Chapter 10

Kurt took a deep breath, readjusting the leather satchel and tucking his sketchbook under one arm; fully expecting to be attacked the second he pushed open the door to the prematurely closed cafe. Quietly, he pressed the door open, placing his sketchbook on the nearest table and glancing towards the back room.

“Alice!” He heard Dani yell before his half naked daughter came hurtling into the room, covered only in her diaper and tiny white socks. Kurt laughed as Alice barreled into the main section of the cafe, colliding with his legs with a squeal. “Good afternoon baby girl.” Sweeping her off of her feet he swung her up into the air, her squeals reaching a crescendo as she fell back down onto his hip resting there securely.

“Me, me, me,” She chanted jabbing her chest with a tiny finger and clapping her hands, her giggles filling the air as Kurt turned her upside down tickling her.

“Yeah baby girl, you,” Kurt laughed, sliding into a chair and wrapping his arms around his daughter, tucking her close and breathing in her baby powder scent. “And how old are you today?” He asked holding up one finger.

Alice instantly copied his hand gesture, her other hand playing with her unruly curls. “Wo-one.”

“One year old, yeah that’s right,” Kurt grinned clapping his hands with Alice still wrapped up in the middle of them.

“She’s being hyper today, aren’t you madam?” Dani laughed, taking her daughter from Kurt and tickling her sides gently.

Kurt shrugged, standing to hug his girls’ and kiss Dani, “It’s her first birthday, she’s allowed to go a little nuts. Just imagine when she’s five and knows what chocolate and cake actually are.”

Dani groaned softly, leaning against him, “I don’t even want to think about that yet.” The small family all glanced to the door when the little bell above it jingled quietly.

Kurt swallowed audibly as the door to the coffee shop swung open, Blaine, Santana and Sebastian each entering carrying a box of decorations. Kurt's eyes were solidly focused on Blaine though, taking in the way that the white beanie clung to his head, contrasting with his flyaway dark curls and finally healthier looking skin. The startlingly white Henley clinging to his toned chest and flexed arms, Kurt’s eyes sliding steadily lower and gulping louder once more as he noted the way in the which the tight brown cargo pants highlighted Blaine's muscled legs, the braces hanging limply by his sides.

“Feeling ok there sweetie?” Dani smirked, handing Alice back to him as he glared at her. “Get her dressed for me please? She’s being a little nightmare today.” Laughing she headed over to the newcomers hugging each of them.

Kurt smiled and nodded at the three of them, smirking slightly when he watched Blaine tilt his head to eye up Kurt's own tight jeans. Carrying Alice through to the back room, Kurt grinned when he saw her party outfit. “You're going to look gorgeous little girl,” He laughed standing her up and kneeling in front of her, accepting the kiss she offered him, “Who am I kidding? You're always gorgeous.”

“I can't believe my baby's one,” Dani murmured sitting in the middle of the cafe cross-legged Alice held at arms length as she surveyed the baby. Alice was now fully glad in her navy blue dress with strips of sequins shimmering across her chest and a neat bow tied at the side, her white cardigan, tights, shoes and silk headband contrasting with the dark colour of her dress. “When did you get so big? Oh my God soon you're not even going to need me.”

Alice decided to be helpful and shake her head, muttering a “no” which almost had Dani burst into hysterics once more. Blaine and Kurt glanced at each other where they were hanging banners and burst out laughing while Dani pulled a squirming Alice into her arms.

“Dani honey she's one, you have a minimum of another seventeen years of her needing you but truthfully she’ll always need her Mommy,” Kurt smiled walking over to wrap his arms around her as Alice bolted into Blaine’s waiting arms.

“Leave her alone she's allowed to be melodramatic her kid’s not a baby anymore,” Santana muttered tying ribbons around balloons and letting them float upwards, Sebastian hissing in pain beside her when he managed to stab himself with the scissors while curling the ribbon. “Moron,” she muttered smirking under Sebastian's glare. 

