As Blaine left glee club, his phone buzzed in his pocket and seeing the message, he smiled.

"Who's the message from?" said Robyn, who seemed to be constantly by his side, her face lit up at seeing Blaine's happy expression.

"My friend Kurt," and just saying that made Blaine feel good about himself again even just slightly. That a friend like Kurt had stuck around after all that he had said the day before, had shown he cared and had helped him more than ever – Blaine couldn't hide the crazy feeling of happiness any longer.

"I rang him on the Trevor Project hotline a few weeks ago and we've been friends ever since."

Saying it out loud to someone suddenly made it seem silly and fake and his smile fell slightly. Robyn didn't seem fazed by it at all.

"That's great that he does that, some people have no one to talk to and really need help." Realisation dawned across her features. Blaine had called the hotline.

"Why did you call the hotline?" Robyn looked a little shocked, although she tried to look detached and carefree.

"I was having some trouble I guess," Blaine muttered as they continued to walk out of school.

Robyn didn't say anything but came closer to Blaine and rubbed his arm gently. They were by Blaine's car when she spoke again and it had slightly unnerved Blaine, noticing she very rarely allowed silence to occur.

"Batman, never struggle alone," she said, looking directly into his wide hazel eyes, her own showing such sincerity that Blaine swallowed and smiled slightly. "If you ever need a friend I am always here. I know I might talk a lot but I know what it is to feel like no one listens. No one should sink without someone there to give them a rope to catch." Without a moment's hesitation she hugged Blaine close, who after the initial shock of the contact, soon relaxed into the touch and smiled.

---

To: Blaine [4.09pm]

What are you doing tonight? :)

Kurt had been sending him messages all day, just little bits about his day or questions asking how he was and although Blaine loved that Kurt cared that much, he also wanted to feel normal. Their friendship hadn't started in the most conventional of ways and Blaine didn't want to continue being a nuisance but Kurt sending this message made it seem like he enjoyed his company too.

To: Kurt [4.24pm]

Nothing Saki, why?!

To: Blaine [4.25pm]

I didn't tell you that name for you to mock me with it! Students from NYADA always put on performances every Tuesday in the atrium. I wondered if you wanted to come? I might sing ;)

To: Kurt [4.30pm]

Of course I want to come! I've been waiting for an opportunity to hear you for so long...

To: Blaine [4.32pm]

Great! Then your wish will be granted! Do you know where NYADA is?

To: Kurt [4.33pm]

Yeah I walk past it sometimes. Meet me outside?

To: Blaine [4.34pm]

Sounds like a plan Batman ;) 8pm ok?

To: Kurt [4.35pm]

Definitely, see you then :)

To: Blaine [4.36pm]

I'm really looking forward to it x

A kiss?! Blaine had tried to keep it casual, not pushing the boundaries, not quite sure if they were close friends despite Kurt's assurances. He reread the message several times and decided that Kurt was just happy and that Blaine shouldn't read too much into it. They weren't conventional friends, Blaine still under the impression that Kurt was being his friend out of guilt or pity and Kurt was no ordinary person.

Kurt arrived early so he was waiting when Blaine arrived. The building was triangular from this direction and completely glass, making it appear as if it was a greenhouse and everyone was on show. Despite the hour and the darkness outside, NYADA appeared to shine and twinkle, its lights illuminating the dreary gloom. The doors were glass too and had the prestigious name of NYADA across the front as you entered. There were students gathered around the piano and other instruments, preparing for their performances and Kurt found them seats so he could go to chat to them too.

"I'll be right back, I just want to check my song is still ok," Kurt said as he seated Blaine near the back and saved himself a place. Blaine watched Kurt approach the small group of performers and one or two accepted Kurt as one of them, eager to improve and show their talent and skill. Still others seemed lost in their own world and Kurt was clearly different. In tight trousers and a jacket with a fierce broach, Kurt stood out and Blaine could watch and admire his confidence. He stood tall and proud but Blaine could tell he was hiding a bundle of nerves and silent fears.

Kurt soon returned to sit next to Blaine and smiled nervously.

"I'm not on for a while so we've got some time to enjoy the performances," he said smiling.

There were singers, dancers, operatically trained singers and people that were clearly born to perform. Blaine started to think of the audition process to get here, how tough it must be and decided he really didn't have what it took to make it here. He loved singing, really felt like he came alive when he sang but hearing these students and knowing they had probably struggled and fought for a place, he just didn't think he had the gumption and courage that they must possess.

He suddenly thought to his own tin of paint that Kurt had bought which now resided on his dresser in his bedroom and smiled. If only it could really work.

Soon it was Kurt's chance to sing and he stood slightly nervously but only showed his confidence as he approached the make-shift stage.

