April 24th, 2010

Blaine sighed as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. He was wearing a dark blue tux and his hear was slicked back in the familiar gel. He stood straight, head up and looking as confident as ever. He flashed a quick smile that almost passed as real. Almost. Though someone would have to look very closely to see the cracks in Blaines persona. He played with the cuff of his suit jacket, a nervous habit he had picked up from Nick who did it all the time with his Dalton blazer.

"Blaine? Are you ready, sweetie?" Colette Anderson asked as she knocked gently on Blaines door. Blaine turned and smiled softly at her. "Yeah. I think so. Do I look... right?" Not good, not fine, not the most beautiful human on the entire planet; Just right. She looked him over quickly, eyes lingering on the twisted cuff. She sighed with a smile and walked over to straighten out the sleeve.

"I love this suit on you. Even your father said it was sure to catch a girls attention," Colette laughed under her breath as she pulled back and cupped his face with her hand. She smiled a little before kissing his cheek quickly and turning towards his mirror to fix her dress where there was nothing to fix. "Just between me and you, I hate these dinner party things. I always get left alone with that Felicity woman. If I wanted to talk to her about her dog every time I saw her, Id ask." Blaine laughed.

"Isnt she the woman who, like, got really hammered at the last dinner party and dropped a whole bottle of opened red wine on the carpet downstairs?" Blaine asked. Colette rolled her eyes as she applied a fresh layer of red lip stick to her mouth. "Dont remind me. Ive asked Devon time and time again to not invite her and do what I hear every time?" She deepened her voice and put one hand on her hip, "Colette, Her husband is the CEO. I cant just not invite them. I swear, if she ruins one more inch of my home Im kicking her out."

Blaine grinned, "Please let me see that." Colette chuckled and walked towards the door, "Maybe if youre lucky Ill punch her." Colette walked out, leaving Blaine with a wavering smile. His mom was the only thing that held any importance in his life, beside Dalton and the Warblers of course. She was always there for him. The problem was that she was never loud enough. She never voiced her opinion. It was his dad all the time nitpicking this, judging that person and his mom always let it slide. It was beyond frustrating to see his mom purse her lips and look away when she disagreed something but never said what.

Blaine sighed and walked out his room and down the stairs. His dad was talking to the new personal chef, Clay. They were arguing over the tar tar or the steak or maybe the stupid apple pie they had all the time. Blaine planned to make a quick getaway into the dining room where his mom probably was when Devon Anderson stopped him.

"Blaine. Do you mind showing this idiot how to make a decent pasta dish? I know you know how to cook with all those fancy cooking things you read," Devon asked with a hard glare directed at the cook. "Recipes?" Blaine asked. "Whatever. Just go," Devon walked away leaving Blaine standing awkwardly by the chef. "Uh, so... should I just humor him and go and sit in there. It probably tastes fine. He just always needs something to-" Blaine was cut off by the pissed off looking man.

"Bitch about?" He supplied. Blaine smiled a little and nodded. Clay sighed as he turned back into the kitchen, "Fine then. Come on." Blaine followed Clay back into the oversized kitchen. Inside was a woman dressed in a chefs uniform as well. "This is my best friend, Allie. She specializes in pastries and makes a delicious vegetarian menu." Ally smiled a little and waved. Her auburn hair was bulled back into a bun and a chefs hat has on her head.

Blaine smiled back and sat at the bar, "So what was this awful pasta dish my dad was freaking out about?" They both rolled their eyes and Allie grabbed a small dish with pasta on it. "Tomato and basil pasta with pesto sauce and feta cheese." She sat it down in front of Blaine. He grabbed the fork and put the pasta in his mouth.

"Oh my god. Thats delicious," Blaine moaned as he took a couple more bites. Both adults laughed as Blaine greedily finished the dish. "Hungry?" Clay asked. "No. Not anymore." Allie laughed, "So since your father sent his son in to teach the professional culinary chefs to cook, any ideas?" Blaine stared at the now empty plate almost sadly. "Garlic? I mean I love garlic so anything tastes better with garlic to me." Clay nodded, "That could work. Thanks, kid."

