Author's Note: So, another update, as promised! Sorry it wasn't sooner – but my fiancé decided in his infinite wisdom to crash my night in writing drunk out of his skull. Not happy. Oh well... also I gave blood this morning so my arm is killing and I feel a little woozy. But all your reviews made me so happy so here is the next chapter, and it's the longest so far and also incredibly full of angst at the end. However there is a bit of shameless fluff to make up for it and the next chapter which will probably be the end is also going to be pretty much pure fluff, just because I can't resist a happy ending. So... enjoy!
Disclaimer: Glee doesn't belong to me
Warnings: This chapter contains very dark scenes, and a lot of angst. Very mature. This is why it has been rated an 'M'. If you don't like it – don't read it!
Puck's POV
Finn and Puck lounged in Finn's room, Finn on the bed and Puck in his huge, comfortable armchair. Just like old times.
'So, dude, when did this thing with you and Kurt start?'
Puck frowned. 'Probably just after I found this, um, this DVD he made.'
Finn looked at him questioningly. 'He made a DVD? What was on it?' Finn was surprised to see a blush creeping up Puck's cheeks. He never thought he'd see the day his best friend blushed.
'It was a video of him, Brittany and Tina dancing in his basement to that song... you know, the 'Single Ladies' one?'
Finn frowned. 'Yeah, that's the one he taught us so we could win that game. What about it?' Puck swallowed. Man, this really wasn't easy.
'Well, you know the moves are kinda... hot, right?'
Finn smirked. 'Hell yeah! I bet Brittany and Tina looked smokin'.'
'Yeah, well, that was the trouble. That's how it all started. The moves were really hot, but it wasn't the girls I was watching.' Puck waited for a few moments while Finn's brain figured out what he was saying.
Finally his eyes widened. 'You mean, you were watching Kurt?'
Puck rolled his eyes in a 'duh' expression.
'Oh man, that must've messed you up some.' That was the understatement of the century Puck thought. When he remembered all the angst and soul searching he'd done... yeah, it had messed him up.
'Yeah. So, from then on, things got kinda weird for me. Until I realised that day he got attacked and taken to hospital that the feelings I'd been developing were real. That was the day it got real for me. We kinda started a secret relationship since then.'
Finn leant back on his bed, shaking his head slightly. 'Woah. That's kind of heavy, dude. Poor Kurt, I imagine he didn't like sneaking around much?' Puck was surprised at Finn's perception. But then, he did know Kurt fairly well because Finn had never been as horrible to him as the rest of them had been, and had often talked to him about his problems.
'No. No, he didn't like it at all. I thought I was happy with what we had, but I realised when he finished things that I hadn't been happy either. I want to be with Kurt, Finn. Properly. Which is why I need your help. I need some ideas about romantic ways to make Kurt see that I want to be a proper couple.'
Finn rubbed the side of his head, obviously thinking. 'Well, yeah, you'll need something real special, you know? Kurt's a romantic. He'd probably love flowers, undying declarations of love, the whole thing. Did you think of singing to him?'
'Yeah, but I thought it would be too obvious. I want something original, something that would really make him see how much he means to me.'
XXX
They spent the next hour or so brainstorming ideas of how Puck could wow Kurt, before giving up, both of them with slight headaches.
'Don't worry, man,' Finn said reassuringly as he said goodbye to Puck at the door. 'We'll think of something. I still think it would be a good idea to come out publicly to the Glee club at first. Kind of ease into it. You know we'll all support you.'
Puck nodded in agreement. 'Yeah, you're right. Hey – maybe I could slip something into his locker? Like a little note, or a present or something? Just to let him know I still care. I think he's worried I'm being too... you know, like, too happy about this whole thing.'
'Flippant?'
Puck stared at his friend. 'What the hell does that mean?'
'Too carefree about it... I dunno man, I guess I've been hanging around with Rachel too much. She uses all these big words, I've started looking some of them up.'
Puck smirked. 'Alright then, Kurt probably thinks I'm being too flippant about it. Later, dude, and thanks.'
'Anytime. And Puck?'
Puck turned back, noticing that Finn looked faintly embarrassed.
'I'm glad we're mates again. I mean, what you did with Quinn was totally out of order but... but I've missed hanging out with you.'
Puck swallowed. 'Likewise, man. I'll see you in school on Monday.'
