“Thank you dear,” Carole accepted the tea cup that Kurt had handed her before hurrying back off to the kitchen, as she turned to Blaine who was sitting on one of the side chairs near the opposite wall, she rubbed her socked foot against the shiny surface of the wooden floor, “I love this flooring Blaine what is it?”

“Oh um thank you, it's uh, just tanned Bamboo I think,” Kurt smirked as he came back in holding two coffee mugs, one for his dad who was sitting beside Carole on the couch looking around the room subtly, trying not to look too impressed by the wide screen on the wall, and one for Blaine, he placed his dad's on the coffee table in front of him and picked up his own cup that he placed there when he had brought Carole's in, he had refused any help for making the refreshments, cruelly but rightly so making sure Blaine sat proudly in his own living room making small talk whilst he listened to every word as best he could over the whistle of the kettle.  

“It's gorgeous, not too dark, not too light, Burt we should get this for the back room, it would go perfect with that wallpaper we picked out-” Burt grunted a response and rolled his eyes, Blaine smiled at the pair, an average typical, older married couple, kind and endearing and Blaine knew he liked them instantly, they reminded him of his parents when he was a boy, before he was old enough to know what love really was and not just looked like.

His mom was a quiet and kind, gentle soul, who loved both of her sons dearly and equally, but could not deny that she loved her husband even though their personalities and natures were not all that similar, and when she would have chosen to deal with certain situations with more grace and class she stuck with him through thick and thin anyway, and Blaine could not deny what a wonderful woman she was for that alone, she had her pride and beliefs and she stuck to them and Blaine had proudly developed those same traits.

Kurt handed Blaine his mug with a smile and slight shake of his head listening to Carole ramble about decorating and Burt add in the odd response, as he perched himself on the arm of Blaine's chair and leaning back into his shoulder ever so slightly.

“Thanks sweetheart-” Blaine's voice was low and quiet, a little unsure but also calm and polite and Kurt did not miss the way Carole smiled at the term of endearment, stopping her rambling and his dad made some sort facial acknowledgment which was certainly not a negative one.

Blaine was doing great, everyone was doing great and everything running smoothly, Kurt had greeted his parents down on the side walk beside the private entrance of the bar with long, tight embraces and messy cheek kisses, Blaine stood back slightly and smiled at the scene before being pulled forward by Carole and into a warm hug, he blushed and pecked her cheek, fumbling over his words before he was met with the firm grip of Burt's handshake and a strong but friendly shoulder pat. He helped Burt carry the bags upstairs deciding that they weren't heavy enough to risk using the elevator, as Kurt fussed with Carole's new purse and matching scarf that he had gave her for Christmas.

Blaine carried the bags into his large spare bedroom, and placed them on the floor beside a newly built oak dresser and a matching brand new queen sized bed complete with new clean and fresh linen and sheets. Burt had explained to Kurt over the phone after booking their flights that he and Carole would happily stay in a hotel for the two nights that they were visiting, but Blaine wouldn't hear of it, and took Kurt with him to the furniture store the next day. He had also told Kurt much to his pleasant surprise and delight, that the bed was also for Rachel, as she would need somewhere to sleep on nights when they would all stay up late watching movies together and pasting on face masks, Kurt was pretty sure he fell in love with Blaine a little more each day for various reasons. 

Kurt had had a momentary panic attack at the thought of his dad and Carole being in the guest room whilst he and Blaine shared a bed down the hall, maybe he should have let his dad get a hotel suite, hell he would have paid, his thoughts quickly dissipated when he sternly told himself that he was being stupid, they were adults, this was his home now, something to get used to and hopefully forever, and it's not like they were going to do anything anyway, they couldn't possibly, not really, maybe Kurt would wait to make that decision if and when the situation presented itself.   

Carole gushed at the room and at how kind of Blaine it was to them let stay, but Blaine had only coyly brushed her off uttering how it was now Kurt's home too and anybody who was family to Kurt, he considered family too, Burt's small smile didn't go a miss and neither did the way Kurt's cheeks flushed as his heart rate picked up. Blaine spent most of the next ten minutes continuously reminding them to make themselves at home, offering them anything and everything he could and gave them a short tour of the place.  

