Chapter 4

"Oh my God!" sighed Blaine, "no, Burt. We don't need money, I earn enough to pay the bills, look after us both and put some aside for an emergency. We're fine...really."

Burt flopped back in his chair.

"You said that you're both under stress. What from? If it's not money and it's not drugs, then what's going on?"

Blaine stood up to leave. He really couldn't cope with much more.

"In all honesty, right now?" Blaine said snarkily, "the biggest stress on both Kurt and I is the simple fact that we're here and not at home where we belong!"

Blaine stormed into the kitchen fuming silently. He could virtually feel his blood pressure rising with every minute they stayed. Perhaps Kurt had been right last year not to want to come back. If it wasn't for the stupid anniversary party the next day, he'd whisk Kurt straight to the airport and get them back home. Blaine hated Kurt not being able to be whatever way he wanted to be, he hated lying to Kurt's family and friends constantly, but most of all he hated being accused of not taking care of Kurt. Drugs? Affairs? Broke? Didn't any of Kurt's family have faith in him?

Blaine felt a hand on his back, and turned to see Carole beside him. He stood up, preparing to run for the hills if necessary. He held out his hand to tell Carole to stop before she even opened her mouth.

"Please don't," he said, his voice crackling with emotion, "not now. If you can just wait until after tomorrow, then I promise you can be the first person in line to have the next go at 'tearing Blaine a new one'."

"Let's go for a walk, Blaine," Carole said gently.

Blaine looked at her in confusion, "I...I can't...Kurt's..."

"Having a nap, I know," she said soothingly, "he'll be fine for a while, and you need some time out."

Blaine sucked both his lips in between his teeth, "I'm fine," Carole raised an eyebrow, and Blaine chuckled, "honestly. I can't just leave him...he'll be..."

"Go and leave him a note then, but come straight back down. You and me are going to blow this joint Mr Anderson!" she smiled softly at him.

Blaine smiled at her weak attempt at humour and, sensing no way out, he made his way upstairs.

Kurt was lying on his back, his mouth wide open, a tiny streak of drool dripped from the corner of his lips. Blaine noticed he had put his Superman pyjama pants on, Kurt's leg poked out the side of the bed. The pacifier sat on the nightstand, and Blaine tucked it away into the drawer, just in case someone walked in. He did a quick scan of the room and made sure everything was neat and tidy and in its rightful place.

Blaine quickly found a pen and paper to write a note for Kurt:

Hey there sleepy-head,

I've gone for a walk with Carole, I won't be long – pinky promise

If you need a change, they're in the bag
I love you

D
xxx ooo
ps: Don't forget to take 'Superman' off!

Blaine folded the note in half with Kurt's name facing upward, he leant down and kissed Kurt softly on the cheek before going down to meet Carole.

They quickly put their coats on and left the house. They left Finn, Rachel and Bryce upstairs in Finn's old room, and Burt watching a game in the living room.

Blaine hurried Carole along the sidewalk, she began to puff and reached out to grab Blaine's arm.

"He's fine, honey," she said softly, "he won't go anywhere without you."

Blaine slowed down just a fraction, and tried not to be irritated. Carole pulled him into a small coffee shop and pushed him down into a seat. He scowled, but remained in the chair while Carole got them both a coffee.

"Blaine," she spoke quietly, "you can't keep going on like this."

Blaine glanced at her quickly, and shrugged. Ever since receiving the call from Rachel, he'd been on tenterhooks, he knew he was clucking over Kurt excessively, but it wasn't something he could simply 'turn off'. He was in this just as deeply as Kurt, and if anything, found it even harder than Kurt to just stop being the caregiver.

"Talk to me, Blaine," Carole begged, "please?"

Blaine felt his resolve start to crumble.

In New York he had friends to talk to. Other caregivers, or people sympathetic with those in the scene, to talk to or to get advice from. In Ohio, Blaine was alone. He could talk to Kurt, but there was a limit. If he laid everything out too bluntly, Kurt would feel incredibly guilty, which would hurt them both.

Carole reached across the table and rubbed Blaine's arm gently.

"It's just between us, honey," she cooed, "I won't tell Burt, or anyone else if you don't want me to."

As she watched Blaine slump in the chair, she swore she could hear his brain having an internal argument with itself.