“Oh this is nothing. You should have seen the hysterics we had when she first started walking.” Kurt laughed running a hand up and down Dani’s back as she sniffled into his shoulder watching Blaine bop Alice on the head with a balloon the baby squeaking with laughter and trying to grab it every time Blaine pulled it away again.

“Hey everyone, look who we found,” Finn grinned as he swung open the café door, stepping in with Rachel as Burt and Carol followed slowly after, both beaming widely.

“My, my,” Alice screeched, her hands clenching and unclenching as Blaine placed her on the floor, letting her dash to her grandfather and crash into him.

“Aww my big birthday girl,” Burt grinned, hugging her tightly as Carol pecked her cheek, “Happy birthday little lady.” Kurt was bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet before letting out a squeak and racing into Burt’s spare open arm. Chuckling, Burt held his son and granddaughter close, “Hey Bud.”

Dani was the next one to give over and join the group hug, joined quickly by Finn and Carol, laughter and shrieks of being suffocated filling the room.

“You ok B?” Santana murmured nudging his shoulders.

Blaine jumped, glaring at her before resting his head on her shoulder softly. “Yeah San, I'm just not about to jump in,” He smiled up at her, “It’s not really my place to tell Kurt all of what went on. I know he knows that I was on his Dad’s medical insurance, but does he know it all?”

Santana sighed rolling her shoulders slightly. “I told him that you saw Burt everyday, but I don’t think that really sunk in. Hell B, I gave Kurt a shit load of stuff to deal with that day.”

He nodded against her shoulder, raising his head and smiling at Burt as the older man caught his eye. Blaine watched Burt hand Alice to Dani, whispering something in her ear that made the girl turn to him with a slight grin. Blaine cocked his head, watching in confusion as Burt walked to stand in front of him, the entire café falling silent around them.

“Hey Squirt,” Burt whispered, ignoring Blaine’s glower as he tugged playfully on Blaine’s beanie, the younger man all but collapsing into his waiting arms. The oldest of the pair wrapped his arms securely around Blaine’s back, feeling the younger man relax against the touch instantly. “How're you feeling?” Questioning Blaine Burt’s eyes sought out Kurt’s confused betrayed ones over Blaine’s shoulder.

“Awful truth be told,” He shot Burt a wry smile, pulling away slowly, “But I'm getting there, I’ve just got to get back in the fight again I suppose,” He shrugged taking in a giddy Carol as she all but tackled him in a hug.

Burt smiled, watching Carol interact with Blaine and Santana in person for only the third or fourth time since they had moved to New York. Burt had missed watching the interaction between his wife and younger surrogate son, knowing full well that Carol was one of the first few people that Blaine had started trusting following everything that had happened. Side eyeing Kurt, Burt held in the gasp as he watched his son’s temper begin to grow, bewilderment flooding his face.

“Kurt come on Bud, outside now,” Burt growled hauling Kurt through the kitchen and out of the back door by the collar of his shirt, well aware of the explosion about to occur. Pausing momentarily, he glanced back to the door, “Sebastian, Santana re-join everyone else now this is not for your ears.”

Burt waited until he heard the groans and shuffling of feet before swinging the back door closed turning back to the fuming Kurt who had taken to pacing and muttering to himself.

“You knew! You knew and you never told me!”

“We discussed it and it was what was best Kurt.”

“Best for who exactly? I was drowning without him Dad, and clearly he needed me during this.”

“Blaine didn’t want to need anybody Kurt! That was the problem,” Burt sighed, taking off his cap and running a hand over his head as Kurt watched him inquisitively, breathing hard. “He didn’t want to be a burden, his words not mine,” Burt held up two hands defensively as Kurt shot him a glare. “The kid was all for doing everything by himself, what was I supposed to do? Let him muddle through doctors appointments, nurses visits, and treatments alone? I wasn’t going to let the kid do that, he was broke Kurt, completely broken. You didn’t see him that first night in the hospital.”

