"Who's the hobbit with the tumbleweed on his head?" Santana sniffed in disdain at the sight of the unfamiliar boy - he was dressed sharply enough, in a well-fitted suit and an adorable red bowtie, but his shoulders were hunched forward in extreme discomfort. Kurt pursed his lips at the sight of the jungle of hair, shaking his head slowly. The boy didn't seem familiar at all.

"I don't know," he responded, tapping at his chin thoughtfully. He himself had decided to model his prom outfit after the late Alexander McQueen's style, throwing in a bit of an homage to the recent royal wedding. So what if it was only junior prom? Kurt Hummel always enjoyed making a statement, and nothing made a statement quite like a kilt did.

He ignored Santana's guffawing and moved towards the timid-looking boy, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder. The boy jumped, his entire body tensing as his head shot up and golden-hazel eyes met Kurt's brilliant blue. Kurt was vaguely aware of the fact that his jaw had dropped a little. Because okay, the other boy's hair was a mess, but his face...

"Hi," he finally managed, lifting his hand from the boy's shoulder. "I just noticed... you seemed sort of lost? I can't imagine anyone transferring at this time of year, school's almost over..."

The boy shook his head, wild curls bouncing. "I'm not new," he murmured, and Kurt had to crane his head closer to hear him. "Well, not that new. I transferred at the beginning of the year." Kurt's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"I think I'd remember seeing you in the hallway." The other boy winced, and Kurt realized that his tone might have been a bit harsh. He attempted to soften it as he added, "That hair is very... unique." A small smile twitched at the corner of the other boy's mouth before it fell, once again, into a line of uneasiness.

"I don't... it's just, you know." He gestured aimlessly. "Prom dress code. I, uh, usually gel it." Kurt's eyes brightened at the boy's admission, and he reached out to touch a curl curiously.

"I can certainly imagine why. It's probably hard to get under control, huh?" Kurt smiled, caught between honest amusement and slight awkwardness at the continued stiffness of the other boy's posture. He was short, this boy - at least a few inches shorter than Kurt, although his hair lent him some additional height. He'd clearly taken a lot of care in dressing himself, but the hair took away from everything. "Hey listen." Kurt's voice dropped conspiratorially as he leaned closer. "I always carry some extra hair products with me. Why don't we sneak away, and I'll give you some tips on how to tame your mane?"

The other boy smiled - a real, genuine smile. "Sure. I'd like that." Kurt heard Principal Figgins clearing his throat in the background - the announcement of the prom king and queen, he guessed - but his attention was focused on his companion. "I'm Blaine. I like your kilt, by the way." He nodded down at Kurt's outfit, and the taller boy beamed.

"I like you already, Blaine. Your bowtie is adorable." Kurt smiled as Blaine flushed at the compliment. He could hear cheering in the background - clearly, the coronation of prom royalty was going splendidly - and reached for Blaine's hand. "C'mon, let's go." A sudden hush. "I'm -"

"Kurt Hummel."

Kurt turned, because that certainly wasn't his voice, saying his name - and, across the sea of students, met Principal Figgins' uncomfortable gaze. There was silence all around him as every pair of eyes in the room fell on him and Blaine. Kurt suddenly felt as if he couldn't breathe. What was going on?

"Kurt-" Blaine began, but was cut off by Figgins on stage.

"Kurt Hummel is your Prom Queen."