Title: When All Else Fails

Rating: T; mild violence & language, references to drug use

Pairs: Klaine, Kurtchel Friendship, & mild Finchel undertones

Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or anything familiar in this story. Spoilers up to Born This Way/ takes place after this episode. – just a reminder that this story was written during season 2, therefore any new information after this episode are not considered in the story. So lets all transport ourselves back to a simpler time

Summary: Rachel and Kurt are kidnapped by a man seeking revenge on the Andersons. It's up to Blaine to make the right moves before its too late.

A/N – I KNOW AN UPDATE! My life got in the way of writing in so many ways, to the point I even forgot about my stories all together. This chapter was nearly finished and I felt terrible for leaving it for so long when it was so close to completion. There is ONE more chapter after this, and I promise it will be completed.

I know my followers from 2011 may not even be around, and I know new ones will probably show up. But as long as one person is happy this is finished, I am content. This is for all of my readers, old and new… Better late than never, right?

R.I.P. Cory Monteith

Pair of blue eyes opened at the sound of Rachel's scream.

A pair of identical blue eyes grew wide and set down the tree-line path towards the direction of the sound. "Burt!" Marlene followed the man, pulling a gun out of her waist band as she did so. "Burt, stop! Running into the line of fire with no plan could get Kurt killed!" she cried desperately. Burt stopped in his tracks, slowly turning around to face her, his breath short and shallow.

"What if he's-" Marlene quickly replaced her gun and stepped forward.

"Burt, let me call Blaine. I assure you – as horrible as it seems – I know that man and I have to believe that he wouldn't do anything to hurt my son or yours," She watched Burt closely, he looked like he was about to object but gave in and leaned back against a tree and nodded slowly, unable to find the words to respond as she pulled out her cell phone.

Finn's grip on Blaine's shoulder became overly painful before he threw the shorter boy aside and ran towards the water as it engulfed Rachel. Blaine quickly caught himself and glanced up at the platform, only to see the man re-enter the cabin.

"Rachel!" Blaine turned his head toward Finn's desperate cries and saw him on his knees at the water's edge, looking completely distraught until the tiny brunette resurfaced about ten seconds later, gasping for air and flailing her bound hands.

Relief washed over Finn's face and Blaine shoved his phone back into his pocket and walked towards the pair; in one swift movement they pulled Rachel out of the water.

Rachel's legs seemed to give out from under her as Finn tore off the bonds. Blaine caught her with his quick reflexes as Finn threw the rope to the ground, never taking his eyes of her.

"Oh, Blaine!" Rachel cried, suddenly becoming aware of her surroundings as she threw her arms around him as she shook. "Kurt knew you would come!" she sobbed and began coughing, never letting go of Blaine as he found himself wrapping his arms around her, placing a hand on her soaking hair to help calm her. He noticed Finn from over her shoulder, still watching the girl with deep concern in his brown eyes.

Rachel didn't move away from Blaine until his phone began ringing in his pocket. She slowly stepped back, staring wide-eyed at Blaine as he pulled the phone out.

"Is it him?" She whispered. Finn took a step closer from behind her, finally averting his eyes towards Blaine as he studied his phone.

"No," Blaine responded, glancing up at the pair. "It's my mom." He turned is back to the pair as he answered the call.

As Blaine was on the phone, Finn glanced down at Rachel, who wrapped her arms around her body and glanced up at the cabin. Blaine began pacing, listening to his mother and Finn finally broke the silence between the two.

"I'm so glad you're okay," his voice shook and Rachel finally stared up at her ex-boyfriend. He was studying her with a terrified look in his tired-looking brown eyes. He looked like he had aged in the 3 days she'd been lost. "I was so worried Rach, we all were. I was kept thinking that if I lost you I-" he glanced over her head at Blaine who was reciting something to his mother over the phone. "I think I still lo-"

"Finn don't say-"

"Okay I know what we have to do!" The pair jumped as Blaine walked over, phone open in his hand. I need to call him back and let me know that my mother is here,"

"What?!" Rachel and Finn exclaimed, suddenly forgetting their conversation.

"She thinks she can get through to him," Blaine stated. "Maybe he'll let her in to get Kurt out," he looked at Rachel. "Is he okay?"

"We were separated today," Rachel admitted, sadness in her large eyes. "Please just call, we need to get him out of there," the desperation in her voice was all Blaine needed to quickly dial the number and put the phone to his ear.

