Harry watched Draco go before cursing and returning to the engine he still had to fix. He was aware of Kurt moving back to his stool and watching him.
"Harry?" Kurt's question was clear in his voice.
"I really don't want to talk about it," Harry snapped sounding meaner than he intended. Kurt didn't seem to mind, though his soft "okay" sounded more defeated than Harry liked. Harry tightened a few more connections before the words came pouring out of him against his will.
"It's just. . .He's such an ass! He's always been such a nasty mean little bastard and I still. . .I can't believe I let him convince me he'd changed." Harry knew his voice was tinged with bitterness and kicked out angrily at the tire of the car in front of him.
"Were you two together long?" Kurt asked and his voice sounded so hesitant Harry wanted to scream because he hated that Kurt felt like he couldn't talk to him now. It was that more than anything that pulled an answer from him.
"No not really but if you think about it another way ages." Kurt didn't answer and Harry didn't need to see his face to know he was confused. "What I mean is we went boarding school together so I've known him since we were eleven but we only dated for about six months. The whole thing is just so ridiculous he knew I was gay way before the thought even occurred to me. I mean I had a girlfriend and everything. Then one day we're fighting just the two of us throwing punches and then I dunno how it happened but we were all over each other." Harry paused shaking his head. It had seemed so sexy, so unexpected and perfect.
"And now I have to wonder was it all an act? I mean we lived together but he hated the car thing and he was always talking about me 'taking my rightful place in society' whatever the hell that means. Then he goes and gets married like it's no big deal. Do you know he actually expected me to stay with him? He even told me he wouldn't mind if I got married as long as I married someone who would understand our 'arrangement'. I'm just such an idiot sometimes."
"I don't think you're an idiot." Kurt said his voice soft. Harry turned to look at him and Kurt's face was compassionate. "Sometimes people misrepresent themselves. I mean look at me and Blaine all the signs were there long before he cheated but I refused to see them. The first love is always the hardest to walk away from."
By the time his son got home from NYADA Burt had all but forgotten that his newest and best mechanic was gay. They joked about it occasionally but somehow the idea that Harry was gay in the same way that Kurt and Blaine were gay just didn't process. He didn't mean to be judgemental but Harry just didn't seem gay. Burt had never seen him hit on another guy, Harry never seemed worry about clothes or calories and he'd never once caught him listening to Beyonce or Lady Gaga.
So it wasn't until about a week after Burt had watched Harry punch some guy in the nose from his office window that it really hit home that yes Harry was gay. The reason for this realization was simple. Harry was checking Kurt out. Burt watched from behind his desk as his son climbed up the stairs but instead of watching Kurt he watched Harry. Harry who was watching Kurt with a look on his face that Burt knew all too well. Harry was the sort who wore his emotions on his sleeve and it turned out desire was much the same.
Burt's first instinct was to punch him in the face. His second far more rational one was to wonder why it had never occurred to him before. If Burt had had a daughter, which let's face it he almost does, Harry was the kind of guy he'd want to date her. Harry was hard working, polite and wealthy enough to provide for Kurt's rather extravagant fashion choices. Unlike Blaine, who was always desperate to be in the spotlight, Harry was shy and willing to let Kurt take up all the attention. Burt had known since day one that Kurt liked Harry, Kurt was a lot less discreet than Harry when it came to checking people out. So now he was left wondering what if anything he should do about it.
Later that night after everyone else was in bed Burt turned to his wife. Carole was sitting up in bed reading one of the trashy romance novels she loved so much. For a moment he just watched her, marvelling at how such a beautiful woman had settled for him. She seemed to sense his gaze because she looked up meeting his eyes.
"What's on your mind?" She asked "You've had your thoughtful face on all afternoon."
"I saw Harry checking Kurt out today." Burt told her and Carole laughed before shifting to a worried look.
"You don't mind do you?"
"That Harry likes Kurt? No I mean my first instinct was to break his nose for looking at my little boy like that," Carole laughed again as Burt continued "but then I got to thinking maybe it's not such a bad idea you know?"
"What's not such a bad idea?" Carole prompted.
"Harry and Kurt, I mean Harry's a good kid and well I'd like to know Kurt will be taken care of. Just in case."
"Oh Burt! Don't talk like that! There is no just in case!" Carole's eyes had begun to tear up and Burt cursed himself inwardly. "Shhh...hey I'm sorry you're right. Don't cry."
Burt reached up and pulled his wife into his arms. Rubbing her back in gentle circles until she calmed again. Soon she reached up to turn off her bedside lamp and they both settled in to sleep. Burt lay awake long after his wife's breathing had evened out.
Kurt was a mess of nerves after finding out Harry was gay. It changed everything but he didn't want it to show. Harry had never actually told him he was gay so maybe he wasn't interested? Kurt tried to think back on all their interactions. Sure there were things that could be construed as flirting. Small touches and laughter at jokes that even Kurt knew weren't all that funny at the time Kurt had brushed them off as just being friendly but now he knew Harry was gay. Did that change things? It definitely did for Kurt but maybe not for Harry. After all Harry had known Kurt was gay all along he could just be a really affectionate friend.
