After spending a lovely weekend in CA for the first weekend of August, Kurt couldn't get away from his obligations again until the last weekend of August. Work was particularly crazy with a two-week long rush of last-minute summer brides (and their full wedding parties), college kids getting a new cut before the semester began, not to mention, and all of his usual clients. School had gone haywire as well. The class schedule system glitched and he had to scramble to re- register in-person with all of the professors he wanted. One plus in all the minuses was he was able to brush up on his speech and debate skills to convince the professors to take him. It was also his first semester taking core courses in musical theatre that went beyond the basics. Kurt was hugely excited to take these courses and absolutely put in the effort to get them, but by the end of August, Kurt couldn't help letting his thoughts fly three thousand miles to a little tattoo shop in Hollywood. Kurt and Blaine had texted constantly for the past three and a half weeks. Kurt could no longer deny that he was falling completely head over heels with Blaine.

Although this coming weekend was the last one of freedom before the semester started, Kurt was thrilled for it because it was Labor Day weekend. Barbeque, football in the backyard, and enjoying the last fresh batches of Carole's homemade summer desserts, were Labor Day traditions that he loved. The best part this year was that he could share it all with Blaine. He'd made casual mention that he didn't do anything special to celebrate the end of summer, so Kurt invited him over. The whole family (even Finn) was excited to meet him. And they agreed that Kurt could spend Sunday and Monday

with Blaine as long as Kurt spent Friday at Saturday with the family. Besides, they all knew that Finn would want to do the same with Rachel before she went back to college out of state.

Kurt had a trouble-free flight and took his car (thank you, Carole!) to pick up Blaine for the weekend.

A huge, tight hug greeted Kurt in the driveway of Blaine's home.

"I missed you so much, Love."

Kurt snuggled his face into Blaine's neck and tucked his arms into Blaine's chest. Blaine squeezed him tighter.

"Mmmm. Missed you too."

Blaine gave one last squeeze and let go. He picked up his overnight bag off the ground and joined Kurt in the car.

"So, what should I expect when I meet your family?"

Kurt reached over the center console and took Blaine's hand. "Well, Carole will love you immediately. She'll want to hug you, then feed you very well, and then have a lovely conversation about whatever you enjoy most."

Blaine gave an approving nod. "Okay..."

"My dad is a little gruff, but he's just a big teddy bear. If he likes you, which I know he will, he'll probably offer to fix up your car for free the next time it breaks down. He's a hugger too, but he starts off with handshakes. You'll know you're in when he offers a hug."

Blaine rested his head on the headrest and turned towards the driver's seat. "They sound so amazing, Kurt."

Kurt snorted, "Yes, they're great- but the best one in this family is the big lug- Finn. He's two hundred pounds of thick-

headed love. He's basically the stereotypical dumb blond. Except he's brunette. But he's a really fun guy- a real man's man. He eats in one meal what I eat in a day. He loves contact sports. Football is his life. He's hoping to make the NFL after college. And he treats his girlfriend like a queen."

Kurt pulled into the driveway of His parents' home. Blaine tried hard to remember that they weren't dating, so this shouldn't be scary. His heart didn't listen.

The front door swung open before they reached the first step of the little porch.

"Kurt! It's so good to see you!"

A woman, whom Blaine guessed was Carole, gathered Kurt into a hug. She rubbed his back and held him tight.

"Three weeks is just too long without you." She pulled back from Kurt with a loving expression, and then looked right at Blaine.

"I'm assuming the cutie pie behind you is the dashing young man who's been stealing you away all summer?" Carole's tone was kind, and her smile kinder. Without preamble she gathered Blaine into a hug.

Blaine laughed, "Yes Ma'am. I'm Blaine."

"I'm so happy to meet you Blaine. And please- call me 'Carole,'" Her eyes sparkled in the setting sunlight. Blaine couldn't help but already feel welcomed into the Hummel home.

Carole took his hand. She took Kurt's in her other.

"Come on, let's go in. I've got hot apple pie cooling on the counter, and Dad's in the backyard Barbequing our dinner."

Just as they stepped inside the front door, Kurt was tackled nearly to the floor. The giant of a man lifted Kurt up off the

ground and hugged him tightly.

"Hi Finn. Oofh- that was my ribcage." Kurt stated in an unaffected tone. This must be normal.

Finn set Kurt down and reached out a hand to Blaine. "Finn Hummel-Hudson. It's great to finally meet you, Blaine."

Blaine couldn't believe the warm reception he was getting. "Thank you Finn. And you too."

Kurt took Blaine's hand out of Carole's and led him to the kitchen. "Would you like some pie? Carole's is to die for."

Blaine lifted an eyebrow at Kurt.

"Yes I eat unhealthy food sometimes. Don't be so surprised." He stuck his tongue out.

"My, Kurt. You're so eloquent this evening." Kurt laughed and bumped his shoulder into Blaine's. They sat down on the stools in front of the breakfast nook that faced the kitchen.

Carole came into the kitchen at that moment and dished out pie for everyone. "Finn could you take this to Dad, please?"

Finn mumbled around a bite of pie in agreement and took the plate out back.

"So Blaine, tell me about yourself." Carole prompted; her eyes alight with gentle curiosity.

