This chapter contains mentions of recovery from an eating disorder, an eating disorder, and bullying.
Side note, I never realized how badly I would have liked to see Wes and David dating until I re-watched season 2.
BPOV-
''Maybe this was a bad idea.''
''You think?''
Wes, Nick, Jeff, David, Sebastian and I are at a karaoke bar, having a mini Warblers reunion.
And, as usual, Nick and Jeff are taking it over the top, having fun with the song.
''True, we probably should have met at one of our houses so they couldn't embarrass us,'' Sebastian laughs.
''Still,'' I begin, ''It is nice to have some of us back together again.''
Like when Kurt and the New Directions has their reunion, before everyone scattered off to their own individual lives for who knows how long.
''So, Sebastian, how's the adoption process going?,'' David looks up from his food.
''David and I hit a few bumps, but we got things straightened out. Everything will be finalized one month from now. We'll be able to bring our two beautiful children home,'' he beams.
Sebastian has come a long way from what he was like in high school, and I guess that made him happier. He loves Kate and Justin, and I know that he will love his adopted children just as much. Obviously he and David have something strong.
Just like Kurt and I.
''Well, we're happy for you, man,'' Wes pats Sebastian's shoulder ,''It's great to see everyone doing so well.''
''It is,'' Sebastian nods ,''Too bad the next time all of the Warbler's are going to be together again is at Thad's wedding next year.''
Just like the last time we were all together was for your wedding.
''Well, what did you guys think,'' Jeff and Nick rejoin us.
''We think we shouldn't have invited you two,'' David flatly claims, standing, ''Let me show you how a real performer does it. Watch and learn.''
''We're watching, we're learning,'' Nick rolls his eyes.
''Here we go,'' Wes shakes his head, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of his beer, ''This should be good.''
Yes. Especially considering David's ''go to'' song is the one that I embarrassingly serenaded Jeremiah with during the infamous ''Gap Attack''.
Because there is no way that they are ever going to let me live that down.
''He is so lame,'' Wes shakes his head, a fond smile painted on his lis.
Sebastian sees it, too, looks at me with a raised eyebrow, and shrugs.
I'm probably reading too far into that, too.
''So while we wait for him to publicly embarrass us,'' I joke ,''I'm going to go get another drink.''
''I'll go with you,'' Sebastian stands, ''This is not going to be pretty.''
We head to the bar, a comfortable silence between us.
''Well, Blaine, I'm not one for giving out compliments, but I have to tell you something,'' Sebastian leans against the wood of the bar counter.
''And that would be,'' I ask warily, well aware of his personality, and how blunt he can be.
''I'll admit I didn't know what I was doing raising Kate and Jason. Jason was easier, because he was always more verbal and open in my opinion. Katy... she's a lot like me. Too much like me, sometimes: too stubborn, too persistent, and not willing to show vulnerability. I know Kurt and I don't exactly see eye-to-eye, but I can say this: he's a good dad. He did wonderful with Rory, like you did with Blair. And I'm sure your other kids are going to turn out just as amazing.''
Wow. An honest-to-goodness compliment from Sebastian.
''You did an amazing job with your kids. I know you did, even if I don't know Jason. And Kate is a headstrong, independent, intelligent young woman. Your future children are incredibly lucky to have people like you and Dave raising them.''
There is no such thing as a perfect parent, and I know that from experience.
But anyone can tell that Sebastian loves his kids.
''Thanks, Blaine. Coming from you, that means a lot,'' he admits.
''Don't mention it,'' I smirk as the bartender makes his way towards us ,''So, did we just have a moment?''
''Don't push it, Warbler,'' he scoffs, ''I don't throw around compliments.''
To anyone else, that would have been harsh. But the Warblers and I, people close to Sebastian, know that's just the way he is.
In a way, they became my second family, the way the New Directions became Kurt's. I guess that just reconfirmed what I should have known all along:
I don't have to go through anything alone.
RoryPOV-
''Daddy.''
I look up from the book I'm reading for my class to see Finn standing in the entryway of the kitchen.
''Hey,'' I kneel down to his level, picking him up, ''You woke up early from your nap. I guess Wendy is still asleep. Do you want to help me make lunch?''
He nods excitedly, looking at the ingredients I already have out.
