It was Monday. Kurt was up at five, thinking he would just sit and look out the window at the beautiful spring day. He thought about days like this when his mother would let him help in her garden, planting tulips or pulling weeds. He remembered one day she helped him plant a tiny sapling tree. As they dug the hole for the tree, she talked to Kurt, who drank in every word.

“Great is the man who plants a tree knowing he will never sit under it,” she quoted. “Thats a Greek proverb.”

Kurt looked up at her, wondering what she meant by that. He didnt know what a proverb was or what made it Greek. He never asked her why planting the tree blessed the man and later he wondered if she knew, even back then, that she wouldnt live long enough to sit under it.

He closed his eyes and more images came back to him, the smell of the soil and her perfume, the bite of the still-cool breeze before he went back in the house to get them jackets, the taste of the lemonade she had made to quench their thirst, and the sound of the birds in the trees at the back of the house. As he played the memory in his head, it was like being there again. After putting the tiny sapling in the hole and patting the soil all around to hold it in place, they set up two wooden props to help it stay straight, making a shallow dish around the trunk. Kurt spread shredded bark mulch around to keep the roots from drying out. Finally he was allowed to water the tree.

Now, as he sat looking out the window, he studied the tree. It had grown a lot in the years since he and his mother planted it. The large shapely leaves marked it as a maple tree and he smiled at the memory of his childish self asking his father if they could tap it to make maple syrup. He remembered Burts laugh and a visit to the library to find out how maple syrup was made – from a different type of maple tree.

Last year he and his father made a bench to put under the tree. His father had liked the idea when Kurt presented his idea and they worked on it together in the garage, shaping the boards and making wooden pegs that wouldnt wear out like metal screws. They carved words into the back of the bench so he could lean up against them and feel closer to his mother. They placed it just so, where he could sit in the morning without the sun in his eyes, and look at his mothers garden in the back yard.

Kurt knew he shouldnt tempt fate by thinking this, but he couldnt help but wonder if his father would make a similar bench to place next to it – with his name if this cancer was back. A sort of memorial park. He shook his head. No, he didnt want his father to do any such thing. Tears came again and Kurt remembered a thought hed had as a child - if he stopped drinking water the tears would dry up so he didnt have to cry again.

“Kurt? Beau?” Blaine said, laying a hand on his shoulder as he slipped onto the window seat beside Kurt. He saw the tears and held Kurts face with his warm hands, kissing each tear from his cheeks.

Kurt let him do this, then turned his head back to look at the bench again. Blaine followed his line of sight.

“Oh, thats for your mother, isnt it?” Blaine asked, though the question didnt really need an answer. Her name was plain on the back of the wooden bench.

ELIZABETH CLAIRE HUMMEL

BLESSED IS THE WOMAN THAT PLANTS A TREE

KNOWING SHE WILL NEVER SIT UNDER IT

“You wrote that, right?” Blaine asked.

“Yeah. She said it the day we planted the tree. I didnt understand what it meant then, but I never forgot her saying it.”

“Beau? You know youre not going to be just a memory for us, dont you? Youre not going to die. I promise,” Blaine said with more conviction than he truly felt. He was actually terrified at what the doctor was going to say, terrified he might have to face life without the boy he had come to love so much, the boy he was building his own life around. He refused to cry, though, refused to give in to what his body struggled to do – to break down in surrender and let the pent-up emotions out. No. Blaine was strong and would not cry in front of his Beau.

“Come back to bed with me, Bee. I need you to hold me for a little while before we have to get ready. Can we do that?”

“Yeah, lets do that,” Blaine said and followed Kurt back to the bed.

Kurt got into bed, leaving his prosthesis on. He had to get up soon and didnt want to waste time taking it off and putting it back on. Blaine slid in next to him, holding the fragile boy as they just listened to the birds in the trees and stayed close.

“Breakfast is ready!” came Burts voice from the kitchen and the boys got up. The hour they spent cuddled in bed was enough for them to regroup and feel strong enough to face whatever the doctor had to say. They ate a quiet meal with Burt, then got ready for the day. Cooper called to tell them he was thinking of them, then Trent called to say he was praying for them.

