Kurt waited impatiently in the baggage claim area, standing on his toes and scanning over people to see if he could spot his dad. His hands were holding his elbows as his arms wrapped around his middle. Hed called Burt last night while he and Cooper were bringing a still unconscious B to Anderson Corporations New York research facility. Kurt had tried to sound as calm as possible on the phone, not wanting to worry his father, but Burt knew Kurt too well. He'd changed his flight to arrive the very next day.

Meeting his dad at the airport was the only thing that could have pulled Kurt away from Bs side back at Anderson Corp., B who was still and silent and… empty. Kurt swallowed and felt his stomach churn at that word. No, not empty, B wasnt empty, he was just… Kurt didnt know. What was it that B had asked? "Where do I go when Im shut off?" The question jabbed at him cruelly, but Kurt didnt have an answer.

When Kurt finally spotted his dad in the crowd, he couldnt help but rush past people to get to him and then let his dad wrap him up in a big hug.

"How is he?" Burt asked before anything else. He was worried about B too. Kurt was glad his dad cut to the chase. He didnt have time or energy for meaningless conversation right now.

"Hes still shut off," Kurt said, holding his father and feeling Burts chest inhale in a deep breath.

"But people are working on him." Kurt pulled back and wiped his eyes. "Dad, they dont know whats wrong with him. Cooper called in the best people he has and B is still… just…"

"And you trust this Cooper guy?" Burt asked, his hands on Kurts shoulders. The question took Kurt off guard. He hadnt even thought about that. He had just trusted Cooper really did want to help.

"I…" Kurts throat felt suddenly dry.

"Its okay, bud," Burt said quickly, as Kurt stared at him in alarm. "Im sure he can be  trusted, plus, Im here now and they can fill me in on what theyve been doing."

Kurt nodded, and they went to catch a car back to B.

Kurt was quiet on the way to Anderson Corporation, and Burt didnt press for information. When they arrived, they were easily waved through to the back. Cooper had told everyone Kurt had free rein in the lab.

Part of Kurt was expecting, hoping, wishing, to come back and find B sitting up and talking and joking with the scientist, awake and safe. But back in the workroom, B was still lifeless, his condition no different. Kurts heart dropped, and he had to fight back tears, because hed already cried too much. Tears wouldnt help B. B had been out for over 15 hours and he needed all the help he could get.

Kurt tore his eyes away from the prone form of a too still B, mechanical eye socket not even blinking, and scanned the room looking for Cooper. Instead, Kurt was stunned by the sight of Dr. Lemaire breaking away from the other people working in the room and walking up to greet him.

"Monsieur Hummel" he said, extending his hand. "Im sorry that I was away when you needed me."

As Kurt shook the doctors hand, angry words flitted through his head. Where were you? Why would you tell us you would help and then disappear? He wanted someone to blame. If Dr. Lemaire had just been here…. But Kurt knew it wasnt really the doctors fault, and he was here to assist now.

"And you must be Burt Hummel?" the doctor said, turning to Burt. "Im Dr. Lemaire. I was one of the people who originally worked on the B line droids."

"Kurt has told me about you. Glad to see youre here," Burt said, shaking his hand.

"We are happy to have you here since you originally worked with the droid. Have you brought with you any information from when you first found him?"

"I have everything I could bring," Burt said, indicating his carry-on bag. Kurt bit his lip, realizing he hadnt even offered to let his dad go back to the apartment first. They had just come straight here.

"Have there been any changes with B?" Burt asked, and Kurts heart started hammering, he only wanted to hear good news.

The doctors face turned grave. "Im afraid not."

Burt nodded, and Kurt sighed. Of course not. He looked around the room again. The engineers working on B all seemed to be at a standstill. Kurt cleared his throat. "Wheres Cooper?"

"He went back to his apartment to check on his brother," Dr. Lemaire explained. "He doesnt like to be away from him too long."

Kurt nodded, feeling guilty about how little hed been thinking of Blaine and the news that he might be waking up. He was too consumed with worry over B.

Dr. Lemaire started introducing Burt to the team, and Kurt drifted away from the technical conversation to the table where B was laying. If it werent for his unmoving chest and rigid posture, someone might think B was just sleeping. Kurt knew better. B always curled up like a cat when he slept, mostly around Kurt if he could. As he was, he looked too much like a body lying on a cold metal table in a morgue for Kurts comfort.

