INTERLUDE 2

"So, Id understand if after what happened you dont want to come to my high school reunion anymore," Kurt tells Blaine a few days after waking up hung over in his bed.

Theyre in Central Park, eating sandwiches on a park bench while Lexy feeds the ducks on the pond in front of them.

"Hey, I promised to go and I will. After all, I already told my mom Id come by for a visit," Blaine winks.

Kurt had asked Blaine to come to Lima with him so his former bullies wouldnt be able to make fun of him for being divorced already as he tends to pass Blaine of as Lexys dad to those who dont know his story. Its funny, because when he had graduated high school, he had looked forward to his ten year high school reunion, because hed expected to feel superior over the meatheads he used to call his classmates who would probably work at McDonalds or Burger King and probably would be already divorced after being forced to marry their high school girlfriends after knocking them up. Kurt himself would been successful and engaged to a wonderful man with whom he would have 2.5 children after they were legally married by thirty. There was even a white picket fence and a dog in his vision when he was eighteen.

Ten years later though, he is a single father of a two year old and in the final stages of a divorce, is still waiting for his big break on Broadway and cant even afford a car, let alone a house. He is as much of a Lima loser as his former bullies probably are although he hasnt lived in Lima in nearly ten years.

"So whats our backstory?" Blaine asks excitedly. "Secret high school sweethearts attending different schools. Tumultuous college relationship reminiscent of Friends Ross and Rachels relationship. Or maybe you used to babysit me," he immediately answers his own question, making up crazier and crazier stories.

"How about we dont tell people who hated me anything other then that we are a happy couple with a beautiful daughter," Kurt stops Blaine before he gets too excited about their little ruse.

"Fine, be boring," Blaine pouts and nearly hits a duck in the head when he throws a piece of bread in the pond. "But you should at least tell them that youre famous."

"Yeah, so they can google it and then tell everyone that Im lying," Kurt scoffs.

"You wont be lying for much longer," Blaine assures him, always more confident about Kurts talent than Kurt himself. "Once we open on Broadway in a few weeks, youre going to be huge and your name will be on a billboard on Times Square.

"It will?" Kurt gasps, and wow, why hadnt he even thought about that possibility?

"Of course it will. You and Jesse are the stars of my show and come June everyone will know." He pauses briefly. "You know what? We should watch the unveiling from the TKTS stairs. I bring the coffee if you bring your delicious avocado sandwiches."

"Isnt that kind of pretentious? Waiting for my name to be up in lights?" Kurt wonders, though he can see it now; the moment when everyone on Times Square will be able to read that Kurt Hummel is the star of Broadways next hit show.

Blaine shakes his head, making his curls fly around. Kurt suppresses the urge to run his fingers through them once more.

"Nick and I did the same thing when the billboard for Butterfly Factory went up. It was my first show and his first professional directing job after all."

"Its a date then," Kurt says, immediately biting his tongue because he keeps doing this; using the word date for their purely platonic outings.

"Deal," Blaine just smiles at him, apparently not concerned about Kurts linguistic faux pas.

They let Lexy play with the ducks for another half hour before Blaine excuses himself to attend a meeting with his producers. Their Broadway premiere is only five weeks away and as far as Kurt understands, Blaine and the producers still have a lot to work on before the curtain rises for the first time. Kurt cant wait to start rehearsal on their new stage, but it wont happen for another two weeks. And Lexy, of course, is happy that her daddy has a lot of time for her at the moment, which Kurt enjoys very much as well, especially on days when Blaine accompanies them to the park, but hes also looking forward to getting back on stage after their three week break.

"Oh, before I go, dont forget about the fitting for the cast photo. The new intern is supposed to send you all the details, but I dont really trust him yet to do his job because he seems to be more interested in watching the female dancers than actually work."

Kurt nods. "Wednesday, at three pm; Ive already written it down and talked to Katie, so dont worry, Ill be there.

"Great, so Ill see you Wednesday and then we can talk about the trip to Lima. And rest assured, I will pay for a car to take us to the airport, whether you want it or not," he adds and runs off before Kurt can tell him again that theres no way Blaines paying for the trip to the airport when hes already paying for the plane ticket and a rental car in Ohio just to do Kurt a favor.

"This isnt over," he calls after Blaine, who stuffs his fingers into his ears and sings lalala on top of his lungs.

"Blay gaga?" Lexy asks, using an expression shed picked up from her grandpa Burt, and Kurt nods.

"Yeah, hes crazy, but we still like him, right?"

"Like Blay lots," Lexy smiles and Kurt picks her up and throws her into the air, her dark red summer dress flaring up around her.

"Good. Im glad you like him too."

