The school year ended with Blaine at the top of his class along with Trent and Wes. Kurt had made great strides in catching up with his peers in spite of the poor education he had received at the public school in Lima, but it wasnt surprising given the amount of studying he did. Kurt had always loved to learn and his amputation had curtailed his athletic ability at such an early age that he was used to staying inside and pouring his efforts into study.

The students had a week after school ended to clean out their dorm rooms, but since Blaine was to have the same room for his senior year, he was allowed to keep his furniture there. He was moving back to the carriage house with Cooper for the summer.

“We can make it to Friday night dinner with your dad if you hurry, Kurt,” Blaine called into the dorm room. He had just gotten back to Candelaria Hall from helping Trent and Nick move Trents things back to his house.

“Oh, that would be a great surprise. Dad wasnt expecting us until tomorrow morning,” Kurt grinned, happy to be going home. He had missed the last few weekends with his dad because of parties or helping his friends move out of the dorms. Hed had to study so hard to keep his grades up over the past months it seemed as if there was never a spare moment to do anything.

“We can show him the video of you on Misty at Polo practice,” Blaine said, a sweet smile coming to his face as he remembered the day in May when he gave Kurt his birthday present.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

“Wake up, sleepy-head,” Blaine whispered in Kurts ear the morning of May 23rd. “Happy Birthday, baby.”

“Wha...oh...Bee. Yeah..it is my birthday, isnt it?” Kurt tried to smile, but he was still half asleep and his head drifted back to the pillow.

“I have a gift for you if you will wake up,” Blaine tried. Nothing but a soft snore as Kurt fell deeper asleep. Hes been up late studying for his college entrance exams.

Blaine slipped under the sheets, kissing down Kurts tummy to lay his cheek on Kurts belly. He rubbed Kurts hip bone, moving his fingers gently down the oblique muscle to tickle his way to the soft hair, trimmed neatly. He whirled his finger in the hair, creeping along to touch the root of his cock, which was waking up faster than Kurt was. Using several fingers now, Blaine ran them up the vein and circled around the crown, then holding it with his whole hand to stroke.

“Mmmmmm,” Kurt groaned, beginning to wake up more. “Is this my birthday present?”

“If you want it to be,” Blaine whispered, his attention still on the rising organ in front of him.

“Yes, please,” Kurt murmured as his hand went down to bury his fingers in Blaines silky black curls.

Blaine licked his lips, then stuck out his tongue to lick all the way from base to tip, sliding his mouth over the top and back down to engulf it all. Kurt moaned, now fully awake and rolling a little towards Blaine to make it easier for him to reach. Blaine sucked gently, just enough for Kurt to feel while he swirled his tongue slowly around the crown, under the foreskin. It was amazing to feel Kurt getting harder as he sucked, the noises he made going straight to Blaines belly to burn until he could have satisfaction, too. After a few moments of this, Blaine pulled back to speak.

“What do you want? Its your birthday, so you get to pick anything you want me to do,” Blaine offered, kissing the crown once again. It hadnt been his original idea, but now it sounded so good...and it was two hours before Kurts real present would be delivered.

“Would you be too disappointed if I just asked you to hold me?” Kurt asked shyly. He loved sex as much as Blaine, but he needed cuddling just now.

“No, of course not,” Blaine said, moving back up the bed to sink into the pillow next to Kurt. “I love holding you any time, baby.”

They lay together, Blaines arms tightly around Kurt. Kurt nuzzled his face into Blaines chest, the soft fuzz of his chest hair warm on his cheek. He pulled the duvet up around their shoulders and sighed, wondering if he could tell Blaine what he was feeling. His eyes were closed tight, trying to keep the memories at bay. Blaine could feel the tension in Kurts shoulders and moved his hand to rub the muscles there.

“What has you so tense, Beau?”

“I dont know...”

“Dont know or dont want to talk about it?”

“How do you always know what Im thinking?” Kurt asked. He should have known that Blaine would figure it out.

“Im psychic. Now spill,” Blaine said, but gently. He could tell it was something that was putting Kurts emotions in turmoil.