Blaine swallowed a delicious first bite of pie while he decided what to say. "Well, I'm Blaine Anderson... I have a degree in Communications and Psychology, but I delve into the arts for work. I'm a born and raised Southern Californian."

"It must be lovely to have lived here all your life!" She wondered aloud.

"It is nice. It's certainly the best place I've ever been so far. Nothing beats the local music scene and the beaches here."

Carole prepped a green salad while Blaine talked and Kurt ate next to him. "Oh the beaches are perfect. Nothing compares. We're actually planning a trek to the beach tomorrow, if you'd like to join us."

Blaine couldn't hide his smile. "I would love to."

Carole put the leftover pie in the oven to keep warm. "What do you do for a living? You mentioned working with art?"

Blaine glanced to Kurt in a flash of nervousness, but Kurt was calm and smiled back at him in reassurance. "I work at The Honourable Society just a few minutes from here."

"Wow, are you a tattooist?" Carole asked, her interest peaked.

"You've heard of The Honourable Society?" Blaine asked, surprise clear and strong in his tone.

Carole loved the shock on Blaine's face. "Yes Dear, I actually had some work done there before Kurt went."

"Wow Carole, there's a badass hidden inside of you." Blaine remarked before his filter could stop him.

Thank heaven, Carole just laughed. "I may not be in my twenties anymore, but I'm young at heart."

Blaine couldn't believe he was discussing body art with Kurt's mother. "I always say to my clients, 'you're never too old to decorate your body- whether it's in ink, jewelry, or fancy clothes.' If you don't mind sharing, what did you get done?"

Kurt watched his not-quite-boyfriend interact with his mother (truthfully, she never felt like a "step" mom. She was always the real thing), blown away at their chemistry and easy conversation. He loved them both, and knew they were great individuals, but he was hugely relieved and overjoyed that they got along so well, so quickly. It was as if Blaine was just

another friend of Kurt's from high school, coming over after school to hangout.

Kurt came back to the present as Carole lifted her loose shirtsleeve to show Blaine her four leaf clover tattoo.

"I remember this tattoo! Meghan told me about it when she was drawing it up. She loved the symbolism behind it. You've got great taste, Carole."

"She sure does. I'm not sure how that equated to me getting lucky enough to call her mine, though."

Blaine turned around to see a sweet, balding man with a bit of a belly and the gentlest eyes he'd ever seen. The man stuck a hand out towards Blaine.

"Burt Hummel. Welcome to our home. I see you've already made friends with my wife," he said before taking a sip of beer.

Blaine shook his hand enthusiastically, "Yes Sir, you've got quite a lady."

"Call me 'Burt.' And she's a doll, isn't she?" Burt kissed Carole on the cheek.

Blaine rubbed his hands on his jeans, "Yes Si- um. Burt. Thank you for having me over. Kurt has talked about all of you so much this summer. I feel like I already know you."

"Well then, you should already know that the Hummels don't mess around when it comes to football. Are you a fan?"

Blaine felt the tension in his body relax. He was going to get along well with the Hummels. "I am a die-hard Raiders fan. I know I'm a little too far south to claim them as my team, but I love em."

"Finn and I are Cowboys fans. We fly out to Texas for at least one game a year. Usually two. You should come with us this

season. My treat."

The offer was extremely generous, which is why- "Blaine I can see the wheels turning in your head. I make more than enough money to take care of it. The way Kurt has talked about you, and spent so much time with you, I figure you're gonna be around for a long while. So unless you've got a grudge against the Cowboys, we'd love to have you." Burt winked at Blaine and took another sip of beer.

Finn chimed in, "Yeah man! It'd be great! We always eat the huge Texas hot dogs that they only sell at the stadiums, and tailgate in the parking lot, and compare team stats for whoever the Cowboys play at each game-"

"And I help with making their face paint- excuse me- war paint, perfect before the game. We like to dress-up in this family- just in different ways," Kurt butted in.

Blaine stared slack-jawed. "You go to the games with them?"

Kurt brushed his hand on the small of Blaine's back, "While I love musical theatre and fashion even more than the average gay man, I've also been known to enjoy stereotypical 'man stuff' too."

"I'd love to see you on the field." Blaine shot back before he realized just who they were in the company of.

But everyone just giggled. "Actually, I was a cheerleader at my high school. Even though my coach was crazy and worked us to the bone, it was a blast. Our cheer team won the National Championship. Twice." Kurt spoke as he looked Blaine up and down, smirking because Blaine had no poker face.

"And before you ask, I do still have the uniform. And sadly no, I didn't get to wear the cute skirts. But they made up for it by giving me skin-tight cheer pants."

Carole popped Blaine's thought bubble, "Blaine all you have to do is ask, and he'll try it on for you. More than once this summer I've seen him out in the backyard on the trampoline, practicing his old routines in the uniform. It still fits perfectly." She winked at Kurt, and he turned beet red.

"God, thanks Mom for outing me."

She laughed heartily and patted him once on the shoulder, "Oh Honey, you were out of the closet a looong time ago." He gave her a playful glare. "Speaking of closets, Blaine do you swing on the same play set as Kurt?"

Blaine nearly choked on his last bite of pie. "Uh- um yes. I'm gay."

