A/N Sorry for the delay. Work has been kicking my ass. No quarantine for essentials. As always: register to vote. Vote for Biden in November (for the love of God don't vote for Kanye). Black Lives Matter. Support small black owned businesses. Wear a mask. Social distance. RIP Nick Cordero. Just so we're all on the same page. Darren and Mia both got sick the same time that Nick did. Nick was a healthy 41 year old man. It could have easily been your fav that passed. Wear a mask for yourself. Wear it for those you love. I also own nada. All mistakes are my own.

Chapter 4: Just The Way You Are

Hiram and Leroy stopped to congratulate Blaine on his excellent performance on their way back from the bar and Blaine was still on a performance high.

"Really Blaine, that was excellent, we're really proud of you." Hiram said, placing his hand on Blaine's shoulder.

"Thank you, it sure beats singing in the background at restaurants."

"Please, let us know if you need anything." Leroy chimed in.

"I appreciate it, but we make do. She's mine. I made the choice; I can take care of her." Blaine replied with a smile.

"We know, but we don't want to see you struggle. We're a call away if you need it, Blaine."

"Thank you, I promise I'll call you if I ever need anything."

The older men smiled and made their exit. Blaine didn't even have a chance to turn around before someone else was in front of him.

"Hi, you were great up there. I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Kurt."

Blaine was nearly speechless as he looked up, smile still plastered on his face. It was like the world stopped for a moment. "I know - I mean, hi, I'm Blaine."

Kurt grinned as Blaine held out his hand to shake his own. So polite. But, as if the universe had something against him, an older couple, obviously his parents began walking up to Blaine. A blind man could tell that they were related. His mother has the same hair and same smile, his father donned with a bowtie. "Well, I can see that you are the man of the evening, so I'll bid you adieu. But, can I have your number?"

Blaine would have choked if he was actively drinking his water. Kurt was obviously flirting with him. Probably one of the most handsome men that Blaine had ever laid eyes on was flirting with him. "Yea sure, let me put it in your phone."

Kurt unlocked his phone and handed it to Blaine. Blaine quickly added his number and handed the phone back. "Well it was a pleasure, Blaine." Kurt winked and did a semi-bow as he began to turn away.

"No, the pleasure was all mine." Blaine replied in his best attempt at being sultry. Kurt smirked as he walked away and looked at the number that Blaine put in his phone. He chuckled at what he saw. Blaine had entered himself as 'Blaine' with a kissy face emoji. Oh, this was going to be fun.

That night when Blaine got home, he said goodnight to his grandmother and went up to kiss Sierra's sleeping head. As he quietly showered as to not wake the baby, he finally took a second to realize what he did. He blatantly flirted with Kurt. He didn't even know he had it in him to do so. A quick wave of nausea crashed over him, his anxiety working overtime. He shook it off as he rinsed the shampoo out of his hair. He doubted it would go anywhere, but it could be fun.

Finished and dressed he took one last look at his phone before turned over his duvet.

So, Blaine Anderson, tell me about yourself. - Kurt

Blaine smiled as he crawled into bed.

What did you want to know? - Blaine

Hmm, anything. What's your favorite song? What's your favorite food? What's your favorite movie? What's your favorite part of me? - Kurt

Hmm, well. I love a lot of different music, but my all time favorite song is Don't Wanna Miss a Thing. I just love food; I don't have a favorite. I don't really watch a lot of movies. And, hmmm, my favorite part of you? I don't know yet. Ask again in a week. - Blaine

A week? - Kurt

Yea, I'd like to see you. So, what about you? - Blaine

My favorite song is Come What May from my favorite movie Moulin Rouge. I LOVE cookies, even if I try not to eat them too often. And I have to admit, I've crushed on your face and your voice since I saw you as Tony. - Kurt

Ooh, a stalker, I think I might like it. - Blaine

Oh stop. - Kurt

I'm just joshin' ya. - Blaine

Joshin'? You're an odd one Mr. Anderson. - Kurt

That I am. Listen, I need to get to bed. I'll text you tomorrow. - Blaine

I look forward to it. - Kurt

Blaine grinned as he silently texted. "Who ya talkin' too?" Santana asked with a tongue pop as she bounced Sierra on her lap.

"Oh, I got asked for my number at the fundraiser last night."