Each of the three: Blaine, Kurt, and Burt, went about the morning routine as if there were nothing out of the ordinary. Not one felt like talking about it, so they didnt, but hands lingered on backs, fingers found their way to others hands, a kiss on the temple of a passing person was accepted as normal. They didnt know how to talk about the future, but they all found ways to connect, to say Im here for you. In the truck on the way to the doctors office Kurt thought he heard Blaine humming Ill Stand By You under his breath and he smiled.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

They stood in front of the office door, Kurt running his finger along the lines carved into the plaque: “Dr. Jing-Sang Kim, MD ~ Pediatric Oncology”. He took a deep breath and opened the door to the waiting room. It hadnt changed in the years since hed been here last. The toys kept in the corner to distract impatient children as they waited their turn might have been new, but the cute Disney wallpaper was the same. Kurt had spent a lot of time here, dreaming about the Prince coming to rescue him from having his leg cut off. Those desperate dreams were still hanging in the air, choking him. He stumbled, lost in those thoughts and his fathers hand was instantly there to steady him.

As they walked to the desk to check in, Gloria was waiting.

“Lets go straight back to Dr. Kims office,” she said, anticipating Kurts nervousness and wanting to make it as easy as possible for them. She didnt know what the prognosis was, but after twenty years as Dr. Kims assistant she had a pretty good guess. She acted professionally, but underneath her heart was breaking. She remembered the little boy with such big blue eyes that had just lost his mother but stayed brave and strong throughout his treatments. She would hold it in until after work, then go home to pour a tumbler of gin, add three ice cubes, and try to forget.

“Kurt, good to see you. Please have a seat. Mr. Hummel, good to see you,” Dr. Kim greeted his patient and Burt.

“This is Blaine Anderson, Kurts boyfriend,” Burt introduced and Dr. Kim waved him to a seat after shaking his hand.

“I wanted to see you today, Kurt, because of some test results. As you know, the PET scan results are read by independent board of radiologists...”

“Please, Dr. Kim,” Kurt interrupted, “can you just cut to the chase. I know how the process works. I just want the results. I assume this meeting you called is not to tell me Im healthy and free of cancer, is it?”

Dr. Kim sat down, a frown on his face. He hadnt seen Kurt in a few years. He got the reports from the annual PET scan each year, but it had always been negative since the surgery to amputate his leg.

“Kurt, to be blunt, I am at a loss for the moment. It is almost unheard of for your type of osteosarcoma to return after a radical amputation,” Dr Kim said.

“So what youre telling me is that the PET scan was positive for cancer,” Kurt said, his voice devoid of any emotion. Burts arm went around his sons shoulders and Blaines hand found its way into Kurts, lacing their fingers together.

“Yes. Now, I am not satisfied that this scan is correct. I want to do another scan. This scan contained a pattern that is not consistent with repeat osteosarcoma.”

“Why? What was different? Have I developed a different kind of cancer now? Where is it this time?” Kurt said in a voice that would take nothing less than the absolute truth.

“It was spread throughout most of your body.”

Burt slumped down in the chair and Kurt turned to grab him, but Blaine was there first, holding Burt in the chair. Dr. Kim was across his desk almost as fast, having pushed the call button to the front desk in the process. Everything was chaos for a few minutes as Dr. Kim and Blaine eased Burt to the floor and Dr. Kim grabbed his stethoscope.

The minutes ticked by, each second lasting an hour, a day, a week as the doctor listened to Burts chest and felt for his pulse.

“Burt, have you ever had a panic attack?” Dr. Kim asked.

“Yes. I think thats what this is.......symptoms are the same,” he mumbled, his eyes open now, searching for Kurt.

The door opened and a small woman entered, her lab coat said Dr Radetsky on the pocket and she had a stethoscope. Gloria followed with the blood pressure kit.

“Dr Radetsky is the cardiologist across the hall, Burt. Can we let her examine you?” Dr. Kim asked and Burt nodded.

Gloria asked the boys to come with her and Kurt followed with Blaine. They sat in another exam room for a short time when Dr. Kim came in.

“I think your father is fine now. He had a panic attack, but Dr. Radetsky is asking him to get an appointment with his own cardiologist. Gloria is helping him get an appointment for later today. We gave your dad a mild sedative and hes is resting in a quiet room for now, Kurt. I think hes going to be fine, neither Dr. Radetsky or I found anything to indicate a heart attack. Can you drive them home, Blaine?” he asked and Blaine nodded his head.

