‘Oh shit,’ Blaine cursed along with a sigh for good measure.

He’d been stuck on this particular level of angry birds for the past thirty minutes. He’d made a bet with his ten year old cousin Nate six weeks ago who could do the best by the time they see each other again. Blaine’s forfeit was to go to Nate’s school and sing at one of their assemblies. Blaine had no problem with that and he’d planned to do it anyway; he just didn’t like to lose.

'Flight two four three to Port Columbus International is now boarding. Would all passengers please make their way to gate sixty four and have your boarding cards ready for inspection. Thank you.'

Blaine turned his iPad off and put it away in his rucksack. He yawned and stood up from where he was sitting. He joined the line of people waiting with their boarding cards at the gate.

'Excuse me?'

Blaine turned to his left to see a woman who looked like she was in her forties, smiling at him. She looked a little nervous. 'Yes?'

'I'm really sorry to bother you when you're about to get on a plane at six in the morning but my daughter is a huge  fan. Would you um... sign this for me?'

'Sure no problem,' Blaine smiled.

He took the pen and piece of paper the woman was holding. The people either side of him in the line who had overheard the conversation were now trying to get a good look at him.

'What's her name?'

'Daisy.'

'That's such a pretty name... here you go.'

Blaine handed over his autograph and the woman beamed at him. 'Thank you so much, she'll be so happy when I tell her.'

'You're welcome, and tell Daisy she has a really cool mom.'

The woman laughed and thanked Blaine again before walking away. Twenty minutes passed and Blaine was sat in his seat on the plane awaiting take off. He took his phone out from his pocket and sent two text messages before switching it off.

To: Mom
Hi Mom, just about to take off. Ohio here I come!!!!! See you in a few hours :) x

To: Jed
Baby I've been trying to ring you since last night...? I'm on my way to Ohio for a bit, research for the movie. Call me :) Bxx

. . . . . . . . . .

Kurt filled his glass up with water from the kitchen tap. He took a sip as he looked out of the window, smiling when he saw next doors cat walking along the fence, losing its footing and falling off. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he put his water down. Unlocking his cherished iPhone his stomach sank as he found a text from somebody he wished would leave him alone.

From: Karofsky
I know you’ve said we’re better off as friends but what's one little date? Come on Kurt, give me a chance? :)

For the past few weeks Dave Karofsky had become somewhat smitten with Kurt since he supported him through coming out to his parents. Although dubious at first when Dave had contacted him for help, Kurt had discovered Dave wasn't so bad and had agreed to be friends.

The thing was, Kurt was incredibly lonely and he longed to have a boyfriend. It seemed like all his friends at school were on their third or fourth relationship already and his step brother Finn was already engaged to Rachel. Another guy had never shown any interest in him before in that way... well until now.

But with their history, Dave not really being his type and the fact he refused to come out to anyone but his parents until he was in college, Kurt just wasn't interested. He was flattered, but wasn't interested. He just hoped Dave would give up soon. Kurt was also convinced that Dave's feelings  were completely misguided. Kurt happened to be the only openly gay guy he knew; it was bound to confuse things.

Kurt was thankful Dave had transferred schools this year otherwise the situation would probably be so much worse seeing each other every day. Pulling out of his thoughts, Kurt grabbed his water and left the kitchen to join his family at the dining room table for dinner. For several minutes nobody spoke, until…

'Kurt?... Kurt?'

Shhh I'm busy
‘Mmn.’

'Kurt!'

'What?'

'Don't text during dinner.'

Kurt tore his eyes away from the phone in his hands to glare at his Dad. Burt was sitting directly opposite him at the dining room table.

'I'm not texting. I'm checking twitter.'

'Is that like facebook?' Carole asked.

Kurt shook his head. 'Facebook is dead to me.'

Burt waved his fork at his son. 'Well whatever you're doing, stop it and eat your dinner.'

Kurt laughed. 'I made dinner whilst you and Finn watched the football game.'

'He's got a point,' Carole told her husband.

Burt grumbled something unintelligible before asking, 'Why are you kids all obsessed with this twitting stuff?'

It's tweeting!
'It’s tweeting, not twitting,' Kurt said, trying to sound patient. 'Anyway, you wouldn’t understand seeing as you're so old.'

'Hey I'm not that old.'

