Both the hospital and Vogue gave Kurt and Blaine the next week off work to get Belle adjusted to life at home. Blaines shoulder needed time to heal. Belle needed a proper diet after barely eating for so long. She also needed to start therapy sessions. In the following nights, Belle spent every single one of them in bed with Kurt and Blaine. Her days were still spent blocking out normal activity. She only wanted to color or stare at the wall. Music, television, and toys gave her no interest.

"I wish I could help," Rachel told Kurt that Monday afternoon after he gave her an update. "When are we going to tell her? I really miss her and I just want a chance to see her."

"This week," Kurt said. "I know shes not going to take it well regardless of when we tell her, so we should get it out there. The sooner she knows, the less were keeping a secret from her."

""Shes been through so much," Rachel whispered. "I wish we could make things easier for her, but I know that we cant."

"Shell come around," Kurt said. "All in good time. I also think shes sad because she hasnt seen you. Every day when Sam comes to visit after school, she asks if youre feeling better. I think today hell tell her that you are starting to feel better."

"Will she be home in time from therapy to see Sam?" Rachel asked. "What time is her appointment?"

"Its at one, so shell be home in time. Im taking her, because Blaines still tired from his medication," Kurt shook his head. "Im so stressed. I just wish this was over with already."

Resting her head on his shoulder, Rachel grabbed his hand and said, "I know, babe. This has been hard for me but I can not imagine what you and Blaine are going through."

Kurt closed his eyes, fighting against the tears that threatened to fall. "Its just getting so hard to stay strong for my family, but they need me to be."

"I know, honey," Rachel positioned herself to look at him. She placed her arm on his shoulder and stroked his hair gently. "Its okay to fall apart sometimes."

"I didnt consider how things would be once she got home," Kurt said, looking into Rachels eyes. "I didnt know shed be like this. I didnt know wed be in this situation. I had hopes of feeling happy that shes back, and Im so happy that she is, but shes changed."

"How?" Rachel whispered.

"Shes not my innocent little girl anymore. Shes a scarred girl whos experienced too much at the age of seven,"" Kurt shook his head. "I can see it in her eyes. I can hear it in her voice. Shes so scared."

"Shes eight," Rachel corrected him.

Kurts face went pale, when he thought about the date. "We missed Belles birthday." For some reason, this struck hard with him. He couldnt fight back his tears anymore. "We missed Belles birthday. Rachel, weve missed so much in her life. She should have been close to leaving second grade. She should be rehearsing for her final ballet recital. She should have had a birthday party."

Pulling him into a hug, Rachel comforted him, as her own tears began to fall. "Shh. I know. I know its hard. Its okay to feel discouraged. Most people cant imagine the pain youve been carrying with you for months. Some people never face that kind of pain."

With the comfort of his friend, Kurt embraced her for a long moment. He couldnt show his stress at home and it felt good to release that stress for a moment. When he pulled back, he placed a hand on Rachels belly and said, "Thank you, Rachel. I dont know what Id do without you."

She placed a hand on top of his and smiled weakly, "I understand that you need the comfort. Thats what best friends are for." She hesitated. "But I cant heal your broken heart. Im starting to think this is beyond adjusting to life with Belle again."

"What do you mean?" Kurt asked.

"Belle has issues but so do you and Blaine," Rachel said. "Kurt, I know you. Weve been friends for many years. You try to hide things when youre upset. You only come to me with your problems when things become overwhelming. That hurts you even more. You cant bottle all of this up. Its too much," she wiped a tear off his cheek.

"Im okay," Kurt said.

"You know, Ive seen you go through a lot in your life. I wasnt there when you lost your mom but I remember when you nearly lost your dad to a heart attack," Rachel said. "You were bullied all through high school. Your dad had cancer. You lost your brother at nineteen. You had a terrible breakup with Dylan. Youve now had your daughter kidnapped. You were ambushed. You could have lost Blaine to get her back. Youve comforted your daughter through her night terrors." She shook her head. "Kurt, youve seen it all."