"Well hello Blaine, Kurt and I were just talking about you," the voice greeted and Blaine felt instantly enraged.

"Let me talk to him or you don't get what you want," he spat, staring up at the cabin as Rachel and Finn watched him.

"Oh Blaine, although it may seem shocking for a spoiled kid such as yourself, but you can't always get what you want," Blaine could almost feel the man smirking through the phone, and he knew now was the time to drop the news.

"My mother is here so let me talk to Kurt," Blaine stated forcefully

"Lena…"

The scream had set Kurt off and he knew the drugs were still affecting him as he jumped up and starting banging violently against the door, shouting out to Rachel in pleading cries. He could feel the adrenaline leaving his body as he slumped against the wall next to the door and slowly slid towards the floor in defeat. He attempted to push more of the bad thoughts out of his mind.

He tried to think of Burt and Carole's wedding, not the Karosky situation which drove him from McKinley days later; Blaine admitting his feelings, not all the heart-sick misery which bestowed him so many times previous; returning the McKinley, not the bittersweet feeling of leaving Blaine and his new friends behind; his and Mercedes plans to take over New York fashion week, not the time last fall when he disappointed her enough to break his windshield.

Although in his life there had been a lot of bad, a lot of pain and tears, there'd also been a lot of sunshine pushing through the clouds – most of it in the past two years.

And he wasn't going to be defeated.

The door opened again and the kidnapper entered to see his lone victim. Kurt still sat on the ground; hands folded on his knees and stared up at the man. He studied Kurt for a moment and seemed surprised – yes he looked tired, worn, and pale, his eyes were glazed and his hair messed up – yet he didn't appear defeated the way in which the man had expected.

Cooper always felt defeated after reliving memories of Marlene.

"What did you see?" the man slowly let the door close, his eyes trained on Kurt the entire time as Kurt just stared back.

"Where is Rachel?" was his only response.

"I had a sacrifice to pay since Mr. Anderson foolishly showed up without meeting my demands," he smirked at the suddenly change in Kurt's demeanor at the mention of Blaine. Before he could say anything, the man pulled out Kurt's phone.

"Well hello Blaine, Kurt and I were just talking about you," Kurt eyes went wide, silently begging Blaine not to give himself up for Kurt

"Let me talk to him or you don't get what you want,"

"Oh Blaine, although it may seem shocking for a spoiled kid such as yourself, but you can't always get what you want," Cooper smirked, glanced down at Kurt.

"My mother is here so let me talk to Kurt," the man's smirk slowly slipped from his face and something flashed through his eyes which made his demeanor change completely. Kurt cocked his head slightly, wondering what Blaine had said until the man's response gave him the answer.

"Lena..?" the man whispered and Kurt kept his eyes on him the entire time as he slowly began pacing the room. "She wasn't out there, it was just you and that oaf!" the man snapped, making Kurt flinch slightly yet feel comfort in the fact that his boyfriend wasn't alone but had come running to save him with Finn. His heart welled slightly as he continued listening to the man as his facial features continuously changed at Blaine's response.

"She just got here," Blaine responded. "She says she knows why you're doing this, she knows how to get in and she still has her key," the man's face broke out into a smile as he glanced around the room and finally stared at Kurt.

"How much time do I have?" Blaine gripped the phone, getting increasingly annoyed that he still hadn't given the phone to Kurt. As far as he knew, his boyfriend could be lying dead in there since he and Rachel had been separated for most of that day.

"Let me talk to Kurt, this has yet to be an agreement," Blaine stated firmly, surprising even himself at the demand and anger in his voice.

"The second you hear his voice, this will be an agreement," the man responded, his voice just as harsh as Blaine bit his lip.

"Fine," Blaine responded. "When we leave the back of the cabin you will have five minutes," the man blinked and nodded instead of responding directly. He leaned down towards Kurt and shoved Kurt's wrists together, tying them tightly and placing the phone between them, motioning Kurt to speak.

The counter-tenor adjusted his hands with much difficulty and lifted the phone towards his ear. "Blaine?"

Outside, Blaine's face washed over in relief and he turned towards Finn and Rachel and nodded, the pair looking increasingly relieved to know Kurt was still okay.

"Kurt, are you okay?" Kurt let Blaine's voice wash over him, letting nothing give him more comfort other than a hug from his parents. Kurt glanced down and noticed the man tying his ankles together and leave the room, keeping the door open behind him.

"Yes—is Rachel?" Kurt gripped the phone, feeling his hands shaking.

