Chapter 40 - Game Time

Kurt rode in the car with his parents and they planned on meeting Blaine's parents and grandparents at a restaurant near the university.  It wasn't really Kurt's kind of place, but it was a bar/restaurant and right up Burt and JR's alley.  Thankfully, they had salads to partner with the buffalo wings and fried food built to harden every artery that was there.  "Dad, you really shouldn't eat that."

"Kurt, can I have just one night not to worry about eating healthy and just enjoy?"  Kurt looked unconvinced that it would be okay.  "One night, please?"

Kurt eyed him.  "Fine, one night and then you have to promise to eat perfect for the next 2 weeks straight.  No cheating.  No beers."  Kurt was bobbing his finger up and down.

JR eyed that finger and the look in Kurt's eyes.  "Well Burt, I think Blaine's in huge trouble.  Does he know about this side of Kurt?" 

Kurt smiled smugly.  "I think he secretly likes when I tell him what's good for him."

Burt added.  "Blaine's actually gotten him to lighten up."

JR looked very surprised.  "Really.  He's worse than this usually?"

"Yes."

"Dad!"

"Son, I can't lie to your future father in law because he deserves to know that if anything happens to him, you will be taking charge of his life also."  Burt patted JR on the back offering his condolences.  "Kurt really takes care of everyone.  He is by the book and no cheating."

"You make me sound like a prison warden."

"Well, if the shoe fits."  Both JR and Burt laughed and reached for their beers simultaneously. 

"And give me those keys gentlemen."

JR almost choked.  Burt groaned.  "Kurt, you will not treat us like children."

"If you both act like children and you drink more than what I deem acceptable by legal limits, I will take you keys away."  They both slid their keys over to him giving in to the tyranny of Kurt Hummel. 

"Burt, I think I like your son more and more every time I see him.  I can't wait to see Blaine in 10 years.  He's going to be in all kinds of trouble with this one."  JR turned to Kurt.  "Kurt, instead of fashion, have you thought about a career in law.  You would do well."

"Ewww.. no way.  That's Blaine's area.  I need to save the world from bad fashion."  Kurt smiled because he liked taking care of everyone around him.  Ever since his dad's first heart attack, he took care of them.  Well, from a personal care and health standpoint, he took care of them.  It was Blaine that really saved him from living a life of loneliness.

"Well, the world of fashion should be warned that Kurt Hummel is going to take it by storm."  JR  held his frosty mug of beer up.  "To Kurt Hummel, leader of the fashion world."  Burt toasted with his matching frosty mug and Kurt held up his water glass.

"That would be Kurt Anderson-Hummel, gentlemen."  They both looked at Kurt but Kurt was looking at his glass of water with content upon hearing himself say his future married name out loud.  He was enjoying the ring to it. 

"You're going with Anderson-Hummel?"  Burt was surprised.  Not because he was putting Anderson first, but because they were going to hyphenate.  Burt generally didn't know if they even changed names in their situation.

"Yes.  We wanted to show our respect and love for both families.  Blaine suggested we go with Hummel - Anderson because, well, you kind of helped bring his parents back to him."  He paused to see the look.  They were both waiting for the rest.  "I wanted Anderson - Hummel because I wanted to respect the tradition of the Anderson Family name.  I'm sorry if you wanted us to choose Hummel - Anderson dad."

Burt was shaking his head emphatically.  "No, that's not what I meant.  It's just a very long name for you both to carry around with you."

JR took the opposite side.  "I like it though.  It sounds good."  JR Anderson had certainly come a long way.  "So how did you win."

"Well, It's kind of like you said JR.  Blaine has to deal with me.  I'm used to getting what I want, so I did."  Kurt put his water down giving a final nod.

Burt turned to JR.  "So, that's that."  They smiled at each other.  "I think we're both very lucky people JR."

"I agree with you Burt.  Let's toast to lucky families!" 

"Here. Here."

