Before he stepped into the Hummel-Anderson household, Hunter hadnt thought that love could be a sound. It had always been a feeling, described through the prettiest of words, that appeared only in fairytales, and if he was lucky enough to stumble upon it, a passing moment between two ordinary people. Hunter had once been fooled into believing that was the emotion that Karofsky had toward him, but that was only a mirage of what he knew love to really be. Surrounded by all of Archers relatives, he realized that love was a noise, shown through the lilting voices that were colored with amusement and laughter. He couldnt make out who was making what sound unless he strained his ears toward a specific tone, but all around him was love as the family members teased and played with each other. Hunter didnt know if he had any other relatives, like Archer did. All hed ever known was the man who he sometimes referred to as his dad. Besides when he was drunkenly blubbering on, Karofsky had never laughed in front of him. Had he not heard the noise at school, he wouldnt have known what it was.

He wanted to join their fun, and bring up something to the conversation that would make all of them intrigued in him, but because he didnt even know who was around him, he sealed his lips and silently hoped that someone would acknowledge him. Unfortunately, the only person who seemed to find his words of any interest was the one person who Hunter had wanted to sneak by for the entire week. He wasnt even angry with Dillon. But something between them had shifted since Archer had come along, and he wasnt sure what-overprotectiveness of his cousin, enviousness of their newfound closeness, or, the worst thing that Hunter could think of, jealousy of Archer. Hunter gritted his teeth, almost feeling Dillons presence loom closer to him. Dillons feet always moved in the same pattern, heel to toe, so he heard him shuffling nearer. He wondered how long hed been debating on whether or not he should talk to him.

Hunter curled up his top lip as he felt the couch cushion sink at the added weight. The one good thing about Dillon was that he didnt bother with small talk. His hushed voice slithered into Hunters ear, making him turn his head as if to avoid hearing it. "Why are you doing this?" Hunter refused to speak, chomping down on his bottom lip and brushing at his ear as if his voice was nothing more than the buzz of a fly. Suddenly, a firm hand grabbed his wrist. "Everythings a game to you, Hunter. I just dont understand why you had to play this one. You knew that my cousin was off-limits to you and the way that you toy with people-"

Hunter yanked his wrist away, "As far Im concerned, youre not the one who is in control of Archers heart, or whom he chooses to give it to. Ive been nothing but loyal to Archer. I broke up with Beth just so I could be completely his. If I wanted to date around, I would have stayed with your sister. But I love your cousin-"

"Youve admitted that you dont know what love is-"

"I changed my mind!" Hunter, keeping his voice lowered, felt himself tremble violently. "Youre so doubtful of me. Im allowed to be more than what I was. My life isnt a joke anymore. Ive stopped laughing." He leaned closer to him, noticing that a few of the voices had died down as they realized that they were overpowering the bantering between Hunter and Dillon. "Listen to me... I know Ive done wrong. Ive fucked everything up. I havent given myself a chance in the world. I stopped... caring. But Archer... gave me something that I didnt know was inside of me anymore. He gave me hope... that theres still a chance for me. You once told me that you had a crush on me. But all you ever wanted to do was play video games and fight with me about how shitty I had made my life. You were never interested in me-"

"You never let me be-"

Hunter held up his hand, "Maybe I would have let you in had you tried to help me up... tried to knock some sense into me. But all you ever did was tell me what I was doing wrong, and then shrug the problem off. Youre immature, Dillon. I dont want to waste my time playing stupid games. I want to learn about things... about the world. I want to paint and write. I want to figure out how to love someone to the best of my ability. And sitting beside of you while you pressed buttons and stuffed your face with food wasnt going to teach me that. Archers fascinated by the same things that I am. Hes sometimes scared to figure out things that Im not... but he still does it. He gives me all of his trust. Hes put me into the position that I could hurt him if I wanted to. Hes let me see him at his most vulnerable. Hes told me every secret... every worst fear. Hes sobbed in my arms. He tells me he loves me every day, and as much as I want to hear those three words, I know that they dont compare to the way that he wouldnt let the pull of the ocean take him away from me. It took you nearly a year to even hint that you liked me. I didnt let you get close to me because you didnt try to. Just... be happy for me, Dillon. Weve already agreed that we werent right for each other. If I ever get married, Im going to need you to be my best man."

