Chapter 9
"Azimio!"
The yell from downstairs made the boy jump as he was really into the video game he was playing.
"Ya, ma – what!" He yelled over the explosion on his screen.
"Boy, you have a visitor." The small woman hollered from the bottom of the stairs.
"Just send him up, ma!"
Az kept blowing up zombies on his TV screen. Hudson was late; he should've been there a half hour ago, so Az had started the game without him.
He heard footsteps approaching his door. "You're late, douche bag – Arggh! – I started without you. Hurry up and grab a controller!"
When no further movement occurred he glanced up to see Mercedes Jones standing in his doorway.
"What the fuck do you want?" Az growled as he slammed his thumb down on the pause button.
"I-I wanted to talk to you. Your mom said it was okay to come up." The girl's eyes traveled around the room.
"Ya, well, I thought it was Hudson. He's comin' over to play the new zombie game." He stood up and threw the controller on his bed before crossing to his desk to clear off the chair. He waved at the seat and retreated back to bed. "Make it quick." He crossed his arms and glared at her.
"Look, I know you 'turned over a new leaf' and now you're all protective and what not, but could ya lose the attitude for a minute?" Mercedes crossed her own arms and glared back.
"Nah, see, I don't think I will 'cause your ass wouldn't be here if you had any other choice so I ain't gonna make this easy for you. What you did to Kurt was seriously fucked up and I don't think you deserve to be let off the hook."
Mercedes arms dropped and she heaved a deep sigh. "I know, and as much as it pains me to the very core of my weave, you're right, but Kurt is… was… is my friend – my best friend – and I wanna make this right."
Az snorted. "Some best friend you are. You know Big D told me Kurt cried for two hours when he got home that night. Puckerman had to be physically restrained from coming after yo ass! Which, by the way, you have Hudson to thank for that."
"I already feel like shit…"
"And you should!" Az cut her off. "Look I don't really give two rats asses what you feel. Why're you here?"
Mercedes pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. "I need your help. I tried to apologize and talk to Kurt the other day outside the hospital, but he blew me off. I just – I'm out of options – I thought maybe you could like talk to Dave and he could help smooth things over so I can at least talk to Kurt."
Azimio started laughing. The more he laughed, the angrier Mercedes got.
"This isn't funny, you jackass," she snarled.
"It is from where I'm sitting," Az wheezed as he wiped his eyes. "You're so fucked you don't even know it. First, there is no way in hell – and I mean that literally – that I would even think about talking to Dave for you. But let's say I fall down the stairs and get a concussion and suddenly did decide to talk to him, it wouldn't do you any good. He's barely keepin' himself from tearing into you and seriously, I'd stay away from Puck – at least without, you know, a crowd or somethin'."
"Great," she sniffled. "Laugh it up. I'm glad you're so amused."
"You have no idea, Weezy, no idea. I find a certain poetic justice in your fall from off of yo pedestal."
"Come on, Az, give Mercy a break."
They both turned to see Finn leaning against the door frame. He had his arms crossed and looked like he'd been there awhile.
"You're late and she's leavin'." Az made a shooing motion at Mercedes with his big hands.
Mercedes nodded and stood up. She wiped her palms against her jeans and looked at both guys before nodding again and heading for the door.
Finn stopped her as she passed.
"He knows you're sorry, Mercy; he's just still hurt. Give him some time to get over it and then he'll listen. I'm sure of it."
"Thanks, Finn," she whispered gratefully as she walked down the stairs.
Mercedes finally let her tears fall once she was safely in her car. She didn't know how or if she could fix this and even if by some miracle she did manage to get Kurt to listen, she knew in her heart things were never going to be the same. That thought just made the diva cry harder.
.*.
Good Lord, Bella grimaced as she stepped into what passed for a high-end store in Columbus's most prestigious store. You really have become a snooty bitch, Isabella La Grace!
She had decided to take a spin up to the larger city to find some gifts for the family and she had toyed with the idea of making it an outing with her favorite – okay, only nephew – but had thought better of it. She really did want to surprise them all and, knowing Kurt's famous nose for sniffing out gifts, she had decided to come alone. Well, as alone as one can be with a patient chauffeur who was now probably having a much-needed coffee in the mall's food court.
It had been years since she'd even set foot in Columbus, having left for New York as soon as the ink was dry on her graduation certificate. Now she looked about the store with a faint sneer on her lips and wondered why she hadn't thought of shopping before leaving The Big Apple. Too much work, woman, her mind sneered at her and she shrugged internally. So, yes, she was a bit of a workaholic but you didn't get ahead in this world, in a city that was basically the center of the universe to many, by relaxing and 'smelling the roses'. Now, though, she had a bit of time to do that and she would take advantage of it by connecting with the few family members she had left… and their loved ones.
Having observed the boys who were in love with her nephew – David and Noah – as well as Finn, her new step-nephew, she had a fairly good idea what would make good, and maybe practical, gifts for them. She had in mind a set of gorgeous luggage for Kurt – Louis Vuitton, of course – and maybe something of the same for the other boys. After all, they all planned to study in New York and such a gift would no doubt come in handy.
