Author's Note: I want to thank everyone that has emailed me and asked where I've been, and when I was going to update. Truth be told, I was feeling a bit bummed because I wasn't getting many reviews. And, I've been spending time with the love of my life, who I met through my stories. But the messages that I've gotten have been very nice, and it made me feel as if there were still readers for my stories about our favorite boys. This chapter is shorter than most of mine, but will be setting up some very involved upcoming chapters. So, thanks for reading, thanks for reviewing if you can...PEACE :)

"A horse's ass."

Blaine looked up from his breakfast at Kurt. "I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me."

"I heard you. I just don't know what—or who—you are referring to."

Kurt was scribbling on a note pad, tapping his pencil on the paper. "I'm making a list of all of the amazing things I will have seen on our honeymoon."

Putting his fork down, Blaine smiled and turned towards Kurt. "And the business end of a horse is on your list?"

"Well, we're going on a buggy ride, no? I mean, think about it. Riding for miles in Central Park…trees to the left…trees to the right….and a big giants horse's rear end to the front. I can't think of anything more romantic, can you?"

"You know something, Kurt? Why don't you think of it as a beautiful ride with your adoring husband at your side? Instead of looking at, well…you can look into my eyes, and…"

"Well, when you put it like that."

"And it's called a Hansom Cab, not a buggy."

Blaine sat down again looking at his room service breakfast, let out a sign, and shook his head. "You know, this food doesn't hold a candle to Carole's breakfasts. What I wouldn't give for one of her waffles right now."

"That's a pretty expensive regret you have sitting in front of you, Blaine."

"Don't I know it. We may have to take a loan out to pay our rent next month."

"You know, I used to want to live here. Be a resident of the Big Apple. But you know what?"

"Tell me." Blaine loved the look that Kurt got on his face when he was about to talk about the two of them.

"I don't want it. Any of it." Kurt was standing next to him now, looking down at him with a small smile that made Blaine's heart race. He really is beautiful, he thought to himself.

"I find that hard to believe."

"But it's true." He knelt down next to Blaine, and took his hand. "You know, yeah, New York has everything, it's the "city that never sleeps", blah blah blah…but really…what I want is what we have at home."

"We have a small apartment, a mini van, and a crazy bird." He was trying to make Kurt laugh, but there was a seriousness about this conversation that he wasn't expecting.

"That's right. And I wouldn't change any of it. I love our life, Blaine. I think it's perfect. Sitting on he couch eating macaroni and cheese with you. Lying in our bed reading. And…". Kurt hesitated, looking into the eyes of the love of his life.

"And what, sweetie?"

"And I think that Lima is the perfect place to raise a child."

There was no arguing with that. Everyone they loved was there. Burt and Carole. Finn. David. And their friends, who really were like their extended family.

"Wicked tomorrow. Can you believe it? We're going to see Wicked." Kurt changed the subject and bounced down on the bed, looking at Blaine. "I want you to know that being married to you makes me happier than you'll ever know, Blaine."

"You say that now. Once the curtain goes up tomorrow, you'll forget all about me."

"Impossible. You're my ride home."

As they left the hotel, Blaine took a moment to remind Kurt about wandering off. He did not want a repeat of what happened the last time they were at the park.

"Kurt, I need you to stay with me. No hot dog hunting. No looking at the scenery. Let's just stay together, ok?"

"Ok. I promise."

"Swear on your Burberry coat."

Kurt looked at him, unblinking.

"Swear it, Kurt. You disappear, so does the coat. Got it?"

"Have I ever mentioned that you have a mean streak, Blaine? Really…"

The slowly made their way over to the park, walking hand in hand and talking about what life at school was going to be like now that they are married. Blaine was in mid-sentence when he heard a gasp come from Kurt's mouth.

"What is it? What do you see?" Kurt pulled Blaine across to a cart near the front of the park.

"I don't know what this is, but I could smell its deliciousness from across the street."

