Author's Note:
Hey! This was quite an emotional chapter for me to write. I think from now the story will have a faster pace, as I realize that it took me nine chapters for Kurt to become Kevin. Oops. Oh well. Hope you like it anyway!
And hey! We reached 105 reviews. Thanks guys!
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Glee. If I did, it would never have stopped. :(
A lot had changed in the months following Kurt's disappearance. Both the New Directions and the Dalton Academy Warblers lost at Regionals, the Warblers for the loss of their countertenor and lead singer, the New Directions for the loss of their family member. After Regionals, however, things were starting to return to normal, though there was still some tension in the air whenever Kurt's name was mentioned. This, unsurprisingly was only done by Brittany, who although sad, did not understand why everybody acted as if Kurt hadn't existed.
Blaine was adjusting to William McKinley and life at the Hudmel household. After two months of solid grieving, and a visit from Wes and David, he decided to man up and resume his life where it had come to a standstill. Although reluctant at first, Blaine joined the New Directions after much persuasion from Finn, but as of yet, he hadn't sung a single song. He merely allowed himself to be surrounded by friends, and feel protected while in the public school environment.
Kevin Hunter loved life in Miami. His job paid fairly well, enough for his rent and bills with enough left over to save. Kevin wasn't stupid, he knew how reckless he could be perceived as, being in a new state and not having to depend on anyone, and he saved his money in case of emergency, like if he was evicted from his tiny apartment. Deep down, in the remaining Kurt Hummel part of himself, Kevin knew that he would eventually return to Lima, but he liked to think that that was way ahead in the future; right now he would live his life to the max, not thinking about the future apart from what he was going to have for dinner that day. All he cared about at that point was that he was living a stable life, focussing on the present, and trying not to dwell too much on his past.
The first package arrived a day after Burt's birthday. They had had a small and subdued family dinner, Carole trying very hard to lighten the mood by clapping and singing enthusiastically. She had bought a cake, as she knew that Kurt used to bake a cake on his father's birthday, and didn't want to reawaken any memories. However, she saw his face fall as she brought it in, before he plastered on a huge smile and hugged her tight. She noticed his laughter was a little too loud, his smiles very forced. He thanked them all too much for the gifts that they had given him, but his head kept turning to the little display cabinet at the corner of the living room. It was filled with model cars, and Carole knew that it was a tradition established between father and son, since Elizabeth had died and Kurt no longer had any help buying gifts, that Kurt would get Burt one of these antiques every birthday. The cabinet was relatively empty, only filled with eight models, each unique. Carole had no idea where Kurt had bought them, all she knew was that Kurt must have been a very dedicated son to find these personal presents for his father. This thought both warmed and hurt Carole's heart.
It had come by courier. It was left on the doorstep according to the mailman, who had brought a few birthday cards for Burt that hadn't arrived on time. She set them all out for Burt at the kitchen table and began making breakfast. Blaine came down first and, smiling at her, kissed her cheek before sitting down at the chair adjacent to Burt's at the head of the table. Carole looked at him fondly. He had taken to living with them very well indeed, and he was really becoming one of the family now. He seemed awed at the conversations they could have, and the general atmosphere that was the Hudmel household. Carole rather thought he hadn't ever experienced a proper family dinner. The look on his face when they had enquired about his day was almost comical, if it hadn't been so heart-breaking. He took to calling them 'Carole' and 'Burt' rather than Mr and Mrs Hummel, and was becoming closer to Carole in a way she didn't think was possible after Kurt. He was comfortable around them, and she was so glad that she could make him so.
Burt greeted them as he walked into the kitchen and sat down at his seat. He took a sip of his coffe as he opened one of the envelopes one handed and read the thoughtful birthday message written inside. Yesterday had hurt more than he ever thought it would, not having Kurt there. For so long it had been just he and Kurt, and it hurt him to realize that there was a chance that that would never happen again. All last night his eyes had been drawn to the models in the corner (and he and Kurt had frequently made a joke of that phrase) and all he could think about was how they would never fill the cabinet. With this rather depressing thought in mind, Burt opened the other cards, finally bringing his attention to the package. He suspected that it was a gift from his mother, who lived in Boston, and opened it, preparing himself for another terrible present. Living with Kurt so long meant he had gotten used to good taste. He opened the flaps, and pulled out the tissue paper covering the gift. He stared down at it, brain not quite registering what he was seeing, and then he choked. Blaine jumped backwards as Burt began coughing violently, face turning red, but eyes still fixed on the package still resting at the side of the plate of pancakes that Carole had brought him.
He cleared his throat after much effort, and wiped his eyes, though from the coughing fit he had just had or not, he wasn't sure. Lying in the box was a beautiful limited edition Ferrari Enzo diecast model car. It was white, with so much detail in it, that Burt couldn't speak for a moment. He just sat there, with this model in his hands, speechless. Carole's eyes were fixed on his face, and Blaine's were flicking between his face to the car. They were both waiting for his reaction, but he said nothing.
Finn came bounding down the stairs, seemingly not noticing the silence in the kitchen, and said, "Hey, cool car, can I see it?"
Without waiting for an answer, he lifted it from Burt's hands, as he sat there, still in shock. Finn began opening the doors, and exclaimed delightedly when he realized that you could 'drive' the car by steering the wheel. He opened the boot of the car, and his eyebrows furrowed. There was a note folded neatly placed at the bottom of the empty space. Finn took it out and handed it to Burt who's eyes had widened at the sight of the note. Hands shaking, he took it, unfolded it, and began to read, Blaine and Carole peering over his shoulder.
Hehe. Sorry about the cliffhanger guys, I just couldn't resist :) Revieww