The morning dawned and Blaine woke up to find someone standing over him. He startled and quickly slid out from under Kurt's body, scooting over to the edge of the bed and getting up. He grabbed the arm of the man standing over him and led him out into the hallway, holding a finger to his lips to ask the man to be quiet.

He stood in the dark hall, his eyes bright as he tried to think of how to explain this situation to his brother, Cooper, who was tapping his toe impatiently, arms crossed across his chest, waiting for Blaine to speak.

“It isn't what you're thinking...” Blaine started, which drew an eye-roll and a sigh from his brother. “Shit, Cooper, let me explain before you start jumping to stupid conclusions, okay?”

“You know, Squirt, no matter what you say, I'm pretty sure you're not going to explain away my finding you playing octopus with a gorgeous boy in your bed, now are you? Let's go downstairs and get some coffee and you can entertain me with your attempts to make this look innocent,” Cooper said, turning to walk down the stairs.

Blaine went back in his bedroom and checked on Kurt – who was now wrapped around the pillow and breathing easy. He pulled the blankets up around Kurt's shoulders to keep him warm and before he turned to go, he placed a chaste kiss on his hair. The poor kid had been through so much last night, he deserved to sleep as much as possible.

“Okay, Squirt, spill,” Cooper barked, impatient as always.

“Well, you know we were putting together a help line for the Warblers' community project, right?” Blaine started and Coop nodded. “I was just cleaning up when the phone rang. I was all alone, so I answered it. That kid, his name is Kurt, was on the line. He was getting ready to jump off a bridge.”

“In Lima? There isn't more than a trickle of water in any river here. I doubt he'd do more harm that get his feet wet.'

“No, he was on the Old Mill Stream bridge over the Ottawa River. In that storm last night.” Blaine explained.

“Oh..that's a different story. What did you say?”

“I...ah...didn't handle it well. I made him mad, then I hung up on him,” Blaine said.

“Wow, Squirt. That was bad..then what?”

“I had no way to call him back, the phone lines weren't finished and there was no caller ID or anything. So I drove up to Ottawa....to, ah...look for him,” Blaine stopped when Cooper smacked the back of his head.

“You drove MY Beemer to Ottawa in the worst spring blizzard in a decade? What was wrong with you? Why on earth didn't you call someone?” Cooper was very upset.

“I didn't think of it. All I could think of was going up there. I found his car by the side of the road, then I walked over the bridge and gave him your wool socks,” Blaine said in a small voice, realizing how lame it all sounded. “It made sense last night.”

“It did? I think you're crazy. So, continue.”

“He was angry and all I could think to do was talk him into coming home. I finally got him to agree, but then when I went to take him to his house, the address he gave me was a cemetery. That got all twisted...he wasn't there to die, just to talk to him mom. His dad is in a coma, he had a heart attack. It's really complicated, Cooper,” Blaine blurted out.

“I'd say it is. Well, how is his dad now?” Coop asked.

“I don't know. We need to call the hospital. But you can see I couldn't just take him home to a cold, empty house and leave him, don't you?”

“Yeah, Squirt, I do. Okay, we need to do some stuff this morning. It stopped snowing, but the roads are slick and snowy. I can drive the two of you out to get his car – I don't think he should drive home alone – and you follow me back here in case there's any trouble. We'll stop and fill the gas can first so you can get back to town. Mom and Dad aren't due home for two weeks, so if you think he needs to stay here, that is okay.

“But Blaine, I'm not sure about you actually sleeping with another guy. I mean...”

“Nothing happened. I kissed him, but it wasn't that kind of kiss, I was just - -I guess I was just reassuring him. He was at his wit's end, Cooper. He was thinking of killing himself. I didn't feel like starting a snog fest, you know? I just wanted him to know somebody cared. I wish I'd have had someone tell me that when I got...” Blaine didn't want to go on, Cooper wasn't there when he'd had to be hospitalized that summer in Atlantic City. He felt so alone, the painful cuts from that kid carving the dirty name on his belly.... but Cooper knew what he was talking about and drew him close, arms around him.

“I know, Blaine. I'm still so sorry I wasn't there for you. I came as soon as I could, but it would have been so much better if you had someone. I understand why you did such a foolish thing as going through a blizzard to be there for someone else, too. But it was foolish and I'm not happy about it.”

“I know...” Blaine said. “I had better go check on him. He was out there in just a light jacket and no socks...I know he got too chilled. I put your socks and gloves on him until we got home, but he was still awfully cold.”

“I'll make some eggs and stuff for breakfast and bring it up, okay, Squirt?” Cooper offered.

“Thanks, Coop. You're the best.”

~*~*~*~*~

Kurt woke up when the sun hit his face. It had stopped snowing sometime during the night, the wind had died down and so it sounded very quiet in comparison. He blinked, casting his mind back to last night, and the bad feelings came crashing down. He began to wonder how this curly-haired kid had talked him out of jumping. Well, he could always go back, the river wasn't going anywhere.

