"Theres my favorite ballerina!" Burt Hummel exclaimed when they arrived at their house. Belle leapt into his arms and he twirled her in a circle. "My goodness, you are getting so big."

"Thanks," Belle kissed him. "I missed you and grandma." She gave him another hug, resting her head on his shoulder..

"We missed you too," Carole said, coming over to give her a hug. "And your dads," she added, giving Kurt and Blaine a hug.

"We missed you too, mom," Kurt smiled, knowing how happy it made Carole when he called her that.

"What are you guys doing here? This was such a lovely surprise," Carole kissed Blaine on the cheek. "We werent expecting to see you until Christmas."

"Oh..." Kurt hesitated. "Blaines dad passed away a few days ago, so we were down here for the funeral and to pack up the house. We had time and decided to stop by to see you."

"Im so sorry, Blaine," Burt said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "I know you two werent close but Im sure its still hard for you."

Feeling his stomach lurch, Blaine nodded, "Thanks, Burt." He hated talking about it.

"Whens the funeral?" Carole asked quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder in comfort.

"Tomorrow but Im not going," Blaine said, shifting uncomfortably. "Id rather be here with you guys."

"Is that a good idea?" Burt asked. He removed his baseball cap, running a hand over his head before returning the cap. "I mean, its your dads funeral. You might regret that decision later."

"Its an important part of saying goodbye," Carole added.

"I know that, okay?" Blaine said, feeling his temper rise. "I dont need to be lectured about it." He turned on his heel and stormed into the kitchen and through the back door. He found a two-seater swing on the back patio and sat down, burying his face in his hands.

With no surprise to Blaine, Kurt followed him and sat on the swing next to him. "I wish there was something I could do to make this easier for you but I know theres not," he said quietly.

Blaine stared down at his hands, "I just dont need to be told that its a mistake. I know its a mistake. That doesnt mean I want to do it. I cant face it. Today was hard enough."

Wrapping his arm around Blaines shoulder, Kurt pulled him close and Blaine curled into his side. Kurt ran a hand up and down Blaines arm and said, "I just cant imagine missing a funeral, you know? My moms was so hard to face but it was something I knew I had to do."

"Thats totally different," Blaine rolled his eyes. He had been on edge since he had arrived in Ohio and he hated that his anger was turning on Kurt. But the truth was that Kurt couldnt understand his situation and he was trying to act like he knew how it felt.

"Do you know how hard it was for me to lose my mom?" Kurts hand stopped moving and his body tensed. "I was so young but I couldnt imagine missing her funeral."

Blaine sat up and stared at Kurt with wide eyes, "Okay but you had a healthy relationship with your mom. Kurt, you saw how much my dad tore me apart." Blaine rose from the bench and said, "I just dont want to talk about it anymore, okay? I want to forget about him this weekend."

"Its not something to forget about. Youre obviously hurting about this and I think you need closure," Kurt stood up and placed his hands on his hips. "I just want whats best for you."

"My dad was nothing but an asshole. I m just happy to be away from the son of a bitch," Blaine narrowed his eyes. "Skipping the funeral would make me happy."

Kurts icy blue eyes were full of concern, and Blaine knew it was because he was so full of anger. Blaine wasnt in the mood to let Kurt worry about him. "Youre never going to understand. Were not discussing this anymore."

"Blaine, please, just talk to me," Kurt pleaded.

"Id rather not," Blaine turned on his heel and stormed back into the house and shut himself in the bathroom. Splashing cold water on his face, he leaned against the sink and took several deep breaths.

It wasnt fair. None of it was fair. He had given up his entire relationship with his father to find happiness. He had been so happy with Kurt the last few years. So why was he feeling so much regret and emptiness now that his father was gone? It didnt make a difference. He hadnt spoken to him in years.

When Blaine was calm enough, he joined Kurts family in the living room. Sitting beside Belle on the couch, Blaine avoided Kurts gaze.

Carole prepared a delicious meal that evening and then the family played Monopoly together. Blaine picked up a book and acted more interested in it to avoid playing, but he knew Kurt was stealing worried glances in his direction.

Around nine-thirty, Blaine offered to take Belle up to the guest bedroom and tuck her in. He sat on the edge of the bed while she brushed her teeth in the bathroom.

When she came back in, she stopped at the night stand and picked up a framed picture of someone Blaine never knew. "This is Uncle Finn, right?" Every time they stayed with the Hummels, Belle stayed in his old bedroom and asked questions about him.

"Yes," Blaine nodded. "Your dads brother."

