Crowded House

by kellyb321

All of your favorite Warblers and a few new faces, too. Follow our boys as they start their lives in NYC, each couple facing their own challenges, heartbreak, self-discovery and redemption. Stick around as they realize support, acceptance and most importantly, true love can all be found in one big Crowded House. Heavy on the Klaine and Niff.

107. Chapter 107

For Laura...just because. :)

Ch. 106

"Hunter! Oh my God, babe, you're drenched! Why didn't you call me? You know I'd have come to pick you up!" Sebastian bolted up from the sofa as his dripping wet, bedraggled husband shuffled his way inside their apartment looking worse for wear. He dashed into the bathroom and grabbed two big towels, throwing one on the hardwood floor for Hunter to stand on and he setting the other one aside for the moment. "Babe…" he repeated, shaking his head as he helped Hunter off with his coat and then went back for his clothing, stripping the shivering and shaking man down to his skin, leaving all of his sodden clothing in a heap on the towel.

"J-just wanted to g-get h-home…." Hunter said, teeth chattering. "N-no reason for both of us t-to be out in th-this crap." As if to press the point, a flash of lightning and a massive crack of thunder shook the house. Sebastian jumped about a foot and Hunter almost grinned.

Sebastian wrapped the huge bath sheet around his hubby and then enveloped him in a hug, pressing his body fully against Hunter to warm him.

"Hot shower?" He asked, hopeful that Hunter wouldn't argue it. Hunter only nodded, teeth still clenched together as he shook.

"Stay with me?"

"You don't have to ask me twice, babe," Sebastian murmured into his hair, squeezing him tightly. "C'mon, let's get you warmed up. You're off until Wednesday?" He asked. Hunter merely nodded, eyes closed and reveling in the warmth from Sebastian's body. Seb was glad to hear it, as he wanted a couple of days with Hunter before he left to go across the ocean for a week.

The water sluiced around them, warming Hunter from the outside in, and Sebastian worked to scrub him down before simply holding his husband under the warm spray. Sebastian asked a few questions, but when Hunter only answered with a grunt or a short yes or no…or sometimes not at all…Sebastian knew something was eating at him, and it was time to leave it alone and let Hunter work it out. They stood together in silence, then, just being together and warming up, no need for words. When they felt the water start to cool, Seb turned it off and urged Hunter out of the shower, bending and kneeling to dry him thoroughly before sending him to their bed.

"Can't remember ever feeling that cold before. It's March for God's sake," Hunter complained quietly, burrowing under the covers and clinging to his husband for dear life when he slid under the blankets next to him.

"I can't believe you didn't call me to pick you up in this mess. And what's with being off early, anyway? You're never home until at least two in the morning and here you are at eleven o'clock."

"Miserable day…bad accident two blocks from the hospital, six casualties, two of them small children. There were 8 cars involved…" Hunter told Seb, then yawned. "We were crazy busy all day and one of the kids, she…" Hunter went on, but paused as he tried to find words. He squeezed his eyes closed tightly and shook his head.

"No…you don't need to tell me. McGinty sent you home early?"

Hunter nodded, eyes still closed and Sebastian knew he was seeing gruesome sights over and over in his mind. "He knew it got to me…even told me I might want to reconsider going into pediatrics if I thought it was too much…" Sebastian's eyes flew open. Hunter had always wanted to work with kids, and the simple suggestion from Hunter's boss that maybe he wasn't cut out for it made Sebastian almost angry. How dare he question Hunter's dream?

The look on his face must have spoken volumes because Hunter immediately back tracked and explained further. "He was concerned, that's all. We lost her on the table, Seb…she was so young…only four. I felt my heart break, and then having to tell her mother and father…" Hunter trailed off, voice hitching. "Well, chalk that up as one of the most horrendous moments of my life. McGinty knew it rocked me the moment he saw me. I…" Hunter went on, but paused again, apparently at a loss for words.

"Baby, let's sleep and get you rested and warm, ok? Let's not talk about it anymore tonight. Tomorrow, if you want to rehash the whole thing, tell me what happened and dissect it to see what could have changed the outcome, we can do that. But, right now, all I want is to get you warm and sleeping."

"Love you, Sebby. I know I say it all the time, but I want you to know that every time I say it, I mean it. You're my one and only…" Hunter murmured, losing his battle against the Sandman.

"As I love you, Hunter…every day. Now get some sleep and I'll be here when you wake up, ok?"

"Mmmhmmm…."

Sebastian lay awake for a while just watching his husband sleep. He wondered if Hunter would really reconsider his choice of fields in which he'd practice over this one incident. But, when he looked back on the night, he could tell Hunter was shaken and unsure about what had gone down on his shift. Seb wasn't sure what was different. Sad to say, but kids died all the time in the hospital, and Hunter did what he could to help, but rarely brought it home like he had tonight. Something was eating at him, and they'd have to talk about it when Hunter was ready.

---

Mmmmm…you're home early," Jeff mumbled sleepily as he glanced at the glowing red numbers on the clock next to the bed. 1:24 a.m.

"Storm…power went out at work. We waited around a while to see if it'd come back on, but no dice. Mac sent everyone home, so here I am."

"Ohhhh…God, yes….here you are…" Jeff moaned as a warm and naked Nick slid into bed practically on top of him, Nick's chest to his back. "Missed you. I feel like we haven't had two minutes together in weeks, Nicky…oh please, yes…do that…more of that please…pleeeeese!" Jeff squeaked out as Nick raked his teeth down the soft skin covering Jeff's spine.

"I've missed you, too…your face…your voice…your smile…this fucking amazing body, baby…" Nick purred as he ground his pelvis into Jeff's lower back. "Wanna be buried deep inside you…unless you wanna sleep, love?" he teased.

"Sleep? What sleep!? No! Don't stop…want you, babe. C'mon, do it again…oh God, yes…"

"Mmmmm, yeah, I was hoping you were up for it."

"Well, I wasn't, but I sure as hell am now," Jeff snickered, raising his ass a little to show Nick how interested he was. Nick took the opportunity to reach around under him and grab a hold of Jeff's now stiff cock, stroking slowly.

"Oh, yes you are, aren't you? Such a big boy, Pretty. How'd I get so lucky?" Nick asked, stroking Jeff as he slipped his own cock up and back again at the crease of Jeff's ass, pre come slicking his way.

"Come on, babe. Don't tease. I'm a weak man, and I miss my hubby."

"You, my beautiful better half, are anything but weak. This body is strong…it's toned…it's tight…and it's all mine."

"Yours…mmhmmm…more….Ohhhh! 'm gonna come too soon, Nicky, slow down a little," Jeff grinned, turning to see his lover's face at his shoulder.

"Ohhh, you are a naughty boy, Jeffrey. What's this?" Nick tapped Jeff's butt playfully, nudging the plug Jeff had played with before climbing into bed. Nick kissed him goodnight every night when he got home, so Jeff knew he'd know the minute his husband climbed into bed, and tonight he'd planned on making the very most of the fact that neither of them had an early morning scheduled.

"No early appointments, Nicky. Why waste time now doing things I could do ahead of time and get right to the good stuff?" Jeff asked, biting his bottom lip.

"You are…so smart…have I told you that lately?" Nick whispered, biting at Jeff's shoulder.

"I was a Boy Scout…always prepared, ya know?"

"Something tells me they didn't teach you that particular technique in Boy Scouts," Nick said, tapping the plug lightly again, "but I could be wrong?"

"You are so—"

"So…?" Nick grinned, then twisted the plug, slowly moving it out, then pushing softly back in again.

"Oh…p-please…Nicky, please…" Jeff whined, back arched now as he raised up, kneeling on the bed, hands on the headboard and knuckles white with Nick at his back. Jeff's skin gleamed in the pale moonlight shining in through the wall of windows in the dark bedroom.

"I love it so much when you beg," Nick breathed quietly, his fingers running softly down Jeff's spine.

"I know you do, and I know it's because - fuck! Shit, Nicky…oh my God - I know it's because you won't even allow me to so much as ask twice for anything, when we're not making love, without giving it to me, that you love to hear me beg in bed."

"Anything I have is yours. Anything I don't have will be yours as soon as I can get my hands on it. Anything you want is just a call or a click away, love. Begging is only allowed in bed…and I intend to make you beg tonight, Pretty Boy."

"Yeah?"

Nick took the opportunity to slip the plug completely out and without a second's hesitation he shuffled forward and slipped inside, firmly but slowly taking its place, thankful for the lube already present. "Oh yeah…" he groaned. Jeff sucked in a harsh breath and stilled momentarily, getting used to the feel of Nick instead of the much smaller plug. He felt his body relax and let his head hang forward, trying desperately to keep his breathing steady.

They stayed that way for a time, Nick easing in and out while whispering loving words in his husband's ear. His hands roamed across every soft yet strong inch of Jeff's body, tenderly stroking and then roughly holding on when necessary. Jeff held on to the headboard while running the fingers of his other hand through Nick's hair, sometimes grabbing a handful and holding on for dear life as his husband thrust into him over and over.

"My God you are so perfect." Nick slipped his arms up and around Jeff's chest, took his time placing kiss after kiss along Jeff's shoulders and neck, then reached down again to tease his husband's cock. "So perfect…"

"Feels so tight…it's been too long, Nicky. We can't go that long without…oh….OH God, Nick…..without you being inside me…not anymore. I don't care if you wake me up like this every night. I don't like going so long without you, baby."

"We'll do better. Me going back and forth to Chicago and you being busy with school hasn't helped."

"We'll make time…harder…please harder…"

"Hmmmm?"

"Nicky, please...don't make me wait. We'll go again, I just need you. Touch me…"

"I can't hear you, must have been too close to a speaker tonight or—" Nick smirked, teasing his husband as he jerked his hips up hard.

"Oh my God, Nicky, yes…Yes, please…please more…more….I…I can't….Nicky….NICK! Fuck me!" Jeff demanded, unable to stand the teasing touches anymore.

Nick loved to hear him beg, but couldn't make him hold out. The begging shoved Nick over every time and he gave in and thrust into Jeff as hard and as fast as he was able. Nick's heart was pounding and he wanted nothing more than to please his husband, to make him go crazy, to make him whine his pleasure.

"This what you want, Pretty Boy?" he asked, teeth gritted and breathing harshly as he held Jeff's hips tightly and thrust into him over and over.

"Oh my God, hell yes…" Jeff groaned, his body singing its pleasure as his husband owned him and made him weak. He felt the zing building up and taking over as his husband used his body ruthlessly and it made him lightheaded and giddy. This was absolutely the best thing about them…their closeness, the way they knew one another, the way they just…were. "Gonna come, Nicky…don't stop…don't stop, baby!"

Nick thrust up one last time, his body arching and screaming for release as he clutched Jeff close to him with his left arm and continued jerking him with his right. "Come baby…come on…give it to me, Jeff…" he whispered into his husband's ear as he felt his own eyes roll back with his release.

The high pitched moan that left Jeff was the stuff of wet dreams as he slumped back against Nick's body, spent, used and limp. "Nicky…" he whined, cock pulsing and emptying over Nick's hand and up his own chest.

"I've got you, baby. I've always got you…" Nick twisted and slowly lowered them both to the bed, Jeff's back still plastered to Nick's chest as they lay sprawled out, breathing heavily and unable to function for the moment.

Jeff turned his head just slightly, laying his ear over Nick's chest and listening to his heartbeat.

"I don't know what I did, who I pleased or exactly what happened and when…but clearly I did something right and they granted me you as a reward. You blow my mind, Duval, I swear to God…" Jeff panted out, body still buzzing and sweat cooling on his skin. He barely managed to raise his arm and link fingers with his husband as he watched a smile break out on Nick's face.

"I'm no prize, Jeff…I come with a lot of baggage, as you well know. I think you're my prize, perhaps. But whatever it was that brought us together, I'm forever grateful. I love you more than anything, Pretty Boy…tonight and always. Don't ever forget it."

"Then you'll have to keep reminding me," Jeff smirked, squeezing their fingers together. "Don't let me go."

"Never…"

They lay there, sweat cooling and splayed out over the bed, for a few minutes before cleaning up and snuggling up together under the covers.

"Are you ever going to tell me what you and David discussed at the prison?" Nick asked out of the blue.

"Okaaaay…" Jeff said softly, pulling a comical grimace as he tilted his head up to look at his husband. "We just had the most earth shattering, world rocking sex in recent memory and you're thinking about your dad. I'm a little—aaahhhh!" Jeff jerked as Nick dug his fingers into Jeff's side, tickling him. "Don't! I'll knee you in the nuts again, Nicky, stop!" Jeff laughed.

"Seriously, babe…I mean, you were in there for a long time, and all you've told me is that 'it should be ok now' and I shouldn't worry. Well, as much as I want to take your word for it, I DO worry. I know him, probably better than anyone but my mom, and I don't trust him as far as Kurt would walk down the street in a Wal-mart t-shirt, Jeff.

Jeff burst out laughing, the thought making him snort as he rolled to his back and stared at the ceiling. He lay there quietly for a few minutes, thinking, unsure how to say what he needed to convey. Nick rolled to his side and stared at his husband, patiently awaiting his reply.

"Nick…your dad has done some really shitty things in his life, and he knows it. I can't speak for him. I can't say that he's sorry or that he's changed his ways. What I can tell you, though, is that just speaking to him that day tells me he's…different. You know I'd never seen him or spoken to him in person before that day. Yes, we'd spoken on the phone when he was trying to bribe me to leave you early on, but when I saw him there, chained to that table, his ankles shackled…it was an eye opener for me. And I think it was for him, as well. He was…well, he didn't have the upper hand, for once. He knew I could get up and walk out at any time…and he couldn't. He knew he'd landed himself there, and that the fault was truly his own. Although he was still a bit smug and arrogant, I think being in there has opened his eyes a bit…or maybe a lot."

"He's always been arrogant…always. Even when I was too young to know what the word arrogant meant, I knew what he was," Nick told him. Jeff nodded and continued.

