Kurt was somewhat surprised when he woke up the next morning to see the sun shining into his room. He'd expected the world to end while he slept. At least he'd hoped it would. But, no, the sun rose and he was laying in bed alone. He'd fallen asleep grasping Blaine's pillow, drinking in his scent, and woke up clutching it like it was a lifeline. At this point, it kind of was. Life still felt surreal, like he was living a nightmare and would wake up eventually. It didn't seem likely he would, though.

He shuffled to the bathroom, more and more aware of how sore he still was. The accident seemed like an after-thought when he was dealing with his heart being ripped out. Standing under the hot spray of the shower allowed him a moment's reprieve. After dressing in jeans and a t-shirt he'd snagged from Blaine's drawer while he packed it, he went to the kitchen. Hearing noise outside, he leaned over the kitchen sink to see down into the parking lot. He froze as he saw Blaine getting out of his parents Mercedes. His eyes hungrily ate up every detail about the man he loved. Dressed in sweats and a t-shirt that was too long, he was still the most beautiful creature Kurt had ever seen. He was moving okay, a little slow. He looked like he hadn't been sleeping very well, there were circles under his eyes. After Wes helped him from the car, Blaine stood there and stared up at the apartment building, before shaking his head and shrugging. Kurt guessed he still didn't remember it. He watched until they disappeared from view and fought every urge he had to run down and beg Blaine to please try and remember. Talking with his friends and family the night before helped him realize this really was the best thing to do for now. Blaine didn't need extra stress while he was healing and Kurt wouldn't cause him any.

A couple hours later as Kurt was puttering around doing laundry and dusting furniture that didn't need it, the doorbell rang. He made his way to the door, not having expected anyone to visit. He'd told his family he needed some time to himself. Looking through the peephole, he smiled.

Opening the door, he held his arms open. "Cooper, how are you?"

"Hey, little brother, it's good to see you. Nice shiners you got there," Cooper replied with a grin, giving him a gentle hug.

"Yeah, I know, I'm a vision in purple and green. Come on in. Can I get you something to drink or eat?" Kurt said stepping back and letting Blaine's very tall brother come in. Cooper was at least 6'1" with dark hair and beautiful blue eyes. Kurt had met him while they were still back at McKinley and the two had hit it off right away.

"Coffee would be great, thank you. I see the place hasn't changed much," Cooper replied, looking around. He must have seen the half empty bookcases and missing pictures, but was kind enough not to say anything.

Kurt got him a cup of coffee, black, as he liked it and poured himself a cup with plenty of half and half. They settled in the living room and talked about Cooper's latest jobs in the commercial world and the one role he had coming up on a soap opera.

"You're here ahead of schedule," Kurt noted lightly after a few minutes of conversation.

"Yeah. Mom and Dad thought it would help if I was here since Bl, since he's uh, having a hard time adjusting," he said, looking down.

"You can say his name, you know. I may be a wreck, but I don't hate him or anything," Kurt said with a sad smile. "The exact opposite actually."

"I know you do, Kurt. I just, he's just different, you know?" Cooper said, shaking his head and looking frustrated. "There's like this edge to him now, a hardness to his attitude and expressions that wasn't there before."

"I noticed that, but I figured it was because of me," Kurt noted. Why would Blaine's personality change so drastically? He asked the question aloud, hoping Cooper could shine some light on it.

"I have no idea. When Dad told me he 'got over' being gay, I knew something was wrong. And they are so freaking thrilled about it all," he said, his blue eyes glittering with anger. "I may not be gay, but I know it's who you are, it's not something you get over or can just forget about. I don't understand how any of this is even possible."

"I don't either. I agree with you. Being gay is as much a part of me as my overly pale skin," Kurt said, chuckling grimly.

"What was going on the day of the accident? What were you guys doing? Mom and Dad don't know the particulars and Blaine doesn't remember," Cooper asked, sipping his coffee.

"We had spent the day together. He, well, he proposed to me," Kurt said, seeing Coop's eyes go wide.

"Really? That's amazing!"

Kurt gave a sad smile and held out his ring, which he refused to take off. Cooper leaned forward to look at it.

"Hey, congratulations man! Oh shit," he said, his grin fading quickly, his eyes going sympathetic. "Oh shit, Kurt, I am so sorry."

"I know. Anyway, we went to dinner and when we were done, we called your folks and told them about the engagement. They hit the fan, calling us all sorts of nasty names and talking about how unnatural we were. I hung up on them and we started home and that's when we were hit," Kurt said, shivering lightly at the memory.

Cooper stared at his mug for a long moment. "I wonder if that has something to do with it."

"What do you mean?" Kurt asked, not seeing where he was going.

"Well, the last thing he really hears is how evil being gay is and it's unnatural and all the names. And then he's in an accident. If he took to heart what they said to him, maybe that's the Blaine that came out of the coma. He's just reflecting what they said to him, the way they described him."

Kurt thought about that and shrugged. "It makes a sort of sense. I don't know if that's why it happened, but it would certainly give us some sort of explanation."

"Yeah. It just blows my mind that he remembers everything except his entire life with you. He remembered Wes and David and joked around about some pranks they pulled back in their Dalton days. But he doesn't even remember this apartment building. And you guys have been here, what, going on two years, right?" Cooper said, his face a mask of frustration.

"A little over two, yeah," Kurt agreed, his head starting to ache.

"How are you doing, little brother? I know this must be an utter nightmare for you," Cooper said gently, putting his hand on Kurt's.

"Honestly? I feel like I can't breathe half the time. I'm constantly waiting for him to text me or come home or tease me because I didn't do my hair this morning. Or ask for some toast or complain about losing another bowtie. It's like I'm only partially living. I hate it. I hate every minute of every day and I don't know how to make it stop. I keep trying to think of something I could do or say that could remind him or convince him of the truth. And I miss him. Oh god, Cooper, I miss him so damn much," Kurt said, clutching at the pain in his chest.

