Kurt woke up and stretched, moaning loudly. They'd gotten up last night, showered, eaten dinner, and promptly gone back to bed. He felt rested and happy this morning. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining through the sheers he'd put up over the window. Blaine was already up and dressed, probably reading the paper or getting a head start on his reading for school. They both took their studies seriously which helped them both maintain a low A average. Blaine tended to get better grades overall, but both of them would probably graduate on the Dean's list.

Getting up, Kurt meandered into the bathroom and began his morning routine. It always made him feel new, refreshed, and ready to face the day.

Fifteen minutes later, he was dressed in distressed jeans, a white v-neck t-shirt and a black shimmery vest. He knew Blaine liked the jeans and since they got to spend the whole day together, he was hoping to keep Blaine very happy.

Heading out to the kitchen, he found Blaine with the paper open to the local section, a piece of toast in his hand. Beyond the paper, though, was a bouquet of flowers. Wildflowers of every color gave the kitchen a dose of summer that it needed. Kurt couldn't stand apartment living, but it was still better than the dorms.

"Flowers, Blaine? They are beautiful," he said, going over and kissing Blaine on the neck. He noticed he hadn't shaved this morning which drove Kurt crazy. There was nothing hotter than a bit of scruff on his man. Between the scruff, olive skin, golden eyes, and muscled body, he was sex on legs. Add in a voice that could sing the angels to sleep and he was irresistible. Kurt still didn't know how he'd gotten so lucky as to get Blaine, but he would never take him for granted. A chill settled in his stomach at the desperation he'd felt the previous night, but he pushed it aside to lean over and sniff the flowers.

"I just thought you'd like them," Blaine said, squeezing his hand. "Nice jeans."

"I love them and thank you," Kurt said, smiling warmly at him. He got himself a cup of coffee and sat down to read the entertainment section of the paper.

"What's on the agenda for today?" Kurt asked a short time later. They'd folded up the paper which was their mutual signal that they were ready to move on with the day.

"I thought we'd get a picnic together and head out to Sells Park. Reminisce a little," Blaine said with a smirk.

"Reminisce huh? Are you going to seduce me again?" Kurt said, his brow going up. The first time they'd gone to Sells Park, they'd ended up making love under a tree. As glorious and exciting as it had been, Kurt had ended up with a bug bite on his rear. The next week had proven quite embarrassing as he tried to avoid scratching at it.

"No seduction. Just eating and walking," Blaine said, holding his hands up, grinning.

"You still think it's funny, don't you?" Kurt accused.

Blaine shook his head, keeping his lips pressed together. Finally he burst out laughing. "Kurt, honey, you were so funny, doing your little shimmy all the time, trying to get at the itchy spot. It was adorable. I felt bad for you, but it was still so funny!"

Kurt stood and smacked him in the arm. "Someday, Anderson. Someday you'll get a bug bite in an awkward spot, then you will get on your knees and beg me for forgiveness for all the crap you've given me about this."

"I'll get on my knees now if it would help things," Blaine suggested, wiggling his eyebrows.

"We'll save that for later. Maybe I'll get on my knees at the park. That would teach you," Kurt said, a wicked smile lighting up his face.

"Damn, Kurt, hoping I get a bug bite there? That's brutal!" Blaine said, shuddering at the thought.

"Okay, well I don't really hope you get one there. That would make me shit out of luck for sex, and that isn't going to happen," Kurt said, shaking his head decisively.

Two hours later, they were at the park, setting up a blanket. Kurt, being who he was, had an actual picnic basket that came with plates, cups, and silverware. He pulled out a fresh salad, cut up fruit, and sandwiches. He'd brought chocolates too, but those would wait for later. The park was deserted, which was no surprise on a Tuesday.

"I talked to Artie, by the way," Blaine said, popping a grape in his mouth. "He'll take a look at your laptop if you drop it off with him for a couple days. He doesn't know exactly when he can get to it, but it'll be before next week."

"Fantastic. The man's a genius, I swear," Kurt shook his head as he took a bite of his chicken sandwich. His phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket only to roll his eyes and put it back.

"Rachel again?" Blaine asked.

