"Are you sure Kurt knows we're coming to get him?" Puck asked Finn as they got into the car.

"Yeah, dude. Well, he knows Burt is coming to pick him up. I doubt he'll mind if it's us though." Finn told him shrug.

"If you say so, man. If he throws a bitch fit I'm blaming you." Puck informed him.

"He's not going to do that...I don't think." Finn said unsurely.

"Maybe we should call him." Puck suggested.

"I already tried but he didn't pick up. He's probably still sleeping. It's cool, we have two hours to get there. He'll be up by then." Finn assured him as he pulled out of the Hummel/Hudson home.

Kurt heard the giggles of a few Warblers as he began to stir awake. He wasn't sure what they were laughing at but he didn't particularly care. He was wrapped up tightly in a warm, protective cocoon and he had no intention of moving anytime soon. As the giggles in the background got louder, he became more alert. He soon realized that the reason they were giggling was because Blaine's arm was wrapped around his waist and he was snuggled comfortably behind him. A blush crept up on his cheeks as he felt Blaine's arm tighten around him. Does he cuddle with all of his friends or am I special? Don't be stupid. You aren't special to anyone. Kurt shifted in the sleeping bag, trying to stir Blaine awake while secretly enjoying the proximity.

"Stop moving." Blaine mumbled behind him.

"Blaine?" Kurt said unsurely.

"Sleep." Blaine responded, tightening his grip around Kurt.

Kurt couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face. Blaine was definitely something to marvel at. He had gone above and beyond to make sure that Kurt was ok during the week and Kurt couldn't be more grateful for the friendship. If he let himself, he'd admit that Blaine made his stomach do little flips. He wouldn't let himself admit it though; he couldn't.

"Aren't they precious?" Kurt heard David say from a few feet away.

"I knew he thought Kurt was cute!" Trent said in an attempted whisper.

Kurt opened his eyes to see Trent, David, Nick, and Beatz watching them with amused expressions. Kurt huffed in annoyance and forced himself to sit up.

"Can I help you?" he snapped at them.

"What happened to that quiet shy boy we met last weekend?" David asked in a teasing voice.

"He must be hiding in Blaine's sleeping bag." Beatz said smirking.

"Wasgoinon?" Blaine asked sleepily from behind Kurt.

"Oh, nothing. We're just watching you and Kurt cuddle like adorable puppies." Nick said smiling.

"Actually, I think Kurt would be a kitten." Trent pointed out.

"You guys are ridiculous." Kurt said rolling his eyes.

He dared a glance at Blaine, smiling shyly when he noticed that Blaine was blushing as well.

"Sorry. I'm kind of a cuddle whore." Blaine admitted softly.

"Yes, I got that." Kurt replied shyly.

"Hey, Kurt. There's some really tall guy and a guy with a Mohawk at the front demanding to see you." Wes called out to him from the ladder.

"Awe, crap!" Kurt said quickly, throwing the blankets off of him and standing up.

"Is everything alright?" Beatz asked him.

"Yeah, I forgot my dad was supposed to be picking me up. I guess he sent Finn to do it and Finn must of brought Puck." Kurt said in one breath and ran towards the ladder.

"Who are Finn and Puck?" David asked Beatz.

"I don't know. Let's go find out."

"He's got five minutes before I go in there and bust some heads." Puck said to Finn.

"I just don't know why he won't answer his phone." Finn said in confusion.

"Where'd that little Asian guy go?" Puck said cracking his knuckles.

"I don't know dude but don't be stupid. He probably has ninja skills, I wouldn't mess with him." Finn said as he pulled his phone out to call Kurt again.

"Yeah, I'm the stupid one." Puck mumbled to himself. "Look, there he is."

Finn looked at where Puck was pointing to see Kurt and several other boys climbing down the ladder.

"Is he...laughing?" Finn asked in awe.

Sure enough, whatever David had said to Kurt made him nearly fall off the last few steps in laughter. He started making his way towards the doors when he heard Finn and Puck call out to him. He gave them both a disgruntled look before walking over to them; Blaine, David, and Beatz followed.

