Work Text:
Kurt got his first sewing machine when he was 10 years old. It was his mom’s old machine, but it still worked. When he got it it was all he could think about. He found sewing books at the library and dug old fabrics out of the basement.
For a week he spent almost all of his time in his room and Burt could hear the faint whirring of the old machine. It reminded him of when Kurt was little and Elizabeth would stay up for hours, sewing outfits that were up to both of their standards. It made him smile.
One day Kurt came out of his room, looking mighty proud, and conspicuously keeping his hands behind his back.
“Whatcha got there?” Burt asked, looking up from his newspaper.
Kurt beamed. “It’s a present.”
“For me?” Burt set the newspaper down, pleasantly surprised.
Kurt nodded.
“Well, let’s see it then.”
Kurt’s hands came from behind his back and he proudly presented his week’s work: a bright pink tie.
Burt’s eyes widened and he carefully took the tie from him to examine it. The sewing was sloppy but it looked like most of the ties in his closet. Aside from the color.
“Wow Kurt, that’s very impressive.” Burt said earnestly.
His eyes were still on the fabric, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, when Kurt piped up again.
“You can wear it to work!”
Burt’s smile faltered. “To work?” His mind immediately went to the guys who worked for him. He didn’t want to be old fashioned but, well… mechanics didn’t really wear pink.
Kurt immediately noticed the change in his demeanor. “You don’t like it?” he asked, his shoulders sagging.
“No, no, of course I do! It’s great!” Burt hastened to say. Kurt’s smile reappeared and Burt’s spirits lifted with it.
“And you’ll wear it to work?” Kurt's smile took over his face. Burt didn’t often see him like this since Elizabeth passed.
He looked in his son’s expectant eyes. “Of course I will, buddy,” he said, ruffling Kurt’s hair.
“Dad!” Kurt immediately exclaimed and brought his hands up to smooth through his locks.
Burt just laughed and ruffled his hair even more.
~*~
The next day, Burt went into work sporting a bright pink tie around his neck. He immediately heard snickers from around the garage and silently braced himself.
“Hey Burt!” There it was. “Wore your daughter’s art project to work?”
Scattered laughter formed around him. He faced the perpetrator, a new hire called Kenny. He had never liked Kenny.
“My son made it for me.”
More laughter, mostly from Kenny. “Your son? Ha! I think your son is a little-”
“Do I have to remind you that I’m your boss?” Burt’s booming voice cut him off. Kenny cowered a little. “So unless you want to work the Weekend shift every day until you quit, you suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself.” Burt finished with a stern, unwavering look to drive his point home.
Kenny timidly nodded and he could see others standing with wide eyes and shut mouths.
Good, Burt thought. He adjusted his tie and went back to work.