"No way! Is that Hummel with a kid? Never thought hed find a guy to be gay with," Kurt overhears his former bully Azizmo Adams when he walks into the gym, Lexy in his arms and Blaine right beside him.

He turns on the spot and fake smiles at the former football player.

"Azizmo, wow, its been what, ten years? How have you been?"

"Oh well, " Azizmo stutters. "I work at the factory on 2nd street, probably will be foreman in a year or two."

"Thats great," Kurt says, satisfied that he was right about at least one meathead. "Family?"

Azizmo winces.

"Ah, two boys, but, ah, they live with their mother."

"Im sorry. I cant imagine what Id do if I didnt have both Blaine and Alexandra in my life."

Before Azizmo can reply, Kurt hooks his arm into Blaines and drags him further into the gymnasium.

"Oh my God," he wheezes. "That felt great. I cant believe I let this guy make my life hell when I was young."

"Well," Blaine laughs, "Im sure therere still more of your bullies we can mess with."

"I knew it was a good idea to bring you here," Kurt snorts.

Santana pulls him aside half an hour later, after finishing her impromptu autograph session and after Kurt had a hilarious run in with Rick the stick, a dumb wit hockey player.

"I cant believe I was friends with those girls," she moans as she pulls Kurt away from Blaine who puts Lexy on his shoulders so as not to lose her in the crowd. "You finally pulled your head out of your ass?" she adds once theyre out in the hallway.

"Huh?"

"You brought the wunderkind along. Are you finally boning him?"

"Santana," Kurt hisses and quickly looks around to make sure no ones eavesdropping on their conversation.

"Hes just a friend whos in town to see his parents and offered to come with when we saw each other on the plane."

"Bullshit," Santana smirks. "His parents live in Columbus so this would be one hell of a detour."

"Fine," Kurt grumbles. "I didnt want people to know Im divorced already and my dad kept asking to meet Blaine, so I invited him. He said yes and here we are. Just friends though."

"Could have fooled me. He doesnt look at you like hes just playing pretend," Santana says more softly than Kurt is used to.

"I cant force him to be ready and eventually Ill have to let it go. Focus on finding a guy willing to commit to both Lexy and I."

"For what its worth," Santana replies, "youre both acting stupid and would be much happier if youd just listen to me and get your shit together."

With that she turns around and struts back into the gym, still owning it like she did in high school wearing the head cheerleaders uniform.

"Im not stupid," Kurt mumbles. "Im being sensible."

After taking a deep breath he follows Santana, ready to play happy couple with Blaine once more.

"Thanks for letting me spend the night, Mr. Hummel. I didnt think wed stay this late."

Burt puts his hand on Blaines shoulder and smiles at him.

"No problem, Blaine. We can only offer you the couch though, unless we move Lexy to Kurts room."

Carole had come by around seven to take Lexy home, allowing Kurt to have a few drinks with old friends and acquaintances.

"Thats all right, sir. The couch is fine," Blaine assures Kurts dad.

"So polite," Carole whispers, but from the blush on Blaines cheek, Kurt can tell that his stepmother wasnt discreet enough.

"Want to check on Lexy with me while Carole sets up the couch?" his dad asks and Kurt just knows that Burts only trying to find an excuse to talk to Kurt alone.

"Sure Dad. Well be right back," he adds for Blaines benefit.

Upstairs, they stop in front of what used to be his brother Finns room. After Finn had died tragically their first year of college, the room had remained untouched for many years, but when Kurt had returned to New York after an awkward last Christmas with James, Carole had decided to redecorate to give Lexy her own room when she stayed with her grandparents. Kurt knows that it couldnt have been easy for her; changing her sons room when he would never have a child who would stay in it during visits home.

He and Blaine had gone straight to McKinley High School from the airport because they couldnt leave New York earlier, so this is the first time that hes seeing what Carole has done with the room.

"Its strange," he admits, "seeing it so colorful."

"And clean," his dad adds and Kurts grateful that theyve reached a point where they can joke about Finns habits without breaking into tears.

"And you know what, I dont think hed mind it one bit that we adapted it for his niece."

Kurt nods in agreement because hes certain that Finn would have loved Lexy and would have been her favorite uncle.

"How was it at the reunion?" Kurts face falls.

"Blaine and I, we had fun, but it was also kinda sad because no one dared to talk about who was missing. And a lot of our former classmates didnt even know he died."

"And its only gonna get worse the older you get. Your next reunion, Finn may not be the only one missing."

"Thanks Dad," Kurt groans. "I really didnt need to hear that."

"Sorry, kiddo. So the famous Blaine," his dad quickly changes the subject. "You sure you two arent dating? Cause he can stay in your room if you are. You have kid, so the time to pretend youre not having sex is long past anyway.

