A/N: Gah, this took way longer to write than I would have expected, and a few parts were like pulling teeth; they were rewritten many times before you see what we have here.
Spoilers for Shooting Star and The Quarterback - I may/may not have rolled them into 'one'.
Don't like, don't read, flames will be doused with a big red firetruck.
MissShawnaAlice
Chapter Two - Amends:
"I have to fly back tomorrow," said Kurt sadly, standing at the kitchen bench, making coffee. Blaine dropped his spoon on the table, looked up at Kurt with big eyes.
"Oh," he murmured.
"It's okay. I've got a few more weeks to go at Vogue, and Isabelle has promised to give me a long Christmas break so I can come back here and spend some time with you, and make amends," replied Kurt, taking a seat next to Blaine, passing him a steaming cup of coffee.
"I miss you though. And now I have to deal with all the New Directions members on my own! How do I explain to them that you're the reason I fainted on stage?" Asked Blaine, exasperated. Kurt kissed him on the forehead.
"You explain it exactly as you told me. They're your friends; they'll understand," replied Kurt lovingly.
"I still don't understand how you could just walk away like you did," said Blaine, pulling away.
"I did explain it! I'd had a rough week, and you coming to tell me that another guy has kissed you was just the cherry on top!" Exclaimed Kurt.
"So every time you have a rough week, I should expect to be emotionally abused?" Snapped Blaine, standing up angrily.
"No, that's not what I meant!" Replied Kurt, tears sparkling in his eyes.
"What should I expect then? Every time I tell you the truth, you run away, hide yourself, cut yourself out of my life? Come on Kurt, I need to know!"
"Blaine, stop. You've made your point," said Kurt quietly, voice cracking.
"Kurt, I love you, with my heart and soul and so much more. I don't ever want there to be someone other than you, but I don't know how much I can take if this is how you're going to react when you tell the truth," admitted Blaine.
"I do love you, I swear," cried Kurt.
"I love you too Kurt, I really do." Blaine walked out of the kitchen and sat in the living room, pulling a blanket around himself. Kurt stood up, brushing himself down and followed his boyfriend into the living area. He sat next to him and wrapped his arms around him, and Blaine started to cry.
"You were never supposed to leave me. You were supposed to kiss me and tell me it was okay, and to promise to be there to protect me, and instead you left me," sobbed Blaine.
"Shh. I promised I wouldn't leave this time, and I'm a man of my word," soothed Kurt, holding him close.
"You can't promise anything. Everyone always leaves," whimpered Blaine. Kurt kissed the top of his distraught boyfriends head, a plan formulating in his mind.
"I promise I won't leave you."
A week later, Kurt had returned to New York, and life was starting to resume at normal pace. The New Directions were sitting in the choir room, looking dejected.
"Guys, I just wanna say I am so sorry that we lost Regionals. It's all my fault," apologised Blaine, breaking the deafening silence.
"It's not your fault Kurt showed up. If Mike had dumped me like Kurt did to you then showed up at Regionals, I would have reacted the same way," replied Tina.
"I tell you what though, it was dramatic. And it definitely sent the judges in a spin," said Unique, giving her hair a flip.
"It's made the judges reconsider. After hearing about Blaine's plight and Burt Hummel talking to the committee, we're now replacing another show choir who have had their Regionals trophy removed due to a lip syncing scandal," said Will from his place near the piano.
"You mean, we're still going to Nationals?" Asked Marley, barely containing her grin.
"New Directions are going to Nationals!" Exclaimed Will. Blaine looked at his team-mates, smiling stupidly.
"We're going to LA! Please guys, don't give me another solo; I don't think I can handle it if I lose it again like that," remarked Blaine.
"See how you feel in three weeks time; you might change your mind," replied Tina, throwing him a warm smile.
"They're really shakin' things up this year. We're required to have a medley, mash-up, and an original song prepared. We've got some serious work to do!" The New Directions members glanced at each other and cheered. The bell rang in the hall, and Will glanced at his watch. "Alright, you're going to be late for fourth period. Come up with some ideas, and I want to hear them Friday!" He called. Blaine headed out of the room, Artie close beside him.
"I've got Calculus next, and I'm so behind on the class work," said Blaine, heading to his locker to grab his textbook. Artie followed him, and pulled up beside him.
"I can help you out; I've got an A average, and I reckon I could tutor you to get you back up to scratch," offered Artie.
"That would be awesome," said Blaine, retrieving the required textbook and shoving it into his locker door slammed shut unexpectedly, and he jumped.
"Lady freak is back!" Exclaimed Derek, one of the football players.
"And he's hanging out with Wheels! I've been dying to get myself a new pair, think he'd mind if I borrowed them?" Asked the second jock, Paul. Artie tried to wheel himself away, and found himself surrounded.
"We've heard that the Glee Club are getting to go to Nationals, and because of what we did to you lady-boy, we've been suspended from the team until Coach Beiste and Principal Figgin's think they can trust us to be back on the team," explained Derek, advancing on the pair. He reached forward and snagged Blaine's jacket, pulling him close. He closed his eyes against the fetid breath emanating from the football player.
"This is gonna be fun. Sam's gonna regret telling us we could go crazy and then change his mind," he grinned. Blaine struggled to escape the jock's grip, but to no avail. The group behind Artie tipped him out of his chair and Artie sprawled across the floor, trying to break his fall, his face meeting the hard linoleum. Blaine fought harder, copping punches from the football team. He felt his nose break, blood pouring from it, and he shook his head, trying to clear the fuzz and the stars. Paul body-slammed Blaine against the lockers, his head hitting it hard. The jocks laughed, wheeling away Artie's chair, and Paul released Blaine, letting him fall to the floor. He cried out as he hit the floor on his side.
"Blaine? Are you okay?" Asked Artie, voice thick.
"I don't know, are you?" Answered Blaine breathlessly.
"I can't get up, and I think I've broken my wrist or something," replied Artie.
"Mm," mumbled Blaine.
"What?" Asked Artie, attempting to roll over so he could at least see Blaine. He didn't answer, body seizing up on him, breath hitched as his limbs flailed.
"Blaine? Blaine! Someone, help! Please!" Called Artie, panicking. Sam, Britt and Tina walked around the corner, discussing the latest Glee assignment, when Sam spotted Artie sprawled on the floor.
