A/N: Hello. Been five months since my last update. Most of you have probably forgotten all about this story by now. But I have been so busy. I went back to uni, so I've been studying that, and working, and I was in a weird place at the beginning of the year, so it's put me behind on everything, but I've almost finished this story, and I wanted to continue it. This is the next chapter in the story. Don't know how many more there are going to be. Thanks to all of you who are still reading this story, to those of you who are new, I hope you're enjoying it, and don't forget to check out some of my other stories, and favourite them too. Hope you enjoy. Read and Review. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.

Chapter Eighteen: Learning to Fly Again

Two weeks after the incident, Kurt is at home, recovering. He's agreed to see a Councillor, which was a condition of them releasing him from the hospital, and him not spending time in the wards. He didn't want to be one of those people. Nick told Kurt that Elizabeth was gone, and then told his friend that he couldn't keep doing this. He can't keep blaming her for his problems, and part of what his therapist was saying that what Kurt needs to be able to move on from this. Blaine had been beside Kurt the whole way, so on the morning that he was meant to return to school, Kurt got up, and made breakfast, just the way he used to before all this shit went down. He doesn't want them to think that he isn't getting better, because he is. He wants to be at the point where he can safely say that he's okay, that he's happy. He's not there yet, but he's going to be. Blaine wakes to the sound of rattling in the kitchen, and Nick and Jeff are sitting at the dining room table, happily chatting with Kurt, who is making pancakes, and talking about classes with Nick. Blaine just gapes at the scene, but then takes his boyfriend in, and realises that he hasn't seen this side of Kurt in a while. He doesn't want to push the man too far, after all, this isn't something you can just brush off and pretend never happened. They have to be careful. Blaine sat down, smiling, and when Kurt turned to serve breakfast, happily received the kiss from him. They have a therapy session tonight, and Blaine has something he wants to tell Kurt, but he doesn't want to do it without the therapist's approval, because he doesn't want a repeat of two weeks ago. When everything is done, Kurt joins them at the table, and the conversation flows from what classes they're taking, to gossip around campus, to all the things you wish you could do in a lifetime. Nick mentions something about Wes and Rachel wanting to catch up, but Kurt doesn't listen, he's busy watching Blaine watching him. They're just looking at each other, the countertenor with a smirk on his face, and Blaine trying, and failing, to hide a blush. Nick and Jeff just wink at each other, and then go back to eating their breakfast.

Therapy was good for Kurt. He was given a safe place where he could talk about everything, and not have to worry about Wes or David or anyone of their friends finding out. Blaine was the only one privy to the session, mostly because Dr Lewis, the therapist, insisted that Kurt bring support, and he needed Blaine there with him. Regardless, he found himself opening up, even with his boyfriend there, and he wanted so badly to not see the looks on Blaine's face when he said that he blamed himself for everything that went on, that Blaine saved him, that he wouldn't be here if it weren't for his selfless friends. He didn't want to be the one who let them not live their lives, because he didn't have his under control. He wants them to be happy, and be able to live their lives without fear they're going to get a call telling them that he's gone and done something stupid. Regardless, Kurt knows that he doesn't have much time, and an hour seems to go quickly. Blaine asked Dr. Lewis if he could tell Kurt the big news he has, and the therapist said that it was a good idea. They headed to a café for lunch, and took a seat by the window, overlooking New York. Blaine took Kurt's hand over the table, and the countertenor tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. Blaine didn't want to do this here, he wanted to do it at their house, so he just told Kurt that he has a surprise, but that he wants to be at home when he tells it. Kurt just smiled, and nodded, then turned to the waitress to order. Blaine loves it when Kurt orders for him, he always seems to know what he wants, and it hasn't happened in a while. They talk, more than they have in the last month, about everything. Kurt tells Blaine that he's missed their conversations, that he doesn't want to miss anymore, and they're going to make a point of engaging in conversation, even if it means kicking Nick and Jeff out. Blaine, liking that idea, just leans over the table to kiss Kurt. He knows that they're going to end up curled up to one another, naked when they get home, and just the picture of that in his head, has Blaine wishing they'd gone straight home. Kurt smirks, as if he knows what his boyfriend is thinking, and runs his foot up Blaine's thigh… sometimes, Blaine dislikes his boyfriend…

