Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. I don't own Blaine, or Kurt. (Which is probably for the best, all things equal.) No money is being made off of this work. It's a work of fiction, and it's going to potentially contain triggers for all sorts of squicky stuff. So please, if you're easily triggered by mentions of rape, suicide, depression, I won't be at all offended if you go find another story to read. I'd appreciate it, however, if you do read it, please review! The more reviews, the faster I post the next chapter. There shouldn't be anything too triggering in this chapter, a little bit of teary-eyed-ness, and a bit more of Papa Bear Burt, but again, this whole story has triggering bits.
There was a light tapping at the door that had both boys freezing. "Boys? It's breakfast time," Carole called.
"We'll be right there," Blaine managed to call back, sounding somewhat normal. Carefully, ever mindful, he removed his hands from Kurt's body, reaching for the towel that had been pushed off to the side. "Later," he whispered. "I promise."
Kurt swallowed hard. What had he been thinking? He managed to smile at Blaine. "Of course," he said. He quickly dressed, while Blaine cleaned up from the morning's ministrations. After washing his hands, Blaine pulled on clean clothes of his own.
"I'll shower after breakfast," he said. "Or maybe after I finish detailing the Nav."
Kurt nodded. "Alright," he said. "Um, they're waiting."
"It's okay, Kurt. Don't worry about it." Blaine offered a reassuring smile. "Let's go have breakfast. I was hoping to have a bit more time to work up an appetite, if you know what I mean."
"Uh huh," Kurt said. He quickly combed his hair and walked over to the door.
The boys sat down at the breakfast table. Carole served them up whole-wheat waffles, turkey bacon and chicken sausage. "I'm working the later shift tonight, boys," she said. "And then I'm off for two days. So Blaine, if you need anything to make you more comfortable here, just make me a list, and I'll go shopping in the morning."
"Carole, everything is great," Blaine said. "Well, mostly everything. You know. Sharing a bathroom with Kurt is likely to get on my nerves soon, but…" he grinned as his boyfriend took a teasing swipe at him. "I can't think of a single thing I need right now. Besides," he glanced over at Burt, who was chuckling silently behind his decaffeinated coffee. "If I did need anything, I'm sure I could find it in Kurt's stockpile."
"Except hair gel," Kurt said immediately.
"Except hair gel," Blaine allowed. He looked around the table at the caring smiles of Burt and Carole. "Oh!" he exclaimed. "You didn't take your meds this morning, Kurt. I'll go get them." He jumped up and headed back up the stairs to Kurt's bedroom.
"How did you two sleep?" Carole asked gently. "Did Blaine settle down?"
"He managed to fall asleep, and we both got a good eight hours," Kurt nodded. "It's tough right now," he said. "We're both…a little broken at the moment."
"I have a favor to ask you boys," Burt said. "Do you think you're up to a bit of a drive today? I would ask Finn, but I thought you and Blaine might like to take a short trip."
"What do you need?" Kurt asked, idly wondering what was taking Blaine so long.
"Carole couldn't get the night off," Burt said. "And I have to be in Washington until Friday. I'll be back before Regionals, don't worry. So I need a ride to the Columbus airport. I know it's a long drive, but I'll pay for your gas, and for you and Blaine to have a nice dinner out," he offered.
"Um, let me ask Blaine, but it shouldn't be a problem." Kurt stood and walked up to his room, finding Blaine sitting on the edge of his bed, holding his head in his hands. "Blaine, what's wrong?" he asked, crossing over to the bed.
"Your family," he murmured through his hands. "They're…" He gave a watery smile. "They're incredible."
"They're your family too," Kurt said, kneeling at Blaine's feet. He placed his hands on Blaine's knees.
"They're just…" Blaine looked up at Kurt, eyes bright with unshed tears. "They're wonderful. So accepting."
Kurt nodded, understanding. "You'll get used to it," he said. "And until then, you can run away any time you need to," he said with a smile. "But I have a question for you."
"What?" Blaine asked, covering Kurt's hands with his own.
"Dad's just informed me he has to leave for Washington. Tonight. And Carole isn't going with him this time, because she has to work, which really sucks. So, he wanted to know if you and I would drive him to Columbus tonight. He offered to buy us a nice dinner out."
Blaine thought for a moment, then nodded. "We'll go," he said. "If you promise to let me drive, and you promise to rest on the drive into Columbus."
