Chapter 3 - The Notebook

"How you doing, sir?" Blaine sat down the Hudson-Hummel's couch, watching the baseball game that Mr. Hummel was watching. Every once in a while, he would visit whenever Burt would come home from Washington DC, making sure that he kept his promise to Kurt that he would keep an eye on his dad.

"I'm good, kid," Burt replied never taking his eyes off the screen, "How are you?"

"Good."

The two sat there silently for a while, occasionally cheering for their team and grumbling about bad calls. Burt decided to break the silence, "So, Kurt is coming to town next weekend."

Blaine finally took his eyes off the TV and looked to Burt, who was still watching the game, "Yeah, he texted me earlier today saying so."

"So, what's going on with you two?" Burt said nonchalantly, taking a sip of his beer and finally tearing his eyes off the plasma screen due to a commercial.

"What do you mean, Mr. Hummel?"

"Are you guys back together?"

Blaine was surprised by the question, "No, sir."

Burt chuckled, "When did we go back to the 'Sir' and 'Mr. Hummel' stage? I though we were passed that point already?" Burt took another sip of his beer.

"I'm not sure. I thought that privilege would've been taken away when I- when Kurt and I broke up," Blaine truthfully stated.

"Honestly, it did 'cause I don't like the pain you caused my son, but I see how happy you get whenever you're around him; and I definitely see how happy he is around you, no matter how angry he would want to be because of your mistake," Burt said seriously, "I can see something in the both of you that is very rare in relationships, even adult ones. Why do you think I took you to see him on Christmas?"

Blaine contemplated for a beat and Burt continued, "I love that you love my son. I love that you take care of him and vice versa. And in turn, I love you, Blaine. You made a mistake and I can see that you are trying your hardest to make up for it. I mean, you made him promises that I can see that you're still keeping."

Blaine started thinking about those promises,

To always love you

To defend you even if I know you're wrong

To surprise you

To always pick up your phone call no matter what I'm doing

To bake you cookies at least twice a year (I have to remember to send him some more)

And to kiss you where ever and whenever you want

But mostly, just to make sure you remember how perfectly imperfect you are

"You're like that guy who promised the girl that house in that movie. The one where they break up and he still does the things he promised her, then they get back together and she gets Alzheimer's or something."

"The Notebook?" Blaine answered.

"Yes. And then they die together. Romantic," Burt laughed.

"You really think Kurt will take me back?" Blaine hoped Mr. Hummel has some kind of intel.

Burt answered, "I don't know. I guess you have to wait like how you made him wait the first time around," Blaine snickered, while Burt continued, "But even if Kurt, for some odd reason, doesn't chose you in the end, and between you and me, I wouldn't want that to happen," Blaine smiled at the comment, "you will be family to me. Remember that."

"Thank you, Sir. I mean Burt. Thank you, Burt," Blaine had tears in his eyes. He loved this man to no end and he definitely owed Burt his life for having hope in his and Kurt's relationship, "By the way, I love you, too."

"Good," Burt grinned.

Blaine started to think again and decided to ask something very serious, "So, if Kurt and I do get together again, and we talk and sort everything out, will I have your permission to propose to him? You know, when the time comes?"

The dad raised an eyebrow, "You're asking me for my son's hand in marriage?"

"Not now. Like when the time comes, when Kurt and I decide to get married," Blaine corrected.

"But essentially, what you want to know is if you are allowed to marry my son," Burt said as a statement rather than a question.

"Yes, I guess so," Blaine said, almost afraid of the answer.

"Seriously, Blaine?" Blaine frowned at the answer, "After all I said, do you really think I would say no?"

The curly haired teen smiles from ear to ear, "So..."

"Of course, dummy. I told you you're family. And I'm pushing for you to get the title of son-in-law," Blaine's future father-in-law grinned and turned back to the TV.

"Thank you so much, Burt," Blaine really didn't know what else to say.

"Oh and one more thing," Burt announced, "if you hurt him again, I will tell you to get my shotgun since you know where I keep it, and I will tell you to cock it yourself and hand it to me so I can use it. Whether or not I use it on you or not is something that I will keep secret for now."

Blaine's eyes widens, but then smiles when Burt does the same.