Playing Dressup Chapter 4, a glee fanfic

A/N: Uhhg, I meant to upload this chapter so much earlier, but FFnet was being a biatch! Luckily, I managed to get creative and upload this chapter anyway. TAKE THAT FFNET!

Woo, this chapter is beta'd by omnisilver, who is quickly becoming my new favorite person. :P

I really like this chapter. Hope you guys do too! Would love to know what you think after reading. ^_^

Puck was having a dilemma. Today was Wednesday, it was already 6pm, and he didn't know what to wear. You heard it right. He, Noah Puckerman, Lima's residential stud did not know what to wear on a date with a girl he expected to hit and quit.

He didn't know why, but ever since their texted phone conversation yesterday, he had been looking forward to the date. It was weird, since the only things he usually looked forward to were beating people up, football games, and what happened after the date was finally over.

But not this time; he was excited about not only taking Kate Whateverherlastnamewas out, he was excited about showing her the "special surprise." Honestly, it wasn't anything mind blowing or particularly original, but every time he pulled it out, everyone seemed shocked. And although true for what he had below the waist, that wasn't what he was talking about.

For some reason, he wanted this night to be special. He wanted to blow Kate out of the water, and then he wanted to kiss her senseless and do all sorts of unspeakable things to her.

And if he had his way, then that was exactly what would happen… repeatedly.

Sighing, he pulled out a black suit he hadn't worn once since picture day his freshman year. His mom had been adamant that his first picture from high school feature him in a suit. He frowned at the lonely item, wondering if it would seem like too much.

In an unforeseen notion, then he recalled some of the first words Kate had said to him and smirked. There's no such thing as being overdressed.

"Dad?" Kurt began.

"Yeah, Kurt?" his father asked, looking up from the TV to give him his full attention.

Kurt shifted nervously, wondering why this was such a big deal. 'Oh that's right, because I'm going behind my father's back to date another man while wearing a dress.' He tried not to let some of the anxiety he felt show on his face, however, and instead flashed a hesitant smile.

"Uh, I was wondering if it was okay if I went to meet up with some… friends." Kurt hesitated, trying not to spoil his story.

Of course, that would be an obvious lie to anyone who knew him from school. Simply put, he didn't have any friends. However, his father didn't know that, and Kurt would rather keep it that way.

His father regarded him coolly, causing Kurt to shift again. "Will there be girls there?"

"No," Kurt said quickly. 'Yes, and most likely I'll be one as well.'

"It's fine with me. How long will you be gone?"

"I… I don't know. Maybe till nine? Ten?"

"Make sure you're back by eleven."

Kurt recognized the dismissal for what it was when his father turned back toward the TV. He gave a shaky jerk of his head before heading back down to his room to prepare.

As soon as he was in the safety of his own room, he allowed the guilt of his deception to eat into him. Sometimes, when his father fixed that concerned stare of his on him, Kurt just wanted to tell him everything. And now that they were all they had in each other's life, that just made it even more painful to lie to his father.

It was moments like these that he wished he were normal. Moments like these that he wished he could just like girls, if only to make his father happy.

But he wasn't straight, so he could never bless his deserving father with the grandchildren he no doubt wanted.

Wiping away a single tear that had slid down his cheek, he pulled the duffel bag from under his bed and began to pack the necessities for his 'not date'.

Finn sighed, looking at the clock for the umpteenth time. It was almost seven o'clock, and Puck was no doubt waiting to start his date with Kate.

After they left the mall those few days ago, Puck had been excited, bragging boldly about the things he would do to Kate. Normally, Finn would grin and laugh, hooting over his friend's way with the ladies and adding ideas of his own.

This time was different. Finn had endured it silently, his teeth gritting or fist balling every time Puck said something that rubbed him the wrong way. The few times he snapped, Puck would shoot him a glare and practically snarl, "She's not your girlfriend, Hudson."

And of course, Puck was right. Finn had no real reason to be jealous of his best friend, so afterwards, he stopped. Surprisingly enough, Puck stopped as well.

They hadn't talked to each other at all the following Sunday. Finn went to church with Quinn and her family, and all throughout the sermon his thoughts kept drifting to Kate. Oddly enough, the message for that day was about faithfulness and the preacher looked straight into his eyes as he raved. When the collection plate came around, Finn practically emptied his pockets into it.

