He was looking at me, very surprised, and I really wished I could read minds.

“I was wondering why you weren’t insulting me.” He said almost under his breath, but it heard it.

“I don’t judge people I don’t know. That’d make me a hypocrite. I was bullied at my old school.”

Blue eyes started slowly walking back towards me, “I’m Kurt. Kurt Hummel.” I reached my hand out for him to shake, but he just gave me a shy wave.

Maybe he doesn’t like to be touched.

Which is unfortunate because his skin looks so freaking soft, I want to know for sure.

“So, um. You were bullied?” He asked, now closer and talking under his breath.

I nodded. “Yeah. It was pretty bad. But you know, it’s not a secret. You don’t need to whisper. Besides, there’s no one else in here.”

He shrugged. “I just, I dunno. Most people wouldn’t admit to being bullied so openly.”

He’s probably right about that. “I’m not like most people.” I sat down on the bench now, hoping that he took my invitation, and sat too. His puffy eyes were just screaming at me. He needed someone to talk to. “I was bullied for being gay, and I’m not ashamed of it. So I’m honest about the bullying. It’s so much easier than lying.”

Kurt still didn’t sit. He just leaned his back against a locker looking really surprised that I said I am gay. “I’m gay too. But that’s honestly not even reason 1 for why I’m bullied nowadays.”

I just wanted to know everything I could know about him. Why is he bullied so much? Why does he look so sad? And the thing that I just can’t shake the curiosity of, is why was he sitting so intimately with that girl, if he’s gay?

I must’ve frozen for a moment because Kurt was talking again.

“You look worried.”

I snapped out of it. “Huh? No no, I was just, I was just thinking.” I said still looking sympathetic.

“You know, i’m sorry to be a downer, but you know that once that gets out, you won’t be known as the new kid anymore. You’ll be just another gay kid.” His voice was even lower now, and he reached a hand up to wipe at his nose.

I was about to respond, but he beat me.

“Actually, you shouldn’t be talking to me. I should go.” He got off of the locker and started walking.

“Wait?! You don’t have to-“

But the end of lunch bell rang, and cut me off.

“I have to get to class. I can’t be in here right now, and you can’t talk to me.” He said frantically as I followed him through the locker room.

“Yes you can talk to me. I know a spot where no one will see us in here. Please, stop for a second.” I pleaded.

“Look, It was nice to meet you, and you seem really nice and everything, but do yourself a favor. Avoid being dubbed an eternal loser like me okay? Don’t tell anyone you’re gay unless you want to get tormented and be forced to transfer again. I’m sorry, but I can’t talk to you.”

He hustled out of the locker room and gym, and I didn’t follow him.

I just sighed in give up. I didn’t even get the chance to tell him that I didn’t transfer here because I was bullied. I came here because of my dad’s job. I transferred to Dalton because of bullies, but Dalton made me stronger. Maybe he needs to be in a school like Dalton.

Except if he was at Dalton, he wouldn’t be here.

I didn’t know why I felt so compelled to talk to him, but I knew for sure, I wasn’t planning on giving up completely. If I want to befriend anyone at this school, he is my first choice.

~……………………~……………………~…………………..~……………………..~…………………….~…………………~………………….~

The rest of my day was…. ok. I did not think that my first day of school would play out this way. Of course, I wasn’t bullied, I seemed to make a few friends, and even though this place is absolutely crazy, I think I’m okay with being at this school for the rest of my high school days. I don’t understand why there are slushy dispensers in the cafeteria but….. Whatever. I like slushies.

After school, I left my 7th period class with the mohawked dude from earlier hovering over my shoulder.

“Hey dude.” He said.

I couldn’t tell if his tone was hostile, or neutral. And he looked kind of intimidating.

”Hey.” I said, shouldering my backpack, and walking slowly.

“So, I saw you jazzing it up with the cheerios a few times today. Santana?”

Was that that latina cheerleaders name? And these cheerleaders are called the cheerios? Isn’t a school mascot supposed to be an animal?

They’re named after a breakfast food?

“Ohh, uh, yeah. They seem……. Nice?” I added, but it was totally a question.

“Dude, don’t lie. They are so not nice. They’re evil. Don’t let Santana suck you into her web new kid. Trust me. She’s bad news.”

Ok?

“I think I’ll be okay. She’s really not my type.” I said approaching the bulletin board again to sign up for some stuff. I’ve decided to go with wrestling after all. It’s better than nothing.

”Wait what?” Mohawk asked with shock. “What do you mean she’s not your type? Santana Lopez is EVERYBODY’S type.”

I just shrugged.

“Huh…. Well, that’s probably wise anyway curly. Cus she’s mine.”

I shrugged, grabbing a pen out of my bag. “Don’t need to worry about me. I’m not into boobs.” I tapped his shoulder and turned to the board as we reached it.

I sensed that he was ready to say something about me basically just outing myself to him. That might even be a little shocking to me too. He was not the first, but the second person at school today, that I, without even the blink of an eye said that I was gay to.

