December… ten months later, Burt

Kurt opened the door to the apartment. “Dad! Merry Christmas!”

Burt set down his bags to hug his son. “Merry Christmas, kiddo.”

Kurt picked up his dad’s duffle bag while Burt carried the other bag filled with presents.

“You could have stayed with Carole at her aunt’s house today. I would have understood.”

Burt shrugged off his jacket and hung it on a hook. “Two days with Aunt Ethel was more than enough. Carole will be here tomorrow. Besides, I wouldn’t miss celebrating Christmas with you and…” 

Blaine suddenly appeared in the living room. Even though his hair was carefully slicked back, as usual, he looked more casual wearing dark jeans, a striped crew shirt, and a cardigan. Blaine’s smile could probably be seen from Mars. 

Blaine walked over to Burt with a spring in his step and they shook hands. “Merry Christmas, Burt.”

Burt pulled Blaine in and slung his arm around his shoulder. “Merry Christmas, bud. I noticed a lot of people bowling downstairs. The place is packed.”

“Not everyone celebrates Christmas in Brooklyn,” Kurt reminded him. “There’s also a special on for bowling and a lunch buffet. Even if people celebrate Christmas, not everyone likes to cook.”

Burt nodded. Blaine was very good at understanding his customers and figuring out what they wanted. “So business is good.”

“It’s doing well,” Blaine confirmed.

Kurt playfully slapped Blaine’s shoulder. “You are far too modest. Anderson’s Alley and Arcade is on the top of every list of places to bowl in Brooklyn. The lanes are always fully booked, and some people come just to have a meal or hang out at the bar.”

“Blaine does a great job at making everyone feel welcomed,” Burt remarked, thinking about his and Carole’s first trip to the alley.

“Thank you, Burt. Would you like something to drink?” Blaine asked.

“I’d kill for a coffee.”

“We’ll be back in a minute,” Kurt said, and Blaine followed him to the kitchen.

Burt smirked to himself. It didn’t take two guys to make coffee. 

Burt looked around the apartment. It was a large open area with exposed beams and brick walls, but it still looked homey, with large bookcases and comfortable-looking furniture. He could see Kurt’s added touches dotted around: Broadway posters, throw cushions, and the old rug from his bedroom in Lima. There were fairy lights hung high and a Christmas tree in the corner. 

He set out his presents underneath the tree and sat down on a comfortable chair. Burt could hear giggles coming from the kitchen. Living together obviously suited them.

Kurt and Blaine soon returned with a tray of coffee and cranberry muffins straight from the oven. They sat down on the couch; if they had been any closer, Blaine would be on Kurt’s lap.

“This is a big apartment for New York City,” Burt commented.

“When I took over the alley, I discovered this space. It hadn’t been used before, and I decided to turn it into an apartment. I created a few bedrooms, bathrooms, and a makeshift kitchen before moving in, but then I was too focused on the business to finish the job. And money was tight.”

“Kids nowadays want everything instantly. Sometimes, it’s better to live in a place for a while to figure out what you want.”

Blaine pointed to a corner. “Kurt is already working on a design mood board.”

Burt glanced at the poster-sized board filled with photos of furniture, paint colors, and fabric swatches. He smiled to himself, remembering the hours Kurt had spent planning his bedroom decor after he married Carole. He also remembered Kurt’s wedding scrapbooks that were still back in Lima. Burt wondered if he should send them to Kurt. A father could dream.

After they had finished their coffee, they opened up their presents. Soon there were songbooks, musical scores, sweaters, and kitchen stuff littered across the floor. Blaine seemed to like the Christmas bow ties that Carole had picked out.

Burt received a baseball cap, key ring, T-shirt, and other stuff with the Anderson’s Alley and Arcade logo prominently displayed. 

Kurt handed him an envelope. “Merry Christmas, dad.”

Burt opened the envelope to discover a photo of a Storm Pitch Black Solid Urethane bowling ball. He had been eyeing the ball that professional bowlers use. “This is terrific!” 

“I’ll need to take measurements of your hand to get a custom fit,” Blaine explained. “After that, it should take a couple of weeks before it’s delivered to Lima.” 

Burt handed an envelope to Kurt. “This is part of my present.”

Kurt opened it and pulled out a check. “It’s too much!”

“Business at the garage is doing great. Use the money to buy some stuff on your design board.” Burt slid another box that Carole had wrapped to Kurt. “This is the last present.”

Kurt tore off the wrapping paper and opened the box. His breath hitched and tears welled in his eyes. He pulled out a perfume bottle. “This was mom’s.”

“Now that you’re settled, I want you to have the special ornaments. Let’s hang them up.”

Everyone went to the Christmas tree. Kurt pulled out an ornament from the box that had the image of Dolly Parton. “This was from our Christmas trip to Dollywood,” he explained to Blaine. “Oh, and here is the one from our NASCAR trip. That was for you, dad.”

“Hey, it’s a nice ornament and memory. I thought you’d like to have it.”

“Of course I do,” Kurt replied with an affectionate look.

Once all the ornaments had been hung, Blaine said, “Burt, I’ll show you to your bedroom. You probably wanna freshen up before the big meal.”

Blaine picked Burt’s duffle bag up and led him to a bedroom. It was small but it looked cozy. “The bathroom is across the hall. Let me know if you need anything.”

