After last weeks events, which, went as followed; Eight hours of waiting in A&E with Stef to be told her burns would be fine and they would heal completely, with no scaring. Another eight hours reasuring her that she is still beautiful - mainly from Finn, much too her delight. Three days it took Kurt and Stef to persuade Blaine and Finn that killing Michael would be a bad idea and they would most likely end up in prison. Seven days were spent, for kurt, persuading the other three that he didn't need babysitting and they should all go home. Minus Finn of course. Who in the last week had lost his job and could no longer afford his appartment in New York and decided that now would be the perfect time to come and live with his brother.

Finn had gone back to New York for the weekend to empty out his apartment and took Stef along to help. Although Kurt suspected Finn wanted a little more than help from her! Kurt found this highly hilarious, watching Finn and Stef bat their eyelids at one another every few seconds. He also knew that if two people deserved happiness, they deserved it more than most. Kurt honestly thought they would make a perfect couple. He could wait to see how it played out or he could take a leaf out of Stef's book and play cupid!

Lord knows, she was good at it considering his first proper date with Blaine was tonight. Although they had decided on staying in at Blaine's apartment, Kurt cooking and then watching a film. But a date non the less.

As Kurt flittered around the kitchen preparing the salad and humming along with his ipod, Blaine couldn't help smiling. As he leant against the breakfast bar, chin resting in the palm of his hand, he entered a fantasy world. A world where Kurt was still standing preparing dinner but with the addition of a small child tugging on his hand and asking her daddy when dinner was ready. In that moment Blaine knew what he wanted out of life. Kurt.

Blaine's face was stuck with an ear to ear grin and he didn'y bother to hide it. The thought of having Kurt in his life forever was perfect to him.

'Why are you so smiley?' Kurt asked laughing, guessing that what ever Blaine was day dreaming about must of been really good, judging by the state of bliss that his face was smothered in!

'Nothing, It's nice to have you here. You just make this place feel homely.' Blaine chuckled shaking his head to clear his thoughts.

Kurt blushed realising that Blaine must have been thinking about him in some way.

Blaine carried their food to the dining table, deciding that some part of their date should be formal. They slipped into easy conversation, both giggling like teenagers.

'It's not Thad's fault! He's just really shy!' Blaine defended.

'Oh please! If he stopped making love to his Rita Ora posters he might actually find something more solid then paper!'

Blaine burst out laughing. 'You're such a bitch!'

Kurt looked Blaine right in the eye, mustering his best bitch glare yet. Blaine was laughing so hard that he didn't notice Kurt flicking a fork full of salad at him.

'Oh my god! Did you really just start a food fight?!' Blaine gasped.

'Well I started and ended it because god help you if you get any type of food on my Marc Jacobs summer collection!' Blaine just smirked.

For the first time ever Kurt was scared. He tried to duck under the table but Blaine was too quick.

'The spaghetti bolognaise looks beautiful on you Kurt, you should wear it more often!'

'You, my friend, are a dead man!'

Fuck the fork, Kurt thought. He grabbed a handful of his dinner and launched it at Blaine who jumped in the air, mouth hanging open trying to catch it!

'Ewww! You're so gross Blaine!' Splat. Right on the top of Kurt's head.

Kurt ran around the table, throwing handfuls of anything at Blaine, who couldn't even function properly he was laughing that hard.

'Wait Kurt, stop! I've got a stitch! Stop! Stop!' Blaine came to a sudden halt, Kurt on the other hand thought he was Bambi and toppled straight into Blaine sending them both crashing to the floor.

'Ow!' Kurt shouted as Blaine landed on top of him.

'ha ha ha ha! Shit I can't stop laughing!'

'Why are you so heavy?!' Kurt tried to wriggle him off but in that moment Blaine became limp, arms dangling either side of him as he lay flush against Kurt's chest, his head buried in the crook of Kurt's neck.

'Oh for crying out loud! You're such a child Mr. Anderson!' Kurt said rolling them over so he was on top of Blaine.

