AN: Inspired by lyrics from "The Story So far" by New Found Glory. Would take place somewhere between the episodes "Theatrically" and "Furt".
Sitting next to her on the couch, the only light coming from the flickering candles in various spots around the room, But knows Carole doesn't look like Kathleen. Yes, Carole had the same shade of hair as his deceased wife, but the similarities end there. Still, so often when he looks at her, Kathleen comes to mind. Perhaps he isn't ready for this yet?
In the next instant he's pushing away those doubts. He hasn't felt as alive as he does when he's with Carole since before Kathleen had passed away. Kurt makes his life worth living but Carole is once again showing him what 'living' really is. And isn't that what he promised Kathleen - to keep on living. To show their son how beautiful the world is despite the cruelty that threatens to take over. A cruelty that their sixteen year old son knows all too well. How many times in the last year has he felt that he's failing to uphold that promise?
Reaching out, he takes Carole's hand in his own, running a thumb over the top of her fingers. Her skin feels so smooth under the roughness of his hands and part of him wonders why he doesn't pull her hand away. He'd heard rumors about Carole around town, about how she might date from time to time but never let anyone stay the night. That's all they were though - rumors. And hell, who was he to judge, he hadn't even dated since he lost Kathleen.
Perhaps know was the time to find out if those rumors held any merit. Finn was over at Puck's for the night, so they were alone here in her house. Burt knew he didn't have to worry about Kurt being home alone. Kurt knew where he was if something came up but his son could take care of himself for one night. In a lot of ways, Kurt had been looking out for the both of them for the last few years.
Still holding her hand, Burt leaned forward to capture her lips with his own. He had a goal in mind now, but he didn't have to rush to that finish line.