Blaine was so prepared for his first day at college that he felt like a good boy scout. Kurt had offered to walk in with him, to meet for breakfast beforehand or at least meet him later for lunch but he had declined. They had spent the whole summer spending as much time together as possible and now Blaine knew he had to do this alone, no matter how tempting it was to go in with Kurt and never leave his side.

Blaine knew they would have a few classes together but this week would be an initiation into the world of college and it was a very different experience for a freshman. Sophomores had been there, done that and now were determined to buckle down and study. Things had only just begun for Blaine.

Kurt had spent their evening together the night before drawing a map of the campus for Blaine and talking him through what he would need to do on his first day.

"Everyone will be out to grab your attention, to persuade you to join their club. Remember once you sign up you'll feel forced to stay with them for four years, don't put yourself around like you don't matter, don't sign up for everything, really consider all your options," Rachel said sagely as if she was a guru about the whole affair.

"I started late so I missed all of that," Kurt said, "But it was so important for me to join different clubs. Just choose wisely."

Blaine nodded at Rachel, then Kurt, taking all the advice seriously.

"Remember to enjoy yourself, watch carefully and listen to what they say," Kurt said, "But watch out for the certain cliques and desperados. You'll spot them easily."

He had left their apartment feeling more confused and worried than when he had entered but he knew they meant well. He walked to the campus building and entered, seeing loads of others similar to himself, milling around. He stood to the side and waited for the initiation to begin, suddenly thinking it would be awesome if Robyn had got in here after all. He sent her a quick message wishing her luck on her first day studying drama at NYU.

He looked around then at the different people standing in groups. Some obviously knew each other and were successful together. They eyed up the competition carefully whilst laughing and joking, giving the impression of endless confidence and easy banter whilst their stomachs knotted with nerves. Blaine found himself wringing his hands but when he realised he dropped them to his sides.

A girl was watching him from behind the pillar and he smiled shyly when he realised but as if she was caught, her gaze dropped to the floor and she avoided looking his way again. He swallowed nervously in preparation and started what felt the longest walk to the pillar she was now trying to hide behind.

"Hi," Blaine said nervously, "Are you a freshman too?"

She looked up with such an air of surprise Blaine felt a little more confident. He could do this.

"Yeah," she said, still surprised at being addressed, "I'm Alice."

"Nice to meet you," Blaine said, shaking her offered hand, "I'm Blaine."

There was an awkward silence that can only be felt, hanging over them like the sword of Damocles – hovering and waiting patiently for someone to speak and take the plunge. Blaine never had been good at small talk and he smiled nervously when he caught Alice's eye again.

"First days are scary aren't they?" he said nervously, with a little laugh.

"Yeah," she laughed too, "I'm not very good at talking to people I guess. I never know what to say."

"Me too," Blaine said, smiling. "Where are you from?"

"Michigan," she said, "You?"

"Long story but I live here in New York with my dad now, although I've been all over the place. I did my senior year at high school here last year too."

"Oh that's good," she said, although Blaine guessed she was just being polite, "I'm not sure I like it here so far. It's a little too busy."

"Yeah I understand," he said, "I feel like that sometimes too but people run around fast and they don't notice other people that have stilled or don't say a word. You can fade into the background quite easily that way."

"You sound like you know from experience."

"I guess, but it's always nice to surprise people. When you do something, anything, it's unexpected from a quiet person and they listen and take notice."

"Is that why you perform?" she asked.

"Yeah, I love it really. I come alive then I think and I never knew it until recently."

"Do you just sing?"

"Mainly, although I'm hoping to learn everything here. Maybe I could sell records one day. Do you just sing?"

"I can sing and dance but I love to act, to really come alive through a character. I prefer to pretend I suppose."

"It's easier?"

"In a way, I just never feel exciting enough for other people but acting? You can show another side, another emotion, another person. That's something special."

"It'll be good to see each of us perform soon then," Blaine said, "My boyfriend Kurt is a sophomore here and he says that everyone gets a chance to see what you can do in your first class."

Alice looked nervous then she seemed to steel herself for the inevitable and she nodded.

"That's good to know," she said, "I guess it's quite handy having your boyfriend already here. How did you meet?"

Blaine laughed slightly. "That's a long and very complicated story," and Alice looked a little embarrassed that she had asked. "Can I tell you over coffee later?"

Alice's face lit up when she realised what he had said. "Sounds great."

The initiation went well. They were shown around campus and where classes would be held. It was explained what they would be doing in the next few weeks, given timetables and class details, as well as a list of books to buy for the first semester. They were soon allowed to wander around campus and see the stands for themselves and Blaine and Alice decided to go around together. They grabbed coffee, Blaine telling her a little of his story with the bridge and Kurt, although only briefly mentioning his mother and brother's death. Alice seemed to understand not to mention it further and the conversation turned lighter, with a discussion of clubs and hobbies. They exchanged stories about their respective glee clubs, Alice suitably impressed that Blaine's had won nationals this year.

"Where are you living?" Blaine asked a little later, as they sat on the grass under a tree eating the sandwiches that Kurt had packed for Blaine the night before.

"In a dorm with a loud girl who listens to loud rock music and wears nothing but black. She seems the complete opposite of me and ignores me when she can."

"Oh that's tough," he said, "I guess I have it easy living at home with my dad. I was never keen on the idea of living away from home."

"How long have you been with your boyfriend?"

"Less than a year, not quite ready to move in together yet."

Alice nodded in understanding but Blaine felt the need to explain further.

"I love him though, I know he's it," he said sweetly.

She smiled. "You're lucky, finding someone when you're so young. I hope someday I find someone that's it for me too."

Blaine thought for a moment that she was being deliberately sweet but when he looked at her sad expression, his own softened.

"College is the time to find people I reckon," he said confidently, "Someone just like you, who loves what you love and we have all this time to spend searching and finding and discovering things about ourselves. You have all the time in the world."

Alice looked up and smiled. A genuine smile that brightened her eyes and made them crinkle at the sides.

"Thank you Blaine," she said, "That was just what I needed to hear."

They finished lunch and decided to wander the stands and see what they might want to sign up for. Blaine wasn't sure about a college glee club although Kurt had said it was a good experience and a great way to make friends. Rachel had warned him profusely but as he was wandering the stands his eyes alighted on a picture of a yellow bird with a musical note coming out of its mouth. An a cappella male singing group.

"Hi," a well dressed boy suddenly said, stretching out his hand politely, which Blaine shook kindly. "Interested in joining our a cappella group the Warblers? We wear blazers and sing with just our voices. Can you sing?"

Blaine nodded.

"Great, auditions are tomorrow. We'd love if you could join," the guy said, handing Blaine a flyer eagerly.

It really did look like a good group, a way to make friends and he liked the look of the group with their blazers. He suddenly wondered if he could persuade them to wear bowties too.

"So how was it?" Kurt asked eagerly as he opened the sliding door to find Blaine there. He brought him in by the hand and led him to the kitchen table and instantly started making coffee. "What was your first day like?"

Blaine took a moment to look over Kurt's jittery hands as he made coffee and he walked over and hugged him from behind.

"Oh," Kurt said in surprise, "What's that for?"

"For being you, and for worrying about me and being something perfect that I can always come home to," Blaine said simply, kissing Kurt's neck sweetly and finally resting his chin on Kurt's shoulder. Kurt squeezed Blaine's hands that were around his waist and smiled.

"I always want to be home."