But he didn’t say anything. I think I might like this guy. “Wow. No comment Mohawk?”

I figured if he can call me curls, why not?

“Nah. Doesn’t bother me. I have no problem with gay dudes. My best friends’ bro is gay. Were tight.

“Oh. Cool. Maybe you can introduce me?” I shrugged, kind of being sarcastic.

“Dude! I was just about to say that!” He exclaimed.

I rolled my eyes and snorted. For a guy who’s obviously popular, he’s kind of a dork.

I started to write my name on the ‘wrestling’ list, but my new follower stopped me.

“Wait wait wait wait! Wrestling? You might not wanna do that. Zizes will rip you apart.”

I stopped writing and asked, Who’s Zices?”

He took my pen from me before I could resume writing. “Lauren Zizes, she is the national wrestling champion and she is… a whole lotta woman! Just trust me. You don’t want to do that.”

I sighed and grabbed my pen back. “I want to join something, and you guys don’t have a boxing team here, so wrestling is the closest thing to that.”

Mohawk looked at my name on the sheet. “What’s your name? Blake? Blade?

I didn’t say anything right away. I just looked at him for a minute before saying, “Really?”

“What? All you have written there is B-l-a. I had to make a guess. I’m Puck.” He said.

Wow. Is it bad that I think Mohawk is a less unfortunate sounding name than Puck?

I almost snorted, but that would be really rude. I think he sensed that I almost laughed because he elaborated.

“Noah Puckerman, but I go by Puck. Very few people get away with calling me Noah.”

Now I did laugh. “Your mom and girlfriend?”

He shook his head flashing a big smile that I might’ve found cute if I didn’t know he was totally straight. “Ms. Duzenberry, and my gay friend I told you about.”

I didn’t respond, only nodded.

“Okay, and my mom.” He added.

I just smiled, and reached to cross my name off of the list. “It’s Blaine.”

I really wanted to join some kind of after school club though. It’ll keep me active, get me meeting people, and keep me busy. After today, I’ve learned that being at Dalton was really good for my education because this school’s curriculum is a breeze.

“You know what? If you’re a boxer, why don’t you join our fight club” He said, punching me in the arm. It didn’t hurt, it just…. didn’t feel good.”

I raised an eyebrow. “I wanted to, but I didn’t see a sign-up sheet for that.”

“That’s because it’s top secret. But I’m good with Coach Beiste and she’ll let you join late if you show her your skills. You in?”

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By Tuesday afternoon, I had made 4 more guy friends besides Puck. Finn, Sam, Mike, and Matt, were all in fight club, and they took to me like a long lost brother. I have a couple classes with all of the boys, different places throughout the day. They’re an interesting bunch, but cool.

 “Hey! We’ve got glee today after school dude! You should totally join us. Since you’re so cool with being gay and everything, and the jocks call the whole team gay anyways, we could always use more voices in the show choir. Do you sing?” Finn asked me.

“Yeah. I sing pretty well.”

Maybe I sing better than pretty well, but I don’t want to brag. They can make their own assumptions if they ever hear me sing.

Despite how glad I am to have some friends only my second day here, I still want to know the boy I met in the locker room yesterday; Kurt. He seems like he really really needs a friend and I want to be his. But I hadn’t seen him yet today.

“Awesome. You can join us at the glee table at lunch then. The lunch ladies totally hook us up.” Puck added.

As great as that sounds, I think I’m going to pass. I want to go back to the mat room and listen out for Kurt. I have a feeling him getting his lunch dumped on him is ritual, and maybe if he is unlucky again, I will get lucky and get to try again with talking to him.

“Sounds great guys, but uhm, I think I’m just going to head to the field.  I’m not really hungry, and I’m needing some fresh air after that class. Does that man ever shower?”

Matt spoke up this time. “Mr. Warren? No.”

The guys all just handed me out some catch you later dude’s and see ya bro’s, and I headed off to the mat room. I think the punching bag could use some use while I wait.

……………………………………………….

All knowing Pov

Today at lunch, there is an assembly of some sorts during lunch in the gym, so Kurt has to leave the locker room out the other way today. The long way.

“I guess I can only hope there won’t be any jocks out there today.” Kurt mumbled, toweling his hair dry, his backpack dragging behind him.

Rapid breathing and light grunts were sounding from the hall he was coming through, and he debated whether or not to pass. What if it was a football jerk?

He figured he could be stealthy and sneak by, so he tiptoed past the window, not even looking through.

But Blaine was facing the window, and spotted him.

“Kurt!?”

He stopped, and looked in to see Blaine.

“Oh. It’s just you. Hey.”

Blaine took off his boxing gloves and tossed them aside. “Hey. How are you?”

Kurt walks slowly into the small room, and closes the door behind him. He has a feeling he won’t be able to get out of staying to chat with the boy this time.

It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that this boys curls were sweaty, and really, really hot…….

