Title: Ask Me to Stay
Chapter Title: Growing Bonds
Author: Ash Knight
Beta Reader: LaLaTink
Pairings: KurtXPuck, SamXQuinn, ArtieXBrittany, FinnXRachael
Warnings: bad language, OOC, sexual situations, and violence
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or any songs I use for this story.
Notes: Matt never transferred in my story but I still haven't decided how I'm going to use him. And Kurt never quit the Cheerios.
Summary: Fed up with the way everyone sees him, Kurt decides its time to leave Lima. With nothing to lose he starts to let everyone know exactly what he thinks unaware of the consequences. But when things reach a boiling point and he has to choose, will there be anyone able to give him a reason to stay?
-Begin Chapter-
-Monday-
At first Kurt was worried that Mike joining in the work out would be awkward but Artie didn't seem to hold any ill will towards Mike. Matt seemed to have a lot of fun and wasn't as shy as he always was. Kurt guessed that he was so used to hanging out with the football team that he felt more in his element. Sam took charge and got everyone working on what he thought they each needed to improve on. Kurt went up in weight and was glad he was getting stronger. He liked the idea of not being so small and fragile anymore.
When they were done, Sam and Kurt talked to Artie about the video. Artie was all up for the idea but when Kurt explained his idea he said they would need Lauren's help. Especially since she seemed to be the expert at hidden cameras and microphones. Which wasn't supring to Kurt since she was also the one who sold him his fake I.D. So with a shrug Kurt just followed Artie to the A/V where they found Lauren Zizes looking over some footage while eating a box of Ding Dongs. Once they explained what they wanted Lauren agreed to help them, but only after Kurt promised to bake her a rum chocolate soufflé. With that Kurt left the A/V room with a small hidden camera disguised as a brooch clipped to his coat.
After that Kurt took off to class and sent a text to Matt and Mercedes, reminding them that they had to meet next period to check out the stage. They had to plan out how they were going to pull off the idea for their musical number. When they met up they checked out the equipment to see what they could do. They figured it out just in time as Noah came in with Tina for their turn in the auditorium. The trio then left to head for the gymnastics room, only to find a rather unpleasant surprise. Quinn was already using it along with Brittany to practice for their own musical number.
It took a while to sort out but the five of them resolved everything. They agreed to split up the Cheerios and the gymnastic room evenly. It was a good compromise and Kurt was glad they were both planning something big. The only problem was they were short on male dancers. Kurt texted Sam, Artie, and Mike and asked if they could help the trio out. They texted back that it wouldn't be a problem. After rehearsing Kurt was walking to lunch when he was suddenly hit by over a dozen slushies, courtesy of the football team. Completely soaked head to toe, Kurt was forced to skip lunch and go wash up and change. Thankfully the camera wasn't damaged and was still recording. Kurt reattached it and went to class.
As he was walking there he realized Noah had to start community service today and wouldn't be able to give him a ride after school to the garage. He texted Mercedes to see if she could give him a ride. She said it wouldn't be a problem and Kurt breathed a little easier. Lately he had been spending less and less time with Mercedes which he regretted. Everything was just so stressed right now that he barely had time for anything anymore. Not to mention he was completely broke and didn't even have enough money to go bowling with Cedes.
He was going to get paid Friday and was hoping to ask Mercedes if she wanted to go shopping and spend the day together. Now that Carole and Finn were moving in Saturday his weekend plans were shot. The idea of being stuck at home wasn't exactly appealing all things considered. At least he had Noah to make it easier. But now that he had community service to do Noah was going to be kept busy as well for the next few weeks.
Putting it out of his mind Kurt continued with the rest of the day. He noticed some of the A/V crew around sometimes and guessed Lauren already got them started. Kurt hoped it wouldn't all blow up in his face later on. When the day was over Mercedes drove him to the garage and dropped him off. Finn was already there cleaning up what looked like some spilled anti-freeze.
"What happened?" Kurt asked neutrally.
"Uh, I just had a clumsy moment" Finn responded uneasily.
"Finn, isn't dad supposed to be supervising you?"
"Uh yeah, but he had to take this important call from one of those contractor guys. He's in his office right now."
"Finn!" Kurt suddenly yelled.
Finn had pushed the anti-freeze around with a mop splashing Kurt's shoes, affectively ruining them.
"Oh sorry Kurt. I didn't mean-"
"It's alright!" Kurt cut off the clumsy jock. "Finn, you can't clean spilled chemicals like that. You're just making a huge mess and spreading it all over, which is going to cause an accident."
"Sorry, I just thought I could mop it up like anything else."
"Just wait here. Since dad is busy I'll give you hand. Let me just get my coveralls on and I'll be right back" Kurt told Finn.
Finn looked grateful and Kurt just went to the office where his dad was still on the phone. He put on his coveralls and grabbed his extra set. He put the extra into his bag to take home and alter later on. He went back outside and began to help Finn in cleaning up the mess. Kurt explained about the proper way to clean up chemicals and how to dispose of them correctly. Just as they were about done cleaning the mess Burt came out of his office.
"Kurt, I got to get home right now. Can you take care of Finn?"
"Sure dad. Is anything wrong?" Kurt asked.
"No, it's just that Daniel got me in touch with this contractor who owes him a huge favor. He's heading over to the house right now and I got to get there to let him in and take a look."
"I'll take care of everything here dad" Kurt assured.
Burt took off and Kurt and Finn finished cleaning up. After that Kurt brought Finn along and did his usual rounds. As he did Kurt explained to Finn everything he was doing from fixing a radiator to body work. He had to go slow to explaining things step by step as well as what tools to use and how to use them. He didn't let Finn do any of the repairs since he still was no where near ready to do them. At one point or another Finn looked completely lost, so Kurt broke things down as simply as could.
"How are you getting home?" Finn asked as Kurt was closing things up.
"I'm just going to take the bus and I can walk the rest of the way" Kurt answered as he put some papers away in a filing cabinet.
"If… you want I can just give you a ride" Finn offered uneasily.
"It's ok Finn, you don't have to" Kurt told the jock.
"Come on. It's the least I could since you helped me out today" Finn insisted.
"That's nice of you but I have to go to the grocery store first. I need baking supplies since I'm going to bake stuff for Sam's party."
"Not to mention the soufflé I promised Lauren" Kurt thought.
"I can take you. This way you don't have to carry all that on the bus" Finn reasoned.
"Ok, just let me finish here and wash up" Kurt said.
Kurt finished noting down some repair forms and checking the inventory. He then went to wash up and clean himself off. As he was doing so he heard the phone ring. Quickly grabbing a towel he headed for the office only to hear Finn picking it up. Finn was staring at the phone receiver with a strange look on his face. Instantly, Kurt knew what happened and grabbed the receiver out of Finn's hand and hung up the phone.
"Kurt… that-"
"Just forget about it Finn" Kurt sighed as he took of his coveralls.
Finn didn't know what to say and just stared at Kurt.
"Let's go" Kurt said to the jock as he slung his bag over his shoulder.
They walked out silently and Kurt locked everything up. They piled into Finn's car and started driving.
"Kurt, that call-"
"I know Finn. It's cool. Just put it out of your mind."
"How do you know what they were calling for?"
"Because Finn, it's not the first time we've gotten a spooky anonymous call" Kurt explained.
"We got to tell Burt about this!"
"He already knows Finn."
"What?"
Kurt just took a deep breath and tried to steady himself.
"Finn, the phone calls started last year. Dad doesn't even know that I know they're still calling. The only reason I found out was because since the arrhythmia, I had to take over the garage until now, and I ended up picking up a few of the calls myself."
"I'm sorry Kurt."
"Don't apologize Finn. You are not the one calling the garage like a coward. Forget about it and don't mention it to dad. He doesn't need any more stress."
Finn looked like he wanted to say something else but thankfully he didn't. They made it to the grocery store and Kurt knowing already what he needed was done shopping in ten minutes. Once they reached Kurt's house, Kurt thanked him for the ride. Kurt got out of the car and saw a large pick up truck in the driveway with a full lumber rack. Going inside he saw his dad talking with a rather tall man in the living room.
"The best thing would be to knock a part of the wall off here" the man said as he wrote something down on a clipboard. "All the space on the second floor is all used up and there is no place to really add an addition to the house on from there."
"Well if that's the only way then when do you think you can get it all done by?" Burt asked.
"Well, if I start this week, my crew and I should have it done no later than the second week of November."
They went on to discuss price and Kurt just went to the kitchen. He sorted out what he needed for the baking he had to do and then went downstairs to drop off his bag on top of his bed. By the time he was done the guy had already left and Burt was looking over some papers on the kitchen counter.
"Hey Kurt. How did everything at the garage go?"
"It was fine" Kurt stated as he began to make dinner.
"How did Finn do?"
"He did alright. But he's got a long way to go before he can do repairs unsupervised."
"I'm glad you two are finally getting along" Burt declared.
"It wasn't that difficult dad. I just needed to grow up" Kurt shrugged as he turned his back to the stove.
"Don't grow up on me too fast. Before you know it you'll be moving out and living on your own" Burt joked.
"You have no idea dad" Kurt thought.
"So how did it go with the contractor?"
"Good. When Carole and Finn move in we got to move some stuff around. But I was thinking about what to do with the piano."
"What do you mean?" Kurt asked, feeling a pit in his stomach.
"Well it takes up a lot of space in the living room. Carole and I were thinking about what to do with it last time she moved in. I was thinking we could take this chance and put it into storage until we could find someone to buy it."
"Sounds like a reasonable idea" Kurt agreed, though still not turning around to face his father.
"Are you OK with that?"
"Sure dad. And Carole could take the chance to do some redecorating once we put all the furniture back" Kurt said as he finally turned back to his father.
"I'm sure you could help her with that."
"Not really. I'm sure Carole can handle redecorating on her own."
"Well I thought you two would like to spend some time together since I'm spending a bit more time with Finn" Burt explained.
"That's nice of you dad. But Carole is going to be the woman of the house so she should get the final say on how to decorate the house. Besides, considering how my last foray into interior decorating ended, I'm sure Carole can handle it on her own" Kurt reminded his father.
"Well if you change your mind just let Carole know" Burt offered.
Kurt just nodded and went back to cooking. Noah came home just as he was done setting the table. Dinner was pleasant and Kurt just tried to enjoy the nice quiet dinner with his father and friend. On the inside his chest was clenching at the idea of his mother's piano being sold. He couldn't look at it without remembering his mother teaching him how to play it when he was a little boy. In the end Kurt steeled his resolve to see all this through. There was no way he could stop now and he had no choice but to keep moving forward.
After dinner Noah went downstairs to relax and Burt went to watch TV in the living room. Kurt began baking the rum chocolate soufflé for Lauren, since he had to deliver it to her by tomorrow morning. But he figured that since he needed to bake Sam's cake and other party foods, he could get some of that done as well. Once the soufflé was in the oven he started making the frosting for Sam's cake. When that was done he began making the fruit filling for the cake as well. Finishing up, Kurt made sure the soufflé was perfect and called it quits for the night. He went back down stairs and saw Noah on the couch relaxing. He went over to his bed and sketching out whatever came to his mind.
-Tuesday-
The day passed in a blur. Since it was the day they all did calisthenics Kurt let the guys into the gymnastics room. Kurt explained the routine to Mike and Matt while Sam and Noah helped Artie with his own exercises. When they were done Kurt began on his own gymnastics routine and began to make use of the equipment. Mike was very impressed with all of Kurt's moves and asked if Kurt could teach him some. Since Mike already knew how to do back flips and such do to his dancing he took to the gymnastics like a fish to water.
Seeing as how that was so simple for the Asian, Kurt decided to kick it up a notch and add some rhythmic gymnastics. Kurt put on some music and Kurt showed Mike some moves with the clubs. Before the others knew it they were watching Kurt and Mike pull off some amazing gymnastics moves in a complicated display. Mike had no trouble keeping up with the soprano as Kurt led him through all of the steps. When it was over they stopped only to receive applause from the guys who had stopped to watch the duo. They both bowed playfully and Kurt told them to get back to working out. Mike asked Kurt to show him some more to which Kurt happily obliged
As soon as the morning work out was over, Mercedes showed up with the Cheerios. A lot of hooting and hollering was done by the girls as they saw all the guys in the room. They had all taken their shirts off and all the girls were enjoying the show. Noah of coarse loved the attention and began to flex and pose to show off. He was immediately surrounded by a few of the Cheerios who just wanted to cop a feel. Kurt had to admit, that with his gorgeous body and pierced nipples the girls were right in admiring the view. He went to get his shirt and saw how Mercedes looked at Matt's body. Matt noticed and blushed, quickly putting his own shirt back on.
When the guys all left the trio spent all morning singing and rehearsing with the Cheerios. They then went to lunch exhausted but excited for Friday to come. The trio couldn't wait to show everyone what they could do and even Matt was feeling more confident with both Kurt and Mercedes encouraging him. After lunch they went to class and Mike surprised Kurt in the hall way. Mike asked him for some help. It turned out that Mike wanted to give Sam something for his birthday but couldn't decided on what until Kurt's music for their exercise routine had given him inspiration. Kurt agreed to help him by singing while Mike did an original dance number with Tina. Kurt almost laughed at Mike's song choice. It seemed Sam's love for science fiction was becoming infamous. Mike said he remembered how Kurt could sing in other languages and hoped he could sing it instead of him just playing the recording. Kurt said he would love to and Kurt went to look up the lyrics and music. After school Kurt rehearsed with Matt and Mercedes. Mercedes gave him a ride home and he began cooking dinner. His father had called him earlier and told him he wouldn't be home for dinner. Carole needed his help getting everything ready for the move, so it would just be Noah and himself for dinner
Last night Noah seemed more ravenous than usual and Kurt figured it was all of the excretion from the community service. So tonight he made a large batch of spaghetti with kosher beef meatballs. To kick it up a notch he made a special sauce to go with it. Wanting to do something special he went to his room and came back with his last bottle of red wine. He put it in fridge to chill and since he was going to use the oven anyway he decided to make some fresh handmade garlic bread. He was about to start a salad when Noah walked in.
"Damn what smells so good?" Noah proclaimed as he walked into the kitchen.
"Go wash up, dinner is almost ready" Kurt smiled.
"Where's Burt?"
"He's over at Carole's. He won't be back until late tonight."
"So what's all this then?" Noah asked.
"Well, since Carole and Finn will be moving in Saturday, this is probably the last time the two of us will have the house to ourselves. And seeing as how you were so hungry last night from your community service, I thought you would be again."
"Thanks Angel Face" Noah said.
"Your welcome. Now go wash up, dinner is almost ready" Kurt commanded.
Noah went and washed up while Kurt finished making dinner. Kurt set the table and pulled the wine out of the fridge. He uncorked the wine and poured each of them a full glass.
"I thought you said you had enough alcohol" Noah said as he saw Kurt pour the wine.
"Well, I thought you deserved something special for all the hard work you've done. Not to mention I want to get rid of some of the liquor I have stashed away. Now that Finn is moving in, I don't know how long I can keep my stash a secret. With my clothes, your clothes, and now Finn's clothes in my closet, he'll eventually find my cache."
"Well, we could just have a party. We can invite a bunch of chicks over and have a blast down in the basement. By morning all the booze will be gone" Noah suggested eagerly.
"That's your idea of a good time Noah Puckerman, not mine" Kurt reminded. "My dad would find out if we or rather, you had an orgy in the basement and that the liquor was mine. Then we would both be in serious trouble" Kurt admonished as he pasted Noah the salad he had made.
Noah began to eat while Kurt served himself some salad and sat down.
"So what do you think we should do with it then?"
"I don't know. I'd drink it but I don't have the time to drink that much liquor without dying of alcohol poisoning."
"Well I still say we should have party," Noah winked.
"Getting a bunch of women into my bedroom just so you can have drunken sex with them is not going to happen Puck" Kurt reiterated.
"You are such a wet blanket Angel Face. You got to have some fun in life. "
"How is me watching you have sex fun?" Kurt scoffed as he took a sip wine.
"I could teach a lot about sex" Noah said proudly. "Brittany might have shown you some stuff. But I'm the stud of Lima. I've been fucking chicks since I was twelve. I dare you to find anyone more qualified."
"I'm gay Noah. You can't teach me how to have sex. I doubt you would find it… appetizing" Kurt replied.
"Well then that leaves us with a shit load of booze and nothing to do" Noah shrugged with a smile.
Kurt just shook his head and began to serve up the spaghetti along with the garlic bread. Noah moaned as he tasted the food.
"I'd live here forever as long as you cooked every night."
"Enjoy it while you can. Once Carole moves in with Finn she'll be cooking almost all the time" Kurt laughed.
"That's not so bad. She's a good cook too."
"Yeah" Kurt agreed.
"But, right now I am loving this" Noah said as he shoved a whole meatball into his mouth.
