Title: You Could Save me
Author: Fatebegins (http:// fatebegins .livejournal .com/)
Rating: NC-17 / M
Pairing: Puck/Kurt (Purt/Puckurt).
Summary: Puck is a bodyguard who takes on a privileged client. Sparks of all kinds fly.
Disclaimer: No Glee don't belong to me or to fatebegins, this history is not mine! But I have permission to post it here! (The original post: http:// fatebegins .livejournal .com/15730 .html )
Warning: AU, violence, angst
Review? Please? *puppy eyes*
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
Kurt walked through the door ragged, exhausted; he'd never been so happy to see the house gates in his entire life. He knew that he looked a mess, his clothes hanging in tatters around him. The bruise on his face had already turned a nauseating shade of yellow and blue. Chad helped him climb out of the car, careful not to put pressure on his bruised side. Kurt was practically swaying on his feet he was so tired. He was hoping to avoid his father, at least until he was changed and dressed but as soon as the door opened, Burt was on them in an instant.
"Where the hell have you been? Do you know how worried I was…." Burt trailed off , his deep set eyes widening as he took in Kurt's condition. The torn, blood stained clothes, the large bruise covering half of his face and his scabbed mouth. Burt moved closer, horrified. "Oh my god, what happened?" He reached to touch Kurt's bruises gingerly.
"You mean to tell me you didn't know?" Kurt batted his hand away. "I was abducted how could you not have heard-"
"We didn't tell him." Chad cut in. "The car that took you to the townhouse was registered under your father's name. It would've been a security risk to let him know, he could've been the one behind it all. "
"You thought I would…to my own son?" Burt sputtered, appalled.
"Thought you'd be more concerned about the car." Chad snarled back, coldly. "What was your Jaguar doing in the hands of Hudson?"
"Hudson was behind all of this?" Burt face was enraged. "That basta -"
"Answer the question." Chad would not be deterred. He watched Burt's face closely.
"The car? I gave it…as a gift to his father, when we were in business together." Color crept up Burt's cheeks and Kurt watched, realization dawning.
"Dad…Tell me you didn't…."
"Didn't what?" Burt looked at him, his face coloring with concern. "You know we should get you out of those clothes, have a bath drawn up. How badly are you hurt? Should I take you to the hospital -"
"Finn said that you tricked his Father. That you pretended to be his friend and business partner while you bought his company out from underneath him." Guilt was stamped all over Burt's face. "I never…" Kurt was repulsed. "Even when I accused you of being cut throat I never truly believed you'd do anything like this, Dad! That was a man's life! You destroyed it…And for what? What could you possibly gain?"
"It was a business decision." Burt faced him, unrepentant.
"You are just about the slimiest son of a bitch there is." They both turned at the sound of Chad's voice. "You have everything!" He gestured around them. "And you still want more. You know, I was trying to figure out why the car was still registered under your name. Why you didn't give Hudson the title if it was a gift? Then suddenly it all just clicked into place." Chad laughed humorlessly. "You were going to take it back, weren't you? After you destroyed Hudson's company, you were such a miserable bastard that you were going to take back the measly car."
Burt straightened, his chin lifting defiantly. "I do not have to stand here and take that sort of disrespect from you." Burt sneered. "I don't owe you any explanations."
"You owe me one." Kurt spoke up quietly. "Finn didn't just randomly target me just for money. He came after me because of your actions. I deserve to know, Dad."
Burt glared at Chad before turning back to his son. "Alright, Kurt, I'll level with you. This is a kill or be killed industry. If I didn't strike -"
"So it's true?" Kurt interrupted. He wasn't interested in whatever complicated story his father was planning on feeding him. He just wanted the truth; a yes or a no.
"Yes." Burt had the grace to hang his head as he answered.
"Of course it is." It was Chad's turn to sneer.
"You may think I'm some kind of a monster but it's a dog eat dog world. If I wanted to expand my company in this economy, I had to own both production and supply. So I made some questionable choices but that does not justify some lunatic terrorizing my son out of a sick sense of revenge." Burt stared back at Chad, defiantly. Chad turned away, blowing out a disgusted breath and Burt saw his red streaked hands. "And whose blood is on your hands?"
"Whose blood?" Chad looked at him, his blue eyes blazing. "One of my best friend - my partner - and for what?" Chad couldn't continue, his face turning red as emotion stopped his voice. "You wanted us gone by morning, we'll be gone."
"Chad -" Kurt began. This was the first time Kurt had seen the blonde man with anything but a leering grin on his face. It hurt Kurt to see him hurting.
"I'm going to get Katie. She'll want to see him, before..." Chad barreled past them and down the corridor. Both Hummels watched him go.
The crackling of the fire was the only sound in the living room. Kurt felt physically depleted, he couldn't stand up anymore. Hearing his father admit to actively destroying the lives of others without remorse had been hard. Kurt couldn't deal with all of this on his own. It was selfish of him, especially now, but he still wished that Puck was with him. Kurt needed him there.
'I just don't understand you." Kurt fell down heavily onto the sofa, his eyes haunted as he replayed what had happened in his mind, the grotesque scenes clear and vivid. Towards the end, Dallas had started choking, blood coming up dark red from his mouth to stain his pale skin. Kurt could only stand by helpless with the rest of the crew as he sucked in his last breaths, gargling as if he was drowning under water.