"And Ive learned to take things one at a time. School bullies and bad breakups dont compare to having Belle taken and mistreated," Kurt said.

"You have been so strong through everything but I think its hurting you. I feel like you havent been as normal as usual, even with Belle back. You have a right to feel that way but I truly believe you and Blaine need time to heal too," Rachel gave him a sympathetic smile.

"So what do we do?" Kurt asked.

"I think you guys need family therapy or something," Rachel shrugged. "Blaines been through a lot too. On top of everything with Belle, his dad died, and thats complicated in itself. His relationship with his dad was complicated, and I dont think he knew how to handle it. To lose Belle so quickly after, and Im pretty sure he still blames himself, I think hes going through a lot mentally. And now his shoulder has set him back. He probably feels helpless and maybe even a little embarrassed that Belle watched him get shot."

"You think hes embarrassed about that?" Kurt have her a curious look.

She sighed, "its a guess. I havent seen him since it happened, remember? No one wants their children to see them at their weakest. Blaine could have lost his life, and poor Belle had to witness that. Shell probably never get that image out of her head, and Im sure it doesnt make him feel good."

"Are you sure you shouldnt be a therapist? How did you sort all that out?" Kurt asked.

She stood up and shuffled toward the kitchen. "Being off work has given me too much etime to think. I dont really know whats been happening over there, other than your texts and Sams updates when he comes home, so Ive been making assumptions in my spare time."

"Theyre good guesses though," Kurt rose and followed her.

"Are you hungry?" she asked, reaching into the fridge and pulling out a container. "I have leftovers. I can make you a plate."

"No, I need to get Belle," Kurt shook his head. "I appreciate your advice though. Maybe Ill see how Blaine feels about the idea."

Rachel shut the fridge door and walked over to him, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Take care of yourself, Kurt, okay?"

He nodded, "Ill try."

Kurt left Sam and Rachels after that and went home to get Belle. They took a cab over to the therapists office and waited a few moments as they filled out paperwork.

"Annabelle Hummel," a nurse came out to retrieve her. She glanced around the waiting room only to find her sitting on Kurts lap with her head on his shoulder. "Hi sweetie."

"Hi," Belle said shyly.

"My name is Ashley. Would you like to come back with me? Wed like to talk to you for a little bit," she said, stepping in their direction.

"Can my dad come?" Belle asked.

Kurt sat forward and she climbed off his lap. "I think this is something you need to do alone, sweetie. This will help you feel better, I promise."

Belle grabbed his hand and gave him an anxious expression. "I dont want you to leave me. I want to be with you." Tears formed in her eyes.

Since Belle had been home, she had been with either Kurt or Blaine at every moment. She was too afraid to be alone, but Kurt knew this was a habit she had to break. He cupped his free hand around her cheek and stared into her sad eyes, "Honey, I promise that this will help you. Im going to be right here the whole time youre in there."

"Please dont leave me," she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Kissing her forehead, Kurt pulled her into a hug and whispered in her ear, "I promise Im not going to leave you. Youre safe here, Belle."

"Are you ready, Annabelle?" Ashley gave Kurt a brief look of regret. She knew this would be hard for Belle by the way she was behaving.

"I guess," Belle said. She hugged Kurt one last time and said, "I love you, dad."

"I love you too baby," Kurt said. He gave her a slight nudge in Ashleys direction. Ashley took Belles hand and led her through the door. Belle gave Kurt one last longing look before the door shut behind her.

"Do you want to know the sex of your baby?" Rachel asked Kurt on the way to his apartment two days later. "I asked, but I dont have to tell you and Blaine."

"I- I want to know," Kurt stuttered. "But I want to find out when Blaine does. You can tell us together, maybe while you tell Belle about the baby."

"Sounds fair," he smiled, taking her hand in his. "Are you ready for this?"

"Are any of us ready for this?" She replied.

