Author's Note: Some of you have asked if I'm going to abandon stories for new ones. I try not to. I want to finish every story I write. I am currently even writing an update for No Regrets which is still very dear to me. I haven't written anything in ages, but I try to work through that, since I know how frustrating it is to read a multi-chapter fic just to find it abandoned. I don't want to be that kind of writer. Receiving positive feedback definitely helps with motivation. ;)

However, I seem to have developed an anxiety about reading reviews. After posting a new chapter I am downright scared to read reviews, although most of the time you guys are just lovely. But there has been a time when I received not so nice reviews (mostly for No Regrets) that had me demotivated and dragged me down. I'm so relieved and happy with your latest responses, thank you so much.

Anyway, THANKS to all of you for enjoying my stories so much. I'm very happy that even my OC's receive so much love. :)

Big hugs to Ionaadsila, I love your reviews, because you seem so excited about everything. :D I guess I should check my reviews more regularly from now on.

Special thanks to LaurenEP18. I took your words and put them into Genius' mouth. I hope you don't mind. ;)

Very big kisses to SonofLuffy, what would I do without you?

This chapter isn't done yet, but I didn't want to keep you guys waiting too long after the cliffhanger, so here we go. The last part of the Thanksgiving chapter will follow asap. :)

Chapter 36 – Thanksgiving – Part II

There was a knock at the door and Kurt sat up, startled. "Did you bring someone? Carole and Finn?" he looked up mortified, quickly wiping tears off his face.

"No," Burt said, drawing his brows together. "They offered to come, but I wanted it to be just the two of us. Other than Mister Oreo I didn't bring anyone."

"Good," Kurt said. "You know I love them, but I don't want them to see me like this."

Kurt got up, adjusted his cardigan and went to the door. When he opened, Kurt was startled even more than he had upon seeing his father. His new visitor was one he wouldn't have expected at all.

"Genius? What are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you, too," Genius stated in an airy voice. "Sorry to intrude, but Chandler texted me when he found out that you were still in New York. He also gave me your address, so I thought I'd drop by. Happy Thanksgiving, by the way. Or not so happy, I see. Have you been crying?"

Kurt knew he must make a miserable sight, all with red-shot eyes and undone hair, but he refused to acknowledge his discomfort and just blinked in confusion. "How did Chandler find out I was still in New York?"

"When you last replied to him your phone gave away your location," Genius stated with an expression that said, obviously. "Anyway, he asked me to check on you, but I thought I'd make it subtle by acting as if I was the one in need of company. How about that?"

"I totally believed it," Kurt said, a grin slowly spreading on his face.

"Anyway, here I am and I'm not leaving until we figure out your Fashion Hero column. Chandler said you still haven't sent him a first draft. I don't care if I have to be a pain in your ass for it, but you're not going to waste an opportunity like that. If you need a fabulous ghostwriter you just have to ask."

Kurt opened the door further. "Just come in already."

Genius appearance was as extravagant and eccentric as ever. He wore a grey on grey floor-length coat with silvery embroidery and a high lace neckline. It was nothing you could buy off the rack or anywhere else, so Kurt assumed that Genius had tailored it for himself. It looked stunning on him and only accentuated his height.

He didn't wear as much makeup as he did in the workshop, but he had accentuated his eyes with black liner and used foundation on his face. He wore a long dangling silver earring in his right earlobe and in his left just a sparkling diamond. In addition to his clothes it made him look mysterious and in utter control of his life.

Genius stepped into the room with his usual confident stride, but the moment he saw Burt sitting on the couch – leaning forward with his elbows on his knees – Genius' posture changed. He tensed and proceeded more cautiously, definitely uneasy with the unexpected company.

"Dad, this is one of my Fashion Hero peers, Emmett Holzinger also known as Genius. Emmett, meet my Dad, Burt Hummel."

"Ugh, don't call me by my real name," Genius protested. He slowly got out of his coat and Kurt took it and went to hang it on the rack.

"Nice to meet you in person, kid," Burt said. "We spoke over the phone."

"We did," Genius confirmed warily.

When Burt stood to shake hands with the young man, Genius stepped back automatically. Meeting Burt's confused gaze, Genius straightened his spine and stepped forward again, shaking the offered hand.

"Am I interrupting a family reunion?"

"I came to surprise Kurt, since he didn't want to come home for the holiday," Burt explained. "I like to uphold family tradition. It is thanksgiving after all."

