I love your opinions about why Blaine wasn't at the wedding! I don't really know, of course, so that was just my opinion! I'm guessing that the real reason Blaine wasn't in that episode was that Ryan Murphy and co. were frantically trying to figure out where Blaine's storyline was going... they probably wrote 'Furt' before Blaine was in the picture, so to speak. (And they had no idea how popular he'd be and that we'd all miss him when he wasn't in the episode! There's actually an episode coming up – 2x13: Comeback – where Blaine AND Kurt aren't in it at all, so I'll have to make up something fun for them to do! But that's a few episodes away.)
There's a lot of change going on for Kurt in this episode! I think he handles it all very well. Of course he does, right? He's Kurt! I think this episode is where we really start to see that Kurt's maturing. He'll always be an adorable diva, but just think of how much he grows up (I mean mentally, but physically too!) between now and the finale! I hope the writers keep that up for season 3. But anyway, I digress! Here we go...
(I do not own Glee or any of the characters, dialogue, or songs from the show. It's all just for fun!)
KURT
Kurt looked in the mirror with a heavy sigh. He had been excused from classes on his first day at Dalton so that he and his father could spend the day moving him into his dormitory. The room was still a mess – boxes and suitcases everywhere – but Kurt thought that it had potential. The hallways had been mostly empty in the dormitory all day; most of the students were in class, but the few who had stopped to say hello had been friendly and helpful.
Kurt was simultaneously excited and nervous about his first Warblers meeting, which was less than an hour away.
Burt had just departed, and Kurt was alone in his room for the first time. He stood looking at his reflection in the mirror for a moment, considering everything that had happened to lead him here. He had put on his new Dalton uniform. Everything except the blazer, which was draped over his desk chair.
He leaned over and attached a pin to one of the lapels of his blazer. The dress code allowed for pins, and Kurt wasn't going to pass over a chance to personalize his outfit. He slipped the blazer up and over his shoulders, straightened his tie, and scrutinized his appearance.
He looked like a Dalton student.
Kurt was thinking about Blaine, and how he looked in the blazer, when there was a sharp knock from the doorway. Kurt spun around to find his friend leaning on the doorframe.
BLAINE
"Hey," Blaine smiled broadly. He motioned to Kurt's uniform. "Looks good on you."
Kurt looked momentarily flustered, but he recovered quickly. "Come in," he said lightly, motioning for Blaine to come in from the doorway.
Blaine surveyed the abundance of boxes and clothes scattered around the small room. "How're you feeling?"
"Like this room is a metaphor for my brain," Kurt admitted, "but I think once I'm all unpacked and settled..." he trailed off with a shrug.
"It will feel more like home," Blaine finished for him.
Kurt nodded.
Blaine studied Kurt for a moment until he spied Kurt's camera on the desk. He stepped over to pick it up.
"We need to document this momentous occasion... Kurt Hummel's first time wearing a Dalton blazer," he said with mock seriousness. He turned on the camera and snapped a photo of Kurt laughing at his theatrics.
"The first day of many," Kurt whined halfheartedly.
"Oh, come over here," Blaine rolled his eyes. He threw an arm around Kurt's shoulders and leaned into him so that the sides of their faces were touching. "Now smile like you mean it," he teased as he held the camera out in front of them. He took a self-portrait of them together, and he could feel on his cheek that Kurt was smiling broadly.
Blaine stepped away and took a photo of the room covered in boxes and clothes. "Alright," he said, satisfied, "here you go." He handed the camera to Kurt, who quickly put it down on the desk.
"I've gotta grab my stuff from my room before Warblers practice," Blaine said, glancing at his pocket watch, "See you there?"
Kurt nodded, and Blaine turned to walk out of the room. He paused for a moment in the doorway to look over his shoulder at Kurt, who was watching him leave.
"Welcome to Dalton, Kurt."
KURT
Kurt gathered his things and set off for the room where Warblers practice was held each afternoon. As he walked down the hallway to the double doors that led to Warbler practice, a student raised an arm for a high five. He didn't even know the other boy, but clearly the boy knew Kurt. Kurt smiled as he realized that the students at Dalton didn't care what he was. Just that he was a person. A new student. New students at McKinley were met with suspicion, but at Dalton the other students were going out of their way to make sure that he felt welcome.
As Blaine opened the doors, Wes announced Kurt as a new member. Kurt smiled as the group applauded. He made his way to the front of the room, and Wes continued.
"In our oldest tradition for our newest Warbler... an actual Warbler." He motioned across the room to Blaine.