"Yes," Kurt complained. "She won't leave me alone. I understand that once again it is Finn-pocalypse, but come on, there is only so much I can hear about how he can't handle her ambition and greatness. I love Rachel to death, don't get me wrong. But these fights of theirs are like the worst kind of soap opera."

Blaine nodded, wiping his mouth on the cloth napkin Kurt provided. "They do love their drama. You almost expect dramatic music to play after every sentence they say. Hey that rhymed!"

Kurt loved when Blaine grinned and his eyes got all twinkly. He had the most beautiful smile in the world.

They finished eating, then lay down together on the blanket, letting the meal settle. They talked about their various classes they'd be taking for the year and how much work they thought they might have. Kurt brought up his burning curiosity over what the play would be for the first semester in drama. He always hoped for a musical, but it didn't happen as often as he wanted. Blaine talked about the concerts he'd be attending and playing in throughout the year. In his studies, he got to play contemporary and classical music. He tended to enjoy contemporary more simply because he was an active singer and liked to dance around. Boogeying to Bach wasn't exactly an easy thing to do. While feeding the chocolates to Blaine, Kurt mentioned going to visit his dad before the beginning of term. He and Carole were happy to have the house to themselves, but never said no to a visit. Finn had helped out at the shop for a year after graduation before being finding a job as an assistant manager at a mechanic shop near the college and in return, Rachel. Burt had been able to convince him to take it, though Finn felt guilty for leaving Burt one man down. His dad had easily found someone else, though. He was known to be an excellent boss and the job was a great opportunity for anyone.

Finally they stood and stretched before packing the basket up. Blaine folded the blanket after shaking it out to Kurt's satisfaction. They put everything back in the car and walked back toward the trees, holding hands.

"I love this place," Kurt said. He wasn't typically wild about nature, but this place was calm. There were so many evergreen trees that it made you feel separated from life for a time.

"Me too. I'm glad we found it," Blaine agreed.

They walked for a time, swinging their hands between them. Blaine paused every so often to kiss Kurt, unable to resist his mouth for long. After the last kiss, he wrapped his arm around Kurt's waist as they walked, slowing their pace, but keeping him close.

"It's been a lovely afternoon," Kurt said, stroking Blaine's back as they made their way into the trees.

"It has," Blaine said. He walked over to a fallen tree, that was covered in moss. "Look at this."

They bent over and saw the log was covered in hundreds, maybe thousands of names carved into it. Some had years near them, some had a name plus another name, there were hearts and crosses, even a skull and crossbones. Blaine took out his pocket knife and knelt down, finding an open area.

"Blaine, that is so romantic," Kurt murmured, kneeling next to him, watching.

Blaine took his time etching their names into the log. He put a plus sign between their names and added forever afterward. That is what they always said when they talked about their relationship. They would be together forever, he was more certain of this than anything in the world.

They stood when he was done and Kurt snapped a picture of the finished product with his phone. He leaned into Blaine and kissed him deeply, his tongue lapping over Blaine's bottom lip and into his mouth. Blaine moaned and ran his hands around Kurt's hips to cup his ass and bring him closer. He thrust his tongue into Kurt's mouth over and over as Kurt sucked on it in an erotic replica of sex. Soon they were both breathing deeply and holding on to one another. If they continued, another bug bite would be guaranteed.

"You take my breath away," Kurt said with a sigh.

"You always take my breath away. And not just when it comes to intimacy, Kurt," Blaine said, taking a half step back so he could look into Kurt's wide blue eyes. "You have the most beautiful spirit that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am constantly bowled over by your compassion and kindness, the way you treat everyone with dignity and respect. When I finally realized I was in love with you, I felt like I was finally whole," he continued, taking Kurt's hands in his. Kurt's eyes were shining with unshed tears, his beautiful lips parted as he listened. "I am a better man simply from knowing you. I know that. I would not be who I am today if it weren't for you. You give me so much strength. And love, the amount of love you give me is unbelievable. I have never felt as cherished as I do with you. And I want to give that same feeling to you," he said, lowering himself to one knee which triggered a gasp from Kurt. "Forever. I want to love you every day of forever. And most of all, I want you to be mine in every way possible. Kurt Hummel, would you do me the extraordinary honor, the never ending pleasure, the eternal gift of becoming my husband?" He finished, tears rolling down his cheeks as he looked up into Kurt's eyes.

