Burt, Finn and Carol stayed with Kurt while Blaine went home. Kurt felt empty as soon as Blaine had left and he was constantly on edge. He knew rationally that he was perfectly safe with his family; they weren't going to hurt him at all, least of all his dad, but he couldn't shake the feeling.

He made light conversation with Finn, asking him about Rachel and if anything had happened between the two of them yet. It was mindless conversation; anything to get his mind off what had happened.

Finn eagerly jumped at the change of subject and told Kurt about how Rachel had called him just a couple of hours ago to make sure that he was doing OK. "I think she might like me," Finn said, a hopeful smile on his face. "She asked about you, too, of course but she asked how I was holding up and the family."

"That's good Finn," Kurt said tiredly, eyes drooping close. He blinked sluggishly and tried to focus on Finn.

"New Directions want to visit you," Finn said, smiling encouragingly at Kurt. "See how you're doing."

"I can't," Kurt replied quietly, wishing his voice hadn't cracked. "I'm sorry, Finn. I don't want them to see me like this."

"You look fine," Finn gave Kurt a quick once over and nodded decisively.

"I look awful,' Kurt snapped, eye narrowing, "and not just in the physical sense. I'm emotional mess. It's not fair to them or me." Kurt was breathing harshly and his hands rested on his ribs, his face screwed up with the strain he was putting on his still-injured body.

"Sorry," Finn replied, putting his head up in mock surrender, "It's OK, I get it. I'll tell them you're not ready."

"Thank you," Kurt said, voice dropping to a whisper. "Sorry for snapping at you. I know you're only trying to help."

"We're family now," Finn urged, putting a gentle hand on Kurt's shoulder. "I've got your back."

Kurt smiled and rested his head against the mountain of pillows that were behind him.

"No one expects you to do anything that you aren't ready for Kurt," Carol said softly, smiling at Kurt. He felt so guilty. Carol and Burt had been discussing their honeymoon before he had been taken and now, because of this, he was sure they were going to push it back and wait until he was back on his feet. He didn't want them to miss out on having some alone time. They were newlyweds after all. They were meant to be all over each other, not sitting around a hospital bed watching their son suffer.

"I'm sorry about your honeymoon plans," Kurt said, apologetically.

"Don't be stupid," Burt replied gruffly.

"Kurt," Carol gasped, eyes wide with surprise. "You have nothing to apologize for. If it was Finn, we would all be here, too. It's just a honeymoon. We can go anytime. We care more about you and your safety."

Kurt hesitantly reached out with his good hand and took Carol's, squeezing it tightly. Carol's eyes brimmed with tears and she squeezed back. Kurt withdrew his hand and let his eyes fall closed; he was so tired. When Blaine came back, Kurt was asleep for the first time.

Blaine was freshly showered and dressed and he took a seat next to Finn. Kurt didn't sleep for long however and was shaken awake by the sound of voices. Kurt shot up, startled, and pain coursed through his body. He hissed sharply and Blaine was in front of him in a matter of seconds.

"Hey," Blaine said gently as Kurt's eyes darted around frantically. "You're OK. You're in the hospital."

Kurt's breathing started to even out and he squeezed Blaine's hand. "Sorry," he croaked, voice still rough with sleep.

"There's no need to be sorry," Blaine replied softly, stroking his hair. Burt and Carol shared a look, sighing softly.

The doctor came around to do his rounds and gave Kurt yet another check up. He smiled as he finished and lowered his chart. "Good news, Kurt," he smiled. "You can go home today."

Kurt brightened and he smiled for the first time in what felt like years. "Really?" he asked, breathlessly.

"Really," the doctor grinned. "I'll go get the release forms for your father to sign and you can get out of here."

Everyone cheered and the doctor laughed. Burt stood and followed the man out to get the release forms. Carol had been bringing clothes for Kurt every time she visited so that he could change when it was time for him to be released. "Here are some clothes, Kurt," Carol told him, handing them to her stepson.