"Kurt?" Burt was looking at him, pale, his glass of brandy still in his hand. Finn had been right, down to the last detail. His father had been sitting in front of his fireplace and drinking his liquor. Harsh laughter bubbled up inside of him and Kurt began to giggle, unable to stop himself. Burt stared at him horrified; that only made him laugh harder. "Are you okay? Do we need to take you to the hospital -"
"Are you really that blind?"
"How am I supposed to know what's wrong if you won't tell me?"
"You just are…you're my father! You should've known things!" Kurt cried. "You should've known what you were doing was heartless! You should've known that I was kidnapped tonight! You shouldn't have walked away after we fought!" Kurt felt better when he yelled, the emotion freed him, so he continued to raise his voice. "Quinn turned me over for money, that I would've just given her! You should've known that -"
"But I…I didn't know." Burt stared at Kurt, incredulously. "I thought when you didn't come back that you were just being disobedient; teaching me a lesson. After we had that fight and I walked away -"
"It was Quinn and her charming boyfriend Finn who were behind the threats all along. Guess you were right - I'm just a stupid and naïve kid…." Kurt broke in. "All anyone ever sees when they look at me is a pile of money." His voice was bitter.
Burt fell silent. "What else happened tonight? Is there something you're not telling me?"
"Finn Hudson drugged me outside of the country club. When I woke up I was ...chained." Kurt pulled his arms around himself. "The worst thing is when Quinn walked in I thought I was saved! I didn't think for a moment that she would do that to me but…she….When Finn tried to...." Kurt couldn't continue.
"What did he try to do?" Burt didn't want to know the answer, outrage and fear laced through him; his hands tightened around his glass.
"He tried to rape me." Kurt finally got out. "And she knew he was going to…do that but she still walked away. She didn't care."
"I'm going to tear apart that fucking bastard! Rip him from limb from limb." Kurt was startled. Burt rarely swore and when he did he never used a word like 'fuck'. "I'm going to destroy him! I'll call up the city prosecutor! They're not going to get away with hurting you Kurt, I won't let them!"
"Stop!" Kurt interjected, breaking into his father's tirade. "I don't need you to be the avenging angel, Dad!" The tears overflowed. "I just need you to be my father…is that too much to ask?"
"Kurt…" Burt sat down next to him, his movements unsure. "You're right…I haven't been just your dad for awhile."
"No you haven't…you've been too tied up in business and appearances to even listen to me." Kurt paused. "You don't care enough to even give the man I love a chance, dad. How do you think that makes me feel?"
"Kurt, you're young and impressionable -"
"Say that one more time and I will scream!" Kurt interjected heatedly. "I'm an adult, Dad! I'm old enough to make my own decisions and live my own life."
"I know that, Kurt, I do. It's just…" Burt looked at him silently and then sighed heavily. "You have to understand. I look at you and I still see the little kid who streaked across the living room naked. I think you could be a hundred and six and I'd still see you as a four year old singing 'I Will Survive' in your mother's high heeled shoes." Burt's face was soft as he remembered the images so vibrant and real behind his closed lids. He opened his eyes once more. "But when I look at this Puckerman character…I see a war veteran who's seen things that I can't even imagine. I see a guy whose done things I don't even want to know about. It scares me that this dark, worldly man is who you've decided to love."
"I didn't decide anything. It's just the way I feel."
Burt nodded, distractedly. "I know that and I remember being young and in love so don't think I don't know what you're going through…I just don't trust him."
"Then trust me."
Burt knew he had two choices. Either he straightened up, got his head out of his ass and made amends, or he would lose his only child forever. "Alright." Burt finally conceded.
"Really?" Kurt was bewildered, stunned. He hadn't expected his father to accept him and Puck or their relationship in a million years.
"Really," Burt smiled at him. "It's high time I changed the way I've been doing things in my life." He opened up his arms and Kurt went into them gratefully. Guess I should start getting used to that Puckerman character walking around my house, eh?"
Kurt laughed with tears of happiness in his eyes. "Well, you can start by not referring to him as 'that Puckerman character'."
"I'll do you one better." Burt hugged him tighter. "Invite that man of yours to Christmas Eve dinner."
Kurt smiled broadly, not caring or noticing the pain that came from smiling too hard with his bruised lip. His idyllic state was fractured by hurried footsteps. Katie and Chad shuffled by them in a blur of duffle bags and suitcases. Kurt could tell that Katie had been crying, her nose was red and her eyes were puffy. Reality intruded. He'd almost forgotten.
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
His eyelids felt so incredibly heavy like they were weighed down. He could see the orange light reflecting behind his lids but he couldn't muster enough strength to pry his eyes open. There was warmth curled around his left hand, someone was touching him, holding his hand. Where was he? His mouth was dry and sour. He could hear voices, he recognized them. That was Mike talking but he didn't sound like himself. There was no cheerfulness in his voice and he sounded strained. Mike sounded sad and he wondered why.
When he tried to move pain ricocheted through his chest. The jolt of sensation left him feeling more aware. His eyelids fluttered. Almost there he told himself. Another throb of pain and his eyes jumped involuntarily open at half mast. He could see shapes to go with voices.
Katie was perched at the end of his bed. He could clearly make out her profile. She looked awful, her blonde her in a messy ponytail. She was dressed in pajama pants and what looked to be a man's sweater. She was biting her nails, something she only ever did when she was nervous or scared.
Puck came into his view and suddenly he was confused, Puck looked like he hadn't slept in days. Puck's face was ragged and unshaven, his eyes bleary as he said something to Katie. What was going on with everybody and why where they gathered in his bedroom? He could hear Chad's voice but he couldn't see him. The same went with Mike.