Kurt thought his heart might explode. Every word that Blaine had just said was etched into his spirit forever. He'd proposed. Blaine proposed. Oh my god, he thought, I haven't said anything!

"Yes," he said and had to cough to make a sound come out. "Yes, yes, a million times yes. Oh, Blaine, yes!" He said giving a little hop and pulling Blaine up. They embraced each other fiercely, so full of love that they couldn't express it properly. Tears continued to flow from Kurt's eyes as he took in the thought that Blaine had asked him to marry him. He was going to get married. He was going to be a husband. He was going to be Kurt Anderson. Or maybe Blaine would be Blaine Hummel. Or, hell, they'd both hyphenate. He gave a little laugh. "I'm so freaking happy right now, I can't even stand it," he said, his voice quivering.

"Me too, baby. Oh crap, wait!" Blaine pulled a box from his pocket and opened it facing Kurt. Nestled in the box was a platinum band with two tiny diamonds in it and vintage-looking swirls fading away from the jewels. "I almost forgot the ring!"

Kurt gasped. "Blaine. It's, it's beautiful. No, it's stunning. It's magnificent," he breathed.

Blaine grinned. "I'm glad you like it. I didn't know if you'd want to pick out your own ring, but when I saw this, I knew I had to get it for you." He pulled the ring out and slid it onto Kurt's waiting finger.

Kurt smiled as he wiggled his fingers in front of himself, enjoying the way it shimmered. He looked at his fiancé. Fiancé! "Blaine, I can't begin to tell you what this means to me. I feel the same way, in all that you said. I feel like you helped me become a man. You helped me become stronger than I ever thought possible," he said, moving into Blaine's embrace again. "You showed me that courage could conquer all and that any obstacle could be overcome when you are loved. Thank you for this," he said, gesturing around them. "This couldn't have been more perfect."

"I'm glad. I hoped it would be," Blaine said, tears still shining in his eyes.

Kurt smiled and leaned in to place a gentle kiss on his future husband's mouth.

. . .

That evening after they went out to dinner, they walked slowly back to the car. Kurt had called his dad and Carole and told him the news over speaker phone before they ate. Now they were planning to make the difficult call to Blaine's parents.

"Let's just do it now," Blaine said as they got in the car. "I want to be able to keep celebrating and not have this ruin the evening. We'll call them now and be over it by the time we get home."

Kurt nodded. "It's just a phone call."

"It's just a phone call," Blaine agreed.

He dialed his parents and put them on speaker phone.

His mom answered. "Hey Mom, it's Blaine and Kurt."

"Hi Mrs. Anderson," Kurt said politely. He never called her Nora, the one time he had, her icy glare had stopped him in his tracks.

"Hello boys. What can I do for you?" Her tone was polite but strained. She was somewhat friendly when it was just Blaine, but any time Kurt was included, everything was tense.

"Actually I was hoping we could talk to you and Dad, can you get him on speaker?" Blaine asked, gripping Kurt's hand tightly.

"Okay," his mom replied, curiosity pushing her to hold back her questions.

"I'm here," his dad said a moment later, sounding utterly bored.

"Mom and Dad, Kurt and I have some exciting news. We got engaged today," Blaine said, thankful for Kurt's hand in his.

Silence spoke louder than words on the other end. Kurt looked at him, worry leaking through his brave expression.

"Gay marriage isn't legal in Ohio," Evan Anderson said. Blaine's father sounded like he was barely holding onto his temper.

"No, it isn't. But by the time we get married, we will live in New York where it is legal," Blaine explained patiently. "We are very happy."

"Blaine, it's not right. It's just not right," his mom said, her voice edging toward hysteria.

"She's right, Blaine. This isn't right, it isn't normal. Now we put up with this gay crap for long enough. We figured you'd get over it once you were through with college. This marriage idea is idiotic. Marriage is between a man and a woman, period, end of story," Evan agreed, his voice getting nastier with every sentence.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson," Kurt said abruptly. "In our lives, marriage is between two people who love each other and plan to fully commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. Since we fill all of our own expectations, we will be getting married, regardless of what you think."

Blaine was impressed. Kurt didn't usually speak to his parents with anything but polite answers.