Dillons voice came out strained and breathless, "Hunter... I just dont understand how this could have happened. Its only been four months. You cant meet someone and turn yourself completely around."

"Im still me." Hunter gestured to his own chest, "Dil, the only thing about me thats different is that I want to be a better man for Archer. You think I dont know that I dont deserve him? I know that better than anyone does. If Im going to be with him, I want to at least try to become a man, for his sake. I cant be a childish boy anymore. I need to be able to square my shoulders and hold my head high." Swallowing when he felt a firm hand touch his shoulder, he reached up and covered it with his own. "Im trying. Ive never tried harder at anything. Be happy for me. Im asking more of myself than I am of you."

Dillon took a second to respond, and he wasnt sure if he was even attempting to mouth the words before he said them, or if he had no rejoinder whatsoever. Before he could make a sound, a couple of people returned to the room, getting the greetings of most of the others who were lounging in the living room. Hunter waited to twist around, unsure if this would be his boyfriend and his aunt, or Kurt and Carole. He startled at the feeling of a light, cool hand running through his spiky hair, turning around and looking up in what he hoped was the direction of Archers face. "Hunter?" He mumbled uncertainly, laying his fingertips on the nape of Hunters neck, which he rubbed small circles into. "Are you ready to sit down at the table?" Hunter held his hand up for Archer to take, and he felt thin fingers swallow his muscular digits. "Im going to help my pére set out the silverware."

"Yes." Hunter slowly stood, making Dillon withdraw from his side. He lassoed his arm around Archers waist, feeling the warmth of his skin sear through the thin fabric covering it. This was one of the first times Archer had dressed himself down in anything less than his thick hoodies, which made it impossible for Hunter to feel his shape under that extra layer. He took advantage of knowing that Archers thin skin was just a hair away from touching his thumb, so he stroked his hand up and down his side, circling his pointy hip with the tip of his thumb. Archer shuddered, so Hunter knew that every brush of his fingers was making his sensitive nerves buzz and glow. He followed Archer into the kitchen, where there were already people scraping and shuffling about. Archer pushed him toward what he assumed was the table, and he squeezed his hand one last time as he lowered him into a chair.

He tried to keep his eyes on the wavering shadow that he knew was Archer, who walked a couple of feet away. A drawer slid open, and what sounded like metal or steel clanged around within it, before he was flooded once again with Archers scent, like a freshly greened garden. Hunter held up one of his hands, trying to figure out where he was, and he turned a dark shade when his fingers rubbed over a smooth stomach, his index finger dipping into a tiny belly button. Archer chuckled lowly, reaching down for his hand and taking it into his own. "Did you just blush, Hunter? I thought I was supposed to be the nervous one. Youre the one with all of the experience."

Realizing how obvious it was that hed become flustered, Hunter lowered his head, which he was sure had colored as red as a cherry. Hed never become tongue tied around anyone before-maybe once or twice around Archer, as they got to know each other better. But hed been able to hide it, or get rid of it with a snarky joke. This time, he could make no words. His throat swelled up, making it impossible for him to force anything out, or swallow any air or saliva. His hand quivered inside of Archers. He covered his mouth with his other hand when it started to burn, like tiny needles stabbing it over and over. "Shit." He whispered, slamming himself into the back of his chair when Archer leaned closer. Hunter knew how much he loved Archer. He knew that he would break himself before he let Archer be broken. But it wasnt until now that he really believed that Archer was in love with him, that Archer had stayed with him despite how horrible hed been, despite how unmotivated and careless hed been. No man was worthy of kissing the ground that Archer stood on, but he could have at least ended up with a man whose family he could be proud of, or even meet, and who could buy him a pretty house and fill it with expensive furniture, a man who could give him exactly what he didnt know he was looking for. Suddenly, Hunters eyes flew open wide when Archers mouth pressed to his, their top lips barely brushing, while the bottom ones rubbed back and forth. It was a simple kiss, soft and quick, because some of his family members were present, which was why it was so embarrassing when a strangled sound filtered through the slits between his teeth.