It had been Monday when he got a surprising phone call from Puck. Instead of more dirty talk like he had expected, the boy had seemed…nervous. The more he talked, it became increasingly clear as to where his anxiety originated.

In that moment, Finn made a startling discovery. Like him, Puck had fallen in like Kate. There was no other explanation. Noah Puckerman just did not get nervous.

The idea left him simply dumfounded. Puck lusted after girls, never liked them. And when he dated them, not once did he call up Finn to ask, "Dude, it's been two days. That's… that's long enough before I call right?"

Not once had Noah Puckerman deemed it necessary to call up Finn and ask, "Hey, where would you take a girl? Like, if you wanted to impress 'em."

And never in a million years would Finn have expected him to call and question, "Should I get her flowers? Chicks dig that type of shit, right?"

But with Kate, he did. And that was what made Finn realize.

Now, Wednesday had arrived and Finn was conflicted. Thinking to distract himself, he decided to play some videogames.

Puck shifted nervously outside the Olive Garden as he waited for Kate to arrive. He kept checking his phone for the time, frowning when he realized that she was slightly late for their date. It was already 7:02 PM; she should have been there by now!

Just as he was about to send her a text, a familiar Mustang pulled up. A knot he hadn't even noticed forming slowly within him had loosened. He didn't know what he would have done if she blew him off.

The door to the mustang swung forth, and Puck felt his mouth go dry as soon as a long leg stepped from the vehicle. The leg was fucking perfect, smooth, creamy, and he just wanted to run his tongue along it. A body was shown to be attached to her appendage, and he had to shift to avoid a growing problem.

She was wearing a hot red evening dress that exposed her smooth arms which led to an equally gorgeous neck, and though she was flat-chested, she still managed to exude an aura of confidence and sensuality. Puck licked his lips unconsciously, unable to take his eyes of her as she spotted him quickly and walked over. Damn, he'd never wanted to be a dress more in his life.

"Good evening," she said by way of greeting, giving him a quick once over. Her hair hung in simple curls and she had gone light on the makeup, but on that waning summer night, the effect was still enough to take his breath away.

It took him several moments to remember himself. "Hey. You look… good."

She raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow. "You don't look half bad yourself, although I admit I'm shocked that you own a suit."

Shit. He had to restrain himself from preening like a peacock at the simple compliment that also held a hint of an insult.

"Yeah well, that's not the only surprise I have in store for you tonight." He leered as he said it, but it seemed to have no effect on her besides a slight narrowing of eyes.

"…Indeed."

Normally this was the part where he made promises of rocking her world all night long, but he thought that that would hinder him more than help him at this point. So instead, he just grinned devilishly.

She held out her hand and he stared at it blankly. Did she want a handshake or high five or something?

"Aren't you going to take my arm?" she asked pointedly.

He shrugged and slipped his arm around hers. "Whatever you say, my Disney princess." Being this close, he was able to smell the perfume she wore. He didn't recognize it by name, but it was light and pleasant. She smelled like a fruits basket.

'Oh shit, I'm turning into a pansy.'

With a tug on her arm, he strolled into the Olive Garden, the smells and noises washing over them. He walked over to the snooty restaurant attendant who sat behind a pedestal. This was his first time taking his date to an actual restaurant, so he felt a little nervous when the man looked up from something he had been reading.

"Yes?" he drawled. "How can I help you?"

Puck felt himself stiffening at the look he was being given. The man was looking at him like something scraped off the bottom of his shoe.

"I had a table reserved earlier," he bit out, "Noah Puckerman." He matched the man's superciliousness and veered away.

The man looked down at the papers he had and carefully ran his fingers down the sheet. "Ah, yes, Mr. Puckerman." His voice didn't change at all, still holding a bored, dismissive tone. "Your table is over there." Instead of actually escorting them, he simply pointed to a booth on the other side of the room before proceeding to ignore them completely, as though he had something better to do.

Puck clenched his teeth in agitation. He had wanted to impress Kate by appearing all mature and shit, but that plan had been torn to shreds by this prick.

