Blaine has the most perfect birthday weekend he can remember. So perfect, in fact, that he doesn't even think about how it was last year- when he was left alone in the apartment cleaning up after Tom had smashed his cake into the wall- until Sunday night, when he is curled up alone in bed, and wishing Kurt was there with him.

Last year had been lonely. He'd gotten gift cards through the mail from Cooper and his parents, and, much to his dismay, one from Tom too. It had hurt that he hadn't bothered to buy him a gift or bake a cake, and he wished he'd flown to Denver to spend time with his brother instead.

This year had been something entirely different. After Friday night with Kurt, Saturday had seen them visiting the zoo again with Danny, and then he discovered that the following weekend they would be taking a trip to Denver, and Kurt had already booked the flights. Sunday they had gone to his parents for lunch, and yes, there was cake, and there was also the meeting of the parents.

Burt had seemed as enamoured with Rosetta and Frank as Kurt was, and the whole afternoon had been easy and relaxed. When his dad had mentioned they were saving for the wedding, Burt had laughed and said he was too, so it was going to be an elaborate affair. Blaine had pretended to be mortified, but was secretly thrilled that all the parents just assumed they would make it, and he knew Kurt was over the moon too.

He hated saying goodbye though; coming back to an empty apartment and finding a pair of Danny's sneakers in the hall actually made him cry, and he had sat in silence drinking a glass of wine before heading to bed.

The coming week proves tough. He knows he has a weekend in Denver to look forward to, but he can't help a nagging feeling he has. He's not himself on Wednesday, Kurt notices, but they curl up and watch a movie together, and despite not making love, Blaine seems entirely content by the end of the evening.

By the end of Thursday, he is feeling much brighter, and then he practically bounces into school on Friday, knowing he already has his bags packed in the trunk, all ready to head to Kurt's house right after school.

"Mr Anderson, could I see you in my office?"

Blaine looks up from where he is helping Shelby with her letters, and smiles at Mrs Barnes, the principal. "Of course."

"Thank you. Mrs Monroe will watch the class for you."

He trails her down the hall and into her office, where she closes the door and invites him to take a seat. "Is everything okay?" Blaine asks, feeling sick with nerves. He is racking his brain, trying to remember if he had overheard Danny saying anything, or if he had perhaps been overly affectionate to the little boy, but he is sure, apart from a hug after class on his birthday, that everything had been fine.

"I'm not really sure," Sandra Barnes admits. "You're friends with Mr Hummel, yes?"

"Um... Yes."

"Blaine, before we go any further, I need you to know that everything we say right now will remain confidential, okay?"

"Okay."

"Good. Blaine, are you aware that Mr Hummel is homosexual?"

Blaine frowns, and shifts in his seat. "Yes. I know that. Tell me, where's all this going?"

"Do you see Mr Hummel regularly outside of school?"

"Yes," he says, looking her right in the eye. "Is that a problem?"

"Danny is in your class."

"And Mrs Hudson's kids are in the same school she teaches in," Blaine calmly points out. "And they're her own children."

"But she doesn't teach them."

"Mr Ross teaches his neighbor."

"He does."

"So...?"

"I don't think Mr Ross in in a relationship with that child's mother."

"And you think, because I spend time with Mr Hummel, and we're both gay, that I must be in a relationship with him."

"Are you?"

"Would it make a difference if I was?"

She sighs, and shakes her head. "No, it wouldn't in terms of your position here. I mean, it's far from ideal, but I can't move Danny from your class, and nor would I want to. He is happy and you're very respected as a kindergarten teacher."

"Thank you."

"I'm just concerned for the repercussions if you are together, and it gets out, that's all."

"Mrs Barnes, with all due respect, Mr Hummel and I are both adults."

"But Danny is a child," she points out. "A child who must live his whole life dealing with his father's sexuality. That's enough of a burden, without adding that he's in a relationship with his teacher. This is Lima, Blaine. We don't do gays. Have you see the billboard that's gone up as you enter the city?"

"No I haven't."