Kurt smiled and squeezed Blaine's hand. "I can do that, but Dad may want to drive out there, I don't know. I promise I won't ask to drive, though." he said. "But you need to come eat breakfast, so you have time to detail the Nav before we go. Can't have Dad driving it the way it is."
Blaine nodded. "I'm on it," he said. He handed Kurt the pill bottle. "You need to take this."
"I'm on it," Kurt promised. He stood and offered Blaine a hand up. "Our breakfast is getting cold."
"Yes, it is," Burt said from the doorway. "Is everything alright, kid?" He was looking at Kurt.
"We're getting there," Blaine said, crossing the room to the door. "Sir, Burt, I just want to say thank you. Again."
"No need. Just be good to my kid. And come eat. Carole is about to go wake up Finn, and I don't think you boys want to be at the table when he comes down to eat."
"That's the best way to kill my appetite," Kurt smirked. "C'mon, love, let's go." He tugged Blaine out of the room and back down the stairs. They were able to hear Carole at Finn's door.
"Finn, I'm not going to tell you again. There is food on the table. It is getting cold. I'm not making anything else, so you'll have to settle for cold cereal if you don't come now!"
"I'm not hungry." Blaine and Kurt exchanged a glance.
"Let me try, Carole," Kurt said. "Blaine, you go down and eat, I'll just be a minute."
"Thanks, honey," Carole said, kissing Kurt's cheek. "He knows Blaine stayed again, but he doesn't know about him living here, yet," she whispered. She and Burt headed down the stairs, Blaine following along behind.
Kurt knocked on Finn's door. "Finn, it's me. Everyone else went downstairs," he said. "I don't know what's going on, but seriously, turning down Sunday breakfast? That's not like you. Can I come in?"
"I guess, but close the door behind you."
Kurt let himself into the bedroom, and immediately started to laugh. "How in the world did you pull this one off?" he asked. Rachel was curled up on her side in Finn's bed, trailing a hand over his arm.
"We fell asleep," Finn looked at his feet. "And didn't hear Rachel's alarm. So now, I dunno what to do. I mean, it's not fair that you and Blaine get to sleep in your room with the door closed."
Kurt sighed. "That's a story for another time, Finn," he reminded. "But this isn't that hard. And I don't know why you didn't already think of it. It might be too late now, but I can play this one. I think. Both of you come downstairs in about two minutes. Let me handle it. You're going to be in trouble for the door being closed, but probably not much, considering. Rachel, you got here early this morning because Finn promised to…do something with you today. Make something up. A picnic or something." He glanced out the window. "Yeah, it's sunny enough for that. A picnic. But Finn's being lazy and unmotivated, so you sat down to wait. You got here before Carole and Dad woke up, and texted Finn to come down and let you in. Okay?"
"Do you always lie like this?" Rachel asked, eyes wide.
"No," Kurt said. "Never. But I don't want Finn grounded. And he's right. Blaine and I are sleeping in my room. So I feel like I kinda owe him. But breakfast is going to be ice-cold, so let's go. Give me two minutes."
"Thanks, dude," Finn said. "They'll buy it. You never lie."
"Yeah, well, I'm not so sure," Kurt said. "But I'll give it a try. Thanks for having clothes on when I came in, by the way."
"No problem. I don't want you looking at Rachel any more than-"
"I meant you, Finn. I have sleepovers with Rachel." With that said, Kurt spun on his heel and stalked out of the room and down the stairs, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he strode back into the dining room. "Well!" he said. "That was fun!" He slipped into his chair and took a bite of bacon before beginning to talk.
"What's going on with Finn?" Carole asked.
Kurt swallowed. "Rachel showed up practically before the sun was up," he said, shaking his head. "And he was slow getting going, apparently they're going for a picnic or something, so she's upstairs, hanging around, waiting for him. And he was embarrassed, because he knows what it looks like. What I assumed it was. Except that Rachel isn't wearing the same outfit she was wearing when she texted me that picture before their date last night." He shook his head again. "Which, surprisingly, I told her was an okay outfit for once. They'll be down in a minute. Everyone act normally." The last sentence caused both Carole and Blaine to smirk.
Burt sighed. "So, Rachel's upstairs, in Finn's room, with the door shut," he said. He shook his head. "Well, guess all we can do is set another place at the table."
"And I'll cook up some of the tofu sausage," Carole said. "Not much else we can do about it at this point. But Blaine, Kurt, I'm going to want to talk to the two of them, so if you could…"
"We're almost done," Kurt said. "In fact, I am done. Blaine?"
