It had been three days since Kurt had returned home and two days since he had told his family the truth about what happened to him. It seemed like Kurt had retreated into a shell that no one could get through. He was having nightmares every time he slept, even if he was just having a nap, and would end up screaming and crying. When the boy was asked if he wanted to talk, he just said the nightmares were about what happened and quickly clammed up. Burt and Carole were so worried about Kurt and they knew no matter what Kurt said, he needed to talk to someone about what he had been through. It was too much to keep it all in to himself. The doctors had told Burt at the hospital that Kurt would definitely need to see a therapist to help him deal with the traumatic ordeal he had been through and had recommended several ones in Ohio. He had been advised to let Kurt settle in at home before bringing up therapists. Kurt needed to be in a comfortable environment and the right frame of mind.

Carole was glancing over the recipe for some Christmas treats when the phone rang. She peered through into the living room and saw that neither her son nor her husband had moved from the sofa to answer it. She let out a sigh and put down the book, making a mental note that she would scold the two men watching football that they needed to stop being so lazy for once in their lives. Carole wished that Kurt was downstairs with the family but she knew it was an extremely difficult time for him and he was just finding everything overwhelming. After she answered the phone, she decided to go up and check on Kurt before she did any baking. Kurt was her priority and she just wanted him to be okay. Carole was mainly making the treats for Kurt as she wanted to continue to put the meat on his bones as he was too skinny for her liking.

Carole picked up the phone and said, "Hello?"

"Carole?" came the familiar voice of one Blaine Anderson, "Hi it's Blaine."

Blaine had called a couple of times of the last few days, desperate for news. He always tried to act nonchalantly but failed every time.

"Hello sweetheart, how are you?" Carole said, immediately knowing why Blaine was calling.

"I'm okay thank you Carole and how are you?" Blaine replied, making Carole smile at how polite and dapper Blaine was.

Carole glanced at the two men on the sofa before replying, "I'm okay as well thank you Blaine. Now I think I can guess as to why you are calling?"

She heard Blaine let out a chuckle, "I knew you'd see right through me. Is Burt home? Is he back from New York? Is... he back?"

Carole smiled sadly, knowing that Blaine was desperate to ask about Kurt, "Blaine it's okay. Burt arrived home the evening before yesterday... and yes he did have a certain someone with him."

Blaine let out a gasp, "Kurt's home? Seriously? This isn't some kind of joke?"

Carole let out a laugh as she could feel her eyes filling up with tears, "I guarantee you Blaine that it is not a joke and that Kurt is really home. He's back Blaine."

"Oh my God! I feel like I could dance for joy or cry!" Blaine said, sounding so happy Carole just wanted to hug him.

"I know the feeling," Carole chuckled, remembering when she had opened the door to see Kurt standing there after so long.

"Carole..." Blaine began, sounding nervous, "Would it be too much to ask if I could see Kurt? I have missed him so much and I just want to see him. Do you think it's possible?"

"That doesn't sound too demanding," Carole said, glancing at her husband who was watching her with a puzzled expression, "How about I talk to Burt then I'll ring you back to tell you our decision?"

"Okay," Blaine replied quietly, "Do you need my number?"

Carole shook her head, even though Blaine couldn't see her, "No I don't sweetie, I've already got it. Now I'll ring you back in a bit okay?"

"Sounds good. Thank you so much Carole," Blaine said sounding like he was trying not to cry.

"No need to thank me Blaine. Okay I'll speak to you soon," Carole said before they said their goodbyes and hung up.

Carole put the phone back in the charger and went to sit in the armchair so she could talk to her husband.

"Who was that?" Burt asked, his tone light.

Carole just scoffed, "You know exactly who that was Burt Hummel."

Burt looked sheepish at his wife's tone, "You caught me out there. What did Blaine say and why do you need to talk to me about it?"

Carole sighed and ran her hand through her hair, "Blaine has called me a couple of times over the last few days. He's obviously concerned about Kurt and has wanted to check in. He asked if you were home and I told him as such. He's asked if he could come round and see Kurt."

Burt frowned, "Carole I don't think that's a good idea. Kurt's hardly talking to us."

"He might talk to Blaine," Carole said with a sad smile, "The two of them always had such an honest relationship and friendship. They told one another everything. You must remember that Blaine knew everything that was going on with that boy Karofsky and they had known each other for a very short period of time. Kurt opened up to him and he could open up to him now."

Burt let out a sigh, "I see your point. I'm worried about how Kurt will react when he sees Blaine but I'm also worried about Blaine. If Kurt shuts him out after he hasn't seen him for seven months, Blaine will be crushed."

