"This is useless!" Kurt groaned.

Tuesday night had arrived and Blaine had all but ordered Kurt to get changed into gym clothes as soon as he got home from college, walking with him to the nearest gym with a smile on his face. Theyd been at it for fifteen minutes and as eager and willing Kurt was, he couldnt seem to hit the bag with...well, any force at all.

"Just think of somebody, or something, that makes you really angry. Imagine that its them standing there, not a punching bag hanging from the ceiling."

Kurt closed his eyes and wracked his brain for somebody that he hated...somebody that he completely despised. He thought of Adam, at first, but he didnt really hate Adam, he just wasnt completely comfortable in his presence ever since hed admitted that he had feelings for him.

"I cant think of anything." Kurt said after a few moments.

"Think about...somebody who has teased you or bullied you." Blaine said tentatively, worried that Kurt would hate him for saying it.

Kurt thought of someone almost immediately. That stupid jock who seemed to think he was better than everyone in high school. The one that would shove Kurt into lockers every day without fail, and call him every homophobic name that ever existed.

"Got someone."

"I know," Blaine replied. "I saw it in your posture the second you thought about it."

They went back through the steps Blaine had told him previously and Kurt was once again hitting the punching bag, a lot harder than beforehand. Actually, he was hitting the bag really hard - much to Blaines concern.

"Kurt," He said, trying to get the boys attention. "Kurt, slow down..." Blaine said, being all but ignored by Kurt. He sighed, running his fingers through his sweaty curls before carefully walking up behind Kurt. "Kurt, calm down a little," He said, gently placing his hands on Kurts hips and trying to pull him away from the punching bag. "Youre gonna -" Blaine was cut off by Kurt spinning around in his arms and punching him in the jaw. Hard.

"Blaine! Oh my god!" Kurt exclaimed, his eyes filling with tears when he realised what hed done. "Im so, so sorry!" He cried. "Are you okay?"

Blaine brought a hand up to his jaw, wincing at the sting he felt when he touched it. "Yeah," He hissed. "God, you hit hard."

"Im sorry," Kurt said, biting his lip to stop himself from crying. "I was just..."

"Lost in the moment," Blaine finished for him. "Its okay. I know you didnt mean to hit me."

"Im such an idiot."

"Youre not," Blaine argued. "I know what its like to get lost in the moment, trust me. I probably shouldnt have grabbed you but I knew you were gonna wear yourself out."

"My heart is pounding," Kurt pointed out. "It feels like its gonna come flying out of my chest - and Im not sure if its from adrenaline or hitting you."

"Probably both," Blaine laughed. "Do you want to stop? Ive got some water in my gym bag and we can walk home, itll help you cool off a little."

Kurt nodded, allowing the gentle hand that Blaine placed on his back as he lead him outside and gave him the bottle of water. They began walking back to their apartment once Kurt had remembered how to breathe properly, hand in hand as the cool night air slowed Kurts rapid heart rate down and made him feel significantly better.

"Blaine...something doesnt feel right," Kurt said quietly, glancing around worriedly. "I feel like someones watching us."

Blaine looked around briefly before squeezing Kurts hand gently. "Kurt, you just had a really intense boxing session - considering its your first time - and youre on edge. Theres nothing wrong, okay?"

"Blaine, Im not going crazy!" Kurt shout-whispered.

"I didnt say you were going crazy," Blaine replied calmly. "I just said -"

"You just said that Im imagining things because I tried to murder a punching bag."

"Kurt -" Blaine cut himself off, sighing as Kurt let go of his hand and sped up so that he was in front of him.

Kurt wrapped his arms around his body, feeling sick as silent tears left his eyes. He speed-walked back to the apartment - making sure he was never too far from Blaine - as he felt extremely unsafe. He made sure to wipe his face free of tears before Blaine caught up to him, and entered the apartment immediately after Blaine unlocked it. He headed straight into the bedroom and removed his sweaty clothes, then making his way into their en suite to shower. He changed into a comfy pair of pyjamas and went back into the living room while Blaine showered.

When Blaine was finished with his shower, he found Kurt sitting on the window seat, staring aimlessly out of the window. He sighed quietly, making his way into the kitchen and making two mugs of hot chocolate before going back into the living room.

"Peace offering." Blaine said simply, holding one of the mugs out for Kurt.

