Blaine had arranged to meet Cooper that coming Saturday, having blown him off on Tuesday in favour of spending the evening with a distraught Kurt. He couldn't explain it, Elwy's sudden withdrawal. After his song suggestion in Glee he'd carefully retracted himself and opted to sit as far back from the floor as possible and refused Kurt's offer of coffee with them both. Himself and Kurt both being bubbly that they were back on good terms, neither pushed. Apparently that was not what Elwy had been expecting.

The twitch in his leg was something Elwy had long come to accept was a quirk he couldn't avoid. Once he had offered his song choice to the rest of Glee and played it aloud on his phone, the club had been eager to accept and set about organising it into something manageable. He politely refused the lead for the minute and stepped towards the back of the room. What he hadn't expected was for Kurt to get on as if nothing had happened; that his sudden reappearance had solved everything, that he wasn't hurting just as much inside. Elwy watched with disdain as he and Blaine bounded around, arms curled around each other, irritation fuelling the heat prickling across his eyelids. An irrational anger spoke the words of refusal to Kurt's coffee offer and before he knew it he was alone in his room, guilt bubbling in his stomach.

It was Selfish and stupid to be angry at Kurt and even more so to be angry at Blaine; he hardly knew the guy and he'd done nothing wrong, but right now the devil was winning out over the angel and he couldn't find a rational thought in his head. Everything was annoyance at Kurt and resentment at Blaine and a confidence in his resolve  that was completely un founded but to his anger addled brain, made complete sense.

The problem was everything reminded him of her, every scent, every taste. He found himself glancing over long at flowers as he passed or blinking rapidly at running water, because he knew how much she enjoyed sitting with her feet in the river he was named for, delighting in the silkiness of it on a warm day in the middle of their annual May time heat wave. She would make the most of it, she always did, and she never took it for granted because you can't live your life wishing for things Elwy. After a while he had stop himself, stop his train of thought because the way he was thinking, the way he was running over her voice in his head...he was living life as if she were already dead. He couldn't give up hope that easily, no matter how many doctors told him there was nothing they could do, that he had to treasure the time. Lily always treasured the time and he tried to too. It made him angry, how doctors told the family to make the most of the time left because he knew, and if he had learnt anything from his brother's death to the same sickening disease it was that you had to take each day as it comes, record, stow away, cherish. That's what making memories is all about and that what humanity was, making history, making memories. That was how the human race learned.

Even so, he had to express his pain somehow and by trying to be brave he made himself more vulnerable, and by doing that he started to doubt, to over think and in that lay the problem.

He wasn't angry at Kurt, he was angry at the absence of Kurt. He was angry that the majority of his time was now spent with Blaine and how that seemed to always take precedence. Elwy had had expectations about how this year was going to go: just him and Kurt, like it always had been. Then this stranger had dropped out of nowhere into their lives and Elwy somehow had to deal with sharing Kurt, like he never had before. Elwy knew Kurt, they had shared things he would blush just to remember but that was what made it special. How much did Blaine know? How long would it take for Blaine to catch him up? How long would it be before Kurt didn't need Elwy at all?

That being said, it seemed even more stupid to be ignoring him now but the thing was he couldn't look Kurt in the eye. He couldn't face his sympathy or his knowing because that just brought on flashbacks he really would rather forget. No, he needed time, and this was the only way he was going to get it.

Blaine had driven over at Kurt's request, just to sit and watch him pace. Apparently Elwy had completely blanked him at his locker and when Kurt had yet again invited him for coffee after school he had gotten a straight up “just leave me alone” and it had shaken him to his core. Seriously. What was the bloke's problem?

Eventually Kurt fell exhausted onto the bed next to Blaine, letting his head land on his shoulder. Blaine, still unfamiliar with such gestures, smiled a little and then felt guilty before circling his arm around Kurt's back.

