Blaine had made it. The bright lights, the magnificent tall buildings of Time Square, the looming posters of the brightest stars on Broadway – one day his face would be gracing one of those posters and he would show his parents and all the people back home who had doubted him or thought his dream was unrealistic. He was a dreamer, he knew, but he dreamt big only because he was so desperate to get out and begin his life.

It had been easier than he thought getting into NYADA, the opinion of his peers so decidedly noncommittal when it came to his singing ability, he had really started to believe he was only slightly above average. His glee club were small, barely enough to enter competitions and their small town mentality had him desperate to leave, even if he had to claw his way out. He would make it, he promised himself, he would make it.

New York though was definitely lonelier than he had expected. Despite the fact he shared a dorm room with someone that had a girlfriend back home, their conversations whispered and hushed behind the pathetic divide Blaine had purchased, Blaine actually wished he would spend more time with him. His roommate seemed to have all the friends he needed and although he was cordial to Blaine, even on some occasions friendly, he rarely invited Blaine out with his friends. Unintentionally Blaine gave the impression, with his many books and love of his computer, that he was uninterested in making friends and always preferred his own company. Brad, his roommate, had waxed lyrical about his girlfriends amazing body one evening until Blaine had quietly mentioned he was gay. That had caused a switch in Brads behaviour too. Though it seemed unconsciously done, he had clearly decided Blaine was not one of the guys and would therefore rather spend time alone.

He tried to go out, he really did. There were more gay bars than Blaine had ever dreamt of here in New York, but he felt a bit seedy and with his oversized glasses and curly dark hair he stood out for all the wrong reasons. And besides, there was reading to do for his NYADA classes, songs to learn and dance routines to perfect. If he concentrated on making his dream a reality, he wouldnt really miss the company, he was sure.

But weeks went by and he felt the loneliness creep under his skin when he was surrounded by crowds of students where people had quickly met like-minded friends and formed bonds. He tried to join a few clubs but his small town high school had not really prepared him for the mass of people and sycophantic behaviour. Hed rather chat online and find friends that understood.

Loneliness and crippling shyness often made him nervous in public situations but online he could be who he wanted to be, share his secrets and fears to some unknown and be able to eloquently explain himself without fear of ridicule. It was a safe place where if someone rejected him in any way he could press delete or unfollow. He could have amazing intellectual debates with people his age from all over the world about the merits of Katy Perry and Pink as artists with flair, could discuss the pros and cons of setting up life in a lighthouse or argue about gay rights with people that were interested. If he was honest, he lived for the hour or so each evening he went online to chat to his friends: people he had never met and who had no idea what he looked like.

He logged on that night, his roommate out with friends as usual, Blaine already in his monogrammed pyjamas and updating his profile, keeping his interests current. He noticed that someone had viewed it recently and left a comment on a picture he had reblogged of Christian Bale and Tom Hardy and he instantly smiled.

What handsome chaps!

Blaine instantly clicked on the profile to find it was a guy called Kurt who lived in LA and was a freshman at AMDA and studying musical theatre. There was no profile pic, only a gif of Lady Gaga in her infamous meat dress but he decided to press follow and see where it took him.

What followed was casual. Blaine or Kurt would reblog romantic photos of places around the world as well as inspirational quotes and the occasional comment would be appear if a hot guy appeared on either of their dashboards. It transpired that Kurt was gay and admired Tom Hardy but didnt really understand Blaines obsession when he had Christian Bale in similar photos. They loled and added smileys, getting to know a little bit more about the other but it took a casual comment on a reblog that made their friendship just that little bit closer.

Kurt had posted a collection of pictures entitled sailor sweethearts which had old black and white photos taken over a span of several years. All of the different sailors were couples in different poses of relaxation and sweetness. Some were hugging or kissing, looking so beyond happy that Blaine immediately smiled when he saw the pictures. One sailor was lifting up his male sweetheart and laughing towards the camera. Despite the fact that their relationships were outlawed at the time and a love like theirs frowned upon, all the couples looked happy and so in love. Blaine left a comment without hesitation:

These photos are so sweet. I wish I had a love like this. Thanks for sharing :)

Kurt received the comment, being online at the time, and smiled sadly. He wanted that too. Hed looked up Blaine quite a while ago and had found out that he was studying at NYADA and was his age.

I love these pictures. I wish the same and Im glad that even if its slowly were getting the same rights as everyone else.

Kurt hoped that Blaine wouldnt mind the assumption he was gay too but after all the comments and lusting after Tom Hardy, how could he not? Blaine didnt seem to mind:

Exactly! I think its outrageous that its taken so long but these pictures warm the heart a little. They show that nothing can stop a love thats strong.

Kurt smiled again. He took a chance and did what he had wanted to do for quite a while. He loaded the chat app and started a conversation with Blaine:

Hi, its Kurt. I hope you dont mind I thought it might be easier to chat on here rather than through comments on the pictures.

Hi Kurt! No I think its a great idea. I saw on your profile that you study at AMDA? Im at NYADA and I think we do similar courses?

Yeah Im at AMDA and study musical theatre. Is NYADA just as hard work as AMDA?! I feel like Im always singing and acting here!

Yeah its hard here too but I love it! I love singing and acting a part and music just speaks to me above everything else. Do you want to end up on Broadway?

Id love to end up on Broadway! I probably chose the wrong college for that, you seem like youd have more chance to audition for roles while you study?

Yeah I do but I havent so far. I think Ill wait until next year when I know a bit more. Have you auditioned for anything yet?

No not yet. There are more opportunities for TV and film here and at least Im close to my dad.

Does he live in LA too?

Yeah not too far from me which is really good. He was ill last year when I started to apply and I didnt want to be so far away from him in New York though I really wanted to apply to NYADA. It seems a great place to learn our craft.

It is, I do love it. I love looking up at all the posters and buildings in Times Square and hoping and wishing for the future but it gets a little lonely here. Is your dad better now?

Yeah much better. He had cancer but is in remission now. The treatment worked. He had a heart attack a couple of years ago and I couldnt bear the thought that I might lose him. I couldnt be away from him.

Youre a really good son. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

No, just a step-brother when my dad re-married.

Blaine wanted to ask where Kurts mum was but hesitated, thinking it was too personal. In the end Kurt told him.

My mum died when I was eight.

Blaine paused for the longest time, not knowing what to write and he left it so long that Kurt became worried.

Blaine?

Sorry I was thinking. Im really sorry to hear about your mum Kurt.

Thanks.

I mean it was a long time ago and I try to surround myself with memories so I dont forget how perfect and beautiful she was but its sometimes hard.

I can only imagine.

I have to go now, Rachel, my roommate, is calling me for dinner. Chat tomorrow?

Thatll be great! Same time, same place.

"Why do you have such a smile on your face?" Rachel asked as soon as Kurt entered the kitchen to take his plate.

"No reason really, I was just chatting online."

"Oh," Rachel said knowingly and smiled.

"Nothing like that," Kurt said, sitting down at the table and starting his meal. "I dont even know what he looks like. This tastes amazing by the way. Thanks for cooking."

Rachel smiled and nodded. Shed let Kurt eat in peace this time and ask him more about this mysterious guy another time.