"Dude, where have you been? I've been calling you for like two hours." Finn said exasperatedly.

"Sorry, Finn. We had a Warbler thing on the roof and I didn't have my phone on me. Where's my dad?" Kurt asked him.

"John called in so he's at the shop. Who are they?" Finn asked, nodding at the guys behind him.

"Oh, this is David, Beatz, and my roommate Blaine. Guys, this is my step-brother Finn and his friend Puck." Kurt told him.

"Yo." David and Beatz said in unison.

"Hi." Blaine said with his usual charming smile. He extended his hand out to Finn who shook it, then to Puck who just stared at him.

"Nu-uh. Berry will kill me if she finds out I associated with a Gargle. You'll be lucky if doesn't kill you." Puck said to Finn. Kurt smiled at the sheepish expression that came across Finn's face.

"Warbler, Noah." Kurt corrected. "I'm going to get my stuff. I'll be right back." He said and walked off towards the building.

"So you guys are in the New Directions, huh?" David asked in his councilman voice.

"Yeah, you got a problem with that?" Puck asked threateningly.

"Naw." David said smiling. "Word of advice though, bring it."

"Oh it's so on dude!" Puck said crossing his arms.

By the time Kurt got back to the front, David and Beatz had left, leaving Blaine alone with Puck and Finn. Blaine must have been telling them something complicated because both boys had confused expressions on their face. As Kurt got close enough to hear, he smiled to himself when he heard what the conversation was about.

"It really isn't that bad without girls. Most of the guys have girlfriends that go to Dalton's sister school and we do a lot of events together." Blaine told them.

"Naw man, I couldn't do that. The Puckster needs his daily lady lovin." Puck said shaking his head.

 "The Puckster needs his lady lovin just as much as he needs to stop calling himself The Puckster." Kurt quipped from behind Kurt.

"Hey. I was just telling your friends the benefits of an all boy school." Blaine told him.

"Good luck with that." Kurt replied with a half-smile.

"You ready to go, dude?" Finn asked him.

"Yeah, I'm ready." Kurt nodded. "And quit calling me dude."

"Sorry, dude." Finn said shrugging. "Nice meeting you Blaine." He said as he walked to the driver's side of the car.

"You too, Finn." Blaine replied.

Blaine turned his attention to Kurt, stepped a few inches closer, and lowered his voice so Kurt was the only one that heard him. "Are you going to be ok?" 

"Yeah, I'll be fine." Kurt told him.

"Alright. Call me if you need anything, ok?" Blaine said softly. He didn't need to say anymore; Kurt understood what he was talking about.

"I will." Kurt assured him. "Thanks, Blaine."

"Of course." Blaine replied with a shy smile.

"Yo, Hummel. Let's go." Puck yelled from the passenger seat.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Blaine." Kurt said with a sad smile and walked towards the car.

"See you tomorrow, Kurt." Blaine replied, matching Kurt's sad smile. He stood where he was, watched Finn backed out of the driveway, and waved to Kurt one final time before walking back into the school.

The drive back to Lima was uncomfortably quite to say the least. Finn and Puck tried to talk to Kurt a few times but he only ever responded with grunts and half-hearted answers. He wasn't trying to ignore them or be rude; his thoughts were just too wrapped up in Blaine. How is it possible for someone to be so kind? How is possible that he always seems to know what to say? Blaine with his stupid charm and his devastatingly good looks and that damn smile! God I hate the smile! No, that's a lie. I love that smile; probably a lot more than I should. God, why does he have to make things so complicated? Damn you Beatz for putting this idea in my head! Kurt pulled his phone out in frustration to text Beatz. There was no way he was going to take the blame for his confusion.

I hate you. -Kurt

Kurt sent the text with a satisfied smile. Yep, it's definitely Beatz's fault.

Lol. Why? What did I do? -Beatz

Oh don't play dumb! Kurt quickly sent another text; pressing the buttons on his phone with just a tad too much determination.

You put ideas in my head that don't need to be there and it's all your fault. -Kurt

HA! No way. I'm not taking the blame for your crush. -Beatz

Oh my God! He can't say that! What if someone reads it?! Kurt replied instantly, in a panic even.

