The cool night air hit their faces as they crossed the park. Kurt set three blankets on the ground and Blaine placed a cooler next to them. "This is good," Kurt said.

"Its perfect," Rachel said, stopping in front of the nearest blanket. She took Sams hands and he helped lower her to the ground.

"Are you sure you dont want a chair?" Sam asked, sitting next to her.

Shaking her head, Rachel said, "Im fine."

Kurt, Blaine, and Belle settled themselves around them. Belle curled up against Kurts side. "I brought your jacket in case your sweatshirt isnt enough," he told her.

"Thanks," she said quietly.

Families shuffled in around them, setting up their own place to watch the firework show. Children were running around the field chasing each other. A small group of three girls were playing tag. They ran by their blankets several times before stopping in front of Belle.

"Hi," the oldest girl said.

"Do you want to come play with us?" the second girl asked.

Belle looked from Blaine to Kurt and back again. "I dont think so," she shook her head.

"Honey, you can if you want to," Blaine told her.

Kurt felt her lean in closer to his side. "I dont want to play," she said.

"What happened to just wanting to be a kid?" Blaine insisted.

"Not like that," she said.

"Nothings going to happen, Belle," Rachel told her. "Were right here."

Belle didnt say anything. She bowed her head.

"Sorry, guys, shes just tired," Sam said. "Maybe another time."

"Okay," they said, taking off through the crowd of people again.

"Belle?" Kurt asked quietly.

"Leave me alone," she pushed his hand away. Crawling to the other end of the blankets, Belle wrapped her arms around her knees and buried her face.

Kurt, Blaine, Rachel, and Sam all exchanged glances. "Give her time," Blaine said quietly. He continued to watch her with concerned eyes.

The sky grew dark and families were finally settling down near their spades. Kurt glanced over at Belle, who had been quiet for some time. "Belle?" he nudged her slightly. "Sweetie, the fireworks are going to go off soon."

She didnt respond.

"Shes sleeping," Sam replied.

A bright flash and a loud boom filled the night sky. Belle jumped from her sleep and sat up quickly. Another firework made a loud noise and Belles eyes grew wide. She glanced around frantically. Tears filled her eyes and she started crying. "Daddy!" she called.

"Belle, were right here," Kurt touched her shoulder. Next to him, Blaine tensed up.

Boom! Boom! Another went off and Belle started screaming. "Whats wrong with her?" Sam asked.

"Belle, its okay," Kurt tried pulling her closer and she pushed him away. "No! No!" she screamed.

People were staring at them more than the fireworks. Sam glanced around nervously, "We should move," he stood up, as Belle screamed again. Scooping her up, Sam began to move across the lawn. She kicked and screamed, fighting against him with all the energy she could muster.

Blaine and Kurt pulled Rachel to her feet. Kurt grabbed the blankets and Blaine grabbed the cooler. The three of them followed Sam, with heads turning in their direction. Belles screams could be heard over the loud display of fireworks.

They reached the car in the packed parking lot and Sam set Belle down outside of the car. Rachel followed closely behind Kurt, expressing her concern over this episode, while Blaine trailed silently behind.

Kurt handed the blankets to Rachel and stepped toward Belle. She was no longer screaming but tears poured down her cheeks. "Annabelle, whats wrong?" Kurt knelt down in front of her.

Belles eyes shifted behind him and landed on Blaine. The second Blaine set the cooler down, Belle ran toward him. She flung her arms around him and Blaine sank to his knees, pulling her into a tight hug. Neither of them said anything. They embraced each other tightly. Belles sobs filled the empty silence between all of them. Kurt found Blaines features through the dark and noticed tears running down his cheeks as well.

Sam placed his arm around Rachel and she grabbed Kurts hand. The three of them stood there silently waiting for either Blaine or Belle to move. In time, Blaine kissed her forehead, stood up and opened the car door. Belle climbed inside and he followed, neither of them saying a word.

Shrugging, Sam opened the passenger door for Rachel and went around to the drivers seat.

Kurt climbed in the backseat on the other side of Belle. Blaine put her seatbelt around her and grabbed her hand. Resting her head on his arm, she never acknowledged anyone elses presence.

Blaine met Kurts gaze for a brief second before turning to gaze out the window. Blaine and Belles hands remained intertwined the whole ride home, even after the two of them had drifted off to sleep.

