A/N: Well! Hello, hello! It has been a while, hasn't it? I'm sorry about that. Work. Life. The usual. Plus, the past few days, I have been battling a cold. No fun, I tell you. No fun at all. Anyway, not much else to say... I'll let you get on with the chapter—though I will note that this is unbetaed ant stuff!

x x x

Chapter 11

Kurt looked at the comb with hesitant curiosity as Cooper watched him watch the comb, a slight look of fear starting to build in glasz eyes after a few minutes that made his stomach drop a little. He wasn't sure he wanted to know the reasons behind why Kurt might come to fear a comb. Hoping to distract him, he quickly set the comb aside while figuring he would try again a little later.

"Or!" He commented happily, tone light, "We could try one of the creams?"

Reaching for the bruise salve, he took the lid off slowly while watching Kurt's reaction. He could see his ears go back a little but his expression remained open and cautiously curious. Taking that as a good sign, he brought the jar to his nose, sniffing lightly, before slowly holding the jar out for Kurt's inspection. He couldn't help smiling to himself when Kurt's ears twitched forward with interest, leaning forward to take a delicate sniff at the jar's contents. There was a medical-based scent, but not strong. Actually, it was rather on the sweet floral side.

He smiled more when Kurt met his eyes.

"It... it won't hurt?" He was asked lightly, hesitant eyes moving back to the salve being held out.

"It shouldn't—if not applied too hard. It shouldn't even tingle." He replied slowly before an idea came to him. Holding the jar out more, he wiggled it a little in offering. "Here. You can apply it yourself. That way you'll know how hard to press and it goes wherever you have a bruise, so..."

He trailed off as he watched Kurt frown thoughtfully before glancing up to meet his gaze. There was a slight hesitance before Kurt reached out slowly, taking the jar gently. He let it go easily, giving an encouraging smile. He watched silently as Kurt brought the jar to his nose, smelling once more, before looking at the contents. It took a few long seconds, but finally Kurt slowly dipped two fingers in. A hum of surprise escaped the pale throat as a small amount was scooped out.

His eyes followed Kurt's movement until they widened in slight surprise when, once again, Kurt's instinct brought his hand to his mouth.

"Kurt, no!" He called out, wincing when Kurt jumped, shrinking back a little. A strained laughed escaped as he tried to relax the startled hybrid by forcing himself to relax first. "You don't... just—rub it into your skin. It's not a good thing to taste."

Kurt eyed him for a minute before finding a bruise and slowly rubbing the salve in. It took another minute, but he could see when Kurt relaxed into it and was relieved. Smiling once more, he watched for a few minutes before blushing slightly when he remembered that Kurt was, once again, naked underneath the sheets that covered him.

Quickly averting his eyes as more pale skin was revealed, he got slowly to his feet while coughing in embarrassment as he looked toward where his clothes were.

"I, uh... I s-should probably get you something to wear." He commented with a smile, glancing at Kurt to see the other had paused in his task, giving him a curious look. "That okay?"

Kurt stared for another second before giving a small nod, going back to his task right after. Giving a small nod in return, he moved to where his pajamas were kept as he figured pair would suffice for now. Which led him to underwear. Which then led him to realize he was going to have to buy Kurt some clothes of his own. That thought alone made him pause. He had no idea what Kurt liked. He was also sure that Kurt had no idea as to what he liked. Sighing, he shook those thoughts away before glancing back to see that Kurt had paused once again and was watching him.

Giving another smile, he turned back to his pajamas and dug out fresh underwear a size too small for him—yay for never used Christmas presents of past, hoping that they'd fit Kurt's tiny waist, and some thick dark grey bottoms with a light blue long-sleeved Henley. He thought about grabbing socks for a minute, as well, then decided against it. He knew certain hybrids were not a fan of them while at home, just like people. And he wanted Kurt to feel at home, to fee comfortable.

Turning around, clothing in hand, he saw Kurt had moved from his chest to his legs, his tail twitching as the poor kid winced when a particularly nasty bruise was rubbed over. He wanted to ask what had happened. To ask if he was okay, but decided to hold off for a little longer.

Rubbing a hand over the soft cotton of the clothes he was holding, he took a calming breath before walking over to where Kurt sat. Kurt was finishing up just as he stopped a couple of feet away. Glasz eyes looked up at him as he slowly sat down. Once seated, he placed the clothes on his lap before holding a hand out.

