fic: a faded sign at the side of the road (part 1/?)
title: a faded sign at the side of the road
pairing: cooper/kurt/blaine
word count: 2900+ (this part)
summary: coming home from work one day, Cooper stumbles upon a young boy who changes his life forever.
a/n: filled for this prompt on the gkm. thanks to the delovely Francesca for looking over this for me. title taken from Love Shack. without shame.
--
His usual path was dotted with an array of melting snowflakes, condensing into a thick, filthy mush that threatened around his socks and bit sharply as it seeped under the fabric, sliding over his skin. Cooper shivered in the cold, but only pulled his jacket around him tighter and quickened his pace. He’s nearly home.
There’s a song on his lips, but only a light buzzing hum. He hasn’t sung for ages, although he thought that now might be time to start again. Cooper’s looking for new beginnings. He left his job only a week ago and he was hardly in a rush to find a new one. He thought he might like to work from home for a while, do some of the writing that he always promised he’d do.
Acting, while it lasted, was fun and thrilling - but it was lonely, and Cooper was lonely. He had a lovely house, and a lovely bed and warm furniture, and a good kitchen and clean bathroom and a lot of money and stability - but no one to share it with.
He chuckled bitterly to himself.
Maybe he should get a cat or something.
The song on his lips was a little louder now, threatening under his teeth, clashing and pleading, trying to break free. He thought he might let it, when something moved sharply in the corner of his peripheral vision, utterly seizing his attention.
Years later, he’d look back, and he’d cry in relief.
Because he turned.
“Hello?” he called out, a brief flare of panic rising within him, but only a little bit. It was more worry. The figure was small, and probably scared. Cooper wasn’t a small guy and his leather jacket could be deceiving (probably less than he liked to convince himself). “Who’s there?”
Instead of an answer (which he wasn’t really expecting anyway) he caught a small whimper, one that made something sad and small curl up inside of him with sympathy.
The figure was frightened.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” Cooper said carefully, “please… I want to help you.” At least, he thought he did.
There was another rustle behind the bush, just off the corner of his path and he moved towards it tentatively; his steps slow and deliberate. He didn’t want to make the figure more frightened than it already was.
Slowly, he pushed apart the leaves and branches and barely contained the gasp that launched from his chest.
Crouched under the green, was a face half hidden under a matter of blood, dirt and matted dark curls, he was the most achingly beautiful boy he had ever seen.
“You’re… you’re hurt,” Cooper mumbled, feeling his own face contorted with worry. The creases splitting in his brow almost hurt but not as much as this poor boy could be. The boy lifted his head to reveal a swollen, black eye and blinked up at him, a shade of tea green taking Cooper’s breath away. The boy’s lips parted, but they were bloody too.
This boy had been beaten, Cooper realised, his stomach twisting with disgust.
Who could want to hurt such a beautiful, small thing?
The boy let out a full body shiver, but made no more effort to move, his lips opening and closing helplessly, his teeth chattering under them.
Cooper started as he took him in fully. He was clothed in nothing but a hoodie - no wonder he was fucking freezing.
“Oh my goodness,” he breathed when he finally found his voice, “you’re fre- here, take my coat.” Immediately, Cooper shed the leather, holding it out to the boy who took it without hesitation, instantly wrapping himself in it.
Something warm, yet sorry tugged in Cooper’s chest and he hoped this meant that the boy at least trusted him a little bit.
He would need to -because there was no way Cooper was leaving him like this.
Crouching down beside him, Cooper reached out, asking him to take his hands. The boy simply stared.
“What’s your name? “Cooper tried. The boy didn’t answer. “Is there anyone I can call?”
“No,” was all the boy said, his voice shaky and rough with apparent disuse.
Fuck, Cooper had to get him inside.
“Where’s your house, buddy?” he tried, keeping his voice soft and gentle. “What’s your address?”
To his great distress, the boy’s big green eyes welled up with tears and he batted his long matted lashes quickly in a futile attempt to dispel them.
