Nothings gonna harm you, not while Im around

Nothings gonna harm you, no sir, not while Im around

Not While Im Around written by Stephen Sondheim

It was early morning before James returned and realized Kurt had gone. Someone had invited everyone for drinks and James was swept up after the performance. He thought briefly of Kurt, whether he might still be in pain, but he told himself hed only go for one drink to network and then head home. Eight hours later, James stumbled home to find his door broken in.

"What the..."

He walked the rooms. Nothing much was touched, though he could see where Kurt had taken a few clothes in their bedroom. Kurt must have cleared out, but James knew hed last seen him on the floor, barely in a state to knock down a locked door and leave on his own. He must have had help. James came to just one conclusion:

Blaine.

---

He practically ran there, over the street and banged on Blaines door, shouting and kicking to encourage Blaine to let him in. His reason left him, with no afterthought that Blaine might not be in or at least with Kurt – just anger. Eventually, a woman in an apartment nearby, trying to sleep after a night shift, opened her door angrily.

"Hes not in, fuck off!"

"Where is he? When will he be back?"

"I dont know, Im not his keeper. He left as I went to work, with some guy and an overnight bag."

She banged the door closed, sick of the conversation as James worked it all out. Surely the guy was Kurt and he had helped him get out, but where had they gone? He called Rachel straight away.

As soon as Rachel saw the caller she spoke into the phone. "James, have you heard from Kurt? Ive been trying to call him."

"No, Im looking for him Rachel, we had a fight and hes gone." He didnt have to try that hard to sound worried and panicked. There was an uncharacteristic silence on the other end and then Rachels voice was soft.

"He left? Is he ok? What was the fight about?" She sounded seriously worried.

"Oh nothing," he said nonchalantly, waving the questions away though she couldnt see him. "Hes being silly. Have you seen him?"

"No, but Kurt wouldnt have anywhere to go, hed come here surely?" Rachel was musing out loud but the question caused a fire in James belly.

"I know where he is. Hes with that Blaine. Hes in love with that Blaine."

"Blaine?"

"Yeah some guy that lives in the apartment opposite. Hes in love with Kurt, you can tell."

Rachel thought quickly, saying nothing but realizing more and more that whatever had happened had left Kurt in trouble. She quickly ended the call to James, saying she would let him know if she found out anything.

She recalled the conversation to a waiting Santana who instantly said she should call Burt.

"Hello?"

"Burt, its Rachel."

"Rachel! I cant talk much right now, Im off to New York. Kurt needs me."

"Kurt? But thats why Im calling. James just called me. Hes left him."

"I know. Have you tried to call Kurt?"

"Yeah, but hes not answering."

"Hes staying at a friend of Blaines. James took his phone."

"What?"

"Yeah something bad has gone down Rachel. You should contact Blaine, and speak to Kurt. Ive gotta go now, Im catching a flight, so Ill see you later."

"Do you have Blaines number?"

He gave it quickly, thanked her for looking after Kurt and left to go to the airport.

---

Kurt slept peacefully for just half an hour that morning. Blaine took a shower but as he was changing his phone rang loudly, causing Kurt to wake in panic.

"Its ok, its ok," Blaine said quickly grabbing his phone from the surface as it vibrated furiously.

"Hello?"

"Is this Blaine? This is Kurts best friend, Rachel. Is he there?"

"Rachel?"

Blaine, of course, had heard Kurt mention her before and had wanted to meet the girl, her being such an important part of Kurts life. As soon as Kurt heard that it was Rachel, he itched to take the phone. Blaine gave it quickly.

"Rachel?"

"Kurt! Youre ok!"

"Just…" he said sadly. "Im staying with Blaines friends. Ive left James."

"I know, he called me. Thought you might be with me. He said youd had a fight."

"No, Rachel," he said, taking a deep breath, "He hit me. So bad that I think he broke a rib and Im covered in bruises. My head is pretty shaken up, but Im ok."

"Oh my god! Kurt have you called the police? Im so glad youre out of there!"

"I cant call the police. I cant explain it over the phone, Rachel, I just cant."

"Okay. Okay. Can I come over? Can I see you?"