“Kurt?” the kid said, walking back into the room. While Kurt was sort of angry his plans had been changed because of this kid, he was equally glad to see him again. In the night, when he was scared and lonely the kid...oh, yeah, his name was Blaine....Blaine had held him close and made him feel like somebody cared. It was a new feeling and Kurt found he liked it.

“Mornin',” Kurt said.

“How are you feeling this morning?” Blaine asked.

“I'm okay, it's kind of hot in here. My head hurts.”

Blaine walked over and felt his forehead. “You have a fever, probably from getting so cold yesterday. How about some coffee?”

“Oh, yes, please..” Kurt said, “I could use that.” Blaine handed him the cup he'd brought up. Kurt drank it quickly, looking gratefully at Blaine. He wanted to put up those walls, the ones that kept him safe, but he was having trouble with that. Blaine was really nice and only wanted to help -even if Kurt didn't want his help.

“Kurt? Would you want to call the hospital to check on your dad?” Blaine asked.

“Yeah, but I threw my cell phone in the river...when you hung up on me,” Kurt said, looking at Blaine with a very accusing stare.

“I'm sorry...they hadn't finished wiring the phone lines last night, I still don't know how your call came through. Somebody up there was looking out for you, I guess,” Blaine said.

“I don't believe in “somebody up there”. I haven't for a long time. It was just a fluke, I guess, Kurt told him.

“I'll go get my phone, you can use it to call.” Blaine wasn't sure how to talk to Kurt now. He really didn't believe in a Christian God per se, but had no intentions of getting in a discussion of religion with anyone. He took Kurt to the house phone in the hallway to use, he;d left his on the desk at the office.

“I'll go see what's keeping Cooper with breakfast while you call, okay?” Blaine asked and Kurt nodded. Blaine met Coop coming up the stairs with a tray packed with dishes and food. “He's calling the hospital. Hey, can I loan him some of your clothes to wear to get his car, his are still damp.”

“Well, you didn't have any trouble loaning him my favorite pajamas last night – or my wool socks and gloves. What's a few more garments among friends?” Cooper said with sarcasm on his tongue. Blaine had the grace to blush.

“Sorry, Coop. I didn't think you'd mind, given the circumstances...”

“I don't. I'm just pulling your chain, Squirt. No, it's fine, I'll get some warm stuff out for him to wear. But I wasn't kidding, I think he should stay here until his dad is better. I'd never sleep if I was thinking about him alone with all he has going on in his life. When we get back from Ottawa, go over to his house and get some stuff he'll need and bring him back here.”

The brothers walked into Blaine's room to find Kurt sitting on the side of the bed, his head in his hands.

“Kurt? Are you okay?” Blaine asked.

“Yeah. They think Dad is waking up, so they're giving him medication so he'll wake up slowly. They want me to let him rest for a few hours, then come to visit around noon. Can I get a ride?” he asked, looking at Blaine.

“Sure. This is my brother, Cooper. Coop, this is Kurt Hummel,” Blaine introduced. Cooper sat the heavy tray down on the bedside table and handed a plate of eggs, hash browns, buttered toast, and bacon to Kurt and one to Blaine before sitting down at the desk to eat his own.

“Thank you,” Kurt said, picking up a fork to start eating.

“Cooper has offered to drive us out to Ottawa to try and get your Navigator home. We can go as soon as you've finished eating, okay?” Blaine told Kurt, who nodded. They ate in relative silence, Cooper finishing first and going to get some things for Kurt to wear. He came back with jeans, a flannel shirt, a sweater, wool socks and a pair of old boots.

“These ought to fit you, we might need to dig your SUV out of a snow bank considering how much snow fell, but we'll see what we can do for you,” Coop said, “I'll meet you downstairs in a few minutes.

Blaine looked over the clothes and realized there was no underwear. He went over to his drawer and got out a pair of clean boxer briefs and placed them on the top of the pile of clothes. “I hope those are okay, they're clean,” he blushed a little. “I can go if you want to change.”

“No, I'm fine. Can you, maybe, loan me a comb?” Kurt asked. Blaine went into the bathroom and took his time to allow Kurt to get dressed before he returned. Downstairs, Cooper tossed Kurt a down-filled duck hunting jacket, the gloves from last night, and a warm winter hat with ear flaps. Kurt put it all on, following the boys to the garage. He took one look at the SUV they were getting into and burst into laughter.

“What's so funny?” Blaine asked.

“Your brother drives a Mercedes.” Kurt said, laughing again.

Then Blaine started laughing. Coop just looked at them like they were crazy. “Okay..I don't get the joke,” he told them.

“Yesterday when Kurt and I were arguing he said that the only problem I probably had was whether to drive the Mercedes or the Beemer,” Blaine explained. Cooper looked at Kurt but didn't laugh.

“You two are loons,” he said.

“I guess you had to be there.” Blaine said and smiled at Kurt, who grinned back.