“Yeah, and whose fault is that?” Kurt bit out, the fury still burning deep in his veins.

Burt shook his head slightly, “You're not listening to me Kurt. Blaine was broken. His eyes had no life in them. He was ready to die. He had just tried to kill himself. He wasn’t the Blaine that you and I know and love dearly. The kid was a shell of his former self. I’m still forever thankful Carol was working when he was taken in or I don’t think any of us would have ever even found out what happened. He would have been placed in foster care and that would’ve been the end of it.” Kurt watched his father, the strongest man he knew breaking in front of him and finally started to feel why everyone had been trying to protect him.

“I'm sure that you’ve heard from Santana how bad it was? He wouldn’t even talk to anyone for two months Kurt. Then just Carol, Santana, Sam, Britt and I, but even that was rare. How he managed to graduate with honours I will never understand, but I went to Blaine’s graduation, same as I was at yours and Finn’s and I wish I’d been at Dani’s.” Burt’s eyes flickered to his son once more, “It took a long time Kurt, such a long time for Blaine to be Blaine again, following that we didn’t know whether or not he’d survive the cancer. Squirt battled so much that year, and he had to learn to trust people he’d never met in Brittany’s parents because the stupid courts wouldn’t let Carol and I take him in. None of us wanted to lose you too. It was one of the first things Blaine did when he was back to being almost himself. Thank me for not telling you. It nearly broke Santana and I. It would’ve killed you to see him how he was Kurt and I couldn’t face losing both of you.”

“But I still should’ve known Dad, I still should’ve been there.”

“In retrospective yes, you probably should’ve,” Burt sighed, wrapping an arm around Kurt. “But I was trying to do what was best for both of my boys’ and at the time my focus was Blaine, for that, I will never be sorry Kurt. The kid needed me and I hope one day you can forgive me for not telling you anything.”

“Dad,” Kurt whispered, his voice cracking. Throwing himself into Burt’s arms, Kurt felt the tears streaming, “Thank you. Thank you for looking after him.”

“I love him Bud, end of the day that’s all there is to it. I love all of my kids,” Enclosing his arms tighter around Kurt, Burt allowed his boy to cry into his shoulder. “But you will always be my first Kurt, my oldest, my kid, my little bud. At the end of the day, no matter what happens, I’m here for you.”

“I know Dad, I love you,” Kurt muttered into Burt’s shoulder pulling back and swiping at his eyes, “Now come on, I need to watch Carol lay into Finn and we have a one year olds party to finish preparing.”

Burt grinned following Kurt back into the building, “I love you too Bud, but genuinely, I think Blaine’s in for more of a kicking than Finn.” At Kurt's inquiring look, Burt laughed, “He didn’t phone last week.” Kurt started to laugh along with Burt as they re-entered the café, Alice instantly latching onto Burt again.

“It’s just getting to the good part,” Dani grinned, leaning on Burt’s shoulder. “Carol’s fully just laid into Finn for still only having one grandchild and no daughters-in-law, Rachel’s hiding in the bathroom with Sebastian. Ooh and Rach has made her peace with B, or at least she said she did after yelling at him for not telling her what happened and then almost suffocating him whilst crying on him. I don’t think I've ever seen Blaine look more terrified.”

“Dani, Kurt, come over here,” Carol called causing them both to glance at each other and gulp nervously, Burt clapping each of them on the shoulder good humoredly.

“Good luck kids,” He chuckled, watching as Finn shrunk under his Mother’s glance.

Carol carefully inspected all of her children before stopping in front of Blaine tutting slightly as he tried to shrink to hide behind a sniggering Dani. “Blaine Devon Anderson! Have you been eating at all? You're nothing but skin and bone!”

“I've been saying that for weeks,” Santana muttered inspecting her nails and rolling her eyes where she was sat watching the family reunion on the counter at the back of the café.

Simultaneously Dani burst into full-blown laughter, “Your middle names Devon? Well hello prep school boy.”

