"What is it, Dad?" Kurt asked, brow frowning. He didn't wear his shades in the house; the irritation was still fading to a point where it was barely noticeable.

"I want to speak to you about something," Burt cleared his throat. "About the school you are going to."

"Oh, what about it?" Kurt asked, curious as to where this was heading.

"You're unhappy there," Burt stated. It wasn't a question; he knew his son wasn't enjoying being there.

"N-no," Kurt stuttered. "It's an adjustment, is all."

"You are a lousy liar, Kurt," Burt grunted.

Kurt bit his lip. "It's just different."

"I don't want you to be there because you think you have to be," Burt said. "There are other options."

"Like what?" Kurt asked bitterly. "Home school?"

"Dalton Academy," Burt said bluntly and Kurt froze.

"What?"

"I've been ringing around and Dalton is one of the few schools that offer special services for those with disabilities," Burt told him, a smiling gracing his lips, "and there is also the benefit of knowing a few people there."

"You – you want to send me to Dalton?" Kurt asked breathlessly, hardly daring to believe what he was hearing.

"If you want to," Burt nodded. "At Dalton you could join the glee club and be with your friends and Blaine."

"I – Dad, I don't know what to say," Kurt breathed, tears welling in his cloudy eyes.

"What do you think?" Burt asked. "Is that something you would like?"

"Dad, I would love to," Kurt gave a watery chuckle. "You would do that for me?"

"Of course I would," Burt grunted. "I'm your dad and you deserve the best."

Kurt stood up and ran his hands along the table until he reached Burt and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Dad," Kurt whispered in his ear.

"You're welcome," Burt said gruffly. "You still have to learn to read brail before you can attend, mind."

"Of course," Kurt nodded, pulling back. "Thank you so much."

For weeks Kurt had deceived Blaine. He hadn't told the boy that he would be transferring to Dalton, wanting to keep it a surprise. They met up nearly every day, sometimes going out to a Lima Bean for coffee, Blaine helping Kurt get used to being in public places without the fear of running into anyone from McKinley there, other days staying home. Most of the time, they were content to just be together. Blaine knew that Kurt was still adjusting and didn't want to push him. For hours on end, they would just talk; listen to music and share moments that both boys would treasure far into later life.

Four weeks later and Kurt was finally able to attend Dalton. He dressed slowly in his new uniform, feeling the material under his fingers. Burt helped him with his tie and passed him his sunglasses. Kurt fumbled for his satchel and Burt helped him to the car. Unfortunately Kurt couldn't take Lucy to Dalton and was forced to use his cane.

Kurt fidgeted nervously in the car as Burt drove him to Dalton. He was nervous about starting a new school, about Blaine's reaction and everyone treating him differently.

"You OK?" Burt asked as they drove.

Kurt shrugged. "Nervous," he admitted.

Dalton came into view and Burt slowed down, pulling into the parking lot. He jumped out and helped Kurt out. He gripped his father's arm tightly, taking in all the noise around him, swinging his cane in front of him as he walked. There were students chatting loudly and laughing. Burt looked around in awe; the school was huge and so beautiful. Kurt swallowed nervously and gripped Burt's arm tighter. They got a few stares as they walked past and Burt was glad his son couldn't see them. Burt led them to front office where the principle was waiting for them.

"Mr Hummel, I'm Andrew Austin. We spoke on the phone," Andrew greeted, shaking his hand. Andrew took Kurt's free hand and shook it gently. "It's nice to meet you, Kurt."

"You too," Kurt nodded, biting his lip nervously.

"Your father was telling me that you know Blaine Anderson," Andrew smiled. "He will come and help you around with your classes."

"Thank you," Kurt beamed.

"You're welcome. Over the years we have had a few students who are blind attend our school so we have all the necessary equipment for you," Andrew explained. "We have ordered all the necessary text books in brail for you but we are still waiting for them to arrive. Because you have missed out on so much school, you'll be put in the junior classes with Blaine. "

"Thank you so much," Kurt said sincerely.

"You're welcome," Andrew smiled. "If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to come and talk to me."

"I will," Kurt assured him, grinning. He heard footsteps approaching behind him and froze.

"Ah, Mr Anderson," Andrew said and Kurt could hear the smile in his voice. "I would like to introduce to our new student."

Kurt turned, hoping that he was facing in Blaine's direction. If not, this could be mortifyingly embarrassing. "Hi, I'm Kurt. I'm new here."

"Kurt?" Blaine gasped. "What – you're attending here now?" Kurt nodded, biting his lip. Blaine laughed and suddenly, Kurt was engulfed in a hug. He chuckled and hugged his boyfriend back. Blaine punched him lightly on the arm as he pulled away. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise," Kurt shrugged. "That's OK, yeah?"