FLASHBACK

Nick tells Kurt about Jeff

He had been waiting to find a way to approach the subject. He didn't want Kurt to think that he was abandoning him, and he knows that his best-friend might take it the wrong way. He's hoping that their chat about their feelings the other day, won't affect this choice that he's made. After all, they're old enough now to be getting into the dating world, and whilst he does love Kurt, it's more like a brother, than a boyfriend. He just hopes that it's the same with the countertenor. Jeff takes his hand as they knock on Kurt's dorm room door. Nick thanks him with a quick kiss to the cheek, and then let's go, just as the door swings open, to reveal Kurt, in Dalton sweats and hoodie, looking at them confused. He invites them in, and tells them to sit. Nick had been preparing this speech in his head for two weeks. He's been going over and over it. He wrote seven different versions, and he's talked to his mother about how he would go about it. Mandy told him that he shouldn't hide it from Kurt, because if he finds out from someone else, that will be worse. Nick notices that Kurt was in the middle of study, and he also knows that his best-friend hates when people interrupt that time, because he's a transfer, he needs to catch up to the others. Jeff suddenly interrupts the silence by asking Kurt about the Sai swords he has, hanging up above his bed, and they go off into a conversation about how Kurt is training with them, and that it's a fascinating hobby. Jeff tells Kurt about his guitar skills, wanting to lament on if he ever got to perform live with one. Nick is watching the two, mentally trying to prepare himself for this conversation, but Jeff doesn't seem to notice his boyfriend's discomfort when he sits down, and Kurt is opposite them, pushing his homework to the side, and looking between them, with what Nick swore was a smirk, but was gone before it came. The two were about to launch into talking about another form of competition that could be useful to suggest to Wes, but Nick was building himself up so much, he just burst out with what he wanted to say…

'Kurt, Jeff and I are dating. We've been together for two weeks. I needed you to hear it from me, and I want you to know that you're still my brother, my best-friend, this doesn't change that," Nick blurted suddenly, Jeff just gaping at him, Kurt's expression unreadable

'FINALLY…. Geez, it took you long enough' Kurt said, and Nick looked at him, confused before Kurt continued 'you've been dancing around one another for the last three months. You always talk constantly about each other it's nauseating, and when you're together, it's so obvious that you just want to rip one another's clothes off and do each other right there. I'm happy for the both of you. Now, if that's all, I have homework to do,' Kurt replied, pulling his history text back onto his lap

'You're really okay with this Kurt?'

'Nick, I love you, but more like an annoying brother. I'm over the moon for you and Jeff. Congratulations, you both deserve to be happy. Now please, I have homework to do… which is what the two of you should also be doing… right?' Kurt asked, smirking and raising an eyebrow… Nick just winked at his boyfriend and then stood to hug Kurt and leave the room

Kurt was on the school's website, looking up different ways that Blaine could either defer his course, or not go at it as heavy, take his time, stretch it out. The shorter of the two was getting frustrated, and managed to tell this to the countertenor, who reminded Blaine that it's not him he's annoyed with, it's himself. He had told Kurt the news he'd been holding in for a couple of days… He's been offered a deal with Columbia Star Records, to make an album. This has been one of his dreams since he could sing, which was basically when he first started talking. Now, he must make the choice between making the album, which is his number one dream, or staying at school, which is his other dream. Kurt just watches as Blaine paces back and forth, making a pro-con list, which Kurt adds to. Finally, when the countertenor has had enough of his boyfriend's pacing and mumbling to himself, he stands up, and leaves the room, heading to their bedroom, before returning with a large piece of paper, drawing a line in the middle and writing pro-con on either side. Blaine just watches as Kurt jots things down, he's adding to the lists, always thinking of new things, and the fact that if the album does well, he'll have to go on tour to promote it, that will mean leaving Kurt, and because Kurt is a law school student, he can't miss classes. This is added to the list, as well as the fact that Blaine actually likes school, which is weird, and that he has a good thing going right now, he doesn't want to leave their home just yet, and he knows they're going to have to deal with long nights away from each other. Finally, when the list is complete, he expects Kurt to pin it up on the wall, so that Blaine can make a choice, instead, the countertenor picks up the piece of paper, and tears it up, then throws it into the air, before standing and walking over to where Blaine is gaping on the couch, taking his hands.

