A/N: This episode makes me overly emotional. Sue and Jean, Quinn and Puck, Kurt and Burt...

It’s late again, I know, sorry. I’m probably gonna have to say I’ll update at the weekend (usually Saturday, unless I have a lot of work). College takes a lot out of me. (only 6 months to go and I’m free!)

Disclaimer: Some nights I stay up, wishing that I owned Glee, ‘cause I’d write it better than Murphy. (I like to think I’m funny)

Chapter Nine: Defying Gravity.

It was lunchtime, and the five friends were in a heated discussion about movies. This sort of argument happened a lot, Blaine mused. They were all very passionate people. It must be because they were performers.

“Hairspray is a good film, but personally, I’m not a huge fan of musicals.” Artie admitted to the others, shrugging as they all gasped in shock. “Give me Star Wars any day.”

Kurt looked like Artie had just committed blasphemy.

“You’d get along well with my brother.” Blaine told Artie, the hint of a smile on his face. “He loves sci-fi.” He couldn’t count the number of times Cooper had made Blaine watch Transformers with him.

“You have a b-brother?” Tina asked, glancing up at him with curiosity.

“Yes. There’s quite a large age gap between us, so we’re not that close.” Blaine shrugged.

“What’s his name?” Mercedes asked, with interest.

“Cooper.” It was a relief that his mother’s prophecy that ‘soon, everyone will know who Cooper is!’ hadn’t yet come true. He didn’t think he could handle his friends gushing over his ‘celebrity’ big brother. “But for the record, sci-fi movies are just as good as musicals.” He added as a subject change, looking at Artie.

Tina wrinkled up her nose. “I prefer horror m-movies.”

“I’m not such a fan of them. Especially the gore.” Blaine shuddered a little. He’d prefer a good rom-com or a musical any day.

Artie instantly argued that sci-fi was better than horror, and Blaine glanced at Kurt, who was staring down at his food. “Hey, you okay? You’re being unusually quiet.” He asked in a hushed voice, though the debate raging about what the best genre of movie meant that none of them would’ve heard what he was saying anyway.

Kurt didn’t respond for a few moments, before finally looking up at him. “I suppose. It’s just...” He shook his head. “Mr Schue’s decided we’re doing Defying Gravity for Sectionals. But because it’s a ‘girl’s song’, Rachel’s singing it.”

Blaine was quiet for a moment. “Well, maybe you should tell Mr Schuester, and ask him if you could sing it?”He suggested. “Don’t just give in. I can see this is really getting you down.”

Kurt gave him a doubtful look. “You think he’d listen to me?”

“Where’s the harm in trying?” Blaine pointed out, before his eyes flickered over to Mercedes, who had been watching them talk – she was apparently less interested in movies than the rest of them.

“I agree with Blaine, Kurt.” Mercedes told him, leaning in a little and giving Blaine a quick smile.

The pleased look on Kurt’s face convinced Blaine that he’d said the right thing, and he grinned, taking a forkful of his lunch.

“Sorry I’m late, everyone. I was busy practising for my big solo.” Rachel announced loudly as she reached their table.

Kurt’s expression went blank, and he stood as she sat down. “I have to go pee.” He stated, fleeing.

Blaine sighed and dropped his fork on his plate, giving Rachel a disapproving look which she didn’t see.

---

He said no. Kurt sent the text to Blaine almost the moment he left Glee, expression bitter as he waved goodbye to Mercedes, who gave him a sympathetic smile.

Oh, Kurt! I’m sorry. :(

He grimaced down at the response, before typing out a reply: It was only to be expected. At least I tried.

It was the truth. Mr Schuester didn’t actually care about any of them. His only focus was Rachel, and Finn to a certain extent. The rest of them were just background singers, white noise. The only reason he’d care if they dropped out was the fact that they wouldn’t have enough people to compete.

The reply came only seconds later: It’s really unfair. You’re a much better singer than her. (but don’t tell her I said that)

This actually made him smile. Blaine’s unerring support and loyalty was something everyone should hope for in a friend. You are the only person who truly appreciates my talent, Blaine. Thank you. :)

That’s because I’m awesome, and don’t mention it! :) But seriously, you have to fight her for that solo, Kurt.

Kurt raised an eyebrow. Don’t you think I’ll get expelled if I seriously injure her? He typed quickly, knowing that he wasn’t actually vicious enough to physically fight her. But he recognised the truth in Blaine’s words; he couldn’t let Mr Schue stop him from achieving his dream out of some stupid prejudice. He had to make a stand and at least try.

