Dinner went on without a hitch, considering it was the first they were all together in years. Although at first conversation was a little awkward, they soon settled into light chatter. Burt and Carole took the opportunity to properly catch up with what was happening on Blaine's life, as well as try to get Kurt to talk about how he was doing in New York. Father and son talked a lot, but there was never enough time to cover all the new information. But, though they tried, and Blaine answered some for Kurt, Kurt remained relatively silent throughout the meal. Kurt just kept playing with is food, a little detached from the conversation going on, no doubt thinking about the conversation he had with Carole in the kitchen before dinner.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

"Do you still love Blaine?"

Kurt nearly dropped the pan he was lifting, and turned to face his step-mom once he had replaced the pan back on its rack.

"hum-What?" He managed to gasp out, still looking like a dear caught in the headlights.

"Kurt, honey. Please be honest with me. I know you still care for him. But I don't think you care for him as just friends, like you have been telling everyone."

Kurt paused and thought. "Carole, of course I care for him. I care for him a lot. We were best friends for nine years, and we were together for eight of those. He was once the most important person in my life after dad. But love? Carole, we spent so much time apart. I hardly recognize some sides of him anymore. It's like one moment he is that Blaine I knew and loved six years ago, but then the next he says something, or does something that my Blaine never would have done. I don't know what to think, or what to feel."

Carole sighed and stood next to her step-son.

"Honey, that's how things are. People change. You say this about him, but I think the exact same thing about you. You have also changed a lot during these six years. Kurt, I don't mean to pry. But I'm asking you this because you talk so fondly of him, yet you seem so hesitant at the same time. Even before you guys started dating you didn't get awkward next to each other. There used to be no tension residing between you. Now I feel as if I could cut the tension between you with a knife. Sure you didn't seem to shy away from each other, but I know you quite well by now. You and Blaine both. And both of you, while standing next to each other, seemed unbelievably tense. Never before had I seen you two like that next to each other."

"Yeah, having my ex-boyfriend to dinner with my family six years after out break up, four of them spent not speaking, should do that to a person." He snapped. Then sighed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap. But It's just that...it all seems awkward, but it also seems so normal. It's almost scary how easily we fall into conversation about anything and everything. Shouldn't there be some kind of line to draw there? And why do I feel like a lovesick teenager whenever I'm around him? I am over him, Carole. I shouldn't be feeling like this. And really, all I want from him is friendship." He looked helplessly at Carole, who had a small smile playing on her lips.

"Is it really, Kurt?"

"I don't know. Nick , Jeff and Santana all seem to think that I should give Blaine and I another shot. But I don't know Carole. I missed him terribly. But I couldn't bear to go through another breakup. Our break-up was already bad enough, and it took me years to get over it. I couldn't handle another one. And I don't know if he would want to be together again. I don't want to put my hopes up."

Carole smiled and stroked Kurt's back who was by now holding back sobs.

"Kurt, if the way he still looks at you and speaks about you when he talks to us is any indication, it isn't really a question if he still likes you. He cares for you a lot. I'm not supposed to tell you this, but I will anyway. Every time we phoned him after you guys parted ways, not once did he not ask about you. He always asked to see if you were doing well, and if you were happy. And to tell the truth, I don't think I've ever seen you and him as happy as when you guys are together. Tension and all, you guys are the happiest whenever you guys are together."

Kurt let out a watery chuckle. "Yeah, he always has had that effect on me. I don't what I'm going to do Carole. Guess wait and see what happens. If it's meant to be, it will happen right?"

Carole patted his back. "That's what they say. But, you still haven't answered my first question, mister."

Kurt laughed a little and sighed. "Guess I do, Carole. I don't think I've ever stopped. Couldn't actually, even if I tried."

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

"Kurt?" Blaine looked at him with concern showing on his eyes. "Kurt, are you alright?"

"What? I'm sorry." Kurt shook his head a little and turned to face Blaine who had an amused smile on his lips.

"Your dad just asked you what is the next big event on your end, and we've been trying to get your attention for a few minutes already. I think you zoned out a little."

Kurt blushed a little and turned to his dad muttering an apology, avoiding Blaine's gaze.

Burt laughed. "It's fine, kiddo. Just wanted to know what's next on your schedule."

"Well, things are as always hurried. You almost never have a break in the fashion world. But I guess Fashion Week? We are continually going through our spreads, and I'm having to edit and go over everything, as I'm head of the department. But if we are talking big events here, is really Fashion Week, during which I don't think I'll have much time to do anything other than work." He joked.