Not wanting to start anything on his date, he led Kate to the booth. She disentangled herself from him and slid into the booth, looking picture perfect. Puck merely flopped down into the seat opposite her. He flipped his menu open with more strength than necessary.

A sarcastic voice brought him from his bad mood. "Glad to see you're using your superior strength to fight off the evil menus of the world."

He snorted, looking at the girl across him. She was observing him in cool amusement, and he felt a small grin working its way onto his face despite his demeanor. "I was imagining it was that fancy pants waiter's face."

Kate simply hummed, picking up her own menu and browsing through it.

Puck allowed himself a moment to look around. Honestly, it was his first time coming here, and he had to admit, he liked the atmosphere besides the lousy help. It was a mellow place, though it seemed they were a little over obsessed with wine. He was more of a beer person himself.

"Are you two ready to order?"

Puck looked up at their waiter then over at Kate. Honestly, he had no idea what was good.

"I'll just have water and the soup and salad special," she said. With a small glare, she added, "And don't forget my breadsticks."

The waiter swiftly noted this before turning to the male. Puck looked down at the menu, his eyebrows rising. What the hell was this thing written in, French?

"Uh, can I just get a burger?"

His only response was twin blank stares from both the waiter and Kate.

Did he have something in his hair? "What?"

Kate rolled her eyes. "They don't serve hamburgers here, Noah." The condescending way in which she spoke made Puck awkwardly uncomfortable of his age, though he was more than likely older than her. "He'll have the seafood portofino and an Italian cherry cream soda. Or should I order you something from the kids menu?"

Puck felt himself flushing despite himself. High school girls usually didn't care for expensive restaurants and British accents, and the occasional cougar he managed to bag liked him for not having all that 'real world' experience.

"I'll have what she said," Puck bit out at the waiter, doubly mortified having someone witness his subtle dressing down.

The waiter nodded before spinning on his heels and walking away. As soon as the waiter was out of earshot, Kate sighed and shook her head sadly.

"Sue me, okay?" Puck snarled, lashing out because of his embarrassment. "I'm still a teenager. And despite you looking down on me, so are you." He looked at her hesitantly. "…Aren't you?"

She simply shot him a deadpan look. "Yes, Noah, I'm sixteen."

"Good," he huffed; acting as if the matter was settled. "Also, stop calling me, Noah. The name's Puck." He was trying to regain his badassness, but from the look she was giving him, he could tell he was failing grandly.

"Whatever you say… Noah."

He growled at the smirk she wore. "You're not taking me seriously."

"Whatever gave you that idea?" she asked innocently, lifting her nails to her face and examining them.

"I thought you were going to give me a chance."

She gestured to the table at which they sat. "Then what do you call this?"

Puck had no response for that, so instead he simply sulked. This date was already a disaster to him and they hadn't even started dinner yet. If he were anyone else, he would simply give up right then and there, but his pride wouldn't let him. Despite the major bitch Kate was turning out to be, he wanted her. And he didn't mean just physically. Maybe it was his hidden masochist speaking, but he also liked her intelligence and quick wit. But most of all, he wanted to turn this prissy high maintenance diva into a blubbering mess under him as he—well, that's a bit much for now.

'Whoa,' he thought. That was getting a little too heavy.

The simple truth of the matter was, despite him, he loved a challenge. And Kate was putting up quite a fight. No one had ever resisted the Puckerman's charm for an entire sitting, though Quinn and the few who rejected him didn't count, and he wouldn't let such a black mark on his track record go unchecked.

At this point in time, he had forgotten about proving himself better than Finn. Now he just wanted to tame this wildcat who had stumbled unexpectedly into his life.

Kurt hummed in satisfaction as soon as his food was placed down in front of him. The only thing that could possibly make this date any better was Finn. Insulting Noah Puckerman, Olive Garden breadsticks, and spending time with Finn Hudson. Now that was the perfect afternoon.

Instead, he contented himself to just Puckerman and breadsticks. God those breadsticks were fucking delicious!

He felt eyes watching him so he looked up, right into the intense eyes of Puckerman. Unwanted, he felt a thrilled chill run down his spine. He felt like a cornered animal staring into the eyes of a lion, but if it was one thing Kurt Hummel wasn't, it was a frightened rabbit. So instead of cowering, he raised an inquisitive eyebrow, wondering what the other found so interesting.

