A few days had passed since Kurt had reconnected with Blaine and Wes, and he was still floating on the high. He smiled, he didn't argue with Mr. Schue over choice of artist, he didn't insult Azimio during French and he didn't even comment on Rachel's choice outfit of the day. The best part of the week had ironically been when Mr. Schue was sick, and they had gained a substitute in Glee named Ms. Holiday. She was extremely awesome, and they had celebrated having a teacher who understood the importance of modern artists and singing things that they liked. Of course she had gotten a little out of control, and he had been really glad when Mr. Schue came back, but still. Pretty awesome.

This was not to say that life was perfect or anything, because Karofsky was still being a jerk. He was just trying not to let it bother him quite as much. He wasn't sure how he was going to follow Blaine's advice and "teach" them about how wrong their actions were, but he was basking in the glow of feeling like he wasn't alone for the time being. It was afterschool and he was headed to his locker with the intentions of grabbing his books and then going home to help his Dad in the shop and then getting in some good study time.

Of course, as usual his plan did not go like he meant it too. Because there was Blaine, leaning coolly up against the dull gray lockers, one foot angled back against the metal, and giving him a silly grin. Kurt couldn't help but notice that outside of Dalton the uniform seemed to make Blaine look even more attractive. He thanked whoever it was out there that people couldn't actually hear each other's thoughts, because Blaine would be running in the opposite direction if he could. However, despite himself, a grin formed on his own lips.

"What are you doing here? Don't you ever have class?" he asked teasingly.

Blaine smirked, "The privilege of being an upper classman now, like I told you before, we get to choose when our free periods are and one of mine happens to be at the end of the day on Fridays. So…I thought I would come up and get a feel for Lima again. Maybe stop in and say hello to Burt too? And I thought we could grab some coffee first?"

All thoughts of doing homework vanished and his smile broadened. "Yes! That would be fantastic actually. I can't believe that you came all the way here so you could spend your Friday afternoon with me. Will you stay for dinner? Dad and Carole would love to have you, I know it!"

"Of course I'll stay," he said with a confused smile, "but who is Carole?"

"Oh my god," he said with a surprised laugh. "I forgot that you didn't know. My Dad got remarried this summer. His new wife is Carole, and I have a step brother named Finn now."

Blaine's eyebrows shot up. "Oh, wow. Well… congratulations are in order I guess. I… wow… she must be an amazing woman. I sort of always thought your dad would never remarry."

He smiled slightly and hugged his books tightly and bounced slightly in excitement.

"Oh she is. She's the best step-mom I could have asked for. Finn is also a pretty good brother when he's not being a complete moron."

"Kurt!" Blaine said, pretending to be scandalized. "One does not speak of one's family that way."

They both burst into a small fit of laughter.

"But really, Kurt. That's awesome. I'm so happy for you guys."

Kurt gave him another shy smile and moved past him to twist the lock on his locker. And then the inevitable happened.

Slosh. Laughter. Clenched teeth.

"What the hell was that?" Blaine gasped in horror as red ice dripped down his face and clothing.

Kurt had his own eyes squeezed shut in a mixture of horror and an attempt to keep the burning liquid out of his eyes.

"That," he ground out dangerously, "was a slushie facial. The jocks think it's hilarious to walk around tossing slushies at people."

Especially the glee club, but Blaine didn't need to know that. Although… now would be a good way to lead into it.

Oh hey… by the way I'm in glee club too!

"Well it burns. Good god. Why didn't anyone stop them?"

Kurt almost laughed and sighed at the same time before reaching out to grab Blaine's hand as he wiped blindly at his eyes.

"Come on, let's go get cleaned up. I think Finn has some clothes that might fit you."

Kurt dragged him toward the girls locker room where he knew Santana, Quinn and Brittney would be getting ready for Cheerios practice.

As he pushed open the doors and made his way in he could hear the gaggle of girls giggling and he could feel Blaine tense.

"Don't worry, they won't bite- Kurt Hummel and friend in the room!" he called out.

