The Scholarship

Episode 12: Star Struck

I'm not sure how, but I'm back at Dalton. I reckon that my friends had a lot to do with it. Dad heard about Blaine trying to kill himself, but not me saying that I didn't consider it. That lead to quite a long, awkward, conversation. However, I think dad's realised that I need the support that Dalton gives me, and he's had to admit that I'm not likely to get the same kind of protection that I do at Dalton anywhere else. He's also had to admit that the action they took was good. The only thing that's annoying is that dad is now Sebastian's biggest fan. I ought to be grateful for him getting Hammonds straight away, but still it's Sebastian

Kurt fixed his tie and hooked his bag onto his shoulder. Burt turned off the ignition and unbuckled his seat belt. Kurt gave his dad a smile, trying to reassure him silently, and wondering just why his dad felt the need to talk to Hammonds, again. Kurt opened the door, and hopped out, smiling at the couple of students that were running inside, eyeing the sky which threatened rain.

"Alright, kid?" asked Burt, placing a hand on Kurt's shoulder. Kurt nodded. He wasn't nervous, actually. He still had Blaine's scarf around his neck which was comforting him more than he had thought was possible.

"I'm fine, dad. I'm really glad that you're letting me come back." Burt shrugged. They weren't that good at exchanging words, but Kurt knew that his dad was just trying to do what was best for Kurt, but Kurt also knew that, in the long run, what Kurt needed - what was best - was a zero-tolerance for bullying policy that was properly enforced.

"I just want a word with Hammonds, first." Kurt sighed.

"Can I please just head to my lesson? I've already missed maths." Burt sighed. Then he nodded.

"Alright, Kurt, you head off to your lessons." Kurt grinned, waving his dad goodbye and dashing inside as it began to rain.

Kurt didn't think he'd ever been so happy to go to lessons before as he hurried down the corridors, accepting high-fives from passers-by who looked happy to see him. It caused him to smile, widely, at the reception and several Warblers dashed across, nearly tripping a captain up, to say that they were "so glad" to see him again. Kurt was quite surprised by the response given that he'd only missed a weekend, but he guessed that rumours spread across Dalton quickly - it was a smaller school than McKinley - and most people would have been wondering whether he was coming back.

"Kurt!" Kurt had just been fist bumped by Tyler, and looked around at the sound of his name. Nick, Jeff and Thad were moving through the crowd towards him. Kurt smiled at the three boys, allowing Nick and Jeff to clap him happily on the back.

"It's good to know that you're coming back, you are staying, right?" Kurt nodded at Jeff.

"Yes, my dad wants to talk to Hammonds, but I'm staying." there were sighs of relief.

"Oh good." said Nick. "Blaine and Juri weren't sure whether they'd done more damage by visiting." Kurt shook his head.

"Nope, they somehow swayed the way my dad looked at you guys." There were relieved smiles. Thad opened his bag, and handed a stack of papers, enclosed in a plastic wallet, to Kurt. Kurt took it with a small smile, examining it.

"What is this?" he asked, noting that it was sheet music.

"It's some of Luc's preliminary ideas for the concert." Kurt froze.

"You guys had rehearsals on the weekend?" he demanded, half incredulous but half worried at the idea of missing a rehearsal after a long talk that he'd received from Wes and David when the council had finished listening to Don't Cry for Me, Argentina about not missing rehearsals. Nick and Jeff waved it away with a smile.

"Don't worry," assured Jeff, patting Kurt's shoulder. "you won't be penalised for missing it because your dad pulled you out."

"And we tend to rehearse on the weekends in the run-up to something like the concert." Kurt nodded, now worried about how much he'd missed.

"You…you didn't missss…much." Kurt smiled at Thad as Nick looked at him curiously. There was a long pause as Nick continued to stare at Thad, and Kurt looked at Jeff, curiously. Eventually, Jeff, after glancing at Nick, started the conversation again.

"Thad's right, you didn't miss much. We didn't decide on a song." Nick tore his gaze from his god-brother, and nodded.

"Yeah, the whole rehearsal on Sunday just turned into one large row between Blaine and Wes about Katy Perry." the two boys rolled their eyes as one, and Kurt frowned.

"What?" There were sniggers and giggles from Jeff and Nick, and Thad just fixed his gaze onto the floor.

"Blaine has this thing about performing Katy Perry-"

"-or Pink-"

"-or anything in the top 40-"

"-or that was in the top 40." Kurt raised an eyebrow.

"I see…well, it beats hits from the eighties." The three boys looked at him curiously. Kurt sighed. "I sometimes wondered whether Mr Schue, my old coach, hadn't listened to the radio since the eighties…he was obsessed with Journey." The three boys looked between each other.

"Well, I guess Dirty Dancing was from the eighties, but they also did Valerie." Kurt shrugged.

"I guess they managed to wear him down. He was already thinking of shaking things up…he was going to give me a solo." Kurt fell quiet at the end of the sentence, and the other boys looked mildly awkward.

"Just wait until Regionals." said Jeff, patting his shoulder. "You'll be able to at least try for lead." Kurt nodded, aware that he had to hurry to Social Studies.

"Okay, thanks guys, I need to run." They nodded.

"Yeah… we're going to be late too." They split at a corridor and Kurt ran immediately into three people he didn't want to see at this time of day on a Monday morning.

"Kurt!"

"Elizabeth!"

"Hummel!" Kurt groaned, massaging his temples. He'd forgotten to murder Mercedes for allowing them to find out his middle name.

"You're back!"

"You're late!"

"You must hurry!" With that Daniel grabbed his left elbow, Gabriel took his right, and Michael began to push him in the small of the back.

"Guys!" he complained as he was pushed like a lawnmower through the other students. There were laughs from the other boys who were mildly late for their lessons, and Kurt just wanted to strangle the curious pixie boys that were apparently his friends. "Guys, let me go!" They ignored him, naturally, and continued to ferry him to his lesson.

"Sorry, we're late-"

"-but we brought Kurt-"

"-isn't it wonderful!" Mr Sutherland looked over at them, he didn't seem to care that Trinity were steering Kurt to his seat like a car, and just looked curiously at the doorway. Keats beamed at Kurt, his face lighting up, grey eyes sparkling, and Kurt smiled back before he was pushed into his seat.

"Where's Nick?" asked Sutherland, looking puzzled. Kurt's mouth dropped open in shock. He'd completely forgotten that Nick was in his social studies class.

"I-I don't know, sir." he said, feeling more than a little bit stupid. "He was with Jeff and Thad…I was talking to them, and I hurried off and he was still with them…" Mr Sutherland groaned, sinking his head towards the desk. Kurt blinked in confusion. He leant towards Flint who looked as if he was hiding a grin. "What's going on?" Flint shook his head, holding up a finger to say that he'd tell Kurt in a minute.

"Flint, do I want to know why Nick isn't in my lesson?" Flint took a deep breath, clearly hiding laughter. He shook his head, not trusting himself to speak. Mr Sutherland "hmmed" loudly under his breath. "Right, onto the lesson then…"

The moment that Mr Sutherland had become distracted by Trinity, who were demanding to know whether - in certain hypothetical scenarios - Communism would be better than Capitalism, and whether they should convert, Kurt leaned towards Flint again.

"So, um, what is going on with Nick?" Flint seemed to choke on his own laughter before clearing his throat.

"Um, basically, Nick, Jeff and Thad are organising a prank!" Kurt raised his eyebrows, remembering how Trinity had withdrawn their pranking ideas on Mrs Daniels for fear of decapitation. That, and he hadn't really pictured Thad as the pranking type.

"Thad is organising a prank?" he asked in a low voice. Flint nodded, a sly grin appearing on his face.

"Oh yes…Thad comes across as all innocent, and they use that to their advantage." Kurt frowned.

"They prank a lot?" Flint shrugged.

"Not as much as they did in Freshman year at the beginning…they all got sent here because they were terrible at their Junior High…they all got suspended at least once, and Nick and Jeff were threatened with expulsion more than once…and I think Thad was, but it was overturned." Kurt blinked in shock. Admittedly he didn't know Thad very well, or really at all, but he'd never struck Kurt as that kind of guy.

"What did they do?" he asked, very curious. Flint shrugged.

"I don't know, wasn't there obviously, but I think they use to replace the seats of chairs, cause doors to swing back on people, grease floors…I know that they set fireworks off in their Chemistry lab once when they got bored…Nick and Jeff use to execute the whole thing, and Thad was the one that distracted teachers and lied to cover up for them." Kurt raised his eyebrows, shocked.

"I didn't realise…they didn't seem…" Flint gave him a catty grin.

"We toned things down when you were around at the beginning," he admitted. "Blaine told us that things were really bad from your old school, and we weren't allowed to freak you out." Kurt nodded, a little surprised still.

"So, um, who are they pranking?" Flint tapped his pen against his lips thoughtfully.

"I'm not sure…" he said, thoughtfully. "They - Nick and Jeff - were pretty hyper. I think Thad's just doing it because Nick asked him too…it won't be Luc, though, because Thad would never prank him…though, now that I think about it no one in their right mind would, then again, this is Nick and Jeff, they've pranked Hammonds at the Carol Service!" Kurt gaped at him.

"Did they get away with it?" Flint grinned at him, cockily.

"Oh yeah, Hammonds is pretty easy going about that kind of thing. They made it "snow" inside the church, and they got inside the organ and began singing an amended version of Silent Night…somehow they got out before Mrs Daniels caught them, though I think that was because Thad "threw up" on her, and blamed it on nerves…" Flint bent double over the table, giggling at the memory. Kurt blinked at him, before chortling himself.

"Mr Wilson, Mr Hummel, care to share?" Kurt glanced at Flint who was still laughing.

"Sorry, sir." he said, eventually able to get out two words out. "I was just thinking of our first Carol Service." Many people in the class began to snicker at that memory. He saw Vince and Parker roll their eyes, and heard Trinity cackle. Mr Sutherland's lips twitched slightly.

"Yes, that was one of their finer moments, wasn't it?" Kurt gaped at him, slightly, whilst the other boys nodded energetically. "I have to say, though, my favourite was their tribute to Curtis." There were enthusiastic grins from the other boys, and exclamations of "yes!" and "that was epic!". Sutherland turned to Kurt, an amused grin on his face. "Flint, care to explain that one to Kurt?" Flint swallowed his laughter and nodded.

"Curtis was the head boy and lead when we were Freshmen-" Kurt nodded, remembering Keats mentioning him once. "-and he really liked Nick and Jeff." he snorted to himself. "So, the two of them - with the ever present help of Thad - set about giving him a big farewell in the final assembly. They set off confetti cannons that were filled with pictures of Curtis, and they attached wires to the ceiling and came sliding down and stared singing Goodbye My Lover. They got the whole hall on their feet, and when Mrs Daniels tried to pull them down they hitched her into the air and dropped her into Curtis' arms… Then Thad laid a white sheet over her because she'd fainted, and carried her off stage…" Flint doubled up, laughing, and Kurt raised his eyebrows.

"Okay…I thought Dalton was really strict." Mr Sutherland shrugged.

"Oh, we can be…but we're lenient when it comes to some things…" Vince tutted, loudly, and Kurt swallowed, slightly. Mr Sutherland seemed to jump a little bit.

"Yes, thank you, Vince…we must return to our lesson." Flint rolled his eyes, pulling a nasty face at Vince's head, and giving Kurt a guilty, half smile when he realised he'd been caught.

That was certainly enlightening as far as Dalton tradition goes. I'm surprised that they toned things down for me…I guess that all that time I was sitting there thinking that they were acting like I wasn't there, but they were changing their habits for me…These guys never stop surprising-

"I'm sorry sir!" Nick came burst into the classroom, tie loose and happy face splattered with mud. His clothes had crusted mud on them as well, and he dashed to his seat, clutching his bag that was much more worn than it had been minutes ago.

Yep, they never stop surprising me.

Nick slid into his seat, the eyes of everyone in the class on him, still grinning. Mr Sutherland eyed him up and down. He gave a sigh, and placed his pen down.

"Go back to Harriot, Nick." said Mr Sutherland in a completely even tone. "Go and get washed and changed, and get a new bag." Nick gave his teacher a grin, and darted back out of the classroom. Kurt blinked, and then leant back in as Mr Sutherland continued to teach the lesson like nothing had changed.

"Um, why isn't he punishing him?" Flint grinned at Kurt.

