The car made its way slowly through the street. A chorus of horns the only music as Kurt stared out the window watching the city of his dreams pass by. For years he dreamed of walking those streets, navigating his way through the webwork of tunnels underneath them. He never imagined he would only get to glimpse them from out the window of a town car, seeing them but never fully experiencing them. He couldn't understand why everything felt so wrong when it should really be the best time of his life.

He glanced over at his companion feeling bitterness rising up in him. She fussed with the planner in her hand, making decisions about his day, his life, without once speaking to consult him. Kurt shook his head, trying to shake away his churlish feelings; in actuality Mrs. Bryant was a kind woman and he knew she was only doing her job. He just couldn't help but think that his life would be more if she wasn't in it. He watched as she raised a shaky hand and touched her forehead, closing her eyes. The less bitter part of him wanted to ask her what was wrong, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. It wasn't until they were pulling up outside their building that he found out.

"Dear, I'm afraid you are going to have to order takeout for supper. I'm not feeling my best," she told him, still running her hand across her forehead, smoothing the wrinkles it found there before sweeping her short grey hair back.

"Is there anything I can do?" He asked feeling sorry for her despite his earlier thoughts.

She smiled weakly at him, "No dear, you have far too much to do this week to chance getting sick from me. Besides, I am old enough to take care of myself."

And I'm not? thought Kurt, his resentment rising again. The feeling didn't abate as he moodily flipped through the stack of menus she handed him before she retreated to her room. It ate at his stomach, taking away his hunger. He stared at her door, hearing her parting words repeat in his brain, "I will see you in the morning. Now remember to lock the door again once your food arrives, and turn off the lights before you go to bed." He hated how she treated him like a kid, how she kept him from enjoying the city the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Since he was a child he had longed to immerse himself in New York City, to drown himself in the culture and vibrancy of it. It was a city to be lived in fully, not merely seen through a car window between destinations. There were parks beckoning to him to walk their lengths, restaurants and cafes to be savoured, and stores, galleries and museums to be explored. Times Square called to be spun around in it, his neck straining back as he tried to take it all in at once. And yet Kurt was shuffled from one building to the next, denied even the basic taste of New York life. He couldn't help but wonder if it would have been better to come here a penniless student, unable to afford the finer things the city offered, but at least able to experience the city itself. At this rate, he thought, I might as well have just stayed in Ohio.

He glanced again at the door to Mrs. Bryant's room and made a decision. He may regret it in the morning but he was going to live his life tonight. He grabbed his wallet, phone, and Mrs Bryant's keys and walked out the door without a backwards glance.

Kurt hurried past the doorman, thankful he was busy with someone and not about to notice his escape. He wasn't sure if he would call Mrs. Bryant but wasn't ready to find out. Once on the sidewalk outside the building he let himself look around. He wasn't sure where he was going, but at that moment the destination didn't matter. He just walked the streets, for the first time fully taking in the sights and sounds the city offered. Eventually he knew he needed a plan; this may be his only opportunity to see the city without the buffer of a car window. He needed to decide what to see first. Times Square. He wanted to stand in the middle and take in the lights and sounds of the city. He wanted to see the advertisements flashing before his eyes. He wanted to be able to recognize only celebrities looking down on him. Before that, though, he needed a dose of caffeine as it had been a long, hard day.

He pushed the door open to a coffee shop that was lively and bustling, unlike any he had visited in Ohio. Conversations bloomed around the small space, punctuated by laughter and the sound of the coffee machines working. As he stood in line he took in the many occupants. By the window a group of older ladies huddled together, laughing, dressed to the nines, obviously ready to go out for a night at the theatre or maybe a gala. Kurt's heart clenched at the thought of poor Mrs. Bryant stuck back at the apartment, sick. He wondered if maybe she missed going out and living New York as much as he longed for it. A shout drew his attention to the back corner of the shop. A group of teenage boys were laughing as one of their friends picked himself up off the floor. They were dressed in some sort of uniform, private school maybe. Kurt resisted the urge to draw in on himself. Packs of teenage boys still made him more uncomfortable than he would like to admit. Instead, he held his head up high pretending to examine the menu overhead as if he didn't already know what he wanted. As he waited for his coffee he couldn't help stealing glances over at the group. They were cute, and it couldn't hurt to look. They seemed to be teasing the boy who he first saw sprawled on the floor; it didn't seem malicious, but the boy blushed as he laughed along with them.

Kurt took the time between glances to enter 'Times Square' into his phone, ready for it to map out his route. His coffee in hand, he headed out the door and began the program to help him find his way. He stood there and waited for it to load, and waited- and waited. He couldn't move, had no way of knowing which way to head until the stupid program would finally tell him. It felt like an eternity waiting against the window as the little lines chased each other around in a circle on his screen and nothing else happened. He looked around in vain hoping maybe there would be a sign telling him where to go.

He growled out in frustration ready just to head back to the apartment and hoping he could backtrack his way there since his GPS apparently wasn't in the mood to help. A nervous chuckle drew his attention to the side where the boy from the coffee shop was standing beside him, a blush fading away.

