A/N: So, I´m back! This is the first chapter of what it will be Klaine´s first summer together and I pretty much decided to include everybody on this one! I hope you like it.
26.- FAMILY DATE
The summer vacations had started and everyone was enjoying the sunny weather. Kurt and Blaine were really happy to be able to spend whole days with each other any day of the week and not only afternoons and evening like when they were in school.
Today was a particularly hot day so both boys were at the Hummel-Hudsons´ backyard relaxing and being content just to be spending time together. There were a few trees around the grass-covered ground and Kurt had carried out a jar of lemonade in an bucket with ice to keep it cold and a couple of glasses along with a blanket which he had spread under the shadow of one of the trees so they could sit. At the moment, Kurt was seated on the blanket with his back resting on the tree trunk with his legs spread out and one knee bent so Blaine could sit between them resting his back on his chest. Blaine was running his fingers on Kurt´s hands, which were placed around his waist, while with the other he was holding the book he was reading out loud for the both of them. Blaine interrupted his reading when Kurt´s nose running up and down his neck got too distracting.
"Kurt! Honey! Anyone could walk out the house and see us!" – Blaine said giggling and putting the book down.
"I don´t care" – Kurt said softly continuing with his ministrations
"Really? What if it were your dad?"
"Dad´s not here. He went to the store with Carole and Finn knows better than to come here and interrupt us, if he does, it would be on his own risk" – They both laughed at that. Blaine turned his neck so he could kiss Kurt, lazily but somehow passionately at the same time. After almost four months together, they had grown a lot more confident and comfortable with each other so their kisses and make-out sessions had heated up quite a bit, with either one of them being the instigator. Kurt hated that at first sight most people would assume that Blaine "wore the pants" in their relationship, all based on stereotypes and because he was more in touch with his feminine side, but it was not truth; he loved taking care of Blaine as much as being on the receiving end of his boyfriend´s attentions and he knew Blaine liked it when he took control over dates, or tried to wooed him, or initiated their intimate moments like the one they were sharing now; Blaine truly made him feel as equals in their relationship which only made Kurt love his boyfriend even more.
However, as much in love as they were, they were still not ready for the next level, but they were getting there as the intimacy of their embrace, of their touches, and the looks they gave each other had grown steadily along the way; and their kisses were no longer tentative or shy as they used to be at the beginning of their relationship; now, they were purposeful, love filled, breath taking, and deep; and surprisingly enough, Kurt was more than ok with it.
The kiss the boys were sharing under the tree had become into a full-on make out session just after a few seconds, but they were interrupted when they heard a noise that made them separate from each other to look up at the source. It had been a good move because what they saw next was Burt walking in, pushing a big heavy box down the stone path that ran along the patio. That saved them from the embarrassing situation of Burt walking in on them while they were making out like that.
"Hey boys!"
"Dad! What are you doing?" – Kurt asked while both he and Blaine stood up and went to help him – "What is all this? And you know you should not over exert yourself!"
"Oh you worry too much son. I´m ok… and this? well, this summer is particularly hot and Carole and I were down at the store and I saw this DIY pool and decided to buy it. We can build it here and have family and friends over to freshen up whenever they like!"
"A pool? Really?!" – Kurt was jumping on the balls of his feet and clapping his hands like a little kid. Blaine just chuckled looking at him with adoration in his eyes. It still amazed him how Kurt could go from hot boyfriend to a five-year old look-alike in a second. It was endearing.
"Would you let us help you to build it up Burt?"
"But of course Blaine! I was actually counting on it to tell you the truth"
"Great! I love building things!" – Blaine said enthusiastically
"And I love giving directions and preparing snacks!" – Kurt intervened looking excited. Burt and Blaine laughed because they knew the sun will freeze over before Kurt got caught all sweaty and working with a hammer; Messing with his perfectly kept soft white hands? No uh, not happening.
"Hey Kiddo! I was thinking… now that we have the pool, we could host a little BBQ party for the Fourth of July and I would like to invite Blaine´s parents. You have been together for quite a bit and I would love to meet them in person and not just by phone."
"I think it´s a wonderful idea dad! I think it would be easier to break the ice if we have a laid back BBQ dinner outside than a formal one. It would be the perfect setting to have all of you to meet for the first time. What do you say Blaine?"
"I am sure my parents would love to come. They both love BBQ parties and my dad likes working the grill, I´m sure he will offer to give you a hand, Burt. Thank you for the invitation. I´ll tell them tonight."
