A/N: This story came to me one sleepless night and wouldn't leave me.

On step at a time

When Burt thought about it after it had happened, he would think that something during his day would have given him a sign that this was the day that his life would change. But, there weren't any signs. It was just an ordinary Friday.

Burt sighed and glanced at the clock for the tenth time in the last ten minutes. He longed to get home to his wife and two sons. It was Friday night dinner - a family dinner. It was the only day during the week that they all sat down, just the four of them. No friends, girlfriends or boyfriends were allowed. After dinner the kids were free to do whatever they liked, but most likely they would enjoy a movie together. Even teenagers were tired after a week in school and they would both take advantage of the fact that they weren't allowed to leave their home before dinner was over. Even though they were free to hang out with friends, they tend to stay at home. Most often Blaine, Kurt's boyfriend, would come over to watch a movie with them.

He looked at the clock again and decided to close the garage for the week. It was an advantage of owning his own business – he could decide when to close early. This Friday had been slow. He turned off the lights, closed the shop and took the car home. As he entered his home he was welcomed by a wonderful smell of a home cooked meal. His wife came out of the kitchen with a smile and hugged him.

"Finally Friday! Welcome home honey. Dinner will be ready soon; you have time to take a shower if you wish."

"Thanks hon." He smiled to her, pressed a kiss on his lips and headed to the bathroom. He stopped by the living room to say hi to his sons, Kurt and Finn. Finn was really his step-son and had come as a bonus when he married Carole 9 months ago. They were both glued to the TV where some movie was playing. Finn laid on one couch, Kurt was sitting on the other. When Burt got closer he saw Kurt's boyfriend laying with his head on Kurt lap. Kurt was absentminded stroked Blaine's hair while watching the movie. Burt felt himself getting annoyed. It was Friday night dinner. No boyfriends were allowed. Kurt knew this. Instead of start arguing with his son, he decided to talk to Carole first.

"Blaine's here."

"Is that a question or a statement?" Carole smiled, she knew her husband so well.

"It's Friday."

"I know. He was sleeping like that when I got home. Kurt says he fell asleep as soon as they started the movie. Kurt tried to wake him an hour ago when I got home, but wasn't able to. Apparently he is exhausted. Kurt doesn't know why, but guessed something happened at home or he's getting sick. I decided to let him stay for dinner. Don't get angry with Kurt. It was my decision. Look at him Burt; he looks like he hasn't slept in ages. Just let him eat with us and watch a movie, then he will go home as usual."

Burt smiled to his wife, he could never go against her will.

"Okay, okay. I'll go and take that shower."

When he returned to the kitchen after the shower, Finn was already at the table. Burt popped his head to the living room to see if Kurt and Blaine were moving towards the kitchen as well. Kurt was kneeling next to the couch, shaking and talking to his boyfriend. Burt didn't hear what he was saying, but he got that Kurt was trying quite hard to wake Blaine up, but with little or no success. Burt got closer to the couch and for the first time this day took a good look at Blaine. He was almost black under his eyes. He really looked exhausted. Burt laid a hand on Kurt's shoulder and told him to go ahead in the kitchen. Burt took over Kurt's mission of waking Blaine up. Kurt sighed but did as he was told.

Burt took a firm grip on Blaine's both shoulders and sat the boy up on the couch. Burt sat down beside him and waited for Blaine to react to this new body posture. But when Burt got no reaction other than Blaine's body slumped against him he started to get worried. He was used to teenagers that slept deep, but not like this. He shook the boy and repeated his name. This, finally, made Blaine stir and he opened his eyes sleepily. Burt watched him trying to focus and understand where he was.

"Hi buddy". Blaine turned his head and watched Burt. He looked like he was trying to remember who he was and why like was leaning on him.

"How are you feeling Blaine?"

"Burt? Oh my god. I'm so sorry sir." Blaine's eyes expressed panic and confusion. He shot up from the couch when he realized he was basically laying on his boyfriend's father. The rapid movement was however too fast for his still sleepy body and he felt himself swayed and his knees started buckle. Burt was soon on his feet and steadied the boy. When Blaine's blood had returned to the head he smiled stupidly to Burt.

"Oops. Too fast." He smiled a forced smile. Burt wasn't fooled though.

"Blaine, are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine!"

"You slept really hard. And you have been sleeping for a really long time."

"Yeah… emmmh… yeah…" Blaine felt how his fuzzy brain tried to make up an acceptable excuse.

"I haven't slept well at home this week. We had had a lot of guest. I'm just tired. But now I am awake! I should get home and leave you to your family dinner."

"No, no, you're staying here for dinner Blaine. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine sir!" Blaine smiled at Burt, who didn't believed him but let it go for now and they headed to the kitchen and the dinner.