“Okay, I was thinking about my mother. On my birthday she would wake me up with breakfast in bed – pancakes with strawberries and sausage on the side. She and Dad would sit in my room and eat with me, then she would ask me what I had done in the year since my last birthday. Of course I was a little kid then, but I always had something – learning to ride a bike, getting an A on my penmanship after practicing for so long. She would ask me if I regretted anything from the year, and we would talk about it. After that, when she was gone, I always asked myself those questions.”

Blaine sat up, scooting Kurt close to sit between his legs and lean back on his chest.

“I would never want to take your mothers place, but do you want to talk about that with me?” Blaine asked, hoping he could help Kurt through this.

“If youre sure you want to...” Kurt said, still shy to talk about it.

“Tell me one thing youre proud of,” Blaine asked.

“Getting good grades here at Dalton. As much as I wanted to be here, I had no clue how difficult it was going to be to catch up. I spent a lot of time that I could have been studying doing other things, but when I realized that – I was able to go ahead and put more time into learning.”

“Wow, I had no idea it was so hard for you, Beau. You should have asked me for help,” he said, astonished. Kurt made it look so easy – the changing schools and catching up. He had good grades now, and Blaine hadnt really seen him struggle.

“What else?” Blaine asked.

“Learning to ride a horse! I never even dreamed I could do that after I lost my leg. I wanted to give up so many times, but Sheila was a hard taskmaster,” Kurt giggled, thinking of how many times Sheila told him to do it again.

“And youre getting good at it. Im going to have to watch my back from now on,” Blaine smirked.

“I faced the possibility of having the cancer come back.”

Blaine hugged Kurt extra tightly for a moment.

“Im so glad it didnt, Beau. I dont think I could face losing you. I was so scared,” he admitted, only now allowing himself to shed tears over it. “Its stupid of me to cry now that its all over with...”

“No, it isnt. Lets just be grateful its good for now,” Kurt tried to comfort Blaine with kisses, but they were at an awkward angle to do that with Kurt in Blaines lap.

“What do you regret?” Blaine asked softly. He nuzzled against Kurts cheek for a moment, silently giving him support.

“Running away. Scaring my father. Telling lies to everyone when I ran away. Believing that running away would get me away from my problems. That was the worst I think Ive ever felt – including when I had the cancer surgery. I let my dad down, and I dont know if I will ever make that right with him again,” Kurt said in a shaky voice, then put his forehead down on his knee, trying to take deep breaths to stop himself from crying.

Blaine turned him in his lap so Kurt was sideways and could put his arms around Blaine.

“Hey, baby. Your dad is a wonderful man and I know he understands why you felt you had to do that. He does. He has regrets, too, but you dont hold that against him, do you?”

“No,” Kurt said, wiping his eyes with one hand but holding on to Blaine with the other.

“He isnt the kind of man to carry a grudge, is he?”

Kurt gave Blaine a look that said wanna bet?

“Against his son, I mean.

“No, he wouldnt.”

“Well then, you dont need to worry about that. He forgave you. He does understand how hard its been for you and he is happy now, isnt he?” Blaine asked, holding Kurts chin with one finger, turning him to look into his eyes.

“Youre right. Dad would never hold a grudge against me. He is the best father anyone could imagine – which is why I feel so bad for hurting him,” Kurt said, going back to laying his cheek on Blaines chest.

“I think you were desperate and you needed to make a change. Maybe it ended up okay, after all, though?” Blaine asked.

“I got you out of it. And Dalton, Trent, Jeff, Nick, Wes...Sheila and Katie...Mrs. Barnes. I came out ahead on that, Bee. It was a bad time when I ran away, then I bought a ticket but the driver forgot to wake me in Columbus and I ended up here. Someone must have been watching out for me, dont you think?” Kurt asked, but he really didnt need an answer. Blaine kissed him.

“Any other regrets from this year?” Blaine asked.

“Not any big ones. I wish I had more time to see my friends. I do miss them – Mercedes, Rachel, Brittany. I call them and we get together over facebook and Skype, but it isnt the same. I guess Ill have the summer to rekindle those relationships, right?”

“Yeah...” Blaine said, thinking about that. Somehow he just assumed that Kurt would spend the summer with him in Westerville.

“What about the future? Did your mom ask you what you planned to do in the coming year when she asked you your birthday questions?” Blaine wanted to know.