She smiled at Blaine and pointedly looked at Kurt. An accusing finger pointed at him. "What are you waiting for, Kurt? He is perfect for you!"

Kurt nearly turned purple in embarrassment, and Blaine leaned back against the kitchen counter; fully enjoying Kurt's interrogation. "I'd love to hear the answer, as well."

"Well, Blaine and I decided to take it slow." He shot daggers with his eyes at his almost-boyfriend. "We're interested, but we didn't want to jump head first when we didn't know each other at all. And after our summer together, I think we're quite close and know each other very well."

Carole let Kurt off the hook and brought the conversation back around from the tangent Burt had brought on several minutes ago. "So, back to your work- are you a tattooist?"

"No actually, I am their full-time Piercer."

Kurt interrupted their conversation, "Ohmygosh Mom- I can't believe I forgot to tell you! Blaine pierced my belly button a while ago." He stood from the stool he'd been perched at, and

rounded the counter to face Carole. Blaine was shocked to see Kurt lift his shirt to show off his piercing. She reacted like Kurt had shown her an adorable puppy that he'd just adopted. She leaned down to get a closer look, and asked if she could touch it. And she did. How was this family real?

"Wow, that's fabulous, Kurt. I love the jewelry, too. How could you forget to tell me something like that?" She lightly smacked him on the arm. Now Blaine knew where Kurt got it from. "Blaine you did a beautiful job."

Blaine still couldn't believe his ears, but he was grateful for their easy acceptance of, well... everything. "Thank you."

"You know I've been meaning to get a second piercing in my ears..." She glanced at Blaine with a smile a she loaded the dishwasher .

"I would love to take care of you Carole, anytime. I work Monday through Thursday, noon to 9pm if you ever want to drop by."

"How about next Thursday?" Carole loaded the last dish into the wash and closed the door.

Blaine just ran with it, sure that this family was a figment of his wildest imagination. "Perfect! What time should I expect you?"

"How about 7pm?" Carole asked while rinsing out the sinks.

Blaine typed the appointment info into his phone. "Done. I look forward to it." A smile crept into Blaine's voice.

"Me too." Carole dried her hands on the dish towel and briefly held Blaine's cheek in her hand. "You're quite a catch, Blaine. I can tell. Kurt's lucky to have you."

Dinner at the Hummel household was hilarious. Blaine learned for himself that Finn does in fact eat more in one meal than

Kurt does in a day. He also has this weird ability to shovel food into his mouth without dropping any off of his fork, nor make a mess on his face. Burt had a special diet which meant that certain recipes had to be changed. Carole apologized for the difference, but Blaine promised he couldn't tell. By the end of the meal when dessert was brought to the table, Blaine was sure that Carole's culinary talents deserved to be showcased in a restaurant. And Kurt discreetly held hands with Blaine under the table the whole time.

After the dishes were cleared and leftovers put away (Kurt loved watching Blaine step in and help in the kitchen), everyone gathered in the living room to watch a movie together .

"What are we watchin?" Burt asked no one in particular.

"Scott Pilgrim!" Finn shouted with the enthusiasm of a four- year-old.

"Anything Jane Austin," Kurt suggested.

"How about we let Blaine pick, for his first Hummel movie night?" Carole countered.

Everyone agreed, and Blaine stepped up to the massive bookcase of movies. The selection was wide in scope. Nearly every popular movie made in the last twenty years was on those shelves. Blaine wasn't sure he could pick just one, so he decided on two.

"Okay guys, Sherlock Holmes, or Mission Impossible?"

Kurt hopped up and grabbed Sherlock Holmes from Blaine's grasp and slipped it into the DVD player amidst various agreements and protests.

"You only watch that movie for Robert Downey Jr.," Burt voiced with a giggle.

"And Kurt knows how much I like Jude Law," Carole added, giving Kurt a high-five.

"Wait- what? What did I miss?" Finn walked back in from a trip upstairs.

"We're discussing your brother's favorite actor," Burt helped out.

"Oh the guy who you only like for his fake accent and scruff?" Finn wondered aloud, unaware of how embarrassing his words were for Kurt.

"Oookay, I think 'embarrass Kurt until Blaine is scarred for life and runs from the house screaming' time is up." Kurt's eyes were wide in horror at the things coming out of the mouths of his family.

Chuckles and stifled giggles trickled around the room. A soft hand pressed into the small of Kurt's back. A low voice sounded into his ear, "It's okay Kurt. I like Robert Downey Jr. too."

Blaine led Kurt to the couch and had him settle his head on Blaine's lap. The movie was a riot with the viewer commentary and banter that batted back and force like a baseball around the room. Contentment seeped into Blaine as he listened and joined in. From beginning to end, Kurt kept his head in Blaine's lap, and Blaine ran his hands through Kurt's hair; massaging, scratching, and petting. As the credits rolled, Blaine looked down to see that Kurt was asleep. A hand rested on Blaine's shoulder.

"C'mon, I'll show you to Kurt's room." Blaine looked up to see Burt smiling down at him and his son.

Blaine picked Kurt up, supporting the nape of his neck and the back of his knees, arms resting on his torso, and carried him upstairs. He followed Burt down the hallway and into

Kurt's old bedroom. Burt pulled down the comforter and Blaine set him gently into the bed. Together they tucked Kurt in. When Blaine moved to follow Burt out of the room, Burt turned.

