Kurt arrived at Mckinley just before noon. He walked up to the theater and saw many of the gang wandering about. Most were still circling around Dave. He was smiling and got up and moved towards Kurt when he walked in. Hows Blaine asked Dave. Hes knocked way out right now but he is doing well said Kurt. They are keeping him down for now but may start backing off the meds tonight. Kurt pulled his phone out and showed Dave two pics the first was the night of the attack. Look at that bruise on his arm in the first picture. Remember it. Now look at this one taken today said Kurt. Whoa Dave said its lighter already. He is already healing. Even the doctors are surprised said Kurt. Trent spoke. Doesn’t surprise me. Blaine is a cheeky bastard like that. Always doing the unexpected. Really said Kurt. Yeah you will see when I share my memory. Thad has one too said Trent. Cool thought Kurt as he saw Artie approaching. Hey how is he asked Artie. He is great smiled Kurt and his parents will be here once Blaine is settled back in his room. He is already showing signs of healing. That is great beamed Artie. We are starting in like five minutes Rory is kicking up off today. Wow ok cool. I have to pee real quick then I will be all set to go said Kurt. Cool just go on in once you are done said Artie. I need to set up a line up for today. Lots of folks to film still. I know said Kurt and let me guess I get to go last. Yep as you know him best. Please no sex memories asked Artie. Of course not said Kurt. I really have to pee see you inside said Kurt. Aight den said Artie as he walked off the opposite way from Kurt.

In the theater

The cameras were all back on their tripods and being set up. Mike and the guys were buzzing around getting them all set up again. Finn stopped what he was doing and came over to Kurt. Mom told us he’s doing real good said Finn. Yeah he is said Kurt. They might start the wake up process later tonight said Kurt. Really thats totally awesome yelled Puck from across the room. Yes it is.do you want to know what else is really cool Finn asked Kurt. What asked Finn. He squeezed my hand this morning squealed Kurt. Cool said Finn a little to excited. That is amazing beamed Puck. Indeed it is. He may be able to come home by Christmas even said Kurt. Though I am not hopeful. Christmas is only a few days away. Him being awake is gift enough sighed Kurt. Yeah said Finn. Him recovering will be gift enough this year for us all said Nick as he walked through. Oh some detective called after you left this morning said Finn. What did he want asked Kurt. Just more questions said Finn. Burt answered them for him. Anything new asked Kurt. I don’t know your dad talked to him sighed Finn. Okay I will talk to him later smiled Kurt.

15 minutes later

Rory was now standing with Emma on stage. Kurt guessed they were the first two to speak. Kurt stretched his legs out and set his bottle of water to the side. He planned ahead today to deal with the thirst issue. Rory stepped forward once everyone but Burt and Blaine’s parents were there. It was well known they weren’t going to be there for awhile.

Rory’s memory

Well I didn’t know Blaine too well until after we won our Regionals competition. Blaine threw a party at his Dad’s house for the whole club. Thanks to Puck breaking into Blaine’s dads liquor cabinet the party went from fun and relaxed to wild and out of control. Blaine freaked out. His parents were out of town and trusting him to not throw a party or destroy the house and here he was doing both in one shot. Finn got the cabinet relocked and things slowed down after that. People were passing out as well. The next morning everyone got up and just left. The house was trashed. Kurt dutifully started cleaning things up and then set to sewing up two couch pillows. Blaine sat shaking his head as the last people besides me and Kurt left. I couldn’t believe they just left and seeing Blaine upset broke my heart so I offered to stay and help with the clean up. Blaine took the first floor. I took the second and Kurt did any repair work we found. Four hours later and one hour before his parents were due home everything was clean and repaired. If you hadn’t seen the party you wouldn’t have known it had happened. That day I saw two sides of Blaine I had never seen. One was upset Blaine. He was so afraid he would be caught. The other was a very soft and relaxed Blaine he chatted and talked and smiled like I had never seen at school. He even swore and swatted at Kurt. This was Blaine I thought. A fun free wheeling happy guy. It was sweet to see him let loose and just have fun. He was always the business business business type at school. That day he showed he knew how to just have fun. It was cute. With that Rory left the stage and Emma stepped forward.