You know what I meant. And, she did seem a little uncomfortable about it, to be honest.

Kurt frowned down at his phone, acknowledging the fact that Rachel had been unusually quiet and silent when Mr Schue had unfairly denied Kurt the chance to sing the solo. But not uncomfortable enough to tell Mr Schue that he’s being totally unfair?

Rachel... has a vested interest in herself, and she really likes the spotlight. Was Blaine’s diplomatic response.

You mean she’s a selfish bitch? Kurt sent back, not in the mood for diplomacy.

Aren’t we all a little selfish? We all have something we would do anything for.

Kurt snorted, almost laughing at the idea of Blaine being selfish. Are you kidding? You’re the most selfless person I’ve ever met.

We all have something we would do anything for. Blaine repeated.

Kurt frowned at this rather cryptic answer, before sighing as he reached his house. He didn’t have time to ask right now. He had a lot of work to do. Well, right now, I want to make some warm milk and do my homework. I’ll talk to you later. He sent, before opening the door, heading straight to the fridge to grab some milk.

You *want* to do your homework, Kurt?

What can I say? Algebra is fun. Kurt responded, lips twitching into a smile of amusement.

If you say so. I’ll leave you to it, then! :)

Kurt smiled and turned his phone off.

---

“I’m going to guess that this is a Glee club exercise, and that the stage didn’t collapse under the combined weight of the entire Glee club and paralyse you all?” Blaine asked dryly, walking over to Kurt and eyeing him – and the wheelchair he was sitting in – with amusement. He’d already seen Santana and Brittany. It was amusing to see the Cheerios in wheelchairs. He wondered how they’d perform their routines: maybe they’d be allowed out of their chairs for long enough to practise. He had a sneaking suspicion that Sylvester would kick them off the Cheerios, if they didn’t.

“Shut up, put these books in my locker, and get out my Geography book.” Kurt instructed him firmly, not looking like he was finding this situation the least bit funny.

Blaine did as he was told, smiling slightly and shaking his head, still amused.

“Thank you.” Kurt said with an attempt at dignity, turning his wheelchair around with difficulty.

“So, what is this in aid of?” Blaine wondered aloud, grabbing the handles to push Kurt towards English.

Kurt relinquished control with a grateful “Thank you,” then groaned. “Artie needs the special bus, and he’s really hurt that nobody cares enough to try and raise money for him, so Mr Schue’s doing this as a team-building exercise. He’s shocked at our lack of team spirit. After all, we’re all in this together.” Kurt’s voice was measured, steady, but Blaine could hear the anger and hurt in it.

“That’s... a little hypocritical.” Blaine responded carefully, not wanting to set Kurt off, since he was obviously upset enough already. He was beginning to wonder if he should go and yell at Mr Schuester, since everyone else seemed to think that he was some perfect, inspiring teacher who cared about his kids and who everyone should love. Well, maybe that was a little unfair. He obviously did care about the Glee kids. He just... didn’t care so much about who wanted to sing what song, and cared most about Rachel’s singing career, despite the fact that a lot of the others would love to go into performing.

“I’m pretty sure ‘hypocritical’ is his middle name.” Kurt muttered, and they both lapsed into silence for a few moments, Blaine considering the fact that some teachers were treated as if they were much better than they actually were.

Actually... “So, you don’t have a singing assignment?” Blaine asked, grinning at the thought that had just entered his head.

He could tell that Kurt was frowning. “No, why?”

“I was looking forward to you singing We’re All In This Together. You’d be the perfect Ryan.” Blaine responded, and was pleased to hear Kurt laughing.

“I’m pretty sure the guys would all quit in protest if Mr Schue tried to force them to do High School Musical.” Kurt told him, with what sounded a little like wistfulness. Although he was probably wishing that they could do more musicals, not wishing specifically for High School Musical.

Blaine didn’t know where they came from, but the words “Speaking of quitting, how’s Finn doing?” shot from his mouth before he could think about it, and he instantly winced a little, feeling bad but not quite wanting to apologise.

Sure, Finn had re-joined the Glee club, but he hadn’t apologised to Kurt, and he was still an asshole for having chosen the football team over Glee anyway. Blaine really didn’t understand why Kurt liked him. How could you like a person who’d bullied you and was too much of a coward to say ‘no’ when their friends asked them to hurt you? He was almost glad that Finn was straight and that Kurt therefore had no chance with him. Kurt deserved someone better, someone who loved him, and someone who was proud of who he was.

