Like the last chapter, this is not edited! Read at your own risk!

The only warning is of someone being weak and stupid… haven't we all been there?

. . . . . . .

The day before graduation, Kurt's phone rang as he was figuring out what else he needed to pack for himself. It was a challenge to pack up more of his stuff than Blaine's since he would still be there a couple weeks after Kurt. When Blaine had mentioned the number of Kurt's boxes compared to his own, Kurt had given him a lopsided smile and said it was all clothes. Blaine had grinned, excited at getting a smile from him, and mentioned shopping after they moved.

Kurt picked up his phone and saw it was coming from Blaine's grandparents' house.

"Hello?"

"Hello Kurt Elizabeth, it's your Grandma," her warm voice said.

He'd been nervous about the grandparent issue, but Blaine had assured him there was no anger or negative emotions and that they looked forward to seeing him at graduation.

"Hi Grandma, how are you? It's good to hear your voice," he said. That was no lie. He'd always felt closer to Blaine's grandma. He didn't know if it was a sub thing or that he didn't have a grandma that he was in contact with.

"I'm well. It's good to hear from you, as well. Honey, Grandpa isn't home. Is Blaine Devon?" she asked.

Kurt frowned. "No, he's not. Why?"

"Good," she said, surprising him. "Kurt, sweetie, I had to call you and tell you how sorry I am for what Blaine did to you. I was shocked and horrified to know my grandson was capable of such violence. He called me after he saw you and described your injuries," she said, her voice cracking. "Sweet boy, I am so damn sorry."

Kurt had never heard Grandma swear and to hear the tears in her voice made his own eyes well up.

"You don't have to be sorry," he said quietly.

"I know I don't, but it doesn't change the fact that I am. I wanted to come see you and take care of you, but Grandpa wanted you and Blaine to have time alone to work on things. Are you healing sweetheart?" she asked.

In what way? "I am Grandma. The, um, bruises are still there, but are lighter and much less painful. I can sit for long stretches now and I don't have to sleep on my stomach anymore," he said. He didn't know if she wanted graphic details, but he felt like he didn't need to hold back.

For a moment he didn't hear anything. Then he heard a sniffle and small gasp.

"Grandma, I'm sorry! Please don't cry," Kurt pleaded. There was nothing worse than a truly sad woman. Especially one as sweet as Grandma.

"Oh, Kurt Elizabeth, don't apologize," she said, her voice shaky. "I've cried several times over what happened to you. And for what Blaine Devon did. I was so ashamed of him, I still am. Though I think he really is trying. Did he tell you his grandfather demanded he stop drinking or he was going to cut off his inheritance?"

Kurt was shocked. "No, he didn't mention that. Of course, we haven't been having long conversations. I would think he'd have told me that, though," he mused.

"I would've thought so as well. Grandpa supported Blaine Devon through all this, having read that letter and seeing Blaine when he was at his most angry. But, please know, that when it was just he and I in the dark of our bedroom at night, he was horrified. He felt so bad for you. He is an old-fashioned man, he really does buy into the whole stay-at-home sub idea and even punishment, but he does not believe in abuse. And that is what Blaine Devon did to you. He will probably never tell you this, but he is very sorry and wishes that Blaine hadn't done what he did. That is part of the reason behind the inheritance threat. In fact, he is so sorry that he intends to make it up to you in a way Blaine Devon can't," she said mysteriously. "You're going to freak out, as you call it."

"Grandma, you can't just leave it at that," Kurt giggling at her mischievousness.

"I can and I will," she teased. "However, I will tell you it has doubled."

"Doubled," Kurt repeated.

"That's right! We'll see you tomorrow, Kurt Elizabeth," she said, a smile obvious in her voice.

"Grandma!"

"Ta-ta Kurt Elizabeth," she said and hung up.

Kurt laughed and shook his head. He did love that woman.

. . . . . .