Kurt also happened to notice the way Carole eyed Blaine carefully, rather closely and dare he say appreciatively so, her eyes swept over the greyish tips of his hair and the odd light hairs in his dark neatly kept stubble, his crinkled corners of his eyes, the way he dressed and his strong arms and he was definitely going to be having playful words with her when they were alone, fair enough if she was at least trying to be subtle about admiring his boyfriend.

He knew Carole was probably expecting him to watch her reaction to Blaine, he smiled thinking back when Burt had told her about he and Blaine's relationship and she had texted him almost instantly saying;

‘I hear you've got yourself a sugar daddy, careful he's closer to my age then he is yours… ;p ; )xxx'

Kurt knew it was all in good fun, and that that was in fact a lie anyway, he loved Carole and their relationship, she had been a good mother figure to him, never replacing his own mother but being there for him in the right way, and also a great trusted friend. He loved seeing her a little happier and more light hearted these days, there was always going to be that void that would never be filled, but at least she was finding things a little easier now, they all were, time healed most things, not everything and not this, but time played a great part, in everything.

Blaine had been so sweet about it all too, he would never outright say anything about Finn out of the blue, but Kurt could see that it was on his mind, that he was ready to just scoop Carole up into a big hug and tell her how sorry he was for her loss, everybody's loss, like he had the first time Kurt had told him, and that Kurt had shown him pictures and show choir videos, and told him heart warming and hilarious stories of Finn, and that he wished so much that he could have met him and known him, and grew to be friends and possibly brothers in-law.

“So Blaine,” Burt took a large mouthful from his coffee and reached forward to pick up a raison and oat slice from the plate that Kurt had placed on the coffee table ready for their arrival, Blaine tensed slightly at the mention of his name and Kurt felt it through the fabric of his shirt where their bodies rested against each other just a touch. He wished that he could reach out and take his hand, he could and he would maybe later, he didn't have a problem showing affection for his boyfriend who he lived with, they were all grown ups here that wasn't a problem, but he didn't want to give the impression that Blaine was unsettled anyway.

Burt was in no way a scary or unpleasant man, he had morals and he stuck to them, he had rules which he liked to be obeyed, he like the feeling of authority and people listening to him and understanding his needs of being a single father for many years, but he would never intentionally make anyone feel uncomfortable, especially Blaine, and Kurt didn't want to give him that impression either. 

“Kurt said that you've been here almost a year now, and the bar's doing well, I can't wait to see it, hell of a place you've got here-”

“Oh yeah, thanks, um September we opened downstairs so yeah it would be One year next month I guess-” He nodded into his coffee cup taking a sip and continuing, “Um Kurt and I have been discussing possible ways for the patrons to celebrate the anniversary of the opening, but I uh, I honestly love this place, the whole building, I-I can show you the plans if you like, it was a great experience seeing it all transform day by day and stuff-” Burt smiled and took a bite from whatever the hell it was Kurt had put out.

“Sounds good bud, real good” He smiled before making a face at Kurt and Carole rolled her eyes, taking the small cake from his hands and finishing it off for him, Blaine smiled, he remembered Kurt telling him that he always tries to supply his dad with a healthy choice of foods because he just knows that when Carole's at work his dad is not shy on the cheese steak subs.

Kurt just shook his head at him, “We're going to head downstairs later dad, for a bite to eat and a drink maybe, Blaine was supposed to be off work until Tuesday like me, but he unfortunately has to work later for a short while as one of his staff has called in sick with too short notice to find cover until later in the night, but we can watch him from afar, one of my favourite past times.” Carole chuckled and Burt disguised his smile in his cup of coffee as Blaine pinched his arm lightly, Kurt blushed slightly realising what he had just let his slip but shrugged it off with a giggle.

The conversation proceeded easily into various subjects for the next half hour or so, ranging from Burt's garage, Blaine explaining his summer project with the car and leaving his dad out of it the most and best that he could, Carole telling tales from their previous summer vacation and Kurt filling them in on work and the latest with Isabelle and Elliott. He had moved to sit on the floor between Blaine's legs when his butt had started to stiffen, there was plenty couch space and other seats but he wanted to be beside Blaine and also be able to see his Dad and Carole properly too, he had an arm snaked around one of Blaine's calves lightly, his hand resting on his foot and Blaine's hand laid gently against the back of his shoulder, his fingers tickling lightly at the short hairs on Kurt's neck.