"Kurt," Blaine said kindly, motioning at a small bird cage at his feet, "meet Pavarotti."
"This bird is a member of an unbroken line of canaries who have been at Dalton since 1891," Wes informed Kurt. "It's your job to take care of him so he can live to carry on the Warbler legacy. Protect him – that bird is your voice."
This was unexpected. Kurt had never had a pet before. He felt a twinge of nervousness as Blaine brought the bird cage over to him. "Hey, I'll bring him to work with me," Kurt quipped to hide his apprehension, "Weekends I volunteer at a stray cat rescue," he paused for a moment. "It's at the bottom of a coal mine."
Blaine was giggling silently at Kurt's joke, but the rest of the Warblers didn't seem to find Kurt amusing. He backtracked quickly. "Uh, that was a joke. I don't– I don't work at a coal mine."
"Let the council come to order," Wes quickly started the meeting, "Today we discuss the set list for Sectionals."
"Council?" Kurt asked.
"We don't have a director," Blaine interjected, "every year we elect three upperclassmen to lead the group." Kurt imagined for a moment the drama that would ensue if New Directions ran their glee club this way. It wasn't a pretty mental image.
"But don't worry – we all get a say." Blaine reassured.
Kurt felt a surge of excitement. "Fantastic!" he said happily. "I have a lot of ideas. Warblers, if I may?"
Nobody objected, so Kurt continued. "Now, I can't deny that the Warblers' vocals are absolutely dreamy, but I believe our set for Sectionals this year should have a little more show-biz panache. I think we should open with Rio by Duran Duran."
"The council is responsible for song selection," David said immediately.
"But we appreciate your enthusiasm, Kurt," Wes added. "It will come in handy one day when you're sitting behind this desk."
Kurt felt a rush of embarrassment as Wes continued the meeting, talking about their harmonies for the competition. He moved to sit down near the door. He couldn't bring himself to look across the room at Blaine, who was perched on the edge of the couch.
He remained silent through the rest of the meeting, trying to fight back the feeling of homesickness that gnawed at his chest.
BLAINE
As soon as the Warblers meeting ended, Blaine watched Kurt get up and move silently out of the room. Kurt didn't look upset, but he didn't look happy either. Blaine had glanced at the new student multiple times during the meeting. Kurt had appeared to be listening, but Blaine could tell that he wasn't comfortable because he had removed the pin from his blazer and had spent the entire meeting fiddling with it. Kurt had shoved it into his bag when the meeting was coming to a close.
Blaine was about to hurry after Kurt when he heard Wes calling his name.
"What's up?" Blaine pushed his way to the front of the room to talk to the trio at the council desk.
"Kurt's a bit more eager than the last time we saw him," Wes said with a grin.
"Kurt's an enthusiastic person," Blaine said seriously. "And from what he's told me about New Directions, he's going to need time to adjust."
"I think he's going to be a great to have around," Thad said merrily.
"I can't wait to hear his singing voice," David piped up. "We should have had him audition."
Blaine rolled his eyes. "He was in New Directions. It would be insulting to force him to audition."
David tilted his head in reluctant agreement.
Wes looked thoughtful. "Let's allow him to audition for a solo," he said after a moment. "Nick and Jeff are the only other two who have expressed real interest for Sectionals, so let's see what he's got."
David and Thad nodded, and Blaine grinned. "He'll like that."
"Well, go and tell him," Wes waved Blaine away.
"Thanks, guys," Blaine said happily.
He turned and jogged toward the stairs at the other end of the corridor. As he started down the stairs under the large skylight, he saw Kurt already halfway down.
"Hey Kurt, wait up!" Blaine called after the new student as he descended the spiral staircase. He thought for a moment about the last time they had been together on these stairs.
"I saw that glee club was hard for you today," Blaine said as he reached Kurt, "Seeing your ideas shot down like that."
"It's just a different energy in there," Kurt said, "Not better or worse, just something I'll have to get used to."
"We recognize that," Blaine spoke for the group, "and we have a tradition at this school of rewarding a student with a good attitude, so... we would like to invite you to audition for a solo."
"For Sectionals?" Kurt asked hopefully.
"For Sectionals," Blaine confirmed with a smile, and he felt a tug at his heart as Kurt's face lit up.
"Sing something good," Blaine teased as he turned to leave. As he walked away down the hallway, he admitted to himself that he was very excited to hear Kurt's audition later in the week. He couldn't wait to hear Kurt's voice.
