This chapter contains mentions of bullying

BPOV-

''Alright,you ready to try again?''

''Ready as I'll ever be.''

It's three days after Christmas, when Carole, Burt, Danielle and Ryan have gone home. Cooper, who will be filming part of his television series in New York City.

''Alright,'' I stand next to him ,''Punch the bag. Remember what I taught you.''

Liam and I finally convinced Kurt- who is admittedly more protective of the kids than I am- that it would be fine for Liam to continue boxing.

Which is how we ended up in the gym, me teaching him some moves.

There's a mixture of concentration and frustration on his face as he hits the bag one, two, three times.

''Easy there, Liam. Don't wear yourself out,'' I advise as he continues to punch, ''Liam, do you need to talk-''

''I'm fine,'' he clenches teach, speeding up, hitting the bag harder.

''No, you're not. Come on, take a break. We've been here for a few hours. We can always come back before break is over.''

He continues punching the bag, again and again, ''I can't.''

This is more than a workout for him. Liam is releasing all of his frustration out on the punching bag.

Something I'm all too familiar with.

I let him get a few more swings in before I speak again, ''Liam, come on. We're going to go to lunch, and then you can come back tomorrow.''

I made a few mistakes with Blair and Rory, not picking up on what was wrong with them. And I won't let that happen again.

''Do you want to tell me what's wrong,'' I ask as we sit in the car.

''No. Because nothing is wrong,'' he snaps.

''Don't talk to me like that, Liam. I still have authority over you.''

''Alright, here's what's wrong: I'm dating this wonderful guy. He is so incredible and loving and smart. Still, there are people out there, at school, who give us so much crap. Just because we're two guys.''

So that's what this is about.

''When I was younger, I took a boy to my school's Sadie Hawkins dance. I'd just come out, and he was the only other openly gay kid in my school. After the dance, we waited for his dad to come get us. And these guys beat the crap out of us. Because they didn't like the fact that two guys went to the dance together, and were proud of who they are.''

There's a long silence, and he lets out a shaky breath.

''I didn't know that. What happened afterwards,'' he questions, staring out of the windshield.

''My parents pulled me out of that school, and enrolled me at Dalton Academy. They have a no-tolerance bullying policy. And, not like some schools, they actually enforce it. Wes and David, two of my best friends, forced me to come out of my shell. They invited me to join the Warblers- Dalton's show choir- and I quickly became the lead vocalist. When I graduated, I moved to New York. My point is that it's hard, yes. It can be hard for anyone to be themselves. But please, please come talk to me if you are ever having any problems. Don't hold it all in. For every person that doesn't accept you, there is someone who will. If you don't want to talk to me, or Kurt, at least talk to Blair. She'd understand a lot more than you think.''

''How do you do it though? Ignore what people say, I mean. Don't you ever just get… mad?''

''Of course I do. I got mad when Rory kept getting hurt at school, trying to defend Kurt and me. I was upset that Blair was constantly being told that being bisexual is wrong. I got angry when Grace came home crying because some kid teased her for having two dads. We love Grace. I get mad, yes. More mad that I can't protect you guys from all of this than anything. But I'm also fighting to change it. Blair's mother raised her to never judge people, and that's the way that we're raising Grace. You have got to talk to us if you think that you can't handle something, no matter what it is, alright?''

''Alright. I promise I will.''

''That's all I ask.''

I'd hate to see the light that left me leave you.

''Come on. Let's go get something to eat, and head home. Kurt and the kids should be finished taking down the Christmas tree by then.

''Okay. And Blaine?,'' Liam looks at me ,''Thanks.''

''No problem.''

As a parent, you'd do anything for your kids. I may not have known Liam, Jade, and Jacob as long as I've known Rory, I may not have seen them grown up like I watched Blair, and I may not have held them only minutes after they were born like I held Grace.

Like any family, we have our disagreements. There are moments when the kids disrespect us, and moments where I could scream from all of the chaos that is my life.

But they all have a place in my- and Kurt's- heart now.

There's nothing that can change that.

