Title: Still Breathing (2/2)
Summary: "You're exactly what I need." The morning after prom has Blaine wrestling with his own fears. This could be considered a sequel to my fic Breathing Easy because it follows the established timeline, though it's not a necessary read. Set after PQ. Alludes to episodes Sexy, BIOTA, and OS. Chapter 2/2.
Rating: T
Category: Glee, KH/BA (Klaine)
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee. Really. Song is Watch You Sleeping by Blue Foundation.

A/N: Because I just can't seem to let this storyline go. And I wanted to know how Blaine dealt with facing his fears, underneath all the encouragement and optimism and smiles. So, of course, there's more angst. Though, honestly, I tried not to be too angsty and sentimental, but that rarely works with me. But there's always a happy ending!

And because I gave Burt some face time in my last fic, I thought it only fair that Carole get to witness the awesomeness that is Klaine too. :-) And gay or straight, who wouldn't want a dad like Burt? Awesome.

There are references to my other fic You Found Me, but again, it's not a necessary read.

...

Carole had read the paper, ate some breakfast, and even fixed some extra, which was now staying warm in the oven. Still, everyone else in the house was asleep. She had snuck a peek down the basement stairs, finding Finn sprawled out on his bed. And she didn't have the heart to wake Burt, as this was his only day off and he had stayed up late waiting for the boys to get back home from the prom. She decided to get started on some cleaning, which is something she normally did on Sundays anyway. She usually enlisted Finn and Kurt, but that could wait.

Carole busied herself with tidying things up in the kitchen and family room, trying not to make too much noise. She picked up Blaine's suit jacket lying over the arm of the couch. Thinking to hang it up before it wrinkled too much, she gently shook it, remembering when the dark-haired boy had come to pick Kurt up.

"Hi," Blaine greeted with a huge smile and a vague wave of his hand when Carole opened the door. He held a small white box in his other hand.

"Blaine," Carole said excitedly. She couldn't help it, Kurt had been hyper all day making last minute touch-ups to his outfit and she had just managed to send Finn off to pick up Quinn. She stepped back to let the young man in and closed the door. Blaine looked around and Carole sensed his nervousness. She grabbed his free hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "You look wonderful, very handsome." The blush tinting the boy's cheeks had Carole grinning. He squeezed her hand back in appreciation. She had to admit, Blaine was good looking, and his simple but clearly well-made suit fit him physically and personality-wise. "Kurt will be down soon."

Carole led Blaine into the family room and Burt stood from his chair with a serious expression. Carole shot Burt a look, hoping he would be nice.

"Hi, Mr. Hummel," Blaine said. He was almost successful in sounding casual. Carole glared at Burt again, and held on to Blaine's hand.

"Do I need to give you the talk?"

"Burt," Carole chastised lightly, but before either of the adults could say anymore, Blaine spoke up.

"No, sir. I'm bringing Kurt back home after prom. And there will be no drinking or," Blaine paused, and Carole saw the color bloom on his cheeks again, "any inappropriate behavior of any kind."

Burt looked over the young man and Carole could see he was enjoying making Blaine nervous. Finally, Burt cracked a smile.

"Well, good then." Carole let out a silent sigh and even though she knew Burt was joking, she gave him a stern look before gifting Blaine with a smile.

"Are you done torturing my boyfriend?" came Kurt's voice from the landing. Carole turned, and seeing the huge smile on her stepson's face, she couldn't help but smile in return. She realized a moment too late that Blaine's hand was no longer in hers and the dark-haired boy had stepped up to the landing. She watched as the two boys stood looking at each other, ridiculous smiles on their faces. She felt Burt come up behind her, felt his hand resting on her hip. She tilted her head back and shared a smile with her husband.

"You look," Blaine hesitated, swallowed, and tried again. "You look perfect," he said adoringly.

"You've seen the outfit before," Kurt countered lightly. Blaine shook his head, lifting his fingers to brush lightly at Kurt's hair.

"You look perfect," he repeated slowly, emphasizing each word. Kurt's cheeks colored, but his pleased smile trumped any embarrassment. Kurt tugged on Blaine's lapel.

"You're not so bad yourself, Blaine Warbler." Blaine rolled his eyes at the moniker and Carole thrilled at hearing the happiness in Kurt's voice. Kurt had changed a lot during his time at Dalton and at first, Carole was unsure what it would mean, but now, she couldn't be happier. Kurt had found peace and contentment and love.