'Blaine, you don't need a list to make this decision. You don't need a list to know that this is what you really want,'

'I don't want to delay college. It's one of my dreams Kurt,'

'Blaine, college will always be there to come back to. This album… you've been talking about that since before I even knew you. THIS' Kurt said, holding up the contract that Blaine had shown him 'this is your dream Blaine, the choice is simple, and the rest we can work out,' Kurt said, taking his boyfriend's hands

'Kurt, I love you. We can make this work,' Blaine said, kissing his boyfriend, both men grinning

'Yes, we can. I love you too Blaine Anderson-soon-to-be-a-recording-artist,' Kurt said, kissing Blaine again.

The house was empty when they arrived home, but that isn't anything really unusual, now that their children are off at college. Burt does miss having his sons here, and he does miss the nights they would spend together, playing silly games, and laughing at something that Kurt and Finn understand, but they don't. Carole feels it too; it does feel more empty than anything. Burt is making them dinner, whilst Carole unpacks the last of their bags from the trip they've taken to Cincinnati. Burt is on the campaign trail for Mayor of Lima. Ever since Schuester nominated him, it's been a whirlwind. She's kind of glad that Kurt and Finn are away at college, takes the mounting pressure off of them to fend off questions from reporters. There have been some stories in the local media about Burt's past, most of them are false, but the one about Elizabeth, well she can't help but be a little annoyed that he hasn't addressed it. Apparently, they have a source who told them that 'Burt's ex-wife left him for domestic abuse reasons' and she's been asked about his temper more than once. She fends off their questions by calling them idiots, but Burt always tells her that he sometimes hates that she has to say that. Anyway, their house is empty. Carole walks into the room that Finn used to call home, and notices that it is void of everything that gave it life, most of his possessions now with him in LA. Carole walks over to one of the pictures left behind, of the New Directions with Kurt, before he moved to Dalton. Kurt's room is the same, with small reminders of the young boy who spent most of his life here. Carole smiles at the picture of herself, Finn, Burt and Kurt at Dalton graduation, and then the one of them at McKinley graduation. That was the photo that made tears spring to her eyes. Their kids are grown and gone, they have an empty house. Then a memory comes to her, one of Finn playing on the swings, and laughing with his father, and one of Kurt and Nick, just mucking around like the idiots they are. Then she smiles, and realises that it isn't all bad. She joins Burt in the kitchen, pulling him into a hug. Burt, as if he's thinking the same thing, just kisses her cheek, smiles, and says something about making plans to visit the kids on their breaks or something. Carole smiles and chuckles, knowing that her husband knows her too well.

Rachel had, for some reason, decided that she was going to take her time, packing up her room, and moving all her things to New York. She knew that her fathers wouldn't want her to rush of and leave things behind. In a matter of weeks, she would be starting at NYADA. She's excited to be moving forward with this part of her life, and she knows that the others are as well. She's standing in line at the Lima Bean, waiting to order her coffee, when she feels a tap on the shoulder, and turns to see Wes standing beside her, grinning like an idiot. They've been hanging out together a lot since Rachel came home to get the rest of her things, before she moves back to New York to live with Santana, Brittany and Sebastian in their apartment. Wes tells her that he's started classes at Cleveland State, but that he's thinking of moving to New York for his winter semester. Rachel just looks at him, and smiles, telling him that if he needs a place to crash, Sebastian has decided to crash on campus at Columbia, leaving the third room of their apartment free. Wes smiles, and the two find an empty table, and spend hours talking. Rachel tells Wes that she wants to be on Broadway, and just become the next Barbara. Wes tells her that he's studying law, so he'll probably be a lawyer. She tells him that he and Kurt could open a practice together, and Wes almost splutters his coffee everywhere, Rachel just smirks. His feelings for the brunette are reignited slowly, but when Rachel says that she sees herself staying in New York for the long haul, that she doesn't really want to travel, or see herself travelling in five years, Wes questions his feelings and priorities. He wants to travel. He doesn't really want to end up in New York for the rest of his life. Part of him actually wants to move overseas, maybe live there for a few years. Maybe David is right. Regardless, he can't help that he has feelings for Rachel, and he can't help that she makes him feel different that his other girlfriends. They keep chatting, laughing and having a good time, and it's almost three hours later, when Rachel mentions that she should get back home and finish packing, that Wes tells her they'll have to catch up. She nods, smiles, and stands, awkwardly hugging him, before leaving him standing awkwardly in the middle of the Lima Bean.

