↔IMPULSE↔

↔Graduation↔

Blake was finally graduating.

He had his bags packed and his plane ticket back to California the next day. Gran and Gramps were waiting downstairs for him as he put on his dark green robes over his dress clothes.

It was nuts, Blake twisted the ring on his finger nervously. He was going home soon, he couldn't wait to see Reese... and everyone else, but mostly Reese.

At the school, the graduation took place on the football field, Blake sat in the first row next to Monty because they were graduating with honours.

Living in New York was an experience that Blake would look back on fondly. He enjoyed making new friends and spending time with his grandparents, the school was also very good, but thankfully, the experience cell would be over soon.

Blake walked on stage, accepting his diploma as he shook hands with the principal. Mr Ali congratulated him with a smile and Blake thanked him before walking off stage.

He went to take his seat only for a moment, Monty nudged him, "your fiance is here."

Blake looked to where Monty was looking and Reese stood there with white roses and dressed nicely. Blake shot back to his feet and ran towards him, throwing his arms around him to kiss him.

Everyone knew by now that Blake was gay. Shortly after Monty found out Blake came out to the clique which then spread around the school that Blake Pierce liked dicks.

Reese smelled good and his lips were hot against Blake's. And Blake let out a sound that was part-laugh and part-cry. He hadn't seen Reese since he left during the first week of January, it was June third.

"When did you get here?"

Reese stroked his hair, "just before you went on stage. You look so handsome," Blake buried his face in Reese's shoulder, breathing in his comforting scent. "Congratulations on graduating, Blakey."

"Thanks, Ree-Ree." Blake just wanted to stay in Reese's arms forever. Unlike last time they couldn't jump each other's bones.

They skipped the rest of the ceremony and said goodbye to Gran and Gramps as Blake let Reese drag him along happily.

"Where are we going?" Blake asked as they got into Reese's rental car.

Reese smirked, "dinner then a hotel. You aren't leaving bed at all tonight."

Blake anticipated those words, his body jolting with a thrill of excitement. Reese held his hand, his thumb caressing Blake's knuckles as he drove Blake couldn't wait to get 'reacquainted' with Reese in their hotel room.

Right now, he wouldn't want to be anyone else. He was with the best boyfriend anyone could wish for and now that he was out of high school he'd be moving back to California with Reese to attend Stanford in the fall.

It was the best feeling in the world.

...

Archie and Gabe stood at the airport with Nikki and Dory along with Amelia, Winnie, and Mickey as they waited for Reese and Blake's flight to come in.

Archie held the 'Welcome Home!' A sign that was coloured by Gabe and Nikki. Finally, Gabe spotted a familiar blond and brunet walking towards them as they held hands.

Amelia tackled her brother, "Peanut!"

Blake looked good, he was smiling and had a little scruff and his hair was a little longer than usual. He and Reese looked stupid happy.

When Blake got back to his feet, Winnie hugged him, followed by Nikki then Gabe hugged him. He was warm and smelled like fresh laundry and soap. Dory hugged him, clapping his shoulder and Archie grinned.

"Welcome home, brother-in-law." Archie hugged him. Blake seemed to be more relaxed and animated as everyone talked for a couple minutes in the airport before heading out for a family dinner.

Blake seemed different from before, much more relaxed. He was quick to laugh and leant against Reese like he was his life support. Reese smiled at him and pecked his lips.

Dory was flabbergasted, "wait a second, you guys are dating?" Everybody laughed at Dory's sudden realisation. "What the fuck? Gabe, did you know?"

Blake snorted, "why do you think I was sent to New York, Doria? My dad found out and flipped."

Dory opened and closed his mouth like a fish, "you mean everyone else knew except me?"

Reese nodded, "yeah, man, you aren't the most accepting of gays. Blake and I have been dating since our freshman year."

Dory was stunned, "I managed to accept Gabe and Vaungh."

"Because Nikki forced you. What can we say, it was more comfortable like this." Blake shrugged as he buttered a piece of bread. Reese nodded in agreement as he stole the bread with a playful smirk.

Dory went quiet and Blake may have felt a tiny bit sympathetic towards him, but during freshman year he was constantly on a tirade about gays. It's not like they really wanted to leave him out of the loop but if they told him they'd also be a subject of his rants.

Sighing and resting his head on Reese's shoulder, "I love you," he murmured and closed his eyes. "I'm so happy to be home."

Reese kissed the top of his head, "I'm happy you're home too." Their hands were laced together as everyone else finished up eating, still talking and catching up on life. Blake looked at their faces, he hadn't seen them in so long. Gabe looked a lot more confident and the ring he wore on his left-hand ring finger shined as he talked with his hands, grinning broadly. Archie seemed calmer, no longer a crazy, party character. In fact, he reminded Blake of Reese a little. Lounging comfortably with an easy smile and fond blue eyes that he directed towards Gabe.

Dory also seemed more comfortable around gay relationships. He still didn't look at them while they were being affectionate, but he wasn't standing on the table saying that it was wrong. Nikki sat as far away from Doria as possible, still as obstinate and opinionated as ever as she wore a shirt with the name of some ridiculously obscure charity on it. Amelia had gotten a steady boyfriend which was weird for her. The only two that were the same were Winnie and Mickey who were just how Blake remembered them.

He was finally home and with his family. His real family.