A/N: So, Chapter Twelve. Halfway through this story. Pretty soon, they're going to arrive at their destination, but of course, obsticals arise and things happen to delay their journey. This chapter does contain mentions of Self-Harm, so please be warned, and aware. If you need help, please call your local hotline. Almost ready to begin winding down their road trip. I've been busy this week. I've had like five job interviews in the past week, which is, for me, a record number. Thank you for taking time out of your lives to read this story. I love you all for it. Enjoy, and see you next week. Read and Review. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.

Chapter Twelve: That Much Closer…

It had been stewing for hours. Nick and Jeff had started an argument in the back seat, their hushed whispers indicating that an argument was brewing. They're in Kansas City, just stopping for lunch and to have a bit of a wander around, before Kurt drives another three hours to Hays. Blaine pulls into a car spot, and turns off the ignition, but before he can turn around and ask the other two boys where they want to eat, Nick is out of the car, and Jeff is following him angrily. They're heading away from the car, and towards the restaurant. Obviously, they're not going to talk about this right now, it's none of their business. Kurt gets out of the car, folding the map and placing it on the seat, before closing the door, waiting for Blaine to join him. Nick reaches the restaurant first, and enters, not holding the door open for Jeff, which is unusual. He always does things like that. Kurt's pretending not to notice what's going on. He's focussing on other things, like what food they are going to eat, because he's starving. They're finally in cell reception, and as he and Blaine make their way after their friends, Kurt's phone chimes with three missed calls, and texts messages from Burt. Blaine chuckles as Kurt just glares at his phone, still making it known that he's receiving messages and texts. When it's finally stopped, they're sitting in a booth with Jeff, who doesn't say a word, just looks at the menu and then at his phone. Nick returns a moment later, and sits beside Kurt, whispering something in his ear, and causing the countertenor to laugh, and then frown because Jeff glares at him. Seriously? What the hell is going on? He thought to himself, looking to Blaine with a questioning glance, only to get a shrug in reply. They sit in relative silence, the only sounds are the other people around them. Nick stands to make their orders, and it becomes a staring competition.

It's the most awkward they've ever been around one another, ever since Jeff met Kurt. Nick returns to the table, and places the metal number holder in the centre, before turning to engage Blaine in a conversation about how they're making good time, and they should be on the road by two thirty. Blaine agreed, and checked his phone. They have half an hour. Before their meal arrives, Kurt excuses himself to take a phone call from his father. Finn has moved to California already, which is the topic of their conversation. Kurt lets Burt know that he's already aware that Finn was moving to California, to attend UCLA in the fall. They're still sitting in silence when Kurt returns to the table after talking to his father. Blaine asks Kurt about his father, and the two talk about how Burt was surprised that Kurt already knew about Finn, and that he wasn't told beforehand. Kurt managed to calm his father down enough to explain to him that Finn had confided in him the best way to tell their parents, and Burt seemed to relax a bit after that. Nick wasn't paying attention to the conversation, he was pushing food around on his plate, and when Blaine's alarm went off at two fifteen, he stood, threw their money on the table, and left the booth before the other three had even thought about anything else. Whatever is happening, isn't going to cease before they get to Hays, and if it keeps up this way, they're not going to make it to Colorado all together. Blaine snaps a picture of the four of them (Nick and Jeff forced smiles on their faces), and posted it on Instagram, tagging Wes and David to make sure they knew how much fun they were having… Yeah, it's been a blast…. Kurt thought to himself, as he took the keys from Blaine, and moved around to the driver's side, watching Nick out the corner of his eye, climb into the back seat, and put his headphones in, turning the music up loud enough so that they could hear it through the buds.

'What is going on with those two, they've been weird all day?' Kurt asked, starting the car

'I don't know. I think Nick talked to Jeff about their relationship. Maybe it didn't go the way he planned,' Blaine replied

'What's wrong with their relationship? Are they breaking up? I don't want them to break up Blaine. I've seen them without one another. It's not good.' Kurt asked, as he pulled out of the car park

'I don't know, but if this keeps up, it won't end well,' Blaine replied, and Kurt nodded in agreement.

