Blaine stood on the Hudson-Hummel's deck munching an oatmeal cookie. He had awakend on the couch a few minutes earlier absolutely famished. When he recalled the cookies he left out on the counter the night before he prayed in honor of all goodie-baking grandmothers everywhere that Finn had not found them. Prayer answered. He grabbed a couple before sliding open the door on the gloriously sunny day. It wasn't really that early, but the house seemed quiet and Blaine wondered if he was the first person up. He had not heard Burt or the others come in last night and did not know how late they were out.

This was the day of the Pride celebration. In a couple of hours Kurt and he would be making their way to downtown Columbus and finding the group of gay youth that was planning to march together. He was apprehensive about who he would meet and what kind of day they would have but this was something that Kurt wanted and something Blaine wanted for him. It was kind of ironic how Blaine had entered into the relationship as more of a mentor, when truly it was Kurt who initiated most of the risk taking.

Blaine wolfed down the second cookie and went back into the peaceful house. He pulled the toiletries out of his overnight bag in the family room and climbed the stairs to shower and shave. Quietly letting himself into Kurt's still dark bedroom, he stopped briefly near the foot of the bed. Kurt was still, most likely very much asleep, so Blaine silently made his way into the bathroom. The rooms were still somewhat fragrant from the candles that had burned the night before. Blaine thoughtfully closed the bathroom door before he turned on the light.

He was in the shower a few minutes later when he felt a chilly draft and heard someone come into the bathroom. He peeked out to see Kurt, who had his back to the shower as he stood at the toilet, his hair mussed and pajamas wrinkled. Blaine smiled and went back to his shower. He could get used to this, sharing monrning rituals with Kurt, he thought. He heard Kurt at the sink then felt a sudden coolness again and realized Kurt had just as quickly left the bathroom.

As he washed off the last remnants of their lovemaking (it was lovemaking, he realized soberly) from last night, Blaine reflected on the past week. Where on earth had Kurt Hummel come from? The young man he held in his arms last night was taking him places in more ways than one. Blaine had listened for entire years of his life as his straight friends (and that was almost everyone) prattle on about girls, girls, girls. Because of his own inexperience it really messed with his head. But no more. Blaine had begun to develop a personal sense of his own sexuality. He was learning what felt good and what felt amazing and how his body responded to different kinds of stimulation. The discoveries were welcome, but since most of his sexual activity always had been focused on his own pleasure, the most remarkable part of all the new experiences was not so much about him as it was about Kurt.

His new fascination was with what it meant to have another person in his life, in the room, in the bed, in his embrace. He was startled by the responsive intensity of his senses; he needed to observe and touch and taste and smell Kurt. This passion for another person took his breath away, making him feel both powerless and powerful at the same time.

He was taken aback by how much he wanted Kurt to feel good and how much Kurt's reactions affected him; who knew a suggestive facial expression could cause an erection? He had seen the flushed skin and unfocused eyes; he had heard expletives uttered and the helpless whimpers. All the information and all the porn on the Internet did not prepare him for this.

While Blaine understood intellectually that his interest was in other boys or men, and his fantasies had revolved around same sex activities, his recent experiences brought with them a complete and satisfying confirmation: Blaine's strongest desires for sexual, physical and emotional intimacy were all directed towards the male sex. The Blaine Anderson standing in the shower was maturing into a much more secure and self-aware young man. Fascinating what one could accomplish with a little practice.

Kurt lay on his already made bed, listening to the shower and thinking Blaine might give him some competition when it came to long, hot showers. Should he join him? No, Kurt aired on the side of giving Blaine his own space. He had opened the drapes to find the gorgeous cloudless morning. What a great day for Pride! Kurt mentally confirmed his plans for what to wear and went through his list of everything they needed to take to Columbus with them. The sound of activity in the kitchen found its way upstairs, reminding Kurt how hungry he was. They would definitely want to start the day with a good breakfast he thought most practically. (It was on his itinerary in fact.)

