Karofsky awoke with the worst hangover of his life, and no recollection of the night before. He had an unsettling feeling that he had done something he would regret, and this feeling wouldn't go away, despite his attempts at reassurance. He recalled his father returning around 1 in the morning to discover his son draining the dregs of his second wine bottle, although he wasn't entirely sure of how that encounter had gone down. Knowing his father, probably not well. He lifted his throbbing head to look at his phone, blinking away on the beside table. Intrigued, he picked it up, opening the message. It was from a blocked number.

Meet me at the Lima Bean, 10am. We need to talk.

Just that. No name, no method of contacting the person back. He groaned, wincing as the sound made his head ache more. I knew I did something stupid last night, he thought.

--------

Blaine sat in the furthest corner of Lima Bean, sipping nervously at his lukewarm coffee. Glancing down at his watch, he saw it was 10:20, and there was no sign of Karofsky. This is so not how I want to spend my Saturday, he groaned inwardly. Just as he was getting up to leave, the boy in question walked through the door, looking around apprehensively, as if he expected something to jump out at him. Blaine grabbed his arm, taking the bully by surprise, and pulled him towards an empty table. Karofsky's face twisted into a malicious sneer.

"What the hell do you want, hobbit? In case you didn't know, I don't like having to spend my free time with fags."

"Really? Because it seems you want to spend a lot more time with Kurt than you let on." Blaine bit back. Karofsky blanched, and looked at the table. Blaine swallowed the lump in his throat, and continued.

"I got your call last night."

Karofsky looked up, shocked, as the memory of the call hit him. Holy fuck, I'm so screwed. Blaine carried on, ignoring the fact that the bigger boy was clenching his fists.

"Listen to me, Karofsky. It's my duty to keep Kurt safe. I made a promise to his dad, to him and to myself that I would never let him get in harm's way. Whatever you feel about Kurt, he doesn't feel the same. Why would he? He's terrified of you, even now." Blaine could feel Karofsky's glare radiating off of him, but continued anyway.

"I will never let you hurt him. And, no matter how hard you try, there will never be anything between you two. Understand?"

He looked up to see Karofsky's face turning red, his eyes bulging in anger. Blaine stood up and walked out, not looking back once to see his effect on the burly boy.

Karofsky leant his head on the table top. That stupid hobbit has no idea what he's talking about. Karofsky thought. Kurt is mine. He loves me, not him. Me.

---------

Nationals was approaching faster than any of the Glee club knew was possible. Somehow, and none of the Glee club had any idea how he'd done it, Mr Schue had managed to get them 5 days in New York rather than 2, in order to be "inspired by the Big Apple." None of the Glee club were complaining.

Song selections were being thrown around left, right and centre, everyone was getting angry at Rachel's sudden selfish outbursts (so much that the club decided she should wear a gag during lessons, and only take it off when she was told she could, otherwise Puck would burn all her stuffed animals), and even Mr Schue was getting stressed by the club's lack of preparation. This was partly his fault, due to the fact he was yet to pick a winner of the duet competition. Everyone had been so good, and tried so hard... It was a tough choice. Rachel had been baking him You're the best teacher in the world cookies every day for a week now to bribe him, but he couldn't ever see that working. Rachel and Kurt, as lovely as they sounded together, were two divas, and divas couldn't duet together. There was too much rivalry in the way they sang, as if one was always trying to prove they were better than the other.

With much consideration, he had managed to narrow it down. There was only one thing to do to make up his mind.

The next day, he strode purposefully into the Glee club rehearsal, and positioned himself in front of the members. He cleared his throat to attract the club's attention.

"Guys. Now I know you are all still waiting with baited breath for me to pick the winners of the duets competition and our soloists for Nationals, and I've narrowed it down to... Drum roll please! Kurt and Blaine, and Artie and Mercedes!"

The club erupted in cheers, and Kurt felt his face go red. Blaine was grinning next to him. He felt the grip on his hand tighten in excitement. Rachel moaned from the corner, unable to voice her complaint through her gag.

Mr Schue attempted to calm down the club, before continuing.