“I don't know what you're laughing about Danielle Veronica Windsor-White,” Kurt smirked, hiding behind Finn as Carol turned her measuring gaze onto him.

“Seriously and you gave me crap? Windsor-White says it all really,” Blaine snorted, yelping when Carol hit him across the back of his head, “Mom, come on, I said I was sorry.” He whined, following her into the kitchen as Dani simply shook her head still laughing as she followed them, determined to get Carol’s opinions on the birthday cake and cupcakes. Finn and Kurt's eyebrows both raised up when Blaine obviously slipped up and called Carol ‘Mom’ but one glance to Burt proved that it was commonplace at both men simply glanced back to one another and shrugged it off.

“All right Buddy, show me what else needs done,” Burt laughed, placing Alice on the floor and following Finn out to his car to help carry in the bigger stereo system.

Santana smiled softly at the baby holding out her hand, “Come on Ally, let’s go find Rachel and Seb and tell them they can stop being chickens and come out.” Alice babbled softly as she took Santana’s hand, leading her out of the room.

Kurt shuffled nervously, sighing slightly and shaking his head, unaware of Blaine watching him from the kitchen door.

“Are you ok?” Watching Kurt jump in shock he smiled apologetically walking until he was stood in front of his blue eyed ex. “Sorry, but seriously are you ok?”

Smiling, Kurt nodded, “Yeah, I mean I guess it’s a big shock knowing how close you were to them, but honestly? I'm really glad you had someone Bumble Bee, you have always been ridiculously brilliant at how to cut people off.”

Blaine nodded, grimacing slightly, “Yeah, it’s a talent.”

“Hmm, I wish that it wasn’t. Now come on, my daughter is one year old today and this place is going to be full to bursting with hyper kids and stressed parents within the hour,” Kurt grabbed Blaine’s hand with a grin, dragging him over to the extra bags of decorations that were still in need of a home, both feigning ignorance to the bolt of lightening they felt run through their joint hands.

Kurt's head shot up faster than he thought possible, the crick in his neck already settling in as he fought the queasy feeling flooding his stomach. Searching out Blaine in amongst the crowd filling the café for his daughter’s birthday. Eventually spotting him stood next to a giggling Dani and concerned looking Rachel, he followed Blaine’s glare until he found the smirking Santana and Sebastian stood next to the stereo.

Santana turned at the exact minute that he managed to fix her with his prized bitch glare and simply gave him a little wave with the tips of her fingers. Leaning over, she whispered something into Sebastian’s ear and he immediately turned to Kurt, fixing him with the smug smile that Kurt had hated from the moment he met the man back in ‘The Lima Bean’ so many years ago. The look on Sebastian’s face blatantly said that he knew he was right all along.

If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says

"15 miles to the

Love Shack"

Love Shack, yeah, yeah

I'm headin' down the Atlanta highway

Lookin' for the love getaway

Headed for the love getaway

I got me a car; it's as big as a whale

And we're headin' on down to the Love Shack

I got me a Chrysler, it seats about 20

So hurry up and bring your jukebox money

“I am so sorry about her,” Blaine muttered appearing next to him as Kurt tore his eyes away from where Brittany and Rachel had now started to repeat their old dance moves to the song, Santana joining in gladly in Mercedes place. “I have no idea what she’s thinking, but Dani says she’s in charge of music for the party.”

Kurt groaned darkly, “I have an idea of what they’re thinking of.” Seeing Blaine raise an eyebrow he waved a hand at him, “Nothing important, honestly. But I think we need to steel ourselves against what they’re going to pick out today, because those two together? Yeah not the best combination I don’t think.”

Sign says, "Stay away, fools"

'Cause love rules at the Love Shack

Well, it's set way back in the middle of a field

Just a funky old shack and I gotta get back

Glitter on the mattress

Glitter on the highway

Glitter on the front porch

Glitter on the highway

“No kidding,” Blaine sighed, reaching up a hand to drag through his curls before frowning when it hit the edge of the beanie.

“Irritating?”

