A/N: Just want to say that the story told at the end of this actually happened to a friend of mine, and is by far one of my favourite stories to tell, so I hope you appreciate that it actually happened to someone, because it sounds pretty implausible :)

Tuesday 17th December 2019

Blaine

I wake suddenly to the sound of a door being shut, my body jolting slightly before another body moves behind me, one arm resting weightless around my waist. Blinking awake I yawn widely, rolling gently onto my back and smiling as Kurt frowns in his sleep before shuffling closer to me, arm curling up my chest, cheek coming to rest against my shoulder.

I tuck one arm around him, holding him close while my other hand falls against my chest, tangling our fingers together. He squirms a little and makes tiny hums and snuffles of comfort, making me smile widely before leaning down to press a kiss to the top of his head.

I then look up and notice that the bedroom door is wide open, the opposite, I'm sure, of how it'd been when we fell asleep. I push the thought to the back of my mind, figuring there is a perfectly logical explanation before I allow my eyes to drift absently around the room. I'm not really looking at anything, just enjoying the almost silence and the slight weight of my boyfriend on top of me, his smell muddling my mind with every breathe I take.

This peacefulness stretches on; the heat of Kurt's bare skin beneath my hand seemingly burning my fingertips as I trace patterns against his spine. I'm staring towards the window, pale sunlight creeping around the edges of the curtains, dust motes dancing in the thin strip of pure white light when there's a gentle knock on the already open door.

I turn slowly, careful to not disturb Kurt, to see Burt stood in the doorway, hesitantly glancing between me and his sleeping son, his eyes focusing momentarily on my fingers trailing along slightly protruding vertebrae. My hand stills, falling to rest against the mattress.

"Hi," I say, voice a little croaky from sleep, catching his attention as his eye's dart up to meet mine. I feel my skin prickle beneath his gaze, wishing there was a way I could push Kurt's weight from on top of me without waking him, without him knowing the reason why.

Burt coughs, clearing his throat, "morning," he says, rubbing behind his neck, "or should I say afternoon," he laughs a little, causing me to lean up and glance towards the clock across Kurt's body. It's almost one in the afternoon. I groan, allowing my head to fall back against my pillow. He laughs again as I smile, and then we both freeze as Kurt moves beside me, one leg hooking over mine. I wonder whether Burt can see that movement beneath the thick blankets. But before I can worry too much about that his hand moves from my chest upwards, stopping as his finger curl around the hem of my t-shirt, his face tilting upwards, lips briefly grazing my neck before he stills again. I can feel each gentle puff of air against my neck as he breathes.

My heart has quickened beneath where Kurt is resting, my pulse thrumming beside his fingertips as I chance a look at Burt. His expression is unreadable in the brief second as his eyes linger on his son, before looking back at me. "I- I haven't slept this late since I was a teenager," I stammer with an attempt at a smile. I'm sure he sees through it. I'm sure he sees my nervousness and has noticed my muscles tensing.

"No…" he says quietly, eyes briefly darting to Kurt again before he smiles at me, "I don't think Kurt ever has," he's laughing again and I feel a fraction of worry ebb from within me. He doesn't seem angry, or bothered by how Kurt is lying against me. I worry fleetingly about the fact that Kurt is wearing next to nothing, and then realise with a flood of relief that to Burt he just looks topless. He has no idea our bare legs are knotted together, or that I can feel his cock pressed against my thigh.

"That doesn't surprise me," I laugh back, chest quivering slightly. I glance quickly at the top of Kurt's head, worried of having woken him. Just as I turn my attention back to Burt I feel him begin to move again, I feel his hand tighten on my collar, nails scraping against my skin slightly as he shuffles, head snuggling against me before he gives up and rolls off me completely. Flattening my arm which was previously around him he lays flat on his back. His arms unwind above him as he stretches, his spine curving upwards as his legs straighten beneath him, eyes scrunching shut, yawning widely with a groan, and then all at once he slumps back into the mattress.

I've seen his waking ritual enough times to be able to predict as he rolls onto his other side, back now facing me and Burt. I know that at this very moment his eyes are probably blinking open, a smaller yawn rippling through his chest, one hand rising, just on cue, to run through his hair.

