Kurt was having the best day.

He had finally come clean to his father about everything. About not wanting to be a blacksmith, about being in love with a boy, and everything in between. He felt so much better! He also felt so much closer to Burt. They were close before, but now they didn't have any secrets. Kurt felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Blaine was having the best day.

Kurt had finally told his dad about them and everything else. He was apprehensive at first, but he felt a little bit easier now that Burt knew and more or less accepted them. He walked into town and headed for the cafe. He was off today and was going to spend it with Kurt. He walked up to a table and sat down in one of the mismatched chairs.

Santana eyed him from across the way and narrowed her eyes. Something had been going on with him and Kurt. She was going to get to the bottom of it. She had her suspicions, but they weren't solid yet. She swayed over to his table.

"What can I get you, short stack?"

Blaine rolled his eyes. He had gotten used to the raven-haired girls sharp wit, but it still annoyed him.

"I would like a cup of tea, if you would. And some biscuits, please."

Santana's smile was overly sweet as she went to retrieve the items. Blaine looked around, hopeful to catch a glance of Kurt, but alas, he was nowhere to be found. He frowned and played with the loose thread on the table cloth.

Santana deposited the food and drink in front of Blaine. "So, how are you adjusting?" she asked as she sat down in the opposite chair.

Blaine looked at her suspiciously. "I'm adjusting quite well, thank you for asking."

He didn't know what she was up to.

"Can't a girl just be interested in the handsome new gentleman in town?" She batted her eyes innocently.

"I guess." He sipped his tea. "But everyone always says you're always up to something."

"Everyone in town is jealous of me." She shrugged her shoulders. "Can't help it."

"I'm sure that's the case."

She leaned forward slightly. "So, any lucky ladies caught your eye?" she probed.

Blaine squirmed and licked his lip uneasily under her sharp gaze. "Not really."

He was panicking on the inside.

"Hmm, well what about Brit over there?"

They both looked over at the tall blonde talking to a garden statue.

"She's very... interesting."

Santana smiled fondly at the girl, then looked back at Blaine. "Well, you know what to do when you like someone right? What am I saying? You obviously have courted before." She laughed to herself.

"Well actually... I haven't really courted anyone before."

She mock gasped in surprise, clutching a hand to her chest and her eyebrows going up. "Really? Well, that's not good. How will you know how to properly court someone when you find the right one?" Blaine looked nervously over his shoulder toward the blacksmith's shop. "I know! I'll help you." She smiled deviously.

Blaine tried not to seem overeager. "What should I do?"

"Well, you must keep the other party interested. By bringing them gifts."

"Like what?"

"Like... flowers! People love getting flowers. In fact, there is a special flower that grows in this area."

Blaine perked up. "Really?" Kurt liked flowers...

"Oh yeah. It's a special flower. Legend says that when you give it to your sweetheart, they are meant to be together forever."

Blaine was sure he and Kurt were meant to be together and while he wasn't one to believe a certain flower would have them be together forever, he was certain it would be romantic. Kurt deserved romantic gestures.

"Where would one find this flower? If one wanted to find it, that is."

Santana twirled her hair nonchalantly around her finger. "I think there is some in the western side of the forest. By the pond."

"What does it look like?" Blaine was trying to act like he was just curious.

"It's red with little berries on it. It's called sumac. It's a pretty plant."

Blaine smiled gratefully. "Well, I shall remember this for when I find someone."

Santana's smile spread over her face slowly.

"Of course. When you find someone."

They stared each other down. Blaine broke the standoff and stood after finishing his food.

"Well. I think a walk is in order. Have a lovely day, Ms. Santana."

Santana watched him stroll towards the woods, hands on his pockets in an effort to look nonchalant. She would soon find out who had captured Blaine's attentions.

"Blaine, what are we doing out here?" Kurt laughed as Blaine dragged him through the forest to their secret place by the waterfall. Blaine had hidden his special bouquet for Kurt here before going to fetch the boy.

"Kurt, I wanted to get you something. Something that meant something. So..." he pulled the bouquet of sumac and other beautiful flowers he had found and presented it to Kurt with a flourish. His smile was dazzling and his eyes bright.