Kurt wanted to go to his dad, but he knew he was in the best hands and he didnt want to make things worse if he was resting.

“Dr. Kim, if my dad is okay, can we finish my appointment? I think I want to hear the rest while Dad is resting in another room, if you dont mind,” Kurt said. He was not about to let his father hear any worse news right now, and he had Blaine to lean on if needed.

“Of course, Kurt,” he agreed and they walked back in the office.

“So, I have cancer all over my body. Can I have chemo?” Kurt asked, hoping this would be an answer, in spite of the memories he had of the terror from last time.

“I want to redo your PET scan first. I have scheduled it for today, if you can be there after lunch. These test results make no sense, so I want to see more,” Dr. Kim said.

“What could make it go wrong?” Kurt asked, wondering if the radiology/nuclear tech had made some type or error.

“Several things. What were you doing before you went in to have the scan?” Dr Kim asked.

“I watched a polo game on the television with Dad, then I took a nap for about two hours before I went in,” Kurt said.

Dr. Kim frowned.

“Well, that isnt it then,” he said, tapping a pencil on the desk.

“What isnt it?” Kurt asked.

“The scan can go wrong if you had been doing any kind of exercise prior to the test,” Dr. Kim said.

Blaines face got pale and the doctor turned to him, now wondering if he was going to have another person with a panic attack.

“Are you felling okay, Blaine?” he asked, concerned. Kurt turned to look at his boyfriend.

“Bee, whats wrong?” Kurt said, a bit agitated with worry as he saw the blood drain from his boyfriends face.

“Kurt, can I talk to you? In private,” Blaine said.

“Ah....” Kurt started to say, but Blaine leaned forward to whisper in his ear. Kurt got a funny look on his face and turned back to Dr. Kim.

“Ah...Blaine reminded me that I wasnt just taking a nap before the scan,” his face red with embarrassment.

“Kurt, just tell me. You know nothing will leave this office. What were you doing?” Dr. Kim asked, his face showing his anxiety.

“You know Blaine is my boyfriend,” Kurt started and Dr. Kim nodded. “Well, we were missing each other and he called me to wish me luck on the scan, then we were saying..ah..boyfriend stuff...and then....” Kurt couldnt say anything more and squeezed Blaines hand.

“We had phone sex,” Blaine stated bluntly.

“You were..ah. Were you masturbating, Kurt?”

“Yes. A lot.”

“Well, that may explain the results. I think it is probably a false positive,” Dr. Kim said.

“How could mastur...ah...how could having sex make the test show that? Dont tell me the old wives tales are true about going blind,” Kurt tried to joke. Dr. Kim smiled.

“Let me try to explain. To image cancer, we use radiopharmaceutical called fluorodeoxyglucose – or FDG, which includes both sugar and a radionuclide. The sugar is metabolized at a higher rate by cancer cells. That is what they injected into your IV, Kurt. Because cancer cells metabolize sugar at higher rates than normal cells, the FDG is drawn in higher concentrations to cancerous areas. The PET scan shows where the drug is by tracking the gamma ray signals given off by the radionuclides. PET scans are very sensitive, and increased physical activity can create problems in differentiating between normal and pathologic uptake by cancerous cells. Normal muscles accumulate just a little FDG, but muscles exercised just before or around the time of the scanning show intense uptake into those muscles—which in turn look like cancer cells on the scan.”

“So, having phone sex with Kurt made his scan look like he has cancer? Oh...oh my god, Kurt. This is all my fault,” Blaine said, turning pale once more.

“No, Blaine, it isnt. Kurt didnt know that exercise could do that, so there was no way for him to warn you. I think we need to look at what we tell patients before they go in for a scan. Was there a brochure with instructions in the packet they sent when you made the appointment?” Dr. Kim asked.

“No. They didnt have time. I was in Lima that day to get the cast off my wrist and wanted to get the scan over with. Im boarding at a school in Westerville, and when I called the hospital they were able to take me that afternoon. There wasnt time for them to send the usual paperwork. Wow, it was just a series of unlucky coincidences, I dont think it was anyones fault,” Kurt said.