With each new discussion both Burt and Blaine were relaxing visibly and easily, laughing freely and offering comments and opinions on things and such, Kurt had wondered whether it was the age thing, whether both men at first felt either strangely inferior or superior to the other because they both considered themselves older.

Kurt was actually pleasantly surprised that the whole age thing had seemed to go completely unthought-of, he never expected a big fuss to be made, not like his dad would go, ‘Hey Blaine tell us about being Ten years older than my son' or anything like that, but he was still happy at how easy it all was and made him feel guilty for worrying about it all in the first place.    

Kurt pondered the thought but was happy nonetheless at how the afternoon was progressing when Carole snapped her fingers at him pulling him out of his thoughts, chuckling and asking how Rachel was.     

“Oh she's good, yeah, she's coming actually, down to the bar with us before the show, she's saved some seats for you guys tomorrow-” Carole jerked up, her smile breaking out across her face.

“Oh how lovely, how exciting, I loved it the last time we seen it, I can't wait to see her, Burt what do you think?” Burt made some gruff response and both Kurt and Blaine smiled at the two, Burt shuffled around on the couch and glanced back up to the TV in front, he rubbed his hands against his jeans and Kurt watched him carefully. He nodded towards the screen and glanced over to Blaine who was picking at an invisible thread in the throw over the chair.

“Say Blaine you uh, you get the sports on this thing?” Kurt gaped at his dad incredulously whilst Carole smirked and Blaine startled and sat up, looking over to Burt, eyes wide. Blaine loved football, he would watch the odd game in his spare time, listened to the commentary sometimes on the radio when the bar was quiet and he was stocktaking. He remembers fondly the conversation he and Kurt had shared, when he told him about the high school games he would attend and people being surprised by his love and knowledge for the game, and Kurt explaining his short role of ‘Kicker' in Sophomore year. 

“Yeah, yeah, um all of them, I get all of the sports coverage, great sound too” He nodded to the speakers hanging from the walls as Burt smiled back at him, nodding. Blaine started to grin, remembering seeing the logo on Burt's cap before Carole swiped it off of his head, he remembered the advertisements on the radio and TV that had been circling the past few days, he turned fully towards Burt in his seat nodding a little, “It's the uh, it's the big game tomorrow right?”

Burt grinned back knowingly and slapped a hand against knee, “You know it son,” Blaine nodded and smiled, feeling flustered and a little flushed at the word Burt had to chosen to use but trying not to make a big deal of it, Kurt looked back and up at him for a split second, smiling at the way he looked like a kid who had just been given the hardest question in Math class and got it right. Kurt turned back around smiling and looked at Carole who winked at him in return.

“Well Kurt I guess it's just you, me and Rachel up on the stage tomorrow then-” Blaine tensed once again and Kurt felt it through where their limbs were entwined, he had to bite his lip.

*

“Are you sure about this? Carole will understand you know-”

“Baby, take your step-mom to the show, have a great time and meet us down at the bar afterwards, if your dad gets the shotgun out I'll text you-”

Kurt smirked as he looked at Blaine's reflection in the mirror, Kurt was finishing buttoning up his shirt as Blaine sat on the bed behind him, legs folded and hands fidgeting in his lap, he knew, he could see that Blaine was trying to stop himself from getting up and wrapping his arms around him, kissing his neck and replacing his fingers with his own, which would be fine but he would most likely undo the work that Kurt had just done.

Blaine was behaving himself rather hilariously so, and Kurt thought annoyingly so also, his dad and Carole were down the hall in their newly made guest room with both doors closed and many walls between them, but Blaine would not push any further than a chaste peck on the cheek when in their company, Kurt was trying all he could and maybe cheekily too much so to change that.

He was enjoying himself this weekend, he could honestly, genuinely say that and was actually a little sad that his Dad and Carole were returning to Lima the next day. He always loved family time, he and his dad were always close and kept up traditions together, and when Carole and Finn were added to the family it only got better. When he and Rachel moved out to New York, Burt and sometimes Carole loved coming out to see them and explore the busy streets with them. When their family sadly, regrettably and awfully so became one less and even with Kurt in another city, they still tried the best that they could to keep what they had and never forget, memories were always to be celebrated and cherished.

