A weekend in Lima had turned out to be exactly what the doctor ordered, for all involved. It's calm and relaxing, and all phones and electronic devices are switched off and only turned on once a day to check for emergencies.

Santana knows how to contact them if things turn pear shaped and if it's vital but had promised that she wouldn't let it get to that. And even though Jes had stared at them with bright blue watery eyes and Blaine had thought for a fleeting moment that Kurt was going to produce some designer pet carry case and take him along for the journey, the little cat had been left behind with aunt San.  

Sam had joined them for the trip and after greeting Burt warmly at the airport on Friday afternoon, had taken a cab back to his family's house to surprise them for the weekend.

Friday night dinner with the Hummel's was spent down in what they call the den- a room with no windows, lit up with warm lamps, huge comfy sofas and a wide screen hanging from the wall- and was a lovely mixture of take-out, movies and Pictionary.

The Hummel's home is beautiful, residing in a quiet neighbourhood, large and spacious but still homely. It's obvious how much money has been invested in the interior design and the build of the house, but as modern as it is, Blaine can still see the slight traditional touches that Burt and Carole have added.

Their house is surrounded by a seven foot beige bricked wall with a security gate out front. All windows of the house are double glazed and each door leading to the outside has a safety catch. The house is alarmed and it's pretty difficult for any unwanted guests to make their way on to the premises.

It may seem a little over the top but it's a precaution that Kurt had insisted on taking to protect not only his privacy but Burt and Carole's as well. Even their cars are like monstrous armoured machines with blacked out windows.

Lima may be a small town sort of place but there are still people who are pretty un-accepting and maybe a little crazy. Because Burt didn't want to leave Lima because of his business here and the obvious attachment of Finn's memory, these were the terms and conditions to accept if he wanted to carry on living here after Kurt became wealthy and well known and super successful.   

Blaine loves how comfortable he feels in Burt and Carole's home, it's kind of like he was almost supposed to always be there with them, like he's been missing out on this for all of this time. It's weird but he can't quite shake that feeling.

What is even more odd and amazing is that Kurt- who hasn't been back here for many years up until recently- doesn't act like there's been any difference or change at all. What ever rift there had been seems to have settled and both Kurt and his father understand and respect each other's feeling on the matter.

Burt seems ecstatic to have his boy back in his life, Carole is overjoyed to have him around more and have Blaine in tow, and Kurt just seems so normal and relaxed, like he's not this hot headed CEO/designer.

He will openly hold Blaine's hand in short brief intervals in front of his father, or affectionately touch his shoulder or absentmindedly tickle the back of his neck whilst emerged in deep conversation. Or in the kitchen whilst Carole is trying to demonstrate how to replicate her awesome cheesecake, Kurt will have no problem in referencing some sweet stories from their time in the kitchen together back in New York.

Blaine revels in it, revels in the feeling of having Kurt like this, so pure and turned off from the normal hectic lifestyle he leads, with no qualms or cares, or prying eyes and ears around. And Blaine is not too proud to admit that he loves the fact that he has a hand in it, he has helped Kurt get here to this place. Not just Lima, but this place in his life, where he feels comfortable and confident enough to do as he pleases, and be himself. Blaine feels giddy with it all.

And let's not forget to add the fact that even though Blaine had been perfectly prepared to stay in the guest room during their stay- because he is proper and a gent- Carole had shushed him and Burt had grumbled something about being consenting adults, and therefore Blaine found himself wrapped up in Kurt's arms in his Lima bedroom. That was pretty awesome and fulfilling too.   

On Saturday morning whilst Kurt follows Carole about the house helping with chores, and preparing for brunch and generally chewing each other's ears off about anything and everything, Burt takes Blaine to his work shop.

It's a little chilly out but the sun is still beaming brightly, so the beanie, big woolly scarf and pair of dark sunglasses that Blaine is wearing as a sort of disguise seems pretty rational.

Kurt could have came along too, but it may have been too risky. Kurt would have been instantly recognised by Burt's employee's and although they all understand and respect the privacy needed for Burt's son, word would have somehow spread anyway.

It's not even that Kurt has a problem with meeting people who recognise him or follow his work, it's just that on this occasion and after their pretty manic and very public summer of events, Kurt just wants to stay on the down low.

Burt's workshop is impressive and much different to the little garage that Kurt had told Blaine about when he used to help his dad back here all those years ago. Kurt had obviously given his father the money needed to reinvent the place, extend it and modernize all of the interior and equipment. There's a large row of glass panelled rooms towards the back of the shed, behind the car skeletons and units and shelves of power tools, and after Blaine peers inside he can see that they're offices, rest and break rooms, all kitted out with some pretty fancy stuff.

