Penultimate chapter, guys!

Here we go...

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Chapter 18

Kurt regretted having come to that silly ball. He should have listened to his intuition. He knew it wouldn't be easy for him to see Blaine. But he never had expected something like that would happen.

When Blaine danced with Sebastian, so careless, and when he smiled at him, when the gap between Blaine and the prince became smaller and smaller- that had been the final straw for Kurt.

Even now, in the empty hallway without music or people around him, his heart didn't stop racing. He felt sick.

Kurt could even understand why Blaine liked Sebastian. He was attractive, royalty and ...

"Kurt?"

He slowly turned around.

Blaine was standing behind him, his jacket was open, his eyebrows were furrowed.

"What?", Kurt answered, feisty. He was tired of pretending his life was perfect. Nothing was perfect. Especially not now that Blaine was standing in front of him.

Not now that he followed him although Kurt thought he didn't even notice his presence.

Not now that he looked at Kurt like he knew what was going on in his head.

Kurt couldn't look away. "Did you have fun?"

Blaine's glance was dark. "We only danced, Kurt."

He snorted. "That looked like more than just 'dancing'."

They never had a fight, and now, Kurt knew why. It didn't feel good. It felt bad and not freeing at all to hiss at him.

"It would have been weird if I hadn't accepted his offer. People start talking behind my back."

Kurt laughed bitterly. "You almost made out with the biggest manwhore of a Prince just because people were thinking about your relationship status?"

These words were louder than intended and Blaine paranoidly looked back.

"I hate that, Blaine", Kurt said. His voice was cold, at the same time, it was trembling.

"I hate that you can't even talk to me without paranoidly looking around." Kurt balled his hands and fought back his tears.

"Do you think I'm enjoying this?", Blaine hissed.

Kurt just snorted indignantly.

"I'm trying to do the right thing for both of us!"

"The right thing?" Kurt couldn't believe he just said this. "Do you think it's the right thing to dance with other guys – while I'm watching you?"

"Do you think I like it? To stay away from you as if we never knew each other?", Blaine asked, stunned. He ruffled his hair, shaking his head. "It hurts so much, Kurt. And it gets worse every day."

"It's surely not my fault!" Kurt almost shouted those words and bit his lip. He took a deep breath.

"I don't call you anymore.", he went on quietly. "I don't talk during your lessons. Hell, I don't even look at you. What else do I have to do so that it isn't painful for you?"

Again, Blaine shook his head. He took a step towards the chestnut-haired student – and touched his cheek.

For a while, Kurt froze. Then, he pushed his arm away. Blaine couldn't touch him like that- if he did, it would feel like old times, and Kurt couldn't bear that any longer.

"We can't continue like that, Kurt", Blaine croaked.

"I already told you, I stick to our deal."

"So do I. But we destroy ourselves like that."

Kurt's anger vanished, and the pain stayed behind. Pain that tore him apart from inside. He couldn't breathe anymore.

"It was only one dance", Blaine whispered.

Kurt just nodded. He would like to turn away, but he just couldn't. Blaine and he – they weren't that close for such a long time. He wanted to memorize this moment before it was over.

"Nothing had changed for me, Kurt."

"What…what do you mean?"

Blaine stepped closer but didn't touch him. "I mean that you are the first thing I think about when I wake up. All day long, I think about you. When I see something funny, you are the first person I want to tell. I hear you voice in my head when I go to bed.

Gosh, Kurt, I love you.

I have already loved you when we had our first phone call. I will always love you even though I'm aware that it is hopeless."

Kurt's heart was beating so fast as if he just ran a marathon. He couldn't believe Blaine just said that.

"I'm going to change schools."

These words pulled Kurt out of his state of shock. He shook his head. "No. No way. You told me McKinley is the best that ever happened to you. You always told me you would never find a better job."

"I don't care. I want to be by your side. I want to go to a café with you, hold your hand. I want my best friend back. If I have to take a less-paid job, so be it."

Again, Kurt shook his head, confused. "I…that's out of question. Why all of a sudden?"

"It was no spontaneous decision. From the first day on, I think about leaving McKinley. Every morning, I wonder whether this school was worth our loss."

"But we have…" Kurt paused, unable to think clear.

"It had been our decision. That's why I didn't say anything. I didn't want to pressure you. But now…"

The tears were faster than Kurt's head. He closed his eyes and needed to sob. When Blaine touched him this time, he didn't do anything about it.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you, Kurt.", Blaine whispered, pulling him into a hug.

The longing for Blaine was unbearable. And so was the mourning about their lost friendship and relationship. Kurt pulled him closer.

"I miss grandmother. And my parents. And you. All the time", he sobbed.

"I know. And I'm sorry" Blaine caressed his back. Tears were running down his face as well.

His touch reminded Kurt of their first meeting. They hadn't been more than friends who had met online, but Blaine had held him like that as well after a stranger had talked to him about the headlines about him in the newspapers.

Kurt tried to not show how these words had hurt him, but Blaine had noticed it anyway and took him into his arms. He had whispered in his ear that everything would be alright. Just like now.

