Chapter Five: Shallow Waters

                Nick Duvall was a saint. 

                Nick's parents had given their son a car on his 16th birthday.  A 2008 Honda Civic.  The Duvalls were practical parents.  While they were willing to spend their money providing a quality education to their children, and were even willing to provide safe, reliable transportation to those same children – they didn't believe in flashing their wealth to others.  If Nick wanted a newer, shinier car – he was welcome to get a job and save up.

                Frankly, Nick had better things to spend his money on than upgrading his car that ran perfectly well. 

                When Kurt had managed to meet all the stipulations of their bet, Blaine had gone to Nick and asked to borrow the car for 90 minutes, fully expecting to have to sweet talk his friend or to outright bribe him.  Instead, Nick just smiled knowingly and tossed the keys to Blaine.  “If you have time, would you stop and top off the tank?” was all he had asked.

                Having finished their lunch, Blaine was behind the wheel, while Kurt navigated them through the streets of Lima towards his dad's tire shop.

                “What time is it?”  Kurt asked.

                “Just past noon.  Why?”

                “Need to know if you have time to stop for five minutes at my dad's shop, or if you're just gonna throw me out and keep going,” explained Kurt.

                “Hardly, Kurt.  We've got some time.  Curfew's 12:45.”

                “Curfew?  Don't you mean work?”

                “Yeah, well, whatever. I'm enjoying our lunch date that is not a date-date.  Having to go back at a specific time feels like a curfew,” admitted Blaine.

                Kurt smiled in amusement.  “What is your curfew?”

                Blaine glanced quickly at Kurt then shrugged.  “I don't have one.  Well, not when I'm at home in Westerville.  My parents aren't really around a lot.  Dalton requires us to be in our rooms by 11pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 1am, on Fridays and Saturdays.  Nana Sterling keeps to that same policy – but we mostly just hang out there.  Do you have one?”

                “No,” answered Kurt, shaking his head.  “Well, kinda.  Dad trusts me and I always tell him where I'm going and who I'm going with – it's never been an issue.  But when Finn and Carole moved in, Dad said I needed to respect Carole's curfew rules.  So, technically I have a curfew – but it's never been implemented.”

                “Do you think your dad will enforce it once we start going out?” Blaine asked quietly.

                Kurt reached over to take Blaine's hand off the steering wheel and held it loosely.  “Kinda sure of yourself, there, aren't you Anderson?  We haven't even had our official real first date, and you're already planning for more?” he teased gently, running his thumb in small circles on the palm of Blaine's hand.

                It was all Blaine could do to focus on not driving off the road, while Kurt continued to caress his hand – completely unaware of the desire it was fueling.  Signaling to make the turn, Blaine pulled into the parking lot for Hummel Tires and Lube and parked the car before turning to face Kurt.  “Yes.  I am.”  His voice an octave lower than normal, Blaine answered with more confidence than he actually felt.

                Kurt exhaled heavily, as Blaine's words sunk in.  He knew from the heat coming off of him, he must be sporting a bright flush.   As the proverbial butterflies took flight in his stomach, Kurt closed his eyes, and dropped his head against the headrest.

                Blaine tightened his grip on Kurt's hand.  “Kurt…we have a connection.  I mean, yeah, I have friends.  Really good friends who I love dearly.  Nick and I are as close as I think two people can be – but even we don't have what we have.  At least, what I think we have.”  Blaine stopped as his nerves got the better of him.  He looked down at their hands clasped together.  “I'm not just making this up in my head, am I?  You feel it too, don't you?”  Blaine asked anxiously.

                Kurt eyes popped open.   Leaning closer, he brushed their cheeks together.  “Yeah, I do,” he whispered into Blaine's ear.

                Blaine inhaled as Kurt's warm breath played across cheek.  “Then you should know that I am planning on going out with you.  A lot.  For as long as you keep saying yes.”  Blaine turned his head so his lips brushed against the soft skin of Kurt's cheek.  Reluctantly, Blaine pulled back.  “You're adorable when you blush.”

                The two boys might have spent the better part of the afternoon together, happy to just stare into the other's eyes.  Unfortunately, they were interrupted by a knocking on the driver's window.  Burt had seen a strange car pull up, and after five minutes, when no one climbed out, he went to investigate.

                Blaine unbuckled his seatbelt while carefully opening the driver's door.  “Hi, Mr. Hummel,” he greeted while exiting the car. 

                Burt offered the boy a smile.  He fixed Kurt with a stare. “I know you agreed to swap shifts with Finn, which explains why you are here – but where is your car?”

                Kurt came around the car and motioned for Blaine to follow him into the tire shop.  “Uh, Finn borrowed it,” he tossed over his shoulder.

                “You let Finn borrow your car?” asked an incredulous Burt.

                Kurt nodded moving towards the office.  “Yeah.  He and Rachel are going to see a show in Columbus.”

                “You let Finn borrow your car?” Burt still couldn't believe what he had heard.

                Kurt was becoming exasperated. Spinning around, he stared pointedly at Burt.  “Yes, Dad.  I did.  He's my brother.  He wanted to make Rachel feel special – so I allowed him to take my car.”  Reaching out, he took Blaine's hand and pulled him along until they were inside of Burt's office, where he shut the door.  Turning to Blaine he confirmed, “You can stay for another five minutes, right?” 

                Blaine checked his watch and nodded.  “Yeah.”

                “Okay, I'll be right back.  I'm gonna change.  Just stay here for a minute.”  He disappeared through another door. 

                Blaine moved around the cramped office, reading the various safety posters, and looking at a few photographs that were pinned to the wall.  When Kurt returned, he was in coveralls and carrying Blaine's Dalton hoodie.  Blaine's mouth went dry as he took in Kurt's new look. 

                Licking his lips, Blaine blurted, “When you said you worked at your dad's shop, I thought you, like, worked here, in the office, doing paper work and answering the phone.”

                Self-conscious, Kurt swallowed hard, dropping his gaze to the tiled floor as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. “No.  I know most people make assumptions about me because of my voice and because I'm gay, but I really don't mind getting my hands dirty,” he explained softly.

                Blaine stepped up to Kurt, and pulled the sweatshirt from his hands, placing it on the desk.  Carefully, he positioned his hands on either side of Kurt's waist, slowly tugging him closer, until he could place his mouth next to Kurt's ear.  “Don't misunderstand me, Hummel,” he growled out.  “I feel like a grade-A moron for assuming anything,” he added lowly.  “Damn, Kurt. This is hot.  I mean, I always think you look hot – but this?”  Blaine brushed his lips just under Kurt's ear, smiling as he felt Kurt shudder at his touch.

