Chapter Twenty-Five

Everyone had been reluctant to let Kurt go to school after the student body had found out about the pregnancy. Kurt had received several nasty messages on Facebook which resulted in him deleting most of the people that he had on there and then making the settings private so that he only had supportive people on there. He'd been hiding the pregnancy even on Facebook and now that he had cleared his friends list he could start updating people online about the pregnancy, like Blaine had been doing from the beginning.

Even though nobody felt that it was safe for Kurt to be going back to school, Kurt pushed through. There were only two more weeks left and then he would be graduating. He wasn't about to let anybody ruin that event for him. They'd been dubious about him even going up to collect his diploma but he put a stop to that idea immediately. Kurt was not someone to back down. Not even now. He pushed his fears aside, he knew the guys from glee would be willing to protect him and make sure nothing happened to him and now that the teachers knew about his condition they were more aware and looked out for him, even if they weren't always happy about it.

The last two weeks of school were the strangest that Kurt had ever had. The halls went silent whenever he was in them and the stares he got were uncomfortable. When he'd been just 'that gay kid' it had seemed that hardly anyone had noticed him apart from those that bullied him. He wasn't used to being the centre of attention and though he'd always dreamt about being a star, this was not the same kind of attention that he was receiving.

Blaine had acted more badass than Kurt had ever seen him. If anyone cut Kurt anything near a threatening look then he'd lay into them. He hadn't beaten anyone up yet but every day he was getting closer and closer. In the last two weeks of school Blaine had been in the Principal's office at least twice a day. Luckily even his detainments didn't leave Kurt alone as he scarcely went anywhere without Finn and Brittany, who was more often than not accompanied by Santana.

The last two weeks passed quickly. There were tears as people said goodbye. Rachel decided to sulk because she finally realised that Kurt wouldn't be coming to New York with her and Finn had decided that he was going to go with Puck to LA to study while helping with the pool business. Those that were juniors like Blaine were all sad to see the graduates going but were excited to be able to have more of the spotlight. Blaine had started coming to glee club and would be joining them permanently for his senior year. He'd yet to sing, he just sat there mostly and observed but though he wouldn't admit it aloud he was actually looking forward to singing again. He hadn't really done any since he'd been in the Warblers.

Questions had been raised about what Kurt would be doing after the summer. They all knew that by then he would be a father but everyone hoped that he would continue with studying, he hadn't really talked to his friends about his plans. His were to study online and, where some teachers would be dubious about a student taking that path, they knew that Kurt would be good for it. Though they did worry about how he'd be able to cope with a newborn and studies. Kurt didn't quite know how he was going to do it either but if he didn't try then he'd never know if he'd be able to do it or not. Besides, Kurt and Blaine had a very understanding family that wanted to help them. The plan was that they'd only be in Ohio for the year that Blaine was a senior and then, once he had graduated, they would move to wherever he decided to go for College, which was looking like New York, much to Kurt's glee.

XXXX

Melissa was trying to balance talking on the telephone while she prepared an English breakfast of sausage, bacon, fried bread, eggs and beans. They were having it for brunch because it was a Saturday and she actually had the boys altogether at her house for once. Blaine and Cooper had only just gotten up and it was eleven o'clock. Kurt had been up for a few hours already but he'd spent most of that time doing his daily skin regime and rubbing cocoa butter over his bump to avoid any stretch marks.

On the phone was her mother who was arranging for the whole family to come over to Ohio for a visit. "We'll have to stay in a hotel of course. You'll give me a name of the closest one to you?" Adele said, too cheerily for someone who had just woken up, it being eight in the morning in LA.

"I'll find out from Kurt later but ma, I don't think now would be a good time to come down. Kurt's graduation is next Friday so we're going to be rushed off our feet."

But Adele saw an opportunity. "But that's great. It means that our meeting Blaine's boyfriend for the first time will be a special occasion. We can all celebrate together."

"Ma, he doesn't even know you yet and it's his step-brother's graduation too."

"Nonsense dear! We're all family. I'd like to meet these people before we die."

Melissa rolled her eyes. "You can't keep using your old age as an excuse mother."

Every time something like this came up, Adele would play the card that she would probably be dying soon in attempts to get the things that she wanted done quicker, like finally meeting with Kurt. In truth, she was as fit as a fiddle. There was nothing wrong with her, she was probably fitter than a twenty year old but she knew she could play that cards any time that she wanted. It annoyed all her children to no end but they always gave her what she wanted in the end.

Melissa sighed "But do you really have to drag everyone?"

"Darling, when I spoke about it to your brothers they were eager to come along and their kids will be done with school for the summer as well so it made sense for us all to come."

Melissa knew that she wasn't going to change her mother's mind; she was far too strong willed. She just hoped that Kurt was going to be ready for this.
"Okay, mother. I'll talk to Kurt and his family about it."

"I knew that you'd see it my way. We'll come over for Thursday so that we can get to know Kurt before his graduation ceremony."

