Author's Note:

***HAPPY GLEE DAY EVERYONE!***

I want to apologise for how long it's taken me to post this update. I haven't even finished this chapter. (Yes… there will be a Part Three… and maybe a Four…) As I'm sure you can understand, this story requires me to be in the appropriate frame of mind to write. I sometimes find it very difficult to express myself properly and I don't want that to ever affect how I write this story. It's all planned out from now until the end and I can't risk writing when I'm not in the *mood* in fear of it affecting the outcome. So please, bear with me if you can. I promise I will NEVER abandon this story. It has become a huge part of my life and I will not leave you hanging. I promise.

XOXO

-Ryleigh Hayle

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~ Thanks for reading and reviewing. Your words inspire mine. ~

*** TRIGGER WARNING ***

This chapter may contain depictions of violence, coarse language and non-consensual sexual acts.

~~~ This story is rated 'R'. ~~~

Viewer discretion is STRONGLY advised…

Chapter 27 Part Two

A multitude of tantalizing smells emanated from the kitchen, swirling together to fill the Hummel home with the most delicious aroma that Blaine had ever experienced.

His mouth was watering and he had to refrain from licking his lips as he sat silently on the stool next to the counter watching both Kurt and Carole fuss around making dinner.

Kurt had tried to convince him to sit on the couch in the living room and watch the football game with Burt and Finn but Blaine had simply shaken his head and followed him into the kitchen.

Blaine had been doing so well after his and Kurt's 'talk' using the whiteboard a few days prior. He didn't look as terrified, his walking had improved to the point where he barely needed anyone to help him, and Kurt had even caught him smiling a few times.

They'd played a 'family' game of Pictionary a few nights ago and Blaine had looked more relaxed then when Kurt had first met him. He didn't speak a word during the game, but his eyes were wide and sparkling as the foursome scribbled their pictures on their whiteboards and guessed each other's creations.

But it was almost as though something had happened since then that wiped away this progress and caused Blaine's skittishness and terrified eyes to return. Blaine had refused to eat any dinner the night before and wouldn't make eye contact with anyone at the table.

Since Kurt had first recognized the sudden regression, he'd also noticed that Blaine had literally refused to leave his side.

Then last night, Blaine had fearfully asked him lock the bedroom door before they went to sleep.

That's when Kurt knew for sure that something was wrong.

Blaine hardly slept at all; even with Kurt nestled beside him on the small bed holding his hand, the terrified boy had tossed and turned for most of the night.

It was as though something had shaken him to his core.

Blaine's unusual behaviour caused Kurt's heart to ache. He'd been certain that they'd been making progress.

But now it was as though Blaine was back to his original, terrified self and that scared Kurt more than anything.

"Are you sure you don't want to sit in the living room?" Kurt asked him for the third time. "It's much softer in there."

Blaine shook his head, strategically avoiding Kurt's watchful eye.

He grabbed the whiteboard from the table and began scribbling furiously using a orange dry erase marker.

Is there anything I can do to help?

Kurt smiled.

He's trying so hard to be brave.

But I know there's something wrong.

"Actually, I think we're almost ready." He said with a grin. "Aren't we, Carole?"

Carole turned around from her place in front of the stove where she'd been stirring at the pan of gravy that bubbled peacefully.

"Yes!" She replied cheerfully, wiping her hands on the olive green apron that was already covered in food stains of different colors and textures. She and Kurt had been fussing around the kitchen all afternoon to prepare an extravagant feast. There was more food being prepared than Blaine had ever seen before.

Thanksgiving turkey with all the fixing's.

Even though it was nearly December, Carole had excitedly announced at dinner the night before that she would be cooking the meal that they'd missed for the actual holiday.

Blaine had smiled when Carole had relayed her plan, but he couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of guilt.

The Hummels and Hudsons had missed out on real Thanksgiving because they'd been at the hospital with him.

However, he knew he should appreciate it, so he slapped on a fake smile and nodded encouragingly.

"Blaine?" Carole asked, bringing him back to the present. She brought a large stainless steel pot over to the counter where he sat watching. "Would you like to help me mash the turnips?"

He nodded, looking up at her with a weak smile.

Yes, I can at least do that much.

"Great!" She exclaimed, handing him the silicon potato masher. She pulled the lid off and Blaine was hit by a wave of steam billowing off the golden vegetables as he leaned forward to peer inside the pot.

He'd never tasted turnips before.

They looked like… funny coloured potatoes.

Even with his left arm in its sling, Blaine was able to start mashing the turnips without much difficulty.

"Great anger management tool, I say." Carole quipped with a wink.

Blaine nodded with a tiny grin and continued his quest to mash every piece of turnip to a pulp. When Carole returned minutes later, she peeked into the pot with a satisfied smile.

"Looks great!" She praised. "Shall we add in some butter and brown sugar now?"

