I stared at the boy in front of me. What on earth was he doing here? He was the last person I had expected to see. I actually hadn't seen Sebastian since Regionals; after the whole Karofsky suicide incident. He had vowed to change and had shook hands with Blaine at Regionals and that was the last I had heard of him. It even seemed that Blaine wasn't talking to him. It suddenly occurred to me that I was in a complete and utterly vulnerable position. I was alone with the boy who often insulted me and once threw a slushy laced with rock salt intended for me.

Sebastian frowned at me, "What are you doing here Hummel?"

I bit back a sarcastic comment as I wanted to be alone, "Nothing Smythe. I'm fine, goodbye."

"Whoa Gayface I'm just trying to be friendly!" Sebastian exclaimed as he put his hands up in defence, "You obviously need help."

I looked at Sebastian, giving him my famous glare, "I do not need help; especially from someone who looks like a meerkat!"

Sebastian sneered at me, "Well I apologise Gayface. I'll leave you to be found by some rapist who searches the streets for boys who look like they are under twelve!"

I opened my mouth to retort back at him but instead, let my shoulders fall and rested my head back against the wall. I didn't see the point in this insulting banter with Sebastian and just wanted him to leave me alone.

Sadly Sebastian disagreed, "Hummel? I'm sorry if I offended you."

I raised my eyebrow at Sebastian's statement, "Did you just apologise?"

Sebastian shuffled uncomfortably in front of me, "And?"

"I wasn't expecting it," I replied, wondering why Sebastian was still hanging around.

To my complete surprise Sebastian took off his leather jacket and leaned forward to place it around me. Without a word he sat down next to me, mirroring my position of holding my legs to my body. I just stared at him, waiting for the criminal chipmunk to do or say something but he did neither. He just stared into the distance, ignoring my own gaze on him.

I couldn't take the silence much longer, "What are you doing?"

"I asked you that earlier and didn't get a reply," Sebastian responded as he continued to stare into the darkness.

"But why do you care? Why do you want to help me?" I had to ask as this was completely out of Sebastian's character.

Sebastian sighed before turning to face me, "Kurt, I've just found you huddled up against a wall at night on your own looking upset. I'd be the cruellest bastard on earth if I didn't see if you were okay."

I didn't know what to say to that. Sebastian was actually being nice. I knew he had promised that when I last saw him but I had always doubted that. Sitting next to a Sebastian that had a nice streak made me feel unsure how to act around him. I had always been used to the insults but now I had a boy next to me being actually quite pleasant, I was unsure how to feel.

"Umm... thanks Sebastian," I replied, not knowing what else to say.

I saw Sebastian nod and the two of us sat in silence for a little while. I was surprised how the silence wasn't awkward at all. It was as if the two of us were just soaking in one another's presence.

"So..." Sebastian broke the silence, "Why are you out here on your own without a jacket?"

"Why are you out here?" I demanded, trying to avert the attention of me.

"I live near here. I normally board at Dalton but have been coming home recently," Sebastian gestured to some expensive looking houses in a road next to us, "I was just heading out when I saw you."

"Where were you going?" I didn't want Sebastian to ask me question about my personal life. I didn't feel comfortable breaking down with only Sebastian to comfort me.

"I was going to Scandals. It's some place for me to have a good time and maybe to get lucky," Sebastian winked as he said the last few words, "It's actually karaoke night tonight Hummel. You might be interested?"

I once again raised my eyebrow, "Are you inviting me to Scandals with you?"

Sebastian shrugged, "Yeah why not? You seem down and I am definitely not leaving you out here on your own."

I opened my mouth but quickly shut it again.

Sebastian saw my indecision, "Look Kurt, I'm not going to pry. You can tell me what's wrong if you want. Either way I don't mind."

I was shocked by Sebastian's words. I had always been used to the New Directions wanting to know every detail of my life, wanting to know what was wrong or what happened between Blaine and I. It felt nice to have some privacy.

"Thank you," I whispered, knowing Sebastian could hear me.

Sebastian nodded then smiled at me, "So are you coming to Scandals? It might be a laugh, you never know. Bit of singing, bit of dancing and some drinking if you're up for it?"