Burt turned to his wife for some kind of reassurance but she was struggling to keep a straight face.

'Dad, you still can't get your head around texting or e-mailing. That alone proves you're ancient.'

'The world was still going round just fine before the likes of phones and the internet were invented.'

Kurt raised his eyebrows. 'Exactly... ancient history.'

Burt sighed and turned to Finn instead. 'Please tell me you're not into all this twit stuff as well?'

'Dude, twitters like... awesome. You can follow the president.'

'What do you mean follow him?' Carole asked her son. 'Can I be on this twitter thing?'

Finn rolled his eyes. 'Anyone can be. Lady Gaga has the most followers, like a trillion million or something.'

'How does it work exactly?' Burt asked and Finn groaned.

Kurt had to bite his lip from laughing, the older generation and new technologies were not a good mix. So as Finn tried to explain the functions of twitter to their bemused parents Kurt scrolled through the list of people he followed to find his favourite tweeter, Blaine Anderson. With a fond smile on his face he read Blaine's most recent page of updates.

. . . . . . . . . .

@BlaineAnderson

Before shooting starts I’m going on a little vacation for a few weeks but I’ll try to tweet if I can!
2 hours ago via Twitter for Blackberry

I’m really excited about my next movie role and can’t wait to tell you guys all about it :)
4 hours ago via Twitter for Blackberry

@SebastianSmythe Of course I remember you. Congrats on the sectionals win last week. #warblersrock
4 hours ago via Twitter for Blackberry

I love the concept though having been in a glee club myself, looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
11 hours ago via Twitter for Blackberry

LOL at all the tweets saying I probably auditioned and failed ;)
11 hours ago via Twitter for Blackberry

The rumours that I’m going to be in Fox’s new show ‘Glee’ are not true. I was never approached about it.
11 hours ago via Twitter for Blackberry

I love my friends! RT @WesMontgomery Blaine Anderson smells. #fact
11 hours ago via Twitter for Blackberry

. . . . . . . . . .

Life officially sucks.
Kurt sighed and put his phone down on the table with a little more force than was necessary.

'Something wrong?'

Kurt looked up at his step mom's question, only just realising Finn's modern technology lesson had finished and everyone had gone back to eating.

'Blaine Anderson might not be on twitter for a while,' Kurt mumbled.

'Dats crap ude,' Finn said with his mouth full.

'Finn, manners,' Carole warned.

Finn swallowed his food before continuing. 'Sorry Mom... anyway, aren't you like... totally in love with that guy?'

For fucks sake Finn, shut up!
'No,' Kurt scoffed, although he felt his cheeks burning up with embarrassment.

Burt frowned, looking thoroughly confused at the conversation. 'Whose Dwayne Anderton?'

'Oh is he that boy from Ohio?' Carole asked. She threw Kurt a knowing smile and he nodded in response.

'Who is he?' Burt asked again.

'He's a twenty year old singer slash actor and comes from Ohio,' Kurt explained quickly. 'I've told you about him before.'

'He's gay too,' Finn added. 'But he's not like... gay  gay you know? He seems pretty cool.'

Kurt sighed. 'So eloquently put.'

Finn smiled, the sarcasm not registering. 'Thanks.'

Burt frowned and took a sip from his glass of water. 'I don't get it.'

'Don't get what?' Kurt asked.

'Well isn't it the thing in Hollywood to keep your sexuality hidden?'

'Times are changing Dad. He could have kept it secret, but instead he's this huge role model to gay kids everywhere. That's gotta be a good thing right?'

'I guess... so is it his talents  you like or as Finn said you're just in love with-'

'Daaad,' Kurt squeaked. He went bright red and looked anywhere but at Burt. 'He's a great singer and his first album was incredible ok?'

'But he's good looking too, right?' Carole asked and they all laughed.

'Yeah... ok,' Kurt admitted, scratching his neck nervously.

'Why do you two think he's gay?' Burt asked, looking between Kurt and Finn.

'Honey it's not gossip,' Carole told her husband. 'I was with Kurt when he bought his coming out book.'

Kurt beamed. 'It was amazing.'

'What's so amazing about coming out?'

Oh my God.
Kurt rolled his eyes at his Dad. 'His experience... he was nearly beaten to death after a school dance, his brother hasn’t spoken to him in years and his Dad thought he could cure him by "fixing" cars.'