Finn had found a nice apartment to rent before school starts. He'd also managed to score himself a job at a local radio station, interning. He's saving some money before school starts, so that he can move closer to campus and not have to live on residence. Even Puck thinks it's better to live away from the campus, more time for parties… not that that is the reason Finn wants to live off Campus. He's just… not a sharing dorm kind of person, and if Kurt, Blaine, Nick and Jeff can live off campus, then he can too. Not that it's a competition between me and my brother… Finn thought to himself, chuckling as he flipped through the unstacked magazines he had been charged with fixing. There would be plenty of time for everything else later, learning the ropes, becoming a producer, all the behind the scenes work. He's going to be in the entertainment industry, and his brother is going to be his lawyer. They've even got an idea to start their own company… but that might have been because they were on a sugar high at the last party, and stupidly decided they would create their own company. Regardless, Finn is looking forward to the future. In the middle of his duties as an intern, Finn meets a girl, same age as him, who has come in for meeting with his boss. He introduces himself, and finds out that her name is Alisha, she's also going to UCLA, majoring in Medicine. They don't get to talk for long, because she's called into her meeting, but Finn does manage to ask her if she wants anything to drink because he's going out on a lunch run. She smiles, and thanks him, not giving him an answer. Okay, that was confusing… Finn thought, grabbing his bag and the list of orders, heading down to the nearest Starbucks to get what everyone wants. All he knows, is that he needs to see that girl again, because she's so different than Rachel, and she seems nice.

After two hours of doing light duties, and lunch runs, and back and forth running to get print copies, and radio digital recordings, Finn is finally awarded with a break, and a pat on the back. His boss is kind of cool, he's a junior at Berkeley, but works in LA over the summer break. Finn is completely not interested in whatever the guy is saying about surfing, because Alisha is standing a bit away, talking to some of the other people he works with, and he's completely distracted and enamored by her. He's missed three calls from his brother, one from Blaine, and probably a dozen from his mother. She's been freaking out ever since he accepted UCLA and not a school closer to home. To be honest, he's trying to be as far away from Rachel as possible. They need a bit of separation in their lives. They've been together too long, and maybe some time away will be what they need, not that he's planning on them getting back together, because he told Rachel they need to see other people. He's not enamored by her anymore. Not the way he is now. The way he used to be in the early days of Finchel. When she turns to look at him, he pretends to be focused on the magazine he's flipping through, and when she turns her head back to her conversation, he resumes looking at her. It's stalkerish, he knows, and if Puck were here, he'd make it obvious by calling her to come over, and then spend the rest of the time making lude comments and his expense. Jackson, his boss, finishes whatever he's saying, thanks Finn for the chat, and returns to sitting in the booth, recording whatever for the days broadcast. Alisha sits down beside him, but he doesn't noticed, until she lifts the cover of the magazine and chuckles to herself, asking him why he's so interested in reading an old edition of People Magazine. For the first time in his life, Finn feels himself blush, but he bounces back by smiling. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship…

FLASHBACK

Finn and Kurt bond at their Parent's wedding

All of the New Directions are seated at a table, with Mr. Schuester. They're chatting happily, Mercedes is trying to get Kurt to reconsider moving schools. Nick and Jeff are happily chatting with some of the Warblers on the far side of the room. When Nick told Kurt he was bringing Jeff and some of the council Members, Kurt looked at him like he was crazy. He's at his parents wedding, not looking go get ahead at Dalton, where he hasn't even decided he's going yet. Burt know that his son would be better off away from the bullies at McKinley, but he also wants Kurt to stay there so that he and Finn can get to know one another better. They are brothers now after all. Although, he needn't have worried, because Finn and Kurt had been talking for about an hour, laughing and sometimes the surprise on Finn's face was a small delight in Burt's life. Nick was telling Finn about some of the things they used to do when they were little, and naive enough to think that they knew everything. He left out all the deep stuff, which Kurt appreciated. He's not ready for Finn to know, and he knows if he tells him, the rest of the New Directions will know within the hour. His step-brother is surprised to hear that he likes and can play, basketball, challenging him to a one on one. Kurt looks at Nick, who smirks, then agrees to the game. Finn looks between the two of them, and silently hopes that one day, he can have the same kind of friendship/brotherhood relationship they have, with Kurt. He has nothing but respect for his now step-brother. In fact, they talked about dropping the whole "step" thing, because Kurt wants them to be brothers. Finn likes that idea, and promises that he'll always be there for Kurt, and whatever. Nick lets Finn know what will happen if he goes back on his word, and the taller of the three cringes, and gulps, but then laughs when Nick punches his arm.