"I don't want to hear anything from you, you unnatural, perverted, piece of shit," Evan exploded. "You are the one who turned my son into a little fag. There is nothing you can say that I want to hear. And you will not be getting married, do you hear me? Blaine, do not disobey me in this."

"Blaine, honey, listen to your father. You can still get over this. We can move past it and find you a nice girl from the country club to settle down with if you're ready to get married," his mother said.

Kurt looked at Blaine and realized he was on the verge of an explosion. "Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, with all due respect, I think we will contact you again at another time. This conversation is over," he said and ended the call. "Honey, look at me. Blaine look at me," he prodded until Blaine looked at him, horror and hurt in his golden eyes. "They can't touch us, Blaine. They can't touch us or what we have. All they have are words, meaningless words. Okay? All that matters is you and me, right?" He asked, rubbing small circles into Blaine's neck.

"You and me," Blaine whispered, still sounding like he was in shock.

Kurt leaned in and kissed Blaine hard on the mouth, hoping the action would help center him. Blaine latched onto him immediately and they kissed for several long minutes. Blaine was gripping the back of Kurt's hair roughly in one hand, his other hand on his face by the time they were able to catch a breath.

"I love you," Kurt whispered.

"I love you. Forever," Blaine answered, his voice sounding back to normal.

"It was just a phone call," Kurt repeated.

"And it's over now," Blaine said, putting the keys in the ignition.

"How about some music?" Kurt asked and, after looking through the CD's in the console, he popped one in.

Made a wrong turn, once or twice

Dug my way out, blood and fire

Bad decisions, that's alright

Welcome to my silly life

Blaine smiled, loving Kurt even more in that moment. He turned the stereo up and began singing loudly, Kurt singing harmony an octave above him. He pulled out of the parking lot, one hand in Kurt's.

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood

Miss "no way, it's all good", it didn't slow me down

Mistaken, always second guessing

Under estimated, look, I'm still around

Pretty, pretty please

Don't you ever, ever feel

Like your less than fuckin' perfect.

Pretty, pretty please

If you ever, ever feel

Like your nothing

You're fuckin' perfect to me.

You're so mean,

When you talk, about yourself, you are wrong.

Change the voices, in your head

Make them like you instead.

Kurt squeezed Blaine's hand, hoping the music got into his soul and helped ease the pain of what his parents had done. He was singing loudly and that was encouraging. It was when he was quiet that Kurt would get worried.

So complicated,

Look happy, you'll make it

Filled with so much hatred

Such a tired game.

It's enough, I've done all I can think of

Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same.

Oh, pretty, pretty please

Don't you ever, ever feel

Like your less than fuckin' perfect.

Pretty, pretty please

If you ever, ever feel

Like your nothing

You're fuckin' perfect to me.

Blaine began to rap and Kurt hummed, never feeling comfortable rapping. Mercedes had once told him he was just too dang white. But he loved the fierce sound of Blaine's voice punching out the words.

The whole world stares so I swallow the fear,

The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer.

So cool in line and we try, try, try,

But we try too hard, it's a waste of my time.

Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere

They don't like my jeans, they don't get my hair

We change ourselves and we do it all the time

Why do we do that? Why do I do that?

Why do I do that?

Kurt took the lead and sang loudly.

Yeah, oh pretty pretty please, Ohh

Pretty, pretty please

Don't you ever, ever feel

Like your less than fuckin' perfect.

Pretty, pretty please

If you ever, ever feel

Like your nothing

You're fuckin' perfect to me.

Blaine was looking over at Kurt every line or so as they sang to each other. This song had always made them feel better. They were perfect to each other and that is what mattered. Blaine would put his parents out of his mind for now and just celebrate the love he had for this man, his future husband.

You're perfect, you're perfect

Pretty, pretty please

Don't you ever, ever feel

Like your less than fuckin' perfect.

Blaine tugged on Kurt's hand to accentuate the words he was singing. He needed him to know how perfect he was to Blaine. Kurt had to know how much he loved him.

Pretty, pretty please

If you ever, ever feel

Like your nothing

You're fuckin' perfect to me.

Blaine sang the final word with feeling as the sedan plowed into the back end of the driver's side of the car. The impact threw Blaine's head into the side of his door, making the world go black. His final thought was to scream Kurt's name, though he never got the chance to let it out.