Blaine leaned back into the soft, expensive couches from where he had been studying Pavarotti inside his cage. The study room was surprisingly empty for a Tuesday morning although Blaine supposed that might have something to do with the time. Kurt had tracked him down during recess, holding Pavarotti's cage delicately as if it were a bomb as he asked Blaine to come help him with panicky, wide eyes.

Blaine had agreed and now here they were sat, Blaine making a diagnosis as Kurt stared at him with an almost fearful look. Blaine could feel Kurt's eyes on the side of his head as he turned to face him, watching as Kurt bit at his lip in worry when he realized Blaine had figured out what was wrong.

"Well?" He asked anxiously.

"He's just moulting."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," Blaine smiled at Kurt, trying to appear as sincere as possible to put the other boy's worries to rest.

Kurt smiled weakly in response, still glancing worriedly at the cage on the coffee table, his fingers drumming a beat on his knee. Blaine reached over to stop him, squeezing Kurt's hand to try and get rid of some of the nervous tension as he leaned into his side once again.

"It's very common for birds like Pavarotti. He's growing a new coat of feathers so his body has to shut down for a while."

"But he's barely eating anything, he doesn't sing anymore and he seems so sick that I can't help thinking-"

"It's all perfectly normal."

Kurt sighed, his shoulders dropping slightly but still far too tense for Blaine's liking.

"If you say so. I love him a lot; I didn't expect to care about a bird so much seeing as I was so anti pets as a child but now that I actually have one..."

Kurt trailed off, smiling absently at Pavarotti's huddled form as Blaine watched him fondly.

"I just don't want anything to happen to him."

"Completely understandable, but rest assured that you're doing a great job. Everyone knows how much you love him."

Kurt murmured in agreement, still watching Pavarotti carefully for that faintest sign of distress as Blaine squeezed his knee to get his attention.

"Now, was there anything else? You mentioned something about your audition."

"Right, did you look over my song for today?"

"Don't cry for me Argentina? I think it's an amazing audition piece, very Kurt," Blaine winked at him, "You're going to knock them dead."

"I know it seems like I'm panicking over nothing but my audition is in less than twelve hours and I really want to make a good impression because this is the first time the Warblers have ever heard me sing, as a group I mean, not just the council who decided to let me in-"

"Kurt!" Blaine laughed, holding up a hand as the other boy stopped to breath, "Slow down! You'll be fine."

Kurt smiled hesitantly, glancing down in embarrassment as Blaine leant into his side.

"Sorry, I'm just..."

"Nervous?"

"Very."

"Don't be, you're going to be amazing. The Warblers would be crazy not to let you in."

"You think so?"

"Absolutely!" Blaine beamed at him, "I've heard you sing before, remember? You'll be fine."

Kurt gave out a huff of irritation, rolling his eyes at Blaine as he leaned back to put a little more distance between them.

"Listening to me sing in the car is not the same thing as watching me perform, Blaine. I just don't want to be embarrassed so early at a new school, I was thinking we could leave the public humiliation until at least half way through the year."

"Hey c'mon, relax." Blaine frowned slightly, reaching to clasp one of Kurt's hands between his own, "This is Dalton not McKinley. The Warblers know talent when they see it, just walk in there and be your usual confident self and they'll love you. Don't over think it."

"If you say so," Kurt said again, shoulders still tight as he gave a weak smile.

There was a short silence as Blaine wondered what to say to put Kurt at ease, the other boy was still tense underneath his hand but Blaine got the impression that Kurt wouldn't be able to calm down until after the audition was over.

"Was there anything else?" Blaine asked after the pause had started to become uncomfortable.

"Oh no, I was just worrying."

"I know, but I promise you'll be fine."

"And Pavarotti?"

"He just needs some rest, he'll be good as new by tomorrow."

Kurt's shoulders seemed to slump forward as he gave Blaine his first genuine smile.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it," Blaine pulled his hands back as Kurt seemed to lean even further away from him. Blaine frowned at the reaction, shaking his head to dismiss it as he continued talking.