"Artie? Blaine! Tina, run and get Mr Schue and the school nurse, Britt, you check on Artie," ordered Sam. He sprinted over to Blaine, pulling him away from the wall of lockers to prevent any further injury. Will and Emma came around the corner, and the school nurse appeared, wheeling a regular wheelchair in front of her, portable first aid kit over her shoulder. Blaine stopped seizing, relaxing, and the nurse dropped to the floor, checking his vitals. She noticed the large lump on the back of his head and pulled out her phone. She relayed a few details to the emergency dispatcher and hung up, returning her attention to the two boys.
"We need to get him to hospital as soon as possible. Does anyone know if he's had a seizure before?" Asked the nurse.
"I don't think so, but Kurt would know. I can call him?" Suggested Sam. Tina returned and stood near Brittany, concerned and confused.
"Should probably call his parents first. Artie, how you doin'?" Asked the nurse.
"I probably need to be checked over too; they tipped me out of the chair," said Artie, stress and frustration evident in his voice.
"It's okay, we'll get you both looked over. Will, do you want to go with them until their parents can get there?" Asked the nurse. He nodded as four paramedics sprinted down the hall, medi-kits swinging as they moved. The nurse handed over to them, and pulled Brittany, Sam and Tina back away.
"You three should go back to class," said the nurse quietly.
"But we want to make sure our friends are okay!" Exclaimed Sam.
"I know you do, and right now, the paramedics are looking after them. The best thing you can do is go back to class," reassured the nurse. They watched as Blaine was wheeled out on a stretcher, Artie following behind on a second stretcher. Will followed them out, dialling a number he hadn't called for a while, hoping that the person on the other end would pick up.
"Burt? It's Will. There's been an incident at the school."
"He's going into surgery now," said Carole wearily, taking a seat next to Will and Burt. She'd been gone for nearly three hours, leaving Burt and Will to sit and wait together.
"What was the verdict?" Asked Will.
"A bleed on the brain, one that has been quite slow and missed in the last scan. He's got a large contusion on the back of his head, and it cause the bleed to worsen. He's also got a broken nose, and two broken ribs that punctured his lung. He was barely breathing when they brought him in, and we only had time to sign the paperwork before they rushed him into emergency surgery. I don't understand what happened," admitted Carole, exhaling heavily.
"I do," said Artie's voice. His mom pushed him into the quiet corridor, and stopped for a moment.
"Are you okay Artie?" Asked Will.
"Bruising to the knees, broken wrist, hairline fracture of the zygomatic bone," answered Artie's mom Nancy.
"It was Derek and Paul from the football team. Something about being suspended because of what they did before to Blaine, and they were pretty angry about it," explained Artie.
"They'll be reprimanded for this, you can be sure of it. Will we see you on Monday?" Asked Will. Artie nodded.
"I'm going to need a buddy to come with me to classes; I can't wheel myself anymore," said Artie, glancing down at his newly casted hand, already feeling helpless because of it.
"I'm sure Tina or Sam will help you out. You let me know if anything like this happens again, okay?" Artie nodded.
"Will do Mr Schue. Do you mind if I let the rest of the Glee Club know what happened? They've been asking about it, and I didn't know what to tell them," replied Artie awkwardly.
"Blaine's going to needs his friends for the next few weeks, moreso than ever before. You look after yourself too though," said Carole, looking at the young boy in front of her. Artie nodded.
"Don't worry Mrs H. I've got it covered." Nancy smiled at Burt, Carole and Will before wheeling her son down the hall to the elevator.
"Burt, you need to call Kurt, tell him what happened," said Carole, trying to stifle a yawn.
"He's gonna want to come back here, and I think he should stay in New York and finish up his last two weeks before he comes out here to spend some time with Blaine," answered Burt.
"He's an adult hon; you need to let him make his own choices. Isabelle is very reasonable, and she may even let him leave provided he works while he's back here," said Carole softly. Burt sighed heavily, running a hand across his face.
"Alright. I'll call him," he acquiesced, pulling out his phone. He dialled Kurt, heart heavy with the conversation he was going to have with his son. Kurt answered after the third ring, sounding breathless.
"Hey Dad! How are things?" Asked Kurt.
"Hey bud. Things, well, things aren't going great," answered Burt awkwardly, unsure of how to broach the conversation. Carole sighed, and indicated for him to pass her the phone.
"Kurt, sweetie? It's Carole. Blaine's been in a bit of an accident, and I though you should know," said Carole plainly.
"Oh my God, how bad? What happened?" Asked Kurt, already pulling his laptop towards him to find a flight back to Lima.
"He's in emergency surgery at the moment, so I'm not sure how he's doing, but as soon as I have some news on that front, I'll be sure to update you," promised Carole.
"Emergency surgery for what? What aren't you telling me?" Demanded Kurt.
"He was beaten up by the football team because Figgin's disciplined them for what they did to him four weeks ago. They got to Artie too; poor boy has a broken wrist and cracked cheekbone for all his troubles. Blaine didn't come off so lightly. He's got swelling in the brain, and they're trying to relieve the pressure, and a punctured lung that they need to re-inflate," answered Carole.
"I'm coming home," replied Kurt instantly.
"Sweetie, you need to work. At least talk to Isabelle before you make a deci…"
"No Carole. I promised Blaine a week ago that I would be there for him no matter what, and I meant it," snapped Kurt.
"Okay. Let me know when you're coming in, and I'll find someone to pick you up," replied Carole wearily.
"Thanks for understanding Carole." Kurt hung up, and Carole handed the phone back to Burt.
"He's coming home to see Blaine," she answered simply.
"Of course he is. Wouldn't expect anything else," answered Burt. He wrapped an arm around his wife, pulling her close, and settled in to wait for news on the boy that meant so much to one of their own.
Five hours later, a scrubs-clad surgeon appeared in the hall to see them. Will had gone home, but promised to return in the morning. Burt and Carole had been joined by David and Wes, and Trent had gone to pick up Kurt from the airport.
"Mr Hummel?" Asked the surgeon. Burt's eyes snapped up to see the doctor, and he stood up abruptly, upsetting Carole from her seat.
"I'm Dr Murphy; I was the one who operated on Blaine. The surgery went well, he's in Recovery, and I'm not anticipating any further problems aside from a tendency towards headaches. We've fixed his lung, and at the moment he has a drainage tube in his side to help any excess fluid or air escape. I'm hoping to remove that in a few days once everything is healing well. He might be groggy for a few days; his intracranial pressure was through the roof, but plummeted as soon as we opened his skull. Ideally, we'd like to keep him here for close to a week, monitor how he's doing, but we'll see how he's travelling," said Dr Murphy warmly.
"When can we see him?" Asked Burt gruffly.
"Probably in an hour or so. I'll make sure one of the nurses comes down to get you," assured the doctor. He smiled at them once more before walking away down the hall.