                Kurt slid his arms around Blaine's shoulders, holding him tightly.  His heart was racing – but so was Blaine's.  It became impossible to breathe.  Especially when Blaine buried his nose into Kurt's hair and inhaled deeply, which caused his lips to press more firmly against Kurt's neck.  But Kurt knew he was about to lose consciousness from the overwhelming sensations coursing through his body when Blaine moistened his lips only to reattach them, nipping the skin near Kurt's ear tenderly. 

                Kurt slipped one hand down to ruck up Blaine's shirt so he could run his palm across the warm expanse of Blaine's back.  “Blaine,” he whimpered weakly.

                “God, Hummel.” Blaine groaned.  “We need to stop.”

                “Don't wanna,” murmured Kurt from where he had buried his face in Blaine's shoulder.

                “Kuurrt,” he whined.  “Pleeease?  Your dad could walk in.”

                Kurt snaked his hand from Blaine's back, around his side until it was resting on the lifeguard's flat stomach where he gently pushed until Blaine let go and stepped back.  “You started that, Anderson.  But I had to stop it?  For future reference, don't start something you don't intend on finishing,” Kurt challenged still trying desperately to catch his breath.

                Blaine's eyes darkened further at Kurt's words.  Whatever response he was about to make died on his lips as Burt Hummel opened the door and took in the two blushing boys who clearly were breathing too hard for them to have just been talking.  Clearing his throat, he gave a pointed look at Kurt.  “You have work to do, and I am sure Blaine needs to be getting back too.  Say goodbye, Kurt.”  Then, as he turned to walk away, he added, “And the door can stay open for that, gentlemen.”

                Kurt gestured towards Blaine's sweatshirt tossed across the desk.  “I washed it.  Thanks for letting me borrow it.”

                Blaine picked it up and brought it over to Kurt.  “What if I…what if I kinda like the idea of you having it?  Would you wanna – I don't know – keep it, maybe?”  The shy side of Blaine had definitely returned.

                Kurt picked up one of the sleeves and swung it between them.  “But I washed it.  It doesn't smell…”

                Confused, Blaine shook his head.  “I mean, that's nice and all, but I didn't think it was that dirty.”

                Kurt snickered.  “No, Anderson.  I washed it.  It doesn't smell…like you.  Anymore.”

                Blaine's flush returned.

                “So maybe, you could wear at home tonight?  Or, you know, this weekend?  Then, maybe, I could have it back? Next week?  When I see you,” Kurt suggested.

                “Okay.”

                “Okay.”

                Blaine was about to climb back into the Civic when he noticed that Burt Hummel was walking towards him, wiping his hands on a rag.  His stomach plummeted with nerves.  Positive Mr. Hummel was going to read him the Riot Act for his inappropriate behavior towards Kurt, Blaine did his best to put on a show face. 

                “Mr. Hummel?”

                Burt smiled kindly at the teen.  He could almost feel the fear coming off of the boy in waves.  “Nothing is the matter, son.  I just wanted to say thank you, again, for helping Kurt.  With everything.”

                “It's my job, Mr. Hummel,” Blaine said.  The look of amusement on Burt's face at those words told Blaine that Kurt's dad wasn't fooled – at all.

                “I know that's your story, son.  And I know why you're sticking to it.  But man to man?  If it were just a job – I wouldn't have found the two of you sleeping together –”

                “Mr. Hummel –” Blaine tried to interrupt.

                Burt waved away his protest.  “And – Kurt wouldn't be talking about you non-stop.  Like you're the Super Bowl, World Series, and Stanley Cup rolled into one.  And because I know my son, and I know he's not going to ask me – because he'd be too worried that it would upset me – I'm asking you to come to our Friday night dinner.”

                “Friday night dinner?”

                Burt leaned up against the Civic, staring out onto the road where cars were passing by.  “They're kinda a tradition for us.  Since before Kurt's mother passed away.”  Burt stopped his explanation when he heard Blaine's quick intake of breathe.  “Kurt hasn't told you about his mom?”

                “No.  I.  I, well, I assumed you were divorced.  I'm…I'm so sorry, Mr. Hummel,” Blaine offered with sincerity.

                “Thanks, kid.  Anyway, I know it would mean the world to Kurt if you would come.  And I want both of you to know that I support you.  Both of you.  As friends.  Or, you know, more.  If it comes to that.  Which, judging from those red faces and panting I walked in on just now – it will.”  Burt clapped a hand on Blaine's shoulder and gave a supportive squeeze.

                “Wow.  Mr. Hummel, that's just…thank you.  But I can't come tonight.  We're going back to Westerville for the weekend.”  Blaine's disappointment and having to turn down Burt's offer was tangible.

                “So you'll come next Friday.”  It wasn't a question.

                “Yes, thank you.  I'd love to.  Um…can I bring anything?”

                Burt smiled as he pushed off the car, “Nah.  Just yourself.  And your excellent sense of discretion.  It's my choice that week – and I sense a pizza order in our future.”  Burt winked at Blaine.  “Drive carefully, son.”

                “Will do!” Blaine remarked as he climbed behind the wheel and drove off – lifting  his hand in a wave.

                Burt followed the car's progress with his eyes, wondering if this was what his parents felt like when they first realized that he had fallen in love with Elizabeth.

                Kurt's lessons were going smoothly.  In just over a week since their lunch date, Kurt had become comfortable enough with his abilities that he was able to use the backstroke to swim laps – although only across the shallow end.  When it came to putting his face in the water and combining that with strokes – things became more problematic.

                Blaine decided that maybe giving Kurt more of a sense of control would help.  “Okay, Hummel, I'm giving you a choice,” he informed Kurt after the other boy had finished his last practice lap.

                “How democratic of you,” teased Kurt.

                Cocking his head to the side, Blaine smirked.  “I'm a benevolent dictator.  Until I'm not,” he returned.

                Jeff, who was lying on the pool deck, arm dangling into the water, lifted his head.  “Hey! You totally stole that line from Mr. Hastings.”

                Blaine rolled his eyes, although only Kurt could see this.  “And my point was – option A: learn the side stroke; option B: you work on freestyle breathing and arms.”

                Kurt didn't have an opinion either way, so Blaine made the choice for them.  He motioned Kurt towards the pool wall, further down than where Jeff was sunning himself, while hopping over to grab goggles and a kickboard before returning to Kurt's side. 

                “Put these on,” he asked, handing Kurt the goggles.  “Put your hands on the wall.”  Blaine moved to stand directly behind Kurt.  You're going to take a deep breathe, put your face in the water and blow out a stream of bubbles.  You can do that through your mouth or nose – whichever is easier.”

                “Got it.”

                Blaine lifted his hands, placing them softly on either side of Kurt's head.  “When you need to breathe, I don't want you to lift your head out of the water.  You'll turn your head, dropping your chin to your shoulder.”  Blaine gently moved Kurt's head to follow his directions.  “Your mouth will be above the water line, like this.  Can you try that for me on the wall?”

