From the first time the Warblers performed at last year’s sectionals with Kurt on board, Blaine has felt balanced. He loves having Kurt in his corner, which was one of the reasons he transferred to McKinley. He needs the confidence that Kurt gives him.

When he dances his way down the concrete steps on the second day of school, he can’t stop smiling. Kurt’s practically glowing and Blaine feels like the epitome of cool. The cheerleaders are dancing around him and it seems like the whole crowd is just enthralled.

He doesn’t notice until it’s too late. The piano is in flames and suddenly the whole crowd is silent. They went from totally digging the show to offended in a heartbeat. He had nothing to do with this, but there are a lot of dirty looks coming his way.

This is not what Blaine had planned. This is the opposite of what Blaine had planned. The smell of lighter fluid and smoke will make him feel defeated for years to come, it makes him terrible company at bonfires and on camping trips.

But then, he feels a soft but strong hand snake into his own. And he remembers why he’s here.

Blaine will try to edit out the flaming piano and concentrate on the performance that happened first and the hand in his own later. He’ll concentrate on the dream.