"Marriage is between one man and one woman," she says. "That billboard is funded by South Lima Baptist church, and among their congregation is Maggie Stevens, Jacob's mom, Lily's parents, and Logan's entire family, apart from his Uncle who was ostracized for coming out. That's what you're up against, Blaine, that's the backlash Danny will face if this gets out."

"I never said we were together."

"You don't have to," she says with a heavy sigh. "Look, Blaine, I like you. You're a great addition to the teaching staff, and the kids adore you, sure, but I actually like the person you are, and I want you to be happy. I just don't know if this is a sensible decision, given that there's a child involved, and potentially so much anger and upset at your actions."

"But that's their problem, and not mine," Blaine counters. "I'm not doing anything illegal, or breaking any rules here, you said so yourself. I have a right to live my life away from work as I see fit."

"But what about Danny? You're setting him up as a target for bullying and abuse."

"Then the school should crackdown on it," he snaps angrily. "Look, Sandra, Danny is well aware of the situation between his dad and I. The three of us enjoy being together and we are happy. I'm not going to ask him to keep that a secret, but as it is, he is able to very clearly differentiate between the time I spend with him in class, and the times we have outside of it. Kurt and I have already decided to keep this on the down low. Not hidden, just not open. If it gets out, whether from Danny or someone else, then we will deal with it as we see fit, but for now, I'd like my private life to stay just that."

"I agree, I don't want your sexuality to get out."

"Excuse me?"

"I don't want anyone to know you're gay," she clarifies. "Because if the parents here find that out, then I'm as good as done for hiring you. They'll never say that was the reason, but the education board will suddenly decide the school needs a change of management or something, and I'll be out the door."

"Then why did you take the risk?"

"I told you, I like you."

"I think..." Blaine pauses, wondering if this is worth it, but then he decides he might as well get it all out in the open. "I think you're a great principal, and I really think that you're speaking out of kindness, I just struggle with some of the stuff you say."

"If that's the case then I'm sorry," Sandra says awkwardly. "This is a hard balance for me, Blaine. You're the first openly gay person I've known, and I've made the decision to employ you regardless of that. I still think I hired the best person for the job, but I can envision this all blowing up and me losing my job, just through trying to be a good person."

"I hope that doesn't happen," Blaine tells her sincerely. "Perhaps we should agree to a radio silence on the whole thing?"

"I think we should," she agrees. "I suggest we give the line, if asked, that all teaching staff's private lives are just that."

"Thank you."

"And in the meantime, I need your word that you will continue to keep your relationship very quiet for as long as you are part of this school. For my sake, and Danny's."

Blaine drops his head, defeated. "I will."

By the time Blaine arrives at Kurt's house, all he wants to do is cry. However, there's the small detail of a flight to catch, and the even bigger detail of Kurt holding Danny in his arms, waving frantically as he turns onto their street.

"We are so excited," Kurt cries, slinging an arm around Blaine's neck, and kissing his cheek. Blaine pulls back, giving a tight smile.

"Yeah, it'll be fun. Come on then Danny, get in the car." He gathers their bags and puts them in the trunk, returning to find Danny in the driver's seat, grinning up at him. "Very funny," he says, though he doesn't smile at all. "Come on, or we'll be late."

"Are you okay?" Kurt asks as Blaine drives. "You seem kinda stressed."

"I've had a really horrible day," he admits quietly. "It's just been awful."

"Why?" Danny asks from the back. "Is it cause Dylan spilled the painting water? It was an accident."

"No, it wasn't that. Other stuff," Blaine says tiredly. "Grown up stuff."

"Like what stuff?"

"Just organizational stuff."

"Like what though?"

"Danny, just drop it," Blaine says, and though he doesn't snap, there is a firmness to his words, and both Kurt and Danny are surprised.

The rest of the ride is awkward. Kurt keeps up a half hearted conversation with Danny, and Blaine gives a couple of passing remarks, but mostly he's silent, trying to keep the threatening stress headache he can feel thumping from clouding his vision.

They check in and go through to departures, where Blaine slumps into a seat with Kurt next to him, and Danny sits on the floor at their feet to play with a couple of toy cars.

"So tell me," Kurt says, taking his hand, but Blaine pulls it free and holds his hands in his lap.

