Chapter Seven: Not Aware

                Burt Hummel hadn't needed much convincing to allow Kurt to attend the pool party in Westerville.  Most of his regular fatherly objections were assuaged after Nick's mother had driven out to Lima to meet Burt in person at the tire shop.  She was a lovely lady who had explained that she and her husband had hosted the annual back-to-school Warbler part for the past seven years – and took the role of chaperoning the two to three dozen teenagers who would come – very seriously.  There would be no alcohol, nor drugs, nor any behavior that couldn't be classified as “PG”. 

                “We set very clear expectations for everyone, Mr. Hummel,” Lydia Duvall  had explained to Burt, occasionally sipping on iced tea that she had brought for Burt and herself.  “The children understand the consequence for breaking those rules is an immediate call to their parents to come pick them up, and if a parent isn't available to do so, then we call the Westerville police department.  It's happened three times in seven years.  Twice - the parents came.  Once - the police.  The children understand that we aren't making an idle threat; if they choose to break the rules, there are consequences for their actions.”

                “We also want to let you know that we are happy to host Kurt for the entire evening.  Westerville is quite the drive from Lima, and I wouldn't want you to worry about Kurt being too tired to make it home.  In the past, the boys who have stayed the night either camp out in our basement, or a couple times, they've pitched tents, and actually slept on the lawn.  Either way, someone from the family is always with them, making sure that everything is above board.”

                Their conversation was interrupted by a quiet knocking on the door frame to Burt's office.  Nick Duvall stood just outside, smiling at his mother.  “Hey, Mom!”

                Lydia stood to hug her son, who was at least a full head taller than she.  “Nicky, it is so good to see you, baby.  Mr. Hummel and I were just discussing the party on Saturday.”

                Looking over his mother's shoulder, Nick grinned at Burt.  “So, do you think you'll let Kurt come?  We'd really like him to join us,” remarked Nick with excitement.

                Burt smiled knowingly.  “Yes, Nick, if Kurt wants to go, he has my permission.  How much does Blaine owe you for this favor?” He asked pointedly.

                The playfulness dropped from Nick's face, and he stepped away from his mother to move closer to Burt.  “Mr. Hummel?  I want you…no, I need you to understand something.  We – Jeff, Blaine and I – discussed asking Kurt to join us.  And yes, part of that has to do with the fact that Blaine can't just outright ask Kurt to come as his date – because, well, you know why.  But in all honesty, even if Blaine and Kurt weren't dancing around their obvious attraction to each other, I still would have asked Kurt to come.  I really like Kurt.  He's good people, Mr. Hummel.  Our invitation wasn't a favor that Blaine called in.  I think it's important that you understand that.

                “Blaine is my closest friend, Mr. Hummel.  He has been through hell and back – and Kurt is the first guy he has ever really had feelings for,” Nick continued.

                Lydia interrupted her son's heart-felt speech.  “What about that boy?  The one you all sang to at the mall?”

                Nick shook his head and chuckled at the memory.  “The Warbler Gap-Attack?  No, Mom.  Blaine kinda made that ‘relationship' up in his head.  The poor guy had no idea that Blaine was crushing on him – then we came along and he lost his job.”  Nick turned to look his mother in the eye.  “This doesn't even begin to compare, Mom.  What's that line from that movie you like so much: ‘Hearts are breakin' wide open all over the world tonight.  He is 100%, prime time, in love with you.”

                “Top Gun fan, Mrs. Duvall?” inquired Burt. 

                A faint blush appeared on the woman's cheeks.  “Val Kilmer fan, Mr. Hummel.  In my younger days, anyway.”

                It was important to Nick that his mom understand what he was trying to put into words.  “You know how Papa always gets that twinkle in his eye when he talks about Grandma?”  He waited until his mother nodded, before adding, “They have that same twinkle.  Blaine and Kurt.  And I'm not even sure they know it.  But after everything Blaine's gone through,” Nick's voice tightened forcing him to clear his throat.  “After everything he's been through, it's just nice to see that he's found… his match.  That he's found someone who loves him back just as much as he loves Kurt.”

                Running a hand through his hair, Nick shrugged.  “Sorry for going on for so long, Mr. Hummel.”

                Burt clapped Nick's shoulder firmly.  “No apology needed, son.  I know Blaine is special.  And I see what you see, too.  The boys are very blessed to have such a supportive friend in their lives.  And, I think you have lunch plans right now, so I'll let you go.”

                Mrs. Duvall picked up her purse, pulling out her keys.  “We'll take my car, Nicky.  Mr. Hummel is going to replace the tires on yours and check the brakes while we're gone,” explained Lydia.

                “But, Mom, I don't have the money to pay Mr. Hummel,” blurted Nick.

                Lydia patted her son's cheek.  “It's on me, Nicholas.  I love you and I want you to be safe.”

                Nick hugged his mom tight.  “Love you too, mom.  Love you too.”           

                Following Friday night dinner at the Hummel's, Blaine had asked Kurt if he wanted to go for a drive.  They were planning on leaving early the next morning for Westerville, so neither one wanted to stay out too late.  But that didn't mean they couldn't take advantage of the warm summer evening, where it wouldn't turn dark until after nine.

                “Do you mind, Dad?” asked Kurt.

                Burt waved the boys away.  “Go!  I won't have to fight with you over what to watch on the television tonight.  Have fun!  But not too much fun!” he teased.

                “Daaaad!”  whined Kurt in mock indignation.

                Blaine waited for Kurt at the front door, slipping his hand into Kurt's after the door was shut.  “Dinner was delicious.  I can't believe you made that.  You're pretty darn amazing, Hummel,” he admired as they walked towards his car parked at the curb.

                Kurt nudged Blaine with his shoulder.  “Whatever, Anderson.  Your compliments, while appreciated, are not necessary to win me over.”

                After Kurt had slipped into the passenger seat, Blaine took the seat belt and leaned across Kurt to buckle him in.  Hesitating briefly, Blaine pressed his lips in a light kiss against Kurt's ear.  “They are necessary, handsome.  And you are amazing.  And I think tonight is the perfect night to spend explaining to you just how amazing I think you are, Kurt Hummel.  Don't kill my moment here.”  Blaine dropped a quick kiss to Kurt's cheek before he second-guessed himself and shut the car door.

Twenty minutes later, the boys found themselves outside in the cooling air, wading in the water of Whiskey Creek.  A fairly popular picnic spot, the creek and its surrounding areas tended to clear out in the evenings since the only light came from the moon and the stars.  Blaine had only counted three other cars in the parking lot when he had pulled out a blanket out of the back of his car.  Hopefully the park rangers wouldn't chase them out any time soon.

                Kurt wrinkled his nose at the sensation of mud between his toes.  “This is kinda gross, Blaine.  And I swear I just felt something bite my toe.  What the hell is in this water?”

                Blaine's laughter rang out.  He picked his way over to Kurt, careful to not splash the other boy.  “It's mud, Kurt.  Something I'm sure you wouldn't mind slathering all over your body, if we were at a high priced day spa.  Here – it's free.  You shouldn't complain.”

                “I'm standing in the middle of a creek, with questionable mud oozing through my toes, with unknown creatures trying to feed off of my body, and you tell me I shouldn't complain?” asked Kurt incredulously.

                Blaine narrowed his eyes mischievously and bent down to scoop up a handful of mud.  “That's exactly what I'm saying, Hummel.  There's nothing wrong with getting a little dirty.  In fact, I do believe you told me that you like getting a little dirty, sometimes.”  He stalked closer to Kurt.

                Backing away slowly, Kurt held up his hands.  “Don't you dare, Blaine.  I said I don't mind getting my hands dirty.  Do not come any closer with that mud.”

                “That's too bad, Hummel,” Blaine drawled out.  He bent down and dropped his hands into the flowing water, quickly washing away the grime.  He held up his hands.  “All gone, handsome.  Nothing to worry about now.”  Blaine turned away from Kurt and waded towards a large boulder which sat in the middle of the creek.  Reaching the stone, Blaine hopped up so he could sit on it but still keep his feet in the water.

                Kurt watched Blaine from a distance for a long moment, before deciding to join him.  Since the sun had just fallen behind the tree line, Kurt could hear the chirping of crickets increase in volume.  Really the crickets and the occasionally sound of the creek were the only noises around.  For all intents and purposes, he and Blaine were the only two people around for miles.  And that thought excited Kurt more that he wanted to admit to himself.