BlairPOV-

''Okay. Noah is sleep, and he should be for a good hour or two,'' I sit next to Jade on the couch ,''My dance classes are out for their winter break. So, you have my undivided attention. What's up?''

Dad and Kurt both asked- begged- me to talk to Jade. Not that they're avoiding their parental duties, but I'm sure dad doesn't want a repeat of the awkward conversations that he had to have with me.

In fact, I think we'd both prefer to rid our minds of them completely.

''Well, I got asked to the dance by a senior. They wanted me to talk to you,'' Jade explains with a shrug, swinging her legs up and planting her feet on the couch.

''I assume they mean the safe sex talk,'' I raise an eyebrow, and she blushes furiously.

''I know the basics, yeah. But other than that… is this going to be awkward?''

''A bit,'' I truthfully reply ,''Alright. Here is the first thing: always use condoms. Every single time. Even if he doesn't want to.''

Then again, condoms aren't always enough.

''In fact, you should look into other forms of birth control as well. Trust me when I say that,'' I stress.

''But how do I tell Kurt and Blaine?''

''If you have to, then talk to Blaine. We went through this before, and I think he'll be more understanding. Jade, I know it would be awkward. But when I was sixteen, I got pregnant. I wasn't ready, and neither was Ryder. In fact, there were moments when I thought he was going to run, leaving me to deal with the baby. In the end, we both got it together. It took months to decide our plan. We considered adoption, or keeping the baby. In the end, Kurt and dad adopted my baby.''

Something I have been grateful for every day since.

''Grace,'' Jade concludes.

''Yes. Grace. I love her, okay? Please don't think that Ryder and I don't both love her. We love her and Noah the same. We were still in high school, and we wanted to know that she was going to be well cared for. Even if we got jobs, they'd only be part time. We would never have been able to provide for her like she needed. Sometimes it's hard for us to give Noah what he needs. I'm even consider being one of my friend's 'd be willing to pay us.''

Ryder and I really need the money, too.

''Okay. I mean, I'm not planning on doing anything anytime soon. When I do, though, I will be careful.''

''Thank you. Look, please be ready when you do this. You have to know that you want it to be with this person. As much as I love Ryder, I wish we had waited. Sex...it makes everything more complicated.''

I actually had to worry about things I didn't consider before we took that step.

''Can I ask you some kind of personal questions,'' she looks nervous.

''Of course.''

And I'll try to answer them all, no matter how awkward.

''You already know how insecure I can be about my body… the way I look,'' she looks at her pink, chipped nail polish, ''And for whatever reason, you feel the same about yours, too. How did you get over it?''

''I've said it before, but never rely on anyone else for your self worth. That being said, the person you're with should not bring you down. Ryder doesn't love me for my body, he loves my body because he loves me. For a little while, I forgot all of the imperfections.''

We've been together on and off again for five years, and I still catch him staring at me.

Not that the vain part of my minds.

''What was it like? Your first time I mean?''

Wow. I wasn't expecting that.

''It wasn't like in the movies, or on television. No candles or rose petals, and the only music was from the apartment next to his. And there were dirty clothes on the floor. It kind of hurt. But it was with Ryder,'' I can't help the small smile I give ,''So that kind of made it magnificent.''

It's still one of the best nights of my life.

''It's nice to have someone to talk to about all of this,'' Jade admits ,''My mom never really wanted to talk about this stuff.''

''I understand,'' I put a hand on her shoulder ,''It's like… no one can replace her, but you need someone to talk to sometimes. You can come talk to me, Jade.''

''Thanks Blair. I never considered how nice it would be to have a big sister,'' she grins shyly.

''Don't mention it. And I know that you are still getting used to Kurt and Blaine. Sometimes, it can be easier to put on a smile than to show how you are feeling. You lost your parents, you are allowed to feel upset. But just know that those two really love you, alright? Cut them some slack sometimes. They're trying their best, alright? There's no such thing as a perfect parent.''

''Alright,'' Jade agrees, ''I will.''

''Good. Now, let's put this pizza in the oven and start a movie.''

