Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or any of its characters. Those would be the property of Ryan Murphy, Fox and so on and so forth.

Author's Note:

Allllllllrighty! Everyone ready for another thrilling chapter? I know I am! ;D I won't waste too much time in one of my boring AN's, so let's just cut to the chase and get on with Chapter 22, eh? ^.^

Thanks for the awesome reviews guys, as always I love to read everything you have to say! Also, I have to thank you all for your loyalty to the story even when I pulled my disappearing act on you. Anyway, let's get on with what you all really want. Chapter 22!

-Casey

Chapter 22. "Unraveled"

It seemed like it was taking an eternity for the doctor to glance over the novel that was Blaine's patient forms. Kurt stared down at his cell phone marking the minutes since the Doctor had arrived. It had been over five minutes of "Hmm's" and the sound of page after page being flipped.

"Well, your vitals look good, Mr. Anderson. I think you're more than ready to get on out of here, aren't you?" The doctor inquired giving Blaine a knowing look over the rim of his large eyeglasses.

Blaine had kept the same smile plastered on his face the entire visit; it practically screamed: I'm cured, I swear, now get me the hell out of here.

Kurt grimaced at Blaine and his evident façade. Did Blaine honestly think that Kurt couldn't tell a fake smile from his genuine one? A 100% Blaine smile was the most beautiful thing; it had the power to tell him that everything would be OK in the world. He was pretty sure that if Blaine truly wished, he could cure cancer with just a flash of his pearly whites. Kurt felt conflicted; he was thrilled to see Blaine being himself again and he wanted more than anything to give into the lie and bask in Blaine just being Blaine but the fact that it wasn't real made it impossible for him. He wanted Blaine, the real one; not a figment of one.

Kurt had allowed himself be swept up in it that first day when he came to visit with the soup but every day thereafter, it seemed to be getting more and more suspicious. It was like Blaine was going out of his way to try to be himself. Clearly Blaine didn't really know himself well, otherwise he'd realize that he was way over-doing it. Kurt knew that he was good at putting on a brave face in order to stay afloat and get things done, but this was a whole other level. There was no way that Blaine could be this good at hiding his pain and truth be told, Kurt was sure everyone else could also see how fake his act was.

Blaine looked over at Kurt who remained staring down at his cell phone as if it had the answer to all of the world's problems. He was startled when he felt a warm hand grab and squeeze his one unoccupied hand. He glanced up and his eyes met two hazel orbs that were screaming with concern. One thing Blaine couldn't fake was the look in those eyes. They said everything. Kurt pulled his lips into something that should resemble a smile, but it too was far from genuine. If Blaine could attempt to put on a façade that everything was fine and dandy in the world, so could Kurt. The look in Blaine's eyes told him that he didn't believe this little act for a second.

"I'll schedule you for a checkup on those stitches next week, let's see here...does Tuesday work?"

Blaine nodded in response at the doctor's question, but didn't pull his gaze from Kurt who had gone straight back to staring down at his phone.

"We're all done here, Mr. Anderson. As soon as your parents arrive and sign you out you'll be free to go. Just take it easy; no strenuous moving or lifting of any kind, we clear?"

Blaine nodded again in the same fashion, but glanced away from Kurt for a second to flash the doctor a grin to show that he got the message.

As soon as the Doctor left and he was sure they were alone, Blaine spoke up.

"You seem a bit off today, everything OK?"

Kurt let out a deep sigh, placed his cell down and rubbed at his tired eyes.

"Why would anything be wrong Blaine? Is there a reason for there to be?"

Blaine chewed at his lip. "You're quiet. Something must be up."

"It's nothing," Kurt responded, squeezing Blaine's hand in his own and planting a quick kiss on his knuckles.

Blaine knew Kurt was lying and something was bothering him, but he didn't push it. He didn't want to start a fight with him; the last thing he needed was for Kurt to be mad at him and leave him all alone with his thoughts and nightmares.