"I´m glad to know that you both like the idea. We can also invite your friends from school and from Dalton as well. Now, let´s get down to business. Kurt, can you please go get Finn so he can give us a hand? and then, you can start getting the pieces out of the boxes and use one of your organizing methods that no one can understand but help you find your clothes in that retail store you call closet" – Burt said making Kurt glare at him. Blaine chuckled, which only made Kurt´s glare to be redirected towards him. Blaine raised his hand in apology and mouthed an "I´m sorry and I love you". Burt smiled at the boys` antics shook his head and continued giving his instructions – "While you do that, Blaine and Finn can help me getting the rest of the boxes from the truck and the tools from the garage"
"Sure! I´ll go right now" – Kurt told his father and then he kissed Blaine´s cheek really quickly saying "I love, too" before running into the house to get Finn, that gesture told Blaine he was forgiven.
"Your boyfriend is one piece of work, huh?" – Burt told Blaine with amusement in his voice while they both walked towards the truck
"Yes, he is. But I love him just the way he is and I wouldn´t trade him for the world"
"I know" – Burt answered patting Blaine´s back affectionately - "it´s good for you that he would say the same thing about you, then?"
"Pretty good" – Blaine answered with a big smile
Finn called Puck, Mike, and Sam to give them a hand too and the seven men worked all morning putting the pool together. Kurt was being very efficient organizing the building process making sure that Burt, Blaine, Puck, Sam, Mike, and Finn put the right pieces together. The pool was taking shape pretty soon and with everybody´s combined efforts more than half of it was built by lunch time.
Rachael, Tina, and Mercedes had arrived too as Kurt had sent them a message to let them know what was going on, neither of them wanting to miss the opportunity of watching their boyfriends work and sweat in tank tops on a summer day, had arrived within the hour after Kurt´s call. Sam and Mercedes had come clean about their relationship the week before, when in a slumber party, Kurt had managed to use his CIA interrogation skills to have his friend admit what he suspected was going on between the two of them. Kurt was really happy because Mercedes was a great girl who usually was underappreciated by guys, pretty much as he considered himself to be before he met Blaine. He thought of Sam as a very good friend and he was a nice guy too so he was elated that both his friends were together and doing well so far.
After hours of perusing at the men at work and constantly making iced lemonade or iced-tea for the boys to drink, the girls had gone to help Carole make lunch while Kurt was left behind in the patio to keep the boys on track.
When the food was ready, they all had lunch together outside and when they were done and had rested for a while, they reassumed their work and the pool was done and being filled with water with a hose by dinner time. Burt treated all the boys with pizza and ice-cream as a thank-you gesture for all their help, before they all went to their respective homes.
Blaine texted Kurt a couple of hours later to let him know that his parents had gracefully accepted Burt´s invitation for the Fourth of July BBQ party and just like that, the Hummel-Hudsons and the Andersons had a date.
The day of the party had arrived and Kurt went on and beyond making sure everything was ready. Although the party was outside, he insisted on cleaning the house thoroughly, in addition to tending the small garden and raking the grass. There was a long table for the food and smaller ones set together with chairs so they all could sit down together to eat. Kurt had also hung twinkle lights on the trees and around the patio to give it a nice touch when it went dark. The Anderson were supposed to arrive an hour before the rest of the guests, so both families could have a chance to really meet before all the craziness that the New Directions and the Warblers entitled, arrived.
Carole was in the kitchen, Burt was watching a game in the living room, Finn was in his room getting ready and Kurt was finishing a floral arrangement to put outside when the bell rang. They all knew what it meant: The Andersons had arrived. Carole and Burt left what they were doing to approach the foyer. Kurt had already gotten the door and was greeting the guests.
"Good evening! Welcome!"
"Kurt, honey. It´s so nice to see you and it´s a pleasure to be here" – Victoria approached Kurt and gave him one of her signature bear hugs.
"It´s good to see you, son" – William was next. He gave soft pats on Kurt´s back as a greeting.
"It´s great to see you, too. Please come in!" – Kurt said and Victoria got the package Blaine was carrying for her so her son could say hello to his boyfriend.
"Thank you" – William responded with a smile. Both Andersons walked a little more into the foyer.
"Hi Angel"
"Hi honey!" – Kurt and Blaine kissed softly on the lips and joined their hands together – "I´m so glad you made it"
"We wouldn´t miss it for the world. Mom and dad are very much looking forward to meeting your family"
At that moment Carole and Burt showed up from the rooms they were in and Finn came down the stairs.