“Well, that is a lot off of my mind. I still want you to go have the PET scan repeated this afternoon just to be sure,” Dr. Kim said.

“Id be glad to take him,” Blaine said.

“You havent been having sexual relations this morning or last night?” Dr. Kim asked, but both boys were shaking their head no before he finished his sentence. “Okay. Just stay quiet until then, Kurt. I know this is not in my realm of care, but I have to ask. You two are being safe, arent you?”

“Yes. Dad talked to me about having sex last year and he got me the pamphlets and all. Blaine and I have talked a lot about it and yes, we are being safe,” Kurt smiled at Blaine.

“Okay. Well, Ill get the results from the scan by Thursday and I will call you myself. I dont think you have anything to worry about,” Dr. Kim patted Kurt on the back as they left his office to see how Burt was.

“Ill explain to your dad whats going on, Kurt. Dont worry about what youve told me in confidence, I can let him know without telling him details.”

“Thank you, Dr. Kim,” Blaine and Kurt both said.

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

It was decided that Burt would go see his cardiologist the next day just to be safe and Kurt had his PET Scan that afternoon.

“I bet you know every line in that ceiling,” Blaine mentioned. He was sitting with Burt in the waiting room of the nuclear medicine wing of the hospital. Burt was so relieved at the good news that the PET Scan had probably been false positive due to Kurts exercise during the polo game that he didnt mind sitting in this room again so soon. Dr. Kim had explained to Burt about exercise and false positive results, but his vagueness about the type of exercise made Burt jump to the conclusion that it was hopping around while watching the polo game and Dr. Kim saw no reason to correct that impression. Kurts personal life was just that...personal.

“Yeppers. I used to try and read a book or something while I sat here, but I gave that up a long time ago. They put in the television a while back, so I usually watch ESPN,” Burt said, fiddling with his keys on his keychain, a nervous habit he picked up when he was a kid.

“Kurt told me you watched a polo match last week,” Blaine said, hoping to get a conversation started so he wasnt worrying.

“Yeah! It was the first time Kurt has been interested in a sport since we saw curling on the Winter Olympics. I got him ice skates that year for Christmas,” Burt said, excited to talk about it, but then his face fell. “He was diagnosed with cancer that year, so he never even put the ice skates on,” Burt mumbled, looking at the floor.

Blaine wracked his brain to think of something to change the subject to.

“Did Kurt tell you he wants to learn to play polo?” Blaine asked.

“Yeah. He wears a helmet when he rides that horse, doesnt he?” Burt asked.

“Of course. We all do. I was going to ask you....Kurts birthday is coming next month and I wanted to get him something. I was thinking of getting him a polo horse,” Blaine said, knowing Burt was going to object.

“No,” was all Burt said.

“Why not?”

“Because the ones I saw cost more than my house. No, it wouldnt be right to spend that much cash on someone who is just your boyfriend,” Burt said.

“Mr. Hummel, please. Let me explain. I have a lot of money. When my parents died, Cooper and I inherited more money than we could spend in three lifetimes. Most of it is invested or in high interest accounts to make even more money. It will not make a dent in my bank account to get him a horse. Im not buying one from Prince William, I will get him a reasonable horse that is well trained and safe to learn on. Is that okay?”

Burt sat for a while, weighing the odds in his mind. He was frowning, which made Blaine nervous, but in the end Burt gave him a smile.

“I guess its okay. I know Kurt will love it. You have my blessing,” he said, knocking a playful punch at Blaines arm. Blaines smile brightened the whole room.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

“She said that they will send the scan out today and I should have the results by Thursday. Im not too worried after what Dr. Kim said today,” Kurt said as they ate the last of their mushroom soup.

“I think well all breathe easier when that test comes in,” Burt said, setting his spoon down beside his bowl to butter another piece of bread.

“Are you up to going back to classes tomorrow?” Blaine asked.

“Yeah. I was thinking about going back to Dalton tonight, but...” Kurt said.

“No problem. Trent was coming by tonight to check on you. He was in class when I sent him a text that the results were not bad, but I am waiting for him to call to tell him the details,” Blaine said.

“Its only four, hell have plenty of time to get here and back before evening then,” Kurt sighed with relief. “Dad, I can stay if you want me to go with you to see your cardiologist tomorrow.”

