Kurt's mouth fell open with an audible pop.

Blaine just continued. "Now, I could talk to Cooper and I'm sure he'd be okay with you going back to live with him a little early. As long as you're in Ohio, you're in circulation, but if you move to New York, you're free. Kurt, I don't want you to feel as though you have to stay with me. You have the option. We can figure something out."

Kurt continued to stare, his expression anxious. "I-I'm sorry. I don't think I understand."

"You have the choice of what you want to do here. You can either stay here with me in Ohio until I graduate and we can go to New York together or you can stay here in Ohio and not move. Or," Blaine continued, trying to explain it as simply as possible. "You can go now and live with Cooper. If you stay with him, then you won't even have to go to a facility. And, I'll be there as soon as I graduate."

It was obvious that Kurt was overwhelmed by the new possibilities. Two days ago, there had been nothing but hopelessness, no prospect of any future whatsoever, but now the possibilities were almost endless. He could be free.

Blaine gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "You don't have to decide now, Kurt. This isn't an 'act now or lose your chance' kind of deal. You can take all the time you need. Whatever you decide, we'll do. No matter what, okay?"

Kurt smiled softly and nodded, tears threatening to spill from his eyes, his expression unreadable. He squeezed Blaine's hand in return, but said nothing. He didn't have to.

After dinner, Blaine finally made good on his promise of a marathon with Kurt. They watched about four episodes before Blaine glanced at his phone, noticing the time.

"God, Kurt. It's already 11:30. I've got to go to bed. I don't think I can skip another day of school tomorrow," Blaine noted before asking, "Are you going to come to bed or do you want to stay up and watch a little more television?"

Kurt gave a small yawn. "I think I'll come to bed. I'm pretty tired, actually."

Blaine led Kurt into the kitchen, taking one of the bottles of Ensure from the refrigerator and setting it on the counter next to his antibiotic. "The medicine bottle says that you take one pill before bed and then one when you wake up. I figure the Ensure counts as taking the medicine with a small meal. Plus, you ate well at dinner, so you should be fine."

Kurt picked up the pill and swallowed it down with a mouthful of Ensure, his nose wrinkling in distaste. "Yuck."

Blaine laughed quietly. "I know, but you only have to drink them until you can start getting all your nutrients from food."

They walked up the stairs in companionable silence. Kurt seemed to be deep in thought, so Blaine didn't push him for conversation.

As Blaine was changing into his pajamas, he turned to Kurt. "Are you going to be okay here tomorrow with Cooper while I'm at school?"

Kurt looked up from turning down his cot, straightening up to answer. From the look on Kurt's face, he'd been anxious about asking this question for a while. "H-He won't hurt me?"

It sounded as though Kurt already knew the answer but needed to hear Blaine say it anyway. "Cooper would never hurt you, Kurt. He wants to help. Just like I do," he promised, climbing into bed.

Kurt listened and then nodded. "I'll be okay."

Blaine smiled in his direction, saying, "You will be okay, Kurt. I promise. Cooper is the nicest person I've ever known. Just make sure to take your medicine when you get up, okay?"

"Okay, Blaine," Kurt answered softly, sounding more relaxed than he had. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Kurt."

Blaine was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

It seemed like only seconds before his alarm was blaring in his ear to wake him up for school. He threw his legs over the side of his bed and scrubbed a hand across his face to wipe away the sleep in his eyes.

As he slowly woke up, his eyes flickered to Kurt's cot. He watched as the other boy's chest rose and fell with each deep breath, his face was relaxed with sleep. Blaine quickly and quietly gathered his school uniform and went to take a shower.

He filled his travel mug with coffee and headed out the door, still reluctant to leave Kurt with someone he regarded as a stranger. If it had been anyone else, Blaine wouldn't have thought twice about skipping another day of school to stay home, but it was Cooper. He knew that Kurt was in good hands and it made him feel better that he wouldn't be home alone all day.