Kurt tried to act the same around Harry but he felt like all their interactions were suddenly laced with tension. Kurt was seeing hidden meanings in all of Harry's actions but then second guessing himself and Harry, Harry just went on as though nothing had changed. Kurt tried to play along and not show the inner turmoil he was feeling but he knew Harry was noticing. Unable to sort himself out around Harry he went back to avoiding him. That's why on a lazy tuesday afternoon Kurt was in his bedroom watching Beauty and the Beast instead of at the garage.
Finn's loud footsteps were so distinctive as they clunked down the stairs to Kurt's room that he didn't even have to look up to know he was coming. Eventually Finn came to stop at the side of Kurt's bed looking awkwardly down at Kurt, who was sprawled across his pillows.
"Hey Kurt," Finn greeted in a voice that was aiming at casual and missing. This was the first time since Kurt had been home that Finn had ventured into his room. Kurt smiled hesitantly up at his stepbrother.
"Hello Finn, is there something you need?"
"Uhh," Finn shifted on his feet and lifting one hand to rub the back of his head. "So. . .why are you avoiding Harry?"
"I'm not" Kurt replied too quickly. Finn pinned him with a hard look and Kurt sighed. "Did you know Harry is gay?"
Finn looked surprised but nodded.
"Yeah that's why he came here. The local shops wouldn't hire him because his ex kept outing him and once everyone found out he was gay he couldn't get a job." Kurt's eyes went wide.
"Why didn't anyone tell me?" he demanded. Finn shrugged and sat down next to Kurt on his bed.
"I dunno, I guess I assumed you could tell or Burt or my mom would tell you. It's not like it was a secret or anything. Why would you avoid Harry just because he's gay?"
"It's not that," Kurt replied softly burying his face in a pillow.
"Is it cause he punched that guy? Cause Harry thinks you're like scared of him or something now because he hit somebody."
"What?! No of course not! That was amazing! You know he hit him because he started to call me a slut? I've never had anyone stand up for me like that," Kurt exclaimed then sighed "That's just part of what makes it so confusing."
"So you're not avoiding him cause he's gay and not because he hit someone why are you avoiding him? Cause at this point you're not the only one who's confused." Finn sounded so out of his depth that Kurt forced himself into a sitting position to stare at him. Normally Finn wasn't the type to get involved in Kurt's emotional drama.
"Why do you care?" he asked unable to help how accusing he sounded. Finn shrugged again.
"Harry's my friend and you're like my brother. I just want you guys to be happy and he's all stressed out about how he thinks you're scared of him and feeling guilty. Plus you're down here watching Disney and I've known you long enough to know that means you're not feeling too good yourself."
"Okay look, before I understood where I stood with Harry. He was this super hot straight guy who didn't mind that I was gay and who was interesting to talk to and yeah I liked him but I knew it could never go anywhere and I was okay with that. Now. . .now it's all confusing and different."
"I don't understand. If you like him isn't the fact that he's gay a good thing? I mean at least you have a shot now."
"No! I mean before if he didn't want me it was because I wasn't properly equipped but now. . ."
"Oh I get it. Now it's about you personally." Finn replied the fuzz of confusion clearing from his eyes.
"Potter! Get in here I want to talk to you!" Harry looked up from his work in surprise at the sound of Burt's voice echoing across the shop. He stood and gestured to Joseph, another mechanic and told him to finish up the tune up on the Ford Harry had been working on, then jogged up the stairs to Burt's office.
Once he stepped into the office Burt leveled him with a stern look that made Harry shift uncomfortably.
"Is there a problem. . .sir?" Harry asked after several minutes of loaded silence.
"Sit down Harry," Burt told him. Harry sat shifting uncomfortably as he did so. Something about the look on Burt's face reminded him uncomfortably of being called to Snape's office for detention. He found himself wracking his brain for things he might of done to piss Burt off but nothing came to mind.
"What are your intentions toward my son?" Harry's jaw dropped "Don't look so shocked I've seen the way you've been looking at him. Answer the question Harry."
"I. .err. ..none I swear. I'm sorry," Harry told him hurriedly his heart sinking in his chest. Burt was clearly against it and Harry knew how important his dad's opinion was to Kurt. Instead of looking relieved however Burt scowled.
"Why not? You think you're too good for my son?"
"What?! No of course not! Kurt's. . . Kurt is the most amazing person I've ever met! I just. . .I don't think he's interested. He's been avoiding me all week." Harry slumped down in his chair feeling the truth of his words all the way down in his bones. Whatever vague half formed ideas or very specific ones he'd had about pursuing Kurt had died when it became clear Kurt didn't even want to be his friend any longer.
"So what? He avoids you for a couple days and you just give up. Are you so afraid of rejection you're not willing to go after the things you want?" Harry gaped at Burt.
"No I mean I'm so confused! Do you want me to ask Kurt out? I didn't think you'd approve."
"Look Harry, you're a good kid and I know my son could do a lot worse.I think he likes you but I don't think he's going to tell you. If I'm right and you do like him you'll have to make the first move."
