"Remember how you told me last week that youd try harder to let me in?" Kurt sat on the floor of The office, watching Blaine run a roller full of yellow paint up the wall.

"Yes," Blaine said curtly.

"I dont think youre trying very hard," Kurt said.

Setting the roller in the pan, laine asked, "What makes you say that?"

"Because youve been quiet the last two days. I noticed when Rachel came to get Belle last night that you had a hard time letting her leave," Kurt stood up and took Blaines hand in his.

"I just miss her. I wish she didnt have to stay the weekend," Blaine explained. "I dont get to see her during work hours and around her nights with Rachel and Sam," Blaine shrugged.

"Theres more," Kurt shook his head. "You hardly spoke to her before last week and now you cant leave her side. What changed?"

"The train," Blaine sighed.

"What train?" Kurt crossed his arms over his chest.

"We were on our way home from buying paint and she fell asleep on the subway. I didnt know she wasnt wth me until after the train left," Blaine ran a hand through his thick curls.

"You what?" Kurts jaw dropped.

"Kurt, I felt terrible," Blaine responded. "I caught a cab, cutting off the route the train travelled. I got to her in time but I couldnt help but think of how she felt."

"Probably terrified," Kurt stated.

"I thought shed never trust me again," Blaine shook his head. "I thought I had ruined everything. I mean, what the hell was I thinking?"

"You werent," Kurt raised an eyebrow. He climbed to his feet and studied his husband carefully. Blaine looked like he got hit by a train. There was no doubt he felt guilty and Kurt couldnt blame him there.

"Exactly. Kurt, I have been so caught up in my own sadness. I was in thought and didnt think to check for her. At first, I was afraid shed hate me, but when I saw her face, I knew it was more about how she felt. She was scared, Kurt and I made her feel that way. Im her father. Im supposed to make her feel protected."

Kurt glared into Blaines hazel eyes for a long moment. His arms fell to his sides and he helplessly said, "I wish you had told me."

"What was I supposed to say? Hi, honey, I nearly lost our daughter on the subway today. How was your day?" Blaine stepped closer. "I just felt so guilty."

"Belle didnt seem too scarred from it. I havent noticed any changes," Kurt replied.

"Shes fine, I think," Blaine said. "I think it shook me up more than her, but she had been sleeping through most of it and I was in an adrenaline rush. I knew I had a chance to catch it, because I know that train route well enough. She woke up and found me gone but I dont think she had a lot of time to think about what that really meant."

Kurt stared at Blaine but didnt know how to respond.

"What?" Blaine finally asked.

"Im just so tired, Blaine," Kurt said quietly.

"What do you mean? Whats wrong?" Blaine asked.

"I just wish this was over. I thought itd be over when Belle came back but theres so many pieces to pick up," Kurt bit his lip nervously. "Im worried about you and Belle and what to do when the baby comes, and its just tiring."

"I know," Blaine squeezed his hand. "But I think thats our problem. Were so worried about what might happen. I mean, theres always a chance something could go wrong."

"Well only live in fear if we dont enjoy the time we have with Belle or the baby," Kurt replied. "its just so hard and Im so tired."

Leaning toward him, Blaine met Kurts lips. "Were going to be fine," Blaine rested his forehead on Kurts. "Dont worry so much."

"Youre probably the last person that should be telling me that," Kurt smiled weakly.

"I can help you loosen up," Blaine mumbled, unbuttoning the top two buttons of Kurts shirt.

"Were supposed to be painting the office," Kurt said, as Blaine yanked on his shirt sleeve, guiding his shirt off with ease.

"We are," Blaine kissed his neck, working his way down Kurts torso.

"Belle will be home in a few hours," Kurt said lamely.

"We dont have to take that long," Blaine said, pulling at his own shirt.

Eyes following Blaines perfect form, Kurt felt his mind cave in. It had been so long. He licked his lips and said, "Fine, but lets not do this here. I dont want the memory of painting Belles room to be full of. -"

Blaines mouth cut him off and Kurt deepened the kiss, wrapping his arms around Blaines body. He pulled Blaine close to him and started backing up toward the door.

"Youre really... gonna take... The fun out of... painting... Arent you?" Blaine said between desperate kisses.

Without responding, Kurt led him into the bedroom and shut the door.

People filed out of the theater after the final ballet recital of the season. Belle grabbed Kurts hand and dragged him toward her friends, who were out in the hall greeting their friends and family.

