Chapter 37

January 8, 2013

Not long after Kurt stopped crying he fell asleep still wrapped safely in Blaine's arms. The slave boy ran his fingers through his friend's hair absentmindedly only half aware of Puck calling Burt and the girls talking some more about forgery. He didn't even notice when Puck left the room.

"I'll order Jesse to bring the papers," Rachel's words snapped Blaine out of his stupor.

"Order him? Kurt told me you stopped treating him as a slave," he said with a frown. He clearly remembered Kurt telling him how Rachel became friends with the boy she had bought.

"Oh, yes, we are friends now but he is still my slave so I still get to order him around, right? I mean, how else is he going to do what I want if I don't tell him to?"

Blaine looked at her confused for a moment. "Did you by any chance order him to act as your friend?"

The girl nodded. "I did and it's so much more fun! Kurt was right. Now I have someone to listen to me all the time and also someone who is nearly as talented as I am as my duet partner. It's great. No wonder Kurt did it."

Lauren rolled her eyes with a headshake.

"What?" Rachel asked having noticed the gesture.

"It's not really how it works," Blaine said with a sigh. "Kurt never ordered me to be his friend, we became ones over time. He treated me as a friend and at first I was wary but soon he proved that he cared for me. I learned to trust him and I think he trusts me too."

"But how do you know what you need to do for Kurt if he doesn't make it an order?"

"He asks me for help. He suggests doing something. He always leaves me a chance to choose, to make my own decision," Blaine said watching Kurt with a small smile. "He makes me feel like I'm my own person, which also allows me to offer him my help. If I see him washing the dishes I go and dry them so he doesn't have to do that. If he can't find something I go looking for that thing too. If he wakes up late for school I assure him I'll make his bed even if he insists I don't have to.

"And it's a two-way friendship. If he sees me struggling with a maths problem he offers to help me to figure it out. If I'm running out of shampoo I don't even have to ask for it because a new bottle is already there thanks to Kurt.

"We help each other because we want to, not because we have to. That's what friends do."

"Do you see his dad as your master then?"

Blaine shook his head. "There are no masters in this house. And here I don't feel like a slave either. Up until Christmas I had to follow the rules that the Hummels gave me. Do you know what they were?"

Rachel shook her head and Lauren seemed interested for the first time.

"Kurt told me to read. He also made me watch TV, eat fruits, get enough sleep. Those were my slave rules that were supposed to make me comfortable here."

"These aren't real rules," Rachel shook her head. "No slave owner would ever–"

"But they aren't my owners. They are... my family," Blaine said after a prolonged pause. "It's weird how quickly they made me feel welcome. They are wonderful people."

"But I still don't understand..." Rachel whined, a deep frown on her face.

"What's not to understand?" Lauren cut in before Blaine could say anything. "Just treat your slave as if he was that girl you always hang out with."

"Mercedes?"

"I don't know and I couldn't care less. She is your friend, right?" she asked and Rachel nodded. "Imagine it's her when you talk to your slave. You wouldn't order her around, would you?"

"Well, sometimes–"

"This one is hopeless," Lauren said and Blaine laughed silently, careful not to wake Kurt up.

"You are right, I'm not good at this," Rachel whined.

"Look, it's all new to you so it's understandable," Blaine said with sympathy. "You have good intentions here so you can do this. I know it's a lot to take in, especially after you were raised in a pro-slavery family. You just need a little guidance."

Rachel nodded thoughtfully. "I know it's a lot to ask but... would you help me?"

"I would but I'm not even sure I'll still be here by tonight. I could give you my number though," the slave offered.

"Oh, please, it's not like Hummel is going to let his boyfriend go," Lauren laughed.

Blaine blushed at her words. "We aren't... we are not boyfriends. Kurt is seeing someone actually."

"Really?" Rachel asked surprised.

"Yes, he told me. Every day he would come back with his lips dark and swollen and–" he said until the realization hit him. "Oh... He meant Dave."

"This is so fucked up," Lauren said and after her words Puck entered the living room.

"Papa Hummel is on his way," he said sitting down in his previous spot. "He is furious. And I also called a friend so by tomorrow we should have a fake ID for you, Blainers."

"I'll call Jesse and order... no, ask him if he can bring the papers," Rachel said smiling at Blaine. "Excuse me."

The girl left and Puck followed her with his eyes. "That one is crazy," he said.

"Do you think there is anything legal we can do about Dave? He has to be punished for what he did to Kurt," Blaine said.

"Honestly? If we go to police and tell them Karofsky blackmailed someone because he knew that the person had an illegal slave, I don't think we would achieve anything," Puck said. "They would be more interested in the illegal slave part than the blackmail."

"Unless we tell them he blackmailed Hummel about something else," Lauren said slowly.

"Like what?" Blaine asked.

