Being the badass stud that I am, I should've predicted this would happen. I just didn't think those cowards would have the balls. I guess I was wrong.
I was leaving detention, headed out to my truck when they attacked. I never saw exactly who was involved, but when I felt the bat connect with my ribs and heard the resulting snap, I knew this was going to be bad. I know I got in some really good hits of my own. Yet, there were too many of them and several hits later I was about to lose consciousness when one of them spoke.
"This is for defending your freaks, Puckerman. Your little fairy is next."
Then everything went black.
Drops of water brought me around. Was it raining? I tried to open my eyes, but they wouldn't cooperate.
"Oh, Noah. Hold on, please. The ambulance is on its way."
Soft hands held my head. I tried to speak; I needed to warn him to get away before they found him too.
"Kurt…"
It was all I could manage before the blackness over took me again.
XXXXXXX
When I came to, I didn't recognize my surroundings at first. It hurt to breathe and my head was pounding. I cracked one eye open, then quickly squeezed it shut again as nausea gripped me. I could feel something warm wrapped around my hand. Taking a deep breath, I slowly willed my eyes to open. I couldn't focus out of one eye at all, but with the other I was able to take in the room. I turned my head slightly and another flash of dizziness and pain seized me.
It seemed like forever before I was finally able to get both eyes to cooperate. There was the most beautiful boy I had ever seen holding my hand while sleeping with his head resting on the bed. I felt like I should know who he was, but it wouldn't come to me. In fact, the more I tried to think the more I realized I didn't know. For the life of me I couldn't even remember my own name, yet I knew I was in a hospital.
Trying not to disturb him, I gently pulled my hand from his and trailed my fingers along his porcelain cheek. It felt familiar like I had done that many times before. He stirred sleepily.
"Oh, you're awake! Thank Gaga, Noah. I was so worried."
Huh, guess my name is Noah. I stared into big, beautiful blue eyes for what felt like several minutes. They took my breath away. This boy he felt like home and warmth, but I couldn't remember his damn name. Finally I was able to find my voice.
"You're gorgeous," I whispered. Not my smoothest I'm sure, but it was all my brain could come up with.
The blush that stained his cheeks was so pretty. His eyes went wide before the lids lowered to a sultry half-mast. Wow, if that wasn't the sexiest thing I'd ever seen… well, that I could remember anyway.
"Thank you," he sighed.
We just stared at each other. My hand was still caressing his cheek as he leaned into the touch. His skin was like silk beneath my fingertips.
"Question," I croaked and had to clear my throat. "What's your name, beautiful?"
Those perfect eyes went wide with fear and started to tear up, his breath hitched.
"No, no, no… this-this can't be happening…" he muttered. "I'm going to get the doctor, Noah. Don't worry, we'll fix this. We have to fix this."
He started to stand up. I gripped his hand as tightly as I could.
"Please, don't leave me."
"I'm not leaving you, Noah. I promise. I'm just going to get the doctor. I'll be right back, I swear."
I nodded slightly. Movement was still causing me pain.
I watched him head for the door. He seemed to float instead of walk. I noticed his long, sexy legs encased in tight denim. I noticed how amazing his ass looked. It didn't even seem wrong to devour him with my eyes. I must have made a noise because he turned back toward me and smiled softly. Then he was gone.
I told myself he would be right back. I closed my eyes and told myself to stay calm, but I couldn't. As soon as the door closed behind him I started to panic. Scenes that I couldn't identify started to flash behind my eyelids. A school and a parking lot first, then I could feel the bat against my ribs. I heard the sound of breaking bone. I heard laughter.
I didn't realize I had yelled until my angel was back, his arms wrapped around me, rocking me gently.
"Shh, Noah. I'm right here. Right here."
"Don't know… what h-happened to me…"
The doctor came in at that moment.
"Mr. Puckerman, we're glad you are awake. You gave us quite a fright for awhile."
"Doctor, Noah doesn't know who he is, or who I am." My angel let go of me to speak, but kept a hand on my shoulder lightly.
