Even when youre crying youre beautiful too
The world is beating you down, Im around through every mood

All of Me by John Legend

"Actually dad…"

Burt looked at him carefully, waiting patiently.

"Ive been thinking… I cant bear the thought that he could do it again, to someone else, someone that doesnt have the support that I have. I couldnt live with myself if I let him get away with it."

Burt thought it over, went over the words he had used to reassure James. Blaines eyes searched Kurts face, drinking him in, never looking more proud.

"Are you sure thats what you want kiddo? I mean a court case is one thing but the police will ask you questions, your relationship will be under scrutiny."

Kurt looked to Ruby again and this time Blaine noticed. He guessed that she had told him something of her own history.

"I know, but I need to do this."

"Then were right behind you," Burt said, patting him on the shoulder. "Well call the police now."

The police came straight away with a doctor who would perform the medical at the apartment to confirm his injuries. It was invasive, Kurt having to strip to his underwear and slip it down to reveal the deep purple bruise on his hip. Burt stayed in the room throughout, at the insistence of Kurt. A police report was written up, but it was explained that he would have to come down to the station to write a full statement. They had enough to arrest James after briefly questioning Blaine.

The lock and door were fixed and James was able to leave for the performance that night. As the show finished—his final curtain call taken and his face lit up after a perfect performance—James was told that the police were waiting for him in his dressing room. His face was ashen as he was led to the station, knowing full well who was pressing charges and revoking on their promise.

There was enough evidence to suggest that James had committed the crime and despite getting the best lawyer it seemed it was easiest to admit the indiscretion and face the penalty. With this being his first crime, he was assured that it would probably result in a fine rather than a sentence. His director posted bail and he was allowed out in the early hours.

He was tempted to seek Kurt out, ask him to drop the charges, ask him why he bailed on his promise but he knew he would get himself in more trouble and he still didnt know where Kurt was staying. He seethed at the fact that this was happening and the annoyance of his director only made it worse. He had brought bad repute on the production.

As days went on and Kurt continued to heal with his friends at Tessas apartment, James was told of people selling their tickets, or just not turning up to see his performance. As the papers splashed photos of James trying to hide behind dark glasses, the sordid details of his abusive relationship with Kurt came out, though Kurt remained in hiding. The director finally had enough.

"Im sorry, were going to have to terminate your contract."

James had suspected this would happen, but it irked him nonetheless. His fists clenched, but he nodded with gritted teeth.

"Were losing advertising and theyre demanding you leave. I know its not yet gone to court, but people know youre guilty or at least suspect you of bad behaviour. They dont want to see you in the show."

James closed his eyes, feeling tears appear at the unfairness of it all, the injustice of his personal life affecting his career. No remorse, no understanding. He opened his mouth to retort, to argue his case, but the director held up his hand.

"No, theres no discussion. I have to let you go," he said, and then his eyes softened. "Look, I get that its a knock, but this is your chance to get away from Broadway. You must admit the stage here has always limited your career. Maybe you could return to modelling, go to LA like you wanted?"

"Wont it follow me there?"

"I doubt it. The news was here, separate state, different crowd. If someone wanted to find the dirt they could but I doubt that it will stop you succeeding."

James perked up a little.

"Your understudy, Jake will take over the role until we close, I think."

James was ushered out, no shake of the hand or well wishes exchanged, but James felt nothing, only desperation to leave.

It was a few weeks later and Burt had long ago returned to Lima when Kurt heard the news through his own lawyer: James would accept the charge and pay the fine. He was already making his way to LA and he had said nothing.

Kurt came back to a quiet apartment when he found out. Tessa had gone to garner more permanent situations with local bars and Ruby was at work. Only Blaine remained, humming to himself and strumming his guitar. He missed plunking on his piano, but he only returned to his apartment occasionally for clothes and he obviously couldnt bring the instrument with him.

"Youre back."

Kurt nodded slowly, taking a seat on the sofa.

"Are you ok?"

Kurt was tired, his eyes bloodshot like he had been crying. It felt like the energy he had retained for his fight against James was finally leaving him and he had nothing in reserve.

"James has accepted his fault and taken the fine. Hes already moving to LA and is getting his lawyer to sort out the rest."

"That sounds too easy."

"I know, but I guess he was too successful for it to happen any other way."

"And youre not happy?"

"I dont know," Kurt said sighing loudly. "I thought I would be. I mean its on his record and the damage has been done to his career, at least in New York, but I cant shake the feeling that it isnt enough. Im still here."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I have no job or place to stay thats mine. Im what I was before. The bruises may have healed and I can finally leave the apartment regularly, but I feel trapped here. I dont want him to have won."

"What do you want?"

Kurt thought it through. He needed to leave this apartment, he knew that for sure. He had enjoyed living with Tessa, Ruby and Blaine, but it was too crowded with so many people in such a small space and he needed to work again.