He smiled gently when Kurt glanced at his hand before handing the jar over.

"Thank you, Kurt. You're doing so good!" He praised before recapping the jar.

He was just about to offer the clothes when he found himself pausing as the moisturizer met his eye. Picking it up, he pumped a little onto his hand before bringing it to his nose to sniff. It smelled a little like cherries. With another smile, he held his hand out for Kurt to scent.

"Would you try this?" He asked lightly as Kurt leaned toward him. "I know how dry your skin can get during the winter. This will help."

Kurt sniffed lightly before pulling back thoughtfully. He watched, rubbing the stuff in.

"See? Soft." He grinned and held his hand out. Kurt touched with slight hesitance.

"Okay..." Was the soft reply he received for his trouble.

"Okay." He repeated with another encouraging smile—one that nearly fell in surprise when a very small, shy one was returned.

Smiling even more, he moved his hand to hand over the moisturizer then the clothes only to pause when Kurt's tail caught his attention. Kurt's tail! Looking at his clothes he sighed internally when he remembered how they were not tailored for a hybrid. With a tail.

"Here—get started on that. I will be right back!" He said cheerfully as he pushed himself up. Nodding back to Kurt, who nodded in reply to his words, he left the room to go to the kitchen.

Quickly finding a pair of scissors, he grabbed the underwear and cut a hole for Kurt's tail. Once that was finished he grabbed the pants only to pause. He actually liked these pants. They were a favorite he had bought on one of his previous trips home. Blaine had talked him into going into a GAP store. Before he could leave, Blaine had made him buy something. He had chosen a few pairs of pajama bottoms to silence the 'annoying little brother pleas'.

He could always get a different pair, though. He didn't have to borrow these to Kurt. But... but they were some of his most comfy ones. And he wanted Kurt to be...

Closing his eyes tight for a second, he opened them and cut a hole for Kurt's tail. For Kurt. Taking a deep breath, he quickly put the scissors away before gathering the clothes and going back to his room. Only to pause in the doorway, face flushing once more as the sight of Kurt proving his feline flexibility—nude—caught his attention. Quickly averting his eyes to the floor out of respect, he coughed to announce his presence before making his way over. Making it to Kurt, he held the clothes out while keeping his eyes down.

It took a moment, but Kurt took the clothes from him gently.

"Thank you." Was spoken quietly.

"It's no problem." He quickly assured, offering another smile when he chanced a glance and saw that Kurt had dressed for the most part, just sliding the shirt over his head.

When glasz eyes met his, he looked the young hybrid over with approval. He was already looking a little better compared to before. Aside from his hair. A small frown found his lips at the sight. If he couldn't get Kurt to let him comb it, or to comb it himself, he was going to have to shave it all off. Quickly finding where he had left the comb previously, he sat down next to it before picking it up and slowly bringing it into view. He watched as Kurt's ears fell back once more at the sight but pushed forward. He had to try.

"Kurt... I think you'd feel better and your hair would be healthier if we could get the tangles out." He started gently. "You don't have to, of course, but you've been so brave so far. Just a little more?"

When he didn't get a reply with immediate rejection, he took it as progress. Setting the comb on the floor, he gently pushed it towards the younger man.

"Like everything else, you can go at your own pace." He added before pausing thoughtfully. Deciding to continue with honesty, he quickly made sure to tack on, "This will hurt, but it can be done gently so it shouldn't be too bad. Just... take your time."

Kurt's eyes stayed on him while he spoke before moving to the comb. He could see Kurt thinking hard. It took nearly five minutes before Kurt looked back at him, eyes wider than normal but unafraid.

"O-okay." Kurt's soft voice stuttered lightly.

He just beamed at the amazing boy. They watched each other as Kurt gingerly picked the comb up before slowly bringing it to the front part of his hair and sliding it through. The first snag caused a hiss. Then a whimper. Something he smiled at with empathy before deciding to try to offer a distraction.

"So... are you feeling a little better?" He asked gently, looking Kurt's current state over again. Hopefully a distraction... and he honestly wanted to know.

Kurt paused in his actions, staring blankly into space for a long moment before slowly meeting his eyes. They held gazes for a second before Kurt looked away shyly.

