If Blaine thought he was miserable before Kurt Hummel entered his life than he was sorely mistaken. Looking back, he actually took his past state for granted because nothing could compare to the heart wrenching pain he was in now. Sure he was lonely, his parents didn't want him and he was stuck in a job he hated, but at least back then he hadn't known how it felt to be ecstatically happy just for it to be torn away from his grasp. Like a homeless man being given a wad of money which would guarantee he would never sleep on the streets again, only for someone to rip that money up in front of him.

Blaine was clutching at thin air, trying to find a tiny piece of the happiness that had enveloped his life for the previous weeks but everything just hurt too much. Mulling over memories of Kurt, dates they went on, flirtacious conversations over the bar, their first and only time together, they all just peirced holes into the wrecked organ of which is heat used to be. Looking at photographs on his phone just reminded Blaine of how beautiful Kurt was, how he would never be able to look at his face again without endangering him. And it killed him.

Out of all the things his father had done to him, all the nasty words and degrading behaviour, this really cut the cake. Blaine knew his parents didn't approve of him or his lifestyle, they didn't like him and to be fair he didn't like them much either...but this was just too much. To ultimately deny Blaine's happiness, going as far as to harm his boyfriend just so Blaine wouldn't get the idea that he was his own person, it made Blaine sick. Literally three times into his kitchen sink when he had returned home from Kurt's. He couldn't stomach the thought of his father's men beating Kurt who was just trying to get to work, blissfully unaware of any danger that could occur during his routine walk. That's what cut Blaine the most, he knew how content Kurt had been with his entire life the past few days, often voicing it to Blaine whilst they were wrapped in each other's arms in Kurt's bed. Kurt was always happy to some extent with the way things were going for him, but lately he had felt they were perfect. To have two thugs suddenly attacking him on a walk that only took ten minutes in the safest part of the city, he couldn't imagine how shocked Kurt must have been.

He keeps hearing the way Kurt had begged for him to stay, to not leave the broken boy on the sofa. But how could Blaine possibly allow himself the luxary of Kurt if it meant putting the boy in danger. Wasn't that part of being in love with someone? Putting their happiness before yours and protecting them in every way possible. Sure, Kurt would think that Blaine leaving could hardly count as putting his happiness first, but in the long run when Kurt was hospitalised for being with Blaine, then he would see it was all for him.

That wasn't to say that Blaine wasn't utterly heartbroken at what had happened though. He hadn't left his bed in four days, phoning into the Diner to let Matt know that he was suffering from the flu and couldn't possibly sing in his condition. Matt had no reason to believe he was lying therefore gave him the sick leave he required. Both Kurt and Rachel had tried to phone him constantly throughout each day but Blaine simply put his phone on silent and allowed their calls to go straight to voicemail. He couldn't bear talking to Rachel who played only a minor role in Blaine's tale of happiness, let alone Kurt who was centre stage. It was all just a painful reminder of what once was and what couldn't be any longer.

On the fifth day of moping in bed, un-showered and a hefty amount of stubble on his face, there was a knock on the door. At first he thought he was imagining it because he never had visitors, he didn't have any friends in the city to come and see him anyway. As there was another rap of knuckles on wood, Blaine's heart jolted in his chest at the posibility of it maybe being Kurt on his door step, but his hopes were quickly extinguished when he realised that he had never shown Kurt his house because it wasn't a happy place to be. They had always gone to Kurt's because it was a loving environment and Blaine had felt safe there.

With a heavy heart, Blaine finally dragged himself out from under his duvet to stretch his limbs, a loud crack echoing around the room as he popped his back, before walking to the door. He was pleasantly surprised to find a mop of blonde hair when he looked through the peep hole, instantly throwing open the door and pulling Jeff into his arms. His friend laughed warmly next to Blaine's ear as he wrapped his arms around the shorter boy's waist, holding him tight against his chest. When another set of arms wrapped around both Jeff and himself, Blaine knew that Nick had also travelled to Ohio.

"Hey Blainers" Nick greeted softly as he hugged his two friends closely. Blaine didn't reply, simply hugging tighter instead, feeling his eyes prickle with unshed tears. He had missed his friends a lot and he hadn't realised it whilst being so wrapped up in Kurt, but now that both Nick and Jeff were there it hit Blaine with a great force and it was the exact right time for them to make an appearance, when Blaine's world was crumbling down.