"Well, I'm glad. Last night you ate like you were starving. I guess cleaning up trash by the highway is more draining than it sounds."
"You have no idea" Noah said as he took in a mouth full of bread.
"It's only for a few weeks. It will be over soon and then you'll be off probation."
"I couldn't have done any of it without you" Noah admitted.
"I got you out of juvie Noah but you did the rest. I'm really proud of you."
"I think that's the first time someone's ever told me that" Noah declared sadly.
Their eyes locked for a moment and they both stayed silent. They ate in companionable silence for minute, each giving the food there undivided attention. Noah asked for another helping to which Kurt gave him happily. Kurt finished his food and began to get everything he needed to start baking.
"You're making desert?"
"No. I didn't have time to make desert. This is for Sam's birthday tomorrow. I have to make the cake and everything else."
"Never got the point of everyone celebrating birthdays. All it means is you managed not to die."
"Didn't you like having birthdays when you were a kid?"
"I grew out of it when Sarah was born" Noah shrugged as he finished the last of the food on his plate.
"It sounds like the both of us had to grow up too fast" Kurt said remorsefully. "After my mom died, my dad tried to spoil me to try and make things ok. I barely talked anymore unless I absolutely had to. School was a nightmare and I didn't have any friends. By the time my ninth birthday rolled around my dad was ready to give me anything just to get me to smile."
"You're dads a good guy. You were lucky" Noah said as he downed the last of wine.
"I was" Kurt agreed. "But Sarah's really lucky to have you."
"Not really," Noah shook his head. "She deserved to have a real father, instead of having to manage with just me."
Noah stood up and put his plate and glass in the sink. He was about to go downstairs until he felt Kurt grab his elbow. He looked and saw Kurt smiling at him sadly.
"Noah, Sarah is a wonderful little girl. I know she's like that because she had you. And it's clear she thinks the world of you. I saw how you were with her. You did a better job than your own father would have probably done. "
"You really think so?"
"Noah, one day I know you are going to make a wonderful father" Kurt insisted.
"Kurt, I can't have kids anymore. Remember?"
"You can get the vasectomy undone" Kurt reminded his friend. "One day… when you meet the right woman, you can have children. And you're going to be a wonderful father." Kurt insisted. "I've seen how you are with Sarah. I know that when Beth was born, if Quinn decided to keep her, you would have given up your entire life just to make sure Beth was taken care of. So I know I'm right."
After a long moment of silence Noah finally spoke.
"I don't know why, you believe in me so much."
"Or why you make me feel... so much" Noah said to himself.
"Because Noah, I can see the real you" Kurt winked which earned him a smile from the half back. "Now help me clean all this up. I have a lot of baking to do."
Noah helped him clear everything away and threw out the wine bottle so Burt wouldn't find it.
"Not so fast" Kurt said as Noah was about to go downstairs.
"What's up?"
"Its time you had your first cooking lesson" Kurt announced proudly.
"No way Angel Face. Puckzilla don't cook" Noah insisted.
"I'm not teaching Puckzilla. I'm teaching Noah" Kurt said directly in front of his friend. "Now come on, your not bullshitting your way out of this."
"Oh I love it when you're forceful Angel Face" Noah joked.
"I bet you do" Kurt replied coyly.
Kurt began instructing the half back on what to do and began making the cake for Sam's birthday. Kurt watched Noah carefully to make sure to stop him if he was about to do something wrong. It took a while but Noah started getting the hang of it. Noah actually had fun and Kurt made everything seem so simple somehow. Even though the cake wasn't a simple recipe, Noah managed to not mess it up, which actually made the two laugh. Before the halfback knew it he and Kurt were spreading frosting on the huge cake they had made along with some cupcakes.
"I can't believe we did all this" Noah said as he looked at the finish product of their labor.
"I told you, you could do it" Kurt declared proudly as he dusted his hands off.
"You did most of it though" Noah replied.
"True but you helped me out with most of the work. And now that you've done that you know you can do it next time."
"I wouldn't mind doing it again if it meant you would make more of this frosting" Noah admitted as he picked up the bowl of frosting Kurt had made.
He wiped some of the frosting off the sides with his fingers and began to lick it, making obscene moaning noises.
"What the hell did you put in this?"
"I don't know why you like it so much. I was afraid it would lose its flavor after I added the food coloring" Kurt shook his head.
"Try it for yourself then" Noah said.
Noah walked right into Kurt's personal space with his index finger covered in a gob of frosting. Kurt looked Noah's finger as it was held up in front of his face. Grabbing Noah's wrist Kurt brought Noah's finger into his mouth, while keeping eye contact his friend. Noah could feel as Kurt began to suck on his finger. With the digit still in Kurt's mouth Kurt began to lick the frosting off, and moan softly. All the while he still kept his eyes locked with Noah's. Noah loved it all, if the look on his face was anything to go by. Sliding the finger out of his mouth, Kurt repeated the show with Noah's thumb, still not releasing Noah's wrist. When the soprano was done he began to lightly kiss the back of Noah's hand letting out louder moans as he went. Just when Noah looked like he couldn't take anymore Kurt slammed Noah's hand right back into Noah's own face.
"Kurt, you bastard!" Noah shouted as he shook the surprise out of his head.
"You are so easy!" Kurt laughed.
"Oh yeah" Noah said as he grabbed the bowl of frosting.
Noah grabbed the wooden spoon and smeared frosting all over the right side of Kurt's face.
"I just gave myself a facial last night!" Kurt yelled in indignation.
The jock laughed as Kurt grabbed a paper towel and began wiping the frosting off his face. Noah just laughed as he began licking the rest of the frosting off the spoon like it was a Popsicle. Kurt was not amused and Noah just offered him the bowl of left over frosting. Kurt snatched it from Noah's hands and before Noah could react, the soprano over turned it on Noah's head. The jock took the bowl off his head revealing a huge green frosting Mohawk, making Kurt laugh once again. But before he knew it Noah had tackled him to the ground and was tickling him. The two tussled all over the kitchen floor as neither one wanted to give in to the other. Their shenanigans were cut off however as Burt came into the kitchen. They both looked up, which was more difficult for Kurt since Noah had him in a headlock still.
"What are you two doing?"
The two just looked up at him before they both spoke in unison.
"Baking."
The pair just laughed as Burt looked at them both, not knowing if he should be concerned or not. Noah let Kurt go and they both helped each other up. The green frosting had gotten everywhere somehow and the sight just made two laugh even harder.
"Well it's nice to see both of you having fun" Burt said.
Kurt was about to reply until he spotted Carole and Finn both behind Burt. Carole was looking at them as if they were the cutest thing she had ever scene. Finn was looking at them his usual confused state.
"Don't worry, we'll clean it up" Noah declared.
Kurt just nodded his agreement and Burt said he would be in the living room showing Carole and Finn where the addition was going to be. Together Noah and Kurt cleaned up the mess they had made in the kitchen. His dad was still in the living room with Carole and Finn so they both went downstairs to wash up.
"You hit my nipple again" Noah hissed as he peeled off his shirt.
"Aw, does Puckzilla have a boo boo" Kurt teased.
"Maybe you should kiss it better," Noah teased right back.
One look at the mischievous glint in Kurt's eyes made him regret that statement. Kurt made as if he was to kiss Noah's left nipple. Only when he got close he poked it again.
"You jerk!" Noah hissed making Kurt laugh once more. "Do you have any idea how much the hurts man?"
"It's not my fault you got it pierced. I have no idea why you ever decided to get them pierced in the first place. And from what you tell me, you like it rough anyway" Kurt reminded him with a wink.
Kurt undressed while Noah gingerly checked his aching nipple.
"Piercing your nipples makes them more sensitive. It's what makes them so hot for most people when they have sex" Noah explained as he took off his pants.
"Isn't regular sex good enough for you? Do you really have to resort to mutilating yourself just for an extra thrill?"
"Most of the time it's good enough. But sometimes when I'm with a chick, like the other night, it helps to have them. If they don't know what they are doing and I like having more stimulation sometimes to keep things interesting."
"Noah can I… never mind" Kurt said as he finished taking of the rest of his cloths.
"What is it?" Noah asked, seeing the look on Kurt's face.
"It's none of my business" Kurt said quickly as he turned and left the closet.
"Come on Angel Face, you know you can ask me anything" Noah assured as he followed Kurt.
Kurt looked away, not really sure if he wanted to ask what he was about to. He looked back at Noah when he felt Noah's hand on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze.
"Noah, don't you ever get lonely?" Kurt finally asked.
Noah was caught off guard by the question.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you sleep around a lot, but don't you ever actually try to have a relationship with anyone. Don't you ever just want to be with one woman?"
Noah looked at Kurt for a moment not really knowing how to put his answer into words.
"Sometimes" Noah finally said. "When I wanted to be with Quinn, that was the closest I ever got to thinking I could just be with one woman. When she was lying about Finn being the father I tried to prove I could be what she needed. We weren't really together then so I was still fooling around with Santana. When she figured out I was sexting Santana while I was helping her babysit that was pretty much the end of any hope for us as couple" Noah said looking with a sad far away look in his eyes.
"Well, by now I know you know why Quinn ended any notion of being with you."
"I know, but even when I was with her, after a while we got fed up with each other. She was angry at me for getting her pregnant and I was angry at her for always trying to make me feel bad. Even after Beth was born and we forgave each other she still kept making me feel bad."
"And now?"
Noah once again went quiet until he found his voice again.
"Yeah, I do feel lonely" Noah admitted. "But besides Quinn no one ever made me want to be with just one chick. I dated Santana for a while but that was just a lot of hot sex. I've done almost every chick in school including almost all of the Cheerios and Santana was the only one that could even keep up with me in the sack. She was the only one who actually knew how to really satisfy me. Now that I'm not bothering with her anymore, I still get off with other chicks, but afterwards I don't feel like staying around either. There doesn't seem to be any woman capable of getting me off and able to hold my attention for any longer after that. What about you?"
"All the time" Kurt admitted. "But it's different for me than it is for you. I mean it's not…" Kurt trailed off.
"It's ok Kurt, you don't have to talk about it" Noah sad quickly.
"No, it's just. For me… I always have to see everyone else coupling up. With Artie and Brittany, or Mike and Tina, or Sam and Quinn, or even Finn and Rachel. I have to look at them all the time and be reminded of what I'll never have. All the stuff they just take for granted, because they are normal. They get to… hold hands and walk down the hall together. If I ever did that with another guy I'd get killed. Not that there any guys for me to hold hands with me anyway."
Kurt looked away feeling tears begin run down his cheek at the admission. Noah reached up and brushed Kurt's tears away.
"Don't cry, Kurt. I'd never let those assholes hurt you. If you ever found a guy I'd have your back."
"Thanks Noah, I appreciate it. But, there is no guy for me here in Lima. I was the only one brave enough to even come out. I'm never going to walk down the halls, holding hands with a guy a like. I'm not going to slow dance at our senior prom. Hell, I'm not even going to go to the prom at all."
Kurt kept crying for a little while and Noah wrapped his arms around the small mans body, holding him tightly to his own.
"I'm sorry, you shouldn't have to deal with my problems" Kurt said as he looked up from Noah's chest and into the jock's face.
"Hey, you've been putting up with me and all my problems since you sprung me from juvie. The least I can do is do the same for you. I meant it when I said you're my boy now Kurt."
"Thank you Noah" said Kurt as he tried to regain some composure.
"Besides, do you really think I'd hold just anyone like this? I'm the badass of Lima and here I am in my boxers holding another dude in his boxer briefs" Noah joked, actually making Kurt giggle.
The sight made Noah smile and that strange feeling began coursing through him once more. He almost moaned in disappointment as Kurt broke away from his hold.
"Come on. We have to shower and get all this frosting off" Kurt declared as he gestured to himself.
They were both still covered in the left over frosting Kurt had made. Although Noah had it worse since it was all still mostly in his Mohawk.
"OK, but can we… still talk about stuff?"
"Sure" Kurt said. "You go shower up first since I still have to give myself another facial to make sure all this sugar doesn't make my skin break out."
Noah just rolled his eyes and went to the bathroom. Kurt went to the vanity table and began cleaning his skin. As he was applying a face mask he heard his door open. In the reflection in the mirror he saw Finn coming down the stairs. For a moment he almost got up and ran for his closet to grab something to wear since he was still in nothing but his underwear. However, living with Noah had taken away some of his sensitivity. If Finn was going to share a room with them he was going to have to get used to it. Noah rarely liked to wear clothes once he was home, and Kurt wasn't so shy anymore about his body.
"Uh, my mom and I are done so I just wanted to say goodnight before we leave" Finn said looking very uncomfortable.
"Goodnight Finn" Kurt stated simply, as he continued applying his face mask.
"Uh, you were baking stuff for Sam's birthday?" Finn declared more than asked.
"Yeah."
"Rachel said she was going to bake some stuff too."
"Uh huh."
"She said she was going to make some cookies and stuff."
"Finn, I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but I doubt you really came down here to discuss baking. So what is it?"
Kurt let out a deep breath as Finn adopted a look that said he had just been slapped across the face. In the past Kurt would feel bad for making Finn feel bad. That wasn't the case anymore.
"About yesterday-"
"Finn, like I said, just put it out of your mind. It doesn't matter."
"How can you just brush something like this off Kurt?" Finn asked clearly upset.
"Why are you so upset about this for? It's not like you haven't seen or heard people making fun of me before. Hell a bunch of the times you and Puck were leading the charge. Freshmen year, on the first week of school you threw pee balloons at me along with bunch of the football team. And even today you still hear everyone calling me names or worse. So why are you the one getting upset over this? It's not you they're targeting."
"I said I was sorry, Kurt. Why are you so mad at me?"
"Finn, look at me, I'm not angry" Kurt said calmly, as he finally turned to face Finn directly, which was odd since he still had the face mask on.
"Then why are you giving me such a hard time about this? About everything?"
"I'm not trying to give you a hard time Finn. I'm only being honest with you. During all of this, since we got back from summer vacation have I said anything to you that wasn't true?"
Finn hung his head in defeat.
"Why can't we just be friends?"
"Is that what all of this really about?" Kurt asked.
"Kurt, my mom and I are moving in again Saturday. The way things are going, your dad is probably going to marry my mom. We're going to be a family. And I don't get why you hate me so much."
Kurt ran his hands through his hair, regretting it as bits of frosting now coated his hands.
"Finn you really don't understand me at all. I don't hate you" Kurt stressed.
"At most I've come to just pity you" Kurt thought to himself.
"But then why-"
"Finn" Carole's called out from upstairs.
"I… gotta go."
"Goodnight Finn."
"Bye Kurt" Finn sighed and went back upstairs.
Kurt sat back down and continued with his facial. He didn't know what was up with Finn. For him to go out of his way to show any kind of concern for the soprano was odd in it of itself. Not that Finn was an innately bad guy or anything. Kurt just didn't understand what his problem was at the moment. Kurt hadn't said anything mean or gone out of his way to insult him since they both called it truce. So Kurt didn't understand what Finn's problem was. Finn should just leave well enough alone. The soprano just tried to forget about it and Noah came out of the bathroom a few minutes later.
"You look like Swamp Thing" Noah laughed as he saw Kurt's face, which still had the facial mask over it.
"Ha ha," Kurt replied.
Noah went into the closet and came back out wearing a fresh pair of boxers.
"Do you want to play a game or something?" Puck asked.
"Sure, what do you feel like playing?"
"Well, we already played all my games on the 360. And you don't have any games for the PS3. So what do you think?"
Kurt stood up and turned to face his friend.
"Well, how about some board games? We can play some chess" Kurt suggested.
"I never played chess before. I'm more of a checkers kind of guy."
"We got checkers too. Just ask my dad upstairs for the game. He'll show you were it is."
Noah went upstairs and Kurt went to take a shower. By the time he had come out Noah had already set the game up on the coffee table. Kurt went to the closet and got himself a fresh pair underwear for himself and joined Noah for a game. They both just played a while, neither wanting to break the comfortable silence until Noah finally spoke.
"I never thought it bothered you so much. After all times I threw you in the dumpsters you still kept walking by all of us as if you owned the place."
"I wasn't going to give anybody the satisfaction. The way I saw it you would all have made fun of me even more" Kurt replied as he moved a piece on the board.
"We probably would have" Noah admitted glumly.
"In the end though I guess it shouldn't matter. Even if I manage to get out of Lima, there are still plenty of people out there who are going to hate me solely for me sexual preference."
"Kurt… I wish I can take it all back. But I can't."
"It's ok Noah. I told you, I forgive you. You've grown out of it, and become a better person. That's all that matters to me in the end" Kurt assured.
"Kurt you are too nice. Luckily now Puckzilla's got your back" Noah proclaimed proudly as he flexed his muscles.
Kurt laughed at the display and moved another piece on the bored.
"Can I ask you something?" as he moved one of his own pieces.
"Shoot."
"Don't you ever get horny?"
