A/N: It comes with a heavy heart that I write this author's note. We all know about Naya, and as of the time of me writing and posting this, she still hasn't been found. Naya wasn't my fav, but I didn't dislike her, she just wasn't who I stanned. I only met her in passing once, but she was a person who deserved a long, happy life with her son. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones today, especially that beautiful little boy. I hope they all find peace. Also, please remember to not mention the cast, crew, her friends, her family and tell them what they should or should not be doing. I know this feeling, what they are going through is one of the worst feelings ever. Just pray for them if you pray. Send positive thoughts into the universe. Give your thoughts and prayers to her parents right now.

Regarding the story: Santana is and always will be one of my favorite characters on this show. I she will pass, go missing, or anything in this story or any of my stories. Finn's passing is canon, and while this is AU, I feel it's way too soon for anything like that to happen. In my world, she lives a long, happy, blessed life. I will be reworking the direction the story is going in to give her more of an important role. Santana's character in canon Glee was very underrated. Santana was the glue that held that hot mess together for so long. That being said, this is a filler chapter with a bit of happiness to move the story along. I needed happiness.

Again I own nothing.

Chapter 5: You're My Best Friend

Kurt and Blaine ended up spending hours together that first night. They talked about everything and nothing. They played with the baby until it was time for her to go to bed and that's where the evening found them. Sitting close, but not too close, on the couch with their feet sharing the foot stool.

"I dunno, Michele seems kinda like a bitch."

"No, you're crazy. She is probably the nicest person ever! I got to meet her when I went to New York after graduation. I happened to run into her at a show that I went to and when I tell you how surprised I was at how amazingly wonderful she is- it's unreal."

"Really? She doesn't seem like it."

"Eh, she's doing her job. She's giving constructive criticism. She's never mean to the girls. But you also have to remember it's a TV show. We're all looking for the gag."

"I guess so, it's only my first time watching it, so maybe my opinion will change."

"You've really never seen Drag Race, Blaine? It's probably my favorite show. Who doesn't like messy bitches and fashion?"

"I guess I really didn't watch a lot of TV in high school. I was always busy. Part of some club or another. Then Moose came along and I used any free time I had to sleep. My mom watches it though." He replied.

"Yea, I completely understand that. I can't imagine how crazy your life must be." He paused for a second before his head bounced up with a thought. "I'm actually going to be designing some costumes for my friend Kiki. He's going starting his career. He has a local following, but we're about to get him in the bigger cities. He wants to audition for the show next year."

"Oh my goodness, that's so awesome! You'll have to show me some of your work sometime."

Kurt coyly smiled at Blaine. "I would like that. But you know what I would like right now?"

"What?"

"I'd like to kiss you."

"Why don't you then?"

"Because my father raised me to respect my partners, and potential partners."

"Your father is a great man."

"That he is, but I don't want to think about my dad while I'm kissing you."

It seemed like slow motion. The world slowed as Blaine's heart sped up. The moment their lips met there were no fireworks, no sparks, nothing you read about in romance novels or see in the movies. There was, however, a feeling of right. This wasn't a deep, passionate kiss where, as cliché romance novels would say tongues were fighting for dominance, or some other ridiculous turn of phrase. It was exploratory. Their mouths never opened, but a curious hand brushed Kurt's cheek causing him to instinctively take a deep, catching breath. They both pulled back with stars in their eyes.

"That was-" Kurt began with Blaine finishing "awesome". Kurt chuckled, wanting to go back for a second, when the door opened. Both men jumped back and looked toward the door.

Blaine's parents walk into the room on autopilot. "Hey Baby, I saw the light on. What's – oh hi." Her thoughts derailed when she saw Blaine had company. "You're Burt's son? Right?"

"That's me. It's a pleasure to meet you." He replied as he stood up to go shake their hands properly.

"You as well, what are you guys up to?"

"Oh just introducing Blaine to the fabulous world of drag."

Pam lived for drag culture. She was positively bouncing with the possibility of having someone to dish with. "Oh do you do drag?" Blaine's father slipped out of the room with a nod, likely exhausted and having to wake up early the next morning.

"No, my friend does. I do design for him though."

"That's so cool. I'd love to see her perform sometime."

"I'll let you know when he does an official show. But for now, it's getting late, I'll bid you both adieu."

