Thank for all those who wrote reviews, your comments are much appreciated! It's been a while since I updated, and to be honest I was just so consumed with Klaine fanart, I have been doing a drawing a day ^^; and then watching Original Song on Tuesday, I just about melted into a puddle of fluff...anyways here is the next installment.
~k8y411
Chapter Three: Parents
Kurt struggles with the lies he tells his father, while Blaine can't help but fight with his mother.
Kurt was working in his father's shop, but this time on some jewelry, he actually enjoyed this task. He heard someone come in the room, but did not look up, footsteps found there way to him and he was suddenly embraced from behind in a hug of warmth. Kurt felt so safe so happy, he turned but could not see who it was, but he was not afraid. The young mystery man felt so familiar, like he had known him forever. Kurt allowed himself to be swept off his feet and dance around the room with the mystery man, until he just about melted into his arms he held them tightly smiling in a way he didn't think he could, he closed his eyes and sighed with happiness. He felt so warm, his face was becoming warmer by the minute, it suddenly got very bright, Kurt opened his eyes.
He was wrapped up tightly in his blankets, and the open window shined the rising sunlight onto his face. He moaned and pulled his covers over his head. He didn't have to go to work until much later in the day, but he was much to awake to stay in bed. He untangled himself from his blankets and went to close the window. The light pastels of the sky were slowly fading to blue, he could hear and see the birds flying around the sky and began to hum, and sing to himself.
(to the tune of A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes From Cinderella)
A dream is a wish your heart makes
hoping to come true
life is so full of heartache
so let dreams come over you
Kurt leaned out the window, feeling the wind on his face and in his hair, he then slowly closed the window and got ready as he continued to sing.
Have faith in yourself and someday
A rainbow will come shining through
No matter how the world is treating
you must keep on believing
a dream that you wish will come true
He sighed and glanced once more at the window, then left him room and headed down the stairs, he looked around suspiciously to see if his father was still here.
"Dad?"
No answer.
Kurt gave a small smile and went into the bathroom to clean his face and fix his hair. His father thought it was odd how clean Kurt kept himself, the rest of the boys in town, and sometimes Peyton were often messy and had some sort of dirt on them. Kurt had his hair the way he liked it, but knew he had to blend in. He admired himself for a second and then ran his hands through his hair so it looked like he just woke up. He made a face, and sighed.
"The things I do to fit in!" He tried to ignore the blandness of his clothing and left to go to work. As he passed the part of the path that led to Peyton's house, he counted to himself.
"Three, two...one" He heard a door slam and smiled. Peyton scrambled out of her house in a blur of the dark brown clothes she always wore.
"Damn it!" She ran and caught up to Kurt.
"Late as usual?"
"Oh shut up. I could run ahead and leave you to walk by yourself." Peyton looked like a mess, her hair was barely together in her low ponytail, her long sleeve white shirt was wrinkled, her pants dirty, and her jacket-like dress was on sideways. Kurt just stared at her. "I was joking, you know I'd rather walk with you than be with my step-mother."
Kurt shook his head. "You look absolutely horrible."
Peyton twisted around to see herself as best she could. "Ehh...so?"
Kurt face was serious. "I have let things slide with you before, but I will not let you go into town looking like this, especially since you work as a seamstress." He made her stop right there in the path.
"Aww, Kurt come on!"
"No." He shook his head and motioned to her dress "Why do you even bother wearing that over your other clothes, you don't need it, and you still can't put it on to save your life."
Peyton made a face at him, "If it looks like I am wearing a dress then, my step-mother won't give me a lecture. This is as close to a dress as I am ever gonna get. It is quite impossible to hunt to have any fun when confined to a dress."
Kurt rolled his eyes. "Just take it off."
Peyton knew there was no winning and the longer she took, the more yelling she would get from Dolores. She took off the belt that held most of the dress-like fabric on and undid her poor excuse for tying in the front. Kurt fixed her collar, sleeve cuffs and tied the corset-like part in the front properly and had Peyton put the belt back on. He smoothed out her fabric, Peyton was not amused, but was used to Kurt's obsession with clothes.
"Done?" Peyton smiled innocently.
Kurt folded his arms and looked at her head to toe. "Fix your hair and you'll be fine."
Peyton took out her hair and fixed it as they continued to walk and talk.
From a distance the infamous Dave, Azimio and their followers saw them and shook their heads at each other. They walked into town arguing quietly about Peyton and Kurt.
"Either he is, or they are dating. And I don't see a real reason for choosing her."
"No one in their right mind would want her."
"Exactly, Kurt, the mayor of fag town. We are going to have to do something about that."
"Do something about what?" A deeper, and strong voice interrupted them.
Dave and Azimio were right in front of the blacksmith's and Burt had overheard them.