Graduation was boring except for the moment when Kurt walked across the stage and he heard his McKinley friends and his dad screaming and shouting for him. He gave them a big smile before shaking the dean's hand and receiving his diploma. He cheered for his friends and then it was over. Just like that, his high school years were over. He didn't feel nostalgic at all, he was too excited for his move. He knew it would be soon.

Nick and his dad had told him he would have to decide exactly when to leave and that they would make sure things were set to go for a few days. They didn't want to risk Jeff having to be given a Dom order to say when or where Kurt went. Nick told Jeff that Kurt had decided to visit relatives in Cleveland directly after he left because he wouldn't see them again for a while. Jeff had believed him just as he was meant to.

Kurt and Blaine went to meet up with their friends and families who had gathered in one area. Hugs and congratulations were given all around. Kurt was given cards from various people and was told gifts had been dropped off at their dorm by Burt. The two went up to Grandma and Grandpa and greeted them both. Grandma clutched Kurt tightly and whispered "Double" in his ear. He grinned and shook his head at her. Grandpa shook his hand and handed him an envelope before pulling him into a hug.

"For your future," was all he said.

"Thank you," Kurt said.

He didn't get another chance to think about it as he got shuffled along to the next set of open arms.

Burt and Mercedes had planned a graduation party for Kurt and he'd asked Blaine if he could go to that while Blaine got together with his own family. He knew Blaine would agree as he did to most everything since the assault. He did agree and before he knew it, he was in his Navigator, headed to Lima.

Kurt ended up having a wonderful time, the most free he'd felt in months, and he was sad when it was time to head back. His dad gave him a thick envelope when he left, saying it had to do with the 'Great Escape'. Kurt grinned and gave his dad a long, tight hug.

"I don't know if I'll see you again before you leave, bud," Burt said gruffly.

Kurt's stepped back, eyes wide. "But, Dad."

Burt shook his head. "It's better this way. People need to see me here so when the Anderson's ask around, and you know they will, there will be folks to vouch for me."

Tears welled up and overflowed onto Kurt's cheeks. "Daddy," he whispered. The man before him was the one person in the world who loved him without limits, without expectations, without fail. He'd guided him lovingly from childhood to adulthood, from grief to healing, from love to abuse, and finally to freedom.

Burt drew him in for another hug and coughed against his head. "Son, I am so damn proud of you. You have become the strongest, most loving man I could ever have the pleasure to be around. I know that you are going to take this world by storm. You have survived so many things that could tear a normal person to shreds. Yet here you are, stronger than ever and leaving the only place you've ever known. Who else could do that, but you, son?" Burt leaned back and cupped Kurt's chin until their eyes met. "You are my hero."

Kurt gave into his tears and sobbed into his father's warm, comforting chest. Nowhere else felt more like home and love than against this man. "You are my hero, Dad. I couldn't be the person I am without the foundation you gave me and the lessons you taught me. No one pushes the Hummel's around, right?"

Burt kissed his forehead. "That's right. Now go teach that lesson to the New Yorkers, got it?"

Kurt grinned through his tears. "Got it."

After more hugs and tears, Kurt finally got into the Navigator and began the drive home. Curious about the envelope his dad gave him and then remembering the one Grandpa had given him, Kurt pulled off at the Lima Bean and went in to grab a coffee. Returning to his car, he dug out the envelopes. First, he opened the handful that he'd gotten from various friends that he'd stuck in his blazer pocket. Grinning, he found several checks for a hundred dollars here and there, a couple gift certificates for buying college supplies, and one certificate for a massage. Kurt decided he would call for that the next day. It sounded heavenly.

He pulled out the envelope from Grandpa and stared at it for a moment. Grandma said 'double', Grandpa said 'for your future'. His jaw dropped as he remembered what Blaine had said during 'The Talk'. Grandpa had offered to fund his fashion line. Grandpa still thought Kurt was moving to California. Did Grandma mean he'd doubled the amount? Quickly but carefully, he opened the envelope. A note fell out that said "Design something for old men" with Grandpa's signature. And there it was, the check to fund his future. Kurt didn't bother to hold back his scream of shock and yes, glee. Held in his now sweaty palm was a check for $50,000.