Kurt looked up at Blaine with an unreadable expression, taking the hot chocolate from him before pulling his knees up to his chest so that Blaine could sit down.

"Im sorry," Blaine said. "I shouldnt have said what I did."

"Blaine..." Kurt said quietly, staring down at his hot chocolate. "I genuinely felt really unsafe out there. It wasnt adrenaline or whatever. Something wasnt right."

"I believe you," Blaine replied. "I shouldve believed you to begin with - Im sorry."

"What made you change your mind?" Kurt asked.

"When you walked ahead of me I thought I could hear noises every few moments but whenever I looked around nothing was there."

"I still feel unsafe," Kurt admitted, looking up at Blaine through tear-clouded eyes. "I dont know why, I just...I feel really scared and shaken up."

"Kurt," Blaine said sadly, putting his mug on the floor by the bench and taking Kurts from him, doing the same thing. He pulled Kurt over until he was sitting next to him and wrapped him up in his arms, peppering kisses in his hair. "I promise you, were safe. Nobody would try to get into here and even if they did we have an alarm, and my awesome ninja skills."

Kurt let out a choked laugh and Blaine looked down to see he was crying into his shirt. "Youre a boxer," He said, his voice muffled where his face was pressed up against Blaine. "Not a ninja."

"Im not a boxer," Blaine laughed. "I box - theres a difference. Point is, I wouldnt let anybody lay a finger on you. Youre safe. Were safe, okay?"

Kurt nodded, sniffling softly as he brought a hand up to wipe his eyes, sitting up straight. "You have a huge bruise on your face." He pointed out, picking his hot chocolate up off the floor and sipping from it slowly.

"I know," Blaine said, keeping his hand on the small of Kurts back. "I saw it when I went to take a shower."

"Im sorry."

"Its fine," Blaine smiled. "It doesnt hurt anymore. It kinda stung when the shower spray hit it but its okay."

"Im gonna go to bed," Kurt said. "Im exhausted, emotionally and physically."

"Okay." Blaine replied, smiling softly at his boyfriend.

Kurt leaned in to kiss Blaine, holding his hand for a few moments before he pulled away and stood up. "I love you."

"I love you too." Blaine replied, slowly releasing Kurts hand as he walked towards the bedroom.

"Why are you staring out of the window again?" Blaine asked as he sleepily made his way into the living room the next morning.

"Theres a black car out there," Kurt replied, not even glancing at Blaine. "Ive never seen it before, but it was there last night too."

"Kurt...dont kill me, but dont you think youre over-reacting a little?"

"No." Kurt replied simply.

"Kurt," Blaine sighed, tentatively making his way towards his boyfriend and carding his fingers through the back of his hair. "Have you even eaten anything yet today?" Kurt shook his head in reply. "Ill go make you something."

"Ill do it," Kurt interrupted. "Youre gonna be late for work if you dont get ready soon."

"Okay." Blaine replied, kissing the top of Kurts head before making his way back into their bedroom to get dressed. When he was finished he went into the kitchen to say goodbye to Kurt, only to get a sandwich shoved into his hands.

"Breakfast on the go," Kurt smiled, leaning in to press a kiss to Blaines lips. "I love you."

"I love you," Blaine replied, a smile gracing his lips. "Ill see you later."

"Bye." Kurt said softly, smiling sweetly at his boyfriend as he left the kitchen, and then the apartment. He sat down and ate his breakfast before wandering aimlessly around the apartment. He had no idea what to do with himself all day. He and Blaine had already unpacked everything and they had gotten most of the furniture they needed... then again, the sofa and window bench did look a little boring without any cushions, and the wallpaper did look a little too plain for Kurts liking...

He quickly got dressed and made his way out to a department store. He ended up buying a variety of mint blue pillows and white pillows, and he picked out a matching mint blue paint for the walls...he just hoped Blaine was a fan of blue.

Kurt covered all of the furniture in old sheets and began painting the walls, more excited than he thought hed be at the prospect of decorating, but he was giddy with it and couldnt begin fast enough.

He was forced to take a break from his painting when there was a knock on the door. He knew he was covered in paint as he could feel it drying on his skin, but he couldnt be bothered to care how messy he looked as he opened the door. He tried to slam it shut as soon as it was open but he was stopped by none other than Mr Anderson.