FLASHBACK

Blaine and Nick talk about Feelings… and Warbler Shenanigans pre-Kurt

It had come out randomly in the middle of a conversation between the Lead Warbler and Nick. He hadn't meant to say it, but when he did, he wasn't expecting the other boy to drop the glass he was holding, hearing it smash on the ground, whilst being backed up against the stone concrete wall outside Worthington House. Blaine and Nick had just been talking about the school dance, when the Lead Warbler mentioned that he has a crush on Nick's best-friend, without actually saying that directly. Of course, Wes and David had heard this, and decided to play a new game called "The Dating Game", where Nick and Blaine would be tested against their respective "partners" for compatibility. Nick declined to get Kurt involved in this, and made it known to Blaine, that should be want to act on these feelings, that he better be absolutely sure that it's real. Blaine told Nick that he hasn't felt this way about anyone, that he's never going to again, that that when Kurt is around, something inside him just feels safe and calm, nothing has ever made him feel like that. Nick pretended to gag, and then warned the Lead Warbler that if he hurts his best-friend, he'll have to deal with whatever the Twins will do to him, and Blaine nods, because he knows that the worst thing Nick could do, will be done with the help of the twins. This talk came about, just before Wes had decided that they're going to "initiate the Freshmen" in "typical Dalton Warbler style". This usually involves locking them in the courtyard, and throwing things at them, but the teachers have banned them from doing that, so they're instead stuck for just psyching them out, and terrifying them. To do that though, they need to get into the Freshmen dorms, which are located on the other side of the school, in Sanchez House. The twins are the ones formulating the plan, which makes Nick and Blaine roll their eyes, because they know this means they're either going to end up in detention, or scrubbing floors for three weeks. Suddenly, something is throwing just past his head, and Nick, knowing that someone is throwing streamers around (ones they're meant to be decorating their common room with), and it's going to end in an all-out war. He and Blaine manage to duck behind the large mahogany leather couch in the far side of the room, before the fighting starts, but then hears Wes', what he calls the "war call", and knows that the shenanigans have begun.

The week before they're meant to officially start school, Nick, Jeff, Kurt and Blaine are sitting around their house, just playing video games, and chatting, when Blaine brings up the idea of getting a pet. Kurt chimes in by stating that it should be a little puppy, and Nick and Jeff just sit gaping at the two of them. They don't want to have to deal with another thing, they're starting college on Monday, they can't be worrying about whether or not they've fed the dog, or walked the dog, or clothed the dog (because come on, Jeff is stereotypical, so sue him). Kurt and Blaine are still talking about how awesome it would be to have a dog, and Nick and Jeff are sharing an exasperated look, silently having a conversation, and then both bursting out into uncharacteristic fits of laughter, whereby Nick asks Kurt how they're going to manage to look after two puppies. Kurt frowns at him, and then looks at Blaine, who is glaring, and realising what his best-friend is talking about, chuckles, earning a pout from Blaine. He pats his boyfriend's head, and Blaine pretends he's a puppy, and starts grinning, holding his hands as if they're paws, and getting up on his knees. Nick throws things at him, telling him to fetch, and Blaine growls, jumping off the couch, and chasing Nick around the house, barking, whilst Nick pretends to be afraid. Jeff and Kurt just stand, mouths agape whilst Nick and Blaine chase each other around the house like five years old's. If Nick though that Jeff and Blaine were children before, well now he's the child. Blaine finally calms down enough to sit back on the couch, before nuzzling at Kurt's leg, grinning. Kurt, an idea formulating in his head, quirks his eyebrow, and tells Blaine that he's going to get his leash. This makes the former Lead Warbler gape, especially when Kurt comes back with a rope, and tells Blaine that he's been a bad puppy. Nick and Jeff are trying not to laugh, but the look, and blush on Blaine's face, is making it difficult.

