Kurt had been at Dalton Academy for one month. In that time he had learned the quickest ways to get from one class to another, what the best times were to find his favorite research librarian eager to help, where the best tea could be found after cafeteria hours, and every nook and cranny that two boys could fit into when they needed a few kisses between classes.

Kurt learned six ways to tie his necktie. While Burt had taught him how to tie a basic Windsor knot, he now knew how to tie an Eldridge, a Four-in-Hand, a Pratt, and a Trinity knot. There were very few ways to be a unique individual in a sea of students wearing the same uniform but Kurt, being the innovative person that he was, found a way. There was no rule prohibiting a student from using a different kind of knot to tie in his Dalton-issued necktie. He used the Pratt when he was in a hurry, but when he wanted to feel flamboyant he spent the extra time to use an Eldridge or a Trinity knot.

“Bee, you think its okay for me to do fancy knots for my necktie, dont you? I dont want the Headmaster to think he made the wrong decision in granting me a scholarship,” Kurt asked him one morning.

“No, I think its adorable that you found a way to maintain your unique self in this herd of sheep. Now, you promised to teach me that knot that looks like it has ten layers of folds...which one is that?” Blaine asked, eager to learn something new.

“Eldridge knot. Here, come sit on my lap and Ill show you,” Kurt said with an air of innocence. Blaine grinned and sat on his boyfriends lap. Kurt was in front of the vanity mirror and he nodded towards it for Blaine to watch while he put his arms around the older boy and showed him the way to hold the tie to start.

Kurt guided Blaines hands as he tied the complicated knot, then he let Blaine do it for himself, just touching his hands when he needed direction. After several attempts, Blaine could tie it by himself.

“It doesnt look as nice as yours did yesterday,” Blaine complained.

“Its because the Dalton tie has stripes – it diminishes the pattern, breaks up the colors too much. There are other knots that work, though. I dont care for the diagonal knot, it looks off-center or lop-sided to me. The Cape is good...you know I found almost a dozen ways to tie a necktie last week. Here, let me show you my favorite,” Kurt said, taking the ends of Blaines tie and looping them, pulling on ends, folding them until he came up with a round knot that showed off the stripes.

“Oh, I like that one!” Blaine crowed, turning a bit to see it from different angles.

“That is a Trinity knot. I was thinking it would be nice when you perform – to have all of the Warblers wear their ties with the same unusual knot. What do you think?” Kurt asked, looking down a bit.

“Hey, look at me, Beau. I love it. Teach me how to do this one and Ill show it to them at the meeting tonight, okay?”

“Just dont tell them it was my idea for now. I havent auditioned yet and I dont want to alienate anyone before they vote on me,” Kurt said quietly. He still had a lot of self-esteem issues in spite of Blaines wish to relieve him of all that old baggage.

“Okay, sweetheart. I can wait for a few weeks. Competition doesnt start again until the beginning of next year, so maybe we can start then?”

“Yeah. Id like to get to know all the guys before I tell them I want to change the group,” Kurt laughed.

“Lets get going – I dont want to miss breakfast,” Blaine said, getting off of Kurts lap and handing him his own tie.

“Hey, Trent, wait up!” Blaine called as he saw their friend exiting his dormitory. Trent stopped when he heard them calling to him and walked back.

“Did Wes call you last night?” Trent asked, adjusting his books and handing them to Kurt to hold, then taking over pushing duty. Kurt was still in his wheelchair, but he had an appointment the next day to have the cast on his wrist removed. Blaine sighed in relief, his back was getting a little sore from pushing Kurt all day for weeks now.

“No, but I might have turned off my phone. We were studying for the history quiz today,” Blaine admitted. “Why, what did he want?”

“Theres a meeting this afternoon after last class. Were going to discuss new members for next year. We have a list of possible candidates from several middle schools – students that will be transferring to Dalton in the fall,” Trent explained.

“And one stellar transfer from McKinley, too,” Blaine grinned.

“Yes, him, too. Kurt, are you ready for your audition next Tuesday?” Trent asked.