                “Room for one more?” asked Kurt when he reached the boulder. 

                Blaine patted the stone next to himself.  “Always.”

                Scooting up next to Blaine, Kurt dropped his head onto Blaine's shoulder and relaxed.  He couldn't help his smile when Blaine wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him even closer.  Kurt held out his hand, palm up and Blaine interlaced their fingers together.  They sat still, listening to night fall around them, content to just be with each other.

                Much later, when it was nearly completely dark, and the sky was brimming with stars, Blaine gently nudged Kurt.  “I should probably be getting you home, Kurt,” he remarked quietly.

                Kurt sighed.  “But I like this.  Blaine, I don't want to go.  Like ever.  Can we just stay here?”

                Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand gently.  “I wish we could,” he whispered.  “I'm not sure I'd be missed.  But I know you would be.  And worried-about-his-son Burt Hummel is one version of your dad I could skip.”  Blaine hopped down into the water, turning to face Kurt.  Placing his hands on Kurt's waist, he lifted the other boy down into the water, but didn't let go.

                Kurt could feel Blaine's hands trembling. 

                “Kurt?”  Blaine's tone was part question – part whimper.

                Licking his dry lips, Kurt leaned closer to Blaine.  “Yeah, Blaine”

                “Shit! I'm about to do something really stupid.  Tell me not to do it, Kurt,” Blaine begged softly.

                Kurt leaned close enough so his lips were brushing Blaine's cheek.  “If you think kissing me right now is stupid, then you're an idiot.  And there is no way I would ever tell you not to-” A warm pair of lips pressed against his own, kept Kurt from voicing the rest of that thought.

                Unable to control his desires further, Blaine had turned his head and captured Kurt's lips. He'd meant it to be a brief kiss, but once their lips met, Blaine couldn't bring himself to pull away for anything.  And later, when he felt the tip of Kurt's tongue brush lightly over his lower lip, Blaine couldn't help the groan that escaped his body.  This was everything he'd been dreaming about for weeks.  Well, maybe not quite everything.  But it was enough.  For now.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                Like putting a lit match to dried grass, their desire ignited only to spiral out of control.

                It was Kurt who initially deepened their kiss, running the tip of his tongue over Blaine's lower lip; It was Kurt who slipped his hands under Blaine's shirt, caressing the smooth expanse of Blaine's lower back; It was Kurt who reached for the bottom of Blaine's shirt, breaking their kiss to pull it over Blaine's head.  Like most things in his life, Kurt knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to chase after it.

                Tossing Blaine's shirt onto the rock next to them, Kurt took his time running his hands reverently over the dips and valleys of Blaine's chest and stomach, taking note of the locations that caused Blaine's breathe to hitch or tiny whimpers to escape his mouth.  Blaine chased after Kurt's lips, and Kurt was only too happy to continue kissing the handsome boy. 

                Eventually, though, even Blaine's amazing talent for kissing (how was it possible he had never done this before?) couldn't keep Kurt's attention from the fact that they were still standing - in the dark - in the creek. Placing his hand firmly in the center of Blaine's chest, Kurt pushed him away gently, hoping that physical distance would help him clear his head and catch his breath.

                It might have been embarrassing how wreaked his voice sounded if he didn't know he'd had an equally strong impact on Blaine. “That was…an amazing first kiss, Blaine Anderson.”  He couldn't help but lean in and feather another kiss on Blaine's cheek.  “But,” he continued softly, “I'm still standing in questionable mud with god-knows-what swimming around my feet…”

                Blaine laughed softly while reaching for his shirt.  “I get it, Kurt.  Come on.  I'll take you home.” 

                Reaching to take Kurt's hand, Blaine was surprised to have Kurt step around him and walk on his own to the creek bank where they'd left the blanket earlier.  Kurt turned to face him, the light from the moon playing off his pale skin in breathtaking ways. 

                Kurt knelt down on the soft cotton, and carefully removed his own shirt.  “Is that really what you want to do?” He asked in a low voice.

                Stalking forward, Blaine managed to growl out, “Hummel.”  It was half- warning, half -plea.

                “Anderson,” teased Kurt.  It was a heady feeling to see and hear the impact he was having on Blaine.

                Blaine was scared – scared of the emotions bubbling up inside of him; scared of screwing this up; scared of moving too fast too soon; scared of not moving fast enough and losing Kurt to some other guy who was more amazing.  He tried to put his fears into words.  “Kurt.  Please.  We shouldn't be doing this.  Not yet.”

                When Kurt didn't answer, Blaine felt his stomach drop.  It may have fallen completely out of him when Kurt reached for his shirt and shrugged it back on. 

                “Kurt?”

                Still not speaking, Kurt stood up and slipped his feet into his sandals.  “Kurt!” Blaine called more loudly.  Blaine rushed from the water, in time to grab Kurt's arm and spin him around.  He tried to meet Kurt's gaze, but Kurt refused to cooperate.  Reaching up, he placed a hand on either side of Kurt's face, feathering his thumbs over Kurt's cheekbones.  “Why are you running away from me?” he asked in a whisper.

                Kurt still wouldn't meet his eyes.  “I'm sorry, Blaine.  I didn't mean to force you to do something you didn't want to do.”  Kurt's voice trembled.

                Blaine's gut clenched.  “What are you talking about, Kurt?  I wanted to kiss you.  You didn't force me to do anything I didn't want to.”  He let his thumb graze across Kurt's lips, swollen from their recent activity.

                “Oh.”

                “Baby, you've got to tell me what's going through your head.  Why are you upset?” 

                Blaine knew from their initial meeting so many weeks ago that it would take Kurt time to verbalize his thoughts.  He would wait for an answer for the rest of the summer if that's what it took.

                Kurt snuck a peak at Blaine before quickly dropping his eyes. “Was it that bad?” he asked in a tiny voice.

                “What?” Blaine was incredulous.  Did Kurt actually think he wanted to stop their heated make-out session because Blaine wasn't enjoying it?

                “Is that why you want to take me home?  Because it was so bad?”

                Blaine surged forward, connecting their lips again.  Only this time, he could tell Kurt was holding back.  He took Kurt's lower lip between his teeth and tugged gently, causing the other boy to whimper.  Blaine used the opportunity to slip his tongue into Kurt's warm mouth, tasting the other boy.  Knowing that words alone wouldn't convince Kurt, Blaine wrapped his arms around the slender teen, pulling him tightly against his body so he would feel exactly how much he was wanted.

                Pulling away from Kurt's lips, Blaine kissed and bit along Kurt's jaw until he reached the spot just below Kurt's ear. Placing kiss after kiss there, Blaine finally reached up to pull Kurt's ear lobe between his lips, suckling softly.  It was a good thing his arms were around them both, since Kurt's legs gave out at that point.  Blaine was able to control their tumble to the ground, where he made swift work of removing Kurt's shirt.

                 “Hummel – how could you ever for one minute think that I don't want you?  You're all I think about.”  Slotting their legs together, Blaine turned them both so they were on their sides, nose to nose.  “You move me, Kurt.  I love being with you.  And I don't want to screw this up.”  Blaine leaned in to place another soft kiss to Kurt's lips.  “I don't want move too quickly-”

                Kurt interrupted, “I didn't mean to pressure you.”

                “Ssshh.” Blaine kissed Kurt to distract him from that thought.  “Of all the things I was feeling just now, pressured isn't one of them.  I want you, Kurt Hummel.”  Blaine ran a hand down to the top of Kurt's thigh, tugging him closer to emphasize the point.  “I want you so much, it scares me.  I just don't want us to get so caught up in how amazing all of this feels, that we end up doing things that tomorrow - or next week, we'll regret.  Or, regret doing too soon.”   Blaine buried his head in Kurt's shoulder, content for the moment to listen to his heartbeat and feel the soft rise and fall of his chest, as Kurt played with his curls.

                “I thought when you started talking about the mud, that you were hinting at that same thing.  That we needed to slow things down.  I'm sorry I made you feel like I was rejecting you or that I didn't find you attractive – because, fuck, Kurt, I've never – ever – been so attracted to anyone,” Blaine remarked quietly.

                Absentmindedly, Kurt wrapped Blaine's curls around his fingers.  “I get it, Blaine.  Just because we've got the keys to the car and can drive on the freeway, doesn't mean we're Jeff Gordon and ready to drive on the NASCAR circuit.  Maybe one day soon, but not right now.”