Blaine, Rachel, and Sam followed behind them. "She seems more eager to see her friends this time," Blaine said, taking Kurts free hand.

"Dont remind her," Kurt mumbled, as Belle hugged the girl closest to them.

The four of them stood and watched Belle for a minute. Rhonda came over and shook Sams hand, "Hi everyone! Im so glad Belle could make it out. Hows she doing?"

"I think she misses her friends. She hasnt been to school yet," Blaine said. "Shes going to have to repeat second grade next year."

"Sure," Rhonda nodded. "Well, just know that shes welcome back next year. I missed having her here. Shes a sweet girl."

"Thank you," Kurt smiled.

Little footsteps came quickly down the hallway. Belle showed up at Kurts side and hugged his waist. Tears rolled down her cheeks and she buried her face in his side.

"Whats wrong?" Kurt asked, rubbing her back.

"Hannah told me that I was faking it," Belle choked out. "She said I just wasnt a good dancer and that I said. I was kidnapped so I didnt have to be embarrassed about my dancing any more."

Kurt and Blaine exchanged uncertain glances. This was not something they had considered before. Before Kurt had time to think about what to say, Sam stormed in the direction of Hannah and her family.

"Sam!" Rachel called, following him. She reached for his arm and he pushed her back. "Sam, please!"

When he reached Hannahs father, Sam punched him in the jaw. He began yelling, "What are you telling your kid, huh? You think this is a joke?"

"Excuse me?!" His wife replied.

Hannahs father pulled his arm back to hit Sam in return and Rachel jumped jn between them before anything happened. The man froze. "Dont you talk to me like that."

"Dont you talk to my daughter like that!" Sam hollered. Kurt and Blaine rushed forward and grabbed each arm.

"I didnt do anything to your daughter!" Hannahs father retorted, giving Sam a shove backward. "I do not approve of you talking to me in such a way!"

"Your daughter accused Belle of faking her kidnapping. Are you telling me that she came up with that on her own?" Sam hollered. "You put that in her mind! She didnt think of that herself! How dare you! You have no idea how hard this has been on her family and on Belle!" Tears streamed down Sams cheeks. His body began to tremble and Kurt gently touched his shoulder.

"Sam, enough," Kurt said quietly.

"No, let me tell you something," Hannahs father pushed Kurt aside, standing toe to toe with Sam. He poked Sams chest with his finger and said, "You dont tell me what I can and cant tell my child. You dont tell me what my daughter is allowed to believe. You can take your pathetic team of gays and your large woman and your fake of a daughter and get the hell out of here. We dont need your strange family harassing our innocent children."

Sam swung to punch the man again but he grabbed Sams arm and twisted it firmly. Sam let out a cry of pain and the man released him. "Get out of here," he growled.

Kurt took Sams hand and pulled him away from the crowd. Blaine wrapped his arm around Rachels waist and Rachel took Belles hand and the three of them followed.

Once on the street, Kurt stopped and turned to Sam, "Look, I know this hard but was that necessary?"

"You dont think it wasnt?" Sam said defensively. "Belle shouldnt have to hear things like that. These kids have no idea what shes been through."

"We know that," Blaine said quietly. "We do appreciate your help, Sam, but that was a little out of line. It could have been handled better."

"Oh, well, thanks," Sam threw his hands in the air in annoyance. "You know, this isnt just about the two of you. Rachel and I have been dealing with this too. Not to mention, Rachels been pregnant with your baby during this. Shes been under a lot of stress and I have too. Belle is like our daughter and weve had a hard time coping too."

"Sam, Im sorry. I didnt think -" Kurt started.

Sam interrupted, "Youre right. You didnt think. I know you didnt like hearing what that jerk said. Well, i didnt either and thats how I dealt with it. Im sorry if my feelings dont matter to you."

"Thats not what we meant," Blaine replied.

Rolling his eyes, Sam said, "Yes. It is. You two have been so caught up in your own feelings. Have you even bothered asking Rachel how things are going with her pregnancy? Did you know we started planning our wedding? Have you stopped to think about us at all? We hardly hear from you outside of Rachel babysitting Belle while you two work. When we do, its all about you and how miserable Blaine is and how stressed Kurt is. We were all supposed to be a family, but lately thats not how things have been.

"Sam, Im sorry," Kurt said quietly.

"Tell me that when you mean it," he scoffed. Taking Rachels hand, he pulled her arm and said, "Come on, Rachel. Were not welcome here anymore."