"Well, mainly, there's not much he can get him for, except being late for lessons, and, also, Mr Sutherland is ex-Dalton." Kurt blinked in shock, not having known that. Flint gave a little nod. "So, he knows all about the code of conduct; we don't tell on each other." Kurt nodded, slightly.

"I thought that teachers only did that between each other." Flint shook his head.

"Some teachers, like Sutherland, Hartfield and Luc, do it for students as well." Kurt nodded, noting down the facts inside of his head. Flint patted his elbow. "There's loads of stuff about Dalton that's hard to get your head around, but you'll learn quickly." Kurt smiled at him.

"Cheers." Flint gave him a crooked smile.

"Sometimes you just wanna scream at the craziness of it all, but it grows on you – we're like some huge, crazy family." Kurt gave him another smile, nodding.

"Okay, I'll bear that in mind." Flint gave him a mock salute as Mr Sutherland cleared his throat, attracting their attention, again.

"Fun as it has been to give Kurt a little history lesson, we do need to get some of this work done." The two boys nodded. "Good, Trinity, do not drop whatever is in your hands." Kurt twisted around to look at Trinity, who all had a clear, blobby, thing in their hands. Mr Sutherland reached into his desk and threw a set of plastic bags elastic banded together. Flint separated out three and handed them to Trinity who, with sad looks on their faces, deposited the gel, or whatever, inside. Flint screwed them back up, and chucked them in the bin without leaving his desk. Mr Sutherland applauded his aim, and transitioned smoothly into the topic of the lesson.

I feel so relaxed being back at Dalton. I was half expecting to be jumpy and on edge, but I feel so at ease. I guess I have to thank Sutherland and Social Studies to thank for that. Missing maths was a biggie for me because, whilst I don't mind it, I don't sit next to anyone I really know…heck, I'm still not sure what the guy next to me is called…but I love Social Studies…has to be one of my favourite lessons, even if I have Trinity sitting behind me. I wonder what Nick did, Mrs Daniels came in looking for him, but Sutherland just said that he'd had to go back to Harriot to change, and she stormed off, and Nick returned minutes later, grinning from ear to ear. Yep, I'm curious…


"How did it go?" Kurt was squished in next to Blaine at the lunch table as seemingly half their year, the Warblers and several other people were interested in hearing the tale behind Nick, Jeff and Thad's escapade. From what he could gather Mrs Daniels had been super pissed off because something had happened to her car. Jeff and Nick were grinning from ear to ear, and Thad was just drinking water like nothing had happened.

"Well," said Nick, leaning forward and causing everyone to do so. "Thad distracted her with his perfect I'm-having-a-panic-attack-because-I'm-stuttering-so-badly act, and she bought it-"

"Hook."

"Line."

"And sinker." said Trinity with evil grins on their faces. Kurt glanced at Blaine who had a look of anticipation shining on his face, and Kurt swallowed, fixing his eyes back onto Nick and Jeff. The two boys nodded at one, and Thad almost choked on his water as someone slapped him on the back.

"Anyway, we snuck round to her car…" said Nick, clearly struggling to hide back an excited giggle.

"And we broke the hood open…" Kurt was beginning to get a little bit worried, remembering Sue Sylvester and Mercedes and the tater-tots.

"We got the mud-"

"-and we coated her engine." Kurt choked on the air he was breathing in shock. These were the two boys who had, on his first day, told him to stay out of Mrs Daniels' way, and now they were coating her car engine with mud! Most of the other boys looked similarly horrified.

"Guys!" said Wes, eyes wide. "That could get you expelled!" Nick and Jeff shrugged.

"No way…there's no way they can say it was us." Kurt saw, though, that the other boys looked a little nervous, and Flint was eyeing Thad who was staring at his carrots. Blaine reached across the table, and prodded him lightly. Thad looked up. His gaze met Blaine's for a second, and he forced a smile on his face. David met Nick's eyes and jerked his head at Thad, questioningly. The table was unnaturally quiet as Nick glanced at him before shaking his head and brushing it away. Flint cleared his throat.

"So, um, how did you get covered in mud?" The two boys shared conspiratorial looks.

"Well, we wanted to make sure it worked, so I got in the car-"

"-and he turned the ignition on, and the mud went everywhere!"

"And then the car moved-"

"-and it sort of ran over my bag." They both broke down into giggles, and the others just exchanged long looks.

"So, is it broken?" asked one of the Warblers. They nodded, enthusiastically. There was a long pause.

"Do I want to know why?" asked George, frowning at Nick and Jeff. They both grinned at each other.

"She got on our nerves on Saturday. She breathed down our necks. She needed taking down a peg."

"We thought about it carefully. We knew how much she loved her car. It was a simple plan." The prefects exchanged looks that clearly asked "do we want to be hearing this?". Sebastian shook his head.

"I'm head boy. I definitely shouldn't be hearing this." he said, shaking his head. "Kurt," he said, turning to the Franklin boy. "did you get the sheet music?" Kurt nodded.

"Yes, Thad gave it to me." Sebastian nodded.

"You're not going to be going to cheerleading." Kurt blinked.

"What?" Sebastian sighed.

"We've got the concert on Friday, we have rehearsals everyday after lessons." Kurt nodded.

"Okay." Sebastian gave him a look whilst he nodded, and then stiffened. He rolled his eyes.

"Mrs Daniels is coming over, come on prefects, Wes." The boys widened their eyes in a look of annoyance and gave the other boys looks that asked for strength. They moved away, and guided her out of the hall. The occupants of the table broke down into hysterics once more, and slowly began to move away to tables where they could actually sit down. Kurt had to admit that, whilst he was amused, it seemed like a ridiculously risky thing to do.

"Guys, you realise Mrs Daniels will blow up at your parents." There were shrugs from Nick and Jeff.

"My dad isn't coming." said Nick, casually, and the other boys stared at him, surprised.

"Really?" asked Flint, one eyebrow raised. Nick nodded.

"Yeah, he's too busy with the film and everything." David swallowed his piece of lettuce and nodded.

"Yeah, my dad isn't coming either." There were eye rolls from the boys at that.

"Yeah, but David you have eight parents." Kurt felt his eyes bug wide open. Eight parents?! Was that even possible?

"You have eight parents?" he demanded, not caring that the conversation had moved on whilst he'd stayed in his shocked state. David, and the others, all chuckled at the gaping look on Kurt's face, and David nodded.

"Yep, I have mum and dad, and then six step-parents." Kurt continued to stare at him six step-parents, and Kurt had thought his family was a little bit weird.

"Don't worry," said Blaine, patting his arm and causing colour to swoop back into Kurt's face, "David has the weirdest family of anybody on campus, and that's really saying something." There were nods from the other boys.

"Yeah, David's mum has divorced five men, and is still good friends with all of them…" Kurt blinked, wondering if that was possible. David nodded in a mildly smug manner, and then rolled his eyes, posture relaxing a lot.

"Basically, my mum married her friends, and then cheated on them with each other, but it was like "oh, yeah, we're actors, this is what we do" kind of thing. It's the same with dad, except he only did it once." Kurt raised an eyebrow, both at what he'd said as he was reminded of the Finn-Quinn-Puck love-baby daddy triangle of last year, and the use of the word "actors".

"Your parents are actors?" he asked cautiously, wondering by "actors" he meant people that were amateurs in the theatre, or huge film stars. David made a non-committal movement with his head.

"My mum and my step-dads are, but my dad is a director, and my step-mums are a model and a singer." Kurt raised his eyebrow higher, curiosity piqued. The others looked at him, as if trying to see whether he was going to work out who David's parents were. Kurt frowned, guessing this meant that he should have heard of them. That meant they were famous…he'd never met anyone famous before.

Then it clicked together in his mind. He felt his mouth hang open as he finished processing the information in his brain. It had taken him a little while, and his mind was still reeling, but the moment he'd thought of David's surname and remembered that his dad was not an actor but a director it had all fallen into place.

"Your dad is Rupert Thompson?" he exclaimed, hands flying over his mouth, fork clattering to the floor. The others tried, and failed, to keep straight faces at his reaction. David just nodded, casually. Kurt was stunned into silence. "But- but that means your mother is…your mum is Serina Clifford, and your step-fathers…!" he trailed off, gaping at the Warbler Councillor in amazement. David reached over and patted him on the forearm.

"Just take some time to breathe," said Blaine, patting his shoulder. "I fainted, if it makes you feel better."

"Look on the bright side," said Flint, swallowing his apple juice in one gulp and wiping his mouth. "at least you're getting warning. We didn't find out until the first concert…" There were shaken heads as they remembered the storm that had occurred when Rupert Thompson, Serina Clifford and their various array of exes and spouses had stepped into the hall. Nick shuddered.

"Tristan never let me live that down." he shook his head, and Kurt still felt a slight numb feeling of shock in his body. Blaine shook his shoulder, lightly.

"Earth to Kurt, we have lessons." Kurt blinked at him. Blaine smiled sympathetically. "I know, David loves dropping the "my parents are famous" bomb at the worse times…like I said, I fainted." Kurt nodded dumbly. He got to his feet, hooking his bag over his shoulder, and following Jeff out of the canteen, mind still spinning.

I can't believe that his parents are Rupert Thompson and Serina Clifford. They're so… I just can't imagine that let alone…The idea of who his step-parents are just blows my mind! I love them…I don't know anyone that doesn't like them…They're all so talented…Rosanne Watters! Ahh! I loved 'Chokehold'…it was one those programmes that made me feel that being gay wasn't such an odd thing…I know his step-parents didn't play those characters, but still… The worst thing is that I think my other friends have bombshells to drop because Nick said that his father was working on a film, with David's! Oh wow…


Blaine was just a little frustrated with himself. He'd not been able to speak to Keats since they'd returned to Dalton after Finn had led them out of their house with a small smile on his face. Keats had been silent in the car, no doubt their momentary alliance playing on his mind, and he'd hurried away the moment he'd pulled up. Blaine guessed that he had gone to speak to Trinity or one of his friends, most likely Vince.

Blaine didn't know why, but he thought that their relationship was worse off than it had been before they went. It ought to have not mattered to Blaine, and most of the time it really didn't, but if Keats was being honest - something that was still being heavily contested in his mind - than Blaine felt that he ought to make a sort of peace treaty, if only for Kurt's sake.

If truth was to be told, and Blaine was always honest inside of his head, he was beginning to worry about Kurt. He seemed to slipping and sliding through different moods, going from "okay" to depressed to…happy. Blaine didn't know whether he himself was doing something wrong because he seemed happier with Keats - something that did not make him feel better - and that worried Blaine because Blaine was meant to be helping with him.

Blaine's mind had settled upon one reason why this could be the case. Blaine had slipped in an out of Kurt's life, going from close to distant, and just not doing what he ought to have been doing. The thing that made Blaine feel worse was that he'd already noted that as a problem earlier, but he didn't know how he could change what he was already doing.

Blaine liked spending time with Kurt. He was a nice guy, and he was fun to be around…when he wasn't crying, but he preferred being with Sebastian. It made him feel slightly guilty, because he was supposed to be with Kurt, but he couldn't help it. He loved Sebastian, that much he was sure of, and he couldn't help that he wanted to spend every moment of every day with him, even if Sebastian hadn't kissed him yet.

Blaine settled his forehead into his book as Mr Earl droned on and on in Spanish. He was the worst teacher that Blaine had ever encountered, and that was really saying something as Blaine had been discriminated against by teachers. The thing about Mr Earl was that he was the living counterpart of Professor Binns, everyone knew that. He had no idea who anybody in his class was, and he had no idea that the syllabus had changed since he had first got his teaching qualifications. The only time that Blaine had ever seen him react was when Nick and Jeff had been attacked by David when he'd been wound up to bursting point. Mr Earl had been furious about the disruption in his class, and had been terrifying. Blaine had really thought he was going to hit someone with his metre stick ruler.

Blaine almost burst out laughing when he felt someone prod him. Trust Thad to decide that it didn't matter that they were in the middle of Spanish, a subject that Thad had failed last year - no thanks to only having Mr Earl in Dalton, and not talking much in his aural exams - and needed to pass to retain his scholarships, to check up on Blaine's mental health. Blaine lifted his head from his books and gave Thad a weak smile. The other boys, most likely having been alerted by Thad, were looking at him. Blaine sat upright and ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm worried about Kurt," he said in a low tone. "I think…I just-" he shook his head, looking a little hopeless. Nick, glancing at Mr Earl in mild terror, put an arm around his shoulders.

"Blaine, don't blame yourself for what's happened…" Jeff sighed, looking at his hands. "You've had a lot on your mind…this could be it with your dad." Blaine nodded, swallowing heavily.

