So sorry it's been so long since I last updated. School and softball has been crazy. I got a few comments on how accepting I made Puck's mom, but it falls under the category of "I'm tired of saying the same thing over and over" so I cut out the part with her not being okay with it. And seriously, if you walked in on your only son, covered in bruises and he is just glowing after another boy walks out of the room, wouldn't you just want him to be happy, even if that meant giving up your dream of him being with a nice, Jewish, girl? While I disagree that I need to put in all of the doubt with people about Puck being in love with Kurt and whatnot, I really do appreciate the reviews. Kurt's ring tone is "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. On with chapter 9. This one will be in Kurt's POV.

"He's in bed with ice on his face. It isn't that bad but the bruises will hurt for a while. Call me if you need anything at all. Noah has my number." I left the Puckerman's house incredibly confused. Finn Hudson, the man of my dreams, just told me he loved me and I ran after Noah Puckerman. I don't know what to think or feel anymore. I wish my life could go back to the way it was, but I know this is my fault. I'm the one that asked Noah to do this. I brought this on myself. I wish I could call Mercedes and tell her everything, but I promised. All I knew was that I was absolutely exhausted.

I pulled into my driveway and leaned my head back on the seat. I pulled my phone out of my pocket to find five texts: three from Mercedes, one from Rachel, and one from *shudder* Finn.

Boy, what the hell?

Kurt, answer me!

KURT! IMA KILL YOU IF YOU DON'T ANSWER THIS! The three from Mercedes were so predictable.

M- Sorry but I can't talk right now. I'm so tired and confused and I just need to disappear off the map right now. I'll talk to you in school tomorrow. Please don't text me at all tonight. -K

Send. Stop thinking about her. On to Rachel.

Kurt, I completely understand if you don't want to talk but I just want you to know that I am here for you if you need anything at all. I didn't respond. I deleted Finn's without even bothering to read it. With a sigh, I opened my door and dragged myself into the house, straight downstairs to my room, and into bed. I fell onto my bed on top of the covers and passed out face down on the pillow without bothering to change into different clothing or even taking my shoes off.

xxx

"Kurt? Are you alright, son?" I groaned in response to my dad's gentle shake of my foot. "Kurt? You still have your shoes on." I mumbled something completely unrecognizable. I didn't even know what I had said. "I can't understand you. Get up and talk to me."

I turned my head just slightly to the side so that my father could hear me clearly. I still refused to open my eyes. "Make me."

With a growl, he grabbed me around the waist and pulled me out of bed. I was thrown over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Still, my eyes remained closed. He grunted when he threw me down onto the couch. "What the hell is wrong with you boy? You know better than to talk to me like that. I raised you to have more respect. Just because something is wrong doesn't mean you have a right to speak like that or to disobey my orders." I couldn't answer him; I couldn't even speak. I sighed and pressed my fingertips to my temples before pulling my arm over my eyes. "Kurt Hummel. Answer me, God dammit." There was a moment of silence and then I felt the cushions of the couch sink down as my dad sat next to me. He was quiet for a bit more. I jumped a little and my eyes flew open when he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. "Kurt, if something is going on, you need to talk to me about it." He silently wiped away the tears that had been pooling in my eyes. "Are...are you...on drugs?" The idea was so ludicrous that I couldn't help but burst out in hysterical laughter. My dad shifted his weight uncomfortable. I think my laughter confirmed his assumption.

"Thank you, dad. I needed a laugh. Everything is just too serious today. No, I'm not on drugs. Today, I told Finn Hudson that I didn't love him anymore." My dad sighed in relief, but it was short-lived. He turned to me in confusion.

"I thought you were head over heels with that boy. What changed?" Now it was my turn to sigh.

"I think I'm in love with someone else." My dad raised an eyebrow at me. "You know the tight end on the football team?" His response was merely a blank stare. "The kid with the mohawk that used to throw me into dumpsters." He nodded slowly. I raised my eyebrow back at him. It took him a second before it dawned on him what I meant.

"Isn't he the one that knocked up that cheerleader?" I nodded. "Kurt, I don't really think he's your best option here. I mean, if you're going to fall in love with a straight guy, can't you at least make it a good kid?"

"I know, but he really is sweet. He makes me feel..well...beautiful. When he kisses me, it's like nothing else in the world matters." Dad just looked at me with a slightly sad expression in his eyes. I sighed for what felt like the millionth time today.

"He makes you feel like your mother made me feel." I felt tears well up once again. "If that's how you feel, nothing is going to change that. Do you know how he feels about you?" I shook my head.

"I think he likes me back but he hasn't told me how he feels."

"Well then, it sounds like you need to have a little talk with him." I grinned at my dad. Sometimes, even though he can be completely awkward about the whole gay thing, he really is just so amazing. I wrapped my arms around him and whispered a thank you before darting over to my bed to retrieve my phone. My dad chuckled before heading up the stairs. "Oh Kurt." I looked up to see him stopped halfway up the staircase.

"Yes?"

"If you ever talk to me like that again, you'll be grounded from the mall for a year." With that, he disappeared. I was too elated to care. I unlocked my phone and opened up a new text.

We need to talk. Can you call me as soon as you get this?

I fell back onto my bed and stared up at the ceiling, feeling hopeful for the first time in a long, long time. No sooner had I crossed my arms behind my head, ready to wait at least an hour for Noah to wake up, did my phone go off.

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same

"HI! I missed you! We really need to talk."

"I know." That wasn't Noah's voice. "Kurt, It's Finn."