Notes: A day late, but finally finished with the Epilogue. It's long, it's fun and sweet and sexy. It brings back some of my favorite characters from this story (minus Burt), some fond memories and some hints about the future. And it's told completely from Blaine's point of view. After all these chapters told from (mainly) Kurt's point of view, I thought it would be nice to hear Blaine's voice in all of this. I hope you will enjoy it!

-x-x-x-

The Epilogue

6 months later

Blaine leaned against his motorcycle, face turned towards the clear blue sky, and soaked in the sun and the warm air. Florida was always so warm and welcoming, this city especially so. Not only because of Kurt, but because this was where his roots grew. This was where he had his friends and family. Being back in Florida got easier every time and Blaine didn't feel the need to look over his shoulder every second anymore.

He'd been there almost a week now and it had been great. Spending time with Kurt, hanging out with his friends, taking his boat out on the ocean, those were all Blaine's favorite things to do. And he would get to do all of them this afternoon. Right after he'd picked up Kurt from work.

The diner was not where Kurt usually worked this summer. He'd finally landed the internship at the publishing house he failed to do last year and was super excited about it. He'd gone on and on about it in their phone calls at the beginning of the summer and Blaine had loved listening to him being happy. Today, however, Blaine was standing outside the diner where it all started.

Kurt was helping his old colleagues out when they were short on staff, even if Kurt needed time to recuperate after a long week at the publishing house. It was just the kind of person Kurt was - putting other people's needs above his own, helping out when he could. That's what he'd done with Blaine, too. It was what had saved him almost a year ago.

Blaine stepped inside the diner and looked around. He had some fond memories from this place. Memories of flirting with Kurt and seeing him blush for the first time. Memories of looking into the prettiest blue eyes he had ever seen, of deciding to treat himself to something good for one night. A decision he would thank himself for making for the rest of his life.

The diner looked the same as the last time he was there: the same tables, the same booths, and the same staff. The smell was the same, too, as was the sound of a busy kitchen. Blaine spotted Kurt chatting with some customers a few tables away, saw the back of Santana as she entered the kitchen with a tray full of dirty plates and glasses. And then there was Ethel, sitting on her chair behind the counter.

Blaine waved at her and slid into the first booth by the door. His eyes were on Kurt, never getting enough of looking at his boyfriend. It didn't matter that he'd spent the entire morning watching Kurt as he got ready for work while Blaine remained in bed, Blaine could watch him for an eternity. Kurt was attractive, and surprisingly sexy in his little white apron, so who could blame him.

"Good morning, Hobbit."

Blaine smiled at the sound of Santana's voice next to him. He had gotten used to her nickname for him and had embraced it.

"It's two pm, Santana, it's hardly morning," Blaine commented.

"Could have fooled me with that straight-out-of-bed-hairdo you're sporting."

"Very funny," Blaine said, but didn't get offended. It was just her way of talking and he liked her because of it.

Santana smiled proudly at him. "Coffee and fries?" she asked.

"Actually, I think I'll try some of that blueberry pie Earl makes."

A worried look crossed Santana's face and she placed a hand on his forehead. "Are you well?"

Blaine swatted her hand away and let out a laugh. Yes, fries and coffee had been his standard order last year. It was all he could afford then, but now he had a real job and even though he was saving most of that money he could treat himself every now and then.

"Stop pestering my boyfriend, Santana." Kurt appeared next to her and nudged her out of the way with his hip.

"I am not, but there's something off with Mr. High School graduate here. He wants blueberry pie." Santana kept up her charade of being worried for his wellbeing.

"Well, go and get him some then," Kurt shooed and sat down next to him.

Blaine smiled, leaned forward and placed a light kiss on Kurt's lips before sitting back.

"So, Mr. High School graduate," Kurt said, mimicking Santana. "You're early."

Blaine had done it. He had managed to finish his final High School year in one semester. It had been tough, and he'd spent all of his spare time studying, but he had done it. Since almost two weeks back he had his High School diploma, and his college plans were decided. His future was looking bright.

"I wanted to spend time with you," Blaine said and took in the sight that was his boyfriend. His blue-eyes. God, Kurt had such beautiful eyes. Blaine had drowned in them already the first time he'd looked into them, and so many times after that. They'd struck him as kind, and he'd seen so many filthy eyes that Kurt's made something click inside him. The attraction had been instant, and he just knew he needed to have him. Something kind for a change. Something fine that pushed the ugly away for one night.

It all changed, of course, when it turned out everything else about Kurt matched the kindness in his eyes.

"Well, I don't get off for another 30 minutes," Kurt replied.

"I don't mind waiting," Blaine said and leaned forward and continued in a whisper. "I always found you sexy in that apron, did you know that?"

"I can bring it home if you want to," Kurt seductively whispered back.

Blaine sat back and watched as Kurt winked at him. Was it hot in there? Or was that just Blaine?

"One slice of blueberry pie," Santana said and placed the pie in front of Blaine, who actually appreciated the interruption. The diner was not the right place to get hot and bothered.

"Get off your lazy butt now, Lady Hummel," Santana continued. "There are more customers than your boyfriend in here."

Kurt, apparently deciding not to argue with Santana, gave him an apologetic look and stood up. He mouthed '30 minutes' before turning around and walking away. Blaine sat back in the booth and found that he couldn't stop smiling. He wouldn't mind if Kurt brought his apron with him home. He could picture it in front of him, Kurt wearing nothing but that apron.

Something stirred inside Blaine. Something he'd been thinking about for a while. Something that had scared him for a long time, but perhaps it didn't any longer?

Blaine looked down at his blueberry pie. It looked delicious. He picked up the fork Santana had placed next to the plate, cut a piece of the pie with it and placed it in his mouth. It was an explosion of sensations as the rich, smooth, creamy, and warm pie connected with his tongue. Blaine closed his eyes and savored the taste of sweet and blueberries and crunchy crust in a perfect combination. Why had he insisted on eating fries all last summer?

"Having fantasies about Hummel's dick?"

Blaine opened his eyes and found Santana sitting opposite him. He must have had some kind of dreamy smile on his lips and quickly changed it into a more neutral one.

"Always, Santana. That's all I ever think about."

Santana snorted. "Poor you, when there are such better options."

"Maybe you should try it some time," Blaine suggested. "I mean, not Kurt's, that's mine, but there are other nice guys out there. Maybe you wouldn't be so uptight all the time."

"Meh, I have. Not my thing. Have you on the other hand tried-"

"When I can have Kurt?" Blaine scrunched his nose as if Santana was crazy for even suggesting it.

"Just saying, you don't know what you're missing out on."

They both looked at each other and smiled. They had a mutual love for these conversations. Blaine hadn't talked to Santana that many times, but when they did they always ended up bantering. It was all friendly though, always coming from a mutual understanding of each other.

"I know that I wouldn't want to miss out on Kurt," Blaine said. "He's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

It was easily the biggest truth of Blaine's life. He didn't know where he'd be today if he hadn't met Kurt and he hated to think about what his life would look like now if Kurt hadn't fallen in love with him and decided to fight for him.

"I'm glad you and Kurt were able to work through your problems," Santana said with a seriousness that wasn't there before. It only lasted for a second though. "That boy loves you so much it's kind of annoying. He never shuts up about you actually, but it's kind of cute."

"Aww, Santana, I didn't know you had a heart in there."

"Shut up. I'll admit that kid is special to me, which I will deny having said if you ever tell him. But if you hurt him, I will hurt you. Just because you live in Ohio doesn't mean I wouldn't know where to find you."

"Never going to happen." Blaine smiled at her. She was almost as protective of Kurt as he was. "Kurt is special to me, too. I love him with all that I am and for as long as he'll have me, I will always do my best to make sure he's happy."

"Good. Then I guess I won't have to hunt you down in that godforsaken state up there."

