Although Burt didn't like it, Kurt slept in Blaine's room with him. The first night home he tried to sleep in his own room but ended up having a panic attack and crawling into Blaine's bed, sobbing painfully. It had taken Blaine a while to calm his boyfriend down but he had managed the way he always did and Blaine spent the rest of the night singing softly to Kurt who shivered in his arms, slipping in and out of consciousness.

Finn was directing calls from New Directions who were ringing all the time to speak to Kurt and Blaine to see how they were doing. Kurt wouldn't talk to them but Blaine took some calls and chatted briefly to Sam, Mercedes, Tina, Mike and Quinn. They had promised to pass along to the rest of them what Blaine told them.

Both Kurt and Blaine didn't go back to school straight away; Kurt was still in far too much pain to go and Blaine didn't want to leave him alone. While Kurt was engrossed in a book, Blaine called Wes, knowing they would be in rehearsal.

"Blaine!" Wes cried and Blaine chuckled. Suddenly more shouts came through the phone and Blaine realised he was on speaker.

"Hey guys," Blaine grinned.

"How are you both?" Wes demanded and the boys on the other end fell silent, eager to hear his response.

"We're getting there," Blaine replied, "Kurt's home and that's what matters."

"How is he doing?" Nick asked, raising his voice considerably so that he could be heard, though his tone was still laced with concern.

"Not too good," Blaine admitted, sighing, "He's been so quiet; I'm really worried about him."

"Maybe we could help," Nick suggested. "We really miss you guys and we all love Kurt. And you, of course, but Kurt's cuter." Blaine laughed at this and had to agree, though Nick quickly turned serious. "We'll do anything we can to ensure he recovers properly."

"What did you have in mind?" Blaine asked. Nick relayed his plans and by the end of the explanation, Blaine was grinning. "That's sounds amazing, guys," he said. "Thank you."

"When can we come over?" Wes asked.

"Tonight should be OK. I'll bring Kurt to mine so that we don't get in Burt and Carol's way and my parents will be ok with it," Blaine told them, smiling.

"Alright, we'll meet you there," Wes said. His voice suddenly became quieter and more serious. "Take care, Blaine, and take care of Kurt."

"I will," Blaine vowed and he could almost see Wes' approving nod. "Thanks again, guys," he continued and promptly hung up.

Blaine went back to his room and found Kurt was no longer reading but staring at his hand, looking at the cut with eyes that were carefully guarded, though Blaine could see the shreds of emotion peeking through. He knew Kurt was terrified.

"Hey," Blaine said softly, crawling on to the bed next to Kurt, lying on his stomach.

Kurt tore his gaze away from his hand and looked at his boyfriend. "Where did you go?" Kurt asked, eyebrows furrowing.

"To call Wes," Blaine explained. "I had to let them know that you were OK and had come home. And, of course, to find out what we had been missing out on." Blaine grinned at this, though Kurt's expression remained stony. He nodded, head dropping. "They want to see you," Blaine said gently. "They miss you." Kurt breath hitched but he didn't raise his head. "Kurt," Blaine urged, taking a pleading tone. "Talk to me, please."

"Why?" Kurt asked.

"Why what?" Blaine echoed, confused.

"Why would they want to see me? I look awful," Kurt said, finally looking up at his boyfriend.

"Kurt," Blaine gasped, eyes wide. "They're our friends. They don't like us because of how we look." But Blaine knew this was just a fa�ade. He knew that Kurt was terrified of seeing his friends, afraid of judgement – though Blaine knew the Warblers wouldn't give him any. But he had to let Kurt come to that conclusion on his own.

"I-I don't think I can," Kurt said, shaking his head, wincing at his aching neck.

"Kurt," Blaine prompted, softly.

"No, Blaine," Kurt snapped. "I can't!"

"Babe," Blaine said gently.

"I'm so ashamed!" Kurt cried, slipping off the bed and started pacing.

"Ashamed?" Blaine questioned, eyes wide. "Of what?"

"Of getting hit and then kidnapped by some delusional freak," Kurt exclaimed. "All these bruises and scratches show everyone just how pathetic I really am." Blaine was shocked and could only stare at Kurt as he continued to rant.

"I'm a mess," Kurt muttered, pacing faster. "I can't even sleep in my own room, I'm that afraid, I've got bruises and pain that are constant reminders that – that I – that I couldn't fight him off, that I wasn't strong enough," Kurt was losing it and he broke into sobs, his good arm curling around his waist.

Blaine was on his feet in an instant and pulling Kurt into his arms. He struggled for a moment before relaxing into Blaine and sobbing into his shoulder. "It's OK, it's OK – let it all out." Blaine urged, stroking Kurt's hair gently. "Let it all out."
Blaine just held Kurt as he cried. Blaine knew that he had to get it all. For days he had been quiet and Blaine had no idea that all this was on his mind, that he felt ashamed. Blaine had had a feeling that there was a dam waiting to break but he had no idea of the nature of Kurt's upset.

"Kurt, baby, listen to me," Blaine said, stroking Kurt's back as he sobbed. "I know you like to feel strong and independent all the time but babe, you don't have to be." Kurt just continued to weep. "You have to let me help you and take care of you," Blaine urged. "I know you. You're not used to being looked after because you don't want anyone to but it's just me. Let me in, please."

Kurt pulled back and looked at Blaine through eye lashes spiked with tears. "OK," Kurt whispered.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, OK? He's a delusional boy who has issues and you happened to be the one he took them out on," Blaine said. "We've been really worried about you Kurt, all of us. You've been so quiet and withdrawn."

"I don't know how to deal with this," Kurt admitted, his voice cracking.

"Then we'll figure this out together," Blaine said, resting his hands on Kurt's hips and rubbing his nose against Kurt's.

