An hour and twenty minutes later Kurt was standing in front of the bar. Because there was no one but him he stepped inside insecure. To his relief the guy with curly hair was sitting on a bar stool. As soon as Blaine spotted him, he jumped to his feet and went to greet him. 

"Hi. So, you made it,“ he gave him a small smile.

"Obviously,“ Kurt said and realised he's not exactly polite. "I hope I didn't, um, give you trouble or anything.“

"No, it's cool. I didn't have program or work today,“ Blaine shrugged nonchalantly. "I suggest that we go up, it's usually less crowded and more private there.“ Blaine was pointing up to the ceiling. "The waiter doesn't show up there so much, but…“

"Yeah, that's good,“ Kurt agreed and shifted on his feet nervously. This was awkward but Blaine was nice and cool. 

"Let's go then,“ Blaine said with another reassuring smile, grabbed his drink and jacket and they climbed the stairs. The first floor looked rather like a terrace, because they could see a small stage, which was set in ground floor, from there. Kurt had to admit he liked the bar. It was all wood and soft dimness, jazz coming out from speakers. 

"It's nice here,“ Kurt commented as they sat down. A wide smile appeared on Blaine's face immediately.

"Yeah. I come here a lot. Well, I have to since I work here.“

"Do you?“ Kurt lifted his eyebrows in surprise.

"I do, yeah. I'm one of the waiters and they let me have the stage sometimes as a reward,“ Blaine chuckled a little and Kurt started to like the way he laughed.

"Are you a musician?“ he asked curiously cocking his head. To be honest he was glad they were still avoiding the reason they met. Though not for long, Kurt pressumed.

"Kind of. I study music composition at OSU and play a few instruments so this is my training ground,“ Blaine confessed and took a sip from his drink. In fact it impressed Kurt. Because he loved music no matter how much he hid it. 

"It's really cool,“ he retorted and it was a moment for the waiter to interrupt. He greeted Blaine friendly and asked for Kurt's order. As soon as he was gone, Blane shifted in his chair to be more comfortable and asked in return:

"So, you wanted to talk. What about?“

Kurt took a deep breath through his nose. The time has come. His insides turned over in nervousness. 

"It's… I'm sorry for dragging you into this but I really have nobody else to talk to,“ Kurt apologized at first. He had to entwine his fingers to gain some steadiness. 

"No, it's fine. I'm always happy to help,“ Blaine assured him all cool and calm. Next to him Kurt felt even younger than he was and that was something since Kurt usually felt more grown-up than anyone else in his school. Hell, he was probably more grown-up than Mr. Shuester. 

"It'll sound cliché, but I never told anybody what I want to tell you.“ Like in some cheesy movie the waiter had to re-appear that very moment. But Kurt thanked for his drink and took a swig from it immediately. The waiter was gone again. Blaine wasn't pushing him, just smiled at him encouragingly. 

"You know, it's… you were right,“ Kurt started again. „I'm… I like guys. I know and I'm not denying it to myself. But… I don't want anyone else to know. Because I was bullied even before I had the chance to come out. And I decided to pretend I'm straight or else I wouldn't be able to survive high school. Bad enough, right? But I am just too scared to… Well, I dated a few girls so that I'd convince my schoolmates. To be honest I never felt really guilty about it. Those girls were dating me because I was popular, they weren't even sad I broke up with them. Our school is just one big conspiracy. We're worse than Hollywood, seriously.“ Blaine smiled at that, his expression was otherwise blank as he listened intently.

"It's bad, I know, right? And I'm not ashamed of my sexuality, I just… I'm just scared. That's why I called you. Because,“ Kurt took a deep breath simply because he was out of it, "as I said those girls didn't like me so it wasn't such a big deal. But now one girl, she's kind of my friend too, confessed to me and because I didn't know what to do I agreed to date her. But I don't want to hurt her so I want to break up with her, but I don't know how to do it.“ Kurt's voice was higher and higher. And he felt worse and worse. He could feel a prickle in his eyes so he put hand over it lowering his head.

