CHAPTER 67

"Nick Duval…"

"Yes, Hello, Nicholas, this is Cris Anderson, Blaine's mother?"

"Oh! Yes, ma'am, how are you?" Nick smiled into the phone.

"Well, I spoke with Blaine on the phone just a few moments ago and he gave me your number. I hope that's ok? He said you're in real estate, and as I'll be moving up here to the city, I thought perhaps you might have a few moments to help me find a place? I realize you normally deal with commercial property…well, that's what Blaine led me to believe, but I'd hoped to work with someone I had at least met…" Cris trailed off.

"Mrs. Anderson, I'd be more than happy to help you find a place! When do you have time to sit down and talk about what you're looking for?"

"Well, we can't work together unless you agree to call me Cris. It's a sticking point with me." She grinned. "I had planned on leaving the city this morning, but as it turns out, I haven't gotten to do what I came for. I don't suspect we'll find something right away, but I'd like to give you an idea of what I want before I go. I'm free whenever you are, dear."

"How about tomorrow morning? Can we meet over breakfast and settle some must-haves before you have to get back to Ohio?"

"That sounds lovely, Nicholas. Where should I meet you? I'm not familiar with much of the city yet, so I'll need an address to give the cab driver." Cris stated.

"No need, I'll swing by and pick you up. You're staying at Cooper's place?"

"I am, yes. Ok, what time should I be ready?"

"Let's say 9:00 a.m.?" Nick asked.

"Perfect, I'll see you then!"

"Blaine, I'm not going to pretend to act like I'm not totally freaked out by this Eli person that just busts into your room like that. What's his deal, anyway?" Kurt asked, no trace of his bitchy side showing…yet.

"I honestly don't know. I mean, he's never done that before, Kurt, I swear. He's just the first person I met when I came here…he actually picked me up in front of our building and brought me to Westindale, and we talked the whole way here…then when I got here, I found out he's my T.A., so he's in my classes all the time. He seems like an ok guy, but that was just totally out of line and all I can say is that I'm sorry." Blaine told him.

"It was very out of line. Even if I hadn't been here, it was just completely unprofessional, and I'll be very honest, I was ready to scratch his eyes out, the way he was looking at you. I don't share my toys well, Blaine, and surely not with the likes of Eli whatever-his-name-is! Just no…."

"Clarington." Blaine said, and Kurt gave him an odd look.

"What? What are we talking about now?" Kurt asked, confused.

"Clarington, that's Eli's last name." Blaine explained.

"Seriously? That's Hunter's last name. I wonder if they're related at all?" Kurt asked. "I'll have to ask Hunter. I'm surely not speaking to him about it. If I don't see him the rest of the time I'm here, I'll be a happy man. What an asshole." Kurt said, looking down his nose. "And to think he invited himself to come into town with us. NO, Eli…." He sighed.

"Do I detect a little jealously, Kurt?"

"Oh you detect a lot of jealously, Blaine. I'm going home in a few days, and he'll still be here with you, and he clearly wants a piece of you."

"And you think I'd…that I'd do that?" Blaine asked, his tone a bit hurt.

"No, I don't. But here we are, full circle, back to the things we were going to discuss on Saturday before all hell broke loose." Kurt said, sitting down on a bench in the tree lined square in the center of town. It was a warm day, but there was a breeze here under the shady trees so he found it a good place to rest a bit. Kurt patted the seat next to him and Blaine took it, but he didn't look happy about the conversation to come.

"Kurt, I don't cheat. I wouldn't do that to you. I kinda thought we were in a place where it was just us…you and me and nobody else?" Blaine said.

"I need to know that's where we are, Blaine. We haven't discussed it, it was just assumed, and I think it's important to get through all of these things. I know that I only want to be with you. I love you, and just you, Blaine. I have to tell you, though, the first few minutes of everything that happened last weekend were enough to make me have to yank a trashcan to my face because I thought I'd lose everything in my stomach when I thought you were fucking around with Seb next door. I don't ever…EVER want to feel that way again, and I think it's important that we talk about things…so that I know when you're upset with me, you'll come and talk to me and not yell or grab me or just leave." Kurt explained. His face was solemn, eyes downcast and misty.

