Blaine opened his eyes slowly, adjusting them to the blinding light. He tried to change his lying position and was greeted with intense pain in his chest. Then he remembered. He'd been beaten outside the school as he waited for Kurt to get the car. They had broken his ribs and he had hit his head falling down from one of their blows. He groaned at the pain and the memories and in a heartbeat, his mother was by his side.

"Blaine, honey, are you in pain? Do you want me to call the nurse?"

Blaine couldn't answer; his mind was focusing on breathing in and out without feeling too much pain. He tried to get up and his mother understood what he wanted. She helped him and rearranged his pillows so he could lean back against them. He was panting when he finally was able to lift himself and change to a seating position. His ribcage hurt like hell and he had a slight headache. He closed his eyes for a moment and controlled his breathing. His eyelids felt heavy and his body demanded more sleep but he didn't want to black out again. He didn't even know how long he'd been sleeping since he had talked to Kurt and he'd told him to get some rest.

"It's okay, buddy."

Blaine froze. He willed his eyes to open up completely - as open as was possible with one of his them swollen - and turned his head towards the voice that had just spoken. His father was there, worry deeply inked in his features. It seemed like he hadn't been sleeping for weeks, the bags on his face pronounced and purple looking.

"What – " he cleared his throat, "what are you doing here?"

Before his father could answer him, Kate spoke up.

"I think I'll go get the nurse."

She walked out of the room and for a moment, neither of the men spoke. Blaine was fully awake now and his gaze was fixed in the hands folded in his lap.

"I'm so sorry, Blaine," his father's voice sounded so broken, so honestly regretful.

Blaine tried to swallow the lump that was forming on his throat. He didn't trust himself to speak so he just nodded quickly. His father came closer to the bed and grabbed one of his hands.

"Blaine, look at me."

His eyes were already filled with tears, making his vision blurry, when he turned to face his father.

"I was an asshole and I treated you so horribly that you – I don't expect you to forgive me but I'll try my hardest for you to do so. I love you, Blaine and I should not let anything, anything at all, make me lose sight of that. And I'm sorry it took almost losing you to make me realize that. But perhaps, I had lost you way before this."

Blaine shook his head and pursed his lips as tears started falling. A gentle hand wiped them away. God, he'd missed those hands. He'd missed his dad.

"Y-you di-didn't lose me, dad. I-I kept hoping you would… that I c-could make you l-love me again."

His dad's eyes softened and he caressed Blaine's face. Blaine immediately leaned into the touch.

"Oh, buddy. I never stopped loving you. I just – I let prejudice blind me. I let ignorance get the best of me. I've never been as open-minded as your mom is and it was – it still is – a bit difficult for me to understand. But I can accept and I will. I failed you once; I'm not doing it again. I just need you to be a little bit patient with me."

Blaine took a deep breath. He had hoped his dad would come around after he kicked him out but as time went by and nothing happened, he started to lose that hope. And now his father was here, saying all the things Blaine had wanted to hear when he came out to him. He still was upset that he had to be beaten up to get his dad to say those things but he figured it was better late than never.

"I-I… yeah but, um, I think you'll have to be patient with me too. I really mean it when I say that you didn't lose me, b-but I – it still hurts, you know?"

His father closed his eyes and gave a small nod.

"One step at a time."

Blaine smiled.

"One step at a time."

His mother returned in that moment with the nurse that immediately set out to give him something to ease the pain. Dr. Collins entered behind them, followed by a police officer. Blaine raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Mom… what's going on?"

Before she could answer him, Dr. Collins spoke up.

"Hello, Blaine. How are you feeling?"

"Like I just got hit by a train or – you know – like I just got my ass kicked."

The doctor laughed and turned to point at the officer standing by the door.

"This is Officer Miller; he wants to ask you some questions about what happened."

"Oh, um, okay."

Officer Miller entered the room and smiled kindly at Blaine.

"Hello, Blaine."

"Hello, officer."

The next hour was spent with the two of them discussing what happened and what Blaine remembered. He felt he wasn't of much help since he didn't get to see the face of his attackers and when they had yelled at him, he was dizzy so he wasn't completely sure if the voices belonged to the faces his mind had imagined. Officer Miller was very patient and gentle and kept reassuring him that they would not get away with this. He told the Andersons that they were going to check for the cameras from inside the school to identify the offenders and after that, he left.

