Title: Somewhere Only We Knew
Author: Trintiys_Sin
Pairings/Characters: Finn/Kurt, Blaine/Sam, Lancelot/Gwen, Arthur/Merlin, Eleventh Doctor, Amy/Rory
Rating: PG-13
Warnings/ Spoilers: spoiler warning for Glee, Merlin and Doctor Who, just to be safe, all episodes.
Summary: Finn's got one last chance to set everything right.
Notes: I just want to know what you guys think of this idea! So if/when you review I want constructive criticism! Was to build the story, though this part might have been confusing since I don't use any names till the end and because the prologue is supposed to put questions in your head! Also I'm looking for someone interested in being my Beta for this. I have a lot of ideas and I need someone to bounce them off and keep me focused.
Prologue
He sighs deeply, heavily dropping his head back against the seat so that he can stare out the window at the expanse of clouds. They have so much more shape when you're looking at them from above. He squeezes his eyes shut, trying to push the butterflies out of his stomach and the adrenaline from his veins. He needs to calm down so he can stay focused on the task at hand. It's dangerous to think of the people he's left behind in shattered pieces. He can't dwell on the relationship he worked so hard for but will ultimately lose. He has to stop puzzling over the mysteries that make up the last two years of his life.
He's seen things that will both haunt and astound him. He has been to places that no one has reached before. He fought monster that people would not even dream up in their nightmares no less comprehend or accept. And despite the odds he won while simultaneously losing everything. A pale, lifeless face flashes to the forefront of his mind causing his to grip the armrest so hard his knuckles turn white. He can't think about it. It's in the past now; he can't be lost in thoughts of the past when he has the future to worry about. He slowly opens his eyes, in time to watch a stewardess make her way down the aisle towards him.
She is a mousy sort of person. Her head bowed, long dark brown hair swinging in front of her pale face. She stops at his, thankfully empty, row, flashing him a quick smile. "Would like anything to eat, sir?" she asks softly, her dark eyes flickering between his face and the floor. He smiles reassuringly, or so he hopes, deciding she isn't a threat but declines her offer. She nods and starts to turn away but halts, tipping her head to the side. "What about him?" she tries, small hand fluttering to indicate something in his lap. He freezes, one hand slipping into his pocket to finger the cold metal device.
The 'him' she is gesturing to is a small boy curled up in his lap. The child's head is tucked under his head, chestnut strands of hair tickling his neck. Wiry, thin arms are wrapped loosely around his waist, a tiny hand clutching the back of his shirt. The boy is asleep. The man's jaw clenches, his free hand moving to pull the kid closer, protectively. He has misread this seemingly shy, soft-spoken lady. Because no matter how nice she is it doesn't deter from the fact that nobody is supposed to be able to see the child. "In a cave under the crumpled kingdom," he speaks cautiously.
"Emrys no longer resides," she responds smoothly. He lets out a sigh of relief, she is one of them. "You should be more careful about who you trust," she chides before smiling, dark eyes twinkling fondly. She nods her head to the little boy, "Food?"
"A little something for later," he suggests. She bobs her head actually walking away this time. He moves his hand out of his pocket to wrap around the boy, stealthily trying to shift him. The boy squirms in his sleep, emitting a quiet whimper as he tries to regain the closeness with the man. The guy smiles sadly at the action, breathing deeply, once more, as memories start to flood his mind.
"Here you go, sir," the girl says, snapping him out of his reverie. She is perched on the seat beside him, holding out a bag of animal crackers. He tucks them into his pocket for when the child wakes up. He expects the lady to go back to doing her job. Instead she just sits there, legs crossed and eyes scanning the passengers. He even thinks the approaching stewardess is there to yell at her, yet she only stops to ask him if he would like anything. She doesn't seem to see the lady at all! How is that even possible?
"I'm like him," she hums, eyes drifting to the boy, "unseen by most until the spell wears off." She giggles at his flabbergasted expression, a gentle finger coming up to close his mouth. He has only met one other person who answered question before they were asked. Does that mean she's like him? "Yepp," she hums, head tilting to one side. "I might not be as great as him but I'm like him. I am here to make sure you get to your destination." She beams at him and they fall into a comfortable silence. The kid remains asleep. The man loses himself to the passing clouds and planning the future.
