"Hey, bitch. Have you seen the new kid?" Quinn raised one thin eyebrow as she primped her fading pink hair.

Kurt rolled his eyes, taking a long drag from his cigarette and watched as the tendrils of smoke leaked from the tip of the stick in his hand, dissipating into the lightening sky, "No." He said simply, letting his head fall onto the back of the ratty sofa.

Quinn huffed and plopped down next to him, plucking the cigarette from his fingers and taking a few puffs, "Well, I'm pretty sure he plays for your team. Poor kid looked scared to death when I offered to suck him off out back to loosen him up."

Kurt snagged the cig back from her, finishing it off before stubbing it out in the patchy grass, "Maybe he's just got higher standards." Kurt drawled, sighing, "Sorry, Quinn." He apologized, glancing over at her.

She pursed her lips, crossing her arms over her chest, "What crawled up your ass, Hummel?" She spat, clearly not accepting his apology.

"Nothing." Kurt said quietly, picking at the chipped, black nail polish adorning his fingernails.

They were soon joined by a few of the other skanks. Kurt didn't even bother to learn their names. He only hung around them because that is where Quinn was… She was the only one that was privy to most of the things going on with Kurt. She'd taken him under her wing and molded him into what he is today. Were it not for her, Kurt honestly had no clue where he would have ended up.

"I'm going to head inside." Kurt announced, stubbing out his third cigarette of the morning and stalking towards the school. He took his time, building himself up to claim his skank aura. It usually wasn't so hard to fall into step with the whole charade, but today was the two-year anniversary of his parents' deaths. It has been two years since that night and as much as Kurt tried to harden the shell he formed around himself, no amount of booze or faked indifference could wipe away the pain their deaths inflicted on him.

Kurt was walking in a daze, though his posture said otherwise. He stopped briefly at his locker, pulling out his French textbook when someone knocked on the locker next to his. Kurt abruptly slammed his locker, turning his gaze on a particularly happy looking boy. His grin was spread so wide, Kurt thought that his face might rip in half. The boy faltered a bit when Kurt didn't say anything, but he immediately threw out his hand, not letting Kurt's lack of social skills get the better of him… Brave kid.

"Hi. You must be Kurt Hummel. I'm Blaine Anderson." He had an expectant look plastered on his face as he let his golden eyes flicker down to Kurt's hand and then to his own.

"Can I help you, Blaine Anderson?" Kurt questioned, putting in a flirty note to his voice. The deep blush that colored the other boy's cheeks was proof enough that Quinn was right. Blaine certainly played for his team.

Blaine opened his mouth just as the bell rang then shut it, blinking for a moment before speaking, "Y-you don't know? I thought that Principal Figgins would have said something."

Kurt moved forward, noticing that the halls were now vacant, "Hm. What does Figgins have to do with you and me?" He purred, letting his fingers brush along the expensive looking fabric of Blaine's bowtie.

"W-well, he said that you were supposed to help me out my first week here…" Blaine trailed off, sucking in his lips.

Kurt huffed out a sigh, "Damn it." He'd forgotten about that. As per condition for letting him come back to school after getting caught smoking on school property, he would have to do some sort of in school help. He wasn't sure what it was going to be… Kurt eyed Blaine up and down, taking in his short stature and outrageously preppy outfit. He was admittedly gorgeous though. His defined, masculine jaw and chin, lightly tanned skin and of course those eyes… the most unique melding of brown and gold, flecked with deep greens. He supposed helping him out wouldn't be so bad. Kurt smirked, "I'm sure I could… help you out." Blaine seemed shocked when he was suddenly up against the lockers. Kurt leaned in so his mouth was right at Blaine's ear, "You want me? To help you out, I mean." He breathed, nipping lightly at his earlobe.

Blaine seemed to snap out of his haze, ducking away from Kurt, breathing heavily, "C-could you point me in the direction of Madame Hinck's class?" He asked, keeping his eyes on his shoes.

"Lucky you, pretty boy. That's exactly where I'm heading." Kurt turned and bent over slowly, making sure that Blaine had a perfect view of his ass as he picked up his discarded bag, "See something you like, Anderson?" Kurt questioned, glancing over his shoulder to see Blaine quickly avert his eyes, the same delicious blush coloring his face. Kurt stood up straight and started down the hall, swaying his hips in a teasing manner, "Better keep up, babe." He spun around, sending Blaine a wink before carrying on, fully expecting Blaine to follow, which he did.

