Kurt looked up, terrified.

“Oh, my God...how did you loose your leg?” the boy standing there said, his mouth open as he looked Kurt up and down.

Kurt jerked around, scrambling to get his pants back up, his leg covered, his backpack up off the floor...and accomplished nothing.

“Hey, Dont worry. Im not going to hurt you. What happened? Youre losing a lot of blood. We have to get this fixed,” the boy said, moving closer, as if he were approaching a wild animal, to help this scared boy.

Kurt tried to duck back away and ended up slipping on the dirty, icy concrete floor of the mens wash room. He tried to move back, but he couldnt. He was already against the wall.

“Dont be scared, Ill just call someone to help,” the boy said.

“No!! Dont call anyone. I can do this. Just...just leave. You were never here, you never saw a thing. I can pay you. I have forty dollars in my pocket. Its all yours if you leave me alone!” Kurt said, desperate. That was all the money he had and it did not occur to him that this strong young man could just take it if he wanted to. Kurt was getting dizzy from the mix of adrenaline in his system and the loss of blood from his leg.

“Okay, okay, I wont tell anyone. Now,” he said in a calm but firm voice, “I can either help you stop that bleeding now or I can wait for you to pass out and then do something about it. Your choice.”

Kurt looked at the other boy. He looked nice, with clean high quality clothes and warm brown eyes. Plus he had Kurt at a disadvantage.

“Okay, you can come close. Thank you,” Kurt said automatically.

“My name is Blaine Anderson,” the boy said, kneeling down beside the hurt boy.

“Ah...Elijah Carter,” Kurt said. It was the name he had made up to use at the restaurant. He didnt want anyone to find him and take him back to Lima.

“Okay, Elijah, just be still and I will help you off with these...” he said as he pulled Kurts leg out of the leg of his jeans, not sure what to do about the prosthesis.

“Here,” Kurt said, undoing the leather buckles that held it in place. It came off and Kurt started to take off the bandage he wore on the stump. Blaine looked like he was going to faint at the site of Kurts stump. This is why Kurt never told anyone about what happened. He didnt want anyone to see it. He was so dizzy now from loss of blood that he sat back, leaning against the wall while Blaine took a T-shirt out of the backpack and pressed it hard against the gash.

Kurt slumped to the floor, unconscious.

Blaine didnt panic. He had a good, steady head on his shoulders and since he had seen a lot being an orderly at the hospital last summer, this wasnt a cause for concern. He continued to press against the gash for a little while, watching to see that Kurt continued breathing.

He finally got his cell out of his pocket. He thought for a moment who to call. He could call his brother, but since Cooper was a doctor he might be obligated to report this and the boy, Elijah, didnt want to be found. He finally settled on his friend, Trent. He was a dependable person and knew when to keep his mouth shut. He was also one of the few Dalton boys that was still in the dorms over Christmas break.

“Trent. I need some help. Can you come to the mens restroom at the south end of Heritage Park.”

…..

“Yeah, near the tennis courts.”

…..

“No, Im not in danger exactly – someone else is. Ill explain when you get here.”

…..

“No, dont tell anyone. And hurry.”

Blaine ended the call and went back to looking at Elijahs leg. He slowly let the T-shirt ease back, looking to be sure the bleeding had stopped. It was still bleeding, but not as much as it had been. He pushed the T-shirt back to keep pressure on the wound and sat still to listen for Trent. It was about fifteen minutes before he heard a voice from outside the mens restroom.

“Blaine? Are you in here?” Trents voice came from the entrance.

“Yeah, come in but be quiet,” Blaine said in a low voice.

Trent came in, his eyes wide at the sight of all the blood. He looked at the boy slumped against the wall, then at where Blaine was holding the pressure bandage against a stump of that boys leg. He gasped.

“What the hell?” Trent said, looking wildly around to see if there were more gruesome things to see.

“I was walking across the park, just on my way home from Thads house when I saw somebody fall on the Alum Creek Bridge. I was far enough away I didnt see much, but when I got there I saw a trail of blood. I followed it in here and this is what I came across, except he was awake then. He begged me not to tell anyone and fainted.” Blaine explained as quickly as possible.

“What are we going to do with him?” Trent asked.

“Its the weekend, nobody will be in the dorms. Lets take him to my dorm, then figure out something from there,” Blaine said.

“Okay, let me go put something down in the back seat of my car so we dont get blood everywhere,” Trent offered.

