June 5, 2012, 1:28 p.m.
In the dark: Guide dog
T - Words: 1,545 - Last Updated: Jun 05, 2012 Story: Complete - Chapters: 16/16 - Created: Jun 05, 2012 - Updated: Jun 05, 2012 537 0 0 0 0
"Hey, Blaine. Kurt said you were coming over," Burt greeted him. "Come in."
"I hope you don't mind me dropping in," Blaine said, stepping inside.
"Not at all," Burt assured him. "You're always welcome here."
"Thank you," Blaine smiled.
"Kurt's downstairs. Door stays open," Burt instructed, raising his eyebrows significantly.
"Yes Burt," Blaine said, the tips of his ears turning red in embarrassment. Blaine headed downstairs and when he peeked around the corner, Kurt was sitting up on his bed, head turned in his direction.
"Dad?" Kurt asked.
"Nope, it's me," Blaine grinned and stepped into the room.
"Hi Blaine," Kurt smiled. "How was school?"
"Boring," Blaine answered, sitting on the bed. "Wes and David say hi and they made you something."
"Made me something?" Kurt echoed, confused.
"Yeah, although, I don't know what it is, so be careful," Blaine warned, pushing the box he carried into Kurt's hands.
Kurt frowned and fumbled with the box lid. He got it off and hesitantly dipped his hand inside. He frowned when he hands closed around the object inside. "What is it?" Kurt asked, lifting it out of the box and Blaine laughed.
"It's a wooden canary," Blaine said in awe, admiring the gift. "David takes woodwork. He must have made in class today."
"Wow," Kurt replied, trailing his hands over it carefully, surprised at how smooth the wood felt.
"Nice cane," Blaine commented, picking up the cane that was on the floor.
"Oh, yeah," Kurt said quietly, pushing the box off his lap. "It really made the whole situation hit home."
"Sorry," Blaine winced, setting the cane down. Kurt shrugged, face carefully guarded. "Have you tried it out yet?" Blaine asked.
"No, not yet," Kurt admitted.
"Maybe we could test it out this weekend, tomorrow," Blaine suggested. "We could go for a walk."
"I'm getting a guide dog tomorrow," Kurt said, his lips curling into a small smile.
"Really? That's awesome," Blaine grinned.
"Would you- I mean you don't have to - but would you like to come?" Kurt asked shyly.
"To help you pick a dog?" Blaine asked, shocked but pleased. "Of course I would. Would your dad mind?"
"I overheard him talking to Carol," Kurt said softly. "He likes that I have someone to talk to. New Directions...they tend to be a bit selfish at times."
"I'd love to come with you."
"Thank you," Kurt smiled and reached out to grab Blaine's hand. Blaine took it and squeezed it. He took in the pink hue on Kurt's cheeks and grinned. "Come on," Kurt instructed, sliding off the bed and heading in what he hoped was the direction of his desk. He crashed into it, wincing and placing the wooden canary onto the desk. "We'll get some afternoon tea."
Blaine stood and directed Kurt to the stairs and they climbed them slowly, heading to the kitchen.
The facility was huge, Blaine realised as he took in his surroundings. He was holding Kurt's arm as they walked through, Burt on Kurt's other side.
"Welcome," a woman greeted as they arrived at reception. "My name is Sarah. What can I do for you today?"
"We have an appointment under the name of Hummel," Burt said gruffly and Sarah nodded.
"Of course. If you go down that hall and the third door or on the right, Luke is waiting for you," she told them, politely.
They nodded and followed her instructions. When they reached the third door, Burt knocked and heard a faint come in. Burt pushed the door open and Blaine stepped inside with Kurt. Luke turned around and grinned at them. He was young and handsome with a bit of scruff trailing along his jaw line.
"You must be the Hummels," Luke greeted warmly, shaking their hands.
"Hi," Kurt said when he felt Luke's calloused hand in his.
"If you're ready, I have some dogs ready for you to meet," Luke told him.
"Yes, I'm ready," Kurt said, nodding. Blaine squeezed his hand for reassurance.
"Alright then, let's go meet the dogs," Luke beamed and held the door open for them. Burt went out, followed closely by Kurt and Blaine. He shut the door behind them and led the group down the hall. They came to two glass doors and Luke pushed them open, holding them for everyone to pass through. "We have a few types of breed that you can choose from; Golden retrievers, Labradors and German Shepherds," Luke explained as they walked and Kurt was surprised by the sudden change in temperature. They were outside now, strolling under a walkway. "Golden retrievers and Labradors are the most commonly chosen."
