"I'm really in the wrong business if I don't like going to Los Angeles all that often" Blaine laughed over the phone as he began dropping ball of cookie dough onto a baking tray. The young father got home from his business trip yesterday only to find out there was a fundraiser happening at Nate's school. His fourth grade class were in charge of the bake sale. The information sheet had been at the bottom to the ten year old's backpack for two weeks before it emerged the day before the fundraiser.
"I can't say I've ever been but other than seeing all the amazing gowns at the Oscars up close, there's no real draw for me" Kurt chuckled. Finishing his shift at the hospital, the young doctor was ready to go home and just relax. "Was this a particularly bad trip?"
"Not in so many words, it was just exhausting. The record company want me to make the title track of the next album a song I didn't write nor have I even heard it"
"You write all your own music don't you?"
"I try to. I've done a lot of great collaborations and cover songs but never someone else's original" he shrugged "That's just me"
"That's completely understandable" Kurt insisted "I remember having to sing an original song written by a good friend of mine back in high school. It was a good song but it was hard to make a connection to her lyrics"
"That's what I told them and so they threw all the cover songs I've done in my face"
Kurt chuckled softly at how worked up Blaine was getting. He could understand Blaine's point of view and it was good to hear him to passionate about his work "But you choose your covers because you can relate to those lyrics"
"Have you ever thought about giving up medicine and becoming a suit at a recording label? I'd love to work with you over some of these door knobs" Blaine laughed before excusing himself for a moment. Putting the phone down, he slid the two trays of cookies into the oven and set the timer "Sorry, just had to get the cookies in the oven" he chuckled as he picked up the phone.
"You bake?" the doctor chuckled curiously wrapping his coat tighter around his slim form as he walked toward the subway station.
"I like to bake but I only really get to do it a couple times a year. I always bake a cake for Nate's birthday and the pumpkin pie at Christmas is my speciality" Blaine laughed "I'm hopeless at just about everything else cooking related but yes I can bake"
"Excuse me, the meal you cooked me last week was great"
"You're lying because I was hopeless"
"I thought it was nice but you can always try again. I love nothing more than someone to cook me dinner especially after a hard day at work" Kurt smiled as he descended the stairs of the subway. He was going home to his empty house and ordering in because he really didn't have the energy to cook for himself.
"Come over tonight then" Blaine suggested "Once these cookies are done Nate should be back from band practice. I mean it's only Spaghetti Bolognese but you're more than welcome to join us"
"Really?"
"Of course, I'd love to see you and I cook spaghetti much better than green curry"
"I'm on my way" Kurt smiled as he transferred station platforms to one that would take him down to Blaine's Tribeca apartment. "Can I bring anything?"
"Just yourself. I'll have a glass of red wine waiting for you"
"You're an Angel"
Hanging up the phone, Blaine checked on the cookies before making sure he had enough ingredients to make another portion for dinner. He'd mastered the art of cooking for two after so long with it being just him and Nate. Blaine had dated in the past but none usually wanted a quiet night in with a kid, they preferred the attention of the media that constantly followed Blaine.
Blaine pulled the cookies from the oven fifteen minutes later just as the door bell echoed through the apartment. Racing to the door, he opened it to Marilyn who was dropping Nate off. Mother of Nate's best friend Austin, Marilyn did Blaine a huge favour every week by bringing the boy home after band practice.
"Thank you again Marilyn" Blaine smiled as Nate skipped past his father clutching his violin case. "I greatly appreciate the help"
"You don't have to thank me so profusely every time I drop him off, it's my pleasure" she chuckled "I see you're getting your baking done for tomorrow? Smells great"
"They're just chocolate chip cookies. If I'd had more notice I might have put more thought into it"
"Austin didn't tell me about it til a few days ago as well. He thought a bake sale was too girly for them so the cupcakes I'm sending with him tomorrow are all pink"
"That's genius, mean but genius" Blaine laughed noticing Marilyn check the time "Thank you again for bringing Nate home"
"Anytime" she smiled and headed back down the hallway as Blaine shut the door "Nate? Could you come back out here please?"
The ten year old came back out from his bedroom and took a seat on the couch next to his father "What did I do wrong?"
"Nothing" the young father laughed "Do you remember what I talked to you about when I got back from LA? About me spending time with Kurt?"