"You can't protect him from the world, Blaine. As much as you want to, it's just not possible... Do you want to know what I see?"

Blaine looked up at her with damp eyes.

"I see that I'm sitting in run down coffee shop," she started, "having coffee with a gorgeous man, that's passionately in love with his partner, and has been since they met. He'll do anything for his little family, but you know what?"

Blaine shook his head slowly.

"He thinks his family is just two people, himself and his husband. He's forgetting that it's so much more than that," she reached out and took his hand, "he's got a father-in-law that adores him, a mother-in-law that has to stop herself from calling him every day, a brother-in-law that would walk through hot coals to save him from harm, and he's got a little nephew that doesn't even know him, except in photos."

Blaine gulped as he felt a tear make its way down his face.

"And every single one of those people are scared, Blaine," Carole said solemnly, "scared that these two wonderful men are isolating themselves, cutting themselves off from the unconditional love that only a family can give. And one of these wonderful men is trying to shoulder everything on his own...trying to be his husband's protector, lover and confidante, and in the process they're both losing all the good things they used to have outside their own little world. And that gorgeous man is now being told everything is his fault, and I don't believe that for a moment."

"I'm sorry," choked Blaine, "I never meant to keep him from you...I wanted us to come last Christmas, I did. But...it's just...it's hard."

"Breathe, Blaine," Carole gently scolded,"I'm not blaming you. And I'm not judging. I just want you to understand that there's a world that misses the pair of you, and if you want to talk, then I'm here... for both of you."

"But earlier you seemed..."

"Annoyed, suspicious, pissed off?" Carole suggested.

Blaine let out a half-laugh and nodded.

"Oh, I am!" she said bluntly, "but more than any of that, I'm worried. And if anything, I'm worried more about you than Kurt."

"I'm fine," assured Blaine, before he chuckled, "Well, I'm normally fine."

"Talk to me Blaine," Carole urged, "let me in...even if it's just to help both of you get through this weekend."

Blaine took a deep breath and made a decision.

"Kurt and I," he started hesitantly, "we don't lead what people would call a 'conventional' lifestyle."

Carole nodded encouragingly, "I kind of guessed that much...Can you promise me one thing?"

"I guess it depends what it is," Blaine answered honestly.

"Is it completely consensual?" she asked.

"Oh God, yes!" Blaine immediately answered, "I mean I wouldn't...I couldn't...force him into anything. And Kurt would never force me."

Carole breathed out a sigh of relief, "and neither of you are getting physically hurt?"

Blaine's eyes widened in horror, "NO!" he shrieked, "How can you... do you think I..."

Carole rubbed his arm again gently.

"Calm down, Blaine," she whispered, glad they were the only ones in the shop, "I had to ask, sweetie. If it was something like that, I'd have to do something. You understand, don't you?"

Blaine took a few deep breaths and nodded.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Carole said gently, "but I've made you a promise that it goes no further, and I'll honour that promise Blaine... for as long as you want."

"Thank you," Blaine answered, sincerely, "ummm...Carole?...have you ever heard of the term 'adult baby'?"

Carole gulped, but smiled reassuringly, "Yes...yes I have, Blaine...I can't pretend that I totally understand it. But I have heard of it."

"So, Kurt?" she asked, and Blaine nodded.

"Okay...can I ask you some questions?"

"Sure," said Blaine, "as long as you don't mind if I don't answer some of them."

Carole nodded, "I'm assuming this isn't just a sometimes thing?"

Blaine shook his head, "It started out that way, but for the last few years it's been 24/7. Except when you and Burt came, and...well...now."

"Wow!" Carole sighed, "so...that's why you went freelance, and gave up the job at the studio?" Blaine nodded.

"I don't mean to pry, Blaine," Carole searched for the right way to put her question, "but how far does this go?"

Blaine frowned in confusion, "I know really know what you mean, Carole. Please, don't pussyfoot around – Kurt's not here – you can ask me anything. It's out on the table now."

Carole took a deep breath, "Does he wear diapers?"

"He's in pull-ups this weekend," Blaine explained, "but he prefers diapers, and so do I. They're a lot more reliable."

Carole's brain was swimming with a million questions, a thousand bizarre images and hundreds of concerns. She tried to frantically sort out the 'must knows' from the 'just curious' questions in her head.

