Okay, you dear and silly readers. In my corner of the West Coast, Gavin is totally a boy name. A boy! Maybe it is not so in other parts of the country? World? I'm sorry to disappoint you if you wanted AJ's friend to be a girl, and I really did think about the choice for a long time. Gavin popped into my head, so he helped make the decision easier (he's named for our favorite waiter at our favorite sushi restaurant). I think you'll love him.
Read on and enjoy! I do not own Glee, but I'm working on it.
So, if you'll recall, we left off in the Hummel-Anderson kitchen, which currently resembles the aftermath of a rainstorm, due to a dishwasher that went haywire…
~oOo~
The kitchen was silent, save water dripping from every flat surface to the floor. The Hummel-Andersons and Gavin looked at each other.
"You didn't tell me you had a water park in your kitchen!" Gavin said, looking at AJ and starting to laugh.
AJ joined in, gasping for enough air to say, "Gavin, meet my dads. This is Kurt, and this is Blaine."
"It's nice to meet you, sirs," Gavin said, extending his arm to shake hands with both men.
"Well this is an…unusual…introduction!" Blaine laughed. "It is nice to meet you Gavin. Welcome to our home and our rather damp kitchen. And by the way, we are really informal here, so please call us Kurt and Blaine."
"Gavin, thank you so much," Kurt said. "I'm impressed! How did you know what to do to make the rain in our kitchen stop?"
"My dad is the owner and CEO of a large plumbing company in Southern California. During the summer I work for him. I just shut off the water supply to the dishwasher," Gavin said with a shy grin.
"Dude, I knew your excessive knowledge of plumbing would come in handy someday!" AJ said, breaking out in another laugh."
"I know, right?" Gavin said, getting the giggles himself. "I think the vent on the edge of the sink was clogged, but obviously it isn't anymore! If you put that cap back on and return the water supply, it should work just fine," he said to Kurt and Blaine.
"Seriously? It's that easy?" Blaine asked.
"Yep!" Gavin replied.
"You just saved us a $300 service call! We love you Gavin! Welcome to the family!" Kurt said, giving Gavin a hug.
"Uh, Dad? Awkward!" AJ said. "Come on Gav, help me get some towels to clean up the flood. If the undertow gets too strong in the hallway, grab on to my blazer, and I'll swim you to safety!" Again, the boys broke out in laughter.
Kurt and Blaine heard Gavin say, "Well, that was the strangest meet-the-parents in the history of strange meet-the-parents! Your dads seem pretty cool."
"Yeah, they are," AJ said, "and you could put the word 'strange' in front of every situation in this house and you'd be right on every count! I hope you don't think my family is too weird."
"I have a feeling I'll fit right in," Gavin said.
~oOo~
"Blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaine! He's cuter than cute! And oh my gosh! AJ and Gavin get along so well, like they are the best of friends! And do you hear them laughing? Isn't that the sweetest thing? I hope they…"
"Kurt, I think you're going a bit overboard. Yes, Gavin seems to be delightful and there is no doubt that AJ and Gavin are good friends, but that's all we know. AJ has not specifically told us where they stand, so let's play it cool. No probing questions, no making the boys feel uncomfortable, right?"
"Well, AJ did say that meeting Gavin would answer a question we've had for a long time. Don't you think that's his Bat Signal in the sky telling us that he's gay?"
"Kurt you know our son. He takes great delight in being clever and making us squirm. Until we know for sure, we assume nothing," Blaine said.
Kurt put his hands on his hips and looked at Blaine. "You do understand that you take the fun out of everything, right?"
"I thought you were the fun sucker!" Blaine teased. "But seriously, Kurt, let's just go with the flow here, alright?"
"Fine, but I'm on high alert for any activity that looks and sounds more like 'boyfriends' than just everyday 'friends.'"
