Part 2

On Friday night the boys joined the Warblers in the cafeteria for dinner since they were Blaine's friends and were still trying to recruit the newbie Kurt. So far they had just been talking about classes until one the Warblers decided to change the subject.

"So Kurt, are you gay or straight?" Thad asked and then added "If you don't mind me asking," as Wes accidentally jabbed him in the shoulder and muttered "Sorry, slippery little suckers," Kurt appreciated the Pretty Woman reference as Wes ate his ravioli, Kurt chuckled. He had watched Pretty Woman with Blaine the other night on TV, he loved it.

Blaine looked to Kurt to see if he was uncomfortable and was about to say something but Kurt spoke first. "I…I think so," Blaine gave Kurt a look. Kurt was staring at his food and not looking at the questionable faces of his peers.

"You think?" Jeff then spoke who had been pretty quiet the whole meal. "That's enough guys," Blaine added but Kurt shook his head. "It's okay Blaine, they have a right to be curious. I never really thought about it until Blaine asked me the same thing. The mere idea of woman and…their private parts make me want to hide. I've never really been attracted to women, well at least from the experiences I've had so far, and at least not in the way you guys talk about them…but I have noticed how some boys in this school look handsome, and I've um …felt attracted to them physically so I think I might be, does that make sense?"

"You know what Kurt, it doesn't matter if your gay, straight, bi or whatever we'll think you're great anyway," David mentioned as the others nodded. Kurt beamed at them "Really?"

"Yep,"

"Do I look handsome?" Trent then asked and Wes laughed as Blaine groaned and Kurt chuckled "Yes Trent you look handsome,"

"Ha he wishes! Who do you think is the most prettiest out of all of us?" Thad then asked and as though on cue each member of The Warblers gave him a dashing smile, except Blaine whose eyes widened.

Kurt turned crimson as he looked down at his food.

He already knew the answer but wasn't sure if it was right to say. He took a last bite of his cheesecake and then made a mental note to tell Blaine that he was going to waste a lot of money buying him cheesecake everyday. He knew what the boy was up to. Ever since he found out Kurt liked cheesecake, he'd been eating that all week.

"Alright, I think we better get back to our room," Blaine got out of his chair and looked to Kurt "Ready to go Kurt?" Kurt nodded.

"Oh no Blaine, you're not getting him out of this one," David insisted and put his hand on Kurt's shoulder to sit him back down who immediately flinched.

"David," Blaine scolded and took Kurt's hand walking him out of the cafeteria. They had finished eating anyway.

"How come Kurt didn't flinch when Blaine touched him?" Thad commented in surprise when they left. Nobody answered because they already knew why.

….

"I'm sorry about them," Blaine said as Kurt followed him inside their room and shrugged "It's okay Blaine,"

"No – you shouldn't have to be forced to tell people who you like and who you don't like," Blaine responded and then patted the bed for Kurt to sit next to him. "They don't understand that some people are not like them,"

"What do you mean not like them?" Kurt frowned. He didn't like where Blaine was going with this.

Blaine sighed noticing Kurt's expression. "Kurt… are you honestly going to tell me that you're the same as us? You've had it harder than any of us here. You're not like us...not that it's a bad thing, but you're in a unique situation and the guys seem to have no filter or boundaries is what I'm trying to say,"

"I like being treated like how they would want to be treated," Kurt stated and Blaine looked frustrated. "Yeah but sometimes they can push it too far, like today for example. David touching you made you jump,"

Kurt's face darkened. "What so because I've been hurt. I'm suddenly different to all of you? And what does that have to do with anything about who I may or may not like?" Blaine's face fell at the sudden anger directed at him. "Wait that's not what I mean,"

"That's what you said Blaine! And I quote Are you honestly going to tell me that YOU'RE THE SAME AS US, you know yes, I did come here to be safe, but I also came here to be treated as an equal! Is that's why you hang out with me? Because you feel sorry for me? I thought we were friends, but I just turned out to be your pity project," With that he stormed out of the room. He needed air.

How could Blaine think that?

How could he.

Are you honestly going to tell me you're the same as us?

"I already knew I wasn't the same, but why did you have to make me feel so stupid," Kurt muttered to himself when he should have said that to Blaine. "I thought I fit in here," He muttered and then started to cry. "Why was I so stupid to think I fitted in here?

He never felt so alone.

Of course someone like Blaine would just feel sorry for him. He's got it all doesn't he? The looks, the charm, the friends, the whole freaking school loves him. Nobody loves Kurt. Not even his step dad.