The two got back to work as Blaine sat and watched them work silently. Clay was tall. Roughly 6 2". He had dark blonde hair and was built slim yet muscular. He moved around the kitchen gracefully, like hed been working in that kitchen for years instead of hours. He had stunning green eyes and high cheekbones. His jaw was well defined and had a bit of stubble on it. Blaine decided in that moment that if Clay wasnt a chef he would make it as a model.

"So, do you like your dad?" Clay asked. Allie swatted at his shoulder, "Clay! Thats incredibly rude." Blaine shrugged, "Its fine. We dont talk very much." Clay frowned but didnt look surprised. "Ive had my turn at an awful father. He kicked me out when I was... 17? 16? Around there," Clay said. "Why?" Clay sighed heavily. "According to him I was an immature brat who either followed his rules or left. I didnt actually really get a choice." Clay smiled bitterly at the sauce.

"I dont really know why he kicked me out. I wasnt the most responsible kid, sure. I threw parties and drank occasionally. I skipped a lot of school, but really? Why does anyone kick their kid out? Who is like ‘That kid Im supposed to love and raise has proven themselves to be too hard. I dont want to do it anymore. Like what the fuck is that?" "Clay. Is this really an appropriate conversation to be having?" Allie asked quietly. Clay shrugged, "He asked."

Clay looked at Blaines face. Sad, tired eyes, gel applied too thickly, and a suit that he didnt look quite comfortable in. He sighed and sat the bowl of sauce down to lean against the bar to look at Blaine. "Look, kid. Some parents suck. Some moms suck and some dads suck. You just have to know that there are a lot of people that arent awful. Im married now. I have a wonderful son who just turned three. I dont know how my dad was even capable to throw his child out. For a long I assumed he just didnt love me until I realized maybe he just wasnt capable of loving me. Or maybe he did and just didnt know how to. Nothing is wrong with you. Dont try and be someone youre not to please him. Make your own damn pasta until he realizes that its actually quite good."

"What the hell is that metaphor about?" Allie asked. "My fucking pasta, Allie. That shit is delicious," Clay said resuming his stirring. Blaine laughed a little before standing up. "Thanks, Clay. I should go see what my mom is doing." Clay nodded as Blaine walked into the dining room. His mom was smiling and talking politely with a family that Blaine had never seen before.

"Oh, Blaine. Come here, darling. I want you to meet the Angela Pear and Terrence Pear. And this is their daughter Natalia Pear," Colette said with a smile. Blaine shook each of their hands with a polite nod to each. He remembered the routine as if it was engrained in his mind. Stand straight, shake hands, smile kindly but not too enthusiastically, and last but not least, kiss the mother and daughters hand.

Colette looked to Blaine with a smile that looked almost sad. "How about you and Natalia go and get some appetizers. I think you two will get along great." 

Colette knew her routine too. Stand straight, smile politely, and send her son off with whatever girl was there despite his pained face and obvious uncomfortableness. Just like clockwork.

August 28th, 2020

"Daddy! Look! Look what Finn made for me!" Sophia said excitedly as her dad put his famous tomato and basil past with pesto and feta cheese with just a smidge of garlic on each plate. He looked over with a smile at the drawing of her and Finn. "Thats very nice, Sophia. Do you want me to hang it on the fridge?" Sophia nodded her head quickly. Blaine smiled as he sat the bowl down and guided Sophia to the fridge. He lifted her up so she could put the magnet over the drawing. Blaine smiled and kissed her cheek with a loud ‘muah before setting her back down.

"Is Mr. Kurt coming tonight?" Sophia asked her father with hopeful eyes. It had become a three day tradition now. Every Friday night was spent at the Anderson household. It had started with Rachel and Finn being torn on which family member to go see. Rachel had said it would be easier if they all just went to one place. Blaine happily invited Kurt and Charlotte over, ignoring Natalias grumbling about too many people. Kurt was hesitant at first but one handjob and some puppy dog eyes later, Kurt and Charlotte were coming over each Friday.

