Old hangups and new beginnings

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Chapter 2

It's still a little weird for Kurt. Random showings of affection aren't uncommon coming from Puck. By now Kurt should be used to it, but it doesn't mean that he's at ease with them.

Finally Puck releases him from the hug, the movie completely forgotten. Instead he is curiously looking at him, "So what's the plan now?"

Kurt's a little taken aback; he'd thought it was clear, "Well, I'm obviously going!"

Puck's incredulous face shows him that he misread Puck's words, "Of course you are. I meant for celebrating? A party?"

Oh. He hadn't had time to think about it yet, "I don't know. Probably not. Maybe just with dad and Carole when they get back from Washington." And Finn if he doesn't decide to ignore him like Rachel is probably telling him to right now.

"Well obviously I can't have that. I mean, you can still have dinner with the folks, but a party is in order."

"Seriously, Puck. It's not that big of a deal."

"Dude. You don't want a party for getting into that fancy college of yours when I even get one for fucking graduating, which shouldn't even be that big of a deal."

"Thanks for inviting me by the way," he's only half-joking.

He regrets his choice of trying to change the subject the moment he sees Puck's face falling. The life as unpopular high school student coupled with the fact that he's the gay kid has naturally stopped him from being invited to any big parties. And it's not the first time he wasn't invited to one of Glee parties that the boys sometimes throw just for themselves. It doesn't surprise him anymore but it stings when the others talk about the bro-nights without realizing that Kurt is also a boy, especially since Blaine is a constant guest at those events.

"I didn't know. It was a surprise for me. I thought you had something better to do."

"I didn't, but it's okay."

"It's not okay." Puck tells him seriously.

Of course he's right. It's not okay.

"That's why I'm throwing you a party. And whoever didn't invite you to Puck's Super Graduation Party is not allowed to come."

"Puck's Super Graduation Party?"

"Don't laugh. I didn't name it. There was already a banner hanging when I arrived. I'm totally gonna make you one too. My sister has all that crafting shit I can use. I hope you like purple ponies."

After Kurt calms down from laughing Puck orders him to get him some paper and a pen so he can start prioritizing. For Puck the things that top the list are food and drinks. Only after that list is made can he move to the guest list, "Let's see if I have all the girls. 'Tana and Britt, Quinn, Mercedes, Rachel..."

"Rachel won't come."

"Huh, this year you were inseparable. Don't you want her there? She can be annoying and spotlight stealing but if we make sure to have a karaoke-machine in the other room she won't bother you."

"It's not that. Although that is a very good idea. She didn't get in and now she's mad at me."

"Why?"

"Because I'm going and she isn't." Kurt doesn't know if he can explain it more simply.

"It's not like you took her spot. And I don't know but it isn't that surprising, is it? From what I heard she really blew her audition."

"That's true but she also got the teacher to come listen to her at Nationals."

"By stalking her. Don't look at me like that, it so was stalking. I was just waiting to hear that Rachel was arrested for trespassing or breaking into that woman's house. A restraining order against Rachel wouldn't have been surprising."

Kurt has to admit that he was also surprised to see Madame Tibideaux turned up at Nationals. As Rachel's friend he was happy for Rachel. Obviously it was useless considering she wasn't accepted but the possibility was there. But he couldn't stop thinking about the other ones that choked at their audition and didn't get a second chance like Rachel because they weren't as adamant as her.

"Whatever. Rachel is mad and won't come. And Finn probably won't come either."

"He better be coming. Unless of course he planned my party. And then it won't be his decision to not come it will be ours."

Puck's enthusiasm is infectious. They are laughing and excessively planning a party that's nothing but imaginary; the real thing is probably just going to be a get-together with the Glee Club, some pizzas and soda.

"I'm fine with the balloons, the Cupcake Station and the petting zoo but I think we're too old for a bouncy castle." Puck's offended face just makes Kurt laugh even harder.

"You're never too old for a bouncy castle," Puck scowls at him which quickly turns into a smirk. "But if you want we can always hire a stripper."

Kurt feels himself blushing, "We're not hiring a stripper!"

"You're right, we don't have the money. But Sam might do it for free."

He's not sure if they should be joking about it. It's not like Sam is ashamed of it, but still.

"Unless you want the Puckster to do it?" Puck ask with an exasperate wiggling of his hips. "You know I got the moves."

"Oh God!"

It's only when Finn finally comes back from talking to Rachel that Kurt realizes how much time has passed.

Exhausted, Finn lets himself fall into the armchair after hugging and congratulating his little brother.

"So how's Rachel?" Kurt is still mad at her but also concerned, he does care for her even if her words stung.

"I don't even know. Disappointed I guess."

If that isn't an understatement Kurt's not sure what is.

"She kinda made it sound like it's your fault," Finn continues slowly. "It wasn't, right?"

Both Kurt and Puck must look furious since Finn almost immediately starts apologizing.

"I guess you didn't tell her about your army plans…" Puck wants to know once Finn stops assuring them that he is truly happy for Kurt.

Shortly after sending his application to the Actor's studio, Finn got the response that he missed the deadline and to try again next year. He was sad for a few days before deciding to enlist into the army. It's not like he'd even wanted to become an actor before Disco-week. Mr Schuester basically talked him into it. (And Kurt is in the wrong for criticizing the teacher, sure.) Kurt thought nobody outside of the family knew about it, but obviously Finn had told Puck.

"I didn't get to talk really." He admits sheepishly while rubbing his neck. "I think I'll give her a few days to calm down and then tell her."

"It's a better plan than telling her the day before you leave." No matter how many times Finn tries to assure him that it wasn't an actual plan Kurt knows that he'd meant it when he brought it up.

"Is it okay if I kinda side with Rachel while she's angry with you? Maybe she won't get as mad when I tell her then."

"Sure, whatever." Like that's going to work.

He stays with them in the living room for a few more minutes before he decides to try calling his dad again. But not without telling them to order some food; eating cereal the whole day can't be good for them and Kurt is in no mood to cook for them. Just when he's reaching the stairs he has to smile when he faintly hears Puck asking about the person responsible for planning his party.