"Y-Yes, Mister Cooper... thank you." Kurt's voice was barely audible but present.

He frowned a little at the volume of the reply but pushed it aside. At least Kurt had answered.

"Good. Good... that makes me happy. I don't want you to feel bad at all." He replied gently, stretching out a leg as Kurt went back to the tangle he had come across.

Kurt paused again for a moment but didn't answer. He didn't mind. As long as he had heard him. A few minutes of silence fell over them before he was able to think of his next question.

"Kurt, what do you like?" He asked carefully, looking at the hybrid after a short glance around his room.

Glasz eyes met his with honest confusion.

"Like... Mister Cooper?" He was questioned with a louder voice than before.

He couldn't help smiling at the repeated Mister Cooper. "Yes. Like. Like... colors. Or food. Music?"

"I..." Kurt trailed off with a small frown.

Something he was quick to pick up on. Not wanting everything to suddenly turn sour, he quickly jumped in, figuring that, in hindsight, that probably wasn't a good question to ask at that moment. He wanted to talk about Kurt's home life but knew that he probably wasn't ready. He wanted Kurt to feel one hundred percent safe before he tried to get that information.

"It's okay." He reassured sincerely, tone gentle and understanding. "How about I tell you a little about myself?"

Kurt watched him for a moment before nodding slowly.

"Great! Well, my name is Cooper Anderson, as I have mentioned before. I am twenty-five years old and am originally from the state of Ohio." He started out with, watching as Kurt looked away to focus on his task, though he could tell the hybrid was listening attentively. "I have a mom, a dad, and a younger brother. When I was a kid I wanted to be a famous actor. Gosh, I was an ass of a kid—"

He found himself cut off when he heard Kurt choke in surprise, presumably at his words. Meeting the other's gaze, he saw the look of surprise he was being given. He just smiled back.

"It's true! I was. Ask Blaine, my baby brother." He laughed, remembering past interactions. Kurt just stared at him before furrowing his brows. Almost as if to say riiiiight. "Anyway, I wanted to be an actor—even got cast in a couple of nationwide commercials and a local one or two, but..."

But Blaine. Blaine.

"But it wasn't right, I guess." He added lightly, forcing a smile. "Plus my parents weren't happy with that career path—not that I cared. I love music and performing but I guess, in the end, I'd rather help... more."

A silence fell between them for a short moment until a pained whimper followed a rather harsh tug of the comb. He watched as Kurt pouted to himself, tenderly rubbing the spot he was working on before dropping a small clump of matted hair onto his lap. Poor guy. At least it looked like progress had been made. And he hadn't given up yet. Kurt really was...

"You know... for having wanted to be an actor, I have never really been a movie fan or avid television watcher." He supplied with sudden inspiration to keep his, decidedly, one-sided conversation going. When Kurt gave him a quick look, he just nodded. "I know, right? My brother is into stuff like that and will try to get me to watch things with him. I don't know, though. Blah."

He offered a teasing laugh, smile growing when he was given another small, hesitant smile in return. He could see Kurt was starting to relax and that made him so happy. And hopeful.

"I think the biggest reason, at least now, is lack of time. I've become of those 'my life is my job' kind of people—something I actually have in common with my dad now." He laughed at his own joke, not too disappointed when Kurt didn't seem to understand and laugh along. "I do have a life, though! I like to cook—which still surprises even me. Swim. Work out, when I get the chance. Volunteer for... things."

He paused at that as his office came to mind, looking Kurt over again and remembering he still had to give Kurt a more thorough exam. Especially now that he seemed to be doing better. He still needed to know what, and how much, damage had been done to this amazing hybrid who deserved none of it.

"I still need to get you into my clinic. For a check up. The sooner the better." He commented before watching as Kurt tensed again. Sighing lightly, he did what was natural. He offered a smile. "Not today, as I have already scheduled appointments, but tomorrow morning I have time."

Kurt frowned, pulling away a little at those words.

"Kurt?" He wanted to reach out, to touch and comfort, but held back. "Kurt, it's to help you... to make you one hundred percent better."

Kurt shook his head before suddenly tensing more, shrinking in on himself while throwing him a frightened look.

"No." Kurt managed to squeak out, eyes filling with tears as his tail curled protectively around his body.

