“Kurt? Are you awake?” Blaine called across the room. He had been lying there for more than an hour, too tired to get up, but too awake to go back to sleep. He finally decided he needed a cup of coffee. He took a shower and got dressed, then tried calling to his roommate once again.

“Kurt? You awake?” he said a little louder. He could very well go find his own coffee, but he felt a craving to have Kurt with him, even for the short errand. “Kurt?”

Kurt turned over, blinking his eyes and rubbing his face. “Dad?”

“Kurt, its just me...your roommate. You wanna go with me for a cuppa coffee?”

“Oh...Blaine. Ah, yeah, I need to get up, but no coffee. Cant stand the stuff. Ill walk with you over to the kiosk, though. I could use a cup of tea,” Kurt said, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and taking a deep breath. There was a kiosk just across the street from Daltons main gate and they had good tea and a newsstand, too.

“I guess maybe I shouldnt have woken you up, it is Saturday,” Blaine said, a little guilty. He just wanted some company.

“No, no...its fine, Andy...ah, I mean Blaine. Wow, I really am sleepy. Its eight thirty – I never sleep this late. Give me fifteen minutes to take a shower and Ill be ready to go,” Kurt smiled. Blaine was sitting in the desk chair by his bed, already dressed in tight white jeans and a marigold V-neck sweater. He had on well-worn orange Converse Chuck Taylors and no socks. And his hair...it looked different this morning. Oh....the answer dawned on Kurts sleepy brain. Blaine wasnt wearing the gel he had on yesterday to tame those luscious curls. Kurt closed the bathroom door and smiled as he got the water temperature right for his shower.

Stepping into the shower, Kurt wasnt really surprised to find he was still hard from his last dream. Lucky for him, his pajama top came down almost to mid-thigh and hid a lot of indiscretions. The water was nice and hot, so Kurt got his sage and carnation shampoo and squeezed out a dollop in his hand, rubbing his hands together and running them through his hair. He worked up a nice lather, rinsed it out and did it again, leaving it in this time. Shampoo had to have time to work properly, to dissolve all the grease and dirt from his scalp before rinsing it out.

Getting his soap, he lathered his hands and began his ritual washing. Kurt really enjoyed taking showers and he sometimes took longer than necessary to soap up his body. He was in a hurry this morning and was going quickly over the steps until he got to below his belly. He closed his eyes to keep the shampoo from dribbling into them, and images from last nights dream flickered across his mind. A warm body next to his, soft skin and hard muscle, a gentle hand slick with sweat and finding its way down...slowing to grasp around him. Kurt had his hand, slick with soap, just where the one in the dream was.

He could almost smell the spicy scent of the man, something like black pepper with an earthy quality – maybe oakmoss? - and a lighter scent. Fresh and green...oh! Linden tree. Yes. Part of the seduction was that scent.

His hand grasped a little tighter, stroking, stroking...he couldnt open his eyes because of the stinging shampoo, but he couldnt stop what he was doing to brush it away. The heat was indeed collecting in his gut...swirling and nagging at him, forcing his hand to move faster, his slick hand to stroke and stroke, the other one caressing his nipples, then down to cup his balls. It didnt take long, as if his body had been preparing for this since before he was even awake, making him ready for this. The urgency to bring himself to the end was burning in his spine, tightening his muscles, curling his toes. He thought once more about running his fingers through those silky black curls and that soft hand moving like lightning to bring him closer, and finally...one more whiff of that scent and the touch of the rosy lips to his....and he was coming so hard he had to lean against the tiles in the shower to keep his balance, trying desperately to contain his moans as the heat and pleasure surged through his body, spilling onto the floor of the shower and disappearing down the drain. He stood frozen for a full minute before he could even summon up the strength it took to move.

Kurt pushed his head under the water, scrubbing his scalp and rinsing the shampoo away. He stayed in the shower, changing the temperature to cool him off. He finished soaping himself, then rinsed off, careful of each part of his body now, careful of the over-sensitive cock and even his balls because they were aching from the sudden orgasm. He hung his head, wondering what had come over him.

In the dorm room, Blaine was reading a book, waiting for his new roommate to emerge from his shower so they could go get coffee. He wasnt really interested in the book, it was just something he grabbed off of Kurts shelf to occupy his mind while he waited. Blaines mind wandered, thinking of the kiss that happened last night. He was a bit confused when he felt the spark of electricity at touching Kurts hand, and he was strangely excited when Kurt seemed so interested in him.

He didnt know if Kurt was gay, but he had a pretty good idea....he wasnt born yesterday. Then he heard a moan coming from the shower. The CD he was playing was between songs or he would never have heard it – it had to be Kurt. What was he doing in the shower? Well, it was obvious. Soap, slick hand, morning erection – hed noticed that when Kurt got out of bed and avoided touching the front of his pajama shirt, then walked slowly into the bathroom.

