"So, it's supposed to be the party of the year," Trent said excitedly, his green eyes sparkling.

"Don't they say that about every party from the Alpha house?" Blaine asked, his arm wrapped tight around Kurt's waist.

They were hanging out after Warbler practice, everyone discussing the possibilities of the party. It wasn't Blaine's first choice, knowing what had happened to Kurt at the last party. But at the same time, he wouldn't hold him back. He was doing so well in his recovery, Blaine knew he could handle it if he went.

"Well, yeah, but they are all epic parties," Jeff said and Nick nodded his agreement.

"I don't know. What do you think, babe?" Blaine gave Kurt a light squeeze.

Kurt looked distracted. "Um, sure, why not. Don't you have something you have to do tonight, though?"

"I'm having dinner with my mom. I'll be back in plenty of time to go to the party if you want to go," Blaine assured him, wondering where Kurt's mind was at today. All day he'd been kind of off, though he'd gone to all of his classes and his appointment with Juliet. Maybe it was just one of those days. Blaine was familiar with those. Those days where everything just sucked.

"Maybe I can head over with Jason and Colton," Kurt murmured. "I know they mentioned going."

"Or you can go with us," Nick offered, smiling.

"Don't you want to wait for me?" Blaine asked. He was okay with Kurt going, but he also felt an overwhelming need to be there to protect him.

Kurt finally looked at him straight on. His eyebrow was in the air. "I do, but there is no need to. It would be just as easy to hook up with you at the party."

Blaine sighed. "I know."

Softly kissing his jaw, Kurt whispered. "But thank you for worrying."

"I can't seem to help it," Blaine said.

"So what time does this thing start?" Kurt asked Trent.

"Nine tonight. So you'll go?" he asked.

"Yeah, we'll go. Hmm, I need to go figure out what I'm going to wear," Kurt mused. "Wanna go with me, Blaine?"

"Sure. I can hang out until I have to meet my mom," Blaine said, standing and giving Kurt a hand up.

As they walked back to the dorms, Blaine turned to Kurt. "Are you okay today?"

"Yeah. Just distracted. Weird dreams and all that kind of crap," Kurt said, waving his hand in the air.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No. I talked with Juliet and that was bad enough. I don't need any more of that today," Kurt said, irritated by something.

"I thought you enjoyed talking with Juliet," Blaine said gently.

"I do. Today was just... I don't know. I just didn't want to today. But I did and I don't want to anymore. Is that okay?" Kurt said, his tone sharp.

"Of course. Sorry," Blaine squeezed his hand.

Kurt sighed and stopped. "No, I'm sorry. I'm being a bitch today. I'm just having a bad day." He looked into Blaine's eyes and cupped his face. "Please forgive me?" At Blaine's nod, he leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his lips.

"Everyone has bad days, baby. And you've put up with plenty of mine, no worries," Blaine assured him.

They arrived at Kurt's room and walked in. Colton jumped off of Jason's lap and they both turned bright red. Judging by the tents they had in their pants, they hadn't thought Kurt would be back any time soon.

"We'll, uh, come back later," Kurt said, hurrying back out, dragging Blaine by the hand.

"Blaine, how about some coffee?" Kurt said, his own face red.

Laughing, Blaine slung his arm around Kurt's waist. "Sounds good to me. Not as good as what they're gonna have, but hey, coffee is always good."

A half hour after arriving at the café, Kurt got a text from Jason claiming it was safe to return to the room. Blaine walked Kurt halfway back, then had to turn towards the entrance to his dorm to get ready for his dinner date with his mom.

"I have to wear a suit and tie," Blaine grumbled.

"Send me a picture on your phone. You're beautiful in formal wear," Kurt said, grabbing Blaine's ass in his hands as they snuggled close to kiss.

"Do I have to be clothed in the picture?" Blaine asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Um, if Wes is in the room, then yes. If not, then what you do is your own business. I'll enjoy the picture either way," Kurt said with a laugh.

"Okay. Kurt, do me a favor?"

"Of course," Kurt promised. Blaine rarely asked for anything, he was interested to see what he wanted.

"Stick close to either Jason and Colton or Nick and Jeff until I get there? Just for my frame of mind?"

"Don't you think I can take care of myself by now? Are you doubting your ninja skills?" Kurt teased.