"I'm moving away from Ohio, so no need to go there anyway." Going to school and learning things had been more rewarding than Blaine had imagined. All his hard work and his engagement to get it done in half the time had impressed some people. That together with an essay on his life and how it had shaped him to the man he was to today had given him a full scholarship. College was next on his agenda.

"Really? Where to?"

"Like I would tell you now, with your threats."

Santana smiled at that, even if in her eyes Blaine thought he saw her liking the challenge. Like she knew she would find out anyway somehow. "I'm glad you got your life together. Nobody deserves that shit."

"I'm glad, too." The past six months had been the best months of his life since his parents died, maybe even before that. Everything was finally going his way. He had Kurt, a job, a high school diploma, a college experience on the horizon, new friends, adults that cared about him and whom he trusted. The bad days were almost a faded memory, even if they sometimes (on rare days) still haunted him. Blaine felt so much gratitude towards so many people that it sometimes overwhelmed him. He'd never be able to repay them all the way they deserved, but he would try.

"So it's okay for you to sit down and chat with customers but not me?" Kurt stood beside them with crossed arms and shot Santana a dirty look.

"Come on, Hummel, I was just being nice to your boyfriend. Telling him that I'm glad everything has worked out for him," Santana defended herself, but winking at Blaine at the same time. "But we're finished now." Santana got up from the seat and straightened her apron. "See you around, Anderson," she said before walking away.

Kurt followed Santana into the kitchen and Blaine was left alone with his blueberry pie. He watched them bicker all the way there and found himself smiling. Santana cared about Kurt, and maybe she cared about him, too. Maybe she was just happy with her own life. Kurt had told him that she had reconnected with her old girlfriend, and love changed you. Blaine knew that.

He finished his pie, left some bills that would be enough to pay for the pie and still leave a good tip, and stepped outside. The sun warmed his skin as Blaine walked to his bike. He opened the saddle bag and pulled out the camera he'd gotten from Burt and Carole at Christmas. It had become one of his most prized possessions and he always carried it with him.

He aimed the lens towards the diner and snapped a few shots. These days he photographed everything - buildings, people, animals, vehicles, food, nature. There was always an interesting angle if you just cared to look, even if the motive was a simple hot dog or a palm tree. Photography had become his passion and his hobby.

Blaine had driven his motorcycle all the way from Lima to Florida and he had made many stops on his way just because he had found a motive that had caught his interest. Driving that far had been exciting, he'd never done it before. He'd slept under the stars or at the occasional hotel room when the weather didn't allow for his first choice. Hotels were expensive, but he'd visited too many motel rooms in his life to have the desire to ever see the inside of one again.

He was leaving that part of his life behind him, moving in new directions and learning to accept that he had a past that he couldn't be held responsible for. It had been hard to accept that none of it was his fault, that he had been used and manipulated, but he was slowly getting there. Returning to the city, seeing the streets and the buildings where he'd met up with these men, had brought back a storm of memories. Memories he wanted to forget.

But he had learned in his many therapy sessions that keeping it all in wasn't the best way to handle it, it wasn't even a good way. So those first days he was back he had talked a lot to Kurt about how he felt, where his thoughts wandered to, the memories that came back, and it had helped. Now he was reclaiming the city as his and seeing the streets and buildings were healing.

"Hi there, handsome."

Blaine aimed his camera towards Kurt and took a few quick photos of him. Of all the motives Blaine was photographing, Kurt was definitely in his top three favorite motives. Kurt had protested a bit a first at the many pictures Blaine was taking of him but had gotten used to it by now. If Blaine saw something pretty, he had explained, he wanted to photograph it, so it was actually Kurt's own fault for being so god damn attractive. Kurt had laughed and called him silly, but Blaine knew Kurt had liked the compliment.

"Ready to take my baby out?" Blaine asked and lowered his camera again.

"I thought I was the apple of your eye," Kurt pouted. He had changed out of his work uniform and was wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. It was a very toned down look for being Kurt, but he was just as gorgeous as always.

"Sorry, second place," Blaine teased just as Kurt reached his bike and stepped right into his space and kissed him. A heated kiss that made Blaine's cheeks flush. He wrapped one arm around Kurt's waist and pulled him close, loving how Kurt still took his breath away with every kiss.

"Still second place?" Kurt asked when he leaned back just enough to part his lips from Blaine's.

"You're always gonna be my number one, you know that," Blaine answered, unable to keep up with the teasing when Kurt kissed him like that.

"That's more like it."

Kurt kissed him again and Blaine let his tongue slip past Kurt's lips, deepening the kiss. Kurt's arms sneaked around Blaine's shoulders and a muffled moan escaped his mouth at the same time. Blaine closed his eyes, feeling the kiss all the way down to his toes.

"Let me take you somewhere we can be alone, just you and me, just like that first time I stood out here waiting for you to finish work." The kiss had made Blaine hot and the urge to be alone with Kurt just came out of nowhere.

Actually, that wasn't true. They'd seen each other so little over the spring that ever since Blaine returned to Florida his urge to be with Kurt just seemed to grow every day. It was like the more intimate they were together, the more he wanted to do it again. Maybe that was normal, but to Blaine that was a new feeling.

"I would love that," Kurt answered, "but our friends are waiting for us."

"Let them wait."

"We can't, we're already late and you were looking forward to taking your boat out with them," Kurt said and kissed Blaine on the nose. "But hold that thought for later?"

Kurt was right, Blaine had been looking forward to it, but he also had been looking forward to moments alone with Kurt. But there was always later.

"Ready to go then?" Blaine asked and handed Kurt his helmet.

"Always up for you and some speed," Kurt answered and accepted it.

Blaine put away his camera and straddled his bike. Kurt got up behind him and his arms found their way around Blaine's waist. Blaine loved how Kurt always held on too tight, like he was afraid to fall off. Even at Thanksgiving, when they weren't boyfriends, Kurt had still held on like that and Blaine had loved it then too.

Blaine drove them to a marina, though not the Adamville Marina because Blaine would never set his foot there again, but a different one where he had found a vacant spot for his boat. He had launched it as soon as he was back in Florida, having made all of the arrangements beforehand from Lima.

The marina was buzzing with activity on the beautiful summer day. People were strolling along the pier, eating ice cream, or sitting down by the small restaurant serving fresh fish from the fishermen that resided in the marina.

Blaine laced his fingers through Kurt's when they walked along the harbor to his boat. He wasn't ashamed to show his true self any longer, on the contrary, he was proud to be Kurt's boyfriend.

Kurt chatted away about something trivial Santana had said, but Blaine didn't really listen. He ran his thumb across the back of Kurt's hand, a hand that was warm and soft in his, and remembered the first time Kurt put his hand in his. They had started it all backwards, going from pleasure to kisses to talking to a reached-out hand to help Kurt get up from the beach. It had lasted less than five seconds, that first time but Blaine still remembered how he didn't want to let go. It had scared him how much he wanted to see Kurt again. How he wanted to freeze time and stay right there, on the beach with the sun rising in the horizon and just hold on to Kurt's hand.

Now he could hold Kurt whenever he wanted to, he didn't have to freeze time to be who wanted to be, where he wanted to be with whom he wanted to be with. Kurt was his and he was Kurt's.

Actually, that wasn't true. Kurt still lived hundreds of miles away and even if Blaine was moving away from Lima, moving to college, Kurt would still be hundreds of miles away.

"Blaine, are you even listening to me?" Kurt had stopped and stepped in front of Blaine. "Is something wrong?" he asked with worry.

Blaine smiled. Kurt always worried. If Blaine wasn't one hundred percent present, Kurt tended to assume the worst. Blaine couldn't blame him. Kurt had seen him at the bottom, and Blaine guessed Kurt would never let go of the fear of Blaine falling back into that darkness. Especially now when Blaine was back in the city where it all happened.

"No, I just got caught up in a memory," Blaine answered. "Sorry for tuning out."

"A good one or a bad one?"