The doctor looked at my angel and then at me. "Well son, it says here your name is Noah Puckerman. You're a seventeen-year-old junior at McKinley High School here in Lima, Ohio. You were attacked yesterday afternoon while leaving school. Does anything sound familiar?"
"Just now, I had some flashes. I remember a bat. I remember the pain."
My angel gasped as his free hand flew to cover his mouth.
"I remember your voice; you were holding me, telling me to hold on." I squeezed his hand the best I could.
"It's not uncommon for patients who have suffered head trauma to have temporary memory lose. The fact that things are coming back in flashes so soon is a good thing. It's going to take some time for your mind and body to heal." The doctor gave us both a warm smile. "I'm going to order some tests for tomorrow, but if everything comes back alright, we'll see about sending you home by the weekend. I want to give you some more time to rest before we move you. You suffered three broken ribs, your sternum has a hairline fracture and you have about forty or so stitches in your head. I'd say you're entitled to a little R & R before we start poking around your brain, alright?"
I looked at my angel; he was fighting to control the tears that were streaming down his face.
"Is that okay?" I asked him.
He looked at me, then at the doctor, then back to me. "Noah, whatever will help you heal, is fine."
"Okay doc. Tests tomorrow then." I smiled slightly at him.
"Good. Let the nurse know if you need anything." He addressed my angel before he left. "Have Noah's parents been notified?"
My angel growled. The sound caught me off guard.
"His mother is off on another drinking binge and no one knows where she is. I called Noah's grandmother, but she is taking care of his little sister and is unable to drive at night to come down here. My step-mom, Carole Hudson-Hummel, is a nurse here and she's listed as one of Noah's emergency contacts. She's the one who consented for his treatment."
The doctor nodded his head. "Alright, have the nurse page me if anything changes between now and tomorrow. Noah, get some rest and I'll see you first thing in the morning."
All I could do was nod my head. I was still in awe over the growl that came from my angel. It sent shivers down my spine and was strangely erotic.
Once the doc was gone, I pulled on angel's hand to get his attention.
"What happened to me, angel?"
"Angel? Noah, honey, my name is Kurt."
"Huh, you look like an angel so that's what I've been callin' you in my head."
He giggled. It sounded like wind chimes tinkling in the breeze. It was a beautiful sound.
"Kurt, what happened?"
"You were attacked yesterday after school. Those stupid, Neanderthal, homophobic jocks jumped you. By the time Finn and I found you, you were unconscious and barely breathing. We called an ambulance. You woke up for a minute before passing out again. I was so scared, Noah. I didn't know what to do. I just held you and cried until help arrived."
"I 'member you holdin' me. You were cryin'? I thought it started to rain. Who's Finn?"
"Finn's my step-brother and your best friend, big goofy guy, not too bright, but with a heart of gold. Ring any bells?"
"No, not at all. Only thing I remember is bits and pieces of the attack and you. I remember being scared for you. I think someone threatened to hurt you. It made me fight harder."
Just then Kurt's phone rang. He looked at the screen.
"It's my dad, Noah. I have to take this."
I just nodded at him and continued to play with his fingers. He smiled.
"Hey, Dad. Ya, I'm still at the hospital. Noah just woke up." There was silence for a moment. "I don't think so, Dad. He doesn't remember. He doesn't remember who he is or who Finn is, just me." More silence. "I know that, but I can't leave him… fine, then, I'll rephrase that - I won't leave him. It's the same thing." His dad talked for a bit. "Honestly, I'll be fine." He smiled at me and stroked my cheek. "Yes, Dad, I'll call if anything changes. I love you too. Bye."
He hung up and went to sit back in his chair. I pulled on his hand and he arched an eyebrow at me.
"Come sit next to me." I tried to scoot over without bringing on too much pain.
"No." He shook his head at the same time.
"Please."
Kurt stared at me for a few seconds before climbing up next to me. He was very careful not to jostle me. I took his hand again and threaded our fingers together. I couldn't resist bringing those fingers to my mouth and placing small kisses on his knuckles.
"Kurt, how long have we been together? Remind me how we met."