“I don't know what to do. Tell me what to do” Kurt said quietly, all fight gone from his limbs. Blaine shifted uncomfortably next to him, eyes darting around

“I...you know I can't...this is you and Elwy we're talking about. I don't know-” Kurt sat up straight again, turning his head warily

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...I shouldn't put this on you, you have enough to deal with.” he looked down at his hands “I just...its Elwy and I...I don't...” Blaine sighed and placed his free hand atop Kurt’s

“Hey remember why you got pissed at me yesterday? Because you thought I thought you were fragile which for the record, I don't, but the sentiment is the same. You don't have to be careful around me okay?” he said firmly, squeezing Kurt's fingers tightly to make him meet his eyes. “I'm better since knowing you. Not healed but...better. And how am I supposed to help my boyfriend when he's sidestepping around me? Don't” Kurt's eyebrows twitched ever so slightly and then he surged forward to join their lips, pushing Blaine sideways onto the bed and laying half across him. The kissing continued for an indeterminate amount of time but before they could get any further, Finn came bounding up the stairs announcing dinner. Blaine had left then, not wanting to intrude. Needless to say Elwy had been forgotten, if only for a few minutes. Blaine drove home feeling a little uneasy. Of course he didn’t want to push the physical stuff between them to the side, but he also didn’t want Kurt to rely on it as a distraction. That was how things got bad.

The rest of the week followed a similar pattern and it was strange how easily Blaine fell into it. His parents’ arguing had become a distant hum he was able to drown out and he made sure to spend as much time with Kurt as he could. By Friday, he and Elwy still hadn't spoken a word to each other despite having lockers placed strategically next to each other. Blaine had tried to act as a medium for them both but after a rather nasty blow up on Elwy's part which involved some heavy cursing; he resolved to stay out of it.

But there were worst things to deal with other than Elwy's dirty mouth.

Of course, in par with his predictions, Kurt had begun to wither even faster. Even his excuses were losing imagination and credibility and nothing Blaine did could coerce him into talking about it. He was at a loss. And that was where Cooper came in.

They had opted for some place a little less known, a booth near the back of a Chinese on the outskirts of town, Cooper had insisted. He ordered food, endured the teasing and then steeled himself for the conversation ahead.

“Hey coop” he said carefully, trying to sound optimistic. He lay down his fork and picked up his drink to take a sip. Cooper was acting like five year old, screwing up his face in concentration as he tested the art of wrapping noodles around his chop sticks. “I wanted to ask you something” Cooper looked up, serious all of a sudden. He arched an eyebrow, looking more than a little uncomfortable

“Wait, this isn't a sex thing is it?” Blaine rolled his eyes

“Honestly, can you keep your mind off sex for five minutes?”

“Sorry, go ahead little bro”

“It's not about sex” he started, blushing at the tips of his cheeks. “But it is about Kurt. There's something going on with him but he won't tell me what.”

“Okay” his brother replied, dragging out the second vowel. “Well do you have anything at all to go on? Because you know, brotherly intuition only goes so far” Blaine hesitated. How much should he tell Cooper?

“Well he hasn't been eating properly which I just brushed off because Elwy-”

“That's his foreign friend” Cooper cut in

“Welsh, but yes. Well he didn't seem worried so I left it at that. But then they fell out and it got worse and I’m scared that if I broach the subject in the wrong way I’ll just push him further away which of course is the last thing I want to do because I know what…I just don't know what to do” he finished hopelessly

“So...he's not eating. In front of you at least. What about at home?”

“He must do, or he wouldn't be walking right now but from what I can tell his main consumption is coffee which might actually be my fault...”

“What do you mean?”

“The day after we found out about Elwy's girlfriend I brought him coffee in one of Dad's thermos' and he practically lives with it glued to his hand.”

“When was that?”

“Monday”

“So it's been a whole week?”

“Yeah”

“Oh you gotta talk to him about this man, seriously” he stuffed a chop stick covered in noodles into his mouth and chewed solemnly “or this could get nasty”

“I’ve tried, but I don't want to push. I don't want to make things worse” subconsciously, he pulled a little at his sleeves, enclosing the hems between his fingers. He stared into his rice dismally “I don't want to mess this up Coop”

“Hey look who's talking! You are Blaine Devon Anderson! Little brother to the infamous Cooper Anderson! The most dapper and chivalrous man in all of Ohio! From what I know of Kurt he ain't going to be letting you go any time soon. But that's just it; you gotta get him to trust you. Trust me” Blaine sighed, stabbing into his food again “you don't have to do anything major, but anything you can tell him to assure him that you're willing to lay a secret on the line to make him see that you are worth trusting. Then he'll do the same. Just think of something you could tell him but wouldn't tell me in a million years.”