"Blaine! It's so beautiful!" Kurt squealed and took the bouquet out of Blaine's hands. He sniffed it delicately. "I've never been brought flowers before," Kurt blushed. Blaine was blushing too.

"Well I couldn't resist when I heard of that special flower."

Kurt looked away from admiring his flowers to Blaine, puzzled. "What special flower?"

"The one in the bouquet with the berries on it. It starts with an S I think..." He bounced his eyebrows, knowing once Kurt realized what it was, he would be blown away with how romantic Blaine was.

Kurt's eyes widened and he threw the bouquet down immediately. "Sumac?"

"Yes, that's it." He frowned at the dirty bouquet. Well, that was not the reaction he was hoping for. "Why did you throw your flowers?"

Kurt started washing himself off in the water. "Sumac is also referred to as poison sumac! It gives you a rash!"

Blaine started to wash himself as well. "Oh no! I'm sorry Kurt!" He was vigorously scrubbing at his hands.

Kurt stopped him with a hand over his. "It's fine, you were trying to be romantic and it's sweet. But maybe leave the plant and flower picking to me."

Blaine sighed and laid back on the rock. "I will definitely leave that to you in the future."

Santana was busying herself with cooking stew when she saw Burt Hummel walk up to one of the tables. He sat down and grabbed up the newspaper laying on the table. He was reading the front page which said something about the recent bank robbery by the Crawford Gang as she sauntered up to the table.

"No Kurt today?"

Usually Kurt came to get them food or they came together.

Burt sighed loudly. "He got himself into some poison sumac."

Santana stopped in her tracks.

"Don't know how in the world he got into it. He should have known better."

Santana smiled to herself. She hadn't seen Blaine that morning either. She would bet anything that he was laid up in bed with a rash as well. That meant only one thing: Kurt and Blaine had more than just a friendship.

"Oh no!" She said in false surprise. "You would think he would have known what it looked like."

"He had it on his face as well. Don't know how that happened."

Santana couldn't stop the surprised laugh that came out. Burt looked up at her with a puzzled look.

"Sorry, saw something funny in the paper." Burt looked back down at the news paper in his hands. "Well, let's hope for a speedy recovery." Burt nodded.

"Hopefully won't be but a week he's out. Could use his help at the shop."

Santana went back to stirring her stew. She and Kurt would need to have a talk.

Kurt let the metal hiss in the water as he dipped it in. He was feeling so much better. His rash was practically gone and he didn't itch anymore so he was finally able to help his father in the shop again. He took the metal out of the water and admired his handiwork, twisting it this way and that. The door to the front opened and Kurt set down his work and wiped his hands on his leather apron.

"Sorry for the wait I- Oh, Blaine! What are you doing here?"

Blaine walked into the room smiling his swoon-worthy smile.

"I was working out on the ranch and was sent to fetch food, so I thought I would drop by and see my favourite blacksmith."

Kurt blushed. "Well, my dad isn't here, but he'll be back in a while."

Blaine poked Kurt in the side. "You know I meant you." He looked around the room before kissing Kurt on the cheek. "So I don't have work tomorrow and I may have heard a little bird say that you also don't have work tomorrow."

"No, I don't," Kurt replied, the corner of his mouth tugging up and Blaine's favorite dimple coming out of hiding. "Father has to go to Great Falls tomorrow to pick up some special supplies."

Blaine went over to the door and locked it. "In that case, would you accompany me on a picnic? Mother won't be at the homestead. Something about a quilting circle." Blaine wrapped his arms around Kurt's waist and hooked his chin over the taller boy's shoulder. His chest was pressed to Kurt's back and Kurt leaned into his touch before curling an arm around Blaine's neck. He hummed in agreement.

"I would love nothing more than to picnic with you." Blaine kissed Kurt's neck from behind. Kurt leaned his head over to allow Blaine more access. He was sweaty and grimy, but finding he cared less and less as Blaine's lips worked over his neck.

