"Carole, "I just wanted to talk something over with you,” Burt turned to his wife in bed.

“Yeah?” she answered.

“I am just feeling kind of overwhelmed.”

“You???” she said, a little surprised. Burt wasn't the kind of man to be overwhelmed, much less one to admit to it.

“Well, this kind of sneaked up on me, and now I think the time may have passed when I can say what I should have said months ago. I mean – can you really close the barn door after the horse has gone and expect it to do any good?”

“I don't know, Burt, I think it depends on the situation. Just tell me.” Carole found his hand under the covers and took it in hers, giving him a look of encouragement.

“It's about Kurt,” he said, then tears started to form in his eyes and he couldn't speak.

“Oh, Burt....what's wrong?” Carole put a hand to his cheek.

“I..I'm just not sure I'm doing the right thing for him, for Kurt.” Now that he started speaking and could look in Carole's eyes, he couldn't stop talking. “It was such a sudden thing, Blaine getting sick and all, and we were all so worried about him. But even I could see his best chance was to have Kurt with him. Then when they came home, Kurt never asked – and I never thought to say – that he would be sleeping in Blaine's bed with him.”

Carole just nodded her head, kissing Burt's fingers that were wrapped around hers so tightly.

Burt continued, “Now Blaine is recovering. Well......I did get Kurt the information about being gay, how to deal with it, how the sex works, what to do with his emotions....but - should I keep letting him share a bed with Blaine? Blaine may be weak, but you know as well as I do that when he starts to get his strength back sex will be on his mind. It's probably on both their minds now. Am I encouraging them to do something that should wait until they are older?”

“I have actually given this some thought,” Carole said. “I have talked to the doctors, and it was more than just that Kurt was there for Blaine. It wasn't even just that they love each other. There is some sort of connection between them. I don't understand it, maybe nobody does. But the doctors are convinced that Blaine would not have gotten through the crisis without Kurt. How can we get between that?” Carole asked.

“I get it, I do.” Burt sighed. “But with Blaine getting better, do we need to be afraid they might get in over their heads? I worry about Kurt, but I worry about Blaine, too. He's like another son to me. Are they old enough to handle the emotions that having sex can create?” Burt said, looking at Carole and wanting her to at least understand what he's saying.

“They're seventeen, Burt. What did you think at seventeen? How old were you when you met Elizabeth?”

“We were in junior high, and I loved her the first time I saw her,” he pulled back to gauge Carole's reaction, thinking he had gone too far. She looked calm, he could go further. “We got married when I was eighteen and she was seventeen, right out of high school. I had a job in my dad's tire store."

“I was about the same age when I fell in love with Finn's dad. I was seventeen when I had him. I could handle it, maybe we should trust our boys to have the same sense we did.”

“Yeah, Elizabeth was eighteen when Kurt was born, I think you're right. Okay, so when we move into the new house, I think I'm okay for them to share a room. But I'm going to wait until they ask -maybe I'm wrong and they won't want to.”

Carole coughed. “Yeah, and pigs might fly.” She rolled her eyes in a perfect imitation of Kurt which made Burt laugh. He put his arms around her and kissed her, soft and warm, and they went to sleep in each other's arms.

Cooper went home on Wednesday and had to stay the weekend in Columbus. Blaine missed him, but with everyone getting ready for the move, he was busy. Kurt didn't trust anyone to pack his clothes and things, so Blaine was sitting on his bed while he packed.

“Uh...Kurt?”

“MmmHmmm?” Kurt replied in a distracted hum.

“Can I do anything to help?”

“Ah...yeah, can you fold these shirts and put them in the suitcase for me?”

Wow, Kurt must really trust me, Blaine thought. He scooted over to the edge of the bed to start folding.

“Do you remember what the layout of my house is?” Blaine asked.

“I know where your room is...and isn't it connected to your brother's room by a shared bath?”

“Yeah. But with the wheelchair, I'm thinking I might move into the guest room on the main floor. It's much bigger, has two walk-in closets, and French doors that open to the patio next to the swimming pool and hot tub. There's a king-size bed in that room,” Blaine grinned, especially when he saw Kurt's eyes light up at the two walk-in closets.

“Hmm....and what do you think? Will Cooper and my dad let us stay together?”

Blaine's face turned into a frown. He hadn't even thought about a possibility of them being separated. It shook him up a good deal more than he was ready for.

“Oh. I hadn't thought of that. Oh, Kurt...” he blinked back tears. His arms reached out for his boyfriend. Kurt was there, arms around Blaine, pulling his head into the crook between his neck and shoulder, holding him tight. He kissed Blaine's curls, moving down to leave a few kisses on his cheeks and finally his lips. Blaine smiled a little, kissing back.