"Yes," Blaine answered and Kurt felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "And you will be safe soon, my mother is here and you'll be out of there soon," Kurt kept his eyes on the open door as the kidnapper re-entered with a small round side table. He placed it near a wall and dropped a bag onto it before leaving the room again.

"Kurt, I am so sorry," Kurt blinked, feeling generally confused at the statement.

"For what?" Blaine let out a very un-amused chuckle and ran a hang through his curls.

"This. It was supposed to be me; it had to do with my family. You were only taken because you were planning this amazing-"

"Blaine Anderson, I've been locked up in a room for three days, shut up and talk to me about something else because this isn't something for you to be sorry about," Kurt responded in his signature 'bitch-please' tone that didn't leave room for argument for his boyfriend. The man re-entered as Blaine chuckled half-heartedly. Kurt watched as he removed contents from the bag on the table, muttering to himself, he seemed to completely forget that Kurt was there.

"I love you too, by the way," was Blaine response and Kurt grinned.

"Just wait till you see me, I look absolutely horrible you'll-"

"Just love you even more the second I see you,"

"Still dapper as ever," Kurt responded, feeling the grin on his face as something odd and foreign. He knew he was still trapped, but now that Blaine's mother was here, everything would turn out alright.

Kurt should know never to let his guard down.

Before he could even realize what had happened, pain shot up Kurt's arm as the man kicked him. He managed to keep himself for falling over but his cell phone slipped from his hands to a few feet away. He felt his eyes water from the pain in his arm as he stared desperately at the phone.

"KURT!"

"What are you doing, she is coming!" Kurt yelled, staring back at the man as he stepped forward, looming over Kurt.

"He hasn't left the back yet, you can talk once our agreement is fulfilled," and with that, the man lifted his foot again. Kurt braced himself for another blow until the foot connected violently with his cell phone, smashing the screen.

Rachel and Finn stood on either side of Blaine as he yelled Kurt's name into the phone. Rachel had her hands in front of her mouth, her eyes wide as water still dripped down her entire body. Finn slowly placed a hand on his arm as Blaine lowered the cell phone, staring at the cabin.

"Kurt…" Rachel whispered, slowly moving her hands from her face, staring at Blaine. "Is he-" Blaine shook his head and walked past the two, towards the gate.

"We need to get out of the back and my mother into that cabin as soon as possible," Blaine answered. Finn and Rachel glanced at each other before quickly following Blaine out of the back.

Although they all knew Blaine's mother was here, they never expected the sight that they saw when they stepped from the rear of the cabin. Two ambulances sat in the distance, as well as a police car. Burt had moved his truck closer and was sitting in the back on the edge, staring angrily at the cabin as a short woman with wild black hair paced in front of him.

"Mom!" Blaine broke out into a run towards his mother and everyone's attention turned towards the trio which left the back. Marlene looked relieved and pulled her son into a hug as Burt watched two paramedic's jog towards the soaking girl that Finn stood close too. The paramedics threw a thick blanket over Rachel and pulled her towards their vehicle before she pulled back quickly.

"Ms. Berry, you need to get checked," Blaine and Marlene now turned to watch them as well.

"I'm fine," Rachel responded, Finn opened his mouth to object as well until she continued. "I am not going anywhere until Kurt is out here and I'm not being checked up on unless he is in there with me," she pointed towards the ambulance and pulled the blanket around her. The two paramedics stared at her like many new-comers do once she goes on a tangent. Finn grinned affectionately and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I'll keep an eye on her," he stated. The paramedics looked skeptical but grudgingly agreed, walking back towards their vehicle as Rachel sighed and turned towards Finn.

"Thank you, Finn," Rachel gave him a smile.

"I want you to get checked up on but I know Kurt's your priority right now," Finn glanced over her head towards Burt who was now looking towards Marlene and Blaine.

"Finn," Finn blinked and glanced back down at Rachel. "Stop."

"Stop what?"

"I know you, remember? I know you put to my stress and pressure on living up to everyone's expectations but Burt doesn't blame you for this, he is just worried about Kurt," Finn sighed and nodded slowly, running a hand through his hair. "I'm going to hug you now," Finn chuckled as Rachel stepped forward and he pulled her into a hug.

"I'm sorry it took something like this for me to realize," Finn whispered, kissing the top of her head. Rachel blinked up at him.

"Realize what?"

