A/N: Wow. It's been a while. Hello everyone. How are you all? Please don't hate me! I'm sorry I took so long, but medical stuff has been happening that I won't bore you with- if you want to learn about it, PM me and I'll be happy to discuss. Until then, please believe me when I say I'm sorry for the massive delay, but I have a lot of episodes and plans coming up! :)

Also, a huge thank you to Iman for being a fabulous beta for this chapter- go check out her story 'Argument' at ABCaseasyas123.

Kurt was looking out of the window of the choir room as the rest of the group chatted around him. He kept his eyes peeled, staring at the unsuspecting students passing by. He hoped it would be a fairly ordinary day; however he knew there was still a chance and it paid to recognise faces. Then Mr. Schuester came in and his attention was diverted, sinking into a chair besides Mercedes.

"Bad news guys." He announced. "Puckerman's in juvie." He announced.

Various snorts and exclamations of vague surprise were met with this statement. "It was only a matter of time." Tina shrugged.

Privately, Kurt agreed, but he sighed and spoke up regardless, a need to do set deep within. "We don't know that Tina." He reminded her. "Puck may be a supposed 'bad ass'" He etched in quotation marks. "But we shouldn't judge."

"Even if our suspicions turned out to be true?" Mercedes commented dryly.

"Even then. Because they could just have easily been false." Kurt nodded.

"Jeez Kurt, when were you so friendly with Puckerman?" Finn demanded.

Kurt wrinkled his nose. "I'm not. I just don't see the point in hating anyone blindly, particularly when they can't defend themselves." He shot back, making most protesters fall silent.

"What did he even do anyway?" An incredulous Quinn demanded.

"He drove his mom's Volvo into a convenience store and made off with the ATM." Mr. Schuester admitted wearily, causing pity to flash through Kurt. Leading people wasn't easy, and having a rebellious charge must be hell.

"A-And when is he getting out?" Rachel asked.

Mr. Schue looked serious. "Unknown."

"He must be the dumbest person in the world." Brittany giggled. "And that's coming from me." She smiled.

"Guys! Let's have some sympathy?" Mr. Schuester requested, Kurt nodding along and Mercedes tilting her head in understanding.

"What? For a guy who put his needs before the team's?" Finn demanded in outrage. Kurt fought back an eye roll, folding his arms and giving Finn a look of disdain even as the other boy opened his mouth to carry on. "We need his voice and his badboy stage presence!"

"Because I'm sure Puck's top priority was our competition. I mean, I know I don't do anything without thinking about Glee club." Kurt muttered sarcastically to himself.

"What exactly are you saying?" Finn asked, rounding on Kurt.

Kurt raised a defensive hand. "Nothing. Only...have you ever considered not everything involves Glee? I mean, sure, what Puck did was wrong, and yes it's left us in a tight spot, but are you even considering what he must be thinking, feeling, or going through?" Kurt reasoned as Santana and Brittany exchanged a secretive smile, opening their link to converse.

He's gonna be great someday.

"What are you saying?" Finn repeated, frowning intently.

"I'm just saying maybe we should all listen to Mr. Schue and try a little sympathy? Has anyone considered how Puck would feel if he heard all this? Or how he's feeling now?" Kurt asked at large as the room fell silent, though many glowered at him from their seats. Kurt sat back and averted his gaze, a hollow feeling settling in the pit of his stomach.

"Kurt has a point, and I'm glad he made it." Mr. Schuester went on. "Because, we-we can't look at this as a-a crisis! We need to look at this as an opportunity!"

"For what?" Quinn cut across sharply. "Further embarrassment and humiliation?"

"For welcoming our new member...Sam Evans!" Mr. Schuester announced happily, pointing to the door. A blond boy entered, smiling at them.

Kurt felt Santana's voice float through his mind. Reckon he's half trout?

Nah, we'd notice the gills. Though I admit, he's got the pout down to perfection.

Santana bit back a laugh.