As Sam half dragged Rachel behind him, she turned her head to give them one last look. The two of them disappeared around the corner and they were gone.

Kurt, Blaine, and Belle stood in silence for a minute, before Blaine said, "Well, that was unexpected."

"Hes right though," Kurt said, taking Belles hand. "This has been hard for them too. I cant remember the last time I had a real conversation with Sam."

"Things have just been hectic," Blaine said, taking Kurts other hand.

Shaking his head, "Kurt said, "Thats not an excuse. Were a family, and we cant let that fall apart now because were afraid to leave our conifer zone."

Kurt tried calling Sam to apologize but his calls were sent to voicemail. He showed up at the apartment once and no one answered.

Finally, he text Rachel to see if shed respond to that.

(3:45) Kurt: are you as upset with me as Sam is?

(4:23) Rachel: I cant say Im thrilled about the way youve been acting.

(4:26) Kurt: So you agree with him. Rachel, I never meant to leave you out of this.

(4:51) Rachel: I know. Youve been taking it hard.

(4:53) But I think you also need to keep in mind that Belle isnt gone anymore. I know shes hurting and that makes you hurt, but sometimes I think you and Blaine act like shes still not here. You should be somewhat happy because you have her.

(5:00) Kurt: I guess I didnt think about that. I should be cherishing the time I have with her.

(5:13) Rachel: Plus the more she sees you and Blaine hurting, the more shell think its okay o hurt. She needs to get back to a normal routine. She n reds her own bed and her own time away from family. When you arent around, shes with me. She needs friends and she needs to breathe fresh air. Right now sheMs stuck in this little bubble.

(5:16) Kirt: I know youre right. Blaine and I have thought about it but were too comfortable to act on it. That needs to change. Im sorry Ive been such an idiot.

(5:18) Rachel: its okay. I think you just need to work on improving things. They arent going to get better without everyone making an effort.

:5:20) I love you. You know that. If you need help getting there, Im here for you.

(5:22) Kurt: I love you too. Thanks. Youre the best.

Kurt felt better after talking to Rachel. He knew she was right and he knew it was probably the same reason Sam was upset. It probably wasnt so much that Kurt and Blaine had been neglecting him and Rachel. It was that Kurt and Blaine hadnt tried enough to help Belle heal, to push her beyond her comfort zone. She was in therapy, yes, but she needed more than that. Sam loved Belle like a daughter and wanted to see her get better.

That night, Kurt walked into Belles room with Blaine at his side. He sat down on the foot of her bed and said, "its bedtime, sweetie. Got your teeth brushed?"

"Yeah, lets go!" Belle headed toward the bedroom door.

"Actually, Belle, youre gonna stay in here tonight," Kurt remained where he was.

She stopped in her tracks, "I am?"

"She is?" Blaine raised an eyebrow.

"Youve been in our room every night, honey. Youve been in your mom and Sams bed too. I think you need to try a night alone," Kurt explained.

"No! Please dont make me," Belle said, tears welling in her eyes. "I need you."

"If shes not ready..." Blaine hesitated.

"Im not ready!" Belle stomped her foot. "You cant make me! Im too scared!"

Kurt and Blaine exchanged looks. Kurt tried reminding him of the conversation they had the other day, which was the same thing Rachel had mentioned. They had to do what they could to help Belle. Blaine sighed, "Your dads right, Belle. You should try it tonight."

"No!" she cried, sitting on the floor. "I want to sleep with you!"

Rising from the bed, Kurt sternly said, "Annabelle, youre sleeping in here tonight. Youll never know if youre ready until you try."

"What if she has a nightmare?" Blaine questioned, knowing she did most nights. He still wasnt totally on Kurts side.

"Then well be here, but she needs to try it on her own. At least for tonight, okay?" Kurt explained.

"Fine," she pouted, climbing into her bed. She was so well behaved most of the time but he knew she was angry about it, more than she would show. The fierce look in her eyes proved that.

"Sweet dreams, B," Blaine kissed her forehead.

"I love you. This is for your own good," Kurt leaned in to kiss her and she pulled away. He knew not to push it, so he stepped back. "Well be just down the hall. You know where to find us."

He followed Blaine out the door and stopped as he heard Belle let out a sob. Part of him wanted to run back in there, scoop her up in his arms, and tell her hed stay with her. But he knew his friends were right. Belle wasnt getting any better and she needed a little separation. Kurt hoped this would be enough to begin her healing process.