"Burt, Blaine understands that something terrible has happened to Kurt. He doesn't know what exactly has happened but the boy has probably got some ideas what went down after what I told him. Blaine is patient and will wait for Kurt to come to him," Carole explained, "We have to give this a shot and see if Kurt opens up to Blaine."

Burt glanced at Finn next to him, "Do you think your Mum is right?"

Finn nodded, "Blaine was and possibly still is the closest person to Kurt. Blaine knows what Kurt is like and probably isn't getting his hopes up too high. I think his main concern is seeing Kurt is home and okay."

Carole smiled triumphantly at her son, knowing that he had made a good enough point to convince Burt to let Blaine visit the boy he loved.

"Fine," Burt sighed, admitting defeat, "I hope you are right. Carole, would you ring Blaine back and let him know he can come round."

"I will do. Before that, would it have hurt either one of you to actually get up from the sofa and pick up the phone?" Carole asked, her hands on her hips as she stared down the two men on the sofa.

She just received two sheepish grins in return before she shook her head and picked up the phone. Carole searched through the contacts on the phone before selecting Blaine Anderson. She pressed dial and waited.

Blaine immediately answered, "Carole? Hi what did you decide?"

Carole had to smile at that, "Blaine, I spoke to Burt and we've decided that you can come round. We think it'll be good for Kurt."

"Thank you so much Carole!" Carole could practically hear Blaine smiling with happiness, "I'm heading over right now!"

Blaine quickly said goodbye before hanging out. Carole hung up herself and put the phone back in its place. She knew Blaine would be along shortly as knowing him, he had probably gone to the Lima Bean or something so he was close by.

"Blaine's on his way," Carole informed her husband as she headed back into the kitchen.

"Fingers crossed this goes well," Burt replied as he focused his attention back on the football game.

Carole went back into the kitchen and focused back on the Christmas recipe book. She flipped through the pages and she found the Christmas treats. They were little cupcakes with Christmas decorations on. Carole wished that Kurt was doing the baking with her as they had always had so much fun in the kitchen together but obviously he wasn't up to it. She decided against going up to check on Kurt as Blaine would be there soon and it was probably best to leave the two of them alone. Carole focused on getting all the ingredients out that she needed and all the equipment. Carole put her apron on and rolled up her sleeves. She measured out the self-raising flour before there was a knock at the door. Carole couldn't believe how quickly Blaine had got to their house. Carole made her way to the front door, once again noting that the two men on the sofa had not moved at all. Carole pulled the door open and there stood a nervous looking Blaine.

"Hello Blaine, come on in," Carole said with a smile as she gestured for Blaine to come into the house.

"I hope I'm not intruding on anything," Blaine said as he walked into the house.

"Of course you're not," Burt called from the living room, "We told you to come Blaine."

Blaine walked forward into the lounge area to see Finn and Burt. His heart sank as he hoped Kurt might be with them.

Carole seemed to know where this thoughts were, "Kurt's upstairs in his room."

Blaine nodded, "Shall I head up there?"

"Wait one moment," Burt said, turning his full attention to the Warbler, "I was a bit hesitant about you coming today. It was nothing against you but I was worried about how Kurt would react. He's not in the best frame of mind at the moment and I don't want you to feel like it's personal if Kurt is cold with you. I don't want you to give up on him if it doesn't go well."

Blaine looked determined, "Burt I can ensure you that I have no intention to give up on your son. I never will. I understand that he's not in the best state but that won't get rid of me. I'll always be there for Kurt."

Burt smiled at that, "I'm glad to hear it. Right you can go on up. I can't believe I'm about to say this to you but you can shut the door."

Blaine couldn't help but laugh, "Thank you Burt. I never thought I'd hear you say that."