Kurt sat back and appraised the boy as he entered, listening as he introduced himself somewhat awkwardly. Finn eagerly stood up and clapped him on the back before he was guided to a chair. Mr. Schuester started talking duets happily; Brittany continuing her usual commentary, but Kurt kept an eye on Sam, brow furrowed as he raked his eyes over the blond. Something was bothering him, but he just couldn't quite put his finger on it. Then Mercedes nudged him.

"He's on team Gay." Kurt whispered. "No straight boy does his hair to look like Linda Evangelista circa 1993." He lied, beating down a cringe.

"You're crazy." Mercedes muttered back. "Circa 2010." She corrected and he smiled, relief sweeping through him at the response as he unclenched his hands from their grip around the plastic chair, wincing at the finger shaped dents left behind.

However, Santana had caught his staring. Something you want to tell us?

Not exactly...I'm just getting a strange vibe from this guy. I mean, he's human, but there's something...different about this one. I can't quite place it.

Think he could be useful?

Don't know. I'd need to get closer to find out.

Duets?

Got it in one. Take care of Mercedes for me?

Naturally.

Thank you.

After their next class- History, one of the few Kurt had to pay attention in- Kurt approached the other boy. Stopping at the end of the hallway, he frowned carefully at him, head cocked a little and lips pursed before taking a deep breath, nodding to himself, and approaching. "Hi," He greeted, sticking out a hand and feeling a little awkward when the guy just stared at it. Wasn't this how people greeted one another here? "I'm Kurt Hummel." He introduced himself calmly. "And I just wanted to personally welcome you into the Glee club." He promised.

"Right...thanks." Sam muttered, looking down at his locker.

"Just tell me." He demanded abruptly, keeping up the eye contact. Maybe he could usurp the boy's confidence... but Sam just looked confused. "Look, I have three gifts: My voice, my ability to spot trends in men's fashion and..." He paused to wait for a reaction. None came, so he changed tactic. "And my ability to tell when it comes from a bottle." He added, looking at the poorly concealed dye job.

"I don't dye my hair dude." Sam denied quickly, as satisfaction and success burned inside Kurt.

"Yes you do." He countered easily. "But it's just between friends."

"Okay," Sam drawled, drawing out the 'a' sound. "I'm going to go because you're kind of freaking me out." He admitted, walking off.

Kurt fought down a grin. "Okay, wait, wait! Maybe my instincts were a little...off." He conceded. "Let me make it up to you! Team up with me for the duet competition." He suggested. Sam began to protest so he overrode them quickly. "Look, unless you team up with Rachel I am your best bet." He assured the boy.

"But, aren't duets supposed to be between a girl and a guy?"

"Well Gene Kelly and Donald O'Conner would protest." He smiled, very proud that he'd remembered correctly. Sam just looked confused. "Make Em Laugh? Singing in the Rain? 1952!" He exclaimed, rattling off the trivia he knew. Then he spotted a flash of dark skin and darker hair out of the corner of his eye. "Okay maybe you are straight."

"What?"

"Nothing! Look, rent it and then look up the menu for BreadstiX online then call me because we are going to win this!" He promised, gesturing between them and passing Finn on his way. Kurt felt somewhat satisfied as he sat down in his English class. At least this mystery was one he could solve quickly. And hopefully without having to engage in a fight- he was still sore from the weekend prior.

"Yo, dude, can I talk with you?" Finn asked as Kurt made his way to the cafeteria after class.

Kurt sighed and turned to face him. He was tired, cranky, and fed up already with the school. "Okay Finn, we can talk. But call me dude again and I swear to God I'll break your nose." Kurt threatened sweetly, taking the taller teen aback.

"Yeah...okay." Finn agreed warily. "Anyway, you need to pull out of the duet competition." He announced.

"What, why?"

"Because Sam can't be seen singing with you." He shrugged.

Kurt's jaw dropped open at the offensive statement. "Well that's for Sam to decide, not you." He sniffed, tilting his nose up into the air and brushing past the other boy, suppressing a groan when the tall teenager followed. Finn stalked after him as he entered the cafeteria.

"You can't do this to him." He ordered firmly.

"Once again, you are overreacting." Kurt dismissed, brushing off the other boy as he began picking up his lunch.