"Kurt, I thought we started out so well, discussing our thoughts and feelings. Somewhere along the line, I think we got comfortable…too comfortable, and we didn't talk…we assumed. You know where that gets people, right? I'm not angry about the misunderstood texts or you thinking that it was me in Seb's place so much as I am that it was sight unseen. I understand why you thought I was at Seb's now…Oh boy do I ever…" he laughed. "What I'm truly upset and hurt about is that even though you all thought I was guilty, not one of you came to me and asked me why? Even though I hadn't done anything, I was tried and convicted without having any idea what I was charged with. That hurt. It hurt that you all jumped to that conclusion and thought it possible for me to do something so malicious. I didn't, and I never would…and I need to know, really, why in the world you thought I could do that to you, Kurt?"

"Honestly, Blaine, the immediate shock was pretty bad, but like I said on the phone…what got me the most was the fact that I was so angry with myself. I was horrified that I'd done something so bad that you didn't want me anymore. I was terrified of losing you, and even let it flash through my mind for a split second that I pushed you to him…that it was my fault that you were even over there and I'd lost you due to my own stupidity. I let my insecurity get the best of me, and it did all kinds of things in my head…I thought maybe you'd kept Seb on the back burner in case we didn't work out…that I was going to have to listen to him gloat about what a stellar job I'd done keeping you happy." Kurt said, eyes downcast. "That's why I thought you were capable of it…because I'D pushed you to it."

"Oh my God, Kurt…no. Noooo…." Blaine said, his eyes closed and shaking his head. He scooted closer to Kurt and put his hands on his cheeks, looking him in the eye, a smile curving his lips up. "I'd never do that. I mean, even if, God forbid, down the line somewhere, things don't work out, the very last thing I'd do is leave you and jump into bed with someone else. Can we…Kurt, I need to know you'll talk to me, and talk freely, about what's going on in your mind, ok?" Blaine asked. "Good, bad, ugly, indifferent…talk to me. Tell me. Ok?"

"Fair enough….and I need to know that when I upset you, you won't drag me around like a doll to reprimand me in a crowded bar." Kurt said softly, sadly, unable to make eye contact.

"Oh….Kurt…baby, I'm so sorry. I absolutely need to apologize for that. It wasn't right, and I should never lay hands on you for any reason, so for that, I'm sorry. I hope you'll forgive me."

"I forgave you for it a long time ago…no worries." Kurt smiled, softly.

"I'm not…I just…Kurt, I'm not trying to justify what I did, but can I tell you what happened, in my mind, when I saw you dancing like that with Jeff? And no, I didn't automatically think there was something going on between you two at all. I was instantly upset…really, really upset, because think about it, Kurt. Think about how far we've come together. When we first met, you wouldn't even sit next to me, I could barely touch you and the slightest touch in the wrong place made you flinch and pull away from me, often violently. I felt so awful every time I did something wrong, every time I scared you away from me. I felt like I was making you move backward and not helping you move forward, baby…" Blaine said, putting his hands on Kurt's face again, making Kurt connect with him. "We've come so far…we've made love…we've spent the day in bed touching and kissing and just being….being us." Blaine smiled widely, every ounce of love for Kurt so visible on his face. "But every milestone we've crossed has been a personal victory…very personal, because it's been in private, between just us.

Then, out of the blue, you're out there on the dance floor grinding…with my extraordinarily hot best friend, whose body is to die for might I add….and I've never been given that chance, Kurt. I've never been able to say 'look at this stunning man…he's mine…he's sexy…he's amazing.' The most I can claim is walking into a crowded restaurant with you somewhat next to me." Blaine said sadly, his smile faltering and his eyes dropping to his lap.

"I…I didn't know. I didn't think, Blaine. The very thought of you being upset with me leaves me feeling sick to my stomach. I've been in this state of upheaval, living on Tums for a week now, and I don't like it at all…not one bit. Can we just agree to talk things out no matter what? Can we agree that we don't read minds and that assuming is the enemy?" Kurt smiled.

"I can get on board with that plan." Blaine replied, leaning in to chastely kiss Kurt's lips.

"Settled…all forgiven now….if I agree to go dancing with you and be wickedly sexy on the dance floor with my stunning boyfriend?" Kurt asked.

"Only if you're comfortable doing that, love." Blaine replied, grinning, but secretly thrilled at the very thought of it.

"Good, now that it's settled…there's an ice cream shop over there and I want to get a cone and torment you with it…licking and sucking while you can't do a damn thing about it." Kurt grinned.

"You realize you're going home with me, right? I can torture you when we get there?" Blaine smiled.

"Bring it on, Anderson!" Kurt giggled.