Monday Morning
Puck had decided over the weekend to give the whole think of a killer idea to come out to the entire school thing a rest, and had instead concentrated his efforts of coming up with something to leave Kurt in his locker as a surprise. Something that would say he still cared about him so he didn't end up hating him before Puck could overtly come out with how much he loved him.
He'd noticed that Kurt seemed very keen on scents and perfumes and things. Every time they'd gotten together he'd smelt of some different but delicious scent. By the time Monday morning rolled around, he'd decided to pay a visit to the mall after school and have a look around some possible shops. He had no idea what kind of perfume he should be looking for, but he figured the saleslady should be able to help him with that.
He noticed that Kurt seemed happier when he saw him in class or around the school, which obviously made him happy as well, but he couldn't help worrying that maybe Kurt was getting over him already. He really hoped not, otherwise he might be forced to put his plan into action without proper preparation.
He drove to the mall as soon as school finished, and soon found himself standing outside a promising looking store, trying to work up the nerve to go inside. Quickly checking around to make sure that nobody he knew was hanging around, he nervously stepped over the threshold. He'd started browsing the shelves absently when a young salesgirl appeared at his shoulder.
'Can I help sir?'
Puck smirked slightly at hearing himself addressed as 'sir' before he turned to the girl, who was incidentally very pretty, with shoulder length blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. Before this whole thing with Kurt started, Puck knew he'd have probably chatted her up, slept with her and dropped her without a thought. She was just the type he'd usually have gone for, pretty, skinny... and female. But now Kurt was in the picture, Puck realised he had no inclination whatsoever to take her to bed, despite her obvious interest in him. He saw how her eyes flicked up and down his body once or twice, before settling on his face.
'Yeah, I'm, um... I'm looking for some perfume.'
She rolled her eyes slightly. 'Of course, sir. You've definitely come to the right place. Is this for a girlfriend?' The way her voice rose slightly as she asked the question assured Puck that she was definitely interested.
'No. It's for my... boyfriend.' He saw her eyes widen in surprise, and then disappointment. However she didn't look at all disgusted or horrified, as he was sure a male assistant would.
'Oh, okay. Well, what kind of scent does he like?'
'I'm not entirely sure. Something quite light, probably – but not too girly.'
She nodded. 'Well, I'm sure we'll find something.'
Half an hour later, Puck exited the shop with a small, exquisite and horrifyingly expensive bottle of perfume. Kurt is worth it, Puck thought. The perfume was in an opaque, dusky purple bottle, was entitled 'Eternal Moment' (which was actually one of the less stupid names in the shop, Puck thought), and smelled of flowers and jasmine. Or at least that's what the salesgirl had assured him. Puck could appreciate however, that it was a light, fresh smell and he really liked it.
He stashed the bag safely in his school satchel and headed back out to the parking lot. As he passed the toilets he noticed Kurt sashaying out of the gentlemans, carefully patting his hair into place and carrying a couple of shopping bags. Without quite knowing why, Puck paused, slightly hidden from Kurt's view and watched him. He probably didn't have to hide, Kurt was listening to his iPod and was clearly oblivious to the world. As he strutted along he was mouthing the words to himself, and Puck had to bite back an adoring smile.
Suddenly he noticed Karofsky coming in the opposite direction. He moved forward, opening his mouth to warn Kurt, but it was too late. Due to the music, Kurt obviously hadn't noticed Karofsky, and was taken completely unaware when the jock kicked out at his ankle. He fell awkwardly, but thank god didn't land on his injured arm. His bags flew out of his hands, and Karofsky kicked them around a little before sniggering and continuing on his way. He didn't see Puck, half concealed once again in the doorway. Puck was so, so tempted to head after him and beat him into the ground, but he stopped himself. Kurt needed his help.
Hurrying over, he grabbed Kurt's uninjured arm and helped him to his feet.
'Kurt, are you alright? Is your arm okay?' Kurt glanced at him, and then experimentally swung his broken arm.
'It seems to be fine. Could you possibly help me...?' He gestured helplessly at his scattered purchases. It would be difficult, Puck acknowledged, for him to attempt to pick them all up with only one working arm.
'Of course.' He scooted around on the tile floor, carefully collecting the bags and once he'd got them all, handed them to Kurt, who took them with a murmur of thanks.