The shower finally stopped. He got up and finished tidying his room, placing the candles on his bookshelf and folding the scarves to return them to the top dresser drawer. Last night had been all that he had hoped and he had Mercedes to thank for providing the inspiration. However he found himself almost dreading the conversation that was bound to take place because he knew she would pump him for all the particulars. As his relationship with Blaine intensified, Kurt realized that he no longer felt like all of it was fodder for girl talks with Mercedes or Rachel. He and Blaine had grown in the intimacy of their relationship with each other and Kurt did not care to include others, even those who were most dear to him, in all of the details. What they had was more special and private than that. Some of the things that he and Blaine were trying were not simply sexual exploits although they might be viewed as such by others. They were personal experiences that they were sharing as a couple.

Blaine opened the door of the steam filled bathroom and found Kurt laying out his 'likes boys' t-shirt and black skinny jeans to wear for the day. "Hey, good morning," Blaine said softly, "You probably need to get in here, don't you? I'll just clean up my stuff and get out of your way."

Kurt looked at him and smiled. "It is going to be a beautiful day," he said. Blaine was wearing the robe that Kurt gave him the night before. He looked around for Blaine's bag and did not see it. "Do you want me to go get your clothes so you can dress up here?"

Blaine nodded, "That would be great. Unless you think your dad would object." He approached Kurt and they embraced, just standing close to each other for a few moments.

Kurt gently broke away from the hug. "I have a present for you." He went to a drawer and pulled out a wrapped package. "I hope you will wear it today."

Blaine opened his gift. It was a black t-shirt that said 'GLBTerrific!' with a rainbow on it. He smiled up at Kurt, who was standing close to him. "Thanks babe, I love it." He kissed Kurt sweetly.

"Oh, I almost forgot-let me go get your bag." Kurt ran downstairs and quickly returned with Blaine's bag. Then he prepared for his shower.

Blaine dressed and went down to the kitchen. He found Burt and Finn trying their best at making breakfast for the family. Blaine offered to help, wondering if he might add further to the apparent confusion. Burt refused and Blaine gratefully accepted the mug of coffee he offered along with the encouragement to join Carole on the deck.

She flashed him a grin and said, "You two have great weather for the pride parade. Are you excited?"

"Very," said Blaine politely, "but not as excited as Kurt."

Carole laughed with understanding. "Nice shirt by the way. I know you will have a good time. I have some old friends who went each year when I was a lot younger. They always wanted me to go but I never made it. Maybe if Kurt gets the PFLAG group going at the high school we can all march together some day."

"So you have gay friends?"

"Yes, although I rarely see them anymore. We've just all gone our separate ways."

So that helped explain how Carole could be so comfortable with having a stepson like Kurt, thought Blaine. "Are your friends men or women?"

"Both," responded Carole easily, but her voice had taken on an edge. She took a swallow of her coffee. Blaine thought she might be trying to decide how much more she wanted to say. He sipped from his steaming mug and gave her time to speak.

Carole glanced over at Blaine. "I've lost some friends to AIDS over the years. One very good friend from high school." Blaine felt a chill even though he was sitting in the bright morning sun drinking hot coffee.

"Carole, I'm very sorry," Blaine said. Private school manners came in handy at moments like this.

"Yeah," she nodded. "Me, too." Her eyes welled with tears and one spilled over onto her cheek. She quickly rubbed it away and looked back over at Blaine with a tender smile on her face that did not quite reach her moist eyes. "Things are better now, but not what they should be. You and Kurt—," she stopped, uncertain how to proceed , "– you boys need to be informed and be safe. I mean Finn, too." Then she finished, "Sorry if I sound all preachy."

Blaine never knew what all went into Burt's decision to finally have that sex talk with Kurt. Now he wondered if Carole might have had something to do with it, too.

Just then a smoke alarm sounded and loud voices were heard from inside. "Oh, shit!" muttered Carole and she ran towards the sliding glass door.