                Blaine burst out laughing at Kurt's analogy.  “Your dad told you that.”

                Kurt giggled.  “Yeah.  He did.  Along with a speech about how I matter, and I shouldn't throw myself around.”

                “He's right.”

                “He usually is.  Can we…can we go back to kissing now?  Or do you really want to take me home?” he asked hesitantly.

                In answer, Blaine pushed Kurt onto his back and leaned over him.  “So you wanna practice a little mouth to mouth, do you?”

                Kurt snickered.  “God, Anderson, you are such a dork.”  Threading his fingers through the back of Blaine's hair, Kurt slowly brought him closer.

                “And yet – despite that flaw which you keep pointing out- you still love me.”  Blaine lowered his lips to Kurt's, taking the time to savor the feeling.

                Kurt pulled away slowly, reaching up to cup Blaine's face.  “You're intelligent.  Patient.  Funny.  Articulate.  Athletic.  Polite.  Great with kids.  My dad loves you.” Kurt tried to lighten the moment.  “All wrapped up in an amazingly hot body.”  He felt the tears building in his eyes, and blinked furiously to keep them from falling.  “And for some reason that I'll never fully understand, You.  Like. Me.  Putting up with your tendencies toward dorkdom seems really, really small in comparison to that, Blaine Anderson.”

                The evening faded completely into night with only the sounds of crickets, the creek, and hushed sighs of pleasure to companion the moon and stars.

It was after 1pm by the time Blaine and Kurt arrived at the Duvall's house in Westerville.  Blaine had arrived later than originally planned to pick up Kurt – which given the late hour they had arrived home the night before, wasn't entirely unexpected. 

                Kurt noticed the subtle changes in the clothing choices Blaine had made as they made the hour and a half drive from Lima to Westerville.  Instead of his normal choice of a t-shirt and denim shorts, Blaine had chosen a collared black polo shirt and belted red shorts that fell almost to his knee.  The most noticeable change was to his hair.  The dark curls that were normally allowed to be free, had been tamed significantly with hair gel.  It wasn't a bad look – not at all.  But Kurt had a feeling that in the end, he'd prefer to run his fingers through gel-free hair.

                They had spent the drive talking amiably about school, musical theater, fashion and football.  And for most of the time, Blaine had held Kurt's hand, resting them on his knee. 

                As Blaine pulled into the rounded driveway of an enormous house, Kurt's eyes widened.  “Nick lives here?” he asked in awe.

                “Um, yes…look, Kurt, he's still Nick, you know?” Blaine seen other people react this way to the Duvall's economic status, and it usually didn't end well.

                Kurt shook his head as if clearing it before turning to Blaine.  “I'm sorry, Blaine.  It's just…I wasn't expecting anything quite so…extravagant.  It's a beautiful house.”

                “Yeah, it is.  But the Duvalls' are what make it a home.  They're normal people, Kurt,” Blaine explained.

                “No, it get it, Blaine.  I promise not to stare, or do anything else that might embarrass you.”

                Blaine leaned over to kiss Kurt softly.  “You aren't going to embarrass me.  But you should know that Nick can be sensitive to people fawning over the things his family owns.  His parents have tried really hard to give Nick and his brothers and sisters as normal of an upbringing as possible.  That's why he works during the summer.  They gave him a car, but expect him to make the insurance payments.   He pays for his own gas, and a lot of his spending money.  Sometimes, the newer Warblers come to the party and they get the wrong idea about Nick and about his family.”

                Bringing his hand around to touch the back of Blaine's neck – careful not to mess with the hair gel, Kurt brought Blaine's lips to his again.  “Message received.  So, I really want to meet your friends, and I am super hungry too.  Are we ready to do this?”

                Smiling, Blaine opened the door and exited, coming around to open the door for Kurt, ever the proper gentleman.  Kurt used the belt sitting on Blaine's waist to tug him closer so he could wrap his arms around his boyfriend.  “I've been meaning to tell you since you picked me up, this is a really good look for you.  Although, I think I prefer a gel-free Blaine Anderson,” he teased gently.

                Chuckling to himself, Blaine kept an arm around Kurt's shoulders as he moved them to the back of the car to pull out their bags.  “We can leave the sleeping bags here until we need them tonight.  Yeah, so about the gel.  The Warblers, excluding Nick and Jeff, are used to seeing me as ‘Blaine Anderson: Dalton Academy student' which comes with a navy blazer, tie, and curls tamed down like a helmet.  It's just part of my – prep school persona, I guess.”

                “Prep school student by day, fearless crime fighter by night?” giggled Kurt.

                Lifting both bags on to his shoulder, Blaine took Kurt's hand and led him towards the house.  “That would be so cool,” he answered dreamily.  A moment later, Blaine shook his head.  “This is sorta a compromise.”

                “So only the cool kids get to see the real you?” asked Kurt quietly.

                “Only the people I love...”

                It was all quite overwhelming – but in a really good way. 

                The Duvall's back yard stretched on forever and included a pool that was almost the size of the Lima public pool, a three bedroom pool house, gazebo, swing-set and play structures for Nick's younger brothers and sisters, and a vegetable garden that would give Martha Stewart's garden a run for its money.  The patio and pool area was laid out in beautiful stonework, which transitioned seamlessly to the green grass that grew to the fence lines that surely existed somewhere out of sight.

                Blaine had introduced Kurt to Mr. and Mrs. Duvall, both of whom welcomed both boys with strong hugs.  Mr. Duvall stood proud in his “This is what a cool dad looks like” apron, tending the two large grills that would be providing food to the ravenous teenagers present.  One grill was filled with tri-tip, hamburgers, and sausages, while the other was grilling a variety of vegetables, peaches and pineapple. 

                Mrs. Duvall was carrying out the last of the salads, placing them on the tables which were shaded by a cluster of enormous Mulberry trees.  Many of the teenagers who had arrived earlier had spread their towels or moved chairs and lounges onto the grassy area nearby, knowing they wanted to be in close proximity to the food.

                Blaine made the rounds with Kurt, introducing him to the Warblers and their friends.  By the time they made it to an umbrella table where Jordan and Jeff had been saving them seats, Kurt's head was spinning with names.  Plopping down into a chair, Kurt greedily sucked down the water Jordan handed him.  Blaine and Jeff offered to fetch some food to eat, although a platter of 7-layer bean dip and corn chips already rested on the table.

                “Thanks, Jordan,” said Kurt when he had finished.

                She smiled.  “No worries, Kurt.  You looked a bit…parched.  How've you been?”

                Kurt could feel his cheeks heat and realized that Jordan had noticed.  “Um, I've been good.  Learning all their names is gonna take a while, I think.”

                Jordan laughed. 

                Kurt made a show of looking over the entire back yard.  “There's Wes, David, Thad, Trent, Hunter, Sebastian, Richard…I think at that point, I just started numbering them in my head: Warbler #1, Warbler #2, Warbler #3…”

                Leaning over, Jordan beckoned Kurt closer.  “Okay, here's my secret…but you can't tell Jeff…if you access the Dalton website and use the link to the Warblers – they have their bios and pictures up.  When Jeff is telling me about someone and I'm not sure who it is, I use my lap top to look them up.  It helps.”

                Kurt grinned excitedly.  “Oh my goodness, that's brilliant.  Thank you so much!  I owe you.”

                Waving away his remark, Jordan leaned back in her chair.  “Just take care of my boy Anderson, Kurt.”

                Glancing over his shoulder towards Blaine, Kurt responded nervously.  “We're just friends, Jordan.”

                Jordan stared pointedly at Kurt.  “Riiiight. Uh huh.  Just friends,” she mocked.

                Nick's girlfriend Tori joined them at the table at that moment, leaving an empty seat between her and Jordan.  “Who's just friends?” she asked curiously, scooping up some bean dip on to a chip.

                “Kurt informs me that he and Anderson are, and I quote, just friends,” Jordan stated dryly.

                Chewing her chip, Tori held up one manicured finger nail.  Finished, she looked first at Jordan then at Kurt.  “I call bullshit on your ‘just friends' story.”

                Kurt looked like a deer caught in the head light beams of a MAC truck.  “Girls, I'm serious.”