Carole grabbed the camera she had ready on the coffee table, and snapped a picture of the two boys just standing close together, looking at each other as if in silent conversation. The click of the digital camera got their attention.

"Mom," Kurt squeaked out, both boys startled out of their mutual reverie. Carole's smile disappeared, as Kurt stared at her, a hint of fear in his eyes. Carole could feel the tears welling, knowing how much Kurt missed his biological mom. Carole saw Blaine reach for Kurt's hand, silently offering support even though he probably didn't know what was really going on. She gave Kurt an understanding smile and Burt stepped up to the landing, interrupting the uncomfortable moment.

"You look good, kid," Burt said sincerely. The smile was back. Carole came up behind Burt.

"Thanks, Dad."

"Can we get a picture with the corsages?" Carole asked shyly, not sure if Kurt would want her playing the typical mom right now. Kurt's smile didn't falter and Blaine proffered the box he still had in hand. Together, the boys opened it and pulled out the simple pink carnations. Carole couldn't stifle her laugh as Blaine struggled to affix the corsage to Kurt's lapel, completely unaware that Kurt was bouncing ever so slightly. She wasn't entirely sure Kurt realized he was doing it either. Burt took pity on the pair and rounded Kurt, resting his hands on his son's shoulders and laughing at Kurt's curious expression. Burt whispered something in Kurt's ear that had his smile growing impossibly wider, and Blaine ducked his head to focus on his task as the blush crept across his cheeks.

Kurt had a much easier time with Blaine's corsage, his experienced fingers deftly pinning the small bud in place on the first try. Burt reached out and shook Blaine's hand.

"Be careful out there," Burt advised unnecessarily.

"Yes, Mr. Hummel," Blaine agreed easily.

"Burt," the older man corrected kindly, and not for the first time.

"Yes, sir." Burt made an exasperated noise, but he smiled at the young man.

Carole snapped several pictures throughout and when the boys were ready to depart, Kurt pulled her into a hug.

"Is it okay?" he whispered into her ear. She should be asking him that question, knowing that calling her 'mom' was probably more startling to him then her. Carole pulled back to see the young man's face, his expression nervous. She pressed a palm to his cheek.

"Of course," she assured.

"Maybe not all the time, though," he qualified.

"Whenever you want," she agreed, and kissed him on the cheek. "Have a good time." She had hugged Blaine then too, and she and Burt ushered them out the door. They watched as Blaine held the car door open for Kurt, closed it, and rounded the car. With a wave, Blaine got in and before Carole managed to wave back, they were out of the driveway and heading down the road.

"What are you thinking about?" Burt asked quietly as he came up behind Carole and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Blaine and Kurt," she replied honestly. "They were so cute last night." Burt chuckled.

"Yes, yes, they were." He rested his chin on her shoulder as she brushed some lint off the lapel of Blaine's jacket and fingered the now slightly limp corsage.

"What did you say to Kurt when they were putting on the corsages?"

"Just that I approved of his date, and that he found a keeper."

"Really?" Carole asked with a laugh, though she already knew the answer. "No wonder Blaine was blushing." She felt Burt shrug.

"A guy can't have a little fun with his kid's date?" Carole tilted her head to look at Burt, humor dancing in her eyes. He kissed her lightly on the lips.

"Did you check on them?" Burt smirked in reply. "Silly question, of course you did," Carole answered her own inquiry.

"Kurt was singing, and Blaine was asleep on his shoulder." Carole's thoughtful expression had Burt asking worriedly, "what?" She shook her head and smiled, not wanting to alarm Burt.

"When I got up, Kurt was asleep. But Blaine was up, and he was talking to Kurt." Burt waited for Carole to continue. "You said Blaine got beat up at his old school, right?" Burt nodded. "I didn't see if before, because he's always so polite and pleasant, and he adores Kurt. We've seen the difference in Kurt, and it seems real. He's not sad or scared anymore. He's confident and open and happy. We figured he learned it from Blaine, but what if Blaine's not really those things?"

She looked at Burt, saw his confusion. She tried to find the right words to explain.

