A/N: I write, primarily, as a form of stress relief. Each time I add a chapter to any of my stories, I am amazed to see people all over the world reading, favoriting, following and reviewing something I wrote - for my own therapy. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for that.

Warnings: As I have said before, this story is rated M for adult language and sexual situations. If either of these things will make you uncomfortable, then I feel obligated to ask: Why are you still reading this after nine chapters?

Disclaimer:I do not own Glee or its characters. I have invited some of the boys to play and will do my best to return them unharmed. (Maybe a little tired, worn out...but unharmed)

Chapter 10: Grounded Until I'm Married

As consciousness slowly overtook him, Kurt realized how deliciously cool his back felt in contrast to the burning inferno that engulfed his torso. Blinking in confusion, it took him several moments to realize the bedroom – and bed – he was lying in weren't his own. Lifting his head from the pillow, the events of last night came crashing back. Well, that explained why he was pressed up against the naked form of his hobbit.

Curled up on his side, Blaine breathed slowly as he continued to slumber. At some point in the night, Kurt had wrapped himself around Blaine's smaller form. His arm lay across Blaine's waist, hand splayed possessively on the soft skin of his lower belly. Kurt marveled in the intimate feeling of skin on skin contact, wriggling his hips and thighs against the naked curves of Blaine's ass. True, most of the time, all Kurt wanted to do was strip and mark the boy – but at this exact moment, what he wanted most in the world was to bottle this and keep it forever.

Nuzzling his face into Blaine's curls, he allowed himself to gently caress Blaine's chest and belly, memorizing the peaks and valleys of his developing muscles, charting the areas that were beginning to develop darker hair, and the ridge of scar tissue that proved just how resilient and brave Blaine truly was.

If he didn't fear being caught by Blaine's grandfather and summarily banned from the Ladd residence forever – or the wrath of his father, who was probably going to kill Kurt for not coming home last night, let alone not calling to let him know where he was, Kurt would have been content to watch Blaine sleep until his internal clock woke him up. Unfortunately, those two concerns were real – and Kurt couldn't afford to the luxury of an extended snuggle session.

Placing a series of light kisses on the nape of Blaine's neck and shoulder, Kurt worked to slip from Blaine's bed without waking him up. When he was finally free, Kurt grabbed up his briefs from the floor, stepping into them with practiced ease, before reaching for his pants. Dressed on the bottom half, he padded barefoot into the bathroom attached to Blaine's room, proceeding to use Blaine's toothbrush to rid himself of that gummy, early morning mouth feeling.

Really, if Blaine couldn't share a toothbrush with the guy who was regularly sucking on his cock – there was a problem with their relationship.

Finished, he made a not even half-hearted attempt to fix his hair before returning to the bedroom and snatching up the t-shirt Blaine had been wearing the night before. Sliding it over his head, Kurt realized that it was a size too small, but didn't really care. He liked the way in clung to his chest. And he liked the way it smelled like Blaine.

"Morning, sunshine," came a muffled, raspy voice from the bed. "You, um…you look kinda hot wearing my clothes," Blaine managed to mutter, before dropping his head back onto the pillow and flopping onto his back.

Striding over to the bed, Kurt leaned over and framed Blaine with his arms, kissing him deliberately. "I know," he answered with a smug, satisfied tone. Brushing back Blaine's mess of curls with his fingers, Kurt sighed.

"I have to go, Hobbit. It's morning – and as much as I really want to stay here with you…, I don't want your grandfather to find us like this. And I'm gonna have to explain a hell of a lot of shit to my dad to not end up grounded until I'm married."

Despite his sleepiness, Blaine looked at Kurt with concern. "Until you're married? Nooo. No me gusta." He quoted one of Santana's favorite sayings.

"It just means you'll have to learn to sneak into my room…because I'm not willing to give you up." Kurt brushed his lips over Blaine's, sorely tempted to strip off his clothing and join Blaine again. Once more and then Kurt forced himself away.

Standing outside the window in the morning chill, Kurt smiled at Blaine. "Hobbit?"

"Yeah, Kurt?"

"You rock my world."

"Love you, too."

Kurt smirked. "I'll text you later."

Snuggling back into his pillow, Blaine offered a half-hearted wave. "You better," he called.