"I thought brothers were supposed to look alike," Belle said, tracing Finns jawline with her small finger.

"Not always," Blaine shrugged. There was no reason to explain that Finn wasnt biologically Kurts brother. "Uncle Cooper and I dont look very much alike."

"True," she nodded, setting Finns picture down. Climbing in bed, she yawned. "I wish I knew Uncle Finn. I love watching those old home movies of him with grandma. He was so funny."

"Im sure she likes that too," Blaine pulled the covers over her and kissed her forehead.

"Can I ask you a question?" Belle asked. "Am I ever gonna lose you the way you lost your dad or dad lost his mom and Uncle Finn?"

Feeling his heart break slightly, Blaine climbed into bed next to Belle and brushed hair off her face. "I cant make that kind of promise. I wish I could say no but lifes unpredictable. We never know when our time is coming."

"Oh," Belle said quietly, taking his hand in her little hands. "I never want to lose you because I love you very much."

Kissing her forehead again, Blaine pulled his daughter close and said, "I love you too... I know its a scary thought but I promise to love you and take care of you as long as I am around."

"Good," Belle smiled sweetly, closing her eyes and nuzzling her face in his chest.

Blaine held her tightly, as tears stung his eyes. The thought of his daughter ever feeling the pain that he felt the last few days was almost unbearable. He gently stroked her forehead until her breathing slowed and her body went limp.

He heard the bedroom door open and soft footsteps move toward the bed. Blaine wasnt in the mood to deal with anyone, so he closed his eyes and faked sleep. He heard Kurt give a soft "aw," before he placed the blanket at the foot of the bed over Blaine and gently kissed the top of his head, before he turned the light off and left the room.

Sighing heavily, Blaine squeezed Belle tightly and stared at the window across the room, hoping he would finally get some sleep.

The choir room at William McKinley High School was buzzing with excited students. Seven girls sat together dressed in the same powdered blue dress, while five boys sat opposite them in red pants and black shirts.

"Okay, everyone, lets begin our competition," Will Schuester entered the room, clapping his hands together. He stopped by the piano and added, "I dont believe my eyes... Kurt Hummel? Its so good to see you!" He approached Kurt and gave him a hug.

"You too," Kurt smiled. Gesturing to Blaine, he added, "You remember my husband, Blaine."

"Hi," Blaine shook Wills hand firmly.

"Welcome," Will smiled. "We are going against each other as boys versus girls in a friendly competition. Winner gets to sing their song at Regionals.."

"How original," Kurt chuckled. "Well, I hope the girls win," He took Blaines hand and led him to the back of the choir room and sat down.

The performances unfolded and Blaine was very impressed with this group of kids. They were all very talented. And in the end, the girls did win with a Kelly Clarkson song.

"Do you mind if we slip into the auditorium for a while?" Kurt asked Will at the end of glee club rehearsal, while the kids filed out of the choir room.

"Please do," Will nodded.

Letting Kurt lead him down the hall, Blaine followed him into the empty auditorium. Their footsteps echoed through the room before Kurt stopped in the middle of the stage.

"What are we doing here?" Blaine asked, glancing around the stage.

"This used to be my favorite place. Whenever I felt alone or just needed to let my feelings out, I came in here," Kurt took Blaines hands in his. "Do you remember when we first met and snuck into the Gershwin Theater, because I told you about the time Rachel and I did it?"

"Not knowing you were talking about my current girlfriend," Blaine gave a weak smile at the memory. "And you wanted to sing some song from Wicked."

"Defying Gravity. That happens to be my favorite song from that musical, thank you very much," Kurt snapped.

"Dont you think I know that after being married to you for so long?" Blaine replied, leaning in to kiss Kurt. His hand cupped Kurts cheek and Kurts arms wrapped around his shoulder.

"Give it more tongue. That sells passion in these dumb shows," a familiar voice echoed through the auditorium.

"What are you doing here?" Kurt pulled away from Blaine and placed his hands on his hips.

"The better question is: What are you doing here, Porcelain?" She Sylvester stopped near the bottom row of chairs and leaned against one. "You glee kids still act like you go to school here."

"I was just visiting," Kurt answered. "I thought you might miss me."

"No, I dont have the heart to miss anybody," Sue shrugged. "Well, listen, keep it PG, okay? Dont give these weirdos more reason to lock lips than they already do." She turned on her heels and walked back out.

"How did you put up with her for four years?" Blaine shook his head.

Sighing, Kurt walked to the edge of the stage. He sat down and patted the floor next to him for Blaine to follow. "She was cruel, but she was there for me when no one else was."