"Holy. Fucking. Shit," he breathed. He remembered Blaine saying that with Grandpa's money, they could get an apartment and maybe invest in a boutique. He hadn't bothered thinking about what the amount would be. He'd been too upset over the bribery. "Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. OH MY GOD!" he shrieked. "Fifty thousand dollars!" he screamed, pounding his feet on the floor. Suddenly he realized he was holding a check for fifty thousand dollars. Quickly and carefully, he folded it and put it in his wallet. He would make a stop at the bank on the way back to the dorm. He let his mind roam for a moment on what this money meant. He could fix up his apartment, furnish it, decorate it, pay for his books, hold off on a job – though he thought he'd probably still do that to make it stretch further. He would have no money worries for quite a long time.

Remembering the other envelope, this one from his dad, he opened it. Inside he found a printed page with information regarding a mini-van that was being rented in the name of his dad's co-worker. It wasn't a moving van so he'd be less conspicuous. The door had a code to unlock it, which was included, so the keys could be locked inside. It would be out on the street by the dorm the next day. In the glove box of the van would be a pre-paid cell phone he could use to call him. The number of his dad's pre-paid was already programmed in to it. He said to keep using it even after he gets himself a regular cell phone so it wasn't traced. Finally, it said to leave the spare key for the Navigator under the seat the day he left. By leaving it there, not only would Blaine be thrown off that the Nav was still there, but Burt would be off the hook regarding any suspicion surrounding it. There was another print-out, this one had the Ohio and New York sub laws so he could familiarize himself with them. One last piece of paper was a folded, hand-written letter that was titled 'Dear Kurt'.

Dear Kurt,

Every parent makes mistakes in the lives of their child. Most, like me, tend to beat themselves up over every little thing. I started beating myself up when I teased you about your sensible heels when you were three. My biggest regret to date is insisting that you go with Blaine. Yes, I absolutely thought it was the right thing at the time. And, yes, there were good times and love between you.

The point is that you never needed a Dom. You are Kurt Hummel. You've been a solid individual, completely self-reliant practically since you were born. You've never needed anyone. You would have been just fine on your own, staying here in Lima with your friends and your dad, finding strength among those who love you. I admit to my errors in your life with the greatest regret.

Now, I can assist you in finding a new life where you can be yourself. A wonderful man who owns himself and his life and doesn't need anyone unless he wants to. Go be Kurt Hummel with pride, son. Back straight and head up. Remember, no one pushes the Hummel's around. We've said that since you were a tiny thing and we'll say it until we're old and gray.

If the last thing I can do before you go is offer you financial help, then I consider it a blessing to do so. Find enclosed the check for the Navigator as well as a check made out to Kurt Elizabeth Hummel, the winner of the very first Hummel Tires and Lube Scholarship Fund. It is my honor to give this to you in the hopes that you find the security you so richly deserve.

I will think of you every day and send thoughts of happiness out to the universe in the hopes that it will reach you.

I love you, my son.

Dad

Kurt was sobbing by the end of the letter, so overcome with love for his father that he couldn't breathe. There were no words to describe how much he would miss the man he loved more than any other individual on the planet. He was an amazing man and father and was selfless in his love for Kurt.

After allowing himself time to love and grieve, he wiped his face and stuffed all the papers back in the envelope. He didn't care how much the check was for. The love in that letter was all he needed. He could look at it before he went in the bank.

The drive back to the bank was long and he found himself reminiscing about his childhood and his friends. He would miss them all even though they'd lost touch throughout the year and could only hope he found such good friends in New York. From that train of thought, he went straight into what living in New York would be like. After he settled into his new home, he planned on taking a day to play tourist. To visit everything he could think of from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty to Broadway and everything in between. He also wanted to make the trip from his apartment to Parsons several times to make sure he had an accurate time frame to get to school with time to spare.