"Well, I was really happy when I woke up," he starts, then looks up to see a lady with a stroller trying to get through. "Danny, move over a little, let the lady pass."

Danny looks up too, and shifts slightly so the woman can get through, but it's a tight fit.

"Danny."

"I moved."

"Not enough," Blaine says, hauling him up into his lap. He lets him down again when she's gone, missing the look Danny shoots him. "Anyway, I got called down to... Danny? What are you doing?"

"He's okay," Kurt says gently, looking to where Danny lies on his tummy, pushing his cars.

"He's in the way."

"He's okay for now," Kurt repeats. "I'll move him if needed."

"Fine. So I had to go see the principal. About us."

"What?"

"Danny!" Blaine calls, when he sees him lying on his back pretending to be an angel. "Come on, you can't do that."

"Why not?"

"Because you're annoying everyone, and I'm asking you to stop."

"Hey!" Kurt cries, astounded at Blaine's surliness. "Don't tell my kid how to behave. If I have an issue, I'll call him out on it, thanks."

"Oh, so he's...you know what? Nevermind," Blaine snaps, turning away. "Danny, I don't like you rolling around on the floor."

"You can't tell me what to do," Danny shouts, getting up and running to Kurt. "Cause you're not my daddy."

"Great," Blaine flares. "So you're not gonna call him out on that?"

"You didn't give me a chance," Kurt protests.

"Oh forget it," he barks, standing. "Sometimes I wonder if all of this is worth it."

He storms away, and Kurt watches as he goes into Starbucks and disappears. "Danny, you shouldn't have spoken to Blaine that way, and neither should I."

"He's mad at me, isn't he?" Danny asks sadly. "I made him angry."

"Well, I think he's mad at both of us, and at the day he's had, to be honest, but neither of us were kind." He sighs, pulling his son close and kissing his cheek. "I think we need to go say sorry."

They head over to Starbucks, where Blaine is in line, and they sit and wait for him to be done. He comes over with two coffees, and a bottle of water and a chocolate brownie for Danny. "I'm sorry," he says, sitting down at the table. "I've had a really bad day, and I took it out on you two. I love you both, and I can only apologize."

"I'm sorry too," Danny says, crawling into his lap.

"And me three," Kurt adds, reaching his hand across, which Blaine holds tightly.

"I love you, Blaine," Danny tells him, his eyes swimming with tears. "I was mean, and I'm sorry I made you mad."

"Sweetie." Blaine holds him close, kissing into his hair, and trying not to break down. "You didn't make me mad. You... ugh. If I'm honest, you hurt me, but that's because I'd give anything in the world to be your...God. I wish I could just take you both away from all this, you know? Start somewhere new? Anyway. It doesn't matter. You've said sorry, and I accept that. I just sometimes find things really tough."

"Even though you are a grown up?"

"Even though. And I let it all get to me today," he says, swallowing hard. "I'm sorry." He holds Danny close and blinks. It's when Kurt sees two tears rolling down his cheeks in the middle of Starbucks, that he leaps into action, grabbing their drinks and standing.

"Come on, let's go back to the seats. Danny can play with his cars a little more before we board."

"Sit there," he instructs, manhandling Blaine into a chair. "And before we do anything else, tell me what happened at work today."

So Blaine sits, and he quietly tells Kurt about his conversation with the principal, and how it had made him feel. "Like a failure," he admits, watching Danny pushing his car along an armrest. "Like I couldn't defend myself, let alone you two. I'm the one who's always telling you that I'm not ashamed, but when she asked me to make sure this doesn't get out, I just took it, Kurt. I just agreed to keep our love a secret, and why? I'm not ashamed of loving you. I want to shout it from the rooftops."

"I know," Kurt assures him, briefly squeezing his leg. "And you will be able to do just that very soon."

"Will I though? Or will Danny still get hassle because of it? I'll still be in the school, still visible. Everyone will know that his dad is dating the kindergarten teacher, and I don't want that for him. I think I'm gonna have to look for another job."

