Chapter 3 Minor details, important lesson
Kurt's head is still reeling.
Even now, three days later.
Of course, he has still trouble coming to terms with this new reality. And how can he not? There is this whole other species living amongst humans without anyone being the wiser. And he is one of them. A succubus. A freaking sex demon who feeds on people's life force and sexual pleasure. Well not solely. Eli made it very clear that he still needs to ingest normal food. Which is good, considering he is still a virgin and doesn't have anyone to feed on, one way or the other.
And speaking of Eli.
As it turns out he isn't Kurt's uncle. More like a distant cousin. And he is almost one hundred and fifty years old. It takes him a few minutes to get over the initial shock, but after that Kurt eagerly listens to Eli's life story. Only the short version of it, though. So far he faked his death four times, getting new identities each and every time, but always making sure to stay close to his kin. To keep an eye on them. To watch out for them. And if necessary to step in and help when a new succubus is born.
Like he is doing right now with Kurt.
It's remarkable, astonishing and absolutely crazy. But it's his new life. And apparently, if he sticks to a steady diet – of sucking other people's life force and whatnot – he could, in theory, live forever. It's a strange thought, but also very intriguing.
And then there is his dad.
He knew. He knew there was a possibility that Kurt could be a succubus. Or turn into one, more precisely. And he didn't say anything. Of course, Kurt is mad, but Eli comes right to his defense.
"Don't blame him. Your father was sworn to secrecy."
"By whom?" Kurt demands.
"Your mother."
"Did she … was she like me?"
"No. She wasn't. But she knew there was a chance you might be one of us. A slight chance, but still a chance. See, in our line only men inherit the gene. And since you are the first male, you were naturally on my radar." Eli explains. "To tell you the truth, I've been keeping an eye on you for years. I'm sorry I stayed away. But I had. My presence might have accelerated the process and your mother wanted to leave it up to fate. Anyway, before Elisabeth died, she filled your father in. With my permission. He had to know what to expect, just in case. But he also had to keep his mouth shut. See, discretion is our main rule. Humans don't know about us unless someone screws up or they are family."
"We are not born like this?"
"Yes and no. We are born with the gene, but there is no test to find out if you have it. And unfortunately to this day nobody figured out what exactly triggers the change. But studies show that growing up around other fae plays a vital role. That's why shape shifters almost always change. They live in packs and rarely ever mate with humans. You could say their blood is purer than ours. As for the rest of, we simply turn … or if you like, show our true nature between the age of twelve and seventeen."
"So I almost dodged the bullet?"
"Yes. But I'm glad you didn't." Eli admits with glee in his eyes. "You are the first one in our family since me. It's nice to have family again, a real family, someone I can truly relate to. And yes, Kurt, I know this is a lot to take in. But you will get used to it. And believe me, in time you'll even start to love it."
"I doubt that." Kurt snorts.
"Forget about your first time. It was bad, I know. That kid stole your first kiss. And that's something that doesn't fly with our kind. A succubus always dictates the rules, not the other way around. What you did, knowingly or unknowingly, wasn't your fault. Your instincts just kicked in. You were already mid-change. What happened couldn't be prevented."
"But what if I really hurt someone next time? What if I can't stop and kill someone?" Kurt presses. As much as he is glad to discover that he suddenly moved from prey to hunter, he is scared.
"But you won't." Eli sounds so sure. Kurt really wants to believe him. But he barely even knows the guy. "I'll teach you everything."
"You'll teach me … everything?"
"Not that. I'm a succubus, not a pervert. I'll leave your sexual awakening to someone else. But I can show you how to feed on someone else's chi in a safe way. But it's just a precaution though. I cannot be around the whole time. You will have to take suppressants, at least until you've completed your education."
"Suppressants?" Kurt wrinkles his nose. He hates any kind of medication. He rarely ever needs to take anything, but when he does, he always gets nauseous. "And what do you mean with completing my education? I can't go back to McKinley."
"Of course not. Lucky for you, there is a school not far from here for people like us. Let me make a quick phone call. I'm sure I'll get you in by next Monday."
And true to his word, Eli arranges everything within a couple of hours.
It's amazing, and kinda intimidating. But Kurt doesn't complain, though. As long as he doesn't have to go back to McKinley he is happy. Even if it means moving away from his home and into a dorm room.
But Eli is right – he cannot be around all the time. And his dad, as much as he tries to be supportive, is not exactly qualified to help him through this. He isn't fae. He can sympathize, sure, and he does, but he will never truly understand what it means. Therefore his options to render assistance are limited.
