This popped into my head and wouldn't get out. I NEED Kurt to have a win in his life. Or at least someone, other than Blaine, to realize that things aren't perhaps as peachy as Kurt likes to make out. So, here it is...
Disclaimer: I don't own glee, or Blaine, or Kurt. Surprised? You shouldn't be really!
HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Kurt was happy for his Dad. He really was. At least one Hummel could secure the hearts and minds of their electorate. Kurt kept going over the numbers in his head – 190 votes ahead. Just how many votes had Rachel used to stuff the ballot boxes? He was pretty sure it couldn't have been that many. Which meant that the victory rightfully belonged to Kurt. That was the most painful thing. If Rachel hadn't of intervened, he would now be Class President. His application to NYADA would be that one, tiny bit better.
After receiving the news from Principal Figgins, he had cried himself out to Blaine. There were no tears left to fall anymore. They had both decided that this was just another challenge for them. Another battle to fight. So, Kurt put on his brave face, congratulated Brittany, drank sparkling cider with his father, and smiled to the world. Only Blaine knew the true extent of his inner turmoil. As always, they would figure this out together. Blaine had helped him complete his application for NYADA, citing things that Kurt never would have thought of; a lead duet at Regionals with The Warblers, an interest in animal welfare (even though Pavarotti died), helping the Cheerios win Nationals with his Celine Dion number and being a foundation member of the New Directions.
They both knew it was sketchy at best, but as Blaine kept insisting, if they didn't at least try then they'd never know. It was with a heavy heart – a hand clasping the application to be sent off, and the shoulders bumping occasionally with Blaine's – that they had walked together to the mailbox, and sent off the first step of what could be their future. Only time would tell.
All he wanted to do now was go back to Blaine's house, crawl on top of the bed and be held by Blaine – hopefully forever. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible. His father wanted to take the family out to a celebratory dinner. It was really a double celebration, one was the successful congressional election and the other was Burt and Carole's first anniversary. Burt had insisted on including both Rachel and Blaine for the family celebration, which was of some consolation to Kurt. He might even be able to hold Blaine's hand under the table – very discreetly – if he was lucky. Some contact was always better than none.
The group of six arrived at the fancy establishment Burt has chosen for the evening. No expense spared for tonight! Burt had booked the restaurant months ago, intending it to be just for him and Carole for their anniversary. He didn't see the need to go elsewhere even though the evening was now about something bigger. The restaurant was perfect – just the right mix of romantic and casual. A five piece band played in the corner of the room, and in front of them there was a small dance floor where a few couple were already out enjoying themselves.
As Burt looked around the table, he smiled, realising just how much his family had changed in the past year. Not much more than a year ago, it had just been him and Kurt. Now, here they sat – a group of six people who each loved and cared for each other in their own way. He looked at Kurt for a moment. Was it really only two years ago that Kurt had been on the football team? Burt remembered looking down at the field and being shocked by just how small his son looked compared to the other boys his age. It was the night Kurt told his father he was gay.
Now, Kurt had grown close to six inches taller, his face had thinned out, shoulders broadened. He was a man now, Burt realised with a touch of sadness. His baby boy was a man, he oozed a type of confidence that Burt could've only dreamed about at the same age. Kurt, now had a new man in his life to love. Burt knew that he was no longer Kurt's first port of call when the going got tough, he'd been relegated to position number two the day that Blaine became Kurt's boyfriend. And Burt was fine with that situation. Actually, he was overjoyed for his son.
Burt and Carole made sure that Kurt and Blaine were treated exactly the same as Finn and Rachel. They both had the same rules – significant others were allowed in bedrooms with doors open; curfew of 10pm on school nights, midnight the rest of the time; and any sleepovers were with the permission of both sets of parents and in separate bedrooms.
Burt had no doubt that some of these rules were broken from time to time. He was pretty sure doors did get closed occasionally, and he didn't even want to think about what happened when Carole and he had spent the night away during his campaign. However, in general, the boys adhered to their rules better than most 18 year olds would. Burt pushed the sex issue out of his head. He didn't want to know what either of the boys got up to in that department. He had been 18 himself once, and he knew that what he had gotten up to was much worse than what he suspected either of his sons had done.
