Over the next week Kurt drove to Blaines house every morning and took him to school, and then at the end of the day drove back to Blaines house and worked on the motorcycle.

During some of the mornings he noticed a lot of traffic at the Anderson estate. Sometimes he would pull up and a guy would be taking his walk of shame, other times Blaine was the only one to leave. Kurt very much preferred the second type of morning.

Every time Kurt saw Blaine with or bearing the marks of another man something unpleasant twisted in his stomach. It was too strange thinking of Blaine as a sexual being, when before he had just been the punk, the protector, a friend, and yes, definitely a flirt, but never a playboy. Of course it fit in with the whole bad boy persona, so that shouldnt have been a surprise. While these encounters had initially left Kurt shocked and sometimes fuming, over time he became increasingly desensitized to it all and eventually learned to pay them little mind.

As for the bike, it probably shouldnt have taken so long to fix, but Blaine was always such a distraction. If he wasnt talking or playing around then he was trying to get Kurt to explain what he was doing. Most of the time he was ignored or Kurt would simply grab the remote to the stereo in his car and amp it up (it only took a day to learn that Blaine was easy to placate and as long as he turned on the oldies station, the boy would go into own little world). On occasion Kurt would be in a really good mood and if he wasnt too in the zone he would indulge Blaine and have him help do things as he tried to explain it. Blaine always got bored after a while and then theyd talk about anything else. A popular topic was music and people at school, but sometimes they would traverse deeper.

One particular afternoon Kurt actually got Blaine to open up a little more and he finally learned a bit about why Blaine was there.

"That must have been awful." Kurt had said after Blaine finished talking about moving out of his parents home.

Blaine laughed. "Are you kidding me? I was singing Billy Joel at the top of my lungs while packing."

Kurt blinked, astonished at his easy attitude on the subject. He couldnt imagine what he would do if his dad ever asked him to leave.

Kurt glanced up and saw Blaine propped up against the wall watching him. He pretended to tinker with parts and cleared his throat.

"Could you hand me that wrench?"

Blaine shrugged and walked over to the toolbox, whistling the tune to Movin Out. "This one?" He asked, holding it up over his shoulder.

"Mmhm.” Kurt hummed absentmindedly. “Hand it over."

He held out his hand expectantly, but Blaine lifted the tool out of his reach.

"How about please?" Blaine tutted.

"How about give it?" Kurt retorted.

Blaine handed it over. "You know just how to make a boy melt, dont you?"

Kurt rolled his eyes and steered the conversation back to the previous topic. "I still dont understand why they would react like that. If you dont mind my asking of course."

Blaine whistled low. "Why all the tough questions, Katie?" He attempted to joke.

When Kurt continued to look at him, still awaiting an answer, Blaine just sighed. "I dunno, I guess it might have to do more with my mother not being able to compromise her image and her career with my particular inclinations. You know how these things work."

"I suppose.” Kurt couldn't help but to reflect on that. In his younger year he had been well aware that his image didn't particularly mesh well with the environment of his father's garage, but it had never been an overt problem. If anything he'd received more odd looks when he'd showed up for work dawning the Mellencamp gear sophomore year. Then again, Blaine's mother didn't likely fix cars for a living, so there was probably a whole different conduct code where she was concerned. Kurt idly wondered exactly where she did work. Blaine never talked about it specifically, but judging by the way he spoke of her, she sounded like some sort of business lady socialite type. He nearly asked, but instead chose to hold his tongue not wanting to further sour Blaine's mood.

Kurt gave Blaine an entirely haughty look. “And I still cant believe you never told me you were gay." He pretended to sniff.

To his credit, Blaine flashed him a wry smile, suggesting they were out of hot water. "I honestly thought you knew." He shrugged. "So now that the cats out of the bag - or, I guess, closet - does that change anything?"

And there was the million dollar question. Did it change anything? Just because it turned out Blaine played for his team didnt mean they were suddenly in the same league, or even playing the same game apparently. It didnt mean that Kurt now had any more of a chance than he did before. Of course nothing was fixed, but then maybe some things were. It seemed Kurt wasnt the only one asking the loaded questions.

Blaine looked away, probably anticipating an answer he wouldnt like.

"No." Liar.

"Then stop bringing it up."

Kurt had the humility to look ashamed, but the look on Blaines face said that he wasnt really bothered.

So he let it go for the time being.

A few beats later Kurt cleared his throat and said, "I actually need the one with the yellow handle.”

Blaine made an ‘as you wish' gesture then bent over the toolbox and sifted through it noisily. Naturally Kurt couldnt help but stare at the sight before him.

"I dont see a yellow one." Blaine said, looking at Kurt over his shoulder. Noticing Kurts leering, Blaines expression went from quizzical to amused.

Blushing profusely, Kurt averted his eyes and nodded. He could practically feel Blaine smirking. He ran a hand over his face in embarrassment, forgetting about the grease all over him. Gunk smeared across his face and into his mouth. This made Blaine laughed loudly as Kurts attempts to wipe his mouth off on his shirt sleeve became more frantic.