The food arrived and talk turned to football, naturally.  "So Burt, I've been reading about this team and they have quite a history."  Jack being the football guy knew about this team.  "A lot of guys come out of this school and play in the NFL.  They've got quite a tradition."

"Well, you're right about this team having a history, Jack.  I've been reading up on them too.  I think it's going to be a tough one."  Burt didn't want to start Kurt worrying.  "If we win this one, I think it'll be a miracle really.  Finn and Blaine have had a really good season, but I don't think it will take very long to figure out the Hudson to Anderson plays.  They'll surely shut them down quickly."

"Yeah.  You're right about that.  If I know the team, they already watched film on all the plays and know what to expect.  Blaine is going to have guys all over him from the start of the game."  JR paused.  "They're big."

Kurt perked up and Burt tried to change the subject.  "Yeah, so who have they played?"

"Even bigger teams.  They play some Cincinnati teams that are outside their division and they are monsters too."

"Jack, what did you mean by they're big.  Did you mean they have a lot of team players?"  Kurt hoped.

Jack didn't realize how much Kurt would worry.  "No, but they are a large team.  The players are big guys.  Not sure where they grow these guys, but they are big guys.  They got a guy on the team that plays offensive line.  He's 6'5" and 270 pounds.  Even their shorter guys are big.  Blaine's going to look scrawny compared to these guys."

"I hope he doesn't get hit hard.  I can't bear to have him hurt again."  Kurt was completely worried now.  Burt could see it.  He should have thought to warn everyone not to talk about it. 

Kurt poked at his salad more than eating it.  Catherine noticed him thought.  "Are you feeling okay Kurt?"

"Yeah.  Just worried about Blaine.  Jack was talking about the players of the other team and how big they are and I just don't want Blaine to get hurt.  I've just now gotten comfortable with him being okay."

"You don't worry, Kurt.  The coach will be careful for him."  She patted him on the hand.

"But I know Blaine will put up a fight and stay in the game longer than he should."  

"Maybe they aren't as big as what you think."

"I hope."

"Dad.  Those boys are huge!"  Kurt's eyes were wide open watching the teams warm up.  The McKinley team had some players as big as them, but generally, they were smaller.  "Blaine is so much smaller."

Jack was always a good one to calm Kurt down.  "Kurt, don't worry.  Blaine is quick.  He is going to get hit, but it won't be as bad as you think.  It's not the size of the guy that causes the injury, it's more in the way you get hit.  Trust me, there are probably times when Blaine was hit hard by a little guy just coming at the right angle.  He'll be safe."

Kurt decided that Jack was the person he needed to sit next to so he could ask questions about anything that might happen on the field.  Jack smiled as Kurt sat next to him.  He was between Jack and Burt, which was odd because he usually sat with Ellen and Catherine to have wedding or some other fashion or health discussion.  Ellen noticed what was happening and before she knew it, Kurt's hand was grabbing Jack's.  "You usually sit with Blaine's grandmother.  Anything I need to know about this complete change in seating?"  Burt decided to try to figure out what Kurt was doing.

"Nope."

"So you don't want to be able to hound me and Jack about each player and what they're supposed to be doing on the field."

"Nope."

"And you not going to ask us a thousand questions about Blaine getting up from a big tackle, or if a hit is illegal?"

"Okay dad.  I get it, but I am absolutely terrified that Blaine will get really hurt and then I'll be alone.  And this engagement will mean nothing because Blaine will be dead, or he might not remember me, or he might be permanently injured."

Jack started to laugh.  "You are such a worrier Kurt.  Now I see."

"See what?"

"Another one of many reason's my grandson is drawn to you.  It must be a genetic quality or perhaps even a detriment that an Anderson is drawn to mates that have a vivid imagination.  They're creative and caring and, I hate to say, overdramatic, but that's the best way to describe it."

Kurt smiled even though he was being told to chill out.  "I just can't imagine a life without him anymore, Jack.  I love him so much that I think I will lose me, if I lose him." 

