"That has got to be the worst birthday gift ever," Quinn Fabray said from the couch in the living room. "I don't even know you that well and I feel terrible for you."
"Thanks, I think," Blaine muttered. He seemed unusually quiet now that Kurt had given Quinn a brief review of Blaine's birthday dinner the previous night.
Kurt squeezed his hand in reassurance and said, "That's why we came here. Our flight doesn't leave until tomorrow and there was no point staying in Westerville."
"That makes sense, but you still haven't told me why I'm sitting in your dad's living room," Quinn glanced around in disgust.
"Well, I wanted to talk to you about a possible baby shower for Rachel," Kurt said. "I'd ask Mercedes but she's too close to Rachel and she's not very good at keeping secrets."
"Fair point," Quinn nodded.
"I'm sure you're still in touch with Britt and Santana, and maybe some of the other glee club members. I mean, did anyone stay in touch with Tina?" He asked.
Quinn shrugged, "I wouldn't know, but I'm sure I can get in touch with everyone. You want them all to make a trip to New York?"
Kurt let out a sigh and said, "I know that's asking a lot but she can't really come here. I wouldn't ask but she doesn't really have any girl friends in New York."
"And you think having Santana, Brittany, Tina, and me will create the ultimate shower. Although I'm sure you'd be there too," Quinn smirked.
"What about the other members she kind of knew? Marley and Kitty?" Kurt asked.
Quinn shrugged, "it's not like she knew them that well, mostly through Finn coaching them."
"Well, what if we just got the whole glee club together to show support?" Kurt said thoughtfully.
"Like a co-ed shower? That would be weird, Hummel," Quinn shook her head.
"Can you just see what you can do?" Kurt pleaded, growing slightly annoyed with Quinn's better-than-you attitude. "I really want to do this for Rachel."
"Why? To make up for the fact that you stole her boyfriend?" Quinn's eyes shifted to Blaine, who's grip on Kurt's hand had tightened.
Kurt shrugged, "Doesn't every girl deserve a baby shower? Why does there have to be a reason?"
"Because our glee club has never been nice to Rachel Berry just for the hell of it," Quinn gave a soft chuckle. "What has she ever done for anyone but herself?"
"But we've always come together when someone has needed it. Rachel's been through a lot," Kurt tried convincing her.
"Like the whole Funny Girl thing?" Quinn smirked at Kurt's surprised expression. "Oh, come on, Hummel. Everyone knows. I heard Sue Sylvester framed her pregnancy article and hung it up in the auditorium so all the current kids in glee will know they're doomed to failure."
Kurt's jaw dropped. Anger boiled in his chest. He asked, "Are you serious?" Quinn nodded and he snapped, "Quinn, please, she needs all the support she can get."
"Okay, okay, I get your point. I'll see what I can do," Quinn stood up. She brushed her skirt and said, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with Puck, and I don't want to be late."
"Thanks Quinn," Kurt smiled, ushering her to the door. "I appreciate this."
"Sure, I'm happy to do it for Rachel. We may have all hated her in high school, but you're right, our club is good at coming together," she waved on her way down the sidewalk.
Kurt shook his head, shutting the door behind her. He turned back to the living, where Blaine sat curled on the couch. He let out a long, tired sigh and sat beside his boyfriend. Kurt wrapped his arms around him, and Blaine leaned his head on his shoulder. "You okay?" he asked quietly.
"I just feel so empty," he whispered.
"I can imagine," Kurt rubbed his arm. Blaine hadn't been himself in the last twenty-four hours, and Kurt was growing worried. "I know this is hard for you."
"These people raised me. They changed my diapers, gave me enough food to survive, clothed me, educated me, and supported me..." Blaine shook his head. This was the most he had talked about it "I fall in love with the wrong person, and it's like none of that matters."
"I know, sweetie. I'm so sorry," Kurt kissed the top of his head. He so desperately wished he could make Blaine feel better.
"I can't believe I let things get this bad," Blaine choked. His body trembling. "I should have just stuck things out with Rachel."
Kurt's hand froze and his heart sunk. That stung, but he knew Blaine was distraught. "You don't mean that," Kurt replied.
Blaine didn't say anything. He let out a sob and bent over, burying his face in Kurt's lap.