"Go away." Kurt said in a strained voice, trying to shut the door despite the foot wedged between it and the wall.

"Look at you, all defenseless without your man here to protect you," Mr Anderson smirked, pushing the door open with ease. "I guess that little boxing session you had last night didnt have the desired impact."

"What do you want?" Kurt asked, stepping backwards and pulling his arms around himself.

"I want my son back, and thats never going to happen with you in the way," Mr Anderson began. "So you need to break up with him."

"Im not breaking up with him," Kurt replied. "And even if I did, hed never go near you again."

"Oh but you are," Mr Anderson retorted. "Because if you dont, I promise youll regret it."

"Im not breaking up with Blaine," Kurt repeated forcefully. "Your threats mean nothing to me."

Kurt let out a choked whine when Blaines father grabbed him by his throat. He wasnt strangling him hard but he was still strangling him and Kurt was having a hard time breathing.

"Break up with him," He said. "Or this wont be the worst that happens to you." And with that he released Kurt and made his way to the door. "And dont even think about telling Blaine about this."

As soon as Blaines dad left the apartment, Kurt crumbled. He ran into the bathroom to throw up after having his air supply all but cut off and curled up into a ball on the floor, crying his eyes out. It took everything in him to get back up, wash his face free of tears and go back into the living room to continue painting.

"Whats going on in here?" Blaine asked as he entered the apartment later that evening, a smile on his face.

"Im decorating," Kurt replied, although that much was obvious. "I got some matching cushions for the sofa too."

Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt from behind, resting his chin on the nineteen year olds shoulder while he painted. "I love you." He smiled, pressing kisses to Kurts cheek, making sure he didnt kiss over where there was paint on his face.

Kurt sucked in a breath, turning back a little to smile at his boyfriend. "I love you too."

"Have you been doing this all day?" Blaine asked as he walked towards their bedroom, removing his shirt in the process.

"Pretty much," Kurt replied, speaking louder so that Blaine could hear him. "I thought it looked a little...dull in here."

"You should really take a break." Blaine said suggestively, re-entering the living room in nothing but a vest and boxers.

"I know what youre implying, Mister," Kurt laughed. "But I dont feel like doing anything right now."

"Is everything okay?" Blaine asked, voice coated in concern. "You seem...off."

No. Nothing is okay because your psychotic father showed up here and strangled me because I refused to break up with you. "Yeah," Kurt lied. "Im just tired. I didnt get much sleep last night."

"Go take a nap," Blaine suggested, returning to his original position with his chin hooked over Kurts shoulder and his arms around his waist. "You can finish the wall anytime."

I need a distraction or I might break down again. "I will later. I just wanna get this done."

"Can I do anything to help?" He asked, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of Kurts neck.

Hold me. Protect me. "You can arrange the cushions on the sofa and window bench if you want?"

"Okay." Blaine smiled, grabbing the bags that contained the cushions and moving to the center of the room where the sofa was.

"What time do you have to be at work tomorrow?" Kurt asked.

"Nine, why?"

Because Im terrified to leave the apartment by myself but Im terrified to be inside the apartment by myself. "I was wondering if you wanted to walk to college with me?"

"Sure," Blaine smiled. "Hey, what do you want for dinner tonight?"

"Anything sounds good to me; I havent eaten all day."

"Okay, Ill go and make something in a second, but first..." He said, quickly placing the last cushion on the window bench before stepping backwards. "How do they look?"

Kurt looked over his shoulder, smiling at the proud grin Blaine was wearing. "Perfect." He said simply.

Blaine pressed a kiss to Kurts lips as he made his way to the kitchen, pulling away with a mwah sound that made Kurt want to squeal, and proceeded to make dinner for the two of them.

Blaine awoke that night to the feeling of somebody kicking him. He opened his eyes to find Kurt thrashing around next to him, loud whimpers escaping his body. Blaine sat up and rubbed his eyes a little before turning his attention back to Kurt.

The nineteen year old was covered in sweat and hed thrashed around so much that the duvet was nearly on the floor. There were tears running down his face and he was making loud, pained noises.

"Kurt," Blaine said softly, lying a gentle hand on Kurts arm. "Kurt, baby, wake up."

"No, no, no, no, no -" Kurt whimpered out in his sleep, continuing to thrash around on the bed.