"We talked, though. He…he asked me things, about me…and us…and I was honest and truthful with him, Nick. I told him how much I love you and how you make me so insanely happy and how I strive, every single day of my life, to make you just as happy as I am. He wanted details…personal details about me, and I told him things I'm certain he already knows…but I think he was feeling me out. He wanted to see how forthcoming I'd be with him. He wanted to see what I really was…who I really am…and I told him. And oddly, I think he might actually…kinda…think I'm an ok human being. He'll never admit that, but I saw it on his face when he was listening. You can only school your features so much, ya know?"

"Personal things? Like…between you and me or…?" Nick asked, feeling uneasy.

"No, my past…where I came from, what my childhood was like, how we met. That kinda stuff, which, like I said, I'm certain he already knows. He wanted to see if I'd tell him, though."

"And you did?" Nick asked. Jeff just nodded.

"I understand that he's done some awful, hateful, terrible things. I know he wasn't the best dad for you guys growing up and I know…believe me, I know…he wanted me dead. But I'm not dead…he failed. And there I was, in his face, not gloating at his failure or ranting at him, just sitting down to converse with him. I thinkhe was forced to see what he'd done…or tried to do…right there."

"How can you think he's changed, though, if you didn't 'know him' before?"

"I can't be sure. I'm still…unsure. But, to tell you the truth, I trust my gut instinct. He…he thanked me, sincerely, for pushing Bailey away. I could see, in his eyes, Nick, that he was absolutely devastated…at least about that. Where he may not have given a good God damn what happened to me, he was torn up about what he'd done concerning Bailey, and he couldn't hide that. He couldn't cover that up with snarky comments or arrogance. It was all there, written all over his face. He was truly sorry for that, and grateful to me for the way it played out, in her case anyway."

Nick shook his head, unsure what to think, but Jeff went on.

"Look, I don't know what he plans on doing or how he plans on making things right, but he's planning on doing…something. He never said he was sorry or that he wished he hadn't tried to kill me. He never apologized for the things he did before that night, either, but…he said, and I quote, 'I owe you now, Sterling, for what you did for my Bailey…my precious baby girl. I know you don't think much of me, but I'm not above sincere gratitude when it's earned. Tell me what it is that you want, and it's yours. I think that's the very least I can do, considering.' And I wanted to laugh, Nick. I did…I wanted to sit there and spit in his face, but…he gave me an opportunity, and I wanted to test him, to see what kind of man he really was, and I said the first thing that came to mind. I told him to prove it…to prove that he was grateful…by making it right. By righting the wrongs and doing what he was able to do to set things to rights again…and to give me his word that I was safe from him. He knows about the pre-nup. I don't know how, or who told him. I don't care, but I know that he knows, and maybe it's just my wishful thinking, but I think maybe that garnered me a smidgeon of respect in his eyes. We'll see," Jeff said quietly.

"So did he agree? Did he say anything about leaving you alone?" Nick asked, wide eyed.

"He didn't agree to that verbally, but he stared straight through my soul for a good sixty seconds, then nodded just once. He has hard eyes, Nick. Not soft and beautiful like yours. You look like him," Jeff huffed out a small laugh. "You really do…I mean, when I first saw the guy I thought 'that's what my husband will look like in 30 years…' and I wasn't disappointed. He's a handsome man…and he fathered the most handsome man I know," Jeff grinned, leaning up to kiss Nick's lips.

"So, just like that, you think he'll leave you alone? You think that he's done with all the torment and threats? You trust him?" Nick asked, unsure. Jeff dropped his eyes and ran his tongue over his top teeth, unsure how much he should say. He didn't want to tell Nick details, but he had to tell him something…enough to ease his mind.

"Nick…when I asked him to leave me alone, he nodded, letting me know he understood, but he had a stipulation, and I agreed to it. I had no choice, baby, and I don't think it was something that…it's not…I mean, it won't really…." Jeff began, several times, but was unable to come up with the right words to finish his thoughts. "You'll just have to trust me. When the time is right, I'll tell you what I agreed to, but until then…you'll just have to trust me. I'm sorry, Nicky."

"You know I trust you. But I don't trust him. This…agreement…you made with him. Is it legal? Will anyone be hurt, Jeff?"

"Oh my God, Nick, no! Absolutely not! Are you insane? You know I wouldn't—"

"I know, I know, I'm sorry. I'm just…I worry, Jeff. You know how I worry about you and he's…unhinged, man. He's a little crazy!"

"I honestly believe that he's seen the error of his ways. I believe this with my whole heart, Nick. And it's all I can do…I can hold on to that and hope."

As Jeff snuffled softly next to him, Nick stared at the ceiling for a long time that night.

---

"Hum-Hummel….Burt Hummel? I…he's here. I got a call from…someone. I don't know…she said her name, I was half asleep and…" Blaine rambled, losing his grip on the strap of his backpack. He was out of breath and not even sure he was in the right place. He was dead tired, cold and wet and ready to just sit down and sleep somewhere for about three days…or four, maybe. The flight wasn't all that long, but the turbulence on the plane kept him from even shutting his eyes for a split second. Blaine was sure he looked somewhere between homeless and half dead.

"Sir, tell me who you're looking for and I'll try to help you," the woman behind the desk said calmly and with an understanding smile. She reminded him of the principal's secretary on Ferris Bueller's Day Off. He could almost hear Ed Rooney growling "Graaaace!"

"Burt Hummel," he repeated. "She called me and said there had been an accident…and he's here."

"And you are?"

"I…I'm…" Blaine began, but he wasn't sure, depending on what he said, if they'd allow him to see Burt. Was it only family? Immediate family? If they'd called him, did that mean-

"Sir?" she prompted again. Blaine was so tired, ready to drop and halfway delirious after the night he'd had.

"I'm Blaine…I'm his…Burt's son…he's my dad," he replied steadily, letting the lie roll smoothly off his tongue without a hitch.

"Ok, Blaine, let's just look here…" she said, clicking buttons on her computer, then she pulled a pencil out of her teased up hair and tapped it on the desk. "Yes, here you are. Mmmhmmmm…contacted Blaine Anderson, it says. Although I thought his son would be a Hummel as well," she said, giving him a slick look that said she wasn't sure she believed a word.

"Married," he lied, holding up his left hand and showing her his ring with a proud smile. "I…" he began, but in his mentally fried state he just let it hang in the air. He didn't want to tell anymore lies.

"Well, married Blaine, Burt Hummel is on the seventh floor, room 712. Go see your…dad…" she winked and sent him off. "Oh, and Blaine?" she called and he turned to see her soft smile again. "I hope Mr. Hummel is ok."

"Thank you…thanks."

Blaine quickly made his way to the elevators and pushed the button to go up. As it turned out, he could only go to the fifth floor on that elevator. He had to exit, find another set of elevators and use those to get to the seventh floor, where they were obviously serving lunch. It was a testament to how long it had been since he'd eaten that the hospital food smelled good to him and he contemplated stealing a covered dish from one of the rolling racks in the hallway. Instead, he approached the nurse's station and asked where 712 was.

"And you are?" the nurse asked him. She was middle aged, had cocoa skin and a bright, questioning smile along with pink scrubs.

"Oh for the love of all that's holy…" Blaine murmured taking a deep breath. "Blaine. Blaine Anderson. I'm here to see my dad, Burt Hummel. They called me, said he'd been in an accident and…" he faltered, frustrated and tired, taking a deep breath again, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.

She pulled a clipboard to the desk in front of her and ran a manicured nail down the list.

"Yep, here you are, Blaine," she said, tapping the list with a smile.

"712 is down this hallway, make a left. It'll be on your right hand side.

"Thank you," Blaine said, picking up his backpack and slinging it over his shoulder as he moved away from the desk.

The call had scared him, so much so that he'd heard "accident" and "unconscious" and pretty much hung up on the woman without hearing another coherent word. He dove out of bed, threw on a pair of jeans he'd grabbed from the floor and picked up the first shirt he found in the closet. His backpack was blessedly empty and he quickly tossed in what he couldn't do without for a couple days…a change of clothes, hair products, toothbrush, etc, and he was out the door hailing a cab as he spoke with Cooper on his cell phone.

"I don't know, Cooper! I…she called and said there had been an accident and he was unconscious and she couldn't reach Carole or Kurt. I know why she can't reach Kurt, and I…I should be there. I mean, Finn's with Carole and…hang on, I'm…" Blaine let out a loud, ear piercing whistle in the street that caused Cooper to yank the phone away from his ear. "Cab, sorry…"

"So you're just gonna run to Ohio in the middle of the night, Blaine?"

"Cooper, I don't even know what happened, and I'll be damned if Kurt comes home to find out something horrible happened and I tell him I sat home waiting on him and didn't make any move at all to be there for his dad! Can you feed Brian or what?

"Ok, alright, B, calm down, you know we will. Listen, I have a zillion frequent flier miles from work I can gift to you, ok. If you fly Delta…."

And that had been that. He'd literally run into the airport and begged for the first one-way flight out to Ohio (who knew how long he'd be there…) and now here he was, standing outside room 712, unsure what he'd find inside and, oh God, what would he tell Kurt. HOW would he tell Kurt if something horrible had happened?

With a deep breath, he knocked on the door, assuming nobody would answer him, but what if there was another patient in the room? When there was no answer, Blaine pushed the door open and moved quietly inside.

Burt looked to be either sound asleep or still unconscious. Blaine wasn't sure how to tell the difference, and he sure as hell wasn't going to go yell in his face to see if he'd wake up. Instead he walked over to the far side of Burt's bed and set his bag down, lowering himself in a chair and he took a minute to look at Burt.

His head was bandaged, gauze wrapped around his skull snuggly and he could see random scratches on Burt's face and forehead. His arm was casted and in a sling, resting against his chest as he lay there, eyes closed, breathing steadily. The good thing, Blaine figured, was that there were no wires or tubes hooked up anywhere.

"Oh…when did you sneak in here?"

Blaine wearily glanced up to see a young man in scrubs at the door with a handful of…stuff. For lack of a better term, it was just…stuff – papers on a clipboard, a stethoscope, a pitcher of water, other things he couldn't identify quickly. He was speaking very softly, so Blaine followed his lead.

"I…I just got here, literally, like three minutes ago. How's…" and he paused, watching his wording, afraid to say the wrong thing again. "How's he doing?"

The nurse gave him a kind smile and looked at the clip board in his hands. "Are you one of his sons?"

"I…yeah…"

"Kurt, Finn or Blaine? I've heard all about all of 'em," he smiled widely. Blaine's heart did a little flip and sped up. Burt talked about his 'sons' and included Blaine.

"I'm Blaine. Kurt and Finn are both out of town…Kurt's out of the country, in Paris actually. Finn's in California with…um…mom," he finished.

"Busy, busy guys. Well, Mr. Hummel's vitals are good, he's not asking for pain meds over and above what we've offered and he's resting, so I think he's doing pretty well. The doctor will be in to see him later this afternoon, I'm sure. He'll have more to say, I'm guessing. He's doing what he needs to do for now…resting. I don't think he's enjoying his stay here much, though," the nurse grinned.

"He's not still unconscious, that's what I was worried about," Blaine said, blowing out a huff of air he'd been holding in, tense without realizing just how much.

"No, he's good. He was when they brought him in, apparently. But he's been awake, chatty, ate some breakfast earlier. Ok, I'm gonna head next door. You just call the number there on the whiteboard if you need me. I'm Brandon. It was certainly nice meeting you, Blaine." And with a wink and a flirty smile Brandon was out the door. Blaine's eyebrows were in his hairline. Was he just…?

He breathed a sigh of relief and sat back, head resting on the chair, as he thought of the hundreds of things that could have happened. The scenarios played through his mind for a few minutes until, without any conscious thought to do so or not, Blaine drifted to sleep sitting up.

He woke much later and slowly opened his eyes. He was in the same chair, but it was turned sideways, no longer facing Burt, and the back of the chair had been reclined so he was laying down now. For a minute he couldn't place where he was, but then it all came flooding back.

"Do I even want to know why you're here?" Burt asked, startling Blaine enough that he jolted in the chair.

"Oh my God…Burt…." Blaine breathed out roughly, a smile replacing the scowl he was sure he wore upon first waking. "They called and said…they said there'd been an accident and I…they couldn't get a hold of Carole or Kurt and my name was next and I…oh my God, you're alright…." Blaine babbled, resting his elbows on his knees and holding his head in his hands as he stared at the floor.

"I'm alright. Damn storm did some damage to the house, though. That's what caused all this nonsense," Burt replied, wincing as he instinctively tried to raise his arm to show the cast.

"How did you end up—" Blaine began, but then shook his head, confused. "Tell me what happened?"

Burt huffed out an annoyed breath and rolled his eyes.

"It's ridiculous, really. Finn rented a car and drove home to Ohio a couple days ago to go to California with Carole. I drove them to the airport in that car and realized on the way home that the stench in the car was the Mexican food leftovers and garbage Finn had left in it. I pulled it into the driveway and left the windows down to air it out."

Blaine listened intently, wondering what Finn's Mexican leftovers could possibly have to do with Burt's injuries as Burt continued the story.

"Well, I forgot about it and when it started to storm last night, I ran out to close the windows. Turns out, the tree on the front lawn picked that particular time to lose a huge branch, and it fell against the corner of the house and then on the damn car…with me standing next to it as I got out." Burt rolled his eyes again and just looked annoyed at the whole thing.

"Burt, you could have been killed!" Blaine hissed, eyes wide.

"Probably, but I wasn't. Not my time, kid. I have too much left to do. Still, I guess the thing bumped me in the head and knocked me down. They tell me my neighbor heard the branch crash against the house and came outside only to find me in the driveway, knocked out. I suppose I'm thankful for that. I'm worried about the house, though. I need to get the heck outta here and go home to see if there's any real damage to the house, ya know? And I'll need to call the insurance company about the car. I can't be sittin' in here all day. I have a shop to open tomorrow—"

"Mr. Hummel, I believe we've discussed that," the doctor said as he walked into Burt's room, his face clearly showing his frustration as he shook his head at Burt with a small grin. "I firmly believe you need a few days of rest, either here or at home, but going back to work is out of the question. Hi, I'm Dr. Maloney," the man said, reaching over the bed to shake Blaine's hand.