Blaine laughed softly, “You have no idea, but I do like beanies so I’m not really one to complain.”

Raising his eyebrows gracefully, Kurt turned to look at Blaine fully. “B, you have leukemia I think you have every right to bitch and moan and want to kill everyone.”

Blaine blushed shrugging a little, “I tried that last time, didn’t really work out for me that well.” Both men groaned out loud when the new song started up. “She is taking the piss right?” Blaine muttered moodily, swallowing harshly when he spotted a two year old watching him with big eyes, “Don’t repeat that sweetie.” The kid nodded still bug eyed before racing off. “That I blame wholly on Santana.”

“Oh all blame goes to Santana and Seb, all of it,” Kurt growled, practically throwing his cup at Blaine before storming across the café to where Santana, Sebastian and Elliott were still sat beside the stereo system.

“Show time,” Blaine sang under his breath before returning to the sanctuary of Puck and Mike’s company.

Oh baby, I was blind to let you go

But now since I've seen you it is on

(I want you back)

Spare me of this cost

(I want you back)

Give me back what I lost!

“Santana!” Kurt barked as he neared them, Elliott shooting the pair a ‘you're on your own look’ before racing over to Sam, the two of them watching closely before joining with the other guys’ for their own protection. “Give me the control for that now.”

Inspecting her nails, Santana shot her eyes up to meet his, “Yeah, no that’s never going to happen Hummel.”

Groaning in exasperation he glared at her smirk, “Now Satan.”

Sebastian shook his head this time, “Uh uh Kurt, it’s time you guys’ actually dealt with your damn feelings for once. Shutting them off is like the most unhealthy thing you can do.”

Oh baby, I need one more chance, hah

I'd show you that I love you

Baby, oh! Baby, oh! Baby, oh!

I want you back!

I want you back!

“Yeah, and I suppose you’d know all about that, wouldn’t you Chipmunk?” Kurt hissed.

“Starting on the names really Kurt? You know I’m right and as much as you and Dani are my best friends and I know I’m yours now, you still hate to admit I’m right. You know it, I know it, because I hate admitting when you're right, but for once get it into your head that on this at least I. Am. Right. You cant hide your feelings anymore, not now, please Kurt,” Sebastian shot Kurt a desperate look as even Santana’s mouth dropped in shock.

Snarling again, Kurt turned on his heel and stomped off into the back room feeling the need to cool off.

“Well that went well,” Santana muttered.

“Could’ve gone better,” Sebastian blinked with a sigh.

“Pick out another one?” Santana questioned setting the system to random as Sebastian nodded and they started flicking through Dani’s music once more.

“Oh hell no,” Kurt muttered bug eyed as he observed Alice in disbelief.

“Talked to Mercedes this morning by any chance?”

Kurt sent Blaine a withering glare, watching a little boy peck his daughter on the cheek and take her hand as they chased other kids around. Both Burt and Blaine laughed beside him.

“Kurt calm down that's Billy his Grandma’s in every day but he's only down visiting her from Vancouver for a couple weeks. Ally's taken quite the shine to him actually.”

“I'll bet she has,” Kurt growled glaring at the three-year-old blue-eyed boy.

“Good luck at her teenage years Bud,” Burt snickered clamping a hand on Kurt’s shoulder. Believe me they're torture especially when you find a supposed friend asleep in their bed following a party the night before.” Glancing between the blushing men he smirked before wandering off to find Carol and Dani.

“Erm,” Blaine blushed harder, glancing to Kurt and smiling nervously before his eyes instantly found the floor again.

Kurt reached over and squeezed his hand gently, “He loves you, and you know he does.”

Laughing softly, Blaine nodded, grabbing his coffee and taking a sip. “Oh, I know, he just winds me up all the time,” Blaine rolled his large hazel eyes, grinning as Kurt's chuckles filled the air around him.