He didn't even realise where he was heading until he saw the library door and breathed in a deep breathe remembering his and Mercedes hide out.

He walked in, grateful that it was open 24/7.

He'd be happy to sleep there.

He sat down in a corner in the far back on a beanie. There were students studying, but no one who really knew him well enough to talk to him.

Kurt grabbed a random book and began to get lost in the world were he could pretend that somebody cared. He didn't want to think about Blaine who was probably going to whine to his friend about what a child Kurt was being. After an hour he put the book down, his eyes were tired. He then remembered the mobile phone in his pocket when he heard it beep and saw Blaine's name come up Where are you? Please talk to me Kurt. I'm sorry -Blaine. He could call Mercedes. He knew her number of my heart, having looked over the note over and over again to remember he still had a friend. He glanced at his watch on his wrist 9pm. There was still time to go outside before the door closed.

He put the book back and headed for the front entrance. He needed the fresh air. He explained to the lady at the front desk what he was going to do and she agreed for him to go with a stern warning to be back by exactly 10.

"Yes Mam,"

Blaine had helped him install the phone and showed him how it all worked. Speaking of which there was another message from Blaine which he ignored. Kurt please, I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you, just pick up the phone or come talk to me -Blaine

He called the number, anxious to here her voice. Nobody picked up on the first ring. Had she changed numbers?

He hoped not. He tried again and on the third ring she picked up. YES.

Blaine is ringing

Ignore Or Decline

Kurt declined and tried calling Mercedes again.

"Hello?" Kurt let out a sob. It was definitely her. Deeper, but definitely her.

"Cedes?" He asked and there was a moment of silence before a silent oh my god issued. "Kurt? Is that you boo?"

"It's me," He grinned behind his tears as she let out a squeal "Oh my god Kurt! WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL ME, you had me worried sick! How are you? Where are you? What do you look like?"

"I didn't have a mobile until the other day Mercedes, please don't be mad or I would have,"

"But you had the house phone," Mercedes still sounded hurt at being rejected. "My step dad doesn't let me use it Mercedes, I need to explain to you why I was the way I was, can you…do you have time to listen?"

"Yeah, it's a friday night, you know my parents don't care on Fridays what it is I do,"

"Alright…" Kurt explained from the beginning. He needed to tell her.

He needed someone to like him for him. If she couldn't… then it was true what Blaine said, he's not like everyone else. He's not your average boy.

Mercedes was crying by the time he got to the part about her and his hide out at school with the bullies.

"Oh sweetie… I knew something wasn't right, but I didn't care, you were my best friend," He smiled into the phone, glad he called. "You were mine too," He hiccupped.

" You've had rotten luck Kurt, but don't ever think you're worthless, because you're not boo, and don't ever think you're not still my best friend, because even though were not together anymore, I think about you every day Kurt, I always wondered what happened to you, where are you now actually?"

"I got transferred to Dalton Academy,"

"The private school in Westerville?"

"You know them?"

"Were versing their glee club at Nationals! I'm at McKinley High Kurt, The new Directions are against The Warblers! Please tell me you're in the glee club, that means we'll see each other,"

"I…I don't sing Mercedes,"

"Bull, I heard you when you were in that school play, you're good Kurt,"

"You heard me sing?"

"I may have sneaked into the hall during your rehearsal,"

Kurt laughed. "Mr Skinner didn't catch you?"

"Nah, the old man was giving detention to Puckerman, who by the way is also in New Directions,"

"No way," Kurt laughed as Mercedes answered "yes way," and went to explain about how he now had a Mohawk too. He heard her giggle. "Is he still a badass?"

"Yeah, although he's a bit more of a softie than before. She talked a bit about the New Directions then and how they were currently fundraising their own way to Sectionals with night called Night Of Neglect about artists who didn't feel appreciated. Hey Kurt?" Kurt understood how that felt.

"Mhm?"

"If you don't join The Warblers, one day can you visit me? There's a one way bus that goes to Lima from Westerville, please? I miss you,"

"I miss you too Mercedes, I'll try … my step dad didn't give me any money,"

"Bastard,"

"Mercedes you swore," He was smiling as he stared out into the darkness. He wasn't afraid though. A bit cold because of the chilly air but not afraid now that he could hear her and there was a lamplight too which was on all night.

