The walk to the record store was terrible. It felt long and heavy, and Blaine couldn't help feeling that everyone was staring at him as he walked through town. Kurt had offered to come with him, but he had said that this was something he needed to do by himself.

When he entered the store he gave relieved sigh. There weren't that many customers so it should be quickly over with. He sheepishly said hello to the guy at the counter and went straight to the backroom. There he found the owner and Benjamin going over the monthly lists of what needed to be ordered.

He shifted a bit on his feet, not really sure how to handle it, but decided that there was no reason to hold it in. The sooner he got it over with the better, and the sooner he got it said he could get out of there and get back to Kurt's house.

"Hey Anderson, what's up? I heard you were sick, buddy?" The owner said and pushed a chair out for him to sit. Blaine stared at the chair for a brief moment before he decided to take the seat.

"I uhm… I have something I need to discuss with you," Blaine opened and he saw their faces being taken over by a serious expression. He didn't expect anything else than his own mental state would be visible on his own face and in his attitude of the day.

"Something has happened that - the other day, Saturday, I got a letter. You know, the letter, from the army that everyone my age gets these days," Blaine tried carefully. He still wasn't sure how much he was ready to tell, so he figured that he'd better start out slow.

"So - you're leaving to go to 'Nam?" The owner asked, both him and Benjamin clearly confused as they both very well knew Blaine's views on the matter of the war and the military in general.

"No. I am not. Which is why I was kicked out of my father's house. Because I said I refused to go. So to avoid him sending his military police after me, I have to leave town…"

He paused and closed his eyes. He balled his hands to fists and chuckled a little to himself. This was now or never. The first time he would say it out loud to anyone after having decided to give a crap about it all.

"…with my boyfriend."

He went silent, and observed the last word fall into place and really hit them. The store owner didn't move a muscle, but it looked like Benji had an epiphany.

"Kurt. I knew it! There was just… there was just something. That could never be just friendship with you two, am I right?" He grinned, and looked like he was pretty proud of himself that he had figured that out all alone when Blaine nodded in agreement.

However, his boss still hadn't said a word. Blaine was relieved about Benji's reaction, but he was afraid to look to his boss and see what would meet him. Would he be angry now? Would he throw him out of his store? Would he tell him that he would never want to see him again?

"That's a shame. I'm gonna lose one of my best employees from this," he said under his breath, his face still indifferent.

"I'm sorry, sir - I just have to do this, or I don't know what will happen. I just can't stick around to f…." Blaine started, but he was cut off.

"We were actually in the middle of something. You better leave. You can drop by the store before you leave if you wish to. Goodbye."

And Blaine instinctively knew that was it. Benji looked apologetically at him so Blaine sent him a thankful smile. He got off his chair and left the backroom. He said goodbye to the guy at the counter and then he left the store. This was no longer his second-home.

They woke up early Friday morning to go to Blaine's house. Burt said that if they went to the Anderson house and started packing he would be there with the car around noon. As soon as they had finished breakfast the boys got dressed and prepared to leave.

As they left the house Kurt kept a foot away which Blaine was a bit unsure how to handle, but after they got a little further down the street he decided that he might as well get used to it and grabbed Kurt's hand, making Kurt trip to peck his cheek with a broad grin.

When they arrived at the Anderson house Blaine was happy to see that he had remembered correctly and his father wasn't home.

It was strange to be back in the house again. It all felt so unfamiliar and repulsing after everything that had happened in the house. Blaine clenched Kurt's hand all the way to his room. As soon as they were in Kurt opened a window and dropped down on the bed where he curled up to watch Blaine start to pack his stuff.

It was much quicker done than expected. He got his clothes thrown into a bag and his books into boxes. His records were already arranged in boxes, so all he needed were some stuff here and there, such as Kurt's drawings on the wall and personal papers from school that he figured would be helpful later.

While Kurt stayed on the bed, sucking up the sun, Blaine ran to the living room. He found out the Anderson photo albums and grabbed what he could of his mom. He was determined to wipe all sign of him or his mom ever being present in the house away. On his way back to his room he dropped by the bedroom and found out her jewelry box. He almost tipped over a perfume bottle and remembered what Kurt had told him about how he had kept the bottle from his mom so he would never forgot how she smelled. With that thought he stuffed the bottle in his pocket and hurried back to his room.

