Warnings: Talk about child abuse

04 Behind the bow ties

'Come on in Blaine' said Kurt while he was holding the door to his home open.

For Kurt it was the perfect house. It has been his save haven when the bullying got too much and the people inside were the ones he cared most about. But recently his save haven has turned too small.

After Kurt's Dad, Burt Hummel, had started dating Carol Hudson, a charming woman and mother of the quarterback Finn, she and her son had plans to move in with them and the house was only built for Kurt and his father. Not for two grown-ups and two teenagers.

At the moment Burt and his soon-to-be-wife were looking for a new home which had enough room for all of them and wasn't too far away from Burt's tire shop.

In the mean time they switched between the houses. Either Carol spent the weekend at the Hummel house or Burt at the Hudson's.

Kurt, for one, really liked Carol.

He had been 8 when his mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer and died a few months after.

Naturally Kurt was glad to have a mother again who took him out to shopping and with whom he could spend hours talking about the newest trends. Kurt just wished they could keep the house but you can't always get what you want.

'Blaine?' Kurt asked the boy who was still standing outside and didn't seem like he knew what he should do. 'I promise you, you are save here' Kurt said while gently taking Blaine's hand and slowly pulling him inside. 'I shouldn't….I really shouldn't…' mumbled Blaine hesitantly but Kurt kept pulling until Blaine was inside. He closed the door but never let go of Blaine's hand. 'Everything is fine Blaine' he assured him. He smiled softly at Blaine and said 'I'm gonna show you the bathroom ok? So you can clean yourself up and after that we could watch something or go over math if you want to and when we are sure your parents are gone we get your stuff.' Kurt was starting to lead Blaine down the hallway and upstairs. 'Is that ok?' Blaine hesitated again but then nodded and followed Kurt.

As they were half way upstairs, a voice called suddenly out 'Kurt? Is that you buddy?'

Blaine flinched and Kurt was sure the only thing which kept him from running away was Kurt hand locked with his.

'Blaine it's alright' said Kurt making eye contact with Blaine to calm him down again. 'It's just my dad. He's cool.' Still looking like he wanted to be somewhere else, Blaine nodded again. 'Ok.' Kurt squeezed Blaine's hand gently before he called back 'Yeah Dad it's me. I'll be with you in a second. I just have to take care of something first.' 'Alright. There are leftovers from dinner if you want some.' 'Thanks Dad!'

'Come' he told Blaine and led him to his room.

Kurt had thought that his Dad was already at Carols but now he was grateful to still find him here. He needed somebody to talk to and help him figuring out how to help Blaine best and the only person he trusted enough to do that was his dad.

When they entered Kurt's room, he guided Blaine directly into the bathroom which was attached to his room. 'You can take as much time as you want ok? You don't have to rush' Kurt told Blaine while showing him his bathroom. 'Those are shower gels and shampoos' he pointed at a collection of expensive looking bottles next to the shower. 'Choose whatever you want.' He smiled at the smaller boy but it faded away when he saw Blaine cloths. They had a stick blue shade on them.

Fuming, Kurt promised himself he would never let that happen to Blaine again.

'You know' said Kurt, swallowing his anger 'maybe we will be able to save your cloths. Over the years I've developed a technic and was able to get rid of nearly all the slushie left-overs. Just give me your cloths and in the mean time you can have some of mine.' He smiled again at Blaine. 'How does that sound?'

At first Blaine didn't say anything, he not even looked at Kurt but then he whispered 'You too?'

'What?' asked Kurt confused.

''You said you've developed a technic which means you must have been hit with a slushie before, haven't you?' Blaine asked quickly and when he looked up, there was something like hope in his eyes, the first real emotion, except fear, which Kurt had ever seen from him.

Kurt was taken back. He shouldn't have mentioned it. It wasn't the time to explain Blaine his past but if he pushed Blaine now away, he would never be able to gain his trust, so he simply said 'Yes I have. I'll get you fresh cloths. Just wait here.'

Not waiting for an answer, Kurt got out and walked to his huge wardrobe.

After a few minutes he had picked a simple black pullover which was a little too small for Kurt and red skinny jeans. Kurt tried hard not to imagine how Blaine's ass would look inside those jeans but he didn't quiet succeed.

Swallowing hard, he made his way back to the bathroom and as he opened the door, he found a smiling Blaine inside. It was a small smile, barley notable but it was there and the best part, his eyes didn't seem so lifeless anymore. A huge grin appeared on Kurt's lips as he said 'Here are the cloths. Hope they fit.' 'Thank you' said Blaine and took them from Kurt. Maybe it wouldn't be that hard to win Blaine's trust.

Trying to make him smile a little bit more, he said 'I'm sorry that I don't own any bow ties but I'm pretty sure you can make the outfit work anyway.' But as soon as he said it, he knew he had pushed it too much because Blaine's smile faded into a hurt expression and his eyes returned to the empty lifeless dots of gold.

