I'm sorry it took so long for an update.

This chapter ended up being way longer than intended, but that's okay, I hope!

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"Kurt, we're going to be late for school if you don't come out of the bathroom and get in the car right now," Finns voice carried all the way up the stairs and Kurt rolled his eyes into his bathroom mirror. He always took his time getting ready, but today he was especially displeased with the outcome. His hair looked a little too wild to him, but he didn't necessarily want to add anymore product, no need to look like he's trying too hard.

Kurt frowned at the mirror before turning and running lightly down the stairs.

"You look great," Finn says, "Now lets go."

The car ride was silent and Kurt reached over to adjust the air conditioning. When their parents had bought themselves a new car, Finn and Kurt had received the old suburban, to share of course. Most mornings Finn drove while Kurt looked out the window and adjusted his hair in the side mirror.

"What do you think of the new kid?" Finn asked, "That Blaine guy."

Kurt blushed. Honestly, he'd been thinking about Blaine a lot since he'd first laid eyes on him the day before, and even the fact that he clearly had a girlfriend hadn't stopped Kurt's mind from racing and his heart from pounding at the mere mention of Blaine's name.

Kurt shrugged and stared straight ahead, trying to hide his obvious colouring from his stepbrother, "He has a nice voice."

"Yeah," Finn nodded his head slowly, "He'll probably get a lot of the male leads."

Kurt could hear the edge in Finn's voice; he'd grown accustomed to picking it out in the year that they'd lived together.

"That's true, but I don't think it will blend well with Rachel's, at least not as well as your's does,"

Finn turned his head to smile at his brother, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

There was a moment of silence before Finn's smile slipped away and he spoke again, "But he's kind of strange, isn't he? I mean, there's something off about him."

"I honestly have no idea what you're talking about, Finn."

Finn's eyes were focused on the road, but Kurt could still tell he was thinking. Finn wasn't a man of many words, and when he did speak, especially to Kurt, he wanted it to make sense.

"He left so quickly after his audition,"

Kurt rolled his eyes and turned in his seat to face Finn, "Maybe he had somewhere to be. His girlfriend was probably waiting for him."

"He has a girlfriend?" Finn asked, "I thought-"

"You thought wrong. And when have you proven yourself to be an accurate judge of another person's sexuality?"

Finn shrugged, "I still don't like the guy."

"That's fine. But give him a chance. He's the knew guy. He doesn't need quarterback, lead singer Finn hating him already."

"I don't hate him," Finn said, hands tight on the steering wheel, "And you're right. I'm being stupid."

"Of course I'm right. Now stop gawking like a moron and get us to school in one piece, please."

"I think we should sing Wouldn't It Be Lovely. I mean, certainly anyone with an appreciation for My Fair Lady would be a valuable addition to Glee club, and it's a great song. Nearly perfect for my vocal range. Maybe Blaine would sing the male part with me..." Rachel looked around the room for the first time since she'd walked into the choir room and started talking nonstop. Brittany and Santana sat with their backs against the wall and Artie had wheeled himself next to Tina and Mike. The rest of the club lounged around on chairs. Kurt was laid out across two; his legs stretched long and thin.

"Where is Blaine? Is he here?" Rachel questioned.

"I'll sing it with you, Rachel." Finn said.

"Of course you will, you're so sweet," Rachel pecked him on the cheek and swung their entwined hands between their chairs, "I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Gag me," Mercedes spit from the back row, "Can we actually sing or something, Mr. Shue?"

"We're waiting for Blaine, Mercedes."

"I know you're all in love with this new boy toy, but he's late, and Glee club can't wait for everyone. We'll never even make it past sectionals at this rate."

"Mercedes' is right," Finn stood from his chair, let go of Rachel's hand, and turned to face the whole class, "It's time we got serious. I don't want my senior year to suck as hard as last year did, no offense, Mr. Shue."

"None taken, and I'm with you, Finn, which brings me to your first assignment."

Mr. Shue stared at the class excitedly and walked to the white board with marker in hand.

LOVE he wrote in sloppy capitals.

"Love," he smiled even wider, "Is a great thing. And we all have love in some way shape or form. Some of you have it now," he nodded at the couples around the room, and Tina giggled into Mike's shoulder. Rachel beamed, "And some of you are searching. Your assignment is to sing a song about love. It doesn't have to be romantic love. Just love. Any kind. We'll perform some tomorrow."

"Mr Shue!" Rachel's hand shot in the air, "Mr. Shue, can I share the song I plan on singing to bring in more group members from the school's population?"
"Sure, Rachel, we have a little bit of time left."