The two of them made their way through the front door, to find Blaine siting on the couch. He had a book in his hand and barely noticed their entrance.

"Blaine?" Kurt asked. "Wheres Belle?"

Setting his book down, Blaine rose from the couch and greeted Kurt with a kiss, "shes in her room." He glanced in Rachels direction and sighed, "Rachel, its so good to see you."

"You too. Hows your shoulder?" She hugged him.

"Slowly healing," Blaine shook his head. "Im alright though. Taking it one day at a time." He placed her hand on her stomach and said, "How is this little one doing?"

The corners of Rachels mouth twitched, "Just fine. I had an appointment and found out the sex. Im just more worried about how Belle will take it."

"I guess were about to find out," Blaine said. He took Kurts hand and said, "Maybe you should wait here for just a minute so we can give her a little bit of a warning."

"Okay," Rachel whispered, as Blaine kissed her cheek.

Kurt followed Blaine into Belles room. She was sitting at her desk with a coloring book and a box of colored pencils in front of her.

"Hi sweetie," Kurt announced their entrance.

"Youre home," Belle leapt from her chair and hugged him tightly. She was so attached that she always greeted Kurt every time he came home from somewhere. "I missed you," she said.

"I missed you too," Kurt sat on the edge of her bed and patted it. "Come have a seat, honey. Your dad and I need to talk to you about something important."

"Okay," Belle sat down and Blaine took a seat on the other side of her.

"Belle, you were gone for quite a while, and a lot changed in that time," Blaine started. "Unfortunately, life doesnt wait for us when we fall behind."

"Is that why you got that promotion while I was gone?" Belle asked.

"Yes," Kurt nodded. He wrapped his arm around her and said, "But your dad and I talked about making big changes before you even disappeared. We didnt get a chance to talk to you about it before you were kidnapped though, and by then, we had already made the changes."

"What changes?" Belle asked.

Blaine took a deep breath, "Your mom is here to explain."

"You mean shes feeling better?" Belle perked up at this.

"I was never sick," Rachels voice came from the doorway. She cautiously stepped toward Belle with her hands placed around her belly.

"Mommy," Belle leapt from the bed and ran to hug Rachel rightly. She wrapped her small arms around her torso and then took an uncertain step back. "You look different."

Pulling out her desk chair, Rachel sat down, and motioned for Belle to come close. She wrapped her arm around Belles waist and explained, "Im having a baby boy, which is why my tummys so round."

Kurt felt his heart swell with pride. It was q boy. He glanced at Blaine and they exchanged smiles. "Its a boy," he whispered, taking Blaine!s hand in his.

"You and Sam are having a baby?" Belle asked.

"No. We are getting married, and some day wed like to have a baby," Rachel glanced at Kurt and Blaine. "But some people cant have babies on their own. You were born in my tummy but you belong to your dads."

Kurt climbed off the bed and knelt down in the floor next to them. "Honey, your dad and I decided we wanted another baby. We were ready to let our family grow. We made the decision months before you left but we didnt want to tell you until we knew Rachel was pregnant."

"Y-youre having a baby?" Belle said quietly.

"Youre going to be a big sister," Blaine said.

"I dont want to be a big sister," Belle took a step backward. "I dont want a baby. I just want you." She pushed Rachels arm off her and ran from the bedroom. They heard the door slam to the room next door.

Kurt quietly followed her. He turned the handle but it was locked. He then turned around and went back into her room. "She locked herself in the bathroom," he announced.

Blaine bowed his head in defeat and Rachel rubbed her belly soothingly. "We knew she wouldnt take it well," Rachel said reassuringly.

Kurt walked over and sat next to Blaine. He pulled him into a hug and gently rubbed his back. "Its gonna be okay. Shell get used to the idea."

Blaine didnt say anything. He only hugged Kurt tighter. His hands trembling slightly.

"Were going to get through this. Its going to be okay," Kurt said soothingly. He said it to comfort Blaine, but he was also trying to convince himself.

