The noise of children playing happily in the playground floats through the open window, but Blaine doesn't hear any of it. He only focuses on Danny, standing by the edge of his desk, his eyes shimmering with tears.

"I feel sad," he admits, as one tear escapes and rolls down his cheek. "Cause I don't think anyone likes me no more."

"Let me get this straight," Blaine says calmly. He reaches out and takes his little hand in his. "Jacob is having a birthday party, and you're definitely not invited."

"He told Dylan I wasn't. He gived invites to everyone but not me, and when Dylan asked where mine was he said I wasn't allowed to come."

"I see. Okay. Let me take care of it, little man."

"What did I do, papa?" Danny asks, his voice small. "I thought Jacob was my friend."

"Oh baby, he is, he is." Blaine lifts Danny onto his lap, cuddling him close and kissing into his hair. "It's not you." Deciding he might as well be honest, he takes a deep breath. "Jacob's mom doesn't like the fact that daddy and I are going to get married, that's all. That's why Jacob doesn't come to school anymore."

"Why?"

"Because we're two guys. She thinks that guys can only marry girls."

"That's dumb."

"I know it is. What's even more dumb, is that she thinks that means Jacob can't invite you to his party, but you know what? You're better than that. You're a wonderful person, Danny, and you're my little boy. It's a shame not everyone can realize how awesome you are, but a lot of people do know that, and they're the ones that count."

"I still want to go to the party, though."

"I know you do, my darling. I know."

Blaine is ready and waiting when it's time to go home, and the second he has dropped Danny with Burt at the garage, he drives over to the Stevens house. "My son is upset," he says, once Maggie opens the door.

"You don't have a son," she sneers, fixing him with a death glare.

"My son is upset," he repeats, calmly. "It seems Jacob is having a party and has invited the entire class except for him."

"Children like him are not welcome in my home."

"So you acknowledge it was your choice to leave him out, and not Jacob's?"

"Of course it was mine, Mr Anderson," she spits venomously. "What did you think? That I'd be suddenly okay with all of this? Especially after how you spoke to me in the playground? I withdrew my child from kindergarten three weeks early because of you and your disgusting actions."

"I want you to invite him. If you don't want Kurt or me in your home that's fine, he can come with Roberta."

"No."

"Wasn't it Jesus who said 'let the little children come to me?' This is not Danny's fault. He has no say in how Kurt or I choose to live our lives. He's growing up to be a happy kid, and I hope he'll go on to be a kind, loving and caring adult."

"With you two as parents? Unlikely. He'll grow up mentally damaged, that's what. He'll be the kid who jumps off the bridge at seventeen, or the one who turns to drugs. He'll be the one who disowns you both, or ends up in prison for committing some horrific crime, and you two will be solely to blame."

Blaine looks down at the ground and takes a deep breath, before looking her right in the eye. "Fuck you," he says, quietly but firmly. "You are the nastiest, most vindictive bitch I have ever had the misfortune to meet. The irony of all of this, is that if I'd accepted your advances, back in October, you'd have happily had an affair with me and kept me as your dirty little secret. Tell me now who's the sinner? I hope there is a god, Mrs Stevens, and I hope that one day you have to be accountable for your actions."

He spins on his heel and walks back to the car, driving away without looking back. To Maggie Stevens, he seems wholly unaffected, totally cool, calm and collected, but on the inside he is filled with rage, disbelief and sadness. He pulls over once he's way out of sight, covers his face with his hands, and cries.

He composes himself after a few moments, and picks up his phone and calls his brother. "I don't like being a dad," he gasps, as his tears start again. "I can't make this better for him."

He tells Cooper the whole thing, from when Maggie had slipped him her number at the bake sale, right up to the conversation that had just taken place.

"When's the party?"

"The day after school gets out."

"Book flights, come here. Tell Danny you've realized that Jacob probably didn't invite him because he knew you were away."

"That's a lie, though."

"It is," Cooper agrees. "It's also the only thing that will make poor Danny feel even a tiny bit better. As a parent you do what you gotta do to keep your kid happy. This sucks, I agree, and I'd like to punch the bitch in the mouth, but Danny is loved, Blaine. You and Kurt are loved. This will not be the only time this happens. Kids go through this all the time, and a lot of the time it's for even more petty reasons. You know, when Emma was in high school, she was the only girl on the cheerleading squad not invited to some girls party one year. The only reason was that her parents had bought her a nice car, and that one girl was jealous. So pathetic, yet Emma still remembers how upset she was about it. Life is cruel and unkind. What makes it bearable is those you surround yourself with to support you in it all."

"I don't want to go home. Kurt's gonna be upset with me. I promised him I'd keep Danny safe and I've totally failed."

