"I dont know how to tell you this..." Blaine looked up into his fathers eyes and willed himself to just get it over with. "But Ive been keeping a secret for a long time now."

"A secret?" Michael repeated.

"I didnt leave Rachel for another woman, because I..." he paused, taking a deep, shaky breath. He felt Kurts grip tighten and he said, "I left Rachel for Kurt," Blaine felt his heart stop.

"What did you just say?" Michaels eyebrows were now nearly hitting his hairline.

Blaine began rambling out of nerves, "I started seeing Kurt while I was still with Rachel. I cheated, because Kurt made me realize that it wasnt working with Rachel. I had been using Rachel to hide from the fact that Im - "

"Dont say it!" Michael shouted.

"Im gay. Im totally and completely gay, and the last three years with Rachel was a lie. I had hoped I could shake the feeling, but Im in love with Kurt and I cant shake that," Blaine said.

"NO!" Michael roared. "You will not speak of such foolish things in my house!"

"Dad, please," Blaine felt tears form in his eyes. "Please, I need you to support my decision."

Michael slammed a fist on the table, jumping from his seat. He pointed a finger at Blaine and said, "How dare you leave your pregnant girlfriend for a man! How dare you sit here and talk about such shameful things!"

"Its my life were talking about!" Blaine stood up. "Im telling you this because its real, dad. Its happening. Im not marrying Rachel. I love Kurt. I love him and someday I want to marry him."

Michaels face turned red and he gripped the table, His face was red with rage. He looked like he would slap Blaine if he had been close enough. He growled, "Thats bullshit. You do not want to marry this - this abomination."

"I do, dad," Blaine replied. "I know this is hard for you to understand."

"Theres nothing to understand!" He shouted. "I told you that you werent ready to father this child, but youve crossed a line. Youre not even ready to take two steps out that damn door."

"I can still father this child. Rachel and I have an understanding. She wants me to be a part of her life," Blaine said. "And if I have Kurt by my side, I know the four of us can be a family."

Michael banged his fist on the table again and shouted "Forget the stupid girl. This is about your idiotic choice to act in a sinful way. You are not bringing this man into this family."

"Its not a choice, dad!" Blaine shouted. "I cant help the way I feel. I loved Rachel but I was never in love with her. I tried telling myself that it was just a phase, but its not."

"You lied to your mother and to me," Michael scowled.

"With the way youre behaving, cant you see why I lied?" Blaine asked.

"Not only did you ruin the plans to finish medical school before you started a family but now youve ruined that new plan," Michael pulled at his own hair. "Whats your plan now, Blaine? How do you plan on getting yourself out of this one?"

"I dont know!" Blaine shouted, tears pouring down his cheeks. "I dont have a plan! I might not finish medical school. I might not be the perfect father. I might not even be the perfect son. All I know is that I love Kurt and well make this work."

Michael picked up a glass and chucked it at Blaine, who barely had time to duck. It shattered against the wall behind him and he felt himself shake violently, crouched on the floor beside Kurts chair.

"You are no son of mine," Michael said coldly. He turned on his heel and stormed out of the room.

It was the last conversation Blaine would ever have with his father. Over the next two days, the conversation ran through Blaines head over and over again.

Blaine had been so hurt after that evening. He had always known that his father wouldnt approve of his choices, but it was something he had to know, because Blaine was starting a family with Kurt.

His mother had walked out on Michael after that. Pam told Blaine that Michael acted like he was never around and it left Blaine in a state of anger toward his father.

How could someone toss their child to the side like they dont matter?

About a year after Blaine married Kurt, Pam began to speak to Michael again. She told him that they werent going to get back together but within eight months, she was living with him again. She had no where else to go and Michael needed someone to take care of him. When she spoke to Blaine, it was whenever Michael wasnt around. She always came to New York to visit him, so Blaine hadnt been back to that part of Ohio in years.

And now here he was forced to go back to Westerville because of his father. He had made arrangements to fly in that Wednesday for the funeral on Friday.

In the meantime, Blaine couldnt get the feeling of guilt out of his stomach. He could have tried harder to earn his fathers forgiveness. He could have forgiven his father for what he did to Blaine. Something could have been done but now it was too late to do anything.