Other than that, what with her being as wealthy as she was, she knew she was going to give them all the monetary help they needed. Now, armed with a list of specific gifts for each of the soon-to-be graduates, she looked around the store, and was a little surprised that the inventory didn't look quite as shabby as she'd expected. Hmmm, maybe she'd have to sic her personal assistant onto shopping online for her; it was a thought.
Just as a gorgeous watch that she could see gracing Noah's wrist appeared in her line of sight, it was blocked by a body she wouldn't have expected at all.
"Hi, Ms. LaGrace!"
Bella stepped back slightly and she just barely kept her face from stiffening when she recognized the blonde girl from Kurt's glee club.
"Yes?"
Her tone was deliberately forbidding and she watched as the girl shrank ever so slightly before she rallied with a deceptively sweet look on her face.
"Hi, I'm Quinn… from Glee club?"
"Ah, yes… the bigot," and Bella turned away dismissively, grinning to herself when she heard the offended gasp from the girl. She moved away towards the display, admiring the beautiful and high-tech watches on offer. Yes, she could see which ones would be perfect for each boy. Hmmm, Finn's would definitely have to be shock-proof, she chuckled to herself.
Moving away from the watches she looked around and just as she spied a rather beautiful scarf that would be perfect for Carole, her view was blocked… again!
Quinn's face was flushed and her blue eyes hard as she stared at the older woman and Bella had to admit to a thrill. Okay, time for the gloves to come off!
"Miss La Grace, I'm not a bigot or-or a religious zealot! I simply felt that Kurt was being unreasonable and_"
She was cut off as Bella spun on her heels and stalked from the store, her face cold and stony. Quinn ran after her and caught up with the older woman just outside the store, heedless of the curious looks of the passersby.
Bella suddenly turned around and advanced on the startled girl.
"Let's get one thing clear, my girl. I don't care what your religious beliefs are, if it's one thing I know about Christians, it's that they're supposed to love. Isn't that so?!"
"Well, y-yes," Quinn stammered, leaning back slightly as Bella's face moved menacingly closer. She couldn't move very far because behind her was the plate glass window of the store they had just left.
"Yes! So, Quinn Whatever-your-name is: where was that much-vaunted love for Kurt when you ripped into him last month?"
Quinn's eyes were wide as she tried to respond but nothing came out.
Bella advanced a step again. "You bleached-blonde hypocrite, you simply found an opening to spew your vitriol on my nephew when he was at his most vulnerable, didn't you. What, was one of the boys who love him yours at first? Hmmm?"
Bella tilted her head to look at the cringing girl before her, seeing the truth in her eyes. "Wait, let me guess: Noah, right?" She grinned ferociously as two spots of color appeared in the girl's cheeks. "You probably didn't want him much but now that he's with Kurt, you hop on your high, religious horse and take stabs at him."
Quinn straightened up and pulled down the front of her white cotton eyelet top, a mutinous look on her face.
"I-I don't care that Kurt managed somehow to flip the straightest boy in our school; I d-don't really care, it's just that Kurt keeps going on about not believing in God. That is wrong and it's my job to make him realize it!"
"Such a self-righteous twit," Bella sneered as she took in the girl's words. "I bet if I delved into your past I'd find behavior that didn't tally with what you're spouting so sanctimoniously now."
When Quinn's eyes widened, Bella let out a harsh little laugh. "Oh, yes, I know your kind; you could have been a prototype for that 'Peyton Place' crap that was popular with my mother's generation."
She straightened away from Quinn and crossed her arms before her chest, looking down at the faux-blonde. "Let me enlighten you, missy. If you ever come near my nephew again with your simpering, nasty ass, I will… end… you."
The last was said in such a deadly serious manner that Quinn paled immediately. Bella smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes.
"Come near Kurt, Noah, David or anyone I hold dear and you will live to regret it." The wide blue eyes before her showed the beginning of fear and that satisfied something deep within Bella. "Do you believe me? Nod if you can't speak yet…" and she smiled again.
Quinn nodded slowly, all sorts of crazy – and maybe not-so-crazy – thoughts about mysterious disappearances running frantically through her mind.
Bella stepped back then, a cool almost pleasant expression gracing her face as she straightened the jacket of her suit with a satisfied air. "Now, I shall go back to my shopping," and here she directed a smug look at the girl. "I intend to spend a good deal of money on those boys as graduation gifts, you see, as I actually enjoy spreading the wealth about. Such a pity you turned out to be such a poor representative of small-town values. I intend throwing a graduation party for the Glee club at the Hilton Hyatt here in Columbus," she grinned as Quinn's eyes widened, "but you will definitely not be there."
With that she walked away, already dismissing the girl from her mind and thinking on the rest of the gifts she planned on getting her family.
Hmmm, must remember to call the Hyatt, she thought as she strode away, taking out her phone and tapping rapidly away. Maybe Carole would love to help with the planning...
.*.
Kurt rolled onto his toes and strained his neck to search above the crowd. His bottom lip kept getting trapped between his teeth and his eyes darted back and forth.
"Relax, little bro'," Finn said with a smirk as he put his hand on Kurt's shoulder. "Mom and Dad will be here any minute."
"Finn, must we keep having this conversation? I'm older than you AND no, you being taller does NOT make a difference." Kurt put his hands on his hips and tapped his foot.
