"Kurt?" Blaine asked into his phone as soon as it rang, but only silence could be heard. "Kurt?"

"Blaine," Kurt started and Blaine could hear the bubble of something just about to be expressed and he tensed his shoulders, prepared for anything.

"He's ok, Blaine," he said finally, "He's ok, the cancer has all gone!"

"Completely gone?" Blaine asked, incredulously, his body already straight in happiness at the news as if he was just about to jump in the air.

"Yeah, completely gone," Kurt said sounding incredibly excited and happy, "He'll be ok, the treatment worked."

"Oh Kurt I'm so happy," Blaine said, jumping for real now, a big grin on his face that he knew Kurt would be able to hear in his voice.

"And Blaine," Kurt said before he hung up, "My dad really wants to meet you." He said it so sweetly that Blaine could only beam that he was that important to Kurt.

School had never gone so slowly and Glee club never so argumentative. Zachary finally asked for a solo or duet to be considered for nationals which angered Bobby 'don't call me Roberta' and Robyn and Blaine deliberately stayed out of all the discussions. The glee director seemed to want to give all solos to Blaine but was deliberately being diplomatic with his answers. He agreed to try various themes for the next few assignments, allowing everyone a chance to shine and show their full potential for competitions. They seemed pacified for the time being.

Blaine practically ran out of school after saying goodbye to Robyn and jumped in his car, finally checking his phone that had been on silent during the glee club meeting. Kurt had text him to explain that he was just about to get on his flight to New York and that he would meet Blaine after a quick dinner later, probably about 8 o 'clock. Blaine replied and drove home, thinking of the food in his cupboards so he could start dinner for his dad.

Dinner was full of happy chatter about school and the positive signs for Burt. Kurt had explained everything in full detail on the phone so Blaine could explain it all to Will. As Blaine finished explaining all the treatments Burt had had and how he would need three-monthly blood tests, there was a pause as Will watched. Will had been listening attentively but as Blaine stopped his lips slowly rose in a smile that eventually took over his whole face.

"What?" Blaine asked quietly, a slight blush gracing his cheeks under his father's intense stare, "Why are you smiling at me like that?"

"When you talk about Kurt or anything related to him," Will said simply, "Your face Blaine," he paused as if it was obvious, "You look so happy, I've never seen you that happy."

Blaine was taken aback and he looked at his empty plate, his appetite definitely returning in full force. He hadn't noticed the changes but he looked up at Will's expectant face, his happy grin and he smiled in return.

"You love him," Will said simply and Blaine blushed again but thought what the hell. He nodded in acceptance.

"Yes," Blaine said more confidently, "Yeah, I do love him."

"Good," Will said, smiling and starting to clear the empty plates in front of them, "I hoped he might be sticking around for a while."

Blaine had three missed calls from an unknown number once he found his phone in his bedroom after dinner and thinking it was Kurt ringing about his flight from the airport, he rang it straight away.

"Kurt?" Blaine said as soon as he could hear that someone had answered.

"No sorry, is this Blaine?" Blaine didn't recognise the voice, but he sounded older.

"Yes...."

"This is Steve," he said, and qualified it with, "From the superhero store?"

"Oh yeah, hi Steve," Blaine said, "Do you need me to come in tomorrow? It's just that Kurt's returning later and his dad's ok so...."

"Oh that's fantastic news Blaine," Steve said a happy note to his voice but not as ecstatic as Blaine would have thought. "But that's not why I'm ringing."

"Oh sorry," Blaine said.

"It's Bobby," he started and clearly not knowing how to carry on there was an awkward pause where Blaine's mind filled the gaps. "Something's happened."

"What is it?" Blaine asked, sitting up on his bed, "The bullies again?"

"You knew about the bullies?" Steve asked, surprised.

"Yeah, he told me yesterday," Blaine said, "They had thrown him in the dumpsters and trashed his drawings. What did they do?"

"They didn't do anything today Blaine, it's Bobby. He tried to jump from a tall building in town."

"What?"