                Kurt managed to follow Blaine's instructions, keeping his head in the water for several minutes, breathing to the side.  “I think I have that down,” he offered after Blaine had tapped his shoulder to get his attention.

                Blaine smiled.  “Okay.  Next part.  I need you to imagine there is a blue and green striped line, with purple glitter polka dots that stretches from the tip of your nose, straight down the pool to the other side.”  Blaine tapped Kurt's nose with a finger and gestured down the pool.

                Kurt couldn't help but roll his eyes.  “Really, Blaine?”

                Blaine bounced a little on his feet.  “Yes, Kurt.  Really.  Gosh, why do you always question my methods?  I know what I'm doing.”  He started to walk away, but Kurt heard his muttered, “At least here in the pool I do.”

                “Blaine!”  Kurt couldn't control the waver in his voice.  He snagged the waistband of Blaine's swim trunks, tugging the lifeguard back to him.  “Don't.  Don't go.  I don't want to do this without you.”  Kurt turned back to face the wall while keeping one hand securely on Blaine's swim suit.  “I'm imagining a blue and green line with purple polka dots, Mr. Blaine.  Now what?”

                Blaine was still trying to calm down from his unexpected emotional outburst.  “Um, first, you'll need both your hands, so the one attached to my swim suit needs to come out.”  If nothing else, Blaine knew he could bury his emotions under a mask of professionalism.  He had no clue why Kurt's words had cut so deep, but he didn't have time to analyze things right now.  He moved back into position standing behind Kurt.

                Reaching forward, Blaine placed his right hand over Kurt's on the wall.  “Cup your fingers, like you were getting a drink of water.  You're going to drop your arm back until your hand touches the waistband of your suit.  Elbow points up.  Next, lift your arm up and swing it around.  Your fingers should enter right in front of your head before pushing into the water where they'll put the water past you.”  Blaine demonstrated with Kurt's one arm several more times.

                “What about the imaginary line of blue and green?” asked Kurt quietly.

                “Just forget it, Kurt.  With both arms –” Blaine continued.

                Kurt stood up and faced Blaine.  “Blaine, stop.  Please.  I didn't mean to upset you.”

                Blaine just stared at Kurt.  “Can we please just do this?  Please?”  Blaine's face was a mask but his voice couldn't cover up his emotional tension.

                Kurt swallowed.  “Okay,” he agreed sadly.

                “When you use both arms, your arms move opposite of each other.  Like this.”

                They were in a remarkably intimate position, Blaine standing right behind Kurt, physically moving Kurt's arms to demonstrate the new movements.  “To add the breathing: when your right hand touches your waist, that's when you turn your head to breathe.  I want you to try this on the wall, with your feet on the ground, to get the timing down.”  Blaine counted, “One.  Two.  Three.  Breathe.  One.  Two.  Three.  Breathe.”

                Seeing that Kurt understood the fundamentals, Blaine tapped his shoulder.  “I want you to try this on the wall first, before you use the kickboard.  Your feet can do the flutter kick, or you can just let them float behind you.  I want you to go slowly and concentrate on technique.  Bubbles.  Breathe to the side.  Arm goes up, around, down, pull through.  Face in the water.”

                Kurt couldn't help but feel more guilt.  Blaine always added some term of endearment or something encouraging whenever he was going to try something new.  But this time - nothing.  Kurt felt tears start to form, so he nodded and dropped his face into the water, getting into position.  After a few tries, Kurt pulled up in frustration.  “How the hell do you manage to remember all this?”

                Blaine smiled sympathetically.  “Do you remember the first couple times you got behind the wheel of a car when you were learning to drive?”

                Kurt looked confused.  “Yeah?”

                “How nerve-wracking it was?  How focused you were on every detail?”

                “Yeah.”

                “Pretend for a moment that I'm Austin.”

                “But I'm not into blonds.”

                Blaine's mouth ghosted into a brief smile.  “Serious moment, Hummel.  Pretend I'm Austin.  Close your eyes and walk me through, step by step, how you would get into your car, pull out of a parking space, and drive away from the parking lot.”

                Kurt stood silently in thought, water dripping down his pale chest.  “I'd use the key to unlock the door.  Sit down.”

                “On the pavement?” prodded Blaine.

                “No! In the car.”

                “How'd I get in the car?”

                “You opened the…oh.”

                “Start over.”

                “Use the key to unlock the door.  Open the driver's side door.  Sit down in the seat.  Driver's side seat.  Adjust the seat so I can reach the pedals.”  Kurt began biting his lower lip as he tried to not forget another step.  “Close the driver's side door.  Adjust the rearview mirror.  Adjust the side mirrors.  Put the key in the ignition.  Put my foot on the brake.”

                He opened his eyes, “My car's an automatic.  But you knew that.”  Closing them again, he picked up where he has left off.  “Turn the key.  Put the car into reverse.  Check all my mirrors for dangers.  Look over my shoulder - my right shoulder -  slowly allowing the car to roll back.  Stop.  Look to see if I've cleared the car next to me.  Turn the steering wheel – to the right.  Look over my right shoulder.  When I'm clear of the other car, stop.  Put it in drive.  Look forward.  Drive away.”

                Blaine reached forward as if to brush Kurt's hair off his forehead, before dropping his hand back down.  “That was really well done.  But if it were an actual test – you would have automatically failed.  Sorry.”

                Kurt had been distracted by Blaine's near caress.  “What!?  What do you mean?” he blurted.

                “Go through the steps.  You missed a really important one,” Blaine explained.

                Kurt mentally went through his list again, picturing himself completing the actions.  Finally he shrugged.  “I don't know, Blaine,” he admitted.

                Blaine nodded in acknowledgment.  “Learning all these steps – what to do with your arms, what to do with your legs, timing your breathing – it's just like learning to drive.  Eventually it becomes second nature.  You won't forget to wear a swimsuit at your proficiency test, just like I'm positive you always remember to fasten your seat belt before you start your car.”  Blaine did finally reach out to take Kurt's hand.  “I promise – it will get easier.”

                “Okay, Blaine Anderson, let's do this.”

                Blaine had to go immediately to work after Kurt's lesson, so they didn't get a chance to talk.  Kurt was trying to figure out a time when they could meet up and maybe go to coffee as he walked up to his car in the school's parking lot.  Opening the driver's side door, he couldn't help but grin.  On the seat was Blaine's Dalton hoodie, folded neatly.  On top of the sweatshirt, he'd left a stuffed Nemo and a single peach rose.

To B. Anderson

From K. Hummel

Help! Being stalked by someone from Dalton Academy.  Broke into my car and left me presents.  Not sure I deserve them.

To K. Hummel

From B. Anderson

U deserve!  4 being u & 4 puttin up w/ me.  Sorry 4 being a jackass 2day.  When will I cu?

