Hey friends! Hope you are all having a great day! Thank you to MarciaChapter2, Dawofmorning, and Iris 7124 for your reviews! Y'all are making us blush! They really help to know how everyone is feeling about the story so they are greatly appreciated! (Iris 7124, we will try to use your scene in a future chapter! Thanks for the great idea!)
There are a lot of lyrics in this one which we try not to do, but it's kind of necessary. You should be able to scroll by if you want. This chapter is probably a little short, but next chapter is much longer! Enjoy the angst lol
Also, we have a little surprise! We made an Instagram account for updates, bonus content, and pictures! If you would like to check it out, it's kandaklaine26. We have already posted a few things, so enjoy!
Warnings: possible tears. I cried writing it lol
Saturday-June
Blaine adjusted his bow tie in the side mirror of their rental van before turning towards the adorable little house in the cul-de-sac. So this was where Kurt grew up and his parents currently resided. Blaine took in the neatly maintained flower beds, the charming little brick path that led to the front door, and the lovely wrought iron bench off to the side. Someone took great pride in this little place. He tried to picture a young Kurt here, hurrying off to school or lounging in the yard with a lemonade. Maybe playing with his friends under the trees.
The other car door slammed shut and Kurt shuffled up, taking a pull from his flask. Blaine fixed him with a disappointed frown as he burped.
"Really?"
Kurt waved his irritation away like it was a fly. "It's just a little. Hey, I fucked a guy against that tree over there."
Blaine rolled his eyes from where he was pointing before he walked around to the back of the van and collected a nice flower arrangement and some wine from the back.
Kurt watched him with a raised eyebrow. "What are you doing?"
"You don't come empty handed, Kurt. It's impolite."
Kurt just shoved his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket and marched towards the front door. Blaine honestly had no idea what his problem was. Last night he had been his typical exuberant self, taking pictures with fans and doling out autographs at the meet-and-greet. He had been relaxed and good-natured throughout the event. When they all went to dinner later that evening, Blaine's heart had started hammering in his chest when Kurt slid an arm behind him in the booth they all shared. Then as they went to their hotel rooms later, Kurt and Blaine found they were across the hall from each other which Kurt took wicked pleasure in.
"Now you can come visit me anytime," Kurt had purred as he leaned against the wall next to Blaine's door. Blaine was in the process of unlocking said door and trying not to fumble his keycard. "You could come over at any moment… And I could be doing anything." He ran a finger down Blaine's arm, leaving a burning trail behind. "I could be in the shower… I could laying in bed… naked. I could be getting myself off thinking of you…" He slipped one of his key cards in Blaine's cardigan pocket and turned on his heel with a saucy wink.
He had laid awake for too long, singing every Katy Perry song he could to get his mind off of what Kurt had said. He definitely did not let his mind wander and think about Kurt in the shower or naked in his bed or pleasuring himself. Then he definitely did not toss his covers aside and tiptoe across the hall to Kurt's door. He was about to slip Kurt's key card into the lock when he heard a noise down the hall and he skittered back to his own room. Thank god he had too because what would he have said or done? They hadn't even defined what they were! It wouldn't be right.
That morning, Blaine had finally rolled out of bed after a mostly sleepless night, ate a quick breakfast, went for a run, and then holed up in his room to get some work done. When Kurt texted him he was ready, they had both jumped into the van and drove to the Hummel residence. Kurt was quiet on the way there, staring out the window in silence and only speaking when he needed to give directions. Blaine had tried to make conversation, but he was kind of nervous so soon he too had lapsed into silence.
Now they were ringing the doorbell. Blaine could feel dampness at his armpits and the small of his back and he felt like he might vomit all over the welcome mat. Kurt just stood with his hands in his pockets and a shoulder leaning against the brick facade, a bratty scowl on his lips.
The door opened on a pleasant looking woman with a lovely smile and kind eyes. Her smile widened when she caught sight of Kurt and before Blaine could open his mouth to politely introduce himself, the woman screamed and launched herself on Kurt. He obviously wasn't expecting this reaction from the look on his face and the way he almost was knocked backward.
"Kurt! Oh my god! It's so good to have you home! I've missed you!" She squealed again and Kurt couldn't stop the blush or the smile that fought through. He hugged her back and even kissed her head. Blaine felt warmth inflate in his chest. He was reminded of his own mother.