"Who's the friend Hummel? And can I lick off the grape slushie on his face?"

Blaine's eyes were as wide as they could be with purple liquid flowing down his face.

Kurt rolled his eyes. "No, keep your hands to yourself Santana. We just needed a place to clean up. This is Blaine. He came to surprise me… and got a slushie tossed at him instead."

"Aww, San, why would they throw a slushie at a puppy?"

Kurt grabbed one of the spare towels from the rack and got it wet before turning to Blaine and gently wiping the liquid from his face.

"He's not a puppy Brit Brit," Kurt replied as he handed the towel off and started taking care of himself. "Could one of you go grab Finn's extra clothes?"

Quinn nodded and he gave her a grateful look. He pulled Blaine into an unoccupied part of the locker room and sat them down (away from the hungry eyes of the girls- and Santana).

"Why are we in a girls locker room?" Blaine asked in bewilderment as they sat down on the benches in front of the lockers.

"The girls are pretty understanding when it comes to the jocks. They don't mind that I come in here to change or get cleaned up, and it saves me the trouble of having to find an unoccupied men's room, and anyway you're lucky," Kurt commented with a small smile for his friend.

He couldn't help but notice the way he had missed a spot on his neck, and a purple drop of water was rolling its way sinuously down Blaine's neck and getting caught up in the juncture between his neck and shoulder. Kurt had the strange urge to lean forward and lick it clean for him.

"How's that?" Blaine asked in a strained voice, though he spared a smile for Kurt.

"They didn't get any in your hair," he said with a smile. "Getting that out is a bitch."

A startled laugh came from Blaine and he felt relief, because that meant Blaine wasn't mad at him for getting him slushied.

"Kurt?" Quinn's voice called.

"Back here," he answered her.

She appeared around the row of lockers and held out both Finn's clothes, and a bag with

Kurt's own. He gave her a wide smile, and stood up to hug her before taking them.

"Thanks sweetheart."

She gave him a soft smile and then rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it Hummel, I can't let my reputation slip any further than it has."

He flipped her off. She smirked one last time before leaving them alone. He heard her yell at the other girls to get to practice ASAP.

He handed the clothes to Blaine and smiled. "You can wear these. They might be a bit big…Finn is kind of really freaking tall. By the way, I am so so sorry that you had to experience this on your first visit to see me… I would still love to get coffee and have dinner… but you know if you're too traumatized by the monstrosity of this school… it's totally okay. I would understand…"

"You're rambling again," Blaine interrupted with a fond smile. "And you did not throw that… slushie…at me. Those jocks did. So it's not your fault. I know you said that the bullying was pretty commonplace, and I guess I should have expected something like this. I guess Dalton is a bit of a shelter, because nothing like that would ever happen there."

He sighed. As if he didn't realize this.

"And of course I still want to get coffee with you dummy. And have dinner! I can't wait to meet your new family members! I'll be their favorite of your friends in no time."

"Ha. A little arrogant don't you think? What if I they already have a favorite?"

"I'm way awesomer."

"Definitely not a word, friend."

"You're just jealous of my mad word making skills."

The bantering continued that way while they finished cleaning up and got changed. And just like that Kurt felt the tension that had been creeping into his mind and causing him anxiety fade away. This was just like it'd always been.

As soon as they'd changed they made their way out of the locker room, and Kurt had to smile at Blaine's new look. Finn's jeans were definitely a bit on the long side and so they were rolled up a bit at the bottom and they were definitely baggier than he normally wore. He was also wearing one of Finn's striped white and orange polos and a loose fitting gray zip up hoodie over it. He looked less like Blaine than Kurt had ever seen him, especially with that dorky-gelled hair of his.

"Coffee?" he asked casually as they walked in the direction of his locker, just to be sure Blaine hadn't changed his mind.

Blaine rolled his eyes, "Yeah Kurt. You want to meet there or drive together and come back and get your car?"