'So... what are you doing here, Noah? I didn't have you down as the type of person who would indulge in after school retail therapy.'
'I... I was just looking for a present for my sister,' he invented madly. 'She's having a bit of a tough time at school, I was just looking for something to cheer her up.'
Kurt's face softened and he smiled.
'That's very sweet of you, Noah. What did you get her?'
'Oh, just a few hairclips and stuff. You know, girl things.'
Kurt grinned wryly. 'Yes, I know. I just came in to restock my cosmetics cabinet. I was running dangerously low on Aloe Vera body scrub.'
Puck nodded blankly, having absolutely no clue what that was, or why anyone would want to use it. Kurt grinned slightly, and inclined his head.
'Well... I'll see you tomorrow, I suppose. Thanks for the help.'
'You're welcome,' Puck called to Kurt's retreating back.
Wednesday – after school
Puck waited until the school was pretty much entirely empty of people, and then casually made his way to Kurt's locker. He still hadn't thought of a way to come out to the school, but he hoped that this gesture would buy him a bit of time.
From his years hanging out with the 'wrong' crowd, Puck had learnt a fair amount about opening things that you didn't necessarily have the proper equipment, or the right, to open. The school lockers didn't present much of a challenge to him. After a little bit of jimmying, the lock gave way, and Puck swung the door open.
Kurt's locker was a riot of pictures and decoration. There were pictures of what he assumed were performances of various musicals, stuck all over the door. There were snapshots of Kurt with Mercedes, Kurt with Artie, Kurt with Tina...
Right in the corner, however, was a picture that caught Puck's immediate attention. He peered closer, and a lump came to his throat. It was a photo that had obviously been printed out from Kurt's mobile. He remembered the evening that it had been taken. They had been mucking around in Kurt's basement – and suddenly Kurt had whipped out his cell and aimed it at the both of them, pressing his lips to Puck's cheek.
It showed Puck looking fairly surprised, but obviously pleased, grinning into the camera. Kurt's broken arm lay resting in Puck's lap, while his other was holding the mobile. They looked so happy together. Puck swallowed thickly as he noticed that Kurt had doodled hearts around the snapshot with a sparkly, glittery pink pen.
Hastily he fished the perfume out of his bag. He'd spent ages the previous night carefully wrapping it, honestly who knew that wrapping could be such a chore? He now appreciated what his Mom went through every Thanksgiving and Christmas with all his and his sister's presents. He'd done his best with it though, and now as he eyed it critically, he didn't think it looked bad at all. It was wrapped in purple paper with little silver stars, and after much digging around in the cupboard, he'd found a silver ribbon to tie round it. After some deliberation he'd also decided to write a little note as well, just so Kurt would be sure it was from him. The last thing he needed was Kurt thinking he had some kind of secret admirer. He'd spent literally hours thinking of what he could write in the note, and in the end had come up with something short and simple,
I still think about you every day. Lots of love Noah xxx
That seemed about right. Short and to the point.
He left the school, feeling fairly pleased with himself. He would hang around the area where Kurt's locker was tomorrow morning, to see his reaction.
Kurt's POV
Kurt had been mildly irritated to find that he was running low on cosmetic supplies. As much as he loved the mall, contrary to popular belief he didn't spend all his free time there. It couldn't be helped though. There was no way he could take proper care of his skin without the necessary lotions.
It had been a shock bumping into Puck, but he was glad he'd been there. It would have taken him forever to scoot around the floor picking up his purchases with one hand. His dad was waiting for him in the lot outside, they'd dropped past the mall on the way back from school.
'Get everything you need?' his dad asked absently as they pulled out of the lot. Kurt grinned happily.
'Yeah, I had to get some new body scrub but they also had a special range of facial wipes, they're supposed to really cleanse your t-zone...' Kurt trailed off as he caught sight of the polite but blank expression that his dad was wearing. An expression that completely mirrored Puck's look earlier. He laughed to himself. There was clearly no point in trying to educate the very masculine men in his life about beauty products.
He had thought that maybe since breaking up with Puck it would be good for him to have some space from the jock, but he was starting to realise that that was the last thing he wanted. He didn't want to be, as Mercedes had so tactfully put it, 'Puck's dirty little secret', but nor did he want to never see him, never talk to him or touch him again. He'd been so grateful earlier when Puck had been there to help him out.
