#wbuct

if somebody new to fanfiction were to ask you for glee fic recs, which fic would you recommend?

I mean, that depends on a lot of things, including but not limited to:

what ship(s) they like

what genres/tropes they like

what things they would like to avoid

For the sake of this question, I'll assume this theoretical person has similar tastes to me. You also said "which fic" (singular) but I'm giving you three. That's what you get for not being more specific. :)

All The Other Ghosts verse by Rainjoy. This is the quintessential Klaine fic. It's also superhero AU, so it gets bonus points for exposing someone new to fanfic to a really fun and interesting type of AU. Sidenote: I put off reading this for a long time because I thought I wouldn't like a superhero AU. I have never been more wrong in my life. This verse is everything and I have literally recommended it to people who have neither watched Glee nore read fanfiction.

A Change In The Weather by cacophanylights. The quintessential Kurtbastian fic. Absolutely peak enemies to lovers. This fic is everything and more. Heartbreakingly unfinished, but so worth it, and there are fansequels :)

What Brings Us Closer Together verse by CrazedLunatic. This series is long as hell, but it's the first fanfiction I ever read, and it was so good. It will always hold a special place in my heart, and it was honestly a great introduction to fanfiction to me, so I would hope it could be a good intro to someone else as well.

Those are all quite long. I'm personally the type of person who tends to dive headfirst into new interests, but I could understand large fics being intimidating to someone new to fanfiction, or to someone that has a hard time paying attention and focusing on the same thing for that long. But honestly most of what I read is multi-chaptered fics, so I don't have many good recommendations for one-shots.

Also a lot of what I read is pretty heavy, which is great for me, but again I know that isn't for everyone, and especially might not be the way to get introduced to fanfiction for some people; you might want to ease into that.

“We’ve got you.” Wes said, helping Blaine up the first step to their house.

“It hurts.” Blaine whimpered, his good hand wrapped around Kurt’s wrist so tightly that Kurt winced.

“There’s not that many more, baby.” Kurt whispered as they helped Blaine up the second step.

“Seven is a lot to me right now.” Blaine let out an anguished moan, swaying a bit.

“I’ve got you.” Wes repeated. “Where the hell is David?”

“Getting the couch pulled out so Blaine can lay on it. It flips into a bed.” Kurt grunted as they reached the top step. “He’s not going up those stairs within the week. Eric said it’d be impossible.”

“I didn’t think about that, but it makes sense.”

Blaine let out a relieved sigh when they were inside the house. Kurt rubbed his back gently.

“Okay, it’s set up. I’m not sure what you want to do with the medicine. Will the kids mess with it?”

“No.” Blaine shook his head. “I feel sweaty.”

“It’s okay.” Kurt rubbed his back again. “Are you ready to lay down?”

“Who are the flowers from?” Blaine asked, seeing at least four vases.

“One from your boss, one from Adrian and Kyle, one from AJ—.”

“I told her to not waste money on flowers and that you’d rather get alcohol.” Wes retorted.

“That’s sweet.” Blaine smiled, leaning against Kurt.

“And one that the kids picked out for you. Marcy took them this morning.”

“Marcy is a godsend.” Kurt sighed. “They’re all beautiful.”

“Thanks, Wes and David. They are… It’s hilarious that you two are married now and that your names are on flowers.” Blaine leaned heavily against Kurt.

“Okay, let’s get you down here.” David went to help Kurt.

“DADDDDDD!”

“DADDY DADDY DADDY!”

“Oh God. Child mob.” Wes gasped, blocking them. Sophia tried to run under his legs but he grabbed her with ease. “Let’s wait until Daddy’s laying down alright?”

“Sophie calls him Daddy. We call him Dad.” Zach informed him.

“Yes, well I call him Blainers.” Wes nodded.

Blaine winced and whimpered when Kurt and David eased him onto the couch.

“What hurts? Is it worse than it was earlier?” David asked, instantly turning into a doctor.

“No. No, it’s good. It’s good.” Blaine promised, relaxing against several pillows. “Thank you.”

David nodded.

“Are you okay if they come up?” Kurt asked.

“Yeah.” Blaine nodded, bracing himself.

As soon as Blaine said ‘yeah’ the boys bolted towards him.

“Dad, did you get sliced with a sword?”

“Did you get into a bar fight?”

“Did you kick butt?”

“Do you hurt?”

“More important, did you kick butt?”

Blaine laughed as the boys sat on either side of him.

“Be careful.” Kurt cautioned. “Dad’s still hurt, okay?”

Wes brought Sophie over and she instantly started to cry when she saw Blaine’s bruised face.

“Oh honey, it’s okay.” Kurt took her from Wes, bouncing her up and down soothingly. “Daddy’s just fine, love bug. He’s just fine.”

“I feel that way when I look at him sometimes too, Soph.” Wes grinned.

Blaine rolled his eyes as Sophie wrapped her arms tightly around Kurt’s neck.

“Baby, it’s okay. Daddy’s fine. I bet he’d like a kiss from his Sophie Bug, though.” Kurt kissed her cheek several times.

“I would.” Blaine said, gingerly turning to look at her. “Daddy needs a kiss.”

Sophie shook her head.

“David’s a doctor and he says that Blaine will be just fine.” Wes said, no longer joking.

“That’s right. But it’s a proven fact that Sophie Bug kisses makes your daddy feel better.” David nodded.

“No, it’s not.” Sophie giggled a bit.

“It is.” David nodded again. “I’m a doctor.”

“You’re a kid doctor actually.” Nick pointed out. “Dad’s not a kid.”

“That doesn’t mean I can’t help adults too.  There was a time I only helped adults, actually.” David corrected him.

Kurt leaned down. “Go on. Crawl over to Daddy but make sure you don’t touch his foot or his other shoulder, okay?”

Sophie nodded, very gingerly crawling up to Blaine.

“Here.” Wes smiled, helping situate her on Blaine’s lap.

“I love you so much, Soapy.” Blaine kissed the top of her head.

“Daddy, you’re hurt.” Sophie reached up, touching his face.

Blaine winced a tiny bit. “I feel better than I did yesterday, but Daddy’s going to home staying home with you guys a lot more for a while.”

“YAY!” Nick exclaimed, hopping up. “NO MORE SCHOOL!”

“It’s summer.” Zach looked at Nick like he was crazy.

“No jumping when Dad is on the couch. He’s hurt.” Kurt said, snapping his fingers. “Alright?”

“Doing the cheesecake thing again, Kurt?” Blaine grinned.

“Oh, shut up.” Kurt rolled his eyes, although he did smile a bit. Blaine still brought up the time he’d snapped a waitress to bring his cheesecake quicker eleven years ago.

“I’m bored.” Nick clambered from the couch, jostling Blaine and making him wince.

“Nicholas!” Kurt said through gritted teeth.

“Sorry not sorry!” Nick ran upstairs.

“Oh my God, Blaine.” Kurt shook his head. “Blaine?”

“Blainers has left the building.” Wes said, pointing to Blaine who was most definitely asleep.

“How does he do that? Just close his eyes and fall asleep?” Kurt asked. “Is that normal?”

“Blaine never been… normal.” David laughed, pointing as Sophie curled up to his side.

Blaine shuffled a bit, arm protectively going over Sophie.

“Daddy loves me.” Sophie beamed.

“Dad loves all of us.” Zach corrected, carefully getting off of the couch. “Daddy, I don’t think Nick is sane.”

“Honey, I don’t think any of us are.” Kurt sighed, ruffling Zach’s messy curls.

…

“Do you have to do this right now?” Blaine whimpered when Eric came over to the couch—or as Nick liked to call it, Blaine’s deathbed.

“Kurt told me you’ve been sleeping more than would be normal. I just want to check you over.” Eric said.

“I’m fine. Just—” Blaine yawned. “Sleepy.”

“I want to check on your stomach too and see how it looks. Remember we agreed you could come home early if you let me and David keep a close eye on you… and you haven’t been cooperating very much for David.” Eric sounded like he was talking to a child.

“Kurt’s over reacting. It’s his thing.” Blaine sighed.

