HlcDec
Aug. 18, 2013, 3:53 a.m.
Some Things Never Change: Chapter 18
E - Words: 2,195 - Last Updated: Aug 18, 2013 Story: Closed - Chapters: 25/? - Created: Dec 11, 2011 - Updated: Aug 18, 2013 116 0 0 0 0
Author's Notes: Blaine's alarm clock flashed red into the dark room.
03:08
Kurt's legs were tangled stubbornly with Blaine's, his head resting on the pillow just above Blaine's shoulder. Soft snores punctuated the silence along with the rustling of covers as Blaine tried and failed to roll over, his sleep warm hands pushed gently at his boyfriend in a vain attempt to move him. Bleary eyes inched open to inspect why he couldn’t move, he rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand and gazed down, finally registering the warm dead weight of his sleeping boyfriend. A sweet smile graced his features, this was the first time Kurt had spent the night. Blaine felt like a teenager again. All of a sudden the numbness in Blaine's left leg didn't matter. He pressed a kiss to Kurt's forehead, careful not to wake him, and closed his eyes already falling back into a peaceful sleep. Kurt's phone had other ideas however; as it rang loudly causing Kurt to sit bolt upright, blinking confusedly. He propped himself up, watching Kurt reach across for his phone. He listened to the one sided conversation half - heartedly until Kurt's voice changed.
"Carol, calm down. What's happened?" Blaine sat up, paying more attention now as Kurt's face drained of colour.
"Okay, put Finn on." Kurt threw the cover off his legs and began awkwardly getting dressed while trying to hold onto his phone. Blaine clambered gracelessly out of bed and dressed himself, still listening to the conversation.
"I'll get the next flight.... yes.... I'll text you with the details." Kurt hung up, briefly closing his eyes before turning to face Blaine. Blaine saw the warning signs before Kurt even opened his mouth. He crossed the room quickly, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. Kurt buried his head in Blaine's neck, finding the strength to keep it together and fly out to Ohio as soon as possible. Blaine waited for Kurt's breathing to even out before speaking, however he hadn't even opened his mouth before Kurt started talking, his voice somewhat muffled by Blaine's neck.
"Dad's in hospital, another heart attack. Finn says he's in a medically induced coma at the moment and that he's stable for now. Carol's a wreck and I'm out here." He trailed off wide eyed; wrenching himself from Blaine's grip and pulled his phone from his pocket. He began typing something frantically into his phone whilst searching for the rest of his clothes, which had been strewn around the room unceremoniously the previous night.
"I have to get a flight, I need to be there, Carol isn't coping and Finn has his family to deal with. I need to go pick up some clothes, get a cab. God! There's so much to do..."
"Baby just stop...... Kurt......Just one minute Kurt..." Blaine tried to grab the phone from Kurt, but he simply continued babbling.
"...and I have to let Cora know so she can man the shop, cancel my appointments..."
"KURT!" Kurt stopped mid word and stared at Blaine incredulously.
"You don't have to do this alone. I'm right here. Take a minute, do one thing at a time. You don't have to look after everyone else, Okay?" Kurt nodded silently and handed Blaine his phone before sitting on the bed and putting his socks on. Blaine began making phone calls and arranging for things to be taken care of whilst they were in Ohio. He put the phone down after speaking to the airport and began dialing the number of a private cab company.
"Blaine?" He turned to look at Kurt; a single tear carved a track over his perfect ivory cheek.
"Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me, this is what I'm here for." Kurt nodded and padded over to the bathroom. Blaine watched him go, his heart breaking for him and resumed making phone calls.
**
Navigating through the sterile halls was kind of a blur to Kurt; the only solid entity now was Blaine, steadily by his side. They reached the right corridor and headed for the desk just as Finn called to them. Kurt span on the spot nearly yanking Blaine's arm off in the process.
"Finn how is he, what's his heart rate, what the hell happened...?" Finn held his hands up in defense at his brothers questioning onslaught.
"Woah! Kurt, calm down. He's stable at the moment. I wasn't there when it happened, Mom says she was in the kitchen and heard him fall while he was upstairs. She called the ambulance right away. They put him in a coma a few hours ago so his body could rest. Mom's in there now." Kurt didn't wait for any more information, just tugged Blaine along to the room Finn had indicated, unwilling to let go of the only anchor he had right now. The door was propped open. He came to a halt in the doorway, fresh tears breaching his eyes at the sight of his big, hulk of a Dad once again motionless on a hospital bed. Carol was sleeping in the uncomfortable looking bedside chair, her hand still laid on the bed where she had obviously been holding Burt’s. Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand before letting go so he could give them a little privacy, he went out in to the hall and slid into a chair opposite Burt's room.
Finn rounded the corner carrying two coffees and took the seat next to Blaine; offering one cup to him. Blaine took it gratefully and took the moment to really look at Finn. This was the first time he'd seen him in barely five years. He had lost weight - in a good way, he seemed calmer, not so clueless. Today he looked tired, probably due to stress.
"Thanks" he said, sipping the strong coffee.
"No problem. Thought you'd need it." Finn paused for a moment, letting the heat from the polystyrene cup warm his fingers.
"It's good to see you man. I'm glad you're here. Kurt's gonna need you." Blaine smiled tiredly.
" And I'm going to be here for him." Blaine looked Finn dead in the eye and returned the small nod he received. Carol stepped wearily out of Burt's room sending a small smile of greeting to her son and Blaine.