It is not till he catches glimpses of the earth beneath the clouds that she speaks again. "Next time you see him," she starts drawing his attention to her. She is standing now. Hands clasped in front of her, demurely her head is raised. Her dark eyes lock on to his. "Tell him the Lady of the Lake ensured your safe passage."
He nods, not sure if he should tell her he is not sure when he'll see him again. Her smile turns secretive and knowing and he remembers she can hear his thoughts. If she can do that perhaps she can also read the future. She turns away, taking a few steps before turning around. "Oh and Mr. Hudson, Mr. Hummel," she directs the last part to the child, who is blinking open blue-green eyes.
"Welcome to England."
Chapter One:
'It's final, I'm going to kill him the next time I see him,' Finn thinks as the darkened sky lets out another booming roar before releasing the fat drops of rain. He pulls his jacket closed tighter, effectively securing Kurt tighter to his chest. The small boy has a hand on the back of his neck, running small fingers through short, dark-brown strands of hair.
"Finny, 'm tired," he mumbles into the elder's collarbone.
"I know," he speaks into the child's hair. "You can sleep if you want."
"Too cold," he shivers. He shifts him in his arms, simultaneously resetting the small pack filled with their meager possessions on his back, trying to better shield Kurt from the elements. Not only did the lunatic drop them off at the wrong time but blocks away from their destination too. That man was dead the minute he got his hands on him.
"Finny!" Kurt wails, yanking the hair in his hands. "'m hungry too." He jumps as a loud boom sounds over them causing the boy to jump. "And scared. I want my mommy!" His eyes go wide before bursting into tears.
"Hush, baby," he coos, dropping a kiss to his forehead. He slips into an empty doorway, getting them out of the heavy rain. He lifts Kurt up until they are face to face. "Baby, I've told you, your mommy can't be here so she left me to take care of you."
"But," he sniffles; Finn cuts his off by nuzzling his nose into a wet cheek. The boy giggles despite his tears. It's the first time he's heard him giggle in months. It makes a warm feeling uncurl and spread over his chest at the fact it's because of him.
"I'll take care of you," he whispers the pledge he always manages to break. He kisses both of the boy's rosy cheeks, his button nose and eyelids, Kurt laughing the entire time. The child brings his cool hands up to push the elder's face away.
They stare at each other for a moment and Finn's carried away to a time when there was a different emotion in those blue-at-the-moment eyes. Kurt presses an innocent kiss to his lips, a pink flush on his chubby cheeks. He burrows his face back into his neck. Finn laughs heartily. Leaning back against the door jam, he slides to the ground being mindful of the bundle in his arms. It may not be high-class but the can wait there until the rain stops. They are already really early or really late to where there heading it just depends on who you ask.
SWOWK
He readjusts the sleeping Kurt in his arms, taking all the weight on one arm and freeing the other. He raises it to grasp hold of the disappointingly plain, bronze knocker on a sea foam door. They are finally at where they are meant to be. He lets it drop. It bounces with an obnoxiously loud bang, startling both boys. Kurt's head jerks up, smacking Finn's chin, hard. He lets out a yelp just as the door swings open. A mildly startled, mildly annoyed caramel toned woman stands in the doorway.
She is dressed in sweats and a big t-shirt, her curly brown hair standing at attention. He feels a little guilty at waking her up so late in the night. The storm had gone on for quite a long while and he had dropped off at some point. If he had to guess he'd say it was well past midnight. "Yes?" she says politely, a yawn sneaking up at the end.
"Um, Gwen? I'm Finn Hudson and this is Kurt Hummel," said boy gives the woman a drowsy wave. Recognition slowly lights up her dark brown eyes.
"Oh my gosh!" she gasps. "I didn't think you guys were coming anymore!" She stands to the side, ushering them into the warm house. She takes his soaking coat from him, hanging it on the doorknob. "You must be tired. I'll show you to your rooms. I can give you the full tour tomorrow," she says turning to the stairs.
"I wanna sleep with you," Kurt breathes into his ear, his hand tightening in the striped polo.
"Sure buddy," he agrees, following Gwen to the second floor. When they get to his room, he apologizes for waking her up at such an hour and thanks her for opening up her home to them. She just smiles, excitedly, and asks if they need anything else before continuing down the hall. Finn closes the door, turning to look at the room. It's a decent sized room with a dresser to his left and the bed to his right. There is a desk pushed under the room's only window on the far wall.