They drove up the highway and made the sharp turn onto the Old Mill Stream Scenic Byway ans saw at least four cars off the road on the way. The roads were still slick and dangerous and Cooper took the time to lecture his little brother about being cautious in driving home. They found Kurt's Lincoln and tipped the five gallons of gasoline into the tank. Blaine got it started and pulled out of the bushes where Kurt had parked it. Kurt didn't argue about Blaine driving – he was actually relieved since he didn't feel well with the fever and all.

Coop said he would follow them into town just in case, but Blaine had no trouble and got there in under forty-five minutes, very fast for the weather conditions. He honked twice as they pulled up to a stoplight and waved as he headed his Mercedes for home. Kurt and Blaine went to Kurt's house to get him some clothes for the week. Or so Blaine thought.

Once inside, Kurt hurried downstairs into his bedroom and began choosing a few outfits to bring with him. Blaine followed and sat on his bed.

“You know, Blaine, I can just stay here. I'm sorry I scared you last night, and I won't do it again. Why don't I just take you home and we're good. You don't have to hang around me just because you had to talk some sense into me.” Kurt said this very boldly, but at the same time, he wanted in the worst way to beg Blaine to stay with him, to talk to him, to go with him to see his father. He was tired of feeling all alone, hell, he was tired of BEING all alone. But he wasn't good at interacting with other people, and he hated to admit it, but Blaine intimidated him.

Blaine was one of those guys who was easy to talk to, that had all kinds of people say hello to him just walking down the halls at school. Kurt had no proof of this, of course, but he felt it must be true. He had been worried about Blaine judging him – for his poor choices, for his small house and public school education. But as far as he could tell in less than a day, Blaine was only friendly and open and wanted to help. Kurt was afraid to trust him, but he thought he might one day.

“Kurt, I know you are fully capable of taking care of yourself, but honestly, I could never forgive myself if I just let you go on this sad path and didn't try to help. I was not just making idle promises last night when I told you I will stand by you. We don't know each other very well, but I'd like very much to have a chance at changing that. I don't know if it's possible, but I'd like to call you my friend. I think we have a lot in common and we could help each other with the tough times. Don't you want to have someone to call if you're feeling bad? I would. Okay, I'm talking too much. Just think about it, okay?” Blaine asked, afraid he had said too much. Kurt looked so fragile now, he was afraid he might break.

Instead of just sitting there, he stood up and walked to Kurt, holding out his arms and waiting. Kurt looked scared, but stepped a little closer and found Blaine's arms around him, holding him in a tight hug and rubbing the back of his neck. He relaxed into the closeness, it was exactly what he needed right now. His dad was always hugging him, and he missed the human contact, the warmth of being so close to another person. He leaned a bit into Blaine's hug and sighed.

“I do want us to be friends, Blaine. Thank you.”

“That means you will stay with me for the next week, I don't want you to be alone now, you need me, I think. Okay?” Blaine asked.

Kurt was not sure what to say. He wanted to yell that Blaine had no idea what he needed, that he didn't know him. But the truth was: Blaine was right. He didn't want to be alone with his dad gone. The quiet in his house was killing him. He liked Blaine, he thought he did anyway.

“Okay, Blaine. I'll accept your invitation. Thank you. Are you sure it's okay with your folks?”

“Cooper asked me to bring you home, he's fine with it, and he's in charge when my parents are gone.”

“How old is he? He looks like he's so much older...” Kurt commented.

“He's 14 years older than me. So, he still lives at home while he's in law school, but he takes care of me when our folks are out of town. If he says it's okay, my parents will be fine with it.” Blaine reassured Kurt.

Blaine moved back to sit on the bed and Kurt followed him. “I have to ask something else, but it's kind of awkward,” Kurt said, not meeting Blaine's eyes.

“Okay.”

“Last night. I woke up and we were kind of...well, sort of pasted together. I don't want you to get the wrong idea, or I don't want to think....shit, I don't know how to ask this without sounding like a complete ass,” Kurt ducked his head and turned away.

“No, it's fine. You can ask me anything. I think I know what you're going to say, so please just ask,” Blaine said in a reassuring voice. Actually, there were two things he thought Kurt might say, and either one of them would be awkward, and he didn't want to anticipate and be wrong, that would be more than awkward, it would be embarrassing.

“Ah, I know I was really needy last night and it was a unique experience for both of us. But I don't want you to think I was hugging you because I wanted something from you...something....” Kurt turned red and whispered the last word so quietly that Blaine hardly heard it, “sexual.”

“I understand that, Kurt, and it's fine. I am not out to seduce you, either. I just thought you needed a hug, some sort of reassurance that someone cares about you. And I do care, Kurt, more than I thought I would. But, no, I wasn't looking for a hook-up. I know I kissed you, but it was in the heat of the moment, to get my point across that I would be there for you. I meant that, Kurt. I will come to the hospital with you to see your dad, and if you need me, I'll come and hold your hand when you tell him you're gay. You can count on me, Kurt. Okay?”

“Yeah. Thank you, Blaine. Thank you.” Kurt fell against Blaine, blinking back tears of relief at knowing he had a friend, he had someone to stand by him. Blaine put an arm around him and pulled him close, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek.

“We'll get through this, Kurt. Now, let's go see your dad.”