Nate nodded remembering their conversation. Sitting the ten year old down once he got back from his business trip, Blaine told him about the times he'd spent with Kurt and that they were getting to know one another. Nate was a smart kid and understood what was going on, he was just happy to see his Dad so happy himself.
"I've invited Kurt over for dinner tonight" he continued "I know you know him as the doctor that fixed your wrist but I'd like you to get to know him more"
"Be nice and no funny business" Nate chanted like he'd heard the phrase time and time again. Honestly he had heard it quite a number of times. Whenever he had to meet a new person whether it be a prospective boyfriend of his father's or a record executive, Nate was always told to be on his best behaviour.
"It's more than that with Kurt. Just be yourself, not the act you put on sometimes"
"I don't know what you're talking about" the younger Anderson smirked causing his father to nudge him sharply "Ok"
Blaine pulled his son into gentle hug and pressed a kiss to his chocolate curls. Whenever Nate got around people he wasn't comfortable with, he turned into a different kid. Sometimes he would stay quiet, play his video game and only look up when spoken to, other times he figured out how to pull the perfect prank. The pranks were usually saved for potential boyfriends or friends Nate knew were only there for his father's fame. He just wasn't the bright, bubbly kid he usually was. "Go wash up and change, Kurt will be here soon"
Nate did as he was told and made his way back to his bedroom. Appreciative of his son's understanding, Blaine headed into the kitchen to start dinner. Humming nothing in particular, Blaine got to work making sure every step of the recipe was perfect. He'd screwed up Spaghetti many times in the past and prayed to every possible God he could think of to not get this one wrong.
Blaine was taken by surprise when the doorbell rang a short time later. Looking down at his clothes he realised that he hadn't even considered changing before Kurt arrived. Dressed in a simple pair of jeans, polo and sweater, the young singer had no time to freak out about how it could be too casual. Making his way to the door, he at least smoothed his hands over his shirt before opening the door.
"Hi" Kurt smiled
"Hi" Blaine returned as he took a step toward the doctor and pressed a soft kiss to his full, pink lips. Returning the kiss, melting into Blaine's touch, Kurt pulled back and reminded him of the child in the apartment "He's still in his room"
"Just wasn't sure" he chuckled as Blaine led him into the apartment and taking his coat. As they made their way into the kitchen, Blaine handed Kurt the glass of red wine he promised. "Just what I needed"
"Bad day?"
Kurt shook his head "Just thankful it's over and I'm here with you"
"Flattery will get you everywhere Dr Hummel" Blaine smirked and moved around the island toward Kurt only to catch a glimpse of Nate entering the room "Hey bud, you remember Kurt?"
"Hey Dr K" Nate smiled and took a seat on the stool by the island.
"Please just call me Kurt"
"Will that get this cast of my arm faster?"
"Nate..." Blaine warned as he stirred the sauce
Kurt laughed softly shaking his head "I'm sorry Nate, I wish I could"
The ten year old nodded silently as his shoulders slumped. It was worth a try.
"You haven't got long til it does come off though" the doctor continued wondering if he'd said something to upset the little boy. Watching the interaction, Blaine could see Nate turning on his act.
"Hey Nate do you want to make your famous Garlic Bread to go with dinner?" Blaine suggested lightly wanting to get the little boy out of his funk. Nate hopped off the stool and walked to the fridge to get what he needed. Blaine stopped him and tilted his chin up gently "Hey, no act. Please?"
"Ok, sorry"
Blaine pressed a soft kiss to his son's forehead whispering a soft thank you. Helping him get the rest of the ingredients, Blaine set Nate up at the counter to make the Garlic Bread. Kurt shot the young father a questioning look but Blaine simply shook his head, everything was ok.
"Are you going to tell Kurt how to make your famous recipe, Nate?"
"A chef never reveals his secrets" Nate laughed. Just from the sly smile on his face, Blaine knew his Nate was back "It's a special family recipe"
"If we told you, we might have to kill you" Blaine chuckled and nudged his giggling son gently "We don't want to have to kill you so it's better you don't know"
Kurt agreed that his not knowing was for the best. He watched the two Anderson boys finish up everything for their dinner. Grateful to be sharing a meal with their little family, Kurt loved watching the father and son interact. Asserting his authority rarely, the pair worked together in perfect harmony.