Finn chuckled. "Whatever you say, little bro'."
Kurt rolled his eyes before going back to scanning the crowd looking for their parents. Carole and Burt were coming back today from their vacation/honeymoon in Bora Bora and Finn and Kurt had driven up to Columbus to pick them up from the airport. While Kurt appreciated the trip and the time it gave his dad to relax and heal, he had to admit – if only to himself – he really missed his parents when they were gone. Carole had become such an important part of his life in such a short time that Kurt found himself missing her just as much as his father.
Finn bumped his arm. "There they are!"
Kurt spun around and immediately located his dad. Burt was standing about fifteen feet away with a big grin. Kurt could see the changes; his dad looked so relaxed and tan! Kurt took off running and flung himself into his dad's arms.
"I missed you, daddy!"
"Hey, I missed you too, buddy," Burt said as he hugged him tight.
Kurt pulled away and latched onto Carole. He whispered, "I missed you too, mom." He felt Carole go stiff before she squeezed him so tight he couldn't breathe.
"I missed you too, sweetie. Oh, wait until you see all the pictures I took – your father looked amazing in a grass skirt!"
Kurt giggled loudly while Burt just groaned.
Finn exchanged hugs with Burt and his mom before grabbing their luggage. "Let's get you guys home. The guys are making a special welcome-home dinner."
"How are Noah and David doing, Kurt?" Burt asked.
"They're fine, dad," Kurt answered, his face glowing. "Noah's being grumpy because Nationals are just around the corner and Mr. Schue changed the songs and choreography again. David is freaking out over finals in two weeks even though we all know he's going to ace them. Bella has something up her sleeve – though, for the life of me, I haven't been able to figure out what it is."
Carole laughed. "Might as well give it up, Kurt; that woman is just as stubborn as you two."
"True, true," Kurt smirked to himself. "She has been seeing a lot of Paul lately, too, to the point of not coming home until 5:30 in the morning."
"Good for her!" Carole clapped her hands together. "Maybe we'll get to see more of Bella if she has a reason to come home."
"Ya, sure, 'cause that's what Lima needs, Hurricane Bella," Burt grumbled good-naturedly.
"Dad, be nice!" Kurt gently hit his father's arm.
They made it back to Lima just in time for dinner. Noah had been cooking all afternoon. Paul and Bella greeted them at the door.
"Well, you look rested, Hummel," Bella said as she let her eyes roam over her brother-in-law. "Wasn't such a bad idea, huh?"
"Whatever you say, Bella." Burt chuckled but hugged her anyway. "Thanks," he whispered.
Burt and Carole had just enough time to freshen up before Noah was announcing that dinner was ready. When they all trooped into the dining room, the tanned jock blushed at the stunned look of appreciation on everyone's face. Dave, Paul and Bella had had an idea about what Noah was going to cook but seeing it all spread out on the dining table was amazing.
Kurt leaned up to press a quick kiss of thanks against Noah's cheek, whispering, "It all looks amazing," while everyone seated themselves.
Burt gave the blessing, including thanks to Puck for the awesome meal, and then everyone tucked in. Noah had presented them with fresh, steamed vegetables as well as a huge bowl of tossed salad, freshly-baked dinner rolls, mounds of creamy mashed potatoes, delicate salmon sautéed in what looked like lemon butter and, to Burt's everlasting appreciation, a juicy, well-done roast. He was prevented from pouring the savory gravy over his portion of mashed potatoes by a sharp look from Kurt, as usual. For dessert, Puck had outdone himself with a vanilla crème cake decorated with fresh strawberries. The boys had soda but the adults indulged in wine that Paul had brought over at Bella's request.
After sliding the last bit of cake between his lips and savoring it with a satisfied expression, Kurt turned to Noah, his eyes glowing.
"Sweetie, I love when you cook like this!" He slid his hand onto Noah's thigh and squeezed it, chuckling at the discomfited look on his boyfriend's face because all eyes were on him.
"Yeah, dude, you've got some mad Iron Chef skills!"
Finn's words brought a round of head nods and more compliments and Noah shifted uncomfortably before answering. "Yeah, well, I don't spend all my time playing Call of Duty, dude!"
Bella sipped the last of her wine and then leaned forward with a tiny gleam in her eye. "You know, Noah, this really is a fantastic skill to have. You could go pretty far with it."
Everyone nodded and then looked at Noah for his response. He ducked his head and lifted one shoulder, trying for nonchalance. "I-uhm, I don't get a chance to cook like this often," and he smiled faintly when he felt Dave rub his shoulder. "Sometimes I think, maybe if things were different, I'd maybe open a fancy restaurant one day."
Bella tilted her head. "If things were different…" she started but was drowned out by Kurt's little squeal.
"Oh, Noah, that would be great! Wow, can you imagine, one day you could be opening a 3-Michelin star restaurant and we'd all be there, cheering you on!"
Everyone laughed at Kurt's enthusiasm except Bella. Her mind was whirring with ideas but she'd have to tread carefully because she knew Noah's pride might just get in his way. Still, it was a damn good idea and nobody ever said no to her, if they knew what was good for them.
…
After dinner, Kurt, David and Finn did the dishes and cleaned up while Noah put away the few leftovers before joining the rest of the family for a movie.