“No...for some reason that never crossed my mind. Maybe she didnt want to know. She was sick for a long time, so maybe I dont remember if she asked me before she was sick,” Kurt said with a puzzled expression.

“Do you have plans for the year?”

“Yes. I want to stay at Dalton. I want to learn to ride well enough to play polo next fall. But most of all? I want to be with you, Bee. You make my life so much brighter than I could ever imagine,” he smiled, leaning up to kiss his boyfriend.

“Im glad. I want to be with you, too, Beau,” he agreed.

“So, about that birthday blow job....”

*

“I cant walk with my eyes blindfolded, Bee,” Kurt said several hours later.

“Dont worry. Trent, Nicky, your dad and I wont let you fall. Were here to catch you, baby,” Blaine comforted Kurt as the group led Kurt out into the sunshine to get his birthday present.

“Where are we going?” Kurt asked.

“If you dont want to try to walk, I can bring it to you,” Blaine winked at the group standing around them.

“Please?” Kurt whined.

“Okay. Here, we can lead you to the bench to sit,” Blaine soothed his boyfriend as he led him to the stone bench by the path. Burt sat down next to him and Kurt leaned on his dads shoulder. Blaine could see Sheila walking towards them with Kurts present.

She led the horse close, then Blaine held up Kurts hand.

“Just hold your hand still, Beau,” he directed, placing some sugar cubes in Kurts outstretched hand.

A minute later, the horse was sniffing Kurts hand, her breath warm on his skin. He felt her tongue lick across his palm and she snorted, her breath reaching his face. Kurt leaped up, the sound of his squeal echoing off the building, the surprise and shock on his face evident as Burt and Blaine grabbed at his arms to hold him and keep him from falling.

“What was that?” he asked, trying to calm down. He trusted that Blaine and his father wouldnt bring him any harm but it felt really funny. “Can I....can I take off the blindfold?” Kurt asked, not daring to believe what his senses told him was standing in front of him. Blaine untied the cloth and gave Kurt an arm to help him to stay steady on his feet.

“Blaine? Is this...mine?” he asked, incredulous. He held out his hand and the horse sniffed it again, then took a step closer, sniffing his chest and neck. She shook her head and looked at Kurt. He put up a hand slowly, rubbing the warm place under her jaw, looking at her. She was pale dove gray with darker charcoal mane and tail, her hooves shiny black below four white stockings.

“Yes, Beau. Shes all yours. Her name is Misty,” he said.

“Oh...Blaine, only you could find a horse in Dior gray,” Kurt laughed.

Kurt spun on his heel, falling into Blaines arms and hugging him. He stood up and kissed Blaine over and over until Misty took hold of his sleeve in her teeth and pulled on him.

“Oh, jealous woman! Shes staking a claim on Kurt already, Blaine. I think you have competition!” Trent laughed.

Kurt went back to petting his new horse.

“Do you want a leg up?” Sheila asked. Misty was saddled and ready to go.

“Helmet first,” Burt said, and Sheila gave it to Blaine who put it on Kurt, buckling the strap under his chin as was their habit.

Blaine kissed his cheek and whispered, “Be careful, baby.”

“I will. Thank you,” he said softly. Blaine cupped his hands, Kurt stepped into them as Blaine boosted him up on her back.

“Ah....Blaine? Is he safe up there? I mean, if hes not used to this horse – he told me the horse he had been riding was called Rocking Chair and he was old and slow...” Burt panicked a little. Blaine put a hand on his back and assured him that Kurt was fine.

“Yeah, I know this looks like a spirited horse, and she is to some extent, but she is a trained polo pony and she is gentle with a sweet temper. Hell be fine,” Blaine said. Burt gave him a grudging nod.

Kurt took the reins from Sheila and clucked at Misty to move. She pranced in place for a moment, not sure of what he was asking of her. Kurt moved the reins to direct her to turn back to the field and gave her a touch with his heel and she moved gently into a lope across the grass, Kurt grinning from ear to ear.

“I got a good shot of it all,” Wes said, handing the camera to Blaine to see the video he took of Kurt meeting his horse. It showed his joy as he rode her, his smile showing from across the field.