Maybe it would be possible to talk to him after Glee tomorrow, just to try and sort things out properly. He would let him know that while he wasn't willing to go back to the relationship they had before, he would love to keep spending time with him as a friend. It might be a bad idea in that old feelings would resurface, but that was a risk he was willing to take.
Thursday morning
Kurt had almost forgotten what being thrown in the dumpster felt like, it had been so long since it had happened. No longer did he have to rearrange his clothes in the bathroom, or wash trash out of his hair.
Mercedes was chatting nineteen to the dozen about something or other, and though Kurt tried to listen to her rant, he found himself slipping into daydreaming about what he might say to Puck after Glee Club. Absently he spun the dial on his locker, while Mercedes gave chatting a rest and started rummaging in her bag looking for her cellphone.
As the metal door swung open, Kurt's eyes were immediately drawn to the one object that didn't belong in his locker. Cautiously he reached out and tentatively picked up the small item wrapped in purple paper. Mercedes had noticed, and was staring wide-eyed.
'Kurt... what is that?'
'I don't know.' Kurt was honestly bewildered. How had someone managed to get something like this into his locker. Every nerve was on instant red alert, suspecting that maybe when he opened it it would turn out to be a pile of dog poo or something even more horrible. This had to be some hideous prank. Since when did he get little presents left for him in his locker? Maybe someone had made a mistake, thought that this was someone else's?
Just then he noticed the little scrap of paper which had been lying underneath the wrapped present, and he put the gift down on the floor of the locker as he picked up the note to read it.
I still think about you every day. Lots of love Noah xxx
Kurt's eyes widened even further, and without a word he handed the note to Mercedes for her opinion. She scanned the messy scrawl quickly.
'Oh my God!' She clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her squeal. 'Open it! Open it! What is it?'
'Give me a second, Mercedes.' Kurt was desperately hoping that this wasn't a prank, because if it was then it was more cruel than all the violence the jocks dished out to him put together. He examined the present closely. The wrapping looked like someone had taken some time over it, although it was still kind of messy. The little ribbon was a cute touch. Carefully he slit the wrapping and pulled it off. Well. It wasn't dog poo, not anything like that. It was perfume.
He examined it. 'Eternity Moment'. He didn't have this one, and he pulled the cap off and experimentally squirted it into the air to sniff. Wow. He didn't think Puck had this kind of good taste. He must have had help with it.
Mercedes was looking seriously impressed.
'Aw, Kurt that is soo cute! And that perfume's real nice!' Kurt allowed himself to laugh and sprayed the perfume onto his wrists and neck.
'I forgot to put my perfume on today – this is a very welcome present,' he giggled. Then he frowned slightly. 'But how on earth did he manage to get into my locker in the first place?'
Mercedes grinned. 'Well, he is a badass. He probably jimmied the lock or something.'
Kurt smiled fondly as he thought of Puck actually trying to pick out perfume for him, how awkward he would have been. That was probably what he was up to at the mall, he thought randomly. He wasn't shopping for his sister at all. The truth was, was that Puck could have got him pretty much anything, it really was the thought that counted.
Still smiling broadly he slipped the perfume bottle carefully into his bag and tossed the wrapping into the trash. Claiming the note back from Mercedes, he slid it into his pocket, shut his locker and strutted off to his first class.
Puck's POV
Kurt's expression made all the money he'd spent worth it. He'd seen how tentative the smaller boy had been about opening the present, and the joy that had spread over his face when he'd seen what it was.
Mercedes had almost killed herself squealing, and had pestered Kurt with questions all the way down the corridor to their first class. He was really happy that Kurt seemed to like it, he'd seen him sniff the air, and then squirt it onto his wrists and neck. Kurt actually passed fairly close to where he was skulking, and he'd caught a whiff of the scent as he'd wafted past. It was really nice, actually.
Now that he'd let Kurt know that he hadn't completely forgotten about him, or what they had, he could concentrate on trying to think of something that would truly prove to Kurt that he was ready for them to be a proper couple.
Still he was looking forward to Glee. He'd love to get the chance to talk to Kurt privately about the things that had gone on between them.
Kurt's POV
Glee Club
Mr Schuester pushed them very hard that Thursday afternoon, and by the time they finished, Kurt abandoned all thoughts of talking to Puck as he realised that they'd run overtime and his dad would be waiting to pick him up in the parking lot. Calling a hasty goodbye to Mercedes, Tina and Artie he legged it out of the music room. He really didn't like keeping his dad waiting.