"I like those," Kurt commented shyly and Luke smiled.
"Guide dogs don't take you places, they just help you manoeuvre around objects," Luke explained. "It will be easier when you are out in public and are in places that you remember." Kurt nodded in understanding, trying to take it all in. "They make great companions and there have been studies since the 1920's."
"That's a lot of research," Burt said gruffly and they chuckled.
"Here we are," Luke announced as they reached a pen. He unlocked the gate and let them in, shutting it behind them. "Ready to meet them?"
Kurt nodded and Blaine led him forward to the dogs. The smell was strong to Kurt but he assumed that he would get used to it. He flinched slightly when he felt a pressure at his leg.
"This is Lucy," Luke said and Kurt reached down to pat the dog. The fur was soft under his fingers and he could hear her panting. "She's three years old and did exceptionally well in her training. She's a Labrador."
Blaine grinned when he saw Kurt smiling and he knelt down beside him. Lucy lifted her paw and placed it in Kurt's hand. Kurt laughed and shook it. Blaine chuckled and patted Lucy's inky black fur. "She's so beautiful," Blaine murmured, rubbing the dog's ears.
"She's taken a liking to you," Luke commented.
Kurt decided that the feeling was mutual. He stood back up and was introduced to the rest of the dogs, Lucy trailing beside him.
"I think Lucy likes you," Blaine whispered to Kurt as she followed him around.
"I like her, too. Do you?" Kurt murmured in response.
"Yeah, I do," Blaine said softly. "But it's your choice."
"Dad, do you like Lucy?" Kurt asked.
"Yeah, kid. She's gorgeous," Burt smiled.
"I think Lucy is the one for you, Kurt. Let's get her equipment and settle the paperwork," Luke said, grinning. He was glad that Lucy was going home to a good family.
Lucy trailed after Kurt obediently and Blaine held his arm as they headed back down to Luke's office. Burt settled the paperwork while Sarah came in with the dog's harness and coat. "Congratulations," she said sweetly.
"Thanks," Kurt smiled.
Lucy was fitted and Sarah waved goodbye, heading back to her desk.
"All done," Luke announced, dropping his pen. "She's all yours. Congratulations, Kurt."
Burt shook his hand and Luke then turned to Blaine and Kurt. He shook Blaine's hand and then took Kurt's.
"Good luck," Luke said and Kurt nodded.
Blaine handed Kurt Lucy's rein and he curled his hand around it. The four of them headed out, Kurt moving slowly as he got used to the feeling. Blaine watched Kurt smile, glad that he was handling this well. They reached the car and Lucy was put in the back. They slipped into the vehicle and Burt drove them home. Blaine slid his hand into Kurt's and squeezed it.
"Thanks for coming today Blaine," Kurt said quietly.
"My pleasure," Blaine assured him. "Lucy is beautiful. You look good together."
Kurt blushed but managed a smile. They reached the Hummel home and jumped out. Burt let Lucy out, who went straight to Kurt.
Blaine chuckled. "Guess you won't be needing me anymore," he teased and Kurt frowned.
"What? You – you won't be coming around anymore?" He asked, face falling.
"No – I mean, of course I will," Blaine hastily corrected. "I meant, now you have Lucy, you won't need me to lead you everywhere."
"Oh," Kurt breathed out a sigh of relief. "You liked being my guide dog?"
"A little bit," Blaine shrugged, chuckling lightly.
"I don't think Lucy would mind sharing," Kurt teased.
Blaine laughed and they headed up the path. They went inside and moved straight to the couch. Burt frowned down at the pamphlets that Luke had slipped him on the way out.
"Says here we should let Lucy wonder around," Burt read off of the sheet of paper. "Let her get used to her new surroundings."
"OK," Kurt agreed, letting go of the dog's rein. "Go explore, Lucy."
Blaine laughed as Lucy just sat down and curled around Kurt's feet. "I don't think she wants to explore just yet," Blaine sniggered and Kurt chuckled.
"You staying for lunch Blaine?" Burt asked.
"Yes, please," Blaine smiled and he saw Kurt's grin brighten.
"I want to help," Kurt announced, standing up. Burt and Blaine shared a look. "I have to get used to learning where everything is." Kurt continued, sensing their reluctance.
"Yeah, alright," Burt sighed. "Come on."
Kurt grinned and Blaine automatically held onto Kurt's arm. Kurt chuckled slightly and squeezed Blaine's hand in response.