Kurt shrugged slightly still smiling as he let his eyes find Alice once more. He raised an eyebrow in suspicion as Santana beckoned the baby to her, whispering something in her ear before glancing up to the two men, smirking wildly. She then leaned over to mutter to Sebastian as he pulled Alice onto his lap at the baby’s request, Santana’s mischievous eyes never leaving the two men.

“Hey Kurt, Blaine come listen to this,” Santana yelled across the café smirking slightly. Sebastian sniggered as he buried his face into Alice's hair where he was sat beside her.

The two men glanced at each other inquisitively before wandering towards the threesome apprehensively.

“Ally, Ally,” Santana said prodding the baby gently until she turned to look at her with a beam, “What do you want for your birthday?”

“Baba,” She sing songed instantly Blaine and Kurt's eyebrows shooting up and Sebastian and Santana bursting into reels of laughter, Alice smiling along uncertainly.

Sebastian recovered first tickling Alice's side until she turned to look at him with one of Kurt's bitch glares. “No op.”

“Ok, ok little girl anyway who's going to give you a baby angel?”

The little girl giggled then shot him an ‘are you kidding me’ look before pointing at Kurt and Blaine, “Dada, Blay.”

“Ok give me her before you actually ruin my daughter.” Kurt muttered grabbing Alice up onto his hip as Blaine tried to sink backwards into the crowd once more.

Kurt's eyes shot through the throngs of people in the little café trying to figure out where Blaine had run off to. Spotting the white beanie disappearing into the back room he grinned, pecking Alice’s cheek as she scrunched up her face and followed, pausing as people tried to speak baby talk to Alice along his way, something which his daughter was not impressed with judging by the dirty look covering her face.

“How in the world did you do this?” Kurt gasped, taking in the cake with awe. Sitting on a cloud bed was an exact duplicate of the Disney princess castle covered in a light blue icing, several turrets, sparkles and a petite wooden door all evident in the design.

Blaine laughed softly, taking Alice from Kurt’s arms and helping the baby to pinch a little bit of edible glitter from his pot. “Just like this baby girl, yeah see you got it.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” She giggled, clapping her hands as the last little bits of glitter stuck to them, “Mine!”

“Yeah it is,” Blaine laughed, catching her before she managed to swipe her finger through the frosting. “For later though,” He grinned, plucking at her little white headband and placing her on the ground, laughing as she ran off.

“Seriously how?” Kurt questioned, eyes still wandering the height and the detail on the cake in amazement, taking in the light green vines trailing down the towers for the first time, little red flowers adorning them.

Blaine blushed, shrugging slightly as he placed birthday candles around the grounds of the castle, “I was a prodigy at one point Kurt, it all just got too much with everything going on in my life. Besides I much prefer it like this, taking my time over them, enjoying my time creating and not having to worry if I need to start again.”

“But, but it's phenomenal.”

“Thank you,” Blaine blushed again leaning back and observing his masterpiece. “Dani's already threatening people's lives with cutting into it before she gets pictures of Alice with it.”

Hopping up onto the bench opposite, Blaine grabbed one of the intricately decorated Alice in Wonderland cupcakes that Dani had been working on and took a bite. “Damn, I know she's good, but these are amazing,” He moaned, instantly gathering Kurt's attention as he studied the large varieties among the four-dozen or so cupcakes, ranging from the mad hatter's hat to identical Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee cakes.

“God, you guys really went all out,” He laughed softly.

“Yep, well your kid only turns one once Kurt, and I've been trying to get Dani's mind off of the fact that she's and I quote 'losing her baby' since we first got here bright and early on Monday morning.”

Kurt laughed softly, “Yeah, she's been a nightmare at home too.” Glancing to Blaine, his heart started to thud harder against his chest, eyes drinking in the serene look covering Blaine's face, the little streak of blue icing trailing from his mouth. Chuckling, he automatically stepped between Blaine's legs, “Come here you, you've got frost-” Suddenly realising how close they were, Kurt sucked in a deep breath, feeling his eyes meet Blaine's blazing ones, his thumb passing over Blaine's lips, “All gone,” He whispered quietly, eyes tracing the contours of Blaine's mouth before meeting the smoldering amber orbs once more.

