AN: Just to get this straight now: Dalton, as far as I'm concerned, is a goddamn boarding school. I just can't make sense of the logistics otherwise. So there. :P

I love seeing the alerts and reviews almost every day, especially since I just figured out a few things that'll happen in the future that I'm kinda pleased with. I think they follow logically and in an emotionally genuine way from the ripple effects of things that have happened and will happen. Hope you existing readers stick around to see 'em, and that more join you!

Indeed, the next step came only two days later, in the office of relatively new Principal Sue Sylvester. With Burt and Kurt Hummel sitting on one side of the room, and Roger and Blaine Anderson on the other, one could be forgiven for thinking there was a murder trial in progress. The defendant had watched with a carefully neutral stare as Kurt testified to a (mildly edited) account of the past weeks.

"Is that everything?" Sue asked quietly. It was a deathly kind of quiet, the kind that, in Kurt's experience, was usually followed by some kind of insane order or plot. He knew Sue had a twisted kind of respect, if not "affection," for him, but she still never failed to intimidate.

"Yes. That's everything."

Sue turned her glare towards the Andersons; Blaine quailed, as did anyone with experience with Sue and half a brain, but his father, to Kurt's amazement and grudging respect, barely flinched. "Do you have anything to say about this?"

"I…" Blaine began.

"I don't believe it," Roger Anderson cut in. "I just can't believe that Blaine would be so stupid as to risk his entire future doing these insane things. It's just ridiculous. That's not what my son is like."

"Believe it," Burt growled. "I've seen his car myself."

"Blaine does not own the only silver Acura in the state. Maybe not even in Lima. Did you get a license plate number? See the driver?"

"No…"

"Then how the hell do you know it was Blaine's? Or even the same one every night?" He turned towards Sue. "Principal Sylvester, surely you can see…"

"The only thing I'm seeing is a student I have the tiniest molecule of an iota of something vaguely resembling fondness for shaking like an anorexic after a three day Red Bull binge," Sue interrupted. "I know fear. I live for fear. And the fear I'm seeing in him is not created by a few pranks or a couple of shoves. I have to work hard for that kind of fear."

The senior Anderson spread his hands magnanimously. "I don't deny that Kurt is in distress. And I respect the struggles his kind goes through because of their lifestyle…"

Kurt raised an eyebrow. Really? He glanced at Blaine, who had sunk just slightly in his seat. For perhaps not the first time, Kurt felt a stab of pity for his fellow student and gay man. An awareness of where Blaine's fear came from was starting to bubble through…

"But I simply can't reconcile what he's saying with what I know of my son." He turned to Kurt. "Do you still have those notes you claim you found in your locker?"

"No," Kurt rasped, suddenly feeling very foolish. "I threw them away."

"What about logs of those calls you got?"

"No," Kurt replied, his mental forehead-beating increasing.

The senior Anderson turned back to Sue with a greasy smile. "You see my point? I'm not saying that Kurt is making this up…" No, not at all, Kurt thought. "But let's be reasonable here. To jeopardize my son's bright future on one boy's word, without evidence…"

"What about it, Frodo?" Sue asked, shooting a glare at Blaine. His father frowned at the name; Sue was never very diplomatic, but it was clear to Kurt that her growing "righteous" anger was even further beating her already terminally ill internal censor to death. "Why not speak up for yourself for once? I'll repeat: what do you have to say about all this?"

Blaine turned on that charming smile of his; Kurt's stomach protested. "I think Kurt may be projecting a little here. He doesn't like me, so he blames me for whatever's going on in his life. Or maybe he likes me just a little too much…?"

Kurt's hands gripped the armrests of his chair. He could see that his father was having to restrain himself as well. "That's exactly what I don't understand," Roger Anderson said. "Why. Why would Blaine do something like this, something so out of control, so out of bounds?"

Sue turned to Kurt. "Do you know the answer to his question, Gelfling?"

Kurt swallowed. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Blaine staring at him. He wore an expression seemed for all the world like casual curiosity, but in his eyes, Kurt could see he was screaming. "I…" Screaming, crying, begging. "I think he's trying to shut me up. Intimidate me into not telling anyone how much he's been bullying me." The desperation in Blaine's eyes blinked out immediately, replaced by what Kurt could only call shock.

"I've heard enough," Sue said flatly. Kurt's heart leaped with hope. "I'm going to…"

Roger Anderson held up a hand. "Before you go on, may I use your phone?"