"He is safe."

"He's had his little heart broken and he's not even six!"

"Blaine... I hate this phrase, but man up. You wanted to be his daddy so bad, so now you have to put a brave face on it all for him. Be upset by all means, but don't let it show in front of him. If he thinks it's no big deal to you then he won't worry, trust me."

So Blaine drives reluctantly back to the garage and plasters a smile on his face, thanking Burt for watching him and then leading him out to the car.

"Where did you go?" Danny asks, as Blaine fastens his seatbelt.

"Oh I had to drop some stuff off to Mr Ross," Blaine says lightly. "I figured it would give you a little grandpa time."

"I like grandpa time. I said Jacob didn't invite me to his party and grandpa said his mommy is a moron."

Blaine chuckles and watches Danny carefully in the rear view mirror as he drives. "I was thinking about that."

"I'm still sad."

"I know you are, but actually, uh... I think there might be a reason Jacob didn't invite you."

"Yeah, because his mommy doesn't like you and daddy."

"No. Well, yes, but I think that you can't go that weekend anyway."

"Why?"

"I forgot to tell you, we're going to Denver. We thought it would be fun to go there after school gets out," Blaine lies, knowing full well he'll have to intercept Kurt the second he walks through the door tonight.

"Oh! For real? I'd love that! I miss Tabby and Lucy. Well, I miss Uncle Cooper and Aunt Emma, but I miss Tabby and Lucy the most of all."

"There ya go," Blaine says, reaching back and rubbing a hand over his ankle. "That beats any party, right? Uncle Cooper was telling me there's a carnival in town that weekend too."

"Oh yay!" Danny claps his hands together, and Blaine thinks he's home free, until he looks in the mirror again and catches him deep in thought.

"You okay, little man?"

"How did Jacob know we were going to be in Denver?"

"Um... I saw his mom the other week when I was getting gas."

Not a total lie, he had indeed seen Maggie getting gas, which was why he'd driven home instead, and then gone out again an hour later, but Danny didn't need to know that.

"And you telled her I couldn't come?"

"She just asked what we were doing the weekend school got out, and I told her we were going to Denver, and she said that's a shame because you wouldn't be able to make the party."

"Oh. Papa?"

"Yes?"

"I'm not going back, am I? Like Dylan. I'm going to another school, only we don't know where that is."

Blaine swings into his parking spot and cuts the engine, then releases Danny from his straps and lifts him into his arms. "No, you're not going back. I know that's sad, in many ways, because you'll have to say goodbye to a lot of your friends. I also know it's a little bit of a worry, when you don't know where you're going to be starting first grade, but we'll find you the most perfect school, I promise you."

"Will you be there?"

"That's what me and daddy are hoping for," Blaine tells him, squeezing him tightly. "I won't be your teacher, but I'll be your papa, and everyone will know everything. All about me and your daddy, and we'll be married by then, and everyone will know you're our little boy. It'll be a little bit sad, maybe scary, but I hope it'll end up being the best thing we ever did."

"I think," Danny starts, scrunching his nose. "I think that as long as you're there with me, then I'll be okay."

"You're such a good boy," Blaine says, kissing into his hair. "Hey, how about this weekend we get those training wheels off your bike, huh? Then you'll have something really exciting to tell Tabitha the following weekend."

"I'd like that," Danny agrees brightly, as they head inside. "And anyway, I don't even want to go to Jacob's dumb party if it means I won't see Tabby."

"Exactly. We'll have a party all of our own. Maybe you'll get to swim in Uncle Cooper's pool."

"Yes!" Danny kicks off his shoes, and immediately picks up the remote to find Sofia the First. "Cuddle time."

Blaine leaps up the second he hears the key in the lock, and hurriedly whispers to Kurt that they're taking a trip to Denver the day school gets out, and he'll tell him more later. But it is Danny who tells him all about the party, over dinner that night. It is Danny who tells him that Jacob's mom doesn't like them because they're getting married, and it is Danny who says he is not invited to the party but he doesn't want to go anyway, because he wants to see his cousins.

Kurt nods along, and keeps his face neutral, occasionally flicking his gaze to Blaine, who pokes at the food on his plate and seems thoroughly miserable. Once the subject has changed, and Blaine is telling Kurt all about the amazing Ferrari Burt has in the garage, Kurt watches his son. He is quiet, and given that he's usually dominating the conversation, it's very noticeable. He also keeps drifting in and out of deep thought, Kurt knows because he tells him they should go steal the keys and take the Ferrari for a spin, and Danny just gives a vague smile.