As he rushed past the guys' bathroom, he felt someone grab his arm and spin him around. His heart plummeted to the bottom of his designer shoes. Karofsky had hold of him, and he was flanked by two of his neanderthal buddies, Alex and Paul. All three were sneering and Paul was cradling a baseball bat. They looked as though they'd come straight from after school practice. Karofsky backed Kurt up against the lockers.
'Hey, fag. We want to talk to you. Let's go somewhere a little more... private, shall we?' He twisted Kurt's arm behind his back and marched him into the toilets, closely followed by Alex and Paul. Kurt's heart was pounding, and he could feel the fear settle in his stomach. Something told him this was going to be bad... very bad.
Karofsky let go of him once they were inside and started pacing backwards and forwards.
'So... me and the guys were in the locker rooms after a lunchtime practice, and guess what we heard Rutherford and Chang talking about?'
Kurt shook his head bewildered, eyeing the bat in Paul's meaty hands. If that thing came anywhere near him he would scream his head off and run full pelt towards the door.
'You don't know? Awww, well, I'll tell you. They were talking about how Puck is madly in love with you and wants you to be his boyfriend.' Kurt's eyes widened. How the hell did Matt and Mike know about him and Puck? And what was this about Puck announcing that he wanted to be his boyfriend? It was stupid, and completely inappropriate given the setting, but Kurt couldn't help the jump of joy in his chest.
Karofsky was eyeing him closely. His gaze roved over him, and suddenly he lunged forward. Kurt threw up his arm, expecting a blow, but instead the jock merely reached out and grabbed the corner of Puck's note, that was protruding slightly from Kurt's skinny jeans. He scanned the scribbled message quickly, his eyes narrowed, and he lifted his gaze to stare into Kurt's eyes. In them, Kurt could find no trace of compassion or understanding. He hadn't really expected to see that. Slowly he started edging towards the door, but Alex threw out a muscled arm to stop his progress.
'So. It would appear Rutherford and Chang were right. You really have infected Puck with your... disease.' A horrifying look crept into his eyes and Kurt started desperately looking for a way out of the bathroom. Karofsky looked completely insane. 'You don't want to be a virgin forever, do you? You want to make a good impression on Puck?'
Without warning, and without time for Kurt to react to his words, Karofsky had grabbed handfuls of his hair, and slammed his face against the hard tiles of the bathroom wall. Kurt felt one of his teeth pierce his lip, and something jutted into his temple. A few seconds later he felt a trickle of blood work its way down his face and into the collar of his shirt.
Although his head was ringing from the blow, Kurt had enough presence of mind left to realise that he had to get out and get out now. Karofsky was clearly out of his mind – and would stop at virtually nothing.
He tried pushing back against his tormentor's hand, but the bigger boy was far too strong. Desperately he started squirming, but that only made Karofsky press him against the wall harder.
Dimly he heard Karofsky call Paul and Alex forward.
'Pass me the bat, will you, dude?' Paul clearly did so, and Karofsky leaned foward to whisper loudly in Kurt's ear. 'We're doing you a favour you know.' He retreated again and suddenly Kurt heard the words, 'Guys, pull his pants down.' Kurt froze, he felt ice flow through his veins. Surely not...
He heard shuffling behind him, and then Alex's voice, hesitant and reluctant.
'Dude... I didn't agree to this. I thought we were just going to... rough him up a bit.'
Then Paul chimed in, agreeing with Alex.
'Yeah... this is sick, Karofsky. We shouldn't be doing this. Let the little queer go.' There was a sharp pain as Karofsky clenched the hand that had a hold of Kurt's hair in anger, yanking on the roots. Kurt hissed through his teeth.
'You guys are staying here, and you're doing what I say! The only sick thing in this bathroom is this little homo I've got right here!' As if to reinforce what he was saying he slammed Kurt's head against the wall for a second time. Kurt screamed as his head collided with the tiles. Karofsky's mouth was at his ear again, but his vision was going blurry and he couldn't focus on what he was saying easily.
'After we've finished with you... we're going after Puck. When will you people learn that you're not tolerated here? People don't like it.' A few seconds later and Kurt felt the hand release his hair. Before he could gather his wits to run away, he felt the same hands grasp at his belt and tug sharply downwards.