Emma’s memory

My memory of Blaine was during his senior year. He came to me and wanted an application for NYADA. The only school he wanted to attend and the only one he wanted to apply to I might add. Which I thought was so sweet and risky at the same time. Some weeks later I came to my office and found a very defeated and sad Blaine. My heart sank. My worst fear was a reality. He didn’t get in. I sat down and asked him was he ok and he said no then reached into his bag. He pulled out a large white envelope and popped his head up eyes bright and said I got in. I am going to my Kurt after summer break. I wanted to strangle him for scaring me like that but I refrained from that and just hugged him a little too tightly for his liking. He was soo excited over it and bounced and squealed for weeks.

Kurt looked shocked Blaine had played Emma who hadn’t he done that too. That was Blaine though he could turn that crying on and off better than Kurt himself could and that was saying something. Kurt looked up Sue was now on the stage. Oh this will be good Kurt thought.

Sue’s Cheerio memory

Sue walked forward and began. Blaine was the easy to get to do anything and that was what I did. I used his inability to say no to get him to join my Cheerios. Having lost Porcelain from the squad two years earlier. I needed some star power and well Blaine had it. The boy could sing and dance so why not slap him into a Cheerios uniform. He was amazing and helped the Cheerios win Nationals that year.

Holy shit was all Kurt could think. Blaine had joined the Cheerios. Why had he not been told about that. Blaine was so dead for this one and after he made such a big deal out of Kurt doing it. He even told Kurt he would never wear that polyester disaster of a uniform. The little bastard had lied. Kurt pulled out his phone and added this to his list of things to ask Blaine about. Quinn was now on stage.

Quinns memory

When Blaine came along. I was so very lost myself and in a strange way Blaine helped me find myself. He said one afternoon in the choir room until you find out who you are and what you want to be there is nothing anyone can do to help you. You are a beautiful person but you are lost. I am always here for you if you need to talk. I didn’t snap out of it until Sectionals and I have Rachel to thank for that but Blaine she said to the closest camera as she wiped a tear. You were right and I thank you so much. Your words rang in my ears as I snapped out of it and discovered myself again and they still ring true in my ears today. I will always love you for helping me to find myself.

Trent was now up and approaching the mic. Just then the phone on Kurt’s leg vibrated. He looked down and saw it was Blaine’s dad calling. He accepted the call and made his way out to the lobby.

Kurt: Hey Mr Anderson everything still ok?

Ken:Yes it is. Blaine is back in his room and resting. He will be out for awhile so we are on our way there as soon as we grab some lunch.

Kurt: I will let Artie know sir.

Ken: Thank you talk to you soon need both hands to drive.

Kurt: Alright see you soon.

Kurt turned back and headed into the theater it was 2pm already. The day was flying by.

Trent’s memory

The Blaine I knew was a carefully guarded and very calculated person. He was also cheeky and a smartass when he wanted to be. Like this one time there at Dalton. Before a warbler practice he came in and rearranged all of the cushions and put whoopie cushions under every seat. The boy boobied trapped every seat but Jeff’s. He had learned very well in his 2 months at Dalton. He even got pissed when he sat on his. He admitted it several days later after Jeff had gotten in trouble. He even suggested we do our Sectionals nude. Wes actually thought he was serious. I couldn’t believe it. Then when he suggested we wear red blazers with blue piping. Wes nearly lost it on him. In the end we wore our normal blazer. Blaine was always a smartass and treaded the line Dalton had in place. He was never mean ever but he was very well calculated with the antics he pulled. Which ironically stopped the day Kurt came to Dalton. He was suddenly mr dapper. He stopped swearing and everything. None of us could believe how fast he changed his ways. Then the disaster that was the Gap attack happened. We all felt so bad for Blaine.

There was also a time in our World History class where we had been given a group assignment to do. I was assigned to work with Blaine. The day the project was due our teacher asked if we were ready to present ours to the class. Blaine looked up and said no I don’t show myself on a first date but I will present my project. All I could think is Oh my goodness that was not very dapper of you Blaine. Get well sooon you little undapper hobbit we miss you.

