Author Note: This is the longest chapter so far. I hope you like. Thanks again for sticking with it, as I keep saying it's a work in progress so I hope it's going in the right direction.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chaper, all comments are much appreciated.

I'm toying with the idea of making sectionals into a separate story and wrapping this one up with the whole Karofsky incident, I'm in two minds at the moment though, I could just as easily keep going and put it all in this one. Anyway, not sure yet but either way they will get to Sectionals (eventually!).

I've also started on a prequel which will cover how all of the Dalton guys met and also how they got together (Niff/Klaine). This is still very early stages though.

As always, I don't own anything except the plot.

Thanks for reading, reviews welcome x

Kurt snuggled into his soft comforter, his face pressed into his pillow as he gingerly stretched his aching body, a low groan leaving his lips as he rolled onto his sore stomach, rolling back onto his side and stretching out his hands across the bed he cracked open an eye when his hand made contact with the body next to him. A messy blonde head occupied the pillow next to him; pushing himself up onto his elbow Kurt looked over at his sleeping friend, long limbs hanging off the side of the bed, hair in complete disarray on the pillow and a purpling bruise flowering across his cheek bone.

Kurt grimaced at the sight of his friends face; Nick was definitely not going to be pleased. Slipping quietly out of bed and stepping over a snoring Finn who had somehow managed to take over his entire floor space Kurt quietly opened his door before stepping through and softly pulling it closed behind him.

"Dad... Dad are you up?" Kurt called as he made his way down the stairs, his hand running through the disaster that was his hair as the other pulled at the neck of the large shirt he had slept in as it fell from his shoulder, "Dad..." leaning against the kitchen door he shouldered it open and turned into the room halting abruptly as several pairs of eyes flashed up to meet his own startled gaze.

"Hey Kurt, nice hair" David grinned from his place at the counter as he shovelled eggs into his mouth.

"Uhhhhh"

"Eloquent response Hummel"

Kurt stood rooted to the spot as his eyes sought the only ones he needed to see, "B..Blaine" he started as his boyfriend moved slowly across the room coming to a stop mere inches from him, amber eyes glowing with untold emotions. Slowly he raised his hand to cup Kurt's face, his thumb running gently across the harsh bruise which was marking his boyfriends otherwise perfect face, "are you okay baby?" he breathed.

"Oh god, I'm so glad you're here" Kurt gasped throwing himself into his boyfriends arms and hugging him tightly as Blaine returned the embrace with an almost painful hold, his face buried in the crook of Kurt's neck as they both tried to convey what they were feeling without words.

"Ah Kurt" Nick asked quietly from beside Blaine, "where's Jeff?"

Kurt opened his eyes sharply and looked into Nick's anxious gaze, pulling back from Blaine's embrace Kurt backed toward the door, his hand reaching out behind him to push it open, "he's still asleep I'll go get him" he said quickly and with a glance toward a desperate looking Blaine he disappeared from view.

"Mrs Hummel this is amazing" David said breaking the silence which had enveloped the room since Kurt's exit, Blaine was still staring at the kitchen door where Kurt had disappeared through Nick standing slightly behind him but in the same stance.

Carole laughed softly as she placed another plate of toast in front of David who continued to grin widely, "you're welcome honey are you sure you've had enough? she asked with small tug at the corner of her lips.

"Yes thank you" David replied through a mouthful of food letting out a satisfied groan, "this is awesome."

Blaine startled when a hand rested on his shoulder, "come on why don't you sit back down, he'll be back soon enough" Wes encouraged as he turned his friend and directed him toward the counter feeling his friends resistance but insisting on the action, "you too Nick, come and eat something."

"I don't think I can"

Wes regarded his friend before responding, "Okay but once you know he's okay..."

Nick smiled slightly and nodded imperceptibly. "Good."

"So you boys must of left early" Burt questioned in an attempt to distract the two from their concerned glances toward the door.

"Yes well, I'm afraid that after you called Blaine and Nick weren't good for much so we were all up pretty early" Wes replied with a gesture toward his friends who clearly weren't listening to their conversation.

"Oh right, sorry about that"

"No problem Mr Hummel"

"Burt kid"

"Okay, Burt" Wes smiled, "anyway we were ready to come over ridiculously early but David and I managed to keep them at Dalton as long as possible, we didn't think it would be wise to get here before the sun rose."