"I couldn't tell," Kurt joked. "You could show a little emotion sometime."
She laughed and pulled him back at arm's length. "Oh my goodness! You look so handsome! Oh! Congratulations on the album by the way! We are so proud of you!"
Kurt sniffed and stared at the ground. "Thanks. It was a group effort really."
"You kids are so talented. I knew you would do big things. I told your father- Oh!" She had caught a glimpse of Blaine again who was standing there watching them with great amusement. He loved happy reunions! Kurt had acted as if they were going to his own funeral on the way over. "My dear, I am so sorry! You must Mr. Anderson! Thank you so much for what you have done for Kurt and the others!" The next thing he knew, he was getting hugged too and it truly warmed his heart.
"Oh, please call me Blaine. And I'm the thankful one being the first to discover the band! They are truly talented." Blaine looked up to see Kurt watching him with the ghost of a smile on his face.
Carole pulled back and indicated the flowers and wine. "These are beautiful!"
"These are for you," Blaine said with a sweeping dapper bow that had the woman giggling. "The wine is courtesy of Montgomery Records, but the flowers are from me."
"Oh, Blaine that is so sweet!" She took them from him and opened the door wide. "Come in! Burt and I have been waiting all day! Burt! Burt, he's here!" she called down the hall to a den and bustled off to the kitchen. "I'm going to get these on the table and finish lunch. You go say hi to your dad."
Blaine smiled at her as she left and turned to Kurt who was giving him a weird look. "What?"
"Nothing. You're just so precious."
Blaine brushed past him. "I don't care if you make fun of me. That woman is adorable."
They went into the house together, Blaine taking in all the family photos everywhere. There were some of the entire family, some of another guy with brown hair and a handsome smile who Blaine guessed was Finn, and best of all, so many pictures of Kurt. Little Kurt with missing teeth. Baby Kurt with a beautiful woman that had to be his mother. Teenage Kurt with his hair all still one color and dressed... oddly. It made sense though. As an adult now, Kurt still dressed and accessorized in the most extra way possible, just in a different style. He didn't realize how wide he was grinning until Kurt nudged him.
"Stop. You look creepy."
"You were so cute!"
"Were?"
"Oh, hush. You know what I mean. I love this."
Kurt rolled his eyes fondly and jerked his head down the hall. "Come on. Meet the old man."
Blaine suddenly felt unsure, but he followed Kurt anyway. Carole was a thousand times warmer than he had guessed, so maybe his dad would be too.
Kurt led him into a den with the sounds of a football game coming from it and saw the man who must be Kurt's father in a well-loved armchair. At their presence, he turned off the game and stood. He wasn't smiling, but there was something behind his eyes as he looked at Kurt that made Blaine's heart ache.
"Hey, kiddo. Long time no see."
"Yeah," Kurt answered. He was scuffing the toe of his book against the worn carpet. Blaine could see the barely restrained set of Kurt's shoulders. He was holding himself back, but there was a longing there. Blaine felt like he shouldn't be witnessing this tender moment.
"Can I have a hug?" Burt asked gruffly.
Kurt shrugged and went to him. It was slightly awkward at first, but then they kind of melted into one another. Tears welled up in Blaine's eyes at the sight. God, what he wouldn't give to hug his own father like that or have him look at him that way. Just about anything. He hated him, but he loved him. It was a complicated emotion.
The hug ended and both men shuffled back, Kurt readjusting his jacket while Burt cleared his throat and eyed Blaine suspiciously.
"Hello, Mr. Hummel!" Blaine said springing into action. He stuck his hand out confidently and Burt shook it, still examining him. It reminded him of a look another certain pink-haired man gave him sometimes. "It's so nice to meet you!"
"Likewise," Burt replied in a way that Blaine doubted. "You two dating?"
Blaine's eyebrows shot up and he laughed uncomfortably. "My, aren't all the Hummels direct?"
Burt grunted. "You didn't answer my question." Kurt was staring at him like he wanted to know the answer too. What should he say? They weren't dating. They weren't supposed to be kissing and holding hands or texting each other silly jokes either. He didn't want Burt to think he was taking advantage of his son.
"Uh, no. We are not. He's my client."