He was shaken out of his thoughts by a gentle shake on his arm. He looked over and smiled at his wife. "Time for a toast?" Carole whispered gently. Burt cleared his throat of the emotion that welled up inside of him. He picked up his glass and stood up. "I was just thinking about how much my life has changed in the past year. Finn, I'm proud of the man you're becoming. I know there's a lot of decisions coming up for you, but I want you to know that your mother and I will be there for every step of the way." Burt paused and looked at the young lady beside his stepson. "Rachel, you and Finn have had your moments, but Carole and I couldn't possibly ask for a better girlfriend for Finn. You have an amazing future ahead of you, and we're proud to include you as part of our family." Rachel smiled at Burt, surprised that he thought of her as part of the Hummel-Hudson clan. She looked over at her boyfriend and Finn smiled back as he leant toward her and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.
"Kurt," Burt began "you amaze me. You have grown into such a strong, confident man. There was a time not that long ago when I was so scared I'd lose you. But you're a fighter, and I know that you'll never stop fighting." Kurt felt like crying. Little did his Dad know that it was the only thing that Kurt REALLY wanted. He desperately wanted to stop having to fight for everything. So, Kurt did what he did best – put on a brave closed lipped smile for his audience. "Blaine, you came bounding into Kurt's life just when he needed you most. And you've stayed there. There were times before you and Kurt got together when I could've cheerfully strangled you," Burt glared at Blaine for dramatic effect. As always, Blaine dropped his head in embarrassment whilst nodding in agreement. "But I'm very well aware of how much you love my son. I have a feeling you're going to be part of us for a long, long time. And I couldn't be happier for the smiles you have, and will continue to bring to Kurt. Thank you Blaine." Kurt and Blaine stole a quick look at each other and reached under the table to clasp their hands together. A gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Burt.
"And lastly, to my lovely wife," Burt turned and saw that Carole already had tears in her eyes. "I want to thank you. For all the support you've given me during the campaign, for bringing Finn into my life, and for bringing Kurt and I back to life. Carole, you are my world. And not a day goes by when I don't wonder what on earth I did to deserve you. So, if we can all raise our glasses, here's to us and our amazing futures." Burt finished and sat down as everyone clinked their glasses together. He kissed Carole gently on her cheek as she leant her shoulder into his. Finn and Rachel each took a sip of cider and shared another small kiss. Kurt and Blaine smiled sweetly at each other and squeezed hands again under the table. Burt caught Kurt's eye for a moment. Burt took in a quick gasp as a realization hit him as hard as a bolt of lightning.
As dinner continued, Burt kept one eye on Kurt and Blaine. Watching the silent communication between the two boys, he made a decision. One he honestly had never thought he would make. He sat through dinner silently wondering how Carole would take this. He knew Finn wouldn't be happy. Hell, Kurt may not even like it. But things had to change. And soon. He kept his end of the dinner conversation up as best he could. Waiting for an opportunity to discuss his decision with Carole.
Before long, the main course was cleared from the table. "May I take this opportunity to dance with my wife?" Burt smiled sweetly, looking Carole. She looked back at her husband with an amused expression on her face. The only other time Burt had danced with her was at their wedding. And that was only because Kurt had made him. "You may," Carole replied, taking her husband's hand and following him out onto the dance floor.
Burt held Carole close and whispered in her ear, "Have you noticed anything about Kurt and Blaine?" he questioned, wondering if perhaps it was just him feeling emotional about his son this evening. Carole pushed her lips together in a sad smile and nodded, knowing immediately what Burt was talking about. She had been watching Burt just as closely as Burt had watched Kurt and Blaine. "Honey, it's always been there, and unfortunately it probably always will be. I was wondering when you'd catch up." Burt groaned and he felt like an idiot. He pulled his wife even closer, "I have to try and fix it. They deserve it." He said quietly into her ear. Tears threatened to spring from Carole's eyes as she nodded into her husband's chest. "You can't fix everything Burt, you said it yourself tonight. He's always going to have a fight on his hands." Burt sighed deeply, "I'm going to upset Finn, you know that?" Carole nodded quietly, "I'll take care of him, you do what you need to do." She knew that Finn would rant about Burt's plan, but she would do her best to make it right.