"Sometimes there's a reason why people choose to stay away from home," Genius replied coolly.

"Yeah, well," Burt gestured towards his son. "Kurt's not feeling very well, so I decided to spare him the trip and come to New York."

"Look, Mister Hummel," Genius squared his shoulders. "I don't care if I'm being rude, but Kurt doesn't need any kind of stress right now, so it's probably better if you left."

Burt arched his brows in surprise.

"Why are you telling my dad to leave?" Kurt asked bewildered.

"Because you don't want to spend the holiday or any day with people who judge you and make you feel unworthy."

"I told you, my dad's not like that," Kurt said in his father's defense.

"Right. Don't give me that crap again about what a great daddy you have!" Genius tsked. "You're obviously upset and it's his doing."

"There's no need to attack my dad," Kurt told his friend calmly. "He didn't do anything except showing up unannounced."

"Then why are you crying?"

"Because I'm stupid."

"That's not a reason to cry."

Kurt let out a noise, half giggle, half sob.

"If everyone cried at their own stupidity the Fashion Hero workshop would be a sobbing mess," Genius continued drily.

Kurt laughed even more.

Burt tried unsuccessfully to hide a grin. "Listen, Emmett, I'm not here to give Kurt a hard time, on the contrary. Anyway, you seem to care a great deal about my son's well-being," Burt observed. "I appreciate that. Anyone who can make Kurt laugh is dear to me."

Genius still didn't look convinced. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and gave Kurt a nod. "How about you go and take a shower, Kurt? You look as if you've just awoken from a one hundred year long slumber. Only Sleeping Beauty managed to preserve her beauty, you look like hell."

Kurt looked like he wanted to argue, but since he felt embarrassed having been seen in his most dreadful clothing and completely undone, he agreed. "Dad, would you mind putting on some water for tea or coffee? Whatever you guys like. I'll be half an hour."

"Take your time," Burt said, dismissing Kurt with a wave of his hand.

"Don't worry, I'll entertain your father," Genius said generously. "And I promise I will forget I ever saw you with facial hair if you get rid of it instantly," Genius said, raising his index finger at Kurt. "Don't you dare come out of that bathroom before you look like a human being again."

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Yes, sir."

When Kurt was gone, Genius slowly sat down opposite of Burt on the armchair the farthest away from him.

Burt smiled sadly at that show of distrust. "I take it you're not going home for the holiday?"

Genius let out a humorless snort and picked an imaginery lint off his sleeve. "My sister tried to convince me to visit our mom, but the hell will I go back to that place. Ever."

"I'm sorry to hear that your relationship with your parents is strained," Burt said with sympathy. "But I like to think that nothing is unfixable."

"Yeah, sure, I could fix my relationship to my parents. I'd just have to change everything about me," Genius gestured down his body. "See, the problem is I'm not letting anyone tell me how to live my life. Family bonds just hold you back, keep you down. They try to make you feel guilty and ashamed about who you are, because of traditions that are more important than accepting any kind of change."

"Sounds like your folks are backwards in their thinking," Burt said, looking at the young man who dressed boldly and wore make-up without judgement. "They're on the wrong side of history and they will regret it soon enough. Just give them time."

"They already had years!" Genius replied with a snort. "No, I'm not going to wait for them to welcome me back. I do perfectly well on my own."

Burt gave a nod. "I'm sure you do," he said. "It's just that you sound bitter talking about them, so maybe you didn't have closure yet."

"Look, Mister Hummel, I could tell you to mind your own business," Genius lifted a hand and curled his fingers. "But since I'm dying to put in my two cents worth I'm going to allow you to present me with your cute advice. Just tell me when you're done so I can start my own observation."

Burt chuckled, not intimidated by Genius' fierce stance. "Go ahead. I'll save some for later."

"Splendid," Genius clicked his tongue and crossed his arms. "I understand you love your son unconditionally and you're proud that he's out, because being gay is so sweet and suave in theory and as long as he's not shoving his gayness into anyone's face you're absolutely fine with it."

"Believe me, Kurt's not one to hide away," Burt said with a chuckle. "He's always worn the most flashy clothes and I've always stood by his side, no matter what."

"Well, I suppose that's easy for you, seeing how pliable Kurt is," Genius gave a snort. "How he tries to please you and anyone else."

"Please people?" Burt chuckled. "Are we talking about the same person? Kurt's incredibly stubborn. He's always been strong-headed and knows exactly what he wants."