Undapper hobbit caused the room to break out into giggles across the room. Even Kurt had a laugh at it. If they only knew Blaine like he did they would know he hadn’t lost his dirty mouth. He swore all the time when they were together. It was how Kurt could tell he was unraveling and falling apart. The more me swore the closer his was. Thad was now in front of the mic. Kurt decided after this one he needed to pee and refill his water bottle. He had emptied the bottle and filled his bladder. He laughed at his own silly joke to himself.

Thad’s memory

I was an unwitting and unwilling participant in one of Blaine’s random antics. Blaine had learned far too much about being sneaky from Jeff but he never used it like Jeff did. That was until he got a new phone and it had that text bomb app thing. The way Blaine tells it the texts were meant for Kurt. I really doubted that day. Kurt wasn’t even in our Calculus class. This fool sent over 300 messages in under 10 minutes my phone was in my front pocket on vibrate and it wouldn’t stop. The more I moved to fish it out of my pocket the worse it got. I finally got it out of my pocket and stuffed it into my bag. That caused me so much pain and that little jackass sat there like he had no idea why I was so pissed. I had to leave that class in an awkward position that day.

Kurt remembered that incident. The tweet barrage had been meant for him but Blaine sent it to the wrong number which Kurt was glad for. Blaine had been out to make Kurt cum on himself in class that day. That day the joke was on Blaine as he had screwed it up. Warblers practice had been weird that day as Blaine kept looking at the crotch of Kurt’s pants. As soon as practice ended Blaine had grabbed me Kurt remembered and shoved me into the bathroom causing me to land rather hard on the tile. He wanted to know how I managed to not have some mark on my pants as he had sent me 300 texts. The look on his face Kurt thought back when I told him while handling my own need that I hadn’t received any texts. He ran straight from that bathroom to apologize to Thad. Who still clearly didn’t buy it. Oh well Kurt thought getting to his feet. Blaine proved that day he wasn’t so perfect. Carole was now on the stage. Kurt honey where are you going she asked. I need a bathroom break quite urgently. Be right back I promise said Kurt. Ok any one else need to go she said to the room. Now is a good time to go. Finn and Puck bounded to their feet as well and followed behind Kurt.

On the way to the bathroom

Kurt got out into the lobby just in time to see Blaine’s parents walking in. Hi they said. Hi replied Kurt. I have to pee terribly bad. Be right back Kurt said as he darted off behind Finn into the Mens room. Puck stood talking with them until Kurt returned. I am soo sorry Kurt said after his trip to the bathroom. Its okay Kurt never apologize for being human everyone pees even celebrities on tv and in the movies said Kenneth. I know said Kurt. I was a little abrupt and rude and I am sorry for that. Don’t be and Blaine is resting comfortably before you ask said Ken. Lets head inside they said. Well alright said Kurt. Carole is up next then Santana and Sugar.

Carole’s memory

Blaine is the epitome of poised and proper even first thing in the morning. He seems to always be turned on like that. He never fails to have the most wonderful smiles. If he wasn’t feeling well or tired you could never tell it. He always had a sparkling smile. I even saw it once when Burt and I came in from our date night and found the boys sleeping together on the sofa. Even sound asleep he was still poised looking and graceful. After watching them both sleep for a few minutes. I decided I should ever so carefully wake them and send them up stairs to bed. I knew what Finn was like to wake up and dreaded this. Were they going to be that way? After a minutes worth of deliberation and courage building I stepped forward and touched the first foot I saw under the edge of the blanket. It was Blaine’s. He jumped up as soon as I touched him and began scurrying off the couch. His sudden movement woke Kurt up.

Blaine being the dapper prim and proper person that he is started shoving his feet into his shoes and was apologizing emphatically. I am soo sorry Mrs Hudson-Hummel. I never meant to break a house rule and fall asleep with your son. Please forgive me and not punish Kurt. It was my fault I suggested we lay down on the sofa together. I will call you later Kurt said Blaine as he rushed towards the door. Burt stopped him. You aren’t going anywhere at this hour except upstairs to bed both of you.