After the reception is over, and their parents have left, it's just Nick, Jeff, Kurt and the New Directions, sitting around, debating whether or not they should start a sing-off or something. Finn is approached by Nick and Jeff, and reluctantly, and a little apprehensively, follows them over to a table, where Kurt is talking with Mercedes. Apparently their "brother bonding" starts now, even though they've been bonding all night. Before their parents got married, they were just in the same glee club. Now everything is different… in a good way, but it's still something he's getting used to. Nick says something to Kurt about telling Finn all the deeper details, and he nods. Mercedes spots Santana and leaves them alone, pressing a soft kiss to Kurt's cheek, leaving her seat vacant for Nick to sit beside his best-friend. He tells Finn that if he wants the same kind of relationship they have, he needs to know everything. The taller boy nods, and sits back in the seat, listening as Nick tells him about Kurt's mother, everything that he's been through, what they've gone through together, and the reason they're so close. In the bits Nick can't remember, Kurt fills in, but the whole time, Finn just wants to hug them both. Kurt has been through more in his life before thirteen, than most of his other friends. He could never have dealt with his mother doing what Elizabeth did, and he's surprised that Kurt is as held together as he is. Finally he understands why Kurt sometimes distances himself, why he does and says certain things, and why everything that the New Directions think about him, just isn't true. When Nick leaves them alone, Finn tells Kurt that it doesn't change anything, and chances asking a couple of questions. Apparently they're now "bonded" in brotherhood or something, according to Nick's boyfriend, whose name Finn forgot, but he hugs Kurt tightly when they stand, and that seems to ring in his mind. They're all smiles for the rest of the night.

It was surprising, they had made good time, managing to get there before seven. Of course, they had their itinerary planned out, so they could explore if they wanted, but as soon as they had checked in, Kurt mentioned that he was tired, and they should just go up to the room, put a movie on and eat crap for the night. This had led to Nick pointing out that they didn't have much money left, and room service would cost too much. They left their bags in the room, and went back out to the car, heading to the local supermarket to grab some food that is in no way good for them, and a couple of things they might need for the rest of their travels. Wes and David had been angrily texting Blaine, pissed that they hadn't been invited to come along with them, instead being stuck in the Hamptons with David's parents, and siblings. Kurt rolled his eyes, and made a comment about Wes not understanding what he'd just written. They're on a road trip to Colorado. David and Wes are in the Hamptons… what more could a person want? Mercedes isn't even leaving Lima, and they're complaining they weren't invited. If this hadn't of been set in stone, Rachel probably would have roped Kurt into going to Paris with her and her dad's. as amazing as that would've been, there is no way he could have survived three months in a foreign country with Rachel… besides, it's still weird between her and Finn…. Not that I'm choosing sides... Kurt thought. After their quick trip to the shops, and with hands full with bags, the climbed back into the car, and for a moment, everything was peaceful… just for a moment. Nick was struggling to carry the bags he had been delegated to carry. They had just gotten into their hotel room when Nick accidentally dropped one of his bags and it landed on Jeff's foot. All of a sudden, Kurt and Blaine were standing in the middle of their friends arguing with one another, about whether or not their relationship was sustainable, and if they have their priorities right.

'You know that's not what I meant Jeff. I just said that we need to work on our relationship if we want to be together through college,'

'We've been together three years Nick. What makes you think we won't be together through college? It's you that got this idea in your head. It's you, that thinks we're not going to last. If you want out of this relationship so badly, then you have to say something,'

'You're putting words in my mouth… again.' Nick said angrily

'Oh fuck you Nick. I'm done with this…'Jeff said, leaving the room, slamming the door behind him

