Two Steps Beyond

Part 46

When Kurt got home that evening he found his Dad sitting on the couch watching television. After looking around at the additional boxes since he left that morning he sat down next to him. "How was the rest of your day Kurt?"

"It was busy, but good. Only one person was crazy enough to piss off Ms. Saunders and by the time she was done he left in tears."

"Was it deserved?"

"I think so, she tends to not snap unless it's deservedly so. And I've learned in this industry it happens more often than not. The worst thing you can do is tell her you're not going to be ready by the deadline she gave you only a few hours beforehand."

"Well, from what you've told me there is little room for error."

"There isn't."

"Care to tell me what Blaine was doing there today since it was pretty obvious he didn't just stop by to say hi." Burt said while turning to face Kurt.

"Obviously, you can tell things between us aren't exactly like I told you."

"They are nothing like you told me. From what I saw, he'd rather not see you."

"I doubt he'd act like that if Sebastian wasn't around."

"Possibly, but you didn't answer my question. What were Blaine and his friends doing there?"

"Blaine and Sebastian model and I can only assume Hunter does so as well now."

"Blaine models?" Kurt then reached over to the end table and grabbed a copy of the magazine.

"If I remember correctly the photo spread starts on either page forty-four or forty-five." While Burt looked through the magazine Kurt just waited. Once he saw his Dad stop flipping he knew he must've found it. "What do you think?"

"Well, you know fashion really isn't my thing, but they both look really nice."

"It kills me to say this, but they both look incredible."

"Were you there when these were taken?"

"I was. And after everything that's happened between the three of us Blaine's brother Cooper was there as well."

"That seems odd."

"In normal circumstances, yes, but Cooper actually does quite a bit of modeling for Ms. Saunders."

"Is that how Blaine and Sebastian got involved?"

"It is. The first time I found out Cooper modeled was when I showed up to a shoot and he was there. It was quite an uncomfortable day. Cooper and one of our photographers are good friends and they were talking and Cooper showed him a picture of Blaine and Sebastian together from the wedding."

"Cooper got married?"

"I didn't tell you?" Burt just shook his head. "Yes, he got married last summer, to Sebastian's sister."

"That's…different. When?"

"When Blaine came to New York last year."

"So he was here for Cooper's wedding when the two of you broke up."

"Yes."

"I know I probably should've asked this back then but you clearly didn't want to talk about it. Who broke up with whom because I doubt it was mutual like you told me."

"Blaine broke up with me. He told me he just wasn't happy, and was going to wait till he got home to do it but just couldn't wait."

"Why couldn't he wait?"

"I'm pretty sure Sebastian pushed the issue."

"But you're not sure."

"To be honest, no, though if you asked me a few months ago I would've told you I was certain."

"Is your break-up with Blaine the reason you're seeing a therapist?"

"How do you know about that?"

"Carole told me." Kurt crossed his arms across his chest. "Don't be mad at her, I know she told you she wouldn't say anything but she felt I needed to know."

"Yes, it's the reason. I'm not going to go into detail, but my behavior after we split isn't something I'm proud of. And well, numerous people told me I needed to deal with how I was feeling."

"And who were these people?"

"Rachel. Artie. Sam. Tina. Ms. Saunders. The list could honestly go on and on. Oh, and Blaine and Sebastian both told me I needed help but they weren't as polite about it as the others were."

"I know you might not have the answer, but is this because Blaine broke up with you or because he broke up with you and is now with Sebastian?"

"He was with Sebastian by the time they returned to Ohio after the wedding."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, considering he was at Blaine's house when he got home and that was around one in the morning."

"How do you know that?" Kurt looked down at the ground at his Dad's question. "Kurt, how do you know Sebastian was there at that time of the morning?"

"It's because I was waiting outside of Blaine's house for him to come home from New York. I had overheard Artie and Tina saying he was coming home that night. So, I went up to the door, hoping to talk to him. Figuring we could fix what was wrong and making him unhappy but, Sebastian opened the door."

"Just because Sebastian was there doesn't mean that they were together. He could've just been there because it was late."

"That wasn't the case. Sebastian had his usual pompous attitude plus he had quite the hickey on his neck and Blaine didn't deny doing it when I confronted him. And when I went to McKinley the next day Blaine was there with Nick and Jeff telling the rest of the glee club that he was returning to Dalton."

"How did they take it?"

"They were happy for him because they knew that was where his heart was. And then, he and I got into it in front of everyone. And while we were arguing, Sebastian appeared with Thad as well as Nick and Jeff."

"I thought you only said Nick and Jeff were there."

"They were, inside, but it's pretty obvious Sebastian was waiting in the parking lot and Thad must've been with him. And once Blaine and I started arguing either Nick or Jeff went to get them."

