Author's Notes: The instant reward for Sebastian's straightforward answer was to watch Burt's attempt to play both the good and bad cop fall to pieces. The main reason Sebastian had become so cynical in his life was because saying things without holding back usually brought amusing reactions in people. It was certainly the case this time and the proof was very obvious on Burt's strained face. It hadn't taken long since meeting Kurt's dad to accept his son's warnings that he was a force to be reckoned with.

It wasn't that he was dangerous or even that intimidating in general. Burt was the very opposite of what one would expect after he started to talk. Burt Hummel was as wise as he was kind and both virtues were most likely gained from his going through a lot of hard trials in life. None of this made Sebastian want to show the man any actual respect but in his own way, by not bailing, he was anyway. Sebastian had seen the exact same struggle attempts to keep from exploding with anger on Kurt's young face countless times. Burt was obviously the more seasoned pro; and for one second, Sebastian thought he could be in real trouble for once. But fear never showed on his still smug face.

Sebastian did make a silent note not to push him too much, for now. He kept his usual cool attitude as he finally chose to end the silence, thus loosing his chance to find out what Burt's breaking point was.

“What gave it away?” Sebastian asked.

“It wasn't just one thing. It took a while for me to catch on. But no matter how great of an actor Kurt is, or even you, nobody can hide themselves fully, at least not from me,” Burt answered, his voice void of emotion.

“I doubt that's true, I'm sure you just picked up on my hints. That and how Kurt isn't as invested in the charade as I am,” Sebastian replied.

“Okay, you want me to be honest without holding back for niceties? Because I can go there buddy and you got no idea what you're your playing at. I get it, the whole high and mighty attitude and I've seen it all before and didn't work on me back then either. What made me really made me decide you two were putting on some act happened last night. I bet you thought you were pretty smart when you answered Carole’s question about if you and Kurt have a song. That when you said it was 'Heartbeat' by that Childish Gemo guy... we'd be too old to know it, which was right. But I sure didn't miss Kurt's panic and it wasn't just because he was embarrassed. Too bad things didn't continue to go your way.”

“Who says they didn't?” Sebastian countered.

But Burt didn't take the bait and react to the remark, instead he ignored it and went on with the story he was telling. “Which got me thinking that maybe you didn't expect me to get curious enough to check it out myself. So I went online, looked the song up and listened to it. The crude subject matter didn't bug me, since Kurt said you two met at a club. But then my old brain did some more thinking; maybe you didn't count on me knowing how to use technology enough to do some investigating. I Googled your name and while I know first hand most of the stuff out there is crap. Didn't take much to find you, you're probably proud of the fact normally. What I found was a ton of guys posting about their sexual encounters with you, some being very recent. So that made by mind up once and for all; that I had the right idea about you from the start,” Burt finished.

“Gotta hand it to you there, never thought about the net,” Sebastian admitted. He was very tempted to ask what Burt's real first impression of him had been, but even he knew better than that. “So basically what you're telling me is, Kurt screwed up when he panicked, as I told him myself later that night,” Sebastian said as his voice got obnoxious.

Burt planted his hands firmly on the table, clenching his right hand into a tight fist as he fought to keep himself under control. It was hard, all he wanted to do was smack some sense into this kid, he was long overdo for a reality check. Instead he simply gave him an indifferent look, showing he was no way impressed by Sebastian's cocky attitude.

“Look, it's clear to me that you've got a pretty high opinion of yourself. I'm even guessing you've had lots to inflate your ego over the years. But it's not going to impress me and it ain't gonna work. It hasn't from the start, even without your so-called 'hints' I could see right through you. Yeah, you can act and I'm sure you'll be very convincing on screen or on the stage. But when you're right in front of me and you have my son as your co-star, you have no chance in hell of pulling the wool over my eyes,” Burt informed him.

“I figured as much, in fact, I was counting on it,” Sebastian replied, still unaffected.

“The only reason I don't have you pinned against a wall, and not in the way you're used to, is because I've got a heart condition and I promised my wife I'd wouldn't give her any reason to worry. So instead what you're going to do right now is sit there, shut up and only speak when spoken to and all that's gonna come out of your mouth is the truth. Skip the smart-Alec, egotistic side comments or you'll regret it. Now, back to business, you say you don't love my son. So then tell me straight up, what is he to you?” Burt demanded.

“We're friends, roommates and fuck buddies,” Sebastian answered honestly.

Burt did a double take at the last description and he felt the urge again to punch the guy in front of him, but Burt reminded himself he wasn't a violent man. Rendering him unconscious would do no good either, though it would feel good.

“I'm not up on the lingo that youth uses these days. So when you say fuck buddies... you mean...”

“We have casual sex, quite frequently, with no emotion, we're not boyfriends, we're not in love. We just have good old-fashioned unattached gay sex. Surprised you didn't hear us last night,” Sebastian answered, he wasn't trying to be cocky on purpose for once it was just in his nature to be that way.

“I did,” Burt muttered.

“Ah, well then you must know Kurt was enjoying it. So I'm not taking advantage of him in any way.”

“I know that better than you ever could, I know my son,” Burt said.

“Do you? I don't think so. He's been hiding too much from you. Though I must admit I'm impressed that you saw through the deception. But I bet you have no idea why we did it though, or why Kurt would even go along with it,” Sebastian replied.

“So it was all your idea then?”

“For the most part, but then Kurt's more to blame for that than me,” Sebastian answered.

“That's why we're having this little 'interrogation' because I'm sick of the lies. I know Kurt's an adult and free to make his own life choices, even stupid ones like this. But I don't like my son thinking he has to lie to me. So there better be a good reason for all of this, Sebastian. Or heart condition aside, you're gonna live to regret it,” Burt warned.

Sebastian couldn't help but crack a sly smile. He was gaining quick respect for the man in front of him. Considering what Sebastian thought of most adults who were old enough to be his parents it was big. So Sebastian chose to cut to the case and didn't dance around with snide remarks or taunts, or anything he normally did with people.

“Kurt's in love with another guy, one that you'd actually like, who's charming without it being an act. Kurt running from his feelings, he's being a coward. I'm sick of it. I'm used to being the villain, because with me... it fits and I have been one before. I'm not afraid to say what I feel, do what I like and I care little about other people. Kurt made that change for me, for the first time. I don't love him, I don't even like him that much at times, but I do care about him,” Sebastian started.

“You sure sound like a great friend,” Burt remarked.

