The rest of the month seemed to drag on to the two men. They continued trading texts back and forth in a daily basis, learning what had happened on each other's life during the six years they had spent apart and what happened on their everyday life. Sometimes they would happen to run into each other's at their coffee shop, whenever Kurt was required to run errands on that part of town. Life went on to the two of them, and those who saw them on a daily basis could easily detect the change that their reconnection had caused on each. They were both happier and they walked with a new spring on their step.

Thanksgiving weekend was approaching and Kurt was certainly going back to Ohio to celebrate it with his family. Having spent the last five Thanksgiving in France, where it wasn't a holiday, he hadn't celebrated the date properly with his family in a long time. So, he was going home. This brought them both to a crossroad. Blaine had spent the last five Thanksgivings with the Hummels in Lima, for to him Burt and Carole were still his family to this day. Ever since Blaine had met Kurt, the only Thanksgiving weekend he spent apart from the Hummels was the one on the year following their break-up, before Kurt moved to Paris. And now they didn't know how it would work. Kurt would, of course, go back to Lima. But Kurt also knew that his father would probably be upset if Blaine didn't show up – he knew of Blaine spending holidays with his family. So he decided to do the one thing he could think of. He called Blaine to settle things.

"Hey, Kurt!" Blaine picked up with a cheery voice, and a tone that was reserved for Kurt, and Kurt only.

"Hey Blaine. I was thinking about Thanksgiving weekend and I was just wondering what your plans would be this year?" Kurt didn't wait and went straight to the point, and he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous about Blaine's answer. He felt like when they were still in Dalton, before they had started dating, and he was inviting Blaine to spend Thanksgiving weekend with his family instead of staying at Dalton.

He could hear a pause on the other side and hushed voices, and suddenly the background went silent, probably signaling that Blaine had moved towards a quieter spot.

"Well, I don't really know. I was thinking of just spending it here in New York? I haven't spent Thanksgiving, or any holidays whatsoever, with my family in years. I don't really have any concrete plans, why?"

Kurt bit his lip before answering. "Well, first of all, that is not true. I know for a fact that you've been spending the holidays in Lima. And my dad would probably kill you for not considering him and Carole family. To them you are family, you are like a third son. Secondly, no let me finish." Kurt cut off when Blaine started to interrupt. "My dad would probably be pretty upset if you didn't show up this year. So, what I've been planning on asking is if you'd like to go down to Lima with me?"

On the other side of the line Blaine was freaking out. Firstly, because Kurt was actually inviting him to spend Thanksgiving with his family. And secondly, because even if he did consider Burt and Carole family, Kurt had just acknowledged the fact and it became more real. But he couldn't help but be a bit stung at Kurt's words "To them you are family". He felt as if Kurt had put quite a bit of emphasis on the 'them' and it stung that Kurt didn't consider him family, even if he knew down inside that Kurt had no reason to consider him family under their circumstances and given their history. He was lucky that they had managed to become friends again.

"Blaine? You still there?" Kurt's voice coming from the line cut Blaine from his thoughts and he hurried to assure Kurt that he was still in the line.

"Yeah, I'm still here. Just, kind of freaking out a bit. You want me to go to Lima with you? Kurt, I couldn't, it's family time for you guys, and you haven't spent Thanksgiving with them in years."

Kurt sighed. "Blaine didn't you hear what I just said? My dad takes Thanksgiving very seriously, and he always wants his family there with him to celebrate it when possible. To him, you are family. And, really, it will be like old times." He was beginning to get teary eyed as countless memories from these weekends home came back to him, and judging from the sniffles coming through the line Blaine was too. "Remember when we were at Dalton, that first Thanksgiving you spent with my family?"

"I consider them family as well." Blaine finally said quietly after a moment's pause. "And of course I remember that weekend. It was the first time I celebrated Thanksgiving in a caring, carefree atmosphere. I don't think I could possibly forget it, even if I wanted."

Kurt took a deep breath trying to compose himself, as Blaine did the same on the other side of the line.

"So, does that mean you are coming to Lima? Can I tell Carole to prepare an extra-large turkey, what with you and Finn both down at the same time?" He tried to joke to lighten up a little the mood.

"Yes, okay, I'll go to Lima with you, if you are absolutely sure I won't be imposing."

"Thank you, Blaine, and you won't. Now that this order of business is over, tell me about the twins latest escapades. You'd think that with them grown up their mischievous nature would have toned down a bit."