"I'm not sure. I would need to go through hours of recordings but I could put something together."

Blaine didn't really like the idea. Not only would it take a long time but it would also mean lying to police. Even if planned well, it might turn into a disaster. There was no way for them to win in this situation.

"You seem hesitant," Puck said looking at Blaine.

"I just... I'm not sure it would work and it would mean wasting a lot of time and energy on this. But I also want to get back at Dave. What he did to Kurt is unimaginable. Kurt should have never had to go through this."

"We could always deal with him like we did with Hudson," Lauren suggested and Puck visible stiffened.

"What do you mean?" Blaine asked.

"Well, Puckerman and Hummel gathered a couple of people to help them get back at this jock at school. He totally deserved it though," the girl explained. "And it was pretty awesome."

"Puck?"

The boy looked up reluctantly. "We kind of wanted to punish the guy who beat you up right before we found you. We didn't do much, I promise."

"Yeah, just fucked with his head, made him spiral down the social ladder and let him know that Hummel had leverage over him so he couldn't get back at us," Lauren explained victoriously. "It was fun."

"You what?" Blaine shouted and heard Kurt grumble in his sleep. He lowered his voice, "what were you thinking?! It was dangerous and now he knows that Kurt knows... whatever he knows. And just... I can't believe you did this and for what? For me? Did you really think I would approve of this?! Revenge is never an answer!"

"What did you expect?" Puck defended himself in a hushed voice. "The guy left you for dead! You nearly fucking died! Do you have any idea how worried we were about you? The first night Kurt didn't sleep at all, he was watching over you afraid that you might die right in front of him. We texted throughout the night and every time I closed my eyes I saw you lying almost naked on the concrete floor in that fucking factory. We didn't only do that for you, we did it for ourselves too."

Blaine looked at him with big eyes. He knew he caused many problems for Hummels but he never thought how it could have affected them or his old friend. He only thought of how difficult it must have been to carry him down the stairs or nurse him to consciousness, or how much money was spent on him. It never really occurred to him that it caused these people some emotional trauma. Now that he thought of it, it made sense. If he was to find a lifeless body of a friend, he would have nightmares for a long time.

"I think I get why you did it," he spoke after a moment. "I still think it was reckless."

"It was a very elaborate plan," Lauren explained when Puck said nothing. "Hudson didn't even see it coming."

"Who is Hudson?" Blaine asked.

"The guy who beat you up. We found his locket in the factory next to you," Puck said.

"But it was Dave who beat me up," Blaine said confused.

"What?"

"I mean, there were two other guys holding me but it was Dave who was the most... physical with me," Blaine shuddered at the memory.

"Are you sure?" Puck asked.

"Yes, I am. It's kind of a blur but I do remember that it was Dave."

"Oh fuck..."

Before anything else could be said they heard the car speeding down the street and soon it stopped by the house. Seconds later a frantic looking Burt made his way in the house. He went into the living room and Rachel followed him shortly.

"Kurt?" the man breathed upon seeing his son and Kurt woke up with a gasp.

"What?" he said disorientated.

"How are you, son?" Burt asked ducking in front of him.

Kurt looked at him confused until memories started to flood him. Blaine could pinpoint the exact moment when the other boy remembered what happened that day.

"I'm okay, dad," he said eventually.

"Kurt–"

"I can't deal with this right now," the boy said in a voice that left no room for arguing. "I'll go take a proper nap."

The boy stood up and looked at his classmates. "Thank you, guys, for bringing me home. I'll see you tomorrow at school."

They all watched him go with concern on their faces. Kurt was far from okay and they all knew that. Blaine hesitated, not sure if he should follow the boy and show his support or give him space. On one hand, Kurt ran to him when he was in distress. On the other hand, he might need some time alone. In the end, it was Burt who made the decision for him.

"Blaine, could you go and–" he started but the slave boy was already on his feet and out of the room before the man could finish his thought.

He ran up to Kurt's room and knocked on it lightly. "Kurt? It's me, Blaine."

"Come in," Kurt's voice came from the room.

He entered the room and closed the door behind him. He saw Kurt fishing pyjamas from his closet. "I was wondering if you would like to have a nap friend," he offered.

"Do you... Are you okay with being close to me?" the boy asked not looking at him but rather interested in the patterns on his pyjamas.

"Of course I am, why wouldn't I be?" Blaine asked in confusion and stepped closer as if to indicate that their close proximity was totally fine with him.

Kurt shrugged, his eyes still downcast. "I don't want to... after what Karofsky did I feel so... I don't know. And then you held me and I'm so sorry, you must feel disgus–"

"Kurt, please, don't even finish that word," Blaine said with pleading eyes, gently cupping the boy's face and making him look up. "I could never feel disgusted by you. I love having you in my arms or just close to me. What that monster did to you doesn't change the fact how I feel about you."

