Blaine was at the Lima Bean, that Monday, waiting for the call. He didn't know if it would be a text or a call, so his phone was sitting in front of him. He'd drank his coffee quickly so he could make a speedy exit once Kurt got in touch with him. He'd ordered Kurt's favorite drink and had them make it as hot as possible, so maybe it would still be drinkable when he got it to Kurt.

This was the day Kurt would find out that Karofsky was returning to school. This was the day his dad would decide that Kurt should go to Dalton. Kurt had shared the information to his dad and though he'd been hesitant because Karofsky was out of the picture, now everything changed. Blaine hoped Kurt let him help with the application and the scholarship. Blaine knew what they were looking for from past applicants. The boys at Dalton tended to stick together and help their ‘brothers' when needed.

His phone rang and he caught it before it could ring again.

"Kurt?"

"Blaine, I need you," Kurt's voice wavered.

"I'm only a couple minutes away," Blaine said, heading to the door.

"Okay. Please hurry," Kurt said. Blaine could tell he was crying.

"You will be in my arms very soon," Blaine promised.

"Thank you," Kurt said softly. "Bye."

Blaine sped the single mile to Kurt's house. He was so worried about Kurt and how he was taking the news of what happened. He must be so scared and so tired of being scared. He deserved a life of perfect happiness.

He knocked on the door and Burt let him in. "Hey kid, he's in his bedroom. Uh, can I talk to you really quick?"

Blaine nodded switching the blessedly still hot drink into his other hand. Two sleeves around the coffee weren't enough.

Burt leaned against the wall leading toward the kitchen. "You told Kurt about this school, Dalton Academy?"

"Yes, sir. I was trying to give him options. Dalton is an all boys school and it has a zero tolerance policy for bullying and slander. Honestly though, all of the guys I have run across are pretty good guys. The meanest guys just keep to themselves. I haven't even heard of anyone getting in trouble because of the no tolerance policy," Blaine got out as quickly as he could. He would do anything to help convince Burt that this was the right place for Kurt.

"Do you know why Kurt called you today?" Burt asked quietly.

"No sir, but he was so distraught I knew it was something terrible," Blaine said, trying not to look guilty.

"Kurt got a death threat from a kid who's been bullying him," Burt said.

"Karofsky," Blaine said with a sickened tone. "I heard about that and that Karofsky was expelled."

Burt nodded. "Yeah he was. ‘Was' being the key word. Karofsky was let back into school," Burt announced, seeming to watch him closely.

Blaine's eyes went hard and he let the fury out that he'd always felt over Kurt's treatment at Karofsky's hands. "What?" he demanded.

"Yeah, the damn school board decided there wasn't enough evidence that anything had ever happened, the physical bullying and the death threat," Burt said, his face turning red. "Those assholes told me that my boy might have made things up to get attention. Are they out of their minds!?"

"Unfortunately, I could see any school doing that. A jock against a regular kid? The jock will win every time. Mr. Hummel, please will you consider Kurt going to Dalton? It really will be a safe environment," Blaine begged.

"The missus and I already decided we were going to use our savings to put Kurt in there. It's gonna be a stretch, but I want him safe more than anything," Burt said, rubbing his eyes.

"Did Kurt tell you about the scholarship?" Blaine asked eagerly.

"No, what's it about? We Hummel's don't need a handout," Burt said, eyes narrowing.

"It's not about handouts, sir, honestly. It's actually a privilege. Students who not only have financial struggles but also have extraordinary stories are the ones they look for. I was thinking if Kurt wrote his story, all the pain and struggles and the desire to get past it all. I firmly believe he could get a full ride to Dalton. It would be because he deserves it, not because money is an issue. And the faculty never advertises who gets the scholarships anyway, so there is no embarrassment," Blaine said, hoping he could get this all out. He knew the Hummel's had had financial struggles when Kurt went to Dalton in the other reality. Kurt had never mentioned any issues so he hadn't told him about the scholarship. Blaine would do whatever his father's name could do to help get Kurt in on a full ride. Burt was still deep in thought. "Sir, I wish I could wipe Karofsky off the face of this planet," he said, his voice full of emotion. "But I can't. I wish I could transfer to McKinley to help protect him, but I don't think I could do enough since we wouldn't be in the same classes. Dalton would be safe for him. He would get a top notch education, he could be a star in the singing group, the Warblers, and selfishly, I could see him every day."

"I don't know. That is an awful long way to drive every day," Burt said.