"Oh god," I hear him groan, no doubt having just seen the time before rolling back over onto his back. Only then does he notice two sets of eyes watching him, both with very different expressions. Mine is one of trepidation, hoping that he doesn't reveal to his father just how little he's wearing, while Burt just watches him with a mixture of laughter and surprise. "Erm, hi…" he says, eyes darting questioningly between the two of us.

We both laugh at his confused expression, "I just came to tell you Finn and Rachel should be here in about half an hour, they just rang," Burt then says, "thought you might want to get up…" he trails off, a small smile still creasing his eyes as he watches Kurt groan and move to sit up, rubbing tiredly at his eyes.

From this angle I admire the fluid movements of his shoulder blades beneath creamy skin. Normally I would reach a hand up and run it down his spine, maybe press a thumb into the dimples at the base, but not with Burt here. Instead I focus my attention on hoping he isn't going to stand up. But luckily he doesn't, instead just glancing back at me where I'm still lying on my back with a grin. "I feel like I've slept for a decade," he jokes, one hand reaching out and picking something from my hair. He flicks his finger and I watch as a small feather drifts through the air.

"You look like you have," I tease. He rolls his eyes and playfully bats at me, smacking me gently on the head. I gasp in pretend shock before laughing up at him. He grins widely back before leaning down, seeming completely oblivious to his dad still stood in the doorway. He lowers himself over me a little, as best he can at such an awkward angle. I bite my lip, willing him for the first time notto kiss me.

I see his eyes focus briefly on my lips before he speaks, "dibs on the shower," he says quickly, taking me completely by surprise before he smirks and leans away. Within a second he's swung his legs off the bed and waltzed into the en suite, not bothering to look back as I sigh in relief. Then my eyes automatically snap round to the door, just in time to see Burt turn and leave. I don't catch whether he's smiling or not.

A minute later I hear the sound of the shower being turned on and I try not to imagine him naked and wet. Groaning as those images fill my mind I drag myself out of bed, unwilling to leave the warmth of the blankets and face the day. I rummage in my suitcase, wondering whether I'll ever get round to unpacking, before pulling on the first pair of sweats I come across. They're a little long for me, probably Kurt's, I think as I turn the hem over at the top, too lazy to try and find a pair that actually fit.

I then leave our room, walking towards the stairs I glance briefly in Ava's room, noticing the crumpled, empty sheets. I quickly descend the stairs, automatically following the sound of voices into the kitchen. I push the door open and am greeted by the smell of eggs and bacon. I'm confused considering the time of day, but hope nonetheless that it's a very late breakfast for me and Kurt.

"Just in time," Carole smiles, Ava placed comfortably on her hip as she moves towards the hob. Ava grins and reaches towards me, I quickly make my way over to her and take her from Carole, unable to resist a wide smile as her arms wind around me and she plants a wet kiss on my cheek.

"Here, I'll do that Carole," I offer, moving to serve my own breakfast. "You've done enough,"

"No you wont, now go and sit down," she elbows me gently out of the way before popping bread in the toaster. My insides swoop at her mothering before I go and take a seat at the breakfast bar, manoeuvring Ava onto my lap. Before long Carole's presenting me with a plate of heavily buttered toast, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon and a large glass of orange juice. "Your favourite," she says, smiling at the shocked expression on my face.

I feel a lump rise in my throat as I look up at her. She seems to understand and leans down to press a quick kiss to the top of my head, hand rubbing briefly over my back before she takes the seat next to me, pinching Ava's cheek playfully.

Looking down I notice Ava's picked up a strip of bacon and is chewing on it happily, smiling up at me toothily. "Did you sleep okay?" Carole asks as I pick up my knife and fork.

"Yes, thank you," I tell her, beginning to eat. "Burt said Finn and Rachel are nearly here," I say after a few minutes. Not to fill an awkward silence, because it isn't awkward at all. Talking with Carole is as easy as it's ever been.

She grins widely, happiness dancing in her eyes, "yeah," she sighs a little, "I can't wait," she admits.

I smile at her as I bite into my toast, almost dripping with butter, a delicacy I rarely get at home what with Kurt and his extra low-fat, extra healthy, extra tasteless margarine. "Are they enjoying Chicago?" I ask with genuine interest.