Finally, he reached the bank and got out a deposit slip to bring in with him. He shook his head as he listed all the checks from fifty dollars to fifty thousand. He dug out the two checks from his dad, one for thirteen thousand for the Nav and one from Hummel Tires and Lube for … ten thousand dollars. He bit his lip so he didn't burst into tears again. His dad. How could he afford this? He knew better than to call him on it because he would only get a harrumph and be told not to worry about it.

He gawked at the deposit slip as he added up the amount. $73,400. Holy. Shit. He'd never seen a number that high for any bank account let alone his. With that deposit, his college fund, and his meager earnings, he knew he wouldn't be worrying about money any time soon. When he walked back out of the bank, he was the proud and ecstatic owner of a bank account with a balance of $82,664.23. It was a damn good day to be Kurt Hummel.

When he got back to the dorm, he stuck all the paperwork and bankbook in the glove box of the Nav. He'd given it some thought on the drive back and he decided there was no reason to delay things. He would leave tomorrow when he got the text from his dad letting him know the van was there and ready. There needed to be a window of time for Blaine to be gone so he could load his boxes. He would ask Nick if he could help.

Since Blaine was still gone, Kurt quickly finished packing. He'd been moving Blaine's remaining clothes around to mask the fact that his clothes were packed. Now, he finished up, leaving things hidden in closets and memorizing where each of his boxes were for easy loading. Grimacing, he realized how achy he was going to be by the time he finally left. He had some painkillers left so he'd treat himself to one after he got settled into his apartment. He had a blow up mattress already packed so he'd have something to sleep on. Hopefully, he'd be up to doing some shopping after his first night there. Really, though, he didn't care. He'd be in New York in his very own loft apartment. What the hell else could Kurt Hummel ask for?

Kurt did a quick sweep of the drawers and cabinets in the dorm. He even went through Blaine's dresser and his night table. That is when he thought he was going to have a heart attack. There in his drawer was a catalog folded open with circles around different items. Each item was a collar. Submissive collar. A collar Blaine wanted to put on him. The catalog was from a jeweler in Dayton. He wanted to put a collar on Kurt and soon apparently. Nausea rose up in his stomach and he quickly shut the drawer and left the room. Collars were seen as status symbols to some, to others it represented inferiority between Doms and subs. He thought it represented slavery and would have no part of it.

When his search of the dorm was done, he grabbed a backpack and loaded it with snacks and water bottles for the trip. He threw in his painkillers and some ibuprofen. He shrugged and added a pillow that he could sit on if his rear got sore. He took it out to the Navigator, stuck his bank book and the envelope from his dad into the backpack and put it in the back seat.

By the time Blaine was home, he was calmed down and watching a rerun of Grey's Anatomy on TV.

"Did you eat dinner, baby?" Blaine asked after changing into pajamas.

"I ate at Dad's," he responded, leaving his eyes glued to the TV.

"Do you want some pizza if I call it in?" Blaine always looked so hopeful when asking Kurt questions. It really was cute, like a little puppy hungry for snuggles. Unfortunately this puppy had wolfs teeth so he couldn't trust him.

"That sounds good, if you don't mind," Kurt replied.

"I don't mind at all. My family served cucumber sandwiches and the rich version of wieners in a blanket. Blech," Blaine said with a big smile that said more that he was happy that Kurt said yes, then eating wieners.

When Kurt was wrapped up in bed that night, ready to drift off to dreams of New York, he heard Blaine come in. He'd never complained once about sleeping on the couch, so Kurt was leery about why he was coming in now.

"Baby?" he said quietly.

"Yeah?" Kurt hoped he would go away so he could have a peaceful nights rest before his big day.

"I'd like to sleep in here tonight. Are you still sore? I noticed you aren't sleeping on your stomach anymore," Blaine said.