"I dont know," he hesitated. "Dads coming soon and …"

"Please Kurt, I need to help."

"Okay," he said tiredly, "If I tell you the address, you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"Kurt, of course," she said, affronted. He told her the address and as he got off the phone, Blaine went to make more coffee. A little while later, Kurt padded out to the kitchen.

"Thanks," Kurt said quietly as he stood watching Blaines strong, dependable back.

Blaine spun quickly. "For what?"

Kurt smiled. "For everything Blaine. You saved my life yesterday. I wouldnt have survived another attack from James, I wouldnt have been able to get out of there on my own."

"He did that deliberately. He wanted you to feel weak and dependent on him."

Kurt nodded and smelled the hot coffee as it was handed to him.

"I dont know why I was with him for so long..." Kurts voice trailed away, as he thought it over for the millionth time. Blaine settled on a stool and wrapped his hands around a mug of coffee too, looking at Kurt as if he had all the answers. Blaines warm honey-coloured eyes were wide and eager to listen, but Kurt felt nervous. If he was allowed to talk he wasnt sure if he would ever stop.

"I guess, I thought he was everything when we first met," Kurt said. He took a seat too and stared at nothing in particular, though Blaine watched him intently.

"He was a big upcoming star, going to Broadway already, destined for greatness. I was just in awe of him and all his achievements. Everything I ever wanted seemed to be embodied in just one person. He was too big for me, I just got overshadowed."

"But youre so amazing," Blaine said sincerely, causing Kurt to finally look him in the eye. "Youre the most interesting person to come out of Ohio. It would never be James that people wanted to meet and see. It was you."

Kurt started to shake his head, seriously doubting Blaines statements.

"I mean it Kurt," Blaine said. "Its you. Youre beautiful and brilliant, you would know it from just talking to you. When I saw you sing Blackbird it was breathtaking. It was everything."

"You saw me?"

Blaine realized his mistake and blushed.

"Im sorry, I didnt mean to, but I was checking on your apartment to see if you were okay and you were by the window and it was open and…"

"Blaine its ok," Kurt said reassuringly. He touched Blaines hand ever so gently as if the merest touch might be too much. Hed been touched and hurt so often without consent that he couldnt do it to others. "I know you werent being a creeper. I just never knew you worried so much."

"Of course!" Blaine said, getting louder, more adamant. "I watched every so often, especially after the first time, when you tried to stop being my friend. I just couldnt stand by and do nothing."

Kurt had worried so many people; he felt instantly guilty. His dad was on the first flight he could get on, Rachel would soon be over and hed caused Blaine endless amounts of trouble and anxiety. All because hed chosen the wrong person for a boyfriend.

"Ive been so stupid."

"No you havent Kurt," Blaine said kindly, coming closer. "You fell in love and you innocently believed it was everything. You gave your heart to someone that didnt deserve it, that makes him stupid and so evil for taking it and crushing it so badly."

"I should have seen it coming."

"It is his action that defines his character, not yours. You are perfect."

"Why do you think so highly of me?" Kurt asked quietly after a while and Blaine felt a little rise of a blush on his cheeks.

"Because I know what I see. I know what I hear."

Kurt felt a tingle in his fingers at the praise. He smiled and Blaine joined him until there was a banging on the door.

"Blaine? Kurt?" Rachels high, shrill, panicked voice reached them through the door and Blaine hurried to let her in.

"Kurt!" She ran to him as soon as she saw and enveloped him in a hug causing Kurt to wince in pain. "Rachel, my ribs," he hissed.

"Sorry, sorry I forgot. Are you ok?"

He nodded in pain.

"Have you called the police? Seen a doctor?"

"No, I dont want to do that. The doctor will ask questions."

"Kurt... you need to be checked over. The doctor cant force you to press charges."

"Rachel dont start."

Rachel looked worried, but as she bit her lip she obviously decided to drop the subject.

"What happened? Why did he do it?" Kurt sighed, too tired of retelling the story, but he relayed the important information amidst Rachels gasps and shakes of her head.

"I knew there was something wrong! I knew he was horrible."