It would have been fine and all, you know with Jeff storming off, and Nick moving into his and Jeff's adjoining room to shower and get ready for bed, if Jeff hadn't come back about twenty minutes later, still angry, carrying something he'd obviously had stashed away in the car. Blaine and Kurt tried not to pay attention to what was happening in the next room, but when those two fight, it's very loud. They're surprised no one has called security yet. For a while, there is silence, and Blaine makes a joke about them having make up sex, to which Kurt throws a chip at him and tells him to stop thinking that way about their friends. Blaine just grins stupidly, and changes the channel on the TV. Nick comes into the room a few minutes later, dressed in his pyjamas, and asks Kurt if he can sleep in the spare bed in this room, because he's done talking with Jeff. Kurt nods, but doesn't say anything else. He knows better than to get involved with anything that goes on in Nick's relationship. He's been there and done that, and it didn't end well. Nick moves to sit on the edge of the bed, and plug his phone charger into the wall, before commenting that Blaine is watching children's television, only to earn a half-hearted glare from the former Lead Warbler. They break into light conversation, every now and then the two will chuckle, and Kurt will look at them like they're crazy, mostly because they are. They're two eighteen year olds who are watching children's shows, and laughing. He would say something smart, about them being childish or something, but he doesn't want to waste all the good insults on them, when he could text them to Wes and David. Their friends in the Hampton's have been quiet for the last four hours, which Kurt appreciates… although he hopes Blaine didn't send them anything that would make them not want to talk… like that photo he took the other night… I will kill that boy if he's done that… Kurt thought to himself. It was then that Jeff entered the room, looking at the three of them sitting on the couch, before turning and leaving again. Nick just sighed.

They hadn't decided what they would do this morning, so when Kurt woke up and when to see if Nick wanted to go for a walk, he was surprised to find that Nick had put as much distance as he could between himself and Jeff, who was sleeping in the other bed in the room. Also, the bed was empty. Jeff was the first person up that morning. They don't know why, but he was. He didn't come and wake them up, but they're here until tomorrow morning, so they have to spend the day together, and hopefully, if Kurt and Blaine push them together, Nick and Jeff can work through whatever is going on in their relationship. When Jeff returns at eleven, he tells them that he found a neat little spot for them to check out, and have lunch. Kurt, Blaine and Nick follow, Blaine and Jeff walk together, and Nick makes sure he's sticking as close to Kurt as he can get without looking like it's something more than it is. They head towards the bodega shops and Aquatic world, which Nick had discovered in the hotel brochure last night. They're hear until tomorrow morning, so they may as well make the most of it, whilst they can. It's not every day you get to drive across America. This is something that Blaine points out as they walk up the street, coming across a music shop that they all insist they have to go into. Once again, Blaine and Jeff go one way, and Nick follows Kurt, talking aimlessly about what he thinks Wes and David are doing in the Hampton's. They're laughing, which is good, because Nick is distracted enough for Kurt to sneak away, and leave him standing beside Jeff, whilst he and Blaine hide behind a CD stand, watching the two of them. They don't say a word to one another, just flip through CD's, and look at each other when the other isn't paying attention. Kurt rolls his eyes, and moves back over to his best-friend, who glares at him, but follows nonetheless. They head to a small café on the street and have lunch. They're not that far from the hotel, and it seems that before they make a choice about going to the Aquatic Park, Nick takes off back towards the hotel, and Kurt just looks at Blaine, who shrugs, and runs to catch up with his best-friend.

Nick is talking about when they were little and all the fun they used to have, and the one time they were in his tree house, and talking about how they both thought that boys (and girls) were icky, and then made a promise that neither of them would ever start dating, because that would destroy their friendship. Kurt chuckles, and them reminds him of their current situation, and is about to ask what is going on with Jeff, when Nick changes the subject, and starts talking about sports, and what they're going to do when they have time off from college. Are they going to see sports games? Or play them? Kurt just looks at him, listening to him ramble on, and he mentions something about going to see Finn and Puck in California at some point either before they start school, or during one of their vacations. He looks back to see Blaine looking miserable, whilst Jeff is showing him something on his phone. They make eye contact, and Kurt sends him an apologetic look, which Jeff notices, just going back to his phone, before Kurt can judge what is going on. He's so sick of it, so he stops them walking, waits a moment for the other two to catch up to them, then turns to go into one of the shops, dragging Blaine with him, leaving them alone once again. He and Blaine walk around the store, and he knows that Kurt is just wasting time, but Nick looks like he's about to freak out, and literally drags Kurt out of the store when they're finished with their purchases. Nick and Kurt are walking ahead a bit, just strolling really, and make it back to the room before the other two. Kurt is concerned about his best-friend. So he does what any normal best-friend would do, he asks Nick is he's alright. It doesn't go the way he thought it would. Especially this way… he never thought Nick would put all the blame on him…

'Are you okay Nick?'

