Remind Me to Forget
Chapter 33
Author's Notes: It's been forever; I'm sorry! In case any of you were wondering, job hunting is awful. Truly, truly awful. Thank you for all your continued support though; your kudos and comments always make my day better. Also, a special thank you to slayerkitty for putting up with my continued, "I hate everything" rants on G-chat (while offering feedback) and also thanks to her husband for input on the legal proceedings! I hope all of you lovely readers enjoy this chapter since it fought me.
Kurt watches Blaine sleep, grateful at least one of them is able to rest. The dim lighting hides the worst of Blaine's bruises, and for a moment Kurt can pretend more healing has occurred than is possible given when Blaine sustained the injuries.
Exhaustion has Kurt rubbing his eyes, but he can't bring himself to lie down beside Blaine. He knows that if it tries he'll end up in the position he is in now, staring at Blaine, just with the added worry that he'll wake up his fiancé as he attempts to find sleep. Kurt sighs, leans back in his chair to pull Blaine's ring from his pocket. He stares at the silver band in his palm before closing his fingers, hiding it from view.
The ring is a promise, and one he can't wait to make with Blaine, and yet the reality of beeping monitors and wires leading from Blaine make it hard for Kurt to focus on their hopes for the future –
"I can't wait to take you to Guitar Emporium, Blaine. It's so much better than Between the Sheets, and –" Kurt stops, taking in Blaine's intent gaze on the blanket. "You're not listening to a word I'm saying, are you?"
Silence reigns for a moment before Blaine jolts out of his thoughts, turning to Kurt with a contrite expression. "Sorry I – sorry. What did you want to do in New York?"
"Blaine," Kurt sighs, leaning forward, "don't be sorry; I'm not upset. Just…tell me what you're thinking about?" Kurt has a suspicion, but he doesn't want to voice it on the chance he's wrong.
"'m stil rn'n."
"What?" Kurt likes to think he's fluent in all things Blaine, but the mumbled response tests even his skills.
"I'm still running."
"What?" Kurt repeats; unfortunately, the enunciated words still don't make sense.
Blaine sighs. "I ran after Sadie Hawkins…I ran and I don't think I every really stopped." Kurt reaches for Blaine's hand, hopes the connection reminds his fiancé that he's not alone. "They showed up Kurt," Blaine continues in a quiet voice. "They showed up and I hid behind your parents."
"You didn't hide," Kurt snaps, giving voice to his anger as he stresses the last word. "You didn't! You stood up for yourself and don't you dare begin to feel guilty. The only thing you're supposed to focus on is getting better. And your parents," Kurt hisses the word, "wouldn't help with that. One day you'll – we'll – make them see what they've missed, but you have other priorities right now."
Blaine gives an absent hum of acknowledgement before turning, facing Kurt. "I know you're right. I do. I just…" Blaine pauses, and Kurt briefly tightens his hold on Blaine's hand. "They're my parents," Blaine murmurs, "and I don't…I can't see my dad," Kurt looks away the name, hopes Blaine missed the way his jaw clenched in anger. "I can't," Blaine continues, "but Mom showed up; that counts for something, doesn't it?"
Kurt lets out a breath and turns back to Blaine. He waits a moment, searching for words beyond the anger clouding his thoughts. "It doesn't outweigh the fact that you don't want to see her," he finally answers. "And honestly? That's the only thing I care about."
"You've always been single-minded," Blaine half-heartedly teases. The humor is short lived, though, vanishing even as Blaine continues speaking. "Part of me wants to ask her why," Blaine pauses, and Kurt wonders which 'why' Blaine's considering, "just to know. But even that – it's not enough."
"No," Kurt agrees, "it's not."
The door opening startles Kurt from his thoughts, has him lurching forward in his chair before he catches himself on the bedrail.
"Sorry," Jamie comments from by the door, her soft voice barely carrying across the small space. "But in my defense, most people are asleep at this time of the morning."
"You're awake."