"Of course not. I know you could kick some major ass. But it doesn't take away my worry," Blaine said, looking down, seeming as if he were embarrassed by his admission.

Kurt brought his chin up and kissed him deeply, sweeping his tongue throughout Blaine's mouth. Pulling back, he smiled. "I will stick with one of the two couples. Anything to ease your mind. Thank you for worrying and caring about me."

"I love you," Blaine said, sharing in the smile.

"I love you, too. Have fun with your mom. Tell her I said it was nice meeting her," Kurt said, hugging Blaine tightly.

Blaine kissed his neck. "I will. We'll probably be talking about you the whole night anyway. She can't sing your praises high enough," he laughed.

"Well, I am wonderful," Kurt said, his eyebrow up.

"Yes, you are, my love. Be safe and I'll text you on my way back," Blaine said.

They split ways and Kurt made his way to the room. He decided he wouldn't say anything and embarrass his roommate or Colton and hopefully the whole matter could be forgotten. He was more comfortable with those two than Nick and Jeff and hoped they'd be okay with him tagging along until he could meet up with Blaine.

He opened the door and walked in. The three exchanged nervous glances. Finally, Kurt couldn't hold it in and began laughing. They joined in and before long, Kurt was rolling on his bed, holding his stomach from laughing so hard.

"You should have seen the color of your face," he gasped, looking at Colton.

"You weren't much better, Kurt," Jason told him.

When they settled down, Kurt looked at Jason. "We may need to emulate our neighbors and start a tie on the door or sock or something. Hell, even a sign saying 'Don't come in, Sex in progress' would be less embarrassing than walking in on something."

Jason nodded. "I agree completely."

"Are you coming to the Alpha party tonight," Colton asked, hoping to change the subject. He knew he was still glowing from his time with Jason, but he didn't care. Jason had taken to gay love like a champ, and Colton was enjoying every minute of it.

"I am. Blaine asked me to hang out with somebody until he can meet me there after dinner with his mom. I was hoping I could hang with you two as long as you aren't planning on screwing on the dance floor," Kurt teased.

Jason threw a paint brush at Kurt, who grabbed it and twirled it like a baton. "That's fine, Diva. I already debauched Colton enough for today, anyway," he said, giving his boyfriend a wicked grin.

Colton turned red again, but didn't deny it. "Can I borrow a top, Kurt?"

"Do you even have to ask? Duh! Welcome to the Kurt Hummel mall of fashion," he said grandly, opening his closet. "Let me pick out some things I think would look amazing on you," Kurt said eagerly.

Jason grinned at Colton and rolled his eyes. Colton went to sit on Kurt's bed and caught each piece he threw from the closet. Between the two of them, they picked out a light blue sweater that would bring out the blue in Colton's eyes. The Alpha's were known for having black lights at their parties, so the color would glow nicely under the black light.

For himself, Kurt chose a white boat neck long sleeved t-shirt. The boat neck was very wide, showing off his collar bones and even a shoulder if he pulled it off to one side. Blaine loved his collar bones and neck and he knew the top would drive him to distraction. He paired it with black jeans and his dancing boots. Kurt then took a thin white scarf and threaded it loosely through his belt loops, knowing it would stand out in the black light. He had every intention of enticing his boyfriend and he knew between the top and his hips, he would be very successful. Just picturing the naked lust shining out of Blaine's eyes made him sigh. He hoped Blaine would be there soon, though he didn't see any conversation with Elyse Anderson being quick. He got an idea and grabbed Colton, handing him his phone. Standing in front of his closet, he slid his shirt to one side, exposing his neck and a shoulder. Giving a come-hither stare to the camera, he let Colton snap a few pictures. Scanning through them, he picked the best one and sent it to Blaine with the message 'Hurry back soon'.

Blaine: I'm going to cancel with my mom.

Kurt: No, you aren't. And you'll drive the speed limit.

Blaine: Fine. Here's one for you. ;)

Kurt gasped as he opened the picture. Blaine was standing there in jeans that were tugged low on his hips, displaying the gorgeous V of his hips and abs.

Kurt: Holy. Shit. Maybe you should cancel with your mom.

Blaine: Now you agree. Too late. Gotta go. Love you babe.

Kurt: I love you too, tease.

. . . . .