"When he was talking to Kurt-I've never heard so much sadness and pain, Burt. It wasn't something tears could wash away or screaming could scare away. I don't think he has anyone other than Kurt." Burt looked pensive at this, and Carole reached up to press a hand against his jaw. Burt looked back down at her a moment later, his expression serious.

"Well, he's done wonders for Kurt, makes him happy. And he treats Kurt with respect." Burt pressed a soft kiss to Carole's temple. "As long as he keeps doing that, he's family. We'll just have to make sure he knows that." Carole kissed Burt at that, loving his compassion. When they broke apart, Burt let go of Carole's waist and headed toward the kitchen.

"There's some food in the oven," Carole called after him.

"Thanks." She heard the creak of the oven door. Carole picked up Kurt's jacket and vest, planning on hanging them, along with Blaine's suit jacket, in the coat closet until the boys awoke. What she didn't expect was the crown and scepter that lay underneath the clothing. She halted mid-turn and looked at the sparkling plastic.

"Burt?"

"Yeah?" came the reply, muffled by a mouthful of food.

"Did Finn win prom king?" Burt reappeared from the kitchen.

"I don't know, why? What-," he trailed off, having spied the objects of Carole's attention. "Hey, look at that, Finn won prom king." Carole shook her head.

"I don't think so."

"Why?" Burt's suddenly happy mood had just as quickly dissipated.

"They were under Kurt and Blaine's jackets."

"But Kurt wasn't in the running-," Burt trailed off and Carole watched as understanding dawned on his face. "Blaine hinted something had happened, but he didn't want to tell me. I figured it wasn't too bad. I was going to ask Kurt about it later."

"Maybe it wasn't," Carole tried to dismiss the worry that had settled into her stomach.

Just then, Finn rounded the corner from the hallway, yawning loudly.

"Hey, Mom, Burt," the tall teenager greeted before he yawned again. Clearly having just woken up, he rubbed at his still sleep-filled eyes, not noticing that Carole and Burt were looking very intently at him.

"Honey, did you win prom king?"

Finally spying the crown on the couch, Finn blurted out, "no, those are Kurt's. He got prom queen."

...

Blaine tilted his head and the sunlight hit his face, hurting his eyes even though they were still closed. He slowly blinked away the sleep as he lifted his head from the pillow. His eyes focused on the black and white stuffed animal lying where Kurt should have been. Realizing what it was, a huge smile broke out on Blaine's face and he pulled the fluffy penguin closer. It smelled like Kurt, and Blaine wondered how many nights Kurt had slept with it before that had happened. Not caring that he hadn't slept with a stuffed animal for as long as he could remember, he tucked the penguin against his chest and let out a contented sigh.

Blaine looked around Kurt's room, only mildly worried that Kurt wasn't there. It had to be late morning, and Blaine knew Kurt wasn't one to sleep in. Blaine was surprised, though, that he hadn't heard or felt Kurt leave, as he was normally a light sleeper. But he had slept, and though it probably hadn't been for that long, it had been free of dreams. And for the first time in a long time, he woke up refreshed and happy. He tightened his hold on the stuffed animal, reveling in the feeling.

The door was open now and Blaine heard Burt and Finn shout, realizing the muffled cheers and conversation he was also hearing must be coming from the television. Carole shushed them loudly, and though he couldn't hear everything she said, Blaine managed to catch his and Kurt's names. Finn's apology was clear, as was his and Burt yells a moment later. Carole shushed them again, and this time Burt apologized. Blaine couldn't help laughing at the absurd yet utterly typical behavior of Kurt's family.

"Hey," Kurt said lightly, coming into the room and dropping the clothes he had slept in atop the hamper in the corner. Propping his head up with an arm on the pillow, Blaine noticed Kurt wore relaxed jeans and a button-down shirt hung open over a t-shirt. He smiled at the way Kurt's still damp hair alternatively hung over his forehead and spiked up in odd places. Kurt came around the bed, smiling, clearly amused by Blaine's goofy grin and the fact that the other boy's arm was wrapped securely around the stuffed penguin. "What's so funny?"

Blaine sat up, still holding the fluffy toy. He tugged on Kurt's shirt, pulling him onto the bed, and kissed the other boy. The kiss didn't deepen, but they lingered in the closeness.

"Morning," Blaine finally uttered as he pulled away, smile still in place. Kurt quirked an eyebrow, eliciting a curious look from Blaine.