"Thank you, Carol," Kurt said softly. They were a pair of loose jeans and a t-shirt and loose jumper. They were probably the least fashionable clothes that Kurt owned but they were comfy and wouldn't put any strain on his cuts and bruises. Blaine helped Kurt slip of the bed and he stood, a little shaky on his feet but otherwise OK.

"I'll need some help," Kurt said quietly, gesturing to his hand that was stitched up.

"Of course," Blaine said, wrapping an arm around Kurt's shoulder and herding him into the bathroom. Carol said nothing, smiling gently at the two of them, glad that Kurt had someone as wonderful as Blaine. Finn watched with wide eyes, stunned and slightly jealous. No way would Burt or Carol ever allow him to help a girl get dressed in a public place.

In the bathroom, Blaine helped Kurt take off the gown that he had been dressed in when he arrived. Kurt was left standing in his boxers and he pointedly avoided Blaine's gaze, aware of how messed up he looked.

"Look at me," Blaine instructed softly and Kurt slowly raised his gaze and looked into Blaine's hazel eyes that were brimming with love. "You're beautiful," Blaine said gently. "Nothing will ever change that." Blaine lowered his head and placed a soft yet loving kiss on the largest bruise that covered his chest. Kurt's breath hitched and Blaine pulled back slowly. He smiled loving at Kurt and picked up the jeans. "Put your good hand on my shoulder to steady yourself," Blaine instructed and Kurt did so. He slowly stepped in the jeans and Blaine pulled them up, buttoning them and zipping the fly. He picked up the shirt and pulled it over Kurt's head as gently as he could. Kurt winced as he threaded his arms through the sleeves.

Blaine did the same with the jumper and gently kissed Kurt when he was fully clothed. "When we get home, you can shower and you'll feel much better," Blaine said and Kurt nodded. They stepped back out of the bathroom and found Burt waiting with the papers.

"All ready, kid," Burt told them. "Let's get you home."

Kurt smiled and leaned into Blaine who had his arm around his shoulder. Kurt was put in a wheel chair and rolled out to the front, which Kurt had begrudgingly realised was hospital policy. Blaine helped him out and they waited for Burt to bring the car around.

They all climbed in and Kurt winced at the memories that he now associated with cars. Blaine rubbed his good hand as they drove, Kurt flinching every now and then, humming slightly under his breath to try and distract himself. Blaine knew that Kurt would be thinking about the accident and did everything he could to pull him out of those thoughts.

The trip went quickly and finally they pulled up to the Hummel-Hudson home. Kurt got out of the car slowly and allowed Blaine to help him into the house. He didn't like being waited on and could take care of himself but he was too tired to protest and it was nice that Blaine was looking out for him.

"I'm going to make us all some lunch," Carol announced and headed into the kitchen. Finn grinned and headed to the living room, turning the TV on and spreading himself across the couch, glad things were back to normal.

"Annie and Edward will be here this afternoon," Burt said. "They had to work." He explained, apologetically.

"Sure," Kurt replied, smiling to show that it was OK.

Burt nodded and beamed at Kurt. "It's good to have you home, kid."

Kurt grinned at his dad and pressed a quick kiss on his cheek. "I love you dad," Kurt said.

"I love you, too, now go sit down and relax," Burt instructed, gesturing to the couch and then following Carol in the kitchen, no doubt to hinder more than help her in making lunch.

Kurt nodded and let Blaine lead him to the open chair. Kurt sat, wincing as he did so and Blaine curled up beside him, careful not to jostle him too much. He pulled Kurt's legs across his lap and gently traced blind patterns on his ankle.

Carol wasn't long in the kitchen and came back with sandwiches for them all. She handed them to the boys and smiled at Kurt, encouraging him to eat.

Finn had put on one of his movies but neither Kurt nor Blaine were paying attention to it. Blaine's focus was entirely on Kurt, watching him eat carefully. Kurt nibbled and ate slowly. Blaine was finished well before him and just sat quietly. Kurt didn't finish all of his and Blaine took the plate from him and placed it on the coffee table.