"Get over here, we've missed you Blaine." Carol enveloped Blaine in a tight hug. He felt a lump form in his throat, but swallowed it down.
"I missed you too." They broke apart and Carol took the seat next to her son.
"I think Kurt could use you in there Honey, he's holding it together now, but I think it's more for my benefit." Blaine nodded and entered the too white room quietly. Kurt was perched on the edge of the chair, holding his Dad's hand, he noticed Blaine in the doorway and reached out his other hand towards him. Blaine picked up the other chair in the room and brought it to sit next to his boyfriend. They stayed quiet for a few minutes, Blaine observing Kurt until Kurt turned to him, tears beginning to fall.
"Hey, shh...I'm here." Blaine held out his arms, which Kurt leaned into willingly as he sobbed, speaking unidentifiable words. Blaine rested his chin on top of Kurt's fluffy chestnut hair and held him as close as the chairs permitted. He knew no words would help the pain Kurt was feeling. They sat like that until the arm of the chair started to hurt Kurt's side. He wiped his face dry and tried to compose himself before whispering a quick goodbye to his Dad and going out to Carol and Finn.
" Hey honey." Kurt gave her a tight-lipped smile.
"What do you need Carol, is there anything I can do?" Blaine twined his hand with Kurt's. It was Finn who answered him.
"Mom needs to go home and grab some stuff, I'm gonna stay here, could you go with her? Then you guys can drop off your bags, get settled and come back in a few hours." Kurt looked a little stricken at having to leave his Dad so soon.
"That sounds like a good idea; we can get some rest and take over from you later today." He ran a thumb over Kurt's knuckles trying to soothe the worry now etched in his face.
"We'll have to get a cab; Finn drove here and while Kurt is on his insurance I don't think any of us is in a state to drive." They both agreed and said their goodbyes to Finn before heading out.
**
Between getting Kurt settled and making sure both he and Carol had everything they needed and were both sound asleep upstairs, it had slipped Blaine's mind that he was back in a place he almost felt like he didn't deserve to be anymore. At one point, the Hummel household was as much of a home to him as it was to Kurt. Burt, Carol and Finn were his family too. He looked around the kitchen, noting not much had changed; a few knick-knacks here and there, but nothing major.
He wandered cautiously into the family room. Memories hit him hard. Days spent yelling at the TV with Burt and Finn while Kurt read Vogue with Carol. Nights spent cuddled on the love seat just talking. Family Christmases that welcomed Blaine with open arms. Talks of weddings, family and the future with Burt, whilst Kurt slept after prom. Tears stung his eyes when he thought how close he'd come to throwing all that away, how he could have had that all this time if he'd just been a little stronger. He thought of Burt lying there in hospital fighting for his life, how the strong man who accepted Blaine back into his son's life again so easily still might be taken from him. As he wiped a salty tear from his cheek, a photo frame caught his eye. He moved closer and recognised the photograph easily. It was one of him and Kurt laughing in the back yard. They looked so carefree, happy.
"Dad must have put that there when he came home after visiting." Blaine jumped, having not heard Kurt come downstairs. He wiped hastily at his cheeks before facing him.
"It's not normally there?"
Kurt shook his head, and threaded his arms around Blaine's waist, placing a gentle kiss to the side of his neck.
"No, not for a while. I know he kept all the photos of us, but he didn't have them out. I think this is his way of accepting you fully into our lives once again. He always told me to try to move on, but not to let you go fully. As usual, he was right." Blaine's heart swelled at Kurt's words, he twisted round in his arms so he could look right into Kurt's stormy blue eyes.
"He is right. I am right here and I'm not going anywhere. You are my home Kurt. You and your family." Kurt's eyes switched between both of Blaine's.
"Our family." Kurt said simply and rested his forehead against Blaine's. They stayed like for a minute.
"I need Advil, can you wake Carol for me? She'll want to come back to the hospital with us." Blaine nodded and extricated himself from his boyfriends’ arms to go wake Carol. When he reached her room, he found her curled up on Burt's side of the bed, clutching his pillow tightly. Blaine's chest constricted a little and tears threatened to flow again, but he pulled himself together and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Carol....Carol?" She stirred a little and gingerly opened her eyes to look at Blaine a little confusedly.
"Blaine?" Carol's voice was thick with sleep.
"Hey, Kurt asked me to come wake you. We're going back to the hospital when we've had something to eat." Blaine stood a little awkwardly having never really been inside this room of the house before.
"Mm’kay Honey, I'll see you downstairs." Blaine took his leave gratefully and met with most amazing smell, he entered the kitchen to find Kurt expertly balancing four separate pans with pancakes and different fillings in each pan. Blaine sidled up to him placing a small peck on his cheek.
"That smells delicious."
"Mmm, I just - needed to distract myself." Kurt turned the heat down and turned to face Blaine, leaning against the counter top.
"I'm going crazy Blaine. The most horrific things keep going through my head and unless I'm doing three things at once they just don't stop." Blaine hugged Kurt into his arms knowing this was only the beginning.
"Shhh, shh, Kurt... Kurt I know. You don't have to explain. Just deal with it however you can. I am right here. Always." Kurt sniffled into Blaine's shoulder and nodded weakly. They heard Carol's footsteps on the stairs so Kurt wiped his eyes and resumed cooking in an attempt at normalcy.
