I'm gonna admit I had some difficulty with this chapter so I need to say a big thank you to my friend Shelby for giving me the idea that led to the idea I came up with and a big thank you to my other friend Melissa for reading this over for me before posting it. Her comments were very helpful. So, I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint. Also I just made up Blaine's parents names since we don't actually know them.
It was Father's Day and everyone in the Hummel-Hudson house was running around like chickens with their heads cut off, except Burt. Kurt had come up with the idea of throwing a Father's Day Soiree in honor of Burt as well as Hiram and Leroy Berry and to Blaine's reluctance, Mark Anderson. He had been barking orders at Finn and Rachel all day and even Carole and Burt were having a hard time calming Kurt down.
He needed everything to be perfect. This was the first time that his parents and Blaine's parents were meeting despite him and Blaine having been together for over a year. Kurt himself had only met Blaine's parents not even a handful of times as Blaine was always worried his father might offend him which was why Blaine was so averse to having them over at the Hummel's. Mark Anderson was not as accepting of his son's lifestyle as Burt was of Kurt's. Knowing this, Kurt was doing everything he could to impress upon the Andersons that although it may not be what they had pictured for their son, Blaine was happy and that was all that really mattered.
"Rachel! You need to get the soufflé out now!" Kurt screeched in Rachel's ear as the timer went off on the range. It had barely buzzed for two seconds but Kurt was acting as if it was about to burn down the house because it had caught fire. She rushed over to the oven and pulled the perfect soufflé out and as Kurt noticed its perfection he let out a sigh of relief. "At least something went right today."
"Kurt, you need to relax. Everything looks great, the food tastes great; I'm sure this party will go swimmingly," Rachel said in a soothing voice as she placed her hands on Kurt's shoulders. She could feel the tension radiating from him. "Why are you so tense Kurt?"
Kurt shook his head slightly. "From what Blaine has told me, his parents are just so close-minded and judgmental. I need everything to be perfect. They already hate me for being Blaine's boyfriend; I won't let them hate me for anything else."
Rachel looked sympathetic. "Kurt, I'm sure they don't hate you for being Blaine's boyfriend."
"Oh, I know they do. At least I know his dad does. He tries to play nice and appears to accept Blaine's choices on the outside but deep down there is something very dark. I've only met the man a few times but I could even tell that."
Finn walked into the kitchen looking nervous. "I'm so sorry Kurt but when I was vacuuming I bumped into the table and the glass fell and…" Finn left off pulling a broken wine glass from behind his back. Kurt looked like he wanted to cry.
"It's ruined! Everything is ruined! We're calling it off. I can't do it," Kurt wailed as he turned into Rachel to cry on her shoulder. She patted his back and made soothing shushing sounds. Finn looked extremely guilty.
"Kurt, it's okay man, we can get another glass," Finn started trying to calm his brother down.
"It's not the glass! It's the pressure! The broken glass is a metaphor. Everything will start out all nice and pretty just like my beautiful table but then some big loud problem will come along and destroy all the hard work I've put into this! No, I'm calling Blaine now and cance-" Kurt exclaimed until there was a knock on the door. "Oh no!" Kurt rushed into the bathroom to keep their guests from knowing he had just been crying.
Burt answered the door to find Leroy and Hiram. They had allowed Rachel to head over to Finn's early to help with the preparations for the Father's Day Soiree and told her they'd be over before dinner. She had already given them their presents, tickets to the Lima Theatre Guild's production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet along with a pair of beautifully handmade stuffed turtle doves, to symbolize their everlasting love for each other, that Rachel had sewn together herself in Home Ec. After the disaster that was her first Lady Gaga look, Rachel had decided to learn to sew so as to avoid another train wreck. She thought it was quite useful outside of glee club too as she had sewn Finn's pants back together after having pulled a little too roughly to get them off him the one night.
"Hiram, Leroy, nice to see you as always," Burt said warmly as he greeted the men. They shook hands and walked into the living room together.
"Hi Dad, Daddy," Rachel greeted, hugging her fathers hello. "Dinner is almost ready. We're just waiting for the Andersons to arrive."
Almost as if they had heard Rachel speak, there was another knock on the door. Burt got up from his chair again and went to answer it. Standing there was Blaine and his parents. "Hello Mr. Hummel. Happy Father's Day," Blaine said as Burt let him and his parents into the house. "Mom, Dad, this is Kurt's dad Burt. Mr. Hummel, this is my dad Mark and my mom Kathy." Blaine looked extremely nervous as his father and mother shook Burt's hand. So far they had been tame but who knew what could happen later.