"See you later Kurt, I'll fill Blaine in on last season's drama in the interim." Kurt laughed while Blaine just rolled his eyes, getting up from his seat.

"I'll walk you out."

Blaine followed Kurt out onto the front porch gently shutting the door behind them. "Sorry about her. She can be a lot."

"Don't apologize. I like her. It's amazing that you have a mom so supportive of you and culture that you may find yourself being a part of. I couldn't help notice your dad though." He finished with a sense of trepidation. "He didn't seem to happy that I was there."

Blaine instinctively rubbed Kurt's arm. "I'm sorry he made you feel that way. My dad is one hundred percent supportive of me of any relationship I find myself. You'll find that my parents are two of the most liberal people you'll ever meet. He's just a doctor and he works odd shifts. He knows that when my mom gets excited, she can talk forever so he just excused himself to get ready for bed. He's a good guy, you'll just have to meet him when he doesn't have to wake up in six hours for a twelve-hour shift."

"So, you want to see me again?" Kurt flirted, his heart feeling a little bit lighter.

"Of course, I do. I'd like nothing more than to get to know you better. Get to know what makes the fabulous Kurt Hummel tick." He replied with a wink.

"Sounds like a plan. Let me get out of your hair. I have to drive to the city tomorrow to get supplies for Keek's outfit."

"K. Text me when you get home."

"I will." Kurt leaned in a pressed a gentle kiss to Blaine's cheek. "Goodnight Blaine."

"Night Kurt." Blaine stood on the porch leaning against the post at the top of the stairs until Kurt was out of view.

He was all smiles as he walked back into the house, his mother waiting on the couch with a glass of wine.

"Sooooo Baby, do you have something you'd like to tell your momma?" Blaine just flushed and sat next to his mom leaning his head on her shoulder.

"I think I like him."

Blaine was on cloud nine the next day. He was tired because he spent far too much time watching television and talking with his mom the night before. He gushed about his first kiss (that really counted) and told her that they were going to take it slow. His mom was absolutely his biggest cheerleader and he knew how lucky he was. He wasn't sure how he got so lucky in his life. He got the best parents, the world's okay-est brother, a world's most perfect daughter, and now possibly the world's most handsome man. Kurt was no Chris Hemsworth, but he was the most handsome man that Blaine had ever seen.

Blaine was absolutely going to regret staying up so late since he had to work that night and likely wouldn't get home until past midnight, but he'd try to nap when Sierra took her nap later. But for now, he was watching her "eat" breakfast, which when you are baby-led weaning it was about ninety-nine percent mess and one percent getting something in her stomach. On today's menu was ripe bananas cut up into small little chunks. He winced as she rubbed it into her hair. That's going to be fun getting it out.

He pulled out his phone and hopped into the group chat he had with Santana and Sam as Sierra happily threw her food on the floor and hit the top of the highchair.

Kurt came over last night. – Blaine

Wanky – Santana

Did my pupper like him? – Sam

We didn't do anything San. And he didn't meet her yet Sam. – Blaine

So, how did it go? – Santana

He kissed me. – Kurt

That's awesome bro. You totes deserve some dude on dude action. – Sam

Sam, shut up.

I still don't know if this is a good idea Blainers. – Santana

We spent most of the night talking last night. He seemed to warm up to Moose. We want to see where this goes. – Blaine

I mean that's cool man. Yay gay! – Sam

Omg – Blaine

Ur an idiot Trouty. Why am I friends with you. – Santana

U know u love me. – Sam

Antewayyyyssssss. I have a good feeling about this.

Also… that kiss. – Blaine

Well, he has had a lot of experience – Santana

San! – Blaine

What? It's true. Ur the one I'm looking out here for B. – Santana

I know, but can you at least give him a chance? - Blaine

Ya Tana, let him get his mack on. – Sam

I just wanna make sure u know what ur getting into. He's the son of a progressive candidate for office in backwards fuck ass Ohio. It's gonna be complicated. - Santana

Is anything worth it easy? – Blaine

Wait, isn't fuck ass kinda the whole point? – Sam

That's what you took from that? – Blaine

Well, speaking of that. Kurt will be doing plenty of that. Definitely heard he's exclusively a top. – Santana

Omg San! – Blaine

Uh, on that note. I'll talk to yall later. – Sam

What, I just call it as I see it. And you do have a plump little fuckable ass Blaine. – Santana

Goodbye Santana! – Blaine

Woah Tana. – Sam

HAHAHAHAAHA – Santana

Blaine shut his phone and looked back at the baby, still happily getting bananas everywhere. He took a quick picture of her bright two toothed smile. Her eyes closed like two little crescent moons; her curly hair matted to her head with banana in some spots. Her little bib was a present from Santana that was crystal-studded and read "Daddy's Little Diva". And, that, she was. He sent the picture to his mom, dad, Misters Berry, and Santana. Replies instantly came in.