"How on earth does a football team do that?" Asked David.
"McKinley is not known for it's safety in the halls," replied the high voice of a countertenor.
"Kurt," said David warmly. He stood up and lightly embraced the boy.
"Have you been in to see him yet?" Asked Kurt, dumping his bag. Trent stood in front of David and Wes, desperate to know something.
"He's in Recovery, which is good. We should be able to see him in an hour," answered Carole.
"Did we find out who did it?" Asked Kurt, voice tight.
"The football team, led by Paul and Derek," answered Burt.
"Seems Azimio taught his twin brothers well," snarled Kurt.
"Who's Azimio?" Asked Burt curiously.
"One of the main football jocks who would slushy the Glee Club. He was always there when David was threatening me, and it seems his younger brothers have inherited his homophobic prejudices," replied Kurt.
"It doesn't excuse what they did," added David.
"It doesn't, so what are we going to do about it? Figgin's already proved that he can't do anything, and Sue sure as hell won't help unless there's something in it for her, and I don't think he wants to go back to Dalton," mused Kurt.
"He can't," countered David.
"Why not?"
"He left, and he's no longer got his parents support. If he wants to go, then your Dad and step-Mom have to pay for him to go, and he's not on the full scholarship anymore, so it would be expensive," responded Trent.
"That boy gave up a full scholarship at a prestigious school just so he could come to McKinley to be with Kurt?" Asked Carole, eyes shining. Trent nodded, and Carole wiped her eyes.
"I don't know what else we can do to help that boy. We can't afford to send him back to Dalton, we already sat down and did the sums and it's not possible," added Burt.
"Carole, Dad, he'll be okay. It's a setback, sure, but Blaine has always managed to pull through. This time he's got the support of so many more people," replied Kurt confidently.
"Mr ad Mrs Hummel? You're welcome to come back and see him now," said a nurse, interrupting their moment. Carole stood up first, and put out a hand to Kurt.
"Come on, you need to see him too," said Carole softly. Kurt took her hand and followed his father and the nurse down the hall to Blaine's room, heart pounding in his ears. Burt entered the room first, taking in the young man laying in the bed. His head was wrapped, face bruised, ribs bandaged, sheets just covering his lower half.
"Dad, he's a mess," whispered Kurt. Burt clapped a hand onto
"I know Kurt, but he'll get through it. We'll get him through it."
Blaine woke up in a hazy world of pain, ribs screaming in agony as he struggled to breathe, brain anxiously trying to catch up. The last time he remembered waking up in such pain was after the Sadie Hawkins dance that put him into a coma, and it frightened him that he couldn't remember what happened. He forced his eyes open, wincing at the bright light. He tried to lift his arms to shield his eyes, and whimpered at the sharp pain the movement elicited.
"Hey, you're okay. What hurts?" Asked Kurt's soft voice.
"Light," whispered Blaine. Kurt stood up and pulled the curtains across the window, toning down the light to a warm glow.
"Better?" Asked Kurt. Blaine didn't answer, and Kurt returned to his side. He pressed the call button, and ran a hand down Blaine's cheek gently. A nurse and doctor knocked quietly on the door before entering the private room.
"Blaine? I'm Dr Harkness. Can you open your eyes for me?" She asked politely. Blaine forced his eyes open, tears springing into the corners as the dull light pushed shards of pain through his head.
"It's okay. You might find yourself light-sensitive for a few days. You have a severe concussion, and we had to operate to release the pressure in your brain. Do you remember what happened?" Asked Dr Harkness.
"No. I remember being in the hall with Artie and getting my textbook, but after that, nothing," reported Blaine. The nurse leaned over, changing the dosage on the morphine pump as the doctor moved down, checking over his ribs.
"You're doing fantastically considering how you came in three days ago. Your ribs are healing nicely, and the bruising seems to be abating," replied the doctor.
"How… long unt…il it stops… hurting?" Stammered Blaine.
"I've got the nurse bumping up your morphine for a little while, but we'll have to bring it down in a few days. You should feel better in a few minutes," said the doctor softly. The morphine worked its way through his system, and Blaine exhaled, relief coursing through his veins. Kurt sat next to him, watching as his disposition changed.
"We'll come back and check on you in a while; your boyfriend here has been anxiously waiting to see you," said Dr Harkness, grinning. The medical staff left the room, leaving Blaine and Kurt on their own.
"Hey you. I've been waiting to see those beautiful eyes," said Kurt softly. Blaine rolled his head to the side and glanced at Kurt.
"What happened?" Asked Blaine slowly. Kurt took a deep breath, steadying himself.
"Paul and Derek, Azimio's twin brothers ganged up on you and Artie, and body slammed you into a locker. You had a seizure," said Kurt softly.
"Is Artie okay?" Asked Blaine wearily.
"Aside from a broken wrist, fractured zygomatic bone and bruising, he's okay," responded Kurt.
"That's good." Blaine patted the bed next to him. "Join me?" Asked Blaine quietly. Kurt nodded, climbing onto the bed carefully, situating himself beside Blaine.
"Is this okay?" Asked Kurt, stroking Blaine's cheek.
"Perfect." Blaine was quiet for a while, before slowly rolling over to face Kurt. "Did they shave my head?" Whispered Blaine, almost hopeful he was wrong.
"They did, but it's okay. It'll grow back, and I love you all the more," replied Kurt lovingly, leaning forward to kiss Blaine on the nose.
"I love you Kurt."
"So Blaine's okay?" Asked Tina, worried.
"Blaine is in a stable condition, and will be monitored for at least a week in hospital. Kurt has come back from New York to be with him, and he'll keep us posted as to how he's doing. In the meantime, both Paul and Derek have been expelled, and have been detained at the police station, and will be charged with assault," reported Mr Schuester.
"What are we going to do about nationals?" Asked Artie, cradling his hand.
"You're not going to be able to wheel yourself around on stage for this one, your cast won't be off in time. Blaine may not be back for a few weeks, and I don't even know if he's going to be able to sing," answered Mr Schue sadly.
"What if we got some of the Cheerios to come with us and work on a dance routine? We have enough strong singers in this group; if we practice now, we should be able to pull something together," said Sam, determined.
"What do you propose?" Asked Will.
"What if we did an a cappella quartet number as our original song, featuring Tina, Unique, Marley and Jake, then moved into our mash-up, and do it as boys against girls, then for our medley, showcase the Cheerios and their routine?" Suggested Sam.
"That's a fantastic idea! Brittany, Kitty, can you two talk to the Cheerios, work on a dance routine, and we can start working on harmonies and our medley," ordered Will. New Directions cheered the decision, all except Tina.