“Ready as Ill ever be. I have several songs that Ive been practicing, maybe you could give me your opinion?” Kurt asked.

“Sure. What are the choices?”

“Dont Cry for Me, Argentina, Ill Remember, Just the Way You Are, Let It Be....” Kurt started naming off a list of songs that he and Blaine had thought of and practiced in the past week.

“Wow...have you narrowed it down at all?”

“Yeah...you should have seen the original list. I dont know. Im just so nervous,” Kurt said, looking over at Blaine to see how he was taking it.

“I have my favorite of all the ones you sang in the past three weeks, Beau,” Blaine said.

“What would you recommend?” Trent asked.

“A House Is Not A Home,” Blaine said immediately. “Since he gets two songs for the audition, this one shows his lower range, but nothing that looks like youre showing off. Being a countertenor is a big thing, but the Warblers are still a group effort. The solos are not easy to come by, so I think we need to show off his ability to sing a song that is in the groups range first before we show off with Defying Gravity or something. What do you think?” Blaine asked his best friend.

“That is sound thinking. You cant just go in there and rub a four-octave range in their faces, they wont appreciate it. Yeah, try something Beatles, Katy Perry, Billy Joel – those are safe. Then for the second song you can show off – something Broadway, something show-stopping,” Trent advised. “But, Blaine, you know all that. Youve been lead singer for two years now.”

Kurt jerked his head around to stare at Blaine.

“Youre what?” he demanded.

Blaine threw a furious glare at Trent and crouched down next to Kurt.

“Beau, I didnt tell you because I didnt want you to be intimidated. Being lead singer does not give me more voting power. I dont even choose my own songs! The council does,” he tried to calm Kurt, who was breathing fast, a cold look on his face and his arms crossed over his chest.

“Why didnt you tell me? Is that why you havent taken me to any of the rehearsals?” Kurt asked.

“No, rehearsals are closed to anyone but Warbler members. That was not my choice. Youve had so much on your plate lately, Beau, I wanted you to get used to Dalton before I threw you to the wolves...I mean the Warblers. They can be kind of intimidating,” Blaine said.

“Blaine, Im sorry. I thought he knew,” Trent looked so guilty.

“Not your fault, Trent. How would you guess that Blaine has been hiding all this from me? Just because hes still treating me like a hothouse flower – like some kind of an invalid,” Kurt rolled his eyes and tried to move the wheelchair himself. He wasnt successful, there was no way he could steer it with his arm still in a cast.

“Trent, could you please take me to breakfast?” Kurt asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest once more.

Trent looked at Blaine, clearly not wanting to step between his friends or appear to choose sides.

Blaine nodded at him, taking his messenger bag from the back of the wheelchair.

“I have an errand to run, Ill see you two in American History,” Blaine said, leaning down to kiss Kurt on the cheek before his boyfriend could object, then he turned and walked off across campus.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

Blaine walked quickly, not sure for a minute where he wanted to go. He had deliberately kept his status as lead singer from Kurt for two reasons. First, he didnt want Kurt to feel any more pressure to join the Warblers. Blaine could see that trying to catch up with classes was making Kurt use every bit of his stamina to study. Second, he wanted Kurts first exposure to the Warblers to be amazing – he wanted to surprise Kurt with a song where he was singing lead. He wanted Kurt to be proud of him. Now Trent had, albeit accidentally, spilled the proverbial beans. Blaine knew he had to find a way to fix this. He broke into a jog as he made a decision, headed to the dorm room shared by Wes and David.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

Trent walked behind Kurts wheelchair, his hands on the grips. He was glad he didnt have to walk beside him because he wasnt sure he could look in that sad face right now. They entered the dining hall and Trent pushed Kurt through the line. Kurt held the tray for both of them as they filled their plates.

“Hello, Mrs. Barnes,” Kurt greeted Trents mother. She was the supervisor of the dining hall and happened to be sitting with her morning tea at a small table along the windows.

