A/N: Well, here it is. The Graduation chapter. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't the last chapter, or the second last chapter. After this, there will be a couple more, one about what happened with Sebastian and the other attackers, one with the confrontation with Kurt and Burt at the Finchel Wedding, and the epilouge which will lead into the sequal, which will be explained more later. I hope you guys like this chapter, and look forward to hearing people's thoughts for the sequal, which will be posted as soon as this story is finished. Thank you for all your favourites, alerts and reviews, and special thanks to klaineshipper4life99, mylisa777, houseofmightfan1, njferell and purplehonor or your reviews, and I hope you guys like this chapter, and the ones to come before the sequal. Thanks. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
Chapter Eighteen: The One with the Graduation
From the outside, Dalton looks like some prestigious school, whose building belongs in Britain, rather than Westerville, Ohio. You'd never know that inside those walls, hundreds of young men, are studying to get an education, so they can graduate from highschool, and move on in the world... You wouldn't know, that the Warblers, who are the 2011 National Show Choir Champions, usually so calm, and well mannered, are currently in the midst of one of the craziest parties Sanchez house has ever seen. Blaine and Kurt had been watching from the sidelines, curled up together on one of the large couches, watching their friends drinking, and going mad. Wes has, for some reason, lost his shirt and blazer, and is walking around in singlet and tie with his pants on... David and Nick are playing COD, and the other Warblers, including the twins, are coming up with conspiracy theories, as to how they all arrived here, and who was in charge of the world... Kurt had to laugh at them, because when they're drunk, it's hilarious. He and Blaine were the ones who chose to stay sober, because Graduation is tomorrow, and Kurt still has to write his Valedictorian speech, and call his father to make sure he's going to show up. Blaine doesn't want Burt there, but he knows that it's important to his boyfriend, so he let it go. Finn promised he would attend, so did the Troubletones, as McKinley's graduation was after Dalton's. Rachel had tried to call Kurt and make amends, but that had ended in Kurt throwing his phone against the wall in one of his violent outbursts, which Dr. Paul said was normal after something like that. Blaine hadn't known what to do when Kurt's phone smashed against the wall and shattered... Kurt seemed to think it was the funniest thing in the world, bursting out in a laughing fit, before walking off, and locking himself in their dorm room...
Santana had promised Kurt that she and the Troubletones would make an appearance, and Puck had promised Wes, (much to the disappointment of Kurt and Blaine) that he would bring alcohol. The knowledge that his friends would be there made Kurt smile a little, knowing that not only does he have friends and support in the Warblers, but also from McKinley, and he takes satisfaction in pissing off Rachel, who he heard from Santana was complaining about the Warblers winning, and their song choices, and the solo that Kurt had not matching his vocal range... Santana had wanted to punch the girl, but changed her mind last minute when Finn told her that he would support Kurt in everything he does, even when he and Rachel aren't friends. So with the Troubletones, Warblers and a couple of family friends, the party was in full swing, with Blaine and Kurt just watching their friends, amusement on their faces as they picked out the material they could best use as blackmail material...
'Are you looking forward to tomorrow babe?' Blaine asked, as Wes made his way towards them, talking loudly about the song they'd sing for their final performance
'Yes and no. I want my dad to come,' Kurt said, taking Blaine's calloused hand, and kissing it
'You invited all of them Kurt, if he shows up great, if he doesn't... well that's just another part of your life you'll be able to forget...'
'I love you...' Kurt replied, and that's all that was needed as the two moved in to kiss each other...
The hall was filled with people. Blaine's aunt and uncle were in the front row, Finn, Santana, Brittany, Sam, Puck, Rory, Quinn and the rest of the Troubletones in a line beside Blaine's relatives. Burt was nowhere to be seen, but Kurt did lay eyes on Carole briefly, before heading backstage to prepare. Wes was pacing up and down the green room, going over the Warblers final number in his head, turning to David every few minutes to check something... it would be the final song they would ever perform as official Dalton Academy Warblers, and Wes wanted to make sure it was perfect... Blaine was alot calmer, talking with Nick and Jeff about his and Kurt's move to New York. They're driving up with their stuff tonight, with Cora and Frank following tomorrow, bringing the rest of their stuff. Kurt took a moment to stand in the middle of the Warbler common room, looking around at all his friends, eyes filling with tears, both of sadness to leave behind a part of his life that meant so much to him, but also joy, because he's about to spend the rest of his life with Blaine... he doesn't have to be in this town, with the homophobic jocks, and people who want to bash him, and hurt him... to him, graduation is the closing of one door, and the opening of so many others... he's at NYU, the school of his dreams with Blaine, they had their apartment, their friends are going to be near them, Kurt has everything... sooner or later, they're going to have to deal with all the stresses that come with being freshmen in college, and living together. The living together party they've done, they know what kind of things to do to prevent fights, and how to deal with the fights when they have them... Kurt's therapist Dr. Paul has been transferred to the New York office as a promotion, so Kurt doesn't have to worry about learning to trust someone new... Wes is the first one who sees Kurt, standing there, tears in his blue-green eyes, small, content smile on his porcelain face. He knows the boy has been through the wringer... climbed over mountains, through dark tunnels, knocked down over and over again, but here he is, valedictorian, graduating with honours, with the perfect boyfriend, friends, and a life awaiting him... it's the perfect ending to an otherwise tragic story... Yet, it's also inspiring, and the speech that Wes has to give, before passing the gavel over to the new head Warbler is going to honour Kurt, and all the contributions he brought to Dalton and the Warblers... the countertenor doesn't know it yet, but that's what is going to happen...