"I think I need to leave."

Blaine panicked inside, but nodded to Kurt. Hed loved living in the small space with Tessa, Ruby and Kurt, making him realise that hed missed sharing an apartment with friends. He didnt want to admit to himself how much he had loved sharing a bed with Kurt, who had inched closer as the nights grew colder. They were easily affectionate against a world full of James, and Blaine didnt want that to end. Kurt sensed his apprehension despite knowing that he always had Blaines full support.

"You dont think I should leave?"

"No, its not that," Blaine said quickly, "I mean not that I want you to leave either." Blaine sighed, trying to get his mouth to work properly again. "What I mean is that I want you to do what you feel most comfortable doing. Youre free Kurt, I get that you want to live your life again. Ill just miss you being here. Ill miss sharing a place with you."

Kurt saw the guitar in Blaines hand and sat down next to him.

"You miss your piano dont you?"

Blaine was startled by Kurts accurate perception, then nodded.

"Blaine, you should be back at your own apartment. Ive taken up too much of your time as it is. Theres no need for you to stay here to look after me. You are paying rent on an apartment you dont live in. You can go back."

"Itll be strange to go back when I know you used to live on the opposite side. I know James has left but…"

"Ill get a new place or maybe move in with Rachel and Santana…"

Blaine watched Kurt muse out loud, his eyes elsewhere and before his brain had registered his thoughts, he blurted out the first thing to come to mind.

"Move in with me."

Kurt was startled. "What?"

"I know it seems silly and abrupt and not thought through, but it makes sense if you think of it. Ruby and Tessa can have their space back and I can return to my place with someone to help with the bills. Its big enough and I can turn the living area into my bedroom with a sofa bed, so you can have the bedroom. You dont have to take a step back and move in with Rachel. You can move forward, too."

Kurts eyes darted as he thought it over. The idea didnt seem ridiculous and he had gotten used to sleeping with Blaine too. As images played in his mind of domestic scenes and the thought of leaving this small space, Kurts face lit up with a slow smile.

"You think it could work?"

"Yeah," Blaine said eagerly, coming closer. "We already know that we can live together in a much smaller space, without driving each other crazy. I think it will be perfect."

"Ok, well give it a try," Kurt said, then the sensible voice of his father kicked in. "But if it doesnt work out, we should talk about it, Okay? I dont want it to come between us."

"Of course," Blaine said, already getting a few of his belongings together.

Tessa came in amidst the shuffle.

"What are you guys doing?"

"Blaines moving back to his apartment and Im going too," Kurt said, happily.

"And thats sensible because…?" Tessa looked sceptical.

"What do you mean?" Blaines bubble was the first to burst.

"You cant see it?" Tessa saw the imperceptible shake of Blaines head, the indication to say no more. Kurt looked confused. "I mean," she continued with a loud swallow. "If you think its okay and not strange then go ahead." Kurt seemed to get some of her meaning.

"Tess well be fine. Its not like before when I moved in with James. Were equals here, friends, and I feel safe with Blaine."

She looked to Blaine, who blushed slightly. Kurt was so trusting. She smiled at Kurt.

"Good, then Ill help you pack," she said, her mood instantly changing. "Ruby has literally been a pain in my ass ever since weve been sharing a bed."

It took the day but they were moved back into Blaines apartment after they borrowed a van from a friend of a friend. They went out that night to celebrate, Blaine and Tessa playing separate sets at a local bar with rapturous applause. It was only as they returned to the apartment that Kurt struggled against the darkness.

A single glance to the now occupied opposite apartment—where the blinds were up—brought strange memories of darkness and longing for the pain to end. The couple that lived opposite seemed happy enough and completely oblivious to Kurts eyes seeking and imagining across the way. They laughed at something that had been said and Kurt was transfixed. There had been no laughter when he lived there. The couple got under their covers, switched the lights off and Kurt found himself choking back tears.

"Kurt?" Blaine came in tentatively, not daring to touch in case it was unwanted. Kurt instantly hugged him close.

"Whats wrong?" he looked over Kurts shoulder as the boy in his arms shook with tears and saw the opposite apartment shrouded in darkness. He rubbed Kurts back repeatedly; the only thing he could do was be there, a solid presence. Kurts tears slowed eventually and he calmly extricated himself from Blaines arms though he struggled to be completely away from him. Blaine walked him to his bed.

"Whats wrong?"

"The opposite apartment." Blaine looked again. "Theyre happy."

"Oh."

Kurt was letting silent tears trickle down his face, his eyes were like the colour of the sea. Kurt closed his eyes against the pain and Blaine nearly gasped at the beautiful perfection of his pained face. Blaine hated to see him so sad, the bruises long since faded, but he realised inner scars would take so much longer to heal. Before he noticed what he was doing, Blaine was silently brushing those tears away, gently making sure that nothing sullied that perfect beauty. He was nearly done when Kurt opened his eyes slowly.