He tried to turn over and was in agony. He felt like someone had poked a burning hot hole through his chest. He couldn't help it, a whimper escaped him. The hand around his immediately tightened, Mike gave a cry of joy and the room fell silent.
"Guys, he moved!"
"You know what the doctor said -" Katie sounded weary.
"No! I'm not imaging anything. He fucking moved and he made a noise. I think he's in pain. He must be coming to." Mike insisted.
"Let's just wait for the final prognosis before we jump to any conclusions." Chad advised.
"I'm not jumping to any conclusion! He fucking moved!"
"Like he moved the other day?" Puck challenged. "Come on Mike, I want him to get better as much as you do but the Doctor says that even if you think you feel something, most likely it's an involuntary muscle spasm. I don't want you to get your hopes up."
"And the talking?" Mike demanded.
"So now it's talking? How'd it go from noises to -" Chad asked.
"Oh, fuck you!"
"Stop fighting!" Katie shouted over them. "What is wrong with you? Dallas is a fighter! He needs us to stay strong for him and you two are already giving up after two days?"
He couldn't take the competing voices around him and his eyes slid shut once more. He tried to wet his lips before he opened his mouth to speak. His voice came out rusty. "Guys, stop…."
"Holy shit!" Katie cried. "He talked!"
"I heard it too!" Chad crowded up to the bed.
"If you can hear me, I need you to open your eyes." Mike encouraged, bringing his other hand to the prone man's face.
It all came flooding back to him; Quinn's vindictive face and the slickness of blood and the taste of fear.
Dallas opened his eyes.
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
Kurt stayed up with his father talking the next night. They still had a long way to go in their relationship, especially where Puck was concerned, but they were mending fences. Puck was still at the hospital and had texted him two hours ago. There was no change in Dallas's condition. Kurt prayed he would be alright.
Now, Kurt was eating an early supper with his father. At the mention of Aidan, Burt's eyes had widened in shock. In all the chaos of the last couple of days, Kurt had neglected to fill his father in on that fact.
"He has a what now?" Burt almost choked on his glass of wine.
"A son, Dad," Kurt reiterated, calmly. "Well, he's really his little brother but Noah's raised him since birth."
"He has a kid?"
"Yes, Dad," Kurt shook his head in exasperation. "I think I already told you he did more than once."
"So you're going to…" Burt trailed off, shell shocked.
"We're going to raise him together, as a family." Kurt filled in resolutely.
"Do you have any idea what a huge undertaking parenting is? You have to plan on becoming a parent and even then you have a lot to learn. You're eighteen, Kurt! You can't just suddenly decide that you want to play daddy for a day."
"I know that, Dad and believe me, I'm fully committed to Noah and Aidan."
"Do you even know what you're getting into?" Burt looked at him skeptically. "A child isn't just some puppy you can take back to the store after he pees on your carpet -"
"For god's sake, Dad, for the last time the puppy bit me, several times, that's why I gave it back, not because he peed on the stupid carpet." Kurt rolled his eyes as he pushed his peas around his plate. "I know that parenting is a big responsibility. Ever since Noah told me about Aidan, I've gotten tons of books to prepare myself."
"Aidan?" Burt echoed. "Books?" He laughed loudly. "Books don't teach you how to be a parent. You can't prepare yourself for that kind of thing." He studied Kurt, his son was wearing black cotton pajamas and a black silk sleep jacket and it was four o'clock in the afternoon. "You still need Rosemary to cut your meat! How are you going to raise some baby? Change diapers?"
"He's four, hardly an infant." Kurt sniped. "And for your information, Rosemary cuts my meat before she cooks it so I have no choice but to eat it as is."
Burt stared at him and then threw back his head in laughter. "I think you should just admit that you bit off more than you could chew."
"I did no such thing."
"I'm sure you weren't expecting to be saddled with a child."
"Saddled? He's not a pony, Dad. And though I didn't expect to have to be a parent, it's a role I'll embrace." Kurt expression softened. "Aidan is just the sweetest child ever. Noah talks about him so much that I feel like I already know him and he's so adorable, you should just see -"
"You haven't even spoken to this child?" Burt blurted out, shocked.
"Well, no…."
"What if he despises you on sight?' Burt asked. "What if he wants nothing to do with you?"
"Thank you for being so encouraging, Dad." Kurt said sarcastically.
"That could be the reality." Burt replied.
"I know what you're thinking, Dad."
"Do you?" Burt scoffed. "Amazing we're psychically linked!"
"You're thinking that I won't be able to raise a child."
Burt raised an eyebrow. "I'm thinking that this roast is dry and that Rosemary is losing her touch." Burt speared his meat and eyed it critically.
"Dad, be serious." Kurt said. "You said you were open to the idea of Noah and I."
"I'm not your biggest fan or anything. I have no choice but to trust you to make your own decisions."
"So tell me why you have that look on your face?"
"Eh?' Burt chewed his food.
"Dad!" Kurt was exasperated. "It's obvious what you're thinking!"
"And what is that?"
"That I'm too young to be tied down with a child. I'm far too invested in the city life and there is no possible way I could truly be happy in some backwoods, country town with Noah." Kurt did his best Burt impression. "I'd get bored in no time."
"Hm." Burt swallowed. "Guess we are psychically linked."
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
Puck had come home from the hospital early and with Dallas conscious and finally responding he'd felt free to go see Kurt. The truth was he could barely keep himself away from the younger man, especially now that he'd almost lost him. Almost losing Kurt had made so many things clear to him. It had put their relationship into perspective.