He went paler than I thought possible and tried to tug his hand away. "Noah… we're not… I mean… you're not…" He trailed off as he began to rub his temple with his other hand.
"What is it, babe? You can tell me."
"Noah," Kurt looked at me with those eyes and I could swear he was staring into my soul. "You're not gay, Noah. You and I, we're just friends. Barely friends if I'm one hundred percent truthful. Up until the middle of last year you used to…" I watched him bite his lip and hesitate, "you used to pick on me and throw me into dumpsters."
I hissed at his words and felt him go still next to me.
"No way, no fuckin' way! That's not possible. I know what I felt in my flashback earlier and I know what I'm feeling now. There's just no way I'd do that, not to you at least. I may not remember much, Kurt, but I know how I'm feelin'."
"I don't know. I mean you've changed a lot this past year. You joined glee club and you stopped bullying a lot of us. Over the summer we started hanging out and I think we were getting along; we seemed to have things in common. Plus this year you've gone out of your way to be protective of most of the glee kids, myself included. That's friendship, Noah, just friendship."
"Maybe for the others, but not you. I feel more for you. I had to – I mean I do – it wouldn't have just started when I opened my eyes a little while ago. Damn it, Kurt! I know what I'm feelin'."
"Okay, Noah, okay. Calm down, please." His eyes were bright with unshed tears again. "We'll figure it out. I promise. I just want you to get better."
"Don't leave me, Princess, please."
His breath caught and he looked at me with huge eyes. "Do-do you... are you remembering? You used to call me that all the time, but I always thought it was an insult."
"It doesn't feel like an insult. When I look at you, you're so beautiful, I feel like I should protect you, lock you in a tower where you can't ever be hurt. Like a princess."
"I always thought it was because I sing like a girl and I tend to be a diva at times." Kurt tried to change the subject, "You know, you sing too, Noah. You have a beautiful tone to your voice when you sing." He sighed and carded his fingers through my mohawk.
I leaned into the caress. My mind was playing back everything he said. It didn't mesh with how I feel. Briefly I wondered if I had a secret crush on him.
"Kurt, you said I'm not gay, but my body says something different every time you touch me. Is it possible I had a secret crush on you?"
Kurt snorted, and then blushed. "I'm not sure if I should tell you this, but you're kinda a man whore, Noah. Last year you knocked up your best friend's girlfriend and you've slept with just about every cheerleader in our school. I won't even go into the cougars around town you've been with."
I groaned at the new information he had given me. Why didn't anything he was sayin' feel right? Is it really possible to be one person and then wake up a completely different one? I didn't have any answers and I was beginning to feel really frustrated. Kurt picked up on it right away.
"Hey, relax. It'll be alright. They'll do some tests tomorrow and your memory will come back. Everything will go back to the way it was, give it time, you'll see."
"Honestly, the way I feel right now, I don't want to go back to the way it was. If going back means I'm a douche and I don't have you – then I don't want it. I'd rather have no memories, but have you."
His hand in my hair stilled. I looked over at him and he was biting his lip again. I used my thumb to pull his lip from his teeth and run the pad of my finger along the soft flesh. I cupped his cheek to bring his head down to mine.
It was just a soft brushing of lips against one another, barely a kiss, but it felt like an electric shock to me. Kurt pulled away quickly. I couldn't tell if he felt it too.
"You need to rest, Noah." He started to get up but I wouldn't let him.
"Fine, but will you sing to me? It might help me relax." I laid my head on his chest and wrapped my arm around his waist.
Kurt giggled. "Who knew you were such a big cuddle-baby, Noah? Yes, I'll sing to you, but you should let me up. What if someone comes in here and sees this?"
"S'all good. Fuck 'em. I don't care. Just sing, okay?"
I was out like a light before he finished the first verse and I had no idea what he was singing. His voice was amazing though.
XXXXXX
I don't know how long I slept, but when I woke I could hear Kurt arguing with someone else. I was still wrapped around his body and I could tell he was trying to keep from waking me.
"… damn it Finn! I'm telling you he didn't even remember his own name." Kurt used that same tone before when he had spoken about my mother.