**
Fifteen minutes later, they were all trouping around the house collecting their things with full bellies. Blaine phoned another cab and did what he could to keep things as calm and normal as possible. He grabbed their bags and Carol's handbag (AKA her hospital survival kit) and stepped into the cab with Kurt and his step-mom mentally preparing himself so he could be at his best for Kurt. Whatever Kurt needed from him he would be there, he vowed silently to himself.
03:08
Kurt's legs were tangled stubbornly with Blaine's, his head resting on the pillow just above Blaine's shoulder. Soft snores punctuated the silence along with the rustling of covers as Blaine tried and failed to roll over, his sleep warm hands pushed gently at his boyfriend in a vain attempt to move him. Bleary eyes inched open to inspect why he couldn’t move, he rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand and gazed down, finally registering the warm dead weight of his sleeping boyfriend. A sweet smile graced his features, this was the first time Kurt had spent the night. Blaine felt like a teenager again. All of a sudden the numbness in Blaine's left leg didn't matter. He pressed a kiss to Kurt's forehead, careful not to wake him, and closed his eyes already falling back into a peaceful sleep. Kurt's phone had other ideas however; as it rang loudly causing Kurt to sit bolt upright, blinking confusedly. He propped himself up, watching Kurt reach across for his phone. He listened to the one sided conversation half - heartedly until Kurt's voice changed.
"Carol, calm down. What's happened?" Blaine sat up, paying more attention now as Kurt's face drained of colour.
"Okay, put Finn on." Kurt threw the cover off his legs and began awkwardly getting dressed while trying to hold onto his phone. Blaine clambered gracelessly out of bed and dressed himself, still listening to the conversation.
"I'll get the next flight.... yes.... I'll text you with the details." Kurt hung up, briefly closing his eyes before turning to face Blaine. Blaine saw the warning signs before Kurt even opened his mouth. He crossed the room quickly, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. Kurt buried his head in Blaine's neck, finding the strength to keep it together and fly out to Ohio as soon as possible. Blaine waited for Kurt's breathing to even out before speaking, however he hadn't even opened his mouth before Kurt started talking, his voice somewhat muffled by Blaine's neck.
"Dad's in hospital, another heart attack. Finn says he's in a medically induced coma at the moment and that he's stable for now. Carol's a wreck and I'm out here." He trailed off wide eyed; wrenching himself from Blaine's grip and pulled his phone from his pocket. He began typing something frantically into his phone whilst searching for the rest of his clothes, which had been strewn around the room unceremoniously the previous night.
"I have to get a flight, I need to be there, Carol isn't coping and Finn has his family to deal with. I need to go pick up some clothes, get a cab. God! There's so much to do..."
"Baby just stop...... Kurt......Just one minute Kurt..." Blaine tried to grab the phone from Kurt, but he simply continued babbling.
"...and I have to let Cora know so she can man the shop, cancel my appointments..."
"KURT!" Kurt stopped mid word and stared at Blaine incredulously.
"You don't have to do this alone. I'm right here. Take a minute, do one thing at a time. You don't have to look after everyone else, Okay?" Kurt nodded silently and handed Blaine his phone before sitting on the bed and putting his socks on. Blaine began making phone calls and arranging for things to be taken care of whilst they were in Ohio. He put the phone down after speaking to the airport and began dialing the number of a private cab company.
"Blaine?" He turned to look at Kurt; a single tear carved a track over his perfect ivory cheek.
"Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me, this is what I'm here for." Kurt nodded and padded over to the bathroom. Blaine watched him go, his heart breaking for him and resumed making phone calls.
**
Navigating through the sterile halls was kind of a blur to Kurt; the only solid entity now was Blaine, steadily by his side. They reached the right corridor and headed for the desk just as Finn called to them. Kurt span on the spot nearly yanking Blaine's arm off in the process.
"Finn how is he, what's his heart rate, what the hell happened...?" Finn held his hands up in defense at his brothers questioning onslaught.
"Woah! Kurt, calm down. He's stable at the moment. I wasn't there when it happened, Mom says she was in the kitchen and heard him fall while he was upstairs. She called the ambulance right away. They put him in a coma a few hours ago so his body could rest. Mom's in there now." Kurt didn't wait for any more information, just tugged Blaine along to the room Finn had indicated, unwilling to let go of the only anchor he had right now. The door was propped open. He came to a halt in the doorway, fresh tears breaching his eyes at the sight of his big, hulk of a Dad once again motionless on a hospital bed. Carol was sleeping in the uncomfortable looking bedside chair, her hand still laid on the bed where she had obviously been holding Burt’s. Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand before letting go so he could give them a little privacy, he went out in to the hall and slid into a chair opposite Burt's room.
Finn rounded the corner carrying two coffees and took the seat next to Blaine; offering one cup to him. Blaine took it gratefully and took the moment to really look at Finn. This was the first time he'd seen him in barely five years. He had lost weight - in a good way, he seemed calmer, not so clueless. Today he looked tired, probably due to stress.
"Thanks" he said, sipping the strong coffee.
"No problem. Thought you'd need it." Finn paused for a moment, letting the heat from the polystyrene cup warm his fingers.
"It's good to see you man. I'm glad you're here. Kurt's gonna need you." Blaine smiled tiredly.
" And I'm going to be here for him." Blaine looked Finn dead in the eye and returned the small nod he received. Carol stepped wearily out of Burt's room sending a small smile of greeting to her son and Blaine.
"Get over here, we've missed you Blaine." Carol enveloped Blaine in a tight hug. He felt a lump form in his throat, but swallowed it down.