“I-I don’t think I have one… anymore.”
Oh god.
“You can come with me then,” Cooper said quickly, hopping to his feet, reaching out his hands once more. The boy gave him the same puzzled expression and Cooper let out a quick, breathy laugh. “Well, I can’t just leave you here,” he said. “Come on. I won’t hurt you - I promise.”
Tentatively - and Cooper could see the measure of heady nervousness and unease in his eyes and it fucking hurt - he reached out and took Cooper’s hands in his, hissing at the contact. Cooper could feel the grazes under the texture of his comparatively smooth ones and he rubbed the undamaged side of the boy’s hands soothingly.
“We’ll get you cleaned up,” he told him, “come on.”
The boy went to take a step to follow him but stumbled, wincing. He shot Cooper an apologetic look.
“Sorry,” he whispered. “My… knee…”
Oh god, Cooper mourned, he’s really hurt.
“Here,” Cooper said, and the boy let out a little cry of surprise as Cooper suddenly scooped him up into his arms, carrying him bridal style. He caught the blush tainting the boy’s cheeks and Cooper gave him an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, kid, I thought it would be easier…”
The boy ducked his head, still blushing. “That’s alright,” he murmured, “I’m-”
“Don’t say sorry,” Cooper warned. “Just… let me take care of you.”
With wide, searching eyes, the boy nodded finally and Cooper breathed a sigh of relief.
Time to get this kid home.
--
He managed to get the boy home in once piece and set him down on the couch. They boy let out an adorable little oof as he landed and Cooper couldn’t quite muffle his smile.
He was precious.
“I think it’s probably best we get you cleaned up first.” Cooper said thoughtfully, “So we can see what’s wrong…”
The boy’s jaw immediately tensed and he wrought his hands in worry.
“Hey,” Cooper murmured, sitting beside him and taking his hands in his carefully, “you don’t have to tell me anything… not yet, anyway… I just… I want to help.”
The boy nodded and Cooper moved to get his first aid kit, but the boy called after him.
“Blaine. My name’s Blaine.”
Cooper froze, the name reaching his ears. With a private smile, he turned. “I think it’s a lovely name,” he told him.
Blaine smiled.
Yes, Cooper thought, lovely.
He managed to locate the first aid kit and headed back to Blaine who was drinking in the space like it’s something lost and strangely beautiful.
“Do you like it?” Cooper couldn’t help but ask, gesturing around the space.
Blaine smiled sadly. “It looks like a home,” he said.
Cooper thought his heart might fall out.
He sat down beside him and Blaine didn’t even flinch this time as he took his hands. Cooper winced at the sight of them. In the light of the living room the cuts don’t look so deep, but they’re dirty and the last thing Cooper wants is for Blaine to get an infection.
That’d be what he needs, Cooper thought sarcastically.
“We’re going to need to wash these,” he said and Blaine nodded. “Actually…” he scanned the cruxes of Blaine’s filthy appearance. “I think we’re going to need to wash all of you.”
Blaine blushed.
“Come on,” Cooper said, getting to his feet, “shower time.”
Blaine didn’t hesitate this time when Cooper took him into his arms, carrying him down the hall to the bathroom. The one upstairs is nicer, but Cooper thought he might’ve wasted enough time already.
“Hoodie off,” he said as he sat him on the edge of the tub. Blaine’s eyes snapped up, alarmed, but Cooper gave him a comforting smile. “I’m sorry… I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable, Blaine… but I think it’s necessary.” Blaine blushed again and oh god, Cooper marvelled, he really was precious.
“Would it make you more comfortable if I took mine off too?” Cooper offered. Blaine contemplated this, biting his lip before nodding. “Here,” Cooper said and swept his Henley off in one go, tossing it into the basket by the door. Blaine’s eyes swept over his bare chest, warm and wondering and Cooper wondered absently just how new this was for him. He’s so obviously young. This may be his first time seeing a man’s chest that’s not his own, not his relative’s.
