A/N: Yes, I'm alive. God, it's been, what, 3 months? I'm so sorry! I had this huge college project to finish my first year and it basically took up all my free time, then I went to stay at a friend's for a week and then I went on holiday! I do hope you remember this story; I'm not giving up on it so bare with me please. I hope to write the majority of the story during the rest of my summer break, but I'm not going to make any promises. I do hope to not leave you guys waiting this long again, though.

Oh, and someone pointed out that I hadn't told you what the Les Mis reference was in chapter 9! It was: "struck to the bone in a moment of breathless delight." It's a line from the song "ABC Café / Red & Black"

Before we move on to the chapter, I'd just like to take a moment to ask you all how you're doing. We lost someone very special to us a month ago and I hope you're all hanging in there. Cory was a treasure to this world and it saddens me to think he's not in it anymore. He was an asset to Glee and to our lives. I know he'll be missed but he'll always be in our hearts. Keep on dancing, Frankenteen, we love you.

I'm going to dedicate this chapter to Cory Monteith. RIP. (1982 – infinnity)

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or A Walk to Remember; those rights belong to Mr Ryan Murphy himself and Nicholas Sparks

(I noticed that I missed the disclaimed off the previous chapter – my bad!)

Once Blaine got home on Friday night, he didn't know what to do, what to feel. He was confused. Seeing his father did not help regarding the events that had taken place that evening.

When Richard Anderson walked into the choir room Blaine felt conflicted. A part of him felt betrayed because his mom had gone behind his back. Another part of him felt angry towards his father. He'd not seen this man in nearly three years and he decided to waltz in there as if nothing had happened. Did he just expect Blaine to forgive and forget? It's not that easy. But a very small part of him felt relieved by his presence. Blaine would be lying if he said he hadn't missed having a father figure in his life, because he had. He'd missed his dad but he couldn't forget what he did. His anger towards him outweighed the longing.

A vibration in his pocket alerting him he had received a text brought him out of his thoughts. Blaine sighed heavily, knowing it was probably his mom and pulled out his phone.

His breath caught in his throat as he read the name on the screen. It wasn't his mom, it was Kurt. Blaine found himself smiling at the name and opened it eagerly.

I hope you're okay – Kurt xx

Blaine squealed. This was the first time Kurt had ended his text with an 'x' and he put two! Blaine turned and hid his face in his pillow, grinning widely. He let out a muffled giggle, feeling like a teenage girl. Kurt had actually kissed him; he wanted to do it. Blaine's lips tingled as he recalled the feeling of Kurt's against them. The feeling of Kurt kissing him was sensational.

But what did this mean? Where did it leave them now? They kissed, but does that mean Kurt wanted more like Blaine did? Did he want to be with Blaine, like a couple?

So many questions, so little answers. He rolled over and quickly typed back a reply.

I'll be fine. It was just unexpected. Sorry for leaving – Blaine xx

Blaine felt his heartbeat pick up as he typed out the 'x'. It wouldn't make Kurt feel weird, would it? Surely not, he put them first. What if he did it by accident?

Stop, Blaine told himself. Don't think too much into this.

His stomach turned in anticipation as he waited for a reply. Luckily, he didn't have to wait long.

Hey, no apologising. I can understand why you reacted that way, especially considering what happened tonight – Kurt xx

I guess you're right. Are you still there? – Blaine xx

I'm always right, Blaine, you know that. No, we left not long after you did. Your mom did too – Kurt xx

I know you are. What about my dad? – Blaine xx

I think he left just after your mom; they were talking for a while. Blaine, can I be honest with you? – Kurt xx

Of course – Blaine xx

When you're ready, I think you should talk to him. He looked genuine, Blaine. I know now's probably not the right time, but I do think you should – Kurt xx

I'm not ready. I don't know if I ever will be – Blaine xx

I know what he did hurt you, but people deserve a second chance. You will be ready one day, Blaine; I know you will – Kurt xx

Not yet. – Blaine xx

Blaine knew Kurt was right, like he said, he's always right. But he needs to do it on his own terms, when he's ready and not because his mom wants him too. He had other problems to think about right now.