"I love you."

"I love you, too, Blaine."

Soon enough, Mrs. Anderson arrived to pick Blaine up. When she stepped into the quiet room, she looked a little put off. She didn't know what she expected, but silence wasn't it. Not after Blaine had begun speaking and acting like himself again. She had been sure that Kurt would have been so excited to hear Blaine acting like his old self again that his attention would be focused entirely on Blaine rather than the cell phone glued to his hand.

"Ready to go, sweetheart?" She asked tentatively taking in Blaine's confused expression and Kurt's expression that was caught somewhere in between longing and frustration.

"Absolutely," Blaine confirmed with a reassuring smile at his mother.

It warmed her heart to see that smile. The boy living in her house since he'd been found wasn't her Blaine and she felt as if she had just now found him. She planted a smile on her face to match his and went off to fill out the necessary paperwork. She could hardly wait to get him home and have things start to return to normal. After all of these horrific events, she could use normal; the whole family could.

"What do you think, Warbler Blaine?"

Blaine looked up from the very interesting spot on the floor that he had been fixated on the entire 20 minutes they'd been assembled to find Nick and the rest of the Warblers staring at him expectantly.

Blaine had been trying to focus on the meeting, but Kurt had been commanding his full attention. It had been a few days since Blaine had seen him and he was growing a little paranoid. What if Kurt didn't want to see him anymore? Had he put him through enough and he finally realized that he deserved better? He couldn't think this way, Kurt just had to have been busy, that was all. No sense in getting himself worked up about it, plus he was trying to get back to normal and what he was doing wasn't normal. He needed to pay attention to this meeting.

Blaine had only been home for a week before he had once again managed to convince his parents to allow him to return to Dalton. It hadn't been nearly as easily as the first time around.

"Mom, dad, I want to go back to school."

Blaine had been trying to work up the courage all throughout dinner and he finally just came out with it. He had been building a rather impressive igloo out of his mashed potatoes while he had been rehearsing the whole scenario in his head. He knew it wasn't going to be easy, but he had to convince them to let him go back. If he couldn't get back to a normal routine, there was no way he was going to be able to keep up his charade. If he was stuck at home all it was going to do was give him more and more time to think about everything that happened and then there would be no chance at any form of normalcy.

"You're joking right?" Came Mr. Anderson's reply after a good thirty seconds of shocked and awkward silence.

"Oh, honey, no. I don't think so," Mrs. Anderson responded sipping from her wine glass delicately.

"I have to, mom. I can't just stay at home. I need to be where—"

"Blaine, your mother's right. We went through this a few weeks ago and I'm sure you've noticed that it didn't go so well," His father chimed in.

"I have to go back to Dalton, I have to. If I stay home, I won't feel normal. I don't want to be locked away like I'm Quasimodo or something. I just need to get my life back. They can't hurt me anymore. Their trial date is over and they're both in jail so I'll be fine this time. I just want to be normal again. I think if I can get a routine going again, it will help so much more than the therapy ever could. Please let me go back to Dalton," Blaine pleaded working his best puppy dog eyes. His mother was such a sucker for the puppy dog eyes. They'd served him well in nearly every situation, but he was pretty certain this might be the one and only time they'd fail him.

"I just don't think it's the best idea, sweetheart. I'd feel much better if you were home safe and—"

"Physically I'd be safe but mentally? I'll lose my mind being home 24/7, mom," Blaine interrupted. "I want things to be normal for me and for all of us. I can't do that while I'm being kept away from the world like some fragile endangered animal. I need to get back to the way things were, only then can I put this behind me and I mean-come on, don't I look better? I'm better, I swear; let me prove it to you."

"The answer is no, Blaine. I won't allow you to have one more trip to that hospital," Mrs. Anderson spoke clearly.

"There won't be another trip to the hospital," Blaine insisted. "You were at the trial, mom. Azimio and Karofsky are in jail. No one else wants to hurt me, especially no one at Dalton. I had more of a chance of being attacked at McKinley which is why I gave up on that whole transfer idea. I'll be safe at Dalton, I always have been before and you know that's true."