Blaine looked up at her, puzzled.

Brown sugar?

In potatoes?

Carole immediately recognized his confusion and leaned down close to him so she could whisper in his ear.

"Shhh…" She hushed as she dumped a large scoop of brown sugar into the pot, followed by what Blaine would have considered an unhealthy amount of butter. "Don't tell Kurt. He's such a stickler for healthy food."

She handed the spoon back to Blaine, who started folding the new ingredients into his pile of perfectly mashed turnips.

"He'll never know…" Carole added with a devious grin before returning the plate of butter to the table.

Blaine turned around to finish mixing the turnips with a smile.

"Did you do much cooking at home?" Carole asked from next to him when she returned to check his progress.

Without looking up, Blaine pulled the spoon out and tapped it gently on the side of the pot to knock the bits of turnip back in as he shook his head.

Carole immediately recognized the sadness that filled his averted eyes.

"We're going to have to change that!" She quickly added with a smile. "Kurt is an amazing cook, so you'll have to get him to teach you a few new recipes."

Blaine finally looked up at Carole, keeping her gaze for several seconds longer than he probably should have.

He knew exactly what she was trying to do.

Carole was trying to make him feel welcome.

Trying to get him to forget all that had happened and focus on the future, not the past.

He appreciated the gesture, but it didn't stop the constant ache that filled his chest.

Blaine forced a smile to his face and nodded sadly.

I wish it were that easy to make this all go away.

His facial expression spoke a thousand words that his lips couldn't and Carole placed a loving hand on his shoulder.

"We're going to get you through this, Blaine." She said in a voice soft enough for only him to hear, and she pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his forehead.

"I promise."

"Blaine, you and Kurt can take your plates into the living room if you like." Burt offered as he pulled out his chair at the table once everything was set for dinner. "It's much softer in there."

Finn's head snapped up as he reached across the table to pluck a dill pickle from the crystal serving dish across from him.

"What?" He sounded exasperated. "Why do they get to? I never get to eat in there!"

Blaine's eyes widened and his breath caught, but before he could even look towards Kurt for support, Burt's deep voice filled the tense air from the other side of the table.

"Finn." The single word hung in the air dauntingly and sounded much like a warning.

Kurt immediately sensed Blaine's discomfort, and he shot Finn daggers with his narrowed eyes before turning to face Blaine who remained standing next to him stalk-still.

"Don't listen to anything he has to say." Kurt changed his tone to try and sound less agitated and more optimistic before continuing. "Would you like to sit in the living room, Blaine?"

Blaine looked up uncomfortably from where he stood.

Everyone was staring at him, waiting for him to answer.

The fingers on his right hand began fumbling nervously with the hem of his T-shirt as he considered Kurt's offer.

It would feel much better if I could sit on the couch, but I don't want them to feel like I refuse to spend time with them.

I don't want them to be uncomfortable in their own home.

I'm only a guest here.

Carole went through all of this trouble to make this wonderful meal, so I'm not going to act like a spoiled little brat.

Without making eye contact with Kurt, Blaine shook his head hesitantly.

"Okay, great." Kurt forced a smile to his face as he reached over and pulled out Blaine's chair for him. Once the boy was settled, he pulled out his own chair and sat down next to him.

Finn was just about to reach for a large glass bowl heaped with mashed potatoes when Burt cleared his throat, making the gangly quarterback freeze and withdraw his hand once again.

"Kurt and I have a Thanksgiving tradition…" The elder Hummel started.

"But, it not even real Thanksgiving." Finn interrupted, sounding annoyed.

This time it was Carole who shot Finn an unimpressed glare, which effectively silenced him.

"We always take a moment before we eat to say what we're most thankful for." Burt continued, clearly ignoring Finn's outburst. "And since we've been blessed with a few new members of our family, I think it only makes sense to share the tradition." He winked at Carole, while taking her hand into his own above the table.

Blaine sunk lower into his seat.

I shouldn't be here.

I'm imposing on their family.

It's my fault they missed the real Thanksgiving.

No wonder Finn hates me so much.

Blaine startled slightly when he felt Kurt lace his fingers into his own.

He immediately sat up straighter in his chair and looked over to his right where Kurt was looking right at him, with the softest, most gentle smile on his flawless face.

Are you okay?

Kurt didn't even need to speak for Blaine to hear the words.

He felt Kurt's fingers gently squeeze his hand as he gave him a very subtle nod.

You're welcome here Blaine. You're part of this family and we want you to be here.

Blaine's face contorted into an emotional frown but he allowed his fingers to reciprocate the gentle embrace as he gulped and nodded silently, still fixated on Kurt's eyes.

They held each other's gaze for nearly a full minute before they realized that Burt was still speaking.

"…happy to have everyone here, together where we all belong."