Kurt balked at question and Noah chuckled at the look on his friends face.
"Why would you want to know that?" Kurt finally spoke.
"Well, you said it yourself, you're a man, and a man has needs. I can score with any chick I want whenever I want. But, like you said, you don't have anyone to score with. But then you said you can do all that stuff. So it doesn't make sense to me."
"In answer to your question, yes I do" Kurt admitted.
"I get horny all the time. Like today after I got done rehearsing with Tina. This chick was walking down the hall wearing this little mini skirt. She bent over and I saw she was wearing this red little thong. My dick started getting hard right there."
"I didn't need the visual annotation Noah" Kurt chided his friend.
"Why are you such a prude about it?" Noah asked. "I mean one second you say you can do all this stuff, the next you don't even like talking about it."
"Just because I taught myself how to do certain things doesn't mean I am going to brag about it" Kurt explained.
"OK, but you're still a dude. You can't tell me you never want to get off. Hell sometimes if I don't have time to get a chick or whatever I at least jerk off to take the edge off," Noah pressed. "You can't tell me you don't at least do that."
"I can't believe we are even having this discussion. Out of all the things Noah Puckerman would want to know about me, he's actually asking me about my sexual habits."
"Oh come on Kurt, all guys talk about this stuff. You should hear the guys in the locker room."
"I'd rather not hear them" Kurt said. "I imagine it's like a bunch of Neanderthals trying to decide who the leader of the tribe is by measuring all their penises to see who has the biggest one."
"Well, I'd definitely be the winner then" Noah proclaimed proudly.
Kurt just laughed and smacked his friend with a sofa cushion. Noah laughed well naturedly and responded in kind. The two continued to talk almost the entire night away. Both asking each other things. Some trivial others incredibly personal. But they both answered honestly with barely any hesitation.
-Wednesday-
It seemed that Mike wasn't the only one who had chosen to perform for Sam. On their way to school Noah filled Kurt in. He apparently thought of a funny song all of the work out guys could sing to Sam. Kurt looked at the lyrics and Kurt pointed out how none of them even matched Sam since he was not that old. Noah just said it was all for fun and the rest of the guys had agreed to join in. The soprano let Noah in on Mike's own idea for a dance number. Noah said he couldn't wait to see it and Kurt agreed.
The work out went well and no one let on about Sam's birthday party. As soon as it was over, Kurt and Matt went to meet up with Mercedes to practice. The Cheerios proved their skills as they skilled fully mastered all of the choreography. The trio couldn't wait for Friday night. When it was time for Quinn's turn with the Cheerios, Kurt made sure that everything was on schedule, which it was. Quinn also thanked him once again for his help in planning things out for Sam. Kurt told her it was nothing since Sam was a great guy and a good friend.
Classes seemed to go on even slower than usual. The moment the bell rang he jumped out of his seat and left the class room. He was going to meet up with Rachel to set up the choir room when Karofsky shoved him down the stairs and called him 'homo'. Everyone in the hall had a good laugh at the soprano's expense. Ignoring them all, Kurt just picked himself off the floor and continued on his way. Rachel was already there setting up some cookies and brownies she had baked.
Kurt had already sent Noah to get the birthday cake and the cupcakes. Along with the gift Kurt had made. Mike and Matt had gone to get drinks and Mr. Shue went to get the band together along with Finn. Thankfully there was enough food for the band also. While they played the music for the glee club they rarely interacted at all with them and Kurt liked the idea that maybe this might break that ice also. Quinn was keeping Sam busy until they were ready and everyone else was just hanging out until things began. Kurt was grateful that he wasn't the only one who had gotten him a gift since there where a few set on a table beside the cake. Once everyone was in the choir room Kurt sent a text to Quinn signaling they were ready. A few minutes later the couple walked through the door and everyone shouted:
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Sam almost jumped in surprise as he walked through the door and Noah began the song he had chosen.
Noah:
Grab the chair, boys! We've got another bucket kicker!
All the guys in the room grabbed Sam and put him down in a chair in the center of the room and then began to sing along.
All the guys:
Happy Birthday my olde friend.
It seems this horror show will never end.
Any moment's your last breath,
Here is to another day closer to death.
Kurt and Matt grabbed the cake and held it up in front of the blonde. The cake was made into the shape of a huge four leaf clover with an emerald green frosting and a large candle lit set in the center.
Artie:
The cake is on the table,
And it is awfully bright,
'Cause there's so many candles on top.
But you are so decrepit,
Your chest so tight,
When you blow them out your lungs are gonna pop.
Noah:
You cannot complain
Each time you feel a pain,
Though you have arthritis and gout.
'Cause when you start kvetching,
All your teeth fall out.
All the Guys:
So have another cigarette,
Have another beer,
Raise your glass to one more year. (GONE!)
Happy Birthday my olde friend.
It seems this horror show will never end.
Any moment's your last breath,
Here is to another day closer to death.
Sam along with everyone else not singing was laughing. Kurt thought the song was a bit morbid but everyone seemed to be having fun with it.
Noah:
Your skin is so worn out and old,
All over your body it's sagging.
Especially loose is your old caboose,
You're dragging it behind you in a wagon.
Artie:
Well, you're an alcoholic,
And you're blind and deaf,
And you have Alzheimer's I bet.
You're too old to remember,
But you're too drunk to forget.
All the Guys:
So have another cigarette,
Have another beer,
Raise your glass to one more year. (GONE!)
Happy Birthday my olde friend.
It seems this horror show will never end.
Any moment's your last breath,
Here is to another day closer to death.
Noah:
You're so old you smell like dust,
And now your bones begin to rust.
See that face, it's full of wrinkles.
All the Guys:
So have another cigarette,
Have another beer,
Raise your glass to one more year. (RAISE!)
Happy Birthday my olde friend.
It seems this horror show will never end.
Any moment's your last breath,
Here is to another day closer to
Your!
Sweet!
Death!
The song ended and everyone cheered. The guys all clapped Sam on the back wishing him happy birthday.
"Guys that was awesome thanks" Sam said.
"Hey, any excuse for Noah to party" Kurt said.
"Damn straight" Artie laughed giving Noah a high five.
"Come on Sam it's time for you to blow out the candle and make a wish" Quinn declared.
Sam blew out the candle and everyone clapped.
"So what did you wish for?" Quinn asked with a big smile looking right into Sam's eyes.
"No Sam, you can't tell anyone what you wished for or it wont come true" Brittany reminded.
"She's right Quinn, I have to keep it a secret," Sam agreed with wink.
Sam cut the cake and everyone took a piece. Noah immediately devoured his piece and went back for more. For a while everyone just dug and talked amongst themselves.
"This cake wonderful is Kurt" Rachel complimented. "What's in this?"
"Oh, its hazelnut cake with strawberry filling. Since Sam is Irish I got the idea of shaping the cake like a four leaf clover. I added a lot of food coloring to the butter cream frosting to get it green. I used the same basic recipe for the cup cakes except they all have different filling in them instead just strawberry."
"I can't believe you baked all this yourself," Rachel stated as she took a bite out of a cup cake.
"Well actually I got Noah to help me. Together we got it done a lot quicker" Kurt informed.
"You and Puck?" Rachel stammered incredulously.
"Yes," Kurt shrugged as he took a bite out of his own piece of cake.
He really didn't have much to say to Rachel at the moment. Ever since Monday he had caught her trying to follow him to discover where they were practicing or what they were performing. Not to mention the look she was giving him and Noah didn't sit well with him at the moment.
"I never pictured Puck actually baking anything" Rachel suspiciously looked at Noah on the other side of the room and then at Kurt.
"There's more to Noah than most people know," Kurt told Rachel.
Rachel looked at Kurt as if he had grown a second head. Not really caring Kurt just went over to Sam and Artie.
"I can play it and you can sing" Sam told Artie. "My uncle got me my own guitar for my birthday. I'd love to try it out."
"Sing what?" Kurt asked.
"Well, I had another song for the color assignment and Sam thought I should sing it" Artie answered.
"I got a new guitar and it sounds like a good time to break it in" Sam supplied.
"OK if you want to try it out" Artie agreed.
Sam got his new guitar and Artie told the band what song to play. Everyone watched as Artie started to sing
Saw you looking for a light
Face painted cigarette white
You asked the cleanest boy you found
You couldn't see me turned around
His fingers stretched across your empty gaze
That I just can't escape
As the red fades from your wrinkled dress
A picture of the people you've impressed
Hangs on a wall around here
Vision starts to crawl when I'm near
And the evening waits
While you get caught up to your own mistakes
Made up different lines
I wouldn't wanna keep in my mind
Like before when he sang Artie's voice was full sorrow. Sam kept in step with him the whole time. Kurt looked over at Tina and saw her looking more and more uncomfortable.
I wondered why you'd come around
Remembering your little girl frown
Your answers kept the crowd at bay
With compliments unwilling to pay
I had some things I'd like to say to you
But they just can't be true
As the red fades from your wrinkled dress
A picture of the people you've impressed
Hangs on a wall around here
Vision starts to crawl when I'm near
And the evening waits
While you get caught up to your own mistakes
Made up different lines
I wouldn't wanna keep in my mind
The room was filled with applause as Artie finished.
"That was a great Artie" Mr. Shue said.
"Yeah Artie that was awesome" Finn agreed.
"Thanks guys."
"Hey Kurt, how about we do that number?" Mike asked as he walked up to Kurt.
Tina looked even more uncomfortable and Kurt felt like kicking himself.
"What number?" Sam asked out of the loop of what was going on.
"Well, I was thinking about what to get you for your birthday but I couldn't think of anything. But then I got this idea when Kurt and I did gymnastics. So I came up with dance number and Kurt agreed to sing the song," Mike explained.
"You guys didn't have to go through all that trouble. I wasn't even expecting all of this" Sam said.
"It's no trouble Sam. You're one of us now, and you've done a lot to help us out," Artie chimed in.
"Yeah Sam" Kurt agreed.
"So come on, sit down and let's get the show started" Mike grin.
Mike got everyone's attention and everyone cleared the floor and pushed all the chairs out of the way. Kurt stood beside the band since even though he was singing this wasn't really his number. Tina stood to one side of the room and Mike at the opposite facing each other. Kurt nodded to the bad and they began to play. The music was soft as the sound of the flute filled the room. Mike and Tina bowed to each other and then began to dance as Kurt sang.
(Authors Note: Kurt shall be singing in Italian, the translation of the song shall be below each line.)
Il dolce suono
(The sweet sound)
Mi colpi di sua voce!...Ah, quella voce
(Of his voice I hear!...Ah, that voice)
The pair danced toward each other slowly in a classical ballet style meeting in the center of the room. Their movements slow and achingly graceful. They dance together taking their cues from the music. Tina spun and plie which was followed with Mike lifting her up into the air in an assisted jump.
M'é qui nel cor discesa!...
(It's deeply embedded in my heart!...)
Edgardo! lo ti son resa,
(Edgar! I'm yours again,)
Edgardo! Ah! Edgardo mio!
(Edgar! Ah! My Edgar!)
As he sang, Kurt couldn't help but feel a bit jealous at the pair. Their dancing was incredible and Kurt hoped some day with a lot of work he could dance half as well as they already do. Everyone was transfixed by the dancing display and Sam smiled over at Kurt as he recognized where the song as from. But Kurt could only smile back slightly as he saw the sad far away look on Artie's face. Kurt knew Artie loved Brittany there was no doubt of that. Yet, it didn't take a rocket scientist to know that Artie was still hurting from Tina's dismissal. The soprano wanted to help but he had already caused enough trouble with his meddling and was afraid of what he might unleash.
Si, ti son resa!
(Yes, I'm yours again!)
Fuggita io son da' toui nemici...nemici
(I've escaped from your enemies...enemies)
Un gelo mi serpeggia nel sen!
(There's a chill in my bosom!)
Rachel looked at Kurt over by the band and her head was spinning. The notes Kurt was hitting were supposed to be beyond his range and yet his voice never wavered. Like the rest of the room she had no idea what Kurt was sing since it was all in Italian. But you didn't have to know the language to enjoy Italian opera, or more importantly to understand the notes. She had not forgotten how Kurt had challenged her the year before in the diva off. Rachel was certain she would lose due to Kurt being more liked in the club than she was. But her worry turned to relief as Kurt couldn't keep up with her. However, Kurt's voice now was the epitome of perfection and control. What's more was that Kurt seemed to completely composed and at ease as if the song posed no challenge at all. Ever since the duet they sang together Kurt seemed completely different and even his singing voice was now different as he hit both high and low vocal notes perfectly. Notes even she had to begrudgingly admit to have difficulty with.
Trema ogni fibra!... Vacilla il pié!
(Every fibre trembles!...My foot's unsteady!)
Presso la fonte meco t'assidi alquanto...
(Sit with me near the fountain...)
Si, presso la fonte meco t'assidi
(Yes, sit with me near the fountain)
Tina and Mike now stood side by side spinning in sync in a fouette jete maneuver, spinning slower as the music died away. The music slowly faded out and just as the glee club was about to applaud the band began to play loudly. The music crashed through the room making them all jump in surprise. The music suddenly took a complete 180 turn and became loud and fast paced. Kurt began sing out loudly, not in lyrics but notes in a fast pace along with the music.
The Asian pair moved along with the music and were now mixing dance styles together. It looked as if they were in battle with each other, with each one forcing one another move almost violently with the other. Mike lifted and tried pulled Tina towards him as Tina stepped and pulled away. As the song drew to a close Mike finally pulled Tina to him and dipped her suddenly as the song ended with a loud bang. The choir room went insane as even the band cheered.
"Oh my god!" Sam exclaimed. "That was awesome!"
"Happy Birthday Sam" Mike said as he received a high five from Sam.
Sam gave Tina a hug and Kurt jumped in shock was he felt someone ruffle his hair. He turned and smacked Noah's hand away.
"Nice singing Angel Face. I thought you told me last night all of your oral skills" Noah said whispered wickedly.
"A man has to keep some secrets doesn't he?" Kurt whispered back with a wicked smile of his own.
The two bantered together blocking out the rest of the room. Finn looked at the pair as they stood in the corner behind the bands instruments and couldn't help but feel strange at the sight. He was angry at Noah for what he had done as well as Kurt for making him feel like dirt. Yet on the other hand for some reason he felt left out. Now he was going to be living with both of them and he didn't know if he could handle it. Kurt said he didn't hate him, but he still didn't want to be friends.
The pair was brought out of whatever they were talking about as Mercedes called them over since it was time for Sam to open his presents. Sam wasn't expecting a party let alone presents so he was a little uneasy about the prospects of receiving gifts. But he was happy everyone had gone through all of the trouble just for him. Brittany gave him her present first which turned out to be a big plush toy of Aladdin. Sam thanked her and gave her big hug. Tina gave Sam a gift card to Hot Topic, and Mercedes gave him a few BB King CD's. Matt gave the blonde a DVD of the greatest moments in football history, and Santana surprised everyone when she gave Sam a gift card to 'Pegasus". It was a popular sporting good and exercise equipment store in the mall. Finn gave Sam some comic books and Sam laughed as he opened Artie's gift, which turned out to be a sonic screw driver just like from the 'Doctor Who' show. Noah gave him a new football jersey and Rachel gave Sam a DVD recording of their performances last year at sectionals and regionals with her autograph on them.
Kurt felt a little nervous as Sam began to open the last gift on the table which was the one he had made for his new friend. Sam's eyes grew wide as he pulled out the article of clothing. Kurt had gotten him an amazing hoodie sweatshirt. It was a striking deep emerald green with black Celtic knots sewn all along the sleeves. In the front over the heart, was a design of a horse also done in Celtic knots. On the back there was a huge Celtic knot design. This one was of an oak tree. It covered the entire top half of the sweatshirt in a huge circle.
"Kurt… wow" Sam breathed out. "Where did you get this?"
"Just check" Kurt smirked and gestured to the hoodie.
Sam looked where the tag would be and found a strange insignia made out of the letters K and H and the word 'Fashions'. After a moment it struck Sam where the article of clothing came from.
"You made this!"
Everyone turn to look at Kurt who just nodded, a bit uncomfortable with the attention.
"How did you know what the symbols meant?" Sam asked.
"I looked up Celtic art work and symbols along with their meaning," Kurt explained. "After that I picked out the symbols I thought suited you best. The horse means, honor and strength, while the oak tree means loyalty, heritage, and nobility. I just hope it fits since I had to estimate your size."
Sam tried it on and zipped it up. It fit perfectly and looked amazing on the blonde.
"Kurt, thank you so much. But you didn't really have to go through all that trouble" Sam said.
"It was no trouble Sam. Besides I had to make something to match the sketch" Kurt smiled and pointed to the gift box.