"So, are you boys all ready for finals?" Paul asked.
David groaned and shook his head.
Kurt just smiled. "He's more ready than any of us, Paul; he's just being a worry-wart."
"I'm just trying to get through Nationals first," Finn said. "Rachel's really pushing us because we need the win."
"Your girlfriend is just bat-shit crazy, Hudson," Noah smirked.
"She is not!" Finn defended. "She's just… umm, high strung, ya – that's it."
"I can't believe Nationals is next weekend, then finals, and then graduation. It's just over three weeks away. The time is just flying." Kurt had a dreamy look on his face.
"What's with the look, Fancy?" Dave asked.
"Well, Hamhock, in a little over three weeks, we'll all be high school graduates, and then we have a busy summer getting ready to leave for New York. I, for one, can't wait!" Kurt was practically bouncing in his seat, oblivious to the faintly wistful look on Carole's face.
Noah laughed. "Calm down, Princess. We all know how excited you are."
"Aren't you excited, Noah?" Kurt leaned his head on Noah's shoulder.
"Sure I am, until I remember we'll be living with the bride of Frankenteen here and all her crazy," Puck smirked.
"Leave Rachel alone, dude!" Finn scowled at Puck and then threw a couch cushion at him.
"Boys, be nice!" Bella chimed in. "The loft has more than enough room for all of you."
"Yeah, and then some!" Kurt had gone over the house's specs with the others, each of them immediately claiming a bedroom for himself, and he thought the pictures probably didn't do the place justice.
What had tickled him the most, after he'd squealed loud enough to nearly puncture poor Bella's eardrums, was the fact that all the bedrooms had en suite bathrooms. His eyes had glowed at the thought of all the mischief he and his lovers could get up to, no matter whose room they ended up in.
Bella had laughed aloud at the look in the other boys' eyes when they had figured it out as well. Oh, to be a fly on those walls, she'd mused, still chuckling. Then they had got down to the 'difficult' task of steering Kurt away from wanting to do all the decorating himself.
"I don't think I ever said 'thank you', Bella, you know, for the house and everything," Dave smiled at the woman sitting almost in his dad's lap.
Bella winked at him. "Your dad thanked me, very thoroughly, for both of you."
David turned a nice shade of pink and covered his face with his hands while his dad just looked smug.
Finn laughed and poked Dave in the side but Puck high-fived Bella with a "Nice!"
"On that note, I'm going to bed," Burt announced as he stood up. "It's been a long day traveling and I gotta get into the shop early and see the damage."
"Oh! That's not necessary, Burt. I've taken care of everything just fine while you were gone." Bella grinned at him.
"That's what I'm afraid of!" Burt waved at the others. "Good night, all."
"Night, dad," came from three of the boys and one "Night, Burt."
Carole smiled and kissed all four of them on the forehead before heading upstairs herself.
"I guess I should get going, too." Paul nuzzled his nose against Bella's cheek. "It's an early day tomorrow since I'm taking next weekend off."
Bella just nodded and smiled at him before kissing him lightly. "Come on, I'll walk you out."
She stood and took his hand. "Good night, boys," Paul waved as he was led out the door.
"D-did my dad just say he's taking next weekend off? What?" Dave was shocked.
"Maybe he's coming up to Chicago for Nationals?" Finn offered.
"He didn't say anything to me about it. I mean, I told him I wanted to go to support you guys but he never mentioned tagging along."
Kurt said, "I know mom, dad and Bella were planning on going so maybe he's going with them."
Puck stood up. "Doesn't matter to me, the more the merrier, right? Now," he clapped his hands together, "let's get to bed so I can get my freak on."
Again Dave face-palmed and Kurt rolled his eyes, but this time it was Finn who blushed. The quarterback stood up and punched his friend hard in the arm before grumbling a good night and practically running up the stairs.
"You're horrible, you know that right?" Kurt smirked at Puck.
"Finnocence needs to get over it! Once we're in New York it's gonna get worse."
.*.
They won! New Directions were National Show Choir Champions! The boys celebrated the win by sneaking out of their hotel room and into Dave's room on the next floor. Luckily, Finn and Rachel covered for them when they didn't make it back before morning.
Once everyone was back in Lima, the focus became finals. Kurt and Dave helped Noah study for his World Geography re-take. It was actually Dave's idea and it was pure genius. They wrote out the answers on little sticky notes that they attached to Kurt's clothing. Puck could only remove the corresponding article of clothing if he got the answer right.
"See, baby, all you needed was the right motivation, you got this." Kurt murmured as he ghosted his fingers across Noah's skull.
All three of them were naked and sweaty – trying to slow down their breathing.
Puck laughed. "I'll take motivation like that any day!"
"Ya, I don't think I'll ever be able to look at a world map without getting an erection," Dave chuckled.
"It was your idea!" Kurt kissed David quickly before getting out of bed. "Come on, last one in the shower has to change the sheets."
Both jocks hopped up and sprinted after him.
.*.
"Kurt, can you help me with this tie?" Finn hollered as he galloped down the stairs.
Kurt looked up at him with a smile as he adjusted the tie. "I don't think I've told you how proud I am of you, Finn."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. You led your football team to a State Championship, you led the New Directions to a National Championship, you're graduating high school, and you've helped put this family together and make it strong." Kurt stood back and wiped at his eyes.
