Yeah so...ummm... I know I said I would do this on Monday but Idina went a little happy on me and well...she got this done WAY earlier than anticipated. So here we go...the sequel. And fair warning...you all might want to kill me in this one. But you know I love these two! So just trust that! ok? keep it mind! promise?

Over the years it had become a familiar ritual. Her own personal signal that a new school year was about to begin. Early in August, before the usual craziness associated with the week before school started and every last staff member tried to find supplies long lost about midway through the previous year, Emma Pillsbury would find herself in her own perfectly clean and sterile office moving the files of the students into their correct classes. Last year's freshman moved to the filing cabinet for sophomores. Sophomores to juniors. Juniors to seniors. And last year's seniors into carefully labeled and packaged boxes for delivery to the record room at the Board of Education building in downtown Lima.

It was always a little bittersweet to put those files away for the final time. Some really were just names on a file. Good kids who stopped by once a year for her signature on their schedule choices for next year and who sat through the mandatory post high school planning session with their futures already figured out. Some she knew too well for all the wrong reasons. The bullies. The depressives. The cutters. The troublemakers. And then there was the last group, the kids she knew well because they had touched her heart.

Kids like Matt Rutherford.

Emma went to sit down behind her desk, opening the file to read it once again. On paper, his story seemed remarkable. If it wasn't for the change of address listed in there, there was no indication of any issues at home. Instead he looked like a kid who, while always bright, suddenly took his schooling seriously. The B plus average from sophomore year had been raised to straight As by the end of his senior year. He probably would have been valedictorian, if Emma didn't suspect Matt purposefully got slightly lower grades in some subjects just to get out of having to speak in front of the entire school. He maintained his position on the football team and continued with glee club. A work permit application vouched for his employment at Sheets-N-Things. His transcripts were filled with every college level class Emma could find for him to take. She had heard from Will, Matt had enough credits to qualify as a sophomore when he started OSU.

Of course not everything was in that file. There was no mention of his being thrown out of his house and having to move in with the family of his best friend. There was nothing about how he didn't so much come out of the closet as he was shoved. Not one word on how the jock crowd he had run with virtually abandoned him overnight. And clearly there was nothing in there about how even after almost two years of weekly sessions; she still couldn't get Matt to really talk about any of it.

It wasn't for lack of trying. Emma had tried every technique she had ever heard of and a few that she was pretty sure she was just making up. She had even gone as far as directing him towards some scholarships whose requirements almost demanded Matt make some personal revelations, but he simply refused to discuss it. Sometime during the summer between his sophomore and junior year, he had decided to spend the sessions discussing his plans for school and ultimately getting out of Lima. It was a fairly clever way to dodge her attempts at discussing his feelings. She had to give him that. Since Matt never had been a troublemaker (the few detentions from freshman and early sophomore year seemed more related to hanging around Puck than being the instigator) she couldn't use his behaviors as a lead in. His grades had actually improved, no doubt due to a combination of Matt's own stubbornness and the fact when he and Kurt Hummel were found in the library, they were actually studying. A total contrast to every other couple found using the reference stacks in the library.

Emma realized it was more than a little crazy to be concerned about students that had done well in school. Especially students like Kurt and Matt who had more reasons than most of their classmates to leave their hometown in the rearview mirror. Lord knows she had tried to catch the bullies slushie-handed as it were, but she had never been successful. She knew they had friends; after all Will's kids had developed a reputation of being extremely protective of each other. But next year was going to be a whole new ballgame for both of them. Yes their respective colleges had a reputation for more tolerance than Lima had ever shown either one, but it also meant they had to build whole new support systems.

She could only sigh as she moved to put the file away. Matt she knew, left tomorrow morning. One way or another, all the concerns she had about the silent boy who had sat across from her for two years were going to be answered. And all she could do was hope.

At first it didn't seem the weather would cooperate with their plans. After a summer of near drought like conditions, the past three days had been nothing but welcome rain. Welcome to everyone but Kurt that was. Not that he had any issue with rain per say, or being caught in it occasionally. After all he was still a teenager and Matt looked damn good soaking wet. But being in the rain was always better when a person could go inside and do things like get dry in front of a fire. Camping, not in his list of top ten ways to have fun at any time, in the rain? He'd rather go see that detestable so-called musical Newsies pollute the purity of Broadway.