Burt chuckled. ''Famous people will do anything for money Kurt, eighty per cent of his story is probably fabricated nonsense. As if anyone would believe "fixing cars" could turn someone straight.'

'You'd be surprised,' Carol said.

'Do you think you could like... turn a straight guy gay?' Finn asked and everyone looked at him. 'What?'

Oh Jesus!
Kurt shook his head at his step brother. 'No.'

'I bet you wished you'd got to know him better before he got famous,' Finn teased.

'Wait, you've met him?' Burt asked.

'Well seen him,' Kurt said. 'New Directions competed against his glee club at regionals two years ago. They were flawless.'

'It was pretty epic,' Finn agreed. 'They sang Teenage Dream and brought the house down. We had no chance against the Garblers.'

'Warblers,' Kurt corrected with a sigh.

. . . . . . . . . .

‘So what do you think?’

Blaine turned around and looked in the mirror. He smiled at his reflection, not recognising the person looking back at him. It still blew him away what a little touch up here and there could do to alter one's appearance. He was wearing a shoulder length dark brown wig, blue contact lenses, glasses and braces on his teeth. His personal stylist (and aunt), Susan, had done an amazing job.

'This is fantastic. Have I told you lately how much I love you?'

Susan laughed. 'I'm just doing my job... which you pay me too much for I might add.'

Blaine hugged his aunt. 'Don't be silly, you're family… talking of family, how’s Nate?’

Susan smirked. ‘Looking forward to seeing you.’

‘I bet,’ Blaine groaned.

'So what alias have you come up with for your McKinley nerd?'

Blaine looked down at his feet. 'Cooper.'

'Oh Blaine... you still not heard from him?'

'No. He hasn't replied to any of my calls, texts, emails… letters.'

'Have you thought about showing up at his door... you know, unannounced?'

'I've thought about it but... it's his decision if he wants nothing to do with me. I should respect his wishes.'

Susan was about to say something when Blaine's phone started ringing. 'Is that Jed?'

Blaine picked his phone up and looked at the screen with a smile. 'Yeah.' He stepped out of the room and into the hallway to take the call. 'Hi Jed.'

'Babe, I got your text. What do you mean you'll be in Ohio for a bit?'

'Like I said, I'm doing some research for my new role.'

'Why can't you do that in L.A?'

'Well it was a chance to spend some time at home for a bit. I miss my Mom's cooking.'

Jed sighed and Blaine couldn't understand why. 'Well how long are you going to be there? You wrote on your twitter page you'd be MIA for a few weeks.'

'It's a few weeks until the shoot starts. I might only be here for a few days, I'm not sure yet. It depends how beneficial the research turns out to be. The script is based on a true story; we want to do it justice.'

'I miss you.'

Aww.
Blaine smiled even though Jed couldn't see him. 'I miss you too.'

'No, I mean I miss  you. I'm so fucking horny without you here.'

Oh how romantic!
'Sorry, you'll have to make do with your hand for now.'

'I'd rather it was your  hand,' Jed purred in a low voice.

Blaine was pretty sure he'd started bushing. Just then his mother shouted up the stairs to him and his aunt, 'Guys? Dinner's ready.'

'Um, I've got to go but I'll skype you tonight okay?'

'Sure babe, I'll text you what time I'll be home.'

'Bye Jed.'

Blaine disconnected the call and leaned back against the wall as he thought about his boyfriend. He loved Jed, he really did. But things between them had been a bit difficult lately. Having a few days, or even a week or two apart might actually be what they need.

'You're too good for him,' Susan said quietly as she passed Blaine and walked down the hallway.

Huh?
Blaine hurried after her. 'Wait, Susan... what do you mean?'

. . . . . . . . . .

Blaine yawned and drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. He was sat in his car in the McKinley parking lot. It was Monday morning and his first day of research. His producer had told him there would be no obligation to continue if he hated it, but Blaine didn't like quitting. He wanted to at least last the week. He grabbed his bag from the passenger seat and got out, closing the door behind him.

'Well here goes nothing,' he whispered to himself and he set off towards the entrance.

'Hey four eyes, nice specs,' someone shouted out and a few people giggled.

