Thomas Anderson didn't say anything for a few moments. He looked at his oldest son, shrugged, and shoved his hands into his jeans pockets.

"How's it goin', Coop?" he asked nonchalantly.

Cooper's eyes narrowed.

"What the hell are you doing here?" he demanded.

Thomas snorted.

"Since when do I have to explain myself to my son?" he said.

"Answer the damn question." Cooper's tone became more harsh, hands balling into fists. "I haven't seen you since Blaine came out. You didn't even bother to show up when he landed in the hospital because three assholes decided to beat the shit out of him and his date for going to a school dance -- as friends!"

His father snorted.

"Language, Cooper. Your agent know you talk like that?"

"I doubt he'd mind if he knew the shitty excuse of a person I have for a father!" He didn't know he'd started shouting until Heather cleared her throat and he fell silent.

"Enough. Cooper, go into the living room and wait for your brother to get home. Thomas you obviously came back to talk to us about something important, so we'll go into your father's office. Now."

Cooper threw a dirty look at his father before making his way into the living room and flopping down on the sofa.

---

"Cooper?"

The thirteen-year-old's head jerked up, throwing him out of the light doze he'd been in to find his aunt staring at him.

"Sorry, Aunt Becky. Didn't mean to fall asleep." he said. "They call us for boarding yet?"

She shook her head, setting her magazine aside.

"Not yet. We still have an hour. You want me to take him? You can stretch your legs -- get something to eat."

Cooper looked down at his little brother. Blaine was curled up in his lap, covered by his leather jacket as he slept, one small hand gripping the dark fabric of his t-shirt.

"No, it's okay. I've got him."

Becky sighed and crossed her arms.

"Cooper I'm not her. You know that. I would never hurt him, or you." she said softly.

It was true -- Becky was astronomically different from her sister Jenna. She had strawberry blonde hair, bright green eyes that always held a sort of content look, and she wasn't mentally unstable. She'd have taken the boys in herself if she could afford it -- and therefore had contacted Jenna's ex-husband's parents in Ohio, who'd been more than happy to take custody of both Cooper and Blaine.

Cooper bit his lip, his arms tightening around his little brother. It wasn't that he didn't trust his aunt, he was just terrified beyond reason of leaving Blaine alone -- even for a moment.

"I know." he said. "I know that...I -- " He broke off abruptly, because Blaine was squirming in his lap, yawning as he sat up and opened his eyes. "Hey sleepyhead," he rubbed the toddler's back. "You hungry? I was thinking we could go to Micky-D's. I'll get you those chicken nuggets you like. How's that sound?"

Blaine rubbed his eyes and blinked rapidly, clearly still somewhat sleepy.

"Can I open my toy before I finish my meal?" he asked softly. "Please, Coo?"

The teen chuckled and set him on his feet before pulling his jacket on.

"Just this once." he stood and took Blaine's hand before glancing at their aunt. "We won't be long."

He was surprised when she slid a couple twenties into his hand. He had at least thirty dollars in his pocket -- Lydia had paid him to mow the lawn, or clean some part of her house when she wasn't babysitting Blaine.

"Thank you." he murmured, stowing them in his jacket pocket.

Becky smiled.

"Have fun. I'll be here if you need me."

"Say hi to Cooper for me."

Blaine smiled and unbuckled his seatbelt before kissing Kurt's cheek.

"I will." he replied. "Thank you."

Kurt grinned and brushed his lips against his boyfriend's."Anytime. I'll see you at school tomorrow."

"Love you."

"Love you too."

Blaine climbed out of his boyfriend's Navigator and made his way to the front porch of his grandparents' home. It took him a moment to find his key, but then he unlocked the door and waved to Kurt before slipping inside.

"Hey B!" a voice called from the living room.

He frowned and made his way out of the hallway into the living room where he found Cooper lounging on the sofa.

"Hey Coo. What's....?"

"Nothing." Cooper stared at the dark green carpet. "Just like what always happens when Dad decides to show up."

Blaine's jaw dropped.

"Dad's here?" he said.

"Yup, he's been in Grandpa's office with them for at least a half hour." Cooper stretched his arms and stood. "You hungry?"

"Starving. What's for dinner?"

"Grandma didn't get around to making it yet. Think we're supposed to have spaghetti. You want to help me out in the kitchen?"

"Sure. God knows we don't need you to set the house on fire."

Cooper shoved him, laughing as they walked into the kitchen.

---

"Jenna called you?"

Thomas snorted.

"When hasn't the bitch called me?" he said, leaning against Colin's desk. "I've been getting calls from her for years all because I annulled the marriage."

Heather rolled her eyes.

"Maybe you shouldn't have walked out on your sons. If you'd taken them with you we wouldn't be in this situation."

"Save it, Mom. I get read the riot act every time I come back by either you or Dad, or if he's in town, Cooper. I don't need it again."

"Forget it!" said Colin loudly, effectively stopping the rapidly escalating argument. "Tom what did she say when she called you?"

"What else? She wanted to know if I'd spoken to Cooper or Blaine since they left Chicago."

"You didn't tell her they were on their way back here did you?"

"I figured they were when you told me about what happened." he shrugged. "Relax, 's not like she'd make the mistake of coming here."

Colin's eyes narrowed.

"Nobody thought she'd make the mistake of leaving Sacramento and going off her medication either. She could have hurt Blaine, Tom. She could've tried to hurt Cooper again."

"Since when is that my problem?" asked Tom.

"Since you may have put the idea in her mentally unstable head to come here!" Colin leaned back in his chair, breathing heavily.

Nobody spoke for a moment.

"Thomas I think it's best you leave...we'll talk about this again over the phone." said Heather finally. "Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go see if your sons are alright. Good-bye."

She hurried from the room.

Colin stood.

"Your mother's right --- you can see yourself out."

He left the office just as quickly as his wife had.

Thomas kicked at one of the chairs, swearing violently before leaving his parents' house.