"Yes he is. He just text me and told me hes right down the street." Like it was a cue, there was a knocking at the door. There was the sound of the door opening and closing shut as well as a bunch of ‘hellos. Blaine scooped Sophia up and carried her into the living room. "Hi, Mr. Kurt. Hi, Charlotte," Sophia said as she squirmed from Blaines grasp. She ran over and hugged Kurts legs tightly before leading Charlotte to some large blocks Sophia had strewn about the room. No Legos were in sight for Charlotte to put in her mouth.

"How many times have I told you, Kurt? You dont to bring anything," Blaine said when he noticed Kurt holding a bowl with tin foil over the top. "I feel rude not bringing anything. You make everything." Blaine shrugged as he took the bowl from Kurt, "I like to cook." Kurt smiled a little at the apron that was tied around his apron. He wore a bright red apron with the cliché phrase ‘Kiss the Cook written across the front in big, swirly, white letters.

"Nice apron," Kurt smirked at him and Blaine looked down as if to see what he was wearing. He grinned and looked back up at Kurt. "Daddy! Look!" Charlotte said as she stumbled her way over to Kurt who had knelt down. Charlotte was holding up a block with a picture of a cat on it. Kurt smiled, "Yep. Thats a kitty." "Meow," Charlotte said to her dad. Kurt laughed and kissed her forehead before standing back up. "Go show Sophia the kitty." Charlotte meowed her way back over to Sophia.

Blaine smiled at the two little girls. He caught Natalias uninterested face as she stared at her phone. "Whatcha reading, Nat?" Blaine asked. Natalia sighed and set her phone down. "My mom wont stop asking about my stomach. Its really pissing me off though," Natalia said bitterly. Blaine frowned, "She just cares about you, Nat." "Shes infuriating." Before anyone could say anything else she stood up and looked around the room.

"Is dinner done yet?" Natalia asked. Blaine shook his head, "Pasta is but Im waiting on the chicken. We have about five minutes." "Okay. Im going to go to the bathroom." Natalia walked up the stairs and Blaine walked into the kitchen with the bowl Kurt brought. Kurt looked to the girls playing. "Can you watch them for a sec? Im gonna go see if Blaine needs any help." Finn and Rachel nodded as Kurt walked into the kitchen. Blaine was tearing the tin foil off the top of the bowl when Kurt walked in.

"You really didnt have to make this, Kurt," he said as he stared at the green beans in what looked to be a garlic sauce and parmesan cheese. "Shush. I wanted to make it so I did." Blaine smiled at Kurt and kissed him quietly on the cheek, "Im sure itll be great.

Blaine turned back to the stove and took the chicken out. He worked quietly, remembering a few weeks ago back in his office. Kurt had said he needed to tell him something. Something that seemed important if his face was anything to go by. But Blaines phone had gone off and after Blaine silenced it Kurt said he couldnt remember. Blaine let it go. Kurt would tell him when he was ready but three weeks later and nothing being mentioned about it again? It was odd.

Blaine also didnt miss Kurts icy stares at Natalia. They clearly have not been getting along. Blaine knew whatever it was had to do with whatever had happened at work a few weeks back, though Kurt hadnt told him anything. He didnt believe what Kurt had tried to convince him was what he really had to tell him. Kurt had said he was considering quitting Vogue because he just wasnt good enough. Blaine assured him he was incredible at his job and had no reason to worry. What surprised Blaine was that it took him just shy of five minutes for Kurt to agree with him. If Blaine learned one thing over the past few weeks it was that Kurt was stubborn and incapable of just agreeing like that.

However, Blaine didnt push it. They were all good right now. Blaine wasnt mad at anyone per se. He was hoping hed be able to break it off with Natalia as soon as Rachel and Finn werent around 24/7. Him and Kurt were doing great. They saw each other pretty often for secretly dating; Thank god for the excuse of ‘Playdate between Charlotte and Sophia, and lunch breaks for their more... quick meetings.