For the next ten minutes she speaks animatedly about her son's new life, how nice their apartment is and how her and Burt are hoping to visit in the new year. She gushes about how quickly Finn found a job, and how much happier they both seem now they're doing what they've always wanted in a city they both love. I listen happily, nodding and interjecting at all the right moments, pretending not to notice when Ava drains the last of my orange juice. Somewhere in the middle of our conversation Burt wanders in from the living room and joins in.

We're all laughing as he tells a story about Finns first day at his new job when Kurt walks in, humming under his breath as he makes his way over to the fridge. His hair is wet, curling a little at the nape of his neck, a striped jumper clings to his slim frame and frighteningly white jeans wrap around his muscled legs. I wonder briefly whether he's done this on purpose, deliberately looking gorgeous in an attempt to fluster me, and then I realise that for him this isn't even trying. This is him in 'around the house' clothes.

I feel myself blush when he turns and catches me staring. I take this as my opportunity to leave. Standing I slip Ava down to the floor before thanking Carole again for my breakfast, dropping my dishes into the sink with a promise of washing them later. I excuse myself to take a shower. When I reach the top of the stairs I hear someone following, turning just as I feel a broad hand close around my shoulder.

The hand is gentle but firm, noticeably not Kurt, far too heavy to be Carole. I feel my heart leap into my throat as I turn hesitantly. "Blaine," Burt says my name as I work to swallow the lump in my throat.

"Yeah?" I ask, hoping to sound nonchalant or at the very least not scared as apprehension creeps beneath my skin.

"I just wanted to talk to you, away from Kurt and Carole, just quickly," he says, dropping his hand from my shoulder and removing the baseball cap from his head. He rubs his head a little, scratching the back of his neck before replacing it on his head with a sigh.

"Okay…" I say, my voice cracking with the sudden dryness in my mouth.

"Look Blaine… I- I think I'm a pretty honest guy," he says, my eyes widen a little as I wonder where this conversation is going. "Thing is, Kurt told me about- about that night. Well he told me a couple weeks ago but, y'know…" he closes his eyes for a moment and I imagine how difficult this conversation must be for him. "He explained what happened, and well, I know now that I was very wrong to assume the worst of you and to- to harbour so many ill-feelings towards you for so long with no justification," he stops talking and looks at me, no doubt awaiting a response.

But I don't know what to say, so instead I just nod a little nervously.

He takes this as his queue to continue. "Anyway… I guess what I'm trying to say is… I'm sorry," he half smiles and I can hear the guilt and truthfulness in his apology. "I shouldn't have blamed you for how Kurt behaved that year and well, I especially shouldn't have shouted at you that day over the phone," his eye's lock with mine as he shakes his head, and I take a deep breath to speak.

"Oh… don't- don't worry about it," I shrug, "I erm, totally understand why you felt like that," I hurry to assure him, not caring at all for how he used to feel about me, caring only for how he feels now.

"Yeah well… it was still wrong of me and I wanted to apologise properly, in person," he rubs his head again and I can tell this is taking all of his strength to say.

"Thanks," I say, smiling a little nervously, making to move toward Kurt's room when he doesn't say anything back.

"Wait, before you go," he stops me with a hand closing around my arm. I glance down at the sudden contact before looking back up at him, raising my eyebrows in surprise as I watch a smile creep slowly across his face.

"I see how Kurt is with you," he then says, releasing me but continuing to smile.

"What- what do you mean?" I ask, nervous again as I wonder again what he's talking about

"He's- he's like I remember," he says, eyes flickering to the stairs as if to make sure we're not being overheard. "He's my son again. I noticed the differences over the phone since- since you started seeing each other again, but in person the change is just... amazing," his eyes lock back on mine and I can see a slight shimmer to them which wasn't there before. "Like- like this morning, he's just so… so different to the last few times he's visited,"

I try hard to keep my face impassive as I struggle to comprehend what he's saying or to what exactly he's referring, but before I have a chance he's speaking again.