“Have you been walking on your own to the bathroom?” Eric asked, sitting on the “bed” Blaine was laying on.

“Once or twice.” Blaine attempted to sit himself up.

Kurt, who had walked in, rushed over to help as Blaine whimpered.

“Have you been taking the medicine?” Eric asked, lifting Blaine’s pajama shirt and gently removing the bandages.

“He has every five hours. I’ve been making him because he’s been in a lot of pain.”

“I wouldn’t classify it as a lot.” Blaine grunted when Eric pushed down on the too-white skin next to the injury. “Is that necessary?”

“Have you fallen? Rolled onto this or anything?”

“Once or twice… rolling onto it!” Blaine quickly added at Kurt’s horrified expression. “Rolling onto it, I promise.”

“Blaine…”

“I will up your pain medication but you’ve got to stop moving without help. And if it’s the kids jostling you, you’ve got to keep them off the bed.” Eric said.

“Okay, Nick might have fallen on it but—.”

“Blaine!” Kurt exclaimed. “You didn’t tell me that! You said you didn’t know why it hurt so much!”

“Because I’m fine. You worry too much.” Blaine sighed and then looked at Eric. “I’m fine.”

“You are fine but you’re pushing back your healing and causing yourself unnecessary pain. If the kids can’t be still around you, they need to stay off the bed and away from you. I know they’re your kids, I know you love them, but you don’t want this getting infected by pulling out a stitch—and you did pull three.” Eric said sternly. “I’m serious, Blaine. If you get infection and you’re already this weak it could be very bad for you. I’ve seen people get infected from scrapes and you’ve got a stab wound.”

Blaine sighed and hung his head off the back of the pillow. “I’m so bored.”

Kurt rubbed his own face. “I have four children.”

“You’re going to have to stay home with home.” Eric told Kurt.

“Excuse me?” Blaine eased himself back up with Eric’s help.

“You aren’t stern enough to keep the kids off you. I know that’s what this is. You rough house with them and you literally can’t stand not having them jump around you.” Eric said.

“I can keep them calm around him.” Kurt nodded.

“Kurt has a line due in three months.” Blaine sighed.

“I can’t believe you’re this big shot lawyer and can’t keep the kids from jumping around when I’m not home.” Kurt sighed. “I should have Bob or Kyle come over here and sit with you.”

“Oh, God. No. Bob is worse than Eric and Kyle will want to complain about Adrian’s new love of organizing.” Blaine groaned.

“I’m going to run to the hospital and get some tape for where the stitches came out. I’ll get your new medicine too.” Eric stood.

“Thanks.” Blaine mumbled.

“You really are a big kid.” Kurt gingerly sat next to him on the makeshift bed.

“It really does hurt.” Blaine buried his face in Kurt’s chest.

Kurt reached up, stroking Blaine’s messy curls.

“And I don’t have the energy to make the kids listen.” Blaine mumbled. “It’s hard to stay awake when you’re at work.”

“I’m taking some time off until you’re at least able to go to the stairs and yell at your children.” Kurt said.

“Sorry.” Blaine sighed.

“It’s okay.” Kurt smiled a bit, gently pulling back one of his curls and watching it spring back into place.

“I know what you’re doing and I don’t like it.” Blaine whimpered.

Kurt kissed the top of his head and began to hum.

Blaine curled as much as he could without hurting himself and let out a content sigh.

Their front door opened and David walked in. “Eric told me! Blaine, you idiot!”

Thank you, Kurt mouthed.

“Are you trying to get MRSA? Do you know how painful it is to die from infected wounds?” David continued.

“My head hurts.” Blaine whined pitifully.

“If you get a bad enough infection, you won’t have a head to hurt. It’ll just pop right off!”

“That’s a tad extreme.” Kurt snorted, still playing with Blaine’s curls.

“I was on a roll.” David sighed.

“I’m sorry.” Blaine whined.

“You know he’s a push over.” Kurt laughed a bit. “Eric’s bringing him more medicine and some glue for the stitches that came out. I’m going to stay home from work until he’s doing better… I had hoped the kids wouldn’t rough house on his bed or with him, but… it’s probably best I stay here anyway. He was stabbed, after all.”

“Did you hear that, Nick?” David asked as Nick walked through, clearly heading towards the kitchen.

“Did I hear what?” Nick repeated.

“Kurt’s staying home with you all from now on so you can’t—”

“PARRRTY!” Nick ran towards them and jumped on the bed, knee jamming right into where Blaine’s wound was.

Blaine let out a pitiful yelp, gripping Kurt’s hand tightly. He then said through gritted teeth, “See? It’s not so easy.”

“NICK!” Kurt exclaimed, jumping up and hurriedly pulling Blaine’s shirt up.

“Sorry not sorry!” Nick jumped off the bed and ran upstairs.

A/N: Bob’s character is much younger and much different in the current verse. A lot’s changed. I’m debating redoing this AU drabble.

Kurt groaned when there was a bang on their apartment door. It was the middle of the night and his back hurt after falling asleep on the couch waiting for Blaine.

Waiting for Blaine.

Kurt jumped up and swung the door open. Two solemn looking police officers stood at the door.

“Daddy, what’s going on?” Kurt heard an eight-year-old Nick rasp sleepily from the bottle of the stairs.

“Nothing, honey.”

“Cool, cops!” Nick ran over.

“Nick, can you go and sit on the couch for a minute?” Kurt asked gently, shooting the police officers a glance. “Or go back to bed?”

Nick huffed but retreated to the couch.

“What’s going on?” Kurt repeated Nick’s question.

“Your husband… he’s been attacked.”

Kurt’s eyes widened in horror. “A-Attacked? By wh—oh God. The Toronto case.”

One of the officers, a woman, gave a nod. “That’s the lead we’re going on. It looks like the attack happened around 7 or 8 last night. A lawyer came back to grab something around ten and found him unconscious.”

“W-What? Did you bring him home? Where is he?”

“He’s at the hospital. He had a significant shoulder injury and he was stabbed in the stomach. Similar attacks have happened to other lawyers against Toronto… which is why we are almost certain it’s him.”

“I-I need you to go. I have kids to get up and I need to get to the hospital. Oh, God.” Kurt closed the door, tears filling his eyes. “Oh, God. Oh my God, I told him it was too dangerous to try to help that woman.”

“Daddy? Why are you crying?” Nick asked.

Kurt jumped, having forgotten Nick was sitting on the couch. “I-I’m not crying, honey.”

“You are crying. Where’s Dad? Why were the cops here?” Nick asked, going over.

“Dad’s sick and at the doctor. We’re going to go and pick him up, okay?” Kurt bent down. “I need you to go wake Zach up. I need to call David.”

Nick nodded and ran up the stairs.

Kurt typed David’s cell number with record speed and pressed call.

“Kurt?” David asked, clearly half asleep.

“I need you. I need you to come right now.” Kurt grabbed his wallet and began looking for his car keys.

“Wait, what? What happened?”

“Blaine didn’t come home. He was working late, I fell asleep around nine, and the police just showed up. He was attacked. He was s-stabbed in his s-stomach. Oh my God.”

“I’ll pick you up. Uhm… we can drop the kids off here. I’ll be right there.”

“O-Okay.” Kurt nodded, his lip trembling. “Please hurry.”

“I promise.” David hung up.

Kurt took the stairs three at a time to get to the kids. “Stay in your pj’s. I have to go to Blaine but David and I are going to leave you at his place with Marcy, okay?”

Sophie began wailing. “Is Daddy gonna die?”

“No, no, no, no, no!” Kurt rushed over, scooping her up. “No but he needs me right now so we must go very fast, okay? I’ll bring Daddy home, I promise. He’s most certainly not going to die.”

Only he didn’t call himself. They sent police. That isn’t a good sign at all.

“Nicky said the stabbed him in the tummy.” Zach whimpered, eyes wide.

“Nick, you heard that?” Kurt gasped, looking at him.

Nick nodded, frowning.

“Oh, guys. Look, everything will be okay. Worst case scenario, you’ll see me in the morning when you wake up, okay? And best-case scenario, Blaine will be with me. Okay? Is everyone okay?”