He doesn’t quite know what to make of that.
“Your turn,” Cooper said gently, crossing the room to him. “Arms up.” A little hesitant, still, Blaine finally lifted his arms and allowed Cooper to pull his hoodie over his head. Cooper lets out a sympathetic noise as he took in the dark bruises dotting his chest like little demonic bites. Apart from the bruising, there doesn’t seem to be any lethal damage. “Someone got you pretty bad, huh?” he murmured.
Blaine’s jaw tensed. “My dad,” he said throatily and Cooper had to bite back the anger coiling in his chest.
There is nothing he hated more than an unfit parent.
“Pants off,” he said next and now Blaine’s eyes were wide.
Precious.
“You don’t have to take off your underwear,” Cooper said. “I just need to see your legs.”
Still blushing, Blaine complied, unbuttoning his jeans nervously and slipping them down his adorably short legs. Cooper examined them, right then left, and apart from some pretty bad grazing on his knees, he seemed to be okay.
“Does it hurt?” Cooper asked softly.
Blaine gave a little shrug. “My hands and knees sting,” he says quietly, “and my chest a bit… but nothing… inside.”
Cooper nodded. That was about as good as he could have hoped for.
“Come on, sweetheart,” he said, unable to help the endearment from slipping out. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
--
He washed Blaine’s knees and hands and then left him for a little, telling him to use all the soap and gel he wanted and that he’ll clean his eye and grazing when he’s done. While he was in the shower he found the antiseptic and bandages, as well as a clean pair of sweatpants and a Henley, smiling to himself when he thought of how adorable he’d look in those clothes, far too big for him.
He decided to leave the things in the spare room, in which he re-makes the bed, putting on fresh sheets and pillows - just in case. He realised with a start that Blaine must be hungry and is just calling his local pizza guy when he hears Blaine get out of the shower. He saw him pad out into the living room, a small, puzzled smile on his face, a fluffy cream towel wrapped around his body, his wet, but now clean curls hanging in his eyes. Cooper gestured ‘one minute’ and to the spare room and Blaine nodded, following his directions.
Cooper ordered quickly, then hung up and found Blaine sitting on the bed, looking just as adorable as he’d suspected in Cooper’s clothes. Warmth and affection curls in his chest and he greeted Blaine with a grin, setting down on the bed beside him.
“I ordered pizza,” he told him, “is that okay?”
Blaine nodded, smiling shyly. “Thank you,” he said quietly.
“You’re more than welcome, sweetheart,” he said softly, and there it is again. Blaine blushed a little and it only made his freshly cleaned face that much sweeter.
Cooper thought he was even more beautiful now, in the warm light of the spare room, wrapped in the scent of Cooper’s soap and his too big clothes.
He thought he was more beautiful than the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen.
“You don’t have to talk,” Cooper said, popping open the cap of antiseptic, “but it might help distract you - this is going to sting a little.”
Blaine nodded and swallowed thickly as Cooper takes the cut hand gently. “I-it was this morning,” he began as Cooper dabbed the antiseptic along the cut. “When I told him.”
“Your dad?” Cooper asked as Blaine hissed at the antiseptic.
Blaine nodded, wincing. “I told him I was gay.”
Cooper’s throat caught and he almost stumbled with the antiseptic. Blaine’s eyes widened and Cooper murmured out an apology.
“I’m… I’m so sorry, Blaine… I…” he sighed. “I was lucky enough to have accepting parents, but not everyone out of the community was so kind.” He laughed bitterly. “Hell, not everyone in the community was so kind.”
“You’re-you’re gay?” Blaine stammered, shock thrilling in his eyes.
Cooper mustered a bright smile. “As a Christmas Carol!” he sang and Blaine laughed.
It’s the first time Cooper’s heard him laugh.
He wanted to keep that sound in his memory forever.