Puck couldn't wait to get Kurt and Aidan to meet one another. He would finally have the family he'd always wanted, with the man he loved. Puck smiled faintly, he'd tell Kurt tonight. Honestly, he couldn't hold back anymore. The words 'I love you' were threatening to spill from his lips at any moment. Puck couldn't wait to see the look on Kurt's face.
Voices were drifting in from the dining room and Puck paused when he heard his name. Kurt had told him that Burt wouldn't try and restrict their relationship but something told Puck that the older man wouldn't be persuaded so easily. Puck stood outside the door for a moment. He could hear Burt's voice and he really had to mentally prepare himself to not snarl at the rich old snob. Burt was going to be his father-in-law one day. He smiled at the thought of proposing, his smile broadened when he pictured marrying Kurt.
Puck's smile fell off his face as the murmurs became clear words. Kurt was speaking.
"I'm too young to be tied down with a child. I'm far too invested in the city life and there is no possible way I could truly be happy in some backwoods country town with Noah -
Puck turned away swiftly, ignoring the burning ache in his chest. He couldn't believe this was happening, again.
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
Kurt looked up, a prickle of fear running through hum when the door to his bedroom opened. He was still startled by sudden noises, remnants of his time with Finn. Kurt sagged against the satin decorative pillows in relief when he saw that it was Puck.
Happiness filled him at the sight of the tall man. Kurt hadn't been able to sleep all night. After having dinner with his father and squaring away all remaining issues about Puck, Kurt was eager to see his boyfriend. Puck had been gone all day and he and Mike had been keeping vigil at Dallas's bedside.
"Hey," Kurt called out softly in greeting, coming up to his knees on the bed. "Any news?"
"Yeah, he…uh woke up. The doctor says he'll make a full recovery, it'll just take some time." Puck shucked off his jacket wearily. "When I left he was talking and everything."
"That's wonderful!" Kurt gushed. "I'm so glad to hear that."
"It's a relief for all of us." Puck agreed. "Can't sleep?"
"No, my side aches too much to actually sleep comfortably. Dad called a doctor in, he confirmed what we already knew. I'm just bruised. The prescribed me some pain medications. " Kurt pointed at a yellow prescription bottle that was sitting on his night stand. " It'll make me drowsy and I wanted to wait until you were here to take it. I think it'll be awhile before I can sleep on my own. Good thing I have you, right?" Puck didn't answer but toed off his boots and crawled up the side of the bed to lie on his side. Kurt followed, kissing Puck softly before tucking his head underneath Puck's unshaven chin and inhaling his comforting clean scent. His rigid limbs relaxed immediately. "I'm so glad you're here."
Puck just held him silently, his hands moving on Kurt's back in gentle circles.
"Any news about Quinn and Finn?" Kurt broke the silence. The pain that had been tormenting him all day was vanishing, melting away under the heat of Puck's body.
"The judge denied them bail. I think your father had a hand in that."
"I don't care - whatever keeps them locked up and away from us."
"They found a shit load of drugs in Quinn's system." Puck remarked somberly. "I know you mentioned she had a problem with cocaine in the past."
Kurt went still, thinking back to the way she had looked at him that night with her eyes so glassy. It made sense that she was on drugs but it didn't excuse her behavior. When he said as much out loud Puck nodded his agreement before abruptly shifting the topic.
"I'm leaving for Lima in the morning."
"To get Aidan?"
"Yeah."
"Well then…" Kurt hated to sound so needy but he didn't want to be away from Puck. "Why don't I come with you? We could use the time to get him accustomed to -"
"It's Christmas, Kurt, you should be here with your father, your family."
"You are my family. " Kurt insisted, he raised up on an elbow to see Puck's eyes. They were shadowed; closed. Kurt felt a mild sense of dread spread through him. "I should be with you and Aidan."
Puck sighed. "We need to talk."
Kurt stiffened for a moment. Those words never preceded anything good. "Okay." He swallowed dryly.
"The night you were taken, in the bathroom." Puck sat up on the bed, letting go of Kurt. "You broke up with me."
"I was under the impression that you'd cheated on me. Quinn," Kurt could barely bring himself to say her name. "She told me that she saw you and Tripp Vanderbilt making out on the balcony. I…thought she was my best friend and at that time I trusted her, stupidly."
"You said I wasn't good enough for you." Puck's voice was hurt. "That you agreed with your father about me."
"Can't we just please act like that never happened?" Kurt didn't like the way the conversation was going. He hated the seriousness in Puck's eyes. "My father doesn't think that way anymore and I never did! I swear I was just angry and stupid, so I lashed out at you."
"It was a childish thing to do."
That stung but Kurt couldn't find the words to defend himself. "It was."
"After our argument that night - before we even knew you were missing - I started to wonder about the things you said. How little it took for you to distrust me."
"That was then." Kurt took Puck's hands in his own. "I promise you I am fully committed to you and to Aidan. This is what I want."
"For now."
"For always."
"How do I know that two months or even worse two years down the line, you decide that some country life isn't good enough for you and you leave us to go back to the bright lights of the city?"
"That won't happen." Kurt said firmly. He knew in his heart that he couldn't live without Puck. He loved him, without him he was half of a person.
"But how am I supposed to know for sure?"
"You have to trust me. Isn't that what a relationship is about ? Trusting each other?"
"You mean the way you trusted me when Quinn fucking lied about me cheating on you?"
