Here I am, with another update. Aren't I nice and prompt? They may start slowing down again, because I haven't even finished Chapter 11 yet, and this is catching up rather quickly.

This is the longest chapter to date, and I hope that this one will make up for the previous one, and I got a few (hopefully joking) death threats. I also have my answer for the Karofsky situation, though if you have an opinion, please do still tell me. Things are still flexible.

However, my family is planning on moving house over the summer, so if this is not finished by then, please understand that I may well disappear. I have to share a room with my sister, so you'd better hope I don't get caught murdering her :D

I don't own Glee.

7.

In the run up to Finn and Rachel's wedding, Kurt had managed to keep himself remarkably well occupied. Two and a half months had flown by in a series of fittings, arrangements and several minor crises. Rachel was such a drama queen, and that was coming from Kurt.

He'd been busy enough to miss out on seeing Karofsky, and while the nobleman may not like it, he recognised it would be seen as odd if Kurt wasn't a major part of all the decisions, seeing as he was both best man and best friends with both the bridesmaids. One of them was Mercedes, the other was a young woman named Tina. She was an old friend of both girls and was close to being married herself, to one of Kurt's knights, Mike Chang. Although there was a whole host of helpers, servants and organisers running around, Kurt got more and more stressed out as the day grew closer, not least because it also grew closer to Blaine leaving.

It was about a week before the wedding, and Kurt had just finished his evening meal, eating it with Finn as they had taken to doing once a week, in order to maintain the brotherly bond they had formed in the two years their parents had been married. It was incredibly weird for Kurt to think that Finn, who was a month younger than him, would also be married soon. It was probably even weirder for Carole.

Kurt had left the room a little before Finn, citing the need to check on progress. Finn had laughed and told him that he was more controlling than Rachel sometimes. Kurt had acted horrified, but was still giggling slightly at that thought as he walked along. It was still quite bright outside, despite the hour. That was the good thing about the timing of Finn's proposal, it meant they could have a summer wedding, but it wouldn't be too hot and stifling. June was practically perfect.

Kurt was meandering along, thinking this, when, from out of nowhere, a solid shove pushed him up against a rough wall. Kurt looked up in surprise and fear, and his fear didn't fade when he saw Dave Karofsky. Instinctively, Kurt's arms wrapped around his own torso protectively. Dave stepped closer casually, laying a heavy hand against Kurt's shoulder, pinning him effectively, but not obviously.

Trembling, Kurt spoke quietly "I don't want you touching me."

Dave ignored him, trailing a finger down Kurt's chest with a smirk before asking "Have you forgotten our little deal?"

"No. I stay away from Blaine, and you'll stay away from my friends."

"That's how it started, but I thought it needed to be brought up to date. You do anything I don't like, and they will suffer."

Kurt's face went slack, the terror leaping onto his eyes even greater than it was before. He tried to protest "How will I know? I can't read your mind."

Dave smirked again "Easy. Don't disobey me. You are mine, and you will do what you're told."

Dave made another move, trying to touch Kurt, but Kurt shoved him away as hard as he could before attempting to run. It didn't work. Dave, clearly remembering the incident in the town, managed to catch his wrist and yank him back roughly before back-handing him viciously across the face. Kurt fell to the ground, clutching his face, his body limp with fear.

Dave stood over him and spoke angrily "If you do that again, I swear they'll all be dead before the next day. Last chance, Kurt."

He walked off, leaving Kurt slumped on the floor, too scared to even move, his jaw and the side of his face aching. Kurt had known Karofsky was possessive and a little unstable, but he had never expected something as physical as being hit. It had truly shocked him. Eventually, Kurt managed to climb to his feet, his head still reeling a bit from the blow. He began to move forward, with every intention of going to his room, but he had taken barely three steps before Blaine rounded the corner and caught sight of him.

Both young men froze for a second, Kurt debating the merits of running again and Blaine taking in the sight of Kurt standing unsteadily, one side of his face red and swollen, his eyes wet from unshed tears.