Sophie sniffled, hugging Kurt’s neck.

“Shoes, boys. Please.” Kurt said when David ran into the room.

“Hey, come on guys.” He said, bending down by the twins. “Marcy’s waiting for you. She’s making you boys a fort in front of the TV.”

“What about me?” Sophie chirped as Kurt slipped her ballet flats on her tiny feet.

“You’re going to sleep with Marcy.” David smiled.

“In your bed?”

“Yeah. Someone has to take my spot, right?” David smiled more.

“Thank you, boys.” Kurt sighed when he noticed they had their shoes on.

“Come on, let’s race to the car!” Nick challenged Zach.

Seconds later, both boys were running down the stairs.

“It’s okay.” David whispered, looking Kurt in the eyes. “It’s okay.”

“Yeah.” Kurt nodded, setting Sophie down so she could catch up to her brothers.

…

“I’m freaking out.” Kurt said as they walked into the hospital.

“I am too.” David said.

“Kurt, I tried to get information but they wouldn’t let me.” Wes ran up to them. “They’ll only talk to you.”

“How did you know?” Kurt asked as Wes hugged him.

“Marcy. I know David is closer to you but I’m closer to the hospital.” Wes explained, pulling back.

Kurt moved towards the desk. “My husband is here. Blaine Anderson.”

A guy in scrubs typed something on the computer. “I’ll have doctor Dim—Eric with you in a minute.”

“It’s Eric.” Kurt felt a huge weight from off his solder. Eric worked both in trauma and with children—in the ER and in the operating room. If anyone would be able to take care of Blaine, it was Eric.

“Is that your Eric?” David asked, coming up.

“Yeah. The tall dark and handsome guy.” Kurt nodded.

“Why, thanks Kurt.” Eric said from behind.

“Oh my God, thank God it’s you.” Kurt gasped. “What’s going on? The police just showed up and… oh my God.”

“Here. Come in here with me.” Eric led the three of them into a hallway and then into a small office with his name on a dry erase board outside of it. All the main doctors working the ER at any given time was given an office to consult with families in private.

“Is he going to be okay?” David asked. “Will there be permanent damage?”

“Blaine fought back.” Eric sighed. “He has a dislocated shoulder, a sprained ankle, and a lot of cuts. None are too deep but…”

“His stomach. The police said something about him getting stabbed in the stomach.”

“They tried. His abdomen won’t feel great for a few weeks but they missed any organs.” Eric said. “He’s on pain medicine so he’s pretty out of it. I’m keeping him overnight at the very least because he hit his head really hard on something—he doesn’t remember what.”

“He’s talking?”

“When he came in, he asked for me. They called me in. By the time I could get away to tell you an update, you’d already been notified. When they called me in, they didn’t tell me what it was for.” Eric explained. “I kept him off as many drugs as I could because I know he hates them. He told me what he could remember. He didn’t talk a lot because he’s in a lot of pain but he’s going to make a full recovery. No permanent damage if he takes care of himself.”

Kurt, Wes, and David all let out huge sighs of relief.

“His shoulder… He may need surgery down the road. He tore his AC. It’s a complete separation and it’s a level three. If it was any worse I would suggest surgery but I think with a sling and physical therapy, he should be healed or close to it within two or three months.”

“Can we see him?” Wes asked.

“Yes!” Eric nodded and stood. “I want to check on his swelling anyway. You three can stay as long as you’d like but, Kurt, he’ll want you to stay. He’s been asking for you.”

“He couldn’t get me to leave if he tried.” Kurt responded, following Eric to Blaine’s room.

“Hey,” Blaine said groggily when the four men entered.

Kurt ran over, tears welling in his eyes again.

“You were right. I’m sorry.” Blaine reached a hand up.

Kurt took his hand and bent, kissing him gently. “No more criminal cases, Blaine. The police and Nick overheard and—”

“No more.” Blaine promised as the door opened again. “Bob, what are you doing here?”

“You should be asking why I wasn’t here earlier. They wouldn’t let me back.” Bob came over. “Did you see them? If you saw a picture, would you remember?”

“Sir, I think we should wait until morning for that. He’s got a concussion and I don’t want to make it worse by looking at pictures or trying to piece it all together.” Eric interrupted. “It took enough out of him just telling me the source of his injuries and where he’s in pain.”

Bob, who had always cared for Blaine since he’d met him when he was 22, looked very impatient. “I want to catch the people who did it.”

“It was a guy and girl. The ones in the third row from the back.” Blaine said, sounding pitiful.

“The red heads?” Bob asked.

Blaine nodded, wincing.

“They’ll be arrested by morning. And I’ll visit in the morning.” Bob rushed out.

“He means business.” Wes said as the door closed once more.

“He always does.” Blaine said softly, eyes on Kurt. “I’m sorry.”

“This isn’t your fault.” Kurt went to touch his face but was afraid to hurt him—he had several cuts and bruises. “Oh, Blaine…”

Eric pulled two seats over to the bed then gestured for Wes and David to sit. “How is your head?”

“Worse.” Blaine admitted. “And my shoulder is killing me… and my stomach.”

“It’s not your stomach.” Eric reminded him. “It’ll take time to heal but nothing major was hit, remember?”

Blaine nodded and winced.

“He’ll be okay?” Wes asked. “You’re sure.”

“He’s in a fuck ton of pain but he will be fine.” Eric nodded.

“Two fuck tons.” Blaine added weakly as Kurt took his hand and squeezed.

“Eyesight still okay?” Eric asked, looking Blaine over.

“Yeah now that the drugs are wearing off.”

“You’ve got the morphine button, Blaine. When you’re in too much pain, you need to use it.” Eric looked, seeing that Blaine had moved the cord with his morphine bed off of the bed. “Blaine, I know you don’t like medicine but you need it right now. You need rest and you won’t get good rest without pain medicine. If you don’t want it through this I can get you pills or even a shot.”

Blaine sighed.

“He’s right.” David said. “You’ve got too many injuries. Your body needs sleep to heal.”

Blaine looked at David.

“At least use the morphine until you go home tomorrow.” David looked him in the eyes. “He usually gets really nauseas on pain medicine.”

“I can give you some anti-sickness medicine.” Eric said, also watching Blaine carefully.

“Okay.” Blaine nodded.

Kurt stroked his bangs from his face. “We need you to get better.”

“I’ll do it.” Blaine took the cord from Eric and pushed the button twice.

“Blaine, I’m going to run up to the NICU and check on a premature baby that was born today but I’ll be right back. I’m mostly all yours tonight, okay?”

“You can go home. Another doctor can keep an eye on me. I mean, David’s right here.”

“I don’t have the ability to do anything here.” David interrupted.

“You asked for me when you got here. I’m off tomorrow and I’m at least staying until tomorrow when you’re released.”

“If I am.” Blaine moaned, eyes already starting to droop. “I miss my babies.”

“They miss you too.” Kurt kissed his forehead.

“Hopefully you will be.” Eric said positively. “Look, I live super close and David does too. Once I’m sure that Kurt can care for you unless there’s an emergency, I have no problem sending you home. I know people recover better at home. It’s a comfort and safety thing.”

Blaine nodded.

“Just get some sleep. I’ll be here or very close when you wake up.” Eric patted Blaine’s good shoulder and stood up straight. “I’ll be back in about ten minutes, guys.”

“How do you feel?” Wes asked, standing and coming closer.

“Floaty.” Blaine slurred before falling asleep.

“Family meeting time, okay?” Nick chirped as soon as Kurt got downstairs from putting Kris to sleep.

 “Oh God, not again.” Blaine groaned. “No, we’re not buying you that car. You agreed on the jeep and that’s what you’re getting. I refuse to let your first car be a Maserati, okay? Not all of kids are like Kurt and get fancy cars when they get their licenses.”

 “What can I say? My dad must have liked me more than Blaine likes you.” Kurt teased, ruffling Nick’s hair.

 “This isn’t about the car.” Nick said.

 “It’s about Disney. Come on, we’re too old.” Sophie cut in. “The three of us don’t want to go.”