"He's just… he's Kurtagain," he emphasises to me. "How happy he is with you, and how willing he is to be affectionate with you, around us," he says, no doubt referring to his cuddling up to me in the car, the kissing in the kitchen, his lack of shyness when he woke up this morning. "He's so relaxed and calm and- and just so obviously happy with you. That much was noticeable over the phone but, seeing his smile in person just… it proves to me that you'rewhat brings that smile to his face, and seen as that's the case I want you around for as long as possible," he finally says, and I'm unable to resist the smile which spread across my face.

"Thanks," I say in a whisper, averting my eyes to the floor.

"And Blaine," he says, causing me to look up. "If you were half as bad as him that first year then… I'm glad you found each other again, for both your sakes."

"Thanks Burt," I say, feeling my heart swell at his words and his acceptance and his obvious happiness for us both. He leans forward and we hug briefly.

We pull back and chuckle a little at one another before I again move towards the bedroom.

"Oh, last thing, I promise," he smiles and I laugh as I turn back, "don't- don't be afraid to be, y'know, affectionate n'that with him just because me or Carole are there. I'm not saying… well you know what I'm saying don't you?" he asks.

I shake my head, completely perplexed by what he's saying.

He laughs nervously before speaking again, "It's just… yesterday Carole said you seemed… uncomfortable… I dunno, and I- I guess I sort of saw that this morning when…" he groans as he struggles to articulate his point. "What I'm trying to say," he begins again, smiling as his eyes lock on mine, "is… I'd do anything to see Kurt happy, and if that means enduring you two cuddling up together when we're watching a film, then I'm willing to suffer through the PDA's," he says the final bit as a joke, but I understand immediately what he's trying to say.

I laugh and run a hand through my hair nervously. I wonder fleetingly whether Carole had explicitly told him to talk to me or Kurt about this. Either way, I'm grateful, knowing that I'd go insane if I only felt truly comfortable with Kurt when it's just the two of us. "Thanks," I mutter again.

"Okay… good. So, now that's all out of the way, I'll let you…" he sighs and motions towards Kurt's room, no doubt relieved that those conversations are over.

I smile again and nod, turning and walking away as he descends the stairs. I shower quickly, noticing that Kurt's managed to unpack. My toiletries are gathered at one side of the sink, his on the opposite and our toothbrushes in a glass together in the middle. This, for some reason, makes me smile unexplainably wide before I brush my teeth. When I walk back into our bedroom, towel around my waist, I glance round and grin at his lotions and creams adorning the vanity, before beginning to rifle through the draws and wardrobe for clothes.

I'm just straightening my shirt over my chest when I first hear the additional voices downstairs. There's a sudden roar of laughter followed by Rachel's recognisable voice shouting to be heard. I find myself smiling as I walk down the stairs, hoping Kurt is near enough to cling to if need be. As I turn into the hall the voices grow louder, I can distinctly hear Kurt berating Finn already, followed by a deep chuckle. The kitchen door is already open, and I watch as Finn grabs Kurt round the neck and drags him forward where they're stood together by the fridge. Both Carole and Rachel are sat at the breakfast bar, Burt stood leaning back against the counter opposite his sons, all laughing as Finn ruffles Kurt's hair. Ava giggles manically, the sound filling the room, mingling with the laughter of the adults as she clings to Kurt with one arm, the other reaching up to copy Finn's actions.

Kurt gasps, pretending to be angry despite the absolute joy shining in his eyes. He bats at Finn and manages to get away, huffing as he straightens his hair. "I've missed you Kurt," Finn then says, his voice so full of emotion that Kurt turns from where he's checking his hair in the toaster. He looks up at Finn, the corners of his mouth turning up into a smile.

"I guess I've missed you too," he admits, voice suddenly soft, "when you're not beating me up that is," he quickly tacks on the end, kicking at Finn's shins from a safe distance.

I chose this moment to walk in. "Hey," I say a little shyly, "It's great to- humph," I groan as Rachel flings her arms around my neck, having leaped from her seat to where I'm stood in the door way, her body colliding with mine as she practically screams in excitement. I glance quickly at Kurt who's laughing before gingerly wrapping my arms around her. "Hey Rachel," I manage to squeak out, despite her tight grip around me.