"They had to get someone to use sign language to persuade him to come down, but he's in a psychiatric ward now, under constant watch and his mum is devastated. He's only just been given paper, after they ran the medical tests. He wrote down that he wanted to see you, he's refusing to sign."

"I don't understand," Blaine started slowly, his mind whirring at the image of the skyscraper, at the desperation Bobby must have felt. "Why did he do it?"

"Apparently it's been happening for a while, the bullying I mean," Steve said sadly. "They throw him in dumpsters, destroy his drawings, taunt him using the little sign language they know or rude gestures. He hasn't been able to explain himself fully to anyone, no one knew. He never left a note so I think it was a cry for help but still, I wondered if you could help him."

Blaine wasn't sure how much of his history Steve knew but he didn't want to give anything away. The thought of seeing Bobby, trying to help seemed completely futile to him. He had known nothing really worked, you had to want to save yourself, you had to have that drive to stay alive in the end. But then he thought of Kurt.

Kurt was the one that had saved him if he was honest. He had been the greatest friend anyone could have asked for and he wondered now whether he would still be making regular trips to Williamsburg Bridge if he hadn't rung that night. Suddenly he had been able to tap into a support network that had been there all along if only he had noticed and Kurt had shown him. Robyn was there and his relationship with his dad was so much stronger. He had realised he wasn't the only one that suffered with the loss of his mum and Cooper, and Kurt had opened his eyes to it all. Beautiful, caring Kurt.

"Yeah, I'll try," Blaine said to Steve. Steve explained when visiting hours were the following day after school and Blaine promised he would be there.

To: Kurt [8.03pm]

Can you meet me at the bridge after all? I need to speak to you, I've missed you so much xxx

To: Blaine [8.04pm]

What's wrong? Why are you at the bridge? Don't keep me waiting, I'll be there soon xx

To: Kurt [4.05pm]

Nothing's wrong with me I promise. Don't worry. I'll see you soon xx

He knew he shouldn't have walked there again and made Kurt worry but the days were getting longer as spring appeared and tried to turn to summer and it seemed the right place to go after the news of Bobby. He walked there quickly and went along the bridge for the first time in quite a while. The bridge had loomed over him on his last visit, where Kurt had turned up and kissed him. He had sung of the power of Kurt, the power of love but the bridge had seemed so far away and concrete. He walked its metal structure, the rush of the cars from earlier now a steady stream of traffic, not too much, not too fast. Blaine turned from the cars to the water below.

He had been here before, watching the water ripple and curve, eddy and flow towards a better place no doubt. He had dreamt of water, of being clean and knowing no pain or guilt but as he stared now he only felt cold. The water chilled the warmth on Blaine's skin from the walk so now only cold air washed over him and it felt refreshing. It felt so strange being here, no longer feeling the pull to go forward, no longer wanting to fall and submerge. He knew then that he wanted to live. He could picture his future and it felt glorious. His father had read his expression so clearly earlier, had understood in his body language and what he spoke of, that Kurt meant everything to Blaine, had helped him see so much. He had known without Blaine saying it. He loved Kurt.

And he did love Kurt. He loved Kurt so much he suddenly pictured his face and felt a pang that he would be here soon, his to hold and touch again, his to speak to and listen to, his to sing with and cuddle. He couldn't believe what had happened in the last few months but as he looked to the water again, expecting to find the urge to jump he only wanted to search the bridge again, hoping that Kurt would be here soon and he could tell him. The bridge wasn't pulling him or urging him closer to the water with the promise of forgiveness, he just looked and saw the water for what it was. He could hear steps and he turned.

Kurt looked fierce. He was wearing the tightest grey jeans that Blaine had ever seen, with a dark grey jumper that engulfed him, making him look cuddly but Blaine noticed his ferocious dark boots and his stern expression and he walked closer.

"Kurt, Kurt," he said, coming forward, gripping Kurt's arms to force him to stop, "I'm ok, I'm ok, relax." And Kurt did seem to relax, his shoulders sink.

"I said before," Blaine said quieter now, "I don't need you to save me now, you already did that."

"I already did...." Kurt said sounding confused.