"Together?" Kurt asked quietly.

"Together," Blaine promised. "You are everything to me Kurt, everything."

"You're my world, Blaine," Kurt whispered, opening his eyes to meet his boyfriend's. "Don't ever leave me."

"I couldn't if I tried," Blaine replied and kissed Kurt gently. Kurt sighed and wiped his eyes with his good hand as he pulled back. "Will you let the Warbler's sing for you?" Blaine asked. "Please?"

"Yeah, I can let them sing to me," Kurt said with a small smile.

Blaine grinned brightly and Kurt's eyes light up at the sight. "We'll go to my place so that we aren't in everyone's way," Blaine said.

Kurt nodded, happy with the idea of getting out of the house for a bit. Being trapped in one house was too similar to being kept in that cabin. They talked to Burt and Carol briefly about their plans. Burt and Carol had been taking their honeymoon time off work to keep an eye on their son.

Burt had been surprised by their idea but had readily agreed nonetheless, seeing a change in Kurt. He noticed his son's red eyes and had heard him crying.

"Sounds like a good idea," Carol said, smiling at the two of them. "You two deserve some fun."

Blaine grinned and Kurt allowed a small smile. Blaine took his hand and they said their goodbyes before heading to Blaine's car. Kurt sat tense in the car and Blaine noticed this instantly and turned the radio on to try and sooth him. Kurt was relieved when they were out of the car and Blaine took his good hand and led him into the house.

"When are they getting here?" Kurt asked as they walked to the front door.

"Not until after Warblers practice so we have some time," Blaine assured Kurt, knowing that he would need time to get ready.

Kurt nodded and they entered the house. Annie greeted them warmly, kissing Kurt's cheek gently. "Hey darlings," Annie greeted. "I've been making a cake, you guys want some?"

"Yes please," Blaine grinned, bouncing on his toes like a child. Annie laughed and Blaine danced to the kitchen, pulling Kurt along with him who giggled at his boyfriend's childish antics. Some things never changed. Kurt nibbled at his piece of cake, listening to Annie talk about her day at work and the gossip of the work place. "I'm amazed anything is getting done," Annie sighed.

"Please, you love the gossip," Kurt said, speaking up for the first time in the conversation. Annie grinned and winked.

The doorbell rang and Kurt stiffened. Blaine noticed and kissed his cheek. "It'll be OK," Blaine whispered.

Blaine went to get the door and Annie came to Kurt. She pushed his bangs back from his forehead and smiled gently at him. He reminded him of his mothers touch and he would do anything at the moment to have her hold him and tell him everything would be OK.

"If you need anything honey," Annie said gently and her voice was full of kindness. "Just ask me, OK? It's nice to see you smiling again."

Kurt smiled at her and Annie returned the gesture. Voices filled the house, along with laughter and Kurt took a deep breath. Nick came into the kitchen alone and Kurt started at the sudden sound of footsteps, turning. Nick smiled at Kurt and went to him. "Hey Kurt," Nick grinned. "We've missed you. Good to see you home."

"Thanks, Nick," Kurt said quietly.

Nick took a slow step towards Kurt and pulled him into a gently hug. Kurt's breath hitched as he put pressure on his ribs. Kurt patted Nick back with his good hand and Nick pulled back and quickly wiped his eyes and Kurt realised that he was tearing up.

"I just," Nick cleared his throat. "I'm really glad you are OK. Life sucks without you and Blaine, Kurt." Kurt smiled and briefly kissed Nick's cheek. Nick grinned and pulled Kurt up off his stool. "Come on," Nick grinned and led Kurt into the living room. The Warblers all grinned at Kurt who blushed slightly and Blaine was smiling proudly at him. Nick led Kurt to one of the loungers in the living room and sat him down.

"Kurt, we're so glad to have you back," Wes said with a grin, "and we wanted to something to cheer you up."

Kurt threw Blaine an accusing look who just shrugged in response. Kurt's eyes softened though when the boys started singing, Blaine naturally taking the lead vocals.

"You think I'm pretty without any make up on,"

Kurt's eye light up like they usually did whenever Blaine sung. The boys grinned as they continued to sing, loving Kurt's genuine smile – the first one they'd seen in a long time.

When Kurt and Blaine had first gotten to Dalton, they were quiet and withdrawn, keeping to themselves. Blaine, during one Warbler's meeting, had serenaded Kurt with Teenage Dream by Katy Perry. The song had meaning to them both and Kurt was smiling brightly and watching Blaine with adoring eyes.

When the final notes lingered in the air, Kurt and Annie burst into applause cheering and whooping.
The bows bowed and high fived each other. Blaine practically skipped over and placed a chaste kiss on Kurt's lips.

"Thank you," Kurt said, looking at Blaine with adoring eyes. "I needed that."

"I think that performance deserves some cake," Annie grinned and the boys cheered. Annie laughed and a couple of the boys followed her to the kitchen to help pass out the pieces of cake.

The others spread across the living room, talking and filling Kurt and Blaine in on what they had missed at school. Kurt and Blaine shared a chair, Nick and Jeff beside them. Blaine felt Kurt starting to relax as the afternoon went on and he stroked his arm, smiling.

Eventually the Warblers had to go and they said their goodbyes, voicing their hopes of seeing Kurt and Blaine back at school soon. Blaine watched with fond eyes as Nick got a hug out of Kurt and they talked quietly together. Jeff clapped Blaine on the shoulder as he passed and took Nick's hand as the two of them headed out of the house.

"I'm so proud of you," Blaine said and pulled Kurt in to a gentle kiss. Kurt sighed softly and surrendered into the embrace. This was them stripped back to basics, just Kurt and Blaine and the love they shared.

And it was so, so perfect.