A/N: Taking a short break from Klaine: The Complete Series for a little while. Not because I don't love that series! On the contrary, it's one that I'm most proud of! No, it's just kind of exhausting searching for scripts. So I'm gonna try to catch up on some other series and even get some new ideas out there. This one, for instance, is inspired by watching FanFic trailers and the Miley Cyrus movie The Last Song's "theme" When I Look At You, and elements from that movie. Which is where this story gets its title from. So, I hope you enjoy!
Kurt tried to hold back tears as they lowered his dad's casket into the ground. After his dad had a second heart attack, Kurt went right to his side after graduating from NYADA to help take care of him. That was 3 weeks ago. And with each passing day, his condition would get worse. Until the blanket was placed over Burt's face. Kurt gripped Carole's hand. Who, after losing her son in the army, she couldn't lose another person close to her heart. Kurt held her close as she cried, then finally let it all out. This was it.
Kurt sniffed as he placed some cold cuts and fruit on his plate. He kept it together as best as he could. But with Mercedes's rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone, made him absolutely lose it.
He trudged around the room, lifeless. Like a zombie. He didn't know what to say, what to do. The only thing he could do...was exist. Kurt sighed as he fell heavily into his dad's chair and looked up as Carole tearfully began to speak. "Thank You all for coming, I'm sure Burt would've loved to see all of you here, today." She started. "I think it would be great for all of us to go around the room and say a memory that made us realize: "This...right here, is a sp-special loveable m-man..."," She suggested as she stumbled as she spoke.
Kurt let his eyes linger across the room, waiting for someone to speak so he didn't have to start. Because he didn't want to have to acknowledge that his own dad's death was a reality. Not yet.
"Well, um," Kurt looked up as his former teacher, Will Schuester began to speak as his pregnant wife, Emma, gripped his hand with the one that wasn't rubbing her stomach as she sat next to him. "He always supported the New Directions. He even help put on West Side Story Kurt's senior year." And then Will glanced at Kurt. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Kurt. And Mrs. Hummel...I'm sure this must be a difficult time for both of you. And Emma and I are always here if you needed anything..." He concluded.
"He loved that let me work at his shop when my family wasn't doing so well...he was a cool dude," Sam said next, trying to be sentimental.
"He always made me feel welcome..." Tina said.
"He was always so accepting...even when I was at my lowest. Especially when...I was outed. Which, Carole, Mrs. Hummel...I forgave Finn before he left us far too soon," Santana added on before she finished speaking.
And that's how it went around the room until everyone looked at Kurt. Kurt pleaded Carole with his sorrowful eyes to go before him. "He proposed to me in the room we first met," Carole stated. "Very romantic of him." She finished. It was Kurt's turn now.
Kurt cleared his throat, even though he knew it was gonna be hard to let these words out. But he had to do it. For his dad. "When...we won our first game of the season because of an impromptu performance of Single Ladies to distract the other team...he was...so proud." Kurt started hoarsely. "That night...I knew I had to tell him the truth. I came out to him, and sure...he didn't fully understand it...but, he still accepted me. That's when I knew he'd always be there. Always. E-Even at the e-e-end..." Kurt finished somberly, trying not to cry. He closed his eyes, finally letting them fall. "I love you, Dad." Kurt spoke in a whisper only meant for him.
People started leaving around lunch, giving condolences to both Hummels before they did. Kurt just simply sniffed as he put empty cups and plastic plates into a trash bag. Trying to just simply distract himself from reality. He soon wandered into his old room and closed the door. He slid against the door and let it all out. If there was a God, why did he have to let both of his parents leave him?! He knew Carole was still around...but still, he loved her, he did. But she could never replace his mom.
Kurt got up after what felt like hours and wandered into his parent's room. His eyes caught on a picture of his mom holding him close as they sat on the front porch of their old house. His face beaming, imitating his mom's expression. She held him up standing by holding his tiny hands in hers. He couldn't have been too old. He looked about two or three. He smiled, tearing up and took the picture in his hands, fingertips tracing the frame. The golden swirls contrasted from the faded colors of the photograph. He held it close to his heart. Why did losing someone have to hurt so much?
"Kurt?" The boy looked over to see Carole standing in the doorway. He just sniffed as the woman engulfed him in a hug. He didn't sob this time, but he quietly wept.
"Thank you for loving my dad," He thanked the shorter woman. Who wetly smiled before kissing his cheek.
"He was my second happy ending...when I didn't think I was gonna get another chance. And I know for sure I won't get a third. He was special. And he made me feel special."
"And you...were his." Kurt choked out. "Thank you for making...all of us happy." She wiped his eyes as he spoke. "I promise that he'll never leave our memories. I won't let that happen." She nodded again.
"C'mon, let's finish cleaning up. Your dad hated a filthy living room. Unless it's game night." Kurt laughed wetly as they made their way back downstairs. Things would never be the same again. This was gonna take a lot of adjusting.
"Are you sure you don't want to come to live with me and Jesse for a while in New York for some company? We'd gladly do the same when you need to clean up your apartment!" Rachel offered too excitedly through the computer screen.
"No...I didn't resign the lease. I need to go to a place with not so many memories. Mercedes and Sam offered me their guest room in California. I'm gonna live with them for the summer." Rachel nodded understandingly. Even though she missed her best friend. "I need to be away for awhile." The girl nodded again and signed off.
Kurt went online and searched for some close and cheap flights to L.A. He thanked the lucky stars that he saw one in about a few days to LAX airport. He purchased his ticket for one.
Kurt stood in the middle of John Glenn airport, getting a coffee and bagel for the flight to New York. He went through baggage claim and finally, he heard the words he needed to hear: "Attention Flight 321B to California will be departing shortly please make your way to the Gate. Again that is Flight 321B to California is departing."
And with that, Kurt got his suitcase and wheeled it behind him as he walked to the gate. He gave the lady his ticket before looking behind him and saying two final words. "Goodbye Ohio." Then got on the plane.