It took a month.
A month before Kurt finished up his run of his show and said goodbye to New York, another month until Blaine was comfortable with him moving into the apartment, a month until they had sex for the first time in 7 years, another month and Hunter let ‘Papa’ slip and at the end of another month was the little boy’s eighth birthday.
While Blaine offered Hunter special birthday activities like taking his friends rock climbing or bike riding, the little boy always wanted a party at the restaurant with all his family and friends. The invite list grew a little this year with Burt, Carole, Finn and Rachel joining in the celebration.
Burt was probably most excited about spending this birthday with his grandson. The first of many, he was glad to have his family back together again and to have his son happier than he’d ever seen him before.
“This place looks great, thank you Kurt” Blaine smiled as he wrapped his arm around Kurt’s waist. Standing by the bar, they were both admiring Kurt’s bright decorations and all the happy kids dancing around.
“Anything for Hunter” he insisted “I want this birthday to be one to remember”
“It already is” Blaine smiled and turned to face Kurt. Taking his hands, he linked their fingers together squeezing gently “My son has always been a bright and happy child but that bubbly personality has just multiplied with you around. This is how I always wanted it”
“This is how it’s going to stay”
Blaine brought Kurt closer and pressed their lips together softly. He wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with his beautiful little family. The last three months in particular had been better than before Kurt left. They were building the best possible future for their family.
“Papa come play!” Hunter called from where he and his friends were getting ready to play ‘Pass the Parcel’. Peking a quick kiss to Blaine’s cheek, Kurt made his way over to help the kids. Blaine watched on with a fond smile before refilling the candy bowls and making sure there was enough food for everyone.
As Blaine laid out more fairy bread and fruit skewers on the top of the bar, a figure coming through the door caught his attention. Blaine’s breath caught in his throat as Austin made his way toward the bar with a box wrapped in superhero paper.
“Hi Blaine”
“Austin, what are you doing here?”
Austin held the present out for Blaine to take as if it answered his question “I wouldn’t miss his birthday”
“I thought you moved back to Dallas” Blaine sighed softly really not in the mood to deal with this today.
“I did but I came back to see Hunter”
“It’s Annie’s birthday this weekend too isn’t it?” the young father chuckled remembering that Austin’s niece’s birthday was only a couple days before Hunter’s. Blaine knew Hunter couldn’t be the only reason Austin came back. It definitely wasn’t for Blaine himself, he knew that.
“I’d like to see Hunter”
“Wasn’t it you that said a clean break was for the best?” Blaine shrugged “Hunter is having fun with his friends; I’ll let him know who the present came from”
“That’s not fair Blaine...”
“I appreciate the present and the thought but what’s not fair to my son is putting through any more change and confusion. I have put him through enough since Christmas, he’s settled now”
“Is he... Is he happy now?” Austin asked softly. He still adored that little boy and all he wanted was for him to be happy.
Blaine nodded “He is. He’s doing well at school, Mr Fitzpatrick is helping him with his piano and Kurt’s teaching him to sing”
“So Kurt...” Austin began until he realised Kurt was actually in the restaurant. Peering over to the other side of the room, he could see Kurt talking to Sam and Mercedes while the kids played ‘Pass the Parcel’ “As long as he’s good to you and Hunter. After everything he did, he needs to know how lucky he is”
Blaine nodded as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. He was thankful that Austin wasn’t picking a fight but it was hard for Blaine to see him. The clean break had been just what they needed and now that they were in front of each other, Blaine was struggling. If having Austin here was having this effect on Blaine, he couldn’t imagine how Hunter would react.
“I should get back to the party. Take care of yourself Austin” Blaine smiled weakly and picked up the present before making his way over to stack it with the many others.
Kurt had been watching Blaine and Austin’s interaction ready to step in if need be. He didn’t expect it to escalate into an argument but he wanted to support Blaine if he needed it. Noticing Austin watch Hunter once Blaine walked away, Kurt knew the young doctor still cared for the little boy.
Kurt picked up a candy bag slipping away from the party and followed Austin out of the restaurant. “Austin!” he called out as he jogged toward the doctor. He handed him the candy bag with a smile “Hunter wanted you to have this. Thank you for coming by”
Austin took the bag fiddling with the tag before looking up at Kurt “Blaine is a good man and you’re very lucky to be given this chance. Don’t screw it up”
“Those two are my whole world; I’m going to spend the rest of my life making them happy”
“Good”
Kurt bid Austin farewell before making his way back into the restaurant. Heading toward Blaine, he pressed a soft kiss to his boyfriend’s temple.
“Where’d you go?” Blaine asked curiously
“Just wanted to make peace” he smiled and wrapped an arm around Blaine’s waist pulling him closer “I love you, Blaine”
“I love you too”