                Pursing her lips, Tori let them go with a quiet pop.  “If it please the court of opinion, let me bring forth exhibit #1 into evidence: Blaine tried to kiss you that night at the party before falling into the take out.  Exhibit #2: You and Blaine, cuddled up together while he was recovering from his concussion.  All.  Night.  Long.  Exhibit #3: You and Blaine, kissing in his car, no less than thirty minutes ago.  I was upstairs.  I saw you.  With my own eyes.  And finally, Exhibit #4: I was informed by a confidential source that the reason you weren't hear at 10:00 this morning was because you and Mr. Anderson had quite the late night rendezvous at Whiskey Creek.  I expect later, when everyone is in the pool, we might find physical evidence on yours and Mr. Anderson's bodies that proves a more intimate relationship exists.  I rest my case.”

                Not able to bring himself to look at either of the girls for fear of giving himself away, Kurt stared at his hands clasped together in his lap.  This was more difficult than he imagined.  He really wished Blaine would hurry back with the food, so he could help deflect the attention.

                Concerned that their teasing had gone too far, Jordan scooted closer to Kurt, placing his hand on his arm.  “Kurt?” she asked softly.

                He took a deep breath. “We're not out,” he answered quietly.

                Tori shot a confused look at Jordan.  “Kurt, sweetheart, I know that Blaine is out and I was pretty sure you were too…” she remarked slowly.

                Kurt snorted.  Risking a glance up at Nick's girlfriend, he replied.  “Yes, silly.  We're both out.  We're not out.  As a couple.  He's not my boyfriend.  We can't be, because of Blaine's job.  Not yet, anyway.”

                Squeezing Kurt's arm, Jordan could barely contain her excitement.  “But…” she prompted.

                Sucking his lower lip into his mouth, Kurt considered his words carefully.  He knew that Jordan and Tori wouldn't tell anyone what he shared – not even Jeff and Nick, if he asked.  “We're getting there.  Last night was…heated.  Intense.  God, it was just…wow.  So, yeah, not to sound cocky, I'm pretty darn sure that Mr. Anderson and I will be boyfriends – officially - out and proud, by homecoming.”  By the end of his explanation, Kurt found himself wrapped in the embraces of both girls.

                This was how Jeff and Blaine found the three of them when they brought back the plates of food.  Somehow Blaine managed to balance four plates of delicious smelling food while also carrying napkins, utensils, and several soda cans.  Nick walked up moment later with food for Tori and himself, followed by Austin and a boy his own age who no one had met before. 

                “Is there room for us?” Austin asked politely as everyone else took their seats.

                “Sit.”  Jeff said around a mouth full of food.

                Austin gestured to his friend to take the chair that was available before fetching one for himself.  “Everyone, this is my friend Owen.  Owen, this is Blaine and Kurt, Jordan and my brother, Jeff, Tori and Nick.  Blaine and Nick work as lifeguards at the pool where I volunteer, and they'll be at Dalton with me and Jeff.  Jordan made the questionable decision to date my brother, which shows he has excellent taste.  Tori is Nick's girlfriend and makes the absolute best apple pie I have ever tasted.”

                Owen sat, smiling politely as he was introduced to everyone.  His sun-streaked brown hair was longer in the front, hanging almost to his eyebrows, but cut short in the back and his brilliant green eyes sparkled with amusement as Austin teased his brother.  Casually dressed in a navy US Navy t-shirt and tan cargo shorts, he was quite a bit taller than Austin when they'd been standing together.

                “So, Owen? How do you know Austin?” asked Nick before taking an enormous bite out of the hamburger he'd piled with all sorts of goodness.

                Owen looked over at Nick.  “We played lacrosse together for the past two years for the club team,” he answered casually, helping himself to some of the bean dip.

                Nudging the bowl of corn chips in Owen's direction, Nick continued asking the younger boy about himself.  “So where do you go to school?”

                “I'm a sophomore at the engineering/ science magnate school in downtown.  I love it because we get to totally geek out over stuff – but we don't have enough students to field any sports teams.  Luckily, my mom helped me find a lacrosse team and an ice hockey team to play on outside of school,” Owen explained to the table.

                Austin snagged one of the extra sodas on the table and passed it to Owen without being asked.  “We haven't been able to hang out since the end of the school year, so I asked Owen if he'd like to hang out today.”

                “Yeah, thanks for letting me come.  This is like, really cool,” Owen remarked, continuing to eat the dip.

                “No problem.  Anyone who's friends with Austin is welcome here.  Austin, love, you need to take your boy over to get some real food.  Mom has spent the last four days in cooking heaven preparing for today.  And, I have it on good authority, that Blaine's mom brought over lumpia before the Andersons left for Dubrovnik…”

                Blaine's head popped up from his plate.  “Wait, seriously?  My mom's lumpia is here?”  He shot out of the chair and jogged over to where Mrs. Duvall was refilling the ice chests, causing the others to laugh.

                Owen stood, shooting a quizzical look at Austin.  “What's lumpia?”

                Sighing, Austin got a dream look on his face.  “Only a little bit of fried heaven.  Filipino eggrolls.  Come on, if the others find out the lumpia's been put out, they'll be gone before we can grab some.”  Standing up, Austin took Owen's elbow and led him towards the food tables.

                Blaine returned with an entire paper plate filled with a thinner version of an egg roll as Kurt knew them.  “Here,” he said, placing the plate in the center of the table.  “I got enough for us to share.”

                “Are you sure, Blainers?  ‘Cause I've seen you put down a plate like that by yourself,” teased Jeff.

                “That was during swim season,” murmured Blaine. 

                He picked up a lumpia and offered it to Kurt.  “You'll have to wait to meet my parents, but my mom made these.  There's different kinds of filling, but this one is my favorite.”  He held on to the fried roll until Kurt had taken a bite, anxiously waiting to see what Kurt's reaction would be. 

                Chewing thoughtfully, Kurt allowed the different textures and flavors to play out in his mouth.  He reached over to take the uneaten portion from Blaine's fingers.  “That…was so good, Blaine.  Do you think your mom would teach me how to make these?” he asked enthusiastically.

                “Damn, Hummel – if our Blainers wasn't head over heels in love with you before, he certainly tripped over the cliff with that comment,” muttered Jeff, helping himself to two more.

                Sniffling once, Blaine smiled shyly at Kurt, aware that he'd heard Jeff's comment.  “She'd love that.  You have no idea.  And it would mean a lot to me too.  When they get back from Europe, we'll have to make a time for you to come over.”

                Tori threw a chip at Blaine to get his attention.  “Um, if I'm not being a third wheel, I'd love to come to the lumpia making party too.  And maybe your mom could teach us how to make that noodle dish, with the shrimp and veggies.  Big fan of that one too.”

                Blaine couldn't help but grin.  “Okay, I'll send out an evite or something.  She'd love to have whoever wants to learn.  You know my mom.”

                It took a while for everyone at the table to make it through all of the delicious food – all of them going back for seconds, and some of them going back for thirds or fourths.  The party continued on, with people taking turns singing Karaoke, playing volleyball on the grass, and taking advantage of the cooling waters of the pool.  At some point Tori turned to Jordan and offered to show her where to change into her swim suit.  Before following Tori, Jordan spun and looked straight at Jeff.

                “You're in for a treat, baby,” she called out sassily and then, giving him a wink, followed Tori into the Duvall's house.

                “I guess we should go change too,” remarked Austin, although it sounded more like a question.

                Blaine stood and offered Kurt a hand up.  “All of the girls know to use the main house.  The boys use the pool house to change in.  Any of the three bedrooms.  There are two bathrooms in there too, in case you're wet – the pool house has tile floors, not carpet and wood like the main house.”  He said it to Kurt, but loud enough so that Austin's friend Owen would hear too.  “Come on.  Our bags are already inside.”

                They changed out of their clothes quickly, each proud of not sneaking a peek at the other while he was completely undressed.  Some things could wait for the appropriate time.  When Kurt went to shrug into his swim shirt, Blaine grabbed it.  “Don't.”

                Not understanding Blaine's request, Kurt asked, “Why don't you want me to put my shirt on, Blaine?  You know how important skin health is to me.”

                Blaine stepped closer, pushing some of Kurt's hair behind his ear.  “If you wear the shirt, I can't put sunblock on you.   And…I've really been looking forward to rubbing sunblock all over your back…and anywhere else you can't reach…since you agreed to come to the party with me,” Blaine explained huskily.

