His dad was getting on his case about everything under the sun. Blaine couldn’t even mow the grass to his father’s satisfaction. And his dad still hadn’t “forgiven” him for only applying to colleges near Kurt. William Anderson was a Stanford man and expected his only son to follow in his footsteps. Blaine knew he wasn’t getting any of his father’s money if he didn’t do what the man wanted.

Blaine sighed and picked up Kurt’s picture up off his dresser, tracing the familiar lines of his boyfriends face. He was just ready for this year to be over. He really didn’t care where he went or what he majored in or how hard he would have to work to pay for it himself as long as he was with Kurt.

God he missed Kurt. He hadn’t spoken to him in days, besides a quick text here and there. Kurt had a lot going on at school, and was spending every waking moment occupying the library or the practice rooms.

Blaine picked up his phone and dialed Kurt.

Three rings, four rings, five rings, and Blaine hung up before the voicemail picked up.

He brought his fist down on the dresser with a thud that echoed throughout his room and deep in his heart.

He felt so empty. Alone.

Pocketing his phone, Blaine grabbed his guitar and walked out the back door.

Half a mile through the dense woods behind his house was a clearing that overlooked a small pond. It was his escape, one he used a lot as a kid, especially after he came out to his parents. Here, Blaine hoped he could find clarity, peace of mind, maybe even answers. He strummed the guitar, picking out chords, clearing his mind, embracing the solitude.

And he just breathed in the fresh air, eyes closed, heart calming.

An hour passed.

The sun was beginning to set and Blaine knew he should head back soon, but he couldn’t make himself move just yet. His fingers moved purposefully on the guitar neck, finding the right rhythm as the lyrics poured from his heart.

Talk is cheap
But baby not to me
The words you speak
Can bring me to my knees
I’m ok, I’m ok, I’m ok…
As long as you’re not leaving
As long as you're not leaving
I’m ok, I’m ok, I’m ok…
As long as you’re not leaving
Leaving me here
I meant to tell you the truth
It’s not the curses that I lack
Or the burden on my back
But still I am asking for you
For you
Please don’t leave me
I am begging you
My hands are shaking
And my heart’s in two
I’m ok, I’m ok, I’m ok…
As long as you’re not leaving
As long as you're not leaving
I’m ok, I’m ok, I’m ok…
As long as you’re not leaving
Leaving me here
I meant to tell you the truth
It’s not the curses that I lack
Or the burden on my back
But still I am asking for you
For you
Talk is cheap
But baby not to me
The words you speak
Can bring me to my knees

The final chord lingered in the air, and Blaine remembered what Kurt had said to him not so long ago.

I’m never saying goodbye to you.

Maybe he didn’t have all the answers. Maybe life would be tough and he would get frustrated at his friends, his father, his boyfriend. That’s life, right? He can’t let one bad week get him down because he was Blaine Anderson and Blaine Anderson did not give up or back down or break down. Blaine Anderson seized every opportunity with enthusiasm. Blaine Anderson stood up for what he believed in and fought for what he knew was right because Blaine Anderson had courage, dammit!

Imma get your heart racing in my skin-tight jeans, be your teenage dream tonight.

Blaine smiled as the sound of his ringtone cut through the silence. He answered the call, feeling lighter, like the weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

“Hey, Kurt.”