Blaine’s dad was very gracious by allowing him some days off, especially since Blaine’s taking up even more vacation days by going to New York. But work is work.

He’s sat in his dad’s office. His dad is on the other side of the desk, and he’s reading over reports.

“You did great,” he says.

Blaine nods.

He barely did anything, but he’s not going to reject this praise, especially since he is here with an ulterior motive.

But even though Blaine didn’t feel like he did substantial work, there’s been enough growth and investment in the Ljubljana office to see a continuation of it. Apparently Blaine’s charm, as Kurt would say it, did pay off. He did shake enough hands and flashed enough charming smiles to get the deals they needed.

“And I’m glad Ms. Vodnik has had a great start, especially since we as a company failed her,” his dad continues.

“And most women,” Blaine points out. This was probably not a one-time event.

His dad nods, although he looks a bit uncomfortable. Blaine just hopes that the new mandatory workshops for everyone about diversity, equality and inclusion will pay off, or if it’s just the company’s way to saying that they did do something, truly!

“I think we can all agree that this European expansion is a tentative success,” his dad continues as he inspects stats, “Well done, Blaine.”

“Thanks, dad,” Blaine says formally. This is his dad and they love each other, but when they’re at work, they’re in business mode and his dad is the boss. Blaine needs to fit into this role of his employee, especially now.

“Is that all?” his dad asks.

“Actually, I have an… offer,” Blaine thinks this might be the best angle. He needs to present his ideas as beneficial for everyone.

His dad raises an eyebrow.

“Go on.”

“You know I’ll visit my, uh, Kurt soon,” Blaine says and initially winces. My, uh, Kurt? He wanted to say boyfriend, but caught himself too late and then flubbed. “My friend Kurt, in New York.”

“Yes?”

“And I know I’ll be on vacation, but I was thinking about stopping by at the New York office. Just to check.”

“… Okay?”

“Because I think I can contribute a lot to the New York office.”

Now, his dad’s other eyebrow also raises. He is clearly surprised.

“Oh?”

“Yes, dad, I want to see if it’s possible to transfer to the New York office,” Blaine says, “Even if it’s just for a temporary period, like with Ljubljana.”

Blaine’s dad now frowns.

“You want to go to New York?”

Blaine nods.

“Why?”

“Er, I just… do? I mean, being in a different environment led to a lot of introspection. Not only regarding the company, but also regarding myself.” That’s putting it lightly.

Blaine’s dad hums. He seems to be considering it. Or at least, that is what Blaine thinks.

“Will Quinn join you?”

Oh.

Right.

Quinn.

That’s the flaw in the plan. When Blaine was rehearing what to tell his dad, he kind of forgot that people would want to know about her role in this as well.

“Uh. No. I- We- No, she is also working on getting a promotion, so it’s in her best interest to stay here.”

“Why is that?” his dad asks and his business mask slips off. He’s becoming Blaine’s dad. He looks concerned, moves the papers away, and leans closer. “Son, you know you can call me or your mother any time. Is everything alright at home?”

“Quinn is fine!” Blaine hastily says.

“Really?” his dad asks, “Look, Blaine, you were away for a long time, so it’s understandable if something’s changed between you two and you need to readjust-” Oh, if only his dad knew. “-but immediately moving away again is not the answer. And doesn’t the company Quinn work for also have a New York office?”

“No, you don’t- it’s not- I just… Dad…”

Dad, I’m gay.

Dad, I fell in love with another man and broke up with Quinn.

Dad, I don’t know how to tell you, but I love Kurt.

Dad, please, I don’t want things to change if I tell you or mom.

Dad, I’m gay.

“Blaine?”

Blaine shakes out of his thoughts. His dad is still looking at him.

“Dad… she already knows about my plans.” It’s true. “We’ve discussed it at lengths.” Kind-of-true. “Everything is fine.” All things considered. “She would just rather stay here.” Definitely true.

“So, you two are alright?”

“We are alright.” Just broken up.

His dad nods and Blaine can see that he’s not fully convinced, but he lets Blaine get away with it.

“Alright. I can call the office and recommend you, but I can’t guarantee anything.”

“That’s more than enough for now!”

“I almost came out to my dad,” Blaine says. He’s walking home from the nearest bus station, since Quinn once again took the car. Blaine let her.

“Wow. That’s huge,” Kurt’s voice rings in his ear.

“Yeah, I mentioned you and I almost called you my boyfriend, but I… couldn’t. Not yet. Sorry.”

“No need to apologise,” Kurt immediately says and Blaine knows that, but it’s just a reflex.

“It’s just hard, Kurt,” Blaine bemoans. He knew it was going to be hard, but actually experiencing how difficult it is makes him feel woefully unprepared. “I can’t even say it.”

“Say what?”

“That I’m gay.”

“You just did.”

“You know what I mean!”

“I know. Sorry.”

Blaine groans and he stops to lean against a wall of a random building.

“I can say it to you, and Quinn, and Sunil, and Tadeja, and Denise… but the moment it’s someone else I know, I freeze.”

He’s afraid what people will think. It’s a change. People say that coming out doesn’t change things, but they’re wrong. It does. Even now Blaine’s mindful of his environment. He just said out loud he’s gay, but only because he doesn’t expect anyone he knows to hear it. He doesn’t care whether these random pedestrians hear it, but his family, friends or colleagues? Terrifying.

“Will it help to, uh, practice, so to say?” Kurt suggests.

“Huh?”

“Well, I didn’t want to put this on you, but we should tell my roommates something. Maybe it’ll help to come out to them?”

“I don’t know them either,” Blaine points out.

“But you can actually tell someone again,” Kurt says, “And you don’t even have to use the words ‘I’m gay’, if you don’t want to, but just showing that you’re with me is fine too.”

Blaine thinks it over. Kurt is right there. He’s only had a big coming out moment when he came out to Sunil and Tadeja. With Kurt, he just kissed him, even before Blaine was ready to come out to himself, and Quinn put the pieces together herself.

Maybe it is a nice, non-threatening way to come out.

Yes.

Yes, this might be a good idea.

“I think I’m in.”