But thankfully the ghosts of Versace and McQueen were watching over him, because today it had been hot, muggy, and generally gross. But at least it helped dry out the ground. And if he was going to go camping, the last thing he was going to do was sleep on muddy ground.

Well if sleep was actually in the plan for tonight that was. If he anything to say about it, Kurt wasn't planning on falling asleep until well after Matt got on that plane tomorrow.

He rested his cheek again Matt's shoulder as he traced lazy circles on his boyfriend's stomach. Going over all the reasons they had discussed a million times before, Kurt knew their decision was the right one. The only one really. He might imagine his life was a Broadway musical, but there was a streak of practicality that ran deep in his blood. A gift, he supposed, from his father. For all the romantic movie moments he knew Matt was capable of thinking of, Kurt also knew his boyfriend was also pragmatic almost to a fault.

They had discussed the facts endlessly. Matt was going to OSU, something Kurt had figured out near the start of junior year. Reasoning he was going to be the only one responsible for paying for college, Matt had only looked at state schools. Not that the Changs and Kurt's dad hadn't offered to help him, they had. It was more the fact Kurt was pretty well convinced Matt's middle name was Stubborn instead of Anthony. Matt had deflected all offers of help. And then there was the simple fact of Leah still finishing her degree. Kurt was suspicious the two bedroom apartment Leah rented last year, complete with roommate she hated, was just so Leah could offer Matt a place to stay without completely angering her brother.

On the other hand, Kurt was going to Bowling Green University. It was a decision no one had predicted, but then again, no one could have predicted the arrival of his little sister JoBeth either. As amazing as going to New York would be, it would mean his sister would barely know him, something Kurt wasn't willing to let happen. And it wasn't like he was abandoning his dreams. Randomly, Bowling Green had a well connected and respected theater and communications department. He would still be able to get his foot in the door, which was really all he would need.

If it was just the different schools, that would be one thing. The drive between Columbus and Bowling Green wasn't that bad in all honesty. With Matt planning on working when he wasn't studying, Kurt fully realized he would have to be the one doing most of the travel. And he was fine with that. Even if he did think Matt was being more than a little stubborn on the money point, he could respect it.

But then there was Spain.

Once Matt announced the obvious about his college plans, Mr. Schue had approached him about a study abroad opportunity. It was a stretch, Mr. Schue had explained, but between all the credits Matt would be bringing in to his first semester and the fact he was practically a native Spanish speaker, he was relatively confident Matt could get accepted. He and Mike had worked as a tag team to convince Matt to at least fill out the application and see. Worries about how he would even begin to pay for it could come later, after he was accepted.

Which of course he was. Kurt had a sneaking suspicion Mr. Schue had called in every favor and contact he possibly had to make it happen. Just like he had suspicions about the "scholarship" Matt had been awarded to cover his travel and living expenses while in Spain was really Mr. Schue, the Changs and his father helping Matt when Matt had dodged them in the past. But in the end all his suspicions didn't matter. It was a fantastic opportunity and he was not letting Matt pass it up.

For at least the first few months of his college career, Matt would be able to be just a regular college student. He wouldn't have to worry about helping make a rent payment, how he was going to cover the costs of books or groceries. He could just worry about classes and having a great experience. It was the least of the things Matt deserved.

Beyond that, Spain was an escape. Spain wouldn't have constant reminders of how dramatically his life had changed overnight. There would be no awkward run-ins with Matt's parents while they were at the movies or just going to dinner. No standing in the grocery store, struggling to find something to say while he was buying groceries with Mrs. Chang. Matt could finally let that wound heal. Spain was a chance for him to be something other than the sad story parents shook their heads over when he happened by them.

There was no way Kurt was going to let Matt pass all that up just so they could stay together. Having a long distance relationship in two different parts of the state was possible. Having one on two different continents seemed to be a recipe for certain disaster. Long distance relationships took time and work, they both knew that. But how much time and work could they really do with Matt being six hours ahead of him for half a year? Trans-Atlantic calls were expensive And Facebook chats weren't the same as really talking. As much as they hated it, their solution was probably the only one to keep their friendship intact.