"Dude if you sing this duet with him you're painting a massive bullseye on his back." Finn warned him with such a serious expression Kurt almost laughed in his face.

Instead he just rolled his eyes and continued getting his lunch. "Once again, your closeted homophobia rises to the surface like the contents of a cracked cesspool."

"Don't give me that!" Finn argued back. "Look, I know I shouldn't have used that word in your basement but it wasn't like you were innocent." He argued back. Kurt flinched. "Look, I really like you Kurt but the fact of the matter is...the way you were all over me...if I did that to a girl I would have had a restraining order."

"You have issues with me being gay." Kurt responded in a clipped voice, willing his anger not to pool over and give Finn a piece of his mind. With his fists.

"No, I have issues with the fact you don't understand no means no." Finn retorted, a glint in his eyes as though he was above Kurt. And it was that glint that made Kurt snap.

"Okay Finn, truth time." Kurt snapped, slamming his tray down and drawing a few looks from surrounding students. "I don't know what crazy reality you've cooked up in your head, but let me make this clear: I never had a crush on you." He stated slowly, drawing the words out in his anger. Around his arms, his magic threatened to bubble over, skin prickling even as he ploughed on. "Get that? I never hit on you. Ever."

"Dude, you were all over me!"

"No, I wasn't! You just thought I was because according to you I'm a creepy predator!" Kurt hissed back. He took a deep breath: "What was really going on was, I attempted to talk to you multiple times, and when I got turned away, tried a new tactic. Because, back then, you were one of the only guys who was even remotely decent to me!" He said angrily, stepping forwards and poking Finn in the chest. Satisfaction burned at Finn's wince and the way he rubbed at his chest. "Because believe it or not, I'm a guy too! And I actually wanted the chance to talk to someone who didn't have two X chromosomes!"

Finn frowned at him, momentarily sidetracked. "What's a chromosome?"

Kurt gave him an unimpressed glare. "Girls, Finn. I meant girls." He clarified. "I was only ever 'all over you' because I wanted a friend. Or at the very least, another guy I could hang out with without fear of being beaten up or tossed in a dumpster!" He concluded. "I never wanted to date you! So stop pretending that I ever did, just because you want to use it as an excuse for your behaviour!"

"Kurt...dude...I-I..." Finn hung his head. "I never thought of it that way. I guess I thought...I dunno..."

"That's just it, you didn't think. Because your stupid homophobia automatically makes me some creepy gay who preys on people like you." He shook his head and turned away. "And for the record? You are in no way my type." He assured Finn. Finn still looked determined and the animosity was still rolling off him. Kurt just sighed, moving away and picking up his tray once more, fight leaving him. "I just want to sing with him."

Finn held his hands up in frustration before going after him. "Then you don't give a damn about any of us." Finn shrugged, missing how Kurt's hands tightened on the tray. "Because if he sings with you, I guarantee he'll take so much crap, he'll have to quit Glee club." Finn promised.

"Look, what you're doing right now? It's bullying!" Kurt snapped.

"It's honesty." Finn shot back. "Because dude? You're not exactly inconspicuous. Face it, the guy'll probably be bullied just for being seen with you." He shrugged. "I'm not saying I like it, but it's the truth." He walked away from Kurt, feeling a small sense of satisfaction and missed the sight of Santana gaping at him. "Your call, dude." He finished, leaving Kurt angry and a little upset. Saddened, Brittany and Santana exchanged a look before the blonde girl went over.

"Kurt...ignore him." She whispered.

"I'm going to go train." Kurt whispered back. "Alone." He added as she tried to speak. Brittany closed her mouth and watched as Kurt left the cafeteria with his head bowed, shoulders shaking and fists crackling. "I need to hit something." He muttered to himself, already headed to the auditorium. The moment the cafeteria doors swung shut, Brittany hurried back to Santana.

"We need to sort that out." Brittany opened up with as she pulled Santana outside as well. "Finn's said way too much awful stuff about Kurt and, latent homophobia aside; he needs to learn that messing with Kurt has consequences." She growled, face darkening.