An hour later all the Hudson-Hummels and Blaine were eating in relative calm at a nearby IHOP. It was Burt's treat although the jury was undecided on whose lack of skill (his or Finn's) in the kitchen had caused the smoke alarm to go off. One quite burnt frying pan of bacon was the only casualty. They opened some windows to air out the house a bit as the boys scrambled to gather anything they needed for the day. Blaine and Kurt drove separately with plans to take off from the IHOP after the family's breakfast.

At last, it was time to leave for Columbus. Burt bellowed his final cautions and Carole got up to embrace both boys as they excused themselves from the table. Finn was shoveling in his steak and eggs but still managed to wave and offer what sounded like, "Later dudes!"

Kurt hopped, skipped and nearly flew the remaining steps to Blaine's vehicle, waiting impatiently as Blaine released the door locks so he could climb in. He had with him in the front seat the bottle of sunscreen for application as Blaine drove, his ipod, and a map with driving and parking instructions. Kurt pulled out an envelope that had in it their entrance dog tags and put one around his neck. Then he motioned for Blaine to lean over so he could slip Blaine's over his head. Blaine also got a very excited smooch on the mouth that made him grin and shake his head. Kurt was certainly wound up. Blaine plugged their destination into the vehicle's GPS and off they went.

The drive would take about an hour depending upon traffic. Kurt had prepared a special mix on his ipod for the trip, 'a retrospective of GLBT music' according to him. The mix kicked off with Joan Armatrading's 'This Charming Life'

I wanna be with you all the time

Every day

Every night

You're my d�j� vu

Followed by Romanofsky and Phillips "'What Kind of Self-Respecting Faggot Am I?'

I moved to San Francisco; it seemed the place to be

But I'm not into disco and bars intimidate me

My only can of Crisco is where it's supposed to be

What kind of self-respecting faggot am I?

They listened to an unusual combination of romantic ballads, political anthems and humorous songs with some classic Queen thrown in.

The closer they got the more traffic picked up. Kurt pointed out all the gay friendly signs, flags and bumper stickers while Blaine kept his eyes on the road. "Oh my god! The car next to us has a sticker that says 'I don't mind straight people as long as they act gay in public,'" Kurt giggled with delight. Once downtown they found themselves in bumper to bumper traffic with vehicles full of people waiting to get into nearby parking lots. They were able to find the place Kurt had scoped out and paid their 'donation' to park for the day.

Blaine and Kurt walked to the nearest corner, along with scores of other people dressed in bright colors, many carrying signs. According to Kurt's calculations they were just three blocks from the parade route and close to where they were meeting the group of gay youth being assembled by the Kaleidoscope Youth Center.

It was about 11:30 and the parade kick-off was set for 12 noon. Now that they were there, parked, and knew where they were headed on foot, Blaine finally breathed a sigh of relief and soaked in what was happening around him. He could see the happiness and excitement of the groups of people as they moved in the same direction. And the humanity! All ages, lots of kids, babies in strollers, older couples were talking and laughing, greeting friends, posing for photos. Kurt's eyes were round as saucers; he was quieter than he had been for the whole trip into Columbus. Both boys just needed to take it all in.

Kurt's phone buzzed in his pocket and he immediately remembered that he was supposed to let his dad know when they arrived.

Mercedes: Happy Pride Day, Sweetie. Are you there yet? :)

Kurt responded: Yes. It is AMAZING. Need to find our group. More later.

Mercedes: Are u holding hands with B? U should be u know! Have fun!

Kurt texted his dad to let him know they were in Columbus. The minute he put his phone back in his pocket, he reached over and took Blaine's hand, easily linking their fingers together. Blaine gave Kurt a startled look but he did not take his hand away. He felt flushed and self-conscious. They were walking down a public sidewalk holding hands in the middle of the day. His eyes met Kurt's and they smiled almost shyly at one another. This was certainly going to be a day of firsts.

Once they got to Front Street, they began to look for the banner for the Kaleidoscope Youth Center. Groups were lined up in the wide street as far as they could see in both directions. There was music playing, balloons, costumes, decorated signs and banners. Spirits ran high. Lots of same sex couples were holding hands or walking with their arms around each other. At last they saw the multicolored banner for the Kaleidoscope Youth Center along with a group of about 50 younger people and a handful of adults.