Burt nodded and turned his attention to Nick who was chewing his thumb nail as he continued to stare toward the kitchen door, "hey kid, why don't you go up and see him?"

Nick's eyes flashed up to meet Burt's in surprise, "Really? You wouldn't mind?"

"Kid if I minded I wouldn't have offered. You too Blaine, why don't you go up and see what's keeping them, if you wait for them to get showered and dressed David here will be eating lunch..." he said in David's direction who didn't look in the slightest bit embarrassed.

"Thanks Burt" Blaine said with sincerity as he grabbed Nick by the hand and led him across the room and out of the door.

Kurt stumbled through his bedroom door tripping over Finn in the process; he had taken the stairs two at a time and was slightly breathless, that combined with the fact that he had just been unexpectedly confronted by his boyfriend and best friends had made him slightly distracted.

"Jesus Finn why the hell are you so big" he snarked as he braced himself on the wall to stop himself falling completely over.

"Dude why so loud" Finn moaned as he disappeared under his comforter pulling it over his face, "Finn you have to leave" Kurt said quickly as he prodded his brother with his foot, "Finn come on get up, go back to your own room."

"Oh man" Finn complained as Kurt persisted in nudging him, "what the hell is wrong with you? Leave me alone."

"Finn, Blaine is here" Kurt hissed, "Blaine is here with Nick and David and Wes..."

"Nick's here?" Jeff asked confusedly from the bed as he pushed himself up quickly from where he had been sleeping moments before, hair sticking out in disarray, sleepy red eyes attempting to focus.

"Yes Nick's here, they're all here, Blaine, Wes, David..." he directed at his stunned friend his arms waving around a little hysterically, "Finn c'mon you've gotta go, we've gotta get dressed, come on out" and to back up the statement he stripped Finn of his comforter, opened the door and threw it into the hallway.

"KURT"

"FINN"

"Fine I'm going" Finn grumbled as he heaved himself to his feet and grabbed his pillows from the floor before stomping out and slamming the door behind him; head down and grumbling he didn't see the two figures standing in the corridor until he practically tumbled into them.

"Oh hey man" Finn said as he looked down into Blaine's face, "hey Finn"

"and... Nick right? Blondie's fella?"

"Yeah, blondie's fella" Nick replied with a smile.

"So you guys here to check up on them I guess?" Finn asked looking over his shoulder toward the bedroom door he had just closed, Blaine following his eyes to the door and looking back nodding in agreement.

"Well you should be real proud of them" Finn stated with a nod, "Kurt was great and Jeff's got a real mean tackle" smiling slightly as he lost himself in the memory of the previous night, "I mean the dude took down Dave that takes some guts" he directed toward Nick who was stood somewhat awkwardly looking longingly toward the door.

"Are they alright Finn?" Blaine asked shakily, "yeah man, totally, I mean they've got matching shiners but apart from that I think they're actually pretty pleased with themselves. Kurt stood up to Karofsky and blondie..."

"Jeff" Nick cut across.

"Yeah, sorry dude, Jeff got to play hero, Burt was pretty pissed though so you probably won't see much of Kurt on a weekend for a while and he totally took our phones but all in all they did great"

Blaine couldn't help but smile in response to Finn's simple explanation and obvious respect for his brother although he inwardly winced at the thought of fewer weekends with his boyfriend, "thanks Finn and thank Puck for me too would you, Burt said what he did last night, you don't know how much I appreciate it"

Clapping a hand on Blaine's shoulder Finn smiled reassuringly "like I said man, no problem."

Finn stepped toward his room before frowning in thought and turning back to Blaine "You know he wanted to call you. Last night before we left but Puck and I kinda convinced him it wasn't a good idea and then when we got back Burt took the phones so..."

Blaine stared at Finn in disbelief before taking a step toward him and asking in a flat tone, "you did what?"

"Um me and Puck we kind've convinced him that it wasn't a good idea to worry you. I mean there's nothing you could've done, you were too far away"

Finn took a step back at the sight of the fire burning behind Blaine's usually soft eyes, "Why would you do that Finn, why the hell would you stop him from calling me, he could've been hurt, I...we..." gesturing to Nick who wore the same angry look as his friend, "would've come straight here, where the hell do you get off deciding that we weren't involved in this?"