Burt nodded and turned to Blaine again asking him something some football game that was going to be airing during Thanksgiving Day. Kurt glanced over at Carole and she was looking at him with a knowing look on her face. She knew that he was still stuck with the conversation they had in the kitchen. He turned his head a bit and met Blaine's gaze for a moment, and they both held the gaze and smiled slightly before looking away, motion that didn't go unnoticed by the elder Hummels.

Carole then got up and started clearing the table while motioning for Burt to help her in the kitchen. When Blaine started helping too, she shooed him away, wanting to give the boys some time alone.

"Blaine, dear, leave it. You and Kurt must still be tired from the flight. Why don't you go watch some TV, or something. Burt and I can handle these." When Blaine went to argue, she gave him a glare that sent him and Kurt off to the living room, with no further argument. Gathering the rest of the dishes she followed her husband into the kitchen where he waited already getting started on washing the plates.

"So, what do you think?" Burt asked after a few minutes of them doing the dishes together in comfortable silence. Carole looked up from the plate she was scrubbing and smiled in her husband's direction.

"Honey, I think that they are both longing for each other, but afraid of the outcomes. I got Kurt to admit still being in love Blaine, but he seems to be afraid of risking their friendship, that has just been rekindled, for a relationship that might not work out." Carole said.

Burt nodded. Having had a similar conversation with Blaine, he confirmed what he already knew: Blaine was still in love with Kurt and that he never stopped loving Kurt.

"Blaine is the same way. God, these two are so stubborn! Why can't they just get together, Carole? I know I seem like those two friends of theirs, Wes and Dave or something, always plotting something, but I want both of my sons happy. And I've only seen them truly happy when they are in each other's presence!" Burt ranted to his wife who placed a calming hand on his shoulder.

"I know, sweetheart. I want them happy too, and I agree with you. But we can't rush them into things. I just got Kurt to admit being in love with Blaine still, but we there's not much we can do. We have to let them figure things out on their own."

Burt let out a loud huff as he finished drying the last dishes and helped Carole put them back in the cupboards.

"I just hope they get their acts together soon. For everyone's sake. The sexual tension between them is killing me. It's even worse than what it was back during their High School years."

Carole laughed loudly. "Honey, you really sound like their friends right now. You've spent way too much time in their company."

"Not my fault every time we go to New York visit Blaine the two of them are there too. It's like we have five sons! The only difference is that two of them don't spend holidays with us."

"Come on, Burt. Calm down, and let's join the boys in the living room. And you know you love them." Carole chuckled at her husband's antics and led them both out of the kitchen.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Meanwhile in the living room Kurt and Blaine sat on the two couches not glancing at one another. Kurt turned on the TV and after a short debate over what to watch they settled on a reprise of American Next Top Model; an episode they both had already watched, but that was better than the awkward silence that had been filling the room until then.

The two made light conversation over the models on the screen, Kurt occasionally muttering about hideous clothing and Blaine chuckling over Kurt's words. Having watched with Kurt every new episode of ANTM when they lived together, Blaine knew exactly what to expect of the man, and Kurt's reactions still amused him, even after spending years apart. Under the pretense of grabbing a magazine off the coffee table which was nearer Kurt, Blaine stood and instead of returning to his seat, placed himself next to Kurt on the other couch. The chestnut haired man tensed a bit at this, and as Blaine was starting to get up, not wanting to make Kurt uncomfortable, and return to the other couch, Kurt relaxed a bit and turned to him attempting to make conversation, and willing his mind to think about others things non-related to his earlier conversation with Carole.

"So, Blaine, what do you usually do here during the holidays?"

Blaine set the unopened magazine back down and turned to face Kurt.

"Hum...I usually just spend time with Burt and Carole, and once Finn arrives he usually coaxes me to play video games with him. Even though we are both nearly in out thirties, that guy can really seem like a big child when video games are concerned. Sometimes other Warblers are around the area and we meet up. But basically, yeah, I spend time with your family."

Kurt nodded, not saying anything and they both turned back to the television.

Blaine senses that Kurt was a bit upset and questioned hesitatingly.

"It's it really okay with you Kurt? Me still maintaining close contact with your family?" Kurt turned sharply, shock evident on his face. It's just that you always seem tense and closed off whenever any of us mention me spending holidays with your family here in Ohio."

