“What are you looking at?” Wes asks.

Blaine gestures towards Wes to join him. “Look outside, man. We’re really here. Months of planning and occasional tears have all led to this moment.”

“Your tears, not mine,” Wes rolls his eyes, but when Wes looks outside, he also gets a fond look on his face. He grabs Blaine’s shoulders. “Dude, we’re taking New York by storm. I’m going to be the best entertainment lawyer ever. My OSU days are over!”

Wes purposely leaves out the fact that Blaine has no plan. Blaine barely scraped by during college. The fact that he managed to get his music degree seems like some sort of miracle. There were many times that he almost dropped out.

Now, they’re in New York. Wes has gotten a job at an upcoming law firm and Blaine’s very happy for him, since it’s difficult to get a job straight out of college these days. After graduation, Wes had some small ‘gigs’ in Columbus, but this is his first proper job. Wes asked Blaine to move to the city with him ‘for old time’s sake’, but they both know that Wes just wants to keep an eye on his friend.

And Blaine appreciates that. His life would’ve been drastically different if Wes hadn’t been in it, but Blaine’s better now. Not fully better, but at least better. In the beginning, Blaine was not okay with the plan, since all the big changes led to him feeling stuck and in a rut, but his therapist agreed that it was a great idea to physically distance himself from his old problems as well, so not only emotionally. It’s time for a fresh start.

It’s a fresh start without any plans.

It’s terrifying, but also exhilarating.

Wes has been talking the entire time, but Blaine was lost in his thoughts. He tries to piece the conversation together.

“… and then we’re gonna grab a fucking burger,” Wes finishes his long monologue.

“Sorry, what now?”

Wes sighs, but then he punches Blaine’s shoulder in a playful way. “Lost in thought again? Damn, Blaine, what am I gonna do with you?”

“Hopefully, you’re gonna let me live.”

“I’ll think about it,” Wes jokes, “But like I said, I have to go to Downtown Manhattan real quick to sign some more forms. Then to Upper East Side for more forms! So many forms! I’ll be done around 6pm. How about you go explore the city and then we meet up somewhere to grab a bite? I promised Trent I’d try a ‘typical New York burger’ or whatever the hell that is.”

It’s only his first day in New York and the thought of spending it alone makes Blaine panic. Wes must’ve noticed, since he pulls Blaine in a hug.

“Dude, we’re gonna rock this city. You and me. Together. I promise you that. But remember what your therapist said? You cannot be completely dependent on me. Go out there and take in the terribly polluted New York City air!”

Wes is right. Wes is always right. What is the point of wanting to live if he can’t do it on his own? He’s worked so hard in the past few years to be in this right headspace, so he’s not going to ruin it.

“Who knows? Maybe you’ll fall in love,” Wes jokes.

“You have New York confused with Paris, my friend,” Blaine says, “Paris is the city of love. It’s only my first day in the city.”

“Again, who knows?” Wes says.

They hug for a little bit longer, but then Wes really has to go. Wes and Blaine go to the train station together, since Blaine also wants to get a MetroCard as soon as possible, but they have to part ways. Wes has forms to sign and Blaine has a city to see.

He decides to start his tour at Broadway, so he takes the right train.

Once he’s on the actual Broadway, he cannot believe it. He’s seen photos of Broadway marquees many times, but to actually see it is amazing. He walks past musicals like Kinky Boots, Waitress, Hamilton, the Lion King, Bandstand and many more. His eyes fall on a new musical The Mink Coat, starring Rachel Berry. He should Google that show when he gets home. He’s barely heard of it.

He takes out his phone with the intention to make a photo of Broadway. He positions his phone and he’s ready to make a photo, but then, he hears a high pitched voice asking: “Do you want a photo of Mink Coat?”

He looks over his shoulder to see a brown-haired woman look at him in wonder.

“Oh, uh, I was gonna make one of Broadway, so I guess. Mink Coat is part of Broadway,” he says.

“I’d be happy to make one of you in front of the marquee,” the woman says excitedly.