'Blaine I'm sorry' apologized Kurt quickly although he didn't know what he had done wrong. All he had wanted was to cheer Blaine up.

'I'm gonna shower now' whispered Blaine with a voice which sounded like he was fighting back the tears. He turned away from Kurt. 'What is wrong Blaine?' asked Kurt concerned. He knew he shouldn't push him any further but he needed to know what he'd done so he could make up for it.

'Just leave' Blaine said quietly. 'I'm sorry Blaine if I said something to upset you but just tell me.' 'Leave. Please' begged Blaine and this time Kurt was sure he was on the edge of tears.

Sighing he said 'Ok I'll tell my dad you are here and then I'll wait for you in my room. If you need anything just call me ok?' He didn't get a respond, so he simply got out and left the boy alone.

As he walked down the stairs, he tried to make sense out of Blaine's reaction. It must have been the bow tie comment because there was no other option but Kurt didn't really understand why. It was only meant as a joke. Yes sure Blaine had a lot to deal with, maybe even more than Kurt could imagine but all he had wanted was to bring the life back in those beautiful eyes.

It stung to know that he was part of the reason which had caused this lifelessness. He had been selfish and maybe Blaine would forgive him and be his friend.

He didn't dare to hope for more.

'Hey dad' said Kurt as he walked into the living room. Burt Hummel was sitting in a red flannel shirt on the couch while watching a football match. His Dad loved Football. It was like a religion to him.

A few years ago, when Kurt discovered...or admitted he was gay, he was beyond terrified that his Dad would kick him out when he'd find out. So Kurt joined the football team as kicker and even made out with a girl in his room. For the records the girl, Brittany, only made out with him because she needed him for her records and she's not exactly the smartest but Kurt had felt so wrong during all of this that he'd finally came out to his Dad.

As soon as he'd told Burt, his dad had started smiling and had said he had known since quite some time and he would always love Kurt, no matter what. Since that day, Kurt and his dad had developed a father-son-relationship, most people were jealous of.

'I thought you were at Carols?' Kurt said and he sat down next to his Dad. He figured for this talk, both of them needed to sit. Not talking his eyes off the television Burt explained 'Well there was an accident at the hospital an...Oh no! Not again! This team is one of the worst in history, yet they always win. I'm pretty sure the ref is bought.' Burt turned off the TV and faced his son. 'About Carol. She had to work longer but she should be finished by now.' He wanted to stand up but Kurt laid a hand on his arm and said 'No Dad. Wait please...I...I need to talk to you about something.' Burt looked at his son suspicious but it slowly faded into concern. 'It's not this Karofsky kid again, is it?' 'No. No' assured Kurt. 'It's not really about me. It's about somebody else. I just don't know what I should do.' 'Ok, spit it out. I read enough pamphlets.' 'Wait what?' asked Kurt confused before it hit him. 'Oh no it's not about a boy. Well yes it is but not like that dad.' A grin appeared on Burt's lips. 'Sure. So tell me.' Kurt closed his eyes and sighed. 'There's this boy in school, his name's Blaine and...and his father...he's hurting him' Kurt choked at the last words and a single tear found its way down his cheek. Burt frowned instantly and his eyes got a hard look. 'How do you know Kurt? Did he tell you something?' Kurt shook his head in respond. 'I...I saw it.' He took a deep breath before he continued. 'I needed...actually I still do, help with math and the school counselor suggested that Blaine should help me and when we met I saw a huge bruise covering Blaine's wrist like someone grabbed him there too tight. We…We had a fight and Blaine ran away. Later I talked to him by my car and his father had suddenly appeared and had screamed at Blaine why he wasn't at home already. Then he had grabbed him by his injured wrist and that so hard Dad. Blaine had looked so scared, I had to do something.' A small sob escaped his lips. All the emotions which had been building up inside of him, since he and Blaine had talked under the bleachers, finally bursted out and he couldn't stop the tears anymore. 'But the worst part is' sobbed Kurt 'I...I...' What Kurt?' asked his father softly, while rubbing his sons back. 'I…I think I like...him but...I'm not supposed to...I'm supposed to make the life of people like Blaine a living hell...and that's what I did to him.' The rubbing on his back stopped but his dad kept his hand there. 'You bullied him?' Kurt could hear the disbelief and disappointment. More tears were falling down. 'Yes and I hate myself so much for it' Kurt said, wiping away his tears.

After what seemed like forever Burt finally spoke. 'I can't say that I'm glad that you told me this because I wished there was no reason to but since you did and you regret it…this shows me that you still have a good heart.' Kurt looked up to his father who continued speaking 'If you really like this kid and want to make up for it, now is the time. Blaine will need somebody who'll help him carry the weight of what is about to come.'

