Blaine's match the following evening went better than he had hoped. He won by a decent margin, and Kurt's strategy for him had been quite effective in the first round, helping him remember to focus and lock onto his training. After that he'd been fine without it for the following two rounds, and while Wes had been skeptical, he'd praised Kurt endlessly afterwards in the locker room.

They celebrated back in Blaine's room that night. Puck was mysteriously absent, though Blaine imagined he was getting up to the same things he and Kurt were. He'd seen less and less of his friends since the games had started because they all had such different schedules for their training and events. Kurt and he ended up snuggled up on the far side of the bed the next morning, and when the alarm went off at seven Blaine groaned in protest and tried his best to hold Kurt down and keep him in bed all day.

"Oh, no," Kurt resisted, sitting up and rolling Blaine off of him. "Tourist thing today, remember? I'm going to show you around London."

Blaine perked up a little at the other man's words and watched Kurt hop lithely from the bed and pad over to the bathroom.

"I could use your body heat to keep me warm right now," Kurt hollered pointedly. "It's way too bloody cold standing here naked while the water warms up!"

The mattress creaked loudly as Blaine bolted off of it and rushed into the bathroom after Kurt. It was strange to him how the more sex they had the more he craved it. He'd thought it would be the opposite and the urges and need would die down once his body was satisfied with finally getting its release, but if anything he only craved Kurt's touch more. There was some about having Kurt's body heat mingling with his own that made him feel at ease and peaceful.

"Mmm, morning," Blaine grumbled softly, hugging Kurt's bare body from behind and kissing the back of his neck.

Kurt sighed, and tested the water temperature once more. "You're always so warm," he murmured as Blaine began rubbing his hands over Kurt's cool skin.

"Maybe it's an American thing," he yawned in replied as Kurt tested the water once more, decided it was good and lead him into the little shower.

"Think it's just a Blaine Anderson thing," Kurt argued tugging him in close as the water cascaded down over his shoulders.

Blaine breathed deeply and stepped into his embrace, letting the hot water seep into his skin and wake him up better. It amazed him how simple these moments with Kurt were, how well and quickly they meshed together.

"So what's the plan for the day?" he asked after a few more moments, grabbing the shampoo bottle and lathering his hands up.

As Kurt began to walk him through all the sites he wanted to show him around the city Blaine worked on washing the other man. Once he was done Kurt returned the favor as Blaine asked about the various places Kurt had mentioned. He'd done a little browsing on the internet before they'd arrived, but Blaine had known early on that it was very unlikely he'd get the chance to see much unless he got knocked out of his competition early.

By the end of their shower Blaine had wound himself around Kurt's chest, tugging him in close and nibbling on his earlobe in an effort to keep him there for a little while longer. Kurt was having none of it for once, and Blaine was quite disappointed when the shower was turned off and Kurt, instead of kissing him and pressing him up against the slick tiles, reached for their towels and started drying Blaine off.

He grumbled mutinously as Kurt dried his curls and upper body, and even more so when Kurt toweled his erection off without the slightly hint of wanting anything else to do with it.

"Later," Kurt told him. "Save that for later."

"Fine," Blaine mumbled petulantly as he took the towel from Kurt and began to dry him off as well.

They ate downstairs with Santana and Brittany, who were scheduled for a big match later that afternoon. The two women weren't very talkative beyond the realms of their upcoming match, but Kurt seemed to enjoy their company. Blaine was glad when they finally left, heading out into the warm summer sunlight, and thankful that it wasn't cloudy or raining today.

Kurt quickly led him to the closest Underground station, scanned their Oyster cards, and dragged him onto the first available train. This was one part of their outing today that Blaine felt comfortable with. He'd been on the Subway in New York, and the Metro in Washington D.C. so he knew how this worked. But once Kurt led him off at an unfamiliar stop in a completely different area of London he latched onto Kurt's hand and let himself be dragged out onto the main street.

