Kurt heard the bells on the back door jingle as someone came inside the Anderson carriage house. There were heavy footsteps coming up the staircase and the door opened a bare inch.

“Beau?”

He closed his eyes and turned his face to the wall, but there was no escaping the sound of those boots coming up the stairs. Kurt only hoped Blaine would not try to wake him up again. Maybe Bee would take pity on him and leave him alone? Fat chance. The door to the guest room where he was staying creaked on its hinges.

“Hey...Kurt?” he heard his boyfriend say in a soft voice, carefully modulated so as not to let anyone think he was angry or upset.

“MmmHmmm,” Kurt moaned back at him, not trusting his voice to speak actual words.

“Babe, you cannot spend all summer hiding in bed. I told you, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Im pretty sure none of us who were in that room are anxious to let the cat out of the bag, you know?” Blaine said in a soothing voice, removing his jacket and boots and swinging his legs up on the bed.

Kurt curled up in himself, hugging his knees to his chest. Blaine scooted closer, putting his hand tentatively on Kurts back and rubbed softly. When he got no response, he laid down, his chest against Kurts back and his thighs behind Kurts. His fingers crawled along Kurts sides to clasp together by his belly. Blaine pulled the blanket up around their shoulders and put his hand back where it was.

Very slowly he kissed the nape of Kurts neck, taking in the warm smell of sleeping Kurt. It made him drowsy, too, and he closed his eyes for a moment. He knew if he gave in that he would be asleep in minutes, so he forced his eyes open.

“Hey, Beau. We didnt do anything wrong,” he whispered into Kurts neck. He had been telling Kurt this since yesterday when Sebastian started giving them the eye on the airplane -and Blaine wanted to wipe the smirk off of his face as he tormented Kurt. Blaine knew Seb wouldnt say anything to the rest of the Warblers, Blaine had too much gossip about Seb and Jeff for Seb to risk saying anything aloud, but the irritating little meerkat wasnt above getting his kicks from teasing Kurt.

“I promise you that if Seb says anything I will make him sorry,” Blaine said, hoping to shake Kurt out of this funk.

“That would just hurt Jeff. He isnt out and Im not going to be party to forcing him to be out. I worry about what Seb is doing to him – holding that secret gives Seb too much of an advantage over Jeff. I hate it that I cant do anything to make things more equal between them,” Kurt said.

“There are some things that we just cannot fix, Kurt.” Blaine didnt know what else to do, so he held on to Kurt and tried to comfort him as well as he could. He nuzzled under his Beaus ear, making him giggle a little before the gloom came back to roost on Kurts shoulder once again.

*

After three days of Kurt staying in bed, barely getting up to eat and only then because Blaine refused to bring the food upstairs to their bedroom any more. Blaine was at his wits end. Hed tried sympathizing, hed tried coaxing...he talked about how the horses needed exercise, that Kurt needed to practice if he expected to join the polo team next year. He tried asking him to join in a picnic in the summerhouse by Drucillas Pond. Nothing was working. Blaine was desperate. He went outside to the grape arbor in the back yard to sit on the wooden bench and took out his cell phone.

Hello? Burt?

…..

Yeah, its me, Blaine.

…..

No, nothing physical – but hes in a bad way emotionally.

…..

Nothing happened...well, yes, something, but it wasnt something bad.

…..

No, nothing to do with the horse or polo. It happened in New York.

…..

Ah...well, I guess I can tell you without giving details?

…..

Okay, there were six of us hanging out in the hotel room watching TV. One of the guys tried to be funny and switched the TV to a porn movie. Something happened...all of us were with our boyfriends and we were making out.

…...

NO, nothing like that. Sheesh! What kind of people do you think we hang out with?!!?

…...

No, Im sorry. I didnt know you were kidding. Scare a guy why dont you?

…...

Okay. Anyway, Kurt and I were making out, too, and now one of the guys that was there is teasing Kurt, saying hes going to tell everyone what happened – that we were watching this porn movie. Honestly, we turned it off – but you know how sensitive Kurt is. Hes taking this way too hard.