'That's rich coming from you, Mr. Food Fight!' Blaine rolled them over again, so he was on top of Kurt. His hands resting either side of Kurt's head.

'Your eyes are beautiful.' Blaine stated.

They were just staring at each other, desire flickering behind blue and hazel eyes.

Blaine leant down as Kurt lifted his head up, lips coming together in a sweet, tender and longing kiss. Both caressing the side of each others faces. They lay there for a while drinking each other in, savouring the taste of each other.

Blaine's breath became laboured.

'Come on, I really just want to cuddle you right now.' Blaine said grabbing Kurt's hand and leading him towards his bedroom.

'Cuddle whore.'

__________________________________________________________________________

'Oh Finn, this is amazing.' Stef says eyeing every single detail as she looks out of Finn's apartment window. Sun shining on her face.

'Have you ever been to New York?' Finn asked.

'No, I haven't but I have always wanted to come and all the times Kurt has spoken about it he made it sound amazing and well, it truly is, so far! Now I'm hear I'm fucking excited!' Finn chuckled.

There was something about Stef that had Finn feeling giddy. He didn't know whether it was how down to earth she was, the fact she didn't give a shit or how beautiful she was. Hu just knew he wanted to be around her. In the least weird way, she reminded him of Kurt. She had all his good qualities and he supposed that because he knew how much of an amazing person Kurt was that he didn't mind that she was a mirror of his brother at all. In fact he had heard so much about Stef and how she had pulled his brother through his darkest moments and he could honestly say that he loved her for that. He knew that she was a good person because Kurt did not let anyone close to him that he couldn't trust. Kurt truly loved Stef and that meant a lot to Finn.

'Ok Finn, so packing your shit or taking me on a tour of the big city?'

'Well, if you don't mind, I was thinking if we get the boring stuff out the way we could have the weekend free to do what ever you wanted to do?'

'What?!' Stef looked away from the window for the first time since being in the apartment. 'You think were going to be able to pack all of this in one day?!'

'Err, well, I don't know but-'

'Finn, you have more crap then Kurt does!' She says picking up a news paper that was easily over a year old.

Finn just smiled.

'We better get started then!'

They had succesfully packed - well thrown into boxes - the living room, bathroom and kitchen. While Finn was emptying the contents of his wardrobe into a suitcase, Stef was sitting cross legged on the floor, underneath the window emptying a chest of drawers full of more crap!

Finn smacked his head on the door frame to his closet as he turned around to see what Stef had just screemed at.

'Wh-what's wrong? What happened?'

'Oh you are so lucky that I found this and not Kurt!'

Finn felt the red heat claw up his neck and face as he peered over Stef's shoulder. Great. Now Stef's going to think I'm a giant dork! Finn thought.

'Please don't tell Kurt I have these he would never let me hear the last of it!'

'Finn, stop blushing! Kurt may not appreciate Lord Of The Rings figurines but I on the other hand happen to be a complete dork for this stuff!'

'Wha- really? You like Lord Of The Rings?'

'What's not to like?!'

'Movie marathon?'

'Lead the way!'

'I actually can't believe you're into lord of the rings! I've never met a girl that's such a geek for these things like I am!'

'I'm a total geek for this shit! Who would have thought this head cheerleader would spend her life working in a coffee shop and fan girling in her spare time!' Stef laughed and shook her head as she sat waiting for Finn to download the film seen as they had already packed up his dvd's.

'Wait, you were head cheerleader?! I was quarterback for Mckinley. You know in the high school universe we would of meant to have been together.' Finn told her matter of fact. Stef chuckled.

'So I know this sounds cliche! But tell me about yourself, how did you go from being head cheerleader to working in the Lima Bean?'

'Well I graduated school with flying colours and I was heading for (find out college) to study law. My whole family went there are now pretty wealthy. They brought the house I live in. Then I met Kurt during the summer when I started work at the Lima Bean to earn some extra cash for college.'