KURT
Kurt shuffled nervously. He was about to perform his first audition for the Warblers, and he wanted to impress them. He bounced up and down on the balls of his feet as he thought about the song he was going to sing. He had thanked Rachel profusely; it was perfect.
"Kurt?" Blaine said, stepping out into the hallway where Kurt was waiting. "We're ready for you."
Kurt skipped forward, but Blaine put a hand on Kurt's chest to stop him from passing into the room.
"I'm really looking forward to this, Kurt," Blaine said sincerely. "Good luck!"
"Thanks," Kurt squirmed under the intense gaze of the other boy's amber eyes and Blaine's hand on his chest. "I've got this."
Blaine laughed silently and pulled his hand back, turning to follow Kurt into the room.
"Welcome, Kurt," Wes said from the council desk. "Please begin whenever you're ready."
Kurt nodded. "I'm ready."
Thad reached over and started the music, and the Warblers settled in to listen to Kurt sing.
It won't be easy; you'll think it's strange
When I try to explain how I feel
That I still need your love after all that I've done
Kurt moved across the room to the window. He couldn't watch all of their faces yet. He wanted to focus on the song.
You won't believe me, all you will see is the girl you once knew
Although she's dressed up to the nines
At sixes and sevens with you
I had to let it happen; I had to change
Couldn't stay all my life down at heel
Looking out of the window; staying out of the sun
He finally turned to face the room full of boys. Everyone was looking at him, interested, and he felt his confidence solidify in his chest. But he could not look at Blaine.
So I chose freedom; running around trying everything new
But nothing impressed me at all
I never expected it to
BLAINE
Don't cry for me Argentina
The truth is I never left you
Blaine felt warm inside as Kurt sang. His voice was rich and beautiful, and Blaine felt hypnotized as he watched and listened to Kurt's performance. None of the other Warblers had a voice like Kurt's.
All through my wild days
My mad existence
I kept my promise
Don't keep your distance
Kurt finally turned his eyes to Blaine for a moment during a brief pause in the song, and Blaine gave him a small smile of encouragement. He didn't want to look overly excited; he had to try to be objective.
Don't cry for me Argentina
Blaine stifled a grin as Kurt began to raise his arms in time with the song. Blaine knew that the Warblers would prefer an audition with few theatrics, so he discreetly signaled to his new friend to lower his arms. Kurt seemed to notice, and he lowered his arms slowly. Blaine wanted to laugh as he wondered if anyone else had noticed the silent communication. He didn't look around to find out.
The truth is I never left you
All through my wild days
My made existence
I kept my promise
Don't keep your distance
KURT
Have I said too much?
There's nothing more I can think of to say to you
But all you have to do is look at me to know
That every word is true
Despite Blaine's subtle discouragement earlier in the song, Kurt couldn't resist a bit of flair with his arm at the end of the song. He understood Blaine's unspoken suggestion – the Warblers were looking for strong voices, not showmen – but he thought it was an appropriate way to end the song.
The Warblers applauded politely, and Kurt saw Blaine nod his approval. He wasn't used to such a dignified reception, but the energy of the room was positive. He bowed slightly and turned to the council desk for further instruction.
"Thank you, Kurt," Wes said kindly. "Nick, Jeff, could you show Kurt the waiting area while we vote? Someone will be in shortly to let you know the results."
Kurt caught a smile from Blaine as he walked quickly across the room to join the other two. He smiled back as he passed through the doorway behind Nick and Jeff.
"We wait in here," Nick informed Kurt as they entered a new room. Kurt nodded. The other two moved to sit down on a large leather bench near the window, so Kurt joined them.
"So, how many times have you guys auditioned?" Kurt asked.
Three and six times. Kurt whistled his surprise, feeling a bit of apprehension. Kurt knew that he had performed well, but clearly the standard was high here.
"Hey guys," Blaine suddenly appeared in the doorway. "Nick, Jeff... congrats. You're moving on."
BLAINE
Blaine saw Kurt's disappointment as he told Nick and Jeff that they were moving on in the competition. As the other two Warblers hugged in relief and left the room, Kurt remained sitting by the window.
"Any sage advice?" Kurt asked when he was alone in the room with Blaine.
Blaine had already thought about it. "Don't try so hard next time," he suggested as he walked across the room to stand by Kurt.
"I didn't realize that caring was frowned upon," Kurt seemed unhappy with the advice.
"I don't know how it worked at your old school," Blaine tried to explain, "but did you notice that we all wear uniforms around here?" He tried to think of a positive way to explain the mentality of Dalton Academy. "It's about being part of the team," he offered.