When Matt got on that plane tomorrow, their relationship was over. It was as simple and painful as that. And what had seemed like an eternity at the beginning of the summer had now whittled down to a handful of final hours.

"You've gone strangely quiet." Matt said softly, his fingers dancing along Kurt's spine. "Haven't fallen asleep on me have you?"

"No. Just thinking."

"I'd offer you a penny for your thoughts but I'm officially broke starting tomorrow."

Kurt turned around, resting his elbow on the ground to rest his head against his hand. "I was actually trying to figure out if I was actually going to miss those lame jokes of yours."

"Cute. I almost bought that." Matt smiled as he reached up to run his fingers through Kurt's hair.

"You're going to have a great time over there. And that's an order. You are officially forbidden to do that broody, mopey thing you do and you're going to have such an amazing time the rest of us want to shoot you out of jealousy."

"I'm forbidden?" Matt questioned, a smile forming on his lips. "And who exactly officially forbid me again?"

"Me. Quinn. Mike. Cedes. Everyone basically." Kurt nodded.

"Well when you put it that way." Matt rolled his eyes.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm not going to let you waste it by being all you-like when you think you shouldn't be happy. I'd rather dress like Artie than see that happen."

"Dress like Artie? Now I know you're serious." Matt chuckled. "I promise I won't spend the entire time just going to class." Matt lowered his voice to a whisper, his eyes growing serious. "But I'm not going to promise to not miss you."

Not for the first time, Kurt wished he could just stop time and stay right here forever. Leaning forward, their lips met in a bittersweet kiss, a mixture of sadness, passion and tenderness. Hands moved lower as their tongues began to dance together. Kurt wrapped one arm around Matt's neck as they turned together, with Kurt landing on his back. He sighed as Matt's fingers traced lower and lower.

Tonight was not about talking.

"You're sure you have everything?" Susan Chang fretted as they all stood just outside the entrance to the Dayton Airport. Her fingers rushed to brush some nearly invisible lint off his shoulder. Matt had to smile at her nervous expression.

"Everything." He promised, pulling on the straps of his ancient backpack which was doubling as his carry on. "Passport, ID, money. I've got everything I need."

"Still, if you realize you forgot anything, take this." She pressed a few bills into his hand. Standing next to her, Jim Chang gave him a look that indicated he should just take the money and not say anything. Over their shoulders, he could see Mike laughing at him.

"I didn't but thank you." He didn't just mean the money that he was now putting in his front pocket. Susan and Jim Chang had probably saved his life and the words thank you hardly seemed adequate. He had promised years ago to pay them back and he had every intention of doing just that.

"You call us and have a good time." Susan whispered to him as she hugged him tightly.

"I will."

"Stay safe son." Jim Chang smiled as he clasped his hand on Matt's shoulder. "I expect to see lots of pictures when you come home at Christmas."

"Lots of pictures. Got it." Matt smiled before taking a step towards the assembled group of his friends. Rachel had already left for Julliard earlier in the week, but had left multiple messages wishing him luck and demands that if an unforeseen travel delayed occurred while he had a layover in New York, he was to call her and she would rescue him on his cell phone. A mandatory beginning of the year had claimed Mr. Schue's time but everyone else was there. "I guess this is it." Matt announced, trying to sound upbeat.

"You're leaving for a semester, not a lifetime." Quinn declared as she went up to hug him tightly. "At least it better be a semester. You're not home by Christmas and I'm flying out to get you myself."

"And then we'd lose you to all the Spanish men." Matt pointed out.

"Your point?"

Laughing as he squeezed her, Matt dropped a kiss on the top of her blonde hair. As Quinn took a step back, blinking to keep the tears he could see in her blue eyes back, Santana and Brittany both kissed his cheeks.

"Be careful of the ducks." Brittany whispered in his ears. Matt just nodded at her. It always seemed to be the safest way to answer Brittany.

"I hate goodbyes and I hate crying." Santana announced. "So get your ass out of here before I have to do either."

"Yeah dude. Crying is not badass." Puck nodded in agreement as he slapped Matt on the back. "Don't be a wuss and not get on the plane."

"You fools wouldn't know a proper goodbye if it bit you in the asses." Mercedes announced, before she winced. Turning around she caught Finn's eyes. "Sorry."