"He could be so much more, though," Genius argued. "I think he's holding back, because he doesn't want to cross people. Every time he dares to voice his own opinion he expects to be punished for it. He's beating himself up over stuff that isn't even worth a second thought. I know the feeling, because I used to do the same thing. Always blaming myself instead of others. But I'm done with that and I'm going to teach Kurt how to be a little more ruthless, too."

Burt squinted at the young man, not sure what to think of his attitude yet. "I agree that Kurt has lost a big portion of his confidence. He's questioning things about himself that were never an issue before. I like him to have a friend like you, but you needn't push him into directing his anger and frustration at other people."

Genius rolled his eyes skyward. "I'm not going to tell him to kill anyone who's rude to him. Although I did tell him that Andrew totally deserved the punch he gave him."

"I would've liked to punch that fellow myself," Burt muttered, fisting his hands until his knuckles whitened.

"I just want Kurt to stop holding back, because he's afraid to step on people's toes on his way to get where he wants to be."

Burt nodded slowly. His first priority was to help Kurt fight his self-harm tendencies. He needed a conspirator, someone whom he could trust to have Kurt's best interests in mind as well. Burt had counted on Rachel so far, but Rachel had proved insufficient. Burt knew that she cared deeply for Kurt, but she was too afraid of making a wrong move, so she withdrew from Kurt rather than strengthening their bond. Burt didn't blame her. It was difficult dealing with a depressed person.

Suddenly the cat came out from under the couch and approached Genius. Without thinking, Genius reached out and petted the cat's head. "Who do we have here?"

The cat allowed the petting and started purring and pressing his head against the offered hand.

"Do you like cats?" Burt asked, watching the interaction.

"What's not to like?" Genius said. "They're independent and do whatever they please. They can be sweet and snuggly or moody and pissed at the world. Just like people. They don't judge people on their appearances, but on their kindness. And their usefulness, of course."

Genius gently grabbed the cat and lifted it up to his face, smiling, before settling the cat on his lap. "What's his name?"

"Mister Oreo."

"Now that's a stupid name," Genius remarked, smiling down at the purring creature. "Ah well, it's not too bad being named after a cookie."

Burt let out a laugh, watching how gentle the young man interacted with the cat. "You don't mind that he's crippled?"

"Aren't we all one way or another?" Genius replied with a shrug. "Besides, animals don't mind a missing limb. They can cope with stuff like that better than humans."

"I brought him for Kurt," Burt said. "He's not too fond of the idea of having a pet to look after."

A grin spread on Genius' face. "Oreo's going to be good for him. Having a cat will force him to get up and have to do things for the cat, and then it'll help him take care of himself as well. After all, the most powerful antidepressant has four paws. Well, in this case three."

"That's what I thought," Burt admitted, circling his thumbs nervoulsy. "I just hope it wasn't a bad idea to add the extra responsibility of taking care of a pet on his plate."

"It'll be the other way around," Genius prophesized. "Oreo will look after Kurt." He looked up at Burt with an appreciative yet clouded smile. "You really do care about Kurt, don't you?"

Burt's initial response to that question would have been a definite, 'Of course I care about him, he's my son.' But he held his tongue and thought about how it must have been for Emmett to grow up with parents who didn't accept him the way he was and who didn't give him faith in family bonds. Burt was incredibly thankful that Kurt and he had a strong relationship despite the physical distance and the occasional lies. He still had trust in his son and he knew that Kurt had faith in him, too.

"Yes," he answered truthfully and in all seriousness. "I really do care about Kurt. Not just because he's my son, but because I'm proud of the man he became. I believe in his strength, although he's currently struggling with some of his demons. I know he can make it through and I want to help him the best I can."

He never broke eye contact with Emmett as he said this and it was the young man who eventually dropped his gaze, continuing to let his hands glide over the cat's warm and plush body. "Good for him."

"So what are your plans for today, Emmett?" Burt changed the subject and the tone of his voice into something more cheerful. "Would you like to hang out with us maybe? We're going on a hunt through the city to find something to eat that resembles a proper Thanksgiving meal and maybe go ice skating or to a spa, whatever takes our fancy."

Genius' initial reaction would have been to forbid the man to call him by his real name. But somehow he felt silly to ask Kurt's father to call him by his chosen stage-name. Genius was a character he had created, someone who was strong and confident and didn't put up with anyone's crap. Genius had a big mouth and didn't hold back when he had something to say. But Genius wasn't real, he was a front Emmett put up and hid behind. Emmett was the scared stupid boy who sometimes still woke up in the middle of the night, crying and wishing he had a family.