"Yeah, I realised it before but as I stood here I knew," Blaine said, smiling shyly. "It's been you all along. You saved me when you answered my call Kurt; you saved me when you listened, when you gave advice and believed in me. You saved me when you kissed me." He was practically whispering, causing Kurt to inch closer in his need to hear and understand what Blaine was saying. Kurt's eyes filled slightly as Blaine spoke. He looked so confident and full of life that Kurt was happy he had gotten to know him, happy that he had helped in some way.

"But I don't know how to help Bobby," Blaine whispered and Kurt didn't understand as he watched Blaine's face drop. "Bobby threatened to fall from a building earlier today," he said calmly and Kurt's eyes widened, not expecting this news at all.

"What?" Kurt jumped, about to run off down the bridge as if he could stop what had happened already.

"He tried earlier today," Blaine continued, taking Kurt's hand gently, "He was persuaded to come down and is now in a ward where he is watched constantly. He is allowed paper but he refuses to sign. He asked his mum if he could see me and Steve rang me earlier. I don't know what to say Kurt," he said, looking lost and Kurt didn't know how to take this pain from him now. "What do I do?"

"I don't know," Kurt said honestly, "I don't know Blaine but he will need us to be there for him, whatever help we can give."

Blaine looked at the water. He knew there was no magic answer, knew he could say nothing new to Bobby to help him to feel better but as he watched the water continue its path, he realised the ordeal he had gone through, the guilt, the weight and the despair – he knew that he could use all of that to help. The thought of going back there, to relive the pain when he had started to travel forwards made him want to run.

"What are you thinking?" Kurt asked after a while.

"I'm thinking that I haven't kissed you yet," Blaine said, not looking to see Kurt's surprised expression, "I haven't kissed those beautiful lips that remind me I'm alive and that you're here with me and perfect."

He looked up at Kurt and came closer, Kurt smiling in anticipation. Those lips had never looked more inviting and perfect and Blaine breathed him in as he came closer. He wound his arms around Kurt's waist in case he would disappear. He wondered if he might fly away as Kurt started to kiss him back and lick tentatively at his bottom lip to play with his tongue. Blaine felt like his hands were on fire as he clung closer, feeling Kurt's solid back underneath his fingers.

They kissed for a few moments until they required air and Blaine chuckled at the cherry red of Kurt's lips and his dazed smile.

"I think I needed that," Blaine said, smiling and taking Kurt's hand so they could move away. "I need you Kurt and I missed you so much. I know I don't express myself so confidently, I know I find romance difficult but you need to know," he said, both his hands clutching Kurt's now and his eyes widening earnestly.

"It's ok Blaine," Kurt said, "I know and I need you too you know," he continued as they walked away, leaving the water behind. "I couldn't have gone through what I did with my dad without you." Blaine looked at his hand within Kurt's and squeezed knowing that they were together and that nothing could shake them if they were entwined.

Seeing Bobby the following day after school was hard. Blaine had agreed to meet Kurt at the hospital straight after school and they knew Steve would be there too to introduce them to Bobby's worried and tired mother. She was outside Bobby's room when they came up.

"How is he?" Kurt asked as soon as he was introduced and he shook her hand.

"Physically he's fine," she said, having introduced herself as Suzanne, "I can't tell about the rest." She looked so worn out that Kurt wanted to instantly give her a hug. Instead he suggested they take a seat on one of the plastic chairs outside Bobby's room. Steve went to get coffees.

"I've never seen him like this," she said sadly, looking down at her thin hands that rested in her lap, "I mean he's always been quiet, never one to have full conversations with me, even though I know full sign language and I try. He always seems happy in his own world, desperate to remain there. He loves his drawings you know," she said looking between Kurt and Blaine, understanding how they knew her son, "And he can create little worlds right there on his paper. I sometime wonder if those characters can hear all the beauty around him and that's why he draws them. They can't talk back to him but maybe he knows what they would say." Blaine nodded in understanding. "He seems particularly drawn to you Blaine," she said, "He's always mentioned you Kurt, loves how you sign to him and make the effort but I get the impression when he signs about you Blaine that he doesn't tell me everything. When he wrote down that he wanted to see you, I guessed. You know what he's feeling? He knows that?"