By the end of fifth period, Blaine was so on edge that he could barely sit still. He tapped the eraser anxiously against his textbook until he received a "knock it off" smack on the arm from Jeff. He apologized with his eyes and found another way to silently fidget until the bell rang. He darted out of class and ran to the bathroom, shutting himself into one of the stalls and pulling out his cell phone.

He drummed his fingers against the back of the handset as he waited for his brother to answer.

"Hello?" Cooper's voice sounded a bit anxious.
"Hey, Coop. How's Kurt?" Blaine asked in a rush.

Suddenly, on the other end of the phone, Blaine heard a trilling laugh followed by Cooper's throaty chuckle. Relief flooded through Blaine at the sound of Kurt's laughter.

"Kurt's fine, Blaine. He's right here. We're playing Pictionary. Turns out he can't draw an elephant," Cooper laughed again, the sound punctuated by another trilling laugh from Kurt. Blaine laughed out a high, relieved sound. "Did you want to talk to him?"
"Y-Yeah. Could you put him on please?"
"Yep. Hang on a sec."

There was a small shuffling sound of the phone changing hands before Kurt's voice came through.
"Hello?" He greeted, his voice a bit hesitant.
"Hey. Are you having fun with Cooper?" Blaine asked lightly.
Kurt laughed softly. "Yes, we're having fun. He woke me up with breakfast and made sure I took my medicine, but then we got bored and watched a movie. Now we're playing a game."

Blaine could hear the smile in Kurt's voice as he recounted the events of his day. It felt as though Blaine could take a full breath for the first time that day. "That's great, Kurt. I'm glad you're having fun. I've only got one more class and then I'll be home, okay? I'm skipping practice today so I'll be leaving right after class ends."

"Okay, Blaine. I'll see you soon, then," Kurt said easily. "Did you want to talk to Cooper again?"
"No. I've got to get to class. I'm kind of hiding in a bathroom right now. I'm already late," Blaine admitted. Kurt laughed quietly. Blaine was relieved to hear him in such good spirits.
"Go to class, Blaine. I'm fine," he said softly, as though he knew that Blaine needed to hear it.

Blaine promised again to hurry home after class and hung up, rushing to make it to class before the teacher took attendance.

The bell finally rang and Blaine all but ran to his car, ignoring his locker completely and just throwing his textbook in the passenger's seat. He knew Kurt was fine and safe with Cooper, but it still made him anxious to be away from him for too long. He knew the feeling would fade as the memory of Kurt lying broken on the blanket became less vivid in his mind, but right now, he needed the reassurance that Kurt was real and breathing and alive.

He opened the door, shrugging out of his blazer, calling, "Coop? Kurt?"

Both voices answered in unison. "In the kitchen."

Blaine padded his way into the room, smiling as he took in the sight of both boys talking quietly over tea. Cooper pointed to the stove. "The water in the kettle is still hot if you want some tea, Blainey."

Kurt laughed softly and watched as Blaine made his way to the cupboard to get a cup. "Blainey?" He asked, a small giggle bubbling out.

Blaine smiled and turned to face Kurt. "He's called me Blainey since before I can remember. I hated it when I was little, but I've gotten used to it."
"I like it," Kurt said, smiling toward Cooper. "I never had a little brother, but I'm sure if I did, I'd give him an embarrassing nickname like that."

Cooper threw his head back and laughed. "That's not the embarrassing nickname, actually."

Blaine spun on his brother. "Cooper, don't you dare," he threatened, his voice promising violence.
Kurt's eyes flickered eagerly between the pair, a small smile playing on his lips.

A look of false innocence played across Cooper's face. "What's the matter, Squirt?"

Blaine's eyes narrowed and he threw the teabag he was holding at his brother's head. Cooper laughed and dodged the projectile. Blaine sighed as he realized that he had only hurt himself. He padded across the room dejectedly to pick up the bag that had missed Cooper by a mile, shooting the older boy a withering glare as he turned to walk away.

Cooper didn't even try to stifle his laughter. Kurt covered his mouth to hide his own fit of giggles as he watched Blaine bitterly making his tea.