Kurt thought about it for a moment and checked the time. 3:30. Finn would be in practice until five, and if Kurt gave him his keys then Finn wouldn't have to ride the activity bus home after he got done.

"Let's drive together," he said with a smile. "I'll leave my keys with Finn and he can drive the Navigator home."

Blaine raised an eyebrow and teased, "You're letting your step-brother drive your baby? I haven't been around you for 2 years and even I know it's a big deal to let someone else drive the Navigator. He must be pretty awesome."

Kurt punched him in the arm.

"He is. Well, when he's not being incredibly frustrating. You have no idea how horrible it is living with someone who doesn't understand why plaid and stripes can't be mixed…"

They walked together toward the field and Kurt waved his brother down as they got there, trying to ignore the glares of the jocks as he approached.

"Hey Kurt," Finn said giving him a goofy smile, "what's up? Did you decide to come try out for the team again?"

Kurt's eyes rolled skyward. Stupid brother.

"Again?" Blaine echoed in surprise.

"Lame story," Kurt said to him before turning to Finn. "I am giving you my keys. You are going to drive my car home so I can grab coffee with Blaine. We'll be home in time for dinner. Keep in mind that I will eviscerate you if you even so much as dent her."

Finn blinked at him uncomprehendingly for a moment before grinning again. This didn't instill much faith in Kurt.

"Awesome dude! I won't wreck her I promise. Oh, and this is that Blaine guy right? Dude, you should have said how tiny he was because those clothes are like ginormous on him. Sorry man. Slushies suck. But anyway… yeah. Keys. Car. You'll be home for dinner? You're not like going on a date right? Because if you are, does Burt know? And if Burt knows, how come you didn't tell me?"

Kurt sighed.

"Are you sure you're not related by blood?" Blaine asked with a smirk. "Because he's totally got the rambling thing going on too."

"Shut up, you," Kurt snarked back. "And no, Finn, we are not going on a date. I told you last night that I had reconnected with some old friends remember?"

Finn shook his head. "Sorry, Kurt. I probably wasn't listening…"

Okay… time to go.

"Hudson! Get your hiny on the field! This is football practice, not a family reunion!" Beiste's voice saved them all from further awkwardness.

"Right. See you guys later!" Finn called.

"Yeah, hey thanks for the clothes, man." Blaine called after him.

By the time they made it to The Lima Bean they had fallen into an easy silence that left Kurt feeling content. It was just nice being around Blaine again, even if he had developed these awkward and strange new feelings that hadn't been there before.

"Grande Non-Fat Mocha, please," he ordered, before looking at Blaine. "What would you like?"

"Oh no, Kurt, I'll get it…"

"Don't be silly," Kurt gave a long-suffered sigh. "It's the least I can do after your slushie facial."

"Kurt, we've been over this. That totally wasn't your fault," Blaine insisted.

Kurt waved him off, 'Just order something."

"Medium drip please."

Making their way to Kurt's favorite table in the corner, they sat down and fell silent again.

"So…"

"Sooo…"

"So what's new in the world of Blaine?" he asked with a small smile.

Blaine let out a breath and the tension faded away.

"Oh, Kurt, what isn't new? I have no idea where to start! I'm supposed to help bake cookie's this weekend."

Whereas Kurt had a problem with word-vomit, Blaine had a problem with randomosity.

"You? Bake? Do my ears deceive me? As far as I know those two words are incompatible. The last time you were in charge of baking something, which was pre-prepared refrigerated cookies by the way, you managed to set the oven on fire…"

"Oh my god. One time, I caused a kitchen fire one time, and nobody ever lets me forget it," he said in exasperation.

Blaine was also a horrible horrible cook. Kurt would never blatantly say that to his face, though. (okay, maybe he would.)

"Yeah, but you set fire to the Chiang's kitchen. I thought Mrs. Chiang was going to kill you. Legitimately. "

"Oh please, they love me, everyone loves me."

"You've seriously gotten a little more cocky over the years, eh Anderson?"

"You looove me," he teased.