Unluckily for him, he wasn't wearing his skinniest jeans today, and although the material burned his legs, it wasn't necessary for Karofsky to undo the buttons at the front. The jeans took his boxers down with them.
'You're sick, Karofsky! Don't do this – you won't get away with it!' Kurt was absolutely terrified, but he was also incredibly angry. He hated being this vulnerable, being too small and physically weak to stand up for himself against people who were stronger than him.
'Hummel's right, dude. We should go. Just leave him.' Alex sounded quite anxious and frightened now.
'Both of you stay here! We're in this together.' There was another pause and then, unbearably, Kurt felt the blunt end of the baseball bat probing at his entrance. Karofsky was keeping him against the wall with one hand pressed to the back of his neck, the other was controlling the bat.
Kurt screamed and started thrashing, trying to do anything that would break Karofsky's hold.
Puck's POV
Puck was surprised, to say the least, to see Kurt pelt out of the practice room like that. He'd gotten the sense that Kurt wanted to talk to him, as he'd kept shooting him surreptitious glances all through the class. But he overheard Tina saying that Kurt's dad was picking him up, and he didn't like to be kept waiting.
For some reason he didn't feel like going straight home, so instead he sat in the practice room for a while, strumming his guitar. Finn and Matt stayed with him, making Puck laugh with their improvised dancing.
Suddenly there was a clatter and Mike skidded into the room. He'd left fairly soon after Kurt had, and Puck definitely wasn't expecting to see him back. He was about to make some joke about Mike's less than graceful entrance, but the words froze on his lips when he saw Mike's expression. His face was ashen, and his eyes were wide with horror.
'Mike?' Finn had gotten up, his eyes confused. Puck couldn't move.
'Is it Kurt?' that was all he managed to croak out.
'Honestly, Puck, I don't know what happened. I was in the corridor and I saw Kurt get hauled into the bathrooms by Karofsky, Paul and Alex. Paul had a baseball bat. I didn't go in after them, I thought it was best to come and get you.'
'Why would they go after him, though, we haven't even done anything!' Puck was on his feet, hastily flinging his guitar from his shoulder.
'Well... Matt and I were discussing ideas for your big coming out earlier in the changing rooms.... I'm so, so sorry Puck – we had no idea anyone was there! But Karofsky must have heard us.'
'You idiots!' Puck screamed as he ran full tilt out of the classroom, closely followed by Finn. Matt who had looked stunned by everything that had happened seemed to collect himself and he and Mike followed in Puck and Finn's wake.
The bathroom was almost on the other side of the school, and it took them a couple of minutes to run there.
Puck slowed briefly once they were outside, checked to see that Finn, Mike and Matt were all there, and reached for the handle. Just at that second he heard an earsplitting cry that sounded like it came from Kurt. He hesitated no longer, and flung the door open.
His first thought was utter horror. Karofsky had Kurt pinned against the wall, Kurt's designer jeans and boxers were around his ankles, and Karofsky had the bat and... there was no way Puck could have seen this coming. Paul and Alex were standing near the toilet stalls, looking horrified and distinctly uncomfortable. When Puck came crashing in, their expressions were incredibly relieved.
Momentarily startled by the disturbance, Karofsky let go of Kurt. Finn and Matt saw their chance, and charged past Puck and right into Karofsky, bundling him against the back wall of the bathrooms.
Puck was tempted to go after them and have them hold Karofsky still while he beat the living shit out of him. But Kurt needed him, needed him badly.
The smaller boy had sunk to his knees, his legs were shaking so badly they were unable to hold him up any longer. In an instant Puck had crossed the bathroom floor and was knelt at Kurt's side. He took off his jacket and threw it over Kurt's lap, temporarily protecting his dignity.
Carefully he wound his arms around Kurt, and drew him onto his lap, cradling him against his chest, not caring about the blood that was now staining his shirt.
Kurt was sobbing, big heaving sobs that racked his entire chest. Slowly Puck traced small circles on his back, which was something his Mom had done to him when he'd had a nightmare and needed calming down, nuzzling his face into Kurt's hair, murmuring to him softly.
'Shhh, it's okay babe, it's okay. Shhh. We're here.' Once Kurt had quietened down a little, Puck raised his eyes to Karofsky. He was struggling, but Finn and Matt had him held firmly against the wall, and he clearly wasn't going anywhere. His eyes were wild with fury – but a little apprehension entered his glare as he met Puck's gaze.
