Blaine Anderson was no stranger to surprised looks and the brown haired boy was no exception. Then the look turned into panic and Blaine decided it would be best for him to go inside his new ‘home.’ Admittedly, he didn’t even remember what his actual house looked like and he couldn’t remember the last time he had seen his parents. He squeezed his eyes shut briefly and felt as though he was going to be sick. He took a deep breath and walked down the left hall and closed his eyes again, turning the doorknob to the right and pushed into his new bedroom. It was exactly like the dorm he had earlier this year. Had it only been a year? he thought, setting his suitcases down. He walked further into his room, realizing how much he had taken plush cream carpet, a normal bed with navy blue bedding, and actual windows for granted. He turned quickly, hearing footsteps coming towards him. He saw Kurt walking towards his room. That was his name right? He wanted to close the door and shut him out but decided against it, figuring they might as well get this awkward meeting over with.
“I’m Kurt Hummel.” The boy said with an inviting smile. He was glad that he picked up on names and faces. Blaine glanced down at his outstretched hand and shook it firmly. His parents had always told him that a firm handshake meant everything.
“Blaine Anderson…although you already know that.” Blaine replied, his voice a tiny bit gravelly from disuse. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Kurt nodded barely, which looked more like a twitch. He wasn’t sure if that even counted as gesture. Kurt smiled and Blaine realized that they hadn’t stopped shaking hands.
“The pleasure’s mine.” Kurt said, sounding a bit forced. “Let me show you around the apartment.”
“Okay.” Blaine said, attempting a half smile as he released Kurt’s hand.
“This is the living room.” Kurt said with a grand gesture towards the section of the apartment with a couch, a large coffee table, and an equally large flat-screen TV. There was also a small fireplace, Blaine wondered if it actually worked. He realized that Kurt was waiting for a response and he attempted another half smile, half nod. Kurt seemed satisfied and continued to the kitchen area. This section of the apartment was impeccable and seemingly expensive. He wondered if Kurt actually used it.
“The door down the right hall is my room. And the door directly in the middle is the bathroom.” Kurt said, tapping his foot once then twice.
“It’s very nice.” Blaine assured, filling in the awkward silence. Kurt smiled distractedly, still looking at the bathroom door.
“Thank you.” Kurt replied, glancing down at Blaine briefly. Blaine wondered if this would be the most they would ever say to each other and what his mother was doing. He tried to push it away but he missed her. “Well. I have to go back home and visit my parents. Have a good evening, Blaine.” Blaine furrowed his brow as Kurt turned away and walked back over to the living room section. They both walked towards the door, Blaine trailing behind him slightly.
“Oh. Well, the dean said…” Kurt said, turning back towards him a set of keys in his hands, staring intently at them. He couldn’t seem to look up at Blaine.
“He said what?” Blaine pressed.
“That you’re not allowed out of this apartment, so I have to lock the door from the outside and keep you in here.” Kurt said after several moments of silence. Blaine wasn’t sure why, but he feel betrayed in some way.
“Okay.” Blaine repeated, scoffing at himself for sounding so intelligent.
“Okay.” Kurt echoed, jostling his keys a bit in his hands.
“Have fun then.” Blaine said with finality, turning away and walking down the left hall and into his room again. After closing the door he decided ‘home’ wouldn’t be the right word to describe this apartment. Prison, he guessed would be more fitting but he knew this place was better than where he was before. Anything would be better than there, he decided, turning the lock and lying down on his bed.

The drive back to Lima seemed to take longer than he thought it would. Kurt decided not to call his father beforehand and simply show up to surprise him. He knew that he was forgetting something. Mentally he went through a checklist of all of the things he had packed. Instantly, he realized he forgot his phone charger. Kurt cursed himself for forgetting it, knowing that he going to have to ask Finn to use his charger and he despised having to ask for help. He knew it was because of Blaine Anderson’s sudden appearance. He wondered if they were ever going to become something close to friends and more than just two boys thrust together out of necessity. Kurt also wondered what the dean meant by Blaine “causing a conflict in the student body” and why he couldn’t leave the apartment. He couldn’t be that dangerous. Kurt rationalized, turning his Navigator into his driveway.