"Oh, wow... "

Big Ben rose straight into the sky in front of them and for a moment Blaine forgot how to breathe. It was huge, even bigger than he'd imagined. They were also right on the river and surrounded by a gaggle of tourists, but Blaine barely noticed. For a moment it felt like he was stepping into New York City for the first time all over again, mesmerized by its beauty and stunning structures.

"Not bad for our first stop, right?" Kurt asked, smiling over at him.

Blaine flung himself into Kurt's arms and rested his cheek on Kurt's shoulder as he gazed up at the tower. Now it was perfect.

"What's that building along the water?" he asked curiously.

"Palace of Westminster," Kurt informed him, kissing his forehead and swaying slightly as he hugged Blaine to his chest. "House of Lords."

"It's really beautiful," Blaine remarked. "Got nothing on you though."

"Compliments will only get you so far in London," Kurt warned him with a teasing grin.

"As long as they get me back into your bed... "

Kurt laughed brightly and they walked around the area a little while longer, letting Blaine see the river and the different views of the structure. Before long though Kurt him away to the south and to another site Blaine had looked up without any hope of seeing: Westminster Abbey.

Their day progressed in a similar fashion. Kurt was thrilled at the wondrous expression that shaped Blaine's face as they circled around the town, looking at all the various sites Blaine wanted to see. They stopped for lunch in a little pub near Trafalgar Square, then ventured into several gardens. By late afternoon Kurt surprised Blaine entirely and took him to a train station. It only took Blaine a few seconds to realize where they were.

"Oh, my god! Are you taking me to Hogwarts next? I thought the train on leaves on the first of S– "

"Really?" Kurt said between bursts of laughter.

For a good five minutes he couldn't stop, and despite feeling a little silly and too caught up in all the attractions, Blaine couldn't bring himself to pout. He got to see the barrier memorial for Harry Potter, had Kurt take a few pictures of him pushing against the trolley half sticking out of it, and then received a very amused kiss.

Over all the day went better than Blaine had ever imagined, and when he thought it was time for them to be heading back to Olympic park, Kurt took him to somewhere else entirely. They ended up south of London, in what Blaine could only describe as a mixture of suburbia and little shops. He was surprised, and thought it was an odd place for a big site to be, but he trusted Kurt more than anyone to make this trip worthwhile.

As they turned the corner onto Langley Lane, Kurt pulled him to the side between two doorways, wringing his hands and looking nervous.

"I um... " Kurt hesitated and glanced off down the street.

Blaine followed his line of sight to a car shop. Hummel Tires and Lube. What this– had Kurt brought him to–

"Kurt... do– is this where you live?"

"What? No– I mean, well I did, when I was kid. We lived over the shop, but I um... "Kurt bit his lip, looking jittery and like he was second guessing himself.

Still not sure what Kurt's intentions were, Blaine leaned in and kissed him softly, nuzzling his nose against Kurt's cheek reassuringly.

"I wanted you to meet my dad," Kurt blurted out against his lips.

Blaine's eyes widened to the size of hubcaps. He'd heard almost nothing about Kurt's father, only that he was an American, and considering how little they themselves knew of each other it seemed so... fast. Of course everything about this relationship had been unbelievably fast so far.

Kurt was looking scared at Blaine's silence and quickly said, "Sorry, you don't– this was stupid– "

"No, it wasn't," Blaine said quietly. He drew Kurt back in and smiled into another kiss, slower and more sensual, until Kurt relaxed against him. "I'd love to meet your dad."

"R- really?" Kurt gasped in surprise. "I mean, he has no idea we're coming and– "

"Shh, it'll be a great surprise for him to see you," Blaine decided, his slid his hand into Kurt's and tugged him back out onto the sidewalk. "Come on."

Kurt smiled nervously as they continued down the lane, crossed the street and stopped outside of the open garage door. The rumble of various machines and men echoed out to Blaine, along with hoots of laughter and the greasy smell of oil. A large van was pulled into the door they were facing, raised up several feet with its hood open and a mechanic under it.

There was a television hanging up in the corner opposite them, blaring one of today's beach volleyball games. Blaine squinted to see if it was Santana and Brittany's match, but a shout from their left made him jump and look away.