Puck looked over briefly at Alex and Paul, who looked very thankful at the new direction events had taken, and were now shuffling their feet anxiously. Mike was standing at the door, blocking their way out.
'I'll talk to you later, guys. Now get out.' Mike stood aside as Alex and Paul did as Puck said, needing no second bidding.
Keeping the jacket wrapped firmly around Kurt's waist, Puck slowly navigated his way to his feet, towing Kurt up with him.
'Keep that piece of shit right there, guys, I'm going to see if Kurt's okay and then we're going to have a little chat with him.'
Puck's tone was low and deadly, even Finn couldn't stop himself shivering slightly. With a muscled arm wound tight around Kurt's waist, keeping him upright, Puck drew him into a bathroom stall and sat him down on the toilet seat, kicking the door shut behind him.
'You okay, babe? Kurt? Answer me, please. Did they – did he, manage to...?' Puck's voice quavered slightly as he contemplated the possibilites. Dumbly Kurt shook his head from side to side. Puck sighed in relief. 'Come on, let's get you decent.' He took hold of Kurt's silky blue boxers and pulled them up to his knees. 'You're gonna need to stand up, come on.'
Kurt had enough presence of mind to fling his uninjured arm around Puck's neck and use that as a support to force himself to his feet.
Rather unfortunately, this now meant that Puck found himself on a direct eye-level with Kurt's crotch. Rejecting forcefully the desires that flooded through his mind as wholly inappropriate, Puck drew the boxers up over Kurt's hips, undid the button on the jeans and quickly did the same with them. The sooner Kurt's smooth, slim legs were covered up the better in his opinion.
He fumbled slightly getting the button back into place, but eventually it was sorted. He stood up, flung his jacket back on, and gently towed Kurt out of the bathroom stall.
'Just stay here okay? I'm gonna have a talk with Karofsky.'
'Noah... wait a minute. I – I want to...' Puck didn't have a clue what Kurt was doing, until the smaller boy had taken a few shaky steps foward and positioned himself right in front of Karofsky. He knew what he was doing, but couldn't believe it, when he saw Kurt draw his right fist back and throw a punch directly into Karofsky's face.
As far as punches go, it could have been better. Kurt obviously didn't have the strength to do much damage – but his technique had been good, and he hadn't folded his thumb into his fist like most people did. Someone had clearly taught him how to do it properly.
Karofsky winced as the blow connected with his nose, and then Kurt addressed him.
'You're nothing, Karofsky. I shouldn't even have bothered to punch you. I suggest you get yourself to a mental hospital, asap.' With that he staggered backwards slightly, and Puck caught him by the shoulders.
Puck kissed Kurt tenderly on the lips, ignoring Karofsky's snort of disgust and whispered into his ear,
'I'm so proud of you, babe. But now I gotta sort him out my way.' Kurt nodded slightly and backed off towards the door.
Puck strolled casually towards Karofsky, until they were almost nose to nose.
'What in hell gave you right to treat Kurt like that, to treat anyone like that? What are you, some kind of animal?'
Karofsky merely spat into Puck's face. Coolly, he wiped it off with the back of his hand. 'Question answered. Awesome. Let me break it down for you, Karofsky. I don't make a habit of hitting girls... but in your case...' He drew back his fist and let it land squarely in almost exactly the same place Kurt's had seconds ealier. This time he heard something crack. Excellent, he'd broken the jerk's nose. 'I call you a girl, Karofsky, because you have no balls. No-one with balls would ever get their kicks out of tormenting someone who physically couldn't fight back and was outnumbered three to one.'
'You didn't have a problem with it when we were tossing him in the dumpster, dude,' Karofsky spat.
'True. I didn't have balls then. But I do now. I realise now, that to be a man it takes something very different than bullying. It means standing up for who you love. And I love Kurt. And if you ever... ever come near him again, even look at him funny – I swear to God, Karofsky, I will not be responsible for my actions.' He gestured at Finn, Matt and Mike. 'These guys won't appreciate you hurting Kurt either, we've all got his back. I'm going to Principal Figgins first thing tomorrow morning and I'm telling him all about this. I'll bring in Matt, Mike, Finn, Alex and Paul – they'll all bear witness to what you tried to do, and what you've done. You'll be lucky to escape a criminal conviction. And I'd love to see how you'd cope in prison with actual rapists.' It might have been his imagination, but he was sure Karofsky turned a shade paler. 'They might give you a taste of your own medicine.' With that he smirked, patted the bigger jock's cheek and turned around.