"I love you, too." Archer murmured, raising a hand to the side of Hunters head and smoothing his thumb over his sideburn. Hunter closed his eyes, and Archer laughed lightly. "You need to breathe. If you hold your breath for a second longer, your face will turn purple."

Hunter opened his mouth, sucking in a deep breath. His nostrils sucked in that flowery perfume, making his face even redder. "Why do you smell so damn good?" He muttered huskily, running his hands over Archers round face. Archer giggled, showing him no mercy when he scooted even closer, bumping his nose against Hunters. "You know that Im a blind man... My sense of smell is stronger than the average mans. Coating yourself in that perfume isnt fair."

"Maybe I like being unfair to you." Archer fixed Hunters collar, which had wrinkled from his yanking fingers. Patting Hunters chest, he said frivolously, "I think its high time that I aggravate you, Hunter... especially when you cant do anything about it in my parents house."

"I hate you." Hunter snarled, his words cut off by another peck of Archers lips. "Dont kiss me right now. I might not want to do anything to you in here... but dont think me above throwing you over my shoulder and carrying you out of this house."

"You wouldnt." Archer grumbled, "You know that my daddy would take you apart limb by limb if you tried. And you love me... and my kisses!" As if to rub it in, Archer smacked another kiss to Hunters mouth, tittering as Hunter scrunched up his face. "Dont make faces. Youll get stuck like that... and then youll be even uglier." He grabbed both of Hunters cheeks, squishing them to make his lips pucker and his nose wrinkle. Chortling, Hunter swatted his hands away when another figure passed by them, making no mind of either of them as they ruffled each others feathers.

Hunter turned around at the sound of Kurt beckoning the others to the table, and he quickly straightened himself up as the rest of Archers family poured into the room. Some of them kept their previous conversations going, while others quieted their voices as they sought out chairs. Underneath the table, Archer slid his hand over to his knee, "My pére and grandma are putting the food on the table. Do you want me to put it on your plate?"

He slowly nodded, figuring that would be best so his hand didnt end up in a bowl of gravy, or he went for a spoon at the same time that someone else did. He sat back in his seat as Archer picked up his plate, silently hoping that no one would notice him doing his plating. Luckily, if anyone did, no one spoke up about it. The plate was soon returned in front of Hunter, who breathed in the mouthwatering scents. He felt around for his silverware, touching it with his fingertips after Archer slid it closer to him. Poking at his plate with the prongs on his fork, he came across what was soft enough that it could have been mashed potatoes, so he scooped up whatever it was and brought it to his lips.

At first, there were a few muttered words as everyone picked out the food that they wanted, but after that was finished, it took only a second for someone to murmur, "Hunter... youve been a man of few words tonight." The high pitched voice gave away that it was Kurt, who Hunter readily turned to, eyebrows raised and mouth gaping as he held a filled fork up to it. "Cooper, Alicia, I dont think youve been properly introduced. This is Hunter, a dear friend of Archers. Hunter, these are Archers biological parents, Cooper and Alicia. Cooper is Blaines brother."

Hunter nodded in acknowledgment of them, hoping that he was looking at least somewhere in their general direction. He could tell that Kurt had started smiling by the softer tone to his voice, "Hunter, would you mind telling everyone about your painting and writing? Ive been told that Hunter is a wonderful writer... and that he makes some of the most beautiful paintings. But... you never have told us. Are you musical? Most of our family is very musical."

"Except for me." A man, with an American accent, sheepishly put in. "Blaine took all of the musical genes. But I was born with the ability to lie about my identity. Itll come in handy if Im ever in a pickle with the law." Assuming that it was Cooper speaking, Hunter listened to the two brothers laugh. "What could you ever do if you got in trouble with the legal system? Serenade them like a siren?"