He was stunned. No? No? It didn't take long to conclude that something traumatizing must have happened in a medical setting. He could feel the anger start to rise again.

"Kurt, I..." Taking a deep breath to keep calm, he bit his lip before trying again. If he had to wait a few days, he would. But really, the sooner was better. "I promise nothing bad will happen to you. I need to make sure you're okay, though. So you can be better."

Kurt simply shook his head, ears back and tears falling.

"I'll do the examination. Is that okay? It is my job and I haven't hurt you yet, right?" He tried, heart clenching at the poor guy's fear.

Kurt seemed to pause at those words, sniffling lightly. Their eyes met, neither one blinking until Kurt was first to look away with a small shrug of his shoulders. Well. Okay.

"Please, Kurt. Let me help you. I promise we can stop if it's too much. You've been so good! Just a little more." He tried to gently coax without seeming too pushy. He was sure Kurt would reach his limit soon.

When Kurt had yet to reject him, he tried to think of a reward that might get a more willing response.

"A little more and... I'll take you to a groomer's." He offered, hoping it would be received well. "Kurt, they'll make you look so handsome! So you'll be nice on the outside and in! I know a lot of hybrids that love it. And we can get things for you—designed specially for you."

He tried to keep excited and positive, even when Kurt looked at him like he was an alien. Silence fell between them as he gave Kurt time to think on it since he actually seemed to be doing so. A small fang popped out to chew on a still healing lip. Something that caused Kurt to hiss in pain and pout at. He wanted to coo at the action but held back. Then, finally, Kurt met his gaze again, eyes hesitant but more open.

"Y-you'll do it?" Kurt asked softly, voice quivering a little but strong.

"Yes." He nodded to firmly reassure.

"You'll... you'll stop if I say so?" Kurt asked next, looking up at him through long lashes.

"Promise." He answered sincerely, bringing a hand up to cover his heart.

Kurt stared at him for another moment before looking away. Silence fell around them for another long moment before Kurt nodded slowly, fingering the teeth of the comb he was still holding nervously.

"O... okay. I'll... I'll try." The hybrid agreed, making his heart jump happily. Kurt had agreed! He had gotten enough of his trust!

"Thank you, Kurt." He smiled brightly, watching as the other blushed a little and busied himself with his hair again. Pulling out his phone, he quickly scheduled the appointment then sent an e-mail to confirm it at the clinic.

He watched Kurt for a moment, until he heard a hungry tummy growl. Eyes widening, he smiled an apology to Kurt when the hybrid gave him a look of fear, a pale hand finding a noisy stomach behind a borrowed shirt.

"It's okay, Kurt. I'm a little hungry, too!" He assured as he got to his feet. "I'm going to go and get us something—be right back!"

Making a quick lunch of sandwiches and fruit, he made to gather everything together only to pause when his phone chimed a reminder for an appointment he had soon. A part of him was a little hesitant to leave Kurt now, but he knew he was going to have to. Gathering everything, he went back to his room to find Kurt purring softly as he now ran the comb through his hair more easily.

"Here we go!" He announced as he brought the food over.

Kurt watched him as he put everything down before sitting as well. He quickly took a sandwich before telling his companion to help himself. He could see that Kurt was hesitant and cautious, so he helped out by handing over a sandwich and some strawberries. He figured Kurt would get more comfortable with just taking with time.

While they ate he did his best to explain where he was going and why. He assured Kurt he could use the bathroom whenever he needed to and if he got cold he could get a blanket. Or, if he wanted a drink, he could use any cup and drink anything he felt like from the fridge (after mentally checking that he had no alcohol). That Kurt was free to anything in the house as long as he didn't leave without his permission. He didn't want him getting lost or hurt.

Kurt slowly nodded his understanding, licking a crumb from pink lips. He was still hesitant to go but managed to do so with enough time to not be too late.

xXx

The happiness he had at being able to return sooner than he had originally thought quickly faded when he made it home only to find Kurt right where he had left him. In his room, on the floor. Staring at his tail as he twitched it back and forth. His hair definitely looked better, at least. Though, there were now small clumps of matted hair on the floor.

When Kurt looked up at his arrival, he smiled at him. "What are you up to?"