"Everyone there was like five million years old."

"Not everyone." He replied with a smile looking back at Sierra who was vibrating with giggles from bouncies with Auntie Snixx (her idea, not his).

A lightbulb went off her in head. "Oh my God, you're talking to Hummel. I dunno if that's a great idea."

Blaine faltered for a moment. "Why?"

Santana replied without breaking eye contact from the very content and very chunky baby. "I mean, he's nice. But I don't know if you're his type."

"Why not? What's wrong with me."

"Nothing, that's why. I see him at the bar all the time. He's always with someone different. Usually some hot fuck boy or trade."

Blaine got a little frustrated. "Okay, and? I'm not that and he was flirting with me just as hard as I was flirting with him."

Santana looked back up at him with a smile. "You flirted? My baby gay flirted. I'm so proud of you! Just be careful, okay? Just remember he hurts you I'mma catch him in these streets. He just doesn't seem like he's one for commitment. Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta go, and this baby stinks." Santana passed the still laughing baby back to her father and grabbed her bag before leaving.

Blaine felt a little deflated when Santana left. He really wasn't in the position to have a frivolous relationship. Or was he? Maybe he just needed to have some fun. No one his age was going to be interested in playing family anyway. He could always use more friends though. Since Sierra was born his friends don't really seem to talk to him as much. Blaine isn't upset by that though, it's natural. They are at different stages in their lives. They are on their way to college and he's skipped a few steps along the way. He still has Sam and Santana, the latter the one that surprised him the most. Maybe he'll be able to add Kurt to that list.

"Alright Missy Moose, it's time for a change and a nap. Auntie Snixx kept you up way past your nap time." He kissed the top of her head full of soft curls as they walked out of the room.

"Keek, when I tell you he is mesmerizing, girl." Kurt was at Kiki's house helping him get his outfit together for the show tonight at Scandal's.

"You do seem rather taken by him. Why don't you just take him to HoJo's and get it out of your system." Kiki replied with a wink.

"It's not like that. I think he's different."

"Oh, girl, you ready to take a man home to Daddy Hummel? Ready to make an honest man outta you?"

Kurt just rolled his eyes at his friend. Everyone thought that Kiki was just his type: tall, classically handsome, with strong cheek bones, topaz eyes that popped against his beautiful deep brown skin. Maybe he would have been it for him one day if it weren't for those hazel eyes. The truth is Kurt didn't really have a type. But something about Blaine said: Oh, there you are. I've been looking for you everywhere.

"Maybe one day. For now, I think I just want to get to know him. He seems sweet. You know he was my brother's friend." Kiki sympathetically half-smiled at Kurt who buried his face into wig his was helping to style. "You know Keek, if you're gonna make it as an Insta-queen, you're going to have to get more than a few kittycat wigs and this curly wig. It's a whole new world out there for queens. You gotta put in the work."

"Oh Kurt, that reminds me. I'm going to start performing in Columbus. I'll get some more exposure out there. Can't make it just as a look queen these days. I need your help. You gotta help me make an outfit. I'm go full Lil' Kim."

"Oh girl, you know I got you." Just like that, the subject was changed, and Kurt fell down the design rabbit hole.

It was a hot early summer afternoon when Blaine decided to stop in the Lima Bean with Sierra and have a coffee while looking at what kind of options he would have at the local college. His mom was starting to get on his case, and he knew she was right. It was perfect timing. She just fell asleep, so he was able to pick up his mobile order and make their way over the a quiet chair in the corner and enjoy his drink while she slept.

Blaine was on cloud nine. For the past week they were texting back and forth. Blaine was really beginning to think that Kurt was someone he could see himself with. But he had to tell him about Sierra before they got too deep into whatever it is that they were. It wasn't fair to anyone to keep this part of him a secret. He would only talk on the phone to Kurt when she was napping, or he was to or from a gig. But he knew that it was time to tell him about her. She is the most important person in his life and whether they were going to be friends or more, and it seemed like he wanted more from the way he was texting him. He took a sip and sent a text.