"You-you mean all that?" Finn reached out and used his thumb to wipe at one of Kurt's tears.
"Yes. You've been the best brother and friend anyone could ask for. I know how far you've come and I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me."
Finn pulled Kurt into a hug, wrapping his long arms around him tightly. "I love you too, little brother."
Kurt snorted but hugged Finn back just as tight.
When they pulled apart, Finn smiled at him. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure." Kurt sat down at his vanity to fix his make-up and hair.
"So, uhm, you've forgiven me for being such a jackass in the past, right?"
"Yes," Kurt hesitated. "Where are you going with this?"
"It's just, you know, we've all done stupid things or said stupid things over the past four years, but we got past that and became this really awesome family. I don't just mean the Hudmel-Puckerman-Karofsky family, either. I mean our New Directions family… and Azimio, too."
"You're right," Kurt chuckled. "I didn't think about that but I guess you have a point."
"And family… they sometimes fight and argue and even hurt each other with stupid comments but they're still family." Finn watched Kurt carefully.
"Finn, what's the point here?" Kurt raised an eyebrow.
The taller boy took a deep breath. "Don't you think you should fix things with Mercy?" He waited for the yelling to start.
Kurt stood up and faced Finn. "I've thought about it, Finn, I really have. I know she's sorry and I know that while I forgive her – I can never forget. We'll never be the same, or close. I've just been too chicken to acknowledge it out loud."
"You guys are off to different colleges on different sides of the country, Kurt. Maybe you could at least leave each other with some closure. Everyone grows up and moves on from some relationships, but if you leave without talking at all, you might not have a chance to, ever again. I'm not saying you two are going shopping or a spa day like before, but maybe, maybe you two can get to a point where you can spend time together in a group this summer without the strain. It's our last summer where we're all together."
"Finn Hudson, don't ever let anyone tell you that you aren't brilliant. What you might lack in book smarts you more than make up for in people smarts," Kurt said fondly.
The two boys were hugging once again when Puck and Dave came downstairs.
"Hands off, Hudson, no poaching; Princess is ours fair and square," Puck smirked.
Dave just hit him in the arm. "Knock it off!" He turned to Kurt. "Babe, why are you crying?"
That got Puck's attention and he took a step toward them. "What the fuck, Finn?"
"Calm down, both of you, these are good tears. Finn and I were just having a brother moment."
"Okay," Dave smiled. "That's good, but we gotta go. Our parents and Bella have left already, so it's just us four."
Kurt grabbed his lip balm. "Right, let's go, people – my public awaits!"
The other three chuckled as they followed him up the stairs.
.*.
The graduates were all gathered backstage waiting for the signal to line up. Some were laughing, some crying, but all were excited. New Directions' seniors were off to the side warming up for their number.
Dave hugged Kurt. "Are you sure about this? I mean, you don't have to do this today."
"No, babe, I do. It's a long over-due conversation and today is as good as any." Kurt kissed him softly. "Just try to keep a hold of Noah for me, okay?"
Dave nodded. He watched Kurt walk over to Mercedes and lead her off to the side. He looked around for Puck and found him with Finn.
He was about to join them when Az came up to him. "Why is Fancy talking to Weezy?" he growled. "That girl has no damn sense!"
"Calm down, big guy. It was actually Kurt's idea to talk to her. He just wants closure and today is – and I quote – 'as good as any'."
Az shook his head. "Your boy is far too good-natured and forgiving for his own good."
Dave snorted. "Hey! If he wasn't neither you nor I would be where we are right now. I'd still be hiding in my closet and you'd still be driving that piece-of-shit car that breaks down every other week."
Azimio chuckled. "I guess you got a point there."
Both boys joined Puck and Finn.
"Is Kurt talking to Mercy?" Finn asked with a smile.
"What the fuck? Why? Where?" Puck yelled.
Dave pulled Puck against his chest in a reverse hug. "Stop," he hissed. When Puck stopped struggling to get away he continued. "He wants closure, on his terms. You can see he's fine, look."
Noah leaned his back against Dave's chest and laced their fingers together across his stomach. He watched Kurt and Mercedes talking. Puck started to relax until he saw tears well up and fall from Kurt's eyes and then he became agitated all over again, trying to get away.
"Let go, Dave, now!" he bellowed.
Just then Kurt looked up and noticed the commotion. He wiped his eyes and smiled over at his boyfriends. "Noah, I'm fine," he called. "Now stop before you get your robes all wrinkled!"
.*.
When Kurt left Dave he walked over to Mercedes.
"Hey, Mercedes, can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked.
"S-sure Kurt." Mercedes took a deep breath and indicated for Kurt to lead the way. She was terrified, but she wasn't sure if it was because she didn't think this conversation would ever happen or how it would go.
"Kurt, I…" she began.
