When the bell rang, signaling that it was time for Glee, Kurt made his way to the choir room with the rest of the boys and took a seat in one of the chairs that Mr. Schue had already set up by the piano, facing the risers. The girls were presenting their mash-up first. Finn had leaked their plans, so Kurt was excited. And he had every right to be.
The girls came running in, all dressed in black, the music blaring. It was slightly barf-inducing when Rachel broke into the room, singing at the top of her lungs and acting as though she was the sexiest woman alive, but it was a good performance. They had decided to mash up Start Me Up and Livin' on a Prayer, and they were absolutely killing it. Kurt was excited for them, for Mercedes especially. She had a brilliant voice, and she was going to absolutely slay her part.
Just as Mercedes was about to start singing her verse, Kurt's phone buzzed in his pocket, and everything in him screamed at him to check it. So, he pulled it out and quickly typed in his passcode, smiling when he saw that he had a message from Blaine. It simply said, "Courage," and that one word made his heart simultaneously stop beating and also pound in his chest.
"Courage."
He was immediately no longer listening to the girls and their brilliant mash-up. He was swept back to that moment on the stairs, the moment that had led to what was, undoubtedly, the best moment of his life. He could picture the whole thing with such clarity, which surprised him—because he had felt as though the world had stopped around him when Blaine had turned to look at him—but also made total sense.
"Excuse me. Hi. Can I ask you a question? I'm new here."
"My name is Blaine."
"Uh, Kurt."
That moment was… I don't even have words for it. My heart stopped in my chest, and I just melted in Blaine's eyes. He's so perfect. He's… It was like he could see into the depths of my soul. With that one look, he could tell that I was hurting, that I needed a friend. And we became friends over lattes and shared pain. He sighed, glancing back at the girls. I guess I need to at least act like I'm paying attention so Mr. Schue doesn't get upset with me.
The truth was that Blaine, somehow, made him feel alive. He couldn't completely wrap his mind around it. Hadn't he, just a few days before that perfect meeting, told Mr. Schue that he was unhappy after that asinine comment he'd made?
"I think it's getting to you."
Of course, the bullying is getting to me! Karofsky threatened me with his fists! He has a name for them—The Fury—for christ's sake. I've been pushed into lockers, thrown into dumpsters, slushied, teased mercilessly, and been left to fend for myself. How in the hell would I be happy? Yet today, for the first time in almost two years, I feel like I am. Or at least like I could be. And that's why Blaine's words yesterday were so poignant.
"You can refuse to be the victim. Prejudice is just ignorance, Kurt, and you have a chance right now to teach him."
I finally think I might have the strength to stand up to him. I want to stand up to Karofsky, tell him to back off and leave me alone. I don't want him to take another single moment of my high school experience from me. And the only reason I have that strength? I met a boy who made me feel like I was the center of his world with just one look. He glanced up, checking to see if the girls were done yet. They were still singing, but he could tell the song was winding down.
His thoughts went back to Blaine, picturing those perfect hazel eyes, his gorgeous and slightly curly hair, his warm hand in his as they ran down the hallway to the Warbler's showstopping performance. How many times did I get lost in Blaine's eyes yesterday? At least three times that I can think of now. Oh… No. More than that. So many times during Teenage Dream. He just… He's so dreamy, and lucky me! He had to hold back a little shoulder shimmy. He's actually gay! I like someone who is actually gay. Is it crazy to say that I may have already fallen for him? Yes. It's crazy.
I definitely felt something yesterday, though, and this text… The first one we've shared since last night… Is it a sign? It's definitely what I needed to hear today. I was… Well, it doesn't matter now. I have Blaine's strength and support, and I can face Karofsky; I can tell him off. Today is my day. It's time.
And then he snapped to attention as Mr. Schue moved to the front of the room to congratulate the girls on a job well done.
Oh. Well, I guess I missed most of that performance. Worth it. Totally worth it.