Hi Everyone,

All I can say about last episode is WOW!

I don't own glee…if I did, I would have made the Regionals episode last just a bit longer (and by episode, I mean a certain scene).

Have fun :D

A Journey-Chapter 11

"Is everything packed?" Melissa asked, her face poking in at John.

He nodded, and took one last look at the bare white walls, before he stepped out and followed his cousin down the hallway to freedom. Last he knew, the Warblers had won Regionals, and were the talk of the school.

"Here you go," a nurse said, handing him his bag. He reached inside and felt around for his phone, sighing with relief when his fingers closed over it.

"Come on, you can check your phone in the car," said Melissa, as she paraded him down the hallways, her hand on the small of his back.

Once they reached the parking garage, John hopped into the passenger's seat, and immediately began looking through his messages. There weren't any; not even from Brian. He nonchalantly shoved his phone back into the bag by his feet, and leaned his head against the window.

As she pulled out into the road, she stole glances at the small boy huddled against the door. After talking with Tom she knew exactly what had happened, and saying that she was worried would be an understatement. "What are you thinking about?" she asked while keeping her eyes on the road.

Brian breathed evenly, and mulled her question over in his head. He could say nothing, but she would see right through that. He could make something up too, but he didn't want to lie to this person who would be taking him in under her roof. So, he settled for the most current topic on his mind, "Nobody bothered sending me a message."

Her eyes settled on the small phone in his hand, "Tom must have told them that you wouldn't have your phone with you."

Brian scoffed, "Yeah, that's what happened."

She sighed inwardly, and pulled into a gas station on the side of the road.

"What are we doing here?" Brian asked.

"I don't know about you, but I could use a soda and a bag of chips," she explained.

She took the keys out of the ignition, "Come on, let's go pick some stuff out."

He raised his brow at her as they walked to the door, "Dalton is twenty minutes away you know."

She nodded, "I know, but I'm not going to be spending those twenty minutes on a sugar withdrawal."

"I thought you said you wanted to get a bag of chips."

They stopped in the candy bar aisle, "Maybe I need some sugar too," she said with a smile.

Once they were on the road again, she re-approached the topic at hand once more, "How do you feel about you're friends not texting you?"

He frowned at her, "What are you doing?"

"Trying to understand how you're feeling," she replied softly.

He sighed angrily, "You know how I feel!"

She kept her hands firmly on the wheel, "I know what other people have told me, but I haven't heard you talk about how you feel."

He ripped a Snickers open, "It doesn't matter."

She frowned, "What makes you think that?"

He looked down, and ate his Snickers in silence. She looked over at him more than once, and handed him a napkin as he finished his candy. "I want you to know that I care about you, and that you can talk to me about anything."

He poured Purel over his hands, "Thanks."

She smiled, and turned down the long stretch of road that led to Dalton. "You're welcome."

Brian steeled himself for what awaited him, he had been gone from school for a week, and he wasn't sure what to expect from the other boys.

"Are you nervous?"

He swallowed, "What if they hate me?"

"They won't."

"Hey there." Blaine leaned against the doorframe to Kurt's room, smiling as he saw the younger boy making his bed.

Kurt straightened up, "Hey to you too."

Blaine made his way across the room, "John will be here soon."

A smile lit up the younger boy's face, "That's great."

Blaine nodded, and shoved his hands in his pockets as he stood beside Kurt.

"There's something you're not telling me," Kurt said. He moved to clasp their hands together, worry flashing through his eyes.

"It's Karofsky," Blaine said quietly.

The worry soon turned to confusion, "What about him?"

"Hey you two, I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but John's back," Theodore exclaimed from the hall.

Kurt pulled back to look at him, "Thanks," he said.

"Kurt," Blaine began.

"Tell me later?" he asked, standing up.

Blaine sighed, "Of course." They walked down the hall to go meet the freshman. Their dorm was a flurry of boys talking excitedly in their rooms about their recent win at Regionals, and a huge banner hung from the ceiling, just shy of the main door.

The weather had warmed considerably, melting the snow that stuck to the grass, and bringing out the Robins that promised spring.

They rushed past gazebos and school buildings to the main parking lot where Melissa would be bringing John.

They arrived just in time to see John get out of the passenger side door, and Kurt let out a sigh of relief. He looked tired and nervous but alert.

Blaine watched Kurt run down to greet the young boy, and while he was happy to see John, his thoughts were clouded. He would be lying if he said he wasn't furious about the morning's events, and he could not get that conversation out of his head. He wanted to run down to where Kurt stood, and attach him to his hip so nothing could ever hurt him. He bit his lip to keep the tears at bay, but failed when he saw Kurt's smile that lit up his face and made his eyes twinkle.

