Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THIS!!!


McKinley High School Choir Room

The day was finally here, sectionals. Mike and Brittany danced to Valerie as Santana sang it with no feeling or enthusiasm in the choir room. Kurt stood in the hall reciting all of the lyrics to ‘I'm Still Here' while Rachel gave him a dirty look from the choir room door. Kurt froze when he saw Principle Figgins escorting the judges to the auditorium.

“Kurt Hummel.” He heard one of the judges say.

“Mr. Roberts.” He said back.

“Are your performing?”

Kurt hesitated before answering. “With the New Directions from McKinley High.” He answered.

“Don't you think that's inappropriate seeing as you're a professional?” James Roberts said back to Kurt.

“As you know I've been off the stage for eight years. I've barely performed since ‘Sound Of Music.' I don't think that it's inappropriate. But what would you know? You told a six year old that he ruined Broadway for you.” Kurt retorted.

“Good luck, Mr. Hummel.” James said as he walked away following his fellow judges.

The entire glee club had heard what was said came out to see Kurt. “Did he really say that about you?” Tina asked putting a hand on Kurt's shoulder.

“Yeah, but that's in the past.” Kurt responded. “Let's go win sectionals.” He stated with a smile on his face. The group of teenagers cheered and hugged Kurt.

McKinley High School Spanish Room

“Blaine, can you focus for just one minute.” Wes said watching Blaine blankly stare out the window.

“Sorry.” Blaine turned his attention back to his fellow Warblers rehearsing for the competition. As they ran through their numbers Blaine noticed the judges walk by the classroom. “Shit.” He said under his breath.

“What?” Jeff asked.

Blaine turned to see his friends looking at him with confused looks on their faces. “Oh, nothing. Just thought I recognized one of the judges.” He said and went back to rehearsing.

McKinley High School Auditorium

The New Directions sat in the audience as the Warblers took their places on stage. Blaine quickly ran through his vocal warm ups and moved around to get loose. “Please welcome to the stage the Dalton Academy Warblers!” The curtain began to rise revealing the group of boys dressed in blue blazers.

As the Warblers started to vocalize the music Blaine took a deep breath and started to sing the first verse of ‘Teenage Dream.' By the middle of the number the crowd was on their feet dancing and singing along with Blaine.

Blaine's parents cheered as they watched their son on the stage. They didn't know just how good he really was. They were amazed at how easy it was for Blaine to command the stage and get the audience to their feet.

Across the auditorium the New Directions were on their feet dancing with the rest of the crowd to the Warblers performance. Kurt was staring at the stage. He knew that the lead of the group looked very familiar to him, but he couldn't put his finger on it. As soon at the boy made eye contact with Kurt he knew. Kurt knew exactly who was up on that stage. He stopped singing and dancing with his friends and his jaw dropped.

Blaine looked out into the audience trying to get a connection with them. When he finally found someone to make eye contact with he stopped his movements on stage for just a second before returning to the choreography. ‘No. It couldn't be. But that face is unmistakable.' He thought to himself while still performing.

After ‘Hey Soul Sister' was finished the Warblers took a small bow and exited the stage. They all high fived and hugged each other as they exited the backstage area.

The New Directions had five minutes to warm up and get to the stage. They all stood in the choir room as Mr. Shue gave them the always inspirational speech and did show circle. As they left the choir room and entered the backstage area they ran into the Warblers. While the groups exchanged the ‘good lucks' and ‘you did greats' Kurt was running through his song in his head not paying attention as he walked into another person. He looked up slightly “Sorry Blaine.” He said without thinking.

Blaine looked at the kid that had just run into him. ‘It is him.' He thought.

Kurt turned around and saw Blaine staring at him. They shared a genuine smile as Rachel pulled Kurt back to the group. The stage door closed and Blaine stood, frozen staring at the door. He so much wanted to go running back stage and give Kurt the biggest hug he could muster, but he knew that might throw Kurt off his game. He really wanted to win sectionals, but he also wanted Kurt to do well. He heard the announcer say something he could quite make-out before he realized he announced Kurt's group coming to the stage. Blaine turned on his heels and ran for the auditorium. He entered in the back just in time to see Kurt sitting in an old wooden chair on the stage. ‘Brilliant. Play off Broadway for Roberts. Kurt always knew how to stop a show. In a good way.' Blaine thought to himself as he watched Kurt light up the stage.

