Gabriel and Blaine had become fast friends during the long, boring lectures of their composition class. He had shaggy blonde hair, wide brown eyes, and a fashion sense even Kurt approved of.

            They hung out all the time to study, drink coffee, or just spend time together. At first Kurt was excited that Blaine was branching out and making friends but then he met Gabriel.

            Kurt brushed it off, refusing to show his like or dislike towards the other man but Blaine could tell that Kurt didn’t completely trust him.

            And it hurt.  

            Which is why he gave Kurt ample warning that he was going to Gabriel’s to study for their upcoming exam.

            “So here’s the apartment,” Gabriel waved him into the gigantic flat.

            “Wow,” Blaine breathed, staring around at the expensive furniture.

            “The perks of having absent parents who try to buy your love,” Gabriel quipped and dropped his bag by the couch. “Take a seat, let’s learn about chords.”

            “Oh boy,” Blaine rolled his eyes and took a seat, pulling out his textbook.

            After they had gotten through most of the material for the test Gabriel sighed loudly and leaned away from his books.

            “I’m so bored, how does a break sound?”

            “So good!” Blaine laughed and leaned back as well, stretching.

            “Great! Want a beer or something?” Gabriel pushed himself off of the couch and walked towards the kitchen.

            “Oh…no thanks.”

            “No? I have vodka, whisky and coke if you want to mix something?” He held up a few bottles and shook them with a wide grin.

            “Sorry I don’t drink,” He flushed and rubbed the back of his neck.

            “Oh I see,” Gabriel winked and walked over, sitting close to him on the couch, making their knees brush together. “I was just going to try to loosen you up before you know…loosening you up.”

            “Gabriel, I’m not…” Blaine squirmed backwards as Gabriel grinned and leaned forward, placing his hand on Blaine’s thigh.

            “But I have some other stuff if you really want to get the party started the right way,” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a baggie.

            “Wait, what?” Blaine scrambled to his feet.

            “Baby, I’ve seen the marks on your arms,” He nodded. “And I think you’re really hot so let’s each take a hit and…”

            “No,” Blaine shook his head sharply.

            “Blaine,” Gabriel grabbed his wrist in a firm grip. “I’ve noticed you looking at me. I can see you’re a party boy.”

            He ran his fingers along the faint scars and Blaine tried to jerk his arm away.

            “Not any more.”

            “Come on hun, once a party boy always a party boy,” He waved the baggie. “Just one hit? I have a brand new needle just for you.”

            Blaine mouth went dry as he stared at the powder in the bag. It would be easy. Just one quick little needle jab and he would be right back to that happy place, back to feeling warm and safe. Kurt didn’t even have to know. Maybe Blaine would even feel comfortable enough to touch him after a hit.

            “No.”

            He took in a shuddering breath and packed up his bag, slinging it over his shoulder and quickly leaving despite Gabriel’s protests.

            As soon as he walked outside his knees went weak an he sank down on a nearby bench at a bus stop and pulled out his cell phone.

            “Hi!” Kurt’s happy voice made tears fill his eyes. “Why calling so early? Your little study date done?”

            “Kurt,” Blaine sobbed softly and Kurt’s voice instantly turned concerned.

            “Blaine? Honey are you okay?”

            “I need you to come get me,” His voice cracked in the middle and he ducked his head blinking furiously. “Please.”

            “Tell me where you are.”

            After he sobbed out the address he leaned against the bus stop until a taxi pulled up in front of him and Kurt stumbled out, wearing a coat that didn’t go at all with his pants.

            “Oh Blaine,” With a sob the younger man launched himself at his boyfriend. “Let’s get you back to your dorm. You can tell me about what happened when we get there.”

            As soon as they slid into the taxi Blaine leaned against Kurt’s side and they remained silent the entire ride home.

            “What happened?” He asked after Blaine was finally sitting on his bed, thumb running frantically over the scars on his forearm.

            “I went on a study session with Gabriel right?” He took in a shaky breath. “And…it turns out he got bored of studying…”

            Kurt went tense and clenched his jaw.

            “Nothing happened, I wouldn’t let it. Kurt, please…please believe me,” Tears shone in Blaine’s eyes as he frantically grabbed at Kurt’s hands. “I wouldn’t. Believe me.”

            “I believe you,” Kurt whispered, trying to ignore the tightness in his chest.

            “He kept offering me something to drink to loosen me up,” He shuddered at the word. “I refused and he said that he saw the scars and pulled out this bag.”

            “Blaine, you didn’t…” Kurt’s eyes were wide.

            “No,” Blaine whispered, shaking his head. “I didn’t…but I wanted to. I wanted to so bad and he kept pushing and pushing.”

            “Why didn’t you?” Kurt asked gently. “I’m so, so proud of you for not doing it but why not do it?”

            “I don’t know,” His entire body shuddered. “It would feel so good. But I just didn’t want to ruin all the hard work I did. I suffered for this and this is what I want. I want to be sober. I only have three days until I get my six month pin.”

             He bowed his head and tears spotted the bedspread.

            “Are you okay?” Kurt whispered.

            “No,” Trembling, Blaine shook his head. “I’m not okay. All I want to do is focus on the fact that you are right here with me but I can’t stop thinking about the bag. I want a hit so badly Kurt.”

            “Okay,” Kurt rolled off the bed, turning on Blaine’s iPod and put it into the iHome. “Stand up.”

            Blaine wrapped arms around his stomach as he stood. Your Song started playing softly and Kurt pulled Blaine’s hands away from the tight grip he had around himself to take his hands.

            “Dance with me.”

            Blaine’s lips quirked up in a small smile but his eyes still flickered with doubt. Slowly, Kurt managed to coax him into a slow dance and his body relaxed.

            “Just focus on this, right here, right now,” He said gently, moving closer to Blaine as they slowly spun around and around. “Just on us.”

            “Kurt,” Blaine whispered softly before leaning forward to capture his lips. His body trembled but Kurt holding him gently made him feel less like he was going to fall apart.

            “I’m here,” Kurt smiled, kissing him again.

            “I…I love you,” Blaine whispered so quietly it was hardly heard over the song. “I know you didn’t want me to say it but I know it. I know it more than I ever did before. I love you.”

            “I love you too,” Kurt grinned widely. “Love you more than anything.”

            Blaine smiled  and pressed their foreheads together, looking deeply into each other’s eyes as they continued to dance.

            How wonderful life is, now you’re in the world

~*~

            It was right after his voice lesson that Blaine rode up the elevator of the health department, fiddling with the strap on his bag. The elevator doors opened with a cheerful ding and he stepped out.

            In the center of the room was a long dark wood desk with the words New York University Counseling and Mental Health Center. After a moment of hesitation he walked over to the receptionist who was smiling warmly at him.

            “Hi there,” She grinned. “How can I help you?”

            “Um hi…” He scratched the back of his neck. “My name is Blaine Anderson, I have an appointment with Dr. Meredith Ward?”

            “Of course,” The receptionist tapped a few keys on the keyboard. “Take a seat Blaine, the doctor will come out to see you soon.”