“So he threw me out…because I’m gay,” Blaine surmised and the words came out easier now that’s he’s already said them once. “And I ran… and I…” he paused, a light shiver running through his tiny frame. “I couldn’t run anymore.”
Cooper’s expression fell as he realised what would have happened to Blaine if he hadn’t of been there.
“You’re safe now,” he said softly, both to himself and to Blaine. “I’m going to take care of you now.”
Blaine choked on a small sob of relief and Cooper felt his heart swell. God, he can see himself taking care of this boy forever.
He thought this is exactly what they both needed.
“Anything you ever need,” Cooper told him earnestly, taking his now bandaged hands in his, “you have to ask me, okay? I won’t have you suffer anymore. You’ve been through enough.”
Blaine nodded, tears pricking at his eyes as he ducks them a little. He opened his mouth then closed it again, hesitant.
“Is there something you need, Blaine?” Cooper asked softly and Blaine lifted his eyes hopefully.
“A hug?” he asked, careful, like he’s preparing himself for rejection.
Cooper had to restrain himself from tackling him into the bed.
“You never have to ask for these,” he murmured into his shoulder, cradling him close, rubbing soothing lines up and down his back. Blaine sagged against him, his lashes fluttering shut against his chest.
“Thank you,” Blaine breathed and the words are suddenly sacred, like a prayer.
The doorbell rang and Cooper let him go reluctantly.
“Pizza,” he said with a small smile. “I bet you’re hungry.”
Blaine smiled bashfully, nodding. Cooper rose, taking Blaine’s hand once more, marvelling at how much smaller it was than his.
“I hope you like cheese.”
--
While they ate their pizza, Cooper put on The Little Mermaid after Blaine told him it was his favourite Disney movie. Cooper thought they needed something easy and happy for the night and they sang along to Under the Sea like they were born to do it.
Blaine had a lovely voice and Cooper told him so.
Blaine’s blush is also lovely, but Cooper kept that to himself.
He could see Blaine yawning by the end and his eyes were fluttering shut as the credits rolled, his little arms stretching high above his head, like a little kitten.
“Bed time?” Cooper offered and Blaine gave him a sleepy smile of agreement.
Cooper took him to the spare room, unfolding the sheets for him to slip into. He told him to call out if he needed water or anything and hugged him tight. Blaine’s little hands splayed across his back and all of a sudden Cooper was overwhelmed with how easy this was, how easy it would be to love this boy, to be loved by him.
He left the door open on his way out.
--
He was sleeping soundly, his subconscious swirling absent dreams around his worn out mind but not deeply enough to not be woken by the small voice, dangerously close to his ear, breaking him out of his sleep, accompanied by a few small taps on his shoulder, rousing him completely.
He rolled over and crackled a bleary eye open, catching sight of Blaine, hovering over him, wide eyed, cheeks flushed and tear tracked.
“Blaine,” Cooper breathed, worry sinking in his chest as he sat up, reaching for his hands instinctively. “What’s wrong sweetheart?”
“I-dreams-I’m sorry,” he choked and Cooper doesn’t hesitate in pulling him into his arms, rubbing his back comfortingly as Blaine whimpered into his neck.
They stay like that for a while, and Cooper sensed that Blaine isn’t ready to pull back anytime soon. He brushed his lips over his hair softly and Blaine makes an adorable little muffled sound against his skin.
It’s content.
“Do you want to stay here tonight?” Cooper murmured, stroking his hair tenderly.
“Yes, please,” Blaine said softly, and Cooper shifted, rolling over to the cool side of the bed, letting Blaine get warm on his side. “Can… can you…”
“Do you want me to hold you?” Cooper offered. Blaine’s face brightened hopefully, his lashes fluttering shyly.
“I’d like that,” he said.
Eventually he does fall asleep, his back pulled snug against Cooper’s chest, his hands clasped between Cooper’s over his chest. Cooper’s breath his warm against his neck and the thumping of his heart is steadying and comforting as he drifts off.