Sue frowned. "Why?"

"Please." He reached over and dialed a number. He pressed the button for the speaker and hung up the receiver. The buzz of a phone ringing shot through the room. Burt raised an eyebrow at his son; Kurt shrugged helplessly. Finally, someone picked up.

"Hello?"

"Jay! It's Roger."

"Roger! Good to hear from you! How're Elaine and your son?"

"Actually, Blaine is the reason I'm calling you." He turned to Sue, who had a strange look on her face, as if she recognized the voice on the phone. "Please, Principal Sylvester, tell him everything." Kurt's breath hitched in his chest. He still wasn't quite sure what was going on, but somehow he had the horrible feeling that it was not good…

"I'll get it!" Finn's heavy footsteps echoed through the house as he ran to the front door and yanked it open. The person who stood on the other side had an expectant look on his face. "Dave?"

"Hi. You must be Finn…?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Come on in." He waited until Dave had fully entered, then shut the door behind him. "Want a soda or something?"

"Nah, I'm good. Um, where's Kurt?"

"Actually… He's not back yet."

Dave frowned. "But when you called me, you said that…"

Finn rubbed the back of his head as he sat on the couch. "Yeah, I… kinda lied about that. I got your number off of Kurt's phone. He… doesn't actually know you're here."

"What? Why'd you do that?"

"Because I wanted to make absolutely sure you'd come. See, I think Kurt's really going to need you here when he gets back."

"Huh? Why? He said that your principal actually kind of likes him…"

"But he doesn't know Anderson's folks," Finn replied. "I've met them. His mom's from one of those really old, really connected families in the Philippines. His dad is this big shot who knows all kinds of powerful people. He's got his picture taken with, like, four presidents! And they're both stinking rich! I'm afraid that Anderson's going to get out of this with nothing."

"Oh, yeah, you're on the football team too…" Dave's curious look turned into a glare. "So you've been Anderson's teammate for at least a year. You know what he's really like. At least you do now. But you never stopped him? You let him bully Kurt, and God knows who else, and now you think you're making up for all that…?"

A look of intense shame came over Finn's face. "Yeah… Okay… I was afraid… afraid that Anderson was gonna use his popularity to get the rest of the team to hate me. Then I'd be sacked all the time and maybe lose quarterback. But then Mercedes told me what he was doing to Kurt and… I couldn't let him do that. Not even if I get sacked for the rest of my life. I couldn't keep ignoring it." He swallowed. "Besides… I used to buy it too. The act he puts on for the teachers, for the girls, for the guys he actually respects. But not anymore."

Dave calmed, but a little anger still simmered through. "Well, you're gonna be his stepbrother soon."

"I know."

"That means that he'll be family."

"I know. And I'm gonna keep him safe, I swear." Finn paused. "Hey, man, Mercedes told me it was you who told her what was going on with Anderson. Thanks."

Dave shrugged. "Wish I could do more. Kurt always said I was… Uh, no offense, but what are you looking at me like that for?"

"Well…" Finn turned beet red. "I was wondering something… Kurt has you as his Facebook friend, right? And I was checking your page out, you know, just to see what you're like…"

Dave frowned in confusion. "Yeah? And?"

"And it says you're gay. You're gay, right?"

"I wouldn't have put it there if I wasn't. What's your point?"

Finn's hands worried at each other in discomfort. "I... I don't know. It's just that you don't... I mean, you look so..."

"Masculine?" Dave asked with a wry grin. "Normal?"

"No! Okay, kind of. Not that you're not normal! I mean... Kurt's the only other gay guy I know, and, well... You know what he's like. I've never met one that looked like he could play football like me."

"Don't think there's just one kind of gay guy. I'm me. Kurt's Kurt. We're two different people. Hell, the gender we want to date may be the only thing we really have in common."

"But you're still friends?"

"Yeah. I wonder about it too sometimes, but Kurt and I seem to get along for some reason. But it's not because we're gay. Well, not just because of it."

"Okay... I think I get that..." Finn took a deep breath. "I don't understand it all, but I'm trying, y'know? For his sake. Seeing as how we're gonna be family and all."

"I'm sure he appreciates it."

"Thanks, dude!" A pause. "So, uh... Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Why, you interested?"

Finn turned strawberry, nearly jumping to his feet waving his arms. "No, no! I mean, no offense or anything, but you... I mean, I'm not...!"