Speaking of which, Blaine had no idea what was going to happen next. He knew the whole student body probably knew by now, he knew there were people –

Shit.

His 'friends' were in the audience. How did he not realise? Puck had decided that they should all go watch, probably hoping something would go wrong.

Boy, did it go wrong. Blaine didn't particularly care what they thought; he was more worried about what they were going to do.

"Blaine?" his mothers' wary voice came from the other side of Blaine's door. He'd been so lost in his own thoughts, he didn't hear her arrival.

Julie opened the door and cautiously peered into the room.

"Can I come in?" Blaine nodded and sat up, giving her room to come and sit on the bed. A flash of hope passed through her eyes at the movement and she sat down.

A moment of silence passed between the two, neither knowing what to say.

"I'm sorry, Blaine," she said sincerely, breaking the silence. Blaine refused to meet her eyes. "Look, I know what I did was out of line, I should've asked you first. But I knew you'd say no and I thought it'd be nice for your dad to see how much you've changed; how strong you've become."

"I get it," Blaine mumbled. "But you could've at least told me so it wasn't completely unexpected. Doing it behind my back wasn't right, mom," he told her, finally meeting her gaze.

"I know that now. He really wanted to see you, you know."

"That doesn't mean I want to see him, though," Blaine replied, trying to keep his tone calm.

Julie sighed and reached out to hold her sons hand. "I know, I understand that now. I guess I just wanted things to be okay between the two of you," she admitted, her voice strained.

"I know you do, mom," Blaine said, moving forward and holding her hand tighter. "When I say I'm not ready, it doesn't mean I never will be."

"I respect that, but let's move on from this. How are you feeling, sweetheart?"

Scared, anxious, worried… "Fine."

"Blaine."

"Okay, not so fine," Blaine sighed. "What if it happens again?"

"Sweetheart… Try and stay positive, okay? For a start, Kurt's no Shane," Julie pointed out, smiling slightly at the thought of her sons relationship with the boy.

"I know that, mom. Kurt's been so great to me and he understands."

"I'm glad you found someone like Kurt, honey, and the two of you make such a cute couple."

"Mom! We're not together!" Yet, well, at least he hoped.

"So, friends just kiss friends nowadays?" Julie teased, smiling at her sons flushed face.

"But-"

"You like him, don't you?" she asked knowingly.

Blaine hesitated before huffing out a sigh. "Yeah, I do."

"Well, go get him then!"

Blaine walked through the deserted halls of McKinley on Saturday morning, anxiously making his way towards the choir room where most of the glee club was probably preparing for their afternoon show. He didn't know what to expect when he entered the room. He didn't know if they were going to accept him, but they accepted Kurt with open arms so does that mean he'll get the same treatment?

Blaine had decided when he woke up this morning that he was going to be honest with his friends – is that what the glee club are, his friends? He wasn't going to hide anymore; he was doing with lying all the time. He wasn't going to explain everything to them, only the basics.

"Blaine," a voice echoed and said boy turned around with a smile, instantly recognising the voice.

Kurt returned the smile and quickened his pace to reach Blaine who was already moving towards the pale boy.

"Hi," he breathed out and didn't hesitate in pulling the shorter boy into a hug.

Safe. That's how Blaine felt. He clung to Kurt, burying his face into his neck, revelling in the warmth.

"Hi," he mumbled into Kurt's shoulder. He could feel Kurt's smile against his own neck. He couldn't shake the feeling of how right this felt – to be there in Kurt's arms.

A few more seconds past before Kurt pulled away, looking warmly into Blaine's eyes, the worry for the other boy present in them also.

"How are you?"

"Good," Blaine could tell by the way that Kurt was looking at him that he didn't believe him at all. "Fine. I'm not good. I'm scared," he admitted, bowing his head down.

