Nick slid in behind Jeff, tucking his head onto his shoulder, “We smelled smoke, so being the pyro’s that we are, we followed it. But we figured we’d end up in the kitchens. Maybe someone burnt their toast.”

“But nope. Couch was on fire in the common room,” Jeff added, “Odd though, the whole room smelled like gasoline.”

Blaine and Kurt shared a glance before Blaine went sprinting from the room.

The remaining three boys look at one another before darting after him, Kurt leading the way.

“Blaine! What are you doing?” Kurt called after him.

Blaine was quickly approaching two figures at the end of the hall. Kurt, Nick and Jeff all let out an audible gasp when Blaine threw one of them into the lockers.

Kurt got closer and realized the boy Blaine was currently impaling with was fist was Isaac.

“Blaine, what the fuck is wrong with you!?” Kurt yelled, trying to pull him off of Isaac.

Joshua stood silent, looking down the corridor.

“Tell him Isaac,” Blaine growled, “Tell him or I’m not sure you’ll get out of here in one piece.”

Kurt was thoroughly confused. He knew Isaac, Joshua and Blaine had class together, but what had happened to trigger Blaine like this? “Blaine, what are you on about?”

Blaine pressed harder against Isaac’s throat, leaving him gasping for breath.

“Okay. O-Okay.” Isaac choked out, and Blaine released his hold.

“Tell me what?” Kurt asked, still confused.

Isaac glanced from Kurt and then back to Blaine, “It was me and Josh who threw that balloon at you.”

Kurt furrowed his brow before realization washed over him, “I’m sorry?”

“We’re the ones who chucked the gas filled balloon at you.” Isaac repeated.

“Wait a minute.” Nick interrupted.

“A balloon of gasoline?” Jeff asked, confusion evident on his face.

Blaine shoved Isaac against the lockers, “Go ahead, tell him the best part.”

“I’m the one who threw the match.” Isaac said finally.

There was a flurry of motion, followed by a resounding crack as Kurt’s fist came into contact with Isaac’s nose. “You son of a bitch!” Kurt yelled, trying to hit him again but was restrained by Nick and Jeff.

“Come on, Kurt.” Jeff said, tugging on Kurt’s arm.

“Seriously, we’re just about to go on holiday. Do you want to get that revoked?” Nick reasoned, pulling on Kurt’s other arm.

Kurt breathed heavily, and allowed himself to be pulled back, “When we get back here, you better watch yourselves.” Kurt snarled, turning on his heel, Jeff and Nick following behind him.

Blaine stayed for a moment, eyes narrowed at Isaac, “What the fuck were you thinking? The common room? Did you forget where we all end up if Dalton goes up in flames?”

“It was a joke. It was contained. We aren’t stupid.” Isaac snapped back.

Blaine restrained himself, “Watch your back, both of you.”

—

“You bastard!” Kurt screamed as soon as Blaine walked into the dorm, “How long have you known it was them?”

Blaine stayed silent, and moved towards the bed, Jeff and Nick watching the pair with wide eyes.

Kurt made his way over to Blaine, attempting to grab him by the blazer, but Blaine grabbed his wrists, “I said how fucking long have you known it as them?” Kurt repeated through clenched teeth, yanking his hands away.

Blaine exhaled slowly, “About 10 minutes ago when Jeff said the common room smelled like gasoline. I walked past Isaac and Josh before I met up with you, and they reeked of it,” Blaine paused, “Remember how I told you that I heard two people laugh after that match hit the floor?”

Kurt nodded, holding his tongue.

“They were joking around in class today. I recognized their laughter,” Blaine sighed, finally making eye contact with Kurt, “I literally just put two and two together actual minutes ago.”

Kurt’s facial expression softened quickly, “Fuck, I’m sorry, Blaine.”

“Excuse me, but why the fuck were we never informed of this?” Jeff asked angrily.

Kurt and Blaine looked at each other before speaking.

“You were sick.” Kurt said quietly.

“We didn’t want to stress either of you out anymore than you already were.” Blaine answered honestly.

Jeff sighed in frustration while Nick wrapped his arms around his boyfriends waist, “I’m fine, really. So I jump if someone closes their locker too hard, and I avoid the washroom down the hall like it’s the plague,” He took a breath, “I’m still me, I’m still Jeff, and more importantly, I’m still a Warbler.”

Kurt looked at the floor, guilt filling his chest, “You’re right Jeff, we should have told you. We’re sorry.”

“It’s alright, just you know, the next time someone tries to burn you to death, fill a brother in.” Jeff said with a shrug.

Blaine laughed, “Oh god. Never change Jeff, please, never change.”

“Couldn’t even if I tried.” Jeff replied with a smile.

—

Back in the now smoke free common room, David and Beat were trying to complete their history homework prior to vacation.

“What did you get for number eight?” David asked, peering over at his friends paper.

“You serious, bro? I haven’t got past the first question.” Beat replied, disgruntled.

David slunk back in his chair, “Maybe I’ll just bring it with me.”

“Like you’ll even get it done. The first time escaping this place and you think your going to want to spend your time doing homework?” Beat shook his head, “Cool story, bro.”

David pondered for a moment before nodding his head, “Yeah, you’re right. Fuck it, Maybe I’ll just take the fail.” He pushed the paper away, and leaned back in his chair. “You have someone waiting back home for you?”

“I did. Like, when we first got sent off.” Beat shifted in his seat, “Don’t know if she’s still waiting. Haven’t heard from her.” he paused, “What about you?”

David laughed, “Ha, yeah right. Forever alone over here.”

“You’re going to be alone at Dalton for Christmas if you don’t get your asses on the bus.” Kurt said as he walked passed the pair.

Blaine shrugged as he followed Kurt, Jeff and Nick not for behind them.

“Guess it’s that time.” David said, grabbing his bag from the floor.

Beat stood up, slinging his duffle bag over his shoulder, “You know, the last time we were all on that bus, we were complete strangers.”

David couldn’t help but smile, “And now we’re pretty much a family. Crazy what a few months can do.”