Blaine broke the silence, swiftly making his way to Kurt's side as he asked "Kurt, what happened to you?"

The sheer worry and concern in Blaine's voice, despite everything Kurt had done to him, broke down Kurt's fragile shields and he all but fell into Blaine's arms, allowing the tears he had been holding in to fall as he buried his face in Blaine's shoulder, feeling Blaine's strong arms come around his waist and hold him tightly and securely. For every breath Kurt took, filled with Blaine's scent, he felt a little of the fear inside him leave as he breathed out. After a few minutes in the embrace, Kurt felt almost safe again.

"Kurt, you have to tell me what happened. I've never seen you in such a state."

Kurt too a deep breath and the truth came rushing out "Karofsky hit me when I tried to stop him touching me."

Blaine's face switched in a second, from concerned to utterly apoplectic. He began to move away, but Kurt clung to him and said frantically "Blaine, don't! You can't go near him, please. Please, please don't talk to him, please!"

"Kurt, you can't expect me to just let him get away with hitting you!"

"He'll kill you if he finds out I told you!"

Kurt's desperate attempt made Blaine pause and turn to look at Kurt properly, his face a cross between disbelief and confusion. When he saw that Kurt was absolutely serious, Blaine took Kurt's hand and said firmly "Kurt, you need to tell me everything."

Kurt hesitated only for a second, but Blaine looked so confident that he would be able handle things that Kurt explained everything. The threat, the consequences, the kiss, the newest development and what Karofsky had said. Kurt repeated every word. Once he had finished, Blaine looked like he'd been hit over the head.

Kurt ducked his head "That's all of it. That's the truth."

Blaine murmured "So… when you were avoiding me…"

"It wasn't because I wanted to. I did it because I couldn't bear to live in a world where you didn't."

Blaine's gaze cleared and he pulled Kurt back into a tight embrace, pressing their bodies together. Blaine nodded, almost to himself, before saying "Kurt, I promise you, he is not going to hurt you again. I'm going to look after you."

Blaine gently pressed his forehead to Kurt's and gazed at him earnestly before finishing "Now, go to your room, get that cheek seen to. I'll talk to you later, okay? We can't be seen together for now."

Kurt nodded, a smile starting to creep onto his face. They parted and the safe feeling lasted until Kurt got back to his room. He lay on his bed, a cold compress against his cheek. It was a few hours later that a gentle tapping came on his door and Quinn put her head around the door.

She came in and said "Prince Kurt? Puck asked me to give this to you."

Kurt frowned and took the slip of paper, waiting until Quinn left before unfolding it.

'Kurt,' it said 'this is what you have to do. I'm going to leave as planned, so Karofsky doesn't get suspicious, but I'll come back on the wedding day. After the wedding, you need to go to your room and pack your worst clothes. Wait there and Puck will come and get you. He'll take you - on foot - to Santana and Brittany's. You'll stay with them until I can come and get you. It won't be more then five days. I'll get you, and we'll head for Westerville. Dalton is the safest place I can think of to take you. You need to destroy this note after you've read it, okay? I love you. Love, Blaine.'

Kurt sighed with relief. He was going to be okay. He went to do as Blaine said, but before he destroyed the note, he ripped off the last bit. He wanted to keep the physical proof that Blaine loved him. He knew that it was a very teenaged girl thing to do, but he couldn't help himself.

Kurt slept soundly that night.

Two days later was the day that Blaine was due to leave and Kurt didn't see him all day, though Samos was still in the stables, so Kurt presumed that he was packing. The day was spent with Mercedes and Tina, and it felt almost like old times again, gossiping about boys and dreaming of their futures. The oldest of them was Tina, who was nineteen, which made them all still relatively young, and while all of them had maturity beyond their years, sometimes it was good for them to act like irresponsible teenagers again.