“No, son, Im fine. Carole Hudson said she would go with me,” Burt said, his face turning a bit red.

“Oh, so youre still seeing Carole?” Kurt grinned. He was happy his dad was doing more than sitting alone watching sports on the TV, and he really liked Finns mom.

“Yeah. We go bowling on Thursdays and square dancing on Tuesdays,” Burt said, looking everywhere but at his son.

“Really? I never pegged you as a fan of dancing, Mr. Hummel,” Blaine ventured.

“Well, looks can be deceiving, cant they?” Burt returned.

Blaine and Kurt exchanged looks.

“Now stop that!” Burt said, mildly irritated.

“Stop what?” Kurt asked, giggling.

Burt pretended not to look in their direction when the doorbell rang.

Kurt went to open the door and Trent was there, smiling and threw his arms around Kurt.

“Blaine sent me a text that everything was okay!” he enthused, so happy to see Kurt smiling after the way he was just a day ago.

“Yeah, there are some extenuating circumstances. The test was probably a false positive, so I went back this morning to have it done again,” Kurt told his friend. “Blaines in the kitchen.”

They came into the room and Blaine stood up to give Trent a hug.

“So, are you coming back to Dalton or do you need to stay until they get the results of this one?” Trent asked.

“I was hoping you could give us a lift?” Blaine asked.

“Sure. No problem. Ill be glad to have you two back. Life at Dalton is dull without you,” he grinned.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

“Kurt, Im sorry about the scan turning out wrong because of me,” Blaine said. They were back at Dalton and had just wished Trent a good night.

“You know it wasnt your fault, Bee. I didnt know exercising would cause the results to be messed up. Ive been getting PET scans for years and I dont remember them ever telling me that before. I guess they sent the paperwork to my dad and I never read it,” Kurt said. He was lying in bed with Blaine listening to music.

Blaine was silent for a moment, concentrating on following the outlines of Kurts veins as they went up his arm.

“Hey, that tickles,” Kurt said, shaking his arm and rubbing the itchy place with his other hand.

“Sorry...I was just thinking. So, are you okay now that you know it was probably just the exercise that caused the fluke?” Blaine asked, looking up at Kurts face.

“Yeah. I mean – there is always a chance, isnt there?”

“Thats like saying theres a chance a meteor will crash right here and demolish Dalton – with all of us in our beds. It is in the realm of possibilities, but not exactly likely,” Blaine said.

“Yeah. I think me getting a PET scan that shows cancer present is a bit more likely than that, but still – Im not worried about it. Any more than I usually am anyway.”

“You mean youre always worried that it might come back?” Blaine asked, taking Kurts hand and kissing his knuckles before lacing their fingers together.

“I want to say no because it isnt like I plan my life around it, I havent written my eulogy yet. Im aware that Im not immortal, but I dont act on the fear any more. I used to. When I was fifteen or so I would think about leaving behind a grieving boyfriend – there I was in a white coffin and he would come to lay a blanket of pink roses over me, hed lean down and kiss me. Some times that would wake me up and we would ride off into the sunset, but I did watch a lot of Disney movies when I was a kid. A few years later I realized that if I died, that boyfriend of my dreams would be heartbroken and alone and Id be rotting flesh six feet under. That was when I made Dad promise that I would be cremated.”

“Oh my god, Kurt. That is so....I dont know...morbid? Please tell me you dont sit around planning your own funeral now,” Blaine said with horror in his voice.

“No, Bee. I hope Im past that. You know, I dont know when my mother knew she was going to die. I dont know if the doctor told her first or if he told both her and Dad at the same time....but I hope she didnt spend a lot of her days planning her funeral. I think she spent them trying to make memories for Dad and I, things that made us happy so we remembered the best of her.”

“I hope so, too.”

“Your parents didnt get to plan anything, did they? I mean, they died in a plane crash, so there was no time...” Kurt said without thinking. He looked over at Blaines face and stopped abruptly.

“Oh, Bee...that was so insensitive of me. I apologize,” he said. Kurt knew that when someone else mentions your own parents death it can be an awful feeling and here he was doing that to Blaine.

Turning in the bed, he hugged Blaine closer.