"It's afternoon."

"Really? Huh." The boys grinned ridiculously at each other.

"Sleep well?"

"Actually, yes," Blaine answered seriously, his expression turning thoughtful.

Kurt looked at Blaine for several seconds before saying, "I'm glad." Blaine smiled at that, and Kurt laughed, tugging on the stuffed animal still in Blaine's grasp. "You found him."

"Only because he was there to be found," Blaine said happily, though he couldn't deny the double meaning behind the words. "How long have you had him?"

"Since we sang Animal." Kurt's cheeks tinted pink at the admission as he ran a finger along a fluffy wing. "He was actually supposed to be for you, as an apology," he added.

"For what?" Blaine asked gently. Kurt looked up at him, hesitant. Blaine smiled encouragingly.

"For kicking you out of my room." Kurt looked down at the toy animal, but Blaine could still see a self-deprecating smile on his lips. "But then I thought it would be silly." Blaine lifted his hand and pressed a warm palm to Kurt's cheek, pulling the other boy's attention to him.

"It's not silly. It's sweet and thoughtful," Blaine paused, pressing his lips gently against Kurt's, "and so you."

Kurt chuckled softly at that and Blaine smiled, sitting back. Blaine playfully waved the penguin's wing. Kurt laughed again.

"You, on the other hand, are ridiculous," Kurt huffed in mock annoyance.

"Can I have him now?" Blaine asked earnestly, propping his chin on the penguin's head.

"Fine," Kurt said with a shake of his head. Blaine couldn't help laughing at Kurt's exasperated tone, nor at the smile that graced Kurt's lips a moment later.

Blaine's laughter died away as he stared at his boyfriend, eyes sparkling with amusement, pink lips curved in a delicate smile, and the remnants of the flush on smooth pale skin. A ghost of a smile remained on Blaine's lips as long silent moments passed. Blaine lost himself in mapping every inch of Kurt's face, in falling in love with the way strands of hair fell over his forehead or how his eyelashes curled against his skin, how the line of his jaw ran seamlessly to his neck and how a few light freckles scattered across his nose.

The blush returned to Kurt's cheeks and Blaine's gaze flashed back to the other boy's eyes, seeing the familiar shy pleasure flitting across his expression. Normally, Blaine would have been embarrassed at realizing he'd been staring, had been just hours earlier when Kurt had called him on it. Now, he reveled in it, no longer ashamed of his own actions. Kurt had given him that, the courage to accept himself and his need for Kurt without shame.

"We should get something to eat," Kurt said quietly, breaking the silence but not their shared gaze. Blaine shrugged, the faint smile never leaving his lips. He seemed content to continue staring at Kurt. Kurt rolled his eyes at his boyfriend's ambivalence.

"I can think of better ways to spend my time." With that, Blaine leaned forward and pulled Kurt close. The kiss deepened quickly and Kurt sighed against Blaine's lips when he felt fingers gripping his waist. Kurt ran his own fingers through Blaine's dark hair as their tongues danced together.

"As much as I'd love to keep 'practicing'," Kurt teased lightly after they separated. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his own breathing despite the way Blaine's fingers stroked his jaw and neck. "My dad's expecting us downstairs soon."

Blaine sat back, letting his hand drop, and pouted playfully. Kurt couldn't contain his chuckle and stood, pulling Blaine up with him. They shared a smile.

"Do you want to take a shower? I left an extra towel and toothbrush in the bathroom." Kurt tugged Blaine toward the door. Before they reached the hallway, Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt from behind. Blaine pressed a light kiss where Kurt's neck met his shoulder, and Kurt gripped the arms that held him as a tremor slid down his spine and his breathing stuttered.

"Thank you," Blaine murmured against the pale skin before resting his cheek against Kurt's shoulder. No evidence of their teasing from moments ago remained. Regaining his composure, Kurt leaned back into the embrace, taking as much comfort as Blaine did from the nearness. They stayed like that for several seconds, just standing and breathing together, before Kurt turned and placed a soft kiss on Blaine's forehead.

"Go," Kurt lightly instructed. "I'll be here when you're done." Blaine offered a small smile and released his hold on Kurt.

...