Kurt frowned. So did Burt. Oh no. Had he said the wrong thing? He didn't want to lie to this frankly intimidating man. Burt was looking down at the bottle of wine in his hand.
"Isn't it a little early for that?" he said, indicating the wine with a grease stained finger brought about by his job as a mechanic.
"Oh, it's um… It's my boss…" Shit. He had made a mistake bringing it and now he was fumbling over his words.
"Your boss is a bottle of wine?" he asked sarcastically.
"Calm down, Dad," Kurt said before Blaine could explain himself. "It's not like we could all get drunk after one bottle of wine. I've got rum if you want to get fucked up."
Burt leveled him with a glare and was about to reprimand him when Carole thankfully interrupted.
"Lunch is ready! Should we open your wine, Blaine?"
Blaine hurried to his savior and speed walked towards the kitchen. "Oh, whatever you want, Mrs. Hummel."
Carole giggled. "You can just call me Carole, sweetie."
If Blaine thought the initial meeting was awkward, lunch was worse.
Burt was apparently still peeved about what Kurt had said earlier and Blaine by proxy because he glowered at them over the table the whole time. Blaine and Carole chitchatted with cheerful smiles, trying to ignore the tension. Kurt just stared down at his plate, stabbing the food viciously with his fork.
"So, how's Santana?" Carole asked as she sipped the wine that they had indeed opened.
Kurt smiled softly at her. "Oh, being a nuisance as usual. She was pretty pissed at me for leaving the tattoo shop without her."
"Well, she has such a beautiful voice," Carole replied. "She should join your band."
"Yeah, that's not going to happen," Kurt chuckled. "She's too much like me. We would clash. Plus, she and Dani dated and broke up on bad terms, so that would be awkward."
"She still trying to make you get a tattoo?" Burt grumbled.
Kurt's eyes flashed. Blaine knew from experience he was about to say something unkind.
"I didn't know Santana sang?" Blaine asked in an attempt to redirect the conversation. Kurt and Burt ignored him in favor of staring each other down over the table.
"I think I might let her," Kurt said, his voice dripping with vitriol. "Maybe I'll get a big, juicy dick right on my face. Wouldn't that be nice?"
"These Brussel sprouts are just delicious, Carole," Blaine said.
"Thank you," she replied mildly. "I made the sauce from scratch.
"I thought we agreed getting a bunch a tattoos just because it goes with your 'look' was a stupid idea, Kurt," Burt snapped. "You think anyone would hire you with that on your face?"
"Oh, I know a place that would hire me. I would be like a walking billboard."
"I know you're just trying to get a rise out of me, but don't even joke about that. I will make you come home."
"Did you forget I'm an adult now? You can't make me do anything."
"Spoken like a true adult."
"Does your family live in New York too?" Carole asked Blaine.
"Mom lives in Westerville, actually. Down on Birch Lane."
"Oh, that's a pretty neighborhood! I had a patient that lived out there."
"Mom's a nurse too."
Kurt pulled out his flask and dumped the rest of the contents into his lemonade. Burt made a sound of disapproval and Kurt sneered at him.
"Wow! Maybe we've worked together?" Carole told Blaine, seemingly oblivious to the dark looks the other two were shooting.
"Maybe. She was at St. Raphael's for years, but now she's a travel nurse."
"Oh, I am at Lima General. I'm sure we've crossed paths somewhere though."
"So, this music thing is just to get your foot in the door, right? You do still plan on actually using your degree that I paid for?" Burt said as he sawed through his chicken vigorously.
"Actually, I was thinking of trying porn next," Kurt said with a wicked smile. "Put that degree to good use. You know that's why everyone watches it. For the acting."
Burt dropped his silverware down with a clatter. "Damnit, Kurt. I'm just trying to make sense of what you're doing with your life!"
"Maybe I don't need you to make sense of my life," Kurt snapped back as he dropped his own utensils down. "Maybe I just need you to support me!"
"I'm trying!" Burt said, exasperated. "But I can't help feeling like you are making a huge mistake! Is this what you really wanted out of life? To be drunk half the time and waste all your talent?"