As soon as everything was packed Blaine fell on the bed next to Kurt who quickly shuffled to rest his head on Blaine's chest. This would be their last time in Blaine's room, so they might as well relax and take it easy until Kurt's dad arrived.

It didn't last long until they heard a car in the driveway, and luckily for them it was Kurt's dad. They got everything stashed into the car, and after an hour they were done. It was weird to look around his room when it was empty for all of his stuff. All of the stuff that mattered at least.

Kurt told his dad that they wanted to walk home instead of driving with him, so they watched as he left the Anderson house. Kurt started heading for the door but Blaine stopped him. There was something he needed to do first, so he asked Kurt to stay while he ran through the house - to his father's office.

He went through all of his books and papers until he found what he was looking for. Luckily his father had a sickly urge to keep everything neat and organized so it was pretty easy to come by.

When he came back Kurt was sitting on the doorstep waiting for him. He got to his feet and Blaine locked after them. When they reached the end of the driveway he put the key in the mail box and drew a heavy sigh. That was it.

They started walking slowly through town to Kurt's house, and stopped on their way for Blaine to get all of his cash from the bank. Now he had no more loose ends in Lima. Almost no loose ends.

"What was it you went back to do at your dad's house?" Kurt asked as they passed the library. Blaine hadn't mentioned it, and Kurt hadn't asked. They actually hadn't really spoken since they left the house. Blaine had the feeling that Kurt wanted him to have space to get used to the feeling of not being attached to his father in any way anymore, and he appreciated it. It would take some time to really sink in.

"I went to my father's office. I found out Ms. Johnson's address. I thought we could stop by her house tomorrow and tell her goodbye. I think we sorta owe her that," Blaine shrugged as they turned down the street of the Hummel house.

Kurt stopped and Blaine was held back by their locked hands. He turned to find out what had happened, and saw Kurt gazing at him with admiration and affection glowing from his eyes.

"You are so - amazing. Considerate," Kurt burst out and clasped his lips against Blaine's. In the middle of town.

At first Blaine panicked. This was definitely crossing the last line. He knew that Kurt could feel it, but he forced himself to relax and welcome in the kiss. There was nothing to hide anymore, so he let his hands slide safely onto Kurt's back to show him that it was okay now.

"I had actually planned for us to go to the cemetery tomorrow. To say goodbye to our moms. But I guess that we could always do that first. That won't take much time, I'm afraid," Kurt beamed at him, and Blaine agreed that it would be the best way to fix the last details.

Saturday they went to the cemetery early, and they had already agreed that this was something they needed to do alone, so when they got inside the gates they split up.

It was a lot harder than Blaine had expected it to be. He kept losing words and his throat clogged up. He didn't cry, but he knew that if Kurt had been next to him he would have been a sobbing mess. Even though it wasn't anything but a stone he couldn't help feeling that once again he was running out on her and leaving her alone stuck in the mess.

He could feel that someone was watching, so when he looked around and found Kurt waiting for him by the tree he sat on his knees in front of the stone. He kissed his fingers and put them to the warm stone and mumbled a low "Goodbye. I love you mom," before he got to his feet and hurried back to Kurt.

They stood for a while, embracing each other, holding each other in the sun, before they silently agreed to leave. No tears were shed, but as they rounded the corner and were no longer in sight of the cemetery Blaine had the feeling that this was what his mom would have wanted, so he shouldn't feel guilty.

They went to Ms. Johnson's house and she was happy, but surprised, to see them. She told them that Blaine's father had given her very specific orders that if either of them was to show while she was at the house she was to call him straight away. She had promised but of course she had never intended on doing so. She knew something was terribly wrong, but he hadn't told her what had happened - only that Blaine wasn't to ever set foot in the house again.

She invited them in for tea and they explained her everything that had happened. She was shocked from the story of how Blaine's father had attacked them, but she said that sadly it wasn't anything she hadn't expected from his side.

They stayed for a few hours where they could relax and felt like their worries were slowly starting to disappear. When it got late afternoon they thanked her for everything she had done for them, and she declared that she would give Blaine's father her two weeks notice the following Monday. She also said that if they ever were to need anything they could always find a place under her roof.