Dave Karofsky stayed away, for which Kurt was thankful. The reconnection with Blaine filled his heart, and while Kurt was an excellent actor, he knew it would show. He couldn't help it. He was too much Blaine's man.

So the day passed pleasantly enough, though as the sun got lower in the sky, Kurt's mood dipped with it. He trusted Blaine's promise, but the thought of having him gone, even for a few days, scared him, because Karofsky would take this as a victory. So, even knowing the danger in them being seen together, Kurt couldn't help being disappointed that Blaine didn't come and see him.

That night, still fully dressed, Kurt lay on his bed and sighed unhappily. He had been… well, sulking, though Kurt refused to call it that out loud, for the better part of two hours when he heard a noise. Sitting up, Kurt waited until he heard it again. A clink of stone on glass. Someone was throwing stones at his window. Scrambling up perhaps a little too eagerly, Kurt went to his window and opened it, leaning out. Blaine stood at the bottom of it, a brilliant grin on his face as he beckoned Kurt down.

Kurt pulled on his boots and ran out of his room, through the palace and out into the courtyard, where Samos stood, tacked up and with a pack tied to the saddle. Next to the horse stood Blaine, holding onto his reins, with another pack at his feet and fully armed. To Kurt, he had never looked more dangerous, or more beautiful.

As Kurt walked over to him, Blaine winced and asked "How's your cheek?"

Kurt reached up to it and hissed as his fingers touched the inflamed skin. The redness had gone, as had most of the swelling, but in their place had come the bruising and Kurt now had a large purple-blue bruise on his right cheek. Blaine looked so guilty about it that Kurt smiled and said "Only painful when I touch it. It's fine, Blaine, honestly. I didn't think I was going to see you before you went."

Blaine reached out and took one of Kurt's hands with his free one "Did you really think I would leave you without saying goodbye? You think so little of me."

The last sentence was said teasingly, but Kurt still blushed and replied "No, I didn't think you would by choice, it's just…"

"Dangerous." Blaine finished "I know, but is it worth the risk?"

Kurt smiled again "To see you? Definitely. Always worth it."

"It won't be long before we won't have to worry about being seen. I don't know about you, but I'm going to be counting down the days until we're together again. Don't worry about Karofsky, I've asked Puck to keep an eye on him while he's here with you."

Kurt nodded and asked "Does Puck know everything?"

"He does. I needed his help, and to get that, I had to tell him the truth. Do you mind?"

"No, I'm just surprised he hasn't gone off to try and deal with Karofsky himself. It's all the excuse he would need."

"I managed to convince him it would do more harm than good."

They currently stood opposite each other, gazes fixed on each other's faces. Blaine tugged him closer by the hand, then wrapped an arm around Kurt's waist, urging their bodies together. Kurt rested his hands on Blaine's shoulders and leaned his forehead against Blaine's so that their breathes mingled. There was a look on Blaine's face, a look of uncertainty and almost fear. Kurt was about to call him out on it, when Blaine tipped his head to one side very slightly and tentatively pressed his mouth to Kurt's.

Kurt promptly went into shock because Blaine was kissing him. His mouth was warm under Kurt's, his lips firm and dry. There was a breath and a sigh, and Kurt still hadn't moved, but when Blaine tried to pull away, something in Kurt's head went no, so Kurt put a hand to Blaine's cheek and kissed back, their lips more intertwined than pressed now. Finally, but still too soon, both boys pulled away, Blaine's lips now not so dry.

Kurt's eyes were wide with surprise and Blaine blushed as he asked quietly "I hope that makes up for your first kiss?"

Kurt wasn't lying when he responded breathlessly "That was my first kiss."

Blaine's grin could have lit up the entire city as he leant forward again, and this time, Kurt met him halfway, their lips colliding with purpose and passion, making up for the all the months that they had missed out on. It was perfect and wonderful and Kurt was loathe to break the connection, but they did have to breathe at some point.

Blaine mounted Samos before he could be tempted again and looked down at Kurt sadly as he said "I'm going to miss you."