In the audience Vivian and George Anderson also recognized the boy singing on the stage. They gave each other desperate looks hoping the other would have some sort of idea to get Blaine out of the school before he and Kurt met up again. It wasn't that Kurt was a bad kid. In fact, Kurt was the sweetest boy either of them had ever met, besides Blaine. His parents were good people and the kid was talented beyond belief but there was something they couldn't put their finger on that was off about him when he was younger. Well, they knew what it was they just didn't want to say anything for fear of Blaine's career being tarnished by his homophobic parents. So they kept their mouths shut and let Blaine be friends with Kurt. But when Kurt announced he was moving they were nothing less than ecstatic. They didn't want their son to turn out the same way Kurt had.

They both started to look around the auditorium for Blaine so they could make a quick escape, but they couldn't see him standing in the back corner in awe of Kurt's performance. They finally decided that it was no use and that it was most likely they wouldn't speak or recognize each other. They went back to watching Kurt on stage. He really was remarkable. Such a pure talent no wonder everyone said he had one of the brightest futures on the stage, just like Blaine.

Blaine stood in the back smiling at his old friend on the stage. He was amazed at how much of a true performer Kurt was. Blaine had never actually seen Kurt perform before considering they were always in a show at the same time. But he did watch Kurt when they performed with Broadway Kids during their off seasons. The song ended and Santana took the stage and started to sing ‘Valerie' with Brittany and Mike dancing next to her. Blaine was shocked at the dancing abilities of the two on stage. The crowd was on their feet Blaine caught of glimpse of Roberts' smirk during Kurt's performance and during this one he seemed to be enjoying it. Which meant a lot considering Roberts never really enjoyed anything.

Blaine could tell the end of the song was coming so he hurried back to the stage door to see Kurt before the awards portion of the show started. He leaned casually against the wall waiting for Kurt to walk out. Every single member of the New Directions walked out of the door before it shut. Kurt wasn't there. Just before Blaine asked the group the door came flying open and Kurt rushed to the arms of his friends and they all cheered together over how amazing their performance was. Just as the cheers died down they all noticed Blaine standing at the door looking almost lost. Kurt slowly turned around to see what his friends were looking at. “And you thought we'd never see each other again.” Blaine said with a smirk. Kurt ran over and hugged Blaine tighter than he believed possible.

“What are you doing here? I mean in Ohio.” He was pulling back.

“I moved here years ago. I go to Dalton.”

“I knew that was you. Nobody can sing like that besides Blaine Anderson.” Kurt smiled before Blaine brought him in for another tight hug. “You were amazing.”

“Me? Okay, Kurt you took that stage like no other. I mean seriously.” Blaine gushed. “Singing ‘I'm Still Here' for Roberts? Genius.” Blaine told him.

“Do any of you know who that is?” Sam asked the group.

Mercedes and Tina looked at each other knowing exactly who it was that Kurt was talking to at the moment. “It's Blaine Anderson, one of Kurt's friends from Broadway.” Tina answered.

“They did practically everything together.” Mercedes added.

“Kurt!” Rachel hollered to him.

Kurt rolled his eyes and turned around as Blaine let out a slight chuckle at Kurt's reaction. “Yes, Rachel?”

“We need to go back to the choir room.” She demanded.

“Give me two minutes.” Kurt said and turned back to Blaine.

“No, go. We can catch up after. Your dad here?”

“Yeah. Are your parents?” Kurt asked timidly knowing it might be a sensitive subject for Blaine.

“Yeah, actually.” Blaine saw the surprised look on Kurt's face. “Shocked me too.” He let out a small laugh. They gave each other one last hug and went their separate ways.

When Kurt rejoined the New Directions Tina and Mercedes' immediately started in. “Oh my god, he's so cute.” Tina said to Kurt.

“Yeah. He is.” Kurt said as his mind wondered back to Blaine.

“He's straight right?” Tina asked.

“As far as I know. But I haven't seen him in eight years so something might have changed.” Kurt smirked a little saying this to Tina. Kurt had always had just a little crush on Blaine.

All of the glee clubs were called back to the stage for the awards ceremony. The Hipsters stood stage left, the Warblers in the middle, and the New Directions stage right. Kurt and Blaine managed to stand so close together their shoulders were almost touching.

Vivian and George saw the two boys looking at each other. ‘Damn.' George thought to himself. They knew that the boys had reunited before the awards.

“In third place…the Hipsters.” An elderly woman walked up to accept their trophy.