Burt unzipped his duffle and pulled out his toiletry bag. He spent about ten minutes or so in the bathroom showering and freshening up. When he returned to the living area, he could hear noises coming from the kitchen. The boys must be preparing the meal. However, when he entered the kitchen, he discovered Kurt pressing Blaine against the fridge and the two of them making out. 

Burt coughed to get their attention. “I don’t see any food cooking.”

Kurt sprung away from Blaine like his hand was caught in the cookie jar. Burt could see that both men had red swollen lips and disheveled hair. He couldn’t help but smile, remembering the time that Elizabeth’s parents came home early and caught them making out on the couch. Some things never change.

“So, what are we eating?” Burt asked.

“It seemed silly to cook when there’s a Christmas buffet downstairs,” Kurt explained.

“Umm… I’ll go get the food now,” Blaine said. He raced off like a rabbit, wearing a silly grin.

“Can I do anything?” Burt asked.

“I’ll set the table. Could you please fill the pitcher with water?”

While they were getting ready for Blaine to return with the food, Burt asked, “Is working at the alley going okay?”

Kurt smiled. “It’s the perfect job for me. Blaine and I work the same hours. The tips at the restaurant are great. Blaine also gives me time off for auditions at a moment’s notice. He’s a lot more flexible than Gunther was at the diner.”

After Kurt had graduated from NYADA, he’d moved in with Blaine and he’d begun working full-time at the bowling alley. Initially, Burt had been concerned that everything was changing fast for them, and they would stumble. However, spending even more time together seemed to strengthen their relationship. 

“How are the auditions going? Any leads?”

“I’ve got a final call for an off-Broadway show. They should be making a decision next week.”

Blaine entered the apartment with two staff members carrying bowls and platters of food. It looked like a feast for at least a dozen people. 

Burt could already imagine sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight snack.

They quickly sat down and ate the delicious food. When the meal was almost over, Blaine’s phone rang. He stood up. “That’s my parents. I need to take this call,” he said while walking toward the bedroom.

Burt turned to Kurt, whose smiling eyes were watching Blaine walk away. 

“I’ve never seen you this happy before,” Burt commented.

Kurt smiled at his dad. “I’m really happy with life. Sure, it would be great if I got a part in a Broadway show, but I knew it would be difficult at the start.”

“Your time will come. I know it will. You were born to perform on stage.”

“Performing is only one aspect of my life. Blaine… Well, I love him. He’s my special person. Life is so much better with him by my side.”

Burt nodded, knowing that his son had his priorities straight. 

Blaine returned to the living room. “My parents send you their love. They’ll be here on the 30th for a few days.” He looked at his watch. “The basketball game is about to start.”

Burt stood up. “The Celtics and the Lakers… it should be a great game.”

“I’ll deal with the dishes and join you soon,” Kurt suggested.

Blaine picked up two plates. “Thanks, sweetheart. We’ll help clear the table.”

After several trips to the kitchen, Burt and Blaine sat down on the couch. During the pre-game commentary, they made a bet on how long Kurt would last watching basketball. Burt knew his son; he was definitely gonna win. 

“Now that the bowling alley is successful, what are your plans?” Burt asked.

Blaine shrugged. “I’ll continue managing the alley for at least a year. I want to focus on finishing the apartment and supporting Kurt in any way I can. He’s got a great shot at getting a role in an off-Broadway show. We’ll need to adjust to his new schedule. If I take on more things right now, I’m worried that we could drift apart.”  

Blaine sat straight and looked Burt directly in the eyes. “I love Kurt. He’s the most important thing in my life. I don’t want to screw things up.”

“I’m sure you won’t,” Burt replied. “You two have something really special.”

The whistle blew to signal the beginning of the game. As predicted, Kurt lasted 20 seconds before he lost interest. Blaine handed Burt a ten-dollar bill, mumbling, “You couldn't have just toughed it out for just a few more seconds, Kurt?”

Even though the game had been exciting, Burt’s head dropped while he dozed. He woke up to Blaine shouting, “Come on, Celtics!”

Burt rubbed his eyes to see Kurt reading a fashion magazine snuggled up to Blaine’s side. Fortunately, Burt was awake to watch the Celtics win the game.

Kurt looked over to his dad. “What do you wanna do?”

Burt’s eyes gleamed. “Let’s go bowling!”

Blaine took out his phone. “That’s a great idea. I’ll let Unique know to give us the next available lane.”

“I need to call Carole. Why don’t we meet downstairs.”

Burt went to the guest bedroom and closed the door. He was soon talking to Carole and hearing about her Christmas with Aunt Ethel. She still planned to join him in New York City tomorrow.

“How are Kurt and Blaine?” Carole asked. 

“They’re terrific. They’re really settled in the apartment and so in love. I wonder how long it will take for them to get engaged.”

“You’re incorrigible, Burt! You’ve always had a soft spot for Blaine.” 

Burt smiled. “What can I say? From the moment I met Blaine, I knew he would be perfect for Kurt. Mark my words, Blaine will propose to Kurt on Valentine’s Day.”

In a few days, it would be a year ago since he and Carole walked into Anderson’s Alley and Arcade and met Blaine. He remembered thinking “I’ve just met my future son-in-law.”

And Burt knew in his bones that Kurt and Blaine would have their happily ever after.

fin.