Sam looked confused but looked back in the box. He moved aside the tissue wrapping paper in the box only to see the second part of Kurt's gift. He lifted out the simple black frame and looked at picture inside. Kurt had drawn Sam, wearing the hoodie he had made standing on a pier looking at Quinn. Quinn was looking at Sam but instead of her Cheerios uniform she was wearing a pair form fitting jeans. With them she wore small plain red hoodie sweatshirt of her own and a white tank top that showed off her midriff. A light snow was falling and her golden blonde hair was dancing in the breeze as it was loose from her usual pony tail. The pair was looking at each other lovingly and holding hands. In the water there was a small paper boat sinking slowly below the surface. Behind them past the pier was a large sewer opening where Kurt wrote a short poem. Sam asked Quinn what it said since he couldn't read cursive very well. Quinn took the picture in her hands and looked at for herself for a few moments before she began to read aloud.
You and me, we used to talk
Like a river underground, the sewer
Where we used to walk.
The hole at the end empties out to a pier
Where paper boats disappear.
Me, I try to send this note,
Float it like a paper boat,
But paper sinks and words are weak.
I try but I don't speak.
Join together in the silent snow;
Turn our faces up to see,
Not endless night but day,
A Pier,
And you and me, talking.
Quinn and Sam looked over at Kurt who just shrugged at the couple. Everyone took a turn looking at the sketch as they all passed it along. Sam gave Kurt a brotherly hug which made Finn feel even more miserable.
"How come you haven't made clothes for my birthday before?" Mercedes joked.
"Because you usually turn your nose up at my design ideas" Kurt quipped back.
"Don't start hatin' just cause a sista wants some flava in her style."
"Well if you want, I'll make you something special for Christmas" Kurt offered. "Just promise me you'll come to me when you need a dress for your first Grammy Award."
"Deal!" Mercedes hugged Kurt.
Out of the corner of Kurt's eye he saw Artie leave the room looking rather dejected. A moment later Tina followed him.
-scene change-
"Artie, hold on a sec" Tina called out.
Artie stopped in his wheelchair but he didn't turn to face the Asian Girl. She walked up to him slowly, not really knowing how to talk him anymore. Tina looked at him, his neutral expression making it impossible to gauge his feelings. Artie had always been quiet about what he felt and was always on guard, even in glee. But he had let in Tina through all his defenses last year and had started to express himself more. Now it seemed liked he had put all his walls back in place.
"Artie" Tina began slowly. "I just want to talk. Clear the air between us."
"Say whatever you want" Artie shrugged.
"Artie, I just…" Tina drifted off as she looked in Artie's eyes.
Tina felt a wave of guilt as Artie looked at her and words didn't seem like enough to express what she felt. After another moment of silence with Tina just staring at him, Artie looked away and began wheeling himself down the hall again.
"Wait!"
"Tina, I have to go to the bathroom, and your not even saying anything. So leave me alone" Artie began wheeling himself down the hall again.
"I'm sorry!" Tina called out making Artie stop in his tracks.
Tina walked back to Artie, facing him once more.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall for Mike this summer, but I did. Why can't you accept that?"
Tina saw the look spreading across Artie's face and didn't like what she saw.
"Tina, I have accepted that. This isn't about me getting over you anymore. I'm with Brittany now, and she… she's amazing."
"Then why are you so mad at me? Every time you see Mike and me together you become a statue. You won't even talk to me anymore."
"I don't have a problem with Mike. My problem is with you Tina!"
Tina flinched at Artie's cold tone. She had never seen him so angry before.
"Tina, do you have any idea of how I felt about you?"
She just shook her head, not able to talk once more.
"Last year, when you admitted that your stutter was fake, I told you that me being in this chair pushes people away from me. Then, when we finally got together you… it was like a dream come true."
"Artie, I'm sorry, but I don't feel the same anymore" Tina finally spoke.
"And I understand that Tina. Because now I'm honestly completely over you. My only remaining problem is the way you treated me."
"I don't understand."
"This summer, anytime I tried doing anything with you, you were always complaining about it like it wasn't good enough. Like I wasn't good enough. Then you left for Asian camp and you never even called me or contacted me or answered my phone calls or messages. As soon as we got back to school and I finally see you, you tell me you're dumping me for Mike. You tell me how I'm a horrible boyfriend and how you and Mike are both into his abs. You cheated on me all summer and somehow you blamed me for it all! Then when Mike was too nervous to sing for the duet competition you tried to use me to get what you wanted!"
"Artie I'm sorry-"
"No Tina, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm not some big muscular jock. I'm sorry I wasn't good looking enough to keep you interested. I'm sorry that I was insecure enough to let you treat me like crap. And I'm sorry that because of you, there is now a small part of me that's waiting for Brittany to wake up and realize I'm not good enough for her and dump me for some other guy, or hook up again with Santana again."
Artie ignored the tears that Tina was crying and began wheeling himself away from her once more.
"Artie!"
Artie stopped once more but he didn't turn to face Tina.
"I'm sorry. I really am. Can't we just start over? Cant we just try to be friends again?"
Artie stayed silent for a long time until he finally spoke.
"Maybe… maybe someday" he spoke softly and continued on his way down the hall.
-Scene Change-
The party had wrapped up and everyone went there separate ways. Quinn had thanked Kurt privately for all his help and asked him about the drawing he had given Sam. Kurt said it was something thing he thought of while he saw them sing their colors duet together. This of course wasn't true since he had finished the drawing well before the duet. Clean up was easy since between the glee club and all of the band members they had finished off all of the food. Mr. Shue looked like he wanted to talk Kurt but the soprano left before the teacher got the chance.
Noah had to leave for his community service so Kurt had to ask Mercedes again for a ride. He was getting paid Friday and he asked her if she wanted to go to the mall next Saturday for a long over due day of shopping. She excitedly agreed and they discussed what stores they wanted to visit. The two friends said their goodbyes as they reached the garage. Kurt put on his coveralls and just went to work.
He pulled out his mp3 player as he worked and ignored the sight of Finn and his father working on a car nearby. His entire time at the garage he hadn't spoken a single word. So used to the job, Kurt did everything he had to do without any assistance and without even having to be told. If it was one thing both his mother and father had taught him in both of their lessons to their son was to focus on his work. He could stay focused on a single task for however long it took him to finish without complaint by the time he was seven years old. And as soon as he was done, he left the garage like a bat out of hell.
His father and Finn were still working on things together and the less he saw of the pair bonding the better. The last thing Kurt needed these days was to see how much better Finn got along with Burt than he did. As soon as he got home he finished all his school work and then began dinner. He looked at the clock and realized that Sam and Quinn must be at the monster truck show by now. Even though people never thought something like that would be something he would enjoy, he actually did. He loved almost anything to do with cars and motorcycles. Last year before he joined glee he and his dad went to an auto show and saw some amazing custom made hot rods.
They talked for hours arguing over which models and makes were better. They had never got to build the car that his father dreamed of but at the auto show his dad asked if he wanted to give it a try. Kurt immediately thought it would be a great idea and said as much. Sadly enough they never got the chance to try. His father got super busy at the garage and Kurt was dealing with school. Then Kurt joined glee and the rest was history.
"Hey son" Burt said as he walked into the kitchen.
"Hey dad" Kurt replied as he shook his head a bit to clear his mind.
"You ok?"
"Yeah dad, I'm just tired. I had a busy day."
"We haven't had much of a chance to talk lately" Burt sat down at the counter.
"We've both been busy."
"Kurt, are you ok with Carole and Finn moving back in here to live with us?"
"It's kind of late to ask" Kurt scoffed inwardly.
"What's wrong dad? I thought you were excited about the whole thing."
"I am, but after Finn left with Carole last night he seemed kinda down. Is something going on I should know?"
"Nothing dad. Just the usual teenage ridden angst crap. Finn is just trying to figure some things out, that's all" Kurt shrugged and began setting the table.
"What is he trying to figure out?" Burt pressed.
"I don't know dad, and it's none of my business anyway. I'm busy enough with my own teenage drama."
Burt just looked at his son, unsure of what to think. Kurt was always the type of person to jump in and help a friend in need, just like his mother. Kurt brushing Finn off so easily wasn't like him at all.
-Scene Change-
Finn's stomach was clenching as he sat on the couch in Santana's living room. He had been avoiding her since Friday but they now had only two nights to come up with a music number for the assembly. The two had met during their appointed time in the auditorium, but with Santana's constant innuendos and flirting they had gotten nothing done. She had told him to come to her place to finally pick a song to sing after Sam's birthday party. His mind was so preoccupied that he just agreed without objection.
Now he was sitting on the sofa of Santana's living room regretting his decision. When he asked her where her parents were the Latina said they were out for the night. She practically pushed him onto the sofa and gave him a sexy smile he recognized all too well. She said she had the perfect song for them to perform and would be right back with it. That was ten minutes ago and every part of Finn was telling him to get up and run out of the house. About to do just that, Santana came back into the living room.
The Latina had taken off her ever present Cheerios uniform and was now wearing a very tight and revealing red dress. Her hair was out of its pony tail and tied into an elegant braid. She said nothing as she sat a stereo down on the coffee table and turned to look at Finn.
"What's wrong Frankenteen?" she smirked at the quarterback.
"Nothing… it's just that, I don't think this is a good idea. I think I should go" Finn stammered out and began to stand up.
He was pushed back down by Santana and flopped down on the couch gracelessly.
"Chill out already. Besides, I know exactly what you and I need" Santana turned around and hit play and she began to sing and dance to the music.
Don't tell me that you don't like
Anything about me
I've seen it in your eyes
That look, you think that I don't notice
Don't hide what you feel inside
Baby, I can feel the same
What you do is up to you
So maybe you should try again
Or maybe you just fade away, yeah
Santana's smooth voice and sexy dancing made Finn's heart race. It was all just too much and he could feel himself getting hard. Santana just smiled seductively as she knew the effect she was having on the jock. Just as the song reached the chorus she undid the strap on her dress letting it fall to the floor. She now stood had nothing on except a pair of red lace panties and matching bra that left nothing to the imagination.
Betcha never, betcha never
Betcha never thought we'd get this far
Betcha never, never ever
betcha never thought you'd touch my heart
Betcha never, betcha never
Betcha never thought that I'd surrender
Betcha never thought that you would ever get with me
I betcha never thought of that
"Stop!" Finn finally yelled and pushed Santana away, knocking her down to the floor in heap. He turned off the music and turned towards the Latina who was now furious.
"What the hell is your problem?" Santana yelled as she got back on her feet.
"I'm not going to cheat on Rachel Santana! Why is this so hard for you to understand?"
"Understand? What I understand is that you need a serious coolness injection! Let's face it, Sam is clearly the new glee favorite and you're losing it. If you were honest last year about us doing it together you would have gone from uncool to chilly willy in a heart beat. Instead Kurt outed you in the cafeteria and made you even more of a joke."
"I don't care Santana! If I cheat on Rachel she'll break up with me!"
"And this would be bad because?" she asked sarcastically.
"Because I love her and I don't want to hurt her feelings."
"Look, don't you see that that midget is like and anchor dragging you to the depth of Loserville!"
"Stop it Santana! She's my girlfriend. I'm leaving. You can do the number by yourself. If you want to be the star then go ahead. But you're going to have to do it without me!"
With that Finn left slamming the door behind him.
-Scene Change-
Noah walked the down the stairs looking for Kurt. Dinner had been fairly quiet and it was mostly himself and Burt that did all the talking. Burt had asked him how his community service was going and Kurt just stayed silent eating the food off his plate. Burt invited him to watch TV once the food was done and Kurt went to do the dishes. After a polite amount of time Noah said he was tired and excused himself from Burt's company.
From the bathroom he could hear Kurt singing and he stopped to listen.
Took this love and I took it down
Climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
Till the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
And can I sail through the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Oh oh I don't know, oh I don't know
Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too
Yes I'm getting older too
Noah took off all his clothes as he listened to his friend in the shower. He wondered what could have happened to put him in a bad mode. When he had left Kurt to go to community service Kurt seemed fine. Now if his singing was anything to go by he was anything but.
"Maybe I can cheer him up," Noah wondered.
Kurt came out of the bathroom already dressed in his sleeping clothes.
"Already tired Angel Face?"
"I feel like being comfortable" Kurt said as he went to his vanity table.
"So how come you never told me you could draw? That sketch you did of Sam and Quinn looked amazing."
"Well, it's because I don't really draw" Kurt stated as he turned to face Noah.
"That looked like drawing to me."
"Remember when I told you that my mother taught me how to sew?"
"Yeah."
"Well sometimes I like to think up personal alterations for the newest runway styles that come out. Or I like to design my own fashion ideas and even some costume designs for glee. So I sketch out clothing designs, but because I always put so much detail into the drawings I can easily draw people too. I thought it was a useful skill and I always figured if Broadway never works out I could get a career in the fashion industry. Maybe even start my own fashion line."
"Drawn any sketches of me?" Noah waggled his eyebrows.
"Wouldn't you like to know" Kurt scoffed.
"Aw come on Angel Face. It's not like you drew me naked, did you?"
"You wish Puck, you wish" Kurt rolled his eyes.
"Then show me" Noah crossed his arms.
Kurt looked at his friend and then got up. He went to his bag and pulled out a sketch pad. After he flipped through some pages he handed Noah the pad. The half back looked down at the pad taking in the sight presented to him. In the sketch he saw himself sitting on ground under the light of a street lamp. He was on the side of a desert road looking out down the road as it rained. The rain made it look as if he was crying and the half backs guitar sat in his lap.
Perfect moments lost to me
Now and forever
In this road called life
But my tears have mixed with the rain in the sand
Now that I walk without you to hold my hand
You saw through all the lies that made up my disguise
You set me free and showed me what true love was meant to be
Then you flew away with the stars in the sky
And your eyes now always haunt my mind
So I walk this road called life
Searching now and forever
For the perfect moment
After several moments Noah looked up at Kurt who was obviously afraid of his friends' reaction. Noah reached out and gently took Kurt's smaller hand into his own, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"It awesome."
"Thanks" Kurt said as he took the pad back from his friend.
"So what else did your mom teach you?"
"Well, I already told you most of it. She taught me how to cook, sew, play the piano, and sing. A year before she got sick she also started teaching me how to dance."
"You mean that ballet stuff?"
"No, she taught me ballroom dancing. You know, like the waltz and other things like that."
"Were you any good at it?"
"Not at first but I started getting it before she started showing symptoms of being sick. After she died I asked dad for dancing lessons."
"Can you show me?"
"What for? You dance with us in glee all the time."
"Yeah but we never really do any solid dancing. Finn slows us down all the time and Mr. Shue shows us choreography but we never do any real dancing."
Kurt agreed and went to look through his CD's for appropriate music. The basement was soon filled with classical ballroom music and Kurt began explaining the steps and dance frames. Unfortunetly, as they began to dance together they began to step on each others feet.
"Alright stop" Kurt said as he broke the dancing frame and stepped away from Noah. "Noah your not suppose to start on the one. You got to follow the steps."
"I would if you would let me lead" Noah complained. "I'm suppose to be guy. I'm bigger and stronger than you."
"No that's not…" Kurt stopped trying to think of a way to explain the dancing to Noah. "Noah, this isn't about you being bigger or stronger. And it's not about who the man is and who the woman is" Kurt said sternly. "Yes it is traditional for the man to lead but in modern times that's not always the case. A woman can lead just as easily as a man or in our case we are both men."
Kurt stopped the music and stood directly in front of Noah. Taking Noah's right hand in his and placing the other on his shoulder Kurt took his left hand and placed it on Noah's hip, taking the lead position.
"OK, now look at me Noah," Kurt instructed as he looked directly in Noah's eyes. "When two people dance its not about who leads or follows. It's not about one dominating the other. It's an equal partnership with both dancers doing their part to support one another. The lead sets the pace and the direction."
"I'm supposed to mindlessly follow you then" Noah groaned.
"No" Kurt ground out. "Noah its takes just as much strength to follow as it does to lead."
Kurt switched position, giving Noah the lead now.
"You see, to follow, it requires trust and confidence in your partner. But more importantly it takes trust and confidence in yourself. You have to know how far you can go, but you also need to be brave and trust that your partner will be there to catch you and support you. And you have to trust yourself to be able to do that. To be strong enough to trust someone and know they won't let you fall. Do you understand?"
"I guess" Noah shrugged.
"Alright, then let's try again. For now let me lead and I'll guide you."
Kurt put the music back on and began leading Noah. The pair moved slowly at first, and then picked up speed as they got the rhythm down. Once Kurt was sure Noah had the steps down he let Noah lead. They continued this way switching back forth as Kurt showed Noah more and more elaborate steps and moves.
-Thursday-
Tina seemed really down and not concentrating at all on their number. Noah didn't know what the hell was up with her and it seemed like everyone around him had a bad case of the blues or something. Last night Kurt was bummed out but he managed to cheer his friend up. Then this morning Artie never showed up for their morning workout and when he saw Artie in the halls he didn't even say hi. He spotted Rachel giving Kurt strange looks and try to follow him to his rehearsals. He cut her off and ran intermission for his friend and then Finn came along. Finn looked like someone just told him his puppy or something had cancer. Not really caring why, he took off only to hear them start yelling about something which he cared even less about. Then Santana was acting even more of a bitch than usual and was strutting down the hallway as if she was ready to kill.