He already knows all of my secrets Blaine thought which was really stupid of him seeing as he'd only known Kurt for a month. He took a bite of his pork. What do you tell a boy who already knew all of your darkest fears? And then it came to him, and he stopped chewing.

“I know what I can tell him” he whispered and Cooper nudged his foot under the table

“See, not too hard right? Now you have to try some of this sauce Blainers I’m telling you...” Blaine phased out of the conversation, suddenly nervous.

He swallowed.

I have to tell him about Jake.

 [17:48] Blaine <3

Hey, you okay? Just wondering when I could see you next :) xxx

[17:50] Kurt :)

hi, I'm fine, you? Well when are you free? I miss you ;) xxx

[17:51] Blaine <3

good! It's been a day Kurt, really! But I miss you too, what are you doing this evening? Xxx

[17:53] Kurt :)

I know but...that's a whole day Blaine a WHOLE day. I'm free as far as I know, why? Xxx

[17:54] Blaine <3

Sometimes I don't know what to do with you ;)  I was just wondering if I could pop over? I have some things I need to talk to you about xxx

[18:09] Blaine <3

Kurt? You still there? Xxx

[18: 11] Kurt :)

yeah hey, sorry. I shouldn't be worried should I? Xxx

[18:12] Blaine <3

no, no! Of course not! There's just some stuff I need to tell you. Don't panic! Xxx

[1815] Kurt :)

oh right. Okay yeah sure xx

[18:19] Blaine <3

You sure you're okay Kurt? Xxx

[18:23] Kurt :)

Yeah, why? Xx

[18:25] Blaine <3

you dropped a kiss. Xxx

[18:27] Kurt :)

Accident, sorry. Here have a hug too xox

[18:30] Blaine <3

Oh thank you :) So I’ll see you tonight? Xxx

[18:31] Kurt :)

Is this desperate Blaine? Xxx

[18:33] Blaine <3

erm kind of, why, are you busy? I don't want you to brush off work or anything, just tell me /: xxx

[1835] Kurt :)

No, it's not that. I'm just in a weird mood, sorry :( xxx

[18:37] Blaine <3

*snuggles and hands you hot chocolate* anything I can do? I don't have to come if you don't want me to... xxx

[18:38] Kurt :)

You’re too adorable :3 no, I want you to come, I just can't guarantee I won't be snappy when you get here is all xxx

[18:40] Blaine <3

No YOU are ;) well I’ll do my best to cheer you up and we don't have to talk about what I want to talk about tonight if you don't want to okay? I'll be there in a few minutes I’m just getting into the car Xx

[18:40] Blaine <3

whoops *xxx

[18:41] Kurt :)

Oh shush you. Drive safe, see you in a few <3 xxx

[18:42] Blaine <3

I will, don't worry <3 xxx

Kurt placed the phone down carefully, wincing at the clatter it made with the shake of his hand.

Fuck.

This was not supposed to be happening, Blaine was not supposed to be here. Blaine was supposed to be going home, maybe calling him later; doing whatever it was he did on a Saturday night. Not visiting Kurt. Not seeing Kurt like this.

He swallowed hard, taking a shaky breath. Kurt looked down at himself, sweat pants old and ragged, an over sized tee and fluffy bed socks. He grimaced, mostly at the clothes. Slowly, he pushed himself up, closing his eyes against the dizziness and made his way as best he could to the bathroom before stripping off and splashing his face with cold water. He looked pale in the mirror, almost gaunt, the dark circles under his eyes unhidden and popping against the grey. He squeezed his eyes shut as he reached for the door again, flinging a robe around himself.

He needed sugar.