Blaine smiled at the three members of the Hudson-Hummels before making his way to the stairs. He slowly climbed the stairs, feeling more and more nervous every step he took. He couldn't believe that in a moment's time he would be reunited with the love of his life after seven extremely long months. Blaine reached the landing and immediately his eyes knocked on Kurt's bedroom door. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest at the thought of the beautiful boy he loved only a few metres away. He walked slowly up to the door and stopped. This was it. This was the moment he had been waiting for since Burt had gone to New York to bring Kurt home. The possibilities of what could happen rushed through his head, causing his heart to pound harder. The Warbler took a deep breath and prepared himself mentally. Blaine raised his fist and knocked on the door gently, not wanting to startle the occupant of the room. There was no response to his disappointment so Blaine tried again. He knocked a little louder, hoping to receive some form of response. Once again there was nothing. He didn't know what to do. Blaine didn't want to just leave without seeing Kurt when he didn't know when he would get another chance to reunite with Kurt. He squared his shoulders and knocked once again, before reaching out and pushing the door handle down. Blaine opened the door and entered the room.
Kurt had been lying on his bed deep in his thoughts. He had headphones on but he wasn't paying attention to what he was listening to. He had just wanted to get away from it all so he had found his old iPod and had just pressed shuffle. His Dad had promised to take him phone shopping when he felt up to it and was ready to join the rest of the world. The screen of his old phone had been smashed when it had slipped out of his hand but the contact had run out while Kurt was missing so he definitely needed a new one. Kurt thought he heard a noise, other than the music, but just ignored it. If anyone needed him they'd come in. He glanced at the pictures on his bedside table, remembering simpler times. He felt bad about the fact he was isolating himself from his family but truly did not know how to be around them. The youngest Hummel ran his hands over his face and let out a sigh. He suddenly saw the door opening out of the corner of his eye and turned his head to see who had come to check up on him. When Blaine stepped into the room, Kurt felt as though his heart had stopped. He had to be imagining this. Blaine quickly shut the door before turning to face Kurt. Kurt manoeuvred his body quickly so he was sitting on the edge of the bed. He pushed himself to his feet and just stared at the boy he hadn't seen in so long and had missed so much. Glaz met hazel as the two boys just stared at one another, just soaking the other's presence in.

"Kurt..." Blaine whispered as he just stared at his boyfriend who had been absent for seven months.

Blaine's eyes raked over Kurt's body, taking in every little detail. He just couldn't get over how frail and skinny Kurt looked. His cheekbones were so prominent and his beautiful eyes looked a little sunken into his face. Blaine hated the fact he could see bruises on Kurt as that meant he had gotten hurt. He also couldn't believe how pale Kurt looked. He had no colour to him at all. Blaine glanced down and saw the bandages, once again meaning Kurt had been hurt. Blaine just hated the fact that Kurt looked like he had aged more than his years and just looked like he was tired and was desperate to rest. Despite all of this, Blaine was just so happy to see Kurt alive and safe after so long.

"Blaine..." Kurt eventually replied as he returned the stare, not able to believe Blaine was here.

Kurt's eyes raked over Blaine's body, taking in every little detail. He thought Blaine looked a little bit taller than he had last time. He knew Blaine would be happy to hear that. He thought that the boy he loved looked fitter, especially seeing that his arms looked bigger in his jumper. Kurt guessed that Blaine had been boxing a lot more. His eyes scanned Blaine's face, relishing in the fact he was looking at the Warbler in the flesh again. He could make out bags under Blaine's eyes, indicating lack of sleep. Kurt just wanted to hold Blaine and to never let him go.

"Oh Kurt, I can't believe you're home," Blaine exclaimed as his eyes filled with tears.

Kurt let out a shaky breath, "Blaine..."

Kurt couldn't hold it anymore. He rushed at Blaine who immediately caught on what Kurt was planning. The two boys met in the middle and grabbed at one another. Their arms wrapped around one another as they held each other close. Kurt's hand reached up as his fingers entwined with the hair at the nape of Blaine's neck while Blaine had his arms wrapped around Kurt's tiny waist, burying his face into his neck and breathing in the familiar scent of his boyfriend that he had missed so much. The two boys held one another with tears pouring down their cheeks. They couldn't believe how long it had been since they had last held one another. The last several months had been torture for them while they had been separated. It was the most amazing feeling to be reunited.
After what felt like hours to the boys, they pulled back slightly to rest their foreheads against one another's. There was no talking as they simply revelled in one another's presence, arms still wrapped around one another. Blaine was the first to make a move but Kurt met him half way as they went in for a kiss. Their lips met and both boys couldn't help but let out a gasp of finally getting the feeling that they were home once more. Kurt tightened his arms around Blaine's neck as the kiss deepened. Blaine pulled Kurt as close to him as possible, never wanting this moment to end. Eventually Kurt and Blaine pulled apart, with Blaine pressing a quick chaste kiss to Kurt's lips. They smiled at one another, their eyes full of tears that seemed to be constantly there. The two of them felt like this moment was a dream and any moment they could wake up. It was a moment that they had been dreaming of for so long, neither could believe they were finally reunited.

"How are you here?" Kurt whispered, moving one of his hands so he was caressing Blaine's cheek, "I mean when did you get here? Am I dreaming?"