"Fuck the bastard,"

Kurt laughed "I think Puckerman has made an influence on you," Kurt felt something warm around him and he looked down at the material which he knew was Blaine's scarf.

He looked up and there he was. Dashing as ever and looking very upset.

"Kurt? I've been looking for you everywhere. You didn't answer my messages and I tried to call you a 100 times," Kurt looked up to find Blaine, who did look frantic and worried ontop of the staircase that Kurt was currently sitting on outside. "Whose that?" He heard Mercedes ask. At which Kurt answered "Just someone from school," Kurt gave him a glare and then sighed when he realised it was time to go back in anyway, it was already 9:40. "Mercedes I have to go, curfew is almost finished,"

"Aww, thank you for calling Kurt, you made my week, I miss you, visit soon!"

"I miss you too, I'll try, bye,"

Blaine had looked devastated when Kurt said 'just someone from school' he was hoping for 'friend' or 'roommate' at least and was still waiting when Kurt turned of the phone and then handed it out to Blaine "You can have it back now,"

Blaine sighed and shook his head "No Kurt, that was a gift, I want you to have it,"

"I told you, I don't want to be your pity project," Kurt dropped the phone on the stairs and then left to go inside. "Kurt please, I heard what you said to Mercedes, I didn't mean to, but I was trying not to interrupt while you talked to her. I don't even know how to say what I want to say, but I know I have to talk to you, I need to make this right,"

"You're invading my privacy now?"

"I…"

"I just want to have some privacy Blaine," Blaine picked up the abanadoned phone first and ran in after Kurt who was ahead already.

"Kurt I'm sorry,"

"You really hurt my feelings Blaine,"

"Just please STOP Kurt, let's go back to our room so I can explain, at least hear me out, and if you don't like it I'll let you have your privacy," Blaine caught up to him in the lobby and other boys were staring at them now and a teacher who was heading home looked like he was about to ask what was happening.

"Fine," Kurt was suddenly exhausted. He'd been overwhelmed since they got back from dinner and he wanted to sit back on his bed and just huddle his pillow to his chest, content knowing he has his best friend back in his life. The bystanders went about their way and Blaine looked relieved as they silently walked to their dorm.

"Explain," Kurt said simply when they got inside and he was able to sit on his bed.

Blaine immediately kneeled down next to the bed so he could look Kurt in the eye. "I never, intentionally meant to make you feel like you weren't one of us Kurt, you are, you so so are, the way I said it though - was so wrong and I understand why you're upset, and god I wish I hadn't opened my big mouth, because the last THING I want is for you to be mad at me,"

Kurt still didn't look convinced but patted the bed so Blaine could stop hurting his back and knees in that awful position on the floor. Blaine sat down gratefully.

"What I said was stupid, and I didn't realise how stupid it was until I actually said it aloud to Wes who asked me why you looked so pissed off when he was on his way to his own dorm,"

He knew Blaine would tell his friends.

"Wes told me I was a fucking idiot and he's right, I should never have made such a big deal out of it if you were okay with it,"

Wait what? Wes was sticking up for him?

"Actually there is no excuse for what I said, I can't even think of WHY I said it. You've gone through so much, and for me to say you were different than us… god. You are one of us Kurt, yeah you've had different experiences, but you're not better or worst than any of us, you see that Blazer you're wearing?" Kurt looked down to his uniform and didn't understand where this was going.

"We all were blazers Kurt, they make us a team. They represent us as a whole, not just an individual sticking out like a sore thumb, I'm so sorry, I hope you'll forgive me,"

Kurt looked down at his lapel where Blaine had touched it to straighten it out and looked at him sadly.

"I'm so sorry," He said again and Kurt rolled his eyes and gave Blaine a hug.

"I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have stormed of and made you so worried about me, especially when you have an exam on Monday which you're supposed to be studying for but instead you came looking for me, and I probably overreacted..."

Blaine shrugged. "I deserve an F, for making you feel like you stick out like a sore thumb, because you don't Kurt. Your unique, but your one of us,"

"You're not just a classmate to me either Blaine, you…you gave me a reason to smile again you know? I haven't smiled this much since Mercedes left,"

"You really miss her don't you," He commented squeezing Kurt's hand, glad he didn't flinch this time.