"I missed you too." They broke apart and Carol took the seat next to her son.
"I think Kurt could use you in there Honey, he's holding it together now, but I think it's more for my benefit." Blaine nodded and entered the too white room quietly. Kurt was perched on the edge of the chair, holding his Dad's hand, he noticed Blaine in the doorway and reached out his other hand towards him. Blaine picked up the other chair in the room and brought it to sit next to his boyfriend. They stayed quiet for a few minutes, Blaine observing Kurt until Kurt turned to him, tears beginning to fall.
"Hey, shh...I'm here." Blaine held out his arms, which Kurt leaned into willingly as he sobbed, speaking unidentifiable words. Blaine rested his chin on top of Kurt's fluffy chestnut hair and held him as close as the chairs permitted. He knew no words would help the pain Kurt was feeling. They sat like that until the arm of the chair started to hurt Kurt's side. He wiped his face dry and tried to compose himself before whispering a quick goodbye to his Dad and going out to Carol and Finn.
" Hey honey." Kurt gave her a tight-lipped smile.
"What do you need Carol, is there anything I can do?" Blaine twined his hand with Kurt's. It was Finn who answered him.
"Mom needs to go home and grab some stuff, I'm gonna stay here, could you go with her? Then you guys can drop off your bags, get settled and come back in a few hours." Kurt looked a little stricken at having to leave his Dad so soon.
"That sounds like a good idea; we can get some rest and take over from you later today." He ran a thumb over Kurt's knuckles trying to soothe the worry now etched in his face.
"We'll have to get a cab; Finn drove here and while Kurt is on his insurance I don't think any of us is in a state to drive." They both agreed and said their goodbyes to Finn before heading out.
**
Between getting Kurt settled and making sure both he and Carol had everything they needed and were both sound asleep upstairs, it had slipped Blaine's mind that he was back in a place he almost felt like he didn't deserve to be anymore. At one point, the Hummel household was as much of a home to him as it was to Kurt. Burt, Carol and Finn were his family too. He looked around the kitchen, noting not much had changed; a few knick-knacks here and there, but nothing major.
He wandered cautiously into the family room. Memories hit him hard. Days spent yelling at the TV with Burt and Finn while Kurt read Vogue with Carol. Nights spent cuddled on the love seat just talking. Family Christmases that welcomed Blaine with open arms. Talks of weddings, family and the future with Burt, whilst Kurt slept after prom. Tears stung his eyes when he thought how close he'd come to throwing all that away, how he could have had that all this time if he'd just been a little stronger. He thought of Burt lying there in hospital fighting for his life, how the strong man who accepted Blaine back into his son's life again so easily still might be taken from him. As he wiped a salty tear from his cheek, a photo frame caught his eye. He moved closer and recognised the photograph easily. It was one of him and Kurt laughing in the back yard. They looked so carefree, happy.
"Dad must have put that there when he came home after visiting." Blaine jumped, having not heard Kurt come downstairs. He wiped hastily at his cheeks before facing him.
"It's not normally there?"
Kurt shook his head, and threaded his arms around Blaine's waist, placing a gentle kiss to the side of his neck.
"No, not for a while. I know he kept all the photos of us, but he didn't have them out. I think this is his way of accepting you fully into our lives once again. He always told me to try to move on, but not to let you go fully. As usual, he was right." Blaine's heart swelled at Kurt's words, he twisted round in his arms so he could look right into Kurt's stormy blue eyes.
"He is right. I am right here and I'm not going anywhere. You are my home Kurt. You and your family." Kurt's eyes switched between both of Blaine's.
"Our family." Kurt said simply and rested his forehead against Blaine's. They stayed like for a minute.
"I need Advil, can you wake Carol for me? She'll want to come back to the hospital with us." Blaine nodded and extricated himself from his boyfriends’ arms to go wake Carol. When he reached her room, he found her curled up on Burt's side of the bed, clutching his pillow tightly. Blaine's chest constricted a little and tears threatened to flow again, but he pulled himself together and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Carol....Carol?" She stirred a little and gingerly opened her eyes to look at Blaine a little confusedly.
"Blaine?" Carol's voice was thick with sleep.
"Hey, Kurt asked me to come wake you. We're going back to the hospital when we've had something to eat." Blaine stood a little awkwardly having never really been inside this room of the house before.
"Mm’kay Honey, I'll see you downstairs." Blaine took his leave gratefully and met with most amazing smell, he entered the kitchen to find Kurt expertly balancing four separate pans with pancakes and different fillings in each pan. Blaine sidled up to him placing a small peck on his cheek.
"That smells delicious."
"Mmm, I just - needed to distract myself." Kurt turned the heat down and turned to face Blaine, leaning against the counter top.
"I'm going crazy Blaine. The most horrific things keep going through my head and unless I'm doing three things at once they just don't stop." Blaine hugged Kurt into his arms knowing this was only the beginning.
"Shhh, shh, Kurt... Kurt I know. You don't have to explain. Just deal with it however you can. I am right here. Always." Kurt sniffled into Blaine's shoulder and nodded weakly. They heard Carol's footsteps on the stairs so Kurt wiped his eyes and resumed cooking in an attempt at normalcy.
**
Fifteen minutes later, they were all trouping around the house collecting their things with full bellies. Blaine phoned another cab and did what he could to keep things as calm and normal as possible. He grabbed their bags and Carol's handbag (AKA her hospital survival kit) and stepped into the cab with Kurt and his step-mom mentally preparing himself so he could be at his best for Kurt. Whatever Kurt needed from him he would be there, he vowed silently to himself.