"Burt! Burt, guess who's decided to take a day off from the swimming pool?"

One of the men grinned broadly and stumbled over to them through the junk piles and tires.

"Hullo, Hank," Kurt greeted, shaking the man's hand and smiling. "Been making sure he eats right?"

"As right as I can, I except," Hank replied good-naturedly. He cast Blaine a curious look, still smiling, and waved them into the shop. "Come on, your Dad's across the way. Oi, Burt!"

Kurt glanced back as Blaine as he tugged him along, and the bright, reassuring smile eased some of Blaine's nervousness. At least he knew his way around a car if Kurt's father asked. He could handle an environment like this.

They followed Hank down to the third garage door and back to the front of a small car. Two boots were protruding from under the front bumper and Hank rolled his eyes at them in way that clearly said this happened quite often.

"Burt, Burt!" Hank kicked one of the feet, startling the man under the car, so that he rolled out and squinted up at them. "Your kid's here to see ya."

The man that emerged from under the car surprised Blaine. He'd half expected features more in line with Kurt's, strong but smooth, gentle was sharp. Burt Hummel was an entirely different man at first glance, gruff and with a stocky build that managed to fill out his coveralls. However, when his eyes saw Kurt, Blaine knew without a doubt this man had had a part in creating the one beside him. The same warmth and, dare he say love, that Kurt looked at him with was reflected back out of Burt's eyes as he stood up and embraced his son tightly.

"Kurt, buddy! I didn't think I'd see you until I came to watch the games next week!"

The first thing that struck Blaine was Burt's voice. An American accent, despite living in England for over a decade, which surprised him. It was also a little relieving for him after a week mingling with people from all over. At least Burt would understand what he was saying instead of crinkling his nose up like Kurt did and laughing until they'd translated the phrase or word into a British English.

Blaine stepped back as father and son greeted each other with a fierce hug and several claps on the back. After a few moments Kurt pulled back, biting his lip but still looking thrilled.

"Dad, there's... this is Blaine," Kurt introduced, looping his arm through Blaine's and yanking him back to his side for support.

Through their jackets Blaine could feel Kurt's forearm trembling a little and he slid his palm down until it their fingers laced together. He'd never seen Kurt this nervous before, and it was a little weird, almost as though he'd never done this before, not even as a teenager.

"Blaine, this is my dad," Kurt added unnecessarily.

Gulping, Blaine watched Burt's eyes scan over him, taking him his Team U.S.A. attire and unruly curls. He should have brought a comb so he could clean his hair up a bit. All day it had been blown around by the wind as they raced around. It probably looked like a tumble weed had taken up camp on his skull.

"Blaine, huh?" Burt grunted, looking a little suspicious as his eyes took in their linked hands. "You another athlete?"

"Y- yes, sir," Blaine stammered, awkwardly sticking out his left hand to shake so that his right didn't have to let go of Kurt's sweaty palm. "Boxer for the United States."

Burt eyed his hand for a moment and then shook it firmly. Something in the older man's eyes made Blaine feel like he was morphing into gelatin. He was appraising him, trying to figure out who he really was and why Kurt had felt the need to introduce him. Briefly Blaine wondered if his own father would look at Kurt the same way in a few days when they arrived for the second week of the games. His whole, immediate family was coming to watch, but Blaine couldn't imagine his father being curious about the man standing next to him. He doubted his father would even want to meet them.

"I, uh– Kurt was just showing me around London for the day," Blaine offered as an explanation for the question Burt had left unasked.

Green eyes watched them closely, almost knowingly, and what is just Blaine's imagination or did Burt look... happy? Blaine ducked his head a little, smiling shyly as Kurt pressed closer to his side.

"You like the city so far?" Burt asked gruffly, grabbing a rag to begin wiping off his hands.

"Yeah, its really cool, nothing like anything in Ohio," Blaine answered honestly.

"Blaine grew up right by where we used to live, Dad," Kurt added, biting his lower lip to hold back the smile Blaine adored.