Puckerman leaned back, a smirk appearing on his face before he returned back to his food. Kurt silently prayed he had an allergic reaction to the seafood and had to be rushed to the ER.

He tried to go back to his sextastic breadsticks, but found himself curious about the other boy's sudden silence. He had prepared himself for constant pick up lines and talk featuring the word 'stud' too much for his liking. Yet, he had gotten none of that yet.

"So," Kurt said, finally breaking the oppressive silence, "what was this 'special surprise' you had after dinner?"

"Is dinner over yet?" Puckerman questioned.

Kurt frowned. "…No?"

"Good. " Puckerman nodded, as if a small child had said a big word correctly and he feigned being impressed. "Then, wouldn't it ruin the surprise if I told you now?"

Kurt made a soft sound of acknowledgement, turning back to his food. On the outside, he appeared unconcerned, but on the inside, his brain was abuzz with ideas. 'What kind of surprise could a stereotypical mean boy jock come up with? Hm…'

Honestly, not a thing crossed his mind. Giving up, he returned to his breadsticks. He popped the end of one into his mouth and hummed in delight as he tasted the butter and garlic melting together onto his taste buds. These breadsticks were so sinfully good, they almost made up for being on a date with Puckerman and the fact that they'd go straight to his thighs.

He licked his lips. Then he felt that prickling feeling of being stared at again and looked up. Once more, Puckerman was watching him with a dark sort of look on his face, his eyes a little glassy and his mouth hanging open.

"Really, Noah, you should close your mouth before something decides to build a nest in it."

The boy's mouth closed with a snap.

"What's your last name?" Puckerman asked suddenly.

"Excuse me?" Kurt asked, taking a sip of his water to hide his surprise.

"Y'know…what's your last name. You know mine, but I still don't know yours."

His last name? He hadn't even thought of making one up! He had to answer quickly, otherwise it would seem odd. "My last name's Hum…Hummer. Kate… Hummer."

As soon as the name was out of his mouth, he wanted to bang his head on the table, violently and repeatedly. Hummer? Was that really the best he could come up with? It was only a single letter away from his real last name!

"Kate Hummer," Puckerman purred, electing another shiver from him. Seriously, he would have to stop doing that. But there was something deep and one-hundred percent male about both Puckerman's voice and stare. It didn't hurt that the other was hot too. Hey, he never said he wasn't shallow. Besides, that alone wasn't enough for him to overlook an entire year of bad memories.

"So, what school do you go to?" Puckerman asked.

Once more, Kurt busied himself by eating to think up a suitable cover. Should he tell the truth? No, definitely not. A lie was the best choice here.

"Oh, uh, I'm… homeschooled," Kurt said, nodding internally.

Puckerman raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Your mom teaches you?"

Unable to help himself, Kurt found himself frowning in sadness. "No. She's… dead."

"Oh," Puckerman said, looking uncomfortable.

For the rest of the meal, Kurt didn't speak and neither did Puck.

When Puckerman called for the check he almost jumped. Once the meal was paid for, they were out the door and Kurt was unconcerned to find it night out. The moon hung high in the sky, but because of all the city lights, there weren't many stars in the sky.

Once more Kurt shivered, although this time not because of smoky stares or deep voices.

"Cold?" Puckerman asked, noticing his shiver.

"I'm fine," Kurt dismissed.

Puckerman snorted. "Don't be stupid, you're practically half naked." With a slight rustle, Puckerman removed his suit jacket and slipped it around Kurt's shoulders.

"Thank you," Kurt mumbled, genuinely surprised by the gesture. He held the jacket closer around himself when another surprisingly chilly wind blew. Unconsciously he pressed his nose into the collar, breathing in Puckerman's scent. Was that Axe body spray? Nice.

"No problem," Puckerman said, looking away.

For a while, they simply stood there in silence. Kurt was tempted to ask if the date was finally over, but he decided to let Puckerman make the next move.

Finally, he spoke, "Uh, I guess it's finally time for that surprise, huh?" He flashed a weak grin, but it soon fell away. "Walk with me?"