He said goodbye to the others just outside and led Kurt to a secluded bench just outside of the parking lot.
'I think I've got a tissue in here somewhere...' He sorted through the assorted mess in his bag until he found a rather crumpled, but clean, tissue. Carefully he wiped at the blood that was coating Kurt's face and neck. There was a lot of it, but as he discovered, the wound was fairly superficial – it looked like Kurt's head had hit the protruding blunt end of a nail or something. Already he could see a large bruise forming around it.
'You're gonna bruise there, babe, but you'll be able to cover it with that stuff you use... what is it? Concealer?'
Kurt nodded slowly, a tiny smile flickering on his face. Suddenly a look of absolute panic crossed his face.
'My dad! He'll be waiting!' Kurt made to rise off the bench, but Puck pulled him back down.
'Give me your cell.' Kurt frowned at him suspiciously. 'Come on, babe! Give me your cellphone.' Reluctantly Kurt located his mobile in his bag and handed it to Puck. Quickly Puck scrolled through his contacts until he found 'Dad Cell'
He hit the green phone button and held it to his ear. It rang once and then there was a very anxious sounding Mr Hummel in Puck's ear.
'Kurt? Kurt – where are you, I've been here for ages!'
'Hey, Mr Hummel, it's Noah Puckerman, I'm Kurt's friend from school.' There was a pause.
'Noah? You're the boy who found Kurt when he got... attacked, right?'
'Yes, sir, that's right. We've been paired together for a Glee assignment and thought we'd rehearse for a little longer. Kurt's really sorry, he forgot to phone you, but he needed to go the bathroom so I said I'd ring.'
'Oh. Well, that's fine I guess but... how's he going to get home?'
'I'll take him back, sir. We shouldn't be much longer.'
'Alright, then. Thanks for letting me know, Noah.'
'No problem, sir. Bye.' He hit end call and placed the phone back into Kurt's bag. Kurt was gazing at him wide-eyed.
'You're a smooth liar Noah Puckerman.' Puck shrugged his shoulders, and then drew Kurt gently into his side.
'You're staying here with me until you feel ready to go back home, okay? Anything you want to talk about, just let it out right here.' Puck could see Kurt's bottom lip had started to tremble slightly.
'I... I was so scared, Noah. And so ashamed. I mean... what Karofsky was going to do... Finn, Matt and Mike and you, you all saw that...' A tear slid out of his eye.
Puck looked him square in the face. 'That was not your fault, Kurt. You have absolutely no reason to be ashamed. Even I'd have a hard time fighting Karofsky off on my own – and you were outnumbered. But the guys have our back now – you don't need to worry about Karofsky anymore.'
Kurt blinked. 'What are you saying Noah?'
'I'm saying I want us to be together – properly. I love you too much to let you go. Selfish of me, I know. I want us to hold hands in the corridor, share kisses before classes and at lunch. I want to go on dates and come out to the parents as a couple. All that stuff, you know? I adore you Kurt. I was trying to think of some amazing way to let you know, but unfortunately things kinda got out of my control. A declaration of love on a bench in a parking lot isn't very romantic, is it?' Anxiously he examined Kurt's expression. Kurt's bottom lip was wobbling again.
'Noah... this is the most romantic thing you could have done for me. I don't care about flowers and music and all that, all I want is you. And as long as I have you, I couldn't be any happier.' Tears were flowing down his cheeks again, but Puck was willing to bet they were happy tears. At least he hoped they were. He leaned in, and kissed his boyfriend full on the lips, tasting the slightly metallic taste of blood from the cut on Kurt's bottom lip.
He pulled back reluctantly, and then relaxed back, feeling Kurt nestle in under his shoulder. A tremendous feeling of satisfaction spread through him.
'Although you could buy me flowers if you really wanted to.'
Okay, longest chapter so far! I know the material was really sensitive, which is why the update took so long to come – I wanted to dedicate as much time as possible to it. I hope I did it justice. Probably only one more chapter to come. Review, please? I'm very nervous about this chapter! xxxx