Author's note:
Things in italic = Flashbacks, past experiences from episodes.
Things in bold italic = Blaine's thoughts during the past experience
Things in normal font = Present tense

"Welcome back."

"I don't feel very 'welcomed'."

"I'm welcoming you. I like having you around."

"You've only met me once."

"It was an enjoyable once."

"What are we going to talk about?"

"How did you and Kurt meet?"

"It's a long story."

"I have time."

Blaine always reflected on the first time he met Kurt. It was all by chance. If he hadn't been walking down the staircase the time Kurt was, they never would've met. Kurt would've chosen to stop someone else instead of Blaine.

But Blaine just happened to be walking by Kurt at that time, and Kurt happened to stop him.

Blaine could remember it was 2:27 when Kurt stopped him in Dalton Academy. He had been staring at his stopwatch, wondering if Wes would murder him since he was two minutes late for the Warblers performance. It was Teenage Dream this time, one of Blaine's favorite songs, and he had the solo.

"Oh, excuse me."

Those were the first three words he heard from Kurt's lips.

He remembered turning around to be floored by the most stunning boy he had ever laid eyes on. His hair was perfectly coiffed, his skin a flawless peach and he carried a nervous smile.

"Um, hi, can I ask you a question? I'm new here."

"My name's Blaine."

He reached his hand out to shake Kurt's. Their hands met.

Sparks.

"Kurt."

He thought it was the most wonderful name in the world.

"So what exactly is going on?"

He told Kurt about the Warblers and Kurt widened his eyes in disbelief at the new information.

"Come on, I know a shortcut."

Blaine took Kurt's hand again.

More sparks.

As they ran down the secret corridor that Jeff had shown him last week, everything seemed to slow down, as if they were in some cliché romantic comedy.

That day, he sang Teenage Dream for Kurt.

That day, he fell in love with the man who would change his life forever.

"That's really sweet."

Blaine managed a small smile.

"What happened afterwards?"

"You sound interested."

"He sounds cute."

"He was the most wonderful person in the entire world."

When David mentioned the zero tolerance harassment policy, Blaine immediately noticed the fact that Kurt's eyes became unfocused and he inhaled sharply. He looked like he was going to cry.

"Would you guys excuse us?"

Blaine remembered not knowing why he requested that. There was just something about Kurt that drew Blaine towards him. He wanted to know more about this so called "spy" that wasn't exactly doing any spying at all.

"I take it you're having trouble at school."

"I'm the only person out of the closet at my school and I try and stay strong about it, but there's this Neanderthal who's made it his mission to make my life a living hell and nobody seems to notice."

There are people who would hurt this incredible boy?

Then Blaine found himself talking about his life to this complete stranger who he knew nothing about and it was as if the words flowed out of his mouth just like that.

"So you have two options. I mean I'd love to tell you to just come enroll here."

Please do.

"But tuition here is sort of steep and I know it's not an option for everyone."

But please do.

"Or you could refuse to be the victim. Prejudice is just ignorance, Kurt, and you have a chance right now to teach them."

"How?"

"Confront them. Call them out. I ran, Kurt. I didn't stand up. I let bullies chase me away and it's something that I really, really regret."

Kurt smiled tentatively, "I'll give it a shot."

Blaine reached into his pocket for his cellphone, "Can I have your number?"

Kurt seemed taken aback by the question but blushed, "Sure."

They switched mobiles and snapped pictures of each other for their contacts.

"So will I see you again?"

"I hope so."

"What happened with that Neanderthal?"

"Karofsky. He gave Kurt a hard time one day, force kissed him in the locker room, and I went over to Kurt's school to talk to the guy. Eventually he walked away."

"But he came back didn't he?"

"How did you know?"

"Always happens."

"He got suspended but the school board didn't expel him. When Kurt heard the news that Karofsky was coming back, he transferred to Dalton."

"That must've made you happy."

"It did. But I decided that I would only act as a mentor to Kurt."

"Why's that?"

"Seeing him, after Karofsky left, just made the decision for me. He looked so broken and scared. I wanted to help him, not complicate things further."

He could hear Kurt whisper an "Oh be quiet, you didn't complicate things at all," into his ear. Blaine bit back a smile.

"You're a good man."

"I'd like to think so."

Blaine thought back to the first time he heard Kurt sing. It was during auditions for a solo for sectionals and he had sung Don't Cry for Me Argentina. It was a personal favorite of his, but he was sure the council would disapprove.

Kurt had a hauntingly beautiful voice. It was angelic and pure, as if a bunch of songbirds had joined together to weave a complicated melody of notes. Blaine had to stop himself from smiling throughout the entire song. He was quite sure he would be perfectly content listening to Kurt sing forever.

When he had to inform those who auditioned the names of the people who got in, he literally had to force himself not to say Kurt's name. It wasn't fair. Kurt's solo was breathtaking in every single way.

"Any stage advice?"

Kurt's tight lipped smile almost tore Blaine's heart in two.

"Don't try so hard next time."

You were absolutely perfect.

"I didn't realize that caring was frowned upon."

Not by me.

"I don't know how it worked at your old school but did you notice that we all wear uniforms around here? It's all about being part of the team."

I'm perfectly content with seeing you without the uniform though.

"I guess I'm just used to having to scream to get noticed."

I noticed you.

"You're not going to make it as a Warbler if all you care about is getting noticed."

"You're right. I'm sorry."

Don't be.

"I know it's going to take some getting used to, but you'll fit in soon enough. I promise."

Blaine's heart swooped when Kurt smiled at his words.

"I told her about how we met."

"I thought you were only going once."

"I didn't have a choice. But she's nice, you'd like her."

"I know I would. What's her name?"

"Amanda."

"Seyfried?"

"No, Bynes."

Kurt laughed.

"I miss you so much."

"Shh, I'm right here."

"I know."

Blaine wrapped his arms around the boy who continued to break his heart and heal it at the same time.