"Sweetie, did you hear me?" Kurts voice broke through his thoughts.

"What?" Blaine glanced up at him. He shook his head, "Im sorry, Kurt."

"Dont be sorry," Kurt sat down on the bed next to him. "Do you mind taking Belle to school on your way to work?"

"Sure," he nodded.

"Are you sure you want to go to work?" Kurt raised an eyebrow.

Running a hand over his face, Blaine said, "I have to. I want to keep my mind busy and Ill be able to take time off next week."

"I just dont want you to strain yourself too much. Youve been so closed off and Im worried about you," Kurt stroked his hair gently.

"Im fine," Blaine stood up. "Trust me. I hated my dad for what he did to me. I shouldnt be that upset, right?"

"Unless youre full of regret," Kurt replied.

"I have to go," Blaine shuffled to Belles doorway and peered in her room. "Are you ready to go?"

"Can you put this hair clip in my hair for me?" Belle held out a butterfly clip to him.

Placing the clip in her hair, Blaine held out his hand and said, "All right. Come on, were running behind." He ushered her out the door and they walked down to the subway hand in hand.

"Daddy, can I ask you a question?" Belle asked once they were seated on the subway and she sat on his lap.

"Of course," Blaine smiled at her.

"What happened with your dad?" Belle asked quietly. "I dont understand."

Stiffening, Blaine gripped the pull next to him and stared into her hazel eyes . He held her gaze for a moment, before he took a deep breath, "He died a couple days ago."

"Oh..." she paused. "How come Ive never met him? Ive met Papa Burt."

"Its complicated. I wasnt close to my dad the way your dad is close to Papa Burt," Blaine said, taking her hand. "But this means I have to go away for a few days."

"Do you have to?" Belle leaned her head on his shoulder. "I dont want you to leave."

"Its just a few days. Ill be back in no time," Blaine promised his daughter. "You can spend the weekend alone with your dad. Im sure you guys will do something fun."

"I guess," Belle sighed.

"Its gonna be fine, I promise," Blaine kissed the top of her head.

When they arrived at Belles school, Blaine gave her a hug before she ran off to find Emily. He watched her run to the front door and stared with sad eyes.

He though of all the times his dad had taken him to school over the years. Really, Michael had done a lot for Blaine in his lifetime . He had raised Blaine and given him a home. There was so much more to their relationship than how it ended, and that was why Blaine felt so terrible about how it ended.

No, no, just try it again. Its okay. Youll get it," Blaine told Carter that Wednesday afternoon. He leaned in closely, watching his clumsy fingers trip over the keys.

"Its hard," Carter banged his fist on the keys.

Placing a hand on his back, Blaine said, "I know, buddy. Youll get it in time."

"Its hard!" Carter repeated, continuing to bang the keys.

"Okay, okay," Blaine placed his hands over Carters and told him, "take a few deep breaths. Its okay."

"I want to be done," Carter told him. He jumped off the piano bench and ran to the door, whipping it open. Blaine had learned in the three weeks he had been with Carter that he was very sensitive.

"How was he today?" his mother asked.

"Hes just gotta get the hang of it. He was a little frustrated but well get there. Its only a small part of the melody," Blaine smiled.

"Thank you, Doctor Anderson," Sarah shook his hand before leading Carter down the hall.

"You know, its so cute to hear you get called that in a professional setting," Rachel looped her arm through his. "Usually I just hear Kurt call you that as a pet name."

"Shut up," Blaine laughed.

"No, really, I love it," Rachel said, as they began to walk down the hall. "Youre so handsome in that suit and youve worked so hard to get to where you are. Im really proud of you."

"Well, thank you," Blaine kissed her forehead. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I wanted to come say goodbye before you took off," Rachel admitted. "I just dropped Belle off at your apartment. Kurt went home to get your suitcase so you can head straight to the airport."

"Is he still there?" Blaine whipped out his phone from his pocket and dialed Kurts number, hoping hed answer in time.

"Yeah, he said hed meet you there at six-thirty," Rachel stated.