'This was your stupid idea. A road trip to find the woman who abandoned you? I mean come on Kurt. No one is as put together as you. You think you have the perfect relationship because you and Blaine talk about everything and know that you're meant to be together? You're eighteen Kurt, get a clue. No one our age is meant to be together forever. This thing between me and Jeff, it's your fault. I asked you about it, and you told me to talk to him. I did and now look where we are. Congratulations Kurt, you got what you always wanted, Jeff and I are fighting and we might not be able to work through this one… I hope you can live with the knowledge that you are responsible for this…' Nick said, storming off, leaving Kurt standing in the hall outside his and Blaine's hotel room.

'Hey babe, is everything okay?' Blaine asked, when he and Jeff caught up to him, Jeff excusing himself to go into his own room

'I-I don't…' Kurt managed to get tout, before he ran into the bathroom, closing and locking the door, leaning against it, fighting the tears threatening to fall.

FLASHBACK

The Beginning of 'Niff'

Wes had told him that Jeff had a crush on him. He doesn't know if the Head Warbler is kidding, either way, it can't be true. Kurt doesn't seem to think there is anything he can do about it. If this Jeff guy likes him, then he should get together with him. Of course, Kurt doesn't say this. Nick is only fifteen. He has plenty of time to be worrying about boyfriends when they're in college. Nick doesn't seem happy about the answer that his best-friend gave him, but doesn't say anything. They leave Breadsticks together, and head for Nick's house. When they arrive there, Jeff is waiting on the front stoop, and Kurt sees him first, rolling his eyes, before pushing past Nick in to the house. His dad isn't picking him up until seven, and he won't be the ditched, he'd rather be the ditcher. Nick invites Jeff inside, and they head into the den. If Wes is messing with him, he's going to lock that boy in the supply closet, and make sure that no one, not even David can get him out. He can stay in there until senior year, after they graduate. Obviously, there is something to the rumour, because Jeff is here, unless he's here to tell Nick that everything Wes has said is bogus. He's worked himself up, when he feels lips against his own, and then opens his eyes to see Jeff kissing him. He's stunned, and when it's over, he feels like an idiot for not kissing back. So he does that. He steps forward and re-connects their lips, smiling and whispering that he's an idiot, and that he now has to give Wes thirty dollars. Jeff just grins and shyly asks Nick if this means they're "boyfriends" to which he just replies by kissing Jeff and nodding. Kurt isn't spying on them per say, but he happens to be about to enter the room when he sees this. Now he's never going to see Nick again because he's going to spend all his time with Jeff, just like he spends all his time with the Warblers. This is the first day in a month they've been able to hang out together.

Back at Dalton, Nick and Jeff have been formally dubbed "Niff" by the Warblers. Kurt seems to think this is ridiculous, but has decided to pretend to be happy for Nick, because pretending will hopefully lead to really supporting him. Their first date, as cheesy as it is, is dinner and a movie, which happened to have been suggested by Kurt and Mercedes (who was over at the Hummel house when Nick rang Kurt to ask him what movie he and Jeff should go and see for their first date). It was perfect. They talked about everything, and even made the stupid comment that they would be "together forever", before bursting out into hysterical fits of laughter. Mandy watched her son and his new boyfriend, and was proud, and happy that her son and Jeff were together, but reminded him that Kurt is still going through a hard time right now, and he might need Nick more than ever. Of course, in a new relationship, friends always take a far backseat, and his relationship with Jeff is… well Blaine would use the word… exhilarating. He and Jeff spend most of their time together making out. When they go out for dinner, they talk of course, but Nick finds himself more and more physical with Jeff. Niff seems to be a kind of mascot that the Warblers go stupidly annoying for. They can walk through Dalton holding hands without worrying about being beaten or slurred at. He's heard stories from Wes, but he's learnt now that their soon-to-be-Head Warbler is full of shit. Part of him is in that gooey were-going-to-be-together-forever faze, and the other part, is telling him that they don't have a normal relationship. They haven't talked about the future, or where they seem themselves in five years… but Jeff is kissing him so he loses his train of thought… The beginning of Niff was the highlight of everyone's lives apparently. Nick was so focused on his relationship, he couldn't see his best-friend about to self-destruct… Nick kind of wishes they hadn't left this part of their relationship… hadn't entered the real world…