…...

Yeah, I know it will blow over eventually, but for now its hard on him. I just dont know what to do to cheer him up. He wont get out of bed, he is just up there throwing himself a little pity party. For four days now!

…...

I guess I could. Yes, a one-on-one might fix it up. The guy can be a first class jerk, but Ill see if hes willing to apologize to Kurt.

…...

Oh! That would be great. Yeah, we dont have plans this weekend. Sure, if you want to do that for us, then Ill handle things here.

…..

Thanks, Mr. Hummel. I know that will snap him out of it.

…..

Blaine said his goodbyes and pushed the button to end the call. This was exactly what he had dreaded doing, but Burt was right. He had to man up and do it. Well, no time like the present. He sighed to himself and walked to the garage, getting into his Lexus and driving the three minutes to the Smythe house.

*

Blaine stood on the doorstep, knocking again. He waited, thinking he would walk around to the back and knock on the kitchen door when he heard a dog barking and footsteps coming towards the big double doors of the entrance.

“Blaine?” Sebastian said when he had opened the door, his hand gripping the collar of a large Doberman. The dog continued to bark, showing its teeth and lunging to get loose from her masters iron grip.

“Madonna!” Seb snapped at the dog, then, “Sit, girl, stay,” as he waved a hand in front of the dogs nose. The dog sat down like a statue and didnt move.

“Madonna?” Blaine asked, a small grin showing itself on his lips.

“My sister named her. I wanted to call her Lizzie Borden,” Seb quipped. “So, what brings you to my door on a Tuesday morning? You need a quickie – isnt Hummel putting out today?”

“Cut the crap, Smythe. I came about Kurt. Plus, I happen to know that you dont have a sister - but good try. You have a minute?”

“Sure. Come on in – dont worry, Madonna wont bite you unless I give her the command. She is mostly to scare people, we got robbed last year,” Seb explained, leaning over to pet his dog and saying in a firm voice, “Friend, Madonna, friend,” while he touched Blaines arm. The dog stood up, wagging her tail and danced around Blaine. He rubbed her behind her ear, smiling at the dog.

“We can sit just in here,” Sebastian offered, walking down the marble-floored hallway and into a room through French doors. He waved at the Chippendale sofa and sat down in a Hepplewhite chair beside it. Everything in the room was of the same era – there was a Duncan Phyfe side table, a Sheraton desk, and another Chippendale sofa facing this one. Blaine knew without asking that they were all originals. Mr. Smythe would never settle for less. Seb picked up a silver bell and rang it as he shifted to make himself comfortable.

Just as Blaine was going to explain why he was there, a small woman walked into the room. She was wearing a maids outfit complete with apron and tiny lace hat.

“Would you like some coffee or tea?” Seb asked Blaine.

“Ah...tea would be lovely,” he said, still looking at the maid.

“Tea, please, and is there some coffee cake left?” Seb asked her.

“Yes, sir. A whole one I think. Master Jeff didnt eat any this morning, he had eggs instead,” she said.

“That would be fine then. Thank you, Fifi,” he dismissed her. Blaine just stared at Seb.

“Okay, I get that you have a maid, but whats up with the Halloween costume?” Blaine asked.

“My dad. He brought her home from France and thats what he thinks is proper attire for a maid. You know what a pretentious bastard he is. And before you ask, yes that is really her name. As cliché as it sounds. Now, lets get down to why youre here,” Seb said, waiting for Blaines explanation.

“Is Jeff here?” Blaine asked instead. He didnt want to be talking about why he was here when Fifi returned.

“Yes. Is that what you wanted?” Seb looked suspicious.

“No. If Ive come at a bad time....I didnt know you were entertaining other guests,” Blaine stuttered.

“No, Jeff is living here for the summer. His folks are in Canada on vacation with his grandmother. My folks are in Europe on business for the next two months, so I asked Jeff to keep me company. So, all the mysteries are solved, right?” Sebastain said, a bored look on his face.

Blaine studied Sebs face and he could see that wasnt all that was going on. Seb looked vulnerable under the suave mask he was so used to using.

“Okay...now tell me whats really going on – because I dont think you are telling me everything.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes, but Fifi returned, a silver tray in her hands. She set it down on a table, quickly pouring the tea from a pot and asking what Blaine would like in his tea. She gave both boys their Wedgewood cups and cut generous slices of the coffee cake, placed them on Waterford crystal plates and set them on the coffee table in front of the two, adding linen napkins and silver forks.

“Thank you, Fifi. That will be all,” Seb told her and she smiled at him and left.

Blaine took a bite of the cinnamon coffee cake with crumb topping and a sip of his tea.

“Okay, the reason Im here is Kurt. I know you like to tease, I get it. I also know you have a reputation that you think you need to keep up – the uncaring rich bastard, right?” Blaine asked, a frown on his face.

Seb gave a non-commital grunt and Blaine went on.

“You see, I know you better than that. Ive seen you with Jeff and you are not like your bastard father at all. You have a heart and Im asking you to use it. Kurt is beside himself with worry and shame. You and I know none of us did anything wrong, but Kurt is very sensitive and he is scared youll tell everyone about the last night in New York – and his life here at Dalton will be just as bad as the abusive years at McKinley. So, Im asking you, as a decent human being, to come talk to Kurt and make him believe you mean no harm and what happened in that hotel room will stay in that hotel room. Capice?” Blaine asked, looking Sebastian straight in the eye.

“Hes that bad?” Seb asked, his eyes giving him away; he hadnt meant to hurt Kurt, he really liked him – plus, Kurt was a close friend of Jeffs. Blaine nodded his head. This was more like the Sebastian that he knew was hiding under the cold mask he put on each morning before leaving his house. Sebastian was not as self-assured as he would like people to think. He was actually afraid of his gruff father and his codependent mother. It took everything he had to just function and donning the mask in public helped him keep control of his life. But Sebastian understood now that he had taken the teasing too far and he needed to make amends.

“Where is he now?” Seb asked.

“My house – ah, you know Cooper and I are living in the carriage house, right?” Blaine asked.

“Yeah, we had that party there last year. Okay, Ill go right now. Can you go run an errand or something for about an hour? This might work better if Im alone with him.”

“No funny business. Have you met Kurts father?” Blaine warned him.

“Burt Hummel? Yeah, I met him at the airport. I wouldnt cross that man. No...no, I will make this right. Im glad you told me,” Seb said in a quiet voice, finishing up his cup of tea.

“Blaine!” Jeff said as he walked into the room, still dressed in his pajamas and a velvety purple robe tied around his waist with matching fuzzy slippers. It was the same one Sebastian had been wearing at the hotel in New York.

“Hey, Jeff. I like your outfit,” Blaine laughed.

“I was just getting up and heard voices. Good morning, Sebastian.”

Seb grinned at Jeff. “Good morning, doll. Listen, I have an errand to run. Could you maybe keep Blaine company for a while and Ill be back in an hour or so?”

“Sure, Sebby. Oh...coffee cake. Do you mind?” Jeff asked, already taking a piece and setting it on Sebs plate to grab his fork and start eating. Seb came over, kissing his mouth and left, waving as he closed the door.

“Hey, Blaine, whats up?” Jeff asked congenially.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

Ring

Kurt was sitting in the kitchen, eating a bowl of cold cereal when the doorbell rang. He knew it wasnt Blaine – he always came in the back door. Kurt got up, pulled his bathrobe tighter around himself, and walked slowly to the front door. It was probably a package for Cooper. That man never went shopping, he just ordered everything from on-line stores. Kurt rolled his eyes and opened the door.

“Sebastian?”

“Hi, Kurt. Do you have a minute? I need to talk to you.”

“I dont have anything to say to you, so we can just say goodbye now and you can save your breath to cool your soup.”

“That isnt very nice! And here I came all the way over here from my house...” Seb started.

“Oh, sorry to waste four minutes of your life, Seb. Good bye,” Kurt snipped and tried to close the door. Seb put his foot in it and pushed back. He was successful and came inside, walking into the living room and sitting down on an overstuffed chair.

Kurt gave up. He did not have the strength to fight just now, do he trailed in and flopped down on the sofa.

“Kurt, I came to apologize to you. I will deny any of this if you tell the guys, but I am sorry I was teasing you.” He put up a hand to stop Kurt from speaking. “Let me get this out. I plead guilty on turning the channel to that porn movie – I just wanted to see what would happen with a room full of horny teenagers. But please believe me when I say I wont tell a soul. I would not risk Jeffs parents finding out because he is not out to them and he is terrified about the day they find out. As it is, hes spending the summer with me and I dont want to jeopardize that in any way. So, I will stop the charade and you will go find your sunniest smile and make Blaine quit frowning. Its going to give him wrinkles.”

Kurt just sat still for a few minutes.

“Can I get you something to drink? Eat?” Kurt offered, remembering his manners.

“No, thank you, I just had some tea. Will you consider calling a truce?”

“Yeah, okay, Sebastian. If you give me your word that youll stop threatening to spill the beans, I will forgive you,” Kurt agreed, a tentative smile on his lips. “It was kind of...hot,” he whispered, winking at Seb.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

“Im glad to see you are up and dressed, Beau! Are you feeling better?” Blaine asked, smiling at his boyfriend. Sebastian had come home, given Blaine a thumbs-up and sat down to kiss Jeff. Blaine took that as dismissal and grinned at Seb, giving him a wink and taking his leave. He knew Sebastian wasnt a bad person at heart, you just had to know when and how to ask him.

“Yes, actually I was thinking about going over to the stables. Want to come with me?” Kurt asked, his eyes begging.

“Sure. Aurora needs some exercise and Misty needs you to work with her. As it is now, she knows more about polo than you do and we have to turn that equation around by fall. Lets go.”

At the stable, the boys ran into Sheila and Trent, just walking their horses out to the field.

“Lets play a two on two game?” Trent called.

“Youre on!” Kurt said, grinning. “Sheila and me against you and Blaine?”

Trent nodded, grinning at Blaines shocked face.

“What, you dont want me on your team, Beau?” he whined.

“Oh, dont take it so hard...I just want to win, so I picked the best player,” Kurt grinned, dodging Blaines hand whip before his boyfriend could punish him. Once inside the stable and saddling the horses, David and Wes came in. By the time everyone was on the field, there were a dozen boys and horses there for a practice game.

They spent a good part of the afternoon in one game, then practiced on the things they messed up during the game. Kurt knew his weakest point was turns. He could not use the stirrups the same as most of them did – his prosthesis was not like a foot and he was still trying to figure out how and where to put pressure to remain seated in the saddle. It was a work in progress, but Kurt felt he was getting better at it all the time.

After hours on the field, a lot of rest periods in between frenzied encounters, the horses were tired and everyone agreed to put them away for the day.

Once they were done unsaddling, rubbing them down, and watering their horses, Blaine and Kurt decided to take a walk over by the trees. They strolled along, looking at the birds, pointing out squirrels and picking a few wildflowers. They stopped to sit on a bench.

“I think we need to have a party,” Kurt said.

“Any special occasion?” Blaine asked.

“Nope. Just a summer party. We can barbeque maybe? It would be fun to have all the Warblers, right?” Kurt asked, his eyebrow cocked.

“Yes, my love, I think that is a brilliant plan. How about this weekend? Saturday?” Blaine asked. That was the day Burt had planned for having the New Directions come over.

“Sure.”

“What should we cook? Oh...we can play games and have music, maybe a karaoke? This is going to be great!” Kurt enthused.

“I have an old record player, I bet some of the guys have records? That would be fun. Kind of an old school theme? And we can go swimming. The pool should be warm now, Cooper had the service get it ready,” Blaine grinned, excited that they were going to have a party and even more that they were going to surprise Kurt with his friends from Lima. He turned to grab Kurts hands.

Kurts face was frozen in sadness.

“Hey...Kurt, whats wrong, Beau?” Blaine asked, thinking about what he might have said to cause this sudden change in mood. “Beau?”

“We dont have to swim...Ill be busy with the food, so no big deal...” he said, pasting a faux smile on his face.

“You...can you swim, Kurt?” Blaine asked. He remembered Finn asking him the same question a few weeks ago, but he didnt remember what Kurt had answered.

“I had water therapy back when I had the surgery, but the prosthesis isnt water proof. I dont know if I can swim or not,” Kurt replied.

Blaine took Kurt in his arms and pulled him up onto his lap. He kissed him chastely, then kissed his warm neck a few times until he could feel Kurt relaxing a little more.

“How about you and I go try and see? I have a life vest you can wear for the first time, just in case. We can practice and see how it goes – then if youre up to it, you can swim at the party. How does that sound?” Blaine asked gently. “You can say no – I wont hold it against you. I just want you to have fun and I dont want something so small as a lack of foresight ruin it for you.”

“I...Im not sure. Would you be upset if we called my dad? I think if he could give me his opinion....?” Kurt asked.

“That sounds good,” Blaine agreed. He slid Kurt back down beside him, keeping his arm around him as he found his cell in his pocket.

Hello, Mr Hummel?

….....

Yeah, its me. I had a question – oh, I mean we had a question.

….....

Yes, Kurt is here with me. We are throwing a party for the Warblers on Saturday. Its going to be a barbeque and we were thinking of having it at our pool. Kurt was concerned about swimming. Oh, okay...yeah, here he is.

…...

Blaine handed the cell phone to Kurt

Hi, Dad.

…....

Yes, I remember having water therapy, but there were two therapists there to hold me when I did the exercises in the pool. Yeah, I know I could swim back before...yes, in the lake with Mercedes...yeah.

…...

No, Blaine thought if I were to practice for a few days I would be more comfortable. At least Id know if it was safe for me to be in the pool.

…..

Yes, Dad, I know it wasnt made to be in the pool. I would just leave it in the house. Of course Blaine would be there with me the whole time. He has a life-vest I can wear.

…..

No, I dont mind if it clashes with my swim trunks!!

…..

Yes, well be careful. I promise. Bye, Dad. Heres Blaine.

…..

Blaine took the phone back.

….. [asking if Kurt can hear]

Okay, the answer is no.

…..[asking if the Lima kids are invited, if that would be the surprise]

Yes, Mr. Hummel. You understand perfectly. Bye for now

“Lets get back to the house and see if my swim trunks fit you, Beau, then we can check out the pool,” Blaine suggested.

~KB~KB~KB~KB~KB~

“Hey, Coop. Kurt and I were going to check and see if he can still swim,” Blaine explained as they entered the gate to the pool. It was behind the carriage house in its own enclosure to keep out the neighborhood children and dogs.

“I was just going to get a little sun, no problems,” Cooper said, looking up from his chaise lounge. Just as he smiled at the boys, Susan walked out of the pool house in her bikini.

“Hi, Blaine, hi, Kurt. Nice day for a swim,” she said, taking the chaise lounge next to Coop.

Blaine and Kurt went inside the pool house, sitting in the changing room. Kurt removed his prosthesis and got into Blaines extra pair of trunks – blue with aqua waves and white stars – and Blaine got into his purple pair with orange and yellow hibiscus. Blaine was helping Kurt on with his trunks and leaned forward, the trunks only up as far as his thighs.

“Hey, Bee....anyone could walk in, the door isnt locked,” Kurt whined. Blaine rolled his eyes. He almost said something about doing it with four other guys in the room in New York, but thought better of it. Instead, he said nothing and kissed the inside of Kurts thigh, just above where the waistband of the trunks was resting.

“Bee....” Kurt squealed, but Blaine kept going, moving his kisses up the shaft and then letting his lips surround the crown of Kurts suddenly interested cock.

“Mmmmm..” Blaine hummed, clearly enjoying his position. Kurt closed his eyes briefly, feeling the heated and moist cavern opening up for him. Blaine sucked gently, hollowing his cheeks to add to the sensation. He ran his tongue slowly around under the foreskin, until Kurt was quivering. “Should I stop. Beau? I wouldnt want to risk anyone interrupting us,” he said, his eyes dark and liquid chocolate colored.

“I dont care.....dont leave me like this, Bee...thats not fair,” he whispered, “You know Ill return the favor, dont you?”

Blaine didnt say anything else, he just went back to business, stroking Kurts balls as he licked long strokes down and back up before once more taking Kurt into his mouth.

Kurt was sitting still, but his thighs spread open more, a reflex more than anything, and he tried to be very quiet as his boyfriend brought him to the edge.

“Bee....Blaine, I cant wait...ohhhhhh.....here it comes.....baby....ooohhhhh,” Kurt said, still trying to be quiet as he came so quickly he was almost embarrassed. Blaine hummed his approval, licking Kurt clean as he removed his mouth. He sat down on the wide bench beside Kurt and put his arms around his Beau.

“Mmmmmm,” Kurt hummed into Blaines neck. He wasnt up to speaking words yet, he just wanted to be with Blaine – as close as two can possibly be. That gave him an idea.

“Bee?” he whispered.

“Hmmmm?”

“Can you just hand me my backpack?”

“UmmHmmm.”

Kurt sorted through the front pocket and easily found what he was looking for. He took out the packet and handed it to Blaine, whose eyes got wide and his mouth turned up in a sweet smile.

“Does this mean what I think it does?” Blaine asked, his swim trunks now sporting a nice tent once again. Kurt nodded his head, letting the trunks drop to the floor. He laid back on the bench, spreading his thighs apart but keeping his one foot steady on the padded surface to keep his balance. Blaine made quick but gentle work of prepping his boyfriend, trying to keep from loosing it as he thought of where they were and who could just walk in on them. He contented himself with the thought that the changing room door was closed and Cooper had the good sense to knock. Susan wouldnt be coming in because the womens changing room was on the other side of the pool house.

“Ready now, baby? Blaine asked, pulling his fingers gently from Kurts body and placing a kiss on his belly.

“Just let me...” Kurt said as he rolled over, his weight on his hands and one knee. He moved a bit so he was just at the edge of the padded bench and looked back over his shoulder at Blaine.

Blaine let out a long sigh, loving the position Kurt was in, so vulnerable. He stood up and positioned himself in back of Kurt, pushing slowly inside his boyfriend with a strangled sigh.

“Oh, you are so hot....wow, like a fever....so good, baby...” he murmured, getting used to how it felt from this position. Amazing. He pushed in, all of his movements soft and tender, stroking along Kurts sides and down his spine with warm hands. He was able to lay his head on Kurts back for a moment, feeling so close to him. This was heaven.

“Blaine...so good.....” Kurt was whispering, as if to himself as he praised Blaine and moaned and sighed.

“Is this okay?” Blaine asked, building up the rhythm as his body asked for more, more, more...he didnt want to hurt Kurt, just get a bit more friction.

“Yes, Bee...its perfect...mmmmmm...” Kurt moaned.

“Youre the perfect one, my love. OH....oh........aaawwwwhhhh, NNNgggghhhh...” Blaine continued moaning and talking to Kurt in sweet phrases as he got closer and closer. After ten minutes of friction and desire and love, Kurt stiffened a little, closed his eyes and let himself go - Blaine practically forgot not to shout as he felt Kurts hot semen run down his belly - until Kurt reminded him with a shushing noise.

“Ohhhh...Beau....my love...Kurt, Kurt, Kuuuuuuuuuurrttt,” he said, his hand over his mouth as he came hard into his boyfriend, holding him tightly around the waist with his other arm. He stopped finally, leaning over and kissing Kurts strong back, kissing his warm skin over and over.

He finally got up, helping Kurt to lay on his side as they panted. It was a few more minutes before either of them was able to get up, washing in the hot shower in the pool house before putting on their swim trunks.

Kurt had removed his prosthesis first thing, so he was reliant upon Blaine to hold him while they showered, then after getting their trunks on and Kurt in the life-vest, they made their way out to the pool, Blaine carrying Kurt.

“Hey, I need to stop feeding you so well, Babe, I can hardly lift you,” Blaine teased, but Kurt poked him in the ribs.

He set Kurt down at the side of the pool and looked over at Coop and Susan. They both seemed to be asleep. Blaine reached down to the water in the pool and splashed in his brothers direction. Coops eyes opened as he felt the drops of cool water cover his chest.

“Hey, Squirt, whats the idea?” he asked, looking quickly to see if Susan had gotten splashed, too. She sat up, a wide smile on her face.

She giggled. “Coop, I have seven siblings – do you think I would sit down close enough to the pool to let these two amateurs splash me?”

Coop rolled his eyes.

“So, you ready, Kurt?” Cooper asked. Blaine had told him the whole plan of letting Kurt see if he could still swim.

“Yeppers! Im ready. Blaine, if you could get into the shallow end? How deep is it?” Kurt asked.

“Three feet, so if you need to stand, you can,” he said, getting into the pool and dipping down to get his head wet so the water wouldnt feel so cold when he got into a deeper part.

“Ready,” Kurt said and Blaine took him by the waist and let him slid into the water. He, too, dunked himself to get used to the water, then stood on his leg.

“Lets get down to about five feet and see if I can still swim,” Kurt smiled, but Blaine could see he was apprehensive. He guided Kurt down a ways and then pulled him out into the center, in about four feet of water so if he needed to stand, he would feel the bottom. Kurt let go and floated on his belly for a moment, then started to swim, his arms working just fine – the muscle memory of all those summers at the lake still there. But his legs were different. He was off kilter, going almost in a circle as he kicked his one leg. The movement of his residual leg wasnt enough to keep him on course. He stopped swimming and just tread water.

Blaine didnt think he could see tears because of the water already on Kurts face, but his red eyes gave him away. Blaine swam over, pulling Kurt close without letting him get in the way of his legs as they pumped to keep the two afloat.

Blaine took him over to the side and Kurt thankfully grabbed the edge.

“So, how did it feel?” Blaine asked, noticing Cooper had gotten up from his chaise lounge and was now sitting on the side of the pool along with Susan.

“It started out fine, but I dont seem to be able to steer,” Kurt tried to laugh. He was doing a good job of it, but Blaine could see he was upset.

“What about another stroke? Um....butterfly or breast? You could do those with minimal leg pumping, right? After all, you arent competing in a race, you are just here to have fun,” Blaine said.

“Well, I cant really tell with the vest on. How about we take it off and see?” Kurt suggested. Blaine agreed and helped him remove it. Coop and Susan both got into the pool, coming close to help if need be. Kurt smiled at them, feeling safer with three people to help if he got into trouble.

“Ready, Beau?” Blaine asked, waiting for the word to let him go. At Kurts nod, Blaine let go, keeping his hands under Kurt in case he sank. There was a brief panic, but almost instantly, Kurt was floating on the surface, moving his arms and just kicking lightly with his leg. He moved away from Blaine, making slow progress across the pool. He managed to get hold of the edge on the other side, Blaine still beside him but not touching, and pushed off with his foot, still listing a bit to one side, but making steady progress. He pulled up on the edge of the pool, Cooper, Susan, and Blaine all around him, clapping.

“Well, I guess you dont forget how to swim, after all,” Kurt grinned, launching himself forward to put his hands on Blaines shoulders to dunk him.

Blaine popped back up, grinning at Kurt as he threw his arms around the boy, giving him a big kiss before diving back in the water.

“They look like a couple of seals, “ Susan laughed as she and Cooper got out of the pool, grinning at each other. Blaine splashed Kurt, dove under the water to avoid being splashed back, and Kurt was right behind him.