The trial had taken place while Blaine was still in a coma. The judge had decided that Blaine's presence was unnecessary and impossible due to the medical circumstances. He had agreed that the evidence against Azimio and Karofsky was astronomical and ultimately condemning so they had proceeded with other testimonies and the pictures the police had taken of Blaine's injuries. They found Dave guilty of 1 charge of kidnapping, 1 charge of attempted kidnap, 1 charge of assault, and 1 charge of attempted murder. Whether the attempt had been accidental or not, Karofsky had been carrying a gun that was not licensed to him and had ended up pulling the trigger. The charges got him a 7 year sentence in the State Prison, he received the minimum sentence due to having no prior charges against him and the fact that the murder attempt hadn't been predated.

Azimio however, had only two charges against him: resisting arrest and assault. These charges earned him a one year sentence in the county jail. He too had no prior convictions, received a plea bargain and testified against Karofsky in order to get his sentence reduced. Both of which were fine with Blaine. Jail would probably do the both of them some good he hoped. Prison would be a lot tougher on Dave than jail would be for Azimio he was sure due to the major difference in time they would serve and the obvious differences in holding facilities. Regardless, Blaine planned to be far away from Ohio before the two of them would be released which was a major relief.

"I really don't like this idea, Blaine. Can we please just try the home schooling like we discussed?"

"Mom, please; this is what I want. Can we please just give it another shot?"

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson glanced at each other trying to read what the other was thinking. After a few minutes of silent deliberation, Mr. Anderson spoke up.

"I'm not wild about the idea, Blaine. I still don't think you're ready to take on school, but if it will make you happy and make you feel more at ease, then I guess it couldn't hurt. I truly hope I don't regret those words this time around."

Blaine smiled as if he had just been told Christmas had come early. "You won't, dad, I promise!"

"Warbler Blaine?" Nick repeated, trying to catch Blaine's attention.

"Sorry Warbler Nick, what was the question?"

"We were nominating you to take back your commanding lead for Regionals. We barely scraped by Sectionals without you. It's a wonder that we somehow tied with New Directions again."

Blaine had spaced that Sectionals had even occurred, with all that had been going on, he'd forgotten that it was nearly mid December and Regionals would naturally be right around the corner. He also couldn't help but feel very guilty about taking away Kurt's focus for Sectionals. He was thrilled that New Directions and The Warblers had tied, but he wondered how much of a burden he had placed on New Directions when he had commanded so much of Kurt's attention these past few months.

"Um yeah, I'd like that," Blaine agreed as he saw Nick's expression light up.

"We don't want to put too much pressure on you. We know that you just got back and all and may not be ready for that kind of-" Trent babbled, but Blaine put a hand up to end his tirade.

"I'd be honored guys. I'm honestly just trying to get back to normality and a Regionals win would probably fit the bill for that one," Blaine admitted.

"Aww, yeah!" Jeff roared in victory. "We are going to crush the New Directions this time around! Sorry Blaine, but Kurt chose the wrong side to be fighting on this time!"

Blaine smiled in response and couldn't help but wonder what this conversation would have been like if things had gone according to plan. He had been planning on going to McKinley for his senior year with Kurt which he had never gotten the chance to tell The Warblers that he was even considering. What would Regionals had been like then? He couldn't stop himself from thinking of all the 'what if's'?

"I think we should do Uptown Girl!" Nick voiced his opinion which jump started the song nomination process.

The excitement in the room heightened as all the Warblers began deliberation on what songs they should do whilst Blaine's mind was once again led astray as he thought back to Kurt.

"Kurt?"

Kurt was pulled from his thoughts as he heard Mr. Schue's call for his attention. He didn't reply, but instead waited for Mr. Schue to repeat whatever he had to say.