Kurt opened his mouth to protest, but then shut it again as he remembered the conversation they had a few weeks ago. She looked over Kurts face, his cut lip, his battered face and tears filled her big brown eyes.

"I wish I had been there for you Kurt," she said. "He should never have been able to do this."

"Im sorry I shut you out," he said, feeling ten inches tall.

"Its ok, I get it," she said, with a calmness uncharacteristic of Rachel. "But promise me you wont do it again? You wont let someone make you believe that you are worth nothing more than this? Dont shut me out again."

"I promise." His eyes glistened, but he looked her directly in the eye.

"Good. Now what do you want me to do?"

"Could you call my director? Anthony? His number is on my phone and James has it."

"Kurt!" She shouted again, outraged. "You have to call the police and get your stuff."

"Rachel, I just want to start again, please..."

She said nothing, didnt want to promise that she would agree when she hated it all. She did a few searches and found the number of the rehearsal space.

"What should I say?"

"Tell him Im quitting, but that Ill come to see him when Im better."

She opened her mouth wide in horror. "Youre doing what?"

"I have to quit Rachel, I cant do it anymore. Ill explain later."

She nodded grudgingly and made the call. Anthony was clearly shocked at the sudden turn of events, but Rachel assured him Kurt would call when he was better. Anthony asked a few questions, but she deferred them and finally hung up.

"Your understudy will take over the role."

Kurt nodded.

"I thought as much. He deserves it."

Kurt was surprised to find he felt no bitterness or pain at the loss of his job. He looked up to find both Blaine and Rachel staring at him curiously.

"What?" he asked.

"Are you ok?"

"How do you feel?"

"I dont know really." Kurt took his seat again, started to drink his lukewarm coffee as Blaine made a tea for Rachel. "I feel strangely ok about it all. Relieved actually. Like a weight has been lifted."

"You didnt like the role?" Rachel seemed even more confused.

"No it wasnt that," Kurt said quickly. "I loved the role and in many ways I guess it was the making of my confidence and I loved working with Patty, but Im glad its over. I can really start again."

Blaine smiled, a little smile that showed how glad he was to hear that Kurt was mending, even if slightly.

"What do you plan to do now?"

Kurt sighed and closed his eyes. "I have no idea. I just want to sleep."

Blaines phone beeped with a message. "Your dads on a flight now and should be here in a couple of hours. Hes asking if I can meet him at the airport."

"Do you mind if I dont go?" Kurt asked quietly. "I cant face going outside just yet."

"Oh, of course I dont mind."

"Thanks."

"Ill look after Kurt," Rachel said, happy to be of use. "Well watch old reruns of Murder She Wrote." Kurt smiled at his friend, who would do anything in an effort to cheer him.

---

Burt was practically running as he exited the terminal, his eyes scanning to and fro in search of a guy he didnt know. Blaine held up his self-made sign declaring he was searching for a Burt Hummel. Burt sighed in relief when he spotted him.

"Oh, thank god you thought of that," he said breathlessly as he shook Blaines hand. "I suddenly realized I had no idea what you looked like."

They got out of the airport quickly and into Blaines car before Burt started his questions.

"So how is he? What should I expect when I see him?"

"I think hes on the mend physically though he really should go to the hospital to get his ribs checked out." Blaine kept his eyes on the road as Burt looked at him intently.

"And James? Is Kurt going to call the police?"

Blaine paused, already feeling like he had failed in the one thing that Burt had asked him to do. "I dont think he will." Burt let out a huff of annoyance. "He talks of starting over and I think he just wants to forget that James ever existed. He quit the show he was rehearsing."

"What the hell?"

"Its important that he starts again…"

Burt stared outside the window, his mind whirring with anger. The idea that James had hurt his son was heartbreaking; the fact that he had been so far away when it happened made him feel powerless. He looked over Blaines profile as he drove, sizing him up, taking him in.

"Youve been a good friend to Kurt."

Blaine turned quickly to look at Burt before his eyes returned to the road.

"How did you meet?" Burt asked.

"James and Kurt lived in the opposite apartment from me. I saw him before he had blinds."

