The light switched on with an audible beep. Blaine backed away from the door slowly to admire his handy work. His new camcorder was definitely functioning.

“Hi, I am Blaine Anderson. I’m 16, I like to sing and dance. I’m gay. And um … this will be a documentary of my life.” He looked himself in the full length mirror that was hanging behind the door. It was a little crooked, nothing like the one he had in his old house. It had been a difficult year for everyone, and sometimes Blaine wondered just how much longer he could maintain the last shred of his sanity before everything went to Hell. Hopefully this camcorder would help, now that he had a new pet project on hand.

The sudden banging on his door made Blaine flinch.

“OPEN UP!! What are you doing in there?!” The voice on the other side of the door was angry, with a slight edge to it. The door rattled on its hinges as the owner of the voice tried to force his way in.

“I’m not opening the door Dad!” Blaine swallowed hard. “It’s 6:30 in the morning and you are already drunk.” He would have to climb out of the window today.

“How dare you talk to me like that!” The voice on the other side raised in volume. Blaine really hoped that the door would hold. “Open the fucking door now!”

“NO! I’m recording. I’m going to record everything from now on.” Blaine grabbed his backpack and camcorder and quickly slipped out of the window.

*******

Kurt tapped his fingers on the steering wheels as he hummed along to the song playing on the radio. He glanced at his watch before looking at the front door again. *Where is Blaine?* He looked up at the rearview mirror just in time to see the smaller boy running up from the back.

“Sorry.” Blaine mumbled as he slided into the passenger seat.

“Whatever happened to the front door?”

“Dad.” Blaine replied stiffly.

*Oh.*

Kurt knew about Mr. Anderson. Things just had not been well for the Andersons ever since the recession, that and coupled with Mrs. Anderson’s medical bills, it was only a matter of time before they had to sell off the house in Westerville and moved out to this neighborhood. And with that, it meant that Blaine was back in public school.

“Let’s get you to McKinley- I mean school.” Kurt caught himself awkwardly before he continued. Nowadays he just did not know how to act around Blaine. It was almost as though their positions had been switched, now with Kurt remaining at Dalton and Blaine transferring to McKinley. Kurt cleared his throat uncomfortably. “What’s that in your hands?”

“Well …” Kurt heard a beep. “It’s my new camcorder. Say hello to it.”

“Are you recording me?” It was not that Kurt hated being on camera, but it was a bit strange with the camcorder at such close proximity.

“I’m going to record everything in my life from now on.” Blaine adjusted the focus. “It’d be like a blog or photo journalism of some sort. Come on, say something.”

“Uhm … Do you really have to record this? It’s a bit weird you know.” Oh this was more than just weird, it was unnerving.

“Come on Kurt!” Kurt stole a glance at Blaine and could not help but chuckle. Blaine was staring at him with those puppy eyes again, and it had been a long time since the taller boy sensed any enthusiasm in Blaine. “Or you can sing, or something.”

“Fine, but only if you’d sing along.”

“Deal!”

Kurt shifted gear, and they sang Pink’s “Perfect” for the rest of the drive. It was almost just like the old times.

Almost.

*****

One of the many good things about coming to McKinley High early in the morning was that it gave Blaine an opportunity to avoid the bullies. Most of the jocks were not around during this time of the day, as they were either busy training for their next game or they were still sleeping at home. It was during times like this that Blaine was grateful for the small mercy.

“So is it safe to assume that William McKinley High may actually win some medals for their Academic Decathlon this year now that they have Blaine Anderson on the team?” Kurt pulled up to one of the student parking slot but did not turn off the engine.

“You know it’s not completely dependent on one person.” Blaine could feel a blush creeping up his neck. “We have to get all the A students, B students, and C students into gear, then maybe we’ll have a chance. Speaking of winning, I think New Directions has a really good chance at the Regionals this year.”

“Oh don’t be so sure.” Kurt grinned. “The Warblers got some really strong additions this year.” *Oh damn! Shouldn’t have said that.*

Blaine must have seen the look on Kurt’s face. He shook his head. “Hey don’t worry about it. I miss Dalton, but it is what it is. Please say hi to the Warblers for me. Some healthy competition is never a bad thing.”

“Sure. So you okay with Finn giving you a ride back? I mean, you’ll probably get home sooner if you don’t wait for me … I mean, you can hang out at my place for dinner.” *Yes Kurt, just keep putting your foot into your mouth won’t you? You know he probably doesn’t need to be reminded of problems at home.*

“I’ll be there.” Blaine’s smile did not quite reach his eyes, but Kurt knew better than to push it. “Drive safe. Text me when you get there?”

“Yes Mom.”

“I will have you know that this is still recording.” Blaine pointed at his camcorder. “Good blackmail material when you become famous in the future so you better be nice to me.”

“Okay okay." Kurt raised his hands to motion his surrender. "So, have a good day?”

“You too, Kurt.” Blaine gave Kurt a wave and started walking toward the school before he turning around again. “And thanks for the ride again.”

“Any time, Blaine.” The taller boy waved back.

Kurt waited until he was out of sight before shifting gear and pulling out of the parking lot. He sure hoped that Blaine’s camcorder would not attract him any more unwanted attention. Somehow, Kurt just knew that the jocks would have a field day with this. He sincerely hoped that either Finn or the rest of the New Directions would be around to protect Blaine should that happen.

(TBC)