Mr. Ladd raised the mug of warm coffee to his lips, sipping slowly as he watched the world wake up. Sitting on his front porch at the small table and chair that he used every morning for this ritual, he was rather surprised to see his grandson's fellow leaving the house in such…an unexpected manner. Glancing over at his companion, he shrugged.

"Don't look at me like that, Mabel. I'm the boy's grandfather. That job description is supposed to come with certain benefits – like not having to give your grandson a sex talk, or disciplining him for sneaking someone into his bedroom."

Mabel continued to stare at him with her brilliant green eyes not offering anything more.

"Don't. Just don't with me, Miss Mabel." He waved his finger back and forth. "The boy is entitled to some happiness. And it doesn't take an expert to see how much they care about one another."

Taking another long sip of the bitter liquid, Mr. Ladd looked up to the sky. Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding, he concluded, "Fine. Fine. I'll talk to him. But that's it. I am not going to make that boy feel unwelcome in his own home." He picked up the paper and continued to work on the crossword puzzle.

"What's a four letter word for a Hawaiian bird?" he asked.

Stretching, Mabel nudged Mr. Ladd's hand with her head, purring contentedly when he began to scratch her light grey fur.

Using his key, Kurt let himself into Hummel Tires and Lube. Having called Finn, he'd learned that his father was very much aware that he'd not come home last night, was, in Finn's estimation, more disappointed in Kurt's behavior than pissed, and already at work.

He found his dad in his office, staring at the computer screen. Wordlessly, he handed his dad the paper bag containing a healthier breakfast sandwich and two doughnut holes. Burt took it, placing it to the side and leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms, and giving Kurt what he deemed as 'The Dad Stare-Down".

Kurt sat on the edge of the desk and looked at his hands which were folded in his lap. "I fell asleep at Blaine's. I broke curfew. I didn't call you to let you know I was safe. I made you worry about me. And for all of those things, I am truly sorry, Dad." Looking up, Kurt saw his father was listening carefully to his words.

"I'm sorry I fucked up so badly. I think I pretty much broke every rule you ever truly asked me to follow."

Burt chuckled, reaching over to place a hand over Kurt's. "No, not all of them. You still haven't broken the one about not having your old man walk in on you while having sex." Burt watched as a pink flush spread across Kurt's face. "And, for the record, I'm perfectly happy to have that one unbroken."

Shifting in his seat, Burt turned more serious. "Kurt, son, what's going on? I find you in bed with that boy, as naked as I ever want to see the two of you. Then Sam and Finn tell me you went off with that Dave kid, but you fall asleep at Blaine's? I'm having a hard time keeping up with the game."

Kurt stood up, walking around to look at the OSHA safety posters hung in the office. "It's not like that, Dad." Glancing over his shoulder at his father, Kurt explained, "There is absolutely nothing between Dave Karofsky and I. That was a bridge to nowhere. Seriously, I'd rather kiss Finn – and that's saying a lot."

Burt raised an eye at his son.

"We kissed…at a party. Playing Spin The Bottle. And even with the fact that he's my brother – and straight as they come, and the whole thing was awkward as hell - there was more chemistry between us, than between me and Dave." Kurt answered honestly. "And apparently, someone – last night – mentioned to my boyfriend, that Dave and I had dated." Tilting his head, he looked pointedly at his father.

"Told you, did he?"

Kurt crossed his arms across his chest. "Yes. It was part of our very lengthy conversation. Dave needed someone to listen. He's dealing with some heavy crap at home, and I've always told him I'd be there for him as a friend."

Striding over to his dad, he wrapped his arms around him, rubbing his face into his father's ever present flannel. "Thank you for being the amazing dad you are. Thank you for never making me feel different or wrong or anything less than a son you are 100% proud of."

Burt tightened his hold on Kurt. "This have to do with Dave…or Blaine?" he asked softly.

"Dave's mom wants to send him to a place that will cure the gay out of him," Kurt whispered, flinching at the curse words that streamed from his dad. Standing up, Kurt placed his hands on Burt's shoulders. "I think he's in a better place emotionally since we talked. But from what I worked out, sometime after you mentioned my 'thing' with Dave, Blaine walked out of the house just in time to see the two of us hugging."