"Very well," another kiss. "I shall be looking forward to it." He gently pulled Kurt's chin to face him and kissed him on the lips. Kurt reciprocated happily. Blaine reluctantly pulled away and let go of the beautiful boy.

"I will see you tomorrow then?"

Kurt was still flushed from their kiss and the tenderness with which it had been given.

"Tomorrow."

Blaine waved to him as he left the shop to fetch the food he had ordered. Kurt was left smiling to himself. He couldn't wait for tomorrow.

Blaine didn't know how to contain his joy today. It was the day he and Kurt would have a proper courtship. Well, as proper as they could be while being a secret. They would have a picnic and talk about anything and everything. Blaine was so giddy he almost didn't taste the gooey conglomeration that his mother was convinced was gravy. She had paired it with what Blaine was sure were rocks but were barely passable as biscuits. However, Blaine was way too happy to care. He and Kurt were going on a picnic!

"What are you doing today?"

Blaine looked up to see his mother smiling at him from across the table. She looked better than she had in awhile. Her frown lines were still evident and her hair was still a mess, but the tightness in her eyes had relaxed and there was a brightness to her face that made him smile even as she tried to kill him with inedible food.

"Oh, not much. Probably just going to relax a little today."

"Good. You have been working so hard and I appreciate it so much."

Blaine felt his heart warm from his mother's words. He was happy to be taking care of her. It made him feel like a good son that his father would be proud of.

"You know, I actually enjoy a hard day's work. Makes me feel accomplished."

Her smile was warm as she placed another hard biscuit in front of him. He gamely tried to take a bite after soaking it in some milk to get it soft. It didn't soften. He tried not to show the pain on his face.

Blaine milled around the house, fiddling with odds and ends until he saw his mother gathering her quilting supplies. He was trying not to look like someone who had a date so Pam wouldn't be suspicious, but he was close to bouncing off of the walls.

"Blaine dear, I am going to the quilting circle. I'll be back before supper." She hesitated before stiffly patting his arm and smiled. Blaine appreciated her trying. He was also appreciating her new quilting circle.

He watched as she rode out of view before running to get ready for Kurt to come. He quickly made sandwiches and a salad and was in the middle of stirring up some lemonade when he heard a knock at the door. He looked in the mirror and smoothed his hair down before going to the door. Kurt was standing in the doorway dressed in light brown suspenders and a charcoal grey shirt. His hair immaculate as always and his smile as beautiful as ever. Blaine smiled back.

"Hi," he said lamely.

"Hey." Kurt was blushing. They stared at each other lovingly for several moments. "Well, aren't you going to invite me in?"

Blaine shook his head to clear it. "Of course! Come in." He let the taller boy in and led him to the dining area. "It's not very grand, but it works for us."

Blaine rubbed the back of his neck. Kurt was walking through the house slowly, taking in the simple but clean furnishings with his hands clasped behind his back. Blaine tried not to pay attention to the way Kurt's arms strained his shirt the way they were bent, but he didn't have much luck.

"It's wonderful, Blaine. Your mother has really made it her own."

"She has," Blaine nodded. "Lemonade?"

"Yes, please!" He poured Kurt a cup of his freshly made lemonade. Kurt sipped it before freezing and making a terrible face. Blaine furrowed his brow.

"What's wrong?"

Kurt set his glass down and smiled fondly at Blaine. "I think you mixed up the sugar and the salt."

Blaine dipped his finger in it and tasted it. Sure enough it tasted like salty lemons. He spat it out. They looked at each other before laughing out loud. After Blaine made a new pitcher of lemonade, they made their way to the barn.

"I know it's not really a picnic area, but I thought it would be better to be behind closed doors." Blaine halfway smiled.

Kurt grabbed his hand. "It's perfect, Blaine." He smiled at Blaine, a spark in his deep blue eyes. It made Blaine weak at the knees, so he suggested they sit down. They ate the sandwiches and drank the lemonade (that had sugar in it) and enjoyed each other's company.

