So many reviews already! Yay! You guys are awesome. Love to you all. Hope you enjoy the chapter…
Warning: Do not share prescription drugs with other people. This is fiction.
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Last time on "Try Me":
"Oh and don't worry about the apartment. It's just me here. Nobody else even has a key. You are one hundred percent safe," Blaine assured him.
"I know you don't want to hear me say it, but thank you. I can't remember the last time I was able to truly relax without fear of David coming in and yelling at me for doing some tiny little thing," Kurt admitted.
"You really are welcome. And just because I'm being pleasant now doesn't mean I always will be. But I figure you're injured, so I'll be nice," Blaine said with a wink.
With Blaine's wink and his gorgeous, exposed torso, Kurt felt like he was in a dream. A good one at that.
"Coffee?" Blaine asked.
"Oh, yes please," Kurt said eagerly.
A little while later, Blaine came back with the coffee and joined Kurt on the bed. He turned the TV on so Kurt could watch that runway show. Soon enough, Kurt had fallen asleep. Blaine quickly took his cup so it wouldn't spill. He laid there, staring at Kurt's fine features. He was either the nicest guy on earth or the dumbest.
He was sure he would find out the truth soon enough.
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Kurt woke up some time later to the smell of soup. Painfully, he opened his eyes and looked around. Blaine stood next to him holding a bowl of soup, chicken noodle by the smell.
"I hope canned soup is okay. It's all I have and I'm not that great of a cook anyway," Blaine said.
"I appreciate it," Kurt said quietly. He sat up and took the bowl, sipping at the broth. "What would you be doing today if you hadn't decided to take care of my pathetic ass?"
Blaine smiled at the snark in Kurt's voice. "Probably playing video games with some of the Warblers. Most everyone is going away for the summer, but there are a few of us left so we'll spend time together over the coming months. Halo wars, that kind of thing. Are you into any of that?" Blaine looked at him doubtfully.
"I actually kick ass at most video games. My step brother plays and he taught me. It was good bonding time for us. Having something in common made it easier for our families to merge. Finn eventually got irritated because I would beat him at everything. He figured because I was gay I couldn't play," Kurt said, wondering why he felt comfortable telling Blaine all of this. The guy was still a stranger to him.
"I hear ya. I learned to play just so I could fit in more. Now I enjoy it. If you kick ass, we'll have to play and see who is the biggest ass kicker," Blaine said with a grin.
Kurt handed back the bowl when it was half gone. "I'm full, thank you. And I accept your challenge. As soon as it doesn't hurt to move so much, we'll play," Kurt smiled. "Is there any chance I can take a shower?"
Blaine set the bowl down on the desk. "Of course, let me get you a towel first then I'll help you in," he said.
Kurt smiled at him gratefully. It was still hard to wrap his mind around this Blaine in comparison with the Blaine he'd known all of his college years. Was this the real Blaine? And he just kept it hidden under the asshole exterior to protect himself?
"Alright, let's get you in there," Blaine said, coming over and flinging the bed covers off of Kurt.
Slowly easing off the bed, Kurt moaned at the pain radiating all over his body, seeming to center in his ribs and stomach area. Hobbling with Blaine's help, Kurt made it to the bathroom. Turning on the water for him, Blaine nodded at him and went to leave.
"I'll be right outside if you need something or feel like you're gonna fall or something," Blaine said, his cheeks turning pink.
"I really do appreciate it," Kurt said as he closed the door before Blaine could argue with his thanks.
Blaine was making the bed and cleaning up a little when he heard moans of pain come from the bathroom. Rushing over to the door, he knocked.
"Kurt, are you alright?" he asked loudly.
"No," Kurt said dejectedly.
"I'm going to open the door, okay?" At Kurt's assent, Blaine opened the door and his breath caught in his throat. Kurt was facing him, attempting to take his shirt off but had gotten his arms tangled up in it, grumbling.
"Stuck?" Blaine asked with a smile, admitting to himself that Kurt was very cute.
"Yeah and it's killing my ribs to wrestle this damn thing off. Why do I have to wear tight clothes?" Kurt complained.
"Good question," Blaine said. He walked up to Kurt and helped him ease the shirt over his head. He took the shirt and was shaking it out when Kurt turned around, looking at his back in the mirror. Blaine looked and his mouth fell open. "Holy fuck, Kurt!"
Kurt's back was the color of the rainbow, just not in a happy way. He was bruised from top to bottom and Blaine knew there was no way they were all from last night. There were faded bruises, green and yellow ones, black ones, purple ones. There were even some in the shape of handprints and ones that looked like he'd run into a corner. Blaine saw the bruises disappear into Kurt's pants and without thinking, he pulled them down.
"Blaine, no!"
Blaine saw Kurt's ass was colored in cruel finger print bruises, some raised, some healing. Pulling Kurt's pants until they were pooled at his ankles, Blaine saw even more bruises. There weren't as many going down his legs, but there they were.