"Are you kidding? This is fantastic," Blaine beamed brightly and Kurt smiled in relief.

"Well I can see you are in good hands, kid," Burt chuckled. "I'll see you after school."

"Thanks, Dad," Kurt smiled, reaching out for his father. Burt gave him a brief hug and pulled away.

"Have a good day. Bye, Blaine," Burt grunted and headed out.

"Mr Anderson, I trust you will show Kurt around and help him out," Andrew smiled.

"Of course, sir," Blaine said cheerfully. "Come on Kurt. I'll introduce you to everyone." Andrew handed Blaine Kurt's timetable and Blaine took his boyfriend's hand in his. "Ready?" Blaine asked and Kurt nodded nervously. They walked out together and when they stepped into the corridor Kurt's hand flinched in his. "Everything OK?" Blaine looked at him in concern.

"It's just – won't people mind – us holding hands, I mean?" Kurt asked, biting his lip.

"Zero bullying tolerance," Blaine explained, "and everyone's pretty much OK with it anyway."

"Oh," Kurt breathed.

"It will take some time to get used to," Blaine assured him. "It took me time and if makes you uncomfortable, you can hold my arm instead."

"No," Kurt shook his head. "I want to hold your hand."

He missed Blaine's bright smile but felt Blaine give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Come on, I want you to meet the rest of my friends," he announced and started walking again. Kurt stuck close to Blaine, holding his cane tightly in his other hand. They got some curious glances – though they were thankfully devoid of judgement – and Blaine was glad that Kurt couldn't see them. He didn't need to be any more nervous than he already was. "Guys," Blaine called out suddenly. "I want you to meet our new student. Kurt Hummel."

"Hey Kurt," said a male voice that Kurt recognized as Wes'.

"Hi," he greeted shyly.

"Nice to see you again Kurt," David said and Kurt instantly recognized his voice.

"This is Nick and Jeff," Blaine introduced.

"I'm Jeff," the blonde boy spoke up and Kurt paid particular attention to his voice, storing away a mental note for future reference.

"I'm Nick," the brunette boy smiled. His voice was softer and smoother than Jeff's.

"Welcome to Dalton, Kurt," Wes beamed and Kurt smiled, his nerves starting to dim in their presence.

"It's nice to finally meet the boy that Blaine talks not stop about," Jeff grinned and Blaine blushed.

"He has the prettiest skin," David impersonated Blaine and Kurt blushed.

"Well it's true," Blaine mumbled and Kurt nudged him. The boys laughed good-naturedly and Kurt smiled.

"Alright, enough teasing," Blaine called out over the noise. "What do we have first?"

"English," Jeff answered promptly.

"Come on," Blaine said and propelled Kurt forward. Kurt tapped his cane out in front of him and started counting under his breath.

Blaine let him be as they walked, the boys chatting alongside them, watching Kurt curiously. They reached the classroom and Blaine helped Kurt into his seat.

"Kurt? Why were you counting?" Blaine asked.

"Oh," Kurt blushed, "I'm trying to remember how many steps it was. That way, if I get lost, I might be able to find my way again."

Blaine gave him an adoring look that had his friends sniggering quietly. "You are amazing," Blaine murmured quietly to his boyfriend and Kurt blushed.

Kurt was pleasantly surprised as the Warblers helped him throughout the day. They happily helped him make notes, explaining things to him when he got confused. When they were walking down the grand staircase to lower levels of Dalton, Kurt missed a step and Blaine along with Nick quickly grabbed him under the arms to stop him from falling.

Kurt shook in their arms and Blaine held him closely. "I'm OK," Kurt mumbled, embarrassed and slightly scared. They helped him down the stairs carefully and Blaine gripped Kurt's hand in his as they walked to the cafeteria for lunch.

Kurt enjoyed his first day at Dalton; it was already much better than his other school and a world away from McKinley. At the end of the day Blaine walked him to where he knew Burt would be waiting for them.

"Before you go," Blaine said, gently pulling Kurt off to one side for some privacy. "There is something I've wanted to give you all day."

"What?" Kurt asked, confused.

Blaine grinned and pressed himself closer to Kurt, sealing his lips against his boyfriend's. Kurt gasped and melted into the kiss. He held Blaine tightly and kissed him back.

"Did you have a good first day?" Blaine asked, pulling back slowly.

"The best," Kurt breathed, a huge smile on his face.

"Good," Blaine replied, putting his lips back to Kurt's.