Rubbing his back, Kurt shushed him. "You're okay, Blaine. I'm right here." He felt so helpless. Nothing he said would comfort his boyfriend. All he could do was sit there and let Blaine cry it out.
In time, Blaine's body became still and his rapid breathing fell into a slow rhythmic pattern. He had been so exhausted from his restless night that he had cried himself to sleep. Kurt brushed the curls off his clammy forehead. "Get some sleep," he whispered. He pushed Blaine's body backward and settled him on to the couch.
"How's he doing?" Carole appeared in the kitchen doorway. She watched them with a worried expression on her face. "I know he said he didn't sleep last night."
"I don't know if he'll ever fully recover from this," Kurt said. He grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and placed it over Blaine. He kissed his forehead and got off the couch. "I'm worried about him. He's been through so much with Rachel, the baby, Savannah, and now this."
"I just can't imagine doing this to your own son," Carole frowned. "I used to get upset with Finn, but I could never image tossing him aside. I could never even push you away."
"Thanks," Kurt smiled weakly.
Carole pulled him into a hug and said, "Blaine's lucky he has you. I know you'll get him through this."
Kurt and Blaine made their way out of the terminal at the airport and down to baggage claim. They stood near the baggage, waiting to find their suitcases.
"Hi!" Rachel came strolling toward them. "How was your trip?" She stopped in front of them, placing her hands on her hips. Studying their faces, she added, "Wow, Blaine, are you okay?"
Kurt quickly glanced toward Blaine, who simply nodded. His face was pale and his hands had a small tremor to them. He had been on edge the last two days. Blaine had hardly spoken, because he had closed himself off.
Rachel met Kurt's eyes and he shook his head sadly. He wanted to communicate with her not to to push Blaine. She puckered her lips and said, "I planned on making you guys dinner tonight."
"Aw, thanks, sweetie," Kurt gave her a hug. He placed his hand on her belly and said, "Look at you! I feel like the baby's grown in the last few days. You look wonderful!"
Rachel blushed, "Aw, thanks! Here, I just thought I looked like an elephant."
Blaine lunged for his suitcase, still making its way around the loop, setting it on the ground, he pulled up the handle and began trudging down the hallway without a word to Kurt or Rachel.
"He's been like that," Kurt informed her, as they followed behind Blaine. "He told his dad that we're dating and his dad lost his mind. He threw a glass at Blaine and told him that he's not his son. Blaine's been in this numb state and I can't get him to talk to me."
"He won't talk to you?" Rachel asked.
Kurt shrugged, "Unless it's answering an actual question, but even then he might just shake his head or nod."
"Is he that distraught?" she frowned, watching Blaine's small figure mingling in the crowd of people.
"Can you blame him? How would you feel if your dads were so angry with you for getting pregnant that they never talked to you again? You made a mistake and they don't want you anymore," Kurt placed his arm around her waist.
She thought about it for a moment and then nodded, "I would be pretty heart broken."
Kurt sighed, "Honestly, I'm worried about him. He needs time but how much? I don't know how I'm going to pull him out of this funk. I've never seen Blaine like this."
"How does anyone get over their parents disowning them?" Kurt said.
Stopping in her tracks, Rachel gripped his arm, pulling him backward. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes went wide. "Oh!" she cried.
"What's wrong?" Kurt reached out to gently touch her belly.
"I have an idea!" Rachel grabbed his hand and squeezed it.
"Would you tell me what' that idea is?" Kurt asked. "Could you also not five me a heart attack?"
"Come on, let's not let Blaine get too far ahead. I have to make a phone call before I can make sure this works," she said, dragging him down the hall.
Rachel waited until later that evening, when Blaine decided he was going for a walk alone. She dialed a phone number and waited, "Hi, Cooper? It's Rachel Berry."
"Hi, Rachel," his voice came through the speakerphone. "This is a surprise. How are you?"
"Uh, well, did you hear I'm having a baby?" she said, the corners of her mouth curling into a smile.
"That's wonderful! Congratulations!" he said. "Does that mean I'm going to be an uncle?"
"Yes, actually. I'm sorry we didn't call you and tell you before. I'm already 25 weeks," she frowned. "Listen I have a favor I need to ask you."
"Shoot," he said.
"You've already started filming? Does that mean you are busy the next few days?" Rachel set her phone on her lap, pulling her hair back in a loose ponytail.