Slowly, he stepped down, wiping his eyes on the way. He heard bits and pieces of the conversation, and leapt back when he felt Brian push past him to wrap John in an earth shattering hug. Kurt continued to flit around them, and bent down to pick up a suitcase, his smile still wide.

Melissa smiled as she watched them, and Blaine saw more than he heard her shut the trunk of the car as the group made their way to the dorms. He was pulled along by Kurt who was talking a mile a minute to John and Melissa, and it was all he could do to not break down.

He found himself standing at John's door, and everything was a blur. He held onto Kurt's hand so tightly that Kurt stared down at his white knuckles, and then up to meet Blaine's eyes before he released his grip. Words caught in his throat, and he wrenched himself from the room before anyone realized he had left.

Kurt stared after him, and murmured an apology to the others before heading in the direction he had seen Blaine leave.

Blaine sat down heavily in a bench in the commons, and held his face in his hands. He wouldn't let it happen, he couldn't.

A minute later he heard a pair of shoes hit the floor. Whoever they belonged to was in a hurry, and he wasn't surprised when he heard the shoes turn to meet him. He kept his face hidden until he felt slender fingers slide under his hands to lift his head up, and he faced Kurt's clear blue stare.

"Blaine, what happened?"

"It's not safe here," he mumbled.

Kurt was growing more worried every second that Blaine wasn't forming a coherent sentence, and he slid his hands around his waist so they were pressed together on the bench. "Tell me about this morning," Kurt urged.

Blaine sighed and closed his eyes before responding, "I was headed to the faculty offices to get my mail this morning, and I saw Karofsky."

Kurt swallowed nervously, but kept silent.

"Kurt, he was with his dad, and they were looking at the brochures for transfer students."

Kurt's heart plummeted, what did this mean? If Karofsky transferred here, then there would be no escaping his subtle taunts in the hallways, his shushed whispers in the bathrooms between classes. A strangled gasp climbed up the length of his throat, and slipped between his lips.

"Kurt," he repeated, pressing his lips to the top of his head. "I'm so sorry, if I could only protect you from everything."

Kurt's fingers flew to his lips, remembering the feel of Karofsky against him. He thought he had won, but he knew deep down that running away wasn't winning, it was simply saving your problems for another day.

Kurt smiled, the muscles pulling tight against his lips, making the end result look more like a grimace than a smile. "It's alright, I don't need you to protect me, I just need you."

Wes ran down the hallway at full speed; he knew he probably shouldn't be galloping like a Mustang because he'd most likely hit something, but this was important. He reached the bathrooms, and began sticking paper on the walls, the door, and the mirror before heading out to the hall again and randomly putting the invitations on every surface imaginable.

"What's that?" Tom asked, walking down the stairs, and causing Wes to jump up and shriek.

"Tom, do not, ever, do that again," he warned slowly.

"Sorry," the other boy replied. He took one look at the bright blue paper and smirked, "Seriously?"

"Yes," Wes said proudly. "Winning Regionals is a big thing, and the Warblers deserve a little celebration."

Tom read the flyer, "You may want to add 'no booze' in bold letters or something, some of the boys can get a little over the top."

"Oh please," Wes said, waving his comment away. "Their parents would die if any of them drank, and could you imagine Blaine drinking?"

"I could not imagine Blaine drinking, however, some of the others are a different story."

"Who's imagining me drinking?" A voice called from the stairwell.

Tom and Wes turned around to see Blaine walking towards them with a slight smirk on his face.

Tom held up his hands, "It's not me."

"Oh thanks, real nice," Wes exclaimed, rolling his eyes.

"It's nice to see you again Tom."

"You too," the senior said, clapping Blaine on the shoulder.

Wes shoved two of the invitations into Blaine's open hand, and continued plastering the walls with the other two hundred copies.

"Wes I don't think you need to have that many, people will get the point," Blaine said. "And why do I have two?"

Wes stood still for a moment, organizing the stack of papers, "One for you, and one for Kurt," he explained.

"How is Kurt?" Tom asked.

"A lot better now that John is back."

Tom smiled, and looked down at his polished shoes. There was an awkward silence, and the only sound in the hall was Wes as he continued placing the invitations on the walls and doors.

"I have to get going," Tom announced, breaking the silence.

"Where are you going?" Blaine asked, shifting his weight.

"To John's dorm."

"Oooh," Wes exclaimed. "Here, just take some of these, and make sure their spread out evenly in his dorm." He handed Tom about fifty pages, and then straightened out to examine his work.

