"Okay guys, listen up!" Mr. Schue calls over the chatter as he walks into the choir room, followed by a man and a woman dressed in suits. "As you are all aware, Blaine Anderson was very badly beaten on New Years Eve. So badly in fact, that he is still in hospital recovering from his injuries. Now I know it's not a nice thing to have to discuss on your first day back, but these people here need to ask you all some questions. Miss Pillsbury and myself will be here throughout, so there's no need to be worried or afraid. You just need to tell the truth so we can try and bring whoever did this to justice."

The man stands and clears his throat. Rachel narrows her eyes at him, she doesn't trust him before he's even opened his mouth. He has a moustache anyway.

"Good afternoon. I am Detective Myers, from Lima police, and this is Mrs. Collins- the social worker assigned to this case. We just need to ask you all some questions about New Years Eve if that's okay."

"Why?" Mercedes asks, "None of us were there."

"We are aware of that," Mrs. Collins interjects, "But we need to establish what motive the attacker had, and we think you may be able to shed some light on the situation."

"We all know who did it," Sam says, trying to stay calm though he feels like the adults are all patronizing them. "It was Kurt's...I mean, Mr. Hummel's ex-boyfriend. Blaine said it was."

"Yes, he did. And Mr. Crawford is currently being held for questioning. Mr. Hummel himself also claims it was Mr. Crawford, and said he witnessed the start of the attack. The question is, why would a teacher's ex-partner go looking for a student, and why was Mr. Hummel with your friend, alone, on New Years Eve?" Detective Myers sits back in his seat smugly, as the entire choir room falls silent.

"I have to ask..." Mrs. Collins says into the silence, "And I want you all to know that what you say in this room will go no further- but I have to ask, has Mr. Hummel ever behaved toward you or another pupil in a manner that has given you cause for concern? Have you ever seen him look at a student inappropriately, has he ever made any lewd or suggestive comments?"

"What?!" Santana yells, "No! This is complete bullshit. Mr. Hummel is an amazing teacher. This is supposed to be about getting justice for Blaine, not questioning Mr. Hummel's ethics. He's above board anyway." The group is stirred to life by Santana's angry outburst, and murmurs of dissent start as the two officers glance at one another.

"I'm not so sure about that." Mrs. Collins says primly. "He was alone, with Mr. Anderson. Their car was parked in the furthest corner of the parking lot. Mr. Crawford reports that the pair were spotted kissing as they left the drugstore."

"You'd better watch your mouth, whoever you are." Santana spits, eyes flashing with fire. "You are on dangerous ground with me right now."

"Santana!" Mr. Schue breaks in, "Don't speak to Mrs. Collins that way. I understand you're upset, but she has a difficult job to do. We need to know what Blaine's relationship was- or is- with Mr. Hummel so we can ascertain what led Mr. Crawford to act as he did."

"I would like to know what you are insinuating," Rachel pipes up. "Blaine is my best friend. He was on his way to my New Years party that night. I asked him to pick up Mr. Hummel for me- who was also a guest- because Finn, his step brother, was already at my house helping me set up. As Blaine would be driving right past it made sense for him to ride with Blaine rather than sending Finn out again." Rachel takes a trembling breath but holds the officers gaze in a steady, calm stare of her own. Quinn squeezes her hand before continuing.

"Rachel is right. We all knew Blaine was giving Mr. Hummel a ride."

"Why was your teacher attending your high school party?" Detective Myers asks, feeling sure that the group are now trapped.

"Oh, she should have explained." Quinn carries on blithely, "Rachel is dating Mr. Hummel's brother. So we thought it would be nice to invite Mr. Hummel too, so Finn wouldn't feel left out."

"That's right." Tina chimes in. "We all went ice skating on Christmas eve as well. Half the school were there so you can ask other people if you don't believe us. I know he's our teacher, but Glee is different. Mr. Schue will tell you. You get to know a small bunch of kids better than you know the others because you spend so much time together. Mr. Hummel spends a lot of his spare time with Finn, so it makes sense for him to tag along when we all go out as a group. The last time I checked there wasn't anything inappropriate about that."