Cooper scooted closer and slid his arm around Kurt as he cried. "I.. keep.. thinking.. I'll reach the... end of the tears," he gasped between sobs. "But it just... keeps.. keeps coming."

"I know. Let it out, Kurt. It's just you and me here, you don't have to pretend for me," Cooper said, rubbing the younger mans arms, blinking back his own tears.

For several long minutes Kurt let the grief take him over, welcomed it, drowned in it, accepted it as a part of who he was. When he sat back, taking deep shuddering breaths, Cooper got up and found a wash cloth, wetted it and brought it to him. Kurt smiled gratefully and wiped his face.

"I really, really don't want to leave, but I'm expected downstairs. The parents, you know. You have my number and I'll be here for a good couple weeks, maybe longer if I'm needed. Call or text any time, okay?" Cooper said, looking almost stern.

"Thanks Cooper. I just might do that," Kurt said, standing and walking him to the door. Cooper gave him a final hug and headed off down the hall, his own heart heavier than when he got there.

Kurt sighed and looked around, suddenly feeling the desperate need to get out of the house. He looked at his watch and realized not only was it Monday, but Velocity practice began in twenty minutes. That might be just what he needed. Besides, there were some things he needed to say to his fellow singers. He did another clean wash-up in the bathroom and threw some product in his hair, truly not caring. Grabbing his sunglasses, wallet, and keys, he headed out. The ride to the college was quick and he was the first one in the Mem-Aud building. He sat there in the front row, waiting for everyone else.

Mercedes and Tina were there first, coming in and hugging him, talking softly. Slowly, more members trickled in, hugging him gently and offering their apologies and wishes for both his and Blaine's recovery. After Mr. Schue got there and called everyone to attention, Kurt walked up to the front.

"Can I have the floor for a minute, Mr. Schue?" he asked politely.

"Of course, Kurt. Take as long as you need. It's good to see you up and around," the curly haired teacher said with a smile and retreated to a seat.

"I want to thank you all for your well wishes. I'm healing well and from what I hear, Blaine is too. Who here has not heard about Blaine's amnesia?" There were several gasps and hands that quickly raised, including Mr. Schue's. That surprised him, he'd figured everyone would have known by now. "Blaine was in a coma for three days after the car accident. When he woke up, he, uh, well, he had no idea who I was or who my dad was. I talked to him for a while and tried to jog his memory, but it was useless. He seems to remember everything else pretty well, though there are some hazy parts. The reason I'm sharing this is because I'm going to need all of your help when he returns to practice. See, along with not remembering me, he says he isn't gay," Kurt said and paused as gasps filled the room.

"How the hell is that even possible?" Puck demanded.

"That is the question on all of our minds. To compound the issue, his parents are feeding into the story, agreeing that he isn't gay and never has been. Between all three of them, they decided it was best if he lived with Wes and David for now. Or forever, I don't know," Kurt said, trying to not consider the fact that Blaine was lost to him forever.

"Kurt, are you okay?" Lauren asked. "Can we do anything?"

Several voices raised to agree with her and Kurt smiled, loving them all in that moment. "Actually, yes. To help Blaine's healing, I am going to ask all of you to go along with what he believes."

"Aw, hell to the no!" Mercedes shouted.

"Are you crazy?" Mike said, his eyes wide.

"That's insane," Lauren agreed.

"Please, everyone, please listen," Kurt interrupted holding up his hands. "I am not asking you to feed into what he believes. What I am asking is that you don't all bombard him and try to convince him of the way he used to be. Don't tell stories about he and I or tell him he's insane or whatever you think may be able to help. Right now, to help me, I need you to just be there for him and to be his friends. Time will tell if this is permanent. Regardless, I still love him very much and want to do whatever it takes to make sure he is safe, healthy, and happy." Kurt gave them all stern looks, hoping they took him seriously.

"Sounds fair," Sam said. "I don't like it, but it sounds fair."

"Fine, fancy, though the hobbit doesn't deserve you if he's kicking your sweet ass to the curb," Santana said. Kurt recognized her "Lima Heights" expression and winked at her.

"If you guys don't mind, I came with a number ready. I need to express myself in song," Kurt said, pulling some sheet music out of his bag.

"We'd love that, Kurt," Mr. Schue said and pointed toward the stage where Brad, the piano man, and the rest of the band members were patiently sitting.

Kurt walked up on the stage and passed out the music before stepping in front of the microphone. The guitar started in softly, with the violins just barely there in the background.

I can see you're slipping away from me

and you're so afraid I'll plead with you to stay

But I'm gonna be strong and let you go your way

Our love is gone, there's no sense in holding on

'Cause your pity now would be too much to bear

So I'm gonna be strong and pretend I don't care

Kurt's voice lifted in a powerful crescendo, the violins and piano joining him in a rise of music.

I'm gonna be strong and stand as tall as I can

Yes I'm gonna be strong and let you run along

and take it like a man

When you say it's the end I'll just hand you a line

I'll smile and say 'don't you worry, I'm fine'

Kurt put all of his power into the final stanza, feeling the ache for Blaine deep in his soul.

And you'll never know

Darling after you kiss me goodbye,

How I'll break down and cry

Holding the final note as long as he could, he closed his eyes and lifted his arms, tears streaming down his face.

When he opened his eyes, every member of Velocity was standing on their feet applauding, most of them with tears of their own. Despite feeling so desperately alone, between his family at home and this family here, he thought he just might make it through this in one piece. He gave them all a watery smile, a sweeping bow and resumed his seat in the audience.