You are all just FAR too kind. Thank you to the new people who read it all in one go and WOW loads of you are quick readers ;) – thank you for taking the time to leave me a lovely message.
Thank you for letting me know you weren't disappointed, I was a bit concerned you'd all think it was a cop out but it's NOT, I promise! :P
A massive thank you to those AGAIN who said they joined this site for this story. I mean, wow. It's REALLY a shock to hear that and I'm very flattered. I write only because I have ideas and I LOVE to write moments and emotions. That was a big aim of this story and for SO many of the comments to focus on THAT being the reason they keep coming back to read, well, that makes me very happy. I CANNOT believe it's been received so well.
To those concerned about Pavi – don't worry, our favourite Tweetiepie has a home for Christmas ;) haha!
This one is a little lighter and, again, different but it came out the way I wanted it to so I hope you like it!
"Kurt, Sweetheart!" Carole called, loud and clear over the lilting Christmas music coming from Burt's old record player. Kurt smiled hugely and placed down Pavi's cage and his suitcase gently just in time for her bone crushing hug.
"He's landed at last and he's apparently staying forever judging by the luggage," Burt teased with a happy smile. Kurt shrugged and winked, enjoying being around his dad after so long.
"Well, I like to be prepared and Christmas is a time for many outfit opportunities. I can't be left without options Dad."
Burt rolled his eyes knowingly and nodded. "Believe me, I'd have expected nothing less son."
Kurt let his eyes take in his dad's torn baseball cap, stone washed jeans and lumberjack shirt combo and immediately felt at home. As he made his way down into his room he frowned a little at the mess Finn had left. It was much better than Kurt had imagined. He'd envisaged a full scale jungle cat scathing brawl between them both if his 'brother from another mother' had broken or tarnished any of Kurt's expensive items. He sighed thankfully as he found his cherished Tiffany lamp still intact. It did feel a little weird being back in the current circumstances but as he plugged in his iPod stand and began to fill the music with decent music instead of Rainbow and Air Supply, which he was sure Finn had exhausted over the term, he felt his stamp being rightfully reinstated.
"Dude! You're home!" Finn called, slapping Kurt on the back as he suddenly appeared behind him. Kurt jumped a little but smiled regardless.
They spent time reacquainting themselves with the room, Finn being much more accommodating than Kurt had expected. He hadn't complained about the music, commenting that it reminded him of someone. Kurt knew he meant Rachel but didn't pry – Mercy would fill him in anyway.
He gently placed Pavarotti down on his desk and slid off the curtain. The little yellow bird hopped busily around his cage, moving towards the edges in an obvious attempt to take in his new circumstances. Kurt stroked a line down one of the bars. "This is your new temporary home. I hope you love it here as much as I do. Word of advice though tweetiepie, if Finn says its food there's a high chance it's not so be warned."
"So, what's Dalton like?" Finn called from the other side of the room.
Kurt turned to arranging his laptop and webcam. "It's great, I love it" he replied, not really knowing where to begin, "it's very different to McKinley and a little difficult to get used to but I'm not in constant fear of being slammed into the wall so therein lies the plus."
A shadow of anger passed through Finn's eyes. "But you're happy there though, right dude? You're not just sticking it out cos of Karovsky because you know we'd have your back if you wanted to come home."
Kurt nodded, grateful. "I know. Puck even emailed me with a detailed plan including surveillance and a particularly worrying outline of exactly how he'd euthanize Karovsky. I guess it says a lot but I found it pretty sweet."
Finn executed a trademark smirk, probably at the return of Kurt's wit. "Pity he's a douche when it comes to making out with any girl I love."
Kurt watched Finn slump on his bed. "Rachel?" he asked, his voice infused with concern. Kurt was shocked that it was actually genuine. He cared for Finn, he really did, and knew exactly how much he loved Rachel Berry. God bless him.
"She kissed him. I mean, I know I lied about Santana but we weren't together then and now..."
"She loves you, Finn," Kurt consoled, sitting by his 'brother' on the bed.
"Yea well, she's got a funny way of showing it." Kurt could see Finn knew and he could also see that this was what troubled him most. Rachel was ridiculous and difficult to stomach but one thing Kurt knew beyond no amount of doubt was that her feelings for Finn were cherished. She was a passionate hearted person and Kurt knew her well enough to know how lonely she felt on a day to day basis.
"You will work it out. I'm sure of it. Rachel's too stubborn and you're too soft," Kurt said forcefully, almost willing Finn to believe it. Finn didn't suit a sulk and especially not at Christmas. "Your mom said she was making brownies. Wanna go help me eat them before my dad does?"
Finn grinned. "Got yourself a deal." Kurt turned to walk up his stairs as Finn spoke again. "I'm glad you're home."
Kurt was touched and also a little surprised that he was too, in a way.
-.-.-.-.-.
Blaine was freezing. He snatched out his phone and punched in the numbers he knew off by heart.