To B. Anderson

From K. Hummel

Love them.  You are amazing.  Lima Bean? 7 tonight?

To K. Hummel

From B. Anderson

:-) Need a ride. Or we'll have chaperones.

To B. Anderson

From K. Hummel

Will pick you up @ 7. 

To B. Anderson

From K. Hummel

It smells like you!!  <happy dance>

                Kurt pulled into the driveway at the Sterling house promptly at 7pm.  Wanting to escape some of the madness inside, Blaine had decided to wait for Kurt out on the porch.  Bounding down the walkway, he yanked the passenger door open only to be slapped with a burst of arctic cold air.  Sliding in and shutting the door, he turned to take in Kurt's appearance.  He was wearing the Dalton hoodie – which explained the cold air blasting forth from the registers. 

                “Sorry for it being so cold in here.  It's too warm to be wearing this, really.  But I wanted to feel close to you.”  Kurt smiled shyly.  “I was going to bring you a sweater of mine – but then I thought about that and decided against it.”  Putting the car in reverse, he pulled out of the driveway and started driving towards The Lima Bean.

                “Why?” asked Blaine quietly.  Goose bumps were covering his arms and he was trying not to shiver.

                Kurt risked a glance over to Blaine.  “I thought we could pick up some hot coffee, and then drive out to Whiskey Creek hill?  Talk about things.  Watch the stars come out.  And if you were, I don't know, chilly, then well, we could just…get closer.”

                “Hummel,” growled Blaine as he hit his head against the headrest, repeatedly.  “You're killing me.”

                Kurt laughed happily.  “We don't have to go.  I can take off the sweatshirt and we can spend the evening at The Lima Bean,” he offered.  He carefully pulled in to the parking lot of The Lima Bean, choosing a more secluded space.  Not that many people were rushing for a caffeine fix in the summer heat.

                Looking around and seeing no one in the parking lot, Blaine unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned into Kurt's space brushing his nose against Kurt's.  “I like it when you wear my hoodie.  It tells everyone who you're with,” he said hoarsely.  He brought his hand up, lightly brushing his thumb over Kurt's pink lips, drawing a shudder and a quiet whimper from the other teen.  Leaning next to his ear, Blaine whispered, “And it's hot, Kurt.  You have no idea…what it does to me.  I wanna take our coffee to go.  Please.”  Reaching across Kurt's lap, Blaine unfastened the other boy's seat belt before rolling back and climbing out of the car in one quick motion.

                “Okay, then,” whispered Kurt in a voice that was an octave lower than normal as he followed Blaine into the coffee shop.

                By the end of Thursday's lesson, Kurt was managing a passable backstroke and freestyle across the shallow end of the pool.  Blaine was fairly confident that by the following Friday, Kurt would have mastered at least the fundamentals of three different swimming strokes.  They would have the rest of the summer to perfect them – but that could happen during open swim – and not as a paid employee.

                But Kurt wouldn't pass the proficiency test without passing the water treading portion.  He would have to become comfortable in the deeper waters of the pool.

                Blaine excused himself from the table where most of the lifeguards were eating lunch and walked into the pool office.  He had an idea, but he'd have to clear it with Rebecca first.

                “Bec?” he called out.

                She stuck her head around the pony wall.  “What's up, Blaine?”

                He walked around to the other side, finding Rebecca slicing apart swim passes with scissors.  “I need to ask you something.  You know, as my boss,” he explained.

                “Okay.  Shoot.”

                “Meghan and I are taking the guppy class around the world today – ”  Blaine paused.   “And I'd like to ask Kurt to join the class for the day.”  He waited anxiously for Rebecca's response.

                Rebecca was concerned.  “I'm not sure that's a good idea, Blaine.”

                “Becca –”

                Rebecca cut him off.  “Blaine!  I'm not sure.  I haven't said no.  Tell me what you're thinking.”

                Blaine leaned against the counter.  “Kurt's really scared when he can't feel the bottom of the pool under his feet – or at least see it.  But he's got to pass the tread test – which will be done in the diving pool.  I thought that if he was with our little kids, he'd pick up on their enthusiasm and fearlessness.  That maybe they'd help distract him.  And he'd see he could be in the deep end without freaking out.”

                Rebecca nodded, putting her scissors down and straightening the piles of paper she'd cut.  “I understand your idea.  Let's be practical.  How many kids do you have?”

                “Eight this session.”

                “That's four a piece.  If you take Kurt, and he panics – then what?  How do we deal with Kurt's needs and the needs of your students?  Because while I have the upmost faith in Meghan's abilities as a teacher – if you had to deal with Kurt, then Meghan would be responsible for eight kids – that breaks ratio, and I can't allow us to take on that liability,” she answered honestly.

                Blaine looked resigned.  “I understand. Thanks for considering it, Bec.”  He walked around the wall to go back outside, when Rebecca called out.

                “B?”

                “Yeah, Bec?”

                “Maybe you could talk to Austin?”

                “Huh?  Why?”

                “The only reason Austin doesn't work as a volunteer this time of day is because he reenrolled in the junior lifeguard class – the same one he took and passed last summer.  Ask him if he'll work with you and Meghan today.  If he says yes, then, you have my permission to ask Kurt to join your class,” she offered.

                Blaine strode around the wall and threw his arms around Rebecca.  “Thanks.”

                She squeezed his back.  “You are my favorite, Anderson.  Go work your magic.”

                Austin had quickly agreed to help out Blaine, although he had quietly asked for a favor in return.  “I need a ride.  For me and a friend.  No crazy questions.  No probing.  No teasing when we're together.  No spilling to my brothers,” he pleaded.

                Blaine became concerned.  “Is everything okay, A?  You know you can come talk to me.  At least, I hope you know that you can.”

                Austin gave Blaine a genuine smile.  “I know, Blaine.  Everything's fine.  Really.  It's actually more than just fine.”

                Noting Austin's flush and his grin, Blaine realized what was most likely going on.  “You're seeing someone,” he stated.

                Austin nodded slightly.  “No one knows, B.  No one.  And I kinda want to keep it that way, for now.  I mean, you've seen my family when someone starts dating.”  Austin shook his head at the thought.  “Anyway, you know that new Thai place in downtown Westerville.”

                “The one with the booths?  Where you take your shoes off and sit on pillows?”

                “Yeah.  That's the one.  I kinda want to take h – this person, there.  But I can't ask Jeff to take us.  He's got no filter.  And he can't keep his mouth shut to save his life.”

                “No worries, A.  I'll be your chaufer.  You know, if your mystery date is okay with going out with two gay guys, maybe we can double date at some point?  Anyway, your secret is safe with me.  I've got to go talk with Kurt.  See you in five.”

                Austin watched Blaine jog away before mumbling to himself, “I don't think that's going to be an issue.”