"Umm..." They looked at each other, their followers stood in silence.
"What did you call my son?" Burt was angry but still calm, it didn't help that he also had a sword he was working on, in his hands.
Dave and Azimio didn't know what to do, confirm what they said or run.
"Hey! I am asking you a question." Burt had the sword in his hands, slowly raising it.
Peyton and Kurt walked down the road, Peyton walked off to the seamstress shop and Kurt ran up ahead just in time to here the rest of the argument.
Dave and Azimio got ready to run, "You heard us! He's a f-"
Burt lunged with the sword, they ran off scared.
"Don't you ever insult me or my son ever again, or this sword will find it's way to you!" Burt went back inside the shop. Kurt hid so he couldn't see him he was touched his father defend him, but couldn't stand the pain he could hear in his voice.
"I can't tell him...If I do, it'll just make it his burden too...I have to protect him..." Kurt sighed away the sadness and went to work. Burt was quieter than usual when Kurt came in.
"Hey dad."
Burt looked up at him. "Kurt? You don't have to be in until after lunch...it's a slow day today"
"I know, I was already awake and I walked with Peyton, she was supposed to start early."
"Oh" Burt turned away, then walked up to Kurt, sadness mixed with love in his eyes.
"Dad? You okay?"
Burt nodded. "You know you can tell me anything right?"
Kurt wouldn't return his gaze and sighed.
"Sure...dad"
"I'm serious Kurt. Know that I'll always love you no matter what."
Burt hugged Kurt, it took Kurt all of his strength to keep from crying.
"I love you too dad" He voice still broke a little.
When the hug ended Burt looked awkwardly at Kurt as he still tried not to cry. "What is this all about?"
Burt shook his head. "Just want to make sure you know" He cleared his throat. "So let's uh get to work."
Kurt nodded and went into the backroom in a hurry. Once he was out of his father's site, he leaned against the wall looking at the ceiling and let out a long sighed. He shook his head and wiped his face. "Ok, we're good." He let out another breath and looked at all the metal works on the table. His father came in and startled him.
"We can get a head start on some welding..."
Kurt nodded. He hated the stains metal left on his clothes and skin and how he reeked of metal for hours after, but he didn't really have a choice.
"Alright, let's get to work."
Kurt sang to himself, the noise of all their work kept his father from hearing him.
(To the tune of Happy Working Song from Enchanted)
Come and join the fun
as I try a happy little working song
let's hope it helps me move along
I have to roll my sleeve ups
get all covered in the metals
i find dirt so unsettle
-ing as I sing along
Peyton was overloaded with more work as punishment, for being late, but when at least she was alone in her sewing room. She sang to herself.
Measure, cut and sew a nice dress
from a pattern made by Dolores
I feel I'm stuck in a fortress
without an escape
even with a working song
As Kurt and Peyton worked, their voices merged together int song.
We keep singing to distract
us from the work we hate
Kurt held down some metal while his dad did the welding.
Welding to keep them intact
Peyton put her eye level with the sewing machine and closed one eye to look at the sewing job so far.
Making sure I'm sewing straight
Kurt and Peyton continued working.
Oh!
How we wish we could be working
in a different place than we are now
but our parents never will allow
such an absurd vow
so we sing our working song
hmmm
a happy working song
Oh how I wish I could be
Kurt walked outside to grab some of the scrap metal and looked to the sky.
The true and hidden me
my heart is crying
Kurt turned around to look at the shop, and Peyton looked around the room full of fabric.
Still as long as I'm stuck here
Peyton clenched her fists and danced little, neglecting her work.
I'll fight hard with my resilience
until it's dying
Dolores and Burt each caught Peyton and Kurt, not working. "Hey, keep sizing!"
They both quickly stopped and resumed working singing in their heads.
You get through a lot when you've got
a song to get your mind of work
especially when there are no perks
I despise each horrid task
on my list
I wish I wasn't his/her apprentice
this job for me is all wrong
Humming to avoid all the fancy tasks
but happy feeling doesn't last
Sing along
If you cannot sing then hum along
As we try to make a happy working song!
They continued their work for the rest of the day. Burt could tell something was up, and let Kurt leave early, they had got a lot of work done, and he could close up by himself. Kurt was too torn inside to argue so he went straight home. He wanted to get clean, his face and hands were covered in black and gray smudges and he could smell the sting of metal all around him. He was surprised to see light from Peyton's house this early. Peyton peeked her head out.
"Kurt!" she motioned for him to come over.
"Peyton? What?" he walked over to her. "Can I help you?"
"My dad said he wanted to talk to you and me at the same time."
Kurt's eyes widened and he put his hand to his mouth. "You don't think...?"
Peyton shook her head and shrugged. Kurt, nervous, walked inside with her.