Kurt looked at Blaine, worried that he might not want to discuss it with a new person, a relative stranger but Blaine looked at Kurt confidently and nodded as if to start.

"Yes," Blaine began, his voice slightly wobbly, "I struggled like he does and I don't know how he knows. I never spoke to him about my own troubles, he just seemed to understand. He said that his head was screaming, so I think he really struggles with being understood. I don't know how I can help him."

"I think you can help him just by being there," she said simply, "You'll listen and understand and show him that it really does get better."

"I'll try," he said and Kurt picked up Blaine's hand and squeezed it as it rested on his knee.

The conversation was difficult. Bobby still refused to sign despite Kurt signing in greeting and trying to be positive. He smiled slightly on seeing Kurt but looked to Blaine and Bobby's positive energy seemed to dissipate. Kurt understood and said he would be back soon.

Blaine sat next to him on his bed, careful not to sit on his feet and he waited. Bobby looked at him expectantly after a while and got impatient, taking the piece of paper by his bedside and starting to write furiously.

Aren't you going to say I shouldn't have done that? Aren't you going to do something?

What would you like me to do?

Bobby was taken aback at the question and he watched it carefully for a few moments as if inspiration would appear in front of him.

You aren't going to say I shouldn't have done it?

That's obvious – you're not stupid

Bobby read quickly and smiled at Blaine's words. Blaine wondered if that was the first time he had smiled since he arrived here.

People think I am – people will think I chickened out, that I'm a coward.

It's the bravest thing to do – to go away from the building and return home where there is pain and guilt. That takes a lot of courage.

What did you do?

I walked to a bridge nearly every day, thinking I would fall and drown, hoping to end the pain but I never did fall.

Well duh!

Blaine chuckled.

Hey! You're not supposed to say that!

What made you stop? Why didn't you fall?

Bobby was looking at Blaine expectantly, his eyes wide and innocent and Blaine didn't know what to say.

I rang someone. I called for help and Kurt answered.

Kurt answered? Wow.

I know, I was really lucky.

Blaine thought back to Kurt – patiently waiting for him outside, for listening and being perfect and he smiled.

I don't think I'll ever find my 'Kurt'.

Yes you will.

Blaine wrote immediately and without hesitation.

You're only 13 right?

14!

Sorry, but I never knew anyone remotely like Kurt when I was 14. You have your whole life in front of you. Don't waste it.

But that's easy for you to say. You can talk to people. People avoid me.

Not the best people. I had no friends, flitting from one place to another but I made an effort and now I have people that I never knew were there, including my dad. It takes hard work I know but it is so worth it.

What about the bullies?

Bobby looked so small there in his hospital gown as Blaine looked and thought about what to write next.

Make friends your goal, don't worry about the haters. Keep your most precious drawings at home and find a club, find people like you. There will be always be bullies at school but you need to stay true to yourself. Both Kurt and I have been bullied before, Kurt especially and he came out the other side. It does get better, I promise.

Bobby looked sceptical but smiled as Blaine continued to write.

And you have Kurt and I to help you. Let the people around you in a little.

Ok.

Kurt and Blaine left soon afterwards. Kurt signed to Bobby a little before he left, Suzanne staring in wonder that Blaine had managed to get Bobby to communicate through sign again. He indicated that he was tired but Blaine and Kurt promised to see him again tomorrow.

"Thank you so much Blaine," Suzanne said as they all left the room, "I don't know what you said but you made such a difference. Thank you." She kissed him suddenly on the cheek and Blaine felt himself blush.

"We'll see you tomorrow," Kurt said politely as he led Blaine outside.

"What did you say?" Kurt asked as he took Blaine's hand.

"Just exactly what you would have said," Blaine said smiling and kissing Kurt on the cheek, "I told him we were there for him and that it gets better."

Kurt looked so proud as he smiled at Blaine. Thinking of how far Blaine had come was so beyond Kurt he decided instead to enjoy the walk with his boyfriend in the evening air as they walked to the station.