Even when we fought, I knew dad had my best interest at heart. I'm sure that Rory knew the same was true for him and Kurt. I don't thank either one of them as much as I should. Kurt and dad are always there for me. Even if no one else is. I'm even considering asking them about the surrogacy decision if Ryder and I can't reach a mutual agreement.

No, they don't replace our birth parents. But what makes a family what it is? Love.

And we've definitely got plenty of that.

RoryPOV-

''Thank you, honey,'' I take the paper from Wendy, throwing it into the trashcan, ''Finn, stop throwing your food.''

It's one of my rare off days, and I'm staying with the kids while Sugar goes to get some work done at the studio.

'''Daddy,'' Wendy raises her arms to be lifted, and I pick her up.

''I know it hurts. But it'll be over soon,'' I kiss her head, referring to her teething.

Her and Finn's first molars are coming in, and it pains me to see them hurting like this.

''Come on,'' I pick Finn up, settling him on my other side.

Twins means twice the work for us, but I actually love it. If Sugar and I ever came to a point where one of us had to stay at home with the kids, I'd gladly do it.

''Alright, you two,'' I set them on the couch ,''Stay here. Daddy is gonna clean the kitchen, and then he'll be right back.''

I never realized how hard raising a child would be, let alone chasing around two energetic toddlers. Sugar and I, despite being helped by our parents, are so grateful to my grandparents for buying their clothes. Now, we can put whatever money we have towards the bills and food.

Clean up is easy for once, simply wiping the smears of peanut butter and jelly off of the table and putting the dishes in the dishwasher.

''Okay,'' I sit back on the couch, pulling the twins on my lap as we watch their cartoon.

Wendy, a daddy's girl already, snuggles closer to me, and Finn moves so that his head is against my shoulder.

Nothing I have ever achieved can compare to the feeling of being a dad. As far as that goes, I can only hope that I am as incredible as the men that raised me.

Especially Kurt. No, he does not take the place of my birth dad. I miss him and mom every day. But Kurt has seen me through a lot of tough moments, and being half the dad that he is will be good enough for me.

Quietly, and carefully, I stand, holding both kids close to me.

After placing them in their separate beds, I tuck them in for their naps.

I love every moment that I spend with my kids. But this is what I love the most: when they are sleep, not a care in the world as their tiny little heads rest on their pillows.

As I sit down on the couch to hopefully catch my own quick nap, everything moves too quickly for me to comprehend.

Sugar is standing in front of me, tears streaming down her face like rivers.

''Sugar,'' I stand in front of her, ''What's wrong?''

She brings her hand up to her mouth, trying to control the violent sobs that shake her fragile body.

''My d-dad,'' she hisses, wiping her eyes ,''Why am I not good enough?''

Shit.

''Shh,'' I pull her into my arms, rubbing her back to console her as she cries ,''It's okay.''

''I want to be enough H-he thinks my career isn't practical, and I was stupid,'' she whimpers ,''That er shouldn't have had our kids so young, and-.''

''You're enough for your mom, baby. And for those two beautiful kids that we created together. Sugar, you are more than enough for me. Some day your dad will see that.''

And, if he never does, you'll always have people ready to remind you of that.

''Thank you,'' she rests her head on my shoulder, beautiful eyes puffy and red from the tears ,''Not just for this, but for everything. I know you are never going to make Finn and Wendy feel that way.''

''No,'' I kiss my wife's head ,''I promise I won't.''

I will always remind them, and you, of your worth.

''Feel better,'' I ask her, moving back to get a better look at her.

''Yes,'' she sniffs ,''I'm going to talk to my dad tomorrow. Enough is enough. Kurt and Blaine treat me more like a daughter than they do, and they haven't even know me half of my life.''

There's that confidence I fell in love with.

''Right, you smart, talented, beautiful woman.''

You constantly make me wonder how I got so lucky.

''Where are the kids,'' Sugar questions, finally taking off his coat.

''Napping. I fed them, and cleaned what I could of the apartment. And I put the casserole you froze in the oven so that it will be ready by the time dinner rolls around.''

