Hello darlings, if I confuse you, I had to re-upload this as I made a brainfart in one of the paragraphs :( Sorry for the mess! Feel free to message me if you can't find the change I did.

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or anything you think you recognize.

Burt watches Kurt and Blaine from the corner of his eye, as he pretends to rummage the cupboards for… something. It's not as if he's eavesdropping. They're talking far too quietly for him to be able to do that. But he can observe.

After breakfast, all five of them sat down for board games. It's always been a Hummel tradition – something father and son could share as common ground, when they in other ways were so different. But competing over who'd beat the other in Yatzy or Monopoly was cherished, and they had instantly included Carole and Finn in the family activity. This wasn't the first time Blaine joined either. The boy was practically family, as far as Burt considered. Then they'd eaten leftover birthday cake, before wrapping up the rest for Blaine to bring to his father when he went to Columbus later. He'd leave in Kurt's Navigator, as they drove to Lima together. Burt is quite impressed that Blaine's allowed to drive Kurt's baby. Kurt had convinced Blaine to stay for lunch before leaving, and had whipped up something with too much greens and not enough chicken, but Blaine's compliments had seemed sincere.

Blaine had excused himself after helping with the dishes, insisting he needed to go to get some time with his own family. Kurt had pouted, but Blaine had remained firm. At least he had been, fifteen minutes ago, when Kurt walked him to the hallway after he bade his polite goodbyes. Kurt had fussed with Blaine's scarf, and it wasn't even that cold outside. Burt hadn't been able to catch the words they murmured to each other, standing close with hands clasped. But he saw their soft looks and emotional smiles. And Burt can't remember ever having seen them like that before. Sure, they're silly and cuddly and obviously crazy about each other, have too many inside jokes, Kurt spends too much time in front of the mirror when Blaine is on his way, and Blaine is disturbingly patient with Kurt. He's seen them giddy and silly. But there's a new tenderness to them.

Too curious, Burt pours himself a large mug of coffee, and walks nonchalantly to the living room, passing them by only a couple of feet.

"I love you," he hears Blaine murmur to his son.

"I love you, too," Kurt replies instantly, breathlessly, and Burt walks on before they kiss, and Blaine finally manages to leave the house. He sits down in his favourite recliner, and sighs deeply. God help them all; his son is in love. It really isn't surprising, and Burt actually likes Blaine. He's glad Kurt gets to experience his first relationship with a boy who can fulfill some of his old-fashioned romantic dreams, but also seems strong and proud enough to hold his own. Kurt can need someone who can challenge him, soften him, and cope with his stubbornness.

But love?

Burt just doesn't want to see his son hurt, and if he's so deep in already, with heart and soul, the fall and pain will only be so much worse. But there's nothing he can do, except be a good father and support him. He loves Kurt, and he likes Blaine. He should be happy for them. But he can't help worry, when he knows how intensely Kurt loves. Nobody messes with his son.

"I just don't know what to do," Blaine sighs, resting his chin on his clasped hands, elbows for once prodded on the table. He's told his dad the good news about the Warblers going to Europe, and then the bad news about how Kurt doesn't think he can go because of his family's financial situation.

"He didn't accept borrowing the money either?" Devon asks, and takes a sip of his coffee.

"Nope. He doesn't want to do that, and he most definitely doesn't want to accept a gift when I tried to share the award-money with him. And that would only be fair; he did just as much as I did!" Blaine objects, working himself up.

"Seems like your man has a lot of pride," Devon says calmly, and helps himself to another slice of his son's birthday cake. "I actually thought that would be one of the things you like about him."

Blaine blushes, but grins at his dad calling Kurt his man.

"I do like it about him," Blaine admits softly. "I… I love him. And I'd do anything to make sure he could go to Europe. I know he wants to go, he's just stubborn and… Well, yeah, he's proud." Blaine smiles ruefully, and takes a bite of the delicious cake.

"You know, being in love sometimes means doing difficult things. If you want your relationship with Kurt to work, you have to be willing to make some compromises. The two of you share a lot of similarities, but there's also some differences, and you can't be afraid to address it."

"I'm not sure I follow," Blaine furrows his eyebrows, spoon halfway between his plate and mouth.