Kurt appeared as if out of thin air ready to greet the Andersons. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson; it's so nice to see you again," he welcomed sweetly. "Dinner is ready if you'll follow me to the dining room." Everyone followed Kurt into the dining room and squeezed around the table. Then the awkward really began.
"So Carole, you're Kurt's step-mother?" Kathy asked sounding as if it were a bad thing.
"Yes, but I'd like to think I'm not an evil one," she said with a chuckle in response to Kathy's tone.
"Carole, you're absolutely fabulous. As much as I'd love to be Cinderella, you're no Lady Tremaine," Kurt joked earning him a tight look from Blaine's father.
Kathy continued. "Are you divorced?"
Carole glanced at Finn. "No, widowed. My first husband, Finn's father, was in the military and was killed in action. Burt's been the only great relationship I've had since Christopher passed." She smiled at Burt and he gripped her hand under the table.
"Oh I'm so sorry; and Burt, you're widowed as well?" Burt looked somewhat uncomfortable. Why did all this matter so much to the woman?
"Yes, my wife died about 10 years ago," he replied solemnly.
"I'm sorry if I'm being too forward or making you uncomfortable. It's just we don't know very much about Kurt and your family. Blaine hasn't really told us much," Kathy explained sensing Burt's discomfort.
"So the first thing you ask is about their dead spouses?" Blaine said a little angrily as he placed his fork on his plate a little too harshly.
Mark looked at him sternly. "They're just questions Blaine."
"About topics that Mr. and Mrs. Hummel might not feel comfortable talking about, Dad. Did you ever think of that?"
"Blaine, it's alright. One of the points of this was to get to know each other," Carole said nicely. Blaine didn't look happy but he shook his head in agreement. From there the conversation got a little lighter and Kathy and Mark just stuck to basic questions that weren't about dead loved ones. Other than the tense and awkward moment between Blaine and his parents at the start, dinner went off without a hitch. Kurt relaxed a little thinking that maybe this wouldn't be a total disaster. After dinner was over everyone moved into the living room for small talk and digestion before dessert.
"I can't believe it took us over a year to finally meet," Burt commented as he sat in his chair.
"Well I honestly didn't think Blaine and Kurt's relationship would last long enough to really need to meet. You know how fleeting high school relationships can be. We thought Kurt might have just been a phase," Mark stated as he took a sip of his drink he brought with him. The room tensed at Mark's words.
Burt tightened his lips so he couldn't say something he'd regret. Carole spoke instead. "You have to know how important Blaine is to this family. He's like another son. We love having him around and it means so much that you finally agreed to come to dinner."
"Actually we only agreed because we wanted to see the family Kurt came from since apparently he and Blaine will be moving to New York together," Mark replied with some venom in his voice. Clearly he did not approve of his son living with another man in a non-roommates capacity. "Was not expecting them to be living together."
Blaine spoke up. "I've told you we're not moving in together yet. I have to dorm at NYU and Kurt is dorming at Parsons. Just because we're going to New York together doesn't mean we're moving in together yet."
"And even if they were Mark, what's so wrong about that? They're a good pair," Burt supplied in support.
"I just don't like the idea of two young men living together." Everyone could hear the emphasis he placed on men and understood what it meant.
At this Leroy added his thoughts. "What exactly is so wrong with that idea? How is it any different than a young man and young woman living together? Hiram and I have lived together ever since we were about 20 years old."
"You're gay?" Mark asked shocked. Everyone stared at him like he was crazy.
Finn leaned over to whisper in Rachel's ear. "Is this guy serious?" Hiram and Leroy were by no means as flamboyant as Kurt but it was clear they were homosexual and in a committed relationship. They had been introduced to Mark and Kathy as Rachel's fathers! How could he not have realized they were gay?
"What gave it away?" Leroy said mockingly.
"I'm sorry I just didn't make the connection. So Hiram you must be Rachel's father, right?" Mark asked rather insensitively.
"We're both Rachel's fathers," Leroy replied with a growl.
"Yeah, but Hiram's actu-"
"Mr. Anderson, I don't mean to be rude but you are totally out of line right now," Rachel stood up and said to the man who looked affronted. "Leroy and Hiram Berry are both my fathers. It doesn't matter who is biologically my dad. It takes more than genetics to be a parent. They have equally raised me and given me more love than anyone can." Hiram and Leroy both looked at Rachel proudly.
Mark looked at Rachel in distaste. "Are you trying to say that gay parents are better than the traditional mother and father?"