"Now, I'm having serious trouble picking between you two, so you're going to have to perform again. You have until the end of the day to decide on something good, and you will perform them in the rehearsal after school... Pressure is building guys! Good luck!"

Blaine leant into Kurt, causing the countertenor to blush even more than he thought possible.

"Don't worry... I know just the song."

--------

Blaine was right; the song he had in mind was perfect for the two boys. Kurt jiggled his legs nervously as they waited for Mr Schue to walk into the auditorium, although his mind was more focused on the activities for that evening. Blaine turned to his boyfriend, a small smile on his face.

"Nervous?"

"Yes, but not about this. I know we'll get this... You picked an amazing song."

Blaine looked confused.

"So what are you nervous about then?"

Kurt looked at him incredulously.

"Have you forgotten what's happening at your house tonight? The dreaded meeting of the Andersons and the Hummels?"

Blaine quickly paled, and shifted his eyes away from his boyfriend. Kurt immediately looked suspicious.

"What are you not telling me?"

It was at this moment Mr Schue chose to walk in, and begin to talk to the club. Blaine whispered to his boyfriend.

"Well...umm... My dad... well... he may... umm... not be coming."

"WHAT?"

The whole club looked up in surprise at Kurt's outburst. Blaine shrank slightly into his seat.

"What do you mean he's not coming?"

"Well, he has to catch a plane to New York for a meeting, and anyway, he's not so great with the whole my-son-is-gay thing, so it's just going to be my mum and my sister. We aren't expecting him back until tomorrow evening."

He looked at his boyfriend apologetically, who had resorted to pinching the bridge of his nose to calm himself down. Kurt took a deep breath.

"I guess... It's probably better this way. I can meet him another time."

Blaine breathed a sigh of relief, and squeezed his boyfriend's hand gratefully. Mr Schue looked warily at the two boys, before asking hesitantly if they were ready to perform. They stood up and headed towards the stage, grabbing two stools from the wings. The music began to play, softly.

Come stop your crying

It will be all right

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

from all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

For one so small,

you seem so strong

My arms will hold you,

keep you safe and warm

This bond between us

Can't be broken

I will be here

Don't you cry

Blaine looked out into the audience, and could see Karofsky staring at him. I'll keep him safe, he promised himself.

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart, always

Both boys looked at each other. Kurt could feel tears streaming down his cheeks but he didn't care; Blaine would be there for him, forever, and he knew it.

When destiny calls you

You must be strong

I may not be with you

But you've got to hold on

They'll see in time

I know

We'll show them together

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on,

Now and forever more

Oh, you'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be in my heart, always

Always

Both boys were crying now, but they weren't tears of sadness; they were tears of relief, of joy, of love. They couldn't even hear the applause filling the room; all they could see was each other as they wrapped their arms around the other's frame. Finally letting go, they walked off the stage and took their seats as Artie and Mercedes headed to the stage. Kurt barely listened to their rendition of 'You Got the Dirtee Love'. Both of the singers on stage knew they couldn't follow the pure passion and truthfulness of the boys' duet. Soon, they had returned to their seats, and Mr Schue was deciding on a winner. Kurt tried to read his lips, for his ears were blocking out any sound except for Blaine's breathing beside him.

"... KURT AND BLAINE!"

Kurt was jolted out of his bubble at the sound of his name, followed by cheers and hugs from all his friends. Blaine looked overjoyed at being given a solo for Nationals, and, even better, a solo with his boyfriend. Kurt leant over to him, whispering softly.

"Let's go get ready for tonight."

---------

The boys had decided to go their separate ways so Kurt could arrive with his family. Having only met Blaine's mom once, and having never met his older sister, Kurt was suitably nervous. He kept tugging on his red bow tie, until his dad felt he had to intervene.

"You look fine, kiddo. If they don't love you, they're clearly insane."

Kurt turned and rang the doorbell. It was almost instantly pulled open by Blaine, who grinned like the Cheshire cat as soon as he saw his boyfriend.

"You look incredible."

Burt coughed awkwardly, startling Blaine.

"Oh, hello sir! Come in, come in."