“Well, hello to you, too, Kurt. Trent. Wheres the third Musketeer this morning?” she asked, looking for Blaine.

“He had something to take care of this morning, but Ill tell him you said hello, Mother,” Trent said, smiling at his mom. Kurt had found it strange at first that Trent called her Mother, it sounded so formal, but their relationship was anything but formal. Mrs. Barnes was one of the friendliest people he had ever met – always ready with a smile and a hug for everyone she met. Kurt had heard stories of what happened when someone crossed her or when one of her eight children misbehaved, but hed never seen her as anything but sweet and kind.

“Might I impose upon you this morning, Mrs. Barnes?” Kurt asked.

“Of course, what can I do for you?” she asked, smiling at the prospect of helping one of her favorites. She had fallen in love with Kurt the first time shed met him.

“I just need a bit of a lift. I still cant navigate this chair with my cast, and I need to go to the Headmasters office. Is it possible you might be going that way?” he asked.

“Why, yes I am. Here, you eat and Ill finish up in the kitchen, then Ill give you a push,” she agreed and got up to go back to the kitchen, giving her son a hug on the way.

The boys ate their breakfasts in comfortable silence, then Trent got up to go to class.

“You sure you dont want a push to class?” Trent asked.

“No, I need to get something done in the office. Ill see you later today,” Kurt said, handing Trent his books. Mrs. Barnes reappeared and took the handles of the wheelchair.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

“Spill,” Mrs. Barnes said as she pushed Kurt across campus along the tree-lined pathway leading to Headmaster Worthingtons office.

“Actually, could you just take me back to my dorm?” he asked.

“Sure, honey. Now, whats going on?”

“Im just ….sort of overwhelmed, I guess. Im trying so hard to fit in, but it isnt easy. I take up too much of Blaines time. Its like hes my caretaker – no, my babysitter. I used to be somewhat independent – but now, I just let him do everything for me. I feel like Im getting lost,” he blurted out.

“Oh, sweetheart, we all feel like that sometimes. Have you talked to him about it?”

“No! He would think Im being ungrateful. He moved heaven and Earth to get me into Dalton and I dont want to disappoint him,” Kurt said, becoming agitated.

They rounded a corner and Mrs Barnes hit the button to open the door. All of the buildings on campus, including Candelaria Hall, were handicap accessible.

Kurt got out his keys and they went inside the dorm room.

“And here we are....” she said, bringing the chair to a stop. “Do you need any help getting settled?”

“No. Thank you, Mrs. Barnes. It was very kind of you to help me. Im just going to call the attendance office to tell them Im not feeling well. I can arrange with Dr. Ramsay to retake the quiz at the end of the week.”

“Can I share something with you, Kurt?” she asked, putting her hand on his arm.

“Of course,” Kurt said, looking up into her beautiful green eyes.

“I have known Blaine Anderson since he was three years old. He does not have a mean or jealous bone in his body. He might appear uncaring at times, a little cavalier, but underneath – he is the most caring, the most loving boy I have ever known. Including Trent. Blaine was very lost for a long time when his parents died and Cooper didnt know how to deal with that. Blaine came to stay with us for a while and I got to know him even better. I can tell youre not happy with him this morning, Kurt, but I just want to ask you to keep that in mind. Now, go rest and Ill see you tomorrow morning,” she said, leaning forward and kissing Kurt on the forehead.

Kurt blushed.

“Thank you, Mrs. Barnes,” he said softly. “I needed to hear that.”

“Goodbye, honey,” she said and let herself out. When she was away from the building, she called home.

“Katie?”

“Yes, Mother?” her youngest daughter answered.

“What are you and Sheila doing today? I know its teacher planning day at Crawford, but did you have any plans for your day off?”

“No, Mother, Sheila and I were just talking about riding the horses for a while. Why, do you need us to do something?” she asked, talking about the sister that happened to be home with her today.

“As a matter of fact, I think that would do nicely,” Mrs. Barnes said. “Let me tell you my plan....”

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

“Wheres Kurt?” Blaine asked Trent when he walked into the classroom without him.

