“Blaine!” Coop shouted.

“Were up here. Kurt was tired so we took a nap,” Blaine said, tucking his shirt in his pants as he walked to the head of the stairs to call down to his brother.

“Hey, Coop, can you come help? Kurts pressure sores are bad and he couldnt get the prosthesis back on. I think if we just carry him down the stairs...” Blaine said when Cooper walked into the hall to look up the stairs at him. Behind his brother stood a tall man staring right at Blaine, his green eyes flaming with anger.

“Ah, Coop?” Blaine started, stepping back quickly, but the stranger was taking the steps two at a time, rushing towards him and taking him by the shoulders.

“Kurt? Where is he?” the man growled, sounding desperate and grabbed Blaines arms.

“Who? Who are you?” Blaine asked, struggling to get out of the mans grasp. Cooper was coming up the stairs now and Blaine could hear Kurt shout from the bedroom. He ducked out of the mans hold and raced back to his bedroom, pushing the door shut quickly and locking it, then turning to Kurt. The look of utter betrayal on the boys face made Blaines heart almost stop. He shook his head no, but Kurt just kept staring at him.

“Kurt, I dont know who that is – you know I didnt call anyone, Ive been with you the whole time! Please believe me. Please,” he begged, but the coldness in Kurts eyes was killing him. There was a pounding on the thick oak door, a mans voice shouting for Kurt, begging them to just open the door.

Blaine went over to the bed, throwing his arms around Kurt and telling him he hadnt betrayed him, he hadnt had any time to make a phone call.

“Kurt, listen to me!” Blaine said, turning Kurts chin to make the boy face him. “I told you that I would keep you safe and I meant it. I wont leave you. I made a promise, Kurt,” he said in a desperate voice, then kissed Kurt with all of his emotions and pent-up fear. Kurt was still for a moment, then kissed Blaine back, shaking and trembling in his arms.

“Ill make this right, Kurt. I promise. Who is that?” he asked.

“Its my father,” Kurt said, now crying.

“Blaine. Open the door. Now,” Coopers voice came through the heavy oak. Blaine didnt move. He hated to defy his brother, but he had made a promise and Cooper would just have to understand.

“Kurt, he...your dad....he wont hurt you, will he?” Blaine asked, somewhat afraid of the large man.

“No, Blaine. He would never hurt me. Its me who hurt him,” he said, collapsing into Blaines arms.

“What?”

Cooper took his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door. Burt rushed in, looking at his son curled in another boys lap and sank to his knees, head in his hands.

“Kurt....oh, Elizabeth, I found him. Kurt, my son,” Burt moaned, resting his head on the bed as if it was too heavy to move.

Kurt pulled away from Blaine, scooting in his unique way to the end of the bed and put his hands on his fathers head.

“Dad, Im sorry. Dad...Daddy...” he said, tears choking him as he tried to see his fathers face. “Dad, you dont understand....I didnt mean this to hurt you,” he cried. Frustrated with trying to pull his fathers face from the bed, he pushed himself off the bed onto the floor and crawled into his fathers lap, his arms around the big man, pleading with him to forgive him. Blaine was frozen in place, staring at the tableaux in front of him.

It seemed like eons before Kurts pleas got to Burt and he sat up, holding his son close and kissing his head, running his fingers over the boys face.

“Its you, Kurt. Youre still here, youre not dead, oh, thank you, Elizabeth,” he said, looking up as he addressed his dead wife.

“Im fine, Dad. Im so sorry. I.....I didnt know what to do – you work so hard and I just cost you more and more. I wanted to get a job and pay for my own prosthesis, then I was coming home, I promise, Dad. I promise,” he cried, trying to bury his face in his fathers strong chest.

“I know, Kurt. I know. You should never have done it, I cant live without you, son. You are my whole world, Kurt,” Burt said, pulling Kurt up so he could see his face. “Taking care of you is my job, Kurt. I have always taken care of you, and I always will. Im your father, for Gods sake. What were you thinking?”