Nick ushered them all into Blaine's apartment, shutting the door behind him. They made their way into the kitchen and Jeff sat Blaine down at the breakfast bar whilst he went about making coffee for them all. It was familiar, Jeff boiling the kettle and Nick holding Blaine's hand on top of the granite surface. It was comforting and grounding and Blaine felt a little less like he was losing his mind.

"What are you guys' doing here?" Blaine asks finally when they were all sat with cups of coffee in front of them. Jeff nudged closer and eyed Nick for a second before turning to Blaine.

"Two reasons really...the first being that we missed you a lot," Jeff began, causing a smile to appear on Blaine's face for the first time in days. "The second...we were worried to be honest with you...you kind of went missing for a bit and I assumed you'd hit it off with that guy you told us about, but I tried phoning three days ago and you didn't answer-"

"And you always answer when either of us phone" Nick cuts in.

"Exactly, you always answer, so I worried and took some days off work, grabbed Nick and came over" Jeff explained. Blaine's heart warmed at his friends consideration and he gripped Nick's hand tightly in his left hand whilst reaching for Jeff with his right, feeling the need to show his gratitude.

"I really appreciate it guys, I missed you too" Blaine said honestly, his voice thick with emotion, his throat closing up slightly. He could feel the tell-tale prickle of unshed tears in his eyes and he knew it was perfectly acceptable to cry in front of his friends, he just didn't want to, not yet anyway.

"You going to tell us what's happened?" Nick asked softly.

Blaine felt so comforted sandwiched between two of his best friends who he felt as close to as he felt to his own brother, maybe more so in fact. He could feel the warmth of affection radiating off the two and he could only hope that they could sense his gratitude for them being there with him when he was so, so lonely again. He hoped they could sense it because he sure as hell wouldn't be able to articulate his feelings.

So he told them about Kurt instead and it hurt like a fresh wound being torn open viciously once more. He could feel the metaphorical blood gushing from the cut in his chest and he could only hope Nick and Jeff would sew it up before his entire heart finally flopped to the ground like it had been threatening to since he left Kurt's apartment.

The tears finally fell from his eyes as he once again realised how unfair the entire situation was. How he didn't know his Father hated him that much to do this to him. He could sense the anger emitting from his two friends as he told them about the attack arranged by Mr. Anderson but he hadn't the heart to tell them that it was alright, that it was going to be okay, because it simply wasn't.

"Have you not considered going to the police?" Jeff asked curiously once Blaine had wrapped up the story, wiping away the last of his tears with the back of his hand. He dropped both of his friends' hands and wrapped his own around his luke warm coffee mug.

"Of course I did...I just...It's my Dad you know?" Blaine sighed, worrying on his bottom lip before opening his mouth again. "I guess I just hoped that he would come round on his own accord"

Nick met Jeff's gaze behind Blaine's back, his eyebrow raised. Throughout all of the years they had known Blaine, his Father had never backed down from something he was set on. Mr. Anderson knew what he wanted and wouldn't stop until he got it. Nick sighed gently, resting a hand on Blaine's back.

"Blaine, buddy...when has that ever happened?"

"Never" Jeff answered for him.

"Exactly, never. The police could do something about this, I'm sure the Diner has CCTV right? We could go there right now and get those two blokes put away"

Blaine closed his eyes tightly and let out a shakey breath at how easy Nick made it out to be. As if Blaine hadn't pondered over every single way out of this mess fifty times already.

"Yeah sure, get those two put away but there's no way of proving my Dad put them up to it, and even if there was...he still didn't lay a hand on Kurt," Blaine shifted uncomfortably then, "Dad's powerful...if we go to the police and cause a scene then he could fight back harder, I can't risk anything else happening to Kurt okay, that's not an option"

Nick and Jeff shared another wistful look behind Blaine's back and instead of replying, simply hugged in closer to their friend and gave him the comfort he desperately craved. They couldn't do anything to fix the situation, they couldn't do anything to fix Blaine...but they could love him unconditionally.

On Monday morning, Blaine regretfully knew what he had to do. He couldn't work at the Diner any more...he couldn't be that close to Kurt without being with Kurt. It hurt too much to be so close but so far from the man he was in love with. The man he could no longer hold or kiss or care for. Especially when, as he stepped into the Diner, he could see the visual evidense of Kurt's own distress.