Kurt stepped back, out of the way as he replied "Me too. It won't be for long."

"Not for long." Blaine echoed, repeating it in his head like a mantra as he spurred Samos forward and out of the courtyard, Kurt watching him go until he could no longer see him. With a heavy heart, Kurt went back to his room. If Blaine hadn't had to leave, it would have been a perfect scene. But things were never perfect in the world, and the joy Kurt felt at finally kissing Blaine would be as close as he could get.

On the day of the wedding, Kurt woke up bright and early and watched the sun climb in the sky. He took great care in getting ready, then dressed in his best clothes and went to Finn's room, knocking firmly. After a few minutes with no response, Kurt walked in anyway. Finn was spread out under the covers, face down with a pillow over his head. Sighing, Kurt ripped the covers off. Finn yelled, but Kurt didn't take pity and yanked the pillow out of his hands.

"Kurt!"

"Tough it up, you shouldn't have drunk so much last night. Get up!"

"Don't shout."

"You'll have to get up to make me stop!"

Finn groaned and rolled out of bed before levering himself into a technically upright position, though Kurt had his doubts at how long he would stay like that. "Go and get washed. I'm ordering breakfast to be brought here for both of us, and you will drink at least three cups of coffee."

"Fine." Finn muttered, and stumbled into the bathroom.

Kurt sat himself down and waited. Once the food arrived, brought by Quinn and another maid, Kurt ate his healthy meal, wrinkling his nose at the smell of Finn's food. As if drawn by the scent, Finn emerged, wrapped in a towel and set about his food with gusto, while Kurt forced coffee down his throat.

Kurt helped Finn into his suit and took him down to the church that was attached to the palace. He left Finn in a little anteroom under strict instructions not to move so that the suit didn't get dirty. Kurt then went around the church, supervising the seating placements, the flower arrangements (snagging two for him and Finn) and checking that the reception was all ready to go. From about 11am onwards, guests began to arrive in their carriages and the church began to fill. Finn had been released and was pacing anxiously, watched with some amusement by Kurt.

Everyone was in their places by 12:15 and a few minutes later, the wedding march began. The congregation rose, and Finn and Kurt stepped out, before turning around. Tina and Mercedes came first, in pale blue bridesmaid dresses, with white flowers in their hair. They scattered rose petals on their way and soon after them came Rachel, her hand tucked into the crook of her father's elbow as they walked down the aisle. Finn's face when he saw his bride, resplendent in a long white dress, her long hair and face veiled, was almost cute. He was utterly stricken with love for her and Kurt could very easily find within himself happiness for his step-brother. He was almost looking forward to gaining Rachel as a sister.

Rachel's father, with tears in his eyes, placed his daughter's hand in Finn's and moved to sit on the bride's side of the church, next to the bridesmaids and another man, Rachel's uncle, her late mother's brother, who had helped raise her after her mother passed away.

The service started with Rachel's favourite hymn, then the minister began the wedding ceremony. Kurt allowed the words to wash over him, only tuning in when he was called upon to present the rings. Kurt preferred to watch Finn and Rachel, their faces shining with happiness, and Burt and Carole, Carole in tears watching her little boy get married and Burt comforting her, then Rachel's father and uncle, looking so proud, and then finally Mercedes and Tina looking beautiful, the latter unconsciously twisting her engagement ring. It had been nearly a year since Mike proposed, and they were also due to be married soon.

Kurt's thoughts then turned, inevitably to Blaine. Could he imagine himself up there, standing opposite Blaine, promising to faithfully spend the rest of their lives together? As Kurt attempted to do just that, he realised with a shock that not only could he imagine it, but it came so easily. Spending the rest of his life with Blaine… Kurt could see that image really vividly. Incredibly vividly. It took him by surprise.