"One of you and me and the first night we met," Blaine said and saw how Kurt's shoulders dropped and his worry disappear.

Kurt leaned forward and kissed him. "Apology accepted," he smiled.

Blaine wasn't going to let himself fall back. He was different now - stronger and more confident in who he was - and though memories and feelings from his past still tormented him at times, he knew how to handle them.

They continued walking until they reached their destination. His boat bobbed peacefully on the water and Blaine felt an inner peace when he saw her. His boat had been his home for so many years, seeing her now was like coming home after a long journey.

"Where is everyone?" Kurt asked and looked around the marina. "Weren't they supposed to meet us here?"

"They'll meet us at Shell Point Beach. It was just easier than them having to drive all the way out here."

It wasn't the entire truth, but Blaine hoped Kurt didn't see through his little lie. He had planned a surprise for Kurt later on and didn't want the guys to be dependent on him to take them back to the marina to get home.

"So it's just you and me then?" Kurt asked and Blaine nodded. "Perfect," Kurt purred and slid his arms around Blaine's waist.

They boarded the boat, changed out of their jeans and into swim trunks, and made the boat ready for departure. Blaine guided his boat through the harbor entrance and then they were out on open water.

It was the perfect day to be out on the ocean. Blue skies, warm temperatures, and just the right amount of wind. They passed several other boats and jet skis on their way south, and it seemed everyone was taking advantage of the beautiful day.

Blaine sat behind the helm. He had decided not to use the sails and instead let the engine move them forward, it was easier that way when it was just the two of them. Kurt stood behind him, ran his fingers through his curls while giving him a scalp massage. Blaine leaned into the touch and enjoyed every second of it. Then again, he had enjoyed every second with Kurt since he came back. They just seemed to be on the same page about everything.

"I understand why you love being out here," Kurt said. "This is so soothing. You sort of let go of everything because it's just so beautiful seeing the coast from this side."

Blaine used to love the speed and the freedom, but, yes, the view was beautiful too, and it was such a Kurt thing to notice.

"What do you need to let go of?" Blaine asked.

"Nothing. I'm living my best life with you here," Kurt said and bent forward and placed a kiss on Blaine's temple. "But I see why owning a boat and taking it out is a thing people choose to do in their spare time and I love that I get to do this with you."

Blaine accelerated the boat to show Kurt why he loved to take out his boat on open water. Kurt shrieked behind him at the sudden change in speed but then he laughed and hugged Blaine from behind. Laughter bubbled out from Blaine, too, as they flew across the water towards their destination.

Shell Point Beach was a smaller and less crowded beach than the ones closer to the city. Blaine anchored the boat a bit outside the shore because it was too shallow to drive it all the way in. He and Kurt jumped off the railing and swam into the beach where his friends were waiting for them.

It was a big group of happy faces, including girlfriends and Nick's new boyfriend, that waited for them when they reached the shore. Someone had put up a volleyball net and there were two teams playing beach volleyball. Some of them were sunbathing, some were just sitting around talking with a beer in their hands, and some were in the water to cool off.

Blaine and Kurt were immediately pulled into hugs and conversations, and then pulled apart by friends wanting them to join them. Blaine had a great time playing volleyball, while Kurt took a more laid-back approach to the afternoon by sitting in the shade from a sun umbrella, talking to Nick, his boyfriend, and David's girlfriend.

Volleyball in the sun was a warm affair, and though Blaine was only wearing his swim trunks his body glistened with sweat in just minutes. Blaine's team was losing and when they paused to talk game plan and add some water to their bodies, Blaine glanced in Kurt's direction. He wanted to make sure Kurt was having a good time. Not that he doubted Kurt would have, these guys were as much his friends now, but Blaine felt this need to protect Kurt and make sure he was okay in every situation. It might be silly, but it wasn't to Blaine. Kurt was his everything and if he could, he would protect Kurt from everything that was bad and take all the blows himself. Kurt was smiling and engulfed in conversation and didn't notice Blaine looking at him.

Blaine returned his attention to the game and somehow they managed to turn the game around, mainly because Thad and David stepped up and made some phenomenal smashes that were impossible for the other team to save. In the end they won the game by a single point.

The cheers that broke out had Kurt turn in their direction and when he saw that Blaine's team was the winning one, his face broke out in a huge smile and he gave Blaine a thumbs up. Blaine blew him a kiss in return just before he was pulled into a sweaty group hug by his winning team. A group hug that ended in a pile in the sand.

The sand stuck to his sweaty body and made his skin itch and Blaine desperately needed to go into the water to wash it all away. He started to sprint towards the ocean, but on his way, he ran past the spot where Kurt was sitting and pulled him up and with him into the water. Kurt laughed and followed Blaine without protests. In the water, Blaine pulled Kurt close and kissed him without a care who was watching.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what's this all about?" Kurt asked with the biggest smile on his lips.

"I needed some Kurt-time," Blaine explained. "It's been like an hour since I last kissed you."

"You're so silly," Kurt said and kissed him again.

He might be silly, but Blaine needed a few kisses from Kurt every now and then. There were so many to make up for because of their time apart.

"But that's why you love me," Blaine said.

"That's why I love you," Kurt agreed and hugged him tight. "And I think I needed some Blaine-time, too. Now that you're here, I don't know how I managed all these months without you. It just seems unthinkable to not have you by my side."

"It's a good thing phone sex is a thing," Blaine whispered and nibbled on Kurt's earlobe.

Kurt sucked in a breath. "Oh God, not here Blaine. Not now."

Blaine knew exactly what he was doing to Kurt, which was why it was so fun. "Later then?" Blaine asked and sucked lightly on the skin just below Kurt's ear.

"Definitely later," Kurt whispered breathlessly. Seconds later he shrieked as someone splashed water on them.

"Get a room!" Thad shouted and laughed.

"Get a girlfriend," Blaine said teasingly as Thad was one of the few singles in the group. "You're just jealous."

"Ouch," Thad said and placed both of his hands on his heart. "Right where it hurts." But then he laughed some more and walked over to where they were standing. "You know what? I am a little bit jealous, but more than that I'm happy to see you this happy, Blaine."

"What can I say, life is treating me good," Blaine answered, pulled Kurt closer to him and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Life is treating us all good," Kurt said. "The sun is shining, we've got the best friends in the world, all gathered here today, love is in the air, and we're all healthy and living our best lives. What more could you wish for?"

"Other than the 'love is in the air' part, I couldn't agree more," Thad said.

"What about the girl I saw you with last weekend? You seemed really into each other," Kurt said.

"Nah, too clingy, that girl."

"And you're too picky," Blaine said, without knowing who the girl was. But he knew Thad well.

"How can I not be, when I see what you guys have? What Nick has, and David and Wes? That's what I want, too."

"You'll find it one day," Kurt said.

Thad shrugged. "In the meantime, I'm going to sample what's out there and have as much fun as I can!" Thad said, changing his tone to a less serious one. "And you guys are missing out on the fun," he added before splashing more water on them and swimming away.

"Pff! Missing out?" Kurt said to Blaine, because Thad was already gone. "I have all the fun I want right here, with you, baby." Kurt laced his arms around Blaine's shoulders and pulled him closer. "And I tend to have a lot more fun with you later."

Blaine couldn't help the little thrills that rushed through him when he thought about the plans he had for him and Kurt later that night.

When they returned to the beach, Kurt resumed his spot in the shades, but Blaine found a towel and laid himself down on it on the sand. He ran his fingers through the warm sand and felt completely relaxed. This was his true element. How he'd survived the winter months in Ohio was still a mystery to him, and that he'd chosen a college on the same latitude was also a little mind-boggling. But he had Kurt here and that meant he'd make as many travels south as he could afford over the coming year.

Nick joined Blaine on a towel next to him and laying on their stomachs they caught up on the latest in each other's life. Their relationship had improved a lot since last November when Blaine had reached out and today it was stronger than it had ever been. Blaine knew Nick had played an important part in the events leading up to him moving away from the city and he was grateful for that.