"Challenge accepted."

4:18p from Nicky: You really need to make / leave me a key to your place, babe.

4:19p from Pretty Boy: I left the door unlocked for you because I love you…and because you said you're working on the plumbing today and I thought you might need the bathroom…hahahaha

4:21p from Nicky: WHY didn't you tell me? I've been across the street once and down at the deli once to use their restrooms! Ugh…

4:33p from Pretty Boy: Check your text messages, Nicky, I did tell you.

4:35p from Nicky: *insert sheepish grin here* ooops

4:36p from Pretty Boy: So are you staying for dinner? I thought I'd cook?

4:37p from Nicky: This is supposed to entice me to stay?

4:38p from Pretty Boy: Fine, I'll bring Paolo home with me and make dinner for HIM then. No shortage of half clothed, hot men around here on fitting day! :p

4:40p from Nicky: What time do we eat?

4:41p from Pretty Boy: I thought so.

4:42p from Nicky: I love you endlessly…you know this, right?

4:43p from Pretty Boy: It slipped my mind. You may have to remind me again this evening?

4:44p from Nicky: I may use those washboard abs as a plate this evening…eating pasta off of your belly, twirling my fork around your belly button, finding all that sauce in the dips and valleys with my tongue….I'm, suddenly, very hungry…when are you home, baby?

4:46p from Pretty Boy: alskdfjkdalskhg

4:47p from Nicky: I thought so *wink* Whose your daddy, now?

4:48p from Pretty Boy: First "sir" and now "daddy". You're just full of kinks and surprises aren't you, Nicky?

4:50p from Nicky: You ain't seen nothin' yet, baby.

Jeff arrived home to find a box from Fed Ex in front of the door, the return address letting him know it was from Caroline and had come overnight. Hmmmm, what would she have to send overnight? Nick sauntered in just then and set his wallet, keys and phone on the desk near the door.

"Hey…" he said, leaning down to plant a kiss on Jeff's lips. The blonde smiled as Nick pulled away. "Whatcha got there?" Nick asked.

"Package from my mom…but it came overnight. I don't know what could be so important that it needed to come overnight?" Jeff said, ripping it open. "Oh…oh God, she…she sent me my favorite. God how I love my mother!" Jeff laughed, tearing the container out of the box and taking the lid off. They fought over who would get the homemade cookies first and ended up nearly spilling the contents of the container on the sofa before settling down to go through the box. It looked like a ton of mail that had come for Jeff since he'd been staying at Blaine's.

He went through each thing, throwing out the junk mail and setting things aside that might be important. The vast majority of it was stuff he didn't need and didn't even have to open before pitching into the garbage. He did, however, get a check from his insurance company to cover everything that had been ruined or lost in the fire at his old apartment. He had plans for that, even if it wasn't a ton of cash.

When he came across one labeled "fragile, do not bend" he was curious. Opening it, he found a disc and a note from his friend Ebony who he taught with prior to moving to New York.

Hi Jeff,

God I miss you! Honey, when I found out what those bastards did to you, I quit. Now don't go gettin' all crazy…I had a little somethin' waitin' for me in the wings, so no worries there. I was so angry, though, Jeff. It was unfair, and I wasn't thrilled with how things were being handled at school either. Anyway, I miss you. I've tried to call you several times, but your cell number has apparently been changed and your mom won't give out your new number. She says you asked her not to, but that she'd be happy to pass this on to you.

They did great, baby! You have to watch and see them. They missed you so much and each one of them took turns asking me where you were. I told them you'd try to come back if you could, but that I wouldn't make any promises. Please watch. I know it'll be hard, but I want you to see how much YOU taught them and what they did with it.

I miss you, Sterling! You better call me! I don't know where you are, but I sure hope it's with that giant, steamy buncha hotness you were having lunch with the last time we talked! Get some, baby! *wink!*

Love you, white boy!

Ebony

Jeff sat on the sofa with Nick with a huge smile on his face and misty eyes. He'd missed her, but he didn't know where she stood on anything, and when he'd given up his cell, he hadn't had time to mess with porting numbers over. Better to make a clean break, he'd thought. That was his old life. Now he realized how much he wanted her in his life again.

"Well, what are you waiting for. Let's put the DVD in and watch…I know you're dying to see it!" Nick smiled. They set it up and Nick pressed play, intently watching the play of emotions across Jeff's face as scene by scene went by. He was over the moon for this man, and it was obvious in the way he stared at Jeff. Anyone watching would know, without a doubt, that he loved him endlessly.