The two boys came down the stairs and into the kitchen hand in hand. Kurt had styled his hair while Blaine was in the shower, and his shirt was now neatly buttoned and tucked. Blaine ran a hand through his hair self-consciously, his curls not held down with any gel. Not having any change of clothes with him, Blaine had put his suit pants on again and borrowed a t-shirt from Kurt.

"There're some pancakes on the stove," Carole called out. The boys rounded the island and found Carole and Burt sitting at the dining table, papers spread out. The adults glanced at each other, and Carole patted Burt's hand affectionately.

"Hey, kid," Burt greeted as he focused his attention on the boys. "Blaine," he acknowledged the other boy, his expression friendly.

"I used the new low sodium mix you got," Carole added, looking up and smiling kindly at them. "And there's fruit in the fridge."

"Thanks, Carole," Kurt replied.

"Thanks, Mrs. Hudson-Hummel," Blaine chimed in gratefully.

"Blaine, just call me Carole."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Okay, please don't call me that. I'll feel old," Carole joked. She stood and approached the two boys. "You know, if you're not comfortable calling me by my first name and it's okay with Kurt," she paused to glance at her stepson and lay her hand gently on Blaine's arm, "why don't you just try 'mom'?"

Blaine and Kurt shared a look, and Carole worried she may have gone too far. Kurt had only just called her 'mom' yesterday, and by accident. She tried to dispel the tension with her next words.

"Most of Finn's friends call me 'mom' anyway; it rolls off the tongue a lot easier than Hudson-Hummel." Kurt quirked a smile and Blaine took a deep breath, giving Carole a shaky smile.

"I'd like that." Blaine's voice was soft, filled with emotion, and Carole couldn't help wrapping her arms around the young man. She was relieved to feel him return the embrace, and she and Kurt shared a smile over Blaine's shoulder. When she withdrew, Blaine's smile was genuine. Carole patted Blaine's cheek affectionately.

"Go get something to eat," she said, trying to sound cheerful. Kurt gave Carole a quick one-armed hug, and he and Blaine retreated into the kitchen.

...

"So," Burt started as he stood from the table. Kurt and Blaine turned their attention from the dishes in the sink as the older man stepped into the kitchen. Carole still sat at the table, but she was clearly paying attention. Burt had waited until the boys had eaten before broaching the topic, "prom queen?"

Kurt let out a sigh and set down the towel he had been drying dishes with. Turning toward his father, he gripped the counter behind him.

"Finn told you," Kurt stated more than asked, frustration evident in his tone. Blaine finished rinsing the last dish, turned off the water, and dried his hands, all the while glancing between father and son.

"When Carole asked," Burt supplied. He added with a chuckle, "don't worry. He's already in trouble for getting kicked out." Kurt huffed at that.

"You want to tell me about it?" Burt asked, keeping his tone free of anger or impatience; he'd already ranted angrily after Finn provided as much detail as he could. Burt watched as Blaine reached for Kurt's hand, and his son took a deep breath.

"There's not much to tell. Apparently by an 'overwhelming number of write-in votes,' I was elected prom queen." There was no denying the bitterness in Kurt's voice.

"And?"

"And after getting over my embarrassment, I accepted," Kurt answered nonchalantly.

"He was amazing, Mr. Hummel. Full on diva," Blaine interjected proudly, gifting Kurt with a small smile. Burt saw his son's cheeks color slightly. He let a moment of silence pass as the two boys shared a look and Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand.

"And Karofsky? He wasn't behind it?"

"Dad, I told you, he's different now," Kurt asserted. Burt didn't miss Blaine's wary expression, and he was glad for the boy's skepticism. He was reminded of their brief talk about Blaine's experience, and, though he was saddened that Blaine had had to go through that, he was also comforted by the fact that the dark-haired boy understood how cruel the world could be. Burt brought his attention back to his son.

"He didn't try anything when you had to dance?"

For the first time during the conversation, Kurt looked uncomfortable. His gaze darted away briefly before returning to Burt's. He took another deep breath.

"We didn't dance," Kurt revealed. Burt was relieved to hear it, but wondered at his son's slow response. Kurt sensed it too, and added, "he couldn't do it."

"You didn't dance?" Burt asked rather dumbly, but he wanted to make sure.