Blaine's house was incredible. The hallway was furnished with polished wood and soft red furnishings, oddly similar to the way that Dalton was. Blaine's mother came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a cloth. She was of similar height to Blaine, slim and elegantly dressed, with long curling black hair, reaching half way down her back. Unlike Blaine, she had striking blue eyes that softened when she saw Kurt.

"Hello, darling! It's been such a long time. How are you?"

Kurt smiled at the friendly woman.

"I'm fine thank you ma'am. It is so nice of you to invite us."

"Please, call me Amelie. And it's my pleasure, I was looking forward to meeting your parents!" She moved past Kurt towards Burt and Carole. "It's so nice to meet you both! I understand you brought your son, Carole?"

Carole nodded, and turned towards Finn, who was lurking awkwardly in the doorway. She pulled him forward to meet Amelie. Finn extended his hand to Amelie, who shook it pleasantly.

"Blaine, go and get your sister. I'm sure she'd love to meet Finn."

Blaine threw his mother a look, before mouthing I'm sorry to Finn. He looked exceedingly confused and worried. Blaine's mother ushered the Hummels into the dining room, before going to get the food. Blaine entered moments later with an attractive girl. She looked about 18, and had similar hair to her mother, only it fell to her shoulders. She had the same eyes as Blaine; soft hazel, which made her immediately look friendly. She smiled at Kurt and Finn, before nudging her brother to introduce her. Blaine gave her a look which could only be described as don't embarrass me, before turning to the Hummels.

"This is my sister, Louise."

Louise grinned at the family, before sliding into the seat beside Finn.

"So... I've heard you like video games? I bet I could kick your ass at COD."

Oh Finn will like her, Kurt chuckled to himself. Blaine sat down next to Kurt, resting his hand on his knee. Blaine's mother entered, carrying plates piled high with steaming casserole. Kurt stood up to help, and she thanked him, passing one to everyone at the table. Conversation flowed easily, with Louise cracking jokes about Finn's height every couple of minutes. Kurt decided they would get along very well indeed. Conversation soon turned to younger Blaine. Kurt nearly choked on a carrot as Louise vividly described Blaine's first trip to the zoo... In other words, the time he decided to go swimming with the penguins, and subsequently got bitten. Blaine looked embarrassed; Louise had succeeded. When Blaine's mother began to pass out large bowls of apple crumble, Kurt wondered why he had been worried. Their parents got on like a house on fire, Louise was hilarious and Finn seemed to enjoy her company. It was perfect. That is, until they heard the door slam. Amelie and Louise tensed suddenly in their seats. Finn looked around confused; what was the matter? A deep voice filled the air.

"It's just me, Amelie. The meeting in New York got cancelled, the guy was sick, so I went out for a drink with Alex and..." Blaine stiffened as he said the word 'drink'. His voice trailed off as he walked into the dining room to find them all.

"What's going on here?"

Amelie stood up and rushed over to her husband.

"This is Kurt's family, Andrew, remember? I told you they were coming over?"

Blaine's father tensed, and nodded curtly at the others in the room.

"How could I forget." Kurt could hear the ice in his voice. Burt scraped back his chair, looking meaningfully at Carole and Finn.

"Thank you so much for having us, Amelie, and it's lovely to meet you Andrew. We must be leaving now. Kurt?" He hinted at his son to leave too. Kurt stayed put.

"Dad, I told you, I'm staying here tonight." He gave his dad an I'll be fine look.

His dad sighed, obviously not in the mood to argue. He repeated his thanks, and the people left in the dining room heard the door slam. Andrew headed towards the bar in the corner, pouring himself a scotch and downing it in one. Kurt winced, knowing that wasn't a good sign. Blaine looked positively furious.

"How could you Dad? They were just here for dinner! Why do you always have to ruin everything?"

Andrew turned to look at Blaine, his face twisted maliciously.

"Well, I'm sorry to interrupt your fag party."

Kurt gasped. He had never heard an adult say that to a child, let alone their own son. Blaine breathed deeply, obviously used to that kind of treatment from his father.

"Kurt is my boyfriend, Dad. How many times do I have to tell you to get over that fact?"

Andrew took a step closer to his son. Amelie tried to pull him back, but he pushed her away. Louise pulled Kurt into a hug, whispering to him that it would all be ok. Kurt found that very hard to believe.

