Blaine spent over an hour on the phone with his mother. They discussed nothing but Kurt and his situation, but Blaine could honestly say it was the best conversation they'd ever had. His mom had listened intently and given concise and caring advice. When she said she was glad that he'd thought to call her, he knew that was her way of saying she was proud of him. He sat there in his room for a few minutes, soaking it in. Knowing there was a way to help Kurt gave him hope, knowing his mom was supporting him gave him strength. The one thing she said would help Kurt the most is him having someone to talk to. Someone outside his personal life. Cutting was usually attributed to the need for an outlet for emotions and feeling like there is none. It sounded exactly like what Kurt was dealing with. He felt shame from the way he was abused and had no way to get out the feelings, other than to make himself bleed. She had also told him she'd look into some counselors in their area that he could take Kurt to, if he'd go. Blaine was determined that he'd either go or he'd carry his ass there. Either way, he would get help. For now, he would just be whatever Kurt needed. But even if Kurt needed him to be away, he would stay close. Jason had already texted him reporting in that Kurt had eaten breakfast, though not much. He quickly responded asking for updates through the day. He had somewhere to be, business to take care of. He made a couple of phone calls, thankful for once at the money that was readily available to him. Smiling grimly, he left campus to watch his dollars put into action via video phone.

. . . . .

"Hey Kurt, didn't you grow up in Lima, Ohio?" Colton asked from Jason's bed where he was painting a tiny engine. "They're talking about it on the news."

"I did. Turn it up, would you?" Kurt said, curiosity breaking through the haze his mind had been in all afternoon.

Colton turned the volume up on the TV and they saw the news anchor talking about a gang attack in Lima, Ohio.

"Several sources claim that a large gang of men, all in dark hooded sweatshirts, came out of nowhere and began beating the two college freshman. David Karofsky and Azimio Adams lived through the brutal attack, though they will both most likely have lasting effects. Adams hands were crushed beyond recognition and Karofsky experienced a severely fractured pelvis, among many other injuries. When asked if they recognized the assailants, both victims and neighbors in the area were unable to identify a single perpetrator. 'It was like they were ghosts who came, beat the crap out of the guys, and disappeared again,' one man said. Police are asking for anyone with any information to please come forward. In other news," the anchor continued.

Kurt was staring at the TV, his face pale. Getting up, he rushed from the room. Having never been to Blaine's room before, he had to stop and ask for directions a couple of times before reaching the room. Banging on the door, he jumped back when Wes opened the door.

"Kurt, what's up?" Wes asked, seeing the man's pale face.

"Um, does Blaine live here?"

"Yeah. He's not here right now. He's been gone all day as far as I know. Want me to tell him you stopped by?" Wes offered.

Kurt shook his head. "No thank you. I'm sorry to bother you," he said and turned away. He didn't feel like returning to the room right away so he made his way to the café, hoping coffee would warm him up inside. After paying for his drink, he left the building and began walking the grounds of the college. It was freezing outside, but he didn't seem to feel it. Something told him Blaine knew exactly what happened to Azimio and Karofsky. And how crappy of a person did it make Kurt if he was secretly celebrating that now those two would have nightmares to relive every day of their lives? If Blaine had been home, would he have yelled at him or thanked him? He had no idea. Kicking some leaves around, he knew he was definitely grateful in a way. Nobody had ever made such an effort to protect or defend him. It was a nice feeling, a safe feeling. He sipped his coffee and smiled. Who knew how long Blaine would be nice to him, but he would enjoy it while it lasted.

"Kurt! Wait up!"

Kurt turned, still smiling to see Blaine jogging toward him. He couldn't hide how happy he was to see the other man. He tossed his coffee cup in a nearby trashcan and went to meet Blaine.

"How are - ooph!" Blaine got out as Kurt wrapped his arms around him and squeezed hard.

"Thank you," Kurt whispered in his ear.

"Not that I don't love the fact that you're grateful, cuz I do, but what for?" Blaine asked, hugging him back, enjoying the slim frame resting safely against his.

Kurt stepped back and looked him in the eye. "You know what I'm talking about. It was on the news, Blaine."

Blaine's eyebrows went up. "Shit. No kidding? Huh. Well, officially, I have no idea what you're talking about," he said. The news? Holy crap. Let's hope his mom didn't hear about this. She might make the connection after he'd just gotten done telling her about Kurt's history in Lima.

"Unofficially?" Kurt asked softly.