Which sort of took him out of the running, he mused bitterly, before reminding himself that he wasn’t in the running in the first place, and didn’t want to be. Kurt was his friend.

Kurt twisted around in his wheelchair to frown at Blaine, then turned back as they entered the classroom, the conversation pausing as Blaine wheeled him up to the table before taking the seat next to him. Kurt shot Blaine a narrowed-eyed look, and then shrugged. “Not good. I think Quinn’s on his case,” he added, in an undertone, since the rest of their class was now filing in.

“I guess she needs more support than he’s been giving her.” Blaine felt bad for the Cheerio. She looked so stressed out all the time and he could see why. She was hiding her pregnancy from her parents, her peers, and her teachers, as well as keeping a good GPA, keeping her place as head cheerleader, and being part of Glee club. He felt a lot of sympathy for her, as well as some admiration. Seriously, most people would have cracked under the pressure already.

“It’s hard for him too, you know.” Kurt told him, still frowning a little.

Blaine supposed what he’d said had been a little snappy, but couldn’t help but mutter “Then maybe he shouldn’t have gotten her knocked up” under his breath.

Kurt frowned at him. “Is something up, Blaine?

He let out a long breath. Truthfully, he didn’t know why he’d said that. All he knew was that Kurt talking about Finn made him feel like punching something, and he really didn’t know why.

But you were the one who brought Finn up in the first place! He reminded himself, before shaking his head a little. “No. I’m sorry. Let’s just do this project, okay?”

Kurt stared at him for a few moments, before nodding.

Blaine pulled Wuthering Heights towards him and began flicking through it.

A little voice in his head said that he knew exactly why he didn’t like Kurt talking about Finn.

Blaine ignored it.

---

Kurt bounded down the stairs to his room, pulling out his phone to text Blaine, still bouncing with excitement. I told my dad about the Defying Gravity thing, and he went in and yelled at them. So I guess now I have a diva-off with Rachel next Thursday. :)

The reply came quickly. That’s so great! I know you’ll win, but good luck, anyway.

I only hope I can hit the high F.

That’s within your range, right? That’s incredible, Kurt!

Kurt smiled, happiness bubbling over inside him. The rest of the club had laughed when he’d said he could hit the high F, but Blaine was impressed. As he should be, of course.

Thank you.

Don’t mention it.

---

“I need a coffee.” Kurt told Blaine out of the blue. “An actual coffee. Good coffee.”

Blaine blinked at him a few times, taking this in. Thinking about it, he’d love some coffee, too. “Well, uh, there’s a place called the Lima Bean – you might have heard of it? – not too far from here. So if you really need a coffee...”

“I’d love to, but... what about your mom? Isn’t she picking you up?” Kurt asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, no, she has to work late tonight, and she’s going to be working late every Wednesday from now on. I figured I’d just go to the Library and work for a while, but if you want to go get coffee instead...” Blaine offered, with a shrug. He didn’t really mind being left at school for a while. Studying was good.

Kurt smiled. “You had me at ‘Lima Bean’.”

Blaine grinned, managing to avoid jumping up and down with excitement. “Brilliant.”

They ended up taking a bus to the Lima Bean, which neither of them enjoyed (“Public transport, Blaine! People pee on these seats! They pee!”) but it was worth it once they got there.

The pair sat near the window, facing each other and sipping at their respective coffees. Blaine had tried to insist on paying for them both, but Kurt wouldn’t let him. And he supposed it might look a little, well, gay if he did pay for them both. Although it wasn’t as if anyone that either of them knew was in here.

 “Ah, coffee.” Kurt exhaled after sipping at it, looking a lot more relaxed than usual.

Blaine couldn’t help but smile back. It was really good to see Kurt relieved from the tensions of school. Though the bullying had decreased a little, Kurt still faced the occasional Dumpster toss, locker shoves, and sporadic slushies. And then, of course, there was the verbal bullying. Kurt was usually able to stand his ground with verbal bullying, though. His preferred weapon of choice was to launch into a French diatribe, which Blaine could never keep up with.

“So, haven’t you ever learnt to drive?” Kurt asked Blaine suddenly.

“Uh, well, I have, but mom works kinda near here anyway, and it makes sense for her to bring me. So they haven’t bought me a car yet. They might be getting me on for my 17th.” Blaine explained. He was pretty sure that driving to school would be dangerous anyway. It took a while for him to fully wake up in the morning – as it did for every teenager, except Rachel Berry – so he had valid concerns about driving so early.