"Calm down, Kurt,“ Blaine tried to soothe him using soft tone. "I think you really need to break up with her. What's stopping you? If you'll explain her everything, I'm sure she will understand. You're not dating for long, are you?“

"No, we're not, but… I'm afraid if I'd tell her the truth, she'll out me,“ Kurt admitted and sobbed a bit. There was a tissue handed to him immediately. Kurt mouthed thank you and took it. 

"Is she like that?“ Blaine asked simply.

"No, I don't think so, but she might be upset and upset people are capable of anything,“ Kurt argued gesturing a lot.

"Well, that's true and it might happen. But I think that if you're really honest with her, she'll appreciate it. If you want to come up with some fictive reason, well, that's the way too, but… you know, I don't think it's a good thing, this self denial,“ Blaine sighed. "It's understandable you don't want to have problems and it's up to you to come out whenever you feel like it but why do you have to bring bring the girls in? Don't do it, Kurt. Especially to that friend of yours. I… I don‘t want to moralize you. Everybody does stupid things, including me and I don't want to sound like your dad or anything. I just think that telling her the real reason would be the best way. Lies always make everything more complicated.“ 

That was the kind of advice Kurt didn't really want to hear although it wasn't a bad one. Sure, Blaine was right – he has to be honest with Mercedes. However he wasn't so sure about her reaction. What if she really likes him? 

"The sooner the better,“ Blaine added when Kurt wasn't saying anything, just drying his eyes with wrinkled tissue.

"You're openly gay, right?“ Kurt asked all of a sudden.

"Yeah. Since my freshman year in high school,“ Blaine agreed nodding his head slowly.

"Have you had problems? Like bullying?“ One couldn't blame Kurt's curiousity. Blaine was the first gay man he met.

"Um, yes, I was getting looks and nasty words. When I had enough I transfered to a private school. Here, in Westerville,“ Blaine made gesture like he was pointing to the world outside.

"There are no douchebags at private schools?“ Kurt raised an eyebrow, although it really picked his interest. 

"Well, of course there are,“ Blaine let out a small chuckle, "but being it private school, there was no tolerance of bullying. A word was all it took to get someone expelled. So nobody dared to bother anybody. Most of the guys there were cool about my sexuality.“

"It sounds great,“ Kurt mumbled. 

"Maybe you should transfer too,“ Blaine suggested carefully. "You know, start from the beginning. Although, in which grade are you now?“

"I'm a junior,“ Kurt informed a bit embarassed. He didn't know how old Blaine was but there had to be at least a two year difference. "Well, then I think you could still transfer. Dalton wasn't as easy as a public school was but you didn't have to worry about anything but your grades,“ Blaine said in lightheaded voice.

"I'm not sure my dad would agree. Money wouldn't be a big deal, but it's only me and him and I don't want to leave him alone.“ It was a lot to think about. And although Kurt would really want to transfer he couldn't see it as a real possibility. 

"Think about it. It's the best thing I can suggest you. Anyway, does your dad know?“

Kurt answered by simply shaking his head: "I don't want to disappoint him.“

"You don't have a good relationship with him?“ Blaine cocked his head, something like understanding appearing in his expression.

"Well, I do, but I'm not sure I would if he knew…“ Kurt trailed off because he could think the best about his dad but god knows how would he take it. And he was lying to him after all. Certainly it wouldn't please him.

"Maybe you should. He's your family and he needs to understand. Sure, not every parent is tolerant, I'd know, but he should know. I'm sure he won't kick you out of the house or something,“ Blaine retorted with another supporting smile. There was something soothing about him. Maybe his confidence and pride with which he presented himself. 

"I'll think about it. Blaine? Can I ask you something?“

"Anything,“ Blaine assured him grinning. 

"Did you have boyfriend?“

He actually laughed. But it didn't sound like he's mocking him. 

"Of course. I had a few. About… four? Maybe five, but I'm not sure about that one.“ There was this frown and expression of deep thinking which was completely hilarious. 