Blaine stood frozen on the spot. He wasn’t in trouble but he had broken a house rule. I broke his thoughts. Blaine you boys did nothing wrong and that house rule doesn’t exist here. We have talked about that before. Now go to bed you have school in the morning. I will call your parents and send Burt out for some clean clothes now come on off to bed you go. Chop chop and they left. The panic I saw in his face that night was unreal and it showed there was a way to break through the front he kept up. I loved seeing that little glimmer of a not so perfect person.

Blaine you are an amazing and beautiful young man. We all love you and want you home soon.

Santana approached the stage and looked to Kurt and then Brittany. Kurt had a feeling about what she was gonna say. They had been very supportive of her during her struggles with coming out. Thanks to Finn that happened sooner than she was planning Kurt remembered as he finished his water bottle for the second time.

Santana’s memory

As Dave said coming out is hard when you do it your way. Try being forced out it was an accident but it happened. The glee club had been amazing and supportive but what some may not know is what happened the night I told my family. Blaine was there that night. I needed someone and he was the only one available. He sat there with me as I told my family. It made it so much easier. I was so scared but it was okay no one went all Lima Heights on me. Such a huge relief. He made the comment that he wished his parents had been as accepting of him as mine had been of me. His mom had come around but up until then his Dad barely spoke to him. That about killed me how could you not talk to this sweet dapper hobbit. Sure he was small enough to stuff in the cupboard under the stairs and forget about him but why would you want to. He is amazing and easy on the eye.

Santana left the stage and Sugar walked up.

Sugars memory

Well I met Blaine when I first came to Mckinley. Which is when he came to the school as well. We bonded over being the new kids in the jungle of the school. He told me he was there to be with the one he loved. Aww soo sweet of him. I learned later that person was Kurt.

I also learned that Blaine was very scared at Mckinley. He walked around like he wasn’t but inside he was so afraid of his past meeting his present and the same things happening here like they had at his school before Dalton. He wouldn’t say what that was and I chose to not pry. It was safer that way. He was scared enough on a daily basis. If you saw him alone and approached to fast and he didn’t see you he would flinch and duck. I did that once and scared him so bad he almost wet himself. He even started crying. So weird but he told me later that day he had been hurt before and was still very frightened. Blaine get better okay. We all love you and miss you.

Sugar left the stage. Kurt sat up and thought to himself more Blaine never told me as Artie slowly walked across the stage to the mic. Alright guys three more but first lunch is served. We have sandwiches out back and some drinks. Kurt pulled his phone out. Good grief it was almost 3pm Kurt thought. He needed to check on Blaine. As soon as he was on his feet he realized very fast that he had far a more pressing problem to attend to first. He had to PEE and badly.

Lunch in the lobby

Kurt very hastily made his way to the lobby to find that bathroom. His poor bladder was so cramped and painful under such tight pants. Once in the lobby Kurt bee lined straight into the bathroom. Those calling his name would have to wait. Kurt’s need could not. Just as Kurt started using the bathroom the door opened and Mr Anderson stepped in calling Kurt’s name. Yeah called Kurt from his stall. What’s up. You ok son you dashed into here a little too quick asked Kenneth. I’m fine just had to go really bad is all said Kurt. Okay just checking. Oh and they are gonna start backing off of Blaine’s sedation at 6pm said Ken. He wont wake before tomorrow they said. Okay anything else Kurt said. No I think that’s it said Mr Anderson. Oh the detective called nothing really new but they did find a fingerprint that didn’t match any of the shoppers that were there and it isn’t in their system either said Ken. So Blaine remembering anything when he wakes up is vital to the investigation Kurt thought as he sat there only to hear Mr Anderson saying the exact same thing. Alright come and eat okay said Ken. I will soon as I finish up here Kurt said. Alright take your time said Mr Anderson. I will said Kurt.

Back in the lobby.