Finn just shrugged as he adjusted the barely a year old JoBeth on his shoulder. "I think it's a little late for that." Finn laughed as Santana and Puck looked at the parking lot in shame.

Turning back to Matt, Mercedes shook what he had named her finger of doom at him. "Listen here Tall, Dark and Silent. You have a good time but come back soon. I have to take care of two boys here who will be miserable without you. None of this staying longer or forgetting to write nonsense you hear me? Don't make me come over there."

"I wouldn't do that to you Cedes." Matt winked at her. "Although I think I don't know about the Thank God He's Gone party Mike's already planned at the house."

"Exactly." Mike nodded. "By the way your room? Dance studio before you're gone a week."

"You're all heart Chang."

"I try Rutherford."

"Well I will miss you." Tina declared as she hugged his side. "I don't care who knows it."

"I care woman." Artie complained. "You start crying and I owe him twenty bucks."

"Actually it's if any of you cry, he owes me." Matt clarified. "So feel free."

"When are you two going to give up this betting thing?" Tina wondered as Artie and Matt exchanged fist bumps. "I think you're just passing over the same twenty dollar bill over and over."

"And your point?" They asked in unison as everyone else laughed.

Rather than make Finn work his way through the crowd with JoBeth in his arms, Matt went to him. Pausing to pat the little girl on her head, Matt offered Finn a smile. "Good luck man."

"You too." Finn leaned closer to Matt and whispered in his ear. "Don't worry about him too much. I got my eye on him."

"Oh he'll be thrilled with that."

"Older brother rights." Finn smiled brightly. Matt laughed, knowing full well if Kurt had heard that last comment, an eye roll and a muttered "by two months" wouldn't be far behind.

"Ok." Matt let out a breath. "I'm going now. I'll write and email and I'll see you all at Christmas."

It took another three rounds of hugs before he could actually start to walk inside. However since Quinn did start crying during the second round of hugs, he had made twenty bucks out of it, so not a bad deal really. Leah grabbed his duffle bag and Kurt took his hand as he made his way towards the automatic sliding doors and inside to the ticket counter. He had told everyone months ago he didn't want a big scene in the airport itself. The only two people he wanted to come with him were Leah and Kurt.

They stood back as he presented his ID and passport to the gate agent and checked his bag. Getting the all his boarding passes and paperwork in order, the trio made their way to the line for the security check point. Silence fell over them as their steps carried them closer to the destination. Stopping just before the roped off area began, Matt turned to his big sister first.

"Guess you're finally rid of me Lee."

"Not even close." Leah shook her head as she hugged him as tightly as she could. "You're saving from the roommate from hell come next semester remember?"

"You won't let me forget that."

"I'm going to miss you like crazy Matty. And I expect a truly awesomsauce souvenir. If you can fit a Spanish prince in your suitcase? Don't hesitate."

"I'll do what I can." Matt laughed as she finally released him. Turning to Kurt, Matt felt tears start to sting his eyes. This one was going to be the worst. Seeing Kurt open his mouth to say something, Matt held up his hand as he slid his backpack off his shoulder. "Wait. I need to give you something first."

"Give me something?" Kurt looked over at Leah in confusion as Matt riffled through the pack before closing his fingers on a brightly wrapped present.

"This." Matt pushed the package into Kurt's fingers. "Your birthday present. So you can't open it for two weeks."

"So you prefer to torture me instead?"

"Pretty much yeah."

Kurt laughed and shook his head before passing the present over to Leah. Taking both Matt's hands in his, Kurt took a step closer. "I know you have this thing about public displays of affection but I think you realized that was going to be ignored today right?"

"I figured."

"Good." Wrapping his arms around Matt's neck, Kurt pulled him into a kiss. Only the need for air or the presence of airport security demanding for them to separate was going to stop this kiss. Finally letting go when he felt his lungs may begin to burst, Matt rested his forehead on Kurt's.

"Love you." Matt whispered softly.

"Love you too." Kurt whispered back. "But you need to go. Before I do something stupid like not throw up at the sheer madness that is the polyester uniforms I'm surrounded by."

Chuckling softly, Matt stole one more quick kiss before readjusting his backpack on his shoulder. "I'll see you at Christmas."

"Christmas."