Kurt flinched. "Just give me a chance."
"I can't afford to take that risk, Kurt. I have a child to think about. Aidan hasn't had the most stable upbringing so far but I made a promise to myself that once I regained custody that would all change."
"I…I don't understand."
"The other night, all it took for you to fly off the handle and walk out on me, on us, was some bogus tip from your coked up friend." Puck paused, then continued on, his voice unwavering. "Aidan needs two reliable parents, Kurt, and as much as I want that to be you, I just don't think you're ready for that kind of commitment."
"Noah, I made a mistake and I'm sorry…" Kurt's head was spinning, how did things get so bad so fast? "Whatever you're about to say…please don't."
"I'm not the only one I have to think about, Kurt." Puck smiled sadly.
"Bullshit!" Kurt's pain was replaced with anger. "You're afraid, Noah! You're scared to open up to me, to be with me, you always were!"
"I'm not afraid!" Puck shot back.
"You are! You're always stopping yourself from opening up to me." Kurt looked at Puck, his expression pleading when the older man began to tug his shoes back on. "Why can't you trust yourself to be with me?"
"I've told you everything there is to know about me -"
"You've never once told me you loved me." Kurt gasped out.
"Kurt -"
"Then I'll take the first step." He got off the bed, standing beside it, his gaze fixed on Puck who stared back at him incredulously. "I love you, Noah. I feel like I've felt that way forever." Puck stared back at him silently. Each passing moment cut into Kurt's heart a little deeper. "Noah…?"
"You don't know what you feel."
"Then tell me what I don't know." Kurt retorted. "Tell me how you feel."
"I…" Puck was looking everywhere but at him. Kurt's hopes wilted. "Kurt, it's not that simple. It never is." He pulled on his jacket and turned his back to Kurt, walking to the door.
"I'm not Jenna." Kurt said. Instinctively he knew she was what was standing between them. The ghost of some girl he had never met was keeping him from all of his dreams, from the man he loved. Kurt had thought Burt was their biggest obstacle but he had been wrong.
"This is goodbye." Puck's shoulders tensed and his hand froze on the door handle. "It has to be."
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
"Where's my future son in law?" Burt rose to his feet stiffly as Kurt walked into the dining room and if Kurt's heart wasn't ripping in two he would've found the forced smile on his father's face endearing.
"He left last night." The table top was set festively with a red and green checked cloth. Rosemary had gone over board. There were rows of cinnamon buns, Belgian waffles, scrambled eggs ,sausage and biscuits. Kurt looked away. The scents were making him sick.
"Well that was rude of him," Burt frowned. "I thought we arranged to have a sit down today. Didn't you tell him?"
"Didn't need to," Kurt replied curtly, taking his seat. "He left because…he left me, Dad, alright?"
"What? No, absolutely not alright!" Burt huffed. "Who does that bastard think he is? No one leaves a Hummel, least of all someone like -"
"Dad."
"Oh, Kurt…" Burt trailed off not knowing what to say as he watched his son's eyes well up with tears. "I'm sorry, son."
"Don't bother pretending, Dad. This is what you wanted." Kurt swiped at the tears trickling down his face. It seemed like all he did lately was cry. "You know you're ecstatic. You got what you wanted and cheers to you, you didn't even have to manipulate a single soul."
"This isn't what I wanted, Kurt." Burt realized that he was telling the truth when he said that. It wasn't just for show. He walked over to Kurt's seat. "I want you to be happy. I hate it when you cry." Kurt just cried harder at that. "Hey, it's okay." Burt drew his son into his arms. "I'm here for you."
Kurt nodded into his chest, his arms coming up slowly to hug his father back.
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
"Daddy!" Puck's heart stopped as he watched his son run towards him at full speed. His blue eyes were sparkling with happiness and his dark hair flew behind him as his little feet ate up the distance between them. Having no other choice, Puck quickly dropped his overnight bag and opened his arms just in time to catch the small, flying figure.
"Hi, buddy." Puck hugged his wriggling son tightly to his chest, bringing a hand up to stroke his silky dark hair.
"I thought you forgot about me!" Aidan whispered, his little arms wrapped tightly around Puck's neck.
"Never." Puck lifted him off the floor as he stood up.
"It's about time you showed up." A woman's voice sneered from the landing. Puck looked up to see his mother lounging against the entrance of her trailer, her hair in curlers and still wearing her bathrobe even though it was past two in the afternoon. "We agreed on Monday!"
Aidan pressed closer to him and Puck felt a shot of anger run through his body. "We had some complications."
"Whatever." She wheezed, lighting cigarette. "You got the extra thirty?" She eyed him suspiciously. "Don't think I'll let you walk off with the brat unless you have it."
Puck reached into his pocket and handed off the check. Burt Hummel had paid their salaries before Puck had flown off, though the old man hadn't known Puck was leaving he would be undoubtedly happy once he found out. Puck could only imagine how ecstatic Burt Hummel must be at the moment.
"I'll be clearing this with the bank." She eyed him suspiciously and Puck gritted his teeth. He would've thought it was impossible to feel this much hate and anger for the woman who birthed you.
"What do you do with all the money I give you?' Puck looked past her at the beat down trailer. "You still live in this ratty place, still drive the same beat up car…where does all the money go?"
"You shut your mouth!" She snarled. "I do what I want and I don't need to explain it to some good for nothing fag."
"Daddy, I wanna go now." Aidan said softly. He had tensed at the harsh tones of the older woman.