"I know."  Jack did get it.  It's how he suspect Ellen feels about him.

Centerville had the ball first and Kurt breathed a sigh of relief because Blaine didn't play often on defense, since his main position was a wide receiver.  Kurt watched as Centerville marched down the field.  Azimio and Dave were barely able to stop the running game, but eventually with the help of Puck who was smaller but definitely quicker on his feet, they were able to finally slow them down, but not stop the touchdown.  They got the first touchdown of the game.  The crowd was loud.  "Wow, they have a lot of fans here."  Kurt pointed to the stands on the other side.

Burt was just talking about how close the school was to here.  "They can get so many more people here because they're so close."

"How close are they?"

"Oh, they're only probably 20 minutes away from here Kurt.  This school is a suburb of Dayton."  Burt added.  "They're also a big school Kurt.  I think they have almost four thousand students."

"Wow, that's a big school.  I'm not sure I would like a school that big.  At least, not for high school."  Blaine and Finn were on the field in the huddle and if Kurt thought he looked small before, it didn't prepare him for how small Blaine looked now.  "Jack, he shouldn't be out there.  He's too short compared to the rest of them.  He's going to get killed." 

"He'll be fine Kurt, but if you don't loosen your grip on my hand, I might need to see a doctor for a cast to put on my broken hand." 

"Oh.  Sorry."  Kurt let go of Jack's hand and started wrenching his hands together. 

"Kurt, you really need to calm down.  You remember the last time you got worked up over something like this?"  Burt put a hand on top of Kurt's to stop him from continuing the wringing action of his hands.  "You don't want to worry Blaine again, do you?"

"I'm just.. Dad.  I'm just scared.  I mean it when I say that I don't think I can live without him.  It would hurt too much."

"I get it kiddo, but this is not going to help him.  If you get all worked up again, you'll distract him.  He needs to focus on what he's doing and be focused on that field so he doesn't get hurt."

"I never thought about it that way, dad.  You're right.  If I have one of my panic attacks he'll be worried about me and I don't want him to worry."  Kurt put his hands on his knees and just held them there and took a deep breath.  He was going to deal with this fear.  If Blaine was strong enough to deal with it, then so was Kurt.  Kurt could see a small smile form on Burt's mouth.  Kurt smiled too.  He knew he was doing something really grown up and his dad was proud.

"That's right Kiddo."  Burt looked over at Jack and Jack smiled as he relaxed in the bleachers. 

As expected by the other team, Blaine was the go to guy.  They anticipated Finn going to him for the passes and he was solidly covered.  There were a few times Blaine was able to cut free for a few yards, but he wasn't able to complete any long passes and they hadn't score yet going into the second quarter.  The opposing team was already ahead in the score ten to nothing. 

Kurt breathed a sigh of relief.  "I guess if they are all over him like that, Finn can't pass to him."  Jack watched the wheels spin in Kurt's head.  He knew Kurt didn't know an ounce about football.  "So, that limits him getting tackled too, right?"

Jack nodded.  "I think you're starting to pick up a few things Kurt.  You have to remember that our coach is hopefully thinking of a way for Finn and Blaine to connect if not now, very soon." 

Kurt nodded, "I guess we need to figure this out so my man can score."  Burt spit out his drink when he heard Kurt say that.  Kurt looked at him in shock.  "Dad, are you okay?"

"Yeah.  Fine."

"Serves you right for having your mind in the gutter."  Kurt smirked, Jack laughed. 

JR had been stuck over by the women and came over to sit in front of Kurt.  "So what'd I miss?"

"Not a thing, JR.  Just my dad's mind in the gutter." 

JR looked so confused about the comment.  Jack laughed again.  "Okay.  Do I need to ask."

"I was just complaining about Blaine needing to score."  Kurt looked right at Burt, lifting a questioning eyebrow.

"Well, after the scene I saw yesterday at home, I couldn't help it."

"Dad we were just kissing.  It's not like I was grabbing him or anything.  For God's sake Dad, if you really knew what went on at home, you would freak out."