“Good. Thanks, Wes,” Blaine said. He was so pleased that Kurt liked the horse. Burt walked up beside him and gave him an unexpected hug. He looked at Burt, a little puzzled.

“You made my son so happy today, Blaine. Thank you.”

“It isnt half as happy as hes made me these past few months,” Blaine said softly and smiled back at Burt.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

“I guess we better get on the road. We can pack our clothes and books and all after we get back Sunday night then?” Blaine commented as they got light jackets out. The weather was warm in the afternoon, but it was still a bit chilly at night.

“Sounds like a plan. Ill call Sheila, she said she was going to feed the horses this week, but Ill check to make sure,” Kurt said, taking out his cell to make the call.

He and Sheila took turns feeding and taking care of the horses. They had a stable manager that did it, but both Kurt and Sheila liked to visit their horses every day. Kurt was beginning to feel right on the horse. For so many years he hadnt done much in the way of aerobic exercise, his body had to get used to moving again. His doctor was very encouraging in his riding and as long as he kept it slow to begin, Kurt was free to ride as much as he felt comfortable with.

“I think Misty will miss you; maybe I should leave you home and I can go visit Burt,” Blaine teased. He loved it that Kurt spent so much time with his horse. He and Kurt went riding several times a week on the horses and practiced on the polo field at least once a week. Most of the boys would be close enough for the summer they could practice.

“Well, Aurora will miss you, too, mister, and I dont see you staying home,” Kurt said, mentioning Blaines horse. Blaine giggled.

*

“Well, another school year done, then,” Burt said as they sat down to supper. He was thrilled to see Kurt after such a long time. It was only three weeks, but it seemed so much longer. Burt really missed Kurt.

“Yeah, only one left to go,” Kurt smiled.

“I understand congratulations are in order, Blaine,” Burt said. “Getting to the top of your class? That must have been hard work.”

“Im tied with Wes and Trent, so I have to really try harder next year,” Blaine smiled.

“How has it been catching up to your friends at Dalton?” Carole asked Kurt. She and Finn were here for supper, too.

“It was a lot of work, but I have always enjoyed studying. I made the Warblers – thats the show choir – and Im hoping next year to be selected for the Polo team.”

“Water Polo?” Finn asked. “Ive seen that on the Olympics. Can you swim with your leg?”

Carole gave him a glare, but Kurt smiled at him.

“Its the kind of polo played on horseback. Blaine gave me a horse for my birthday and Im hoping to be able to ride well enough by fall to join the team,” Kurt patiently explained.

“Oh. Well, can you swim?” Finn asked.

“Yes, but not very well. There is a prosthesis called an Aqualeg that can be worn every day but is also waterproof. I dont really have any desire to swim, so I havent looked into it, but I know its available,” Kurt told his guest. “I had to do water therapy for a while after the amputation, but that was when I was ten and I havent been in the water since.”

“We were going to the lake this summer. I thought maybe you and Blaine could come with us?” Finn asked, looking over at his mother and Burt.

“Oh? That sounds like fun, even if I dont swim. Well see. I havent really planned for the summer yet.”

“Kurt and I brought dessert if anyone is interested,” Blaine offered. “We stopped at a bakery and got an apple pie.”

“Id love some,” Burt smiled, waiting for Kurt to tell him he couldnt have any. He was surprised when he didnt hear it.

“Its all natural ingredients and no, we didnt bring whipped cream, Dad,” Kurt smiled. Burt grinned back.

After supper, Burt took Carole and Finn home.

“What do you want to do this summer, Beau? I know we havent really talked about it,” Blaine said, wondering if they were thinking of the same thing.

“I want to spend some time with dad – I dont know if hell want me to be away from home very much. Youll take care of Misty, wont you?” Kurt asked, not wanting to make Blaine think he didnt care about the horse.

“Of course, I told you that when I gave her to you,” he assured his boyfriend.

“I want to spend as much time with you as I can...” Kurt said, cupping Blaines jaw and placing a soft kiss on his lips. He wasnt looking forward to being away from Blaine.

“Well work it out, Beau. Your dad knows how we feel about each other,” Blaine tried to sound positive, even though he didnt want to spend a single day away from the boy he loved so much.

Burt came back in, shaking his jacket as he took it off in the front hall.