"Blaine, you're more than welcome to sleep in here with Kurt if you're comfortable. I'm also fine with setting up our couch with bedding for you. But I'm guessing that you'd like to be with Kurt?"

Blaine nodded, "Yeah," slightly embarrassed, he looked down at the floor.

Burt lifted his chin and waited to gain Blaine's eye contact. They locked eyes, and Blaine saw something in them change, soften. "I dunno what the status of your relationship is with Kurt, and you don' have to tell me anything, but if you're on the fence about taking the plunge or asking him out, you should know that I've never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. I can tell that you're good for him. I like ya, Blaine... As far as I'm concerned, you're a member of this family now unless you kick yourself out. C'mere." Burt pulled Blaine into a hug. It was comfortable, and kind, and so much more than he'd gotten from his own father in the last ten years. He couldn't help clutching back at the love he felt in those arms.

"Thank you," Blaine whispered thickly, willing the tears to go away.

Burt hugged a little tighter for a moment, and slowly let go. "And I'm here for you if you need anything. I know you live on your own and make your own money, but it helps to have a dad around- or at least a guy that's handy with a wrench and power tools."

Burt walked to the door and stopped in the frame. He turned

back, "Oh and Blaine- if you ever need work done on your car, bring it to my shop. I'll take care of you for free. The shops in this city are way too over-priced."

Kurt's words from earlier that evening drove through him like a fire truck. "Thank you Burt, that's very generous of you."

Burt just nodded once and smiled. "Goodnight Blaine. Sleep well." He reached for the door handle and shut Blaine in the bedroom with Kurt.

Blaine stood for a moment where Burt had left him. Sure, he lived in California where it was a bit more "live and let live" than most other states, but the way he was treated today was something he'd only ever dreamed of. In Kurt's home, being gay was not only normal, it was only a part of him- and a small part at that. And Kurt's family saw all of Blaine, not just his sexuality. The huge cherry on top was Burt recognizing and validating the feelings shared between them, and not just tolerating it, but offering for Blaine to sleep next to Kurt. It was almost beyond his ability to comprehend.

Unwilling to miss out on an opportunity to cuddle with Kurt, Blaine pulled his socks off (his shoes were set by the front door along with everyone else's) and slipped into bed next to Kurt. He rested an arm on Kurt's waist and inched just close enough to touch Kurt from head to feet. Kurt groggily rolled over in his sleep and cuddled up onto Blaine's chest. Blaine soon settled into blissful sleep.

They slept until a little knock sounded on the door. The room was bright with the morning sun. Blaine woke up first and answered, "Come in."

Carole opened the door just enough to fit her head in the doorway. "Breakfast is almost ready, Sleepyhead. I brought your bag up for you so you can shower, or change- whatever

you'd like. We're leaving for the beach in just over an hour. Oh- you brought swim shorts, right?" Blaine nodded. Carole set the bag just inside Kurt's room and closed the door after Blaine thanked her. Kurt was still resting on his chest, completely dead to the world. Blaine ran his hand down Kurt's cheek, hoping to wake him gently.

"Hey Sleeping Beauty, it's breakfast time."

Kurt took a deep breath in through his nose, wakening with a big yawn and a snuggle tighter into Blaine's side.

"Mm I would love to cuddle you all day, but your incredible family is downstairs waiting for us."

Kurt recognized the voice and sat up sharply, resting his weight on his hands in the mattress.

"Oh my god Blaine- did you- how did we? I think I fell asleep during the movie and-"

Blaine rubbed his hand in soothing motions up and down Kurt's arm. "Shhhh... you fell asleep in my lap and I carried you up here. Burt showed me to your room and offered for me to sleep with you. So I did."

The wheels were turning too fast in Kurt's head for this early on a Saturday. Blaine held a hand in the air. "Burt knows we're not official yet, and even if we were, he seemed very happy that you have me."

Kurt smiled widely, "Did he offer to fix your car?" "Yep."

"And he gave you a hug after I fell asleep, didn't he?" "Yep."

Kurt lurched forward and tackled Blaine in a hug that sent them backwards onto the pillows. "He likes you Blaine. I knew

he would. And Carole was practically eating out of your hand last night, she adored you so much. And you had Finn at 'football.'"

Blaine just chuckled and rubbed his hands up and down Kurt's back. "I'm glad Papa Hummel approves of us- whatever we choose to be, together. Your mother is amazing. And Finn is a crack-up. I can't wait to see him at a Cowboys game."

They held each other until they knew enough time had passed, that Carole would come knocking again soon. Kurt kissed Blaine's cheek and hopped off the bed.

"C'mon Bee, let's go get breakfast."

Breakfast was the same affair as dinner, except the meal was sweet instead of savory. Carole outdid herself with a breakfast that rivaled that of Bed and Breakfast Inns. Finn wolfed down his meal, Kurt ate daintily, Burt grumbled at his sugar-free maple syrup that tasted "nothing like the real thing," and Carole doted on all of her boys, barely taking a moment for herself to eat.

"Alright, who is ready for the beach?" Carole asked excitedly.

Apparently those were the magic words because the dishes were cleared and the three Hummel men flew upstairs to change clothes in a whirlwind. Blaine stayed behind.