He didn't bother with anything overly hard to put on, just slipping a pair of his looser jeans over his legs along with a sweater that was hung over the chair next to his bathroom door. Once decent, he stuck his feet into a pair of slippers and steeled himself for the journey downstairs. His stomach lurched with nausea with every stop and three times he had to stop to take a few breaths, his empty stomach cramping uncomfortably. It screamed for food, to be content for the first time all week. Considering Kurt had eaten only salad and fruit along with copious amounts of coffee for the last seven days, he was surprised he had lasted this long. Once safely past his father in the living room he sidled into the kitchen and pulled everything down ready to make some kind of quick energy rich snack.

It ended up being dry toast this time, which he stood nibbling against the counter while he waited for Blaine to arrive. He looked terrible and he knew that any excuse he forced out of himself was never going to convince Blaine that everything was okay and that was why the only thing running through his mind was fuck. He finished one slice just as the knock came on the door. He stiffened instantly, inhaling sharply as his father called through

“It's just Blaine, I don't think he'll be here for long” he called in answer. He put the empty plate down and tried to still his hands as he moved towards the front door, opening it to a cheerful if edgy looking Blaine. He couldn't help the smile spreading across his face at the sight.

“Hey” Blaine said, almost breathlessly

“Hey” Kurt replied, pulling him in for a hug. He held Blaine tight, burying his face into his neck until he felt the courage to pull back and smack that smile back on

“You okay?” Blaine asked uncertainly “you don't look so good...”

“I’m fine” Kurt replied with cough and then shut the door behind him.

“Good evening sir” Blaine directed at his father as they passed the living room. Kurt rolled his eyes.

“Hey Blaine, how you doing?”

“Very well sir, thank you, and yourself?”

“Not bad. And please drop the sir, kid, it makes me feel old”

“Okay s-Mr Hummel” his father shook his head

“Door open” he said before turning back to the TV. Kurt heaved a sigh and pulled him upstairs, gripping the banister rather harder than was necessary.

“You sure you're okay Kurt? You really don't look well, maybe I shouldn't be here”

“Blaine, I'm fine honestly, please stop” he said a little firmer, fiddling around with some papers on his dresser once they had reached his room. “So what was it you wanted to talk to me about?” He didn't turn around.

“Oh erm, it's just something I thought you should know. About Dalton and just...yeah” he sounded nervous and that if nothing else pulled Kurt around, oblivious for a second of the gnawing pain in his stomach and weakness of his knees.

“This is serious isn't it” he asked quietly after a brief pause.

“No not...okay yeah it kinda is” he shrugged apologetically. Kurt grimaced and made to join him on the bed, crossing his legs under himself and wrapping his arms around his torso.

“You don't have to tell me Blaine, if you don't want to”

“No, I want to. Just never told anyone else is all.” know the feeling, Kurt thought hiding a grumble from his stomach. “Well, okay I have, but she doesn't count. I had to tell her”

“She?” Kurt queried, all thought of his hunger gone in favour of sudden curiosity. He pulled his legs up and crossed them in front of Blaine. The other boy did the same.

“My old counsellor. You know I went back to Dalton on Wednesday?” Kurt nodded “well I saw her again and we talked some. About…stuff”

“About the stuff you told me about at the Lima Bean?” Blaine nodded, playing with his sleeves. Kurt frowned before reaching forward to take his hands, pulling them away from his arms. Blaine looked down at their entangled fingers, breathing a little shallower than usual

“Yes. And other stuff, which is what I wanted to talk to you about” there was a pause, where Blaine seemed to be fighting with himself. He looked around, eyes darting from his desk chair to his vinyl collection to his haphazardly placed pile of assignments on his dresser. They finally settled on a spot just past Kurt’s left shoulder. He didn’t turn, just kept his hands firmly knotted around Blaine’s and eyes softened on his own. He squeezed Blaine’s fingers gently. “There was a time, believe it or not” he started, jerking his head to the side “where I wasn’t like I am now. I mean I wasn’t happy, but it was for different reasons. I wasn’t the golden child in the least; I did well in school but that never seemed to be enough. I wasn’t out and I wasn’t proud. Of anything. Nothing about me was good, in my eyes anyway” he paused. Kurt just continued to reassure him with the soft brush of his fingers across his knuckles. “there was an…incident at the public school I was at, that involved me coming out and a dance and well, things were pretty bad but that was how I ended up at Dalton” he met Kurt’s eyes then, who simply nodded. Blaine’s face seemed to lift a little. “Things got better.