“Oh I know and it's mostly intentional but that didn't keep Kurt away. I trust him... and trust doesn't come easy to me. I'm used to relying on no one but myself and being alone. But Kurt crept up on me, shook my world up and I'm not enjoying the change it's brought lately. This was my intervention for the both of us. I gave Kurt two choices: go get the guy or come here and keep lying. To my surprise he picked the coward’s path, again. But I was hoping going through all of this would call his bluff, but he's fucking stubborn,” Sebastian explained.

“You know I'm buying this but that doesn't make me any happier, or less angry,” Burt said.

Sebastian chuckled lightly, “Well that's life for you,” he replied.

“I think it's time we call in the other perpetrator to get the whole story,” Burt muttered.

________________________________________________________________________

Kurt had enjoyed himself chatting away with Carole about nothing in particular until he noticed how much time had passed since Burt had pulled Sebastian away for their 'talk'.

“What's keeping them so long?” Kurt grumbled under his breath.

Carole's normal warm expression changed to slight concern at Kurt's complaint. “Kurt, I wasn't going to bring this up but... your father has been suspicious that neither you or Sebastian are being honest with us. At first I said he was being crazy, but now... I'm starting to agree with him. You're keeping something from us, something that you're scared to admit and that's making me uneasy,” Carole admitted slowly to Kurt.

Kurt looked back at Carole and gave her the most remorseful look, he had no energy left to force himself to smile. He hadn't been worrying for nothing then, as usual the world was choking him with regret over every life choice he made.

“Mom... I just...” he began to say weakly, but he never got the chance to finish.

“Kurt, come in here, I'd like a word... with you and Sebastian!” Burt's serious voice called to him from the living room.

“Oh fuck,” Kurt blurted out, not holding back the profanity. Kurt stood up and headed for the kitchen doorway, dragging his feet as he went, like he was walking towards his execution. Carole didn't bother to follow him and he was glad for that, facing his dad would be hard enough. It became very clear when he entered the room and saw the disappointment, mixed with anger on his fathers face. “Dad... you've noticed, haven't you?” Kurt asked softly.

“You're freaking right I did, Kurt! I don't even... how you ever thought this was okay. I'm really disappointed in you right now. I'd like to think I raised you better than this. What in your right mind made you think you had to lie to me and this much?” Burt exclaimed.

“I have no real answers, no excuse. I deserve this and I hate myself far more than you ever could,” Kurt said.

“Kurt, you know I could never hate you, no matter what you did. You're my son and I'll always love you...” Burt interrupted. “But you've still got a bunch of explaining to do, so start talking,” Burt said firmly as he pointed to the chair beside him.

Kurt gave into his fate and slowly took a seat at the table. He kept quiet at first, not to stall, but to give himself some time to figure out what to say.

During the tense silence Sebastian chose to remind the Hummel men he was still there. “I'm bailing then, I don't wanna be here for this,” he muttered and stood up to make a quick escape.

Burt was fine to let him leave, “Just don't go too far because I'm not done with you either. Go keep Carole company and don't think any of your fake charm will work on her,” Burt warned.

His dismissal granted, Sebastian shrugged and shoved his hands into his pockets as he started to whistle Lucky Strike by Maroon 5 as he went.

Neither Burt nor Kurt were paying attention to Sebastian's focus pulling exit though. Their full focus was on each other. Kurt knew this was a time where none of his usual life choices or denial would work out; he needed man up and state nothing but the truth.

Still, it wasn't easy for Kurt to admit the things he'd tried so hard to deny after all this time. “I'm in love Dad, only not with Sebastian. I fell in love with someone I don't deserve,” Kurt began.

While Burt didn't like to see his son struggle so much, he knew Kurt needed to continue. “Keep talking, you should remember how this goes,” Burt urged gently.

That he did, it had been a while but Kurt never forgot a single father-son talk they'd had over the years. “Right, thanks...” Kurt quickly muttered. Kurt took a deep breath, held it and let it out slowly as he brought his emotional walls down. Something he'd only done once before, when Kurt had kissed Blaine like the dreamer would have. “I know saying I'm in love with someone doesn't make much sense in how it pertains to our current... situation. But it's the start of my explanation and I'm not proud of most of my actions up to now. I'm running from him Dad, from love and forming such a strong connection with another person. Because as much as I want to love Blaine- oh, that's his name, back... I can't. At first I was so deep in denial I almost managed to convince myself that I could rise above my emotions. But it's no use, I keep calling the romantic in me weak but he's stronger than I realize, he won't fucking die!” Kurt cried out with bitter frustration.

If Kurt hadn’t been staring down at the surface of the coffee table then he would have seen Burt flinch at the word “die”. After Kurt took a quick moment to pull himself together he continued onwards. “I let Sebastian's stupid scheme become the escape I was looking for... I'm just a selfish chicken shit in the end,” he grumbled.

Burt didn't mind Kurt's use of swear words, at least not enough to chide him on it because there were bigger infractions to address. “Kurt... you know better than anyone that if you didn't want to go through it any of it, no one, not even Sebastian could convince you otherwise. Hating yourself won't do a damn thing either,” he pointed out.

Kurt knew his dad was right, as always, only for once he was fine to admit it to himself. “Oh I know, believe me, Dad. But I'm afraid... I keep thinking how much I'd hurt Blaine if I let him love me. I'm used to pain and I can deal with it like I always have, on my own. But if Blaine were to suffer... then, I don't know what I would do... I can't hate myself anymore than I already do,” Kurt said softly.

No amount of love that Burt felt for his son could make up for the empty void left in Kurt's broken heart. Burt knew this and so did Kurt and it made Burt wish Kurt could experience true love, so he could finally see how worthy he was.

“I'm sorry I lied to you, Dad, it was selfish and seriously fucked up but... I didn't know what else I could do.”

When Burt reached out to touch Kurt he didn't pull away or flinch, but he didn't make any reaction to the offer of comfort. Burt wasn't about to forget his anger or disappointment in Kurt but he was getting a better picture of just what a dark path Kurt had taken. Only like back when Kurt was still living at home, he had no idea why. What wasn't Kurt telling him?

“Kurt, did you ever stop and think that lying to me was the worst thing you could do?”

Kurt shook his head, “No… I didn't. I've been too preoccupied trying to forget about Blaine. I have to put an end to the romantic in me, for good this time,” Kurt answered.