He reached down and held Bs hand. "B, you need to wake up now," he said, so softly the others in the room wouldnt hear unless they were specifically listening to him. "Because you still have things on your list to do, and when youre done with those, we are going to add more." Kurt swallowed down some tears, and rubbed a thumb over Bs hand. "Im waiting for you and I'm worried about you, and I know you dont like me to worry." Kurt smiled a little, waiting, but nothing happened. He leaned down and kissed B sweetly and softly, thinking of the fairy tales where the prince would kiss his love and they would magically awaken.

B stayed still. This wasnt a fairy tale.

"Kurt?"

He turned to see his dad motioning for him to come to the table where he and the team had Burts scans and information spread out on a table, along with their own findings. Kurt squeezed Bs heavy hand and walked over to see the table full of printouts and tablets with readings and specs and designs, many of which were labeled “B line: Property of Smythe Industries”. In the back of his mind, he wondered how Sebastian Smythe would feel about Dr. Lemaire working on this and using these semantics, but he didnt have the energy to really care.

"You think you have answers in all this?" Kurt asked.

Burt sighed. "I hope so. In fact, I have an idea of what is going on here."

Kurt looked up at his dad expectantly.

"I dont want to share it until Im more confident though. We are going to be here a while." Burt looked closely at him. "And you look ready to fall over. I think you should go home and get some rest."

"I dont want to leave him," Kurt said quickly.

"I know, Kurt, but… We are going to be working and well have to open him up and take things apart and put them together again."

Kurts could almost feel the blood draining from his face.

"Kurt, it's okay. Ill make sure he is safe," Burt said, placing a comforting hand on Kurts shoulder. "But you should go. Ill call if we figure anything out, and you can come back in the morning."

Kurt really didnt want to leave B, but he trusted his dad, and he was so very tired.

"Call if something happens, even if it seems small," Kurt said with a scratchy voice. "I want to know whats going on."

"I will, Kurt."

Kurt grabbed his keys from his pocket and gave his dad a key to his apartment. "You have to rest too. When you finish here for the day, you can crash in Bs room."

Kurt gave his dad a hug goodbye and then wandered out of the building. Once on the busy sidewalk outside, Kurt felt lost. Where was he supposed to go? What was he supposed to do? Both Elliot and Rachel had been calling him. They knew about B shutting off, and Kurt wasnt sure how. Maybe his dad called them? Kurt looked at his phone and saw he had a text from Sam and a missed call from Mercedes too. But he couldnt talk to anyone now. He didnt want to have to explain over and over about Bs condition and how it didnt look good for him.

Kurt caught a train back to his neighborhood and walked listlessly back to his apartment. As soon as he got there, though, he wanted to be anywhere else. This apartment had always been his and Bs, it felt wrong to be there and know B was shut off and helpless at the Andersons research center.

Kurt crumpled down on his couch and held his face in his hands, breathing deeply and feeling lost. Kurt wasnt sure how long hed sat like that when his phone started to ring. He was going to send it straight to voicemail until he saw it was from Cooper Anderson. Cooper was the reason Blaine was getting all this help, so he owed him enough to answer his call.

"Hello," Kurt answered, and he hardly recognized his own voice - it sounded so far away.

"Kurt," Cooper said, and he sounded too chipper for Kurts liking. "Listen, where are you? Have you had dinner yet?"

"Im home, and…" Kurt thought. The last time hed eaten was yesterday, when hed had the fajitas he and B had made. Kurt had to hold his breath to keep from crying at the memory. It already felt too long ago.

"Ill take your silence as a no, you havent had dinner," Cooper said. "Come over."

"What?"

"Come to my place for dinner. I called the center and had a chance to talk to your dad. He said you were alone, and I thought, maybe you dont want to be. You know where I live. You can even come upstairs this time."

Kurt could hear the smile in Coopers voice, and he wasnt sure he wanted to be around Cooper if he was in a good mood, not when Kurts own frame of mind was so troubled.

"I dont know, Cooper… I think I do want to be alone."

"Listen, kiddo, I remember right after… When Blaine was hurt and I was…" He cleared his throat. "I just think being alone isnt a great idea for you right now."

"Thanks, Cooper, but-"

"Come to my place for dinner," Cooper insisted.

Kurt sighed. "Okay, fine. It will take a little while. Ill have to catch the train."

"No, no. Take a taxi. Ill leave the fare for it with the doorman. Dinner is already being prepared."

Kurt didnt really have any fight in him. He agreed and got a cab. It wasnt long until he found himself outside of Coopers apartment building, with the doorman paying for his ride.

Kurt was told to take the elevator to floor 11, and that he was expected. What Kurt didnt expect was for Coopers apartment to consist of the entire 11th floor.

Cooper greeted him as the elevator doors slid open. "Perfect timing," Cooper said with a wide grin as Kurt walked in. "Dinner just got here."