He was back in a few minutes and they put Elijah in the back seat. The unconscious boy was deceptively light to carry, the two other boys setting him gently in the back seat; Blaine getting in with him and laying his head in his lap. He had tied the T-shirt tightly around the gash and brought Elijahs backpack, knife, and the boys leg prosthesis.

~

Back at Dalton Preparatory School for Young Men, where Blaine and Trent boarded, the two got the injured boy up to Blaines dorm and put him in the bed.

“Can you stay with him for a few? I need to go down to my car, Cooper left his medical bag in the trunk.”

“Coop still uses that?”

“Not really. He keeps it because I gave it to him when he graduated. He just takes it camping and stuff – he doesnt use it in his daily life.”

“Does it have enough of what you need?” Trent asked, still worried about the injured boy. “Do you think you can help him? Trent asked, looking a little green and holding his stomach. He wished he didnt get sick at the sight of blood, but he couldnt change everything to please his parents.

“Sure, Ill stay with him - he looks like hes going to be out for a while. Do you know why?” Trent was scared.

“He lost a lot of blood, and from the looks of him, I dont think he eats regularly. Now, back in a jiffy,” Blaine assured his friend, giving him a hug before donning his wool pea coat once again and walking down to the student parking lot.

Blaine and Trent were cleaning up the gash on the stump when Kurt began to come around. He jerked away as soon as he saw the two others. Blaine moved calmly in back of the scared boy and put his arms around him gently but firmly, speaking to him in a very soft voice. The gash was long but not terribly deep, so Trent was able to use butterfly closures to hold it together. Blaine had held Kurt in his arms the whole time Trent washed the area with iodine and then bandaged it.

“I dont think you should put the prosthesis back on for a while, ah....Elijah,” Blaine said. He and Trent traded looks. When they had removed Kurts jeans his wallet fell out, dumping its contents. Trent went to pick it up and he saw the drivers license and the boys real name.

“Where am I?” Kurt asked, still lightheaded.

“In my dorm. I board here at Dalton Preparatory,” Blaine said. “This is my best friend, Trent. He helped me get you here. Its still Christmas break, so theres nobody here now. Youre safe,” Blaine reassured him. Kurt was still a bit scared. He didnt know these boys and his experience with boys his age was not very pleasant. It took a few minutes, but he finally realized that Blaine was holding him, his strong arms around his shoulders.

“Ah....whats...I mean....” Kurt wasnt even sure what to ask.

“Dont worry. Im going out to get us all some food and Im not going to tell anyone youre here, Kurt,” Trent assured him. Kurt whipped around to stare, knowing his secret was out.

“You found my drivers license.” It was a statement, not a question.

“Yeah. But dont worry. Well keep it to ourselves. I need to help you get cleaned up, Trent was just on his way to bring us food, and you can rest. Okay, Kurt?” Blaine asked. Kurt nodded. They helped get Kurt into the overstuffed easy chair that was sitting in front of a very small fireplace. Looking around from this new view of the room, Kurt could see the dark walnut paneling, the built-in bookcases, an array of overstuffed furniture covered in brocade and soft leather. His eyes brightened at the matching walnut roll-top desk and shelves filled with books and maps. There was an artists easel in one corner and a well-loved guitar on a stand in another. He could see himself sitting with one of the leather-bound tomes in the window seat, a soft crocheted afghan on his lap and a cup of hot cocoa by his side. Kurt shook his head. He needed to wake up from this dream and face his reality.

Trent left and Blaine went to his dresser, opening the top drawer.

“Were about the same size, youre maybe an inch or so shorter, but I think my clothes will fit you. I promise, theyre all clean.”

Blaine came back with a pair of briefs and some basketball shorts, and a long sleeved T-shirt. He helped Kurt shift around and get his shirt changed, then reached for his underwear. They had taken his jeans off when he was unconscious.

“No! I mean...I can do that,” Kurt said, taking the briefs in his hand. Blaine saw the boy shaking in fear and went to the other part of the room. He busied himself packing up his brothers medical bag. He could hear Kurt struggling and sighing before the boy asked for help in a defeated voice.

“Kurt, dont worry. I work in a hospital and Ive seen more naked bodies than you can imagine. Lets just get this done, okay?” Blaine said in his best orderly voice. Kurt nodded, too embarrassed to speak.

Blaine helped him slide out of his own clothes that were now soaked in blood. After sliding a thick Turkish towel under Kurts hips on the chair, Blaine brought a pan with warm, soapy water and cleaned as much blood off of Kurts body and leg as possible before getting him into the briefs. He got the basketball shorts on, too.