"Yeah..." Blaine thought back to the stories Kurt had told him about his days of being bullied.

"You know, when I was in high school, I only dreamed of having one of the kids understand what I went through," Kurt continued. "They had all been slushied or had their faces drawn on in the library yearbook..." he paused, staring out into the rows of empty chairs. "But none of them went through what I did. Being tossed in the dumpster every day. Being ridiculed and shoved into lockers. Being kissed and terrified of Karofskys threat to kill me if anyone knew. I was terrified and people tried to sympathize. Oh, I get it, Kurt. Tracy Parks told me I sing like a dying whale. How dreadful for you, Rachel."

"She would be devastated over that," Blaine shook his head.

"But the worst thing that happened to her was having Jesse St. James cracking an egg over head and that was her fault for believing he loved her," Kurts voice began to tremble and he gripped the edge of the stage. "I was made fun of for being different, for wearing scarves and singing like a woman... for being gay."

"No one knew how that felt," Blaine reached over and placed a hand on top of his husbands. "I can only relate so far. I had the crap beaten out of me but then I found safety at Dalton."

Bowing his head, Kurt said quietly, "We have an understanding but we cant fully relate." Kurt took a deep breath. "Thats the same conclusion Rachel and I came to when Finn died. We both loved him so much but in different ways. She had a broken heart and I lost my brother, someone I viewed as a hero. It was different."

"Why are we going back to this?" Blaine asked. Over the weekend, Blaine had tried to keep his feelings to himself. He had done really well and no one brought up his father anymore. But it didnt mean he wanted to talk about it now.

Turning to face him, Kurt stared into his eyes and said, "ions you, Blaine, with all my heart. I hate seeing you in pain, and I wish I could fix you. I know that I cant fully understand what youre going through because losing my parent was different than this..." Squeezing Blaines hand, he continued, "But that doesnt stop my feelings toward you. Youre at a turning point in your life. Things wont be the same once you leave Ohio. I just want to be here for you and comfort you. Its not going to be easy, and I dont want you to push me away. Ive noticed how distant youve been this weekend and it hurts me to see you in pain."

A tear rolled down Kurts cheek and Blaine reached up to brush it away with his thumb. He cupped Kurts cheek and said, "I just need time. Im really lost in my head right now and I just need to figure it all out." He softly touched his lips to Kurts and told him, "Im not mad at you. Im just frustrated with the situation."

"Everyone needs someone to take their anger out on," Kurt replied. He placed his hand on top of Blaines and whispered, "Im always going to be here for you."

"And thats why I love you," Blaine deepened the kiss and Kurt wrapped his arms around his shoulders. Willing himself to forget his troubles, Blaine felt himself getting lost in Kurts kisses.

Boxes of everything Michael owned had been set aside over the next three days. Blaine, Pam, Cooper, Kurt, and even Belle had taken the time to go through the house and pack it up.

Now that Michael was gone, Pam wanted to get out of the house. She said, "I just want to pack it up and sell it."

On that Thursday, Pam returned to work and Cooper returned to Los Angeles. They both decided it was time to move forward. The house only had a little left, but Blaine volunteered to finish over the next two days. Being at McKinley on Monday, he had missed the first day of clean up.

"Ill come by after work and help out," Pam hugged him goodbye. "You really dont have to do this, you know? I can finish if you want to go home."

"Well go home Saturday. Kurt and I already took the whole week off, so I want to just get this over with so you dont have to," Blaine replied.

"Thats very sweet. Thank you," Pam kissed his cheek. "Ill see you later, okay?"

When the front door shut behind her, Kurt entered the living room and said, "My dad and Carole are coming down for the day. They wanted to see me one more time before we go home."

"Oh... When are they coming?" Blaine asked, slightly disappointed that he had to face the house without Kurt. After their conversation in the auditorium, Blaine tried to rely on Kurt more than push him away. It wasnt easy, because Blaine was so used to shutting down in a bad situation but it was an effort, and he knew it meant a lot to Kurt.

"Were going out for lunch but you can come if you want to," Kurt told him. "Dont drown yourself in boxes."

"No, I think you should have time alone with them," Blaine grabbed his waist and pulled him close. "You had to deal with me all weekend. Ill hang out here with Belle."

"Are you sure?" Kurt asked. His blue eyes holding the same concerned look they had all week. Blaine knew Kurt would drop his plans in a heartbeat if Blaine told him to, but he couldnt do that to Kurt.