Now he was in there...probably pleasuring himself. Was he just a horny teenager, or was he thinking of someone specific? Blaine couldnt help but wish it was him. He had liked Kurt at once when he met him. He was not only gorgeous, but kind and intelligent as well. And last night...when he had meant to kiss his cheek as a friendly gesture before retiring...did Kurt mean to turn his head just that bare inch so their lips would connect? Maybe...

Shutting the water off, Kurt got his towel and dried himself, then put on the clean clothes he had picked out for the day. He towel-dried his hair, ran a bit of product through it and combed it to perfection. He finally felt able to leave the sanctuary of the bathroom, and opened the bathroom window to let in a little air.

“So, you ready to go get some breakfast?” Kurt asked, smiling innocently at Blaine.

“Sure, lets go,” Blaine smiled back. He went to the coat closet by the door and looked inside. “Do you want the brown jacket that matches your jeans? It would look great with what youre wearing,” Blaine asked, looking at Kurt.

Kurt was dressed in a rust colored oxford shirt with the cuffs rolled up, and a pale ivory brocade vest. His dark chocolate jeans were so tight Blaine wondered if he had to use talcum powder to get them on after his shower. Blaine waited while Kurt pulled on his calf-skin Frye boots, enjoying the view.

“Thank you,” Kurt said as Blaine held his jacket for him. Blaine put on his leather pilot jacket he wore everywhere.

“So, where to on a Saturday morning?” Blaine asked.

“There is a cute little pastry shop downtown, want to go there? Or if you are really hungry there is one called something like The North Woods that sells Lumberjack-sized meals?” Kurt asked.

“The pastry shop sounds good. I dont have my car yet...” Blaine hesitated.

“No problem, mine is just over in the student parking lot,” Kurt assured him. He saw Blaine start to take his hand, then shy away. Smiling at his new friend, he reached over and took his hand.

“Is this okay?” Kurt asked and got a big smile back from Blaine.

“Of course it is,” he said, a pink blush showing on his cheeks.

They got in the Navigator and drove downtown to the restaurant.

~ ~ ~ KB ~ ~ ~

The drive to Lima was about an hour and ten minutes. Unless Burt was driving, then it was more like 50 minutes. Kurt took a leisurely approach today, just enjoying Blaines company. They chatted about French pastry as compared to what was found in America, about the virtues of boarding school – which Blaine had little to add because he had been going to boarding schools all of his life.

“Why did you choose French? I would think Italian would be easier since you lived there for so long,” Kurt commented.

“I didnt want easy, I wanted to learn. Education is one of the most valuable things in life, so I wanted to take full advantage of it while I could,” Blaine explained, earning a lot of points with Kurt because of it. Not that Kurt had thought Blaine was anything but intelligent – but to know how he thought about the world impressed Kurt.

“Can we stop up here? Im feeling kind of dizzy,” Blaine asked.

Kurt pulled off the highway at Russells Point and parked the car. He looked at Blaine, assessing whether he needed to get him some medical help when he saw how blanched and pale he was.

“Are you alright?” Kurt asked.

“Yeah, I think so. Im not used to driving so far – we didnt go by car much in Italy, and I guess I got a little lightheaded. Maybe its jet lag?” Blaine commented.

“Do you feel like getting out and walking around a bit? That might clear your head,” Kurt suggested.

“I dont want to make us late to your fathers house, Kurt. Theres a reason First impressions are lasting ones is a cliché – because its true,” he tried to smile, but it didnt reach his eyes.

“Here, let me drive a bit farther and get a few things at the convenience store up here. Are you okay with that?”

“Sure. I promise I wont get sick in your car, Kurt,” Blaine said, closing his eyes.

Kurt drove to the store and got out, quickly buying a few things and getting back in the car.

“Just a bit down this road and we can get out and walk,” he assured Blaine, reaching over to grasp his hand for a moment.

Finding the spot he was looking for, Kurt parked and went around to open the door for Blaine. The boy got out of the car, his legs a bit shaky. He almost stumbled, his arm around his stomach, while trying to find his balance. Kurt reached out by instinct, his arms around Blaines waist as he helped him to the picnic table in the clearing. Blaine sat down, then leaned his head down by his knees.

“Hey, are you going to be okay?” Kurt asked, his panic rising as Blaines color grew even more pale.

“Yeah...I just need a minute.”

Kurt made sure he was stable where he was sitting and went back to the car to get the bag from the store. He took the things out and set them on the table. A bottle of artesian water, a can of ginger ale, a box of saltine crackers, and a small bottle of pills.