Blaine is banging on the door. He can hear the pained calls from his boyfriend, but he ignores them. The crimson red stains the bottom of his arm, and it feels good, to release that pain. He's surprised when the door opens, and Blaine is kneeling beside him, worry, fear, pain and sadness written all over his face, and if Kurt wasn't already pathetic, he would probably think that Blaine was. He doesn't even pay attention to Blaine attending to the cut on his arm, but he can feel the warmth as Blaine wraps himself around his boyfriend, cooing love in his ear, peppering soft kisses to his forehead, and neck. They don't say anything, and when Kurt is done crying, he just stares at the floor. It's Jeff who finds them on the bathroom floor, dropping the mug he's holding in his hand when he sees the blood stained cloth. Blaine looks up at him, and their silent conversation ends with Jeff nodding, and leaving the room. He faintly hears Jeff tell Nick something, and then they both appear at the door again, and the guilt is written all over Nick's face, it makes Blaine want to punch him. Kurt doesn't look at any of the, focussing on the pattern on the floor. Perhaps Nick is right. For the last thirteen years, he's been searching for the woman who abandoned him. Why? If someone asked him the question, he'd honestly be able to say that he doesn't know. He doesn't know why it's so important to find her, why he will stop at nothing. He doesn't even know what he'll say when they get to Boulder. Hey, I'm your son…. You abandoned me at a gas station when I was five… let's eat! Blaine hears Kurt whimper and then hears him talking to himself, asking himself why they're doing this, why it's so important. He's about to answer, when Nick steps in, replying to Kurt's question, kneeling down in front of him. Kurt doesn't look at him, but Nick still tells him he's an idiot, and that he's sorry, he was just mad, and took it out on Kurt. When they finally get him to stand, Blaine forces him into bed, and when he's asleep, moves into Nick and Jeff's room.

'Neither of you are leaving this room until you work through this shit. You guys have been together three fucking years. You both know you're going to last through college. You can't start a massive fight that ends with Kurt self-harming, every time one of you brings up something about the future. Those things you said Nick, they were horrible. You know it's not Kurt's fault. He's already beating himself up over this whole thing. He doesn't need your shit on top of it. Get over this stupid fight, you love one another… fix it,' Blaine said, turning and leaving the room again, slamming the door for dramatic effect.

'He's right you know. I will admit, I over-reacted when you asked me about our future. I just… I love you so much Nick, I got scared that you were breaking up with me,' Jeff said

'I'm not breaking up with you, I just wanted to be able to have conversations like Kurt and Blaine can. I love you too by the way,' he replied

'Kurt will forgive you too you know. You're too important to him,' Jeff said softly, and Nick nodded and smiled, finally leaning in and kissing his boyfriend….

A/N: Next Chapter: Colorado Springs, Colorado. The group finally get to Colorado, and in a moment of panic, Kurt gets overwhelmed with what they're doing. It takes Nick reminding him why they're doing this, telling him that he deserves to know why the woman who should have been there for him, left him. With the support of Nick, Kurt finally feels as though he can face whatever is coming. Rachel meets up with some Warblers in New York, and discovers that Finn has already moved to California. This leads her to take some drastic actions, and fly to California, where she meets up with Mercedes, and realises that she too can't keep holding onto the past. Finn and Alisha get closer. Burt calls Elizabeth and warns her that Kurt is going to be there in a couple of days, and that it's time she tells him the truth. Flashbacks Include: The Warbler Road Trip of 2014, Mercedes goes to Kurt for advice about… that, Elizabeth shows up at one of Dalton's family days, to see Kurt perform, hiding in the back, Kurt meets Wes, David and the rest of the Warblers. Read and Review. Enjoy. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.