Gone was the look of sympathy on Burt's kind face, it was time to give his son a much needed reality check. “Kurt, I know what it's like to loose someone, only I didn't give your mom up by choice... she was taken from me. I never wanted to let her go but she died for real, with no hope of her ever coming back to me. When she died, I thought my life was over and I wanted to give up, on everything... on my whole life. But I couldn't, because I had you. The fact that you needed me that made me keep going forward. It's not weak to need other people to depend on Kurt; it's way more stupid to think you can do everything on your own. Love trumps hate,” Burt explained.

“Not all the time, sometimes loving something too much can open you up to more hardship... and pain,” Kurt countered.

Burt let out a tired sigh; this was going to take a lot of work then. “I don't ever want to hear you say you wish a part of you would die. Shit happens but no one pushes the Hummels around Kurt, remember? If you can deal with hate better than love, then you've sure gone down the wrong path, son,” Burt warned.

Tears were falling down Kurt's face but he ignored them, sniffling away and he looked like he was sixteen again. “I'm just that much of an emotional wreck I suppose,” Kurt said weakly.

“Not buying it, Kurt, you're way stronger that this,” Burt began. He'd never wanted to see his son look so destroyed again. Five years ago, Burt had faced the difficulty of watching his son go through so much hardship but the worst was Burt could do nothing to help him. Really he should have tried harder to make Kurt tell him what was going on, so now he finally would. “Didn't we promise each other we'd never let things get to this point again? Yet here we are, in a familiar scene except it's worse this time. You're hiding even more stuff from me...”

“When do I get to inherit your infinite wisdom?” Kurt asked with an awkward laugh.

“When you start being honest with yourself,” Burt answered.

Words such as: hiding; denial and courage kept following Kurt like a shadow and he was at a point where he wanted to break free from his inner demons. The answer was so simple and something he'd been running from for long enough. “I guess it's time to let the truth out and I'll start from the very beginning. That is... if it's not too late for me to redeem myself,” Kurt stated.

Burt saw the fragile vulnerability in his son's eyes; he'd changed so much over the past five years. Burt had always suspected Kurt was keeping things from him but now that he was about to discover by just how much, he felt very uneasy. But no matter what was revealed, there was one thing that would never change. “It's never too late, while we're both still alive Kurt,” Burt said softly.

That was it then, it was time to grow up for real and face the result of his choices, once and for all. Kurt stood up, stretching his stiff muscles and set go gathering every ounce of strength left in him. He'd need it all to get through this. “Mom, Sebastian, can you both come in here please!” he called out.

Sebastian was the first to appear, but the reason was quickly revealed when Carole came into view, pushing the youth by the shoulders. His showing up wasn't by choice then, he had no say in the matter for once.

“Here we are, as requested,” Carole announced.

If anyone could make Kurt smile, it was Carole and he almost laughed at how annoyed Sebastian looked.

“Have a seat and get comfortable, because what I have to tell you all is a long story and will take a while. It's time I did was I should have done five years ago; retell the entire story of how and why I became the person I am now. Someone who claims ‘love is dead’, which is obviously a lie, one I can no longer ignore. I doubt any of it will make up for what I kept from you and then all the lies that resulted from it. But I'm tired of denial... it doesn't work, at least not in the end,” Kurt explained.

Sebastian let out a loud groan of protest, “Do I really have to be submitted to this shit?”

Kurt’s temper flared from Sebastian’s rude comment and it gave him enough of a moral boost to show his distaste. “Yes Sebastian, you're responsible for this mess as much as I am when it comes to our ruse. I don't expect you to be grateful but keep in mind that you are the only one outside my family who will ever hear the whole story,” Kurt lectured. Though he was bluffing because Kurt knew Blaine should hear it too, whenever Kurt could manage to tell him. “After today I hope never to tell it again for the rest of my life...” he told Sebastian, like he was scolding a unruly child.

Nothing Kurt said made Burt stay calm considering how much of a disclaimer his son gave. “I don't think I'm going to like what you have to tell us Kurt...” Burt said.

“No, you won't. But it's the right thing to do, despite how hard it will be...” Kurt said, pausing to glare at his roommate, “... for any of us,” he finished.

Saying you were going to do something was never as difficult as actually doing it but Kurt knew how to counter his trepidation. It was not the time over think things, no inner monologues that seemingly went on forever. It was like when Kurt had lost his virginity; it was time to just get it over and done with. Though the end results would be very different.

“It all started during my junior year of high school.... or really before that actually. Mom, Dad, some of this part you already know but it's better if I start at the beginning so it makes total sense. I came out of the closet in my sophomore year, I knew I was gay long before that but I couldn't admit it to anyone. Only after I joined my school's glee club and found people who were outcasts like me did I gain the courage to embrace how I was different. As soon as the news got out the bullies I faced on a daily basis just got bolder. Though the increase in harassment wasn't so bad because I had real friends who accepted me for who I was,” Kurt started to explain.

“Then, in my junior year things started to take a turn for the worse... when this one guy named Karofsky started targeting me. I had no idea why he kept focusing all his hate on me; so I just tried to take it all in stride and trudge onwards. Until it reached the point where I knew ignoring wasn't working anymore so I confronted him. But instead of hitting me, Karofsky kissed me, my first kiss was from an act of hate and that was only the beginning. I didn't tell anyone about the kiss and when I told him I didn't, he said if I did... he'd... kill me,” Kurt confessed.

Burt did a double take, “Hold up? He said what?”

“I know I should have told someone... but I didn't, I kept it all inside,” Kurt replied.

“Why the fuck didn't you out him Kurt? Sounds like he deserved it,” Sebastian demanded.

All eyes turned on Sebastian and his sudden outburst and despite Burt and Carole not knowing him in the least, seemed widely out of character.

Kurt rolled his eyes, “Because Sebastian, I would never out anyone when they weren't ready. Doing so might have escalated things to dangerous levels, for the both of us. I still hold to my choice, regardless of what happened afterwards. Karofsky's very presence terrified me and he knew it so he preyed on my weaknesses. While never doing more then shoving me into lockers; eventually it reached a point where I couldn't take it anymore. And I told someone, about his bullying... not the kiss. But then, Karofsky's sentence of being expelled by the principal was lifted. Proving how unfair and biased the world is and how I could never catch a break.

“That's when I started to build my emotional walls and the second they were complete... things started to go in my favour. Suddenly nothing Karofsky or any other bully said or did got the reaction they wanted. I was no longer scared, I was superior, jaded and no would could touch me. Little did I know the setbacks from getting the upper hand would bring, starting with my friends. In my becoming so closed off I started to push them away as well but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make. My very safety at school was under threat and I thought I was safer being alone.”