Kurt flung the door open, making an entrance as always. Madame Hinck let out a sigh, fixing her glasses as she sent Kurt an unimpressed glare, "Happy as always to see you, Monsieur Hummel. Now, take a seat." She glanced behind him to see Blaine standing awkwardly in the doorway, "Come in." She beckoned. Blaine came inside, walking up to her desk, "You must be Blaine." Blaine nodded in response, "Well, seeing as you and Mr. Hummel are already acquainted, you can be his partner for today." Kurt smirked victoriously as Blaine came and sat next to him, pulling out all of his things and setting them neatly on the desk, "Now, I want everyone to turn to page seventy-three in your texts and do the partner warm up on the bottom." She said before turning her back to write on the whiteboard.

Kurt scooted his chair closer to Blaine, letting his boot-clad foot rub against Blaine's foot, "Bonjour." Kurt let the word roll off his tongue, making sure Blaine noticed his tongue ring. Blaine cleared his throat, glancing uncomfortably down at his open book. Kurt let his fingers rub at the pale skin peeking out from a hole in his jet-black jeans as he watched Blaine, "Something wrong?" Blaine shook his head, "I bet you could concentrate a lot better with my mouth around your-"

Blaine's eyes widened and he reached over quickly, slapping his hand over Kurt's mouth, "Acting crude and uncouth will get you nowhere." He frowned, turning away from Kurt and glaring down at his book.

Kurt sat back in his chair, crossing his legs beneath his seat. Being rejected was something entirely new to him. Usually, words wouldn't affect him. Kurt could handle the rude slurs thrown his way, but this was different. Somehow, what Blaine had said slithered under his skin, causing him to shift uncomfortably. Suddenly, anger started to fill him up. Who the hell was this kid to say that about him? Kurt set his jaw, glaring at the front board before gathering his things. The teacher turned and sent him a strange look, but Kurt ignored her and stalked out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Kurt briefly considered heading home, but he really didn't feel like sitting in his decrepit apartment all alone. He let out a breathy sigh, heading outside into the chilly air and lighting another cig. The moment the smoke entered his lungs, his whole body sagged in relief. He headed over to the tables in the courtyard and plopped down on one of the benches, hunching over. The day had gone from bad to worse in a matter of an hour. Not to mention the specific day it was.

Times like these, Kurt started to wonder why he was even living. What was there for him to stick around for? An abusive foster family that couldn't give two shits about him? Adults and teachers looking down on him, like he was trash… No one really knew him. Sure, the glee club knew the old Kurt Hummel… But he was only a shadow of his former self. Sometimes, he couldn't even recognize the person he'd become. Each time he looked in the mirror, it felt like he was looking at a stranger. He ran a hand through his pink hilighted hair as he watched the darkening clouds swarm overhead, melding into themselves before splitting and drifting off.

"Kurt?" Kurt snapped his head up suddenly, whirling around to see none other than Blaine sitting across from him at the table. He hadn't even heard him coming.

"Need help finding your next class, babe?" Kurt asked, plastering on a cocky smirk.

Blaine wet his lips as he fiddled with the buckle on his messenger bag, "Madame Hinck paired us together for an oral exam." He explained as he pulled out two pieces of paper, handing one to Kurt.

"Oral exam, huh?" Kurt teased, "I'm sure we can ace it… with a little practice." He winked, wiggling his eyebrows in a suggestive manner.

Blaine completely ignored him, "It's due this Friday." He explained, pointing to the due date at the bottom of the page, "So, when can we get together to work on it?"

"Now." Kurt said simply, already standing up.

"What about school?" Blaine asked incredulously.

Kurt threw his bag across his shoulder, "Well, we only have one class left and it's already about ten minutes in… so…" Kurt trailed off, raising an eyebrow.

Blaine pulled out his cell phone to check the time before letting out a frustrated huff, "Alright. Fine." He agreed, standing up and following Kurt out into the parking lot, "Do you mind if we go to your house? I don't want my parents to find out I skipped." He asked worriedly.

"Sure, babe. You drive here?" Blaine nodded, "Well, just follow me then." Kurt told him as he mounted his motorcycle. Blaine eyed his bike appreciatively before heading over to his own car. Kurt waited until Blaine made eye contact before he kick started the motor and went barreling out of the parking lot and onto the main road. Every once in a while, he'd glance in his mirror to make sure Blaine was keeping up, which he was.