Hunter smiled, hearing what he suspected was a hand slapping someones skin, "Um... Im not very musical. My voice is weak. I have played a little piano... but not very well. Its been years, anyway. I would have forgotten how. But... I love to write and paint. Im not sure that Im very good... but I love to capture the beauty of the world in the way that I see it." He helplessly shrugged his shoulders, "If things had worked out differently, I would want to publish childrens books. I want to recreate some of the fairytales that molded the person that I am now. I think that childhood is the time that were most susceptible. I used to devour all of these fairytales that taught about people who, at their absolute lowest, found that they could be resilient if they loved something enough to try for it. When I was young, love was the only thing that kept me from breaking. I think its one of the most important values to instill in children."

Something chimed from across the table, followed by what might have been thin pieces of glass clinking. Hunter traced the noises with his ears, everything becoming clearer to him when Cooper chortled, "I think thats a speech that we can break the wine out for. I would like to make a toast to that."

Somebody else groaned, the noise evening out to a low chuckle as Hunter assumed that Cooper had made a face at whoever was making the disruption. "Cooper, its not even sundown yet. I hope you dont wine and dine your wife like this."

Cooper jabbed a snarky reply at his frustrated brother, "Yes, I do, Blaine. Not all of us are thirty five anymore. Some of us have to get our spouses tipsy in order for them to touch us." Hunter heard liquid start draining into the glasses. "Were retiring early to bed, anyway. Im exhausted after that flight. Just a finger for each of us. How about a taste for the kids, too?"

"Absolutely not." Blaine said firmly, "Thats why I bought sparkling grape juice."

"Ease up, Blaine." A man, with a gruff voice that sounded like Noahs, said, "The kids are only going to be young once. Dont you remember the parties we used to go to?" A piqued husband-possibly Kurt-must have shot him a glare, because he quickly coughed, "And never went back to since marriage, of course."

"I remember parts of them." Blaine was unyielding, "And the parts that I remember are exactly the reasons why my son and everyone else who is underage is drinking sparkling juice." After all of the drinks were passed out, Blaine muttered in an amused tone, "Lets get on with this, Coop. Kurts fixed a mouthwatering rice pudding, and its simmering on the stove right now."

"Alright, alright." Cooper sighed, giving in to his impatient brother. "Youre right... it does smell delicious. You did wonderfully on the food, Kurt... You too, Carole. But... I wanted to make a toast about the storybooks you and Kurt... and Finn and Noah... used to read to the kids. Its why they turned out to be a good balance of intelligent and playful. Theyre good kids. So are you, Hunter... even though I dont know who raised you. But I want to talk about their imperfections, too... and ours, as influences in their lives. Were not the perfect parenting figures that come out of those fairytales. We mess up, and it makes our family bicker. But Hunters right... its love that fixes everything. If we didnt love each other, we wouldnt be smiling right now. Blaine wouldnt be so stringent on his kid." After that, Cooper laughed throatily, "So... to Hunter, and to everyone else sitting here. And, most importantly, to love."

A few chuckles echoed through the air as everyone pinged their glasses against one anothers, but Hunter, who wasnt sure how to stretch out his glass without tipping it or knocking it into someone elses, held still, arm drooped by his side. At the feeling of something clicking against his glass, he glanced over at Archer, who he could tell had his lips curved as he snuggled underneath his chin. "To you," he breathed a gust of warm air into the shell of Hunters ear as he pressed kisses along the lobe, "and to love."

The rest of dinner carried on without a hiccup, everyone joking and passing pieces of bread. Wine glasses were filled a finger or two more as they swallowed every bite of the rice pudding, filling themselves until most, who had already been nodding off after their long plane and car rides, excused themselves, either for the drive home or to their rooms. Archer and Hunter remained at the table with his parents after everyone else was gone, wiping down plates and raking away the leftovers into the trash. Hunter helplessly sat while the others cleaned, unable to do much because he didnt want to bump into anyone or break anything. So he didnt look completely rude by not offering some assistance, he idly scraped away at a spot of food that he didnt know really existed or not. He overheard Kurt and Archer murmuring quietly to each other, as to not disturb the ones who were slumbering. There were only kind words, and soft giggles as they gossiped about some of the best happenings of the day.