"That I still love you,"

"Finn I-"

"Rachel!" Rachel jumped back quickly as two males pulled her into a hug. "Oh our baby girl, you're okay, we were so worried," Leroy spoke as Hiram sobbed into her soaking hair, pulling her in closer. Finn stepped away from their moment and walked over towards Blaine, Burt, and Marlene.

"So he didn't say anything else?" Marlene looked concerned, watching her son closely.

"No and then he smashed the phone," Blaine sighed, running a hand through his hair. Finn watched Burt, sitting in the back of his truck with his arms crossed. He was glaring at the cabin. Finn wanted to say something, but his mouth was dry and he couldn't find the words.

He knew the only thing that would help Burt was Kurt to be found and safe.

"What happens once you go in there?" Burt asked, watching Marlene. "How will we know whats going on and if Kurt is okay?"

"Cooper knows I'm here," Marlene responded. "Blaine just spoke with him and Kurt so we know Kurt is okay. Once I'm in there I'll get Kurt out," Marlene turned towards her son and wrapped her arms around him. Blaine let himself sink into the hug. "I love you so much, baby. You've been so strong," she whispered, giving him one final squeeze before pulling back. "Kurt will be back to you soon," she turned back towards Burt. "To all of you."

Marlene gave them all one last reassuring look before walking towards the cabin.

Rachel watched Blaines mother head towards the cabin. Finn stood by Blaine and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder as he watched her enter the cabin. Rachel walked towards the trio, past Finn and Blaine and stood in front of Burt. She took a deep breathe before she spoke. "Mr. Hummel?" Burt snapped his head up quickly at the voice and the hand on his shoulder. His demeanor calmed slightly when he saw who it was. He gave her a nod and didn't say anything. Rachel pulled her blanket closer and stared down at him.

"I know… I know there is nothing anyone can say to comfort you right now," Rachel glanced at him and bit her lip nervously. "Bu-but for what its worth, I was in there with Kurt and-and…. Mr. Hummel he-"

"Burt," he responded quickly, turning towards Rachel and coughing awkwardly. "C-call me Burt," she smiled and nodded.

"Burt, Kurt is so strong, he isn't hurt, he isn't injured any more then I am," Rachel pulled her blanket closer once again. "But he isn't breaking down in there; he is keeping his head up. I swear to you he kept me sane and he is a fighter… a-and I fully believe he will make it out," Burt looked away from her again and Rachel really didn't know what else to say. "so sorry I am out and not Kurt I-"

"Sit Rachel," he demanded and Rachel obeyed quickly. When he looked back at her Rachel finally noticed the similarities of his eyes to Kurt's. "Rachel, don't you think for a second that you deserve to be back in that place. You're safe and no one blames you because Kurt isn't. I know he is strong but it's my place to worry. I-I just wish I could help. You were there Rachel, y'know that these aren't the kinda people kids should be dealin' with," Burt finally looked away and fixed his hat and sighed. "He is okay?" Rachel smiled and leaned closer to Burt.

"Yes, and we both know he will come out of this,"

"He's always been a fighter, y'know. I always said he handled everythin' better than me. I just can't lose him."

"You won't," Rachel stated. "I promise you won't," Rachel turned around and saw Finn staring at her and she gave him a weak smile before turning back to Burt. "I'm staying here with you until we know Kurt is safe. I-if that's okay with you," Burt slowly glanced back at Rachel.

"Of course," he responded, leaning down and picking up a thermos. "Drink this, last thing we need is you getting pneumonia waiting for Kurt." Rachel took is gratefully and took a sip.

Marlene slowly stepped into the cabin – it was dark and eerily quiet as she let the door slip close behind her and locked it. She glanced down the dark hallway but she could smell a distantly familiar scent as she began to descend down the hall.

"Cooper?" She'd decided to keep her gun in her waist band, hidden behind her coat. She wanted to believe she didn't need to use it against her old friend. She knew he wouldn't hurt her, but she may need to defend Kurt. Up until she saw Rachel, she still fully believed Cooper wouldn't hurt anyone, but the girl seemed to be in rough shape.

A door opened to the left, letting dim light flicker out into the hall, as the scent increased.

"Lena, I knew you would come," Marlene stared down the hall and stepped towards the figure that was now in the hallway. From the light that now came from the room, she noticed the grin on his aged face. "I knew you'd still have your key."