Sitting back down on his dad's desk, Kurt was quiet for a long time. "I…I really like him, Dad. I know it's only been like…six weeks since I met him, but it feels like I've known him forever. I was so scared last night when he walked away from me – without letting me explain what was going on. The thought of losing him…"

Burt squeezed his son's knee. "Sounds like you need to invite him over for dinner so we can meet him officially. You know, with clothes."

Rolling his eyes, Kurt let out an exasperated, "Daaad."

"I promise not to be scary. But if he's good enough to be part of your life, then he's good enough to bring home to me and Carole. Really, Kurt, I'd just really like to get to know the boy who's stolen your heart."

Pressing his lips together at the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, Kurt nodded. "I'll figure out when a good time is for everyone. Thank you."

Burt stood and gave one last hug to Kurt. "I trust you. Your mom would be so proud of the man you're becoming. Just…don't move quicker than your guardian angel can fly, okay?"

"I promise, Dad. I promise."

To: Hobbit

From: KEHummel

What u up 2?

To: Sexy Cheer Captain

From: BDAnderson

Studying. Hmwk. Hanging w/ my Papa.

To: Hobbit

From: KEHummel

Wnt company? Miss u

To: Sexy Cheer Captain

From: BDAnderson

You left 6hrs ago

To: Hobbit

From: KEHummel

Ur point? I miss u & ur kisses & other stuff

To: Sexy Cheer Captain

From: BDAnderson

O.o You, sir, are insatiable.

To: Hobbit

From: KEHummel

Didn't hear complaints last nite.

To: Sexy Cheer Captain

From: BDAnderson

My mouth was full

To Hobbit

From: KEHummel

OMFG – BLAAAAIIIINNNE!

To: Sexy Cheer Captain

From: BDAnderson

Yes, that's what you moaned. Repeatedly.

To: Sexy Cheer Captain

From: BDAnderson

Come over. In backyard. Side gate is open. Bring homework. Seriously. Papa is gardening outside. I'm the hobbit in the hammock under the fig tree.

To: Hobbit

From: KEHummel

Be there in 20.

Slipping through the wooden gate, Kurt couldn't help but ring the cowbell hung at the top, announcing his presence. As he started walking along the side of the house, he was surprised at how far back the property continued. Once he reached the end of the house, Kurt looked around. He was standing on a cement patio that extended from the house to the lawn which seemed to go on forever until it ran into an enormous garden filled with flowers, vegetables and fruit trees.

Looking to his right, Kurt caught sight of a Blaine's grandfather. "Hi, Mr. Ladd!" Kurt called out loudly, waving at the elderly man who looked up at him with a fond smile.

"Kurt. Good to see you again. Come to see Blaine, have you? Come here for a moment," he beckoned the boy over with his head, hands full. When Kurt had joined him, he explained. "We're drying apricots for the winter. Sun dried from our trees over there. The sun makes the sugars concentrate. The most delicious bite of goodness you'll ever taste. If you'd like, I'll send some home with you."

Kurt watched with attention as the elderly man slipped each apricot out of its furry coat, sliced out the pit and laid the two halves on a handmade screen. It was fascinating how much knowledge Blaine's grandfather had in his head. "I'd love that, Mr. Ladd. Anything you're willing to share," he replied with sincerity.

Chuckling, Blaine's grandfather looked over his shoulder. "You'll find the boy back that-a-way. He's under the shady fig tree doing school work. If you follow the steppin' stones back to where it splits, take the left pathway. What're you planning on studying – besides my grandson?"

Damn if the old man wasn't smirking at him. Kurt felt himself flush with embarrassment. "Um…I…Mr. Ladd." Tripping over his own words, Kurt gripped the strap to his messenger bag.

"Pshaw, boy. You needn't hide from me – Blaine doesn't. For weeks now, the boy breaks into the widest grin each time he mentions your name. And it doesn't take a genius to realize that you feel the same towards him. Go…study…and get some homework done too. And remember, I'm an old man. My heart doesn't need any shocks, you hear?" He turned back to his work, pulling out another apricot and whistling a tune to himself.