"I think it's cute," Kurt offered, smiling softly and taking a sip of his own tea.
"It iscute," Cooper remarked quickly. "I gave it to him when he was a baby. He was always tiny, but I thought he'd grow out of it." Cooper laughed mockingly. "I guess he's not gonna though."

Blaine spun to give his brother another death stare. "Yeah, yeah...it's hilarious," he said flatly, dropping down into the seat next to Kurt. He wasn't able to hide the smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. "It's just embarrassing. He picked me up from school one day. He didn't even get out of the car. He just parked outside and shouted at me. 'Let's go, Squirt!'" Blaine mimicked his brother's voice.

"All my friends laughed. Did you know that Wes still calls me that sometimes? I'm never going to escape it," Blaine said, jokingly bitter, as he took a drink of his tea.

Cooper smiled vindictively and Kurt was laughing breathily against the palm of his own hand. Blaine just sighed, realizing that he'd get no sympathy from either boy. His lips twitched up into a smile and he leaned back in his chair, enjoying the peaceful moment.

-xXxXx-

Things were a little easier after that. The next couple of weeks passed without any major incidents. Kurt had to be reminded sometimes that he didn't have to ask for permission to use the bathroom or get a drink, but slowly, he started to get it. Blaine actually started feeling comfortable about leaving him at home while he went to school. He'd still call to check in, but every time he called, Kurt would be watching a movie with Cooper or working on a new outfit.

Cooper had taken advantage of his recent victory to request a short sabbatical from work. All he had to do was drop a few indications that if he didn't get the time off, he'd go work for another firm that had been actively pursuing him, and he'd gotten the time off in a second.

Kurt was healing, physically and mentally. It was such a small thing that made Blaine notice that Kurt was actually starting to get better. On Wednesday, they'd been sitting at the table after Blaine got home from school as had become their routine, and Kurt gestured to grandly with his hand and knocked his water glass off the table, breaking it.

Blaine had braced for Kurt's reaction. He remembered how traumatic dropping a spoonful of tomato soup had been just a few weeks before. He fully expected Kurt to shut down, panicking over breaking the glass, but Kurt just jumped a bit, surprised, his hand flashing to cover his mouth. His eyes had flickered nervously to Blaine's face, but it seemed as though he relaxed quickly when he didn't find any anger on the other boy's features.

He'd apologized, his cheeks reddening in embarrassment, and offered to clean it up. Blaine could feel tears pricking in his own eyes as he stared, smiling, at Kurt. He leaned forward and very nearly pulled Kurt out of his chair with the force of the hug he gave him. Kurt had seemed confused by the sudden show of affection, but didn't flinch away.

Cooper had cleaned up the mess and poured Kurt a fresh glass of water and the incident was quickly forgotten.

By the time that weekend came, all three boys had fallen into a comfortable routine. They had been lounging on the couch watching television when Cooper suddenly spoke. "You know, Kurt," he said easily. "That cot can't possibly be comfortable. Why don't we switch for a while? After all, Blaine and I cleaned my old room out for you."

Kurt bit his lip and glanced back and forth between Blaine and Cooper, looking as though he was wracking his brain to figure out the right thing to say. Blaine could see how uncomfortable he was with the idea, but he didn't intervene. He wondered if Cooper could see it as well.

"I-I'm fine sharing a room with Blaine, Cooper," he said quietly, worrying his lip between his teeth anxiously. Blaine had never heard Kurt say anything that could even be remotely considered arguing, so he stayed quiet. He hoped that Cooper would drop it, not push Kurt into doing something he wasn't comfortable with.

Cooper didn't relent. "Come on, Kurt. Let me take the cot and you move into my room. You'll be more comfortable in your own room."

"A-Alright." Kurt cast his eyes to his lap, frowning and shifting uncomfortably, clearly relenting. It was clear that he was only giving in because he had been trained not to argue. Blaine finally stepped in.

"Coop, if he doesn't want to switch rooms right now, then he doesn't have to," Blaine asserted, squeezing Kurt's hand reassuringly. The other boy continued to look tense, but the set of his shoulders relaxed slightly.

