Within the hour, Maria was welcomed into D wing with open arms. Every boy in the house was excited to finally have a female aboard, especially one who could apparently cook.  Kurt and Blaine sat together, the latter in the others lap; watching amused as the boys questioned Maria profusely. "She seems to be enjoy herself," whispered Kurt and he mindlessly fidgeted with Blaine's collar. Blaine smiled. "Indeed she is, but does she seem a bit...off to you?" he snuck a glance over at Kurt to see him nodding in agreement.  "Do you know where she comes from? Her background? Anything? Because now that I look at her she's enjoying the attention but she's not letting any of them too close. " To the rest of the boys dismay this was sadly true. Although she answered their  questions with gusto and a smile. She kept all of the boys at an arms length away. Whether it was intentional or just a reflex had yet to be determined. "All I know is, she has some psychological issues...self harm and depression. The Dean warned me not to bug her about it, to let her open up to us," he paused then smiled. "And as for the not letting them to near her, Jeff looks mad at that fact, he seems like he'd like to get to know her a little more than just friends. Same with Nick." Upon realizing this, both boys burst into laughter, earning them stares from the group ahead.  Focus quickly returned back to the new girl as a new question was asked. "Do you sing? Or perform at all?" she smiled and opened her mouth to reply, when, with a loud bang the door to the wing burst open. There stood the co-captain to the Warblers. Sebastian Smythe.

 Sebastian was furious. He and Blaine had agreed to hold a Warblers practice today, which apparently everybody, including the lead himself had decided to skip. He marched his way across the grass and cobblestones until he reached his housing area. He leaned in to the door; listening intently to check if indeed all the Warblers had stayed in. His suspicions were proven correct as he heard laughter coming from inside the hall. He burst in, mouth open and about to rip the boys a new one. He stopped cold in his tracks as he saw a girl standing amidst the stunned faces of the male students. She stood staring at him, golden eyes gaping. He took in her appearance;  caramel colored skin, that looked smooth enough that he wanted to touch it. Long deep red hair that hung loosely around her shoulders, hiding behind that hair were two lightly made up eyes that burned a deep gold and jade. She was tall, taller than Blaine at the most, with long legs. She was pretty as well; beautiful even.  But what stuck out to him the most was the fact that she wore a Dalton Academy uniform, minus the slacks but replaced with a mid thigh gray skirt. He looked around amazed, and asked "Who is she?" Blaine, removing  Kurt from his lap (with slight protests from him) and stood to talk to Sebastian. He took the taller boys wrist and led him outside shutting the door behind them. Quickly he explained the situation to Sebastian, with one added detail.  "What do you mean she's my roommate?!" Sebastian's eyes widened as he heard the news; he had still been trying to wrap his head around the fact that a lady was at Dalton. "The Dean assigned her to room 409, your room. It shouldn't be a problem Sebastian, you bat from my team . She's relatively quiet and secluded but when she's opened up...as she is now with the fellas she'll grow on you. Even Kurt took a liking to her, they discussed the new line of Marc Jacobs jackets for a solid 15 minutes. And  I doubt she'll  be in your way." Blaine crossed his arms and waited for Sebastian to come to terms with everything. A few minutes later, the initial shock had waned off and Sebastian was reminded as to why he had come bursting in. "Did you forget we had a practice today Captain?" he laced the last word with venom. He was still furious the hobbit hat beaten him out at being Captain of the Warblers; not to mention the Head of House for D wing. Blaine really had it going for him, he had perfect grades, a perfect boyfriend, and the trust of every adult at Dalton. Sebastian had none. All Sebastian had was apparently, a new roommate.  