Unable to help himself, Kurt walked behind Blaine's grandfather and wrapped an arm around his chest, hugging the man from behind. "Thank you." He swallowed hard before finishing. "Blaine's so lucky to have you. I'm lucky to have him. I promise…we'll keep it PG." Stepping back, Kurt turned to walk across the grass.

"Three minutes," called Mr. Ladd.

Kurt turned, walking backwards, "I'm sorry, what did you say, Mr. Ladd?"

Blaine's grandfather leaned a hip against the picnic table he was working on. "You get three minutes of R rating, and then it needs to stay PG. Once upon a time, I was a young man, too," he teased with a wink.

Laughing, Kurt waved again and turned to follow the step stone pathway into the garden.

It was freaking magical – like something out of a Disney movie. The stepping stone pathway was clearly laid by hand with mismatched chunks of concrete, aggregate, paving stones, and slate. Mature fruit trees – Kurt could identify apple, apricot, plum, orange, lemon, lime, persimmon, and fig – shaded the entire back third of the yard. Off to his right side, he could see where Blaine's grandfather had planted grapes on arbors.

Along the pathway ran those miniature roses that his dad often gave Carole, who seemed to kill the potted plants – usually within the week. In fact, Mr. Ladd might be the only person on this earth who was capable of keeping those roses alive. When he reached the back fence, Kurt noted where the pathway split to the left and right – although it also continued straight to a gate in the fence line. Listening hard, he swore he could hear running water.

Circling to the left, Kurt admired how taller, flowering plants and shrubs completely separated this part of the garden off from the sightline from the house. It was its own little island oasis, of sorts. Spotting Blaine, Kurt chose to stop to admire the view.

Shirtless, Blaine was stretched out on a hammock, one arm tucked under his head, the other holding what appeared to be an English book. The sophomore wore a look of studious concentration, intensified by the glasses with thick black frames that were perched on his nose. Westerville Middle School was stamped in faded yellow on the right leg of the tight navy shorts Blaine was sporting. Fuck. Could he look any hotter? Kurt was pretty sure he was just moments away from spontaneously combusting.

"Did you enjoy the tour?" Blaine teased, not looking up from his book. "Was there something you wanted, besides feeling me up with your eyes?" He couldn't help the grin that burst forth at repeating Kurt's first words to him.

Stalking towards him, Kurt tossed his messenger bag on a nearby wooden chair and carefully straddled the hammock. Yanking off his shirt, he threw that in the general direction of the chair as well, not particularly caring if it made it or not. Not when his boyfriend was spread out for the taking.

"It's not wise to provoke me, Hobbit," advised Kurt who carefully lowered himself down to sit between Blaine's legs. Placing his hands on either side of Blaine's waist, Kurt slid them higher until their hands were intertwined above Blaine's head, their lips barely an inch apart. Kurt kept his feet on the ground, not wanting to tumble them both out of the hammock with their…activity.

"Kuuurrt," whined Blaine softly. "My grandfather-"

Kurt brushed his lips against Blaine's, feeling the other boy twitch against his own hardness. "Said we could have three minutes of R rated sexy times, then we had to keep it PG." Dropping wet kisses along Blaine's jaw line, Kurt pulled his hands away from Blaine's and lowered them to his shorts, pushing them down Blaine's hips.

"Fuck, Kurt. My grandfather did not use the phrase 'sexy times'." Blaine may have been trying to voice his qualms about messing around with Kurt, but that didn't stop him from raising his hips to allow Kurt to push his shorts down to his knees.

Kurt pulled away slightly to gaze into Blaine's eyes. "Why are you arguing with me, Anderson? I swear, what you should be asking yourself is whether I can get you off in under three minutes. And what the fuck were you thinking when you put on these shorts? And no underwear? Fuck, Hobbit, that's practically begging for it."

The kiss that followed was dirty. Blaine's mouth opened almost immediately, allowing Kurt's tongue entrance. It was deep, and hot and slow – and they had all afternoon to work on kissing – but the clock was ticking otherwise. Forcing himself to pull away, Kurt carefully moved down Blaine's body, dropping kisses, until he reached his destination.

Starting at the base of Blaine's cock, Kurt ran the tip of his tongue and lips along the underside until he reached the head, where he lapped as if he was eating the most delicious ice cream cone. Aware at how hard Blaine was working at staying quiet, and keeping still, Kurt kissed the tip of Blaine's cock and sat up slightly. "You're doing such a good job for me, babe. Are you going to be able to stay quiet for me?" he asked, voice raspy.