Kurt hooked his finger underneath Blaine's chin, bringing his head back up. Blaine looked up at Kurt, his face vulnerable.

"What of?" Kurt asked softly, his piercing eyes boring into Blaine's sincerely.

"Everything," he sighed.

"You're going to have to elaborate on that a bit," Kurt chuckled lightly.

"I'm scared of people's reactions. I'm scared of not being accepted. I'm scared of history repeating. I'm scared of losing people. I… I'm just scared."

Kurt looked down at Blaine wishing he could take away the fear in his eyes.

"Listen to me, Blaine. I can promise you that what happened at your old school won't happen again here, you'll have me through every step of the way. I can't tell you that it's going to be fine, but I can tell you that we'll get through this. You don't have to hide any more, Blaine; you don't have to carry all these secrets. The New Directions will be with you too. Don't doubt their friendship, Blaine," he smiled softly, rubbing his thumb gently over the back of Blaine's hand.

Kurt just wished he could take his own advice when it came to… never mind.

Blaine was silent for a few minutes, going over Kurt's words in his mind. He knew he couldn't have a repeat of Westerville because he had one friend, at least, but he was terrified to think about how the guys would react to the whole situation. He just hoped that no one blamed Kurt for any of this because he really didn't deserve that and he had no influence on Blaine's decision to lie.

"Okay," he whispered before smiling slightly. "We better go face the music before they think we're not showing up." He held out his arm and Kurt smiled before threading his own through.

Blaine tried to hide his nerves as they edged closer to the choir room but his shaking hands didn't go unnoticed by Kurt. Instead of uttering words, he simply clasped his hand over Blaine's, hoping in some way it would calm to boy.

It did. The warmth Kurt's hand emitted was enough to make Blaine feel safe.

"Go on," Kurt whispered, his breath tickling Blaine's ear. He removed his arm and gave the smaller boy a little push into the choir room.

Blaine took a shaky breath and hesitantly entered the room, nervously playing with his fingers. The new presence in the room was immediately noticed by its occupants.

Upon noticing the boys' tense stance and Kurt's encouraging smile, Rachel purposely made her way over to Blaine and shocked the boy by wrapping her arms around his frame.

"It's okay," she whispered softly, squeezing him gently. Blaine responded by tightly returning the gesture, relief flooding through his body.

His body jolted as he felt himself being engulfed in between more bodies and realised the rest of the glee club had come and joined.

Acceptance. That's what he felt. Tears stung his eyes as he realised that he actually had people who cared about him and loved him for who he was. That's all he ever wanted.

"You're one of us now," Finn spoke up from somewhere behind Blaine. "You're family."

"Thank you, guys," Blaine mumbled, his voice strained from the lump forming in his throat. The love he felt from these guys was reassuring, it felt honest. They didn't care if he was gay, heck; they'd probably still love him if he'd grown a horn or something. Maybe. He had nothing to worry about, just like Kurt had said.

"Come on, guys, let him breath!" Kurt said from the behind the group. They did as he said and Blaine smiled gratefully at them all, hoping the gesture would show his gratitude.

"I guess I owe you guys an explanation," Blaine announced, his gaze directed to the floor.

"No, you don't have to explain yourself to us, Blaine," Mercedes said but he shook his head.

"I know I don't, but I want to," they nodded and went to sit down. Blaine took one of the chairs and positioned himself in front of the others, feeling more exposed than ever.

"Take your time, Blaine," Mr Schue said, patting his back gently before joining his students.

For the next quarter of an hour, he sat telling his friends the briefer version of his story. He told them of his friends betrayal but didn't go too into the Sadie Hawkins dance, just telling them that an incident caused his hospitalisation and his move. He explained his fear and the lies he forced himself to commit to. He apologised for not sticking up for them or joining sooner and they were quick to dismiss it, understanding his reasoning. He told them about Kurt kicking down his walls causing them all to smile. Even a blind man could tell the pair had strong feelings for each other. When it came to the subject of 'the kiss', they all reassured him that he wasn't alone, that he was going to have them even if the whole school turned against them.