"Cedes, can I go first?" The girl nodded and he began. "Okay. So first, I know you've already apologized so there's no need to do it again. I know you well enough to know, after I calmed down that is, that there was more to this than a spiritual belief or lack thereof. I want to understand your reasons but you need to know a few things. One is I do forgive you, I actually did a while ago, but I can't forget how you treated me. We can never get back what we had, and I'm not trying to be a bitch here, but I don't want what we had back anyway. For me, I want you to walk away from this conversation with knowledge of why we will never be best friends again. I also want to walk away with the knowledge that while we aren't best friends, that we are still friends, that if you want to you can call me and vice versa. I know you'll be busy in California and I genuinely wish you the best of luck there, but when we're home and see each other, I don't want it to be awkward."
Mercedes had started to tear up when Kurt said he didn't want to be best friends anymore, but she had to admit she couldn't blame him.
"I was jealous," she blurted. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "From the moment you came out to me sophomore year we've been best friends. We spent all our time together and we confided in each other. That was sacred to me – my time with you. Then you were there for Puck when he needed someone and you two started seeing each other. There wasn't much time for me in the beginning but it was getting better. We were carving out some 'us' time and I was getting better at hanging with Puck, too."
She paused and heaved a huge sigh, but continued her voice softer. "Then Dave came along and with him Azimio. Suddenly you had this whole new life and friends that I couldn't even comprehend, let alone be a part of. You stopped talking to me, except at school, and I started to feel – I don't know – hurt, angry, depressed… maybe a bit of all three. I spent all my free time at church. I clung to my faith to help me get over this. Then your dad got sick and even though I knew how you felt about organized religion and why – all I could see was a way to connect back with you, to have more of you to myself. If I shared my faith with you, then I could be there for you, and you might need me again. That didn't happen, though… you got angry and you had every right. The divide between us grew bigger instead of smaller. Then I had Quinn in my ear telling me that I was right, even though I wasn't so sure in my heart."
Kurt's tears fell as she talked. He realized he would have felt the same way if he'd been in her place and it went a long way to easing the pain in his heart. He was just about to say something when he registered the commotion from the other side of the room. He could see Noah struggling to get out of Dave's grip. He wiped his eyes and smiled over at his boyfriends. "Noah, I'm fine, now stop before you get your robes all wrinkled!"
Kurt turned back to Mercedes. "I'm sorry too, 'Cedes; I didn't think about you hurting from the lack of time we spent together and I should've. I think we both could have handled it all much better than we did. Can I hug you?"
"Of course!" she exclaimed as she pulled him into her arms. "I wish you all the best, boo, and I am really, really sorry."
"I know – me, too." Kurt hugged her tightly.
They held each other for a moment longer, until Finn came over.
"Hey, you two, time to line up. Are we good?" He looked expectantly between the two of them.
"As good as we can be at this point," Mercedes offered. "Oh, and thank you, Finn." She reached out to hug him.
"You're welcome… but what for?" Finn hugged her back.
Mercedes smiled at him softly. "I'm pretty sure I have you to thank for having this chance to talk with Kurt. Plus, its graduation and we should all be thanking you, our 'captain', for getting us here together and in one piece."
.*.
Bella smiled as she looked around the room, taking in the glowing faces, huge grins and gyrating bodies. She was happy to be here, although a little over a month before she had not even considered it. What with Burt's scare, though, she felt everyone deserved a big blow-out and her nephew's graduation from that intellectual sinkhole called McKinley High was just the perfect excuse.
She looked to her right as Carole sauntered up, licking her lips after having guzzled maybe her third mini-ice-cream soda for the night. Bella chuckled at the woman's flushed face and leaned over to ask, "Doing okay?"
"Oh, Bella, this was a wonderful thing to do for the kids!"
Carole wasn't tipsy at all; she was just high on the whole experience of watching her sons graduate – finally – and getting to enjoy their special night with them. Bella nodded in understanding; she had just seen Burt and Paul exchanging manly claps on the shoulder as they, too, watched all the kids hopping around on the gleaming dance floor, giddy with excitement.
"And Kurt absolutely loved that massive cupcake display you arranged just for him!"
Carole's voice was still overly loud but what with the deejay she had hired trying his damnedest to pierce their eardrums, Bella couldn't blame her.
"I know, I could hear him squealing 'baby cupcakes!' from the floor below!"
They laughed together as they turned their attention to where Kurt, David, Noah, Finn, Rachel and their closest Glee friends were dancing in a crazy pattern of switching partners. Bella smiled, too, as some of the faculty the kids had invited were to be seen enjoying themselves, even if it was in a more staid manner. Seriously, where those kids got all that energy from, she would love to know. Shaking her head, she looked over at Paul and caught his attention, tilting her head towards the dance floor in invitation.
Both men made their way over towards them and then she was doing her best to keep up with her nephew and his friends, laughing as she watched Paul trying out some of the crazier moves.
Burt and Carole were moving a little more slowly, but they were both grinning all over their faces. Although Burt had just got a clean bill of health from his doctor, she was happy to see that he was taking it a little easier than before. Bella winked at him as he caught her eye and she laughed when he rolled his.
Suddenly someone slid his arms around her and she looked over her shoulder just as Kurt leaned in to drop a quick kiss on her cheek.
"May I steal my favorite aunt away for a bit, Paul?"
She laughed as Paul held up both hands in surrender and she moved to step into Kurt's slender but strong young arms.
"Hey, sweetie, I don't have to ask if you are enjoying yourself," she said teasingly, smiling at the way his whole face seemed to be lit up from within.