The bruises were more dull upon his face, but Blaine homed in on them as soon as Kurt turned to face the door. He wanted nothing more than to run to his love, jump over the bar and kiss every colourful patch on Kurt's face, but his feet were stuck to the ground. They were staring at each other across the space of the Diner, Kurt's mouth hanging open slightly. He looked tired, as if he hadn't been sleeping and Blaine knew that he probably looked the same. Sleep was hard to come by when you were desperately wishing that someone was lying in your arms.

But God it was good to see Kurt again. To see he was still around, still solid and fighting and still so so beautiful. Being away from the other man for a week after seeing him every single day for such a long time only accentuated his beauty. Blaine started to notice once more every detail he had started to look over as normal before. The little dimple in his porcelain cheek, the flick of his nose, the way his eyelashes seemed to go on forever. The flecks of colourful paint on his clothes which had first caught Blaine's attention. But the one thing Blaine would never forget, the feature that would not leave his thoughts even when he did manage to sleep. Kurt's eyes seemed to follow Blaine where ever he went (which coincidentally wasn't very far in the past week). Blaine would be doing anything, from folding clothes to making tea and it felt as if those glistening sea orbs were just watching him always. But now...they were dull and lifeless, the sparkle long since gone and leaving just a plain, sad blue.

Blaine was breathless because Kurt was right there, his Kurt was still staring back at him even though he had customers and Blaine knew it was going to hurt in the long run, but for now he was happy to be connected to him once more.

He only found the strength to move when another customer was trying to leave the building. He swallowed and dropped his gaze finally, his heart dropping into his stomach simultaneously. Stepping away from the door, he cleared his head and remembered exactly why he was there. He had to go talk to Matt, tell him he couldn't work there anymore. He hadn't even thought of a good excuse as to why he was leaving, he just hoped Matt would take one look at how unhappy he was and realise that it wasn't because Blaine wanted to leave. Matt was an amazing boss and they got on really well, so Blaine didn't want him to think that leaving was a choice taken lightly.

He walked across the Diner and through the door leading to the back, keeping his eyes away from Kurt. He needed to just do this and get out of there before he did something silly like drop to his knees and beg Kurt to take him back before eloping to Australia or something.

Tempting, but unrealistic.

"Blaine! Are you feeling better?" Matt grinned when Blaine entered his office. He smiled weakly and shrugged, watching as Matt's face fell slightly. He gestured to the seat on the other side of his desk and Blaine shut the office door before sitting in the chair.

"Anything wrong?" Matt asked, his serious face in place, leaning forward in his seat to address Blaine properly.

"I...Yes and no at the same time" Blaine answered truthfully. Matt raised an eyebrow and gestured for Blaine to elaborate.

"I can't work here anymore Matt, I'm really sorry, I wish I could stay but I can't, I-"

"Blaine, stop," Matt said, holding up his hands as Blaine's mouth snapped shut, "I understand okay?

"I know I'm not out the front often but I know that you and Kurt were an item...It doesn't take much to notice something has happened, Kurt hasn't been himself and I know you love this job...So I won't take this personally, but I just want you to know that there will always be a position here for you Blaine...you're family now"

Blaine's throat thickened at Matt's words and all he could do was nod to the other man. Matt nodded also before sitting back in his chair. Blaine saw it as his cue to leave before tears started to fall down his face. Although he couldn't tell if they were at being called part of a family, or the fact that he wouldn't be able to visit the Diner again. He literally had no safe place anymore.

Blaine felt hopeless. He had no job, no Kurt and he would soon have no house. The only good thing left in his life was Nick and Jeff who were still asleep at the apartment. They had been great to Blaine, bringing home ice-cream and always being available for hugs when Blaine started to feel sad again. They were slowly starting to fill in the hollowness of his spirit but Blaine could tell that just seeing Kurt today would have ruined that completely. But he was working on it, and that had to count for something. He understood he couldn't mope around forever, that he had to move on if not for him then definitely for Kurt.

With a sigh, Blaine walked back into the Diner and tried desperately to not look in Kurt's direction when heading for the door.

"Blaine, hold up"

Well, he tried.