The lobby was loud with conversations and chatter as the group talked and ate their lunch. Artie approached Kurt. Hey you are last up. Mr Anderson then Mrs Anderson then finally you said Artie. Okay said Kurt as he took a bite off of his sub sandwich. As the flurry of activity slowed Artie spoke and said lets all go potty and head back into the theater. Five minutes ok. Five minutes. Got it Kurt thought finishing off his diet coke.

Back into the theater.

Kurt settled back into the rather uncomfortable chair and sat waiting on the rest of the large group to filter back in. Several people were back in their seats talking and laughing. Blaine would flip if he knew all this was going on for him. Blaine hated being the center of attention unless he was performing Kurt was thinking when he saw Mr Anderson walk up to the mic. Oh boy Kurt thought and remembered how this man had treated Blaine. He had struck him once in front of Kurt for falling asleep in his bed while studying. He had called him such vile things that night too. Kurt feared the worst but hoped for the best.

Mr Anderson’s memory

I am probably the worst person to ask about Blaine well for anything after he came out at least. My favorite time with Blaine was when he was 7 or 8 years old. We had taken a family trip to the east coast to the beach. Blaine loved it and practically lived on the water the entire week we were there. Sunburn didn’t even slow him down. Every morning as soon as he was up and fed he was out the beach house door and in the sand. He was full of life that summer. How I wished I could go back to those days before things got so complicated and messy. I have now realized I simply can not but I can strive to make new memories like this one with him but that will only happen if I accept him and Kurt. I have to or I will lose my one and only son forever. I do not want that. I know now that if I don’t make the changes needed Blaine will leave forever. He has been soo angry with me for so many years. I have said every horrible thing to him imaginable. All I cared about was the future of the family name and what my associates would think if they found out. I thought that if I bullied him and nagged him he would change and date girls and he did for a short time. He dated a girl named Camille for a whole three weeks. He was unhappy the whole time. Then the fateful dance came along.

Kurt straightened up at that statement. He still didn’t know what had happened Blaine wouldn’t talk about it. He would only tell Kurt that he had been beaten up by three classmates for being gay and that it was the past and needed to be forgotten about.

Mr Anderson continued and I should have wisenend up then but I didn’t I blamed my son. I actually told him it was his fault for flaunting himself around town. That he had asked for what happened. I was wrong very wrong and I am so sorry Kurt for how I have treated you even. You kids have been nothing but kind to me and accepting of me and I can tell many of you know how I treated Blaine and Kurt. Blaine is so lucky to have each of you in his life and I can tell you guys are all the better because of My Blaine in your life. Blaine I promise you son I am going to change no more vile names no more hurtful words son. We will be a family like you have wanted and that family includes Kurt. Kurt you are simply amazing and I am so glad I have had the past few days to get to know you and your friends. You guys are way more than friends. You are a family. You may not be blood related but you are family. When one hurts the whole group hurts. Thank you all for accepting me into your family. You are all amazing.

Wow thought Kurt as he wiped the tears streaming down his face. He sure hadn’t expected that. Blaine would be shocked to when he heard his Dad’s memory. Kurt looked around there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Every single man in the room had wet cheeks and most weren’t even trying to hide it. That was kind of sweet if you think about it. Mrs Anderson was now on the stage and she was trembling ever so slightly.

Hannah was a shy woman Kurt remembered. She rarely spoke up when Blaine’s dad had thrown him out of the house or when he had hit Blaine. She was afraid of making it worse she told Blaine. Kurt recalled her telling Blaine once that if he acted right and did what his dad wanted the abuse would stop. Blaine had told him that she accepted him when he came out and helped him tell his Dad even. She always accepted Blaine for who he was and always would but standing up to her husband over the treatment he gave to her only son was something she could not do. She wished for years she had been stronger and had told him off but she hadn’t.

Mrs Anderson’s memory.

