AN: Inspried by lyrics from "I Owe It All To You" by XCD154. Another one of my "Theatricality" drabbles. It's a tag to the episode.
"Kurt, wait up," I call out as everyone starts to leave the choir room. Despite having stood up to Karofsky and Azimio for him, part of me still expects him to keep walking. After what I had said to him down in our bedroom, I wouldn't blame him.
To my surprise he says something to Mercedes, and then she continues on and Kurt pauses. He stands with his back to me as the rest of our teammates file out of the room, several casting apprehensive looks our way. When it's finally just the two of us, he turns around and I can see the same emotions on his face as was there that afternoon. It was the same expression minus the tears.
"Look, Kurt if I could take back-"
"You can't," he states flatly.
"I know. I wasn't thinking when I said those things. I was just taken by surprise with how the room looked-"
"The room a guy couldn't live in."
I wince internally. I knew this wasn't going to be easy but Kurt is clearly planning on making things harder. I knew I had hurt him with my words that night but only now am I beginning to see just how much he was hurt.
"Kurt, I shouldn't have said those things. I realize that you put a lot of effort into the room and I should have just told you that I didn't think the room was me. That I wouldn't feel comfortable living there."
"You made it pretty clear you don't feel comfortable living with me period."
"It's just that . . ."
I let my words trail off not knowing how to express what is going through my head. I've come to realize that Kurt is a pretty cool guy after all. Realized that despite our differences we do have some things in common. I've enjoyed spending the time I have spent with him this year. If only he didn't have a crush on me.
"I'm gay and you don't want people to start thinking you are to, which you're convinced they will if you hang out with me. I get it and I promise not to even speak to you lest people get the wrong idea. And if our parents do still continue seeing each other, I will try to stay as far away from you as possible. Okay?"
"No, it's not okay. " I tell him. I see surprise slowly taking the place of the other emotions. "This has all made me realize that I like you Kurt. . .well as a friend not as . . . I mean I wouldn't mind spending time with you . . . you know like I do with Puck and the rest of the guys . . ."
I trail off knowing that this little speech is going from bad to worse.
"Friends?" Kurt ask, holding out his hand.
I smile, knowing that despite my stumbling words Kurt understands. "Friends," I reply, shaking his hand, surprised by how firm a grip he actually has.