“That I was a burden. I heard you talking to Cliff, trying to get another job. Dad, you had a heart attack last year, you cant keep working yourself to death. I cant lose you, too.”

Kurt just stared at his father, tears running down his face.

Blaine finally moved. He took his clean handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to Kurt to wipe his face. Kurt looked up and into Blaines soft honey-brown eyes. They were looking into his soul and Kurt was mesmerized. He could see the strong emotions cascading over Blaines thoughts. He owed this boy – this amazing boy that kept his word. He could tell that if he gave the word, Blaine would fight like a tiger for him. He gave Blaine a smile to let him know that everything was going to be all right. Blaine gave a small nod and sat back, less tension in his body.

Cooper came over to the two on the floor.

“Can we maybe go downstairs and sit? I think we have a lot of talking to do,” he said.

“Yes, Im so sorry to ruin your Christmas like this,” Burt said in apology.

“It is not ruined. I think its getting better all the time,” Blaine said, reaching out to touch Kurts hand for a moment.

Downstairs, the four men sat in the dining room eating rib roast with potatoes and onions. Conversation was quiet, mostly talk about the weather and sport teams. Each man was in his own head, careful not to disturb the thoughts of the others.

“Pass the cranberry relish, please,” Cooper asked and Blaine untangled his hand from where it was holding Kurts under the table to comply. Burt kept staring at his son, emotions now carefully masked but Kurt knew his father and knew he was on the edge of breakdown once again.

“So, Blaine is it? How do you know Kurt?” he asked, over-polite bordering on threatening.

“Didnt Cooper tell you?” Blaine asked, looking at his brother for confirmation.

“I want to hear it from you. I want to know why, when youve known my son for a week you have your arms around him?” Burt asked, tapping his foot on the floor impatiently.

“Dad, he saved me. I fell and cut my leg and he bandaged it up. When it got infected from the gash, he called his brother to come look at it. I dont know what would have happened to me if Blaine hadnt found me,” Kurt pleaded with his father, touching his hand to keep Burts attention on him.

“That does not explain why he had his arms all over you, buddy,” Burt said again, then turned to Blaine. “Well? Did you take advantage of Kurt? When he was vulnerable and sick?”

“No, sir, I did not. My friend, Trent, and I brought him to the dorm room and cleaned up his gash. We fed him – he was so skinny – and gave him a warm place to sleep. I have been nothing but kind to him. Ask him,” Blaine defended himself.

“Dad, Im in love with Blaine,” Kurt said and the room went silent as the two men stared at Kurt, then Blaine.

Blaine turned to Kurt, his eyes sad at the fear he saw on Kurts face, but his heart beat a little faster with Kurts acknowledgement of their love.

“Youre confused. We can get this all settled, Kurt. Ill just take you home and get you well again. Youll come to your senses, son. We will mend this mixed up mess and youll be fine again. I just...the nights I spent looking for you...the fear that you had been taken... Burt looked down, trying so hard to get a grip on himself. Kurts infatuation with Blaine was just another problem to sort out and Burt was nearing the end of his rope.

“Dad, I cannot tell you how sorry I am for running away,” Kurt said, looking into his fathers face for approval.

“I know, son. I do. Im not happy with myself for letting you get so worried, though. You know Ive always found a way to get you what you need, dont you?” he asked.

“Yes. Im almost an adult, though, and I need to find a way to do it myself. I know I went about it all wrong this time,” he said, bowing his head in shame. “I promise you, Ill do better. I need to finish school and go to college. I know that. I just.....I dont know what I was thinking. Then when it was obvious that Id made a mistake, I was too ashamed to come home,” he said.

Blaines hand was suddenly back in his and he sighed in gratitude.

“We need to go home and talk this all out. I can get a loan from your grandparents I think. We need to get you a new prosthesis and then work from there,” Burt said and took another bite of the rare beef, a smile gracing his face as he chewed the forbidden food. He didnt waste the fact that he was eating it on Kurt, knowing Kurt couldnt do anything to stop him this time. His smile got bigger as he saw his son fuming at each bite of the meat that entered Burts mouth.