"Ah Kurt, come, sit." Edgar offered him a chair.
"Can I ask what this is about?" Kurt took the seat, Peyton was next to him and they exchanged nervous glances.
"Out of everyone in this village, you two..."
Peyton and Kurt both stopped hearing what he was saying, they though he was calling them out as being together and Kurt was scared that he wouldn't believe him if he said they were just friends. The tuned back into what he was saying.
"So I have decided to take you both hunting, to see if either of you are qualified enough to be my apprentice."
Peyton let out a short sigh and laughed a little to herself. Kurt let out a nervous laugh, then what Edgar had said sank in.
"Wait. You are going to let me hunt!" Peyton was overly excited. Kurt thought for a while, I he went hunting maybe it would prove to the bullies that he wasn't gay, and keep his dad from having to deal with the insults, but he didn't want to be a hunter.
"With all due respect I am...content with my current apprenticeship, but I would...gladly try hunting..." Kurt was a good actor and Peyton stared at him with disbelief.
"Good." Edgar got up from his chair. "We will go tomorrow, early in the morning." I'll provide the weapons. Be ready before sunrise." With that he left.
Peyton jumped from her seat and squeezed Kurt. "Can you believe it!"
Kurt made a face and pushed her off. "I need to breath, thanks." He got up to go back home, and Peyton could feel the sadness in the air, her smile disappeared and stood in front of Kurt and looked him in the eye.
"Kurt, what's going on?"
Kurt shook his head. "Nothing...it's just...I have to do something to get Daz of my case."
Peyton smiled. "Like being an amazing hunter?"
"I have never even held a gun or shot an arrow or whatever else it is people use to kill things."
"But I have..."
Kurt's eyes widened in realization of what Peyton really meant. "Peyton...no."
She had a sad smile. "Hey he would never believe I could do it anyway. And if the bullies are off your back then I won't have to worry about saving your butt all the time."
"I'm going to ignore the last part of that comment." Kurt hugged her. "Stop doing all this stuff for me."
"Why? You deserved to be happy to. If we can't get the town to accept who you are, we'll just have to make them think you are acceptable." She smiled.
Kurt nodded. "Someday we are gonna get out of here and do what we want, no matter what people say, even if it means we have to run. Promise you'll come with?"
"Promise." Peyton looked out the window. "It's getting dark, lets go to sleep, we have to be up early to hunt, and you have to tell your dad."
"Right..."
Kurt turned to leave Peyton's house, before he closed the door he looked back and smiled. "Thanks, Peyton."
Blaine hadn't left his room for a day. Whenever he thought he couldn't feel any worse, something had to prove him wrong. He had told his mother and the servants that he was sick and didn't want to be disturbed, surprisingly they let him be. He only wished it would last longer, after one full day of being sick, his mother would come in, with a range of doctors to cure him. He knew from experiences that he could only fake sickness for twenty four hours maximum. He spent all day reading
"Henry and Danielle", or just lying like a lump in his bed, his only company, Pavarotti. Eventually Cora came to see him.
"Blaine! Please talk to me?"
Blaine didn't answer.
"You have been in there for a day. I just want to know you are ok. You did say that you missed the ways things were. Remember when we actually talked to each other? Blaine!"
Blaine didn't like the way things ended last time they spoke, and Cora was the only one who had potential to figure out what was really going on with him, so he tried to distance himself from her.
"Just go away!"
"Blaine I know you aren't sick let me in or I will tell mother!" Cora didn't want to take this route but she wanted to talk to him, he was, after all, her brother and she did care for him. Blaine groaned and opened the door without saying anything, Cora came in and found Blaine hiding under his covers.
"Blaine please tell me what is going on. Mom isn't gonna listen, dad is never here, and Pav doesn't respond back, you need someone to talk to."
Blaine wanted to yell at her, but she was right. "Ugh..." He surfaced from his covers. "What do you want me to say?"
"Tell me what is going on with you, I want us to act like siblings again. I miss my big brother."
Blaine didn't know what to say, he couldn't tell her the truth.
"I can't. Thank you for your concern, but I have to deal with this on my own."
"Deal with what?" Cora pulled on his covered revealing more of his face.
"None of your business!" Blaine threw off the covers and stomped his way to the other side of the room.
"What is going on with you?" Cora was startled and pushed the covers back onto his bed. "What happened that has made you so angry?"
Blaine groaned and grumbled, he couldn't say what was on his mind. He wanted to scream that he was gay and stuck in this marriage code and in the castle, stuck living a life planned out for him stuck being someone he was not, stuck hiding behind this Prince he was supposed to be, but he couldn't.
"You wouldn't understand." Blaine talked through his clenched teeth, rage simmering in his voice.
"Blaine I understand almost everything, try me."
"I can't."
"Blaine what is the big deal that you cannot or will not tell me?"