"Kurt," He said again, a little bit louder. He was afraid to shake his boyfriend incase he scared him even more. "Kurt, wake up."

Kurt shot up in bed as he woke up, his terrified sobs filling the otherwise silent room. Blaine tried to take him into his arms but Kurt shuffled away, curling in on himself as he murmured no, no, no, no as he had while he was sleeping.

"Kurt?" Blaine said gently, his eyes filling to the brim with tears. "Kurt, youre scaring me. Whats wrong?"

"I - Im sc-scared." Kurt choked out, hiding his face in his arms as he continued to cry.

"Scared of what?" Kurt seemed to cry harder at that question, making Blaine mentally slap himself. "I cant do anything to help you if you dont tell me whats going on, baby."

"I c-cant," Kurt cried, his voice going raw. "H-he said I c-couldnt."

"Who?" Blaine asked gently. Kurt just shook his head, crying into the sleeves of his shirt. "I dont know how to make you feel better."

"D-dont leave me," Kurt sobbed out. "Dont ever leave me."

"Hey, Im not going anywhere," Blaine said honestly, carefully wrapping his arms around Kurts body and sighing in relief when he leaned into his touch, melting into his arms. "Im right here, always. Im not leaving you."

Kurt wrapped himself around Blaine, burying his face in his chest and soaking his vest in tears. His sobs slowly began to subside with help from Blaines gently shushing and he rested his head on Blaines shoulder, trying to breathe properly.

"Can we go and watch TV for a little while?" Kurt asked. "I dont want to go back to sleep but I really dont want to be by myself."

"Of course," Blaine replied, pressing a kiss to Kurts head. They both got out of bed and made their way into the living room, Kurt taking a fleece blanket from one of the drawers on the way out and wrapping it around his body. "Im gonna make some hot chocolate, do you want some?" Kurt nodded, following Blaine into the kitchen and sitting down at the dinner table until he was finished making it.

They went back into the living room and cuddled up on the sofa, Kurt with his head on Blaines shoulder, watching the TV in the dim light of the moon shining through their too-big window. Blaine was more focused on Kurt than the actual programme that they were watching, but he couldnt help but worry about his boyfriend.

Kurt glanced out of the window, sinking further into Blaines safe, warm embrace. "We need to get curtains."

The boys fell asleep on the sofa at some point during the night, and Kurt freaked out a little when he woke up, calming down once he realised he had his head on Blaines lap and Blaines hand resting against his side and he was safe.

Blaine had somehow managed to fall asleep sitting up, with his head resting on the top of the sofa, while Kurt had maneuvered himself so that he was lying with his head in Blaines lap - although he didnt remember doing it.

The TV was still playing across from them and their empty mugs were sitting on the coffee table that was in front of the sofa. The scene was exactly the same, except the sun was beaming through the window.

Kurt sighed a little, lying his head back down and jumping when Blaine suddenly moved. He pulled the blanket up further and closed his eyes, wanting to drift back into his dreamless sleep.

"Hey," Blaine said, moving his head and letting out a groan. "My neck is killing me." Kurt remained silent, not willing to move from the position that he was in just yet. "You okay?" Blaine asked gently, carding his fingers through Kurts hair.

Kurt nodded a little. "I dont want to go into college." He said, his voice dry and croaky.

"Stay home then," Blaine suggested. "Im sure you can find another part of the apartment to decorate." He teased gently.

I cant stay here by myself. Im not safe here. "I dont want to be by myself," Kurt replied, shaking his head. "I want to be with you."

"I have to work," Blaine pointed out. "You could come with me, but youll pretty much just be sitting there all day - recording studios arent really that fun."

At least he cant get me if Im with you. "I dont care, I just want to be with you."

"Okay," Blaine smiled, leaning down to kiss Kurts cheek. "Lets go get ready then."

Kurt and Blaine quickly got dressed, Kurt making sure to stick as close to Blaine as possible, and ate breakfast before heading out of the apartment. They were holding hands but at soon as Kurt caught sight of what was evidently Mr Andersons car, he moved closer to Blaine, resting his head on his shoulder and hugging his arm a little. Blaine just smiled at the affection and pressed a kiss into Kurts hair, sniffing his shampoo a little.

Youre the only thing that makes me feel safe.