Burt leaves Blaine to wander around a little, once satisfied that the only people in here right now wont recognise or bug him too much, whilst he goes and deals with Terry. Terry is Burt's deputy and right hand man, who right now seems to have a converted engine brought in that morning that just won't start.

They had only called in for Blaine to have a quick look around and for Burt to pick up some documents he needed to peruse, on their way to the store to get some stuff needed for dinner that night.

And secretly Blaine knows how proud of this place Burt is, and if it was important enough for him to invite Blaine along to see it, then doesn't that just make Blaine's chest pound a little harder, and cause a frenzy in his stomach.

In the corner of the shop beside the front desk where enquiries and payments are made there is a large stand and Blaine recognises it immediately. He tucks his glasses into the pocket of his coat and smiles as he looks down at all of Kurt's mechanic gear and merchandise hanging proudly from the rails and hooks.

“Hey, I know you, your Blaine right, Kurt's fella?” Blaine turns to his side, a little startled and sees a bright smiling face, only a few feet away, beaming back at him.

“I'm Terry's son, Nate.” The owner of the voice with dark brown short ruffled hair and a scruffy unkempt beard holds his oil smeared hand out to Blaine. He seems around Blaine's age, maybe a bit younger.

“Oh um yeah, I'm Blaine. Hi Nate, nice to meet you.” Blaine takes his hand, Nate smiles shakes it and then pulls back his hand to give Blaine a shoulder slap.

“It's nice to see you around here dude, it's a shame Kurt can't come but I know why, but you know it's great that you're here and it's also great that you got Kurt and Burt talking again, and Kurt seems more like himself again.”

Oh. Blaine starts shaking his head, his cheeks blushing slightly, he's not quite sure what to say, but he's grateful for the guy, he seems genuine. Blaine drops his head with a shy smile and his gaze automatically drops to the guy's coveralls.

The fabric looks thin but strong and resistant, the colour is a deep navy with delicate black stitching along the seams, and on the right hand side chest pocket the guy's name is sewed on followed by the name of Burt's shop and then ending with a tiny little logo- Kurt's design logo.

“Nate, stop bothering my buddy here and go help your old man would ya?” Burt's amused booming voice calls out from the back of the shop as he strides forward, a stack of papers in his hand. Nate chuckles and starts walking away towards Burt after giving Blaine a friendly nod and another shoulder slap.

“Was just making friends Boss.” He says as he passes Burt and ducks out of the way of the playful swat aimed in his direction.

Nate stops, turns and calls out before completely vanishing out of sight “See ya Blaine it was good to meet ya and hope to see ya around here soon, hopefully with K too. You're doing a great job, you people are making a real difference around here.” And then he's gone as Burt finally gets to Blaine with a weary look.

You people. Huh.

Once back in Burt's car after buckling up and heading out of the lot onto the road towards the grocery store, Burt fiddles with the car radio buttons, turns it on, switches the station to a sports commentary channel and then lowers the volume. He clears his throat a little as he checks the mirrors and indicates left.

“Um Nate's a good kid, he and his dad have been working for me for years, they're both loyal, great mechanics and a heep load of fun.” Blaine looks across at Burt from the passenger seat and smiles, nodding his understanding. He's not quite sure where this is coming from or what he should say. Burt plays with the bill of the cap on his head and continues. “He uh- he came to help out after we um, we lost Finn and then when Kurt left.”

Blaine opens his mouth, his eyes softening with sadness as he looks at Burt's side profile, he doesn't quite know what to say. He closes his mouth and bows his head a little.

“He knows everything, Nate. All of what Kurt and I have been through, and of course what Carole has had to go through with us by her side. He tries, tries real hard, maybe too hard.” Burt chuckles a bit and Blaine smiles with him, helpless to do much else. “I uh, I campaigned for some stuff you know, years ago, stuff that was/is important to Kurt. Saving the Arts in schools, healthier hospital menus, marriage equality…that sorta stuff you know.”

Ah. You people. Of course.

Blaine smiles, relaxing back into his seat enough to chuckle a bit. At least some people are trying to help make a change and change with the world. Burt laughs with him, confident that Blaine has got the message he was trying to put across. “Now, the kid walks around wearing my Rainbow pin and thinking that he's the people's advocate. His heart's in the right place.”