And he wasn't. He really had no good reason for Blaine to stay on the couch other than that he really didn't want him there. Don't make waves on your last night, he told himself.

"I'm okay. You can stay if you want," Kurt answered.

"Thanks, baby. I've missed being in here with you," he said, crawling in on his side. "Can you turn over for a minute so I can talk to you? I know you're tired, it won't take long."

Kurt rolled his eyes. One more night. Just one more night. "Sure," he said and turned over gently.

"Do you think you'll ever be able to forgive me?" Blaine asked softly.

"I'm sure I will," Kurt said honestly. He may forgive him one day but he would never forget or put himself in a position to repeat what happened.

"Good," Blaine said, obviously relieved. "I will never stop trying to make this right. I promised you I would make you happy. I told you how much I'd wanted to find my soul mate, how I'd planned my whole life around being a good Dom. I never thought I would fail so spectacularly. Please tell me that you know I never stopped loving you," he pleaded.

Kurt stared at him in the dark, in shock. "Blaine, you hated me that night," there was no way he was going to keep silent on this.

"Kurt, no! I never stopped loving you," he insisted.

"You called me a faithless whore, a bitch," Kurt stated, watching Blaine cringe with each word. "A worthless sub. You wanted to beat that prick out of me. You said maybe if you beat me hard enough I would be more respectful and obedient. That doesn't sound like love."

Blaine's chest shuddered as he breathed. "Jesus Christ," he whispered and then gave into his tears. Harsh sobs ripped out of him.

Kurt felt for him, but he couldn't bring himself to offer comfort.

Blaine leaned into him until his head was on Kurt's chest. Kurt wanted to push him away, but figured he could offer this last bit of comfort. Well, he wouldn't move away anyways.

After several minutes, his sobs turned to whimpers and finally to soft gasps before going silent. Kurt thought he'd fallen asleep and was about to turn over.

"Kurt? I know I have no right to ask anything of you, but can… can I kiss you? I miss you so much and I have been longing for just a tiny shred of affection," he asked quietly.

Kurt swallowed. Did he have it in him? Did he want to? Part of him did miss the physical intimacy, he'd even masturbated in the shower a few times. Fuck.

"Alright," he whispered.

Blaine whimpered as he raised his head. He ran his hand along Kurt's cheek until his thumb rubbed across his bottom lip. "I love you so much," he murmured.

The feel of Blaine's lips on his was familiar yet alien. It felt like home but it also felt like kissing a stranger. It was confusing. His lips were warm as they slotted together and moved softly against his. Kurt's mind began to spin. It felt good and that wasn't right. Blaine gently swiped Kurt's upper lip with his tongue and Kurt was helpless to not respond. He opened to Blaine's tongue, allowing him in to familiarize itself once again with Kurt's mouth. Kurt was shocked and shamed by the jolt of lust that speared through him when their tongues touched. He mewled helplessly as he responded, massaging Blaine's tongue with his own. He knew he was being weak and pathetic. It had just been so long and he really had been accustomed to intimacy and physical affection. His body was responding and he was too weak to fight it.

At Kurt's small sound, Blaine became bolder and leaned over Kurt until he was on his back with Blaine over him. Blaine hummed into his mouth, thrusting his tongue over and over, tasting the roof of his mouth and the soft insides of his cheeks.

Blaine left his mouth and kissed down to his neck which Kurt offered. It was his weak spot and he couldn't help his reaction. His mind continued to scream at him. Remember what he did to you? Weak! Weak! Weak! Maybe for one night it would be okay if he was weak. Blaine moved down to his collar bone and traced the bone with his tongue pulling a needy sound from Kurt's throat.

"Let me be with you," Blaine whispered hotly in Kurt's ear.

"I can't," Kurt said. "I'm sorry, I want to, but I'm not ready for that."

"Hey, shh, it's okay. There is no pressure. Can I get you off?" Blaine's voice was warm and smooth and Kurt hated him for it.