Blaine laughed freely at Kurt's remark that was just so, Kurt, and the two of them settled down to a conversation not unlike the others they had been exchanging.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Soon, the pair found themselves at the airport ready to fly to Columbus. They had spoken before, and coordinated so they bought seats adjacent to one another, that way they wouldn't be completely bored on the flight. They had met outside the airport, and as it had been quite some time since they'd last got together, it had been quite a meeting. Blaine had arrived first, waiting for Kurt, and he grinned when he finally saw Kurt towing only one suitcase behind him.

"Hey Kurt! Long time no see!" He grinned and went to hug the man, which embraced him tightly back. "I see you learned how to pack lightly, huh?" He joked motioning to Kurt's suitcase and his own which stood by his side.

"Nice to see you, Blaine. And I don't know what you are talking about. I've always packed lightly." He said back shrugging his shoulder with a faked air of superiority.

Blaine laughed, recalling the many weekends they'd flown back to Ohio over the years and the amount of luggage Kurt always took with him.

"Yes, because three suitcases for a two day weekend is super-light. Whatever you say, Kurt."

Kurt just smirked back and bumped his shoulder to Blaine's. "Just shut up, and let's go."

The flight went on without a hitch. The two men spent the time talking about their plans for Thanksgiving and after. As they were approaching Ohio, Blaine started getting a little nervous.

"You are really sure this will be okay, right Kurt?" He asked for the hundredth time.

"Yes, Blaine, how many times do I have to tell you? My dad and Carole are dying to see you, and I thought my dad had called you to personally demand your presence at Thanksgiving?"

Blaine nodded and thought back to the phone he had received a week before.

*flashback*

He was sitting on his couch at night watching some television, finally being able to settle down after a particular busy day at work, when his phone started ringing. He grabbed it and answered it, not bothering to check the caller ID.

"H'llo?" He mumbled into the receiver, sitting up when he heard a laugh on the other side.

"Blaine, that you kid? Everything alright?" Came Burt's voice through the phone.

"Oh, hey Burt! Yeah, everything's fine. Just tired. What's up?" He seemed surprised as to why Burt was calling him, he had already called him two weeks earlier.

"Well, I just wanted to make sure we can count on you coming down to Lima this year. You are coming right?"

Blaine sighed. He had already had this conversation with Kurt. And while he had told Kurt he was going, he was still kind of hesitant.

"I spoke to Kurt, he invited me down. So, I guess I will be, if it's not too much inconvenience?" Blaine asked hesitantly.

Burt laughed again. "Kid, you are coming, and that's final. For the first time in years I will be able to have a Thanksgiving with my entire family at the table. Blaine, you are family. Regardless of what happens with you and Kurt now, you are always welcome here. I didn't banish you from the house when you guys broke up, nor will I banish you now, just because Kurt's here. If Kurt is not comfortable, he will have to suck it up for a few days. I want all of my sons here, you hear?"

Blaine gulped. "Wait, Kurt isn't okay with this? Burt, I really don't think it's a good idea."

"No, Kurt's is fine with it. I was just making a point. So, can I count you in for Thanksgiving? Carole misses you like crazy."

Blaine laughed. "Fine, Burt. I'll see you at Thanksgiving. And tell her I miss her as well, both of you..."

"That's my boy. See you soon. Love you, son."

Blaine smiled a watery smile and answered with a quiet "Love you, too, Burt." before hanging up.

*end flashback*

"Yeah, he did. I guess I'm just nervous about spending Thanksgiving with the whole family again. It brings back so many memories." He cut off and looked away; trying to shield the pain he felt and was reflected on his eyes from Kurt. Too bad Kurt knew him like no one else did, and he felt more then saw the pain in Blaine's voice, which was sure to be present on his own self.

"It does, doesn't it?" Kurt asked quietly, though it was more of an affirmation then a question.

The rest of the flight passed on silence, both men lost in their own memories of the times passed together, first as friends, then as a couple, by the Hudson-Hummel family. There were so many memories that it was still hard for Kurt to imagine a time-out with his family without including Blaine, even after all this time. Sure, he had spent time with his family after their breakup. But not back in Ohio. The holidays were always busy period for him, making him unable to fly home. So, he would pay for the tickets and fly his dad and Carole out to Paris for Christmas and New Year's. Finn visited occasionally, but he hadn't had much contact with his step-brother and sister-in-law, Rachel, except for some phone calls every now and then. So, he had only spent time in Ohio with his family without Blaine twice after meeting the man, the year following their breakup and when he returned to America, before settling down again in New York.