                Kurt's eyes widened with understanding before he smirked.  “Does that mean I get to return the favor, Anderson?” He purred.

                “Oh, God, yes.  Please,” whispered Blaine meeting Kurt halfway for a very heated kiss.

                They played in the pool for hours – conscientiously getting out every hour to reapply sunblock – for their health, of course.  Somewhere around five or six in the evening, the Duvalls started bringing out the dessert courses – shaved ice, brownies, a chocolate fountain with all sorts of things to dip, and the crowd favorite – S'mores.  Mr. Duvall set up one of his two grills as the marshmallow roasting station, while he continued to use the other.

                It seemed as if there was a mad rush towards the desserts, leaving Blaine and Kurt floating on a two person inner tube alone in the pool.  They had positioned themselves so that their feet were hanging over opposite ends of the tubes, leaving their faces closer together.  “Having a good time?” Blaine asked quietly, circling his feet in the water, causing them to spin slowly in the water.

                Kurt removed on of the hands from behind his neck to run it through Blaine's gel-free curls.  “The best.  Like, okay, last night was clearly the best time I've ever had-” The flush that crept across Kurt's face had nothing to do with the sun exposure. 

                “Really?” asked Blaine insecurely.

                Tightening his hold on Blaine's curls, Kurt waited until Blaine was looking right at him.  “Yes, really.  Best. Night. Ever.  To date.  Feel free to continue rocking my world like that, Anderson.”

                Blaine's shy smile came back.  “Challenge accepted, Hummel.”

                Kurt smiled back.  “So, as I was saying…this day has definitely been on my top ten favorite days list.  Thank you for including me.  It's been really nice getting to meet all of your friends and hanging out.  With them.  And with you.”

                Quiet for a long time, Blaine finally worked up the courage to ask Kurt what he'd been thinking about.  “Do you remember when we talked about our Halloween costumes?” he asked in a low voice.

                Eyes closed, Kurt smiled at the memory.  “Prep school bad boy and Head Bitch Cheerio.”

                “I was wondering…” Blaine hesitated.

                “Spill it, Anderson.”

                “Would you be interested in…being a little naughty?  Like, PG-13 naughty.”

                Kurt opened one eye at Blaine.  “You wanna be a bad boy, Blaine?” he growled.

                Blaine stared up at the cloudless sky.  “Yes.  A little.  With you.”

                When Blaine didn't continue, Kurt dipped his hand in the water then let the drops fall from his fingertips onto Blaine's face.  “Out with it.  Tell me all your naughty thoughts,” he teased.

                “The Duvalls have a wine cellar.  An underground wine cellar.  You can access it from the house and also from outside.  I was hoping to convince you to meet me there so we could…you know.”

                “Use your big boy words, Blaine.”

                Rolling his eyes, Blaine whispered, “Mess around.  Like we did last night.  Well, not as far as we went last night, but the kissing part.”

                “Okay.”

                Blaine almost sat up, rocking the inner tube, before he caught himself and laid back down.  “Okay-okay?  Really?”  Seeing Kurt's firm nod, Blaine grinned like the village idiot for a moment.  Schooling his features, he explained his plan.  “You'll need to go into the main house.  In the kitchen, there's a glass door etched with the word ‘pantry' on it.  If you go into the pantry, on the back wall, on the left, you'll see a rack with a broom and mop hanging from it.  Pull that rack forward.  It'll swing out – and you'll see the steps going down into the cellar.  The lights are always on.  I'll use the outside door, so it doesn't look as suspicious as both of us going into the house together.  Meet me there in 10 minutes?”

                “See you in 10 minutes, Blaine.  Don't keep me waiting.”  With that Kurt folded himself in half, slipping through the tube and swam away.

                The boys weren't whispering but they weren't being really loud either.  It was as if they figured no one was going to walk in on them.

                “Oh, God.  Like that.  Right there, please don't stop.  You make me feel so good.”

                “Uh huh, I know I do.  You're okay with this right?  Not telling anyone?”  A whimper.  Then another.

                A louder groan.  Then, “Fuck!  Yes, just a little harder.  It's all good.  We can stay quiet about this.  No one needs to know.  It's about us – and how we feel, and…Fuck! You feel so good babe, so good.”

                “Don't stop.  Don't stop.  Don't stop.  Please don't st-” A loud hiss of relief.  And then two people panting furiously to catch their breaths.

                A door above their heads slammed.

                Then another door, on the other side of the room slammed.

                “What was that?”

                “I'm not sure.  Give me a moment so I can feel my legs and I'll go find out.”

                “Okay.”  A kiss.  “I love you.”

                “Love you, too.”

                Kurt came bursting out of the pantry and ran smack into Jeff who'd been sent to fetch more graham crackers and marshmallows.

                “Hey, what's the emergency, Kurt?”

                Kurt's mouth opened and shut but  no words came out. 

                Jeff felt his stomach plummet.  “Is anyone hurt?  Do we need to call 911?” he asked firmly.

                Kurt shook his head.

                “Are you okay?” Jeff asked.

                Kurt shook his head again, tears beginning to fall from his eyes.

                Jeff didn't even think – he acted.  Grabbing Kurt by the elbow, Jeff led him through the maze of hallways and rooms of the Duvall's house into one of the guest rooms, where Kurt promptly fell onto the bed, sobbing.

                Blaine came around the side of the house, frantically wiping away the tears falling from his eyes.  The first person to see him was Tori, who made a bee-line to him.

                “Come on.” Her tone left no room to argue, as she let him into the pool house towards the furthest bedroom.  Once Blaine was inside, she instructed him to lock the door.  “I'm going to get Nick,” she explained, feeling bad about leaving Blaine, but knowing her boyfriend was probably the only person who could get Blaine to open up about what ever had caused this breakdown.”

                Nick was standing with Wes and David, roasting marshmallows, when Tori hurried over to him.  Glancing at the other two Warbler, Tori stared into Nick's eyes hard.  “Blaine needs you.”  She explained where he was, and left to go find Jeff, per Nick's request.  Wes and David followed along, picking up Thad and Trent along the way.  The six Warblers were all super close to one another, and if one of them was in trouble, then the other five were going to provide back up.

                Blaine let them all in, trying desperately to control his sobs.  He didn't care if the guys saw him crying – they'd all held each other during some emotional crisis or another.  But it hurt.  It hurt to cry.  And he just didn't want to hurt. Not like this.

                When Jeff hadn't returned with the marshmallows and graham crackers, Mrs. Duvall had grabbed Austin by the arm and asked him to fetch them and to then go look to see where Jeff went off to.  Searching for his brother, Austin finally found him in a guest room with Kurt.  It was an odd moment, finding his brother and Kurt, fully clothed, curled up together on the guest bed, until he realized that Kurt was crying and Jeffy was trying to comfort him.

                “What happened?” Austin whispered from the doorway.

                Jeff waved him way.  “Doesn't matter, A.  We're gonna be here a while.  Could you tell Jordan, so she doesn't come looking for us?  Thanks.”

                Walking back outside, Tori accosted Austin.  “Have you seen Jeff?”

                “Yeah, but he's kinda indisposed at the moment.  Why?”

                “Blaine's really upset about something. I don't know what.  Nick asked me to get Jeff.”

                “Where's Blaine now?” Austin asked curiously.

                Tori nodded towards the pool house.  “I ran in to him coming around the house.  When I realized something was wrong, I took him there.”

                Austin started to walk away then stopped.  “Tori, Blaine was coming around the house?  Like he'd been on the side of the house?”

                Shrugging, Tori said, “I guess.  There's only fruit trees and the cellar door over there – so I don't know why he'd have been over that way, but yeah, that's where he was coming from.

                Austin felt light-headed.  Voice cracking, he said, “Tori?  Jeff and Kurt are in the guest bedroom.  They're gonna wanna come.”  Watching as she walked off, he muttered to himself, “Fuck.”

                Austin knocked on the bedroom door, and moved past Wes, who'd taken up guard.  “Jeff's on his way,” was all he said before moving towards Blaine.  Squeezing between Nick and Blaine, Austin tried desperately to get Blaine's attention without alerting the others.   “Blaine!”  Austin gripped Blaine's elbow hard.  “Blaine, I've got to talk to you,” he whispered fiercely.

                Blaine tried to shrug him off.  “Not now, Austin.”  He swiped again at the tears he couldn't stop from running down his face.  It just hurt so much.