“Here, get under the covers with me, Bee. Let me hold you closer, baby,” Kurt asked, pulling up the corner of the blanket and sheet. Blaine pulled his legs back and got under, turning off the bedside lamp.

“Its okay, Kurt. I know you didnt mean to say anything wrong. Im really happy your mom got to say goodbye to you. I dont know which is worse...dying instantly with no time to plan or say anything to your loved ones or dying by inches and knowing all the time that its coming. Both versions sound like a little slice of hell,” Blaine said, scooting further down in the bed and turning to Kurt.

“Lets not think about that for now, Bee. I just want you to hold me. I was so scared for the past few days, and you were there every minute. I love you for that, babe. I do. I promise Ill never say goodbye to you,” Kurt whispered into Blaines skin as he lay snuggled close, his cheek lying on Blaines chest.

“Okay, Beau. You know Im never saying goodbye to you, either, dont you?” he said in a reassuring tone, stroking his fingers through the chestnut locks.

“But we can say goodnight.”

“Yeah, we can say goodnight.”

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

“Kurt, would you like to come in now?” a good looking boy with blond hair and an Australian accent came out to the hall where Kurt had been waiting.

“Ah, thank you,Jeff,” he said, getting up and taking his cane to steady himself before following the boy into the large room.

“Kurt Hummel, thank you for coming to audition for the Dalton Academy Warblers. I am Wes Montgomery, and this is David and Thad, the other men who make up the council triumvirate.”

“Thank you, I am honored to be here,” Kurt said, remembering Blaines coaching about how to address these boys.

“We understand you would like to join us. This is your chance to sing two songs to show us that you are Warbler material. You have given your choices to us and we are ready to accompany you. As you know, we are an A Capella choir, so no musical instruments accompany us in our singing. Do you need a pitch pipe for your first note?”

“No, thank you, sir.”

“Then if youre ready?”

“Of course.”

Kurt had already met most, if not all, of the Warblers, but Blaine and Trent had told him how the Warbler council worked without a faculty representative – with formality - and how Wes loved both his gavel and the power it represented. Kurt could work with this, although he couldnt help but make comparisons between them and his glee club back at McKinley.

“Thank you for this opportunity. For my first song, Ill be singing “A House is Not a Home”.

A chair is still a chair, even when theres no one sitting there
But a chair is not a house, and a house is not a home
When theres no one there to hold you tight
And no one there you can kiss good night.

Kurt sang his best, each note pitch perfect. He added just enough emotion to make it believable, but toned it down from his usual tear-jerking delivery. At the end he looked at Blaine from the corner of his eye to see his boyfriend smiling an encouraging smile. The rest of the Warblers were sitting with no emotion and Kurt thought that was probably what Wes had demanded of them.

“For my next song, Id like to sing “Defying Gravity”. I hope you like it.

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
Im through with playing by the rules
Of someone elses game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
Its time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes... and leap!

Kurt sang with all his heart. He loved this song, and although he told Trent and Blaine that he chose it to show his range and definition, the truth was that he chose it because it was his favorite song. He felt as if he was on his game today. He was thrilled he didnt have cancer, he was in love with the most magical, wonderful boy in all the world and he felt as if he could win today. Yes, this was the song to reflect all of his emotions. He got close to the last lines and gathered his strength to belt out that high note....climbed the ladder and got ready to hang that star:

Id sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
Im defying gravity
I think Ill try
Defying gravity
And you wont bring me down!
bring me down!
ohh ohhh ohhhh!

Yes! He hit the note perfectly and hung on to it for the exact amount of time. In all of his practice he was only able to hit it with just the right bit of emotion – just the right amount, not too much or too little, just the right force and decibels to match the rest of the song...it was perfect. Now, if the Warbler council agreed.

Blaine had patiently explained that the Warblers were a group first, last, and always and although they had a lead singer in most songs, they did not like individuals to stand out. He coached Kurt to sing the first song in a key that the Warblers were used to singing to show his ability to fade into the mix without standing out, but strengthening the group sound. Then the show-stopper to let them know he was up to anything they could throw at him. He hoped it worked.

“Thank you, candidate Hummel. We will let you know our decision by curfew this evening. Trent, can you show him out?” Wes voice rang out. Kurt smiled at the three boys sitting at the council table and followed Trent out.