                “Why do I have to be comfortable in the deep end?  Seriously, Blaine.  McKinley does the swim test in the lap pool.”

                “Not the water treading test.”

                “Well, no.  But I can tread water near the wall.  Nothing on that paper says I have to be in the middle of the deep end,” Kurt argued with passion.

                Blaine sighed and sat down at the table, facing Kurt, making sure his body shielded their intertwined fingers from the parents and kids filling the bleachers.  “Maybe that's true, but I have other reasons for you to do this.”  Blaine held Kurt's gaze.  “Personal reasons, handsome.”  He played with their fingers.

                Kurt knew right then that he was going to lose this argument.  The way Blaine was looking at him, like this was the most important thing in the world to him.  “Blaine –” he whispered in a plaintive tone.

                “Kurt,” Blaine answered in the same sing-song tone before becoming serious.  “Kurt, I love to swim. It's probably the biggest part of my life, and I can't imagine not sharing it.  With my kids, one day.  With you.  Look, I get that you're never gonna love swimming like I do.  And I get that it would take an act of God to get you to jump off the diving board.  But, I don't want to always be stressed out about where you are when we're around water.  And it's totally fucking selfish of me, I get that.  And I know I'll worry anyway.  But, please, Kurt.  If you don't want to do it for you – then will you do it for me?  For us?”  he pleaded quietly.

                Overhearing Blaine's confession, Jeff stopped next to the boys and placed his hand over Blaine's forehead, as if checking for a fever.  “Gosh, Blainers, you've got it bad,” he teased.

                Blaine swatted Jeff's hand away with a loud smack, glaring at him.  “Yes.  I do, Jeff.  Kinda like your thing with Jordan.  ‘Course I'm not allowed to act on my feelings right now.  Whereas, you…you could – but don't.  Not even after she green-lighted you,” he spit out in frustration.

                Jeff held up his hands, looking suitably chastised and moved away without saying anything more.

                Kurt squeezed Blaine's knee to get his attention.  “Put your claws away, Tiger.”  He watched as Blaine seemed to deflate before him.

                Dropping his face into his hands, Blaine muttered, “God, I'm a jackass.”

                Kurt stood up, quickly ruffling his fingers through Blaine's hair.  “Not your finest moment, agreed.  Although Jeff does need to learn the concept of boundaries.  And timing.  But our time is up, sweetheart.  There seems to be a small invasion of little people running our way and I do believe you said something about a swim lesson?”

                Blaine looked up in surprise.  “Wait, you'll do it?”

                Kurt kept walking towards the ladder.  “Yes, dummy.  You asked me.  You didn't actually think I'd turn you down, did you?”

                Blaine couldn't help but break out into a huge grin and, scooping up Paulie Jacobs into his arms as the little boy went by, Blaine joined the rest of the guppy class for their Around the World Adventure in the pool.

                “Hi ladies and gentlegerms,” yelled out Blaine.

                “HI MR. BLAINE!  HI MS. MEGHAN!” screamed out the guppy class enthusiastically.

                Blaine stood in front of the eight members of the class and asked in a serious voice.  “How are my ladies and gentlegerms this afternoon?  Did we all have a scrumptious lunch of worms and fried spiders?”

                The class broke up into a chorus of, “EWWWWW.  GROSS, Mr. Blaine.”

                “Hey now, worms and fried spiders have lots of protein which you need for to build strong bodies.”  Standing with his hands on his hips, Blaine continued the ritual greeting of the guppies.  “Aaaand, if you didn't have a healthy lunch, how can I know you have enough energy to go ALL THE WAY AROUND THE POOL?”  he yelled.

                “YAAAAYY!!” cheered all eight kids.

                “We can do it, Mr. Blaine.  We're strong.”

                “We've been working out.”

                “I had TWO peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch.

                Blaine smiled at the kids and pantomimed holding a clipboard.  “Okay, then.  Let's go through our checklist.  Is everyone wearing their swimsuit?”

                “YEESS!” came the immediate response.

                “Are you suuure?”

                “YES!” they yelled even louder.

                Blaine reached over to Austin and tugged on both of his ears.  “Did you put on your listening ears this morning, ladies and gentlegerms?”

                “YES!”

                He then turned and pretended to put a hat on Kurt.  “Did you remember to bring your imagination?”

                “YES!”

                “Are we ready to have FUN?”

                “YES.”

                “Are we ready to swim?”

                “YES!”

                “Did everyone remember to use the bathroom before we got in the pool today?”

                “YES!”

                “And Daphne, what happens if we pee in the pool?

                “The magic fish die.  It's like pollution.”

                Blaine nodded at her answer.  “Okay, it sounds like we are almost ready.  But first, I want to introduce all of you to two of my friends.”  Gesturing to Austin, Blaine explained, “This is Mr. Austin.  He is our special helper today because we are going Around the World today.  How many of you know who Mr. Jeff is?” asked Blaine.

                Five hands shot up.

                “Well, as you probably can tell from their hair, Mr. Jeff and Mr. Austin are brothers.” 

                “Mr. Blaine?  Is Mr. Austin a teacher like you and Ms. Meghan?” asked a curly haired young girl who kept swiping her bangs out of the way in order to see.

                “No Daphne, Mr. Austin is a volunteer – he helps us out.  But he isn't old enough to be a lifeguard, yet.  So he can't be a teacher.  But in two more summers he will be.  How old will you be in two more summers?”

                Daphne thought carefully and clearly used her fingers to count out the answer.  “Seven.  But he looks old.  Mr. Austin, you look old.  Like my brother.”

                “Are you married, Mr. Austin?” asked a young girl named Ashlyn.

                Austin was clearly caught off guard by the question, and tried not to laugh.  After clearing his throat, he answered, “I'm 14.”  When he noticed that the little girl continued to stare at him, waiting for an answer, he added, “No, I'm not married.”

                “Oh.  Neither is my mom.  Grandma says she needs to find a good husband.  Maybe you could be her husband?”

                Austin's eyes grew panicked.  “Um, that's an interesting thought, sweetie.  But, my mom insists that I finish high school before I make any decisions about marriage.  That's four years from now.  I'm sure your mom will find someone before then.”

                Ashlyn nodded.  “Yeah, you're probably right.  I don't think she can wait that long.”

                Covering his laughter with a fake coughing fit, Blaine finally was able to control himself.  “Okay, class.  This is Mr. Kurt.  He's a friend of mine, and Mr. Austin, and Ms. Meghan.  Kurt has been learning how to swim this summer too and I thought it would be a special treat for him to join us for our Around the World adventure.  Can you all say hello to Mr. Austin and Mr. Kurt?

                “Hello Mr. Austin.  Hello Mr. Kurt,” came a sing-song reply.