"That I am," Jamie answers as she begins typing on the computer. "But I also slept all day since I'm supposed to be awake right now. I'm guessing," Jamie continues as she moves to stand on the opposite side of Blaine's bed, "that you didn't have my schedule, though. So what has you up at this hour?"
For a moment, Kurt's tempted to simply point to Blaine, to gesture to the monitors and IV bags and all things hospital and answer the question with an exaggerated wave that leaves Jamie wondering why she bothered to ask. But a glance shows Jamie standing still, obviously waiting for his response.
"Too many thoughts in my head," Kurt finally manages, going for a vague truth.
"Hate it when that happens," Jamie replies, "and sadly there's no 'off' button."
Kurt manages a half smile. "It would be so nice if there were."
"Hm," Jamie hums in agreement. "I'm guessing you don't want to talk about it, either. Well," she continues once Kurt's shaken his head, "in that case, do you mind waking Blaine up for me?"
Despite the location Blaine looks peaceful, and for a moment Kurt wants nothing more than to let Blaine sleep. A glance shows Jamie looking expectant, however, and Kurt turns back to Blaine with a sigh.
"Blaine," Kurt leans forward and adjusts Blaine's blanket. "Blaine. We need you to wake up, okay? Just for a minute." Kurt continues to murmur soft words, tracing the outline of Blaine's chest beneath the blanket before Blaine finally blinks awake.
"K –" Kurt smiles and Blaine tries again. "Kurt?"
"Still here," Kurt murmurs, "and I know it doesn't really count as morning yet, but Jamie needs to talk to you for a minute, okay?"
Blaine nods but Kurt ignores his fiancé's words to the nurse, focuses instead on the way Blaine's free hand clutches the blue throw, the way his mouth tightens as Jamie checks his injuries. Kurt smiles when Blaine turns to face him after Jamie's stepped away and briefly tightens his hold on Blaine's hand.
"What," Kurt questions when Blaine continues to just stare. "I know sweatpants and a t-shirt aren't the epitome of my fashion sense, but –"
"You're perfect," Blaine interrupts, "but why're you up?"
"Couldn't sleep," Kurt answers with a shrug. "Rumor has it hospitals can make it difficult."
"You could've gone with your parents –"
"No, I couldn't," Kurt comments as he leans forward. "I told you I'm not leaving here til you come with me, and I keep my promises."
"Kurt –"
"Now," Kurt interrupts as he stands, "Why don't we try and catch up on sleep, okay?"
"Goin' to tuck me in? Blaine questions as Kurt reaches for the blankets Burt had brought earlier.
"I'm going to tuck us both in," Kurt smiles as he eases onto the bed beside Blaine and pulls up the throws, adjusting them so they don't become tangled in Blaine IV and monitors.
"You're –" Kurt studiously ignores the pause and Blaine's tightened grip on his hand. "You're the best," Blaine finishes moments later from Kurt's shoulder.
"Of course I am," Kurt answers, hoping his light tone hides the anger/worry/fear at Blaine's pain. "Just breathe, okay?"
"'s not that bad."
"I think we have differing definitions, Blaine." Kurt murmurs as he drops a kiss to Blaine's hair.
"Why –" A breath before Blaine continues, "Why couldn't you sleep?"
For a moment, Kurt thinks of how he answered the same question minutes earlier, wonders if Blaine's tired enough to believe the same half-truth.
"I was just thinking about how strong my fiancé is," Kurt finally replies.
"Kurt," Blaine shifts, looks up and meets Kurt's gaze. "Really. Why were you up?"
"I was thinking about you," Kurt affirms. "About how you've overcome so much and I was wondering," Kurt sighs and tightens his hold on Blaine's hand. "I was wondering how it is that you can't see it.
"Even before…" Kurt lets the sentence trail off, gesturing to the room instead. "Sadie Hawkins, your parents. You're the strongest man I know, and I can't wait to be married to you."