"Kurt doesn't have the same economic background as you do. I've always tried to teach Cooper and you the value of money, I like to think that you're not as spoilt as our wealth could have enabled, and you don't have a never-ending supply of money ready at hand. But you do have possibilities that the Hummel's don't have. If you want to go to Europe on a school trip, we'll make it happen. We'll work out a deal, you and I. But Burt and Kurt don't have the same abundance of money."

"I know that, Dad, and that's why I offered him the award money. I don't really need them, I know my college fund will help me through college anyway. But the money could do so much good for him."

"Have you had any gender studies in school yet?" Devon asks, and leans forward on the table, closer to his son.

"Of course," Blaine answers confused.

"Does economic emancipation say you anything?" Blaine nods, and his dad continues. "Knowing Kurt, he doesn't want to be a kept man. He's independent and proud, headstrong, ambitious, driven and determined. He'll get far that way. And maybe he needs to learn how to accept help now and then. It won't make him lose face, and it can help him along the road. But you have to respect him and support his wishes. Don't let money come between you."

"Oh… I hadn't thought of it like that. I just thought… We have the money, problem fixed."

"I know, Son, and I'm not blaming you. And maybe Kurt will accept the offer in the end. But I don't think he'll appreciate it if you keep nagging on him about giving him the money. You'll have to solve this differently."

"I understand," Blaine says slowly, his mind working a mile a minute. "But what other compromises are there, when we have the money, he doesn't have the money, but won't accept neither a loan nor a gift?"

"Blaine, you've had a lot of opportunities in life, and even though money isn't everything, it can get you far. Maybe you have to start thinking like someone less wealthy, and be Kurt's equal."

"So maybe… Maybe I should stay home from Europe too?" Blaine asks, trying to hide the disappointment. He'd been looking forward to this. But it would be the right thing to do. He probably wouldn't enjoy the adventure, knowing Kurt was stuck at Dalton anyway.

"I'm not saying you should, but it can be one solution. You have to remember it for the future, too. Maybe you have to lower your standards to avoid making Kurt feel uncomfortable."

Blaine nods. Kurt is far from poor, but there's still a substantial difference in their money flow.

"Speaking of money, I have something I want to show you. I think you'll like it," Devon winks, and gets up from his chair. "I'll just get it from my office, be with you in a minute."

Blaine nods and watches his dad leave. He knows he'll need time to digest this. His dad has given him new perspectives. Of course a good relationship requires work, and sometimes you have to negotiate and compromise to reach an agreement. It's all about giving and taking. But Blaine hasn't been able to see how money can come between Kurt and he. He thinks back to different dates and occasions, where Kurt's tried to tell Blaine he can pay for his own coffee, or even tried to pay for both of their coffees. Or movie tickets. Or pizzas. Or whatever they've done. Blaine has almost always successfully prevented it, by insisting it's on him, and deftly slipping the money or his card to whoever cashier is waiting. And he's seen Kurt sometimes looking less than pleased, but he's assumed it was all in pretend, and about losing the battle. But maybe Kurt really wants to pay, even though an elaborate date can make a dent in his pocket money, while it won't hardly show on Blaine's available account?

Blaine is a gentleman, has been brought up to be one, and it comes naturally for him. Sure, his dad may initially have taught him proper etiquette within a heterosexual framework, but it doesn't matter – Blaine loves Kurt, and Blaine wants to take care of Kurt and shower him in love and gifts and coffee. His dad's comment about the feminist movement makes him think, though. Because it would look bad if he treated a girl like some helpless creature, and it would squish the equality in the relationship. Yet he's doing the same thing with Kurt. Blaine loves to woo Kurt. But he also loves it when Kurt plans dates and surprises, when Kurt is being a gentleman, when Kurt is taking charge. Sometimes, Blaine just needs to be taken care of and feel loved. It's nice to have someone who'd do anything for him. So maybe he should let Kurt pay for their sodas the next time the Warblers spend a weekend at a hotel, even though they are ridiculously expensive. And maybe he should let Kurt pick up coffee for them from the coffee machine on campus, and not rush off every morning to be the first to get there. Maybe they both need to learn to accept help. Their roles aren't set in stone. That's one of the beauties in their relationship, Blaine thinks, how they know each other so well, and can be there for the other in different ways. Blaine's never wanted to be the breadwinner or the sole provider. He's always imagined an equal partner. So maybe it's about time he treated Kurt like one, and made an effort to be his equal.