"That's as maybe." Mrs. Collins says, clearly flustered. "But there is another side to all this. The pair stopped at a drugstore as you know. The cashier says they were his only customers all evening. He reports them to have been acting very much like a couple. Their arms were linked and they were laughing and smiling."

"God forbid!" Sam exclaims in mock horror, causing the others to titter. "Y'know sometimes, I escort Tina to Spanish. In fact, I even sit next to her. She always links her arm through mine, and sometimes, we laugh. Maybe I should publicly apologize to Mike here. I should also say sorry to Brittany, Santana, and even Finn when I see him next. I wasn't aware linking arms and laughing with a friend was such a problem."

"Then there is the small matter of what they were buying." Detective Myers calls over the hubub, and the room falls silent again.

"What?" Quinn asks.

"Ahem...well...ahem...a box of condoms and a bottle of lubricant were found in Mr. Anderson's car, along with a receipt which shows that Mr. Hummel paid on his credit card for the items."

"They're mine." Puck- who had been silent until now, stands suddenly as every head in the room turns to stare. "I asked Blaine to get them for me. Guess he didn't have enough cash or whatever so Mr. H paid."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard. I said they're mine."

"And are you a homosexual?" Mrs. Collins asks, trying to stare the boy into sitting down, but Puck isn't moving for anyone.

"It makes no difference if I am or not. Man, you guys are jackasses. You come in here, claiming it's all about getting justice for Blaine when in reality, it's about checking if you can pin anything on Mr. H. Well you can't. He's never done anything wrong, he's the best goddamn teacher in this hell hole, and a good friend to all of us. I'll repeat it again cause y'all seem so dumb, those condoms and lube are mine. Ask Blaine if you don't believe me."

"We already did." Detective Myers says dryly.

"And?"

"And your stories match." he says, clearly disheartened. "Although if all that is true, and there is nothing going on between Mr. Anderson and Hummel, why would Mr. Crawford seek him out like that? It appears he had been following Mr. Anderson's car for days...waiting to strike as it were."

"You're just assuming something is going on because they're both gay, aren't you? And I find that offensive." the normally silent Mike Chang says. "Richard went for Blaine because Blaine punched him. We all helped Mr. Hummel move house when that jerk cheated on him. Richard turned up to try and interfere and Blaine punched him. But that doesn't mean anything- we all wanted to punch him for what he did to Mr. H. Clearly Richard has issues, and his ego was bruised after he got taken down by a kid. He wanted revenge."

Now it's the adults turn to be silent, as they stare at this group of teenagers and realize that they will get nothing from them. Mrs. Collins is sure they're hiding something...protecting the boy, or the teacher, or both. She doesn't know. But she does know this has all been a huge waste of time and has left her feeling humiliated. She hates teenagers.

"So I think we're finished here." Puck says, staring them down as the others scrape their chairs back and stand. "If you'll excuse us, we need to go work on our rendition of Copacabana." He strides from the room as the rest of the Glee club follow after.

"You're free to go." Detective Myers announces as he slams a pile of files onto the small desk.

"Excuse me?" Kurt lifts his head from where it had been resting on his folded hands. He is pale and drawn, purple circles under red rimmed eyes which haven't seen sleep in days.

"I said you can go."

"What? But why? How? I mean..."

"Don't argue about it Hummel. If you want my personal opinion, you've got away with a felony here. I'm damn sure you're up to no good with that boy, but I can't prove anything. His mother swears blind that she knows nothing, says you're an excellent teacher and a good role model. The boy says he was buying supplies for his friend, his friend backs that story up. And the entire gay club- sorry- Glee club, state that the boy was only giving you a ride to some girl's party."

"Rachel."

"Whatever. It's consistent with statements from you and your kid."

"He's not my kid, thank you."

"Just get the hell out of here. Your dad is here to take you home."

Kurt flings himself at Burt as soon as he sees him.