"Hey," Kurts sweet voice came through the phone. After such a long day at work, the sound of his voice calmed Blaine.

"Come with me," Blaine blurted out.

"What?" Kurt asked, confused.

Stating something that had been on his mind for days, Blaine admitted, "I cant be away from you when Im this vulnerable. I need you. Please come with me."

"Honey, I have to work tomorrow," Kurt said quietly. "Im not even packed and Belle - "

"Belle can come with us," Blaine finished.

"Are you sure you dont want to leave her with Sam and Rachel?" he asked.

"No, I-i need her there too. She can miss a little school. Itd probably be good for her to get away from Macy and Danielle anyway," Blaine said, holding a door open for Rachel. They made their way down the street and toward the subway. "Please, Kurt," Blaine begged.

"You expect me to pack that quickly for both of us?" Kurt chuckled.

"I need you," Blaine offered.

"I dont even have tickets," Kurt reminded him.

"Call the airline and see if they have any open seats," Blaines tone softened and he added, "I just really cant face this alone. Youre the only person that can get me through this."

"Ill see what I can do," Kurt reassured him. "But I gotta let you go so I can call the airline. I love you."

"Thank you, babe. I love you too," he hung up and turned to Rachel, running a hand over his face, "Was I wrong to beg him?"

Shaking her head, Rachel said, "He called me yesterday and told me you were a mess. He said hes worried about you, so Im sure he wants to do whats best for you."

"I just cant be away from him right now," Blaine said quietly. "Kurts my anchor."

"I know, love," Rachel cupped his cheek with her small hand. "Its going to be okay. Even if he cant catch this flight, hell get the next one."

"Yeah," Blaine smiled sadly.

Rachel rode the subway with him to the airport and waited with him until Kurt came a short time later.

"Im so sorry it took so long," Kurt waved at them from the short distance between them. Blaine stood up to meet him and Kurt pulled him into a tight, comforting embrace. "I brought your suitcase but unfortunately your flight is full."

"Really?" Blaines face fell.

"I booked a flight for nine in the morning tomorrow. Im going to call Belles school and tell them shes sick tomorrow," Kurt said. "I wish I could come tonight."

"Its okay. Im just glad youre going to be there at all," Blaine gently kissed him in gratitude. He then turned to Belle, who was beside Kurt. Kneeling in front of her, he said, "Ill see you tomorrow, sweetie, okay?"

"Okay," Belle flung her arms around his neck. "I love you, daddy."

"I love you too," Blaine kissed her forehead. "Be good for your dad tonight."

"I will," she gave him a thumbs up.

He then turned to Rachel and gave her a hug. "Ill see you in a few days. I love you."

"I love you too," Rachel replied.

Blaine felt Kurt grasp his hand and pull his arm. Kurt wrapped him in another warm hug and said, "Call me when you get there so I know you made it safely."

"I will," Blaine sighed, already dreading the idea of being separated from Kurt.

Before the goodbye could get any more painful, Blaine grabbed his suitcase and headed toward security.

The front door opened to Pam Anderson, who immediately gave her son a tight hug. "Hi, honey, how are you?"

"Im okay," Blaine replied, following her into the house. "Is Cooper here?"

"Yeah, hes in the shower," Pam took his hand and led him into the kitchen. "Its been a long few days. Ill be glad when its all over."

"Me too," Blaine admitted, sitting at the kitchen table. "Its just hard to believe, you know?" He watched his mother pour a cup of coffee and asked something that had been on his mind. "How did it happen?"

Pam dropped the mug of coffee and quickly rushed to get the dustpan and broom. "Id rather not discuss it."

"He has a right to know," Cooper entered the room and clapped a hand on his brothers back. "Good to see you, B."

"Hey, Coop," Blaine smiled weakly.

"Tell him," Cooper sat down across from Blaine. "If you dont, I will."

"All right..." Pam took a deep breath. "He... he over-dosed. The police speculate that it might not have been an accident."

"Wait... What?" Blaines mouth fell open. "I thought maybe there was an accident or... or... I dont know. Why would he...?"

