Question 9: For what in your life do you feel must grateful?

It was weird not having Blaine around him. Kurt had gotten used to the other boy presence. Let's be real, Kurt was head over heels for Blaine and being away from him physically hurt. They were both in Ohio for Thanksgiving, but each in their own city. Kurt was called down from his daydreams by Burt placing a hand on his shoulder:

"It started snowing early this year, kiddo."

Kurt looked at his dad, smiled and accepted the cup of hot chocolate he was offering him:

"Thanks, dad. In New York is the same, last week we were snowed in."

"So I've heard, any consequences other than boredom?"

Kurt bugged his eyes:

"Why do you think I was bored?"

Burt chuckled, took off his hat and scratched his head before answering:

"You called me twice in a week. Since you didn't ask for money, I presumed it was out of boredom…"

Kurt grinned:

"Partly…"

Burt threw him a stern look:

"And partly because of the thing you've meaning to tell me and never finds out exactly how."

Kurt's eyes grew to the size of saucers this time:

"How did you know?"

His dad laughed out loud this time:

"Because I know you better than anybody."

Burt messed up with Kurt's hair, which surprisingly this time didn't bother him. There were things he wanted to discuss with his old man. Things a boy could only ask his father, but in an eye-to-eye conversation and with no one around.

"There is this boy…"

"Aha! I knew you were in love!"

In love? Was Kurt really in love with Blaine? Wasn't it just an infatuation? Anyhow, how could his father read him so freakishly well.

"Dad! Stop reading my mind!"

"One of the perks of having raised you almost alone."

Kurt looked out the window once more before looking back at his dad:

"I wish mom was here."

"Me too, kiddo. But it isn't the first time we've talked about boys. I thought we were past the awkward phase…"

Kurt took a deep breath:

"Maybe you are right. Maybe I'm in love and I only realized it now, talking to you. Anyway, it all doesn't matter; he's in love with someone else."

Burt sat by his side and passed an arm around Kurt's shoulders.

"Kiddo, this boy is dumb if he doesn't see the jewel he has at his side."

"He isn't dumb, dad. He's smart and funny and gorgeous. And I completely understand why he wouldn't throw a second glance my way…"

Burt interrupted him:

"Never put yourself down like that, Kurt. The world is mean enough without your help. You are worth it and I doubt Blaine doesn't see it."

"Ho… How… How did you…"

"Know we were talking about Blaine? Kurt, anyone can see you can't stop talking about your new roommate. Carole asked me this morning if you'd bring your boyfriend Blaine to dinner."

Boyfriend Blaine, Kurt liked the ring of it. But that meant that…

"Carole? She knows too? Did you tell her?"

"I swear we never discussed Blaine in this household before this morning. But, kiddo, you are pretty obvious."

"Oh goodness, do you think he knows?"

Burt took off his hat and scratched his head again:

"I never met the boy; how could I be a good judge of it?"

Kurt sighed. Burt continued:

"But I think it's past time you've talked to him."

"You really think so? Even if he's in love with another boy?"

"Is he going out on dates?"

"No."

"Has he introduced you or even talked about a boyfriend?"

"No, but dad…"

Burt laughed:

"Come on, kiddo. Don't be so scared. You need to know how he feels. Maybe he also has feelings for you. Maybe he has never considered it and likes the idea. All I know is that I can't stand it anymore seeing you sighing and lost in daydreams all day long."

Kurt got up and hugged his dad.

"I love you so much, dad."

"I love you too, kiddo. Why don't you go and call him now?"

Kurt was shocked:

"Do you think I should confess my feelings now?"

"Maybe not, but I know you're dying to talk to him. Wish him a happy Thanksgiving."

Blaine picked up the phone on the third ring:

"Hi, Kurt. Sorry, I was away from my phone."

"It was nothing, I barely waited."

"I was meaning to call you. It's weird not having you to talk to."

Blaine missed him? Kurt could hardly form any words. Blaine went on:

"Happy Thanksgiving!"

"You…You too."

Damn it, why did Kurt need to sound so inarticulate. It was his best-friend on the other end of the line. The guy he'd spent so many nights talking too until the early hours. And suddenly, he was Blaine. The Blaine. Kurt's love. He was doomed.

"Kurt? Are you still there?"

"Yeah. Sorry… my dad… Anyway, I just called to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. I better go."

"Wait! I mean, it's silly, but would you indulge a tradition of my family. It will feel like you are here with me."

Kurt's heart had already melted:

"Sure, Blee; anything."

"In my family, we go around the table saying what we are most thankful for this year. I think many families do that. Anyway, it's important to me to feel grateful."

"I've seen your gratitude journal."

"Don't make me blush, Kurt."

A giggle escaped Kurt's lips:

"I'm very grateful for finding my dad healthy. How about you?"

"You."

Kurt must have misunderstood it:

"What?"

"You, Kurt. I'm most grateful for you giving me a place to live that's a safe place and to have found a friend when I was in desperate need of one."

"Oh."

"Thank you for entering my life, Kurt."

"You're my best friend, Blee; I'm also grateful for having you in my life."

"Oh."

They were silent just listening to the other's breathing through the phone. Eventually, they were called to join their families and had to hang up. Kurt's smile couldn't be bigger as he walked to the dinner table. It was a happy Thanksgiving indeed.