'Hey Kurt, are you alright?' Wes asked, calling his friend over
'Yeah Wes, I'm fine thanks,' Kurt replied, smiling
'You know that no matter where you end up Kurt, we're always going to be here for you... rain, hail, shine, California, New York, Washington DC, you call, and we'll be there...' Wes said, pulling Kurt into a hug
'I don't doubt that Wesley, I don't doubt that for a second,' Kurt replied, moving over to talk to Elijah and Thad
...
Dean Gallagher silenced the auditorium, calling for people's attention and beginning the hour long speech he would make, before introducing the graduating class of 2011. The Warblers would sing their final song, Wes would make a speech, hand over the gavel, then they would be given their diploma's, before Kurt makes a final speech, and they do the old traditional honours of throwing their caps into the air, and cheering on the new stage in their life.. Blaine had it all mapped out, and was telling Thad and Cameron about it in detail when Kurt showed up, nervous, dressed in his graduation robes, mumbling to himself, holding a piece of paper in his hand as if it was the last thing tethering him to this earth. From where he was nervously trying to memorise his lines, Kurt could see his step-brother, talking with Britt and Carole. The three looked over, and waved excitedly, grinning, before turning back to their conversation... Kurt hasn't seen his father yet... He's probably just running late Kurt... when you rang, you spoke to Carole, but invited them both... it was awkward, but Carole promised she'd make Burt come. Maybe he's working... Kurt thought, shaking his head to rid himself of thoughts of his father, and going back to his speech. Blaine had seen his boyfriend's distracted state, and looked around at his family and friends, before realising what Kurt had realised... Burt's not here... he's not here and he knows how important today is... Blaine thought, wanting to take Kurt's hand, but being in a line alphabetically was killing him...
The Warblers were set to perform, their graduation robes shedded, and their uniforms perfectly pressed for their final Warbler performance. Dean Gallagher announced them onto the stage to a round of cheers, applause, and Finn shouting something at them that Blaine couldn't make out, but was making Kurt blush and glare in his brother's general direction. This was their relationship now; they were back to the brotherly playful banter and teasing stage. Carole couldn't have been happier when her son came home with an invitation to Kurt's graduation addressed solely to Finn, and then on the same night, received a phone call in inviting herself and Burt... it was the first time she'd spoken to Kurt since he'd been kicked out, and even thought she'd tried, Burt had refused to attend... she didn't know his reasoning, but she could tell that Kurt was disappointed... none the less, when Wes was introduced, she clapped like the others, smiling, and laughing at Finn's remark, and watching her step-son's face redden... ... Wes stepped forward to make his speech...
'Hello, and welcome to Dalton Academy's 2011 Graduation ceremony... My name is Wesley Montgomery, I am the Head Warbler, for 2011, and seeing as most of the Warblers behind me are graduating with me today, it's my duty to give us the best send off, before handing my gavel over to the next in line for this prestigious job. One must remember that being in the Warblers is like being a celebrity, everyone knows who you are, and it's your job to set an example for the school, and community. I'd like to pay tribute to one particular member of the Warblers this afternoon. Not only did this boy, inspire a group of people to be something different than who they are, but he inspired us individually to follow our own paths, to live our own dreams, and helped us to realise, that no matter what you've been through, once you're over the other side, you're stronger than ever. So please, help me, in congratulating Warbler Kurt Hummel, for his contributions to all of our lives, for being the most inspiring, kind hearted person, and for teaching us, that even though he's been to hell and back, what's waiting for him on the other side, is a future brighter than a star... Ladies and Gentlemen, 2011's Warbler Hall of Fame Inductee, Kurt Elizabeth Hummel...' Wes said stepping back from the microphone and clapping, the rest of the auditorium rising to their feet, cheering, Finn with tears in his eyes, and Kurt just slowly standing, shocked beyond belief that he'd made Hall of Fame. He'd been told about the award from Blaine, but always believed that his boyfriend would win it... he has been there longer after all... slowly making his way to the microphone, he could hear the cheers, and clapping and smiled slightly...