Two hours later, Kurt was already tired. He, Colton, and Jason had been dancing the entire time they'd been at the party. The rumors had been true and the black lights had made everything look surreal. Kurt thought he looked amazing under the light and wished Blaine could see him. Blaine had texted a while ago and said their reservations had been pushed back a half hour, so he'd be even later. Kurt wasn't sure he'd last much longer. He wasn't drinking and being around all of these drunk people was wearing on his already thin patience. All day he'd felt off, distracted, and just generally irritated in his own skin. Now he knew he was bringing the party down for his friends, and probably would for Blaine too. He saw Jeff and Nick heading for the door and intercepted them. They were on the way back to their dorm room and although Kurt knew he would be interrupting their drive back, he begged a ride from them. They agreed and Kurt rushed back to Jason, telling him he'd be at the dorm room. Jason nodded and told him to feel better. As Kurt watched Jeff and Nick give each other loving glances on the way, he was glad he was going back to his room. He really just didn't want to be around other people right now. Maybe some time alone would be good. A hot shower and a good book until Blaine got there. Then his boyfriend could screw the funk out of him. He grinned to himself. Sounded like a perfect plan. He texted the change of plans to Blaine, who responded that he expected to be there within an hour. Kurt thought that was perfect. He'd have some time to himself and then some with his lover. At the dorm, he thanked Jeff and Nick and ran up to his room, ready to have quality Kurt time. As he changed into some pajamas, he checked his phone and on a whim brought up the picture of Blaine. Maybe there would be a change in the type of quality Kurt time, he thought with a wicked smile.

. . . . .

"Take care of that boyfriend, Blaine. You two seem so good for each other," Elyse Anderson was saying as she walked to the waiting cab.

"I will, Mom. And I know he's good for me. I can only hope I bring some good into it for him," Blaine assured her.

She surprised him by reaching out and hugging him. "You bring him a lot of good, Blaine darling. You are so strong and that is only part of what you offer him. Don't sell yourself short. I love you, son," she said quickly before climbing in the car.

"I love you, too, Mom," Blaine responded, somewhat bemused. He waved as the cab pulled away and walked to his car. His mom had seemed like somebody completely different. She'd listened to him talk not just about Kurt, but about himself. His new classes, his hopes for the future. It was the conversation he'd always dreamed they could have, but never had. As he started the car, he heard his phone beep to alert him to a new text. Almost dropping the phone, he stared in awe at his boyfriend who was completely nude and holding onto his large erection.

Kurt: Hope your coming soon.

Blaine grinned at the bad pun.

Blaine: Yeah, you too, babe. On my way now.

Kurt: lol Good. See you soon. Delete the picture now please.

Blaine: Not on your life.

Kurt: Shit.

Blaine: Maybe after I see the real thing.

Kurt: Okay. Hurry up.

Blaine: I thought you said I had to do the speed limit?

Kurt: I lied. Hurry up.

Blaine: See you very soon.

Kurt: See you.

Blaine laughed and adjusted his pants as he took another look at the picture Kurt had sent. Holy shit his boyfriend was hot. And this new boldness and confidence he was displaying was beautiful to behold. He turned the stereo on and started singing along, thinking about what he and Kurt could do tonight. Maybe he could get Jason to go to Colton's room tonight since he still had no roommate. They'd done that trade before. He'd text Jason when he got back. A new song came on and he recognized it as "Lullaby" by Nickelback.

Well, I know the feeling

Of finding yourself stuck out on the ledge

And there ain't no healing

From cutting yourself with the jagged edge

I'm telling you that, it's never that bad

Take it from someone who's been where you're at

Laid out on the floor

And you're not sure you can take this anymore

So just give it one more try to a lullaby

And turn this up on the radio

If you can hear me now

I'm reaching out

To let you know that you're not alone

And if you can't tell, I'm scared as hell

'Cause I can't get you on the telephone

So just close your eyes

Oh, honey here comes a lullaby

Your very own lullaby

Please let me take you

Out of the darkness and into the light

'Cause I have faith in you

That you're gonna make it through another night

Stop thinking about the easy way out

There's no need to go and blow the candle out

Because you're not done

You're far too young

And the best is yet to come

So just give it one more try to a lullaby

And turn this up on the radio

If you can hear me now

I'm reaching out

To let you know that you're not alone

And if you can't tell, I'm scared as hell

'Cause I can't get you on the telephone

So just close your eyes

Oh, honey here comes a lullaby

Your very own lullaby

Well, everybody's hit the bottom

Everybody's been forgotten

When everybody's tired of being alone

Yeah, everybody's been abandoned

And left a little empty handed

So if you're out there barely hanging on...