"You look like you could use some help," he said.

Kurt really looked at him, dressed in his uniform, fitted blue pants, white shirt, plaid tie in blues greys and greens, and a grey cardigan with some sort of logo on the chest. His dark hair was slicked back clearly showing off his expressive hazel eyes.

"Um- my stupid GPS won't connect- just trying to make my way to Times Square. Could you point the way, please?" he asked, blushing at the breathless quality of his voice.

He couldn't help it; it wasn't often that cute, young men actually approached to talk to him.

His smile was dazzling when he answered back, "I love Times Square. There is something truly magical about it. I could do better than pointing the way- I could show you- if you want."

Suddenly it felt like a set up, cute guys don't offer him help, it was more likely that his friends were lying in wait to beat him up- there were surely dumpsters around. It would be a change of pace to be thrown in a dumpster in New York, at least the trash would be more eclectic. It wouldn't come to that though, Kurt wouldn't let it.

"That's okay, if you can just point me in the right direction I can find my own way. I wouldn't want to take you from your friends," Kurt told him, looking away.

"Of course I can do that, it's just- it's not everyday I have the opportunity to help a cute guy out. I promise I have nothing but the best of intentions at heart."

A cute guy? Kurt played with the phrase in his mind, it couldn't possibly be what he thought it was.

"I don't know you," he managed.

The boy smiled again, "I'm Blaine, Blaine Anderson."

Kurt couldn't hold in his laugh. "I still don't know you. This is New York, I have watched enough SVU to know that you don't just take off with a guy you just met, no matter how cute and charming he may be."

"Trust me, the last thing I want is for Elliot and Olivia to have yet another case on their hands. They are overworked as it is," Blaine said with a small laugh shaking his head. "Which is why I would love to show you around, you know, to keep you safe. You are obviously not from around here, I wouldn't want you to unwittingly wander into the wrong neighborhood. Think of Benson and Stabler."

Kurt bit his lip. He didn't know what to do.

"I don't know-"

"Send my picture to a friend, let them know what we are going to do. Tell them my name, whatever you need to make you feel safe. I promise I don't have anything but the best of intentions."

Kurt looked at him, he looked so earnest and sweet looking up at him through his eyelashes and Kurt felt bad for doubting him.

He sighed, "Okay, you win."

Blaine's smile was disarming. "Great- text away and we can be off."

Kurt took his picture and sent it to Mercedes with as short an explanation as he could.

This is Blaine Anderson. He is showing me Times Square. I'll explain everything in the morning. DON'T call my dad! I owe you!

When his phone was back in his pocket he turned back to Blaine.

"All right, lead the way."

"You know," Blaine said, "I still don't know your name. I could be the real one in trouble here."

"I'm Kurt Hummel."

Blaine led the way to the subway station, clearly sure of his movements. Kurt followed, still not confident that this wasn't all some elaborate joke.

"Do you have a metrocard?" Blaine asked.

Kurt shook his head, "I haven't had a use for one, honestly."

"How long are you here for?" Blaine asked.

"Indefinitely," Kurt said feeling strangely excited.

Blaine's answering smile as he paid for Kurt's pass held him enthralled so he couldn't even object.

Only once they were through the turnstile did he say, "You really shouldn't have Blaine, I don't know how much I will be able to use it."

"You're living here now, making your trek out into the world; you will use it."

Kurt didn't want to object. As he followed Blaine to the platform he couldn't help looking around at all the people. They are doing it, they are really living the New York life, he thought. Then it hit him, now I am, too. A smile blossomed on his face, and he turned to see Blaine watching him. Before he could make an excuse the train blew its way into the station, and he could feel his pulse pick up with its appearance.

"This is us," Blaine said, surprising him by taking his hand and gently pulling him onto the train. It was full, and they stood together gripping a pole between them. Blaine chuckled not unkindly when Kurt stumbled as the train departed.

"It takes a little getting used to. I'm sure in no time you will be a master at riding the subway."

"I hope so," Kurt replied, hoping more that he had the opportunity to master it than anything.

"So-" Blaine began, "how long have you been in New York?"

"Long enough for it to be embarrassing for this to be my first time on the subway. My dad- my dad is just very overprotective . He never used to be, but moving to New York was a bit much for him I guess," Kurt told him.

"So why did you move here? Work, or do you have family here?" Blaine asked.

Kurt wasn't sure what made him do it. He could have been honest, but he wasn't sure if he could trust Blaine not to say anything. He figured a half truth to a stranger couldn't hurt.

"It was work," he said.

"Maybe it's different for me because we had family that already lived here," Blaine said with a shrug.

"You mean you're not originally from New York?" Kurt asked, curious.

Blaine laughed and rubbed the back of his neck, "No, I've lived here a couple of years. When my parents split, my mom- she didn't want to stay in Ohio anymore, and my aunt offered us a place to stay and partnership in a bakery she was opening up. She said it was a great place for a new start- for both of us."

"You're kidding me, right?" Kurt asked, side-eyeing the boy beside him. "You can't be from Ohio." Kurt spat the word like it left a bad taste in his mouth.