"Is that right? Not a bad town, though I'm glad we left," Burt said, rubbing at a stubborn streak of grease on his arm. "Better for Kurt not growing up with all those homophobes."

His eyes darted up to take in Blaine's reaction to his words, and Blaine flinched at the memories that flashed through his mind.

"Dad," Kurt warned, and apparently that was what Burt had been waiting for, confirmation that Blaine was gay. How he hadn't been positive given the close proximity between Blaine and Kurt was beyond Blaine, but he shrugged and cleared his throat.

"Yeah, Ohio is the best place to be gay at fourteen," Blaine grumbled vaguely.

"Shh," Kurt soothed, looking quite worried by the way the brightness in Blaine's eyes had dimmed.

"I er– why don't I clock out and we head upstairs for some dinner?" Burt offered, reaching over and cuffing Blaine on the shoulder. "I'd love to hear how the competitions are going."

"Sure," Blaine agreed as Kurt nodded encouraging, whether it was directed at himself or Burt, he didn't know.

Burt wandered off, pausing at a few of the other vehicles to say something to the men working on them, and then disappeared into an office on the far side of the garage.

"He seems nice," Blaine decided to say as Kurt rocked on the balls of his feet.

"Really? You're not scared he's going to come back with a shot gun or– "

"Well, now that you've said that," Blaine griped, swallowing loudly at the thought. He didn't think it would happen, but what did he really know about Kurt's father? If Kurt thought it was possible–

"He doesn't own one," Kurt informed him. "At least, I don't think he does."

Blaine grunted in reply, stomach fluttering with nerves as he caught sight of Burt's cap moving back towards them through the piles of tires. Thankfully, the older man was without a weapon, only an intrigued smile and a newly washed set of hands.

"Come on, let's go get something cooking," Burt decided, jerking his head towards a door along the back wall of the garage that Blaine hadn't noticed before.

Kurt shot Blaine a big, encouraging smile, and tugged him along in his father's wake. They pushed through the door, and it opened onto a small coat rack and a steep staircase leading up to the left, along the back wall of the garage. It wasn't until Blaine was sliding Kurt's Olympic team jacket off his shoulders that he realized Burt was watching the exchange, the way Kurt's face split into a bashful smile and the way Blaine's fingers lingered just a little too long against Kurt's neck as he took a grip of the jacket collar. Even more nervous at the green eyes watching them, Blaine shrugged out of his own before Kurt had a chance to help him.

A pouty mouth greeted Blaine's quick discarding as Burt turned and started up the stairs.

"Not fair," Kurt murmured, still pouting, his lower lip jutting out.

Blaine hated how enticing the sight was. He wanted nothing more than to lean in and take Kurt's plump lip between his teeth and–

"You boys coming or not?"

The holler echoed down the stairs towards them, and Kurt blushed pink and sucked his lip between his own teeth. The sight did nothing to help Blaine's thoughts. At the top of the stairs he heard the rattle of a set of keys and then the creak of a door opening.

"Come on," Kurt sighed, risking a quick fleeting kiss on the cheek. "Let's go before he gets suspicious."

As they started to climb, feet clomping loudly, Kurt's arm wound around Blaine's waist. Blaine hummed softly at the gesture, glad that the doorway above them was empty.

"So, a- are we telling him that we're... whatever we are?" Blaine asked in a whisper.

Blaine watched as Kurt chewed at the inside of his cheek anxiously. "I... I think he's already figured out that we're... more than friends," Kurt said honestly. He paused, and then asked the very question in Blaine's mind."A- are we... boyfriends?"

"Hurry it up," Burt rumbled, appearing in the doorway, his eyes scanning over their brushing sides and the arm around Blaine's waist. "You want to make that fancy chicken thing you like?" he asked Kurt, still staring at where they were joined as they stepped onto the landing in front of him.

"Oh! Do you have everything we need?" Kurt gushed, suddenly looking like a child in a candy shop. He bounced slightly and slid away from Blaine, heading off to what Blaine assumed was the kitchen.