“You know when we get home, Im feeding you nothing but celery sticks and yogurt for two weeks to make up for this meal, dont you?” Kurt asked his father. He was glad his father had dropped the subject of Blaine for the moment, but he knew it wasnt resolved. Burts smile faded.

“I cant be rude and not eat their food, Kurt,” he said in a stage whisper and Kurts lips twitched to stop the grin from showing.

Cooper rolled his eyes. As a doctor he knew the food was not the most healthy he could have made. It was tradition and Blaine needed tradition sometimes, especially around the holidays when they were missing their parents so much. He knew the food question between the Hummels was a joke, though, so he kept on eating. He noted that Kurt had servings of broccoli, green beans, and tomato salad on his plate but just a thin sliver of the roast. Well, at least the kid knew what was better for his health.

“Since its snowing again and its such a long way back to Lima, perhaps Mr. Hummel and Kurt should spend the night?” Blaine ventured. All eyes were on him. “I mean...Cooper has already driven so far today and with early morning rounds at the hospital and everything. We have plenty of room, after all,” he said, looking at his brother.

“Its settled then. Burt, Kurt, please be our guests tonight and I will bring you home tomorrow afternoon?” Cooper asked, though it didnt really sound like a question.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Dr. Anderson,” Burt replied. He would rather be home with Kurt, but he realized that would be an even bigger imposition to ask for a ride back tonight.

Blaine got up to help clear the dishes and Burt jumped up to help.

They stacked the dishes in the sink, rinsing them off as Blaine put soap in the other side and filled it with hot water. He washed and Burt dried.

“I want to thank you for helping my kid,” Burt said.

“I didnt mind. I like Kurt,” Blaine said, not sure of how much to tell this man. He was Kurts father, after all. Burt could tell that Blaine liked Kurt, he didnt mind that – it was Kurts declaration of love that had him worried.

“Your brother told me that Kurt pulled a knife on you,” Burt said, looking away.

“Yeah. Well, I dont think he would have cut me. He was panicked. He was losing blood and I cornered him in a park restroom. He just reacted, no harm done,” Blaine explained.

“Did he tell you about his mom?”

“Yes. I lost both of my parents three years ago in a plane crash. Kurt and I talked about it. Hes really a compassionate person,” Blaine said, smiling to himself.

“Im sorry to hear that about your folks, kiddo. Its rough losing your folks at such a young age. I dont think Kurt ever got over losing his mom. I worry about that, but theres nothing I can do. Just love him,” he said.

“Hes lucky to have you,” Blaine said, washing the platter.

Kurt sat in the living room on the camelback sofa, coughing. He tried to stop, drank his water and sat very still, but it was wrenching his gut with deep spasms as he coughed and coughed. Cooper came down the stairs with a bottle and spoon.

“Here, this is your cough medicine,” Cooper said as he poured some into a measuring spoon. How bad is it feeling?” Cooper asked, putting the stethoscope in his ears and lifting Kurts shirt to listen to his lungs. Cooper listened for a few minutes, moving to different parts of his chest, and frowned.

Kurt struggled to get breath to speak. It had gotten worse during the day in spite of the medication. Hed taken his antibiotics on time, but he was bone-tired and just wanted to sleep. Unfortunately, whenever he laid down he coughed more.

“I set up a vaporizer in the guest room for you. I think as soon as dessert is over you better get to bed,” Cooper said, smiling at the thin young man.

“Okay. Im so tired,” Kurt said, yawning.

Blaine and Burt walked into the room, plates with apple pie in their hands. Kurts eyes lit up as he looked at the pie, a scoop of vanilla ice cream perched atop each piece. Blaine sat down next to him and handed him a plate. The boys ate the dessert in silence, everyone quiet and watching the snow fall outside the picture window.

Kurt had started to doze off twice before Blaine took his half-finished plate. Cooper gathered the plates and took them to the kitchen, telling Blaine they could do them in the morning.