"Woah, easy there buddy." Burt laughs.

"That was hell dad. I never want to go through anything like that again."

"Were they tough on you?"

"Yes. Homophobia plays a part, clearly. They kept asking how long I'd been into young boys, as if I was some kind of pedophile."

"Why did they let you go then? I mean, there's no charges being brought, right?" Burt asks as he drives his son away from that hell hole.

"No. Um...a combination of things I guess. Maria and Blaine denied everything, and the Glee kids backed me up." Kurt leans back against the headrest, deciding not to go into further details because he doesn't really understand them himself. "Can you take me to Blaine?"

"Sure thing kid."

"He's home?" Kurt asks excitedly as his dad turns onto Blaine's street.

"Yup."

"Since when?"

"Yesterday. Not long after they took you...well. Anyway. He's home. He didn't have a very good night though, so might be tired today."

"Okay. But I can see him?"

"Of course. Maria told me to bring you straight here. Text Finn when you're done. He can bring you to ours for dinner."

"Thanks dad." Kurt springs from the car, a sudden burst of energy carrying him swiftly up the steps to the front door.

"Kurt!" Maria exclaims as she pulls him into a hug. "Thank God! Burt told me you were released without charge."

"Yes- thanks to you." he says with a small smile.

"It wasn't me. I think you might owe your entire Glee club dinner at breadstix. Particularly Noah Puckerman."

"Puck? Why?"

"Nevermind. You're here now. You're not going to freak out again, are you?" She asks, guiding him into the living room and forcing him into an armchair.

"No, no I just..."

"You're very pale."

"It wasn't a pleasant experience, that's all."

"Did they tell you they've charged Richard?"

"No! When?"

"This morning apparently. Conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, assault and battery towards a minor and two counts of possession of illegal drugs."

"Drugs?"

"The guy's been on illegal steroids apparently. Been pumping up, getting ready to try and kill my son no doubt. But they can't get him for attempted murder."

"Still...if Blaine and I both testify..."

"You know they'll bring all this up again don't you? I spoke to our lawyer yesterday."

"Yes. But the police have dropped it, so let them think what they want. I only care about getting him behind bars now, and getting Blaine better. Is he pleased to be home?"

"Yes, but he was worried about you. He's asleep at the moment, I think he was awake most of the night and when he did sleep he kept having nightmares." Maria stops and fiddles with her hands nervously. "Um Kurt...I need to ask you something."

"Sure."

"Would you mind helping Blaine to take a bath?"

Kurt gapes at her.

"I know. It's not easy for me to ask. And if it makes you feel uncomfortable, or upsets you, just say. It's just...he'd be too embarrassed if I did it, and I wouldn't want to. It's either you or your dad."

"Oh God. I'll do it. My dad would die. So would Blaine for that matter."

"That's what I thought. And if you could...keep doing it? Until he's better I mean. Once he's healed he will be perfectly capable of bathing or showering himself thank you."

"Message received. Does this mean I can see him more than once a week?" he asks with a sly grin.

"Yes. It means I need you here, everyday after school if possible, to check on him until I get home from work. Carole said she would call in during the day, and Finn and Burt will cover when she's on shift."

"He's not going to be happy," Kurt points out.

"Tough. I don't want him left alone for too long. And he's not going back to school until his ribs are better and his breathing is easier. He'll still have the cast on his arm of course, but he can ride with Rachel until that's off."

"Just...tell him all this when I'm not around." Kurt says, and Maria looks up at him and smiles, glad he feels comfortable enough to play with her.

"Whatever sunshine. Now go up there and give that boy a bath before those bed sheets stand up and walk out in protest."

Blaine is sound asleep, jaw lax and soft snores escaping with each breath. Kurt resists the urge to kiss him, not wanting to disturb the precious sleep he can manage to get. He goes into his bathroom and runs a bath. As the steam slowly starts to build, Kurt takes clean towels from the closet and finds all Blaine's toiletries. He returns to the bedroom and climbs onto the large bed next to Blaine, who whimpers softly as his face grimaces- in pain? In terror? Kurt doesn't know, but he soothes Blaine into waking by playing with his hair and whispering in his ear.

