Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or White Houses.

Note: So nice to see a positive response to this story so far. I'm going to give each of the characters equal billing, and I've cooked up some interesting backstories!

This little bungalow with some strange new friends

I wish I could tell you that I came to New York City for work or for school. But the truth of the matter is, I'm here for pretty selfish reasons. I want to be noticed, and I want to fall in love. Or is that so selfish after all? I was just a shy, stuttering girl from Plano, Texas, until I moved here. Well, strike that: I no longer stutter, but I'm still pretty shy. I figured maybe the Big Apple would bring out the social butterfly in me, but so far it's just landed me two quiet roommates, one semi-normal (although admittedly very flamboyant) roommate, and one obnoxious, over-the-top diva roommate. I like them and all, but they can be pretty strange. Strange as in strangers, yes, but also…different than I'm used to.

Oh, I'm sure you're wondering who "I" am. I am Tina Cohen-Chang. My parents aren't my real parents. Rather, they adopted me from China when I was a baby. I've never met my birth parents, although I'd love to someday. I've never even seen a picture of them. I wonder, do I have my dad's personality? My mom's smile? Did they have any children before or after me? Why did they give me up? I know in China that boys are favored over girls, but was that the only reason I was given away? Did they die? Was my father absent? Were they teenagers in trouble? There are so many questions that boggle me down day after day. I try not to think of them much. No point in dwelling, I suppose.

I was never the popular girl in school. In fact, people hardly ever noticed me. I got by on sitting in the back of the classroom, praying the teacher wouldn't call on me. On top of that, I had that stutter, so kids left me alone, thinking I was weird. I never had a date to the Prom or to Winter Formal or any dance at all. I did have a boyfriend for a little while, but we broke up when he moved to Oklahoma.

Oh please, let me finally find love and the place I belong here.

"Tina, wanna go explore the neighborhood?" Kurt asked.

"Sure," I replied. I was sure he'd just want to go poking around in some of the stores, but hey, maybe he could suggest some new fashion tips for me in lieu of the 'Goth' look I've been sporting since high school. Besides, I could get to know him and the neighborhood a little better, which was always a plus. We strolled down the street.

"Oh look, that's cute," he pointed out a flouncy dress in the window of a boutique.

I wrinkled my nose in distaste. "Not really my style."

He looked me over, head to toe. "Oh please, honey. That look was so 2003."

"Well…any suggestions?" Maybe having a gay roommate could have its advantages.

"Hmm," he studied my face. "With that complexion, nothing too red or yellow. Perhaps some nice blues and purples. But no pink, that will look terrible. Yes, I see you looking ravishing in a nice navy dress."

"Thanks, I guess," I mumbled.

"Well, New York is the fashion capital of America. And we, honey, are in the middle of its artistic soul. All of these little bohemian-chic stores…they're certainly not Sak's Fifth Avenue, but they have a nice…charm to them."

I had to laugh. "Kurt, you're from what, Ohio? How do you know so much about fashion?"

"I've been getting a monthly subscription to Vogue since I was ten. I know all the latest trends, and I have a keen eye for discounts on major designer labels."

"So…do you have a boyfriend?" I asked.

"Ah, no, recently single," he said quickly. "And you?"

"I've been single since my junior year of high school," I admitted.

"Oh no, honey. A pretty girl like yourself?" I shrugged. "Well, not to worry. We'll both get back on the wagon sooner than you can say 'Gucci'."

I giggled. "Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll be roommates, too."

He gasped. "I like the way you think! So speaking of, what do you think of ours?"

"Well," I paused. "Puck seems reserved, but otherwise an okay guy. Not my type, though. Quinn is quiet too, but she's nice."

"What's up with…you know?" Kurt tried to dodge around the subject gently.

"I don't know," I shrugged. "I didn't think it was appropriate to ask. I'm sure she'll tell us sooner or later, when she's ready." We continue down the street. "As for Rachel…well, she's…she's very…"

"Loud?" Kurt supplied. "Obnoxious? Ambitious?"

"Yes," I laughed. "All of those things. And I have to share a bedroom with her!"

"Eh, you and Quinn can always duct-tape her mouth shut if need be. Wait, you're old enough to drink, right?" I nodded. "Then it's settled. Tonight, we'll hit the club. You and I need to find us some grade-A, sexy, hot as hell in bed, New York men."

I blushed. "I'm, uh, still a virgin."

His eyes widened. "Oh my gosh, I didn't know. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

"It's okay," I said quietly. "Are…are you?"

"Nah, I lost mine to my ex-boyfriend," he said with a roll of his eyes. He was joking about it, but I could tell that this ex of his has hurt him badly. He's just wearing a mask to hide the pain. Underneath, he seemed to be vulnerable. I wondered what this guy did to him. It was obviously a serious relationship if they'd…well, had sex. And here I was, the little Asian virgin with apparently outdated fashion sense and no 'game'.

"Girl, we need to loosen you up," Kurt shook me by the shoulders. "Okay, so tonight we hit the club, and then tomorrow, we're going shopping to get you a brand-new wardrobe." He must've seen the horrified expression on my face, because he rushes on. "Oh, don't worry, nothing too feminine or dramatic. Maybe we'll get your hair trimmed too, get some highlights to bring out those eyes of yours. Oh, I just love makeovers! I haven't done one in so long, and here's my perfect opportunity, too!"

Is it too late to take back what I said about having a gay roommate had its advantages?

To be continued