"I think," Blaine interjected before Kurt could retort. "That you care about each other very much and are both too stubborn to admit it," He quietly said as he cut his own chicken with care. Carole gave Burt a look that said they had this conversation before. "Mr. Hummel, your son is incredibly talented and I promise he isn't wasting it on his band. They haven't even put their album out and they have already been so successful. You should be very proud of him. Kurt, your dad just cares about you and doesn't understand how serious you are about this. Maybe stop antagonizing him and show him. As someone who would love the opportunity to have my own father even recognize me, I think you should give him a chance."
In the silence that followed, Blaine popped a small bite of chicken in his mouth and groaned in appreciation. "Oh my god, how did you get the chicken so juicy?"
Carole was grinning widely at him. "It's really easy. I can give you the recipe."
"Thank you."
They finished their meal, quietly making polite conversation. The fire in Burt and Kurt had been squelched and they ate, tabling their fight. Blaine and Carole continued to chat pleasantly while Burt and Kurt only chewed with disgruntled scowls.
While the other two were cleaning up in chilly silence, Carole took Blaine to the den and whispered that what Blaine had said was very true.
"I have tried to tell him, but he won't listen. It comes from a place of caring. He's very worried about Kurt. We both are."
Blaine nodded in understanding. "He really is doing well though. This truly means a lot to him."
"I see it," she replied. "He's different."
Blaine smiled softly. "He's amazing."
After everything was cleaned up, Burt and Kurt joined Blaine and Carole in the den who were having a great conversation about her flower beds.
Burt slumped into his armchair while Kurt just milled around the room.
"Gonna sit down?" Burt asked. "You're making me nervous."
"I wanted to show you something," Kurt said as he wiped his palms on his black pants. "Blaine? Can you get the guitar?"
Blaine nodded and hurried to go grab the acoustic guitar they had brought from the hotel out of their van. When he got back and pulled it out, Kurt was seated at the old piano and was plunking at the keys while Carole and Burt were watching him curiously. He wiped his hands on his thighs again and took a deep breath.
"So, as you know, I'm working on an album." He ran fingers through his hair while Blaine tuned the guitar. "I won't lie, you will hate some of the songs, but there are a few-- Blaine helped me write them actually-- that I wanted you to hear first. One is about you and mom and the other…" He sucked in his lips and looked up at a picture above the mantle. It looked like Finn was going to prom if the tux and corsage was any indication. A younger Kurt was beside him, his hair streaked with green instead of pink and a few less piercings. Blaine wondered a little sadly if he had gotten to go to prom and with who. He himself had gone with his best friend at the time.
Kurt cleared his throat. "The second one is for Finn."
A gasp came from Carole and everyone looked over at her in concern. Pain lined her face and she too looked up at the picture.
"I don't think this is the best idea—" Burt started.
"I promise it's not disrespectful," Kurt said solemnly. "Just listen? Please?"
They both nodded and Kurt looked to Blaine who bobbed his head once to show he was ready. Burt moved from his chair over to the seat beside his wife on the couch. She immediately took his hand and Blaine began to strum the guitar. They had practiced it a few times and although Blaine thought this version was pretty special, he knew when the band performed it it would be even better. Kurt waited for his cue and started to play.
Mother always told me,
"Don't you run
Don't you run with scissors, son
You're gonna hurt someone"
Father told me look before you leap
Always think before you speak and watch
the friends you keep
Stay along the beaten path, never listened
when they said
Sharp edges have consequences
I guess that I had to find out for myself
Sharp edges have consequences
Now, every scar is a story I can tell
Blaine recalled when they were writing this Kurt had been stumped.
"Well, what are you trying to say?" Blaine asked.
"It's about my dad. And my mom."
"Okay, what about them? What do you want to talk about?"
"I don't know. I feel like I can't talk to my dad without it ending up being a fight."
"Then this would be a good opportunity to talk to him and he has no choice but to listen."
So they had developed this and it wasn't until he was sitting in the Hummel's den listening to Kurt sing it to his dad that he got it. Burt was obviously getting it too, because he had tears in his eyes as did Carole.
We all fall down
We live somehow
We learn what doesn't kill us makes us stronger
The night he discovered Kurt's band flashed through Blaine's mind and he remembered that song Kurt had sang, the lyrics stating what didn't kill him made him vicious. In a way that was true; he had been molded by everything that had happened to him and it had turned him into someone with a thick skin. The same could probably be said for himself. Kurt just was completely honest about it.