'Blaine Anderson, you're a bad puppy. Now I have to tie you up so you can learn your lesson,' Kurt said, and Blaine blushed again

'I don't really think tying me up is necessary Kurt. I mean, I'm perfectly fine if you just spank me,' Blaine replied, and Nick and Jeff left the room faster than anyone ever has

'Oh I would spank you, but I'd never hit my pet, and tying you to the bed, or the couch, or to something is far more interesting than just spanking you. Now come here puppy… sit,' Kurt said, and Blaine smirked

'Oh I'll sit, but not here,' Blaine replied, pulling Kurt through to their bedroom, and closing and locking the door…. Nick and Jeff went out for dinner that night, and the whole "pet" thing was dropped.

It was a stupid joke. He should never have said it, especially when Alisha was in the room, but he was with Puckerman, and he never thought that it would get to the extreme that it did. It's the first fight that he and Alisha have had since they started dating a month ago. She's yelling at him for being an inconsiderate prick, that that he should really think about what he's saying before he says it, that he knows the damage something like this could do to their relationship. Finn argues that he was with the guys, they were joking around, that it's what guys do, but Alisha turned and walked away from him, and he didn't know whether or not he was meant to be following her. For his own sake, he stayed standing where he was, waiting until she had walked into her dorm room, and slammed the door. They're not living together yet, but Finn had managed to convince her to stay in his dorm once a week, mostly because Puck was never there, and because she can't stand her own roommate. Obviously, tonight they're in the middle of this fight, their first fight. Finn pulls out his phone, and sends a text to his brother.

To: Kurt Hummel

Hey bro. Whatcha doing?

From: Finn Hudson

He returned his phone to his pocket, and turned to leave the dorms, heading back across campus to his and Puck's room. He had talked about living off campus, but he knew that if he did that, it would be more pressure for him to pump himself up enough to get to campus, and if anyone knows Finn, they'll know that he's the most motivated when he's near the action. He's already scoped out a basketball team he can join, and maybe a place for him to study in the library. He knows that Puckerman will never join him in a study session, because he hasn't defined what he's actually doing yet, and thinks that this is still one big party. Their first time away from home, no parents telling them what to do. Finn manages to get back to the room before his phone chimes with a text. Obviously, he's interrupted his brother and Blaine because the text just contains the sad face emoticon, and is then followed moments later by 'I'll call you soon'. Finn just sits back on the chair at his desk, and flips open one of his school books. He can't dwell on his fight with his girlfriend right now. He doesn't think that she's being reasonable, she has to understand that some things guys say is just stupid shit. That's because they're guys. Regardless, he'll apologise later. Right now, he's mad at her for being mad at him for hanging with his friends. They'll deal with it later. It's their first fight, which means the make up afterwards, is going to be amazing.

FLASHBACK

Kurt Dreams that he and Nick attend McKinley with Jeff and Blaine

Kurt woke up, and he was surrounded by Nick, Jeff and Blaine. They weren't wearing their Dalton uniforms, and apparently, were in the choir room at McKinley. Kurt frowned. He doesn't attend McKinley anymore, and never has Nick or Jeff or even Blaine, attended McKinley. He sits up, just as the rest of the glee club enter the room. They all sit around him and the other three Dalton boys, and listen as Mr Schuester babbles on about what songs they're doing for Nationals. Kurt notices that he isn't wearing his uniform either. Instead he has on a white shirt, with a black vest and jeans. Finn calls his name, and it knocks him back to reality, but he frowns at his step-brother, who looks at him like he's lost his mind, and maybe Kurt has. Blaine takes his boyfriend's hand, and immediately, Kurt flinches out of his grip. If they're at McKinley, then obviously, they can't be all PDA with each other. It's only then that his phone chimes with a text from some guy named Lucas, who is at Dalton, and needs him to pass on a message to Puck. The countertenor is so confused, he asks to be excused from the classroom, and leaves the room in a hurry. The halls of McKinley haven't changed, and he manages to get to the bathroom without too much hassle. Just as he goes to exit, the door opens, and Blaine walks in, locking the door behind him, and moving over to Kurt, smiling and then kissing him. Kurt is surprised, but kisses his boyfriend back, before realising where they are. Once again, he's confused and asks Blaine what is going on, why they're not at Dalton and what Wes will think of them working with the New Directions. He knows that something is definitely wrong when Blaine asks who Wes is, and where Dalton is. Kurt turns around to look at himself in the mirror, and then splashes water on his face. Blaine takes his hand as they leave the bathroom, and no matter how much Kurt tries to let go, the shorter boy won't let him. They walk through the filled halls, straight past football players, but no one says anything. No one shoves them into lockers or throws slushies in their faces.

