Author's Note: Sorry I couldn't get this up earlier. Holiday season :P I hope you like the chapter.

-SQ

Disclaimer: Glee. Not. Mine. :P

Chapter Twenty-One: Company

Burt, Carole, Finn, Wes, and David entered the hospital doors almost at a run. They went up to the desk, which was mercifully and unusually lacking in a line, and inquired rather breathlessly if Blaine Anderson had been there.

"Blaine Anderson?" said the young woman, whose nametag read "Shelby". "Um…he might have…"

"He would have been asking to see Kurt Hummel," said Finn.

The receptionist named Shelby bit her lip guiltily. "I don't remember everyone who— "

"Come on," said Wes, "you were flirting with him shamelessly the last time we were here. If he'd been here you'd know."

The girl colored and mumbled something unintelligible.

"Come on," Burt growled, losing patience. "Speak sense!"

Shelby cowered slightly. "He was with Kurt," she said more clearly. "I—he said it was important…"

The group looked at one another.

"Burt Hummel, Carole Hudson-Hummel, Finn Hudson, Wesley Montgomery, and David Thompson," said Burt. "Sign us in as visitors for Kurt Hummel."

"And add Blaine Anderson in too while you're at it," said Carole with a knowing smile, causing the already blushing receptionist's color to darken.

They continued through the corridors. When they arrived Burt pushed open the door to his son's hospital room and then stopped so suddenly that Carole and Finn both bumped into him.

"What is it, Burt?" asked Carole anxiously.

Burt stepped aside to allow his wife, stepson, and his son's friends into the room. He motioned wordlessly to Kurt's bed.

Carole's eyebrows rose and she stifled a small laugh. "Well," she said, "I think we found Blaine."

They had, indeed, found Blaine. The dark-haired Warbler was curled up on his side next to Kurt on the bed. His dark curls had begun to escape from their gel and were splayed onto the hospital pillow beneath his head. His arms were wrapped tightly around Kurt, who was tucked securely against the contours of Blaine's body, his brown head buried in the crook of Blaine's neck.

"Is something going on here that I don't know about?" asked Burt, looking between the two boys on the bed and the three standing behind him in the room.

"Um…" said Finn. e lHhh He looked toward the older boys for help.

"We certainly hope so," said Wes with a grin. When Burt failed to look amused he added, "Blaine really cares about Kurt, Mr. Hummel. A lot. It's taken him a while to realize and act on his feelings, but I know that those feelings are serious and real."

Burt pursed his lips. "And what, exactly, is he doing in my son's bed?"

"He appears to be sleeping," said David. Burt glared at him. "And I mean that in the most innocent way possible," the African-American boy added hurriedly.

Burt grunted and turned his attention back to the over-full bed. "Blaine. Blaine. Blaine Anderson."

Blaine stirred and mumbled something incoherent, his eyelids flickering. Burt cleared his throat loudly. Blaine's eyes opened fully and he yawned and stretched, blinking in a disoriented manner. "Huh?"

He blinked again and brought the room into focus, taking in his newly arrived audience. "Oh!" He shot up so fast that he banged the back of his head on the headboard. "Mr. Hummel! I-uh…"

"Would you like to explain?" said Burt.

Blaine colored. "I fell asleep, didn't I?"

"Yes."

Blaine ran a hand through his hair, making it stick up even more. "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to. I just came to sing Kurt a song I wrote him and the he was awake and—oh!" He realized suddenly that he was still in the bed with Kurt and quickly scrambled out. "Oh God. I'm so sorry. I just—I was so—I didn't mean—"

Burt's expression grudgingly softened as he watched the boy flounder. "What exactly is your relationship with my son, Blaine?"

Blaine paused mid-ramble and hesitated. "Um…I think…I mean… We didn't really get that far, but I'd like to be his boyfriend if—" he swallowed, "if he'll have me."

"And how far did you get exactly?"

"Not—not that!" said Blaine, horrified. "Not anything! I just…I was so relieved to see him awake… Mr. Hummel," said Blaine, swallowing again. "I really care about Kurt. I honestly think I'm in love with him."

Burt looked at him hard. "You're a bit young to be making those kinds of decisions, aren't you?"

