Love in the Air
AN: Once again, a huge THANK YOU for the alerts, reviews and favorites!
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee, American Airlines, or anything else that looks familiar.
Chapter 9:
December 24th 2018:
"Shit, looks like we're going to have to chain up." Kurt was driving while Blaine sat in the passenger seat. Santana and Jeff were both asleep in the back of the car, Santana's head resting on Jeff's shoulder. Kurt was tempted to take a picture, and use it was blackmail or something later, knowing that Santana would always try to deny snuggling with the blonde pilot.
They had just merged onto Highway 30 heading east towards Plymouth when a large flashing sign altered all drivers that chains were required for the next fifty miles.
"Chains?" Blaine asked quietly, he and Kurt had been whispering ever since Santana and Jeff had fallen asleep.
Kurt looked over at Blaine as he maneuvered the car over towards the shoulder where everyone was pulling over to chain up, "Don't tell me you never put chains on before?"
Blaine blushed and looked down, "Nope, never have. You?"
Kurt laughed, "I have disassembled engines, replaced brake pads, carburetors, spark plugs and even transmissions since I was ten. I think I can handle putting on chains." Kurt scoffed. He turned off the engine before turning to face Blaine who was wide-eyed.
"What can't you do?" Blaine wondered aloud, staring at Kurt with admiration shinning in his hazel eyes.
"Fly an airplane." Kurt joked, leaning forward.
"Um hum, I've got you there." Blaine met Kurt halfway, kissing him passionately, the mental image of Kurt covered in grease and working on a car at the forefront of his mind.
"Can you please stop sucking face and go put the damn chains on; I'd like to be in Lima sometime today." Santana grumbled from behind them, not even bothering to open her eyes.
Kurt pressed one last kiss to Blaine's lips, "Go back to sleep Santana." He smiled when he heard her mutter "gladly" before snuggling back into Jeff's side.
"Come on, I'm going to teach you how to put on chains." Kurt grabbed his coat, scarf and hat before stepping out into the freezing air. Blaine mimicked his actions, grabbing his own jacket and scarf before joining Kurt outside in the winter wonderland.
"Rachel sweetie, would you mind going to the store with me?" Carole asked. She, Burt, Rachel and Finn were all sitting around the kitchen table eating a light lunch while the twins watched a movie in the living room.
"Sure, but didn't we get everything yesterday?" Rachel said, taking a bite of her vegan sandwich.
Carole and Burt looked at each other, "Kurt is bringing two more people home with him, so I was going to get some extra food. You know how much these men like to eat." Carole affectionately ruffled Finn's hair; he was currently showing a second sandwich into his mouth, emphasizing Carole's point nicely.
"Who are they?" Finn grumbled around the food in his mouth, earning him a hit from both Carole and Rachel.
"Two friends of theirs that got stranded in Chicago because of the storm. Apparently one of them is possibly dating Kurt, what's his name again?" Burt said adjusting the worn baseball cap that sat on his head.
"Blaine, his name is Blaine. And his friend's name is Jeff." Carole finished.
Rachel sat there for a second, "Kurt has a boyfriend?" She squealed, "That he is bringing home? Kurt?"
Carole laughed, patting Rachel's hand, "Yes, I was shocked too."
"Alright, first we lay the chains in front of the tires, like this." Kurt kneeled down next to the right front tire and laid the chain down in the snow. "Once we place the chains in front of all the tires, we drive over them and then connect the ends to attach them to the tires."
"That's it?" Blaine asked from here he was standing next to Kurt, his eyes followed Kurt's movements as his boyfriend stood and moved on to the next tire.
"That's it." Kurt repeated with a laughed. "I'm honestly shocked that you have never had to put on chains before, I mean you did grow up in Ohio."
Blaine walked around to the other side of the car where Kurt was placing the last chain in front of the tire. "I never put the chains on myself, Randy always did."
"Randy?"
"Yeah, he was our housekeeper; he did the gardening, repairs and put the chains on the cars during the winter." Blaine explained, ducking his head. He didn't really like talking about how affluent his childhood had been because of his parents.
Ever since he was kid he was identified by his parent's money. He was always known as the son of Ted Anderson, director of the Port Columbus International Airport. It was only when Blaine started at Dalton that he was able to create an identity for himself.
Kurt wasn't sure what to say, he knew Blaine was from an affluent family, they had talked about it during their date at the Italian restaurant. "Then it's a good thing I'm teaching you how to. You never know when you might need to chain up."
Blaine breathed a sigh of relief, "In California?"
Kurt shrugged, "You never know. But remind me when we get to my house; I want to show you Sparky."
Blaine raised an eyebrow and grabbed Kurt's waist, pulling him close. "Sparky?"
Kurt nodded, and brushed some snowflakes off Blaine's head, "he's my baby. My dad bought him for me when I was a freshman, he was our weekend project."
Now Blaine was thoroughly confused, "Is Sparky a dog?"
Kurt laughed, "No, he's a car. A '59 Triumph TR3 to be exact."