Carole smiled and leaned over to press a gentle kiss to Burt's cheek, which made the bald man turn an amusing shade of pink.

"I'm also very thankful for this new chapter in my life story, but also to have the opportunity to meet up with a very special old friend." She moved her gaze towards Blaine and offered him yet another loving wink.

"I am thankful for turkey." Finn said abruptly. "And the potatoes too. And maybe the stuffing and peas as well. But not the turnips, they're gross."

Burt looked mildly amused at the teenager's words, while both Kurt and Carole simply rolled their eyes.

Blaine kept his head down, but he felt Kurt squeeze his fingers underneath the table before the taller teen began to speak.

"I'm thankful that Blaine is here with us, and that he's safe and sound. I'm thankful that he's beginning to feel better and stronger and that he knows that he's always welcome here, as part of our family."

Blaine's mouth dropped open just slightly as Kurt's heartfelt words filled the silence.

Tear prickled at the corners of his eyes and his chest grew tight with emotion.

I think he really meant that.

He dared himself to look up at the rest of the people sitting across the table from him and a chill-inducing shiver blasted up his spine when he realized they were smiling.

Blaine's breath caught and his lower lip trembled slightly as his eyes darted hesitantly from face to face.

Even Finn was looking at him.

It's my turn.

They want me to say something I'm thankful for.

Blaine's heart began to race as he struggled to maintain his composure. His breaths began coming in shorter, less effective puffs and his hands grew cold and clammy.

I have to talk.

Say something.

Anything.

Another shiver shrilled up his spine and he felt himself physically begin to tremble.

Talk!

If I don't say something, they're going to think I don't care about them…

Say something!

Stop being so stupid and just talk!

"K-Kurt."

Blaine's voice was harsh and raspy and he spoke so quietly that Burt and Carole exchanged glances to confirm that he'd even spoken at all.

He looked up from the table, with almost as much shock on his face as everyone else's.

Oh shit.

Now what?

Oh god, they're still looking at me.

Blaine looked back down at the table and allowed his eyes to slip closed while his brain searched desperately for the right words.

"I-I'm t-thankful for K-Kurt."

Wow. That was brilliant.

Idiot!

What were you thinking?

Now they're all going to…

"Thank you, Blaine." Burt said, trying his best to sound calm. He couldn't believe that Blaine had actually spoken, but he didn't want to make too much of a big deal out of it, for fear of causing Blaine to feel awkward.

Well… more awkward.

"Shall we eat, everyone?" Carole smiled as she picked up the bowl of stuffing and handed it towards Burt.

Everyone nodded in agreement, seeming to pick up on Burt's approach to helping Blaine settle in at the table.

Blaine felt Kurt give his fingers another gentle squeeze before he lifted his hand up and began passing the dishes around the table.

"Blaine, I'll hold the bowls for you if you want to dish up your plate." Kurt said smoothly, indicating to the sling on Blaine's shoulder.

Blaine looked at Kurt and nodded shyly.

Kurt lifted up the heavy bowl of mashed potatoes with both hands and held it in front of Blaine, who picked up the serving spoon and placed a tiny helping onto the middle of his plate before replacing the spoon back into the dish.

Kurt looked at the almost insignificant dollop of fluffy white potatoes and grinned.

"You can take as much as you want. You get to choose what you eat, Blaine."

Blaine hesitated, but then picked up the spoon once again and set a second tiny mound onto his plate.

They continued like this, with Kurt holding each of the dishes for Blaine to help himself to, although he only took tiny amounts of each dish.

Kurt secretly wondered if Blaine felt obligated to try each dish, or if he actually liked everything he and Carole had prepared, but he wasn't going to bring it up.

After several minutes of quiet munching, Kurt broke the silence.

"Oh Carole! These turnips are amazing!" He carefully inspected the small mound of golden turnips that rested on the end of his fork. "I've never been able to make them taste this good, what's your secret?"

Carole and Blaine immediately turned to each other and exchanged an amused glance.

"Blaine made them actually." Carole explained proudly. "He must have a special touch." She turned back towards the curly-haired teen and gave him a devious wink, which made the corners of Blaine's lips turn up just slightly and a tiny sparkle appeared in his eyes.

Kurt turned in his seat until he was facing Blaine and once again took his hand under the table.

"Whatever you did, you did it perfectly. They taste amazing."

Carole couldn't help but smile as he saw the slight blush return to Blaine's cheeks.

There was a lot more depth and meaning to that single bowl of turnips than she'd ever planned.

Several more minutes passed, silent apart from Finn's obnoxiously loud chewing, until Burt cleared his throat.

"So boys…" He began. His tone indicated that he clearly wasn't looking forward to whatever it was he was about to say. "There's something that Carole and I need to talk to you about."

Blaine looked up at Burt with wide eyes.

Uh oh.

Is he going to kick me out?