Blaine nods and smiles, “Good for him, that's great. Really great actually. It's nice to have people like that on our side.”

“He's right though,” Burt continues, a little lost in thought, his voice a little low. “I don't know exactly what it was he was trying to say to you, but he's right, it is great having you around you know, part of the family and all.”

Burt finishes stiffly but warmly, his gaze shifting slightly from the road ahead to where Blaine is subtly trying to compose himself and keep his unshed tears at bay.

The ride to the store is light and easy filled with tales and jokes from the garage. Blaine shares his barely there future plans for starting on his own personal projects and then fills Burt in on the ‘parent appropriate' events of his and Kurt's time in England.

“What made you so special? I've been waiting for an invite to that place for years.” Burt teases with a chuckle as he pulls into the store's small parking lot and gets out, leaving Blaine in the car, for security purposes.

*

The rest of Saturday is spent in a lovely chilled out manner. Burt and Blaine watch a game in the TV room whilst Kurt leans into Blaine's side on the couch and reads a magazine, tutting and huffing at random articles.

Carole sits in a rocking chair adjacent to them and rocks softly as she tries to thread a ripped seam in an old blouse back together. Kurt coaches her through it every now and then, sometimes sitting up staring at her and blurting out, “Just let me give you a new one, it's just a blouse.”

“No, it's my favourite.”

“A new one could be your favourite.”

Blaine smiles as the two bicker playfully and doesn't miss Burt's contented sigh from over in his arm chair as he sips at his ginger ale.

That evening Burt and Carole are forced to sit at the dining table and allow themselves to be waited on while Kurt and Blaine dance around each other in the kitchen and prepare and serve dinner.

“They're really something, aren't they?” Carole muses, tapping her foot against Burt's under the table and smirking as she side eyes the open kitchen doorway.

Kurt's giggle rises in pitch and carries over the sound of clanging pots and pans, mixed with the sounds and smells of something bubbling over on the stove and Blaine's boyish outcries of laughter.

“Yeah, they are.” Burt takes her hand over the table top and smiles back, “they really are, I hope they stay like that.” He adds quietly.

“Like what?”

“Like them. I hope that Blaine stays around so that Kurt will always be this Kurt. I've never known him more content. It's true that money really can't buy happiness.”

“I'm proud of him.” She says softly.

“Me too hon, me too.”  

Carole squeezes his hand, offers a teary smile and looks up just as Kurt glides into the room, a tray of freshly baked bread rolls in his hand and a suspicious look on his face as he eyes them, with Blaine hot on his heels carrying a serving dish of vegetables.

The conversation around the dinner table ranges from the many various sightings of Kurt and Blaine's city whereabouts, to how Burt and Carole met all of those years ago, to swapping and sharing fond stories of Finn and how he and Kurt were like an odd half version of Bert and Ernie.

By the time the night almost draws to a close and the dishes have been cleared away, they're back in the den with bottles of beer and glasses of wine. Carole is sitting on the floor on an oversized cushion between Burt's legs, fingering the cushion's tassels and moaning about how Kurt and Blaine should have brought Jester with them.

Blaine and Kurt are sitting side by side on the couch, pressed up close but obviously still trying to remain as modest as possible, even though every now and then Burt catches Kurt quickly giving Blaine's thigh a light squeeze, and tries to carry on his current rant about day time soap operas but can't help but smirk at his son.

When Carole yawns for the fifth time consecutively, Burt pulls her to her feet and after sleepy goodnight hugs all around, leads her out of the room and to the staircase.

Kurt waits until he hears the door leading to the staircase distantly opening and closing again and then he turns and pushes Blaine back into the couch cushions, their lips connecting immediately.

Blaine laughs whilst trying to kiss back as much as he's receiving them, winding his arms around Kurt's back and pulling him fully on top of him, their legs tangling and bodies shifting to accommodate the other.

After a short while of lazily trading kisses and soft nips in the empty quiet, as close to G rated as possible -or at least PG- Kurt pulls down a blanket from the back of the couch and covers their still clothed bodies from toe to shoulder, as they lie holding each other, their socked feet rubbing together.

And to Kurt's utter humiliation, that's how Carole finds them the next morning as she coo's and aah's over them with waiting mugs of coffee.

*

The plan for Sunday is for Cooper who had made it back from LA yesterday, to come and pick Kurt and Blaine up from Burt and Carole's and take them to he and Blaine's parent's house in Westerville for lunch. Burt would then come and collect them later that afternoon to drop them back off at the airport.