Burt turned red and Jack continued to stay out of it just giggling away to the right of Kurt.  JR was taking a leap of faith with the whole relationship stuff that he wasn't used to.  "You're Dad just needs to get used to seeing you guys like that, right?"

"Yeah.  I, you know, just don't get to see you guys all lovey dovey like that usually."

"Well, you need to get a grip dad.  It's not like we just kiss at home."  Kurt was watching the game as he spat out the words.  "We are a very, let's say, intimate couple."

"Well.. uh..."  Burt wasn't even sure what to say.  He knew this, he just wanted to pretend he didn't.

"You started it Dad."

"Of course you have a healthy, uh, life."  Jack stuttered a little.  "That's good Kurt.  Just pace yourselves.  You've got to have some mystery for after you guys get married."  Jack looked at Jack and Burt because he felt like he crossed the boundary over into the land of' too much information' and wished he could return to the land of ‘I wish I never said anything'.  He needed back up or help or something from one of the other men.  "Right?"

Burt put his hands up.  "I think you've gone past what I need to know."  Burt was actually giggling because he was no longer the squirming parent.

"Okay.  We need this conversation to end right now.  Dad get your mind out of the gutter.  Jack, quit laughing this is not funny and JR, I'm sorry to inform you that there is no mystery left to have between me and your son.  I happen to know every inch of his body and vice versa.  So, can you guys please be quiet so I can watch my fiancé KICK SOME ASS ON THE FIELD!"  Kurt was standing and screaming.  "GO BLAINE..GO. GO.GO.   WOOOOOOooooo!"  Kurt was jumping up and down and clapping and they were all high fiving.  The conversation surrounding their sex life was over with all three men completely embarrassed about how much they knew.

Kurt was overjoyed that Blaine actually caught the ball and got into the end zone completely untouched.  Blaine was looking for him in the stands but couldn't find him.  Kurt just knew he was looking for him and hoped he could somehow signal where he was.  On a whim he stayed standing up as the crowd was starting to sit down.  When Blaine got close to the bench to rest after a big score, Kurt yelled at the top of his lungs.  "WAY TO GO BABY!"  Blaine looked up as he took off his helmet and Kurt could see him smiling.  He tapped his chest twice and pointed to Kurt.  They had never done that before, but it was perfect as Kurt repeated it to Blaine smiling.  Blaine was okay.

The game ended with McKinley losing 34 to 7.  Blaine's score in the second quarter was the only score they had the entire game.  Centerville made no mistakes again.  Blaine was covered and he got tackled quite a few times.  Kurt's heart only stopped once in the fourth quarter when Finn tried to pass to him.  As he reached for the ball, he was tackled from behind.  His helmet looked like it got caught in the tackle and twisted his head, but he was okay.  Blaine repeated his new sign for ‘I love you' to Kurt. 

"What happened to the Warblers?"  Kurt finally asked when he realized they never showed up to the game.

"Not enough cars, so they decided to invite us down Friday night instead.  We are going to stay at Dalton.  I think it'll be fun." 

"A Warbler party?"

"Yeah.. Won't it be fun to stay in the dorm overnight.  It's been forever."

Kurt smiled because Blaine sometimes missed Dalton, but he knew how much Blaine loved him that he made the choice to give it up to be with him.  "Whose room are we camping out in?  Nick and Jeff's of course.  I get the feeling they have something planned."

"What makes you think that?"

"Nick gets all goofy and cryptic when he's trying to hide something.  Jeff, he just got quiet."

"Quiet Jeff is usually up to something."  Kurt loved the Warblers too.  Not in the same way Blaine did, but they were the first group of people outside of Lima to completely accept him and treat him equally. 

"Usually."  Blaine told Kurt as he trailed his fingers through Kurt's hair over his ear.  "You know I've got to go home on the bus.  I wish I could go home with you.  I could use a little cuddling in the back seat." 