Blaine stays silent, his only response to lean further against Kurt's shoulder. He stays there even after Jamie returns so Kurt merely offers her a nod when the nurse approaches the bed and adds the medication to Blaine's IV. Kurt ignores the blush he feels heating his cheeks when Jamie winks at him; he may not be used to showing his affection for Blaine in public, but he's not ashamed.
"Well, that's certainly a better position for sleeping," Jamie comments as she discards her gloves. "You're lying down and everything. I'll keep ignoring that little bend in the rules as long as you actually do sleep, okay?"
"I'll do my best," Kurt murmurs as he straightens the blankets. "It's not like I actually want to stay up all night."
"Well I can't give you what he got, but if you really are having trouble I could talk to the on-call doctor…"
"No," Kurt's shaking his head before she finishes the sentence, "thanks though."
"Alright, then I'm off to finish rounds; just do me a favor and be sleeping when I come back, okay?" A smile and then Jamie thoughtfully turns off the lights as she leaves; Kurt focuses on how the shadows play across Blaine's face before exhaustion settles, and he follows Blaine into sleep.
Burt runs a hand over his hat and pinches the bridge of his nose. The hospital hasn't changed in the ten hours he's been gone, but the sharp smell of antiseptic cleaner and harsh lighting seem a touch more grating than usual.
"– not listening to a word I'm saying, are you."
"What? Sorry," Burt turns to face Carole. "You were saying?"
"I was wondering," Carole questions, "if you'd heard from Greg?"
"No," Burt stops. "Why would I be hearin' from Greg?"
Carole sighs. "I'm glad you haven't. I was just…worried. After yesterday."
Burt pauses, takes a moment to rub the exhaustion from his eyes. "Did she say somethin' else to you?
"She didn't need to," Carole comments as she steps closer, "since I think they were pretty clear in the waiting room. I just keep remembering how adamant they were about talking to a lawyer."
"They can talk all they want," Burt mutters, "but they're not gonna get anywhere. I don't want to go against Blaine's wishes, but I still have those photos from March, and I have no problem tellin' those officers exactly why Blaine named us as his contacts."
"I hate this," Carole responds, "I hate that they're making us consider breaking our word. This isn't a white lie about the pain from a shot because the benefits outweigh the discomfort: This is rebreaking a bone to prevent damage. All of it is painful."
"It sucks," Burt agrees, "but I've heard that's the hardest part of parenthood."
"Blaine deserves better."
"Well," Burt turns and offers Carole a smile, "I have it on good authority that he's getting the best in-laws anyone could ask for."
"I can't believe I ever thought you were a humble man, Burt Hummel." The response holds a hint of amusement though, and Burt feels a rush of relief at the sound.
"No reason to be humble about family," Burt says with a nod, "especially ours."
Carole hums in agreement as Burt picks up the phone to gain entrance to Blaine's floor. "We do have some pretty great boys," Carole comments as they head down the hall. "I still don't know how they do it, really, with all they've been through. And now," Burt reaches for Carole's hand at the catch in her voice, "I was so relieved when he woke up – so happy. But now….Kurt's right: Blaine has a long road ahead of him."
"He does," Burt agrees, "but he won't be alone."
"No," Carole draws out the word even as she stops in the middle of the hall. "He won't; we won't let him be. But how do we do this, Burt? How do we help him when I'm torn between keeping him away from all of this and demanding he make another statement that will keep that – that will force the police to lock up the person who did this?"
"We do it the same way we did when he came to stay with us," Burt answers as he steps aside, leading Carole so they're leaning against the wall. "And we've been worryin' since we became parents."
"This is different, and you know it."
Burt hums in response before tightening his grip on Carole's hand. "It is. But that's why we're going to take Dr. Olt's advice and talk with the experts to get the help we'll need."
Carole nods.
"When I was pregnant with Finn I think I read every parenting book in the library," the slight change in topic leaves Burt blinking in surprise, but Carole's soft, flat voice keeps him silent. "I wanted to be prepared," she continues, "and I thought I was, until I was actually holding my baby. All the knowledge in the world wasn't enough, then. And Finn," Carole pauses, takes a breath. "Finn was good; I know he was. But I still went to bed every night wondering if I should have done something differently. And Blaine's been through so much – I can't risk saying the wrong thing. I don't want to remind him of her, Burt."