 “Uhm, hi? Me?” Zach, who was sitting in an armchair on the other side of the room and reading a book, looked up and raised his hand. “I love Disney.”

 “Fine. The two of us don’t want to go.” Nick said. “Can’t we just stay home?”

 “Yeah.” Blaine said, tone serious. “We’re going to let our sixteen-year-old sons and fourteen-year-old daughter stay home alone for a week.”

 Zach snickered.

 “We already told you. If you don’t want to go, there are numerous options. Rachel and Finn, Wes and AJ, David and Marcy, Alec and Eric, Adrian and Kyle, Paige and Taylor.” Kurt counted the couples on his hand.

 Nick fell back onto the couch, groaning.

 “Maybe if you weren’t Mr. Popular it’d be another story.” Blaine added. “But I went to enough parties when parents were out of town and it’s not happening here.”

 “Can I stay with Ryan?” Nick asked for the fifth time.

 “No. His parents are out of town for a month. I’m surprised they let him stay home alone.” Kurt shook his head.

 “They trust him.” Nick said, prompting another snicker from Zach. “Zach, you’re not helping.”

 “It’s pointless. They’re not going to let us stay home alone for that long.” Zach responded.

 “Can I stay with Grandma and Grandpa?” Sophie asked.

 “Baby, we don’t have time to get you there before we go.” Kurt sighed. “I wish we’d planned it a little better but with work…”

 “Why can’t I fly by myself?” Sophie asked.

 “You’re fourteen.” Blaine said. “That’s too young.”

 “It’s not fair.” Sophie whined, sitting on the couch with Nick. “We’re responsible.”

 “It’s Nick’s friends we’re worried about.” Blaine retorted.

 “Put it on me, okay.” Nick huffed. “Thanks, Dad.”

 “Welcome.” Blaine grinned. “Go stay with Adrian and Kyle. You love hanging out with them.”

 “They banter too much to be around them for seven days. I’d want to kill someone. Can I stay with Lance?”

 “No.” Kurt sighed. “I don’t want to have this discussion again. We’re taking your brother to Disney just like we took you to Disney. If you go, you are going to act happy to be there. If you don’t go, you have ten different people to decide to stay with. I do not want to hear any more complaining about it. Do you think Blaine and I like driving you across the state for soccer tournaments when we could be spending time together on our weekends? No, we don’t. Suck it up like we do. And, Sophie, you suck it up too. The twins sat through countless Disney on Ice when you were Kris’ age. You’re older than Kris so its your turn now.”

 Nick groaned, rolling himself off the couch and burying his face in the rug. 

 “Spending time with your entire family isn’t the end of the world, Nick.” Blaine rolled his eyes.

 “If we were going somewhere cool, it’d be another story. If we were going with more… people.” Nick’s eyes lit up. “Can Ryan come?”

 “Can Jessica come?!” Sophie squealed.

 “N-Nobody is coming! It’s a family trip!” Kurt exclaimed. “It’s a family trip and we won’t get many more before you kids go off to college so, no, nobody can come! If you don’t want to go, then stay with one of our friends but no. Nobody is coming with us.”

 “Great, make Daddy think about us going to college in two years. Good job, Nick.” Zach sighed.

 “Fine. Fine.” Nick huffed. “I’ll go.”

 Kurt nodded, still looking upset.

 “You said family trip… can Melody come?” Zach asked.

 “YES! YOU’RE A GENIUS, ZACH!” Nick nodded. “Yes! Can Melody come? I’d be so awesome!”

 “My sister might come and all of a sudden you guys are excited?” Kurt scoffed. 

 “Kurt, think about it… She can make sure they don’t get into too much trouble while we’re on the little kid rides with Kris.” Blaine said gently. “She was wanting to stay the last part of summer with us anyway.”

 “Wait, what?” Kurt sputtered. “Why am I the last to know everything in this house?”

 “She’s going to call you later tonight.” Blaine shrugged. “But it’s a good solution… and she’s always traveling everywhere for work. It’ll be nice to see her for more than a weekend.”

 “I don’t care if she goes, obviously. I am just highly offended that a trip with us worth seven family meetings but if she goes, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened. Sophie’s so excited she’s practically bouncing in her seat.”

 “I texted her and she’s innnn!” Sophie squealed and stood, beginning to dance. “Yes, yes, yes!”

 “I am not boring. People love me. I’ve been on TV, Oprah is interviewing the family, and my own children don’t want to go on vacation even though the twins will be gone in two years and Sophie will be gone in four and Kris in twelve.” Kurt continued.

 “I’ve said I wanted to go the whole time.” Zach said, although nobody could even hear him over Sophie’s singing and dancing.

 “PARTY!” Kris ran into the room, skidding to a stop in front of Nick. “Why am I never invited to the parties?”

 “Because you have a bed time.” Nick picked him up and then hung him upside down. “Gimme your lunch money, gimme your lunch money!”

 “I don’t have lunch money, I’m only six and in pajamas!” Kris shrieked between giggles.

 “Why do I want to become a vet? Clearly I already live in a zoo.” Zach said aloud.

 “Can I be a penguin?” Kris asked, still hanging upside down.

 “If you’re a penguin I’m a dinosaur!” Nick shouted and tossed him onto the couch. He then began to attack him. “Rooooooar!”

 “If I took a video of this, do you think Oprah would air it in our episode?” Blaine yelled over Nick and Kris’ yelling.

 “Don’t you fucking dare, Blaine!” Kurt threatened, running over to grab Blaine’s phone.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Anorexia, abusive relationships, and hint of previous rape.

...

“I really appreciate you letting him stay with you guys… He doesn’t want to go and…” Blaine trailed off.

“We don’t care at all.” Adrian smiled as Kyle walked in from their kitchen.

“Honey, are you sure you’re okay if I go?” Kurt asked, looking at Nick.

“I’m fine, Daddy.” Nick sighed.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go? Dad and Carole won’t ask you about it.” Kurt asked.

“I don’t want to go.” Nick’s voice rose a bit and he begged Kurt to leave it be with his eyes.

“I just hate to be away from you.” Kurt pulled Nick into a hug. “I’m a phone call away, alright? And I’ll get a flight to you if I need to, okay?”

“He’ll be fine.” Kyle promised, smiling after waving at Blaine. “You guys enjoy Ohio. We’ve got the diet restrictions, we know when his appointments are, and we know where he is. We’re good.”

Nick looked relived, offering Kyle a small smile.

“He’ll be fine. We’ve also got David’s number and we know which ER that Eric works at in case anything happens—but it won’t.” Adrian added.

“Okay, well… Soph and Kris are in the car so we should go.” Blaine frowned. They had really hoped Nick would change his mind last minute and come with them—but obviously that hadn’t happened. Then again, having a conversation with Nick was hard to come by unless you were Kurt (and that was only sometimes) or his therapist.

Kurt hugged Nick again and touched his face. “Be good, okay?”

“I’m nineteen, Daddy.” Nick retorted.

“You know what I mean. Stick to the plan.” Kurt pulled him in for a last hug. “I’m just a call away.”

Adrian smiled when Kurt gave him a quick hug. “I’ve got him. It’s fine. If we need you guys, we’ll call.”

Blaine stepped up to Nick, pulling him close.

“I love you, Dad.” Nick hugged Blaine back.

“I love you too.” Blaine kissed the top of his head and then pulled back. “Call me if you need to.”

Nick nodded, waving as his parents left.

“C’mon. We’ve been sitting outside. We’ve got a heater on so it’s not even cold.” Adrian wrapped an arm around him.

“Thanks for letting me stay.” Nick spoke softly.

“You’re always welcome here.” Kyle said. “Are you thirsty? We’ve got water, juice, milk… we know you can’t have soda.”

“Uhm, I can get myself a water bottle.” Nick said. “I know where they are.”

“No. I’ll get it and bring it to you outside.” Kyle turned and went towards the kitchen.

“Kyle’s done research.” Adrian laughed, leading Nick outside. “He’s been looking up recipes for us to try this weekend… I told him it was a better bet to ask your input first.”