Blaine stared at Kurt for a second, "Sparky is a car?"
"Yes," Kurt laughed, placing his arms around Blaine's neck, "It was a barn find but my dad and I worked on it every weekend until we finally got the thing running. I named it Sparky because the first thing we removed was the spark plugs. I'd take you for a drive...but he's not exactly a snow car."
Blaine looked around at the snow covered highway, "That might be an issue. But I'd love to meet this 'Sparky'."
"Then you shall. But in order to do that, we need to get driving." Kurt gave Blaine a quick kiss. Both of their cheeks were red from the chill outside but their lips were warm against each other's.
They got back in the car and pulled forward before getting back out, and synching the chains onto the tires. Ten minutes later the car was back on the highway and headed east towards Lima, Blaine and Kurt continued to talk about cars while Santana and Jeff slept on in the backseat.
"Do you think Kurt will have told this Blaine about Josh?" Rachel asked as she and Carole walked through the aisles of the grocery store.
Carole stopped next to the bread display and grabbed two more loafs, Finn could eat a loaf by himself, so Carole could only assume what Blaine and Jeff could eat. Even Kurt would splurge during the holidays and could pack away as much food as his step-brother.
"I'm not sure. It's definitely not our story to tell, but I'm sure Kurt will tell him when he's ready." Carole answered.
Rachel nodded in agreement. "I'm just glad he has met someone else. Whenever we would hang out together in New York he would try and be happy and cheerful but there was something…missing. It was like he was going through the motions, but that spark was gone."
Carole was a little taken back at Rachel's assessment. Apparently the girl could pay attention and take other's feeling into consideration. Yes, she was still as self-absorbed as she was in high school, and her success on Broadway had done nothing to change that, but Rachel really did care about her friends and family. Carole was pleased to see the change in her daughter-in-law.
"Well," Carole gave Rachel a sincere smile, "We will just have to wait and see now won't we."
Rachel laughed and nodded and the two continued through the store.
Five hours and four stops later, one to take the chains off, two for food and one for Santana to go to the bathroom, Kurt finally turned onto the familiar road where his home was located.
It was around four in the afternoon, and the familiar tress and houses were covered in a few inches of snow. Up ahead Kurt could see that his dad and Carole had decorated the house in the same manner as always. There were multi-colored lights on the eaves, and the large oak tree in the front yard had lights wrapped around the trunk. It was a comfortable sight, and Kurt was ecstatic to be back home with his family.
Blaine fidgeted in the passenger seat. Sensing his nervousness Kurt reached out and grabbed his hand, giving him a small smile.
"Hallelujah! We made it!" Santana cheered from the back seat.
"That wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it would be." Jeff yawned and scowled when Santana ruffled his hair which was already messed up.
"That's because you slept the whole time." Blaine said turning around to look at Jeff.
The blonde stuck out his tongue like a five-year old. "So, at least I didn't have to listen to you singing for five and a half hours."
Blaine glared at his best friend.
"I think Blaine sings very well." Blaine gave Kurt a grateful smiled and kissed their intertwined hands.
"Not that I disagree, but I think you're a little biased there." Jeff grumbled, yawning again.
Kurt pulled to the curb and looked towards the house on the right. "Home sweet home" he murmured.
"Thank God, get me out of this car!" Santana threw open the door and Jeff followed her towards the back of the car. Blaine and Kurt stayed seated in silence for a few seconds.
"Can you remind me who everyone is?" Blaine asked, giving Kurt a nervous glance and tightening his grip on his boyfriend's hand.
Kurt turned his seat so he could face Blaine, "There's my dad"
"Burt"
Kurt smiled, "Yes, and Carole my step-mom. Her son is Finn, who is married to Rachel. We all went to high school together. Finn and Rachel have three year old twins Melody and Justin."
"Melody is really loud like her mother and Justin is exceptionally shy but likes you the best." Blaine finished.
Kurt leaned over to kiss him, "I knew you were paying attention." He whispered against Blaine's lips.
"I've been known to do that." They kissed for another moment before Santana and Jeff started to pound on the windows.
They pulled away but Kurt kept ahold of one of Blaine's hands, "you ready?" he asked. Blaine looked at him, "Ready as I'll ever be" he sighed.
Kurt gave his hand one more squeeze before opening his own door and getting out.
Santana and Jeff were waiting for them on the sidewalk. Once everyone had their bags Kurt led the way towards the front door with Blaine close to his side. Their fingers occasionally brushed and though Blaine gave Kurt a timid smile, Kurt knew he was freaking out inside.
Kurt leaned over and kissed Blaine's cheek before opening the door and stepping into the house, "we're here!"
A split second later two sets of small footsteps could be heard.
"Uncle Kurt!" A little girl with brown curly hair ran forward jumping up and down.
"Mel!" Kurt bent down and picked up his niece, hugging her close. She hugged him back before squirming from his arms and he handed her to Santana.