"This doesn't feel right," she said quietly.
"What do you mean?" Asked Artie.
"Blaine has worked really hard to get back on his feet to help us get to Regionals, and it wasn't his fault that Kurt showed up and surprised him, and now we're planning to go on without him? I'd be devastated if you guys went on to compete at Nationals without me," exclaimed Tina.
"I think I agree with Tina, but we shouldn't throw away this chance. What if we dedicated this performance to Blaine?" Responded Sam.
"I think we should involve him as well, if he wants to," argued Tina.
"Now is not the time to fight about this. I'll talk to Kurt, see how Blaine's doing, maybe he would like to be involved, but I don't want to push him while he's recovering," responded Will. He glanced at his watch, before looking back at the Glee Club.
"We'll meet here on Friday at 4pm, and we can review what you've all been working on. Go home, and I'll see you all Friday." The group disbanded, and Tina walked out with Artie, Sam pushing Artie's wheelchair.
"Wanna go see Blaine?" Asked Tina.
"We should probably ask Kurt first. Blaine might not be up for visitors," answered Artie. Sam was way ahead of her, pulling out his phone to dial Kurt.
"Hi Kurt, it's Sam. How's Blaine doing today?" He asked quietly.
"He's a bit groggy, but I think a visit from you guys might cheer him up," answered Kurt honestly.
"Tina, Artie and I are coming to visit; would that be okay?" Asked Sam politely.
"Sure. I think Finn is coming too, and Carole and Dad. It'd be nice for him to know that Artie is in fact okay," added Kurt.
"We'll be there in half an hour." Sam hung up, and pushed Artie to his Mom's car.
"Do you think your Mom would be up to driving us?" Asked Tina. Artie nodded.
"I think so," he answered.
"Great. Hi Mrs Abrams!" Called Tina.
"Hi Tina, Sam. Good to see you both," replied Nancy warmly.
"Do you think you could drive us to the hospital Mom? We really want to see Blaine," asked Artie quietly.
"Sure sweetie. Let's get you strapped in, and we'll go see your friend," agreed Nancy. Artie transferred himself into the front seat of the small car, Nancy folding up the wheelchair and shoving it into the boot while Sam and Tina climbed into the rear seats.
"Thanks for driving Mrs Abrams," said Sam politely.
"It's not a problem. It's nice to know that boy has some friends who won't beat him up everyday," said Nancy, pulling out of the McKinley carpark.
"We've always tried to stand up for our friends where we could. I think we forgot that along the way after Blaine and Kurt had their fight," said Sam quietly, staring out the window.
"We all forgot that he was a person, and we didn't exactly make life enjoyable for him. I can't believe he's still our friend after everything that happened," added Tina incredulously.
"It sounds like Blaine has a heart of gold, and it would do you all well to try and remember that," said Nancy. She left them in their silence for nearly twenty minutes, before pulling up into the handicapped car space at Lima Memorial Hospital. The three young teens were quiet, each dwelling on their own thoughts. Nancy pulled out Artie's wheelchair and helped him transfer into it, before wheeling him into the hospital. Sam and Tina followed, not quite sure what to expect when they got to Blaine's room. Kurt met them outside, tired smile pasted on his face.
"Hi Tina, Sam, Artie. How are you doing?" Asked Kurt.
"How are you doing? You like you're about to faint," said Sam quietly.
"He's confused; he doesn't remember what happened, but he's definitely excited to see you," replied Kurt, ignoring the question. Tina slipped around Kurt and entered the room. Blaine was situated in the middle of the bed propped up slightly, dark bruising still developing across his chest and winding up over his shoulders. Tina clapped a hand to her mouth, not prepared for the shock of seeing her friend like that.
"God, Blaine," stated Sam, beyond any further coherent words. Tina slipped her free hand into Sam's and squeezed it tight, reassuring him.
"Hey guys. Artie, how's your hand?" Asked Blaine softly.
"Doing okay. Everyone's become my slave for the next six weeks, but it's cool," replied Artie.
"They're releasing me in a few days; I need to spend a week at home, then I can come back to school. Isn't that great?" Gushed Blaine.
"Blaine, I'm sorry for everything that happened. It was my fault," blurted Sam.
"What do you mean?" Asked Blaine, confused.
"I was the one that set the football jocks up to beat you up before you resolved everything with Kurt, and then they refused to listen when I asked them to stop, and I tried, I just didn't know they'd try and attack you again," apologised Sam, tears glistening in his eyes.
"I… I'd like it if you left now," said Blaine quietly. Sam nodded, and headed for the door, Artie and Tina behind him.
"I am sorry. You have to believe me," whispered Sam.
"Please go," breathed Blaine. Sam left, sprinting from the room, Tina behind him, pushing Artie. Kurt watched the three young Glee Club members leave, and walked into Blaine's room to find him fighting tears.
"Oh Blaine," murmured Kurt. He crossed the room and sat on the bed, wrapping his arms around him carefully, Blaine sobbing into his chest.
"It's not fair. It's not fair."
"Honey, I really think you should take some more time off," encouraged Carole.
"I need to go back to school. Please," begged Blaine.
"Bud, I think Carole's right. You've only been out of hospital for two weeks, and you're still getting migraines. What are you going to do if you get a migraine at school?" Asked Burt.
"I'll take something for it. Please? I can't keep staying at home all the time. I need to go back," pleaded Blaine. Carole glanced at Burt and sighed.
"You can go, but call me if you do get a headache. I can come and pick you up," decided Carole. Blaine grinned at her before heading upstairs to get dressed, chucking books into his bag. He pulled on a beanie to cover the still growing fuzz on his head, and bolted down the stairs.
"At least let me drop you off," said Burt. Blaine nodded.
"Sure thing." The entire car ride over to McKinley, Blaine was vibrating in his seat. Kurt had returned to New York a few days ago to pick up some of his things and to hand in some work to Isabelle, and Blaine had quickly become bored in the house, having exhausted his and Kurt's DVD collection. Burt pulled up in front of McKinley, and Blaine sprinted out of his seat.
"See you when you get home kid!" Called Burt. Blaine ignored him and entered the glass double doors, inhaling deeply.
"Blaine! Blaine, it's good to see you back," said Marley warmly, Jake trailing behind her.
"It's good to be back Marley. Hoping I can get back into some school work, start to get back on top of things," said Blaine, smiling.
"Glee meeting after third period; you should come," said Jake, wrapping an arm around Marley's shoulders.
"I'll see how I'm going; I've got a lot of classwork to catch up on," admitted Blaine.