"How old are you, if…“

"Twenty two,“ Blaine replied before Kurt could finish his sentence for which he was glad. "As I pressume, you're still a minor? If you're a junior.“

"Yeah. Seventeen,“ Kurt blushed a bit. God, he felt so little and young all of a sudden.

"Well, you look fifteen but your personality is ahead of your real age. Relax, not every college student looks down on highschool students,“ Blaine waved his hand. That kind of a smile of his was disturbing. "And I'm sure you'll have no problem to get yourself a boyfriend,“ he added with a wink. Definitely disturbing. 

"Thanks. I should probably go, I don't want to be home late,“ Kurt said and turned to take his jacket from his chair.

"Yeah, sure. Call me after you talk to your girlfriend, ok?“ Blaine asked him with a serious face.

"Okay,“ Kurt agreed with a little smile. He liked how Blaine was concerned about him and took the matter as seriously as Kurt did. If he laughed at him, Kurt wouldn't know what to do. But Blaine seemed very sweet. Kurt forced Blaine to let him pay for his drink since he asked him to meet him. Then they said their goodbyes and split their ways. Though Kurt didn't feel any calmer, he had more courage than ever.

<ß>

Next day he woke up anxious but still determined to tell Mercedes. If something goes wrong he would find a solution. The words about private boy school Blaine mentioned yesterday were still repeating in his head. If something goes wrong he would find a way. 

When he got to school he texted Mercedes to meet him after lessons. They had some classes together but not today for which he was grateful. He didn't even go to lunch so he wouldn't meet her until it's necessary. That's how nervous he was. Maybe from now on his school life will be worse. Maybe it'll be better. He will see. 

"Hey, boo,“ Mercedes greeted him with big smile when she stepped in an empty choir room. 

"Hey,“ Kurt smiled weakly and kissed her on the cheek. "Sit down, please. I need to talk to you.“

"Okay,“ Mercedes said suspiciously giving him waiting look as she sat down. Kurt took a seat next to her. "Why do I have a feeling this won't be nice?“

"Because it isn't,“ Kurt sighed. He glanced to make sure every door is closed and then he entwined his fingers to keep them from trembling. 

"What is it, Kurt? You're making me nervous,“ Mercedes asked softly. 

"You have no idea how nervous am I,“ Kurt let out a small, unamused chuckle. "Ok. What I'm going to tell you won't make you happy, but please, let me explain everything before you throw a chair on my head.“

"Why would I do that?“ Mercedes shrugged and frowned. "Just tell me already.“

"I don't like you. Well, I do, but not the way… I said I do,“ Kurt blurted before he could change his mind. Even though his voice was weak and rushed she caught it.

"I,“ she started and then took a deep breath, "I thought so.“

"Did you?“ Kurt was surprised. 

"Yeah. You know, I really like you but you never showed any interest in me – until you sang that song. And I thought ‘maybe this popular guy really likes me‘ and tried my luck. And you said you did but I didn't really believe it.“

"Why?“ Kurt frowned because he wasn't aware he was so easy to read. 

"You always dated popular girls, like cheerleaders. So I though you can't really like me. But I don't understand why did you do it. Was it for fun?“ Though she wasn't surprised at all she seemed sad. It was breaking Kurt's heart. He owed her the truth. 

"No, never, no. I wouldn't make fun of you, especially like that. I just panicked,“ Kurt began explaining with his voice more hesitant with every word. 

"I don't understand,“ Mercedes shook her head. 

"I know you're probably going to hate me for this, but,“ Kurt paused to take a deep breath to calm down a bit. He had never said it. Not this directly. "I'm… I'm gay.“

And there was a moment of silence. Kurt didn't dare to look at Mercedes. His heart was beating too fast. 

"Are you serious?“ Mercedes asked, half doubtful, half serious.

"Yeah. I never told anybody. I was too scared. I didn't want to be bullied…“ Then he felt a sting in his eyes and any further words got caught in his throat. 

"So… all those girls were just your covers?“ Mercedes sounded surprised and whether she was angry he couldn't tell. Since he was trying to hide his tears he just nodded. 