What was also clear was how much Jeff missed the kids. He was taking turns clapping and laughing and sobbing over the different scenes in the play. They'd done so well, though, that he couldn't help himself.

"Oh my God, Nicky, even Dillon was spot on with his lines and his dance moves!" he shouted at the television. "Look at them! Just look…they're so damn talented!" he laughed. Bye the end he was worn out from laughing, sobbing and clapping and all he wanted was just to hold Nick and tell him how much he missed everything he used to do.

"I love working with Kurt, don't get me wrong, but…I feel like something's missing. I don't feel like that's what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm supposed to teach kids to dance and act and show them how cool the theater is! I miss it, Nicky…God I miss it so much! And who knows what the hell is on my record now after all that bullshit back in Ohio. God, what a mess!" he said, glaring down at the table. It was just one more thing he was allowing David Duval to take away from him…one more way he was letting that man rule his life.

Nick sat silently listening to him rant…but there were ideas forming in his head that he couldn't share with Jeff. Not just yet…but in time. He smiled just thinking about it.

"Wake up, Mr. Anderson. You have classes to teach today." Kurt whispered into Blaine's ear instead of allowing the alarm clock to go off. Blaine was laying next to him on his side, his arm thrown over Kurt's chest and their legs intertwined.

"Don' wanna…." Blaine whined. "Wanna stay here in bed with you…."

"I can be here waiting for you when you're day is over, don't worry. Or maybe…would they let me eat lunch with you?" Kurt asked, eyes bright.

"Actually, I think you can do that, in fact, I think you can sit in on a class or two if you want? I just thought you'd be busy. I saw that you brought stuff to work on with you."

"I'd love to sit in on a class or two. How about I come to the one just before lunch, we can have lunch and I can see the one right after lunch? It'll give me a good break from my own work?" he suggested.

"I'd love that, Kurt." Blaine told him with a smile. Kurt would never get tired of hearing Blaine say his name and how he rolled the "r" as if it were something alive and thriving. He never failed to make his man feel special.

"Ok, then, leave me times and room numbers. I'll assume you want the shower first and I'll get my stuff out and get ready to get some work done. Do you mind if I just kinda spread my stuff out on the bed?" Kurt asked.

"Nope, go right ahead. Puts you right where I want you when I get done for the day!" Blaine winked, then shuffled into the shower. "Of course, you could join me if you wanted to?" he grinned. Kurt rolled his eyes and thought about it for about 10 seconds…then jumped from the bed to join Blaine.

"Good morning, madame!" Nick grinned when he met Cris outside of Cooper's condo. He helped her into the Town Car before the driver came behind him and shut the door.

"Oh Nicholas, such trouble for just me! I surely hope not." She said eyeing the car.

"It's no trouble, believe me. Besides, Kurt has my car up at Westindale, so I'm riding in style today with a beautiful lady. What more could a guy ask for?" he teased.

"Oh you!" she said, batting at his arm and grinning. "So where are we off to?" she asked.

"I thought we'd discuss your must haves over breakfast if that's ok?"

"Just fine, just fine. Where did you have in mind?" she asked, watching all the buildings go by quickly.

"Nowhere in particular…" he grinned, but the car kept moving, the driver already knew where he was going. They drove for a bit, Cris telling him she wanted to stay close to Coop and Blaine and the ideal place would be somewhere in between them. Nick took notes, nodding and making sure he didn't miss anything. When they pulled to a stop, she was shaking her head.

"What?" he asked, his smile bright enough to blind.

"Nowhere in particular?" she said looking up at the Ritz Carlton.

"Only the best for Blaine's beautiful mother." Nick teased her. "Now let's eat and find you a new home!"

"Well I had no idea it was going to be so loud, but it was magnificent!" Kurt babbled as he brought his tray to the table off to the side in the cafeteria. Many of the teachers avoided it like the plague, but Blaine didn't mind sitting near the kids. Sometimes one would get brave and join him, and that always made him smile. He was nothing if not approachable, and he wanted them to be comfortable with him.

"Yeah, I sometimes wish there was a volume button, but it's hard to catch the nuances when you've got earplugs or something in, ya know? Those guys on the cymbals…they get a little nuts, though, don't they?" Blaine laughed. He caught sight of Hannah, a student in his second bell, giving him the eye, watching him talk with Kurt. He smiled at her and she returned it.