Blaine smiles. “That is really kind, but I have it covered. I don’t want to be on the photo myself.”

“Such a shame,” Rachel sighs, “You’re a good looking guy in front of the new Broadway hit!”

Blaine’s stunned into silence for a bit. He’s about to tell the woman that he’s gay, when someone else chuckles.

Blaine turns around and a couple of feet behind the woman, a man is standing. Blaine’s once again stunned into silence, but this time it’s because he’s never seen a person this beautiful before.

“Don’t mind my friend,” the man moves closer and he stands next to the woman, “It’s her first big show and her ego has gotten the best of her.”

Blaine’s gaping openly at the man with no shame.

The woman doesn’t seem to notice, because she says loudly: “I am Rachel Berry.”

Blaine recognizes the name, but he’s too focused on Rachel’s friend.

“Blaine Anderson,” he says, while still looking at him.

“Kurt Hummel,” the man says back.

“Blaine Anderson,” Blaine, the dumbass that he is, says again.

Kurt nods. “Yeah, you just told us.”

“Oh, uh, sorry,” Blaine says, embarrassed, “I’m new in town and I love musicals, so of course I need to have a photo!” He waves his phone.

“Are you going to see Mink Coat?” Rachel asks eagerly and suddenly, it clicks. Blaine looks back to the marquee. Rachel Berry. Blaine’s learned that name only mere seconds ago, but he didn’t realise the obvious, since he was too focused on Kurt.

“Maybe,” Blaine says, “I mean, I moved here, so I have time. I just got here from Ohio.”

“We’re from Ohio!” Kurt says and Rachel nods, “Lima, you?”

“Columbus, originally, but I spent a lot of time in Westerville,” Blaine answers.

“God, Ohio, I’m so glad I’ve gotten out of there,” Kurt says.

Blaine nods. He understands.

Kurt starts talking about all the things he doesn’t miss about Ohio and in return, Blaine talks about the things Columbus had to offer, but how he hopes to see improvement in New York. Occasionally, Rachel chimes in, but when Blaine finally mentions that he’s gay, he finds out that Kurt is too, and they talk about growing up gay in Ohio.

“Well, I have two gay dads, so I’ve seen some stuff too,” Rachel says, “But uhm, I’m going to leave you two now. I have rehearsals. It was nice to meet you, Blaine, and I hope to see you in the audience one day.”

She kisses Kurt’s cheek as a goodbye and then she walks towards the theatre.

Blaine thought that that’d be the end of it. He assumed that Kurt would say his goodbyes as well, but no, instead they keep talking. They walk around Broadway, but then they end up Off-Broadway. Kurt is an Off-Broadway actor and Blaine immediately reserves tickets for his show, which makes Kurt blush.

They end up walking around and Kurt tells him a lot of things about the city. Of course, Blaine’s read a lot about New York before moving here, but hearing it from someone who’s lived here for five years is so much better than reading sponsored travel blogs.

Blaine hasn’t met someone so intriguing and nice in a very long time, but he’s partly the blame for that. He never made any friends during college, since he often didn’t show up. Talking to Kurt feels like a breath of fresh air.

There are eight million people in the city and Blaine meets the most interesting one of them all.

They end up in Central Park and they must’ve lost track of time, since Blaine’s phone beeps in the middle of the conversation. It’s Wes.

> Dude, where are you? It’s burger time!

Blaine looks at the time. He promised he’d be at the diner at 6pm. It’s 6pm and he’s nowhere near.

“Shit,” Blaine says.

“Is something wrong?”

“I told you I moved here with someone, right? We’re supposed to grab a burger in the Upper East Side. Now. I should’ve caught a train.”

He quickly texts back.

> In Central Park, Uptown Manhattan part. I’ll be there. Forgot the time sorry!

“I gotta go. Wes is really looking forward to that damn burger,” Blaine says.

“Yeah, of course,” Kurt says.

