Chapter Thirteen: I Love You, Kurt

November 2018

It was nearing the end of November. The past month had been filled with more doctors, nurses, medication, questions, and no answers. Kurt's state was the same but his family hadn't lost hope. Carole and Burt had temporarily moved in with Blaine after Kevin had cleared out of their apartment. Blaine spent every day at the hospital only leaving for an hour each morning to shower and change and for any work functions he had to attend to. Burt had made him go – it was only show openings and short meetings but it felt good to get out of the hospital and into civilization again. He even began to write on his laptop at Kurt's bedside. Every once in a while he would read what he had to Kurt – he liked sharing with him even though there was no response.

Some days were better than others. Blaine mostly maintained his optimistic disposition. Other days were really hard and were filled with worry and tears but one thing remained constant though-out it all and that was his love and loyalty to Kurt.

Blaine was very grateful when Mercedes and Rachel had stopped by to visit. Mercedes was first to arrive. She was in New York recording her next album and of course knew about Kurt. She saw Blaine first. "Blaine, I am so sorry." She hugged him tight and rubbed his back.

Blaine felt a relief wash over him as he nestled into Mercedes' embrace. It was nice to have friends; he needed the support. "Thank you for coming 'cedes. It means a lot to me and I'm sure to Kurt too."

"How is he? Any change at all?"

Blaine shook his head. "The doctors say there is brain activity and it's actually increasing so that is a positive but they can't predict if or when he'll come out of it." He looked down sadly.

Mercedes took his hand. "And how are you, honey?"

He shrugged. "Oh, I'm fine."

"Oh no. Have you forgotten who you're talking to? You don't have to be strong for me, Blaine. How are you really?"

He smiled at her. "You know, I really am doing okay. I mean, yes I'm sad. Yes, some days it's really emotional and I feel a sort of desperation in me. But all in all, there is no place I would rather be. I am beside Kurt again and I am optimistic."

"He is so lucky to have you."

"And I'm lucky to have him. It's been a long road and I know it's far from over but I know he loves me and I love him." He took her hands, "but hey, how are you? How is the record coming along?"

"It's been such a fantastic ride. I can't believe the success I've had."

"And how are things with Sam?"

Mercedes blushed. "He's… the one, Blaine."

Blaine's smile broadened. "Oh my god, finally you've seen the light!"

She laughed. "I know, I know. It took me a long time to settle but I know now that he's perfect for me."

"I'm so happy for you," Blaine hugged her again. They continued catching up for a bit then Blaine took her into Kurt's room. She sat beside him silently. Blaine could see that she was praying for him. He bowed his head and sat in silence. He only looked up when he heard Mercedes get up from her chair. He watched as she bent and placed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "I love you Kurt," she said in a broken voice.

About a week later Rachel showed up. She wasn't as poised as Mercedes was and Blaine actually had to calm her down. She had arrived at the hospital straight from the airport. She had been in London rehearsing for the revival of Funny Girl. "I left the minute I could, Blaine." She said as she ran in from the parking lot. "How is he? Oh my god, Blaine." Her eyes were dark and wide.

"Hey," Blaine took her by the arms and looked into her eyes. "He's okay. He hasn't woken up but we are optimistic. The important thing is that you remain calm. If you want to see him you need to calm down so that he doesn't sense the panic, okay? Please?"

"You're right. I'm sorry, I'm just so scared Blaine. He's my brother and even though we don't see each other as often as we'd like he's still my best friend."

"I know," Blaine pressed his lips together.

"Oh, honey. I'm sorry. I'm being selfish. How are you? How have you been holding up?"

"No, no. Don't worry about me. I am fine. I don't like the circumstances but I do love being beside Kurt, supporting him."

"How did this happen? Did you two get back together? I've been so out of the loop since moving to London."

Blaine sat her down and explained everything that had happened in the last two months. Rachel scooted closer to him and nuzzled against him as she listened. "I knew you two would end up together, I just wish Kurt was awake to witness it."

Blaine slid his hand over hers. "In time," he said. And he hoped with all his might that he was right.

Rachel spent four days with Kurt, Blaine, Carole, and Burt. She talked and sang to Kurt every day but more importantly, Blaine thought, she was there for Burt and Carole. She would always be their daughter in law and even with Finn gone she was there to care for them and help keep them sane – even if it was only for a short time. Before she left the hospital Rachel was left alone with Kurt. She held his hand and sang to him – Bring Him Home from Les Miserables. Tears streamed down her face as she remembered every single duet they had ever sung together. She was terrified of losing her best friend. "I'm so sorry I have to go. The show opens in two days and I know that you would kick my butt if I missed it so I'm going to go but Kurt, I love you so much. When you wake up I'm going to throw you the biggest party. It will be fabulous." She leaned and kissed his cheek. She lingered there for a bit before she had to force herself to leave the room.

Burt sat beside Kurt. Blaine had gone home to shower and he sent Carole down for coffee. He wanted to be alone with his son. He needed to talk to him but ironically he couldn't find the words. His chest was tight and he felt tears swelling in his eyes. He scooted closer so that he could reach his hand. "Son… You have always been the strongest one in our family. And I think you still are. There are a lot of people here who still need you around. It's time to shake the cobwebs out and wake up. I'm waiting for you, Carole is waiting for you, Rachel and Mercedes are waiting for you, and Kurt – Blaine has been waiting for you for so long." He squeezed Kurt's hand. "You can do this, I know you can." Tears finally fell in streaks down his cheeks as he lifted his son's hand and kissed it. "I love you, Kurt. Please don't leave us. Don't you dare."