Blaine looked at the sign, and laughed. "It's called a knish. Have you never had one?" He had traveled so much with his parents growing up that there really weren't a lot of things that Blaine hasn't tried.

"Unless they sell it at the mall or Breadsticks, no, I have not." Kurt peered over the top of the cart, and smiled. "I need one of these. Whatever they are."

"It's made of potato, sweetie. They taste really good with mustard." Blaine put two fingers up, and waited as the operator of the cart handed him two knishes. "Be careful, Kurt. They're hot."

Blaine smiled as Kurt took his, and surveyed it like a child would a new toy. Kurt blew on it, and then took a small bite. The look on his face was priceless.

"I…I don't even…this may be the best thing I've ever had in my mouth."

"I don't think I like where this is going. And I'm not too hurt by that statement." Blaine bit into his, and had to agree. It tasted fantastic.

"Ok…second best thing I've ever tasted. Is that better, husband of mine?" Kurt gave Blaine a quick kiss, and took his hand.

"Do you see what I see?"

"Are you sure, Kurt? Remember this morning you didn't seem so thrilled about it."

"Oh, I'm ready. You know me, Blaine. I'm always ready for adventure."

"I don't consider a clearance sale at Macy's an adventure, Kurt."

"Did you see the looks on those women's faces? I almost lost an arm battling over a scarf."

"You shouldn't fight with a woman, Kurt."

Kurt gave Blaine the face and walked away. "She started it."

Kurt eyed the horse with suspicion. "I don't like the look he's giving me."

Blaine laughed but caught himself when Kurt looked at him. "What look is that, sweetie?"

"You know. He smells my fear."

"What he is smelling is probably your designer shoes. Why on earth would you wear those for an outing like this?"

"Just because we're dealing with the outdoors doesn't mean I have to look like something from Little House on the Prairie. What should I have worn, Blaine? Overalls and a straw hat?"

"Now THAT I would love to see."

"Don't hold your breath, mister."

"Now come on, just pet him. Their hair around their nose feels like velvet. Come on…"

Blaine picked up Kurt's hand and placed it at the tip of the horses nose. Kurt smiled when he felt the softness against his palm.

"Now that's not so bad, is it? Look…he likes you."

Kurt tilted his head and the horse pushed his face against Kurt's cheek.

"Do you want to feed him something, young man?" The driver pulled a small piece of carrot from his pocket and handed it to Kurt. "Just go nice and gentle from the front…he'll take it from you."

Kurt looked at Blaine, who nodded back. "Go ahead. I'll take a picture."

Taking the carrot, Kurt stood towards the front of the horse, and held it out. He looked at it for a moment, and then began to nibble gently. As Blaine aimed the camera, the horse opened it mouth wider, causing Kurt to drop the carrot on the ground. The only picture Blaine got was of Kurt as a blur stepping away.

"What happened?"

"I'm sorry. That breath."

"Kurt, it's an animal. I don't think it has a choice."

"Would it hurt for someone to toss a mint in there every so often? Wow."

"Kurt?"

"No, I'm sorry. Dental hygiene should not just be for humans. It really…"

"Kurt…baby…"

"What is it?"

Blaine looked at Kurt, and knew that what was about to happen wasn't going to be good. He started to say something, but realized they were past the point of no return.

Feeling a pressure on the shoulder of his shirt, Kurt froze as he then felt something wet brushing against his ear. He was unable to move, as if paralyzed.

"Blaine, what is that?" He was afraid to turn around.

"I believe it's what some people call a "wet willy".

"I'm sorry? A wet what?"

"You know, when someone puts a wet finger in your ear. Only…well….it's not a finger, sweetie…"

Before he could stop him, Kurt turned around and was face to face with the horse, which proceeded to swipe his tongue across Kurt's mouth. Blaine waited for the scream, but nothing came out.

Kurt slowly turned back to Blaine, who just looked at him with his own mouth open. "I would close that if I were you. You might be next."