"Kurt, this is the part where you have to close your eyes" Nate chuckled a little while later as he was almost finished with the bread "You can't see the secret ingredient"
"Ok" the doctor laughed and set down his wine before closing his eyes. Nate wasn't satisfied that Kurt was completely blind and asked his father to cover Kurt's eyes. Rising up on his toes slightly, Blaine covered Kurt's eyes. He pressed a quick kiss to the back of the doctor's ear causing him to shiver
"Bada bing, bada boom" the young boy giggled as he sprinkled his Grandma's special herb blend over the bread before quickly hiding the jar and giving the all clear. Blaine reluctantly stepped away from Kurt, nudging his hip gently before picking up the tray of bread and sliding it into the oven.
"Perfect, now Nate could you please set the table for me?" Blaine asked as he pulled three plates from the cupboard and placed three sets of cutlery on top.
"Are you going to let me do anything?" Kurt laughed as Nate walked out of the kitchen.
"You're the guest and as host, I cannot let my guest lift a finger"
"Always the gentleman, huh?"
"I try" Blaine smirked and pecked a quick kiss to Kurt's lips. He couldn't help but smile at the faint taste of red wine.
"You could have put more energy into that" Nate smirked, walking back into the kitchen just as Blaine kissed Kurt. "Even when they kiss on cartoons it's better than that"
Shell shocked, Blaine couldn't believe what his son had said nor could he believe how Kurt was laughing in that moment. "Thank you Nathaniel for that advice"
"You're welcome" he chuckled as he picked up the drinking glasses and skipped back out of the kitchen
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry about him, I don't know where that came from"
Kurt laughed and squeezed Blaine's hand gently "It's ok but I have to admit, he's kinda right"
"Is he now?" Blaine smirked as he wrapped one arm around Kurt's waist, the other behind his neck and dipped him before leaning down for a passionate kiss. Letting their lips massage against one another, the pair got lost in the moment pulling away at the sound of applause.
"That's more like it" Nate laughed as Blaine brought them upright again "Now if you guys will just get a room I'd rather not see my lunch again."
"Well aren't you just Mr Cheeky tonight?" the young father chuckled as he pulled the bread from the oven and put it into a basket. Handing it to his son, he instructed him to go wash his hands again before they ate.
"He's a little fire cracker isn't he?" Kurt smiled as he took the bowl of pasta from Blaine and followed him into the dining room.
"Just one of the many traits he inherited from his mother. You would know, Quinn had a quick wit and a sharp tongue when she wanted to"
"Oh yes, that's for sure. You can definitely see a lot of her in Nate"
"And I'm thankful for that every day"
"Thankful for what?" Nate asked as he came into the room and planted himself down in his usual seat. Kurt and Blaine joined him sitting across the small round table from the ten year old. "Thankful for what?" he asked again when Blaine didn't answer.
"Thankful that however cheeky, you're a great kid who is growing up with more and more of your mother's personality every day"
"That's a good thing right?"
Kurt chuckled softly "The best thing. I actually knew your Mom back in high school. You've got her mischievous side". Kurt told an intrigued Nate different stories about his Mom as they ate. The young boy loved nothing more than to hear stories about his Mom and what she was like. It made him sad to know he'd never get to know his Mom but from all the new stories Kurt was telling, Nate knew Quinn was the beautiful soul his Dad spoke so fondly of every night before bed.

XXXXX

"I think maybe its time we call it a night, bud" Blaine suggested as he nudged his son awake once again. The trio had moved their conversation to the couch after dinner and after countless memories told, it was way past Nate's bedtime.
"Just one more story" the ten year old begged
"How about I tell you more next time I come over?" Kurt insisted with a smile. He'd had such a great night seeing Nate's face just light up at any mention of his Mom.
"Can Kurt come over again tomorrow, Dad? Please?" Nate giggled before he yawned loudly. Blaine insisted bed time once again with the ten year old finally giving in this time. Following his son to his bedroom, Blaine tucked him in and thanked him for being so good that night. He made his way back into the loungeroom picking up the bottle of wine on his way. Filling up his and Kurt's glasses, sitting down beside the doctor. "Thank you for tonight"
"I should be the one thanking you. Dinner was great and Nate is such a great kid" Kurt smiled as he took a sip of wine. Resting into Blaine's side, Kurt let out a deep breath. He'd had a great night with Blaine and Nate and could see more of these nights happening in the future. "Thank you for inviting me over tonight"
"The first of many I hope" the singer smiled as he closed the gap between them, taking in everything about Kurt before kissing him gently.