"I know you'll be, love," Blaine teased. AJ and Gavin returned from the laundry room with towels. "Hey, boys, hand those towels over and we'll clean up. AJ, why don't you help Gavin get his stuff to the guest room and get him get settled. Maybe show him around the house and yard a little?"
"And since we survived the flood, I vote for dinner out tonight. How about a meal at Tables and Chairs in the village?" Kurt asked.
"Yes!" Blaine and AJ said at the same time. AJ turned to Gavin and said, "You'll love it. They have the most amazing pasta ever! Come on, let's get your stuff." The boys headed towards the entry to pick up Gavin's luggage and then down the long hallway towards the guest room.
"Okay, okay, AJ didn't ask for Gavin to stay in his room. What do you think THAT means?" Kurt asked Blaine as they started wiping down the kitchen walls and counters.
Blaine laughed, "Is this how the holiday will be? You analyzing every move, every breath, every word between the boys? This could get exhausting!"
"Come on Blaine, admit that you want to know what is going on just as much as I do!" Kurt said.
"Look, why don't we just wait until we get AJ alone and ask him? It might relieve this tension you have and we'll get the answers straight from the horse's mouth, rather than speculating on every move," Blaine said, ever the practical parent.
"Fine. We ask him. I think that's a good idea," Kurt said. "Do you think we can do that tonight because I really want to…"
"Patience is a virtue, my darling one," Blaine said, adding another drenched towel to the kitchen sink. "And they'll end up in the same room if they want to."
"What?" Kurt asked.
"It doesn't matter if we put Gavin in the guest room or not! If they want to stay together, they'll end up together. Think about us at seventeen. When we stayed at your house, we always went to bed in separate rooms. Didn't mean we ended up alone though, right?"
A look of horror crossed Kurt's face. "Oh fresh hell! I just realized that we'd better remember what WE were doing at seventeen and consider that if AJ and Gavin are dating, they are probably up to the same shenanigans. That puts a new spin on things, don't you think?"
Blaine looked at Kurt and nodded his head, "Yep. That's exactly what we need to do. Worried now?"
"What do you think? Do you remember what we were doing at seventeen? Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, our baby boy!" Kurt wailed. "That's it. We're getting Gavin a hotel room," Kurt said, reaching for his phone.
"Whoa, whoa, cowboy. Slow down! They'll be fine. WE were fine. Besides, once again, we don't really know where the boys stand, so let's calm down a bit," Blaine said.
"Our poor, poor baby boy! How can anyone take advantage of him? I'll kill anyone who lays a hand on AJ," Kurt said, a wild look in his eyes.
"If there are any hands on anyone, I'm pretty sure your son has an equal part in any activity. Come on Kurt, remember what it was like to be young and in love? Those days are some of my favorite memories! We were optimistic and happy and the whole world was before us!"
Kurt paused and looked in Blaine's eyes. "But even though we were young, we always knew that we were a forever kind of deal. Yes, we did things that our parents would not have approved of, but…"
"But we were typical teenagers, well besides the whole gay thing, and AJ and Gavin are typical teenagers. The worst thing we can do is freak out on them. Now come on, I can hear them coming in from the back patio. Be normal!" Blaine hissed.
"When am I not normal Blaine Anderson?" Kurt asked.
"Just play along, baby," Blaine reminded.
~oOo~
All four of the boys sat back from the table and sighed, satisfied with the meal they'd just consumed. AJ and Gavin were in the middle of a story about AJ's roommates, one that involved setting them up in a practical joke and then framing three other boys who lived down the hall.
"It was a thing of beauty!" AJ said, laughing. "We got everyone stirred up and then we just sat back and watched!"
"The best part was that no one suspected us at all. They still don't know that we were the evil minds behind the plan. Michael and Jacob were mad for days and about drove themselves crazy trying to find ways to get back at the guys down the hall. We are the master pranksters!" Gavin said, reaching out to fist bump AJ.
"It's good to hear that life at Dalton remains sacred and stoic," Blaine said, looking at Kurt.