"Alright, Aidan" Puck soothed him. "Let's just get your things and then we'll be going."
"You better make it quick." His mother snarled before going back into the trailer. "Don't want you filling this place up with your stink.'
Not even ten minutes later Puck had loaded up the rental car with the suitcases Maggie had packed and strapped Aidan into his car seat.
Puck slide behind the wheel, trying not to let his gaze linger too much on the empty passenger seat. He'd always imagine this day differently. He'd seen it so clearly, Kurt smiling at him encouragingly as they drove -.
"Daddy, where's your friend?"
"What?" When Puck started the car his relief at having the trailer park put behind him wasn't as sweet as he had thought it'd be. Half of his dream was missing.
"Your friend that you said wanted to play cars with me, remember daddy?
Kurt. Puck felt a twist of regret in his gut. He had been telling Aidan about Kurt for the past couple of days slowly preparing the little boy to meet him. Puck hadn't been above bribery hence he had laid it on pretty thick, telling Aidan how much Kurt loved matchbox cars, Diego and Caillou. All of that had been for nothing.
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
Aidan was fast asleep against Puck's chest as he watched television in their hotel room. The little boy was drained after going toy shopping all day and eating out. They'd also redone Aidan's entire wardrobe. Puck had discovered that the clothes he had purchased for the child before leaving to New York all smelled like stale smoke. She wasn't supposed to smoke around a child and another reason to hate the bitch that bore him.
After Aidan completed his physical with Dr. Bates tomorrow morning they were catching a flight to New York. Even though it was Christmas day and flying would be a nightmare, Puck needed to leave. Dallas was still on the mend and Puck knew Mike could use a friend. The other man had always been there for him in the past.
Truthfully, Puck couldn't see himself staying in Lima, Ohio. He planned on disappearing deep into a city where his mother couldn't find him. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that she would come back and try to stir up trouble if she knew where they were. Initially he had planned on New York as to not disrupt Kurt's school schedule but now he wasn't so sure. Puck could still hear Kurt's words in his mind and could still hear Kurt saying that he could never be happy with them. It hurt. It hurt like hell. The pain he had felt when Jenna had left him was nothing compared to what he felt now. A constant ache and he missed Kurt so badly.
Puck wished he could be selfish.
Aidan snuffled in his sleep and Puck's arm tightened around him instinctively. It felt silly holding the child while he slept but Puck couldn't bring himself to let his son go, not even for an instant.
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
"Hey." Kurt knocked on the open door softly and two heads turned to look in his direction. "Hope I'm not interrupting." He walked to the bed, setting the large bouquet of flowers he had been carrying on top of a vacant table that was off to the side of the hospital bed.
"Roses for me?" Dallas joked. "You shouldn't have."
"A rose for a rose." Mike teased and Dallas punched hum playfully, his cheeks glowing a vibrant pink.
Kurt watched the pair with interest. "Well, you know every guy should get roses at least once in his life." Something was different between them.
"I'll have to remember that." Mike quipped, right before he leaned over and kissed Dallas softly. Kurt's eyebrow's rose in surprise. He hadn't known the two of them were romantically involved. His surprise must have shown on his face because Mike laughed.
"It's a long story." Mike explained.
"Not that long. It took me awhile to get with the program." Dallas linked their hands. "But now we're finally together, for real this time."
"This time?" Kurt sat down at the only empty seat in the room which was to the left of Mike's.
"Yeah we went out for a couple of months some years back." Mike replied, his smiling sunny.
'So what part of the program couldn't you get with?" Kurt asked. He immediately regretted doing so because some of the color bled out of Dallas's cheeks. "You don't have to talk about it if it makes you feel uncomfortable -"
"Actually, I think I'm ready to talk about it partly because of what happened to you." Dallas interrupted.
"What happened to me?" Kurt was confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"The night Finn abducted you I was waiting out in the parking lot of the country club. Earlier that day…I'd had a breakdown of sorts, the team had to cover for me so we wouldn't get fired, but I decided that I was going to show anyway. That's how I was able to see and respond so quickly." Dallas paused and Mike squeezed his hand encouragingly. "That entire night…it felt personal. There's no reason you would know this so I'll tell you. When I was fifteen I was involved in a similar situation. I was being held by a group of men in a warehouse. An FBI agent saved me but I wasn't as fortunate as you were. The guys…they did things to me. I never could get over it. I had night sweats…some days I would wake up screaming."
"Noah said that your life was horrible, even compared to his." Kurt didn't even realize he had said that aloud until Dallas responded.
"It's sick but in a way it would've been better if the men who took me were working alone, but my parents…they were the ones who sold me to these sick fucks."
Kurt gasped. He couldn't imagine any parent doing something so cruel, so horrible to their own child.
"I know." Dallas's voice was quiet. "It started when I was eight. One day this man came to the door. It's all so clear in my mind, so surreal. I remember looking up at him and thinking that he was the tallest person I'd ever seen. I asked him if he could touch the ceiling. " He paused, his green eyes flickering with the memory. "Anyway, my parents introduced him as Uncle Larry and said that Uncle would take me out for a couple of days." Dallas's voice choked. " He took me back to a hotel room."
"Dal," Mike rubbed his arm soothingly. "You don't need to say anymore, that's enough."
"I'm just glad that you didn't have to go through what I did. I waited seven years to be saved, Kurt.' Dallas's voice was hoarse. "I waited seven years for my savior to break through the ware house doors."