Santana nodded an agreement. Her face was set in a scary scowl as she glared over at the quarterback. "Yeah, I'm tired of his bullshit." She concurred. "If he had it his way Kurt would probably end up doing a duet alone."

"What are you talking about?" Sam Evan's voice cut in, the two girls turning to see him walking forwards with confusion etched onto his face. "He's doing a duet with me...right?" He checked, eyeing the two girls.

Santana and Brittany exchanged a look before Santana went and looped her arm through the blond boy's, smiling at him, all teeth and eyes glittering with intent. "Let's go somewhere private so I can properly explain the situation and the idiot that is Finn Hudson to you..."

Kurt climbed up on the roof of McKinley. He let out a light trill and Zendric fluttered down from a nearby telephone wire, affectionately pecking at his hand before resting on his knee. The blue jay cocked his head upon seeing Kurt's sad expression. The bird jumped up and down on Kurt's knee in concern.

"I'm not doing so well currently, but I will be alright." He promised. "A human boy has just...irked me somewhat. He believes that, due to my affections being solely for men, that should I sing with another boy he'll receive brutal treatment from his peers." Kurt rubbed a hand over his face. "His words hurt...even if he is just an Earth human. And what with my Dad being so ill that I cannot risk telling him my secret...I'm just stressed." He explained to the bird. Zendric's head drooped before he hopped up Kurt's leg and dragged open his jacket so he could flutter into the pocket. "At least I have you, my trusty friend." He smiled as the bird preened, fluffing his feathers. Kurt sighed, stretching out on the roof. His eyes grew sad. "I have to leave this place one day. Go back home. Go back to a place I've not seen in so, so long...it just makes me wonder where my true home is. I have so many expectations." He chuckled. "Here most of the people who share my age wish for these cars or bikes or mobile phones. I get entire species put under my protection and guidance." He sighed again, head drooping. "I just want an easy life. A life where I could be like most of these humans, or even like the commoners amongst my people. However, it is what it is, I suppose." He pushed himself to his feet, looking over longingly at the forest in the distance. "Back to work, I suppose. Back to work."

"What the hell Kurt?" Finn demanded, striding up to the confused boy. Kurt was changing out his books in his locker as the football player approached. "Was it your plan to turn Sam against me?"

"What are you blathering on about now Finn?" Kurt asked wearily.

"You telling Sam that I'm a 'homophobic neander...neander...idiot'!" He snapped. "You know damn well that's not true!"

Kurt slammed the locker door with a bit more force than intended, ending up leaving a slight dent in it. "Listen Finn, I don't know what's gone down between you and Sam, but I'll tell you right now: I haven't spoken to him since we were in the corridor. And for the record, you are homophobic. You just refuse to admit it."

"Shut up!" Finn snarled. "I'm no way like that- like the other guys on the team!"

"Aren't you?" Kurt demanded, turning to face the taller boy fully. "You demand I stop singing this duet with Sam because I'm 'painting a bullseye on his back'. You tell me that it would be my fault if he got hurt, because of who I am. Because I'm gay. You're right; you're not like the others on the football team. You aren't physically abusive because I'm gay; you're emotionally and mentally abusive. You tell me that because I'm gay I'm a predator. I can't want friends who are guys because it means I'm crushing on them. Well you know what Finn? You can believe you're not just as big of a homophobe as the rest of the school, but deep down, you are." He shook his head. "And I'm not going to stop and conform to your demands just because what I want and who I am don't suit your ideas of the world." He spat angrily.

"Dude, for once will you just do as you're told?" He almost shouted in Kurt's face.

"And for once learn you're not the ultimate form of justice!" Kurt nearly screamed back. "Contrary to your own belief Finn, you are not the guiding light you think you are, and forgive me, but I don't remember making you Supreme Ruler of this town, so whatever you think you can make me do: Think. Again." Kurt spat.

"You're setting him up for hell Kurt!"

"Then maybe you should try stopping the bullying for a change, instead of just turning a blind eye to it!" Kurt snapped, fuming, and left abruptly when it became clear Finn had nothing to say in response.