'I thought you said your family were wealthy? So how come you had to get a job?'

'Well that's their money not mine and the only reason they brought my house for me was because they didnt want me living on the street.' Stef shrugged and carried on with the rest of her story.

'I left for college and I was there for a couple of months and thats when Kurt rung me and told me about your mom and Burt.' Stef felt bad mentioning it knowing that Finn and Kurt still hurt badly.

'I'd known Kurt for only a couple of months by this time but we were best friends. I had never had a relationshap with anybody like I did with Kurt. We knew each other inside out. Before Kurt had even finished trying to tell me what had happened I was in my car and on my way home to him. In the second I got there, there was no doubt in my mind at what I wanted and needed to do. Kurt needed me, so I stayed. I took up my old job, which I don't love but i'm a people person and I love speaking to the customers. My mom and dad, as you know, brought the house next door to Kurt and last year my grandfather died and left me a bit of money, so I'm quite well off considering where I work! The rest is history.'

'You what- you- wait a moment. So you're basically saying you gave up your career, your dreams, your life, for my brother?'

'Yes and I don't regret it one single bit. Your brother is so special and he means the world to me.'

Finn couldn't believe his ears. This beautiful, amazing girl in front of him gave up her future to love his brother. To take care of him. To help him through one of the darkest patches of his life. He couldn't help himself, Finn flung himself at Stef wrapping her up in his arms and squeezing her so hard the air was knocked out of her lungs.

'Finn! Finn, I can't breath!'

'I'm sorry I just, I can't believe you did that for Kurt, you truly are the most most amazing woman I have ever met.' Finn's eyes were glazing over and he knew was going to cry.

Stef reached up her tiny hand to Finn's face and caught the escaped tear with her thumb.

'Please don't cry Finn.' Stef said softly, tears in her own eyes. He felt so attatched to Stef in this moment. He leant into her hand as she stroked his face again.

'I can't believe you did that for my little brother Stef, that's unbelievable.' He said capturing Stef's hand in his own and kissing her palm. Stef smiled.

'He's three months older than you Finn.' Stef stated chuckling.

'Yeha, but he is smaller.' Finn said with a grin.

Stef shuffled closer to under the throw over. 'So how does the quarterback end up working at the New York Times?!'

'Well when I left school I didn't get into any of the colleges I wanted and I was going to join the army but then obviously mom and dad died and I decided to go to New York with my ex. I managed to get a job basically beinf an errand boy for the editor of the times. My ex, Rachel, she was at college with his daughter and they are best friends and well that's how I got the job basically. I was completely useless but learned quickly! I made my way up the ladder and that's that!'

'I still don't understand how they could fire you!'

'Well technically they didn't. I quit.' Finn told her shrugging his shoulders.

'What?! Why?'

'Well I was taking a couple of weeks holiday to see Kurt as you know and after what happened in the coffee shop I finally came to my senses and realised that this is where I belong. With Kurt. He's my family, the only family I have and I was a terrible brother, I wasn't there when he needed me or when I needed him for that matter. And after seeing Michael do that to you both, well, that made my mind up for me. I never want you or Kurt to get hurt, or Blaine for that matter. The last week I've felt more at home with you three than I have in the last five years.'

'Finn, I-'

'Please don't tell Kurt, he would be angry with me and tell me I was stupid but I don't think so, just please, don't say anything.'

'I promise.' Stef smiled.

'I'd also have a life time suply of bitch glare and I'm pretty sure Kurt's looks can actually kill!' Stef burst out laughing. He did have a point!

Finn got up to make a drink.

'What happened to Rachel?'

'What d'you say?' Finn half shouted from the kitchen.

''I said, 'What happened to Rachel?''

Finn started laughing, walking back into the living room holding two cokes. 'Well there was a girl we went to school with called Quinn, who was exactly like you, the head cheerleader, beautiful and funny.' Stef couldn't help but blush. 'She was also my ex and in senior Rachel and Quinn got really close and kept in contact during college and well, long story short, they fell in love and are now happily married!'