                “Yes.  Now.  Please.  You've got to come with me.”  Austin needed to get Blaine away from everyone else.  Now that he knew what had caused the fight between Kurt and Blaine, he had to explain what had really happened.  He had to fix things before they spiraled too out of control.

                Nick placed a firm hand on Austin's shoulder.  “Austin, Blaine needs some time.  Just…just go back to the party.”

                Austin swatted away Nick's hand, surprising everyone.  He moved in front of Blaine and stared hard into his eyes.  “W.w.what you h.heard…it isn't w.what you think.  Please, Blaine.  Just come with me.  Don't make me do this with everyone here.”  Speaking barely above a whisper, Austin's voice trembled with fear.

                Before Blaine had a chance to decide, Jeff walked in to the room with Kurt.  Everyone froze for several long moments.

                Blaine glanced over at Nick then back to Kurt, his face a mixture of pain and anger.  “Why?  Why would you do that, Kurt?” he asked furiously.

                Kurt, who clearly had been crying himself, looked sincerely shocked at Blaine's questions.  “Do what, Blaine?” he shot back hoarsely.

                Choking back a sob, Blaine ran his hands through his hair.  “God, have the decency to not lie about it, Kurt.  I heard you,” he accused.

                “Heard me what?”

                “I heard you.  K.k.kurt, I heard you in the wine cellar… with another g.g.guy.  I heard… the things you were telling him.  I…”  Blaine couldn't continue as sobs wracked his body.

                Kurt was horrified at Blaine's accusations.  “I don't know what the hell you're talking about, Blaine.  I went to the cellar like you said, when you said, and…and I heard you… I heard you with some guy.  Telling him how much you wanted him and…how you were willing to keep things quiet…if it meant you could be together.”  Feeling Jeff's arms wrap around him, Kurt turned to bury his face in the other boy's shoulder.

                While the other boys from the Warblers were quietly buzzing about the accusations Blaine and Kurt had thrown at each other, it was Nick, whose arms were wrapped around Blaine, who noticed how ashen Austin Sterling had become. 

                And suddenly, it all made sense.

                “B?” Nick whispered in Blaine's ear.

                Blaine grunted in response.

                “B, it's gonna be okay.  You need to trust me on this.  LP to LP.  Listen to Austin…then you need to talk things out with Kurt.”  Nick could feel Blaine begin to tense up at his mention of talking with Kurt.  He moved to put some space between them, so he could look into Blaine's eyes.  “Don't fuck this up, Anderson.  He's the honey to your bee…the peanut butter to your jelly.”  Nick knew, when Blaine rolled his eyes, that he was listening.

                Turning away from Blaine, he shouted to get the attention of the group of Warblers who'd followed them into the room initially. “Guys!  Everyone out.  Blaine and Kurt need to talk, and everyone else needs to get the fuck out.” 

                Wes and David, Thad and Trent immediately moved towards to door, knowing that Nick, who never swore unless it was absolutely necessary, was deadly serious.  When Jeff looked like he wasn't going to leave Kurt's side, Nick walked over to him and pulled him out the door despite the other boy's protests.

                Austin sunk to the floor, wrapping his arms around his knees, knowing full well that Blaine and Kurt were now staring at him.  Maybe if he sat on his hands, they would stop shaking.  Or, at least, not shake so much. 

                “It was me,” he stated forlornly refusing to meet the other boys' eyes.

                Blaine and Kurt both moved to sit with Austin on the floor, though neither one of them would look at the other.

                Austin continued. “I was the one in the wine cellar.  You heard me…and, and…you heard me and Owen.”  Sniffling, Austin wiped his nose on his t-shirt before dropping his head onto his knees.

                “Austin...”  Blaine reached out to squeeze the younger boy's knee.

                Head snapping up, Austin pinned Blaine with his gaze. “No one knows, Blaine.  No one.”  His voice wavering with the emotions he was frantic to keep in check, Austin tried to explain everything.  “Not Pete.  Not Jeff.  Not my parents.  And I didn't realize…we didn't realize…I'm so sorry.”

                Scooting forward, Blaine wrapped his arms around Austin.  “Ssshhh.”

                Kurt still had tears in his eyes, but now they were for the youngest Sterling brother.  “Austin? We aren't going to tell anyone.”

                Austin's voice was muffled by Blaine's chest. “Kurt, how can you not?  Everyone knows that each of you heard two guys getting hot and heavy.  They're gonna know.”  Quiet for a long time, Austin was grateful that the other boys didn't press him for more information before he was ready.

                Lifting his head, Austin decided he would try to verbalize what he was thinking and feeling.  He couldn't fathom being in a safer place, emotionally and physically, than right here with Kurt and Blaine.

                “Even if I didn't care what other people would say…will say…I mean, I'm gay.  It is what it is.  And while I don't want people talking about me behind my back…shit, I mean, I look at you, Blaine, and I look at you, Kurt, and the two of you are so proud to be who you are…I want to be 100% out and proud like you. 

                 “But Owen isn't there yet.  He…everything is fine when we're alone, but when other people are around…he's totally different.  And I'm okay with that, because I'd rather have a little piece of him, than nothing at all – but if people start to suspect him, he's never gonna talk to me again.”  Hot tears poured down his cheeks as he finished his confession.

                Pulling Austin back into his chest, Blaine rocked him while he continued to cry softly. Looking over at Kurt, he met the other teen's eyes.  “Kurt?  Would you go get Nick?” he asked softly.

                Nodding Kurt stood and left the room.

                Austin raised his head.  “No, Blaine, please.”

                Blaine wiped away Austin's tears, and went to get him a tissue.  “He knows, A.  That's why he sent everyone else away.  Nick will help us figure this out, so that no one gets hurt.  So that Owen feels safe to be with you.” 

                Standing above, Blaine ruffled Austin's blond hair with affection.  “Is he treating you okay, otherwise?  He's not pressuring you to do anything you're not comfortable with, right?  ‘Cause I can pull the official big brother card if I have to.”

                Austin managed a weak chuckle.  “I've got four older brothers, and you want to audition to be number five?  Thanks, but no thanks. Things are fine, B.”  He began cracking his knuckles nervously.

                “Fine?” prodded Blaine.

                Austin sighed deeply.  “Between us?”  He looked up to catch Blaine's affronted look.

                “Duh.”

                He couldn't help the grin that broke across his face. “It's fucking amazing.  I mean, he's just…really talented with…things.  And it just feels so…good.  And sometimes I think we should slow things down, but it feels good and he likes me and I like him.  And it's kinda nice, ‘cause he hasn't…neither one of us has…”  Austin flushed.  “We're…like, learning stuff - together.  Which I like, because doing those things is intimidating enough without constantly worrying about how your more experienced partner feels about your lack of experience. Does that make any sense at all?”

                Blaine laughed quietly, rubbing the back of his neck.  “Believe it or not, it makes perfect sense.  You know, taking it slow is fine, too.  I mean, for the record, Kurt was the first guy I've kissed…made out with.”  Seeing Austin's look of disbelief, Blaine continued.  “Seriously.  Eighteen and never been kissed. Well, until last night.  And, yeah.  We went further than we probably should have…because it felt really good.  Just…don't just do stuff ‘cause it feels good, Austin.  It's got to mean something, too.”

                Austin was still shaking his head.  “So you never kissed a guy before Kurt?”

                Blaine looked down sheepishly.  “If we include games of spin the bottle?  Then yes, I've kissed Nick, your brother, and…shit, your brother”

                Looking horrified, Austin asked, “Jeff and David?”

                “Yeah…Awkward.  But I've never dated anyone before.  And maybe it's old-fashioned, but I wanted things to mean something.  And they did.  And I'm really glad I waited.  But I don't want you to feel like I'm judging you.  Because I'm not.  I just want you to feel like it's okay to go at your own pace.  Whatever that is.” 

                “Thanks, Blaine.”

                “You know, A…I know you and Jeff were going to room together this year…but, and I don't need an answer tonight, but if you wanted...I could talk to Jeff about switching with me.  He and Nick would jump at the chance to be back together.  And even if you don't…want to room with me, you've got to know that I'll always be there if you need to talk…about anything.  And Nick may be into girls, but he's been, hands down, the most supportive friend I could have ever asked for.  You can always talk to him…he won't ever spill your secrets.  And Kurt.  You can always talk to Kurt.