Burt raised an eyebrow and Blaine realized what he had said and choked on air.

"I mean… well he was there, singing or dancing and…" Blaine shut his mouth abruptly. He better quit while he was most certainly not ahead.

"Youre gay?"

Blaine coughed again. "Er, yes."

"And James got jealous of your friendship?"

Blaine nodded sadly. "Honestly sir we werent inappropriate. I made sure I wasnt. I wouldnt do that."

"So James made it up in his head? And stop calling me sir."

"Sorry… I guess he saw Kurt was spending time with other people and when he found out I was gay, I guess he got a little jealous."

"And he hit him?"

"A slap around the face a few days ago and then James told him he couldnt be my friend anymore. I think Kurt wanted to keep the peace, but we met for coffee and James found out. Kurt felt the true brunt of his anger." Blaines jaw tensed and Burt noticed his knuckles showing white on the steering wheel.

"What else did he leave behind?"

"Everything. Hes taken a few clothes and his most treasured possessions, but everything else is still there."

"Well, we can go there and get his stuff. Without Kurt."

Blaine looked a little too long at Burt, swerving a little on the wheel when he regained his focus.

"Are you ok with that?"

Blaine nodded grimly. He would do anything to get Kurts peace back and close this horrible business.

---

Kurt had never looked as happy as when Burt came through the door, followed by Blaine. He ran as fast as the bruises on his hip would allow and hugged him fiercely before his ribs protested.

"Shit Kurt…" Burts eyes filled at the sight of his son brought so low.

"Dont dad, I know…"

"Were going to the hospital now."

"Im fine…" Kurt protested weakly as Burt dragged him to the door.

"Youre getting checked out."

Kurt weakly followed, accepting the inevitable. The doctor checked him out at the hospital, eyeing him curiously when Kurt refused to explain how he had gotten his injuries. Burt and Blaine said nothing, only their tight-lipped expressions showed how they were struggling to keep it in. Rachel had remained at the apartment and was still there when they returned. However, before the three men came back, Tessa and Ruby—unaware of Rachels existence—were surprised to find a stranger in their home.

"Sorry," Blaine said, sinking in on himself. "I should have texted."

"No, thats fine. We did suspect Rachel was a secret friend of James until she revealed top Broadway secrets and we love her now."

Blaine laughed. "Glad to hear shes fitting in."

"Where have you been?" Tessa asked.

"The hospital," Blaine said. "Kurt has a broken rib but theres not much they can do and we couldnt tell them how he had got his injuries."

Ruby nodded in complete understanding, but Tessa looked on the verge of saying something until she spotted Blaines warning glance. She bit her lip instead.

"Blaine, are you ready?" Burt said quietly, after a while. He was clearly getting impatient and Blaine simply nodded, causing Kurt to look up in surprise. "Where are you going?"

"To your old apartment, to get your stuff," Burt said matter-of-factly, preparing to leave, and Blaine followed. Kurt, startled, got up too quickly for his aching body and hissed.

"You cant do that!"

"Yes we can Kurt," Burt said, putting on his jacket. "You need to get out of that apartment and he needs to know to back off."

"But what if he hurts you? What if he doesnt let you in?"

"Hes probably out, but if hes in and he causes problems then well call the police," Blaine said. "We wont do anything stupid, Kurt, I promise."

Kurt looked seriously worried, his eyes darting from Burt and Blaine, who both looked fiercely protective and determined. They went quickly, barely hearing the call to be careful, striding with a confidence that a little justice might be achieved.

The apartment door was loosely placed without hinges as they approached and they couldnt tell if James was home or not. They knocked loudly.

James was surprised out of his stupor as he sat on the sofa, waiting and thinking. He had searched the obvious places for Kurt that morning but had given up, knowing that Kurt would have to return for his stuff eventually. He was just deciding how to cope without a lock on his door when Blaine and Burt knocked.

"Who is it?" James called out.

"Your worst nightmare," Burt shouted without thinking and James recognized the voice, clenched his fist waiting for the fight and removed the door easily. He took several steps backwards as Burt nearly ran in, heading straight for James and pressed him against the nearest wall.