I know you have to work later and I was wondering if we could get together later. I have something I want to talk to you about. – Blaine

Uh oh, sounds ominous. – Kurt

Not at all, I just think we've been talking about and I want you to get to know me a bit better and to do that I want you to meet my best friend. My little diva. – Blaine

Sure, I'm out at 6. I'll text you when I'm out and we can figure out where to meet up. – Kurt

Sounds good! – Blaine

And BTW Dapper Dan, no one out divas Kurt Hummel, except maybe Kiki. – Kurt

You've never met Rachel. – Blaine

Is Rachel your best friend? – Kurt

Not exactly.

I'll let you go to work I have some stuff to do anyway. – Blaine

Hmm, I'll let you go on one condition. – Kurt

Oh yea? And what's that? – Blaine

That I get to kiss you tonight. – Kurt

We'll see how it goes tonight *winky emoji* - Blaine

Blaine felt his body flush at Kurt's text. He really hoped that the night would end in a kiss, but he knew that it likely wouldn't.

"Alright Keek, I'm just getting to work. Tomorrow I'm going to go to the fabric store in the city to get what I need. I'll let you know how much and you can Venmo me. Alright babe, talk to you later." Kurt put his phone in his pocket and walked into his shift at the Lima Bean. When he saw who was sitting in the corner lost in his coffee and his phone, he was happy he was a bit early.

He snuck up behind Blaine and covered his eyes causing Blaine to jump a bit.

"Guess who?" He asked before his eye caught the stroller parked next to Blaine.

"Kurt!" Blaine breathlessly exclaimed.

"Who's this sleepyhead? Your sister? Niece?" Kurt asked smiling at the beautiful baby. The sleeping baby definitely looked like Blaine, but he was a gay 18-year-old, couldn't be his daughter.

"Um, actually this is who I wanted to introduce you to tonight. This is Sierra, my-my daughter." Blaine was sure that he was going to lose his breakfast. This is not how he wanted this to go. But there was no going back now.

"I'm confused. But I feel like there's a teatime coming with this." Kurt's expression was unreadable.

"Yea, it's kind of a long story."

"Well, I have time before my shift starts. Let me grab a coffee and we can talk." Kurt smiled and grabbed Blaine's arm before he walked away towards the counter.

Blaine has to work on his breathing. He didn't realize how high his anxiety would be during this. It was in that moment he realized how much he had come to like Kurt in such a short time. He had never really had a real crush on anyone yet. Well, not anyone he actually had a chance with seeing as Chris Hemsworth did not count. He looked over at Sierra, who was still sleeping soundly, a drop of drool pooling at the corner of her pursed lips framed by chipmunk cheeks and a double (triple) chin.

He pulled over another chair so Kurt would be able to sit down with him and instinctively wiped his hands on his pants. Kurt walked back over with a smile and sat down next to him. Maybe this won't be so bad.

"So, Blaine Anderson, explain time me how the most beautiful 18-year-old I've ever laid eyes on has the most beautiful baby I've ever laid eyes on."

Blaine's smile went from ear to ear at Kurt's response.

"Well, it is the perfect storm of confusion and a lot of alcohol."

He went on to tell Kurt all about his albeit brief relationship with Rachel, the planned adoption, his inability to go through with the adoption, Rachel leaving, and becoming a single father. Kurt took Blaine's hand and held it during the story, realizing how hard this must all be on Blaine.

"Wow, Blaine, that's a lot. You're so strong." He checks his watch quickly and realized he only had a few minutes left before he had to punch in. "I'd love to continue this conversation, but I have to start my shift. Can I come by your place later and maybe talk some more?"

Blaine took a deep, reaffirming breath. He didn't run away. He wants to come over. "Yea, that'd be nice. My parents are out of town tonight, so I'll order Chinese."

"Sounds perfect. I'll take a General Tso's combo with pork fried rice. Text me your address and I'll be over around 6:30."

"Okay." Blaine was speechless, but oh so relieved. Kurt gave him a quick hug and walked back toward the counter.

Blaine thought it best to head out and not hang out at Kurt's job. How did he not realize he worked here? He placed his coffee in the holder and started pushing the stroller toward the exit. Kurt gave him a big smile and a wave on his way out, which Blaine happily returned.

The moment Blaine left; Kurt's smile dropped. Blaine has a baby? Shit. I need a drink. He quickly typed out a message before getting ready to put his phone away for his shift.