"So what? You just thought you would make a move on him? I thought I knew you better than that."
"Finnigan Christopher Hudson! Are you insinuating I'm trying to take advantage of Noah?"
Even I could tell Kurt was upset, hurt, and angry. I lifted my head and opened my eyes.
"Dude, I don't know who the fuck you are, but no one talks to my angel like that." I growled at the newcomer in my room. I also tried to sit up, but my ribs protested causing me to hiss in pain.
"Oh, Noah! Don't move like that." Kurt slid out from under me and began to fuss at the pillows propping me up comfortably. "Is that better?"
"Thanks, babe." I tried to smile at him, but he was avoiding looking in my eyes.
"Babe!" The gigantic dork by the window exclaimed.
"Ya, babe. You got a problem with it? You can fuck off and leave." I took Kurt's hand that was straightening the blankets and tugged.
When he finally looked at me, he sent me a small smile.
"Are you okay? Who is this loser and why is he harassing you?" I asked.
"Dude! I'm your best friend! How do you not remember me?" Giant boy moved closer to me and I could feel Kurt stiffen up.
"Look Gigantor, I don't know who you are, but I don't see how you could be my best friend and then insult someone I care about."
I heard Kurt gasp beside me. I continued to glare at the tall guy while I squeezed Kurt's hand.
Kurt was the first to speak. "Noah, this is Finn. He is your best friend; remember I told you about him earlier? He's also my step-brother. His mother married my father. You sang with our glee club at the wedding."
I tried to concentrate. I got a brief glimpse of Kurt in a tux dancing with the tall boy, but it faded before I could be sure.
"Then why's he being such a dick, babe?"
Kurt rolled his eyes and glared at Finn. "Because before he was my brother I had a crush on him. Which I am way past, thank Gaga! He thinks I chase all the straight boys. You know how us gays are!"
"Jeez, Kurt! I didn't say that! You know that's not how I meant it. I just came in here to see how my friend was feeling and I find him cuddling with my little brother. What was I supposed to think?"
"You could ask? Maybe not assume or accuse! That'd be nice." I could hear the frustration and tears Kurt was fighting in his voice.
"Look dude," I addressed the big guy while holding onto Kurt's hand. "I don't remember anything except for some flashbacks, but I remember Kurt. I look at him and I know what I feel. So you need to stop being an asshole."
"Finn, Noah, just please stop." Kurt reached for my hair again. I briefly wondered if we weren't close before, how he knew that made me calm.
"I'm sorry, Puck. It's just a little much to take in right now, ya know?" Finn flopped down in the chair next to the bed.
"Do you want me to leave and give you two a chance to get reacquainted?" Kurt was smiling softly at me.
"No, babe. I want you right here, please?"
Kurt climbed back up on the bed and I relaxed into him as much as possible.
Finn started talking about when we met in elementary school and little pieces kept coming back to me. I started to remember certain events in bits, but not people's names or what they meant to me. The only thing that came through strong was Kurt. I wasn't surprised to hear that we had known each other since childhood. I, however, was distressed to learn and partly remember some of the horrible things I had done. I couldn't figure out how Kurt managed to forgive me or Finn for that matter, but apparently he had.
Kurt would chime in from time to time adding a different perspective to the stories Finn was sharing. Mostly, he just lay there, holding me, and running his fingers through my hair. After a while between Finn's voice and Kurt's hands I started to fall back asleep.
Finn's excited shout brought me out of my near slumber state.
"Dude! You kept a journal!" Finn jumped up and started pacing around. "Puck, you started keeping a journal when we were in like fourth grade or something. You always wrote everything down in there. Songs, poems, random thoughts – everything! If we could find it, I bet it would help you get your memory back."
"One problem man," Finn stopped moving to stare at me. "I have no clue where it would be since I don't remember writing in one."
Finn's face fell. "Oh, ya… man this sucks!" he groaned.
Kurt cleared his throat. "I have an idea." I looked up at him and Finn sat down.