"I CAN'T! Okay!" Blaine pushed her towards the door, that was now open.
"I can't be here! I can't stand it here! I just CAN'T! So stop trying to help! There is NOTHING you can do!" Blaine's voice was so loud the entire castle could practically hear him. Cora's eyes were on the brink of tears, she turned and ran off, without another word. Before Blaine had a chance to cool off Olivia showed up at his door. Blaine had exploded, he didn't have his filter.
"Go away mother!"
"Excuse me? Did I hear you right? You can't stand it here? Where on earth could possibly be better than here." Her tone of disapproval only added to Blaine's anger. He turned to window and tried to calm himself, but his mother never gave him a break.
"Answer me Blaine."
Blaine eye's might as well have been red, "Out there!" he pointed, "Out there away from all of this! I'd give everything I have to live out here amongst the peasants you despise so much!" Blaine was panting, part of him was upset that he was fighting with his mother, but most of him was just angry.
"Out there?" Again she spoke with the snobbish tone of disapproval. She looked out the window in disgust and sang with slight anger and a scolding tone.
(To the tune of Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid)
You may think the grass is greener,
out past the warbler lake
You dream about going out there
but that is a big mistake
Just look at the wealth around you
right here on the castle floor
Such luxurious things around you
what more are you looking for?
Blaine retaliated singing loud with rage.
Freedom to be
be truly me
out past the kingdom
I will find freedom
to be me
In the castle I rot away
I'd love to get out of here today
while you grow old here
drowning in gold here
I want to be free!
Olivia shook her head at him, no son of hers would run off to live with peasants.
In here all of us are happy
content with the way things are
it's you and your imperfection
that causes his constant spar
you should realize how lucky
you are to have this fate
some peasants out in the village
don't even have food on their plate
Blaine tried his hardest to ignore her, but it was no use, she kept lecturing.
You'll never be free
free from me
I am your mother
like no other
listen to me
Out there they'll eat you alive
in the castle you will survive
things are at peace here
learn to exist here-
Blaine had to make his point out loud even if his mother would ignore, he needed to hear himself say it again.
I want to be free
free to be me!
life isn't sweet here
I feel incomplete here
listen to ME
with all the lectures that you give
you never hear how i must live
I can't survive here
I'm going to die here
let me be free!
Blaine felt slightly better after voicing some of his pain, but the anger was still there. Olivia was not convinced he understood.
"Free, Blaine? You have more things than anyone could ever ask for!"
"Yet I would give them all up just so I could-" Blaine had to stop himself, he couldn't let anything slip.
"So you could what?" Olivia folded her arms.
Blaine sighed "I don't want to get married, or got to that stupid ball!"
Olivia refused to belief what he said. "What? Oh this is just a phase, cold feet, pre-king jitters, You'll get over it." She was so deep in denial that he could have threatened to kill himself and she wouldn't have noticed.
Blaine shook his head. "Oh forget it! You'll never understand."
"Understand what? I was your age once."
Blaine scoffed to himself, "Just because you were once my age doesn't mean you had to deal with the same things I do. Did you ever want to fun away from it all, mother?"
"Now listen here, Blaine, you will stay in this castle, find a bride and be married by the ball and that's final! No more talk of peasants or leaving!" Olivia stormed off. Blaine slammed the door behind her and paced around the room.
"Pav, I can't take it anymore. I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna run away." Blaine went into his giant closet and grabbed a boring and dull bag. He went around his room collecting things to pack. After the bag was full, Blaine had cooled off a little. He grabbed the last thing he wanted to bring, the book "Henry and Danielle" He felt a connected with the character Henry. Also a Prince Henry would run away from the castle every chance he got and roam the kingdom as a peasant, but every time he would get capture by the palace guard. Blaine looked at his bag.
"Oh who I am I kidding? I'll get caught before I even get out of the city." Blaine picked up one of the old maps he was going to bring with him. It was the dated map, one of the few that still labeled New Lima, but Blaine didn't notice the tiny village, instead he looked at Westerville. There was a large Lake in Westerville surrounded by forests.
"Warbler Lake." Blaine looked at Pavarotti in his cage. He remembered finding Pavarotti as a young chick. It was back when he and his family still used the summer home right near Warbler Lake, but there was no time for travel anymore. He remembered playing in the lake with Cora, back when things were simple. He had found Pavarotti injured and without a mother, he brought him back to the palace and alone nursed him back to health, Blaine had always planned and returning him to the lake, but they grew attached to each other. He looked at Pavarotti in his cage.
"Oh Pav, here I am always complaining about freedom, when I keep you locked up in a cage." He looked at the map. "Well, I may not run away, but I can get a day vacation right?" Pav chirped back at him. "Get ready Pav, I'm gonna take you back home."