Stef noticed that Finn didn't look the slightest bit upset or angry, in fact he looked quite happy about it all.

'Why do you look so happy baout that?'

'Well it wasn't really a shock, I kind of knew it was going to happen in the end. We were drifting apart, we hardly ever saw each other because of college and work, so I broke it off with her. We're still friends and still love each other but we wasn't soul mates. And I know i'll find someone out there who loves me and likes the same things as me, wants the same things out of life and it will be fun and adventurous!'

Finn was lost in a thought about Stef. What if she was the one? She certainly ticked all the boxes for Finn, so to speak. Finn shook his head and picked up the conversation when he noticed Stef watching him, watching the coggs turning in his head.

'Their wedding was awesome though!'

'Why?'

'Free food, duh!' Stef rolled her eyes and giggled. Finn winked as he got comfortable, sitting slightly closer to Stef then he was before.

'I kinda miss Kurt. It's weird knowing that he's not just next door!'

'You two really spend a lot of time with each other, don't you.'

'Yeah we do, too much time probably!'

'I can tell.'

'How so?'

'Well for one you both give me the bitch glare when I say or do something stupid! And you just have the same manerisms. You love proving people wrong and I bet you hate to cuddle like Kurt.'

Finn didn't actually know whether Kurt really hated to cuddle but this could either go two ways. Stef could either agree or Finn could get her to make the first move without her knowing! It was a really fucking childish plan, but come on, this is Finn.

'I don't hate to cuddle!'

'You're too much like Kurt to not hate cuddling!'

Stef scooted over under the blanket and nestled under Finn's arm, who automatically wrapped her up in his warmth. She didn't want to remind him of Kurt too much, nobody wants to date their brother!

'See, cuddling!' Stef said.

'See, the need to prove me wrong!'

Stef turned her head looking up at Finn.

'And now the bitch glare!'

'Shut up Finn or I will accidentally tell Kurt about your figurines!' Finn stopped sniggering immediately and Stef giggled into his chest.

______________________________________________________________________

OUTGOING CALL

'Stef! How's New York?'

'Oh Merlin! It's fantastic! It's beautiful! Everything is beautiful!' A sigh of contemptment rolls out of Stef's mouth which is set in most people would say was a jaw aching grin.

'You're either on drugs or you have fallen in love with my brother, although I suppose you would have to be on drugs to love Finn, so I'm guessing both?!'

'Oh Kurt! I think I have! He is so amazing in every way.'

'Care to elaborate?'

'He's- he's just perfect! He's such a gentleman and so funny and handsome! I mean last night we just cuddled, it was so sweet! I mean normally I'm used to people wanting to rip my clothes off with their teeth! I mean I could imagine that he probably would and-'

'Stef! Stop right there! I don't want to know what's going through your head, thats my brother.'

Stef cackled down the phone, there was nothing better then winding Kurt up.

'Anyway how was your date with Blaine?'

'Did you actually just stay his name? What happened to 'the hobbit' or 'elf toes'?!'

'Well I figured since he helped nurse me back to health after my near death experience that he deserved some respect!'

Stef thought she heard Kurt mumble something about 'and I thought I was dramatic!' Brushing the comment aside she asked the question again.

Kurt thought back to last night and wondered how he would put it into words.

'Perfect.'

'Is that so?'

'It is...'

'You're not going to tell me are you?'

'Nope!'

'Fuck you!'

'Please don't, you don't have no-where enough penis!'

'Ew! That was extremely witty of you Kurt.'

'I know right. So anyway when are you two coming home?'

'Well we're going to Central Park tomorrow for a picnic and then we are driving back in the afternoon.'

'Ok, I'll make sure I go grocery shopping! And I'll cook. So drive safe, love you both.'

'We love you too. See-ya!'

'Bye!'