The Karaoke night at Scandals actually did sound tempting. I could get up on stage and sing. It would be a chance to let some feelings out as music had always been a form of release. It did actually sound like it would be some fun plus it would help get me out of this funk; help me forget what was going on in my life.

"Yeah," I nodded showing my decision, "I'm up for that, sounds like something I need right now."

"That's cool Hummel. Scandals is like a ten minute walk away if that's fine with you. It's pretty practical for me to stumble home drunk or even to bring someone back with me if the bathrooms are busy," Sebastian told me as he helped me to my feet.

"Classy Sebastian. Umm... do you want your jacket back?" I asked, feeling awkward.

Sebastian shook his head, "Nah its fine. You probably need it more than me. Anyway it's this way. Just follow me."

I put Sebastian's jacket on properly, feeling a little bit awkward. Sebastian headed off in the direction to his left and I followed, after having a brief stretch due to sitting down for so long. My head was telling me that the whole situation was a bad idea but I ignored my conscience. I wanted to have some fun. My whole life had turned one hundred and eighty degrees since I had woken up. I just wanted to be able to have some fun and enjoy life as a teenager.

(break)

Scandals was packed when we arrived. Karaoke night was obviously extremely popular. There were men of all ages in the club. The whole walk had been silent but that had been fine with me. There was no bouncer on the door which surprised me but I realised there was no point considering last time they let us in with the fake i.ds that were so obviously fake. Even if there had been a bouncer, Sebastian probably could have convinced them to let me in as he was a regular here. I followed Sebastian to the bar and watched as he leaned over to speak to the bartender.

Sebastian pulled back and smiled at me, "This guy is so putty in my hands it's actually ridiculous."

"I don't need to know about your sex life Sebastian," I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

Sebastian stared at me for a moment before letting his head fall back with laughter, "Oh Hummel I can tell we're going to have a fun night!"

I frowned at Sebastian but before I could question his meaning, the bartender brought over four shots and two drinks. Sebastian handed him five dollars before passing two of the shots to me.

I shook my head, "Sebastian I'm not doing shots. And how was this only five dollars?"

Sebastian leaned in so his lips were next to my ear, "I did say he was putty in my hands," before pulling away and winking at me.

"So basically you're a slut for cheap alcohol?" My words sounded harsh but it seemed like it was the truth.

Sebastian was the one to roll his eyes this time as he once again pushed the shots towards me, "One is a vodka shot and the other is a sambuca shot. I've also ordered us a vodka and energy drink."

"Sebastian..." I started, wanting to decline the drinks.

To my surprise Sebastian took my hand in his, "Kurt I brought you here to cheer you up. I found you out in the cold and dark on your own, looking miserable. You deserve to have some fun."

Sebastian let go of my hand and picked up a shot, handing it to me, "Here."

I reached out and took the vodka shot from him.

Sebastian picked up his own shot, "Right the plan is for us to down this one, pick up the other shot and down that too. Are you ready?"

A flashback of the last time I was drunk hit me but I quickly ignored that and nodded my head, signifying that I was ready.

Sebastian smiled, "Okay. One, two, three... drink!"

I quickly brought the glass to my lips and downed the liquid inside. I reached for my sambuca shot; trying to ignore the burning sensation in my throat, and downed the liquid inside there. I felt as if my throat was on fire. I couldn't help myself and started coughing, trying to calm down.

"Whoa easy tiger," Sebastian laughed as he reached over to pat my back, "I forgot this is your first time drinking."

I quickly looked up, "No it's not. I wouldn't make assumptions about me Smythe. There's a lot you don't know about me."

Sebastian's eyes seemed to darken at my words but when he blinked, his eyes looked as green as they usually were, "I'm sure there is Hummel. Now come on let's drink."

I cautiously took a sip of my vodka and energy drink but was pleasantly surprised. It hardly tasted alcoholic and just seemed like a regular energy drink. I took a larger sip and noticed Sebastian was grinning at me; obviously pleased I had decided to have fun.

Sebastian leaned in close to my ear again, "I'll be right back. If you want to order anymore drinks I have a tab here. Just say my name and they'll know what to do."