That was all it took for the dam to break and the tears to fall. He thanked them all and Kurt gathered him into his arms, telling him how proud he was of him.

It wasn't long until everyone's emotions were intact and they began their quick rehearsal before their afternoon performance.

Just like the night before, the play was a hit and everything went smoothly. Blaine kept it together and just managed to keep his and Kurt's lips apart.

No words could describe how Blaine was feeling on Monday morning. He stared at himself in the mirror for much longer than usual and gave a weak attempt in giving himself a pep talk. Nothing could really prepare him for the day ahead.

His attire was the same as any other day. He didn't see the point in converting back to his old clothing considering this was basically the first day he was officially out at McKinley. He was going to ease himself into this instead rushing into it because that won't help at all.

He got his mom to drive him to school that day, not trusting himself behind the wheel. The journey was quiet and he appreciated his mother's silence because it gave him a chance to gather his thoughts.

There was no right way to approach this situation, in actual fact because there was no way to predict how people are going to react. He'd just have to take it as it comes. He promised himself though, that there was going to be no more lies. Those binds had now been broken so he could see no sense in tying them back down.

Standing outside the entrance today was completely different to any other day. Usually standing here just felt like another day closer to freedom, but today… Today it felt like a new beginning.

He could feel the eyes of every student on him as he walked slowly but confidently through the corridor. He didn't want to come across as a scared little boy; he wanted them to know that he didn't care what they thought - even if he did a little bit.

Their expressions didn't give much away but he could tell they were judging him. He could tell that they were questioning his previous actions and choices. They were obviously confused, who wouldn't be? One of the 'popular' kids, one that they seemingly looked up too, was gay. He was the guy who had dated Quinn Fabray, the one who hung out with Puck, the one who was apparently as straight as a ruler, the guy that was supposed to worship the female body, but no, he was a guy that liked dick. That one thing changed everything.

He made it to his locker and winced at the fact that that noise his locker made when he opened it was the only sound to be heard apart from the hushed whispers echoing around him. Blaine tried to not let the silence put him off as he replaced his bag with the items he needed. He glanced to left and saw his old chums gathered around Puck's locker, making a huge effort to avoid his gaze. All except Karofsky.

The larger guy looked as though he was staring right through Blaine. He looked venomous. It wasn't the look he ever sent Kurt, no, this was worse. He looked ready to kill.

Blaine wasted no time in averting his eyes back to his locker. He didn't know what that look meant and he sure as hell hoped he'd never find out.

Books in hand, Blaine turned his back towards Karofsky and made his way down the corridor. Unfortunately Blaine had failed to notice before that they all had their hands clasped around cups.

Completely oblivious to the presence behind him, Blaine continued down the hall until something, or rather, someone blocked his path.

Karofsky, Puck, Mike, Santana and Quinn circled Blaine, leaving him no way of escape. Blaine noted the fact that Brittany wasn't present. After that realisation hit him, he finally noticed what they each held.

Slushies.

No one dared say anything as they all stared blankly at their former friend. Blaine didn't know whether Mike's regretful expression was a good or a bad thing. Did he regret what he was about to do, or did he regret ever being his friend?

The silence rang through the school; this was probably the quietest it's ever been. Blaine looked around and could tell that people were waiting for him to say or do something but no, he wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of a show. He straightened out his shoulders and stared at the point beyond Puck's head. This was him telling them do just do it.

So they did.

Nothing could've prepared Blaine for the feeling of the icy substance cascading down his face. Kurt wasn't exaggerating when he said it was like being 'bitch slapped by an iceberg' because fuck, that hurt. Not only was it cold, it felt like it was burning eyes – why didn't he close his eyes sooner?