Blaine's brows furrowed and suddenly sprung up as he remembered that, they had indeed scheduled a practice for the afternoon. "It's been a busy afternoon, Seb. I've been trying to situate Maria, and the boys are just...excited. How do you feel about all of this?" Blaine's hazel eyes met Sebastians green ones. The boy thought it over, "I don't mind that she's here and I don't mind that I'm splitting my room with her...okay that I do sort of mind because my shit's scattered all over and there are some things a girl shouldn't see," he saw the questioning look on Blaines face and shrugged it off. Continuing, "I'm just curious as to why she's here; why didn't she go to Crawford? Or hell any other school for that matter. I mean, putting a girl in an all boys school is like throwing a fish to the sharks." Blaine could only nod. "It is odd, but I've been instructed not to bug her, we are to make her comfortable. Because whatever she went through that landed her here, had to have been terrible." Blaine opened his mouth to continue when the door tentatively opened behind him. He whirled around and saw Maria standing there, looking scared but sure of herself as she stepped down the cobblestone stairs and made her way over to the boys. She stopped a few feet away as if she wanted to make sure there conversation was done before she jumped into it. Blaine smiled at her urging her on, taking his hint she strode over to Sebastian and stuck out her hand. Flashing a bright smile, that seemed to light up the darkening path she said "Hi! I'm Maria Martin, and according to this slip of paper and the majority of the boys inside, you're my new roommate." Still smiling she waited for Sebastian to take her hand and shake it.  Sebastian couldn't resist, her smile made him smile and he shook her hand with enthusiasm. Blaine looked at Sebastian and grinned. "Told you she'd grow on you, and look, it hasn't even been a full minute yet." The shorter boy nudged the taller one and they shared an amused look. Maria just stood looking at them, waiting for acknowledgement from Sebastian. Not that she wanted to be pushy. She just wanted out of this uniform and to curl up into a bed for awhile. The day wasn't even close to being over and she was already tired. The boys led her inside where she once again was questioned for a bit.

"Favorite color?" asked Nick, looking at her with eyes that seemed to be filled with affection.

"Green." She replied shooting him that heart stopping smile of hers.

"Music you prefer?" asked Jeff looking at her with the same look in Nick's eyes.

"Anything Rock or rap I guess, alternative...something with an awesome beat." She turned her gaze onto Jeff's brown eyed one. They locked eyes for a moment and he smiled, looking away. She remained looking at him for a bit, he was attractive. She'd admit that, but after he history with boys she wasn't sure if she'd want to get into anything with him. Besides, it was her first day there, too early to show interest in anyone.  She smiled at him anyway, catching his eye and winking. He blushed. Someone cleared their throat, and the broke their gaze to look up. "Looks like someone's taken an interest in you Jeffery.." Kurt looked at Jeff with a smirk and Jeff turned deep red, as did Maria. Blaine jumped in, turning the conversation into something less awkward for the pair. Hours passed and slowly Maria began to drift in and out of sleep. Finally she was pulled out of her daze by someone shaking her shoulder. She jumped and jumped away from the touch. Looking up she saw Sebastian there, standing with his hands in the air for surrender. "Sorry! It's just you were sleeping and I wanted to know if you'd want to go to the room, or maybe come grab some dinner with us?" She looked at the time, 6:15. Following her gaze he said "We usually go off campus, or cook in the kitchen in here. No need to brave the beasts in the Great Hall."  She blinked the world back into focus and realized most of the boys had gone off to get ready. He could hear sounds of hairspray from upstairs and a voice(which sounded like Blaine's) trying to convince whomever it was to go easy on it. She looked back at Sebastian and rasped with her sleep voice, "I'll go with you all but do you mind if I go to the room to change? This uniform isn't too bad but I don't want to ruin it before I ever actually wear it, wear it." Slight panic went across the boys face. "Yes you can, but give me like 5 minutes?"  She nodded and he didn't waste a second, bolting up the stairs to go clean his mess of a room.  Maria weakly smiled and shook her head; he was definitely going to be an interesting roommate. She sat back down put her head in her hands, waiting for the genius upstairs to finish cleaning his room.  