"Yessss," hissed Blaine, eyes tightly shut. "Promise."

Quickly, Kurt captured Blaine's lips before whispering into his ear. "You weren't so successful at keeping quiet last time we were somewhere we could get caught. Do you remember what I had to do to punish you, Hobbit?"

Blaine's trembling increased. "Fuck, Kurt, just…just suck me off, already. Stop teasing and do it." All coherence went out of Blaine's mind as Kurt's mouth descended on him. Tangling his fingers into the hammock's ropes, Blaine desperately held on while trying to let go.

It didn't take long. Under other circumstances, Blaine might actually be embarrassed at how quickly Kurt had been able to get him off – but since they had a time limit – he wouldn't stress over it. Lifting his hips, he allowed Kurt to pull his shorts back into place as he worked at catching his breath. Reaching an arm out, he grabbed his glass of homemade lemonade from the table he'd placed all his schoolwork on, and offered it to Kurt, who took it with gratitude.

"God, that's delicious." Kurt reached across to place the glass back on the table.

"Homemade. Always better." Blaine pushed himself up and slid closer to Kurt, slipping his arms around the senior's waist. "I…that…shit, Kurt. I can't even talk."

"It's an overrated skill set, Hobbit. Besides, just wearing those glasses makes you seem nerdy smart." Kurt pulled Blaine closer, running his hands gently over the smaller boy's back. Slowly, Kurt rocked the hammock with his toes.

"Nerdy smart?"

"Like in the hottest fucking way. I think I might have been able to resist you if you hadn't had them on. Since when do you wear glasses?" Kurt couldn't help running his fingers through Blaine's curls when the younger boy snuggled his head into Kurt's shoulder.

"Since forever," mumbled Blaine. "I wear contacts at school, obviously. You really like them?"

Kurt snickered. "Three words: So Fucking Hot. Never knew I had a thing for nerdy smart guys. Well, one in particular, anyway."

They were content to sit rocking back and forth in the shade of the fig tree for quite some time until Blaine yawned widely. "Sorry. It's not you, I promise," he said with a smile, pulling back from Kurt's embrace. "Kurt? Will I always be this tired? I mean, is it me? Or Cheerios?" Blaine hesitated before smirking, "Or is it possible that my boyfriend gave me a case of mono?"

Kurt laughed, nudging Blaine backwards until he lay back down on the hammock. Kurt took up the opposite position, taking Blaine's foot in hand, massaging it firmly. "It's an adjustment. It's your body working to get used to the physical activity and you're not taking an easy set of classes either. I can also confirm that if I had mono, you would definitely have it too. I don't by the way." Kurt's fingers worked their magic, pressing deep into the tissue of Blaine's heel.

"Oh my God, don't stop Kurt!" Blaine groaned loudly. Realizing how loudly he'd spoken, Blaine turned red. "It's just a foot rub, Papa, I swear," he shouted.

His grandfather's voice came from the direction of the grape arbors. "Is that what they call it? Your three minutes was up twenty minutes ago," he teased.

"Papa!" Trying to sit up, Blaine was stopped by Kurt's hand. Flopping back down, he dropped his other foot into Kurt's lap.

Mr. Ladd rounded the corner carrying several bunches of grapes with him. "Ah, I see. It was a foot rub. Carry on then. Brought you some grapes." Walking over to the small patio table Blaine had his lemonade on, he placed the grapes next to the glass. "Need some more lemonade?"

"Yes, please." Blaine answered immediately. He knew how much it meant to his grandfather that the elderly man was able to take care of Blaine occasionally.

Nodding, his grandfather shuffled off towards the house. Pausing, he turned to smile at the boys once more. "Shall I bring another glass? Or will you two be sharing…out of a sense of water conservation?"

Unable to contain the mirth, Kurt burst out laughing. He was really beginning to love Blaine's grandfather. "Well, we do live in a global society, Mr. Ladd. Live simply so others can simply live, and things of that nature."

Blaine's face was buried under his arm, hiding from both Kurt and his grandfather. Dear Lord, what would happen if the two of them ever decided to gang up on him? He didn't think he'd survive.

