AN: Tag to "Furt" because someone had to go after Kurt. Inspired by lyrics from "Tears and Rain" by James Blunt.

"I'm sorry. I have to go*."

Those whispered words echoed in my mind as I, along with the rest of the club, stared at the door Kurt had just walked out. I was shocked. I didn't think it would come to this, especially not after Finn finally coming to his senses. Kurt leaving school over all the bullying had never crossed my mind, and from the looks and reactions from everyone else in the room, I wasn't the only one who hadn't considered it.

There was a time, not so long ago, when I wouldn't have cared less about the announcement Kurt had just made. A time when the only thing I would miss about Kurt not being around was one less person to toss in the dumpster. Now though, the thought of not having him in Glee Club was like staring at a happy family portrait, not that my family had one of those, with someone cut out of the picture.

Getting to my feet, I hurried from the room. "Hey Kurt, wait up," I called spotting him down the hallway, though I didn't slow down, not expecting him to even stop. I was surprised when not only did he stop but he turned around to face me.

"You can't leave," I told him when I caught up to him simply because I couldn't think of anything else to say. The words sounded hollow even to my ears.

"Because you'll have one less person to throw in the dumpster."

"I deserved that," I replied. "I realize that I've probably contributed to you not feeling safe here, but you can't leave. The Glee Club needs you."

"You guys will make it without me. You've got Rachel."

"It won't be the same."

"Dalton is a chance for me to be able to walk down hallways without looking over my shoulder or worry about who is around the corner. It's not how I want it but maybe it's for the best. At the very least, it's a chance to be safe - at least while I'm at school."

I nod, not because I understand but because I can see his mind is made up. Perhaps I never can understand because I've never been in his place. Yeah, there were some guys at juvie that I was scared of but even then I never feared for my life.

"Good luck, Kurt," I reply because there's nothing else for me to say.

Kurt nodded before turning and walking away. I watched him walk out of sight before turning and returning to the choral room.

*Dialogue from "Furt"