"Yeah," Cooper replied. "I'm in the middle of filming my new movie Space Explosion it's about this guy - "
"Cooper, no offense, but I don't really want to hear it, I'm in the middle of a crisis." Rachel took a deep breath. "There's no way you can come out to New York?"
"I - Why? What's wrong?" his voice became more serious. "Is everything okay with the baby?"
"It's Blaine," she said bitterly. "He came out of the closet to me a while ago and started seeing this guy, who happens to be my friend. But he came out to your parents a couple days ago, and your dad pretty much disowned him. Kurt and I are really worried about him. He's been so miserable, and I really think he could use your help."
"Wait, what? Blaine's gay?" Cooper said. He paused and Rachel opened her mouth to speak, before he continued, "man, my dad will never forgive him for that one. Being gay is like following the devil."
"But can't you just talk to him? You were sort of abandoned by your folks too," Rachel insisted. "If anyone could understand him, it's you."
"For acting, Rach," Cooper chuckled. "My dad was pissed because I was throwing my life away. He said he wouldn't talk to me until I decided to grow up and be a man... At least I could inch my way back into his life. Blaine doesn't have a chance."
"That's hopeful," Rachel mumbled and Kurt rolled his eyes.
"Look, my dad's an ass and I don't care about getting back in his life. But I was really hurt that he wanted nothing to do with me," Cooper's tone was more quiet now. "I hate to see the kid in that kind of pain."
"So you'll come?" Rachel sat up in excitement.
"I'll see what I can do. I might be able to take a couple sick days," Cooper told her. "We'll be in touch. I'll let you know. Thank you for calling, Rachel."
"Thank you, Cooper. We appreciate it," Rachel said, before hanging up the phone.
Rolling over, Kurt wrapped his arm around Blaine's small body and studied his still face. When he slept, Blaine was at peace. He didn't have to worry. He didn't have to feel pain. He looked beautiful at peace. Kurt gently stroked his arm, his eyes never leaving Blaine.
After some time, Blaine moaned and his eyes fluttered open. He stared at Kurt with pained hazel eyes and whispered, "Are you watching me sleep?"
"Yeah," Kurt blushed. "Sorry if that's creepy. I wouldn't want to wake up to me creepily staring either."
"No," Blaine croaked. "It's my favorite thing to wake up to." Blaine curled into Kurt, burying his face in his chest. He mumbled, "I love you."
"I love you too," Kurt kissed the top of his head. He ran his fingers through Blaine's curls and smiled. This was the most Blaine had interacted with him since their return from Ohio.
"I'm really sorry," Blaine whispered.
"For what?" Kurt asked, confused.
"I never should have taken you to Ohio. This was my fight and I shouldn't have dragged you into it. I know I've been a pain," Blaine replied.
"Blaine, honey. There is no reason to apologize. How many times do I have to tell you that I want to be here for you?" Kurt stroked his cheek. "It's okay."
Blaine pulled back enough to look at him. "Kurt, my dad called you an abomination."
"I don't take that personally," Kurt shook his head. "Sweetie, it's okay to hurt over this, and I don't want you feeling guilty." He didn't mention that he was afraid of how Blaine would have acted if he had been alone.
"Kurt, I just don't know what to do," Blaine whispered.
"I don't know if I can help, but I can take your mind off it," Kurt smiled, meeting his lips. He wrapped his arms around Blaine and pulled him close. Blaine's body melted into his embrace, shivering slightly.
"I love you," he whispered again, deepening the kiss. He rolled on top of Kurt, dipping his head to peck Kurt's neck. "I love you so much."
Kurt tipped his head backward, moaning softly. "I love you too."
"I need you," Blaine whispered, moving his mouth down Kurt's chest.
"I'm here," Kurt grabbed Blaine's hair, slightly tugging it.
"Promise me you'll stay here," Blaine stopped, desperate eyes pouring into Kurt's. "I can't ever lose you. I couldn't handle this without you."
"Always," Kurt replied, just before Blaine began kissing him again.
Once Blaine had opened himself to Kurt, they became inseparable. Blaine clung to Kurt, relying on him for comfort every time his mind slipped. It was sweet but slightly maddening. Kurt sometimes felt that Blaine relied on him too much.