"Blaine, he's got to get out of your room eventually-" Cooper started, but Blaine cut him off mid-sentence with a harsh glare.
"Not until he's ready," Blaine interrupted, his eyes flashed with anger.

Kurt squirmed in his seat. "I'm ready now," he said quickly, clearly uncomfortable with the tension between the brothers. "Blaine, it's okay. I'll take Cooper's room."

He was working to appease everyone and calm the situation. Blaine wanted to argue, but the defeated slump of Kurt's shoulders made him think twice. He didn't want to cause Kurt anymore discomfort.

Blaine shot a withering glance at his brother to show just how not okay he was with this plan.

That night, Blaine had walked Kurt to his room, stopping just outside the door and taking both of the other boy's hands into his own. "Kurt, if you don't want to do this, just tell me. You can stay with me as long as you want."

Kurt gave Blaine a smile that looked almost genuine. "It's okay, Blaine. Goodnight."

Blaine sighed deeply and pulled Kurt into a tight hug. "Goodnight, Kurt. If you need anything, I'm right across the hall, okay? Don't even hesitate to wake me up." Kurt nodded in response, squeezing Blaine's hands gently before closing the door.

Blaine walked to his bedroom, defeated. He didn't want to leave Kurt alone. He knew that it was ridiculous to think that Kurt couldn't handle sleeping on his own. He'd been through so much more than that. Blaine just couldn't help the feeling of foreboding that he felt as he watched Kurt close the door behind him.

He knew that, even if he hadn't wanted to sleep alone—which Blaine was almost sure that he didn't—Kurt would have never said anything to argue with Cooper. His eyes flickered to where his brother slept on the cot. He wished that Cooper hadn't said anything, had just left things as they were, because something just felt off about not having Kurt asleep on the cot. It made Blaine tense, nervous.

He pushed the feeling aside as he climbed into his own bed. Kurt was right across the hall. He knew that Kurt was fine now and he was sure that he'd be fine in the morning, but his brain conjured up all sorts of ridiculous impossibilities ranging from house fire to zombie apocalypse as he slowly drifted to a worried, uncomfortable sleep.

Blaine sat bolt upright in his bed trying to figure out why he was awake. He checked the clock, it was barely three in the morning. Suddenly, he realized what had woke him up as a terrified scream pierced the quiet stillness of the night. He threw his legs over the edge of the bed and bolted for Kurt's room, throwing the door open.

The sleeping boy was curled in the bed with his hands covering his face defensively as he thrashed back and forth, quiet, half-formed pleas poured from him, his voice shaky with tears. Anger flashed through Blaine and he had the sudden desire to go drag Cooper from the cot and make him come see what he'd done. Another strangled cry pulled Blaine from his anger and he crossed the room, climbing into bed beside Kurt, wrapping his arms around the other boy protectively.

"Kurt, hey, wake up," he said softly, shaking the terrified boy gently to wake him. Blue eyes suddenly flew open to meet his own.

Kurt instinctively tried to pull away, still half-asleep. He begged Blaine softly, his voice still thick with sleep and terror. "P-Please, no," he sobbed, shifting in Blaine's arms.

Blaine held him closer, rocking him gently. "You're okay, Kurt. You were having a nightmare."

Slowly, a bit of recognition dawned on Kurt's face. "I-I'm sorry..." he choked out.

Blaine cut him off with a soft shush, burying his chin in Kurt's hair as he rocked him. "It's okay. I've got you."

Kurt buried his face in the crook of Blaine's neck and sobbed brokenly. Blaine just whispered soothing nonsense into his ear and rocked him until he felt Kurt's body start to relax. "You're okay, Kurt. It was just a dream. They can't hurt you anymore. I'm here."

Kurt pulled back to look at Blaine's face, his blue eyes brimming again with tears. He said nothing, but stared deeply into Blaine's eyes as though he was looking for something, his face relaxing when he apparently found whatever he'd been looking for. He tucked his head down and nuzzled back into the hollow of Blaine's shoulder.

