What If?

         Chapter 25 – Learning a Lesson

After spending seven hours together on a plane the boys realize they still had issues to resolve before they can consider being more than friends. They agree that they love each other very much and will always be a part of the others life. They did agree that they need to let the other make their own choices regarding their careers but they would keep the other informed. They agreed that they want the best for the other and they should be happy, though they were not sure how to be happy without the other around.

They decided they still needed to work on being there for the other and to be more accepting of the others choices since they are adults and living on their own. They are going to work on not smothering each other and not forgetting the other and keeping promises. They decide it is best for them at the moment to just be friends and they were both going to focus on their careers for the time being. Kurt is working on learning his lines and songs for the musical though he has Blaine constantly on his mind wondering what he is doing.

After returning from London Blaine met with JC and discussed the direction he wanted his career to take at this point. Blaine wants to be so busy he won't have time to miss Kurt. He ends up going back to L.A. to meet with record producers about recording an album as well as auditioning for TV and movie parts. He spends a lot of time just singing at various venues in town just to keep busy. He tries to avoid Cooper who is always giving him a look that lets him know he doesn't approve of his choice to keep Kurt at a distance for the time being and to just be friends.

Kurt's rehearsals for ‘Get On Board' are time consuming but worth it as he can see the improvement the troupe keeps making as each rehearsal is better than the last. Today they are rehearsing a song that requires Kurt to be dancing and climbing around on a scaffold. It reminds him of his tryout for Tony in West Side Story back at McKinley. Kurt was having a blast as he swung through the pipes and he sang his favorite song in the play. The producers love the performance and are thrilled with Kurt's interpretation of the song. They break for lunch and go to a small café and talk about the play and how it is coming along. “This afternoon Kurt I want to record that same scene rehearsal and send it to the producers in London. They want to be updated often so they can be as ready as possible when we head to London in a few months.” The producer tells him. “That's a great idea because I would love to see how it looks and see if I need to make any changes.” Kurt tells the producers as they finish their lunch and head back to the theater to continue rehearsing and film the scene they rehearsed this morning.

Blaine is practicing his latest song in the living room when Cooper walks in. “I'll finish practicing in my room if practicing in here bothers you.” Blaine tells Coop as he walks into the living room. Cooper walks over to Blaine and sits down to him on the couch. “Blaine, I need to tell you something that I just found out. JC called me at work to tell me that he just heard that there was an accident at the theater where they are rehearsing ‘Get On Board'. There were filming a song that requires the actor to sing and dance up and down this scaffolding. The actor was at the top of this 20 foot scaffolding and it collapsed and the actor fell to the stage floor and is currently in critical condition at the hospital.” Cooper tells Blaine as his eyes become concerned and fear is beginning to show on his face. “Blaine, the actor is Kurt.” Cooper tells Blaine as he watches the blood leave Blaine's face and he turns as pale as a white sheet. Blaine falls forward into Cooper's arms and sobs. “Blaine I have a ticket for you to head to New York City. Your flight is leaving in two hours so you need to go pack your things because I am driving you to the airport in thirty minutes. JC is going to cancel all of your scheduled performances for the next month.” Cooper tells Blaine as he rubs his back. Cooper helps Blaine up and they get him packed and on the plane that will take him to Kurt.

Blaine just stares forward lost in his thoughts and worries. He doesn't hear the noise from the plane or the people talking nearby. He is wondering. “Will Kurt be alive when he gets there? How bad is he hurt? We've been apart wasting precious time together and now we may never get the chance to be together again. Please God give me a chance to make this right.” Blaine pleads as the plane lands. He finds Rachael waiting for him at baggage pickup and she tells him that Kurt is still alive. They head to the hospital and see Burt and Carol sitting in the waiting area and not in Kurt's room. “How is he?” Blaine asks concerned as they stand and hug Blaine. “He is in surgery to stop some internal bleeding. He's still in critical condition and they are not sure he is going to make it.” Burt tells Blaine and watches Blaine's eyes fill with tears. “He's young and strong and healthy Blaine. He's not going to leave us.” Burt says as he looks into Blaine's eyes and tries to console Blaine as well as convince himself. As they all sit and wait Blaine asks. “What happened?”

