Disclaimer: Still don't own Glee, unfortunately.
Chapter 1 – The Concert from Hell
When your best friend excitedly shows you two tickets to her favorite singer's first concert, what's a guy to do? Unfortunately for me, the answer is go to the concert with her. See, even though I like a good voice as well as the next guy, I was fed up with hearing about the famous Blaine Anderson. My best friend, Rachel Berry, constantly obsessed over the young singer and would never stop gushing about him. I felt like I knew every random fact about the guy from hearing Rachel talk about him. We constantly listened to his music, and as I said, I thought he had a fantastic voice, but after hearing it on replay for the last year or so of my life, boy, was I tired of it. As much as I loved Rachel, I was so bored with her obsession.
However, good friend that I was, I never voiced my opinion. Rachel was of the opinion that I should be in love with Blaine Anderson, which I rolled my eyes about. Sure, he was an out and proud celebrity with a great voice, but that's all he was – a good voice. I'd never seen a picture of the guy. Nobody had. This was the first concert he had agreed to, and he kept his private life very secretive. Many people had tried to guess what he looked like, but I hadn't. Neither had Rachel, as she had decided she liked a little mystery around the guy. It was weird – Blaine Anderson would agree to phone interviews where he'd talk about his coffee order and his type of guy, but he wouldn't let the world see his face until now. I had gone along with her insanity, not wanting to see his face and develop a crush on him, as I've been known to do with random strangers.
But here Rachel was, two tickets in her hand, pleading puppy-dog look on her face. "Please?" she asked me, waving her dads' birthday gift to her gently.
Taking in her big brown eyes, I wilted. "Fine," I agreed, "but on one condition."
She nodded seriously. "What is it?"
I smiled. "I cover all other expenses as my birthday gift for you."
Shrieking, she threw her arms around me in excitement. "Oh, thank you, thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!" she squealed as I hugged her back. Ah, the things I do for my Rachel...
The day of the concert, I drove home with Rachel after school. I insisted on picking out the perfect outfit for her, as in my opinion, she couldn't dress herself to save her soul. After an hour, she was wearing a respectable outfit (though it wouldn't hold a candle to my ensemble of black skinny jeans, a tight black shirt with blue embroidery, a tight black jacket (it was cold out), and black leather ankle boots). Rachel, in turn, was dressed in white: big white coat, a tres chic white dress with silver trim, and high white boots. Much better than the toddler/grandma look she often sported.
Once we were ready, we got into my car and drove to Columbus, where the concert was being held. Rachel being Rachel, I was forced to listen to her iPod mix of all Blaine Anderson on the way there. Oh lord...only five more hours left til the concert begins...
When we got to Columbus, we parked quickly (thank god we'd gotten there early, or there'd be no spots), and hurried into the queue. Rachel was soon drown into a conversation with the guy in front of us, Brody, and I just stood there, wishing I was somewhere, anywhere, but here.
After an hour of waiting in line, we were let into the stadium, and Brody abandoned his friends for a while to walk us to our seats. As it turned out, the group who sat next to us had a missing member, so they told Brody he could sit with us. Rachel and Brody exchanged numbers, and Brody went to tell his friends he was sitting with us.
Rachel gave a contented sigh and settled into her seat, giggling. Smiling, I sat down next to her, giving her a playful nudge. "Oh, shut up!" she told me happily, and I grinned.
"I didn't say a word." I teased her.
We lapsed into silence for a second before she couldn't help herself. "He was adorable, wasn't he?"
"Adorable doesn't work – smoking hot does!" I disagreed, and she giggled.
"True! Do you think he likes me?" she asked, slightly nervous.
Rolling my eyes, I answered, "Of course he did! He's sitting with us, isn't he? And you do look amazing in that outfit."
"Really?"
Putting my arm around her shoulders, I gave her a little squeeze. "Really. He'd have to not have eyes to not see how great you are."
She laid her head on my shoulder, and we snuggled together until Brody came back five minutes later. His expression was priceless. "Oh...um, I can come back." he said awkwardly, and I laughed while Rachel looked confused.
Standing up, I gave Brody a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry about me, cutie. I'm gay." His face relaxed (almost comically), and I was surprised he didn't seem disgusted by me. Rachel's face also cleared, and she smiled at him and me. "Anyway, I'll leave you two to talk. I'm gonna go get something to eat. Umm, if I miss to first part of the concert, don't mind me." I told them, hoping Brody would give me an excuse to get away from the mania of the concert. There were still two hours to go, but fans were always the craziest people.
"Okay, see you, Kurt!" she told me distractedly as Brody settled into my seat.
Smiling at how cute they looked together, I made my way out of the seating area (our seats were, if you pictured a football stadium, in the middle section of seating, on lefthand side) to the concessions area. Wandering around for a little, I wrinkled my nose at the food choices. Greasy finger food, alcoholic or sugar-filled beverages, or chemical-tasting desserts – no please. As I neared the end of the food stands, I saw a group of guys (college-aged) hanging around the men's bathroom. Not wanting to get into trouble, I quickly turned around, but it was too late. They'd spotted me.