Kurt arrived early for his meet up with Sam in the auditorium. His skin had been itching all day, and with the way Finn had been riling him up he needed to burn off some steam somehow. Shifting a little so he was in his taller form and letting his ears morph to their true shape in order to sharpen his hearing in time for the blond boy's impending arrival, Kurt spent some time practicing his kicks and twists, eyes narrowed into blue slits as he jumped, using the piano as leverage for a high jump that let him use a roll to absorb shock. As he did so, he picked up a nearby music stand and twirled it as a make-do weapon, jabbing and slicing as if it were his sword, aware that any object could be used as a weapon depending on if you had the correct skill set.

He became totally immersed in his thoughts as he went through the motions of battle, ignoring the world around him deliberately as he let his body move of its own accord, sliding through each new position with confidence and grace. As he let his body move, his mind wandered.

Aladorn.

He knew so little and yet so much at once. It wasn't the first time he'd found himself thinking of his impending destiny, but recently it had begun to weigh on his shoulders more than ever. The idea of going up against the warlord was utterly terrifying, even more than the idea of one day becoming King. Could he do it? Could he beat such a fearsome opponent? He could fight off most things: demons, vampires, shifters, warlocks, the animal hybrids, plain old humans. He could use his skills to defeat other hybrids, the part breeds and the mixed races. At a push he could take on the strongest of hybrids, those with powerful blood lines. But Aladorn? He wasn't so sure. How could he hope to match someone like that? Someone so brutal and merciless? Someone who wasn't afraid to plunder and pillage? Someone who had no conscience at all?

Kurt swiped through the air with his foot.

He was the one who'd established the idea of the travel between worlds. Not even the King had been able to do that. He was so powerful. Next to Aladorn, Kurt wasn't sure he could do it. He felt fear creep into his blood. Death would be the easiest of blessings. He knew there was a strong chance of torture, of eternal pain, or of becoming enslaved to the evil warlord, maybe even being rendered a mindless servant to him. Kurt was sure he'd rather take a thousand years of humiliation and degrading at the hands of the Earth humans than face such a fate. Every time he considered facing his ultimate enemy, all he wanted to do was run and hide. To rush off to the farthest corner and hide himself away.

But what would happen if he did?

To Brittany? To Santana? To the kids of McKinley? To people like Sue Sylvester or Will Schuester or Emma Pillsbury? To the whole population of the planet? He'd seen the maps, there were so many of them...so many that could have their lives torn apart...and he was painfully aware of the way Aladorn treated the unsuitable...

Kurt bit his lip and tried to hold back tears, forcing his memories down as he swung the music stand angrily, movements growing slightly sloppy until he rectified his mistakes. He sighed, trying to focus on his battle skills again, wondering just how much longer he had until his day of reckoning. Suddenly he was snapped out of his revere. He'd been so absorbed in his thoughts he'd missed the sound of approaching footsteps. Alarmed, he swung around, brandishing his makeshift weapon- to see Sam staring at him with wide eyes.

"Dude..." He breathed, eyes huge. "That was epic!" He exclaimed. Kurt lowered the stand, eyes wary. "You were like, totally badass, just swooping around with the stand..." He trailed off, suddenly going quiet as he tilted his head, brows pulling together as he studied Kurt. Kurt felt uneasy and shuffled, scuffing the toe of his shoe against the ground. "Dude, you almost look like...you're him! Holy shit, you're him!" Sam exclaimed.

Kurt was now utterly confused. "Wait, I'm who?"

"Man, you're him! You're that guy! The White Flash." He breathed. Sam dropped his back to the floor and began searching through it, eagerly pulling a magazine out and brandishing it triumphantly before presenting it to Kurt who paled rapidly. "It's all over the internet: You're the guy who's been going out and stopping all these random attacks over Ohio." He enthused as Kurt studied the pages with barely concealed panic. He felt some modicum of calm seep into him when he saw all the pictures were blurry and none had a clear view of him, only his usual outfit and sword obvious due to their pale colour, but it seemed they never got him when he wasn't on the move so they were constantly out of focus. Beside the pictures were artists impressions of him and he could see that, whilst a couple of aspects were bordering on accurate, mostly it wasn't right.