"You really auditioned? Wow, I'm impressed," Kurt whistles, looking sincerely at his step-brother. "After you ended up at principal Figgins' office for walking around in Brad's costume, I thought the stage had lost its appeal to you," he winks.

"Well, for a starter, Tony doesn't get naked. He doesn't, right?" Finn asks nervously.

"No," Kurt laughs, "I'm pretty sure Mr. Schue will let you keep your clothes on for this story."

"That's a relief," Finn smiles. "I'm not ready to audition for… Umm, that play where the Harry Potter-dude goes full monty."

"Equus."

"Bless you," Finn laughs and winks. He's not as dumb as some people perceive him, and Kurt figured that out long time ago.

"So what made you audition?"

"Rachel," Finn shrugs.

"Finn…" Kurt says, part in warning and part in compassion. He's not sure if Finn will ever get over her, but she's dating Wes.

"No, not like that," Finn immediately waves him off. "But already on our first day back after summer break she started nagging about applications for college, extracurricular activities, improving our first impressions, making ourselves desirable for colleges, and have fallback-plans if we don't win Nationals again. So she suggested leads in the school play would look good on the college applications. I don't have much else to show for, and thought why not?"

"You have a lot to show for," Kurt murmurs softly. "You're the quarterback on the football team, you won Nationals as lead singer, you have good grades, and you've grown so much as a person during these years."

"Yeah, well, it's easier typing 'Tony' on the application, than 'went from douchebag to decent'."

Kurt can't help but smile.

"I guess that is true. Do you know where you're applying yet?"

"No, I haven't got a clue what I want to do. But I've still got time. Right now I'm trying to learn my lines and dance routines. Wanna help me?"

"Sure," Kurt agrees easily.

As promised, Kurt spends most of Sunday with Mercedes, and later with more of the girls from New Direction. Mercedes and he talk a lot about boys, how she misses Sam, and Kurt tries not to gush too much over Blaine and their fresh declarations. When Tina and Rachel show up later, with vegan cookies and popcorn, the talk quickly moves from boys to college. Rachel has recently been at a mixer for aspiring and ambitious students planning to apply for a school in New York she's discovered – New York Academy of the Dramatic Arts; NYADA. He'd felt disappointed and offended that she hadn't thought to invite him, but quickly realized they hadn't really ever talked about ambitions and plans for their future. His friends at McKinley probably talked about it all the time, just as he'd begun talking about it with his friends at Dalton. But just like Rachel didn't know he was seriously considering a future on Broadway, he didn't know what Mercedes or Mike were planning. He'd have to make a better effort at keeping in touch and knowing the important things about his friends. And he'd spent the hours before dinner with his family to catch up with more substantial topics than hot dates, gossip and Finn's ideas of choreography.

Kurt takes his time getting ready in front of the mirror. He has a train to catch, but his dad hasn't nagged about having to leave yet, so he can still perfect his hair. It wasn't easy picking an outfit that can survive the train ride, so he'll still look effortlessly fabulous when Blaine picks him up.

This is the first time since he returned to Dalton after summer break he's spent more than hours away from Blaine. The first weekend was the birthday celebration in Columbus, the second weekend was with the Warblers yet again in Columbus, and now they had manned up for the mature and responsible thing; spending some time apart with their respective families. But Blaine is picking him up on the train station in Westerville to go back to Dalton together, and Kurt would like to give a good impression. If he's timed the time schedule right, they should have time for some quality time together before curfew.

In the last minute, he decides to change his shirt. He has one hanging in his wardrobe he hasn't worn in quite some time, and he hopes Blaine will enjoy it. It's a short-sleeve, so it's probably the last time he can wear it before autumn makes it too cold.

The train ride gives him ample time to think. Finn's words got to him. He has to start thinking more carefully on what he wants for his future, and which colleges he should apply for. He has to do some research on that NYADA that Rachel mentioned. And what can he do to stand out in the masses? Sure, graduating from Dalton gives him a head start, but there are a lot of quality high schools in the country, and he doesn't want to take anything for granted. He wants to stand out in the crowd. But how? His mind drifts to Blaine, who has his fencing achievements, he's student president, and he's lead singer of the Warblers. Sure, Kurt got a competition solo last year, but he can't live on old merits. He needs something from his Senior year that is worth mentioning. And he needs to hurry up.