But Kurt noticed that this time was different, this time he had somebody to share it with, to make new memories with and share the past with, somebody who wasn't a friend or family member, but very nearly and dare he say hopefully one day, both. And Blaine seemed to be enjoying himself just as much, his stomach swooped at the thought and the sight of Blaine happily opening up his home, their home, to his family, opening up himself, it was obvious how hard he was trying though a little nervous at first despite his age, how much he really wanted to make a good impression, how important it was to him, and Kurt's heart ached with it.    

The previous evening was pleasant and just lovely, after another hour or so of chatting casually and Blaine filling up everybody's cups and mugs with fresh steaming drinks, and Kurt trying to offer more unwanted healthy, snacks, Blaine had regrettably had to leave to start his shift downstairs.

As Carole and Burt freshened up using the main guest bathroom, which Kurt had taken under his wing since moving in and renovated it in a very Kurt-like manner, Kurt had followed Blaine into their en suite and locked the door, even with the shower running blocking out any unwanted noises he couldn't get past a couple of soft lingering, slow kisses with a little cheeky tongue swipe and the odd nibble. Blaine had laughed and pushed him back with a playful swat, telling him to behave and that if he started down that road he wouldn't stop.

Blaine kissed him on the forehead once, twice, murmuring ‘I love you' into the soft wrinkle free skin, eyes wide and bright and with a wink said he'd see them downstairs later. There was so much Kurt had wanted to say to him in that moment for some reason, he wanted to thank him for being him, for the way he had been the past few hours even though he wasn't doing anything than being his usual self, he wanted to pull him close and never let go, he suddenly felt impossibly closer and connected to him, like everything had fell into place even though he was pretty sure it already had.     

Around Five-ish they all made their way downstairs and had sat down at a round table in the corner, quiet and away from the business of the usual early Saturday night crowd. Ivan had directed them with a grin to the table which had been decorated with a small reserved sign, a bottle of wine chilling in a cooler, water jugs and a separate chilling bucket with a selection of bottled beers inside. Rachel had hurriedly bustled into the bar and joined them with a flourish of kisses, happy to find that Blaine had already placed her favourite vegan lasagne as an early fast-order with the kitchen.

The next half hour or so was spent with cheers and laughs, sharing food dishes and platters and glasses clinking, but Kurt couldn't help but glance over towards the bar more times than not where Blaine was very pointedly trying to look busy and not look over to the back table with looks of longing and maybe a little jealousy. Carole had leaned over and whispered into Kurt's ear, ‘I see what you mean about watching him work' and with a shared giggle winked at him.

After the empty dishes had been cleared and compliments sent to the kitchen Rachel had hurried off to the theatre with excited plans for the next day.

An hour or so later when the bar had quietened some, that was usually the way it worked, crowds would come in for pre-drinks and then disappear making way for the next crowd to file in later in the night, and one Blaine's late night workers had come in earlier to take over, Blaine finally made his way over with fresh drinks for the table and slipped in to a chair between Carole and Kurt, placing a hand lightly on his knee under the table. Carole curiously commented on Blaine's choice of drink and he quietly told them the story of why he chose not to drink, Burt simply could not hide his look of admiration and Kurt just wanted to melt.

The evening ended with plans for a behind the scenes tour of the bar when it was closed on Monday and the four of them sitting around Blaine's kitchen table with a pack of cards as laughter and cheers echoed off of the tiles, Burt and Carole turned in around Eleven-ish after commenting on busy airport runs and the hustle of the city, and left the couple with resounding goodnight messages.

Kurt silently crawled into Blaine's lap as he slid the chair back and leaned back to accommodate him, with a sly grin and a thumbs up with wide sparkling eyes, Blaine laughed and nodded, kissing him on the lips before standing up, causing Kurt to slide off his lap and pull him into the bedroom flicking off light switches and doors closed as they went.

Blaine allowed a few lingering kisses and touches under the covers before rolling Kurt over and spooning him to sleep soundly.

That morning Kurt took his father out for a walk around the neighbourhood and picked up the morning papers from the newsstand on the corner, they took their time, lazily chatting and breathing in the fresh morning air, enjoying the warm city sun on their faces. They crossed the road, walking through one of the flower memorial gardens, Kurt excitedly talking with his hands, his face animated and Burt couldn't help but smile brightly and laugh at his son, it was very obvious how happy he was, how happy Blaine had made him and Burt would be forever thankful.