"Ha!" Kurt replied. "You've obviously forgotten about the time we made David's bed into a giant s'more!" Turning to the boys he recalled, "David had this electric blanket he was always bragging about, especially on cold nights when we could feel a breeze through those old windows in the dorms. One night, Blaine, Wesley, and I snuck out to the store and bought chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. That evening, while David was at a student government meeting, we sprinkled the chocolate chips and marshmallows on his sheets, covered the bed with his electric blanket and let it heat up," Kurt said, looking at Blaine again.
Gavin had a look of half horror and half "That's a GREAT idea" on his face. "David? As in the headmaster at Dalton?"
"That very one!" Blaine said. "Kurt, you weren't even there to see him get into bed that night. He started in with his, 'Well, I'm going to get into my toasty bed now and sleep like a newborn baby. Hope you boys stay warm tonight. Wes and I were in our beds and trying our best to not burst out laughing. We heard David slip between the covers, pause, and then yell, 'What the hell?'"
"I did hear that part from my room," Kurt said. "I also witnessed him taking the blanket and his sheets out to the dumpster behind the gym the next morning, muttering all kinds of curse words under his breath. Hardly the behavior a council member from the Warblers should display, don't you think?"
"And wouldn't you know it! Jacob has an electric blanket and he's just as obnoxious as Uncle David was about his," AJ said. He turned to Gavin and said, "We set it up the same way, but we frame Michael."
"You are brilliant!" Gavin exclaimed, reaching out to hold AJ's hand. Kurt tried not to squeal, and got a warning look from Blaine. Gavin squeezed AJ's hand and then let go, unfazed by his actions and that AJ's dads were sitting at the same table.
Kurt regrouped and continued the conversation. "So, Gavin, tell us about yourself. You mentioned you're from Southern California."
Gavin let the plotting for future pranks go and returned to his polite young man from Dalton persona. "Well, I've lived in California my entire life, except for going to Dalton. I live with my mom and dad, three brothers and three sisters. I'm smack-dab in the middle of the pack. I like to play lacrosse and soccer and surf. I'm going to Dalton because my grandpa on my mom's side went there and he wants at least one of his grandsons to attend. My grandparents live just outside Westerville, so I get to see them more now than I ever did."
"Well, that's nice to have them close by!" Blaine said. "Are you enjoying Dalton? I'll be adjusting to the weather was a tough thing."
"I don't mind the snow at all. My entire family skis, so I'm used to it. We vacation at Tahoe mostly, but we've gone up to Canada to ski at Whistler, which was cool." And I really do enjoy Dalton because for all its traditions and formality, it really is a progressive place. I really appreciate how bullying is a non-issue and how open and welcoming the environment is."
"And your parents are traveling to Ireland over break?" Kurt asked. "I've always wanted to go there."
"Yes, they are. My dad's mom died a couple of months ago. We all flew in for the wake and the funeral, but now there are all kind of legalities to wrap up, like her will and her property. My parents decided it would be easier to just be there than trying to do everything long distance."
"Gavin's been to Europe every year since the year he was born," AJ added. "We're thinking about taking a trip there after we graduate," he said, turning to look at Gavin.
"Man, that would be so cool!" Gavin said. "Can you just see us, just going from place to place, wherever we want, whenever we want? I can't think of a better time and a better person to travel with!" There was a moment when the boys' eyes locked and both of them grinned. Kurt began to squirm; Blaine placed a hand on his knee under the table and squeezed.
"I've got dessert for us at home," Blaine said, "so let's pay up and head back there. We do need to stop at the grocery store for a few things for breakfast. After that, I say it's movie night!"
"And that's what I miss most about being away from home," AJ said, quickly recovering with, "except for missing you, Dads! I miss you more than you'll ever know, but I miss movie nights. Can we have one every night?"