"We're not the Andersons," Burt answers, "and you've stayed. You gave Kurt a mother again and I have no doubt you'll continue to do the same for Blaine."
"I hope so," Carole whispers before clearing her throat. "But I think you could give that therapist a run for his money."
Burt laughs. "Still a mechanic, and as one I say we stop focusing on something that might not happen. There's no need for us to go borrowin' trouble, so why don't we go check on the boys."
At Carole's nod Burt steps away from the wall, keeping hold of Carole's hand as he leads the way to Blaine's room. He pauses outside the door though, letting out a sigh even as he steps to the side.
"Burt?"
"Just need a minute," Burt answers, eying Blaine's room number. "I don't wanna go in there thinkin' of anything other than them." The hall echoes with the always-present announcements and the steady hum of countless conversations serve as a reminder of his location, but Burt's unfortunately well accustomed to the hospital.
He's not accustomed to remembering the harsh words from Mr. Anderson while crossing the waiting room, or feeling the need to double check with Blaine's nurses about the approved visitor's list.
And he can't enter Blaine's room when all he can remember is the way Blaine had impersonated a statue when he'd heard of his parents' arrival.
Burt blinks, stares at the 309 until he's focused on the present.
"Better?" Carole questions as he steps away from the wall.
"Just reminding myself it's a new day."
"That it is," Carole comments as she takes Burt's hand, "so let's go see our boys."
"Thank you," Blaine murmurs as Burt moves the rollaway table against the wall.
"No problem kid," Burt answers as he moves to the chair beside Blaine's bed. "So how're you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Blaine leans further into Kurt's side and offers a smile. "And thanks again for the blankets."
Blaine closes his eyes as Kurt shares his opinion of the hospital issued blankets, content to let the sounds of conversation drift over him. He can almost pretend he's curled up with Kurt on the sofa in Burt and Carole's living room.
The burst of pain as he shifts shatters the illusion.
His hiss stops the hum of conversation, and when he opens his eyes he has the gazes of the entire Hudson-Hummel family.
"Do you want me to get Christine?"
Blaine shakes his head in answer and turns his face into Kurt's shoulder. "-'m fine," he mumbles, "just turned the wrong way."
"Hm," Kurt turns slightly and Blaine looks up to face him.
"Kurt?"
"I believe you," Kurt quickly answers, the words slurring, "but I also know we disagree on 'fine' so don't –" Kurt sighs. "Don't pretend, okay?"
"I think what Kurt means," Burt cuts in before Blaine can think of a reply, "is that we all want you better, kid, so there's no sense in sayin' you're fine if you're hurtin' right now."
"I –" Blaine stops, stares at the blanket and swallows, taking a moment to listen to the beeping of the monitors and relish the feel of Kurt's solid warmth against his side. "I am okay, promise, but…thank you."
To his left, Burt nods and steps forward, giving Blaine's uninjured shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Glad to hear it."
Blaine feels his lips twitch, attempt a smile that can't form due to stitches and bruising. He glances away moments later, though, unable to look at Burt as the worry from the night before returns. "Mr. Hummel?"
Blaine leans more into Kurt's side as Burt leans forward. "Blaine?"
"Are –" Blaine loosens his grip on Kurt's hand, loosely fiddles with Kurt's fingers. "Are my parents still here?"
Kurt catches Blaine's hand.
Silence stretches until Blaine forces himself to turn, sees Burt glance to Carole before sighing. "I don't know, kid. I – we haven't heard from 'em since they left yesterday."
Blaine closes his eyes.
"They can't bother you, Blaine." Kurt murmurs, "I won't let them."
"He's right," Burt agrees. "They can't even get on the floor, remember?"
Absently, Blaine nods against Kurt's chest. "I know."