Kurt merely shrugged, looking a little uncomfortable. Holding back a small sigh, he called Kurt to him, holding out a hand as he quickly thought of things he could give the hybrid for entertainment. He didn't have much time before he had to leave to a scheduled house call, but... oh!

Leading Kurt to the living room, ignoring the giddiness he felt when Kurt actually took his hand without much prompting, he had him sit on the couch before going to the bookshelf he had in the corner of the room. It took a moment, but he found what he was looking for: Magazines that he had collected over the years between the clinic, his mother, and Blaine. He wasn't sure whether Kurt was literate or not, but that didn't mean he couldn't look at the pictures.

"Here." He said with a light grunt as he dropped the stack he had collected onto the end table. Kurt gave him a curious look, shrinking back a little. "I don't want you to be bored out of your mind, Kurt."

He gestured openly to the stack before pointing to the television.

"Or you can watch that. I don't mind, okay? Whichever you'd like." He tried to reassure before getting distracted when his phone chimed once more. Checking the message, he sighed lightly. "I've got to go again. Remember: bathroom, food, drink, blankets, or television. Help yourself."

With a small wave, he hurried out the door, slightly annoyed with patients who couldn't wait to be seen and demanded his attention when unnecessarily early.

xXx

With three appointments canceled later on that day, Cooper found himself with free time. Free time that brought him to a men's clothing store. A men's clothing store with a special section in fashionable hybrid-tailored pieces. Getting the basics was easy. When it came to actual clothes, though, it was harder. Well, until he just figured that simple was okay for now. Simple would keep Kurt warm.

Gathering a few outfits together, guessing the sizes off of his own and how Kurt compared to him, he made to go to a stand where he could buy another pair of pajama bottoms until he was distracted by a bow tie stand that screamed 'Blaine' at him.

"They're classy, Coop. Not just for the elderly!"

Or so Blaine had said with a disgruntled look when he had first questioned his baby brother's choices in clothing style.

Looking over what was being offered, he decided to buy a couple. At least Blaine was easy Christmas shopping. A few bow ties, shirts, and one pair of pants later—pajama bottoms forgotten—he was ready to go back to Kurt, only needing to work if there was an emergency house call.

xXx

Juggling bags and keys were not his strong suit, it would seem, as he clumsily unlocked his door and made his way inside.

"I'm back!" He called out, probably unnecessarily, as he stepped in and kicked the door close behind him.

His eyes immediately fell on Kurt, a questioning smile falling over his face at the wide-eyed, ears back, guilty look he was being given. Brows furrowing, he walked over to where Kurt was sitting, taking in how Kurt immediately looked away, shrinking into himself.

"What are you up to?" He asked gently, not surprised when he didn't receive an answer.

Making it to the couch where he had left Kurt earlier, he was a little surprised to see that Kurt had actually picked something. One of Blaine's old 'Vogue' issues. Not only that, but it was opened, on Kurt's lap, on an actual article. With words.

"You can read?" He asked happily as he set the bags down on the floor. He hid a frown when Kurt just shrugged nervously. Holding back a small sigh, he decided to try a distraction in the form of clothes. "Oh! I got you some things while I was out today, Kurt! Just some simple clothes, but..."

He beamed at Kurt when he was given a curious look, one ear twitching forward with apparent interest.

"Would you like to see?" He tried to tease, wanting Kurt to engage him in conversation.

Kurt seemed to study his face for a moment before looking to the bags. After another minute, a small blush crept over pale skin as both ears flicked forward. Blue eyes met his with a shy nod.

"Yay!" He smiled and quickly pulled the bags toward him, pulling items out with a dramatic flair. Especially proud when, after Kurt seemed to grow familiar with his eccentrics, he was offered a small smile.

Kurt seemed interested in what he had to show. Not overcome with joy or utter repulsion, which was good. He had to encourage Kurt to actually touch the clothes. To take them and look them over, explaining that if he didn't like them then they could go shopping together some day. A proposal that Kurt look horrified at the idea of, though he wasn't actually sure as to why. He was just about to gather Blaine's bag when Kurt's interest seemed to get captured by an escaping bow tie. Before he could retrieve it, a pale hand picked it up, touching carefully.

"And this?" Kurt asked softly, thoroughly inspecting it.