"Blaine Anderson, good to meet you, sir."

"Burt, you asked me not to contact your wife, and your son, Kurt, isn't answering his phone—"

"Kurt's on his way to Paris…he should be there by now. He's not coming back for this mess. I'll be fine at home by myself. I'm a big boy, Doc. And don't call Carole. She's looking forward to this trip and she'll come rushing back in a panic if you call her."

"Then I think it's best that you stay here, Mr. Hummel. I'm not comfortable sending you home alone with a bump on the head like you've got. It's not uncommon for you to suffer dizzy spells, headaches, nausea, etc, from a concussion, which you most certainly have. Now we can wait a day or two to contact Mrs. Hummel so you can go home, but until then—"

"No, Doc, I really need to get out of here. I'm going stir crazy layin' in this bed. I'm not sleepin' and we both know that's not good for a body, don't we? So just sign me out and I'll head on home. I'm sure I'll be fine," Burt argued.

"Mr. Hummel, I can't allow—"

"I'm here. I'll stay with him, if he wants to go home. I know he doesn't want to be here," Blaine smiled.

"Mr. Anderson, correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I understand you live out of town. Are you willing to stay with Mr. Hummel until his wife is home again?"

"When's Carole due back, Burt?"

"Today's Monday. She's comin' back on Thursday. Listen Blaine, you don't have to babysit me. This is ridiculous—"

"It's all settled then. I'll stay until Carole gets home and you can go home. You won't have to lay here in misery," Blaine smiled. Burt rolled his eyes again.

"If that's the only way I get to go home, then I guess I'll do that," Burt grumbled.

"Careful, Burt. You keep that up and I'll be forced to think you don't enjoy my company," Blaine joked.

"And you'd be wrong, Anderson," Burt grinned, side eyeing him. "Just because I don't wanna be babysat doesn't mean I don't want you around, kid."

"Well, let me take a look at you, Mr. Hu—"

"Burt…can we stick with Burt, Doc?"

"Burt…let me look at you and see where we go from here, shall we?"

---

"Hey, Kurt, what's up?"

"Cooper…can you hear me?"

"I can hear you just fine, man, how are you? How's Paris?"

"It's…it's great, really, a little drizzly today, but other than that…. Listen, I've been trying to get a hold of Blaine all night…well, morning, really. He's not answering his phone and / or calling me back and it's got me a little worried. I suppose I shouldn't. He's probably sleeping and I'm being overly weird, but I tried to call my dad to tell him I'd arrived and he's not answering either and hasn't called me back. I'm getting a complex, here, Coop."

"Oh…uh…yeah, he…. I'm sure Blaine's just…sleeping?" Cooper said, unsure what Blaine wanted him to tell Kurt. He hadn't heard from Blaine either, and had tried to call as well, but Blaine hadn't answered or called him back either.

"I heard some movement up there earlier…I mean, last night, you know…we had a helluva storm blow through here…you know, through the Ohio valley and up into New York. Both kids up all night in our bed and all that. I bet he just didn't sleep last night and he's catching a few zzz's this afternoon. Could be that phone service is down with your dad…who knows? Don't worry too much, ok?"

"You're right. I'm just so far from home and I worry about my dad, ya know? Not that I'm not worried about Blaine, but you guys are right there if he should need anything. Carole's out of town and Finn's with her, so my dad is home alone. Lord only knows what kinda trouble he could get into, "Kurt laughed.

"Burt's fine, I'm sure," Cooper said, grimacing at his words. He still had no idea what was wrong with Burt, and he hoped he wasn't telling Kurt a bold face lie.

"Ok, well, if you see Blaine would you have him get in touch with me somehow? I'd appreciate it, Coop. Are you guys all ok?"

"We're great, Kurt. If I see him or hear from him I'll tell him to get in touch with you. Be safe, bro. Get back here in one piece, alright?"

"Will do, Coop. Love you guys."

"We love you, too, Uncle Kurt," Cooper snickered. "Have a good time!" With that, he disconnected the call and tried to call Blaine again without success.

---

As it turned out, it wasn't so hard at all to find out things about Cooper Anderson, and by extension, his family and those close to him…Maggie and kids included. Robert, which is the name he'd gone by with Cooper Anderson, flitted his fingers over the keys of his laptop in his hotel room not far from the address where he knew he'd find the lovely new couple. Facebook was always a wealth of information, and while Maggie's was set to private (and they weren't friends), Cooper's was an open book….a book full of photographs and comments about "his kids" and his wife. There was absolutely no doubt that Cooper adored those kids, and who could blame him? They were beautiful, all bright, shining smiles and laughter. Cooper shared photos of Mattie's pictures that he'd drawn as well as photos of the two of them hitting a whiffle ball in the park. He shared photos of Evee's perfect grade on her spelling test and her book report, as well as the two of them at the park on the swings.

There were many family photos, too. The kids were obviously smitten with one "Cris B. Anderson", a petite little woman with dark hair, bright eyes and a smile that could blind you. Cris was tagged in quite a few photos. She was also free with her page, sharing photos of herself and Evee at a lovely little tea room, both of them wearing large, frilly hats and lovely spring dresses. He nearly laughed out loud at the photo someone snapped of the older woman with Mattie on her lap as they played Xbox, Mattie looking focused and fierce and Cris looking bewildered and lost…yet determined. Her comments regarding "her grandchildren" were nothing but complimentary and loving.

He'd also checked out Blaine Anderson, most of his photos of himself with a handsome man by his side, both always smiling and laughing and seemed to be good spirited individuals. Blaine posted lots of selfies, many of which were clearly from some sort of bar where he obviously played piano. Most of those contained merely an eyeball or an ear with a huge smile and his bandmates or bar patrons behind him having a great time. A few selfies of Blaine and…well, clearly that was "Kurt"…were thrown in there as well, but Robert concentrated on the photos of the two men with the kids.

They clearly loved their "uncles" who took them sledding, shopping and just out and about in the city sometimes. He laughed heartily at a photo of Mattie with his "Uncle Kurt" where both of them had huge slices of pizza shoved into their mouths with wide eyes and huge smiles. Then again, at a photo of Kurt with Evee where she held up the most stunning little dress he'd ever seen, the caption reading "An original Kurt Hummel Design, just for me! The first of many, I'm sure!" on Blaine's page. They had quite the little family here, it seemed, and Robert had to contemplate what he thought of that.

And maybe lying to Cooper and his brother Blaine about his name wasn't a great plan, but he'd come to New York without much of one. The extent of his plans had been simple: Come to New York City, check out Cooper Anderson by any means possible, make a decision, get in touch with Maggie. Period.

Well, now he was in the city and following Cooper around as discretely as possible. He figured he could learn a lot by how Mr. Anderson spoke to people around him…and by asking a few questions here and there.

The girl at the coffee shop he frequented every morning was used to seeing Robert by the third day. He'd been playing moony eyed over Cooper each day, making sure to arrive before he did, sit well out of the way, then hang back and stare, obviously and giddily for the benefit of the baristas, as Cooper picked up his morning drink and breakfast before heading out to work. If he led the young lady to believe he was crushing on the senior Anderson brother, well, nobody was hurt in that little exchange of misinformation.

"He is divine, isn't he?" Robert asked her with his best coy smile as he approached the counter for a refill as Cooper walked out the door.

"Who? Oh! Mr. Anderson. Yes…well, we've all harbored some sort of crush on him at one time or another," she grinned. "Some of us more than others," she continued, turning to give a pointed look at her co-worker who was still staring out the large, plate glass windows at the lawyer in question. The girl blushed and threw a wadded up napkin at her friend, then went back to wiping the counter down.

"So is he available or…?" Robert asked.

"Oh, no, I don't think so. I mean, he's recently married if the ring on his finger means anything, and I'm sure that it does. He talks about his wife and kids as if they're the very best thing in the whole, wide world. I've never met them and I'm convinced that they are," she grinned. "His wife must be some sort of magical angel, to hear him talk about her, and the kids…perfect little bits of heaven. I've taken to asking him all sort of personal questions just to hear his voice when he answers, and he's never short on praise for the little ones. Clearly they're the smartest, kindest little beasts around," she laughed. "Never seen a guy so into his kids before, really."

"Oh, so they're his kids?"

"Huh, you know, I never thought about that, I just assumed. But ever since he's been coming in he's talked about them. He's only been a customer for maybe six months, though. I figured they just moved to the neighborhood, or maybe that he recently got a job around here or something. But I've gotta say, if they aren't his, they're the luckiest kids alive, because most step fathers don't gush about someone else's children the way he does."

At that point, the door opened and a few customers walked in together, laughing and talking and Robert took this as his cue to smile politely, tell her it was a pity that Mr. Anderson didn't play for "his team", and saunter out the door not feeling great about lying to the girl, but not feeling badly either.

Getting to the man at work was a different story altogether. Cooper worked in a high-rise building with three dozen floors. The firm he worked for was on the 20th floor, and the elevators opened to a long hallway with floor to ceiling glass walls, behind which was the law firm and the workplace of one Cooper J. Anderson. He was eternally grateful that he found it fairly easy to get into the building where Cooper worked, and although he wasn't bold enough to actually go into the office itself, it was clear who Cooper's administrative assistant was. When said co-worker and a few paralegals went out to lunch, Robert was there to swoop in and ask questions as discretely as possible. A quick search online found a couple of cases where Cooper was mentioned, having won handedly, it seemed, and throwing around the name of one of his clients, as if the man were a friend, wasn't beneath him.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear you…" he began, addressing the few staff members from the law office as they ate lunch. He then went into a long diatribe about being referred to an attorney in the area, but said man turned out to be of rather poor character. Had he been mistaken in assuming they were discussing… And so it began, their discussion of the attorneys in their office and how they had the utmost respect for each of them, some more than others, and yes, Cooper Anderson was, in fact, employed there, and yes, they recalled the Reynolds case, and how was Robert acquainted with Mr. Reynolds again?

From there, it was nothing but a glowing recommendation on Cooper's character. Yes, as a matter of fact he was recently married and wasn't Maggie a doll? And her kids…just angels. Cooper couldn't say enough about 'em.

It was then that everyone but one paralegal, who'd come in later than everyone else, got up to leave and head back to work. Robert thanked them for their time and wished them a good day, promising they'd hear from him soon regarding his need for an attorney.

"So tell me honestly… Mr. Anderson…he's a good man? A stand up guy?" Robert asked. The young woman before him hesitated and then looked down at the table with a smile, albeit a rather painful one. Yes…this one had been spurned, he was sure of it. Her body language spoke volumes.

"You won't find a man with more integrity than Cooper Anderson, in both his work and his private life. I have worked with him for the better part of eight years, and in all that time I have never seen him even contemplate anything unethical with regards to his work…ever. He's top notch, and you'd be a fool to hire anyone else," she said flatly.

"Be that as it may, a person's work life isn't always reflected in their actions outside the office—" Robert began. She hesitated, a bit too long, maybe, but Robert wasn't going to push. He found the old saying 'you catch more flies with honey than vinegar' was spot on.

"Can I refill your drink? I'm heading up that way and I'm happy to do it," he smiled. She removed the lid from her cup and seeing that it was three quarters of the way full, she shook her head and watched him walk away to fill his own. When he returned, she spoke before he'd barely sat down.

"At the risk of saying too much, I'll tell you flat out that Cooper was a player. He had more girls on speed dial than Hugh Hefner and he didn't need to do a thing to have them come running. But then Cooper met his wife and all of that came to a grinding halt, much to the chagrin of many, because Cooper was a generous man, mark my words. His wife, Maggie, must be some sort of miracle-worker-slash-angel, because she has him wrapped around her little finger. They're good together," she smiled fondly. "It's clear that he's head over heels in love with her, and her kids…he never shuts up about them. He was a workaholic, to some degree, always staying late and not much of a social life outside of a quick hook up after work or on the weekend. Now he can't wait to get home to them and I've never seen him happier. They call him every day when they get home from school and it doesn't matter what he's doing, he stops and listens to every word, asking how tests went or when was practice, etc. He's the real deal. You can't go wrong with Cooper. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work," she said shortly.

"One last thing?" he asked. She turned back briefly, impatient.

"Were you one of Cooper's…friends?"

"A very good friend, for a long time, yes."

"And now?"

"He let me down easy…and won't give me a second look now. I could walk into the office stark naked and wouldn't even be on his radar." With that, she turned and walked out and Robert knew what needed to be done.

---

They'd released Burt late Monday evening and Blaine had called them a cab to head home to the Hummel abode. He'd never been there, so it was a fun surprise to see the house when the cab dropped them out front. Blaine grabbed his backpack and a few prescriptions they'd had filled at the hospital pharmacy for Burt, and they headed inside.

"Well, this is home," Burt said, flipping on a light switch in the hallway just outside the living room. Blaine immediately knew he wanted to see every inch of Kurt's home before he left, and he just hoped he didn't freak Burt out with his enthusiasm over things his father-in-law-to-be probably considered mundane. "I'm sure it's nothing like your childhood home if what Kurt told me is accurate," Burt grinned.

"No…it's not, really. It's so much better…" Blaine smiled, running his finger over a frame on the wall in the living room. "Oh my God, he looks so much like her…" Blaine breathed out. There, in black and white under his fingers, was a framed photograph of Kurt and a woman who could only be his mother, Elizabeth. He looked up to see Burt smiling fondly.

"He does…spittin' image of his mom," Burt replied, eyeing the photo as well. "He loved her without reservation and he was her entire world."

Blaine watched Burt stare fondly at the photo as Blaine took in the others hanging on the wall. They showed a progression of sorts…Burt and Elizabeth's wedding day, then surprisingly, Carole and a man who was obviously not Burt, also in wedding attire.

"Finn's dad?" Blaine asked, eyeing the photo, then Burt.