"I better head off but good luck with your audition, it's too bad I can't make it."

"Oh right, you've got that... history project."

Kurt waved a hand, his voice suddenly dull as Blaine frowned, defensive at Kurt's tone.

"A detailed report on the 1812 French invasion of Russia and how it affected Napoleon's crusade, due this Friday."

"It's only Tuesday, my audition would take five minutes. You wouldn't even have to stay for the whole rehearsal."

"It's recommended that we don't put extracurricular activities before homework Kurt," Blaine said reproachfully, "You know that."

"Is it also recommended to put homework before friends?" Kurt muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing," Kurt sighed.

He stood up from the couch, reaching for Pavarotti's cage as he closed it carefully.

"Thanks for looking at him Blaine, it means a lot."

"Don't mention it," Blaine frowned, watching Kurt move stiffly, "How about we go get coffee tomorrow to celebrate your successful audition?"

"Sure, unless something suddenly comes up and you can't make it."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, forget I said anything. Coffee sounds great," Kurt stooped to pick up his bag and swing it over one shoulder, giving Blaine a tight, cold smile as he brushed his bangs out of his eyes and picked up Pavarotti's cage with his other hand, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Uh yeah, see you tomorrow. Good luck Kurt!"

With these parting words, Kurt made his way out of the room, not sparing Blaine a backwards glance as he left for his next class.

Blaine stared after him in confusion, not exactly sure what he'd done wrong. Kurt was the best friend he'd ever had but sometimes he struggled to keep up with what the other boy was thinking. One of the things he loved most about Kurt was how surprising he was, he was unlike anyone Blaine had ever met before and he adored that, but it was in moments like these that he wished Kurt was a little easier to understand.

Blaine stood up with a sigh, trying to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that he had failed somehow as he picked up his bag and walked out of the room. He'd been having a lot of moments like this with Kurt lately, they'd been best friends for about five months now but recently it seemed as if Kurt had begun to distance himself and Blaine had no idea why.

Kurt was amazing and it was a little depressing to think that he was getting bored of Blaine already.

Blaine walked down the empty hallway, lost in thought.

He had so much work to do, Kurt didn't understand the amount of stress he was under. Blaine was lead soloist for the Warblers, co-captain of the fencing team and a member of the debate team, add to that the immense Dalton workload, the occasional tutoring he did with freshman and the fortnightly meetings with the LGBT club and Blaine's schedule was almost constantly full.

He was a good friend though, he planned coffee dates after school and went to the movies on the weekend so his friends didn't get the impression he was ignoring them, and yes, while most of those coffee dates and movie nights had been centred around Kurt lately it just meant he felt a deeper connection to him than he did with his other friends. Kurt should be more appreciative of the effort he went too to involve him in his life.

"Blaine! We've been looking everywhere for you. Slow down a minute, we wanted to talk to you about a few Warblers' issues if you have the time."

Blaine sighed, pushing down any irritation as he fixed a bright smile on his face and turned around to greet Wes and David head on.

"Sure, go ahead."

"We can walk with you if you'd like," David offered, "We know you're pretty busy."

"I'm never busy enough to ignore the Warblers."

Wes and David smiled at that and fell into step with him, brushing against his sides as he started to walk back to his dorm again.

"As you already know we're holding auditions for signing parts at regionals today at four. David, Thad and myself will obviously all be there to judge the auditions and vote on which member will bring the most to our group but we were wondering if you were going to be critiquing the performances as well. You haven't confirmed anything yet so we just wanted to check in."

"There's also the necessity to discuss where to place the next member," David quickly added, "Obviously you'll have a solo, that goes unsaid but we were wondering if we should give the new member an extra solo or just merge them into a duet with you. We don't want to take any of the spotlight off of you seeing as you are our greatest asset."

"If we did give them a solo where then would we place it?" Wes continued, "If we put them at the beginning then it might lack the punch needed to make a dramatic impact, and almost seem laughable when we follow it up with you."