Have I done something wrong?

"I know you two don't want to hear this, but it's time…"

Kurt and Blaine exchanged worried looks.

"Kurt?" Burt looked at his son solemnly.

Everyone was silent as Kurt looked up at his dad hesitantly.

Is he going to make me sleep downstairs again?

"Uhhh… yeah?"

"You need to go back to school tomorrow."

Kurt's jaw dropped.

"What?" He exclaimed. "But…"

"I know you don't want to go, but you've missed a lot of days already." Burt sounded like he'd rehearsed this speech.

"But I've been doing my homework! I'm probably ahead of half the class!"

"I know buddy, but…"

Kurt didn't let him finish.

"I can't leave Blaine here alone!"

Blaine ducked down in his seat. His heart was jumping out of his chest.

Kurt has to go to school.

He's not going to be here with me.

I'm going to be alone.

"Sweetie…I have tomorrow off, so Blaine and I can spend the day together and we'll be just fine." Carole jumped in. "Won't we Blaine?"

Blaine's head shot up.

No!

I want him to stay.

Please let him stay with me!

Blaine's breath caught as he tried to muster the strength to nod his head.

"Blaine?" Carole asked again. "You'll be okay here with me tomorrow, right?"

Blaine gulped and blinked frantically, willing his tears away.

Fake it.

Tell them you'll be fine.

Fake it!

It was the most unconvincing nod Carole had ever seen.

Sensing Blaine's discomfort, she immediately continued explaining their plan.

"We already spoke with Principal Figgins. He's going to allow Kurt to keep his phone with him in class as long as he keeps it on mute." She explained. "Then, in case something happens, which I'm sure it won't, we'll be able to get in contact with him."

Blaine nodded numbly.

I can do this.

I'm not a baby.

I can get through a few hours without Kurt.

Can't I?

Blaine tried desperately to keep his composure. His eyes stung and his chest ached with fear and emotion and he felt like he wanted to start shouting. Then another thought hit him, and caused his stomach to lurch violently.

Sebastian.

What if he goes to McKinley to look for me?

What if he finds out I'm staying with Kurt?

Kurt released a defeated huff next to him, having finally realized that he was fighting a losing battle with his father and turned to face Blaine, taking his hand into his own.

"It'll be okay." He lied. "You can call me or text me whenever you need to, alright?"

Blaine blinked away several more tears, swallowed the lump of uncertainty that rested in his throat, and nodded.

Carole frowned. Blaine was obviously not okay with their plan.

As much as she knew it was necessary for Kurt to return to school, it hurt her soul to think about taking anything away from Blaine when so much had been stolen from him already.

It had been a strange afternoon. Blaine had seemed significantly more distant than he had been over the past few days. She wasn't sure what had happened to cause him to retract back into himself, but he wasn't smiling as much as he had been during the game of Pictionary.

He looked somewhat terrified.

Carole had noticed Blaine glance towards the front door several times and she also saw him checking his cell phone frequently throughout the morning.

Something is wrong.

He's scared again.

She watched sadly as Blaine pushed the small bits of food around his plate with his fork.

The poor boy has barely eaten anything.

The sudden high-pitched shrill of the doorbell seconds later confirmed Carole's suspicions.

Blaine's fork slipped from his fingers, and it clattered onto his plate, causing several peas to fly off his plate and roll harmlessly across the table.

He immediately sat up in his seat with wide, terror-filled eyes, and his breathing rate quickened instantaneously.

"I'll get it." Burt announced, pushing his chair back from the table.

Blaine squeezed his fingers around the seat of his chair as another shiver snaked its way up his spine.

Oh god.

He's here.

Sebastian found me.

"Blaine, honey?" Carole asked worriedly. "Are you alright?"

He's going to be so mad at me.

I can't let him hurt Kurt.

"Blaine?"

This time it was Kurt talking to him, from directly beside him but Blaine heard nothing.

He's going to make me leave here.

I don't want to go.

Blaine flinched violently when Kurt placed his hand onto his shoulder.

"Blaine? It's j-just me. It's Kurt."

Kurt's eyes were wide and afraid. Blaine hadn't zoned out like this in days.

What is going on?

Why is he so scared?

Before Kurt could come up with anything further, Burt's voice echoed from the front entrance.

"Blaine? It's for you!"

Every speck of color drained from the teen's face and he suddenly felt extremely light-headed.

He's really here.

How did he find me?

"Blaine?" Kurt's voice sounded desperate. "P-please… just look at me. What's going on?"

The terrified sound of Kurt's broken words finally registered and snapped Blaine from his trance.

He turned his head until he was looking right at Kurt with tears gathering at the corners of his eyes.

"I-I d-don't wanna g-go."