"Do you?" Blaine startles at Carole's question, and a glance shows her stepping forward and resting a hand on his blanket covered leg and the other on the bed's rail. "When Kurt called that day, it wasn't a question. You know that right?" She sighs but when Blaine looks up he only takes in Carole's profile. "We didn't –" she sighs and Blaine sees her knuckles bleach white against the rail. "You're Kurt's fiancé, but that's not all you are. You're part of our family and it doesn't matter if your last name isn't Hummel. And we look after each other. So don't – don't worry about your parents, okay?"
Blaine takes a moment, leans further into Kurt so he can breathe in the light scent of Kurt's cologne and the Hummel's laundry detergent over the plastic, medicinal air from his nasal cannula. A blink and he turns away to face Carole.
"Th –" Blaine swallows, "Thank you, Mrs. Hummel."
"It's Carole," she counters as she moves to stand to Blaine's left. "You're family – going to be my son-in-law and everything – so call me Carole." Blaine nods even as Carole leans forward, carefully taking his free hand. It's not enough, though, so Blaine eases away from Kurt with a slight hiss of pain as Carole draws him into a gentle hug.
It's different from the hugs he remembers receiving from his mother. It's not the polite pat after he's received an award; it's not the lingering, don't-forget hugs before he's left alone in the house; it's not the tight, relief-filled hug after he'd heard a gunshot at school.
It's gentle, comforting in a way he vaguely remembers from his childhood: It's a mother's hug.
Blaine ignores the sting and pain in his eyes and the growing discomfort in his side, keeps his face against Carole's shoulder as he finally cries.
"Are you sure you're okay with moving?" Kurt ignores the pauses in Blaine's question, focuses instead on the hand in his.
"Of course," Kurt smiles, tightening his hold on Blaine's hand. "Once we can afford it I can't wait for our own place."
"I –" Blaine stops, winces before carefully moving on the bed. "I just wanted to check; I know you love the loft."
Kurt hums in agreement before turning slightly, waiting until Blaine's met his gaze to continue. "The loft will be even better once you're there for the summer," Kurt adds, swallowing his worry that their plans may change. "But that's only for a few months, and then we'll have our own place. Besides," Kurt continues, studiously ignoring the beeping monitors, "I don't want to deal with Santana's comments about our private life for a minute longer than necessary."
Blaine laughs, just once before it's stopped by a wince, but the sound has Kurt smiling regardless. "I'm guessing Santana would have some…interesting statements?"
"That's putting it mildly," Kurt answers, glad he Blaine are alone in the room; silently, he hopes they take their time finding lunch. "She already comments and you've been in Ohio; I don't want to think about what she'll say when we're sharing a room."
"Well," Kurt looks up at the teasing note in Blaine's voice, "if she's going to make comments regardless I guess we'll have to make it worth her while?"
"Blaine Anderson!" Kurt drops his gaze, silently cursing his pale complexion as he feels his cheeks heat with a blush. "I'm beginning to think those meds have made you shameless." For a moment after his response Kurt freezes, second guessing his teasing.
"Maybe," Blaine smiles as best he can given his stitches, and Kurt lets out a breath. "But," he pauses, and when he speaks again the teasing is gone, "do you really think she'd be that bad?"
Kurt bites back the 'yes!' that immediately comes to mind. "I don't know. Maybe? But even if she's not…I'd like to have our own place. Somewhere for just you and me…not a wall-less loft with multiple roommates. And," Kurt smiles, "don't you want our own space? Where we can decorate however we want, and we don't have to worry about nosey roommates?"
"'Course I do," Blaine answers, "but can we afford it in the fall? New York's expensive."
Kurt leans forward, looks to his and Blaine's clasped hands and smiles at the sight of his ring. "It is," he agrees, "but I can save any extra tip money, and I'm sure you'll find something part-time too so we can save up for a deposit."
"Then we will," Blaine replies. "We'll find the perfect place."
"Dad said we can take some of the furniture from my old room at the house, if we need it."
"They've already helped so much –"
"They want to, Blaine," Kurt interrupts, "you know they do. Hey," he continues when Blaine looks away, "what's wrong?"