Shut up! And it's not a crush! It's just...admiration for a fellow Warbler -Kurt

Lol, ok Kurt. Whatever you say. -Beatz

"Dude, do you like, have a boyfriend at Dalton already?" Finn asked him. Kurt hadn't realized that he was smiling like an idiot to himself but Finn and Puck did. It had become a rare site to see Kurt smile lately so both boys sat in the car confused by Kurt's actions.

"What? No. Why would you think that?" Kurt asked confused.

"Because man, you've barely said anything to us since we left Dalton but you're texting someone and smiling like a buffoon back there. It's gotta be about guy. You getting some ass with those Warblers already?" Puck asked smirking.

"Dude, gross. That's my brother." Finn said exasperatedly.

"Finn, stop calling me dude. Puck, just....shut up." Kurt said irritably.

"I'll take that as a yes." Puck said with satisfaction, making Kurt huff in annoyance.

Back at Dalton, Beatz, David, and Nick were watching Blaine curiously. There were all in Blaine's room studying for an exam they had that Monday but Blaine wasn't studying. Instead, he was staring at the space just above his book, lost in thought.

"You know what I heard?" Nick said to David.

"No, Nick. What did you hear?" David asked with an amused expression.

"I heard that when someone stares off into space for long periods of time it means that they're going crazy." Nick said smirking.

"Yeah, I heard that too." Beatz agreed. "But I heard the craziness was brought on by love."

"Oh, love! Yes, that definitely turns people into zombies." David nodded. "Isn't that right, Blaine?"

"Huh?" Blaine replied, not hearing the conversation they just had. Beatz, David, and Nick all started laughing, granting them a confused look from Blaine. "What?"

"Seriously, dude? You got it bad." David said shaking his head.

"Got what bad? What are you guys talking about?" Blaine asked him.

"Kurt, Blaine. Kurt." Nick responded.

"What about Kurt?" Blaine asked, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"Oh my dear dapper Mr. Anderson, you are such a lost puppy sometimes." David said sighing.

"Seriously guys, what are you talking about?" Blaine asked slightly irritated.

"You. Like. Kurt." Beatz said simply.

"What? No. He's my friend." Blaine told them, ignoring the blush that threatened to show.

"Bullshit, Blaine. Tell me right now that you weren't just thinking about him." David demanded. When Blaine didn't answer but looked away, David smiled proudly. "See! I knew it!"

"I wasn't...thinking about him...not exactly." Blaine said quietly.

"And what pray tell were you thinking about exactly?" Nick asked him. 

"Nothing." Blaine said quickly. "Just that I hope he has a good weekend at home. I know he was anxious about going so..."

"I see." Nick said slowly. "And this morning's cuddles were what, you trying to calm his anxiety?"

"No, not exactly." Blaine said avoiding eye contact with his friends.

"Ok..." Beatz said, looking at Blaine expectantly.

Blaine finally glanced at his friends and all three were wearing the same expectant, knowing looks.

"What?" Blaine asked with a nervous laugh.

"Say it, Blaine. You know you want to." Nick said smiling.

"Ok, ok." Blaine said in defeat. "Maybe, I like him a little."

"A little?" David asked.

"Yes, a little." Blaine told him.

"Why?" Beatz asked.

"Yeah, why do you like Kurt?" Nick pushed.

"Well, I don't know." Blaine shrugged.

"Eh!!" David said, imitating a buzzer. "Wrong answer."

"Because...because he's amazing." Blaine said quietly. "He's smart, he's kind, and he's funny. He's talented and beautiful and when he sings I just...I melt."

"Yep, that definitely sounds like a little bit of like to me." Nick teased.

"Ok so maybe I like him more than a little. Can you blame me?" Blaine asked exasperatedly.

"No, we can't blame you." David told him. "And as much as I am on board with this Klaine ship, a boyfriend is not what he needs."

"I know that, David!" Blaine said quickly. "He's my friend; I'm not going to push him or anything!"

"We know you aren't, Blaine. We honestly just wanted to hear you admit your feelings for him." Beatz said smirking.