For the first official introduction, Blaine feels that a few hours are fairly substantial and staying the night just wasn't going to be an option this time. Next time, yes definitely, maybe.

It's a nice late morning out, a little cool but dry and bright. Carole perches on her knees in old gardening clothes out on the front lawn, digging at some weeds, whilst Burt walks around with a huge pair of sharp sheers, threatening to cut into some wayward bushes.

Blaine and Kurt watch them amusedly whilst sitting on the swinging sofa, from the safety of the front sheltered porch, waiting for Cooper to arrive.

“Are you nervous?” Blaine asks quietly, stilling Kurt's jiggling leg against his knee.

Blaine would never make Kurt do anything that he didn't want to do, he would gently encourage and nudge him into persuasion because he's Blaine and that's what he does, but he wouldn't force Kurt into anything.

But Kurt had agreed to it. Sitting down on their shower seat, with his eyes so wide and clear and sparkling, his cheeks covered with a rush of heat, and his pink wet lips half way around Blaine's cock, he had simply said. “Like I said, anything for you.” 

And then Blaine had immediately came down his throat.

Blaine knows that Kurt is slightly uncomfortable about this, not because he's unsure about meeting Blaine's family, he's just unsure about everything about this situation in general. As much as Kurt has matured and developed in many areas since meeting Blaine, he's still Kurt. His lovely yet awkward and stubborn Kurt.

Kurt smiles weakly over at him and nods, nudging their knees together as he kicks them off into another swing. “A little, but I'm alright. How are you?”

“I'm excited you're going to meet them, it means a lot, but I honestly don't know what to expect, I mean you already know what Cooper's like-”

As if on cue a black dated sports type car with tinted windows pulls up to the curb outside the gate with a screech of tires and it's horn blaring rather annoyingly.

The driver's side window rolls down and hip hop music pours out into the quiet street, until it's turned down and a voice calls out to them, “Mr and Mr NYC's Hottest?  Your love carriage awaits you.”

*

The car ride from Lima to Westerville is nothing short of hilarious. Blaine couldn't really expect anything less, and is only glad that Kurt is laughing with Cooper rather than cringing at him.

It actually makes Blaine feel a little lighter, like the first hurdle is over. Even though Kurt and Cooper vaguely and distantly know of each other anyway, they're getting on quite spectacularly and nobody's will to live or self esteem is left hanging in the balance.

By the time they're winding up the Anderson's grand driveway, Kurt is laughing and blushing at Cooper's blatant obvious attempts at scoring a job. Blaine smiles away, listening to them with his hand curled around Kurt's discreetly between them whilst looking out of the window toward the large house coming into view.

Cooper parks up in a paved parking spot right outside of the house. He jumps out, flicks open the back door where Blaine is sitting and heads straight towards the house.

“Thanks Coop,” Blaine mutters quietly whilst smiling. He gives Kurt's hand one last reassuring squeeze and after having a quick look out of the window quickly ducks in and places a chaste kiss to Kurt's cheek. 

They climb out of the car together, their hands clasped tightly as they take small steps forward.

“Welcome lovebirds to The Anderson's abode.” Cooper calls out from up front, waving his car key in the air whilst central locking it with a beep and a flash of the headlights.

The house is probably the same size as Burt and Carole's but it just looks fancier, like the house is trying really hard to keep up appearances or something. It's red brick with white pillars holding up the triangular arched entrance porch with a few steps leading up to it.

Blaine isn't quite sure what he's expecting, maybe some sort of a fanfare awaiting them outside but is actually rather glad when he realises that his family (except Cooper, of course) have actually taken on board his request for a low key arrival. They're already inside the house making their way down the hallway before their arrival is acknowledged.

Inside everything is decorated in dark deep greens and rich reds, with hardwood shiny floors and the distinct smell of furniture polish. It's lovely and neat and clean, but it screams out that this is a house with a middle aged couple and no children, children who were sent to boarding schools and had no time to create memories here.

Cooper makes his way straight into kitchen which is mostly made up of stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops with black and white marble tiles and flagstones. There must be some sort of spread out on the table because Cooper immediately starts digging in, with his mouth full he shouts back out through the hall, “Oh my god, you guys should come in and try this, this quiche is amazing.”

Kurt giggles as Blaine shakes his head, leading him through to the kitchen when a figure hops out into the hallway in front of them from one of the side rooms. “Cooper are you back? Are they here? Get that out of your mouth right now, where are your manners?”