He sets Kurt down on the bed and makes quick work of their damp clothes. He pulls out a fresh pair of boxers for him and one of his old shirts for the kid. When they are both changed, the bag is shoved into a dresser drawer. Finn makes sure to dig in his jean pockets until he retrieves the metal device. He puts in on the tiny nightstand then climbs into bed. Kurt snuggles into him and he protectively wraps an arm around the boy.
"This is our new home," he sighs.
"It's scary," Kurt responds, body stiffing.
"I'll be here," he reassures, rubbing circles into his back. The younger doesn't seem persuaded. Taking a deep breath Finn launches into the first notes of "I'll Stand by You." It feels like a lifetime ago that Kurt made him sing to what he thought was going to be his child. So much had happened, changed in those two years. This was the start of the next ten years of their lives.
Ten Years Later
Finn lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling while his mind churns with the remainders of his nightmare. He knows this is coming, he has for ten years. It still scares him, though. Time will be reversing and accelerating. Future events will start aligning with past events and today is the start. There is a soft knock on his bedroom door. He knows that's his signal to get up but his body won't respond. "Finn?" a voice calls through the door. He sighs, eyelids dropping shut. He takes a few long breathes, calming down.
"Finn!" the voice calls again tinged with annoyance. Taking on more lungful of air, he slips out of bed. He tugs on the cleanest clothes he can find, pausing in front of his dresser shirt halfway on. He shifts through the clutter until his fingers stumble across the thin chain of a necklace. He pulls the piece out, dangling it before his face. There is a small pale yellow bird pendent at the end. It shimmers in the faint sunlight that is peaking through his heavy curtains. It was originally a locket but he knows it'll no longer open.
"Finn!" The knocks are harder, more impatient. He shoves the necklace into his jean's pocket and makes his way to the door. He swings it open, letting it gently bang against the wall.
"Happy birthday, Buddy," he cheers, grinning down at the startled brunette, who's scowl slowly morphs into an affectionate grin.
"Why thank you, Finn Hudson," he beams, tugging Finn's shirt down the rest of the way. "But that doesn't excuse your dreadful choice in clothes!" he pouts. Finn just chuckles, looping his arm around Kurt's shoulders. He guides him towards the stairs.
"Has Gwen made breakfast yet?" he asks. The smaller boy sighs moving out from under his arm. He lets his arm drop, silently yearning for the days when Kurt would melt into him. They amble down to the kitchen, the birthday boy excitedly reciting his plans for the day. The other listens intently, noting that the plans no longer revolve or include him. The moment they step into the kitchen Kurt is scooped up by a pair of warm caramel colored arms.
"Gwen!" he giggles into the hug.
"Happy birthday," she responds, placing a kiss on his brow. The taller man slips past them heading for the stove. He eyes the piles of food, quietly trying to pick up a plate from the stack left by the stove. "Don't even think about it Finnegan!" she rebukes, her back still to him. He frowns, putting the plate back. He runs his fingers over the stack, noting that there are five more than usual.
"Where's Lancelot?" he asks.
"Picking up a couple of friends," she says absently, moving to check the bacon before turning the burner off. He puzzles over who they are. In truth he should already know.
"Morning," a curly, dark haired boy announces as he steps into the kitchen. He is dressed in clothes that match more and are cleaner than Finn's. He brings Kurt into a hug with a "Happy birthday, darling," and a kiss on his cheek. He moves over to stand by Finn, eyeing the food the same way the taller one had.
"Don't you think of it either, Blaine Anderson!" Gwen chides breezing past them to set the table. He pouts, shoving his hands into his khaki's.
"So where's Sam?" Kurt asks, coming up behind them and swiping a strip of bacon. He smiles when Gwen doesn't say anything. The shorter boy's scowl turns into a smug smirk.
"He'll be down in a minute," he says simply. The birthday boy accepts the answer, moving to sit at the table. Finn knows better, however.
"You guys didn't!" he gasps.
"We're just getting reacquainted with teenage hormones, Finn. Unlike you we have to do it all over again." He says sternly though the smirk is still in place.
"Yeah, well don't get reacrated with them when everyone is still in the house!"
"I always make sure Sam is quiet," Blaine chuckles. Finn doesn't want to know what that entitles or entails. He knows this is a lost cause, as long as they remain quiet. He shuffles over to the table, grabbing the plates on his way. He is laying the last one down when Sam enters. His blond hair damp from the shower and there are faint circles under his eyes.