"I dont know, honey," Pam shrugged. "Hes been very... depressed for a long time. I never told you that I started staying with my mom again... I came to see him once and a while but most of the time hes drunk or just aggressive and angry."

"I didnt know," Blaine shook his head.

"Thats because we dont talk about him, just like he never wanted to talk about you," Pam set a new cup of coffee in front of Blaine.

"Oh," Blaine glanced down at his cup of coffee. A wave of nausea rushed over him and he left the room and went up to his old bedroom. It was now an office with no trace left of Blaine.

A knock came on the door and Cooper came in. "Look, B, it sucks, I know."

"You dont have a clue, Coop," Blaine said harshly. "You chose to give him up. He didnt want me. He hated me for who I was and he was never going to accept me."

"What if he regretted his decision?" Cooper shot back. "What if he wanted to fix things with you?"

"He damn well should have tried harder to show it," Blaine said, balling his hands into fists. "Half the time, I feel guilty for letting things fall to shit and other times I remember that they only turned out that way because he was an ass that couldnt accept me for who I was. He could have changed his mind the last seven years and he never did."

"You have a lot of emotions right now and you dont know how to deal with it," Cooper walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Its okay to be angry with him, B. He was a dick to you."

"Then why do I feel so terrible?" Blaine sighed.

"Because people tend to feel guilty when someone dies," Cooper told him. "Blaine, there was nothing you could have done to change his mind."

"Unless I broke up with Kurt and told him the whole thing was a joke," Blaine rolled his eyes.

"I dont think he would have believed you," Cooper replied. Placing both hands on Blaines shoulder, Cooper said, "Dont worry so much, okay?"

"Yeah," Blaine said quietly.

He went to bed with a busy mind that night. Blaine slept on the couch and stared at the ceiling for hours. Part of him knew Cooper was right but the other part of him couldnt help but still feel guilty.

Around five that morning, he shot Kurt a text message.

(5:03) Blaine: I miss you like crazy. I cant wait for you to get here.

(5:08) Kurt: It hasnt even been 12 hours... Why are you up so early anyway?

(5:09) Blaine: Couldnt sleep.

(5:09) Whats your excuse?

(5:10) Kurt: Pre-flight jitters. I started packing an hour ago... Gonna get Belle up soon. Prepared to deal with an overly-tired seven year old.

(5:12) Blaine: Dont let her win. At anything.

(5:13) Kurt: Lol. I always win. :)

(5:14) Try to get some some sleep, okay?"

(5:17) Blaine: okay. Love you.

He set his phone down and shuffled into the kitchen. There was no hope for sleep now, so Blaine set out to prepare breakfast for his mother and his brother. It was going to be a difficult day for them so he wanted to make the most of it.

"Honey, what are you doing?" Pam asked, entering the kitchen some time later.

"I made breakfast," Blaine pointed toward the stove. "I hope you dont mind."

"Of course not," she shook her head. "I just wish you had gotten some sleep. You look terrible."

"Thanks," Blaine nodded, flipping over a pancake. "Really, Im okay."

"Are you prepared to greet everyone at the funeral home today?" Pam gently rubbed circles on his back.

He shrugged, "I dont really have a choice, do I?" Blaine set down a spatula. Turning to face his mother, Blaine added, "Do you realize that most of our family hasnt talked to me in a long time. I dont think grandmas spoken to me since dad kicked me out."

Giving him a weak smile, Pam said, "everythings going to be fine, sweetie. I promise."

The funeral home was quiet when the Anderson family arrived. They were greeted by a man named Phil, who told them he was very sorry for their loss. "If you need anything at all, dont hesitate to ask," he added, shaking Blaines hand.

When Phil walked away, Cooper made his way over to the casket. Blaine flinched at the idea and turned to face his mom. "I dont think I can do this," he said gruffly. His own voice sounding distant.

Pam placed her hands on his shoulder and said, "Trust me, you can do this."

"Hmm," he turned away and sat down on a chair, burying his face in his hands. More than anything, he just wanted Kurt to arrive. Kurt had mentioned in a text that his flight had been delayed but hed be there as soon as he could.