Kurt now saw how wrong that idea was and how he was still paying for it, but now was not the time for regrets. “In my foolish optimism I thought I had won and had no idea the chain reaction I had triggered by changing myself. Karofsky, he... honestly I don't know the full story but from what I've learned... the top bullies of McKinley decided to tip the scales by bringing in a ringer. They managed to find some gay guy who had no moral values and had willingly started down a dark path. I doubt even Karofsky knew what he was unleashing when they approached him. They hired him to go after me, not with violence because that would have been too simple. I had already proved I was no longer susceptible to any negative attempts to bring me down. So their plan was to hit me where it would hurt the most and go after the romantic in me and how lonely I was deep down,” Kurt paused to take a breath.

“Keep at it Kurt, none of this is easy to hear but we all need it,” Burt pushed ever so slightly.

“We're here with you Kurt, you're not alone,” Carole added.

Sebastian didn't bother to say anything in response and that was the most considerate thing he could have done in this instance.

Kurt took a deep breath, he was approaching the hardest part of the story and the section his parents knew the least about. “We met right before winter break. When I was busy adjusting to the new rigid persona I had enforced upon myself. Suddenly this extremely handsome guy appeared out of nowhere and started flirting with me. He was charming, friendly and at the time I thought, genuine. Here at last was someone I thought I could relate to. Who was gay like me and knew exactly what I was going through and most of all, someone I could talk to... about things I hadn't before. I began to fall under his spell, totally captivated and at the time I thought I was falling in love. When I look at back on it now I can see it wasn't actual love, I was just smitten with the idea of love finally being possible for me at all. But at the time I was naive to the hidden dangers, so I opened myself up to him. I shared a part of myself so personal, one I had never exposed before. I'm not talking about sex or anything physical. I mean my soul... my deepest hopes and dreams. We started spending more time together during the winter break; going on dates... taking it slow. It was nice, I never felt pressured or anything. Then, one night towards the end of the break we were conveniently alone. So we talked about taking the next step and becoming official boyfriends. After we both admitted that's what we wanted, he… kissed me and I welcomed the kiss. Only...” Kurt said, struggling as the memories came back, “…when I opened my eyes when the kiss was over... I... expected to see bashful delight on his face, like how I must have looked...” he said, choking up again.

“Kurt, if you can't go on you can take a break,” Carole offered as she took Kurt's hand and stroked it gently.

Kurt shook his head, pulling his hand away but not before he gave an appreciative squeeze. How many times had Kurt tried to wipe that horrible memory from his mind to no avail? His lips quivered under the strain to not break down, he could do this. “... I opened my eyes to see the cruelest sneer on his face and then he started laughing at me. I was completely shocked by his sudden turn-around; he'd completely changed. All that kindness, everything I had found so endearing in him was gone... because it was all just an act. He told me, with no remorse, how he'd been hired to seduce me and that he wasn't paid enough as far as he was concerned. That there was no way in hell that he, or anyone, would ever find me attractive or desirable.

“He went on to say a lot of cruel things to me, which I cannot and will not repeat here. It was horrible, I never thought someone could say such hateful things and have so little regard for people's feelings. At that moment a park of me broke... my heart, each cruel word cut me deep. His attacks were only verbal but they wounded me emotionally, far more than any physical blow could have...” Kurt explained as a tear fell down his face.

Watching Kurt's face turn red and blotchy was agonizing for Burt, who was barely holding his own emotions in. He hadn't missed the fact that Kurt was intentionally refraining from saying the bastard’s name. “Tell me his name, Kurt,” Burt urged.

Kurt glanced over at his dad, “Travis... I don't know his last name. He said the one he told me was fake….” he admitted weakly. Right when Kurt saw his dad was about to reach his breaking point, Kurt reached out to take his hand. “Let me finish okay...” he pleaded.

Burt nodded, but his stiff and tense stance (sitting cross armed at the table), made it clear he was not happy.

“I couldn't take it anymore, all the verbal abuse.... so I collected the pieces of my broken heart and left... already as new man, more closed off than I was a moment before. But Travis wasn't done, he ran after me, calling my name desperately and… while I hate myself for doing it, I stopped. I let him catch up and feed me false hope with uttering words of guilt and regret. I thought maybe he'd had a turn of heart and actually did feel something for me...” Kurt said, pausing once more.

“Now Dad, I warn you... the next part will get a reaction out of you and it will not be good. So try to remain calm and remember that I'm okay, I'm here and I'm... alive,” Kurt began, before continuing he lifted up his shirt to reveal his burn scar. “But your suspicions about this... scar are correct, oh, ignore the tattoo for now I'll explain that later. This burn wasn't from an iron, it was Travis. After he'd told me enough lies to drop my guard, he said there was something he still had to do. Of course I thought he meant he was about to admit he did regret his actions... but I was wrong. Instead, wait, he'd been smoking earlier... so he took his cigarette and ground it right here...” Kurt explained, touching the burn mark. “It signed right through my shirt and burned the skin underneath, leaving this scar.”

The response Kurt had predicted came and Burt finally unleashed his built up anger, “Kurt! Why the hell didn't you tell me? How could you let him get away with it?” Burt yelled in alarm.

“I know you're angry Dad, and I'm sorry but I never wanted to see him again. Back when it happened I was numb to the pain, eventually. I knew why he did it though, to make me angry... enough to hit him. So he could press an assault charge on me and maybe go so far to say I tried to molest him or something. But I didn't give him the satisfaction, I just walked away and left him standing there laughing at me. But I foolishly thought that would be the end of it... and for a while, it seemed like it was. I spent the remainder of the break recovering from the event; by hardening my heart and giving up on love. So, come the new semester, I was stronger than ever, having learned from the whole experience. My newly rebuilt emotional walls were so tightly wrapped around me. I thought nothing could touch me. I thought I could remain on top of things... but as I walked through the hallways, I noticed the reaction my presence brought. All eyes were on me and those stares were anything but kind. I heard the whispered snickers and then, the cruel taunts. My friends tried to stop me in time but it was too late, I had made it to my locker. Where I found the words 'Cock Slut' spelt out in neon pink spray paint across it.”

In that moment Kurt had been oblivious to the laughter made at his expense, or his friends attempts to comfort him. Because he'd shut down at the sight of those words, his emotional barriers closing him off from the world around him.