Burt grunted roughly and slapped a hand down on Blaine's shoulder. "First thing to know with Kurt is that he'll cook things that sound disgusting, but actually taste like heaven."

"That's the first?" Blaine wondered as he was steered towards the archway where Kurt had disappeared.

"Only if you're thinking with your stomach," Burt said pointedly, and Blaine blushed darkly at the look he was being given that made it quite clear Blaine shouldn't think with anything lower than that.

"I uh, I'd rather think with something a little higher up, if that's all right," Blaine replied uncertainly.

"Hmm."

"Blaine, come help me season this," Kurt called as they stepped into the little kitchen.

Burt's hand released his shoulder as Kurt tugged him over to the stove. With the closer proximity and Burt dropping down on a stool at the counter, Blaine mumbled into Kurt's ear, "I think your dad wants to castrate me. Or cut me in half at the hips."

Kurt snorted loudly, and giggled when Burt glanced over at them. "Shush, he's a big old teddy bear," Kurt whispered back.

His eyes darted over to his father for a split second, nervous and undecided, like he'd never been in this situation before. Perhaps he hadn't, Blaine realized. He'd never met one of his boyfriends or lovers parents before, and had certainly never introduced one to his own parents. Quick as a sprinter Kurt ducked down and pressed his lips to Blaine's, smiling into the sweet kiss before pulling back and breaking out into a beaming grin.

Burt said nothing at the gesture, or the way they stood there for a moment, eyes locked with an indefinable look Blaine couldn't explain with any other word but love. That's what he was tumbling into, between their practices, competitions, and hectic schedules. He hoped Burt would understand it.

Dinner went well after that. Kurt and Blaine cooked, talking and laughing while Burt asked Blaine about his life and interests. They found they had a common obsession with American football, namely the Ohio State Buckeyes, who Burt did his best to follow despite the distance. By the time they were finished eating, Blaine was relaxed and quite comfortable talking and laughing with Burt. It surprised him how natural and easy it felt. Even with his own father Blaine had a difficult time talking about something as simple as football.

"So do you two have a curfew during the games?" Burt asked as Kurt put the last few spoons in the sink to soak. "Not going to have to sneak back in on account of seeing your old man, right?"

"Oh, no, we can come and go as we please," Kurt answered.

"Well, good, you two can stay here tonight then," Burt decided. "It's late and I know how early you always have to get up."

"I– Dad, we really don't want to impose– "

"Really? You move out on your own and suddenly you thinking your imposing on me?" Burt laughed, pulling Kurt against his side into a little hug. "Come on, it'll be nice having someone else around for the night."

Blaine caught Kurt's questioning eyes and nodded slightly. It was absolutely fine with him, and they both had later training sessions tomorrow anyway.

"All right," Kurt agreed finally. "Do you want to make up a bed on the couch for Blaine– "

"You really think I'm that blind?" Burt said, looking a little offended.

"What– no, Dad, of course not. It's just... "Kurt bit his lip and squirmed a little. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"You're both adults, visiting or not," Burt said. "If you two want to share your old room, then I won't stop you. Besides, it's really about time you had a guy."

"Dad!" Kurt squealed, blushing darkly.

Blaine felt his face heat up, too, and he ducked his head as Burt nudged Kurt teasingly.

"Go on," Burt shooed him, swatting his shoulder playfully. "Go take a shower while we clean this up."

"But– "

"Go," Burt ordered sternly and Blaine gulped at the tone and the look he gave Kurt. It wasn't angry or mean, but Blaine knew what it meant, despite having no experience meeting boyfriend's parents. Burt wanted to talk to him alone, really get to know his intentions and how serious he and Kurt were.

As Kurt slowly padded out of the room he gave Blaine an apologetic look before Burt shooed him with a wave of his dish towel.

"I'll dry," Burt told him, turning back to the sink.

Feeling tense, Blaine turned to the sink full of dishes and slowly started scrubbing. At his side Burt accepted the first few cups and dried them off without a word. It was several, torturous minutes before Burt finally spoke, and what he said surprised Blaine.

