"Tell me it's some kind of chocolate? They keep clear of anything that could cause a sugar rush in this place." Blaine said with a teasing smile as he watched Kurt roll his eyes; a smile playing on his lips.

"You know I have to abide by the rules." Kurt spoke with a laugh on the edge of his voice. He reached into his messenger bag and pulled out a slim piece of paper.

"A brochure?" Blaine asked as he skeptically eyeballed the paper. Kurt just ignored his tone and handed the pamphlet to Blaine.

"Dalton Academy for Boys?" Blaine read the front of the brochure with trepidation in his voice. "No offense Kurt but I don't know if my parents would go for something like this. Plus, it says here that there is an exam to get in." Blaine said, his voice faltering a bit.

"Yes, there is an exam and yes, their tuition is a bit steep but you are getting better and better every day and there is something else that caught my eye...other than the fact that it's an all boys school." Kurt said with a flirtatious wink and Blaine could hardly suppress a giggle. Kurt reached for the pamphlet and turned a few pages until he found what he had been looking for. A small smile graced his lips as he handed it back to Blaine.

"Zero tolerance bullying policy." Blaine read it quietly out loud. He looked up at Kurt and smiled.

"There is no bullying there. You can be yourself and not worry about the consequences." Kurt said and Blaine let himself absorb everything. He let himself think of what it would be like to go to a school where he didn't have to be scared if he looked at another boy for too long; where he could smile and laugh and not be afraid of anyone.

"I...I guess I'll mention it to my folks but...if this school is so great why don't you transfer there too?" Blaine asked as he set the brochure on the table between them.

"Have you seen the price tag? My Dad's a Mechanic." Kurt said and Blaine cracked a smile; Kurt always found his smiles a welcome sight.

"It's the perfect place for you Blaine, you'll be safe there." Kurt continued; Blaine reached out and took Kurt's hand gently. The gesture surprised Kurt but he didn't pull away, he just looked down at their hands for a moment. Memorizing the way that they looked stacked together like playing cards.

"Thanks Kurt, it really means a lot that you would go through so much trouble...just for me." Blaine whispered and Kurt just brushed off his comment with a wave of his free hand. There was silence between them for a while, heat building between their fingertips before Kurt broke the silence.

"Do you want to play checkers?" Kurt asked, getting up to grab the board from the games table before Blaine even had the opportunity to respond.

A week later Kurt was sitting in the choir room between Mercedes and Finn, all of New Directions were contemplating their game plans and song choices for Sectionals when Mr. Schue announced that with Sectionals looming closer every day they were going to start rehearsals every day after school. Even some of the time on weekends so that they could really be their best; they had to be on top of their game if they wanted to make it to Nationals. Everyone did their usual moan and groan at the news but it was Kurt who wanted to put up the biggest fight. Now his rehearsal schedule would cut into all the time he was spending volunteering at the Rehab center; which means he wouldn't be seeing Blaine very often, if at all.

When the bell rang at the end of class, everyone left with chattering gossip following with them but Kurt stayed behind for a moment and approached Mr. Schue as he was gathering his things.

"Mr. Schue, could I speak to you for a second?" Kurt asked as he was met with surprised eyes.

"Of course, what's on your mind?" He asked as he set his bag down on the piano bench and gave his full attention to Kurt.

"I know I didn't tell anyone this but after the performance that we did at the Rehab center, I started volunteering there." Kurt started and Mr. Schue seemed surprised by this. "...and now, I'm torn. Our new rehearsal schedule is really going to cut into my volunteering hours and I've grown really attached to..." He paused. "...everyone there." His knuckles turned white as he clutched the strap of his bag, ignoring the pull in his stomach and the shinning reflection of hazel eyes in his mind.

"This is one of those situations Kurt, where you have to think hard about which is more important to you. The shot at Nationals or...?" Mr. Schue paused and he never finished his sentence. He didn't have to, Kurt knew what he meant. Kurt hesitated for a moment before nodding his head in understanding. Mr. Schue clapped him on the shoulder and then turned to leave the room; leaving Kurt in an even bigger state of confusion.