Blaine's alarm clock flashed red into the dark room.
03:08
Kurt's legs were tangled stubbornly with Blaine's, his head resting on the pillow just above Blaine's shoulder. Soft snores punctuated the silence along with the rustling of covers as Blaine tried and failed to roll over, his sleep warm hands pushed gently at his boyfriend in a vain attempt to move him. Bleary eyes inched open to inspect why he couldn’t move, he rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand and gazed down, finally registering the warm dead weight of his sleeping boyfriend. A sweet smile graced his features, this was the first time Kurt had spent the night. Blaine felt like a teenager again. All of a sudden the numbness in Blaine's left leg didn't matter. He pressed a kiss to Kurt's forehead, careful not to wake him, and closed his eyes already falling back into a peaceful sleep. Kurt's phone had other ideas however; as it rang loudly causing Kurt to sit bolt upright, blinking confusedly. He propped himself up, watching Kurt reach across for his phone. He listened to the one sided conversation half - heartedly until Kurt's voice changed.
"Carol, calm down. What's happened?" Blaine sat up, paying more attention now as Kurt's face drained of colour.
"Okay, put Finn on." Kurt threw the cover off his legs and began awkwardly getting dressed while trying to hold onto his phone. Blaine clambered gracelessly out of bed and dressed himself, still listening to the conversation.
"I'll get the next flight.... yes.... I'll text you with the details." Kurt hung up, briefly closing his eyes before turning to face Blaine. Blaine saw the warning signs before Kurt even opened his mouth. He crossed the room quickly, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. Kurt buried his head in Blaine's neck, finding the strength to keep it together and fly out to Ohio as soon as possible. Blaine waited for Kurt's breathing to even out before speaking, however he hadn't even opened his mouth before Kurt started talking, his voice somewhat muffled by Blaine's neck.
"Dad's in hospital, another heart attack. Finn says he's in a medically induced coma at the moment and that he's stable for now. Carol's a wreck and I'm out here." He trailed off wide eyed; wrenching himself from Blaine's grip and pulled his phone from his pocket. He began typing something frantically into his phone whilst searching for the rest of his clothes, which had been strewn around the room unceremoniously the previous night.
"I have to get a flight, I need to be there, Carol isn't coping and Finn has his family to deal with. I need to go pick up some clothes, get a cab. God! There's so much to do..."
"Baby just stop...... Kurt......Just one minute Kurt..." Blaine tried to grab the phone from Kurt, but he simply continued babbling.
"...and I have to let Cora know so she can man the shop, cancel my appointments..."
"KURT!" Kurt stopped mid word and stared at Blaine incredulously.
"You don't have to do this alone. I'm right here. Take a minute, do one thing at a time. You don't have to look after everyone else, Okay?" Kurt nodded silently and handed Blaine his phone before sitting on the bed and putting his socks on. Blaine began making phone calls and arranging for things to be taken care of whilst they were in Ohio. He put the phone down after speaking to the airport and began dialing the number of a private cab company.
"Blaine?" He turned to look at Kurt; a single tear carved a track over his perfect ivory cheek.
"Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me, this is what I'm here for." Kurt nodded and padded over to the bathroom. Blaine watched him go, his heart breaking for him and resumed making phone calls.
**
Navigating through the sterile halls was kind of a blur to Kurt; the only solid entity now was Blaine, steadily by his side. They reached the right corridor and headed for the desk just as Finn called to them. Kurt span on the spot nearly yanking Blaine's arm off in the process.
"Finn how is he, what's his heart rate, what the hell happened...?" Finn held his hands up in defense at his brothers questioning onslaught.
"Woah! Kurt, calm down. He's stable at the moment. I wasn't there when it happened, Mom says she was in the kitchen and heard him fall while he was upstairs. She called the ambulance right away. They put him in a coma a few hours ago so his body could rest. Mom's in there now." Kurt didn't wait for any more information, just tugged Blaine along to the room Finn had indicated, unwilling to let go of the only anchor he had right now. The door was propped open. He came to a halt in the doorway, fresh tears breaching his eyes at the sight of his big, hulk of a Dad once again motionless on a hospital bed. Carol was sleeping in the uncomfortable looking bedside chair, her hand still laid on the bed where she had obviously been holding Burt’s. Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand before letting go so he could give them a little privacy, he went out in to the hall and slid into a chair opposite Burt's room.
Finn rounded the corner carrying two coffees and took the seat next to Blaine; offering one cup to him. Blaine took it gratefully and took the moment to really look at Finn. This was the first time he'd seen him in barely five years. He had lost weight - in a good way, he seemed calmer, not so clueless. Today he looked tired, probably due to stress.
"Thanks" he said, sipping the strong coffee.
"No problem. Thought you'd need it." Finn paused for a moment, letting the heat from the polystyrene cup warm his fingers.
"It's good to see you man. I'm glad you're here. Kurt's gonna need you." Blaine smiled tiredly.
" And I'm going to be here for him." Blaine looked Finn dead in the eye and returned the small nod he received. Carol stepped wearily out of Burt's room sending a small smile of greeting to her son and Blaine.
"Get over here, we've missed you Blaine." Carol enveloped Blaine in a tight hug. He felt a lump form in his throat, but swallowed it down.
"I missed you too." They broke apart and Carol took the seat next to her son.