“Do you want to try and drink something? Ginger is good for upset stomachs, and this brand uses real ginger,” Kurt told him, holding out the can of ginger ale. “Also, I got some ginger pills in case you didnt like ginger ale. Theres water – maybe youre dehydrated?” He took Blaines hand and pinched the skin on the back of it. The skin stayed in the peak for a long moment before going back to its natural shape.

“Yes, dehydrated. Can you drink or are you too sick to your stomach?”

“Im not too bad. Water sounds good,” Blaine said and Kurt opened the bottle.

“Sorry its not cold, but I thought cold might upset your tummy even more,” Kurt said, handing the bottle to Blaine. Blaine took it and sipped it, a smile gracing his face. He drank most of the bottle, trying not to gulp it and make himself worse.

“Oh, thank you, Kurt. Im feeling better. Should I try the ginger pills?”

Kurt read the label and shook out two pills, holding them out to Blaine. They seemed to work because in about fifteen minutes he was feeling much better.

“You should drink something, too, Kurt. Is there more water?” Blaine asked.

“Yeah, I think I will. Do you want the ginger ale?”

“Ive actually never tried it, but Im game,” Blaine said, popping the top of the can and taking a sip. He took a few more sips, smiling. “This is really good,” he said. “Thank you ever so much. I apologize for being such a bother today. I hope you dont think Im always like this...it must be the sudden change in environment or something.”

“It is a big change. Here, would a few crackers help? I used to get them for my mom when she was sick. The medication she took sometimes upset her stomach and we would sit in her room and eat saltines and drink ginger ale, watching a movie or listening to music. I remembered and thought it might help you.”

“Your instincts were spot on, I feel so much better. Do you fancy a walk maybe? It is so pretty here. Where are we?” Blaine asked.

“This is Indian Lake State Park. We can walk down by the lake or there is a nice path through the trees?” Kurt asked.

“The trees sound good. Im not sure I want to get near moving water right now,” he laughed.

They got up from the table and walked down the path that went to the trees. There was a bit of a wind coming off the lake, but it wasnt really cold. Blaine reached out his hand tentatively, just brushed against Kurts. Kurt got the message and took Blaines hand as they walked.

“Its beautiful here,” Blaine said, looking at the trees and grinning at the squirrels playing in the foliage.

“I always feel so peaceful here, you just cant get this feeling in the city. I think I want to go to New York City some day. I wonder how if feels there – oh, I guess they do have Central Park,” Kurt said, thinking out loud.

“Ive been to New York. Its a place like no other on earth I think. But thats true of Rome, Berlin, Rio, Tokyo...of any city. They are like people almost: their own personalities, their own vibe,” Blaine said.

“Have you really been to all of those places? Id have to take your word for it, as I said before, Ive never been out of Ohio,” Kurt lamented.

“Yes, my dad is a diplomat, so we went to a lot of places. I was usually in boarding school, but in the summer wed go with him. Youll go some day, I know you will. In the mean time, we can enjoy this place, right? I thought it would be kind of boring, maybe not such a nice place. I know from what my Uncle Andy told me that it isnt kind to people like me, but I think you reap what you sow in this life. I hope if I project a positive light that I will get that in return,” Blaine expounded.

“If that were only true,” Kurt sighed. “I havent found it to be true at all.”

“Wait...what do you mean?”

“The reason I transferred to Dalton. Your uncle left me enough money to attend Dalton because he knew I was being bullied at McKinley. I ran...from the bullies. I suppose I should be ashamed of that, but I try to look at it as survival. If I can get through high school, I can move to New York. Or anywhere. He gave me a chance at a new life, Blaine, and I am so grateful,” Kurt said, his face sad at the thought of Andy being gone.

“You...you were bullied because youre gay?” Blaine asked, seeming a bit taken back by the statement.

“Yes, of course. You knew that, didnt you?”

“Well, I suspected, but its not as if we have tags on, or have it tattooed on our foreheads – and I have been wrong before.” Blaine looked away, blushing a little.

“Okay, Ill give you that one. I assumed you were, too, but I didnt ask,” Kurt said, looking at Blaine to see if he reacted to the statement.

“Yeah...gold star gay here,” he smiled, raising his hand and fluttering his fingers.

They walked on in silence, looking at the scenery and listening to the birds singing. It was nice in the forest, like being a million miles from anyone else. Blaine nodded towards a bit of grass under an ash tree.

“Would you like to sit down?” he asked, and Kurt nodded. They sat together, watching a bird as she flitted from branch to branch in the tree above them.

“Are you feeling better?” Kurt asked.

“Yes, but my stomach still hurts a little. I just wanted to rest for a few minutes before we walked back,” Blaine said.