Kurt pulled Blaine over to a man surrounded by some of the kids. "Glenn?" he inquired and the man smiled, "Yes?"

"I'm Kurt Hummel—from Lima? And this is my boyfriend, Blaine Anderson."

Several of the youth turned to listen to the interaction. Most of them had matching 'Be You' t-shirts on.

"Welcome," said Glenn, holding out his hand to shake to Kurt, and then to Blaine "We are glad you are here. Did you have much trouble finding us?"

Some of the kids moved in closer, and Glenn started making introductions. A slender young man sidled up to Kurt with his hand on his hip and sing-songed, "Love the t-shirt" gesturing to Kurt's 'like boys' shirt from New Directions 'born this way' number. Kurt and Blaine chatted companionably with those they met, while Glenn moved on to greet others and get the group organized.

Kurt's phone buzzed. "Cedes again," was all he said to Blaine.

Mercedes: Have you found your peeps? Where are you guys meeting them?

Kurt was annoyed. She needed more details than his father!

Kurt: WTF? Front and Broad if you must know.

Mercedes: Sorry Boo. Curious minds. Hope you have a blast!

Everyone from the group was asked to get behind the banner to get ready to march. Blaine noticed women in bright orange t-shirts marked on the back with "Security" riding bicycles past them on either side of the street. That would make Burt happy, he thought. Excitement and anticipation were in the air as all the marchers readied themselves.

Kurt put his arm through Blaine's and leaned close. "I'm so glad you are here with me today. I love you."

Blaine looked at his smiling boyfriend, assuring him, "I am exactly where I am supposed to be." He wanted this to be a very special day for Kurt.

Blaine squeezed Kurt's hand and asked, "May I be the first guy to kiss you in public?"

Kurt clapped his hands and jumped up and down, making Blaine laugh out loud. "Yes," he squealed "yes, yes, yes!"

Of course Kurt's reaction ensured that many eyes were on them, but Blaine decided it didn't matter. In fact it might even be a good thing. Blaine put his arms around his boyfriend. His eyes shone into Kurt's. "You are the most courageous, the most elegant, the sexiest guy I have ever seen. I still can't believe you are mine. I am so in love with you," and he warmly kissed Kurt Elizabeth Hummel in downtown Columbus, Ohio for the entire world to see.

Ahead of them the marchers were beginning to walk. Blaine and Kurt strolled hand in hand, taking in all the sights and sounds, often gazing at one another and smiling in wonder. Hundreds and hundreds of people lined the way, many of whom carried signs of support, cheering as more than 100 different groups, organizations and business marched past. The boys were part of a procession that contained colorful floats, bands, shirtless cowboys, motorcycles, lesbian moms, and thousands of other marchers tossing candy and displaying their banners and rainbow flags.

The parade ended at Goodale Park, where the marchers poured out into an wide expanse of greenery surrounded by food, beverage and merchandise vendors, plus tables for every conceivable gay or gay friendly organization or business. As Blaine and Kurt neared the park they began to hear a group off to the side singing 'Born this Way.' What drew Kurt's attention was the particularly rich voice of one of the girls, a plus-sized African American belting for all she was worth.

"Blaine!" Kurt screeched, "Look! Oh my god, Blaine!" He grabbed Blaine's arm and pointed off to the right just up ahead of them. Then he saw the sign, waving in rhythm to the singing. It had a big heart and arrow outlined on red on it. In the heart was 'Blaine+ Kurt.'

Blaine looked carefully and started to make out faces. The tall guy –that was Finn, right? And next to him was Puck… with his arm around Lauren! "Kurt this is unreal," Blaine said with a huge grin on his face. "Did you know-?"

"I had no idea whatsoever!" Kurt yelled in amazement. He pointed again, "There's Brittany and Santana!"