"I guess I'm just used to having to scream to get noticed," Kurt mused.
"You're not going to make it as a Warbler if all you care about is getting noticed," Blaine answered.
"You're right," Kurt said quickly, "I'm sorry."
Blaine leaned over to look at Kurt's face. "I know it's going to take some getting used to," he said gently, "but you'll fit in soon enough. I promise."
Kurt smiled weakly. He looked sad.
Blaine moved to sit in the chair to Kurt's left. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, settling back into the large chair.
"I think I'm a little homesick," Kurt said softly. "And it's never been my personality to fit in, I guess."
"Don't think of it as having to lose yourself in the sea of uniforms," Blaine said after a pause, "Try to see it more as... a chance to use your individuality to enhance our team."
Kurt closed his eyes for a moment. "Are you planning to become a politician?"
Blaine laughed. "Would you be disappointed if I said no?"
Kurt shrugged noncommittally, but his eyes were livelier than before.
"They were impressed," Blaine said seriously. "But tradition is something the Warblers take seriously, and I don't think they've ever given a solo to someone so new. It's kind of a hierarchy."
"So I was doomed from the start," Kurt rolled his eyes.
"Maybe," Blaine acquiesced. "But don't give up, okay? You never know what could happen by the time Regionals roll around!"
"You are so optimistic," Kurt mumbled, pretending to be annoyed. Blaine put on his best innocent face.
"Well," Kurt said as he got to his feet, "I've never had a solo in a competition before, so this is simply the continuation of a trend." He gave Blaine a meaningful look. "For now."
"That's the spirit," Blaine teased, standing up to join Kurt. "Shall we?" he added, sweeping his arm out to suggest that Kurt lead the way back to where the rest of the Warblers were waiting.
KURT
"Kurt," Blaine interrupted Kurt's chat with Rachel with a touch on his back, "we're going places."
Blaine acknowledged Rachel as Kurt thanked her again for her support, and they turned to leave. Kurt felt confident as the boys returned to the staging area where the rest of the Warblers were waiting. The Warblers' routine was completely different than anything the New Directions had ever done, but he had learned the vocals quickly. Jeff (who had won the second solo for the competition) had helped him learn the choreography.
Kurt was only nervous about performing in front of his friends from New Directions. He had tried not to think about it much since his transfer; he still spoke with Mercedes and Tina on a regular basis, but he tried to keep from asking specifics about glee club. He was finding his way at Dalton, but he missed his friends at McKinley.
He heard the Hipsters begin their set, and suddenly he felt a shoulder nudge against his.
"How're you holding up?" Blaine asked cheerfully.
"I can't decide," Kurt admitted.
"I know it hasn't been long since you were in New Directions," Blaine guessed what was on Kurt's mind, "but you're a Warbler now. You're one of us, and we're better for it."
Kurt blushed. "Thank you so much for all the time you've spent acclimating me."
"Isn't that what friends are for?" Blaine said offhandedly, and Kurt smiled. It was the first time Blaine had told Kurt that he considered him a friend.
"Oh," Blaine said suddenly, "you've got..." He stepped around so that they were facing each other, and Kurt's heart thudded uncontrollably as Blaine's thumb brushed across his face below his eye and swept away a stray eyelash.
"T-thanks," Kurt stammered as Blaine studied his face for a moment, making sure that he had removed the eyelash. Blaine was close enough that Kurt could smell his cologne and the coffee on Blaine's breath. He closed his eyes, breathing it all in.
"Don't be nervous," Blaine misunderstood Kurt's reaction. "We've got this."
Kurt smiled and opened his eyes to see that Blaine had moved away. He adjusted his tie as Blaine turned to glance at the rest of the group. "Time to warm up?" Kurt guessed.
"Yeah," Blaine confirmed, and they returned to the group to rehearse one final time.
BLAINE
"And now, for our second performance of the program: from Dalton Academy in Westerville..." Blaine turned his head to wink at Kurt as the announcer's voice boomed and the curtain started to rise, "...the Warblers!"
Blaine felt a surge of adrenaline as the Warblers began the song. He felt all the problems of the world melt away, and he stepped forward to sing.
Your lipstick stains
On the front lobe of my left side brains
I knew I wouldn't forget you
He turned and playfully mimed at Kurt as he sang, hoping that the newest member of the Warblers felt confident. He knew that all of Kurt's friends in New Directions were somewhere in the audience watching, and he guessed that Kurt was nervous to sing for them rather than as one of them.
And so I went and let you blow my mind
Your sweet moonbeam
The smell of you in every single dream I dream
I knew when we collided
You're the one I have decided
Who's one of my kind
KURT
Kurt didn't feel the same energy singing background harmonies and dancing synchronized steps as he was accustomed to feeling as a member of New Directions, and he felt a little uneasy as the song progressed. Blaine was making eye contact with him quite a bit, and Kurt couldn't decide if it helped or make things worse.
Hey soul sister
Ain't that mister mister
On the radio, stereo
The way you move ain't fair, you know
Hey soul sister
Kurt caught Rachel's eye in the audience. "Smile!" she mouthed at him, exaggerating the word with a hand motion by her mouth. Kurt obeyed, realizing that his unease was probably showing on his face.
I don't wanna miss a single thing you do
Tonight
The way you can cut a rug
Watching you's the only drug I need
So gangster, I'm so thug
You're the only one I'm dreaming of
The one aspect of this performance that made Kurt feel like the smile on his face was expressing his actual emotions was watching Blaine let loose as he sang. Blaine was more reserved than Kurt in most situations, but Kurt was starting to realize that his friend's reserve melted away when he performed. Performing Blaine was like an exaggerated version of everyday Blaine.
You see, I can be myself now finally
In fact there's nothing I can't be
I want the world to see you'll be with me
Hey soul sister
Ain't that mister mister
On the radio, stereo
The way you move ain't fair, you know
Hey soul sister
I don't wanna miss a single thing you do
Tonight
As the song ended, Kurt admitted to himself that he had enjoyed his first performance as a Warbler more and more as it had gone on. Their sound was terrific; the crowd seemed to love it. He watched as Rachel jumped to her feet, and the rest of New Directions soon followed. Kurt felt a smile of relief spread across his face. He had been worried about their reaction, and seeing them in the crowd being so supportive made him feel like maybe being part of the Warblers would be okay.
BLAINE
"Got your text, what's wrong?" Blaine asked, concerned, as he hurried into the room.
"It's Pavarotti," Kurt said quickly, "I think he's sick. I'm taking good care of him, but he won't sing and he's losing his feathers."
Blaine leaned over to look at the little bird.
"Oh, he's just molting," Blaine reassured, realizing that Kurt had probably never had to take care of a bird before. "He's growing a new coat of feathers, so his body has to shut down a little."
Blaine looked up at Kurt, who sighed in relief.
"But don't worry about it," Blaine added. "He's got food, water. He seems to like his cage. Just give it a little while. He'll be singing again in no time."
As he explained the bird's predicament, Blaine glanced at Kurt's face and realized that maybe Kurt could understand Pavarotti more than any of them at the moment.
"Don't forget," Blaine reminded, "Warbler practice tonight at five."
He leaned into Kurt's shoulder, causing the slim young man to smile. "Regionals, here we come!"
He patted Kurt's knee affectionately and started to leave. He was almost to the door when Kurt's voice stopped him.
"Hey," Kurt stood up from the sofa, "I didn't really get a chance to tell you before – things were a little crazy – but great job at the competition. The entire auditorium was swooning at your charisma and talent."
Blaine strolled back in Kurt's direction, trailing a hand on the back of one of the leather couches. "Thanks," he said with a smile. "And you, Mr. I'm-Now-A-Warbler. I've never heard better harmonies. And by the end, I daresay you were even enjoying yourself."
Kurt grinned. "I'm glad we're moving on."
"We're going to have to step up our game, though," Blaine said seriously. "New Directions was amazing."
"I could sabotage them," Kurt smirked, casually adjusting his blazer.
"I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear that," Blaine said casually.
Pavarotti chirped loudly, and both boys laughed. Kurt picked up the bird's cage and walked with Blaine to the door. They had to go in opposite directions, so Blaine leaned over until he was at eye level with Pavarotti.
"See you later, little guy," Blaine said before standing up and giving Kurt a brisk nod. Kurt giggled and nodded back, and the two boys were both smiling brightly as they parted ways.
Yay, this chapter was longer! I have a feeling that once we reach the point where they are actually boyfriends (or, really, Silly Love Songs where the whole possibility of a romance is introduced), the episodes are going to run away with me... but bring it on! I am really enjoying writing this!
I like to think that Pavarotti was rooting for Kurt and Blaine from the start. He was a smart little bird, okay? I think he could tell when Blaine handed him off to Kurt that they had chemistry. ;)
Thank you all so much for reading! (HUGS!) Tomorrow... Christmas!