"Just a few more bites," Blaine said. He finished the sausage and swallowed another gulp of coffee.
"Great!" Kurt exclaimed. He clapped his hands together. "Let's clear our dishes and get out of the parents' way!" He picked up his plate and coffee cup, and walked into the kitchen.
"What was that all about?" Blaine whispered, helping Kurt load their dishes into the dishwasher.
Kurt shook his head, mouthing 'upstairs' and leading the way back to his bedroom. "Rachel stayed the night," he whispered once they were in his room with the door closed. "Seriously. And I just did my best to get them out of trouble. Mainly because…well, I actually don't know why I did it. Probably because he's my brother. And Rachel is my friend." He sighed. "So, anyway. You go detail the Nav, and I'll make room for your clothes in here. Should take us both about the same amount of time."
"Alright," Blaine said. "Tonight, though, after we get back from Columbus?"
Kurt nodded. "When we get back from Columbus," he confirmed. They both knew what they meant.
Blaine smiled. "Help me gather the supplies I need?" he asked with a grin.
Kurt gave an exaggerated sigh. "Fine," he laughed. He and Blaine made their way to the garage, where he gave Blaine a kiss before they reluctantly parted company for a little while.
It was early afternoon when Burt knocked on Kurt's bedroom door. "That boy has been working on your car all day, Kurt," he laughed.
"I know," Kurt said. "But, in other news, I made more room than I thought possible in here. Since we moved Mom's dresser in here, I've given Blaine half of my big dresser. And cleared out quite a bit of closet space. Carole and I have to go shopping for some clothing storage, but it's all going to work out."
"Why don't you hang your extra clothes in that tiny closet in the den for now?" Burt asked. "But we have to get going soon if we're going to make it to Columbus in time."
"Did you tell Blaine that?" Kurt asked. "He wants to take a shower. Thankfully he's not like me in that way, he won't be in there for three hours. But we'd better tell him now."
"He'll be in soon," Burt nodded. "I'm going to go put my bags in your car. And kid? Next time you trick your boyfriend into cleaning out your car because of a little stain on the upholstery, you can just tell us. No need to make up elaborate stories. "
"How did you…" Kurt looked amazed.
"I walked out when Blaine was just getting started and asked if he needed any help. We did a fluid top-up and checked your tire pressures. But not before he had to tell me the whole story. I hate that you were hurt like that, son, but I don't want you hiding that kind of thing from me. Or lying to me. I give you a lot of trust. A lot of leeway. Don't abuse it. I mean it, Kurt."
"Sorry, dad," Kurt flushed.
"Mr…Burt," Blaine said, walking into the room. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm actually the one who lied to you there."
"Uh-huh. To spare Kurt's feelings. I got that. Don't do it again."
"We won't, sir. And just so you know, the bet really did happen as we described. It's just the wager was coffee, not a car detailing."
"That sounds about right," Burt laughed. He offered both boys a smile. "You have forty-five minutes until we need to leave. I just wanted to get the awkward part of the talk over so you boys weren't living in fear of the drive. I'm planning on reading the briefs I've been faxed, so you two will have to entertain yourselves. Your old dad isn't going to do it for you."
"Thanks, Dad."
"Also. Finn knows Blaine's living at the house. He's not thrilled, but he understands. We sent Rachel upstairs while we told him the details, and he understands that it's another secret he is to keep until you say otherwise. The party line is that Blaine's father asked us to take him in, to lessen Blaine's commute to McKinley. That's what Carole and I agreed would be best to tell him. I hope you don't mind."
"That sounds perfect for now," Kurt said. Blaine nodded in agreement.
"Then that's settled. Forty-five minutes, boys, and in the car. I'm assuming Blaine is driving?"
Kurt nodded. "I'm not up to it," he said. "And Blaine made me promise I would rest."
"Good. See you then." Burt left the room.
"Let me go take a quick shower, so we can get going," Blaine said. He looked around the room, at the neatly stacked piles of clothes on every available surface. "Wow," was all he could say.
"I brought your things in," Kurt said. "You have those three drawers there," he pointed, "and the first half of the right side of the closet. If you need more space, we'll figure it out. Tomorrow after school."
"I'm going to go shower, and then we'll head to Columbus."
"No gel?" Kurt practically begged.
"No gel," Blaine acquiesced. He gave Kurt a quick, hard kiss, and headed for the bathroom. Kurt busied himself putting some of Blaine's clothing away, but before he realized it, Blaine was back and getting dressed.