Blaine started to slide his arm under Kurts legs, the other behind his back to carry him up the stairs. He had been coughing so much Blaine was afraid he would tire himself out just trying to walk up the stairs, and he wasnt wearing his prosthesis. He had settled Kurt in his arms, standing to carry him when he turned and Burt was standing right in front of him.

“I can take care of him,” Burt said, gently taking Kurt into his own arms and leaving Blaine standing there, his arms empty and a sad look on his face. He followed the rest up the stairs and stopped in his own room to get something.

Burt carried Kurt upstairs to the guest room Cooper showed him. The vaporizer was going and Blaine came in with pajamas for Kurt. Burt, while he was polite, made no move to let Blaine help any more than that. He barley acknowledged Blaine at all, and Blaine left for his own room when he realized Burt was going to help his son.

Cooper listened to Kurts chest once more and looked at the healing wound on his stump before Burt tucked his son in, kissing his temple and saying good night. Cooper led Burt to another guest room on the other side of the stairs near his own room.

“I laid out some sleep attire that will probably fit, Burt. Sorry I dont have anything else...the bathroom is through the door on the far side of the room. My room is just across the hall if you need anything,” Cooper said. “Goodnight.”

“Thank you for everything, Dr. Anderson,” Burt started to say, but was interrupted.

“Its Cooper. Call me Cooper, okay?” the man asked and Burt smiled at him.

“Goodnight, Cooper. Ill see you in the morning, and thank you for reuniting me with my son. I owe you a debt I dont know if I can ever pay.”

A few minutes later the sound of the piano was heard throughout the house. Blaine had finished washing the dessert dishes and was playing Silent Night.

*

Kurt woke up suddenly, scared when he couldnt get his breath. He lay with his eyes open and tried to keep calm. A wracking cough soon had him sitting up as phlegm clogged his throat. He couldnt get up without his crutches or prosthesis and looked for somewhere to cough up the sticky stuff. He saw a box of tissues on the night table and grabbed a few, coughing desperately as his throat cleared. He took a deep cleansing breath and lay back on the pillows.

A quiet knock on the door was followed by Blaine slipping in and sitting beside him.

“Are you all right?” he asked, eyes wide as Kurts coughing started again. He poured the boy a drink of water and held the glass for him as he drank greedy sips to soothe his throat.

“Yeah, I think so. Its just the pneumonia, makes it hard to catch my breath,” Kurt said.

“Yeah. Just pneumonia? I dont think theres anything that is just pneumonia, Kurt. Its a dangerous thing to have and you need to be looked after,” Blaine said in a serious voice, stroking the hair out of Kurts face. He looked at his watch.

“Hey, you can have some of your cough syrup. Coop said you can have it after midnight and its one thirty now,” Blaine said, getting the bottle and a measuring spoon. He dosed Kurt and set it down on the table.

“Can I have more water?” Kurt asked and drank another glass.

“Of course. Do you want to go back to sleep now?” Blaine asked, tucking the blanket in and smoothing the duvet.

“Blaine?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you...can you sleep with me? Cooper said I wasnt contagious. Ill try to keep quiet, but I miss having you close,” Kurt said, a pitiful look on his face.

“I dont know, Kurt. I dont want to upset your dad. I dont think he likes me,” Blaine hung his head a little. He was used to other parents liking him and he wasnt sure how to deal with Burts rejection and disapproval.

“Blaine, I dont want to make you do something you dont want to, but Im kind of scared to be by myself. I was coughing so hard I couldnt get my breath for a moment and ...well, Id feel better if someone was here with me is all.”

“Okay, Kurt. Scootch over.”

Blaine slid under the covers, snuggling close to Kurt. He kissed the boys face, knowing he was going to miss him when he went home the next day.

“Bee?”

“Yeah?”

“I think I love you.”

“Kurt?

“Yeah?”

“I think I love you, too.”

They just lay back, holding on to each other for a while, Kurt dozing on and off. Blaine brushed the hair from his face, touching him tenderly, trying to memorize his features for the next day when they would be apart again.

Kurt startled in his sleep, waking Blaine.