"Unofficially, I would do anything to protect you," Blaine said fiercely. He brought Kurt in for another hug and they just stood there for a moment, sharing in each other's warmth. "Kurt, about this morning," he began.

"Don't," Kurt muttered. "I don't want to ruin this moment by getting mad at you again. I like how I feel right now too much."

Blaine smiled into his hair. "Gotcha. How would it feel if I kissed you?"

Kurt leaned back and smirked at him. "Depends on how well you do it."

Blaine laughed, seeing a familiar spark in his beautiful blue eyes. "Well, I'll do my best," he said and brushed his lips against Kurt's. They both sighed at the contact. Their lips moved softly against each other for a moment until Blaine realized Kurt was shaking.

"Kurt? Baby, you're freezing!" he said, realizing Kurt was there in nothing but a shirt and a thin cardigan. He slipped his coat off and threw it around Kurt's shoulders.

"I had to get out, I didn't think I'd be going outside," Kurt said through chattering teeth. He slid his arms gratefully into the coat, taking a moment to inhale Blaine's warm, masculine scent.

"That was a dumbass thing to do," Blaine chastised.

"I forgot a coat while you pulled together a gang beating and I'm the dumbass?" Kurt covering his harsh words with a grin.

Blaine laughed. "Fine. I'm the dumbass. You're just dumb, now let's get you inside," he said, keeping an arm around Kurt as they walked.

"I'm not dumb," Kurt mumbled, throwing his hip into Blaine's, making him stumble.

"You little shit," Blaine said with a laugh as Kurt danced away from him.

Kurt giggled, feeling free in that moment. He ran the rest of the way to the building and let Blaine catch him as they got inside the doors. Blaine's cheeks were pink from the cold air, his golden eyes sparkling like gems. He wrapped his hands around Blaine's neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Their lips finally began warming up against each other, tingling with the temperature change. It made the kiss that much more interesting. Blaine wanted to sink his tongue into Kurt's warm mouth, but everything for now had to be on Kurt's timing. He'd just make sure he was ready and waiting for whatever he wanted. And he hoped Kurt wanted some tongue because he was dying for another taste of him. After a few more minutes of kissing, their breath coming hot between them, Kurt moaned and pulled his head away.

"Am I doing something wrong?" he asked, looking frustrated.

"No, baby, why?" Blaine responded. Kurt was doing everything right as his tight pants could attest to.

"You aren't, I mean, you haven't," Kurt stammered, his face turning bright red. "You aren't French kissing me," he whispered, leaning into Blaine so he could hear.

Blaine held back a chuckle. Kurt was so innocent and adorable. "Baby, I'm just letting you take your time is all. I don't want you to feel rushed or pressured into anything. No big deal. If you want French kissing, I'll give it to you," he said honestly.

He wasn't prepared for Kurt's hand in his hair, tugging his head back in. "Then give it to me," he growled.

Blaine gasped in shock at the sensation and the sound of Kurt's voice so deep and throaty. He didn't hesitate but slanted their lips together, plunging his tongue deep into Kurt's mouth. Kurt kept his hand buried in his hair lightly pulling and pushing against Blaine's head as their mouths moved together. Their tongues danced, writhed and swirled against each other until both men were breathless, leaning their foreheads together as they tried to calm down.

"Blaine?" Kurt breathed.

"Yeah?"

"What am I to you?"

Blaine hesitated, unsure how to answer. "You're mine," he finally said with a shrug.

Kurt sighed happily. "Yours," he agreed.

Blaine kissed him tenderly. "Only if you want to be."

"More than anything," Kurt whispered, his eyes shining with emotion.

"Good. I want you to be," he replied quietly.

"Yours," Kurt repeated, bringing their lips back together. The kiss was soft and unbelievably tender.

Kurt heard his phone beep and dug it out to read the text. "Oh! Blaine?"

"Yeah?" Blaine said, wondering at the delighted look on his face.

"I completely forgot about this! Will you, um, would you like to be my date? My team has tickets to see Wicked tonight and I'm allowed one extra ticket. Will you go with me?" his eyes were suddenly unsure.

Blaine took his chin and kissed him gently. "I would love to."

"Really?" Kurt said ecstatically.

"Really," Blaine chuckled. It took so little to make Kurt happy and it at once delighted him and broke his heart, knowing he hadn't had much chance for joy in his short life.