"Jared seems like a nice guy," Blaine said a bit into their conversation. He hadn't had a chance to really talk to Nick's boyfriend, but they had said hello and from what he gathered from Kurt, Jared was the right guy for Nick.

"He's the best," Nick swooned. "He makes me so happy and I'm totally in love with him."

"I can tell," Blaine said, recognizing the intense feelings of falling in love. "I'm glad you got over me," he added jokingly.

Nick laughed at that. "You and I were never meant to be, Blaine. You were just the guy that made me realize I was gay, but it would have been too weird if something actually happened between us. Jared is the one I'm supposed to be with, just like Kurt is the one for you."

"He is," Blaine said and felt his smile grow as he thought about Kurt. "We've been lucky."

"Super lucky! Jared is smart and funny, he makes me laugh so much, and he's a former gymnast," Nick said and lowered his voice. "So he's super flexible and bendy, and amazing in bed." Nick made himself blush with some memory playing in his head. "But I mean, I bet Kurt is too."

"I bet you already know that."

"Oh, shit… No, I didn't mean…" Nick stuttered embarrassed. "Oh God, that's not what I meant. Blaine, you know we were both too drunk to remember."

"I know, don't worry." Blaine couldn't help but chuckle at the mortified look on Nick's face. "We have put that behind us. I just couldn't help myself."

Nick pushed Blaine playfully. "Don't do that. I'm scared of falling out with you again and I don't want that. I like having you as my friend."

"I like that, too." Blaine could share things with Nick that the other guys wouldn't understand, and Blaine valued having someone as gay as himself, someone other than Kurt, to talk to, and them falling out again didn't seem likely.

"Good," Nick smiled, and turned around so he was lying on his side. "Now can we talk about you moving to New York?! How did that happen?"

Blaine smiled because he had surprised everyone with his decision. "Simple. They have the best photography education on the east coast," Blaine answered.

Kurt's words at Christmas had stayed with him, and the more he had used his camera the more he had realized how much he loved taking photos. When he started to show the pictures he'd taken to his teachers and classmates, they had praised his talent and they, too, had encouraged him to pursue it as a career. A lovely guidance counselor at school had presented a number of possible colleges that offered photography education and she had helped him fill out his applications and pick out the best photos to send in together with his application to showcase his skills.

New York Institute of Photography had been one of the schools Blaine had applied to. He had applied to a college in Florida, too, and though it would have been amazing to be closer to Kurt, his heart was set on New York. It was just a better school and Blaine wanted to be the best. He wanted to excel at something, wanted to make something good with his life. He'd never had that possibility before, and this was his chance. So when the admittance letters arrived from both schools it was an easy decision.

Blaine explained all of this to Nick.

"I think that's great, and I know you're gonna rock your classes! I've seen your photos and there's definitely something special with them."

"Thank you, Nick. I'm gonna try at least," Blaine said modestly, because to him it was just snapping photos of what he saw - everyday things and things he found beautiful - and he loved doing that, but people around him seemed to think he had a talent for it. Maybe he just saw the world differently than everybody else.

"I admire you for doing what you love to do, to follow your passion, even if that means living that far away from Kurt and from us. I could never do that. Just thinking about not being able to see Jared every day…"

"I'm not gonna lie, living away from Kurt for another couple of years won't be easy, but our love is solid and I'm confident we will survive it. Kurt has two years left of his education and he's already talking about moving to New York when those two years have passed. Apparently New York is where he wanted to study in the first place, but Rachel convinced him to move here."

"I have no doubt you guys will make it, but personally I would miss the physical intimacy too much - you know, kissing and touching and sex."

Blaine groaned because that would be so difficult, the not being close to Kurt. Intimacy was something Blaine had been scared of before he met Kurt and being intimate with someone had felt impossible even after he fell in love with Kurt. But it didn't any longer. Kurt made him feel safe and he trusted Kurt not to hurt him or take things Blaine wasn't ready to give.

"Don't underestimate the power of phone sex," Blaine said and pulled himself together. "It's a lot more intimate than you can imagine."

"I bet you excel at that," Nick said and winked, and Blaine laughed. That was something he excelled at already.

The afternoon continued in the same way, with catching up, with playing games in the sand, with going into the water every now and then to cool off, and with stealing little moments with Kurt. Blaine frequently pulled out his camera to capture his friends and himself having fun. He frequently zoomed in on Kurt too. He was, after all, Blaine's favorite motive, especially when he wasn't aware Blaine was looking at him through the lens.

As evening approached Blaine found himself and Kurt seeking out each other's presence more and more, like two magnets with strong attraction. They'd spent most of the afternoon talking to friends, but now the need to be close was itching in them both.

Blaine sat between Kurt's legs on the beach with Kurt's arms wrapped around him and Kurt's chin resting on his shoulder, and he looked across the water. The sun was getting lower, but it would be another few hours before it disappeared in the horizon. Kurt's chest was warm against his back and Blaine felt completely relaxed.

"I love that you're adding a bit more color to your repertoire," Kurt said.

Blaine looked down at his swim trunks, which was the only thing he was wearing. They were navy blue with palm trees in a shade of lighter blue. They weren't black, but Blaine wouldn't exactly call them colorful.

"I mean these," Kurt said and touched the sunglasses Blaine was wearing.

It was just a flimsy purchase he'd made the day before in a nearby shop when he accidentally had stepped on his other sunglasses and one of the temples had broken. The selection in the shop had been limited and the yellow ones had stood out. They felt fun and summery and that's how Blaine had felt too.

"They suit the new you," Kurt continued.

"The new me?" Blaine laughed.

"Lately you've been like this big bowl of sunshine. You're always smiling, always chatty, always up for doing something, always coming up with things to do, too. You're bubbly and fun and it's so much fun to be with you."

Hearing Kurt say those words made Blaine feel all warm inside because that was how he felt lately, especially since he'd driven down to be with Kurt. Life felt easy and right and like nothing could touch him anymore. He'd been worried about running into one of the men when he first arrived, but he wasn't any longer. Kurt was right, they couldn't do anything to him any longer. Actually, he could do more damage to them and their lives, than they could do to him. It was the final weight of his shoulders when he realized that.

"It's all because of you, blue-eyes." Blaine turned his face to kiss Kurt.

"No, it's because of you," Kurt insisted before kissing back."I believe this is who you've always been. From what I've heard from the guys, this is who you were before your parents' accident. Then you fell into a hole and now you're climbing out of that hole, stronger but with just as much sunshine."

"With your help," Blaine insisted because the truth was, he'd still be in that hole if it weren't for Kurt and that was an indisputable fact.

"You're not going to let me win this, are you?" Kurt smiled.

"Nope," Blaine said and looked back at the ocean. Kurt couldn't argue with an indisputable fact. "What do you say to ditch this place and go somewhere else? Just you and me."

"I'd say that sounds perfect. I've had enough of these guys for today." There was a smile in Kurt's voice. "Do you want to go home?"

"No, I have somewhere else in mind."

"But you're not going to tell me where, right?"

"It's a surprise, so I can't tell you."

Kurt purred softly into his ear. "I love it when you surprise me."

Blaine had planned quite a few surprises for Kurt since he'd been back. He'd had lots of time to come up with things during the hours Kurt was working, and he liked to spoil Kurt. It didn't need to be much – a bike ride to Kurt's favorite ice cream place, a late-night show at the movie theater, a home cooked meal, or somewhere new, a place Kurt had never seen before – but it was time they got to spend together.

Tonight was different though because today was a special day, and so a little more thought had gone into planning this surprise.

They said goodbye to their friends and swam back to Blaine's boat where they dried themselves off and prepared to weigh anchor. Evening was approaching, and it was one of those warm, quiet evenings with no wind. Blaine cruised slowly south with Kurt standing behind him like he always did. He navigated his boat along the coastline until they reached the secluded bay he was looking for.