"I'm merely saying that I don't think it matters who raises a person as long as they do their best to make sure that person is cared for and loved." Rachel was going to end it there but something in her made her push on. "I'm surprised that Blaine has turned out as well adjusted as he has with a father like you."
"Excuse me?" Mark said standing, towering over Rachel. All the guys stood up and Finn gripped Rachel's arm ready to pull her away from the angry man if need be.
Rachel stretched to her full height and let it all fly. "You heard me. I don't think you're a very nice person, Mr. Anderson. You have an amazing son but you don't care that he is talented beyond comprehension or that he was accepted into one of the best schools in New York based on that talent and how smart he is; you only care that he likes men instead of women. Well guess what sir, that's who he is. Kurt is not a phase in Blaine's life. Being gay is not a phase. Until you can accept that, you are always going to be disappointed. Instead of trying to change your son to be what you think he should be, you should love him for the amazing person that he is."
Mark was ticked to say the least. "Look here little girl, I don't know who you think you are but you have no right to speak to me that way! You know nothing about my relationship with my son. You should really mind your own business."
"She's got a point Dad." Mark turned to look at his son. "Nothing I do is ever good enough for you. You're so hung up on my sexuality that you can't appreciate anything else I accomplish. You didn't even congratulate me on getting into NYU and you only ever do anything with me when you think it'll help turn me straight. It's not some switch you can turn on and off."
He got in Blaine's face. "I am a good father to you! I let you transfer to Dalton when you were getting bullied and I've always been there for you. The least you could do for me is try to not be gay, Blaine! You don't have to be a fag-"
As soon as the word escaped Mark's mouth, Burt rounded on him. "Don't you dare call him that!" Burt pushed Mark away from Blaine and got into his face now. "You're a horrible person. You think it was easy for me to have to come to terms with my son's sexuality? No, I still struggle sometimes, but the difference between a good father and a bad one is that a good father will love his son unconditionally. I love Kurt no matter who he loves. Blaine is a good kid and you are missing out on having a relationship with him because of who he happens to be attracted to? That's just stupid and petty. If you were a good father, you would support Blaine and be proud of him and not try to change him."
"I love my son!" Mark screamed in Burt's face.
"Yeah, well clearly not enough. Now I'd appreciate it if you'd get the hell out of my house. I won't have bigots who use derogatory terms like that in my home." Burt pointed to the door then walked over to Blaine. "You are welcome here any time you want Blaine. It doesn't matter what time of day or what we're doing, if you need to come over here, you can." Blaine thanked Burt and shook his hand before Burt pulled him in for a hug.
Kathy and Mark got their stuff together and headed for the door. "Come on Blaine, we're going."
"No, I'm staying here. I'll come home tomorrow but I can't go with you right now," Blaine said standing resolute in the living room. His father's face hardened but he didn't protest. Blaine said goodbye to his mother and they left.
The tension in the room died down significantly but it still felt awkward. Blaine made to go upstairs and Kurt followed him out of the room. Rachel fell onto the couch next to her dad and Finn sat on her other side. "This is entirely my fault. I never should have said anything. I'm so sorry I ruined Father's Day for you all." Rachel chewed on her lip and looked apologetically at Burt and her fathers.
"It's not your fault Rachel. If you hadn't of said something I'm sure I would have. That guy really needs to work on himself," Burt responded.
"And you didn't ruin Father's Day sweetie," Hiram chipped in. "I am so proud of you for standing up to him. You proved that we did something right as dads; that we're really worthy of the holiday." He smiled at her and squeezed her hand.
Rachel stood back up. "I'm going to go upstairs and see if Blaine is alright." She grabbed Finn's hand and pulled him with her. "I can't believe Blaine has had to put up with that his whole life. I'm so thankful for my dads," Rachel said as they walked up the stairs.
"Yeah, I'm lucky that Kurt set my mom and Burt up. He's a pretty awesome step-dad," Finn commented. They made it to Kurt's room where they could hear Kurt and Blaine talking. Finn knocked on the door and opened it a crack. "Can we come in?"
Kurt pulled the door open more and allowed Finn and Rachel to enter. "Blaine, I am so sorry," Rachel said as Blaine waved away her worry.
"You didn't do anything. My dad was being an ass the entire time and I knew he was going to say something to tick someone off. I didn't expect it to be you, but I knew it would be someone." He threw himself back onto Kurt's pillow. "He just won't get over it! I've tried everything to get him to accept that I'm gay but he just won't."
"You can't force people to change how they feel. I know it sucks and isn't fair but maybe your father won't ever be able to accept the facts no matter what you do. It's his loss though, Blaine, you have to know that. It's not your fault," Rachel said sitting next to Blaine on the bed. She felt so bad that he was going through this.