"Well," Kurt explained. "I could go to the house and look for it, but I'm not sure how comfortable I feel going through your things Noah. Sarah on the other hand, is your little sister, and I bet if anyone knows your hiding places it would be her. Do you want me to call her?"
A big smiled formed on my face as I nodded my head. "Yes! Babe, that's a great idea. Call Sarah now, please." I'm clung to the hope that my journal or whatever would have stuff about Kurt so that he would know I did like him and that I was serious.
I watched as he dialed and I could hear a young girl on the other end. I started to remember little things about my sister and I was happy more things were coming back. As Kurt spoke animatedly to Sarah I promised myself that memories or not, I was not letting Kurt go. I was determined to make him mine. I just didn't know how to do that yet.
Kurt shut his phone and turned to me with a smile.
"Good news is Sarah knows where it is and will be happy to give it to me. The bad news is the only way she'll do that is if I help her with an outfit for a dance she has coming up and if I bring her to see you, Noah. She is quite upset with everything that's happened."
I had to chuckle. I mean I didn't really know how I knew this, but I felt like this was totally something I would do, so my sister must have taken after me.
"Okay, well, go get her babe. Tell her to bring the book and we'll do the dance thing later."
"I can't Noah. One, Sarah was firm on her conditions and two; I rode in the ambulance with you. I haven't been home in a day and a half. I don't even have my car."
"Shit," I muttered. Kurt just chuckled.
"Bro, I'll take you home. You can get cleaned up and come back here. Tomorrow you can help Sarah and get the book. Sounds simple to me!" Finn beamed at us.
"I don't want to leave Noah alone, Finn." Kurt told him softly.
"Hey, babe, why don't you sing me to sleep like you did before? Then when I'm sleeping you can go and come back before I wake up." My plan sounded reasonable, but I was already feeling anxious about him leaving me.
"Are you sure?" he asked me while searching my eyes.
I tried to put on a brave face and think good thoughts. "Sure, I'll be fine." It sounded weak even to me.
It didn't look like he believed me. Just when I thought he was gonna call my bluff he picked up his phone and made a call.
"Hey, Carole, it's Kurt. I was wondering if you would do me a huge favor. I don't want to leave Noah, but I need some clothes and my car. Would you gather up some things for me and bring them to the hospital in the morning?"
I couldn't help smiling at his compromise. I listened to him rattle off the things he needed and my smile just grew, until I looked over at Finn. The tall boy was doing a pretty good fish imitation while gaping at his brother.
"Dude, what is your problem?" I asked as Kurt hung up.
"He never lets anyone go in his closet, touch his stuff, and he damn sure doesn't let anyone drive his Navigator. I'm just in shock right now!" Finn exclaimed as he jumped up again.
"Grow up, Finn! It's for Noah." Kurt admonished him.
I couldn't have helped the smug smile on my face even if I had wanted to, which I didn't. My boy had feelings for me and I was determined to do whatever it took to make them grow. I wasn't going to lose him.
The three of us talked on and off for awhile longer until the nurse told us visiting hours where almost over. She asked if Kurt wanted them to bring in a cot. I think she could tell he wasn't leaving.
"Why do you get to stay?" Finn whined.
"I haven't left Noah's side since they wheeled him into this room. Well, with a brief exception of going to the nurse's desk for a moment. Plus, I've already met all the nurses on this floor and Carole introduced me to some when we first arrived."
He didn't seem happy about it but Finn finally left. I was just happy to have my angel to myself.
XXXXXXX
Kurt turned on the TV and handed me the remote. I lay my head on his chest as I flipped through the channels. I came across Project Runway.
"This is your favorite show, isn't it?" I asked.
"Yes," he smiled down at me. "How did you know? Are things coming back to you?"
"I don't know how I know, I just do. Doesn't make any sense, huh?"
"Its fine, Noah. Don't try to rush these things, just relax so you can get better and we can get you out of here."
We watched in silence, but it was a comfortable silence. Kurt was rubbing my back and shoulders as I melted into him. At some point I must have fallen asleep.
I woke up from a nightmare, yelling. Kurt had moved to the cot they had brought in, but my shout brought him right back to me.