James Roberts then stood up to the microphone eyeing Kurt and Blaine as he did so. He knew just who they were. He didn't find it fair that two Broadway stars were now singing for an amateur singing competition. He had even looked into seeing if they could be disqualified considering their backgrounds. It was no secret that Roberts didn't like either of them. Kurt was too feminine for his taste and Blaine was far too confident for his age.

Unfortunately, because they were somewhat retired and no longer in the business it was acceptable for the two of them to perform with their respective groups. Roberts slowly opened the envelope that revealed the winner of the sectionals competition. “It looks as if we have a tie for first place. Both the New Directions and the Dalton Academy Warblers will be attending regionals.” He said into the microphone. Both teams erupted in cheers. Kurt and Blaine threw their arms around each other.

For the first time is a long time Blaine had an actual smile on his face. Kurt reminded him of a different time. A time where he was happy. Just knowing that his once best friend was only hours away made him feel a little better.

Kurt was just happy to have a little of his old life back. He had missed performing and loved being in glee club being able to perform a little, but there was always something that couldn't be attained on a high school auditorium stage singing for a small panel of judges that usually knew nothing about quality entertainment.

After the celebration was over the three glee clubs left the stage and headed back to the respective preparation areas in the school. Blaine pulled Kurt away before he entered the choir room. “Hey, I want to catch up. It's been eight years.” He whispered to Kurt.

“Why are you whispering?” Kurt whispered back.

“I don't know.” Blaine said still in a whispered tone.

“Okay, talk like a normal person. I know that's hard for you, but try.” Kurt joked.

“Haha, funny, Hummel.” Blaine said pushing Kurt's shoulder.“But we should catch up.”

“Time and place.”

“Now and wherever is good around here.”

“Isn't Westerville like two hours away? It's already getting late.” Kurt rebutted.

“Yeah, but I can stay here in Lima tonight and go home tomorrow.” Blaine suggested.

McKinley High School Courtyard

“Vivian, this is unacceptable!” George bellowed to his wife as they walked out of the high school.

“George, what are we supposed to do?” Vivian asked him.

“We need to ensure that Blaine doesn't fall into Kurt's patterns.” George was pacing around the stairs trying to come up with an excuse to get Blaine out of McKinley quickly and not cause any attention to what they were doing. It was Saturday night; Blaine would want to hang out with friends, as he did every Saturday. Hopefully those friends were the Dalton friends and he would ride back to Westerville with Wes or David and nothing would go wrong. Unfortunately, both, Vivian and George, knew that Blaine would most likely ask to stay in Lima for the night.

The Andersons had thought they raised the perfect son. He had perfect grades and was talented beyond belief. And he was straight. Yes, Blaine Devon Anderson was the perfect son. Vivian and George were proud of the son they had raised.

Just as George was about to speak they spotted Blaine and Kurt walking towards them. “Well, isn't it Kurt Hummel!” Vivian hollered.

Kurt's smile grew bigger seeing Blaine's parents, even though he'd always had a weird feeling about them. “Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, it's so good to see you.” Kurt said hugging the couple.

“How are you?” George asked with a very false smile on his face.

“I'm doing much better today.” Kurt laughed and looked at Blaine. Blaine smiled back at him.

“Hey, I was wondering if I could stay here in Lima tonight?” Blaine asked with a pleading tone to his voice. “Kurt said he could drive me back to Westerville tomorrow.”

Although his parents didn't want Blaine to be around Kurt again, because seeing him again they could tell for certainty that Kurt was homosexual, they decided that not allowing Blaine to be around Kurt might make Blaine recent them even more than he already did. Vivian gave George a look trying to get him to make some excuse for Blaine to come home with them that night. But George couldn't come up with an idea, “Of course.” He said. Vivian turned to her husband shocked that he allowed Blaine to go with Kurt that night.

“Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow.” Blaine said before he walked off with Kurt.

“What the hell, George?” Vivian asked when the boys were out of hearing distance.

“He's already suspicious of our behavior. We knew that Kurt was going to be here. That's why we're here.” He explained. “We have to pry them apart this time.”

“How? It's not like we can move again.” Vivian asked.

“I haven't figured it out yet.” George said walking back to his car.

Kurt and Blaine walked back into the school to head home. “You're parents seem to be doing great.” Kurt stated to Blaine.

“They've been acting really weird. I'm a junior and this is the first show choir competition they've been to. I've been the lead in the Warblers since late my freshman year.” Blaine started. “They talked to me about school last weekend and most importantly they let me stay here tonight.”

“Why is that the most important?” Kurt asked.