"Yep, his name was Christopher. He died when Finn was two. Sad, really. I feel like Kurt at least had a chance to know his mother, where Finn really didn't know his dad. He doesn't remember him at all, obviously. Losing a parent brought them together, though, I think. When Carole and I first started dating, Kurt and Finn didn't get along very well. I mean, look at 'em, they're polar opposites, right?" Burt laughed. "But, it didn't take long before they decided to give one another a chance, and when Finn and Rachel started dating, Finn was forced into Kurt's life just that much more, with Rachel being Kurt's best friend and all. It's turned out better than I could have ever hoped, really."

Blaine continued to check out the photographs lining the wall – Kurt on a bicycle, Kurt and Burt having a tea party in the yard, Burt under the hood of an old Chevy and Kurt sitting beside him cleaning the tools as Burt handed them out to him. The last one made him laugh out loud. Burt just rolled his eyes. He stared at a whole line of photos telling the story of Kurt's life before he got to one that had obviously been just recently placed in a spot at the end of the line. It was from Christmas, all of them smiling widely as they huddled closely together around the dinner table. Blaine's soft smile was for Kurt, the love of his life, snuggled in on Blaine's left side while Cooper occupied the spot on the right. Kurt looked unbelievably happy and Cooper just as much. It was a day he'd never forget and always treasure…his family together on the happiest day of the year.

"He's been gone two days and I miss him so much I ache…" Blaine said, not having planned to say the words, but there it was.

"He has that effect on people," Burt replied, lost in his own memories. "Kurt was the kind of kid whose teachers from the previous grade would call to check on him over the summer because they missed his daily shy smiles, ya know? Except that one teacher his junior year called for fashion advice all the time, even after he'd graduated. I wonder if she still does?" Burt wondered aloud.

"Mrs. Schuster? Yeah, she calls now and then…sends him emails with photos of things she likes wondering if 'this will work with her coloring?'" Blaine grinned. The photos told a story of Kurt's life, from a very young, chubby faced Kurt to a grown man who Burt was obviously so proud of. Blaine was entranced. A knock on the door startled them both and they turned to look toward the foyer. Burt approached the door and yanked it open, revealing a large, burly man and a young kid, maybe fifteen or sixteen years old.

"I thought I saw you come back!" the guy bellowed with a happy grin.

"Yeah, yeah, my son-in-law came into town and sprung me from that place, thank goodness," Burt said, jovially. The man and his son both chuckled. Blaine's heart soared.

"Ya look good, but I gotta tell ya, I know Kurt wouldn't approve of that 'accessory' you've got goin' on up there, Burt," the older of the two men on the front stoop joked, motioning to the bandage wrapped around Burt's head. "I can hear him 'tsk-ing' as we speak and rolling his eyes, too."

"You're probably right. But it'll be gone long before Kurt hears about it."

"You didn't tell him!?"

"Nah, he's in Paris. Not bringin' the kid home from his dream trip just because his ol' man bumped his head," Burt replied. Kurt was going to be so upset with him, but he'd deal with that when the kid got back and not until then.

"It's your funeral…" the guy joked. Blaine just stood behind Burt in the hallway saying nothing, but listening in on their conversation. It wasn't as if Burt didn't realize he was there, after all. But it didn't take long for Burt to see the teenager's curious glances behind him.

"Oh, geez, where are my manners. Sorry, hey…this is Blaine," Burt said, turning toward his soon-to-be son-in-law and beckoning him forward. Blaine approached the two with his trademark megawatt grin. "Blaine, this is Bob Husman and his son, Justin. They live next door. From what I gather, it's their fault you're not splitting up my insurance money right about now…" Burt joked.

"Awww, wasn't that bad, was it?" Bob laughed. "Bump on the head, broken arm…could've been a lot worse, right? How long are you laid up, though?"

"Cast stays on for at least three weeks. It's only a hairline fracture, but he doesn't want to risk anything by not casting it. Doc says I use my arm too much to hold my weight when I'm leaning over cars to 'not do it up right'…or so he says. We'll see. Chances are I'll get fed up with it long before three weeks and take a Sawzall to it!" Burt grumbled, laughing good-naturedly.

"I heard that, and as your appointed caretaker—" Blaine began before Burt gave him the snake eye. Blaine stopped talking and rolled his eyes.

"Good to meet you, Blaine. I think you'll be good for this guy. It's not often anybody tells him he can't do something and he listens. Good luck with that. But listen, Burt. I know it's dark and you can't see it, but Justin and me, we stuck some plastic up over the roof and weighted it down. Hasn't rained since Sunday late, so hopefully you won't have too much moisture inside, but there are a couple o' places you can see have been damaged. You get in touch with your insurance agent on that, yet?" Bob asked.

"Called her before we left the hospital while I was waiting half my life for discharge papers. She'll be around tomorrow morning, hopefully early enough that I can get into the shop and get a look around."

Blaine just shook his head and rolled his eyes again and Bob had to hold back a laugh.

"Well, I'll tell you what, Burt. You need anything…anything at all…and you come get Justin and me. We'll help you guys do what needs to be done, ya hear? Just wanted to be sure you were home and settled in and not by yourself. OH!" he added, having forgotten half of what he'd come over for. He handed a casserole dish over to Blaine. "Sandy made a big ol' batch of chicken and dumplings for dinner. She was gonna freeze the second half, but when she saw you come home, she sent me over. It's still warm and damn if it ain't the best thing you ever ate, mark my words!"

Blaine had to keep himself from licking the Pyrex dish and he was sure he was drooling at the thought of real food after having eaten nothing but vending machine stuff for the majority of the past 24 hours. Burt thanked them and they headed back home, leaving Burt and Blaine to fight over the dinner the men had brought…and it was well worth the fight.

"So I don't mean to be a bad host, Blaine, but I'm dead tired and I'm heading to bed. I'd say sleep in Kurt's room, but I don't know if you'll be comfortable in there since Kurt's room took most of the damage from the limb. I hope like hell none of his stuff is damaged or all hell's gonna break loose, and you know I'm right," Burt huffed. He didn't relish the thought of telling Kurt that his closet might have sustained water damage. He'd have to move the stuff away from where the house was hit and hope for the best.

"It's no trouble, Burt. 'S long as the bed's dry I'll be fine…" Blaine offered, breaking off on a long yawn at the end. Burt laughed at him.

"Looks like it's been a long day for both of us, eh?"

"Yeah…I'm beat, myself. I need to—" Blaine began before a look of utter horror crossed his face. He yanked his backpack open and dug through it for his cell phone, frantically pushing buttons and unlocking it only to find way too many missed calls from Kurt. "Oh God…oh my God he's gonna kill me!" Blaine muttered in horror.

"Who's gonna kill you?"

"Kurt…oh my God. I was so uptight and in a hurry to just get here from the airport I never turned my phone back on when we landed! Oh my GOD, how have I had my phone turned off for twelve hours and not realized it!?"

"Come to think of it, mine's around here somewhere. I'm sure he's called here, too. Look, Blaine, I don't want to tell Kurt about the accident while he's gone. I'll tell him everything when he gets back, but let's keep this to ourselves for now, ok?" Burt asked, sincere in his quest to keep Kurt in the dark for the time being.

"Burt, he's gonna wanna know why I'm not home, though…"

"Make something up. Why does he have to know you're not home?"

Blaine thought on that for a moment, not wanting to lie to Kurt, but also thinking it wasn't a horrible idea to stretch the truth in order to allow Kurt to have a good time on his trip and not make him worry. Because, face it, he knew if there was something Kurt was outstanding at, it was worrying. No, he'd keep quiet and figure things out later.

"I'll keep it quiet as long as I can, Burt. And if it's all the same to you, I'm gonna head up to bed right after I give Kurt a call and make up some insane story as to why I didn't answer my phone for a lifetime."

"Let me know when you're done talking to him and I'll call him back shortly after, ok?"

"Sounds good, Burt." Blaine headed up the stairs after a nod in Burt's direction, feeling strangely as if he should hug him goodnight, but also knowing he'd feel a bit odd doing so. In the end, he settled for telling Burt not to hesitate for even a second to call if he needed him. Burt reluctantly agreed and they both went their separate ways.

"Ok, Burt, the doc says you can't go to the garage, but I can already tell that's not an opinion you're keen on, so humor me, let's grab some lunch and I'll drive you over afterward?" Blaine offered. "But you have to promise me you'll take it easy, ok? Kurt will kill me if you over-do it and end up back in the hospital or something."

"I knew I liked you for a reason, Anderson. I know the guys at the shop will hold down the fort until I get back. I trust them, I do, but it's my shop and I need to know what's going on. A little look-see won't hurt anything."

"I tend to agree, but the doctor said you needed to rest. You probably shouldn't have removed the bandages on your head, either, you know?" Blaine asked, shaking his head at Burt.

"Not walking around lookin' like some kinda head case, Blaine. They put stitches in, I have that ointment on it, it'll be fine. I already stick out like a sore thumb with this damn cast on…" Burt grumbled.

"Yeah? Well, you're gonna have more than just a sore thumb if you get dizzy and fall or something," Blaine harassed Burt. The older man just rolled his eyes and walked back into the house.

The insurance associate had arrived and assessed the damage, promising to get in touch with a licensed contractor in order to have the repairs made on the house. They were predicting rain again by the middle of the following week and Burt was adamant with her that someone get out there and get working on the damage as soon as possible. If the weather was going to be bad, there was no time to waste. The tow truck had come to get the damaged car out of the driveway as well, and Blaine had swept up the glass from the busted window that was all over the driveway.

"Can I be straight with you, Blaine?" Burt asked, quite serious and it put Blaine off for a moment, wondering what the man was thinking.

"Of course…"

"Carole left me a heap of precooked meals and deli meats so I wouldn't starve, but if I'm being honest, and believe me, I am, I want a cheeseburger and I'm fairly sure you wouldn't say no to one, either, am I right?" Burt grinned mischievously and Blaine just hung his head, already defeated.

"You're going to get me in SO much trouble, Burt…." He said with mock dejection.

"What they don't know won't hurt 'em!" Burt laughed, then grabbed his keys from the console by the door. Blaine followed him outside.

"Ok, we'll get cheeseburgers, but you have to promise me in return that tomorrow morning we'll wake up early and walk a couple miles before work to make up for it?" Blaine bargained.

"Before work?!" Burt grimaced, but he agreed in the end.

"Uh…I don't want to overstep here but…should you be driving with your arm in a sling like that? I'm happy to drive, you know. It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure I can still handle it."

Burt gave his truck a glance, then looked back at Blaine, uncertain. He took a deep breath, tilted his head as he studied Blaine and then let the breath out long and steady as he adjusted his ball cap.

"I just bought this truck, Blaine. I had to move heaven and hell to find this particular truck, with these options, in this color. I've wanted it for a long time, and I was finally able to financially make it happen. I love this truck, Blaine. Do you understand what I'm saying to you, kid?" Burt was stern, but Blaine saw the slight lift of the corners of his mouth.

"I think I do, Burt. I promise I'll be just as careful with your truck as I am with your son…how's that?" he grinned. Burt just grinned back, hesitated, then handed Blaine the keys before hauling himself up into the passenger side of the truck using only one hand. Blaine felt as if he'd have done better with a stepladder, himself, but he managed to climb in to the large truck safely, only cringing a little because of his sprained wrist. Unfortunately, Burt noticed.

"Something wrong with your arm, Anderson?"

"Oh, uh…no, it's fine. I just sprained it last week, which is why I'm not working and was able to come here straight away when the hospital called."

"I wasn't aware you could play the piano hard enough to sprain your wrist. Who knew?" Burt teased. Blaine rolled his eyes and let out a huffed laugh. "You gonna leave me hangin' or you gonna tell me what happened to your arm?" Burt finally asked straight out. Blaine blanched, not wanting to tell him but he finally gave in.

"Uh…Kurt was cooking dinner and we realized we were out of taco shells, so I ran down to a little bodega a couple of blocks over to get some. At the end of our block I realized I'd forgotten my wallet and turned back, only to find Kurt in the kitchen dancing like a wild man to One Direction. He wasn't too thrilled with me catching him, I suppose, and he picked up the first thing he could get his hands on and threw it at me," Blaine grinned, rolling his eyes as he recalled the event.

"And you hurt your wrist catching it…whatever he threw?"

"Uh…no…not really. I hurt my wrist when the orange he threw at me beaned me in the forehead and I fell backwards down the stairs…" Blaine mumbled, trailing off at the end, hoping Burt wouldn't hear him.

"He WHAT?!" Burt gaped, horrified. "Are you kiddin' me?!" Burt exclaimed, eyes wide. Blaine just scrunched up his face and shook his head 'no'.

"I'm gonna have to have a talk with that boy! What was he thinking!?"

"It's ok, Burt…I'm fine, really. No worries. There's just a twinge of pain now and again, I promise. I don't want him to feel badly about it. I did sneak up on him, after all. But you should have seen him shaking his butt and singing at the top of his lungs…it was so cute. I wish I had video of it."

Burt let out an exasperated huff and shook his head in frustration. "Let's just get going. The sooner we get to lunch the sooner my stomach will stop yellin' at me and we can get to the shop."

After carefully adjusting his mirrors and checking behind him, Blaine began to back out slowly. His mind, then, went to devious places and he figured he'd raz Burt a little the way the man loved to do to him. He suddenly gasped loudly and slammed on the brakes at the end of the driveway, as if barely avoiding hitting something. Burt quickly grabbed the door handle, looked around, absolutely startled and concerned, then turned to Blaine only to see the boy trying his damnedest not to burst out laughing.

"Smart ass kid…." Burt mumbled, shaking his head with a grin. "…gonna have to have a talk with my boy about his choice of companions…."

"I'm sorry…I…I had to…" Blaine said, then finally lost his ability to hold the guffaws in anymore. His father-in-law-to-be side-eyed him, still shaking his head.

Truthfully, Burt was glad to see his soon to be son in law loosening up a little bit around him. He reached up and turned on the radio, finding the station he wanted, then settled back in his seat quietly, still trying to hide his grin, just listening for a few minutes before speaking again.

"So was Kurt mad at you last night?" Burt asked.

"Not mad, just worried. Enough so, apparently, that he'd already called Cooper to see if things were ok. Coop told him about the storm and everything and said I was probably just trying to catch up on the sleep I hadn't been able to get the night before. I made sure to ask lots of questions about Paris and distracted him, so it was all good in the end. What about you?"