Kurt turned away, still putting clothing away.
"It's okay to look, you know. I do."
"I know. And I want to. But I can't." Kurt sighed. "Please respect that." He was nearly comfortable being naked in front of Blaine, it still bothered him, but it was a means to an end. Seeing Blaine, however, still sent him into a near panic. He didn't want to analyze why.
"I understand," Blaine said. "My pants are on. Come help me with my bowtie."
Kurt stood in front of Blaine as the shorter boy buttoned his shirt, holding the bowtie that had been sitting on the vanity. "You don't need help with your bowtie," he pointed out.
"No," Blaine agreed. "But I like it anyway." He waited until Kurt's hands were occupied before leaning in for a kiss. His arms went around his boyfriend's waist, and Kurt sighed against Blaine's lips. He abandoned the bowtie in favor of tangling his fingers in Blaine's curls.
"Mmm," Kurt murmured, before pulling away. "C'mon, Dad's going to be waiting."
"We still have twenty minutes," Blaine countered. "Let's…"
"Let's not, and say we did, or better yet, let's just not," Kurt said. "Blaine, we're going to be stuck in a car with my dad for over two hours. It's bad enough that I'm going to be thinking about our aborted attempt this morning. I don't want to have anything else to feel guilty about. Can we go? I'm sure Dad is ready."
"Pack a small bag with a book, your medication, and anything else you'll need for being away until tonight," Blaine directed. "Then, we can go."
Kurt did as instructed, knowing Blaine was right. He packed everything he could possibly need, including his iPod and Blaine's. They could argue about music on the way, even though they each had the other's favorites in a special playlist.
The drive was uneventful. Burt sat in the backseat, going over papers and reading letters. He had never even thought about politics until Sue Sylvester's campaign. But here he was, thrust into the heart of the US congress. And there were laws he had to get changed.
By the time they arrived at the airport, Burt had questioned both Kurt and Blaine on their views on a number of topics affecting young people, specifically young gay people. And he'd taken copious notes. He wasn't sure when he'd have a chance to start making changes, but that's why he had become a congressman. To make changes. And he would be damned if he let that opportunity pass.
"Have a safe flight," Kurt said, checking his dad's tickets. "We'll see you on Friday, though we'll be rehearsing, so I'm sure Carole will have to come get you. Be careful, carry your wallet in your breast pocket at all times, don't stay up all night, and find healthy takeout options."
"Yes, Kurt," Burt said with a smile. "And you. You two don't give Carole or Finn a hard time. Got that? Be good, be discreet. I'll see you Friday. Good luck in rehearsal this week. Or break a leg. Or whatever it is I'm supposed to say."
"Thanks, Dad," Kurt said. He hugged his father. "You'd better go, or you'll miss your flight."
"Just a minute," Burt pulled out his wallet. He pulled the credit card with Kurt's name on it out of the fold. "For dinner, and fuel for the car. Nothing else. Got it? I'll be checking the bill."
"Got it," Kurt said. "So…McDonald's and a new McQueen are out?" he teased.
"As if I thought you'd ever set foot in a McDonald's," Burt laughed. "I'll see you boys on Friday. Have a good week. I love you."
"I love you too, Dad." Kurt hugged his father one more time, and was surprised when Burt pulled Blaine in for a hug as well.
"Thank you," Burt said, patting Blaine on the back. "Thank you for taking care of my son. Thank you for saving his life."
Blaine smiled. "That's what you do when you're in love," he said softly. "Now go and make us proud. Marriage equality in all fifty states, right?"
"Let's take it one step at a time," Burt said. "But yes. That's the ultimate goal. So you two can get married, in a long long time, whenever, and wherever you want. After a very, very long engagement. Which will not happen until after you both have graduated high school, and preferably college. In fact, thirty sounds good. You boys like thirty? I like thirty."
Kurt laughed, the melodic tones ringing through the terminal. "Dad, like Blaine said, just go and make us proud," he said. He kissed his dad's cheek. "Go now, before you miss your flight and Blaine and I have to stay here all night babysitting you."
"I'm going, I'm going." Burt headed to security, looking back over his shoulder at his son and Blaine, standing side by side by not touching. Maybe someday, they'd feel safe enough to hold hands in a place like this. Hopefully, Burt Hummel in Congress could make it happen.
TO BE CONTINUED! I actually have the next part ready to go, believe it or not! It'll be up when the FOLLOWING part is nearly complete, so that I don't have to go so long without an update again... Please review!