Blaine suppressed a laugh, "Yes because you spaced these out evenly, Wes."

"I did, it lets everyone know that there's a huge celebration this weekend."

Blaine smiled, "You keep telling yourself that."

"Yeah, I'm thinking you might have to start over," Tom put in, examining Wes's handy work.

"Shoo," the other senior said, pushing Tom down the hallway. "And you," he rounded on Blaine, "Do not laugh."

"Who said anyone's laughing." Blaine made his way to go find Kurt, who was most likely with John, but when he passed by his dorm room, he clearly made out the distinct curve of his hair and stopped just shy of the door.

Kurt craned his neck to see Blaine around the door, "Hey."

"I thought you would be with John."

"No, he's getting settled in, and Melissa and Brian are with him so I decided to give them some space."

Blaine leaned against the wall, "Good idea, did you see these?" he asked, holding up one of the blue papers.

Kurt grinned, "As a matter of fact, Wes almost ran into me on his way over here."

"He's extremely excited," Blaine agreed.

Kurt leaned back, "Who wouldn't be?"

David peered into the room, "Blaine, you're needed up at the main office." His expression was slightly worried, but he gave a tight smile nonetheless.

"Alright, I'll see you later Kurt."

They hugged briefly, before the two older boys left for the faculty offices.

"David, what's up?"

"Well, it certainly isn't good," he replied.

Slam! The kitchen cabinet resonated sharply through the bright room as Dave Karofsky attempted to find lunch.

"Dave! Quiet down in there," his mother called.

"There's nothing to eat," he complained.

"We'll get something on the way to Dalton," his father said as he walked into the kitchen.

"I don't even understand why we have to go visit that school. I don't even want to go there," Dave said his voice betraying his calm composure.

"That school is what's going to get you back on track, and remember we're just looking," his mother commented.

He shook his head, "Whatever." His mind reeled with thoughts of Kurt, and their disaster of a kiss. He had never told anyone about it nor did he plan on it. That kiss was the reason why he was more terrified of going to that school than he was of anyone finding out that he was gay; he couldn't face Kurt or his boyfriend, and something inside him stirred dangerously whenever he thought of Blaine.

He followed his dad out to their car, and lost himself in his I-pod for the majority of the ride. As they got closer to the expensive private school, he felt his stomach twist with nerves and sick anticipation of what awaited him.

They walked in silence up to the main office; Dave kept his eyes down and walked close to his father. It was Sunday, which meant boys were in their rooms, or walking out to their cars to head into town. It also meant that Dave didn't run into anyone he knew, or who might know Kurt, which was a huge plus for him. Reality came crashing down around him when he reached the President's office, and saw none other than Blaine Anderson waiting to give him a tour of the school.

If Blaine was shocked, he didn't show it. The perfect smile was in place, and he looked dressed to impress in his flawless uniform and styled hair. He greeted them with sincerity, giving firm handshakes to both Dave and his dad. It was only when he began to shepherd them down the hallway that Dave caught the flash of anger in his eyes, and he immediately knew that Blaine would do anything in his power to keep him from transferring to Dalton.

"…and these are the buildings where classes are held." Blaine extended a hand to showcase the stark white buildings that contrasted heavily against the clear blue sky, and which were marked by the signs placed in the front and sides.

Dave's father was listening intently, every fiber of his body poised to the junior in front of him, but Dave was another story; he walked on auto like his life depended on it, and kept checking his phone to see how much time had passed.

They walked over to the dining hall, the dorm rooms, and the fields where sports lessons and games were played out.

Just after they reached the dining hall, Dave's dad asked, "Where are the bathrooms?"

"Over here Sir." Blaine led him into the deserted hall and pointed to the rear where the restrooms were located.

"Thank you, I'll just be a moment."

Blaine nodded, "Take your time."

Dave knew he was bright red, and he also knew that Blaine was staring at him with such intensity that it was difficult to concentrate on the color of the chairs, which were a deep burgundy.

"What are you doing here?" Blaine's voice rushed at Dave in increments, and he stood with his arms crossed, waiting for an answer.

"Not that it's any of your business," Dave sneered, "But I got kicked out."

"I noticed," Blaine quipped. He counted the seconds until Mr. Karofsky came back, and hoped that he had enough time to say what he needed too. "I understand how difficult a situation you're in, but if you ever come near Kurt, I will not hesitate to sit down with your parents."

"You wouldn't," Dave hissed, his voice low.

"I would," Blaine said, not missing a beat.