In fact, when they enter the cafeteria, people seem to move out of their way, and even the New Directions take note of this. Kurt and Blaine, and Nick and Jeff move over to what Kurt assumes is "their table", and sits down, the rest of the New Directions sitting around them. The confusion that Kurt was feeling before, is back tenfold. He wants to know what the hell is going on. When an announcement is made over the PA system that the New Directions have a special performance planned and the rest of the school cheers for them, Kurt lets his mouth drop open and just gapes at the people around them. The people who couldn't give two shits about any of them when he was here, now flock around their table. The jocks are leading the pack, chanting New Directions, and the cheerleaders and jumping up and down and cheering for them as well. Kurt feels himself be pulled up by Blaine, and he's standing on the table in the middle of the cafeteria when the music starts, and Nick starts singing the opening lines to Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Line. He moves with the rest of the New Directions, hoping that he doesn't have to sing, because he doesn't think he can produce any words at the moment. This has to be some kind of weird alternate reality fantasy. There is no way this is real, because none of this would ever have happened at McKinley, even if Blaine, Nick and Jeff had of been there, they would have just suffered the same fate as Kurt. However, when he says this to Blaine after their performance, when they're driving back to the Hudmel house, his boyfriend just looks at him like he's crazy. Kurt chuckles to himself, says that he mustn't be getting enough sleep, and brushes it off. When they pull into the drive of the Hudmel house, and Kurt and Blaine get inside, what the countertenor isn't expecting to see, is Elizabeth, preparing dinner in the kitchen, Burt watching TV in the lounge, and Nick already camped out on the couch.

'Hi honey, how was school? Blaine, will you be staying for dinner?' Elizabeth asked, moving over to hug her son, who just stood there, gaping

'Yes thank you Mrs. Hummel. Kurt… Kurt are you okay?' Blaine asked, noticing that his boyfriend had basically frozen, but was shaking

'I'm… I… ah…. This is… excuse me,' Kurt said, sprinting upstairs to his bedroom, and closing the door, falling face first onto his bed… then something cold woke him…

END FLASHBACK

Kurt woke from the dream, Nick was standing over him with a bucket of water, telling him that he's mumbling about her again. The law school student apologised, told Nick it was some kind of weird dream, and then told his best friend that he was going to pay for dumping water on his head. Nick pretended to be scared, then Kurt chased him through the house, but the dream was still at the forefront of his mind. Later, when Blaine got home, he told his boyfriend about it, and Blaine had to laugh at the thought of them all at McKinley, dancing on tables, and the whole school thinking they were top shit. Kurt must have projected. What he wanted most was to be accepted at McKinley, and to have his mother home. Blaine could understand that, and told Kurt that he might have been thinking about it, and then it manifested itself into a dream sequence. Kurt nodded, always know that his boyfriend is right, and then moved into their ensuite bathroom to wash his face. Blaine was in the kitchen helping Nick prepare dinner when Kurt re-appeared, and proceeded to tell his best-friend and Jeff about the dream. He could never imagine that that's what it would have been like in real life, but sometimes it's nice to dream. For the first time in a long while, Kurt has been able to open up, fully, to both Nick and Blaine about everything, and whilst he still has a long way to go, slowly and carefully, he might just be Learning to Fly Again…. but it's the future, that remains to be seen.

A/N: Rachel and Wes decide to take their relationship to the next level, but have the hard task of telling all their friends. The first semester of college brings with it challenges for all our characters, but none more so than Wes, who must decide between David and Rachel. Kurt and Blaine are working out their relationship, as Blaine begins recording his album, and Kurt begins Law School (don't worry, they don't break up). Nick and Jeff decide to celebrate their anniversary, by taking a large leap in a completely unusual direction. Finn and Alisha take a big step in their relationship, and Brittany and Santana must contend with their new roommate. Flashbacks include: Burt finds out that his son and Blaine have gotten "physical", and accidently walks in on them, deciding to have "the talk". Nick and Kurt discuss how their relationships aren't going to affect their friendship. More Dalton shenanigans with Kurt and the Warblers, because they're fun to write. Read and Review. Enjoy. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.