"You like hitting? You think youre such a big man? Come and show me how big you are! Show me!"

Blaine was ready and waiting. He stood behind Burt, his jaw clenched, his fists balled up. James didnt resist the hold but accepted the press of Burts hands on his body, forcing him against the wall. He sneered.

"Daddy Hummel comes to the rescue then."

Burt finally released his anger, his fist coming out to hit James in the face, causing James to clutch at his jaw in agony. Burt let him go.

"You think you can hit Kurt like that?"

"He got what he deserved. Hes a cock slut."

Burt hit him again, causing James to stumble lower, but he didnt give up.

"Did he tell you what hes been doing? Sleeping around, parading with this gay shit?" He sneered again, his anger directed at Blaine.

"We didnt do anything, you made it up in your head."

"Dont try to reason with the guy," Burt said, never taking his eyes off James. "Weve simply come to get all of Kurts stuff and warn you."

"Warn me about what?"

"To stay away from Kurt or hell press charges."

"Hes not planning to call the police?" James looked very surprised.

"No, hes kinder than me. Much kinder," Burt said. "He takes after his mom in that respect, but if you give us one more reason; if we see you again; if Kurt as much as smells you near him then well return and we wont be half as forgiving as Kurt."

James seemed to realize when he was beaten and the hand that had been rubbing his jaw now hang limply at his side.

"Now you will let us get his stuff and you will never see Kurt again."

James nodded, pissed that he couldnt say or do anything to change the situation.

"Wheres Kurts phone?" Blaine asked. James got it out of his pocket and handed it over. Burt seethed again.

"You took away his freedom? You need to get your head checked."
"He was fooling around behind my back!" James exclaimed angrily.

"No he wasnt," Blaine said, "Weve only ever been friends."

"You say that, but I know," James sneered. "I saw the messages, I saw the writing on the cards. You fell for him. I know how it happens."

Blaine couldnt deny it and Burt looked at him carefully, but turned fiercely to James again.

"It doesnt excuse what you did," Burt said.

Burt didnt want to entertain his stupid reasoning anymore. He packed up Kurts belongings methodically and Blaine started helping. As they worked James called to get a locksmith to change the locks and repair the door. An hour later the packing was complete.

"Youll leave him alone?" Burt asked, just wanting it to end for Kurt.

James nodded. "Is that what Kurt wants?" He looked a little lost. Despite it all, Burt realized, James hadnt been expecting the relationship to end.

"Of course it is!" Blaine shouted.

"So you can sweep in? His knight in shining armor?" James sneered again, hating the jealous rage that swept in and seemed to take over.

Blaine opened his mouth to say something more, but the need to make him understand just dissipates.

"Will you leave him alone?" Burt shouted again, coming closer, his anger never leaving him.

"Yeah, okay," James said, exasperated, stepping back. "Ill probably go to LA. New York is tired."

"I dont give a fuck where you go as long as you stay away from my son. Let him start again and get away from you."

James nodded grimly, the only sign of remorse he showed. Burt and Blaine left with all the boxes and bags, James stood by the window to watch their efforts. He hadnt meant for it all to escalate, but he could see LA in his sights now and he knew that was where he belonged, with all the perfect people and the sunshine. A rain cloud loomed in the distance and he realized he had nothing holding him back now and he would soon be gone.

---

Kurt couldnt rest in the apartment as he waited. Blaine and Burt could get hurt and he knew what his dad was like – he wouldnt hesitate to hit James for what he had done. He knew it wouldnt help, feared that James would hit back, or worse, Burt would have another heart attack.

Rachel tried her best, made tea, tried to distract him with talk of her own show and what Kurt could audition for now that he was out of work, but he wasnt listening. Tessa made dinner and joined in the conversation every so often, but it was only when Blaine texted Rachel that Kurt calmed down a little.

"He says that theyve got all of your stuff and theyre out of there. James apparently plans to go to LA and has promised to leave you alone."

"Theyre okay?"

"Yes, theyre okay."

Kurt sighed, the tension and the worry catching up with him, and Ruby noticed.