"It will make no difference," Kurt says sadly. "His dad will still be gay. And actually, I'd prefer you were around to intervene if necessary. I feel happier, knowing he has you looking out for his safety. This will get out, Blaine. Whether the principal likes it or not, you have no reason to keep us quiet once the school year ends. I don't want her to lose her job, but I don't think she can expect us to live life under the radar for your entire time at Parkside, just in case anyone knows she hired a gay man."

"It just sucks. She used Danny against me, I feel. She knew I'd do anything to keep him safe, and it just sucks."

"It really does," Kurt agrees with a sigh. "I'm so sorry you didn't get a chance to tell me earlier."

"I'm sorry for going off at Danny like that."

"You know what? I was about to ask him to move too, it's just when I heard you say it, it got my back up a little. I guess I'm still not used to someone else caring for him and... well, I'm never quite sure how much of a role you want to play. I don't want you to feel like he's a drag."

"I'd never feel that way, Kurt. I... I wish he was mine. Ours. I wish we'd met ten years ago, and he was our son. I wish we lived somewhere more tolerant and understanding, where I could walk hand in hand with you, and no one would care. I wish you had a job that made you happy, and where you could use the talents you have. I wish... God, I wish everything was different to this shitty existence we've got going on now."

"Hey! Don't be so defeatist," Kurt says firmly. "Look, today hasn't been great, but you know what? We have to make the best of what we have, which is each other and Danny. And I happen to think that's all pretty great. Now we're going to visit your brother for the weekend, you'll see Tabitha and Lucy, and while we're there we can talk with Emma and Cooper about all of this too."

Blaine nods, but the negativity is settled too deep within him, and he can't let it go. "You didn't say anything about Danny in all of that, I note," he says bitterly. "Or how you wish we'd met ten years ago too. Any of that."

"Blaine... if you want me to be honest, I'm trying to wrap my head around it all, and figure out what the hell I want to answer with, because all that you said is quite overwhelming, but in a good way, trust me. Please, I love you, and I just want to enjoy this weekend together."

Their flight is called, and Blaine stands, lifting Danny into his arms, and holding him possessively, as if daring Kurt to challenge him for carrying him. He says nothing, deciding to see how it all plays out, and he lets Blaine be the one who fastens Danny's seatbelt for him, and holds his hand during take off.

The flight is short, and they only have carry on luggage, so they're soon heading through the airport in search of Cooper, with Danny once again in Blaine's arms.

"You'd better still carry him like that when he's eighteen," Kurt says, resting his hand on the small of his back.

Blaine smiles, feeling an oppressive weight lifting from his shoulders. "We're in Denver."

"We damn well better be."

"Come here," Blaine demands, and he shifts Danny to his hip, puts an arm around Kurt's shoulders, and pulls him into a kiss. "That's better. I love you."

Kurt breaks out into a huge grin, putting his arms around both Blaine and Danny. "I love you too," he says softly, pressing his forehead against Blaine's temple. "Don't be sad. We'll be okay."

"I know we will. It's just gonna be a bumpy ride that's all."

"It'll be worth it, I promise."

"Oh yeah?" Blaine teases flirtatiously. "How you gonna make it worth it?"

"Yeah daddy. How?"

Kurt doesn't answer, but leans in, kissing Blaine as deeply as he can, with Danny in such close proximity.

"Put him down, Hummel! You don't know where he's been!"

"Cooper!" Danny screams, leaping out of Blaine's arms and racing toward him.

"Danny! How's my favorite guy, huh?" He swings him high, showering his face in kisses and hugging him close.

"I never get that welcome," Blaine complains, giving his brother a hug and kiss.

"Nah but you're boring now. Kurt!" Cooper hugs him also, and Kurt is struck yet again with how amazingly natural his bond with Blaine's family feels. "Okay guys, dinner is waiting. Let's go!"

During the course of the evening, Kurt notices several things. Firstly, it is an amazing feeling to hold Tabitha and Lucy again, and he realizes how much he has missed them, even though he's joined Blaine for several Skype sessions. He is also happy to see Emma again, and the way Danny's face lights up is everything.