"I'd love that!" Kurt said, as they left the restaurant and headed to the car. A few minutes later they pulled into the parking lot at the grocery store, and got out of the car. AJ and Gavin whispered together and turned to Kurt and Blaine.
"Dads, we're not far from home. Mind if Gavin and I walk the rest of the way?"
"Will you be warm enough?" Kurt asked. "The snow is melting, but it's still kind of chilly."
"I think we'll be fine," Gavin said, pulling a pair of gloves out of his pocket.
"Well, I'm okay with it if you are," Blaine said, looking at Kurt. "See you at the house!" Both boys waved and headed to the sidewalk that would eventually deliver them to the Hummel-Anderson home. Just as they turned from the parking lot to the walkway, Kurt and Blaine saw AJ grab Gavin's hand. The boys continued down the sidewalk, hands swinging between them, laughing at something that must have been hilarious.
"Blaaaaaaaaaaaaine!" Kurt said.
"I know. I saw it. I wasn't so sure after everything that happened tonight. I mean, think about it. Boys at Dalton tend to be more affectionate with each other than boys in public school because the threat of being labeled 'gay' is essentially removed. I mean, how many times did a big bunch of us cuddle up on a couch to watch a movie? Or how many times did we see boys walking hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm down the halls and no one blinked an eye? AJ and Gavin could still be just existing in the Dalton bubble, forgetting they are out in the real world, or maybe they are dating. We'll find out soon enough."
"Well, I still vote for dating. Honestly, Gavin is the nicest, most polite kid ever. And you've seen how they get along!" Kurt said.
"Let's get what we need and then head for home. We'll see if we can talk to AJ tonight," Blaine said.
"Sounds good to me," Kurt replied.
~oOo~
By the end of the movie, Blaine's head rested in Kurt's lap. Next to the couple on the couch, were AJ and Gavin, side by side. Gavin had fallen asleep and his head rested on AJ's shoulder. The credits started to roll and AJ said, "I love Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but that child-catcher still freaks me out. I'm pretty sure I'll have a nightmare about him tonight."
"What did you think about the movie, Gavin?" Kurt asked.
"He's asleep, which is what happens at most of our dorm movie nights. Actually, he usually watches the first part, falls asleep for the middle, and then wakes up for the end." AJ gently shook Gavin and said, "Hey! Gavin! The movie is over. Hey!" he said, shaking the boy again.
"Lemme guess," Gavin said, rubbing his eyes. "I fell asleep. How long did I last this time?"
AJ snorted, "I think you broke a record and lasted twenty whole minutes before you conked out! Good job! You'll be pleased to hear that you didn't snore this time! That's progress!"
"I still don't believe you about the snoring part," Gavin said, sitting up and running his hands through his hair. "Would it be rude to excuse myself and head to bed? I'm kind of tired, for some reason."
"That's not rude at all!" Kurt insisted. "You've had a long day. Make yourself at home and sleep as long as you'd like in the morning. No worries!"
"Well, I'll be off to bed then. Thank you, Kurt and Blaine, for having me over. I'm having a great time and I'm glad AJ talked me in to tagging along." Gavin then turned to AJ and fist bumped him once again, saying, "Good night, man. See you in the morning."
"Night!" AJ returned. After Gavin left the room and made his way down the hallway, AJ turned to his dad's expectant faces. "Before you two start in, I want to let you know a few things. However, this talk will go better with the leftover brownies. Last one to the kitchen is a rotten egg!" AJ easily breezed past his dads, reaching the platter on the counter first.
~oOo~
AJ wolfed down two brownies and patted his stomach in satisfaction. "I think you'll need to bake some of those and send them back to Dalton with me!" he said to Blaine. "Better yet, why don't you bake a batch a week and send them to me and then I can…"
"Okay AJ. Spill," Blaine said.
"Spill what?" AJ said, grinning.
"We know you are toying with us," Kurt said, "and you are starting to annoy the heck out of me. What's with you and Gavin?"