"Blaine? Wake up baby. It's me."

"Kurt?" Blinking sleep from his eyes, Blaine tries awkwardly to sit up. "They let you go?"

"No charges." Kurt grins, finally allowing himself to properly revel in the moment. "Apparently, somehow your version of events matched with the stories of the entire Glee club."

"Really? That's awesome."

"Hmmm. Tell me Blaine, did Puck visit you in hospital at all?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe." Kurt repeats.

"I can't really remember. It's all a bit fuzzy. Still, I'm home now and you're in the clear. That's what matters. Oh, and just because I know you, and I know how your mind works, don't feel like you've done anything wrong, okay? We both consented to everything, that dumbass law...well I can see that it's in place to protect kids in schools from teachers who might be a bit...creepy, but you are not one of them. We met, we fell in love and we're together forever. There is nothing wrong or indecent about that."

"Thank you." Kurt whispers, blue eyes shining."So Puck knows?"

"Actually, I don't think he does. He just said he didn't want you to get into trouble because I had given you a ride to the drugstore. He didn't mention anything about us being in a relationship at all. I don't know, he just seemed...clueless."

"He's Puck."

"Hey!" Blaine smiles, "He saved our skin. He's one cool dude."

"You said dude. I can't believe you said dude. Oh my God, you'll be calling me a homie next."

"Shut up," Blaine says affectionately, "that's just the effect Puck has on me."

Kurt leans over Blaine and ever so gently, grazes his lips over Blaine's dry, chapped ones. He pulls back with a radiant smile as Blaine licks his lips and tries for more.

"Not now." He says with a bop to his nose. "Your mom was right. You stink. Bath time."

"Are you insane? She's right downstairs!" Blaine hisses at him.

"She asked me to take care of you until you're a big boy and can take care of yourself." Kurt jokes, climbing from the bed and walking around to Blaine's side.

"You've told me on more than one occasion that I'm a big boy...but I still need you to take care of me." Blaine grins, pleased at his innuendo.

"Always sex with you Blaine. Always. Come on." He hooks Blaine's right arm over his shoulders and stands carefully, wincing internally at how terrible his breathing sounds. He waits for him to steady before they make their way slowly to the bathroom.

"Should you still be wheezing like that?" he asks with concern as Blaine clutches the doorframe.

"The Doc said it would take a while. My ribs punctured my lungs in three places."

"Blaine..."

"Hey, no. Don't do this. Please don't." He takes Kurt's hands from his face and brushes away the tears that have started to fall. "Help me get this off." He pulls at his t-shirt and Kurt lifts it gently over his head, unable to suppress a sob as he sees Blaine's torso for the first time since the fight. It has been over a week since Blaine was attacked, but livid red and purple bruising covers the entire left hand side of his chest. More bruises are across his back, Kurt can almost see the imprint of boots standing out starkly against the olive tone of Blaine's skin, and he cries. Cries for this beautiful boy, in so much pain and so broken because of him.

"Blaine...I'm so sorry...I...just..."

"No, Kurt. Just no. It is not your fault, could never be your fault, and never in a million years can you ever really believe that you were in any way responsible for this. Please. Don't do this to yourself- to us. It's gonna destroy us if you keep dwelling on that night. What happened, happened. I'm home now, Dick and those other jerks are being held, we can move on. I just want to forget it. Please."

Kurt takes a deep, trembling breath and blinks back the rest of his tears. "Okay." he smiles sadly, "Okay. Bath time."

He gently lowers Blaine into the water and uses a soft washcloth to pour water over his back and shoulders, taking pleasure in the contented sigh that escapes Blaine as he relaxes in the warm bath. He leans back slightly, onto Kurt's leg, and closes his eyes. Kurt bathes him in silence, washing his hair with the utmost care and attention. Blaine is like putty in his hands, allowing Kurt to wash his body carefully before helping him from the tub and wrapping him in an enormous fluffy towel. Dressing him in his soft, worn pajamas, Kurt changes the sheets on the bed before ushering Blaine in, tucking the covers up to his chin and kissing his cheek.