"… I declare you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Kurt was jerked out of his thoughts just in time to see Finn raise Rachel's veil and kiss her gently. Cheering erupted throughout the congregation as everyone leapt to their feet to applaud the newly-weds. Grinning all over their faces, Finn and Rachel went up the aisle through a haze of confetti before exiting the church and being escorted to the ballroom in the palace, where the reception had been set up.

The royal family, Rachel, her father and uncle were all sat in the high table, and the guests were seated at other tables, leaving a good half of the ballroom free for the dance afterwards. The feast was opulent but not excessive and Kurt couldn't help looking along the line to his family. It was the first time he began to feel pangs at leaving them behind without a word.

The groom's speech was first, with Finn comically stumbling over his words until he started talking about Rachel. The father of the bride's speech was very sweet, with Rachel's dad nearly in tears at his little girl all grown up and married. Kurt was last, with a sarcastic, funny and on occasion sweet best man's speech. He had to be a bit careful, as he himself wasn't yet married, and Finn wouldn't have any problem with taking his revenge once the time came.

As the couple took to the dance floor for their first dance, everyone's attention was on them. Kurt wouldn't get another chance like this to slip away unnoticed, so he went. He went straight to his room, as instructed, and pulled out a couple of bags, mindful of the fact that Puck would be taking him on foot. He began to sort through his clothes, packing only the oldest and least luxurious. Apart from clothes, Kurt took a few mementoes, as well as a few pretty baubles, just in case he needed money, though he also took all the coin he had lying around.

It was still quite early on in the afternoon, and Kurt suspected that Puck would not come for him until dark, so there was really nothing to do but pack and wait. There were only two close calls, once when Quinn came in, and was surprised to see him. The second time was Burt, who had noticed his son's absence and come to check on him. Both times they were convinced by Kurt's story of feeling ill.

The sun was just dipping below the horizon when a knock cam and this time, it was Puck, carrying a bundle of clothes. He threw them gently at Kurt and told him to change.

Kurt began to do so, saying "Thank you for doing this, Puck."

Puck nodded "No problem. Just glad you and Blaine managed to get yourselves together."

Kurt finished changing and looked down at himself in disgust "These are your clothes, aren't they?"

"I'm sure you'd rather not know. This was, you blend in. Just another servant running about the palace. We'll have to avoid anyone who knows you well, though."

Kurt agreed and picked up his bags. They began to make their way through the palace, Puck leading Kurt through the corridors quickly, before bringing him through the servant's area, out of the kitchens. Keeping to the lengthening shadows, the two young men crept through the grounds, still hearing the noise going on from the reception. They came through a side door that was usually locked, Puck grinning to himself as he pocketed the key. Once they were out of the palace, they relaxed a little. It was unlikely for anyone to recognise Kurt now.

It took them not more than half a hour to get to Santana and Brittany's home, and Puck only paused long enough to say "Blaine will be around three days, so stay prepared to go."

He went away swiftly and left Kurt with Santana. She was dressed in a white sleeveless nightdress and clutching a lantern. Silently, she led him out of the shop, through to the back room, before showing him where he would be sleeping, a mattress under the stairs.

As Kurt dropped his bags and sat down, Santana said "I know it won't be as comfortable as you're used to, but it's warm and safe."

Kurt smiled "It's fine, Santana, thank you. You're already running such a risk for me, I can't expect anything more."

Santana shrugged "Well, we'll put you to good use. You can help out Brittany and me in the shop, you just can't go outside."

"I guessed."

Santana turned away, but halfway up the stairs, she paused and said "I'm helping you not because of your position, but because you were nice to Brittany when Sam brought you here, okay?"

Kurt nodded "Okay."

Santana disappeared at the top of the stairs and Kurt, not even bothering to change, buried himself under the blankets and closed his eyes, attempting to go to sleep. It came easier than Kurt expected.

The next day, Kurt was woken by Brittany, who held out a warm drink and a couple of slices of toasted bread. Sitting up, Kurt took them "Thank you, Brittany."

"Are you living here now?"

"For a little bit, I am. Not forever."