Burt gave his son a stern look. 'You know we have to call the police.' Kurt nodded but said 'But could we wait till Sunday. His parents are in New York anyway and maybe you get Blaine to talk to you.' Burt thought for a moment and said 'Ok but I don't think I could get him to open up. You should talk to him.' 'Me?' asked Kurt surprised. 'Yes' said his dad and got up. 'Make him comfortable but give him time. He won't tell you his whole story right away. Just tell him you are going to be there for him and that you regret what you did. Be honest.' He walked over to the phone and dialed a number. 'I'm staying here over the weekend, just in case you need me.' Kurt nodded agreeing. 'Uhm...Dad? Is it ok if Blaine and I sleep in my room together? I mean Blaine in my bed and I on the couch?' 'Fine but no funny busi…Hi honey' said Burt as Carol finally answered the phone. Wiping the last remaining tears away, he thought about what Burt had said while he was talking with Carol. Make him comfortable. An idea came to Kurt. When he heard that Burt had ended the call he asked 'Dad? Do you have a bow tie?'

Kurt would have knocked but was incapable of doing so because he had too much things in his hands. Ointment and bandages for Blaine's wrist, 'The Little Mermaid' because Disney is always a cheer up and a simple black bow tie from his Dad. Maybe Blaine would relax more with it.

When he opened the door with his elbow, he saw Blaine sitting on his bed while looking out of the window. He was wearing the cloths Kurt had given him and he looked hot. Like really hot. His still wet messy curls looked perfectly and those lips...Kurt swallowed hard and louder than he thought because Blaine turned around and as he saw Kurt, he jumped up at once and pressed himself against the wall. Shocked by Blaine's reaction, Kurt dropped his things on the bed, but kept the bow tie. 'You could have remained seated. You don't need to stand' said Kurt calmly and softly. Blaine made no eye contact when he whispered 'But it's…you bed. I'm not supposed to...' 'Yes it's my bed' interrupted Kurt 'so I can choose who sits there and I want you to sit there, only if you want too of course.' Kurt tried to keep his voice soft and at the same time urging but Blaine stayed being pressed against the wall.

It was no use. Kurt had to try it another way.

He slowly held the bow tie up for Blaine and said 'Here it's for you. I figured you maybe feel a little bit better with one.' But as he said it, he could see Blaine's eyes widen in fear and panic and before Kurt could ask a thing, Blaine knocked the bow tie out of Kurt's hands and screamed 'Leave me alone!' Kurt was beyond puzzled but when he noticed that Blaine was shivering and tears were falling again, he pushed everything in his mind aside and pulled Blaine into his arms.

At first Kurt could feel a frown run through Blaine's body, then Blaine started fighting against him but Kurt just held him tight to him. Blaine even kicked against Kurt's legs but Kurt somehow managed to keep his hold and soon the fight left Blaine and he just cried onto Kurt's shoulder.

'Ssshh…it's ok Blaine' whispered Kurt softly into Blaine's ears and dragged him to the bed and seated them down.

After Blaine had gathered himself again, Kurt said 'I know you hate me. I hurt you in so many ways and I'm not sure if I ever can make up for it but I'm gonna try. I won't leave you. I will help you and I'm gonna be there for you. So please. What did your father do to you?'

Blaine was quiet for a long time before he whispered 'My Dad…he makes me wear bow ties. If I don't…he…he…'

'He hits you?' Kurt whispered.

Blaine nodded against Kurt's collar.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Blaine.' Kurt pulled the curly head boy closer to him. 'I'm so sorry.' 'Why?' asked Blaine a little breathless. 'Nobody deserves a father like that. Nobody.'

'Why do you even care about me? You hate me' mumbled Blaine. 'I don't hate you Blaine. I...I know gonna be hard but I wanna be your friend. I wanna make up for all the things I did to you.'

'Is this just some new kind of bullying?' 'No!' Kurt pulled at Blaine's cheek so he was looking him in the eyes. 'I just wanna be your friend. Please let me try' begged Kurt.

'I never had friends' said Blaine and there it was. Light in his eyes and Kurt promised himself he would do everything to keep the light in those beautiful hazel eyes.

'Now you have one. I'm gonna do my best.' Kurt smiled at the boy. Their lips were only a few inches away and oh god they looked so soft and like only meant to be for Kurt to kiss them senseless.

Closing his eyes and trying not to think of the lips in front of him, he asked 'So…you wanna watch Little Mermaid? It's one of my favorite Disney movies.' For a second Kurt thought that Blaine was looking at Kurt's lips with the same expression Kurt must have had before, then a smile appeared on them and it was like his whole face lightened up.

'Yeah sure' said Blaine and just then, Kurt noticed he still had his arms around Blaine.

Maybe…just maybe one day there could be more but for now, Kurt was fine with being friends.

'And just so you know' said Blaine while pressing his forehead against Kurt's neck. 'I don't hate you.'

And again I'm sorry for the long hiatus.

I have re-written this chapter like 10 times because I was never satisfied but now it's finally finished.

I hope you all like it and please tell me what you think :)