When Sam and Rachel dropped them off, Blaine led Belle up the stairs with Kurt in tow. Belle kissed Kurt good night and followed Blaine into her room.

Grabbing a glass of water, Kurt sat on the couch and waited for Blaine to come back out. He was growing tired and found himself nodding off. After some time, Blaine hadnt returned to the living room. Rising from the couch, he made his way into Belles room.

Blaine and Belle were curled up on the bed fast asleep. His arm wrapped around her small frame, and Belle was nestled against his chest. Kurt smiled weakly. Grabbing the blanket at the foot of the bed, he tossed it over the two of them. Kissing Blaines forehead, he whispered, "Good night, my angels," before backing out of the room and retreating into his own.

With Blaines side of the bed empty, Kurt felt slightly anxious. Things had gone so smoothly the week before but now that they were settling into a routine again, things were bound to shift.

He didnt know what had happened that night but whatever it was, it was something Blaine understood. Things were far from perfect and they were taking a toll on both Blaine and Belle.

Daylight poured in through the window. Blaine slowly opened his eyes to find Belle draped over him. He shifted his weight underneath her and she groaned. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled, "Morning, Daddy."

"Hi, sweetheart," Blaine brushed her hair out of her face. "How are you feeling?"

"Okay," she said quietly.

"Are you hungry?" Blaine asked, stroking her hair.

"Yes. Can we have pancakes?" Belle asked.

"It smells like your dad might already be cooking," Blaine said.

Kissing his cheek, Belle smiled, "We should go find out." She rolled off of him and climbed off the bed. Blaine got up and followed her into the kitchen.

"Morning, sleepyheads," Kurt greeted them from the stove.

"Morning, Dad. Whats for breakfast?" she sat down at the table.

Blaine shuffled in behind her and sat down too, running his hands through his thick mess of curls. "Hey," he said softly.

"Belle, why dont you go get dressed. We still need to stop you off at your moms in an hour and I need you to be ready," Kurt told her. "Ill have pancakes and bacon ready for you in a few minutes."

"Okay," Belle hopped off her seat and went back to her room.

"You and I need to talk," Kurt said, setting a mug of coffee down in front of his husband.

"Nows really not a good time, Kurt," Blaine said softly.

"Why dont we meet before we get Belle from Rachels today?" Kurt suggested.

"Do we have to?"

"Yes, Blaine. Something happened between you and Belle last night and we need to talk about it," Kurt said shortly. "What happened last night was not normal."

"Were not in a normal situation," Blaine said plainly.

"I know that," Kurt replied. "But we still need to talk about it. What happened last night was scary and you didnt make it any easier. You were acting weird too, Blaine and it concerns me."

"I was comforting my daughter," Blaine replied.

Shaking his head, Kurt took the pancakes off the griddle and slid them onto plates. "No, that wasnt it. I know you, Blaine. Your side of the bed wasnt empty for no reason."

Staring at the plate Kurt placed before him, Blaine said, "Fine, come meet me after work." He pushed the plate away and added, "Im not hungry." Getting up, Blaine moved into the bathroom to go take a shower. Taking a long, hot shower, Blaine tried to avoid being in the kitchen for as long as he could.

When he finally entered the kitchen dressed and ready for work. Belle was finishing her breakfast and Kurt was sitting at the table with her holding Blaines mug of coffee. "Im heading out. Ill see you after work." He kissed Kurts cheek and moved toward Belle. "Have a good day with your mom. Ill see you later."

"Love you," she hugged him tightly.

"I love you too," he kissed the top of her head and left the apartment. Blaine quickly walked toward the subway. Blaine knew he would be early getting to the hospital but he needed time out of the apartment.

Blaine felt distracted the whole day. He couldnt focus and each struggle with each patient reminded him of his own daughters struggles. He knew that Kurt was right. Belle had her good and bad days but it was meltdowns like the one she had experienced the previous day that set Blaine on edge. It reminded him that Belle was still healing. And she was probably always going to be somewhat traumatized by her kidnapping. Whether it was something as simple as feeling uncomfortable in a crowd of people or having trouble trusting strangers.

What happened with the fireworks was different though. Blaine had a feeling he knew what the episode was about but he wanted to confirm it with Belle.