By the time their conversation ended, Blaine was feeling tired again. His parents helped him settle on the bed again and he drifted off.

Days later, Blaine was discharged and left the hospital. His mother and Carole had agreed that since he still felt intense pain in his ribcage from time to time, he should stay at Burt and Carole's where someone would always be around in case he needed anything. Finn, Rachel, Burt, Carole and his own mother would take turns taking care of him. Blaine had said that it was completely unnecessary for everyone to spend so much time looking after him when he was perfectly capable of being on his own, but they had insisted.

Blaine had no other choice let but to agree. His father had stood there awkwardly during the entire debate and Blaine felt bad for him. He really hoped they could sort out their little bump in the road and get back to being as close as they once were.

He sighed and rested his forehead on the glass of the car window. He missed Kurt. He hadn't seen him in a few days. At first, Blaine had been scared. He feared his attack would trigger enough horrible memories for Kurt to pull away and never see him again. But he didn't. He came back the day after officer Miller had showed up and he'd spent some time with Blaine but when he was about to leave he told him he'd be busy with some projects for work and getting Blaine's personal items from his place to his parents', where he would stay for the next few weeks.

When they got to the Hummel's home, Blaine's eyes settled on the Porsche parked at the entrance. Were it not for his broken ribs, he would have jumped out of the car and run inside the house to look for the owner. But he had to wait and slowly get out of the car and into the house. Kurt and Rachel were standing in the threshold. She walked slowly towards him and pulled him into a gentle hug.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Blaine," she said into his ear before kissing his cheek.

"Thanks, Rach," he smiled into her hair.

He really liked Rachel, even if she sometimes was a little self-absorbed, she was a wonderful person and every time he saw her he got all excited just thinking of Finn's plans of popping the question.

"Let him breath, Rachel."

Blaine's heart began to beat faster as Rachel pulled away and his sight was filled with chestnut hair and blue eyes. A playful smile was plastered in Kurt's face as he neared him.

"Looking handsome," Kurt pointed at Blaine's healing eye that still had some sensitive, swollen spots to it.

Blaine snorted but smiled nonetheless. Kurt placed a hand on his cheek and his smile faded.

"You're okay?" he asked softly.

Blaine nodded and smiled broadly. Kurt frowned slightly and Blaine thought he saw something flash in his eyes but it was gone in a heartbeat, before he could figure out what it was. Kurt returned the smile and kissed him.

Carole cleared her throat behind them and they pulled apart. Kate had her hand on her mouth and was trying to suppress her laughter. Blaine blushed deeply but Kurt remained unfazed.

"I think Blaine could use some rest," Carole offered, looking at Blaine.

He sighed exasperated. He didn't want to rest or sleep anymore but his own body demanded it from him. He wanted to be awake and with Kurt but his eyelids said otherwise.

"Yeah, you're right," Kurt said as he tugged Blaine's arm and led him upstairs.

They walked into one of the bedrooms. Blaine whistled softly when they entered. It was beautifully decorated and filled with some posters from Broadway plays and articles from fashion magazines. Every piece of decoration reminded him of Kurt's apartment. He was glad to see at least that part of the older boy had remained intact after everything he'd been through in his life.

"This is – we're in your old room, aren't we?"

Kurt nodded and sat on the edge of the bed. He removed his shoes and laid back completely before opening his arms to Blaine, who was awkwardly standing by the door, not sure of what to do.

"Come here."

Blaine gladly joined him and wrapped his arms around Kurt's waist. He turned to look at him and both leaned in to kiss each other. Blaine tried to deepen the kiss but Kurt pulled away.

"Someone's eager… but if you think I'm going to fuck you while your ribs are still healing you are stupid. Now go to sleep."

Blaine groaned. He had a severe cause of sexual frustration. He missed Kurt's touch, missed being close to him like that and he was being cockblocked by his own body. Kurt chuckled at Blaine's exasperation.