They slept peacefully.
PART 2
pairing: cooper/kurt/blaine
word count: 2900+ (this part)
summary: coming home from work one day, Cooper stumbles upon a young boy who changes his life forever.
a/n: filled for this prompt on the gkm. thanks to the delovely Francesca for looking over this for me. title taken from Love Shack. without shame.
--
His usual path was dotted with an array of melting snowflakes, condensing into a thick, filthy mush that threatened around his socks and bit sharply as it seeped under the fabric, sliding over his skin. Cooper shivered in the cold, but only pulled his jacket around him tighter and quickened his pace. He’s nearly home.
There’s a song on his lips, but only a light buzzing hum. He hasn’t sung for ages, although he thought that now might be time to start again. Cooper’s looking for new beginnings. He left his job only a week ago and he was hardly in a rush to find a new one. He thought he might like to work from home for a while, do some of the writing that he always promised he’d do.
Acting, while it lasted, was fun and thrilling - but it was lonely, and Cooper was lonely. He had a lovely house, and a lovely bed and warm furniture, and a good kitchen and clean bathroom and a lot of money and stability - but no one to share it with.
He chuckled bitterly to himself.
Maybe he should get a cat or something.
The song on his lips was a little louder now, threatening under his teeth, clashing and pleading, trying to break free. He thought he might let it, when something moved sharply in the corner of his peripheral vision, utterly seizing his attention.
Years later, he’d look back, and he’d cry in relief.
Because he turned.
“Hello?” he called out, a brief flare of panic rising within him, but only a little bit. It was more worry. The figure was small, and probably scared. Cooper wasn’t a small guy and his leather jacket could be deceiving (probably less than he liked to convince himself). “Who’s there?”
Instead of an answer (which he wasn’t really expecting anyway) he caught a small whimper, one that made something sad and small curl up inside of him with sympathy.
The figure was frightened.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” Cooper said carefully, “please… I want to help you.” At least, he thought he did.
There was another rustle behind the bush, just off the corner of his path and he moved towards it tentatively; his steps slow and deliberate. He didn’t want to make the figure more frightened than it already was.
Slowly, he pushed apart the leaves and branches and barely contained the gasp that launched from his chest.
Crouched under the green, was a face half hidden under a matter of blood, dirt and matted dark curls, he was the most achingly beautiful boy he had ever seen.
“You’re… you’re hurt,” Cooper mumbled, feeling his own face contorted with worry. The creases splitting in his brow almost hurt but not as much as this poor boy could be. The boy lifted his head to reveal a swollen, black eye and blinked up at him, a shade of tea green taking Cooper’s breath away. The boy’s lips parted, but they were bloody too.
This boy had been beaten, Cooper realised, his stomach twisting with disgust.
Who could want to hurt such a beautiful, small thing?
The boy let out a full body shiver, but made no more effort to move, his lips opening and closing helplessly, his teeth chattering under them.
Cooper started as he took him in fully. He was clothed in nothing but a hoodie - no wonder he was fucking freezing.
“Oh my goodness,” he breathed when he finally found his voice, “you’re fre- here, take my coat.” Immediately, Cooper shed the leather, holding it out to the boy who took it without hesitation, instantly wrapping himself in it.
Something warm, yet sorry tugged in Cooper’s chest and he hoped this meant that the boy at least trusted him a little bit.
He would need to -because there was no way Cooper was leaving him like this.
Crouching down beside him, Cooper reached out, asking him to take his hands. The boy simply stared.
“What’s your name? “Cooper tried. The boy didn’t answer. “Is there anyone I can call?”
“No,” was all the boy said, his voice shaky and rough with apparent disuse.
Fuck, Cooper had to get him inside.
“Where’s your house, buddy?” he tried, keeping his voice soft and gentle. “What’s your address?”
To his great distress, the boy’s big green eyes welled up with tears and he batted his long matted lashes quickly in a futile attempt to dispel them.