Blaine ran a hand through his hair once more. "I know, and believe me, it scares me to death, but I can't deny how I feel about Kurt. I know this isn't what you want to hear—"

"No," Burt cut him off, "it's not what I want to hear. But it's what Kurt wants to hear. And I want him to be happy. I just hope you're good enough for him."

"I'll try my very best to be," said Blaine fervently.

Kurt stirred on the bed behind him and immediately all the attention in the room zeroed in on the ailing boy.

"Blaine?"

"I'm here, hon," said Blaine, touching Kurt's cheek with the back of his hand.

"Why'd you leave?" said Kurt without opening his eyes. "'S cold…"

"We have company," said Blaine.

Kurt opened his eyes. "Dad…" He looked at his father and then shot a glance at Blaine.

"He knows," said Blaine.

"So I didn't dream it?" asked Kurt.

Blaine smiled and reached over to ruffle Kurt's hair. "No, baby, you didn't dream it."

Kurt let out a half-hearted sound of protest, but leaned into Blaine's hand when the older boy moved it briefly back to his cheek. "I hope my dad didn't threaten you."

"Not badly," said Blaine with a small smile.

"Dad!" Kurt coughed and Blaine, Burt, and Finn all started toward the bed.

Kurt waved them off. "I'm fine. Just thirsty."

Immediately Finn went to the sink to fill a cup which he handed to Blaine, who handed it to Kurt, supporting him with a hand on his back as he drank it.

"Thanks…"

"How are you feeling, babe?" asked Blaine as Burt pressed a hand to Kurt's forehead.

"You've still got something of a fever, kid."

Kurt shrugged and nuzzled his face into Blaine's shoulder. "I'm alright… I do feel kind of crummy though."

"Do you want me to leave?" asked Blaine.

Kurt shook his head. "No! I mean…please don't go."

Blaine smiled and kissed the top of Kurt's head. "Shhh. I wouldn't dream of it."

Kurt snuggled up to Blaine; he was warm and comforting and wonderful and had told him he loved him… "Mmmm…"

His father shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat. Blaine drew away slightly.

"Another time, okay, baby?"

Kurt nodded reluctantly.

Wes and David stepped forward.

"Hi, Kurt."

"Hey, man."

"Hi, guys," said Kurt, smiling wanly, then, "God, I look awful!"

Wes and David laughed.

"We're just glad you're awake," said David.

"Yeah, Blaine's not the only one who's been worried about you."

Kurt smiled again as the two leaned down to hug him. "Thanks guys. I appreciate it."

"Any time," said Wes.

"Only hopefully not," said David.

"We should let Kurt get some rest," said Carole. "Alone," she added, looking at Blaine.

He nodded. "I'll see you later, Kurt, I promise," he said, pressing his lips to the other boy's overwarm forehead.

"Okay…" Kurt squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry I worried you. All of you," he added.

"Dude," said Finn, "it's not your fault."

"If I hadn't—"

"Shhh," said everyone else at once.

Kurt giggled. "I love you guys. Blaine?"

"Yes baby?"

"I don't want you to leave."

Blaine knelt beside his bed. "I think I should give your dad some time with you, okay? I won't go far and I'll be back soon."

Kurt wrapped his arms around Blaine's neck. "Okay… I love you."

Blaine smiled and gave Kurt a gentle squeeze. "I love you too, Kurt," he whispered. "Feel better."

"I'll try."

Blaine gave Kurt a last peck on the cheek, under the watchful eye of Burt, and stood and left the room.

"Dad?" said Kurt, pulling his father's attention off of the retreating boy.

"Yes, bud?"

"You don't hate Blaine, do you?"

"No," said Burt, patting his son on the shoulder, "I don't hate him."

"Good. Dad?"

"Yes?"

"Can you stay until I fall asleep again?"

Burt smiled tenderly. "Of course I can, kiddo."

The rest of them followed Blaine out of the room and Kurt lay down and closed his eyes once more, his hand finding his father's as he drifted off.

AN:Awwww, Blaine is so adorable, I love him. And so does Kurt, obviously ;)

And someone finally called Shelby on her shameless flirting, lol.

I also love reviews, so keep 'em coming.

-SQ