'Yeah - hey did you know she's competing against you?" He grinned then and then Blaine's eyes went as wide as saucers "No way,"

"Yeah, she's at McKinley High it's in Lima apparently,"

"Kurt! That's only like 2 hours from here…"

"I know, but I don't have a car remember. I don't have money. I can't go even if I wanted to,"

"I'll take you," Blaine said and Kurt raised his eyebrows. "What?" Blaine bounced with joy on the bed at the idea "Yes! I have a car, and I don't go home on the weekends, we can go together then, please, let me make it up to you, and I'd like to meet this friend of yours,"

"You sure though….2 hours is a long time," Kurt frowned, maybe he had overreacted, Blaine did seem genuinely sorry.

"Yeah I'm sure. It'll give me an excuse to spend more time with you," Blaine to his credit looked very excited about the idea.

"So I'm not just your pity project then?"

"No Kurt…you're not," Blaine's hand cupped his cheek "You're so much more than that, I'm sorry I ever made you doubt that,"

"Okay," Kurt answered and Blaine put his hand back on the bed eyeing him carefully "Okay?" He didn't want to misread things again.

"Okay let's do this," Kurt chuckled, but slightly missing Baine's hand on his cheek. Blaine clapped.

"Yay! Road trip!"

"Blaine you're like a 5 year old," Kurt giggled as Blaine excitedly went about what kind of food or games they could do in the car.

"Yeah but a loveable 5 year old," Blaine wiggled his eyebrows.

"I'll be the judge of that,"

With Blaine's pouting expression Kurt smiled and then hesitated "So are we friends?"

"Always," Blaine nodded.

"Always," Kurt grinned.

"Oh my god Kurt, stop flirting with me,"

"You read too books,"

"Hey you read it too,"

"Touche,"

"Alright I will,"

"BLAINE," Kurt shrieked as Blaine put 2 fingers on Kurt's lip. That was so bad for the heart. "You said touch me," Blaine reminded him.

"I SAID TOUCHE. TOUCH – E there was no ME,"

"Hey Kurt?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad were friends,"

"Me too Blaine,"

"Should you call Mercedes? You do realise tomorrow is the weekend," Blaine grinned as Kurt for once appeared excited and then shook his head.

"No, let's surprise her, now you sir have to study for your test that's on Monday,"

"But I don't want to,"

"We'll do quizzes in the car if you don't do it now,"

"Fine," Beep.

Kurt got a new message and checked his phone.

You're amazing Kurt –Blaine

"You couldn't tell me that here?" He asked amused as Blaine looked up and grinned then looked back behind his book.

I like making you smile –Blaine

Kurt laughed. Beep.

I like your laugh too –Blaine

I think you're amazing too – Kurt

: ) – Blaine

….

"Blaine WHY did you set the alarm for 4:30," Kurt groaned the next morning and for once Blaine was already up and dressed whereas Kurt was not. "Come on sleepy beauty we need to hit the road to beat the early traffic!"

"But we haven't even packed the food yet, how long you've been awake?" Kurt pulled his cover back over his head but Blaine happily pulled the blanket off. "BLAINE,"

"Um I've been awake since 3:30, I wanted to get things done while you slept a little more, you looked too peaceful, I didn't want to wake you," Blaine admitted and Kurt smiled despite the cold "You did that for me?"

Blaine also didn't mention how he had woken up early because Kurt had been having a nightmare. It was the first time he heard Kurt sob so much in his sleep. It hurt him to see the boy like that.

1 hour ago:

"No No more please Tom, I promise I'll be good I promise, I'm sorry!"

"Kurt?" Blaine walked over to Kurt's bed and gently sat on the edge of the bed to shake him and not startle him awake completely.

"Mummy…please mummy wake up, Tom's hurting me, I'm so tired,"

"Kurt come on wake up, it's just a nightmare,"

"No, no no more no…I should have died…I should have died,"

"Kurt wake up, come on Kurt you're scaring me,"

Blaine's heart broke at Kurt's sobbing and unconscious thoughts being spoken aloud.

"You are not alone ….I am here with you. Though you're far away, I am here to stay…" Kurt stopped talking in his sleep then so Blaine continued to sing "You are not alone
I am here with you.. Though we're far apart ….You're always in my heart"

Kurt went back to sleep like a baby and he looked comfortable in his arms, that Blaine didn't want to let him go.

He didn't want to freak Kurt out, and obviously he didn't remember last night.

"Yeah," Blaine shyly rubbed the back of his head. "Now come on, we still have time for you to have a shower and change, and we can grab some food from the Cafeteria on the way out,"

"But we need to tell the front desk what were doing or we'll get in trouble," Kurt said worried.