It took some time, but by the time Blaine and Kurt had settled back with their school books to do some actual studying, Mr. Ladd reappeared with an afternoon snack and a fresh pitcher of iced lemonade. He'd actually put the food in a picnic basket to make it easier to carry, while managing the plastic pitcher at the same time.

"Here you go, boys," he said as he set the items on the table, "Enjoy. I'm going to put my feet up and watch some college football in the den. Behave! Even if you don't really want to." He leaned over to place a kiss on the top of Blaine's head before shuffling three more steps and dropping one on Kurt's head as well.

"Will Kurt be staying for dinner, Blaine?"

Kurt's eyes widened at the invitation and he began nodding enthusiastically at Blaine.

"I guess that's a yes, Papa. You'll call me when you start dinner, right? So I can help? Since Kurt's my guest." Blaine was pointedly attempting to get his grandfather to bend to his will. Even Kurt, who hadn't really seen much interaction between the two of the them knew that was a lost cause.

Mr. Ladd waved away Blaine's request. "As if I need help in my own kitchen. You work on your studies, boy. That's your job. That and fending off the advances of your fellow."

"Papa! Enough!" scolded Blaine in exasperation.

"Just making sure you two know you're not putting one over on me." With that he shuffled off, whistling a made-up tune, happy to see the light shining so brightly in his grandson's eyes.

Blaine snagged the basket with a hand and put it in the middle of the hammock between him and Kurt. "Hungry?"

Tilting his head to the side, Kurt sat up carefully. "Didn't you accuse me of being insatiable earlier, Hobbit? I'm always hungry…for food…and other things," he teased quietly.

Rolling his eyes, Blaine opened the picnic basket, licking his lips at the contents. "Proof my grandfather really likes you exists in here. Ah ah. No! I'll be feeding you, Mr. Hummel. You're going to have to work for my affections this afternoon. Didn't you listen to what Papa said? I can't just go giving it away for nothing."

Holding up a bright red tomato that had been sliced in half, Blaine sprinkled a touch of salt over it before offering it to Kurt. "Bite," he commanded. At Kurt's moan of pleasure, he smirked. "Yup, fresh from the garden always tastes best."

Chewing quickly, Kurt swallowed then grabbed the back of Blaine's neck to pull him in for a deep kiss. Separating just enough that he could talk, he growled out, "I think we covered that lesson about an hour ago, Hobbit." He pressed his lips against Blaine's again, enjoying the wet slide and taste of Blaine and tomato and summer.

Blaine allowed the kiss to continue for several long, heated moments, before he pushed on Kurt's chest, breaking them apart. "There's more to sample." Blaine dug into the picnic basket and pulled out the largest, fattest blackberry Kurt had ever seen. Tapping once on Kurt's lips, Blaine ordered, "Open up." Placing the berry on Kurt's lower lip, he whispered quietly, "Now…close, but don't bite down."

Kurt held the blackberry between his lips, watching as Blaine placed the picnic basket on the ground before scooting forward. Then, their lips were together once more, blackberry juice flooding their mouths as their tongues slid past each other. Reaching up, Kurt held the sides of Blaine's face, keeping his head in position as he slowly thrust in and out of his mouth.

"Fuck! Blaine, if this is how you resist my advances…I'm completely fucked when you decide to seduce me." Closing his eyes, Kurt laid back down, waiting anxiously for whatever way Blaine would choose to torture him next.

"Keep your eyes closed."

"M'kay."

Kurt felt wetness dripping down his chest, pooling in his navel. "What are you doing to me, Hobbit?"

Blaine leaned forward, careful to not allow their bodies to touch. "Learning how to seduce you, apparently. Keep your eyes closed. I have another piece of fruit for you – but you need to wait to share it again. Can you do that for me, Kurt?" he was practically purring in Kurt's ear, pleased to see Kurt's shorts tenting in a very obvious way.

Opening his lips, Kurt accepted the bit of fruit from Blaine, running his tongue along it to determine it was nectarine. That was the last coherent thought he had before he arched forward in reaction to Blaine tonguing his way down from Kurt's collarbone to his navel – sucking, licking, and slurping up the juice he had lovingly laid out on his boyfriend's chest.