“He asked my mom to take him to the Headmasters office. He barely spoke during breakfast, then they left. He didnt look like he felt very well, but you know Mother will take care of him,” Trent said.

If it were anyone else, Blaine might worry, but he had complete confidence in Mrs. Barnes. Before he could ask anything further, Dr. Ramsay walked into the room and class started.

After class, Blaine tried to call Kurt, but he didnt answer.

“What happened with you this morning?” Trent asked Blaine. “Whered you run off to?”

“Wes and Davids dorm. I asked if we could sing for Kurt when he comes to the meeting tomorrow. Wes said fine, we need to practice the songs for our performance at graduation next month.”

“Which song?”

“I asked if we could sing Teenage Dream. I think Kurt will like it. What do you think?” Blaine wanted to know, his apprehension showing on his face.

“So, is it his skin-tight jeans you want to put your hands on or is it the other way around?” Trent laughed. Blaine hit him lightly in the shoulder.

“I am soooo not telling you, Barnes. None of your business. I dont kiss and tell,” Blaine said, but his deep blush gave him away.

“Oh! Oh? Blaine....are you saying youve already...” Trent was cut off from his observations before he could voice them aloud.

“Hey, I said Im not telling. Anything. You know me better than that,” Blaine said.

“You dont need to tell me anything, Blaine. I can see it in your eyes. I thought at first you just had a crush on him, then maybe it was a little more than that. But, I have to tell you, I can see youre in love with him, arent you?” Trent asked, his hand on Blaines arm in the same way his mother always did.

Blaine didnt even look away.

“Yes, I am. I have been since that first week when we found him.”

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

Knock-knock.

“Wheres your key, Blaine?” Kurt asked in irritation as he made his way to the door. He could stand up on the prosthesis for short amounts of time, but it needed to be adjusted. He was going with his dad the next day to have that done and to get the cast off his arm. He huffed as he got himself out of the chair where he was reading on his kindle.

“I dont have a key, Kurt,” a feminine voice came through the door.

Kurt walked to the door, wondering what girl had slipped onto campus undetected. He flipped the lock and opened the door.

“Hi, Kurt!” said Katie, Trents littlest sister.

“Katie! Its good to see you,” he said, a smile sneaking on his grim face.

He opened the door wide and swept his hand to invite her in. Katie stepped inside, another girl holding her hand and following.

“Please sit down, make yourself at home. Can I get you something to drink?” Kurt offered.

“Id love some iced tea if you have it,” Katie answered. “I dont think youve met my sister.”

“Well, I have met many of your sisters,” Kurt said, looking at this latest sibling, “but not this one. Good to meet you, my name is Kurt.” He held out his hand to shake hers.

“Im Sheila,” the girl said. “Crawford has a teacher planning day so Katie was home alone and I dont have classes on Mondays, so I offered to spend the day with her.”

“I can get the tea, Kurt, if youd like. Would you like some?” Katie offered and Kurt accepted her help. He still couldnt carry things with the cast on his arm. Tomorrow could not come fast enough.

All of the Barnes girls looked very much alike. They all had brown hair, although it went from light golden brown to dark brunette. Their faces were all open, friendly faces like their mother and the green eyes were present in all the Barnes siblings that Kurt had met.

“Which sisters have you met?” Sheila asked, sitting on the chair across from Kurt.

“I met Katie, Janice, Joanie, and Susan,” Kurt counted on his fingers.

“Oh...youll have to come over when theyre all home then. What are you doing Saturday? Were having a family picnic over by Drucillas Pond. I think they will all be there. Can I count you in?” Sheila asked. “Bring Blaine with you. It isnt a party without our honorary little brother.”

“Ill ask him. That sounds great,” Kurt smiled. He was feeling a bit of cabin fever being tied to the dorm room so much lately.

Katie returned with a tray of glasses, ice, and a pitcher of tea. She poured for everyone while they discussed her plan for the day.