For a while, Kurt decided to devote himself to the dream, to the illusion that he might be right. And buried his face further into Blaine's neck.

But suddenly, Blaine stiffened.

"Kurt", he whispered.

Kurt pulled away a bit and followed his gaze.

Chandler was standing in the hallway. His face was pale, he incredulously looked back and forth between the both of them. His mouth opened.

But then, Chandler's face expression changed. His eyes narrowed, he gritted his teeth angrily. He turned on his heel and stormed to the direction of the McKinley Hall.

"Dammit", Kurt hissed and let go of Blaine.

"Kurt…"

He shook his head and wiped his wet cheeks. "I need to talk to him. Can we…talk on the phone later?"

Although Blaine looked shocked, warmth appeared in his gold-brown eyes which he loved so much about him.

"I will call you", Blaine said. "After the ball."

"Okay", Kurt whispered.

For a split second, he wanted to hug him again, but then, Chandler's stunned face appeared in front of his eyes, and Kurt turned around instead in order to find him.

...

He found him in front of the exit of the McKinley Hall.

"Chandler", Kurt said breathlessly and grabbed his elbow.

He turned around. "Don't touch me."

Kurt lifed his hands in surrender, shocked about his tone. Chandler had never talked like that to him. And the way he looked at him was also new: derogative and scornful. He shook his head.

"I can't believe you have done this, Kurt."

Frowning, Kurt looked at him. "I can't believe you judge me, Chandler. Or shall I remind you with which people you were in a relationship?"

Chandler flinched. "You think I'm mad at you because you sleep with your teacher?

Kurt flinched. Behind Chandler was a small group of people which had just left the hall.

"Why else?", Kurt asked quietly.

Chandler gulped. "I'm mad at you because you gave me the runaround for years."

Kurt's eyes went wide. "What?"

"You are the only one for me, Kurt. I'm in love with you for years." Chandler looked like he had just slapped him. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out anymore.

"I didn't know that", Kurt whispered. Carefully, he reached out for Chandler and touched his arm. Chandler was his friend; they knew each other since they had been little boys. To Kurt, had always been like a brother, but that was all.

If he had known that Chandler really liked him, he never would have started something with him.

"Do you want to say you were completely oblivious?", Chandler asked incredulously.

Not saying anything, Kurt nodded.

"You didn't notice that I never had been in a relationship after our relationship. You didn't notice that after the death of your grandmother, I had been there for you almost 24/7 and comforted you."

"That's what friends do for each other", Kurt whispered, fighting back his tears.

"I do that for no one.", Chandler said, his tone was bitter. "For no one but you."

Kurt stared at him, unable to move. He felt sick, at the same time, tears were running down his face. "I…I didn't want to hurt you."

Hesitantly, Chandler lifted his hand and wiped away some tears of Kurt's face. But then, his face expression hardened. "But you did."

With that, Chandler turned around and left the building.

That's definitely not how Finn pictured this evening.

Actually, he wanted to spend as much time as possible with Rachel – they both only had an one-hour shift and the rest of the evening, they had no duties. Finn wanted to dance with her and kiss her as often as they were allowed to.

But then, Kurt suddenly showed up in the McKinley Hall, drenched in tears. First, they thought the conversation with Anderson didn't go well or the teacher had said something bad to him. When they found out what had happened, Finn immediately searched for Chandler.

Puck, Artie and Mike had no idea where he was, and after an eternity, Finn had found Sam. At least, the blond boy could tell him that his cousin drove home a while ago. So Finn took a taxi and told Andy to drive Kurt home. Mercedes and Rachel insisted to come with him.

Now, Finn was in front of Chandler's front door and repeatedly rang the doorbell. He was sure that Chandler was home, his limousine was on the driveway and he had seen the light in one of the rooms.

Finn rang again. And again. When he lifted his hand again, the door was opened. Immediately, he could smell alcohol. Since Chandler and Kurt had talked, only one hour had passed, but Chandler was already swaying on his feet. His blond hair was tousled, he had abandoned his glasses, and some buttons of his shirt were open.

"Of course. Kurt sends his watch dog.", he slurred.

"Actually, he didn't.", Finn admitted. "May I enter?"

Chandler opened the door wider and went up the stairs to the upper floor without turning around. There was no light in the entire mansion. Apparently, his parents weren't home yet.

Finn followed him to his room. The windows were opened, but nevertheless, the smell of alcohol and smoke was in the air. Chandler sat down on the window bench. He took a drag on a cigarette and leaned back.

"So", he started. "You are here to make me shut up?"

"I'm here because I'm worried about you", Finn answered earnestly. Although Chandler had never really been part of their clique (mainly because Chandler didn't want to), Finn cared about him. After all, they spent their childhood together.

Chandler turned around with cocked eyebrows.

"And because Kurt worries about you."

The blond boy laughed bitterly and took another drag. Next to the ash tray was a whiskey bottle which wasn't half full anymore. Finn wondered whether he really drank all of that in the past thirty minutes.

He never would have thought to see Chandler like that.

"I'm sorry, dude."