Wrapping a hand around the back of Blaine's neck, Kurt smashed their mouths together, pain, regret and love seeping through every pore of both of them. Blaine's arms and legs wound around Kurt's hips and shoulders, pulling him closer still as Kurt's other hand cupped his cheek, Kurt whimpering in need as Blaine licked softly along his lips before edging in, battling for dominance and teeth nipping gently at lips in a way that was oh so familiar.

Feeling a quiet moan rattle through his body, Kurt's eyes sprung open and he tore out of Blaine's hold, “B, we can't, we, we shouldn't.”

Blaine avoided his gaze but nodded slowly, “Yeah, yeah you're right. Of course you're right.” Blaine sprang off of the bench and wandered out of the back door feeling the need for air and to avoid Kurt's lingering gaze as the older man headed back to the party, his head swimming with regrets.

Blaine sighed raggedly, pulling his beanie off and running his hands over his curls, wincing when a few came away in his hands. Feeling tears prick at the corner of his eyes, he leaned heavily on the wall before sliding down it, pressing the heels of his palms harshly into his eyes. “Why oh why am I such a fuck up?” He whispered to himself, not noticing the boots now stood beside him.

“You're not a fuck up Squirt,” Burt muttered, sliding down the wall beside Blaine and pulling the shivering man to him, placing an arm around his shoulders as Blaine’s head fell to rest on his own shoulder. “You were a kid, B, you didn’t know what was going to happen or what you wanted. We made a lot of decisions for you because you weren’t capable of making them yourself.”

“But Dad, I Kurt I mean I should.”

“Should’ve, would’ve, could’ve Squirt,” Burt sighed, tugging him closer as the tremors increased in Blaine’s body. “Put that hat back on or I’m dragging you inside right now.” Feeling Blaine chuckle and move his head slightly, Burt grinned, “Atta boy B. You’ve just got to pick yourself up Blaine and keep soldiering on, the way that you have been doing for seven years. You haven’t had it easy, but you can’t give up.”

“I guess,” Blaine murmured, “I just wish that I could’ve been braver about the whole thing in the first place. I mean had I told Kurt instead of fabricating Eli, we could be at our one year olds birthday today. Don’t get me wrong I love Alice and Dani and I wouldn’t change them for the world, but…”

“There’s always that regret in the back of your mind, huh?”

“Yeah,” Blaine groaned sadly, burying his face in Burt’s shoulder for a minute before pulling his face out again, eyes red rimmed. “Thanks Dad.”

Sighing again, Burt stood up and pulled Blaine to his feet, “If there is one thing that I am certain of, it is that you and Kurt belong together, regardless of how stubborn you both are.”

Blaine glared at Burt’s back, shoving his hands into the pockets of his trousers and following him back into the party once more.

The men entered the room to find Kurt being slightly restrained by Finn, the glare on his features evident and directed solely at the still sniggering Santana and Sebastian.

Doing all I can do, just to be close to you.

Every time that we meet, I skip a heartbeat.

Always up for a laugh, she's a pain in the arse.

Every time that we meet, I skip a heartbeat.

“They’re just trying to commit suicide,” Blaine muttered shaking his head, Burt laughing himself beside him.

“Nah, they know what they’re doing,” Pointing to the little head of curls that seemed to be bobbing around and dancing directly in front of them, Blaine laughed at Alice’s crazy moves. “They have a little buffer that they know Kurt would never hurt.”

Give me an evening, or give me a night.

I'll show you the time, of your life.

I'll walk you home safe, from the dark.

I'll give you my jacket; I'll give you my heart.

“What are you two discussing all dark and shady here in the corner?” Carol laughed, kissing Burt gently before placing a peck on Blaine’s cheek as she and Dani joined the two.

“Whether or not Seb and Tana are being incredibly smart or unbelievably dumb,” Blaine grinned, pointing between the pair, Alice and Kurt.

