After the movie, Blaine decided that it would be a good idea to visit Kurt’s dad and Carole while he was in town. He suggested it as they left the theater and Kurt nodded, knowing how much he missed his dad.

Kurt drove and upon pulling into the Hummel-Hudson driveway, Kurt was beaming. Blaine looked over and just smiled, knowing that he wanted to make Kurt smile that way as much as humanly possible. Kurt didn’t bother ringing the doorbell. He walked right into the garage door, practically pulling Blaine’s arm out of socket from walking so fast to get inside. “Geez, Kurt. Are you a little excited to see your dad or something?” Blaine joked.

As a matter of fact, yes. Aside from you, he’s the only thing I truly miss about being here.”

Walking in the door, the boys were immediately hit with the smell of Carole’s cooking. It was just after lunchtime and they had even forgotten that they were hungry until they could smell Carole’s baked ziti in the oven.

Carole and Burt heard the noise coming from the garage and turned toward Kurt and Blaine, a smile rushing onto her face as she reached out to envelop them in a hug. “Boys! I’m so happy to see you. Kurt, you look great. I love that jacket,” she said, giving the collar a quick tug.

Burt turned to Blaine and gave him a big bear hug. “Blaine, it’s been ages. So glad you could stop by.” Blaine was amazed at how quickly Burt let him become a part of his family. At first he knew Burt wasn’t so sure, especially considering the first time they met he was passed out on Kurt’s bed after a rough night of drinking. He thought Burt would hold that against him but once he started dating Kurt and became a staple at the Hummel-Hudson household that changed.

“Actually, it was Blaine’s idea to stop by this afternoon,” Kurt said, smiling. “Besides, I’m glad we’re here because I’m hungry and whatever you’re baking smells amazing. Where did you get the recipe?”

Kurt shuffled over to Carole, who was showing Kurt the recipe she had found online. As he was huddled with his stepmom, talking animatedly about baking dishes or something about recipes, Blaine just stood back watching them bond. Blaine was amazed at how quickly Kurt seemed to connect with people. It was something Blaine wasn’t really gifted at – he was shy whenever he first met people – so he was content to hang back and just watch other people chitchat. But that had changed once he met Kurt who was the epitome of a social butterfly.

Seeing how Kurt would interact with people made him push himself outside of his bubble and try to be friends with more people. Kurt could have been so reserved considering how people had treated him in the past and how homophobic most people around him were, but he wasn’t. He never put his light under a bushel and Blaine couldn’t help but be mesmerized by his presence when he was chatting with his many friends and close family.

It was Kurt’s boldness and willingness to get to know people that encouraged him to be friends with Sam and the other seniors in New Directions. The year before, he had clung to Kurt for friendship and he couldn’t do that anymore. Although their separation made him sad, in some ways it made him stronger as an individual and he was thankful that he could grow with Kurt in these new ways.

“Blaine! Hello!”

Blaine shook his head and noticed that Kurt and Carole were staring at him. Kurt looked at him expectantly, as if he had asked him an important question. “Uh…”

Carole interjected, “I asked if you’d like some lunch.”

Blaine nodded his head excitedly. “Yes, please!”

Carole turned to get the dishes and Kurt was going to follow suit, but Blaine stepped forward and grabbed him around the waist pulling them together. Kurt seemed slightly surprised as Blaine placed a quick kiss on his lips.

“What was that for?” he questioned.

Blaine grinned. “That’s for being you.”

Kurt melted into Blaine’s arms and gave him another kiss. “I’m not sure what you were thinking, but thanks. I can’t be anything but me.”

“I know. That’s why I fell in love with you.”