Find Yourself-

Ok so again sorry for the lack of updates but writers block and other projects have distracted me however I hope this extra long chapter makes things up to you. Also I kind of want to apologize to certain people who wanted more murt and fina but I was reading an inverse one shot I wrote in July on another community and it mentions that Kurt is single and Tina was away all summer and so I plan on incorporating that in this chapter at this point in the timeline…who is to say however in the future that Murt and Fina will in fact happen… anyways… I leave you with a (random) quote:

"It's 1,200 dollars Cory".

And now chapter 59:

Saturday May 29th 2010-

She was standing in the living room fixing herself in a mirror when the doorbell rang.

She wasn't expecting to see anyone, well at least anyone who'd arrive at the house.

"Molly," she bellowed.

No answer.

Her kid sister was most likely in her room reading Wuthering Heights for the millionth time and so she opened the door.

Looking at the young man on the opposite side of the threshold a smile crossed her lips.

"Matt..You don't know that our party isn't till Monday right."

He nodded

"I know," he simply replied as he rocked back and fourth nervously, "anyway can I come in or are you going to be a rude hostess."

Ushering him into the house she watched as his eyes nervously looked around the room for any signs that Kurt was home.

"I'm actually on my way out, so if you want to talk you can.."

"Actually I was here to see Kurt."

Kristina smiled as her conversation with the football player from the previous day at the country club filled her head. She was glad that Matt had decided to come out to her brother now and not let things boil up inside him all summer long.

"Kurt,' she screamed.

No answer.

Her 'brother' was most likely in HIS room learning the dance routine to the latest Lady Gaga music video.

Kristina let out a sigh.

"I can come back," Matt stated.

"You will do no such thing…stay..wait…Kurt has to come out of his room eventually."

Matt just nodded as he took a seat on the cough, picking up a recent copy of Sports Illustrated that Burt must of left lying around commenting that he hadn't read that issue yet as Kristina headed out to the boutique.

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x

Across town Mercedes listened as the bell on the boutiques door opened causing her eyebrow to rise.

"What are you doing here?" she asked looking at the customer who just entered the store.

"Is that any way to treat your boyfriend," Mike said flashing her a warm smile.

"That'll be ex boyfriend if you get me fired boy."

"And how am I going to get you fired again?' he asked.

"By distracting me."

"Distracting you…I resent that…and besides I'm a paying customer."

She watched as he pulled out his wallet."

"So, you're shopping at my store for a gift for me…classy Chang…really classy." She paused as she pointed her finger in the direction of one of the stores jewelry displays, "I kind of have an eye on that bracelet."

Mike looked over to the silver toned bracelet and made a mental note that his girlfriend liked however he shook his head.

"It's for my mom."

"How cute."

"I know I am."

"Boy, don't flatter yourself," she said with a smile as she moved from behind the counter to 'assist' him in his shopping needs.

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x

"Kurt?" Matt called hearing a noise as he put his magazine down.

"No, anyway I know you…your in glee with Kristina and Kurt right?"

Matt nodded

"We haven't been formerly introduced…I'm Matt."

Molly smiled holding out her hand to put into his.

"Molly, anyway what are you doing here?"

"I came to see Kurt, your sister let me in."

"And she left you here? That was rude."

Matt shrugged pointing to the magazine.

"It's ok, I was…"

"Reading?"

Matt nodded.

"Well, reading is important, in fact I was just reading myself though my choice of reading material was far more stimulating then your choice…"

He listened to her talk and wondered if this was what a young Rachel Berry sounded like.

"Anyway Kurt is in his room, I'll fetch him for you if you'd like."

"I think Kristina already tried."

"Well not hard enough obviously."

Matt watched the young girl leave the room and after a brief muffled conversation Kurt came into his eye line.

"So, are you stalking me now?" Kurt asked repeating his question from the previous day, "or did you just miss me Matthew?"

Matt let out a laugh while Molly looked from one boy to the other.

"I think I'll leave you two alone," she said with a grin as she headed outside with her book to lounge in the backyard.