"I think Kurt could use you in there Honey, he's holding it together now, but I think it's more for my benefit." Blaine nodded and entered the too white room quietly. Kurt was perched on the edge of the chair, holding his Dad's hand, he noticed Blaine in the doorway and reached out his other hand towards him. Blaine picked up the other chair in the room and brought it to sit next to his boyfriend. They stayed quiet for a few minutes, Blaine observing Kurt until Kurt turned to him, tears beginning to fall.
"Hey, shh...I'm here." Blaine held out his arms, which Kurt leaned into willingly as he sobbed, speaking unidentifiable words. Blaine rested his chin on top of Kurt's fluffy chestnut hair and held him as close as the chairs permitted. He knew no words would help the pain Kurt was feeling. They sat like that until the arm of the chair started to hurt Kurt's side. He wiped his face dry and tried to compose himself before whispering a quick goodbye to his Dad and going out to Carol and Finn.
" Hey honey." Kurt gave her a tight-lipped smile.
"What do you need Carol, is there anything I can do?" Blaine twined his hand with Kurt's. It was Finn who answered him.
"Mom needs to go home and grab some stuff, I'm gonna stay here, could you go with her? Then you guys can drop off your bags, get settled and come back in a few hours." Kurt looked a little stricken at having to leave his Dad so soon.
"That sounds like a good idea; we can get some rest and take over from you later today." He ran a thumb over Kurt's knuckles trying to soothe the worry now etched in his face.
"We'll have to get a cab; Finn drove here and while Kurt is on his insurance I don't think any of us is in a state to drive." They both agreed and said their goodbyes to Finn before heading out.
**
Between getting Kurt settled and making sure both he and Carol had everything they needed and were both sound asleep upstairs, it had slipped Blaine's mind that he was back in a place he almost felt like he didn't deserve to be anymore. At one point, the Hummel household was as much of a home to him as it was to Kurt. Burt, Carol and Finn were his family too. He looked around the kitchen, noting not much had changed; a few knick-knacks here and there, but nothing major.
He wandered cautiously into the family room. Memories hit him hard. Days spent yelling at the TV with Burt and Finn while Kurt read Vogue with Carol. Nights spent cuddled on the love seat just talking. Family Christmases that welcomed Blaine with open arms. Talks of weddings, family and the future with Burt, whilst Kurt slept after prom. Tears stung his eyes when he thought how close he'd come to throwing all that away, how he could have had that all this time if he'd just been a little stronger. He thought of Burt lying there in hospital fighting for his life, how the strong man who accepted Blaine back into his son's life again so easily still might be taken from him. As he wiped a salty tear from his cheek, a photo frame caught his eye. He moved closer and recognised the photograph easily. It was one of him and Kurt laughing in the back yard. They looked so carefree, happy.
"Dad must have put that there when he came home after visiting." Blaine jumped, having not heard Kurt come downstairs. He wiped hastily at his cheeks before facing him.
"It's not normally there?"
Kurt shook his head, and threaded his arms around Blaine's waist, placing a gentle kiss to the side of his neck.
"No, not for a while. I know he kept all the photos of us, but he didn't have them out. I think this is his way of accepting you fully into our lives once again. He always told me to try to move on, but not to let you go fully. As usual, he was right." Blaine's heart swelled at Kurt's words, he twisted round in his arms so he could look right into Kurt's stormy blue eyes.
"He is right. I am right here and I'm not going anywhere. You are my home Kurt. You and your family." Kurt's eyes switched between both of Blaine's.
"Our family." Kurt said simply and rested his forehead against Blaine's. They stayed like for a minute.
"I need Advil, can you wake Carol for me? She'll want to come back to the hospital with us." Blaine nodded and extricated himself from his boyfriends’ arms to go wake Carol. When he reached her room, he found her curled up on Burt's side of the bed, clutching his pillow tightly. Blaine's chest constricted a little and tears threatened to flow again, but he pulled himself together and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Carol....Carol?" She stirred a little and gingerly opened her eyes to look at Blaine a little confusedly.
"Blaine?" Carol's voice was thick with sleep.
"Hey, Kurt asked me to come wake you. We're going back to the hospital when we've had something to eat." Blaine stood a little awkwardly having never really been inside this room of the house before.
"Mm’kay Honey, I'll see you downstairs." Blaine took his leave gratefully and met with most amazing smell, he entered the kitchen to find Kurt expertly balancing four separate pans with pancakes and different fillings in each pan. Blaine sidled up to him placing a small peck on his cheek.
"That smells delicious."
"Mmm, I just - needed to distract myself." Kurt turned the heat down and turned to face Blaine, leaning against the counter top.
"I'm going crazy Blaine. The most horrific things keep going through my head and unless I'm doing three things at once they just don't stop." Blaine hugged Kurt into his arms knowing this was only the beginning.
"Shhh, shh, Kurt... Kurt I know. You don't have to explain. Just deal with it however you can. I am right here. Always." Kurt sniffled into Blaine's shoulder and nodded weakly. They heard Carol's footsteps on the stairs so Kurt wiped his eyes and resumed cooking in an attempt at normalcy.
**
Fifteen minutes later, they were all trouping around the house collecting their things with full bellies. Blaine phoned another cab and did what he could to keep things as calm and normal as possible. He grabbed their bags and Carol's handbag (AKA her hospital survival kit) and stepped into the cab with Kurt and his step-mom mentally preparing himself so he could be at his best for Kurt. Whatever Kurt needed from him he would be there, he vowed silently to himself.