"I was just asking how you felt about taking a solo for Regionals," Mr. Schue offered with a smile.

This caused Kurt's sullen expression to melt completely. He felt his hands grow clammy and his heart begin to pound in excitement. He couldn't recall even being offered a tiny line in a song much less a solo. His time with the Warblers was his first shining moment for competition and he had never expected he'd get the spotlight again anytime soon. It didn't mean that he hadn't planned to fight for it again but his mind had been otherwise preoccupied, so he hadn't even considered campaigning for it.

"A solo? Me? What about Rachel?" Kurt asked eying Rachel and trying to gauge when she would begin her fight for the spotlight.

"I've already spoken with Rachel and Finn and they are going to take the duet. We've agreed that you've more than earned your chance for a solo," Mr. Shue replied.

"What you really mean to say is, you sat Rachel down and gave her the long speech that it was only fair that if she took the duet, then someone else should have a chance for a solo," Kurt reiterated for Mr. Schue who proceeded to smile guiltily.

"That's pretty much the sum of it Kurt, but I do believe that you have every right to that solo and you'll make us proud," Mr. Schue responded with a confident nod as he began to write 'REGIONALS' on the white board.

"I'd also like to point out that whilst I am upset about losing my solo, I'm happy that Kurt will be the one filling the gaping hole in the audience where my voice should be. Kurt, you have my blessing," Rachel announced astonishing the entire room, Kurt included.

Kurt didn't respond, but instead, shot her a smile. For maybe the first time ever, he felt a warmth in his heart for Rachel Berry. Even though he was thrilled to finally get a chance at a solo for his senior year, he couldn't help but worry about Blaine. He had gotten a text from him on Saturday night that he would be going back to Dalton and it worried him to not be there for him yet again. Charade or no, Blaine was still damaged and he worried what impact Blaine's façade would take on him when all was said and done.

He was worried to death over Blaine's whole "I'm fine, don't worry about me" scheme. He may be able to fool his parents and the Warbler's, but he couldn't fool Kurt. Blaine was trying to put on a brave face and all Kurt wanted to do was believe it, but he simply couldn't; he had made that resolve in the hospital. He would take broken Blaine over a lying Blaine any day of the week. The fact that his boyfriend was trying so hard was what was truly scaring Kurt. All of his energy was focused on how to sound normal and how to act like nothing had happened instead of focusing on the healing process. Blaine was trying to recover much too quickly and Kurt worried that it might cause him more damage from the breakdown that he was inevitably certain to have.

Mr. Schue had signaled that they were dismissed, so Kurt took the opportunity to send a quick text to Blaine before he collected his things:

Hey honey, I hope classes are going well today. Call me when you get home. I have news! I love you! Xoxo ~Kurt Bornthisway~

Saturday arrived slower than Blaine could have imagined. Although he was thrilled to be back at Dalton and his charade seemed to be working, he couldn't help but feel lost. Despite the first day back, The Warblers were all treating him like normal but he wasn't normal. The Warbler's may not see it and he silently hoped that Kurt was just as fooled as they were but all he wanted was to see Kurt happy again. He felt repulsed by what he had reduced Kurt to; he hadn't been eating or sleeping and stuck by Blaine's bedside as though he had been tethered to it.

Blaine glanced over at the chair near his bed that was currently being occupied by Kurt who was brushing through page after page of sheet music.

"No, that one's subpar…Ugh, that was obviously written by a guy who's overcompensating for something."

Blaine smiled at the mutterings of distaste from his frustrated boyfriend. Seeing Kurt invested in something besides Blaine made him happy beyond words. When Kurt had informed him about getting the solo lead for Regionals, he had screamed into the phone with so much enthusiasm, he sounded like a screaming fan girl. He was growing increasingly frustrated with himself as the days went on; he was just trying to be himself again without making it sound forced. It worked for school, but with Kurt it seemed like he was always over the top.

Blaine stood up from the bed and proceeded to take a seat on the arm of the chair next to Kurt and eyed the piece that currently had Kurt riveted.