They said their goodbyes and Melissa continued getting brunch ready. After a few minutes Blaine and Kurt came downstairs, their hair ruffled and a very happy glint in Blaine's eyes. Melissa didn't need to guess what they had been doing up there.
Kurt was dressed in his stretchy pants and an overly large t-shirt. At this point it wasn't really hiding his distended abdomen but tight clothing was starting to bother him. Blaine was just in his sweatpants, his tanned torso on display with the faint hint of an old hickey. He wasn't nervous about it, he was proud of it. He loved being marked by Kurt and vice versa. Cooper, having no shame at all just wandered down in his boxers.

They all started eating, chatting easily. Blaine was filling up Kurt's plate with more food when he saw that the boy hadn't taken much to eat. Kurt rolled his eyes at Blaine's actions but he slowly ate everything that was on his plate.

Melissa brought up the family coming over and it was easy to see that Kurt was nervous about them meeting up like that but he accepted it with his usual grace. Blaine seemed enthusiastic to be seeing his family again and he couldn't wait for them to meet Kurt. In his excitement he didn't really see that Kurt was a little uncomfortable, Blaine could be like his brother like that sometimes. He'd realise later and probably beat himself up for it.

XXXX

Kurt had managed to survive the last week of school by the skin of his teeth. No one was violent towards him, luckily. They tended to avoid him like the plague. Instead looks were given that made Kurt feel like a disgusting bug. He pushed through. There was always a friend on by to make him feel just a little bit better and the knowledge that he was loved by so many.

Somehow, and he didn't quite know how, Kurt managed to ace all his finals and he was going to be graduating with the best possible grades. He was a little surprised that he had managed to pull it off, if he was being honest.

After their last glee club meeting ever, which had been filled with tears, songs and promises that they would never lose touch, everyone headed their separate ways. They would meet over the summer obviously but for now it was goodbye. Kurt had been a blubbering mess all through the goodbyes and had still been crying in the car on the way to Melissa's where both Kurt and Blaine's family were waiting for them. Finn was driving while Blaine helped Kurt to get rid of his tears in the back of the car.

It was difficult for Kurt to calm himself down because he was upset about not being able to see his friends every day and the fact that they were all moving on and going to college while he was staying in Lima. Also there was the fact that he was nervous because Blaine's family from LA was waiting to meet him. He hadn't really talked to Blaine about it and he knew that he would probably be fine once the initial meeting was over but for now he was scared.

Arriving at the house Blaine eagerly got out of the car, helping Kurt out as well. Then he hurried up the front path and through the front door which he left open for Kurt and Finn. The two boys followed him up the path, Kurt waddling slightly. Blaine appeared at the door looking apologetic for running off without them. Kurt just gave him a smile, showing him that he wasn't upset. He was well aware how happy Blaine was right now and he loved seeing him so overjoyed and childlike. Blaine came back to help Kurt into the house, speeding up his waddling.

Walking into the front room where everyone was sat, filling it to the brim was nerve-wracking. Everyone turned to look at them and while Kurt could draw comfort from the familiar faces that he saw, there were more unfamiliar ones in the room. He held Blaine's hand tightly.

All the adults were taking up the sofas and chairs, as well as Blaine's cousins Emily, Marie and Connor. The twins, Ashley and Sophie were colouring contentedly on the floor. Not paying attention to anything that was going on around them. Adele was sat next to Carole and it looked like they were getting along fiercely.

Carole was the first to break the silence. "How were your last day boys?"

"It was okay." Finn shrugged.

There was an awkward pause.

"Girls, can one of you let Kurt sit down. I'm sure he could use a comfy seat." Adele smiled warmly at the boy.

Marie was the one to give up her seat. She gave Kurt a smile as he lowered himself down slowly. Blaine sat between Kurt's legs, resting his head against Kurt's abdomen.

The introductions were made and Kurt started to relax around Blaine's family. They were all very nice and it was clear that they loved Blaine completely and Kurt was an extension of that love. It was nice not to be stared at and to be treated like a normal person. The only person that did stare a bit was Connor but it wasn't that he was staring at the obvious sign of pregnancy, he was staring at both Blaine and Kurt together and Kurt could understand why because of previous talks with Blaine.

To an outsider the gathering would probably seem like a interrogation. Questions were being thrown to and fro. There wasn't anything too stressing, Kurt knew they just wanted to get to know him better. Him as a person, and not as the guy carrying Blaine's baby. There were questions about the pregnancy, as Adele said; she wanted to make sure that everything was okay with her great-grandchild. Melissa had told her about the health scares that Kurt had had and she was a little worried about them both.

It was a great evening all around, after the official awkwardness had gone, and new family bonds were created.

XXXX

Carole was in tears at the sight of Kurt and Finn in their red graduation gowns. They stood next to each other uncomfortably as a camera snapped pictures of them. Kurt just wanted to go and get this over with and Finn felt stupid in the gown.

"Mum, can we just go already?" Finn moaned.

"High school graduation only happens once. I want you to remember this day for the rest of your lives."

"I don't really want pictures of me while I look this huge." Kurt complained along with Finn.

Blaine gave Kurt a smirk. "You look beautiful baby."