“I met someone, his name was J-Jake” he stuttered on the word, swallowing hard. “He was gay, smart, funny, and older than me. He was an old hat with the Warblers”

“Was he the one that head you singing?” Kurt asked with a slight smile.

“Oh god no, that was Jeff, my roommate. No that’s another story. Jake was the one Jeff went to for me to audition formally but I already knew him then. He helped me catch up with some of my classes, acted as some kind of a mentor. But he was sad, had this sort of melancholy about him that I couldn’t place and then it was one Friday night, he was tutoring me with math, just finishing off some homework, when he asked…about my last school.

“He’d never asked before, not outright like that. What bits and bobs he did know were from me rambling on about this class or another. I told him what happened at the dance and he sort of…I don’t know…after that he sort of disappeared. I didn’t see him in the halls and he didn’t turn up to Warbler practice. Then one day, I got pulled in by Ms Lloyd, that’s our counsellor, who told me he’d…tried to kill himself” Kurt gasped, eyes going wide. Blaine had just said that, just said it straight. No emotion, no hesitation. Kurt watched him carefully, the tense set of his jaw, the way his back stood ramrod straight. Blaine’s lip twitched slightly, almost ruefully as he continued “he didn’t come back to school for a couple of weeks but we kept in touch. He explained everything, the fact that his parents didn’t even know he was here, that his scholarship was won through a load of scamming. A lot of stuff came pouring out over that first week, stuff that he had been doing…prior to that incident. And I felt bad for him you know?” he looked up, squinting as if perplexed “but not as bad as I felt for myself. It was as if somebody had pulled this rug from beneath me and I was right back to feeling how I did before I met him. Then I started…started to mimic…him” his voice was low and soft now, eyes fixed on his lap. Kurt was past surprise, just a dull sense of pity mixed in with the hunger in his stomach. He wished he knew why Blaine was telling him all of this and was about to ask when Blaine continued

“It was stupid really, but after a while it just…I fell into a routine of it. Had a bad grade, I cut. Bad phone call from my parents, cut. Even if I woke up after a bad dream, or just uneasy I would-“ he huffed out a angry breath, beginning to fidget “I should have seen it coming really, known what kind of person he was but once Jake found out…he almost encouraged it. It was like we were in on this big secret.” Kurt’s breath was stuck in his throat, behind a lump the size of Alaska. Pity was starting to give way to empathy because he knew how that felt, knew what it felt like to know someone else was suffering, but not realise that it was a bad thing that he was doing nothing to stop it. He wanted to tell Blaine that, wanted him to know he understood…but he couldn’t, not now, not yet. He wasn’t ready. “Anyway” he continued, snapping Kurt’s attention back to the present “things got really bad at one point and Wes, probably my closest friend outside of Jake, started to notice I wasn’t really…me anymore, so he cornered me after practice one evening and ended up with me sobbing into his Blazer. After that he sent me to Ms Lloyd, along with Jake and we both started to attend regular counselling. He didn’t see that it was his fault and for a while neither did I. He was smug, and it wasn’t until I saw how arrogant he was that I started putting two and two together. He wasn’t much in my life after that” he sounded venomous and for a second, it wasn’t his Blaine that Kurt saw in front of him. This was a bitter boy, shaved away to the anger at his core. Kurt wasn’t entirely sure what to say to placate the unease drifting through him. The other boy look up, squeezed his eyes shut for a moment and then sighed out a breath. Shoulders relaxing. Kurt’s eyebrows narrowed until all of a sudden Blaine looked ready to drop. “whoa?” he rubbed a hand over his eyes and then, out of the blue…laughed. Kurt felt confusion clouding his vision as he opened his mouth to ask but Blaine just swallowed and turned back to him, eyes soft and warm. “Thank you. For listening.”

Kurt stared at him open mouthed until Blaine began to look a little awkward and then he shut it promptly, but trying words simply resulted in a slightly dry croak which he once again tried to swallow down. Blaine’s face fell a little.