"Sleep. I'm going to dad's, I'll call in later, on my way home."

"Kurt?" a small voice asks as he reaches for the door handle.

"Yeah?"

"Can I...Can I have a proper kiss?" Blaine's smile is shy, nervous, as if afraid he may have asked for too much.

"Of course." Kurt answers, coming back into the room and crossing to the bed. "You can have whatever you want. I love you, y'know. Endlessly." He climbs onto the bed and hovers over Blaine, not wanting to surge forward and hurt him.

"I won't break." Blaine reminds him, and reaches up with his good arm to pull Kurt down. Their lips meet briefly, but there is no tongue, and Blaine finds himself feeling empty as Kurt pulls back too soon.

"I'll see you later." he whispers, and is gone.

Kurt rolls over and fumbles for his phone in the darkness. "'lo?" he mumbles. A quick glance at the clock on the nightstand tells him it's 2:30am, and he starts to panic as he hears the voice on the other end of the line.

"He needs you."

He races up the steps to Blaine's house, having driven over in record time without even stopping to change from his pajamas. Maria is waiting for him on the front porch, paying no mind to the cold as she waited for the one person she knew could help her son.

"It's hit him." she announces. "I knew it would, sooner or later. Delayed reaction I guess. He won't speak to me. He had a nightmare and woke up screaming. I went in but he was just lying there, shaking and crying and refusing to acknowledge me. I didn't know what to do, Kurt. I'm sorry I called you I just..."

"I'm glad you did." Kurt says quickly, his feet itching to carry him up to Blaine as quickly as possible. "I'll go sit with him a while."

"Stay, Kurt. Please. He can't be alone right now."

He nods. "Okay."

"Blaine?" Kurt pushes the door open to find Blaine, sobbing uncontrollably, bed sheets tangled around him.

"You didn't come back Kurt! " he wails as he rocks back and forth, hugging himself with one arm. "You said you'd come back after dinner and you didn't. I woke up and you weren't here."

"Shh, shh, sweetheart I did come back," Kurt soothes, sitting on the bed and wanting to reach for the boy, but it's too soon. "I came back, your mom let me in, but you were sound asleep so I left. We both thought it was better to let you sleep"

"But it's NOT better!" Blaine yells, turning his hysterical, tear stained face to look at Kurt. "It's not better when I sleep at all. Because they're there, Kurt. Right there!" he cries, digging his thumbs into his eyelids. "Everytime I close my fucking eyes, they're there, waiting for me, smiling at me. Laughing as they hit me over and over again."

"Blaine, please..."

"I can hear them. They laughed at me, Kurt. They laughed at me as he hit me with the bat. They heard my ribs break and they just laughed harder. They called me a whore, said I was your slut, they said...they said...you'd never want me when they'd finished because they'd make me ugly. They hit me, and they kicked me and they spit on me and they broke me and it hurt...I thought I was going to die. I thought I would die there and then and all I could think about was that I'd never get to marry you. And I...I...I didn't know if you would be okay without me. I can't...can't...Oh Kurt!" he falls into his boyfriend's arms, needing the strong reassurance that he can only find in Kurt, and he gives it to him.

Kurt doesn't say anything, only strokes his back in small circles as he holds Blaine while he cries until he can't cry any more. Eventually, he goes limp in Kurt's arms, and rests against his chest as Kurt places soft kisses to his hair.

"Come on." Kurt urges, pulling Blaine down onto the pillows and wrapping the blankets around them.

"What are you...?" Blaine manages weakly.

"I'm staying. I'm going to hold you all night. You'll be safe. We'll get through this Blaine."

"I love you, Kurt." Blaine murmurs as he settles onto Kurt's chest.

"I love you too," Kurt replies, and wrapping his arms securely around a still trembling Blaine, they fall asleep.