Sebastian smiled at me once again before turning away and heading towards the Dancefloor. I wondered if he was going to leave me on my way to hook you with someone but he walked past the Dancefloor. I didn't want to attract any attention to myself from the locals at Scandals so I picked up my drink and began to drink it. Once I was finished, I took off Sebastian's leather jacket and turned towards the bar. The bartender, to my surprise, already had another vodka and energy drink for me. I smiled at him before picking it up and drinking it. It was so easy to drink as I couldn't taste the vodka. Alarm bells started going off in the head about how easy it was for me to get drunk as it was my second one plus I had already had the two shots, but I simply reminded myself that I was out to have fun. I suddenly saw Sebastian heading towards me with a grin on his face. I immediately knew something was up.

"What have you done?" I questioned, as Sebastian took a large slurp out of his drink.

Sebastian ignored my question and picked up his jacket, hanging it up on one of pegs on the wall. He returned to his drink and acted as if nothing had happened. I opened my mouth to ask him what on earth was going on but it seemed like I wouldn't get an answer. I sighed to myself and turned back to my own drink.

"Goooood evening to all the sexy men out there tonight and I know there are plenty!" I heard coming out a microphone, "Welcome to the Scandals weekly karaoke night!"

Cheers erupted from all around the club as everyone looked at the man who was standing on stage making the announcement.

"And first up tonight for karaoke is.... one Kurt Hummel!"

What!? My mouth dropped open when I heard my name being called. It was completely obvious what Sebastian had done now. He had signed me up for karaoke and had probably bribed the owner to let me go first. I had no idea what to sing; plus I didn't feel entirely comfortable singing in front of all these drunken men.

"Sebastian what have you done?" I yelled as I turned to glare at Sebastian, "You promised this night would be fun!"

"It will be Kurt. This is a chance for you to have fun and sing your heart out. Get those feelings off your chest and let go," Sebastian said, putting his hand on my shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

I heard my name being chanted by the crowd so I picked up my drink and downed it.

Sebastian chuckled at my antics, "Go on Hummel!"

I handed him my glass and started to walk to the stage, yelping in surprise as I felt Sebastian slap my arse. I turned to glare at him but he once again winked at me. I continued my journey to the stage; past all the men cheering for me. I actually started feeling excited but I was quickly racking my brain for a song to sing. It suddenly hit me. I knew the perfect song to sing. I had always played it when I was bullied as it made me feel stronger. It also fit my situation with my father and ex boyfriend. I went over to the DJ and whispered my song choice. He gave me a thumbs up and told me he would wait for my signal. I got up on stage and stood before the microphone.

"Hello," I addressed the drunken crowd, "My name is Kurt Hummel."

To my surprise everyone cheered and applauded. I hadn't even started singing yet. It made me feel better as no matter what happened on this stage, I would be applauded. I could see Sebastian cheering from his position at the bar, ignoring the bartender making eyes at him.

I took a deep breath, "The song I have chosen is for anyone who has been made to feel like crap when they don't deserve the hate."

The crowd roared again but I could see dozens of men nodding in agreement. It reminded me that I was in a room full of gay men that lived in Ohio and would have been targeted by bullies or suffered in life. My words were dedicated to practically the whole of Scandals. My eyes found Sebastian's as I opened my mouth to sing.

"You shout it out,
But I can't hear a word you say
I'm talking loud not saying much
I'm criticized but all your bullets ricochet
You shoot me down, but I get up"

The crowd went mental when I started singing. I saw Sebastian grin and give me a thumbs up. When I reached the chorus, everyone was jumping and singing along.

"I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium

Cut me down
But it's you who have further to fall
Ghost town and haunted love
Raise your voice, sticks and stones may break my bones
I'm talking loud not saying much

I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
I am titanium
I am titanium"

My mind was filled with the bullies who tormented me, and unfortunately my own father and Blaine. I was going to come out stronger because of everything I had been through.

"Stone-hard, machine gun
Firing at the ones who run
Stone-hard as bulletproof glass

You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
I am titanium"

The moment I finished, everyone was screaming and applauding. I took a bow as the owner hurried back to the stage and grabbed my hand, thrusting it into the air.

"That was the magnificent Kurt Hummel gentlemen!" He cried, causing another eruption of applause.