“It's okay, baby. They won't separate us. Don't worry,” Kurt reassured his boyfriend with more confidence than he felt. He'd have to talk with his dad later. He'd make him understand. His boyfriend's tears were common these days, which made Kurt worry about Blaine – was he really getting better?

Blaine was able to stay awake for longer periods, was more animated, caring about the things around him again. Kurt had noticed Blaine wanted to play his guitar and sing some days, and that was so good to hear. He was afraid for a while that Blaine had lost his love of music, and it was such a big part of him. But the tears came too often, Blaine was very emotional and it sometimes scared Kurt. Was he up to this? He wanted to be, but it seemed so overwhelming some days.

They both went to counseling, Blaine was ordered by the doctors in order to come to terms with the changes in his life after the meningitis. The doctors had advised Carole to look into counseling for Kurt, too. He was young to take on such responsibility, first coming so close to loosing Blaine, then becoming the the main caregiver. It had taken its toll on Kurt. But he was strong and determined. He was seeing a counselor once a week, then once with Blaine. It kind of irritated him, he thought he was old enough - - no, scratch that. He thought he was mature enough to handle everything. But he had to admit the counselor was a good sounding board for his ideas. She was the one that encouraged him to do things like the aroma therapy and massage.

The movers arrived in early afternoon and Kurt had helped Blaine into his bed for a nap. His dad was there, having taken a day off work to supervise the movers. Kurt asked Carole to look after Blaine when he woke up and then asked his dad if he could go to the new house with him to direct the movers to where to put the furniture. Most of the house was furnished, but Burt wanted his own things, so they wouldn't feel so strange in the house. They took the Navigator, but Burt was driving.

“Dad, I wanted to go with you so we can talk alone,” Kurt started. No point in beating around the bush, he wanted to get this hashed out while Blaine wasn't there.

“Okay, buddy. What's up?” Burt asked.

“It's about the house. I know you went with Cooper last week to look it over so you could decide where everything would go.”

“Okay...” Burt thought he knew where this was going...Kurt probably wanted to have the adjoining rooms for Blaine and himself.

“I was thinking, the physical therapist thinks it may take six months to a year before Blaine can really walk again.”

“Yeah, I know. I'm real sorry, Kurt, but you have to know they are doing the best they can. Meningitis is a terrible thing, even in today's age of medical science. It would have been worse if he had lost his hearing or his sight, wouldn't it?” Burt asked in a serious voice.

“I know, and don't think I'm not grateful. But Blaine is having such a hard time accepting it. Coop's idea to get him the wheelchair was a good one. It does give him more independence. However, I have to admit that I am having some problems with carrying Blaine. It's okay if it's into the bathroom, but the stairs are hard. Finn is always glad to do it, but he isn't always there.” Kurt said, looking at his dad to see if he was getting the idea.

“You know any one of us will help with things like that, Kurt.”

“I know. But so many times Blaine and I are the only ones home. I think I have a solution – but I won't do it without your blessing.” Kurt was nervous, but he was so used to sharing his feelings with his dad, this shouldn't be so hard. Then he thought of how long it took him to admit to his dad he was gay. Maybe that was a different thing, though. His dad had already known, after all. Okay, he was over thinking it – Dad was glancing over every few minutes. He better get back on track before he gave the impression he was unsure. His dad had nodded in agreement, was waiting for Kurt to go on.

“There is a guest room on the main floor. It's down the hall from the kitchen, in the back of the house.”

Burt nodded, he had seen it.

“I was thinking that if Blaine took that room, he could use the wheelchair better and I wouldn't have to carry him down the stairs. Plus, it's just a short way from the hot tub/spa and the physical therapist thinks that might help his muscles,” Kurt was talking very fast and his voice had gone up at least an octave.

“I know. That sounds like a great idea...but we both know Blaine is still having nightmares. I can hear him sometimes and you seem to be the only one that can calm him down. I hate to think how awful that must be for him, he needs you to be there for him. I think you need to be closer to him, in case he needs you. He still can't walk to the bathroom, and he's still on the narcotic pain meds, right?” Kurt nodded to this. Burt thought about giving his son a hard time, but the look on his face convinced him otherwise.

“What are you saying, Dad?” Kurt tried to interpret the look on his dad's face.

“What are you asking?” Okay, he wasn't going to make this too easy.

“Can Blaine and I have the guest room, to share? He will only do it if you give it your blessing. He wants you to feel okay about it.”