"Once you're okay I'm going to fuck you senseless, I promise," his tone was playful, like he was actually joking. Blaine wasn't.

"I'm taking your word for it," Blaine mumbled, his eyelids closing. He nuzzled his head on Kurt's neck and tightened his hold on the older boy's waist. He felt safe and at home in Kurt's arms.

He went to sleep with a smile on his face.

On Christmas' Eve the air was filled with the delicious smells of the meal they would all soon taste. The house was full with people. Finn and Rachel had arrived around 2 o'clock. Carole and Kate were in the kitchen from the moment they got up, chatting excitedly and getting everything ready for their Christmas dinner. Burt had been watching old football games with Blaine in the living room and Kurt arrived a little after Finn and Rachel. Blaine's dad had been invited over as well. He was the last to get there and at first, it had been an awkward encounter but after apologizing to Burt and the entire Hummel-Hudson family, they all settled into the Christmas mood.

Blaine felt slightly better, although there were still certain movements or positions that would make his insides hurt. Other than that, he was perfectly okay. His eye had completely healed and even if there were still some rare nights where he would get up in the middle of the night after having a nightmare, he had completely forgotten the whole incident.

Blaine wasn't the type to hold grudges or let the bad things get to him. He had understood that his attack had been out of prejudice, ignorance and intolerance. He knew those were things he'd have to live with because of who he is and even if he didn't like it, he didn't let it affect him either. Kurt had been amazed at this and had been even more affectionate towards him. He didn't complain, of course, but still there were times when Kurt would look and act distant and Blaine feared he was reliving his own experiences because of Blaine's.

He didn't comment on it, especially after they had caught his three attackers. As it turned out, it had been the jocks Blaine had thought of a first. They had caught them by looking through the security cameras inside the school. The hearing would be in a few days and Blaine was definitely not looking forward to it. Kurt was determined to get them in jail or juvie, since two of them were underage. Blaine knew they would all probably get away with just some time of community service but he was smart enough to not tell Kurt.

He snapped out of his train of thought. Today was not a day to spend thinking of ugly things. He got inside the kitchen and asked if he could help with anything. When both women said that everything was ready, he turned to see the clock. His eyes widened when he realized it was already time for dinner. Time had flown by.

His mom gave him some things for him to take to the table, nothing too heavy. He rolled his eyes at her; everyone still treated him like he'd literally been run over by a truck. No matter how much he insisted that he was feeling okay, they would still pamper him and have him do absolutely nothing. Even Kurt had joined. Blaine loved it secretly, but appeared just as annoyed at his attentions as he was with everyone else.

He set up the table with Rachel and when everything was ready, they called everyone else to take their seats. It was a bit cramped but they managed to fit in. Blaine sat between his mom and dad, Burt and Carole were at the ends of the table and Kurt seated in front of him, doing a marvelous job at separating Finn and Rachel.

"Cockblock," Blaine mouthed and Kurt snorted loudly.

It was a lovely dinner and Blaine was struck once again by the feeling of belonging that had washed over him when he had dinner with this same family back in November. He glanced over at every one of them and smiled fondly. He loved them dearly and no matter what happened with Kurt, he would always consider them as part of his family.

He felt a foot touch his and he glanced up to find Kurt giving him a questioning look. Blaine just shook his head and took a mouthful of his meal. Kurt raised an eyebrow and smiled, returning his attention to Rachel, who was excitedly telling him something.

When dinner was over and they had finished eating, Blaine pulled Finn aside.

"What's up, bro?" the taller man asked as Blaine waited for the women to enter the kitchen and leave them alone.

"Are we still up for that reconnaissance operation?"

"The – "

"Rachel's ring," Blaine whispered in a rush.

Finn's mouth formed a perfect 'o' as he took Blaine's words.

"Yeah! Sorry, you had lost me there with the weird words," Blaine tried to hold his laughter, "Yeah, I totally need your help since I – well I'm planning on doing it on New Year's Eve."

"New Year's Eve?" Blaine nearly yelled, "Finn, that's days away! We need to get a move on, then."

Finn scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, I figured if I did it with a long time of anticipation, Rachel might find out. She always finds out," he said that last part more to himself.