"Thank you Carole for breakfast. It was spectacular."

Carole patted the hand that rested on the kitchen counter, "You're quite welcome, Hon."

Blaine turned to go upstairs and change into his swim shorts, when Carole grabbed his hand. He turned back to Carole.

"Though he may not have said it yet Blaine, Kurt loves you. He adores you." She held his hand in both of hers now.

"You've brought him a happiness in the last 5 months, that

I've never seen in him before. And I see the way you look at him." Carole sighed sweetly. "If you're waiting for the right moment to approach Kurt, don't. Any moment you choose will make Kurt deliriously glad. And I suspect it will do the same for you."

Blaine couldn't believe it. Both of Kurt's parents could see what he had tried to convince himself was just a mirage. "Thank you Carole. You have no idea what your words, and your support, mean to me."

They hugged tightly. Carole rubbed his back in long, soft strokes. "You're so, so very good for him, Blaine. Thank you for making him so happy."

"Alright enough mush in the kitchen," Burt lovingly joked as he patted Blaine on the back and took Carole's hand, "or this is gonna turn into a Lifetime movie special."

Blaine excused himself and went upstairs to change. He walked into the bedroom to see Kurt in only his swim shorts, bending over to put on his swim shoes. He wolf-whistled and Kurt shook his behind.

"Like what you see, Anderson?"

Blaine playfully smacked the rear that was still stuck in the air. "You bet I do." He grabbed his swim shorts and closed himself into the bathroom. A quick change later, he went downstairs in just sorts and flip flops.

Kurt was checking off a list as Carole went through what looked to be their beach bag.

"Four towels?" "Check." "Sunscreen?" "Check."

"Igloo with food and water?" "Check."

"Pale and shovel?"

"Check."

"Looks like we've got everything."

Burt stepped up next to Carole and chimed in, "Hummels, let's go!"

Everyone piled out of the house and into Kurt's Cayenne. The drive was made fun with car games like slug-bug and the license plate game. Kurt insisted on singing a few songs from his Broadway playlist that was plugged into the dash via his iPhone, to the delight of his parents, and chagrin of Finn.

Truthfully, the beach was fun, but more relaxing than eventful. Kurt couldn't swim since his piercing wasn't fully healed, so Blaine stayed with him on the shore and sun- bathed. They of course traded off replenishing each other's sunscreen on back and arms, using it as more of a massage oil rather than protection from the sun; but if anyone noticed, no one said a thing. Finn had a blast tossing a football around with Burt. Carole swam for a while, and then built a castle with Burt and Finn. Blaine learned that building a sand castle with his mom at each visit to the beach was a tradition they'd started when it was just the two of them, and Finn was delighted the year that Burt joined in for the first time. The three of them had made castles together every time since then.

When the sun had set on the horizon, everyone tiredly gathered their belongings and trekked back to Kurt's car. In true Kurt fashion, he helped wipe the excess sand off ofeveryone in the family before they stepped foot in his car. The drive home was quiet, the only sounds made were of a

snoring Finn and Kurt's parents whispering softly in conversation.

Burt and Carole knew that Kurt would want to sleep in on Sunday morning. Finn was an eternal morning person, which meant everyone was awake by 7am whether they liked it or not. Carole brought Blaine's bag out and set it in the backseat. Blaine stepped out of the car.

"Blaine it was a treat to have you over. Please come visit us anytime, whether or not Kurt's here, okay?" She cupped his cheek in her hand the way only a mother could.

"Thank you for having me over! I had a great time. You've got a wonderful family. I would be happy to come over soon. And I'll see you on Thursday for your piercings?"

Carole smiled and agreed. She pulled Blaine in for another snug hug and shut the car door behind him after he hopped into the passenger side. Kurt hopped out of the driver's seat and hugged Carole. They said a few words that Blaine couldn't hear, and then Kurt returned to the car.

The short moonlit drive to Blaine's house was peaceful. Kurt took Blaine's hand in his as they walked up to his front door and through to the bedroom. Blaine set out a towel for Kurt and each took short, separate showers. Kurt helped him wash his face with the Clarisonic. They brushed their teeth together, side by side, making faces at each other in the mirror. Blaine tickled Kurt's waist as they headed to bed.

"Did you not learn your lesson last time?" Kurt teased as he straddled Blaine on the bed and tickled his sides.

Blaine grabbed Kurt's wrists to get his full attention. Sea glass blue met hazelnut brown.

"Maybe I really liked your punishment," Blaine said, eyes half- lidded and tone serious.

Kurt lifted Blaine's shirt a bit and ran his hand back and forth over Blaine's impeccably soft bare skin. "Oh yeah? Well, maybe I've got a little bit of leftover angst from last time, to get me through another round of drive-by-tickle punishment."

They lifted the covers up and tucked their legs beneath the comforter. Kurt sat on Blaine's thighs and pushed Blaine's shirt up. He leaned on his elbows on either side of Blaine's hips, and looked up.

"Fingertips, or nose?"

Blaine booped his nose. Kurt laughed. "Okay. Nose."

