Blaine

"Why am even here? And why am I even awake when I don't have to go to class."

Jeff had a mouthful of cereal. "Because you love us so much that you can't stand to not spend every waking moment with us until you leave." He laughed.

Nick made a face at Jeff and laughed. "That's gross. Don't talk with your mouth full." Nick turned to Blaine. "So, are you going to ask how he is?"

"I was wondering. I figured Jeff would tell me, but since you brought it up, how is he?"

"He's okay. You broke his heart." Nick clearly felt bad for the new kid.

"Nick, he doesn't even know me. That's why they're called crushes. He'll get over it."

"He's cute Blaine. I mean, if I were gay, I think I would consider." Ethan was around 5'10" with blonde hair and striking blue eyes. He had the same body type as Kurt, but an inch or two more in height. Definitely good looking as guys go.

"Nick. You know how I feel. Why are you an Ethan's side anyway?"

"I'm not on Ethan's side. I'm on the Warbler's side. We're really going to miss you Blaine. You'll be competing against us." Nick looked regretful for his actions in this moment. "I'm sorry. Maybe I'm being selfish, but I just hate to see you go."

"So, it's nothing about Kurt?"

"No. You know I like Kurt. We didn't want to see him go either." Nick was honest.

"You'll like this. He told me to consider my options last night on the phone."

"What?"

"Yes, he said he couldn't live with himself if he held me back. He loves me that much Nick."

"And?"

"And nothing! I love him that much that I can't stay here. You know how much I love it here and I'm still leaving. I'm leaving because my fianc�e is there and the only thing I want right now is to be with him." Blaine was slightly annoyed. "I'm sorry Nick. I know you don't mean any harm, but you know what we've been through. Would I take this for nothing?" He lifted his sleeve up to display the scar from the cut on his arm. "Just please support me Nick. I just need that from you and Jeff."

"I do Blaine. I'm sorry if I'm coming off as not supportive. I never want you to feel regret for settling down early." Nick shook his head. "God, I'm so stupid. You're going to be gone in a matter of days and I've made you mad at me." Nick had tears in his eyes. He felt terrible for making Blaine answer to him.

Blaine saw the regret in Nick's eyes. "You're not stupid. Just trust me when I tell you that I thought long and hard about this. This is not a crush for me. This is something so much more than I can even explain, Nick. Have you ever lost something important to you?"

"Of course."

"You go looking around and it drives you crazy and you think you might go mad if you can't find it. Then suddenly you're ripping your room apart looking for it."

"Yes."

"How do you feel when you find it?"

"Like the world is perfect. Like I'm whole again."

"Kurt is that for me." Blaine smiled at Nick who just now understood what Blaine has known for a long time.

"I know he is Blaine. You are so happy when you're with him. You light up the sky when you even think about him. Like right now. You could brighten the darkest night right now."

Blaine hugged Nick quickly and they went back to eating. Ethan wandered into the dining room. His eyes looked tired like he barely slept and they were a little red. "You didn't tell me how bad he was."

Jeff responded. "Blaine. He just got his heart broken. What did you think?"

"I feel bad for him, but he'll be okay. Did you guys pick him for the Warblers?"

"Yeah. Ethan, Matthew, Brandon and Seth."

"Wow.. You are going to add 4 guys?"

"And we're going to add the dance moves to go with our singing this year. Wes and David never let us do them on stage. We always did so much dancing in the halls and common areas, but they would never let us go as far as to use it in competition." Nick nodded his head as Jeff talked about the plans. "This year we are going to show everyone that we are more than a step snap kind of vocal group."

"I can't wait to see you guys do that. We were good. We should have shown everyone. You guys are right. You're going to be a good counsel."

"Thanks Blaine. You guys are going to be good too. You've got girls and good singers and dancers. We're going to do our best to beat you guys."

"I'm not one of them yet."

"You will be. Who are you kidding?"

"I still have to try out."

"What song are you going to sing?"

"Yeah. I found this song last night on YouTube and it's perfect. Especially since Kurt doesn't know that I'm starting on Monday. I'm going to surprise him."