"Oh you just miss me already don't you?" Wes sang into the mouth piece, causing Blaine to smile despite his current predicament.
"I feel like part of me is missing," Blaine deadpanned, his voice laced with sarcasm, "but on a serious note, I happen to be in a bit of a predicament."
Wes listened as Blaine explained his woes. The snow was bad – very bad. Vermont was not taking flights and there were no other transport connections running through the blizzard, leaving Blaine, his suitcases and his guitar somewhat stranded.
"Dude I'd have you over to stay if I was actually in my house but I'm on the road using the bluetooth, Kate decided it was meet the parents time. I'm going to be shot by her father. I can feel my impending demise imminent so it's lucky you called."
Blaine had to laugh. "The parents. Wow," he breathed out, still highly amused, "just don't mention that you and David sometimes share a bed or that you tried to drink yourself into a stupor in order to get your hands on Melinda with that tattoo at the Snow Ball, ok?"
"You think I want to be killed?" Wes spat, "seriously man, I'm channelling my inner Blaine Thornton right now. I plan on them falling in love with me. You manage it, why can't i?"
Blaine pulled a face, happy that Wes couldn't see him, and laughed. "Well, I can only wish you luck and hope you make it through the holidays."
Wes almost growled. "I need all of the luck I can get."
As they said their goodbyes, Wes apologising over and over for not being able to be there, Blaine leaned back in the uncomfortable metal seat in the airport and frowned as he watched all of the other holiday makers attempting to reorganise their entire holiday. He was fortunate enough that he was sure he could make it out to Vermont at some point and was sure to see his Grandmother and be able to celebrate at least a fraction of the holiday, however, the concern was where he was sleeping. He felt his American Express burn a hole in his pocket as he contemplated hauling up in a hotel until the runways opened.
After a twenty minute conversation at the information desk, it became apparent that the hotels were crammed full. He sighed roughly and despondently lugged his cases over to the Starbucks in the terminal and ordered the biggest Latte on the menu with whip.
He found a seat and leaned forward on his hand, propped up on his elbow. He contemplated being like Tom Hanks in that movie where he shaved in the wash room and lived in the offices upstairs- he was sure he could pull that off for a few days. He found himself laughing at how ridiculous he sounded as his phone buzzed in his pocket.
Did you get there ok? I'm currently eating homemade brownies. Skin going to pay but I thought I'd make you jealous. K x
Blaine gripped his phone a little harder and grinned ridiculously. He had spent the entire drive to the airport thinking about Kurt and the fact he'd kissed him and smiled and stroked tiny and spine tingling patterns against his neck with his fingers. It was so unexpected and Blaine was sure his head was still reeling a little from it. He had not enjoyed watching Kurt leave.
You are cruel, so so cruel. I'm at the airport a little stranded. Thinking of pulling a Tom Hanks and sleeping here. No routes to Vermont. While you eat your brownies think of me curled in a bathroom stall for warmth. B x
He laughed as he typed, knowing Kurt would find it funny but also completely confusing.
Who is this and what have you done with Blaine? You sleep in Egyptian Cotton, no way can you survive a night of slumming it. What's going on? I'm worried.
Blaine wasn't expecting that. He smiled regardless and quickly typed back, knowing if Kurt had expressed worry, that he meant it.
No flights to VT. Stuck here till snow dies down. I'm fine. Mr American Express and I are going to buy out the gift store. I can bring you back a souvenir teddy bear. B x
Kurt stared at his phone waiting for it to bleep. He was tucked into the corner of the couch as Burt and Finn argued over which movie to watch. Carole was humming rhythmically in the kitchen as she flicked through one of her cooking magazines.
Kurt found himself shaking his phone, wishing it'd go off and that Blaine would stop being so cryptic. As it beeped and Kurt read the message, he felt himself tense and want Blaine near. Teddy bear? Blaine was making light of the situation and completely avoiding the reality of freezing himself to death in one of the worst Winters to hit in years.
Which airport are you? I'll check news online. K x
No way was he checking online. No way was he leaving Blaine stranded like a kicked puppy in a Ralph Lauren Winter coat to curl up on a tiled floor and eat dried crackers for an unlimited and unknown amount of time.
"Dad?"
Finn had won the playful argument and was currently drumming his fingers to the opening credits of Transformers. Burt glanced up from rolling his eyes in Finn's directions.
"You alright kiddo?" Burt asked, realising his son looked a little startled.
"Can I ask you to keep an open mind?"
Burt looked confused. "What you getting at? If you're trying to get me to use that stuff on my face again then no, it tasted like candy and made me want to eat it. Nothing that smells that good should go on my face."
Kurt rolled his eyes impatiently. "No dad. My friend Blaine, you know from when we moved in, you said he was nice and looked rich."
"The one with the eyebrows?"