"They didn't do anything to you, did they?"

"No, Sebastian actually tried to convince Blaine they needed to leave."

"Did they?"

"No because Blaine was still angry and we were still arguing. Next thing I knew, Mr. Schue was escorting me out of the room and by the time we returned they were gone."

"Why do I have the feeling that was only the beginning?"

"Because it was. Like I told you, a lot happened and I'm not necessarily proud of it."

"Well, I think it's time you told your old man everything."

"Dad."

"Kurt, we have all night."

"We don't, Rachel could come back and talking about Blaine and Sebastian in front of her isn't a good idea. She supports the two of them completely and hates the way I've acted towards them."

"We don't have to worry about Rachel. She was here when I arrived and before she left she told me to let you know she wasn't going to be back tonight. Said she was either going to be staying at Brody's or they were going to be staying with the guys, whoever that may be."

"The guys are Blaine and Sebastian."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that. I accidentally overheard her while she was on the phone and she wasn't talking to Blaine or Sebastian. I'm pretty sure I heard her mention the name Wes as well as Trent. I think she's with them right now actually."

"You're kidding, right?"

"No." While Burt answered Kurt already had his phone out of his pocket and was impatiently waiting for a page to load.

"You've got to be kidding me, they're all freaking here!"

"Kurt."

"Sorry Dad. It seems all of the Warblers, including a few graduates are here in New York."

"How do you know that?" Kurt then handed his phone over to his Dad and showed him a group picture taken on the steps in Time's Square. "Is that Brittany and Santana with them?"

"Yes. Brittany is dating Jeff Sterling, you know, the blonde Warbler. And I'm just assuming here, that since Brittany is with them that the guys invited Santana since the girls are inseparable."

"I don't get it, what's the problem with them all being here."

"After everything that went down between them and Finn you don't have a problem with the fact that they're all gallivanting around New York City?"

"Whatever happened between Finn and Dave is over."

"Excuse me?"

"Finn dropped the charges against Dave for punching him a few days ago. Said it was the wrong thing to do and that he deserved getting punched after what he said." Kurt just looked at his Dad before shaking his head.

"Rachel."

"What about her?"

"Considering how close she is with Blaine and Sebastian, I wouldn't put it passed her to have called Finn and convince him to drop the charges. She just can't believe that those boys aren't perfect."

"Regardless of whether Rachel had anything to do with it, it's over. Finn seems fine with the decision he made. And since he's an adult there really isn't much anyone else can do about it."

"That's because he still thinks there is hope for him and Rachel."

"I don't think so Kurt, Finn has a girlfriend."

"Since when?"

"A couple of months, at least."

"How did I not know this?"

"That's because you rarely call home and getting in touch with you is almost impossible. Heck, I'm surprised Finn was able to get ahold of you after what happened between him and Dave."

"I still don't get why he called me about that. Yet, he could tell me about that but not that he has a girlfriend."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I think he called you because he knew you'd be supportive."

"Wasn't everyone else?"

"Puck told him what he did was lame and Sam, Mike, and Artie all agreed. They felt he only did it because he was embarrassed because a smaller guy knocked him on his behind."

"Finn was assaulted."

"I'm not going to get into this with you right now. Why don't you fill me in on everything that's gone down between you and Blaine and then I'll fill you in on what's happened back home."

By the time Kurt and his Dad came close to being done talking it was close to midnight and all Burt could do was look at Kurt. After everything that had been said, Kurt couldn't quite make out the expression on his Dad's face. He knew that everything he told him surprised him to say the least. And he couldn't help the feeling he was having; he felt that after everything that was talking about that his Dad was going to want to talk to Blaine. "Dad."

"I know I should've said this earlier, but how do you think it was right for Finn to press charges when Sebastian didn't?" Burt asked while still fiddling with his hat, just as he had been for the past couple of hours. "And I know you said why you didn't do anything when he punched you, was because you hit Blaine and you understood it was instinctive. But, this…everything you told me isn't you Kurt."

"Actually, I didn't press charges against Sebastian because Blaine said if I did, he would as well. He was pretty adamant about it." Kurt just looked at the disappointment on his Dad's face. "I know it's not who I am or the person you raised. And that's why I'm trying to figure out why it happened."

"I can tell you why it first happened, but after that I don't know. I don't know why it continued. Now all the tension surrounding you three makes sense."

"You're disappointed in me, aren't you?"

"Right now I don't know what to think. I never would've expected something like this from you."

"Well, it happened. And as of now, I still can't seem to control myself around them."

"You know you're lucky that Ms. Saunders understands. A lot of other bosses would've fired you."

"I know that. It's just, every time I see them looking so freaking happy together it hurts."