“Kurt?” he blinked up at him

“Okay” he managed, just about a whisper before his throat contracted again. Blaine raised a hand to his cheek, meeting his eyes, dripping with concern “Kurt are you-“ Kurt nodded swiftly, not trusting his voice. A familiar pop somewhere in his stomach and a hand went flying to his navel.

It wasn't from hunger he realised with a jolt and no sooner had Blaine's eyebrows narrowed even further with confusion, Kurt was pelting towards the bathroom, retching up nothing into the clean porcelain toilet. Blaine hurried after him, clutching his shoulders as his body heaved uselessly, the sound echoing around the small room.

“Kurt, shhh, its okay, here” he let Blaine help him down onto the floor against the wall before he felt his absence, heard the rush of running water and then cold glass pressed to his lips. He sipped and nodded appreciatively, breathing heavily. Blaine placed the cup down and kneeled in front of him.

There were a few moments of silence.

“Kurt I’m going to ask you a question” he said, glancing quickly at the closed lid of the toilet. “And I want you to answer me honestly” Kurt frowned, eyes closed, but nodded. “When was the last time you ate? Something substantial I mean” Kurt's heart gave a nervous jolt and suddenly he was too hot, sweat crawling across his skin in a mixture of panic and guilt. He shrugged

“I don't know” his voice was weak, weary. Blaine sniffed

“Alright...well, shall we get you to the bed?” Kurt nodded and let Blaine help him up “I really didn’t want to upset you with any of that” Blaine said quietly.

“It wasn’t you just…don't tell my dad” he managed as he was lifted to his feet, supported on Blaine's weight. His boyfriend didn't seem too happy about that but didn't protest, simply led him to the bed and pressed him sideways onto it.

“I'm going to go grab some stuff from the kitchen okay? Try not to move and if you feel sick again to turn your head over the side of the bed, I’ll be as quick as I can” Kurt watched him go with drooping eyelids, exhausted from the day and what had just happened. The onslaught of emotion from Blaine’s story along with the effort of holding himself up like a puppet with his strings cut was tiring enough. The fact that he hadn’t eaten didn’t help. A sense of dread began to crawl up on him and he groaned.

Somewhere in his mind a voice was screaming at him to get up and pretend nothing had happened, he had to protect his secret at all costs. Another voice however was soothing him with the happy tone of relief, telling him it would be okay, that Blaine would know that they could struggle through it together. He wasn't alone any more.

Blaine returned less than ten minutes later, the thermos in his hand along with a spoon.

“Soup” he said in explanation “it won't be the best tasting, just one of those powered packets, just boiled the kettle and made it like that so your dad wouldn't get suspicious. Come on” Kurt pushed himself up, sighing into Blaine’s arm as he positioned himself against the headboard. Then Blaine perched on the edge, one leg hitched up as he spooned a clear looking soup into his mouth. Kurt made a noise of disgust but swallowed it down anyway “this is so stupid. That I'm doing this now, that you didn't tell me” he was shocked to hear a tremor in Blaine's voice as he continued to feed him “you never thought to mention it? Never thought that maybe I can help? That I know what you're going through?” he didn't meet Kurt's eyes as he placed the half full thermos on the night stand to let him deal with the small volume of food. He could already feel warmth spreading through his limbs, making him tired but comfortable. Blaine looked at him, eyes drawn and mouth unsteady. “I don't blame you for not telling me Kurt, I just wish you would have told someone. In fact I’m sort of relieved” he paused for a moment, thinking. When he spoke again his tone was certain and tinted with sadness “Elwy knew didn't he” Kurt swallowed, letting his head fall back onto the wall behind him. His voice was hoarse when he replied

“Yeah” Blaine nodded solemnly. “You should go” he said quietly, opening his eyes again “I don't want you to have to deal with this”

Blaine let out an exasperated huff of air and shook his head in disbelief

“Kurt, seriously, you have to stop stopping people looking after you. No, I'm not moving an inch. Not until your dad comes to kick me out. And then I'll just sneak back in so don’t even try it” some part of Kurt was angry, wanted to moan and beg for Blaine to leave but another part of him was just happy to hold him around a little longer. Blaine’s fingers moved to the thermos again and he grunted “you’re eating this. Don’t resist” he was shocked at the finality in his boyfriend’s voice, and thinking back, he’d seen a fair few sides to Blaine tonight. Maybe more than he really wanted to at this point. He drank the rest of the soup straight from the thermos and after he was done he felt more alert and awake, pushing himself a little higher up the bed. He watched Blaine for a few minutes in silence, traced his face with his eyes, sadness tugging at his heart like a wanting child. After the silence began to stretch into an uncomfortable atmosphere around them he reached out and touched his arm. Blaine started, snapping his head around.