From the day Blaine was born he was destined for great things. He walked at 10 months and started playing music by the time he was two. He loved performing and he was good at it. I even put him in pageants and he won most of them. He always wanted to sing and play his guitar or keyboard. From a very early age he loved music so we put him into whatever lessons he wanted. He thrived in all areas except sports. He just wasn’t athletic. He did do well with fencing and polo but they never made him happy like music did. He also loved the theater so we took him to audition after audition some he got some he didn’t. He never got upset over not getting a part he knew it was part of how the theater worked. As he entered middle school he started to change as most kids do. A few months after Blaine turned 13 he approached me one afternoon after school and said Mom I need to tell you something and you may not like but please don’t hate me for it. He said it is what I am. Blaine never cried ever and there were tears in his eyes that day.

Funny thought Kurt he had seen many tears from those beautiful eyes. Blaine often cried and over weird things like when Bambi’s mom died or at the winner of Project Runway. Blaine often cried when alone Kurt remembered. He had preferred people see him as strong and crying made you appear weak Blaine had said when Kurt found him crying once. Blaine was strong and he knew it but he hurt too sometimes.

Blaine finally swallowed his pride and said Mom I am gay Mrs Anderson continued. I told him to wait to tell his dad until he was older. He said no and demanded to do it at dinner that night and he did. That was the first time Ken had ever struck Blaine. He slapped his face so hard I thought he had broken his nose or jaw. He yelled at Blaine and told him you are too young to know what you like. You are not some faggotty fairy. You will marry a beautiful young woman some day. Blaine screamed no dad I won’t. I am gay. I like guys not girls. Then he stormed off to his room. He did that often after that.

Then the dance happened and our worlds were forever altered. Blaine was no longer safe at Westerville High school so once he recovered from his injuries we enrolled him at Dalton on the promise to his dad that he would date only girls. He tried he really did but you could tell he was unhappy and uncomfortable in his own skin. When ever he had a girl over to the house it was awkward and uncomfortable. Blaine would drink gallons of water or diet coke just so he could leave the room. I felt so terrible for him but I couldn’t say anything. We had to fake it until he was out of school and on his own.

Then he met you Kurt Hannah said looking directly at Kurt. He refused to admit he liked you and even had the disaster you kids call the Gap attack. Once he knew you liked him he refused to lie anymore. He said he was out and proud and wasn’t going back into the closet for anyone. I told him fine but Kurt can’t be around when your dad is and no kissing or hand holding where people who knew his dad might see. He reluctantly agreed to it. Kurt made Blaine happy in ways no girl that had been to our home had. Blaine even began nursing one drink for hours just so he wouldn’t have to leave Kurt’s side. That was rarely successful but anyway.

My favorite memory of my son was seeing him cuddled up with Kurt on his bed asleep one evening. I know I should have woken them up and gotten Kurt out of there but it was a Friday and they looked so happy and peaceful in each others arms. Seeing Blaine smile in his sleep like that was amazing. I have pictures even. That night I tried everything to keep my husband from opening that door and going into his son’s room. He would have none of it. He wanted to say goodnight to his son. Then he saw them fully clothed hand in hand asleep on the bed. It was awful. He jerked Kurt so hard and fast out of the bed I thought he would break his arm or throw him down one. He yelled at Blaine and ordered Kurt to the living room for the rest of the night. After that Blaine rarely spoke to his father. He said he had nothing to say to him and he wasn’t going to be hit or yelled at anymore.

Then Blaine got accepted to NYADA and said he was leaving. He told his dad about it and that he would live with Kurt. This infuriated his father. He smacked Blaine across the face several times and said you will live in the dorm and behave yourself and date girls like all boys are supposed to do. Blaine yelled back one word and left. He yelled NO. Until he left for school we never saw him. He was at the Hummel house where he felt loved and safe and he was too. How could he not with all of you wonderful people taking care of him. My Blainey found love and acceptance at Dalton and Mckinley. Thank you all for helping to mold Blaine into the young man he is today.

Kurt swallowed a drink of water and stood up. His turn at last. He still at this moment had no idea what to share. He and Blaine had had many great times and fun. They had shared so much with each other but clearly that was barely a scratch to the surface. As Kurt made his way to the stage he saw Nick and Rory leave through a side door that went to the backstage area. What are they up to he wondered.