He, Finn and Rachel had slowly grown apart after high-school, more so after the break up – as Finn was close to Blaine and blamed Kurt for it – and after his move they seemed to really distance themselves from each other. He knew Finn and Blaine were still relatively close, that he and Rachel had settled down in Chicago with Finn coaching football at a local high-school and Rachel working at a theater, having never made it to Broadway.

Before they knew it they were landing in Columbus and Kurt was jolted out of his memories by the plane's wheels touching the ground. Judging by the startled sound emitted next to him, so was Blaine. They both looked at each other and chuckled softly, before they each started gathering their stuff. After some minutes the plane had finally reached the gate and the passengers were allowed out of it. They both grabbed their carry-ons before heading towards the baggage claim. Kurt texted his dad, letting him know they had arrived while Blaine quickly located their luggage. Soon the two men found themselves at the airport exit where an excited Burt waved them over to the car. Kurt spotted his dad first and practically made a bee-line towards him, much to Blaine's amusement who followed at a more sedate pace.

"Dad! I missed you! How are you?" Kurt hugged his dad tightly while talking into his shoulder.

"Hey son. I missed you too. I'm fine, healthy as ever." He let go of his son and turned to Blaine, who was shuffling a bit awkwardly on the side. Burt smiled and pulled him in into a hug as well. "Blaine, how are you kid?"

"Hey Burt. I'm doing fine. Hope you and Carole are well?" Blaine asked politely unsure of what would be acceptable behavior towards his ex-boyfriend's father when said man was standing just beside them.

Burt laughed. "No need to sound so formal kid. And to answer your question, Carole and I are doing great. Now come on, let's get going, Carole is dying to see the two of you."

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

"Boys! Finally you guys are here! I was starting to think you wouldn't show up. How are you?"

The second they stepped into the house the two men were immediately attacked by Carole and pulled into tight hugs.

Kurt recovered first from the surprised attack and answered while grinning. "Hey Carole. I'm fine. And there is no way I would miss your lovely Thanksgiving cooking. I've already missed five of them, not happening again. You are stuck with me now for Thanksgiving."

The other three in the room laughed. Carole then turned to Blaine to see how he was and ask after their flight and Blaine grinned back at her. "I'm doing fine as well, Carole. The flight was good, no turbulence whatsoever."

Carole beamed at the two of them, who were now standing side by side, not shying from each other's presence, and ushered them up the stairs.

"Come on you two. You can go up and settle down. Blaine, we prepared the bed in the office for you. Hope that's okay."

"I could sleep in the couch, Carole. You didn't have to. I'd hate to think that I'm intruding even more in your life."

This time it was Burt's time to huff. "You are not intruding, kid. That's why we have a bed in the office, for guests to sleep in. And I don't want to hear you talking about intruding or anything of the sort anymore, okay? You are family to us."

Blaine nodded and the two climbed up the stairs toward their rooms, when Kurt was suddenly struck by a thought.

"Hey Blaine? If you have been spending the holidays here for the past years, where have you been sleeping? Because the way Carole said it, it didn't seem like you often slept in the office."

He had a suspicion, but he wanted Blaine to confirm. By the way Blaine blushed and looked away, he knew his suspicions were right.

"I, hrmm, I usually sleep in your old room?" Blaine answered with a slight question. He suddenly started to backtrack and stutter out words. "I, it's not that-I didn't want to – I know it's your room, it's just that – well, Burt and Carole prepared it for me the first time, and ever since...I should have asked first." He glanced wide eyed towards Kurt expecting the man to be mad at him or something.

"Blaine, relax. This is still their home, and my old room is practically a guest room. It's fine...really. It's not like there is much personal stuff in there anyway. It's been over a decade since I've moved out, you know." Kurt added this last part jokingly, but Blaine nodded sadly and looked away.

"Yeah, I know. And for the record, even if you are not living here, your room still has a certain Kurt Hummel flair to it. Maybe it's the décor, I don't know. But it still feels and looks like a room you'd have decorated." Blaine smiled at him and the two noticed they were in front of Kurt's room, the office being a couple of doors down. "I'll just go..." Blaine mentioned down the hall and Kurt nodded and chuckled.

"Oh, right. Hum...I'd tell you where everything is, but I have a feeling I will be the one asking you where the stuff this during this period."

Blaine chuckled too and turned to head down to the office and his room during their time in Lima tossing over his shoulder. "I'll see you later, Hummel."

With that both boys entered their respective rooms and settled down, refreshing themselves and pulling their thoughts together.