Blaine turned hesitantly towards Kurt. Having a conversation with Kurt wasn't something he had mentally prepared for...this was going to ruin him for days. Just the sound of his voice was twinging at Blaine's heart strings and he didn't want to have to go through this, not when it hurt so badly and left him struggling to breathe.

"I should really go-"

"Please tell me you didn't just quit?" Kurt asked as he finally came to a stop in front of Blaine. Blaine rocked backwards on his heels as a scent that was so Kurt hit him with such a force. He tried to hold his breath, to not breathe in the smell but he was surrounded completely, enveloped by it.

"I didn't just quit" Blaine deadpanned, avoiding Kurt's gaze. God, it hurt so much.

"You're lying!"

"Well you told me to tell you I didn't quit" Blaine pointed out, finally looking at Kurt's bruised face but not meeting his eyes.

"Blaine," Kurt sighed, crossing his arms over his apron, "Why would you quit?"

"You know why" Blaine said, wishing Kurt would just let him leave already, why didn't he understand that Blaine was in pain?

"Humor me"

"Because it hurts, Kurt! It hurts to be around you when I can't have you anymore...I can't do it-"

"Then be with me! Forget everything that happened and just be with me again...we can fight against your Dad together Blaine, you're not alone in this" Kurt urged desperately, stepping closer to Blaine and holding out a hand.

Blaine squeezed his eyes shut tightly until white stars popped into his vision. He stepped backwards before opening his eyes again, wishing he hadn't when he was met with Kurt's crest-fallen face.

"Kurt," Blaine choked out, wanting to reach to him when he saw tears falling down pale skin, "You have to understand that I'm protecting you...I can't work here anymore, it's too painful and I don't want to put you in danger...I really have to go now-"

"Blaine, please...just stay, we can work this out...I love y-"

"No!" Blaine shouted over him, cutting out Kurt's voice and resisting the urge to start singing 'La La La'. He couldn't hear those words, not now. Not when it can't mean anything.

"Please don't say that, not when I have to walk away...just...I'm sorry, I have to go" Blaine whispered, tears falling down his own cheeks. He turned and took shakey steps towards the door, hearing Kurt's voice crying out for him but ignoring it, his heart breaking all over again as he left the Diner.

The only reason Blaine didn't hide away in his bed for the following 3 days was because he still had guests to entertain, and also he needed desperately to find a new apartment before his bed was out in the streets.

He had no energy and no motivation to do either of those things however, wanting just to curl up and let his grief wash over him like a wave, pulling him back into the sea of despair. Nick and Jeff wouldn't allow it though, they hated seeing Blaine unhappy and did anything they could to get him out of the apartment even if it was just for a walk.

On the second night after quitting his job at the Diner, Blaine was dragged to the club he used to go to occasionally when the lonliness became too much. His friends genuinely thought that dancing and partying would help to make Blaine feel better, and maybe once upon a time it would have, but now it just reminded Blaine of how big an impact Kurt had had on him, on his life. Blaine cringed at the mere sight of the club now, knowing what he had done in there before, who he'd done.

He just really missed Kurt with every fibre of his being.

It only worsened when Nick and Jeff had to fly back home. They had tried to stay longer but work wouldn't allow it and Blaine hated the thought of causing problems for his friends. So with a shove (and a hug) out of the car, Blaine left them at the airport with endless amounts of love and gratitude for all they had done for him.

Except now Blaine was entirely alone. He had no one anymore, not in Ohio anyway. He busied himself with finding a new apartment but everything he found was either too big or too small for him, too close to the heart of the city or not close enough. Some had no places to park, some appeared as if your car would be broken into if you parked there.

Everything was just wrong and Blaine was sinking further than he had ever before. He had nothing. And that's what brought him to be standing outside his Father's office.

Blaine took a deep breath and straightened his navy blue tie before knocking, the sound echoing around the office. He could tell that everyone was looking at him, probably pitying him that he'd returned. Came crawling back for his job, not surviving the world outside the office.

He blocked them out and pushed open the door after hearing his Father's voice. His stomach was flipping so violently from nerves that if he wasn't careful, he was going to hurl across the desk at which his Father sat. Which Blaine probably would have found amusing if he wasn't so dreadfully sad.

"Ah, Blaine...what a lovely surprise" Mr. Anderson taunted. Blaine could hear the smirk on his Father's face but he refused to look up, to see the gloating. Blaine had failed to break free from his Father, and Mr. Anderson was well aware of it.