The third thing he notices is how vulnerable and insecure Blaine appears to be. He stays close to someone at all times; he is never on his own. If he can't sit with his head resting on Kurt's shoulder, then he holds Danny or one of his nieces in his lap. After dinner, when the four adults are moving around the large kitchen, tidying up, he trails Emma around, until she sets a stack of plates on the counter, and turns to hug him close.

"Blaine, what's wrong?"

"I hate life," he murmurs into her neck, and Kurt has to hold back from throwing some pointed remark. "I love Kurt, I love Danny, I love all of you guys, but I hate everything else. All of it."

"What, specifically?"

"Being gay."

"Bit late there, my friend," Cooper calls brightly. "You've been sucking cock since..."

"Cooper!" Emma frowns, and points down the hall. "Three children in this house! Let's get them to bed and then we can talk."

"How can you say that?" Kurt whispers, as they follow Cooper and Emma down the hall. "You wish you weren't gay? So you wish you hadn't met me?"

"No, that's not what I'm saying at all! I just wish... okay, I don't wish I wasn't gay, I wish I wasn't in love with you and living in Ohio."

"You wish you weren't in love with me?"

"Stop twisting everything!" Blaine says loudly, stopping outside Tabitha's bedroom door. "I just... you know, Kurt," he says pleadingly. "All that stuff I said to you before we boarded? You know how I feel, surely?"

Kurt looks at the ground and nods. "I do," he whispers. "I just wish you weren't so sad about everything, that's all. I wish I could make it better for you."

"Just hold me," Blaine says softly, and Kurt immediately takes him in his arms, while Cooper and Emma slip into the bedroom, closing the door behind them.

"Okay, kidlets, bedtime," Emma says, clapping her hands together.

"Where's Uncle Blaine and Kurt?" Tabitha asks, hands on her hips. "Uncle Blaine promised he'd read us a story."

"They're probably kissing," Danny says matter of factly. "They usually are, but Blaine has had a bad day today."

"Why?"

"The principal was mean to him, I heard him telling my daddy. She said he's not allowed to be gay at school."

"That's dumb."

"I know."

"That's the dumbest thing I ever heared."

"It sure is, pumpkin," Cooper agrees, "And I expect it made Uncle Blaine feel sad, so let's surprise him by getting you three in your PJ's, so you're ready for your story, okay?"

"Help me get my head around this, Kurt," Blaine whispers outside the door.

"Of course I will. I'm always gonna be here for you. I promise."

"I'm sorry if I'm spoiling your evening."

"Blaine, you're making my entire life a million times better. One evening where you're feeling down is nothing, really. I understand why this has hurt you, and we'll work through it. We'll talk it through tonight, and tomorrow is another day, right?"

"Right."

"And no doubt we'll be woken before seven by three small children wanting to bounce on our heads."

Blaine gives a small laugh, before kissing Kurt briefly on the lips. "I love you, Kurt. Thank you for being wonderful."

"Charmer," he teases, opening the door. "I love you too."

Over a bottle of wine, Blaine tells Cooper and Emma about the events of the day, the pressure he feels to keep his relationship hidden, and how upset he was to think that Danny could become a target because of him. Kurt interjects occasionally, pointing out what he's already told Blaine; that Danny will be a target anyway, and reiterates that he still wants to be with him, no matter what.

"I don't know what to say to you, bro," Cooper says, sighing heavily. "But if it's upset you that much, leave."

"I can't," Blaine moans. "I can't just quit in the middle of a school year, that's not fair to those kids."

"Then wait until the end of the year, and move then. Hell, if you hate it that much in Ohio, then move away. No one could understand why you went back there in the first place. Move back to New York. Move here. You could live with us until you found your feet."

"I couldn't leave Kurt."

"I wasn't suggesting you would," Cooper says, and he notices the way his brother shyly glances across at his love. "The fact is this. If you two decide to stay in Ohio, no matter the circumstances, no matter what school you work in, or where Danny goes, you're never going to be able to publicly flaunt your relationship, unless you really don't give a damn. You're not going to be able to walk down the street hand in hand. Danny isn't going to be able to say he has two fathers, unless you guys decide that you're gonna adopt a fuck you attitude, and be out and proud about it. You've both only had relationships in New York or, for Blaine, Chicago, both liberal cities. So you gotta decide what you want to do."