"It's good to see you back at least." The bell rang and students scattered to their homerooms. Blaine smiled, happy to be back, and headed to his homeroom with Mr Schue. He smiled at the Spanish teacher before taking his seat. Will marked off the names of his students before the bell rang again, signalling first period. He grabbed his bag, heading to his English class with Ms Atkins. HIs head winged a little, but he ignored, slipping inside the classroom and taking a seat towards the back. Ms Atkins waited for the class to quieten, then started her lesson on Romeo and Juliet, her voice grating against Blaine's already tender head. He pushed on, diligently taking notes. Forty minutes later, Blaine's head was starting to pound as the next bell rang, but still he forged ahead. Second period was calculus with Artie, and he was lucky that Artie had offered to take notes for him to keep him up to speed, and he worked through the problems on the board, squinting a little as he tried to read the board. His headache didn't abate, but it didn't worsen.
Third period was music, and Jake and Ryder were performing a piece for Mr Cunningham, one that involved vocals, guitar and drums. Blaine moaned a little and laid his throbbing head on the desk, just wanting to survive until after Glee, and then he'd call Carole. As soon as music had finished Blaine stood up to leave, then Ryder and Jake seized him by the arms, dragging him to the choir room.
"I need to go to my locker first," pleaded Blaine.
"No, you need to come to Glee first," said Jake, ignoring Blaine's pleas. They dragged him past Mr Schue and Coach Bieste and dumped him unceremoniously on a chair in the middle of the room.
"Please, I need my medication," begged Blaine, voice raw. His head pounded violently, and he could feel the nausea rising in his throat. He could barely focus enough to listen to Marley as she stood in front of the Glee Club, motioning at Blaine, and he dropped his head, hoping he could phase it all out. Two shots rang out, echoing throughout the school, and Marley froze.
"Spread out and get down," ordered Will. Shannon closed the door, flipping off the lights as Sam and Jake lifted Artie out of his chair and onto the floor. Blaine blindly tried to find his way across the floor, vision fading as the migraine took a firm hold. His arms gave out as he tried to crawl, and his face hit the floor, shaking up his already traumatised head. He whined in pain, the agony increasing dramatically.
"Blaine, be quiet," hissed Kitty.
"Oh God." Blaine felt the nausea win, and vomited over the choir room floor, chest heaving.
"That's disgusting," snapped Kitty. Will crept around to Blaine, pulling him closer to the wall.
"Blaine? What's wrong?" Whispered Will.
"Migraine," muttered Blaine. He started gasping, the pain increasing tenfold as another sharp crack echoed through the school.
"Whatever you do, don't scream," urged Will. Artie pulled out a handkerchief out of his pocket and balled it up, tossing it to Mr Schue.
"It's clean. He could bite down on it and scream if he needed to," breathed Artie. Will nodded, passing it to Blaine.
"Bite down on it; it should help keep you quiet," said Will softly, stuffing the soft fabric into Blaine's mouth. He started screaming through it almost instantly, and Will felt his eyes tear up at the helplessness of the situation they were in. Two more shots echoed through the halls, and Kitty skittered across the room to the opposite corner where Unique was hiding.
"Mr Schue, Britt is missing. I need to go find her!" Exclaimed Sam.
"You can't; you'll put everyone at risk punkin'," replied Shannon.
"But Britt won't know what to do!" Snapped Sam.
"Sam, I'll go find her, but you need to stay here, and look after Blaine for me. Can you do that?" Asked Will. Sam didn't get a chance to answer as Blaine tensed up, his body seizing in response to the pain.
"Will, go. I'll stay here with Blaine and the others," urged Shannon. Will nodded, leaving Blaine with Shannon and Sam, hoping that he could somehow get them all through this. He opened the choir door carefully before sneaking out, tiptoeing down the hall. He held in the terror as he passed Lucille Atkins, the English teacher, a single shot through the chest, and continued on, knowing Brittany would have picked the easy place for her to hide. He headed for the bathrooms located near the gym, pushing open the girls bathroom door carefully. The metallic smell of blood was stronger in here, and he shoved his fist in his mouth as he found two students dead, one a Cheerio, the other a student Will recognised from the AV club. A small whimper pulled Will out of his moment, and he swung open the last cubicle door.
"Mr Schue," whimpered Brittany. He glanced at her leg, a gunshot graze near the knee, huddled up against the toilet, then kneeled down and pulled her close.
"Oh Britt, you're okay, you're okay. I'll get you back to the choir room," whispered Will.
"Sarah. He shot Sarah because she wouldn't be quiet, and Randy kept screaming, he wouldn't stop screaming," babbled Brittany. Will shushed her and lifted her easily, and headed out of the bathroom, checking the corridor before heading back to the choir room. A SWAT team member found them and ushered them back into the choir room quietly, indicating to his fellow team that he'd found more students in the room. Will lowered Brittany to the floor, and Sam crossed over, tears streaming down his face.
"Blaine stopped seizing two minutes ago, and he's unconscious," said Sam. He wrapped his arms around Brittany, pulling her close as she whimpered and tried to push away.
"I want San. Please, I want Tana," begged Brittany. Sam felt his heart break; he knew he was never really hers, but he had still hoped.
"I'll get her here once we get out of this, I promise." Brittany allowed herself to be pulled close as Will pulled off his shirt, pressing it against Britt's leg wound. She cried out and Sam soothed her.
"Will, please tell me we're getting out of here soon; Blaine's not looking good," said Shannon, worrying. Blaine was in the recovery position, his face stark white, occasional tremors coursing through his body.
"SWAT is out there. We'll get out soon, I know we will."
"How many need medical attention in here?" Asked a serious-faced SWAT member.
"Two; one student who has suffered a seizure unrelated to the shooting, and one student who was in the bathroom near the gym and has been shot in the leg," said Will calmly, his exterior not reflecting the utter terror that was starting to consume him.
"We'll get them out as soon as possible; is there an alternate exit out of this room?" Asked the SWAT leader.
"The other choir door leads out to a different corridor," suggested Will.
"I'll bring paramedics around that way, and we'll evacuate you through that door," decided the male. Will nodded, and glanced at Sam and Brittany. Her tears had subsided, but she was still hiccuping a little with each breath, mumbling under her breath. A team of paramedics joined them in the choir room, one pair crossing over to Blaine, the other joining Sam and Brittany.
"Hey, who's this?" Asked the female paramedic quietly.
"Brittany," answered Sam. Brittany had checked out of any conversation, murmuring Santana's name under her breath. The paramedic helped load Brittany onto a stretcher, disentangling her from Sam and inserting an IV drip.