That's probably true. He wondered how Blaine would feel if he presented his suddenly non-platonic hormone driven feelings.

"Maybe," he said, settling for a snarky reply veiled in truth. "So tell me, why are you baking cookies?"

"Wes' sister Ali is having a bake sale at school. Mrs. Chiang volunteered Wes and I to help because she has a community meeting on Saturday. I think she just doesn't want to listen to Ali's complaints about school or how the other girls are allowed to do more than she is."

He could remember a time when the little black haired girl had taken to following them around everywhere they went. They had tried multiple times to be rid of her (this only ended in a scolding from Mrs. Chiang and a lecture about the importance of family from Mr. Chiang) but she just kept coming back. Being boys of the tender age of 8 it was more than a little annoying. It was hard to believe that she was a teenager now.

"I still maintain that you shouldn't be allowed near any appliances," Kurt harped.

"Well maybe you should just come over and keep an eye on us," Blaine retorted.

"Ha. You're just trying to hoist off the baking on me because you know I'm better at it than you."

"Kurt, do they throw slushie at you a lot at McKinley?" Blaine asked suddenly, and Kurt had to do a mental 360 because his mind had not been prepared for that question.

"Do you want the short answer, or the long one?" he asked softly, his stomach churning at the idea of telling Blaine how often he'd had to clean red slush out of his hair and his clothes.

"I want the truth, because Kurt that really sucks. They shouldn't be allowed to do that. I'm absolutely appalled that no one has done anything before now."

"Sometimes it happens so often that we have to walk around in raincoats," he turned his attention to his coffee.

"We?" Blaine asked in surprise.

Tell him. Tell him. Tell him about glee club. Teeeeell him.

"My friends and I. Most of us are at the bottom of the social totem pole."

Sigh.

"That's just… wrong. Kurt, I am so sorry that you have to go through that. I wish there was something I could do," Blaine said softly, hazily eyes holding his firmly.

Kurt felt his heart bound into his throat and claw desperately at his vocal chords.

"You do," he croaked, and then quickly cleared his throat. "Just by being here. Just by being in my life again, you make a difference Blaine. It's always been that way. You and me and Wes against the world. I know that we've grown up a bit now and life isn't the fairytale we imagined it would be, but we're living, and we're still learning how to make it. Every day is just a little bit better because I know that you care. That if something were to… happen to me, someone other than my Dad would care."

"Hey," Blaine admonished gently, "don't say things like that. Nothing bad is going to happen to you on my watch."

He smiled blearily at Blaine, blinking rapidly, and took another sip of his coffee.

Kurt was more than a little relieved to find that the Navigator was parked in its regular spot in the driveway. Finn's driving definitely left a little bit to be desired. He opened his mouth to tell Blaine where to park, but Blaine pulled into the driveway behind Carole's tasteful Toyota Sedona and put it in park before he could get the words out.

"Kurt, I love this house. I mean, I'm only seeing the outside, but it definitely screams 'Hummel' to me."

He looked at Blaine and rolled his eyes.

"Of course it's great. I helped pick it out. Do you think I would have let them pick an un-tasteful house?"

Blaine gave him a mysterious smile. Kurt was sure he was thinking of the other Hummel house that he and his father had occupied for the first 16 years of his life. That was usually what he thought about when he looked at the new house. It was an intense achingly beautiful feeling, and he felt a plethora of emotions all at once: good, bad, happy, sad and content. It had been a small, charming one-story home with a basement. The outside was a light yellow (his mom's choice) with a garden of begonias and rosebushes working their way around the outside. Out back there was a white fence that blocked in a relatively small backyard, and in one corner you could find an old wooden picnic table worn with years and years of use and abuse and the initials of three boys carved into one side. In the other corner you could see the remnants of a vegetable garden that had long since been given up on. The inside has walls that were a tasteful beige color and the carpet was a soothing tan that gave the house a warm feeling to all those who entered.