Kurt took a deep breath, he still had great deal of story to tell. “My friends eventually filled me in on the details... how Travis had taken everything I'd told him, through our texts, phone calls and long talks in person and… posted it all online. For everyone to read and mock me, and that wasn't it. He added in bunch of horrid lies; saying that we'd had sex because I'd begged for it. Like I was nothing but a dirty slut... I could go on but I'm sure you get the picture. In that instant my reputation was shattered, ruined, tainted and with no hope of it ever becoming clean again. Only my friends believed me when I explained what the lies were. Everyone else was already convinced everything was true, all of it, right down to every dirty detail. We pooled together to wipe all the entries off the net... but I bet some of it is still floating around...” he grumbled.

“It is, but you got most of it,” Sebastian confirmed.

Kurt nodded, accepting that fact because he'd done all he could on that front five years before. “Anyway, I knew what I had to do. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my whole life... and for a second, I felt like running. I nearly did, though I doubt I would have actually done it, luckily you caught me that night when I tried to drive off, Dad...”

“I knew you weren't making a late night food run,” Burt remarked.

Kurt rolled his eyes, welcoming the break in tension but he didn't feel that much better honestly. “So I did what had worked so far; I rebuilt my emotional wall, this time fully closing myself off to the world. I laid the romantic in me to rest, because that was my greatest weakness. Now nearly impenetrable, I returned to school but it was still hard to come back. It took time but the humiliation started to fade, people stopped trying to get a reaction out of me. People stopped following me around on campus spewing words of hate, slut-shaming me. The hateful notes stuffed in my locker became less frequent and I could walk down the halls without getting knocked into the lockers every time. I never got angry and I didn't show any hurt, so, for the most part people got bored with provoking me. It never fully stopped though, people still tried, right up until graduation. But I was too removed for anyone to touch me so I was left alone.

“But the world is a cruel place to live in, Lima most of all, so my victory didn't last for long. Just when I started to think I could drop my guard a little, I was sent numerous reality checks. I was voted prom queen for my junior prom, which I didn't even want to go to, I went stag so I could perform with my fellow glee-clubbers… 'cause music had always helped me before. When my name was called, I could hardly believe it and... I ran, right out of the gym and I took the coward’s path again. When I came back on Monday the student body had something new to harass me with. I kept finding tiaras everywhere... there was no place to hide. I never broke though, not once and I think that helped people loose interest,” Kurt said with a hint of pride.

Silently Burt thought that his son’s ability to hide his pain so well wasn't something to feel proud about. Back when this had all happened, he had no idea what Kurt was really going through.

“The rest of the story doesn't really have much to do with why I gave up on love... so I don't have to-,” Kurt began.

“If you want to finish, then don't worry about anyone but yourself for once,” Carole said.

Kurt nodded. He already knew he had his parent’s consent to continue, but when it came to Sebastian, that was another matter. A quick glance surprised Kurt, gone was Sebastian's usual smug smile, or any look of bored disinterest. Sebastian's face was void of emotion, but for him that meant he was listening to Kurt's story intently. While there was no hint of sympathy, Kurt knew his roommate enough to recognize Sebastian was affected by the story, though to what extent was still unknown.

“The stories nearly over anyway, but I do need to finish. The New Directions ended up making it to Nationals and that led to me setting foot in New York. I remembered what my real dream was, not to find my soulmate, but to end up on Broadway. Rachel, who was my biggest rival in glee club, and I ended up bonding over sharing that dream. But yet again, that's when things started to fall apart... we lost at Nationals, got twelfth place. But that didn't discourage me from reaching my goal, if anything it made me that much more determined. I went into tunnel vision in my senior year. I had to get into a top performing arts school. Amazingly, things were looking almost bright, Karofsky had transferred to another school and nobody rose to take his place. Rachel and I set our sights on getting into NYADA, this elite and competitive performing arts school...”

There was a pattern to Kurt's life so far, whenever things started to go his way, lose and failure was soon to follow. “I tried to make enough headway in school to obtain an impressive resume but... I started loosing everything. I lost the lead roll in the school musical because I wasn't 'man enough'; I lost the class president election to a girl who had nothing in her blonde head (as in having no brain or heart). But worst of all, I lost my chance to make my Broadway dreams come true... I nailed my audition for NYADA, Rachel choked on hers but she was the one to get in, not me. All I got at the end of the school year was a fucking rejection letter,” Kurt spat out bitterly.

“I didn't bother to apply to any safe schools either, so I had no backup plans or any sense of direction. I was still stuck in Lima, doomed never to escape and find a place I could actually fit in. But I refused to let that be my fate, no matter what the universe was ready to throw at me. For the last time I picked myself up, shook off the pity and resentment that had been weighing me down and I took a new direction on life. I gave up on musical theatre, switched to fashion design and enrolled in a college in Columbus for one year. Where I beefed up my credentials and because I'd given up on love or ever finding someone to be with, I was finally able to focus.

“I got into AAU in San Francisco, my first choice. I was finally able to leave Lima and I never looked back,” Kurt said, his long story finally finished. Kurt didn't feel like a large weight was lifted off his shoulders from the overdue confession. If anything he felt heavy with conflicting emotions, which he'd fought so hard to keep locked deep inside himself. At least it was over with and Kurt hadn't expected a miraculous healing to take place anyway.

“Feel any better?” Burt asked.

“Not really...” Kurt admitted with a small chuckle. “But at least I can laugh about it now... almost,” he added.

“Thanks for telling us Kurt. I know it wasn't easy... because it sure wasn't easy to hear. So I think right now it's best if we all take a breather, sort through our emotions. I'm going to ignore all the things you kept from me for now. It's hard enough not to go find this Travis guy and beat the living crap out of him,” Burt admitted.

“I know the feeling,” Sebastian said in agreement.

Mouths gaping, the Hummel family looked in surprise from hearing Sebastian's comment.

“You can't be serious?” Kurt challenged. When had Sebastian ever been this sincere?

“Don't act like you didn't want to do the same thing at one point. I'm not going to go after him though. But his sexual orientation doesn't make up for the things he's done...” Sebastian commented. This was the most compassionate Sebastian had ever sounded.

“Easy for you to say Sebastian, when I doubt you're far from innocent yourself,” Burt pointed out.

“I'm not, but even I would never do anything so... what's the word I'm searching for here...” Sebastian muttered in a cocky tone.

“Foul?” Kurt offered.

Burt rolled his eyes, something about the banter between the two youths was off putting to hear. “Yeah well I still bet some of it's far from honourable, even when I have no real facts to prove it.”