Blaine's mom, or the lady who Kurt assumes to be Blaine's mom –she has to be with those eyes and skin tone- fluffs out her dark hair, and straightens out her nice pleated cardigan, as she turns to them smiling brightly.

“Oh darling there you are-” Blaine is pulled from Kurt's grasp and into his moms arms, laughing and patting at her back as he goes.

He pulls back, turns to Kurt and with a proud look, a small grin and gleaming eyes, he says, “Mom, this is Kurt, Kurt Hummel, but you already knew that.” He huffs out an awkward laugh and in the distance Cooper can be heard laughing around a mouthful of something or other. 

Mrs Anderson turns to Kurt, holds out a hand towards him and ducks her head gracefully as if he's Royalty or something. “Lovely to meet you Kurt. Finally.” She says politely.

Her face is a picture when Kurt steps forward, takes her offered hand and drops a chaste kiss to the back of it. “Like wise Mrs Anderson, thank you for inviting me here. Your home is very beautiful.”  

“Oh please call me Rey.” She blushes, whilst Blaine smirks, looking between the two of them.

I know mom, I know what it's like to meet him for the first time.

“Where's dad?” He interjects when he realizes that both his mom and Kurt are now just staring at each other, smiling nicely but awkwardly.

“Right here boy.” A voice comes from the staircase beside them, they all look to see a pair of tan suede house slippers stepping down, revealing a pair of brown cord clad legs.

“Hey dad, what's up?”  Blaine smiles, stepping forward as Mr Anderson reaches the ground and steps off of the stairs towards them. They reach out to hug each other at the same time, and as they embrace, he peers over Blaine's shoulder to glance at Kurt.

“Hey son,” He says, still looking intently at Kurt. “And you must be the wonderful Kurt,” he adds stepping away from Blaine and over to Kurt with a hand outstretched like Rey had done.

“Dad-” Blaine says in a warning tone, though he's not quite sure why because his father is actually being perfectly nice. Kurt steps out takes his hand and they shake firmly and friendly.

“That's me, nice to meet you Mr Anderson, like I've just told your wife here, thank you for having me here today.”

Mr Anderson stands back, wrapping an arm around Rey's shoulders who is still smiling, and Kurt takes his place back at Blaine's side again.

They seem like a sweet couple, both attractive considering their age and well matched. And even though they're not ‘old' old they still seem kind of out of place compared to their very chic home.

There's not a whiff of nerves about Kurt, it must have something to do with the fact that he literally meets new people everyday, he knows how act and how to be in all situations.

Unless he's just genuinely really comfortable here. Maybe anywhere that has Blaine, Kurt will be comfortable.

“Aah,” Blaine's dad waves a hand in the air, “The name's Adrian. And it's a pleasure. Thank you for coming, I know that Reyna here has been very excited to meet you for some time now. I've heard a lot of about you.”

Blaine's dad is usually a man of very little words and though he's polite he usually shows very little interest in things that have no concern to him. He had accepted Blaine's sexuality- eventually- and his and Cooper's dreams of something that didn't have to do with numbers or figures, but had then taken a back step was more of background character in their lives than a leading role, like a parent should be.

Blaine stares at his dad, a little in awe and can even sense that Kurt is a little dumbfounded too after hearing all about Blaine's father from Blaine's perspective.

Before Blaine has a chance to pick his jaw up off of the ground and try to initiate some form of appropriate conversation, Adrian starts gesturing through to the kitchen as he leads the way.

“I hope you're hungry boys, Reyna's made a lovely spread for us.” Adrian says as he steps into the kitchen. “Cooper, get a plate for that would you.”

*

“Now Kurt, I know you'll probably have some old family ran organization of financial consultants looking after your accounts, but I just want you to know that my firm has the highest-”

“Adrian really?” Rey scolds, as she picks up a platter of finger sandwiches and offers it to Kurt. Kurt, still chewing on something shakes his head no politely, and smiles tight lipped at Adrian, whilst Blaine shakes his head at his father.

This is pretty much how the afternoon goes and has been going since the first meet. Similar topics of conversation are flung at Kurt from both Adrian and Cooper, each time one of them being reprimanded from either Rey or Blaine, or both, whilst Kurt laughs helplessly and offers what ever words he can think of to placate them.

Blaine should be a little angry, but honestly he's not. His dad has never shut up, and he means that in the best way. Talking to Kurt like his tongue is about to get cut off, asking him question after question, like he's genuinely interested. It's almost as if he's fascinated with Kurt, and with who and what he represents.