Blaine let out a soft chuckle as he leaned in to Kurt's touch, "I'm here because I have been harassing Carole for news about you ever since your Dad left for New York. I asked Carole if it was okay if I came to see you and she checked with your Dad, so here I am. I haven't been here long. I spoke to your Dad briefly before coming up to your room. Oh God Kurt I can't believe you're here!"

The boys rested their foreheads against one another's once again but Blaine accidentally pushed against the stitches near Kurt's hairline. The boy in question winced and pulled back, his arms still wrapped loosely around Blaine's shoulders.

Blaine was immediately frantic, "Are you okay Kurt? What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

Kurt gave a little shake of his head, "It's fine. There was just a bit of pressure on my stitches that's all."

Blaine couldn't help but notice that Kurt hadn't answered his question whether he was okay. He had just stated that it was fine, not he was fine. Blaine moved one hand from Kurt's waist and gently moved it to his hairline, taking a look at the stitches. Kurt winced again and Blaine immediately withdrew his hand, placing it back on Kurt's waist.

"I'm sorry," Blaine whispered, not really knowing what he was apologising for. It could be for hurting Kurt or it could be for whatever had happened to Kurt during the last seven months.

Once again Kurt replied, "It's fine."

"How did you hurt your head? It must have been bad to get stitches." Blaine blurted out before he could think through what he was going to say. He immediately cursed his stupidity.

"I hit it when I fell," was Kurt's response as he avoided Blaine's eyes.

To Blaine's horror Kurt took a step back out of their embrace and crossed his arms across his chest, putting up a wall between himself and his visitor. It pained Blaine to see how Kurt's eyes hardened and his stance was almost defensive.

"I was just wondering that's all," Blaine said, trying to keep things calm and show Kurt that he meant no harm.

Kurt took a deep breath and closed his eyes, "Blaine I think you leave."

Blaine gaped at Kurt, trying to understand what had happened. One minute they were crying in one another's arms and kissing, the next Kurt was keeping his distance and asking him to leave.

"I'm sorry if I upset you Kurt. I didn't mean..." Blaine started, desperately racking his brain for what to do.

Kurt's eyes flashed open as he interrupted him, "You didn't upset me Blaine. I just think it's best if you leave."

Blaine just stared at Kurt in frustration, "Kurt I haven't seen you in seven months! I've missed you so much and when I finally get the chance to see you, you ask me to leave! We need to talk Kurt. I don't get it. We were kissing a moment ago but now you're kicking me out!"

"That was a mistake," Kurt whispered, his eyes fixed on the wall behind Blaine's head.

Blaine froze at Kurt's words, unsure if he heard it correctly, "What?"

"The kiss was a mistake," Kurt's voice rose as he repeated the sentence, "I don't want to hurt you Blaine but that kiss shouldn't have happened."

Blaine quickly blinked back tears, feeling as if his heart was breaking. He didn't know how to act after that revelation. Kurt had seemed so happy to see him but now everything was falling apart.

"Why was it a mistake?" Blaine whispered, his voice sounding weak and timid.

Kurt ran a hair through his hair, not caring about the mess he was making, "It was mistake because I shouldn't let myself get attached to you again."

"What?" Blaine didn't understand what he was hearing, "Kurt I don't understand."

"You won't want me Blaine!" Kurt yelled, the words bursting out of him, "You won't want anything to do with me and I don't blame you. I don't blame you at all. You're just perfect and you deserve so much more than I can offer. The kiss was a mistake because you won't want me."

Blaine just stared at Kurt for several moments, his mouth hanging open. How could he not want this beautiful boy in front of him? He knew what he had to do. Blaine squared his shoulders and quickly marched over to Kurt, capturing his face gently in his hands and forcing Kurt to look him in the eye.

"Oh Kurt how could I not want you?" Blaine stated, his eyes locked with Kurt's, "I love you. I love you Kurt Hummel. I will always want you as I love you."

Kurt just gaped at Blaine dumbfounded, which caused the Warbler to smile, "What are you saying?"

Blaine let his thumbs caress Kurt's tearstained cheeks as he continued, "I love you Kurt. I have always loved you and I will always love you. I didn't truly know my feelings in the beginning but that doesn't matter now. All I know is that I love you. I could repeat it millions of times, I could scream it from the mountains and I could sing about my love for you."

Blaine slowly moved his hands from his love's face and took Kurt's bandaged hands in his own, "I know this is a lot to take in but it's how I feel about you. I had it all planned you see. I was going to tell you when you got back from New York. I was thinking about making an extravagant gesture when I realised there was no need. It was just about us. I would have taken you to the Lima Bean for coffee and heard all about New York before blurting out that I love you. I had this plan in my head but the circumstances have changed. I finally get to tell you now that you're home from New York but obviously I had to give up my idea of the Lima Bean and settle for your bedroom. I just love you Kurt, so very much."