"And you still went in after me? You're incredible!" Kurt stood to his feet, impulsively hugging the prone man, careful not to pull at his wound. "I can never repay you for what you've done for me. Ever."
"You already have." Dallas replied. "Freeing you, facing the memories that I had just repressed and not dealt with, I truly broke free of all the bad shit that kept me awake at night. For the first time, my mind is clear of them."
Kurt felt tears prick behind his lids. Dallas was a remarkable person, he truly believed that.
"Alright you two, break it up." Mike poked Kurt in the side until he separated from Dallas. "Hands off my man, you have your own."
"Speaking of which…." Dallas grinned. "Thought you'd still be in Ohio with Puck! Does this mean Aidan's here? I can't wait to see the little ankle biter."
Kurt's smile faded. "You mean you don't know?"
"Know what?" Dallas asked curiously. He was still weak physically but his voice was steady and his mind as sharp as ever.
"Puck and I are no longer together."
"What?" Mike and Dallas asked simultaneously their voices disbelieving.
"He doesn't want me around his child." Kurt swallowed. "Thinks I'm fickle." He tried to force his tone to be casual but failed.
"It's all because of that bitch Jenna." Mike blurted out.
"There's nothing I can do and I really can't talk about it." Kurt said. "I have to continue on with my life and hope that he comes to his senses and realize how much I love him." Kurt got to his feet and prepared to leave, he could feel that the two men wanted to be alone. "I hope you enjoy the flowers, Dallas." He gave the men one last smile and walked toward the door slowly. He didn't want to go back home. Home was empty and desolate without Puck.
"Kurt?" Mike called out after him. "If it helps…I'm sorry. Puck's an idiot."
Kurt gave him a watery smile and nodded before leaving the room.
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
Mike didn't even blink when he unlocked the door to his hotel room - the one he and the rest of the crew had checked into the night after Kurt was abducted - and saw Puck sitting on the bed, Aidan snoring behind him in super man pajamas and clutching a stuffed bear tightly.
"Figured you'd be here," Mike said, crossing to the bed. He brushed Aidan's hair off his forehead gently. "This little guy has grown; looks like he's going to be a tall one."
"Yeah." Puck agreed offhandedly.
"So," Mike leaned back against the dresser. "Why are you here?"
"I wasn't really sure of where else to go." Puck admitted.
"So booking your own hotel room never occurred to you?"
'Not really, no. It just seemed easier to lie a little and then break into your room once I got into the hotel."
"You can't just go breaking into rooms anymore. You've got a four year old in tow." Mike rolled his eyes. "Besides your room is down the hall." He opened up the nightstand drawer and tossed a blue keycard on to the bed. "Chad got you a suite. I think he just wanted an excuse to room with Katie, between you and me."
"Thanks." He slid the card into his jacket pocket.
"You know, last time I checked, your boyfriend has a huge house of his own that you could crash at. Bet Aidan would love the heated indoor pool and its Christmas night, at least for -" He checked his watch. "Another five hours. So go surprise him."
"Yeah…" Puck looked away. "About that -"
"No need to stutter. I know all about how you dumped the poor kid and took off to Lima without him." Mike sat down on the bed next to him. "Now, are we going to just shoot straight or will this be a Dawson's Creek moment?"
"Kurt doesn't want me around." Puck said sullenly.
"That must be why he showed up at the hospital today looking like he'd cried all night."
"Must be because of the trauma, he has trouble sleeping now -"
"Blow me, Puckerman." Mike cut him off. "I know what tears look like."
"Look...I heard him say it himself. He doesn't want to be tied down with a kid. Aidan deserves more than that, hell, so do I…." Puck looked at the ground. "In a way, even though I'm still pissed, I can understand as well. Kurt is eighteen; he's used to certain things in his life that I can't give him -"
"Pussy."
"What?" Puck was taken aback by the insult.
"You are a pussy." Mike enunciated each word. "You're just scared that Kurt is going to leave you sometime in the fuzzy, distant future, so you decided to leave him first."
"You didn't hear what he said!" Puck argued.
"Maybe I didn't hear him and maybe you're right about what you overheard." Mike gave him a sidelong glance, his features insistent. "But you still ran away before even dealing with it, discussing it with him."
"You think I should what? Beg him to stay?"
"Never said that. Just think you should at least hear what he has to say. Confront him. If nothing else you get closure." Mike nudged him in the side. "Kurt must be an award winning actor if what you say is true because, Puck, I've never seen someone more in love than he is."
"You think?" Hope warred with doubt within him.
"I know. And talking to someone about their fears, that's not begging, that's a relationship."
"You're right.' Puck suddenly felt as if he may have handled the situation very poorly. Mike was right about one thing though, if there was even a chance that he'd misheard what Kurt had said he had to make sure. "I'm going to go talk to him."
"Finally, you see the light!" Mike threw his hands up in the air in mock praise. "Want me to watch the munchkin?
'No." Puck looked at his sleeping son. "He's a part of this. I'll take him with me."
"Good choice."
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
Christmas day was a solemn affair at the Hummel household. Kurt and Burt exchanged gifts and Kurt responded with all the correct phrases of polite appreciation to each package his father gave him to unwrap. It was obvious his heart wasn't into it. Even a visit from Artie couldn't cheer him up. Kurt was beyond cheering up and after awhile Burt just left his son to his own devices. He could tell when Kurt needed his space.
That was how Kurt found himself laying alone in the sun room, a throw blanket wrapped around him as he watched fat snowflakes drift down from the gray sky despondently. He couldn't help but think, enviously, of the numerous couples in the city who were probably curled up together by a warm fire, thrilled that it would be a white Christmas.