"Kurt can't understand that." said David in a low voice. "I can't understand that…Kurt has an amazing dad…" David shrugged. "He doesn't know what your dad is like…he has no idea how much this can mean to you, just like you don't have any idea how Kurt felt when Charles kissed him…but you can empathise." he shrugged. "I promise that by the end of this week it'll be easier." Blaine sniffed, wiping his nose on his hand.

"Hey-" Fred poked Blaine on the back. "-look at this." Blaine took Fred's phone, glancing at Mr Earl who was just droning on about Spanish weather. The other boys crowded in to read the text message on his screen.

Filming wrapping up. Daley said 2 tell David that Serina not dating…people getting worried. Theyre still filming…won't b back 4 concert. Sorry. I should b back 4 New Year! QT driving me mad. Won't b here though; hooray! Send my love 2 the guys. XXX- MBT

Blaine felt a happy grin spread across as Nick and Jeff punched the air jubilantly. David ran a hand over his head, looking a little nervous at the news about his mother, and Blaine twisted round, still grinning, to return Fred's phone.

"Is that definite?" he asked in a whisper. Fred nodded.

"He just sent that to me. I know that's what he said earlier, but he got a call-back so…" Fred shrugged, and Blaine nodded.

"He didn't get it, right?" Fred nodded, sadly.

"He got the offer, but he loves HH2 too much to pull his contract, even though it's more money." Blaine nodded, unable to get the grin off his face as he turned back to the front. Morrison was coming back!

"How long do you reckon he'll be here for?" asked Jeff in an undertone. Nick shook his head.

"Not long, but still…"

"I thought he'd be spending New Year with Lottie in England." said Flint in a thoughtful voice, frown on his face.

"Maybe Lottie isn't going back to England." said David reasonably. "After what happened she might want to stay at Crawford…" The boys all shifted in their seats, as if moving around would help dispel the bad memories from their minds. Blaine ran a hand through his hair.

"I can't believe that this is happening." he muttered. The others looked at him, confused. "Keats," he explained through gritted teeth. "I don't believe him, but at the same time…" he shrugged. "It makes no sense that he'd be lying…" he banged his head against the desk. Nick rubbed his back in a reassuring manner.

"Don't worry, Blaine, as long as everyone keeps their cool there won't be any trouble." Blaine groaned as he remembered Sebastian's response to his comment.

"Bastian doesn't think that's possible." There were shrugs and snorts.

"Sebastian isn't exactly known for being a ray of sunshine, Blaine, but some of us have to stay positive." Blaine nodded, raising his head from the table.

"I just- what are we mean to do if he's not being honest? Heck, what do we do if he is being honest?" The other Warblers exchanged pointed looks with one another, clearly not as worried about that prospect as Blaine himself was. Nick rubbed Blaine's back again as Flint examined the notes that Thad had been taking, and discovered that he had actually been creating a crossword using the names of Broadway musicals. Flint let out a puff of air, Spanish being the only subject apart from maths he had any definitive flair for, and snatched away the sheet of paper, noting down whatever important elements Earl had slipped into his nonsense.

Blaine shook his head, and sat up a little bit straighter. The news that Morrison would be back for New Year was always going to put him in a good mood because Blaine had quickly learnt that no Dalton celebration would be complete without Morrison Barringer-Tanner. That, and Blaine just missed him. Blaine had never been as close to Morrison as Fred or Drew or Chris were, but Morrison had always seemed to keep an eye on him, and look after him, which meant a lot to Blaine.

Blaine pulled out his phone, noting that Mr Earl wasn't at all interested in what anybody in the class was doing, and that some people - namely Andy - were actually working on computers whilst he talked.

Hey, how many ways of killing QT have you come up with?-B

Blaine still sent the text from underneath the table, not wanting his phone to be confiscated, and knowing that - with the amount of noise being generated by Nick and Jeff - he was likely to look over in their direction soon.

Only 37. Do u think that Id go 2 jail 4 breakin Q guitar?-MBT

Blaine snorted to himself at Morrison's reply, thinking that, yes, Quinn would have Morrison sent to jail for something if he touched his precious guitar.

Definitely, Q would marry his guitar if it were legal.-B

Eww, trying 2 do a sob scene here B, not need that image.-MBT

Blaine rolled his eyes. Trust Morrison to make everything dirty, and to text people in the middle of a shoot.

It's your own fault for making it dirty; I said marry not sleep with-B

Ahh, stop! I can't stop laughing! Im gonna b murdered, g2g. Love u XX- MBT

Blaine rolled his eyes and slid his phone away, after sending him a text that told him it was his fault for having his phone on during shooting. He'd forgotten to ask when QT were coming back, but he got the feeling that it would be after the holidays, or whenever their music video hit big on Youtube, which, mused Blaine sourly, wouldn't take so long. QT would also never lower themselves to attending Dalton's New Year party when they had their pick of the celebrations in Hollywood.


Today has been a good day at Dalton. I've had a little talk with Keats - but it was mainly him gushing about how glad he was to see me again - and he said that they understood what it was like to have homophobic parents so that's why they'd stood together. He wasn't very explicit about what happened, but I get the impression that he was physically hurt by his dad…I can't imagine that. Also, I'm beginning to think that what he said about the Warblers was a lie…everybody has been giving me high-fives, and moving out of my way and telling they can't wait to hear us perform…it's incredible!

Kurt was hurrying towards Warbler rehearsal with his head held higher than he could have imagined, given how he'd felt on the weekend. He'd gone from terrified to a wreck to confident. There was something so assuring about the walls of Dalton Academy all of a sudden. Something about all the people that were excited to see him… He couldn't quite explain it, but, apart from doing wonders for his ego, it just made him happy. He also had taken to winding Blaine's scarf around his neck when he was in the hallways because it gave him a strange sense of comfort, and confidence. He'd received some strange look from some boys, who he guessed knew the scarf was Blaine's, but no one had told him to take it off.

He walked with Juri towards Warbler Hall, the Russian was excitedly talking about what piece he was going to play for the concert - Kurt thought it was by Mozart, but most of the conversation had passed over his head anyway - and how happy he was that his dad, apparently some form of oil giant, was coming to watch him. Kurt had patted his shoulder as he got increasingly excitable, and began to make noise at a volume that was unacceptable - if George's pointed look was anything to go by.

Kurt waved him goodbye when he reached Warbler Hall, and winced as he collided with Sebastian as he attempted to walk backwards and wave. Sebastian had looked momentarily startled, losing composure for a second or two, before rolling his eyes, and hoisting Juri up - with complete ease - and setting him on his feet. He seemed to be telling Juri off for walking backward, keeping a firm grip on his arm, until he looked at Kurt.

Kurt wasn't sure what it was, straight away, but something flickered in his face as his eyes locked onto Kurt. He let go of Juri, and seemingly pushed him away, still staring at Kurt. Kurt blinked and looked at himself, trying to work out what had captured Sebastian's attention so thoroughly, and, Kurt was sure he was wrong, was making him look so worried.

Self-consciously he touched the scarf around his neck, and saw the faintest twitch in Sebastian's face. Kurt froze, suddenly understanding why Sebastian was all but glaring at him across the doorway. Sebastian had given the scarf to Blaine, who he liked, and Blaine had the scarf to Kurt, who liked Blaine.

Kurt felt a grin work it's way onto his face as he finally worked out what was causing Sebastian's jaw to jump, slightly; he felt threatened. Blaine had made it sound like the scarf meant a lot to him, and Kurt had been mildly surprised when Blaine had given it to him, but it just been an act of kindness. However, Sebastian clearly didn't see it that way. So that led Kurt to think; was Blaine just being the emotional dunce that everyone kept saying he was, or did the scarf mean more to the couple than Blaine had let on, and if so; why had he given it to Kurt?

Kurt couldn't help but smirk as he looked at Sebastian. Not long ago Sebastian had told him, coldly, that he didn't feel threatened by Kurt at all, but his tense expression was telling Kurt the complete opposite. Blaine might be completely innocent, and not see the subtle boundaries between friendly and romantic gestures, but Sebastian did. Sebastian was also completely self-confident, which led Kurt to think that if he was worried, there was a genuine reason for it, and Kurt had thought his day couldn't get any better.

I don't believe it! If Sebastian is worried than it must mean he thinks Blaine might like me on a level that is beyond friendship. I wonder if he thinks I told him? I doubt it, though. I get the impression that if I told Blaine, Blaine would tell Sebastian. Either way, I don't think I've been this happy in a long time…

Kurt felt the swagger enter his step as he walked up to Sebastian who was still just standing there, a cold, calculating look entering his eyes. Kurt stopped right in front of him, smirking up into his face, and glad that - for once - he had the power over Sebastian.

"Do you feel threatened now?" he asked, fingering the ends of the scarf, and Sebastian's face twisted into an ugly expression. He opened his mouth to say something when Wes stuck his head out of the door.

"Hurry up, you two, we're starting." Kurt gave Sebastian a final smirk, flicking his left eyebrow up slightly, and turned on his heel, catching Sebastian in the chest with his bag and following Wes into the hall.

Kurt noticed that the hall was full, all the seats had been taken, and Kurt made his way over to Jeff and Nick, leaning against the table next to Jeff. Sebastian came walking in, looking much calmer than a couple of moments ago, and someone leapt from a sofa to give him a seat. He watched as Blaine frowned when Sebastian didn't acknowledge his smile, and simply sat there, waiting for the council to speak.

"Ookaay." said David, glancing between the hurt Blaine and Sebastian in confusion. "We need to finalise our song choice." There was a long pause before Wes banged his gavel.

"Come on, people, we don't have long. What did you think of what Luc put together for us?" There were non-committal mutterings from the group. Wes let out a groan and massaged his temples. "With the exception of Junior Warbler Kurt Hummel, who looked at their parts?" There was a long pause in which the hands of the council, Blaine, Flint, Sebastian and Liam went into the air. Kurt looked at the others, surprised, who all winced guiltily. The councillors all shook their heads in annoyance.

"Alright," said David, tetchily. "moving on. What are your thoughts on overall themes?" A couple of hands went up. Wes pointed the gavel at Flint.

"I think we should get as far away from S Club 7 as possible." There were nods at that.

"We could do a rap." suggested Edward, and there immediate groans.

"No!" exclaimed David. "It should be against federal law for Blaine to rap." Kurt raised his eyebrows at that, and glanced Jeff and Nick who were sniggering.

"We'll show you the video." muttered Jeff. "It's hilarious…he doesn't know we've still got it." Kurt nodded, and was distracted by Wes brandishing the gavel in their general direction.

"I'm not that bad!" Blaine was protesting, but the others were just shaking their heads and groaning out loud. The rest of the Warblers were chuckling to themselves, the Freshmen having been filled in on why it was so terrible that Blaine should rap, and Kurt relaxed back as Wes banged for order.

"Either way, I don't think rapping is a good thing to do before our parents, or Mrs Daniels…" There were snorts and nods, and then Thad elbowed Wes in the ribs.

"Oww!" exclaimed the older boy, glaring at his fellow council member, who pointed at a dark haired boy with a tidy fringe that was staring at the floor. Wes set down his gavel, sharing a half glance with David.

"Alvin?" he asked, concern in his voice. Alvin did not respond. Wes sent his confused and worried eyes to the boy next to him, who had wild frizzy hair. They shook their head before poking him.

"What Dom?" he asked, tiredly, looking up.

"Hey, what's up?" asked David, frowning in concern. Alvin looked away, and Kurt was alarmed to see tears brimming in his grey-blue eyes.

"Like you don't know." There were heavy sighs from most of the Warblers. Blaine got to his feet, walking over to the boy.

"Stand up." he said. Alvin just stared at him, frowning, and Blaine gave him a small smile. Eventually, Alvin, under the scrutiny of curious eyes, stood. Blaine immediately pulled him into a tight hug, rubbing his back. "It's not your fault, Al." he said, quietly, and for some reason Kurt felt his heart swell as he watched Blaine comfort the other boy.

"He's right." said Sebastian in a bored voice, looking away from the spot on the wall that had been the sole focus of his attention since he'd sat down. Alvin blinked at him, looking shocked that he'd spoken to him. Sebastian rolled his eyes. "You're straight, he's gay-" Kurt felt his heart stop as he realised that they were talking about Charles. "-if you'd said yes…" Kurt felt his eyes widen.

"He asked you to marry him?" he said, in barely concealed shock. Alvin looked his way, nodding.