"Of course, it might have the added effect that our vocals just get better and better as the performance goes on."

"You're right David, I hadn't thought of that. If we put them at the end after having Blaine sing two songs it might be a bit of a let down to the audience, ending on a weak note if you will."

"Unless we do something more emotional for the end," David suggested, "That way we could have Blaine's energy and power and then shift it down to another Warbler."

"But would that other Warbler be as good as Blaine at emotional songs?"

"True," David mused, "Maybe we should put them in the middle. That seems less of a risk then starting or ending on a weak note."

"Putting them in the middle would seem clumsy, starting with Blaine then switching to a less skilled performer then switching back to Blaine again would just show the audience how much of a better performer Blaine is compared to our other singers and we don't want to give off that impression. We want the audience to think that all our performers are as skilled as Blaine."

"We could revisit the duet idea?"

"Hmmm, I suppose so. We could use the auditions today to narrow down our top five and then have them audition with Blaine to see whose voice suits his better in terms of harmonizing."

"I like it," David smiled widely, "What do you think Blaine?"

Blaine paused, realizing that he had been directly addressed as he tried to think of something to say.

"It sounds good, you're the council so whatever you decide will be great."

"Of course but your input is always highly appreciated Blaine."

"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind."

"Will you be judging the performances too then?" Wes asked him casually, seeming to notice his presence again now that he was done discussing ideas with David, "It'll make the auditions a lot easier; you'll at least have some idea of whose voice would go best with your own. Although I've got to tell you Blaine, that doesn't mean you can pick favourites. No matter how pretty the countertenor may be."

Blaine stared at Wes in confusion as David laughed, both of them obviously in on some joke that Blaine had never heard of.

"I don't- no thanks. As much as I'd love to come, I have a whole pile of homework that I need to start working on as soon as possible. I wouldn't miss a practice but seeing as the auditions aren't essential for me to be there, I'm going to take the time to perfect a couple of assignments I have due."

Wes and David traded a look over Blaine's head, frowning as they slowly pieced through what he had just said.

"Forgive me, I guess I just assumed that you'd be there."

"You know Kurt's auditioning right?" David asked, an underlying tone in his voice as if he thought Blaine had somehow missed all the times Kurt had excitedly gushed about his upcoming song and how nervous he was.

"Of course I know, there's going to be a lot of auditions though so I don't see what's so important about this one. He doesn't mind, he knows that I've got a lot on my plate."

"It's for regionals Blaine, and it's his first audition. I'm sure he'd appreciate the moral support."

Blaine felt something tighten in his shoulders, his hands beginning to flex as he pushed down all the stress he was dealing with and the confusing conversation he'd had with Kurt minutes before. There was something in David's voice, something that implied he was being incredibly obtuse and needed to be talked down to as if the other boy was some kind of wise sage and not just one year older than Blaine.

Blaine didn't have time for this right now, he didn't have time for Warbler details that would be talked to death over and over again before they'd even chosen their songs. He wanted to go back to his room and work on his project in solitude, enjoying a few minutes for himself as he threw himself completely into one task.

Why did he always have to be switched on? Why did he always have to be polite, dapper, charming Blaine who was always willing to stop and talk no matter what was going on in his life? Sometimes Blaine just wanted to be slightly rude and take some time for himself, he honestly didn't see it as too much to ask for.

"Believe it or not David, but Kurt's made of pretty strong stuff. He can handle me not turning up to one audition. In fact, I don't see why this is being treated as such a big deal; if he gets chosen then I'll be singing with him at regionals. He can have all the moral support he wants then."

Wes and David came to a unanimous halt, sharing another undecipherable look as Blaine continued walking for a few paces, only to realise they had stopped as he then turned back to face them.

"Blaine while we appreciate a good work ethic, have you ever considered that sometimes you work yourself a little too hard?" Wes asked, his voice infuriatingly slow and patronising like David's had been. "I don't want to seem presumptuous but sometimes I feel that when you get too caught up in all your school work you can start to forget about other's around you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means we haven't been to a movie with you in months, you're a good friend Blaine but ever since Kurt turned up you've been showering him with affection and distancing yourself from people who once considered you to be a good friend."