"Bow tie..." He explained with a small smile, that it was meant for his brother died on his lips. Especially when he saw Kurt actually perk up at the sight of the last bag.

He could say he was honestly surprised when he showed Kurt the bag and it was given greater attention than the previous ones. Kurt and his brother were weirdos. He let Kurt have the items he clearly liked, a few bow ties and a shirt, deciding he could always get more for Blaine later. Packing the rest of Blaine's things away, he watched Kurt look over the new things he had been given before realizing that he was going to need a place to keep them.

Figuring he could clear some space in his closest and dresser, he got to his feet and excused himself to go to his room. Stashing Blaine's things aside, he quickly made space for Kurt's new things. Once finished he went to collect the hybrid, telling him what he had done. Kurt seemed surprised by this. Then a little hesitant to follow him to put his new things away.

Leaving Kurt to do that on his own, when he was ready, he moved to the kitchen to make them something to eat for dinner. Eventually going with a frozen pizza, he sat with it until it was done baking before calling Kurt to him to eat. Kurt arrived not long after, twisting his left sleeve in his right hand and staring thoughtfully at the floor. He let the silence fall between them until Kurt had eaten at least two slices of their three cheese pizza.

"So. You can read?" He asked with polite interest as he chewed his latest bite.

Kurt tensed for a moment before giving him a wary look. "I..."

He waited, but Kurt didn't finish his response. Wondering if Kurt was afraid of what his response would be, he smile and grabbed his third slice of pizza—something actor Cooper would have never been allowed!

"That makes me happy. Not too many hybrids seem to be literate these days. Did your mother teach you?" He asked carefully as wide glasz eyes flew to his in shock.

It took a moment for a response, but, "N-no. My dad. My... dad taught me."

He smiled his pleasure at that information. "I see."

He waited until they were finished eating before asking anything else. He cleaned up while Kurt watched him, looking slightly tense again. Hoping to offer another distraction, he smiled and tried to see what he could learn.

"That magazine you were looking at earlier—why that one?" He asked simply.

Kurt gave him a questioning look at first before seeming to remember what he was talking about.

"I... I like... the c-clothes." Kurt stuttered, looking at his hands with ears back and tail curled between his legs and the chair he was seated on.

"The clothes?" He tried to encourage, giving Kurt his full attention as he wiped down the counters.

Kurt chewed the uninjured side of his lip for a moment before shaking his head, looking afraid. He decided not to push it, to trying something different instead.

"Do you like to read?" He asked lightly, finishing up his cleaning.

Kurt didn't look at him as he shrugged a little halfheartedly, silence falling between them for a beat.

"Well, I like to read. Sometimes. ...A little. Depends on the material." He offered up as he approached Kurt slowly. When he received a wary look, he just smiled and held out a hand.

Again, it took a moment, but Kurt took it and allowed himself to be led to the couch. Pushing Kurt gently to sit down, he smiled and sat as well before kicking his feet up and grabbing the remote.

"Anything you'd like to watch?" He asked as he turned the TV on and flipped to the guide. When no response came, he glanced at Kurt to see the hybrid sitting tense, eyes glued to the floor. Sighing to himself, he flipped through the channels, trying to find something he could stomach and would catch Kurt's attention. Whether he wanted it to be caught or not.

Finding something that looked promising, remembering his brother mentioning it once—or twice...a million times most likely, he turned it to 'Project Runway'. It had to do with clothes, right? And clothes had models, right? Female models. Scantily clad female models. Yeah. He could work with that, at least.

Half an hour later he finally had Kurt glancing now and then at the screen. First it was from commenting on the clothes that he knew nothing about. He could tell that the bright colors were the first to catch Kurt's eye. Then it was the commercials. He would try to engage Kurt with them, pointing out his favorite ones or singing along to familiar jingles.

After one episode had finished, then starting another, Kurt seemed less tense, but still wary. He did his best not to push too much but to show that he was genuinely okay with Kurt watching with him. It wasn't until a third episode that he noticed Kurt had fallen asleep. Deciding to call it a night himself, he turned the TV off before debating on whether or not to wake and move Kurt. Eventually he decided against it, getting up and grabbing a blanket. Draping it over Kurt, he whispered a good night before heading to bed himself.

xXx

The next morning Cooper awoke before his alarm clock. Yawning and scratching his belly, he tried to remember why he had woken up only to freeze when he heard a frightened mewl. Mewl? Why would there be a—

Kurt!