Jeff shook his head at Blaine. "Blaine, you never learn. What happened the last time you tried to surprise Kurt. Your surprises are going to be the death of you."

"Not this time. This is perfect and I'm not sneaking around or doing anything out of the ordinary."

"We need to go to class. You get to go where all the lazy people go."

"Jeff, I'll be in the common room practicing my song for New Directions tryouts while you will be class. Later, I'll join you for the announcement of the new Warblers before dinner." Blaine stood to empty his tray. "Then I will assist you in the standard Warbler hazing tonight."

"Blaine, it's good to see that once a Warbler, always a Warbler. You will be sorely missed my friend."

Blaine perfected his guitar playing most of the day so that he would be perfect for tryouts at McKinley on Monday. Sometime during the day an envelope was taped to his door from Mr. Shotts in response to his requested transfer. It was approved by McKinley so he was good to go. This was it. He was spending his last night at Dalton. He called his mom. "Hi mom."

"Blaine darling, is everything okay?"

"Yeah..Can you put me on speaker so I can talk to dad too?"

"Okay. Just a moment. We are actually at the courthouse in Dallas, but let us get to our room so that we can talk privately." You could hear Catherine walking and his dad in the background talking about something. "Okay Blaine."

"Hello Son. What's up?" JR seemed very calm considering the call in the middle of the day.

"A lot has happened in the last few days and because of some misunderstandings, I showed Kurt our new place a few days ago. Since he knows about it, I decided to transfer on Monday. The transfer was just approved." Blaine stopped to see if there would be any problem with it.

"Okay Blaine. One week earlier doesn't really change anything for us. Is everything okay with Kurt?"

"There was just a misunderstanding where Kurt saw me with another boy, but we're okay."

"Were you Blaine?" JR seemed concerned.

"Yeah. He was a new kid that was lost and needed a ride to the mall to get some things. Kurt saw us together and misunderstood my actions with him."

"How did that happen?"

"Well, I was being really secretive about the place and Kurt got suspicious of my behavior. He followed me back to Dalton and saw me opening the door for this boy. He thought it looked like a date when really I wanted to get him in the car so he would stop gawking at it."

JR Laughed a little, but Catherine spoke to it. "Honey. I know this is something you need to learn on your own, but you need to understand the consequences of your actions. Sometimes, you don't think far enough ahead. You're such a romantic like your father." Catherine squeezed JR's hand knowingly. "Kurt loves you so much Blaine and with that amount of love is also a need for openness and feeling. You've set a precedent with Kurt that you can't change. You always put him first and when you close him out, he will immediately know you're hiding something important. He knows that you share everything and it's obvious when you hide things."

"Blaine, don't listen to your mother. She's theorizing." He was patronizing her and she laughed at his comment.

"I am not theorizing JR. I don't theorize. I know. I'm just saying be careful and think through some of your actions because no matter what you think, there is a reaction to every action. Blaine, honey, we love you."

"Yes son. We love you and tell Kurt we love him too. We'll see you soon."

"Okay.. Bye mom and dad. I love you too. See you soon." That went fine, but Blaine had expected it to.

Jeff pounded the gavel to bring the room to attention. "May we have Ethan, Matthew, Brandon and Seth come forward to stand before the Warbler Counsel." The nervous four stood there, hands at their sides trying to hide how nervous they were. "No need to be nervous gentlemen. We are here to welcome you to the esteemed vocal group here at Dalton Academy. You four have been chosen as worthy to perform and represent our school as a Warbler. There are a lot of responsibilities to this role that each of you may accept or decline at this time. First, you must always treat the members of the group with the highest respect, especially the council members. Second, each member is as important as the next and we will allow each Warbler time to provide input and speak their mind during practices. We will all listen attentively and follow order as each speaks. Third, you will treat guests and other school members with the highest respect and always wear your Dalton colors proud."

Nick was in charge of the next piece. "Men. If you choose to take your position with the Warblers, please step forward and state your intent. Ethan?"