“What does your mom work as, anyway?” Kurt asked.

“She’s a preschool teacher.” Blaine told him. “She really likes little children. So she kind of lost interest in me once I hit 7.” He joked, just to see Kurt laugh.

“I see. So, driving you to school and home again, being really interested in your life... it’s all because she hates you?” Kurt asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

Blaine took a sip of his coffee before nodding, mock-pouting. “I think she’s going to make sure the preschool inherits all her money. She’s going to leave me totally destitute.” He teased.

Kurt rolled his eyes at him.

 Finishing his coffee, Blaine laughed, a little self-consciously. Talking about money with Kurt still made him feel a little bad. It wasn’t as if he pitied him, of course not, he just didn’t like mentioning money while knowing that his family was quite a lot richer than Kurt’s, even if they couldn’t exactly be described as wealthy.

“So, are you nervous about the diva-off next Thursday?” Blaine asked, more to change the subject than anything.

“A little.” Kurt confessed. “I know that most of the people in Glee club prefer me to Berry, but it’s still a big thing, you know?”

“I would come and support you, but I doubt Mr Schuester would let me.” Blaine told him, shrugging a shoulder.

“I don’t think he’d mind, if you asked. He’d probably beg you to join the club.” Kurt smiled at him, eyes bright.

Blaine felt warm as a smile spread across his face, because Kurt wanted him to be in there to see him compete and to support him. “Well, I’ll ask him, then.” Though if Mr Schuester did ask him to join the club, he’d have to turn him down.

Kurt nodded, looking content with this. “Okay.”

Blaine beamed at him, absurdly pleased with himself. “Oh, hey, it’s Christmas soon, so... is there anything you want?”

“You don’t have to get me anything, Blaine.” Kurt told him sternly, though he was smiling.

Blaine shook his head. “I’m getting you something, Kurt. You’re my best friend.”

“Well, then, a movie you think I’d like, or something?” Kurt smiled.

“Great!” Blaine was already thinking over ideas, trying to remember which movies he knew Kurt had seen already.

Kurt eyed him for a moment, probably doubting his sanity. Blaine was beginning to doubt his own sanity. “So, what do you want?”

“Oh, you don’t have to get me anything.” Blaine assured him.

Kurt raised an eyebrow at him. “Christmas is the time of giving, Blaine, not just the time of receiving.”

Blaine’s mind jumped straight into the gutter and he tried to stop himself from giggling like an idiot, with limited success. “Uh, okay.” He said hastily, realising that Kurt was giving him a confused look, and was opening his mouth to ask what the hell Blaine was on. “Well, it’s Christmas, it’s gonna be cold, you’re brilliant with fashion, so you could buy me a hat and scarf that you think would suit me?” He suggested.  As an afterthought, he added, “And some gloves?”

A thoughtful look appeared on Kurt’s face, and Blaine could tell that he was already thinking about what to buy him.

Blaine’s phone buzzed and he pulled it out, quickly reading the text from his mom saying I’m here! “Mom’s here.” He told Kurt, sliding out of his seat. “We should do this again sometime.” He added, with a smile.

Kurt nodded in agreement, before standing up to walk him to his car. Blaine smiled at him as they both headed outside.

Mrs Anderson wound down the passenger side window and beamed at them both. “Hi, Kurt! It’s nice to see you. Blaine’s told me all about this singing competition. Good luck!”

Kurt beamed, shooting a smirk at Blaine. “Thank you, Mrs Anderson!”

“Call me Julia, Kurt. C’mon, baby, home time.” She added to Blaine.

Blaine got into the car with an embarrassed mutter of “Mom, really.” Shaking his head, he waved to Kurt. “Bye, Kurt, see you tomorrow!”

Kurt waved as he left, still smirking.

It struck Blaine, about half an hour later, that he’d left Kurt to take the bus back home by himself, and he inwardly smacked himself.

Were you okay taking the bus by yourself? Sorry for leaving you. :(

I was okay! And it’s fine. :)

---

Mr Schue was very enthusiastic when Blaine asked if he could sit in for the diva-off. Blaine was pretty sure the phrase “if you enjoy it, you should definitely think about joining!” had never been said with such gusto. The teacher was nothing if not enthusiastic.

On walking into the choir room, he was unsure of where to sit, but Mercedes grabbed his arm and dragged him to sit next to her.

Kurt had told him, excitedly and in an extremely high-pitched voice, when he’d managed to hit the high F. And so Blaine knew that he would win. There was no way he couldn’t win, after all.