"It's not –" Blaine stops as the door opens, and Kurt turns to glare rather than yell in frustration.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," the voice is kind, and Kurt takes a moment to appreciate the woman's taste in clothes (grey pantsuit, with a turquoise button-up for a pop of color) even as he bites back a 'you are' in response to her comment. "One of the nurses told me you were awake," she continues, "and I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Valarie Whitmore," she smiles.
"Kurt Hummel," Kurt replies as he accepts her handshake. "I'm Blaine's fiancé. It's nice to meet you, Ms. Whitmore."
"Please," she comments as she hands Kurt a business card, "feel free to call me Val."
"What exactly," Kurt questions as stares at the card, "is a victim advocate?"
"They help victims of crime," Blaine whispers from beside him. "She's here to discuss our options."
Kurt turns back. "You had one before."
"Julie," Blaine confirms with a nod. "She was nice. I think she first suggested I switch schools."
Kurt makes note to find out Julie's last name; he'll need to send a gift basket later.
"Well," Valarie comments from Kurt's vacated chair, "even though it sounds like you have an idea of my job, how about I explain it to you both anyway. I'm not a lawyer, and while I work with the prosecutor and the police department I'm not employed by them. But," she lowers her voice, "I have spoken with Officer Randall."
"What did he say?" Kurt questions as he reaches for Blaine's hand.
"Nothing he hasn't shared with you already; I just wanted to let you know since I'll reference it when we talk about what happens next. But," Kurt suppresses a sigh as she glances at his and Blaine's joined hands, "is there anyone else you'd like to be here before I do?"
Kurt looks to Blaine. "My parents went to get lunch. They should be back soon, I think."
"Well I don't mind waiting. But in the meantime," Valarie leans forward, "why don't we get to know one another?"
Kurt shifts a bit on the bed as Blaine leans a bit more of his weight against him. Kurt knows Blaine's reached the stage where he's feeling the beginnings of pain; the drowsiness wearing off and leaving lucidity comes with a price.
Blaine tightens his hold on Kurt's hand and Kurt squeezes back. "So," Kurt starts as he turns to face Valarie, "what would you like to know?"
"How did you two meet?"
"A dare," Kurt smiles. "I went to spy on his acapella group." At Valarie's widened eyes Kurt continues the story, pausing only when Blaine interjects with his own additions.
Kurt's describing the thrill of Regionals when the door opening stops him midsentence.
"Got you that chicken teriyaki thing you like, kiddo. And don't worry, my turkey was on wheat and Carole replaced my mayo with mustard so –" Burt stops halfway in the room. "Sorry, I didn't realize someone else was here. Burt Hummel."
Kurt watches as Valarie stands. "It's no problem," she comments as she shakes his dad's hand. "I'm Valarie Whitmore; I'm a victim advocate and work with the prosecutor's office."
"Do you have some new information?" Carole's question has Valarie taking a step to the left so she's face Kurt's stepmother.
"I know as much as you do," Valarie answers. "I'm here to talk about Blaine's options; my job is to help him – and all of you, really – with what happens next."
"And what is that?" Kurt winces at his father's harsh tone, but stays silent when he sees Carole's subtly shake her head.
"Why don't we all take a seat," Valarie answers, "and I'll explain."
His parents nod and moments later Kurt takes the bag with his sub as his dad crosses the room to take the seat in the chair closest to Blaine's IV pole. "How're you feelin' kid?"
Blaine turns at the question, and Kurt subtly shifts his weight at the change. "I'm fine, Mr. Hummel," Blaine answers.
Kurt feels the hitch in Blaine's breathing, though, and tightens his grip on Blaine's hand in response.
"I know you're not fine," Kurt murmurs near Blaine's ear, "but I know it's not too bad yet, either and you have another hour before Christine's back. So just remember that I'm here and I'll never say no to holding your hand, okay?"
"Okay."