"Hey!" one guy called to me, and I stopped.
Turning around, I put my hands on my hips and my best bitch look on my face. "What do you want?" I asked.
They walked towards me, and I instinctively took a step back. "Hey, no need to be alarmed." another guy told me.
That didn't reassure me. "Can I help you guys?" I asked, and the lead boy smirked.
"Yeah, you can, actually." he got up real close to me, and I could feel my body trembling with nerves. "You can help us prove to the world what we do with fags like you." he told me, and I bolted.
Unfortunately, I wasn't fast enough, and as I cursed my stupidity for letting myself walk this far away from the other people, I was dragged back to the leader. He lifted his hand, stroking my cheek with one finger. "Hey, don't worry, we're not going to hurt you..." he told me softly, then backhanded my face. "Much." he added, laughing, as I sank to the ground.
Lying there, I could feel the cool concrete pressed against my skin contrasting the painful heat coming from the blows laid down on my poor body. There was nothing I could do but lay there, knowing that every thought could be my last. I couldn't scream, as every time I tried, they kicked my harder. Finally, after what seemed like hours of endless torture, they left. Giving me one last kick to the ribs, the leader spat on me. "Tell anyone about this, and next time, we won't be so easy on you." he snarled, then stalked off with his buddies, laughing.
How long I laid there, I don't know. Only the sound of my phone insistently buzzing made me move. Opening it up, I saw a text from Rachel.
Hey, Kurt, where are you? The concert's gonna start in half an hour! -Kurt
I dragged myself into the bathroom near me, glad it was empty. Examining myself, I winced. They had thankfully left my face untouched except for the first slap. My hair was messed up, and my cheek was slightly red, but other than that, my face was fine. The rest of me, however, was a different story. Lifting up my shirt, I saw torso was mottled with red, purple, and blue shapes fighting for space. I tried to touch my skin, and winced in pain. There was no way I was getting back to Rachel's seat, let alone out of this bathroom. Even getting into this bathroom had been painful. Sinking against the wall, I took out my cell phone.
Umm, I'm kinda busy...could Brody possibly take you home? Doesn't he live near us? -Kurt
I couldn't show myself to Rachel, not like this. I didn't want to freak her out, or ruin her night. Instantly, I got a reply back.
He says he can (isn't he sweet!). Why? Are you okay? Did you meet someone too?! Spill! -Rachel
Smiling weakly, I decided to go along with the lie.
Yeah, I did. He's so cute! Anyway, I said I'd drive him home, so...tell each other details tm? -Kurt
Definitely! Have fun! (but not too much fun!) jk! C u tm! -Rachel
Nodding to myself, I typed out, See you tomorrow. I love you, Rach. -Kurt, not knowing what my future held.
Oblivious Rachel didn't put any deeper meaning to this apparently, as she texted me back, Love you too! Bye! -Rachel, and that was the last I heard from her.
Call me an idiot for not wanting to ruin her birthday gift despite my condition, but I couldn't think of anything but staying hidden.
Fifteen minutes later, I heard voice outside.
"But—" one voice protested, to which another voice answered frantically,
"Don't worry, I'll be out in a second, Wes. Just, give me a second to myself."
The next second, a man entered the bathroom. He didn't see me at first, being too busy throwing up in one of the toilets. He did, however, notice me as he reemerged, shivering slightly.
"Oh, hi..." he trailed off awkwardly, not really seeing my hidden injuries. I just looked at him, then back at the stall he'd just vacated.
"Don't let me disturb your bulimia." I told him sarcastically, hoping he'd leave quickly.
The look I got in return was full of hurt and anger. "That's not what this is! I'm just nervous."
Rolling my eyes, I replied, "Yeah, calories are just frightening, aren't they. Poor you."
Eyes flashing, he said hotly, "You know what, I'm not going to take abuse from some stupid guy sitting on a bathroom floor."
"Fine, then I'll stand." I replied, and started to stand. Pain flashed through my body, and I sank back onto the ground. "On second thought, I think I'll continue sitting." I said weakly.
Confusion and a hint of concern flashed through the guy's face. "Are-are you okay?" he asked, and I shot him a pain-filled smile.
"I thought you weren't going to take abuse from me?" I asked dryly, and he half-chuckled.
"What happened to you? Do you need help?" he asked me cautiously.
Looking him over, I saw a handsome man maybe a year or two older than me, clad in expensive-looking clothes, probably some straight rich kid.
"No, I do this for fun all the time." I gasped, feeling my possibly broken ribs.
"What happened to you? Why did someone do this?" he asked insistently, and my walls rose even higher.
"Look at my face, and answer your question." I told him dryly, trying to not concentrate on the pain.
"You're gay, aren't you." he realized, and I nodded.
"Good for you. Now, please leave me alone. I don't need a lecture on my sins or how I deserved this." I said, then leaned my head against the wall.