"Dad, Carole, Finn; these are Blaine´s parents: William and Victoria Anderson"
"Hello. It´s such a pleasure to finally meet you" – Carole said with a warm smile
"The pleasure is ours, you have a lovely home by the way" – Victoria answered sweetly
"Thank you"
"It´s been very kind of you to invite us tonight" – William said extending his hand for Burt to shake and after that he kissed Carole´s hand making her blush and giggle a little. Carole saw first-hand where Blaine got all that gallantry from.
"We are just glad you accepted it" – Burt said in a happy tone
"It´s nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Anderson" – Finn said shaking both of Blaine´s parents hands.
"Likewise, Finn" – William answered
"Carole, I hope you don´t mind, but I wanted to cooperate with tonight´s affair so I brought these" – Victoria gave Carole the package which happened to contain brownies.
"Oh! Thank you! They look delicious, you shouldn´t have"
"It´s just a little something. I hope you like them"
"I´m sure we all will"
"Well, now that all the formal introductions have been made, what do you say if we step outside to have some snacks and drinks until the rest of the kids get here" – Burt offered
"Absolutely" – Victoria said
"Please, lead the way" – William interjected
Kurt and Blaine left out a breath they didn´t know they were holding and squeezed each other´s hand in reassurance. They knew their parents would get along because they were all nice people but it was still nerve wracking to have your family meeting your boyfriend´s family for the first time. They all walked out to the garden. Kurt was very proud because all his hard work had paid off and with all the decorations he had put on, it look very pretty.
"Oh, this is lovely!" – Victoria commented while taking a seat
"Thank you. Kurt made most of the work. He is really good at this stuff" – Burt said and Kurt blushed
"Congratulations Kurt. It looks beautiful"
"Thank you Victoria"
"Can I offer you a beer, William?" – Burt asked
"Yes, thank you"
"Do you like white wine Victoria? – asked Carole
"I love it"
"Great! I´ll go bring some wine for us and some iced tea for the boys. I´ll be right back" – Carole went back in the house with Burt to get the drinks.
"Have you two stopped freaking out already?" – William asked Kurt and Blaine with humor
"What? Why would you say that, dad?" – Blaine and Kurt were blushing and Finn snickering didn´t help matters
"Because you two look like deer caught on head lights"
"Well, we just wanted you to get along. That´s all" – Kurt said in a small voice
"Then you can just relax. I think we are getting along just fine. You have a lovely family Kurt, same as you" – Victoria said sweetly.
"Thank you. I´m glad you think so. They like you too you know. My dad doesn´t offer his beers freely" – Kurt said the last part as a joke out of nervousness but it made the trick, they all laughed and he could finally relax and as he did so, Blaine did too.
Both families spent the rest of the hour talking pleasantly over snacks and drinks, the mood was light and everybody seemed to be really bonding. Burt thought that Blaine´s parents were very friendly, unaffected, and open; not what he expected from people with money but then again, Blaine was nothing but a well-mannered young man so it was obvious it all came from his upbringing. That alone would have warmed Burt up to the Andersons, but he knew that Kurt felt welcomed in their home and it was obvious his son was very comfortable being himself around them; and to top it all he heard the affection in Victoria´s and William´s voices when greeting Kurt on their arrival. After all that, there was no way he could be less than welcoming to these people who were so kind to Kurt. Burt thought that if he felt that way towards them, the Anderson would feel the same about Carole and him as both of them were very fond of Blaine as well and treated him as if he were part of the family. With all those happy thoughts in his mind, Burt concluded that the sympathy the Andersons seemed to feel towards them and the looks on their faces that said they were having a good time in their home were real and sincere.
After a couple of hours the party was in full swing. All of the McKinley and Dalton kids had arrived and were having fun playing War with water guns. They had mixed up the teams just to not make the whole thing a McKinley vs. Dalton or a Boys vs. Girls thing. Mr. Shuester and Ms. Pillsbury had arrived as well and had joined the two sets of parents in their conversation.