Quickly scrambling up, he jumped from his bed and hurried to his living room where he had left Kurt. He found him easily, curled up on the floor, shivering and mewing softly before letting out a louder, more distressed mewl. Like from before. Heart clenching, he hurried over to Kurt before dropping to his knees next to him. Slowly he reached out and touched a hand to a shaking shoulder. Luckily it was enough to startle Kurt awake.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Kurt cried out, scared and confused as he quickly scrambled away, wincing when he backed himself into the couch.

He watched as Kurt curled in on himself, afraid, with ears back and tail fluffy with fear.

"Hey... hey, Kurt. It's okay. You're okay." He tried to reach through the sleepy, scared haze. "You're safe. I promise, remember?"

Frightened eyes met his, tears clinging to dark lashes. It took a second but he could tell when Kurt recognized him. His whole body actually relaxed.

"Good. Good, Kurt. It was just a dream. You're here, with me, and you're safe." He repeated gently, watching as Kurt looked him over before relaxing even more. He let Kurt get his bearings a little before asking, "Are... you okay?"

Kurt's pale face fell into a thoughtful expression before he nodded slowly.

"Good." He replied with a sleepy smile, yawning when his own body seemed to relax again. Noticing the time, he groaned. "Gosh, it's early."

Kurt gave him a questioning look while watching him get to his feet, stretching his arms and torso. Remembering he needed to get Kurt to the clinic first thing today, he finished his stretches before giving his attention back to Kurt.

"Ready to get today over with?" He asked brightly, hoping to make the day sound more cheerful.

Kurt looked confused once more for a moment before his eyes widened and fear took over again. He watched as Kurt looked away from him then subtly shook his head, ears even flatter against his hair.

"Kurt..." He called softly, waiting until the other gave him his attention. Which would seem to not be happening anytime soon. "Kurt, it's okay. It's okay to be scared, just—just don't let fear keep you from doing things."

He watched as Kurt continued to look at anything but him, though he did seem to relax the tiniest amount. He continued to watch for another minute until he noticed the time. Deciding to feed Kurt quick and take a shower himself, he slowly got to his feet.

"Are you hungry?" He asked lightly, smiling when those blue eyes finally turned to him once more. Kurt looked him over before nodding slowly.

He nodded his understanding before going to the kitchen where he quickly made eggs and toast. It took him a few calls this time around, but Kurt finally came to the table when called and sat down to eat. He, himself, grabbed a few forkfuls of eggs and a few bites of toast before explaining he was going to shower. He was about to ask if Kurt wanted next before catching himself, not wanting to add extra stress to the morning. He was sure Kurt's answer would be no.

Advising Kurt to dress once finished eating, he made his way to the bathroom.

xXx

Making his way to his room after a quick shower, he was surprised to see Kurt sitting on his floor and purring as he ran the previously dreaded comb over his ear. An affectionate smile quickly found its way to his face.

"You look nice, Kurt." He complimented as he took in the clothes the hybrid had chosen. Dark grey pants and a light grey sweater that was extra large on his slight frame but in a flattering way.

He watched as his words seemed to startle Kurt, comb dropping as the purrs stopped. Surprised eyes met his before Kurt seemed to take in what he had said. Then that pale face became a dark pink. He just smiled before finding his own clothes for the day and dressing quickly. After getting dressed he took it upon himself to find some warm outerwear for Kurt to borrow, handing them over to be put on once found. Everything seemed to be going fine, if not a little slower than he would have liked given Kurt's obvious reluctance, until they made to leave.

Suddenly Kurt balked, moving away from the door they had been just about to leave through while trembling and eyes wary.

"Kurt?" He questioned lightly. Kurt just shook his head with a small whimper. "Kurt... you're so brave. You can do this. I won't let anything hurt you. Please?"

Kurt didn't move an inch. A breath. Hopeful, he held out a hand. Kurt just looked at it before clenching his eyes tightly against the sight of it. He was just about to call and cancel the appointment after all when, instead, his heart found its way to his throat after a mitten-clad hand found his wrist and a smaller body thumped into the side of his.

Trembling like crazy, but there.

-Chapter 11 End-