"You're not going to tell the other guys are you? I don't want it to get back to Kurt and then have him freak out." Blaine said worryingly.

"No need. After this morning's cuddles, they all pretty much know." David assured him.

"Great." Blaine said rolling his eyes. "Let's get back to studying."

Beatz, Nick, and David dropped the subject of Kurt and went back to their studies; that didn't mean that Blaine wasn't thinking about him. He knew his friends were only teasing him and he knew that he wasn't exactly hiding his feelings but after Kurt's Warbler audition, he couldn't help it.

Blaine and Kurt had just walked back into their room when Blaine grabbed Kurt's arm and turned him to get his full attention.

"What?" Kurt asked confused.

"Kurt, your audition was beautiful." Blaine said softly. Kurt blushed and looked away, making Blaine smile sweetly at him. "I'm serious. That was the most beautiful performance I've ever seen. You...you move me, Kurt."

Kurt looked up at Blaine, smiling shyly at the sincerity he saw in Blaine's eyes. "Thanks, Blaine." He said quietly

"Of course." Blaine replied softly.

Awe hell, who was Blaine kidding; he had it bad.

Kurt did not expect being at home to be so awkward. His family tried making conversation with him but he just couldn't seem to stay interested. He had only been at Dalton for a week but it quickly became his safe haven. Being surrounded by his fellow Warblers put him at ease; enough so that he could actually say he was happy. Being at home however felt like his protective barriers were gone and he hated it. His mind began to wander to unpleasant memories so he took out his cell and called Blaine.

"Hey, Kurt." Blaine said cheerily.

"Hey, Blaine." Kurt replied sullenly.

"Is everything ok?" Blaine asked. Even over the phone, Blaine could tell that there was something wrong.

"Yeah, everything's fine. I just...I don't know. I miss the Warblers I guess." Kurt admitted quietly. I miss you.

"We miss you too, Kurt but don't worry, you'll be home tomorrow." Blaine assured him. I miss you.

"Yeah, I know. How's Pavarotti?" Kurt asked him. He had decided to leave the bird with Blaine for his night at home; he didn't think his father would like the constant chirping.

"He's good. He knows you're not here though. He keeps chirping at the door like he's waiting for you to come in." Blaine joked.

Kurt chuckled for only a moment when he was interrupted by a knock on his bedroom door.

"Son, can we talk?" Burt asked him.

"Sure, Dad." Kurt told him. "I gotta go, Blaine. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Kurt." Blaine replied a little sadly before hanging up.

"What's up, Dad?"

"Nothing really, son. I just wanted to see how you were doing. You didn't talk much during dinner and Finn said something about you being on the roof at school?" Burt said unsurely.

"Oh, yeah." Kurt said with a small smile. "The Warblers have a ton of crazy traditions and one of them involves spending the night on the school roof to watch shooting stars."

"Oh? That sounds really nice." Burt commented.

"It was." Kurt nodded.

"So, everything's ok, you know, with you." Burt said cautiously.

"Yeah. I mean, I'm better I guess." Kurt shrugged. "Being at Dalton is...the best thing for me I think. I know that's it's a bubble and I know that the real world is nowhere near as accepting as everyone at the school is but I don't know, I'm ok with that. It's nice not to be so afraid all the time."

"Yeah? Well, good, Kurt. I'm really glad to hear that. You're not, you know. Are you?" Burt asked him.

"No, Dad. I'm not. The boys...I'm not the only one with that...issue, and the Warblers take care of each other. They even have a designated time to shave in the locker room so no one can...do anything. It's another one of their crazy Warbler traditions." Kurt said with a small laugh.

"How many traditions these boys got?" Burt asked curiously.

"A lot, Dad." Kurt chuckled. "They're all really good guys. I'm glad I joined."

"Me too, son. They sound like good boys and I'm glad they've been so accepting of you. I can tell they're making a positive influence on you; just you talking about them makes you smile." Burt pointed out.

"What can I say; I'm a Warbler at heart." Kurt shrugged smiling.

"Looks like you are. I'll be glad to meet them at Sectionals next weekend. Sleep tight, Kurt. Call me if you need me, ok?"