“Apparently he was performing a number he had done in the morning. They were filming it so the producers in London could see it. He was at the top and the scaffold fell apart and he came crashing down. Come to find out that when he was at lunch some workers were redoing something on the scaffold and they were not finished. They workmen went to lunch and didn't tell anyone that it wasn't safe. Kurt and the producers came back from lunch not knowing it wasn't safe and Kurt started the song and the rest is history.” Burt explains. “What are his injuries?” Blaine asks. “Let's see the doctor said he probably has a concussion because of the huge bump on his head. He has a broken right ankle, some broken ribs, internal bleeding, and maybe some internal injuries or bruising that might develop later. He has not regained consciousness since the accident.” Burt explains as Blaine puts his head in his hands and rubs his face. “I'm an idiot. I have wasted so many days not being with Kurt and if he doesn't make it I won't survive. I can't live without him.” Blaine says as he stands and leaves the waiting area to be by himself for awhile.

He walks around the hospital and finds the chapel. He goes inside and sits down in a pew and starts to talk softly. “I know I haven't talked to you in a long time but I need your help. Please don't take him from me. I understand the message you are trying to send me. I need to appreciate what I have because it can be gone in a second. I love him God with all my heart. I promise you I will cherish him and take care of him like the precious gift he is. Please give me the time to show you.”

The door slowly opens and Burt sits down next to Blaine. “I bet you didn't expect me to sitting in a chapel. But I will do anything to help Kurt. I love him so much and I have screwed things up so bad for years.” Blaine confides to Burt. “First of all kid finding you here is not surprising. I believe in miracles too because I have received a few in my lifetime.” Burt tells Blaine. “Besides, there is not a better place to come when you need some peace and quiet so you can get your head straight about things. Did it help?” Burt asks. “I think it did because for the first time in a few years I know what I want or maybe I should say what I need to have a happy and successful life.” Blaine informs Burt. “Well the reason I went looking after you is to tell you that Kurt is out of surgery and will be back in his room in a few minutes. They stopped the bleeding and all his vital organs look like they will heal fine. The doctor says he expects a full recovery though it may take a couple of months.” Burt tells Blaine who hugs Burt tightly with a smile on his face. “Come on Blaine. Let's go see if Kurt is back in his room. Maybe he will wake up soon and we can bug him about his dancing.” Burt says as they chuckle and leave the chapel feeling better.

When they arrived at Kurt's room they saw Kurt connected to some machines and a lot of wires connected to him. Carol and Rachael were already in the room when the guys walked in. Burt walked over to Kurt and rubbed his hand and talked to him while Blaine stood at the foot of Kurt's bed and looked at him lovingly. “Someone is here to see you so you should probably wake up Kurt.” Burt said as he moves to sit next to Carol and Blaine moves to stand next to Kurt. He grabs his hand and holds it gently and rubs it with his thumb. “Kurt, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere.” Blaine says as he kisses his hand and brushes his hair away from his eyes. A few minutes later Blaine notices that Kurt's eyes are starting to move so he starts calling his naming trying to get him to wake up. Kurt's eyes finally open and he smiles when he sees Blaine sitting beside him and smiling back at him. “Hi Kurt, we are all here, your Dad, Carol and Rachael. How do you feel? Are you in any pain?” Blaine asks concerned. “Blaine, what are you doing here?” Kurt asks. “I had to make sure you are going to be alright. I had to come because I love you Kurt.” Blaine says with a smile on his face. “I love you too.” Kurt says with a sparkle in his eye. “What happened?” Kurt asks. “I'll let your Dad tell you while I'm going to let the doctor know you are awake.” Blaine tells Kurt and then he leaves the room. Blaine tells the doctor about Kurt then walks back to the chapel and goes inside and sits down and whispers. “Thank you for giving me a second chance with Kurt. I promise you I will take care of him, protect him, and cherish him.” Blaine says before he stands up and heads back to Kurt.