He had almost asked Tina what was wrong but he figured it wasn't his problem. Although he wondered what was up with Artie since the guy didn't even seem like his cheerful self. But he told himself not to worry about it and go on with his day. Not to mention he wasn't into the whole share your feelings crap. Lately the only one he would even think about opening up to was Kurt. The dude really knew how to get into his head, even when he didn't want to say anything. And the guy didn't judge or try to force him to see things another way.
With Kurt, the guy actually listened and he didn't demand details unless necessary. The soprano also made it clear he didn't judge and didn't bother giving him some annoying lecture as if he somehow knew better than the half back. Maybe that was why he couldn't get Kurt out of his mind lately. It seemed like the more time he spent with Kurt the more he learned about the soprano, and the more Noah found he liked him.
When he had asked Kurt for specifics about his talents in the bedroom Kurt told him everything. At first it was clear Kurt was embarrassed to get so specific, especially with Noah of all people. But after a while they got talking and even Noah had to admit he found it all interesting. Noah shared some of his own experiences with Kurt and they had a lot of laughs. The more time he spent with Kurt the more he found Kurt had this weird of way getting under his skin. But not in a bad way.
Last night for example. Dancing with another dude was something he would never have done. But with Kurt it wasn't anything bad. In fact once they stopped stepping all over each other it was fun. He never thought he would have so much fun hanging out Kurt before he had moved in with guy. Maybe he was having so much with Kurt because in some ways, Kurt was totally badass. He didn't have the muscle to back it up, but what Kurt lacked in mass he made up for in attitude. Kurt had no problem getting back up in Noah's face and telling him off. Or even going on a walk on the wild side. At Guy-n-Dolls Kurt never lost his cool and acted like he had every right to be there. Finn was never able to do that.
And that was another problem; Finn. After the dancing Noah got Kurt to admit he was having some doubts about Finn sharing the basement with them. Or sharing a room with Kurt to be specific. Noah sure as hell didn't get what Finn's problem was. According to Kurt, the year before Finn made it clear he didn't want to be in the same room as Kurt. To Noah that was just dumb. In all the time Noah had shared a room with Kurt, the guy never so much as tried to touch him or anything even remotely sexual.
In fact it took a while for Kurt to get comfortable with the idea of even being undressed around the half back. But as the weeks passed he had hugged and kissed Kurt, proving he didn't have a problem with Kurt being gay at all. Even after all that Kurt never tried to push things further or got out of line. Noah was always in his underwear around Kurt at home and still nothing ever happened. They were friends and Noah actually found himself liking the physical contact they now shared.
But last Saturday night he had seen the look on Finn's face when he saw Kurt sitting between Sam and him. Finn was a total hypocrite plain and simple. When they were kids he used to sleep over at Finn's place and even share his bed all the time. Hell, in fact he had seen Finn completely naked and vice versa a bunch of times. Like that time with Joanne at the bar or even in the locker room and in their own bedrooms when they were changing. So if Finn's problem was Kurt being gay he had better get over it.
Not wanting to think about it anymore Noah decided to get his mack on. Within moments he was in the janitors' closet with some random chick. As it was about to get heavy and the chick opened his fly, a loud yelling cut through the mood.
"Stay the hell away from Finn!"
Noah immediately heard a crowd start forming and knew he had to get out of his make out session before any of the faculty came. Opening the door he left the chick inside who was still fumbling with her top. In the middle of the hallway were Rachel, Finn and Santana.
"Oh please hobbit, like you would even know what to do with him" Santana scoffed.
"Finn is my boyfriend, and you better back off!"
"Or what hobbit?"
"Or else I'll rip that weave off your head!"
"Get out of my face before I ends you!."
"You don't want to push me Santana!"
"Oh but you see, I sorta do. I'm from a part of town called Lima Heights Adjacent. You know where that is bitch? It's on the wrong side of the tracks," Santana pushed Rachel against the lockers.
Rachel responded with a hard slap across Santana's face. In return Rachel received a sharp right hook to her own face. With that it was on. Rachel slammed Santana into the locker only for her to recover and strike back with a kick to the diva's stomach. Santana quickly followed it up by grabbing Rachel's hair and dragging her across the floor like a cheap rag doll. Finn finally decided to step in and pushed Santana off his girlfriend. Still pissed off Santana took her chance and drove her elbow into Finn's face as he bent down to help Rachel up. Then as he was stunned she gave Finn a swift kick in balls. Finn fell like a sack of potatoes in pain as all the guys in the hall wince in sympathy.
"Hey! Knock it off and get going!" Coach Beiste shouted to Santana as she pushed through the crowd.
"That's how we do it at Lima Heights!" she called back as she walked away.
No one went to the help the two students on the ground and Noah turned to walk the other way when he spotted Kurt.
"Hey Kurt, do you know what the hell that was all about?" he asked as he walked over to his friend.
"Gross Puck. Cant you keep your pants on for at least a few hours" Kurt turned and looked away.
Noah looked down and saw his pants were undone and since he was going commando his pubic region was in clear view. He quickly redid his jeans and mumbled a quick apology to his friend.
"No I don't know what any of that was about" Kurt finally answered. "And I don't think I want to know."
"Well at least it was a good show" Noah smirked.
"And I think you have to get back to your own audience" Kurt motioned behind him.
Noah turned around and saw what's her tits standing behind him at the janitors' closet looking annoyed. He just shrugged and ignored her, turning back to Kurt.
"So I was thinking that since tomorrow night we got the assembly and this weekend is going to be busy with Finn and Carole moving we could do something tonight to have fun."
"Well how about we go bowling? I can ask Mercedes and Matt if they want to go after our rehearsal along with the guys. We can all go out tonight and relax before the big night on stage."
"Sounds like a plan."
"I have to get to class so we'll meet up after school at the choir room" Kurt said.
"I'll see you in the choir after you're done."
With that Noah took off down the hall. He turned back when he heard the chick call out to him, pissed off at being forgotten. The jock just shrugged not really in the mood anymore and continued on his way. Looking down the hall he saw Artie once more. The guy looked like shit. With a deep sigh Noah just walked up to him and before Artie could do anything he grabbed his wheel chair and began pushing him down the hall.
"I know it's not my place to ask, but could you push me down the back staircase? My injury should be the same but it's more lightly populated so the humiliation wont be as bad."
"Relax, I'm here to take care of you. You're my boy now."
"What do you mean? Where are we going?" Artie asked even more confused.
"Come on dude, you're in a serious funk and I can smell it down the hall. We're goanna go do something about it."
"What are we goanna do?" Artie asked now getting even more worried.
"Well tonight, you, me, Kurt and so forth are goanna go bowling and just chill. But I'm completely broke so we're going to get some cash" Puck explained.
"How are we going to get cash?"
"Watch and learn young Jedi in wheelchair. You can't put a dollar amount on talent plus fear."
-Scene change-
Kurt walked down the hall, his hair still damp. The number had come together perfectly and he couldn't wait for tomorrow night. Everyone else was still washing up and changing back into their normal clothes. So he went ahead to the choir room to meet up with Noah. Artie seemed to be in a better mode by the time they gather for rehearsals and Kurt was glad. Kurt was worried when he hadn't shown up for their workout and the fact that he seemed so depressed the whole day. Surprisingly though Noah had helped him feel better. He didn't know how but he suspected it had something to do with the song they did out in quad that he had heard about. In the end, Kurt was just glad that Artie was feeling better and that he and Noah hadn't gotten into any trouble.
Mercedes was all up for bowling and so was Matt. Mike couldn't come since he said Tina was upset about something so he went to try and check in with her. If Kurt had any guess it was probably something to do with Artie but he didn't say a word. Artie said he would love to come and was going to bring Brittany along. For a moment, Kurt thought of asking Finn or Rachel but he decided not to. It might have been mean to exclude the couple but he didn't want to be around Finn and Rachel was giving him the creeps. Since yesterday she had been on his case about his vocals and she was still trying to find out what the trio's music number was.
All in all Kurt just didn't want to deal with either of the two right now. He had asked Sam if he was interested but he had martial arts training with his uncle and his uncle's friend. Quinn was busy and that just left Santana. He tried to ask her to go but she declined rather rudely and as it turned out she had detention for beating the crap out of Rachel and Finn. So Kurt just went to the choir room to wait for Noah. As he opened the door Kurt heard Noah already there, strumming his guitar.
"You guys all done rehearsing?"
"Yeah, everyone is just getting dressed. They should be here soon" Kurt said as he sat next to his friend. "So what are you playing?"
"Nothing, just tuning my guitar a bit" Noah shrugged as he played a few more chords.
"So what's this I hear about you playing in the quad for cash?"
"Hey it was for a good cause" Noah said quickly.
"Which was?"
"Artie was feeling kinda down so I figured doing something badass would get him out of his funk. Not to mention I'm broke and have zero cash for tonight and you won't get paid until tomorrow so I improvised. Now we got enough cash to take everyone to go bowling tonight and buy a carton or two of clove cigarettes afterwards."
"I don't smoke" Kurt said firmly as he crossed him arms.
"Neither do I, except after sex sometimes" Puck shrugged.
"Yeah that's really romantic Puck."
"Who cares about being romantic as long as you get off?"
"I care about romance" Kurt stated firmly.
"Oh come on Kurt, I bet if things were different and you weren't the only gay guy in the school you would be scoring all the time."
"Ok, first off, I'm not the only gay guy in school. It's statistically impossible for me to be the only one. I'm just the only one who is out. Secondly, even if there was nothing but gay guys here in school I wouldn't go around doing just anyone and everyone. I could never be like that."
"You don't think you're ready for sex?"
"Noah I'm a teenage guy. I'm there and ready to go. It's just that, when I see myself having sex, I want to be with someone who loves me."
"That is so gay" Noah laughed.
"Go ahead and laugh but I bet you don't even know how to be romantic. You spend so much time just getting it on; I doubt you even know how to woo a woman correctly" Kurt scoffed.
"I don't need any of that crap to get a chick. As long as I got my guns I don't need anything else" Noah said proudly.
"Noah, looks don't last forever. And I would be a liar and a hypocrite if I said looks don't matter. But I also want someone I can talk to and someone who will really listen to me."
Noah just laughed even harder.
"You sound like one of those soap operas or romance novels chicks read all the time."
"Well at least I can be romantic. I bet you can't even sing a romantic song."
"Well then how about I sing you a song then, and you can tell me how sexy and romantic I am" Noah dared.
Kurt just raised an eyebrow, and Noah just took that as sign that the challenge was accepted. Noah began to strum his guitar letting the melody fill the room. He turned in his chair and looked directly into Kurt's eyes as he began to sing.
So denied… so I lied
Are you the now or never kind?
In a day and a day love
I'm gonna be gone for good again
Are you willing to be had?
Are you cool with just tonight?
Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well
Here's to the nights we felt alive
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon
As he looked into Kurt's eyes he felt that strange feeling again. The jock couldn't understand what was going on or why Kurt was having such a strange effect on him. Or why that feeling was getting so intense the more he and Kurt interacted. For his part Kurt seemed totally in control and only his eyes gave away at the emotions he was feeling.
Put your name on the line
Along with place and time
Wanna stay
Not to go
I wanna ditch the logical
Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well
Here's to the nights we felt alive
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon
Noah felt like he was drowning in Kurt's eyes. All of the emotion was beginning to show and for some reason Noah couldn't stop himself from leaning in closer to Kurt. There was so much longing between the two neither one could tell where it was coming from. Noah could see Kurt's eyes become more turbulent and Kurt could see Noah's chocolate eyes somehow become a much lighter shade of topaz. They were completely immersed in each other, held together by the music.
All my time is froze in motion
Can't I stay an hour or two or more
Don't let me let you go
Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well
Here's to the nights we felt alive
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon
Too soon
Here's to the nights we felt alive
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon…
For a moment neither spoke until Kurt broke eye contact.
"Not bad, although leave to you to think that a song about a one night stand is romantic."
"Hey, you can't keep the sex shark of Lima in one place for long" Noah winked.
They continued to talk and joke until the rest of the group got together. Kurt called his father to let him know where they were going. All he got was voice mail so he left a message. With everyone ready they headed off for the bowling alley. When they got there Matt, Noah and Artie went to get a lane and some food for everyone leaving Kurt alone with Brittany and Mercedes.
"OK Kurt, dish it out" Mercedes said once the guys were out of earshot.
"Dish what out?" Kurt asked confused.
"What's going on with you and Puck?"
"As far as I know; nothing. We're living together Cedes, and we're becoming good friends. That's about it."
"I've noticed, but it seems like the both of you became friends over night somehow. One minute he's in juvie the next he's living at your house."
"He needed a place to stay Mercedes. You gave Quinn a place to crash when she was pregnant. It's the same thing" Kurt explained.
"So what's it like then?" Mercedes asked wanting to get the dish on the half back.
"It's actually really cool once you get past his annoying habits."
"Like?" Mercedes pressed.
"Well he leaves his dirty clothes just about anywhere. Sometimes on purpose to tick me off. And as soon as he gets home he takes off all his clothes, so he is usually in nothing but his underwear. Which makes for awkward mornings if you know what I mean."
Mercedes laughed along with Brittany.
"So what's going on with you and Matt?" Kurt asked smugly.
"Nothing" Mercedes said a little too quickly.
"Oh come on Mercedes, it's obvious you guys got the hots for each other. I see the way you keep looking at each other during rehearsal. And I saw how you were ogling him when you saw him with out his shirt" Kurt declared.
However they were spared any further conversation as the guys all came back. Noah and Artie had paid for everything with the money they made in the afternoon so they were set to play for a good while. Noah gave everyone their shoes while Matt and Artie handed out the food and snacks they had bought. Kurt noticed Mercedes blush as Matt passed her a tray of nachos. He really hoped the two would get together soon. It was obvious to anyone with a brain the two were attracted to each other. And if anyone deserved love it was Mercedes.
Artie put in all their names and they began to bowl. The time passed with all of them having a lot of fun. Noah and Kurt would banter back and forth making the group laugh at all the sexual innuendo the two would shot at each other. Mercedes however was look at the pair wondering how Kurt could be so at ease. Usually Kurt was a lot more proper out in public but now he was completely carefree. And Puck was another story all together. When Kurt missed the spare Noah made a joke and called Kurt 'Angel Face'. Kurt didn't bat an eyelash at the nick name and just rolled his eye at the jock.
As the music began to play over the speaker system they all danced around while they bowled. The song 'Bad Touch' began to play over the speakers suddenly and Noah, Artie, and Matt started to sing along. Kurt, Mercedes and Brittany began hooting and hollering as the three spun and danced around them like male strippers. A good number of people looked over at the group but they didn't care and just had fun. By the end of the song they were all in a laughing fit. They continued to play until it was finally time to go. The group said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
"You hungry?" Noah asked.
"Yeah, but I can make us dinner when we get home."
"How about we go out to eat instead since I still got enough cash? We can go to 'Tops Diner' again" Noah offered.
Kurt agreed and the two went to the diner once more. Noah ordered for the pair once more much to Kurt's chagrin. The two talked; or rather Kurt tried to talk to Noah. Their waitress who was the same as the first time was flirting with Noah, who was flirting back. For some reason watching Lindsey practically throw herself at Noah was putting the soprano in a bad mood. A part of him just wanted to bitch slap her and tell her to shut up and get their drinks, which she hadn't even done yet. The thought made him pause since he had never had that kind of thought before for anyone. Yes, it was annoying that Lindsey was practically pressing her boobs into Noah's face and giving them shitty service as a result. However, that was no excuse to get rude, let alone hit a lady. But, watching the interaction was upsetting for some reason and he couldn't figure out why.
Finally, having had enough Kurt firmly stated he was thirsty breaking the two out of their haze. The waitress went to place their orders and get them their drinks. She came back with an iced tea for Kurt and a root bear float for Noah. She looked like she was about to stay and continue with Noah until another customer shouted out for her. Lindsey gave Noah a sexy wink and went to take her care of her other tables. Relieved to see her go Kurt began talking with Noah again. Kurt asked Noah what he wanted to do after he graduated high school. The jock said he hadn't thought about it much except he wanted to get the hell out of Lima. Kurt agreed and told him he wanted to study music in New York and go to college out of state. They were interrupted once more as Lindsey came back with there food. Kurt saw a look pass in between and got a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. Noah got up and said he had to use the bathroom and took off, leaving Kurt alone at the table.
Not wanting to be rude Kurt decided to wait until Noah got back before he began eating. Sadly enough Noah didn't come back for a long time. To be exact, Noah disappeared for forty five minutes before he finally came back. As he sat back down it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what had happened. With Noah's rumpled cloths and the huge bite mark on his neck it was obvious where he had gotten to.