“How do you think I did?” Kurt asked, nervous for the first time since he began.

“Are you kidding? Wes and the council would be stupid to let you go. I know theyll let you in...we take a vote and everyones vote counts the same. I need to get back in there...just wait here for Blaine if you want, it wont take long,” Trent hugged Kurt and slipped back into the room.

It seemed longer than a few minutes before Blaine was coming out the thick oak door to find Kurt. He had a smile on his face, but refused to say anything. He just asked Kurt to come back in the room with him.

“Candidate Hummel, on behalf of the Warblers of Dalton Academy, we would like to extend an invitation to you to become a Warbler,” Wes said, grinning at Kurt.

“Thank you, Mr. Montgomery, yes, I would love to be a Warbler,” Kurt said, standing straight in his Dalton uniform.

Applause erupted as the other boys cheered and Blaine and Trent both leaned in to kiss Kurts cheeks. He grinned from ear to ear as the crowd sang For Hes a Jolly Good Fellow and danced around him. Wes opened a bottle of sparkling apple cider that they saved for just such occasions and everyone congratulated Kurt.

After the party, Blaine walked Kurt back to the dorm room. Trent went with them, but his focus was not on the walk.

“Hey, Trent, whats wrong?” Kurt asked.

“Oh, nothing...” he said, his voice soft with longing.

“Could it be because of a certain new Warbler that was giving you the eye during the party?” Blaine asked.

“Ah...I dont know what you mean,” answered Trent...who knew exactly what Blaine meant.

“Uh huh. Sure, Trent. How long have we known each other?” Blaine asked, looking Trent in the eye.

“Since we were babies,” he answered.

“So, do you think I dont notice when you have that look in your eyes?”

Trent blushed.

“This is not like when I asked Ruth to the dance in eighth grade, Blaine,” Trent said, on the defensive.

“Of course it isnt. Because this is a guy and youre gay. Ruth was just to make your parents think you were straight,” Blaine said, not without some sympathy.

“Yeah. They already knew. And they were fine with it. You were right, Bee. This is different,” he said. Kurt led them to a bench by the walkway to the dorms away from the classrooms, it was dark but not too late and the bench was under the ash trees.

“How old were you when you came out?” Kurt asked Trent.

“It was right after the dance with Ruth. My mother drove us home and I walked her to the door. She tried to kiss me. I wanted to kiss her back, she was a really nice girl, but I couldnt. I just stood there. Ruth kissed me on the cheek and I walked back to the car. When I got in, Mother asked me...well, she said that she knew I was gay and I should go out with someone I was comfortable with, not with someone I thought people expected me to. She was really nice about it all.”

“Well, Im glad for that. So, whos the lucky lad you have your eye on now?” Kurt asked. Blaine grinned and poked Trent in the ribs.

“Im not saying,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest as if to keep the secret from escaping.

“Gee, does he have long blond hair and an Australian accent?” Blaine asked.

“No,” Trent said, giving Blaine a confused look.

“What? You were staring at Jeff all through the party! What do you mean No?” Blaine asked.

Kurt got a look on his face and turned to Blaine.

“Elementary, Mr. Watson,” he said. “Trent was looking at Jeff...but that was because he was looking at Jeff looking at someone else. The same young man he himself was interested in. Right, Trent?”

“Maybe....hey, I think I hear my mother calling..” Trent said, his face red.

“Oh....” Blaine got that look on his face, the one that said he understood it all.

“Nick Duval,” Blaine and Kurt said at the same time.

Trent slumped down in his seat.

“Dont tell anyone. I dont know if Jeff and Nick are together or what Nick might be thinking...” Trent said, his voice full of misery.

“Theyre roommates,” Kurt said. “I dont think theyre together. Jeff is in my English composition class and he has hearts all over his notebook with the initials “JS + SS” all over it. Nick Duval is not SS.”

“Really?” There was a note of joy in Trents voice now.

“We better get back to the dorms, its getting late and I dont want to miss curfew,” Blaine said.

“Yeah...okay, Ill see you two at breakfast tomorrow morning,” Trent said, a bounce in his step.

“Goodnight, lover boy,” Kurt called as they walked down the other path.