"Morning," he yawns, stumbling over to the table. "And happy sweet sixteen, Kurt!" he smiles, flopping into his seat.
"Thank you, Sam."
"Breakfast is ready!" Gwen says, carrying over the different dishes. She starts to carefully set them down. She is about to put the bacon down when she halts midway, her attention turned to the glass doors that lead out to the patio. A tap on the glass has everyone turning. There is a man at the window, he's beaming and wearing some strange Aladdin-like hat on his head. A red haired lady is standing behind him, scowl on her lips and confusion in her eyes. The man waves and all of a sudden Finn realizes who this is. With a groan he reaches over to open the door for them. The man steps through, eyes landing on Kurt.
"Kurt. Kurt! It's been a while hasn't it?" he says walking over to grab the boy's hand. "Then again you probably don't remember me, defiantly wouldn't recognize me." The last part is spoken more to himself than anyone else. "Oh and to think you're turning sixteen, again. Your second sweet sixteen! I remember your first one! That was the day we met!"
"Doctor?" the red-head interrupts, thankfully, before he can say more. She steps in to the house, followed by a skinny brown haired man Finn hadn't noticed before.
"Oh right, Kurt this is Amelia and Rory, Amelia and Rory meet Kurt, Finn, Gwen, Blaine and Sam. The others are on their way I assume." The Doctor introduces.
"We're here!" a lanky black haired man with large ears and sharp cheekbones announces as he, a blond man, and Lancelot step into the room.
"We would have been on time if this idiot didn't get distracted," the blond snaps.
"It's only right to get the birthday boy a gift!" the big-eared man says, looking at the blond like he is the dumb one. "I wasn't sure how much your tastes have change," he says turning to the thoroughly confused Kurt. "So I got you something you almost died for," he smiles, pulling out a CD from the pocket of his large coat. Finn knows exactly what it is without having to see it from the startled gasp that leaves the boy's lips.
"Merlin," he growls at the man. Said man looks over at him, smiling disarmingly but his dark blue eyes are serious. He gets the message. And so does Sam if the elbow to Blaine's side is any indication.
"Kurt, darling, why don't we go to the mall now," Blaine says gently, raising from his seat the blonde at his side.
"But I haven't even eaten breakfast yet," he complains, eyes flicking between Merlin and Finn worriedly.
"We'll go to your favorite café," he bribes, dragging Kurt's chair away from the table. He grabs the boy's wrist, hauling him out of the seat with a startled squawk.
"Shopping and breakfast?" the Doctor shoots in, dropping into Kurt's no available seat. "You two should go with them," he directs at his companions.
"But, Doctor, what will you be doing?" Amy asks, eyebrow lifting. Finn remembers when he had to deal with that kind of suspicion. It's the one thing he doesn't miss about that summer.
"Me? I'm just going to sit here and have a nice chat with these nice people," he grins. Sam sweeps back into the room, Finn hadn't even realized he'd left. He holds out Blaine and Kurt's jacket, his already on. The couple starts to force the reluctant teen into his.
"About what?" both Amy and Kurt cry. Arthur, the blonde, guides Merlin to the table. They occupy Blaine and Sam's seats.
"Well, my dear Kurt, we are going to talk about how this is technically a paradox! We are changing something that's already happened. Something that is set in stone! But because I like you, Kurtsie, I'm helping with this paradox. Oh, I'm a rebel!"
"Finn?" he turns to him, obviously confused by the Doctor's rambles.
"Go," Finn orders sternly. He has to look away from those green-blue eyes that now radiate hurt and disappointment. He is doing this for him; he can't let the smaller teen know what's going on until he understands fully. This time Kurt allows Blaine to tug him out of the house. The Doctor turns back to the two behind him, jerking his head in the trio's direction a secretive smile on his face. With a resigned sigh, Amy grabs Rory's arm and stalks after them.
"So," the Doctor says, straightening his coat and patting his fez. "Let's talk."
NOTES: Alright so I added the first chapter with it. I'm sorry if this chapter didn't answer any questions and instead gave you more because that's what it's supposed to do but there will be some answers next chapter. I was thinking of uploading character pictures into my profile in case not everyone was familiar with Merlin and/or Doctor Who. If you think it's a good idea hit me up with a review saying so and just plain review in general. I even love questions if you are particularly confused. See you guys next week!