Nick forced a smile, sitting on their large porch swing. He pulled his knees to his chest, looking around.

Adrian sat next to him, falling silent.

Several minutes passed before Nick let out a small sigh.

“Are you okay?” Adrian asked him.

“I miss Daddy.” Nick admitted, hugging his legs tightly.

“We can call him.” Adrian pulled out his phone.

“No.” Nick said softly, taking a sip of his water bottle that Kyle had given him a few minutes before.

“How are you doing?” Adrian watched him carefully.

“Not so great.” Nick looked out into the yard, looking at a small ‘playground’ in the corner that he remembered playing in when he was younger and staying with him. It had always been so much fun to stay with Adrian and Kyle on weekends.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Adrian didn’t take his eyes off Nick.

“My ex texted me today.” Nick frowned.

“What did he say?”

“He wants me to come back, the usual.” Nick sighed but seemed to have relaxed a bit, no longer clutching his legs so tightly that he fingers were going white.

“Nick…” Adrian frowned. “Can I tell you something? Something I haven’t even told Kurt or Blaine?”

Nick shrugged.

“I did professional modeling until I was nineteen.”

“Are you going to tell me you had an eating disorder too?” Nick frowned. “Because that’s not—”

“No. I’m going to tell you that when I was seventeen, I got into an abusive relationship.” Adrian took a deep breath.

Nick turned to face him, shocked.

“We got together when I was barely seventeen. He was a few years older and a model.” Adrian began shakily. “And it was great at first but six months in we would get into these really, really horrible fights. They got more and more terrifying; he’d tear me down with words. It was stereotypical really. The next day he’d surprise me with a gift, apologize, and say it would never happen again. But eventually the fights turned physical… on his end, not mine, because I never hit back.”

Nick watched him, barely blinking.

“Pretty quick after that, he quit caring if I would get bruised or cut where it was noticeable. It got worse and worse until I get fired from my modeling agency because it was too hard to cover up the bruises and the cuts… and my heart was never in it because I was pretty miserable.” Adrian took another deep, shuddery breath. “And eventually he just… well, one time he forced me to do things and after that morning, I went to the police. There was an inspection but nothing ever came from it. Lack of…”

“Evidence.” Nick bit his lip. His dad had gotten a call from the UCLA campus cops stating that as well.

“And I felt worthless. Like I didn’t even deserve to be alive because I’d ruined modeling which I’d always wanted to do… for the wrong reasons, probably but… it was the plan I’d picked, you know? Listen, I don’t know how bad your relationship was but anything that brings you to this point… it’s bad. You can’t take score. But I know how it feels to have everything pulled out from under you. To have put up with abuse and everything fall apart and then to just exist and wonder why you’re even here. Or why you even want to bother with… with getting better.”

Nick swallowed, wiping his eyes roughly.

“And I’m so sorry you went through it.” Adrian started to cry. “Because I know how hard it is to have to come back from everything b-but I wanted you to know I understand m-more than your parents might or… or maybe anyone you know. And that good will come from it. It takes a long, long time. But good will come out of it.”

Nick covered his mouth, crying.

“I mean y-you’ll get there sooner than you think and y-you’ll go to school and you’ll slowly pick up the pieces and one day you’ll meet the right guy who treats you the way you deserve to be treated. I know it’s hard to believe but I promise you it will happen. I’ve been there and… and I wouldn’t want to go back but sometimes going through this stuff throws you off b-balance but it puts you back into balance in the p-perfect place even if you didn’t know there was another perfect place.” Adrian leaned over, wrapping his arms tightly around Nick. “Because you’ll get to your perfect place, okay? I promise you, it’s out there.”

Nick nodded, trying to cry quietly so he wouldn’t draw Kyle’s attention to them.

“It gets better. It does.” Adrian ruffled his hair and kissed the top of his head. “I promise.”

Nick took several deep breaths, trying to stop his tears. “H-How did you make him go away?”

“I didn’t stay in the area. I left. The texts and calls lasted a few months… Until I got married, he actually tracked me down like five times and would be waiting at my house when I’d get back from school or work. One day Blaine walked up on that happening but he had no idea what was going on. He just thought it was someone I didn’t want to talk to.” Adrian admitted.

“Until you got married?”

“Yeah. He showed up at our house when Kyle and I were engaged… I don’t know what Kyle said or did but I’ve not heard from him sense.” Adrian sniffled and wiped his eyes. “How often does he text you?”

“It used to be every day… now it’s a few times a week.” Nick whispered, wiping his own eyes again.

“Tell Blaine. Get a new number.” Adrian whispered, hugging him. “Your parents are famous… he’d be very stupid to try to see you in person.”

“Is it weird that I don’t want to get a new number? That I… want him to text me?”

“It’s not weird but it’s unhealthy.” Adrian pulled back. “Eventually you have to cut the ties. He wasn’t there when you were going to the hospital, he didn’t visit you in the hospital, he didn’t contact you for two months. He doesn’t care about you. He’s playing with your mind.”

“I know. I know.” Nick let out a shuddery breath.

“Get a new number. Block his number, delete him from your contacts, delete your social media pages. Just get rid of it and void any chance for temptation or weakness.” Adrian bit his lip. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this, Nick.”

“Thank you for telling me… about you.” Nick met his eyes. “I won’t tell my parents.”

“Thanks. Only Kyle and AJ know what happened.” Adrian gave him a sad smile.

“Not even your parents?” Nick asked.

“No. I didn’t live at home. And they loved him… I had a tough time of shattering that image back then because at the time, I still believed he was a good but very troubled person… and by the time I felt I could say it out loud so much time had passed and I didn’t want to reopen stuff for myself, so I’ve just… not told many people.” Adrian frowned.

“Having the most popular gay couple in America for parents kind of ruined that option for me.” Nick laughed a bit.

Adrian smiled. “I’m always here, okay? Even if you want to call me in the middle of the night… and Kyle’s really great to talk to as well… Just in case you ever want to talk to someone that’s a friend and not a professional… Therapists never really helped me much.”

“Group therapy does nothing but I like the therapist I’ve been seeing.” Nick admitted, almost feeling like weight had been lifted off of him by talking about it with someone who wasn’t Kurt or Blaine.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to talk to them, but they were already having a hard enough time managing right now. Plus, if he complained that group therapy wasn’t working it would technically be breaking his exit plan contract. If his parents felt he was trying to slack off, he could be put back into the outpatient program again… and he really didn’t want that.

“Listening to other people complain always annoyed me.” Adrian sighed. “I think I went twice and then I would go see a movie by myself and pretend I’d gone.”

Nick smiled a bit. He’d never said he’d gone to an appointment when he hadn’t, but that was mainly for Kurt’s state of mind.

“Don’t do that.” Adrian warned. “Blaine will kill me.”

“I won’t.” Nick promised.

“You may be sick of hearing it but you’re doing really, really good. I can only imagine how hard it must be to have gone through an abusive relationship and have an eating disorder…”

“I’m trying.” Nick pulled his knees back to his chest. “Daddy’s overwhelmed… It’s why Dad’s taking him to Ohio.”

Adrian put his hand on Nick’s bad, rubbing it absentmindedly to comfort him. “I bet you wish you could go somewhere and take your mind off it, huh?”

Nick nodded and let out a deep breath. “I’m feeling kind of tired… is it okay if I take a nap until dinner?”

“Of course.” Adrian nodded. “Whichever room you want is fine.”

“Thanks.” Nick went into their house, sidestepping to avoid hitting Kyle who was walking by and looking at his phone.

“You okay?” Kyle asked, looking up.

“Just going to take a nap before dinner.” Nick responded.

“I’ll get you when dinner is ready.” Kyle smiled. “Whichever room you want is yours.”

“Thanks.” Nick said, smiling a bit—Kyle and Adrian may have been opposites, but they were also so similar.

He went into the guest room that he and Zach had always slept in when spending the nights when they were younger.

He plopped on the bed and pulled out his own phone. Two more texts from him.

Fuck you, Nick texted back before blocking his ex’s phone number.

He then went into his contacts, selecting Zach and beginning to type out a message to him.  