After five minutes she maneuvered her way upstairs; walking past the art hanging she saw plush red carpet and cream colored walls. The building was beautiful from the outside but even more outstanding on the inside. Everything looked elegant and fragile...probably not the smartest choice to have breakable items in a boys dormitory. She smiled as she thought of how many things that must get broken here. Looking around, she finally saw her room number and heard the scattering and crashes from within it. "Guess he's not quite done cleaning it yet," said a voice from behind her. She turned and saw Kurt, holding hands with Blaine as they grinned at her. Noticing that she was looking down at their joined hands Kurt quickly let go of Blaine's. She realized her error, "No! Don't worry I'm not homophobic in the least. I was just curious and kind of giddy. You two look cute together for sure and I wanted to know if everyone else here is..gay.." she looked down and blushed, embarrassed. Blaine put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "Maria, it's fine. Kurt's just a bit worried about getting bullied or harassed around here. Policy or not things do slip." She looked up and saw that neither of them were angry; Although Kurt looked a little annoyed. "Well, Blaine worries about it as well, we've both had unfortunate run ins every so often. And to answer your question not everyone her is gay. Just a small handful," his expression turned sorrow and he spoke again; "Which includes your roommate Sebastian." Maria tilted her head out of curiosity at Kurt's expression but said nothing as Blaine's eyes pleaded her to not pry. She nodded and smiled. "Well you two are honestly the cutest thing I've seen. Are you two roommates'?" Kurt smiled at her comment and nodded. Blaine blushed. Then she turned to Kurt and asked him if the scarf he was wearing over his uniform was of Gucci's newest collection. She had a new best friend within minutes, as the stood talking for a solid ten minutes on the topic of the boots from Prada newest line; Blaine left for his room in order to get ready. Luckily his room was only a few doors down from 409. Finally Kurt followed suit. Leaving Maria as she carefully tried to enter the now relatively clean room.

Kurt sashayed into the room he and Blaine shared; and paused to look at his boyfriend, who was changing out of his uniform. Kurt's entrance hadn't been unnoticed and Blaine began to put on a bit of a show. Dancing around slowly as he undressed, and watching Kurt's reaction. He discarded his jacket and began unbuttoning his shirt. Kurt smiled and went to go assist Blaine in removing his button down. "Honestly, this is not the time for you to try to seduce your all too willing boyfriend. We'll be leaving soon and they'll wonder what's taking us so long." Blaine pouted  and Kurt finally smiled "Later." Was all he said. Blaine grinned his special grin and kissed his boyfriend anyway, before touching their foreheads together and whispering "I love you." Kurt smiled and leaned in to kiss him again when a knock came at the door. "AYE! YOU TWO! GET DECENT, WE'RE LEAVING IN TEN!" Blaine laughed and groaned. "Not even one minute of peace and quiet I swear."  The boy got dressed, distracted of course as they kept sneaking looks at each other. Kurt had a feeling of pride as he watched Blaine shimmy into his jeans; he had never seen a more attractive man. Smitten he had heart eyes as his gaze wondered over the tan, glowing skin of his boyfriend. As Blaine's arms lifted to put on his shirt, Kurt watched the back muscles move and bit back a groan. Dear GaGa that man is hot enough to burn hell. Blaine turned around and saw Kurt sitting, dressed and staring at him. He grinned and moved over to his boyfriend. He bent down and kissed Kurt chastely. Kurt turned his head and deepened the kiss, pulling Blaine into his lap. Blaine groaned and kissed Kurt hard, running his hands down his chest.  They broke apart for a second, to catch their breath. Kurt senses were filled with Blaine, he could taste him, smell him and feel him. and he still wanted more. Screw dinner, that could wait. He leaned in to kiss Blaine again, both men groaning at the touch. With wandering hands, the  two groped at each other. They broke apart once again, and hazel eyes met baby blue. Both every darkened slightly. Loud knocks came at the door. "FELLAS COME ON!!"  The two looked at each and smiled.  "Be down in a minute!" and Blaine dismounted from Kurt's lap. "Come on, beautiful. They'll eventually come bursting in here looking for us and I doubt they want to find us in a compromising position." Blained winked and got himself under control before he existed the room, closing the door behind him. Kurt sat for a moment, catching his breath and calming himself down. He stood, adjusted his hair in the mirror and walked out, still slightly red.