"Oh, Bella, this is so great! I never thought I'd be having a graduation party like this and it's all thanks to you!"
She blushed a bit at the look of complete adoration in the eyes that reminded her so much of his mother.
"Oh, shush, as if I would do any less for my favorite nephew," she said softly, just barely loud enough to be heard over the music. He heard her though because he pulled her closer and then laid his head on her shoulder.
"You're the best, you know that," she heard him say and her nose burned a little but she ignored it.
Easing him away slightly even while they were still swaying to the music, she looked up at him.
"Stick with me, kiddo, and you'll get everything you want," and then she looked at him sternly as his eyes widened, "within reason!"
They both laughed at the same time and then: "Oh, shucks, and here I was about to ask for my own private island!"
She mock frowned at him and then chuckled before moving closer to him again. They finished the dance in silence and then he walked her back to her table, pulling out her chair for her before asking what she wanted from the buffet.
As he listened to her request, Kurt almost wanted to pinch himself that this crazy party in this beautiful setting of the Hyatt's penthouse ballroom was all for him and his friends. His godmother was the most awesome woman and he grinned when she specified exactly which hors d'oeuvres she wanted. Nodding obediently, he trotted off to the buffet, smiling happily at the servers, some of whom were still setting out huge, steaming containers with fragrant contents that he hadn't had a hand in selecting.
When a muscular arm slid around his waist, he didn't even turn his head, knowing it could only be either David or Noah, and continued to direct the server as to what his aunt wanted.
"Hmmm, you're almost as delicious as the spread, y'know that?"
Kurt giggled and pushed his butt back slightly, enjoying the feel of the muscular body behind him.
"Oh, behave, you perv! I'm setting up Bella with a plate and you should think of getting something, too."
"Oh," the voice muttered huskily in his ear, the breath sending a light shiver down Kurt's spine. "I'll be getting me some later, alright."
Kurt laughed out loud now and shook his head, his eyes shining with happiness. "Noah Puckerman, that was so cheesy!"
Puck squeezed Kurt's waist and then stepped back to allow the slimmer teen to move off with his loaded plate.
"But I'm right, though!" He gave Kurt's retreating butt a light slap, grinning unrepentantly when he heard a 'hey!' floating back to him.
Puck knew that the night was just starting; heck, it wasn't even 8 o'clock yet and there was an almighty amount of food to get through and more dancing, before he and his boys could retire to the night for more private celebrating.
Within minutes he was joined at the buffet by most of the other kids, the smell of the food overpowering their need to work off some of their excess energy. Soon the tables scattered around the edge of the dance floor were full and the sound of laughter and chatter was accompanied by the clink of cutlery and glassware.
Kurt was seated between David and Noah, exclaiming over the succulent beef, pork, lobster and shrimp dishes that the hotel's catering staff had provided. Finn looked as if he'd died and gone to heaven and even before the others had finished their first plate, he was already on seconds, to Rachel's dismay. Still, as Noah pointed out, Finn was a growing boy and anyway, he would probably need his energy for later.
The uproarious laughter that followed that comment had the adults at a nearby table looking at each other knowingly. Everyone knew what was going to happen with the youngsters – and to be honest, some of the grownups, too – when the night ended.
An hour later saw them all on the dance floor once again and, inevitably, the Gleeks were egging each other on to sing their favorite songs. Bella was enjoying herself immensely and every time that Kurt or one of the boys sang, she clapped the loudest of all.
At one point, the Gleeks even urged Schue and Emma to sing, knowing that the man had been eying the stage longingly the whole night and couldn't wait to serenade her. He didn't disappoint, giving them a kickass rendition of a little-known Journey song, When You Love A Woman.
The gathering burst into spontaneous applause and wolf whistles as Emma stood there and blushed. Kurt felt himself gathered against David's chest as he sniffled and then smiled when Puck's arms came around both of them.
In my life I see where I've been If I can't believe that someone is true It's enough to make you cry When you love a woman...
I said that I'd never fall again
Within myself I was wrong
My searchin' ain't over...over
I know that[Chorus:]
When you love a woman
You see your world inside her eyes
When you love a woman
You know she's standin' by your side
A joy that lasts forever
There's a band of gold that shines waiting somewhere...oh yeah
To fall in love is so hard to do
I hope and pray tonight
Somewhere you're thinkin' of me, girl
Yes I know...I know that
When you see her walkin' by
And you look into her eyes
When you love, love, love, love
When you love a woman
You see your world inside her eyes
Kurt had to admit to himself that he was going to miss some things about McKinley, not the least of which was Will Schuester's penchant for Journey songs. Shaking his head slightly, he smiled around at his friends and then laughed out loud when Rachel hurried to grab the mike from their teacher, almost shoving the man over to his sweetheart.
Her song was dedicated, of course, to Finn – a Finn who was standing over by Kurt's mini-cupcakes. The giant teen looked up guiltily at the sound of his name when Rachel dedicated her song to him and there was a ripple of laughter throughout the room.
Kurt tutted as he went over to him, grabbed a napkin and dabbed at the bit of icing smeared on his brother's chin. With an impatient little shove, he got Finn moving to stand in the crowd, right in front of Rachel, and then gave into the laughter as well.