He hated his cock for hardening in his pajama pants at the thought of a hot, wet mouth on it. Kurt groaned in frustration, unknowingly rolling his hips up until his bruises protested.

"Fuck, Kurt, you are so hard. Let me take care of you," he said.

Kurt sighed and cursed himself as he gave in. "Okay."

Blaine quickly went to work, pulling Kurt's hard cock through the hole in the front of his pants, somehow knowing Kurt was still too sore to lift his hips too much in this position. "Damn, I love your cock," Blaine breathed before he plunged his mouth down Kurt's cock to his trimmed pubic hair.

Kurt gasped as he was swallowed whole. Damn, Blaine always gave good blow jobs. Pushing the shame aside, he mewled with need. Blaine moaned around him as his head bobbed, dragging another wanton sound out of Kurt. Over and over Blaine plunged down around his cock, sucking and nibbling, laving it with his tongue. Sensing he was close, Blaine hollowed his cheeks and ran through music scales in the back of his throat as he sucked. Kurt felt fire rip through him and groaned loudly as he came deep in Blaine's throat. Blaine growled as he swallowed down all Kurt had to give before licking him clean. He even tucked Kurt back in before laying back over on his side of the bed.

"You're incredible," Blaine rasped with a pleased sigh.

Kurt felt tears streak down the sides of his face. "Thanks," he whispered. "Sorry I… you…"

"Don't say sorry. I came when you came in my mouth. It was fantastic," he sighed happily.

No, no, no, this wasn't supposed to happen, Kurt thought. He'd heard people talk about a last fuck with exes but he didn't know why people would do it if they felt like this after. He felt shame and disgust with himself. He even felt guilty for using Blaine.

"I'm sleepy," he murmured, hoping Blaine would think he was on the verge of sleeping.

"Sleep well, baby," Blaine said and slid out of bed to go clean up.

Kurt swiftly turned over and cried as quietly as he could until he fell into a fitful sleep.

. . . . . . .

The next day as Blaine was in the shower, Kurt finished saving all of his information and files onto thumb drives. He then wiped his computer back to factory settings. He thanked Mike from glee club for teaching him some computer tricks before he decided to hate him for defending Tina's freedom.

When Blaine got out and was making his breakfast, Kurt got a text from his dad saying 'The GE is a go. Blue behind white. N knows 2'. Kurt's stomach leapt as he deleted his text and call histories. The van was here, behind a white vehicle, and Nick knew as well. Oh shit, this was really happening.

A knock sounded at the door and Blaine opened it to reveal Jeff.

"Hey there. I was wondering if I could take Kurt out for coffee since I didn't get to talk to him much yesterday," Jeff said. He never would have asked Blaine's permission before and he wondered why he would start now.

Blaine glanced at Kurt who put on a hopeful face and smiled. "Sure. It's actually good planning. I have an errand to run in Dayton today. A little pre-move shopping," he said, winking at Kurt. "I would like you to be home later though."

All morning Blaine had been downright peppy, the exact opposite of Kurt. Luckily, he'd slept deeply even though it'd taken hours before he'd fallen asleep. But he wasn't cheery like Blaine. He remembered the post-sex goofiness. He felt sick, not goofy. But he told himself he wouldn't think about it. Today was too exciting, too important. He could save the self-recriminations for another time.

He knew what Blaine was shopping for in Dayton. A collar. It just cemented the fact that he'd chosen the right day to move.

"Okay. Great, let me get ready, Jeff," Kurt said. He took his time and finally got his shoes on once Jeff gave him the all clear that Blaine was gone. "Coffee sounds heavenly."

"Coffee is always heavenly," Jeff said giving a little bounce.

Kurt chuckled and followed him out to Jeff's car. Nick was out there, just getting out of the car. He was carrying a grocery bag.

"Kurt, how are you?" Nick asked, his brows raised.

Kurt gave a miniscule nod when Jeff's back was turned. Nick returned it quickly before kissing Jeff.