"What?" Noah shrugged as he finally noticed the enraged look on Kurt's face.
"Puck did you really just leave me here for almost an hour to have a quickie?"
"Yeah, so?" Noah admitted as if there should be no problem.
Kurt couldn't believe Noah's audacity and just shook his head in frustration.
"The food is cold" Noah complained as bit into a French fry.
"Well it's been sitting there for almost an hour" Kurt replied as if talking to a two year old.
"Well why didn't you eat?" Noah gestured to Kurt's plate which was completely untouched.
"I was trying to be polite and waited for you to come back before I dug in myself" Kurt crossed his arms defensively.
"Dude what is your problem?"
"Puck, while I know this is difficult to understand since you're not used to polite social interaction. But it's completely rude to just leave for a large amount of time just to have a quickie while I sit here all alone bored out of my mind."
"It's not that big a deal Kurt. I do this kind of thing all the time. Hell I even tell you about it."
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I want to watch it. Or be left in some strange place alone while you go off gallivanting with some woman."
"Why would you even care? It's not like were out on a date or anything. Were just friends Kurt and last time I checked I don't need you cock blocking me!" Noah replied getting ticked off.
Noah's words struck home and Kurt's anger deflated as he was forced to accept the truth of what his friend just said. He really had no reason to get this upset even if the whole thing was extremely rude of his friend to do. For his part the half back felt guilty at the look that spread across Kurt's face. He knew how sensitive Kurt was about the whole thing with Finn from last year. And here he was accusing Kurt of trying to get with him when Kurt had been nothing but a friend.
"Kurt… man…I swear I didn't mean that. I'm sor-"
"It's fine," Kurt interrupted as he held up his hand. "I was out of line. You can do whatever you want" Kurt stated, avoiding looking at Noah.
Kurt's phone rang cutting off any further conversation. Noah flagged down Lindsey as she came back, buttoning up her shirt.
"Could you get our food reheated, it went cold since my friend was polite enough to wait for me" Noah asked.
Lindsey happily took their food and Noah returned his attention back to Kurt.
"I tried to call you and I left you a message. It's only 9:21 p.m. We were going to head back when we finished eating" Kurt explained to his father over the phone. "We'll be back long before curfew and if anything happens I'll call you."
Kurt said goodbye and hung up the phone. Neither Kurt nor Noah said anything, looking at anything but the other. Lindsey came back with a fresh plate for both of them, leaving them alone since the other customers were as upset as Kurt had been.
"Thank you… for trying to wait for me" Noah announced, breaking the awkward silence.
"Let's forget about it. We got our food and we should just enjoy it."
Noah nodded and they both dug in. Kurt wasn't that hungry anymore but he knew he had to eat something despite his mood. When they were done Noah asked Kurt if he wanted desert to which Kurt politely declined. Noah paid the check and they took off back home.
-Friday-
Kurt was walking to his first class of the day when Karofsky slammed him into a locker and Azimio dumped a slushy on him as he fell to the ground. They took off down the hall laughing their heads off at the 'homo'. Everyone in the hall pointed and laughed and all Kurt could do was get back up with what little dignity he had left. He was about to go into the girls bathroom when Principal Figgins saw him and demanded he used the boys bathroom or receive detention. Walking all the way towards the opposite side of the hall Kurt went into the boys' bathroom and cleaned off the blueberry mess as fast as he could.
At the moment all Kurt felt like doing nothing more than just going home and going back to bed. He had made a complete fool of himself with Noah yesterday and right now all the laughter at his expense wasn't helping his mood. The two had barely said two words to each other since they left the diner last night. After everything that happened with Finn, Kurt felt like kicking himself. Most of the night he had spent tossing and turning in sleepless introspection. Going over everything that had happened with Finn Kurt realized the deeper meaning behind his crush on the quarterback. The reason he had fallen for Finn wasn't just because he was popular and good looking. It was because Kurt knew he would never have a chance in hell with Finn.
No matter what he had told himself, he always knew through and through that Finn would never like him, not even as a friend. So as long as he focused on Finn he was safe. He was safe from having to face how lonely he truly was, or how bad things were becoming. And maybe from the idea that he didn't deserve any kind of love after all. Because in moments like these, where he looked at himself in the mirror looking like a smurf as the slushy dripped all over his face, he really did feel like a freak.
As he felt the slush melting in his hair he wished for the countless time that he could be normal. Because no matter how much he loved being different, life would have been so much easier if he was normal. After years of hearing virtually everyone calling him names like, faggot, freak, homo, queer, and so forth it all starts to seep in. No matter how strong you are or pretend to be, everyone has their breaking point. That's what it felt like right now; like he was breaking inside. Wiping furiously at his face he tried to calm down and think things through rationally.
After the Finn incident Kurt made a promise to himself to never again be that weak or stupid. Yet once again Kurt had fallen into a similar trap, only this time it was worse, because Noah wasn't like Finn at all. Noah Puckerman was a crude, egotistical, libido driven man. Yet despite all that he was kind, funny, smart (when he tried to be), drop dead gorgeous, and secure in his manhood. On top of it all, he was a stand up guy who was always there when the chips fell. And with all the problems Noah had, the last thing he needed was Kurt treating him like they were an item.
Going over everything in his mind Kurt felt like a complete idiot. He was substituting Noah for a boyfriend, plain and simple. Noah was supposed to be his friend nothing more. And just because Noah was comfortable with him didn't mean he had the right to force himself on Noah in anyway. Even thought Noah seemed perfectly at ease with him all the time, and reciprocated just as much as Kurt did. Out of all the plans he had made he never thought about Noah. And now he felt more confused then ever. He had to get things going so he could leave after Christmas and he was spending so much time with Noah he hadn't even thought about his portfolio. And hadn't even finished going through the albums and movies he was going to need for the video Sam had talked him into doing.
The bell rang and Kurt realized he was now late for class. He had no other change of clothing to change into so he decided not to bother. Steeling his resolve he left the bathroom and began walking down the hall. At the end he spotted Noah going into the janitors' closet once again with yet another random woman. The sight made his stomach turn and his chest ache.
"Why am I letting this get to me? It's Puckzilla! It's what he does and I don't have time to get comfortable and play house! I got to get moving!"
Kurt sent Matt and Mercedes a text message saying he had something personal to take care off and that he would be back in time for the assembly. With that he left school and headed home.
-Scene change-
Noah walked out of the janitor's closet, even more frustrated than when he first went in. Getting off with a chick usually lifted his mood but for some reason he felt even more like crap. Kurt was obviously upset about yesterday and so was he. He had told Kurt off in quite possibly the worst way. The more time he spent Kurt the more he wanted to spend time with him. And to him that in itself didn't make any sense.
There was just something about Kurt that was driving him crazy inside. But what that was Noah was at a complete loss. He was Puckzilla for god's sake! And here he was feeling guilty like some weak punk. He tried getting it out of his system with a good make out session but now for some reason he just felt hollow. Almost like the night when he had lost Beth. Only now he didn't know why he felt this way. All he knew was that Kurt was his friend and he wanted to make things right. They needed to talk so Noah decided to go look for Kurt.
But as the day wore on Kurt was nowhere to be seen. No one had seen him all day. When he asked Sam the blonde said he hadn't seen him since their workout this morning. Artie hadn't seen him either or Brittany. After lunch he went to the choir room but no one was there. He then went to the auditorium hoping to find his friend. Sadly enough he immediately found that Kurt wasn't there. Although what he saw going on inside made him think he was hallucinating or in the Twilight Zone. Although that was the only thought he could think of before he was thrown out by Santana.
-Scene Change-
Kurt spent most of the morning watching the home movies and picking out the ones he needed along with some photos. When he was sure he had everything he needed he put them all into his bag and put the boxes back into his closet. Then he decided to try and make some space in the closet since Finn was going to need some space of his own come tomorrow. He still had no clue what the hell to do with all of the liquor he had stashed. The last thing he needed was to have Finn find it or worse his dad. With nothing to do about it, Kurt decided to hide the stash behind his most colorful and flamboyant clothes. That would be a good deterrent for Finn to stay away from that side of the closet.
By the time he was done it was almost time for school to be let out. He still had some time for the assembly tonight. So he decided to take a bath and let all the stress melt away in the deep hot water. His phone rang as he waited for the tub to fill. It had been ringing all day but he chose to ignore it. Kurt just ignored it since he wanted some peace to recollect himself. He poured in some bath salts and scented oils into the tub and set the jets on high. He took off all of his clothes and left them on the floor. His D&G outfit was effectively ruined from the slushy making him sigh in regret at the loss of amazing fashion.
He slid into the water, taking in the rich aroma of the cranberry and orange oil he had used. Relaxing against the bath pillow Kurt began to scrub his body clean. Letting his mind drift Kurt started to think about Noah. No matter what Kurt couldn't understand when he started to care so much about his friend. Especially since it got to the point where he could actually hug and kiss the jock. Living together had forced the two to see more of each other. And they found that as different as they were from one another, they both enjoyed the time they spent together.
But he shouldn't have let all of that make him get carried away. Then again, he wasn't the one always initiating things anymore. There was something odd about the way Noah interacted with him at times. Yesterday in the choir room being the most recent. When Noah sang him that song and he looked into his eyes there was this powerful feeling shining through. He didn't know what it was but for some reason it made him warm inside, as if Noah really was singing to him.
The very idea made Kurt laugh aloud as he washed his hair. Noah could never be attracted to him. Noah was completely and undeniably heterosexual. Any thought otherwise would be an even worse fantasy than the one he had built around Finn. Besides, the last thing he ever wanted to do was destroy his friendship with Noah by entertaining the slightest idiotic notion of a romance ever occurring between them. When he had blurted out to Noah that he loved him it had been the truth, but only as a friend. And Kurt was determined to keep it that way.
He was going to stop being so affectionate with Noah. Just because Noah didn't mind, it didn't mean he should. He would always be Noah's friend and be there for him, but he had to keep him at arms length. That was probably the best thing for both of them. Especially with Finn moving in tomorrow, since he doubted Finn would like seeing so many obvious displays of affection. He saw the shocked face on Finn last Saturday night. And while Finn was going to be sharing a room with him again and Noah, he didn't need to instigate anything. Finn was a homophobe plain and simple and he didn't need for the quarterback to start accusing him again of trying to seduce another straight guy.
Mind made up, Kurt finished bathing himself and just lay in the tub for a few minutes. Everything was happening so fast it felt like he didn't even have a moment to collect his thoughts anymore. Hopefully he could manage to keep ahead of it all. Knowing he had to get out, since he had to get dressed and get back to school, Kurt stood up and reached for the towel on the rack. However it was at this exact moment that the bathroom door was slammed open. Kurt only had a split second to cover himself before Noah burst through the doorway.
"WHAT THE HELL!" Kurt yelled.
For moment Noah just started at Kurt. He had seen Kurt in just his underwear before but for some reason he found the sight before him shocking. Kurt was drenched from head to toe with water still dripping down his body. And the towel that he used to cover his body was very lose on the soprano's waist. So loose in fact that Noah could see that Kurt went Brazilian. He was brought out of his shock as a bottle of shampoo hit him square in the face.
"GET OUT!" Kurt yelled.
Noah immediately did as demanded and hightailed it back into the bedroom. Kurt was mortified at almost being seen nude, especially by the guy who he had only minutes before decided to keep at arms length. And as he quickly wrapped his bathrobe around his naked body he couldn't stop but be confused at the expression on his friends face as Noah stared at his body. He looked around before he remembered that he hadn't brought any clothes with him into the bathroom, leaving him with nothing but the bathrobe. Cursing under his breath Kurt opened the door only to see Noah standing by the closet wearing a very Finn like expression on his face, which was making Kurt feel even weirder.
"What the hell Noah? What did you think you were doing?"
"I'm sorry dude. I was looking for you almost all day and no one knew where you were. I got freaked out cause I thought something happened to you since you weren't answering your phone" Noah quickly explained.
"I'm fine" Kurt stressed. "I had some personal stuff to take care of and that was it."
Neither one spoke for a moment until Kurt, feeling very self conscious, pushed past Noah and into the closet to grab a fresh set of clothes. Kurt immediately put on some underwear and a t-shirt.
"You can look now."
"I'm sorry" Noah restated.
"It's ok. But knock next time" Kurt sighed.
"What happened to you? Why did you take off and disappear?
"Don't worry about it. I had to take care of something personal that came up."
"Why didn't you answer your phone then?" Noah pressed.
"I wanted to be alone for a while."
"Look Kurt, I get that your mad at me but I'm sorry about last night."
"I'm not mad at you Noah. You were right. I shouldn't have gotten on your case. It's like I said before, what you do with your sex life is your business so let's just forget about it."
Noah looked at Kurt not understanding where all of this was coming from.
"Look, I got to get dressed and head back to school, so I'll see you there for the assembly."
"I'll wait for you" Noah offered. "We can go back in my truck."
"It's ok, you don't have to bother. Go ahead without me" Kurt shrugged as he began to look for clothes.
"It's not a bother" Noah insisted.
Kurt thanked his friend and got dressed. He made sure he had everything he needed and then told Noah he was ready. They piled into the truck and took off back to school. Noah turned to look at Kurt, but he had put on in his earphones and was leaning back in his seat with his eyes closed. Effectively cutting off any conversation.
-Scene change-
Will Shuester was both excited and apprehensive as the assembly was about to start. He began to wonder if all of this was such a good idea. Finn had come to him completely refusing to sing with Santana Thursday morning. He had tried to find out why but Finn wasn't talking and neither was Santana. He tried to demand for them to work it out whatever it was but Finn refused and stormed out of his office. Later that day Santana beat the crap out of Rachel and Finn and after detention said she was going to perform alone. Will thought about splitting up the trio but since it was only a day before the assembly he decided it would be unfair to break up whatever number they had planned.
So he had agreed to let Santana perform alone. The only reason he gave the ok was because she said she could pull off a number by herself in such little notice and because he didn't want to discourage any of her creativity. But it wasn't just Santana he was worried about. Ever since his talk with Kurt he had noticed the changes in his behavior and he didn't like what he was seeing. He had spotted Kurt just before the assembly talking with Artie and he looked rather down. Whatever they were talking about they obviously didn't want him to hear as they quickly broke apart and Artie shoved something into his book bag.
He had asked them if everything was ok and they both said everything was fine far too quickly for his liking. Deciding against pressing it he got the information he needed for their introductions and left them alone. He was surprised at the information some of his students gave them and it seemed the school was going to be in for quite a show. When he got all the information he required he went out to talk with the parents and other faculty members for parent teacher night. Finn had brought his mother but was also accompanied by Kurt's father. He spoke with them briefly letting them know how both Finn and Kurt were doing in his class as well as the glee club. When that was done they had left the room. Now he could see the three of them sitting together in the auditorium which was filling up rather quickly.
As the last few people filed in Principal Figgins welcomed everyone to the assembly and then turned the mic over to him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome you all to William McKinley High School. It is my honor tonight to show you all some of the most amazingly talented students we have here at William McKinley. So without further ado I would like to present to you as our first performers from New Directions, Rachel Berry and Artie Abrams."
The audience applauded and the lights all went out. The music began to play a spot light cut through the darkness revealing Artie as he wheeled himself out onto the stage. He was dressed up as the phantom of the opera, with an elegant black suit and a cape billowing behind over the back of his chair and the classic phantom mask over half his face.
Artie:
You have come here
In pursuit of your deepest urge
In pursuit of that wish which till now
Has been silent
Silent.
I have brought you
That our passions may fuse and merge
In your mind you've already succumbed to me, dropped all defenses
Completely succumbed to me
Now you are here with me
No second thoughts
You've decided
Decided.
Past the point of no return
No backward glances
Our games of make-believe are at an end.
Artie's voice resounded in the auditorium entrancing the audience. Rachel had picked this song since it was classic for Broadway and it was slow enough so that she wouldn't have to worry about Artie's inability to dance. While Artie protested at first even he had to admit it was a good song and it matched their voices perfectly. But when he suggested they do a mash up of it Rachel refused to.
No use resisting
Abandon thought and let the dream descend
What raging FIRE shall flood the soul?
What rich desire unlocks its door?
What sweet seduction lies before us?
Past the point of no return
The final threshold
What warm unspoken secrets
Will we learn?
Beyond the point of no return?
Another spotlight suddenly appeared and off stage right Rachel appeared wearing a classic Victorian gown. It was a flattering pink and white gown with matching gloves. Rachel's hair was done up in an elaborate braid. As she stepped out she faced Artie slowly advancing towards him.
Rachel:
You have brought me
To that moment when words run dry
To that moment when speech disappears
Into silence
Silence.
I have come here,
Hardly knowing the reason why
In my mind I've already imagined
Our bodies entwining
Defenseless and silent,
Now I am here with you
No second thoughts
I've decided
Decided.