“Well, because after you moved here, leaving me in New York alone.” Blaine laughed. “After you moved I begged my parents to let me call you and they wouldn't. They said that you'd moved on and there was no point on living in the past. That we were never going to see each other again so there was no point.” He explained to Kurt.

“Do you know the real reason?”

“Ha, no. I overheard something about someone or something was wrong, but that's it. I don't even know if that was about you.” Blaine smiled. “I really don't want to talk about it because it just doesn't matter anymore.”

“So do you want to go get dinner or just head back to my place or what?” Kurt asked.

Blaine thought about it for a moment before answering. “We can just go back to your place. Somewhere where there aren't people talking.”

Kurt could feel a blush coming to his cheeks and fought to keep it from showing. “Alright. My car's out front.”

The boys headed out to Kurt's car to head back to Kurt's house as they heard Wes and Finn yelling to them from different directions. “Kurt! We're going to Breadstix to celebrate.” Finn hollered.

“Blaine, let's go. We're heading back to David's for a party.” Wes said once he caught up with Kurt and Blaine. “Come on.”

“I'm staying here. Ran into a really old friend and we're gonna catch up. I'll talk to you guys later.” Blaine explained. “Wes this is my friend Kurt. Kurt this is Wes.”

“It's nice to meet you.” Wes said to Kurt.

“Likewise.” Kurt responded.

“Come on Kurt. We're waiting on you.” Kurt heard Finn yell again.

“Just a sec.” Kurt told Blaine and hurried off to talk to Finn. “I'm not gonna go. A friend from Broadway is here and we're gonna go back to my house and catch up.” He explained to Finn.

“Alright. Have fun.” Finn said with a wink and got into the car with Rachel, Quinn, and Puck.

Kurt rolled his eyes and headed back over to Blaine. Wes had already left with the Warblers before Kurt got back. “My Navigator is over there.” Kurt pointed to his left.

They both headed over to Kurt's vehicle and Kurt drove them to his house.

Hummel-Hudson Residence

Burt and Carole had beaten Kurt and Blaine back to the house after sectionals. “Well, at least they're going to regionals.” Carole said with a smile on her face. “They did amazing. Kurt was incredible. I see what you were saying when he was on Broadway. I wish I could have seen him.”

“You still might. All he's ever talked about is moving back to New York and started up his career again.” Burt explained to Carole while sitting down with a beer on the couch next to her. Burt heard Kurt pull in the driveway. “He's home? I thought he'd be going with the rest of the Glee club to celebrate.” He stood up to look out the window. “He's got someone with him.” Burt looked a little closer noticing it was one of the Warblers. “It can't be.” He figured it out. He hurried to the door and opened it before Kurt could unlock the door. “Blaine Anderson, what on earth are you doing in that Warbler uniform?” Burt said and hugged Blaine.

Blaine's smile widened even more when Burt wrapped his large arms around his little body. “It's so good to see you, Mr. Hummel.” Blaine said hugging Burt back.

“Can we get inside please?” Kurt asked sounding very impatient.

Burt and Blaine released their embrace and the three of them walked into the house and saw Carole standing in the foyer. “Who is this?” She asked.

“This is Blaine Anderson. One of Kurt's old friends.” Burt said before Kurt or Blaine could even think about speaking. “Apparently he's now attending Dalton and singing for them. I didn't even realize it was you during the competition.” Burt said turning back to Blaine.

“It's really great to see familiar faces. Dalton's great and all it's just this feels like home.” Blaine smiled at Kurt.

“Blaine, this is my step-mom, Carole.” Blaine shook Carole's hand. “The guy I was talking to just before we left, this is his mom.”

“Oh, okay.” Blaine said enthusiastically.

“Come on. I'll make us something to eat then we can catch up.” Kurt said leading Blaine towards the kitchen.

“It was nice meeting you Mrs. Hummel.” Blaine said following Kurt into the kitchen.

“Cute boy.” Carole said to Burt.

“Those two were attached at the hip when they were kids.” Burt explained. “I think Blaine had some sort of problem with his parents, though. He never wanted to go home. Was always coming up with excuses to stay the night. And when Elizabeth or I would bring up having them over for dinner both of the boys were quick to shoot the idea down. Simply saying ‘it wasn't a good idea.'” Burt sat back down on the couch and offered the seat next to him to Carole, she took it.

“Are you hungry?” Kurt asked.

“Not really. A glass of water would be nice though. Where do you keep them?” Blaine asked looking through the cupboards. He opened the last door and found the glasses. “Ah, right here.” Blaine got himself a glass of water.