"Why?" was all she could find to say.

Blaine shrugged, "it started out as a bit of fun, you know?" Carole nodded and smiled, she might be a grandmother, but she'd had her own fair share of 'fun', "and it just gradually progressed until Kurt decided he'd like to try it as a lifestyle, so we did. And it works...for us."

"What does he...do...all day?" she asked gently.

Blaine laughed, "well, it's not all just sitting around watching Disney movies, if that's what you think. He helps me clean the apartment, helps out in the kitchen, although sometimes he's more of a hindrance than a help," Blaine chuckled, "we go shopping, go to the movies, the park is his favourite place in the world. Then when I'm working, he'll play in his nursery, or have his afternoon nap, he'll listen to music and dance around the apartment..."

Carole watched Blaine's face light up as he talked about Kurt. She could see that Blaine didn't see Kurt as a burden in any way.

"Sounds like you're both happy," she said smiling.

"We really are, Carole," Blaine sighed, "I know it might seem...weird, but he's so carefree and adorable, he sees things that grown up Kurt would gloss over. He's funny and excitable...you should've seen him on the plane coming here...I...I just..."

"You love him," whispered Carole.

Blaine nodded, "in whatever form he wants to be. I just love... Kurt."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, finishing their coffee, each one lost in their own thoughts.

Blaine cleared his throat, "So...do you think we're some type of weird perverts that you don't want in your home?"

Carole shook her head and took Blaine's hand once more.

"Relationships come in all shapes and sizes, Blaine," she said softly, "I think you're very lucky to have found each other. I would have to agree that it's not something that everyone should know about though."

Blaine took a deep breath, "Burt...He can't know," pleaded Blaine, "he wouldn't understand...it's not like Kurt's is missing his father, it's not that I'm a replacement for Burt..."

"He's worried," agreed Carole, "but honey, I've made you a promise...I won't tell Burt...let's just say, I'll run interference for you?"

"Thank you," Blaine said, as he stood up and pulled Carole into a tight hug, "thank you so much."

Once they pulled apart, Blaine checked his watch, he gasped as he saw the time.

"We'd better..." he started.

"Come on then," Carole said, linking her arm in Blaine's, "let's get you back to your..."

"Little man," said Blaine shyly, blushing a bright red.

Carole smiled at him adoringly, "okay, let's get you back to your little man, then."

They walked arm in arm back to the house. Blaine felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. He pulled Carole to a stop as they reached the bottom of the driveway.

"I yelled at Burt," Blaine said quietly, "I yelled at my father-in-law."

Carole just laughed, and patted his hand, "He'll get over it, honey. Stop worrying."

Blaine made his way sheepishly into the living room. Burt, Finn and Kurt were sitting watching a football game. Finn on one end of the sofa, Kurt, looking decidedly bored, at the other.

Burt looked up as his wife and son-in-law came into the room.

"Nice walk?" he asked, trying to keep his voice emotionless.

Kurt turned his head quickly and jumped off the sofa.

"You're back!" he exclaimed, and threw himself into Blaine's arms. Carole laughed quietly, while Burt and Finn looked on as if Kurt had just grown a new head. Blaine held Kurt close for a minute, resting his lips near Kurt's ear.

"Did you get my note?" he whispered.

Kurt nodded into Blaine's shoulder.

Blaine pulled them apart slightly once he noticed Burt's unnerving glare. Kurt put his hand in Blaine's and rested his head on Blaine's shoulder happily.

"Umm, Burt," Blaine started, "I'm sorry about before...I shouldn't have yelled."

Burt took the cap off his head and brushed his hand through his imaginary hair, "No," Burt said emphatically, "you shouldn't have, but I was probably out of line too...I'm just..."

"Concerned, I know," Blaine said, sneaking a little grin to Carole, "but I can only promise you that there's nothing to be concerned about."

"I guess that's gotta do for now," sighed Burt, slumping back in his chair.

Kurt looked worriedly between Blaine and Burt, he let go of Blaine's hand and grabbed a fistful of Blaine's shirt, pulling him closer. Blaine wrapped his arm around Kurt tightly.

"You want to stay and watch the game?" Blaine asked gently, knowing full well what Kurt felt about the game.

Kurt shook his head violently, screwed up his face and groaned, making even Burt laugh, "some things never change!" he joked, making Kurt's face light up.