~~~~ Meanwhile, while that's going on~~~

Maria walked into her new dorm room, suitcase in hand and looked around. Laughing loudly as she noticed Sebastian cramming stuff into his closet. He looked up. "MARIA!" He exclaimed, kicking the closet door shut with his foot and wiping some sweat off his forehead. She continued laughing as she set her suitcase down on the bed she assumed was hers. Sitting down next to it she gathered in her surroundings with a glance; posters of bands, some she'd heard of, others she hadn't.  Pictures of Paris and Rome and other European dream vacations. It wasn't at all what she'd expect from a boy; and aside from the slight mess the room was relatively classy. Glowing from the white of the walls and light blue of the carpet; which by the looks of it could use a good vacuuming.

  "Not too bad right?" Sebastian asked cautiously . She looked up and saw Sebastian observing her. "Honestly I was expecting a nightmare, you know typical teenage boy. This is...nice." He nodded at her, she smiled awkwardly. They sat quiet for a bit before Sebastian cleared his throat and began with;

  "Alright bathrooms to your right, we'll split it but for the grace of god please knock before you enter and I'll do the same," she smiled as his words and he carried on. "You have that closet space over there, the desk to your far left and I'm willing to give up the beanbag." She glanced over at the worn beanbag that had a simple crochet blanket thrown on it. "I don't mind you hanging up posters, unless that artist sucks in which case it will go down and most likely burned." He was kidding of course and began laughing at the look of dismay on her face. "Just kidding." He said and she rolled her eyes muttering "You're incorrigible."

  He gave her a few more simple directions, trying his best to seem friendly and welcoming. This is going to be so awkward. I just know it, somethings going to happen. She'll walk in and see me naked or find me in here with a guy. Oh god what if she does find me with one. Oh god. Oh god. His thoughts were running wild. Trying to calm down he looked at the time, and jumped into action. "We'll be leaving soon so I suggest you change out of the uniform. You'll be catching a ride with Jeff, Nick and David, they're waiting downstairs so I'd get a move on if I were you." As he said this he began walking towards the door, and let himself out with the door shutting with a click behind him.  She sat quiet for a moment, letting everything sink in. It was the first time she had been alone in hours, she needed a little girl time. She got up and opened the suitcase, digging around for her bag of toiletries. Maroon bag in hand, she made her way over to the bathroom and set to putting her supplies around. Then adjusted her ponytail and makeup. This uniform isn't half bad...but there is no way I'm going out with them looking like this... she rummaged through her bag, pulling out her shredded jeans, green converse, and light green long sleeve shirt. Assuming she looked presentable she made her way downstairs, heading towards the voices that seemed to be arguing quite enthusiastically.

 "Batman is soooo much better!!" Jeff shouted at Nick.  The boys were in a heated debate on which superhero was better, Batman...or Superman. Jeff was outnumbered at the moment, it being him against Nick and David. "Superman is ten times better. The man can do anything. End of discussion." David argued. Nick chimed in his agreement. Hesitating for a moment, Maria decided to clear her throat announcing she was there. The boy waved her downstairs and continued their discussion. "He has a utility belt, that man can do anything with it. Batman is best, accept it." Jeff stated. Nick and David rolled their eyes and attempted to end the discussion by acknowledging Maria, who was walking behind them. "You like Chinese food right? There's a little place a few miles out from here that we visit often." Maria nodded. "Great!" She smiled. The boys were so enthusiastic. The approached a orange mustang waiting in the parking lot, the other boys were waiting scattered in the parking lot and inside the cars. Noticing that they last group was coming, they climbed into the few cars. Jeff  looked over at Maria, "We carpool to go places, saves money good for the earth blah blah blah." He waved his hand dismissively and opened the car door for the lady. She climbed in, only to be joined by David in the back seat. Jeff and Nick climbed into the front. The car started and they headed off. It was  quiet for a few minutes before Nick turned and said, "We're allowed off campus but we have to be back by ten. Not necessarily in bed but at least somewhere they can keep a head count." Maria nodded once again smiling, and Nick, deciding she wasn't going to contribute to the conversation turned to the radio. He turned the volume up and changed the station.