“Well, I am starving. I'm gonna make myself a sandwich. Are you sure you don't want anything?” Kurt asked pulling his sandwich ingredients out of the refrigerator.

“Yeah, if I get hungry I'll just take your food.” Blaine laughed.

“It's crazy. After all these years not speaking with each other. We can pick up right where we left off like no time has passed or like we've been talking every day.”

“That's called a true friendship, Kurt.” Blaine said placing his hand on Kurt's shoulder from behind.

Kurt quickly made his sandwich and grabbed a bag of potato chips and they ran upstairs to Kurt's bedroom. Blaine threw himself onto Kurt's bed the same way he did as a child. Kurt sat down at the edge of the bed with his sandwich and chips sitting next to him.

“Tell me everything!” Blaine hollered. “We have eight years to catch up on. GO!”

“Okay, well. We moved here after my mom died, but you knew that.” Blaine nodded in agreement as Kurt spoke on. “Life was pretty dull until high school. I hated public school, naturally, but I have survived this far so. I can make it two more years.” As Kurt spoke Blaine's eyes wondered around the room for a while before landing on Kurt's lips then his neck before they made their way up and down Kurt's body several times.

“Then last year I joined glee club. Started performing again. Nobody knew who I was until something popped up online.” Kurt shook his head. “Finally told my dad I'm gay.”

“Wait! Stop. You're gay?”

Kurt let out a chuckle. “Blaine, look around my room. It screams ‘gay'. You don't have a problem with that do you?”

“No. Go on. Tell me more.” Blaine said repositioning himself on the bed so he could eat Kurt's potato chips.

“Well, because I'm gay. There is this guy who has made it his mission to make my life miserable.” Kurt said looking down at his paper plate.

“Who is it? I'll beat him up for you.” Blaine hopped to his feet on the bed and held up his fists.

“My hero!” Kurt giggled.

“Hey!” Blaine snapped and sat back down. “I started the Dalton branch of fight club. I'm pretty good.”

“I'm sure you are. But I'm fine. Nothing too terrible has happened yet.” Kurt said to his friend. “What about you?”

“Oh, nothing really. My dad got transferred here, that's why we moved. My parents are still a nightmare. As soon as they could they boarded me at Dalton. I mean I love Dalton and all of my friends, but there's something about coming home to parents that are actually interested in your life that I'm missing.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Like the greeting we just got from your parents. They were excited to see you.”

“My dad was excited to see you.”

“Well, I'm irresistible.” Kurt smacked Blaine as he tried to roll away on the bed. “But last week they were all of a sudden interested in what I was doing and sectionals. I'm shocked they even came today. I mean I've gone to a lot of show choir competitions and have had a lot of performances. They haven't been at any. You know them; they almost missed my Broadway debut.”

“That was just your dad.”

“Still; my mom didn't say anything about it.” Blaine rolled over onto his back and stared at the ceiling.

“Girlfriend?”

“I go to an all boys boarding school. I don't meet a lot of girls.” Blaine laughed. “Boyfriend?”

“Nope, I'm the only person out of the closet at my school.”

“Must be rough.” Blaine said looking at Kurt. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing. You are just the first person to actually listen to me.” Kurt said looking towards Blaine.

“What are best friends for?”

Kurt let out a small laugh. “You still consider us best friends?”

“Of course.” Blaine sat up so he could look Kurt straight in the eyes. “Always.” Blaine hopped off the bed and headed for Kurt's dresser. “Do you have anything more comfortable. This blazer is starting to irritate me.” Blaine opened the top drawer.

“Nosey!” Kurt yelled out slamming the drawer shut. He bent down to open his pajama drawer and pulled out a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt.

Blaine only took the sweatpants back to Kurt's vanity area. “You have got a lot of creams on this thing.”

“Skin like this doesn't just happen, Blaine!” Kurt shouted at him.

Kurt quickly changed in the main area of his room before walking over to his vanity to take care of his nightly skin care ritual. He took one quick glance at Blaine going through his stuff. He stood looking through his photos with his shirt off. Kurt could feel himself staring at Blaine's body, but couldn't force himself to look away.

“Time for bed!” Blaine announced and jumped back onto Kurt's bed. He hurried under the comforter to get warm. “It's cold in here.”

“Put a shirt on.”

“Turn the lights off.” Blaine groaned and rolled his face into Kurt's pillow.

Kurt watched as Blaine slowly fell asleep on his bed as he went to switch off his lights. He then crawled into his bed without thinking twice about it. It was just like they were eight years old again.