“You have good judgment in character, Burt,” Sebastian admitted smugly.

The use of his first name, said in such a mockingly familiar way tugged at Burt's resilience to remain calm. “Keep it up and I'll give you some repercussions for your latest infraction,” Burt warning.

“Like I care, feel free to give it a try,” Sebastian said with a provoking shrug.

“Sebastian, Dad, stop it! The both of you, I am too emotionally run out to deal with a show down between you two right now!” Kurt shouted as he came to stand between the pair.

Carole quickly came Kurt's to her stepson's aid and dealt with her husband, pulling him back and at a safer distance from Sebastian. “I think we all need time to process everything we've heard,” she voiced. Carole saw it was not a time to offer one of her iconic mother hugs, because Kurt was too fragile from telling his story.

“That sounds good, I could use a rest right now,” Kurt admitted weakly.

“The same goes for me, just no running off now, Kurt. Don't think this means you can shorten your visit,” Burt added.

“I had no intention to bail Dad, don't worry. I'll stay here ‘till the end of the summer, as planned,” Kurt assured.

'Which conveniently keeps you away from having to face Blaine,' Sebastian thought to himself.

“Good, 'cause you're no quitter, Kurt,” Burt told him. “I am proud of you... for what it's worth, not of everything you did... but I'm still proud of you.”

Kurt nodded, “Thanks, I promise I won't forget that from now on.”

Such a tender family scene was starting to make Sebastian's stomach churn, so he walked past the trio without a word.

Only Sebastian's silent exit didn't go unnoticed, “Now when it comes to you, Sebastian, feel free to make yourself scarce,” Burt said.

“Dad, lay off Sebastian...” Kurt groaned.

“No he's right, I know when I've worn out my welcome, normally I don't give a shit, but I'd had my fill of Hummel's for a while,” Sebastian replied, intentionally using the double meaning to imply what he meant by 'fill'.

“I'm not saying I'm throwing you out on the street. Just you don't have to feel that you need to stay,” Burt added, ignoring the taunt.

“I don't, I'm going. Very soon,” Sebastian assured and with that he disappeared out of view down the hall.

Kurt was fine to let him go, since he fully agreed with everything Burt had told his guest. Time apart would do them all good right now, especially when it came to Sebastian. But really, Kurt knew he couldn't hide from his roommate, since he was going to Kurt’s bedroom. He actually had some things he wanted to say to his Sebastian anyway, no matter how much Kurt might live to regret it.

“I'm, uh... going to go talk Sebastian before he leaves and I take a much needed rest. I don't know what he told you... about... us...” Kurt stuttered. If he'd lied and blown their actual relationship out of proportion, then Kurt would have to muster enough anger to deal with that.

“Everything, about what you really are to each other,” Burt informed his son.

“Oh lord, I hope he kept the graphic details out. But getting past that, he might not be my boyfriend, but he is a friend... and in some self-centered way, I owe him a lot,” Kurt admitted.

“Hey, it's your life, you can be friends with whoever you want. As long as he's not hurting you, or has... has he?” Burt grilled.

Kurt shook his head. “No, he hasn't... at least not intentionally or in any amount to cause alarm, and that's the truth,” Kurt answered.
________________________________________________________________________

All good things must come to and end. Even if Cooper's visit had resulted in Blaine feeling more embarrassed and exhausted than happy but he'd still brought some of his younger brother's usual cheery mannerism back from the depths of his bruised heart. There were only two weeks remaining before Blaine would have to head back for his forth year at USF to face the music, literally. He only hoped that whatever happened would be something he could handle, far better than he had during the past term. After he graduated and finished his music major, Blaine had planned to stick around for another year and minor in acting. Only Blaine wasn't so sure about that plan anymore, maybe he could use a change of scenery. Though, whatever Blaine chose to do, or where he decided to go he promised himself it wouldn't be because of Kurt or anyone but himself. It wasn't like Kurt had done anything wrong, not really and certainly not intentionally, their paths, and friendship, had just turned out this way.

Blaine continued to think more about what would happen after graduation and how Sebastian was in his senior year too, but not Kurt. Would Sebastian stick around and wait for Kurt to graduate the following year? It seemed so unlikely, as much as the two giving long distance a try did. But Blaine reminded himself he wasn't either of them, so he had no idea how strong the bond between the new couple was. And he didn't want to know.

When Cooper walked into the living room and found Blaine reclining on the couch, he shook his head at the sight of his brother. He cleared his throat to catch Blaine's attention and was relieved to see Blaine instantly looked his way and gave him a warm smile. “Well Blainey, parting is a sweet sorrow but it has to be done. It's time to cut the cord and for me to head back home, where my lovely lady awaits,” he announced.

“I'm really glad you came home for a visit, it was nice for us to spend some time together,” Blaine admitted truthfully.

“Now Blaine, I know you're not a kid anymore but... can you please try to put my mind at ease? By telling me you'll be okay without having me here to pester you to keep your spirits up?”

His smile is reassuring, Blaine stood up and gave Cooper a big goodbye hug. Of course Cooper had to top him and went so far as to lift his brother off the ground. “Put me down!” Blaine demanded while laughing.

“Just making sure you still know how to laugh,” Cooper explained.

Blaine rolled his eyes, “Of course I do! Honestly Coop, you're making this a bigger deal that it needs to be. I'm nowhere near recovered… but, I'm almost glad about that. If it was so easy to get over loving Kurt and losing him before I could even have him... then that would mean what happened didn't mean anything. For either of us, but it did happen and what I'm feeling now is the proof that it was real and not just all in my head,” Blaine started to ramble.

“Sorry, I know that doesn't make much sense... I really miss him and I think on some level, Kurt misses me too. Even if only as a friend, that's still something. Part of me wants to race off and steal him away from Sebastian but that's not the solution. I could never live with myself if my happiness means someone will suffer from my intentional actions,” Blaine finished.

Cooper knew when he had lost and let out a tired sigh as he placed his hands on Blaine's shoulders and gave them an affectionate squeeze. “Oh Blainey, sometimes you're too giving for your own good. I look forward to the day when you find the guy who's worthy of your heart. He'll come, so don't give up... he's out there somewhere... searching for you."

“I know he's probably not but having us meet by a lucky coincidence is fine with me. Besides, all of this aside, there's still a chance... however slim, that he could still be Kurt...”

Cooper raised a curious eyebrow, “Oh? And why do you say that?”