The song came to a finish, the couple had fully discussed their plan, and returned to the table. Carole looked at Finn. "Why don't you take that beautiful girl of yours for a spin on the dance floor, Finn." Finn swallowed his drink and looked over at Rachel who was beaming her bright smile at him. He nodded hesitantly and took Rachel's hand at lead her out to dance. Carole turned toward Kurt and Blaine, "May I have the honor of this dance, Blaine?" she asked gently. Kurt and Blaine shared another silent conversation, before Blaine agreed and guided Carole back out to the dance floor.
Kurt watched them go and then looked over at his father. "OK Dad, what gives?" Kurt dove straight in. "You've been watching Blaine and I all night, and to be quite honest, it's getting kind of creepy. Now, Carole wants to dance with Blaine and virtually pushes Finn into dancing with Rachel, conveniently leaving you and I alone. What's going on? Have you changed your mind about being ok with Blaine? I'm not breaking up with him you know! That's not your decision to make. I'm 18 years old. Or have you suddenly decided that you're not ok with me being gay, because frankly, it's a little late for that. The horse has definitely bolted from that stable." Kurt paused to take a deep breath.
Burt took the small opening and held up his hands in defeat. "Kurt, stop. Take a breath and just listen to me, please?" Burt looked at his son. Kurt had his 'don't piss me off' face on. Eyebrow raised, lips pursed together tightly ready to attack. "Fine," Kurt snapped at his father, "I'm not breaking up with him, just remember that!"
"I'm not asking you to. I know you love him, I would never ask you to break up with someone you love." Burt said staring right into Kurt's soul. "Kurt, I owe you an apology," Burt said gently. Kurt narrowed his eyes and tried to gauge what this was all about. "What for?" he asked confused.
"Do you remember when you asked me a long time ago, to treat you the same way I treat Finn," Burt started. Kurt nodded slowly, that's all he'd ever asked for – his father to be as comfortable around him and his relationships as he was with Finn's. "I agreed to that. Remember?" He asked his son. Kurt nodded once more. "Well, turns out I was wrong. You were wrong to ask for it, and I was wrong to agree to it." Kurt stared at his father in disbelief. Were they really going to go back to this. Kurt felt the hair on the back of his neck start to rise. "BULLSHIT!" was the only thought running through Kurt's head.
"Listen to me, Kurt. And I mean really listen," Burt could see Kurt getting ready to go into full blown bitch mode. "You and Blaine, you're not the same as Finn and Rachel. You never will be. I only realised tonight, just how much that affects you two. Carole & I, Finn & Rachel – we can kiss each other over a toast, get up dance together, spoon feed each other dessert, hold hands as we walk to the car. Hell, if we wanted to, no one – except our kids – would give a damn if Carole and I made out together on the dance floor. You and Blaine can't. Not here, in Ohio anyway. Not yet." Burt paused and looked at his son. Kurt looked down at his hands, and bit his bottom lip gently. His father certainly wasn't telling him anything that he and Blaine weren't already painfully aware of.
"I can't change the world, Kurt," Burt continued, "I wish I could make every homophobic idiot on the planet see some sense. But I can't. However, I can change your world. Yours and Blaine's. Maybe not as much as I'd like, but at least a bit. To make sure you two have at least a few of the same opportunities as every straight couple on the planet." Burt stopped as he heard Kurt sniff quietly.
"Dad, you said it yourself," Kurt said through his tears that now fell freely down his cheeks, "I'll always have to fight." He looked up his father, not wanting to hope for too much. "You will, son, you really will," Burt said choking back his own tears, "just not in my house."
"So, here's what I'm thinking," Burt took a deep breath. He was about to do something that he could never take back. If Kurt and Blaine broke up, and Kurt ended up with someone Burt didn't approve of, the rules would have to remain the same. It was a gamble, but one Burt knew he had to take. "Once a month, I'm going to take my wife out on a date night. We'll be gone no later than 7pm and home no earlier than 11pm. Finn will vacate the house on the same night. Either to take Rachel out, or he can go to Puck's. Hell, he can even come out with Carole and me." Kurt's eyes had never been wider in his life. He couldn't believe what he father was doing.