Blaine looked offended, "I'm not kidding actually. Is it beneath you to be helped by a simple Ohioan?"

"Oh no, that's not it," Kurt hurried to say. "I'm from Ohio, too. It just seemed like too weird a coincidence. I'm having a hard enough time believing this isn't an elaborate joke- I'm sorry."

Blaine's scowl melted away. "No, I'm sorry. I can see how that would be a little freaky. I guess this is what they mean when they say the world is- you know- small." Blaine chuckled and looked away. "Oh, next stop is us."

Kurt followed Blaine's lead and moved near the door to wait as the train slowed to a stop. When they emerged from the station, Kurt noticed that the area was bustling more than where they had met. Blaine placed a hand on the small of Kurt's back and steered him along through the mass of people.

Then he saw it, gigantic LCD screens and lights lit the area stealing his breath away. He didn't know where to look first and was suddenly grateful for Blaine's hand on his back so he didn't have to watch where he was going. Blaine navigated them until they were in the middle of it all, people and cars rushing past on all sides and the screens ever-changing around him. Once they stopped, and Blaine's hand was gone, Kurt turned in a circle where he was trying to take it all in. He knew his mouth had to be hanging open, and he looked just like the silly midwestern kid he was. He had seen pictures before, had watched as crowds of people sardined into the space every New Year's Eve. But nothing prepared him for this moment.

"It really is something isn't it?" he heard Blaine whisper in his ear from behind him once he was still again.

"It's amazing," was all Kurt could manage to say.

He turned to Blaine, he was looking at the billboards and signs with a sparkle in his eye as well. "I always- I imagined- one day- my face up there. Being on one of those advertisements for a show. It's always been my dream."

Kurt felt a lump in his throat and said without thinking, "Yea, me too. Ever since I was a kid."

"Really?" Blaine asked, his smile even wider.

Kurt barely felt like he was breathing when he answered, "Since the first time I knew what Broadway was, I wanted to be on it."

"Come on," Blaine enthused, taking his hand and leading him away from Times Square. For a moment Kurt wasn't sure what was happening and let himself be dragged behind him. Then- OH- there it was before him. Huge billboards dotted the street before him on either side, each for a different play or musical. Broadway. Kurt once again felt as if he didn't know where to look first. Blaine kept an almost running commentary as he led Kurt from one famous theatre to the next talking about each show, telling those he had seen, those he still wanted to see.

"This is the Winter Garden," he said, looking at his watch. "It's too bad it is after 7 and we can't get tickets. Mamma Mia is closing this weekend. They haven't said what will replace it- it's weird. Usually, all the blogs are buzzing about the next new show, but with this one- nothing."

"You've seen a lot of shows on Broadway, then?" Kurt asked, feeling something like panic.

"I get rush tickets as often as I can," Blaine said, not noticing the manic glint in Kurt's eyes. "Wicked was my first, and I have been hooked ever since. I figure since I am lucky enough to live here, I might as well take advantage."

"I would love to see Wicked," Kurt sighed.

Blaine walked them along at a more leisurely pace. "What was your first?" he asked.

Kurt laughed bitterly. "As yet to be seen. I told you this was the first time I have gotten to see the city. I wasn't exaggerating."

"What about school? Don't you go?" Blaine looked confused and a little sad.

Kurt sighed, "About the only time I leave our apartment is to go to class. There and our apartment are all I ever get to see. I might as well still live in Ohio, for all of the City I get to enjoy."

"Well then how are you with me now?"

Kurt shook his head and chuckled, "A stomach bug took out the gate keeper and I took my opportunity to see the city myself."

Blaine looked up at him through his lashes, "Do you think if you were accompanied by someone who knew the city, your dad would let you out again?"

He bit his lip as a blush spread across his cheeks. The sight caused Kurt's heart to race.

"I would really like to take you out as more than a tour guide. Maybe I could take you to your first Broadway play. That would be a memorable first date,- wouldn't it?"

Kurt's heart leapt into his throat, continuing its erratic beat there. He finally croaked out, "If I'm not grounded for the rest of my life after this adventure, I would like that- a lot."

"Great. Maybe to raise our chances, we could, you know, get you home before he notices you are gone."

The journey back to Kurt's apartment was filled with small talk, just learning more about each other. Outside the building, they exchanged numbers before a very tentative good night. Kurt made it back in the apartment, only to be greeted by silence. He had no idea how he was going to explain knowing Blaine to Mrs. Bryant, but he wasn't going to give up the chance to see Blaine again. As he slipped into his room he pulled his phone out and finally read the texts Mercedes had sent him hours ago.

Boy you had better do some explaining now!

If I don't hear from you before 10, I WILL be calling your dad.

BTW, he's cute. He better just not turn out to be a killer!

He laughed before replying.

I'm home. All safe and sound. I just happened to find a cute and kind gay guy who showed me around the city before asking me out! And he loves Broadway.

Her reply came almost immediately.

I NEED more details than that! But did you tell him?

All Kurt could do was hope that when he was completely honest with him, he wouldn't hate him forever.