"Bath time, I think," Kurt announces, once the kitchen is clean, and Danny wanders down the hallway without any kind of protest at all.

He sits quietly in the bath, playing with the bubbles, and then suddenly he looks up. "Daddy?"

"Yes?"

"Can I tell you something?"

"Of course you can." Kurt kneels by the side of the tub, rubbing a gentle hand over his back. "You can tell me anything."

"I think that Jacob's mommy really didn't invite me because you and papa are gay. I think she just telled papa it was because we were going to Denver, but for real it was because she doesn't like gay people."

Kurt swallows hard, and from the corner of his eye he catches Blaine hovering in the doorway. "Is that what you think? And how does that make you feel?"

"Sad," Danny admits. "For you and papa. Because I think people shouldn't be mean like that. Like if you want to marry a girl or a boy and you are a girl or a boy it should be up to you. It makes me mad that Mrs Stevens is so mean to papa, but you know what?"

"What, baby?"

"I'm glad we're going to Denver anyway, but if Jacob did invite me, I would say I'm not going until she says sorry, cause that's not nice."

"I think we'll definitely have a nicer time in Denver," Kurt agrees, kissing his forehead. "I love you, little man, and you make me and papa very proud. You know what I was thinking? When we get back from Disney, it will be somebody's sixth birthday."

"Mine!" Danny cries. "It's my birthday! August twenty first."

"It is? Oh wow! Well, I was thinking we should ask grandma and pops if we could use their yard for a big party for this special person's sixth birthday, what do you say?"

"Yes! Daddy, I love it! I want to do that! Can you call and ask now?"

"Get dry, and I'll call before you go to bed."

"So he knows," Blaine says morosely, as soon as Danny's door is closed. He walks sadly down the hall and into the kitchen, pouring two glasses of wine, and handing one to Kurt. "All that story I was spinning, and he knows."

"He knows, but you still spared him a lot of pain."

"I don't feel like I did. I feel like I failed him."

"You did not," Kurt says firmly. He sets both their glasses on the counter, and pulls Blaine into his arms. "You went and immediately made plans, plans which you knew would make him happy. You didn't let him get weighed down by it all. He figured it out because he's growing up, Blaine."

"He's gonna realize I lied to him, one day. Maybe not right now, but one day he'll figure it out."

"Yeah, and you know what? He'll love you all the more for it. When I was seven, right after mom died, I used to wear her jewelry. We were in the grocery store one day, and some redneck spit at my feet and called me a faggot. My dad told me he was foreign, and trying to pay me a compliment on my pearls."

He laughs when Blaine does, but then turns serious once more. "When I got to middle school I figured it out, but it didn't hit home for me until I was in my junior year. I was being called that on a daily basis. My dad could have hit that guy that day. He could've punched him to the floor and told me it was an insult, but he didn't. He made sure I felt safe and secure, and loved. One day, Danny will realize exactly what you did for him today, and he'll remember this day when it comes to raising his own kids, too."

"I just wanna be a good dad," Blaine says quietly, looking down at his feet. "That's all I want. When he looks back, I want him to say that I did okay, but today I just feel like a complete failure."

"You're not." Kurt pulls him that little bit closer, knowing just how much he needs his reassurance right now. "Parenting is instinctive, thinking on your feet, protecting your little ones at all costs. You did all that and more today, and Danny has gone to bed feeling perfectly happy. He was always gonna realize that some people have a problem with us, that's unavoidable, but he knows, and he doesn't give a damn. Please, Blaine, trust me. If I didn't think you could do this, I would never have asked you to adopt him, would I? I just would have left everything as it was."

Blaine gives a nod, and offers a small smile, as he wipes at his eyes. "He really is growing up."

"He is, but I know the best part of his day is still coming home and watching Sofia with you. The show might change as he gets older, but I hope you two will always have that."

"Me too."

Kurt leans in, kissing him softly. "You feel a little better? Wanna take a bath with me?"

"I'd love that. I have to send two emails quickly, and then I'll be down."

When he does appear in the bathroom doorway, he has a look of total shock and surprise on his face. "Uh, Kurt?"

"Yeah?" Kurt turns around, just in his tight black briefs, and Blaine grins, pulling him close and smoothing his hands over the swell of his ass.

"I got an interview."

"What? Oh my god!"

"I know. Better still, it's this Friday at five, since they want to meet you and Danny too."

"They what? Woah. Oh god. I don't know if I..."

"You can," Blaine says into his neck, before kissing there. "It's only so they can introduce themselves to Danny, I think. You know the best part of all? It said 'We would like to meet your family.' That's you two."

"I know that," Kurt says, laughing. "Sounds good, doesn't it? So this is it. We're moving..."