"Blaine?" Carole said, "why don't you take Kurt for a walk? Show him all the changes in the neighbourhood...and there's the park down the street too."

Kurt turned to Blaine and grinned, "Can we...can we PLEASE go to the park?"

"Of course, we can," answered Blaine, kissing Kurt gently on the tip of his nose, "go up and get your jacket first."

Kurt nodded and they all heard him stomping up the stairs quickly.

"Dude," said Finn, "the park? What's the big attraction at the park?"

"If I remember correctly," Carole jumped in, "the park has the big old oak tree where Blaine took Kurt for a picnic on their first date, am I right?" she asked Blaine.

Blaine put his head down and laughed, "yes, you're right. I didn't know he told you about that." he answered, as he blushed a little.

They listened as Kurt stomped back down the stairs, jacket on, and ready to go.

Kurt skipped along beside Blaine, swinging their hands together between them. Blaine laughed along with him.

Once they arrived at the park, Kurt threw himself on the grass under 'their' tree, staring up at the clouds that poked through the branches. Blaine lay down on his side next to Kurt, and ran his the back of his hand softly down Kurt's cheek.

"I love you," he whispered, and Kurt turned to face him.

"I love you too, Daddy," Kurt said seriously, and Blaine kissed his chastely on the lips.

"Carole knows," Blaine murmured against Kurt's lips. Kurt sat up quickly and stared at Blaine in disbelief.

Blaine pulled himself up and opened his arms out for Kurt. Kurt clambered into Blaine's lap and stuck his thumb in his mouth. Blaine rocked him in his arms for a few minutes, before Kurt looked up at him.

"She's mad at Kurt?" he whimpered.

"No, little one," Blaine cooed softly, "she's not mad at anyone. She's trying to understand, that's all."

Kurt gulped, determined not to cry anymore. At least for today.

"There's something else I need to tell you," Blaine said quietly, "we're invited to a sleep over at Finn and Rachel's tonight."

Kurt closed his eyes for a moment, before reaching up and putting his hand against Blaine's face.

"I don't want to," he said sadly, "I can't go...please don't make me, Blaine!"

Blaine's head started to spin with the frequency and speed that Kurt was changing in and out of his 'little' headspace.

"Kurt," he spoke calmly, "your friends miss you, they want to spend time with you...Finn said we can have the guest room, so you'll be tucked up close to me all night. It's just a movie and some girl talk...Finn, Puck and I will be in the very next room."

"You promise you won't leave Kurt, Daddy," Kurt said snuggling into Blaine once more.

"I promise, little one," Blaine said earnestly, "I won't ever leave you."

Blaine gently pushed Kurt off his lap, and stood up, holding his hand out to pull Kurt off the grass.

"Let's go back and sort out everything we need," Blaine said, entangling his fingers with Kurt.

Xxx

They went upstairs to Kurt's room once they got back to the house. Blaine quickly threw some things for them into an old bag of Kurt's, he went into the bathroom and chuckled. Carole had placed a large bin, lined with a plastic trash bag, inside the bathroom, together with a huge pack of baby wipes on the counter.

He turned back to see Kurt lying on the bed on his stomach, feet kicking up in the air. Blaine flopped down beside him on his back, making the bed bounce. Kurt giggled and threw himself onto Blaine's chest.

Blaine quickly flipped them both over. He lifted up Kurt's shirt and started tickling him ferociously. Kurt squealed and laughed as he tried to get Blaine off him, before he suddenly went still.

Blaine stopped in his tracks and looked down at Kurt, panting slightly.

"What's wrong, little one?" Blaine asked, leaning down to kiss Kurt's cheek.

"Kurt's yucky," Blaine put his head down on Kurt's shoulder and chuckled.

"Are you finished?" Blaine said gently, not wanting to get a surprise.

"Uh huh," said Kurt.

Blaine sat up on his knees on top of Kurt's legs and undid his button and zipper. He pulled Kurt's pant's open enough to see that Kurt was very wet indeed.

With that the door opened,

"Oh my god," shouted Burt, "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were...Oh Jesus," Burt covered his eyes as Blaine quickly pulled Kurt's shirt down enough to cover the exposed pull-up, he climbed off Kurt's legs quickly.