"Do you want to meet my friends, Rachel and Santana?" Kurt asked nervously as they arrived at the station.

"Are you sure?" Blaine asked, stopping in the street and looking carefully at Kurt.

"Yeah, I mean if you want to," Kurt said, worried that the gesture might be too much too soon.

"Yeah I definitely want to Kurt," he said smiling and he squeezed Kurt's hand in his.

Kurt sighed in relief. Ever since Blaine and he had become 'official' Kurt had wanted to rush through all the relationship milestones – friends, family, PDA but he had held back, realising this was all new to Blaine, all a little scary for someone who struggled with expressing himself and realising his own self-worth. As he looked at Blaine, confident, self-assured and blushing beautifully in the cool evening air, Kurt realised he was falling hard and he didn't care who knew it. It was nice to be in a relationship that felt so easy and loving.

"Kurt," Blaine said, breaking him out of his reverie and staring into Kurt's blue eyes so sincerely, "You worry too much about me. I love the way our relationship is going and I don't know why but I want everything and it scares me how fast I want it all with you but I do. I said earlier I'm not great at expressing myself and although I'm nervous I want to meet your family and friends, I want to see you all the time and kiss you and show you just how special you are to me."

Kurt sighed and smiled. He suddenly thought he couldn't possibly meet anyone more sweet and adorable.

Meeting Santana and Rachel was interesting. Rachel instantly hugged Blaine, giving him the impression she knew some of his history and how he had met Kurt but he didn't mind. Rachel insisted they sing together at Callbacks soon, saying that it would be good practice for wherever he decided to apply for college. Blaine was taken aback at the idea, thoughts of his future never really crossing his mind until now. He knew if he wanted to get in anywhere he would have to apply soon and he made a mental note to discuss it with Kurt.

Santana looked Blaine up and down as he entered and as Blaine and Kurt made coffee for everyone in the kitchen, she watched their interaction carefully. Blaine leant in close to Kurt and whispered something in his ear which made Kurt blush as they waited for the kettle. Kurt replied and Blaine chuckled and hearing his laugh made Kurt laugh too. Santana was still staring as the boys turned around.

"What are you doing Santana?" Kurt asked, slightly annoyed.

"Just checking you two out," she said smirking, "You seem ok Blaine," she finished, nodding her head. "You can stay."

"Thanks," Blaine said, smiling out of relief that she seemed to have accepted him and Kurt smiled, secretly glad that Blaine had met with her fiercely protective approval.

They all chatted for a while on the sofa, the only awkward moment coming when Santana asked where Blaine lived.

"Not too far from here," Blaine said, "With my dad."

"No mum?" she asked casually and immediately realised something was up as Kurt gave Blaine a worried look.

Blaine paused for a while, unsure how to answer. He turned to face Santana.

"No, she died two years ago, along with my brother."

Santana clearly didn't know what to say but Rachel rushed over and started stroking along his arm.

"Oh sorry hobbit," Santana said, looking genuinely sorry and unsure of herself.

"It's ok," Blaine said simply, "It gets tough to think about some times but it is what it is."

Kurt knew it had taken weeks for Blaine to feel that way. To express it with regret but less guilt, he knew had taken such courage and he simply kissed Blaine on the cheek. Blaine blushed where Kurt had kissed but smiled towards him. Santana looked to Rachel and then pulled her up roughly by the arm.

"Come on Rachel," she said, pulling her away from the boys and the sofa, "Let's get ready for bed."

"What?" Rachel said, not getting the hint, "But I was just finishing my tea."

"I'll make you a new one," she said, getting completely out of the boys' way and turning to wink at Kurt who blushed at the implication and turned to see a smirk from Blaine.

"She wants to leave us alone?" Blaine asked.

"Yeah seems like it," Kurt said blushing. They had never discussed moving their relationship forward, Kurt quite happy in his first serious relationship to take things slowly, knowing that Blaine felt the same. They looked at each other, turning in slow motion to smile, which caused a blush to creep along their faces.

"What do you do for privacy around here?" Blaine said. He had already noticed there were no doors in the apartment.