Past the point of no return
No going back now
Our passion-play has now at last begun.
Past all thought of right or wrong
One final question
How long should we two wait before we're one?
When will the blood begin to race?
The sleeping bud burst into bloom
When will the flames at last CONSUME us?
The two circled each other staring into each other as if nothing else existed.
BOTH: Past the point of no return
The final threshold
The bridge is crossed
So stand and watch it burn
We've passed the point of no return.
Artie suddenly stopped his wheel chair and held his hand out to Rachel. She tentatively took it and Artie began to sing softly in a sad voice. And his spotlight began to slowly dim out.
Artie:
Say you'll share with me
One love, one lifetime
Lead me, save me from my solitude
Say you want me
With you here
Beside you
Anywhere you go
Let me go too
Christine that's all I ask of...
Rachel suddenly screamed as Artie pulled her to him forcefully and into the darkness of the stage. The music ended and the lights came back on revealing an empty stage. The audience cheered and Artie and Rachel came back out on stage to take their bows and the stage curtains fell close behind them.
"Alright, next up from New Directions we have Sam Evans and Mike Chang. On a special note Sam Evans would like to dedicate this number to his Uncle, Major Dean Connor Evans."
The lights dimmed out once again but this time all the lights on the stage where turned on. Sam and Mike were standing center stage with the entire band behind them. All of them were wearing traditional Irish clothing and hats. Above them side by side were the American flag and the flag of Ireland. Sam began to play his guitar slowly and Mike began dancing to the beat. Sam was grateful he had been teamed up with Mike since he doubted anyone else in glee could learn Irish step dancing so quickly. Sam began by playing a few notes and Mike step danced afterwards, mimicking the notes with his tap shoes. The notes got faster and faster as well Mike's dancing and soon the band was clapping along. The audience joined in with the clapping just like the duo wanted and as Mike stopped dancing, the entire band began to play a very fast paced song. Sam immediately began to sing equally as fast and Mike danced along in an Irish jig.
Sam:
While in the merry month of May from me home I started,
Left the girls of Tuam so sad and broken hearted,
Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother,
Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother,
Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born,
Cut a stout black thorn to banish ghosts and goblins;
Bought a pair of brogues rattling o'er the bogs
And fright'ning all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin.
As the chorus started Sam swung his guitar behind his back and joined Mike in his dance. Their movements matched perfectly as they danced and clapped along with the beat. The audience clapped along as well, caught in the rhythm of music.
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
All the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah!
In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary,
Started by daylight next morning blithe and early,
Took a drop of pure to keep me heart from sinking;
Thats a Paddy's cure whenever he's on drinking.
See the lassies smile, laughing all the while
At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a bubblin'
Asked me was I hired, wages I required,
I was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin.
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
All the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah!
The auditorium was resounding louder and louder with the music and the clapping. Mike hadn't stopped dancing for a single moment and his steps were growing more complex. Sam was alternating between playing the guitar and dancing along with Mike with each turn of the chorus. He couldn't do the complicated or acrobatic moves Mike was beginning to do since he had to keep a hold of his guitar. But when he swung his guitar behind him he joined Mike each time in dance not missing a beat.
In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity
To be soon deprived a view of that fine city.
So then I took a stroll, all among the quality;
Me bundle it was stole, all in a neat locality.
Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind,
No bundle could I find upon me stick a wobblin'
Enquiring for the rogue, they said me Connaught brogue
Wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin?
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
All the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah!
From there I got away, me spirits never falling,
Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing.
The Captain at me roared, said that no room had he;
When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy.
Down among the pigs, played some hearty rigs,
Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling;
When off Holy head I wished meself was dead,
Or better for instead on the rocky road to Dublin.
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
All the way to Dublin, Whack follol de rah!
The music was reaching its crescendo to which Sam and Mike were both grateful for. The fast pace they had set was truly exhausting although it was amazing and fun. Sam's huge smile only seemed to grow bigger as he spotted his uncle smiling at him from his seat with pride in his eyes.
Well the boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed,
Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it.
Blood began to boil, temper I was losing;
Poor old Erin's Isle they began abusing.
"Hurrah me soul" says I, me Shillelagh I let fly.
Some Galway boys were nigh and saw I was a hobble in,
With a load "hurray!" joined in the affray.
We quietly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin.
One, two, three four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down
The rocky road and all the way to Dublin,
Whack follol de rah!
The music ended with Sam and Mike standing back to back in the very center of the stage. Everyone in the audience went wild giving them a standing ovation. Sam quickly motioned for the band forward to join him and Mike for a bow. They all graciously joined the pair on stage, joined hands and bowed together. Sam looked towards his uncle and tossed his hat in his direction. Mike and all of the band members quickly did the same.
"Wow, is all I can say right now" Will said as walked back up on the stage. "Next up from New Directions we have Noah Puckerman & Tina Cohen-Chang."
The curtained parted once more revealing Puck leaning against a large jukebox. The stage had been made to look like a bar. He was wearing a tight pair of leather pants and a ripped up white t-shirt and army boots. In his hands was a red electric guitar which he held lazily in his hands. He turned to the jukebox and put in a coin. Suddenly as he pressed a button to begin the music he called out loudly.
Noah:
Step inside, walk this way
You and me babe, hey hey!
Noah began playing the guitar and Tina burst out from back stage and began to sing.
Tina:
I saw him dancing there by the record machine
I knew he must have been about seventeen
The beat was going strong, playing my favorite song
And I could tell it wouldn't be long
Till he was with me, yeah, me
And I could tell it wouldn't be long
Till he was with me, yeah, me, singing'
I love rock 'n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock 'n' roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
Tina had kicked up her Goth style and was now wearing skin tight leather pants like Noah and platform Demonia boots making her look taller. She wore a tight blue tank top with only a single strap. Her hair now had even more blue streaks in it and she was wearing a pair of fingerless biker gloves. Tina began to dance to the rock and roll music drawing Puck away from the juke box. Noah began to walk to her like the badass he was looking her up and down.
Noah:
Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on
Livin' like a lover with a radar phone
Lookin' like a tramp, like a video vamp
Demolition woman, can I be your man?
(Your man, hey, hey!)
Razzle 'n' a dazzle 'n' a flash a little light
Television lover, baby, go all night
Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet
Little miss innocent sugar me, yeah
Come on! Take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me, ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me, c'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me, I can't get enough
I'm hot, sticky sweet from my head to my feet, yeah
Noah was making the guitar as he played and Tina's dancing got even naughtier giving Noah as much attidude as he gave her.
Tina:
He smiled, so I got up and asked for his name
"That don't matter," he said, "'cause it's all the same."
He said, "Can I take you home where we can be alone?"
And next we were moving on
And he was with me, yeah, me
Next we were moving on
And he was with me, yeah, me, singin'
I love rock 'n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock 'n' roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
Noah:
Listen, red light, yellow light, green light, go
Crazy little woman in a one man show
Mirror queen, mannequin, rhythm of love
Sweet dream, saccharine, loosen up
(Loosen up)
I loosen up
You gotta squeeze a little, squeeze a little, tease a little more
Easy operator come a-knockin' on my door
Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet
Little miss innocent sugar me, yeah yeah
Give a little more
Take a bottle, shake it up
Break the bubble, break it up
Pour some sugar on me, ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me, c'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me, oh, I can't get enough
I'm hot, sticky sweet from my head to my feet, yeah
Tina at this point grabbed Noah by his shirt and began caressing his chest. The music seemed to be driving her wild as she then began to feel Noah up. From his chest to his back and all the way down. A lot of the students cheered although Shuester was looking rather nervous, hoping it wouldn't get any more provocative. Tina broke off her ministrations and faced Noah once again.
Tina:
I said, "Can I take you home where we can be alone?"
And next we were moving on
And he was with me, yeah, me, singin'
I love rock 'n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock 'n' roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
Noah:
Pour some sugar on me, ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me, c'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me, oh, I can't get enough
I'm hot, sticky sweet from my head to my feet, yeah
Tina: I love rock 'n' roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock 'n' roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
Noah:
Pour some sugar on me, ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me, c'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me, oh, I can't get enough
I'm hot, sticky sweet from my head to my feet, yeah
The last note of the guitar wailed out and Tina took her cue and quickly ripped off Noah's shirt. The students went wild and Tina jumped on Noah's back and rode him off stage like a mechanical bull. The curtain closed and Mr. Shuester took the stage again.
"Well that was certainly… enthusiastic. Next up we have from New Directions Santana Lopez, who will be performing with the William McKinley football team."
A lot of the students looked completely confused since it was no secret what the football team thought of the glee club. The curtains opened once more revealing Santana lounging on a red velvet couch that sat atop a small flight of stairs. The entire football team was surrounding her dressed in tuxedos. She was wearing an amazing red dress like the one Julia Roberts wore when she went to the opera in 'Pretty Woman'.
(Authors Note: Santana's sing in Italic, football players in BOLD)
Santana:
Some boys kiss me, some boys hug me
I think they're okay
If they don't give me proper credit
I just walk away
They can beg and they can plead
But they can't see the light,
That's right, that's right
'Cause the boy with the cold hard cash
Is always Mister Right
'Cause we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
Santana had gotten off the couch as she sang directly to the audience with the team falling in line leading her down the stairs.
Some boys romance, some boys slow dance
That's alright with me
If they can't raise my interest then I
Have to let them be
Some boys try and some boys lie but
I don't let them play, no way, no way
Only boys that save their pennies
Make my rainy day
'Cause they are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
All the guys each took their turn offering her things with comedic results. They all clumsily danced around her until a football player offered her a teddy bear. She snatched it up ripped off its head and threw it into the audience and walked to the next player who offered her a huge necklace. She took the necklace but paid the player no mind as she put on the necklace and went on to the next player. It went on and on in a similar fashion as she danced around the stage and all of the team was clumsily following behind her as if worshiping a goddess who was treating them like annoying mosquitoes. When she was offered something she only took the valuable items and ignored the suitor. The ones who gave her anything materially worthless were treated like crap and she literally walked right over a few in her high heels.
Football team:
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
The football team just couldn't keep up with her and they were bumbling and tripping all over the stage making complete fools of themselves. Santana was amazing but she looked more and more annoyed at the football players. But it was so funny and so well done no one could tell if it was all part of the show or where they really just that bad. Either way no cared as they laughed and cheered. Arguably the funniest part was when Karofsky offered Santana a bouquet of roses. She snatched up the bouquet and smacked him right in the face with it. Karofsky looked like he was ready to kill and another player actually grabbed his arm pulling him away as Santana and he glared each other down. Another player offered her a flute of champagne which she took and moved on. Then Azimio stepped up and bent down as if to propose but instead offered her a huge lollipop. She promptly threw the champagne in his face and knocked him down to the floor and literally walked right over him to another football player holding up a Mink Stoll.
Boys may come and boys may go
And that's alright you see
Experience has made me rich
And now they're after me
'Cause everybody's living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
Living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
A material, a material
A material, a material world
Football team:
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
Living in a material world
(Material)
Living in a material world
At the end of the song Santana was wearing a Mink Stoll over her dress, a gold bracelet, a gold watch, diamond earrings, a huge diamond necklace, and a tiara. The audience cheered and she took a bow quickly dismissing them like she had done the football team. She walked right off stage with her head held high. The team followed behind her looking royally pissed off and some actually looked physically hurt from being walked on with high heels.
"Alright, our next musical will be done by Quinn Fabray and Brittany Pierce from New Directions along with some of the famed Cheerios of William McKinley High School."
As Mr. Shue walked off the stage Quinn walked up to the mic. She was dressed casually in a flattering blue Sunday dress with her hair down out of its usual pony tail.
"This is a story about a girl named Brittany" Quinn said at mic.
She gestured behind her and the curtains rose revealing Brittany putting make up on at a vanity table dressed in bathrobe.
Quinn:
Early morning
She wakes up
Knock, knock, knock on the door
A loud knocking sound came out and Quinn stepped out of the darkness and sang to Brittany who looked exhausted.
Quinn:
It's time for make up, perfect smile
It's you they're all waiting for, they go
More Cheerios came out from out behind the stage pulled Brittany away from the vanity table. They took of her robe revealing an amazing blue sequence dress and began to sing along with Quinn.
She's so lucky
She's a star
But she cry, cry, cries in her lonely heart, thinking
If there's nothing missing in my life
Then why do these tears come at night?
They all took their turn harassing Brittany, giving her scripts to read and posing her like a mannequin for display while some of the other Cheerios took photos. All the while Brittany just looked completely sad and lost as they argued over her hair and her clothes. Quinn stepped away to the opposite side of the stage letting the Cheerios take over as she sang.
Quinn:
Lost in an image
In a dream
But there's no one there to wake her up
And the world is spinning and she keeps on winning
But tell me what happens when it stops? They go
More Cheerios came out onto the stage dressed like reporters taking even more photos and now even videos of her. In the midst of this Brittany tried to break away looking for at something passed the crowd. Artie suddenly wheeled himself out from back stage wearing his normal clothing, stopping right next to Quinn in the spotlight.
Quinn:
"Isn't she lovely, this Hollywood girl?"
And they say
She's so lucky
She's a star
But she cry, cry, cries in her lonely heart, thinking
If there's nothing missing in my life
Then why do these tears come at night?
Brittany tried to break away from the crowd but she was pulled back and the crowd blocked her away from Artie. One of the male Cheerios who was dressed in a black stepped forward holding an envelope and addressed the crowd directly with a big smile.
"And now for the Award for Best actress," He said as he opened the envelope. "And the winner is Brittany!"
The Cheerios all cheered and someone presented her with a fake Oscar statue. Another male Cheerio stepped forward dressed like a reporter with another one following holding a video camera.
"I'm Roger Johnson for Pop News standing outside the Arena waiting for Brittany! Oh, my God, here she comes!"
Brittany was pushed right into the crowd of Cheerios all of them begging for autographs and fawning at her presence almost knocking her right off the stage. She was still looking at Artie trying to reach him but couldn't get through the mob.
Quinn:
"Isn't she lucky, this Hollywood girl?"
She is so lucky, but why does she cry?
If there is nothing missing in her life
Why do tears come at night?
She's so lucky
She's a star
But she cry, cry, cries in her lonely heart, thinking
If there's nothing missing in my life
Then why do these tears come at night?
"STOP" Brittany screamed finally as she threw the award away.
She ran straight passed the mob as Artie wheeled himself to meet her in the very center of the stage. The blonde threw herself into his arms and Artie held her tightly in his lap as she cried. All of the lights suddenly went out except for the spotlight enveloping the couple. Artie wiped her tears away with his hands lovingly and she began to sing to him as another song began.
Brittany:
Notice me
Take my hand
Why are we strangers when
Our love is strong
Why carry on without me?
Every time I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby
And every time I see you in my dreams
I see your face, it's haunting me
I guess I need you baby
As the soft music played the light slowly came back only this time it all the Quinn was leading all of the Cheerios in a slow choreographed danced around the couple.
I make believe
That you are here
It's the only way
I see clear
What have I done?
You seem to move on easy
And every time I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby
And every time I see you in my dreams
I see your face, you're haunting me
I guess I need you baby
It all looked some kind of dream and neither Brittany nor Artie paid any attention to their surroundings.
I may have made it rain
Please forgive me
My weakness caused you pain
And this song is my sorry
At night I pray
That soon your face
Will fade away
And every time I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby
And every time I see you in my dreams
I see your face, you're haunting me
I guess I need you baby
As the song ended Artie pulled Brittany into a deep kiss. The audience cheered loudly although the two didn't stop kissing. Quinn tapped Artie on shoulder grabbing his attention. They laughed and everyone bowed as the were given a standing ovation before leaving the stage.
"Every performance just seems to be getting more and more amazing," Shuester declared as he took the stage once again. "Now for our finale, we have Matt Rutherford, Mercedes Jones, and Kurt Hummel. Joining them as back we have several more Cheerios and members of New Directions."
(Authors note Matt singing in BOLD, Mercedes in Italic, Kurt in Underline, and everyone in all three)
Mr. Shue walked off the stage and a loud thunderclap resounded through the auditorium. The sounds of a storm where playing through the sound system and as the curtains parted. It was now raining on the stage and the floor was completely flooded and the lights were all now tinted purple. In the front on stage right Kurt stood ankle deep in water with Mike, Sam, and Artie, along with three male Cheerios. They were all dressed in matching suits and hats in the style of the 1950's. Behind them on stage left the last half of the female Cheerios where matching black raingear. All of them where holding matching purple umbrellas standing in the rain. Mercedes and Matt where sharing a single umbrella in the back center of the stage. Matt was using his own umbrella like a cane and looking at Mercedes.
Mercedes:
You have my heart
And we'll never be worlds apart
Maybe in magazines
But you'll still be my star
Baby cause in the dark
You can't see shiny cars
And that's when you need me there
With you I'll always share
Because
They all began to dance and stomp on the floor splashing the water everywhere.