When they came back to Kurt's house Blaine borrowed the phone and called Trent. He didn't tell him anything about what had happened, but instead he asked him if he could meet him in town the next day. They agreed that they would meet by the library and Kurt asked Puck to meet them at his house. Carole had arranged for Finn and Rachel to be at the Hummel house too. That way they had a chance to get the goodbyes over with in one session and thereby make it less hard.

The night was horrible and steaming hot. Neither Blaine nor Kurt could sleep. They tossed and turned, talked and drifted off only to be wide awake again.

"What was it you had for me?" Kurt asked curiously. His voice was muffled by his face being nearly hidden in the pillow, and Blaine was completely caught off guard. He had forgotten everything about his surprise for Kurt with all the events going on around their heads.

"Uhm… it's really stupid. It's ridiculous, actually," Blaine mumbled and felt himself blush by the thought of his gift. After all they had been through over the past week his plans for surprising Kurt with a unique gift like this seemed childish and lame.

Kurt moved his head so he could stare Blaine in the eyes, his gaze sparkling and the moon reflected in his eyeballs. A cool breeze filled the room from the open window, and Blaine couldn't help noticing Kurt's skin being covered in goose bumps as he made a little moan from the relief of the wind cooling him down.

"I'm sure it's both stupid, and ridiculous. I really hope it is. That is one of the best things about you - when you're stupid and ridiculous. It suits you so well," Kurt smiled and shrugged.

Blaine chuckled and rolled his eyes in a tease. He should have known that this was the reaction he would receive. He bit his lower lip and stared back into Kurt's eyes, before he took his hand and started to get out of bed.

"What? Where are we going?" Kurt asked confounded, but nonetheless followed Blaine out of the bed.

When they both were at their feet Blaine stepped over to stand as close to Kurt as possible and ran a finger down the middle of his naked torso. He could feel Kurt's heart speed up in his chest, and Blaine felt like giggling from the thought that he had this effect on him.

"Go to the garden. I'll be right down. Then I'll have your surprise ready. Wait for me," he said, and pecked Kurt's cheek.

Kurt looked confused at him for a brief moment, but he wrapped a blanket around himself and left the room. Blaine hurried to find the things he needed before he wrapped a blanket around his own shoulders and tiptoed downstairs.

He found Kurt sitting in the middle of the garden. He looked like he was ready to meditate, and Blaine only found it perfect that his eyes were closed. He sat down in front of him without making the tiniest sound, before he started playing.

"You light up all my senses, opened the closed door
I know this shouldn't be, but I keep on wanting more
Your touch is like your song
Filling me on and on

I'm hopeless for you
Who'd have thought this could be true?
I need your my side
I'm tired, done with trying to hide

Pretty bird
Don't fly away
Pretty bird
Please just stay
Pretty bird
Forever be mine
Pretty bird
I need your love

You make my everything grow aware
I'll trust you to take me anywhere
No beauty can compare
To yours that's shining here

Pretty bird
Don't fly away
Pretty bird
Please just stay
Pretty bird
Forever be mine
Pretty bird
I need your love

I never thought I'd meet someone like you
But no one could ever be the one for me if there wasn't you
I go crazy when you're away
So please, my pretty bird, please just stay

Pretty bird
Don't fly away
Pretty bird
Please just stay
Pretty bird
Forever be mine
Pretty bird
I need your love
I need your love
Your love"

Kurt had kept his eyes closed under the entire song and Blaine had been happy that he did so. It was a lot easier when he didn't have to look him in the eyes, and still he had been close to giving up halfway.

"Alright, you can laugh now," Blaine said thickly as he ended the last strokes of the strings. He was sure that his face was so red that he could easily light up the entire darkness of the garden. Something he in no way was interested in.

Kurt opened his eyes, and they were big and blue with green spots. He was holding his hands folded in front of his chin, and he was searching for words but no words came. He was speechless.

"I never did that before. Wrote a song. So that's why it sucks. I told you I wasn't good with words or anything like that. I just wanted to give you something that was completely one of a kind and made just for you - because you are one of a kind," Blaine started explaining, but Kurt held up both of his hands to stop him.

"Stardust. I - I don't know what to say. This was not ridiculous, or stupid, and it definitely didn't suck. It was beautiful and honest and so much you. It was all I could ever wish for," Kurt blabbered out, before he crawled to his knees so he could take the guitar and put it carefully on the ground next to them. He raised his hand to caress Blaine's cheek, and now there was no way he could escape his eyes.