But it wasn't just Kurt's nose that shot tingles and sparks and heat throughout his body. Kurt's freshly-washed, wet hair fell forward and tickled his skin as well. The sensation built up, and Blaine had to grip the sheets to hold himself down. Blaine didn't even care that his breathing was audible in the serene silence of the bedroom. Every minute or so, Kurt pressed his lips to his torso... on each exposed rib, over his navel, over each hip... Blaine's senses were on overdrive, but his brain had other plans.

Kurt pulled Blaine's shirt down and dragged the comforter right up to their chins. Blaine gave a tiny grunt in protest, but Kurt shushed him.

"Shhh... we have all the time in the world for tickles. You're tired. Let's sleep."

Kurt awoke warm and blissed out, tucked within the fluffy, cloud-like duvet and sunk into the perfectly comfy mattress beneath him. Kurt straightened out and stretched long and lean from fingertips to toes, letting a little grunt of satisfaction pass his lips. He curled back into his side and snuggled deep down into the duvet. Kurt reached a lazy arm out and blindly

felt for the body next to him- but all his hand found was more comforter and sheets, rumpled and pulled back towards himself. Kurt opened his eyes, expecting to see an empty bed. The last thing he expected to see was a little... Kurt's heart kick-started... a little... blue...box.

Next to his pillow.

He reached out to make sure the box wasn't just a hallucination. To his complete surprise, the box was quite real. Disbelieving, his fingers picked up the box, and Kurt turned over onto his back to utilize both hands. Something in his peripheral vision moved, and Kurt rolled all the way over to see Blaine sitting on a stool next to the bed. A guitar sat in his lap. His hair was done. The curls were loose. He was wearing a sexy, casual white tee, and mouthwatering skinny jeans that were so long, that the edges of the pant legs tucked under Blaine's feet. No socks.

He was Adonis.

Between the little blue box, and Blaine's apparent impending performance, Kurt was confused and overwhelmed. "Bee?"

Blaine smiled warmly. "Good morning, Love. Can I play for you?"

Kurt beamed. "I'd love to hear you."

"I took some lyrical liberties, so listen closely to the words, okay?"

"Kay."

Blaine adjusted the guitar on his thigh, and nervously cleared his throat. All of the memories of the past five months flooded back into his mind, and he prayed that his heartfelt display would endear, not push Kurt away. Blaine took a deep breath through his nose, and steeled himself for whatever outcome

laid waiting for him in the next few moments. Kurt watched Blaine's fingers move along the strings as he strummed the opening chords to an upbeat song from the late 90s that sounded so familiar. Kurt tried to place the song in his mind, until Blaine looked up from the guitar and locked his eyes into Kurt's, unblinking and courageous. All thought fell away.

By the second note of singing, Kurt knew that he'd never heard a voice so pure and expressive.

Just an old friend coming over now to visit you and That's what I've become

I let myself in though I know I'm not supposed to but I never know when I'm done

Blaine's eyes bore holes right through all of Kurt's walls from his past, and left Kurt empty and open.

And I see you fogging up the mirror

Vapor round your body glistens in the shower

And I want to stay right here and go down on you for an hour

Or stay, and let the day just fade away

Kurt blushed from neck to hairline, but Blaine held his gaze, meaning every word he sang.

I never believed that things they happen for a reason and They never go as planned

I wanted to thank you for a vision that was lost that you returned to me but

You've just woken now, do you understand?

Cause when I see you, it's like I'm staring down the sun And I'm blinded

There's nothing left to do

Still I see you

Kurt's heart soared as each lyric trickled into his ears. Sure

they'd talked about maybe being more than friends one day, but this was just... so much more. The chord progressions transitioned smoothly into a different, slower song- this one Kurt knew by heart.

One of the many

One of the few

I'll stand back and wait for you

Excuse me Mr. Busybody

Could you pencil me in when you can?

I would be free when you wanted me If you wanted me, if you wanted me

I am a man on the sideline Hoping you'll make up your mind

Once more, the chords changed into another song- this one was new and unfamiliar to Kurt. The pace was smooth and heavy. The emotion of the song was made clear from the notes played by Blaine's fingers.

There may come a time, a time in everyone's life

where nothin seems to go your way

Where nothing seems to turn out right

There may come a time, you just cant seem to find your way

For every door you walk on to, seems like they get slammed in your face

That's when you need someone, someone that you can call. And when all your faith is gone

Feels like you can't go on

Let it be me

Feels like you're always comin on home

Pockets full of nothin and you got no cash

No matter where you turn you ain't got no place to stand Reach out for something and they slap your hand

Now I remember all to well

Just how it feels to be all alone

You feel like you'd give anything

For just a little place you can call your own

That's when you need someone, someone that you can call And when all your faith is gone

Feels like you can't go on

Let it be me

If it's a friend that you need

Let it be me

If it's a lover you need

Let it be me

If it's boyfriend you need

Let it be me

The last chord reverberated off the walls for a moment. Blaine set his guitar down with care on the floor, and knelt at the side of the bed. He took Kurt's hands in his own and spilled out the contents of his heart like a broken piggy bank on the floor .

"Kurt Hummel, I love you. Will you be my boyfriend?"

Kurt's heart leapt in his chest and nearly jumped out of his

throat. "Yes Bee. God, yes."