"Look I'm sorry okay but Kurt was already wound tight and we thought..."

"You thought...perhaps that's what the problem is Finn, perhaps you shouldn't think."

"ENOUGH" Kurt shouted from the doorway, "Finn why don't you go get showered or something" he directed at his brother with a smile before turning his gaze on his frustrated boyfriend, "Blaine" he said softly swiftly obtaining his attention, "why don't you and Nick come into my room so we can talk about his huh?" holding out his hand in expectation.

Blaine looked between Finn and Kurt's outstretched hand before grabbing it firmly and following him into the room, an overwrought Nick following close behind.

As soon as the door had closed behind a disgruntled Finn Kurt had turned his attention to Jeff who was still sitting awkwardly on the bed, "Jeff c'mon we've gotta get going" Kurt said slightly panicked, "Nick and Blaine are downstairs and they're gonna wanna talk to us about last night"

"Are they pissed?" Jeff asked anxiously as he pushed himself off the bed and grabbed his clothes off the floor before heading over to the bathroom, "I don't think so, just worried" Kurt mused.

"Wow, I really thought Nick would be pissed" Jeff thought out loud as he closed the bathroom door. Kurt flew around the room straightening the comforter before flinging open his closet door to rummage through for something to wear. He was looking longingly at his tight black jeans which he realised he wouldn't be able to wear due to his sore stomach when he heard raised voices outside the door, crossing the room and pressing his ear to the wood he listened as Finn and Blaine exchanged heated words, with a sigh he flung his door open and with a shout of "ENOUGH" effectively cut off the fighting with satisfying effectiveness.

The sound of running water rumbled in the background of the otherwise silent room. Blaine sat with Kurt on the edge of the bed, his boyfriends pale hand held tightly in his as he stared softly into his eyes. Nick was pacing restlessly back and forth in front of them, eyes shooting to the bathroom door every few moments in the hope that Jeff would appear. "Nick why don't you sit down?" Kurt asked softly, his eyes tracing his friend's movements before turning his attention back to Blaine.

"I'm good thanks" Nick replied although he momentarily managed to stop his pacing and pick up one of Kurt's old teddies from his bookshelf which he proceeded to study and tug at nervously before returning it to its original position and resume his pacing. Three pairs of eyes shot to the bathroom door at the sound of the water switching off but as the door opened only one pair remained fixed on the spot.

"Hey baby" Jeff said softly with a tentative smile as he exited the room running his hands through his damp hair as he made his way toward his transfixed boyfriend.

"Jeff what the hell were you thinking" Nick hissed at the sight of his purpling eye his hand reaching up to gingerly touch the bruise as Jeff tried to quickly placate him, "hey it's not as bad as it looks babe, I promise" he whispered as he gathered Nick into his arms, Nick releasing a long breath as he returned the embrace.

"I was so scared Jeff" he mumbled into his shoulder, "I know baby me too."

Pulling back to look at him properly Nick couldn't help but harden his eyes and frown, "you should have called me Jeff" he said warningly, "you should have called us" turning to gesture at Blaine who was now looking accusingly at Kurt.

"I know" Jeff agreed, "but it happened so fast and honestly baby you wouldn't have been able to get here in time so we decided not to worry you..."

"Don't you think we're worried now" Blaine asked looking between them, "that we haven't been worried all damn night? That we haven't driven Wes and David mad dealing with us?"

"How did you find out anyway?" Kurt asked.

Blaine looked at him, "your dad called"

"Dad?"

"Yeah your dad, he called last night and told me what'd happened and asked if Nick and I would come over this morning to see you."

Kurt smiled softly at his dad's actions; especially after the ranting he had done the previous night he had still found it in himself to call their guys to make them feel better. God he loved his father.

Grabbing Blaine's hands in his own he looked deep into his eyes "I'm sorry we didn't call Blaine"

Taking a deep breath he answered, "You know what? All that matters is that you're okay, so are you? Tell me honestly"

"I promise, I'm okay Blaine, honestly I really think this might be the end of it now" he beamed, "and the guys were great, Puck was amazing and Jeff was incredible"

"Ah why thank you" Jeff bowed causing Nick to at least smile and shove his shoulder.