“Its raining out there,” he stated, slipping off his shoes.

“Ill make some hot tea if you like?” Kurt offered.

“Sounds great, son. Thank you,” Burt said, sitting in his recliner.

While Kurt was gone to the kitchen, Burt turned to Blaine.

“Well, Im guessing youre staying with your brother for the summer?”

“Yeah, I dont think well use the house yet. Weve been thinking of maybe selling it. Were going to stay in the carriage house, its plenty big enough for us.”

“Good. I havent spoken to Kurt about the summer yet, I wanted to talk to you first,” Burt said, not really saying what he meant but edging around it. Blaine was curious, but didnt want to seem impolite, so he waited.

“Well, its about Kurt. He never did much in terms of athletics. I dont know if he just never liked them or if having the amputation made him think he could never do them, but he hasnt shown interest in football, baseball, basketball...anything...until he saw you guys play polo,” Burt started.

Blaine nodded, he was aware of this. Kurt still showed no interest in most sports, but he wanted to make the team for polo.

“I think the only way hes going to be able to make the polo team is to practice. I cant exactly house his horse in my tool shed, Blaine, so I was wondering if you and Cooper might want to have a guest for part of the summer?”

“Of course.” Blaine said, trying to downplay his excitement, but the grin on his face and the slight rosy color to his cheeks betrayed his emotion. “Kurt is always welcome in our home. He can have one of the guest rooms and we can work on playing polo all summer. That is the best idea Ive ever heard,” Blaine said.

“Are you sure, Dad?” Kurt asked, standing in the doorway holding the tray of hot tea.

“Oh...I thought you were in the kitchen,” Burt said, looking a little embarrassed.

“I had already heated the water for Blaine and me. Were you serious? You want me to practice all summer so I can make the team?” Kurt was amazed. He never thought his dad would agree to that. “I can come home anytime, you know. Its only two hours away.”

“Yes, Kurt. This is your last year of high school, I want you to be able to do whatever you want. If polo is your dream, well, I cant stand in your way, son.”

Kurt set the tea tray down and rushed over to hug his father.

“Thank you, Dad,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “Thank you.”

“The Warblers are going to New York.” Kurt was sitting at the kitchen table, his laptop open and his fingers typing as he read the facebook page. All of the Warblers were on a private page, Wes found it easier to post things than to call each of the boys.

“New York?” Burt asked. Taking another bite of his scrambled egg whites. He reached over to get the Tabasco sauce to try and improve the bland flavor.

“Yeah, seems so. I didnt know about it, but Wes asked me if Im going. I guess he thought I knew about it already. Its in two weeks....not enough time for me to plan, I guess.

Burt pulled the newspaper in front of his face, munching on his whole-grain toast. He could smack that Wes kid right about now. This was supposed to be a secret.

“Not enough time, yeah,” Burt mumbled. He was going to have to go find Blaine quickly and give him a heads up before the surprise was ruined.

“I wonder why nobody said anything to me?” Kurt wondered, hurt in his voice. Burt couldnt take any more of this. He got up and said something about looking for his tax receipts for the quarterly taxes on the shop. He was gone from the kitchen before Kurt had time to look up.

“Hey, kid, wake up,” Burt said in a stage whisper, his hand on Blaines shoulder as he shook it.

“More....Kurt, baby...please....” Blaine mumbled in his sleep. Burt was suddenly very glad there were a pile of blankets over Blaine.

“Blaine. Wake up,” Burt said in a more authoritative voice. Blaine jumped and opened his eyes, his hand sliding under the covers as he blinked awake.

“Oh...Mr. Hummel. I was dreaming, I think,” Blaine blushed, hoping he hadnt said anything incriminating.

“Yes, well....thats a subject for another time. Your friend Wes spilled the beans on New York. Kurt just read it on his face-thinghy...hes in the kitchen brooding over not being asked until the last minute,” Burt said, making sure his voice didnt carry.

“Oh, no...Wes wasnt there at the last meeting. I forgot to tell him not to mention it. Damn.” Blaine said. “Oh, sorry, Mr Hummel.”

“Its okay. Im going back in there before he follows me in here.”

“Thanks, Ill get right on it.”