"Just got here?"

"I ordered pizza. There's this little pizza place called Cigars and you have to try it."

"Cigars is Bs favorite," Kurt said with a pang in his chest.

Coopers face froze for a second, and then he smiled. "Of course it is." He shook his head and continued on. "First the nickel tour." Cooper motioned for Kurt to follow, and then walked him around the apartment.

Cooper was talking the whole time, but Kurt didnt take in much of it. He couldnt help but admire the apartment, though. It was a little opulent for Kurts taste, but clean and smart and colorful. Cooper probably had a decorator. Kurt tuned into Coopers voice again when they passed a room and the door opened. A middle-aged woman with a sweet smile and unattractive but sensible shoes came out.

"Emily, this is Kurt. Kurt, this is Emily," Cooper introduced them. "Emily is one of Blaines nurses."

That remark hit Kurt like a ton of bricks, and suddenly, he remembered Cooper saying that Blaine lived with him. Kurt glanced past Emilys shoulder to the room shed just come from. The door was partially open, and inside, Kurt could see a heart monitor and the edge of a bed. Kurt looked away quickly, feeling anxious. He couldnt explain to himself why he didnt want to see Blaine Anderson, but he knew he didnt.

"How is your brother?" Kurt asked Cooper, not meeting his eyes.

Cooper smiled so brightly it could have lit up a stage. "So good. Stronger vitals and more movement. Do you want to meet him?

"Is… Is he awake?"

Coopers face fell a little. "No, but hes getting better fast."

"Its amazing," Emily joined in. "Every day, hes stronger. I wouldnt have thought so when I first started working here, but I actually think he might wake up."

"He will wake up," Cooper said almost sternly, and Emily smiled pleasantly at him.

"You know I pray for that every day, Cooper," she said, and patted him on the cheek like a child.

Cooper didnt seem to mind, though. "So, do you want to?" Cooper nodded towards Blaines room. "Meet him?"

"I really… I just…" Kurts chest felt tight and breathing hurt a little. He couldnt, he just couldnt face Blaine Anderson right now. The thought actually scared him.

"No. Thats okay," Cooper said quickly, taking in his expression. "Youre always welcome to if you want to, but no pressure. Lets go find that pizza."

They skipped the formal dining room in favor of the kitchen table. As soon as Kurt smelled the pizza, his stomach growled. He hant realized how hungry he was. Cooper chuckled and grabbed some plates, and they sat down to eat together.

"I had a long talk with your dad," Cooper said between bites. "Hes smart. Really has a grasp on things. He seems like a good guy."

"He is. The best."

"I like that you get along with your dad so well. I mean, I love mine, but he is a difficult man… and even harder on Squirt than on me."

"Why do you call him that?"

"What, Squirt?" Cooper asked, smiling brightly. "Youve seen B, and Blaine isnt any bigger. He's just a little guy."

Kurt couldnt help but return Cooper's smile, as it turned out Coopers good mood was contagious.

"Dr. Lemaire from Smythe Industries is even there, helping," Kurt said. "I think we have a good team."

"Oh, yeah!" Cooper agreed. "I told Dr. Lemaire to head over in that direction."

"I thought he was out of town."

"Hes been in Ohio, talking to my parents, actually.."

"I…" Kurt didnt know what to say about that, and Cooper smoothly changed the subject.

Throughout dinner, though, there was a question that kept coming back to Kurts mind that he felt like he had to ask. There wasnt an easy way to bring it up, so he just blurted it out when he couldnt keep it in any longer.

"Did Blaine and Sebastian ever date?"

Cooper raised his eyebrows in surprise, and finished chewing his bite before answering. "Yes," he said, and Kurts stomach dropped. "But only briefly in… 11th grade, I think? Weve known the Smythes our whole life, so Blaine and Seb grew up together. Best friends, and I think Seb always wanted something more…" Cooper shrugged. "When they broke up, it was Blaines idea."

Kurt nodded. "Sebastian was so upset when he found out about B."

Cooper sighed. "He is trying to put all this behind him, but it's hard. He was with Blaine that night, you know."

Kurt put down his slice, starting to feel somber again. "That night?"

"The night of Blaines attack. Theyd been with a group of friends, seeing a movie. Sebs car came to pick him up and Blaine wanted to take the subway. He's never liked to live like a rich kid. So… Sebastian left him there. It wasnt Sebs fault… what happened to Blaine, but hes always blamed himself."

Kurt nodded again, suddenly feeling a swell of pity for Sebastian. It explained Sebastians intense reactions somewhat, if he felt responsible for what happened to his friend.

