Back to School

Throughout the rest of the summer, the two friends stayed in contact, texting and Skyping like nothing had happened. Kurt was still hurt and confused, but realized that if he wanted to keep Blaine in his life as a friend, he would have to find a way to move on. And he was able to do just that, most of the time. But sometimes, at night he would lie in bed and think what if.

Unfortunately, Kurt was not one of those people that great things happened to. He always had to fight for every little thing. In Glee, he fought Rachel for solos, and he fought against the world because of his sexuality.

Blaine, on the other hand, was alway popular. Hed been the lead soloist in his high school glee club, as well as Prom King. And he was gay too. But, he didnt wear his individuality like Kurt did. Blaine had once told Kurt that was one of the things he loved the most about him, that he wasnt afraid to be himself. Of course, Blaine had said that during one of his drunk dial calls to Kurt.

Hed only received two more that summer, and always tried to get Blaine off the phone as quickly as possible. The less he heard from drunk Blaine, the more he was able to protect his heart.

Once school was back in session, the boys found their schedules were quite busy, and didnt allow them much time together. Kurt couldnt decide if this was a good thing (good for his heart) or a bad thing (he really missed seeing him).

Three weeks into the semester, Kurt got an internship with an up and coming fashion magazine, and was on cloud nine. Sure, he would be getting coffee and filing, but he was also going to get to sit in at the weekly brainstorming meetings and was also invited to the biggest fashion party of the year. It was everything he wanted and was convinced that this was going to be a great school year.

Blaine was also starting the year off well. Hed been chosen to sing lead in a band that he and some friends put together. They hadnt booked a gig yet, but New York was a big town with a lot of bars. He was sure it wouldnt be long before they were playing every weekend. And he was right. For the first few weeks, they played coffee houses and really small venues, but by Halloween, theyd had their first gig in an actual bar.

Kurt and Blaine hadnt seen each other since school started, but still texted on a regular basis. They tried to meet for coffee on several occasions, but one of them was always called away at the last minute, leaving them both a little disappointed.

But, when Blaine told Kurt his band was playing at the Music Note the Friday before Halloween, Kurt told him he wouldnt miss it for the world. Not wanting to go alone, Kurt drug Rachel and a few of her classmates along.

He was nervous and excited to see Blaine again. Their friendship had gone back to the way it had been early in their freshman year, but Kurt was not sure which Blaine would be showing up tonight, his real friend or the stranger.

One of the people Rachel invited was late, so by the time they got to the bar, Blaines band had already taken the stage. Kurt had been hoping to get there early to wish Blaine luck. Who was he kidding? He just missed his best friend and couldnt wait to hug him.

They found a table in the back and ordered drinks, Kurt taking a seat with the best view of the stage. His breath caught in his throat when he saw Blaine for the first time. Hed almost forgotten how incredibly gorgeous Blaine really was. Seeing up on that stage, with the lights shining down on him, giving him an almost angelic glow, Kurt felt all those feelings hed tried to push down resurface.

Maybe coming had not been such a good idea. He was actually considering leaving, when he realized Blaines eyes kept moving around the place as if searching for something. He got momentarily distracted by the waitress, and when he looked back up, his eyes locked with Blaines, and Blaine smiled to big he was sure it could be seen in space. Was it possible Blaine had been looking for him? Just the thought that Blaine was happy to see him gave him tingles up and down his spine.

Throughout the entire first set, Blaine kept glancing back to their table, as if he was afraid that Kurt would leave. Damn Blaine for knowing him so well, because part of him did want to turn tail and run. But he came here to support his friend, and no matter how hard that was turning out to be, he was going to stay.

But boy was it really hard. Just sitting back and watching the object of your affection dancing and singing onstage, while guys and girls alike followed him with lust in their eyes. Sure, jealousy was a big part of the reason he wanted to bolt, but the biggest reason was up on that stage, oblivious to how much he affected Kurt by just being.

By the time the band took their first break, Kurts anxiety level was through the roof. He thought Blaine looked happy to see him, but with his two personalities to deal with, Kurt wasnt sure exactly how to act when the saw each other face to face.

Kurt didnt have to wonder for long, though because there was a flash of blue and suddenly he was being pulled to his feet and into a huge hug. His arms wrapped around Blaines neck instinctively, and he felt Blaine pull him closer, nuzzling his nose in Kurts neck. He didnt think anyone could tell thats what was happening, but he could feel Blaine breathing in and out through his nose. He almost passed out when he realized what was happening. Blaine was smelling him.

Blaine had told him on his first drunk call that he loved how Kurt smelled, and now, standing in the middle of a noisy bar, Blaine was holding Kurt tight and smelling his neck. Wait, did he just...no way. A split second before Blaine pulled back, Kurt felt a warm wet...kiss.. on his neck. Oh my God. Not only did Blaine just smell him, but he kissed his neck. Shit. How was he supposed to keep it together now? He should have left when he had the chance.

Blaine pulled back from Kurt, but kept ahold of his arms and he spoke to him excitedly. "Kurt, Im so glad you came. I cant believe we havent see each other before now. It seems like forever. I really missed you. How do you like the show so far? What do you think of the band? Do you like the..."

Kurt took his finger and placed it over Blaines lips, silencing him. "Blaine...take a breath." When he saw Blaines eyes practically bugging out of his head, he quickly dropped his hand and took a step back, forcing Blaine to let go of his arms.

"I..."

"Im happy to be here too. And yes, I am loving the band."

Blaines eyes went back to their normal size and his shoulders relaxed a little with Kurts words. "Sorry, Im just really excited."

"I can tell." Rachel stood up then and Kurt looked at her puzzled, because apparently, he had forgotten she was there. That wasnt surprising, though. Blaine always had that effect on Kurt.

"Impressive," she said to Blaine, motioning toward the stage. "Kurt said you guys have only been together for a month and here you are, already playing at the Music Note." Rachel was still leery of Blaine and wasnt about to shower him with compliments.

"Yeah, we got pretty lucky." He replied, not sure how to take Rachel. "Well, I hope you plan on staying for the second set," he said, looking back to Kurt with what he would later refer to as puppy dog eyes.

Kurt looked at Rachel, and the look in her eyes told him no, but he had never been able to tell Blaine no, so he nodded to Blaine. "Wouldnt miss it."

"Maybe we can catch up after." He said to Kurt as he was headed back to the stage.

"Sure. Ill wait for you."

Rachel and her friends ended up leaving, which Kurt was actually happy about. He was hoping that he and Blaine could go out for coffee their show and catch up, so he waited. After the last song, the band left the stage, and Kurt was hoping to catch Blaines eye so he would know he was waiting, but to no avail. Kurt sat at the table for 30 minutes, waiting, but Blaine never came back out.

Hurt and embarrassed, he left. He didnt want to go back and face Rachel yet, so he walked around for another hour before heading home. He slipped in quietly, shedding his clothes and climbed into bed, letting the tears fall. He couldnt believe it was happening all over again, and he was letting it