“I-I don’t think I have one… anymore.”
Oh god.
“You can come with me then,” Cooper said quickly, hopping to his feet, reaching out his hands once more. The boy gave him the same puzzled expression and Cooper let out a quick, breathy laugh. “Well, I can’t just leave you here,” he said. “Come on. I won’t hurt you - I promise.”
Tentatively - and Cooper could see the measure of heady nervousness and unease in his eyes and it fucking hurt - he reached out and took Cooper’s hands in his, hissing at the contact. Cooper could feel the grazes under the texture of his comparatively smooth ones and he rubbed the undamaged side of the boy’s hands soothingly.
“We’ll get you cleaned up,” he told him, “come on.”
The boy went to take a step to follow him but stumbled, wincing. He shot Cooper an apologetic look.
“Sorry,” he whispered. “My… knee…”
Oh god, Cooper mourned, he’s really hurt.
“Here,” Cooper said, and the boy let out a little cry of surprise as Cooper suddenly scooped him up into his arms, carrying him bridal style. He caught the blush tainting the boy’s cheeks and Cooper gave him an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, kid, I thought it would be easier…”
The boy ducked his head, still blushing. “That’s alright,” he murmured, “I’m-”
“Don’t say sorry,” Cooper warned. “Just… let me take care of you.”
With wide, searching eyes, the boy nodded finally and Cooper breathed a sigh of relief.
Time to get this kid home.
--
He managed to get the boy home in once piece and set him down on the couch. They boy let out an adorable little oof as he landed and Cooper couldn’t quite muffle his smile.
He was precious.
“I think it’s probably best we get you cleaned up first.” Cooper said thoughtfully, “So we can see what’s wrong…”
The boy’s jaw immediately tensed and he wrought his hands in worry.
“Hey,” Cooper murmured, sitting beside him and taking his hands in his carefully, “you don’t have to tell me anything… not yet, anyway… I just… I want to help.”
The boy nodded and Cooper moved to get his first aid kit, but the boy called after him.
“Blaine. My name’s Blaine.”
Cooper froze, the name reaching his ears. With a private smile, he turned. “I think it’s a lovely name,” he told him.
Blaine smiled.
Yes, Cooper thought, lovely.
He managed to locate the first aid kit and headed back to Blaine who was drinking in the space like it’s something lost and strangely beautiful.
“Do you like it?” Cooper couldn’t help but ask, gesturing around the space.
Blaine smiled sadly. “It looks like a home,” he said.
Cooper thought his heart might fall out.
He sat down beside him and Blaine didn’t even flinch this time as he took his hands. Cooper winced at the sight of them. In the light of the living room the cuts don’t look so deep, but they’re dirty and the last thing Cooper wants is for Blaine to get an infection.
That’d be what he needs, Cooper thought sarcastically.
“We’re going to need to wash these,” he said and Blaine nodded. “Actually…” he scanned the cruxes of Blaine’s filthy appearance. “I think we’re going to need to wash all of you.”
Blaine blushed.
“Come on,” Cooper said, getting to his feet, “shower time.”
Blaine didn’t hesitate this time when Cooper took him into his arms, carrying him down the hall to the bathroom. The one upstairs is nicer, but Cooper thought he might’ve wasted enough time already.
“Hoodie off,” he said as he sat him on the edge of the tub. Blaine’s eyes snapped up, alarmed, but Cooper gave him a comforting smile. “I’m sorry… I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable, Blaine… but I think it’s necessary.” Blaine blushed again and oh god, Cooper marvelled, he really was precious.
“Would it make you more comfortable if I took mine off too?” Cooper offered. Blaine contemplated this, biting his lip before nodding. “Here,” Cooper said and swept his Henley off in one go, tossing it into the basket by the door. Blaine’s eyes swept over his bare chest, warm and wondering and Cooper wondered absently just how new this was for him. He’s so obviously young. This may be his first time seeing a man’s chest that’s not his own, not his relative’s.