A balled up wet rag flew through the air and smacked Kurt in the face. Kurt used it to clean up then looked up and saw Blaine blinking innocently back. Blaines innocent face quickly morphed into a blur of eyebrows and fear when Kurt jumped up and went after him.

 * * *

Later that evening Kurt walked into the house sopping wet and trembling, but smiling triumphantly. When Burt caught sight of the mess that was his son, he allowed him to continue upstairs to the shower and mercifully didnt mention it right then.

In the shower Kurt pulled chunks of mud from his hair with a sour face. Somehow he and Blaines game of chase had morphed into a mud fight when Blaine made good on his threat and splashed him with the water hose. Blaine had been so shocked when, rather than storming off, Kurt picked up a handful of mud and flung it straight into his gelled down locks.

Looking back, it probably wasnt their proudest moment, especially seeing as it was November in Ohio. Being fifty degrees hosing off outside hadnt been an option, so the other solution was for Blaine to spray Kurt down while he stood in the aluminum tub that was used for Blaines ice baths. Being cold and wet in the garage hadnt been much better outside, so a cold was inevitable at that point, but Blaines filth covered body happily waving goodbye as Kurt drove off was worth the pneumonia.

After a second shower – this time a steaming hot shower – Kurt threw on pajamas and draped a soft comforter around his shoulders, then went into the kitchen to forage for soup.

On the counter Kurt found a half-eaten piece of deer jerky in a wrapper and grabbed it. He was rummaging around the pantry when a pair of heavy boots appeared on the other side of the cabinet door. He slowly moved the door and stood facing a less than amused father.

"Kurt." Burt said in his best authoritative voice.

"Hi." Kurt said around the food in his mouth.

Burt yanked jerky from his mouth and took it for himself. "Care to explain all the water?"

Kurt looked guiltily over at the damp carpet. "Um, a friendly argument got out of hand."

Burt gave him a look the said he didn't believe a word. "Why were you even out that late? Youve been leaving for school early and staying late for a while now.”

It wasn't hard to tell what Burt was implying with this sudden onset of questions.

“I'm only gonna ask you this once.” He said very seriously. “Is there anything I need to know about?"

Obviously, Kurt didn't want his dad thinking he was getting full body swirlies at school, but he was also reluctant to admit to his newfound extracurriculars even though he had no reason to hide them. There was something about being with Blaine that just felt personal.

Burt crossed his arms. "You told me those boys were leaving you alone. Is that why youre always wearing a different clothes when you come home?"

Kurts eyes widened. "No, dad! I swear, thats not it."

"Then what is it, kid? For weeks now youve been acting different and sneaking around a lot more. I thought we were done with that."

The thing about this that made Kurt feel really crappy was the fact that his dad sounded genuinely disappointed in him. He could barely look him in the eye.

"No ones been messing with me." All of this third degree and bully talk was raising his anxiety levels. To avoid answering, he started fixing himself a bowl of cereal.

The Hummel patriarch wasnt so easily deterred. "Kurt."

"Ive just been hanging out with a new friend before and after school." Kurt admitted.

Burt looked both relieved and for some reason a little flustered. "Oh. Its that. Look, kid, I dont mind you dating or whatever, you dont gotta feel like you cant take ever bring him around. Id actually prefer it if I could meet whoever it is."

Oh. Thats why. "Dad, no. Me and Blaine arent-"

"Blaine?" Burts eyes narrowed in recognition. "Hes the one that messed up that Karofsky kid. I know what I said before about being happy those bullies are getting whats coming and all, but if this kids bad news I dont know how comfortable I am with you hanging around him."

It was Kurts turn to cross his arms. "You dont have a problem with Finn hanging out with Puck." He scoffed.

"Finn isnt my kid. Thats Caroles call. And Pucks a punk but he aint dangerous. Im not trying to dictate who you hang out with, so Ill compromise. Id like to meet this kid." Before Kurt could open his mouth to argue, he quickly added, "You dont have to bring him for dinner or anything like that. I just want to meet him."

It was by no means an unreasonable request under normal circumstances, but Kurt remained unsure. "I dont know if thats a good idea. Our relationships kind of fragile." At Burts expression, he hastily added, "Its not what youre thinking either. I just dont know how well he reacts to parents."

Burt actually laughed at this. "Kurt, Id be more freaked out by a kid that does react well to parents."

"I meant that, dad. I dont know how well he gets on with adults. Hes decent enough to most of the teachers, but his own family..." Kurt trailed off, lost for the appropriate words to phrase what he was trying to say. All he could come up with was, "His parents arent really there."

"His folks are gone." Burt said simply. "Thats rough. Hes not a foster kid, though?"

"No. He actually lives by himself. I dont want to directly ask, but from what Ive gathered theyre still living somewhere in Ohio. I think they might have left him sometime this past year."