"Was there anything you wanted to do?" Blaine asked.

"Shower," Kurt said. "I feel disgusting."

Blaine nodded and stood up, helping Kurt up. Blaine went in search of Burt and found him in the kitchen with Carol, both of them eating lunch.

"Kurt wants to shower," Blaine told them, leaning against the counter and looking at the adults.

"He should take a bath at first," Carol suggested. "Make sure the water's not too hot. I think standing in the shower may be a bit too much at first. He's still very weak."

Blaine nodded, making mental notes of everything Carol told him.

"Are you going to help him?" Burt asked and Blaine flushed.

"If he needs it," Blaine said carefully. "I know he'll want to wash his hair and he can't get shampoo in his cut."

Burt nodded. "Thank you Blaine," Burt said. "Kurt's lucky to have you."

Blaine blushed. "I'm the lucky one," he admitted, not waiting for a response before departing the kitchen. He went back to Kurt who was slowly climbing the stairs. Blaine went with him and led him to the bathroom and started running a bath. Kurt watched with a confused expression.

"Carol thought it might be better for you," Blaine shrugged and Kurt nodded. When the bath was full, Blaine turned off the taps and faced Kurt. "Did you want me to leave?" Blaine asked gently.

"No, I'll need your help to wash my hair," Kurt said. Blaine nodded and helped Kurt get undressed again.

Kurt blushed slightly but Blaine just kissed him. He helped him into the bath and Kurt sat down gingerly. Blaine took off his jumper and sat on the edge of the bath. He picked up a flannel and dipped in the water until it was soaked. He brought it to Kurt's skin and gently began to wash him. Though the act was simple, it felt strangely intimate and Kurt sighed happily, closing his eyes and leaning into Blaine's touch.

"Feeling better?" Blaine asked quietly.

"Much," Kurt replied, smiling. He didn't care that all his family was down stairs, all that mattered was Blaine and the immense pleasure of being clean. When his body was clean, Blaine poured a jug of warm water over Kurt's head to wet his hair. Kurt giggled and Blaine chuckled, happy hear the sound from Kurt.

Kurt hummed as Blaine began to massage shampoo into his hear and he relaxed into the touch, feeling completely safe in Blaine's presence. Blaine rinsed Kurt's hair carefully, Kurt tipping his head back and Blaine couldn't resist gently kissing and nipping at his long pale neck.

Kurt sighed contentedly and opened his eyes, staring straight into Blaine's own. "I love you," Kurt said.

"I love you, too," Blaine smiled and gently kissed Kurt on the lips. Kurt kissed him back, bringing his good hand to cup Blaine's face and deepened the kiss. Blaine moaned softly and kissed him back, both releasing pent up emotions and the fear they had been carrying around for the past few days.
Blaine ripped away and panted, placing kisses all over Kurt's face.

Kurt stroked Blaine's face, tears slipping from his eyes. "I missed you so much," Kurt admitted, breathlessly.

"I'll never leave you Kurt," Blaine promised and Kurt kissed him again. Kurt eventually started to shiver and Blaine noticed the water had gone cold. "Come on, let's get you dressed," Blaine said, pulling away. Kurt struggled to his feet and Blaine wrapped a towel around him. He dried Kurt and together the dressed him and the moved to the bed. Kurt looked around the room and shuddered, rubbing his arms absentmindedly in an action that Blaine recognised as anxiety. "What is it?" Blaine asked, concerned.

"He was in here," Kurt said, still shaking. "He put the present on my bed." Blaine growled softly, throwing a dirty look at the bed as if it was personally responsible for Kurt's capture. "Can we go to your room?" Kurt asked, looking at Blaine.

"Of course, love," Blaine said and they proceeded to Blaine's room, lying down on the bed. Kurt lay across Blaine chest and drifted off to sleep with Blaine humming quietly in his ear and stroking his hair. He was home at last.