"Would you like me to stay with you tonight?" Blaine asked softly, hoping beyond all hope that Kurt said yes. He didn't think he could stand the idea of leaving him alone. He was terrified that the nightmares would come back.

Kurt pulled back, biting his lip. Blaine could feel Kurt's grip on the front of his t-shirt tightening. It was all the answer he needed. Blaine pulled Kurt closer. He had no idea how to actually hold someone, but he did his best. He slid under the blankets, pulling Kurt to his side. Kurt was already half-asleep again as he rested his head against Blaine's chest.

Holding Kurt didn't feel as awkward as Blaine had been expecting. It actually brought him a strange sense of comfort knowing that Kurt was warm and sleeping against his side, wrapped protectively in his arms. He let his fingers card through Kurt's hair as he felt the other boy's head nuzzling sleepily against his chest. Warmth flooded through Blaine's veins at the action, feeling gloriously comfortable and needed.

He squeezed Kurt impossibly tighter and drifted off into the first peaceful sleep he'd gotten in a long time.

The sun filtered through the curtains as Blaine felt himself waking up. He felt a little too warm and had to fight the desire to distance himself unconsciously from the source. As he felt himself waking up, he remembered what the source was. He instinctively pulled Kurt's sleeping form closer to his side, pleased that the other boy hadn't actually moved much.

He knew he should probably wiggle free of Kurt's hold to avoid a potentially awkward situation once he actually woke up, but he couldn't bring himself to actually do it. It felt too perfect to just be like that, Kurt sleeping peacefully, knowing he was safe in Blaine's arms.

Blaine lay, content, watching Kurt's shoulders rise and fall for what felt like an eternity, feeling oddly comforted by the motion. It was his proof that Kurt was okay, at least for now. Eventually, Kurt began to stir and Blaine reluctantly began to slide away, hoping to put some distance between them before Kurt woke up and felt embarrassed.

Much to Blaine's surprise, as he tried to move away, Kurt pulled him back and nuzzled closer into his side. He knew it was an unconscious action, but it still made his stomach flutter, a small smile playing on his lips.

Slowly, Kurt's eyes fluttered open, his blue eyes sleepy and innocent.

"Hey," Blaine said softly. "Did you sleep well?"
"Mhm," Kurt hummed sleepily, rubbing his eyes. It was nothing short of adorable. Blaine couldn't help the soft chuckle that escaped him.

Blaine could see realization finally touching Kurt. His pale cheeks suddenly flushed red with embarrassment and he tried to put a bit of distance between himself and Blaine, self-consciously whispering, "I'm sorry..."

Blaine pulled him back to his side to show that there was no need for an apology. He avoided the topic altogether. "How are you feeling?"

Kurt smiled softly. "Better, thank you," he said lightly.

Blaine returned the smile, laughing out an awkward sound. "Well, now that we've tried this Cooper's way, I think you'll be sleeping in my room tonight."

A self-conscious laugh slid past Kurt's lips. "I-I think that would be best."

-xXxXx-

Cooper looked sheepish at breakfast as he apologized to Kurt. "God, Kurt, I didn't even think about nightmares. I'm so sorry."

Kurt waved a hand dismissively in the older boy's direction. Blaine bit his tongue, repressing his anger. If Kurt was willing to forgive Cooper, then he should let it go. But there would be no argument. Kurt would be sleeping in his room that night, even if Blaine he had to resort to violence to make it happen. By the look on Cooper's face, that wouldn't be necessary.

Their parents came home around noon, hugging Cooper quickly before rushing to pack another bag.

Mrs. Anderson dug through the closet to find her sun hat as she explained how they'd received a last minute offer to join Mr. Byron and his alcoholic wife for a few weeks in Hawaii. Cooper and Blaine had just sighed and wished them well on their trip. It was nothing new. Neither boy mentioned that the trip would coincide with Blaine's birthday. It wasn't the first they'd missed and Blaine was sure it wouldn't be the last.

Their parents had bid them goodbye and hustled out the door to catch their flight.