Blaine looks at him. What to do now? Is he just going to walk away and then that’s the end of it? Is Kurt going to be a stranger that he spends one incredible day with, and that’s it? Blaine really wants to get to know him and be his friend. He hasn’t felt this longing in so long. After years of depressed isolation, he’s finally wanting to have another friend.

Maybe more.

He should muster up the courage to ask for Kurt’s number.

Yet, Blaine’s a coward. Some things never change.

“Bye, it was nice meeting you.”

“Likewise,” Kurt says.

Blaine wants to give him a hug, but instead, he awkwardly walks towards the nearest train station. Luckily, the Upper East Side isn’t too far. In the train, he keeps replaying all the conversations that he’s had that day and he can’t help but smile.

He’s still smiling when he arrives at the diner. Wes raises an eyebrow.

“What is up with you?” he asks.

“I know you said that I might fall in love,” Blaine sighs, “Wes, I think I did.”

“You are going to go after him, right?” Wes asks when they’re back home, “I mean, Blaine, you spent our entire first meal in New York gushing about him.”

“… I know.”

“And then you didn’t even ask his number! Dude, the way you spoke about him… Maybe he was flirting? Go get him!”

“… I know,” Blaine groans and he falls face down on the couch, “I- I was weak.”

When he looks up, he sees Wes look at him with a sad face. Blaine starts to shake his head.

“No, Wes, please no pity tonight.”

Wes sighs and he sits down on the couch. He rests Blaine’s head in his lap. “Dude, I never pitied you. Please, stop thinking that. I’m just sad that once again this stupid illness of yours is withholding you from living the life you deserve.”

Blaine closes his eyes. “Yeah.”

“We’re not gonna give up, okay?” Wes says and he pats Blaine on the head. It makes Blaine laugh.

“Yes, mom.”

“Seriously, Blaine,” Wes says and he does sound very serious, “The whole point of you moving here is to have a second start. New place, new life, new friends, new love!”

“… I don’t- I’m not sure I can ever date anyone anymore.”

Wes sighs again. He sighs a lot, as if he’s under constant strain. Blaine hates that he’s done that to him.

“The hurt that Sebastian’s done is not all that there is,” Wes says softly, “He cannot define you any longer.”

“Doesn’t mean the scars will disappear,” Blaine mutters.

Wes nods. “That is true, but please, do not let this amazing opportunity slide, man. During dinner, you were glowing. I think this might be worth it.”

“Well, the damage is done. I didn’t ask for his number. How will I contact him?”

Wes gives him a funny look. “First of all, Google exists. Second, you told me that he is an actor and that you’ve bought tickets?”

Blaine snorts. “Shit, you’re right.”

“It’s as if your soul knew something that your mind and body didn’t know yet,” Wes says.

“Nice one. I might use that line for a song one day.”

“Nah-ah, use it when you propose to him,” Wes jokes.

Blaine laughs again. Then he gets quiet.

“Thanks, man.”

“You’re a catch, and according to you, so is he,” Wes says, “Go get him.”

The next couple of days are filled with the final touches of their move. Blaine’s brought a piano with him and Wes encourages him to finally write the songs he’s had in his mind. Blaine’s been doing music again, since it’s all part of the recovery, but writing songs while looking outside to see the gorgeous Manhattan skyline is the biggest boost he’s had in a long time.

Wes is getting ready to fully start his job.

They call with some of the Warblers. No one’s heard of Sebastian in years.

“Good,” Wes says angrily.

Wes will never forgive Sebastian. It’s a good thing that Blaine and Wes will probably never see him again, because Blaine does not want to be a witness to a possible murder.

They explore the city together and they try out many restaurants. Wes keeps insisting that no Chinese restaurant can beat his aunt’s, but Blaine has to disagree since his aunt uses too much garlic. Wes sends a selfie of the two of them to his aunt, who accuses them of betrayal, which in turn makes them laugh.

It’s a nice first week, but Kurt’s constantly on his mind. Blaine knows that he can easily look Kurt up on Facebook or Twitter, but call him a hopeless romantic, he just wants the second meeting to be in person.