"Oh my gosh! There's only three hours until we leave!" Kurt said, sounding panicked.

"What are you talking about? What do you mean only?" Blaine asked, confused and worried.

"I only have three hours to figure out what I'm going to wear!" Kurt wailed and began racing up the stairs toward his room. "Pick me up at seven, okay?"

Blaine let out the breath he was holding and smiled. "See you at seven," he called, though Kurt was already around the corner. A thought occurred to him and he ran back out the door.

. . . . .

Blaine knocked on the door precisely at seven and Jason opened it with a smile. "Looking good, Anderson," he said, letting him in.

"Thanks man. Is he ready?" he asked, not seeing Kurt in the room.

"Yes, I am," Kurt announced from the bathroom door. He was dressed in a stunning black and red suit that was tailored to perfection.

"Wow, Kurt, just wow," Blaine muttered. Kurt was radiant under the praise and gave him a brilliant smile. "Um, here," Blaine said, holding the single rose out.

"Oh, Blaine, that's so sweet," Kurt exclaimed, sniffing delicately at the flower. "It smells amazing. Colton, do you think you could put this in some water?" Colton nodded and took the rose from him. "Blaine, I had no idea you cleaned up so well, you look amazing," Kurt complimented him. Blaine was in a thin cut black suit, simple but very elegant.

"You guys look wonderful together," Colton agreed, coming back in the room with the rose in a glass. Kurt took it and put it on his night table.

"Thank you," Kurt said, coming to take Blaine's hand.

"Hey, hold on you crazy kids," Jason said, pulling out a camera. He snapped a couple pictures of them before shooing them out the door. Blaine helped Kurt back into his jacket, which didn't go with his suit, but Kurt looked like he couldn't care less.

"I swear he was a mom in another life," Blaine commented with a smile.

"I agree. I'm surprised he doesn't check behind my ears when I get out of the shower," Kurt said, his voice more light and carefree than Blaine had ever heard.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, the other winning Warbler's and their dates were chattering excitedly and pointing at the door.

"What's going on?" Kurt asked, trying to see.

"Well, I know I always ragged on you about being a princess, and I won't anymore. But I figured you should have at least one ride in a chariot," Blaine said, walking through the group and opening the door. A black stretch Hummer was waiting for them outside. Kurt gasped and couldn't prevent himself from hopping up and down, clapping in excitement.

"Blaine, it's perfect, thank you!" he said, going to him and kissing him on the cheek before rushing out to the limo.

The whole evening was perfect in Kurt's estimation. They all had dinner together and rode to the show, delighting over New York from the windows of the limo. Blaine held his hand or had an arm wrapped around him at all times. Kurt had never felt so cherished. The show was extraordinary, as he'd always known it would be. He'd seen it in Columbus, but somehow, seeing it actually on Broadway brought a new magic to the performance. Blaine squeezed his hand when he teared up during his favorite songs and shocked him by offering him a handkerchief. The ride back to campus was more subdued as people got snuggly with their dates. When they got back, everyone thanked Blaine, who looked embarrassed at the attention.

Blaine walked Kurt to his room, where they spent several minutes kissing outside. "Would you spend the night with me? Just to sleep," Kurt asked.

"I'd love to," Blaine said, brushing his lips over Kurt's forehead.

Kurt beamed and put his finger to his lips as he quietly unlocked the door. They snuck inside, bumping into each other in the dark, trying not to laugh. Kurt turned his lamp on, hoping the dark shade would keep it from waking up his roommate. He turned to Blaine whose mouth was wide open. He turned to Jason's side of the room and gasped. Jason was asleep, wrapped around Colton, his arm and leg draped over the smaller man. Kurt's gasp made them stir, but only to move in closer to each other.

"I wonder how long this has been going on," Kurt breathed at Blaine.

"At least they're dressed," Blaine whispered in his ear. Kurt nodded in agreement. They stripped and put pajamas from Kurt's drawer on and slid into the bed.

"This has been the best day ever," Kurt whispered, snuggling into Blaine's chest.

"Well, then I know what I have to top now," Blaine replied, kissing Kurt's head.

"I know what you could top," Kurt said suggestively, turning to look up at Blaine with a grin.

Blaine groaned quietly. "Go to sleep, Kurt."

Kurt giggled quietly, but tucked himself back into Blaine and quickly fell asleep.

Thanks to Kurt's comment, it took Blaine several moments to take control of his body before succumbing to sleep, a content smile on his face.