“Oh I- I’m okay. How was your first day?”

Blaine just nodded, and sat down Indian style on the mat, hoping the shiny quiet boy would join him.

“It was good. I met some guys, and joined fight club. I took up boxing a few years ago because of the bullying you know.”

Kurt nodded, still standing, looking hesitant to sit, but intrigued too.

I have to try and charm him into joining me. Blaine thought.

“I see you have a lunch today,” Blaine joked. Though his eyes lingered for a few moments on the red slush that was sliding around the lunch tray.

Kurt half smiled, but there wasn’t anything happy about it.

“I was victim of the lunchtime cherry slushy today. I had to shower. But, at least it wasn’t as messy as yesterday’s lunch dump. And it saved my lunch.” He looked down, seeing the slush. “Well, mostly.”

Blaine chuckled. “Well sit down. I don’t bite. All of the jocks are at the assembly. I don’t think anyone is gonna catch us in here.”

Kurt looked behind him, and exhaled. “Okay.”

He sat down, cross legged and put his tray in between himself, and Blaine.

“You hungry?” Kurt asked.

“Ooh my god, I’m starving!” Blaine exclaimed.

Both boys laughed. They shared Kurt’s lunch. Blaine ate the pizza, only slightly covered in red slushy.

“Gives it a kick. I might actually ask for a pizza covered in red slushy when I go through the lunch line tomorrow.”

Kurt actually let himself laugh, and after a few minutes, he completely let himself relax and enjoy his lunch with a potential friend.

One who is gay nonetheless.

Blaine Pov

To say that we talked about everything was an understatement. Kurt really opened up about everything.

His mom dying 7 years ago, and his dad planning to get remarried. Him going through a sexuality crisis a few months ago, and now dealing with a pregnant, ‘not girlfriend’. His bullying having gotten worse because of it. The conversation got really deep, but I just stayed and listened intently to everything.

He nearly cried at a few points, but he stayed strong.

As we ended the heavy talk, and things got a bit lighthearted, I tried to lighten his mood some more.

“I know it’s a little… cheesy, but I totally want to be your friend. So, can we be friends? Like real friends.”

Kurt hesitates a little before speaking. “Blaine. I- I don’t want you to have to deal with like….. Being known for being the gay guys friend.”

I rolled my eyes. “Kurt, I AM a gay guy! And eventually, everyone is going to know it. I don’t care about that. I think you’re awesome, and I want to be your friend. It’s as simple as that. Let them label me.”

He called me a dork, but he agreed, and we walked out of the mat room together to head to our after lunch block of classes.

We went our separate ways as we got into the hallway, Kurt not wanting to ‘push it’, but we had smiles on our faces. Content with a new friendship.

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So apparently, I am joining glee club. The fighty boys are pretty much dragging me.

“Guys, I was captain of the Warblers at my old school. Maybe it’s not fair for me to join your guys choir this year.”

They didn’t let go of my arm though. They just kept steering me towards their choir room.

“Guys, I can walk you know. My legs? Totally working.”

“Yeah, but we’re not letting you escape. You have to join. Mr. Schue is the teacher. You’ll love it.” Finn spoke up.

“The Spanish teacher?” I asked.

“Yeah.” Sam said.

“The white guy who’s students speak better Spanish than he does?” I asked.

Puck snorted. “Yeah, him.”

………………………..

In glee, I came in to audition, and saw Kurt right away.

Wow, I guess we didn’t talk about everything. I chose to sit in the middle of the bleachers in between Kurt and…. What was her name Brittany?, and the guys who were going to sit scattered, but all in the front row.

“Kurt! My fellow baby daddy! Whaddup my man.” Puck announces trying to high five Kurt, but he just smacks his hand with a high five, uninterested. He came down to the seat beside me in the second row and I patted his shoulder.

“What’s up little bro!” Finn tells Kurt when he sees him sit down.

“I’m older than you Finn” Kurt drones as if he says this all the time.

“Don’t say that out loud!” Finn said, hitting him in the arm.

“Wait, you guys are brothers?” I asked excitedly shocked.

He didn’t mention that either.

“Yep.” Finn says. “Our parent’s aren’t married yet, but it’s gonna happen.

“Yeah.” Kurt rolled his eyes, chuckling. “He’s my brother. His fashion sense doesn’t say so, but yeah.”

Wow, I thought. What a bunch.

I was about to start asking questions about this club when a blonde girl came in yelling at Puck about doctor’s bills or something.

“Wait, you have a pregnant girlfriend too?” I asked.

Oh that’s right. He said ‘my fellow baby daddy’ to Kurt. But wait, I thought he was dating………. ?

Realizing I’d probably get a headache trying to understand, I just shook my head.

 “Wow. This school is really something else.”

Slushies daily get tossed in people’s faces, gay guys, and dorky bad ass guys with Mohawks getting chicks pregnant. Football players who’re popular, but also considered losers in glee club.

Well, I’m at the right school.

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