Kurt sat down on his bed and looked around. His room, even though with the classic décor that kind of screamed his name, was very impersonal; no magazines on the night stand and only a couple of pictures of him and his parents, one of the Warblers, and one of him with Santana and Brittany. He remembered that once upon a time there used to be several framed photos of him and Blaine too, most of them duplicate of the ones they used to have scattered around their apartment, but after the breakup he took them down. He thought of leaving one up or taking one with him to Paris, but he couldn't it hurt too much to even look at a photo of them together. All of their photos as a couple were stored away in the attic in Lima. He also remembered wanting to remove the Warblers shot from the shelf because he and Blaine were standing side by side, arms around each other, in the center surrounded by the other Warblers. They weren't looking at the camera, instead focusing their attention on each other. But he couldn't take it off, it was the best group shot he had, and being in Warblers was one of the best things that ever happened to him. Even though he and Blaine had broken up he would never regret meeting him, and if he keep that frame exposed it would be as if he wanted to erase Blaine from his life, which he would never want to do, not even in a hundred years. He sighed sadly and stood up, starting to remove his clothing articles out of his suitcase, and showering before he had to go down again.

Just down the hall Blaine was having his own reflection session. Every time he came back to Lima to spend time with the Hummels, he would stay in Kurt's room. The first time was hard for him to do so. He'd never slept in Kurt's room without Kurt by him side before, never. And added to the fact that he was sleeping alone in his room, he noticed that all the personal items were gone, save for a few framed photographs. But what had hurt him the most at the time, even though it had become better over the years it still stung a little, was the fact that Kurt had removed all traces of them from his room. The only thing that suggested that they once were friends was the Warblers group shot. Gone were the pictures from their junior and senior proms, the photo of their high-school and college graduation, all the shots taken over the years which they thought good enough to print and frame. Kurt had also stored away several objects that were a symbol of their relationship, like stuffed animals won for Kurt by Blaine on a summer. Similar stuff was also missing from the shelves. As the years went by, and Blaine continued to be a regular guest for the holidays thus spending his nights in Kurt's old room, he started to ignore these changes that had occurred and thought less of the room as Kurt's old room, and more of a guest room. But this time, seeing Kurt automatically claiming his old room, as would be natural of him to do so, reminded him that the room was Kurt's and it brought back the old feelings and thoughts he had the first time he had gone into that room after the break up. He wanted to ask Kurt where the photos and stuffed animals were, but he knew he had no right to ask. They weren't together. And he had his own set of photos, as he had kept all the photos left behind in their old apartment. But he did resent Kurt a little for not keeping up at least one photo up. In his apartment in New York he had several pictures on the walls and framed on the shelves. And, though most were from the Warblers, and group shots with various friends, he did keep up a couple of him and Kurt with their friends and he kept one on his desk, his favorite photo of the two: taken the summer after graduation on a trip the two had made together to the West Coast. They were overlooking the Golden Bridge in San Francisco, Kurt looking at the bay with a serene face and a slight smile playing on his lips and Blaine was nuzzling his neck from behind, arms wrapped around Kurt's waist and eyes closed. Taking a deep breath, Blaine sat up and wiped his eyes. Somewhere during his reflection he had begun to cry and hadn't noticed until now. He slowly stood up and started unpacking his stuff, trying to collect his thoughts, not wanting to seem too upset or distressed once he went down to dinner.

A few hours later, Kurt found himself in the kitchen cooking while having a mother-to-son talk with Carole. Carole had turned into such a mother figure to him, and he loved the woman dearly. He still didn't call her Mom, no one could ever replace his mom, but he did treat, trust and love her as one.

"So, honey, how are you really doing?" Carole asked him while washing some vegetables. Kurt knew to what she was referring. He paused on his ministrations and glanced in the directions of the stairs to the second floor where Blaine was.

"I'm fine, Carole." He smiled slightly at his step-mom and continued. "I won't lie, these past couple of months since we've reconnected, it's been the absolute best. It seems like, even with all these years apart with no communication at all, we appeared to click right away. I feel like a teenager again, when he and I first met and couldn't stay even a few hours without contacting each other. We text non-stop, and although our busy schedules don't allow us to meet up much, we sometimes manage to squeeze some time together in it."

Carole smiled at her son. "It seems like you still like him, Kurt. I know you talk as if you two were just old friends rekindling your friendship, but is it really just that?" She paused to put the vegetables to boil and turned to face Kurt fully when he didn't respond. "Kurt, I'm going to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me."

Kurt sighed and nodded, knowing what was coming.

"Do you still love Blaine?"