This is it, guys! It's been so much fun writing this fanfic for you. I'm so glad you all enjoyed it. Your reviews were worth every moment!

I'm very proud of this chapter. I like how it ends and I won't be doing an epilogue. The way it ends makes it so you can use your own imagination for how the characters' lives turn out.

I hope you enjoy this, the final chapter! :D

GLEE

Two days after the incident, the entire town knew.

The first day began just fine. They woke in each other's arms, with sloppy morning kisses. Kurt and Blaine attended school and no one treated them differently at all. They arrived back at Kurt's house and had a wonderful dinner and evening as a family and then they were able to fall asleep together once again.

The second day, they knew that something wasn't right. As they walked into the courtyard at Dalton, everyone stared outright. The boys they went to school with whispered and pointed. In class, teachers stared just as much as the students. Some teachers even sent angry looks their way.

It was at lunch when they had confirmation that everyone knew.

Nicolas, a short boy with dark hair, approached them with his friend Jeffery. "Is it really true, what everyone is saying?" he asked, eyes wide.

"It depends, Nicolas, what are people saying?" asked Kurt in a diplomatic tone.

"That you both…are together, as a man and woman would be together," said Nicolas.

"That you prefer men to woman," added Jeffery.

Blaine felt like his world was spinning. He looked over at Kurt, who didn't look much better.

"And where did you hear this?" asked Blaine.

"Well, I personally heard it from many people," said Nicolas. "It's been going through the grapevine. But I do believe it all started because Simon Nelson, the boy from choir, heard Mrs. Fabray speaking to her minister at church this morning about it. Apparently, your broke your engagement with Miss Quinn Fabray."

Blaine sighed. It would be Mrs. Fabray that spread this around. He looked at Kurt and shrugged. There was no point in denying it, though it would be best not to flaunt it.

"Yes, Nicolas, it's true. Can you please leave us?"

Nicolas' eyes widened, as did Jeffery's. They walked away, joining a group of other boys.

"It will be all over town within a few days," sighed Kurt, looking as the news that yes, the rumors were true, began to spread around their school quickly.

"I know," sighed Blaine.

"I hope this ends up well."

"As do I."

The next day, Carole, Blaine and Kurt attended the market to look for some things for dinner. Everyone stared at Blaine and Kurt, though they weren't touching. Many people sneered at them. Kurt was sure he heard the occasional whispered insult.

"Everyone knows," Kurt said to Blaine.

"It appears they do," said Blaine. It was odd. He remember how he and Kurt thought that the town knowing about them would be the end of their world. So far, it just felt like a relief. Though he still wouldn't for fear of someone actually hurting him and Kurt, he could reach over and grab Kurt's hand right now. Everyone knew, anyway.

"I'm sorry, boys," sighed Carole. She had noticed the stares as well. She finished up her business in the market and hurried back home.

The next few days were more of the same. Every time they were in public, people stared and whispered. It didn't seem like a bad thing, though. Nothing had happened.

Until it did.

Blaine and Kurt were walking back from the Berry's house later one evening. The sun was setting, making the sky a beautiful red color. Not many people were around, but those who were stared and hurried pass them.

Then they passed by a group of men, sitting in front of a local bar. "Those are the disgusting boys who like other boys," one said. He sounded a bit drunk, though not overly so. Blaine and Kurt unconsciously sped up.

"Hey! Is the heat of a woman not good enough for you?"

The voices were following them.

"Blaine," said Kurt quietly, his fear only matched by Blaine.

"Hey! I asked you disgusting abominations a question!" said another man. It was accompanied by a pressure on Blaine's shoulder, turning him around to face the three men. Blaine stumbled and almost fell, but Kurt reached over to steady him.

"We don't want trouble," said Kurt, looking down, away from their eyes. This was only misconstrued.

"You're looking at me!" said one man. "Lord above, as if your friend," the word was used sarcastically, motioning toward Blaine. "Wasn't enough for you."

"No better than whores," said one man. He reached forward, probably to grab or hit them, but he was sluggish from the drinks he'd had. Blaine and Kurt stumbled backwards.

"Kurt!" shouted Blaine, grabbing his hand. "Run." He pulled Kurt after him. For a few minutes, the men followed, but then lost interest. Blaine heard them spit in their direction.

They didn't' stop running until they reached Kurt's house.