"Are you flirting with your students, Mr. Anderson?" Kurt giggled.

"Don't you know it. You know how it is…8 year old little girls just really do it for me, Kurt. Don't even comment on that, I can't believe I even said it. I move to strike….Jesus…." Blaine said, shaking his head and dropping his eyes to the table. "I just want them to know they can talk to me if they need to or want to. Eli said something on the ride up here that stuck with me. I guess there are all kinds everywhere, and nobody's exempt from troubles, but he said he had to drive a young student to the hospital while she was in labor…I think she was only 15! I can't imagine being away from home, in that situation and having nobody here to talk to…being so lonely that you beg your T.A. to drive you to give birth." He exhaled loudly, shaking his head.

"That's horrible. I bet her parents weren't overjoyed with that situation? Was the father a student as well?" Kurt asked.

"I didn't ask, but he didn't say that he was or wasn't. Just that she wanted him there…felt safe with him."

"Awful….I hope she was able to continue in school?" Kurt commented.

"I don't know, actually, I'll have to ask him."

Just then, little Hannah got up enough courage to come over and talk to them.

"Mr. Anderson, may I sit with you for lunch?" she said sweetly, acting shy.

"Absolutely, Hannah! Have a seat!" Blaine told her, smiling brightly. "Kurt, this is Hannah, and she plays the violin…she's an amazing talent. You'll hear her next bell if you stick around. And Hannah, this is Kurt. He'll be sitting in on our class."

"How do you like the violin, Hannah? I've always wished I could play…I can't wait to see you play, though!" Kurt said excitedly. Blaine watched as two more students noticed them and made their way over to the table, setting trays down on the other side of the table.

"I like it just fine, although my mom says it'll be easier when my arms are a bit longer!" she laughed.

"Hey Mr. A….can we sit here, too?"

"I don't see why not, have a seat." Blaine smiled.

Soon, the whole table was full and a few kids who were finished were just standing around chatting with Mr. A and Mr. Kurt. Suddenly, one boy who'd been eyeing Kurt shrewdly spoke up from the end of the table next to Hannah.

"So Mr. A…who's your friend there? Is he a substitute teacher or a T.A. or something?" he asked harshly. Blaine realized in that instant that he knew.

"No, Jason, Kurt's my boyfriend. He's going to sit through a few classes with me today." Blaine smiled at Kurt.

"Dude…guys don't date guys…what's up with that? I didn't know you were gay, Mr. A. My dad says that's wrong and that-" he began, but Hannah cut him off.

"Nobody cares what your stupid dad says, Jason. He's a jerk anyway. If Mr. A wants to date Kurt, then he can. It has nothing to do with you, so just shut your mouth!" she said vehemently. Kurt was impressed, but he said nothing. He was too interested in the conversation.

"Well, if I have to sit and look at them, then it's got a lot to do with me!" Jason said, raising his voice a bit. "And I think it's WRONG! I don't want to have to look at it!"

Hannah shrank back at his volume, but another little boy picked up her slack. Reaching over onto Jason's plate, he picked up the boy's cheeseburger, threw it on the ground and stomped on it, then picked up what was left of it and threw it in the garbage as everyone watched with wide eyes, after all, Jason was much bigger than he was.

"What the hell did you do that for, Tyler, you jerk!?" Jason screeched. Blaine was about to intervene when Tyler, very calmly, gave his answer.

"I'm a vegetarian, Jason. I don't want to have to look at your burger, it has a lot to do with me when you sit by me, right? I think it's wrong for you to eat meat, especially right in front of me, and I don't want to have to look at it. I took care of the problem….isn't that what you were suggesting, Jason?" the young boy said flatly.

It took every ounce of restraint in Kurt's body not to stand up and clap…but as it turns out, he didn't have to hold back. Pretty soon half the cafeteria was clapping for Tyler, who blushed and grinned and hid his face while he finished his salad. Blaine clapped him on the back and said "good job, bud…thanks for that." Tyler was thrilled to have his teacher's praise and Jason was thoroughly embarrassed at being basically put on the spot in front of so many people. He got up and quickly left the room before Kurt or Blaine could utter a word to him.

"It's ok, Mr. A…I have two dads. I know all about how to deal with people who don't quite get it yet. He can't stay ignorant forever, and if I can nudge him along in the right direction, then I will. I know I shouldn't have done that to his food, though. I'll bring him something to make up for it. Do you mind if he eats in your class next bell?" Tyler told him, a little flustered now that it was all over.