After about ten moments of sitting, Hunter was finally acknowledged by Archer, who spoke up louder, "Oh... forgive me, Hunter. Ill be done in a minute. I need to load this silverware into the dishwasher."

Hunter rested his chin on his knuckles, his eyes falling shut as he drifted off peacefully. He felt so safe inside of Archers home. Although he thought that Blaine had gone off somewhere else, because hed heard nothing but silence out of him, he suddenly jolted up when his rough voice choked out, "Hunter?" Hunter whipped around, his knees slamming into Blaines shins, which were suddenly right behind him. "Sorry... I didnt mean to startle you. I just... I took notice of what you did today. At first... I thought you were dressing differently, and acting more mannerly, just to make a fool out of me. But... what you said at dinner... was something that couldnt be faked. And... I appreciate you putting in the effort to be a man worthy of my sons love. I... Im still uncertain if Im okay with there being anything romantic between the two of you. If you dont revert back to your old ways... and keep getting better, though, I might say yes one of these days. I just want you to be good to my baby. Hes worth more than gold to me. I want you to think the same way."

Shaking his head, Hunter held his hand out for Blaines. His calloused knuckles scraped the tips of his fingers. "Im poor. I dont have a penny to my name. But no amount of money could tempt me the way that your son does. I dont know what its like to handle gold... but I think that Archer is the closest I will come to being the wiser."

Blaine softened his tone, the fretfulness leaking out of it, "Thank you, Hunter. Um... sleep well. Im sure that Archer will be providing if you need anything, but we keep extra sheets and pillows in the linen closet down that hallway. Dont worry about coming upstairs if you need a drink in the middle of the night. No one will mind you." It took a moment for Blaine to work this next sentence out, "Are you... comfortable here?"

Hunter smiled from ear to ear, "I am. This place seems more like home to me than what I have with my dad. All of the rooms are heated. Nothing smells like stale cigarettes. The alcohol is measured in fingers, not in liters. Im fine here... thanks." He widened his eyes when Blaine, soundlessly, bent over and wrapped his arms around his neck. His automatic reaction made him fling himself backwards, but then he felt Blaines muscular hands rub a soothing pattern over his tense shoulder blades. Letting himself be pulled closer, Hunter breathed in the scent of outdoorsy cologne, and the faint hint of shaving cream. It was how he had always imagined the dad that he wanted to smell like, masculine and well groomed. Touching the nape of Blaines neck and drawing up a thin layer of perspiration that clung to the fine hairs that sprouted underneath his trimmed hairline, Hunter smiled when he realized that Blaine was a fit man, without any dirt tucked away in the folds of his neck. The collar of his shirt was folded down neatly, with only a slight wrinkle near the back, obviously where he had tugged it carelessly. Hunter wondered what color the shirt was. He figured that Blaine seemed like the type of man to wear blues and grays, like his son did, so that no unwanted attention was drawn to him by flamboyant clothes.

Sinking deeper into Blaines chest, he felt his arms wind tighter around him. He could only dream of what it must have been like to be cradled as a small babe in those muscular arms. He smirked to himself as he thought of how lucky Archer was to have such a protective, loving dad, who would kneel to the ground and hold his arms apart for his son any day. He hadnt realized how long theyd been sitting together until Blaine lurched backwards, slowly letting his arms fall as if he wasnt sure if he should be repulsed by Hunter, or draw him nearer. Suddenly, he turned his attention to Archer, who gave him a kiss and whispered how much he loved him. Blaine stood up straight, going over to collect his husband, who yawned after such a busy day had worn him down. The two of them shuffled from the room, whispering their wishes for the two left in the room to have sweet dreams before they vanished. As soon as they were gone, Archers hand folded around Hunters, and he pulled him up from the chair.

They didnt speak as they descended into Archers bedroom, both of them focusing on not stumbling down the stairs as they supported one another. It wasnt until Archer had locked them in, and then crossed the room after he sat Hunter down, that he murmured shyly, "Um... Im going to change into my pajamas. Is it okay if I go through your bag to see what I can find for you?"