The owner pulled me off stage with him and turned to face me, "Kid I know you're not twenty one but whatever. You were amazing tonight and I will be happy to have you come and sing here regularly. Plus it would be a chance for the two of us to get to know one another."

He winked as he said his last sentence causing me to shudder. I glanced towards the bar to see Sebastian frowning at me, as if he was debating whether he should come over.

I turned back to the owner and put on my best fake smile, "I'm sorry but I only did that for a bit of fun tonight."

The owner sighed before suddenly smiling again, "Well let me know if you change your mind."

I frowned at his words before gasping as I felt him slide a card with his contact details in my back pocket before giving my arse a squeeze. I quickly hurried back to the bar to Sebastian's side to find another vodka and energy drink waiting for me. I picked it up and chugged down most of the contents.

"Whoa! Hold your horses Hummel!" I heard Sebastian cry as he grabbed hold of my wrist to slow me down, "What did that old man say to you?"

"He wanted me to be a regular singer here and it would also give us time to get to know another. When I declined, he slipped his card into my pocket and squeezed my arse!" I exclaimed as I finished the rest of my drink.

Sebastian glared in the direction of the owner before ordering four more shots, "Come on Kurt, I think we both need these."

This time I didn't argue and just accepted the vodka and sambuca shots, downing them both with Sebastian. I realised we had missed the introduction of the next karaoke singer. I glanced around the club to see people dancing to the song but it pleased me to see it wasn't as enthusiastically as they had danced to me singing. I saw a clock just above the stage that stated it was twenty past midnight. I couldn't believe how fast the time had gone by. That meant I was sitting outside for a lot longer than I had thought or I had been running for a lot longer as well. I knew my family would be worried about me as they hadn't seen me since I had run out of the house but all I could focus on was the alcohol flowing through my body and the music playing. A guy was on stage singing 'Sex On Fire' by Kings of Leon.

"Wanna dance?" Sebastian's voice broke my thoughts.

I turned to stare at Sebastian in surprise. I still couldn't believe that I was out with Sebastian on my own and was actually having fun. Sebastian held out his hand and I took it, letting him lead me to the Dancefloor. Sebastian led us to a space and he turned to face me, dropping my hand. I started moving my hips, not caring whether people were looking at me due to the amount of alcohol I had had. I started jumping up and down along with everyone else as we sang along to the chorus. I grinned at Sebastian and he grinned back, moving his hands to my hips so we moved in time together. I placed my hands on his shoulders as we danced to the beat. We continued to dance as other men stepped up to karaoke. I felt strange as it was almost as if I was grinding with Sebastian. I quickly shook these thoughts and continued dancing.

"Please welcome to the stage Joey Holden," I heard the owner call.

When the opening bars of 'Teenage Dream' came on I felt as if I couldn't breathe. This was our song; the song Blaine sang to me when I first met him. Here I was in Scandals nightclub dancing with another man as Blaine had broken up with me. I needed to get some air. I pushed Sebastian's hands off me and ran away from the Dancefloor. I didn't know where I was heading until I saw the exit. I pushed the doors open and ran out into the cold air, gasping for breath. I quickly ducked into the alley nearby and leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath. I tilted my head back and threw my hands over my eyes, trying to stop the tears. It hurt so much to think of Blaine. Why did he have to break up with me?

"Kurt?" Sebastian once again drew me away from my thoughts, "Are you are okay?"

"Do I look okay?" I replied, refusing to take my hands away from my eyes.

"Talk to me," I felt Sebastian's hand on my arm, "It will do you some good to talk to a friend."

With that, I removed my hands from my faces and just exploded, "Friend!? You're not a friend of mine. What friend would try to steal a boyfriend? What friend would try to slushy them with rock salt in it? What friend would try to blackmail their glee club so they wouldn't compete? What friend would do that? You're not my friend! My life sucks okay! Everything sucks! Blaine doesn't love me and neither does my Dad and..."

"Maybe it's a good thing Blaine doesn't love you," Sebastian whispered, capturing my attention.

"And why is that?" I spat out, demanding an answer.

Sebastian took a deep breath, "Because I love you Kurt."