"and Finn was great too" Blaine's expression blackened at the mention of Finn's name, he still hadn't forgiven him for suggesting that Kurt not call him the previous night, "honestly you need to lighten up on him Blaine it isn't his fault I didn't call" Kurt said sternly, "he really stepped up and he found my locket once Da...Ah Karofsky left, so please promise me you won't hold this against him, he's my brother and he was great" conviction running in Kurt's tone as his gaze bored into Blaines.

"Okay" Blaine sighed leaning his head onto Kurt's shoulder, pretty much unable to deny Kurt anything he asked for.

A tentative knock on the door caused them all look expectantly at it as it slowly opened, an apprehensive Finn sticking his head around and looking for Kurt before speaking, "Ahhh Burt says you better get downstairs before David eats him out of house and home" Finn said with a nervous laugh.

"Morning Finn" Jeff called with a wave from his position next to Nick who was holding onto him protectively.

"Hey Jeff" Finn smiled, "you feeling okay this morning?"

"Absolutely" Jeff grinned whilst rubbing a soothing pattern on Nicks tense back, "we'll be down in a bit okay."

"Sure dude."

Burt wondered just how it was possible that there was any food left in his house, the Dalton boys had remained all day, spread out over his living room occupying every chair and almost every inch of floor space. Added to that Puck had turned up again early in the afternoon and he and Finn had joined the others as they lounged around not doing much but chatting, eating and playing those damned video games.

In fact he gave up completely when Kurt entered the kitchen for the forth time, Blaine in tow as he wouldn't leave his side, looking for more snacks and had handed over his credit card with an order to "just go and order pizza" in an effort to curb the hunger of eight large boys.

Sitting at the kitchen counter with a mug of coffee he watched as Carole padded about the room tidying the dishes from their meal which they had eaten together in the relative calm of the kitchen.

Burt eyed her warmly, "they're good kids you know Carole", a soft smile returned in his direction, "You know last year I would never have believed this would be possible" Burt's eyes focused on the mug in front of him, his gaze downcast like that of his son when he became self conscious.

"Oh I know honey" Carole smiled as she gently took Burt's hand across the counter, "but they're alright now, both of them, they have each other and they have their friends..."

"Hummpph Puck"

"Hey now" Carole admonished with a gentle smile, "You know you like Puck"

"Likes a strong word" Burt mused and Carole's eyes twinkled, "kids a handful sometimes"

"Yes and you love him for it" Carole smiled, "yeah well maybe" he admitted roughly, "he's a good kid but him and Finn together aren't bright enough to power a light bulb..." earning him a good natured smack on the shoulder from his wife.

Carole walked across the kitchen and pushed the door open slightly so she could peep at the boys, Kurt and Blaine occupied the main couch where they had been for most of the day, Kurt pushed into the corner with his arm around Blaine's shoulder as he leant against his side, both were engaged in conversation with Wes and David who were perched on the coffee table in front of them, Wes gesticulating animatedly with his hands to reinforce whatever point his was arguing whilst David chipped in every now and again whilst keeping one eye on the game being played across the room.

Jeff was sat in Burt's armchair with Nick leaning against it between his knees, Nick was currently teamed with Puck and Finn in a Halo battle which had raged for over an hour, concentration etched on his face at the intense focus he was using. Jeff was paying little attention to the game or to anyone else in the room, content to thread his fingers softly through his boyfriend's hair and occupy himself by staring at his boyfriend, smiling every so often when he would graze his ear with his thumb and Nick's head would lean purposely into the motion despite his submersion in the game.

Finn and Puck sat to Nick's side surrounded by empty soda cans and pizza boxes, they had moved little since joining the group, happy for Kurt to keep a steady supply of snacks coming whilst they played. Finn had barely managed to get himself dressed and Kurt was pretty certain that he hadn't bothered to shower since the previous night but hadn't been able to find a spare moment to chastise him for it, so he filed it in his memory banks to use as ammunition the next time Finn pissed him off.

Closing the door quietly Carole took the seat next to Burt and placed her hand in his swiftly capturing his attention, "You know they'll have to leave soon honey"

"Yeah I know" Burt sighed sadly, "I just don't want him to go Carole, he's my kid you know?"