When he was finished making Kurt squirm, he moved to cover the senior with his body, sharing the bite of nectarine between them. Rocking gently, he allowed them both some of the friction they both desperately needed at this point. When Kurt's hands slid down to clutch the back of his thighs, he stopped holding back, bringing both of them to completion in a quick explosion of grunts, whimpers and sighs.

"Do you know how to swim?" Blaine asked when he caught his breath.

"Of course," Kurt answered in confusion.

"Hey, it's not like I'm a lifeguard. Come with me. We need to wash our love juices away," Blaine sassed, almost face planting into the dirt when his foot didn't quite clear the hammock. Trusting that Kurt was following, he went to the back gate and removed the lock and chain.

"Love juices, Hobbit? Please…never, ever use that term with me. Ever. Gross," Kurt wrinkled his nose at the thought. "Where are you taking me?"

"Papa's property backs up to Whiskey Creek. He doesn't have any neighbors on the far side. It's open reserve. But no one comes out this far. So we can do this." Blaine glanced at Kurt, shucked his shorts and, still holding on to them, leaped out into the creek water. "It's about eight or ten feet deep right now. It's easier if you take your shorts off before you get into the water…but, you know, you might have some help if you want."

Shaking his head, Kurt took two steps back before racing towards the edge, executing the perfect cannonball dive into the water below.

It was late in the evening, and they were once again curled up in the hammock, staring up at the stars in the night sky, a scrap quilt Blaine's grandmother had made years before tucked around them.

Dinner had been delicious. Mr. Ladd had made a cheesy polenta and topped it with a fresh mushroom sauce that Kurt was determined to talk him out of. Mr. Ladd had informed Kurt it was a family recipe, so marriage was a requirement, whereupon Kurt had immediately spun, dropped to one knee, and begged Blaine marry him.

They'd all laughed.

Now, as Kurt rested his head on Blaine's chest, listening the steady beat of his heart, he realized how grateful he felt for all the good in his life. Family. Friends. The Cheerios. Blaine. This was coalescing into a magical senior year.

Twisting some of Blaine's curls around his fingers, Kurt sighed. "Blaine?"

"Yeah, Kurt?" came the quiet answer.

"I want to take you out. On a date. As your boyfriend," he explained sleepily.

"Mmm…sounds good." Blaine dropped a kiss to the top of Kurt's head.

"Also, my dad wants me to bring you to dinner. So you can officially meet everyone. As my boyfriend," he continued.

"Mmm…'kay."

"He requested you wear clothes this time," Kurt teased quietly.

"God, what's with the demands? I guess we can't have sex on the dinner table either?" he sassed back.

"Not until after we do the dishes."

"Noted."

They both giggled at their easy back and forth. Kurt used his toe to slowly rock the hammock. "B?"

"Yeah?"

"I…I want you to know, that…I think I'm falling in love with you."

"Mmm, that's good. 'Cause I'm pretty sure I'm falling for you too."

"So we're on the same page?"

"For once."

That was how Mr. Ladd found the boys, still wrapped up together in the hammock. Taking Blaine's cell phone he managed to take a picture of the boys and send it with a message to Kurt's father. Once Kurt's father had responded with 'go ahead and let them sleep', he shuffled back to the house and pulled a warmer blanket and a second quilt out of the linen closet.

After he had covered the boys against the evening chill, he kissed them and moved toward the house once more. Mabel blocked the pathway.

"Don't look at me like that, Mabel. They're growing boys and need their rest. Are you staying out here with them, or coming back with me?" The older man paused as if waiting for the cat to answer him.

"Well, when you figure out your mind, let me know," he grumbled moving past the grey cat.

Mabel looked at the boys and then back at Mr. Ladd. Her mind made up, she carefully picked her way down the path towards the house.

End Note: So when I originally sketched out Chapter 7 - it actually contained everything that has gone into Chapters 7, 8, 9 and 10. I guess I wrote too much. shrugs You're reading this, so I'm guessing there aren't too many complaints. In terms of the story timeline, this is still early September - and I envision the story going through March - April of Kurt's senior year. We will be returning to the cheerleading focus of the story for a bit (unless the boys hijack the story). Thanks again for reading! k8