"To what do I owe the...uh...pleasure"

"You know why I'm here" Blaine mumbled regretfully. Of course he would end up back here, he was useless and pathetic...didn't his Father tell him enough? Surely he should have cottoned on.

"I just like to hear that I was right" Mr. Anderson said sharply. Blaine took a shuddering breath before finally meeting his Father's cold, heartless gaze.

"I'd like my job back," Blaine breathed out, "Please"

His Father smirked at him from across the desk before standing up, walking around the expensive wooden piece and leaning against it whilst facing his son. Blaine's stomach was churning, threatening to spill but he kept his head high even if he was currently losing all self respect.

"And why would you like your job back? What happened to your ridiculous excuse for another job?" Mr. Anderson enquired although it was perfectly obvious that he knew exactly why Blaine couldn't work there anymore. Blaine didn't know what he wanted to do more, run away crying because his life sucked, or punch the man in front of him because his Father sucked.

He chose neither of course, both would be stupid.

"Something came up," Blaine couldn't resist the slight glare he threw in his Father's direction then, "Which makes it impossible for me to carry on with my placement"

"Ah of course...the little twink you were seeing,"

Blaine's blood grew hot at his Father's words and he could feel his fists curling into balls at his sides. He chanted in his mind to calm down, to not let the words get to him...he's not worth it, he's not worth it.

"Well Blaine, I live in the utmost hope that you will see the error of your life choices-"

"You mean my sexual preference, right?" Blaine cut in, his voice sounding sharper than previously as he remembered just how much of an arsehole his Father really was.

"That would be the main focus although let's be honest, most of your life is nothing to be proud of...however like I was saying, I continue to hope that working a real man's job may switch you back to normal-"

"It's not something you chose!" Blaine cried, his voice louder as fury raged through him. His Father's eyes widened marginally at Blaine's raised voice but said nothing about it, just watched as his son breathed heavily.

"Be that as it may, as long as you're not working with that...fairy, you have a better chance of not being so repuls-"

Mr. Anderson's words were cut off by Blaine's fist swinging into his face. Blaine felt the searing pain shoot through his knuckles at the collision but he couldn't bring himself to care. He was too full of hate to do anything but pull his hand back to his side and continue to glare at his Father.

Mr. Anderson turned to face Blaine again and for the first time in Blaine's life, he saw a tiny ounce of respect aimed at him on his Father's face. It was quickly masked by rage however.

"What on earth do you think you're doing?" He shouted, standing to full height and towering over Blaine. But he refused to stand down, finally realising some vital things.

He wasn't useless...Kurt had taught him that. He was talented at music and his heart was big and full of love, he just needed more people in his life to give that love to. He wasn't disgusting or repulsive, he was a human being just like everybody else and it was the ignorant people in the world that were disgusting.

He had lived so long bending to his Father's will, listening to his hateful words and swallowing them up as if they were actually true, as if there was something wrong with Blaine. But he had been wrong all along, and it took meeting Kurt to realise that. He was special and didn't have to put up with vile remarks any longer.

Kurt's voice entered his mind then, speaking words that had stuck in Blaine's head for a long time after Kurt had said them. Words that had changed Blaine's life for the better.

You have one life to be happy in Blaine and if you're living it the way others want and not the way you want then what's the point of it all.

Kurt was right. It's Blaine's life and he only had one of them. He shouldn't spend it by letting people walk over him, or being constantly lonely and sad. He deserved happiness just like everybody else did. And he was going to get it.

Kurt loves him. And he loves Kurt with all his being. That wasn't something Blaine could just throw away. There had to be a way.

"What will it take for you to leave Kurt alone?" Blaine deadpanned, wanting to get this over and done with so he could go and win back the love of his life.

"What?"

"Here's the thing, you don't agree with the way I live my life, that's fine because I don't agree with the way you live yours either...but Kurt and I are in love and I'm willing to do anything for us to be together, for you to get off our backs"

Blaine's Father stared at him and Blaine had the sense that he was being scrutinised, but he stood his ground regardless. He couldn't let his Father win anymore, it had gone on long enough.

Finally, Mr. Anderson shifted and crossed his arms over his chest.