"This was your love, and that is all I have ever wished for," Kurt whispered and placed a soft, innocent kiss on his lips.

Blaine grabbed the corners of Kurt's blanket and dragged it around himself. When they were locked safely inside Kurt's blanket he put his own around Kurt as well. Then they fell down to lie in the grass that was cold, and covered in dew. The night was freezing, but Kurt's body mixed with his own heated up the pocket they had created from the blankets, so they nearly didn't feel it.

They stayed on the grass looking at stars and the moon, while kissing and cuddling until they finally fell asleep, their bodies entangled in each other.

It was noon when Blaine and Kurt arrived at the library as Blaine and Trent had agreed on. He still hadn't arrived so they sat down on the stairs and Kurt snuck under Blaine's arm to make Blaine hold around him while Kurt rested his head on his shoulder.

The street wasn't crowded. It was a typical spring Saturday in Lima. A few teenagers biked past them, mothers walked by with their toddlers and kids were playing in the park across the library.

When Trent showed he looked surprised by the public display of them being together, but he seemed as if he didn't find it appropriate to ask about it. Instead he said hi and when they stood up he followed them back towards Kurt's house.

When they returned Finn and Rachel had just arrived, and Puck seemed like he had been there for a long time. Blaine introduced Trent to everyone, and he could sense that he was confused about what was going on. He didn't blame him, and he just wanted to tell Trent everything so he could get it over with. He owed him that.

They all went to the garden where Rachel and Puck had arranged blankets for them to sit on, so they all sat down, Trent staring at Blaine in clear anticipation. Blaine wasn't sure how much Finn and Rachel knew, so he figured that it didn't do any harm in taking it all from the beginning.

"Well uhm… we asked you to come here because something happened. Something serious," he started out and felt Kurt fold his hand around his and squeeze it. Support, that was what he needed.

Trent looked confused and worried, but he didn't say anything. Again he showed that he was probably one of the best friends Blaine could have ever asked for, and he could imagine his reaction to what he was about to say.

"I got the letter from the military about a week ago. I told my father that I won't go, so he freaked out. I came here and - Kurt and I are leaving. We're going to San Francisco so my father won't have a chance to send military police after me. Because he will do that, he's just waiting for me to turn 18 and miss my date of going. So we are taking every precaution. We picked up my stuff in my room the other day, and I quit my job at the record store. I guess I just wanted to tell you goodbye in person - we just wanted to tell you goodbye in person," Blaine explained quickly, doing his best to avoid Finn's eye. He wasn't sure what his views on Blaine running away from duty was.

"I don't know what to say," Trent said after some time of silence. He chewed a little on the tip of his thumb while searching his brain for words, before he looked up to face both Blaine and Kurt.

"It really sucks that you have to run away like that. But I think it's gonna be cool for you. As long as you have each other you'll be alright. I'm gonna miss you, guys," he said truthfully, and Blaine could feel a sting of emotions for Trent in his chest, but before he could react to it Kurt had flung his arms around Trent's neck.

"Thank you. You are such a beautiful soul," he whispered. At first Trent seemed taken aback, but slowly let his arms around Kurt as well.

"It's true. You're so good together, and you're both very bright, so I'm sure you'll be fine. And don't think I - we - won't come visit you," Rachel beamed at them as Kurt released his grip on Trent.

Puck and Finn nodded in agreement, and Kurt bumped his head against Blaine's chest in shyness. Blaine was lost for words. He was overwhelmed by the support from all of them, and he was happy that they had decided to do this get-together before they left. They truly deserved a proper goodbye.

They all had dinner in the garden and spent the rest of the day discussing music, memories and what Blaine and Kurt would be doing when they arrived in San Francisco. Puck told them about the friends of his that they were going to stay with, and as Kurt already knew them he excitedly joined in on the stories.

Blaine held back; listened to the others talking, and observed how well Trent quickly fell into the group. He got sad that he hadn't introduced Trent to them earlier, but promised himself to make sure that he would find a way to have them all visit them at once.

"So… when are you leaving?" Trent asked when Blaine walked him to the bus. Kurt had stayed back to help with cleaning up, but Blaine knew that he had taken on the task to give Blaine and Trent a chance to have the last twenty minutes alone.