Kurt just continued to stare at the boy gazing at him with a look of love and adoration. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. All he had ever wanted was for Blaine to love him and now that he had told him as such, Kurt desperately wished things were normal and that there was a chance for them to be happy.

Kurt had to tell Blaine how he felt, "Blaine... I'm so touched and overwhelmed by what you said. I can't believe that you love me. I love you too. I always have and I always will love you too."

The two boys smiled at one another; the Warbler grinning at Kurt and feeling as if his heart was going to burst out of happiness. Blaine let go of one of Kurt's hand and bought it up to place on the nape of Kurt's neck. He leaned in for a kiss, eyes fluttering shut, expecting Kurt to meet him halfway but all he felt was a hand being pressed to his lips. Blaine opened his eyes to see Kurt shaking his head, tears clinging to his eyelashes as he desperately tried to stop the tears.

"Blaine I love you and I know you love me but you don't want this," Kurt explained sadly, his eyes exposing his sadness, "I'm damaged goods and you deserve better. I'm not the same boy you fell in love with and I don't want to deceive you in any way, shape or form. You mean too much to me to let you have to deal with this burden."

Blaine frowned at Kurt as the latter removed his hand from Blaine's lips, "What are you saying Kurt? I don't understand. You're not damaged goods and I deserve you Kurt. We deserve each other."

Kurt shook his head, "I am damaged goods. I'm weak, pathetic and broken. If you knew how badly I was broken, you would be running for the hills. The last seven months have changed me and I feel like I'm drowning with no way of surfacing. I am not dragging you down with me."

"What if I want to be dragged down with you?" Blaine looked determined, ready for any argument, "I don't believe that you are broken and there is no way the amazing Kurt Hummel can be deemed as weak and pathetic. You are the bravest person I have ever met and you are full of courage. Look I don't know what happened, except for what Carole told me, but I am here for you no matter what. Come what may, remember? We watched 'Moulin Rouge' not long before you left and we both said that it applied to us. Love isn't easy and there are challenges but I will always love you and I want to be with you. I want to help and support you Kurt. Please let me in. As well as being in love with you, you're my best friend and I'd do anything for you."

Kurt couldn't stop the tears upon hearing Blaine's speech. Blaine moved his hand from Kurt's neck to cup his face, brushing away the tears as they fell. He hated seeing Kurt upset. The last time he had seen him like this was when Kurt had been voted Prom Queen by secret ballot. Blaine gently squeezed the hand of Kurt's that he was still holding and leaned in to rest his forehead against Kurt's, taking note that to go near the stitches on Kurt's head.

"You aren't getting rid of me that easily my love," Blaine whispered, watching Kurt blink as his breath fanned over the older boy's face, "Wild horses couldn't keep me away from you."

Kurt closed his eyes and let out a sigh, "I don't want to get rid of you Blaine but once you know what happened to me in New York... you'll be long gone."

Blaine could see how much this pained Kurt, "I won't be. I'm not going anywhere."

Kurt pulled away from Blaine but kept hold of his hand. He led them over to his bed and they sat down on the edge, shuffling back a little bit so their feet were still just about touching the floor.

Kurt took both of Blaine's hands in his, "Blaine I get it. I know you love me but please don't feel obliged to stay with me. You can move on and find someone who isn't broken. You never know, there might be a new Warbler who catches your eye."

Blaine frantically shook his head, a look of anger in his eyes, "I don't feel obliged! Kurt I want to stay with you! You're the love of my life and you're my soul mate! I don't want anyone else. I'm not going to lie to you as I had a new Warbler called Sebastian hit on me and tell me to forget you. He said that you had moved on or that you were... you were dead. That conversation ended up with me having a sore hand as I gave him a black eye. You're it for me baby and nothing is going to change how I feel about you."

Kurt's head dropped as he scrunched up his face, trying to stop the onslaught of tears. Blaine could feel the tears prickling in the corner of his eyes as he watched the boy he loved in such an emotional state.

"I want to believe you so badly," Kurt sobbed, his body started to shake violently, "I know you're telling the truth but for some reason I just can't register it in my mind."