"Brittany, we're going to give you some morphine now, to help ease the pain, and we'll get your parents to come in and meet you at the hospital, okay?" Reassured the female. Brittany didn't look at her, still staring past her.
"What's wrong with her?" Asked Sam.
"She's probably in shock. We'll look after her, don't worry," answered the male. Sam nodded as the paramedics lifted the stretcher up, wheeling Britt out of the room. Blaine's still body was moved next, paramedics monitoring his every movement, dosing him up on pain medication after a discussion with Shannon. Will sat back on his heels, looking at his Glee Club in various corners of the room, some still hysterical, all in differing states of shock. Shannon helped round them up, leading them out of the choir room and out onto the front lawn, Will bring up the rear. Emma spotted him and sprinted to him, wrapping her arms around him.
"They got the gunman; he was shot down by SWAT," murmured Emma. Will held her close, breathing in her soothing scent.
"Will! Will, where's Blaine?" Called Burt, jogging towards the teacher, Carole close behind him.
"He's been taken to the hospital," replied Will, glancing up at them.
"Oh God, not Blaine," whispered Carole, raising a hand to cover her mouth.
"No, no, he wasn't shot. He had a migraine, and it devolved into a seizure," explained Will calmly.
"We'll come see him later if he's feeling better," said Emma softly.
"He'd like that. What can we do to help?" Asked Carole.
"Most of the kids have parents coming to get them, but a few don't have anywhere to go. Sam's parents are travelling to come and be with him for a while, but we might need you to do us a huge favor," said Emma. A piercing shriek filled the air, and Marley collapsed to the ground, sobbing. Jake and Kitty tried to pull her up and away from the ambulance, but didn't succeed.
"Marley's mother was shot, and she didn't make it," whispered Emma.
"That poor girl," responded Carole sympathetically.
"Her father died when she was two, and she's got no-one else now, and we're trying to help her as best we can," said Emma. The mothering instinct in Carole was awakened, and she crossed the lawn to Marley, and pulled her close, shushing her gently.
"We could take her in for a while, wait for CPS to work out what they're going do with her," suggested Burt.
"Thank you. We're at a loss as to what's going to happen with her, and there's so much going on. We're offering counselling to all our students, and the school will be closed for a week while the police and SWAT go through and take evidence and clean up," answered Emma, voice thick with tears. Will kissed the top of her head.
"How are we going to get these kids through something like this?" Asked Burt quietly. Will spoke, voice harsh and raw.
"It's going to be tough, but we can do it."
Blaine came to in the hospital, Kurt at his bedside.
"What… what are you doing here?" Asked Blaine, soft and confused.
"Do you remember what happened?" Replied Kurt.
"My head hurt… did I pass out?" Asked Blaine.
"There was a shooting at McKinley, and you collapsed and had a seizure," explained Kurt.
"Is everyone okay? What about everyone else?" Queried Blaine.
"Brittany is next door, and has stitches holding her knee together. They're not sure if she'll cheerlead or dance again, but Britt is always optimistic and Santana is with her now. Rachel's at our place keeping Marley company; her Mom was shot, and she didn't make it. Carole and Dad have offered to take her in while CPS works out what's going to happen with her. Ms Atkins, a Cheerio called Sarah Davy and an AV club member, Randy McAllister didn't make it," said Kurt, counting off the people on his hand.
"Oh God. How did we survive that?" Asked Blaine, distressed. Kurt climbed on to the bed next to him, pulling him close.
"Because someone wanted you to survive that, and I'm really glad you did," whispered Kurt, kissing Blaine gently. Blaine broke down in tears and clutched Kurt tightly. He'd survived, but kids and teachers he didn't know very well hadn't.
"It's not fair," he breathed.
"I know it's not. You've got to attend counselling sessions as well," said Kurt softly. A soft knock echoed on the doorframe, and Blaine startled. Kurt soothed him, glancing at his Dad standing in the doorway.
"We can take you home in a couple of hours; the doctors have put you on some new medication, and Carole has said she's happy to supervise your new medication regime. I don't know if Kurt told you, but Marley will be staying with us for a little while. Finn's going to stay at Puck or Rachel's, and give Marley some space while she's with us," said Burt, hands in his pockets.
"Is everyone else doing okay?" Asked Blaine.
"Brittany will be released tomorrow; she's still in a bit of shock, but Santana is with her. Sam's gone home with his parents for a few weeks," answered Burt.
"We'll get through this Blaine; we've been through so much, and we can survive this, I promise," whispered Kurt. Blaine nodded, snuggling close to his boyfriend.
"I just wanna go home."
The next day, Blaine was situated on one of the Hummel lounges with Kurt behind him and Marley next to Blaine, and Brittany and Santana on the other lounge, Rachel and Finn on the floor, Puck and Kitty with them. Some Glee members had opted out of the gathering, preferring to spend time with their family. Kurt had put on a DVD in the background, but most of them were ignoring it, preferring to hold each other close.
"Yes," said Rachel suddenly.
"What?" Responded Finn, confused.
"I'll marry you," answered Rachel.
"You already said yes like, a year ago."
"I know that, but I'm ready now. We've been engaged for so long, and I'm ready for it. I could lose you at any moment, and I'm not ready for that," replied Rachel. Finn stood up abruptly, upsetting Rachel from his lap.
"I'm going for a walk," he said tersely.
"Finn, what did I say?" Asked Rachel, confused. Finn didn't respond, storming out of the house and slamming the front door.
"I'll go after him," said Puck, standing up. He followed his best friend out the front door and down the street, shoving his hands in his pocket in an attempt to ward off the cold.
"Finn! Slow down, for crying out loud!" Called Puck. Finn stopped suddenly, and Puck almost ran into him.
"What is your problem?" Demanded Puck.
"How can she just change her mind like that? I'd finally gotten used to the fact that maybe she'd never say yes, and then she just changes her mind?" Exploded Finn.
"She's frightened! Can you imagine if it had of been you in that shooting yesterday? If you'd died like that teacher, Marley's Mom, that AV kid or even that Cheerio? She's terrified of losing you Finn, because she's finally experienced the reality that life is short, and could end at any moment," snapped Puck. Finn backed away from him.
"What does that even matter? She's not considering me in this! How am I supposed to get married at a time like this?" Exclaimed Finn.
"It'll happen, and you know it. You two are meant to be together," explained Puck. Finn took another step back, and a car horn blared at him. He turned to see the car accelerating towards him, and froze like a deer in the glaring headlights.
"FINN!"
Puck would always remember.
The sound of flesh hitting metal at high impact.