Kurt's eyes widened at Blaine's fractured plea. His voice was lower than a whisper, but sounded coarse and cracked as though he was tittering on the verge of a breakdown.

Kurt had no idea what to say.

What does he mean?

Go where?

He doesn't want to answer the door?

"Blaine…" He cried, his own voice breaking with emotion. "You don't have to go anywhere. I-It's okay." Kurt reached his hand slowly, as not to started the boy once again, until his fingers rested gently on Blaine's shoulder. "You're safe here. You don't have to go anywhere."

After seeing the exchange, Carole stood up from the table and quickly rushed out to the front entrance, leaving Kurt to try and calm Blaine down, and a very confused looking Finn sitting at the table.

"Blaine?" Kurt brought his other hand up and gently ran his thumb down Blaine's cheek, wiping away a trail of tears. "Can you hear me?"

Through stuttered breaths and frightened sobs, Blaine forced his eyes up to meet Kurt's and he nodded.

"Stay with me, okay?" Kurt instructed. "Just keep breathing."

Another hesitant nod.

"That's perfect. In and out… just like that." He praised. "You're doing so good."

The sound of the front door closing broke Blaine's concentration and he turned his head towards the front entrance with wild, terrified eyes.

"Shhh…" Kurt whispered, using both his hands to guide Blaine's face back towards his own. "It's just you and me, okay? Just us."

He brought his face towards Blaine's until their foreheads met.

"Just you and me, Blaine. Focus on you and me."

Tears pooled down Blaine's cheeks, and he closed his eyes, desperate to hear only Kurt's voice and not the echoes of the voices that haunted him.

"That's it, sweetheart." Kurt praised, wiping away each of Blaine's tears with his delicate thumbs. "Just feel me here, okay? I'm not going anywhere and neither are you."

Blaine nodded against Kurt's forehead, and really focused on the other teen's words. He could feel the warmth from Kurt's face absorbing into his own skin and it comforted him.

I'm safe.

Sebastian can't hurt me anymore.

The pair of teens remained in that position for another full minute until Kurt gently pulled his face away from Blaine's. The sudden loss of contact and warmth left Blaine with a longing feeling of emptiness, and he instinctively opened his eyes.

He stared at Kurt for several seconds, completely entranced by his pale blue eyes.

Blaine's heart warmed when he realized that there was no hint of disappointment, anger or fear in the blue eyes that stared back at him but rather love, honesty and complete trust.

Trust.

I should have trusted him.

I should have told him that Sebastian texted me.

I shouldn't hide things from him.

"Are you okay?" Kurt had regained his composure and his voice sounded controlled and strong.

Blaine released a heavy breath and nodded.

"Would you like me to go see who's at the door for you?"

Blaine's eyes widened. He'd almost forgotten about the person at the door.

No.

You can't.

He'll hurt you if he finds out about you.

As if reading his mind, Kurt returned his hand to Blaine's and laced their fingers together once again.

"It's okay." He said quickly. "I won't go."

Blaine looked deeply into Kurt's eyes.

You promise?

"I promise."

Less than a minute later Burt returned, having obviously been informed of Blaine's episode.

He saw that Finn was still sitting at the table, with a look of utter bewilderment written on his face, while Kurt and Blaine seemed to be lost in each other's eyes.

"Hey guys." He said with a forced smile. "How are we all doing?"

Blaine and Kurt immediately broke their stare and turned their heads to see Burt standing awkwardly in the doorway to the kitchen.

Carole entered the kitchen several moments later, holding a beautiful arrangement of yellow daisies in a wicker basket. In the middle of the bunch of daisies, was a large 'Get Well Soon' helium balloon covered in smiley faces and an adorable little white puppy.

Upon further inspection, Blaine realized that it was not a real puppy, but rather one constructed from white carnations, complete with little black eyes and a nose. The 'puppy' even had a small pink plastic bandage stuck to its paw.

"This was just delivered for you Blaine!" Carole said excitedly. "Isn't he precious?"

Blaine stared blankly at the flowers.

For me?

Someone sent flowers for me?

Carole immediately identified his hesitation and filled in the blanks.

"It was only a delivery man at the door. He brought these lovely flowers just for you, Blaine." Her voice remained smooth as she tried to reassure the timid boy in front of her.

She walked towards him with the flowers and knelt down until she was eye level with him and took his hand.

"It's okay, Blaine." She whispered just loud enough for him to hear. "No one is going to hurt you here."

Blaine's eyes widened as he considered her words.

Does she know?

Did she see the texts from Sebastian?

"There's a card here." She continued softly. "Would you like to open it and see who they're from?"

Blaine gulped.

Is this a trick?

What if they're from Sebastian?

Kurt squeezed his hand. "Go ahead, Blaine."

Blaine nodded hesitantly, but reached over and pulled the small white envelope from the thin clear plastic fork that was wedged into the basket.