Blaine sighed and sat up again. "It just sucks that I'm going to have to go home and deal with him for the remainder of the summer. I just want New York now!"
Suddenly a light bulb went on in Finn's mind. "Maybe not. Kurt how against letting Blaine move in do you think Burt would be?"
Kurt looked surprised. "You think Blaine should move in with us? Oh I'm sure his father would love that."
Finn shrugged. "School is over and Blaine is 18. He doesn't have to live with his parents anymore if he doesn't want to and Burt already said he's welcome here whenever he wants," he said not seeing the problem. "We can turn the attic into a bedroom or something and it would just be until school starts."
The more Kurt thought about it the more he liked the idea. The commute would definitely be shorter. "Well we'd have to ask Dad and Carole of course and after that, if they say yes, it would be up to Blaine." They all looked at Blaine expectantly.
"You really wouldn't mind if I lived here?" he asked skeptically.
"Dude, as long as you and Kurt don't have sex anywhere in my room and try to keep it down when you have it in other rooms, I don't have a problem with it."
Kurt snorted. "That's rich coming from Moan Man with his Scream Queen."
"Hey! We try to keep it down. Finn and I can't help it that we're just that good." Rachel laughed as Finn fist bumped her in agreement.
"But seriously dude, our parents love you and now that they know more about your situation, they'd probably be open to it." Blaine nodded at Finn contemplatively. "Just think about it and if you really want to, we can ask Burt and my mom about it."
Rachel's phone buzzed then and she noticed she had a text from her dad telling her they were headed home. She was allowed to stay if she wanted but needed to be home by 11. Quickly she ran downstairs and said goodbye to her dads and told them how much she loved and appreciated them and everything they do for her and for never trying to keep her from being who she was.
After saying goodbye Rachel ran back upstairs to Kurt's room but before she could get through the door, Finn opened it and threw her over his shoulder. He rushed to his own room and closed the door behind him.
"Finn!" Rachel giggled. "What are you doing? Your parents are right downstairs."
Finn put her down and looked at her. "Rachel, it's been three weeks and we have two hours before you have to be home," he whined. Rachel still had some minor pain whenever she moved suddenly but her bruises had mostly healed. They hadn't done much besides light making out since Rachel's fight though.
"Believe me Moan Man, I want it just as bad as you do and I think I'm healed enough to try, but we are not having sex with your parents downstairs." Finn groaned as he flung himself face first onto his bed. "Could you be more of a drama queen right now?"
Finn said something incoherent into his pillow as Rachel sat on the bed next to him. Rachel looked at the back of his head. "What?"
He lifted his head and spoke. "You had sex with me when Kurt and Blaine were in the next room."
Rachel laid down next to Finn and played with his hair as he shifted to look at her. "That's Kurt and Blaine. They can't ground us until we leave for college if they catch us fornicating in your room. Finn, we have the entire summer of our parents being at work while our homes remain empty and waiting on weekdays. Tomorrow you are more than welcome to come over and spend the day with me. I think you can last another 12 hours."
"Fine, tomorrow. I should warn you though, I have a lot of free time to fill tomorrow," Finn said flirtatiously.
"You and me both Moan Man," Rachel shot back at him with a wink.
"Are you really going with the nickname Kurt came up with for me, Scream Queen?" Finn blinked at his girlfriend.
Rachel shook her head and giggled. "I like it. It's very fitting." Then she leaned in to kiss Finn. The next two hours flew by while Finn and Rachel fervently made out on his bed. About ten minutes to 11 Finn drove Rachel home.
"My dads should be out by nine at the latest. Make sure to eat a good breakfast. I plan on filling all my free time tomorrow," Rachel said salaciously before kissing Finn goodbye. He really wanted to lay her out on the truck bench right then and there and have his way with her but he kept those thoughts in his mind. They would have all day tomorrow if he could keep his junk from falling off from lack of use before then.
Rachel hopped out of the cab and sauntered up to her front door in a way that made Finn want to jump into the nearest body of cool water he could find. Sometimes he swore Rachel was trying to kill him. She opened her door, turned around and blew Finn a kiss then walked inside.
Though the evening had been full of tension and drama it had ended on a good note for everyone. Burt had a mostly relaxing Father's Day and had enjoyed his sports themed Monopoly Finn had given him, Kurt got to spend the night with his boyfriend, Blaine was potentially moving into a home that would accept him no matter what and Finn had the promise of hours of sex with his girlfriend. Overall, it hadn't been a bad day.