For hours, he and his dad talked. About all his insecurities, all the things Sam had done to him... All those things that had been weighting him down.

It wasn't like everything miraculously got better again, but it certainly helped to know that all those things Sam had said wasn't true.

And some small part of him was actually starting to regret trying to kill himself. He still thought it would be easier to end it all, but he had been egoistic to try and do so. His dad actually needed him; he was wanted. He had been selfish in his decision, and he needed help. He could accept that much.

"We're going to be fine Kurt. You'll see. You'll be allowed to go home, and then we're going to make sure you get better." His dad's hand was warm and comforting on his shoulder, and he felt a wave of gratitude.

He wasn't hated, alone, or left out. Sure, he was still depressed and would rather throw himself off the roof if he could, but he had a family. Who really hadn't meant to shut him out.

"I love you, dad."

"Love you too, son. Get some sleep now."

And he did. His body ached, and sleep was welcome.

-ooo-

When he woke up again, Carole was in the room, talking in a hushed voice to a policewoman. They both looked grim.

"Oh, Kurt. You're awake." Carole's smile was relaxing, but there was a definite tension in the room.

"What's going on?"

The policewoman smiled curtly at him. "Hi Kurt, I'm officer Morris. I'd imagine you want to forget all about this, but I need to speak to you about Sam White."

His face must have betrayed his dislike, because her expression turned sympathetic. "We have him in custody right now. He has already admitted to physical abuse, but I need to hear a statement from you, and I'm afraid I have to do a physical exam."

That didn't seem like too much to ask for. "Okay."

"Good. And there's something else you need to know. A lot of things have surfaced about White during the investigation. His real name is Eric Odel. He's wanted in the state of California for abuse, rape, attempted murder and robbery. You're not the first one to suffer because of him."

He was dimly aware of Carole collapsing on his bed, hugging him tightly. He didn't actually realise that he was crying until officer Morris offered him a napkin.

He had willingly kissed someone who was more monster than man. Had dated him. And Kurt hadn't even known his real name. Everything must have been a game for Sam, or a plot. Maybe he had planned for Kurt to break down. Well, he had certainly succeeded.

It took quite some time before he reacted to the comforting touches and words. The main relief was probably that the case wouldn't go to trial. Sam - Eric - would be facing at least 30 years of prison, even without the account of what he did under the name Sam White.

And most of all, Kurt would never have to see him again. Fighting the depression would certainly be easier without him.

The physical exam was absolutely humiliating, but officer Morris was kind and considerate. And it was important that she got pictures and answers. Kurt simply steeled himself and suffered through it.

Two days passed in a similar pattern. A psychologist came and talked to him an hour each day, and officer Morris came by and offered him news about the investigation. His dad was there, talking to him. Carole fussed over him and Finn... His dad said that Finn was there when Kurt slept, but Kurt hadn't actually seen him since he started talking again.

Well, he slept an unusual number of hours, so perhaps it wasn't all that odd. It was because of the lingering effects of the Oxycodone, the doctors said. And a side effect of the antidepressants they gave him was drowsiness, so it wasn't strange for him to feel constantly tired.

Sometime on the third day, Finn was sitting by his side when he woke up from a fitful slumber. Kurt couldn't help but to feel a nervous flutter in his chest. His dad had read his letter. So had Carole. Finn had probably read his.

"You feeling okay?" Finn's kind, lopsided smile managed to melt him just like it always did, and he found it somewhat hard to speak.

"I'm okay. You look tired." And Finn did look tired. He looked exhausted.

"Haven't been able to sleep properly with you here. I've been really worried."

Well that certainly made him feel guilty. "I'm sorry."

Finn's hand reached for his, large, safe and warm. "Don't be." And then his expression grew softer still. Like he was about to say something very private. "I read your letter."

Oh no. He could feel himself paling. "T-that- You weren't supposed to read that unless I died."

"But I'm glad I did. I've been a total jerk to you. I haven't even been honest with myself 'cause I've been so worried about my stupid reputation." And then suddenly Finn was in his personal space, leaning in and brushing dry lips against his. It was chaste and simple, but the small gesture heated his cheeks and made him shiver.

"I kinda like you too, Kurt. I should've told you when I realised, and maybe you could've avoided this whole Sam thing... but at least I can try to make up for it."

He couldn't believe this. Finn Hudson kissed him. Claimed that he liked him. There was no profession of undying love, but like was so much more than Kurt had ever imagined Finn saying.

Finn was smiling almost shyly at him, and to Kurt's dismay he could feel himself blushing. "A-are you sure?"

Finn grinned. "Yeah. And when you get out of here, we'll go on a date. If you want to. Somewhere that's not Lima. Like, there's a theatre in Columbus, right? We could go there."

"I'd... I'd love to. But to be honest, I'm surprised you're not freaking out about this. Especially after that... argument down in my room before." And he was. Finn had acted almost homophobic at times, and had made it quite clear that he wasn't interested in guys.

"I'm really sorry about that. I was stressed and annoyed about everything, and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I just... freaked. And I've had enough time to freak out while you were in a coma. I mean, I'm not gay. I still like girls, but I'm okay with being bi. I'm really okay with being into you. With you. If...If that's good with you."

"I'm good with that." His own voice sounded somewhat breathless, but that might be because of Finn's hand touching the side of his face.

"Good. Oh, and I'm gonna do my best to make sure you love life again." And then Finn's lips were on his again, firmer this time. Kurt couldn't help but to grip at Finn's shirt, softly. He felt like he was falling, spinning out of control. It wasn't necessarily a bad feeling.

"Oh."

Both Kurt and Finn jumped at Burt's startled voice. "Dad!"

"I'll... be out in the corridor. Finn, you should go home and get some sleep."

He blinked, confused. He had at least expected his dad to be shocked, or annoyed. He looked at Finn.

"I kinda talked to him earlier, got his permission to ask you out."

Kurt couldn't help it; the mere idea of Finn asking his dad for permission to date him was so surreal, so much like something from the Twilight Zone. He let his head fall back, and he let out a peal of laughter. Finn looked startled, and Burt peeked back inside. He didn't care.

It felt amazing to laugh again.