*

“Hey. Bee?” Kurt asked, sitting next to him on the porch swing. They were enjoying a lemonade and some muffins on the front porch.

“Yeah?”

“You knew the Warblers are going to New York, right?”

“Yeah. I knew. We had planned it last fall. Every year the Warblers go on a trip. Last year we went to Chicago to see a baseball game and a show. This year we decided on a week in New York. I wish you had joined sooner...” Blaine said. “You know we wouldnt cut you out, we just didnt want to hurt your feelings.”

Kurt took this in, mulling it over in his mind as he took a sip of the pink lemonade.

“Yeah. I understand.”

“Hey, is that Brittany?” Blaine asked, thankful to see the girl walking her dog down Kurts street.

Kurt turned to look. “Yeah, it is, but I dont recognize the dog.”

He leaned out from in back of the wisteria vines and waved at the blonde.

“Brittany! Hello!” he called. The girl stopped and turned to see who was calling her. Her whole face brightened up as she saw it was Kurt.

“Hey, Kurt!” she shouted, running up to the porch and hugging her friend. “Blainers!” She said just as loudly, hugging him, too.

“So, you have a dog now?” Kurt asked, petting the furry canine. “Whats its name?” he asked, looking up from the porch swing where he had sat back down. The fluffy white dog sat down, too, but kept his chin on Kurts leg.

“Lucky Lindy.”

“Hes sweet. How long have you had him?” Kurt asked. Brit sat down next to Kurt and put her head on his shoulder. She was one of those people with no boundaries at all, no filters, either. Kurt loved her because she was so genuine of spirit and heart.

“Oh, he isnt mine. I asked my dad if Lord Tubbington could have a friend, so he brought Lindy home. So...hes Tubbys dog. I just offered to walk him. Tubby doesnt like to walk,” she explained.

“What kind of dog is he? A husky?” Blaine asked.

“No, hes a Samoyed,” Brit corrected him.

Blaine petted the dog, rubbing behind his ears as the dog panted.

“Let me go get him a pan of water,” Blaine offered. It was hot outside.

Brit grinned at him. “Thanks, Blainers.”

Kurt smiled at Brittany. He put an arm around her as she snuggled close to him. If it were anyone else, he would be uncomfortable, but he loved the way Brit had never hesitated to be as close as physically possible to the people she loved.

“What are you doing this summer?” he asked as they waited for Blaine. Kurt leaned forward and poured a glass of lemonade for her.

“I am working at the animal shelter, walking dogs in the afternoon. Santana and I spend mornings together, usually kissing and hugging. I think she loves me, Kurt, but she never says so,” Brit looked at him, her face puzzled for a brief moment. “That is a different kind of love, though. My mom told me all about different kinds of love. Want to hear?” she asked.

“No, I think I understand about that,” Kurt said, worried she might want to talk about sex. He had no idea how to handle that right now.

“I love you, Kurt. I think you were my very first friend when I moved here. Remember we were in kindergarten together?”

“Yes, sweetie, I do.” He did remember that. She would hold his hand on the playground and was fierce in her wanting to protect him. She had never shied away from just being herself and throwing her arms around him, giving him the unconditional love he craved.

Blaine returned with the pan of water and Lindy drank, splashing all over. He laughed at the dogs antics, looking over at Kurt. Kurt was holding his hand in front of his mouth, giggles coming loudly from behind his hand. Even Brit was laughing.

“I have to get home, I need to be at the shelter in an hour,” Brit said, getting up. She kissed both boys on their cheeks and took Lindys leash. Waving goodbye, Kurt and Blaine sat back down on the swing, Blaine putting his arm around Kurt.

“I do miss her,” Kurt bemoaned.

“I bet you miss all your friends,” Blaine said. He was feeling just the slightest bit guilty for monopolizing most of Kurts time. He decided then and there to make sure Kurt had more time with his Lima friends. This summer.

“I was thinking, we could walk to the park later?” Kurt suggested. It was a lazy day, not too hot or breezy, so they might as well do something in the sunshine.

“Id love that, Beau. Lets clean up the porch and we can go,” he agreed. Putting his arm around Kurt for a hug before they got up, Blaine thought to himself that a summer day with Kurt was one of the best things in his life.