They ended the song to silence. Burt was about to say something, but Kurt held up a hand.
"Please let me just do the second one before you say anything. Otherwise I don't think I can get through it."
Burt nodded and settled back in his seat.
Kurt took a deep breath and started playing. Blaine followed this time, gently strumming.
Should've stayed
Were there signs I ignored?
Can I help you not to hurt anymore?
We saw brilliance when the world was asleep
There are things that we can have but can't keep
If they say
"Who cares if one more light goes out
In a sky of a million stars?
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone's time runs out
If a moment is all we are
Or quicker, quicker?
Who cares if one more light goes out?"
Well, I do
Now Kurt was looking directly at his parents. His playing was faltering and his voice was shaking. Blaine could tell he was about to cry and the thought brought tears of his own.
The reminders pull the floor from your feet
In the kitchen, one more chair than you need
Oh, and you're angry, and you should be, it's not fair
Just 'cause you can't see him doesn't mean he isn't there
Kurt was definitely breaking now and he had stopped playing. He was looking straight at Carole and his father who were openly sobbing. Blaine continued playing even as tears poured down his own face.
If they say
"Who cares if one more light goes out
In a sky of a million stars?
It flickers, flickers
Who cares when someone's time runs out
If a moment is all we are
Or quicker, quicker?
"Who cares if one more light goes out?"
Well, I do…
Kurt hugged himself and looked at Carole. "I'm s- sorry. I just couldn't face you after… It's my fault. That night we were talking on the phone and we- we had a fight," Kurt swiped at his face. "Maybe if we hadn't… He would still be here…" He hiccuped. "It's my fault…" He slumped on the piano bench and cried. Blaine was about to get up and go to him, but Burt and Carole hurried to him and hugged him to their chests.
"Sweetie, it was not your fault," Carole said as she stroked his hair. "You have to know that. It was no one's fault. You are just as much my son and I love you. Shh, it's okay."
Blaine decided that they needed a moment together as a family and quietly slipped out into the hallway and then outside. There was something he needed to do anyway.
He had been thinking about the advice he had given Kurt earlier about Burt and pulled out his phone. Life was too short to hold grudges and he needed to at least reach out. He didn't have much family left, after all.
Hey. How are you doing? - Blaine
He wiped his face after he sent the text and paced up and down the brick sidewalk for a bit. 'How are you doing?' was so basic. So impersonal. He could have come up with better. But they weren't really close, so that wasn't exactly his fault. He could have done a knock-knock joke to break the ice. That was how he got close to Kurt. But no. That was their thing. His phone buzzed and he quickly pulled his phone out, terrified of the response. He sat down on the bench.
Who is this? -Cooper
Wow. This was super depressing. He shouldn't have expected more. Blaine started to reply when another text popped up.
Are you that hot redhead from the juice place because I have a confession. I'm not really Scandinavian. I was practicing my accents. But I had you fooled right? -Cooper
His brother was a dumbass. He hadn't saved his number in his phone and was trying to hit on him. Wonderful.
Ooooihhhh Squirt is that you???? Damn bro sorry! I thought Blaine was that girls name! But it can be both right? Unitarian right? -Cooper
Blaine laughed. If he didn't he would probably cry. At least he had saved his number.
Um, yeah. It's me. Your brother, not the lady. And unisex is the word you're looking for. Anyway, I was just checking in because we haven't spoken in awhile and I wanted to reach out. See how you are? -Blaine
Ah unisex right. Is that like you're into all genders? Wow that's nice of you to reach out. I'm doing good. I've got another commercial lined up and a guest character appearance on Law and Order so that's good. You are still in music right? Play any cool gigs lately? I could give you tips. -Cooper
Blaine rolled his eyes. At least Cooper was consistent.
No. I'm pretty sure that's pansexual. I meant the name could be used for a boy or a girl. That's unisex. Glad you are getting lots of work! Yes, I still produce music. No gigs. I work for a record label. -Blaine
Wow, Blaine I'm proud of you! I know it was hard to come out the first time, but I don't care what you are. If you want to be a girl, you go for it! I support you! Tough about the lack of work though. If it's because they are being transphobic then I will make a tweet about it! Just tell me who it is and I'll blast them along with all my followers!! -Cooper
Blaine tilted his head in confusion at his phone. What the hell was Cooper talking about? He closed his eyes and shook his head. At least he was sweet about it.