They told Kurt's family about what had happened. They looked frightened and angry. Burt wanted to do something - but what could they do? The police that they called could be just like those men, though sober. They would probably hate Kurt and Blaine just as fiercely. They wouldn't do a thing.

"I think it would be better for Finn to be with you boys, whenever you are out and not at school," said Carole nervously.

"I promise to protect you guys," said Finn with a nod.

"Thank you," said Kurt softly. He sighed. "I'm going to bed. I'm exhausted."

Blaine followed Kurt without a word. They readied themselves for bed and hugged each other closely.

Blaine stayed awake for a long time, just thinking. He could tell that Kurt was also awake by his breathing, but they didn't say anything.

They would never be completely safe in this town. Everyone knew. People like the men tonight could get more daring, and with better reflexes. He and Kurt might not be so lucky next time. They could be apart from each other, even.

Blaine almost wished they could go back to when no one knew about them. That was ultimately better than this, living in fear that someone could hurt them.

"Kurt," said Blaine, an idea finally occurring to him. It was drastic and almost hurt to think about, but it was, admittedly, the only thing he had.

"Yes?" came Kurt's response.

"I know what we need to do."

Kurt turned over to face him. "What is it?"

"We need to leave Lima."

Kurt and Blaine spoke into the night. They had to get out of Lima, and while they were at it, out of the state of Ohio. They needed to go far, far away, where no one had ever heard of them.

"We need to go out west," said Kurt quietly. "Everyone talks about how people make new lives for themselves out there. No one would know us…we could start over. We'd have to pretend again, but at least it would be better than this."

"Exactly as I thought."

"But…to leave my family." Kurt sighed.

"It would be hard," agreed Blaine.

"I love them. So much. To leave them…maybe never see them…oh God."

Blaine hugged Kurt closer. "It's a lot to ask, I know. I wouldn't ask it of you unless I thought it was essential."

"I know that," sighed Kurt. "It's our only real option."

They spoke no more of it that night.

The next day is when they brought it up to Kurt's family.

They reacted as Blaine and Kurt expected them to. They were against it. Then Blaine and Kurt explained that they couldn't live in this town, with the stares and glares. With the threat that they could be attacked.

"It's the last thing I want to do," said Kurt. "Leaving you. You're my family and this is my home. But I need to do what is best for Blaine and I. It's what you do when you're married, right? Think of your spouse first?" Kurt gave a meaningful look at his father.

Burt sighed and nodded wearily. "You're right, of course," he said. "Oh, son…" Kurt reached over to his father and hugged him tightly.

"We'll give you boys some money," said Burt. "From the funds that would have gone to your college and future home. Obviously, it will do that, but this time on the other side of the country."

"Of course," said Blaine.

"You can take trains to get there. Where did you expect to go?" asked Carole.

Kurt and Blaine looked at each other. "We figured as far as possible would be good. California."

Finn whistled. It was a long way.

"I think that's wise," said Burt finally.

"We could still see you again one day," said Finn suddenly. "Who's to say we don't join you one day, out in California?" Finn looked at his mother. "I'm almost done with school and after that, what's the use in staying? I could marry Rachel and all of us could just…move west. Her fathers, too."

They all thought about this. "Maybe one day. It would take…planning. Selling our house, moving out there." Carole sighed. "But one day, I think we should."

"I would like that," said Kurt thickly.

"But Kurt and I will leave as soon as possible," said Blaine. "We can't go on like this much longer. I hope you understand…we'll send postcards. Write as much as possible."

"We understand," said Carole.

From then on, things moved quickly. Burt pulled out money for Blaine and Kurt as they packed their belongings. They checked the train schedules and would be leaving in two days. They prepared for this. They didn't return to school. What was the point, really?

Kurt, Blaine and Finn were out getting necessary supplies the day before they were leaving when Blaine spotted Quinn.

She was out with her mother, looking bored. She saw Blaine, too. He made a motion for her to follow him. Quinn said something to her mother and walked to where they were standing in a large alcove, reaching up so her skirt didn't touch the ground.

"Blaine," she said with a small smile. She looked over at Finn, whom she used to be courted with, and Kurt, who her ex-fiancé was in love with. And yet, she didn't look terribly upset.

"Quinn. I just…I'm sorry for everything," said Blaine. "I know it was horrible of me to lie and make you think that I loved you. For that, I will never forgive myself."