"That's Melody." Kurt explained to Blaine. Kurt felt a tug on his pants, looking down he spotted his nephew. A huge smile spread across his face and bent down to pick Justin up. The little boy clung to Kurt, his little arms wrapped around his uncle's neck.
"Blaine, this is Justin," Kurt pressed a kiss to his forehead, "Justin this is my boyfriend Blaine."
The little boy raised his head and gave Blaine a small smile before burying his head back into Kurt's neck. Blaine chuckled, smiling at how natural Kurt looked with his nephew.
"Boyfriend huh?" Kurt whipped around towards the voice. "Rachel!"
His best friend turned sister-in-law was standing in the door to the kitchen with a huge grin on her face. "Hi Kurt!" She stepped forward to hug him, "I missed you!"
"I missed you too!" Kurt hugged her with his free arm; Justin was still clinging to him. "Rachel, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend Blaine, and his friend Jeff is back by Santana."
"It's very nice to meet you Blaine." Rachel said hugging the pilot.
"It's nice to meet you too Rachel, you have two lovely children." Blaine awkwardly returned her hug.
Rachel took a step back looking Blaine up and down, making him blushed under her gaze, "I like him, and he's very charming."
Kurt laughed, "I'm glad I have your approval Rachel. Where are my dad and Carole?"
"In the kitchen, they figured Mel and Justin would attack you first." Rachel reached up and Kurt handed a reluctant Justin over to her before grabbing Blaine's hand.
"Alright, we'll go say hi to them." Kurt gave Rachel a kiss on the cheek before she moved to greet Santana and Jeff.
"Now your parents?" Blaine asked nervously.
Kurt leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. "Now my parents, just know that all my dad's threats are empty. He doesn't really own a shotgun….at least I don't think he does."
Blaine's eyes widened, "that's comforting" he muttered under his breath as he allowed himself to be pulled towards the kitchen.
"You must be Jeff?" Rachel greeted the blonde, still holding Justin in her arms.
"That's correct. You must be Rachel, Kurt and Santana have told Blaine and me a lot about you." Jeff said, giving Rachel on of his charming smiles.
Santana scoffed, "He's lying, we told him how obnoxious and self-absorbed you are" she said with a smile.
Rachel laughed, "Nice to see you too Santana, I see Mel has already found you."
Melody was clutching Santana in the same way that Justin had been holding on to Kurt. Each of the twins had become very attached to the two flight attendants since they had been born. Melody had even picked up Santana's habit of nicknaming everything. The little girl had named her stuffed animals in a way that would make even Santana proud.
"She knows who her favorite is, right Melody?" The little girl nodded enthusiastically before launching into a detailed description of what she wanted Santa to bring her.
Rachel smiled at her daughter, "So, how long have you known Blaine?" Rachel asked Jeff.
"Almost ten years. Blaine, my husband Nick, and I were all best friends in high school." Jeff explained, taking a step back at the excitement that appeared in Rachel's face at his reply.
"I have two gay dads! We have so much to talk about!" Rachel then proceeded to tell Jeff all about her two dads, how they met and her childhood. Jeff tried to listen but after a few minutes he caught Santana's gaze, mouthing 'help!'.
Thankfully she saved him from Rachel, claiming that they needed to put their stuff upstairs. Rachel set Justin down before going off to find Finn and let them know that Kurt, Santana and their two guests had arrived.
"Dad, Carole, this is Blaine." Kurt announced as he and Blaine walked into the kitchen.
Both Burt and Carole stood quickly, "It's nice to meet you Blaine." Burt offered his hand which Blaine took, "It's nice to meet you too Mr. Hummel."
Burt chuckled, "Its Burt son." Blaine nodded giving Burt a small smile.
Carole had rushed towards Kurt pulling him into her arms, whispering "he's cute" into his ear before letting him go.
Kurt laughed, "Thanks Carole," he gave his step-mom a kiss on the cheek before she turned and gave Blaine a hug.
"It's so nice to meet you Blaine. I'm glad you could join us, even though the circumstances aren't ideal."
Blaine returned her hug, exchanging a smile with Kurt who was beaming at his parents positive reaction to Blaine, "It's wonderful to meet you too, and thank you so much for letting Jeff and I join you for the holidays."
Carole patted his arm, "Oh it's no problem sweetie, we're just so happy to meet Kurt's 'special someone'"
Blaine blushed slightly and thankfully Kurt spoke up, "Alright, we are going to go put our stuff away, and I'd like to say hello to Finn."
Kurt grabbed Blaine's hand and shot Burt and Carole, who were chuckling quietly to themselves, a glare before dragging his boyfriend from the room.
Next chapter there will be a lot more interactions between everyone, and Blaine has a serious talk with Carole. Fun fact, my dad restores old cars and Sparky is a car that I helped him with, the story that Kurt tells Blaine is based on how I named Sparky :)
There is a picture on my tumblr of what Sparky looks like if you'd like to see.
Thoughts? I really love Justin and he will appear more in the next chapter. Should Santana have nicknames for Finn and Rachel? Would you like to meet the Mr. Berry's?
tumblr: reidbetweentheelines