Needless to say, his dad isn't happy about that. And Kurt gets it. Sort of. Eli is doing what his father is supposed to do. Well, what he thinks he is supposed to do. Take care of everything, arranging his transfer and talking to the headmaster. And maybe he is right. It's his job as a father. But wanting something and being able to do something are often two entirely different things. And sometimes showing support in words is enough to let the other person know how much you care.
Kurt tells his dad exactly that and proves his point by giving him a big, crushing hug, while whispering in his ear that he is still and always will be his number one. Apparently that's everything his dad needed to hear. Since then he is less angry with Eli for taking charge, but it still bothers him a little.
Kurt still has to take one final trip to his old high school, though. But only to empty his locker and say goodbye to his glee club, nothing more. He can handle that. He hopes.
It's Friday, so Kurt is fairly certain, everything will go without a hitch. Karofsky was released from the hospital the day before, but he isn't allowed to go back to school yet. And anyway, he isn't going alone. Eli volunteers to accompany him. His Dad offered to go with him, of course, but something came up at the shop and he had to take off.
Well, sometimes, timing truly sucks.
They are just about to leave the house, when Eli grabs Kurt's arm and pulls him around. His stare is intense, scrutinizing.
"You are on edge." He states, matter-of-factly. "I can tell. Maybe you should feed."
"I just had breakfast." Kurt points out. Sure, he just had a bowl of cereal with fruit and a cup of chamomile tea, but that's what he usually has. Well, maybe not the tea, but still. He isn't hungry.
"I'm not talking about food." Eli clarifies.
Kurt stares at him for a moment, before he finally understands what his uncle, cousin, or whatever is proposing.
"Now?"
"Why not? I promised to teach you, didn't I? Maybe you don't need it right now, but feeding on my chi will definitely help calming down your nerves. Just see it as a lesson, or a precaution, whatever makes you more comfortable. But we are doing this." Eli declares. Kurt doesn't even consider arguing with him.
"Okay, how does it work?" Kurt asks, biting his lip.
Eli smirks. "No need to be nervous. I will keep it PG. Promise. Let's sit down for this. Believe me. It's better that way. A real feeding can be quite overwhelming. Well, at least in the early days." He says, clearly speaking from experience.
Kurt follows Eli back into the kitchen. He is glad that they don't do it in the living room, on the couch, where his father enjoys watching his games and occasionally falls asleep on. Doing it there would be … awkward. But doing it in the kitchen, where they usually eat, as funny as it may sound, makes more sense. Well, at least it makes the whole situation a little less weird.
Eli pulls two chairs away from the table, turning them around to face each other and sits down in one of them. With a wave of his hand he motions for Kurt to take a seat in the other one. Kurt follows the silent instruction.
"Okay, first things first." Eli starts, leaning back in the seat. Clearly, he has no intention to get started right away. Which is a relief, because Kurt is nowhere near ready. "You don't have to worry about hurting me. I know how to stop you if something goes wrong. Which is very unlikely to happen, since I'm a willing participant and you are obviously disinclined to do this.
"Don't get me wrong. Things can get out of hand if you don't know what you are doing. Which is why that jock fainted when you fed off him. You took too much, too fast." Eli states. Kurt can't detect even the slightest hint of blame in his voice. But he still cringes, remembering what happened that day. Only the knowledge that David is fine, though still recovering, keeps him in the seat and not taking flight.
"Like I said before. Not your fault. He cornered you. But more importantly he forced himself on you." Eli growls. Kurt still hasn't told his Dad about that. And going by Eli's outrage regarding that matter he never will. "Your reaction was only natural. It was self-defense. Sure, in general, our kind is non-violent. In fact, we abhor any kind of violent behavior. You know the saying 'I'm a lover not a fighter'? Well, it pretty much describes us. But it doesn't mean we are defenseless. In fact, we are anything but powerless. With enough practice we can easily manage to drop a room full of people without raising a hand. Neat, I know. And terrifying. But it's a fact. And the rest of the fae know it. That's why they respect us, even though we look like … well the way we do."
Kurt smiles a bit. There is no way he can deny it. He likes the sound of being a force to be reckoned with. People always seem to underestimate him. Thinking just because he looks like a girl – which is so not true – he is weak and powerless. So what if pretty is a more accurate term to describe him than handsome? So what if he has delicate features and no facial hair? His body is still toned. People just don't know it, because he hides it under layers of clothes.
But clearly, looks can be deceiving.
"I know. Most people think they can control us. But it's actually the other way around." Eli's smirk turns wicked for a moment, but he drops it quickly. "I don't want you to get the wrong impression, though. Succubi aren't the controlling types. Sure, we can teach people who think they are better than us a lesson. But we never use our gift to dominate. Well, maybe in the bedroom …"
Kurt ignores Eli's blatant innuendo. By now he is used to it. Well, more or less. He still blushes like crazy whenever Eli talks about sex. "Okay, I get it. With great power comes great responsibility."