He doesn’t quite know what to make of that.
“Your turn,” Cooper said gently, crossing the room to him. “Arms up.” A little hesitant, still, Blaine finally lifted his arms and allowed Cooper to pull his hoodie over his head. Cooper lets out a sympathetic noise as he took in the dark bruises dotting his chest like little demonic bites. Apart from the bruising, there doesn’t seem to be any lethal damage. “Someone got you pretty bad, huh?” he murmured.
Blaine’s jaw tensed. “My dad,” he said throatily and Cooper had to bite back the anger coiling in his chest.
There is nothing he hated more than an unfit parent.
“Pants off,” he said next and now Blaine’s eyes were wide.
Precious.
“You don’t have to take off your underwear,” Cooper said. “I just need to see your legs.”
Still blushing, Blaine complied, unbuttoning his jeans nervously and slipping them down his adorably short legs. Cooper examined them, right then left, and apart from some pretty bad grazing on his knees, he seemed to be okay.
“Does it hurt?” Cooper asked softly.
Blaine gave a little shrug. “My hands and knees sting,” he says quietly, “and my chest a bit… but nothing… inside.”
Cooper nodded. That was about as good as he could have hoped for.
“Come on, sweetheart,” he said, unable to help the endearment from slipping out. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
--
He washed Blaine’s knees and hands and then left him for a little, telling him to use all the soap and gel he wanted and that he’ll clean his eye and grazing when he’s done. While he was in the shower he found the antiseptic and bandages, as well as a clean pair of sweatpants and a Henley, smiling to himself when he thought of how adorable he’d look in those clothes, far too big for him.
He decided to leave the things in the spare room, in which he re-makes the bed, putting on fresh sheets and pillows - just in case. He realised with a start that Blaine must be hungry and is just calling his local pizza guy when he hears Blaine get out of the shower. He saw him pad out into the living room, a small, puzzled smile on his face, a fluffy cream towel wrapped around his body, his wet, but now clean curls hanging in his eyes. Cooper gestured ‘one minute’ and to the spare room and Blaine nodded, following his directions.
Cooper ordered quickly, then hung up and found Blaine sitting on the bed, looking just as adorable as he’d suspected in Cooper’s clothes. Warmth and affection curls in his chest and he greeted Blaine with a grin, setting down on the bed beside him.
“I ordered pizza,” he told him, “is that okay?”
Blaine nodded, smiling shyly. “Thank you,” he said quietly.
“You’re more than welcome, sweetheart,” he said softly, and there it is again. Blaine blushed a little and it only made his freshly cleaned face that much sweeter.
Cooper thought he was even more beautiful now, in the warm light of the spare room, wrapped in the scent of Cooper’s soap and his too big clothes.
He thought he was more beautiful than the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen.
“You don’t have to talk,” Cooper said, popping open the cap of antiseptic, “but it might help distract you - this is going to sting a little.”
Blaine nodded and swallowed thickly as Cooper takes the cut hand gently. “I-it was this morning,” he began as Cooper dabbed the antiseptic along the cut. “When I told him.”
“Your dad?” Cooper asked as Blaine hissed at the antiseptic.
Blaine nodded, wincing. “I told him I was gay.”
Cooper’s throat caught and he almost stumbled with the antiseptic. Blaine’s eyes widened and Cooper murmured out an apology.
“I’m… I’m so sorry, Blaine… I…” he sighed. “I was lucky enough to have accepting parents, but not everyone out of the community was so kind.” He laughed bitterly. “Hell, not everyone in the community was so kind.”
“You’re-you’re gay?” Blaine stammered, shock thrilling in his eyes.
Cooper mustered a bright smile. “As a Christmas Carol!” he sang and Blaine laughed.
It’s the first time Cooper’s heard him laugh.
He wanted to keep that sound in his memory forever.