"Told him I'd lost my phone. And there is absolutely no reason for him not to believe that, because it's happened too many times for me to count," Burt laughed. "I know you don't like hiding things from him, Blaine, and I promise I'll be the one to explain if you want me to. I just don't want him to worry, and I know if we tell him now he'll worry like crazy and it'll ruin his trip. He's been through so much crap in his life…I just can't let something small like this ruin his trip to Paris. Turn left up here. Thank you for not telling him what's going on," Burt said as they drove through town. Blaine just nodded and bit his bottom lip. He did hate lying to Kurt, but he also didn't want to upset Burt, and he knew – or fervently hoped – that once he explained things, that Kurt would understand.

They had burgers and fries for lunch, and Blaine literally looked the other way and put his fingers in his ears when Burt ordered a milkshake to go.

When they pulled up to Hummel Tire & Lube, Blaine couldn't help the grin that overtook his face. He'd heard Kurt speak of Burt's shop so many times he felt like it was somewhere he, himself, should know, intimately. But here he was, getting a good look at it for the first time and he felt like a kid in a candy store.

The guys who worked with Burt saw the truck in the lot and all came out to greet their boss, concerned when they saw the sling, then the stitches in his head, and even more so when Burt told them what had happened. They eyed Blaine, unsure who the new kid was, but they didn't have to wait long before Burt introduced him and Blaine was welcomed with open arms.

"You know anything about cars, kid?" one of the guys asked.

"I know you have to put gas in it to make it go?" Blaine replied, looking absolutely clueless. All of Burt's employees turned to look at Burt, then each other, then back to Blaine who couldn't hold in his snickering anymore. "I'm kidding! Seriously, I know a little...how can I help out today while we're here?" That seemed to ease their minds as they all strode into the open bays where cars awaited them, up on lifts or with hoods up, and where tools were scattered about, set down when the men abandoned them upon Burt's arrival.

Burt shooed Blaine away when he hovered over him in the office too long, telling Blaine to go find something to keep him busy. Blaine did just that. He wandered out into the work area and found "Jim", or so his embroidered name patch said, and asked how he could be of assistance.

"Oh, hey…if you plan on working you should grab some coveralls from the back, Blaine. Grease is hard to get out of your clothes, man, and that's a nice shirt," Jim told him, pointing to a door that led to a back room and a row of clean coveralls hanging in a break room. Blaine found a pair that was only slightly too big and slipped them on. He removed the polo he'd been wearing, leaving only his white undershirt and jeans under the coveralls. He rolled up the cuffs of the pants and the sleeves as well, and was glad there was no mirror in which to check himself out. He was certain he looked like a kid wearing his dad's clothing.

Blaine kept himself busy all afternoon. He did an oil change, assisted with a brake job and then helped put new tires on a Toyota. He got to know Jim, Kevin and Fred and they treated him like he'd been there for years, joking and cutting up with him as they would with each other. He felt right at home and knew immediately why Kurt always spoke of this place fondly.

"So tell me about yourself, Blaine. Where ya from?" Kevin asked as they finished up with the tires. "You from the Big Apple?

"Oh, no, I'm actually from Westerville, about two hours from here," Blaine replied. "But my whole family, as well as my best friend, moved to New York now and I really love it there. And, of course, Kurt's there," he smiled.

"Yeah, Kurt's a good kid. We miss him around here, ya know? I know Burt misses him, too, but he knows the city is better for him. He had some bad stuff happen here, Kurt did…" Jim trailed off, side eyeing Blaine, unsure how much to say. Blaine just nodded, indicating he knew all about it.

"He's stronger than people think. I think…no, I know, he's healing. He's not the man I met a year ago. He's come a long way in terms of dealing with his demons and he's happy now…happier than he was, anyway. I know he makes me incredibly happy," Blaine said, offering a stunning smile. "Our life together is full…never a dull moment, ya know?" Jim offered him a closed mouth smile and thumped his meaty hand down on Blaine's shoulder.

"I can see where someone like you would be good for him, Blaine. I'm glad he has you. Take good care o' that boy, will ya? He's kind of…'ours', if you will. Kurt would come in here after school looking like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He looked scared all the time…frail. Then he grew up some, went off to college and things got a little better. He gained some confidence when he met people like himself. Then he met that psycho who nearly done him in…" Jim said, shaking his head, clearly struggling with memories of Kurt's past. "Wanted to kill that son of a bitch, myself, but the law handled it…for the most part. Wouldn't have let him out, if you asked me. Didn't deserve to be in polite society, that guy."

It was instantly clear to Blaine how much of a family this was. These men who worked for Burt were part of Kurt's family, and they cared for him deeply. Blaine wasn't sure how much they knew of Jackson and his demise in New York City, so he said nothing and went about his business.

He felt his phone buzz in his pocket and grabbed it with greasy hands, not thinking. "Shit…" he mumbled.

"Somethin' wrong?"

"No, I don't think so. It's Kurt. Burt doesn't want me to tell him what happened until he gets back. I should grab this. Be right back…"

"Take your time, kid."

Blaine sauntered away, out of the bay, and into the parking lot. He didn't want to chance Kurt overhearing anyone and recognizing a voice.

"Hi baby," he said, his smile evident in his voice.

"Oh, good, I'm glad I got you. I forgot to tell you last night…Brian has a vet appointment scheduled tomorrow. Will you be able to take him? I know you and Jeff are busy and all that, but I've waited almost two months to get in to see this guy and he's supposed to be the best with cat allergies, which is why they think Brian keeps on scratching that spot raw on his neck…"

Kurt rambled on and Blaine panicked, unsure what to say. He knew Cooper would kill him if Blaine asked them to take the cat to the vet, but he didn't want to outright refuse and lose the appointment Kurt had waited so long for. So, he decided to wing it. If nothing else, he'd get in touch with the vet and plead with the man to reschedule quickly and hope that Kurt didn't get upset.

"I'll uh…yeah, can you text me the address and phone number and all that? What time is the appointment?" Blaine asked. Kurt agreed to do so and they talked for a few more minutes. Kurt was clearly in his element and having the time of his life. Blaine had a second to be a bit jealous but he didn't hold on to it. Kurt deserved this and it was his dream.

It was at that moment that Kevin put the last tire on, using the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts. The noise it made was so distinctive that Blaine immediately cringed and turned, eyes wide with panic as he gave Kevin the stink eye, but the man was behind the car and didn't even see Blaine's panicked face.

"What is that? Sounds like—"

"Walking…I'm uh…I'm walking…past a tire shop. Just grabbed some lunch with Jeff and we're walking back to school and…."

"Oh," Kurt laughed. "I'd know that sound in my sleep! I actually miss it sometimes…"

"I'm sure you do—" Blaine began, just as Kevin put another lug nut on the tire. "Oh God…" Blaine said quietly to himself. "Listen, Kurt, I'm about to go down to catch a train, I'll lose you down there so…I'll talk to you soon? I hope you guys are having the best time and I miss you…and love you…" Blaine said, and he really, truly meant every word.

"I miss you, too, B. Paris is great and all, but being in New York with you is better any day. I'll talk to you soon, ok? Look for my text with the vet's info. Love you!" Kurt said happily, then disconnected.

"Oh my God…" Blaine huffed out, head hung as he stuffed the phone back in the pocked of the coveralls.

"Trouble in paradise?" Burt said from just behind him, making Blaine jump a foot.

"No! Oh, Burt, you scared me. That was Kurt. I walked outside and wouldn't you know it, he heard the torque wrench and immediately asked about it. I may have panicked a bit…but I think I recovered ok."

Burt just shook his head and grinned. "Don't worry about it, kid. He's having way too much fun over there to worry about us."

Blaine went back to helping out inside and Burt went back to his office to mess with some paperwork that had been stacking up. At the end of the day they locked up and headed home together. Blaine dropped Burt off and then took his truck to the local mall to pick up some clothes. He'd only shoved enough in his backpack for an extra day and he was running low on the essentials.

When he got home, Burt had warmed up a casserole Carole left in the fridge and they had dinner while they happily watched ESPN together for a couple of hours. It wouldn't come as any surprise to Kurt to hear later on that they were both endlessly chatting about players, coaches and teams until they were blue in the face. Blaine had never been so immediately comfortable with anyone except Kurt in his whole life. He truly enjoyed Burt's company and he was pretty sure Burt was enjoying Blaine being there as well.

On Tuesday night Carole called and, without thinking, Blaine nearly grabbed the house phone from the table and answered it. At the last minute, even after clicking the button to answer, he paused, horrified that he'd nearly just said "hello" and almost threw the phone at Burt who could barely stifle his guffaws. When Burt finally hung up, the two of them laughed far longer than was necessary over it.

As it turned out, Carole and Finn, who were supposed to be home Thursday, had called to see if there was any reason they couldn't stay until Friday, as there was another seminar scheduled that Carole hadn't signed up for early enough, but a space had opened up and she was clearly psyched to stay for it. Finn, who was spending much of his time at the local beach, wasn't arguing with her.

Burt assured Blaine that he'd be ok by himself for a day, but Blaine wasn't hearing any of it. He wasn't leaving Burt alone, especially not until his doctor gave the all clear.

Blaine was surprised to hear from Kurt, who was asking him to Skype that evening for a few minutes, but Blaine obviously had to decline, stating that their internet was down in the apartment due to the storm and it hadn't been restored yet. Kurt was bummed out and didn't sound truly convinced, but he let it go, talking to Blaine for a few more minutes, then complaining about the possible cost of the call for the business before saying their goodbyes.

Wednesday dawned cool and foggy and without thinking, Blaine shoved his legs into the pair of ratty- although designer - jeans he'd found in Kurt's old closet. If Kurt had left them behind, Blaine figured they were ok to wear under coveralls. Besides, he kind of liked wearing something of Kurt's. He was really struggling with being away from his fiancé, and he couldn't help but think this is how Kurt felt when Blaine was gone to Westindale. It was an understatement to say that Blaine wasn't at all a fan of being apart from the man he loved, and the weekend couldn't come soon enough. He knew he'd have to tell Kurt what was going on fairly soon, because Kurt was scheduled to be home in New York on Friday evening. Blaine had told Burt he'd stay in Lima until Carol got home, which was now later on Friday. He figured he'd talk to Burt and they'd figure it out later.

Blaine worked at the shop all day with Burt and the guys. He was truly enjoying their company and camaraderie, and it was a breath of fresh air to get his hands dirty and feel as if he'd accomplished something when the day was done. Working with Jeff was great, and he was thoroughly enjoying it, but it seemed every day ended with more phone calls made and more things ordered, but few things actually done. With help and direction from Burt and the guys, he'd completed two brake jobs with alignments, a radiator flush, changed two flat tires and put new rotors on a truck in a little over a day in the shop. He was feeling accomplished, despite the fact that Fred, Kevin and Jim probably did three times that during the day.

Wednesday night was a nightmare, though, because Kurt called, later than Blaine thought he would with the six hour time difference, and he was…in a mood. Blaine lounged on the sofa, his feet on the armrest while his head was on a stack of throw pillows as he and Burt watched basketball on TV. He'd made popcorn, which Burt insisted on drenching with butter and salt. Blaine said nothing, but made sure Burt saw when he set his alarm on his phone to go off early so they could walk again before work. When the phone rang, he showed the name to Burt who merely nodded and turned the volume on the T.V. down a notch or two so Blaine could hear.

"Hey, Love…." Blaine said, his voice soft and happy to hear from his fiancé. "It's late, I thought you'd be in bed by now."

"I was. I am…but it's hard to sleep without you, baby," Kurt whined. "It's been four days and…" Kurt paused and suddenly Blaine knew where it was going.

"Kurt…uh…"

"Blaine…I need you…please?" Kurt purred, obviously already to a point Blaine couldn't even consider while he sat three feet from Kurt's father. Just the desire in Kurt's voice was making his heart pound and his blood relocate to his groin. Quickly.

"I…Kurt, I don't…you um…" Blaine mumbled, trying his damnedest to sit up and not roll off the sofa into a heap, face first or ass over elbows.

"I need you to touch me, Blaine…will you do that?" Kurt's breathy plea nearly made Blaine moan and he knew he had to put a stop to it right away.

"Kurt, as much as I…uh…you know that I'd normally be on board with…it…but right now I…uh…I'm sort of in the middle of something and—"

"Please…please just…just a minute. It can't wait a minute for me, B? I just need a few minutes…oh God, baby, please…" Kurt moaned, and Blaine felt every drop of blood drain from his face when he realized Burt was staring at him. It was infinitely clear that he knew exactly what was going on and he was thoroughly enjoying Blaine's discomfort.

"Kurt…" he said, voice cracking. "S-stop. Please I…" Blaine pleaded. "Oh God, not here…." Blaine whispered, not thinking. Kurt was panting now and the visions in Blaine's mind were x-rated for sure. He knew he had no other option at that point that to flee the scene and he stood on shaky legs and all but wobbled to the bathroom down the hall, heart pounding and head light.

"Blaine…talk to me…like you do when I'm there. Tell me how badly you wanna fuck me…"

"Jesus…." Blaine groaned quietly, nearly dropping to his knees as soon as the bathroom door closed, trying to steady himself on weak legs. He could barely get his own pants down and almost dropped his phone in the toilet in the process. He'd barely closed his own hand around his shaft when he heard Kurt's breathing pick up even more. "Want you…God, Kurt, I miss you so much I can't even tell you…your fucking fantastic body, your mouth…oh God, I want your mouth on me…" Blaine whispered urgently into the phone.

"Yes…just a little more, baby….love it when you….oh…."

"Kurt…oh sh-shit…wrap your pretty little lips around me and suck me off, baby, please…"

"Blaine…oh my Gooddddd, Blaine….so close…please…."