Ethan looked like he was going to pass out. "I, Ethan Jensen, would be honored to take my place as a Warbler member." He stepped back and each one followed and expressed the same interest. After they all accepted their positions they turned to face the group.

The last Counsel Member, Trent, was still an underclassmen and he was still learning what the Counsel's responsibilities were so he spoke less than the others all the time. He was permitted to introduce them at this time. "Warblers we present to you our four new members. Let's welcome them to the group. All the Warblers approached at the same time shaking hands and offering hugs. Blaine welcomed each one and wished them luck.

Jeff broke up the formalities with announcing Blaine. "Warblers, today is Warbler Blaine's last day with us before he heads over to be with our competition at McKinley High School. We will miss him very much. Warbler Blaine, the floor is yours."

Blaine stood with such happiness in his face. "I stand before you today, not as a Warbler, but as a friend. You, this group has been such an important part of my life. I am so proud to have had the opportunity to lead this group in the last year and I know, even without me, you guys will be fantastic. Jeff, Nick and Trent are going to be the best Counsel to move this group forward and be more creative and exciting. I'm sad, in a way, but I know where I'm going and I know where I belong. This isn't good bye guys. This is see ya later." There were a few sad eyes in the group. He made eye contact with the four new guys and Ethan. "For you guys, I'm sorry I didn't get to know you, but just know this is a great and proud group of people. They will be your rock here at Dalton, they are your brothers and best friends. Each and every one of these guys will be there for you when you need them." The last part was directed to Ethan. "I planned to share my McKinley tryout song for you today, but instead I decided to do one of my original songs. I'm sorry if you senior members have heard this a few times, but I thought it appropriate for today. If you don't know, I came here after being bullied at my old school for being gay and this place made me feel equal and then I met the Warblers and I felt special. You guys will always hold a special place in my heart."

Blaine walked to the piano and everyone settled into listen to him. He was ever the performer.

I've been alone
Surrounded by darkness
I've seen how heartless
The world can be

I've seen you crying
You felt like it's hopeless
I'll always do my best
To make you see

Jeff and Nick came to stand by the piano and started to sing with Blaine. They all smiled at one another, because while this song was kind of sad, it was inspiration and they were a group. They were never alone being part of the Warblers.

Baby, you're not alone
Cause you're here with me
And nothing's ever gonna bring us down
Cause nothing can keep me from lovin' you
And you know it's true
It don't matter what'll come to be
Our love is all we need to make it through

Jeff and Nick let Blaine take the verses on his own but continued to stand by the piano with him while he sang.

Now I know it ain't easy
But it ain't hard trying
Every time I see you smiling
And I feel you so close to me
And you tell me

Trent stood and joined as did a few more Warblers as the refrain came back to them.

Baby, you're not alone
Cause you're here with me
And nothing's ever gonna bring us down
Cause nothing can keep me from lovin' you
And you know it's true
It don't matter what'll come to be
Our love is all we need to make it through

I still have trouble

I trip and stumble
Trying to make sense of things sometimes
I look for reasons
But I don't need 'em
All I need is to look in your eyes
And I realize

By now all the Warblers were arm in arm or arms around shoulders ready to finish out the song with Blaine. This is what he would remember always. Blaine was sad but so very excited. He was leaving Dalton behind and ready to start a new phase of his life. One that he hoped would still include his Dalton past and one that brought a lifelong future with Kurt and New Directions.

Baby I'm not alone
Cause you're here with me
And nothing's ever gonna take us down
Cause nothing can keep me from lovin' you
And you know it's true
It don't matter what'll come to be
Our love is all we need to make it through, ooh

Cause you're here with me

And nothing's ever gonna bring us down
Cause nothing, nothing, nothing can keep me from lovin' you
And you know it's true
It don't matter what'll come to be
You know our love is all we need
Our love is all we need to make it through

Blaine finished the last familiar chord and was engulfed in a sea of blue jackets with red piping. "Okay. enough of this. Let's go to dinner. Blaine, Jeff, Nick and Trent gathered up the new guys and talked all the way to dinner." Blaine was still a little leery about being around Ethan. He just didn't want Ethan to hurt more, but Ethan took a spot next to Blaine at dinner. Everyone wanted to be around Blaine on this last dinner at Dalton.