"Quoting Spiderman, I'm impressed. I didn't know you were into comics."
"I'm not. But I saw the movies. James Franco …" Kurt sighs dreamily.
"I know. He's a cutie. And so is Kirsten Dunst." Eli smirks, before sobering up again. "But you are right. Having an extraordinary ability is great, but it isn't enough. You need to understand how it is working to control it. I will always be there if you need me. But obviously I can't be there every day. You need to learn how to get along without me."
"But you said I will have to take suppressants." Kurt points out.
"You will. Dalton doesn't exactly condone rampant behavior. Obviously, you can't just go around feeding on people whenever you feel like it. Sure, most fae are strong enough to endure a feeding process, without suffering any long lasting side effects. And most of them will forgive you, hell, they will even enjoy it. But one controlled feeding won't teach how to make humans willing and pliable. It won't teach you how to make them forget as soon as it happened. Acquiring that particular skill takes time, and a lot of practice. It will be part of your special education. Aside from your usual studies, like English and math, you will learn what it means to be fae. You will learn how to maintain control even when you are starving, how to blend in among humans without causing any suspicion, and many things more.
"But enough talk. Back to business." Eli says, clapping his hands together. Clearly, he is looking forward to his lesson. Kurt, on the other hand, is not. His heart starts beating like crazy and his hands get sweaty. In a word – he is nervous like hell.
Eli reaches out, taking both of his hands in his. "Look at me, Kurt. You trust me, right?"
Kurt nods, jerkily.
"Good. And just so you know the feeling is mutual. There is no need to be nervous or scared. Just take a deep breath, center yourself and relax."
Kurt tries. He really does. But it doesn't seem to work. And Eli clearly notices.
"Okay. Let's try something else. Close your eyes. Come on, just do it."
Again, Kurt does what he is told.
"Better?"
"Yes." And it is. Not directly looking at Eli, having his eyes scrutinizing his every reaction, helps.
"Good. Here, put your hands on my face." Eli says, slowly guiding Kurt's movements. His voice is soft, and calm, like a soothing balm. "Yes, just like this. Keep them there. Now, don't panic. I will do the same to you."
Kurt is glad for the warning. Otherwise he might have actually freaked. Eli's hands are warm and soft. Clearly, he takes great care of himself. Just like he does. Yet another thing they have in common. Kurt further relaxes as Eli carefully cradles his head in his hands.
"Okay. You are doing great. Now, open your mouth, just a bit. And keep on breathing. Slow and steady, in and out. Like me."
Kurt obeys, matching his breathing pattern with Eli's.
"Good, just like that. Now reach inside yourself, dig deep, look for the feeling of pure hunger. Or huge appetite. Maybe think of fresh brewed coffee or baked goods. How it makes you feel. How it makes your mouth water. Yes, that's it. Now let yourself go. Just inhale …"
Eli suddenly stops giving helpful instructions, falling silent. Kurt can tell that he is fine. His grip remains the same, secure yet affectionate, his thumbs gently caressing his jaw. It's an intimate gesture sure, but not as weird as he feared at first. It's comforting.
And then something is happening. Kurt can feel energy passing between them. He doesn't dare to open his eyes, though, afraid to look and freak out. But more importantly he doesn't want to break the connection, interrupt the process. Because here and now, everything feels just … right. He stops exhaling, simply sucks in the energy. Eli doesn't move just allows Kurt to take his fill. His chi tastes sweet and rich, full of life. No pun intended. It's without the doubt the best thing Kurt has ever tasted. He wants to keep going, overindulge himself like he sometimes dies with chocolate chip cookies, but a voice in the back of his head cautions him, telling him he took enough and needs to stop. As much as he wants to simply ignore it and continue, he decides to take heed of the warning.
With a satisfied sigh, Kurt lets go, effectively cutting the connection. He drops his hands and slumps back. Eli was right. Sitting down was a good idea. Sure, he's pleasantly sated, but he also feels a bit dizzy. Like he is riding a high, or something.
"Wow." He breathes, slowly opening his eyes, only to find Eli grinning at him like a loon.
"Congratulations. You've completed your first real feeding." Eli exclaims. His eyes are glowing bright blue, probably mirroring Kurt's. "You did great. And see, no harm done. I'm completely fine. In fact, you are a natural at this."
Kurt blushes, feeling slightly uncomfortable again. He doesn't get complements very often. "Thanks."
"No, need to thank me, hon. I'm just telling the truth." Eli replies, shrugging. Then he gets on his feet. "So, now that we took care of business, I'm ready to leave. How about you?"
"Yes, I think I'm ready too now."