"Where are we," Kurt asked as Blaine anchored the boat. "Wait, is this…?"

Blaine looked expectantly at Kurt to see if he recognized the place.

"Is this the beach you took me to the first night we met?"

"Mhm," Blaine nodded and watched a smile spread across Kurt's face.

"Really?" he said excitedly. "Wow, that brings back so many memories!" Kurt's eyes were glued on the beach and for a moment he was lost in his memories. "I love this! I've wanted to go back but I wouldn't have found the way without you, and I wouldn't have wanted to go back without you for that matter. Oh, this is the best surprise!"

Kurt enveloped Blaine in a hug and squeezed him tight. There was no mistaking Kurt was excited to be there, and Blaine was glad he had decided to take Kurt back to the beach. But the beach was only the beginning.

"Today it's one year since we came here," Blaine said and watched as Kurt's face shifted.

"Today?... Exactly? Shit, I forgot. I'm sorry, Blaine. I thought about it last week, but then you arrived and I… I wanted to get you something. Now I feel so dumb."

"Don't be silly, you don't have to get me anything. You are the only thing I need. Okay?"

"Okay," Kurt said though Blaine could tell Kurt wasn't entirely okay with forgetting what day today was.

"Let's swim to the shore," Blaine suggested.

"Oh, have you planned an encore of our first night together? Is that the surprise? I wouldn't mind that," Kurt said and pressed his crotch against Blaine's leg. If Blaine wasn't mistaken, Kurt was getting hard.

"Maybe, if you're lucky." Blaine loved to tease Kurt when it came to these things because Kurt was so easily turned on it was a treat to ser him like that. Most of the time though Blaine ended up wanting Kurt just as much.

"I always get lucky with you," Kurt countered.

They packed clothes and towels in a waterproof bag and dove into the ocean. The water was warm from several days of sunny weather, and it was an easy swim into the shore. The sand was warm, too, and nice against Blaine's feet when he walked up on land.

"Do you think someone else is here?" Kurt asked and pointed to a pile of chopped up logs on the beach. It looked like someone was preparing a small bonfire.

"No, it's only you and me here," Blaine reassured him. "Why don't you sit down over there," he continued and pointed towards the pile of logs, "and I'll be right with you."

"Where are you going?" Kurt asked. "I don't want to be left alone."

"It's part of the surprise, blue-eyes," Blaine said and with his thumb he smoothed out the small crinkles that had appeared on Kurt's forehead. "Sit down, relax, and I'm just going to fetch something."

Kurt did as he was asked, and Blaine walked up to the gravel road that had once led him and Kurt there. Hidden behind a bush, Blaine picked up a cooler and a basket and carried them back to Kurt. Kurt had taken out a towel from the bag and was sitting on it and watching Blaine as he approached.

"What's this? Where did you find those?" Kurt asked, looking confused. "How did you…?"

"I left them here earlier today when you were working. Today, as you know, is a special day. This day is when everything started, the story about us, and it changed everything for me. So I wanted to make tonight special and celebrate us by taking you back here and spoil you with things that you love, to show you how much I love you and how much I love us together."

Kurt stared at him for several seconds before he opened his mouth. "You're the most special, beautiful human being to walk this planet, Blaine," Kurt said with the fondest look in his eyes. "Come here, baby."

Kurt sat up on his knees and Blaine knelt beside him. Kurt sneaked a hand around Blaine's neck and moved his face closer until their lips touched. Blaine parted his lips and let Kurt's tongue inside. Their tongues swirled together as their lips moved in a rhythmic, well-practiced dance. Blaine moved his fingers up along Kurt's back and he felt Kurt shiver from the light touch, pressing his chest against Blaine's and digging his fingernails into Blaine's neck. Moaning ever so slightly into Blaine's mouth.

Blaine sat back, pulling away from Kurt. They'd have plenty of time for that later. Blaine wanted them to have the evening he had planned for them first. Kurt grunted disapprovingly, wanting more than just a kiss, but sat back too. His cheeks were flushed, and though he didn't like that Blaine had ended their kiss that soon, he looked happy, and Blaine felt his pulse flutter. He adored Kurt. He loved him in a way that seemed to stem from some place deep inside of him that he hadn't had access to before he met Kurt, and, God, it was the best feeling.

Blaine opened the basket and pulled out a blanket for them to sit on. They both got up to spread it on the beach and then brushed off sand from their bodies before sitting down again. Next, Blaine pulled out wine glasses and plates.

"What's in the cooler?" Kurt asked, looking expectantly at it.

"I'll show you," Blaine said and opened the lid. "First, we have some rosé wine because I know that's your favorite." Blaine pulled out a bottle with pink liquid inside. The cooler had kept it nice and cool throughout the day and small droplets had formed on the outside of the bottle. It now glistened in the sunlight from the setting sun.

"You know me well," Kurt said and accepted the bottle. "Oh, and my favorite brand as well. You're so thoughtful." Kurt leaned forward and placed a quick little kiss on Blaine's cheek.

"I'm just getting started," Blaine smiled in return, loving that Kurt was so excited already. "Then there is, of course, some cheesecake from the little corner shop down the road." Blaine pulled out a box containing a slice of key lime cheesecake, which was Kurt's favorite. "And I also packed some cheese and crackers, strawberries and chocolate truffles."

"This is like all of my favorite things! Blaine, I can't think of a more perfect way to celebrate our anniversary. Except, maybe, that I had remembered it."

"You're forgiven," Blaine said and accepted the hug Kurt offered him.

They changed into their clothes and then ate while watching the sun set. With one fork they shared the cheesecake, Blaine offering every other bite to Kurt. Then, with Blaine's head resting in Kurt's lap, Kurt fed him strawberries and chocolate. It was perfect and romantic and everything Blaine wanted the night to be. They talked and dreamed about the future, their mutual future, and made plans for trips they wanted to make sometime when the timing was right.

"Are you ready for your move to New York?" Kurt asked when they'd finished the strawberries and his fingers were playing with Blaine's hair instead.

The sun had set, and Blaine had lighted a fire that now burned bright and orange in front of them.

"I think so. I feel ready. This move and going to college, it's like a second new start for me, and I'm really excited about it," Blaine said and watched as the flames danced.

"I'm excited about you moving there, too. I've never been to New York, but I just know I will love it there. The people and the atmosphere, and all the sights, it's like a city made for creativity. I'm looking forward to writing my first ever published novel there with you by my side."

"So you're not disappointed that I didn't choose to go to college here?" Blaine asked.

"For the millionth time, no. This is your future, Blaine. Of course you should choose the best school there is. It would have been great if that school was here, but I love that it is in New York and that I finally have a reason to go there. But I would have been just as happy if it was in some rural part of Idaho," Kurt added. "We might have to wait for two years to live together, but what is two years compared to the rest of our lives?"

"I love that you are so smart," Blaine smiled. He was at peace with all pieces of his life and he finally believed in the future he'd dreamed about for so long but that felt completely out of reach for just as long.

"I am pretty smart," Kurt agreed with a cheeky smile.

Blaine watched as Kurt's eyes wandered to the fire and how his gaze got lost in the flames. Blaine turned towards the fire, too. It was mesmerizing, the crackle and the sparks that flew up and died in the air, and so easy to get caught up in. Kurt fingers moved rhythmically in his hair. It was a serene night and the only sounds heard were the fire and the gentle rockring of waves against the shore.

"I have a gift for you," Kurt said several minutes later.

Blaine turned his eyes away from the fire and up at Kurt. "A gift?"

"Yes." Kurt's eyes reflected the bright fire. "It's not much compared to this picnic, but I just thought up a limerick for you."

"You just thought up a limerick?" Blaine asked incredulously. How did someone just do that?

"Well, actually two. But, hey, I am a writer. It's kind of what I do. Do you want to hear it?" Kurt looked excited and Blaine couldn't think of anything he wanted more in that moment.