Kurt glared at the boy. "You have to say that..." He muttered under his breath.
Blaine stood up from where he had been sat with Connor and, taking Kurt's hands, he moved them out into the hallway.

"Baby, you are so beautiful. You always have been and you always will. What's got you so down today?"

"This is it, Blaine. My high school graduation and I'm like this. I love this baby, Blaine, I really do, but when I thought forward to my graduation I didn't think it'd be like this."

Blaine paused for a minute trying to get his emotions in order so that he could talk to Kurt properly.

"Are you... Are you regretting this?" Blaine asked. He glanced down at Kurt's pregnant belly which was only partially hidden by the gown.

"No! Never!" Kurt gasped. "I love our little Kicker with all I have, Blaine! You know that!"

"I know baby. I do." Blaine tried to reassure Kurt. He hadn't really thought that Kurt had meant that but he needed to be clear on it.

"I just never imagined that this would be my life. At the start of senior year I didn't even know you and now you're my world." Kurt said tearfully.

"Life is unpredictable and no one knows what's really going to happen. Where would be the fun in knowing everything that happens? I never thought I could have someone who loves me. I felt like I was alone and that I was hated. I hurt people just to make myself feel better. Look at me now. Look how far we've come. So what if things haven't turned out exactly as we'd planned them to go? Where I am right now is perfect and I wouldn't change anything."

Kurt wiped at his eyes getting rid of any tears. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, baby. You're going to do us all proud today."

XXXX

When Kurt heard his name being called by principal Figgins he shakily walked up to the stage. He could feel so many eyes on him and he knew not all of them were from friends. He took a deep breath and held his head high. He was better than all of them.

"That's my boy!" Kurt could hear his father yelling over the claps of everybody else. It reminded Kurt of the time when he had helped to win that football match in his Sophomore year. He didn't look round to see where his family was for fear of losing the confidence that he had somehow managed to scrap together.

He shook Figgins' hand and gave him a small and uncomfortable smile and then went and sat down next to Finn who had gone just before him.

"You okay?" Finn whispered.

Kurt gave a little nod. He had done it. He'd graduated. He felt his little Kicker give him a nudge, almost as if the baby was telling him 'well done'. His smile became more comfortable and he allowed himself to relax. Finally he met the eyes of his family. Burt, Carole and Blaine all had tears in their eyes and they looked so proud. Kurt gave them a smile and Blaine blew him a kiss making him blush.

"I give you the graduated class of 2012!" Figgins' announced.

Hats flew into the air and cheers filled the room. As the hats fell to the floor people were hugging each other tightly, saying their final goodbyes. In the middle of all the rest of the people the New Directions' graduates found each other and gathered in a group hug. For them this wasn't a goodbye because they knew that they would always be a family.

XXXX

The week after graduation, Blaine's family had all gone back to LA and summer break had officially started. Kurt was spending a lot of time reading books on raising a baby and labour. There wasn't much material surrounding Mpreg but Blaine's uncle Robert had found him stuff to look at. Blaine had already done most of the reading on the subject so that he had been prepared for anything and so he found himself very bored. He spent most of his time sat in front of the television. Occasionally Nick, Jeff, Wes or David would come over for a visit or he went out with them but they were all very busy with their own stuff and he couldn't expect them to keep him entertained for the whole summer. Then Burt came up with an idea.

"How about you come and work in the garage for me?" Burt asked. "I could use the staff and you certainly need something to keep yourself occupied."

"I know nothing about cars. I don't even have a licence." Blaine's father had never gotten him a licence and that was why he always relied on Kurt or Finn to drive him around. He did want to learn to drive so that he could drive instead of Kurt and then when the baby arrived he'd be able to drive both of them around.

"Well then. Let's get you a licence and I will teach you to drive. And I'll teach you how to fix up a car. You're gonna need a job if you plan on taking care of my grandbaby."

Blaine saw what Burt was doing. He was helping Blaine to get himself secure so that he'd be able to provide for his family. It was the one thing he'd been worried about. He'd never had a job before and he was doubtful that many people would even think of employing him, not with the way he dressed or his attitude. Sure it had gotten better since being with Kurt but he knew that he could still get defensive easily.
Burt was such an amazing person. He should probably hate Blaine and yet he didn't. He was putting faith in him and was believing in him when very little other people did. He knew that Burt always said that the good attributes Kurt got from his mother and though Blaine had never known Kurt's mother, he'd call Burt on that one. Kurt was very much like his father. The both of them were so welcoming and kind. It had just been the two of them for so long but they had no qualms about expanding their family and allowing other people to join. They were truly the most decent people on the planet.

Blaine didn't even need to think about his answer. "Thank you Burt. I won't let you down."

He said it so assuredly that Burt knew Blaine would do whatever it took and he knew that he would have no regret hiring him.

"Alright then. Let's get you to the garage. There's no time like the present to start learning."

Burt patted Blaine on the shoulder. It was the kind of pat that a father might give his son if he were proud of him. Blaine had never received anything like that from his father. Not unless you counted a fist to the gut. In a way he kind of felt like Burt's son, probably just as much as Finn did. They'd be related one day, when Blaine would be able to call Burt his father-in-law.