"Hi everyone," Kurt said into the microphone, "I would like to dedicate my performance tonight to my good friend Blaine who's watching us tonight." Blaine looked shocked at the mention as people turned to find out who he was. His cheeks turned a shade of pink but at hearing Kurt refer to him as a 'good' friend his heart raced.

The piano started playing and Kurt stood, keeping his hands by his side and smiling slightly at Blaine.

You've got the words to change a nation

But you're biting your tongue.
You've spent a lifetime stuck in silence

Afraid you'll say something wrong.
If no one ever hears it,

How we gonna learn your song?
So come on come on, come on come on.

Kurt's voice was so beautiful, Blaine couldn't believe he was there listening to it. The glaring light, reflecting from the glass and bouncing back towards Kurt, made him look like he was on fire and Blaine's breath hitched slightly as he watched at the magnificence.

You've got a heart as loud as lions

So why let your voice be tamed?
Maybe we're a little different,

There's no need to be ashamed.

You've got the light to fight the shadows

So stop hiding it away come on, come on

I wanna sing, I wanna shout.
I wanna scream till the words dry out
So put it in all of the papers, I'm not afraid.
They can read all about it, read all about it

This was for him, directly for him and Blaine was a little shocked by the message of the song. He had thought maybe Kurt was referencing him because he had brought him here but he really wanted him to listen.

At night we're waking up the neighbours

While we sing away the blues.
Making sure that we're remembered yeah

Cause we all matter too
If the truth has been forbidden,
Then we're breaking all the rules
so come on, come on, come on, come on

Let's get the TV and the radio to play our tune again,
It's 'bout time we got some airplay of our version of events
There's no need to be afraid,
I will sing with you my friend
Come on, come on

Kurt looked directly at Blaine now, no hiding who he was singing too and he seemed to glow and catch alight, singing for all he was worth. He really wanted Blaine to listen and Blaine could feel tears start in his eyes at Kurt's sincerity and beauty. God he wanted Kurt to take him in his arms and never let go.

I wanna sing I wanna shout.
I wanna scream till the words dry out
So put it in all of the papers, I'm not afraid.
They can read all about it, read all about it

Yeah we're all wonderful, wonderful people
So when did we all get so fearful?
Now we're finally finding our voices
So take a chance come help me sing this

I wanna sing I wanna shout
I wanna scream till the words dry out
So put it in all of the papers, I'm not afraid.
They can read all about it, read all about it

He seemed to fade out and Kurt suddenly looked uneasy, as if he wasn't sure how Blaine would react. Everyone applauded, clearly the best performance of the night, the other performers looking slightly perturbed that Kurt had bested them. Blaine clapped softly but it was clear to Kurt that he had made an impact, a lone tear sliding down his cheek.

---

Kurt had asked Blaine if he fancied a coffee afterwards so they found themselves walking to a little place that Kurt knew after he had said goodbye to some of his friends. Blaine was strangely quiet on the walk there and Kurt had started to feel slightly nervous of his reaction. He nodded at the coffee shop as they approached and Blaine crossed the street, following Kurt carefully. Blaine ordered their drinks confidently and by heart, causing Kurt to look up at him in surprise.

"You know my coffee order?"

"Of course," Blaine said, "Unless you wanted something different?" he said suddenly worried that he had presumed too much.

"Oh no, that's my favourite," Kurt said smiling and leading them to a corner table. "Ok, you're killing me here Blaine," he said grimacing, "How did you think my performance went? Did you like it or was it too much?"

"Are you kidding me Kurt?" Blaine said incredulous, "I loved it. I just needed a moment to digest it all I guess," he said looking down at his coffee. "You sang that for me, I just... no one has ever done that."

"Blaine, you are my friend, right?" Kurt asked in total sincerity, even gently touching Blaine's hand as it rested around his mug. Blaine looked up at him, his eyes shining and smiled.

"Of course Kurt, I just... I mean we didn't start in the usual way and I don't want you to feel sorry for me or feel obligated to befriend me. You've done what you're asked to do for the Trevor Project, in fact I think you've gone above and beyond and..."

"Blaine," Kurt said, squeezing the hand he touched with his fingers, "I am your friend. Whether we met online or over a telephone or at school, you are still a friend and I don't work for the Trevor Project when I meet or call you now. I'm just simply your friend and I think you're awesome." He beamed and hoped that Blaine finally understood.

"I'm not awesome Kurt," he whispered, "You on the other hand are beautiful," he said, smiling, then his face well as he realised what he had said. "I mean you sing beautifully – tonight, you sang beautifully, I mean... Oh god..." He held his head in his hands, sighing miserably, his coffee placed on the table.

"You think I'm beautiful?" Kurt asked quietly and Blaine decided that now was the time. He could never deny it and although it was embarrassing to admit, he couldn't bear the quiet insecurity in Kurt's voice.

"Yes," Blaine said simply, his eyes open and honest and Kurt blinked.