"Don't say it! Don't jinx anything, it's just an interview."

"Okay." He takes his underwear off and gets in the tub, where he eyes Blaine hungrily as he undresses. "If you do get it though, can I call Maggie Stevens a stone cold bitch to her face?"

Blaine laughs and gets in the water, leaning back against Kurt's chest. "That woman is a complete c-"

"Blaine! Don't you ever use that word! Not ever."

"Cow."

"Oh."

"Nah, I was gonna say the other thing," Blaine admits, laughing when Kurt smacks his shoulder.

"Well don't be vulgar. Put your mouth to better use instead."

Blaine doesn't know how he manages to teach class on Friday. He is on edge all day, and by the time the kids finally depart for the day, he is entirely convinced he won't get the job.

"Just smile for them, Blaine, dear," Mrs Monroe tells him, squeezing his hand. "Talk about all the fun things you like to do for the kids. I've never known a teacher engage as well as you do. You'll be fine, trust me."

"I've never been this nervous," he admits, as he gathers his things. "I really want this job. It's a perfect little school in a perfect location, you know? It's an hour from here, close to my parents... what will I do if I don't get it? Kurt will be disappointed, Danny will be upset. Maybe I shouldn't take him with me after all? What if he falls in love with the school and then I have to let him down?"

"Blaine, listen to me." He whirls around to find Kurt leaning against the door frame, dressed in a nice navy suit. He walks slowly toward where Blaine stands, a small smile playing on his face. "Your dad once gave me some great advice, and I think of it all the time. When I was saying I wouldn't buy a house with you, and you couldn't contribute to Danny's future, he told me it was fine to carry on as we were. Then he added it was just a question of if I'd be happy, or whether I'd wish I had taken more risks. I know you're nervous, and I don't blame you, but you need to take this risk. If it doesn't work out then so what? I'm always gonna be there for you, no matter what. If you don't get this job then we'll regroup and find something different. You won't be letting us down, we'll just be proud of you for having the courage to go to the interview in the first place."

Blaine hangs his head, letting Kurt take him in his arms, so his head can rest on his shoulder. "Thank you," he murmurs gratefully. "Thank you so much for loving me."

"Time to get going," Mrs Monroe says gently. "I've got Danny ready for you."

Blaine turns to see Danny standing there, in a yellow plaid shirt and beige shorts. His hair is neatly brushed and his face clean, and Blaine can't help but grin. "You are so cute," he says, holding out his hand. "Ready, little man?"

"Yep. Bye, Mrs Monroe, I'll see you Monday."

"You will. Best of luck, Blaine dear. We're all rooting for you. Well, I am, anyway."

Blaine and Kurt load Danny into the car and head off. Luckily the traffic isn't too bad, and they arrive in Toledo with time to spare. Time which Blaine spends pacing nervously up and down the corridor, where a female candidate eyes him warily, while Kurt and Danny are shown around the school by the current vice-principal.

"What do you think, Danny?" she asks, as their tour comes to an end.

"It's nice."

"It is."

"So why are you leaving?"

"Danny!"

"It's okay," she laughs, resting a hand on Kurt's arm. "I'm only leaving because my boyfriend got relocated to the west coast. It's a little far to commute. Trust me, I wouldn't be going if I didn't have to."

"At my school now, no one really likes my papa because he's gay. Like they say mean stuff, and Jacob's mommy made him leave school and won't let me go to his party."

"That's a real shame," she tells him sincerely. "I can assure you that wouldn't happen here."

"How do you know that for real?"

"Well, if you come here, your parents will have to fill out a lot of paperwork, which all parents do. One of the forms they will sign is called our zero tolerance policy. It basically says that we don't have any bullying or being mean to people because of how they look, or dress, or who they love. Everyone is different, every child is different, every family is different, and we embrace that and encourage it. We think it's a really good thing."

"My daddy is gay too."

"I see."

"So no one would be mean to them or me?"

"No, and if they tried? They'd be in a lot of trouble. They might even be asked to leave the school, because we don't want people like that here."

"Papa!" Danny comes running down the hallway, throwing himself into Blaine's arms. "I love it here! I want to come to this school. Not any other. Please! Please, papa. It's okay for you to be gay if you work here, papa. That lady said so. You have to get this job. Have to."

"No pressure," Kurt says as lightly as he can, but Blaine looks sick to his stomach and doesn't say anything at all.

"Mr Anderson?" The door to the principal's office opens, and a friendly looking lady steps out

"We're ready for you now."

"Good luck," Kurt whispers, kissing his cheek. Blaine gives a tight nod, and forces a smile, as he walks into the interview that will decide the future of his entire family.