No matter gay, straight, or bi

Lesbian, transgendered life

I'm on the right track baby

I was born to survive

No matter black, white, or beige

Chola or orient made

I'm on the right track baby

I was born to be brave

Just then Mercedes spotted them and began waving madly. Close to her were Sam holding up the heart sign and Quinn jumping up and down. Tina and Mike saw them, too. All of them were still singing at the top of their voices, much to the enjoyment of the people around them. Rachel was hanging onto Finn's arm trying to see above the crowd. He finally leaned down so he could hoist her up piggyback. She threw both of her arms into the air, a beautiful smile lighting her face. The crowd around them had joined in with voices and clapping hands.

I was born this way hey

I was born this way hey

I'm on the right track baby

I was born this way hey.

At the conclusion of the song a cheer went up from the crowd.

Kurt and Blaine began moving slowly through the throngs of people to where their friends waited for them. As they drew closer Kurt finally saw Artie, too.

"All of them are here," Kurt said with a hitch in his throat. "Everyone from New Directions is here." His eyes were wet.

"Your friends love you, Kurt." was all Blaine said. And Kurt knew it was true.

And all of a sudden they were swept up in a tidal wave of hugs and laughter, surrounded by their friends. The group members were proud to show off their t-shirts, all different colors of the rainbow with the inscription 'gay? fine by me.' Mercedes confessed to being the ringleader with help from Rachel. Mike and Tina had come up with the idea of starting to sing 'Born This Way' as soon as they could see the Kaleidoscope Youth Center banner.

"My dads are here every year and I used to come with them when I was little." Rachel told the boys. "They are over there working at the People of All Colors Together table," she said pointing into the joyous mass of humanity in the park. "We brought some of the glee club and Finn brought the rest."

"Wow!" exclaimed Puck, "Gay people know how to rock a parade. So where do you think the straight chicks hang out?" Kurt laughed when Lauren reminded him "You've got all the straight girl you can handle right here, sweetcheeks," and grabbed his ass.

Finn came over to hug Kurt with a sheepish grin on his face. "Dude, I had to beat feet to get here after you left. I had to go pick up Artie, and Mike and Tina. We didn't know if Quinn was coming until the last minute…"

"You idiot," Kurt said affectionately. "Did dad talk you into this?"

"No, man, it was all Mercedes and Rachel," Finn explained, "But I kinda think your dad and my mom were pretty happy about it. Hey, are we gonna get something to eat? It's not all vegan salads and tofu here, is it? I'm starved!" then he turned and gave Blaine a bear hug.

Quinn was next to embrace them. "I'm so glad I could be here to help you guys celebrate."

"Mercedes!" Kurt cried out as she and Sam approached. Blaine was openly grinning at the both of them. Sam caught Blaine's eye and just smiled back.

"Are you mad at me, boo?" she asked gingerly.

"Cedes, is this me being mad at you?" He threw his arms around her. "This is amazingly awesome. I can't believe that everybody came!"

"Happy Pride, baby boy," she laughed as she kissed his cheek.

She turned to Blaine and hugged him, too. "Who is this handsome guy you are with?" kidded Blaine knowing perfectly well it was Sam. "Run into him in the parking lot?"

Just then Tina and Mike came up to greet Kurt; he did not have time to wonder what Blaine was teasing Cedes about.

When Kurt looked around again his boyfriend was talking with Brittany and Santana. Santana had learned from a very apologetic Dave that he unintentionally outed her, so she was prepared. But Kurt simply embraced both of them and said, "Thanks for coming. It means a lot to Blaine and me." Brittany smiled happily and told Santana, "See, I told you we could have worn our prom dresses." Santana just looked at Kurt, rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Once all the greetings were out of the way, they moved towards the vendors to find food and while away the afternoon. Kurt connected with a couple of representatives at the PFLAG table and picked up a wealth of literature. Much later they all rendezvoused at a nearby gas station, then caravanned home to Lima.

On the way home Blaine and Kurt continued to hold hands as they had most of the day. They were quiet most of the way, keeping to their own thoughts. In the back seat of Blaine's vehicle was the red heart sign that Rachel had made for them. It had been a very good day.

-To Be Continued-