"No, not with David." Kurt's lips quirked into a smile then, and he continued with enthusiasm, "I got to dance with Blaine." Blaine looked down shyly, though his hand still held Kurt's. Burt wasn't convinced that Kurt had taken things as lightly as he was making out he did.

"And last night?" Burt pressed.

Kurt sighed again before admitting, "it was hard, Dad, and terrifying. But I did it." He glanced at Blaine, who smiled encouragingly. "We did it," Kurt corrected.

Burt assessed the two boys for a moment: Kurt with a proud and determined look on his face and Blaine looking at him with adoration and happiness. Kurt seemed to have recovered and come out of last night relatively unscathed, if not a stronger person.

"You sure you're okay?"

Kurt smiled at his concern and replied, "yes, actually I am."

"Good," Burt said after a beat, deciding to accept his son's answer at face value and letting the matter drop. "What've you boys got on the agenda for this afternoon?"

"I actually have to head back home. I have a ton of homework due this week," Blaine supplied unhappily. Kurt's pout had Blaine chuckling quietly.

"Your jacket's hanging in the front closet," Carole said kindly, having risen from her seat and was now standing next to Burt.

"Thanks, Mrs.-," Blaine halted when Carole gave him a warning look. "Thanks." Carole smiled her understanding, knowing the boy had a hard time not letting his manners show; it was hardly a fault. Blaine turned his attention to Burt. "Thank you for letting me stay last night, Mr. Hummel."

"Burt," the older man reminded, but continued before Blaine could say anything, "and you're welcome." Kurt smiled at his father and was about to lead the other boy out of the room, when Burt spoke again, "hey, Blaine, you okay? I mean after last night?"

Burt watched Blaine's expression change, revealing a flicker of sadness and pain before his composure returned. A small, but grateful smile reached the young man's lips.

"I am," Blaine answered quietly, but confidently. Kurt kissed Blaine on the cheek then, eliciting a blush, and Blaine ducked his head.

"You're welcome to stay anytime, by the way," Burt said when Blaine looked back up. "Just as long as you and Kurt aren't doing anything-."

"Dad!" Kurt exclaimed, interrupting Burt. The blush had returned to Kurt's cheeks. The older man smirked.

"You know what I mean."

"Yes, sir," Blaine replied seriously, though a smile tugged at his lips as well.

"Blaine, really, just like Carole said, call me Burt or 'dad'. You're safe here. You're family here." The levity of just a moment ago disappeared and Blaine silently stared at the two adults. Carole offered an encouraging smile, and Burt, though concerned that he may have upset the boy, maintained a kind expression.

"Breathe," Kurt whispered against Blaine's ear, having leaned close and gripped the other boy's arm. Blaine slowly turned his attention to the other boy. Burt watched as Blaine closed his eyes and Kurt laid a gentle hand on his chest. The dark-haired boy seemed to breathe again with that touch, his chest rising and falling steadily, and Burt marveled again at the connection the two boys had. He shared a look with Carole, who had tears swimming in her eyes. The tenderness in which Kurt pressed a light kiss to Blaine's forehead had Burt looking away, slightly uncomfortable. But Carole's hand slipping into his brought his attention back a moment later. Blaine opened his eyes and turned his attention back to Burt. The older man had never seen so much sadness and gratitude expressed in a look before, and Burt felt humbled that such a simple action of accepting someone into his home could create such impact. He spared a glance at Kurt, whose smile revealed his absolute joy, and Burt found himself moving forward before he realized it.

"Come here," he whispered roughly, pulling Blaine into a hug before the boy could refuse. Blaine fell into the embrace easily, and Burt felt his uneven breathing and his fingers gripping his back. Burt held on, remembering all those times he had held Kurt when his son had been sad. This felt different, more desperate; Carole was right. Burt glanced over at Kurt, seeing tears in the boy's eyes. Burt reached out a hand, laying it on Kurt's shoulder, and offered a smile. Kurt returned it and squeezed Burt's arm affectionately.

When Blaine pulled away several moments later, Burt gave him a chance to collect himself.

"I mean it, kid," Burt started when Blaine looked up, eyes bloodshot but no longer deeply sad. Kurt took Blaine's hand again. "Okay?" Blaine nodded his answer and Burt patted his son's shoulder one last time before letting go. "Good."

Blaine took a deep breath, and finally spoke, "thank you, Burt."

...

(end)