                The sound of the door closing pulled Blaine and Austin's attention.  Nick smiled warmly at his best friend.  “Love you too, Blainers.”

                Blaine offered a smirk.  “Love you more, Duvall.”

                Nick listened as Blaine laid out a shortened version of Austin's story.

                “I've got this, B.  Have you and Kurt had a chance to talk about things?”  He wasn't surprised to see both of his friends shake their heads.  “Fine.  Austin and I will go explain things.”  Seeing Austin about to protest, he quickly cut the blonde boy off.  “Shush.  We've got this.  I'll explain in the hallway.” 

                Pointing at Blaine and Kurt he ended with, “You two – go talk.  Then, at the risk of sounding like Jeff, go kiss the shit out of each other.  I don't want to see either of you until after that happens.” Reaching down, Nick offered Austin a hand up from the floor.  Slinging his arm around Austin's shoulders, he guided them through the door into the hallway.

                Kurt waited until the door swung shut after them before announcing firmly, “I want to go home.”

                Standing with his arms wrapped protectively around his middle, Kurt wouldn't make eye contact with Blaine.  “I want to go home,” he declared firmly.

                As angry has he had been thirty minutes ago, Blaine was a hundred times more remorseful.  He knew he'd screwed things up big time with the way he'd handled everything.  He attempted to take Kurt's hand, only to have Kurt violently jerk away from his touch.  “Kurt, please.” 

                “No!”  Kurt shook his head.  “Don't.  I get that this is a thing for you and the Warblers, so I'm just gonna call Finn and ask him to come pick me up.”  He drifted towards the door.

                “Kurt,” Blaine's voice cracked.  “Please stay.  I'm sorry.  I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions and I'm sorry for –“

                Kurt yanked the door open.

                “Kurt! Kurt, wait.  I'll take you.  Can I?  Please.”

                Pausing, his hand on the door knob, Kurt considered.  “I'm going to get my things and say goodbye to Mrs. Duvall.  I'll be at your car in fifteen minutes.  If you're not there, I'm calling my brother,” he answered tersely. 

                “I'll be there, Kurt.”

                Nick and Austin were still in the hallway when Blaine exited.  Seeing Nick's questioning glance, Blaine cut to the chase, “I'm taking Kurt back to Lima.  I'll text you when I get there.  I'm probably going to stay at Nana's tonight.”

                “Talk to him,” advised Nick.

                “He doesn't want to talk to me, Nicky.  He won't even look at me.”  Leaning against the wall, Blaine began to bang his head against it.  “Fuck.  I fucked this up so bad.  Nicky, I can't…I can't lose him.   He means too much to me.”

                Nick stood in front of his friend and placed both hands on his shoulders, squeezing firmly.  “You've got an hour and a half drive ahead of you, Blainers.  Tell him.  Tell him how you feel.  He's really angry right now – but he's still in love with you.  Go fight for him, not with him.”  Nick gave Blaine a quick, hard hug then pushed him down the hallway.

                “You think they'll be okay?” asked Austin

                Nick nudged Austin with his shoulder, grinning.  “Of course.  Kurt and Blaine are endgame, Sterling.  Everyone can see that.”

Blaine found Kurt leaning against the passenger door of his car, hands clutching the strap of his duffel bag tightly.  Walking up to him, Blaine tried to take the bag from Kurt.  “Here, let me put this in the back.”

Twisting away, Kurt refused to hand over his bag.  “No,” he said sharply.  “No, thank you.”  He continued to look anywhere but at Blaine.  “Could you unlock the door so I can get in?”

Blaine deflated.  “Kurt, don't be like this.  I'm sorry.  Really sorry.  Can we please talk about what happened?”

Kurt kept his face blank, refusing to allow the anger and hurt he was feeling to show.  God knows, he'd had enough practice schooling his features in front of the bullies at McKinley.    Taking a breath, he let it out slowly.  “I want to go home.  Period.”  He finally met Blaine's eyes.  “If you can't respect that, then it really isn't an imposition for me to make other arrangements.”

Feeling like he'd been sucker-punched, Blaine realized he wasn't going to get Kurt to open up.  At least not right now.  “Okay.” 

Using the key-less remote to unlock the doors, Blaine stumbled around to the driver's side, not hiding the fact that he was wiping away tears as he did so.  By the time he made it inside the car, Kurt had already fastened his own seatbelt and, forehead pressed against the glass, was staring off into the darkness. 

Ten silent minutes later, Blaine felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.  Carefully, he pulled it out, noting that Nick had sent him a text message.  Before he could check to see what Nick wanted, Kurt's fingers reached to pull the phone from his hand.

“Please don't use your phone while you're driving,” he mumbled.

“I'm sorry, Kurt,” answered Blaine.

“Whatever,” came Kurt's quick reply, plainly indicating he wasn't ready to accept Blaine's apologies.

“Kurt –”

“It's not safe,” Kurt remarked tensely

“You're right.  I shouldn't have done that…there's a lot I shouldn't have done tonight.”  Blaine risked a glance at Kurt, only to find him swiping at the tears on his cheeks again.  “Please talk to me,” he whispered.

Kurt hated that his voice betrayed his emotional turmoil by going up an octave.  “What is this, Blaine?  What are we?”

“I…” hesitated Blaine.

“Exactly,” commented Kurt sadly.

Blaine found it difficult to concentrate on driving, especially with watery eyes.  He just needed a minute to focus his thoughts.  “No, Kurt, give me a chance to…to figure out what I want to say.”

Kurt's anger boiled over.  “So when it comes to tearing me down in front of your friends, when it comes to accusing me of cheating on you – when I'm not even sure that's possible, because I don't even know if we're together – and frankly, I didn't think you could cheat on someone you were just friends with – then, the words just flow out…but when I ask you to actually define what I mean to you – then you freeze up?  Then you need time to think?”

Making a series of turns in some generic suburban track home division, Blaine didn't say anything in response.   He pulled his car into a driveway in front of a two story house, where all the lights were off.  Shutting off the engine, he twisted in his seat so he could look at Kurt.

“Where the hell are we?” asked Kurt in confusion.

Blaine gestured weakly with his hand.  “My house.  I can't…I can't drive…”  He choked back a sob.  “I'll take you home, I swear.  But I can't drive right now…I just want to work this out, Kurt.  You have every right to be furious with me.  I was a total asshole.  But you have to know, I don't want you to walk away…I want you in my life.”

Kurt stared at some point over Blaine's shoulder.  “I thought I wanted that too,” he said quietly.

“So you don't anymore?” Blaine asked, voice cracking.

“Twenty-four hours ago, I had the single most amazing night of my life, with a guy who I thought I was falling for...”  Kurt hesitated at Blaine's exhalation of surprise.

He continued.   “I don't regret it.  I don't regret what we did – any of it.  But maybe you were right to try to stop us – because we haven't ever taken the time to define what we have.  And before today, I didn't think I needed to – because I thought we were on the same page.” 

Kurt dropped his gaze to his hands, twisting together in his lap as he expressed his feelings.  “But I must have been wrong – because as much as you humiliated me in front of your friends – and I'm pissed at you for that, I could maybe understand it.  But the fact that you thought, seriously thought, that I would…that I could hook up with another guy at a party – after what we shared last night…”  Kurt broke down, dropping his head into his hands.

“Hummel,” Blaine croaked out, reaching to take Kurt's arm.

Kurt slapped his hands away.  “No! Blaine, I'm not some cheap whore who throws himself around.”

“I don't think that,” cried Blaine.

Kurt finally lifted his head to pierce Blaine with his gaze.  “It's how you've made me feel.  It hurts so much, that you don't realize how special…how I never would have…it meant something.”

“It meant something to me, Kurt.  I swear, it meant the world.”

“Then how could you ever think it was me in that wine cellar?”

“It just made sense…the timing - not that it would be you.  And I was so hurt and… so jealous.  Because you really are amazing, and…I'm petrified that you're gonna wake up and realize what a joke I really am – and I don't know how I'd ever recover from that, because Kurt?  Kurt, I am in love with you.  I want you to be my boyfriend.  I've wanted that…almost since I met you.  But I didn't ask because of the stupid rules.  I should have admitted all of this to you a long time ago.  Please…please tell me I haven't fucked this up so much that you can't forgive me.”  Halfway through his confession, Blaine had snatched up Kurt's hands, holding them tightly to help anchor him.