"And if I'd said yes-"

"You probably would have been raped." The Warblers all turned to Sebastian with open mouths. Sebastian was leaning casually into the sofa, a bored, impatient look on his face, like he couldn't believe that everyone else was so stupid. The other's though, had rather different expressions; Wes' face had paled dramatically, Jeff slipped from where he'd been leaning against the table, almost crashing to the floor, Liam's mouth was agape in horror, Nick and Flint were exchanging frantic looks, and Thad was frowning a little.

"Wh-what?" choked out Alvin, and Wes - still very pale in the face - was making furious slashing motions with his hands to get Sebastian to stop. Thad had just put his head in his hands, and David had his face screwed up in a horrified manner, waiting for Sebastian to say the wrong thing.

"Well think about it," he said, either not noticing or not caring that everyone was trying to get him to stop talking. "your relationship had to be monogamous, any news of an affair would have been BAD, so that means, either you never have sex ever, or you sleep with him." Alvin gaped at him. "Did you want to have sex with him?" Alvin shook his head, furiously.

"No-no!" Sebastian gave him a sanctimonious nod, like everything made sense now.

"But, the fact he asked you meant that he was attracted to you, yes?" Alvin mouthed, wordlessly, at him.

"I-I…I never thought about it." Sebastian rolled his eyes again.

"Clearly," he said dryly. "anyway, non-consensual sex is rape." he shrugged. "You would have been raped, and we know that divorce isn't an option… so I think we can all agree that one forced kiss is better than a life stuck in abusive marriage." Alvin looked torn between bursting into tears or slapping Sebastian. Sebastian looked around the room, noting that everyone looked horrified. Blaine, who was also a nasty, pasty, white, was shaking his head. Sebastian rolled his eyes.

Blaine, rubbing Alvin's back, gave him a glare. "Don't say another word." Sebastian sank into the sofa looking - not smug, but satisfied. Blaine turned back to Alvin. "Look, as crude as Sebastian was he had a point, right Kurt?" Kurt blinked, mind spinning from what Sebastian had said.

"Err, yes, definitely."

Oh my god, I had no idea that he was so messed up. He proposed to his friend, and they all seem agreed on the fact that he would have raped him…I feel sick…he could have done that to me!

Jeff was rubbing his shoulder, and Blaine had returned to glaring at Sebastian. Sebastian glanced at Kurt, noting his features which were stuck in a mildly horrified look. Sebastian glanced at Wes who was shaking his head and looking a little bit sick.

"Sebastian," said Wes in a constricted tone of voice. "we discussed this in Summer! Never - and I mean ever - talk about things like that with…with people involved present!" Sebastian nodded calmly, returning to examining Kurt with steady, cool, eyes. Kurt hoped that that hadn't been part of Sebastian's revenge.

"Kurt, are you okay?" asked Blaine, concern in his face. Kurt nodded, hand winding itself into the soft material of the scarf.

"Yeah, just…the thought that he could have done that to me." He shuddered and Jeff pulled him into a tight hug whilst Nick patted his back. There was a long silence before Wes banged the gavel, rubbing a hand over his mouth.

"Meeting adjourned." he said. "Same time tomorrow, please try and look at your music."


I'm not sure what happened to the week. I think it all got eaten up by the school work that I ought to have done on the weekend, and Warbler rehearsals. We're rehearsing in every second that we can - I keep getting randomly snatched from the hallways to harmonise - and I think we're getting good. I have to admit that Blaine and Sebastian really do sing well together. It's our last rehearsal, we're skipping our last lessons and anyone with art work is setting it up in the hall. I'm so nervous, I really feel sick about performing in front of Dad with the Warblers.

"Okay, order!" Wes was smashing Gavella down onto the block harder than he normally did. The chattering Warblers fell silent. "This is it, and I think we're fine."

"I still think we should have done an impromptu." said David, looking a tad stressed. Wes glared at Sebastian.

"Well we would have if someone had learnt their part on time." Sebastian ignored the glaring, eyes zoned onto the large windows.

Kurt could have been imaging it, because he didn't like Sebastian, but he could have sworn that Sebastian had been acting very oddly all week. He didn't exactly look well, if his pale face was anything to go on, and he seemed to always be zoning out. He'd actually fallen over in their rehearsal yesterday because he'd been staring so hard at the wall. Kurt vaguely wondered whether he'd rattled him that much, but Sebastian didn't seem to be ignoring him more than anyone else, in particular.

Wes sighed, rolling his eyes, and giving Blaine a pointed look. Blaine shook his head, clearly indicating that he didn't know what was wrong with Sebastian anymore than the next person. Blaine did, however, look concerned rather than exasperated, which dashed Kurt's hopes that something had gone wrong between them.

"He's you boyfriend." said Wes, eventually breaking the staring match. "Can't you find out? I don't want anymore mess ups." Blaine rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

"You think I want mess ups? My dad is coming."

"Well, do something!" said Wes in an exasperated tone, flailing his arms around and smashing the gavel into Thad's forehead. Thad let out a cry as his chair toppled over backwards. The subsequent swearing, that was incredibly profuse and through and - Kurt could have sworn - contained some words that he didn't know, wasn't enough to jolt Sebastian from his fixated state. Wes was grimacing as David screwed his face up, and everyone else winced. Thad set his chair right, rubbing his forehead and procuring his middle finger for Wes. Wes gave him a brief apologetic look.

"My mistake." David moved to retrieve the gavel, and thus prevent any further injury, but Wes clutched it to his chest, hissing in a feral manner. Kurt stared at Wes, incredulously, whilst trying not to laugh too hard for fear of the gavel flying at his head again.

Blaine rolled his eyes and slid from his seat, walking over to Sebastian, and squatting before the older boy. Blaine patted his knee in an attempt to gain his attention.

"Bastian," he said in a soft tone. "what's wrong?" There was a long pause until Sebastian made any indication that he had heard Blaine.

Sebastian's gaze slid onto him. His eyes went into focus all of a sudden, as if Blaine's eyes right in front of him cleared everything up. There was a very intense pause as Sebastian stared into Blaine's face. Kurt, for some inexplicable reason, felt his heart beat fast all of a sudden. Sebastian reached out, his hands coming to rest on both of Blaine's cheeks. Blaine just stared back, completely calm and clearly trusting Sebastian with whatever he was doing.

Sebastian closed the distance between them in a flash. He surged to his feet, bringing Blaine with him. Blaine stumbled backwards, slightly, and Sebastian's right arm caught him instantly, holding against him, still locked at the lips. Kurt wasn't sure what to think or feel as Blaine's hands, that had shot upwards in surprise, came to rest upon Sebastian's shoulders.

Wes' gavel came down loudly, his face somewhere between shocked and amused. David's shoulders were shaking, Thad had pulled out his phone, Jeff and Nick were sniggering into each other's shoulders and Flint had a very blank face, and kept glancing at Nick who sat next to him. The rest looked mildly taken aback, but could also sort of see the funny side of it. Kurt knew that, as he screwed up his face, he felt insanely jealous.

Wes' banging gavel, each whack getting louder, didn't seem capable of stopping Sebastian from trying to inhale Blaine through his mouth (though that was just Kurt's personal opinion of what he was seeing) and in the end Wes looked like the only qualm he had about throwing it at Blaine and Sebastian was the possibility of damaging one of his leads when Blaine seemed to come to his senses and leapt backwards, colour rising up his neck and covering his face. Sebastian looked around, possibly a little annoyed.

"What?" he demanded. Wes' eyes went wide.

"What?" he screeched. "What? PDA, that's what!" Sebastian raised his eyebrow condescendingly whilst Blaine just hid his head in his hands.

"Wes, you have sex with your girlfriend in Crawford's pool." Wes turned red and threw his pen at Sebastian. David had clapped his hands over his ears, and Kurt choked on his breath. The rest of the Warblers looked torn between the hilarity of the situation and mortification.

"That's not the point!" he said, still blushing furiously. "The point is that you were kissing him." Sebastian rolled his eyes.

"He's my boyfriend."

"And you were ignoring Gavella." Sebastian sent his eyes to the ceiling once more. "She's hurt, I had to hit her so hard." Sebastian fixed Wes with his most intense, condescending, glare, and Wes just continued to pout back at him. "I want you to kiss her better." Blaine, still red from humiliation, snatched the gavel and kissed it quickly. He held it out to Sebastian who took it like it contained every disease in the world.

"I'm not kissing this," he said to Wes. "just because you masturbate whilst thinking of the gavel doesn't mean anyone else does." Great cries of protest went up around the room. Most people - Kurt included - covered their ears and let out "ewws!" at that mental image whilst Blaine smacked Sebastian, semi playfully, on the arm, and Wes doused Sebastian with his water in anger. Thad was the only person unaffected by the conversation, still on his phone.

"Oookaaay!" exclaimed David carefully, sliding the gavel to Wes when Sebastian had put it down on the table, and trying hard not to look grossed out. "Let's just practise our performance, shall we?" Kurt still had his nose wrinkled in disgust, but nodded enthusiastically with the rest, glad for the conversation to end as Wes kicked Thad's shins and the boy slipped away his phone.

I can't believe that Sebastian just kissed Blaine. Now that the others don't find it so funny anymore they keep glancing at me…I don't know how I feel. I mean, I know that I'm not going to go and breakdown in tears over it, but I can't help but wonder whether Sebastian was making a point; as far as staking claims on Blaine's go, that was pretty huge, especially as Blaine didn't protest at all. I guess it's just another crush that I'll have to deal with…I really thought my luck might be changing as well…


Blaine's mind was still in a state of numb shock. A meltdown approximately twice the size of Chernobyl seemed to have occurred inside his head when Sebastian's lips had met his. All rational thought failed, and he completely forgot where he was, or that there were about 15 other people in the room. He could just feel Sebastian's lips on his, their tongues intertwined, and Sebastian's body pressed to his.

He now stood in the foyer, surrounded by art, unable to comprehend what had happened. He didn't know what had caused Sebastian to just leap from his seat and kiss Blaine. Blaine wasn't complaining, though - far from it, because Sebastian was an excellent kisser, not that Blaine actually any previous experience. That fact had caused him several sleepless nights with panic attacks at the fear of Sebastian breaking up with him because of it. Even Thad's endless patience, which Blaine greatly admired seeing as he'd practically grown up with Nick, seemed to be wearing thin. In fact, he'd offered to kiss Blaine and tell him if he was a bad if it got him to shut up and allowed Thad to sleep. Blaine had been stunned into to silence for several minutes, before declining. He'd rolled over, and then sat back up, curiosity piqued, and asked if Thad had a girlfriend. The light had turned off, Thad had thrown a stress ball at the switch, and Blaine had giggled himself to sleep at the idea of Thad secretly dating one of the Crawford girls.

"Blaine," Blaine's mind slowly chugged into first gear as he looked at Nick who was grinning slyly at him. "are you in there?" Blaine shoved his friend.

"Shut up!" he said, shoving Nick's shoulder again.

"Blaine, you were brain dead, literally!" exclaimed Jeff, and Blaine squirmed at the knowing looks other people kept shooting him. He was getting a lot of nudges, winks and he was also dreading the moment when the news reached Keats. Really dreading. He'd have a panic attack about it, but his mind wasn't capable of moving so fast. Also, their parents were going to be here, and if there was one thing that Keats wasn't, it was stupid.

"What about Keats?" he asked in a murmur, noticing that Kurt was standing a couple of feet away with Juri, looking at Chris' exhibition. There were long looks exchanged, and then the others sighed.

"I guess this'll answer all our questions. If he's being honest, nothing ought to happen, if he's making it up…" David trailed off, pointed look on his face, and Blaine screwed up his face in annoyance. Blaine sighed, and glanced at Flint who was studying the pattern on the floor.

"Flint, are you okay?" Flint nodded. Blaine shot Nick a confused glance. The dark haired boy simply shrugged and turned to Thad.

"Is Aunty Hailey coming?" he asked, and his response was a nasty face that clearly read 'I-sincerely-hope-not'.

"I don't understand what your problem with your mum is." said David. "I mean I know she's…um, well, odd-" there were raised eyebrows "-but you still must love her." Thad gave him another look that read 'if-you-lived-with-her-you'd-understand'. Nick nodded.