The crack of a skull hitting the tarmac.
The sound of his own voice.
Screaming.
Sirens.
Flashing lights.
A police officer pulling him away.
A paramedic assessing the situation.
The final call being made.
A terrifying phone call to Carole Hudson.
Finn Hudson was gone.
Forever.
It was a state of shock.
Too much had happened in one week.
Hiram and Leroy watched over their young daughter as she sat in their living room in shock, still in disbelief as to what had happened.
Carole locked herself in her bedroom and cried for both the husband and now the son she'd lost.
Burt did his best to pull together a funeral with Kurt and Blaine's help, Brittany doing her best to be of assistance as Santana lost all composure.
Finn was gone.
It was something none of them could have ever expected.
Suddenly, they had an outpouring of support from everyone Finn had ever met or helped out, and Kurt found himself overwhelmed with offerings of help for the funeral, which had become a combined funeral for all those lost in the shooting, as well as their beloved Finn.
Haverbrook School for the Deaf had offered their assistance in flower arrangements and in organising catering; Brittany supervised them as they set out food and arranged, proving herself more than capable of understanding sign language.
Dalton Academy offered their large school grounds and combined Crawford Country Day Hummingbirds and Dalton Academy Warblers choir for the service, and any other assistance they could give. Blaine co-ordinated their efforts, working closely with Trent, David and Wes to pull together the music for the event.
Kurt took care of everything else with his father, and was left trying to work out if the McKinley Glee club would want to put together some sort of tribute for the people they'd lost. He looked at the list of teachers available, and headed to the home of Will Schuester to ask for his help and guidance.
Kurt stood in front of Will's apartment door, knocking quietly. He hoped the teacher was home, hoped he'd be able to give some sort of guidance to a song choice, to if the glee club should even sing. Will opened up his front door, and enfolded Kurt in his arms.
"I am so sorry," whispered Will. Kurt broke down, sobbing against Will's jacket as he pulled him inside, sitting him on the couch. Emma brought in a box of tissues, handing them to Kurt.
"We… we're organising the funeral, and it's not just for Finn, its for everyone who died in the shooting, and I don't know if the Glee kids will want to sing, but they might, and I didn't know who else to ask, and I need your help," hiccuped Kurt.
"Calm down. Emma, could you get Kurt a glass of water please?" Asked Will softly. Emma nodded, and ducked into the kitchen, returning with a glass of water. Kurt took it graciously, sipping the cool liquid.
"I'm sure most of the Glee kids will want to help out," reassured Emma.
"Dalton and Crawford are helping out with rest of the music, I just thought that New Directions might want to do something," said Kurt quietly.
"I'll round some of them up, see what they say. If they say no, it's okay. But leave it to me. I'll sort it out, okay?" Said Will firmly. Kurt nodded, and headed for the door.
"Thanks Mr Schue. Finn would have appreciated it." Kurt slipped out the door, trying to maintain his composure, and headed home, wanting a hug from Blaine. He pulled into the driveway, and found Trent sitting in his living room.
"Blaine's in his room. I didn't know where your dad or step-mom were, so David is upstairs with him in your room. I don't know if it's a headache or what, but he can't seem to stop crying," said Trent forlornly.
"Thanks. I don't know where Dad is, and Carole's probably still in her room. How are things going with Dalton and Crawford?" Asked Kurt.
"They sound beautiful. It's going to be a really special day Kurt, one that celebrates everyone," remarked Trent. Kurt nodded, and turned heel, heading up the stairs. He knocked on his own bedroom door, pushing it open. Blaine was on the bed, tears pouring down his face, hiccupping as he sobbed, and David rubbing his back gently.
"Thanks David. You and Trent are welcome to stay a while if you want," offered Kurt.
"We might just raid your DVD collection for a while, and we can order in pizza for dinner," said David quietly. He stood up and disappeared, pulling the door almost closed behind him.
"Is it your head?" Asked Kurt quietly. Blaine shook his head, trying to regain himself, but failing.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. Kurt lay down next to him and pulled him close, running a hand up and down his back.
"It's okay. You're okay, I promise," breathed Kurt. Blaine sucked in a deep breath, and let it out slowly, trying to calm down. Kurt just lay next to him, continuing to soothe him as best he could. After fifteen minutes, Blaine had settled a little. "Are you okay?"
"I fell asleep in the back of Trent's car, and I had a nightmare. You died Kurt," whispered Blaine, horrified.
"Oh honey, I'm still here, I promise." Kurt kissed Blaine's forehead gently before pulling him close.
"I know. I'm sorry for getting so upset," replied Blaine.
"It's okay, it's not a problem at all. Trent and David are still here, do you want to come down? We're probably going to order in pizza; I don't know where Dad is, and Carole probably won't eat, and I think Marley is still in the guest room," said Kurt. Blaine nodded.
"Pizza sounds good. We need Marley to eat; she hasn't touched anything for the past few days," answered Blaine, sitting up and stretching.
"Probably to do with the fact that Jake hasn't spoken to her for three days, and he's changed his relationship status to 'single' on FaceBook. I don't think I'd handle it well either," replied Kurt.
"You order pizza for all of us, and I'll convince Marley to come out of her room," decided Blaine.
"Deal." Kurt sauntered off down the stairs, leaving Blaine by himself for a moment. He pulled on another jumper, feeling the cold more than usual, and headed down the stairs, taking a sharp right and knocking on the door to the guest room.
"Marls? You need to come out and eat. Please?" Begged Blaine. She opened the door, revealing her puffy face and bloodshot eyes.
"What does it matter? I've lost everything that matters to me," whispered Marley. Blaine took her hand and led her out of the tiny room.
"You've not lost everything; it feels that way. But Kurt, myself, Carole, Burt, New Directions, we will be here for you, no matter what. Sure, it seems hard right now, but we'll get you through," reassured Blaine. She allowed herself to be pulled to the loungeroom, and Blaine introduced her to David and Trent, both who were casually watching Grey's Anatomy.
"Seriously? Grey's Anatomy? Out of everything available to pick, you choose that?" Asked Marley, a hint of a smile on her face.
"Whatever floats your boat. Marley; pizza. What do you want?" Asked Blaine.
"Vegetarian is fine," she replied, taking a seat next to Trent. Blaine glanced at him quickly, and Trent nodded, understanding that he should keep an eye on her. Blaine disappeared from the room, and found Kurt in the kitchen, ordering pizzas.
"Vegetarian for Marley," added Blaine.