Wes is right. Sebastian might have made him lose his self-worth, but he still has the romantic side of him. Sebastian made him believe that he’s stupid for wanting romance, but Sebastian was wrong. The romantic side will never fully go away. Time to finally use it again.

On the day of the show, Blaine picks his finest bowtie and he checks his reflection in the mirror. It makes Wes smile a lot and seeing Wes smile makes Blaine smile too. He’s put too many frowns on Wes’s face, so this is a nice change.

“Go get him!” Wes yells when Blaine leaves the building.

Blaine arrives at the theatre and he looks at his program. The show is called The Street. It’s a new musical and it has a small cast, but everyone has a big role. This includes Kurt.

And the show is fantastic. Blaine cries, he swoons, he dances in his seat. All the other actors are great, but Kurt shines.

Afterwards, Blaine’s brimming with nervous energy while waiting at the stage door. It’s an hour wait, but then some of the actors come out to greet the fans. Kurt isn’t one of them.

Blaine waits a little bit longer and lo and behold, Kurt arrives.

Blaine doesn’t want to be a dick, so he waits for Kurt to meet the people who were first in line. Then, Kurt finally sees Blaine.

“I knew it!” Kurt says. He apparently doesn’t care, since he quickly ignores everyone else to go and talk to Blaine. “I knew that you had tickets, but I forgot the date.”

“You remember me?” Blaine asks, hopeful.

Kurt looks at him as if it’s obvious. “How could I ever forget you?”

Blaine tries not to dissolve into a puddle.

“I’m glad that you came. I wanted to look you up online, but apparently there are a lot of Blaine Andersons in the world.”

“Anderson is a common name,” Blaine agrees.

“I really liked our talk. I wish I’d gotten to know you better,” Kurt says, “I can’t explain it, but it feels like we’re meant to be friends.”

Friends? Definitely. Blaine just hopes for more.

Kurt motions to the bouncer to come closer. “Can you bring Blaine inside? Let him wait in my dressing room?” Then, Kurt turns to Blaine. “I mean, if that is fine with you.”

“Absolutely!” Blaine says. He might’ve sound over excited there, but he doesn’t care.

The bouncer tells Blaine to go back to the entrance and that he will be guided from there, so he does. The bouncer soon picks him up and he brings Blaine to Kurt’s dressing room. It’s nicely decorated and there are photos everywhere. Blaine recognises Rachel in some of them.

There is also a photo of Kurt with presumably his parents. Then, there are two portraits: one of a young woman and one of a young man.

“My mother and my brother.”

Blaine’s startled to see Kurt in the door frame.

“You’re already done?”

Kurt shrugs. “Nah, but most fans prefer one of my co-stars anyway.”

“Why? You were clearly the star!” Blaine blurts out.

Kurt turns red. “You’re too kind.”

He takes off his coat and he nods towards the photos. “My mother, Elizabeth Hummel, and my brother, Finn Hudson.”

“Your mother looks young in this photo,” Blaine says. The photo quality also isn’t the best. It must be an older photo.

“She died young,” Kurt says solemnly, “This is my favourite photo of her.”

Blaine looks up in shock. “Kurt, I’m so sorry.”

“You didn’t know,” Kurt says back.

Blaine looks back to the photos. “… your brother?”

“Died four years ago. He was nineteen,” Kurt says sadly.

“Oh.”

“Gosh, sorry,” Kurt laughs awkwardly, “I don’t know why I’m telling you all of this. You probably didn’t expect me to pour my heart and soul out. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. Some sad things are just too impactful,” Blaine says. He knows.

And that’s when Blaine also bares his heart and soul. Blaine didn’t expect the evening to go like this, but both Kurt and Blaine talk about personal stuff. Blaine hasn’t shared some of this with his old friends, but with Kurt, it’s just so easy to talk to. Blaine talks about wanting to start anew and how bad his mental health was back in Columbus. Kurt talks about loss and grief and how he hates the universe for taking his family.