Dave walked closer, a dangerous smile forming, "You wouldn't, because then my parents would really send me here to modify my behavior, which would only bring me closer to the little homo."

Blaine saw fire, but before he could do or say anything, his father walked back out and they continued the tour. This went on for an excruciatingly long forty five minutes, and Blaine was just about ready to drop the charade when they finally made their way back to the main offices.

He signed them in on the visitor's sheet, and called the secretary to take over. He walked away, fists clenched tight until he stood outside and felt hot tears cloud his vision.

"Settle down everyone, settle down," the President exclaimed over the excited chatter the students were making after they were called down to the auditorium during third period Tuesday morning.

The teachers herded the boys into the seats as fast as possible, and Kurt prided himself on his ability to sneak past his teacher to find Blaine on the other side. They whispered in hushed voices while they took their seats, receiving harsh glares from the adults sitting on the end of the rows.

"It has come to my, as well as the faculty's attention that while Dalton prepares you for life at college, we do not work nearly as hard at preparing you for the rollercoaster that is life." The room was deathly silent, all eight hundred students staring towards the front as she spoke. She stared out at the sea of boys and continued, "While other schools have sex-education classes, here at Dalton we pride ourselves on abstinence, and while other schools have guidance counselors, we have a therapist that comes in once a week. I am beginning to see that this is a problem."

She paused, making eye contact with as many boys as possible. Most of the students she had never met, and most likely never would. She realized how closed off she was with her students, and even though this was normal considering her status at Dalton, she felt like she could be doing more for these boys that walked through the halls every single day.

"There has been a recent event, one that has prompted me to hold this assembly." Kurt and Blaine glanced at each other; they had no idea the assembly would be about what had happened.

"For those of you who are aware of the past two week's events, I urge you to talk with the counselors that will be working here for the next month. They can answer any questions, or listen and help find solutions to any concerns that you are experiencing."

A cough sounded in the back of the room, and there was a round of shuffling as the boys attempted to hide their faces from sight. Most of them knew what happened with John, but most of them didn't really understand what an event like that meant.

She talked for another half hour about the different resources that are available for everyone, as well as the signs to look out for among friends and family.

Blaine stood up and stretched, watching the other students walk back up the aisles.

"Where is John?" Kurt asked looking around the room.

"I don't think he's here," Blaine replied following Kurt down the walkway. "I'm sure Tom would know, if we ever get out of here without being trampled.

All of a sudden, they were pulled back by two pairs of hands. Kurt gasped and clutched Blaine to keep from falling down, while Blaine glanced quickly at the faces around him.

Wes and David sidled up to the duo, "You two are needed in the rec hall," David said.

Blaine just stared back, "And you didn't want to tell us this when we were back out in the hall?"

"Nope," Wes announced. "Besides, if we waited then we would have lost you guys."

Kurt rolled his eyes, but walked with Blaine followed the two seniors to their destination.

"They'll never let him transfer here," Tom noted, watching Kurt and Blaine hang the twenty foot banner congratulating the Warblers on winning Regionals in the doorway of the rec hall.

"You don't think so?" Kurt replied, climbing down the ladder and surveying their work.

"I know so."

"Tom is right!" Blaine put in excitedly, moving to stand next to Kurt. "They won't take any chances with him, especially since he's the reason you transferred here in the first place."

"He could lie."

"No, and besides they know why you transferred," Tom explained.

"And, if he was expelled for bullying, he will not be allowed here anyways," Blaine said.

Kurt breathed a sigh of relief; he would remain safe at Dalton for the remainder of the school year, and if he decided to transfer back to McKinley next fall, he would be safe there too.

The three boys turned at the sound of footsteps, and smiled when they saw Brian and John come into view. They were leading a long line of boys carrying boxes filled with plastic cups, plates, silverware, and napkins.

"Thanks everyone," Brian said.

They stacked the boxes on top of an empty table, and walked back out the way they came.

Blaine laughed, "How did you get the entire freshman class to help you?"

"They were bored, and we needed help," Brian grinned, helping John peel back the tops of the boxes.

"That's the fifth time you've glanced at your phone in the last fifteen minutes," Kurt announced, as Blaine slipped the small device back into his pants pocket.

"I may have a hot date," Blaine grinned.

Kurt lifted a brow in disbelief, "Yeah okay."

"No, you're right," Blaine said. "It's better than that," and he watched as Kurt's eyes widened at the group dancing through the doors.

So, I was going to write their party in the same chapter, but I decided it would be fun if the next chapter focused entirely on their celebration.

Does anyone want to guess who's crashing the party?

Reviews are like the first day of spring I would have liked to see in New England :D