Sam coughed softly into the microphone before tapping it gently to test it was working. When the amp let out a noise so high pitched dogs were howling, he knew he’d gotten the attention of the entire restaurant.
“Uh, hey everyone” he chuckled trying to ignore the grumpy comments from several customers about the amp “Welcome to Hunter’s Kitchen’s world famous Open Mic Night!”
Rewarded with a round of applause from the patrons in the restaurant, Sam waved out at everyone before continuing. Standing up on the small stage Blaine had built in the corner by the window, Sam’s tall figure squeezed in beside a beautiful mahogany upright piano, stool, microphone and amp. With a couple lights set up, their stage was nothing special but it served its purpose when they decided to throw an Open Mic Night in their schedule.
“First up I would like to welcome my beautiful and amazingly talented wife Mercedes to the stage” he beamed as Mercedes made her way toward the stage “If you want to join in the fun, signup sheet is on the bar just talk to Hunter and he will slot you in”
The audience applauded once more as Mercedes placed a soft kiss on her husband’s cheek before taking his place on the small stage. With the help of Blaine’s good friend Alex on piano, Mercedes gave a beautiful performance of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’.
The performances continued on but none rivalling Mercedes smooth tones. There were a lot of talented people in Hunter’s Kitchen that night but there were also a lot that needed a few more lessons.
“How’s the sign ups going, bud?” Blaine asked his son with a smile as they crossed paths by the door to the kitchen. Happy to have his son help out that night, Blaine knew there was always someone looking out for Hunter making sure he was ok. Blaine was lucky to have an amazing staff that went out of their way for his little boy.
“It’s nearly full” Hunter beamed proud of himself for working so hard “Nikita is watching over it for a minute, I had to pee and I got kinda hungry” he giggled and followed Blaine into the kitchen where two burgers were waiting for them. Slipping back into the restaurant, they both needed a break and took the opportunity to watch a few of the performances. “Are you going to sing tonight Dad?”
“I don’t know if there’s going to be time” he chuckled
“I’m sure we can make time, you’re the boss”
“That I am” Blaine smiled as he and Hunter ate their dinner. Blaine had sung at just about every Open Mic Night that he’d held at the restaurant and it always felt so good to perform again. This time however, he just didn’t feel like it. He was still a little disappointed that Kurt had to stay in New York and was missing all this.
Sneaking a piece of cheesecake from the kitchen to share, neither Hunter nor Blaine really wanted to go back to work; they were enjoying the show too much. The pair either sang along with the performer or ridiculed how badly they were singing.
“Next up we have a classic from The Beatles sung by a Mr... Kurt Hummel” Nikita announced and the slim figure making his way onto the stage was welcomed with warm applause.
From the back of the restaurant, Hunter and Blaine almost dropped their spoons and looked at each other in shock. Neither of them knew Kurt was coming to DC and were both happily surprised to see him.

Yeah, I’ll tell you something
I think you’ll understand
When I’ll say that something
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand
I want to hold your hand

XXXXX

“That was incredible but what are you doing here?” Blaine gasped at Kurt once he’d made his way through the restaurant to where he and Hunter were sitting. “I thought you had to work”
“We got out early?” Kurt shrugged with a chuckle
“You got an early mark and so you decided to drive 4 hours to DC?”
“What can I say? Rehearsals didn’t go for as long as planned” he chuckled and pulled Hunter up into his arms and hugging him tight “Plus I kind of missed both of you... a lot”
“Both of us?” Hunter asked hopefully and Kurt nodded. The little boy saw how happy Kurt was around his Dad and how Blaine had warmed up to Kurt once again. Even if they were just friends, Hunter was glad to see his Dad happy again. “We missed you too”
“Why don’t you take a seat, I have to check on a few things but I’m sure I can score another piece of cheesecake out of the kitchen for you guys” Blaine smiled and held the chair out for Kurt waiting til he sat down before heading off to the kitchen. Making sure everything was running smoothly, Blaine managed to grab the last piece of cheesecake.
“Kurt’s here” Sam chuckled as he stopped Blaine at the door of the kitchen
“Kurt’s here”
“You can’t wipe that smile off your face” the blonde laughed happy to see his friend happy himself
“Kurt is here, Sam” Blaine smiled with a shrug as he pushed through the kitchen door. Looking over to where Hunter and Kurt were sitting, Blaine couldn’t help but smile at their interaction. This is what made Blaine happiest, to see Hunter laughing and smiling and knowing Kurt was the one causing those giggles. This is how it should have been; this is how Blaine wanted his life to happen from the start.
“That looks good” Kurt chuckled as Blaine set the piece of Blueberry Cheesecake down on the table along with two spoons.
“I’m full but you guys enjoy it” Hunter giggled as he jumped off his seat “I just have to go... do something”
“What are...” Blaine began but didn’t bother to finish his sentence because the seven year old was already half way across the restaurant “I’m confused”
“And now to welcome an exceptional young man to the stage” Nikita spoke through the microphone as everyone hushed “7 year old Hunter Anderson is here to perform a special piano piece with the help of Mr Fitzpatrick. Take it away Hunter”
“Uhm, hi” Hunter smiled out at the audience nervously. Placing a soft hand on the little boy’s shoulder, Mr Fitzpatrick told him not to be scared and that they knew this song back to front and back again. “Sometimes I wonder if my Dad knows any other songs but this one so this is for you Dad”
Blaine’s heart caught in his throat as the first few notes echoed through the restaurant. The young father did his best not to cry as he watched his son on stage.