"I'm sorry that you feel that way-"

"It's not that we're upset about how close you are with Kurt," Wes interrupted, "In fact we're glad you've found someone you can be yourself around. Before Kurt came to Dalton we felt as if you were closing yourself off, not letting go as much as you should have. With Kurt's arrival you seemed to transform back into the boy of almost a year ago who had a large and wide circle of friends. But recently we've become concerned, it feels as if you're distancing yourself from Kurt and we don't know why."

"I'm not the one distancing myself, he is." Blaine snapped, "But none of that should even matter because it isn't any of your business. All I want to do is work on a homework assignment, that doesn't mean that Kurt's and my relationship is crumbling or falling to pieces like you seem to think it is, all it means is that I want to get ahead in my history class and do well. That's it."

"Blaine-"

"No, no more. I'd like to be left alone now. Thank you for the concern but I'm fine, Kurt is fine and I'm sure the auditions will be fine without me. You'll make a great choice in picking another soloist and Kurt's song will go down well. I'll talk to you both tomorrow."

"Blaine there's no need-"

"Please, if anything important comes up you can text me, but anything Warbler related can wait till after I've finished my project. I appreciate your dedication but, enough."

Blaine turned on his heel and stalked away with his head held high, very aware of the despairing looks that Wes and David were shooting after him.

Nobody had any idea the amount of stress he was under, they could give him suggestions and advice and act as if they had it all together but nobody really knew what it was like to be him. God, Blaine hated it when he felt like he had disappointed someone. He tried so hard to spread his time evenly, focusing on one task at a time and always making himself available for when people wanted to talk or when Kurt wanted to hang out but it never seemed to be enough.

He needed good grades, good grades were a sign that he was dedicated and intelligent and well liked by his teachers. They were proof in written form that he was good at something and was an achiever, harder working than his older brother had ever been not that Blaine's father would notice or care.

Wes and David had always encouraged the Warblers to keep up with their school work and not let Glee club distract them from their overall grades. There was even a certain GPA you had to reach if you wanted to stay in the club, ridiculously higher than any other school extracurricular because of how in demand the Warblers were.

It was one measly audition Blaine was missing, just one and yet everybody seemed to be acting as if he had pulled out a spray can and graffitied the halls with his hatred for show choir.

It was just one audition he was missing, Blaine fumed to himself as he hurriedly walked down an empty corridor, his shoes unnecessarily loud against the pristine marble. Who was to say that Kurt would even get in? Blaine was a good friend, he had offered to take him out to coffee the next day and he knew Kurt would text him the details. Why did it matter so much if he missed one, crummy little audition?

"Wow Tiger! Slow down, what's got you in such a hurry? Did Hummel offer to let you get to second base?"

"I don't have time for this Sebastian," Blaine sighed in frustration, reeling backwards from where he had almost crashed into the other boy while turning a corner, "And contrary to popular belief, Kurt and I aren't dating."

"The only person who believes that is you," Sebastian raised an eyebrow, refusing to move out of Blaine's way as he casually leant against a wall, "I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up anyway. Hummel's too much of a prude to ever let anybody remove the stick from his ass."

"Don't talk about him like that!" Blaine snapped, already on edge from his conversations with Wes, David and Kurt, "You don't know anything about him."

"Wow, pipsqueak," Sebastian held up his hands in an apology, "Don't get your panties in a twist, I didn't mean anything by it. I was actually coming to find you, I just wanted to know if you know where Kurt is. Irritating as he is, he's the only one I'd trust to copy French notes off of. The rest of the class is mind numbingly ignorant and I was a little too distracted on Friday to pay attention to that sad excuse of a teacher."

"And why weren't you paying attention?"

"Cameron Whirter was making eyes at me again, why waste my time in class when I could have been doing something much more fun?"