Meanwhile back at the apartment Blaine and Carole busied themselves in the kitchen, taking turns whisking batter and preparing the mugs for coffee whilst they made breakfast for their return, they shared kitchen secrets and short tales and jokes, Carole continued to compliment again and again Blaine's kitchen and everything in it, and it became very clear how quickly Carole had become fond of Blaine and vice versa. Whilst poaching some eggs in a large pan of boiling water Carole quietly and amusingly and without even properly realising it, murmured something about how Finn always requested his eggs with a touch of hollandaise sauce and four slices of wholemeal toast, washed down with fresh grapefruit juice. Blaine glanced over and pulled the bread he was toasting out from under the grill.

Popping the slices down onto a cooling rack and silently closing the distance between them, ceasing the moment and pulling her into a hug, no words were needed in that moment as the water bubbled loudly on the stove and the grill buzzed and hummed, Blaine was a keeper and Carole would make sure of that. 

“Ok,” Kurt finished buttoning his shirt, checked his cufflinks and hair one last time and made his way over to the bed, Blaine scooted closer to him and uncrossed his legs as Kurt kneeled on the edge in between them, “The matinee will finish around the same time as the game, like Seven-ish? Then I'll be right back and I'll be all yours, I love you-” Blaine hummed against his lips as he pulled him down for a quick kiss, he pulled back placing small quick kisses to his nose and jaw and looking deeply into his eyes.

“Ok baby, I love you too, have fun, and don't worry about me-” Kurt started to back away, he reached the doorway and winked.

“Don't worry I'm not-” He disappeared with a grin before he could see Blaine's reaction, shouting out to Carole that it was time to leave, but the truth was, that he honestly wasn't worried about Blaine, with that man, there was nothing at all he had to be concerned about.

*

“Hot damn, that was a close one huh,” Blaine whistled through his teeth and nodding in response to Burt as the half time call sounded loudly through the speakers and the pitch started to empty on the crystal clear image up on the big screen. Blaine stood up, picking up his empty soda can and Burt's empty bottle and headed into the kitchen.

“How are we doing for potato chips?” He called out as he ducked down into his snacks cupboard.

“I wouldn't say no to a refill-” Came the humoured response seconds later, Blaine smiled as he grabbed a fresh bag and picked up some new drinks from the refrigerator, Burt was well and truly taking advantage of the fact that Kurt and Carole weren't there to limit his fried snack intake and who was he to tell the man no?

He resumed his position next to Burt on the couch where they both had a great view of the screen, he handed Burt his bottle and refilled the bowl of chips, whilst clicking open his can of ginger ale, “Thanks man,” Burt clasped him on the shoulder with a grin and dug into the bowl, laughing at the half time announcements.

Blaine felt his heart crack a little and he tried to calm himself, not knowing what he was suddenly feeling and why, this was something that he never realised he needed and craved before, something so normal and boring but he was so content still and relaxed, even in the presence of just Kurt's dad alone who he had just met the day before.

Sure he had down time with his friends, watching sports and boyish movies, he and Cooper had enjoyed the odd man-day together also over the years, Cooper would love Burt, Blaine thought absentmindedly, would love how direct and easy he is and Blaine couldn't help but think of a time in the future when they could, would meet.                

Blaine loved when he and Kurt would sit and watch back to back Superheroes movies together, appreciating the outfits and discussing some rather specific fantasies.

But nothing like this, he had never experienced this moment, when he was able to just sit and relax with an older man, a father like figure, somebody who wasn't his older brother who equally and shamefully also craved the attention that they lacked as kids, someone to look up to, and just be himself with, un-judged with no stereotypical comments, somebody who was as equally thankful and grateful for his presence also. He took a sip from his can and leaned back in to the couch, Burt cleared his throat and rubbed his hand over his jeans, he glanced up at the timer on the screen, Nine minutes until the second half started.

“So, I guess your waiting for me to say something overbearingly father like huh?” Blaine's body tensed, his fingers froze where they were drumming against the cool tin of his can, he gulped hard, his eyes darting around helplessly looking anywhere but the man next to him, his words were light dripping with sincerity and slight humour and in no way harsh or condescending, he didn't know why he was over reacting this way, he was always expecting something of this sort, he took a deep breath and turned slightly to look at Burt's side profile.