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x

Entering the boutique she eyed Mercedes and Mike giggling as they were in the process of trying on various hats.

Making a coughing noise she looked toward the duo.

"Excuse me, am I interrupting something?"

"Kristina, hey girl," Mercedes said with a smile, "it's not what it looks like."

"It's alright Mercedes, if Artie and I were seemingly alone in a shop like this I'm sure we'd be goofing off as well."

"I do not goof off."

"She doesn't," Mike, added, "in fact Mercedes and I think my mom would love those earrings over there."

Mercedes smiled and began to walk over toward a pair of black and silver hoops looking at Kristina as she moved.

"Your not working today are you?"

Kristina shook her head.

"No, I don't think so…I'm just here to pick up my schedule then I was planning to head to Artie's to bask in the glow of AC and watch a movie."

Mercedes nodded as she watched her friend walk over toward the schedule posted on the small bulletin board that was perched behind the stores counter while she had begun to ring up Mike's purchase.

"I gave you the employee discount," Mercedes said with a smile.

"You didn't have to," Mike said.

"Yea, I did."

By now Kristina was scribbling her schedule in her day planer.

"Kris did you drive here or walk."

"Walk why?"

"Need a ride? The Abrams's are on the way to the club and I'm sure Artie doesn't want to see you all sweaty."

Kristina smiled thinking Mike for his gesture before turning toward Mercedes.

"Talk to you later girl."

Mercedes nodded and watched the duo leave.

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x-x

It had been a while since Molly left and the two boys just continued to sit in silence when finally Kurt decided to speak up.

"So if your not stalking me let me Matthew then why is it that you have decided to drop by."

Matt continued to sit in silence which he was prone to do and so Kurt scratched his head while flashing his guest a pensive glare before speaking up once more.

"If you wanted to ask my dad for a job at the garage…well you could of gone there to ask him."

"I'm not here to see your dad…I told you I was here to see you."

Kurt nodded.

"Well then, are you here to try and convince me of all the reasons that the football team so desperately needs my golden leg and that I should rejoin the football team before camp starts?"

Matt kind of liked that reason that the young man had and smiled.

"That's it isn't it."

Flashing a flirtatious smirk at Kurt he nodded.

"If I said yes that was the reason what would your answer be?"

"I would say that I'd think about it."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously…though now I'm thinking that getting me back on the team wasn't your ulterior motive."

Matt just nodded again.

"No, it wasn't…Kurt I have something to say."

"Spill it Matthew."

"I'm gay."

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x-x

Mike's car pulled up at the Abram's home just as Kristina's cell phone vibrated saying that she had a text from Artie.

-Yale- doors open –Wheels-

"So, is your boy baling?" Mike asked, 'want to chill at the club instead?"

"No, Artie was just letting me know the door was unlocked and that I should come right in….but thanks for the invite and the ride."

"Anytime," Mike said smiling as Kristina made her way into the house, a smile on her face as she spotted her boyfriend looking all relaxed as he sat on the couch waiting her arrival.

"So, did my working girl get her schedule."

"Working girl makes me sound like a prostitute… its just retail Artie."

"Retail that you don't have to be working what with your trust fund and all."

Kristina let out a small gasp.

"Don't tell me your only dating me because of my money?" Kristina asked as she moved toward the couch, crossing her arms.

"You seriously had to ask that? No I'm just selfish that we can't just spend everyday this summer sitting like this."

Kristina flashed her boyfriend a smile as she took a seat beside him kissing his cheek.

"So, what'll it be?" Kristina said picking up the two DVD's that Artie already had lying on the table, "Coming Home or Splash?"

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x-x

Kurt fluttered his eyes in disbelief.

"Your gay?" Kurt asked thinking that this was some kind of joke that another seemingly straight jock would come out of the closet to him.

"Before you ask this is not some experimental thing like when Finn came out. No, I've known I was gay for years however in a town as small and conservative as Lima is I was planning on staying in the closet and playing it straight until I got to college."

Kurt looked into Matt's eyes and could tell that he was being sincere in his words.

"But why come out now? Why to me?"