                Meghan moved forward.  “Alright class, let's take you through a warm up before we start our travels.  Let's start with bubbles on our tummies and twenty five kicks.  Everyone in position?  Okay, go.”

                Austin was the one who snagged Kurt's arm and tugged him backwards about five feet as the guppy class started kicking.  What they lacked in technique they sure tried to make up for with power – raising giant splashes all over.  “You might want to stand back here with me for a little bit,” he observed.

                After their warm up splashing was concluded, Blaine and Meghan divided up the class.  “I'll take Kieran, Scott, Hailey and Ashlyn,” explained Meghan.  “Austin, you'll take Timmy and Alex.  Blaine will take Paulie and Daphne and Kurt.  If anything happens, Austin you'll need to grab Paulie and Daphne too.”

                “Okay then, it sounds like it's motorboat time!” called Blaine, lifting Paulie and Daphne into his arms so he could walk out into deeper water.  Kurt followed behind, unsure of exactly what to do.

                The lifeguards formed a circle, with some of the kids still gripping their necks while others were confident to only hold on to their hands.  Blaine positioned Kurt between Paulie and Alex.  “Just do what we do, handsome,” he whispered quickly.

                “Austin?  Why don't you start the motorboat?” asked Meghan.

                Austin began the chant.  “Motorboat, motorboat go so slow.”  The lifeguards began walking clockwise slowly.  “Motorboat motorboat, go so fast.”  The lifeguards responded by speeding up the circle, running as fast as the water and weight of their students would allow.  “Motorboat, motorboat, run out of gas.”  With that, eight large gasps were heard before everyone sank below the water. 

                As he stood up, Kurt could hear the excited clamoring of, “Again! Again!”  They played this game three times, then switched to “Ring Around the Rosy.”  Each time the lifeguards moved the group further and further into the water until finally, to do so would put the lifeguards themselves under water.

                “Okay, ladies and gentlegerms, Ms. Meghan is going to lead our group into….the deep end!  Please make sure you hold on to the wall with at least one hand.  Ms. Meghan?  What will be our traveling song?” asked Blaine.

                “The Bottom of the Sea,” called Meghan from the front of the line.  Blaine, Meghan and Austin naturally spread out amongst the kids, keeping each of them within arm's reach, just in case.  “We're going to do tidal waves down the wall while singing,” explained Meghan.  “Who do you think can make the biggest wave?”

                “ME!” shouted all eight children at the same time.

                Kurt watched in amusement.  The point of this exercise seemed to be to push off of the wall, while keeping ahold of it, and then to yank oneself back, thus producing a large rush of water over the gutter wall.  Blaine, Austin and two of the older boys – Kieran and Scott – began singing at the top of their lungs.

                “There's a hole in the bottom of the sea.  There's a hole in the bottom of the sea.  There's a hole, there's a hole, there's a hole, there's a hole – There's a hole in the bottom of the sea. There's a log in the hole in the bottom of the sea…”  On and on the song went along, each verse adding a bit more information.  Slowly the group moved down the length of the pool, until even Kurt could no longer feel the bottom underneath his feet.

                Clutching the tiled wall, Kurt closed his eyes, trying to concentrate on happy thoughts – the way he felt when he was with Blaine, finding the rose in his car, the smell of Blaine's Dalton sweatshirt.  So wrapped up in his inner world, Kurt wasn't sure how long Paulie Jacobs had been tapping his hand before he became aware of it.

                “Hi!” said the little boy.  “I'm Paulie.  I'm five.  You're Mr. Blaine's friend.”

                Kurt smiled at him.  “Yes. I'm Kurt.  I'm seventeen.”

                Paulie stared at Kurt while working on his tidal waves.  “You were in the shower the day the bad boys were here.  They were mean to you.  I know, ‘cause you were crying.  They were using bad words that I'm not supposed to use.  So I told Ms. Rebecca so she could make them stop.  Mama says I did the right thing and she's proud of me.  Kurt, how come you're sooo old and don't know how to swim?”

                Hearing Paulie's line of questioning, Blaine moved so that he was behind the young boy – next to Kurt.  If Blaine's hand happened to cover Kurt's on the wall, silently showing Kurt he was there to support him, no one was the wiser.  “Paulie, how would you like to touch the bottom of the deep end?”  He asked.

                Paulie turned away from the wall and launched himself at Blaine, who was now treading water with no hands, as they were full of excited five-year old boy.  “Mr. Blaine, can I?  Can I really?”

                “Yup.  First we have to make sure that Daphne and Mr. Kurt know to hold on extra tight while we go down to the bottom.”  Seeing his two charges nodded that they had heard him, Blaine continued.  “Okay, you'll need to take a deep deep breath and hold on to it while we go down.  Your ears are gonna feel funny, Paul.  If you get scared, just tap my shoulder three times.  I'll zoom you back up like a rocket ship,” he explained.

                “Watch me, Daphne.  Watch me, Mr. Kurt,” shouted Paulie.

                “One.  Two.  Three.”  Blaine and Paul disappeared under the water.  Daphne and Kurt watched as they went deeper and deeper until they appeared to be sitting on the bottom of the pool, in ten feet or more of water, waving back up at their friends, as calm as can be. 

                Kurt was vaguely aware of the continued singing of the class, “There's a spot on the wing on the bug on the hair on the bump on the frog on the log in hole in the bottom of the sea,” as well as the general murmuring chatter of the parents in the stands, and the dull thud of the diving board. The heat of the sun.  The strong odor of chlorine.  The singing.  A shout of surprise.  Seeing people through the heavy weight of water.

                Kurt watched Blaine and Paul through the ever-shifting water and suddenly he wasn't in a chlorinated pool in Lima, Ohio.  He was under the water – in the pond.  He could see people waving their arms above him.  And, he couldn't breathe.

                “Mr. Kurt you kinda sound funny when you talk, but I like your voice.  Do you like to swim?  I like to swim.  Mr. Blaine is funny and he teaches lots of stuff.  Like about the magic fish.  Have you seen the magic fish under the water when you open your eyes?  I've seen lots and lots of magic fish.  But they're not in the bathtub.  I checked.  Sometimes I blow bubbles in the bathtub and sometimes I try to see the magic fish – but the soap hurts my eyes.  Maybe that's why the magic fish aren't in the bathtub.  Maybe soap kills them like pee does.  I'll have to ask Mr. Blaine.  Do you know the answer, Mr. Kurt?  Well, do you?”

                Daphne peered at Kurt.  “Mr. Kurt?  Hellooo?  Mr. Kuuurt?”  When she got no response from the teenager, she began to get a funny feeling in her tummy.  And not the good kind, like when her daddy threw her high into the air and caught her before she fell to the ground.  Voice quavering, she called out, “Ms. Meghan?  Mr. Austin?”

