A/N: This chapter is a little different from the earlier ones. It takes place *approximately* the time period of Never Been Kissed, perhaps a little before or a little after. This chapter is all Burt & Carole, without referencing NBK canon. Spoilers for "Grilled Cheesus," "Duets," and "Furt."

I don't own Burt, Carole or Styx, "Show Me The Way." The version discussed can be heard here: www [dot] youtube [dot] com/watch?v=rL9y9CcnEJQ and, for this chapter, is required viewing for anyone born since ~1985.

It happened so quickly, they hadn't expected it.

Burt had picked Carole up early Tuesday morning, to take her in to work. They had been discussing his health, Kurt's impact on his diet, his participation in the Lima General Hospital heart patient group exercise. Currently, he was still with the Walkers, but soon he should be able to start with the Runners group. Burt was determined to get in good shape, and Carole was relieved to know it.

The conversation paused, and Burt began flipping through radio channels, looking for something to listen to. "Stop." Carole said, body frozen in place as Burt reached to skip a rock ballad.

"…Take me tonight to the river

And wash my illusions away…"

the radio played.

"Oh, God." Were her next words.

"As I slowly drift t o sleep, for a moment dreams are sacred…"

Burt reached a Stop sign and looked over. Carole's face was a mask, eyes full of memories and shining with unshed tears. He reached again towards the Skip button on the radio, eyes on Carole, but she shook her head slightly. So he drove to the next parking lot, as a tear began to roll down her face.

Burt parked the car and held out a hand to Carole, rubbing the back with his thumb, as they waited for the song to finish. Then he shut off the radio and unbuckled his seat belt. He turned toward her for an awkward hug. But then Carole unbuckled as well, allowing Burt to just hold her. He stroked her hair.

Burt tried to remember if he'd heard that song before. It seemed like it had been a long time. Not his usual music, nor something Kurt would play. When Carole's breath evened out again, he asked "What is it?"

"The song came out during the first Iraq war." Burt nodded at the memory. "They made a mix, with voices, and played it all the time. My heart would break every time that little girl said 'I want my Daddy to come home.'"

Burt's eyes widened in understanding. "It reminds you of Christopher?" Carole nodded her head, then picked up her purse, searching for a pack of tissues. They had spoken of their deceased spouses several times before, words pouring out. Sometimes with laughter, and other times tears. Sometimes they just held each other in empathy. Burt waited to see what Carole needed now.

This time, she composed herself quickly, wiping her eyes. "It's all right, I'll be fine." Burt could hear the truth in her voice. He was here now, and she was really okay. He hadn't felt like this, understood a woman so well, since Elizabeth.

Now Burt froze for a split second, mind racing furiously. Carole had filled the emptiness Elizabeth left behind. Not the same, not at all… and yet both women felt like home. He made a mental not to come back to that another day.

Seeing that Carole had freshened up, he asked "Ready to go on?"

"Yes, let's go."

A/N I hope you liked. Please review!