Blaine stood there breathing heavily, readily wiping the slush from his eyes hoping that in some way it would stop the pain.

The group backed away from the brown coloured puddle forming at Blaine's feet.

"Faggot," Karofsky spat before vacating the area with the others. The word cut through him like a knife, bringing back all those memories. It'd been a long time since Blaine had been called that.

"Better get used to it, Anderson," he mumbled to himself, sighing dejectedly. He shook his head sending chunks of ice flying from his mass of hair. He didn't even feel sorry when he heard a few girls squeal, it was probably the first time any of them had been touched by a slushy.

Without looking at anyone, he made his way back to his locker. He could feel his audience watching his every move, whispering to each other. He retrieved the spare shirt he decided to bring with him this morning, knowing that something like this was going to happen. As he pulled it out, he heard some people sigh in relief. What did they think he was going to do? Grab a gun and chase after them?

He slammed his locker, feeling satisfied when he saw some of them jump, and began walking down the corridor, his destination intending to be the restroom. Well, it was until he heard a collective gasp in front of him and looked up to see the glee club staring at him, mouths a gap.

"Blaine," Kurt whispered as he took in the sight before him. Blaine smiled back sadly. "Come on," Kurt stepped forward, holding out his hand as an invitation, giving Blaine a chance to dismiss it. Blaine took it, not caring in the slightest what his audience thought. Kurt tugged him gently down the corridor, picking up his pace slightly to get them out of the way of the watchful eyes of the student body.

"We'll use the girls' restroom, its cleaner," Kurt informed as pulled Blaine through the door, followed by Rachel, Mercedes and Tina. Finn, Sam and Artie stood outside the door, almost as if they were guarding it which Blaine thought was sort of sweet of them.

"Right, take your shirt off," Kurt instructed and Blaine froze. He'd never been shirtless in front of Kurt before. Rachel noticed his hesitation and told him there was no need to be embarrassed.

"Just… Just don't freak out or anything, okay? I've got some surgical scars from when they broke my ribs and punctured my lung," Blaine told them while discarding his jacket trying to ignore their sympathetic gazes. He gingerly tugged at the hem of his ruined shirt but quickly removed it after realising that these people were the ones who weren't going to judge him.

"Tina- um, g-go put his shirt in a sink to… soak it," Kurt muttered, flushing madly at the sight of a shirtless Blaine because damn, he had one hell of a toned body.

Blaine noticed Kurt's reddened cheeks and blushed himself. He felt so exposed, so vulnerable. Plus, it was Kurt.

"Just come sit over here, B-Blaine, and – um – tilt your head back and we'll get all this out of your hair," Kurt said, pointing to where he meant. Blaine obliged, wincing a little as his skin came into contact with the white ceramic sink.

Kurt turned on the water and started gently massaging the slush out of his hair, making sure he kept his focus on the task at hand and to not be… distracted by Blaine in any way. Blaine had to refrain himself from moaning because Kurt's hands felt so good. He couldn't also tell that his talented hands were probably used to doing this which saddened Blaine to think of how many times his friends had been slushied.

Rachel started washing the stickiness off of his chest while Mercedes went out to ask Finn to go fetch some towels.

"Just be lucky that I don't wear hair gel anymore, that was a bitch to wash out," Blaine joked softly.

"You used to wear gel?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, it was terrible. I never wore that much really, but I wore more than I needed. Have you seen my hair? It's a monster!"

"I love your curls," Kurt smiled.

"Why don't you wear it anymore?" Mercedes asked from her position at the door.

"I stopped when I came here. The gel looked a bit ridiculous with what I chose to wear."

"Oh, yes, that's right. You mentioned the other day that you changed your appearance," Rachel remembered.

"Promise you'll never use gel again," Kurt said from above him.

"I can't, sorry."

"What, why not?" Kurt exclaimed.

"Have you forgotten about the play?"

"Oh, shit, yeah, I forgot your wear gel for that."