"Seriously, she's terrible…" Nick shuddered. "I'm so glad that dad found out what was going on…" he shook his head, making a sick face. Blaine looked between the boys, having an inkling of what they were talking about, but also guessing that there was something more to it - neither boy talked about Thad's home life. However, Nick didn't seem to want to say anymore, and Thad never said anything anyway so they fell into an uncomfortable silence as they watched Kurt peruse the art with wide eyes, and Juri bounced along after him, being prevented from crashing into anything by Drew, who had a pained look on his face.

"So, which of your many relatives are coming?" asked Jeff turning to his roommate. David smiled.

"I know Katelyn and Rosanne are…and Todd should be. I'm not sure about Victor and Craig, but, obviously, Adam can't." David shrugged. "I don't really mind, I'm just- Daley's been texting me, along with Adam, and I'm really starting to get worried about mum." Blaine pulled on his blazer cuffs, as the others gave David sympathetic smiles.

"Are you going to spend New Year with her?" David shrugged.

"Don't know…I'll see how she is." he sighed, hands sinking into the grey trouser pockets. Jeff clapped him on the shoulder, squeezing it briefly, and giving him a tense smile.

"What about your mum?" Jeff rolled his eyes, and shook his head.

"You think my mum would come to a concert, Blaine? How long have known me for, again?" Blaine rolled his eyes.

"I thought she came last summer?" said Flint, looking confused. Jeff rolled his eyes.

"Yes, but only because she needed to speak to my teachers in person…" he shook his head. "She's far too busy." There was a long pause and then the other boys all nodded. Jeff rubbed his eyes in a tired fashion, and Kurt came running over to them, trailing Juri and Drew.

"This is amazing!" he exclaimed, and Blaine had to laugh at the light in his eyes. "When does the concert start?"

…'cause I really want to see dad, and for him to see that I'm really fine at Dalton, crude comments and heartbreak aside.

Blaine glanced at his watch, yawning slightly, and blinking.

"Parents should be arriving soon, we should be moving to the stage, actually, you need to get your crest." Kurt's eyes lit up further at the mention of the crest, the one thing that was preventing him from performing a solo.

"Great!" he exclaimed, rubbing his palms together. Blaine put his hand in his pocket, clenching around the small box that contained his scholarship crest. The silence that had befallen them was mildly awkward because, for some reason, nobody seemed to inclined to move.

Kurt looked between the boys, sensing that something was wrong. Drew had vanished with Juri, muttering something about finding Chris and apologising, and Kurt wondered what was wrong. Nobody looked that happy, whilst Kurt was internally ecstatic. He was looking forward to seeing his father, and Carole and Finn, and maybe the New Directions because Finn had said that there would be some "surprise" guests.

"Are you guys okay?" They all shrugged as one, no one sure whether they were "okay". Nick let out a long sigh.

"I wish dad was coming, not fucking Tristan;… "why haven't you got a solo?" "your academics are terrible" "you're a failure"…" Kurt raised an eyebrow at Nick as he mimicked someone in a high-pitched voice.

"Is that your…"

"Step-dad, unfortunately." Kurt nodded as there was nothing he could say to that, in all honesty, and he was beginning to feel more and more awkward in the presence of the unhappy looking boys.

"So, um, who is your dad?" They had all made a unanimous decision to begin walking to the hall, and Kurt felt the strong need to start up conversation again. Therefore, he'd allowed his curiosity in regards to what Nick had said at lunch take over. Nick gave him a confused look before rolling his eyes.

"Do you know the author P. J. Croiser?" Kurt raised an eyebrow at him, semi-condescending, clearly asking who hadn't heard of P. j. Croiser, who was almost as successful as J. K. herself.

"Of course, everyone has. I mean, even I've read One Night." There were raised eyebrows from the boys.

"You've read One Night?" asked Nick, in disbelief. Kurt nodded.

"It's a good book, despite the excessive amount of violence…it's the characters that I like. It's why I read The Guide, too." There were a couple of raised eyebrows.

"Do you watch the TV show?" asked David in interest, Kurt nodded, mouth falling open as he remembered that it was David's dad who directed the main bulk of the episodes, and that he was directing the film adaptation of One Night.

"Your dad is P. J. Croiser?" demanded Kurt, staring at Nick in open-mouthed wonder. Nick gave him a smirk in response. A look of sheer wonder continued to sit upon his face as they others chuckled. "But I thought he was, like, sixty-something!" Nick grinned at him, his perfect white teeth showing.

"Yeah, he is… he was…fifty-three when he had me." Kurt raised his eyebrows, calculating that Nick's father must be about sixty-eight, sixty-nine, almost seventy, older than Kurt had thought.

"Wow…" he said, slowly, not really sure what to say and feeling a tad awkward about bringing the subject up. Searching around inside his head for a way to change the conversation, he landed on the other thing he'd suddenly noticed. "Dalton's really posh." They nodded as one.

"You won't have noticed, yet, but just about everyone here as rich and/or famous and/or important and/or influential families." Kurt raised an eyebrow at Blaine, not quite having pictured Dalton as quite such an elitist school - despite the high tuition fees - because of it's strict zero tolerance policy. However, he seemed to be quite wrong.

"So, wait, even you too?" He looked at Blaine in a beseeching manner, begging him to say no as he was beginning to feel a bit out of place. Blaine nodded.

"I fall into the "rich" category; my dad's a specialist lawyer." Kurt nodded, thinking that he could handle that.

"Yeah, the only exception is Thad's mum." Kurt looked at the silent boy, who possibly looked mildly queasy.

"So, what does Thad's mum do?" The other boys laughed whilst Thad fixed his gaze, pointedly, in the opposite direction. "What?"

"Erm, well, Thad's mum – dear Aunty Hailey – is a prostitute." Kurt gaped at the boy whose ears had turned faintly pink.

"What? Actually?" Thad nodded, and Nick snickered under his breath, shaking his head.

"I'll never forget the time we tried to prank her whilst she "worked"…no seven year old needs to see that, I swear we were traumatised…" Kurt's mouth fell open further, all thought of famous families, or worry about not fitting in, forgotten.

"She-she brings…"customers" to your house!" Thad nodded, again, ears still flushed. Kurt blinked at him once more, silently deciding to not ask about his father, before he cleared his throat as they stepped into the hall.

Kurt's mouth fell open again. The hall looked completely different. Gone was the stage and raised seating, and in it's place was a lower platform for performance and lots of round tables with chairs. Kurt cast his eyes up, noting the circle seating remained but numerous chandeliers had been added to the ceiling as most of the stage lights had been taken down. He gawped at the transformations, not sure whether to believe his eyes.

Just when I think I've gotten my head around it all…I thought learning about David's family was bad, but they're all rich…and Thad's mum! I can't believe that, but…wow, and what they've done to the hall! It's incredible! I feel so…the concert feels so important! I never felt like that at McKinley…I'll make sure I tell dad that.

"How…?" demanded Kurt, eyes travelling back around the hall. The other boys chuckled and nodded.

"Pretty neat, huh?" Kurt nodded, dumbstruck, allowing the others to guide him to wherever they wanted to go.

"Why?" he asked, not bothered his original question had not been answered. The others shrugged.

"Not really sure," said Blaine. "but it's probably because this is one of the few times parents come to Dalton; it's not just a concert, but a chance to talk to teachers and "build connections" with other parents-"

"-and your kid," added Jeff. "but that doesn't work if they don't come." Kurt swallowed, detecting the bitterness in Jeff's voice.

"So, um, when will I get my crest?" The boys looked at each other, and then glanced around the room.

"Um," said Blaine, blinking slightly. "whenever Sebastian - wherever he is - turns up; he has your crest."

"We should put ours on," said Nick, looking around again. "before we run into Mrs Daniels." The others nodded, and Kurt watched as they drew the crests from their breast pockets and fixed them to their left lapel. They then proceeded to fix other pins below that. Kurt eyed them; noting one which had a yellow bird on what looked - to Kurt - like the end of an arrow shaft with two semi-quavers beside it's tail. Blaine also had one which was Football posts with a ball between them, another was a football with two clashing boots above it, and the other two were a punch bag with boxing gloves by the side and a fencing mask with an epee across it. The others had a similar collection of pins, but Thad had three shields as well. One was the house crest of Franklin, and the two were the crest blazoned with an ink pot and quill and a quaver.

"Kurt!" Kurt spun around and saw the entire New Directions, minus Lauren but including Mr Schue, and his dad and Carole, hurrying towards him. He let out a laugh of pleasant surprise and ran over to them. He threw his arms around his step-brother, and then Mercedes, hugging his best friend tightly. When she released him the happy New Directions mobbed him. Kurt hugged Mr Schue, glad to see his teacher again, and then hugged Carole and his father.

"You okay, son?" asked Burt, eyeing his son up and down, trying to assess his state. Kurt smiled at his dad, happily, having had one of his best weeks at Dalton.

"I'm fine, dad," he said, smile still in place. "really." his friends came over, hands in their trouser pockets and trying to look casual.

"Hey Blaine." said Finn, raising a hand in greeting.

"Hello Finn." greeted Blaine, nodding at Kurt's step-brother. The New Direction boys squared up to the Warblers and the girls looked slightly awkward as the last time they'd met Blaine had exploded.

"Hi," said David, stepping up to Blaine' shoulder. "I don't think we've been introduced." Kurt went a little pink under Blaine's pointed stare, and hurriedly introduced all his friends to each other. He was just searching for another topic of conversation when Sebastian arrived.

"Kurt, there you are." he said, reaching in his pocket. "You need your crest, and Blaine I think I saw your sisters." Blaine paled, rapidly, and David patted his shoulder. "Daley said your step-dads might be late, by the way David." David rolled his eyes, but nodded anyway. "Anyway, Kurt, come here." Kurt walked over to Sebastian, and Sebastian withdrew a red velvet box from his pocket and clipped the crest onto Kurt's blazer. "Welcome to Franklin." he said, possibly dryly, stepping back as he was given a brief round of applause. "Blaine." Blaine pulled out his scholarship crest.

"There," he said, attaching the same crest with a quaver as Thad bore onto Kurt's lapel. "you're really one of us."

"Which means you better put these on before Mrs Daniels sees you." Kurt caught the two pin boxes and saw the Warbler pin and two pompoms with crossed tassels. "Put the Warbler one on first." added Sebastian, and Kurt nodded, carefully attacking the pins.

"Blaine," said Wes, appearing from nowhere. "I don't want to alarm you, but your dad is marching around looking for-"

"Blaine!" came two excited cries, and they all looked around to see two blonde heads come sprinting towards them. Blaine grinned and ran towards them, almost bowling them to the ground as he caught them in a hug. Kurt watched, interested, as the two blonde girls detached from him, and Blaine hugged a blonde woman who couldn't be much older than thirty-three.

"And here comes- oh god!" Nick had been staring at two tall men, but his gaze was diverted to a thirty year old woman in ridiculous high heels, a mini skirt and a tight-fitting top with a close cut leather jacket, striding towards Thad. Thad paled as eyebrows were raised, and Kurt caught Flint's arm.

"How- how old is she?" Flint turned a pained face to Kurt.

"Thirty."

"But- but…"

"We know." he muttered as Thad gulped, and Nick shoved him forward. A look that was the perfect hybrid of terrified and petrified covered his face as he greeted his mum, and led her away. Nick shook his head as eyes turned to follow her.

"Squirt, you ain't grown!" Kurt's eyes flew back to Blaine, and felt his mouth drop open. Cooper Anderson was swinging his arm around Blaine's shoulder, and Blaine had a pained look of amusement on his face. Cooper Anderson was Blaine's brother!

"Shocking, huh?" said Jeff with a smirk, taking in Kurt's stunned face, and the squeaks and gawks of the New Directions.

"I-I-oh my god! He's so- I can't believe that! I'm so- I can't believe he's here!" There were chuckles from the other boys.

"You haven't seen anything yet." promised David. "That is just a warm-up." Kurt swallowed, remembering that two stars from Chokehold would be descending on the building.

"Davey!" came the cry, and Rachel squealed out loud as Rosanne Watters shoved Mr Anderson out of the way, and David ran into her arms as Katelyn swept in on his other side. Kurt was sure his eyes were deceiving him. The warning didn't prepare him for seeing them. His heart leapt into his mouth as Cooper looked at him, and Katelyn moved over to hug Jeff, Nick and Flint. Rosanne was smiling at Cooper and Blaine, and David pulled Kurt over.

"Katelyn, Rosanne, this is my new friend, Kurt, he's a big fan." The two women shook his shaking hand with smiles on their faces, clearly use to rendering boys speechless.

"It's such an honour to meet you." he stuttered out, voice high from suppressed shock, excitement and laughter. Their conversation was put on hold, though, by the loud voice of Blaine's father.