"Well I didn't just come out to you… my family along with Mike and Kristina know I'm gay as well."

Kurt nodded wondering why Kristina wouldn't tell him this news however he figured Matt swore her to secrecy on the matter.

"I envy you Kurt, the way you are so genuine, so true to yourself, so…"

"Irresistible?"

Matt laughed.

"That too. Seriously though there was something about this year, getting to know you, joining glee…it kind of made me think why hide who I really am you know?"

Kurt just nodded as he really only began to 'come out' this past year as well despite the fact that it was definitely harder for him to hide it then the jock had been doing.

"So? Is this you trying to ask me out Matthew?"

Matt bit his lip.

A part of him wanted to scream at the top of his lungs 'hell yes' however the more rational part of his brain caused him to shake his head.

"No, not yet anyway. I think we should get closer you know as friends this summer and the play things by ear you know."

"You think it's too soon since my break up with Finn don't you?"

"Well that and I'm still a bit nervous about going 100 percent public."

Kurt nodded in full understanding.

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x-x

A couple hours went by as Kristina and Artie were curled up on the Abram's couch.

Ultimately they had settled on watching 'Dirty Dancing' seeing as how they knew that over the summer they would wind up watching their respective favorite movies numerous times, however watching Artie let out a long sigh Kristina wondered if the movie they chose was a good selection.

"I knew we should have watched something else and not a dancing movie."

"I'm sorry Kris…I know I shouldn't get depressed I mean it's not like this is some tragic love story or anything."

"Your just envious of Johnny's moves?"

All it took was a quick glance down at his legs to answer that question.

"We make our own moves you know that."

Letting out another lingering sigh the young boy nodded before kissing her on the cheek once more.

"That's why I love you K, you say things like that to lift my spirits."

Letting out a soft sigh Kristina curled up next to Artie resting her head on his lap while he wrapped his fingers in her hair.

"God I wish we could stay like this all day and all night, my parents won't mind."

"Yes but Kurt would, he has this whole color coded organization system set up to get ready for Monday's barbeque."

"That sounds like Kurt."

Kristina nodded as the spent a few more precious hours in each others company before parting.

"Till Monday," Artie said.

"Till Monday," Kristina replied as she kissed him goodbye before she left.

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x-x

True to Kristina's words she along with Kurt, Molly, her mother and Burt spent the better part of Sunday setting up for the big Memorial Day bash. Even Sam and Puck showed up to get things started granted Puck mostly worked on cleaning the pool while Sam was busy taking care of little Dani who at almost two months was getting so big.

By the time Monday rolled around and the party arrived everything was flawless mass of reds whites and blues while the smell of barbeque filled the air, (it was Kurt's brilliant idea to run two grills one for the real meat and one for the vegan burgers that he picked up at Whole Foods on one of his many trips).

It seemed that all the members of glee club had shown up for the occasion, some with their families others just themselves. Even Mr. Schue and Miss Pillsbury were there along with Diane and some of the other members of the law firm that the kids didn't know.

As the party was in full swing Kurt, Tina, and Kristina were chilling out in a group on one end of the pool.

"Man I'm going to miss this," Tina said.

"Miss what?" Kurt asked.

"Hanging out with you guys."

"Why Tee," Kristina asked, "you're not breaking up with us or anything."

She let out a laugh.

"Like I'd ever break up with you guys, no…my parents are spending some time in Africa this summer and so while they are there saving the world and all they decided to let me tag along."

"How generous of them," Kurt said knowing how Tina's parents were always off championing for one cause or another, "I'm so jealous of you being off to see the world while I'm stuck in this cow town."

Kristina eyed Matt who was on the other end of the pool goofing off with Mike while Mercedes was rolling her eyes.

"I'm sure you'll survive Kurt," Kristina said splashing her 'brother'.

"Oh it's on Kris."

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The trio was deep in a splashing fight as Finn approached them.

"Um-hey," he said nervously thinking that this was totally going to be awkward, "Um-Tina…can we."

Tina looked at her companions who nodded giving her the go ahead to go and talk to Finn.