"It's perfectly alright, Blaine," said Quinn. At their surprised looks, Quinn laughed. "I admit, at first I was devastated. I don't seem to have very good luck with men." She sighed. "But then, I remembered how you and Kurt were to each other. I knew, after thinking about it for a few days, that you truly love each other." Quinn looked at Kurt with a smile. "Who am I to be in the way of that?"

"Quinn…you're perfect. Just perfect," laughed Blaine. He reached over and hugged her.

"Yes, well," she said, embarrassed. "I do hope we can still be friends."

Blaine's smile faltered. "Oh…" He looked at Kurt for permission and he just sighed and nodded. "Quinn, you can't tell people just yet, but Kurt and I…we're leaving Lima. We can't…we can't stay here. Everyone knows. Everyone stares. We were almost hurt a few days ago. We need to go somewhere where no one knows who we are. We're going west, to California."

"Goodness," said Quinn, her eyes wide.

"I wish I could have had more time with you, before leaving," sighed Blaine. He grabbed Quinn's hand. "You became a friend to me, Quinn."

"And you to me," she said. "But I understand why you must go. Really, I do."

"Our families will join us, one day," said Kurt with a smile. "But we have to go first."

"Yes, yes," said Quinn with a nod. "When are you leaving…?"

"Tomorrow."

"So soon."

"And yet, not soon enough," said Blaine.

Quinn began to nod, then she froze. Her eyes were wide. She looked around, at the people passing by the alcove. No one could see them. She turned back and clutched Blaine's hands.

"Take me with you," she whispered fiercely.

"What?" said Blaine in surprised.

"I have to live with stares, too," Quinn said. "Ever since I became pregnant, I get stares. It was worse back then, but it still happens. People still remember what I did. They look down on me. And my mother…she's going insane trying to find me a husband now. No one wants me, though. Because of what I did."

Quinn sniffled. "I want to go somewhere without stares, too, where people don't know my past."

"Oh Quinn…" said Kurt, stepping forward and taking his pocket square out of his jacket, dabbing her eyes.

"Please," she repeated. "I can't take this life anymore."

Blaine and Kurt looked at each other. It would obviously be risky, but then, Quinn was an adult. She could leave freely, if she chose.

"It might look better for you guys," said Finn slowly. "To have a woman with you. Blaine and her could pretend to be married, or engaged. Kurt, for that matter. Really, it doesn't matter. The other could be her brother. People wouldn't suspect anything."

They let this, surprising good idea from Finn, sink in.

"See, I could be useful," Quinn said smugly.

"I guess…it could work," said Kurt. "But you'd have to write a note to your mother, so it doesn't look like we kidnapped you. They wouldn't stop till they found us if they thought that."

"Of course," said Quinn quickly.

"We can get her tonight," said Blaine. "Her mother goes to a womans' temperance meeting on Wednesdays. There is a later train tonight, that would take us to at least the next state over, instead of the one we were planning on tomorrow. Then from there we can get to California."

"It's settled," said Kurt. "Quinn, pack a few bags, but pack lightly. I have money that can buy you new things, so don't trouble too much. Write the note and wait for us. We'll be there soon after your mother leaves, alright?"

"Thank you," she said, launching herself at Kurt, then at Blaine. "Thank you." After releasing Blaine from the hug, she turned toward Finn awkwardly. Then, she smiled. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, causing Finn to color. Then she hurried out of the alcove, joining her mother.

Burt didn't seem that enthused about the idea that Quinn would be joining them, but Carole understood a bit what she wanted this for. They didn't talk about it much. Burt simply urged them to be careful.

They had decided that their family wouldn't take them to the train station. They would say their goodbyes here, at home. Tom, Hiram and Rachel were there, too. Because it would be too risky, Kurt had written a letter to Mercedes and given it to Carole. She was to give it to her as soon as possible, after they had already gone.

Tom and Hiram wished them luck, and that they would see them again one day. Rachel was weepy and hugging them both. Kurt teared up himself when he hugged Finn. Carole hugged him tightly, as if she didn't want to let go, though she did. Then she did the same for Blaine.

The goodbye with his father was more difficult. Though Kurt kept in mind that they would see each other again, one day, it still hurt. He hugged him tightly.

"You'll do good, son," he said. "And you'll be safe. That's all I can ask for."

"I love you," said Kurt, his eyes much too wet.

"I love you."