Blaine thought quickly. "He could stay at my house during the week. We have a spare room and we could put him up. He would eat breakfast and lunch at school since we start so early. All we'd have to feed him was dinner and that wouldn't be a problem. Then Friday nights, he could drive home," Blaine said, hoping this was what the universe wanted. He knew it was what he wanted, but he and Moira both knew Blaine obviously didn't know his ass from a hole in the ground.

"I'd give him money to chip in on groceries and stuff," Burt said, his proud chin in the air.

"Of course, whatever you deem necessary," Blaine said politely.

"Alright. As much as I despise the thought of my boy being so far away from me, Dalton is the only option. Any other public school will have the same kind of kids like Karofsky. Tell Kurt to get started on that application. We'll need to get this going as soon as possible. As it is, Kurt won't be going to school until we have something figured out. We already pulled him out and he said his goodbyes to the glee club. He's a wreck. So go on down there, then," Burt said, heading toward the living room.

Blaine was elated. He raced down the stairs and found Kurt curled up on his bed, hugging a pillow. Blaine crawled on the bed behind him and snuggled up against him, putting an arm around him.

"Huh? Blaine? Oh thank god," Kurt cried, turning over and snuggling himself into Blaine's chest, sliding a leg between Blaine's. "I can't believe I had to leave all my friends. I already miss them," he cried into Blaine's sweater as Blaine wrapped his arms around him.

"I'm so sorry, Kurt. I can't even imagine how much this must hurt and anger you. I know how much you love your glee club friends," Blaine whispered, kissing his head.

"I'm so glad I have you, Blaine," Kurt muttered tearfully. "I wish you could be with me wherever I end up."

"Your wish has been granted, my sweet, gorgeous boyfriend," Blaine said, looking down at his tear-streaked face.

Kurt sat up a bit. "What do you mean? Don't play with me, Blaine, I can't take it," he said, his eyes wide and full of sudden hope.

"I just talked to your dad and he's agreed to let you go to Dalton," Blaine said with a grin.

"What?" Kurt shrieked, his voice hitting octaves not normal to human tones. He tackled Blaine and held him down. "Talk."

"Like I said, I talked to your dad and he agreed to let you go to Dalton. And I told him about the scholarship. After explaining enough, he agreed to that, too. We just have to get working on the applications now," Blaine told him, running his finger down Kurt's silken cheek. Kurt curled into the touch, closing his eyes, tears leaking out. "Babe, what is it?"

"I'm going to be away from Karofsky," he whimpered. "I never thought I would be free of him. Free of all of them," he said, taking a deep breath. "I feel like I can finally breathe. Not only that, I'll be in school with you."

"So these are happy tears?" Blaine asked with a soft smile, putting his whole hand on Kurt's face, his other hand wiping at the tears.

"Yeah," Kurt nodded. "Happy, relieved, scared, nervous, exhilarated."

"I can make you happier," Blaine teased.

"How can it get any better?" Kurt asked, opening his eyes.

Blaine got lost for a minute in the depths of his blue-green eyes. They were like aqua pools surrounded by dark spiky lashes. He was so beautiful.

"You are so beautiful," Blaine said outloud in wonder, tracing his face, his lips, his jaw line.

Kurt colored. "I know I'm fabulous," he said, trying not to get embarrassed. "Don't stray from the point, Mr. Anderson."

"Fine. Your dad was worried about the long drive everyday of the week, so I came up with a solution," Blaine said, drawing out the excitement.

Kurt shoved at his shoulders and smacked at his chest. "I will hurt you if you don't tell me!"

"Alright, alright," Blaine laughed. "I figured out somewhere you can board at during the week and you'll just come home Friday nights and stay here over the weekend."

"Somewhere to board?" Kurt said, his lip curling at the thought. "What if I don't want to stay there? What if it's full of mean people? I think I'd rather just drive the two hours back and forth every day."

"And how much of a strain would the cost of gas be on your parents?" Blaine asked.

Kurt's face crumbled. "You're right. Staying somewhere in Westerville is the best option. Okay, so where am I staying and why did you think I'd be happy about this?"

"Because you're staying at my house," Blaine said, inwardly cringing at the attack he knew was coming.

Kurt's mouth dropped and tried to form words, his eyes wide and unbelieving. He blinked his eyes slowly and held out a hand to stop the conversation. "Are. You. Serious?"

"Yes. I. Am," Blaine repeated in the same tone.

"Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod! Blaine! Really?" Blaine nodded again, delighted at his reaction. Kurt got up, pulling Blaine with him until they were both standing on the bed. "I'm going to live with you during the entire week?"

"That is the plan," Blaine said, grinning.

Kurt grabbed his hands and jumped up and down until they were both laughing and bouncing. Finally they collapsed on the bed, gasping for air.

Kurt froze. "Oh my god. I need to work on the applications. Will you help me?" he asked with wide eyes.

"Of course," Blaine said. They got off the bed and set to work.

Blaine told him what he knew of what the scholarship board was looking for. Kurt followed his every suggestion, even writing out the essay about his life. He had to stop several times to gather himself as he relived all of the moments of hell he'd been through. But he ended the essay on a positive note, expressing how he was excited to start a new life full of opportunities. Blaine pointed out a couple of errors after he was done, and two hours after they started, they were done. Kurt leapt up from the desk and wrapped his arms around Blaine.

"Thank you so much, Blaine. I will never be able to repay you for this," Kurt said, snuggling his face into Blaine's shoulder.

"Good, because I would never want you to repay me," Blaine said, half offended. "Would you do this for me if I was in your situation?"

Kurt leaned back, staring at him. "Of course. In a minute," he said. "Oh. Okay, I get it. Then here is all I will say. A lot. Thank you, Blaine," he said softly, his eyes glowing with emotion.

Blaine leaned into him. "You are more than welcome."

. . . . . .

With the urging and influence of Blaine's father, Kurt's applications were both approved on Tuesday and Wednesday found Kurt and Blaine at the entrance of Dalton, ready to go in. Blaine did his best to prepare Kurt for the general environment of the school, the types of people and the cliques that would be found in any school, public or private.  Kurt felt ready, not too excited that the classes were advanced, but ready to tackle any of it if it meant he got to stay at Blaine's school and at Blaine's house. They had already dropped off his bags at Blaine's house that morning, both of them a little hesitant and yet excited.

Also due to the influence of Blaine's father, Kurt was in most of the same classes as Blaine, which made both boys ecstatic. They shared smiles and looks all day and sat together at lunch. Kurt met most of Blaine's friends, all of whom seemed to be Warbler's. They were excited to hear Kurt's audition, which Blaine had warned him about.

During the two hour drive to Blaine's house, he'd let him know all of the weird ‘rules' of the Warblers. Only top forty songs for his audition, if he had one in his repertoire, which Kurt had. No jokes or smart comments to the council. Blaine explained that they were great guys outside of the Warbler's room, but inside they were tough and stuck to the rules like glue. Kurt began talking about suggesting some numbers and Blaine stopped him. The council decided the song choices, not the singers. They would take offense at a newbie making suggestions.

Kurt's face had paled more and more. "I'm not going to get to express much individualism, am I?"

Blaine made a sympathetic face. "Not as much as you had before. Once you get into the groove, it'll be okay."

Kurt nodded. "What about solos?"

Blaine made another face. "Well, they tend to like using the same person for most of the solos. And mainly that's been me. But the stress has been too much for me. I felt like if I wasn't able to sing, they would freak out. So I've been turning down most of the solos. There are so many great voices in that room, it's about time they start using some of them. Everyone has been much happier since I stepped down. There is actual excitement when there are solo auditions because everyone knows it won't automatically be me."

"Wow. Good for you, though. I wouldn't want to be in a choir that was more Blaine and the Pips than an actual choir. In New Directions, we were constantly pushing for Mr. Schue to not have Rachel sing every solo in competitions. I don't think he will ever stop, though. It's like she's got a freaking golden ticket plastered across her butt," Kurt ranted. "Anyway, let's go through my iPod and see what I should sing. I have a few that I know pretty well, even though I don't usually do top 40."

. . . . . .

When Kurt stood in front of the huge wooden doors that afternoon, waiting to be ‘announced', he ran through his lines, and warmed up his voice quietly.

Suddenly the large doors swung open, revealing a grinning Blaine. He heard a voice say "We welcome Kurt Hummel into the hall of the Warblers for an audition to qualify for a spot in our ranks."

Kurt walked in slowly and as Blaine had said, the Warbler's Council were sitting to the right, the middle boy, Wes, had a gavel in his hand, ready to use it any moment. The room was filled with young men, some of whom Kurt had met before. He walked nervously to the council table.

. . . . . .