The answer to that burning question had been eating away inside Blaine, who, despite his best attempts couldn't toss it aside. “I swear Kurt has feelings for me, romantic ones. Sebastian would be his better match... if Kurt truly were the person he's tried so hard to become. Someone who's jaded and with strong emotional walls, who thinks real love is dead. But he's trying way too hard to change. But... I'm not about to act on this theory because I could be equally wrong,” Blaine explained.

“Oh I know I lost cause when I see one! Have it your way, Blaine, I give up! Just be grateful that I don't have enough time to smack some proper sense into you. But... I could always tell Mom and Dad and let them take over...” Cooper warned with an evil grin.

Blaine was more than ready to face his brother head on and throw the empty threat back in his handsome face. “You could... but I have plenty of dirt on you too. I could always tell them that you plan to propose to Amy,” he countered with a sassy grin.

Sassy Blaine was one of Cooper's favourite, so let out a hearty laugh, slapping Blaine hard on the back. “Hah! Touch�! Let's just call it a draw then, shall we? Come on Mr. Taxi, you offered to drive me to the airport remember?” He pushed Blaine towards the door.

“I'm right behind you, it's good if we get there early. In case there's paparazzi at the airport, laying in wait for you,” Blaine teased as he took one of Cooper's suitcases and headed out the door.

“Alas, Ohio has no such thing, much to my disappointment,” Cooper laughed.

________________________________________________________________________

Kurt took his time returning to his bedroom, so when he made it there Sebastian had just finished changing into a different outfit. To his surprise, Sebastian's luggage was still unpacked and placed around the room just as he had left it.

“Not planning to leave for good then yet?” Kurt commented casually.

Sebastian didn't bother to look Kurt's way but he still smirked back. “No, I figured since I'm here I'd stay long enough to play for a while,” he explained.

“Ah, going slumming?” Kurt asked as he stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind him.

Sebastian nodded, “Time to bless this state with Sebastian Smythe.”

“Oh lord, maybe I should alert the authorities,” Kurt muttered as he rolled his eyes.

“As long as they're hot male ones, go right ahead.”

It was probably fucked up, okay yes it was, but conversing with Sebastian like normal helped Kurt get past his emotional upheaval. It was one of the few positive things about their entire friendship; their emotional detachment towards each other. Even when a few minutes before the atmosphere had gotten quite heavy, there they were, snarky as ever like nothing had changed.

Once Sebastian's whole look was deemed smoking enough in his mind he finally turned his attention to look at Kurt. His eyes lingered over Kurt's seemingly relaxed stance sitting at his vanity, sizing him up and down. Somehow, Kurt looked both calm and conflicted, like he was fighting an inner battle.

“How are you holding up?” Sebastian questioned.

The near concern almost made Kurt react with the surprise he felt, but he held his composure. “Not that well, I'm extremely close to having a full blown break down. I think the only thing that's holding me back is that I'm too emotionally worn out. But that will pass. I've been through way worse, like you now know. Really, this was the release I needed... a consequence to all the mistakes I've made,” Kurt explained.

“No more denial?”

“I dunno about that, but I'll at least try to be more honest.”

Sebastian was also skilled at hiding any surprise he felt, “Does that include Blaine as well?”

Kurt let out a tired sign, “I've admitted I love him, isn't that enough?” he whined.

“Not when you haven't admitted it to him. You must realize if you stall for much longer Blaine could find someone else before you make up your mind!” Sebastian said.

“I know, I know...” Kurt grumbled. “I guess I'll have to take the risk. Because when it comes to Blaine, I don't want any more uncertainty. I might love him but I'm still a fucked up mess who could do more damage than good. I need time to sort through my feelings and figure out how the fuck I'm going to tell him that I lied about us being together to push him away,” Kurt muttered.

Sebastian had no desire to stick around and watch Kurt attempt to figure all that out, even if his struggle would be slightly entertaining. “I guess I'll have to miss that, shame, but I don't wanna wake up to find your dad hovering over me with a bat in hand,” Sebastian half joked.

“I can't deny that won't happen,” Kurt said with a shrug.

If Kurt was messing with Sebastian, he had no clue, but again, Sebastian had no intention to linger and find out. “I'll still be back to get my luggage and I'm taking the car.”

“Go right ahead, you're the one who paid for the rental,” Kurt replied.

Before taking his leave, Sebastian chose to make one last taunt to gauge how his friend was truly fairing. “I warn you, if I come back to find you've bailed... you will not enjoy the backlash,” he threatened.

Kurt rolled his eyes. “That won't happen, I'm not running, from any of it,” he scoffed.

Sebastian's whole demeanour changed, from curious to sensual and as usual, the shift was seamless. “You know I'll need better convincing than that…” he growled.

Eyes narrowing, Kurt knew exactly what that tone meant and for once he really wasn't in the mood. Sebastian didn't make any move to try to convince him otherwise either, but he didn't need to touch Kurt to make his intentions known. Kurt didn't give into his roommate’s sexual advances not because of his emotional upheaval or that his family was home. Kurt knew, even if nothing happened with Blaine, their arrangement as fuck buddies needed to stop. Or at least be put on pause while Kurt figured his life out.

“Not in the mood I'm afraid,” he said in dismissal.

“Finally cutting me off then?” Sebastian said with a sarcastic pout.

Kurt let out a loud mocking laugh, “Oh that's rich, didn't you want to unload me on Blaine?”

“Hey well, that doesn't mean a threesome now and then is out of the question.”

“Would convincing you with a blow job suffice?” Kurt offered, who wasn't above using oral sex to shut Sebastian up and get him to leave.

Sebastian gestured his hands towards his groin, as if to say 'help yourself', which he was basically. Kurt dropped down on his knees in front of Sebastian and skillfully started to unbuckle his belt and unzip his fly next.

“Only you better keep it down, if you want me to finish. I don't want my parents to hear us,” he hissed in warning.

Sebastian mimicked one of Kurt's classic eye-rolls. “Spoil sport,” he teased.

Despite the half assed back talk, Kurt already had Sebastian half hard cock out and went with a hand job to start with. “Have your parents ever walked in on you during sex?” Kurt asked as his busy hands got to work on Sebastian's erection.

“How do you think they found out I was gay?” Sebastian said maliciously.

Before Sebastian could start one of his risqu� stories from his past, as Kurt had heard enough graphic and emotionally scarring stories about Sebastian's sexual beginnings as it was, Kurt let his mouth take over and started to deep throat Sebastian's now hard cock.