Just give it one more try to a lullaby

And turn this up on the radio

If you can hear me now

I'm reaching out

To let you know that you're not alone

And if you can't tell, I'm scared as hell

'Cause I can't get you on the telephone

So just close your eyes

Oh, honey here comes a lullaby

Your very own lullaby

He sang along with the song, enjoying the sound of their voices. Maybe he'd try his hand at writing a song for Kurt, his very own lullaby. That might be fun. Maybe if it was good enough, they could use it for the Warbler's. It had happened in the past.

Throwing around ideas for lyrics, he pulled into the parking lot at the dorm hall. The first thing he did was text Jason, asking him if he'd be willing to stay at Colton's. Jason replied that he'd already been planning on it. Grinning to himself, he ran quickly to his room to change and gather a spare outfit for the morning. He was smiling and whistling quietly as he made his way to Kurt's dorm hall, when he saw a lone figure wandering toward him. Whoever it was keeping their head down. Blaine kept walking, not really paying attention. As the guy walked past with his head down, Blaine saw the light flash on something red on his face.

"Hey, dude, are you okay?" he asked, turning back toward the guy.

The guy looked up and Blaine gasped. Sebastian stared at him, his eyes dilated and a little crazy looking. He had four deep scratches going down the side of his face and a black eye forming.

"So somebody else had to kick your ass, huh?" Blaine said, smirking. "Who'd you piss off this time?"

"Actually it was your little cockslut," Sebastian responded with sneer. "He liked it rough, so I made sure he got it rough."

Blaine stared for a moment in shock. "You son of a bitch!" Blaine screamed and ran at the guy, tackling him to the floor. "Did you touch him? Did you? Answer me, god damn you!"

"He was asking for it. He wanted me," Sebastian slurred. "He left his mark on me."

Blaine punched him in the face over and over until blood leaked out of his mouth. "You touched him? You dared touch my man? Do you not remember the last time I kicked your ass?"

"Doesn't matter. I heard what he did. Playing cookie cutter with himself. Heard he quit cold turkey," Sebastian said, coughing loudly.

"Bastard! You don't get to talk about him," Blaine yelled, running his fists again and again into Sebastian's body.

The asshole had the audacity to laugh. "I'm pretty sure he's off the wagon now."

Blaine felt like he'd been kicked in the gut. "What do you mean?" Sebastian just coughed again and didn't answer. Blaine shook him hard. "Answer me! What the hell do you mean?"

"I left him a present behind. Just in case he needed it. Shiny and new, still in the package. A five pack, just in case he broke one," Sebastian giggled maniacally.

"Oh, god no!" Blaine yelled and took off at a dead run. He dialed Kurt's number and there was no answer. He dialed Jason's number and yelled at him to get back to the dorm. Jason agreed and hung up.

And if you can't tell, I'm scared as hell

'Cause I can't get you on the telephone

So just close your eyes

Oh, honey here comes a lullaby

Your very own lullaby

The words of the song came back to haunt him. He pushed himself faster, taking stairs two and three at a time.

"Kurt!" he began yelling from a few doors down. "Kurt, open the door!" He got to the door and tried the handle. It was locked. He slammed his fist against the door as hard as he could. "Kurt, open up! Dammit Kurt, open the door!"

Finally, panic overtook him and he slammed his shoulder into the door. It didn't budge. He called Jason again.

"Jason, dammit, where are you? The door is locked! Fucking Sebastian was here and he said he left razors behind with Kurt. Well, he won't open the door. I'm fucking freaking out, hurry!" He hung up the phone and started kicking and throwing his shoulder into the door. Putting everything he had into it, he finally heard a promising crack and kept kicking where it had appeared. Finally, the door gave out, flinging open and coming back to hit him as he ran in.

"Kurt! Baby, where are you?" He saw blood on his empty bed and prayed that it was all Sebastian's. Then he saw a package on the floor. It was the pack of razor's. His stomach sank as he realized it had been opened.