"I think it's gonna be tomorrow evening. At least that's what seems easiest to do," Blaine said and sighed.

"The other guys are gonna be bummed that they didn't get to see you before you left. Or meet Kurt," Trent mumbled, and Blaine felt guilty. He had promised them, and he had really been looking forward to introducing Kurt to his old friends.

"Would you tell them that I'm sorry? That I can't do anything about it. I really wanted to go to your party and everything, I just can't stay as things are right now," Blaine pleaded apologetically. He knew that Trent was perfectly aware of the situation and that he would return to The Warblers with the truth, he just felt that he needed to say it again and again. He felt like was he letting them down.

"Man, it's not your fault. But of course I will," Trent promised, and Blaine didn't feel as uneasy as before.

Blaine promised to call Trent as soon as he knew when he would be leaving, and they gave each other a hug before the bus came and Trent had to leave. The walk back to the Hummel house was long and Blaine felt empty inside, but the second he entered the house and Kurt jumped into his arms he felt so full that he could explode any moment.

Sunday morning they woke up from a knock on the door. Kurt's dad showed right as Blaine struggled his eyes open. Kurt didn't seem like he was awake, but simply nuzzled his nose into Blaine's chest with a firmer grip around his waist.

When Blaine realized that it was Burt he hurried to sit up, embarrassed and nervous about Kurt's dad finding him shirtless with his arms around Kurt who was also shirtless. He might be supportive about them and helping them to run away together, but Blaine couldn't imagine that it would be a scenario he was interested in experiencing.

"Blaine, there's a guy at the door asking for you. Says he's worked with you at the store and that he's got something for you," Burt said, looking like he mostly wanted to get out of the room as quickly as possible. In his head they were clearly living in a strictly platonic relationship with their clothes sewed to their bodies.

Kurt slowly opened his eyes and looked up at Blaine who had no idea what it could be about. He was confused and possibly a bit scared to go down to face whoever it could be.

"I uhm… I'll be right down in a minute," he said sheepishly, happy that he hadn't rushed out of bed to flash exactly how much clothes he wasn't wearing.

Burt nodded and left the room. Kurt closed his eyes again and let fingertips run up and down Blaine's thigh, playing with the hem of his underwear before Blaine let his legs out of the bed.

He rushed on his clothes from the day before, ran his fingers through his hair and figured that had to be good enough. He drew a heavy breath to make sure he was going to live through facing whoever it could be and left the room.

When he got to the door he was relieved. He felt his heart drop and his muscles lighten. Benjamin was waiting for him on the doorstep with a grin covering his face as he reached out an envelope before Blaine even got to say anything.

"What's this?" He inquired curiously, feeling the envelope heavy in his hand.

"You'll see. I figured I'd stop by, hoping that you hadn't left yet. Glad I caught you. Found out when you're leaving?" He asked, not seeming the slightest bit as if anything had changed at all, and Blaine was relieved that he was like that.

"We're actually leaving tonight. The sooner the better you know," he shrugged as it hit him. In less than 24 hours he wouldn't be in Ohio anymore.

They talked a bit back and forth, mostly small-talk, and Benjamin wished them a good trip before he dared himself to give Blaine a hug. He told him to say hi to Kurt from him, and asked them to take care of each other. Then he left.

"Who was it, darling?" Kurt asked dozy as Blaine returned to their room. He let his clothes fall back to the floor before he climbed back into bed next to Kurt.

Kurt was observing him with big, glistening eyes. Suddenly he didn't seem as hazy anymore, but awaiting, curious.

"It was Benji. From the store. He gave me this," Blaine said and turned the envelope over in his hands.

Kurt looked down at it with a pensive expression before he let his attention back to Blaine's face.

"What is it?" He asked, though he could see that it was still sealed securely.

"I have no idea. He didn't say," Blaine said and turned it over a few more times. He was curious, but also nervous. He didn't even dare thinking about the possibility of what it could be.

Kurt sat up and kissed his naked shoulder before Blaine drew a heavy breath and decided that he might as well get it over with. So he opened the envelope.

It contained a letter folded around a bunch of dollar bills. His eyes popped and he was sure that his jaw dropped as well.

