If Kurt was confused before, now he simply doesn't have a clue.

Honestly, everything that happened since that first day – from Blaine comforting him and lending him his own clothes to slow-dancing at a backyard during a party – has been absolutely confusing and, in some way, really, really weird.

That night, he and Blaine danced and kept dancing until the song changed to a fast one. Then Blaine removed his arms from Kurt's waist and disentangled himself from him, his smile so big that Kurt thought his face would split in two. 

Then, they talked.

Kurt doesn't remember how it happened, but he ended up telling Blaine all about his dad and how the man is the most important figure in his life. He talked about the bullying and how he handles it, about Mercedes and how he's glad to have her. Blaine talked about his old school and how he didn't have any friends there. When Kurt asked him why, he just shrugged and said he didn't fit in. 

Kurt asked about Blaine's transfer. He said there was a Sadie Hawkins dance where things didn't end up well and that was it. Kurt felt like something was missing, like Blaine wanted to say more, but didn't. So he smiled at his friend  – is that what they are now? Friends?  –  and looked the other way.

But now there's Monday and the unreturned clothes. He knows he can't talk to Blaine in front of everyone, but it's not like he can put the clothes on Blaine's locker and leave. So during Chemistry, he asks the teacher if he can go to the bathroom and walks to Blaine's locker instead to sneak a note in there.

Meet me behind the gymnasium after your last period?

- K

Blaine smiles when he sees the small note, knowing well he must look a little weird for grinning like a five-year-old to a piece of paper. But it's not like he has any control over it, so he folds the note and puts it in his pocket.

Luckily, it's already his last period so Blaine wastes no time in walking towards the gymnasium, his mind going on and on about the reason Kurt wanted to see him. He was pretty sure it was to return the pants and shirt, but why didn't he do it during lunch or the history class they have together? 

When he catches sight of Kurt, the boy is standing and leaning against the wall behind him, crossing his arms over his chest and looking at his feet. Blaine approaches and is welcomed with a warm smile and a happy, "Hi."

"Hey," he smiles back. "I got your note."

"I can see that." Kurt fumbles with his bag for a moment before handing Blaine his clothes, folded and clean. "I think those belong to you."

"Thanks." Blaine says. He doesn't want to admit it, but he can't help but feel... disappointed. Is that the only reason Kurt wanted to meet him? To return his clothes?

So he asks. "Is that why you wanted to see me?"

"Y- yeah? I needed to give those back."

"You could have done it during lunch, you know. Or even history."

Kurt looks down, and he looks almost... ashamed?

"I can't talk to you in front of everybody, Blaine. It's social suicide." A pause; and then, "for you."

"What?" 

"You know what I'm talking about." Kurt whispers, and his voice sounds so small and afraid that Blaine wants to hug him and take that look away from his face.

"Kurt, hey," Blaine reaches closer, making Kurt look at him. "It doesn't matter, okay? I don't care what people think, I like talking to you and I like being your-" he swallows, "your friend."

Kurt looks up, then, meeting Blaine's eyes. "Really?"

"Yes. God, Kurt, you don't need to be afraid to talk to me in front of them. Plus, I promise I'll kick their asses if they do anything. Or... ask someone, um, bigger to kick their asses."

Kurt giggles, and Blaine smiles even though his heart clenches a bit when he hears Kurt sniffing.

"Okay." Kurt breathes in, hugging himself. "It's just that... I thought you–"

"No, hey, it's okay. What about I walk you to your car and we talk tomorrow?"

Kurt smiles. "I'd like that."

"Great."

Blaine opens his bag and tucks his clothes in it, motioning with his head for Kurt to walk with him. The boy does, still holding his arms around himself and looking taken aback, but not leaving Blaine's side nevertheless. 

Blaine notices the way Kurt seems almost scared, his eyes fixed to the floor, like he's trying to hide himself from anyone that could see. Blaine knows he's doing it because he's afraid that the mere sight of two boys walking together is enough to piss off the bullies, and he hates that. He hates that Kurt has to be afraid. No one should be scared of walking around your own school, and it makes Blaine's insides flutter with anger.

They reach Kurt's car, and when Blaine touches his arm before saying bye, the boy jumps and Blaine removes his hand like it's been burned. It's like a fist is squeezing his heart and he looks down, murmuring an apology and tucking a hand inside his pocket.

They part with small waves and a 'see you tomorrow'.

Later that day, Kurt was sitting in his room trying to finish his homework when Mercedes called him.

"We're still boring." She blurts out as soon as he answers, and Kurt rolls his eyes.

"Gee. Hi to you, too."

"Seriously, Kurt. After you disappeared at Antony's party I didn't even see you until you found me and made drive you home. We didn't have fun together."

"You were the one who started flirting with that boy and forgot I was there!"

Mercedes giggles. "Sorry about that. He's really sweet."

"I'm happy for you, 'Cedes," Kurt smiles to himself. "Really."

"Even if I ignore you to flirt with cute guys?"

"Even then." Kurt laughs and shakes his head.

"But that's not why I called you." She pauses. "Honey, you need to go to a gay bar."

Kurt almost chokes. "What?!"

"No, listen. I've been thinking. First, I thought I should convince you to come to a club with me, or – any bar, really. I just wanted to make you go out with me since all we've been doing is homework."

"Mercedes–"

"Shush. But then I thought, 'what the hell, he would hate that', so I decided that you need to go to a gay bar. Have some fun. Meet some boys."

"And what on earth makes you think that's a good idea?"

"Kurt, come on! This is one of those things you'll regret not doing. It's just an experience, something to cross out of your list. Come on! I'll go with you."

"Well, at least there you won't have anyone to flirt with."

Mercedes laughs, loud and happy. "So is this a yes?"

"It's a maybe." 

Kurt stops. Damn, Mercedes is impossible sometimes. When she puts her mind into something, doesn't matter what – she always gets it.

And now she wants Kurt to go to a gay bar.

Oh, great. Just great.

"Kuuurt!"

"I'll think about it! It's already good enough, okay? I know I should say no right away."

Mercedes sighs. "Fine. Just... Think about it, yeah?"

"I will, Mercedes."

"Okay. See you tomorrow."

"See you."