"Kurt, would you mind me helping me sort out my wardrobe?" she asked suddenly and Rachel and Kurt looked up in surprise at the change in subject. "Blaine says you have an eye for fashion and what works. He said your closet is immaculate."

"It is," Kurt said, secretly pleased at the praise.

He got up gingerly as she took fresh drinks into her room and opened her closet.

"Well I think I can work with this," he said, nodding knowingly, already going through her clothes and taking out a few in preparation for the order he planned to put them in. Ruby sat on the bed in silence, letting him work.

The rearranging was a nice distraction for Kurt and he loved the simple task. It was good to feel a sense of accomplishment and the restoration of order amidst chaos; it was rewarding. After a while he barely noticed Ruby was there.

"I completely understand why you dont want to press charges," she said and Kurt was surprised out of his task and turned to face her questioningly. She carried on. "I did the same, I ran away and never looked back."

He had a dress in his hands, but he quietly sat on the bed, letting the folds of its fabric rest on his lap.

"You were attacked?"

She nodded. "My boyfriend, back in England. I left the country to get away from him." She said it simply and without emotion and Kurt wondered what she had to do to get to that point in her life.

"What did he do?"

"He hit me, threw things, burned a photo album in front of me – my most prized possession, all my photos of my dad who died when I was little. He took my phone, would lock me in the apartment, controlled who I saw, what I did."

"How did you get out?" he whispered in horror.

"One day he strangled me, tried to choke me. I remember thinking he was going to kill me, that I was going to die that way." She closed her eyes at the memory and Kurt took her hand in his as she continued the story. "But he stopped and as soon as he left, his fingers having left their bruises around my neck, I escaped and never looked back. I went to a refuge for beaten women. There was help, but as soon as I could I left the country. I never want to go back."

"I cant believe you went through that," he whispered.

"I wouldnt wish it on anyone," she said calmly.

"Youve never looked back?"

"Never," she said vehemently. "You think to yourself, when its all over, that you cant possibly get back on track. You think that he might have broken you beyond repair, but eventually, a step at a time you push yourself to achieve, you go for things that you know you can do. I needed that distance to start again. I couldnt have done it if I stayed."

"Do you wish you could go back?"

She shook her head. "No, not at all. My mom still lives there, but we were never close. I remind her too much of my dad."

"Do you regret not calling the police? I get scared that Ill regret it one day."

"It wasnt right for me," she said. "Dont let anyone tell you what to do Kurt. No one but you knows what it was like to live in that relationship. They dont get to decide. I dont regret it. I didnt want to have to stand up in court and see him again. I wasnt strong enough for that. He made me weak. I do regret that."

Kurt felt the fabric of the dress still in his lap, let the soft silky weave numb the edges of his heartbreak at what she was telling him.

"Do you know what happened to him?"

"No, I suspect he will go on to do similar things to other people," she said sadly. He looked up, his eyes suddenly a cool blue, swirls of ocean that made her think of waves.

"I dont want that to happen to me," he said. "I couldnt bear it if I heard hed done it again to someone else."

She nodded in understanding. He stood, still carefully so to avoid hurting his ribs. He realized when he reached her door that he was still holding her dress. He handed it back.

"I dont judge you for what you did," he said kindly and he took her hands in his. "I think it was really brave to get out when you could and you fought back in your way and didnt let him win, but I cant do that."

"Youre stronger than me," she said, smiling in admiration at Kurt who stood over her. The light from above shining in his hair. "Ill support you all the way. I couldnt fight him the way I should have. Let me help you."

He nodded and smiled sadly. The fact that there was a need to fight in the first place made his stomach heavy. They were broken out of their mutual reverie by a noise at the door. Blaine and Burt had returned, bringing Kurts belongings and getting help from Tessa and Rachel.

"Youre back," Kurt said, rushing towards them both, eager to touch, glad they were home and safe.

"Yeah," Blaine said smiling at the easy affection. "He really is a deluded bastard."

"Im so glad youre out of there, Kurt," Burt said. "Hes promised to leave you alone and we told him that you werent planning on pressing charges or calling the police."

Kurt looked to Ruby, who met his gaze and nodded. That was the only reassurance Kurt needed.

"Actually dad…"