He couldn’t hit the punching bag hard enough, Kurt’s words ringing in his ears.

”It’s only for a year, Blaine. Less than that, really, when you add it all up. Plus I’ll be back for thanksgiving, and Christmas, and Easter, and then before you know it, it’ll be summer. Then you’ll be in New York too. It’ll all work out. We’re forever.”

Blaine was startled by his phone chiming as tears threatened to begin falling.

From: Coop
April 13, 2012 3:57PM
Hey little brother. Where are you? I figured we could hang out since its my last day in town.

He stared at his phone for what felt like hours before finally typing out a reply.

To: Coop
April 13, 2012 4:09PM
Hey. I’m still at school, blowing off some steam in the locker room. Can you come pick me up? Kurt drove us this morning, but we both forgot it was senior ditch day, so now I’m stuck here.”

He waited impatiently for a reply, drumming his fingers on his thigh.

From: Coop
April 13, 2012 4:12PM
Be there in 20.

With a sigh, Blaine put his boxing gloves back on and started punching the bag furiously again, like he hadn’t stopped in the first place.

20 minutes later, Cooper was strolling through the halls of McKinley, stopping the janitor to ask where the boys’ locker room was. As he got closer to his destination, the faint sound of someone yelling became more audible, as well as the sound of something being hit repeatedly.

Blaine didn’t realize he was crying. He didn’t realize he was yelling, ”How does he know everything is gonna be okay?! How?! He’ll be in New York! Fuck, why am I stuck here?! Why can’t I go with him?! I’m so scared! I can’t lose him!” He didn’t notice someone enter the locker room. He didn't hear his name being called. He did, however, notice when a strong pair of arms wrapped themselves around his biceps, effectively stopping him from further pulverizing the punching bag hanging before him. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. He lets out a chocked sob, "Coop..."

Blaine turns in his brother's arms, and just falls into his embrace. Cooper doesn't ask any questions, doesn't need to. He heard enough when he walked into the locker room, so he catches Blaine. Cooper holds onto him like his life depends on it, rubbing circles over the small of Blaine's back.

"Shh. It's okay, Blainey. It'll be okay."

-FIN-