Kurt pulled into the driveway at the Jones' house, parking his Navigator and putting the keys in his pocket before knocking on the door. Tice answered and grabbed Kurt's sleeve, pulling him into the library.

“What's up, Tice?” Kurt asked.

“Tell me what's going on. I know Mercy's pregnant, and I'm assuming it's Cooper's, but that's all anyone has said, and I haven't seen Cooper since we had dinner at your house.” His eyes were wide and sad. He loved his sister and was seriously worried.

“Have you asked Mercy any of this?” Kurt asked, feeling very sympathetic towards the boy. Tice practically worshiped big his sister.

“No. She won't hardly speak to anyone.”

“Tice, it isn't my place to tell you. But I can reassure you that Cooper has arranged money to cover all of her expenses for doctors and all, and I believe he will come home as soon as possible. Okay?”

“Yeah. And I know you'll be there, Kurt,” Tice said, eyes on the floor. Kurt had practically been a big brother to him over the years and he kind of missed having him around since Blaine entered the picture.

“You know I will,” Kurt assured the boy, patting him on the shoulder before leaving to go up to Mercedes' room.

“Mercy? You ready to go?” he asked, knocking on her door.

“Just a sec....there. Ready.”

“I was thinking about taking you to Market Day Diner...they have a great salad bar.”

She gave him a withering look, but didn't argue.

They got in the car, Kurt getting her door for her, and started out for the restaurant.

“How are you holding up?” he asked.

“Okay. My parents are being so nice, but I know deep down they're disappointed in me. Hell, I'm disappointed in me. I just don't know how this happened,” she said in a small voice. “Coop was going to be back in early September, but he has barely spoken to me the past month, and when he did, it was brief and he looked terrible.”

“I don't know what's up. We haven't heard much from him, either. Blaine is almost despondent. That man has a lot to answer for.”

“Have you heard anything?” Mercy asked.

He hated that look of hope because he couldn't make her feel any better.

“No. My dad spoke to him briefly, he told me Cooper was excited about the baby and that my dad has his power of attorney to do anything for you in terms of financial needs. He also said he was trying to get home as soon as possible, but that was three days ago.”

'I don't know exactly what to do. I guess just go on like I have until he gets home. If Quinn could do it...well," Mercedes said.

“Blaine wanted me to talk to you, also. He wants to know if you want to move in to the house. I found out a lot of things in the last few days. Like the house? Actually, Blaine owns it. His folks gave it to him for his 15th birthday. Hah....all I got was a new bicycle,” Kurt laughed. “Anyway, he says since you are carrying his niece or nephew, he wants you to know you're family and you have a place there. Okay?”

“That's nice of him, Kurt, and if things were different I would take him up on it. But my parents are being cool, I'm happy where I am for now. But thank him for me.”

“Mercy, did you and Cooper talk about getting married? I mean, did you discuss anything? Because I'm sure you know how this whole baby thing works, and I know you said you weren't on the pill anymore.” Kurt glanced over to see if she was still okay.

“Yes, we said a little. We used protection. Apparently I was one of those statistics? It just didn't work, I guess.”

“Do you have any plans?”

Mercedes sighed. “I just have to wait for him to get back. He told me he loved me, but people say that, you know? I just don't have any answers. Now, tell me....does this salad place serve tater tots?” She grinned when Kurt frowned at her.

Friday came and Miss Holiday had the boys drive to the library so she could teach them how to access government periodicals for a paper she'd assigned. Kurt was pushing Blaine down the stacks to look for a census report when his cell phone rang.

“Yes?” He never just said “Hello”.

“Kurt. Don't say my name.” Cooper's voice sounded in the phone.

“Okaaaay.”

“Are you with Blainers?”

“Yep.”

“Ditch him. I'll wait.”

Kurt leaned over to Blaine. “Hey, I have to get this, but no phones in here. I'll be right back...” he whispered and Blaine nodded, intent on finding the report.

Kurt walked outside and sat at a bench. “Okay..what the fuck, Coop? What's going on with you??”

“I will tell you everything as soon as I see you. Keep Blaine away from newspapers for a few days. I have a flight from here to London tomorrow, then from London to New York and to Columbus on Monday. Can you meet me at the airport?”

“Of course. Want me alone or do you want to see Blaine or Mercedes?”

“Just you, pal. Your dad, too, if he can get away, but it isn't necessary.”

“That's a long drive for a pregnant lady and Blaine isn't doing very well.”

“How is Mercy? Does she hate me?”

“Not yet. I'd say that's going to be entirely up to you,” Kurt snapped.

“Is Blaine okay? God, I miss him.”

“You have a strange way of showing that. He's been crying his eyes out. It wasn't enough that your parents deserted him, you had to do it, too?”