Blaine stands on the platform, waiting, and his entire face lights up when he spots Kurt. He starts walking towards him, and Kurt may be increasing his pace, weekend bag slung over his shoulder

"Hi," Blaine exhales, and takes Kurt's hands in his. He leans in and leaves a quick kiss to the corner of Kurt's mouth. "Don't you look cute!" he exclaims as he takes in Kurt's appearance, running his hands up and down Kurt's bare underarms.

Kurt says thank you, as is the polite thing to do, but can't help feel disappointed. Cute? Is that all he managed, after all that time with preparations? Maybe Kurt really is a sexless baby penguin.

"You seem tired," Blaine comments, squeezing his hands reassuringly. "I've parked right outside," he says encouragingly, and nods in the direction of the exit. He leads Kurt out to his Navigator, and hands him the keys.

"You can drive, if you want to," Kurt shrugs. They're only twenty minutes away from Dalton, and he doubts Blaine is too tired for the drive. Truth be told, he just wants to see Blaine behind the wheels of his car. Blaine drives a quite sleek car, and Kurt is curious to see how Blaine looks in control of the much more masculine Navigator.

"Okay," Blaine says reverently. "I've taken good care of her," he assures Kurt. As if Kurt ever doubted it.

The drive back to Dalton is easy and almost too short, updating each other on what's happened the last 30 hours.

They head straight for Blaine's room, and is able to avoid anyone roping them in on anything, so they can spend some time alone before curfew. They end up on top of the covers on his bed, Blaine resting his head on Kurt's chest. Kurt runs his fingers through his gelled hair, releasing curls and calming himself down with the soothing, repetitive motion.

"Have you thought about college yet?"

"A little. Why?"

"It's time to think about the future, isn't it?"

"Yes, I think September 9th is a good day to think about college," Blaine teases, nuzzling closer. He wraps an arm around Kurt's waist, pushing them closer.

"I told you they're doing West Side Story at McKinley."

Blaine hums to signal he's listening, and moves his hand under Kurt's shirt, naked skin against skin. He caresses over Kurt's ribs, a comforting touch, and nothing sexual. Of course. Kurt shakes that particular thought away, and continues on his theater-path.

"I just don't know what to put on my applications. I feel as if I've wasted time and missed my opportunities."

"Nonsense," Blaine objects, and locks eyes with him. "It's still early in the year; you have a lot of possibilities. It isn't too late to join some of the school clubs."

"Yeah, but… What good does it make joining The Alchemist, The Chess Club, The Foreign Affairs Club or The Mock Trial club, if I want to apply to an arts education? Or fashion? I haven't decided what I want, but I know I don't want to work in United Nations or become a lawyer," Kurt snorts.

"I think anything would look good on the application, because it shows involvement and enthusiasm. But if you want something more relevant, how about Dalton Shakespearean Association?"

"Why haven't I heard of it?"

"It's been shelved for the last decade or so, but it was really popular before the Warblers stole the attention, and they put up some great performances. It would be easier to be granted permission from the administration to resurrect an old club instead of creating a new one."

"Are there anything about Dalton history you don't know?" Kurt murmurs amused.

"I only know the important stuff," Blaine objects.

"You and I obviously don't define important the same way," Kurt teases.

"It came in handy now, didn't it?"

Kurt tugs a little harder on a curl, and Blaine retaliates by pinching his stomach.

"Tomorrow I could…" Blaine interrupts himself, as if he doesn't know what to say, and it puzzles Kurt. "Do you want me to dig out some information about DSA, so you can better consider if it's something for you?"

"Yes please, I'd appreciate it. I have a feeling you already know where to go looking, and can find more than me, quicker than me," Kurt says, not without teasing.

"I've been here longer than you," Blaine shrugs against his chest.

"Not longer than Wes and David, though, and you still can correct them on all kind of things. Where the nurse is, when the Warblers last won Nationals, what the principal's cat is called, who the first principal was…"

"Are you teasing me, Kurt?" Blaine asks playfully.

"Of course not. I love you too much to ever be mean to you."

"I'm glad," Blaine murmurs, and crawls up to kiss him.