“I think its kind of cold to be wearing shorts, isnt it?” Kurt asked. He wanted to get back to the library before it closed and he didnt know what time it was.

“I think you better stay here with me for now, dont you? Youve had a bad day and lost a lot of blood. You need to stay warm and get some strength back before you try to go anywhere. You are welcome to stay here, I could use some company,” Blaine proposed.

Kurt was too tired to argue and it was really warm here. All he wanted to do was sleep. He looked into Blaines eyes and saw only kindness and warmth. He nodded in agreement. Some sixth sense told him he would be safe here.

“Okay then, lets get you under some covers and comfortable, okay?” Blaine said. He and Trent had changed the linen on the bed, fluffed the pillows, and got it ready. Kurt looked for his crutch before realizing he couldnt go anywhere without the prosthesis.

“Hey, quit worrying. Here, put your arms around my neck,” Blaine directed. Kurt did as he was told and Blaine picked the smaller boy up and set him in the bed, helping him get into a comfortable position and then pulling the sheets and blankets up.

“Comfy?”

“Yes, very. And its so warm. Thank you, Blaine. You are a very kind person,” Kurt said.

“Thank you. So, anything you want to tell me?” asked Blaine.

“Ah, no. Not really. But I guess I do owe you an explanation. Im so tired, can it all wait until I feel better?” Kurt begged, his eyes liquid from impending tears. Blaines heart melted when he saw those. This boy had been through the wringer and Blaine wasnt sure how much more he could take, so he relented. There would be plenty of time for them to talk. It was still three weeks before classes started again.

“Do I need to call someone for you?” Blaine asked. He hadnt seen a cell phone or anything else when he emptied Kurts pockets before throwing the jeans in the dumpster out back. There was too much blood for him to even try to clean them. He found the tag in the back, noting the size so he could get him some new ones.

“No. Nobody to call.”

“Blaine, do you think hes...maybe abused? Its obvious that hes a runaway, but dont most of those kids run because theyre abused in some way?” Trent whispered.

“I have no idea. I only know he panicked when I mentioned calling somebody or taking him to the hospital. I was going to call Cooper – what good is a brother whos a doctor if you cant call him when youre in trouble? But Kurt just looked terrified. Im worried about him anyway. He is so damn skinny,” Blaine said, his big brown eyes wide with concern as he talked to his best friend.

“Well, we can get him food. Lucky for you Sterling is your Resident Assistant, he will listen to you if he catches Kurt in here. The RA in my building is Wes and as you well know, he can be kind of a go-by-the-book guy. Like Mussolini. I know hes our friend, but still....” Trent sighed. Wes could be a real hard-ass at times.

“Kurt looks so tired, look at the dark rings under his eyes...” Blaine said, gazing at Kurt as he slept.

“Yeah, but we better wake him up to eat while the foods hot. Chicken and dumplings arent very good cold,” Trent said.

“Hey, Kurt,” Blaine said in a soft voice, sitting beside him on the bed.

Kurt turned over so he could see the boys face. He was disoriented for a moment, thinking he was still in one of his hideouts, but managed to stop himself from flinching. He blinked his heavy eyelids and wondered if they would leave him alone if he just closed his eyes again.

“Kurt, I hate to wake you up, but Trent is back and he brought you something to eat. How about it? Are you hungry?” Blaine asked, opening the lid of the container so Kurt could get a whiff of the rich soup it held. Kurt sniffed and his stomach growled, wanting some of the soup no matter what his brain had decided.

“Here, let me help you to sit up,” Blaine offered. He sat the soup container down on the bedside table and put his hands under Kurts arm, lifting him easily while Trent brought extra pillows to prop the runaway boy up to eat.

Kurts hands were shaking, he was dizzy from the loss of blood, and his eyelids were almost too heavy to hold open. He was not sure about Blaine and Trents motives, but the loss of blood had also made Kurt more vulnerable than he would ever admit if he were alert. As it was, he nodded and make a sort of noise to say he was agreeable.

“Blaine, hes never going to be able to eat that by himself. I think you should call your brother. Coop could treat him. What good does it do to have a doctor in the family if you cant call him in an emergency?” Trent asked.

Blaine thought for a moment.

“Lets see if I can get some nourishment into him, then Ill reevaluate the situation. Does that sound okay?” Blaine asked Trent and the boy agreed.

“Hey, Kurt?” Blaine went back to his soft voice, trying to coax this skinny little guy to open his mouth. “Here, just one sip of broth. I promise its good stuff. Trent got it from Mrs. Ginzberg at the delicatessen. She makes the very best chicken and dumplings.”