"I never threw away our friendship, Cooper," Marlene watched him closely to gage his response but he merely continued to smile at her. "I know you want to talk, but I need to make sure Kurt is okay first and-"

"Of course," Cooper waved his hand and directed her into the room. Once Marlene stepped into the room she realized what the smell was – the strong scent of lavender. The room had a small table filled with candles and empty scented oil bottles.

It took a few seconds to notice the teenager bound in the corner of the room. Marlene gasped and fell to the floor, ignoring the scented oil that got in her jeans as she did so. She placed her hands on each side of Kurt's face.

"Oh Kurt…" she whispered. Kurt stared at the familiar hazel eyes as she carefully removed the gag and studied his injuries. He looked worn and bruised but nothing compared to the bruised wrists and deep cuts on his arm. "I'm so sorry we have to meet like this."

Suddenly Marlene felt stupid for believing Cooper wouldn't hurt him.

"Cooper," Marlene stood up and turned to face Cooper who was closing the door behind them, apparently oblivious to the pained boy. "I am here now; you have to let Kurt go," she stated firmly and an odd grin fell across his face.

"But he has to be our witness," he stated, waving a hand around the room. Kurt blinked as Marlene glanced back to him then to Cooper.

"Witness to what?" she snapped. "It looked like you've already put him through enough, Cooper!" She stepped towards Cooper, her hands balled into fists and Cooper simply tilted his head, looking rather amused.

"Witness to you coming, witness to you still having a key to this place… our place. The place, we were kidnapped in ourselves as children," Marlene bit her lip and didn't look at Kurt. "The place we sat for days on end, where I developed my drug addiction you defended our entire lives, the place where we talked for hours and hours until we knew everything about each other. This place is the entire reason we're so close. And when they found that man, we just kept coming back, never telling anyone. This was our place, our secret," Cooper stepped forward and took Marlene's hands. "This is the place I continued to fall in love with you over and over again," Kurt watched the situation, mesmerised, as Marlene pulled her hands back and stepped closer to Kurt.

"And you decided to kidnap my son's boyfriend and torture him here!?" Marlene snapped. "Y-you were going to do this to my son-"

"I don't think I could have hurt Blaine... Because he has your eyes," Cooper answered honestly. "And… by not hurting Blaine I feel as if I'd have another one-up on Christopher,"

"First of all, you hurt Blaine by taking Kurt," Marlene stated firmly. "Secondly, none of this has to do with Christopher,"

"Everything has to do with Christopher. You married him when he will never know and love you as much as I-"

"Cooper, you told me you loved me the day before my wedding!" Marlene snapped. "You know nothing about me or my marriage or my family, Coop. You opt out of it when you decided to stand up my wedding and ruin our friendship!"

"Oh Lena," Cooper whispered. "Our friendship was over the second I fell in love with you. I know I was a coward for not telling you soon enough. And, and I don't need to know about your married and family… all I need to know is you to know that Christopher doesn't make you happy," Kurt blinked and glanced between Marlene and Cooper as Marlene leaned against the wall and folded her arms across her chest.

"I've been wondering all week," Cooper began, pacing around the room as Marlene and Kurt watched him closely. "How Christopher must have responded to Blaine being gay," he nodded towards Kurt, his only real acknowledgment of him since Marlene entered the room. "Probably assume its some punishment for his-"

"Hey!" Marlene snapped, stepping towards him again. "How dare you say those things about my son he-" Cooper gently placed a finger on her lips and grinned.

"I'm saying nothing about Blaine," Cooper stated. "This is about Christopher's opinion of your son; I have no problem with the gays. You always did have that habit of taking your Christopher problems out on me – I don't mind, however, I could always cheer you up," something flashed before Marlene's eyes but she didn't say a word.

"I know it probably put a strain on your marriage, when he came out," Cooper continued pacing the room. Kurt listened to him but watched Marlene the entire time. "He thinks it's a phase, but you're so moral and compassionate you'll love your son no matter what. Blaine talks about boys, Christopher talks about going on another business trip, Blaine talks about singing, and Christopher talks about law schools he should apply to. It strains your relationship that Blaine isn't his priority," Marlene bit her lip, trying to hide her true emotions as she studied Cooper.

"Christopher has different views, some that yes I do not agree with. But that doesn't mean-" Marlene wouldn't look directly at Cooper as she spoke. She didn't want her eyes to give her away.

"Marlene, if Blaine was Christopher's priority it wouldn't have taken your son three entire days to get in contact with you," Cooper stated rather bluntly and Kurt felt his mouth fall open in shock. "He'd rather get his case done and worry about his son when he absolutely has to. And god forbid, he ever go on a trip without taking you with him. I bet you've been arguing about that lately as well."