"You always take care of me," he whispered gratefully, in awe of Blaines kindness.

"I cant bear to see you sad."

"Im never sad for long when youre here."

Blaine pressed his lips together. The urge to kiss Kurt was almost overwhelming. He was so close, his eyes swimming and huge, his lips upturned into a comforted smile. Something sparked between them, Kurts own eyes flickered to Blaines rosy lips and he felt it, too. Kurt sighed, almost silently begging to be kissed and Blaine could feel Kurts breath on his lips.

"Blaine…" Those words from that mouth instantly stirred in Blaines chest, but he refrained; he knew it was too soon. Kurt blinked and the moment was gone.

"I think we need to fill this apartment with music," Kurt said, the inches returning between them, though Kurts hand rested in Blaines as if it belonged there. "Do you think your neighbours would mind if we played a song?"

"Just one should be okay." Blaine walked Kurt to the piano, holding his hand and sitting next to him on the stool. Blaines fingers fell lightly on the keys as Kurt watched, comforted by their musicality. He spoke over the notes, the tune almost drowning out his words.

"I just need a little time," Kurt whispered.

Blaine looked at him and said nothing. His gaze softened as he understood and he nodded, his fingers continuing to grace the piano gently. Kurt smiled and rested his head on Blaines shoulder as the notes morphed into a song he recognised from one of his favourite TV shows.

They say nothing lasts forever

Well, I wish that that were true

Cause this aching in my heart wont go away

Kurts eyes were closed, and Blaine took one glance knowing that he was reliving horrific memories.

They say everything must change

They say that time will see it through

Well, Ive listened and Ive waited for that day

Kurt opened his eyes, stared straight ahead, singing his heart out. Blaine watched, his fingers working of their own accord.

But I wake up with this anger

And the pain wont let me be

And the smile I share

Is only there for show

If I hang on to this heartache

Then my soul will not be free

So I keep trying

But I just cannot let go

I cant let go

I need it to remind me

I cant let go

Oh, I just repeat the past

Kurt linked his arm through Blaines as the playing continued.

And though your arms are saying yes

I feel my heart keeps saying no

I want to love you

But I cant let go

I had to live through bad beginnings

And Ive seen unhappy ends

So I close the book

Before the story starts

Im just a witness to my lifetime

And Im a stranger to my friends

Im a trafficker of broken, damaged hearts

Now you ask me to start over

But its easier said than done

Cos the memories are strong when they arise

And when heartache comes acalling

I wont even try to run

Cause its songs that makes me know that Im alive

Blaine watched as silent tears were working their way down Kurts face as he sang, the pain working its way through his eyes.

I cant let go

I need it to remind me

I cant let go

Oh, I just repeat the past

And though your arms are saying yes

I feel my heart keeps saying no

I want to love you

But I cant let go

Blaine played the tune until the end, Kurt repeating phrases until his tears stopped. Blaine kept his eyes on the keys even as he finished.

"Blaine?"

"Yes?" Blaine whispered, his eyes still down.

"Will you look at me?" Blaine did, his honey-brown eyes wide and searching. Kurt smiled.

"I just need a little time," Kurt whispered like before and Blaine sighed in relief. He could wait; he would wait forever if there were just a chance.

"Ill be here," Blaine whispered, feeling lighter as Kurt smiled. "Ill always be here."

Blaine really wanted to be the gentleman. He had every intention, when Kurt moved in, to sleep on his brand new sofa bed in the living room, away from the bedroom to give Kurt his time and privacy. After kissing Kurt sweetly on the cheek, offering to make warm milk, Blaine had returned to the living room, got out his bed and lay there, staring at the damp patches on his ceiling. Light from the street lamps caused patterns of shadows on his walls and he let out a frustrated sigh as sleep eluded him. It had been quite a while since he had slept on his own and he realized he had very quickly relied on Kurt for affection and comfort as freely as he provided it for Kurt. He was amazed actually that it hadnt become awkward, two gay men sleeping in the same bed, an obvious attraction emanating, at least from Blaine. He had loved the easy affection, the giving of comfort when needed and had relished being the best friend.

He was just considering getting warm milk and reading a book when he heard Kurt stir. At first he thought he might just have been restless in his sleep and he would soon settle, but it got louder and Kurt no longer sounded peaceful. He made louder noises, more startled and sounding like he was in pain and Blaine went instantly to his bedroom.

"Kurt? Are you ok?"

There was no answer, but Blaine could see his distress. He thrashed once on the bed and Blaine came closer to see his face screwed up in pain.

"Kurt. Kurt. Youre ok. Youre ok." Blaine gently touched both arms to hold him still, but Kurt startled at the touch and almost went to hit Blaine until he opened his eyes in panic.