"Dad," Kurt groans again, his cheeks flushing. "Were just friends."

"If you say so. Because let me tell you this; none of my friends would have gotten on a plane to go to a high school reunion thats not even theirs."

"Hes just being a good friend," Kurt sighs. "And if we were dating, youd have been the first to know."

"Well, no matter if you end up together or not, I think you made the right decision regarding James. Youve been so much happier lately."

"Thanks, Dad," Kurt tells Burt honestly because his dads support means the world to him. Especially, because hes pretty sure that his dad never envisioned that his son would end up divorced before he was even thirty.

His dad pulls Kurt into his strong arms and hugs him tightly.

"You say goodnight to the little one and Ill go back downstairs and see how Carole and our guest are doing," Burt tells him.

"Please dont interrogate him," Kurt pleads because he wouldnt put it past his dad to give the man Kurt had fallen in love with the third degree.

"I resent that accusation," his dad laughs, but the gleam in his eyes tells Kurt that he better not leave Blaine alone with his parents for too long.

Blaine says goodbye around eleven the next day to make it to his parents lunch invitation in Columbus on time.

"See you Sunday at the airport," he tells Kurt and ruffles Lexys hair, who bats his hands away immediately.

"Like I said, shes just like Kurt," his dad laughs before he shakes hands with Blaine and tells him that hes always welcome at the Hummels, making both Kurt and Blaine blush.

With one of Caroles turkey sandwiches for the road he is off and Kurt watches his rental car drive away until Blaine rounds a corner.

"You really got it bad, huh?" his dad comments and Kurt rolls his eyes.

"A few months ago I told you I was getting a divorce for him, so what did you think?"

They move to the backyard then where Kurt quickly inspects the fence around the pool his parents had put in a few years ago and admires the swing set that is Lexys early birthday present.

"We should talk about the plans for yours and Lexys birthdays," Carole says as they watch Burt push Lexy in the swings. "Your dad and I thought itd be best if we came up for the premiere and then take you out for a nice dinner and take Lexy to that teashop for kids I read about."

"Alices Tea Cup," Kurt tells her. "Thats a wonderful idea." Carole smiles.

"And what about your plans?" Kurt shrugs.

"Nothing big. Probably just getting drinks with my friends and a few people from the theater. Twenty-nine really isnt all that important; its only a reminder that Ill be thirty in a year," Kurt grumbles, but at least he still looks youthful and most people (before they know about Lexy) still think hes only in his early twenties like Blaine.

"And for Lexy Ill have a small party at home with her aunts and uncles."

These days most of his friends are called aunts and uncles around Lexy.

"James gonna be there?" Kurt shrugs.

"He promised to try."

"Good," Carole smiles. "The more people in her life who love her the better. I know how hard being a single parent can be."

Kurt cant not pull her into a hug.

"Youve been a great mom to me," he assures her.

Cause thats what she is even if hes never called her mom. Caroles been acting like his mother even longer than his first mother had. Thats how he thinks of it these days; his first mom and his second mom, and if hes lucky, Lexy will have more than one other dad in the future too.

"Thank you, sweetheart," Carole wipes a tear from her eyes. "Im so glad you introduced me to your dad when you did. I didnt just gain a wonderful husband, but also an amazing son."

His dad finds them like this, crying into the others shoulder.

"Everything okay?" he asks, eyebrows raised in question. Behind him, Lexy is happily kicking at a pink ball totally ignoring their little cry fest.

"Just really happy about our little family," Carole sobs and Kurts happy that she feels this way even with a huge part of their family missing.

"Good, good," Burt mumbles awkwardly. "So how about I fire up the grill this afternoon; take advantage of the nice day?"

"Actually," Kurt wipes his own tears away, "I was going to ask if you could watch Lexy this afternoon. Mercedes and I made plans to meet up because we didnt really get a chance to talk last night."

"Sure kiddo. You go and have fun with your friends."

My moms angry that I didnt bring you over for lunch after your parents let me spend the night. And apparently she really wanted to meet Lexy.

Blaine texts and Kurt blushes, quickly locking his phone when Mercedes makes a grab for it.

"Is that him? The guy you brought to the reunion."

"Blaine," Kurt informs her. "Yeah thats him."

"So how come you didnt tell me youre dating someone new already? I thought we are best friends." Kurt groans.

"Not you too. Blaine and I are just friends regardless of what Santana may have said. Not boyfriends," he lowers his voice, "not fuck buddies, just platonic friends."

"Hm, my platonic friends never looked at me the way he looks at you. But what do I know; Im just a boring old married lady."