"…loosing your scholarship, absolutely disgraceful!"

"But, dad-"

"I'm in half a mind to pull you out!"

"Elliot!"

"You know what, you're coming back to Chicago with us-" Kurt felt his eyebrow rise at the mention of the Windy City having assumed Blaine was from Ohio. "-and we're never setting foot in the this state again!"

"And they say I'm into dramatics!" The conversation - or rather argument - was cut short by the sound of crying. Kurt saw that the elder of the blonde children - somewhere in the back of his mind he recalled her name was Anna - had her hands over her face, crying. She flung herself onto her father's leg, closely followed by Megan, and they began to wail about how much they hated arguments. His concern, which had flared quickly, was abated by the smirks on people's faces, including Emily's, and he realised they were faking.

"Now, what's all this crying about?" Kurt thought he would actually faint when Victor Stark and Craig Malloy, accompanied by a man he could only assume was Todd Sommers, stepped up behind Blaine, and David let out an excited cry, running into the three of them. Jeff patted his shoulder, chuckling, under his breath as David stepped back and the actors waved down at the suddenly cheerful looking girls.

"Guys, you have to-" whatever David was going to say, Kurt was only vaguely registering it as his mind continued to hum with shock, was cut off by the reappearance of a terse looking Sebastian.

"We're performing; now." he said, and, right on cue, a bell began to sound through the hall. Kurt straightened his jacket, fixed his tie self-consciously, and got grins from the other boys.

"You'll be amazing." said Rachel, and Kurt noticed that the faces of the New Directions were shining with anticipation, even though they'd already seen the Warblers perform.

"Kurt, stage, now." Kurt looked away from the New Directions to the Warblers who were all standing by Sebastian, and Kurt knew that he was meant to jump to attention as Sebastian was head boy. He hurried over to their side and they beckoned him over to the stage. The last things that Kurt saw, before he was ushered onto the stage was a man and a woman hurry in and sit by Thad's mum, and Keats, staring past his father's head, and smiling up at Kurt.

Kurt took a deep breath, and looked at Wes who was near his shoulder. Wes gave him an easy, winning smile, reaching forward to clap a hand onto his shoulder. Kurt felt strangely reassured by the gesture because he'd not really had a proper conversation with the older boy.

"Take it easy, Kurt, you'll be fine." Kurt gave him a smile and lowered his head as the curtain was raised and he lowered his head, counting down to when they ought to begin to sing;

Bum bum be-dum bum bum be-dum bum

The Warblers were under one concentrated spotlight as they began to the familiar harmony as they bounced up and down in time to the music. Kurt could feel his heart going crazy as he moved in time to Edward's beat.

What's wrong with me?

Why do I feel like this?

I'm going crazy now

Sebastian's voice was played over the speaker system. It was digitally altered to sound slightly creepy, and people twisted around in their seats to try and work out where it was coming from. Kurt could feel the excitement picking up in the room.

No more gas in the rig

The Warblers split and let Blaine stride down the middle. He had a show smile on his face that was still capable of stopping Kurt's heart as he came to stand by his side.

Can't even get it started

The Warblers gave a reply to Blaine, doing in an independent routine to Blaine by crossing their arms in front of them and then jumping, knees high, and dropped their arms by their sides.

Nothing heard, nothing said

Can't even speak about it

He could see the New Directions grinning at him as he slid out from behind Nick, back to Blaine's side as Blaine shot him a small smile, and Kurt just kept thinking about the notes.

All my life on my head

Don't want to think about it

Feels like I'm going insane, yeah

It's a thief in the night

To come and grab you

Sebastian appeared from behind Mrs Daniel's chair, making the deputy head jump into the air, as he prowled around the back and Hammonds laughed.

It can creep up inside you

And consume you

Sebastian was stalking around the hall, appearing behind people's chairs, and ghosting over their heads, severely freaking them out as he leaned and then away, controlling the volume of his voice perfectly.

A disease of the mind

It can control you

It's too close for comfort

The only New Direction who didn't jump when Sebastian passed their table was Santana, who just shot the soloist a scornful look. Kurt could have sworn that his incredibly creepy expression twitched, as he smirked at her, before continuing to look like some sort of psychopathic mass-murderer.

Throw on your brake lights

We're in the city of wonder

Blaine ran towards Sebastian, jumping the step down to the hall floor as Sebastian dashed around the tables to the empty, level, space at the front. Their voices were strong together, and Kurt could see that Blaine had eyes for no one but Sebastian.

Ain't gonna play nice

Watch out, you might just go under

Better think twice

Your train of thought will be altered

So if you must falter be wise

Kurt had to admit, as he continued to dance and sway in complete sync with the main bulk of Warblers, that their performance was startling him slightly. He'd gotten the impression, as Blaine had gnawed on his lip most evenings in the common room and talked out loud, that he was terrified of his father. It was kind of weird, therefore - for Kurt - that he danced and sung with such freedom. It was like he'd forgotten everything…

Your mind is in disturbia

It's like the darkness is the light

Disturbia

Am I scaring you tonight?

Disturbia

Ain't used to what you like

DisturbiaD

isturbia

He caught sight of the New Directions, clapping along, and caught Rachel's eyes. She rolled them at him, and mouthed the word "smile!", indicating to her mouth and giving him a huge show grin. He almost rolled his eyes, but realised that he probably did look a little too serious, and pulled a grin onto his face, letting himself feel excited again.

Bum bum be-dum bum bum be-dum bum

He followed Wes off the stage, keeping his torso bent forward, head up, arms hanging by his side and skipping with his knees as high as he could without kicking himself. He fell into place next to Wes, grinning back at his friend as Sebastian and Blaine turned around and dashed back onto the stage.

Release me from this curse I'm in

The spotlights swooped back onto the two boys as Sebastian took the main vocal line, and the heads of all the Warblers turned to stare at them as he put a fake look of pleading.

Trying to maintain but I'm struggling

Blaine had an apologetic look on his face as he shrugged, skip in his step as backed away from Sebastian across the stage.

You can't go, go, go

Sebastian thrust his finger at Blaine with a dramatic expression and a daring expression on his face, and Kurt had to admit that he could act.

I think I'm going to oh, oh, oh

Blaine had a childish grin on his face as he skipped off the stage and weaved through the Warblers that were assembled on the ground.

Throw on your brake lights

We're in the city of wonder

Sebastian "pushed" Jeff and David apart. Both boys did flips, and then jumped, arms bent so that their hands were near their face, fingers splayed, and leg furthest from the soloist bent, and back leg straight.

Ain't gonna play nice

Watch out, you might just go under

The two boys landed, and tucked into a roll. Lying on their backs they bent their legs and pushed themselves up and over with their arms, and Kurt had to marvel at their gymnastic ability, something he was sure had somehow improved since their practise earlier that day.

Better think twice

Your train of thought will be altered

So if you must falter be wise

Your mind is in disturbia

It's like the darkness is the light

Disturbia

Am I scaring you tonight

Disturbia

Ain't used to what you like

Disturbia

Slowly, in twos, the Warblers hopped back onto the stage with spins and leaps. Kurt, one of the last people to go back onto the stage, took a run up and did a handspring, landing on stage to the whoops and cheers of the New Directions. Wes just did a tuck jump, and then Blaine and Sebastian ran on as one, spinning in the air, and facing the audience with smiles as it came to the end of the song.

Bum bum be-dum bum bum be-dum bum

The song came to an end and the hall erupted into applause. They took a bow, and Kurt was shocked to find that his legs were shaking. He stumbled off the stage, knees slightly weak, and he felt hands collide with his back in congratulations. He felt completely exhilarated; god how he'd missed performing on stage. God how he'd missed performing full stop. He took a couple of deep breaths as he saw Blaine and Sebastian hugging and laughing into each other's faces. He swallowed, not wanting his high state of happiness to be ruined, and turned in time to see Nick bounding into him, almost knocking him flat.

"You did, Kurtsie, you did your performance and now you can si-ng!" Kurt raised an eyebrow at the high note that Nick produced, and everyone turned to look at him. There was a cough and Kurt saw that Juri was standing there, horn in hand, waiting to go on stage. Kurt felt excitement flair up inside of him, glad that he finally got a chance to hear his friend play, and gladly filed out of the side of the stage and dashed to his seat next to his father as Juri finished tuning, and raised his eyes to meet someone's in the crowd. Twisting his body, Kurt could see that Juri held the gaze of a man who was around fifty and had the same piercing, electrical, eyes as Juri. Kurt guessed that he was his father and watched the man's expression change as Juri raised the mouthpiece to his lips and began to play.

Kurt was stunned into an open-mouthed stupor within the first couple of seconds. He was playing something - Kurt had honestly just forgotten - but Kurt didn't care about that because it was so beautiful. He cared that Juri was playing with a sort of…mournfulness, a longing that Kurt could not believe was coming from his cheerful friend. Juri always had a smile on his face; be it a sheepish one because he'd crashed into something, or a happy one because he was naturally excitable. The most incredible thing, though, was the way that Kurt, himself, was feeling it. It reminded him of quiet days and silent nights after his mum died, of trips to the cemetery, of loneliness as he got older and realised he'd never fit in, of multitudinous crowds of nameless people that all didn't care, of his first night at Dalton when he'd been adrift in a sea of helplessness, anger and loneliness.

Looking around the hall Kurt saw that most of the occupants were similarly moved - to a state of having tears in their eyes - by the music. He noticed that most of the New Directions looked somewhere between amazed and flabbergasted, and guessed that they, too, had never been this touched by a piece of music that was so old it made Mr Schue look modern, or that had no words. The older students, who had all heard Juri play before, still looked moved, but were also grinning in a way that suggested they hadn't thought he could do anything new. However, not everyone was paying as close attention as Fred - he'd fallen off his seat twice - and Kurt actually had to clench his fists when saw that Parker's hearing aide was off, and that Vince seemed to have already dozed off. Keats was watching Kurt, not Juri - something which made him a little self-conscious and had also captured his dad's attention - but he glanced away when his eyes met Kurt's.

The first half of the concert flew by in a continuous stream of music; be it the jaunty jig Mac had played, the medley of theme tunes the brass ensemble had produced, Travis' operatic performance or the canon that finished the first half from the chamber orchestra, and Kurt was amazed by every performance. He had never really thought about it before, but everyone was not just clever and rich, but also talented. His brain seemed to have been melted into a puddle by the sheer awesomeness of the music.

This is amazing! I can't believe how good everyone who performs in these things are. I'm not a fan of classical music, but I'd pay good money to hear this. Like, really, good money.


"Dude," said Finn, standing up and stretching. "that was epic!" Kurt grinned at his step-brother, who, like him, had been completely blown away by the whole event. "Like, totally, epic! I mean, I don't like classical stuff, but that guy on the horn…and the singer…" He shook his head in disbelief. "I mean, how did he do that, seriously?"

"I believe Travis has had classical training." Kurt jumped off the ground when he heard Keats' voice, his hand flew over his chest.

"Jesus, Keats, you scared me!" Kurt turned to look at the wavy haired boy with a soft smile, eyes rolling slightly in a faintly amused gesture. Keats smiled, softly, eyes still so calm, and held up his hands.

"I'm sorry." Kurt let out another stop, still smiling at him, and his family shifted, coughing. "Hello, Mr Hummel, um, Mrs Hummel, Finn."

"Hey," said Finn, raising a hand, looking just a touch awkward. "nice to see you…" Keats nodded, polite smile still in place, and Kurt gently took Keats' hand, not feeling at all awkward about the gesture, and pulled him over to the other table.

"This is the New Directions," he said, making a sweeping gesture with his arm. Keats smiled at them all, and some of the girls - he thought that it was Tina and Rachel - giggled a little, and Santana winked at him. Keats blinked in confusion.

"Um…hello, it's nice to meet you all."

"Ignore Santana," said Kurt, having caught sight out the action. "she's Satan, in disguise." Keats nodded, a small grin appearing on his face.

"I see, which vision of the Devil are we going for?…'cause I'm seeing Liz Hurley, but not Mark Pellegrino or Jared Padalecki." Most of the boys laughed at that.

"Oh, you watch Supernatural?" questioned Artie, and Keats nodded. Kurt stared at the boy, not picturing gore as his thing, but let him fall into a good-natured conversation with other members of the New Directions anyway.