As the car pulled out of the driveway, Cooper wrapped his arm around Blaine's shoulder and pulled him to his side. "Don't worry, B," he said, his voice comforting. He hugged Blaine's slumped shoulders, guiding him inside and shutting the door. "We'll have a party. Just the three of us."

Kurt looked up from the magazine he was reading, his eyes flitting hopefully between the brothers. "What's this about a party?" He asked quickly, his voice eager.

"Blaine's birthday is on Tuesday," Cooper answered, smiling widely.

Kurt's eyes flashed to Blaine. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked, his voice sounded almost affronted. "I would have..."he trailed off, his face screwing up in thought. He crossed his arms. "Well, I don't know what I would have done, but I would have done something."

"Well," Cooper offered. "You could help me make his cake, if you wanted."

Kurt's entire face lit up and he clapped his hands together once. Blaine laughed quietly at the display.

"Do you like to cook, Kurt?" Blaine asked, his voice cheerful and inquisitive.

"I love to cook," Kurt enthused. "I used to cook for my dad because of his heart." His voice turned sheepish as he continued. "I'd actually like to cook for you. If—If that would be okay." He dropped his eyes to his lap as though he was still half expecting some sort of rebuff from the question.

Blaine and Cooper smiled at the timid expression before Cooper spoke. "Well, looks like we figured out who's cooking dinner tonight," he chuckled.

Kurt threw himself out of his chair and toward the cupboards. He hummed softly as he gathered ingredients. Blaine excused himself to do homework. He padded into his room and tossed himself onto his bed, opening his borrowed copy of The Great Gatsby and reading a record-breaking five lines before getting bored and daydreaming.

He wondered idly if Kurt would have another nightmare tonight. Would he get to comfort him the way he did the night before. Another thought replaced that one and he suddenly found himself wondering why he had felt comforted by having Kurt asleep in his arms.

The sensation of holding Kurt, asleep and trusting, made warmth flood through his chest. It made him feel strong and needed to have Kurt trust and rely on him. To know that Kurt felt safe in his presence, in his arms.

Blaine jumped when he heard his name called from downstairs.

"Coming!" He called a bit too quickly.

By the time he made it downstairs, Kurt already had the food plated and served. He sat at the table in front of his own plate, smiling expectantly. Blaine returned Kurt's smile and sat down. Cooper was already eating, making small, satisfied sounds as he chewed.

Blaine slowly twirled a bit of pasta on his fork and took a bite. He was almost positive that Kurt wasn't breathing as he watched him chew and then swallow silently. A small smile touched Blaine's face. He decided not to drag it out any longer.

"Well?" Kurt asked, his voice eager and impatient.

Blaine smiled widely, reaching out to squeeze Kurt's hand. "It's absolutely amazing, Kurt. Beats the hell out of mine and Coop's cooking," Blaine enthused. Cooper nodded his agreement, smiling.

They ate the rest of the meal in companionable silence. Cooper and Blaine offered to do the dishes, suggesting that Kurt go take a bath and relax. Kurt seemed excited by the idea, so Blaine took him upstairs and showed him where all of the fancy bath oils and soaps were, instructing him to use whatever he wanted.

Blaine turned on the radio for Kurt before leaving. He figured he'd let Cooper handle the dishes and went to his room, throwing himself onto his bed. He listened to Kurt humming along with the radio. He tried to tune the sound out to be considerate and give Kurt some privacy, but the calm, happy sound wouldn't fade into the background.

It was like music to Blaine's ears to hear Kurt so at ease. It baffled Blaine just how quickly Kurt had taken all of this in stride. He been able to go from the beaten, broken boy on the blanket, barely clinging to life, to the new (almost) healthy, trusting Kurt in such a short time.

Blaine realized that the explanation was simple: Kurt Hummel is strong.

He was strong and trusting and determined to get better. Blaine smiled softly as he thought about Kurt. He was brave and caring, taking chances even though he was afraid.