Ay bandito! Que linda mi preciosa! – Santana

Oh my goodness! My baby! Mema loves you sweetie! – Mom

That's my girl – Dad

Blaine, she's beautiful. She looks just like you, only a bit Jewish. – Hiram

He chuckled at Hiram's response and decided to send it to one more person. If they had a chance at anything, he would have to be able to be comfortable about Sierra.

I hope your morning is less messy than mine! *image attached* - Blaine

"Okay Moose, you're a mess. It's time for a bath." Sierra shrieked in delight as Blaine picked her up and headed up to the bathroom. He purposefully left his phone on the kitchen table, slightly nervous about the reaction that he might get.

Kurt started out the next morning texting back and forth with Kiki while he did his workout at the gym. The gym was the one place that Kurt went faithfully to deal with the pressures of his life in a healthy manner. The bar is where he went when the gym couldn't full sedate the need. He started out doing his two-mile run on the treadmill before working his arms and finally doing a mile on the elliptical to cool down.

Ki, we're doing the outfit she did with the blonde wig for your set right? – Kurt

Yea, I already have a pair of knee-high gold boots, so I don't need to buy hooker shoes today boo. – Kiki

Great? You have the wig already? – Kurt

Yea, I have a short blonde, just have to set it with those old school curls. – Kiki

Awesome.

So I did a thing last night. – Kurt

Aww shit – you hit that? – Kiki

No! I just kissed him. – Kurt

Kurt Hummel just kiss a man he has his eye on? I never thought I'd see the day. – Kiki

Oh shut up.

I'm not some whore ya know. – Kurt

Never said you were babe. I'm not shaming ya. You do your thing boo. All those bitches see you walk in the bar and they turn into bitches in heat. – Kiki

Oh. My. God. Shut up. – Kurt

I'm just saying girl. – Kiki

I know. He's different.

He's not like the others.

Not even just the guys that I hooked up with.

He's not like my exes either.

He's just… He's Blaine. – Kurt

Ur going soft on me Hummel. – Kiki

Well, we may be taking it slow, but I hope I don't stay soft for long. – Kurt

Get it! Now, let's talk bedazzling. – Kiki

Now you know that's my love language. – Kurt

Point two miles to go. So close, but so far away. He was about to put his phone away for the last few minutes of his work out when another notification popped up on his lock screen.

I hope your morning is less messy than mine! *image attached* - Blaine

The image attached instantly made Kurt smile. Made him smile a pure smile, a smile he hasn't remember having in a long time.

She's gorgeous, just like her Daddy. – Kurt

Something in his heart drew him to that little girl. It made him remember the way Blaine's eyes were like upside down smiles when he threw his head back in laughter. The way her little girls wisped about, like Blaine's did at the end of the day (he had to talk to him about that gel). She even had his cheesy smile. He told Blaine yesterday that he didn't know if he really even wanted kids. Suddenly, he couldn't picture his future without this one. Woah.

Kurt and Blaine spent most of their mutually available time together the next week. They went out for coffee. They took Sierra on a walk around the park. Blaine came over and basically napped on Kurt's bed with Sierra while Kurt worked on the outfit for Kiki (well one of them, he currently had three dress forms with outfits getting pieced together). They had dinner with Blaine's parents (Blaine was right, his father is very kind; a little corny, but it was part of his charm). They watched more Drag Race with Pam (she ended up leaving with Sierra with a wink after one episode though). They ended up making out on the couch for a while (well at least until his clueless dad came downstairs for some water). Kurt went out with Kiki (with Santana watching from afar) when Blaine was working and put in extra hours at the café since his dad was in Washington for the week. Kurt introduced Blaine to TikTok and they spent a few nap times making very couple-y trending videos (some might say bordering on thirst trap videos) each one making them laugh harder than the last.