'Um... that's about as eloquent as I'll get at the moment... I seriously can't believe this... I thought for sure that Blaine would get it; he is the Lead Singer, after all. I know you guys kept this from me to surprise me, but you could have told me I'd need two speeches... But, thanks... I guess,' Kurt said, turning to pull Wes into a hug, before walking back and getting back into formation...
'Ladies and Gentlemen, for the final time as Dalton Academy Students, please welcome, the Warblers...'
Kurt stepped forwards to lead the song, Forever Unstoppable by Hot Chelle Rae...
Forever unstoppable
Forever, forever, forever unstoppable
Falling stars don't crash through your window
If you want it, go get it, it's meant to be chased
All your scars won't heal till you let go
You're perfectly worth it, forget your mistakes
If you wanna fly, leave this world with me
We'll touch the sky, let's defy this gravity
Hold on to me tight, when it all falls down
At the chorus, Kurt and Blaine linked hands, and walked to the front of the stage, singing out together knowing that these lyrics completely sum up their lives at this point... it's everything...
You can take my heart, if yours won't beat
We're forever unstoppable
If you're torn apart, I'll make you see
That nothing's impossible
When you're broken, and you're shattered
Love will save you from disaster
You can take my heart, if yours won't beat
We're forever, forever, forever unstoppable
Nick and Jeff took lead on the next verse, Kurt moving to one side of the stage, Blaine on the other as they grabbed microphones and walked down into the audience, Kurt stopping at Santana and Brittany, and Blaine at his aunt and Uncle, harmonising until their parts came up...
Yeah we've both been touched by the same flame
Don't worry, I've got you, I won't let you burn
You and I got played by the same game
We're in it, together, for better or worse
If you wanna fly, leave this world with me
We'll touch the sky, let's defy this gravity
Hold on to me tight, when it all falls down
All of the Warblers sang the chorus, as Kurt and Blaine moved through the audience, singing with the others, but mostly to each other...
You can take my heart, if yours won't beat
We're forever unstoppable
If you're torn apart, I'll make you see
That nothing's impossible
When you're broken, and you're shattered
Love will save you from disaster
You can take my heart, if yours won't beat
We're forever, forever, forever unstoppable
Blaine sang the next verse with Santana, smiling and dancing the way he used to, having fun, with Kurt and the others just smiling and clapping along
There's a feeling inside you,
Just dying to break through,
Open up and set it free
We're on a horizon
Just look in my eyes and you will see
Kurt looked out at the audience, taking Santana's hand, and singing the words to Blaine, who was watching his boyfriend, smiling, knowing that the words are true...
When you're broken, and you're shattered
Love will save you from disaster
You can take my heart, if yours won't beat
We're forever unstoppable
Kurt grabbed Britt's hand, and moved over to his boyfriend, who was singing the next verse, pointing to all the people who were against them, and everything they were... not caring that they were here, singing in the auditorium...
If you're torn apart, I'll make you see
That nothing's impossible
When you're broken, and you're shattered
Love will save you from disaster
Kurt and Blaine joined hands once again to sing the chorus, making their way back to the Warblers on stage, dancing around with the choreography Nick and Cameron had made up earlier, the crowd now standing and clapping along...
You can take my heart, if yours won't beat
We're forever, forever, forever unstoppable
We're forever, forever, forever unstoppable
We're forever, forever, forever unstoppable
All of the Warblers made their way back onto the stage, Wes, David, Kurt and Blaine in the front row, the song coming to a close...
Forever unstoppable
Forever unstoppable
Forever unstoppable
Forever unstoppable
And the crowds went wild...
Kurt had been seated with Santana and Brittany whilst they were waiting to get their diplomas. Blaine's name was called, and the first six rows (filled with Troubletones, Blaine's family, and the Warblers) stood up, cheering, and clapping, Kurt with the biggest smile on his face, making eye contact with his boyfriend and winking. Blaine couldn't wait to just hold Kurt in his arms, their diplomas safely tucked away, ready to embark on their new lives in New York, without Rachel Berry, or ND to worry about. Britt was chanting Blaine's name, and hugging Kurt, like he'd disappear any moment... he didn't want to do that to Britt, he didn't want to do that to anyone, so when his name was called, he took a moment to take in people chanting his name, and the looks on his family and friend's faces when he walked onto the stage to collect his diploma, and Valedictorian award. Kurt stepped up to the microphone once more, the other seniors resuming their seats, awaiting the speech Kurt would make to all of them. Dean Gallagher had been filled in, and had given Kurt as long as he needed to get everything out... Burt wasn't in the audience, but Kurt didn't notice that... he was shaking, nervous that he'd say the wrong thing, but seeing Blaine and Britt smiling up at him, that was all he needed...