03:08
Kurt's legs were tangled stubbornly with Blaine's, his head resting on the pillow just above Blaine's shoulder. Soft snores punctuated the silence along with the rustling of covers as Blaine tried and failed to roll over, his sleep warm hands pushed gently at his boyfriend in a vain attempt to move him. Bleary eyes inched open to inspect why he couldn’t move, he rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand and gazed down, finally registering the warm dead weight of his sleeping boyfriend. A sweet smile graced his features, this was the first time Kurt had spent the night. Blaine felt like a teenager again. All of a sudden the numbness in Blaine's left leg didn't matter. He pressed a kiss to Kurt's forehead, careful not to wake him, and closed his eyes already falling back into a peaceful sleep. Kurt's phone had other ideas however; as it rang loudly causing Kurt to sit bolt upright, blinking confusedly. He propped himself up, watching Kurt reach across for his phone. He listened to the one sided conversation half - heartedly until Kurt's voice changed.
"Carol, calm down. What's happened?" Blaine sat up, paying more attention now as Kurt's face drained of colour.
"Okay, put Finn on." Kurt threw the cover off his legs and began awkwardly getting dressed while trying to hold onto his phone. Blaine clambered gracelessly out of bed and dressed himself, still listening to the conversation.
"I'll get the next flight.... yes.... I'll text you with the details." Kurt hung up, briefly closing his eyes before turning to face Blaine. Blaine saw the warning signs before Kurt even opened his mouth. He crossed the room quickly, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend. Kurt buried his head in Blaine's neck, finding the strength to keep it together and fly out to Ohio as soon as possible. Blaine waited for Kurt's breathing to even out before speaking, however he hadn't even opened his mouth before Kurt started talking, his voice somewhat muffled by Blaine's neck.
"Dad's in hospital, another heart attack. Finn says he's in a medically induced coma at the moment and that he's stable for now. Carol's a wreck and I'm out here." He trailed off wide eyed; wrenching himself from Blaine's grip and pulled his phone from his pocket. He began typing something frantically into his phone whilst searching for the rest of his clothes, which had been strewn around the room unceremoniously the previous night.
"I have to get a flight, I need to be there, Carol isn't coping and Finn has his family to deal with. I need to go pick up some clothes, get a cab. God! There's so much to do..."
"Baby just stop...... Kurt......Just one minute Kurt..." Blaine tried to grab the phone from Kurt, but he simply continued babbling.
"...and I have to let Cora know so she can man the shop, cancel my appointments..."
"KURT!" Kurt stopped mid word and stared at Blaine incredulously.
"You don't have to do this alone. I'm right here. Take a minute, do one thing at a time. You don't have to look after everyone else, Okay?" Kurt nodded silently and handed Blaine his phone before sitting on the bed and putting his socks on. Blaine began making phone calls and arranging for things to be taken care of whilst they were in Ohio. He put the phone down after speaking to the airport and began dialing the number of a private cab company.
"Blaine?" He turned to look at Kurt; a single tear carved a track over his perfect ivory cheek.
"Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me, this is what I'm here for." Kurt nodded and padded over to the bathroom. Blaine watched him go, his heart breaking for him and resumed making phone calls.
**
Navigating through the sterile halls was kind of a blur to Kurt; the only solid entity now was Blaine, steadily by his side. They reached the right corridor and headed for the desk just as Finn called to them. Kurt span on the spot nearly yanking Blaine's arm off in the process.
"Finn how is he, what's his heart rate, what the hell happened...?" Finn held his hands up in defense at his brothers questioning onslaught.
"Woah! Kurt, calm down. He's stable at the moment. I wasn't there when it happened, Mom says she was in the kitchen and heard him fall while he was upstairs. She called the ambulance right away. They put him in a coma a few hours ago so his body could rest. Mom's in there now." Kurt didn't wait for any more information, just tugged Blaine along to the room Finn had indicated, unwilling to let go of the only anchor he had right now. The door was propped open. He came to a halt in the doorway, fresh tears breaching his eyes at the sight of his big, hulk of a Dad once again motionless on a hospital bed. Carol was sleeping in the uncomfortable looking bedside chair, her hand still laid on the bed where she had obviously been holding Burt’s. Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand before letting go so he could give them a little privacy, he went out in to the hall and slid into a chair opposite Burt's room.
Finn rounded the corner carrying two coffees and took the seat next to Blaine; offering one cup to him. Blaine took it gratefully and took the moment to really look at Finn. This was the first time he'd seen him in barely five years. He had lost weight - in a good way, he seemed calmer, not so clueless. Today he looked tired, probably due to stress.
"Thanks" he said, sipping the strong coffee.
"No problem. Thought you'd need it." Finn paused for a moment, letting the heat from the polystyrene cup warm his fingers.
"It's good to see you man. I'm glad you're here. Kurt's gonna need you." Blaine smiled tiredly.
" And I'm going to be here for him." Blaine looked Finn dead in the eye and returned the small nod he received. Carol stepped wearily out of Burt's room sending a small smile of greeting to her son and Blaine.
"Get over here, we've missed you Blaine." Carol enveloped Blaine in a tight hug. He felt a lump form in his throat, but swallowed it down.
"I missed you too." They broke apart and Carol took the seat next to her son.