"You're at quite a school, Kurt." said Mr Schue with a smile. "You're talent's in very good hands." Kurt grinned up at his teacher, glad that his talent was finally being acknowledged. "I'm a little surprised, though, that you weren't up there." Kurt rolled his eyes.

"I couldn't." he explained. "I needed this." he said, tapping to the crest on his lapel. "but I've got it now, so you should be very worried about your chances at Regionals."

"Oh, believe me, I am…there are only two benefits, that I can see, of your voice; one, Sue might loose cheerleading, and, two, we might just topple Vocal Adrenaline." Kurt nodded, smiling at the thought of his two biggest rivals being crushed.

"Keaton!" the loud voice of Senator Powers boomed through the hall, ripping through all the conversations and stopping Kurt's reply on his lips. Keats winced, his shoulders hunching slightly and the light dimming in his grey eyes.

"Better run." he muttered, shaking his head and looking around as if he was about to cross a road before darting off in the crowd of adults and students.

"Kurt," his dad had reappeared and had a rather amused look in his eyes that made Kurt just a tad uneasy. "I've just been speaking to some of your teachers." Kurt groaned, mind cycling through who it could have been and hoping that it hadn't been Mrs Daniel, Professor Lloyd or Luc.

"Which ones?" he asked, cautiously.

"A Mr Sutherland and Mr Hartfield, they tell me you've made some interesting friends." Kurt groaned at the thought of Trinity, who had been suspiciously inconspicuous this evening now that Kurt thought about it. Burt's lips quirked in amusement at the thoroughly exasperated expression on his son's face.

"They're insane." explained Kurt. "I don't know why, but they like me…and I somehow like them…" Burt clapped a hand down on his shoulder.

"They told me you were doing well in your lessons, Mr Sutherland certainly likes you-" Kurt rolled his eyes because Mr Sutherland liked everyone, especially Trinity. "And you seem to be making a lot of friends…I'm glad." Kurt rolled his eyes.

"I told you everything was fine." Burt nodded.

"I know, but I'm your dad, it's my job to worry over you." Kurt smiled, nodding, and looking around the room, catching a glimpse of Juri chattering to his father at a million miles an hour, Nick with his fingers in his ears, David and the others being mobbed by excited fans, and Flint and Jeff sitting on the stage looking grouchy.

Looks like some people didn't get told about that job…

"Hey, Kurt." Blaine had wandered over, biting his lip a little bit, and Kurt knew that it was almost his turn to perform. The interval, brief as it had been, was almost at an end, and Blaine was the third performance of the second half, the first two being the concert band and Braden on the cello.

"Hi." he said, smiling at him whilst the New Direction ladies giggled slightly. "You were really good." Blaine went slightly red remembering the performance, and shook his head.

"Yes…anyway, can you listen to what I'm going to sing?" Kurt blinked, eyes going slightly wide at the question.

"Err, yes, of course." Blaine gave him a slight smile.

"Good…thank you…it's- not all of it, but most of it…" he seemed to become tongue tied and shook his head, pink in the face. "Yeah, I need to go." he said, dashing away, still blushing. The New Direction girls began to laugh harder.

"Shut up!" he exclaimed, snatching up the programme and whacking at the girls. "It's not like that! Blaine's my friend, he doesn't like me like that!" The girls continued to giggle, and Kurt just crossed his arms and huffed as the lights began to dim around the stage and lit up the concert band that sat on the stage, ready to play. Warren Gallagher stood up and began to tune the group, hands clenched around his flute.

Kurt was glad that he didn't have to wait long to hear Blaine play because his stomach was knotting together in a painful manner. He knew what Blaine was singing, it was the first thing he'd looked for in the programmes, and kind of knew what it would be because it had been sounding through Franklin for a week, but Kurt wandered just what Blaine wanted him to take away from it. He didn't know the song overly well, and he hadn't looked it up because he'd been looking forward to Blaine performing it properly, and changing it, like he had done with Love Song.

Kurt felt a tiny smile appearing on his face as Blaine patted Braden on the back as the cellist left the stage, and Blaine walked on, guitar in hand. Kurt blinked, not having known that Blaine could play the guitar, and watched him sit down on the stool, eyes nervously flicking to his family who sat at their own table. His step-mum and half-sisters looked excited, Cooper bored and his father had a blank stare that Kurt guessed meant he was reserving judgement.

Blaine began to the play the intro, gently strumming the guitar, and keeping his eyes fixed on his hands. He had his head bowed, one foot resting on the floor, and the other on the stool. He looked completely composed, and Kurt felt his heart flip as Blaine looked up.

This town is colder now, I think it's sick of us

Kurt felt his heart stop as Blaine's eyes met his. There was an utter, deep, sadness in them and Kurt didn't even need to think about what Blaine was singing about because it was exactly how Kurt felt about McKinley. That strange feeling when the bullying just got worse. How it always been bad, but then, for some reason, it had gotten worse.

It's time to make our move, I'm shakin off the rust

I've got my heart set on anywhere but here

Kurt had to blink back tears at the powerful memories that it forced to the front of his mind. Days coming home from school, washing his ruined clothes, and just going on the computer, scouring the internet for a different school. A school that was fair. That treated gay people right. A school that was not McKinley.

I'm staring down myself, counting up the years

And even after he'd found Dalton, and he'd found how expensive it was. It had still been that waiting game. That motion of counting out each day. Promising that himself that he only had so many days left, but it was so long. He had had years left…

Steady hands, just take the wheel...

And every glance is killing me

It had hurt, not just the shoving into the lockers, and the slushees and the insults, but the stares. The people that just stared. That stood by and did nothing when he was slammed against a locker. That didn't help him as his books were scattered, when he fell to floor. That just watched.

Time to make one last appeal... for the life I lead

It felt like that when Coach Sylvester had called him into her office to tell him that the board of governors had overturned Karofsky's expulsion. It was like he had to appeal for his right to be gay. To live life the way that he wanted to, to be who he was.

Stop and stare

I think I'm moving but I go nowhere

Looking into Blaine's eyes, because they were still fixed on his, he saw that Blaine understood all of this. That this was what he'd gone through, like Blaine understood that feeling that Kurt had had to experience everything all over again. That he knew how he felt to run from something, and then experience it again.

Yeah I know that everyone gets scared

But I've become what I can't be, oh

Blaine knew how it felt to try and stay strong, to want to be strong when you just feel weak, and a coward. How hard it was to keep your head up and not let them win.

Stop and stare

You start to wonder why you're here not there

And you'd give anything to get what's fair

But fair ain't what you really need

Blaine looked away from Kurt, sure that the other boy had picked up on his message, and looked at Sebastian. Sebastian, who was standing near the wings, gave a light snort and Blaine gave him a half smile in return. Sebastian eventually nodded, saying that he understood the point Blaine was trying to make, and Blaine dipped his head in acknowledgement.

Oh, can you see what I see

Blaine looked away from Sebastian, and focused in on his family. Anna was smiling at him, brushing the hair that kept falling her face away. Emily had Meg sitting in her lap, and Meg was clapping along, even though it wasn't really that kind of song. Emily was nodding at him, smiling encouragingly. Blaine flicked his eyes to Cooper and was shocked by what he saw.

His brother looked impressed. Blaine had to focus on the lyrics and the chords to keep his focus as his mind spun at the revelation. Cooper never looked impressed. Blaine was never good enough for him. Had it really been so long since Cooper had heard him sing? Had he really improved that much? Had Cooper changed? He'd seemed a little different, but… He shook his head mildly. It was strange, but not unwelcome, after all he'd sort his brother's praise for years, for as long as he could remember.

His father was the hardest to read. His face wasn't precisely blank, but he didn't quite look impressed or proud. Then again, his father had stopped being proud of him years ago. That being said, he wasn't angry, or annoyed, or disgusted. Blaine had no idea whether he was making progress or not. It made him nervous, and he almost stumbled over the chords he was meant to be playing. He just had to stay focused and finish the song.

Stop and stare

I think I'm moving but I go nowhere

Yeah I know that everyone gets scared

But I've become what I can't be

Oh, do you see what I see...

He let out a long breath when he came to the end, sweating profusely under the spotlights, and staring at his dad, trying to have tell him that he couldn't change. That he was who he was. Blaine wasn't sure he'd presented his point well, though, but he got up and bowed, feeling the guitar slip in his sweaty palm and gave Aaron a high-five as the boy ran on to play the piano.

Sebastian pulled him into the folds of the curtain as the keys began to tinkle in a lively manner, telling them that Aaron had set about playing. Blaine set down his guitar in the stand that Sebastian had brought for him, allowing Sebastian to keep one arm wound around his waist.

"So, I see that you've taken to delivering me messages through song." he said in a whisper so as not to disrupt the recital that was being given. Blaine smirked at him.

"You're not good at listening." Sebastian narrowed his eyes at Blaine, possibly insulted but probably more amused at Blaine.

"Touche, Blaine, touche…However, two may play a game." Blaine felt his face fall, slightly worried by the smirk on Sebastian's face.

"Bastian…" he said, worriedly. "What are you planning?"

"Nothing Blaine." he said, patting him on the head as if he were five. Blaine scowled up at him, wishing he'd looked at the programme and found out what Sebastian was planning to sing. Blaine didn't really have anything to say to Sebastian after that, still mildly worried about what he was planning. Blaine opened his mouth to demand to know something more about what ever Sebastian was going to do, but was silenced by the presence of Sebastian's mouth over his.

Blaine was sure that he was never going to be able to get use to the sensation of being kissed. It was heart attack inducing because, unlike last time where it had stopped out of shock, it was beating at a wild pace, attempting to break free from his rib cage. Blaine was fairly sure that the rushing in his head, the way it seemed to spin around and around, was going to leave him dizzy and close to fainting. All strength went from his legs, and he needed Sebastian's arms around his waist to hold him upright.

He broke for air when his lungs burnt for air, but the rest of his body - despite being sent haywire by the physical contact - cried to be pressed against Sebastian's again, to be as close to one as they could be. He breathed deeply, trying to control himself. However, he couldn't control the slight moan that escaped his lips as Sebastian leant backwards, creating a greater distance between them. Sebastian smirked at the power he held over Blaine, and Blaine's worries and insecurities just melted into nothing when Sebastian leant back in, hands pulling him upwards, and kissed him again.

An awkward cough broke them apart. Blaine, whose mind had been occupying some distant world in which he and Sebastian skipped through bright fields hand in hand, turned around quickly. Aaron was standing there, looking very awkward with the situation, and clearly wishing that he'd walked off the other way. Blaine felt the flush creep up his neck as Aaron just stared at them for the longest time, and the Wind Quintet began to play in the background.

Eventually, another cough caused Blaine to glance back over Sebastian's shoulder, and saw Mrs Daniels standing behind him and Sebastian. Sebastian cursed under his breath, and Blaine could feel the blush intensifying. Mrs Daniels had an incredibly stern look on her face, and her nostrils flared in a manner that suggested that it was taking a lot of self control for her not to start shouting at them. Instead she beckoned Blaine towards her imperiously, and, with one final look at Sebastian who was suppressing a smirk, Blaine followed her out of the wings and to the edge of the hall. With a pointed look, Mrs Daniels indicated that he should go sit with his family, and, face still burning, Blaine hurried over to them, the eyes of quite a lot of people following him.

Blaine flopped down into a seat next to Cooper, who raised his eyebrows as Blaine just hid his head in his hands. He knew that his dad was giving him a disapproving look, and Emily was confused, but Blaine was so humiliated. He couldn't believe he'd let Mrs Daniels catch them, well, snogging. He couldn't believe that they hadn't heard her, the woman wore ridiculous heels that made an even more ridiculous amount of noise.

Worse, she was probably going to put him and Sebastian in a load of detentions for breaking her sacred rules, which just sucked because Blaine was already under house arrest. Blaine just hoped that he got a chance to introduce Sebastian to his dad before Mrs Daniels decided to come over and tell his father all about his "unacceptable" and "unbecoming" behaviour. He just hoped that she didn't mention the house arrest to him. God, if his dad found out he was under house arrest… Blaine might as well just go and jump off a bridge because his dad would be furious.