Genius cleared his throat and sat up straighter which caused Oreo to jump off of him and go explore his new home. "I wasn't going to leave," Genius said a bit snobbishly. "I was going to help Kurt fight his writer's block and start working on his column. But if you guys must go out and have fun I guess I could join you."

Burt smacked his hands down on his thighs and grinned. "Splendid!"

Genius got up and rattled at the bathroom door. "Don't do anything with your hair!" he shouted. "I want to give you a proper style!"

"If you insist," Kurt called back.

"I insist!" Genius shouted with a grin. "You don't mind me checking out your closet, do you?"

"I do!"

"Did you hear something?" Genius grinned at Burt who was following him into Kurt's bedroom.

"I should warn you," Burt said. "Kurt's very particular about his wardrobe."

"If we're to go outside Kurt needs to look stunning. Granted, he's got some really weird taste in clothing, but I have hope to find something useful in here," Genius said, making Burt chuckle, seeing how Genius had a freakish taste in clothes as well.

Genius brazenly opened the doors of Kurt's closet and pulled out hangers, discarding some on the floor and divided the others into piles on the bed while giving a running commentary.

"Kurt won't like this mess," Burt said, taking off his cap and scratching his head.

"Believe me, I'm doing him a favor. Clothes hoarding is an addiction. He desperately needs to get rid of some of this stuff. Well, most of it. But thank the heavens tomorrow's Black Friday and we can go sale shopping for fabrics and then tailor our own outfits! Yay!"

"Well, if it's one thing you kids are good at," Burt said, picking up a thick red sweater from the discarded pile and saving it. He'd always loved it on Kurt.

"Have you seen the show?" Genius asked, glancing over his shoulder at Burt.

"Of course I have," Burt answered. "It's more like a drama soap opera, instead of a fashion talent show. With all the fighting going on."

"Indeed," Genius agreed, pursing his lips. "I regret to say I gave them plenty of footage of me being a jerk to everyone. It's not the image I was after. Well, maybe in the beginning. But now I want to go into another direction. I hope it's not too late to redeem myself."

"Well, you do come across as unapproachable," Burt said. "With all the make-up and stuff."

"Do you have a problem with that?" Genius gaze turned icy. "Am I making you feel uncomfortable, because of the way I look?"

"Funny. I was going to ask you the same thing," Burt replied with a smug smile, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "The moment you saw me you labeled me a threat. I guess with my flannel shirts and baseball caps I don't look much like a gay supporter? "

Genius' face mellowed as he pursed his lips again and tilted his head to give Kurt's father a once over. "To tell the truth you don't look like someone who'd be okay with a gay kid."

"Sorry to disappoint," Burt said, opening his arms. "But I do love my gay kid."

Genius crossed his arms again. "So you're saying that you wouldn't mind if Kurt dressed more flamboyantly and maybe even put on make-up?"

"More flamboyantly?" Burt chuckled. "Believe me, I've seen Kurt in all possible outfits already. Nothing can shock me, okay? I even let him go to prom in a kilt. I had my concerns, but those were only about his safety, because I know how cruel people can be."

"Have you ever seen him kiss another man?"

Burt hesitated. He remembered a time back when Kurt had accused him of being fine with Kurt being gay as long as he didn't act on it. He had declined that accusation, but he had clearly been uncomfortable then. While he had seen Finn and Rachel kiss on many occasions, he couldn't remember ever seeing Kurt and Blaine share a kiss. Now he wondered if it had been a conscious decision for Kurt not to display his affections publically, not even in front of his family and friends. Burt honestly couldn't say how he would feel if he saw Kurt kiss another man. He supposed he wouldn't have minded if it had been Blaine, because the two of them had been inseparatable.

"Can't say that I have," he admitted.

"My father would freak out if he saw me kissing a man," Genius said with a smirk and a vicious gleam in his eyes. "In fact that's why I kissed Kurt a couple of times in front of the camera. Fingers crossed they won't cut the kisses out, because I hope that my parents watch the show. They probably will, just to know what to expect their neighbors are going to say about me and my family. In my head I picture my father sinking into the couch in shame when he sees me being the gayest of them all and even daring to kiss another man. Gosh, he'll be so ashamed that people know I'm his offspring." Genius let out a strange laugh.

"I detect a lot of resentment," Burt commented. "Is your father really that bad? You know, some people just need a while to get to their senses."