The class tried to hide their groans as Rachel jumped out of her seat and made her way to the front of the crowd, "I think you'll all agree that this song is perfect. It truly captures the very essence and passion of Gl-"

The door opened loudly and Blaine walked in. His blue and yellow oxfords made clacking sounds as he made his way across the room.

"Sorry I'm late," he said as he took a seat right next to Kurt, "The office needed to see me about some transfer papers,"

"Sure," Mr. Shue said, "Sure, we're glad you're hear. Let me know if there's anyway I can help with getting you better settled into McKinley."

"Thanks, Mr. Shue." Blaine smiled, and Kurt blushed beside him. He was so close; their legs almost brushing. Kurt could smell the cologne and hair product radiating from Blaine. Kurt could see the seams of the pockets on Blaine's really tight, pin-stripped pants.

"Hello, Kurt," Blaine said, and Kurt's eyes shot up to focus on Blaine's face. Which was perfect. Absolutely flawless and smooth and the unavoidable light stubble looked perfect against his youthful skin. His honey eyes shown with light and his bright teeth peered through full, pink lips. Kurt caught his breath.

"Hello, Blaine."

The whole room was talking now and packing up. Rachel stood in front of the class pouting.

"Ran out of time Rachel, save it for tomorrow, okay?"

"Sure, Mr. Shue."

"So, what are you doing after school?" Blaine asked. He swung his messenger bag over his shoulder and stood in front of Kurt, hand outstretched.

Kurt took his hand and stood. He smoothed down his pant legs, "Nothing. Why?"

Blaine shrugged and pulled his hand back, "I don't have many friends. I was just wondering if you wanted to go out to coffee or something. I hear there's a nice cafe around here."

Kurt nodded coolly and placed his hand on his neck. He could feel his pulse; his heart beating so fast. He didn't care that he'd just gone to the Lima Bean yesterday after school. He didn't care that he had a killer Trigonometry review test tomorrow. All that mattered was Blaine and the fact that Blaine wanted to hang out with him. Tonight. Now.

"It's called the Lima Bean."

Blaine smiled, "Perfect."

They left the room before anyone else, and Kurt shot a look at Finn over his shoulder. Finn didn't look necessarily happy about this turn of events, but he didn't follow his brother out the choir room door.

"This is my car," Blaine said when they'd made it half way through the parking lot. It was a black Toyota Camry and it shone brightly in the sunlight.

"It's nice," Kurt slid into the passenger seat.

"It's not mine," Blaine let the words slip before he even realized what he was saying. He'd never messed up; never jeopardized a mission. How had he let that slip? "I mean-I mean, I'm borrowing it from my parents."

Kurt nodded, unfazed.

Blaine let out the breath he'd been holding and turned on his CD player.

It seems that life is more than a simple kind of song

And it's more than I can take

And it's more than just heartache

"This is beautiful," Kurt gestured at the radio CD player, "Who is it?"

"My brother," Blaine lied. He's gotten used to this lie. He said it everywhere he went. Blaine knows that it seems extremely self centered to have his own personally recoded CD constantly playing in his car, but it was a connection to himself. Sometimes he pretended it was a brother singing to him, and not just himself. It made him feel less alone. It reminded him who he was. He needed something to remind him. Blaine didn't have a brother, he didn't have a family, at least not one he associated with, but he liked to create a happier life. He liked for people to think he was normal. And it was part of the job; to seem realistic, to really play the part.

"Wait, I've heard this before." Kurt leaned forward in his seat and turned up the volume, "I have definitely heard this before."

Blaine just laughed uneasily, "I doubt it. It probably sounds like something you've heard before because my brother is a notorious thief."

"No," Kurt shook his head, "I've definitely heard this before."

Blaine just smiled, but he was worried. Worried that Kurt really had heard it before. Worried that he'd already ruined everything. "Let me know if you figure it out."

"I certainly will. And you just missed the turn for the Lima Bean."

"Shit," Blaine flipped his blinker on.

Kurt sipped the third refill on his non-fat mocha and watched Blaine over the rim of his cup.

"Why'd you move here, Blaine?"

Blaine ran his fingers through his hair. He stared at the gel covering his hand, and Kurt passed him a napkin, "Thanks. We moved because my father got a promotion. He's a computer marketing guy. Makes a lot of money, I guess."

Blaine could feel the lie in his chest; like a weight, it sat there and impaired his breathing. He'd never felt this way about lying. Lying was necessary; lying was a part of the job. But lying to Kurt felt like a crime beyond sin. Last time Blaine had seen his father he'd been running for office, and he'd been cheating on his wife, Blaine's mother. But Blaine couldn't tell Kurt that; he couldn't unbundled that burden; he couldn't receive comfort. Because that isn't him anymore. He is a new person. A new city; a new Blaine. And he'd left his real self behind a long time ago and it was far too late for comfort.