"Sure, honey." Hunter collapsed onto his back, sprawled out on the bed. He heard drawers sliding, and zippers tugging. He wished that he could see Archer baring his skin, which was probably faintly tattooed with prints of the jeans that had dug into his waist. "Sweetheart... do you think that your dad likes me? Im trying my hardest... I really am. He... hugged me."

"I know he did." Archer prodded his arm with a pile of sweats, so Hunter took them and started running his fingers over them so he could understand where to put his head and where to put his legs. "And I know that you didnt mind it. I think... my dad is trying to like you. Hes still insecure, as I expected him to be. I dont think hell be fully ready to let go for a long time. I think hes trying to understand things from how you see them... probably because of something my pére told him. You might have guessed because of what he said at dinner, but my daddy was a lot like you once. He wont tell me any of the details, but I know that hes done a lot of things he wishes he never would have. I dont think its bad to have regrets. I think that your past defines you as of right now, and determines your future. If things hadnt been done the way they were, he wouldnt be the same... and neither would my parents relationship. They might not have even adopted me. My daddys experiences have given him insight on you... both good and bad. He knows why you are the way you are, but he doesnt want it to be like this."

Hunter scooted over when he felt the bed shake as Archer climbed onto it, and when he had his pants up, he flopped backwards. Archer peeled up the sheets, smothering them both in the heat. Draping an arm over Archer, who rolled closer to him until he melted over his chest, Hunter smoothed his wild curls. His head squished the plump pillow underneath it. "Ive never been in a bed so soft." He muttered, tilting his chin so he could kiss Archers hair. "I love you, Archer."

Archers mouth moved against Hunters bare chest, sensitive lips scraping the scraggly mat that spread across his skin, "I love you, too. Now, get some sleep. We have an early morning ahead of us. Its a tradition of ours to go ice skating. The rest of my family falls so much that they should have given up on it by now, but my pére insists because its something he did with his mére. I know that itll be hard on you to skate... so if youd rather stay here than go with them and sit on the sidelines-"

"Whoever said that a blind man couldnt skate?" Hunter teased, turning up a corner of his mouth.

He could almost feel the cold dread soak through Archers skin, "Oh... Im so sorry. I just assumed that-"

"Im kidding, kitten." Hunter scraped his thumbnail over the nape of Archers neck. "Ive never been on a pair of skates. Ill probably fall on my ass a hundred times. But... I want to be involved in everything. I want to know your family. Id like to skate with them... as long as youre willing to help me."

"Of course I am." Archer cooed gently, lifting his chin so he could kiss Hunters mouth. "Id be delighted to help you. Its just an excuse to hold your hand in the cold air... as long as you dont drag me down with you."

"Believe me, my love... if anyone wasnt only unintentionally going to drag you down, but also purposefully push you, itd be me. You didnt fall for me. You tripped over romance and then tumbled into me. Take what you get. Im not that romantic, and youre not that lucky."

Archer dissolved into giggles, flicking the tip of his nose, "Go to sleep before I suffocate you under one of these pillows. Daddy will hear, anyway. His ears are tuned to pick up on every noise that I make. And you know what will happen if he catches you up and whispering all of these flirty remarks to me."

Hunter smirked, all of his teeth showing, "At least Im flirting with you. All youre giving me is death threats."

"Goodnight, Hunter." Archer grabbed one of the nearest pillows and dragged it over Hunters face, making his chuckle muffled by the heavy fabric. Pulling the pillow off of his face, Hunter shifted into a more comfortable position, bringing Archer with him as he cuddled deeper into his chest. Within minutes, Archers breath slowed down, his body becoming limp. Hunters softened face remained on Archer, who he stroked and rubbed to lull him into a deeper sleep.

The gentle smile drooped from his lips when he realized that he would never see Archers sleepy face, or the way he looked right after he yawned, with fluttering eyes and a puckered mouth. He would never see him relax into Hunter, giving him all of his trust to keep him safe while he abandoned himself to him. Hunter would have done anything to get one glimpse at Archer, who he somehow knew was beautiful, but it was too late, because the past defined who he was now, and determined who he would be, and assured all of those gorgeous moments with Archer that he would miss out on.