"Believe me," Genius said coolly. "My dad would rather see me dead than broadcasting my gay vibes on TV."

Burt shook his head sadly. He was aware that a lot of people of his generation couldn't get their heads out of ancient times, but he wanted to believe that any man would change his way of thinking when it was about his own children.

"You seem to be all right, Mister Hummel," Genius narrowed his eyes and tapped a finger on his chin. "How about we stop judging each other's appearances and start breaking stereotypes?"

"Deal," Burt held out his hand. "But you have to call me Burt."

"You can call me Emmett, I suppose," Genius reluctantly gave his hand to shake on it. "But only if you absolutely have to."

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?"

Kurt came storming in, clad in a bathrobe and slippers, and yanked a pair of red pants out of Genius' grip. "You totally ruined my system. My clothes are organized in a strict color palette system based on the emotional impact when I last wore them! It'll take hours to rearrange them!"

"Oops," Genius said, completely unfazed.

"And you!" Kurt turned to his father. "You just let him throw my clothes around?"

Burt couldn't help smiling at Kurt's drama. As long as Kurt got upset about the mistreatment of his closet everything was right in the world.

"Honestly? I think you can use someone to shake things up for you," Burt said with a shrug.

"But not my closet!" Kurt grumbled and tried to collect his clothes off the floor, but Genius stopped him by grabbing his shoulders and pushing him back into the living room area.

"Are you done throwing a fit?" Genius asked. "Then shut up and sit down. I want to make you look gorgeous."

"Don't tell me to shut up," Kurt bickered. "You can't just come in here and assault my wardrobe."

"All right, all right," Genius replied with an eye roll. "We can talk about which clothes and accessories you need to throw away later."

"Oh yes, please get rid of all the insect brooches," Burt cut in. "All those spiders and bugs on your lapel give me the creeps."

"No one will throw away anything!" Kurt demanded, eyes ablaze.

"Hush," Genius gave Kurt's shoulders a squeeze. He pushed Kurt down into a chair and stood before him, taking his freshly shaved face into his hands. "Holy shit, look at you, you're human again!" he leaned down and kissed both of his cheeks. "God, I'd kill for skin like yours."

"Really? I neglected my moisturizer routine lately," Kurt said, rubbing his fingers over his cheek and forehead.

"Well, you look pale. More than usual and not in a good way. But I can fix that." Genius produced a make-up kit out of his manpurse. "I have the right foundation for you. A thin layer should suffice. And let me put eyeliner on you, please. Now, don't give me that look, I mean it. With your blue eyes, you'd look stunning with eyeliner."

Kurt dropped his voice to a whisper. "You're just doing this to provoke my father, aren't you?"

Genius shrugged, not lowering his voice to match Kurt's. "If your dad is so okay with you being gay, he can take the sight of you wearing eyeliner, can't he?"

Burt chuckled from the other side of the room where he was looking for the cat. "You kids do whatever makes you happy."

"Okay, but don't overdo it," Kurt let out another huge sigh. A bit louder he said for the sake of conversation, "Andrew always asked me to put on eyeliner, too."

Burt gave a grunt at the mention of Andrew.

"Excuse me, what was that?" Genius instantly reacted.

Burt held up his hands. "Andrew's a sore topic, that's all."

"I take it you're not very fond of Kurt choosing a partner like Andrew?"

"Well, of course not. That guy's nuts and violent. A bad combination." Burt found the cat and scooped it up into his arms, ignoring Oreo's loud protests.

"Agreed, as long as you don't start giving Kurt all that How Could You crap. It's not Kurt's fault that he fell for Andrew's bullshit. Andrew's a fucking charmer. He could even charm your pants right off your ass."

"I highly doubt that," Burt came over to watch Genius work on Kurt's face.

"In fact I find it fascinating that Kurt never even slept with him," Genius went on conversationally. "That's trés praiseworthy. Come to think of it, that could be the reason why Andrew's still so taken with Kurt, because he's the first and only person to ever say no to him."

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Could you not talk about my sex life with my dad, please?"

"Easy," Genius replied. "There's nothing to tell. You're a freaking saint. Or a very busy masturbator."

"Emmett!" Kurt called out indignantly.

Burt threw his head back and laughed out loud. Oreo made use of the distraction to escape the embrace and leap off Burt's arms.

"I see we're in for a fun day," Burt chuckled and wiped at his eyes.

Thank you for reading! :)