Matt:
I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted one time to see you laughing
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you bathing in the purple rain
Kurt:
I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin',
Singin' in the rain
Kurt led all the guys in the choreography, doing tricks with their umbrellas and splashing the water everywhere. Mercedes did the same with the Cheerios leaving Matt to join Kurt and the rest of the guys. The music was upbeat and everyone was already completely soaked in the rain.
Mercedes:
When the sun shines, we'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath, I'm a stick it out till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella
Matt:
Never wanted to be your weekend lover
I only wanted to be some kind of friend, hey
Baby, I could never steal you from another
It's such a shame our friendship had to end
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only wanted to see you underneath the purple rain
Kurt:
I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin',
Singin' in the rain
Matt's voice was truly amazing. It almost sounded as if Prince himself was on the stage singing with Mercedes. Kurt knew they had made the right decision in making him sing the male lead and Kurt just led the chorus and the male dancers. Their blatant attraction seemed to magnify a hundred fold on stage as Kurt watched the pair sing to each other. If they didn't get together after this he was going to have a little talk with Matt to see if he could give the guy the confidence boost he need to ask Mercedes out.
All:
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh, eh eh eh)
Mercedes:
These fancy things
Will never come in between
You're part of my entity
Here for infinity
When the war has took its part
When the world has dealt its cards
If the hand is hard, together we'll mend your heart
Because
When the sun shines, we'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be a friend
Took an oath, I'm a stick it out till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella
All:
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(Ella ella, eh eh eh, eh eh eh)
Kurt:
I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin',
Singin' in the rain
The dancing was getting wilder as everyone was having fun and just splashed water all over one another. Mike and Kurt broke away from the other dancers and did numerous flips and gymnastics together while doing tricks with their umbrellas. The audience cheered louder and louder the more complex their gymnastics became.
Matt:
Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changin'
It's time we all reach out for something new, that means you too
You say you want a leader, but you can't seem to make up your mind
And I think you better close it and let me guide you to the purple rain
All:
I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin',
Singin' in the rain
Mercedes:
It's raining
Ooh baby it's raining
Baby come here to me
Come here to me
It's raining
Ooh baby it's raining
You can always come here to me
Come here to me
Matt joined wrapped his arm around Mercedes waist, looking at her as they danced together in the rain making Mercedes laugh aloud at he look of joy on his face.
Matt:
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
If you know what I'm singin' about up here, come on raise your hand
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you, only want to see you in the purple rain
Many people from the audience raised their hands waving them in tune with the music.
All:
I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin',
Singin' in the rain
The song ended with everyone striking a pose, opening their umbrella's just as the rain stopped. Once again the audience gave the performers on stage a standing ovation. Matt, Kurt, and Mercedes all looked at each other and began to laugh. They linked their arms together and skipped to the front of the stage and bowed with everyone else bowing behind them. The three were then doused with water as the dancers splashed them with water from behind. The three laughed and began to splash back and a huge water fight started even making the audience laugh. Will went up to end the show only to be doused by the students. Kurt and everyone laughed as their teacher stood on stage soaked from head toe.
"Ok everyone that is our show for the evening! How about one last round of applause for all of our performers."
All of New Directions came out from back stage along with the Cheerios, minus the football players though and bowed one last time. The stage was still flooded and as Mike, Sam and Matt, looked at each other and nodded they started another splash fight soaking everyone on the stage. Even Santana didn't care as she gave as good as she got. The cheering continued for a while until Mr. Shue broke everything up.
-Scene Change-
The assembly had gone off without a hitch and he was glad and it seemed everyone had a blast. Kurt was really impressed with everyone's performance and as he walked back stage he saw Matt talking to Mercedes. The sight made him smile and he left the two budding love birds alone. While everyone was celebrating back stage Kurt took off. He saw Noah about to approach him and he went the other way. Keeping Noah at arms length wasn't going to be easy but he knew it would be better for both of them in the end. But even knowing that he still felt an ache in his chest. Ignoring it Kurt, wanting to get out of his wet clothes, went to his locker and grabbed his extra set of clothes.
Once he was done changing he decided to go and look for his father. He had spotted his father sitting with Finn and Carole in the audience. He wondered what happened since Finn was supposed perform with Santana. Kurt had almost hightailed out of the back stage area once he saw the entire football team there. Thankfully Sam and Noah got the guys to form a perimeter around Kurt, to which he thanked them for. How Santana had gotten them to perform was mystery and Kurt wasn't sure if he wanted to know anyway. Spotting his dad by the refreshment table along with Carole and Finn he walked over.
-Scene Change-
Noah's good mood went down a bit as Kurt took off. Kurt was obviously still upset with him and he didn't know what he could do about it. Everyone had stayed to talk except Kurt but nobody seemed to notice with the exception of Noah. He thought about going after his friend but decided to give him his space. Besides, he didn't know what to say anyway. His attention was soon diverted as Mr. Shue came back stage.
"Guys I am so proud of all of you. You were all amazing!"
"Thanks Mr. Shue. That means a lot to us" Mercedes said.
"How did you guys ever come up with those numbers?"
"Well" Quinn began. "Brittany actually had the idea for our number. We never got to finish our Brittany Spears performance because of Sue pulling the fire alarm. So we sat down and looked for the least offensive Brittany Spears songs we could find."
"But how did you all rehearse such huge numbers in such a short time?" Rachel asked. "Neither you or Kurt barely used the auditorium."
"Simple, Kurt and I had the same idea about where to practice and we both shared the gymnastics room the Cheerios use," Quinn answered smugly. "It's large enough for the entire squad and it has its sound system for when we practice. So Kurt and I agreed to split up the Cheerios evenly and the gymnastics room."
"But that's not fair," Rachel ranted. "The rest of us only had the auditorium to practice. And we all went on without help. You and Kurt just cheated."
"How could we cheat? This was never a competition and Mr. Shue gave us complete creative freedom so there weren't any rules" Quinn reminded.
"Yeah," Mercedes agreed. "And we all worked hard and did the best we could with what we had. Kurt and I got our friends on the Cheerios to help us out. And it was Kurt's idea to have Matt sing male lead. He was amazing, right Kurt?"
Mercedes turned to her left only to find that Kurt was gone. Everyone looked around but Kurt wasn't even in the dressing room.
"Where's Kurt? He was right behind a second ago" Mercedes asked.
"I saw him-"
"It doesn't matter where Kurt is" Rachel interrupted Noah. "You guys still cheated. Mr. Shue say something!"
Everyone looked at their teacher expectantly.
"Rachel, no one did anything wrong. This was never a competition. It was suppose to be about team work. That's why I gave you all creative freedom. So you could all express yourselves creatively and express anything you wanted."
Rachel stormed off out of the backstage area in her usual Prima Donna fashion. The good cheer was effectively broken and Mr. Shue shook his head in disappointment.
"Forget about her Mr. Shue. No one really cares what that loser thinks" Santana chimed in.
"That's enough Santana" Mr. Shue warned. "You're in enough trouble as it is. I don't want you starting anymore fights or won't be able to stop Figgins from suspending you."
"I'm just keeping it real Mr. Shue. I'm not saying anything that anyone else here isn't thinking" Santana replied.
The rest of the club agreed with the Latina. Mr. Shue said he would take to her, but it was obvious no one believed it would do any good. Mr. Shue left and the rest of the club went their separate ways. Noah texted Kurt to see where he was. Getting a reply he took off to get dressed and find his friend. After he changed back into his jeans and regular shirt he went over to the refreshments where Kurt was waiting for him.
Burt gave him a fatherly pat on the back and congratulated him on his performance, which Noah found a bit awkward. Carole returned the sentiment and Finn just nodded. Kurt for his part hadn't said a word and was standing there expressionless as if he was bored out of his mind. Burt asked if Noah was ready to go to which he said yes. They took off and headed to the parking lot about to head home for family dinner. As they walked out of the school entrance Noah heard Sam calling out behind him.
"Hey guys wait up."
"What's up Sam?" Kurt asked.
"I wanted you guys to meet my uncle."
"I'd love to meet him. Hey dad wait up!" Kurt called out.
As Burt, Carole, and Finn walked up the front steps Kurt felt a large presence behind him that came out of nowhere. Kurt turned around slowly only to see a huge man standing before him. He was easily an inch taller and than Finn and had a lot more mass. This was someone even Puck wouldn't mess with. He looked as if someone had taken a boulder and chipped it down to resemble a man. For where as Finn was incredibly tall this man was also built, much like the bodybuilder you saw clips of who played the Incredible Hulk in the old 90's TV series. That fact that Kurt could even make a comparison like that since he had been spending so much time with Sam didn't even register as he took the major in.
Sam's uncle stood tall with his hands behind his back, wearing a simple but neat and functional black suit. The mans head was cleanly shaved and missing all hair. Kurt was amazed he even had eyebrows. At the base of his neck on his left side Kurt saw what looked like a burn scar, and quickly averted his gaze so as to not be rude. As Kurt took in the rest of his face Kurt saw the immediate family resemblance. Sam and his uncle had the same eyes, nose, chin and even the large lips. If Kurt didn't know this man was Sam's uncle he would have thought the man was his father.
"Hello, I'm Kurt Hummel" Kurt introduced himself as he held out his hand.
"A pleasure to meet you Kurt," the Major smiled and shook Kurt's hand. "Sammy has told me a lot about you."
"Sammy?" Puck chuckled.
"Got a problem with that Puckerman?" Sam said threathingly but with a smile.
"Who is this?" Burt asked.
"Mr. Hummel, Ms. Hudson, Finn, I would like to introduce you all to my uncle. Major Dean Connor Evans" Sam introduced.
They all shook hands and talked for a while. Kurt offered Sam and his uncle to join them for their family dinner. They accepted the offer and they all took off back towards the Hummel residence.
-End Chapter-
-Author's Notes-
Songs used in chapter:
Voltaire - Happy Birthday (My Olde Friend): I thought this song was hilarious when my friend sent me the video of it on facebook for my birthday months ago and I thought and I wanted to use it here.
Treble Charger - Red: This is the song I was originally planning for Artie to sing last chapter. So in a sense Artie did change his song at the last minute because of Rachel's insult.
The Diva Dance (Full Opera Mix): for those of you who don't know this song or don't know its name, this is the song from the movie Fifth Element. The song is amazing and I can definitely see Kurt singing it since he is a Counter-Tenor. If you haven't heard, it before download it. You will love it!
Cherie – Betcha never: I wanted to steam up the Santana and Finn situation and I thought this was perfect.
Fleetwood Mac – Landslide: Considering all the trouble Kurt is having with his dad I figured this says it all. Kurt isn't a little kid anymore but regardless he loves his father with all his heart even with how things are shaping up.
Eve 6 – Here's to the Night: This is one of my most favorite songs and I know Puck can sing the hell out of it. Most people play this at graduation ceremonies without realizing that it really is all about a one night stand.
Assembly Songs:
Artie and Rachel: The Phantom of the Opera – Past the Point of No Return: With Artie and Rachel's voices together I thought this was a good fit. I'm hoping to see the play live next month in NYC if I can scrape the cash together.
Sam and Mike: The Dubliners – The Rocky Road to Dublin: Since I made Sam Irish in this song I looked up a lot of traditional Irish music. This song is the remade version by the Dubliners that was used in the new Sherlock Holmes movie. The original song was so long I couldn't use it in the story so I settled for this one. It's still amazing though.
Mike and Tina: Def Leopard – Pour Some Sugar on Me and Joan Jett – I Love Rock-n-Roll: I originally wanted to mix the Joan Jett song with 'Fat Bottomed Girls', but as I was discussing my ideas with my beta, she told me this song was going to be used in a future episode. In fact a lot of song ideas I had kept being used to I had to look all over for a new song to mash up. I hope you all like.
Santana: Madonna – Material Girl: I was so stuck on what to have Finn and Santana sing together that it drove me crazy. But then I was writing the Santana and Finn scene and I just split them up. In the end I thought it made for a good plot twist. And let's face it the song fits Santana perfectly. Also she can be rather resourceful and I figured this would bring her into the spotlight more. Literally. The idea for the football players came to me as I saw the original music video for the song, and to be honest I hate all of the football players. What they do is monstrous and I felt they all needed a taste of public humiliation.
Quinn and Brittany: Britney Spears – Lucky & Everytime: I almost went with some Kesha songs but I couldn't find a good mash up for them so I went back to the Britney Spears episode for inspiration. Plus the lyrics for the songs really do say a lot about Brittany, not to mention I love her and Artie together.
Matt, Mercedes and Kurt: Prince – Purple Rain, Rhianna – Umbrella, and Singing in the Rain: in the duet episode Kurt mentioned this song and I had this amazing idea to mash up Singing in the Rain with Purple Rain. But then they used it in the substitute episode and mixed it with Umbrella. So I thought I could put them all together in one big performance and it helped bring Matt into the spotlight finally. The performance is generally the same as in the show only a lot bigger and Kurt and Mike really just slammed the dance moves like crazy.
Poems:
Sewer Walking was a poem I heard once on the show Joan of Arcadia. I loved it and I tracked it down for this chapter. The other one in Puck's drawing was all mine but I never chose a title for it.
Ok everyone here is the latest chapter of my story. I hope you all enjoy it. This is by far the longest chapter I have ever written, so I just had to end it where I did otherwise I would have just kept going. Now as far as some of the characters are going I put a lot more in this chapter than I originally planned so I hope the characters development has been going well.
Finn is still trying to process everything he's been forced to see by Kurt and is totally lost right now, but there is still plenty of the old Finn left in him so things are going to be very rocky for a while. But at this point I would like to address that in my reviews I got a lot of people saying how much they hate Finn and Rachel. So to please you all I put in that fight with Santana. The original fight with Lauren was hilarious if obviously one sided. So I used it for the scene. And to be honest it in the Show Rachel and Santana ever threw down I'm betting on Santana hands down. Feel free to let me know what you all think.
In the show Tina just dumped Artie and the entire situation was swept under the rug when Brittany showed up. I wanted to take on the situation head on because frankly I think Tina was wrong in how she treated Artie. It was like her character did a 180 and I wouldn't easily forgive and forget with anyone who treated me like that. Especially since she only broke up with Artie when they got back to school which meant she really did cheat on Artie all summer. Does anyone thing I'm wrong?
Kurt and Noah are speeding up but frankly I think they are both too damaged to realize what's going on. On Kurt's side of things he thinks of Noah as a good friend and because of what happened last season with Finn he won't entertain the idea of romance with Noah. Despite the fact that all the signs are there and right in his face he won't admit the obvious sexual tension between the both of them. Kurt has no experience in relationships because he's never had one. As for Noah, he is beginning to have even stronger feelings for Kurt but he doesn't know what they are because he's never looked for love, only sex. And it's just like in the real show surprisingly, he's beginning to realize that looks don't matter and is attracted to Kurt because of how tough he can be. Only difference is that this time it's not about how much someone ways but about gender. I think love can transcend gender if someone's mind is open enough and Noah has proven to have an open mind even in the show. Hence why I think Kurt and Noah can be amazing together. Love to me has nothing to do with gender or orientation it's something that you feel regardless of how it comes about. Kurt just being himself with Noah is making him mature more and see things more clearly. However Puck is still Puck so he's dealing with it all the only way he knows how, namely getting laid. So after the outburst at the diner Kurt has decided to ease of Puck because he doesn't want to lose him as a friend and it's reinforcing his belief that he should leave. For his part Puck feels guilty because of he knows about what happened to Kurt with Finn and how deeply it affected him so his outburst was very hurtful for his friend. So as things continue things are going to begin heating up.
Now as far as the show goes, I have to say I am disappointed in their lack of creativity. The whole Rachel, Finn, Quinn, Sam, and Santana love triangle is just insane. Quinn by now would have learned her lesson about cheating and Finn is a complete hypocrite for dumping Rachel and then hitting up another guys girlfriend. If this was how things were going to turn out they should have just stuck with the original plan and had Sam and Kurt fall hook up. Because in all honesty Kurt and Sam make a hell of a lot more sense than Sam and Santana. Also, I'm pissed off that they might have Karofsky join the glee club. I mean what the hell? The guy practically sexually assaulted Kurt and now they want to make him part of the main cast. What the hell are they thinking?
Well anyway I'm going to start on the next chapter since this one is going to be even more difficult to write than any before. I keep trying to go over all of the episodes and use everything the show just passed over and turn it into plot points for my story to make it more believable. But that's getting harder to do and I hope I can come up with something original. Then again there s also the 'Mary-sue' issue to consider and I hope I have shown that Kurt really does have weaknesses and despite how talented he is he is only human and in the coming chapter you're going to see a lot more of that contrast. So please everyone review because like I said before your reviews always help me and since I this story isn't set in stone if you guys kind of help shape this story as well. So please review and let me know what you think good or bad.