_______________________________________________________________________

Reminder to self; never go grocery shopping at this time again. Kurt muttered to himself at his front door. Finn and Stef were due home in a couple of hours and he wanted to make sure his cupboards were fully stocked knowing full well Finn could eat a whole cow in one sitting! Kurt was excited to be living with his brother again. After their parents died they grew as close as any siblings could. He knew it gutted Finn that he wasn't living in Ohio and he couldn't be there whenever Kurt needed him. He loved Finn with all his heart and they both knew that despite not being blood brothers they were truly brothers, family.

Kurt couldn't help but think of his date with Blaine. Blaine was so loving and sweet. Kurt couldn't help the cheesy smile that plastered his face as he put his key in the lock and walked through his front door.

'What the fuck! GET OUT!'

'No.'

'Get the fuck out of my house now!'

Kurt could feel the fear rising in his throat as he backed closer to the front door, grasping for the handle.

Michaely crreps closer to him with, what can only be described as an evil smile, tugging on his lips. Phsycotic look in his grey eyes, as he presses his hand against the door leaning into Kurt.

Kurt braces himself flinching as Michael looms in on his face. The other mans lips peppering kissing along Kurt's jaw until they met his own lips, making the pit of his stomach drop and the bile rise in his throat.

'I've missed you baby.'

Not again. No. I wont let this happen again! Kurt shouted in his head.

Kurt lunges himself so far forward into Michael he sends them both crashing to the floor. Kurt quickly scrambles off Michael.

Kurt's fingers sink into the carpet as he clutches to anything in reach to scramble away from Michael, when he feels Michael's hand close around his ankle. He kicks back, the sole of his boot colliding with Michael's nose.

Kurt didn't know where he was running to but he knew he had to get far away as possible. Out the corner of his eye he saw that his kitchen windown was open. Without looking back for Michael he made a dash for his freedom. With one foot up on the kitchen counter top he grasped at the windowsill, sending it's contents flying. His head heading towards the open window, the light breeze carressing his forehead, he could taste his escape.

Kurt felt the unwanted calloused fingers wrap around every part of his body that they could grab.

As Michael ripped Kurt from his escape he felt the bubble of desire rising through him. He'd been here before and he knew he wanted to go there again. Seeing Kurt so helpless and frightened and in his command, begging and pleading at his mercy was making him hard just thinking about it. Even though Michael was the one in control he saw this as Kurt's doings.

'You fucking cock tease.'

Kurt whimpered as Micahel thrust his crotch towards Kurt's head which was held painfully tight by Michael's fingers. Kurt's brain was frantically searching for anything to get him out of his current situation. If he wasn't panicking already he certainly was after daring to look Michael in the eye. He had saw that raw look of hate and passion in Michael's eyes once before.

''Are you going to be a good boy and help me out with my problem, Kurt?' Michael asked him in a sickening sweet voice, whilst rubbing Kurt's face against his hardening erection.

'Over my dead body.'

Kurt opened his mouth as wide as he could as he sunk his teeth into the denim covering Michael's crotch.

Kurt clung on as if his life depended on it.

In a painful struggle - which was mostly for Michael - Kurt was finally detached from the other man. Michael's hands were wrapped around Kurt's throat so tightly that his oxygen supply was cut off immediatley. Kurt's attempts at removing the other mans hands from his throat were soon made impossible as his head was being yanked back and forth, smashing into the corner of the kitchen counter.

Kurt's lungs were clutching at what little oxygen Michael's vice-like grip was allowing him as he raised his arms trying to protect his head and face. He didn't have the strength. The seering pain pounding through his head was unbearable and he was sure he would die pretty soon. Kurt couldn't see through his blood stained eye-lashes to protect himself from the counter any longer. His arms fell limp by his side and his eyes rolled back into his head.

The last impact Kurt felt was Michael throwing him too the linolium floor.

Michael bent down inches infront of Kurt's face and pressed a kiss to Kurt's lips.

'Over your dead body, princess.'

The last thing Kurt heard was the click of the lock on the front door.