"Already ahead of you,"

"And we need to let your Warblers know so they don't come looking for us,"

"Done that too,"

"And we need to make sure there's enough fuel in your car to get us to Lima and back,"

"Done that too,"

"And you're not seriously going to go to Lima wearing your Dalton Blazer are you?"

"I…"

"Blaine…"

"You love the Blazer Kurt, admit it,"

"For once we get to get out of the school and actually be with civilization and you choose to wear your blazer,"

"Yes?"

"I guess I'll have to too,"

Blaine grinned.

"That should save us time then," but then Kurt shook his head so he said "What?"

"Honey…you're forgetting something,"

Blaine frowned. He was pretty sure he got everything. He even pack some of his and Kurt's clothes in a backpack in case they needed to stay for the weekend and some sunscreen and…

"I need to do my moisturising routine,"

Blaine groaned "Of course, I should have woken you up earlier," Kurt smacked his arm and Blaine laughed.

It was fun being in the car with Blaine, Kurt didn't know why he found this surprising.

Probably because he's never had so much fun before. Blaine couldn't stop making him laugh. They did eye spy.

"I spy something brown,"

"A tree," Kurt answered and Blaine groaned in annoyance "WHY are you so good at this game?"

"Because that's been the answer for the last 20 minutes, it's getting old," Blaine continued driving and keeping an eye on the road. Kurt enjoyed watching the houses go by, and the new surroundings. It was like going on an adventure. With Blaine, he felt excited. More excited than he's ever felt in his life. Blaine has opened him up out of his shell too, and he's only known him for 5 days. He could understand the Disney movies now where it took only 3 days to fall in love. He remembered watching Tarzan in primary school and wondering how you could fall in love in such a short amount of time, because it was obvious; even at such a young age you could see Jane loved Tarzan the moment she laid eyes on him. He sort of understood that now, he thought as he glanced as he stared at Blaine who had to keep his eye on the road.

"What are you thinking of over there in that perfectly shaped head of yours?" Blaine asked as Kurt blushed at being caught. "I spy something tall…"

"Tree," Blaine grinned "I'm clearly not the only one hovering to the dark side,"

"The dark side?" Kurt asked and Blaine took this moment at the traffic lights to glance at Kurt. "You don't know Star Wars?" Kurt shook his head.

"Well that's definitely not acceptable, we're going to change that – this weekend."

Blaine looked tired. Kurt noticed the dark circles under the other boys eyes after about an hour in the car. "Maybe we should stop somewhere first?" Kurt asked and Blaine shook his head but then turned him "Why are you hungry? I got sandwiches and chips, and bought extra cheesecakes from the cafeteria," Kurt slapped his arm then "You need to stop wasting money on me,"

"On the contrary Kurt, I enjoy spoiling you, so please let me, besides I worked for my money Kurt. I get to spend on it whatever I want,"

"You worked so young?"

"My dad believed I should be able to provide for myself and spend my summers wisely," Blaine told bitterly.

"By not getting into relationships,"

"Yeah, how'd you guess?" Blaine asked looking at him again at the traffic lights.

"Your face said it all Blaine,"

Blaine looked back at the road again then avoiding Kurt's sympathised glance. Kurt may not know what it's like to have unaccepting parents because you were gay…but he did know what it was like to have an unaccepting parent regardless, and Blaine had mentioned how his dad didn't approve of his sexuality.

Would that mean Tom would hate him even more if he was to allow himself to love Blaine?

They made it to Lima, and they were going to meet Mercedes at McKinley during their school's night of neglect performance which she had mentioned when on the phone with Kurt, it was on a 6, so they had planned to look around the town, but then there was a loud screeching sound.

"That doesn't sound good," Blaine commented and then Kurt noticed a banner and pointed it out to Blaine "Why don't we get it checked out? Do you have money on you?"

"Yeah I do… but it was only enough for a motel if we need it," Kurt looked worried and unsure what to do but Blaine turned the car into the place anyway. "Better have a working car though if we want to get back to Westerville on Monday," Blaine answered simply and Kurt nodded in agreement as they entered Hummels Tire & Lube.

Blaine got out of the car with Kurt who also got out not wanting to leave the other boy's presence in an unfamiliar place.

"Let's go see if anyone is busy, Hello!" Blaine called out. "Be there in a minute!" A voice called out and they stood by the opened garage door waiting. Blaine looked to Kurt and gave him a small smile. Kurt smiled in return.