Brittany nodded "Santana says to hurry up. We need to open soon."

Kurt ate quickly and dressed in the first things he pulled out of his bags. Usually, this would through Kurt into such a fit, but he knew well enough that he was a guest and he was living by different rules. It didn't stop him muttering under his breath about how disgusting he felt.

As the day progressed, Kurt learnt an awful lot about how people lived in this part of town. He watched as people spent nearly half a hour choosing between either buying food, or clothes that were desperately needed, whereas the society Kurt was used to wouldn't have hesitated at buying both. None of them would ever be put into a position where they had to choose between feeding or clothing their children.

Another thing Kurt noticed (while supervising Brittany, making sure she gave the right change or charged the right price) was that no one asked where the stock had come from or when more would be coming in. When Sam came to visit, carrying things that were both clearly stolen and too big to conceal, every customer present just averted their eyes.

It was a none too gentle introduction to a completely new way of life. Santana and Brittany worked hard as well, not closing the shop even for the midday meal. All three of them ate while moving. It was very dark when Santana poked her head out of the front door and declared "We may as well shut up shop. I don't think we'll be getting any more customers tonight. Brittany, are you eating here tonight?"

Brittany shook her head "No, I'm seeing Artie tonight."

Santana sighed "Off you go then. Don't come back late unless he escorts you. Don't forget your key."

"I won't!" Brittany sang out happily, waving the key in question as she ran out of the door.

Santana beckoned at Kurt as she said "Come upstairs. You can help me with dinner."

Kurt decided not to protest as he followed Santana up the stairs and out into her and Brittany's living space. Up the far end of the room was a double bed, hurriedly made. It was clear that both sides of the bed were slept in, but Kurt didn't ask. After all, who was he to judge?

There were a couple of chairs to one side, with a table in between them, A large closet was on the other side and then in the corner nearest to the stairs was a black stove with a kettle on top, two or three cupboards was a bucket of water, with pea pods and carrots next to it, then on another was a couple of dead rabbits.

Santana led Kurt over and said "Okay, you do the vegetables. You need to shell the peas, then wash them in that water, then peel, wash and chop the carrots. Don't forget to top and tail them."

Santana handed Kurt a knife, then moved to where the rabbits were and began to efficiently skin and gut them. Kurt stood frozen, the knife held loosely in his hand. After a few minutes, Santana turned and noticed him.

"What are you doing? Get on with it, or don't you want to eat tonight?"

"Okay." Kurt nodded, but didn't move and eventually managed to get out "I have no idea what you just said."

Santana frowned "You don't know how to peel a carrot?"

"I've never had to do anything like this before."

Santana threw back her head and laughed, before coming over, taking the knife from him and demonstrating what she had told him to do, before telling him to get on with it. After that, they worked in companionable silence, Kurt trying not to watch what Santana was doing, knowing that if he did, it would completely put him off.

The dinner was done in three hours, rabbit stew with vegetables. By this point, Kurt was so hungry that it both smelt and tasted like the best food ever. There was idle small talk, Santana asking about life in the palace, what it was like to have people waiting on you all the time. Santana was sharp and not afraid of asking questions, so it was that Kurt felt as if he had given her a lot of information but got almost nothing in return.

So he asked a question "How come you and Brittany sleep in the same bed?"

Santana went pale, but answered promptly "One bed's cheaper than two. Shared body heat keeps us warmer in the winter."

Kurt nodded, but the expression on his face must have been disbelieving because Santana snapped "Don't look at me like that! Just because I have Puck doesn't mean you can label me!"

"I wasn't…"

"You were!" Santana yelled those two words, but abruptly calmed down and continued "Look, I like being with Brittany. I like sleeping in the same bed with her, I like holding her and I just like her. But I like Puck as well, and she likes Artie Abrams. It's not straightforward."

Kurt nodded and stood "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked. It's not any of my business."

"You're right, it's not." Santana agreed "But it's okay."

