Blaine had never visited anyone in hospital before and so was unsure of what to expect. He desperately wanted to take Kurt's hand to offer him some reassurance but they were in Ohio and he knew that he couldn't just grab Kurt's hand, no matter how much he wanted to. They may be in an enclosed space but judgement was around every corner, especially those that you expected to be safe. That was something he had learned. So he walked along beside him, closer than usual, their fingers brushing occasionally. With every touch, Kurt knew what Blaine was trying to convey and gave him a small smile, though it was clouded with worry that Blaine knew centred around Kurt's mother.

They found Elizabeth's room quickly and Kurt led them in. Blaine smiled when he saw that Mildred was already there, sitting at the end of the bed with her legs folded up under her. Elizabeth was propped up against the pillows, a small smile on her face. She was paler than usual, her eyes and cheeks sunken and she looked exhausted, but that was to be expected.

"Hey, Mum," Kurt murmured softly and she turned her head, smiling at the boys.

"Hi KK," she greeted. "Blaine, Cooper. Come in." She gestured for them to enter and they obliged, stepping into the room. Kurt kissed his mother's cheek and Blaine and Cooper smiled at her by way of greeting.

"How are you feeling?" Kurt asked, sounding worried and she stroked his hand.

"Tired, but I'll be okay," she murmured. "How are you boys doing?"

Cooper and Blaine smiled fondly. It was just like Elizabeth to make sure they were fine even though she was the one who was suffering. "We're fine," Cooper assured her.

"Can we do anything?" Blaine asked and Kurt smiled up at him.

"Oh, no. I'm fine," Elizabeth smiled softly. She yawned, bringing up a hand to daintily cover her mouth, "but thank you boys."

Blaine and Cooper nodded their understanding and quickly drew up some seats. Blaine blushed but gently pulled Kurt so he was sitting on his knee. Kurt smiled shyly at his boyfriend but didn't move. Elizabeth grinned at them before speaking.

"The doctors have said I could leave tomorrow if I have a good day today," Elizabeth beamed and Kurt clapped his hands together with glee, leaning back against Blaine's chest.

"That's fantastic," Cooper exclaimed.

"We'll stay with my parents for a few days until I'm strong enough to go home," Elizabeth continued.

Kurt nodded and Mildred took her hands. "I'll come stay with you for a while, help around the house. I can do my painting in Ohio."

Elizabeth smiled at her sister. "You don't have to."

"Shh," Mildred hushed with a teasing smile. "I'll be there."

Elizabeth sniffed and discreetly wiped her eyes. Kurt gently rubbed his nose along Blaine's jaw line and linked their hands together. Elizabeth was determined to make things as natural as possible, not wanting to cause Kurt anymore worry, and asked what Cooper had been up to.

He filled her in with work and Blaine added his own stories. They were joined shortly after by Grant and Claire, who looked severely shaken by the ordeal. They both gave Blaine and Cooper a curious look and Blaine shrunk back under Grant's gaze, Kurt shrinking into his boyfriend. He wasn't sure how his grandfather would take the news that he had boyfriend; he had yet to tell them.

"Oh sweetie, we're so glad you are okay," Claire gushed, smoothing her daughter's hair back.

"Uh – we're just going to get a drink," Kurt murmured and quickly jumped up, pulling Blaine with him. Cooper rose to his feet also and the three boys rushed out and headed to the cafeteria.

"So, those are your grandparents?" Blaine asked as they followed Kurt through the hospital.

"That's them," Kurt nodded.

"They remind me of Mum and Dad," Cooper shuddered and Blaine nodded his head. Kurt frowned at this. He didn't know much about Blaine's parents and had never asked.

"They're not homophobic," Blaine explained to Kurt, seeing his confused look. "They just are concerned about image and having a gay son wasn't really a part of that."

Kurt nodded his understanding. "They sound just like my grandparents. They were more than a little shocked when they found out I was gay, even though Aunt Mildred is too," Kurt told them. "We don't fit in with their image, neither does mum."

"You're mum doesn't fit their image?" Cooper echoed and Kurt detected curiosity, not surprise in his voice.

"She married my dad," Kurt smiled ruefully, "and he certainly didn't fit their image. It's why I haven't had much to do with them. The only reason why I'm seeing them now is because they are pitching in for my tuition for Dalton."

They reached the cafeteria and sat down at table, Blaine taking a seat next to Kurt and reaching out to take his hand. "What do you mean?" Blaine asked quietly. Kurt hadn't told anyone this and his shifted in his chair. He knew that the Anderson brothers wouldn't care that they didn't have the money; they weren't superficial. But it was private information that he hadn't intended on sharing with anyone.