"No one's ever called me that," Kurt said quietly, looking mildly surprised then he looked up at Blaine and he smiled widely, causing crinkles around his eyes.

"I wish you could see your own beauty Blaine," Kurt said, "I really want to get to know you better, the real you. How about we go ice skating?"

"I haven't been in years," Blaine started and Kurt quickly hushed him.

"Don't be silly, neither have I but it will be fun and we can fall together and laugh. Maybe we can sing together?" Kurt asked shyly, already desperate to hear what Blaine sounded like.

"I don't know, maybe."

"Well think about the singing but you have to come skating," Kurt said.

"Ok," Blaine said, thinking that Robyn and Kurt had many things in common, namely a desire to force Blaine to live and embarrass himself many times.

---

Blaine went home that night to a dark apartment, his father already in bed it seemed. He turned the hall light on to place his jacket on the peg and take off his shoes, not wanting to wake his dad so he padded softly to the kitchen to make a hot drink before he tried to sleep. Turning the light on in the kitchen he jumped out of his skin when his dad seemed to materialise out of the darkness, sitting at the kitchen table.

"Dad, you nearly scared me half to death," he yelped, clutching his chest in panic, "What are you doing in the dark?" He looked at the big book he had open on the kitchen table and knew it was the photo album of their life together. Blaine as a child with Cooper and his parents, the photos reflecting the change of time and mood of the household. There were pictures of holidays taken together, sun, sea and happiness; photos of family birthdays and occasions. Blaine noticed that his dad's face had changed so much over the years without him noticing, so consumed with his own guilt and overwhelming sadness, here was proof that his father was unrecognisable now. Blaine looked at his dad, who had remained silent despite the near scream from the doorway and Blaine could see the tear tracks down his face, his face still.

"Dad," he said, gently tapping his shoulder to alert him of his presence, "Are you ok?"

He looked up as if he had only just noticed Blaine was in the room.

"She really was amazing," he said simply, "She always knew what to do, always knew how to speak to you and I know nothing."

"Speak to me?" Blaine asked, wondering what brought this on, "You can always speak to me dad."

"But what can I say?" he said, sounding helpless, "Nothing brings her back and I know we want that most of all."

Blaine did want that most of all but seeing his dad here and now he realised he could save this and do something.

"I do want her back and I know I did the most dreadful thing in causing her death, I can't ever forgive myself for that dad, god..." His voice stopped, his chest allowing a sob to escape and his hands shook as he tried to cover his face. Will just watched his son struggle for a while, not quite knowing how to handle this but wanting to help, to say something.

"She loved you so much Blaine, she wouldn't want you to blame yourself." He took his wrist gently, taking his hand away from covering his face and looked in his eyes.

"But she didn't know dad," he said, "She didn't know I was gay, she was surprised - that's what caused her to swerve the car and...." His breath hitched again, choking sounds escaping his mouth and threatening to overwhelm him.

"No, she knew Blaine," he said softly, "She knew because we discussed it."

"What do you mean?" Blaine asked quietly, his eyes wide.

"Cooper said something to us on one of his visits, made a flippant comment about your love of bowties and tight jeans and we knew. You'd never mentioned girls yet you said something about a boy's eyes at school. You were never worried with us, never conscious of hiding and I loved that about you Blaine. I remember your mum saying that she knew you'd grow up to be a great man: perfectly polite, charming and intelligent were her exact words. And although she knew she was biased she said you were pretty handsome too," he said smiling. Blaine felt tears prick at his eyes but hearing his dad say these words did something to his chest and he suddenly felt lighter.

"She knew and still loved me?" he said, his voice just a whisper, no strength behind his words.

"Yes Blaine," Will said confidently, "She loved you very much."

Blaine took a while to digest the idea that his mum knew all along and still loved him. He looked at his father, the man he had become and he knew he struggled just as much and Blaine had been ignoring someone else's pain in favour of feeling his own.

"Dad," he said after a while, "I've been wandering to the bridge at night sometimes," he said, not able to look at his father, "I've not always wanted to return home."

"I'm just glad you did," he said simply, clearly understanding his meaning and Blaine looked up in surprise. "I can't lose you too Blaine," he said, tears starting in his eyes at the thought. "You're all I have, we can't waste the life we've been given and we certainly can't throw it away. Whatever you're thinking, whatever you feel, I know I've been there too. Maybe we should talk more often."

"Yeah," Blaine said smiling, "I'd like that dad."

"What made you stop? What made you turn away from the water?" Will asked after a while.

"I rang someone for help, they saved me. I've met him a few times actually, he's a really good friend."

"Well whoever he is, I'm really glad he brought you home to me Blaine. I'd like to meet him someday and personally thank him because I can already see he's made a huge difference."

"Yeah, he has," Blaine said before they spoke long into the night, discussing favourite photos as they lay on the kitchen table. Blaine felt a little lighter and knew a bridge had been crossed and a load dispersed.