Blaine just let go of Kurt's hands as he quickly pulled to him. Kurt gripped onto Blaine's shirt as he sobbed into his chest. Blaine couldn't help it back any longer. He buried his face in Kurt's hair and let the tears flow. Although he was relishing in the fact he was holding Kurt in his arms, he hated that Kurt was having some sort of emotional breakdown. Kurt let out a few shuddery gasps as he tried to control himself but he failed to get a hold of his emotions. Blaine just held Kurt tighter, wanting to comfort the love of his life as much as possible. Kurt clutched onto Blaine, burying his face in his chest. He needed to be closer to Blaine; he had missed him so much.

Eventually Kurt managed to calm down but still held onto Blaine, "I'm so sorry for this Blaine."

Blaine placed a kiss to Kurt's hair, "Never apologise for that Kurt. I'll always be here to comfort you and let you cry on me."

"You're too good for me," Kurt whispered against Blaine's skin, "I don't know how I ever got you but I'm certainly so glad you're here."

Blaine once again kissed Kurt's hair, "There is no way I'm too good for you. It's the other way around for sure."

Kurt pulled away from Blaine and sat up properly. He turned to face Blaine and sat cross-legged on his bed. Blaine copied Kurt's action and was happy when Kurt entwined their hands in between them.

"I've always told you everything," Kurt murmured as he stared at their entwined hands, "Even from the moment I met you, I told you everything about Karofsky and I had just met you. Well I'm not one to talk. You did serenade me with 'Teenage Dream' when we had met moments before."

Blaine couldn't help but laugh at that. He didn't say anything however, not wanting to disturb Kurt from his train of thought.

"You're my best friend," Kurt continued, raising his head so he was looking into Blaine's eyes, "I've never hid anything from you and I don't intend to start now. I don't want any secrets between us."

"This is completely different," Blaine said softly as he gave Kurt's hands a gentle squeeze, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Don't force yourself to tell me."

Kurt shook his head, "I'm not forcing myself. I want to tell you. I just don't know where to start. I don't know what's going to happen after you know."

"Kurt..." Blaine started, needing Kurt to know he wasn't going anywhere.

Kurt stopped him, "I know what you're going to say but don't make promises you can't keep. I'm going to tell you everything. I trust you Blaine and I do need someone to talk to. I'm just going to tell you. If you want to ask something, can you just squeeze my hand or something so I know to pause rather than your voice startling me?"

"Of course Kurt, I'll do whatever you want," Blaine replied as he tried to prepare himself for whatever he was about to hear.

Kurt took a deep breath and closed his eyes, knowing he couldn't look at Blaine while he unveiled his life in New York. He didn't know how Blaine would react. He prayed to whatever was out there that Blaine would be okay with what happened. Kurt didn't know what to expect. He didn't know about anything anymore.

"I was snatched off the street by two men as I was leaving you a voicemail," Kurt began, knowing that this wasn't going to be easy, "I saw them coming towards me and I got a bit panicked but I thought it might be me just being paranoid. They grabbed me and dragged me down an alleyway. I cried out for help and tried to get away but they knocked me out, causing me to drop my phone. I woke up in this dark basement. There were nine other teenagers in there. Three men walked in and I recognised two of them as the men who grabbed me. The other was a man... he was Thomas Manson and he was the man in charge. He told me what I was there for. He was the leader of a... he was in charge of... oh Blaine he was in charge of a prostitution ring."

Blaine felt as if his body had gone numb. He couldn't process what Kurt had just said. It sounded like Kurt was implying that he had been kidnapped by men involved in a prostitution ring. That couldn't be right. That couldn't have happened to Kurt.

"Oh God Kurt? Is this true?" Blaine cried, clutching tighter onto Kurt's hands.

Kurt looked down as tears leaked out of his eyes, "It's true. I was kidnapped and forced to be part of a prostitution ring. I was forced to provide a service for several men and women daily and I had no say in the matter. My innocence and my virginity was ripped from me."

Blaine immediately moved so he was kneeling on the bed and he wrapped his arms around Kurt, hugging him tightly. Kurt immediately wrapped his arms around Blaine's waist and once again cried into Blaine's shirt. Blaine was crying into Kurt's hair, unable to believe what had happened to his Kurt. Kurt had already been through so much; why had this happened to him?

Kurt was the first to pull away and he recovered his original position, as did Blaine, before wiping his eyes and nose. He had to tell Blaine everything. He had got over the first hurdle but the rest was yet to come. Kurt entwined their hands once again as he prepared himself to continue his horrific tale.

"I was forced to be prostitute," Kurt said bluntly as he gripped Blaine's hands, trying to stop himself from shaking, "My innocence was apparently a good thing as it gave me the look of an innocent, porcelain angel and apparently people would just lap that up, which they did. Thomas Manson told me that I had to be a good slut for him otherwise there would be consequences. My life was hell."

Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand gently, letting him know he wanted to interrupt. Kurt gave a brief nod, letting Blaine know he was free to speak.

"Can you tell me what they did to you?" Blaine said quietly, not being able to raise his voice above a whisper.

Kurt closed his eyes and took a shuddery breath, "I was beaten up to the point where I was clinging for consciousness. My very first day I made some sarcastic comment and had the crap beaten out of me. Manson seemed to get a kick out of punishing me. You weren't allowed to cry in there and were beaten to a pulp. I always tried to hide my crying but of course I wasn't so lucky. A few days in I was caught crying and Manson instructed his henchmen to beat the shit out of me and said that the little fag needed to man up. I learned quickly to not show any emotion and to never complain otherwise you received a beating within an inch of your life. Towards the end I felt like an emotionless robot. You definitely couldn't complain about what you were being forced to do. You just had to get on with it and let yourself be constantly violated over and over again. The first time it happened... my friends James and Luke kept telling me it'd be okay and just to close my eyes and let it happen. I was locked in a room and I was planning my escape when a man nearly three times my age walked in. He was leering at me and made a comment about me being an angel. I didn't want it to happen, I swear I didn't. I screamed out for help and tried to run past him. He just threw me down on the bed, pinned me there and climbed on top of me. I closed my eyes and tried to picture anything else, not wanting to admit that it was happening. Fat lot of good that did. It didn't take away the roughness, the pain and how pathetic and helpless I felt. I always thought my first time would be with you but instead I was violated by some sleazy guy who had paid to have sex with me."

Blaine made no effort to stop the tears falling down his face. He wished that he could have swapped places with Kurt and saved him from all this happening to him. It was horrible hearing that this had happened to the boy he loved. He could picture it all so vividly, especially Kurt's first time. He could see Kurt's terrified face as the men pinned him down on the bed. He gripped Kurt's hands, feeling so overwhelmed and grateful that Kurt was now home and out of that hell.

Kurt had his eyes still closed but was gripping onto Blaine's hands, needing his support, "We were barely fed; sometimes we got a piece of bread and some water if we were very lucky. I had several customers a day, both men and women, and I had to put up with it. I just tried to think happy thoughts every time and the more it happened, the better I got at distancing myself from what was happening to my body. It was really hard though, especially if you had no energy. You were forced to take cocaine as it gives you energy. I took the drug twice. I had no energy and just hoped they would beat me to death and that would be the end of it. Instead I was practically forced to snort the powder. The second time it was injected into my veins as I was refusing to leave the basement as I was so tired and just wanted to die."

Kurt heard his voice sounding completely monotone as he repeated what he had told Carole and Finn a few days before. He would have thought he'd be emotional at the thought of wanting to die but he guessed it was the fact he had distanced himself emotionally during the seven months. Kurt opened his eyes to see Blaine staring at him, his eyes shining with tears and his mouth agape. Blaine couldn't believe his sweet Kurt had been forced to do drugs and had admitted he wanted to die. Blaine just wanted to wrap Kurt up in bubble wrap and keep him safe.

"I did make some friends in there," Kurt murmured, "Some people kept to themselves but I mainly had three friends, Hayley, Luke and James. Hayley was my best friend in that hell hole. She got me through so much and let me tell her all about you and my family. She always tried to make me feel better. She... she actually took a bullet for me. Manson wanted to eliminate all the 'sluts' when the police had come so pointed the gun at me. Hayley knocked me to the ground and took the bullet. That's why I have the stitches in my head as I hit my head when Hayley pushed me out of the way. She died in my arms. She died saving my life and I will never forget it. I got to say goodbye to her at the hospital before I was discharged. I can't talk about her anymore."

Blaine let out a shuddery breath, "Oh my God Kurt! I can't believe you went through all this. I'm so sorry for what happened to your friend Hayley. She sounds like an incredible person and I will always be grateful to her as she lived your life and allowed you to come home to me and your family. Can I ask something? Did you ever try to escape?"

Kurt nodded, "I tried just the once but I was obviously caught. I was beaten up and had a gun pointed at my head. Manson tortured me that day. He carved the words 'fag' and 'slut' into my right arm and kept going over them. I just remember constantly screaming and there was so much blood. I think I blacked out several times. The words were carved to remind me of what I am. That was my life. Now you know everything and that's what happened to me."