“Sheila and I were going to take the horses out for a ride and I thought you might want to go with us. We both have horses at Dalton stable – and nobody rides Rocky enough anymore. Trent said you liked riding him?” Katie blinked her bright green eyes, hoping she could get Kurt to go with them.

“Ah...Id need help getting to the stable, I cant push the wheelchair by myself and its too far for me to walk,” he said, a little embarrassed to admit his infirmity to the girls.

“No problem. Sheila and I can help,” Katie grinned.

“Sounds like fun,” Kurt agreed. “I will just change my clothes and Ill be ready.” He left a short note to Blaine so as not to worry him and left with the girls.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

Sheila and Katie were standing in the barn, all of their horses were saddled and ready to go.

“Trent told me last time you had some problems with balance due to your prosthesis being gone. Lets see if thats the case this time and if it is I can jump up behind you,” Sheila offered. Katie glared at her, she wanted to be the one to help Kurt.

“Just climb up on the mounting block, Kurt,” Katie directed. Sheila held Rockys reins and rubbed under his jaw to keep him distracted.

“You should always use a mounting block so you dont strain the muscles in the horses back when you mount,” Sheila said, “If you dont have one you can use, then use a rock, a fence, or have someone give you a leg up.”

“Okay,” Kurt said, getting up on the block. He was a bit shaky so Sheila tied Rockys reins to the post and helped Katie with keeping Kurt steady.

“Put your right foot into the left stirrup and swing your left leg over the horses back.”

“Be careful not to kick your horse when you do that,” Katie put in.

Kurt gathered his strength and swung his prosthesis. He settled comfortably in the saddle, remembering to hold with his thighs.

“Good seat, Kurt,” Sheila praised him.

“Ah...thank you?” Kurt said, trying to look at his backside.

Katie giggled. “She means you are sitting correctly in the saddle. But you do have a nice seat,” Katie whispered, delighted when Kurt blushed.

The girls got on their horses and they started out.

The morning was beautiful, no clouds in the blue sky, the trees budding out in pink and white blossoms with pale green leaves. Kurt rode just behind Sheila and Katie rode either just behind or beside Kurt to make sure he was doing well. They walked for most of the way until Kurt got bold and asked if they could go faster.

“Rocky probably cant gallop for more than a few furlongs, but maybe we can go a bit faster,” Sheila allowed. She kicked her horse and it took off with a rambling gait that was faster than the slow walk but not exactly trotting. Rocky liked that and followed after, seeming to like the new pace. Katie decided to show off and took off, kicking her mount into a gallop.

“You seem to be doing well, Kurt. Are there any problems? Do you feel comfortable?” Sheila asked when Rocky came up next to her horse.

“No, I can see my legs are going to be sore again tomorrow – Im not used to using some of these muscles – but Im having a great time. Do you think I can learn to play polo?” he asked.

“I dont see why not. If you can learn to ride this summer, you can try out for the team in the fall. Id be happy to help you,” Sheila offered, smiling at the prospect. “Im getting my teaching certificate next year and I want to teach physical education for challenged kids. Helping you would be a great thing to bring me closer to my goal. What do you think?” she asked.

“That would benefit us both. I want to surprise Blaine and Trent, though. Maybe I can tell them I have a therapy session – that would be the truth and it would help you, too. Thanks, Sheila,” Kurt smiled at the girl.

They got to Drucillas Pond and found Katie watering her horse. Sheila helped Kurt down and she took her horse and Rocky to drink. Katie had taken the saddlebags off of her horse and was putting a bright red and white cloth on the picnic table where Kurt and Blaine had sat last time.

“Can I help with anything?” Kurt offered, walking slowly towards Katie.

“Sure, unpack the food while I get the plates and things,” she said, passing a basket to Kurt. Inside he found containers of salad and sandwiches, pickles and radishes, and a container of strawberries for dessert.