"Ugh, okay," Blaine wrinkled up his nose as he tried to ignore Sebastian's leer, "I think I've heard enough about that. I don't know where Kurt is exactly, he didn't tell me where he was going when he decided to leave. Have you checked his dorm room?"

"Dorm room," Sebastian said slowly as if it was a foreign word, "Why didn't I think of that? Oh wait, I already did. He wasn't there but I guess it won't hurt to check again."

"Great, have fun with that."

"Guess I'll see you at four then Blanderson."

"I won't be there, I have homework so I'll see you on Thursday," Blaine tugged his bag tighter, hoping to avoid the typical question about why he wouldn't be there as he saw Sebastian start to frown, "Bye, Sebastian."

"What do you mean you're not going?"

"It's not a big deal," Blaine sighed in frustration, already sick of the overblown reactions, "It's not necessary for me to be there and I need to complete the homework by Friday. It's not like Kurt minds."

"Not like Kurt- do you even know your half boyfriend at all?"

"He's not my-"

"And why are you pretending that you haven't already almost finished the essay? It's not due during the auditions, you can't possibly take an hour out of your life to watch some boys in blazers try and impress you? Jesus Blaine, everyone with ears knows this thing means a lot to Kurt and while I don't understand or particularly care why, I thought that you'd at least pretend to be there for him."

"Why is everyone attacking me today? Kurt's my best friend but I can't let friendship get in the way of important things like homework."

Sebastian stared down at him, making Blaine squirm slightly as he glanced to the side to avoid eye contact.

"What you just said," Sebastian said slowly, "Was so pathetic that I actually feel embarrassed for you. I'm starting to feel sorry for Kurt, it must suck have to deal with this kind of crap all the time."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard what I said, you need to get your head out of your ass Blaine if you think Kurt's just going to be waiting by your side for whenever you're ready to throw him a bone."

"It is one stupid audition-"

"It's not one stupid audition!" Sebastian snapped, "It's a whole heap of stupid events that are leading up to you being crowned jackass of the year. It's like you can't even see how amazing your life could be and sooner or later you'll end up throwing it away without even realizing how badly you screwed up. The worst part is that when Kurt eventually does get tired of all your excuses and leading him on then you won't even realize what you could have had because you are so damn oblivious that you can't see what's right in front of you when it puts on a pair of skinny jeans and starts dancing."

"Dancing- what are you talking about?"

"You want things to stay the way they are, huh?" Sebastian asked, pushing closer into Blaine's personal space with a vaguely threatening tone, "You think your life is perfect and that nothing should ever change?"

"I like my life the way it is."

"Great, well guess what Anderson? I'm about to make all your dreams come true. I'm going to give you a taste of what it's going to be like if you don't start changing things up now. You like repetition? Like to keep things the same and under your control? Fantastic, let's see how well that turns out for you by tomorrow."

"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about," Blaine said through gritted teeth, barely restraining himself from snapping angrily. "But I don't care anymore because this day is just getting more terrible by the minute and I know it's only going to get worse if I keep talking to you. Thank you for the advice I didn't want or need Sebastian, please don't talk to me anymore."

"Remember what I said Blaine," Sebastian said as Blaine pushed past him, still trying to be polite by not intentionally shoving him no matter how much he wanted to, "My advice is going to come in handy later."

The other boy called something else after him but Blaine ignored it as he rounded the corner and started up some stairs. He pushed his conversations with Kurt and Sebastian and Wes and David all to the back of his mind, trying as hard as he could to forget what had been said as he forced himself to concentrate on getting to his room and starting his assignment.

He'd text Kurt later to see how he went and act appropriately happy or disappointed depending on the outcome. Everything was going to be fine, he was a good friend and nobody had any right to say that he wasn't.

Trying as hard as he could to focus on something else, Blaine still couldn't ignore the niggling feeling at the back of his mind, the feeling that something was about to go wrong or that there was a hidden threat behind Sebastian's words, one worth listening to. Blaine couldn't articulate the feeling properly though and instead let his feelings of frustration wash it away. He needed to focus on his project, then and only then would he deal with everything else.