Blaine didn't know when it started, but they were suddenly kissing. Kurt was the best kisser. Not that Blaine had kissed anyone before, but he was sure that Kurt was the best. Kurt had rolled on top of Blaine and was kissing him senseless. Blaine was focusing on not flipping Kurt over and having his way with him when Kurt shifted on top and turned his head to deepen the kiss. His mouth was hot and insistent, caressing his own mouth and then traveling down his neck and to his chest where Kurt had unbuttoned his shirt at some point. He moaned desperately when Kurt's teeth scraped his collar bone.

"Oh, Kurt... That feels... Ugh, so good..."

Kurt chuckled darkly against Blaine's lips and nipped them lightly. Blaine was struggling with a familiar problem he had whenever he and Kurt were getting intimate. Kurt shifted again and this time Blaine was sure he felt the problem he was having. Kurt stopped mid-kiss and opened his eyes. He looked wild, his hair everywhere and his lips red, slick with spit.

"I'm sorry, you just are on top of me and-"

Kurt shushed Blaine with a finger to his mouth. "It's okay, honey. I've got you." He drug the finger down Blaine's soft lips. Then he lined himself up with Blaine and thrust forward. Even with both of their trousers on, the friction felt incredible. Blaine let out a small moan, his whole body sparking and consumed in fire. Kurt kept rocking back and forth on Blaine, letting out small sounds of appreciation.

"Blaine, you feel so good." Kurt kissed him again. This time he took Blaine's lip in between his teeth. Kurt's hips were magic, grinding on top of him so deliciously. In fact, Blaine was feeling so good, he didn't hear the horse ride up or the sound of footsteps. He did however, hear the barn door creak open. Blaine looked over Kurt's shoulder in horror as his mother stood in the doorway, Shock written all over her face. Blaine pushed Kurt off of him as his mother turned on her heels and walked briskly out.

"What's wrong?" Kurt looked confused and a little disheveled. Blaine was white as a sheet.

"My- my mother. She saw- just now, she saw."

Kurt went white as well.

"She saw us? Just now?" Blaine nodded, not sure if what was happening right now was real or a horrible nightmare he would eventually wake from. Kurt ran a hand through his hair. "It's okay, we will just explain to her what I explained to my dad."

Kurt was trying to think logically and he didn't notice the tears escaping from Blaine's eyes.

"She's going to hate me."

Kurt finally met Blaine's eyes and all he could see was pure fear.

"She's going to hate me and disown me."

"Blaine, she won't hate you."

Kurt was trying to reassure him.

"You don't know her, Kurt. She will throw me out and never speak to me again. You don't know her. I do."

He sounded so sure that Kurt was starting to worry.

"It's okay. It's going to be okay." Kurt hugged Blaine close. Just by being in Kurt's arms, Blaine felt safe and protected. He closed his eyes and steeled himself. He was going to have to talk to his mother. He was going to have to face her.

"Kurt, I think you should go." He saw a hurt expression pass over Kurt's face. "No, it's not that I want you to go, God, no. I want you to stay with me and hold me, but I have to face my mother."

Kurt's expression softened and he gripped Blaine's hand tight. "Are you sure you don't want to talk to her together?"

Blaine gripped Kurt's hand back. "I don't want to put you through that."

"We are in this together," Kurt said, kissing the back of Blaine's hand. "No matter what."

Blaine smiled weakly and stood up, dusting the hay off of his clothes. Kurt stood as well and they walked towards the home hand in hand. Blaine stopped at the front door. He took a big gulp and closed his eyes. He was mentally preparing himself for the fight that was inevitably coming. Kurt squeezed his hand slightly as he opened the door.

He heard noises of his mother cleaning dishes in the kitchen. She had her back to them, scrubbing a pan vigorously. He let go of Kurt's hand and looked back at Kurt with what he hoped was a reassuring look, but probably came off as a scared child. Kurt nodded and stayed where he was while Blaine took a few steps into the kitchen.

"Mother?"

She stopped her scrubbing and looked back at her youngest child.

"Blaine... and Kurt." She looked between the two coolly. Blaine couldn't tell what she was thinking.

"Look mother, I know what you must be thinking. I'm so sorry you had to witness that and let me assure you-"

She held up a hand to silence him. Kurt stepped up beside Blaine. Blaine felt his heart sink.