During his last session with Carter, Blaine found himself gaining more patience than ever before. Carter was having a really rough day, and when his mother apologized, Blaine said, "its okay. We all have bad days." His thoughts returned to Belle, and he couldnt wait to get home to her.

Kurt text him shortly before he got out of work.

(4:43) Kurt: Im on my way to the hospital. Should be there in about ten minutes.

(4:45) Blaine: You didnt want to meet up anywhere?

(4:46) Kurt: No, I want to be able to talk privately. Ill see you shortly.

While waiting for Kurt, Blaine tinkered around on the piano. The music was therapeutic and he felt more at ease than he had been all day.

"I could listen to you play all day," Kurt stood in the doorway of the office.

"Come here," Blaine reached out a hand to him. Kurt stepped forward and took Blaines hand, sitting on the bench next to him. "I missed you today."

"I missed you too," Kurt whispered, squeezing Blaines hand.

"Do you want to go somewhere and talk?" Blaine asked.

"No, I just want to stay here," Kurt leaned in and gently pressed his lips to Blaines. When he pulled back, he said, "What happened last night?"

"I dont know... If I had to guess, I think the fireworks startled her from sleep. She didnt know where she was and I think she was taken back to that basement," Blaine admitted.

"That was my guess too," Kurt sighed. "So what does that mean? Is she ever going to willingly celebrate the Fourth of July again? How do we protect her from things that stir up bad memories?"

Staring down at their linked hands, Blaine ran his thumb over Kurts knuckles. "I think she panicked when she didnt see me. It wasnt until I caught up with you that she calmed down, and that was only because she came to me." Blaine blinked a few times, meeting Kurts eyes. There was pain in his expression. "I think she was reliving the moment I got shot. She panicked and couldnt find me. Once she had, she didnt want to let go. I knew it then. She didnt have to tell me. She clung to me so desperately. I think she was afraid Id disappear if she let go. So I let her hold on. She was terrified, and I couldnt help her."

Kurt analyzed his expression for a long time. He gently brushed a tear off Blaines cheek. "Id say thats a pretty good guess... I noticed you were quiet even before that point though. Whats going on with you?

Shrugging, Blaine let out a defeated sigh. He banged his fist on the piano keys a few times and said, "I dont know, Kurt. I just feel so uneasy about everything. Feeling so free last weekend almost made me feel worse. It reminded me of the guilt I should be feeling. And then she wouldnt go play with those kids and I knew it was because of this. Shes never going to feel safe, and that scares me. Ive lost her on he train since then, and I know she took comfort in me last night, but does she really trust me?"

"Of course she trusts you," Kurt said quietly.

"Because I cant live with the guilt I have. My baby needs me and Ive let her down again and again. Im the reason she has these haunting images of being taken or watching me get shot and fearing the worst. Ive hurt my baby and I cant forgive myself for that," Blaine admitted, his voice shaking. "Now its ruining normal every things. Kids are supposed to look forward to watching fireworks, not be terrified of it."

"Youre being too hard on yourself. Belle doesnt think any less of you. Its why shes afraid of losing you, Blaine. She didnt scream like that last night because the fireworks scared her. She was scared for you," Kurt frowned. His blue eyes traded up at the sight of Blaine.

"I just hate the thought that her pain or fear comes from me though. I want her to be okay. I dont want her to feel afraid when she cant communicate with me or you about these things. I dont want her to feel afraid when we arent around.," Blaine said. He reached for Kurt and wrapped his arms around him, burying his face in his shoulder. "I dont want my baby to be broken."

"I know."Kurt whispered, rubbing his back. "Its just going to take time, you know that."

"Im just tired, Kurt," Blaine said, pulling back from him. "I thought we were heading in a good direction."

"Things are going to come up. She may be happy but shes not perfect. Id be startled waking up in a park or booming noises too," Kurt smiled weakly. "Well get her through this. Im right here with you, Blaine. You dont have to do this alone."

"Thank you," Blaine whispered.

Rising from the bench, Kurt said, "Come on, lets go get Belle from Rachels. We can go out to dinner."

"Eventually we should talk to her about it," Blaine said, letting Kurt pull him off the bench.

"We will, but she was in a good mood this morning and I dont want to let those moments go to waste," Kurt reminded him, as Blaine locked up his office and walked hand in hand with him toward the elevators.