“I’m sorry” Kurt said in a small voice. Blaine looked uncertain for a moment but eventually his features relaxed and he clasped a hand around his.

“You don’t have anything to be sorry for. I shouldn’t have dumped all that on you. I figured something was up and I was insensitive I should be the one who’s sorry” he replied sincerely. Kurt fixed with a half glare, half grimace.

“Can we not argue about it? I’m sorry, you’re sorry.”

“Okay” Blaine agreed. Kurt took a deep breath

“Would you sing for me?” he asked, tipping his head to the side. Blaine perked up at the question.

“Sure” he said, moving to sit beside Kurt and letting him settle down into his shoulder. He inhaled and exhaled and absorbed as much of Blaine as he could. “What do you want me to sing?” the vibrations of his chest made Kurt shiver as he considered.

“Anything. Something happy” he snuggled deeper into Blaine as he prepared his breath but he wasn’t expecting what finally came out of his mouth. 

Hey, don't write yourself off yet
It's only in your head you feel left out or looked down on.
Just try your best, try everything you can.
And don't you worry what they tell themselves when you're away.

Kurt recognised it instantly, not really his sound, but something he’d come across and fallen in love with. The way Blaine sang it though, the chirpiness gone, stripped down and melancholy. It conveyed the message perfectly, no embellishments or flourishes.

It just takes some time, little girl you're in the middle of the ride.
Everything will be just fine, everything will be alright

Kurt closed his eyes and opened his ears, his heart, his mind. It was a clever choice for such a snap decision, Kurt had to commend him. He took the essence from Blaine’s voice, felt the emotion, understood the hidden meaning.

All of a sudden he cut off and Kurt turned his head to see Blaine’s head back against the wall, eyes squeezed shut and he tried desperately to hold onto the tears already tracing a path down his face. He sat up, pushing back on his knees and wiping the tears away. “Oh Blaine…” the other boy shook himself back to awareness, scrubbed at his eyes swiftly and cleared his throat

“I’m fine, sorry erm” he pushed himself onto the edge of the bed, swinging feet down to the floor. “I should get going. Don’t want to be late for curfew” Kurt happened to know Blaine had no curfew, or at least not one he stuck to. He reached out to touch Blaine’s shoulder as he pulled on the shoes he’d discarded when he’d started to tell his story. God Kurt why today? Why did you have to bail today?

“Blaine, don’t go, please” he said, moving with him as he collected his jacket and stood awkwardly by the door.

“I’m sorry Kurt, I’ll see you tomorrow” he moved to open the door but Kurt stopped him before he could step out.

“Wait” Blaine looked up to meet his eyes as Kurt cut off his exit. “Just…are we okay?” Blaine licked his lips, looked at his feet and then back at Kurt.

“We’re fine” he croaked and the reached for the door knob.

“Hold on” Kurt said in a last attempt to get words out of him. Blaine’s eyes flicked up, a little annoyed this time but Kurt didn’t let it faze him as he dipped his head and pressed his lips to Blaine’s. He stiffened at first but after less than a second he relaxed into it, a hand coming to stroke softly over the exposed skin of Kurt’s neck. Even so, it was Blaine that pulled away first, leaning up to press one quick kiss to the corner of his lips before pulling the door open and stepping past Kurt

“I’ll see you Monday” he breathed as he began to trek down the stairs. Kurt was half tempted to call after him, to beg him to stay but the words got lost somewhere on the way to his mouth and instead he nibbled his lip and pressed the door closed behind him.

Goddamn it Kurt, why tonight.