Emma reaches across the table for Blaine's hand, squeezing it gently. "Blaine, since I've known you, all I've ever wanted is for you to find happiness. I know you thought you were happy with José, and then with Tom, but I think you know, don't you, what happiness actually is now?" She smiles when he nods, and carries on. "You keep telling us how easy it is to love Kurt and Danny, so keep it easy. Don't let the outside world make it tough for you. You two have a really great thing, and you need to protect it at all costs. There's four months left of the school year. I think you can hold on until then, but if you want my honest opinion, I don't think either you or Danny should remain at Parkside after that."

"There's a lot to think about," Blaine says quietly.

"There is, but we'll work it all out, I told you," Kurt says, putting an arm around him. "I don't want this to bring us down."

"There's a wedding fair on this weekend," Cooper teases. "And gay marriage is legal here."

"Shut up!" Blaine laughs, flicking the wine cork across the table. "You're as bad as mama."

"Come on, Kurt, make an honest man of him."

Blaine thumps his head on the table, but Kurt just smiles, reaching out to play with his hair. "One day."

"I'd do it, you know," he says, once they're curled up facing each other in bed.

Blaine looks back at him in the moonlight, smiling at how beautiful he looks. "Do what?"

"I'd move. Wherever you wanted. New York, here... wherever. Danny and I, we'd move."

"Where would you live though?"

"Oh." Kurt swallows and bites his lip. "Um... w-well, I thought... um... okay..."

"If the answer is anything other than with me, you're in trouble."

"Oh you bastard!" Kurt cries, breathing a massive sigh of relief. "You fuck face! I hate you!"

Blaine laughs, and easily lets Kurt roll on top of him, pinning him to the bed. "I got you there."

"Yes you did. Holy crap I was panicking like hell."

"I love you, Kurt Hummel. I love Danny too, but if we're going to have a future as a family, we need to discuss some stuff, don't we?"

"We do." Kurt rolls off him, and goes back to lying side by side again, this time both on their front, and while Blaine turns his head to look at Kurt, Kurt just stares at the headboard. "I thought about what you said at the airport."

"Oh?"

"I wish Danny was yours too. I wish you'd been my only partner in life, that we'd met when you were eighteen, and now we had this wonderful kid together... yeah. But you know what? Then we wouldn't be us. I feel like maybe we both needed those crappy relationships, the broken hearts, to get us to where we're meant to be. Because I have no doubt in my mind how much I love you, or how you love us in return. I feel safe and secure with you, and I can confidently discuss a future with you, because I know it will happen. I don't spend all my time worrying if you still love me."

"Well that's... wonderful," Blaine says, grinning. "And I do love you both an insane amount."

"This is really difficult for me," Kurt admits. "I'm over the mental barrier of worrying that Danny is a burden. I trust you when you say you want to spend time with both of us, as much as you do with just me. My problem is..." He takes a deep breath, turning onto his back, and rubbing his hands over his face. "I still want to take this slow. At the same time, I want you to have maybe more involvement in Danny's... I don't know. Care? Upbringing? But I don't know how to go about asking you, or approaching Danny about it. I'm aware that if I ask you to do more stuff, I might push you away, or you might feel like I'm using you just so I don't have to do it all alone."

"What if I say that I want to though? What then?"

"It's not easy," Kurt warns him. "Being a parent is hard, but I think being a step-parent is even tougher in many ways. You heard him in the airport. How many times is he gonna throw in your face that you're not his dad?"

"But if we back each other up..."

"And you'd be okay with calling him out on his behavior? Making sure he's done his homework? Practiced his letters? It's not all sunshine and rainbows, there's storms too."

"I know that," Blaine says calmly. "But like you said, we can take it slow. What if I took Danny after school a couple of days each week? That'd give your dad more time for his work, and me and Danny a chance to find our feet in that capacity. Then, when summer comes, we can look at setting up a home together, and doing this parenting game as a pair."

Kurt moves closer, leaning in to place a soft kiss to his lips. "You'd really want to do that?"

"I'd love nothing more."