He pulled up to his shitty apartment complex and waited for Blaine to get out of his car. Kurt couldn't help but feel his heart start to go a little faster as Blaine appraised the buildings, "Uh… Nice place." He complimented unconvincingly.

"No need to lie, babe. It's a shit hole."

The two walked to his door, which was on ground level. It took a few tries, as it always did, to unlock his door. He walked inside, flicking on the light switch as he went. Blaine seemed a bit reluctant to enter at first, which was understandable. Though the apartment was as clean as Kurt could get it, the area they were in wasn't for the faint of heart. It was barely in the school district and the entire area was awful.

"So, when are your parents going to get back?" Blaine asked as Kurt passed him to relock the door.

Kurt thought a lie would be better than the truth, "Not for a while."

Truth was, Kurt didn't live with anyone. He threatened telling social services about the abuse going on, so his foster parents instead gave him an allowance and let him live by himself. The only condition was that he had to go back whenever the social worker came to check on him… He hated those visits because sometimes, he wouldn't make it out.

Kurt shook himself from his thoughts, watching as Blaine sat down tentatively on the old couch, "So we each have to ask four questions and answer at least one in the negative." He explained as he read over the exam outline.

Kurt shrugged off his leather jacket before sauntering over, snatching the paper from Blaine's hands and dropping it on the floor behind him. He settled himself on Blaine, straddling his legs and holding his shoulder, "How about we forget about this silly project and do something more… fun." Kurt leaned in so that his lips were just a hairs width from Blaine's, "What do you say, Blaine?"

Blaine sat back, his face painted crimson, "I-I'm not like that." He sputtered.

"Not like what? Gay?"

"No, no… I'm- I'm, um… gay." He seemed totally uncomfortable, shifting nervously, "Can-can you…"

Kurt got the idea and lifted off of him. Blaine stood immediately, "Sorry." Kurt resisted the irrational urge to pull Blaine into his arms at the crestfallen look on his face.

"It's okay. I just… I've never…" He trailed off, "I've never kissed anyone before." He whispered as if it were some deep, dark secret.

"Oh." Kurt blinked. He remembered when he used to be exactly like Blaine. Kurt would never take away his first kiss like Karofsky had taken away his.

"Wow, that's embarrassing." Blaine let out an awkward chuckle, rubbing at the back of his neck.

Kurt shrugged, "Nothing to worry about, babe." Kurt turned and picked up the discarded paper, handing it back to Blaine before taking a seat on the far side of the couch, "Well, I guess that frees up a lot of time to actually study." Blaine glanced down bashfully, looking far too adorable before sitting back down.

For the next half hour, the two actually did get some studying done. Kurt was pretty much fluent in French, so he helped Blaine out with his pronunciation. Eventually, they stopped working and just started talking about random things. Kurt sat back and listened to Blaine talking animatedly about his old glee club and the antics the boys had gotten into. He laughed… actually laughed. Kurt stopped, pulling himself together. It had been so long since he'd actually truly laughed that the feeling felt foreign… the tingling in his cheeks, the gasping for air between each bought of laughter, the way his stomach tightened with each laugh. Blaine was staring at him. His honey eyes seeming to read through his thoughts. Kurt cleared his throat, scooting over slightly when he realized they'd been getting closer together without even noticing.

Kurt rested his head in his hands, unable to think clearly. Why was he suddenly letting his walls down for this kid he doesn't even know? He didn't make friends, he got what he wanted from people and then left them. Keeping people at arms length was something he'd taught himself to do. One thing Kurt had learned in his eighteen years of life was this… Nothing is permanent. People can leave or be taken away in the blink of an eye, so it's just best not to care.

So why did he feel butterflies fluttering in his stomach when Blaine glanced shyly over at him? Why did he suddenly have the urge to spill his guts to him? Blaine didn't matter to him. Kurt didn't know him… though he'd learned a lot about him in a short time. Kurt couldn't let Blaine get too close. He had to cut any sort of connection Blaine thought he'd made with Kurt to save him from the inevitable heartache that would come. Kurt fucked guys, he didn't befriend them.

He stood abruptly, not looking at Blaine, "I think-" He was cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. Kurt went over to his bag and pulled out his phone, silently cursing when he saw the name on the screen, "What?" He asked tersely, already knowing why he was being called.

"Social worker is on her way. Get your ass here, now." His foster mother's scratchy voice ordered before the line cut off.