"I think that'd be a very kind thing to do." Kurt said, finally speaking up.

"Oh my gosh, Mr. Kurt! You have a pretty voice for a boy!" one of the little girls said, her voice full of awe.

"He does, doesn't he? You should hear him sing!" Blaine praised him.

"No…No she shouldn't.." Kurt said, shaking his head. "Blaine!" he hissed. Blaine just smiled at him mischievously.

"Shall we head over to our next class, good sir?" Blaine said, offering his arm.

"I think we shall." Kurt answered, sliding his arm through Blaine's, and all the little girls giggled.

As they walked down the hall, Blaine leaned into Kurt and kissed his cheek. "I think I better watch my back…they're all totally enamored with you, Mr. Kurt." He grinned.

"Ahhhh, well, Mr. A, can you blame them? Too bad I only have eyes for you." Kurt smiled.

When they reached the classroom, Jason was tucked way back in the corner behind the piano, his feet barely visible from where he sat curled in on himself. Kurt saw him first and motioned to Blaine that he was there.

"I should probably say something to him, but for the life of me, I'm not sure what to say. If that's the environment he's grown up in, it's liable to get me nowhere." Blaine said, a bit of sadness in his tone as well as his eyes.

"I can, if you like?" Kurt offered. Blaine was surprised. After that outburst, he figured Kurt might be a bit too stung to want to even bother.

"Um….just talk to him, Kurt. Don't be harsh or anything, ok?"

Kurt walked over to the slouched boy and sat down in the chair next to him. Neither made eye contact, but Kurt noticed that Jason didn't move away at all. He didn't shift or anything.

"Hi, Jason, I'm Kurt." He said, sticking his hand out to shake. Surprisingly, the boy actually shook his hand and nodded, but didn't look up. "I wasn't sure if you'd want to talk about that little scene in the cafeteria or not?"

"Or not, please." Jason said, his voice small.

"Ok. That's ok. You wanna talk about anything else? I'm a pretty good listener I guess. I'm the one all of my friends used to come to when I was about your age and they had something on their minds. They may have ignored me a lot of the time, but they knew, when it counted, that I'd be there for them." Kurt told him, his voice steady and calm.

"I don't know what to talk about." Jason said softly. After a long pause he said "Do you think all of the kids are going to be angry with me now? They all like Mr. Anderson…they think he's all great and neat and now they're all going to be angry with me!" he said, a bit more behind his small voice.

"How do you feel about Mr. Anderson? Don't you like him as a teacher?"

"Yeah! I mean, he's awesome! Do you even know how many instruments he can play? He's amazing! I wish I could play that many instruments. And sometimes, when he's teaching us something, he gets really excited and he jumps on the seats and the desks and everything and he does this thing with his face like he's going to explode or something from being so happy! It's hilarious!" Jason chuckled. "I hated this class before he came here. I was dreading having to take it, and now it's my favorite one! But now everyone is going to ignore me and treat me bad and…." He trailed off.

"So..uh…why do you think they're going to ignore you and treat you bad?" Kurt asked.

"Because, they all like him and I said something rude and now I'll be the only one in the class they're mean to!" Jason said, his voice clearly upset.

"So, do you think that, just because you said something bad…maybe even without thinking about it…that it makes you a bad person? Maybe nobody should forgive you for that or treat you good ever again, right? I mean, since you did that, and it makes you different, that makes you bad, right…because you don't agree with them?" Kurt asked, looking clueless.

"What? No! I mean, I don't think I'm a bad person, Mr. Kurt, I just…they're not going to be nice now, and I'll sit through class knowing they're all staring daggers into my back and all that."

"Because you're different from them?"

"Duh, yeah!"

"So…you don't want to be treated differently because you have a different opinion than they do? You think something different, but you want to be treated just the same anyway?" Kurt asked.

"Why are you asking me all these questions, man!?" Jason finally said with some heat behind it. Kurt smiled at him.

"You're telling me that you don't want to be treated differently because you don't do what everyone else does…right?" Kurt asked. Jason nodded his head. "But that's what you just did to Blaine…er…Mr. Anderson. You treated him poorly because you perceive him as different…without even taking into consideration how that might make him feel. You don't like it, but you did it to someone else. How is that ok?" Kurt asked gently.

"I…" Jason paused, fumbled for his words, then dropped his chin to his chest again. "I did that, didn't I?"