So the next day, when Blaine had a class to go to, and Rachel was out at a doctor appointment, Kurt took advantage of having the apartment to himself. He put in a movie and passed out on the couch twenty minutes into it.
The apartment door flew open and Kurt jumped out of his sleep. "What's happening?" he asked groggily.
"Kurt!" Rachel rushed in. She took her coat off and set it on a hook near the door. "Is Blaine here? Please tell me he's not here."
"No, he's at class. He should be home soon though," Kurt informed her, glancing at his phone for the time. He had a text from Blaine saying "On my way home."
"During my appointment, Cooper text me that he had just landed at JFK. So I swung by to pick him up," she beamed in satisfaction.
"He's here?" Kurt stood up.
"Yes," Rachel went to the door and called down the hall. "It's okay. Come on in." She turned to Kurt and said, "I didn't want to walk in with him while Blaine was here."
"No, now he can come home and have his brother here," Kurt rolled his eyes, like that was so much better.
A tall, handsome man walked through the door and held out a hand to him. "You must be Kurt. I'm Cooper Anderson."
Kurt's jaw dropped, "Wait, I didn't realize that you were the Cooper Anderson! I'm a huge fan. I used to love the free credit report commercials you did, and that television show you used to guest star in."
"Oh, thank you," Cooper grinned, as Kurt pumped his hand eagerly.
"Would you like to fill me in before Blaine gets here?" Cooper asked, taking a seat on the couch. "I'm a little clueless here."
"Okay," he nodded. Kurt then started telling Cooper about how insecure Blaine had been, how he started getting close to Kurt, and how things got complicated when he found out Rachel was pregnant. He then told Cooper that Blaine's dad admitted that Blaine wasn't ready to be a parent and Blaine knew finding out he was gay would be worse. When he finished his story, Cooper stared at him with an open mouth.
The sound of Rachel blowing her nose came from the corner. Cooper and Kurt stared at her and she said, "I'm sorry. It's just been such a roller coaster for all of us, you know?"
"I know," Kurt nodded.
"I just feel so terrible that Blaine's been through so much. I mean, for a while, I was mostly angry, but he never asked for all of this. If we hadn't been so careless and just used a condom, he wouldn't have a-as much to go through," she blew her nose again.
"Is - is she okay?" Cooper asked, watching Rachel with a concerned expression on his face.
"It's probably just hormones," Kurt waved it off. "This has been hard on her, but she doesn't usually pity Blaine that much. It's mostly been since our trip to Ohio."
"Ah," Cooper nodded.
The front door opened again and Blaine filed in. He took his coat, hat, and gloves off. "Hi," he said casually. He hadn't noticed his brother on the couch.
"Hey, brother," Cooper stood up. He gave Blaine an awkward wave.
"Hey, Coop," Blaine said. He entered the living room and froze. "Wait. Cooper, what the hell are you doing here?"
"She asked me to come," he pointed to the sobbing a Rachel in the corner.
"Hey," Blaine cooed, as he rushed to her, taking her hands. "What's wrong?"
"I'm just... s-so sorry that your dad d-did this to you," she choked out, burying her face in her hands. "You've already been through so much."
"Rachel, it's okay," he pulled her into a hug. Brushing the hair clinging to her face, he said, "This isn't your fault."
"That is why Cooper's here though. We're worried about you and this is somewhat of an intervention," Kurt told his boyfriend.
Blaine rose to his feet and moved to the couch beside his brother. "I don't need your help," he said, a slight edge to his voice.
"Blaine," Cooper sighed, placing a hand on his knee. "Buddy, I've been there. I know it's hard."
Shaking his head, Blaine replied, "it's not the same thing. He's only angry with you for your career choices. You can turn this around. He didn't tell you that you aren't his son."
"I'm not going back though. Space Explosion could be a big deal for me. I love acting. Nothing makes me happier than being involved in a project like this. If dad can't support that, it's his loss. I'm not giving up my happiness for him," Cooper told him.
"That's your choice," Blaine said. "I didn't ask to be gay. I didn't ask to have my dad hate anyone who is gay," Blaine argued, balling his hands into fists.
"This is your choice," he pointed toward Kurt. "You chose to come out. You chose to love Kurt, even though you knew dad wouldn't approve. You didn't have to leave Rachel. You chose to stop hiding,"
"I couldn't stand the lies anymore. I cared too much about Kurt. That didn't make the decision any easier, Coop. You have no idea how hard this has been for me," Blaine said, his voice growing slightly louder.