Back in their room, Kurt fell into Blaines arms as soon as they walked in the door.

“Thank you, Bee, for submitting my name to the Warblers. And thank you for everything. This has been an emotional week...thank you for being there for me,” he said, hugging his boyfriend.

“Me, too. Im glad youre excited. I dont think there was any way they wouldnt have voted you in...your voice is phenomenal,” Blaine said.

“Well, thank you. I want something else thats phenomenal now, though....” Kurt grinned and pulled Blaine close, kissing him with vigor as he pressed against him.

“Mmmmmm,” Blaine hummed in interest as his body recognized what Kurt had been hiding. “How long has that been there?”

“Ah....probably since you gave me that full body hug in front of all your friends. Its a good thing the uniform blazer comes down so far...it hides all sorts of things.”

Kurt led Blaine to their bed and took off every stitch of clothing that was on Blaines body. He admired the beautiful skin and the way the moonlight shone off of it, he admired the smooth muscles and the smattering of hair on his chest and the neatly trimmed hair lower down. Without taking off anything but his blazer, Kurt pulled Blaine close in front of him as he sat on the edge of the bed. Kurt licked his lips and put them around Blaines erection, moving slowly, taking in more as he hummed his satisfaction. Blaine tried to stand still, but by the time Kurt was almost at his capacity, his warm fingers cupping Blaines balls and gently massaging them, Blaines legs were shaking. He tried to still his quivering muscles, but there was no stopping it. He set his hands on the top of Kurts head, his voice trembling as he moaned.

“Kurt...wait, baby. Lets get in bed. I want to take all your clothes off...” Blaine asked, but he didnt demand, his body was fine where he was.

“Okay,” Kurt agreed. He got up, pushing Blaine down by his shoulders on the bed. Removing all of his clothes, one piece at a time, slowly in the dim room with the full moon shining in the window.

Kurt returned to the bed, sitting close to Blaine – who helped him remove his prosthesis and they moved to the head of the bed. Blaine touched the end of the stump, running his hands over the deep scar and up to massage the muscles in Kurts thigh. He knew how sore the residual leg got on long school days and this was a good way to relax his boyfriend. His hands finished the leg and stroked their way up to enclose his erection, bringing a moan from Kurts mouth. He continued to stroke, massage and then kissed his mouth.

“Where was I?” Kurt whispered, returning to Blaines cock, using first his hands and then his tongue.

“Yes,.....oh...like that, baby...” Blaine whispered, lying back and trying to make his mind obey him. He wanted to be with Kurt, not just take from him but give back. Stopping Kurt once more, he moved so they could pleasure each other – much to the excitement of Kurt.

Taking Kurt into his mouth as far as he could, stroking with his tongue and swallowing to add more tension to the feeling, Blaine moaned. It was hard to concentrate, but it was also amazing to feel Kurt at the same time he was giving him pleasure.

They were both ready in a ridiculously short amount of time and Blaine squealed when the heat in his belly erupted and his body stiffened, coming into Kurts mouth so fast he started to cough and the semen ran down his chin. Blaine pulled off, turning to kiss Kurt breathless before going back to finish.

Blaine had practiced on a cucumber, which was silly but very effective. He took Kurt back into his mouth and swirled his tongue first, then with mild suction he slid up and down, placing his tongue to rub against the sensitive ridge each time. He was cupping his balls, smoothing his finger across the bit of skin behind them and finally just barely pressing against his entrance – all the time increasing the suction. Kurt was writhing in the bed, not able to lie still as the tension mounted.

“Bee....now, baby...I cant wait...oh...yes..yes...yes...” and he came, his toes curling and his hands clamping in Blaines curls. He came, gulping air as he panted and moaned. Blaine kept it up until Kurt put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“Oh, Bee...you are so perfect. So....fucking...perfect,” Kurt whispered, lying back and catching his breath.

They went to bed afterwards, silk pajamas on and their arms wrapped around each other. It had been a hard week for them, so much stress, so much excitement. Now with the results of the test expected on Thursday they both just wanted to sleep.

“Goodnight, Bee,” Kurt said, holding him close and lying on his chest.

“Goodnight, Beau,” Blaine said back, yawning and kissing his boyfriends temple. They fell into an exhausted sleep.