"Blaine Anderson, I did not expect this kind of behaviour from you."

He felt a stab in his chest.

"Mother please I-"

"I wasn't finished! I expect more from you! You are not some common floozy."

She her mouth was a stern line and her eyebrows were scrunched the way they did when she was upset. Blaine was on the verge of crying.

"Mother, I know you must be shocked, but I can't help who I fall in love with. If you got to know Kurt, you would see he is such a caring person. He's still the same boy you think the world of!" He took a cautious step towards her. She didn't move. "I know your probably disgusted with me, but please tell me you don't hate me. Please say you can still love a son who had disappointed you."

Blaine was crying fully now. His mother marched over to him and he was sure she was about to slap him. He had steeled himself for the sharp pain across his face when she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him instead. He was so shocked, he thought for a moment he was imagining it until he felt the wetness on his shoulder. It wasn't the best hug he had ever received, but it meant the most. Pam pulled him away so she could see his face.

"Blaine Devon Anderson! I could never hate you! Ever!"

Blaine saw the tears that had run down his mother's face.

"But, everything you just said. You made it sound like..." He couldn't get his thoughts straight.

"I meant everything I said! You are not some common floozy. You are a gentleman and I expect you to treat whoever you court as a gentleman."

Blaine was utterly confused. He looked over at Kurt, who seemed just as confused.

"So, you aren't angry because he's a boy?"

Pam's face softened and she looked over at a picture that was hanging by the fireplace.

"No. I am not angry because of that. Let me tell you a story."

She sat down at the table and motioned for them to sit down across from her. Blaine and Kurt exchanged a look before sitting down. "When I was a little younger then you, my mother passed away." She twisted the ring on her left hand that had once belonged to Blaine's grandmother. "My father spent several years alone, I worried for him, of course. Especially after I got married. So I would frequently visit him. One day, your father had to go into the hospital for an emergency, so I thought I would pay my father a visit. When I arrived, I found the staff had been dismissed for the day. I was worried something had happened, so I searched the house and when I found him he was... in the company of another man."

Blaine was flabbergasted.

"You mean grandfather was..."

She nodded her head before he finished.

"He preferred the company of other men. At first I was horrified. I yelled at him about the Bible and God's punishment and he stood there and let me finish. When I was done, I turned to leave and he caught my arm. He told me that the God he knew wasn't a God of hate and loathing, but a God of love. He knew deep in his heart that God had made him that way for a reason. I couldn't believe him at the time. I still stomped off and left him there. For weeks I thought on what he had said. And I was convinced he was wrong until I was reading my Bible one day and realised that God loves us unconditionally and we were made in his image, so our love shouldn't be conditional." Blaine's eyes spilled new tears. "Unfortunately, I was too late to tell him I loved and accepted him. He died before I could tell him."

Pam let the tears fall freely now.

"Mother, I'm so sorry."

Pam grabbed Blaine by the shoulders. It was an awkward angle and slightly uncomfortable, but Blaine let her cling to him.

"But I refuse to be too late for you, Blaine." Her voice shook with emotion. "I love you. No matter what. You are my son and you will remain my son forever. You understand?"

Blaine nodded, unable to form words. "I love you, mother." Blaine hugged his mother tightly as Kurt looked on at the scene, his heart warmed for the two of them. Blaine pulled back and Pam smiled at him with so much love. She looked over to Kurt.

"You are a wonderful young man. While I was unaware of your... relationship... I could think of no one better to court my boy than you."

Kurt almost joined in on the crying. "Thank you, Mrs. Anderson."

"Just please take care of my boy."

"I will," Kurt nodded. He looked at Blaine who was smiling at him like his heart was about to burst. "I promise."

Pam fixed them some tea as they recalled their budding romance to her. Blaine watched Kurt as he spoke, holding his hand in his own and knew that this was love through and through. He couldn't wait for what was next for them.

So this chapter is a bit shorter and kind of filler, but the action will pick up in the next few chapters. We would love a review, even if no one is liking it. This story is almost finished and we are already starting on the next story. Have a wonderful day! - A and K