They had spent many years coming and going from that house. They had learned many lessons: academic, self, and moral; just about anything you could learn was learned in that house, for Kurt, and for his friends. It was home. It was love. It was everything he'd ever needed. And now he'd never set foot inside it again.

But of course, this house was love too. It was a different kind of love, of course. It was a new love, and a new family, new memories, and new lessons. It would never feel exactly the same, he knew, but the one thing his father had strove very hard to teach him as they'd made this big step together was that it didn't need to be the same and that it was okay to feel weird about it. It had been a few months since they'd moved in together, as a family, and as the days passed so did the queasy feeling he had every time he set foot in the main hallway. He and Finn were getting along great and he loved Carole to death. And his dad was happy. That's what mattered to Kurt the most.

"Well, are you going to let me go inside, or were you planning on sitting in the car all night?" Blaine interrupted his musings.

Childishly he stuck out his tongue at his companion and hopped out of the car.

"Well come on then," he teased.

He led Blaine up the small pathway, encased on either side by a thriving and well-cared for garden, and through the front door.

"Hey I'm home," he called out into the open living room.

"In the kitchen, honey," Carole's voice called back.

He looked over and noticed that suddenly Blaine looked a bit nervous.

"She'll love you," he reassured.

He could see Finn sitting at the dining room table across the hall with his Spanish book open looking thoroughly confused while Carole was at the stove cooking dinner.

"Hello dear-oh," she cut off briefly, "who is your friend? And why is he wearing your brother's clothes?"

He opened his mouth, but as was starting to become the pattern, Blaine interrupted.

"I'm Blaine Anderson, ma'am. I'm a good friend of Kurt's from Westerville. And your son graciously offered me some spare clothes after an incident with a slushie at the school. I am extremely grateful."

She took the hand he proffered, looking a bit flattered at the manners he was displaying, and smiled broadly.

"Hello Blaine! It's so nice to meet you. You know sometimes Burt talks about you and your friend Wes and all of the shenanigans that you and Kurt used to get up to as kids," she gushed, before turning to thwap Kurt upside the head. "You should have told me you were bringing company. I would have cleaned up and made something better than spaghetti and-"

Kurt rolled his eyes. Like Blaine was so special.

"Oh no, Mrs. Hummel, it's okay. The place looks amazing! I mean did you ever see Burt and Kurt's house before you got married? Kurt was neat, his father was...well, not. And his cooking skills… they tell me not to go into the kitchen, but Burt is definitely no better. And I hear that you are a fabulous cook, so anything is great."

Carole giggled at the compliments and jibes at her husband and patted Blaine on the shoulder.

"Call me Carole," she insisted.

"See?" Kurt muttered. "She already loves you."

"I see how it is," boomed a gruff voice from the doorway. "You hated my cooking, and that's why you were over 4 days a week."

Blaine spun around excitedly and called, "Burt!"

There was no hesitation as Blaine stepped swiftly over to the other man, who immediately opened his arms to him. They clung to each other for a few seconds before pulling away and coughing awkwardly as if no touchy-feely moment had occurred.

"Long time, no see, kid," his father said with a small smile. "How you doing?"

Blaine was smiling from ear to ear and it warmed Kurt's heart a bit.

"Great, Burt! I'm just really awesome; even better since Kurt showed up at Dalton to see us. I've really missed you guys."

His dad allowed the boy another small smile and then clapped him on the shoulder.

"Well you know the rules, kid. Everyone helps with dinner. Find some plates and set that table. Kurt, tell your brother to put away his Spanish and get cleaned up, and then you can help Carole finish getting everything ready."

And just like that everyone was moving and helping get dinner ready and laughing and it felt so happy and normal that Kurt's heart was all warm and fuzzy. He had just really needed this. He wasn't sure what "this" exactly was- a reunion? A friendship of epic proportions? Someone who loved him and didn't judge him? Regardless- he was just happy. Dinner went smoothly with Blaine integrating into the family dynamics as though he'd always been there. After Blaine went home that night, Kurt hadn't been able to keep the smile off of his face.