"You want me to just accept that you're a homo? That tonight, you will go up to your bedroom and have your faggy boyfriend suck your cock?"

Anger bubbled in Kurt's stomach. He pushed himself away from Louise, attempting to shout back at Blaine's father. Nothing came out but a whimper. Andrew heard the sound, and turned his attention towards the countertenor.

"What was that, fag? You want to tell me something? Go on, tell me." He leant towards Kurt menacingly. "Tell me."

Blaine tried to pull his father back, but he stayed glued to the spot he was in, inches away from Kurt's face. Kurt took a deep breath.

"You are just like every other homophobe on this planet. You taunt us, you make us feel shitty about ourselves... But we don't care. Because nothing you do, nothing any homophobe does, is going to change us. I love Blaine, and I don't care if you don't approve. I'm going to love him anyway. All you are is a bully."

Blaine's dad looked momentarily shocked. Kurt looked towards Blaine, who was attempting to conceal a grin from behind his father. His attention was no longer on Andrew; that must have been why he didn't see the fist coming until it collided with his face. The force of the punch knocked him to the floor, winding him. He clutched his face as blood began to pour from his lower lip. Louise pulled him up from the floor into the kitchen, where Blaine's mother was sat with her head in her hands. She looked up and gasped when she saw Kurt's face.

"H-he did that to you?"

Kurt nodded. He felt slightly weak, as if he might pass out at any moment. He prayed to Gaga that he wouldn't; there was already enough drama in the house. He could hear yelling emanating from the dining room, followed by a large slam. Blaine appeared in the kitchen doorway, shaking slightly, hands clenched. He burst into tears when he saw the state of Kurt's face, large sobs shaking his small frame. Kurt took one step towards him, and felt his legs give way underneath him, sinking to the floor. All 3 members of the Anderson family rushed towards him, just as he felt himself pass out.

--------

"Kurt? Oh god, he's dead isn't he, oh my god, my dad killed my brother's boyfriend, holy shit.."

Kurt opened his eyes. One felt considerably more swollen than the other. He turned to look at Louise, fixing her with his best bitch, please stare.

"I'm not dead, Miss Drama Queen."

Louise grinned at him, standing up to get some ice for his eye. He suddenly felt someone grab him, and turned to see Blaine enveloping him in a bear hug.

"Kurt, I'm so so sorry, I love you, I hate him so much, look what he's done to you! Oh baby it's ok, I'm so sorry..."

Kurt silenced him with a kiss. Guaranteed, it hurt him due to the large slit in his lip, but it certainly calmed Blaine down. Amelie came and sat beside the two boys, passing Kurt a bag of frozen peas, which he took gratefully.

"I'm leaving him." She said in a whisper. Blaine nodded in understanding, whilst Louise comforted her.

My whole life is like a bloody soap opera, Kurt thought. Blaine helped lift Kurt to his feet, and they all headed upstairs. Once in Blaine's room, Kurt turned to the shorter boy.

"I'm so sorry Blaine."

Blaine looked shocked, placing his hands on his boyfriend's shoulders.

"You have nothing to apologize for. Mom had already told us that she was on the verge of leaving him, he's beaten her before. I'm just so sorry you had to be on the receiving end of his anger."

The two boys kissed, and got into bed, trying to forget about the disastrous end to the evening.

-------

No one in Glee club knew what had happened to Kurt and Blaine that evening, with the exception of Finn. Burt had been furious when he had found out about the punch, but no one, not even Blaine's mom, knew where Andrew was. By the time he had returned later that week, his bags were packed, waiting for him on the porch, and the locks had been changed. There was no going back for him; he had ruined his relationship with both his children and his wife.

Both the boys spent even more time together after the incident, if that were possible. They walked to every class together, sat side by side during lunch and Glee club. Everyone was happy to see the two boys so close; everyone apart from Karofsky. It angered him to see Blaine spending so much time with his Kurt. Karofsky could see the outline of the bruise on Kurt's face, everyone could. Blaine must have done it, he thought. Why is he still with him? He deserves me, I'm the only one that could truly love him.

The club were heading off to Nationals in a week, he remembered. It was perfect. New York. I'll tell him in New York.