"Of course I do."

"Okay," Kurt said, "it goes like this." Kurt cleared his throat and started to recite from memory.

There once was a man named Blaine

Sometimes he went by a different name

But then he met Kurt

Who was a total flirt

And Blaine that name left to never revisit again.

Blaine couldn't help but laugh. "It's perfect! And so true. Thank you." Blaine sat up and hugged Kurt. "No one has ever written me a poem before."

"It was about time someone did," Kurt beamed. "Okay, so this was a little bit silly, which is kind of the point with limericks, but the next one is more on the serious side. But not really."

There once was a man named Blaine

His love was as pure as the rain

He loved an Ohioan man

That man, his primary fan

Who never felt his love was in vain

Blaine sat quiet, speechless. He didn't know why, because it was only words in a poem that Kurt had just made up, but they made him emotional. Kurt's love hadn't been in vain, it had been everything to Blaine.

"Thank you," Blaine whispered and hugged Kurt again, tighter than before.

"It's just silly limericks," Kurt said and hugged him back. "I want to get you-"

Kurt didn't get any further because Blaine cut him off by kissing him. A kiss of gratitude and passion and just so much love. The kiss surprised Kurt, but he soon kissed Blaine back with the same intensity. Blaine climbed onto Kurt's lap and Kurt laid back on the blanket, pulling Blaine with him. The moment was quickly turning into something else and Blaine felt completely ready.

"I have something more I want to give to you tonight," Blaine said.

"If it's not a rerun of our last time here, I don't think I want it," Kurt panted, out of breath from the intensity of the kiss.

Blaine snickered to himself. Always so easily turned, his precious Kurt.

"I want to give you all of me," Blaine said.

"I thought I already had all of you."

"No, all of me," Blaine said, but from the look in Kurt's eyes, it didn't seem he understood. "I want to make love to you."

Kurt's eyebrows shot up. "Oh! Like in…?"

Blaine nodded. "Yes, I want to have sex with you. But I want to be the one that tops, if that's okay?"

"Of course," Kurt said without hesitation, even though Blaine knew Kurt preferred to top.

"Just this first time at least. I think I'll be more comfortable with that control." Blaine had thought about it for a while and he believed he needed to be the one holding the reins. He didn't think any bad memories would resurface, he had processed all of that, but just in case.

"I'll do it whichever way you want it, baby. You being comfortable is the most important thing to me."

"I'm open to explore the alternative, too. Next time maybe."

"Next time," Kurt repeated. He looked into Blaine's eyes, his pupils blown wide and his gaze lust filled. "So here? On the blanket?" Kurt asked without looking away.

"Too much sand. I was thinking," Blaine said and started to trail little kisses along Kurt's jawbone. "There is a bed out there, on the boat. Wouldn't that be more comfy?"

"Definitely." Kurt was letting out needy little gasps as he thrusted his crotch up towards Blaine's.

"There's also lube and condoms," Blaine added close to Kurt's ear, right before a nibbled at his earlobe.

"Oh God…," Kurt moaned quietly. "Why are we still here talking?"

Blaine had no good answer to that.

They both got on their feet and gathered all the items from the picnic and shoved them down into the basket. They put out the fire by throwing sand at it, and then changed out of their clothes. Blaine didn't bother with putting on his swim trunks, they would be removed soon enough anyway.

Then Kurt was right there in front of him, with his hand gripping Blaine's cock. Blaine was hard already but feeling Kurt's hand on it made him swell even more.

"Trust me when I say this will take the edge off things and help you not come in two seconds later," Kurt said and sank to his knees.

Kurt's lips were glorious around his cock, engulfing him and licking into his slit. When Kurt sank down around him, slowly, inch by inch, Blaine let out a long, low moan. "Fuck, that feels so good, Kurt," he breathed out in shallow breaths.

Kurt moved his mouth up and down Blaine's length in a slow, teasing pace, and why was Kurt taking it slow when he was in a hurry just minutes ago? It was a sweet agony mixed with exquisite pleasure and Blaine just wanted more.

When Kurt's hands gripped Blaine's ass, Blaine thrusted forward into Kurt's mouth. He pulled back and thrusted forward again, setting his own speed. Heat kept building inside him, marvelous and heavenly and all consuming, and suddenly he was there, coming in Kurt's mouth. Pulsing and moving until Kurt had sucked every last drop from him.

Blaine's legs felt like jelly and his body was satisfied. Kurt bringing him to orgasm was so much better than phone sex. But even if Blaine's brain felt like mush, he didn't forget about Kurt.

"Let me help you," Blaine said, and pulled Kurt up beside him.

"Already taken care of."

"Wha… How…? Your hands were on my ass..."

"Sometimes hands aren't needed, sweetheart," Kurt said and winked, and then he pulled at Blaine's hand. "Come, let's swim out to the boat."

Kurt astounded him. How did he even…? But then it hit him. This, giving Blaine a blowjob on this beach, was something Kurt had wanted to do for a year now. A fantasy that had finally been fulfilled. It made sense then. This blowjob was not at all for Blaine's sake.

They left the basket, cooler, blanket, and clothes on the beach and went into the water holding each other's hand. The water was nice and cool against Blaine's heated skin, and it made his thumping heart slow down. Even if he wanted this, even if he knew he was ready, he was nervous.

When they reached the boat, they climbed up the small ladder by the stern. Kurt found a towel they'd left on one of the chairs earlier and with quiet steps he erased the small distance between them. He started to gently dry Blaine's hair and then moved the towel down his chest. Blaine's heart was beating fast under Kurt's careful hands drying him as if he was something Kurt cherished.

Blaine's fingers trembled slightly as he let them trace over the skin on Kurt's chest. Skin carrying water droplets that glistened in the moonlight. Smooth skin that felt charged under his touch, just like the air between them. Blaine's fingers moved down Kurt's body and he followed his fingers with his eyes, watched as the droplets changed shape and formed new ones. Watched as Kurt's skin prickled under his touch.

When Kurt's towel reached below Blaine's belly button, Blaine looked up and met Kurt's gaze. There was desire in Kurt's eyes, a silver light burning hot and bright, and Blaine's breath caught in his throat. Kurt was sexy as few and looking into his eyes, Blaine felt his cock throb and fill. When Kurt dropped the towel and took Blaine's cock in his hand, a low gasp escaped from Blaine's lips. Kurt's touch was electric, and Blaine grew harder and his want for Kurt and that moment was all that he knew.

Kurt's hand was soft and smooth against Blaine's hard cock as he moved his fingers slowly along Blaine's length. The touch shot desire through Blaine's body and Blaine just wanted Kurt to keep touching him forever.

"I want you so much," Kurt whispered right before he captured Blaine's lips in a kiss. "You have no idea."

The words were like fire in Blaine's veins, a hot sensation shooting straight for his crotch. He wanted Kurt too, so badly it was crazy. Blaine moved his hands to Kurt's ass, squeezed hard and pulled him closer until their bodies were pressed together. Kurt's cock was hard against his belly, and when Kurt removed his hand and Blaine could feel their cocks connect, a new hunger came over him.

Kurt wrapped his arms around Blaine's shoulders and pressed his lips harder to Blaine's. A desperation that hadn't been there before suddenly appeared when Kurt pushed his tongue into Blaine's mouth and connected it with Blaine's. Blaine had to hold on to Kurt's ass as he swirled his tongue with Kurt's and kissed him with so much heat his balls tightened.

"Blaine," Kurt's voice was low and needy in Blaine's ear, and the hot gust of breath raised the hair on the back of his neck. "Can we – your bed?" Kurt leaned his head back and when Blaine met his eyes, dark pupils blown wide, he choked back a moan. Blaine had known Kurt for a year, but he had never seen him like that.