A small smile touched his face as a thought occurred to him. Kurt Hummel was the closest thing he'd ever seen to a superhero. He was strong and brave and, even though he might not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, Kurt Hummel was Blaine's hero.

Blaine jumped slightly when his phone rang, pulling him from his thoughts. He checked the caller ID and frowned at the name that appeared. Reluctantly, he pressed the button to accept the call and lifted the handset to his ear.

"Hello?" Blaine greeted.
"Hello, Blaine. It's Sebastian. I was calling about our geography project."

Blaine rolled his eyes. He knew that the project was a convenient excuse. He cursed the teacher for pairing him with the overly-flirtatious boy. Sebastian continued on, undeterred by Blaine's silence.

"So, I was wondering if you'd like to get together for coffee and talk about it," he suggested, barely concealing the true meaning of the plan.

Sebastian had been coming on strong ever since he showed up and wanted to join the Warblers. He always seemed to be wherever Blaine was. Always claiming it to be a "happy coincidence". It got old fast.

Sure, Blaine had been flattered at first to have someone pursue him so strongly, but it was really starting to get tedious. There were only so many times that Blaine could tell him politely that he wasn't interested before he started to lose his patience.

Blaine pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger, resigned to the fact he was going to have to spend time with Sebastian in order to finish the project. "Sebastian, I don't think I can meet for coffee. Why don't we meet in the library tomorrow after school for a little while instead."

He heard the boy on the other end of the phone let out a frustrated breath, obviously not happy with having his plan deterred, but his voice was just as bright as always, fake and saccharine sweet. "Of course, Blaine. That sounds perfect."

"Alright," Blaine said, his tone final. He just wanted the conversation to be over. Sebastian, however, wasn't quite ready to let it end.

"So...how is everything going with that boy I hear you talking to all the time?" Sebastian asked conversationally.

Blaine's heart stuttered a beat, his breath hitching nervously. "W-What do you mean?"

Blaine wracked his brain to remember the conversations he'd had with Kurt while hiding in the bathroom. It only made sense that Sebastian would turn up there too. He only hoped he hadn't given too much away, hoped that Sebastian hadn't guessed that the boy Blaine had been talking to on the phone was a worker. If the other boy let that information slip to anyone of importance, Kurt could be taken away.

Sebastian didn't miss a beat with his reply. "I heard you on the phone a couple times with your 'friend'." Blaine could hear the air quotes in Sebastian's words. He swallowed thickly and willed himself to act nonchalant.

Blaine laughed out a noise that, even to him, sounded a little nervous. "Oh, him. He just lives with my family." He tried his best to sound dismissive, hoping it sounded convincing enough.

"Oh. Okay," Sebastian said, his voice sounding almost disappointed by the lack of gossip.

Instead of feeling relieved, Blaine was still tense. There was just something about Sebastian that seemed very devious. It was as though Blaine never really knew how much Sebastian actually knew. The thought terrified him. He couldn't jeopardize Kurt, but he couldn't think of anything to say to try and throw Sebastian off the trail. Instead, he left the situation alone, desperate to get off the phone.

Thankfully, he was given an out as the door opened and Kurt came into the room. "Well, it's getting pretty late. I think I'm going to go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?" Blaine asked, his voice uneven and bordering on anxious.
He could hear the sly smile in Sebastian's voice. "Of course, Blaine. Sleep well."

"Y-Yeah...you too," Blaine said awkwardly, ending the call and tossing his phone onto the bed, eyeing it nervously.

He took a deep breath and looked up toward Kurt; his mood immediately lifted.

Kurt padded into Blaine's room wearing the new pajamas Cooper had bought him, scrubbing a towel through his wet hair.

Blaine smiled softly at him and asked, "How was your bath?"

Kurt returned the smile and came to sit next to Blaine on the bed. The smell of shampoo and lavender washed over him with the closeness. The older boy slid back against the headboard and answered. "It was amazing!"

His voice was excited and a beaming smile lit up his face. It was enough to take Blaine's breath away. Kurt's smile was interrupted by a wide yawn that he tried to hide behind his hand.