"I… I kind of get it because I know this school so I don't blame you that much but… it sort of hurts, you know,“ Mercedes said looking at her hands. Kurt used his to wipe the tears away from his eyes. 

"I'm so sorry, Mercedes.“

"I don't know what to say,“ she sighed, "but don't cry. I should be the one who's crying.“

"Sorry,“ Kurt chuckled while wiping his eyes again. "Can I ask you for something? Please, don't tell anybody. I know I have no right to ask you that, but I… I don't feel safe to have everybody knowing it.“

"Don't worry,“ Mercedes gave him a smile. "I wouldn't tell. It's your bussiness.“

"Thank you,“ Kurt returned a weak smile. "I would really really want us to be friends.“

"I'll have to think about it,“ Mercedes said and took her bag in her lap. "Let's talk about it again on Monday. I need to think about all of it.“

"Sure, yeah,“ Kurt nodded and started to get ready to go too.

"Ok. Well, I think I'm gonna go call Tina to have some ice-cream with me. But I won't tell her, promise,“ Mercedes raised her hand in a solemn gesture.

"Thanks. I have Cheerios practice, so…“ Kurt trailed off. 

"Yeah, have fun. See ya on Monday,“ Mercedes nodded and started to walk away. 

"Right. Bye,“ Kurt gave her small wave although she couldn't see it now.

<ß>

Kurt couldn't call Blaine until his practice was over. He decided to go home first and have something to eat before he does. It felt kind of solemn. So when he was finally comfortable in his room, on his bed and with full stomach and can of Coke in his hand he dialed the number. Blaine picked it up on the fifth ring.

"Hey there! How's it going?“ Breathless voice replied.

"Hi. Do I interrupt?“ Kurt asked concerned. He was so excited to talk to Blaine. 

"No! I was just decontaminating.“

"What?“ Kurt grimaced. 

"I mean I was cleaning my apartment. It's pretty much the same thing. But I swear I don't have any unwanted pets!“ Blaine hurried with explanation.

"Oh my God,“ Kurt giggled. 

"Well, say, did you tell her?“ 

"Yeah.“

"Details?“ So Kurt re-told him the whole conversation with Mercedes but skipped his crying.

"That went well. She must be really reasonable girl,“ Blaine commented. 

"She is. I'm really glad she took it that well. But I still feel kind of uneasy. I have to wait till Monday to know if she's going to stay being my friend.“

"Be patient. I'm sure she will. She'll understand.“

"Thanks, Blaine. You know what? I'd like to drink. Take a break from everything and just get drunk. Are you in?“ Kurt played nervously with his Coke and bit his bottom lip lightly.

"Oh. That's funny you say that 'cause I'm having a party tonight,“ Blaine answered with a laugh. Kurt's face fell.

"So I'm interrupting you! Sorry. I won't bother you anymore.“

"No! It's fine. I just need to put my apartment in bearable state and prepare some snacks. No big deal. But I wanted to ask, since you mentioned it, do you want to come?“ Blaine's voice sounded so honest and excited. 

"To your party? But… I can't.“

"Sure you can! Just a few of my friends are going to be there. They're crazy but you'll love them. They're really great. And more than half of them are gay so it's just the right crew to hang out with,“ Blaine assured him. 

"But… I'm a stranger, I don't want to spoil the party…“ Kurt was repeating though he didn't want anything so much as to agree.

"Ok, you're forcing me to beg you. Pleeease, come! We have booze!“ Blaine was seducing him with his voice. Kurt had to laugh.

"Ok, ok, I'll come. What time should I be there?“

"It starts at nine o'clock but you can come sooner. To help me arrange bowls with chips and stuff like that,“ Blaine informed him.

"Fine. It's almost six o'clock now… I should get ready and drive there right away.“

"So do,“ Blaine said and Kurt almost could see him smiling. 

"Okay. You said it. Well, see you soon,“ Kurt informed lightheaded.

„See you soon indeed, Kurt.“

Kurt didn't feel this happy in a long time. He put his can aside and stormed to his wardrobe.