  "Oh hell yes this is my song man!!" David was getting excited next to her and Jeff and Nick were already harmonizing to the beat. The song was playing loudly  but not loud enough to drown out the singing of the boys. She watched intrigued at the show that she knew was about to follow. Jeff started singing first, joined by the boys soon after,

It's you and me

Moving at the speed of light into eternity, yeah

David took over:

Tonight, is the night

You join me in the middle of ecstasy

All three boys sung, pulling out some odd but adorable dance moves. She guessed they had forgotten she was there,

Feel the melody and the rhythm of the music around you.

Around you

Oh

I'ma take you there. I'ma take you there

So don't be scared I'm right here baby

Jeff looked at her through the rearview and winked. The others continued.

We can go anywhere, go anywhere but first it's our chance

Take my head come with me

It's like I waited my whole life

For this one night

It's gon be me you and the dance floor

Cuz we only have one night

Double your pleasure

Double your fun

And dance for ever ever ever

For ever ever ever

Forever.

Forever! Forever ever ever

Forever ever ever

Forever ever ever

Forever on the dance floor.

The maniac dancing they were doing entertained her to the point where she was clapping along to the beat and giggling at the performance.  David took over.

Feels like we're on another level

Feels like our loves intertwined,

We can be two rebels breaking the rules

me and you, you and I

All you got to do is watch me

Look what I can do with my feet

Baby feel the beat inside,

I'm driving you can take the front seat

Just need you to trust me

Oh ah oh

It's like!

The boys sung the chorus again, belting it out and dancing hardcore. As intense as it could get for a car, and for the song; Jeff took over for the final verse, signing his heart out beautifully along to the song.

It's  long way down

It's so high of the ground

Sending for an angel to bring me your heart

Girl where did you come from

Got me so undone

Gaze in your eyes got me saying

What a beautiful lady

No if ands or maybes

I'm releasing my heart and it's feeling amazing

There's no one else who matter you love me

And I won't let you fall girl.

Let you fall, ohh

His singing voice was beautiful, but once again all the boys were belting out the chorus.

It's like I've waited my whole life for this one night

It's gonna be me you and the dance floor

'cause we've only got one night

Double your pleasure

Double your fun and dance

Forever (ever, ever)

Forever (ever, ever)

Forever (ever, ever)

Forever girl forever

Forever (ever, ever)

Forever (ever, ever)

Forever (ever, ever)

Forever on the dance floor

The song was drawing to an end and they were calming down.

Forever (ever, ever, ever)

Forever ever ah.

The song was over and she was clapping as the radio announcer was bantering on and on with his co-host. The boys all blushed and acknowledged her with nods and thank-you's before busting into a interesting performance of Bust a Move. Which had just come on.

