Alrighty, per the request of lovely Ms. Sofia Michelle, a sequel to #411!
Title from Love Is A Battlefield, which I'm totally addicted to.
Heartache to Heartache
"They'll understand, Kurt," whispers Blaine, playing with a stay lock of Kurt's hair.
"They won't, B, both of us know that. Better save yourself the heartache of delusions," Kurt says, no real heat in his voice, just quiet mourning.
"Then we'll run away! We can live in the woods, or… or seek refuge in a different kingdom, or-"
Kurt rolls away from him, pulling his knees to his chest; the grass beneath him tickles his bare feet as he moves. "I don't want to run away."
"But- you said they wanted us to- to duel, that if we wouldn't-"
"I don't care, Blaine. I can't run away. I won't leave my father alone," he says; although he's speaking into his knees, his voice sounds sure and authoritative.
Blaine touches his arm gently. "Kurt. Your dad is the king. I think he'll manage."
"He's also my dad. And I'm not leaving him!"
He squeezes Kurt's arm, begging now. "Please, Kurt-"
"And he's sick!" Kurt yells. "The witch, she wanted to punish him for…" he swallows, and shakes his head, "And she made him sick. He's getting worse by the day. How can I leave him? He's already falling apart…"
Blaine's hand falls off Kurt's arm. "I- I'm so sorry. I didn't know. Is there… any… way to help?"
"Not that I know of," says Kurt in a little voice.
Blaine doesn't dare talking for a little while; he simple looks, examines the way Kurt's body curls into itself while the wind plays with his hair, the exposed skin on his arms- seeming so limp, wrapped around his belly- glowing in the midday sun.
"We won't run away."
"No."
Blaine places his hand gently on Kurt's shoulder. "We'll find a way. We'll work through this. Together. I know we can."
Kurt nods.
"I know we can, Kurt." He lies down next to Kurt and hugs him, cuddling close. "It's going to be alright." Blaine presses his nose against the warmth of the back of Kurt's neck. "I promise."