I'm running out of ways to make you see

I want you to stay here beside me

I won't be ok and I won't pretend I am

So just tell me today and take my hand

Please take my hand

Please take my hand

Carol cocked her head, laughing as her granddaughter held her arms out for Quinn, the blonde woman spinning them in circles and bouncing Alice up into the arm, Sam stood laughing beside them. “Oh, smart I would say. That man would never let anything within miles that would potentially hurt one hair on that little girls’ head.”

Just say yes; just say there's nothing holding you back

It's not a test, nor a trick of the mind

Only love

Suddenly spotting the crowd watching her from the corner, Alice wriggled out of Quinn’s arms, flying across the café. Quinn and Sam glanced to each other amused before following at a saner pace.

“And now extraordinarily dumb,” Puck murmured coming up beside them, “The buffer’s gone.” He added noting Blaine’s confused look as Kurt ducked under Finn’s arm at last and stalked towards the duo.

“Mama, Mama,” Alice cried out as she shot through the cafe into Dani's arms chuckling as Dani swung her into the air.

“Hi,” She smiled leaning in and pressing a sloppy kiss to Dani’s mouth before waving at the others assembled, her head dropping to Dani’s shoulder

“You've had far too much sugar little girl,” Sam laughed, kissing her forehead and wrapping his arms around Dani’s waist, oblivious to the protective looks of Burt, Blaine and Puck as his head fell to rest on Dani’s other shoulder.

“No kidding,” Dani laughed, “You have a good birthday baby girl, hmm?” Feeling the girl nod sleepily into her shoulder Dani hummed quietly, “Well, I’m thinking that it’s time to wrap this baby up so we can try and tidy this place up a bit.”

Kurt tried to focus on the dishes piling up in beside him as he cursed most of the people in his life. Who’s stupid idea had it been to pair him and Blaine up on dish duty in the kitchen? Not to mention that Santana had yet to relinquish control of the sound system and was still trying to piss him off at every turn.

Kurt visible shuddered slightly when Santana’s next song started up, hearing her voice proclaim that it was for all of the ‘lovers’ left over at clean up duty, knowing full well that only the old New Directions gang, Dani, Alice, Sebastian, Elliott and his parents still remained. His eyes finally connecting with blazing amber ones, Kurt knew in a heartbeat that it was for them and them alone. Santana may have been able to pass of the others as part of the ‘party come down atmosphere’ but this song was entirely to out of place and held wildly different implications for the two men as their eyes locked.

                                        I won't give up on us

                                     Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up, still looking up.

“I can’t promise you forever Kurt, but I can promise you for as long as I live. That’s the mistake I made last time round. I love you. I have always loved you and I will love you for as long as I live. I let this thing stop me living my life once before and I can't, no I won't let it stop me again. At least think about it.”

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)

God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)

We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)

God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)

Blaine reached over and thumbed away the tears streaming down Kurt's cheeks steadily, cupping his cheek and pressing a light kiss to Kurt's lips before resting their foreheads together. “I gave up once Kurt, I’m not giving up again. Just remember that I love you Kurt Hummel.” Eyes flickering open to stare into Kurt's once more, Blaine stood back, turning and walking out of the kitchen.

I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up

Kurt pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes trying to stem the tears as he watched Blaine and the others get ready to leave the café, only looking back up when his daughter entered the room, a sleepy smile on her face as she reached her arms up for him, binky glad firmly between her lips.

“Hi Angel,” He whispered, not trusting his voice as he picked her up, cuddling her close. “Oh God Ally what do I do?”

Alice simply looked at him and blinked her big blue eyes before pointing to the door where Blaine was shooting him one last look before it swung closed letting in a whoosh of cold night air. Ally babbled nonsensically before letting out a cry, her arms still reaching for where Blaine had disappeared.

Kurt cuddled her closer still, his voice breaking as he tried to soothe her, “Yeah baby, I miss him already too.”