"We only have the one income. The garage that Dad built brings in money and we get a little extra from Mum doing music lessons but it wasn't enough for the tuition for Dalton," Kurt told them quietly. "Mildred put in as much money as she could but we still needed more so Mum asked her parents. In return we spend Friday nights with them."

Blaine squeezed his hand under the table and Cooper nodded. He looked thoughtful but Kurt was distracted by Blaine's thumb running over his skin.

"How about I get us something to drink," Cooper suggested and rose before anyone could protest.

Kurt faced Blaine and smiled shyly at him. "Thank you," Kurt said, "for coming," he elaborated as Blaine frowned. "I know you're missing school for this."

"That doesn't matter, Kurt," Blaine shook his head. "I'm here for you and your mum. Whatever you need." Kurt wasn't used to people looking out for him, being at McKinley had taken away any of those hopes and he was practically invisible at that school, nobody caring about the gay kid.
Blaine seemed to pick up on his thoughts and nudged him gently. "I didn't mean to make you upset," he murmured and Kurt shook his head.

"You didn't," he assured him. "I – I've never had a boyfriend before so I don't know what I'm doing."

"Neither have I," Blaine replied, "but we can figure it out together. I really like you, Kurt."

"I'm kind of crazy about you," Kurt blushed and Blaine grinned. They stared at each other for a few long moments before Cooper interrupted them by sitting down with a smirk on his face. Blaine scowled at his brother for ruining their moment but accepted the offered drink and took a gulp. They talked quietly, sipping at their drinks before heading back to Elizabeth's room.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claire and Grant were still there and both of them looked up at Cooper and Blaine. "Who is this?" Claire asked, curiosity colouring her voice.

"I'm Cooper Anderson," Cooper introduced himself, "and this is my brother, Blaine. We are friends with your daughters and grandson."

"Anderson," Grant mused. "You're not Harrison and Amelia's sons are you?"

"Uh, yes, we are," Cooper said, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

"I've had business with your father and we were at the same Christmas party last year," Grant nodded, sounding approving.

Blaine had an odd sense that he had just moved up in Grant's books but he wasn't sure whether this was a good thing or a bad thing. Kurt shot Blaine a look and he shrugged in response.

"It's nice to meet you," Blaine offered and Claire smiled at his dapperness.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too," she replied. "I'm afraid we have to get going. I need to set up some rooms in the house for you all."

Elizabeth nodded and Claire kissed her cheek. Grant smoothed his daughter's hair before patting Kurt on the shoulder, who flinched slightly under the pressure. The two of them exited the room and the tension in the air lifted.

"Your parents seem nice," Cooper offered and Mildred snorted.

"You don't have to be polite," she winked and Cooper chuckled.

"I think we should get going, too. You need rest, Elizabeth," he said and Blaine nodded his agreement.

"Thank you for visiting," Elizabeth smiled and beckoned the boys over. She gently kissed Cooper's cheek and then Blaine's and both boys grinned. "Blaine, I'm sorry you had to miss school."

"It's fine," Blaine assured, stepping back to take Kurt's hand. "Don't worry about it. I can catch up."

While Cooper was saying goodbye, Kurt pulled Blaine off to the side. "I don't want you to go," he whispered. He hadn't realised how much he relied on Blaine until this moment. He wasn't used to someone wanting him or looking out for him. Sure, he had friends at McKinley but none were on the level of friendship that he and Blaine had going on and he was slightly embarrassed about how needy he was sounding.

Blaine grinned though and squeezed Kurt's hands. "I don't want to either but I'll see you tomorrow," he promised and gently pulled his boyfriend into a hug. "Besides, your mum – and not to mention you – need rest."

Kurt sighed but could see his point and reluctantly let Blaine go. "Tomorrow," he murmured and Blaine grinned.

Blaine bade goodbye to Mildred and Elizabeth before swooping in quickly to kiss Kurt's cheek and then left with his brother. Kurt bit his lip and sighed before moving back to his mother's bed and sitting on the edge of it with Mildred. He frowned as both his aunt and mother were grinning at him brightly.

"What?" Kurt drawled.

"Nothing, just you and Blaine are adorable," Elizabeth shrugged and Kurt blushed while Mildred giggled. Kurt shoved her gently and her giggles grew louder. Kurt allowed them to tease him, using it as a distraction from the harsh reality that was laid out before him. Elizabeth was going to be okay, the stroke only having been mild. She would be weak for a long time and it would take a while to recover but at least she was alive and not going to suffer from brain damage – something that they were all thankful for. At this point, Kurt was just thankful that she was still alive and that he hadn't lost yet another parent.