“Okay, Kurt. I would not normally condone you sharing a bed with another boy in our house. I wouldn't think it was right – anymore than I would condone Finn sharing a bed with Rachel. But we all know that Blaine getting meningitis was a game changer – in all aspects of our lives. If you had asked me that question six months ago, I would have said no. But Kurt, this has changed you. I have seen you change from a sweet little boy to a kind, mature man. You show caring and love for another, very deserving, person. I couldn't be prouder of you. You don't need my permission, you're a man and I know you'll make the right decision.” Burt took Kurt's hand and squeezed.

Tears came to Kurt's eyes. His love for his dad was overflowing. He squeezed back and smiled.

“Besides, Kurt....that room has two walk-in closets,” Burt smiled as Kurt's blush came up his face.

They drove a ways in comfortable silence.

“Kurt, I just want to go over something. I know these discussions are hard for us. I remember you sticking your fingers in your ears and singing the last time. But we got through it.”

Kurt flinched. He was not up to discussing the details of his sex life with his dad, no matter how much his dad thought he had matured.

“I don't want to know details,” Burt continued. Kurt relaxed. “But I do want you to be careful. Not just the care you would take normally with being safe, etc. But Blaine is so vulnerable right now. Maybe you should talk it over with your counselor before you two embark on anything, okay?”

“Yeah, Dad. I will. We will.” And Burt turned the Navigator up the drive of their new home.

The next day, Sunday, the sun came in the French doors and woke Blaine and Kurt. Kurt turned to give Blaine a little kiss good morning.

“Okay, Kurt....you know that I know your secret,” Blaine smirked.

“What secret? We don't have any secrets, do we?” Kurt asked.

“Your breath smells like peppermint. I think you get up an hour before the alarm goes off just to brush your teeth so you don't have morning breath, " Blaine smiled.

“Ach!! I do not!” Kurt babbled.

“You do, too. I saw you last night,” Blaine grinned.

“Okay....I do. But you eat breath mints before you kiss me in the mornings.” Kurt grinned right back. They collapsed into giggles. Blaine hadn't had any bad dreams last night, and that in itself was cause for celebration. Kurt reached over to slide his hands down Blaine's sides, just barely tickling Blaine's sensitive skin.

“Oh, don't do that, Kurt! You won't be happy with the results, I promise," Blaine looked serious.

“Okay. You need some help to the bathroom?”

“Yeah.”

Kurt scooped Blaine up and took him into the bathroom, helping him with his morning routine and starting the bath.

“Can you take a bath with me this morning? I need someone to wash my back,” Blaine said, batting his long eyelashes in jest.

“Yeah, I think that can be arranged,” Kurt smiled. He got them both ready, then slid into the tub behind Blaine, slipping his arms around his boyfriend's waist and kissing his neck.

“Mmmm...” Blaine hummed, “That's nice.”

“How are you doing today, baby? Anything hurting?” Kurt asked with concern, yesterday had been a long hard day with all the moving. Blaine, while he had not lifted anything, had been busy organizing and helping with directing where things had to go. Kurt wanted to get his clothes hung up right away, designer pieces didn't do well folded into boxes. They had finally gone to bed, exhausted, after midnight.

“No, nothing's bothering me - -just this empty feeling, somewhere inside...” Blaine whispered into Kurt's ear. Kurt put a small kiss on Blaine's cheek.

“Tell me more..”

“Oh, that's it exactly – that's what I need, Kurt....more,” Blaine said against Kurt's neck before he began licking a small place, then another. Just little kitten licks combined with kisses. Ghosting over Kurt's skin, moving down as Blaine turned in the tub, sliding easily as he rolled to face Kurt, moving down to nuzzle the dusting of hair barely there on his boyfriend's chest. His hands traveled up the inside of Kurt's thighs, pulling a deep sigh from his throat.

“Mmmmm...okay, more.” Kurt said back to him. He wanted to smile, but then Blaine's neck came closer and Kurt leaned over to kiss it, rubbing his hands along Blaine's sensitive sides. Kurt looked into Blaine's smoldering hazel eyes, returning the look with a liquid blue gaze of his own. The boys moved closer together, pulling each other to make the space between them disappear. They slid down in the tub, almost prone, rubbing against each other, hands massaging and exploring in a slow water dance, visiting all the secret places they were still discovering. They moved together in rhythm, but opposite ways, creating friction and humming, moaning, splashing a little until Blaine stiffened, crying out Kurt's name in a stifled shout. The look of Blaine's face, coupled with his hand finding Kurt's cock and stroking it, brought Kurt to the same end. They held each other through the high, slowly calming themselves down and resting a few minutes. Blaine reached in and pulled the plug, Kurt helped him to a standing position and held him up as they rinsed off under the shower heads.