Kurt pulled Blaine up by his hands, off the floor and on top of his body. Blaine giggled in exultation at Kurt's easy,

enthusiastic agreement. They rolled over together into the middle of the mattress, tangling in the sheets. Kurt smiled down at Blaine beneath him, and brushed a wild curl off of his forehead. Boyfriends. They were boyfriends. Blaine looked even more beautiful with the title, "mine."

"Open the box, please?" Blaine's eyes were wide and hopeful.

Kurt picked it up from his side of the bed and propped it on Blaine's chest.

He untied the pretty white bow that held the lid closed, and tied the ribbon around Blaine's finger, eliciting another angelic giggle from Blaine. He carefully lifted the lid and set it playfully on Blaine's forehead.

"Oh, that's sexy. Thanks Kurt. See if I plan another romantic morning for you ever again." Blaine joked with a wink. He rubbed his palms along Kurt's kneeling legs that were straddling his torso.

Kurt removed the fuzzy little box from the iconic cardboard blue one, and gently wrenched the hinged lid open. What he saw made his jaw drop.

"That's... a Tiffany Bezel cut 1.06 carat yellow diamond. With yellow and white gold wrapped around it. Blaine-" Kurt's voice pointed to disbelief and shock, "you got me aBezel diamond necklace- in the largest carat size it comes in." Kurt turned white as a sheet.

Blaine nodded, his eyes twinkling, and cheeks wrinkling above a huge smile.

Kurt looked incredulous, staring at Blaine in amazement. "I know every piece from every one of the Tiffany collections they've sold since the early 90s. Blaine how did youknow- I mean- this is too much for just-"

Blaine touched two fingers to Kurt's lips.

"Money doesn't matter to me. You do. I know how much you love Tiffany diamonds..." Blaine shrugged like he'd merely bought Kurt's favorite candy bar when he was out grocery shopping. "Since you're going back to school next week, you won't get to be with me every other weekend. I thought you could wear this to remind you that even when you can't see me, your Bee is always in your heart, and you're in mine."

Blaine took the box from Kurt's shaky hands and freed the necklace from its display mount.

It felt like Kurt's brain was working at half capacity. Had he heard that right? "So... you purchased a gigantic, gorgeous yellow diamond to represent you as a little bee, next to my heart?"

Blaine smiled, "Yes, Love."

"Oh, Bee! Thank you. Thank you. I'll wear it every day." Kurt exclaimed, and snuggled down to hug Blaine tightly.

Kurt sat up and held still for Blaine. He opened the lobster clasp and wrapped his arms around Kurt's neck. After a moment of fiddling, Blaine blindly fastened the ends together and let it dangle around Kurt's neck. They watched it swing like a pendulum for a few slow seconds.

And then Kurt tossed the box to the side, grabbed Blaine's face in both of his hands, and soundly pressed his lips to Blaine's.

It was like something out those sappy, classic, romantic movies, where every light bulb goes on in their minds, birds sing, music rings in his ears, and the morning light crawls in through the window- deigning to shine on Kurt and Blaine right when their lips meet. It warmed their skin and reflected the heat within and between them.

Blaine cupped Kurt's cheek, sucking those blessed lips in past his teeth, bringing his tongue out to taste the full, soft bottom lip that he'd dreamed of for the last five months. And god was it more and better and everything that he'd imagined a thousand times in his mind, and in his dreams; lying awake at 2am with Kurt asleep next to him, andevery fucking time he took a shower.

Kurt's mind left for vacation when he plunged his lips down onto Blaine's. His mouth was impossibly smooth, and so, so warm. A shot of adrenaline punched his gut and blood rushed south, as Blaine sucked his lip deep into his mouth. Teeth grazed and tongue lapped at his lip, and Kurt couldn't stifle the moan that Blaine gladly swallowed whole.

Blaine's fingers glided from jaw to neckline, stroking his hand into Kurt's hair. Fuck, even Kurt's hair was soft. Blaine swore if he'd pulled out a dictionary right then, Kurt's face would show up next to the definition for 'perfection.' Blaine bit Kurt's bottom lip before setting it free and searching out his upper lip. Kurt gasped as Blaine's tongue slipped beneath his upper lip and sucked it into his mouth. Kurt gasped sharply and fisted Blaine's shirt with an iron grip when Blaine's tongue ran across his teeth and gums. Never in a million years did Kurt think that would be sexy, but the nerves firing at full capacity in his mouth, argued otherwise. The sensations and realizations and reality of the moment hit him like a truck. Kurt opened his mouth farther, aggressively nipping, sucking, and licking Blaine's lips, begging for intrusion, needing invasion and penetration and more proof that this was real.

Thank everything lovely and beautiful, Blaine got the hint. He rolled them over, tangling even tighter together in the sheets. Nothing was left to the imagination in that tight cocoon, and Kurt never wanted the tingling ecstasy and rush of adrenaline

to end. Blaine's intoxicating body weight compressed Kurt down into the mattress, leaving him breathless, lips swollen and pink around the edges, his eyes blown wide with love and need and fulfillment. The hand that held Kurt's neck ran over his larynx, down his chest, and circled the nipple that stood stiff and peeking from beneath his shirt. Kurt fought to keep kissing back and swallow down his own moan when Blaine's hand moved down those last few inches and cupped his balls. Kurt returned his attention to the kiss with fierce, heavy, deliberate pecks, drawn out, dragging bites, and long licks, bringing Blaine's thick bottom lip into his mouth over and over as if his mouth was the sweetest hard candy ever. Blaine's hand between Kurt's legs held still, pressing just enough for Kurt to know he was there, except for his thumb that ever so lightly, lovingly caressed one side of his erection.