Blaine had learned a lot about Kurt and Charlotte. Their dynamic, their schedule, their bond that only a father and daughter could ever have. Blaine had brought Sophia over to Kurts for lunch last Saturday while Natalia was at some spa day thing with Rachel and one of Natalias coworkers. If Blaine really thought about it he sort of felt like Rachel was getting Natalia out of the house more. Whether it was for his sake or Natalias, he was grateful.

"Are you done staring at the chicken?" Blaine came back to himself and looked at Kurt, "What?" "You were staring pretty intently at that chicken for a while. Something on your mind?" Kurt asked with slight concern. Blaine shrugged and began to cut the chicken apart and place it on a plate, "Just thinking." Kurt rubbed his back softly before pulling away.

"Charlotte. Can you come here?" Kurt called out. A moment later, Charlotte came bursting into the kitchen with a broken crayon in her hand. She looked extremely upset and held it out to Kurt. "Uh-oh. Fix it?" Kurt frowned and took the busted crayon. "Oh no. Its okay sweetie Ill just throw it away." Charlottes eyes began to fill with tears as she stared at the blue colored crayon. 

"No. Fix it. I hurt it. Kiss it better," Charlotte said tearfully. Kurt sighed and bent down to Charlottes height. He kissed the paper of the crayon quickly, "See. All better." A few tears escaped Charlottes eyes as she stared at the still broken crayon, "Its still bwoken. Make it better, Daddy. Make it not sad anymow." "This is heartbreaking," Blaine whispered as he stared at the two. Kurt glanced at him, hoping for some kind of help. Blaine bent down beside Kurt and smiled reassuringly at Charlotte.

"How about I try to fix it? But youre going to have to be really careful with it, okay?" Blaine asked. Charlotte nodded and Blaine smiled back at her. Blaine held his hand out to Kurt so he could take the crayon. Blaine rose back to his feet and Kurt followed after him. Blaine pulled open one of the drawers and searched through it. "Tape?" Kurt whispered. Blaine nodded as he took out a roll of scotch tape. He quickly wrapped it around the crayon until it looked almost normal. He smiled at his handiwork, Kurt rolled at his dorkiness, and Charlotte grinned at the fixed crayon.

Blaine bent back down to Charlotte and handed her the blue crayon, "There you go, Char. Good as new." Charlotte grinned and ran quickly back into the living room. "Walk, Charlotte!" Kurt yelled after her. Blaine laughed quietly as Rachel walked into the room. "Hello, boys. Is dinner done yet? Finns getting restless." Blaine smiled his usual smile and looked at the cut up meat.

"Yeah it is," Blaine said. Blaine moved to grab the plate but Kurt beat him to it. "Ill do this. You go get Natalia," Kurt said as he carried it over to the table. Blaine nodded and left to go up the stairs. He walked down the hall and into the master bedroom. He knocked on the bathroom door and called out to her through the door.

"Nat. Dinner is ready." The door swung open to reveal a grimacing Natalia. "I dont think Im going to eat right now. Im a little nauseous," Natalia said with a frown. Blaine pouted at her, "Im sorry. Do you want me to save you some?" Natalia nodded, "Thatd be nice. Im going to take a nap for a while. Im pretty tired." Blaine smiled, "Okay." Blaine walked back down the stairs to see everyone sitting around the table.

"Wheres Natalia?" Rachel asked as she took a bite of the chicken. "She didnt feel very good so shes turning in for the night." Rachel frowned a little, "That sucks. That baby is really taking a toll on her, huh? She said shes been sick a lot lately." Blaine nodded with a grimace, "Its been pretty bad, but itll be all be worth it when the baby is here." Kurt looked down at his food as Blaine sat at his usual seat; next to Sophia.

Kurt bit at his lip before resuming to eat. "This is really good, Blaine," Rachel said politely. Blaine and Rachel and Blaine launched into a conversation about recipes and restaurants, leaving Finn to talk to Kurt. "Have you talked to Burt?" Finn asked as he took a large bite of the pasta. Kurt grimaced a little but ignored it. "Yeah. He keeps insisting to fly up here and visit us all. He hasnt even got to meet Charlotte yet." Kurt looked over at his daughter who was sitting in a high chair Blaine had found in one of the closets.