Dave couldn't help but laugh. "Calm down, Finn, I'm just yanking your chain. You're not my type." The other sat back down, relief flooding his face. "Anyway... I used to have a boyfriend, but that was a few years ago. God, it feels like ages..." Dave shook his head, sighing. "But I don't have one now. I don't think I ever will."

"Why not?"

"You kidding? Look at me." He lifted his hands in a half-shrug. "I'm not exactly the biggest catch in the ocean."

"I thought you said there wasn't just one type of gay guy. So why can't there be one that likes you?"

Dave blinked at this sudden burst of insight. Damn. Didn't see that coming. "And I meant it. I just... I don't think there's anyone out there for me. Who the hell would want someone like me?"

Finn shrugged. "Kurt likes you," he said casually. "He talks about you all the time. He thinks you're cool."

"Well, yeah, but that's Kurt. He's my friend; of course he's gonna think I'm cool. But boyfriends? No way. We're way too different. But it's okay, though. I've pretty much accepted that me and relationships is something that just wasn't meant to be."

"But..."

Dave held up an arresting hand. "Finn... Do you mind if we talk about something else? I... just feel a little uncomfortable talking about my love life with someone I've just met, especially a friend's brother."

"Sure. Sorry about that."

"No problem," Dave replied, relieved that the matter wasn't pressed further. "So… uh… I see you have an Xbox 360."

"Yeah! You got one too?"

"Sure do. Hey, you play Team Fortress 2?"

Finn's face lit up. "Do I? Dude, it's an awesome game! I usually play a Soldier. What about you?"

"I…" A car screeched to a halt outside; both boys looked up, then at each other. They rose, but before they could take a step, the front door exploded open. Burt Hummel stomped in, his entire body practically shaking with rage.

"Burt…?"

"Not now, Finn!" He disappeared from the room, followed seconds later by a foundation-shaking door slam. Carole emerged from the kitchen, following his path, and vanishing just as quickly.

Kurt entered the house a few seconds later, his face scrunched up and unreadable. He looked up at the two in the living room in surprise. "Dave? What are you doing here?"

"Finn called me over. Kurt, what hap… Whoa!" Dave had never been tackled before, but he imagined this is what it felt like. As it was, even the small Kurt Hummel practically knocked him off his feet as he launched himself into a tight embrace around Dave's torso. Torn between concern and awkwardness (Finn was right there staring, after all), Dave gently rubbed Kurt's trembling back. "Oh, God, Kurt, what the hell happened?"

"Nothing!" Kurt snarled bitterly as he separated from his friend. "Nothing happened. Anderson's walking away scot free."

Dave looked up at Finn in horror; the other boy merely nodded sadly. "But what happened with your principal? I thought she…"

"She was going to suspend him, maybe expel him." Kurt sniffled as his trembling slowly ceased. "I know she was. But Anderson's father has half the school board on speed dial. Including the chairman. He told us on no uncertain terms that if Coach Sylvester so much as gave Anderson detention, he'd reverse it. 'There's just not enough proof to ruin a bright young man's life.'" His voice at this last was high, jeering, mocking. He threw himself onto the couch, almost bouncing to his feet again at the force. "Coach Sylvester resigned right then and there in protest. Nothing's going to change. Nothing."

Dave and Finn sat on each side of the downcast teenager. "Hey, it's gonna be okay," Finn started. "The Glee Club…"

"Can't do anything as long as Anderson has the football team and Cheerios at his command, remember?" Kurt sighed miserably. "It's not your fault, Finn. It's not anyone's fault except Anderson's. It's just the way it is."

"I'm going to kill him." Dave growled, turning the same alarming shade of crimson Burt Hummel had. "I'm going to tear him into bits with my bare hands."

"Save some for me," snapped Finn.

"Fine, we'll both kill him. Then we can each hide half the body."

Kurt groaned. "Boys! Please! No one's killing anyone. Dad and I already started discussing this. I know what I have to do." He turned to Dave. "I'm coming to Dalton."

"What?" both Finn and Dave shouted at once. The former's next words were quicker. "But Kurt, you can't!"

"I have to, Finn. No one at McKinley can protect me. Not as long as Anderson's got everyone fooled. If I stay, I'll never be safe. And while I'm gone, maybe you can figure out a way out of this without having to watch over me all day. Maybe without me, Anderson can get to a better place..." Finn looked confused at this, but Dave merely nodded silently. "Dad already said we'd find a way to pay for it, though I don't know how he'll..."