Kurt moved his tired head on the pillow, sniffing to take in the good-smelling broth. It really was delicious, so he allowed Blaine to spoon it in, one small swallow at a time until it was gone.

“Youre wrong,” Kurt mumbled.

Blaine looked at him.

“Wrong about what?” he demanded.

“That was not chicken and dumplings. Those werent dumplings. They were matzo balls. You were right about them being delicious, though,” Kurt smiled a tiny, weak smile. Trent put his head down and burst into laughter.

“Hes got you there, Blainers. It is matzo ball soup,” Trent revealed, laughing at his friend again.

Blaine frowned. He hated being wrong almost as much as Wes did. Trent knew that and was always on the lookout to correct his best friend. It had always been a friendly competition between them.

“Well, I also have hot tea. Its Earl Gray, I hope you like that. How much honey would you like in it, Kurt?” Blaine asked. No answer.

“Hey, he fell back asleep. Should we wake him?” Trent asked.

“Yeah, he should drink something to get back the electrolytes and fluid hes lost,” Blaine said, putting his hand on Kurts shoulder to shake him gently.

“Hmmm?” Kurt asked, still sleepy.

“Drink your tea. How much honey do you want?” Trent said.

“Lots,” was all Kurt answered. Blaine put in two tablespoons, honey was very good for anything that ails a person his grandmother used to say. He held the cup to Kurts mouth, but Kurts hands were shaking and he spilled more than he swallowed. Blaine took the cup and held it up to Kurts mouth as he drank. Blaine was ready with a handkerchief to wipe Kurts mouth as he drank. He had almost drained the cup when he fell back asleep. Trent helped Blaine clean up and get Kurt lying down in the bed, blankets up to his chin.

“Do you want me to stay with you tonight?” Trent offered. “He looks peaceful enough, but you never know.”

“Nah, I have it. And youre less than five minutes away. Just keep your cell by your bed and Ill call if I need you. Ill see you in the morning?” Blaine asked, reaching out his arms to hug Trent. They had been friends since they were in the same preschool class, and Blaine had once had a big crush on Trent. It was awkward for a while after Trent explained that he did not want to date Blaine – that it would be like kissing his own brother and Blaine had tried to understand. It had been a big blow to him, but Trent stuck by him and never got angry when Blaine would cry or just want to sit with his head on Trents lap. He combed his fingers through Blaines hair to comfort him when that happened, but he never let Blaine think there would be any change of Trents mind on the subject.

It took a few years for the last vestiges of Blaines crush to finally dissipate, but they had come out of it as the strongest friends that they could be. Blaine had told himself for years now that it was for the best, and he might have even believed it.

“Okay, eat your own matzo ball soup while its still warm. Im going back to my dorm and get some shut-eye. Call me in the morning and tell me how Sleeping Beauty fares the night. Goodnight, Blaine,” Trent smiled.

“Goodnight, Trent. Love you, man,” Blaine said.

“Love you, too,” Trent answered, then left to find some sleep in his own room in the next dormitory across the quad.

“Cooper? Blaine. Yes, I know you know who it is. Hey, listen to me -this is serious!” Blaine said into his cell phone from the bathroom. He didnt want to upset his guest.

“Ah, I have a slight problem and I thought you might be able to help me,” Blaine said into the phone. “Ill meet you outside Candelaria Hall,” Blaine said, mentioning the building his dorm was in. Blaine forgot that Cooper had gone to Dalton himself, though quite a few years before.

Blaine had waited a half hour after calling Cooper, then called Trent. It was four in the morning. Earlier Blaine had slipped into the bed with Kurt, not touching him, just to be there if he fell or something. He put two pillows between them and fell asleep. He woke up several hours later with a hot coal in his hand. Well, it wasnt a hot coal – but it felt like that. Kurts hand was hot. Blaine felt his forehead and it was even worse. Blaine started to go get some aspirin, but he didnt want to leave Kurt. He called Trent.

“Whats wrong, Blainers?” Trent asked as soon as he got in the dorm room.

“Kurt. Hes hot as a firecracker. I gave him some aspirin, but hes worse. I called Cooper, but I need you, too.”

A few minutes later there was a quiet knock on the dorms door. Trent let himself in, looking for Blaine.

“You know Im here for you. What can I do?” Trent asked, dressed in his pajamas and pea coat, Dalton scarf wrapped around his neck. He turned at the sound of footsteps in the hallway.