"Oh Blaine," she exclaims as she pulls back, holding me at arms length as she examines me, "It's so great to see you; you look really good, I was so happy when I heard you and Kurt were back together. I always thought the two of you were destined be together, and then hearing you were coming home for Christmas, well, you can just imagine my excitement at having someone who can keep up with me vocally-"

"Hey!" Both Kurt and Finn say, frowning at the hidden insult

But she just ignores them, continuing to ramble as her grip of my arms tightens, "-while I continue to train for my one day numerous performances on the many stages of Chicago," She's beaming widely by the time she finishes, and my eyes are so wide that when I blink it stings a little.

"That's- I- yeah… yeah okay, whatever, yeah. Great to see you too Rachel," I stutter in response, nodding a little as I do so. She embraces me again, and I don't miss the laugh Kurt is struggling to suppress.

"Alright Rachel move over, bro hug coming through," Finn literally barrels over, knocking her gently out of the way before leaning down to hug me. He wraps his arms around my shoulders, paralysing my arms at my sides before he lifts me, my feet dangling easily a foot from the floor as he squeezes me. I feel like a rag doll as my legs swing uselessly beneath me, but I can't help but laugh as he sets me down, staggering slightly when he thumps me affectionately on the shoulder, "great to see you dude," he then says, smiling lopsidedly.

I'm still laughing when I reply, grinning so wide my cheeks are beginning to ache, "you too Finn."

"Oh, and this kid of yours… she's frickin' astounding," he suddenly says, pointing over at Ava who giggles as everyone eyes shift to focus on her, snuggling further against Kurt's chest.

"Finn's finally found someone of the same mental age," Kurt says, rolling his eyes at his brother's enthusiasm.

"Yeah," Finn replies excitedly before the words properly sink in, "hey… no. Kurt, dude, come on," he shakes his head, "I'm at least five, give me some credit," he laughs at his own joke, earning an agreeable snort from Kurt before continuing, "but seriously Blaine, she just counted from one to twenty in French, how does a kid even do that? Well, a none French one, obviously, although…" he stops speaking as Rachel presses a reassuring hand on his arm, his face screwing up slightly as his mind wanders.

I laugh along with the other adults, even Ava sniggers behind her hand, watching Finn with a bemused and intrigued expression. "Yeah, Kurt taught her that," I tell them, my chest swelling with pride at Ava.

"Well… it's amazing. I mean, I struggle to pronounce 'croissant' so my mind was totally blown," we're all laughing again as he motions with his hands, moving back over to where he'd been originally stood. He picks up his drink and sips at it, watching Ava with a look of astonishment, while she stares back with barely contained excitement, obviously already plotting what games to play with her new friend.

"Yeah, I always catch Kurt just babbling away in French to her," I tell them all, moving through the kitchen to grab a glass. I fill it with water as I speak turning and smiling at Kurt now I'm beside him. He just smiles back, a small, plain smile, but long and loving and with shining eyes.

Burt then begins to laugh, causing us all to turn and look at him, all unable to resist smiling as he clutches at his stomach. "Sorry," he says, rubbing a hand down his face, "I just remembered, Carole you'll remember this…" we glance briefly at his wife, who just shrugs her shoulders before turning back to Burt. "When-" he laughs again deeply, "D'you remember when- oh god I can't," he gasps when his eye's lock on Kurt, turning away from us to lean over the counter, still clutching at his stomach as he practically roars with laughter.

"I think I know what this is going to be," Kurt then says, voice void of laughter and stern, glaring at his dad from across the room. "Is this about when I shouted at you in French… and that woman…?" Kurt asks disapprovingly. Burt manages to nod before howling with renewed laughter.

I glance around at Kurt just in time to see him roll his eyes, and just at that moment Finn and Carole begin to laugh as well, both muttering 'oh yeah's before their faces light up. "What happened?" I asked, eyes darting from person to person as a smile breaks over my face, Rachel looks just as confused as me while Kurt remains resolutely silent and stony faced beside me.

"Oh god- I can't… Finn you tell him," Burt gasps, chuckling as he rubs at his aching cheek muscles. I divert my attention to Finn, who's shaking his head with a smile.

"So… it was a couple years ago," he begins, laughing as Kurt rolls his eyes between us and moodily leans back against the counter. "Kurt had come home for Christmas, and we were all out grocery shopping, Rachel was doing a course or something in New York and I was stoking up for when she came home. Anyway, Kurt was in an absolutely foulmood," he emphasises.