Kurt shook his head and handed the magazine back, a sinking feeling running through him as he caught a glance of his elongated and more toned arms. "Sorry, those aren't me." He dismissed.

"But dude, it's on all the conspiracy theory websites-!"

"Exactly: the clue is in the name. Conspiracy theory." Kurt enunciated, turning away and setting down the stand properly. He had to think of a way to change back without Sam realising. Shaking his head slightly, he walked away and ducked to pick up his bag, smoothly transitioning his ears down as he shrunk an inch or so. Straightening up with some sheet music, Kurt turned back to Sam with an understanding smile. "Sam, trust me, I'm really not that Flash character." He assured the boy when he noticed the still suspicious face.

"But...the photos..."

Kurt laughed, waving his hand at the glossy pages. "Sam, anyone could take those pictures. Photoshop is a marvellous thing these days. Besides," He looked over the images again. "All these photos show him on the move, and I only run when it involves Azimo or Karofsky trying to pummel me."

Sam's eyebrows shot up into his hairline. "Does that happen often?" He asked, giving Kurt a perfect in.

"Unfortunately, yes. Those boys don't like me because I'm gay and feel a need to 'beat the straight' into me. It's why I took up martial arts." He explained with a tight smile. "I keep it under wraps so I can use it in emergency. Which is why I practice alone at times like that..."

"So no one will ever know." Sam finished. Kurt nodded, twisting his features into a saddened expression. "Dude, I won't say anything. In my old school, one of my best friends was gay. He went through some crap too, and I understand you want something held back so you can defend yourself." He shrugged and shuffled in embarrassment. "Sorry about that...Flash thing too, I guess. It's just, I think he's really cool going out and defending these people and I just hoped it was you so maybe I could help people out a bit better."

"It's fine. But honestly, I really am just an ordinary kid like you." He promised with a smile, eyes firmly trained on Sam's. "Besides," He smiled a little wider. "That outfit's a little crazy even for me." He joked.

He's a conspiracy nut. We're going to have to be careful if we want to get past him. He's already tried to pick me up for being non-human.

Wow. Understood. I'll pass the message onto Brittany.

Thanks. Also, apparently there are websites dedicated to us. We need to shut them down, fast. I'll meet you later tonight to sort it.

Gotcha.

Kurt locked his end of the link again and smiled at Sam. "So...you want to do this duet then?" He asked. "It's okay if you do want to back out; I know how bad your reputation could be ruined."

Sam snorted. "You mean Finn has told you to say that." He corrected as Kurt looked at him in surprise. "Santana and Brittany told me how he's always had it in for you because you're gay. Seriously, he's a real loser if he thinks being gay is a problem. I'm singing with you dude, and that's that." He stated firmly.

Kurt smiled warmly. "Thanks." He promised. "Oh, and by the way," His smile turned wry. "You can relax about any unwanted feelings. I really don't see you that way."

"Good. Well, not good, but yeah." Sam trailed off. "So, what are we singing then?" He asked, walking over to Kurt and throwing an arm over his shoulders as they peered down at the music together.

After a successful rehearsal with Sam- who'd declared them 'bros' upon leaving, a term Kurt didn't quite understand but rolled with anyway- Kurt hurried home in his Navigator. Opening the door he went over to his Dad and hugged him tightly.

"Hey bud, how was school?" He enquired.

Kurt smiled and went to start dinner. "Good. It was good. Surprisingly. Might even have made a new friend." He admitted upon arrival, dumping his car keys in a bowl on his way to the kitchen.

Burt perked up at that. "Really?"

"Yep." Kurt agreed, popping the p as he started cooking. "Oh, and I'm going to be out tomorrow evening. I'm staying over at Brittany's house."

"You mean that blonde chick I found you with in the basement?" He asked.