Blaine nodded, "I really need to finish up here and Belle can hang back. Maybe well have a picnic or something. With all this packing, shes been pretty bored this week."

"Youre the best," Kurt kissed him. "I wont be gone too long, I promise."

Kurt helped Blaine work through the morning until Burt and Carole came to pick him up. He had barely shut the door behind him when Blaine felt a pat on his arm.

"Can we have our picnic now?" Belle asked, batting her long eyelashes at him.

"Sure," Blaine smiled. "Go get the blanket off the foot of your bed upstairs and put it on the front porch while I make sandwiches." He moved into the kitchen and dug out the peanut butter, jelly, and bread. After making two sandwiches, Blaine placed them on a tray with a bowl of carrots and a small box of animal crackers.

"Ready?" Belle entered the kitchen. "Should I get juice boxes from the fridge?"

"Please," Blaine waited for her to grab the juice and place it in the tray. He led her to the front porch and set the tray on the ground. Sitting down across from his daughter, Blaine crossed his legs and passed a sandwich to her.

"This is fun," Belle smiled, reaching for a carrot. "Much more fun than packing.

"I used to do this all the time with my mom when I stayed home from school," Blaine explained. "My dad would get after her and say, Pamela, hes sick. He needs his rest. But my mom always said the fresh air would do me more good."

"Who was right?" Belle chuckled.

"My dad but my mom just wanted to spend time with me and that made me happier," Blaine told her. "Ive had a lot of memories growing up in this house and its going to be bittersweet to say goodbye."

"Why?" Belle took a handful of animal crackers and smiled at her father sweetly, so he wouldnt stop her.

Shrugging, Blaine said, "Its complicated. I miss my childhood but things with my dad dying make me want to let it go."

"Oh, "Belle simply said, clearly not understanding. She didnt speak again until she finished her sandwich. "Can I play in the backyard while you clean? Im bored."

"Yeah, sure," Blaine said, knowing he probably should have let Belle go with Kurt. He couldnt really clean and entertain a seven year old. "But stay in the backyard, okay? Unless youre coming back inside."

"Of course," Belle rolled her eyes, before she took off around the side of the house.

Cleaning up, Blaine took everything back inside and began washing the dishes, before he moved into his dads study. This was going to be the hardest room to deal with, because Michael had so many files scattered everywhere.

Flopping in the desk chair, Blaine opened the top drawer and sighed, "Might as well start somewhere." Michael had drawers full of papers. Bills, work-related items, receipts, and more papers that Blaine simply tossed in a pile to recycle.

Opening the bottom drawer if the desk, he found a bottle of liquor laying on its side. It was half empty and Blaine stared at it for a long time. He thought of what spam had said a week ago that he was always drunk or

or aggressive anymore. He was miserable and had over-dosed. Drugs, alcohol, whatever he was into was too much for Blaine to think about. He slammed the drawer and shook his head. He had to focus on the task at hand.

An hour log tedious work went by, when he heard the front door shut and Kurt call out, "Blaine? Belle? Where are you guys?"

"In here," Blaine responded.

"Wheres Belle?" Kurt stopped in the doorway, raising his eyebrows.

"Backyard," Blaine replied, shoving a stack of books in a box.

Kurts footsteps faded and a moment later he was back in the doorway, crossing his arms over his chest, he said, "This backyard?"

"Yeah?" Blaine looked at him curiously from his spot on the floor.

"She didnt go upstairs and take a nap?" Kurt left the room again. His voice hinting that he was slightly annoyed with Blaines lack of attention toward Belle. He had gotten lost in his thoughts and didnt think much of her playing outside.

Rising to his feet, Blaine called, "Im telling you that shes outside. I never heard her come in." He opened the back door and scanned the yard. "Belle?" He asked. She didnt respond and Blaine didnt see her. Walking around the side of the house, Blaine checked the front yard before glancing down the street. "Belle?!" he called loudly. Panic began to settle in.

Kurt came outside with fear in his eyes, he stopped at the edge of the porch and firmly said, "Shes not inside, Blaine. Where is she?"

Stomach turning, Blaine ran toward the back of the house once more, calling, "Belle?!" He waited. "Annabelle Rachel Hummel, If youre playing hide and seek, this isnt funny. Come out right now."

Heart pounding against his rib age, Blaine realized that he had completely ignored her long enough for her to disappear. He buried his face in his hands and muttered, "Oh shit."

Kurt came out the back foot after checking inside the house again. With trembling hands, he stopping a foot from his husband and said what neither of them wanted to admit, "Blaine, shes not here. Belles gone."