"No I was not!" Kurt interjects.

"Oh I remember this story," Rachel interrupts with a giggle.

Kurt glares at both her and Finn before turning to face me, "I'd literally justgot off a fu-friggin' 12 hour flight," he corrects himself just in time, causing me to smile, "and all I'd asked for when I got home, all I wanted in the whole world, was some low fat chocolate ice cream to gorge on because Luke had- because I just did," my heart leaps into my throat at his correction. Who's Luke?I want to ask, but don't because the sudden worry in his eyes after his mistake is unmissable. "Anyway, to cut a pointless and long story short, there wasn't any when I got home, so we were all dragged out grocery shopping and then-"

"No no!" Finn plants his hand firmly over Kurt's mouth, causing him to frown and fight at his arm, batting him away before wiping at his lips with a look of disgust. "I'm telling the rest," Finn's excitement has hit a new high it seems as he's practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, "so we get in the store, and Kurt's just stomping around cradling this like, massivetub of ice cream to his chest, scowling at anyone who dares to make eye contact,"

"You exaggerate so much," I hear Kurt mumble under his breath, earning a 'shush' from Finn.

"And mum and Burt are trying to get him to pick something for dinner, for us all to just agree, and he just keeps shrugging them off and ignoring them, he's really irritable and Burt shouts something up the centre aisle to him, and he just plain ignores him, so Burt's getting angry and shout's something along the lines of 'you turn and listen to me when I'm talking to you Kurt'," he laughs again, voice imitating Burt's. "So then Kurt turns, and just starts shouting in French. Like proper, full on yelling through the store in French, his face got all red and-"

"I wasn't thatbad," I hear Kurt mutter.

"- and everyone turned to stare, and we were just stood there like 'what the hell Kurt?' and then he," Finn gasps for air, "and then he- he dropped his ice cream, and the tub like, split open and all this half melted chocolate gunk splattered everywhere, and it went all up his white jeans, which were real expensive, and his shirt and he was absolutely covered," he takes another gulp of air as I see Kurt glare at him from the corner of my eyes. "And then this woman, this French woman, storms up to him. She must've been about 80, and she somehow gets through all the melted ice cream and stands in front of him, and at this point the entire store is silent, all just staring at Kurt, and she stops in front of him, and goes 'never should a boy speak to his father like that' in this really thick French accent, and then-" Finn is practically bent double at this point, hands clinging to his stomach, tears in his eyes.

Everyone else is laughing too, Burt suppressing his behind a hand, even I'm chuckling and I don't even know the ending yet. "And then…?" I question, wanting him to continue.

"And then…" Finn gasps, wiping at his eyes.

Kurt groans heavily between us, pushing himself off the counter to stand properly in front of me, "and then she slapped me. Right in the middle of the store, with everyone watching, an old woman slapped me. And then told me that that's how she was taught respect. And then she stomped away, leaving little chocolatey footprints in her wake," he finishes, rolling his eyes as his family laughs louder. But beneath his annoyance I can see the hint of a smile, so I don't feel too bad about laughing.

"Aww Kurt, you poor thing," I tease, unable to wipe the grin from my face as the laughter around us quiets down.

"Don't 'aww' me, I'm perfectly fine," he replies, playfully nudging me as he walks by.

"Is that why you always refuse to buy chocolate ice cream?" I shout as he walks from the room, causing the kitchen to erupt in laughter again.

Eventually we all calm down, wiping under tear filled eyes and opening and closing our mouths, working the ache from our cheeks and jaw from laughing and smiling so hard. "Come on Finn," Rachel says, finishing off her drink after Carole and Burt have moved into the living room, "we should go and unpack," she says, standing and wandering from the room.

Finn's still smiling goofily as he turns to leave, seeming to think twice before turning to me. "I'm really glad you're here Blaine," he says completely out of the blue. My eyebrows arch slightly, "you're way better than all the guys he'd been dating before," he says, clapping me firmly on the shoulder a final time before turning and following Rachel.

I stand in silence for a minute, trying to remember whether Kurt has ever mentioned past boyfriends. I realise that he hasn't… not once. And suddenly my curiosity's peaked, why wouldn't he tell me? And who the hell is Luke?