''Alright. Let me put this book away,'' I set him down, ''Stay there, and don't touch a thing.''
Surprisingly, he does as I say, not moving.
Considering the huge tantrum he through this morning, I'm glad that he's cooperating with me.
''Okay, little guy,'' I sit him on the counter, ''Mommy wants us all to eat a little healthier. Let's see what we have in this cabinet.
Peanut butter, jelly, and bread.
''Hmm,'' I pretend to think as I take the items down and place them on the counter, ''What do you think?''
''Yes!,'' he nods, and I press a kiss to the top of his brown hair.
''Good idea. We have some carrots, and applesauce, too. That sounds like a good lunch to me,'' I take their plastic plates down before putting him down, and walking towards the refrigerator.
I've been with the kids since this morning, when Sugar went to get her bridesmaid dress with Harmony. She'd called to say she was heading to the studio, and would be back soon.
After everything is done, and we've woken Wendy up, I sit at the table, eating with my kids.
''Daddy,'' Wendy looks around, munching on her sliced, cooked carrots, ''Mommy?''
''Mommy is at work, honey. She'll be back soon.''
''Uh-oh!''
I look over to see Finn staring down at the giant grape juice stain on his shirt.
''Finn, don't take the top off of your sippy cup. It's there for this very reason,'' I gently chide, screwing the top back on tightly.
''Sowwy,'' he pouts, looking ashamed.
''We all make mistakes. It's okay,'' I reassure him, picking up a carrot with my fork,''We can wash your shirt after lunch.''
And maybe, just maybe, I can distract you guys long enough to finish this last chapter.
The click of the lock and sound of the door cause us to turn around as Sugar steps in.
''Mommy!''
Finn climbs out of his chair, rushing to Sugar.
''Hey, honey,'' Sugar takes her coat off, hanging it up before pulling our son close ,''Hey, you two.''
Wendy waves as I do, neither one of us talking while we eat.
''How was your day,'' Sugar presses a kiss to my cheek as she takes a seat in Finn's abandoned chair, pulling him into her lap.
''I got some work done while they were napping. As you can see, I have to wash his shirt,'' I nod at Finn, ''They both had a tantrum because I wouldn't let them color on the wall. Again.''
''They will learn,'' she reminds me, ''Thank you so much. I had to take care of something at the studio.''
''Don't worry about it,'' I shrug, taking the empty plates, ''You'll have them all next week, remember?''
And you're such a good mom. They absolutely adore you.
''Still. I was supposed to help you today,'' she sets Finn on his feet so that he can follow his sister to the living room, ''You know this family means more to me than anything.''
''I know,'' I take her hand, rubbing it between my own as it's still cold ,''We know, okay? Don't apologize. They love you. I love you.''
Besides. You're an incredible stylist and designer. You deserve this after everything you've given up.
''I love you, too,'' she wraps her arms around my waist, kissing me.
''Ewww.''
We look up to see Wendy and Finn, wearing matching scowls.
''Well that's what you get for being too quiet,'' I take their cups off the table, handing them to the twins ,''Be careful with these.''
''I'll go play with them,'' Sugar pats my shoulder as she saunters towards the living room ,''You go finish your homework.''
''Thanks,'' I take my book, and head towards the serenity of our bedroom.
We're a good team, I guess. That's how dad and Blaine make it work. They said that they work together, supporting each other in everything. They must be doing something right, because my coworker gushed about them after only a ten minute meeting.
Dad and Blaine are that couple that are going to make it until the end. It's obvious that they care for each other, and would do anything for their family. That's the kind of love, the kind of dedication, that some people only dream of finding.
I'm very lucky that I found mine so young. Even if it's a struggle sometimes, even if the days where the twins drive me mad are becoming more and more frequent, and Sugar and I bicker about idiotic things, and my classes are getting more and more challenging.
Yup. This is my paradise.
RyderPOV-
I try to be as quiet as I can as I step into our apartment.
It's noon, so Blair is probably trying to put Noah down for his nap.
''Please go to sleep,'' I hear her voice, and I can imagine her stroking his short, wavy black hair to soothe him, ''Mommy can sing to you.''
I stop in my tracks.