"It looks like all the kids are having fun!" – Mr. Shue commented over the music playing softly around the patio. He was watching the kids running, yelling and laughing while chasing each other down. That comment made everyone turn their heads towards the on-going battle and allowed them to catch a cute moment happening between Kurt and Blaine. The two boys had been separated in different teams as the rest of the couples and right in that moment Kurt was running and laughing while Blaine ran after him. Blaine made use of his athletic skills to run faster and he caught Kurt by the waist from behind and started swirling him around making Kurt laugh even more, asking him to please put him down. When Blaine finally did, Kurt turned around in his arms, said something the adults couldn´t hear but that made Blaine smile with an adoring look before kissing Kurt really softly and quickly. The guys who had looked on the scene were catcalling and they could all hear Puck yelling "stop fraternizing with the enemy Hummel! You can suck his face all you want on your own time but not now!" Instead of blushing like he would normally do at comments like that, Kurt yelled back "Don´t worry Noah! I´ve got this!" Nobody had seen that Kurt carried a small water pistol and the second he finished yelling at Puck he hit Blaine full-on his face with water and then sprinted away laughing while Puck yelled "Now, you´re talking!" and just like that Blaine ran after Kurt again. All the adults awed at the first part of the scene and then laughed at the second.
"Those two are really cute together. I think it´s amazing that they found each other, especially because the way they met was so random" – Emma said
"Yes, they are. It had always scared me to think about Kurt dating. I guess I was afraid that someone could take advantage of him, but Blaine is a great kid. I know he loves my son and treats him with respect. I can´t even tell you how relieve I feel now. I mean, I don´t know if these two are going to be together forever, I hope they do but even if that doesn´t happen, I know Kurt´s first romantic experience has had a very positive start, it´s something that´s made him happy, stronger, and felt cared for. That is important because it will set the tone for all future relationships if he has them" – Burt said
"I agree with you Burt" – William interjected – "I wasn´t supportive of Blaine at the beginning but I´m now and something I´m really thankful for is to know that Blaine is happy. Kurt makes him happy and it just warms my heart to see him so excited about his relationship with him and smiling all the time. You can´t ask for more than that for your children at this age. Kurt is a great boy and I already told Blaine once that I would love for him to be my son-in-law in the future, if it ever comes to that"
"Yeah, I´ve grown accustomed to an always smiling Kurt as well" – Burt said warmly
"William and I were high school sweethearts, only time will tell us what is to become of them, but I have faith in their relationship and I´m praying that those two will keep making each other happy the same way my husband and I do"
"That would be lovely indeed! But look at us! They are in high school, they have only been dating for a few months and we are pretty much planning their wedding" – Carole said and they all laughed.
"You are right Carole" – Victoria said good naturally – "I think we are all getting a little ahead of ourselves. Although, it´s nice to envision such a promising future for them."
"Well, I like the present too" – Mr. Shue said – "it never stops to amaze me how this group of kids who are so different from one another can complement each other so well. Even the Dalton kids have blended in effortlessly. I think it´s incredible that all of them have learned to look over their differences and embrace each other. Who would have thought that teenagers in Ohio would be so supportive of their two gay friends and even more so of their relationship? It shows a level of maturity and tolerance that many adults lack nowadays"
"That´s true. I am not only grateful that Kurt has Blaine, but also for these kids. All I ever wanted for my son was for him to be happy and to have everything anyone else has; not to miss out on anything just because he´s gay, to have a place his can call home, where he feels safe and accepted. I do my best to provide that here and Carole helps me, but those kids make it possible at school. Thinking that there was a chance for Kurt to never have days like this because of who he is and where we live would keep me up at night while he was growing up"
"Well, having supportive parents makes a huge difference. What all of you are doing it´s exactly what they needed to flourish the way they´ve done" – Emma said matter-of-factly – "You all should be very proud of yourselves."
"Thank you Ms. Pillsburry" – William started
"Oh please call me Emma"
"Well, Emma, I really appreciate it, coming from a professional and all" – William finished and Emma beamed
"And talking about professionals" – Burt stepped in – "Blaine told me that you were a pro at the grill William. What do you say if we hit that baby and start steaming some burgers?
"Absolutely!" – William answered enthusiastically and stood up with Burt to go to the grill.
The rest of the adults carried on with their conversation while the kids finished their water war and jumped in the pool for a quick dip before going to change into dried clothes. By the time they all came back, the burgers were ready so everybody stuffed their plates with food and sat down to eat. The meal was filled with jokes, laughter, and friendly banter.
Kurt and Blaine saw all their mutual friends having a good time together but what really made their day was to see their parents getting along like old-time friends.
"Honey, can you believe this?" – Kurt asked Blaine motioning for him to look around. Blaine did and a smiled showed on his face.