Blaine nodded and Kurt took his hand and led him into the small cabin. Blaine's heart beat fast, heat pulsing through his body, and desire filling his veins. He wanted Kurt. Even if it already felt like too much and overwhelming, he desperately wanted Kurt. He wanted Kurt to have this piece of him. He wanted to be Kurt's completely.

Kurt kissed him as he walked backwards towards the bed, pulling Blaine with him.

"Hold on," Blaine said and stepped away from Kurt. He opened the kitchen cabinet and fumbled with trembling fingers for what he had hidden there earlier when Kurt wasn't watching. There, all the way in the back, his fingers found what he was looking for and he pulled out a bottle of lube and a condom.

When he turned towards Kurt, Kurt was languidly stroking himself, and, fuck, if it wasn't the sexiest thing Blaine had ever seen (his phone screen did not make this scene justice).

"Come here." Kurt beckoned him with his index finger and Blaine stepped towards him. Kurt took the bottle and the condom and dropped the items on the bed. Then he pulled Blaine close and sneaked his arms around Kurt's waist. "I'm so turned on by you right now it's silly, but let's take this slow. We have all night, just you and me, and I want to savor every second of it. And remembered, you can never use too much lube."

Blaine nodded. "I love you so much, Kurt."

"I love you, too," Kurt said, and then, close to his ear, he whispered, "I'm desperate to feel you inside me."

Blaine swallowed hard, his cock swelling and becoming impossibly harder. "Fuck…" Blaine was just as desperate. As scary as it was, Kurt made it feel less scary, and the thought of feeling Kurt's ass around his cock made Blaine feel like ravishing Kurt right then and there.

He kissed Kurt with all the desperation he felt, and slowly lowered him to the bed. Blaine sank his body down on Kurt's, and while still kissing him, he rocked his hips gently against Kurt's. Their cocks rubbed together, deliciously and gloriously, and Kurt dug his fingernails into Blaine's back and moaned into Blaine's mouth.

Blaine moved his lips from Kurt's mouth down to his chest and moved his hips away from Kurt's. His body screamed at him to keep rubbing against Kurt, but this was not how he wanted to come. He wanted to come buried deep inside Kurt.

Trailing kisses down Kurt's skin, Blaine's lips found Kurt's nipple. He flicked his tongue over the hard nub and Kurt moaned louder. Blaine did it again and again until Kurt started to writher beneath him and thrust his hips up towards Blaine's belly.

"That feels so good," Kurt moaned, his breath coming fast and harsh.

Blaine trailed his kisses lower, mapped the skin on Kurt's upper body with his lips. Kurt's skin tasted of salt water and sun lotion and seven moons as he captured the last few water droplets that remained on Kurt's skin with his tongue. Kurt's skin was heated, almost like there was a fire underneath, and he let out needy little gasps from the attention Blaine was giving him. Then Blaine dipped his tongue into Kurt's belly button and Kurt's moans became more eager, his thrusts against Blaine more purposefully.

But Kurt would have to wait. Kurt wanted to savor the moment, Blaine wanted to savor Kurt. Even if the blood in his veins were soaring and his cock pressed hard against the sheets, Blaine wanted to give Kurt a night to remember. A memory he could use on days when Blaine was in a different state. So Blaine's kisses moved to the left of Kurt's throbbing cock and up his inner thigh.

Kurt clutched the sheet with both hands and bucked up into thin air, desperate for a connection that wasn't there. "Oh, God, Blaine… So good." Kurt's voice was hoarse and needy, and Blaine loved that he could make Kurt feel like that. Loved that Kurt was so responsive and expressive.

The air between Kurt's legs was heady and intoxicating, and the taste when Blaine sucked on the skin on Kurt's thigh so very close to his crotch made Blaine dizzy. He moved a hand down between his own legs, desperate too for a connection. He stroked himself for a few beats while he tasted the skin just below Kurt's balls, but then he let go and used his hands to spread Kurt's legs.

When he sucked one of Kurt's balls into his mouth, Kurt's needy gasps reached a new level. It spurred Blaine on, and even if he wanted to take it slow, he also wanted more of Kurt. More of the glorious site that lay spread before him. Kurt was his. Only his. And he wanted to claim what was his.

As possession took over Blaine, and he moved his tongue up the underside of Kurt's cock, licking purposely along the thick vein all the way up to the head. The taste of salty pre-cum was heady and heavenly, and Blaine's favorite flavor. He dipped his tongue into Kurt's slit and sucked the sparse droplets out of him.

"Oh, God, you're beautiful," Kurt mumbled and when Blaine looked up he saw that Kurt was looking down on him with eyes filled with love and lust.

Blaine moved up to kiss him, pushed his tongue deep into Kurt's mouth and allowed Kurt to taste himself. He knew that turned Kurt on, knew it from the times he had blown Kurt in the past. Kurt moaned and kissed him back, clutching on to him and thrusting up. When Blaine felt Kurt's cock against his own, hard and wanting, Blaine pushed down, pressing himself against Kurt as pleasure sparked through him.

"Shit, Kurt, that'soh, God… yes…" Blaine had no idea what he was trying to say, every nerve ending was on fire and his mind was disconnected. All he could do was feel and everything felt like nothing he had ever felt before.

"I'm ready for more if you are," Kurt said, into the dark room.

Blaine swallowed. He wanted more, absolutely wanted more of Kurt. But now he was stepping into new territory and though he tried to lie to himself and tell himself he wasn't nervous about it, he was. He used to be cocky and confident, but with Kurt he didn't need to be that guy, he could just be himself and as much as he wanted that it was also scary. He'd never been inside anyone like he was about to be with Kurt, in that sense he was still a virgin, and he was scared he would mess it up somehow.

"I'm ready," he whispered close to Kurt's ear.

"We don't have to do this tonight," Kurt said, detecting the tremble in Blaine's voice. "If you're not actually ready. You don't have to push yourself if there's something making you not comfortable."

"I'm ready, Kurt. I want this."

"But you're trembling, baby." Kurt ran his hands soothingly down Blaine's arms until he found Blaine's hands and took them in his. "If it's bringing back some memory, or bad feeling, I understand. Don't do this because you know it's what I want."

"I want it, too," Blaine said, understanding Kurt's concerns, but that wasn't why he was trembling.

"I can sense that something isn't right, Blaine."

"There's no bad memories, Kurt," Blaine said and kissed Kurt's lips. "It's just that I've never done this before, like this, and I'm a little freaked out about that."

"Oh… of course. I didn't know… I thought you had, with someone at some point. Before all that. But… no?"

"No. And I'm nervous it won't be good for you," Blaine admitted shyly.

"Oh, honey, you don't have to worry about that. You're the sexiest, most wonderful person I know, and sometimes I get turned on just looking at you. I'm sure anything you do to me will feel good."

Blaine nodded. "Okay."

"But there's still always the option to do this another time."

"No!" Blaine said with a little too much emphasis. "I want you so badly my balls are aching. Let's just… let's just stop talking."

"Okay," Kurt said and laced his legs with Blaine's as he thrust up.

The friction shot sparks through Blaine's cock and his desire returned with full force. Kurt was electric and Blaine was more than ready for this. When Kurt silently handed him the bottle of lube, Blaine sat back and spread Kurt's legs again. His eyes, inevitably, landed on Kurt's hole and his breath caught in his throat. It was beautiful and frightening and something Blaine wanted to explore.

He opened the bottle and poured some of the liquid onto his fingers, and with fingers that were still trembling, he slowly traced a circle on the skin surrounding Kurt's hole. And then, tentatively, he pushed one finger against Kurt's opening, slipping inside. Kurt was warm and tight, his muscles surrounding Blaine's finger as he pushed forward, deeper into Kurt.

"Yes… just like that," Kurt said breathlessly.

Blaine saw Kurt's cock throb and pulse as he pushed further, and he knew he was doing something right. He took Kurt's cock in his hand and stroked him as he slowly moved his finger back out, right before pushing it in again.