"You really love this...man?" He asked, narrowing his eyes slightly and taking Blaine by surprise. Was he having a change of heart? Was he finally accepting that his son was in love with a male?

"Yes"

"Than there is a way for me to leave your indecency alone...get out of mine and your mother's lives completely"

"W-what?" Blaine breathed out, not expecting his Father's words at all although they were more realistic than the older man suddenly realising he loved his son regardless of anything else.

"You heard me, you've chosen to live this way and I want nothing to do with it...I tried to set you straight Blaine but apparently I failed...If you leave my life now then I will pretend that you never existed and I won't have to be embarassed any longer, everyone will get what they want" Mr. Anderson said with a hint of finality.

Blaine almost couldn't believe his Father thought so low of him as to actually exile him from the family. Blaine didn't exactly like his parents, in fact he'd go as far as to say he hated them. But they were still family, the same blood ran through their veins and that had to count for something right? Apparently not.

He mulled it over in his head. The thought of literally having no family to call his own. His Father who seemed so willing to just forget about Blaine and his Mother who had already done so. Were they worth it? Yes they were family, but they hardly acted like it.

The answer was obvious. How could Blaine ever pick his hurtful, neglecting so-called family over the man who had made him feel more loved and alive than ever before. The man who could so much as blink in his direction and leave Blaine breathless.

"Deal"

And just like that, Blaine no longer had a family.

Blaine spent the rest of that day sorting his life out in regards of where he would be living. He guessed he had roughly 24 hours, maybe less to pack up his things from the apartment and leave if he wanted to keep his items.

The first thing he did was to check into a hotel until he could find a new apartment. He packed a suitcase full of the basics to take with him before boxing up all of his valuables and putting them into a storage space. It took a good few hours but he knew it would be worth it when he actually had shoes, his bed, and a toaster in his new apartment, not just four walls. He only glanced back once at his old house before locking the door and returning to the hotel.

From his room, he started to search once more for a home. Now that he wasn't feeling so pessimistic, it was much easier to spot the good apartments on the market. Where he was being picky last time, now he had more confidense and he could actually see himself living in some of the places. The place he decided on wasn't too far from his old apartment and it was a lot smaller but much more 'Blaine'. He was going to view it in two days time and he was hoping that Kurt would accompany him and give constructive thoughts to decorating it. That's if Blaine's plans went the right way.

He wanted to talk to Kurt so badly that his heart ached, his fingers tingling to pick up the phone and dial Kurt's number. But he had plans, plans that included also getting his job at the Diner back at the same time. Blaine didn't see himself as romantic, not in the slightest, but he hoped with everything he had that his plan would tell Kurt everything that he wouldn't be able to find the words for.

"Matt! I need to talk to you!" Blaine hissed, grabbing onto his old manager's arm as he walked past the booth in which Blaine was currently hiding. The place was quite busy so he had gone unnoticed so far but he really just wanted to get on stage as quick as possible.

Matt slid into the seat opposite him with a grin on his face.

"Changed your mind?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Blaine hid a smile and rolled his eyes.

"Is that job still available?"

"For you, always...they missed you last night, had a tonne of customers asking for you," Matt laughed before standing up and clapping Blaine on the back, "Go do your thing"

Blaine's stomach swooped happily as he exited the booth and made his way over to the stage which was still set up to how he liked it. He sat down at the piano, switching on the microphone before nerves got the better of him.

"Hey guys, I'm back!" Blaine called out, laughing as he was met with cheerful shouts of joy. His heart felt swollen with appreciation and he smiled warmly at the customers before looking to the bar. His eyes met Kurt's who looked like he was about to be violently sick. Blaine winked at him once before playing a little melody on the keys.

"I don't usually play Disney songs, not because I don't want...just because it's probably very illegal to do so," He was met with a round of laughter before continuing, "But this is worth going to prison for..."

Blaine looked over the piano once more to meet Kurt's scared eyes, hoping he'd get the message. Of course Blaine knew he wouldn't be going to prison for singing one song, but he hoped Kurt knew that he was worth everything. With a deep breath, Blaine started to play the opening bars.

All those days watching from the windows

All those years outside looking in

All that time never even knowing

Just how blind I've been

Blaine took his eyes away from the black and white keys in front of him to settle on Kurt's, warm gold on sparkling blue. Blaine could see the unshed tears in them, threatening to spill at the words Blaine was singing. He couldn't decide if they were happy or sad tears, but either way Blaine had to resist the urge to ditch the song and pull Kurt into his loving grasp.