"Trent and Marley can share then; he requested the same thing. David on the other hand, requested enough meat to last him a century. I'll probably get a margherita and a Hawaiian-style too. We'll end up with enough to feed an army, but who cares; at least people will be fed," said Kurt nonchalantly. He picked up the phone to order the pizza, and Blaine pecked him on the cheek.
"I love you. Have I told you that recently?" Kurt blushed, and shooed him out of the kitchen. Blaine smiled at himself, and returned to the living room to find Marley and Trent cuddled up, grinning at Sandra Oh's antics. He took a seat in an armchair, curling up.
"Pizza should be here in twenty minutes," announced Kurt, taking a seat on Blaine's lap. He grinned at Blaine upon noticing Marley and Trent, before wrapping an arm around Blaine and cuddling close.
"We can survive this."
The day of the funeral dawned clear and bright. Carole finally ventured out of her room, dressed in a simple black dress and cardigan, eyes red and puffed. Marley was in black dress pants and shirt, one of her customary hats perched on her head. Blaine, Kurt and Burt dressed in suits, each making sure they were tidy for the day.
They drove out together to Dalton, the trip quiet and reflective. They pulled up into the carpark, Dalton and Crawford students helping people find seats, Haverbrook students flitting around to check flower arrangements. Burt was still amazed to see all the people that were there in remembrance of his son, and the people they'd lost a few days ago in the shooting. He marvelled at the fact that students from three rival schools were there in support of the McKinley students. Kurt and Blaine took a seat at the front, prepared to organise anything. One by one, different families joined the gathering, each quietly taking a seat. People Kurt hadn't seen for over a year were there; Quinn, Mike, Mercedes, just to name a few. People he thought wouldn't return to Ohio.
The funeral started at nine AM, the five coffins brought in by members of the Warblers. The congregation stood, watching as the pallbearers walked the coffins up the aisle, setting them down in a semi-circle out the front of the group. Before the officiant could open his mouth, the Warblers and Hummingbirds gathered at the front in a traditional choir setup. Wes stepped forward to the microphone.
"I know today isn't exactly a happy day for you, but today, we'd like to celebrate the full lives of the people we've lost. We are the amalgamate choir of Crawford Country Day and Dalton Academy, and we're going to perform 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen." Wes stepped back, and the Warblers and Hummingbirds opened their mouths, harmonising to the tune. Kurt lost himself in the music as the choirs harmonised, holding Blaine's hand tightly. They finished singing, and the officiant took over, and Kurt stopped paying attention, focusing on Blaine's hand in his.
"We're now going to have another musical item from two McKinley students." Kurt's head snapped up; he wasn't sure who had decided to perform, but he was definitely curious. Rachel and Marley walked to the front, holding each others hand in support.
"I didn't know they were going to sing," whispered Kurt to Blaine.
"They'll be amazing," responded Blaine. Rachel and Marley stood at the front of the large group, and Tina followed them up, heading for the piano. She picked up the extra microphone to introduce the pair.
"My name is Tina, and this is an item presented by Rachel and Marley called 'How to Say Goodbye' by Michael W. Smith." She put the microphone down and started to play the piano. Rachel started first, leading Marley into the composition.
"Tell me when the time we had slipped away, tomorrow turned to yesterday and I don't know how." Marley took over after Rachel, her voice quivering a little as she struggled to lift her voice.
"Tell me what can stop this river of tears, It's been building up for years for this moment now." She glanced at Rachel, wiping tears from her eyes as they sang the chorus together, voices cracking with emotion.
"Here I stand arms open wide. I've held you close, kept you safe till you could fly." Marley bent her head and let the tears fall, unable to sing any further. Kitty stood up from the back of the group and headed up the front to join Marley. Rachel looked close to breaking down herself, and Mercedes decided it was high time to intervene.
"Tell me where the road ahead is gonna bend, and how to harness up the wind and how to say goodbye." Rachel finished her line, voice falling on the last note before Mercedes and Kitty took over, each winding an arm around their friends.
"Tell me why, why does following your dreams, take you far away from me and I knew that it would," performed Mercedes.
"Tell me how to feel the space you left behind, and how to laugh instead of cry and how to say goodbye," trilled Kitty's soprano voice.
"Here I stand arms open wide. I've held you close, kept you safe till you could fly," harmonised Mercedes and Kitty. They chose to sing the last line in unison, their own resolve against the torrent of emotions not holding out much longer
"Tell me where the road ahead is gonna bend, and how to harness up the wind and how to say goodbye." Tina finished the final piano line before standing up, the five of them heading back down the aisle, each Glee member crying openly. The officiant stood up, and took his place at the microphone again.
"Some of the McKinley High Glee Club have requested they perform a song. If they can, I'd like it if they could take the stage now," offered the officiant. Blaine stood up, kissing Kurt on the forehead.
"Just breathe, okay? I'll be back," promised Blaine. Kurt felt his breath hitch as he watched his boyfriend join the group at the front, New Directions new and old organising themselves in the centre, Warblers and Hummingbirds behind them in a show of support. Kurt could see Quinn, Puck, Mike, Jake, Ryder, Joe, Sue Sylvester, Coach Bieste, Emma, Holly Holliday, Artie, Sam, Brittany, Unique, Santana, and he could feel the love and support emanating from them. They'd lost a friend and a brother, just like he had. The New Directions boys sang the opening lines, the Warblers supporting them harmonically.
"When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary. When troubles come and my heart burdened be," they chorused. The ND girls and the Hummingbirds took over the second line.
"Then I am still and wait here in the silence. Until you come and sit awhile with me." The voices of three choirs rose together as one to sing the chorus, spine tingling harmonies complimenting each other.
"You raise me up so I can stand on mountains. You raise me up to walk on stormy seas. I am strong when I am on your shoulders. You raise me up to more than I can be." There wasn't a dry eye in the audience as the music swelled, Hummingbirds and Warblers members mingling with the New Directions members, supporting them as they sang the second verse together.
"There is no life - no life without it's hunger. Each restless heart beats so imperfectly. But when you come and I am filled with wonder. Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity." The music stopped for a second as Marley and Rachel walked down the aisle, and together they belted out the main melody of the chorus, leading in the three combined Glee choirs.
"You raise me up so I can stand on mountains. You raise me up to walk on stormy seas. I am strong when I am on your shoulders. You raise me up to more than I can be. You raise me up so I can stand on mountains. You raise me up to walk on stormy seas. I am strong when I am on your raise me up to more than I can be." The choir slowed down, leading into the last line, which was sung in unison until the final note, which was chillingly harmonised amongst male and female alike, and Kurt could feel himself breaking down, tears streaming down his face just like his fellow club members.
"You raise me up to more than I can be."