“I um, no I, its-”

Burt chuckled and placed his bottle down, he swiped his cap from his head and rubbed a hand over the course thinning grey hairs, he looked over at Blaine, his face softening and a slight smirk to his lips.

“Relax bud, I was kidding, well I wasn't but, you know, I'm not going to say anything like that, come on I'm a Fifty odd year old man, I've been there, done that, I know how it works, me and my first wife, Kurt's mom, married young and just as fast, we loved each other dearly and probably still would if she wasn't taken from us, but the difference here is you two have age and experience on your side, no matter how quick or slow, you and Kurt are not kids and you're not irresponsible, simple as,”

He took a deep breath and Blaine listened intently, Burt was speaking as quietly and calmly and friendly as if he was talking to one of his buddies, Burt was supporting, he understood, stating clear facts, not pointing fingers.

“What I am going to say is, I appreciate your age Blaine, Kurt is in no way immature, you and I both know that and he doesn't need any supportive influence of that kind, but I appreciate how it feels to NOT be getting any younger,”

He grinned as Blaine laughed, a short burst and nodded, he couldn't help it.

“I know how it feels to worry that you're not worthy of anyone, that you've already had or missed your chance,” Blaine's eyes widened and cleared as his throat started to dry, and thoughts started settle in his head, started to clarify, realisation dawning.    

“I guess at first I was worried at how things would work out for you both because of the age difference but never because I thought you were unworthy of each other, hey you've found somebody as great as my son, of course you're going to want everything with him and as soon as you can, I remember, I know how that feels,”

Blaine hung on to every word, lips parted, trying to remember to breathe, as Burt paused searching for the right words, the man knew exactly what he was trying to say, he just struggled, like him.  

“I think what I want to know Blaine, and maybe I'm stepping over the boundaries here, and honestly I think I already know the answer anyway, but do you want everything with Kurt, like you know, everything?”

“Yes-” The answer was so quickly spoken and loud and clear that even Blaine startled himself with it, it was like he was on autopilot, he had never been sure of anything more, Burt coughed low in his throat and nodded slowly, a small smile playing at his lips as Blaine looked up at him, eyes wide with earnest.

“Good, that's good, I couldn't be happier that's it you he's found son, seriously, I mean that, he'll hold on to you now, know that, he doesn't just settle my boy, he falls, and I know that he's fell into the right direction,”

Burt reached forward tentatively and clasped a hand over Blaine's shoulder, he gripped tightly and patted firmly and just when Blaine thought he was going to let go and move back he tugged, pulling Blaine slowly towards him, and before he could register what was happening Blaine found himself within a tight embrace and it took all he had not to fall apart in the man's arms, it felt like a dam had broke within him, a weight had been lifted, this felt like every answer, every confirmation, this felt like permission.

Burt let go, clearing his throat and reaching forward for his beer bottle allowing Blaine to right himself just as a catchy jingle sounded from the screen, “So uh, tell me son, tell me about this music, this Piano playing and writing stuff that my boy wont stop going on about and what exactly you're gonna do about it.”

*               

“So Carole you need to try and peel the orange spiral over the edge of the glass carefully, that way the orange oil will spray into the glass and give that extra kick-”

“She don't need no extra kick, we've got a flight to catch in four hours-”

Kurt laughed at his fathers voice calling out playfully from the backroom where he was carefully boxing up some old bottled draught beers and ales that Blaine had let him pick out from the cellar to take home. Kurt was perched on the other side of the bar, leaning over, face in his hands and a wide grin, watching as Blaine expertly guided Carole through how to make her very own Cosmo, she giggled at her finished product and rolled her eyes at the voice of her husband as she took a sip.

Blaine smiled and clapped in her direction, “Voila.”

They had been down at The Stage for most of the day, enjoying the quiet peace of the large grand empty space. Blaine had paid his chef to come in especially even when the bar is closed on a Monday and make a special three-course meal for them all before Burt and Carole left for the airport later that day.

After lunch Blaine took them down to the cellar, gave them a little history of the place, he happily answered any questions and pretty much let them have the free run of the place, he made everybody cappuccinos a warmed up some sugar coated waffles dipped in chocolate much to the dismay of his boyfriend. Kurt helped him with some stock taking, whilst Carole happily refilled the snack shelves, humming to herself and Burt took a look at the leaky dishwashing machine in the kitchen. It was all very, very wonderful and nothing at all felt like work, Blaine was grateful for the help though he never expected it but more so, just happy to have them all there.