"Come on, Kurt…come for me…give it to me, Kurt…"

"Blaine…Ohhh…please…don't stop…don't stop, Blaine…" Kurt pleaded, but Blaine was on the edge and tongue tied, mouth agape, unable to speak another syllable as a wordless cry hung on the air and he came so hard and quick he knew it would be a miracle if he didn't pass out in Burt Hummel's powder room. Kurt coming, breathy and sinfully sexy in his ear, sent him spiraling and he thunked his head back against the door, sliding down it to rest his bare ass on the cold tile as threads of white spurted across the bathroom floor.

"Shit…oh shit, Kurt…" Blaine huffed, trying hard to catch his breath. "You're so damn perfect. I miss you so much…."

"Two days, baby. I'll be back in your arms in two days…but for now…" Kurt began, but a huge yawn cut him off and Blaine chuckled. "I'll just say thank you for making me feel so much better…"

"Get some sleep, baby. I'll talk to you soon, ok? I love you so much, Kurt."

"I love you more…soon…k?" Kurt said before drifting off to a much needed slumber. Blaine smiled and shook his head before reality set in and he realized Burt was very well aware what had just gone down, and he still had to leave the powder room eventually.

It took him ten more minutes to work up his courage to go back to the living room. Burt didn't even look up from the television. He just shook his head, hid a massive grin, poorly, and said "not a single word, Anderson. Not. One. Peep."

They watched the rest of the game in silence until Blaine excused himself to go up to bed. As he climbed the stairs, he heard Burt call his name and he turned back to find Burt watching him intently.

"You love my son, Blaine?" He asked quietly.

"More than life itself, Burt. More than anything I've ever had, or I'll ever have. More than I have words to express." Burt nodded then and gave him a grateful grin. Blaine continued up the stairs to Kurt's bed where sheets that still smelled faintly of his beautiful fiancé lulled him to sleep.

Thursday morning found Blaine accompanying Burt to the seminar he'd signed up for months prior…but not before he made Burt walk three miles around the neighborhood with him. Blaine wasn't sure if they'd allow him to sit in on it, but he had to drive Burt to the class anyway, so he thought it was worth a shot to ask. If they said he couldn't sit in, he'd find a spot to wait out the three hour course.

As it turned out, seating was limited, so Blaine told Burt to call him when it was all wrapped up and he'd be back to get him. Blaine considered going back to the shop or even heading back to the Hummel residence, but with Burt still having the occasional dizzy spell, he thought it best to stay very close by. Before leaving he even left his name and number for the woman who'd checked Burt in and explained the situation to her. She was very helpful and assured him she'd keep an eye on Burt throughout the morning.

Blaine headed out the doors and spotted a coffee shop across the street. It looked quaint and homey and he figured it was as good a place as any to wait. His first call was to Cooper, and he was fairly sure he was going to have his ass handed to him, so he fortified himself with his normal drip before dialing.

"Youuuu!" Cooper drawled, making it sound more like a curse than a greeting. "You owe me SO big, Blaine Anderson. So help me GOD, that cat is the spawn of SATAN!" Cooper bellowed, clearly trying to keep his voice down, but hissing in the process. Blaine blanched and grimaced.

"That bad?" he asked, knowing from Cooper's tone of voice that it was, indeed, that bad.

"That devil feline wouldn't get into the damn carrier. I had to track him all over the apartment to finally corner him and then he damn near shredded by arms when I grabbed him! I look like I went eight round with Edward Scissorhands, Blaine!"

Blaine heard a door close and knew the volume would be jacked up now.

"Aren't you at work, Coo—"

"Yes, I'm at work!" Cooper boomed. "And everyone wants to know what the hell happened to my ARMS, Blaine! It only makes it worse when I tell them and they all snicker behind my back! Joan has taken to calling me the 'Cat Whisperer' and now everyone's picked up on it and chimed in! Mark my words, Blaine, this is the last time I help out with anything having to do with that little feline Beelzebub!"

"Cooper, I'm sorry…really, I am. He's never like that with us. I have to think it's because he doesn't really 'know you', ya know? Maybe you should spend more time with Brian—"

"If I spend time with Brian, it's going to be while I carry his furry behind down to the local Chinese restaurant, Blaine! I'm done with him! I left him a huge bowl of water and food and he's on his own, little brother. Not happening…nope." Cooper bellowed. Blaine sighed, long and loud, resting his forehead on his closed fist, elbow on the tabletop.

"Ok, ok, so I owe you. I'll make it up to you when I get back, I promise. But what did the doctor say?"

"He said Brian has allergies and gave him a prescription that he has to take once a week. I had it filled and it's on the kitchen counter next to your coffee maker. I gave him his first dosage last night with his dinner, just like it says, but I had to wrap it up in a slice of cheese…damn picky ass cat from hell…."

Blaine snickered, picturing Cooper sitting on the kitchen floor while trying to get Brian to take his medicine before resorting to wrapping it in a snack. He could protest as much as he wanted, but Blaine knew Coop had a soft spot for the cat…and the kids adored Brian, so Coop would do what needed to be done.

"Ok, so…how about when I get home Kurt and I take the kids for the weekend…the WHOLE weekend…and you and Maggie can go—"

"DEAL! You have a deal, and you offered and you can't renege on it now, Blaine. I'll take her upstate to that bed and breakfast Kurt told her about. She won't stop hinting that it would be so nice to go away before the baby comes. I think it's the least you can do after that thing left me looking like I arm wrestled Freddy Krueger. Jesus…you have no idea, B."

"Whiner…"

"Shut it!"

"Ok, Cat Whisperer, I'm gonna go. Thank you for taking care of Brian while we're gone. I should be home sometime Saturday if all goes well. Carol's due back then, but I don't want to leave Burt alone. I'll have to figure out what to tell Kurt since he's due in New York Friday night." Blaine sighed, knowing he and Burt would have to let Kurt in on the weeks' happenings.

"I'll hold down the fort until you return. How's Burt anyway?"

"He's good. Still has a dizzy spell or two now and then, but he's doing well and managing with the cast as well as can be expected. Showering's a pain, apparently. He grunts and curses through that every morning, but other than that, his stitches are healing well. He sees his doctor again Monday, so we'll see."

"Glad to hear it, B. You tell him we all said hello and get well."

"Will do, Coop. Ok, back to work with you!" Blaine told him merrily. "I'm gonna sit here and read the local paper while I drink mass quantities of coffee," he teased.

"Lame. Oh, man, what did Mac say when you left suddenly for a week?"

"I haven't told him I'm in Lima, actually. My last night there, the night of the storm, was a nightmare. I couldn't play right, my arm and my wrist were obviously swollen and I told him I'd need some time. He could see for himself how bad it was and said he'd find someone. I think Elliott plays, so I'm sure he asked him. I'll see what's going on when I go back, no worries."

"Alright, Blainers. You be careful out there in the wilds of Lima. You know they don't play nice like they do here in the city."

And Blaine knew he was right. Lima wasn't like New York. Hell, it wasn't even like Westerville, where he was able to walk around with another guy and not worry about anyone looking askance at him. Lima was…behind the times, for sure.

"I'll be careful, Coop. You tell Maggie and the kids hello and that I miss 'em, ok?"

"Yup…see you Saturday, Squirt!" Cooper chirped gleefully before disconnecting the call. Blaine just rolled his eyes.

Blaine sat in the coffee shop for nearly an hour and a half, reading the paper and a magazine someone had left behind, before his phone buzzed signaling a Skype request from Kurt. Blaine momentarily panicked, unsure what to do, but he quickly made sure there was nothing to see behind him but an empty table and a brick wall before answering.

"Hey, baby," Blaine said, his smile bright and wide for Kurt.

"Oh, Blaine…You don't even know how good it is to see your face. I see they got the internet up and functioning again? Or are you out?" Kurt asked him, his own smile blinding. Blaine made a silly face and tilted his phone back and forth to tease him.

"I'm…I'm out…stopped for coffee…" Blaine said, lamely and then said nothing more. Kurt picked up the conversation right away, though.

"How's Brian? What did the vet say?" Kurt asked, concerned.

Blaine filled him in and regurgitated everything Cooper had told him right down to giving Brian his medicine in a wad of cheese. Kurt seemed relieved and, therefore, so was Blaine.

"How have the shows been?" Blaine asked, eager to hear what Kurt had been up to. He'd kept their calls short all week, afraid he'd say something wrong or give away his location. But here, in this nondescript location, he would be able to chat for a bit and catch up.

"Oh my gosh, B…I can't even begin to tell you…" Kurt said, and he was off. Kurt regaled him with stories from every day, every show, every restaurant they'd tried. He spoke of the culture, of the clothing, the architecture and the food. He was clearly loving Paris, and Blaine ached to be with him as he found his passions there. Seeing Kurt so alive and excited made Blaine yearn for him.

"I'm so glad you're having a good time, Kurt. I miss you horribly, but I know you wanted to go and it sounds like you're having a spectacular time!"

"I am. David's in his glory over here. Last night he went to the theater and—" Kurt paused, and his eyes seemed to focus hotly on Blaine for a moment without reason, a shadow of confusion ghosting over his features.

"Kurt?" Blaine said, concerned. Kurt just looked up and around his hotel room, then shook his head quickly as if to clear it and went on chatting about the city and how they planned to go up in the Eifel Tower before leaving the city.

"Sooo…when are you home?" Blaine questioned.

"Uhh…I…Friday night, I guess, right?" Kurt replied, but he was intently searching through his bag as he spoke, clearly not focused on the conversation. "I can't wait to see you, B. I feel like it's been months, not days."

"Well, I should probably tell you, though..." Blaine began. Kurt's eyes snapped up to the camera and he was all ears now.

"Yes? Tell me?"

"I uh…" Blaine faltered, unsure how to word things. "I'll probably be off from The Dive for another few days or so, if not a week. My wrist swelled up so badly Saturday night that Mac said he'd feel better if he got someone else in to play for a while until I'm all healed."

Kurt huffed out a long breath and looked sad…and maybe a bit upset. "B, I'm so sorry. I don't know what the hell I was thinking. I just…reacted…and if you'd been standing near me I'd have slapped you in the arm, but instead you were across the room and…I don't know what came over me!" Kurt huffed.

"I'm not upset, Kurt, and I know it was an accident," Blaine laughed. "Don't go getting upset about it now. It's a non-issue. It's probably a good thing, actually because—" Blaine began, then realized what he was about to say and clamped up, looking startled for a moment.

"Because?"

"I…I don't remember what I was going to say…" Blaine trailed off, brain spinning wildly.

"Well, it'll come back to you," Kurt smiled, but he could see that Blaine was shaken up. "Are you ok, B? You look like someone just walked over your grave." Kurt asked.

"I'm…yeah, of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Blaine replied, trying to smile, but his heart was still pounding at his near faux pas. "Just missing you, I guess."

"You'd tell me if something was wrong, wouldn't you Blaine?" Kurt asked, his eyes soft and loving. "You're ok, right? We're ok?"

"Of course…of course I'm ok, Kurt. We're perfect…you and me…yeah. Please don't worry about me! I'm just…I miss you. I think that's what it is. When I have you back in my arms I'll be my old self again," Blaine smiled. He knew he needed to be convincing.

"Have you talked to my dad?"

"What?" Blaine nearly yelped.

"My dad…I asked him to call you this week some time. Not to check up on you, but just to…ok, well, to check up on you. And for you to check up on him as well," Kurt kind of laughed, unsure if he was being insulting or not.

"Oh…yeah, I uh…I talked to him…a couple of times, actually, and he's fine. He's…he's ok, yeah."

"Good…I'm glad to hear it. Alright, I'm gonna go, love. We have a dinner tonight and I wanna turn in early. We've had late nights every night since we arrived and I'm worn out!"

"Sleep well, baby. I'll see you when you get home, ok? Be safe."

"I will. I love you, Blaine. More than anything, I love you, ok?"

"Kuuuuurt…" Blaine offered his wide beautiful smile. "I love you too, baby. I love you so much. I'll talk to you soon, alright? Be careful, babe."

Kurt nodded, his eyes maybe even a little glassy, and he blew Blaine a kiss before he disconnected the call.

Thirty minutes later Burt called for his "chauffer". He wasn't loving the idea of Blaine driving him around and swore he could manage it, but Blaine wouldn't hear of it. They grabbed lunch and headed to the shop to finish out the day's work.

Friday morning dawned a bit foggy and cool, but Blaine insisted on a walk anyway. Burt huffed his way through it, refusing to admit that he felt better having done so after the fact. They made breakfast, then headed to the shop, as usual.

After three full days working with the guys in the shop, they were kidding and cutting up like they'd been old friends for years. Blaine liked each of them and found that they all had their own quirky little things that made them unique. They all had a funny story to tell him about Kurt and it warmed his heart to know that Jim had been with Burt at Hummel Tire & Lube since Kurt was just six years old. He'd been with them through the opening of the shop, through Elizabeth's death, and through Kurt being bullied at school…as well as everything that had happened with Jackson. Jim knew them all pretty well, and he was like a member of the family.

After discussing with Burt what he'd say to Kurt about his impromptu trip to Ohio, Blaine tried to call Kurt late Thursday evening to talk to him about being in Lima, but Kurt didn't answer. He knew David and Kurt were most likely catching one of the last shows of the week and Kurt would have turned his phone off, but he hoped to talk to his fiancé before he left Paris and flew home to find Blaine nowhere in sight…or state for that matter. He listened to Kurt's voicemail greeting before leaving a cryptic message asking Kurt to get in touch with him before he left France, then went back to the exhaust he'd been helping Fred with all morning. Blaine kept his phone close to him and the volume turned all the way up so he'd hear it when Kurt called.

At lunchtime on Friday, Blaine and Burt had gone home to check in on the crew who had showed up as they were leaving in order to repair the damage done to the house. Burt was happy with the way things were going, and considered staying home to supervise, but he could see very well that things were moving right along as they should and he wasn't needed. They grabbed lunch on the way back to the shop and finished out their day.

It was almost closing time when Blaine heard Fred mumble a harsh curse under his breath. It had all of them looking his way and he nodded toward the lot as a sleek, black BMW pulled in quickly and swung into a parking "spot", straddling the line and taking up the only two available spaces out front.

"I could have gone all week without seeing that little—"

"Fred…" Burt warned, quietly, stepping out of his office with a grimace.