“Hold on, Mama Tiger. You need to know the whole story. I was protecting his interest. The reason I don't want him to see a newspaper is because our father died. I wanted to tell him in person. I had to make things right here before I could come home. If you think it would be better coming from you, go ahead and tell him. I'll leave that decision up to you, Kurt. You are the closest one to him now, and he's going to need you,” Cooper sounded defeated.

“Sorry, Coop. I really am. But I'm relieved you're coming home. We missed you. Papa Bear.”

“What? Hey, really? Papa Bear? That's what you've got?”

“It was last minute. Quit calling me Mama Tiger. And I will be there on Monday.”

“I'm texting you the flight info now.”

The phone cut out before he could answer, but the flight info showed up. Kurt took a deep breath and walked back inside the library. He didn't want to tell Blaine the bad news, but he thought it was probably the best way to handle it. He didn't know if it would show up on the news and he didn't want to risk Blaine finding out that way.

Kurt stopped by his dad's garage on the way home. Blaine was tired and Kurt asked him to wait in the car for a minute while he ran in to speak to his dad. He was back in a a few minutes, feeling apprehensive but his dad agreed he was making the right decision to tell Blaine himself.

Later that night, after dinner, Kurt was sitting in their bedroom, curled up with Blaine on the bed listening to music. It was what they usually did in the evenings, but Blaine had been a little jumpy all afternoon. Maybe it wasn't the time to tell him?

“Want to just go to sleep, Blaine?”

Blaine looked at Kurt. He knew there was something wrong, but didn't want to ask in case it was something Kurt didn't want to say. He couldn't imagine what it could be. They had been through the wringer this week – with the misunderstanding about Mercedes, the knowledge that Kurt had kept a vital piece of information from him, that his brother was going to be a daddy, but wasn't communicating. It was almost too much stress. But he had to ask, this was Kurt and he wanted to share in the burden of whatever was upsetting him.

“I am kind of tired. But first, will you please tell me what's wrong? You ran out to take a call today, and never said who it was, then the trip to see your dad and now you are almost twitching with nerves. Please, Kurt. Can't you just tell me?” Blaine was practically whining.

“Yes, I'll tell you. That was Cooper on the phone.”

“And you ran out to talk to him? After I've been so worried? What the hell, Kurt??”

“I did as he asked. I need to tell you something-- Cooper wanted me to tell you something,” Kurt looked so sad, Blaine was getting worried.

“Is Coop okay? Is that why he didn't come home?” Blaine asked, his voice getting very soft.

“No, Blaine. Coop is okay. It's your father. I am so sorry, baby, but your father passed away.”

Blaine just sat there, his hand over his mouth like he was going to vomit. Kurt grabbed the waste basket and had it ready, but Blaine shooed it away.

“What...what happened?” he finally said after the initial shock was over.

“I don't know. Cooper didn't say how it happened. He told me he had to stay so long because he had to......well, the way he put it was “look after your interests”? I guess he meant something about the company. But then the phone cut out.”

Blaine just sat there, then slowly put out his arms for Kurt. Kurt took Blaine, pulling him onto his lap and holding him close. Blaine put his head down on Kurt's shoulder. After a few minutes, he pulled back and scooted off. Kurt brushed his curls out of his eyes.

“You okay, baby?” Kurt was worried, He just told his friend his father was dead, but there were no tears, no sobbing, nothing.

“Kurt...I know I should be in tears, I mean, my father is dead. But I just don't feel anything,” Blaine said in a monotone.

“Do you want me to get Carole? Do you need something? I think you are just shocked, the tears will come when you can think it through, it's so new. I'm so sorry.”

“No. I guess I loved my father, but he was never there. I think I barely even knew him. He was always gone, and when he was home, he was too busy to bother with me. Mom, too. I came out to them when I was 16. It wasn't like they were angry or anything – more like it just didn't matter to them. Like I told them I was taking French class, no emotion. Shit. Cooper cried! He cared. He was so happy that I had figured out what would make me happy in life, he cried. My parents just said, “Oh, how nice, pass the roast beef.”

“Oh, Blaine. I know they must have cared in their own way. Maybe they just had trouble showing it?”

“Yeah, sure,” Blaine snapped.

“Blaine, I am so sorry. I just thought...you would want to hear it right away. I hope that was okay?” Kurt asked. Maybe he should have waited for Cooper to tell him.

“No, I'm glad you told me. Now I think I want to go to sleep.”

Kurt turned off the light and crawled under the covers with Blaine. He would have been inconsolable if it were his father that had died. How tragic was it that Blaine wasn't sad? He brought Blaine close to him in a hug, brushing his curls back, kissing his forehead, his cheek, his neck. Blaine snuggled closer to Kurt, sighing.