Kurt looked at him, raising his eyebrows in question as he patted the grass in front of him. Blaine smiled a bit and moved to sit between Kurts legs. He felt kind of funny doing that, but as soon as he sat down, Kurt pulled him gently back so his back was resting against Kurts chest. Kurts arms went around his waist. Blaine settled back against his new friend.

“Is this okay?” Kurt asked, worried he was being too forward.

“Yeah, it feels comfortable, thank you, Kurt.”

Kurt moved his hands down to rest on Blaines belly, letting the warmth of his hands penetrate the fabric and spread warmth to Blaines sore stomach. Blaine felt better already. He snuggled his head against Kurts shoulder and placed his hands on Kurts over his belly.

“Youre sure this is okay?” Kurt asked once more. He didnt want to push Blaine into something he was too polite to refuse. Kurt moved his head down to leave a kiss on Blaines curls without thinking. Blaine liked that and wondered if Kurt was even aware hed done it.

“You smell wonderful...” Kurt blurted out, then realized what an intimate statement that was.

“Oh, sorry...but you do smell nice.”

Blaine laughed. “Its black pepper and bergamont body wash. I love the stuff. I hope I can find it here in the States, I got this in Italy,” he said, cuddling back a bit more to be closer to Kurts warm hands. They felt so good on his very sensitive stomach. Between the jet lag and being sick, Blaine was very drowsy and comfortable. He closed his tired eyes and fell asleep.

Blaine jumped, waking Kurt up. He looked up to see a squirrel. He must have been the one to drop the acorn on the boys.

“Oh, I was so comfortable I fell asleep. Im sorry, Kurt,” Blaine apologized, looking in his pocket for his watch. They had been there for a little over an hour. “Oh! I made us late. Will your father worry? Maybe we should call?”

“No, I didnt tell him what time we were coming and its only two. Supper isnt until six, so were fine. I fell asleep, too. Its so peaceful here,” Kurt yawned and stretched, Blaine feeling Kurts taut muscles through his shirt.

“I guess we better go. I feel so much better. I think it was just the jet lag, the ginger pills helped, Ill have to keep those in mind.”

They helped each other up, brushing the grass from their clothes and straightening everything before walking back to Kurts car. It was only another twenty minutes to Lima. Kurt turned off the highway and drove through the city center, coming to an auto shop. Kurt pulled into the parking lot.

“Is there something wrong with your car?” Blaine asked.

“Nope. I have someone I want to introduce you to,” Kurt grinned. He went around and opened Blaines door. “Come on, he doesnt bite!”

Blaine got out of the car and looked at the shop. Then he noticed the name on the window “Hummel Tires & Lube”.

“Oh, your fathers shop! I guess I never asked what he did for a living. Do I look alright?” Blaine asked, licking his lips and trying to see in the rear-view mirror to check his hair.

“Almost – here, let me help...” Kurt said, urging Blaine to stand straight and then patting a few strands of curls back into place and picking a stray leaf from his sweater. “There, you look great,” Kurt encouraged.

They walked into the shop and the little bell above the door tinkled. They could see legs sticking out from under a Mercedes in the first bay. An old golden retriever ambled out of the office and wagged his tail at Kurt.

“Hey, Murphy, how are you, boy?” Kurt said in a low voice, rubbing the dogs ears.

“Ill be with you in two shakes...” a gruff voice said. He rolled out from under the car on the creeper and blinked in the bright shop lights. “What can I do for you?” he asked, looking up at Blaine.

“We need to speak to the owner,” Kurt said and his dad turned to look at his son.

“Kurt!” Burt crowed. He was always happy to see his son. He rolled all the way out and stood up. “Hey, bud, youre early. I didnt expect you until closer to supper time,” he said, standing up and wiping his hands on a rag. He hugged his son gingerly so as not to get any grease on Kurts clothes. Then he turned to Blaine, his hand out to shake.

“Dad, this is my roommate, Blaine Anderson. Blaine, this is my father, Burt Hummel.”

“Its good to meet you, sir,” Blaine said, shaking Burts hand with a firm grip.

“Good to meet you, also, but please call me Burt,” he said.

“Burt it is. Thank you,” Blaine gave him a genuine smile.

“And this is Murphy,” Kurt said, petting the dog.

“Hey, fella, youre a friendly guy, arent you?” Blaine cooed, giving the old dog a rub, too.

“How much more do you have until quitting time?” Kurt asked. Burt only worked on Saturdays to do any overflow from the week or for a special job.

“I can go anytime. I just thought Id get this car lubed so its ready first thing Monday. Maybe another half hour. Meet you at home?” Burt said.

“Sure, Ill go ahead and get supper started. Ill see you in a short while,” Kurt said and Burt slid back under the car.