Kurt sniffed at his words and a small smile graced his face for the first time after a long time. "You can be my nap friend then."

"Thank you," Blaine beamed hoping to cheer the other boy up. "I hope you don't mind if I sleep in my clothes."

"That's okay," Kurt said and went to the bathroom to change into the pyjamas.

Blaine had hoped that the boy would argue. Normally he would have given him a pointed look and he would have to change into his sleeping clothes. The slave sighed only hoping that Kurt would be okay soon.

When they finally got ready for bed Blaine made sure to scoop Kurt in his arms to show that he really did want to be close to him. He had to reassure the boy not only with his words but also with his actions.

Kurt fell asleep rather quickly. Blaine listened to his breathing willing himself to stay awake. He soon heard Puck and the girls leaving together with Burt, who most likely offered to drive them home. It was the perfect timing.

The slave carefully got out of bed, luckily managing to not wake Kurt up. He silently went to Kurt's desk and sat down on the chair. He knew there would be some paper in one of the table drawers.

On the third try Blaine saw a piece of paper sticking out of some book. He pulled it out and saw something written on it. He was about to put it back when his own name caught his attention. The boy straightened the paper and read it.

How to Make Blaine Want to Stay:

1. Treat him as equal (obviously)

2. Set up a guest room for him (decorate it to his liking)

3. Try to find out about his hobbies, etc. (Noah may know something; Blaine is unlikely to open up)

4. Make sure dad doesn't make stupid jokes (same goes to yourself)

5. Keep hinting how much it sucks living on the streets (he knows it already, just remind him from time to time)

6. Tell him you want him to stay (every day) (also, tell dad to do the same)

7. Don't make decisions for him (always ask for his opinion, ALWAYS)

8. Don't judge him before imagining yourself in his shoes (what would you think/do/say if you were him?)

9. Make his Christmas unforgettable (some holiday cheer may help and if not, at least it will be a nice memory for him) (also, buy a present that could be useful both if he stays and if he leaves)

10. You have a month, make it count! (it seems like a long time but it isn't)

P.s. If he still wants to leave lock him in the basement, wrap him in warm blankets, hug him as tight as you can, and never let go. Like, NEVER! No bathroom breaks for either of you.

By the end of the list tears were running freely down Blaine's face. Kurt had the biggest heart and he deserved all the happiness in the world.

I'm doing this for you, Kurt, he thought and put the piece of paper back into the book.

The boy dried his tears and kept looking until two drawers later he found a new notebook. He ripped one page out and took one of the pens that were on the table. He started writing without even thinking, knowing that it would be more genuine if he just went with the flow.

Dear, Kurt,

First of all, I'm sorry. Sorry for causing you so much heartbreak and then leaving you alone to deal with it. I wish I could stay and help you. I wish I could hold you and chase your nightmares away. But I can't.

I know you can't see it now but this is the best option we have. With me out of picture you and your dad can live in peace again. You two did so much for me and me leaving is sort of my thank you because I know neither of you would ask me to leave even if you both know it's for the best.

I wish we had more time together. I know I should say I wish we had never met because then you wouldn't have had to go through so much trouble but I'll be selfish. Selfish enough to say that you are the best thing to ever happen to me. I will always treasure you in my heart.

Please, tell your dad how grateful I am. I've been disappointed and hurt by one too many adults until your dad gave me hope that not everyone is out there to hurt me. He is the greatest father figure I've ever had.

Also, tell Puck that he will always be one of the most important people in my life even if I never see him again. He is the reason I survived long enough to meet you.

And Mike. Please, let him know he gave me hope for a better life. He showed me it was possible to have happiness even while being a slave. I will always be grateful to you for introducing us.

I'll leave Lima and I don't know if we ever meet again. Maybe it's better if we don't... I want you to go on with your life and not worry about me. I'll be fine, I promise.

I like to think that somewhere in an alternate universe we are both happy together, we are not forced to part because of other people's beliefs and ridiculous laws. I like to imagine us there. I like to imagine you happy.

I'll miss you like crazy. You are my best friend.

With love,

Blaine.

The slave boy folded the paper and stared at it for a moment. He wanted to say so much more but he didn't have much time. He took the ring Burt had given him off the chain and placed it on the letter. He knew he was doing the right thing but it still hurt a lot.

The boy made his way to the bed as silently as he could and gently kissed Kurt's temple. With one last look at the sleeping boy Blaine left the room and went into the guest room which he had learned to call his. He took his old bag which Kurt had cleaned, put some clothes in it and his old belongings. He didn't take the phone knowing it would be too tempting to contact Kurt and then he might talk him into coming back. He had to be strong but he wasn't strong enough so it was better to cut off all contact he had with the Hummels.

Silently Blaine went downstairs, put on the shoes that Kurt had gotten for him and left the house with a heavy heart.