"Daddy, no!" Belle screamed.

Blaines body crumpled to the floor and remained motionless. Belle rushed forward to reach him.

"No!" Sam wrapped his arms around her waist and held her back.

"Let me go!" Belle screamed, kicking and thrashing against him. "Daddy, please!" She cried, tears pouring down her face. Her body shaking head to toe.

"I didnt mean to," Jill shouted, her face buried in her hands. "I didnt mean to."

Another officer came down the stairs. "Whats going on?"

"Andersons been shot. Cuff her," Officer Delano ordered. She knelt down beside Blaine, feeling his pulse.

"Is he -" Sam stopped himself.

"Hes alive." Officer Delano told him. "But we need to get him to a hospital." She began talking into her radio.

Belle couldnt hear a word she said. Sam pulled her closely to his chest and held her tightly. Gently rubbing her back. She kept whispering, "Daddy... Daddy, please."

"Its going to be fine, Belle," Sam told her. She knew he didnt believe it. Sams voice was distant. His face was pale. Hands trembling, Sam couldnt take his eyes off Blaine.

Belle couldnt either. Blaines blank features, his still body, his injured shoulder. Belle clung tightly to Sam.

"Would you like to wait upstairs with her?" Officer Delano asked.

"Sure, come here, Belle," Sam grabbed her hand and started walking toward the stairs.

"No!" She screamed, pulling away from him. "Im not leaving him!"

"Hes going to be fine.",Sam said.

"Sammy, please, dont make me leave him," Belle cried. She looked up at him and his face looked defeated. "Dont make me leave him."

Sam knelt down and hugged her again, "I wont."

Time passed slowly. Paramedics arrived and began tending to Blaine. Belle watched as they loaded him on to the stretcher. Following them to the ambulance, Sam and Belle stopped outside the back doors. "You can ride with Officer Delano to the hospital," the paramedics told him.

"Daddy, please," Belle called, as they shut the doors and the ambulance took off with sirens blaring. Belle tried running after it and Sam held her back. Her weak body collapsed in his arms and she buried her face in his chest. "Daddy... Daddy..."

"Belle," a soft voice came through her dreams.

"Daddy!" she called.

"Im here, baby," Blaines face came into view as she opened her eyes. "Im here."

"Oh daddy," she sat up and hugged him, burying her face in his shirt and soaking in the scent of him. She reached her hand up and gently touched his shoulder.

"Im okay," Blaine said quietly. "Are you okay?"

"I just love you so much," Belle said.

"I love you too," Blaine kissed her forehead. "Did the fireworks scare you the other day?"

Slowly nodding, she said, "it made me think of when you got shot... I think about it a lot but I keep having bad dreams since then."

"Belle, its okay. Im all right. Were home and were safe," Blaine said.

"Im just so scared," Belle told him.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Blaine asked.

"What?"

"Im scared too," Blaine said. "I was so scared when we lost you that Im always afraid of it happening again. Im afraid for you, because I know youre afraid. And I understand that the fireworks scared you because they scared me too."

"They did?" Belle looked surprised.

Blaine nodded, "When I realized how afraid you were, I was afraid too. It made me think of that day and that day was overwhelming for all of us."

"I just want to forget about it but I cant get it out of my head,",Belle said.

"I cant get the fear of losing you out of my head," Blaine said.

"Dont be afraid, Daddy," Belle said quietly.

"We have a lot to get over, dont we?" He said. Belle nodded and he hugged her again. "I know youre hurting but lets keep talking about our feelings, okay? I think itll do both of us some good to talk about it. I didnt know until this whole firework thing that you were still having nightmares about me."

"And I didnt know you were so afraid," Belle replied.

"I think were all a little afraid. We just need time," Blaine admitted. "Sam was scared that day too. Your mom has been through a lot. Your dads worried about you too. I think you should talk to him."

Glancing down at her hands, Belle replied, "I cant."

"Why?" Blaine asked.

She looked up at her father and said, "Because he doesnt understand like you do."

"He wants to," Blaine said. "I think he just misses having you as his little girl."

"Im not a little girl anymore," Belle said.

Studying her face, Blaine let out a long sigh. He thought about the ways this situation had changed ger. Smiling sadly, he said, "Youre right about that."