... or at least, that’s what Blaine thought.

“Why did you do it?” Blaine asked later, as the two of them walked away from the choir room, everyone having given Kurt sympathetic smiles or pats.

Kurt shot him a sharp look. “Do what?”

“Blew the note. I know you did it on purpose.” Blaine told him, not bothering to sugar coat the accusation.

Kurt bit his lip, before sighing and nodding slightly. “I did. I-” He glanced around, checking that they were alone, before looking back at Blaine and stopping dead in the hallway.

Blaine stopped too, unsure why Kurt looked so worried.

“Dad got a phone call the other day. Someone telling him that I’m a fag.” Kurt shook his head. “I can’t- I won’t- let Dad get harassed because I’m too proud to at least try keeping my head down.”

Blaine opened his mouth to argue, before closing it with a half-smile. It wasn’t as if he could call Kurt out on that. He understood all too well the need to keep your head down. “You would’ve been perfect, for the record.” He offered, hoping it was some small consolation.

Kurt smiled sadly at him. “Thank you.”

Blaine began walking again, and Kurt followed him after a moment. “Do you think it’ll get better?” He asked, glancing at the taller boy.

“Well, everyone says it does.” Kurt shrugged. “I don’t know. All I know right know is that I need to concentrate on getting through high school without getting hospitalised.”

Blaine flinched, but thankfully Kurt wasn’t looking at him. “Yeah – yeah, that’d be preferable.” He said, after a few seconds, voice a little shaky.

Kurt shot him a look. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, fine.” Blaine smiled widely at him. “There’s mom, bye!” He hurried quickly off, feeling Kurt’s eyes on him.

It was still too soon to even consider telling Kurt the full extent of what he’d been through at Westerville.

Maybe one day, but not yet. Not now. Not when the scars, both physical and mental, were still so plain.

---

To be honest, Blaine found Tina a little intimidating. But she was leaning against the lockers with her arms folded, looking like the world had just ended, and he couldn’t help but walk over to her and smile friendlily. “Hey, Tina, are you okay?” He asked, head tilted a little with concern.

She wrinkled up her nose, and shook her head. “I made a stupid mistake, and now Artie hates me.” She shrugged, then turned her head to look at him.

“I... what did you do?” The two were best friends, he’d thought, and hadn’t they been going on a date or something? ... Maybe it was something to do with that.

“I was faking my stutter.” Tina admitted quietly. He frowned at her a little, confused. “He’s angry, because I was faking my disability, but he has to live with his.” She explained, looking miserable and guilty.

“Why did you fake it?” Blaine asked gently. Not judging her, just wanting to know her reasoning.

“I was really, really shy in sixth grade. I realised that faking a stutter stopped people talking to me. So... I kept pretending, and it made my life easier.” The corner of her mouth twitched. “I guess it’s ironic that it’s now kind of ruined my life.”

“It hasn’t ruined your life. Sure, Artie may be angry at you now, but he’ll get over it.” Blaine reassured her. “After all, it’s not as if you were faking it to get attention or anything.” He added. Shyness was a valid reason, in his opinion. After all, he had a similar reason for not coming out, and he doubted anyone would hate him for not telling them. So it wasn’t as if he could judge her.

He could see why Artie was mad. But all friends argued – look at the row he and Kurt had nearly had a few weeks ago. It would blow over in the end.

She smiled a little, before shaking her head. “How are you so nice all the time? Isn’t it a huge effort?”

Blaine nearly smiled at her tone, but managed to restrain himself. He didn’t want her to think he was laughing at her. “I’m not always nice, believe me. I guess I just really empathise with you.” He leant against the lockers next to her.

Tina shot him a curious look. “Empathise? You mean, there’s something you’ve been faking?” She sounded a little brighter, now that they were discussing him instead of her.

“Sort of.” He glanced down at the floor, unable to look at her.

“I wouldn’t tell anyone, you know.” Tina said earnestly.

Blaine looked up at her, and the friendliness in her eyes convinced him. Maybe he didn’t know her as well as he knew Kurt, but he did know that she would be accepting and supportive, so it felt almost as natural to consider telling her the truth. And she had just told him something huge about herself. He let out a short breath and then shrugged a little. “I’m... I’m gay, Tina.” His insides twisted a little, even though it was totally irrational to feel scared, then loosened at the look on her face.

“I guess we both need to learn how to come out of our shells.” Tina smiled a little. “Thank you, though. For telling me, and for cheering me up.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anybody.” She promised.

He squeezed her hand in return, and felt accepted.