It should be awkward and embarrassing but it's just not, and Kurt seems to be taking everything with a pinch of salt. And if he wasn't already well on his way to scoring brownie points with his family, Kurt had offered to send some freebies over that Rey could donate to her youth group. 

Blaine is honestly enjoying every moment of this, it's easy and feels so natural and he is just so, so surprised and elated.

“So little bro, I forgot to mention this to you, you know my friend Andre?” Cooper calls out over the Anderson's kitchen table. Blaine looks up at him, and nods as he cuts into a piece of pie.

“Um, the guy who hired you to model for his new company advertisement campaign or something?”

“That's the one,” Cooper grins. “Well he's setting up a new office in New York, and he's looking for hot new talent.”

Oh. Blaine's heart melts a little, he looks around the table at his parents who are eating quietly, watching their son's exchange. “Oh um thanks Coop but, I uh-It's not for me, not anymore.”

“Wait, Andre, I know that name-” Kurt pipes up, but not to anybody in particular, he still seems lost in thought.

“No you don't understand B,” Cooper interrupts, “He's scouting for people to work with him, to manage and partner with. He's looking for producers, people who know how to write and make good music and willing to offer up their expertise-”

“Honey he's right.” Kurt says suddenly, turning to face Blaine excitedly, like a light bulb has just clicked on in his head. Cooper grins brightly, looking around the table, it's clear that nobody missed the term of endearment that Kurt had just used. Not even Kurt or Blaine themselves.

It's the first time that either of them has used such words for each other, in public anyway, much less around their families.

Blaine gawks back at Kurt, all fish hooked like, the edges of his mouth rounding into a cheeky smile, aiming to reach the corner of his eyes but can't quite make it. Kurt stares back, in just as much shock and when he realises that the whole table has grown silent, mentally shakes himself back to reality and continues.

“Um-uh, Andre Kahn, we met him briefly last month at that benefit. Nice guy, born into money and uses it for good things. He has his own music label that he's always trying to expand and develop in different ways-”

“Kahn Records, of course.” Blaine says, catching on. Then turns to his brother and says, “Coop you were the face of his label right, when it first opened? You had tiger stripes painted all over your-”

“Oh my, Cooper I remember that one-” His mother adds, scrunching up her face whilst picking up a Glace cherry and popping it into her mouth.

“Isn't that photograph framed and up on the wall in your old bedroom Cooper?” His father asks with a half smirk, half grimace.

“Yeah, so anyway,” Cooper turns to Blaine ignoring everyone else, “He called me last week, cause we've been in touch ever since and I kissed his cousin for her birthday as a gift from him, and he asked if I knew anyone I could point in his direction. You're in right? You'll meet him?”

“Oh Coop, I am- uh-”

“Of course he's in,” Kurt interjects, “In fact his assistant contacted us with his details the day after the thing we were at, we just never got round to looking in to it.” Blaine stares back at Kurt as everybody else starts chattering excitedly around them.

Kurt leans in, ducks down to Blaine's ear and says, “You'll do it right, you'll meet this guy? I'll come with you. Even if it's just to get an idea of how you go about things, you'll take this first step right? I'll take it with you.”

He pulls back and Blaine's eyes are shining, his face flooding with warmth. All he can do is nod weakly, smiling shakily, and it's then when he notices that everybody else has grown quiet and is watching them.

Kurt winks, squeezes his knee then moves back to his sitting position, carefully not making eye contact with anybody. Rey picks at a napkin and tries to disguise a sniffle whilst Cooper continues grinning broadly, scooping up a slice of cake.

“Well then,” Adrian says, clapping his hands together once, “That's four successful, talented, handsome men in this family.”

And Blaine's jaw almost hits the table.

*

When Burt arrives to pick them up later that day, the plan was to just honk the horn when he was outside, but he's early and Carole is with him.

Everybody's in the lounge with the drapes closed (because Rey thought that it was considerate.) Kurt is busy giving Rey a direct number to contact him on so that he can connect her with people able to help her with fundraising campaigns for her youth group that she volunteers with.

Adrian is just finishing off telling Blaine and Cooper a humorous tale about an elderly neighbour when the front bell rings. Kurt and Rey don't even flinch and Blaine just carries on laughing with Cooper while his dad heads out into the hallway to answer the door.

Adrian's voice can be heard, loud and bright as he opens the front door.

“Ah Burt, good to see you again, you're early. Come on in. Oh and Carole here's too, splendid. Have you time for a drink before you hit the road with the boys?”