Kurt sighed, closing his eyes in frustration. He remembered that incident all too well. He'd stuck up a sign saying he was 'busy with a girl' in hopes of keeping his dad away whilst he and Brit worked on self defence, helping the less capable Brittany learn to defend herself. When showing her how to keep an opponent pinned down they'd heard Burt coming down and, in a moment of sheer panic to hide Kurt's obviously angular and not-quite-human face, Brittany had let her hair down and slammed their mouths together as the door opened. "That was a onetime thing, Dad. But yes, that was Brittany. We're...we're going to go shopping together in...Columbus."

"Oh. Okay." Burt shrugged. "I'm glad you're making friends." He smiled. "I know you've been feeling isolated recently."

Kurt looked down, a bashful smile on his face as he stayed silent, preparing the dinner in silence as he readied it to be brought to his Dad. They remained in a companionable silence as Kurt cooked, Kurt thinking over all the moments he had spent like this with his real family, doing something simple and comfortable with each other. He couldn't recall one. Allowing himself a second of mourning once more, he wrenched himself from his thoughts and loaded Burt's food onto a tray.

"Here we are!" He announced, gracefully walking into the room and setting the tray in front of the man. "First course is served: Heart healthy vegan carrot soup with wholegrain croutons." He revealed with a flourish despite Burt's unimpressed face. "And you'd better eat all of it. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find saffron around here?" He asked rhetorically, sighing to himself even as he complained to Burt. He'd quickly discovered upon arrival that certain things they had an abundance of back home weren't as common over on Earth, a fact that irked him to no end.

"Here, let me eat this at the table. You can make a plaster cast of my ass from these cushions." He complained, already trying to get up as Kurt brought some flowers in, their scent comforting and soothing to his heightened senses. Which was what tipped him off to the fact his Dad was nowhere near ready to be moving about quite yet.

"Absolutely not." He denied, sitting down and placing some pillows behind Burt's back. "I am in charge of taking care of you, and trust me, this is what you need." He tried to placate. "You've had a serious arrhythmia Dad; the doctor said you need to rest until your stress test." He reminded the man firmly.

"You're my stress test." Burt grumbled half heartedly. Kurt sighed, head bowed slightly and cracking a half smile as Burt rightly guessed he was not allowed any salt.

"Dad...I know I'm overbearing at times." Kurt admitted softly, helping tuck a napkin into his Dad's collar. "But please trust me that I'm only doing it because I care." He let out a heavy breath, closing his eyes momentarily and missing the concerned look on Burt's face. "I get that sometimes I hover too much, but...you're one of the only things I have left. One of the only things I really, really need to keep going. I've done my research and it's not like I've not dealt with stuff like this before I mean, remember Marie in fourth grade?" He prompted as Burt inclined his head. The human man was unaware that the supposed sick little girl Kurt had taken to looking after was actually one of his people who'd fallen prey to a violent attack and needed his help for recovery, but the point still stood. "I just...I want you safe."

Burt nodded, spooning soup into his mouth. "I know. And...I guess if I could have anyone take care of me, I'd only ever want you." He admitted. Kurt smiled weakly and, setting the bowl down on his lap, Burt placed a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "I get this has been hard for you too...probably even harder than it's been for me...it's just difficult being taken care of by your son, when I'm supposed to be the one that takes care of you."

Kurt's eyes turned soft. "You do, Dad. Just by being here. By being here, and listening to me, and...and putting up with all my crazy." He felt his throat close up slightly. "For loving me for who I am." He whispered. "But-But I need to take care of you right now. It's all I can do and-!"

"Bud, it's okay." Burt soothed, watching Kurt visibly relax. He missed the lamp flicker in the corner. "I get it. And, so long as I'm stuck like this, you can carry on. Just, tone down the mothering, yeah?" He requested and Kurt nodded. Satisfied, Burt picked up the bowl and spoon again and carried on eating. "So, how was school really?" He asked knowingly.

Kurt sighed. "Okay, I guess. As good as it'll ever be." He paused, trying to gage his Dad's reaction. "There's a new boy that joined Glee today." He admitted. Burt made a noise of interest. "His name's Sam." He went on at the curious look. "He and I are singing a duet together."