"Ok. Thanks, Dad."

"Anytime, son."

That night was a rough one for Kurt. He couldn't relax enough to fall asleep at a decent time and when his mind finally gave out, he slept restlessly.

"Oh, that feels soo good." Karofsky purred. He had his hand in Kurt's hair, griping it tightly while Kurt blew him.

Kurt didn't fight it; there was no point. He was numb to the activities by that point.

"You like that don't you? You fucking cock slut!" Karofsky growled.  "So close."

Kurt tried to pull off but Karofsky prevented him. "No! You swallow my cum you cock slut."

Kurt closed his eyes tightly, gagging as Karofsky's cum hit the back of his throat. He ran and threw up at the bucket in the corner as Karofsky tucked himself away and re-zipped his pants.

"Later, Hummel." Karofsky winked and walked out of the supply closet.

Kurt made a bee-line to the bathroom to throw up again. Once his stomach was empty, he fixed himself in the mirror and walked out in order to make it to his next class. As soon as he walked out of the bathroom, Karofsky and Azimio dumped slushies on him.

"Have a great day fairy princess." Karofsky mocked, gave Azimio a high five, and walked off.

Kurt woke up abruptly, feeling disgusted and used. He quickly got out of his bed and ran to his bathroom. He felt around the back of the toilet, finding the razor blade he had taped there, and ripped it off. Without a second thought, he rolled his sleeve up, and cut deep into his wrist. He winced at the pain for only a moment before slicing again. This he could handle. This he could control. This was his reality. He sliced again, watching the blood drip on the bathroom tile. He felt light headed as the blood escaped him, not even realizing the tears that fell from his eyes. He shakily stood up, grabed some tissues, and cleaned his mess up. He stumbled back into his bed in a daze and fell asleep instantly.

When he woke up the next morning, he felt like death rolled over him. He had barely slept and the pain of his wrist was barely bearable. What have I done? He knew that singing would've helped, he knew that he could've called any of his new friends and they would've helped, but why didn't he? They were going to be mad at him; they were going to be disappointed. Blaine was going to be disappointed. What have I done?

Blaine had been anxious all day Sunday. It was already 6pm and Kurt had yet to return. He had tried to call a few times but Kurt never answered his calls. He tried not to worry but he had the feeling that something was wrong. He was walking back to his dorm from dinner with the intention of trying to get ahold of Kurt again when he got a text from Beatz informing him that Kurt had returned. Blaine quickly made his way to his dorm, excited to see Kurt again. He was shocked when he walked into the room; Kurt was lying in his bed in fetal position crying.

"Kurt?" Blaine said softly. When Kurt didn't respond, Blaine cautiously sat next to him. "Kurt, what's wrong?" he asked worriedly.

"I'm sorry." Kurt choked out.

"For what, Kurt?" Blaine asked in confusion.

Kurt sat up slowly, wiped the tears from his eyes, and handed Blaine his arm. Blaine looked at him cautiously before slowly rolling up Kurt's sleeve.

"Oh, Kurt." Blaine said sorrowfully. "What happened?"

"Nightmare." Kurt told him. "I'm so sorry, Blaine. I wasn't strong enough. Please don't hate me."

Kurt started crying harder and it broke Blaine's heart. He wrapped his arms around Kurt and shushed him comfortingly.

"I could never hate you, Kurt. There's nothing to be sorry for. I know things are hard but please know that I am and will always be here for you." Blaine said quietly, trying to hold his own set of tears. He softly caressed the new scars, hating that he wasn't there to help Kurt when he needed him. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Kurt shook his head quickly. "No, please. No."

"It's ok. You don't have to tell me anything. You tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it." Blaine said softly.

"Will you...could you just...hold me. Please." Kurt choked out.

"Of course." Blaine replied sighing.

Blaine moved them on the bed so they were lying comfortably. He sent a quick text to the guys that Kurt wasn't feeling well so he would be staying in for the night with him. Kurt let Blaine hold him tightly as they rocked back and forth on the bed. Blaine hummed softly, letting Kurt clutch onto him as he continued to cry. I am so sorry Kurt. I promise I'll make things better for you. I promise.