When Belle eventually came out of the bathroom, Rachel had gone home and Blaine had left the apartment. He said he needed some air and hadnt returned in the last hour. By the defeated look on his face, Kurt assumed Blaine left for more than just air.

Kurt was lying on his bed, flipping through a magazine, even though his thoughts were far from it. He heard the bathroom door open and waited patiently.

In a moment, Belle was standing in the doorway. Her eyes were heavy and puffy, her face pale. "Can I join you?" she asked pitifully.

Patting the bed next to him, Kurt said, "Of course." He waited as Belle curled up next to him. Putting his arm around her, Kurt said, "I knew itd be too much for you to handle."

"I just wanted things to be normal," Belle said quietly. "I want you all the time."

"Belle, you cant have us all the time. You have school and we have to work," Kurt explained. He stroked her forehead gently. "I know youve been feeling like you want someone there every minute of every day but we just cant provide that."

"But when you have a baby, itll take up even more of your time," Belle pouted. I wont have time with you after school.

Kissing the top of her head, he replied, "Belle, we will always have time for you. Nothing and no one could ever change that."

"Nothing?" she asked, her voice cracking.

"You took up every thought we had even when you disappeared. Night and day, you were always on my mind," Kurt told her. "I love you more than you could ever possibly imagine, Annabelle. Thats not going to change just because I have someone else to take care of. You will always be my little girl."

"And daddy feels that way too?" She asked.

"Absolutely," Kurt said. He didnt know if her comment had to do with Blaine keeping his distance or not but Kurt knew that Belle needed reassurance that she was loved and cared for. "I know this is confusing for you, sweetie. I know that a lot changed while you were gone and you probably feel left out, but your dad and I will never leave you behind."

Belle wrapped her arm around him and said, "its just not fair."

"I know, sweetie," Kurt said. "Theres a lot of things that arent fair. I think circumstances might be different if you hadnt been gone for months. You mightve been happy to be a big sister. Youre just in a fragile state of mind. Thats why itll be hard for you to get back into a normal routine."

Like when you have to go back to work?" Belle said quietly.

"Baby, I wish we could spend all our time with you. I really do but lifes just not that simple," Kurt said quietly.

"Daddy," Belle said quietly.

"Yes, my angel?" Kurt asked.

"Is it okay to still be scared?" she asked, as tears sprung to her eyes. Lip quivering, she turned away from him.

Kurt knew that Belle was struggling. The way she stayed close, the way she stayed so silent through the day, and the way her nightmares still woke her at night. It was going to take her time to get over it and she needed to know that was okay. "Yes, Belle, its okay to be scared. You have every right to be scared."

"Good... because I am," Belle said. "Thats why I dont want the baby because I dont want you to be too busy or forget me."

"Im always going to have time for you," Kurt held her tightly, gently rubbing her forehead. He continued to hold her until she calmed down and eventually fell asleep.

After some time, Kurt began to doze. The thing that woke him was the sound of Blaine walking into the bedroom. Kurt opened his eyes and watched Blaine shuffle into their bathroom. "Babe?" Kurt said quietly.

"Is she sleeping?" Blaine whispered.

"Where were you?" Kurt asked. "I was getting worried."

Blaine hesitated, "Brooklyn Bridge."

"What were you doing there?" Kurt asked.

"Thinking," Blaine went into the bathroom and came back a moment later. He climbed into bed on the other side of Belle. His face was pals and his eyes were dark.

"Babe, are you all right?" Kurt asked quietly.

"Just tired," Blaine replied.

"Were you drinking?" Kurt asked, hoping Blaine hadnt gone back to that.

"No, thinking," Blaine said. He closed his eyes and didnt say anything else. Kurt wanted to say more, to ask about his feelings, but it was clear that Blaine was too lost in thought and didnt want to talk.

There was definitely something wrong with Blaine and Kurt wasnt sure how to help him.