The sight was mesmerizing, his finger inside Kurt moving in and out of him, his hand on Kurt's cock, and Kurt panting under his touch. Blaine couldn't take his eyes away from the scene in front of him.

"You're amazing," Blaine whispered, his breath ragged. "So, so beautiful."

Blaine pulled out his finger and the next time he pushed inside there were two fingers entering Kurt. Kurt felt impossibly tight, but slowly, the more Blaine moved his finger inside him, Kurt opened up.

"Deeper," Kurt moaned. "Oh, fuck…" he continued when Blaine complied with his wish. "Right there, just…"

Blaine scissored his fingers and then bent them slightly upwards. Suddenly Kurt arched his back off the bed, making sounds that were nothing less than sinful, and Blaine knew he had found the spot Kurt wanted him to. Blaine moved his fingers over the same area again and again and Kurt writhered under his touch, moaning and gasping.

Watching himself finger Kurt was nothing compared to the sight in front of him now. It was sensual and absolutely sexy as hell. Heat was pooling and aching in Blaine's hips, and suddenly he couldn't wait any longer. He was ready to push into Kurt. More than ready. This was the moment he'd been working towards for so long.

Slowly, Blaine pulled out his fingers from Kurt. Kurt whined a little from the loss, trying to push down on fingers that weren't there. Blaine looked around for the condom, which he knew was somewhere on the bed.

"Here," Kurt said, and when Blaine looked up, Kurt was sitting up on his elbows looking back at him with eyes that were dark with desire. He was holding the condom between two fingers, reaching it towards Blaine.

Blaine took it from him and tore open the package. He rolled the condom down his length, feeling Kurt's eyes on him, watching every motion. Blaine closed his eyes and inhaled. You're safe with Kurt, he told himself, needing to reassure himself of that in that moment.

Blaine felt a hand on his cock, a sure steady hand stroking his length, sending pleasure to his body. When he opened his eyes and looked down, he saw Kurt with lube in his hand making Blaine's cock slick and ready.

"I love you," Kurt said softly. "I want you now." He placed a gentle kiss on Blaine's lips before he laid down on the bed again.

Blaine moved closer to Kurt. Kurt spread his legs, exposing his ready hole to Blaine. Blaine guided his cock to Kurt's entrance, his eyes enthralled by what was happening. His heart was beating out of his chest, his mind was whirling, but mostly there was want soaring in his veins. Kurt looked glorious all ready for him and Blaine wanted so badly to push inside Kurt, to feel his heat and muscles engulf him.

With his tip touching Kurt's hole, Blaine tentatively pushed forward. Kurt was tight and Blaine pushed harder. He could hear Kurt pant, sense him press down to meet Blaine, and then suddenly Blaine slipped past the tight ring of muscles and was pushing into Kurt.

The pleasure was immediate. Kurt was pressing all around him and Blaine had never felt pleasure like that. It was sensual and hot and sparkling and filled his entire being. Holding on to Kurt's knees, he pushed deeper, slowly but purposely. With every inch the sensation grew and Blaine was about to lose his mind.

"Shit, Kurt…," Blaine gasped. "You're so tight, and… wow… god, this is so good."

"Fuck, you're big, and… shit… you feel so good, Blaine," Kurt responded, clutching down on him.

Blaine pulled back again, and then slowly pushed back in. Feeling Kurt surrounding him, welcoming him, was intense and glorious and Blaine wished he had allowed himself this feeling sooner.

Kurt moaned every time Blaine pushed forward. He had moved one hand down between his legs and was stroking himself, and Blaine could see on his face the pleasure he was feeling.

"Faster," Kurt begged and Blaine complied.

He thrusted his cock faster and deeper into Kurt. Kurt bucked up to meet his thrusts and together they found a rhythm that was so delicious it was all consuming.

Blaine's heart was beating so fast, his senses were all filled with Kurt and heat was quickly building inside him. Sweat was beading on his forehead as he pushed deeper into Kurt. Kurt was warm and compact around him and there was just pressure all around Blaine's cock, marvelous pressure all around him all at once. It was heavenly, simply out of this world, and Blaine had never felt anything like it.

Blaine could hear his moans coming out faster and louder, as the fire inside him intensified. He was fast reaching a climax he wanted to postpone, but with Kurt engulfing him, pressing all around him, the approach was inevitable. He shifted his angle a little forward to try to ease some of that glorious pressure, but then Kurt started to writher below him.

"Right there, right there," Kurt moaned. "Oh my god, oh my god. Yes, right there, Blaine." Kurt's hand was moving fast around his own cock, his breathing was coming out in short, shallow breaths and Blaine kept pushing right there, right where Kurt wanted him too.

"Oh God…," Kurt moaned. "I'm gonna come."

Blaine pushed faster then, fucked into Kurt until Kurt spasmed and came, white long strands of cum spurting out of his cock, pearling on his chest.

The sight was everything. Beautiful and mesmerizing and all Blaine needed to allow himself to let go. He pushed once, twice into Kurt before his orgasm took over and pleasure rippled through him in waves after waves as he came buried deep inside Kurt's ass.

Blaine sank down on Kurt's body, his body boneless and unable to carry him. Kurt's chest was rising and falling steadily beneath him, and his arms were wrapped around Blaine's body. They lay like that for a long time, coming down from their highs together. The night was quiet and the boat was gently swaying with the movements of the water surrounding it.

"You were amazing." Kurt fingers traced lazy patterns on Blaine's back. "Are you sure you've never done this before?"

"Positive." Blaine smiled into Kurt's chest.

They were sticky and sweaty, and Blaine couldn't care less. He was free. His life belonged to only him now. He knew it before, but this was the final corner piece he needed to complete his puzzle.

"I love you," Blaine said, never meaning it more. "Thank you for being patient with me."

"It was worth the wait," Kurt said and there was fondness in his voice. "I've never had an orgasm like that."

"Really?" Blaine lifted his head and looked at Kurt. His interest for bottoming suddenly piqued.

Kurt smiled at him. "Positively."

"I think," Blaine said, "I would like to switch roles tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Kurt said with an underlying tone of 'already?'.

Tomorrow was perhaps not soon enough for Blaine. "Tomorrow is like in an hour, right?"

Kurt let out a laugh. "Oh, God, we've created a sex monster!"

Blaine laughed, too, and then got up on his elbows and leaned his face closer to Kurt's. "There's lots of lost time to make up for," he said right before pressing his lips to Kurt's.

Later they dove into the ocean. The silver moon hung low and its reflection glistened in the water. The world was quiet around them, like it had stopped to give them a chance to hold on to this night forever.

They swam in to shallow water, and when their feet touched sand bottom, Blaine pulled Kurt close and Kurt wrapped his legs around Blaine's waist.

"About us," Kurt said distantly, his thoughts carrying him away.

"What about us?" Blaine asked.

"I think we are an unbreakable duo, you and me. I really think we're going to make it. In the long run. As much as this year was about freeing you from the life you were living, it was always about us too. Our love was tested so many times, but right from the start it was clear we were both willing to fight for us. We weren't always on the same page but we both knew we didn't want to do this without the other. We're not complicated any longer, you and me, and I'm so excited to share the rest of my life with you."

Blaine had no words to say, his emotions running high. He only stood there, holding on to the man he would share his forever with thinking that life was easy. Living was easy. He was living his best life with Kurt by his side, and nothing would ever bring him down again. He wasn't alone anymore. He had no dark secrets. He had Kurt and his friends and plans for the future that included all of them. He had adults in his life, people to guide him and lead the way when he felt off course. Blaine would never lose track of himself again. The rest of his life would be about him and Kurt from now on.

-x-x-x-

Notes: want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who's been reading this story! It has meant a lot to me to share it with all of you, and I appreciate each and everyone of you for reading. It's bittersweet to see the story end because it has been with me for so long, but now at least I won't have to stay up late, editing the next chapter ;)

Take care of yourselves and maybe we'll meet again!