"Walk?" Kurt asked, raising an eyebrow.

Puckerman rolled his eyes. "Jeez, I'll carry you on my back if you want, it's not far."

Kurt seriously considered letting him. 'What would it feel like to be picked up by those big arms?' But he decided not to.

"No thank you, I'll walk."

"Diva…" Puckerman mumbled under his breath as they began to walk.

"And don't you forget it," Kurt said with a sniff.

With a dry laugh, Puckerman said, "How can I? You won't let me."

Kurt merely hummed as he strode.

It was only minutes later that they reached their destination, and Kurt was completely confused. "You've brought me to a park?"

Indeed, trees were spread out before them, broke up only by the long stretch of concrete that ran through it. Park lights were lined along the walkway as well as benches.

"Nice deduction Carmen Sandiego."

Kurt glared, but allowed himself to be lead over to a bench and sat down.

"Wait here."

With that, Puckerman simply walked away.

Kurt glanced around, wondering what was going on. The park was completely empty and dark, the few lights in the area lit and casting dramatic shadows. It was silent, the only sound being the occasional rustling tree leaf. Honestly, the place gave him the creeps.

Just as he was about to call out for Puckerman, he heard it.

The soft strums of an acoustic guitar began to slowly fill the still quiet. It was coming from behind a tree, so the player of the music was hidden from him.

And then he heard a voice.

She's into superstitions black cats and voodoo dolls.
I feel a premonition that girl's gonna make me fall.

Kurt's eyes widened. No way. No way.

The acoustic music continued to play, and from behind a tree Puckerman appeared. Kurt literally gasped when their eyes locked. No matter how hard he tried, he found he couldn't look away.

The music suddenly began to speed up.

She's into new sensations, new kicks in the candle light.
She's got a new addiction for every day and night.

She'll make you take your clothes off and go dancing in the rain.
She'll make you live her crazy life but she'll take away your pain
like a bullet to your brain. Come On!

With every word he sung, Puckerman slowly walked forward, never once breaking eye contact. When they were only standing feet away, he broke into the chorus and sang with feeling, his full, earthy voice sailing into Kurt's heart.

Upside, inside out she's livin la vida loca.
She'll push and pull you down, livin la vida loca.
Her lips are devil red and her skin's the color mocha.
She will wear you out livin la vida loca Come On!
Livin la vida loca, Come on!
She's livin la vida loca.

Slowly, Puckerman's hips began swaying to the music and Kurt felt his mouth go dry. If the city behind him were to suddenly burst into flames, he wouldn't notice in the slightest.

Without warning, Puckerman stopped playing. Then, without a hitch, he slid back into the fast pace strumming of the song.

Woke up in New York City in a funky cheap hotel.
She took my heart and she took my money,
she must've slipped me a sleeping pill.
She never drinks the water and makes you order French Champagne.
Once you've had a taste of her you'll never be the same.
Yeah, she'll make you go insane.

Puckerman sat down on the bench next to him and continued to play. Kurt could do nothing but stare in breathless wonder. The boy's voice was deep and rich as he sang.

Then, he launched into an acoustic solo that washed over the dark park. When the final strum of the song washed away, Kurt opened his eyes. He hadn't even known he'd closed them.

He turned to look at Puckerman, simply speechless.

The other boy grinned, looking pleased with him. "So, how did you like your surprise?"

Kurt still couldn't talk. He could only shake his head and move his mouth soundlessly.

Puckerman chuckled. "That good, huh?"

Finally, Kurt found his voice once more. "Puckerman—Noah… Wow, that was… amazing. I don't—wow, I'm speechless."

A light blush appeared on Puckerman's face that Kurt missed completely, still a whirlwind of emotions and feeling after that impromptu show.

"I'm glad you like it," Puckerman said, voice honest. "That song reminded me of you." He grinned cheekily. "That's why I picked it."

Kurt finally felt himself coming out of the clouds or wherever that magnificent performance had sent him. Now that he was, he could feel only amazed disbelief.

He couldn't believe it. Puckerman had done it. He had found his one weakness, besides fashion, and actually managed to do the impossible.

He had supremely and irrefutably managed to do what Kurt vowed would never let happen.

With one simple song, a seed was sown.