There was a ringing silence once Kurt had finished. Neither boy knew how to act. Kurt knew he had to wait for Blaine's reaction and had to see what was going to happen next. Kurt moved back on his bed and laid down with his eyes closed, resting his hands on his stomach. He just had to wait. Suddenly Kurt got the sense that there was something close to his face. He slowly opened his eyes to see Blaine hovering over him, keeping a safe distance as he didn't want to startle Kurt. To his surprise Blaine started rolling up the sleeve of his right arm. He continued until Kurt's forearm was on display. Kurt felt a lump in his throat as he saw the words exposed. Blaine looked at the two words, hating that that man had told Kurt they defined him. Two words that defined Kurt, in Blaine's opinion, were courageous and beautiful. Blaine leaned down and pressed a kiss to the word 'slut' before moving across slightly and pressing a kiss to the word 'fag'. He moved back so his face was several inches above Kurt's.

Blaine smiled softly at the man below him, "I know I can't take those hideous words away but I've always been told a kiss can make things better so I thought I'd try."

Kurt couldn't help but smile slightly, "You have always been incredibly cheesy Blaine Anderson."

Blaine couldn't help but grin at that, remembering how many times Kurt had said that before. He slowly got off Kurt before standing up. He turned to Kurt and offered him his hand, who immediately accepted it. They stood face to face, holding hands.

"Can I hug you?" Blaine blurted out, needing Kurt in his arms.

Kurt smile shyly before launching himself at Blaine. It was similar to the moment they had first been reunited. Kurt wrapped his arms around Blaine's neck, while Blaine wrapped his around Kurt's waist and held him to him. The two boys clung to one another, needing to know that the other was truly there.

Eventually they pulled back and, like before, they rested their foreheads against one another's.

"I can't believe you went through all of that," Blaine cried out, "You're amazing to have come through all of that. You're an incredibly brave and courageous person, just like I've always known. There is no way on earth that you are broken or pathetic. I admire you so much Kurt Hummel. I'm so proud of you and I love you so much. You're just amazing."

Kurt let out a sob at Blaine's words, "I don't feel like that Blaine. I just feel like I've managed to battle through hell but now what? It's like I've had to fight a shark but now the shark's gone, I'm still in the sea and there's no escape and I'm drowning. What happened to me changed me and I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I know I have you, my friends and my family but I'm damaged goods. For as long as I live I will be suffering due to what happened. Plus those words will be a constant reminder. I have to live with the fact I was forced to be a drug taking whore and was away from my loved ones. I'm in my own person hell with no escape from it."

"Let me help you," Blaine said softly, pressing a quick kiss to Kurt's nose, "Let your family and friends help you. Kurt I know how private you are and how reluctant you are to except help but you need it. You can't do this alone. I'm not going to let my boyfriend struggle with his demons when he needs help."

"Boyfriend?" Kurt murmured, hoping they were still boyfriends.

Blaine smiled sadly, "You have always been my boyfriend. Ever since I told you that you moved me and I kissed you. We may have been apart for seven months but we're still boyfriends."

To Blaine's surprise, Kurt leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to Blaine's lips. Blaine kissed back but Kurt pulled away. It obviously would be a long time before Kurt would feel okay and Blaine was fully prepare for Kurt to be in control.

"Boyfriends," Kurt whispered, a smile on his face, "I always called you my boyfriend when I talked about you in New York."

Blaine smiled at that and he suddenly had an idea. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a red box. Kurt's eyes widened at it and he quickly looked at Blaine.

"I'm not proposing," Blaine said with a chuckle as he opened the box, "It's a promise ring. I made it myself out of gum wrappers as I know it's your favourite. I know life has been extremely cruel to you but I want to be with you for the rest of our lives. I promise I will do my best to protect you and keep you safe. I promise to help you as much as possible and hopefully you won't always feel like you're drowning. I promise to love you forever. I promise to always defend you, to kiss you whenever and wherever you want, to always pick up your call, to bake you the cookies that you love at least twice a year and I promise to make sure you remember how perfectly imperfect you are."

Kurt leaned in once again to kiss Blaine, letting the kiss last longer and deepened the kiss slightly. Blaine kissed back, feeling Kurt's wet cheeks touching his. They pulled apart and Blaine slipped the ring on Kurt's finger.

Blaine rested his forehead against Kurt's, "I made that a while ago and wanted to give it to you as this year's Christmas present. I'm so happy I was able to do it. I promise you that I fully intend to keep all of my promises."

Kurt desperately tried to blink back the tears that were on their way, "I love you Blaine. I'm so happy you didn't leave me. I know life won't be easy but I'm so grateful I have you."

Blaine pulled Kurt closer to him, "I love you too Kurt. You're everything to me and I will always fight for you. Come what may."