Hey, can you guys come to the house sometime soon? I miss you.

Miss you too, Zach sent almost immediately. Nick’s phone dinged a second time. You’re staying a Adrian and Kyle’s right? How about dinner tomorrow?

Sounds good, Nick typed back and took a deep breath and then sent a follow up text.

Thanks.

Can you call me tonight too? Later?

I’ll call as soon as I get Ellie picked up from daycare and get her fed. I’m leaving school soon.

Nick let out a relived sigh. He didn’t know why he’d pushed Zach away the last several months—talking to Kurt eased him a bit, but Zach always seemed to know the right thing to say.

About five minutes later, he received a text of Ellie strapped into her car seat. She was fast asleep, a bottle in one hand with her head tilted up and a line of milk coming out of her mouth.

Like uncle, like niece.

Nick snorted loudly and looked up when Adrian peeked his head in the room.

“Hey, dinner’s done if you’re ready for some.” Adrian whispered.

“Okay.” Nick pocketed his phone and followed Adrian to the kitchen. “I blocked his number.”

Adrian smiled at him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Do you feel better?”

“I think so, yeah.” Nick nodded. “Thank you. I wouldn’t have if you hadn’t talked to me. I… It means a lot, so thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Adrian smiled again as Kyle came in with plate of baked chicken, broccoli, and a roll for Nick.

“If you don’t like it or want it, we can either get something else or go out.” Kyle said.

“This is fine.” Nick gave a small, mostly forced smile and sat at the table.

Adrian went to make his own plate.

Nick felt a sense of relief when Kyle sat down, eating and not paying attention to whether Nick had even started to eat. He was so used to feeling Kurt’s eyes on him every so often making sure it looked like he was eating.

Blainers, what’s going on?

Why aren’t you answering?

Seriously, answer one of us or I’m going to call the cops. I’ve tried five times and I can’t even get through to you by calling… It goes straight to voicemail.

Blaine, did something happen?

CALL US DAMNIT!!!!

***

Blaine heard the pings as he exited the hospital. He figured after two and a half days inside the hospital, he should move his car which was currently taking up… oh, only two and a half spots.

He took a deep breath and climbed into the driver seat, turning the car on. His car began pinging, alerting him of the missed calls and texts. Missed emails, missed assignment links, and pretty much anything you would expect to pop up… did pop up.

He tried to keep his calm. He’d done a very good job at it but now he was alone and knew that Burt or Carole or Finn would not walk up behind him in the waiting room having a panic attack or crying or whatever it was that was about to happen because he needed it to happen, needed to get rid of the stress, of the images of Kurt unable to breath. The sounds Kurt made in his sleep when he tried to roll onto his side but was met with blinding pain. The sounds when he threw up into the bucket, crying and embarrassed and upset.

One deep breath… two deep breath… three deep breath… four deep breath.

“Shit, shit, shit, shit… Oh God, shit, shit, shit.”

His phone lit up and began ringing. He glanced at it, saw it was Wes, and pushed the silence button as he gasped for breath. His chest tightened, his stomach tightened, and he felt like his whole body had suddenly been sunk into a bathtub full of ice.

“Don’t do this, don’t do this.” Blaine gasped out through his ragged breaths, balling his fist to regain some control.

His phone lit up and began ringing again.

“No, please Wes, not now.” Blaine whimpered.

He was fine; he was. Maybe Wes didn’t know but he was fine but Blaine needed a moment for himself. To try to come to terms with what he’d been staring at for two days, for not knowing what was going to happen, for knowing he’d missed a test and three homework assignments, and that is 4.25 GPA was rapidly falling.

His phone lit up and began ringing again. Clearly the calls had been going straight to voicemail, as David’s text had said. And clearly Wes had figured out Blaine was within range of service.

Blaine accepted the call as he gasped out what sounded like a half sob and half choke.

“Blaine?” Wes’ voice was worried—he hadn’t heard Wes this worried since he’d admitted to wanting to kill himself. “Blaine?”

Blaine gasped for breath. So much for the breathing exercises that he’d learned in therapy a few years ago.

“Blaine, please answer me!!!” Wes’ voice was now frantic.

“I can’t, I can’t.” Blaine gasped out.

“Where are you? Blaine, are you okay? What’s going on?”

“Hospital.”

“Oh my God, Blaine, oh my God.” Wes sounded sick to his stomach. “You weren’t in Lima… on the news, it wasn’t… were you visiting…”

“K-Kurt, he—I can’t breathe. Oh my God.”

“Were you visiting Kurt in Lima? You didn’t say you’d be in Ohio and--.”

“No. K-Kurt’s in the hospital.” Blaine broke down, going back and forth between sobbing and struggling to breathe.

“It was… It was Kurt?”

Blaine let out a strangled sob, knowing anyone passing his car would think he was crazy. But then again, was it really that crazy for someone in a hospital to have a nervous breakdown in the parking garage? Where else could you go to do it?

“Panic attack. Okay, okay.” Wes said. “Oh no, Blaine.. Oh no, I’m so sorry.”

“I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.”

“Y-You’re breathing; you’re talking.” Something in Wes’ voice changed. “Do you have your panic medicine?”

“No.” Blaine whimpered. He’d thrown that out three years ago. He hadn’t needed it in three years.

“Are you in a quiet place?”

“My car.” Blaine leaned his head over, feeling sick to his stomach.

“Did you do your 5, 7, 8 breathing? Come on… Take in a breath counting to five, hold it and count to seven, let it out as you count to 8.”

Blaine closed his eyes, trying to focus on Wes; and periodically letting out almost painful gasps of breath.

5, 7, 8, 5, 7, 8, 5, 7, 8.

“Did it help?”

“No.” Blaine opened his eyes again.

“What you’re feeling right now is scary but it’s not dangerous. You can get through this.” Wes probably sounded much calmer than he was. He also sounded like those pamphlets his therapist had given him four years ago when the panic attacks had begun.

Blaine took several deeper breaths, furiously wiping his eyes.

“What do you need right now?”

“It’s b-b-bad.” Blaine took another deep breath, shuddering.

“How bad?” Wes sounded hesitant, not sure if the panic attack had passed. If Blaine was talking, though, maybe it had?

“His lung was punctured,” Blaine closed his eyes tightly, trying not to picture it again. Kurt’s chest struggling to rise and fall. “By his r-rib. I s-saw it. I saw it.”

“You were there during the attack?”

“No, the hospital. They couldn’t o-operate right away and there was b-blood so they redid the bandages and y-you could see his ch-chest, like, jumping… I don’t know if that’s the right word but…”

“Is he going to be okay?”

“He had surgery a-and he should make a full recovery within one t-to three years.” Blaine let out a watery hiccup. He wiped his eyes, which were sore from all the crying. His chest felt tired; his whole body felt tired.

“Years?” Wes echoed. “C-Can… What are the doctors saying?”

“He’ll probably be in at least another week.” Blaine sniffled, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. He didn’t have any tissues—what other option did he have? “He can have fluids… and mashed p-potatoes and some soups.”

“Shit, Blaine.” He heard Wes let out a long breath. “Shit, Blaine.”

“I know.” Blaine sniffled again. “I don’t know what t-to do. I am w-way in over my head here, Wes. T-This isn’t like the dance in freshman year. This is… this is so much w-worse. It’s… It hurts to breathe. To breathe.”

How wrong was that? Not being able to breathe without either excruciating pain or the use of high dosage painkillers to mast the excruciating pain? Did being gay warrant that?

If Blaine had just done his assignments earlier, maybe he would have been there with Kurt instead of at home sleeping.

Or if Blaine had gone to school in Ohio maybe he’d have been there with Kurt instead of at home sleeping.

How was he at home, at home sleeping, when this had happened?

How in the hell was that even fair?

“It’s not your fault, Blaine. I know what you’re thinking and it’s not.”

“Courage, right? But people have courage, they try to live, and they end up in the ICU?” Blaine let out a little sob.

“Blaine, please… no…” Wes took a deep breath. “Don’t do this to yourself.”

“He can’t sit up without two or three people slowly lifting him up. He can’t lift a spoon to his own mouth. He’s got staples keeping his chest closed. He’s got a tube in his chest getting out extra air or, or build up, or I don’t know what. Because I’m not a doctor. I’m not even a real adult. And I don’t know what I’m doing here, or why he’s here, or why anyone would do this to anyone. It isn’t fair, Wes.”

“It’s not. You’re right, it’s not. And I… All I can say is I’m so sorry… to you and Kurt. That people think it’s okay to do this because of… because of…”

“Love.” Blaine scoffed. “Because of love.”

Wes took another deep breath. What could he really say?

“I… I should go back in. Carol needs to go to work and, uhm, I was just coming to move my car. That was forty minutes ago.” Blaine’s head hung low.

“Please… Blaine, take care of yourself. I know that’s so hard to ask. But you need to take care of yourself for Kurt. “

“Yeah. I’ll try.” Blaine shut his car off, not realizing he hadn’t even straightened his car.

“Love conquers hate, Blaine.” Wes spoke gently. “It always will.”

Blaine sniffled, wiping his eye as another tear escaped. “Thank you, Wes. Thank you for everything.”

“Remember the breathing… It used to really help you. And I’m here if you need anything, okay? I’ll let David know what’s going on, we’ll… we’ll come up with something nice to do for Kurt, okay?”

“That’d be good.” Blaine was approaching the main entrance of the hospital. He could see ambulances loading and unloading, people leaving looking sick, people with casts, and people looking defeated.

Man, he really hated hospitals.

“Call us and text us when you can… We’re here. You know we’re always here.”

“I know. I… I love you, Wes. Thanks again.”

“I love you too, Blaine… I’m always here… text me the room information, okay?”

“Will do. I’ve gotta go. Bye.”

“Bye, Blaine.”

“Wait, what is all of this?” Kurt asked, walking into his thirtieth-floor apartment. “Oh my God, how did you… What?”

“Don’t freak out! I wanted to surprise you!” Blaine rushed over, a bouquet of roses in his hand.

Kurt stared at him, mouth a perfect O.

“Let me get your bag with the super expensive laptop before you drop it and break it and you take these.”

Kurt took the roses, very confused. He had literally been texting Blaine about getting to his apartment and… Blaine was in it?

“It’s been a year since we got back together… right where we’re standing. I know you said that you wanted to celebrate our original anniversary and I do too, but this day is just as special to me… because it’s the day I knew we were forever.”

“Blaine…” Kurt looked past him, seeing his small table set up with dinner and a cheesecake on the counter. He tried to come up with something witty or sweet to say but all he could come up with in his shock was, “You broke into my apartment.”

“Technically you gave David the spare key and he gave it to me, so… okay, I kind of did. But I really wanted to surprise you. I got dinner and the flowers and the cheesecake and I’ve got something else too but I’m hoping I’ll get a kiss here soon.”

Kurt threw his arms around Blaine, careful not to damage his roses, and hugged Blaine tightly. “I love you so much and I am so glad that I get to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Blaine beamed and kissed him.

Kurt then pulled back, hitting his shoulder. “You’re in your last year of law school and you’ve got all of this homework. Blaine.”

““I wanted to see you. It was only a 3.5 mile drive instead of 12 so I was able to justify it.” Blaine smiled. “Also, I’ve got some news…”

“What?” Kurt asked sharply. “Did something happen?”

“Nothing bad. I think you’ll be really happy actually. I wanted you to be the first to know.”

“What? What?” Kurt smiled widely. “What’s going on?”

Blaine laughed, taking the flower from him and setting them on the counter. “Should we eat and—.”

“Anderson, you better spill.”

“Bob talked to me. Well, Adrian and I actually so he knows but only because it involves him…” Blaine began.

“Yes?” Kurt asked impatiently.

“CMJ is expanding.”

“CMJ?” Kurt looked confused.

“The law firm. They’re opening up a location here in New York City and I’ve been offered a full-time position after graduation… in New York City!”

“But you don’t want to live here!” Kurt sputtered. “You can’t do that.”

“Kurt, one of the top law firms in Massachusetts has offered me a job after graduation. I can take it there or follow Bob here and I’m following him here. I don’t think much will change at first because I need pass the Bar to legally practice law. But I’ve been helping with Bob’s for like a year and a half now so he knows what I’m capable of. And I know he’s a hard ass but he’s so knowledgeable and the fact that he offered this up at all is mind-blowing in itself.”

“No, it’s not! You’ve worked for him since you started law school practically.” Kurt responded. “Blaine, are you sure this is what you want, though? In New York City?”

“Yes. Bob talked to Adrian and me for a long time about it. It’s going to be a very small office and first and not many people are coming from the head office. Only three lawyers—two partners and one associate. Then there’ll be paralegals, legal assistants, and legal secretaries.” Blaine explained.

“Three lawyers?” Kurt asked.

“Yes. The one who isn’t a partner will be transferring back to Massachusetts after Adrian and I pass the bar making it a total of four lawyers total. Then we’ll get promotions and after that, they’re going to bring in new lawyers and start building up.” Blaine explained. “Basically, I can move up really fast.”

“Wow.” Kurt stared at him, shocked.

“I mean not insanely fast but… but this is big. It could be it.” Blaine continued, nudging Kurt to the table where their plates were waiting. “I could stay where I’m at… or I could take a better opportunity and live with the love of my life in a city that he loves. It’s a no brainer, really.”

“Oh my God, Blaine. You’re coming to New York?”

“The week after graduation. Also, I get reimbursed for moving fees and they’ll pay the first three months of my rent. Our rent. We can get somewhere nicer than this.” Blaine said excitedly. “I mean it might not be that much better but hopefully it won’t be on the thirtieth floor.”

“Since Quinn moved out, it’s really expensive anyway.” Kurt agreed, albeit somewhat sadly. It was really… nice having a place all to yourself.

“And we’ll get somewhere close to parks and maybe a dog park for Winnie and Kreacher. Kurt, it’s going to be so good.” Blaine looked more excited than Kurt had seen him in… well, maybe ever. “Like the light at the end of the tunnel. I just… I know at first it won’t be a lot but in two years… I may make enough to pay for an entire apartment and to live comfortably just by myself.”

“You don’t have to worry about paying for a place to live by yourself. I don’t want you to take care of me. It’ll be like in Ohio, half and half unless someone comes up a bit short here and there.” Kurt promised. “And, honestly, we could stay here and save but I would love to not have a five-minute elevator ride every time I take Kreacher out to go to the bathroom.”

“I only lived in a dorm for three months at UK. It’s going to be weird for me to live in an apartment.” Blaine admitted. “I don’t know if I’ll want to live in an apartment forever, though. Is that okay? Is that a deal breaker for you?”

“Of course it’s not a deal breaker! Can you imagine living in an apartment with children and two dogs?” Kurt leaned forward and kissed him. “I’m so proud of you, Blaine.”

“Thanks.” Blaine grinned.

Kurt pulled back to look him in the eyes. “Honestly. Despite what you went through living with your horrible family… you proved them wrong and you did it without their help. You’re amazing, Blaine. You got into Harvard Law. You’ve still got three months to go and already have a job lined up. I’m just so proud of you and I’m so happy to have you as my partner. You’re amazing.”

“I’m so proud of you too. You’ve had great internships, everyone loves your stuff, your social media page is already at half a million and you’re doing school projects. Can you imagine what it will be like when you don’t have these guidelines to stay within? When you can do exactly what you want with no strings attached? I have no doubt that within five years your salary will blow mine out of the water—that’s including the inheritance I may or may not even get.” Blaine didn’t look away. “If I’m amazing, you’re fucking epic.”

“You have been hanging out with Wes too much.” Kurt threw his arms around Blaine’s neck again. “I’m so excited you’re coming to New York. I know we could have stayed long distance still but… I’m so glad we won’t have to. This is amazing and I’m so proud of you. Screw the anniversary, we should be celebrating you.”

Blaine laughed and squeezed Kurt. “I love you so much. I love you and I cannot wait until we’ve been together ten years or fifteen or twenty. I can’t wait to spend every day of my life with you and I truly mean it.”