"Kurt, it's pretty clear Blaine has moved on and he's happy. And I want the same for you but that's never going to happen as long as you hold this resentment towards them."

"Don't you think I know that? I'm beyond lucky that Chandler is patient, but even I know his patience is thin when it comes to this. I'm pretty sure if I freak out one more time in regards to them we're done. Heck, I'm pretty sure this whole thing is part of the reason Rachel is so anxious to move-in with Brody."

"Do you honestly blame her? It can't be easy for her having to choose between her friendship with you and her friendship with them."

"I know and that's why we try not to talk about them. But ever since they got back to the city she's constantly with them."

"And that's her right. Would you like someone to tell you who you should or shouldn't be friends with?"

"No, but friends look out for each other and they're not people she should be hanging around with."

"All you can do is share your opinion, but it's up to Rachel who her friends are, not you. Is there a particular reason why you don't like her new friends or is it just because they are friends with Blaine and Sebastian as well?"

"It's mostly because they are friends with Blaine and Sebastian. Though that guy Hunter that was with them today, I just don't like him in general. He's arrogant." Burt just looked at Kurt. He knew it couldn't have been easy for Kurt to tell him everything he did, especially because it was so unlike him. And now it seemed as though he was judging people solely on the fact if they were friends with Blaine and Sebastian they were no good. A part of him could understand Kurt's view of Hunter, yet at the same time he didn't see arrogance, he just saw that the young man who had a ton of confidence.

Upon seeing how exhausted Kurt looked after everything they talked about, Burt realized that they should probably call it a night even though they still had a lot to talk about. "Do you have to work tomorrow?" Kurt nodded in response. "Why don't we just finish this up tomorrow?"

"Sounds like a good idea. I'm really sorry Dad."

"I know. I just wish you told me sooner and maybe things wouldn't have gotten this bad."

"Me too, I just didn't want to…you know…"

"Come running to your old man when you got your heart broken?"

"Yea."

"Well, now that I know. I'll help you the best I can. Now, you should go to bed. Don't want you tired for work."

"Night Dad."

The next morning as Kurt got ready for work all he could think about was the look of disappointment on his Dad's face. Talking with his Dad was probably the most honest he had been about everything that had happened. Even when he was with his therapist he refused to place all the blame on himself. But for some reason, while talking to his Dad it all just came pouring out, every ugly detail. Things his therapist had been trying to get him to talk about for weeks. This must've been what she was talking about when she said it would happen when he felt the need to truthfully unburden himself. And up until he was truly ready to face what had happen they could only deal with surface issues. After seeing the disappointment in his Dad's eyes, he knew he needed to deal with everything that had happened.

With as much as he wanted to put all the blame on Blaine and Sebastian for what happened between all of them, but he couldn't. While talking with his Dad he realized he was as much at fault for what had happened as either of them. And in some cases, what Blaine and Sebastian had done was a reaction to something Kurt himself had done once they were broken up. The only thing he couldn't quite figure out was what set all of the events in motion. But before he could get lost deeper in thought he heard his Dad walking up behind him.

"Morning Dad, did you sleep alright?"

"I did. How about you?"

"I did as well. And as much as I'd like to stay and have breakfast with you I need to get going."

"That's alright, I understand. Will you be home around the same time tonight?"

"Probably, but if it changes I'll call you."

"Sounds good. Have a good day Kurt."

"I will. Bye Dad."

After Kurt left, Burt poured himself a cup of coffee and headed for the couch. Once he was seated he just began to sip his coffee since his conversation with Kurt the night before was still weighing heavily on him. One of the things he couldn't quite understand was how all this even happened. He knew Kurt believed on some level that Blaine gave into Sebastian's advances. But from everything he knew about Blaine, he knew it couldn't be so cut and draw. He thought about trying to get a hold of Blaine, but remembered that Kurt told him Blaine had changed his number and was basically unreachable unless he wanted you to be able to reach him. The thought crossed his mind about calling Rachel and asking for Blaine's number but that wouldn't be right. It was pretty clear from what he'd been told, Blaine had started a new life for himself here in New York and he was pretty particular about it.

Even if he had asked Rachel for the number there was no guarantee she'd give it to him. And if he'd learned anything about Rachel over the years she was loyal to those she cared about. So the fact that she was so supportive of Blaine's relationship with Sebastian she must not believe that Sebastian lured Blaine away. Considering what he saw in the office the day before it was clear to him that Kurt wasn't a subject Blaine even wanted to discuss. And after everything Kurt told him, he could understand why. But he knew the only way he was going to be able to help Kurt get over Blaine was to find out what really led to the break-up. Because he knew deep down that until Kurt knew why it happened, he'd never be able to get passed it.