“I love you, baby, and I'll never leave you,” Kurt murmured. Then he sang “La-la-lu” very, very quietly into Blaine's ear until he fell asleep.

Monday Mercedes knocked at Kurt's door at six. Kurt had called her last night to ask if she could stay with Blaine for the morning while Kurt and his dad ran an errand. Mercedes had school, but assured Kurt that she wasn't going anyway, she had a doctor's appointment in the late afternoon, so she'd be happy to keep Blaine company.

Burt drove Kurt's Navigator to the airport in Columbus. Cooper's flight was on time and he was waiting at baggage pickup when Burt got there. In spite of all the questions and animosity that had been building, Kurt threw his arms around Coop as soon as he saw him. They loaded him up and were back on their way to Lima in just a short time.

Cooper filled them in on everything that had happened. It seems his father was very ill when he got there and Coop had been trying to set the company right before the inevitable happened. His dad had terminal cancer, and had fought to the last with Cooper not to tell Blaine. He didn't want Blaine to try to come, he knew how fragile he still was after the meningitis. Cooper stayed until he thought he could reasonably leave, but finding out Mercedes was pregnant was the last straw. He had to wait a few days for a flight, but came as soon as he could.

Unbeknownst to Mercedes, Cooper had called her parents, discussing with them his intentions to marry their daughter as soon as he got home. They told him it was her decision. He wanted to marry her immediately and they would live in the east wing of the house, as Burt, Carole, and Finn were living in the west. That was why he wanted to talk to Burt and Kurt before he saw Mercedes, he wanted to do the right thing and wanted everyone to be in agreement. As he anticipated, they wholeheartedly agreed to everything, pending what Mercy and Blaine would say.

Burt pulled into the driveway, Kurt and Cooper jumped out. They entered the house and Coop saw Mercedes sitting in the living room. He practically ran to her, lifting her out of the sofa and twirling her around, kissing her face. Mercedes squealed, hugging Cooper tight around his neck and kissing him back.

“Oh, Mercy, I missed you so much! I'm sorry I couldn't let you know why I was delayed, but I will tell you everything. But right now I have something more important to ask you....” Cooper said in her ear. He set her down and reached in his pocket, bringing out a small box. He turned to face her and dropped to one knee. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Kurt gasped, Burt didn't gasp, but he was surprised. They had both expected it, but Cooper had hardly been in the door for two minutes. Mercedes had tears in her eyes, but moved closer to Cooper, slipping her arms around his neck as he knelt on the floor.

“Yes, Cooper Anderson, I will.”
Kurt let out a whoop of joy and clapped as Coop stood up, leading Mercy to the sofa to help her sit down. He was holding her like she was made of spun glass, and looked at her for permission before putting his hand on her stomach.

They sat for a few minutes, then Cooper asked where Blaine was.

“He's asleep. I don't think he's feeling very well, he was so quiet today. Maybe he just missed Kurt?” Mercy said. “I felt so bad for him, he didn't eat much breakfast and before lunch he had Mrs Shaw and I help him to bed. I sat with him for a while until he fell asleep.”

“I told him about your father, Coop. He may just be having a reaction to that. I think I'll go in and see him, then you come in about fifteen minutes, okay?” Kurt asked.

“Okay, Kurt,” he said. Mercedes looked at him and he said, “Our father died.” She got up and put a hand to his shoulder. Kurt turned to give them some privacy. Burt went to the kitchen to grab a little lunch before returning to work.

Kurt entered the room and Aramis stood up to greet him. He dropped his hand to pet the collie before sitting on the edge of the bed. Blaine moaned in his sleep and Kurt put a hand to his cheek, cupping it gently and moving his thumb across until the boy was still again. Kurt didn't want to wake him up. After hearing about his parents' disregard for Blaine's feelings when he came out to them, Kurt had to admit he had a deep resentment for those people. How could they treat Blaine in that way? He was their son, for god's sake, their flesh and blood. Kurt could never imagine his own father doing that. Would it have been better if the Anderson's had just gotten angry? At least that would have shown some sort of passion.

At least his older brother showed that he cared, Blaine had told him. He had cried with emotion, so happy that Blaine found himself; that he knew what he wanted in life. Kurt was glad Blaine had Coop, but then why would Cooper, who proclaimed to love Blaine so much, just desert him? It was as though the company – the MONEY – meant more to Cooper than Blaine did. After knowing how abandoned Blaine had felt for most of his life, Cooper had just turned around and done the same thing to him. Kurt was so angry at Cooper, but he could do nothing. Venting his anger at Coop would hurt Blaine and it wouldn't change the situation one iota. Almost in defeat, Kurt put his head in his hands and tried to think. All he could do was what he had been doing all along...just be there for Blaine. Every day. And he would do that willingly, it was all he wanted now, anyway, to spend the rest of his life with Blaine.