"Shh, Noah, shh. It's okay, I'm here." He held me and rocked me softly. "It's just a dream, you're safe."
"Kurt, I remembered who it was. I remember the attack completely."
"Do you wanna talk about it? Tomorrow the police might stop by and ask you questions."
"Can I have some water first?"
Kurt moved off the bed and brought me a glass of water from the pitcher the nurse had left earlier. When I was done drinking, he placed the glass near the bed and climbed back up next to me.
"I was leavin' detention, headed to my truck. I remember Azimo, Strando, and Nelson. There might've been others, but those are the three I saw for sure. They came at me from behind and hit me with a baseball bat. I managed to stay on my feet and fight back for a bit even though there were too many of them. Azimo spoke at the end. He threatened you, Princess. I don't want you anywhere near those clowns until I get out of here and take care of them once and for all."
"Noah! No!" He squeezed me tighter until I grunted from the strain on my ribs. "Shit, sorry! but... Noah absolutely not! You're gonna let the police handle this. You could get sent to juvie or something. If you do, then what? Not only will they win, but you'll leave Sarah and me here alone. Promise me, Noah; promise me you won't do anything stupid?"
"I can't just let this go Kurt! What if you had been with me? Or what if they found you alone? I can't take that risk. It's gonna be my word against theirs and they have the numbers to back each other up."
"Maybe somebody saw something? Maybe I can get Rachel to talk to Jacob Ben Israel and see if there were some witnesses?"
"Babe, do you honestly think someone is gonna come forward even if they did see something? Everyone will be too afraid. I'll tell the police everything I remember, Kurt, but I guarantee they won't be able to do anything. I will protect you and keep you safe no matter what."
He stared at me for a long time. I could see all his emotions swirling in those baby blues and my heart sped up. He leaned in and I couldn't resist.
I captured his lips with my own; licking his bottom lip gently until he opened up for me. I heard a soft moan, but I couldn't tell which of us it came from. Kissing Kurt wasn't like anything I'd ever experienced before. Instinctively, I knew I'd never been kissed like this. I felt branded as I ran my thumb along his jaw, like my whole being wouldn't be complete without his.
I felt Kurt's body harden under mine and it made my toes curl. There just wasn't any other way to explain it. I couldn't care less how girly that made me sound, it was the truth.
Kurt pulled back from me. He rested his forehead against mine while trying to catch his breath.
"Noah, we can't… we have to stop. You're hurt and we're not… you're not…" he groaned before kissing me again. This time it felt like he was trying to commit my mouth to memory by exploring every part.
The next time he pulled back he jumped off the bed.
"What the? Princess?"
I watched as he tried to slow down his breathing. He was such a beautiful shade of pink from blushing.
"I'm sorry, Noah. Dear Gaga, I'm sorry," he panted.
"Wait… what? Why are you sorry?"
"Noah, please. I know you think we have some-some connection or something, but we don't. I will admit you are so beautiful, Noah – how could anyone not find you gorgeous? But you're straight and we're friends. When all your memories come back you'll see that and then it will be awkward between us and I don't want that."
"Kurt, stop telling me how I feel. I know I don't remember a lot, yet, but I know this…" I waved my hand down my body drawing attention to the erection that was standing tall. "This doesn't happen when you're not attracted to the other person. If my ribs weren't killin' me right now, I'd have thrown you back onto this bed and I'd be provin' to you just how much I want you right now."
The pale boy let out a squeak as he eyes went wide and traveled down my body. I could feel the heat of his gaze.
"I-I don't want to hurt you," he whispered.
"I know, baby. I'll slow down just-just come back to bed, please. I really just need to hold you and have you hold me."
"No more kissing, right?" he asked as he moved closer.
"If that's what you want, Kurt. We'll go as slow as you need, but I'm not gonna give up. You need to know that. You and me – we're meant to be together."
When he finally came back I cuddled him into my good side.
"Good night, Princess."
XXXXXXX
The next morning when I woke up Kurt was nowhere in sight. I started to panic. I felt like something would happen to him and I wouldn't be there to save him.