   Twenty minutes later they arrived to the restaurant, meeting along with everyone in the parking lot. They entered, and immediately the waitress recognized them. "Boys! Its been awhile how've you been?? And oh! Who's this!" the forty-something woman gestured toward Maria who was standing awkwardly behind the boys. She waved, and stuck her hand out introducing herself. "My! You poor thing, or I guess lucky duck! Most girls would kill to go to an all-boys school for a chance to get at these fellas!" The waitress winked at the Warblers who simply laughed as they headed towards their usual table. The waitress and Maria followed suit.  As everyone took their seats, Jeff sitting on one side of Maria, Kurt and Blaine on the other and the rest scattered amongst the table; they chatted casually with the waitress. She took everyone's orders and left them to talk. It was light conversation, turning into deep conversation of who was a better comedian. Chris Rock or Kevin Hart; then it turned to discussion of sports, which to everyone surprise Maria had chimed into here or there. "The Saints went this year, unless god has smiled down on them there is no way they're going twice!" Maria said arguing with David about the SuperBowl. David was shaking his head disagreeing. "I have faith in my team they will make it." David retorted. Blaine chimed in, "I'm siding with the lady on this one, no way they'll go twice."  "My money's on the Giants." said Sebastian. "I concur." Maria agreed. A shout of protest from David only to be silenced as the food arrived. Between bites of food, the conversation continued on well throughout dinner and into dessert. Maria couldn't help but smile, this type of conversation she liked; the kind that could go on for hours. She was content and full, the makings of one happy girl. She was firing back arguments to Wes and David who had teamed up to debate against her on who was the more confusing gender. The table was afire with conversation and jokes and arguments; it was like nothing she had ever experienced but the girl adored it.

    Kurt was stuffed, he was almost embarrassed that he had eaten that much but alas, the food was so worth it. He was now curled up next to Blaine, as they sat side by side at the restaurant.  Dinner had went without a hitch and the fellas were warming up to the lovely lady; content he snuggled in closer to Blaine's side. Earning himself a peck on the cheek, and some very unwanted attention.  A stocky man with skin red as a lobster walked over to the table, across from where Blaine and Kurt sat and glaring at them both. The whole table quieted, and the air grew tense because everyone sensed the trouble afoot. The man said with a voice thick with a heavy southern accent; "Your kind isn't welcome here. It ain't normal for a man to be with a man and it's disgusting. What you all choose to do is your business but I refuse to be forced to sit here and endure something so grotesque. I am a church going man and I know that god frowns upon this. So I suggest you and all these others leave." The man looked adamant, as if what he said wasn't just the most ignorant thing ever heard. He looked as if he was about to continue on. Kurt and Blaine sat in a state of shock, too stunned for words. The others looked murderous but it was Maria who stood, slamming both hands on the table for silence before her golden eyes met this man's dull brown ones. "You sir, are not one to talk about under educated, when you yourself have the mental capacity of a spoon," a chorus of oooh's  came from around her.  Kurt and Blaine looked at her with surprise in their eyes as she went on. "You do not choose to be gay you ignorant man. You are nothing but a homophobic bigot who is afraid of a change that is coming.  There is nothing wrong with being gay what so ever, but this is not a choice. No one would choose the despair that can come with it. Or having to deal with idiots like you. You are wrong in so many ways."  The man looked at her, turning redder then he was before.

       "Now these two haven't bothered anybody here one bit, they came here with their friends and roomate's to enjoy a dinner  and have a fun night, which, you sir have just royally f*cked up for everybody." She took a breath and continued. "It is completely ok to be gay, it is not disgusting or gross. It is love, between two people of the same sex. Not something to be frowned upon."  The man stared at her, murder in his eyes. If looks could kill...thought Kurt. He tore his eyes away as he heard Maria going on and on in the background his eyes scanned the room. He looked behind the man and saw a woman and small child, the woman looking mortified. It dawned on him that her and the kid must be this bigot's wife and child. Kurt nudged Maria, pulling her attention away for a minute and pointed at the table. A new flame ripped into her eyes, and   "And one last thing, you have some nerve to do something like this in front of a crowd. In front of your own child even! " Everyone at the table, and those surrounding looked at where she was pointing and indeed saw a little blond boy sitting beside his mother, blissfully unaware. His wife looked embarrassed, blushing furiously and looked with venom at her husband.