"What is… Stardust there's got to be like $100 in here," Kurt burst out and squeezed his arm with his own.

It was true. He counted them over and over again. One hundred dollars.

"What does the letter say? Is this from Benji?" Kurt asked, his voice thrill and excited.

"Blaine

We held a hasted meeting after your visit Thursday and came to the conclusion that we couldn't let you run off empty handed. This all came as a surprise, to some of us at least, but we still think that your years in the store are worth saluting. Everyone pitched in.

Good luck to you, both of you, and may you find a place of freedom.

Sincerely"

The letter was signed by everyone working in the store, even the cleaning lady, but what surprised him the most was that his boss had been the first to sign. Apparently he would still find a second home at the store if he wished to.

"This is amazing!" Kurt beamed up at him and read the letter over a few times. He stretched himself to throw his arms around Blaine's neck so he could place a wet kiss on his cheek.

"You deserve this, honey. I am so happy that we didn't leave before you got this," he smiled and stroke his fingers over his neck, his breathing moistening Blaine's lips and his eyes bright as stars.

Blaine was lost for words. He couldn't believe it. It was too incredible to fathom. All of these people had taken time to do this for him. It was a magnificent gesture they didn't have to do for him, and yet they had all done it.

They spent the morning in bed without talking. They stayed wrapped in each other, kissing and simply enjoying their last time in Kurt's room, in the Hummel house.

Around 11 they got themselves out of bed to shower. When they were both ready they went downstairs to join the others for lunch, no one saying much except for everything that didn't address the fact that they would be leaving in the evening.

The waiting was unbearable. No one really knew how to act around each other. It was like they were waiting for the results of a particularly hard exam. Blaine was especially stressed out - how do one act around people when they are dragging a part of their family across the country without any plans of when they would see him again?

He figured that he would give Kurt some time alone with his family so he decided to go to the garden. He found out his guitar and played for a bit. The day was dragging slowly and he started to run out of ideas on stuff to play. He had noticed Kurt sending him longing glances whenever he passed the window or the door to the garden, but he didn't come out to join him.

The dinner was spent the same way lunch had been. It wasn't an awkward or tensed silence, it simply felt like words weren't needed. They all knew what was coming. Even Puck was there with a dark gloom covering his face.

As soon as they were done eating Kurt disappeared upstairs. He didn't say anything, but it was clear that he needed a moment to himself. His dad followed after a few moments, and Blaine stayed on his kitchen chair not knowing what to say or do. Suddenly the kitchen seemed cold regardless of the warm summer weather around them.

"Do you have your things ready?" Kurt's voice asked, startling Blaine as he hadn't seen him appear in the door.

He nodded and got up so he could pick up his bag of the most necessary clothes, books and memories along with his guitar that was waiting for him in Kurt's room. He hadn't noticed him following, but as Blaine was standing in the middle of the room trying to take a moment to say a silent goodbye, Kurt's arms locked around his waist to place a kiss on his neck.

Blaine turned around to disappear into his embrace. This was it. Do or die.

Everyone followed them to the bus. It seemed ridiculous that a total number of seven people were standing by the bus stop, but Blaine was happy that they did. He wanted Kurt to have as much time with his family as possible before he would rip them apart.

When the bus was in sight Rachel started to tear up and threw her arms around Kurt's neck. Carole's tears quickly followed, and suddenly it was all a mess of arms, people hugging each other. Everyone wished them a good trip and they promised to call as often as possible, and of course let them know when they had safely arrived.

Blaine had no idea how to tackle the sudden rush of emotions from the people he hadn't known for very long, but all of them hugged him with such love streaming from them. He wanted to tell them all that their help meant everything to them, but he couldn't describe it, so he stayed shut. He didn't want to cry in front of them.

"I'm gonna miss you, kid," Burt said as he clenched his arms around Kurt. He was crying too. Not that it surprised Blaine -that was who he was, and Kurt had been his entire world for so long.

"I know you'll take care of him, and he'll take care of you. I'm not worried about that, just call if you need anything at all," Kurt's dad said as he surprised Blaine by dragging him into a hug as well as the bus started honking for them to hurry up.

"We love you all so much," Kurt said and kissed everyone's cheeks. He squeezed Puck's hand and jumped into his dad's arms one last time before he started leading Blaine to the bus.

That was it.