It was fire, and explosions, and fireworks, and a hurricane of deep-seated love blowing through their hearts and leaving nothing left standing but the surety that this -each other- was what they both wanted- more than hopes and dreams and aspirations and wishes for anything and everything else in their lives. In that moment Kurt would have gladly set his closet full of couture masterpieces on fire and danced happily around the flames, if it meant he could stay like this forever. And Blaine would give up concerts, and Friday nights on Sunset Blvd, and all 700GB of music that held all of his favorite music that he'd painstakingly converted from Vinyl to Cd, to mp3 over the last three years- for this. This right here, in his arms and filling his heart to overflowing, and cupped in his hand and the heat in his chest that told him he would never love anyone, never need anyone, but Kurt.

The love in the room was thick and neither wanted to stop this moment.

So they didn't.

They locked their lips for the rest of the afternoon. When the bed wasn't big enough to contain their kiss, they fell in a heap to the bedroom floor. When their cocoon eventually became too hot and sweaty, they held each other's faces and kissed while they tumbled over limbs and sheets and kitty toys to the walk-in closet and laid down next to the A/C vent on the floor beneath Blaine's rack of button-up shirts. It was cozy in the tight little spot, with so little space to move. It was like having their own secret hiding place just for them.

When the closet grew too cold, they pecked each other's lips with each step down the stairs and made out on the grass in the backyard while their bodies soaked up the wonderful sunshine. Around dinner time their stomachs growled in protest. They only parted for a few quick sips of fruit smoothies that –thank god- Kurt had decided to make at 2am that morning in a bout of insomnia, and had saved in the fridge for the next day. They eyed each other the entire time they stood in the kitchen, downing their smoothies like they hadn't eaten in days, only to hastily wipes their mouths, slam their cups on the counter with sighs of satisfaction, and crumple to the floor and christen the pretty kitchen with their kisses.

"There's a room I haven't shown you. That no one knows about but me." Blaine spoke as Kurt gulped a glass of water, hours after their smoothie dinner. "Can I show you?"

Kurt smiled and took Blaine's hand. "Of course you can."

Blaine paused their kisses for an agonizing twenty seconds while he ran with Kurt up the stairs, down the entire hall, and to a door that had a lock, but no handle- clearly to help disguise the entryway.

Blaine turned the vase over that sat next to a tall, skinny decorative table next to the door. A key slipped out and landed in his palm. A quick flick of his wrist popped the door open and he returned the key to its hiding spot.

"This is the most important place in the house to me, besides the bed where you've slept."

Kurt's heart clenched and he squeezed Blaine's hand in gratitude.

Blaine turned on a series of lights that revealed a baby grand piano in the center of the room. Along the walls were a dozen guitars, a violin and cello, a Ukulele, drums, and beyond a semi-clear glass window- a recording studio. Suddenly, all the microphones hanging from the ceiling and perched on stands, stood out in Kurt's vision.

Kurt silently walked around the piano and let his hand run down the side of it. "Wow, Bee. This is incredible. Why haven't you shared this with anyone?"

Blaine watched Kurt with shining eyes. "It's too close to my heart to subject it to the opinions of other people."

"But you sing so well. And your guitar-playing was spot-on."

Blaine shrugged. "I'm decent. But I want you here. I want you to use this room for anything and everything you want. I can teach you to play any instrument, or I can record an album of you singing your favorite songs, or you can write your own music in the quiet... You have a stunning voice and I love when you sing along to the radio. And it could be great place to practice for your musical theatre performances." Blaine inched close to Kurt and peppered kisses on his cheeks and nose. "I know you're gonna win the lead roles this year." Kurt blushed, but Blaine continued, "You won't have to fight for a practice room on-campus on the weekends, if you come

here."

"Thank you, Bee." Kurt sat down on the piano bench and played a 90s pop song that his fingers still knew by heart. Blaine sat beside him. An arm reached around Kurt's back and the hand held his waist.

"Blaine?" Kurt spoke just above a whisper.

"Hmm?" Blaine mumbled lightly as he watched Kurt's hands tickle the white and black keys in fluid motions.

"How did you..." Kurt wasn't sure how to word his question delicately enough. "How did you know that I needed..." He bit his lip. He wasn't nervous to ask, he just... words failed him.

Blaine saved him. "How did I know that you needed that extra touch below your waist when we were in bed?"

Kurt smiled up into Blaine's eyes. "Yeah."

Blaine cocked his head to the side and simply said, "Because

I know you".

Blaine tucked a wayward hair behind Kurt's ear tenderly. He returned his attention to Kurt's ocean eyes. "Your face tells it all if I pay close enough attention, and honestly it was instinct. Intuition. And I'll never deny you anything that I can give you."

The answer hung in silence for three long seconds.

Kurt grabbed Blaine's face and planted a thick, heady kiss to his lips. "Now, where were we before you brought me in here?"

Blaine tugged Kurt down to the carpeted studio floor with him.

They didn't resurface until the sun rose once more.