"I mean it," Kurt whispers, "and if it does get worse, I don't care about the timetable; I'll call the nurse's station so fast –"
"I love you," Blaine interrupts, "and –"
"Boys," Kurt startles slightly at his father's voice. "You can flirt later; I believe Ms. Whitmore was goin' to give us some information."
"He thinks he's funny," Kurt mumbles as he lifts his head and turns to the left, ignoring his blush even as Carole offers him a smile from her seat in the fold-out recliner.
"So," Val comments from her reclaimed seat, "I spoke with Officer Randall. He and Brian – sorry, Officer Daniels – are working on your case, okay Blaine? But, if you feel up to it, can you tell me what happened in our own words?"
Kurt freezes.
Blaine's hand tenses under his, but Kurt keeps his own steady and refuses to let Blaine pull away. Kurt looks away from Val then, keeps his eyes on Blaine as Blaine begins to speak (haltingly, quiet in a way that leaves Kurt's free hand white-knuckled on the bed) and retell the nightmare that Kurt hates is reality.
"Take a breath, kid." His dad's comment pulls Kurt from his thoughts, and he pushes away images of Blaine bleeding in a parking lot. The Blaine in front on him isn't bleeding, but the lines of tension around his fiancé's eyes have Kurt leaning forward.
"Dad's right," Kurt murmurs, "just breathe, okay? Breathe with me."
"Thank you, Blaine," Val's tone echoes that of his father and Kurt appreciates her professionalism. "I know that must have been difficult; I'm sorry you've had to go through that."
"What happens next?"
"I don't have a definitive answer for you," Val answers Carole, "a lot of that will depend on both the police and the D.A. But I can tell you what I'll do next: I'm here to help Blaine – all of you – and whether that's through helping with counseling, or discussing the possibility of compensation, or going with you to court I'm there."
"Going to court?" It takes a moment for Blaine's question to register, for Kurt to realize the question was voiced, that it wasn't still circling in his head.
"It's a possibility," Val answers, "but that will ultimately be up to the D.A. So," she quickly continues, "we'll discuss that if that comes up. For now, I'd like to focus on what I can do for you today: Do you have any questions? Is there anything you'd like me to do to help you right now?"
The beeping of Blaine's monitors fills the silence following the question.
"Blaine's been seeing Dr. Schamp," Carole finally answers. "And Burt and I –" Carole takes a breath, "we've spoken with someone in the past. Thank you for the offer, though."
"It's my job," Val comments with a smile. "I –"
The door opens and Kurt watches Christine enter with a wave. "Sorry. I hope I'm not interrupting, Val, but I have to check on our superstar."
"I can step out –"
"If Blaine's okay with it," Christine interrupts Val, "I can just pull the curtain?"
"I don't mind," Blaine replies. "She can talk with Mr. and Mrs. Hummel?"
Beside him, Carole's already standing, moving aside as Christine reaches to pull the 80s inspired curtain behind the recliner. By the time the curtain created makeshift wall Kurt's parents' voices are murmurs, recognizable but indistinct.
"Hi Blaine, Kurt," Christine nods as she logs into the computer. "Busy day?"
"Informative," Kurt answers.
"Val's good at what she does," Christine comments as she turns away from the computer to face the bed.
"You know her?"
"Mhm," Christine hums in agreement to Blaine's question. "We have lunch sometimes, when we're here at the same time."
"She seems nice."
"She is, but I'd like to talk about you, Blaine." She scans his ID bracelet, "So remind me again; what's your name and birthday?"
Kurt ignores Blaine's sigh as he answers, focuses instead on carefully moving so he's standing beside Blaine's bed in preparation for Christine's exam.
"D'you have the 'ntinausea med, too?"
"You're feeling sick? Why didn't you tell me –"
"I wasn't gonna throw up," Blaine interrupts, "promise."
"That's not the point –"
"I can get the anti-nausea med when I get your painkiller, Blaine. I'm just going to check your incisions first, okay?"
"Just let me pull focus," Kurt musters a smile and reaches for Blaine's hand, purposefully keeps his eyes away from where Christine's moving blankets and Blaine's hospital gown. "Santana texted me earlier and I'm supposed to tell you 'hi' by the way."
