I sit down with my coffee, across from Kurt and two other boys, who have introduced themselves, but I can't remember their names. The other boys seem a little wary of me, but since Kurt is being kind I'm not too nervous.

            “So… I think we are all really just wondering, why did you come to spy on us?” Kurt asks.

            “Well, I'm from McKinley High's glee club, and the other boys thought my time could be spent better spying on you that helping brainstorm ideas.” I sigh, hoping they don't think I'm pathetic.

            “I don't like the idea of you snooping, but you seem harmless, and if anything, I think the performance you saw will just make you want to work harder.” The boy to Kurt's left says, patting him on the shoulder. Kurt blushes at the compliment, and I feel a bit jealous. That guy is probably Kurt's boyfriend… This is crazy. I don't even know him!

            “Well, I promise any information I got won't be given. Honestly, I just wanted an excuse to leave school. It's not exactly the best place.”

            As I say this, Kurt gives me a sympathetic look, so I quicky add on. “If you don't mind me asking, are you all gay? I am, but I'm the only on out at my school.”

            The two other boys laugh, and Kurt responds. “Well, I am, but these two aren't. A few of the others are in the group, but it's not a big deal. Dalton has a no bullying policy and it's strictly followed.”

            This sounds crazy, a no-bullying policy that actually works? My life would be so much happier, I can't even imagine. I realize that I've been zoning off a little, thinking about this, and I see that Kurt is waving good-bye to the other boys. Now it's just me and him.

            “So, I don't mean to pry, but it seems you get bullied at your school?”

            I sigh once again. “Yeah, it's pretty bad. Most days I just hold my head high, but lately I feel like it's getting worse. If that's possible.”

            “Well, I've been there. That's what led to me coming to Dalton. My dad really doesn't have the money, but safety is important, so we make due.”

            He's staring at me intently, and I feel glad to finally have someone who sorta understands. “It's really nice meeting someone who's been through this too, so thank you for reaching out.”

            “Of course. Maybe if someone had done this for me I wouldn't have ended up in such a bad place.” I'm curious on what he means by this, but now is not the time to ask.

            “Here, give me your phone.”

            I give him a quizzical look.

            “So I can give you my number!”

            “Oh! Uh, here you go.” I give it to him. No one who I'm actually interested in has asked for my number before, or given me theirs.

            He hands me my phone back and says “Here. Now whenever you need to vent or just need someone to hang out with, you can call or text me.”

            “Thank you, so much. It means a lot.”

            “Don't mention it. Now, can I walk you to your car? I've already missed enough class, another ten minutes won't matter.”

            We push in our chairs, and head towards the entrance. This time, Kurt doesn't grab my hand and pull me along, which makes me a little sad. Instead, he makes small talk as we walk down the halls and across the parking lot.

            “Well, this is my car so, I'll say goodbye here. Thank you for being so kind about everything. I couldn't have imagined it going better actually.”

            “I got a new friend out of it, so it's a win-win situation, right?”

            He thinks of me as his friend? Already? I feel so lucky! Oh great, I'm turning into one of those mushy people. “Haha, yeah, I guess. Well-”

            He cuts me off and pulls me into a hug. “Just, don't give up Blaine, okay? Because you matter Blaine, you matter.”

            With that I tighten the hug, because I am so grateful for him. That is exactly what I needed to hear. “Thank you, I'll try.” I whisper, and pull away slowly.

            Then I get into my car, and wave to Kurt through the window. He smiles widely and waves back. I drive away, humming Blackbird to myself.

            *************

            Blaine.

            That's the one thought that has been in my mind all day, through my classes, lunch, and now the Warbler rehearsal. The boy I met earlier today fascinated me, and I don't know why. Maybe it's the fact that he too, seems to be so broken down by bullying like I once was. But even before I knew that about him, there was something that made me reach out to him.

            What confused me the most though is when I hugged him goodbye. It wasn't a bad thing, but it's not normal for me. And what I said. It was something my father had said to me when I first came out to him, and we had “the talk.” Although the situation with Blaine was different, I think it's what he really needed to hear.

            I try and focus on what Wes is saying, but by now the meeting is coming to a close. He bangs his gavel and announces that tomorrow we will begin to work on our setlist for sectionals.

            I wave goodbye to my friends and head to the parking lot for a second time today. Since it's a Friday, I'm driving home for dinner and staying the weekend there.  My father and I live about forty minutes from Westerville, where Dalton is located, so I board there during the week and come home during the weekends.

            It's okay, because my dad isn't home much on weekdays any way. He runs an auto repair shop in Lima, which is the next town over from our house. Actually, I think that McKinley High, the school Blaine goes to is there.  I will have to check it out.

            I've just finished dinner with my dad and am in my room, reading, when my phone buzzes. I see it's from an unknown number, and open it curiously.

Hey Kurt! It's Blaine :) Thanks again for your graciousness today!

It's Blaine! I should have known. I quickly add him to my contacts and send a text back.

Hi Blaine! Your welcome, don't mention it! And really, “graciousness”? That's a pretty fancy word for a teenage boy.

I only have to wait a minute for a response.

Well, some people (meaning myself) are just gentlemen. It's called being polite! ;)

 I laugh, and respond quickly.

Oh really? I thought you were just trying to prove that you actually have a brain! Because most sensible people wouldn't come to spy on their opponents in a homemade uniform!

His response is once again quick and I put my book down, knowing I'm not going to get any further in reading it.

I personally thought it was quite clever. I only had like ten minutes to make something! This reminds me, didn't you say something about knowing your fashion?

Fashion! My favorite subject. Blaine, you are going to regret bringing that up!

 Yes, I am very knowledgeable on clothing, fashion, all that. Do you by any chance read Vogue?

From there we were chatting non-stop, and little did I know, I'd been texting him for 45 minutes! I needed to start my moisturizing routine, so I said good-bye, but promised to be in contact over the weekend.

As I got out my various creams and oils, I smiled to myself. This is the start of a beautiful friendship.