Insulted within ten seconds... interesting.
'How original,' Blaine said to no-one in particular.

He reached the inside and turned left to walk down the hall he'd been informed would take him to the principal's office. But only a few seconds went by before Blaine was stopped in his tracks. Up ahead he witnessed a guy in a red jacket push another guy into some lockers.

'Didn't see you there Kurt... I mean Lady McHomo.'

The bully smirked at Kurt and then walked off with his friends, all of them laughing. Blaine looked around, but nobody else seemed at all concerned. A couple of people were looking at Kurt but not sympathetically. Blaine rushed up to him.

'Hey, are you ok?'

Kurt was rubbing his hand over his left elbow. 'I'm fine.'

'You sure?'

'Yeah, I-'

Kurt had looked up to see who was talking to him and stopped mid-sentence, his mouth hanging open slightly.

Wow, the first person I speak to turns out to be a cute gay boy.
Blaine smiled. 'Did your parents never tell you it was rude to stare?'

Kurt laughed. 'Oh I'm so sorry, it's just... you're new.'

'That's right,' Blaine replied. 'It's my first day.'

'Welcome to Mckinley then... um...'

'Cooper Williams,' Blaine said holding his hand out.

Kurt shook it. 'I'm Kurt Hummel.'

Oooh nice soft hands... stop it Blaine he might be fourteen or something!
'So um... I'm sorry if this sounds stupid but... do you just let people get away with bullying you like that?'

Kurt smiled at Cooper. 'I'm used to it... and there's not much I can do about it anyway, the school turns a blind eye. Thanks for your concern though, it's really-'

'Is this your boyfriend Hummel?'

Kurt glared at who had interrupted them. 'Go away Jacob.'

Blaine looked to Jacob and frowned. 'Is that really any of your business?'

Jacob just grinned between the two of them and then walked off. Kurt gazed down at his feet for a moment before looking back up and giving Cooper a sad smile.

'I'm sorry about that. You know it's probably in your best interests not to be seen talking to me. People will assume you er... play for the other team.'

'So,' Blaine shrugged.

Kurt blinked a few times, staring. 'Oh... er... are you...?'

Gay? Oh yes!
'No, I just... well I don't think it's an issue. Actually my... my brother's gay.'

Kurt smiled and bit down on his bottom lip. 'Oh... cool.'

Could he be any more adorable?
'Um, anyway... I better run I have to see Principal Figgins before my first class.'

'Sure... hey are you a senior?'

'Yeah I am,' Blaine replied.

Kurt smiled. 'Well have one of my stickers then.'

He rummaged around in his bag and emerged with a bright sticker which he placed in Cooper's hand. 'What's it for?'

‘I’m running for senior class president.'

Oh so he must be at least seventeen then… Jesus Blaine get your brains out of your pants!

'Oh right, well um... you've got my vote for sure.'

'Thanks.... er, can I give you a piece of advice?'

Blaine put the sticker in his pocket. 'Of course, shoot.'

Kurt took a deep breath before speaking. 'The kids at McKinley can be quite... well you've witnessed samples of it already... I really don't mean to be rude or anything but with those glasses you're just crying out to be bullied too. Maybe you should go for a more fashionable frame or wear contacts.'

'Thanks, I'll bear it in mind.'

Kurt smiled. 'See you around Cooper.'

He turned and walked off leaving Blaine watching after him. It had been an interesting day so far yet he'd barely left his car ten minutes ago. Turning around to continue his way to the principal's office, Blaine suddenly found himself being hit in the face with a cold sticky liquid.

'Welcome to McKinley newbie.'

. . . . . . . . . .

It was lunchtime at McKinley. Blaine made his way to the school canteen after what had been a bizarre morning. He'd ended up missing most of his first class because he was in the bathroom trying to get as much slushie out of his clothes and hair as he could with the help of a super sweet woman called Miss Pilsbury he wanted to adopt as an older sister.

Blaine sat down at an empty table with his sandwich and a diet coke. He scanned the room for Kurt (although he wasn't sure why) but couldn't see him although he did see the guy who had pushed him into the lockers, talking loudly with his groups of friends. Blaine turned his phone on and once it was fully loaded he saw three text messages and several e-mails waiting for him. He decided to ignore the e-mails for now; they'd only be from his manager and blah blah blah boring.