The sincerity of Blaine's words slowly began to thaw the iciness around Kurt's heart.  Slipping a hand out of Blaine's vise-like grip, Kurt reached up to run his hand through Blaine's messy curls.  “You saved me, Blaine Anderson.  You saved me from so much.  I would never let you go without a fight.  And you aren't a joke.  Please don't talk like that.”

He drew Blaine closer until he could wrap his arms around him.  Blaine let out a sob at Kurt's gentle touch, burying his face into the space where Kurt's neck and shoulder met.   Rocking back and forth, Kurt asked, “Can we…are your parents home?”

“No,” sniffled Blaine.  “They're in Dubrovnik.”

“Can we go inside and finish talking? It's rather cramped in here.  And I think we're going to need another tissue box before we're done,” he remarked.

Nodding, Blaine risked placing a slow kiss on Kurt's neck, pleased to note that the action caused the other teen to shudder.  “Talk and then I can take you home,” he said quietly.

Kurt pushed Blaine away from his chest so they could look at each other.  “Or talk and then we can go to sleep,” he pointed out.

“Sleep?”  Blaine was puzzled.

Kurt offered a small shrug.  “It's dumb.  But I was really looking forward to waking up in your arms tomorrow.  You know, since we were all going to camp out on the lawn.”

“That's not dumb, Kurt,” insisted Blaine.  “We could always go back to Nick's.”

Shaking his head in the negative, Kurt explained, “I'm not ready to face your friends again.  But if spending the night together here makes you uncomfortable, then we don't have to do it.”

Blaine shot him a watery smile.  “Between Dalton and Nana Sterling, I've had excellent training in behaving like a gentleman.  I'm fairly confident that I can keep my hands to myself.”

Leaning in, Kurt stole a kiss, tasting the salt from Blaine's tears on his lips.  “Or not.”

Clearing his throat, Blaine echoed, “Or not.”

Blaine felt like he was suffocating.  It was only when he fully regained consciousness that he realized an almost naked Kurt draped across his chest was the cause of that sensation.  He took a long moment to savor this.  They had talked long into the night about everything they had been thinking and feeling about each other, about Friday night and how it had maybe spun a little out of control – no regrets – but maybe they had gone a little further than either had meant to.

Then they had decided to go to sleep.  Blaine, being a gentleman, had offered Kurt the use of the guest room – which Kurt refused, stating it was ridiculous to dirty two pairs of sheets, and besides, he had full intentions of waking up in his boyfriend's arms.  Yes, they had made it official – though wouldn't be sharing that information with too many people until after Kurt had finished his lessons.

It was August, and the Anderson's house never cooled down that well, so Blaine had opened his bedroom window, turned on two fans, and both boys had stripped down to their boxer shorts to fall to sleep.  Though, apparently, Kurt had gotten chilled in the night and had curled up to Blaine's body heat to keep warm.  Blaine began stroking Kurt's pale back with his free hand.

“Mmmm, t's nice,” mumbled Kurt, slowly waking up.  He propped his chin up on Blaine's chest.  “Hi!”

“Hi!”

The grinned goofily at each other until Blaine's stomach growled noisily.

“Okay, Mr. Anderson.  Breakfast, then Lima?”

“What time is it?”  Blaine's bedroom was filled with bright sunlight.

Kurt grabbed his shorts and pulled out his phone.  “What the…?

“What is it?” called Blaine from the bed.

Kurt looked up.  “I've got 7 voice mails, 15 text messages, and a bunch of missed calls.  Nick. Jeff. My dad. Finn.  Austin.”  Punching in his password, Kurt began to listen to the voice messages.

Blaine grabbed his own phone out of the charger only to find the same thing.  Nick had left him several voice messages, each one sounding more urgent and more concerned. 

“Anderson, where are you?  Call me.”

“Blainers, seriously, where are you and Kurt?  Please call me when you get this?”

“Look, Blaine, Kurt told my mom you were taking him home last night. She called his dad this morning to make sure he made it home okay.  He's not there, and now everyone is freaking out.  Call me.”

The came two successive messages that made him nauseous.

“Blaine, it's Pete.  We just want to make sure you and Kurt are okay.  Please call us.”

“Blaine, this is Burt.  Burt Hummel.  Kurt's dad.  Your friend Nick said that you and Kurt had some sort of fight last night, but that you were bringing him home to Lima.  He's not here.  Please call me, or Nick, or someone and let us know if you've seen Kurt.  And to let us know that you're okay, too.  Thank you, son.”

Looking at Kurt's panicked face, Blaine knew he was listening to a series of messages that must be similar to his.  He quickly dialed Nick, who picked up on the first ring yelling out, ‘It's Blaine!'.

 “I'm fine, Nick. Kurt's fine.  I'm so sorry for making everyone worry.”

“Where are you?”

“We ended up at my house.”

“So did you do what I suggested?” Nick asked pointedly.

Blaine smiled.  “Yeah.  Both things.  We just woke up and saw that our phones exploded.  Shit.  Is your mom okay?  I feel like such an ass.  I keep screwing things up.  I'm not even sure how this could be worse.”  He ran the hand not holding his phone through his hair. 

“Um, it's worse,” called out Kurt who was staring out the bedroom window.

Blaine looked over to him.  “Huh?  What Kurt?”

Kurt turned away from the window, grabbing the t-shirt he'd been wearing the day before and yanking it down onto his body.  “It's worse.  My dad and Pete Sterling just pulled up to your house.”

Having overheard Kurt's answer, Nick chuckled grimly.  “I'll make it an excellent eulogy, Anderson.

“Jackass,” he said into the phone.

“Made you smile.  I'll see you later tonight.  At home, or, you know, on the news.  You did take a nice yearbook photo last year,” Nick teased gently.

“I hate you,” Blaine said without any heat.

                The boys hurriedly pulled on their discarded clothes and sandals before jogging downstairs.  Blaine opened the door only to catch Mr. Hummel with his arm raised, about to knock.  Burt stared at Kurt before pulling him into a hard embrace. 

                “Dad?  Dad, I'm sorry.”  Kurt voice was full of remorse.

                “Scooter, I was so worried.  You have no idea.  I'm just glad that you're okay, son.”  Burt looked up at Blaine and yanked him into the hug as well.  “I'm glad you're both okay.  I'm angry that between the two of you, neither of you had the sense to let someone know where the hell you were, but we can save that discussion for the drive home.”  Burt released both boys from his embrace.

                Blaine went to stand before Pete.   “Pete…I apologize for making you come all this way and for making you worry.  I-”

                Pete held up his hand, stopping Blaine in mid-sentence.  “I appreciate what you are saying, Blaine.  But right now, I can't talk with you.  Burt and I discussed it, and you are going to ride home with him.  Kurt, you're coming with me.  Hopefully, by the time we're back in Lima, I'll be able to discuss your actions more calmly.”

                Blaine looked down at his shoes, as tears came to his eyes.  “Pete, I…I don't have to come back, if it's gonna make things uncomfortable.  I can stay here.  The dorms are open at Dalton.  I can move back early, if you're worried about me not being supervised.”  He drew comfort from Kurt's hand which had snuck into his own and was holding tight.

                “I'm not letting you off that easy, Blaine.”  With that Pete strode back to his truck to wait for Kurt.

                Embarrassed that he was crying in front of Kurt's father, Blaine tried to brush away the tears so that he could lock the front door of his parents' house.  Finished, he stumbled down the walk way to his own car where he and Kurt pulled out their duffel bags.  It was then that Kurt placed his hands on either side of Blaine's face and leaned in to kiss him gently. 

                Kurt turned to look at his father.  “Do you remember telling me that I was going to have to go it alone until the day I could find someone as open and as brave as me?  Well, I found him, Dad.  Blaine and I had a long talk last night, and we're officially together.  But we're not telling everyone until after I pass my test.  So, Dad?  Please don't kill my boyfriend.  I'd kinda like to keep him around a bit longer”

                Winking at Blaine, he finished.  “You know, until prom at least…”

                Burt smiled at his son.  “I promise I will not kill him.  I will not yell at him – much.  And I promise that the three of us will sit down to discuss the consequences of your choices so that we are all clear on what those will be.  Now, let's get something to eat before we hit the road.”

                “Thanks, Dad.”

                “You're welcome.”