"Who the hell is that?" Blaine asked as a very petite, very blonde young woman his age stepped from the vehicle. She was on her phone, speaking loudly, laughing as if she was talking with the funniest person alive. Blaine instantly thought of Paris Hilton, although it clearly wasn't her. She carried a trendy bag and was seemingly dressed in the height of fashion and Blaine wondered what the hell she was doing in Lima, Ohio.

"Vivica McIntyre…" Fred ground out. "You steer clear, kid. She'll chew you up and spit you out if she gets wind of you being in a relationship with Kurt. Homophobic little-"

"Fred!" Burt hushed him as he watched the socialite hover around her vehicle, still on her phone.

"Burt's too kind to tell her outright she's not welcome here. She throws around thinly veiled contempt at Kurt when he's here, but never in front of Burt…always out of earshot, sneaky little twit. They went to school together and she tormented the hell outta the boy back then. Don't know why she comes here, is what I'm sayin'. No reason she can't go elsewhere, but her daddy and Burt go way back and he's a good man. Not sure where this daughter of Satan spawned from, but it ain't her daddy's nature she got, that's for sure." Fred spit out angrily. Kevin and Jim both slowly congregated around the big Chevy truck Blaine had been looking at with Fred, all of them feigning interest in what was under the hood and Blaine realized after a minute that they were surrounding him…protecting him…and it warmed his heart.

"Guys…I appreciate what you're doing, but I can handle her and anyone else who comes my way, believe me. I've known I was gay since I was eight. Kept all that to myself for six years before finally telling my parents when I was fourteen. Things got pretty bad at home after that, so I learned to hold my own, physically and verbally," Blaine assured them. They turned to look at Burt as if asking for reassurance and Burt just nodded to them.

"I gotta tell ya, her daddy, Mike McIntyre, has been a friend to me for as long as I can recall, but I wouldn't feel badly at all if this one never showed her face around here again. The way I'm feeling today, she better just watch her step…and her mouth. Won't take much…" Burt trailed off, side eyeing the girl in the lot.

"I wish you'd let me tell her she ain't welcome here anymore, Burt," Jim said, eyes bright with disdain. "Not worth her daddy's money for the things she's said to Kurt…and about Kurt. Girl's a grade A, pain in the ass, bigot if you ask me."

"We'll see how things go. If she starts up, I'll ask her to leave. I don't need Mike's money badly enough that she can insult my son, and I damn sure don't want HER money either," Burt nearly growled before walking to the office doors to meet her.

Blaine felt his heart rate pick up, the way it would when a known bully approached. He suddenly felt a lot warmer, and instinctively reached up to unzip his coveralls, shoving the top down so he was only in a plain white t-shirt with the coveralls over his own pants. The top of them hung loosely around his hips and he felt a lot cooler with them off, anyway. He recognized the "fight or flight" instinct and knew his mind had set him on the path to ready himself for a fight, even if it was a girl on his radar. He'd never stoop so low as to hit her, but his mind was screaming "danger" nonetheless.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Hummel," she nearly chirped before disappearing into the office where Burt led her, away from Blaine. The guys around him didn't spare a single, civil glance in her direction, and instead glared holes through her without remorse. She sent a glare right back and all but sneered.

Blaine went back to working on a Kia minivan in another bay, his heart still pounding a little as it registered a foe nearby. He paused what he was doing to grab the bottle of water he'd set at the station where he was working and took a swig, feeling it cool his tight throat all the way down. He listened intently, trying to hear what Burt and Vivica discussed, but he could only hear distant mumblings as she gestured toward her car in the lot. Burt took notes on her work order and nodded when necessary. Blaine heard the door ding again, a sound he'd become familiar with throughout the days in the shop, and he hoped the girl was leaving without incident. Apparently, he had no such luck.

"Well, well, well, aren't you just a delicious little morsel?" Blaine heard from his left side. He instantly stiffened, noting immediately that the guys were on alert and subtly moving his way. Before turning around Blaine stealthily moved his hand to ward them off and turned to Vivica, a sickening sweet smile on his face.

"Are you speaking to me?" he purred, coy and shy at the same time.

"Oh I ammmm," she said, and he thought immediately she'd gone into Southern Belle mode. He nearly scoffed. "I haven't seen you here before. Are you new?"

"I-It's my first week here…" Blaine stammered purposely, glancing at the ground.

"And lucky me, I found you. What's your name, handsome?" she asked, smiling brightly. She actually reached up and ran a manicured fingernail down Blaine's forehead, over his nose and lips and then over his chin. Blaine wanted to grit his teeth but he refrained.

"Blaine. I'm Blaine."

"Welllll, fun-size Blaine…I'd be super happy if you'd give my baby a look-see and find out what's making that little ticking noise under the hood. Can you do that for me?"

"I…I uh…I mean, I'm new and I don't know…if Mr. Hummel wants me to uh…I mean, he might want someone else to do it…" Blaine mumbled shyly, never making eye contact for more than a few seconds. Vivica was entranced.

"You are delicious, aren't you, you cute little thing? I could just eat you up. And speaking of eating, I think you should take me out to dinner tonight, don't you? I've always had a thing for a man in coveralls, you know?" She whispered, making Blaine's eyebrows rise.

"Y-you have? Mine are uh…mine are a little too big. I think Mr. Hummel might want to order me some that are actually my size," Blaine said, still puttering under the hood of the Kia, glancing her way now and again.

"Oh, honey, I think those fit you just fine," she purred, actually leaning back to inspect Blaine's back side. She took a deep breath and blew it out through her nose slowly, running her tongue over her teeth. Blaine tried not to wretch.

"It's about time Burt got some new, young blood," she said, glancing around and giving the guys a chastising look. "Nothing but greasy old men in here all the time, especially since that faggy little fairy has run away to New York…" she said airily, as if she was commenting on a sale she'd been to that morning. Burt, who'd been watching from the office door, visibly stiffened, his jaw set and his eyes hard. Burt nodded toward him with finality and Blaine nearly chuckled when all he could hear in his head was the voice from Mortal Kombat saying "FINISH HER!"

"Oh, you know Kurt?" Blaine asked, feigning innocence. Vivica rolled her eyes and huffed.

"We went to high school together. Most pathetic little pansy ass you've ever seen. He walked around the halls like he was afraid of his own shadow and probably pissed himself if you looked at him wrong. Burt's his dad, you knew that, right?" She asked. Blaine's blood boiled. Over Vivica's shoulder Blaine saw all three of the guys staring at her with nothing but hatred and contempt. Kevin even raised his hand to his neck and made the slicing motion across his throat. When Blaine said nothing she went on. "Have you met Kurt yet? I'm sure he'll be in here sooner or later, back from New York with his tail between his legs. From what I hear, the likes of him has to have something shoved between his legs anyway—"

"I actually DO know Kurt…very well, even. You see…" Blaine began, louder and with sudden confidence, causing Vivica to look a bit stunned as she stumbled back a bit, Blaine advancing on her, eyes wild now. "I met Kurt a year or so ago, and you're right, he wasn't 'whole' back then. He'd run into some rough times here in Lima, and he courageously moved to New York to start a new life…one where individuals such as yourself were left behind. You see, Kurt's an absolutely amazing man. He's smart, he's creative, he's kind and he's sexy as hell. He has taken his "past" and made it his little bitch. He's working with David Perry now. Google him, and just try not to be impressed. See, David saw Kurt's fashion designs and offered him a fantastic job on the spot. He's so damn good at what he does that he's dressed a nominee on the Red Carpet at the Tony Awards. He's designed the tuxes for a pretty high visibility celebrity who recently was married in Turks and Caicos…you may have seen it in the news? He's done all this inside of a year, Vivica. In fact, he's currently in Paris for fashion week, and when he comes back I'm certain he'll create a Fall line that'll make D&G weep with envy…because he's that…damn…good. Now I think everyone here agrees that your business is no longer necessary. You can take your little BMW and head on home now, and please…don't come back, Ms. McIntyre. Small minded, bigoted people such as yourself aren't welcome here. Burt runs this establishment with dignity and respect, and if you come in spouting off at the mouth about Kurt again as you have this morning, there's not a one of us here that can guarantee you any sort of good will. Good day to you." Blaine had ended his tirade and was all but nose-to-nose with her out in the parking lot now. She looked somewhere between dumbstruck and furious and the effect was comical. But she wasn't through.

"I don't remember you…you didn't go to McKinley. How do you know all this about Kurt?" she asked, and her tone said she didn't believe him.

"I'd venture to say I know Kurt better than anyone these days…"

"Oh, and how's that? Are you pen pals, Blaine?" she sneered, backing across the parking lot slowly, Blaine following at her pace and never taking his eyes off of her. He chuckled and shook his head.

"Kurt's my fiancé, honey, and you can damn well bet I'm the happiest man alive because of it. Lima's loss was most definitely my gain, and you can take that to the bank. Now I'm asking you, on behalf of Kurt, myself, and everyone at Hummel Tire & Lube, not to come back here. Your kind is not welcome, and your narrow minded, hateful comments about the love of my life will no longer be tolerated. Do you understand? Nod if you do," Blaine said with so much contempt it dripped from his lips, so far up in Vivica's space now that she was leaning backwards against her car.

Vivica was seething. She'd never, in all her life, been spoken to this way, and she didn't like it one bit. This was absolutely unacceptable.

"Who do you think you are to speak to me this way? Do you know who I am? My daddy's gonna hear about this, Blaine!" She said his name as if it were poisonous and her lip lifted ever so slightly in a nasty sneer.

"I'd be more than happy to call him and tell him for you if you want, Vivica." Blaine sneered right back at her. "I'd absolutely love the opportunity to tell your father what vile things you've done to Kurt Hummel through the years…the son of his good friend. Are you sure you want that to happen?"

"Oh, don't you threaten me, you little fag!" She blurted out, eyes burning holes through Blaine's face. "I know what your kind gets up to and I find it absolutely-"

"Oh, sweetheart, let me stop you right there. You have absolutely NO idea what Kurt and I get up to, and if you did, you'd sure as hell be jealous, not put off, I guarantee it. Kurt is the most fucking fantastic lover I've ever had. You'll never know, though, and I won't rub it in by telling you all of our secrets. The envy might shove you right over the edge. But let me just say, you've never lived until you've been loved by Kurt Hummel. He's a far better lover than anyone who'll ever stoop so low as to sleep with the likes of you, so you have my pity."

Vivica was visibly breathing heavily now and Blaine barely paused for breath before he charged in again.

"You, Vivica, may leave. Now. Please don't make me ask again, because if I have to, I'll call the police and make a scene the likes of which you've never known, Princess. Now move your obviously bleach blonde, skinny ass on out of here before things get as ugly as those God forsaken knock off Louboutin's you've got going on there." Blaine glanced at her feet with contempt and her mouth dropped so far open Blaine wondered if she could fit a tennis ball in there.

At her complete and utter look of shocked horror, Blaine found himself ready to pounce again.

"Oh, bitch please…. I'm engaged to New York City's premier, up and coming fashion icon. Accessories are paramount in Kurt's world, and shoes…Lord, the money that man has spent on shoes. I could 'out fashion' you any day, sweetheart. BRING. IT." The last was almost whispered with no shortage of menace.

Blaine paused, staring straight into her eyes, fists barely kept in check, just waiting for her to utter another sound. When it came though, it wasn't what he expected at all. She whimpered and he saw actual tears in her eyes as she quickly folded herself into her little black car and sped off, nearly driving over the curb in her haste. Blaine turned to watch her go and only then registered the frantic beating of his heart when she drove away as if the hounds of hell were on her tail. With a deep, calming breath, Blaine turned to walk back into the tire shop only to find all four men at the bay doors gaping at him. Blaine could only stare back, wondering what they were gaping at.

"Holy Mother…" Kevin said, eyes wide.

"How…where…" Jim muttered, head shaking from side to side in wonderment. Fred was speechless and said nothing. Blaine walked toward them, hands shaking now as the adrenaline coursed through him and when he was close enough, Burt grabbed him in a massive hug, sling be damned, and held him closely, laughing heartily until finally he was able to speak.

"Blaine…son…that was beyond a shadow of a doubt the best thing I've seen in ages." Burt boomed.

"I…I'm really not sure what came over me. I think maybe I channeled my inner Kurt?" Blaine laughed. "Oh my God, I'm sorry, Burt, I…I just kinda went off on her. But she was bad mouthing Kurt, and—"

"Oh, Blaine…I'm not angry. No, not in the least. I'm so glad someone finally told her off and it didn't have to be me!" Burt laughed heartily again, and finally the others regained control of their faculties and joined in.

"Nobody speaks poorly of Kurt, Burt. Not while I'm around. He's pretty perfect and nobody and nothing will change my mind about that, especially not entitled little bitchy socialites wearing knock offs. Oh…" Blaine went on, dejected now. "It would have been so much better if it'd been Kurt letting loose on her. Maybe next time?" Blaine asked hopefully.

"There won't be a next time, Blaine. You mark my words, she won't be back," Kevin assured him. "I'd bet next week's check that nobody has ever talked like that to her…ever. The look on her face was priceless. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to grab my phone and take a picture! Well done, kid!" he crowed and they all slapped him on the back. Blaine just nodded, unsure what to say and not wanting to gloat, before going back to the Kia he'd been working on.

---

So clearly he'd been right. Something was fishy in Lima, for sure.

Kurt Hummel was no dummy. He'd known right away something was up, but he wasn't sure what it was. He'd repeatedly asked Blaine if everything was ok and Blaine had told him yes, that things were fine…but then he'd always change the subject to something else and they'd be off talking fashion or Jeff or Brian and that was that. He should have known that very first night when he was unable to get in touch with Blaine. His fiancé had made him promise, repeatedly, to call him the minute he was able so that he'd know Kurt was safely in Paris. He would have never slept through the call or let it go to voicemail without knowing Kurt was safe. Something had happened.