It's been a while since I've heard her sing. As dedicated as she is, she's chosen to focus on her dancing first. Add that to the amount of stress that we've both been under, and it's no wonder that she hasn't been up to carrying a tune for months now.
''This is my favorite song. The original is incredible, and your daddy sounds better when he sings it, but I'll try.''
Yeah, right. Her voice is pure and sweet, strong when she needs it to be.
She begins to sing Your Song by Elton John, written by Bernie Taupin . I forgot how much she loves that song. She used to sing it to Grace, too.
Standing in the doorway of Noah's room, I can hear her. She has always been talented, now I can hear how much better she has gotten over the years.
It's a pity that she doesn't believe in herself.
Noah's sleep when she tucks him into his bed, but she sings softly anyway.
''Hey,'' I whisper when she's done, taking her hand and leading her out of the room, softly shutting it behind her ,''You were great.''
''Thanks,'' she grins tiredly, tucking jet black hair behind her ear, ''Can we talk?''
''Yeah,'' we go into our bedroom, where she sits on the bed and I kneel in front of her, resting my hands on her knees, ''What's up?''
''The roof at the dance studio collapsed because of all the snow. And one of the pipes burst, so the entire lower floor is flooded. He told me it could be fixed in a few weeks. I don't have a few weeks, so I'm looking for a new job.''
''Don't stress yourself. We still have Puck and Quinn to help us, as well as our parents.''
''That's the other thing I wanted to discuss,'' she breathes deeply, hazel green eyes trained on the ceiling, ''I don't know how I'm going to do that.''
She lets in a shaky breath, closing her eyes before looking down at me.
''Why is that?''
''When I was trying on my bridesmaids dress, I just... being around everyone else made me realize how far I've come from high school, and how far I have to go. Like... I know that my friends are slimmer, but it didn't bother me today. I'm trying to be my own kind of strong. Considering where I was when I began recovering, and where I am now, some progress has been made. Still, I don't want to relapse, Ryder.''
''You're right,'' I agree ''I'm proud of you.''
You see yourself as week, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
''Thank you. I'm kind of proud of myself, too. It's just... I'm not as strong as my mom, Ryder. Or Blaine for that matter. Because they are two of the strongest people that I have ever met. They both gave up a lot for me. I can't even deal with a girl making stupid, childish comments about the way that I look Even though I know looks aren't everything.''
No, they're not. But if you want to feel attractive, then you should.
''Look,''I trace the back of her hand ,''You are strong. Your eating disorder... I know something triggers you, and today was one of those days. But you held your head high, didn't you? Did you...''
''No,'' she sighs ,''I wanted to get this food out of me. But I tried to take my mind off of it by spending time with Noah.''
''See? Look, everyone has something they don't like about themselves. Blair, you don't think you are good enough, but you are. You're not weak. Nothing about you is weak. I'm glad you trust me enough to actually talk to me about these things, though.''
The same way I trust you enough to have told you things that no one else knows about me.
''Thank you. You always know what to say,'' Blair cups my cheek ,''I'm sorry to lay all of this on you.''
''I've hit you with some pretty heavy emotional baggage, Blair. This is the least I could do. Now. What do you want to do about the surrogacy?''
''I'm trying to maintain a healthy weight for me. I know I've gained weight since I've had Noah. I think every body type and shape is beautiful I hated myself for so, so long. Always trying to be better at... everything. Perfect, like I perceived my mom. But I think my body is beautiful right now, and I think I'm fine just the way I am.''
''The way you see things is kind of like your body and mind and heart and personality. Even if you do drive me crazy sometimes.''
''You drive me crazier,'' she kisses me ,''And, to be fair, I love your body.''
''See? That's why we make a good team. So you don't feel comfortable being their surrogate anymore.''
''But I don't want to disappoint them,'' she nods, ''So I have to do it.''
''Actually... Kitty an her boyfriend broke up. But she's pregnant. They both agreed that they don't want to be parents just yet, and our looking to adoption. I told her that we have a couple that just may be interested.''
''And I'm sure that couple would be more than interested in paying for her medical bills and maternity clothes,'' Blair smiles ,''We have to set this up right away.''
''Quinn will understand. She gets you. But there is still the matter of supporting our son.''
''We can sell some things. Like Noah's crib. It's in good shape. I'll get it out of storage. And some of his old baby clothes.''