The festivities continued until nearly 11:30 but, as some of the kids were sitting wearily but happily munching on their desserts, Bella made her way to the stage and the deejay quickly handed her a microphone.
After clearing her throat and getting everyone's attention, she looked around the room as a satisfied – almost cat-like expression – wreathed her face.
"For those of you who haven't met me personally, my name is Bella La Grace and I'm Kurt's aunt, and fortunate to be his godmother as well. I want to thank you all for making this evening so very special for me and my family!" She paused and chuckled as cheers went up along with a smattering of applause. "I have to admit that I've spent a much longer time here in Lima than I had originally planned but I must say there has never been a dull moment."
She sipped at her water as more laughter rolled around the room. She set the glass down and then beckoned to Kurt who, although he looked a tad puzzled, got up from where he'd been seated in David's lap, and went over to her.
When he joined her, she slid an arm around his waist as he slid one around her shoulders. She smiled proudly at him and then looked back out at the upturned faces.
"I also want to thank all of you who stood by Kurt and the rest of us when we had a medical emergency recently. You can never know how much your support meant to all of us. Thank you."
Kurt nodded vigorously and smiled around the room at various people. His eyes caught Mercedes and he gave her a little nod, glad that they had made up.
"In wrapping up, I just want to say that if any of you should need my help, you can get me through Kurt who, by the way, will be leaving for New York in a few weeks."
There were whistles and louder applause this time and Kurt clapped his hands together, the very thought of New York setting his blood to fizzing. Bella chuckled as she watched him and then turned back to the crowd.
"Anyway, I know some of you youngsters have more – and probably private – celebrations to get to_" and she grinned devilishly as Kurt blushed and squeaked 'Aunt Bella!'_ "so I will wish you all good luck for the future and thanks again for making this a wonderfully special evening for me. Good night!"
Amidst more applause, she handed off the mic to the waiting deejay and dragged a beaming Kurt over to their table. This time Puck pulled Kurt down onto his lap, studiously ignoring the way Burt stared at them. The way Kurt snuggled into him made up for any possible remonstration that the older man might want to make at their PDA and he sent a sly wink over to Bella.
She grabbed a passing waiter and asked for one last mini ice-cream soda and then turned to the others.
"Well, kids, I think it's bedtime for us old folks_" she ignored Burt's narrowed eyes at the 'old' part: "so I'm gonna head on out." There were nods from the other adults, too, and then she continued. "Finn, David, Noah, Kurt_" and she waited for them to look up: "I've arranged for you and some of your 'friends' to stay over here – just call the front desk, one of you, and they'll set you up. I'll send the limo for y'all tomorrow by 11. That sound good?"
Kurt's squeal would have been deafening had the music not resumed and she braced herself for his exuberant hug.
"You really are the best, seriously!" And she smirked unrepentantly at Burt even as Kurt planted several kisses on her cheek.
"Well, you are not technically kids anymore, having graduated today, and you Kurt are already 18; I don't think we need to treat any of you as if you're still our little babies."
She smiled as she accepted the thanks from the others, her eye catching Carole's as she grinned at her. They had put their heads together and made arrangements for a couple of suites just one floor down from the penthouse where they were now and she for one was just stoked for the boys. With Paul's help, too, they'd managed to get some clothes and necessary stuff to be placed in the suites, as well. No need to do the walk of shame if they didn't have to, Bella congratulated herself privately.
"Oh, and I've arranged a line of credit, Kurt, so anything you want – more food, whatever, just get it through room service and sign, okay?"
Kurt was almost speechless but he nodded his head, manfully trying not to grin too widely in deference to his father's presence. His dad knew what he got up to with both Noah and David but there was no need to rub his face in it, he felt.
"Thank you, Bella, that's just_ just_ so cool!"
Everyone laughed because that was probably the closest they would ever get to see an almost speechless Kurt Hummel.
"So, what do you say, Paul, should we get out of here and leave the young 'uns to it?" Bella leaned against him and smiled softly.
"I think that's a great idea… and guys, I'm taking you all out tomorrow so be ready by noon, okay?"
David's eyes widened and then he grinned happily. His dad was the most relaxed he'd seen him in a long time and he knew he had Kurt's Aunt Bella to thank.
"Sure thing, dad, we'll be ready." He held Kurt tighter as he nodded, too.
"Well, we'll say goodnight too, kids, and please don't trash the hotel – okay, Puckerman?"
Burt's mock glare had everyone cracking up as Puck held up his hands in a "who, me?" gesture. Shaking his head, Burt helped Carole out of her seat and waited as she made the rounds of hugging everyone within reach.
Finally, as they walked with the older folks out to the elevators that would take them directly to the foyer, Kurt looked back into the penthouse ballroom at the rest of his friends, some of whom were slow-dancing while others sat around chatting. He could see 'Cedes talking to Azimio over by the dessert station and that made him smile even more.
He could never ever repay Bella for all she'd done for him and his family – which now included David and Noah – and he knew she didn't want that. He would try his best, though, to never disappoint her and as he turned back at the sound of the elevator's arrival, he caught her eye and winked.
She laughed and caught him up in a huge hug and once again he whispered, "thank you!"
TBC