“Now you're talking,” Sebastian moaned quietly.

Strong hands ran through Kurt's hair as Sebastian thrust his hips forward and Kurt made no sign of protest from the take over. Instead Kurt upped his attempts to make Sebastian come by switching between sucking and humming. The result of which was for Sebastian body to tense up as he came into Kurt's mouth, who sucked his cock dry.

“That convincing enough for you?” Kurt sassed.

Sebastian shrugged, though the sweat beading down his brow made his casual response less believable. “It was semi-convincing I guess.”

So much for giving one last sexual favour for old times sake then, Kurt stood up and went back to his vanity. “That's all you're gonna get either way. But now that you're indebted to me...” Kurt began, ignoring how Sebastian had started to snicker. “There's one more thing I want to bring up. After... hearing all that... does it explain why I did what I did, about everything, including Blaine?” Kurt asked.

Sebastian eyed Kurt for a moment, when there would be no hot sex no matter what he said, was honesty really worth it anymore? “You won't like my answer, so are you sure?” He warned.

“I don't expect you to feel sympathetic or anything that human, but... does it justify my actions at all?” Kurt added anxiously.

“No, it doesn't, you still treated Blaine like shit-”

“Oh no! I may have lied to him in the end but nothing I did, or didn't do to Blaine was that extreme! You can call me a coward all you want, because I know I am... but there's no fucking way I'll stand here and listen to you warp things so it sounds like I hurt him on purpose!” Kurt snapped, interrupting Sebastian's lecture.

The claim was valid and they both knew it or else even Blaine wouldn't have stuck around for so long no matter how much he loved Kurt. Sebastian had had the best seat in the house when it came to watching Kurt and Blaine's friendship develop. But to him that was nothing to brag about.

“Douse your rage Kurt, or your dad might hear your squawking. I may be a total dick at times but even I can admit you went through some heavy shit. But it's not like you're the only one, countless others, though not me, have gone through way worse and not all survived to retell their story. So don't think that you're the only victim in the world.

That comment nearly sounded wise, but Sebastian was no Burt Hummel, not by a long shot.

“You're not even trying anymore,” Kurt stated.

“Because I'm sick of this fucking house and all the Hummels in it. Can I go now? I want to see if there's any fuckable ass in this state,” Sebastian grumbled.
________________________________________________________________________

Once Kurt saw Sebastian to the door and was sure he was gone for good, or at least a good while, he actually found himself seeking his father out. Unlike when he was a teenager, Kurt really thought he could use one of their iconic talks. Like a scene out of the past, Kurt's search brought him to his dad's tire and lube shop, where he found Burt working away.

“Dad?” Kurt called out softly making sure not to startle Burt.

Burt looked up to give his son a welcoming smile, turning his attention back to the job because he was use to multitasking. “Now this brings back memories, you pestering me here with your problems,” Burt said.

Kurt chuckled. “I’m not sure if that's exactly true,” he countered.

“Yeah, you stopped coming to talk to me near the end,” Burt agreed, meaning before Kurt had moved out for college.

“I'm sorry... about that... about a lot of things...” Kurt began.

“So what can I do for you this time, Kurt?” Burt asked, stopping his son's pity party to get to the bigger picture.

“Up for a father-son talk?” Kurt asked hopefully.

Burt nodded, pointing to the side bench and they both walked over to take a seat so they could talk man to man. “Of course, I've missed those,” he admitted.

“So have I.”

“What's on your mind?” Burt started.

Sometimes doubt was far harder to conquer than fear because when it came to the former, there was no one to confront but yourself.

“Do you think I'm too far gone? That I'm so damaged I won't be able to love someone... or even myself?” Kurt asked softly.

The room went silence as Burt struggled to come up with a wise answer, rubbing his hand along his chin. “Wow, Kurt, that's a pretty heavy question... if I could crack open that head of yours to pick apart your brain this would be way easier. But I can see the pain in your eyes and the one thing I do know is, you deserve to be loved. Because you matter Kurt, so no, you're not too far gone,” Burt told his son.

Oh how Kurt wanted to believe what his dad was telling him was the truth, but there was so much about what had happened with Blaine and Sebastian that Burt didn't know. “I've hurt him too much Dad. After all I've done, how could Blaine forgive me? Knowing him, he would, that's just how giving Blaine is. But, what if he does forgive me and all I do is hurt him more?”

“Do you love him?” Burt asked.

“Yes, with all my...” Kurt croaked, choking on the final word. '... heart,' a voice whispered in his brain, one who refused to be silenced.

“Then isn't that his choice to make? To forgive you? Has he told you that he loves you too?”

“Yes,” Kurt confirmed, leaving out that the one time he actually did was when Blaine was drunk. “But, I lied to him, he thinks Sebastian and I are together,” Kurt explained.

Burt could tell his son wasn't willing to tell him anything more about what had happened between him and Blaine, which he was more than fine with. No matter how much Kurt had changed since he'd lived at home, his stubbornness had never left. In fact it seemed to be stronger still.

“Look Kurt, you need to realize something... you better listen to me and listen good. Because this is probably the best advice I'm ever going to give you. If you do nothing, if you just let him go without even trying, then you'll spend the rest of your life wondering what could have been. Even if Blaine's answer is no, you need closure Kurt, or the regret from not knowing might never go away,” he explained.

“You make it sound so easy,” Kurt whined.

“Just think of everything you could gain if you were to try,” Burt countered.

If Kurt were to imagine that then maybe, just maybe he could go for it and ask for Blaine forgiveness. He could already picture it, Blaine would cry but not as much as Kurt, as the two of them, embarrassed, uttered words of love. Only, such a scene seemed far too fairy-tale to Kurt, life could never be that easy or wonderful for him.

“All I can think about is what I've already lost,” he admitted.

Boy did Burt ever want to go hunting for Travis, but he knew better than that because Kurt would never let him. “I seems like you're arguing more with yourself than me,” he pointed out.

“That's a very valid observation.”

“Then the big question is; what are you going to do?” Burt pressed.

“I don't know... I'm stuck in between what I want to do and what I should do,” Kurt said.

“Maybe until you're sure, it would be a good idea to have some time apart from both the men in your life,” Burt suggested.

Kurt let out an awkward laugh. Time, that was what Kurt needed but he wasn’t sure if he had any to hope for. “Maybe you're right...” Kurt began, until he noticed Burt's stern look in response. “Okay, I know you're right,” he muttered.