 "When does he plan to come up?" Finn asked. "My dad and Carole are coming up September 22nd I believe. Its a Friday and they plan to stay until about Tuesday before he had to get back to the shop. Itll give us a chance to see each other, though. I havent seen Dad since-" Finn cut Kurt off midsentence.

"Nates first birthday. Mom, Burt, Rach, and I all flew to London to see him. That was five years ago. You havent seen Burt in five years," Finn said quietly as he stared at his plate. No one seemed to notice the mood change as Rachel continued to rattle off her favorite restaurants. Charlotte was attempting to shove a slippery noddle into her mouth while Sophia laughed hysterically at the young girl. Kurt bit his lip as he nodded.

"I know. He tried to come up for the fu-funeral. I told him to stay home. Yelled at him I guess is more accurate. The only reason he didnt come was because I refused to tell him where Charlotte and I lived. I just didnt want them all to come and try to make me smile or try to tell me it was okay to cry. I didnt want to find a place for them to stay or talk. I just wanted to be with my fussy newborn and pretend Aaron and Nate were at the grocery store. I, uh, I didnt want to tell him I didnt even go to the funeral. Aarons mom called me and all I said was that I didnt want the last time I saw them to be in a casket."

Kurt wiped the few tears that had escaped had sighed tiredly. Finn placed a hand on Kurts shoulder, "Im sorry, man. I didnt mean to make this upsetting for you." "Just can we not talk about it? Were in a house full of people and-" Finn cut Kurt off again with a sad smile. "Yeah, I get it, Kurt." Kurt nodded gratefully when his phone began to ring loudly. Blaine stopped talking as he saw Kurts face turn from professional to horrified at whatever the speaker was saying on the other side.

"Uh... oh... Im glad you enjoyed it... What was the title again?... Ok... Ill make sure to find the writer... Youre welcome... Bye, Mr. Erikson," Kurt didnt pull the phone away from his ear even after the call had ended. "Whats wrong?" Blaine asked, concern clear in his voice. "Mr. Er-Erikson called about one of the articles in the magazine he liked. He called it a unique and brilliant choice to put it in the magazine. I just forgot to put the writer of it down in the email I sent him."

Blaine smiled widely at him, "Thats great, right? You chose the article and he said it was amazing. So whats the problem?" "I wrote the article, Blaine, and I didnt submit it," Kurt said quietly. Blaine raised his eyebrows, "Then who did?" Kurt shrugged as he stood up and ran his hand through his hair, "I-I have no idea. Those werent meant to be published, Blaine! Who am I going to say wrote it? Me? No. I cant just tell him I dont want that one in there. What am I going to do?" Kurt looked close to tears. Blaine stood up and pulled him into a tight hug.

"Why cant you say you wrote it?" Finn asked. "Im not one of the writers. I dont want it to look like Im trying to take their job or something. I also dont want people reading my stuff. I wrote a lot of it with Aaron and some stuff just when I felt inspired. It means something to me and I dont want it to just be tossed into some magazine without people knowing how much I love my job or who I am," Kurt was crying quietly now as Blaine continued to hold him. Blaine pulled away and set his hands on Kurts shoulders, forcing him to look at his face.

"Kurt, Vogue Magazine wants your article to be in their issue. Do you know how amazing that is? Explain to Mr. Erikson what happened. Tell him you didnt put it in there and how someone else must have done it. Whats he going to do? Take it out? He told you himself that it was brilliant. Everyone will love it. But if you really dont want anyone to read it tell him. Hell understand, Kurt." "I still dont know who wouldve been able to submit it. No one knows about them," Kurt said with furrowed eyebrows and a tear-stained face.

"About what?" Natalia asked as she walked down the stairs with a frown, "You guys are so loud." "Sorry. I just found out that I must have accidently sent an article to Mr. Erikson that I didnt mean to send." Natalia raised an eyebrow, "What was it about?" "I wrote it. Its about how some clothing trends are actually capable of boosting peoples self-esteem. I wrote it after my wedding with Aaron." Natalia bit her lip, "Kurt... I sent that in."