Kurt took in a few sharp breaths, closing his eyes to try and control himself, "Kurt?"

He whipped around, immediately composing himself. Blaine had stood up and was closer than he'd expected, "I have to get going, babe, so you need to leave."

"Are you okay?" Blaine asked, making no move to leave.

Kurt blinked, staring at him as if he were some sort of alien, "Why?" He questioned before he could snap his mouth shut.

Blaine took a step closer, "What do you mean why? I was just asking if you were alright." He seemed genuinely concerned.

"I'm fine." He said, shouldering his satchel, "Now I really have to leave… And unless you're going to be undressed and lying on my bed when I get back, I suggest you head out as well." Kurt brushed past him, "Lock the door on your way out." He called back before he got onto his motorcycle and breezed out of the pothole-littered parking lot. Kurt didn't care if Blaine was in his place without him there to watch him. It wasn't like he really had anything valuable that he thought Blaine might steal… Not that he'd think Blaine would steal any of his stuff per se.

Fear was sinking his heart in his chest as he turned down his street, each house an identical of the next. Perfectly manicured lawns and happy families hid the lies coming from one house in particular… The house he was currently parked in front of. He just hoped he'd get out unscathed this time.

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Blaine was at a loss for words. It was as if his entire thought process had been thrown off the second he met Kurt. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. He watched silently as Kurt mounted his bike and set off, his pink and brunette locks whipping back.

Not sure how long he'd been standing in Kurt's doorway, he finally shook himself out of whatever state he was in and gathered his things. Feeling curious, Blaine walked around the tiny apartment. There were three doors, so he assumed one led into Kurt's room, one was for his parents, and one was a bathroom. He glanced through the one open door to see it was a cramped and dingy bathroom. The next room down was another small space. There was an old mattress on the floor, covered in a rumpled, threadbare blanket. Next to the bed laid a photo book, the binding looked worn from continual usage. He backed out of the room and opened the next room, fully expecting to see another bed… What he was met with was a closet full of clothing. Frowning, he spun around to see if there were any other doors. Kurt had made it seem like his parents would be coming home… Did he live here by himself? Was this even his apartment? He did have trouble opening the door… Deciding to get out before anyone came back, Blaine adjusted the strap of his bag and left, locking the door from the inside before pulling the cracked door shut.

Blaine quickly made his way to his car, seeing as it was beginning to get dark and there was no way he wanted to be there when it was night. He pulled out and got home in about fifteen minutes.

"I'm home." Blaine announced when he crossed the threshold.

His mother popped her head out from the kitchen, sending him a smile, "Hi, honey. Dinner will be ready in just a minute." She told him, retying her curly raven locks into a messy bun, "Could you go get your dad?"

"Sure mom." Blaine pecked her on the cheek as he passed, heading to the study where his father usually was. He knocked on the open door, watching as his dad stood on his toes to place a book back on one of the large shelves lining the room, "Hey, dad. Dinner's going to be ready soon."

"Thank goodness. I'm starving!" His dad grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling, "So, how did your day go? Did that Hummel boy show up to school today?" He asked conversationally as he picked up his glasses and put them on, causing his hazel eyes to magnify slightly.

Blaine took a seat in the chair in the corner, letting his shoes shuffle against the maroon carpeting, "Yeah, I found him." He couldn't help the blush tinting his cheeks.

His dad sent him a knowing look, "I take it he's good looking?"

"Dad." Blaine huffed. Ever since his father had tried to bond with him working on an old car, he'd been really trying hard to get over the fact that Blaine was gay. He was doing fine, but it was still awkward to talk to his father about liking a guy, "…Yes." He admitted, causing the blush to grow.

"You going to ask him out?" His father raised a dark, bushy eyebrow.

Blaine stood, scratching at the back of his neck, "I… I don't exactly think he's into that sort of thing. Dating that is."

His dad seemed confused for a moment before realization crossed his features, "Ah. Well then, be careful, son. I don't want you to get hurt."

Blaine nodded, "I will be." He agreed, "Well, lets go eat. I'm pretty hungry too."

The three Andersons sat down at their dinner table, eating a hearty meal and chatting… None of them knew what was going on just two streets away… None of them could hear the yells or the sound of a body being thrown into a table… and then into a wall. None of them knew what was happening to Kurt Hummel.

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So, what did everyone think? This story as of now is rated 'T', but the rating will most likely go up after a few chapters. Let me know what you thought!