''Sounds like a plan,'' I kiss her hand ,''See? We're going to be fine. I promise you.''
''I know. I love you,'' she kisses me again, and I can practically see her tension melting away.
''I love you, too.''
''And, who knows,'' she glances towards the dresser, where her engagement ring is safely hidden in a drawer, ''Maybe if we get our money together... we can finally take that next stop.''
''We will. We have two major goals now: Noah, and our wedding.''
After all: anything worth achieving is worth fighting for.
KPOV-
''This hot chocolate is amazing,'' Jade takes another sip from her mug, curling up in her blanket.
She and Liam are lounging across the couch, and Blaine and I are on the floor playing with Grace and Jacob.
''It's your grandma Anderson's recipe,'' Blaine reveals, ''I loved it as a kid.''
''And now. Because you had three cups the last time that she was here,'' I remember.
''While you're busy criticizing me, I was making memories, Kurt,'' Blaine rolls his eyes playfully.
''You just focus on helping Gracie fix her doll's hair,'' I look to where two of my favorite people are playing.
''That's Melissa,'' Grace points out, ''And this is Trina. That one's Bryan, and this one is a dancer like me and Blair.''
Grace practically idolizes Blair, always begging to show her what she learned in dance class whenever she drops by for a visit.
The look on Blair's face shows just how much she really does love her.
''Do you want to play,'' Grace looks to Jacob.
''My daddy said that boys don't play with dolls.''
Blaine glances up at me, then to Jacob, ''You can play if you want to, buddy.''
Liam looks at me, speaking quietly as he leans closer to me ,''Dad was his biggest hero, I think. He listened to everything that he said. He... he wasn't always that opened minded.''
I see.
''Jacob,'' I sit next to him, ''You can play if you want to. It's perfectly like fine. Like it's okay for Gracie to play with your trucks.''
''I know what dad said,'' Liam begins ,''But Kurt and Blaine are taking care of us now. You can listen to them.''
''You don't all the time,'' Jacob counters, and Jade has to suppress her giggles.
''Okay,'' Liam says through clenched teeth, becoming frustrated ,''But you can play with dolls.''
''But the other boys at school make fun of me, '' Jacob frowns.
''They do,'' I can feel Blaine, Liam, and Jade's concerned gazes on him as well, ''For how long.''
''All school year.''
''And your teacher didn't say anything,'' Blaine speaks.
''I didn't say anything to her. I can handle it.''
Liam stands then, leaving the room.
''I've got him,'' Blaine stands, following our son.
''Be that as it may... we are going to have a little chat with your teacher, alright?''
Before the bullying gets out of hand, like it did with Blair and Rory.
Blaine and I are desperately trying to not make the same mistakes.
The conversation sits heavily with me even as Blaine and I lay in bed hours later, knowing we will have to talk to Jacob's teacher.
''I talked to Liam. He was upset with us for not knowing. I can't say I blame him,'' Blaine groans, ''I did tell him he can't yell at us. After he apologized, I told him we'll take care of it.''
''Of course we will,'' I roll onto my side, facing him, ''I think he knew that. He just wanted to protect his little brother.''
We want to -protect we will protect- Jacob as well.
''He's too young... actually, no. No one should ever, ever be ashamed of being themselves.''
We both know how devastating that can feel.
''We're going to take care of it. And we are going to let our kids know that they can be themselves. Especially with us.''
Afterall, isn't that what a parent should encourage.
''We don't know what we're doing, do we,'' Blaine traces a finger down my collarbone.
No. We don't.
''Does anyone really,'' I ask, and he shrugs.
We're doing our best, giving unconditional love to all of our kids. We encourage them to be the best they can be, and teach them what is important.
Really, I think we are doing pretty well. Not as well as my dad with me, because he is incredible. But I think everyone can see what those kids mean to us.
''Don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of this,'' I whisper to Blaine, a young escaping my mouth immediately after, ''We won't let them go through what we did if we can help it.''
Because nobody deserves that, and I promised I would protect my kids.
And I am not about to start breaking promises.
next chapter- Kurt and Blaine meet with Jacob's teacher, Sugar and her dad have an honest discussion, and things get heated between the couples
Disclaimer- glee belongs to Fox and Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuk