The décor was lovely, and almost too classy for Kurt to bear. Compared to the barren, beige and red walls of McKinley High, Dalton Academy for Boys was something picturesque, reminiscent of Mr. Darcy's home in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. But Kurt had very little time to properly assess his surroundings; the students were all rushing to a singular location, the boys a flurry of motion for reasons Kurt did not yet know.

"Excuse me -" The boy in front of him turned around, and Kurt continued, trying not to get lost in those golden eyes. "Um, hi, can I ask you a question? I'm new here." The dark-haired boy waited a split second before extending his hand.

"My name's Blaine." It was said without hesitation, and as their hands met, Kurt couldn't help but smile briefly.

"Kurt." He responded. "So what exactly is going on?" He had to ask; the excitement in the air was obvious and catching.

"The Warblers!" Blaine exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "Every now and then they throw an impromptu performance in the Senior Commons." He looked quickly at a passing Freshman, and with a wry smile said, "Tends to shut the school down for a while."

"So, wait, the glee club here is… kind of 'cool'?" Kurt asked, disbelief coloring his tone even though he could clearly see the eager student body heading for the performance.

"The Warblers are like rock stars." Blaine smiled. Something about Kurt's expression must have struck a chord within Blaine, because the next thing Kurt knew, Blaine said something about a 'short-cut' and his hand was on his.

To say that Kurt was merely "thrilled" would be a gross understatement. The feeling of Blaine's strong hand holding his, tugging him forward without the slightest hint of homophobia or disgust, was a revelation for Kurt. To have a boy - an insanely cute boy - touch him purposefully, to hold his hand and give him the time of day felt insanely surreal.

Most people take hand-holding for granted, as it's something they've experienced multiple times in their lives without the fear of it not happening again. Kurt, however, was not "most people." With a gruff (but loving), not entirely affectionate father, no mother, and no friends during his elementary and middle school years, simple touch had been very limited. When his father held his hand at his mother's funeral, Kurt knew that everything would be okay, that his father would be there. At the time, it felt like a promise, assurance of stability (or some bizarre semblance of). Nothing was ever as "right" or "comforting" … until this. And sure, maybe it meant nothing to Blaine who could very well be entirely straight, and yes, it wasn't exactly a declaration of love and affection (as they'd literally only shared about 10 sentences), but what Kurt felt somehow greater than mere "affection."

Kurt felt accepted - and from someone he didn't know in the least.

And even if it did mean absolutely nothing to Blaine, that ray of hope meant everything to Kurt.

It meant that there were people out there who would one day touch him with something other than repulsion and anger driving them.

For once, Kurt didn't feel alone.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I'm not sure if I'll leave this as a one-shot or continue it; let me know! If I continue it, the rating may change to something a little lemon-y... but that's not a sure thing yet ;D.

- Ammi -