Disclaimer: Glee is not my property; I own nothing related to the show and make no profit of this work of fiction.
Authors note: I have never written fanfic before, but I just couldn't leave the ending of Wheels alone.
As he was changing the tires on his last car of the day, working easily alongside his son, their seamless operation speaking as to how often an occurrence it was, Burt Hummel was thinking.
He could hardly believe what his son had done for him today. His perfect, selfless son, who had willingly given up an opportunity that meant so much to him, all to spare his fool father some harassment. And he was a fool. He was not at all ashamed of his son; Kurt was a kind, generous and talented young man, and Burt didn't think it possible to love him any more than he already did. Yet he had failed his son, for Kurt should never have spared a moment to consider what Burt, nor anyone else thought about him winning that solo he desired. As a father, he was supposed to be strong for his son, and in this he had let Kurt down.
He wanted his child happy, and thinking of the sorrow in his sons' expression when he'd explained why he'd given up his chance to shine, Burt had experienced a revelation. He couldn't care less what anyone thought of his boy. Yes, he was often afraid for his Kurt. Lima, Ohio wasn't an accepting place by any means, but any hassle he received about his son's preferences, whether it be boys, music, or fashion, it would be so worth it to see him light up with the joy he got from performing. He'd seen his boy sing often, and each time he was blown away by the emotion his son expressed through song, and he welcomed seeing his son light up when doing that which he loved.
For so long now, Kurt had been the strong one of the two of them, willing to take on the role of adult and make decisions he should never have had to, all to protect his father. It would stop now. Burt knew his son was hurting from his decisions, and Kurt had been so brave. Voicing what Burt had always known, even though he was fearful of his reaction; joining the football team, which was full of the very people who had made his life so difficult, in order to make him proud. And Burt was so proud, not for the football, but because he had been blessed with an amazing son, a vibrant boy, so full of life and promise, who'd grown up to be the most special person he'd ever met. Kurt brought him joy every day of his life, and it comforted him that his son loved him just as much he did Kurt. He knew his son had been suffering in silence for too long, but now Burt knew what he had to do. He knew how to make it right.
After far too many years, Burt Hummel was ready to be strong for his son.
