If you recognise it, it's not mine.

The sharp thud of the gavel silenced the general chatter in the room immediately.

"Warblers, due to the absence of Blaine, our main soloist, we will be unable to practice our competition pieces today." Thad was in his element at the front of the room. Before he could continue, David took over.

"So today we're going to make a start on the songs planned for the performance at the nursing home in a couple of months." Thad took the opportunity to jump back in.

"As the soloists for these pieces are currently undecided, anyone who may be interested in a solo may take it for today." This instantly caused a buzz of excited chatter, and Wes had to use his gavel several times before the room quieted.

"Warblers, who would like the solo for the first number?" Wes asked as David and Thad began passing out sheet music. Kurt, Nick and Jeff, amongst others, raised their hands before recieving the papers.

"Kurt, your voice would suit the song. Would you like the solo?" Kurt nodded eagerly, barely stopping himself from jumping up and down like an idiot. Then he actually looked at the song. His heart fell.

"Um, David? I can't...I can't do this song." His pleas went unheard. The council were already arranging everyone into formation, so Kurt took the spot Blaine usually had, feeling a small thrill of satisfaction. The introduction started, slightly quiet and uncertain, but it picked up confidence as a few more people recognised the song. Kurt took a deep breath.

"I'll tell you something

I think you'll understand

When I'll say that something

I wanna hold your hand

I wanna hold your hand

I wanna hold your hand"

His breathing hitched and he swallowed down a sob as the song continued.

"Oh please, say to me

You'll let me be your man

And please, say to me

You'll let me hold your hand

Now let me hold your hand

I wanna hold your hand"

His voice wobbled but held the note, just. Wes glanced at him, but due to the arrangement of the group, nobody could see his face. The song continued, and then the impossible happened.

Kurt missed his cue.

Thad clapped twice, a signal to stop.

"Kurt, did you misread the music?" Kurt didn't answer, hunching in on himself as tears streamed down his face. A barely audible sniff escaped him. David heard it, and broke the formation to come round and tap him on the shoulder.

"Kurt? Are you ok?" The rest of the Warblers fell completely silent. You could hear a pin drop, let alone Kurt's quiet, barely restrained sobs. Wes hurriedly banged his gavel on the nearest wall.

"Warblers dismissed!" The group dissipated eventually, Thad practically pushing them out of the door. Then it was just Wes and David crowding round Kurt. David led him over to a chair, gently forcing him to take a seat. Kurt promptly buried his face in his hands.

"Where the hell is Blaine when you need him?"

"Some fight club competition."

"You don't know anything else?"

"No, he wouldn't say anything else-"

"Because you don't talk about fight club."

The all too familiar phrase was hollow. Wes knelt down in front of Kurt, taking one of his hands away from his face.

"Kurt, what's wrong? Is everything ok?" Kurt nodded, wiping tears from his face with his free hand.

"It's just the song...Memories, you know?" Wes and David nodded. They knew the New Directions often did songs with a lot of in-depth feeling, depending on the circumstances.

"Do you want to talk about it?" David asked tentatively, sitting next to Kurt. Kurt gave a shaky choking sound, halfway between a laugh and a sob.

"My dad had a heart attack a while ago. He was in a coma, and there was a point when they didn't know if he was going to make it. I sang that song for him in glee," he explained, staring down at the floor. "I just felt so helpless and scared, and there weren't really any adults around I trusted that much. My mom died when I was eight," he added, seeing Wes and David's looks of confusion. "It basically all came rushing back. I'm really sorry for disrupting practice, guys."

Wes and David instantly hugged Kurt as tightly as possible. Kurt spluttered for a second, then relaxed into the embrace. Eventually he pulled away.

"I'm going to go wash my face, and my hair probably looks hideous. Thank you, though. For everything." He left the room with quick, nervous footsteps. Wes and David exchanged glances, and left as well.

The sheet music lay forgotten on various chairs.

Later that evening, three texts were sent.

Thad: We're taking I want to hold your hand off the setlist. There's a private reason. -Wes

Blaine: Kurt may need a hug when you get back. A lot of hugs. -David

Dad: I love you. -Kurt