"You did. Nobody says you have to agree, although it would be nice to know you made up your own mind, and didn't just go along with what your dad says. Nobody says you have to like boys, or girls, or chocolate, or green or prickly or cold….YOU decide what you like, what you agree with and what you want. Don't let someone else do that for you, Jason. That limits things way too much, and there's so much life ahead of you, buddy…so much to learn. Blaine's the best guy I know, next to my dad. I trust him with anything…with everything…and he's just so smart and good. Don't judge him based on what your dad thinks…because your dad's probably never met him. How would he know?" Kurt asked him, his voice still very calm and soothing.

"But I don't know anyone else that's a man that dates a man!" Jason said, his voice a stage whisper now that the other kids were coming into the class.

"I don't know anyone else named Jason, but that doesn't mean anything. We're all different. We all like different things. Because Tyler doesn't like meat and doesn't eat it doesn't mean that YOU can't like meat and eat it, but it also doesn't give you the right to shove a cheeseburger down his gullet either…does it? Nor does it give him the right to tell you that you can't have a cheeseburger for lunch…right?"

"Yeah…I guess so." Jason said, his mind taking it all in. He glanced at Blaine who looked up at them just then and gave a half smile. "Do you think he's mad at me?" he whispered with wet eyes. "I don't want him to be mad at me…he's my favorite teacher."

"I think he'll give you a second chance…but I also think you should probably apologize for your words. One of the greatest things a man can do is take responsibilities for his words and his actions…and take steps to right his wrongs." Kurt told him.

"Can I do it after class?"

"You can…but I'm thinking that walking up there, right now, in front of everyone here and saying what you have to say will probably make them think twice about giving you a hard time. If they see you apologize, they'll forgive you as well, I'd bet." Kurt said.

Jason sat there for a minute, then took a deep breath like he was facing a firing squad. "Ok." Was all he said before he got up and walked a few steps…before turning and giving Kurt a half smile and a quiet "thanks".

Blaine saw him coming and wasn't sure what to think. Nearly everyone was in their seats now, and the few remaining students were heading in as the bell rang.

"Mr. A…." Jason said, clearing his throat. "Um…I wanted to say…um…that I'm sorry…um….cough…for what I said to you in the cafeteria. I shouldn't have been rude, and um…it's like Mr. Kurt said, he doesn't know anyone else named Jason, so it's ok, right? I hope you're not mad at me." He babbled nervously, then turned quickly to leave.

"Wait…Jason." Blaine said, standing up and walking around the desk. He stood with Jason in front of the class and put his hand on his shoulder. "Thank you for that…for your words. Apology accepted." Blaine said, giving him a gracious smile and a pat on the back. Jason smile back, and just then the door banged open and Eli burst in, out of breath.

"Sorry I'm late…I had…some uh…stuff to do." He said, fumbling with his bag and his iPad, trying to make his way to the back of the class. When he spotted Kurt he did a double take and Kurt just gave him an overzealous smile.

"Hello, Eli." He said, his smile like saccharine.

"Kurt…." Was the only reply before Blaine started class.

"Here…" Tyler whispered as he sat down next to Jason.

"What is it?" Jason asked, opening the white box which was clearly from the cafeteria.

"It's lunch….I shouldn't have done that to yours, and I'm sorry. I was angry and I didn't like what you said. You can think what you want, but don't say bad things about Mr. A." Tyler said quietly.

"I…I told him I was sorry." Jason replied.

"I know, so you eat and I'll take notes and you can borrow them later after school." Tyler smiled.

"So how come we're going to your house?" Evee asked. Mattie nodded, wondering as well.

"Your mom wanted to get the extra hours they offered her at work, so I said I'd pick you up…is that alright?" Cooper asked.

"Yeah, we've never been to your house before!" Mattie smiled. "Is Ms. Cris still there?"

"She is, actually. She's making dinner, too, so that's a very good thing!" Coop smiled.

When they walked into Coop's place the smells that assaulted them were heavenly. Cooper closed his eyes and just inhaled, wishing he could keep that aroma with him forever.

"Oh God, chicken and dumplings…." He said almost reverently.

"You're home!" Cris called to them when they came in. "How was camp today?" she asked, smiling widely.

"It was awesome, we had a movie day and they made popcorn!" Evee told her, sidling up to the older woman as if it was the most common thing in the world.

"Oh how fun! And what movie did you watch?