 He unlocked the door and let them go up to the main stage to look around, well he let Kurt take them up to the stage, he pretended like he had something important to do in his office that just couldn't wait, but really he was afraid that he would be expected to perform for them, and after his conversation with Burt the night before about playing and composing, he was still a little unnerved by it all, not in a bad way, but words and thoughts swam around in his head as he tried to learn how to deal with them, where to place them, as he tried to learn how to be brave, he'd never told about Kurt about that yet.

*

Hours later when hugs and kisses, promises to call and learn how to Skype had been shared and the cab for the airport had been and gone, Blaine lay on his sofa stretched out, leaning back against the soft cotton of Kurt's grey bed shirt, between his legs as Kurt held a book out for them both to read that his dad had brought them from the airport. His hands rested on Kurt's knees and rubbed lazily up down his flannel PJ pants as Kurt held the book open in one hand and the other rested against Blaine's bare chest, fingers splaying out and tickling his chest hairs.

Some time later as the light outside of the window faded darker and Kurt felt his eyes grow heavy, he snapped the book shut with a groan causing Blaine to jump slightly and he giggled at his boyfriend's reaction, scratching at his head slightly, pulling at his curls, which were now almost dry from their earlier shower.

“Sorry honey, we should go to bed it's getting late,” Blaine hummed a low response but made no move to get up, Kurt let the book slip from his fingers to the floor with a dull thud and tipped Blaine's head back with a finger so that he could look at him, Blaine peaked up with a lazy grin.

“Are you ok, you've been quiet tonight-”

“Fine baby, just tired, you've worn me out-” He winked with a grin and Kurt smiled back, remembering their earlier little reunion under the sheets as their bodies reacquainted themselves as if they hadn't been together for over two months let alone two days.

Kurt leaned forward and kissed his nose, “like I said we should go to bed,” he whispered, Blaine moved his head higher and caught his lips between his own, brushing slowly, once, twice over and over.

“Yeah,” he whispered back, eyes fluttering closed and eyelashes long and glorious fanning his cheeks.

“Not for that,” He smiled into the kiss and pulled back when Blaine turned himself around and rested his chin on Kurt's stomach, looking up at him, smiling beautifully, eyes hooded and glowing, he looked precious, he kissed at Kurt's stomach over the light fabric, fingers tickling his side slowly and slightly and they both started to feel that familiar ache and delicious need in the pit of their stomachs, but they were both well and truly spent, this was just teasing, this was just loving, showing how much they would always want each other.

Kurt beamed down at him, “Thank you Blaine, for this weekend for spending that time with my dad, I know that it meant a lot to him and-”

“You don't ever have to thank me sweetheart, I enjoyed it, I loved it, meeting your family and having them come here,” Kurt smiled.

“You're so great you know that Blaine, so great, so special-”

“So are you-”

“Nah-ah, don't do that, not this time, don't turn it around, you must know it Blaine you must learn to hear it, my dad and Carole really thought a lot of you, really-” Blaine swallowed hard, he blinked once, twice and Kurt smiled cupping his face with one hand, “What did my dad say to you, not the typical, fatherly, schmoozey stuff which I don't think I'm getting the full story of either,” He grinned when Blaine looked up at him blankly, “I know that he's said something else to you, this is why you're quiet I know it, I just don't know what-”

Blaine considered his next words carefully, something big was coming, something that required him to be brave and bold, and he could, he would do it, for Kurt and with him at his side he could do anything, Kurt has shown so much strength and confidence and trust in Blaine and he can give it back, he just needed a little extra time, the right time.

“I think a lot of your family too Kurt, your dad is amazing and your so lucky to have him, both of them, he um, he just reiterated something that I already knew, something I was already aware of, he just spelled it out for me loud and clear-”

“He's good at that-”

“Yeah-”

“And that's all I'm getting out of you?” Blaine smiled and pulled himself up to his knees, carefully moving off of the couch and pulling Kurt up with him.

“Yeah, for now it is, yeah,” He pulled Kurt's hand up to his lips and mouthed at his skin as he walked them through to the bedroom, their bedroom, flicking off the side light on the way, plunging them into a silent darkness, “You already have all of me Kurt, but in time you'll have more, more than I knew I had to give, so much more.”