Burt sighed. He looked tired and worn all of the sudden. They hadn't really had many conversations similar to this one – if any at all – but it was clear Burt was thinking back on the whole Finn debacle. "Just be careful Kurt. I dont want to see you hurt."

Kurt shook his head. "I wont. I told you its not like that."

He gave Burt a pleading look that the old man seemed to accept, even if a little reluctantly. Kurt inwardly cheered. At least with all of this uncomfortable mess over with they could get back to normal.

"Whatever you say. What are you two doing then anyway?" Burt asked.

Kurt relaxed, having officially moved out of the hot seat. "Oh, nothing interesting. Last week Blaine mentioned his bike being broken so I offered to look at it, and taking a look turned into completely repairing his engine."

"You know you can bring it up here." Kurt could see that the offer wasnt some pretense to get Blaine to come around. His dad was only trying to help out. It warmed his heart, and suddenly he was much more appreciative of the fact that his dad owned a car shop. If anything, it was convenient.

"Thanks for the offer, but I think I can handle it."

He knew those words made his father proud of him and it showed on Burts face.

It wasnt that Burt didnt accept him – hed proved time and time again that he did – but it was nice finding common ground, even in something as simple as fixing cars. At least that didnt involve so much controversy.

"That a boy." Burt ruffled his hair, something only he would get away with. Having filled his parental embarrassment quota for the day, Burt nodded to himself. "Alright then. Im off to the store to pick up some things. Just dont do anything stupid while Im out."

"Same goes for you." Kurt retorted. "No junk food!"

Burt rolled his eyes and mumbled something about, "Do as I say, not as I do."

Kurt glanced down at his cereal. Cornflakes were healthy... Right?

"Goodnight, kid." Burt called.

“‘Night!"

Kurt lifted another mouthful of cereal up to his mouth and - oh, it was Frosted Flakes after all.

* * *

The next morning at breakfast Burt told him, "For the record, so long as youre keeping your nose clean, I dont mind you being friends with Blaine or whoever." And that was all he said on the subject.

... Or at least until he was walking out the door.

He added, "Just dont come crying to me when that engine bursts into flames."

Kurt pursed his lips. He knew what he was doing.

* * *

"If you dont know what youre doing you dont have to -"

"I do." Kurt snapped. His tone left no room for argument.

Blaine sensed the tension and completely changed the subject. "Okay. Come on, Hummel. Break time."

"Im almost done." Kurt insisted.

"No, youre not."

In the end, Blaine had to physically remove Kurt from the toolkit and force him into the car.

"Where are we going?"

All Blaine would say was, “Out.”

Kurt was directed out of the other side of the neighborhood and onto the highway by Blaine. They drove an unfamiliar route for fifteen minutes until Blaine directed him into a parking lot.

Once they found a parking space, Kurt looked at the other boy in disbelief. "The mall, Blaine?"

Blaine nodded enthusiastically. That is, until he noticed Kurts confusion. "What was I supposed to take you somewhere more scandalous? Its way too early for that, dummy."

With that he hopped out of the car. Without even waiting for Kurt to the same, Blaine ran right over to the entrance.

 * * *

Their little excursion to the mall actually ended up being nice. In contrast to Kurt's initial beliefs, they were able to have fun together simply doing normal teenager things. Sexuality didn't have to be brought up, neither worried about bullies or people judging them, it was a normal day for anyone else.

They went to the food court and shared a pizza while talking about whatever they felt. It wasn't oddly reminiscent of being in school and chatting so that they didn't have to do their schoolwork.

After they ate, they walked around. They found a few clothing stores worth looking at, a quaint candy shop, a store filled with random crap that they played with. The best part about all of it was that nobody cared. They didn't receive weird looks or get pushed. Nothing. It made Kurt wonder if it wasn't all a high school mentality that people at school so concerned with them. It was all a really freeing experience.

However, good things weren't meant to last and the time to go home came all too quickly for Kurt's liking. It was a truly sad thing when it was time to leave, he lamented.

* * *

On the way back to Blaine's house, the car was silent except for the radio playing quietly in the background. Unlike the other day when Blaine came out to Kurt, it was a friendly silence that really didn't need filling.

When they made it back to Blaine's house, Kurt pulled the car into his driveway like he did every day for the past week, except this time, they didn't both hop out and go straight to the garage. Only Blaine got out of the car. Similarly to the other day, Blaine paused before shutting the door. He leaned down and asked, "Were friends, right Kurt?"

Kurt was surprised that he called him by his name instead of Hummel like usual. He was so caught up on the thought that it took a moment to realize that it wasnt a rhetorical question. He noticed that Blaine was trying to appear nonchalant and like he was paying attention to him, but the way his eyes kept shifting gave him away.

"Of course were friends. I like you."

Blaine appeared surprised to have received a real answer, but most of all he seemed pleased. "Good."

Blaine gave Kurt one of his gorgeous smile and then he was gone.