"Okay… Anyway, we need to hurry. How about we go on Tuesday? I'd love to have something to distract myself after the hearing on Monday."

"Awesome."

They bumped their fists and made their way to the living room to join Burt and Harold.

Kurt had seen the little exchange from his spot by the kitchen doorframe. He smiled at the two men and focused his attention to the smaller one of them. He hated to admit it, in fact he barely did, even to himself, but that kid with the gelled curls and hazel eyes had gotten in deep. Deeper than Kurt would have ever wanted. Rachel saw him and the look in his eyes and approached him. She came out just in time to see the two boys bumping fists and entering the living room.

"You really do care for him, don't you?"

Kurt turned to see her briefly before returning his gaze to the place where Finn and Blaine had just been.

"Well," he shrugged, "he's interesting enough to have around."

Rachel smiled and shook her head slowly. She knew that it would be the most she'd be able to get from him but just knowing that she didn't get a straight, flat 'no' was enough. Wonder Boy had done it, he'd tamed the beast, she thought to herself as she patted Kurt's arm and returned to helping Carole and Kate.

She just prayed Kurt wouldn't do something stupid that would push this wonderful, beautiful boy away.

"Fucking unbelievable!" Kurt hissed as they got inside Burt's car.

They had just walked out of the building after the hearing. Blaine had been right, the guys that attacked him got only a warning and hours of community service. Three hundred and fifty hours, to be exact. Everyone had walked out of there angry and offended, saying they'd call PFLAG organizations and get these kids to really pay. Blaine didn't really care; he just wanted the thing to be over. But Kurt…

Kurt had been furious.

"Hey, come on, let it go," Blaine said gently placing his hand above Kurt's.

"Are you kidding me? They beat you up and that's all they get? They could've fucking killed you! Fucking assholes!" He yelled as he rolled down the window.

Blaine pulled him back.

"Kurt, please. Just… just stop."

Burt spoke up.

"Blaine's right. Let's not talk about it anymore, I'm sure he just wants to forget about this whole thing."

Blaine nodded silently and focused his eyes on his lap. Kurt inhaled sharply and didn't say a word for the rest of the trip. Kate was seating on the other side of Blaine and suddenly, she took her son's hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. He felt a pat on his knee and turned to see his father turning over his seat on the passenger's seat giving him a reassuring smile. Blaine smiled.

At least he had gotten his family back.

New Year's Eve arrived and with it, another reunion at the Hummel's. Another evening filled with love, laughter and silly chatter. Blaine talked to Quinn and Santana and wished them a happy new year. His parents and him called his grandparents and promised to visit them soon. They lived in Washington.

This time, Rachel's dads joined them in the celebration, which provided an even bigger challenge to accommodate everyone at the table. They managed and had a wonderful time but by the end of the meal, Blaine was growing nervous. He really couldn't figure out Finn. The tall man had said he'd pop the question to Rachel that night but so far, he hadn't given any indication of when he'd do it. He seemed far too distracted and Blaine feared that Finn might've forgotten about his ingenious plan. It was Finn, after all, which meant anything could happen.

They all moved to the living room and turned on the TV to watch the celebration happening down in New York. Kurt stood next to Blaine.

"You planning on kissing someone at midnight?"

Blaine smiled, his eyes fixed on the TV.

"Well, Finn is looking rather handsome tonight."

Kurt punched him lightly and Blaine laughed.

The countdown began.

Everyone took their glasses and started chanting at the screen.

"10… 9 … 8 … 7 … 6… 5… 4 … 3… 2… 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Kurt and Blaine turned to look at each other and leaned in slowly. Their lips met in a gentle, sweet kiss. When they broke apart, they turned to see everyone hugging one another. Finn and Rachel had also kissed and when they broke apart, Finn turned to face everyone.

"Hey, everyone! Please shut up for a minute 'kay?"

He turned to see Rachel.

"Rach, I've been wanting to do and say this for so long but I waited. I waited until now because I wanted us to start this new year with a bang. So that's why, now, in the first minutes of this new year, I want to ask you –"

He kneeled. Everyone gasped. Blaine smiled. Rachel's eyes filled with tears.

"Rachel Berry, will you marry me?"