Burt turned back to the soup. "Is that a problem?"

Kurt looked away, remembering he still had to play a part, even if the man beside him was the closest thing he had to real family, Brittany and Santana excluded. He pondered his words for a second. "Finn practically begged me not to." He settled on. "Said it would ruin Sam's reputation."

"And this kid Sam...he play for your team?"

"Undetermined." Kurt admitted with a shrug.

He nodded. "Maybe Finn has a point..." He muttered.

Kurt took a deep breath, knowing what was coming and forcing down his anger at the assumptions being tossed about regarding his intentions. He was a Prince, it wasn't right to lose his temper. So, he swallowed the words he wanted to say, instead trying to find an explanation that didn't involve him growing irrationally angry at the man beside him. "Maybe, but it's not like I'd do anything...I just thought it'd be nice to get to know someone." He shrugged.

Burt eyed him carefully. "You serious?" He checked as Kurt nodded, twisting his features into a nonplussed expression. "So, you're not bothered by this? By the fact he might not be...gay?"

Kurt sighed, some frustration seeping through. "Dad...I know that I'm gay, and because of that it means things are a little...different for me, but I don't want a boyfriend yet. Just because Sam's sexuality might not be clear yet doesn't mean that I want to be in a relationship with him." He rubbed a hand over his face wearily. "I just want some friends. Some good, male friends. That's all! No romantic attachments! I don't want to be 'that gay' who only has female friends, enjoys shopping and in general is considered just a girl in a boy's body." He snapped.

"Okay." Burt sighed and continued eating. "I trust you. I'm sorry I made it seem like I expected something different...I just know you've been lonely, and I didn't want you getting hurt unnecessarily."

"I understand. But I promise, I just want to be friends with him. And doing the duet together might give me that chance." Kurt reasoned.

Burt nodded, swallowing a mouthful. "In that case, go for it. And don't listen to the crap spewed by your friends." He advised, watching Kurt give him a weak smile. "But, I wanted to talk to you about Finn, and about what he said in your basement." He admitted, eyes serious. "I was talking with Carole, and you weren't 100% honest with me, were you?"

"Dad..."

"Were you?" He asked sternly. "Because she told me you had a crush on him. And you weren't afraid to show it." He informed Kurt, not missing the shudder at the words. "So? Were you honest with me?"

"Not exactly, but Finn totally got the wrong idea." Kurt promised earnestly. "I have never in my life wanted to date Finn, absolutely not. Ugh." He couldn't suppress a shudder this time around. However, at Burt's pointed look he continued. "I...he thought I liked him that way because I-I guess at times I was a little pushy about becoming his friend. I mean, no other guys really wanted to hang out with me, and he was at least decent towards me, so I guess I thought we could be friends and got a little...intense." He hung his head and wrung his hands, missing Burt's sad look. "I can see now I might have come across as seeking romance but I just wanted a guy my own age to like me for who I am. To want to be around me. I never wanted to be with him like that, but he clearly thought so."

"I see. So setting me and Carole up was really just you trying to get us together?" He checked.

"I want you to be happy." Kurt shrugged. "I thought she might do the job." He admitted. He skipped the fact he wanted Burt to have someone once he was gone.

"Oh bud," Burt murmured. "You're a good kid. People just can't see it. Even Finn. He's dense. It's okay to want friends, but perhaps next time make it a bit clearer that's all you want, yeah?" He asked. Kurt nodded. "That's my boy." He ruffled Kurt's hair proudly as Kurt tried to twist away. "Now, I'll talk to Carole and get her to have a word with Finn about this Sam thing, and about the mistake he's made, and you focus on winning that trip to BreadstiX, okay? I want to see you having fun for once."

Kurt smiled warmly. "I will Dad." He thought for a second. "Although...it'll probably be on a night when I'm busy. And as much as I hate to say it, Finn might have a point that seeing two guys on a trip to BreadstiX might not send the best message out about Sam. But...I could always give my part to Quinn or something, apparently Sam likes her..." He mused.

Burt rolled his eyes fondly as he continued eating. "That's my son, ever the matchmaker."