"Why, whatever do you mean?" AJ said, faking a confused look on his face, a grin forming after he could no longer pretend to be serious.
"AJ!" Kurt and Blaine said at the same time.
"Okay, okay, fine. So, do you like him?" AJ asked.
"He's a darling," Kurt responded. "In fact, I like him so much, I've considered adopting him to replace you if you don't cooperate with us."
"Would you really do that? Because if you did, I think you'd permanently damage me at this crucial point in my mid-adolescent development. Abandonment issues account for 75% of all cases of…"
"Chiiiiild," Blaine drew the word out, letting AJ know that he was skating on thin ice.
"Fine," AJ said with a sigh, "what do you want to know. Wait. Let me guess. First, you want to know if Gavin is gay. The answer to that would be yes. He said he's known since he was really young. His family is pretty chill about it, as are all of his friends at home. He said he never had to come out because everyone always knew. Apparently, the West Coast is a lot more relaxed and liberal than we folk out in O-hi-o. Who knew? Which, if you think about it, is a strange location for a school as open as Dalton. But I digress. The second thing you are dying to know is if we are dating. Am I right?" Kurt and Blaine remained silent, trying to not look too anxious.
"And the answer to that would be…no…" Kurt really wanted to remain neutral, but his emotions, as always, were clearly displayed on his face.
"But I was sure…" Kurt began.
"Huh. I would have guessed…" Blaine said.
"Please! Let me finish! You know, it's a wonder I ever learned to talk at all growing up in this house. Honestly, you to jump in and interrupt all the time. Are you ready to listen?" AJ asked. Kurt and Blaine stopped talking and looked at their son. "As I was saying, we aren't dating, yet. Is it a possibility in the near future? Yes. I really like Gavin and he likes me. We understand each other and it feels like we've been friends a lot longer than we have. So for right now, we're just taking it slow. We hang out with our friends a lot. Sometimes we go out for coffee and, yes, we've been out on a few nights that we are forced to call 'dates.' As for anything official or exclusive, we're just not there yet. Neither of us is interested in rushing into anything. So there. Are you happy?"
Kurt and Blaine stood silently in the kitchen, looking at their son with admiration and pride. Kurt broke the silence, saying, "Blaine, how did we raise such a wise kid?" Tears started to form in Kurt's eyes. He looked over at Blaine, who was equally amazed at his son's mature outlook.
"He got it all from you, baby," Blaine said to Kurt, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "So, do your roommates know?"
"Yeah, I told them after Gavin and I confessed our passionate like for each other. Michael said, 'Cool!' and Jacob said, 'Well, I guess if you have two gay dads, that's always a possibility. Hey, wanna see the zombie masks we're going to wear under our lacrosse helmets to freak out the team we play next week?' And that's about as deep as our conversations go," AJ said with a sigh.
"So you're feeling okay about everything?" Blaine asked.
"Yeah, Dad. Everything is great. And because I know you both are dying to know, yes, we've kissed, but it wasn't anything hot and heavy. Just once, a quick, between-friends kiss after a movie."
"AJ, why would you assume we wanted to know that?" Kurt asked.
"Give it up, Dad. I know you better than that."
"AJ? We love you. And thanks," Kurt said.
"For what?"
"For keeping your old dads in the loop. You know you can always talk to us, right? We've kind of been down this path before."
"I know. Thanks for being as cool as you've always been. So, if we're done here, I'm heading upstairs to bed," AJ said, giving each of his dads a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Night, Daddies."
"Good night," Kurt and Blaine said in unison.
~oOo~
The next morning, Kurt and Blaine sat at the kitchen table, drinking coffee and wearing their matching Dalton sweatpants and t-shirts. Half an hour later, they heard AJ padding down the stairs. When he entered the kitchen wearing the same sweats and t-shirt his dads wore, they all laughed. "Seriously? All these years later and Dalton couldn't manage to change the designs for t-shirts?" Blaine asked. Ten minutes later, Gavin came down the hall from the guest room, wearing the exact same thing. When Kurt, Blaine, and AJ laughed, Gavin looked mortified, checking to see if his clothes were on backwards or his hair was any more of a disaster than is usually was in the morning.