"I can't believe you're going to leave this. You are treated like a God here Blaine. You're actually going to go back to the public school horror?"

Blaine was a little defensive because Ethan really didn't know what Kurt's school was like and he didn't know the history, so Blaine decided instead of letting this kid think that everything will always be roses, he decided truth would be best. "Ethan, I know you're young and you're here because of the same type of bullying that I went through, so I'm not going to judge you. In a nutshell, I am very proud to go to public school on Monday. If it means facing the real world, I need to do it. It's okay to hide away for a while, but eventually we all have to venture back out there. There will be people like the people here and there will people like the people from your past and my past, but I am ready now."

"So, you're ready to get beat up and made fun of." Ethan had a look of dismay.

"Kurt has been there since the spring. He left Dalton last spring. I envy him every moment because he was brave and strong enough to understand that he needed to face the real world again. When I marry Kurt in June, I want to make sure that I go into that relationship as an equal."

Jeff chimed in with his mouth full of food again. "An equal? Who are you kidding? We know who wears the pants in that relationship." Nick hit him on the side of the head again.

"Jeff that's gross. Do you ever talk without food in your mouth?"

"Shut up!"

Blaine knew it was just a jab at him. "I think the last time I looked we both wore pants. If he isn't wearing pants, we might have an issue."

"Okay, what about the kilt?"

Ethan laughed out loud as did the other new kids. "He wore a kilt?"

"Kurt can be a bit eccentric with his clothes. He is definitely into fashion and is considering a career in fashion. He's applying a quite a few fashion schools, but his first love is Broadway. If he gets into NYU, he is going to major in theater. If not, fashion is it. He's really good."

"But a kilt?"

"Men wear kilts all the time." Blaine was reasoning and glanced at Jeff slightly annoyed.

"Yeah, when they're playing bagpipes and marching in a parade." Ethan would fit in quite well with some of the guys here. Though it bothered him a little, in the end he was happy as he could ever be. On Monday he would walk out of public school holding Kurt's hand on his first day back in the real world. That's all Blaine needed and he knew it.

"Let's not judge, Ethan. I said, Kurt can be a bit eccentric with his clothes at times, but he can also be very normal and very sexy."

Nick chimed out. "Oh yeah. I like when he wears vests and tee shirts. They look good on him with skinny pants or jeans."

Blaine crooked his eyebrows. "Really? So you notice."

"Well, I guess as guys go, he looks good like that."

"Should I be worried?"

"Nope, I'm still straight." Nick winked at Blaine.

"You are so messed up Nick."

"Finally, someone other than me thinks that." Jeff threw his hands up in the air. "Hey Blaine, we are going to the party Saturday. Rachel invited all the Warblers."

"Party?" Ethan looked very interested.

"Yeah." Blaine confirmed but was interrupted by Jeff.

"New guys, her place is awesome. Her dads have an Oscar Stage in the basement where you can perform."

Blaine corrected. "IF, you can get on the set list."

"Setlist?" Ethan looked so confused.

Blaine took over. "You have to be on a list to be able to sing. Like Jeff would remember after all the alcohol last time." Blaine glanced and smiled at Jeff. "So anyway, for the party on Saturday, if you want to sing, you better sign up as soon as you get there."

"Oh, we're all going?"

"The Warbler's are ALL invited and we usually all go unless you're going home for the weekend." Ethan looked excited. Blaine leaned in to just talk to Ethan. "You don't get to go out too much do you?"

"Never. I'm excited." Blaine smiled. This is the first time he'd seen a true smile from Ethan. He was a good kid.

"You'll have fun. I told you, there's so much out there for you still. I can still be your friend Ethan and so will Kurt."