Wrapped in fluffy bath towels, the boys sat on the bed, getting dressed for the day. They didn't speak, it was not really necessary. That was one of the best things about them, they were so comfortable with each other, there was often no reason to break the peaceful silence.

They were on their way to get coffee in the kitchen - the coffee maker was on a timer – and Kurt made a quick breakfast of omelettes with garden veggies and turkey bacon on the side. Blaine sat in the wheelchair. It still made him uncomfortable, but Finn's point that it was more for Kurt's comfort than his own made it something Blaine had decided not to complain about. Other than the fact the he didn't like the idea of it, it would be tolerable for a while.

Kurt's phone rang.

Kurt! It's Coop. Is my baby brother up?

K: Yeah, just got sat down to breakfast, want to talk to him?

C: Nope. Just wanted you to know I'm on my way. Stick around the house, I need to talk to you.

K: Will do. Anything to be concerned about?

C: I don't think so, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. {laughter heard in the background}

K: Who's that laughing? You got a girl, Coop? {laughter increases}

C: Just a friend......

K: Is that....really, is that MERCEDES?? Seriously, where are you????

C: See you in a while, Kurt. {click}

“Blaine! That was Cooper. And I could hear something in the background...that sounded like Mercedes! Have you heard anything about this?” Kurt almost yelled.

“No, I haven't. But we did see them holding hands, didn't we?” Blaine remembered.

“Oh, I forget that. But eleven years older than you? What is he....a pedophile?”

Blaine looked shocked. “No, no....they must just be friends. Close friends. Really close friends...” he giggled. Kurt glared at him.

Kurt was resolved to catch up on the whole situation when Coop came home. The rest of the family trooped down to see what they could scrounge for breakfast and Kurt made more scrambled eggs. They sat around the table just like a family, and Kurt thought it might be a good one. Blaine sighed in happiness, he thought it made a good family, too.

After breakfast, the whole family moved out to the terrace, sitting in comfortable chairs and enjoying the sunshine. They spoke softly, just saying whatever came to mind, having a restful, fun time. Then Cooper arrived at the French doors off the terrace. He had Mercedes in tow, and they both had huge smiles on their faces. Coop had his hands behind his back, but seemed to be struggling with something.

“Have a seat, Kurt," he said. Blaine came over in his wheelchair, parking smack beside Kurt.

“Blaine got you a little something to celebrate your new house, Kurt, and to show how proud of you he is and how he appreciates everything you do,” Coop said.

“Oh.....” Kurt blushed. Blaine blushed harder.

Then Cooper stepped forward and brought his hands out in front of him.

Cooper placed a fluffy ball of snow-and-gold into Kurt's lap. Blaine grinned. Kurt jumped. But a tiny pink tongue came out of the ball to kiss Kurt's hand and it uncurled itself so Kurt could see it, stretching and looking up with deep sober brown eyes.

“A...a...puppy?” he stammered, as the little creature sat looking at him while he sat looking at the puppy.

“It's okay, son.” Burt said, “Blaine came to me a few weeks ago and asked if he could get you a puppy when we moved into the new house. I know we never had a pup before, but you deserved a good present from your friend.”

Kurt just smiled. He loved the pup already. He set it down on the grass and it ran in that funny sideways way pups do when they're learning. It ran in a circle, then back to Kurt, snuggling up to his leg and looking up, wanting to be picked up. Kurt picked it up.

“It's a collie,” Cooper said unnecessarily. Mercedes' smile couldn't have been prettier as she watched the little golden collie romp back down the yard, looking behind himself to see if Kurt was following. She reached out and took Coop's hand, turning her beautiful smile on him and saw his smile grow wider, too. He winked at her and she squeezed his hand.

Kurt just couldn't stop the smile from spreading across his face, and he looked towards Blaine, the lovelight shining in the boy's beautiful hazel eyes – honey brown with a touch of green - as he looked at Kurt. He hadn't seen Kurt so childlike and carefree since before he got sick. He turned to Cooper and mouthed 'Thank you”, to which Coop nodded.

“Thank you, Blaine,” Kurt said, moving to hug his boyfriend. He leaned in to place a chaste kiss on his lips and nuzzle his neck. “I love you,” he whispered.

Blaine hugged him, moving to return another kiss. “I love you, too, baby.”