    "Now, he may be too young to understand what's going on here but I suggest you go back to your table, take your family and leave. This is no example to set for him." She looked beyond him  to his wife, "and to you ma'am,  I don't know what your role is in this but I beg of you to take care of that child and make sure he doesn't grow up to be as ignorant as your husband is. Now if you'll excuse me, I have an evening to continue although it was rudely interrupted by you.  So you are dismissed sir." And with that she sat back down and crossed her arms, daring him to say anything. He didn't, simply left their table, paid his check and left the restaurant hurriedly. His wife took a moment, glancing at the table apologetically then walking over to it. She looked at Maria and said;

"I am so sorry about him, I never knew he could be that way. I'm ashamed to be with him at the moment and I hope we haven't ruined your night."  Maria cast a glance at Kurt and Blaine who shook their heads no. She sighed and replied back as politely as possible, "Of course not, that was just unexpected. But you ma'am have no reason to apologize for your husband's faults." The woman nodded, her eyes looking tired and apologetic the same. The woman, named Susanne, as Maria found out. Apologized a few more times regardless of Maria's words; then disappeared into the night.

      The group was stunned at what had just taken place, every boy locked eyes with Maria who casually shrugged and waved it off. "I had two fathers," was all she said before taking a sip of her coke.  The boys let it go, but were all impressed by the fiery side of Maria. Kurt and Blaine never took their eyes off her and for a minute she pondered it before excusing themselves from the table. Maria grabbed their wrists, pulling them into a corner. "I'm very much for gay rights, so strong about it that honestly it will probably annoy the hell out of both of you eventually. I've seen so much happen to my dads before they passed that I refuse to let anyone else suffer." Blaine shook his head. Kurt did the same and answered, "Never will annoy us, thank you so much."  Maria nodded and went back to the table, she instantly dived into the superhero battle taking place one again between the Warblers.  "I don't know what her story is, but whatever it is, it has made her one hell of a woman. She's a great addition to the school.  But I am so curious to know what made her so...rigid and sharp tongued."  Blaine whispered to Kurt. The boy nodded and took Blaine's hand, walking them back to the table. Before they arrived he replied "In time we'll know, for now we can be grateful that her rigidness and sharp tongue just helped us out immensely." It was Blaine's turn to nod.

    The group sat for another half hour, animatedly conversing before realizing they would need to leave soon to make it back before curfew.  Backing into the cars, they headed off back towards the giant building a few miles away.

When they arrived it was a few minutes before curfew. Everyone headed into the commons and said their goodnights. Leaving Kurt, Blaine, Sebastian and Maria standing there. The boys had noticed she had enthusiastically said goodnight to everyone but also noticed she refrained from hugging of touching anyone; each boy  discarded it, thinking it was only because she was newer and not yet comfortable. Light conversation was shared amongst the few, before yawns began punctuating every sentence. "Maybe we should head off for the night, any longer and we'll all be asleep on our feet." Blaine chuckled as he talked, then yawned. The other three followed suit. "Fantastic idea." Maria agreed. "Then off we go." Blaine said goodnight to them all, then headed upstairs with Kurt in pursuit. Halfway up the stairs Kurt turned, ran back down and lightly hugged Maria. "Thank you." Was all he said to the girl who was frozen in his embrace. For a moment he was worried he'd crossed a line but she returned his hug; still a bit frigid. He waved his goodnight to them both then headed up the stairs after Blaine.   

      Maria followed Kurt up the spiraling staircase, the turned into her shared dorm room. Sebastian lingered in the commons, allowing her to change comfortably and get situated before he entered. A several  minutes later, he opened the door and saw she was just climbing into bed. Taking her lead, he changed, brushed, and was in bed too. After saying a awkward goodnight, both quieted. Sebastian falling asleep almost instantly. Maria lay awake, going over the day in her mind.  She smiled as some aspects of it, frowned when she thought of the restaurant. It brought memories flooding back to her. Shaking it out of her head she continued on, silently laughing at the return trip concert on their way back home. Consisting of Gold Digger by Kanye West, Americas Suitehearts by Fall Out Boy and a few other selections. She cringed though, when she reached Kurt hugging her. She did despise being touched, hated it. Every time someone touched her it felt as though he skin was on fire. She'd never admit it to anyone but tried to make it clear she didn't like it; He's only a friend...he's gay...he'd never do what HE did. It's ok. Kurt meant no harm. Breathe Maria. Breathe. She was finding it hard to relax, her mood dropping from the content place it had been before the thoughts came racing. Taking deep breaths she focused on her thoughts, making them pleasant ones. She knew it wasn't Kurt that had made her skin feel so on fire but the memories. Maria felt guilty, for thinking so angrily of Kurt, he was only saying thanks. Here I go ruining things before i've even been here a day.  Angry at only herself now she sat up.