'For those of you who don't know me, my name is Kurt Hummel. I've seen alot of things in my time at Dalton, alot of them, I can't talk about, Wesley... not that they're bad or anything, just things that I want to remember for the rest of my life... I had a speech written, but I've come to learn that something written down, doesn't make the words true, so I stand up here today, Valedictorian, with words that come from my heart... there are so many people that I have to thank, so you'll have to just, bear with me... first, I'd like to thank Dean Gallagher and the teachers here at Dalton, for being so accommodating and helpful during my time here, being a mid-semester transfer... when I got to Dalton, I was in a bad place... I was a different person... someone I didn't like... that's different now... which brings me to the second persons I have to thank... the Warblers... all of you... you guys are incredible, and if you hadn't of welcomed me into the group, my life would probably be alot different now... of course, there are things I know about some of you that I wish I didn't, Nick... but that doesn't change what you've done for me...third the Troubletones, all of who are here today. Santana, Puck, Britt, Quinn, Rory, Sam... you guys are the only McKinley friends I still have, and I couldn't have done any of this without your support... you were there for me when the others weren't, and I know we're going to be friends for life, because Puck's determination radiates off him like a bad smell... I love you guys... Finn, my dorky step-brother... we didn't have the best relationship, but you came through. You are one of the people who get me through each and every day, and I love you dude... I love you... Finally in my thank-you's, but certainly not least, I'd like to thank Blaine Anderson... my boyfriend and best-friend... I've always asked myself what I've done to deserve you, whether or not it was real, or my mind playing a cruel joke on me... you saved me... don't shake your head and deny it, because it's true... part of me wants to just, shut away all of my emotions and not share them with anyone else, the way I feel about you, but I can't do that... I won't let myself, because the world deserves to know of your greatness Blaine... you saved me when I was so broken, and depressed, and you still save me now... everytime you text, call, talk, or sing something, you save me... you have no idea how much you do for me... I love you more than life itself, and I'll always love you... for saving me, for being the person I can be myself with, and for being my boyfriend and best-friend... We're all starting a new life... heading in new directions, following our dreams... I know Wes said that I inspired alot of people here at Dalton, and I'm happy about that... I'll never forget my time spent in the hallowed halls, singing with the Warblers, keeping the twins out of trouble... but Dalton, the Warblers, and Blaine inspired me to let go of the past, the pain... to move forward... to remember that outside of these walls, these... stereotypes, lies a world of possibilities, waiting to be explored... you all inspired me... to the people here supporting us today, thank you, for being the people we need outside these walls, and to the graduating class of 2011, no looking back. The future is now, and we are the future... so, in the words of Noah Puckerman... Let's get this party started...' Kurt shouted, leading the cap tossing and cheering... Burt never showed up, but Kurt didn't notice, as he was engulfed in hugs from Warblers, parents, Troubletones, Finn... Carole... and finally, Blaine who he held onto the longest...
'I love you Kurt Elizabeth Hummel...' Blaine said, smiling as Finn patted him on the shoulder, pulling Kurt into a hug
'I love you too Blaine Everett Anderson... don't you ever forget it,' Kurt replied, letting go of his step-brother, winking at his boyfriend, before moving to hug Britt and Santana...
'I'll never forget Kurt,' Blaine said to himself, before being engulfed in a group hug from Elijah, Emmanuel and Wes
Standing in the middle of their empty bedroom at Cora and Franks, Blaine took a moment to think back over the last few years of his life, and Kurt's speech... Had he really saved Kurt? Kurt had saved him more than anything, but he'd never known that he was the one who'd saved Kurt... Wes had been the one throwing the after party at his house, but Kurt and Blaine were driving to New York tonight, and then flying back in next week for the Troubletones' graduation... their new lives were starting, and looking back, Blaine doesn't regret anything...
'What could you possibly be thinking about?' Kurt asked, leaning against the doorframe of their old bedroom
'You, me, us... the future...' Blaine replied, smiling
'I meant what I said you know... you saved me... I wouldn't be here if you hadn't of asked me out Blaine... if you hadn't of told me you loved me, and wanted to be with me...'
'Don't say things like that Kurt... I do love you, and I always will...'
'Cheesy... I love you too. Are you ready to start our new lives Blaine Anderson?' Kurt asked, pulling him out of the room, and to the front door, smiling as they stepped out onto the front porch, turning to look back at Cora and Frank's house one last time...
'Readier than ever... Let's go Kurt...' Blaine replied, kissing his boyfriend and walking over to the waiting car...
A/N: Thank you to everyone, and I look forward to writing the sequal. Song was Forever Unstoppable by Hot Chelle Rae off their album Whatever. More information about this will be posted in later chapters. I love you guys, and if you would like to read a sequal, just review... Thanks... JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.