For the first time Ethan felt a little freedom. He was going to go to a party and have fun. He was never invited to things at home. The kids were so worried about his gay rubbing off. They were all jerks. Ethan finally felt like he belonged somewhere. "Thanks Blaine. Thanks for introducing me to these guys. This is the most accepted I have ever felt." There were tears in his eyes. "And I want you to be happy. I want to meet Kurt. I mean, really meet him. He must be amazing to have gotten you." While his heart still ached as he looked at Blaine, Ethan meant it. He wanted Blaine as a friend. Blaine had done more for him in 2 days than anyone ever had.

"I was dying to call you earlier, but I didn't want to interrupt your homework. My future husband has to graduate with honors and get into a good school if he's going to take care of me when I'm a starving musician." Blaine and Kurt laughed at his daydreaming out loud.

"Or, my husband needs to take care of me because he's a multi-millionaire." Kurt laughed. "Like you won't be ridiculously successful Honey."

"Love. One thing I know I do well can't be done for living." Blaine was very flirty tonight.

"Oh it can be a living, but I will never share you with anyone." Kurt giggled. "My future husband is awfully horny tonight."

"I think my future husband likes it."

"He does like it a lot." Kurt's voice was becoming gravelly at the words coming out of Blaine's mouth. "I can't wait until tomorrow night. I miss you so much."

"Me too. What time should I be at our house?"

"You remembered that I have a surprise for you, didn't you?"

"I did and I don't want to ruin it for you." Blaine knowingly stated.

"Unlike me. Right?"

"I didn't say that."

"But you were thinking it."

"I'm sorry."

"I love you. No phone sex tonight?" Kurt sounded pouty.

"Not tonight. I'm saving myself for this hot guy I'm going to see tomorrow night." Blaine could barely hold in his smile.

"Oh? He's a pretty lucky guy, that hot guy you're saving yourself for."

"Yeah. Well, he's pretty important to me. He's my life. He's everything to me." Blaine was quiet and honest and sharing his sole weakness for his man. "I hope he knows that."

"I still can't believe it most days, Blaine. YOU ARE everything to me. I can't even imagine my life without you. My future doesn't exist without you there. I just don't see it."

"We'll be together soon, Baby. Every day." After a little silence Blaine knew that Kurt must be thinking. Blaine changed the subject to something a little lighter. "Did you have a good day at school?"

"Yeah. It was the best yet. We made a truce with Karofsky and the football players. They are going to leave me alone this year. They agreed to not bully me." Kurt seemed so relieved and he was, but not for the reason that Blaine thought he was. "Now I can feel good about you coming to school with me. I know you won't get hurt."

"Oh, Kurt. God. I love you so much. Don't worry about me. You..You just shouldn't worry about me. I want to be there with you. No matter what."

"I know. Just. Well, how were the Warbler tryouts?"

"The Warblers chose 4 new members."

"Ethan?"

"Yes. He's okay Kurt. I feel bad for him. Since he's a Warbler, he's going to be coming to the party at Rachel's. He's so excited. He's never been to a real high school party and he was like a little kid at dinner tonight. He can't wait for the party on Saturday."

"Maybe he will get over you faster if he sees us together."

"I think when he sees how crazy about you I am, it will cure his crush on me."

"I hope. I know what he's going through. I would have waited a long time for you." Kurt sounded very sad about the entire situation.

"You knew.. You knew we were meant to be. There was never anyone else I was ever close to before you." All of his missteps crossed his mind. "You were always it for me. You were my soul mate."

"What if you met him first?" Kurt questioned Blaine cautiously.

"He wouldn't have ever completed me like you. I know that you and I are a matched pair that can't be separated, but we can help him be happy by showing him that happiness is possible. I wish I could put my arms around you right now and hold you and comfort you so that you know we will always be alright." Tears were rolling down his face and Kurt heard it.

"Baby. Don't cry. I didn't mean to make you cry. I know.. I know how you feel. It was always you. I knew it was. I knew from the moment I met you. Just us baby. I love you."

"I love you too. Tomorrow?"

"Be here at 6:30. I have something planned." Kurt had a huge problem because it still stayed light out so late and he had so many plans for tomorrow night.