Harry nodded slowly as he let this process. Harry had never pursued anyone before with the exception of Cho and that had gone spectacularly terrible. Even then he hadn't so much pursued her as made his interest known and let her come to him.
"I don't. . .what should I do?" He asked Burt desperately. Burt looked thoughtful.
"Well in the past Kurt and his friends usually work out their romantic issues by singing little songs to each other." For the fourth time that night Harry was feeling blindsided.
"You think I should sing him a song? I don't really . . .sing." Burt shrugged.
"You asked my advice. I tell you what how about you head out early today and see if you can get Finn to help you?"
Finn watched in bemusement as Harry paced back in forth in front of him. It had been two days since Kurt had confessed to liking Harry, only to have Harry come to him an hour later and ask for help singing to Kurt. They'd been rehearsing together almost non stop, whenever Harry had free time. Finn had called and told Rachel what was going down and she had come home specifically to watch Harry's performance. Not that Kurt knew that, he just thought she was missing Finn.
Kurt had already agreed to meet up with them along with Santana at BreadStix for dinner. Kurt didn't know it but it was there that Harry would put his heart on the line. If he could manage to pluck up the courage to leave his bedroom that is.
"But what if he doesn't like it?" Harry asked for what must have been the fiftieth time "I mean the song is pretty suggestive. What if he's offended?"
"Harry relax. I told you Kurt will love it. The fact that you took the time and effort to learn a song will say as much about your intentions as the song." Finn told him patting him on the back.
"But what if Burt finds out and then kills me for talking like that to his son?" Harry asked his eyes wide with worry.
"Harry Kurt is an adult. In point of fact he's actually older than you. It doesn't matter what Burt or anyone else thinks. It only matters what Kurt thinks and Kurt will love it."
"You're sure?" Harry asked.
"As sure as I can be. Now come on he left ten minutes ago, do you have everything?"
Harry nodded his face was drawn and pale but he looked determined.
"Okay, lets do this."
Kurt sat next to Santana in one of the booths at BreadStix. Rachel sat across from him talking a mile a minute.
"-And the other day while we were rehearsing I looked out into the audience and Trey Parker was there! Listening to me singing! It was so amazing. You know I've never felt more at home than when I was on a Broadway stage."
"Rachel," Kurt finally broke in "I thought Finn was meeting us here?"
Rachel exchanged a glance with Santana and then beamed a huge smile at Kurt.
"Oh I'm not worried. He'll be here soon I'm sure."
"Rachel What's-" Suddenly the lights went down "Going on?" Kurt finished his tone utterly confused. The sound of a guitar began to play a familiar tune, beside him Santana spoke.
"Nice song choice. I gotta say Lady Hummel I wasn't sure about this guy but I'm beginning to think you could do worse."
Before Kurt could answer a spot light centered on the small stage where Glee usually sang whenever they came to BreadStix. There was Harry, in the snug jeans Kurt had helped him pick out and a sleek button down green shirt that made his eyes glow. Then Harry started to sing.
"When you came in the air went out.
And every shadow filled up with doubt."
Harry's voice was rough and untrained but the intention was clear in every syllable sending chills down Kurt's spine and making him shiver.
"I don't know who you think you are,
But before the night is through,
I wanna do bad things with you."
Behind him Kurt could see Finn playing the drums and suddenly the reason Kurt had seen so little of them the last few days became clear. As Harry sang his eyes seemed to seek out Kurt's as if to dispel any doubt about who he was singing too.
"I'm the kind to sit up in his room.
Heart sick an' eyes filled up with blue.
I don't know what you've done to me,
But I know this much is true:
I wanna do bad things with you."
As the music went to an instrumental break Harry stepped away from the stage and walked over to Kurt's table. His voice gravelly and he spoke the next few lines of the song.
"When you came in the air went out.
And all those shadows there are filled up with doubt."
The music swelled again and Harry resumed singing. Stepping back from the table and Kurt couldn't help but stand.
"I don't know who you think you are,
But before the night is through,
I wanna do bad things with you.
I wanna do real bad things with you.
Ow, ooh.
I don't know what you've done to me,
But I know this much is true:
I wanna do bad things with you.
I wanna do real bad things with you."
Harry walked back toward him as he finished the song. As he sang the last line he was so close Kurt could feel his breath brushing on his lips. His heart was beating a mile a minute as the implications of what Harry was saying crashed down around him. Harry sent him a tentative smile and opened his mouth as if to speak. Kurt cut him off moving forward to press his lips against Harry's.
Harry made a small noise in his throat before his hands came up to Kurt's face taking over the kiss forcefully. Harry's lips were suddenly insistent against Kurt's and Kurt could feel the firm lines of Harry's body pressed against his. Around him he was vaguely aware of the lights coming up again and the applause of the other patrons in the restaurant. After a blissful eternity Harry pulled back with a breathless laugh.
"Do you want to get out of here?" he asked and Kurt could only nod.
Author's note: Finally! I mean I'm just saying. So now I face the quandary all authors must eventually address. To lemon or not to lemon?
The song is Bad Things by Jade Everett you may recognize it as the theme to True Blood
Let me know your thoughts!
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