They ate lunch by the pond, talking about school and what their summer plans included. Kurt forgot the bad feelings of the morning and had a nice time with the girls. Hed missed spending time with Mercedes, Rachel, and Brittany. As much as he loved Blaine, it was good to get away from each other from time to time. Katie talked Kurt into teaching her to skip stones across the pond when she saw him do it. Sheila fell asleep in the warm spring sunshine.

When the afternoon breeze came up, the three got ready to ride back.

“If you want to try galloping, Kurt, I can let you ride in front of me,” Sheila offered, a smile on her face.

“Really? Ive always wanted to do that, but I never thought it was something that I would ever really get to do. Thanks, Sheila,” Kurt grinned. He stood on the picnic bench and Sheila brought her horse close for him to mount. She handed Rockys reins to Katie and jumped up behind Kurt.

It was the thrill of a lifetime. Sheila held on to Kurts waist and held on to the horse with her thigh muscles as she had been taught. Once they got past the soft sand near the pond, she gave the horse his head and Kurt found himself racing across the field at breakneck speed. Well, it felt that fast to Kurt, but Sheila had control of the horse the entire time. They galloped fast, turning in wide arcs and she showed Kurt how fast a polo pony could stop. He felt as if he were going to go over the ears of the horse, but Sheila was holding him tightly.

When they got back to the stable, Sheila told Kurt to stay put and she unsaddled Rocky, putting him in his large box stall. Coming back, she mounted her horse behind Kurt again and motioned Katie over.

“Lets show him what its like in a polo game,” she suggested and Katie grinned. She dismounted and brought out two practice mallets and a ball.

On the polo field, Katie dropped the ball to the ground and hit it to Sheila, who kicked her pony into action, running after the ball to change its course. They showed Kurt what it felt like to ride inches away from another horse, how to swing the mallet, and how if felt to switch directions and stop on a dime during play.

The horses had been running and exercising for most of the morning, so the girls led them into the barn, showing Kurt how to unsaddle them. He couldnt do that with his cast, but he helped with brushing down Rocky and walking him a little, forking him down some hay and a small amount of oats with honey.

“Oh, Sheila, Katie...I think Im in love,” he said, a wistful look on his face.

“Yeah, we are pretty lovable,” Katie grinned, shamelessly flirting with him. Kurt looked up at her with a look of pure panic. Katie and Sheila broke out into laughter. “No, Im sure that base is covered – Blaine is my dream. I love him,” Kurt said, making sure there was no mistake.

“We know, Kurt – you meant the horses,” Sheila giggled. “But you should have seen your face.”

“You did fall in love with the horses, right?” Katie asked.

“Yeah, I think so. I want to learn to ride well enough to play on the polo team,” Kurt said, his eyes bright and his smile enthusiastic.

“Id love to see you beat Trent and Blaine. Theyre co-captains of the Polo team. It might do their egos some good to be knocked down a peg,” Sheila said, grinning. The thought of grooming Kurt to beat her brother was very appealing to the competitive sister.

“I bet youre tired, Kurt. Lets take you back to your room. We can get together and ride again next week, okay?” Katie asked.

“Just tell me when and where, Ill be there,” Kurt promised. Next year is going to be one great year.”

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

After the Warbler meeting, Trent waved goodbye to Blaine on the path. His mother had called and told them about Kurt feeling a bit overwhelmed and that she had cleared it with the attendance office. Blaine wasnt really afraid, but there was some worry that had settled in his stomach early in the day and had grown to a big, cold stone now. He couldnt get back to Kurt fast enough. He had itched to hold Kurt in his arms all day.

Kurt didnt answer as Blaine softly called his name when he entered the room. The lights were out and the sun had set, so Blaine turned on the small lamp on the end table. He saw Kurt, sound asleep in the bed, his arms around his pillow.

Blaine quietly removed his uniform, slipping into the bed to cuddle with Kurt. As he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend he buried his nose in his hair. He jerked back quickly. He had thought that Kurt was in the room all day, resting and studying – but his hair had the distinct odor of horses. Blaine looked at Kurts sleeping face once more, then snuggled close and closed his eyes. Tomorrow would be time enough to find out what Kurt had been doing.