From: Nate
See you on Wednesday LOSER!

From: Susan
I'm sorry again for last night. I've got a big mouth and I was out of line for what I said about you and Jed.

From: Jed
Babe my agent has told me Vanity Fair magazine has offered us $100,000 each to do a photo shoot and officially announce our relationship! Awesome right? Shall we talk dates? x

'I don't think so,' Blaine whispered to himself. He was about to respond when a voice interrupted him.

'You look smart.'

Blaine looked away from his phone to see a guy in a wheelchair had come to a stop at his table and was smiling at him. 'Um, sorry what?'

'You look smart... and I know I'm stereotyping with the glasses and everything but I really don't care. I want to win this year you know?’

Huh?
Blaine shifted in his seat a little. 'Er... win?'

'Oh sorry, I should introduce myself... I'm Artie, captain of the McKinley quiz team.'

Artie offered Blaine his hand which he shook. 'Nice to meet you Artie, I'm B-Cooper.'

'So Cooper, what are your grades like?'

'Pretty good I guess.'

'And your general knowledge?'

'Not bad... but why are you asking me? There must be loads of people who want to be on the quiz team.'

'Sadly, no. The quiz team is about as popular as glee club, which I'm also a member of by the way.'

What?
Blaine frowned. 'Wait... the glee club here isn't  popular?'

Artie laughed. 'God no. We're all social outcasts, but we have each other so it's all cool... anyway, quiz club. Are you in? It's pretty fun, we meet once a week and have competitions every couple of months.'

Well it wouldn't hurt to say yes I suppose.
Blaine smiled. 'Sure.'

After talking for a few more minutes and exchanging phone numbers, Artie moved off and Blaine returned to his text messages, resisting the urge to burst out laughing. So far, McKinley had been pretty educational, just not the academic kind.

To: Nate
Bring. It. On. Hobbit. :)

To: Susan
It's already forgotten and I love that you care about me enough to air your concerns (hugs) x

To: Jed
Hmm, that kind of thing isn't really me or us. Why don't you do a "coming out" interview? Bxx

. . . . . . . . . .

Kurt dumped his school bag in the hallway ,took his jacket off and hung it on a spare hook. He went into kitchen where he found Carole sitting at the table and knitting. He couldn't help smiling and felt his throat tighten slightly. It was such a 'Mom' scene and one he never thought he'd get to see when growing up with just his Dad. Burt was a wonderful man and an amazing father, but it just wasn't the same.

'Hey Carole.'

'Hi... no glee tonight?'

'No, but Finn's got football practice so-'

'-he'll be wanting double portions for dinner,' Carole finished and they both laughed.

'Basically, yeah... so what are you making?'

'A cardigan for a friend of mine who’s just had a baby girl.'

'Aww,' Kurt cooed. He filled up a glass of orange juice from the fridge and then joined Carole at the table.

'How was school?'

'It was ok. A new student started today. He's a total dork but behind the stupid glasses and sixties hair, he has a really pretty face.'

Carole smiled at him. 'Has someone got a little crush?'

Kurt scoffed. 'No... I just don't understand why someone would choose to put themselves in the firing line. If you could easily change something about yourself to stop being a target for bullies you would right?'

Carole frowned. 'It would depend what it was. Did you say something to him?'

'Just that he should maybe ditch the specs or get nicer ones.'

'Right... and would you stop styling your hair like that... or wearing scarves to school in case it triggered abuse?'

Hmm.
'Well... no,' Kurt replied quietly.

'Kurt, you of all people know that conforming to others ideals is not really being true to yourself or your own identity. Sure there are certain... characteristics or images which are more prone to attract bullies than others, but in a lot of cases it isn't something you can change and letting the bullies win doesn't solve anything.'

Fuck. Shit. Bollocks.
Kurt groaned. 'Oh God, I'm such a hypocrite. He was new and he'd asked me if I was ok after someone said something to me and I just...'

Carole reached out a hand to squeeze Kurt's. 'You were just trying to help... and what do you mean someone said something?'

Oh crap!
'Just a passing comment, it was nothing.'

'Are you sure? Because your Dad and I are more than happy to go and see Mr Figgins if-'

'No, no, if there was a problem I'd tell you... honestly.'

. . . . . . . . . .