      Her mood had faltered; rising up to content when she heard her roommate start snoring lightly. Listening to him she was finally on the verge of sleep almost three hours after she had crawled into bed. Sleeping wasn't her strong suit, first one up in the morning. Last to fall asleep. Streams of moonlight from outside seeped through the blinds, casting stripes on her blue bedspread. Maria held a wrist up to the light, pushing the sleeve back a bit and examined the purple and black scars that lay on the once beautiful skin. Pulling her sleep shirt's sleeve back fully she examined the tiger striped cuts on her arm; zigging and zagging to and fro, across and criss-crossed on her arm. The girl had matching ones across her hips, ankles, and thighs, it was a disgusting habit and she hated herself for it. But in her mind she knew  couldn't stop, no matter what. It was always a comfort to know, her release could be found behind steel. It was so wrong and Maria was aware. Maybe this place, her new friends, could help her kick it away and bury it. Running her fingers over the scars she was lost in thought. Each set had a memory, and this particular one almost cost her, her life. She shuddered, rolling her sleeves back down, she slid back in between the silver sheets. They were cool, soothing to her skin, like bathing in cooled water. She let it calm her, and surround her; she still had a whole weekend ahead of her to make friends with these boys, to see if maybe she could trust some of them. It would be work but she'd have to befriend them, she hoped she could. A few more hours passed and with her mind racing she attempted to silence her thoughts by putting in her iPod and hitting shuffle, an Eminem song was her first contender. She absorbed every word.

Is anybody out there?

It feels like I'm talkin' to myself

No one seems to know my struggle

And everything i come from

Can anybody hear me?

It guess I keep talkin' to myself

It feels like im going insane

Am I the one who's crazy?

[Bridge - Eminem]

So why in the world do I feel so alone?

Nobody but me, I'm on my own

Is there anyone out there?

Who feels the way i feel

That there is then let me in and let me know I'm not the only one

Slightly nodding her head she moved in time with the beat.

I went away I guess to open up some lanes

But there was no one who even knew what I was going through Growin' pains

Hatred was flowing through my veins

On the verge of going insane

I almost made a song dissin' Lil Wayne

It's like I was jealous of him ‘cuz the attention he was gettin'

I felt horrible about myself

He was spittin' and I wasn't

Anyone who was buzzin' back then coulda got it

Almost went at Kanye too

God it feels like I'm goin' psychotic

Thank god that I didn't do it

I would of had my ass handed to me

And I knew it but proof wasn't here to see me through it

I'm in the booth poppin' another pill tryna talk myself into it

Are you stupid? You gon' start dissin' people for no reason?

Especially when you can't even write a decent punch line even

You're lying to yourself, you're slowly dying, you're denying

Your health is declining with your self-esteem, you're crying out for help

She was drifting in and out now, barely focusing on the words.

Is anybody out there?

It feels like I'm talkin' to myself

No one seems to know my struggle

And everything I come from

Can anybody hear me?

It guess I keep talkin' to myself

It feels like I'm going insane

Am I the one who's crazy?

So why in the world do I feel so alone?

Nobody but me, I'm on my own

Is there anyone out there?

Who feels the way I feel

That there is then let me in and let me know I'm not the only one

Maria finally fell into a light doze only an hour before the sun was set to rise.