest bit doubtful. For a moment he wondered what his friends would think about him actually being friends with someone like Blaine, someone who came to school hung over and got in fights. After all they had freaked out about them just sitting together in class. Then he remembered the past month. When he thought of that Blaine was just Blaine again.

Even with that, he was still nervous about being in Blaines house. Walking into any other acquaintances house wouldnt mean a thing, but it seemed very private when it came to Blaine Anderson, like an honor that he alone had been presented with. It was a strange feeling.

This is silly. Kurt thought.

It really was silly. Plus he felt guilty for letting the air out while he stood there having a moral crisis.

He stepped inside and shut the door. Past the front door a short narrow hallway cut off to the right into the living room. It was surprising how homely the place was. Kurt didnt know what hed been expecting. He felt even sillier when the Earths core didnt explode and volcanoes didnt erupt. Once the relief passed, he felt ashamed. How could he have considered running off? Especially when Blaine had just been injured in a fight defending him.

Kurt followed his ears down the hall, through a small living room, and into an even smaller kitchen. Blaine was standing at a sink, running a washcloth under steaming water. Blaine wrung it out then gently pressed it to the side of his neck, hissing in pain when it made contact with his skin. He turned around and Kurts eyes were drawn to a steady drip of blood streaming from his nose.

"Youre bleeding." Kurt said weakly. After staring like an idiot for a full ten seconds he regained the ability to think and rushed over, taking the rag from Blaine. "Head back." He ordered.

Blaine pinched the bridge of his nose and tipped his head back. Kurt rinsed the bloodied rag until it was no longer stained red, but instead a pinkish color. After years of dealing with the aftermath of bullies and a few months of cleaning up some of Finns injuries he was no longer squeamish when it came to blood and other bodily fluids. He figured if his big Broadway dreams didnt work out there was always the medical field. Carole would be pleased to hear that.

He brought the cloth back up to Blaines face and gently dabbed at the dried blood on his chin. Blaine shifted the hand that was still stifling the blood flow out of the way so that Kurt could get his upper lip. Kurt continued until he was satisfied that hed gotten everything. At that point the nosebleed had slowed to a halt. Kurt rinsed off the rag then handed it back to Blaine to wipe his nose off himself.

Blaine turned his head and Kurt noticed the oddly shaped gash on his neck. Without thinking he brushed his fingers against it. Blaine flinched making him yank his hand back.

"How did that happen?" He wondered aloud.

"The jackass was wearing a ring. It got me when he grabbed me."

Kurts face fell. "Im sorry."

Blaine stared at him looking perplexed. "You didnt do anything."

"Levi wouldnt have come after you if you didnt go after Karofsky first," Kurt pointed out. "And-"

"And I wouldnt have touched Karofsky if he had an ounce of self control." Blaine countered.

Blaine seemed to have this ridiculous notion that he had taken on the role of Kurts body guard. The way he spoke of bullies and vengeance one might think he was a superhero. It was almost sweet, but then Kurt didnt want to see himself as the damsel in distress.

"You cant get even with every wrongdoer in the world."

"I can try. Havent you noticed the decrease in McKinleys crime rate?" Blaine let out a weak attempt at a chuckle that turned into a fit of coughs.

"I suppose you think that has something to do with you."

Blaine grinned and crossed his arms. "Well I am like a modern day Robin Hood."

A peal of laughter burst from Kurts mouth. "You heard Finn say that didnt you?"

Blaine looked up in thought. "Tina, actually. It was cute."

Blaine threw the bloodied rag in the sink, then walked into the living room. Kurt followed until Blaine plopped down on the sofa, then he hesitated.

Blaine noticed and said, "Dont stop talking now, I was having fun."

Kurt awkwardly sat down on the other end of the couch.

"So youre a sophomore and you live all by yourself?"

"I do have a roommate."

Kurt frowned in confusion.

Blaine lifted his fingers to his lips and whistled loudly. "Cooper!" He called.

A beautiful golden retriever appeared at the top of the stairs and bounded down. The dog trotted over to Blaine and nuzzled her head into his hand affectionately. Kurt scooted closer to them and held out a hand for the dog to sniff. Cooper immediately licked it, wagging her tail contently. Kurt took it as a good sign and ran his other hand along her back.

"Shes gorgeous."

Blaine smiled. "Thank you. Shes not actually mine, not completely. Her owners school doesnt allow pets so shes here for the school year."

Kurt continued petting Cooper, trying to ignore the fuzzy feeling in his stomach that completely had to do with the boy next to him.

"Come on, ask questions." Blaine said after a few minutes of quiet. "I know youre dying to."

Kurt looked up at him. The question he was truly dying to ask probably wasnt the most appropriate one so he went with, "Why did you walk all the way to school today? I know you said you needed to clear your head, but seven miles? Thats a lot of thinking."

The expression on Blaines face in response to that particular question was genuine bafflement, like hed been expecting something more complicated. "To be honest my bike hasnt been working right for weeks now. Then the other day the engine gave out."

"I could take you." Kurt said without a second thought.

"What?"

"To school. I could give you a ride and then when I drop you off I could take a look at your bike, see if I cant fix it."

At the offer Blaine looked taken aback, as well as very skeptical. So it was surprising when he accepted the offer with a simple, "Okay."

Unsure what else to say, Kurt repeated, "Okay."