"With my dad watching us in the mirror form the front seat?"

"Okay, that ruined it."

"I have a confession."  Kurt looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole and die, but he had to tell Blaine before his parents or grandparents said anything.  "We kind of talked about our sex life."

Blaine's forehead crinkled in utter confusion.  "Who's we?"

"Um.. Well.  Uh."

"Kurt, you never have to be afraid to tell me something."  Blaine was too fucking sweet for his own good.  Kurt considered just jumping him right there.

"My dad started it when I said you needed to score and then he spit out his drink and I told him his head was in the gutter, then Jack got into it and your Dad, well, he came over and tried to help me out, but it backfired and well I kind of told them all off because they were laughing and I told them that I know every inch of your body and you know mine."  Kurt took a deep breath and sighed.  He wouldn't look Blaine in the eyes.

"That was a mouthful.  I think that's the longest sentence ever created."  Kurt didn't know when it was safe to look at Blaine, but then he felt Blaine's fingers lifting his head up.  "I don't care what they know.  It's just as well that they get used to the fact that we are sexually active."  Blaine smiled and when Blaine smiled, well, Kurt couldn't stop from smiling.

Kurt said shyly, "It was kind of funny.  Your dad said it was okay that we had a ‘healthy' life and that we should leave a little mystery.  That's when it all kind of came out.  He was stuttering and my dad and Jack were laughing at him. I kind of just said it."

"I told you it's okay and they need to get used to it anyway since we are getting married in say in seven months."

"I can't wait."

"Me too."

"By the way, why didn't you come up with that signal ages ago.  Then I wouldn't have had that panic attack.  It would have all been good if we had a signal for me to know that you were okay. 

"I have no idea why we didn't think of it.  I suppose it's too late now."

"It's never too late to have a special signal between us."

Boys! Let's load up!  Coach Bieste yelled from over by the bus.  "I've got to go."  Blaine turned away and walked a few yards before turning around to tap his chest twice and point to Kurt.  Sure enough, Kurt was watching and repeated the action.  Yes.  Blaine liked that a lot.  It made his heart flutter.

To Blaine:

I forgot to tell you why your parents and grandparents left without saying bye to you.

To Kurt:

Oh?  I just figured they wanted to get home.

To Blaine:

I was supposed to tell you that your dad said good game and your granddad sad we'll see you in Boston in two and a half weeks.

To Kurt:

That'll teach them to give you any messages.

To Blaine:

Keep it up and you'll be sleeping with your keyboards in the loft.

To Kurt:

I'm so scared.

To Blaine:

I'll cut you off for a week.

To Blaine:

No response?

To Blaine:

Blaine?

To Kurt:

You can't use cut off in any sentence when you're threatening me.  I think I fainted at the thought

To Blaine:

You're such a dork.  I would never cut off that.  You know how much I like it.

To Kurt:

King of the dorks thank you.  This could start to turn into sexting if you keep that up.

To Blaine:

I like it when it's up

To Kurt:

You're going to make me blush and then the whole bus will know were sexting

To Blaine:

Just make sure you're UP for it when you get home.

To Kurt:

Guh

To Blaine:

Lol.. my poor man in a bus with stinky ass boys.  You could've been in the back seat with your man that smells good and takes care of his entire body just for you.

To Kurt:

You need to stop now because I'm imagining your soft curvy ass and my tongue between the cheeks of the soft curvy ass that you take such good care of for me.

Kurt closed up his phone as he gulped.  "Dad, how much longer till we get home?"

"We've still got about 30 minutes Kurt.  Don't worry, you'll get to the school long before him."

"Can you just drop me off at home?  Blaine said that he'll just drive home as soon as he's off the bus."

"Sure."

To Blaine:

I'll be waiting for you at home, Blainey Boo!

To Kurt:

I was hoping you would be at the school.

To Blaine:

At school clothed or at home naked with a bath waiting for us.  You pick

To Kurt:

I'll see you at home, Baby.