"It's the clothes, Gavin. Obviously, we're all playing matchy-matchy this morning," AJ explained.
"Oh good. I thought maybe I'd grown a unicorn horn or a third eye in the middle of my forehead!" Gavin said, good naturedly, walking over to AJ and leaning down to hug him. "Good morning!" he said.
"How'd you sleep?" Blaine asked.
"Never better," AJ said. "Hey, thanks again for having me here over the holiday. I tried to tell myself that staying at Dalton over Thanksgiving would be fine, but really…well, there's no way it could be. I'm just glad to be…uh, well…" Gavin stammered.
"They know, Gav," AJ said.
"Wait, what?" Gavin asked, looking first at AJ and then at his dads.
"I told them where we stand," AJ said.
"And are you okay with…this?" Gavin asked Blaine and Kurt.
"Gavin, we think you are delightful and if you two are happy, we are happy," Blaine said. "We understand that both of you are want to take things slow, which we think is a very good idea. Kurt and I talked last night and before you head back to Dalton, we think all four of us need to sit down and talk."
AJ looked mortified, "Dad! This isn't 'the talk' is it? Oh please don't let it be, please don't let it be, please don't let it be," AJ begged to which ever deity was on call that morning. Gavin stared straight ahead, unsure what to think about his potential boyfriends gay dads issuing 'the talk.'
"August James Hummel-Anderson, you know good and well that we've always been very open with you. This situation is no different. You may think your potential relationship is moving along slowly, but sometimes life has other plans. We do not want you to find yourself in a situation where you end up doing something stupid, based on a lack of information. We promise to make this as embarrassment-free as possible. Understand?"
"Dads, I just think…" AJ started.
"AJ, I think your dads are right," Gavin said quietly. "We've talked about being smart about the directions we take. This is just another part of our decision making. I think your dads are doing this because they care about our well-being. There aren't a lot of adults out there who would do that for us. Yeah?"
AJ let out a sigh. "I suppose. Any way you slice it, this talk is going to be uncomfortable," AJ said.
"Yeah, it probably will be for all of us," Blaine said, "but that's what mature people do: they tackle the difficult topics because it's the best and healthiest thing to do."
"Still not thrilled," AJ said.
"I know, I know," Blaine said.
~oOo~
The rest of the holiday flew by. The Hummel-Andersons and Gavin shared their Thanksgiving meal with an assortment of friends who, for whatever reasons, were on their own for the holiday. Later that afternoon, the entire troupe headed out for a movie and ice cream. Kurt insisted that everyone go to bed early because the day after was what Kurt lived for all year long: Black Friday.
"We have to be up and out the door at 3:45 am if we are going to get a decent place in line. Here, I've mapped out our route and order of stores. I'm packing a cooler for breakfast and we'll stop for coffee and a snack after we've made the initial rounds. After that, we can head back to any stores we deem necessary for a second visit." Gavin looked at Kurt, fear visible in his eyes. "Head to bed, boys. Trust me, you'll need the energy! I'm heading upstairs. Good night!"
After Kurt and Blaine were upstairs, the boys were quiet for a few moments.
"My mom leaves me at home when she hits Black Friday sales," Gavin whispered to AJ. "I'm kind of frightened!"
"No worries! I'll be with you. And besides, you really haven't lived until you've watched my dad shop a big sale. Broadway is his true calling, but shopping…it's like poetry in motion!"
"If you say so," Gavin said, still a bit unsure. "I guess we'd best get some sleep. I hope I don't have nightmares about tomorrow!"