My Immortal – Evanescence

Blaine raised an eyebrow as he read the title. "Evanescence? For Regionals?"

"It's a pretty song, Blaine."

"It's a depressing song."

Kurt gave it another once over and subsequently tossed the paper to the floor.

"You're right. It might not be the best material for Regionals," Kurt trailed off as he thumbed through a few more pages. Blaine began to notice a trend. Every song Kurt had paused on to look over was extremely depressing. He let it go on past 'Over My Head," and 'How to Save a Life' by The Fray, before Kurt had finally landed on 'Fix You' by Coldplay.

"Kurt, we need to talk," Blaine started as he took the pile of sheet music from Kurt's lap, causing Kurt to glance up at him in confusion. "Every song you're considering is dark, un-Regional like material. Is something wrong?"

"No, why would anything be wrong?" Kurt inquired, reaching to take the sheet music back, which Blaine held out further from his reach.

"Something's bothering you and whatever it is has gotten you down all week. Talk to me."

Kurt took a deep breath and closed his eyes in frustration. "I've just been tired is all. I've had a lot of work to catch up on and now I'm hunting for the perfect solo and it's gotten me a little high strung, I'm sorry."

Blaine shook his head. "No, Kurt, there's something else bothering you, I can tell. You know you can tell me anything."

"Blaine, it's seriously nothing, can we please just drop it?" Kurt snapped sounding a lot harsher than he probably meant to.

Blaine chewed his lip at Kurt's tone. He hadn't meant to make Kurt upset, he just wanted to help him through whatever was bothering him. He noticed that Kurt was staring up at him impatiently gesturing towards the sheet music. Blaine hesitated, but he ultimately stood up from the chair and handed the papers back over.

Once Blaine returned to the bed looking like a puppy that had been kicked, Kurt glanced up over his papers. He sighed and rose from the chair, depositing his pile on the now vacant spot and plopped down next to Blaine.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap. I'm just a little over my head with things."

"I didn't mean to make you angry," Blaine mumbled in response.

Kurt looked taken aback at the statement. "I'm not angry, just overwhelmed."

Blaine felt his heart race as soon as he realized that he was commanding attention again and quickly put his façade back into place with a dapper smile.

"No worries. We're going to find you a totally awesome song, don't stress."

Kurt frowned in response.

"We will," Blaine insisted, taking Kurt's hand. "I swear everything is going to be fine. We're going to get you an awesome solo and I'll help you practice. You're going to be great, Kurt trust me. You're going to kill this thing, just wait for the judges—"

"You need to stop."

Blaine almost didn't catch it over his insane babbling, but Kurt's voice was firm and powerful enough to command his full attention in an instant.

"Stop? What do you mean-"

"You can't fool me, Blaine. You're lying to me, your parents, The Warblers, yourself; you need to stop it before it kills you."

Blaine blinked back at him in response resembling a deer caught in the headlights. Was Kurt calling him out on his act? He didn't want to make it obvious, so he kept it going.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Kurt; can we get back to talking about your solo? That's what's truly important here," Blaine responded attempting to get up to retrieve the forgotten papers, but Kurt's hand on his arm stopped him.

"No, the solo has to wait for now. I've got a couple of weeks to prepare for that; you're my priority right now."

Blaine let out a chuckle, but it sounded off due to his nerves. "I'm fine, Kurt, we need to focus on you and-"

"Stop it, Blaine! Just stop it!" Kurt shouted, causing Blaine to jump in alarm. He barely had time to recover before Kurt resumed his shouting.

Uh oh, I don't know about you guys, but I sense trouble in the waters. =( Sorry to end it so abruptly, but it's late…or early…and I'm DEAD tired. I meant to post this yesterday, but things decided to step in the way as they tend to do… I'm not sure exactly how I felt about this chapter personally, so leave me your thoughts so I can get that next chapter to ya!

Much love!

Casey