Kurt nodded, "Must be nice."

"Yeah, sometimes, but money isn't everything, you know?"

"I know. My family doesn't have a lot of money, but they accept me and love me. That's all that really matters. Though the no money thing really does put a damper on my fashion style."

Blaine laughed, "Trust me, you look great. I'd like to meet your family someday."

Kurt blushed. This was flirting, right? Blaine was flirting with him.

"Well, you've already met my brother."

Blaine raised an eyebrow.

"Well, my stepbrother. Finn is my stepbrother. His mom married my dad."

"Ah, he seems nice."

Kurt took another sip of his mocha and remembered what Finn had said about Blaine in the car this morning. Poor Blaine thought Finn was a nice guy, but Finn had done nothing but doubt Blaine.

"He's a good brother," Kurt answered honestly.

"You're really lucky to have a family like that," Blaine smiled, but this time it was a sad gesture and the pleasant curve in his lips never reached his eyes.

"I take it you don't have it that great at home,"

Blaine thought for a moment. He wanted to tell Kurt everything. About his father and the sting of that man's hand across his face. About how his mother had watched and remained silent. He wanted to tell Kurt that yes, his family was horrible and no, he didn't have it great at home. He didn't even have a home.

"No, they're great. I just can't wait to get out."

"I totally understand what you mean. New York calls to me louder everyday."

"I hear New York is great," Blaine said casually and took another sip of his coffee.

Kurt began talking about New York and his voice painted such a beautiful picture of the city and the lights and the noises. And Blaine thought, if his voice is this amazing, what is it like when he sings? Blaine listened as Kurt went on about Gershwin Theater and singing and performing. Blaine already adored New York with every piece of his heart, but hearing Kurt talk about it made it more beautiful, and Blaine longed for his city all over again and with an intensity he'd never imagined.

"Blaine, why'd you ask me to coffee?"

Kurt asked the question so abruptly that Blaine nearly choked on the warm liquid in his mouth.

"Because I really like you," Blaine admitted, "And I want to be your friend,"

Kurt smiled at Blaine as best he could. He wouldn't admit that those words hurt. He wouldn't admit that he wanted to be so much more than just Blaine's friend. Kurt had to remind himself over and over again that Blaine was straight, and even if he did end up being bisexual, he was still dating Mia. Beautiful, talented Mia. Any boy's dream. And Kurt was Kurt; tall, awkward, and the wrong sex.

"I should get you home. We've talked the whole afternoon away."

Indeed they had. The night sky had long ago overpowered the sun, and the moon hung high in sky. The drive home was absent of conversation but neither boy minded. They were both so wrapped up and distracted by the closeness of the other that conversation would have been nearly impossible. The same music as before played softly from the back speakers of the car and Kurt tapped his foot gently to the familiar beat.

It wasn't until after Kurt had exited the car and promised to hang out with Blaine again soon that it hit him where the music was from. He tried to run past his parents but they stopped him

"Where have you been?" Burt asked. His rough voice was tired; worried.

"I was hanging out with a friend. Finn didn't tell you?"

"Finn's having dinner with Rachel and her dad's tonight. He called to tell me where he was going."

"Dad, I'm sorry. I promise I'll call next time," Kurt took three more steps towards the stairs.

"Not so fast, Kurt. Who were you with? Who just dropped you off?"

"A new boy from Glee club. He doesn't have many friends yet, and he wanted to get some coffee. Simple as that, dad."

"Don't be rude to your father, sweetie. He was really worried." Carole spoke softly from her spot on the couch.

"Hell yes, I was worried. My son just doesn't come home from school and doesn't call-"

"Dad, I'm sorry. It will never happen again. I wasn't thinking."

Burt nodded and sat back down on the couch next to his wife.

"Do you want to watch a movie with us, sweetie?" Carole asked.

"I'm really tired. I think I'll just head straight to bed."

Kurt kissed Carole goodnight and hugged his dad and ran nimbly up the stairs two at a time.

He pulled out his laptop and found Blaine Anderson's Myspace page easily.

He remembered when Rachel had told him to check it out; to listen to the new kid sing and play and perform.

Kurt remembered how mesmerized he'd been by the boys voice, even in it's poorly recorded form.

Kurt hit enter and the web page began to load.

This page has been deactivated.

Blaine sat on the couch in his apartment breathing heavily. The laptop balanced on his lap slipped shut. Blaine's heart was still racing from his ride home. He'd been going more than double the speed limit; desperate to make it home in time.

His Myspace music page was deleted. Gone from existence.

He only hoped he'd been quick enough.