Both Kurt and Blaine wanted this to go further, but neither of them ready to say the words both fearful that the other might not like what the other had to say. It's far from the last time words will be left unspoken, but that's life and some of the most important words get left unsaid.

On Saturday Blaine had to work just outside of town so he would have been home around ten. Kurt was bored, and since Kiki wasn't going out that night, he decided to go hang with Pam and the baby until Blaine got out of work. That night, for the first time in almost a year Burt wasn't worried about Kurt going out. He was different these past few weeks. He was happy. He was laughing. During dinner the night before Kurt actually joined into the conversation. The break from the usual silence from him was a welcome change. Burt wanted to ask him what changed, but he knew his son. He knew that if it was only superficial, he would put up a stronger wall. So, he and Carole both enjoyed it and hoped it lasted.

Kurt knocked on the door at 217 Oak Ridge Road with high hopes about tonight. He was getting ready to tell Blaine that he would like to make this official. He'd only known him for a few weeks, but it was drawn to him. Being with him felt like home.

He hoped he wasn't crossing a line coming here without Blaine being home. He heard the dog barking behind the door as it slowly opened.

"Oh, hi Kurt! Blaine's not home right now." Pam was obviously surprised to see him standing there.

"I know, I was bored and was hoping to maybe hang out with you guys for a bit."

"Of course, come on in." Pam opened the door wider to let him in. "Want to watch some TV?"

"Sure, down for some All Stars magic?"

"You better know it." She replied as she handed the baby off to an open armed Kurt. Now that you're here I can have some wine. I'll be back!"

The three watched television until it was time to put Sierra to bed. Kurt happily rocked her to sleep before placing the infant in her crib with a kiss to her curly haired head. Pam smiled as she stood in the doorway taking a sip of her wine. Things were looking up for Blaine already. She loved her granddaughter. It was honestly one of the best things that happened to her, she just worried how Blaine's life might suffer because of it. It didn't look like it would. She headed downstairs with the monitor to start cleaning the kitchen.

The kitchen is where Blaine found Kurt, his mom, and his dog shortly after ten pm that night. He heard Drunk In Love playing in the kitchen, his mom with an open wine bottle on the counter and Kurt. He furrowed his eyes in confusion for a moment until his brain caught up with his eyes. His mom was throwing it back singing along "Then ride it with my surfboard, surfboard, surfboard Grainin' on that wood Grainin'-grainin' on that wood.I'm swervin' on that, swervin'-swervin' on that" with Kurt laughing while dancing with the dog, holding her front paws as they just swayed side to side.

Sometimes there's a moment where you say to yourself 'oh there you are, I've been looking for you forever'.

He took a quick picture before interrupting.

"Oh my God, mom – put that away! You're gonna put an eye out with that thing."

"Oh Baby, I've got moves you've never seen."

"Gross."

"How do you think you got here Baby? I mean do I need to talk to you about the birds and the bees?" She teased grabbing her glass. "Goodnight boys."

"Goodnight." They replied simultaneously.

"So, what brings you here tonight? I must say I was pleasantly surprised to see you here."

"Well, I wanted to see you tonight and figured ten was too late to come over so I might as well come and hang out with the girls."

"You're amazing." Blaine replied, just looking at Kurt like he hung from the moon and stars.

"So, how wa-" Kurt was beginning to ask Blaine how his night was when he was silenced with a kiss. Kurt immediately kissed back. It grew more passionate as Kurt backed them up into the island. Kurt lifted Blaine so that he was sitting on the counter, because that being pressed in his back couldn't possibly be comfortable. Blaine had to now lean down into the kiss, his legs wrapping around Kurt's torso as his fingers ran through Blaine's hair. Here the stayed for a few minutes until they both had to come up for air.

"That was amazing. What got into you?"

"I want to be with you."

"Like you want to be my boyfriend?" Kurt replied with a grin.

"Yes. If you want us."

"Of course, I do. Now, where were we?"

I'm happy at home.

End notes: Only song actually used in the chapter is Drunk in Love by Beyonce. Title is You're My Best Friend by Queen and performed by the ND. (EDIT BECAUSE I OBVIOUSLY CANT DO MORE THAN ONE THING AT A TIME AND MIXED SOME SONGS UP