"Why don't you try and get some sleep?" Blaine suggested softly, sliding a hand across Kurt's arm. "You didn't sleep so well last night."

Kurt's smile faded and he started to worry his lip between his teeth.

"Kurt, what's the matter?" Blaine asked anxiously.

The other boy's face was nervous and apprehensive. "I'm—I'm kind of scared," he admitted sheepishly, his voice tiny and whisper quiet.

"Tell me about it. What scares you?" Blaine worried, taking Kurt's hands in a comforting gesture.

Kurt's voice was still small as he explained. "During the day, It's okay most of the time, but at night, whenever I close my eyes I see..." he trailed off, worrying his lip and glancing at Blaine anxiously. It seemed as though he was hedging his answer for Blaine's benefit.

"What do you see?" Blaine prompted, his voice genuinely interested. When Kurt bit his lip instead of answering, Blaine continued. "Kurt, I want to know you. The good and the bad, because, like it or not, both aspects have shaped who you are." He squeezed Kurt's hands. "And I like who you are, Kurt."

A sad smile touched Kurt's face and Blaine felt Kurt squeeze his hand back. "You are amazing, Blaine. You always know what I need even when I don't." He reached across the small space and wrapped his arms around Blaine, giving him a gentle hug, barely tightening his arms, just enjoying the closeness. "Thank you."

Blaine smiled and returned the hug, sliding a hand across Kurt's back. "If you don't want to talk about your nightmares, we don't have to, but know that I am always here to listen." He gave the other boy's shoulder a comforting squeeze.

He pulled back slightly, looking into Kurt's eyes, bracing himself for asking a potentially awkward question. "W-When I was holding you last night, did that help? Did it help your nightmares?"

Kurt bit his lip, pausing for a moment as though debating whether or not to tell the truth. His expression was vulnerable and completely open. Finally, he nodded slowly. "T-They went away when you were there. When you were holding me...it was okay again."

Blaine's heart swelled and warmth shot through his chest. He felt tears threatening to escape his eyes at the admission. He wanted nothing more than for Kurt to be happy and safe and okay.

"Kurt, I will hold you every night if that's what will help you." Blaine promised earnestly, his eyes burning with pure honesty and emotion. He decided to leave it up to Kurt. He opened himself up completely, feeling more vulnerable than he'd ever felt as he asked, "Would you want that, Kurt?"

Kurt worried his lip as he thought about it. Slowly, he answered in a small nod. It was barely a full nod, but it was a yes. Blaine's heart kicked into overdrive. He honestly had no idea what he would have done if Kurt had rejected him. He didn't understand why it felt so necessary to make Kurt feel safe and cared for, but he didn't want to fight it.

Blaine smiled kindly, feeling almost high from the relief that flooded through him. He opened his arms as an invitation. Kurt moved closer and let himself be wrapped up in Blaine's arms, sliding closer to the younger boy's side, sighing out a contented sound.

Blaine clicked the light off and pulled the blankets over them.

"Night, Kurt," he said quietly.
He heard Kurt hum softly as he felt him nuzzle sleepily against his chest. "Goodnight, Blaine."

They both fell asleep quickly, each comforted by the other's presence.

-xXxXx-

That was the routine for the next couple weeks. School and then home to Kurt and Cooper. (The only exception being Blaine's birthday when he'd been allowed to skip school and eat the cake that Kurt had made—a mind-blowing three layer chocolate cake that had become breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the next two days) It finally seemed as though things had reached a sort of equilibrium. It was comfortable.

At first, Cooper hadn't seemed too happy with the idea of Blaine and Kurt sharing a bed, but after seeing the way Kurt had begun to come out of his shell since, he finally gave it his blessing.

And Kurt had begun to come out of his shell. So much so that Blaine began to worry less and less about leaving him alone. He finally seemed okay.

He would laugh freely and contribute more to conversations. It seemed like he finally understood that Blaine and Cooper honestly cared about him, that they saw him as a person and not a piece of property. It had taken more than a month, but it seemed as though Kurt was beginning to feel as though he belonged.