''You're amazing,'' she wraps her arms around me, ''My intelligent, talented, handsome husband.''

''Hmmm, feel free to keep complimenting me,'' I press a kiss to warm, lipstick painted lips ,''I love you.''

''I love you, too.''

So maybe there have been more sleepless nights than I can count. I've tripped over a lot of toys, and have the scar on my foot to show where I stumbled over a block in the middle of the night. There are times when I want to scream, wondering how Sugar and I have possibly done this. How we're going to do this, raising children.

Now I know what my parents have gone through. Kids are a lof of work. Headaches and heartfelt moments all in one day.

This must be the feeling that dad and Blaine talked about when they said that every bad moment was worth the wonderful moments that followed. Because I love my kids with everything that I am. I may not know what I'm doing, but I sure as hell am trying my best. Sugar and I are raising them to be respectful and well-mannered, and continuing to discourage any judgmental behavior at a young age.

Of course we're going to mess up. Hell, we've probably made a few mistakes already. But with each mistake, a lesson is talk.

And, if it'll make me as great a parent as my dad is- learning day-by-day is alright with me.

KPOV-

''What are you drawing, daddy?''

I look up to see that Grace has abandoned her toys in favor of standing next to the coffee table, watching me work.

Some designs for my spring line, sweetheart. Wanna see?''

She nods excitedly, glancing over them with hazel eyes ,''I like that one.''

She points to a white dress with red floral patterns.

''Good choice,'' I nod, kissing her cheek ,''Do you need something?''

''No,'' she shakes her head, brown ringlets swinging ,''I just wanted to be over here with you.''

She's the sweetest thing. As far as mannerisms go, there's definitely a lot of Blaine in her.

''Well thank you, sweetie pie,'' I pat the spot on the floor next to me, encouraging her to sit ,''Do you want to help?''

''Yes,'' she beams excitedly.

''Great. Well, I am working on a prom dress design,'' I look at the unfinished creation ,''What color should this gown be?''

''Hmm,'' she puts a finger to her chin, looking up towards the ceiling as she thinks.

Yup. Just like her papa.

''Red,'' she decides, ''It's a hot color.''

And she has been spending too much time with her Godmother.

''Sweetheart, thank you. But don't repeat everything that your Aunt Santana says, alright?''

We're definitely going to have to break that habit before it gets out of had.

''Okay, daddy.''

''Jacob, what are you working on,'' I ask my son, who is working on something as he lounges across the couch.

''A picture,'' he smiles, showing off where he is missing two teeth.

''Cool, can I see?''

He shows me the drawing, pointing to everyone as he explains.

''That's mommy and daddy. They're angels,'' he tells me ,''That's you, and Blaine.''

I have to hold back the smile that forms against my wishes when I notice the curls and bow tie on Blaine.

''That's Blair and Rory. That's Jade and Liam, and Grace. That's Ryder, and Sugar.''

Jacob picks up another piece of paper ,''That's me, Noah, Wendy, Finn, and Ms. Carole and Mr. Burt. That's Blaine's mommy. And that's me in the heart.''

''Why are you in the heart?''

''Because I love all of you,'' he says as if it is that simple.

I guess, through the eyes of a lot of children, it is.

Blaine tends to see things that way, too. Another reason I fell for him.

''Come here,'' I extend my arm for a hug, kissing Jacob's hair ,''We love you, too.''

Even if we did have an argument over you and Grace not eating your broccoli.

''Will papa be home soon,'' Grace looks up from the designs she's been scrutinizing.

''Yes.''

That's a constant question, asking for her papa. Yes, she has me wrapped around her little finger. But I guess she has developed more of a relationship with Blaine after all of the time that they have spent together.

Some day, these will all be just vague memories. The kids will have moved out, probably gone to college and got jobs, gotten married, and be having kids of their own.

I just want this family to stick together, and stay together, no matter how many miles are between us.

Somehow, I don't think that's going to be a challenge for us.

What do you think? And what about Sugar talking to her dad? And Blair being the surrogate? Cute Klaine moments in the next chapter.

Disclaimer- glee belongs to Fox and Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuck