A/N: This is it: just this tiny epilogue left and the Pretend verse is completed. Over a year, almost 90000 words, loads of amazing graphic content, plenty of great music, countless hours of discussions, brainstorming, note-taking, writing and editing. This has been a wonderful adventure and I'd like to thank everyone who has been a part of it, whether by helping us create and perfect these stories or by reading them and enjoying the ride with us. I will miss this world we built, but I think we're leaving the trio in a good place, ready to take on the world and live their lives to the fullest. Because they finally can.

See you in another story! :)

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Kurt has forgotten what a wonderful thing vacation could be, but this July, he is getting an intense reminder. With Rachel gone to the Canaries with her mom and her little step-sister Beth, Kurt packs his sewing machine, hands in his resignation at Starbucks and leaves New York.

Not forever, of course. He spends two weeks with his mom in Cleveland, basking in the wonderful feeling of having a mom again – one who understands him and loves him unconditionally, without outside rules intruding on their little family.

And then he goes to Lima, where Blaine's parents greet him with open arms.

He is welcomed by the old New Directions people who are still around with enthusiasm he'd never expected. In the three weeks Kurt spends there, there are pool parties and silly karaoke nights, coffee dates and ice cream and dancing and all the wonderful summer things that carefree teenagers get to do on vacation, even when they are supposed to be adults already.

And every day, there's waking up in Blaine's arms in his large, comfortable bed – sometimes still naked and sticky after late night activities; sometimes kissed awake; always so in love it feels like he could burst. Blaine's eyes, wide, happy and filled with such awe every time he wakes up and finds Kurt next to him, are quickly becoming Kurt's favorite thing in the world.

And every night, there are goodnight kisses and I love you's and the safety of falling asleep together. And there's sex, slow and exploratory, rediscovered bit by bit, like a fascinating mystery room, filled with treasures.

This is Kurt's time to savor everything, to really, truly experience the love he has and everything that comes with it, not as stolen moments to which he has no right, but as what his life is now. This is his reality. He's allowed to love this man and let himself be loved in return, for all he is. He can still cherish every moment like it's the last, but without the soul-crushing knowledge that there's no future for them. Because there is a future. However they shape it, whatever comes next, they are together. Openly, happily. Just Kurt and Blaine.

On the day of their three month anniversary, Blaine enlists the Glee guys to help him serenade Kurt with a song he'd written himself. There are flowers – gorgeous red and yellow roses – and a romantic picnic. When they return to the house that night, it turns out Blaine's parents have gone to visit their family in Columbus and won't be home until late the next day.

Blaine doesn't look surprised.

With the whole house to themselves, they don't have to be quiet or discreet. They take their time with undressing and kissing and touching, leaving a trail of clothes all the way to the bedroom, and then they make love, taking that last, most intimate step for the first time since their first – and only – time over two years ago.

When Blaine's parents come back 24 hours later, Kurt is certain he'd pulled at least a few muscles, his throat is a bit raw from being too vocal for his own good and they are both sore and exhilarated after what can only be called a sex marathon. And really, he could get used to this – sharing an apartment with Blaine, just the two of them, sleeping naked and getting breakfast in bed. Among other things.

One day, they will.

And then there's the day when Kurt steps through the McKinley high school door one last time to get his school records. It's August already.

Soon, he and Blaine will be returning to New York, to start another year, filled with new challenges and new rewards.

Soon, Kurt will be beginning his belated senior year in one of the New York City's high schools, along with Rachel.

Soon, Blaine will be moving into their Bushwick loft and there will be redecorating and shopping (and definitely a bigger bed).

Soon.

But for now, Kurt is happy to stay here in Lima for a little bit longer, surrounded by friends and kindness and love, finally really, truly free.

THE END

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Chapter song: How Long Will I Love You­ by Ellie Goulding