"I'm good. Ready to get some coffee," Kurt said with a grin.

"Have fun then. Be careful Jeff!" Nick said.

They drove to their favorite coffee stand and went through the drive-thru. They chatted about graduation and their families. Kurt wanted to tell Jeff about all the money he'd received, but didn't know what was safe to share.

"Hey, Kurt?" Jeff said once they'd gone quiet.

"Yeah?" Kurt answered, smiling at him.

"You know you're my best friend right? And that I love you?" Jeff said, his eyes shiny.

"I do know that, just as you are mine. I love you very much. You and Nick. Always," Kurt said sincerely, a couple tears escaping.

"Maybe someday…" Jeff began.

Kurt nodded. "Yeah. Maybe."

They drove back, singing loudly to the radio. By the time they got there, they were laughing at each other and singing goofily. They went back into the building and stopped at Jeff's door.

"Thanks for the coffee, friend," Kurt said as casually as he could. Giving his friend a light hug, he breathed in deeply, committing his familiar warm scent to memory.

"No problem. Maybe we can do dinner tonight?" Jeff asked.

"Sounds good to me," Kurt said, forcing his eyes and face to lie.

"Yay!" Jeff said and skipped into his apartment.

Kurt walked into his dorm and looked around in shock. His boxes were gone. He knew because he'd memorized their location for quick loading. Blaine's had been scattered around to take their places. Confused, Kurt walked around only to see Nick walk out of the bathroom.

"You're all set to go. Make sure you leave your phone, laptop, and keys here. Burt said to remind you to leave your Navigator key inside it," Nick said as Kurt nodded along with him, his eyes watering. "Hey, none of that, you have a lot of driving to do."

Kurt bit his lip, nodding, and rubbed his eyes. "Thank you, Nick. For everything," he said, swallowing hard around the lump in his throat. "Um, tell my dad when you think it's safe for me to contact you guys. You'll know before Dad when he's done looking."

"Will do," he said.

They stood there for a moment then moved forward, hugging each other hard.

"Take care of Jeff for me," Kurt said with a watery laugh. "Make sure he drinks lots of coffee."

"Take care of you," Nick said pointedly.

"Don't let him go after my dad if you can," Kurt whispered, looking at him seriously.

"I'll do my best," Nick said, knowing they were now talking about Blaine. "You better get a move on. Don't want to risk any visitors or an early return."

"Yeah. Good idea," he said, backing up. "Thanks again, Nick. You guys have made it possible for me to have a life."

"You're welcome. Be happy, Kurt," Nick said and walked out, shutting the door quietly.

Kurt took a deep breath. Right. Time to go. He quickly shut off his laptop and phone, hiding them in the back of the closet. He took one last bathroom break and a quick look around. He grabbed his coffee, stuck his dorm key under the welcome mat, locked the door and walked away.

He stopped by the Navigator, grabbed his backpack and dropped off the key before quickly going to the blue rental van. Quickly entering the code he'd memorized, he got in, got the key from the visor and drove away. He never looked back.

As he drove through town, Kurt felt a sharp pain in his arm, like a deep scratch. When he pulled up to a stop light, he pulled his sleeve up and looked where the pain came from. Looking at his sub mark, he gasped. His padlock looked cracked, the smooth lines jagged. He had no idea how it'd happened, but he had a pretty good idea why. As sad as it was, it just helped signify that part of his life was over.

As he got on the freeway, he turned the radio on and smiled at the Linkin Park song before singing along.

One thing, I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
To remind myself how
I tried so hard
In spite of the way you were mocking me
Acting like I was part of your property
Remembering all the times you fought with me
I'm surprised it got so (far)
Things aren't the way they were before
You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
Not that you knew me back then
But it all comes back to me
In the end

You kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of a time when...

I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter

I've put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
For all this
There's only one thing you should know
I've put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
For all this
There's only one thing you should know

I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter