Along came September and Blaine was being discharged home from Rehab. He had continued to improve his ability to use his arms and hands over the months and his therapy team deemed him safe to be turned over to Kurt in their own home.
The new apartment is beautiful. Everything was now finished and their belongings had all been moved from the old apartment weeks ago in anticipation for Blaine's arrival. The doorways had all been widened. The bathtub in the master bath had been removed and a roll-in shower had replaced it. The carpet had all been removed and now wood floors will allow for easy maneuvering in a wheelchair. The kitchen counters were lowered enough that Blaine could reach them from his seated position amongst many other modifications including a front door lock that worked from an app on Blaine's iphone mounted on his armrest.
The day of his discharge was full of tearful hugs and goodbyes from the nurses, therapists, nutritionists and other people who had become so fond of both Blaine and Kurt. They promised to come back and visit often and were ushered to the front entrance to load into the van waiting for them.
In another few months, they will be the proud new owners of a modified van with a lift but until then, the insurance company has set up an agreement with a local transport company to take them where they need to go. The luggage and a few boxes of Blaine's things are loaded into the back of the van while Blaine and his wheelchair are secured just behind the passenger seat. Kurt climbs in next to him and they are on their way home. Jacob had volunteered to meet them at the apartment to help Kurt acquaint himself with their home equipment this evening. He had become very good at using the hospital's lifts, shower chairs and bed but the ones at home aren't exactly like those and he may run across a problem while Blaine is in the lift or naked and in the shower. Jacob will be there to make sure evening one goes smoothly.
Once they arrive at their building, the driver begins unloading the back. Kurt helps him get everything upstairs before coming back down to get Blaine. "Are you ready for this ?" Kurt asks with a smile on his face.
"As ready as I'll ever be I guess", replies Blaine. He wheels himself into the front door of the building and the doorman greets him with an outstretched hand . "Hello Mr. Anderson, I've heard so much about you. My name is Henry and I'm here Weekdays until 5. Let me know if you need anything at all." Blaine lifted his right arm and returned the best version of a handshake he can muster at this point.
"This place is great Kurt" Blaine states as he looks around the lobby.
"Yeah, it's even better once you get to the apartment. They've really done a lot of work on this place to get it ready. There is so much more square footage than the old place and we have a lot more storage." Kurt is quite proud of the place after all, he had a lot of input into it. They ride the elevator up to the 7th floor and stop in front of apartment 715. "Welcome home Honey" Kurt says as he opens the door and allows Blaine to roll in.
A good hour is spent just moving about the apartment checking out all of the fancy new fixtures and gadgets that are meant to help Blaine be as independent as possible. He's able to open doors with the levers installed instead of knobs. He can put his hand on top of the lever and just push down to operate one. No hand strength needed. The sinks are all automatic on and off with a sensor. Everything is modified but still very stylish. Blaine thinks to himself that he can really see himself living here and thriving. With all the excitement and activity, he starts to nod off while Kurt is unpacking his things.
"Sweety, do you want to lie down until Jacob gets here?". Blaine just nods his agreement and moves his chair to the side of the bed. Kurt unstraps him and makes sure the brakes are set on the chair. He forgoes the lift in favor of just wrapping his arms around Blaine and working him to the end of his seat. Once he can get a good hold around him, he lifts and pivots to sit Blaine on the bed. Through all this, Blaine is still fighting off sleep. Kurt removes his shoes and glasses and props him up a little on pillows. Before he can get the covers over him, he's snoring softly.
Kurt can hardly believe that after six months, Blaine is here. He's in their bed and no nurses are going to come in during the night to check vital signs. Kurt will go and make dinner for them while Blaine naps. No more eating in the hospital cafeteria or having food brought to the room. It's up to Kurt now. Blaine's safety and health are his responsibility. It scares the life out of him but he feels ready. He can do this. He doesn't need a staff of medical personnel to take care of his fiancé. He can work from home and be there for him when he needs him. He smiles as he kisses Blaine's temple and goes to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Jacob is eating with them tonight and he wants everything to be perfect.
At 6:30 pm, the doorbell rings. Kurt is finishing the table setting and answers the door. "Jacob, Hi. You're just in time. Blaine should be waking up from his nap soon".
"Did the trip wear him out?" Jacob laughs and puts his bag down next to the door. "He will probably tire out pretty easily for a long time. Everything is going to be slightly different and he's gonna need a lot of naps".
"He was practically falling asleep while I transferred him from the chair into bed. I just hope he can stay awake long enough to eat." Kurt continues talking to Jacob as he puts the finishing touches on dinner and motions for Jacob to follow him to the bedroom.
They spend the rest of the evening going through the nightly routine that Kurt has practiced in his head a million times. Brush teeth, wash face, bowel routine, put in bed, transfer to bed bag and check catheter site, undress, check for pressure sores and skin breakdown, get into pajamas and put night splints on hands. Jacob assures Kurt that he's doing fine and he was able to use the lift flawlessly. Once he leaves, Kurt is able to get himself ready for bed. He finally climbs into bed next to Blaine and realizes that he has to wake back up in 5 hours to start the day again.