Keek, omg. He has a fucking baby. - Kurt

Who has a baby? - Kiki

Blaine. - Kurt

Shit, girl. What you gonna do? - Kiki

I dunno.
I really like him.
It's just
….
A baby - Kurt

Well you aren't asking him to marry you Kurt.
You know Zuri isn't my brother's daughter. She was a baby when they met. - Kiki

Really?
I would never have guessed.
But Keek, I'm a mess. I'm barely functioning half of the time. I'm in no position for this. - Kurt

Kurt, over the past week you've been different. Happier. There's a light in your eyes I've never seen.
Last night you didn't even have a beer.
You also said that he hasn't even been out all that long and that he lost most of his friends.
I mean
Maybe it's not because he's gay that he lost his friends, babe.
Maybe you'll be as good for him as he has been for you. - Kiki

Maybe. - Kurt

Just think about it. You're not signing adoption papers by flirting and possibly dating a guy. - Kiki

You're right.
Shit.
I'll talk to you later. If looks could kill my manager would be murdering me right now. - Kurt

Kurt tucked his phone in his locker and took a steadying breath. "Sorry Kevin. Existential crisis here." Kevin just rolled his eyes.

"You're on bar, Kurt."

To say Blaine was nervous was an understatement. He waited for the Chinese food to come while he dusted the coffee table again. Sierra was on her blanket up on all fours rocking back and forth. How did she get so big, so fast? She was babbling and spitting, growing frustrated that her rolly arms would only push her backwards. It was then he calmed down a bit. Everything would be as it's meant to be. There's not much control he has over it, so he just needs to take it as it comes.

A knock on the door startled him out of his train of thought.

"It's open!" He yelled, not wanting to leave the baby alone. He heard Kurt's 'hello' and called him to the first room through the entry way.

Blaine was just as nervous as he was 20 minutes ago when Kurt walked into the room.

"Hi." They both somewhat awkwardly said at the same time.

"Kurt, come on in, have a seat. Can you get you anything to drink?"

"No, that's okay." He replies as he sat down on the couch. "So. I think that we should put everything out on the table." Kurt stated cutting the brief awkward silence. "I am nothing if not honest." Kurt instinctively took a deep breath and looked over at Blaine whom he could tell was bracing himself while watching the baby grunt while rocking on the floor. He reached over and took Blaine's hand into his.

"Hey, look at me." Blaine timidly looked back up at Kurt. "Listen, it's not just me, this is about you too. We both bring something complicated to the table and before we start anything, we need to be sure that it is something we both want. Blaine, I need you to realize that I am a mess. Since my brother died, I've been just floating along. I'm not really doing a great job coping with his passing, even though it's been almost a year. I lost my direction; I don't know whether I'm coming or going some days. It can be a lot of strain on a relationship. I also have no experience with kids. None. Zip. Zero. I don't even, honestly, know where and if kids fit into my life. That being said, I'm not against it. I'm not against any of it. There is something about you, Blaine. I'm drawn to you. We've known each other for a week and I'm already happier than I've been in a long time. If you're willing to take your time with me, I'm willing to do the same."

Blaine took a second to take in what Kurt was saying and looked over at the baby again, who was now on her back playing with her tag book. He looked back at Kurt and smiled. "Since we're being honest here, I'm not ready to hop into anything serious right away. You make me feel good, I want to get to know you better. I do have to make sure that Sierra comes first and foremost. I understand your reservations, but Kurt, we aren't getting married. Also, you don't have much less experience with kids than I do. I have a grand total of seven additional months. I like you; I'd love to see where this goes, but I think it's best for both of us that nothing is forced."

Kurt smiled in response. "Deal. So, tell me more about yourself."

Blaine picked up the now fussing baby and sat back getting comfortable. "Well, my name is Blaine Devon Anderson. I am 18 years old. I love to perform. I love chocolate. I have a secret obsession with bowties. I have a beautiful little girl named Sierra Elizabeth. And, I don't think I've ever seen eyes as beautiful as the ones I am looking at right now."

"Wait, you said her middle name is Elizabeth?"

"Yea?"

"That's my middle name. I was named after my mother. What made you name her that?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I was just holding her, looking at her, and it just felt right."

"Hmm. That's so funny. So, I should return the favor. My name is Kurt Elizabeth Hummel. I am 20 years old. I love fashion and performing. I too love chocolate. I think I might have a thing for guys with bowties. I know that I've never seen a man like the one sitting before me."