“Dont leave me, Bee....you promised....” he said, still asleep. Blaine kissed his forehead.

“Hey, Kurt, wake up,” he said gently.

Kurt opened his eyes.

“You were dreaming.”

“Dont leave me, Blaine. I need you. Remember your promise,” Kurt whispered, then curled himself around his boyfriend and closed his eyes.

“I wont, Kurt. Ill never leave you,” Blaine promised once again. “Ill keep you safe.”

The ride back to Lima was uneventful for the most part. Kurt was quiet and sad, Blaine just held him in his arms in the tiny back seat of his brothers BMW. Burt and Cooper talked in the front seat. Cooper had contacted one of his colleagues and arranged to have Kurt apply for a foundation grant for kids with cancer. It wouldnt pay all the medical bills, but it would pay for a new prosthesis. Burt was reluctant to take what he deemed charity, but Cooper told him how the foundation was funded by people who had children that benefited from it, then paid back what they had been given when the kids grew up and got jobs. It was a well-run foundation, making enough money that it could make a meaningful boost to those who needed temporary help. Burt finally agreed, knowing Kurt would need it again in a year or so as he grew out of the new leg.

Blaine helped Kurt to his room and bade a tearful goodbye, promising to call and talk to Kurt every day and to visit whenever he could. Kurt was hopeful and kissed his boyfriend goodbye with all his heart when it was time to go.

School and life began again for the two boys. Blaine was back to his long hours of study, but had a new bounce to his step because he could think about Kurt all the time. Trent and Blaine went to visit Kurt almost every weekend and Blaine was able to go with Kurt to get his new prosthesis from the Westerville hospital.

Blaine had Friday night dinner with the Hummels from time to time and Kurt was allowed to spend some weekends with Blaine at the carriage house when Cooper had a weekend off work.

Life at McKinley, however, did not improve. Kurt still struggled to get from class to class every day. His girls helped carry his heavy books. Mercedes and Brittany walked with him, Rachel or Santana helped on occasion. Kurts only saving grace about McKinley was still Glee Club. He sang his heart out, battling Rachel for solos, trying to keep up with the dance steps when he could. He and Artie were paired up frequently because of their handicaps, but Kurt couldnt make sense of that. Artie had a wheelchair and Kurt steadfastly refused when Mr. Schue offered to get him one “to make it balanced”.

Kurt left the choir room in a huff that day and didnt go back for a week.

Being at McKinley meant that the bullies were always there. Kurt had tried to ignore them, and for a while it seemed like they had given up after he got his new leg. This prosthesis was better than the last one, making it possible for Kurt to walk without the supporting crutch for short distances, but he had to use the metal wrist-cuff crutch for walking from classroom to classroom. With all the students in the crowded hallway jostling him, it would be foolhardy to try to walk without the crutch.

“Hey, youre going to be late!” Rachel called, running past Kurt in the hall. She was trying to catch up to her new boyfriend, Finn. “Ill tell Schue youre going to be late,” she called over her shoulder.

“Thanks, Rach,” Kurt called back. He had to exchange some books at his locker and somebody had stuck gum in the padlock. He had to dig it out with a borrowed hairpin before he could open the locker. It was one of those Fridays. He was looking forward to seeing Blaine tomorrow, they had plans to see a movie and maybe go for a drive in the spring sunshine. Kurt had gone shopping for some gourmet groceries so they could cook together, one of their favorite pastimes. He was really looking forward to it when he realized he was alone in the empty hallway outside the boys locker room.

Walking along, listening to the crutch make a funny sound compared to his actual foot, he got a creeping feeling going up the back of his neck. Like somebody was watching him. He hurried to get to the next hall to turn down the stairs to the choir room on the first floor.

“Hey, Pansy-boy. What are you doing in our hallway?” a large boy in a football jersey asked, stepping in front of Kurt.

“Im going to choir,” Kurt said, hurrying along. He was usually able to dodge the bullies with other students around. This time there was nobody there but him and the man-mountain in front of him.