Chandler took a sip of his bottle. "I just don't get it. I don't get why."

Finn didn't know what to answer. Chandler was hoping for years to get back together with Kurt. Now, that he had found out that he had been waiting in vain, must have been devastating.

"I would have done everything for him. Everything.", Chandler went on and shook his head. He almost fell out of the window due to his dizziness, so Finn dragged him off.

"I know", he mumbled.

Chandler grabbed Finn by the arms. "You have no idea how it feels, Finn. To hope for something for years and to see everything shatter in front of your eyes."

His face was full of pain. He swayed and couldn't stand upright. Finn nudged him to his bed and made him sit down. Then, he went to the windows, closed them and the gigantic curtains.

Finn turned back to him. Chandler had buried his face into his hands, his shoulders were trembling. When he saw this, Finn just felt bad. Tht situation sucked so much, and he felt sorry for Chandler, but he needed to protect his brother. Kurt was the only one who could lose everything if the relationship with Anderson would be revealed.

So, he sat down next to the blond boy. "You can't tell anyone, Chandler", he said insistently.

Chandler just shook his head. "Do you really think I would do anything that would harm Kurt?"

"No, I don't think so."

"I just…I just thought that our relationship had been more important to him as well."

"But it had nothing to do with you, okay?"

Chandler just grumbled something and laid down on his bed.

"I'm gonna get you a glass of water", Finn said after a while.

The blond boy didn't say anything, so Finn got up and went down the stairs to the kitchen.

When he returned, Chandler hadn't moved. Finn also took a bucket to his room in case Chandler needed to puke.

"Here you are", Finn said and gave the glass to him. He took it and drank.

"Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No. I just want to be alone."

"Okay, I will leave, then.", Finn nodded to the door.

Chandler just nodded. Then, he did something he hadn't done in ten years – he got up and pulled Finn in a hug. First, Finn was surprised, but then, he just patted his back awkwardly.

"It's gonna be alright", Finn whispered.

Chandler pulled away, avoiding his glance. It was obvious he didn't believe Finn.

It was half past two am when Finn finally arrived at home. Mercedes needed to leave one hour ago because she and her parents were going to leave early for a trip the next day.

So Rachel decided to stay at Kurt's room alone. When Finn knocked on the door and he saw Rachel next to his sleeping brother, he smiled warmly.

Carefully, Rachel got up. Finn's smile was bigger when he saw her in his shirt and Kurt's old sweatpants.

When she had closed the door behind her, she dared to say something. Kurt was so devastated after they arrived at his home and it took her and Mercedes much time to get him to sleep – she really didn't want to wake him up.

"You are still here", he greeted her.

"I told my dads that I would sleep here. Did you find Chandler?"

Finn's face fell. "He was so drunk. I don't know whether he would even remember what happened."

How reassuring, Rachel thought sarcastically.

"I trust Chandler with that", Finn went on.

Skeptical, Rachel looked at him. "Okay."

Finn looked down the hallway and back to Rachel. She took his hand and dragged him to his room where she sat down on his large bed.

"Does Kurt feel better?", Finn asked while he took off his coat and sat down next to her.

"Yes", Rachel answered. "Mr. Anderson called him, and they talked for a while."

Finn didn't seem to know what to think about that. He took a deep breath.

"What?"

He only grumbled. "I don't want Kurt to get into trouble. But I don't know how to prohibit any longer that all these secrets will get out."

"They won't", Rachel said softly, touching him on his cheek. She wished she could do more than that.

Finn looked at her with his dark eyes. "I would do anything for the people I love."

Rachel caressed his throat. "I know."

"You also are part of these people, Rachel."

She halted and gulped. There was this lump in her throat which she couldn't swallow.

"I love you", he whispered.

In his tone were so many emotions and so much pain at the same time and she couldn't breathe normally for a while.

But then, she leaned forwards and pecked him on his cheek.

"I love you too, Finn."

"Really?"

She nodded, kissing him again. It was supposed to be just a short kiss, but Finn took her neck and pulled her closer. All the words she wanted to say disappeared on her tongue when Finn opened her lips. She moaned quietly.

When he pulled away, both of them were breathless.

"Thanks you have been there for us", he mumbled.

They both laid on his bed, looking at each other. Finn caressed her cheekbones softly. Rachel could remember how it felt when he touched her for the first time: as if his touch would burn the seam of her clothes.

And it felt like that at this moment as well.

"Thanks you let me do that", Rachel whispered and stroked his forehead. She could do that forever, she loved touching his face.

They laid like that for a while. The only thing she could hear was their breaths. They couldn't stay away from each other. She needed to touch Finn all the time to know that this was real. That they found a way to get back together. That they trusted each other unconditionally.

Rachel tried but after some time, her lids became heavier and she couldn't keep her eyes open anymore. Finn was there when she fell asleep, their fingers intertwined, his other hand buried in her hair.

A/N: Cute! But will it stay like that? Find out in the last chapter!

BTW: And yup, there will be a third and final part of the McKinley-Academy-series with 15 - 20 chapters.

I don't know when I will be able to upload it, though.

Whatever, see you ;)