Scars and Stones: Chapter 1 (Klaine)

Chapter 12

Kurt took in Finn's hurt expression, and felt guilty for not confiding in him. After Finn had practically told him everything about himself since they become brothers, a small part of Kurt felt that he should have said something. However, he knew Finn could have done something reckless to protect them, or he might have told Burt. His Dad didn't need any more stress right now. Kurt wasn't sure how much his heart could take.

"Finn, I knew you'd worry. Blaine and I are handling it." He turned to Mercedes. "Why'd you tell them all?" He didn't want to get mad at his best friend, but he could feel his emotions were about to explode. He expected her to bite back in her usual diva style, but was surprised to see her looking remorseful and sad.

"Because I was worried about you. This is so much bigger than Karofsky, and I thought that I should do something." Kurt was speechless. He looked to Blaine, who was just as wordless as him. He glanced at the rest of the club, who all gazed back at him fiercely with a strange emotion behind their eyes that he couldn't quite place.

"Kurt, you and Blaine are two of the strongest people I know, but even you guys can't hold off against a bunch of homophobes all on your own. We want you safe." Rachel piped in, as she clutched Finn's hand in her own. Kurt was touched by the sincerity in his former frenemy's words, but he still felt unsettled. He didn't want to drag all his friends into this horrifying situation.

"So, what are you saying? There's not much you guys can do, 'cause you don't know them. Heck, I only know one of them." Sam stood up, looking directly at them.

"We want to offer you protection. You know, we could act as lookouts whenever you guys want to go out, or like bodyguards. Like we would do if we were in school."

"How?" Blaine finally spoke. Everyone turned to look at him, after being so focussed on Kurt.

"Whenever you go out, we could group up so you don't have to be alone, like if you're going to the Mall or wherever. During the day, maybe you should go to Blaine's rather than yours, Kurt. From the sounds of it, they only want to manipulate you two. They wouldn't touch your family Kurt. Saying that, I don't think it's likely that they'll turn up at your house." Puck looked at them sincerely. Two years ago, Kurt wouldn't have trusted a bone in Noah Puckerman's body. In the present, Kurt knew he could trust his life with him.

Blaine nodded in agreement, remembering back to when Dean had made his life hell. In public and school the bullies could get him, but he was always safe at home, if his parents were in. Dean and the others never made contact with his parents, never harassed them. It had just been him.

"What makes you say that? They think my home is Blaine's. What's to stop them - breaking in?"

"Well, to me they sound clever. If I were them, the way to make your victims the most vulnerable is to cut them off from their support. Attacking you in your home would a) get them caught, b) strengthen your support and c) bring them less enjoyment. As sick as it sounds, they will want to drag this out for as long as possible. It would be too messy to get you at your house." Kurt winced, but let out a long breath he didn't realise he'd been holding. Everything Puck had just said made complete sense.

"So, will you take our offer?" Sam asked. Kurt nodded before Blaine could answer.

…

The club's conversation moved from the situation, once all the details had been explained, to latest X men movie. Kurt loved how his friends made him feel completely normal, even when he and Blaine were facing such a difficult situation. However, Finn still seemed to be on edge. Every now and then Kurt would catch the hurt looks Finn was throwing at him. The next time he held his gaze, and motioned for Finn to follow him out the room. Kurt extracted his arm from around Blaine's waist and followed Finn out. He turned back to look at Blaine, who was curled in on himself, mind completely elsewhere. Kurt sighed, knowing he would talk to Blaine after Finn had finished with him.

Blaine looked up, hearing Kurt sigh. Their eyes met as Blaine gave him a small smile, before turning back to the group. Once Kurt and Finn were in the other room, away from eavesdroppers, Finn let rip.

"Dude, why didn't you just tell me? I could have helped you!" Kurt looked down guiltily, feeling the same twinge as earlier.

"We didn't want you to worry." Finn scoffed, the disbelief flowing off him.

"That's no excuse Kurt! Do you know how I feel, having to hear from other people that you've been having trouble? We live under the same damn roof, for god's sake!" Kurt looked up at Finn, beginning to feel his anger rise again.

"I didn't want anyone to find out! I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I knew you'd freak out like you are now. Blaine and I are handling it."

"Well, obviously." Finn said snappily.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Have you seen you and Blaine? You look like wrecks! Blaine looks like he'll jump out his skin every time he hears a loud noise! You're acting like it's no big deal!"

"I'm sorry if I've hurt your feelings in some way, but the whole situation is so much bigger than that Finn! Blaine is facing a huge problem right now, and having you guys worrying would have just made him worse!"

"Why didn't you tell Burt? You could have put your family in danger!"

"You know why I can't tell Dad! I can't risk anything stressing him out!"

"Well, bad luck, 'cause Dad's already worried about you. He-" He was cut off by Kurt's widening eyes and his own sudden realisation.

"Did - did you just call him Dad?" Kurt murmured quietly. Finn stood there in surprise.

"I - I did, didn't I? I've never called him that before." They stood in silence, the argument slipping away as a new emotion filled the void. Finn looked directly at Kurt.

"Look Kurt, you know I see you as my brother now. I'm only worried about you and Blaine. I - I love you man. I only want you safe." Finn's soft words struck at Kurt's heart, bringing tears to his eyes. Finn was surprised at Kurt's reaction.

"I - I mean I love you as a brother -"

"Finn, I knew what you meant." Finn smiled, a little relieved. He leaned forward, pulling Kurt into a bear hug.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you. I'm going to do everything I can to keep you and Blaine safe. And - I won't tell Dad yet. Unless I really have too." Kurt nodded into him, relief washing through him. Finn let go, pulling back.

"We should get back to the others."

"Yeah, good idea." Finn led the way, before turning back to Kurt.

"You know, if you wanted, you could call Mom your Mom. I'd be cool with that. More than cool." They exited the room. Kurt looked at his new brother with affection, happy to be finally accepted by him. He'd been calling Carole 'Mom' in his head for months. Now he could finally call her the name he hadn't been able to apply to anyone for nine long, painful years.