Blaine put his hand up to his mouth to cover up a chuckle. "Are you ok, Kurt?"

"Why is it that every animal I encounter has a unhealthy need to put their tongue in my mouth? First Midnight, and now…Trigger here…"

"You're just too sexy for your own good, Kurt Hummel. Whether two or four legged…we all want you…"

The driver looked at them both and shook his head. "Are you boys going to go for a ride or not?"

"Sir, do you have a moist towlette?"

"A what?"

"Nevermind." He looked at Blaine and frowned. "Will you ever kiss me again?"

"I don't know, Kurt. How can I compete with that little bit of action?"

Kurt looked at the horse, then back at Blaine. "You know what? I think I've changed my mind. I don't want to…like...I think I don't have the right shoes on. Can we go back to the hotel?"

"My love", Blaine said as he slid his arm around Kurt. "I think that's for the best."

"Why so glum, chum? You're acting all girly and stuff." Puck tossed a balled up piece of paper at Finn's head, which bounced off and landed on the ground next to them.

"I don't know, Puck. Women. They just are going to be the death of me." Finn reached over and picked up the paper and tossed it into the trash can next to his bed. "I mean, on one hand, I have Rachel. On the other hand, there's Hannah."

"Keep messing around with this and all you'll have is your hands, if you get my drift."

Finn shook his head. "I know. I just really like this girl. She's funny, she's pretty much a smart ass, which is a weird quality to find attractive, but…it is. She doesn't back down, you know?"

"My friend, you don't have to choose one. Play the field. It's what dudes do."

"But I don't. It's not fair to either one of them. I feel like I'm always looking over my shoulder to see if one of them is there when I'm spending time with the other. I don't know how people ever cheat because it's exhausting."

Puck looked at Finn and smiled. "You know, you aren't tied to Rachel. Yeah, you're dating, kind of. But there's no ring on her finger. Speaking of that, have you heard from Kurt and Blaine?"

"Yeah, they're having a good time. Kurt sends us constant updates."

"They're on their honeymoon. They should be knocking…"

"Dude…that's my brother. Don't make me have that picture in my head. I beg you."

"I have to hit the road. But listen, about the chicks…you don't owe either one of them anything. It's all casual, right?"

Finn nodded. "I suppose."

He watched as Puck walked out and closed the door behind him.

Casual. He had slept with one of these girls.

Casual…not so much.

I think Kurt is spending more on postage than they did on the train tickets." Burt looked at the pile of postcards on the kitchen table. "He's given us an update on every hot dog cart and street vendor they've come across. And just how many bridges are there in New York City?"

"Honey, they're just excited. Let's face it…it's a far cry from Lima."

"I know. And you know something? I really miss them. I miss them just popping in."

"Three more days, ok? They'll be home in three days, and I'll make a nice dinner for all of us. Have you seen Finn much lately? He's been really quiet."

"Nope. He just goes up to his room when he gets home. If I didn't know any better I'd think he was trying to avoid us. Or avoid something."

"Go check the mail. I'll put lunch out." Carol walked over to the refrigerator and took out the makings for sandwiches. Burt was right. She also missed the boys coming around. And she missed the chatter between them.

Looking out of the window she saw Burt standing in the driveway near the car, with his head down reading something. He looked away, and then shook his head.

Carole opened the door and stepped out.

"What is it, Burt? Another postcard from Kurt?"

"You know how Kurt always puts this return address on everything? Even though they have the apartment, he puts this address? Force of habit, I guess…"

"I know. It's cute actually. It's like his last little connection to us."

"This one came back marked "return to sender."

Carole laughed. "Did Kurt run out of postage? It's no surprise."

Burt shook his head. "No, he didn't run out of postage."

"What is it? What's wrong?"

Burt handed her the postcard written in Kurt's flowery writing. It was addressed to Mr. Collins.

Carole looked at it and put her hand to her chest. "Oh, no…oh, Burt…"

Across the address was stamped one word.

"DECEASED".