"Blaine! Where did you get that idea? Of course it's okay. I mean, it's a bit awkward for me, yes, but we were together for eight years. You became close to them during those years. It would be completely selfish of me to take that away from you just because things didn't work out between us. Especially with me knowing how things are between you and your family." Kurt took deep breath and continued. "Blaine, I promise you I'm not upset because you still talk to them. I know how much family means to you, and I'm happy that you have a family you can rely on and call yours if you want to. I'm just upset because your comment made it more real to me how much I've missed them and how little I've seen of them the past five years. I've been so busy with my work load and they don't celebrate Thanksgiving there, and I'm always so busy during Christmas and New Year's, it's been practically impossible for me to spend much time with my family, and it just hit me, you know? That you have spent way more time with them then I have. And I just realized I should have put a greater effort to see them more."

Blaine nodded eyes bright. "But that's the problem, Kurt. I've always wanted to call your family, my family. But I can't; your family is not mine. Not anymore. And I have been spending time with a family that I can't call mine and probably never will." He choked out, pain evident in his voice. He suddenly laughed a bitter laugh. "God, I've been so blind. What am I doing? Of course you are upset, and I'm just making you more upset. This is your family, not mine. I have no right to be here."

"Blaine!" Kurt suddenly shouted. "I don't know what is it with you today, but you know you are damn welcome here anytime. I'm pretty sure my dad made it very clear that you are part of this family, have been for years. No matter what happens with us, whether we never speak to each other again, whether we remain just friends, or whether we get back together, you will always be part of this family."

Kurt looked like he wanted to say more, but Burt and Carole chose that moment to enter. Upon seeing Blaine's face, eyes which were bright with tears, and both boys tense positions they started to backtrack.

"Boys, are we interrupting something? Did we enter at a bad time?" Carole asked gently, while Burt looked concerned.

"No, it's fine. You are not interrupting anything. If you will excuse me, I feel kind of tired. I think I'm going to head to bed early. Goodnight Burt, Carole." Blaine managed to compose himself enough to say. He got up and as he reached the stairs he turned back and glanced at Kurt whose eyes were filled with pain.

"Night, Kurt." He added softly before making his way upstairs. Kurt nodded and wiped a tear that was starting to stream down his cheek.

Burt and Carole glanced at each other worriedly. It was clear to them that they had interrupted something and clearly something important to them both if they were both so affected by the conversation. Burt turned to his son.

"Kurt? What happened?"

Kurt just shook his head, dodging the question still staring at the stairs where Blaine had disappeared. He took a deep breath and stood up heading towards the stairs.

"Not now, Dad. I'm tired too. I think I'm going to head up as well. Goodnight Dad, night Carole." He said with a choked voice and pain still evident in his expression. Carole just nodded while Burt stood there surprised at the turn of events. Things appeared to be going well at dinner, considering the circumstances.

"Okay, honey. I'm sure you must both be tired from your flight and you've got a busy day ahead of yourselves still. Night, sweetheart." Carole smiled slightly at her stepson and nudged Burt who jumped a bit and mumbled a goodnight to his son as well, assuring him that if needed anything he just had to call.

Kurt nodded and headed upstairs, leaving soft footsteps sound trailing behind him. On the living room space Burt and Carole were left looking at each other wondering what could have happened while they were in the kitchen that could have left both men so shaken to the point they'd need time apart and alone to recollect their thoughts.

Upstairs Kurt paused as he was about to enter his room, hearing muffled sobs coming from down the hall, namely the office, Blaine's temporary room. He sighed holding in his own tears. He knew that when Blaine said that he couldn't refer to Kurt's family as his, he was actually referring to their break up. Blaine's words were actually another way of he saying that he wanted to marry Kurt one day, officially becoming a part of Kurt's family. But that didn't happen. Now both men were left brokenhearted, once more, wondering when, and if, the pain would ever be completely gone. Spending so much time close to each other brought back countless memories to them of the time they used to spend together, and those memories, although many of them were happy memories, were still bittersweet. Kurt wiped his hand under his eyes catching a few tears that had made their way down his cheeks and went into his bedroom, shutting the door behind him. And while the two of them cried again over their breakup, the elder couple downstairs wondered what they could do to make things better for the ex-couple, knowing that there was nothing they could do, that Kurt and Blaine would have to sort things out themselves.