Cooper finally stopped pacing and walked towards Marlene. "I know when you think of the happiest moment of your life, it's not with Christopher." Marlene finally looked back up at her old friend, with tears forming in her eyes.

"Cooper, please let Kurt go," she whispered.

"Let me show you something," he interrupted, grabbing her hand and pulling her away from the candle filled table. He managed to pull a large wooden board from the wall, showing a small dusty window. He threw the board to the other side of the room as Marlene and Kurt both winced as he barely missed Kurt.

"You always told me you wanted a garden like this. With a pond, tall trees, and lots of flowers; stone benches and wooden swings like the ones at your grandmother's cabin," Marlene just stared at him as he looked out the window into the large garden. The garden he was fantasying had the same pond he'd thrown Rachel into not even a half-hour earlier.

"Cooper Kurt needs to-"

"Marlene, listen to me!" he yelled, grabbing onto her arm and kicking over the small table filled with candles. Her eyes flew wide put Cooper pulled back as the candles ignited the scented oil surrounding Kurt.

"Cooper, have you officially gone insane!?" she yelled, trying to pull her arm away from Cooper but he just pulled her further away from Kurt, dropping her arms and grabbing her face between his hands.

"I just want you to listen, Marlene! For once in your life, listen to me and respond to me. Stop trying to save other people, stand up for Christopher, please everyone and listen to me!"

"Cooper, I've defended your drug addiction for thirty years!" Marlene yelled backed. "You were my best friend, I would have done anything for you, I did so much for you so stop blaming this on me!"

"You never told me you loved me back,"

"I obviously loved you Cooper!" Marlene screamed, stepping towards Cooper, making him inches away from her face. "But you told me on my wedding night, you never gave anyone other than me a chance, you had to many trust issues. Your whole world revolved around me Cooper, it wasn't healthy! Situations like this prove it!"

"You'll never love me the way I love you," his grip on her face became tighter as he stepped forward and Marlene realized – there was no compromising this situation, she had to play into his fantasy for Kurt to get out of here alive.

Kurt watched the flames in front of him in desperation as Cooper and Marlene yelled at each other. His entire body was becoming increasingly warm as the flames licked as his feet. Sweat dripped down his face and he was beginning to feel lightheaded.

"I couldn't… Cooper, I couldn't walk out the night before my wedding," she whispered, staring deep into his eyes.

"But you wanted to,"

"I never wanted to damage you the way I have,"

"You saved me… you can still save me," Coopers voice was void of all emotion and simply begging now. Marlene's lips were shaking, her eyes watering, and Kurt's head was pounding. As the flames licked at his feet he attempted to push them further apart and the rope frayed slightly in the heat.

Kurt glanced up at the pair, staring at each other in built-up emotions. Marlene came to stop him but she couldn't… Kurt needed to get himself out of this.

He slowly raised his bond feet closer to the flames until they singed enough to pull apart. Kurt kicked the rope off his legs and glanced up at the pair, still staring intently at each other.

Kurt felt extremely light-headed, he didn't even know if he was strong enough to jump over the flames and make a run for it. The smoke was stinging his eyes and he was desperately holding in a cough, afraid it would draw attention to himself. He was no longer listening to their conversation, but concentrating on anything that would keep him alive.

To his right he noticed the board that Cooper had pulled off the window. Kurt picked up the board the best he could with his bond hands and cautiously stood to his feet. Kurt closed his eyes and took a deep breath, mustering all his energy.

Marlenes heart was beating out of her chest, her face only an inch apart from her old best friend. Coopers deranged eyes glanced down at her lips, but all Marlene could notice was the flames flickering off the manic look in his eyes. She glanced over towards Kurt. She was shocked to she him standing, the board Cooper threw from the window lifted up over his head, glancing between the pair and the exit.

He needed a distraction.

Marlene jumped forward, pressing her lips against Coopers. She felt his hands drop from her face as she slipped her hands behind her coat.

Next thing she knew, she was shoved backward, stumbling towards the floor as Cooper yelled and a gunshot filled the air.

Marlene hadn't gotten to her firearm yet. She stared up at Cooper, his firearm smoking and Kurt lying on the floor.

Everything went black.

A/N I'M SORRY CLIFFHANGERS ARE MY DRUG.

Atleast it's a long chapter