As soon as Blaine got home he took off all of his disguises and jumped in the shower, his brain working overtime as the day’s events played over and over in his head. Once fully dressed he went downstairs to find his Mom, Helen, home from work and preparing dinner in the kitchen.

'Hi Mom.'

Helen looked up and smiled. Blaine sat himself down on a stool across from her. 'How was your first day back at school?'

'It was... interesting. I got slushied and somehow ended up on the school quiz team.'

'Slushied?'

'A slushie thrown in my face.'

Helen looked horrified. 'Oh my God, Blaine you can't go back-'

'Mom it's fine,' Blaine smiled, waving a hand dismissively. 'Apparently it's a bit of a tradition at McKinley... anyway; I also met a cute gay boy.'

Helen laughed. 'Oh Blaine.'

'What? I can look can't I?'

'Hmm, I'm sure Jed wouldn't see it that way.'

The name of his boyfriend had Blaine casting his eyes downwards and sighing a little. 'Mmn.'

'Hey I was only teasing, of course there's nothing wrong with finding other guys cute... Blaine? What's wrong?'

'N-nothing,' Blaine shrugged, avoiding eye contact.

'Blaine Anderson I'm your mother now tell me what's going on.'

Blaine looked back up. 'It's nothing really... just that... well last night Susan told me she didn't like Jed.'

Helen looked taken aback, but not altogether surprised. Blaine didn't have the energy to start digging that grave. He'd already reached the conclusion that his Mom and Susan had probably talked about Jed a lot in his absence.

'Did she say why she didn't like him?'

'Just that she thought I was putting more into the relationship than Jed was and that... he takes me for granted, but that's not even true. I could have spent the next few weeks in LA with him but instead I'm here. That's pretty selfish on my part.'

Helen frowned. 'Researching for your job and spending time with your family isn't selfish Blaine.'

Oh Jesus what have I started?
'Forget I said anything.'

'I'll talk to Suze, she shouldn't have-'

'Mom it's all sorted now, just leave it.'

'Well it's clearly not sorted when the mere mention of his name had you looking like a kicked puppy.'

Blaine rolled his eyes. 'I just miss him ok? Now can we talk about something else... please?'

'Ok, fine.'

'Fine.'

'So... back to this cute boy then, what's he like?'

The tension between them immediately evaporated and Blaine couldn't help letting out a laugh. 'Well, he was the first person I spoke to and he was adorable. I wish there had been someone like him at Dalton. It's hard being an openly gay kid at high school.'

'What about that boy at Dalton, Steven something?'

'Sebastian? Well he was gay but that's about as much as we had in common, plus he was two years below so we didn't cross paths that often.'

'Has cute boy got a name?'

'Kurt. You know, he gets bullied and pushed around. It seems like the school doesn't give a damn though.'

'Poor kid,' Helen sighed. 'With a lot of things, schools tend to be reactive as opposed to proactive. Until someone gets seriously injured or... or worse, they won't do anything.'

Blaine let out a humourless laugh. 'Or the school says that what occurred happened off site and therefore isn't any concern to them.'

'You were treated appallingly by your old school Blaine; let’s just hope that was a rare occurrence.’

'Mmn. You know, I thought by lunchtime I'd be itching to get out of McKinley, but it felt nice to be doing something as normal and routine as going to school.'

'Blaine you graduated from Dalton over a year ago, you didn't drop out.'

'I know, but I could have been at college now. I would have been if I hadn’t been spotted at Nationals.’

Helen frowned at her son. 'Where’s all this come from? I thought you loved what you were doing?'

'I do, I'm so incredibly lucky to be doing what I Iove... it's just... I guess I didn't realise how homesick I'd become.'

Helen smiled fondly. 'You've only been back a day, I'm sure within a week you'll be itching to get back to sunny California.'

'Maybe,' Blaine laughed as he hopped off the stool. 'Anyway, I need to write up a report and send it to my producer.'

'Ok, I'll call you when dinner's ready.'

When Blaine got back to his bedroom, he turned his laptop on and the checked his phone and found two text messages waiting for him. The first one had him rolling his eyes and the second one had him laughing harder than he had in weeks.

From: Jed
Can you at least think about it? x

From: Nate
LOL you’re calling me a hobbit? I’ll be taller than you soon!