Their phone calls through the week were short and it seemed a couple of times that Blaine didn't want to talk to him as he normally would. He seemed…reserved. Red flags went up everywhere and although Kurt knew Blaine would tell him if something earthshattering had happened, he knew all wasn't right in the world. It was sealed when he'd Skyped with Blaine from the "coffee shop". While Blaine probably thought he was being sneaky by putting his back and an empty table to the wall, he hadn't planned for a random barista to walk behind him and wipe the table down…wearing a Lima Bean t-shirt. That was the moment Kurt knew something had gone awry, and it probably wouldn't be a bad idea for him to head home and find out exactly what it was.

So, after Skyping with Blaine, Kurt immediately called David to tell him of his suspicions, assuring him that Blaine wouldn't have gone to Lima unless something was very wrong. David suggested they see if they could get on an earlier flight to head home. They'd seen what they'd come to see and they were both homesick – Kurt for Blaine and David for his own family. They'd secured seats on an earlier flight and Kurt couldn't get to the airport quickly enough.

He'd parted ways with David earlier when Kurt needed to fly into Dayton, Ohio and David went on to New York. He rented a nice SUV at the airport and drove home to Lima, not even needing to use the vehicle's GPS,he was so familiar with the route.

When he arrived at Burt and Carole's house, he saw, to his surprise, a crew of workmen doing some repairs to the corner of the house - HIS corner of the house, he huffed. There were also a handful of guys chopping up a massive tree limb in the front yard, and he wondered if that had anything to do with the fact that Blaine was, for some reason, in Ohio. But, when he realized his dad's truck wasn't there, he turned around and headed toward the shop. Burt didn't disappoint. His new truck was parked in the lot, close to the office, and business seemed to be booming if the near capacity parking in the lot was anything to go by.

It was when he stepped out of the SUV at the side of the building and caught a glimpse of nearly white blonde hair that he paused, and then caught the sound of Blaine's voice…and he didn't sound at all happy. Kurt only paused for a minute before weaving through cars toward the bays and listening intently all the while. What he heard and saw nearly rocked his world. Kurt was frozen to the spot, unable to move and even less able to speak. Blaine was tearing Vivica McIntyre a new ass, and it was splendid beyond words. He caught the gist of what Blaine said to her – "smart, creative, kind and sexy…make D&G weep with envy…happiest man alive…the most fucking fantastic lover…"

But it was "knock off Louboutin's" that caught his attention and snapped him out of his full bodied, joyous rapture. Oh Blaine…hit her where it really hurts, why don't you? Kurt held back a loud snort and nearly choked on his own tongue. He watched Vivica lose all color, slither into her car and drive away, then watched his beautiful lover saunter back into the garage as if what he'd just said and done was an everyday occurrence…no big deal. Kurt loved him so much at that point he was certain there was no possible way to measure it. His heart felt full to bursting and he thanked his lucky stars for the timing that allowed him to witness that fantastical display in all its splendorous glory. Blaine was so getting lucky tonight.

He watched as the guys all stood there gaping at Blaine as he approached, unable to speak after Blaine's complete and utter smack-down of that blonde disease. But it was when Burt grabbed Blaine and hugged him for all he was worth that Kurt's eyes watered up and he felt his heart race. Seeing Blaine wrap his own arms around Burt and grab him tightly was nearly his undoing. He felt his breath hitch and thought for sure he was going to break down sobbing. Blaine had always been unsure of how Burt looked upon him, but there was no doubt, now, that Burt thought of Blaine as one of his own. It was a good thing he did, too, because Kurt was never letting him go.

Kurt stood there watching as they all congratulated Blaine on his exorcism of the demon. Blaine, himself, seemed a little unsure, as if he may have overstepped, but their praise seemed to settle him and a few minutes later they all dispersed and went back to work. Kurt watched Blaine lean over a minivan, resting his weight on his elbow instead of his wrist and Kurt felt that old twinge of guilt. It was his fault Blaine's wrist was hurting…still. But, be that as it may, it didn't look to be hindering Blaine at all. He looked right at home wearing coveralls, even if they were undone down to his waist. He actually looked pretty damn delicious, if Kurt was being honest. Who knew, after all those years, he'd have a thing for a guy in coveralls?

Kurt watched Blaine intently for a few more minutes, replaying what he'd seen and heard. He likened it in his mind to the night at Aria's when Blaine punched the loud mouthed "Tim" in the face for what he'd said about Kurt. Blaine was his fiercest supporter, and Kurt knew he'd been so unbelievably lucky to find him in such a huge city…but he had, and they had a life and a future together…and Kurt couldn't wait.

Without a second thought Kurt strode up to the bay doors, caught the attention of Kevin, who'd looked Kurt's way and nearly yelled out his name, before Kurt motioned to him to keep silent and to ask the same of the others. He walked up behind Blaine as quietly as possible, then slid his arms around him from behind and pressed his hips into Blaine's rounded butt. Blaine's hands immediately stilled, he stood ramrod straight, then froze in place and inhaled a deep, quick breath. It took him barely a split second, though, before his arms intertwined with Kurt's at his waist and he linked their fingers together.

"You're home early," he smiled beautifully, never turning around, then rested his head back on Kurt's shoulder.

"I am…and I'm in Lima," Kurt grinned, leaning in to press a soft kiss to Blaine's neck. "And so are you."

"About that…." Blaine said, then chuckled.

"Hmmm…there's a story here, somewhere, isn't there?"

"What the…how'd you know it was him?!" Fred called loudly across the bay. Kurt grinned like the cat who ate the canary and Blaine finally spun in Kurt's arms to face his fiancé.

"I felt his hands. I'd know these hands anywhere…and his scent. Nobody smells as good as my Kurt," Blaine replied, then blushed. He turned, completely then, and linked his arms behind Kurt's neck. "Hi, baby…how was your trip?"

"There wasn't a single thing about the trip…not even all the things about the trip combined…that was even remotely close to the sight I just witnessed in the parking lot. You never cease to amaze me, Blaine Anderson. I adore you," Kurt told him without hesitation.

"Oh my God, Kurt…I…you saw that? I…I'm sorry, but I…ok, you know what? No, I'm not sorry. She's horrendous! How did you get through four years of high school with that hideous excuse for a human being sharing your air?!" Blaine bellowed, lips twisting up into a look of utter disgust. "I'm not sorry…she's horrible," Blaine continued, shaking his head back and forth. "I couldn't stand one more poisonous word out of her mouth!"

Kurt just grinned at him, leaned in close to Blaine's ear and whispered, "You are SO getting laid tonight," with an evil, seductive lilt to his voice.

"Promise?" Blaine asked, nearly bouncing on his toes now as he kissed Kurt's neck up to his ear and behind it, just where his favorite sensitive spot was.

"If I have to haul you out of the house and to the nearest Motel 6, it's happening. You can mark my words, B. I don't know what I did to deserve such a knight in shining armor, but clearly I have the best one and what kind of man would I be if I didn't properly show my gratitude?" Kurt teased quietly.

"Ok, ok, the whispering and blushing has gone on long enough. Get over here and give your old man a hug, Kurt!" Burt bellowed. Blaine reluctantly removed his arms from around Kurt's neck and allowed Kurt to quickly cross to the office door to greet his father properly. Burt stood there waiting, one arm out, the other still in a sling, while Kurt raised his eyebrows in question.

Blaine waited briefly before approaching the two a minute later. He knew Kurt would want to know what was going on, and he wanted to hear how Burt spun the tale.

"Tell me about this, please," Kurt demanded, and placed his hand gently on Burt's casted arm. "What were you doing that you shouldn't have been doing?"

Fred, Kevin and Jim sauntered over to join them and Kurt hugged Jim as well, then shook hands with the two remaining men.

"For once it wasn't my fault, kid," Burt answered. "I was rolling up the windows on Finn's rental during the storm and a big old branch came out of the tree in the front yard and I just happened to be getting out of the car at the time. Car's totaled, they think. Thank God Bob Husman came outside when he heard the crash. He found me in the driveway and called the ambulance."

"AMBULANCE?" Kurt gasped, horrified that the situation had been bad enough that the rescue was necessary at all.

"Well, seems the branch bounced off my head a bit when it fell…and apparently I thumped it again on the driveway when I fell…" Burt trailed off.

"Ok, so…you called Blaine when this happened?" Kurt asked, confused.

"No, I was unconscious. The hospital couldn't get you or Carole and Blaine was next on the list," Burt smiled, chagrined. Blaine seemed proud just to be on the list, his beaming smile enough to make Kurt grin back at him.

"But your head's ok? What about your arm? Is there anything else I should know about all this?" Kurt asked, motioning between Burt and Blaine.

"I had a concussion. Doc says I could get dizzy, nauseous, all that nonsense…didn't want me going back to work. He didn't even want to release me, but Blaine agreed to stay and babysit me so the Doc would allow me to go home. Thank goodness, too, because that hospital food isn't fit for man nor beast, I'm tellin' ya."

Kurt rolled his eyes, not at all surprised that the food was what Burt focused on.

"I'm just glad you're ok," Kurt said, leaning in to hug Burt again, holding on a little tighter and a little longer than normal. "I'm sure it didn't hurt that you had such a cute nurse—" he went on, but Blaine's exclaimed "Hey!" accompanied with his deep blush made him laugh.

"It's been a helluva few days, that's for sure, but I'd be lyin' if I said I didn't enjoy the time Blaine's been here," Burt grinned.

"We've enjoyed havin' him around here, Kurt, that's for sure," Jim added and Kevin and Fred nodded in agreement. "You've got yourself a right fine young man, there, Kurt. Boy's got a good head on his shoulders, he knows his way around a car, he clearly cares for Burt and most important, he thinks you're the bee's knees!" Jim laughed, and the others joined him.

"Yeah, well, I think he's pretty incredible myself," Kurt answered, sauntering over to Blaine and tugging him in closely for a hug. "And I plan to keep him around for a long time, so I'm glad you all like him."

---

"I haven't had Friday Night Dinner at home in so long. I thought Carol and Finn were due back last night," Kurt commented, lying next to Blaine in bed.

"Another seminar became available so they stayed an extra day…" Blaine mumbled, his face buried in Kurt's neck. "I missed you so much, Kurt."

"I missed you, too, B. Seriously, more than I thought I would."

"Oh, well, thanks…" Blaine huffed, rolling his eyes with laughter.

"NO! That's not what I mean. I mean, I knew I'd miss you terribly, but I didn't plan on the ache every time I heard your voice and knew I couldn't reach out and touch you. I didn't think about the anxiety of worrying about you every minute I wasn't there. And I sure didn't plan on the gut wrenching worry that overtook me when I realized you were in Lima, and that clearly meant something had gone wrong."

"Hey…about that, how'd you know I was here, anyway?" Blaine asked, curious now.

"You left clues. You told me, in no uncertain terms, that I was to call you the very minute I got to the airport in France. You said you'd sleep with your phone right next to you so you'd hear it…and then I got no answer at home. I even called Cooper to check on you and he gave me some lame story about—"

"—me sleeping because of the storm the night before, yeah, he told me."

"And then you just seemed off when I'd call, as if you didn't really want to talk to me…or maybe you wanted to talk, but not really about much of anything, I guess. When I called Wednesday night—"

"Oh my GOD, Kurt…don't even bring it up. I can't think about it. Good Lord…."

"What? Why?"

"I was sitting in the living room watching basketball with your dad, Kurt. He knew exactly what was going on. And I do mean exactly. When I finally worked up the courage to walk back into the living room, after defiling the powder room downstairs, he forbade me from speaking. AT ALL, Kurt." Blaine did everything in his power to hold back a snort or a snicker at the look on Kurt's face, but he lost out and ended up snorting and burying his face in Kurt's pillow.

"Oh God…you're…please say you're kidding?"

"I'm not even remotely kidding, babe. So now they've both caught us doing…things. We should probably sneak out of here bright and early to avoid any further eye contact, don't you think?" Blaine joked.

"Oh my God, Blaine…" Kurt whined, burying his own face in the pillow now. He recovered well enough, though, and went on with the conversation. "But the deciding factor was when we Skyped the other day. You said you were in a coffee shop, and of course I assumed you were in New York, until someone walked behind you wearing a Lima Bean t-shirt! I've spent more time and money in that place than anyone else in Lima, Blaine. And I'd know that Styrofoam cup anywhere!" Kurt laughed and rolled his eyes.

At that moment a loud rumble of sound came from Finn's room and Kurt chuckled and hid his face in Blaine's neck.

"What? What's funny?" Blaine asked, confused.

"Finn's offering us 'time'." Kurt replied.

"Time? Time for – oh. OH! The noise? He's doing that on purpose?" Blaine grinned, glancing up at Kurt's face. Kurt just rolled his eyes and nodded.

"I used to cover for him all the time in high school when he'd sneak someone in the house. I'd watch Rent or The Sound of Music really loudly so that it would cover up any noise coming from Finn's room."

"You're a good brother, Kurt. He's lucky to have you…and so am I. Clearly in a different way, but—"

"Yeah, yeah, I hear you," Kurt laughed.

"And that being the case, who are we to waste Finn's obvious good gesture of brotherhood?"

"What are you implying, Blaine?" Kurt teased.

"Have you ever had a boy in this bed, Kurt?"

"Oh my God…" Kurt dissolved into a fit of the giggles. "No…no I haven't. What do you have in mind?"

"Oh nothing much. I mean, you don't have to let me deflower your childhood bed or anything if you don't want to. I just thought—" Blaine began, but was cut off immediately with Kurt's mouth on his.

Blaine was infinitely grateful to Finn for choosing a long movie that night.

---

A/N I hope a long chapter makes up for the long wait between updates. Life is nutty sometimes, ya know it? New job, two kids playing baseball, practices, appointments, just...stuff. My apologies for any mistakes. I'm so exhausted I just couldn't re-read the whole thing to double check the way I normally do.

Big thanks to Suzanne for her beta skills. She's always on the ball and gets chapters back to me right away! Also, to Laura, who goads me into writing when all I wanna do is read...or sleep. (BTW, it's totally not her fault I got sucked into reading something good and didn't write. Ok, maybe I read it twice. Maybe.)

I'm wondering what you guys think about Coop and Maggie's baby...thoughts? Boy? Girl? Names?

Hope this finds you all well! Have a great weekend! :)