His fingers trembled slightly as he opened the envelope and pulled out the tiny card.

Please don't say Sebastian.

Please don't say Sebastian.

Blaine's hazel eyes skimmed through the elegantly written words on the small card and he let out an audible sigh of relief.

Dear Blaine,

I hope you are feeling better.

I remember you saying that you've always wanted

a puppy, so I thought I'd get you one.

Take care of yourself!

Love,

Abby

"Blaine? Is everything okay?" Kurt asked from beside him. "Who are they from?"

Blaine closed his eyes and took another deep breath allowing the tension to seep out of his shoulders.

Abby.

They're from Abby.

Not Sebastian.

He's not here.

He turned to Kurt and handed him the card, who, after reading it silently broke into a wide grin.

"Abby!" Kurt announced excitedly. "The flowers are from Abby!"

An almost palpable wave of relief flooded through the kitchen.

Blaine couldn't help but smile slightly at Kurt's enthusiasm as he ran his fingers over the intricately placed flowers in the arrangement.

It's going to be okay.

There's no way that Sebastian knows I'm here.

I'm safe with them.

Carole lifted her hand up and ran her thumb down Blaine's cheek.

"See? Everything is okay, Blaine." She said softly. "We're all doing just fine."

She stood back up, and with Kurt's help, they rearranged the dishes so there was room for the large basket of flowers to sit proudly in the middle of the table.

They finished their meal cheerfully, with the tension all but gone from the room. Blaine ended up eating everything on his plate (including a second small helping of turnips) and watched silently as Kurt and Finn bantered back and forth and Burt rambled on about football.

But he couldn't help himself from constantly peeking back at the beautiful basket of flowers sitting in the middle of the table.

His flowers.

Once dinner was done and the dishes were cleaned and put away, Finn and Burt retreated back into the living room to watch the end of the football game.

Carole dumped a jigsaw puzzle onto the kitchen table and began turning the pieces right side up, and Kurt announced that he was going to work on some homework that Finn had brought home for him.

After Kurt disappeared down the hallway, Blaine sat at the table across from Carole and fidgeted with a loose thread on the seam of his sling.

"Would you like to help me with the puzzle Blaine?" Carole asked, sensing that the teenager needed a distraction. It still astounded her how 'lost' he became whenever Kurt was not sitting right next to him.

It also kind of worried her.

Was Blaine actually going to be able to get through the day tomorrow without Kurt by his side?

Blaine looked towards the doorway leading to the hallway, and when it was confirmed that Kurt was not going to reappear any time soon, he turned back and nodded sadly.

He sat at the table, soundlessly turning the pieces of the puzzle over until Carole broke the silence.

"He's really important to you, isn't he?"

Blaine glanced up and then turned his head to look beside him, wondering if she was talking to him or someone else.

"I mean Kurt." Carole smiled. "He's very special to you isn't he?"

Blaine nodded.

"You're lucky to have found him Blaine." She continued. "You guys are a perfect fit."

Blaine's face grew warm and he looked away shyly.

Carole picked up an odd shaped puzzle piece from the table and inspected it carefully.

"He's your missing puzzle piece, isn't he?" She asked.

Blaine's head shot up.

"He fits together with you perfectly. He fills in all the spaces that you have, and you do the same for him."

He cocked his head to the side as he listed intently as Carole continued.

"You've been through a lot, Blaine. More than any one person should ever have to deal with. But you're still here. You're still fighting. That tells me that you're strong and that you won't give up." She reached across the table and took Blaine's hand into her own. "I know that you still have a lot to think about and a lot to process, but you need to know that Kurt is always going to be there to help you through. Just like all of us are too."

Blaine nodded his head slowly.

"He cares about you too, Blaine. He needs you as much as you need him. He's been through a lot as well and he looks to you for strength just like you do with him. That's why you guys are so good together. You balance each other out. I don't think you even realize how much you've done for him already, Blaine. You've helped him grow and become strong, just like you are."

Blaine couldn't believe what he was hearing.

I'm strong?

Kurt is the one I rely on to keep me going.

I'm not strong at all.

"Have you ever heard of the soulmate theory, Blaine?"

He furrowed his brows and shook his head.

"The research that I've done recently basically says that it's very rare, but sometimes people are fortunate enough to meet someone that they're instantly drawn to. They immediately feel a connection with this person that is stronger than any friendship. I even found out that it might be someone who you've known in a past life if you believe in reincarnation. It said that your soulmate is someone who you may have shared the emotional and physical experiences of many lifetimes together. Does that make sense?"

Blaine's eyes were wide, but he shrugged and nodded slightly.

What does this have to do with me and Kurt?