Now I'm here, blinking in the starlight

Now I'm here, suddenly I see

Standing here, it's all so clear

I'm where I'm meant to be

Blaine couldn't help but notice how beautiful Kurt looked in that moment and he could only hope it was because of what Blaine was implying, that he was throwing away everything to be with Kurt. Because Kurt is where Blaine is meant to be, where he was always meant to be. He'd been waiting forever for somebody like Kurt, and then there he was. And he was never letting anything come between them again.

And at last I see the light

And it's like the fog has lifted

And at last I see the light

And it's like the sky is new

And it's warm and real and bright

And the world has somehow shifted

All at once everything looks different

Now that I see you.

As Blaine finished the song with a soft outro on the keys, his voice fading into silence, he was met with the biggest round of applause he'd ever received. He was buzzing with adreneline and pride, feeling endless gratitude toward the crowd for reassuring him that this was definitely how his life was meant to be. Who needs people who won't accept you for who you are, not when each night Blaine would be feeling wanted right here. This was all the family Blaine needed, Kurt and the Diner. The two things in his life that made him feel accepted and loved.

He stood from the piano stool and took an over-exaggerated bow, laughing softly. Finally he straightened back up and looked over to the bar, expecting to see Kurt but finding it empty. Blaine's heart dropped into his stomach and fear raged through him as he spotted Kurt rushing to the door.

Blaine jumped down from the stage and crossed the Diner in record timing, almost sliding right into a table before catching himself. He threw open the door and flew out into the street.

"Kurt!" Blaine called as he saw the man walking down the street. He didn't turn around so Blaine ran after him, a million thoughts racing through his mind but hoping desperately that Kurt still wanted him. Once he reached Kurt, Blaine pulled on his arm until he spun round to face him.

Kurt looked startled, his eyes wide and uncertain as Blaine searched them. Blaine let go of Kurt's arm to place his hands on his waist instead, pulling him in close.

"I love you" He whispered, before closing the gap between them and pressing his lips to Kurt's softly.

He felt the soft intake of breath from Kurt but when he didn't pull away, Blaine sighed in relief and wrapped his arms around Kurt more securely. Kurt's arms came up to wrap around Blaine's shoulders, his fingers playing with the soft curls at the nape of Blaine's neck and it felt so good to be back where he belonged.

When they pulled away, Blaine pressed one more chaste kiss to Kurt's lips before resting their foreheads together. Kurt was breathing heavily, his eyes never leaving Blaine's but looking more confused than ever.

"Blaine," He breathed out shakily, the name catching in his throat. Blaine smiled warmly at him and held him closer.

"He's gone Kurt, he won't hurt us anymore...we can be together" Blaine grinned, the words sounding so beautiful falling from his lips. Kurt lifted an eyebrow, his eyes shining brightly.

"W-what? Why? How did you get him to change his mind?" He asked, his warm breath hitting Blaine's face in a comforting manor.

Without moving away from their embrace, Blaine explained what had happened with his Father to Kurt who listened quietly, his jaw dropping slightly as Blaine told him the bargain they had struck up.

"So just like that...he just kicked you out of the family?" Kurt asked, looking worried. Blaine kissed him quickly, trying to soothe him.

"It's okay, it's worth it" Blaine tried to assure him.

"Blaine they're your family-"

"No, you're my family," Blaine insisted, his throat feeling tight with emotion, "Kurt...you're everything to me, I don't think I can live without you and I don't want to try to"

Kurt's eyes filled with tears once more and he squeezed them shut tightly causing the tears to fall down his cheeks like stars. Blaine reached up and wiped the them away with the back of his hand before cupping Kurt's cheek, encouraging him to open his eyes again. Once he did, he looked so sincere...so perfect that Blaine had to remember how to breathe again.

"I love you so much" Kurt choked out, laughing softly at the huge grin that split across Blaine's face.

Happiness flooded Blaine's insides and he felt he had no choice but to sweep Kurt up into his arms despite the man's protests, spinning him around right there in the street and laughing in delight.

With a sigh, Blaine pressed his lips to Kurt's once more and knew that whatever happened, in that moment everything was how it should be.