"We'll be fine! Trust me, I've been going on Expedition Black Friday since I was a little kid. Daddy K does the power shopping, Daddy B and I run support services. Just follow my lead, 'kay?"
"I'll trust you on this one," Gavin said. "Okay, I'm headed to bed. Night AJ." Gavin walked over to AJ, kissed him on the cheek, and hugged him.
"Sleep well," AJ said, returning the hug, a very Kurt-like blush covering his face. Gavin noticed, smiled, and headed for the guest room.
~oOo~
The boys from Dalton were allowed an additional travel day after major holidays, so AJ and Gavin were not due back in class until Wednesday morning. Sunday afternoon, the boys and Blaine took in one of Kurt's performances in the city. After being wowed by Kurt's portrayal of the Genie in a musical revival of Aladdin, they waited for him backstage.
"Hello, little family!" Kurt called, still in makeup and costume. "Give me a few minutes go get out of my costume and shower, and we can be on our way."
"Great performance, Dad!" AJ said. "I really miss seeing you on stage. Genie is a perfect role for you to play."
"Really, Kurt, you nailed it," Blaine said, smiling and carefully hugging Kurt to avoid getting blue makeup on his face and clothes.
Gavin stood off to the side, a little startled and a little star struck. "Wow! I can't believe that was you on stage! You are good! Really good!" Gavin said.
Blaine and AJ laughed and Kurt smiled. "It's still just me up there, Gavin. The same guy who made chocolate chip pancakes for you this morning."
"I know but…it's so…wow!" was all Gavin could manage.
"You'll get used to it," AJ said, slipping his arm in with Gavin's.
Blaine turned to Kurt and said, "Hey, we are parked on the third floor of the garage, right next to the elevators. See you there in fifteen? Our dinner reservations for dinner are in an hour"
"I'll be there," Kurt said as he turned away to go change.
Later that evening, everyone sat around the dining room table, playing cards and talking. With everyone so relaxed, Kurt decided it was a good time to initial "the talk."
"Hey, boys, let's go ahead and have that talk we said we'd have. I know it's not the most comfortable subject, but the sooner the better, yes?"
AJ began to squirm, Gavin looked a little green around the gills, and even Blaine shifted in his chair a bit.
"Okay," Kurt said, taking charge. "I know you've had health classes at Dalton, so you know the basics. There are two things Blaine and I need you to know and understand. If and when you decided to…" Kurt paused, feeling a bit more uncomfortable than he thought he would "…become more intimate, you need to use protection, no matter what. Until you are in a completely monogamous relationship. Clear?"
Both boys nodded their heads. AJ said, "Yeah, Dad. Completely covered in our health class last year. Condoms were issued. Michael and Jacob used theirs for water balloons. The rest of us are well stocked up."
"Okay," Kurt said, drawing in a deep breath. "I'm just going to tell you what Grandpa Burt told me when I was seventeen, because I think he had the best advice ever. Being intimate with someone is a big deal. It's like a time where two people connect with each other in a totally personal way. Whatever you decide, just don't throw yourself around. Sex matters. It does something to you, to your heart, even if you only want to believe it is just physical. Don't forget that."
Blaine chimed in with his advice, "And remember that there is no rush. Don't allow yourself to be pressured or forced into any situation for which you are not ready. I'd like to tell you that there is some signal that lets you know when the time is right, but there isn't. Keep in mind that you are very young, and that a bond created by sex is a commitment. It's not just an act; it's an expression of a love that is way deeper than a crush or simply liking someone."
"So," Kurt asked the silent boys, "Any questions? Does this all make sense?" Both boys shook their heads, still a bit uncomfortable. "Well, I think that's enough for today, but don't think our conversations stop here. Door's open to you anytime, okay? We're good listeners, if anything."
"Uh, thanks?" AJ said. "Actually, that wasn't as awful as I thought. You okay, Gav?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. It all makes sense. Just be prepared for that times ten when you meet my parents. They've already told me we'd be chatting…all four of us."