                Austin released himself from the wall, floating over to see what Daphne needed.  He stopped just as he reached Kurt, who had his back to him.  “Look, Daphne, Mr. Blaine's swimming up right now.”  Austin used his chin to point down where Blaine had just pushed off the bottom of the pool.

                Daphne shook her head hard and pointed at Kurt.  “Mr. Austin!”

                Kurt had fair skin to begin with, something Austin could relate to.  Pale skinned himself, Austin had been blessed with a gene that did, eventually, allow him turn a nice golden brown.  But his mom used to tell him stories about how, as a child, when Austin was sick – he would lose his color.  Not become paler, but literally become translucent.  Looking at Kurt now, Austin knew his mother hadn't been exaggerating.  There was absolutely no color in Kurt's face, and if Austin had to wager, he would guess the beading on his forehead was sweat and not water.

                He could hear Blaine and Paulie break the surface, but Austin refused to turn.  “Kurt,” Austin focused on keeping his voice calm.  He grasped Kurt's elbow, and maneuvered his body between Kurt and Daphne.  “Kurt, can you hear me?”

                Just as Austin caught hold of Kurt with one hand and the wall with the other, Kurt's eyes rolled back in his head and his body went limp.  It was one thing to practice with the water rescue manikins, it was quite another to have the weight of an actual adult body slowly sinking beneath the water.

                “Blaine!” was all Austin could get out before the other lifeguard was next to him, reaching under Kurt's arms to pull him back to the surface.

                “I've got him, Austin,” Blaine reassured. “Just handle the kids – and toss me a kickboard if you can.”  Blaine had wrapped his arm around Kurt's waist, struggling to keep both of them in a back float.  If Kurt had been conscious, he might have been able to help, but as it was, Blaine had at least 150 pounds of dead weight above him.

                Austin pushed up and lunged for a kickboard, throwing it at Blaine.  Turning his attention back to the kids, he did his to reassure them.  “He guys, Kurt's going to be okay.  You don't need to worry about him.  Mr. Blaine is taking care of him.”  Austin ran his hand over the top of Paul's head.  “You okay, Paulie?  What did you think of going under water?”

                Paulie continued to stare at Kurt, but managed to answer.  “It was cool.  I wanna do it again.  What's wrong with Mr. Kurt?”

                At the little boys' words, Meghan's head snapped towards Austin.  “Sterling?”

                He looked over at Meghan shaking his head slightly.  “It's cool, Meg.  Kurt's going to be okay.  Blaine's got him.”  One of the last things Austin wanted to do was alarm the guppy class.  Not only did he not want to traumatize the kids, he also didn't need Kurt to feel worse about what would end up being a highly embarrassing situation – especially once the little kids ran out to tell their parents what had happened during class today.

“Blaine? How you doing?” Meghan called out over the ambient noise of the pool.

“We're good here, Megs.”  Blaine had been attempting to rouse Kurt from his faint by talking to him in a quiet voice.  “Just practicing our floating here in the deep end.  Maybe the guppies would like to go off the diving board?  And maybe Scott and the junior lifeguards could help you do that, so Austin could maybe come back here…”  As focused as he was on Kurt, Blaine knew that moving the guppy class to the other side of the pool would help maintain the peace.  And a jump from the diving board was an end of the session treat for most of the classes.

“Ladies and gentlegerms?  Are any of you interested in going off the diving board?” asked Meghan.

“YES!” came the immediate answer.

“Alrighty then, I'm going to have you climb up the ladder here and walk slowly around the back end of the pool to the ladder on the other side.  I want you to sit down next to the ladder and wait.  Kieran?  Would you be our line leader, please?”  Meghan worked with Austin to move the guppy class out of the water and out of the way.

Blaine was aware they had left, mostly because the noise level dropped considerably.  He continued to try to bring Kurt back to consciousness by talking to him.  He was able to move them over to the side of the pool, where he tossed his left arm and left leg over the edge of the gutter, balancing Kurt's body on top of his.  The change in position was less taxing on Blaine, but more awkward looking.  If possible, Blaine wanted to wait until Kurt regained consciousness before they pulled him from the pool.

In the course of taking his lifeguarding and water safety classes, Blaine had learned that one of the most dangerous things a person could do when another person was struggling in the water, was to get into the water with them.  Lima Parks and Rec and the American Red Cross emphasized repeatedly that the better choice was to toss something to the victim that he or she could use as a flotation device.  This was simply because a drowning person, in their panicked state, will use whatever is nearby to keep his or her head above the water line – regardless of whether it's a life preserver or a person.

But Kurt wasn't conscious – and Blaine wasn't thinking about this situation in those terms.  It was a decision that nearly cost them both their lives.

Without warning, Kurt gasped deeply, rolled off of Blaine into the water.  Blaine reached down to grab Kurt who, in turn, yanked Blaine off the wall and under the water with him.  Kurt's hands pushed Blaine further down into the water, as he frantically tried to reach the surface.  Blaine fought to control Kurt's hands.  He wasn't worried about being under the water; he knew how long he could hold his breath.  But he needed to get Kurt up before he started sucking in water.  Each time he grasped one of Kurt's wrists, Kurt managed to twist away, or shove Blaine further into the deep water.

Twenty seconds into their struggle, although it felt like forever, Kurt's foot connected with Blaine's solar plexus.  The response was immediate and involuntary – the air in Blaine's lungs exploded out in a rush of bubbles.

It took this blow for Blaine to realize what he needed to do, although it went against everything he felt towards Kurt.  Instead of swimming up to the surface, Blaine dove down towards the bottom of the pool.  It made him nauseous when Kurt's fingers left his arms, knowing that the other boy must be beyond frightened and convinced he was going to die.  He knew he needed help with Kurt.  So in the most heart-wrenching decision he'd ever faced, Blaine swam towards the surface alone.

Blaine was almost to the surface when he saw Scott streaking towards Kurt under the water.  He'd barely had time to fill his lungs with much needed air, when Scott breached the surface with Kurt – who was in a head lock, unable to fight against the much larger – and stronger - lifeguard.

Scott pushed a coughing Kurt over to the ladder, then reached out to grab Blaine's swim shorts to reel him in as well.  “Holy hell, guys, next time we decide to put on a demonstration for the junior's, would you do me a favor, and let me know first?”  Scott reached out to squeeze Kurt's shoulder.  “Hummel, if you put your arms over your head, it will help with the coughing fit.”

“Scott?  Thanks,” Blaine's voice cracked with emotion.

Somewhere Kurt found the energy to climb out of the pool and crawl about four feet before flopping down on his back, arm across his eyes.  His heart was beating so fast he was worried it might explode.  What the hell had happened? He remembered watching Blaine and Paulie swim down to the bottom of the pool, and the next thing he was aware of – he was under the water with Blaine, fighting desperately to not be.  He heard Blaine plop down next to him, fingers brushing against his side.