“So he threw me out…because I’m gay,” Blaine surmised and the words came out easier now that’s he’s already said them once. “And I ran… and I…” he paused, a light shiver running through his tiny frame. “I couldn’t run anymore.”
Cooper’s expression fell as he realised what would have happened to Blaine if he hadn’t of been there.
“You’re safe now,” he said softly, both to himself and to Blaine. “I’m going to take care of you now.”
Blaine choked on a small sob of relief and Cooper felt his heart swell. God, he can see himself taking care of this boy forever.
He thought this is exactly what they both needed.
“Anything you ever need,” Cooper told him earnestly, taking his now bandaged hands in his, “you have to ask me, okay? I won’t have you suffer anymore. You’ve been through enough.”
Blaine nodded, tears pricking at his eyes as he ducks them a little. He opened his mouth then closed it again, hesitant.
“Is there something you need, Blaine?” Cooper asked softly and Blaine lifted his eyes hopefully.
“A hug?” he asked, careful, like he’s preparing himself for rejection.
Cooper had to restrain himself from tackling him into the bed.
“You never have to ask for these,” he murmured into his shoulder, cradling him close, rubbing soothing lines up and down his back. Blaine sagged against him, his lashes fluttering shut against his chest.
“Thank you,” Blaine breathed and the words are suddenly sacred, like a prayer.
The doorbell rang and Cooper let him go reluctantly.
“Pizza,” he said with a small smile. “I bet you’re hungry.”
Blaine smiled bashfully, nodding. Cooper rose, taking Blaine’s hand once more, marvelling at how much smaller it was than his.
“I hope you like cheese.”
--
While they ate their pizza, Cooper put on The Little Mermaid after Blaine told him it was his favourite Disney movie. Cooper thought they needed something easy and happy for the night and they sang along to Under the Sea like they were born to do it.
Blaine had a lovely voice and Cooper told him so.
Blaine’s blush is also lovely, but Cooper kept that to himself.
He could see Blaine yawning by the end and his eyes were fluttering shut as the credits rolled, his little arms stretching high above his head, like a little kitten.
“Bed time?” Cooper offered and Blaine gave him a sleepy smile of agreement.
Cooper took him to the spare room, unfolding the sheets for him to slip into. He told him to call out if he needed water or anything and hugged him tight. Blaine’s little hands splayed across his back and all of a sudden Cooper was overwhelmed with how easy this was, how easy it would be to love this boy, to be loved by him.
He left the door open on his way out.
--
He was sleeping soundly, his subconscious swirling absent dreams around his worn out mind but not deeply enough to not be woken by the small voice, dangerously close to his ear, breaking him out of his sleep, accompanied by a few small taps on his shoulder, rousing him completely.
He rolled over and crackled a bleary eye open, catching sight of Blaine, hovering over him, wide eyed, cheeks flushed and tear tracked.
“Blaine,” Cooper breathed, worry sinking in his chest as he sat up, reaching for his hands instinctively. “What’s wrong sweetheart?”
“I-dreams-I’m sorry,” he choked and Cooper doesn’t hesitate in pulling him into his arms, rubbing his back comfortingly as Blaine whimpered into his neck.
They stay like that for a while, and Cooper sensed that Blaine isn’t ready to pull back anytime soon. He brushed his lips over his hair softly and Blaine makes an adorable little muffled sound against his skin.
It’s content.
“Do you want to stay here tonight?” Cooper murmured, stroking his hair tenderly.
“Yes, please,” Blaine said softly, and Cooper shifted, rolling over to the cool side of the bed, letting Blaine get warm on his side. “Can… can you…”
“Do you want me to hold you?” Cooper offered. Blaine’s face brightened hopefully, his lashes fluttering shyly.
“I’d like that,” he said.
Eventually he does fall asleep, his back pulled snug against Cooper’s chest, his hands clasped between Cooper’s over his chest. Cooper’s breath his warm against his neck and the thumping of his heart is steadying and comforting as he drifts off.
They slept peacefully.
PART 2