I had expected him to leave me in disgust, so imagine my surprise when I felt a hand on my cheek. "Hey," the guy said softly, "I'm going to help you. I don't care what you are. Now, can you walk?" he asked me.
Surprised, I shook my head. The next second, I was lifted off the ground, held in the guy's strong arms, and carried somewhere. I could hear cries of surprise and shock, but couldn't be bothered to pay attention. I was laid down somewhere else, and my mystery man left someone with me, telling them, "Don't let him leave." After that, I think I fainted, as I don't remember anything else.
When I woke up, there was a man sitting next to me. Not mystery man, but a short Asian man who was looking down at me, worried. Seeing my eyes open, he smiled at me. "Hi, are you okay?" he asked.
I didn't recognize where I was, so I asked, "Where am I?"
"Backstage. You were found in one of the bathrooms, looking rather worse for wear." he answered.
Nodding, I winced as the memories came flooding back. "Who...are you?" I asked.
He gave me a quick smile. "I'm Wes Montgomery, Blaine's manager."
Thinking quick, I decided to get out of here. Sure, everyone had been plenty nice, but I didn't belong here. I needed to get home, to take care of my own injuries, as I was used to. "C-can you help me up?" I asked Wes.
He nodded, and helped me stand up. I was a bit dizzy, but I could walk. Now to get out of here. "C-could you get me a drink?" I asked, and he nodded quickly.
"Okay. Just...wait here, okay?" I nodded, and he hurried off.
Quickly, or as quickly as I could go, I walked out of there. Wandering around until I found the exit, I thanked my lucky stars that I didn't come across someone. Oh, of course, they'd be watching the concert. A couple people at the entrance asked me if I was okay, but I just nodded and lied through my teeth. Finding my car in the almost-dark, I collapsed inside it. Putting my head against the wheel, I cried, tears dripping down my face. How could people be so mean? What was so wrong about me, about being gay? And why did I have to be found? Oh, the humiliation! Mystery man probably hated me right now, courtesy of my rapier wit when hurt. I often pushed people away when I needed them the most, and here I had done it again. I really hoped I could drive, because otherwise, I was sleeping here tonight...
As it turned out, I could drive, and so I did, stopping only at a cafe to get enough caffeine in my system so as to not fall asleep. About halfway back, I realized I was missing my phone. I stopped on the side of the road to search my person. Looking at the clock, I saw it was only 7:30. A little less than an hour back, maybe half an hour to find my phone, then two or so hours back...that'd put me home before midnight...
With a sigh, I turned back, driving back to the concert.
Luckily, wristbands were given at the entrance (and the lady recognized me), so I was allowed back in easily. Looking at the stage, I saw some indistinct figure singing to a wild crowd and sneered. Lucky people – they weren't persecuted against for the way they were born. I vaguely remembered the way I'd come, but there was a guard at the backstage entrance (where had he been before?).
"C-can I g-get through?" I asked him weakly, noticing his brawn and stern face.
"Do you have a pass?" he asked me laconically.
"I-I did, but I lost it." I made up, and he gave me an unconvinced look.
"No pass, no entry."
"Please!" I begged him. "I-I was backstage before, and I dropped my phone. C-can you find it?"
He gave me a look and shook my head. "The best I can do is take your name and a way to reach you in case we find a phone." he said apologetically.
"D-d-do you have paper?" I asked.
Nodding, he handed me a notepad and pencil. Quickly, I wrote 'if you have my phone then you know my name. To return, call speed dial #2'. Glancing at the paper, the guy smiled slightly. "Aren't you a tricky one."
I nodded jerkily, and his eyes squinted. "Are you okay, sir?"
Giving him a stiff smile, I nodded again. "I will be. Thank you very much."
With that, I walked away, back to my car. There. Everything will be fine. I'm safe now, I don't need to go to the hospital, I'll get my phone back sometime. I can go home now.
Luckily enough for me, my dad, Carole, and Finn didn't notice that I got in early, as I blamed it on getting out ahead of the crowd. They also failed to notice how tired and beaten up I was. As much as I loved my family, they were really clueless.
Laying down on my bed, I allowed myself to daydream about mystery man. I wonder where he went. Maybe he was on crew and was needed for the performance. No matter why he left me, he had been sweet...and handsome...and caring...
Although I knew I'd never see him again, I could dream about him, couldn't I? After all, he had saved me...
A/N: Hi guys! Sorry it's been a while since I've posted anything...I've been really busy with classes and everything, and have also just been introduced to the amazingness of Doctor Who. If any of you out there like scifi, definitely give it a shot – it's brilliant! Anyway, I actually have all of this story written, so all I have to do is edit, and reviews might just speed up that process! ;) FYI, this will be around 20,000 words, and has 6 chapters plus an epilogue, so it's just a quick cute story! Anyway, enough of my rambling – I hope you enjoyed it, and I would love to hear what you guys think! Thanks so much! :D