"But dude…" Finn's voice dropped to a hoarse whisper, as if he were forcing the words out. "What about the Glee Club?"

Kurt squeezed the arch of his nose with two fingers. "I know, believe me, I know. I don't want to. But I have to."

"But…" Dave nearly stopped right there, not sure he even wanted to argue against this idea. But I have to. Stand strong, Karofsky. This isn't about you; this is about Kurt. "Anderson's already proved he can get to you without being near you. Will going to Dalton really change anything?"

Kurt shook his head. "If he's willing to drive all the way to Westerville to stalk me, then there's nowhere that would be safe anyway. Besides, doesn't Dalton's zero tolerance policy extend to outside threats? Anderson will realize he'll be in huge trouble he might not be able to talk his way out of if he tries anything. That and… I'll at least feel safer. I need to feel safer. It's the only way I can keep myself together." He sniffled, wiping moisture off his face. "I'm so sorry, Dave... I tried to stand strong, I really did... But it's just... just..."

"Hey, stop beating yourself up. The bullies are bad enough without you doing it to yourself. Look, I know you tried, and that's enough. You can't win every battle, or even fight them all. Any of us would destroy ourselves if we tried. You're not weak. You got that?" Dave stared at Kurt seriously. "You're not."

"Thanks..." One last shudder, and Kurt's back straightened. "My dad's going to look into getting me into Dalton once he calms down... Do you think you can help from your end?"

Dave regarded Kurt sadly, finally nodding. "Okay. I'll ask around and find out how to get the ball rolling. Maybe I can talk to my dad about maybe getting some kinda restraining order...?"

"Thank you," Kurt whispered.

Finn still looked like he was in shock. "Dude… You'll be in Westerville most of the week now."

"I know."

"It's not fair! We were just gonna be brothers. Real brothers!"

"I know," Kurt choked.

"I… I'll miss you, Kurt. We all will."

"Oh, God, Finn, you're acting like I'm dying, or going to Mars. It's two hours away. I'll try to come home every weekend. Or you could get your lazy rear up there and visit me."

"Yeah, but… It's not going to be the same."

Dave and Kurt looked at each other. "No," Kurt finally said. "Nothing's going to be the same."

The wedding was beautiful. Kurt had never believed in people looking "radiant," but seeing the bride and groom here, now... They were radiant. They really were.

Kurt wished for the hundredth time that Dave was there. But the Warbler had declined the invitation. "It's too last minute; I don't want to be a burden. Besides, you'll see so much of me soon that you'll be completely sick of me. This is a time for you to be with your family and..." He had paused for a long while before continuing. "You should be spending as much time with your McKinley friends as you can," he'd said quietly.

And he was right. In fact, it provided the only somewhat sour note to the whole event. Every single one of his fellow Glee Club members wanted to dance with him - even the guys... even Puck. Every single one bent over backwards to help with the decorating, get him food, show him a good time. Quinn had even declined to attend. "I... don't want to upset Finn's mom," she'd said with a look on her face that seemed completely foreign to her; Kurt wondered how much of this was her, and how much came from some long, secret conversation with Finn. "I don't want anything to spoil your parents' wedding. We'll catch up later, okay?" In general, the hugs and the words and the tears added a streak of emotion to the gathering that was more appropriate for a wake than a wedding.

Now he was in his new stepbrother's arms, dancing as the last notes of "Just the Way You Are" died from Finn's throat. Kurt's heart swelled with pride, for both the skill of Finn's moves and the fact that he was dancing with a guy in public. He's come so far... He looked up at Finn with an amused look. "'Furt,' huh?"

"Yeah. Pretty clever, eh?" For a brief moment, nothing but music filled their ears. "I feel like such an idiot, Kurt. I said in front of everyone that I'd have your back, but I've already failed..."

"Will you shut up about that? Everyone's treating me like they gave me cancer. I'm transferring schools, Finn, that's all. You haven't failed me. Nobody has. You've all tried your best, and... I'm grateful for that. Seriously. Hey." He looked up at his stepbrother seriously. "You got that?"

"Yeah, I've got that." They danced in silence for another few moments. "We'll still miss you, though."

"Me too," Kurt replied, almost proud of the way he was holding back the tears. "Me too."