Okay. I think you misunderstood. I am not trans. I appreciate your support though! As for work, I have a job. I work at a record label. Producing music. I've got a band right now I'm working with. -Blaine
Oh ok! Still gay thought right? Uh duh. If you sing, you are PRODUCING music. From your mouth. Especially if you have a band. Silly. -Cooper
Blaine decided to give up on the work thing. At least Cooper wouldn't tell their mother he was trans. She would be fine with that, but she would be upset he hadn't told her before his brother blabbed and probably tweeted about and then there would be a forty minute long lecture and he would correct her and then there would be another lecture about how Cooper shouldn't be told anything. It was a whole conversation Blaine wouldn't care for.
Yes, Cooper. Still gay. Thank you. Anyway, I will let you get back to texting that woman, but this was nice. I'd really like to talk more. Life is too short, you know? -Blaine
Gay rights! Whoo! Ok, sounds great. I am totally up for it, especially if you want to run lines or if you have a song for me. Love you bro! -Cooper
Love you too -Blaine
Hey girl. Wanna go get some juice? -Cooper
Still me, Coop. See the text thread? -Blaine
Hmmm… I guess I don't have her number… oh well! -Cooper
Blaine shook his head again at the eldest Anderson son. He was kind of ridiculous, but at least his heart was in the right place. That conversation was exhausting, but heartwarming nonetheless. Blaine was pulled from his musings by the front door creaking open and a puffy, red eyed Kurt shuffling out. He came to sit beside Blaine on the bench and groaned as he rubbed his eyes.
"God, that was excruciating. Do you still smoke? I need a cigarette after that feelings fest." Kurt shuddered and made a disgusted noise.
Blaine grinned. "I don't have one. How did it go in there?"
Kurt sighed and fell over until his head was resting on Blaine's shoulder. It surprised him at first, but he figured the poor man was probably drained so he hesitantly rested his own cheek on top of Kurt's head.
"It went. They loved the songs. Thanks for helping me with them."
"Of course."
"We talked." Kurt scratched his nose. "Things are… Better. Not perfect, but better. We had a really long, agonizing talk and we both got a lot of stuff off our chests." He leaned his head back until he was looking at Blaine upside down. A grown man had no business being that adorable, but here he was. Being adorable. "Thank you."
"It's fine. I actually liked writing and playing. It was fun."
"No, I mean thanks for pushing me to do this. And for being here with me. And for this whole trip. And for bringing me breakfast in bed."
Blaine raised an eyebrow. "I didn't bring you breakfast in bed."
"You will tomorrow after we fuck."
"Wow. I thought you were actually being sincere for one second, but no. You just couldn't help yourself, could you?"
Kurt laughed and lay his head back on Blaine's shoulder. "Seriously though, we have to go out and have fun tonight. I did the stuff that makes me want to gouge my eyes out and now I want the fun stuff. So you have to let me take you out on the town."
"'Out on the town?' Really?"
"Shut up. I've just experienced about ten years of therapy in like, one hour. Cut me some slack."
Blaine sighed. "Fine. Let's go out. Show me all of Lima's secrets."
"Oh I will. But first I promised Carole we would stay for some dessert and a game."
Blaine perked up at that. "Sounds good. Crying makes me hungry!"
"Noted." Kurt replied as he snuggled deeper into Blaine's neck. "Carole makes the best apple pie."
Blaine groaned as he stood, jostling Kurt off his shoulder. "I'm stealing that woman. She's the absolute best and deserves the world."
"What about me?" Kurt whined as they walked back up to the front door.
"Do you make apple pie? Don't." Blaine said the last part as Kurt opened his mouth to say something dirty, he was certain.
Kurt squinted at him. "I wasn't going to say anything bad!"
"Mhm. Get in there and let's look at baby pictures."
"Absolutely not happening."
"We'll see."
They spent the rest of the afternoon indeed laughing over old pictures and creating new memories.
Next week will be the date! Wonder how that will go???
*songs used:
-Sharp Edges and One More Light by Linkin Park (a few of the lyrics were changed)
We do not own songs used*