They don’t tell each other everything, but that is okay. Blaine feels like he can talk to Kurt, but there are just some part that he cannot talk about. Not yet. The darkest days were truly too dark. Likewise, Blaine has the impression that Kurt does not tell everything about the deaths, and that is totally fine.

They once again lose track of time, and once again, Wes is the one to interrupt the conversation.

> Are you coming home orrrrr???? 😏😏😏

“Sorry, it’s Wes,” Blaine says, “He’s asking when I’m coming home.”

“Ah, yes, your boyfriend must be waiting for you. I shouldn’t keep you,” Kurt says.

It takes a while for Blaine to realise what just happened, and when he does, he laughs.

“My- oh no!” Blaine says, still laughing a bit, “Oh, no, no, no! Wes is totally straight. You thought- oh my God?”

“You’re not dating him?” Kurt asks, confused, “Oh, damn, I just assumed- I mean, you live together and the way you spoke about him when we first met… I thought you were together.”

“Oh, no,” Blaine says, and he feels a bit disappointed. If Kurt thought that Blaine was dating Wes, then he probably wasn’t flirting. Time to rectify that. “I am totally single and ready to mingle.”

Blaine wants to slap himself. Totally single and ready to mingle? Damnit.

He has to stop himself from asking Kurt if he is single and ready to mingle.

Luckily, Kurt just laughs. “Ready to mingle, huh?”

“Yeah,” Blaine says. He wonders if this is the moment where one of them should ask the other out for a date, or is that too forward? In the past week, he’s spent a lot of time thinking about how to ask him out without the fear that Sebastian has instilled in him taking over. He thinks he can do it.

His therapist and Wes agreed: Sebastian is no more.

But then Kurt says: “I’m sure you find someone. There are plenty of fish in the sea, or New York, at least. When I first moved here, I was also scared of falling in love, but then I met Adam, my boyfriend, and-”

Blaine’s mind shuts down after that.

Adam, my boyfriend.

Not only was Kurt thinking of Blaine as just a friend, since he thought that Blaine was dating Wes, but also because Kurt is dating someone.

Kurt keeps on talking about his boyfriend and about love, but to Blaine, it all sounds like static noise. There are no thoughts. His head is just empty.

He tries not to cry, and then he feels stupid about the fact that he’s going to cry. He tries to remind himself that he’s not stupid or crazy for crying, but it hurts. He shouldn’t take this personally, but his brain still does.

Kurt waves to get his attention.

“… Is everything alright?” he asks, looking worried, “You kinda look troubled out of nowhere.”

Blaine blinks a couple of times.

“Uhm.” Excuse. Excuse. Think of an excuse. “Sorry, I should probably go. I was thinking about how Wes is gonna get worried. I told you that he was there for me when I was at my lowest.”

Kurt’s eyes widen. “Oh. Of course! Go home! But don’t just walk out on me again.” Kurt fishes his phone out of his pocket and hands it to Blaine.

“You want my number?”

“I told you. I want to be friends. I know that might sound super random, but it is true.”

When Blaine unlocks the phone, he sees the lockscreen image of Kurt and his boyfriend, which feels like a slap in the face. Still, he smiles politely and he adds his number to Kurt’s contacts.

They say their goodbyes and when Blaine’s on the train, he finally cries.

Of course. Of fucking course. The first guy Blaine falls for and who he lets himself fall for, has a boyfriend. Just when Blaine’s finally convinced himself that he can do this and that he’s deserving of love, it gets crushed in front of him.

He dials Wes’s number while his hands are shaking.

“Tell me everything!” Wes yells excitedly when he picks up, “Did you ask him out? Did he ask you out? Give me the deets!”

“Wes,” Blaine’s voice breaks.

“… Blaine?” Wes asks. His tone has completely shifted.

“Why does nothing go as planned? Why can’t I have nice things? I try so hard, truly. I try my best, but the universe must hate me.”

“Come home,” Wes says after a small beat of silence, “Come home, Blaine. I have chocolate and a cup of tea. All will be alright.”