"Anyways…" Carole continued. "The theory essentially says that the relationship between soulmates may or may not be a romantic or physical, but it's always an emotional connection. I read that many soulmates are brought together to assist one another through challenging times and can help each other grow stronger. It also said that true soulmates will love each other unconditionally and will see each other's virtues, rather than their weaknesses and will always be the little 'spark' the other needs to improve themselves."

The blank look on Blaine's face worried Carole.

I'm not getting through to him at all, am I?

"Blaine…" She sighed. "Basically what I wanted to tell you was that I think you and Kurt have something very special. You were drawn to each other for a reason, and I think that reason was for you to help each other through these difficult times. I've seen the way that you connect with each other and honestly it blows my mind. But I've also seen how much it physically pains you to be apart from him, and vice versa, and that concerns me. So… I'm going to ask you a question now, and you don't have to answer it if you don't want to, but you can trust me, okay?"

Blaine gulped and nodded hesitantly.

"You're really afraid to be separated from Kurt tomorrow while he's at school, aren't you?"

Blaine's face fell as though he'd temporarily forgotten about that detail but reality had just come crashing back down.

He shoulders sunk and he dropped his gaze back down to the table and drew his bottom lip in between his teeth.

After a few seconds, he swallowed the lump in his throat, took a deep breath and looked back up at Carole before nodding slowly.

"It's okay honey." She reassured him. "I expected you to have a hard time with this. He's been with you ever since… well…ever since you were in the hospital."

Blaine's face contorted into a look that Carole could only describe as shamed. She reached across the table and squeezed his fingers between her own.

"Blaine. There's nothing wrong with needing someone to take care of you right now. Like I said, you've been though a lot. But you have to let us in. Tell me… or… show me what it is you're feeling so I can help." Carole said softly. She picked up the whiteboard that sat on the table next to her and passed it to Blaine. "You don't have to be afraid anymore, sweetheart."

Blaine looked at the blank whiteboard and considered his options.

I should tell her what's going on with Sebastian. She won't get mad at me.

But what if she tells Kurt?

I don't want Kurt to worry about me all the time.

"Blaine?" Carole asked quietly. "I've noticed that you've been acting a little… different… since last night. Did something happen?"

Blaine's face fell into a grimace.

I think she already knows.

He hesitated for only a minute before he looked up at the woman sitting across from him and nodded sadly.

"Okay…" She started softly. "Would you like to tell me about it?"

Blaine gulped and his eyes shifted away from hers.

I should tell her.

Maybe she can help me.

He reached into the arm of his sling and slowly pulled out his phone without looking back up at Carole. After staring at the black un-illuminated screen, he cautiously slid his finger across the touch screen to open the lock and tapped a few times until the multiple unanswered messages from Sebastian were on the screen.

A violent shiver snaked up Blaine's spine as he re-read Sebastian's accusatory words.

"May I see it?" Carole asked.

Blaine finally lifted his eyes until they reach hers and he frowned before reaching across the table with trembling fingers and handing her his phone.

Carole took only a few seconds to read the messages before sighing sadly.

"Who are they from?"

Blaine parted his lips to speak but no words came out.

He couldn't say his name out loud.

If he said it out loud, it would make this all real.

"Is it Sebastian?"

Blaine's breath caught and he looked up at Carole in alarm.

"It's him, isn't it?" She asked softly.

Blaine nodded, but couldn't return her stare. He hated that Carole's usually friendly green eyes looked sad.

"Have you told Kurt?"

Blaine immediately lifted his widened eyes and shook his head.

He can't know!

Please don't tell him!

"It's okay, sweetie." Carole said quickly. "I won't tell him unless you want me to."

Blaine shook his head again.

Carole sighed. "I won't say anything to Kurt." She promised. "But I think you should, eventually."

The teenager sitting across from her grimaced at her suggestion.

"Is it okay if I talk to Burt about this?" She asked.

Blaine's triangular eyebrows immediately knit tightly on his forehead.

"I'll make him promise not to tell Kurt…" She added hopefully.

Blaine gulped again but when he finally looked up at her, he was met by Carole's wide green eyes, which were filled with care and concern.

I can trust her.

He nodded.

Carole released a heavy sigh of relief.

"Thank you for trusting me, Blaine."

He nodded slowly.

"Has he said anything else? Have you talked to him?"

Blaine shook his head.

"You haven't answered any of his texts?"

Another headshake.

Carole thought for a moment.

"This is why you didn't sleep last night, isn't it?"

Blaine chewed on his lower lip for a brief moment before nodding.

"And this is why you've been so jumpy." She concluded. "You were afraid he was going to come find you, or harm Kurt weren't you?"

Another hesitant nod.

"Oh honey." Carole said sadly. She stood up from her chair and walked around the table until she was next to Blaine and knelt so she was at eye level with him.

"You don't have to be scared anymore." She explained softly. "Seb- …he won't find you here and he won't do anything to harm Kurt while he's at school."

