Lies And Truths

Chp. XI - Wait

Puck stopped. "This is wrong." He turned his head back to looking down.

Kurt kept looking at him. He was unsure what to do. Puck spoke again, "You're just upset, you- you don't want me."

"Puck I-"

He stood up. "Blaine ran that way," he pointed down the hallway which led to the bathrooms. "You should- you should talk to your boyfriend." He abruptly pushed the swing doors of the cafeteria open and left, Kurt still on the floor.

Kurt didn't know what to do. Did they almost kiss? What would he do with Blaine? He sobbed softly, alone and cold.

***

"Kurt? Kurt, are you alright?" Mr. Schue had found him as he was roaming the halls during the teachers' lunch period.

All Kurt could do was hold in stifling sobs and Mr. Schue got him to stand up and took him to the office to send him home. Burt was called and he ended up picking up his son.

"Hey, so what's going on?" Burt had never seen Kurt this unresponsive. "Is it... is it those bullies again 'cus I can call the school again, I'll use force if I have to. I'll-"

"No Dad." Kurt cut him off, trying to push away his smile from his dad's wholesomeness. "Respectfully, I don't think you'd be able to help me this time. I really got myself into a... what's that weird thing you always say?"

"A pickle," Burt's voice was soft as he laughed a little. "Well, what kind of pickle? I'm sure I can help, at least a tiny bit."

"Hmm," Kurt definitely didn't want his dad to know the full story, especially since it included Puck. Or how things were getting rocky with Blaine. "What would you do if," -he paused- "I can't even code this correctly, it's so confusing." Saying it out loud made him tear up again. The brutal reality of a situation that felt like it had no solutions— would this ever be resolved?

"Listen don't stress about it. Let's make some tea, eat something. If you feel like you end up wanting to talk about it, I'm here— if not, I've been told I give good hugs."

As if ending the conversation, they pulled into the driveway. "Thanks Dad."

After having time to think about it Kurt felt reset, better, and okay about talking to Blaine. He called and called but no answer. Kurt had to admit to himself he wasn't upset Blaine was ignoring him. And he felt like a douchebag for admitting it. But there was only one person he wanted to talk to.

Messages
Kurt- Hey :/

Puck- Talk to Blaine.

Kurt- Wait puck I just
Kurt- Can I talk to you? In person?

Puck- I'm at glee... but I'm cutting early anyways so fine. Meet at Lima Bean

Kurt sat down with a latte and, timely as always, Puck walked in. Kurt remembered the kiss that started this. In some ways, it was a relief. A way out of a relationship that was perfect. Perfect and boring and stifling. Kurt felt guilty again and-

"KURT." Puck waved his hand in front of Kurt's face. "Where'd you go? You're majorly spacing off."

Kurt jumped. "How long have you been sitting there?"

Puck looked at his nails, nonchalantly. "I dunno. Like a minute."

"Jeesuh, sorry. I'm glad you're here." For the first time in a while, Kurt smiled. It faded fast. "I just uh. I just don't know what I'm doing anymore."

"Kurt, Kurt, Kurt. You know we don't do that here." Puck said, shaking his head.

"Do- do what?"

"Face our emotions. Let's go. Let's go do something." He stood up and held out his hand for Kurt.

"What? Do what?"

"We'll find that out later. Come on."

They left the Lima Bean and headed to Puck's car, laughing as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened that day. Once they were both sat in the car, they decided to go to the lake. Kurt's phone rang.

"It's probably my dad. I didn't tell him I was leaving." Pulling out the phone, Kurt's eyes popped. He didn't say anything and he answered it after a long stare. A voice on the other end. Puck could tell it was Blaine.

Quietly, on the other end, "Hi Kurt. I don't want to talk to you right now but I think we should hear each other out before we end up hating each other."

Kurt's response was slow, unsure. "Okay."

Silence. There was a slight sob on the other end. "I still love you after all you've done. God, can you believe that. Can you come over? I want to talk in person."

Puck couldn't believe this, 'I still love you after all you've done.' What bullshit. He clenched his fists. Kurt looked over, searching for what to do in Puck's eyes but he looked away.

"Now?" Well, yes. Now. "I guess I could come over now." Okay, bye.

Kurt hung up the phone and looked forward through the car windshield. The two sat staring straight in the still and quiet car for a minute. Or maybe it was ages. Puck didn't know what to say and Kurt didn't want to have to say it. He wanted a reason to stay. Holding back tears, he decided it was time to go.

"I guess," he opened the car door, facing it, "I guess I better go."

Leaning out to leave the car he felt Puck grab his hand.

"Don't." Kurt turned around to look at the boy.

"Puck, what else am I supposed to do?"

"Kurt, just," the car door closed, "Just stay with me."

Puck leaned in, and this time neither of the boys pulled away. They kissed, and ages of friendship washed into passion. Puck put his hand up to Kurt's face, still holding hands with the other. Every worry, every pretense melted into nothingness.

Kurt finally pulled away, resting his forehead on Puck's. "I'm sorry."

Puck smiled. "For what?"

"I don't know."