"We use sheets as doors," Kurt said blushing a deeper red, "But I've had to use ear plugs with Rachel and Brody," he said grimacing. Blaine laughed and Kurt realised it went a long way towards easing his nerves. Blaine simply got up and held his hand out to Kurt who remained on the sofa looking up. Blaine looked so confident standing there that Kurt would have thought he looked almost cocky if he hadn't noticed Blaine's shaky hand. Kurt took it in his and stood. Being a little shaky himself he nearly fell into Blaine's open arms and taking the opportunity, he pulled Kurt even closer and stared, for what felt an eternity, into Kurt's wide blue eyes.

"You're so beautiful," Blaine whispered, "How did I find you?" He looked so in awe of Kurt that he felt his insides turn to mush.

"You found me," Kurt said, smiling, "And I have been grateful every day since I met you."

They walked hand in hand to Kurt's makeshift bedroom and Kurt pulled the curtains closed and he turned to see Blaine smile.

"How far have you gone?" Blaine asked, suddenly realising Kurt was a year older and looked the way he did in New York.

Kurt shook his head. "I haven't," he said, "I've only dated. I was the only out gay kid at my school and...." He suddenly felt foolish. Surely he should be more experienced than that?

Blaine smiled. "Me neither," he said, "We can learn together then, take things slow?"

"Yeah," Kurt said swallowing and simply lying on the bed, hoping Blaine would join him too. Blaine walked slowly, watching Kurt lying so innocently on the bed, his breath hitching slightly at the sight in front of him. He lied down next to him and taking a deep breath he leant forward to place his warm lips on Kurt's. Kurt could taste the coffee he had drunk earlier and he melted into the kiss. After a while hands started to wander, explore and feel their way over shirts and finally to the warm skin underneath. Kurt's breath hitched at the touch of Blaine's fingertips and he was kissed more fiercely. Whenever Blaine kissed him like this, desperate and urgent it felt like it was their last, Blaine needing to feel Kurt underneath his fingers in fear that he might disappear. A few moments later, an accidental brush of a nipple and Blaine could feel Kurt's hardness underneath and he parted from him, looking at Kurt's bruised and red lips, his deep breathing making him look gorgeous and debauched.

"Sorry," Kurt muttered, looking down and embarrassed and Blaine chuckled.

"There is really no reason for you to apologise," Blaine said, still laughing lightly as he leant his lower half over Kurt who felt his own pressing need. Kurt met his lips in a fierce kiss, feeling urgent and suddenly hips were moved, friction sought and found and Kurt moaned into the kiss.

"God Kurt, you're so gorgeous," as bucking continued and although there was jean material in the way, it felt glorious and new. Blaine had never felt so connected to anyone and he slowly started kissing along Kurt's jaw to the sounds of Kurt's happy mewing. Blaine groaned at the beautiful sound and felt himself get closer as the movement continued. His hand hovered over the button on Kurt's jeans and Kurt nodded silently, his face an expression of ecstasy and Blaine undoes the button and places his hand over Kurt's underwear, feeling his hardness and bucking harder.

"Don't stop," Kurt begs as he bucks harder and faster into Blaine's hand and Blaine tries to hold on a little longer, tries to chase the feeling and teeter on the edge for as long as possible but the noises and Kurt's face make him topple and he comes in his pants. Kurt follows soon after, shooting over Blaine's hand as he rides it out.

Blaine collapses on Kurt's bed, his hand a glorious mess and he sighs, closing his eyes in pleasure. They take a while to come down, only heavy breathing returning to normal until Blaine feels the bed shift next to him and he looks up to find Kurt hovering over him with the most gorgeous and happy smile he has ever seen.

"That was amazing," Kurt said grinning.

"It was," Blaine breathes out and grins too, "You are amazing."

Despite the mess, Kurt relaxes on Blaine's chest and sighs in contentment, his fingers tracing patterns over his toned muscles.

"Can you stay?" Kurt asked, looking up at Blaine, such hope and unadulterated happiness in his eyes and Blaine nods, feeling his eyes tingle slightly at the sight.

"Always," Blaine said happily.