Kurt looked up, seeing Blaine so small in the bed, curled into himself. He needed a haircut, his curls were starting to grow down his neck and got in his eyes now. Kurt's fingers just itched to bury themselves in those silky curls. He pictured Blaine's gorgeous hazel brown eyes with tiny bits of moss green that sparkled with lovelight when Blaine smiled or was excited, surrounded by lacy black lashes. That green almost disappeared as Blaine's eyes dilated when he was aroused, and just the thought of it made Kurt's body start to react. He palmed the front of his skinny jeans and took a cleansing breath. He thought more about Blaine, looking at him asleep on the bed. The sheets were creamy white, just the right shade to show off his skin had that look of a perpetual tan, even when he was sick, he looked tan and healthy. The smile on Kurt's face as he thought about Blaine was so beautiful. It never failed that when Blaine was near his boyfriend he had the desire to hold him, to kiss him, to never let go of him. It was a desire with more strength that Kurt had in his body to resist. Did most people have this when they fell in love? He didn't know. He thought Blaine felt the same way, though.

Kurt thought back to the day Blaine had told him that he wouldn't leave, in spite of the fact that he was led to believe Kurt had gotten Mercy pregnant. Who had ever heard of someone that selfless? And yet, it didn't really surprise Kurt. Blaine had a heart of gold. He just didn't understand why everyone didn't see it.

He pulled off his boots and climbed under the covers, opening his arms when Blaine turned to find him, even in sleep Blaine knew when Kurt was there. Snuggling against Kurt's chest, Blaine sighed in relief – as though he had found refuge in his lover's arms even in his sleep. Blaine felt so thin now. Kurt remembered how before he got sick with meningitis, he could bench press 230 pounds. He was a strong, active student at Dalton - he swam, played lacrosse, he even played polo. No wonder the weakness caused after his illness took such a toll on Blaine. But he rarely complained. His body may have been reduced by the illness, but his spirit was still strong. Kurt wasn't sure he would be able to keep himself together the way Blaine had. He had nothing but admiration for this boy.

Blaine stiffened, grasping Kurt's shirt in both hands. He slowly blinked his beautiful hazel eyes open, focusing on Kurt and smiling.

“Hi,” he said, pulling Kurt closer.

“Hi,” Kurt returned, placing a kiss on Blaine's nose.

“I missed you today, kitten,” he said.

“I missed you, too, baby. But I had something pretty important to do.”

“Oh, yeah, with your dad. Did you two get it done?”

“Come see for yourself,” Kurt coaxed. He got out of bed, brought the wheelchair over and helped Blaine into it. Just as he turned to push Blaine out of the room, the door opened and Cooper burst in.

“Cooooop!!” Blaine shouted, practically jumping out of his chair. He started to stand up, stumbled as Kurt caught him, and Coop reached forward to fold his arms around his little brother. “Oh, Kurt...how did you ever keep this a secret?” Blaine stammered.

Kurt smiled at Blaine, so happy to see him excited. He moved to support him until Cooper could sweep him up into his arms. Kurt stepped back, not wanting to interfere in the homecoming, and was turning to leave when Blaine grabbed his arm, pulling his boyfriend into the hug.

After supper, Coop explained the things that had gone on, with his father terminal he had to do whatever he could to shore up the problems in the company. He got it done, his mother was staying in Europe to run that portion, Cooper came home to run the domestic side. The hardest thing was trying to explain to Blaine that their father didn't want Blaine to know at the end. Cooper was so emotional, knowing how it would seem to Blaine, as though he were being rejected again. But in reality, his father knew Blaine would try to come to say goodbye, and he knew Blaine wasn't strong enough to make the trip. It was a hard reality to live with, but Cooper thought Blaine finally understood. It was late and Cooper left to take Mercedes home. Everyone was tired.

As Kurt was wheeling Blaine to their room, Burt came over and put his hand on Kurt's shoulder. He nodded towards the living room and Kurt hesitated, but Burt gave him a look and Kurt acquiesced. Burt pushed the wheelchair into the bedroom, lifting Blaine onto the bed.

“Kid, I just want you to know I am sorry about your father. I hope you understand that he chose to keep his terminal diagnosis from you out of concern and love, not because he wanted to push you away. I believe that with all my heart, Blaine. He may not have been able to be the supportive person you wanted, but he loved you. And, Blaine? I love you, too. If you ever need anything, you can be sure I'll be here for you.” Burt looked into Blaine's eyes.

“Thank you, sir.....Burt. It makes all the difference to me. You and Carole and Finn. You are my family. And I'm blessed to have you.” Blaine reached out and hugged Burt, holding on with all his strength. Burt held him just as tightly, swaying for a minute before they let go.

“Goodnight, Blaine.”

“Good night.”