"You're the first guy my boy's ever willingly introduced me to. Never actually brought one home before, though," Burt commented evenly, eyeing the plate Blaine had just handed him. "You missed a spot."

"S- sorry," Blaine stammered, taking the dish back and scrubbing more vigorously. He swallowed loudly and glanced at Burt out of the corner of his eye. The older man was leaning back against the counter, watching him closely.

Burt shrugged. "Better than I could do," he admitted. "Just be glad you're not washing these with Kurt. He's meticulous."

"That's not always a bad thing," Blaine said, rinsing the plate and handing it over. Burt eyed it and then started to dry it slowly.

"No," he agreed. "It's taken him far, wanting to perfect and hone his skills. Done the same for you."

They were silent for another few minutes, the only sound the clink of dishes and running water from the sink and the bathroom down the hall.

"I'm really the first he's brought home?" Blaine asked quietly.

"Yeah," Burt told him with a sigh, "you are. Only met his first boyfriend at a diving meet when he was still in school. Kid was terrified of me."

"Can't imagine why," Blaine said dryly.

Burt grunted, but ended up laughing gruffly. Blaine handed him the last plate and turned the water off. He turned to watch Burt as he dried it off and found himself under a stern, but almost hopeful gaze.

"You mean a lot to him," Burt said, though it almost sounded like a question, like he needed reassurance with his observation.

"I care about him a lot, too," Blaine said honestly as Burt set the plate down. "More than I've ever cared about anyone, and we've only known each other for a week."

"So are you two... yanno, together?"

Blaine hesitated to answer, because he wasn't entirely sure of the answer. He hadn't had a chance to answer Kurt's question earlier, wasn't even sure how any of this was going to work out with their separate lives and being an ocean apart in another week. But when he looked up and met Burt's gaze, trying to be stern, but mostly looking scared for his boy and any potential heartbreak, Blaine knew his answer. He knew what he wanted, knew who he wanted, and even more he wanted Burt's trust and respect. This man meant everything to Kurt, and he already meant a lot to Blaine, too.

"I hope so," Blaine admitted softly, honestly. "Everything's been happening so fast, but... I want us to be. I- I've never felt like this."

"Neither has he," Burt informed him, looking more at ease. "He's picked a good guy by the looks of you."

"Not as good as my choice, I think," Blaine murmured as Kurt appeared in the kitchen doorway, hair damp and smiling broadly.

"Oh, good, you're still alive," Kurt said happily. "I was dreading having to bring your corpse back to the park tomorrow if my dad when savage while I was gone."

"Not to worry, bud," Burt replied. "He's all yours, back in one piece."

Kurt smiled more widely and pressed close to Blaine's side. "Your turn for a shower."

"All right," Blaine agreed, still watching Burt's face as he headed out of the room. As he turned the corner he paused, not entirely sure why until he heard Kurt speak.

"D- do you like him?" Kurt's voice asked nervously.

"No," Burt said at once, and Blaine's heart plummeted. "Neither do you," he added quietly.

"What– Dad– "

"You're in love with this guy," Burt continued, his voice soft and surprised in a way Blaine hadn't heard yet. "I might not know him well yet, but just seeing how much he cares about you is enough to convince me, and seeing that look in your eyes when you catch him staring at you, that's enough to make me fall in love with this, too."

"Daddy... "

It was quiet after that, interrupted by a few snuffles and the sounds of rustling fabrics. After several minutes Blaine heard the sound of a hand patting a back and a watery laugh from Kurt.

"Go on and join him in there," Burt said gruffly. "You still smell like the city."

"I– "

"Kurt, I know when you take a fake shower, bud, and right now you need a good cleaning."

Kurt laughed again, and Blaine darted off for the bathroom quickly so he wouldn't know he'd been eavesdropping. His chest felt lighter, like the gravity had been sucked out and his heart and lungs were floating about. Burt was happy for them, approved of them being together, and that was more than Blaine had ever expected from this surprise visit. It was also a lot more than he expected from his own family when they arrived the following evening.