"She – she said that?"
"I'm paraphrasing," Kurt replies as he leans forward. "Christine deserves better than to be subjected to quotes from Santana."
"Who's Santana?"
"She's one of my roommates in New York," Kurt answers. "We were all in Glee in high school, though."
"And that warrants your paraphrasing her words for me?"
"Santana likes to ignore conventional conversational etiquette." Kurt answers absently, tightening his hold on Blaine's hand and forcibly not acknowledging Blaine's pained hiss as Christine adjusts Blaine's bandages.
"Sounds like someone I should meet," Christine comments as she fixes Blaine's hospital gown. "And you were great, Blaine. I'll just step out to get your meds now, okay?"
She steps around the curtain and Kurt moves the wires and IV line before carefully sitting next to Blaine and catching his trembling hand. "She'll be right back, but until then I'll tell you what Santana actually said, okay?"
Blaine nods.
Carole turns away as the pulled curtain hides the boys from view.
"You said you've spoken with Officer Randall?" Burt's quiet question has Carole taking a step closer to her husband.
"I have," Ms. Whitmore - Val – confirms. "I spoke with him earlier today, actually."
"Do they have him?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Blaine identified his attacker to the officers when they took his statement. Do they have Stephen Parsons in custody?"
"I don't know," Val answers. "They were still reviewing evidence this morning."
"Right," Carole looks to Burt, takes in his clenched jaw and reaches for his hand. He unclenches his fist and clasps her hand before continuing. "When they were reviewing evidence while you were there…did you happen to see that delinquent's address?"
"Burt!"
"Technically," Burt comments as he stares at the curtain, "I'm his representative in Congress; I'm supposed to speak with my constituents." The flat tone has Carole tightening her grip on Burt's hand.
"I don't know his address, Mr. Hummel," Val answers, "but even if I did you know I couldn't tell you."
"I know," Burt sighs as he adjusts his hat with his free hand. "I just –" Burt stops midsentence, starts again. "They're still just kids. Good kids. And I wanna know what offense Stephen Parsons thinks Blaine committed."
"This is a difficult time," Val carefully answers. "And traumas like this," she makes a vague gesture around the room, "affect people differently. Each trauma is different, just as every person is different. Now I know you said you have a therapist, but I have some pamphlets, or if you ever just want to talk I've been told I'm a pretty good listener."
"Thank you," Carole smiles. "I'm sure we'll take you up on that…eventually."
"It's what I'm here for," Val shrugs.
Christine emerges from the curtain then, offering a smile as she heads for the door. "I'll be right back."
"Mr. Hummel," Val comments as the door shuts, "I'll have some paperwork and informational letters for Blaine later – for all of you, really. I only mention it because I want to make sure I b ring enough copies; will I need some for Blaine's parents, too?"
Carole holds in a wince as Burt's hand clenches in hers. "They got into town yesterday," Burt mutters, "but Blaine's requested not to see them."
If the admission startles Val, she doesn't show it. "It's good he has you, then."
Burt hums in agreement and Carole takes a step closer. "It's no trouble. Burt was right earlier; Blaine's a good kid."
"And his parents?" Carole drops her gaze at Val's question. "I don't mean to pry," Val continues, "but I'd like to help in whatever way I can."
Christine enters then, offers a quick wave before disappearing behind the curtain.
"He'll be out soon," Burt comments with a nod toward Blaine's bed. "Those medications are pretty strong. I don't mind tellin' you about his parents, and you should know since you're gonna be around for a while. But Blaine doesn't…" Burt lets the sentence trail off, sighs and meets Carole's gaze before starting again. "Let's wait til he's sleeping to talk about his parents."
"Unless you have to leave," Carole adds. "We're not keeping you from something, are we?"
"No," Val shakes her head. "I'm here for as long as you need me."
"Well then," Carole comments as Christine begins pulling back the curtain, "let's get comfortable."