"Umm, Burt," Blaine stammered, "It's not what you're thinking..."

Burt backed out of the doorway quickly, "My bad," he said, finally taking his hand away from his eyes, "you guys are married...I mean you should be...well, I mean...not that you should be HERE...but I know you do... God! I'm just going to go."

"Burt!" shouted out Blaine as Burt disappeared from view, Burt stuck his head back around the door, "Did you actually come in here for a reason?" Blaine laughed, as he saw Burt's bright red face.

"Oh, right," Burt flustered, "just wanted to let you know that Finn's almost ready to get going."

"We'll be there in a minute," Blaine smiled, "oh, and Burt? I honestly wasn't about to defile your son in your home."

Burt chuckled and shook his head, "Well, it wouldn't be the first time, Blaine. Would it?"

It was Kurt and Blaine's turn to blush furiously as Burt laughed, making his way back downstairs.

Blaine quickly got Kurt changed and ready to go. Rolling up the pull-up and throwing it into the bin that Carole had provided.

As they reached the door, Kurt pulled him back. He kissed Blaine on the lips, swiping his tongue along Blaine's mouth until he felt Blaine relax and grant Kurt entry. Kurt sucked Blaine's tongue into his mouth and groaned in delight, before pulling back, slightly breathless.

"We don't do that enough," Kurt panted, resting his forehead on Blaine's, "we could stay here and continue," he suggested, Blaine shook his head and pulled away.

"I'm not making love with you while any of your family are within hearing distance." Blaine said emphatically.

"As soon as we get home," Kurt pouted, "I expect to be defiled, Mr Anderson."

"With pleasure!" Blaine laughed, and they went downstairs to meet Finn. Blaine wondering just what time the first flight out on Sunday was.

A few hours later, Kurt was sitting in Rachel and Finn's living room surrounded by high school friends. Mercedes, Rachel and Santana were all slightly tipsy already, Britney and Kurt were both refusing to drink. Blaine had warned Rachel not to let Kurt have any alcohol, saying that Kurt was currently on medication.

Kurt sat there, bored out of his mind. High school was a world away, and other than Senior year, it wasn't a time Kurt really wanted to remember or relive. He'd moved on, and had no desire to relive the past.

The girls laughed and joked about old times, getting more and more drunk as the evening progressed. Kurt and Britney sat together, and at some stage ending up holding hands, much to Santana's disgust.

Britney rested her head on Kurt's shoulder as Mercedes popped open yet another champagne bottle.

"I'm going to see Blaine," Kurt said, pulling himself away from Britney. Mercedes grabbed his hand and pulled him back down.

"No you don't white boy," she slurred, "anyone would think that boy owns you, the way he hides you away from us."

Kurt blushed, and sat back down as he was told. Santana got up and got him a soda, Kurt looked at unsure.

"For God sake, Hummel," she chastised, "you've sat there like a fucking wet blanket all night. It won't kill you, its soda!" Santana winked at Rachel awkwardly.

"Come on, Kurt," Rachel joined in, "Blaine's not here to tell you what to do, have a soda, for crying out loud."

Kurt took a tentative sip and shuddered. He hadn't had soda in years, preferring either coffee, juice or milk. But it didn't taste quite as he remembered it.

An hour later, Kurt was giggling along with the girls. Britney sat in the corner alone and scowled periodically at Santana.

"Remember that party you had in Junior year," howled Mercedes,"we played Spin The Bottle, and you ended up kissing Blaine?"

Rachel laughed hysterically, "oh my God, I'd almost forgotten making out with my brother-in-law!" she shrieked.

Kurt stopped laughing. He remembered it only too well. Another one of his 'best forgotten' memories.

"I know, I know," cried Santana, "let's play Truth or Dare."

Kurt groaned, knowing that game only ever led to either embarrassing truths or humiliating dares.

They started playing innocently enough, Santana telling everyone the story of her and Britney making out in Figgins office. Mercedes took a dare, and sculled a full glass of champagne, Rachel took truth and told everyone that Finn wasn't really 'all that' in the bedroom, to which Santana snorted and testified that it was definitely the truth.

Then it was Kurt's turn.

Kurt took truth.

He shouldn't have.

Rachel asked the one question that would change everything.

Possibly forever.

Kurt's world crumbled in front of his eyes.