"Its ironic, because Blaine would hate for Seb to feel guilty. Blaine is… He's one of the best people Ive ever met. Good and kind and loyal… and… and..." Cooper smiled. "Goofy, and crazy talented, and he loves to sing and help people. He writes music and wanted to do that for a living, write music that inspires people…. He has a big future ahead of him." Cooper stopped, his face looking a little crestfallen. "I just need him to wake up."

Kurt couldnt respond at all. He should say something comforting, but his mind was a swirl of emotions and his heart was beating too hard in his chest. Cooper had just described B. Everything he said about Blaine was word for word how Kurt would describe B.

Coopers phone started to ring, and they both started in surprise. Cooper pulled it out, glancing at the screen. "Its my mom. I have to take this, excuse me for a minute."

Kurt nodded and Cooper got up. "Nanay!" he answered his phone, in a voice that could only be described as endearing.

Cooper walked out of the room to talk to his mother, and Kurt started to feel restless. He needed to get out of here. It was too hard to sit here and talk about Blaine, when he felt like he might have lost B. Kurt whimpered a little in fear at the thought and got up from the table. He walked out of the kitchen in the opposite direction from where Cooper had gone.

Hed just leave and apologize later. On his way out, he had to pass Blaines room. He froze on the spot. The door was open again, and Kurt took a step forward, and then another and another. He poked his head in and didnt see Emily.

Cooper had said he was welcome to meet Baine anytime…

Kurt took a deep breath and walked into the room. It was large and as nicely decorated as the rest of the apartment, but it lacked any personal touch. There was a large bed in the middle, with various kinds of medical equipment around it. Kurt stepped closer, and his eyes landed on the immobile occupant of the room.

Kurts breath caught. He blinked a few times as he took in the sight of the living and breathing Blaine Anderson.

Blaine looked so much like B that it tugged painfully at Kurts heart. It hurt to see someone that looked so much like the person he loved seeming so small and helpless. The more he studied Blaine, Kurt could see some differences between him and B. Blaines face was much more gaunt and pale. His cheek bones were prominent, and his neck and wrists looked thin. Of course, hed been in a coma for two years. He'd probably looked more like B back when he was healthy.

Blaine was hooked up to a ventilator, and a heart monitor beeped by his bedside.

Kurt took one more step forward, something about the still and broken man pulling him forward, and an overwhelming desire to protect and comfort Blaine washed over him. This man, this broken, gorgeous man… Did he have the heart and mind of the man Kurt loved?

Kurt heard a creak behind him, and turned quickly to see the nurse, Emily. "I… Im sorry. I should have… Cooper said…"

"Its fine," she said sweetly. "He could use some more visitors. Theyve trailed off in the past couple of years."

Those words stung. It hurt to think of someone so like B being left alone like this. In fact, it was making Kurt feel a little dizzy with emotion. Blaine looking so small and weak, and B still shut off, it was all too much.

Kurt choked on a sob and turned to flee the room. "I… cant be here. Tell Cooper goodbye for me?" Kurt ran from the room before Emily could say anything else. He took the elevator down, holding back tears, and rode the subway home, barely holding himself together. He didnt even remember getting back to his apartment until he was standing in his bedroom, looking at a bed hed last shared with B. He threw himself down on it and started to cry, clutching a pillow to his face.

Kurt must have fallen asleep, because he woke up as the bed dipped and his father sat on the edge next to him. Kurt blinked up at him for a moment before quickly sitting up. "Is B awake?"

Burt sighed, and Kurt knew what the answer was.

"No, son."

"Is he at the center all alone? I should go there. I dont want him to wake up scared." Kurt moved to get out of bed but Burt put a hand on his shoulder.

"No, Kurt."

Kurt looked at him, feeling like bad news was on its way, and Kurt wasnt sure he was ready to hear it.

"B will be fine for the night, and we are all going to start our research again tomorrow..."

Kurt sighed in relief, but felt like there was something his dad wasnt telling him.

"You get some rest, okay?" Burt squeezed Kurts shoulder. "Well talk in the morning."

Kurt said goodnight to his father and then sat still for a moment. He wanted to go to B, but sitting next to a broken droid all night sounded horrible and heartbreaking. He got up to change into pajamas, not even sure he would be able to sleep. Kurt laid back down in the dark, wishing B was there to wrap his arms around him. He did eventually drift off into a restless sleep, and he dreamt of B.

B smiling and happy. B singing. B kissing him. B looking at Kurt with an expression of pure love shining out of two perfect, beautiful eyes.