"Yes ok, him" Kurt sighed exasperatedly, "well he's stranded in Westerville at Port Columbus Airport and he has nowhere to stay because of the snow. He's alone and his parents are in another country. He can't get to his Grandmother's house in Vermont."
"Oh poor baby," Carole cooed, standing by the doorway, "what parent leaves their child at Christmastime?"
Kurt felt his stomach clench in a sense of desperation. "I know, it's like Home Alone isn't it?"
Finn snapped his head around, breaking his intense eye lock on Megan Fox. "Oh man awesome movie."
"Yes Finn. Yes it is," Kurt retorted, his words clipped and sarcastic, "so I was thinking, if it was ok with you, he might stay here until he can fly? He's very polite." Kurt could have added a multitude of adjectives to that list but kept it short and to the point.
Burt considered it for a second. "What do you think?" he asked Carole.
She kept her eyes on Kurt, lingering for a second with a knowing glance. "Well, I think there's always room for another at this time of year. The question is, how would he get here?"
She raised her eyebrows at Burt. "Oh I see," he mused, "I'm the mechanic, I own the truck so I have to go and rescue this kid."
Kurt smirked, feeling so much love for Carole and her inimitable control over the men in his life. Kurt clapped his hands together and felt his heart race at the prospect of Blaine staying in his own house and meeting his family and being close for Christmas.
"Well it looks like you do sweetie. I'll get a bed ready for him."
Kurt bounced in his seat with an enormous beaming smile before leaping from the couch to hug his father, then Carole and then disappearing down into his basement.
Carole pulled a face at Burt. "It seems this young man means a lot to Kurt," she thought out loud, smiling.
"He sleeps on the couch. I don't care if he's royalty. There are boundaries," he said firmly. Carole kissed him on the head, laughing a little and noticing the warmth in her husband's eyes.
-.-.-.-.-.
Blaine couldn't feel his toes. He'd watched the crowds dwindle gradually leaving the lost and miserable in their wake. A large family, clearly intending on making their way to the other half of their enormous clan, were all gathered together in a clump, leaning against bags on the floor and sharing coats. A young couple were snuggled together sharing a Starbucks coffee and Empire magazine. An older and distinguished gentleman sat with his briefcase on his lap, his scarf folded over his arm and a look of utter numbness on his face. Blaine liked to people watch and, upon feeling his fingers start to ache with the cold, began to focus more on it to get himself through the night.
Kurt hadn't messaged back since he'd sent the airport text so Blaine was sure he'd been swept up in some grand family tradition. He envisaged Kurt commanding the tree decorating entirely, frowning thinly when a bauble clashed or someone suggested using tinsel (too tacky). He could imagine trying to persuade his brother to watch "White Christmas" and try to appreciate Vera Ellen's non-existent waist or the tone of Bing Crosby's voice. Blaine found himself wishing he'd even experienced such frivolities in his own household instead of them always being imagined.
His mind was all full of happy thoughts and dreamed up make believe situations. He'd already spoken to Sylvie and explained his predicament. She had grown immediately worried and panicked, attempting to find a neighbour to drive her the approximate fourteen hour journey in sheet ice. He'd thought quickly and lied, explaining he had a room in a local motel with good breakfast. He'd assured her he was fine, said his goodbyes and promised to be out there as soon as possible. As he put his, now empty, mug down and glanced around again at the inhabitants of Terminal 5, he felt strangely attached to them. He could practically feel and share in their loneliness.
"If you weren't so pathetic, you'd almost look poetic."
Blaine turned rapidly. Kurt stood, sitting in his hip, a smirk teasing at the corner of his lips. He was dressed in dark slim jeans, Winter boots, a dark fitted (expensive looking) overcoat and a tailed patterned fur lined hat. Blaine was speechless. "Have I rendered you incoherent again?" Kurt asked playfully, reaching down to collect Blaine's guitar.
Blaine didn't move, simply keeping his eyes on Kurt's as they filled with gratitude and an overwhelming sense of affection. He could feel his heart beating throughout his entire body, warmer now.
"You have a talent for it," he said finally, his voice couched in amazement.
Kurt smiled, pleased with himself, and nudged at his shoulder. "Another to add to my extensive list," he teased coyly, feeling his heart skip. He couldn't deal with the look in Blaine's eyes and the way he seemed to be slightly unable to grasp reality. It was unmistakeably precious and Kurt was sure that he'd done the right thing. If anything, Blaine was close again and that felt so important.
NOTES: I really loved writing this one as it was so different and reminded me a little of a romcom. Don't worry, I tried hard to avoid the hideously chessy edge and went with classically cute! Hope it worked.
I know it's shorter but I kept it that way for a reason. For those who asked me for a Hummel-Hudson experience with Blaine thrown in... I always intended it. I HOPE I managed to get Carole, Finn and Burt even a TINY bit correct. Please let me know if there's anything off with it. We'll get Kurt/Blaine alone at some point but I never intended on having them separated for too long. Where'd be the fun in that? :D