"Its me, Blaine. Youre okay, just a dream." Blaines voice was soothing, calming and he gently stroked Kurts face until his breathing returned to normal.

"Im sorry," Kurt said after a while, his voice wobbly. His hands shook, but he sat up, taking deep breaths to steady himself. Blaine sat next to him on the bed, continued to stroke his face as he held his hand and Kurt felt himself returning to normal.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah. Sorry for waking you."

"Dont be silly; I was worried."

"It was a nightmare," Kurt closed his eyes. "I thought they stopped."

Blaine remembered the first few nights after the attack, the need for him to hold Kurt tight until the tears stopped or the shaking ceased. They were never referred to in the morning, but Kurt was eternally grateful that he had Blaines arms to securely hold onto.

"Will you hold me?" Kurt whispered, a little embarrassed at his need. Blaine smiled, trying to contain the joy he felt at such a request and he simply opened his arms as Kurt came closer. He stroked Kurts hair gently until he could hear Kurts breathing slow down and he kissed the top of his head, just grazing his lips there so as not to disturb him. As Blaine thought Kurt was asleep, he slowly extricated his arms from around Kurts torso, trying not to wake him up, but he was stopped by a voice.

"Dont go," Kurt mumbled, his eyes remaining closed. "Stay with me tonight."

Blaine couldnt deny that request and he placed the covers over the both of them. He briefly wondered if this was going to happen a lot and if it might be dangerous, but his subconscious didnt let him ponder it for too long before he was deeply asleep, right where he belonged.

In the morning it was Blaines playing on the piano that woke Kurt, who had slept soundly without waking the whole night. It was late, nearly noon, and Blaine had been up for a few hours, made coffee and cleaned the apartment, but now he was restless and although he suspected it might disturb Kurts slumber, he couldnt resist. The piano, long neglected, had called to him and he wondered if he still had the ghost of the song he had started to compose so many weeks ago. The memories of looking into that apartment across the way, seeing pain and discord, but feeling silence and peace in his own place, seemed to haze and form in front of his eyes. He placed his fingers gingerly on the keys and played just a few notes.

Kurt awoke nearly as soon as hed heard the notes, but he lay there for a while, rubbed his eyes, and listened carefully. It was only as Blaines clear voice rang out that Kurt started to pad closer to the sweet sound.

If youre lonely anytime, you can talk to me

When you have trouble on your mind

I will always be here to shield you from it all

The best way that I can, anything you want from me.

It was a beautiful sight. Blaine was playing, still in his pyjamas, his eyes focused on his fingers as they graced the keys and Kurt watched as he led into an obvious chorus.

Call me day, call me night

Call me anytime you need someone to hold you

The tears in your eyes will be gone, they will dry

And if you still find that you cant face the world outside

Let me be your place to hide

I could always lie to you, if thats what you need

Tell you life is never cruel and people never leave

But love is not always kind and hearts break all the time

And even if Im far from you

Call me day, call me night

Call me anytime you need someone to hold you

The tears in your eyes will be gone, they will dry

And if you still find that you cant face the world outside

Let me be your place to hide

"Thats beautiful."

Blaine stopped playing and looked up, his mouth slightly open at the sight that greeted him. Kurt was standing there, his hair an adorable mess in places, his eyes bright and so blue that Blaine wanted to comment, but couldnt find the words. Those eyes begged to be described and written about, but it was impossible.

"Did you write it?"

Blaine nodded, barely perceptible and Kurt came a little closer.

"Its amazing, Blaine."

"Thanks," Blaine found his voice, but it was quiet. "I wrote it a while ago but Ive managed to remember most of it."

Kurt started to piece together parts of the story and he sat down next to Blaine on the piano stool to give him something to do. His hands were placed awkwardly on his lap.

"I wrote it about you." Blaine stared at his fingers on the keys, couldnt bear to look in those eyes of blue, not when they were looking so intensely in his direction. Blaine blushed.

"Can I hear the rest?" Kurt said quietly.

"I didnt get the chance to finish it, not sure if I remember the bridge at the end—" Blaine stumbled on his words; he needed to excuse himself, but Kurt interrupted.

"Please…"

Blaine started off shakily, but he finished and Kurt felt his eyes fill again as he listened to the words.

Little corner of the world is what I give to you

Somewhere you can find some peace and understanding

Life can be so sweet

Call me day, call me night

Call me anytime you need someone to hold you

The tears in your eyes will be gone, they will dry

And if you still find that you cant face the world outside

Let me be your place to hide

"Thank you," Kurt whispered, his hand coming up to cover Blaines as it rested on the keys. "Its a beautiful song."

Blaine finally looked up as he took in Kurts hand on his own. Kurts eyes were shining and there was so much he left unsaid, but Blaine knew it all, he knew how much Kurt wanted to say, what he was really thanking him for.

"Youre welcome."