"We watched The Little Mermaid. I've seen it a lot of times, but it's still one of my favorites." Evee said excitedly. "I was Ariel for Halloween last year!"

"I love that one, too. What are you going to be this year?" Cris asked her.

"Dunno….I'll think of something. My mama makes me the most prettiest costumes every time!"

"I hope I'll be here and all settled in well before then. Maybe, if it's ok with you, I could go trick or treating with you this year?" Cris suggested.

"That would be so cool!" Evee squealed! They settled into the kitchen, the two of them at the counter 'cooking' while Cris put biscuits in the oven. Mattie had followed Cooper into his room, not asking for permission or thinking he needed it.

"Wow, your room is big! Where's your toys at?" Mattie asked, and Cooper was momentarily caught off guard with the question.

"M-my toys?" he said, his eyes wide, wondering if he'd left something laying out.

"Yeah, I keep my toys in my room…Evee does too." Mattie explained, and Cooper finally exhaled. Toys…of course…kids. Wow, he needed to do some inventory on his dirty mind and get rid of some stuff.

"Um, I don't have toys like you do, but I have 'stuff' I guess. Grown up toys aren't like little guy toys though." He said, shedding his work shirt and tie after slinging his jacket across the back of a chair. "You wanna throw me that t-shirt over there on the bed?" he asked Mattie.

"You don't wear t-hsirts all the time like Blaine does when he's home." Mattie said matter of factly.

"I wear them when I'm in MY home…is that what you mean?"

"You don't wear them around us. You always have on your work clothes or something nice to go out…." Mattie said, still looking around and picking things up.

"I could wear a t-shirt next time if you want?" Coop smiled.

"I wish you just lived there and didn't have to leave at all. When you leave mom always looks at the door like this." Mattie said, making his best mooney eyes. Cooper burst out laughing.

"She does, huh? It's funny, 'cause Blaine said I make that face when she leaves, too."

"Then why do you leave?" Mattie asked with all the innocence in the world.

"I…um…well, because I live here, and you and your mom live there and…yeah…that's about it." Cooper said, suddenly at a loss for words.

"Can you just live at our house for now?" Mattie asked, and Coops face was a mask of longing. God, how he wanted to…he wanted to wake up to them every morning. He wanted to come home to them every single night.

"Would you mind that? Do you think Evee or your mom would mind…if I lived with you guys?" he asked, trying not to sound too desperate.

"That would be awesome!" Mattie laughed. "I'll tell mom to invite you!"

"Oh, no…you shouldn't do that…I don't know how your mom would feel about it. Someone's 'place' is a special thing, and they don't like having it invaded sometimes by other people, buddy. I'll talk to her about it at some point." Coop smiled.

"It's ok, I heard her tell Ms. Helen that she wants to share everything with you someday. She was smiling when she said it. That's good, right?" Mattie asked.

"That's really good, buddy." Coop smiled, a genuine, huge, light up the room smile.

"Are you and my mom gonna get married sometime?" Mattie asked, rifling through a drawer in Coop's dresser. Cooper nearly swallowed his tongue.

"Um…I…we…Bud, that's a grown up thing to talk about. I think?" Cooper said, then paused for a bit. His thoughts got the better of him, though, and he wanted to know. "Do you think we should get married sometime?" he said nonchalantly.

"If you do, can I call you my 'Daddy'?" Mattie asked, his grin wide and innocent. Coop's heart was pounding double time and he could barely reply he was so choked up. He took a few deep breaths and finally found his voice.

"Mattie, as long as your mom is ok with that, it would be my honor if you called me Daddy." He said, grabbing the boy up in a big hug and fighting the urge to let the tears in his eyes fall.

A/N Well, Christine really earned her keep with this one...I sent it to her raw, after having written it pretty much in one go...so, as always, F-ing Wifey, thank you ;) LOL (Bonus points if you can tell me where the phrase "he calls me 'f*cking wifey!'" comes from! :) ) Much love and thanks, also, because the whole ending with Cooper and the kids was her idea...and it was necessary :)

Sorry it's late...things have been a bit hectic around here lately! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! Expecting a high of 81 degrees here today, and snow flurries on Tuesday! Welcome to Ohio, folks! Ugh... Hugs and love...make it a great week!

OH! And last, but not least... Good reads: Plug In Baby, mmerainbows and check out works by sufferingfromwritersblock as well.

If you're NOT reading His Wicked Game by gleeeeeful, go do it now! NOW, people! :)