Blaine knew Kurt was nervous by the eyebrow that was permanently stuck in the air. But he knew once he started singing, Kurt would relax and it would be fine.

"Kurt, we would like to offer you the dual chance of singing for an audition not just for membership but for a solo at our sectionals competition which is the beginning of next week. I know that is short notice, but Junior Member Anderson has assured us that you would be able to handle the extra burden. Do you agree to this?"

Kurt nodded. "I do."

"Alright then, if you would hand William your music, we'll get started," Wes said, banging the gavel in case anyone had missed his words.

Kurt handed over the music and went to stand in the middle of the room as Blaine had instructed. It showed boldness and being unafraid to sing alone among the group.

Blaine internally crossed his fingers. This was so different from the other reality that he didn't really know how it would go. Maybe that was part of the point. He kept his eyes glued to Kurt with a warm smile just to show support.

The music began and Kurt began singing.

I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing

Just praying to a God that I don't believe in

'Cause I got time while she got freedom

'Cause when a heart breaks no it don't break even

Her best days will be some of my worst

She finally met a man that's gonna put her first

While I'm wide awake she's no trouble sleeping

'Cause when a heart breaks no it don't breakeven... even... no

What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you,

And what am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok

I'm falling to pieces, yeah,

I'm falling to pieces

Blaine snuck a peek around the room and could see the amazement on the guys' faces. Kurt was knocking this song out of the park. When they'd found the song on his iPod, Kurt had sung a couple of verses and Blaine knew immediately it was the song Kurt should do. It was well known on the radio, his voice fit it perfectly as long as he sang it an octave higher. He was also taking Blaine's advice of not dancing or shimmying as he was singing. He walked around a little bit, but was staying pretty still.

They say bad things happen for a reason

But no wise words gonna stop the bleeding

'Cause she's moved on while I'm still grieving

And when a heart breaks no it don't breakeven even... no

What am I gonna to do when the best part of me was always you,

And what am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok

I'm falling to pieces, yeah,

I'm falling to pieces, yeah,

I'm falling to pieces

One still in love while the other one's leaving

I'm falling to pieces

'Cause when a heart breaks no it don't breakeven

Oh you got his heart and my heart and none of the pain

You took your suitcase, I took the blame.

Now I'm try'na make sense of what little remains ooh

'Cause you left me with no love and no love to my name.

I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing

Just prayed to a God that I don't believe in

'Cause I got time while she got freedom

'Cause when a heart breaks no it don't break

No it don't break

No it don't break even no

What am I gonna do when the best part of me was always you and

What am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok

I'm falling to pieces yeah

I'm falling to pieces yeah

I'm falling to pieces

'Cause when a heart breaks no it don't breakeven

Blaine knew Kurt had truly made it when the group began backing him up through the last two verses. Some were doing background vocals, some were echoing his words. It was a perfect audition. Typically when someone auditioned, they were sent out of the room for the rest of the Warbler's to discuss and make the decision. Going by the standing ovation across the room, including the council, Blaine was sure that Kurt would be singing the solo at Sectionals.

His thoughts were confirmed when Kurt was welcomed into the fold and given Pavarotti, the groups live canary.

"Mr. Hummel, we would also like to offer you the lead solo at Sectionals, if you agree," Wes said officially.

"Yes, I would agree," Kurt answered politely.

Wes, David, and Thad stood and shook his hands. That was when the whole room burst into applause again, this time the guys coming up to him and patting him on the back and giving him high fives. Blaine stood back, watching the emotions rolling across Kurt's face. He was happy, blown away, overwhelmed, pleased, and so joyful that he wasn't going to be pushed into the back as he had been in New Directions.

Finally, Blaine stepped forward and hugged Kurt, lifting him off the ground for another round of cheers. Spinning around, Blaine knew he would never forget the absolute joy on Kurt's face for as long as he lived.

. . . . . .

Later, in the car ride back to Blaine's house, Blaine was smiling as Kurt continued to chatter about the day's events. He was holding Pav on his lap, talking to him and Blaine. Blaine thought it was adorable.

"So, your parents were okay with letting me live with you during the week?" Kurt asked, making kissing noises to the bird.

"No problem at all," Blaine said.

"Oh, that's so great. I can't wait to meet them," Kurt said, turning to him with a smile.

"Well, you won't be meeting them tonight," Blaine said hesitantly.

"Why is that?"

"They are out of town for the week," Blaine said, blushing.

Kurt's face colored. "Oh."

"Yeah."