"Yay! The talk times two! How lucky are we?" AJ asked sarcastically.
"Uh, probably times three. My oldest sister said we'd be 'having words' too."
" I simply cannot believe our good fortune!" AJ deadpanned.
~oOo~
On Tuesday morning, Blaine and Kurt drove the boys to the airport for their flight back to Ohio. Truth be told, all four felt like the holiday had flown by too fast, even with those few uncomfortable moments during "the talk."
Kurt and the boys checking the luggage while Blaine found a parking place. They all met up twenty minutes later, in the area just before the boys would go through security. "Well, I guess this is it!" Kurt said, tears starting to fill his eyes.
"Ah, come on Dad! It's only three weeks until I see you again and we'll get to spend all of vacation together! Don't cry!" AJ said.
"If it's okay with you," Gavin said to Kurt and Blaine, "my parents would like to meet you when you've in Southern California over Christmas. They'd like to have you to dinner and maybe go out on our boat."
"We'd love that, Gav," Blaine said, putting his arm around the boy. "We've certainly enjoyed getting to know you. Tell your parents we are looking forward to meeting them. Will you be joining us at Disneyland?"
"Yes! Disneyland is like my favorite place in the world! AJ said you'd be staying at the Grand Californian, which is the coolest hotel ever. I'd love to be in the parks with you guys!" Gavin replied.
"Okay, boys, you'd better go through security before the lines get too long. Call us when you land, and hug Grandpa Burt for us," Kurt said. "He should be waiting at baggage claim for you, just like always."
After a few more tears and hugs all around, the boys got in line and made their way through security. Blaine and Kurt stood outside the entrance, waiting for the boys to pick up their stuff and put their shoes back on. Just before they turned the corner to find their gate, Gavin and AJ turned around and waved to Kurt and Blaine. Kurt blew two kisses, one for each boy, before he took Blaine's hand and walked back through the terminal.
~oOo~
"I miss them already," Blaine said as he and Kurt walked through their front door.
"I don't realize how quiet our house is now until AJ and his friends are home. Three weeks isn't that long away, you know," Kurt said.
"I know. California and Disneyland are going to be a totally awesome blast. Hey, what do you think about meeting Gavin's parents?"
"I think Gavin is kind of serious about AJ and knowing our boy, I think he feels the same. Meeting his family is a really good idea, agreed? Really, Blaine, you can't ask for a nicer kid than Gavin, and even if they end up as just friends, he's the kind of person we love to have around."
"Good perspective, my dear. Very healthy," Blaine said.
"Well, you know me, always attempting and succeeding in living a very balanced and even life." Kurt tried to keep a straight face, but burst out laughing, which caused Blaine to do the same. "Who am I trying to kid!" Kurt laughed. "Balanced and even will never be my middle name."
"I wouldn't have you any other way," Blaine said, pulling Kurt close and kissing his forehead.
"How'd I get so lucky?" Kurt asked.
"No luck, only destiny," Blaine said. "Come on, baby. Let's find some ice cream and our copy of White Christmas to get into the holiday mood."
"Sounds perfect," Kurt said.
~oOo~
Questions answered for you? I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Honestly, it's been sitting on my computer for a few days now. I wasn't sure I handled 'the talk' effectively, but this evening I said, "What the heck!" and decided to post.
I know that I've tried to stick to one story per year in AJ's life, but I'm thinking a Christmas vacation chapter (Disneyland!) is in line. What say you? I'm dying to meet Gavin's family!
Watching the season finale last night was bittersweet, no? LOVED the Kurt and Blaine moments in the coffee shop. LOVED how Blaine told Kurt that he loved him and just looked so content, not needing a response, but just needing to say it. And Kurt's reply was adorable. *sigh*
So until the next installment, take care, take your vitamins, love your family and friends, and dream sweet dreams!
GirlFromTheWest
xxoo