"Oh I know sweetheart but he'll be fine Blaine will look after him and he has the rest of his friends..."

Burt was silent for a moment before releasing another sigh and patting Carole firmly on the knee "I know" he smiled gently, "I just miss him."

"He'll be home next weekend" Carole replied with a wry smile, "in fact he'll be home every weekend for the foreseeable future"

"Too right" Burt shrugged before leaning across to softly kiss his wife before standing and heading toward the door.

"Jeff are you nearly ready?" Nick called up the Hummel's staircase in an attempt to jivvy along his boyfriend who had disappeared ten minutes ago to get his bag and was yet to reappear, "JEFF. Everyone's waiting to go."

Straightening himself in Kurt's mirror Jeff heard Nick yelling for him and smiled, Nick really was something else, he had accepted Jeff's act of heroic idiocy with very little ruckus and was seemingly taking it in his stride, despite the initial awkward reunion things had fallen back to normal quickly. Jeff wasn't quite sure he would have taken it so well if the situation was reversed. The bruise flowering around his eye socket caught his attention in the reflection and he couldn't deny the pain that had lanced through him when he's rolled onto that side of his face in the night but all in all he was proud of himself.

"JEFF DON'T MAKE ME COME UP THERE..."

"Or what honey" Jeff called back amusement clear in his tone.

"DON'T TEMPT ME STERLING"

Grabbing his bag and descending the stairs two at a time with a chorus of "promises, promises" Jeff bounced to Nick's side and sent him a mega watt smile before pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.

"Come on nuisance" Nick grinned grabbing Jeff's bag from him and tugging him toward the front door where Kurt was stood with Blaine and his parents, Wes and David already on their way back to Dalton.

"Goodbye Mr Hummel, Mrs Hummel" Nick said politely, his hand risen expectantly for Burt to shake.

"You kids and your manners" Burt huffed as he grabbed Nick's outstretched hand in a firm handshake whilst patting him surely on the other arm, "bye kid," before pulling Jeff into a full on hug patting his back soundly before releasing him, "bye kid, thanks for all your help with everything..."

"Oh no worries Mr H" Jeff grinned and winced slightly as his the motion made his bruise twinge, a reaction which didn't go unnoticed by his ever present boyfriend, his eyes narrowing in concern.

"Hey Kurt give us the keys would you, I'll start the car" Nick called in Kurt's direction where he was stood with Carole and Blaine.

Kurt eyed him shrewdly before digging his keys out and tossing them in Nick's direction only to have them caught by a far too excited Jeff who practically bounced out the door with a loud "whoop."

"Hell no" Kurt yelled after him, "Jeff I swear if you hurt my car I will shave your head while you sleep..."

"Don't worry Kurt, I got him" Nick grinned as he hurried out after his boyfriend Blaine laughing loudly from behind causing Kurt to spin and mock glare him, "Hey either way this is funny right" Blaine said with a smirk.

Burt considered his son for several moments before digging into his jacket pocket and pulling out two phones, "here kid" he rumbled causing Kurt to spin around, "Dad?"

"Did you really think I was gonna let you drive all that way to Dalton and back again next weekend without a phone?" Burt asked.

Kurt studied his father before throwing his arms around his shoulders and hugging him firmly, "Thanks Dad" he mumbled into his shoulder as a firm hand pressed into his back, "No problem kid, now you be good do you hear and I'll see you next week" pulling Kurt back to look into his eyes Burt added "let me know when you get back okay."

"Sure Dad" Kurt smiled in return, turning to grab Blaine's hand, "Goodbye Burt, Carole" Blaine nodded as he was dragged past by Kurt, "thank you for having all of us over"

"No problem honey" Carole smiled and Burt nodded in response as he watched them walk down the drive, Kurt pausing by the driver's door in order to pull a protesting Jeff from the front seat, an indignant look plastered on his face which changed to a broad smile when Kurt handed him his phone.

"Thanks Mr H" Jeff beamed and waved as he jumped into the back of the car earning himself a smile from Burt who waved back much to Carole's amusement.

"Bye boys" she called waving frantically as the car slowly disappeared off the drive and headed out of sight.

Okay so it's back to Dalton. A flashback to Kurt telling Finn/Jeff about Karofsky will be in the next chapter. See you next time x