Blaine looked up at her with tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. He reached over for the whiteboard, uncapped a green marker and scribbled with trembling fingers.

I don't want him to take me away from here.

Carole's eyes sunk closed for the briefest of seconds as she considered her words.

"Blaine." She said calmly. "No one is going to take you away. Not Sebastian, not anyone… okay?"

Blaine gulped and nodded unconvincingly.

She lifted her hands and placed them on either side of Blaine's face, and gently tilted his chin until they were eye-to-eye once again.

"I promise." She said confidently.

Blaine sighed audibly before nodding again, this time with slightly more conviction.

Carole stood up from the floor, erased Blaine's words from the whiteboard with the sleeve of her sweater and moved a chair closer to the teen before taking a seat.

"Now…" She said cheerfully. "Do you think you and I can finish this puzzle before Kurt gets home from school tomorrow?"

Blaine looked at the hundreds of unturned pieces of puzzle on the table and shrugged doubtfully.

Carole grinned. "Shall we get started?"

It was more than a half hour later when Kurt re-emerged from the hallway with a satisfied smirk.

"All done, honey?" Carole asked with a knowing smile.

"Yup." Kurt answered proudly. Blaine noticed that there was a sparkle in his eyes.

He sat down at the table across from Blaine and was happy to see the younger teen busily searching for pieces of the puzzle to put together.

The threesome worked quietly on the puzzle for quite a while until an exhausted yawn from Blaine drew Kurt's full attention.

"You ready for bed?" Kurt asked with a smile.

Blaine nodded sheepishly.

"Great!" Kurt said happily. "I have something to show you!"

Blaine looked at Carole for any indication that she might know about what Kurt was talking about.

The friendly woman grinned but shrugged her shoulders innocently.

She totally knew.

Kurt helped Blaine up and they slowly walked towards Blaine's bedroom.

"Are you ready?" Kurt asked excitedly.

Blaine's eyebrows formed inquisitive triangles on his forehead, but he couldn't prevent the slight smile that appeared on his face.

Whatever it was, Kurt was excited about it…

Kurt opened up the door to the bedroom and switched on the light before Blaine walked in, looking anxiously around to see something new and exciting.

Everything looked… exactly the same as when he'd left it.

Blaine turned back towards Kurt completely puzzled and shrugged.

I don't get it.

"I know that you've been having some trouble sleeping, so I had Carole do a little shopping for me today."

Blaine looked even more confused.

"Lay down."

Blaine's head snapped up.

Huh?

"Trust me on this one…" Kurt giggled.

Blaine walked over and lowered himself onto the bed.

"Roll onto your back." Kurt instructed, before adding a rushed "Please."

Blaine did as he was told.

"You ready?" Kurt couldn't hide the excitement in his voice.

A near-silent laugh escaped Blaine's lips when he saw that Kurt was literally bouncing on the tips of his toes in anticipation.

What in the world…

"Close your eyes."

Blaine relaxed into the pillow behind his head and allowed his eyes to drift closed.

"I have to shut the lights off." Kurt informed him.

Blaine nodded with his eyes closed tightly. He felt the room grow dark the moment Kurt switched off the light. His heart was pounding in his chest as his mind tried desperately to solve Kurt's mystery.

"Okay…" Kurt said elatedly. Blaine could hear him eagerly clapping his hands together.

"You can open your eyes now."

When Blaine finally slid his eyes open, he tried to blink several times to clear his vision of the sparkles that appeared in front of him.

But they didn't go away.

He shook his head a few times before focusing his eyes once again on the sparkles.

Blaine gasped when he realised that the sparkles weren't really sparkles at all.

They were stars.

Hundreds and hundreds of shining yellow stars filled his vision. There were so many of them that a gentle golden glow illuminated the room just slightly.

Do you like them?" Kurt asked, jumping onto the bed next to him and rolling onto his back so he too could look at his handiwork.

Blaine was speechless.

Not just his usual inability to speak, he wasn't even able to form the words in his mind.

Tears slid down his cheeks as he looked across the ceiling of his bedroom. Every inch was covered in beautiful golden stars. Kurt had even stuck some of the stickers on the corners of the walls to create a 3D effect.

It was… spectacular.

The darkness of the room, combined with the intricate placing of each of the stars created an endless looking mirage of the night sky.

"I know you said that you missed the stars at Dalton, and that they helped you sleep at night." Kurt explained, still looking up at the hundreds of golden stickers. "But dad wouldn't let me put in a skylight, so I figured this would be the next best thing."

When Blaine didn't reply, Kurt hesitated for a moment before turning in the bed to face the other teen.

"Is it silly?"

Several more tears, although unseen in the dark, streaked down Blaine's face like falling stars.

"It's perfect."