Blaine's vision blurred as he remembered looking at his own body that night so long ago. That night when he and his date had left the dance and had been cornered and beat up. That was nothing compared to this.
"Kurt," he said softly. "How could you let him do this to you?"
Kurt, turning red among all the bruises, wrapped a towel around his waist. "I didn't let him," he said, knowing it was a lie. He'd let him by not leaving.
"I know, but you knew this was wrong, right? That he didn't have the right to hit you like this?" Blaine asked.
"I knew. But he loved me. I've never been loved or wanted before because I'm ugly and boring. Whatever he did to me, David loved me in the end," Kurt said, trying to keep the conviction in his voice.
Blaine felt some deep emotion come over him. He couldn't name it, but it was a soft emotion, which he was not used to. "Sweetie, David couldn't have loved you if he was doing this to you," he said gently.
"He did love me," Kurt insisted. "He was my first. If I wasn't such a screw up. If I just listened to what he told me. He told me not to go to that party so his friends didn't put it together that we were dating."
"You know, in most relationships, the people want everyone to know they love each other," Blaine pointed out. He was so sad for Kurt. Having such an uncaring asshole as his first. It must have been awful.
"Well, David is still in the closet. I couldn't out him like that; it's not my place," Kurt said quietly.
"What is the nicest thing David ever said to you or about you?" Blaine asked.
"That I got him. That's how lucky I was," Kurt replied.
"What about telling you how much he loved you? Telling you that you're beautiful?" Blaine had no idea where all this was coming from. Since when was he Dr Phil?
Kurt actually chuckled. "He didn't need to tell me, I just knew. Otherwise he wouldn't have been with me. He said no man could pretend to be in love with me, not with the way I look. He was always trying to get me to dress more masculine. I can't help that I love fashion. Just like he can't help that he loves football and wears his letterman jacket or jersey. He never understood that, though. I learned to dress down around him; not bring too much attention to myself. When I did, he seemed to find me more attractive."
"Kurt, you shouldn't have to change who you are for anyone. Whoever loves you should love your funky fashion sense and your love for falling on the ground," Blaine teased.
"I started making myself trip after David started hitting me," Kurt admitted. "It was an easy way to excuse the bruises. I used to be kind of graceful. At least my mom told me so. Now, I'm known for being clumsy. If I land on my back or my shoulder, then I can explain it away. Easy as that," Kurt said.
"But it's not easy as that, Kurt. What has it been doing to you inside? How do you feel about yourself?" Blaine asked. He shouldn't be playing counselor, but he couldn't seem to help himself.
Kurt sighed heavily, wincing in pain as he did so. "Can we talk about this when I'm not standing here in a towel. Right now, I'm feeling sort of exposed," he deadpanned.
Blaine smiled. "Of course, I'm sorry. If you need any more help, just let me know."
"Sure, thanks," Kurt said, returning the smile.
Blaine left the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Taking the cold bowl of soup to the kitchen, he wondered what the hell was going on with him. He was the fighter. He didn't take in victims. But there was something about Kurt. Something that he wanted to heal and fix. Something he wanted to defend. And damn his body to hell for noticing what a nice round ass Kurt had. And how the towel around his waist accentuated his hip bones. How his pale shoulders were still wide; his hands expressive and shaped so beautifully.
Digging through his drawers he found a pair of soft pajama pants and a matching shirt. Kurt would have to go commando, but Blaine had a feeling he wouldn't mind.
"Hey Blaine, are you out there?" Kurt called.
"Yeah, I'm here. Do you need some help getting dressed?" Blaine called.
"Yes, please! Come on in, I'm decent," Kurt said.
"I brought you pajamas," Blaine said, walking into the steam filled bathroom.
"I was about to get back into the clothes I came in. Thank you for thinking of pajamas," Kurt said, his smile strained.
Blaine caught the look. "What's the matter, Kurt?"
"Nothing, I'm fine," he replied.
"Kurt, I'm here to help you. I've invited you to stay in my home, I've offered you my protection. The least you could give me is honesty," Blaine said, his tone going hard.
Kurt looked at him, his blue eyes wide. But then he nodded. "You're right, I apologize. The pain is starting to get the better of me," he admitted. "I need help getting dressed." His voice was small and embarrassed.
"Alright. Let's get you dressed and into bed so you can rest," Blaine said and began helping Kurt put his legs into the pajama pants. "I have a feeling you may have cracked or bruised a rib so it's no wonder you are in pain." He pulled the pajamas all the way up and heard Kurt's sigh of relief. "It helps to keep me informed on how you're doing so I know what you need," he continued, pulling the shirt onto one arm, then the other arm. "I've had bruised ribs before and I know how bad the pain can be." He buttoned up the cotton top and stepped back. "All done."
Kurt's face had gone more and more pale as he helped him dress. "Thank you, Blaine," Kurt whispered.