William Shuester, William Anderson and Burt were all drinking beers and talking about sports, their professions, and pretty much getting to know each other better. Carole, Emma, and Victoria were talking about cooking, fashion, their careers, how they had met their husbands/boyfriend, enjoying a friendly girl talk so of speak. David, Wes, Thad, and Trent were talking pleasantly to Finn, Rachael, Artie, Mercedes and Sam; Nick, Jeff, Santana, Brittany, Quinn, Puck, Lauren, Tina, and Mike were joking around.
"Seems like everybody it´s getting along, right?" – Blaine answered
"Mmmhuh" – Kurt nodded
"I don´t know about you, but I´d say this is the best Fourth of July party I´ve ever been to. I can tell my parents are having lots of fun"
"I´m glad. I was concerned because I didn´t know what they had expected. I mean, they like to go to country clubs and fancy parties"
"Angel, you know we´re not like that"
"I know. But I felt the pressure either way"
"You worry too much"
"Yeah, you and dad had made a point of telling me that every now and then. But I can´t help it"
"Well, it´s just a little part of you that makes you so adorable"
"Hey Blaine! Could you stop making little Kurtie here so red in the face and pass the potatoes?" – Nick said out loud and everybody looked at them making Kurt blush even harder.
"I´d have to say no to the first because Kurt looks adorable when he blushes and yes to the second. Here are the potatoes. Enjoy"
"Blaine!" – Kurt said slapping Blaine´s shoulder
"Oh Kurt, don´t be mad at Blaine. What he just said was really sweet!" – Rachael said – "I think that this moment calls for a kiss!"
Kurt could have murdered Rachael if she weren´t seated on the other side of the table. He was mortified because both Blaine´s parents and his, along with Mr. Shue and Ms. Pillsbury had heard and now all their friends were chanting "kiss, kiss, kiss!" Kurt looked at his father who just chuckled and shrugged his shoulder as if saying: "It´s your call, kiddo"; Then, Kurt directed his glance at William and Victoria who were laughing and he noticed how William winked at Blaine. Kurt didn´t know what to do, he felt all warm in the face and he looked at Blaine. Blaine was smiling at him and didn´t give him time to react as he said: "Oh what the hell" and he cupped Kurt cheek and pulled him in, to kiss him softly for the briefest of seconds.
"Way to go Blaine!" – Nick yelled
"Yeah Hummel! I knew you had it in you!" – Puck was next
"I still think you could have done better Blaine!" – Jeff couldn´t help himself
"Come on Kurt! You can do better than that!" – Santana said smirking and high-fiving Jeff
"You guys suck!" – Kurt told all his friends with a face red as a tomato once he separated from Blaine and everybody including the grown-ups laughed – "I hate you!"
"Don´t kid yourself Kurt! We know you love us!" – Davis yelled this time
"Do you really hate us Kurt?" – Brittany asked – "Because I just wanted to see you and your dolphin happy. I even have Lord Tubbington bidding for a fish tank on e-bay so you can live together after graduation" - that just made Kurt crumble – "I´ve heard that the ocean is not safe because sharks are not that friendly as neighbors"
"No Britt-Britt, I don´t really hate you" – Kurt said softly – "but please, don´t buy a fish tank, I don´t have a place to put it right now and graduation is still far away"
"You´re right. I´ll just tell Lord Tubbington to bid for the motor ski he wanted instead" - Brittany said while pulling out her phone and started texting.
The Warblers were not used to Brittany so they were a little thrown back; Blaine just mouthed that he would explain later and they all shrugged their shoulders and went back to their conversations and jokes.
Once it got dark, they all took blankets and sat or laid down on the grass in preparation for the firework display the city had every year and which was perfectly visible from the Hummel-Hudson´s backyard. When it began, the lights were dimmed and everybody went quiet to admire the show. Kurt and Blaine were part of the ones who decided to lie down. They were holding hands between their bodies and when they thought nobody was looking they took advantage of the romantic setting to share a sweet kiss; little did they know that their parents who had stood back at the table were looking on, beaming.
"So, seems like I better start saving some money because even though that wedding isn´t happening for a few years, I know my son will want to go all out" – Burt joked and Carole, the Andersons, Mr. Shue and Emma laughed wholeheartedly.
The party had been a huge success and it was just the beginning of a summer full of adventures, fun, romance, surprises and one or two tears along the way. It was going to be certainly a time to remember.
A/N: So, what do you think? Let me know! Until next week!