“Oh God, Blaine. You did it.” Kurt pulled back, eyes a bit teary. “After everything you had to go through with your family… you really did it. You showed them. You showed all of them. Alex will be so proud, Dad and Carole will be so proud, Wes’ and David’s parents… I think your grandfather would too.”

Blaine pulled him back in for another hug. “Thank you for believing in me.”

Kurt squeezed Blaine and then kissed his cheek. “We’re going to eat and then we’re going to David’s and call Wes and you’re going to tell them. And then we’ll call Carole and Dad. And the first chance we can both get to Ohio together, we’re going to throw a huge dinner for you because you deserve it. You deserve it so much.”

Blaine grinned.

“I do have some news for you too, though.” Kurt pulled away.

“You do?” Blaine asked excitedly.

“I have an interview for Marc Jacobs.”

“KURT! Why didn’t you tell me?!” Blaine pulled back.

“I just found out and I guess you beat me to it!” Kurt stepped back. “I mean yours is a solid offer. Mine is an interview, really.”

“Come on, you’ve talked to him like five times at Parsons. He’s even told you he likes your stuff.” Blaine deadpanned. “You’ve got this in the bag.”

“We don’t know that.” Kurt rolled his eyes but was smiling. “He just asked if I wanted to interview—.”

“He as in Marc?”

“He as in Marc!” Kurt squealed a bit but then took a deep breath. “Just an interview… just an interview…. “

“Uh, yeah, with Marc Jacobs!” Blaine exclaimed. “It’s a good thing I got this job here because there’s no way I would have let you turn that down.”

Kurt pulled Blaine close, kissing him. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Blaine kissed him back. “Happy anniversary, my love.”

“Happy anniversary.” Kurt beamed, nuzzling his head in the crook between Blaine’s neck and shoulder.

“Why are you so mopey?”

Blaine, who was seated on Wes’ couch, pulled a face.

“Well?” David prompted, plopping next to him.

“I’m jealous Blaine.” Blaine heaved a big sigh.

“Told you he was human. Under all the fluff and smiles, he’s still human.” Wes grinned, sitting down by Blaine.

“You’re ‘jealous Blaine?’” David echoed.

“Yes. You know, happy Blaine, sad Blaine, mad Blaine, jealous Blaine.” Blaine sank back against the couch and pouted.

“Why are you jealous?” David looked amused.

“Kurt has a friend.”

Wes blinked at him. “And?”

“A gay friend.”

David rolled his eyes, glancing back at the TV they had been watching. “You’re obsessed. Get over it.”

Blaine scoffed. “They spend time together, they like talking to each other, they’re together all of the time, they’re both the top two students…”

“And who is to say this other guy doesn’t have a boyfriend? Hell, he could already be married.” Wes questioned. “I never thought you’d be jealous about Kurt? You two are obviously meant to be. The way you two look at each other—both when you’re looking at each other or not— says it all, Blainers.”

“I know that he loves me and I love him,” Blaine gestured with his hand. “But we’re young and he could change his mind.”

“I’m not seeing the problem here?” Wes asked.

“After everything that you both went through last year, I highly doubt anything will happen. Even when you talk about the most mundane thing he watches you like you’re the most interesting thing in the world… which I happen to know you’re not. You can be pretty boring.” David pointed out.

“Gee, thanks. You guys know just how to build me up.” Blaine said sarcastically.

“We fully support you and love you. You know that. But you’re no stranger to taking the smallest thing in actual life and turning it into a huge ordeal in your head… which leads to frustration for everyone directly involved.”

“Especially me,” Wes maintained a serious expression. “Because you and Kurt are the best and the cutest. I would be seriously devastated if you caused a break up over Kurt having a gay friend.”

“Also, you probably haven’t bothered to learn anything about this other guy which conveniently adds to this whole story you’re building up in your head. If you had more facts, you’d probably feel a lot better about the whole thing.” David added.

“He used to hate the guy. Then they work on a project and they’re best buds? I’m sorry but it doesn’t settle well with me. Not to mention he barely talks to any of his old friends anymore.” Blaine ranted. “Doesn’t that seem weird? How long before he quits talking to me?”

“First, Blaine…” David began. “You have to remember that it’s not even been a year since Kurt almost died. It’s a big adjustment and… well, it takes a while to recover from that. And sometimes events like that make you pull away from friends… just like you pulled away from us in junior year. Remember?”

“That’s completely different.” Blaine sputtered. “And I came back. It’s been almost a year and he barely talks to anyone from McKinley anymore.”

“People have different ways of coping with stuff. Just because it took you a handful of weeks doesn’t mean it won’t take Kurt a year or two. Who are you to decide how long it takes him to talk to his old friends again? He will when he’s ready.” David countered. “Also, if Kurt threw a fit about you being friends with Wes and I, you would go off.”

“You’re not gay.” Blaine said. “Or adorable with bright blue eyes.”

“Kurt told you this guy is adorable with bright blue eyes?” Wes asked. “That would make me a bit worried.”

“Not exactly.” Blaine hesitated.

“For someone who won’t let anyone view your Facebook, you sure do stalk a lot of people.” Wes snickered after rolling his eyes. Honestly, she should have known.

Blaine covered his face, whimpering.

“Were there pictures of this guy with any other guys?”

“Just some older guy that’s probably his brother.” Blaine muttered.

“Or he could have… gasp… an older boyfriend.” David shook his head. “Get over it before you cause serious drama. It’s the last thing you or Kurt need right now. Things are going smooth for both of you at the same time. Don’t cause problems when there’s nothing going on.”

“You don’t know that nothing is going on!” Blaine exclaimed, suddenly looking very upset instead of annoyed. “Listen, I don’t want to lose Kurt, alright? I love him.”

“I know you love him, Wes knows you love him, Kurt knows you love him, everyone knows you love him.” David said calmly. “Just the same way that everyone knows Kurt loves you.”

“Plus, Kurt’s not the guy that would be hooking up with someone behind your back.” Wes added.

“I don’t think they’re hooking up. I just think that they’re becoming close and that scares me.” Blaine covered his face again and groaned.

“You said yourself he has shut off most of his friends from Lima… Maybe Kurt needs a new friend, Blaine. Don’t you remember when you needed new friends?” Wes asked gently.

“Yes. I do.” Blaine sighed and lowered his hands. “But I’m scared.”

“Why are you scared?” David asked.

“Because I don’t want to lose him… I’ve never been so comfortable and open in my entire life.” Blaine admitted. “And if something happened and it was gone, I don’t know what I would do. That terrifies me. The fact that him walking out of my life could happen and this security and love and acceptance I feel… would just be gone. What would I do without that?”

“Firstly, you have us and our families. You are safe, loved, and secured with all of us.” Wes said firmly, leaving no room for objections. “And secondly, if that were to ever happen… you’d pick up the pieces and you’d keep going until you found the next Mr. Right… but that’s not going to happen. Because you Kurtsie is Mr. Right.”

“You and Puck would get along so well.” Blaine sighed.

“C’mon, Blainers. You’re finally where you want to be. Just enjoy it, alright?” David grabbed his shoulder and shook it. “It will be okay. I promise.”

Blaine sighed again.

“Also, quit facebook stalking people you’ve never met. It looks creepy.” Wes added. “Unless you’re wanting to hook up with someone you meet online but that’s a different story… so just don’t facebook stalk people.”

“Alright.” Blaine gave a slight nod although he was not convinced they were right. “But if you guys are wrong I’m going to be sad Blaine.”

“And then we’ll get you a male escort to make all your pain go away. But until that point, quit moping. You’re probably driving Kurt crazy.”

“I am. It’s why I’m here right now.” Blaine confessed. “And because you guys are on breaks at the same time which is oddly convenient…”

“The universe knows you were about to act like a jerk and wanted us to knock some sense into you.” David responded, a serious expression on his face.

“We’re basically your guardian angels so listen to us.” Wes added. “We worked long and hard to get you and Kurt together and I’ll be so pissed if you blow it… no pressure or anything, though.”