There was a light knock on the door and Finn stuck his arm into the room and handed Mercedes a towel.

Kurt switched off the tap and Blaine fought the urge to pout as he removed his hands from his hair. Blaine sat up and gratefully took the towel from Mercedes. Instead of using it to dry his hair straight away, he stood up and shook his head wildly, laughing at the appalled faces of his friends.

"Blaine!" Kurt screeched.

"What?" he asked innocently and Kurt smacked him on the arm causing Blaine to laugh even harder.

"Asshole," he muttered but couldn't stop the giggle that came out. The sound warmed Blaine's insides.

The others began to laugh too and Blaine couldn't help but smile. It felt nice and… normal. He couldn't have asked for better friends.

Blaine sat in his room that night, mulling over the events from that day. Besides the slushies, nothing really happened. He didn't see any of his former friends again and no one else dared to do anything. They just stared but Blaine had been expecting that. He didn't know what else they had planned; he didn't even want to think about that look Karofsky gave him.

There was a light knock on his door and Blaine gave a soft 'come in' expecting to see his mothers face poke into the room, but it wasn't him mom.

It was Mike.

"Hi," his friend greeted quietly. Well, was he his friend?

"Hey. You… You can come in," Blaine said, sitting up straight.

Mike nodded and closed the door gently before hesitantly making his way over to Blaine and perching on the edge of the bed. He was silent for a few moments before he turned to Blaine with a sad expression.

"I'm sorry. I… I didn't want to throw that slushy at you today. It didn't feel right," Mike said, smiling sadly.

"Then why did you?" Blaine asked his brow furrowing.

"I don't know," he answered honestly. "You know what the guys are like," Blaine nodded, knowing full well what he meant by that. "Listen Blaine, I don't care that you're gay."

This surprised him. Out of all the things he'd thought Mike would say, this was not one of them.

"Y-You don't?"

"No. I just wish you'd told me."

"I'm sorry," Blaine looked down, "I was scared, Mike. I mean, you hang around with Karofsky and I've seen how he treats Kurt and you've never said anything. I didn't know if you had a problem with it or not."

"I get it, Blaine. I do. I've never agreed with how Karofsky singled out Kurt. I don't get why you kept it a secret though."

Blaine sighed and retold what he told the New Directions the other day, missing out the dance again and it felt good to finally be able to tell his friend.

"Wow… I'm sorry, Blaine. If I'd have known-"

"But you didn't so it doesn't matter, okay?"

"You're right. Just remember that I'm still you're friend, okay? I know it didn't seem like it today, but I want you to know it doesn't change anything between us," Mike placed his hand on his friends shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze as he saw the tears form in Blaine's eyes.

"Thanks, Mike," he whispered. "And don't worry about sticking up for me or anything, okay? I know you've been friends with Puck for years and I don't want to come between that."

"I can't make any promises though. The way they were talking about you today… Well, mainly Karofsky, the others were quiet. He… He says Kurt's –"

"Don't even finish that sentence because none of this is any way Kurt's fault, it's mine," Blaine said defensively.

"I know that Blaine, I promise. I don't blame Kurt, if anything, I'm grateful you have him," Mike explained, smiling warmly but Blaine could see the regret in his eyes.

"I am too. But I have you as well."

"Of course," Mike agreed and pulled Blaine into a hug. Blaine smiled and returned it tightly.

Yeah, this day wasn't so bad.

A/N: There, another longer chapter, I hope that made up for the delay! I'm so sorry about that.

Anyway, I've already started the next chapter so expect it soon. It probably won't be next week because I have an ear operation on Tuesday so I'll need a few days to recover. Before you ask me, no it's nothing major so don't worry.

This has nearly got 100 reviews! I can't believe it. Do you think we can reach 100 before the next update? That'd be awesome!

I love hearing your feedback so please tell me what think through a review on here or you can tweet me: ImaGleekBaby

Hope you're all okay, hang in there.

R.I.P Cory Monteith