"I think Kurt could use you in there Honey, he's holding it together now, but I think it's more for my benefit." Blaine nodded and entered the too white room quietly. Kurt was perched on the edge of the chair, holding his Dad's hand, he noticed Blaine in the doorway and reached out his other hand towards him. Blaine picked up the other chair in the room and brought it to sit next to his boyfriend. They stayed quiet for a few minutes, Blaine observing Kurt until Kurt turned to him, tears beginning to fall.
"Hey, shh...I'm here." Blaine held out his arms, which Kurt leaned into willingly as he sobbed, speaking unidentifiable words. Blaine rested his chin on top of Kurt's fluffy chestnut hair and held him as close as the chairs permitted. He knew no words would help the pain Kurt was feeling. They sat like that until the arm of the chair started to hurt Kurt's side. He wiped his face dry and tried to compose himself before whispering a quick goodbye to his Dad and going out to Carol and Finn.
" Hey honey." Kurt gave her a tight-lipped smile.
"What do you need Carol, is there anything I can do?" Blaine twined his hand with Kurt's. It was Finn who answered him.
"Mom needs to go home and grab some stuff, I'm gonna stay here, could you go with her? Then you guys can drop off your bags, get settled and come back in a few hours." Kurt looked a little stricken at having to leave his Dad so soon.
"That sounds like a good idea; we can get some rest and take over from you later today." He ran a thumb over Kurt's knuckles trying to soothe the worry now etched in his face.
"We'll have to get a cab; Finn drove here and while Kurt is on his insurance I don't think any of us is in a state to drive." They both agreed and said their goodbyes to Finn before heading out.
**
Between getting Kurt settled and making sure both he and Carol had everything they needed and were both sound asleep upstairs, it had slipped Blaine's mind that he was back in a place he almost felt like he didn't deserve to be anymore. At one point, the Hummel household was as much of a home to him as it was to Kurt. Burt, Carol and Finn were his family too. He looked around the kitchen, noting not much had changed; a few knick-knacks here and there, but nothing major.
He wandered cautiously into the family room. Memories hit him hard. Days spent yelling at the TV with Burt and Finn while Kurt read Vogue with Carol. Nights spent cuddled on the love seat just talking. Family Christmases that welcomed Blaine with open arms. Talks of weddings, family and the future with Burt, whilst Kurt slept after prom. Tears stung his eyes when he thought how close he'd come to throwing all that away, how he could have had that all this time if he'd just been a little stronger. He thought of Burt lying there in hospital fighting for his life, how the strong man who accepted Blaine back into his son's life again so easily still might be taken from him. As he wiped a salty tear from his cheek, a photo frame caught his eye. He moved closer and recognised the photograph easily. It was one of him and Kurt laughing in the back yard. They looked so carefree, happy.
"Dad must have put that there when he came home after visiting." Blaine jumped, having not heard Kurt come downstairs. He wiped hastily at his cheeks before facing him.
"It's not normally there?"
Kurt shook his head, and threaded his arms around Blaine's waist, placing a gentle kiss to the side of his neck.
"No, not for a while. I know he kept all the photos of us, but he didn't have them out. I think this is his way of accepting you fully into our lives once again. He always told me to try to move on, but not to let you go fully. As usual, he was right." Blaine's heart swelled at Kurt's words, he twisted round in his arms so he could look right into Kurt's stormy blue eyes.
"He is right. I am right here and I'm not going anywhere. You are my home Kurt. You and your family." Kurt's eyes switched between both of Blaine's.
"Our family." Kurt said simply and rested his forehead against Blaine's. They stayed like for a minute.
"I need Advil, can you wake Carol for me? She'll want to come back to the hospital with us." Blaine nodded and extricated himself from his boyfriends’ arms to go wake Carol. When he reached her room, he found her curled up on Burt's side of the bed, clutching his pillow tightly. Blaine's chest constricted a little and tears threatened to flow again, but he pulled himself together and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Carol....Carol?" She stirred a little and gingerly opened her eyes to look at Blaine a little confusedly.
"Blaine?" Carol's voice was thick with sleep.
"Hey, Kurt asked me to come wake you. We're going back to the hospital when we've had something to eat." Blaine stood a little awkwardly having never really been inside this room of the house before.
"Mm’kay Honey, I'll see you downstairs." Blaine took his leave gratefully and met with most amazing smell, he entered the kitchen to find Kurt expertly balancing four separate pans with pancakes and different fillings in each pan. Blaine sidled up to him placing a small peck on his cheek.
"That smells delicious."
"Mmm, I just - needed to distract myself." Kurt turned the heat down and turned to face Blaine, leaning against the counter top.
"I'm going crazy Blaine. The most horrific things keep going through my head and unless I'm doing three things at once they just don't stop." Blaine hugged Kurt into his arms knowing this was only the beginning.
"Shhh, shh, Kurt... Kurt I know. You don't have to explain. Just deal with it however you can. I am right here. Always." Kurt sniffled into Blaine's shoulder and nodded weakly. They heard Carol's footsteps on the stairs so Kurt wiped his eyes and resumed cooking in an attempt at normalcy.
**
Fifteen minutes later, they were all trouping around the house collecting their things with full bellies. Blaine phoned another cab and did what he could to keep things as calm and normal as possible. He grabbed their bags and Carol's handbag (AKA her hospital survival kit) and stepped into the cab with Kurt and his step-mom mentally preparing himself so he could be at his best for Kurt. Whatever Kurt needed from him he would be there, he vowed silently to himself.