The worry that began to fill Blaine as he sat and watch Pedro dance around as he played the marimba - a sight that might have normally caused him to laugh - and Francis drop his bassoon onto Luc's foot as Luc brought on a stand for him, and apologised and apologised until Luc stuffed the reed into Francis' mouth, was terrifying. He was beginning to get worried, not just about Sebastian's performance, but about what would happen after. About telling his father about Sebastian, about what Mrs Daniels might say, what Cooper might say to him…

As always with Blaine, the thoughts and feelings took over at an alarming pace. It was beginning to clog up his chest, that tight feeling of terror that made it difficult to breathe, and he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to not have a panic attack. On instinct he looked around for his closest friend, and spotted Nick and Thad slumped at a table nearby, both looking annoyed with their respective parents. This reassured Blaine a little bit because the two of them were always good when he had a panic attack. Nick was good at calming him down, and Thad was a good listener. He took several deep breaths, and closed his eyes, missing Sebastian walking on stage.

The familiar introduction caused his eyes to fly open. He stared at Sebastian who was sat on stage with an electric guitar, staring out at the audience. Blaine felt his chest tighten. Please don't sing to me, he thought, please don't!

Beauty queen of only eighteen

She had some trouble with herself

He was always there to help her

She always belonged to someone else

Blaine felt his mouth drop open when he saw that Sebastian was looking directly at someone else in the audience, and twisted around to see that he held the gaze of a startled looking Keats. Blaine blinked, was Sebastian apologising? Was he listening to Blaine?

I drove for miles and miles

And wound up at your door

He'd turned away from Keats, and met Blaine's eyes. Blaine gulped, slightly, trying hard not to colour up as most people looked at him as Sebastian sang directly at him.

I've had you so many times

But somehow I want more

He noted the slightly humours glint in Sebastian's eyes, probably thinking back to all the times when people told them they were an item when they weren't, and Blaine tried to ignore his brother's amused look, Emily's smile and his father's clenching and unclenching fists.

I don't mind spending every day

Out on your corner in the pouring rain

Blaine let out an incredulous sigh, a small smile at the ridiculousness of the situation creeping onto his features. He rolled his eyes, shaking his head. Sebastian, who hated romance and told Blaine that big gestures made him want to puke, was sitting on stage and telling Blaine, in front of the whole school and their assembled others, that he would always be there for him.

Look for the girl with the broken smile

Ask her if she wants to stay awhile

And she will be loved

And she will be loved…

Emily put a hand over Blaine's as Sebastian met her gaze. She blinked, looking incredibly impressed, as he sat there promising to love Blaine. It was an assurance that he would look after Blaine, and take care of him, and that she didn't have to worry about the boy that was her son in all ways but one. Blaine curled his fingers around hers, giving her a small, embarrassed smile. She shook her head, clearly surprised and amused by the action.

Anna got out of her chair and hopped onto her half-brothers lap. Meg followed suit and Blaine let out "oofs" as they crushed him. He released Emily's hand and secured the two girls in place by wrapping his arms around their middles. He saw Sebastian smirk in amusement as he winced as their swinging legs collided with his shins, and Blaine just grinned back.

It's not always rainbows and butterflies

Blaine had to snort, loudly, at that because when would anything with Sebastian be "rainbows" and "butterflies" and saw Wes spit out some of his drink at the idea. Sebastian half rolled his eyes at the reactions.

It's compromise that moves us along, yeah

Blaine smiled as he thought of all the little things that Sebastian now did for him, namely him making Blaine breakfast everyday, when he'd agreed to take Blaine's "lessons in romance" and that, whilst he always grumbled, he'd go through with it for Blaine.

My heart is full and my door's always open

You come anytime you want

Blaine was beginning to feel increasingly touched by the sentiment that was being expressed through the song. It was the kind of thing that Sebastian could never say to somebody out loud, but he seemed completely at ease in the song, and Blaine couldn't help, but feel a few tears build up in his eyes at the gesture, which was undoubtedly fine.

I don't mind spending every day

Out on your corner in the pouring rainL

ook for the girl with the broken smile

Ask her if she wants to stay awhile

And it brought Blaine back to the nightmares and fear when he'd just moved schools, and he'd frequently be shaken awake with Thad and Sebastian bending over him. He remembered always forcing them a smile to try and convince them that he was okay. He remembered the nights when Thad would emigrate to the sofa, despite his protests, and Sebastian would stay with him, and talk to him until he fell asleep against his warm shoulder.

And she will be loved…

He noticed that Sebastian and Cooper were now engaged in a fierce staring battle, Sebastian's eyes honest and Cooper's defensive. Blaine had to smile at that, because he wasn't sure how his brother would take him having a boyfriend, but Cooper seemed to finally be growing up.

"Blaine." said Meg, tugging on his lapel.

"Yes?"

"Why does he think you're a girl?" she lisped and Blaine shared a look with Anna as she rolled her eyes in a very withering manner for an eight year old. He opened his mouth to reply, before he was overcome with giggles. Anna began to giggle too, putting her fingers in her mouth, and Blaine knew that Meg was still confused, but he was just so amused.

I know where you hide alone in your car

Know all of the things that make you who you are…

Kurt was experiencing several things through the course of the song. The most prominent one was a feeling of utter despair as he watched the looks that they exchanged through out the song. It was horrible to watch, and he vaguely wondered whether Sebastian was doing it on purpose, though Blaine would be ignorant, but the more he watched the more he thought that Sebastian was really just trying to be honest with Blaine, and all about how he felt.

Tap on my window knock on my door

I want to make you feel beautiful

The other thing that he felt was completely at awe by how Sebastian sung. There was something in his voice that hadn't been there the other times Kurt had heard him sing, and Kurt had a very strong suspicion that that was because in the play he'd been acting, and he hadn't felt Disturbia…It wasn't an emotional song, and it wasn't one he'd picked, but this…He was singing from the heart, and Kurt had to give him credit, he sounded incredible.

I don't mind spending every day

Out on your corner in the pouring rain

Look for the girl with the broken smile

Ask her if she wants to stay awhile

The last thing that had captured Kurt's attention had been at the very beginning when Sebastian had looked at Keats. Keats now bore a rather tense look, and Kurt's mind had slowly cycled through the possibilities of what that could mean and had settled on the only thing that would make logical sense; Keats liked Sebastian! Though, even then he wasn't sure because he'd been under the impression that Keats had liked him, and that his major quarrel had been with Blaine…either way, it had looked like an explanation that Sebastian had offered. Kurt just didn't understand…

And she will be loved

Blaine stopped laughing when he saw that Sebastian was meeting his father with a level gaze. It wasn't the same promise that he'd given Emily, but a sort of…Blaine didn't have the words…it was like "you-might-not-want-a-man-to-love-your-son-I-will"…

And she will be loved

Keats swallowed a little, trying to control the anger surging through him. The way that Sebastian was just rubbing it all in his face made him want to punch him, or Blaine. Stories of them kissing had already reached his ears, and he tried to banish the creeping memories of Freshman year, of that night…

And she will be loved

Kurt realised that he just had to accept that - for now - Blaine and Sebastian were going strong. They were completely in love with each other, and nothing that Kurt felt or did was going to change that. He just had to move on, again. He just had accept that, despite being a bitch to everyone else, Sebastian cared about Blaine…and Blaine adored Sebastian.

And she will be loved…

Kurt also had to admit that it was a good final solo performance. It was uplifting the crowd, and quite a few people were clapping along, marvelling at the talent that was Sebastian's voice. Kurt swallowed and glanced at Blaine who was grinning, hugging his sisters, and leaning in to listen to something his step-mum was whispering to him.

Surprisingly, for Kurt, he suddenly found that he was exhausted when the orchestra finished with a final flourish, Luc sending the baton spinning into the air and catching it deftly, and caused the hall to rise to their feet as one. He could barely contain his yawns as Chris was announced as runner-up for the art exhibition - he hadn't even realised that it was a competition - and Trinity switched the prize money for paper which became super glued to his fingers. Everyone had had a good laugh, but Kurt's good mood was killed when Keats went storming past him - almost shoving him out of the way as he tried to speak to him - and his father went storming from the hall, followed by a rather timid looking woman with the same wavy hair as Keats.

The New Directions left rather abruptly after that when they saw that was Puck chatting up Thad's mum, who seemed to be more than enjoying his company. Thad had seemingly disappeared, along with Nick and Jeff - leaving Tristan bellowing at the air like a madman - and Mr Schue had steered Puck out of the hall - with the New Directions following closely behind - but not before Nick had seemingly reappeared from nowhere and swapped numbers with Santana with a wink and a "call-me-later" before disappearing again.

Burt seemed to have sensed how tired his son was, but also didn't seem to want to leave as he was eyeing Mr Anderson with a steely gaze. Kurt looked around and saw that David's famous family had a little knot of clamouring fans around them, but that they were watching the confrontation between the Andersons, and Sebastian. Kurt had smoothed down his uniform and moved towards the family, mildly cautious at Mr Andeson's raised voice;

"You are what?" Blaine shifted from foot to foot and glanced up at Sebastian. Sebastian had a very cool stance, arms folded across his chest and a disdainful look on his face.

"We're dating." he said in a bored voice. "Would you like that in French or Spanish or Troll?"

"Bastian!" said Blaine, tugging on his sleeve in a pleading manner. "Don't make this worse!" Sebastian gave him a brief look, rolling his eyes, and turned back to Mr Anderson, face still scornful.

"Sebastian, maybe you should leave." Emily had a hand on Anna's shoulder, and looked very cautious. Sebastian shook his head, stubbornly.

"I said I'd be here." he said, bluntly. Cooper snorted, looking him up and down with a nasty expression on his face, trying not to jostle the sleeping Meg in his arms.

"Yeah, right…"

"Coop! I thought you were cool with this!" Blaine sounded whiny, to Kurt, but he guessed that he had a right to be in the situation. Cooper rolled his eyes.

"'Course I am, do I look like dad?"

"Yes."

"Completely."

"Absolutely."

"Trinity!" The three boys were gone in the half a second it took them to arrive. Blaine ran a hand over his face. "Dad, look, it's not a big deal, right? I mean…you saw what he was singing to me." Sebastian snorted, rolling his eyes and shaking his head.

"He doesn't care about that, Blaine." Blaine put his head in his hands, not being able to acknowledge his father's disapproving, disappointed gaze.

"Dad, didn't you like my singing…you heard how good everyone was…" he shrugged. "I was- wasn't it good?" Mr Anderson shook his head.

"If you want me to come, invite me to a Football game, Blaine. Don't humiliate me like this. We're leaving. You come home for Christmas, you stay home."

"Dad-"

"Quiet!" Mr Anderson swallowed, looking angry before continuing. "I will not be treated in such a manner, Blaine, I will not!"

"What manner?" asked Victor Stark, coming up to Blaine's shoulder with a frown on his face.

"I don't think it's any of your business." he said, looking furious. "Just because you have your name plastered over the front pages of trashy magazines doesn't mean I have to listen to what you have to say. It's people like you, you and your programmes and your meddling that did this! All of you! You corrupted my sons!" Blaine bit down on his bottom lip, tears filling his eyes.

"You don't even care, do you?" he yelled, suddenly. "It's just about Cooper! You don't even care about me! You just care that Cooper became an actor, like Adrian!"

"I will not-"

"You never cared about me! You're just still angry about what Cooper did, but you can't do anything because he's an adult so you take it out on me!" He turned on his heel, storming out of the hall abruptly and Kurt watched him go with an open mouth. Cooper scratched the back of his neck as the other boys all engaged in a fierce, silent, argument about who should follow Blaine. Eventually, Wes pushed Sebastian in the back, who grabbed a hold of the scruff of Thad's blazer - he'd reappeared when his mum had vanished - and dragged him after Blaine.

The Anderson family filed out; Emily ushering them out red in the face, and David's step-parents went out talking to Cooper. Kurt swallowed, watching as families dispersed, and suddenly felt a rush of affection towards his father. He looked up at him, seeing his face that was still etched with concern and a little bit of anger, and wrapped his arm around his father, feeling just a little bit tearful.

I'm completely exhausted. There's a tiredness in every bone of my body and all my muscles. My mind is in a state of numbness. I've kind of learnt a lot this evening; everyone at Dalton is amazing, Keats likes Sebastian - or something - and most of the other gay guys have bad relationships with their dads. I got lucky, really lucky…Blaine doesn't seem to have any friends from his old school whilst I have the whole glee club, and Mr Schue, and I- I have, like, three families! I've got the boys at Dalton, the New Directions, and my dad…I'm never going to be alone, even if I seem to constantly be suffering from unrequited love…


Next Time- Pulled Taut: Things ought to be winding down at Dalton Academy as the end of term approaches, but an incident with Luc reminds them that nothing can ever go smoothly, and, for Kurt, there's another set of hurdles to jump; end of terms exams, and an encounter with Keats changes Kurt's Dalton for good…