“Kurt?  Kurt, are you okay?” he choked out.  Blaine wrapped his arms tightly around his knees that he'd pulled to his chest.  Hot tears streaked down his face, falling onto his legs.

Kurt's breathing hitched.  “M.m…manatee, Blaine,” he answered faintly.  “Manatee.”  Without warning, Kurt rolled to his side and lurched towards the small concrete wall that ran along this side of the pool.  Kneeling across it, Kurt vomited up a sizeable amount of water from his lungs and stomach onto the dirt below.

When the queasiness had passed, Kurt laid back down on the concrete pool deck.  It wasn't exactly comfortable, but it was all he felt up to doing for a long, long time.  He was aware of telling Blaine that he didn't want to talk and insisting that Blaine go back to his class.  At some point, he realized that someone – maybe Austin or Rebecca, had taken the time to move the free-standing umbrella down the pool deck until he was shaded from the sun.  Later still, he found a towel underneath his pale frame, and the Dalton hoodie pillowing his head.

Eventually, he rolled to his side to focus on the young guppy class leaping off the diving board without a fear in the world.  Kurt tried to remember a time in his life where he had such trust and such faith.  Certainly, not since he was six.  It felt like a sledgehammer, the knowledge of how deeply the near-drowning experience had impacted every day of his life since.  Other than his mother's unexpected death two years later, nothing had shaped him in such a profound way.

And then he met Blaine Anderson.  Blaine Anderson who marched into his life, and teased, cajoled, asked, begged, and sweet-talked Kurt into pushing past what he thought were his boundaries.  More than teaching him how to swim so he could earn a high school diploma, Blaine was slowly showing Kurt how to trust again.  Maybe, if they continued to work at it together, one day soon, Kurt would be able to take even more of a leap of faith.

                Paulie Jacobs marched down the pool deck towards Mr. Kurt, Paulie's mother following behind.  He had insisted on checking on Mr. Kurt to make sure he was really, really okay – even though Mr. Blaine and Ms. Meghan, and Mr. Austin had all said he was.  Paulie knew what a white lie was – which was different than a black lie – and he knew he wasn't allowed to lie at all, but sometimes mommies and daddies told white lies to make someone feel better.  Paulie thought that maybe everyone was telling him white lies so he wouldn't worry about Mr. Kurt. 

                Kurt turned towards the noise of hard-soled shoes on the pool deck, created by Ms. Jacobs' high heels.  Stopping directly in front of Kurt, Paul placed his fists on his hips, and cocked his head to the side.  “Are you feeling better, Mr. Kurt?” he asked directly.

                Kurt swallowed hard as he met the four-year old's gaze.  “I'm getting there, Paulie.  I will be okay.  I'm sorry if a frightened you.”

                Paulie nodded his head before dropping himself down into Kurt's lap.  “You did kinda frighten me, Mr. Kurt.  I wasn't scared – like I got on Halloween when Eric Mattias jumped out from a bush and yelled really loud and I wet my pants scared.  But I was scared – for you.  Like the time when Daphne's kitty got sick and had to go to the kitty doctor.  She was really, really sad and since, I'm her bestest friend, I felt scared – but for her scared. Not Halloween scared,” Paulie explained.

                Looking up, Paulie asked, “Can I give you a hug, Mr. Kurt? ‘Cause hugs make me feel better.  So does rocky road ice cream, but I don't have any ice cream here.  We have some at my house, but you'd have to come there.  So, will a hug do for now?”  Paulie held his arms open towards Kurt.

                Kurt glanced at Paul's mother.  She offered him a wide smile, which Kurt took as permission to hug away.  “Yes, Paulie, I believe that a hug from you would make me feel much better – until we can make plans for that rocky road ice cream, that is.”  Kurt wrapped his arms around the young boy, who squeezed Kurt back in a vice-like grip.  After several long minutes, Paulie pulled away from Kurt.  “Do you feel better now?”

                Kurt's smile was genuine.  “Absolutely.  100% better.”

                Paul grinned back.  “I'm glad. You know, if I'm not here, you could always ask Mr. Blaine for a hug.  I mean, he's your boyfriend, so it's okay for you to hug,” Paulie stated blithely.

                “Paul Andrew Jacobs!” came his mother's stern tone.

                “Paulie?  Why would you say that Kurt's my boyfriend?” asked Blaine who had come from behind Kurt to kneel in front of the young boy.

                The grin from Paulie's face slipped as he sensed Blaine's tension.  “Be.because I saw you.  You and Mr. Kurt were holding hands.  The day the mean boys were here.  Grandma and I were walking back to the car, and I saw you, Mr. Blaine.  Grandma said that sometimes boys like boys and that when you're someone's boyfriend or someone's girlfriend, it's okay to hug them, and kiss them, and hold their hands.  Sometimes I hold Daphne's hand when we're playing at the park, and sometimes she hugs me, but we don't kiss – ‘cause that's gross.  Daddy says I'll change my mind when I'm older, but I'm not sure.”

                Kurt reached up to ruffle Paulie's hair before standing up.  “Can I share a secret with you, Paulie?” he asked.

                Paulie nodded solemnly.  “Yes, Mr. Kurt.”

                “Your grandma is right.  That's not the secret though.  Mr. Blaine and I are friends and he's my teacher too.  And one day soon, I have to take a test to show my school that I can swim.  And once I pass that test, because we both know Mr. Blaine is an awesome teacher, then – and this is the secret – I'm going to ask Mr. Blaine to be my boyfriend.  Or maybe, he'll ask me.  Then maybe we'll all have to go out for rocky road – to celebrate.”

                Paulie shot Blaine an appraising look, then tugged on Kurt's arm until he leaned down so Paulie could whisper in his ear.  Spinning in place, Paulie sprinted to his mom, took her hand and pulled her down the pool deck.

                Blaine moved closer to Kurt, placing his hand on Kurt's lower back.  “What'd he say?” he asked quietly.

                “I'm not sure I should say.”

                “Kuurt,” whined Blaine.

                “That you'd say yes.”

                “That's one smart four-year old.”

                Kurt met Blaine's eyes.  “I hope so.  Do you have plans for tonight?” he asked nervously.

                “No, no plans.”

                “I'm parked in the shade, under the oak trees.  If I waited for you to get off work, would you come home with me?”

                “Yeah, Kurt.  I'd like that that a lot.  Is there anything you need?”

                Kurt bit his lip before taking a leap of faith and answering honestly.  “Just you.  And some hugs.  Mostly though - just you.”  Kurt bent to pick up the towel and Dalton hoodie, shrugging into it despite the summer heat.  He offered a small wave to Blaine before walking away.  It was only because he was surrounded by Blaine's scent, and the warmth retained by the sweatshirt from being in the sun, that Kurt was able to walk away at all.