Dashing to the bathroom, he had to slam his shoulder into the locked door again. This time it opened on the third attempt. He ran in and immediately slipped on his ass. Sitting up, he looked at the red liquid spreading out on the floor that he'd fallen in.

No, no, no, please, no, he thought. He may have yelled it, he didn't know.

Well, I know the feeling

Of finding yourself stuck out on the ledge

And there ain't no healing

From cutting yourself with the jagged edge

I'm telling you that, it's never that bad

Take it from someone who's been where you're at

Laid out on the floor

And you're not sure you can take this anymore

Kurt was laying against the same wall he'd found him on before. He was fully dressed in pajama pants and Blaine's favorite old Michigan shirt. His skin was so pale it was translucent and blood was slowly leaking from both of his arms.

"Kurt! Baby, no, please," he cried out. "Help, somebody help me please!"

"Blaine? What is it?" he heard Jason yell from behind him. "Oh shit. Oh dear god, no. Colton, call 911."

Blaine was scrambling to Kurt's side, trying not to slide in the blood, so much blood, calling his name desperately. "Please, baby, please, wake up! Jason, get me some towels or something to wrap his wrists in! Kurt, come on, sweetie, wake up," he cried, tears flowing down his face. He started smacking Kurt's face, attempting to rouse him, getting smears of blood on his pale cheeks, trying to get some sort of response.

"Blaine, here," Jason said, handing him two towels. "Colton said an ambulance is on the way."

Blaine took the towels and tied them as tight as he could around each of Kurt's wrists. He knew pressure was of the utmost importance. When he'd done as good as he could, he held Kurt's hands over his head, against the wall, trying to slow down the flow of blood. Using his other hand, he started shaking Kurt's shoulder again.

Finally, he saw his eyelids flutter, their color almost purple. "Kurt, come on, baby, open your eyes and look at me! There you go, come on, sweetie." So much red, please baby, please answer me, he thought.

"Blaine," Kurt whispered hoarsely.

"Yeah, baby, I'm here," Blaine sobbed, never so grateful to hear that voice in his life.

"So tired, Blaine," he rasped.

"I know, Kurt. But you gotta hold on for me. The ambulance is on the way," Blaine told him, trying to keep him centered on his voice.

"No. No ambulance," Kurt said and tried to struggle against Blaine but he was so weak, it took next to no effort to keep him where he was.

"Kurt, yes, you need help. We need to get your wrists bandaged up," Blaine said, feeling desperate.

"Too tired, Blaine. Too dirty. No more. I'm, I'm done. So tired," Kurt muttered, his voice getting quieter.

Blaine closed his eyes against the words. That son of a bitch. What did he do to Kurt? "You're not dirty, baby. You're clean now, okay? We'll get you clean together, okay?" He looked at Kurt who had gone still again. "Kurt? Kurt, come on, you've gotta stay with me!" Kurt's body began slipping lower onto the floor, his clothes getting stained by the blood still pooled around them. His body was slumping unnaturally. Blaine cried out.

"What is it?" Jason asked from the doorway and gasped at the sight of Kurt slipping.

"Kurt, baby, please," Blaine begged loudly, putting his bloody fingers against Kurt's neck. No, no, no, please no. He let go of Kurt's wrists and pushed his ear to Kurt's chest. He pressed harder, plugging his other ear. Nothing. The heartbeat he'd snuggled into, that he'd used as his own personal lullaby was gone, stopped, taken from him.

"NO! Kurt, please! No, baby, stay with me dammit! Oh god, no! Baby, please don't leave me! KURT!" He screamed as his heart cracked into a million pieces. He knelt there, sobbing, in a puddle of blood next to the lifeless body of the man he loved.

Please let me take you

Out of the darkness and into the light

'Cause I have faith in you

That you're gonna make it through another night

Stop thinking about the easy way out

There's no need to go and blow the candle out

Because you're not done

You're far too young

And the best is yet to come

So just give it one more try to a lullaby

And turn this up on the radio

If you can hear me now

I'm reaching out

To let you know that you're not alone

And if you can't tell, I'm scared as hell

'Cause I can't get you on the telephone

So just close your eyes

Oh, honey here comes a lullaby

Your very own lullaby

Well, everybody's hit the bottom

Everybody's been forgotten

When everybody's tired of being alone

Yeah, everybody's been abandoned

And left a little empty handed

So if you're out there barely hanging on...