Just then a nurse came in.
"Good morning Noah. How are you feeling today, sweetheart?" She leaned down and kissed my forehead. This seemed a little excessive to me and I guess it showed on my face.
"Oh! That's right; Kurt said you didn't have all your memories. I'm Carole sweetie, Finn and Kurt's mom. I've been looking after you since you were in kindergarten."
"I'm sorry I don't remember. Finn was telling me stories yesterday but not everything is comin' back."
"That's okay. Don't rush it. Just worry about getting better."
Carole fixed my pillows and then looked over my chart.
"They have you scheduled for some tests today. I'm going to get you something to help you relax. Do you feel like you could eat anything? Maybe some soup or something light?"
"No thanks. I'm really just looking for Kurt. Do you know where he is?"
"He's taking a shower in the doctor's lounge. I brought him some clothes and his car this morning. He said he's going out to your house to see Sarah."
"Ya, Finn told me I kept a journal. Sarah says she knows where it is so Kurt's gonna get it from her. Hopefully it will help me remember things."
She smiled at me and proceeded to go get me some medicine.
When she returned, I asked,"Carole, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, honey. What's up?"
"I remembered the attack but the thing is – I remember feeling afraid, just not for myself, but for Kurt. Then when I woke up here in the hospital I knew, even though I don't know how I knew, that I have feelings for Kurt. Romantic feelings. He says I don't and basically I was a dick to him. I'm confused as to how that's possible?"
"Hmm," Carole sat down in the chair. "I believe you."
"You do?"
"Yes," she smiled. "I think I could tell Kurt was special to you since you were kids, but you went through a tough time with your dad leaving. Then your mom started… well, that's a different story. Either way, I think you've been hiding your feeling for a long time. Sometimes you hid behind some destructive behavior. I've noticed that since this summer something has changed. You and Kurt have been getting closer and I've seen you let your guard down with him."
"So you think I stand a chance?"
"I think you are an amazing young man, Noah. If you put your mind to something there is no limit to what you can accomplish. Plus, I don't think Kurt's as immune to you as he pretends to be. Don't give up sweetheart. I believe it will work out in the end."
"Thanks Carole. I appreciate that."
She stood up and headed for the door. "I love you, Noah, like my own child. Burt does too. Lean on us if you need to, we'll always be there for you and Sarah. Now, I'm going to get you something to eat before they come to get you. Try to relax." Carole smiled sweetly before leaving the room.
XXXXXXX
A few minutes later Kurt walked into the room. My soup had just been delivered, but it remained untouched. He smiled at me and sat on my bed.
"Why aren't you eating?"
"Don't feel like it. I'm worried about these tests, Kurt."
"Don't be, you're gonna be fine."
"I'm already fine, babe." I couldn't help smirking at him.
He laughed. "It appears your arrogance is a natural part of you if you can still make comments like that."
"Na, I just wanted to see you smile. It makes me happy."
His blush was beautiful.
"Okay. Noah, are you going to be alright if I head out to see Sarah? Your tests aren't scheduled until after lunch and I want to be back by then. If I leave now I should make it."
"I'll be okay if you kiss me before you leave." I watched as his eyes snapped up to mine. I just grinned.
He stared at me for a minute before leaning in. Just as my eyes closed I felt his lips brush my forehead and I pouted.
He chuckled softly. "Never thought I'd see the day Noah Puckerman pouted."
"That wasn't very nice Princess," I folded my arms across my chest and instantly regretted it. "Ow!"
He pulled my arms away and held my hand. "Noah, listen to me, please. When you get your memories back, and if… if you feel the same way, then we'll talk about it, okay?"
"Well you're not giving me any choices now, are you? But you know what? That's fine. I'll prove it to you – one way or another."
Kurt kissed my head again and headed for the door. He turned back at the last minute and I swear I heard him say, "I hope so." Then he was gone.
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AN: I want to thank TVTIME for being not just a wonderful beta and correcting my punctuation and grammar BUT for helping me organize my thoughts and always being a friend I can share with. You're the best! Hugs, Melissa