August 13th was Blaine's 27th birthday. It also happened to be a Friday—yikes!—but Joel Anderson wasn't worried about that. Blaine was, he knew, but Blaine had always been superstitious. The 13th was a day just like any other day. Only this one was special because it was his son's birthday. So, because he was excited that Blaine was at the paper and because he wanted his son to relax and have a good time, Joel threw Blaine a 27th birthday party at the bar, inviting all of The Lima News employees. He purchased a cake from the grocery store, and he opened up a tab for two drinks a piece for the employees. Then, he spread the word beginning the week after the fair that they were going to celebrate Blaine at 7:00 p.m. at 318 Restaurant and Bar.
Kurt had intended, originally, not to go. Sure, he and Blaine were making headway with their friendship, chatting more and more each day. Not about heavy stuff, at least not heavy stuff like he'd shared at The Lima Bean. They'd even started mildly chatting by text, sending each other a message or two every few days just to check in. It was a tentative friendship, and Kurt was content with the way it was.
Blaine was trying to be content, but he felt like most of the time, he was failing miserably. He wanted nothing more than to talk to Kurt and text with Kurt all day long. He had quickly lost count of the number of times he'd typed out a message, stared at it for several long moments, then erased the whole thing, afraid to scare Kurt off. Even after their coffee conversation, he still seemed unprepared to share much more about himself, and Blaine wasn't ready to push it. He was willing to beg for Kurt to attend the party, though.
From Blaine: So, you're coming tonight, right?
From Kurt: I don't know. I usually spend that time with my dad.
From Blaine: Bring him along. I need you to be there. I don't want to be stuck talking to Tina and Mike all night.
From Kurt: What's wrong with Tina and Mike? I thought you liked them.
From Blaine: I do! She just talks A LOT, and Mike's always so quiet. I'd rather spend at least some of my birthday talking to you.
Kurt didn't answer that message right away. Why would Blaine want to spend his birthday with me? What's so special about me? He mulled it over for a bit, and though he couldn't say why, he felt a call, a pull to go to the party, even if just for an hour. The pull felt eerily familiar, much like the one he'd felt when making his decision to tell Blaine about his past. Blaine was his friend, the only one he had for now, and putting in time for friendship was important. He knew that, even if he'd never really experienced it before. So, finally, he texted Blaine back.
From Kurt: I'll be there. I may not stay long, though.
From Blaine: Great! I can't wait to see you!