She smiled as she climbed out of the pool blushing a bit as she felt Finn's eyes take in the way her bathing suit clung to her every curve just so. Damn she was hot.

"S-so," he nervously asked as they made their way to an area of the yard a distance away from the pool, "have you given more thought to us?"

Tina nodded telling Finn the same news she had told her other two friends moments ago.

"Oh Finn said."

"But when I get back…maybe…that is if you aren't already taken by then."

"I won't be."

"Don't say that…don't wait for me… if the opportunity comes along and a nice girl…or guy…comes your way snag it…who knows it could be the one."

Finn just nodded as they continued to chat some more before getting back to the pool.

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x-x

Meanwhile on the other side of the yard Artie was rocking his little goddaughter in his arms while Sam, Puck, Rachel, and Quinn were looking at photos of the young baby.

Kristina who had recently came out of the pool after Tina had went to go off to see Finn and Kurt went to go see if his dad needed any help with the food stood behind where her boyfriend sat with her niece listening to his sweet voice serenade the little girl.

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Artie practically jumped at her applause.

"How long were you standing here," he asked looking over at her, slightly saddened that she had a towel covering most of her bikini-clad body.

"Enough to see that you're a natural."

A smirk crossed his lips.

"Are you trying to tell me that you want us to have a little cutie of our own."

Kristina let out a laugh as she shook her head before taking the young girl from Artie's arms and promptly positioning herself in his lap where he proceeded to gently kiss her chlorine flavored neck.

"Not until after I graduate from Law school…till then you'll have to settle for being the perfect god father for this little princess."

Artie just nodded as he watched the baby cooing in Kristina's arms.

"She likes it when you sing," Kristina observed.

"Yea she does."

Artie's blue eyes locked on hers and a smile crossed her lips.

"Do you know Octopus's Garden?" he asked as she nodded, "you start."

Kristina nodded and began to softly sing:

I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus' garden in the shade
He'd let us in, knows where we've been
In his octopus' garden in the shade

X—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x—x-x

The party was turning out to be a huge success but seriously Kurt had no doubt that it wouldn't be.

The hours had trickled on and right now for the most part the adults were on one end of the yard talking and laughing while Molly, Puck's sister and some of the other younger kids at the party were running around the yard leaving the thirteen members of New Directions to group together to talk.

"It's been one hell of a year," Puck said, "I mean seriously who'd of thought last summer when I was turning my charms on the cougars that this summer I'd be a father, be in a monogamous relationship, not to mention an honor student."

"You? Santana said in disbelief, "an honor student."

Puck smirked.

"Yep, B+ average baby…anyway the craziest thing is I kind of like it."

"I don't find that crazy at all," Rachel said kissing his cheek, "anyway last year I was abrasive and high strung…"

"You still are," Kurt said.

Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Ok…but you have to admit I've toned things down a little bit and have been willing to share my spotlight more."

Twelve voices agreed with that statement as the others all went around the circle talking about some of the ways they had come out of their shells that year when all eyes landed on Kristina who let out a sigh.

"Where to begin," she said, "hmmm well I obviously wasn't here at the beginning of the year but even in the few short months that I've been here in Lima I've definitely changed and for the better. I was a stranger in a strange school, hoping to not be judged by who my father was, my heart in a dark place after my relationship with Kiefer…but then…"

Kristina paused as Artie and Kurt each placed a hand on her shoulder while Tina and Brittany each took one of her hands.

She let out a deep breath of air as she tried to hold back tears.

"In the past five or so months I've found friends," she said eyeing the gang, "found family," she said smiling at Kurt, "found love," she said as Artie lent over to kiss her cheek, "I kind of found myself."

And in that moment as they all sat around the Davis-Hummel's yard on that Memorial Day they all realized that in some way they all found themselves and well… the best was yet to come.

TBC

EPILOGUE coming up in a bit... songs in this chapter were Here Comes The Sun and Octopus's Garden both by the Beatles. Also Kristina's speech at the end was inspired by a promo banner I made for this piece (not the one linked in my profile but a different one…PM me if you wish to see it