Kurt went back down the stairs, settled on his mattress and dozed until he heard Brittany come in, before finally succumbing to sleep. He had strange dreams that night, but he barely remembered them when he woke.

The next two days passed in a similar manner. Although it was not nearly long enough for Kurt to establish a routine, he knew he would miss the place. It had been his safe place and Santana and Brittany his most capable protectors. Despite Santana's irritability and Brittany's air-headed and innocent nature, they were lovely girls, and Kurt would miss them as well.

But he couldn't wait to see Blaine again.

Santana and Brittany shut the shop when Sam turned up and after Kurt had checked that he was all packed, and Brittany had given him as much food as she could spare, the four of them sat down to pass the time in any way possible. They settled on cards. Kurt had played cards, but never games like this before. They weren't complicated, but they were designed as gambling games and Kurt hadn't gambled before. Sam was remarkably good at them and Brittany was better than expected, for the simple fact that you could never tell what was going on in her head.

It was getting on for 11 pm when a knock came at the door. Sam put Kurt behind him as Santana went to answer the door. There was a few minutes conversation before Santana stepped backwards and opened the door wider, as Blaine stepped through the doorway, a brilliant grin on his face.

Kurt stepped around Sam and ran at Blaine, who took two steps forward and opened his arms in time to catch Kurt up into them and spin him around despite Blaine being two inches shorter. Kurt's arms were locked around Blaine's neck and Blaine's arms were securely around Kurt's waist until he set Kurt back down, cupped his face and pulled him in for a passionate, relieved kiss. Kurt's hands were tangled in Blaine's curls as he surrendered happily to the insistent kiss. Their reunion would likely have gone on for quite some time had Sam not cleared his throat pointedly.

The two boys broke apart, Kurt's face painted red, and Blaine had a hint of a blush as well, but their hands remained linked as they walked over and sat down, Santana, Brittany and Sam, sitting opposite them.

The first thing Kurt asked was "How are my family?"

"They're okay." Blaine answered "Your dad's frantic. He believes you've been kidnapped. He's offered a reward and he's been sending the knights out looking for you."

"And you? Did Karofsky do anything to you?"

"No. He couldn't prove anything, because if I had kidnapped you, I wouldn't be hanging around. He's been giving me looks - you know the type - the ones that say 'if you know anything about this, I'll find out.' I suppose it was meant to be intimidating."

"So long as you're safe, I don't care."

Sam interrupted "So, how is this going to play out?"

Blaine changed his focus "Everyone at the palace believes I've gone home in order to continue the search. I've made it no secret about how much I care for Kurt, so they all think I couldn't have done it, no matter what Karofsky tries. We're going to leave everything that could possibly be traced here, and if you guys could get rid of it - in any way you see fit."

Santana grinned, and you could almost see the plotting going on behind her dark eyes.

Blaine asked "Santana, did you manage to get what I asked for?"

Santana nodded "I'll bring her around. Her name's Isla."

Blaine looked at Kurt and asked "Got your bags?"

"Yeah, I'll just bring them."

"Okay, meet us outside."

Kurt darted into the back of the shop, grabbed his bags and carried them outside. Blaine and Sam were taking what Kurt assumed was Blaine's luggage off Samos and over to where Brittany stood, holding another horse. Santana was tying the luggage onto the horse as Brittany murmured quietly.

As Santana took Kurt's bags, Kurt went to stand by Blaine and said "So this is Isla."

"Yeah. Samos is too easily tracked."

After the bags were on Isla, Blaine gave Kurt boost and got him up on Isla's back, silencing Kurt's protests by saying that they would take turns walking and riding. They started off up the road, Sam, Santana and Brittany waving as they left until they couldn't be seen anymore. As they left Lima's outskirts and got onto the main travelling road, Kurt let out a breath that he hadn't been aware he was holding. They had really done it. They had made it.

"Are you alright?"

Kurt looked down at Blaine's gorgeous face and nodded "Thanks to you."