Guests started to arrive and Blaine returned to his feet to greet his family friends, and people he didnt know. Everyone was very kind and told Blaine what a wonderful man his father has been. In return, Blaine hardly spoke more than three words to anyone.

"Cooper, Blaine," Michaels mother greeted them. She shook fheir hands in a formal way, before motioning to the man next to her. "Do you remember your Uncle Timothy?"

"Oh yeah," Cooper shook Tims hand. "Its been a long time. Good to see you."

"I dont really remember you but its nice to see you," Blaine offered a hand and Timothy simply turned his chin up and ignored the gesture. Clearly Michaels opinion of Blaine had spread.

"So what are you two up to nowadays?" Their grandmother asked.

"Well, Grandma Patty, I just wrapped up filming another movie. I really think this ones going to be huge," Cooper explained. "But now that its over, I gotta find another role."

"Still in show biz, huh?" Patty huffed. "What a shame. You could have been great at something."

"Im nominated for an Oscar. I think that qualifies as being good at something," Cooper said defensively.

"Huh," Patty turned to her younger grandson. "And what about you? I hear your a gay nurse or something."

"Musical therapist," Blaine corrected.

"So you play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to a bunch of misfits all day. Why couldnt you be a real doctor?" Patty began digging through her purse.

"I am a real doctor," Blaine said proudly. "I make a difference to these kids."

"And your still with that she-man?" Patty asked.

Growing agitated, Blaine balled his hands into fists and said, "My husband and I are happily married If thats what you meant to say."

"Shame hes not here," Patty rolled her eyes.

"Kurt and Belle will be here as soon as they can," Blaine said flatly. He turned to walk away and ran into one of Michaels co-workers. "Excuse me," he quickly dodged by him and found Pam. "How long do we have to stay here for?" he whispered.

"Behave yourself," she snapped, before turning to the man next to her.

Half an hour later, Blaine was in a discussion with one of his cousins when she asked, "Whos that?" She pointed toward the door.

"Kurt," a smile spread across Blaines lips for the first time that day. "Excuse me," he said to his cousin before hurrying toward his husband and meeting his lips. He then picked Belle up and gave her a hug. "I missed you," he said quietly.

"Daddy, you just saw me yesterday," Belle chuckled.

"Is this your little girl?" His cousin Jill followed him over there. "She is so cute."

"Thanks," Kurt offered.

"You must be Blaines husband. Ive been so curious about your family, Blaine," Jill smiled. "Im Jill. His Uncle Tims daughter."

"Nice to meet you," Kurt shook her hand.

"Its nice that you could be here for Blaine," Jill replied.

"Were cleaning out my dads house this next week, and I really didnt want to spend the week without Kurt and Belle," Blaine told her.

"we had to take time off work and school but weve been needing a trip home anyway," Kurt said.

"And a break from Macy and Danielle," Belle added, as Blaine set her on the ground once more.

After a few more moments, Blaine suggested that they leave. "I just cant handle being here anymore. Can we go somewhere?"

"Was it really so bad?" Kurt asked, when they left the funeral home and made their way to the car Kurt was renting for the week.

"Awful. I have the worst relatives," Blaine made a face. He climbed into the passenger seat and didnt say another word until they were back at the house.

"Well, I want to drive up to Lima to see my dad and Carole this weekend. Is that okay?" Kurt started the conversation.

"Of course," Blaine said. "Actually, lets just go now. Im not going to the funeral tomorrow. My dads relatives reminded me why I hated him so much. I dont want to be there."

Kurts eyes shifted to the rear view mirror to find Belle asleep in the back seat. "Sweetie, youre going to regret missing the funeral if you dont go."

"I dont really care at this point," Blaine replied. "My father made me feel worthless and Im not about to go kiss him goodbye with a bunch of people that dont give a shit about me."

"What about your mom and Cooper?" Kurt asked. "Dont you think theyll want you there?"

"Theyll have me all week," Blaine muttered, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Youre sure about this?" Kurt gently placed his hand on Blaines. "I just want to do whats best for you. I cant make you go."

"Then take me to Lima," Blaine replied, as Kurt shifted the car into drive once more and sped toward their next destination.