He turned back toward the apartment block, fully intending on going back in there when he was intercepted by his Captain.
“All hands out here. It’s too dangerous in there. Go team up with engine one.” Blaine nodded and hastened to his team.

**

Kurt slammed his hands against the steering wheel in frustration. The traffic was at a standstill and he was already ten minutes late picking Ava up. He picked up his phone from its place under the stereo, dialling the pre-schools’ number and fitting the hands free headset into his ear.

“Hello, Totty – Ones day nursery, Charlotte speaking.”

“Hi, my name’s Kurt Hummel, Ava’s Dad? I’m stuck in horrendous traffic. I’m not sure how long I’m going to be.” Kurt hated being late for anything – especially Ava.

“That’s fine Mr Hummel, Ava’s with a member of staff.” Charlotte sounded kind and understanding – traits Kurt was extremely grateful for right now.

“Oh, that’s great Thank you.”

“OK Mr Hummel, see you soon.” The line went dead and Kurt resolved not to tell Quinn he had used the phone while driving. The traffic edged forwards and Kurt turned the corner. He could see black smoke billowing above the buildings to his right. People were getting out of their cars to get a better look. Kurt’s mind instantly went to Blaine and he wondered if his department was on call. He pondered the mysterious (if not somewhat rude) man he’d met a few nights previously for a few moments before he realised the traffic was at a complete standstill now.

He decided it would be far quicker walking. He pulled the car out of the way got out and locked the doors. The strong stench of smoke filled his nostrils; he scrunched up his face and began a brisk walk to the nursery.

It took him little more than ten minutes to reach the pre-school. He hurried through the doors once he’d been buzzed in, muttering apologies to the staff.

“Daddy!” Ava abandoned the jigsaw she was completing with a member of staff Kurt had come to know as Meryl.

“Hi baby, sorry I’m late, have you had a good day?” The little girl jumped into Kurt’s arms, hugging him tightly. She disregarded his question completely.

“I thought you weren’t coming Daddy. I’m the last one.” She looked up at him through large, reproachful brown eyes.

“Of course I was coming; I always come back for you. Got that?” Meryl smiled at Kurt and handed him Ava’s drawings and coat. Kurt set Ava down so he could pull on her berry red coat.

“Oh, I drew a Princess Daddy, and she’s getting married, see.” Apparently forgetting her animosity at being left, she began pointing out the Princess in the multi-coloured squiggles.

“Oh really, and where’s her Prince?" Kurt turned to look at his daughter, who was looking up at him like he’d sprouted two heads.

“Daddy, don’t be silly, she has a princess. Look there she is.” Kurt’s heart warmed at the proclamation. He smiled up at Meryl.

“I stand corrected; I hope they’re very happy together.” He stood, taking Ava’s hand in his, bade the staff farewell and began to lead her back to the car. As they walked Ava chatted ceaselessly until she got fed up of walking.

“Daddy, how far is it. I’m tired.” She whined, starting to lag behind.

“Not far Ava, there’s been a fire, so I had to park a little further than normal.” Her eyes widened and she stopped walking completely.

“A fire! But that’s bad. Meryl read a book the other day about fires. We should stay far, far away she said.”

“It is bad, but we’ll be OK, don’t worry I won’t let anything happen. We’ll be back at the car soon.” Kurt continued walking, having to slightly drag his daughter now. He noticed someone up ahead, leant against the wall. They looked unusually bulky. The smoke seemed to have ceased somewhat now and Kurt felt relieved. As they approached the figure Kurt noticed the reason for all the bulk was that the man was wearing the protective clothing the firemen wore. He tried not to bother the man, walking around the edge of the sidewalk. However it seemed Ava had other ideas.

“Are you OK mister? You don’t look too good.” Ava had broken away from her father and was standing directly in front of the man. Kurt rolled his eyes and went to relieve the man of his daughter’s inquisitiveness.

“I’m OK, tired, that’s all sweetie.” The man bent down to Ava’s level as he spoke to her.

“Have you been saving people?” Ava’s eyes roved over the man’s dishevelled appearance. Kurt grabbed Ava’s wrist, spinning her round to face him.

“Ava what have I told you about wandering off. I’m sorry sir, she can be very inquisitive.” Kurt brought his eyes up to look directly into bright hazelly-green ones.

“Blaine!” Kurt smiled warmly, he wasn’t sure why he found this man so appealing when he had been so rude to him.

“Kurt, what’re you... I mean. Um. Hi.” Blaine rubbed the back of his neck with a hand still clutching to his protective gloves.

“Hi. I’ve just picked Ava up from play-school. Were you working on the fire a couple of roads over?” Kurt straightened up, clutching tightly to Ava’s hand, lest she try to break free again. She tugged on his hand and looked up at him accusingly.

“Daddy! I asked him a question first!” Kurt heard Blaine chuckle, a sound he’d like to hear more of, it was a nice change from the sulky exterior he usually saw.

“That’s true. Yes I was helping people Ava. But the fire’s all gone now, we’ve been sent back to the station.”
“Then why are you here?” Ava had turned her accusatory gaze on to Blaine. Kurt raised his eyebrows.

“I just needed a couple of minutes. Helping make a fire go away is hard work you know. I’d better get back to them now though, and I’m sure you want to go home.” Ava looked as though she’d really rather stay here questioning Blaine, but a quick look from Kurt made her stay quiet.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you around then. Um you left so fast yesterday I didn’t get chance to give you my number. So, here’s my business card. You know, call me, if you want. Anyway. Bye.” Blaine took the card and watched the two of them walk down the road and get into a dark blue car. He glanced at the card for a minute before throwing it onto the sidewalk and moving to rejoin his colleagues.

Kurt watched Blaine throw the card away through his rear-view mirror. He shook his head and started the engine. Somehow he would get through to that man.