"Come on, you. Let's get you into bed," Blaine said as he slowly walked Kurt into the bedroom.
Finally, Kurt was tucked comfortably back into the queen sized bed, the comforter tucked under his chin. Blaine came over to him with a pill in his hand. "Here, I have these left over from when I had my wisdom teeth removed. I said screw the pain pills, give me the whiskey. So, it's your lucky day."
Kurt looked at him warily. "I've never taken prescription pain pills before."
"It'll make your head feel like cotton and you may fall asleep. But it'll take the pain away long enough for you to relax. I have a feeling you haven't relaxed since you got here," Blaine said.
At the thought of being able to relax and maybe not feel this pain, Kurt took the pill and lay back against the pillows. "Thank you," he murmured to Blaine. "I know this is taking away from your free time and I hope you know how much I appreciate it."
"Don't worry about me," Blaine said gruffly.
There was a knock on the door and Kurt jumped, crying out.
"It's okay, Kurt, calm down. I'm sure it's your friends. Shh," Blaine said as he took Kurt gently into his arms. After a moment, Kurt stopped shaking and lay back again.
"I'll be right back. You know I won't let anything happen to you, so try to relax," Blaine said.
It was Mercedes and Rachel at the door with a large knapsack filled with Kurt's belongings.
"Have you guys seen Karofsky today?" Blaine asked quietly, putting a finger to his mouth.
Mercedes nodded and Rachel's face went pale. "He was pounding on Kurt's door when we got there, yelling and screaming," Rachel whispered.
"We had to wait around the corner for like ten minutes before he finally went away," Mercedes added quietly. "Is Kurt going to be safe here?"
"Do you know my reputation?" Blaine asked, his attitude showing through. "He'll be safe."
Rachel backed away, though Mercedes eyebrow just went up. "Damn right I know your reputation and I don't know what the hell you're doing taking care of him. But if you hurt him at all? I will nail your balls to the wall, fight club champ or not."
Blaine glared at her for a minute. Then he smiled. "I like you. I just gave Kurt a pain killer, so now would be the time to see him. He's been in a lot of pain but he's showered and in bed. I can't do much more than that. Go on through, down the hall and to the left," he said, picking up Kurt's bag.
They all came into Kurt's room and saw his face light up.
"My friends! Oh my friends, you came to see me! My lips are numb. Blaine! My protector. He helped me put my pants on. He's a silly head," Kurt babbled.
"Has he ever had pain killers before?" Blaine asked, trying not to laugh.
"I don't think so," Mercedes snorted.
"He's so perky! Reminds me of me," Rachel said, going over and giving Kurt a delicate hug.
"How are you? Do you want me to sing to you?" Rachel asked.
"Rachel! My friend. No, sometimes you just need to hush up. No singing for you," Kurt said.
Mercedes and Blaine snorted and moved closer.
"Mercedes! My bestest girlfriend. I love you. When are you going to ask Sam out? You two aren't very sneaky. I know you've been secretly seeing each other. I've seen you," Kurt sang out.
Rachel and Blaine laughed this time.
"Kurt, sweetie, I don't think you need to talk anymore. You just get your rest," Mercedes told him. "I'm glad you are feeling okay."
"Oh I feel fine!" Kurt said, waving his arm at her. "Blaine's taking care of me. He used to scare the shit out of me, but now I don't know. He's kinda scary and kinda hot, too. Don't you think?"
"Um, Kurt," Rachel started.
Blaine walked up to Kurt. "How are you feeling there, sport?"
Kurt grinned. "I'm feeling good as you well know. Let's go shopping! Come on, we'll go find Blaine a new outfit. You know I think he could work a bowtie," Kurt said as he made to move out of the bed.
"Nah, Kurt. I think you should stay here and rest, okay?" Blaine told him, gently moving his feet back onto the bed.
"Blainey," Kurt whined. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. We'll go some other time, okay? Aren't you getting sleepy? Do you want a nap?" Blaine asked, smiling as he smoothed Kurt's hair.
"I think you're right, Blaine. I'm a little sleepy," Kurt said, nuzzling his head into Blaine's hand. "You're so sweet and handsome," he murmured. "I just wish I wasn't so ugly and disgusting or I would flirt with you."
"You are the sweet one," Blaine whispered in his ear. "There is nothing ugly or disgusting about you. You can flirt with me any time. Sleep sweet, Kurt."
"'Night Blainey," Kurt murmured as his eyes closed.
"Goodnight, sweetie," Blaine whispered.
He showed the girls out and made himself a sandwich. Returning to the bedroom, he put on a movie and sat watching Kurt as he slept. There was no way Karofsky would find or hurt Kurt. He'd do whatever it took. He had no idea what was coming over him, but Kurt was his now. And he protected what was his.
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What did you think of high!Kurt? He was fun to write. Let me know what you think! Thank you as always for the reviews and follows.