"That night, the house is yours and Blaine's. Have a romantic dinner, be mushy with each other, curl up and watch a movie. Whatever you want. Just remember we'll be back anytime after 11pm. Ok?" Burt watched as a smile came over his son's face, tears still flowing down his baby's cheeks. "Now, I'll talk to Blaine's parents, but as long as they agree and it's not a school night, Blaine can stay over. In your room. Door closed, if you want." Burt saw Kurt's mouth drop open in astonishment. Was he dreaming? He looked over at the dance floor where his boyfriend was still dancing with his stepmother. He caught Blaine's worried expression, and mouthed an "it's ok" to him.
"Kurt, this is not an open invitation for you and Blaine to have sex. I know that you're both 18* and if you guys want to do that, you'll find an opportunity, with or without my consent," Burt took a deep breath. He hoped this would be the last time he'd have to do any type of 'sex talk' with his son. "I just don't want to know about it. And before you ask, it's not because you're gay, it's because you're my son. I'm sure you don't want to hear about my sex life do you?" Kurt shook his head quickly, "God, no!" he stated emphatically. "Right, same goes in reverse. What goes on behind closed doors, stays there. You and Blaine should feel free with showing affection to each other within your own home. But no more than you're comfortable seeing from Carole and I. Are we clear?" Burt stared intensely at his son. Kurt got up from his chair and went over to his father. He clung to him tighter than he had in years. All the while whispering "Thank you, thank you, thank you" to his father.
Burt patted Kurt on the back, and quickly signally to Carole that it was 'all clear' for the foursome on the dance floor to return to the table. Kurt released his hold on his father just as Blaine approached the table. As they both sat down, Blaine whispered into Kurt's ear "What's going on?" Kurt took hold of his boyfriend's hand under the table. Entwining their fingers together, Kurt looked up at Blaine through teary eyes. "I'll tell you when we get home, but I really want to kiss you right now." Kurt whispered back.
Burt stood up from the table and looked at his family. He knew there was going to be one hell of a fight over these new arrangements from Finn, but that could wait for tomorrow. "Why don't we get going now? I'm sure we can have dessert and coffee at home, can't we? At least then we can ALL relax and enjoy the rest of the evening." Finn and Rachel looked at each other confused, but nodded in agreement. Carole took Burt's hand and kissed him on the cheek, "Marvellous idea, Burt," she picked up her bag and turned to Finn, "why don't you and Rachel head out to the car first, Finn?" The couple knew now that they were decidedly out of the loop. "Ok Mom," Finn answered scratching his head, "are Rachel and I going to ever know what's going on here?" he asked. "Just go," replied Carole, "all in good time."
Rachel picked up her bag, and grabbed Finn's hand. "Off we go then, boys," she said pointedly at Kurt and Blaine, who obediently followed on Finn and Rachel's heels. Burt and Carole followed them. After no more than half a dozen steps, Carole leaned forward so that Kurt could hear her, "You have a protective barrier, honey." Kurt nodded once, and quickly grabbed Blaine's hand in his own. Blaine looked at him worriedly, not wanting to rip his hand away from Kurt, but also not understanding where this boldness was coming from. Kurt repeated Carole's words to Blaine, who took a quick look around and smiled.
The boys, together with their family, felt like they were walking on air. Holding hands, in public, just walking to the car after dinner. Something so simple, that most people would take for granted, but one that made four hearts swell with joy and pride. Burt smiled at Carole, they both knew they were doing the right thing. But would Finn see it that way?
A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed/favorited/alerted my first story. I did say I'd have one with Kurt and Sebastian, but the more I read it, the more unhappy I was with my Sebastian. Maybe we don't know enough about him yet? idk, but Kurt's sad face at the end of 3x07 made me do this one instead. Please review as you wish, and let me know if I should continue with Blaine and Finn's reactions!
A/N2: Thanks for all the alerts/favourites to this story. I've had some PMs asking about Burt's rules. If you want to know how this story came about then check out my profile to read MY story.