"And if dad can't accept you for loving someone unconditionally, instead of loving someone half-heartedly, than he's losing out on your love for him," Cooper scooted closer. He placed his arm around his brother's shoulder and said, "You're going to take time to heal. It's not something to get over in a night."
"You have no idea," Blaine shrugged his arm off. "You haven't been around enough to know what it's like for me."
"But I want you to know that, starting today, I'm going to be a better brother. I'm going to be here for you and we'll be our own family," he smiled.
"I don't need you to decide what kind of family I need," Blaine growled, avoiding his brother's gaze.
"Unfortunately, I don't think you know what they're really like. Mom will follow dad around like a lost puppy as long as she's alive. As for dad, screw him. You don't need that poison anyway," Cooper gave him a pat on the back. "Blaine, come on, we're all each other has."
"Kurt and Rachel are my family," Blaine said. "You haven't been around since dad shoved you out the door."
"I'm sorry. I know you've been through a lot," Cooper sat back, slightly alarmed.
"Oh, you're sorry?" Blaine stood up. "You understand? You don't know the hell I've put myself through. You have no idea how hard it's been."
"If you'd just talk to me," Cooper said.
"And tell you what?" Blaine crossed his arms over his chest. "How I felt out of place for years, and you never noticed. How I spent three years with a girl that I knew I'd never be able to love in that way. How I got that same girl pregnant around the time that I finally found a guy that made me comfortable enough to realize I couldn't live like this anymore. How I had to find a way to break that pregnant girl's heart without causing her so much stress that I could hurt my baby. How I had to tell my prejudice father all of this, knowing he would never accept my boyfriend or the mistakes I will never be able to fix."
Cooper was silent for a moment, watching Blaine breathe heavily. He finally stood up and said, "I understand that's hard for you."
Blaine shook his head, "hard for me? You don't know the hell I feel every single day. I feel guilty for breaking Rachel. I feel like, if I can't be a good enough son, I'm damn well guaranteed to not be a good father either. I feel so much burden for the lies and the pain I have built up over the years. You don't know how much I dread what will happen. I am baffled that Kurt can tell me he loves me after the shit I've put him through. I am amazed that Rachel wants me to be a part of her child's life when I have shattered her heart." Tears began rolling down his cheeks and his voice cracked when he said. "My heart is so heavy with guilt that I can barely stand to be around myself."
At the pained expression on his boyfriend's face, kurt stood up and whispered, "Blaine, honey..." He had no idea he had been in this much pain. Kurt could guess that the drama with his father had resurfaced some feelings.
"Come on, B," Cooper stepped toward him. "Take a deep breath."
"Don't touch me," Blaine backed up, breathing heavily.
Rising from her chair, Rachel rubbed her belly and took a deep breath, "Let's just talk about this."
"I have nothing to say to any of you right now. I didn't ask you or Kurt to bring my brother here. I didn't ask you to help me. This is my battle," Blaine breathed.
"We just wanted to help," Rachel said innocently. Her brown eyes full of a deep sorrow.
His voice shook and he said, "I have fought so damn hard to try to correct the mistakes I've made. In the process it's caused a domino effect full of drama, but I do not need his help," he pointed at Cooper. "I don't need anyone's help, because there is no right way to fix this. I screwed up one too many times... Maybe I should have kept my secrets to myself. Everyone would have been happy but me."
"Blaine, stop," Cooper stepped forward.
"Leave me alone," Blaine hissed. Turning on his heel, he bolted for the front door, leaving it open behind him.
Cooper spun in a circle, grunting in frustration. Rachel sank in a chair, clutching her belly. They were both at a loss. But Kurt stared after Blaine. Something he said stung more than he thought it would.
Blaine had said before that he should have stayed with Rachel, and Kurt brushed it aside, because he knew Blaine was distraught. But Blaine thinking that staying with Rachel would have made everyone happy was a wrong accusation.
He was wrong. If Blaine had stayed with Rachel, Kurt would still be with Dylan. He's still be pining for Blaine and unhappy. Blaine's mistakes had led to Kurt's happiness. Blaine's mistakes had led them to each other. So if Blaine was regretting his mistakes, did that mean Blaine was regretting Kurt as well?