"Im sorry I missed your wedding but Ive seen the pictures and you looked gorgeous in your dress. So no talk about being an old lady."

"Its okay Kurt. I understand why couldnt fly out when your daughter was sick."

Kurt splits another cookie and pushes half onto Mercedes plate. The coffee shop they are in, the Lima Bean, used to be their favorite after school hang out and until he moved to New York he believed they had the best coffee in the country. Now the cookies taste kinda stale and the coffee burnt. Hes turned into a proper New York snob.

"So hows married life treating you? Any plans for a baby any time soon?"

Mercedes poses for a quick picture with a fan before she replies.

"No. Im going on my first national tour soon, so a baby would just get in the way. And Im not in any hurry. I can still have children when Im older and done touring."

Kurt nods and simultaneously curses her silently for making him realize that should Ace of Spades get a tour after its Broadway run, he wouldnt be able to be part of it unless he found an affordable nanny to travel with him and Lexy.

"And Peter already has a son from his first marriage so he isnt in any hurry to have another one either," she adds.

"You know, I never thought that you of all people would marry a divorced man one day. With all the trying to drag me to church every Sunday when we were in high school," Kurt teases the first friend hed ever made.

"What can I say," Mercedes fans herself, "Im a Hollywood girl through and through." More soberly. "And Ive come to realize that when its love none of that matters."

"And it wasnt a problem for you that he already had a kid?" Kurt has to ask because their situations are so similar.

"Sure it was at first. I was really scared because I was twenty-five and didnt know what would be expected of me. It helped though that Scott lives with his mother and so my contact to him is limited. He calls me Mercedes and I try not to flinch when he introduces me as his stepmother," Mercedes jokes.

"Well Im glad it worked out for you," Kurt tells her. "Maybe I should get you together with Blaine some time."

"Oh honey, you cant force that sort of thing. He has to realize for himself that losing you to someone else would be more difficult than being with you and your daughter. When Peter told me about Scott, I was convinced I couldnt do it, but the thought of someone else snatching up this incredible man made me certain that I at least had to give him a chance. And boy has it paid off. Ive never been happier in my life."

My moms insisting on driving me to the airport tomorrow just so she can meet you.

Another text from Blaine interrupts them and this time Kurt lets Mercedes read through all the texts Blaine has sent him since leaving Lima a few hours ago.

"Oh, you two are so going to be married before I even have my first kid," she exclaims after reading through all twelve of them. Kurt sighs.

"You know, thats a bet Id be happy to let you win."

Blaines mom is not what Kurt expected. Shes taller than her son with long straight dark red hair and sparkling blue eyes. Kurt guesses that Blaines curls must have come from his dad.

"Kurt, my mom Susan Anderson. Mom, future star Kurt Hummel," Blaine introduces them before he picks up Lexy whos hiding behind Kurts legs. "And this little cutie is Kurts daughter Alexandra."

Lexy waves shyly before hiding her face in Kurts shirt.

"Oh, I want one just like her from you," Susan coos. "Preferably before Im old and grey because lord knows whether your brother will ever settle down."

Blaine squirms under his mothers gaze and Kurt busies himself with looking for something in his bag, because this hits a little close to home for the two of them.

"Come on, Mom. Theres always a chance that Cooper will knock up one of his girlfriends by accident eventually," he changes the subject causing Susan to glare at him.

"I hope not. I want a grandkid I can actually spend time with."

"Blaine, we should really head in now," Kurt saves Blaine from Susan, and the other man gives him a grateful smile.

"Thanks," Blaine mumbles when they are safely inside. "I dont know why shes like that. She always used to tell us how hard it was having Cooper so young, and now she wants me to do the same."

"I dont think she wants you to have a kid right now. People just have a hard time resisting Lexys charms," Kurt replies, bumping his shoulder against Blaines to lighten the mood.

The girl in question requests a piggy back ride from Blaine and by the time they reach the security check, the conversation seems to be forgotten again. Kurt guesses Blaines just as grateful for that as Kurt is.

"Hey, thanks again for coming with me this weekend. It wouldnt have been as much fun without you here," Kurt confesses as they board the plane, Lexy swinging between them excitedly.

Blaine smiles back at him, eyes wide and open.

"I had a great time as well. Im glad you asked."

And so the platonic little family returns to New York, just in time to get ready for the next milestone in Kurts life. And until Kurt finds someone who wants to be a real family with him and Lexy its enough. It has to be.

END OF PART 2

As Ive said before, I will be in London till Saturday so the next update will either be on the 3rd or the 4th depending on how much writing I manage to get done on the plane because the next two chapters are the ones I havent written yet. Happy New Year everyone!