Then, Burt turned to Blaine. He put a hand on Blaine's shoulder and brought him closer to him. His tone grew very serious. "You take care of my son, Blaine." The way he said it made Blaine stand up straighter.

"I will protect him with my life, sir," said Blaine.

"Thank you, son."

For Blaine, Burt calling him 'son' was it. He knew that he was a part of this family now, in everyway that mattered.

They left the house and went to Quinn's as quickly as they could manage. Blaine knocked and the door opened very quickly. Quinn was there with two bags, her coat already on and hat perched on her head.

"You're ready, good," said Blaine.

"I was born ready, Blaine," she said.

When they were in route to the train station, they remained mostly silent. They knew that this would be the last time they would ever be in Lima, the town where they had all grown up.

"I'm going to miss Beth," said Quinn suddenly, here eyes teary.

"Beth?"

"My daughter," answered Quinn. "Short for Elisabeth, but I always called her Beth in my head. I gave her to this nice couple…it was for the best. They live close to here. I never got to see her, afterwards, but knowing that she was within a day's journey…had been comforting. It won't be the case now. I'll miss her."

Blaine put an arm around Quinn and Kurt held one of her hands. "She'll always be with you, Quinn. And one day, when we're in California, you'll find a man that will love you, not just as the beautiful girl you are, but for you, Quinn Fabray. He'll give you children, if you really want them, and you'll be able to love them for the rest of your life."

"Thank you," whispered Quinn. "So much."

They arrived at the train station and purchased their tickets to Indiana and boarded quickly. They were in a small compartment together and didn't breathe right until the train was moving, far away from Lima.

"Oh," said Quinn, reaching into her coat pocket and pulled out the ring Blaine had given her. The one that belonged to his great grandmother. "I realized a few days ago that I was still wearing it. It didn't seem right, and I meant to return it to your family…but I suppose I'll return it to you."

"Keep it," said Blaine, pushing it toward her.

"But -"

"It will help with the cover," said Kurt. "Only this time, I'm going to be engaged to you." He winked at Blaine and smiled at Quinn. "I hope that's ok with you?"

"Well, sir, you should ask me," giggled Quinn.

Kurt reached over and grabbed her hand. "Quinn, will you marry me? Oh goodness, I never thought I would say that to a woman!" He laughed and shook his head.

"I'm flattered, sir," said Quinn with a smile. "And yes, I will marry you." Quinn turned to Blaine as Kurt kissed her hand. "And you're my brother now, Blaine."

"I wish I had a sister as fair as you," said Blaine, quite serious.

"A pair of charmers," sighed Quinn. She looked out the window at the landscape that quickly passed them by. "What do you hope for when we arrive in California?"

"I hope to finish my education," said Kurt and Blaine agreed. "Then maybe even more. I've always wanted to go to a university. And perhaps teach."

"I think I'll get a job," said Blaine. "I always wanted to entertain people with music. I'm sure that I could get a job in a bar or restaurant, playing piano. I would love that most of all."

"And I would like to spend as much time as I can with this man," said Kurt, a smile directed toward Blaine. "Thought it can never be public, I will take even the private moments and cherish them."

"I wish they could be public," sighed Blaine. "But I know now…that can't happen. One day, I hope they can." Kurt gave him a look. "Not for us," he relented. "But maybe in the future, people like us will be able to express their love for each other in public. Get married, even."

"That would be beautiful," said Quinn. "It could happen, one day," she said.

"We can only hope," said Kurt.

"What about you?" asked Blaine. "What do you wish for, Quinn?"

"I…want a job as well," said Quinn with a blush. "I know it would only be as a nanny, perhaps, but that sounds like a promising position."

"I could see you as a nanny," said Kurt with a smile.

"You can teach them to sing," said Blaine, his mouth twisting into a smile at the memory of Quinn's pleasing voice.

"I'd like that," sighed Quinn with a smile, looking back out at the window.

The three young people sat there, looking out the window, lost in their dreams. The dreams that they never thought they would have in their lives now seemed so close, and they were heading there fast. Quinn could feel the pressure lifting from her shoulders with every mile. Kurt and Blaine held hands on the seat, knowing that for now, they could. In the company of their friends, behind a closed train door with the window covering down, they could love each other.

That was enough.

Fin

The end! I had to have Quinn have a happy ending, too.

I hope you enjoyed this! Thanks for everyone who ever read or reviewed!