The familiar chime of the doorbell sounded through the house and Kurt sighed. He hated having to face visitors. Kurt could hear the muted tones of voices and the thud of footsteps. He hoped that his father would make his excuses for him.
It looked like he wouldn't be so lucky; Kurt could hear his father making his way toward the sunroom after a couple of minutes. Kurt looked up when his father poked his head into the room. "Kurt, maybe you'd like to take a nap upstairs?"
"You're bringing your company in here?" Kurt got to his feet stiffly, still very sore. Of all the rooms in the house and Burt picked this one.
"Yes." Burt nodded, a mischievous glint in his eye that Kurt could not quite place. "So given your condition I think it would be better for you to retire to your room."
"Really? Are you sure?" Kurt put up a token protest because part of him did feel bad for leaving his dad to fend off guests alone.
"Really." Burt ushered him out of the room and Kurt eyed him curiously. Was Burt blushing?
A creepy thought occurred to him. "Dad, you're not trying to get rid of me to make out with some girl, are you?"
"Don't be silly!" Burt laughed. "Now get up to your room and rest."
"I'm just going to lay down for a bit." Kurt conceded.
As he walked down the corridor and up the stairs Kurt tried to sneak a look into the parlor just in case his Dad was harboring some girl in the closet or something. He saw nobody. The only thing he did see was a row of suitcases. Kurt sighed. Looked like the house guest or guest would be staying for awhile.
Kurt walked up the stairs tiredly. The pain caused by his bruising was intensifying, a quick nap would do him some good and relax his muscles Kurt thought. He opened his door and his mouth fell open in shock. Sitting at the edge of his king sized poster bed was Puck, but he wasn't alone. A little boy, dressed in a striped shirt and blue overalls and who Kurt recognized immediately as Aidan was sitting on his lap, pulling at the ears of a stuffed rabbit.
"N…Noah?" Kurt blinked furiously, unsure of what he was actually seeing. He had to be dreaming.
"You can't dream with your eyes open." Aidan chided and then immediately clapped his hands over his mouth as if he had said a bad word.
He hadn't even been aware he said the last thought aloud. Kurt laughed, a short sound that caught on a sob. Aidan immediately buried his face in Puck's neck shyly.
"Hey, Kurt." Puck rose to his feet.
"What are you doing here?" Kurt had to resist the urge to clap his hands over his mouth as well. He hadn't meant to say that. He wanted Puck and Aidan here. "Not that I don't want you here, I do want you…I mean, not like that but… I mean you know, here…" He trailed off feeling like a fool.
Aidan peeked out at him, shooting a curious glance at Kurt while he held unto his rabbit's ear as if it was a lifeline. Puck addressed the child in his arms. "Hey buddy, remember daddy's friend, the one I told you about?" Aidan nodded solemnly. "Well, this is him. His name is Kurt, can you say hi?"
"Hi Kurth." Aidan waved timidly.
A lace of warmth went through him when the child mispronounced his name. Kurt hadn't expected to feel so strongly so soon. "Hi, Aidan." He waved back and Aidan beamed, sitting up against Puck's arm to look at him. Kurt couldn't get over how much the little boy looked like Puck. His hair was the same dark brown, curling around his little face like a halo. It was amazing.
"I guess I should say something." Puck coughed uncomfortably
"I think you should." Kurt said.
"I made a stupid mistake last time I was here." Puck began. "I was scared and instead of talking to you I just ran away."
"Scared of what?" Kurt wanted so badly to forgive and forget the hurt but he needed to know why.
"I heard you, okay?" Puck admitted lowly. 'You were talking to your father in the dining room the afternoon Dallas woke up. I heard what you said about…being bored and…." He didn't continue, mindful of Aidan's presence.
Kurt's brow furrowed in confusion and the suddenly he remembered. "You heard me?"
Puck nodded.
"Oh, Noah!" Kurt looked at him and laughed. "You stupid, stupid man!"
Puck had definitely not been expecting that response. "Huh?" He gaped.
"Those thing you heard me say - " Kurt smiled. "I was just mimicking my father! That was never how I felt about you, "He reached out a hand tentatively to Aidan and the little boy watched him with wide eyes before slapping Kurt's palm in a high five. "Or about this little guy."
"It wasn't?"
"Of course not." Kurt looked at him earnestly.
"Do you," Puck ducked his head shyly. "Do you think you could maybe forgive me for being an ass? Give me another chance?"
"Noah!' Kurt scolded. "Don't curse in front Aidan!"
Puck's face broke into a wide grin. "I guess that's my answer."
Kurt giggled exuberantly. He felt as if a weight had been released off his chest and tears filled his eyes as he finally allowed himself to be enveloped in Puck's familiar arms, well arm, Aidan still occupied the other and Kurt wouldn't have it any other way.
"It feels so good to have you back." Puck whispered against his hair, kissing his temple.
"Yeah, well," Kurt jabbed him in the side playfully. "You're just lucky I love you, you jerk." He went still, realizing what he had said. Kurt felt his cheeks heat up. There was a beat of silence.
"I love you, too." Puck said.
Kurt couldn't help it, the tears ran over. A pat on his head got his attention and Kurt looked up into Aidan's serious blue eyes.
"Yes, Aidan?"
"Why are you crying?"
"Because I'm so happy.' Kurt responded after thinking carefully. 'I waited a long time to finally meet you."
Aidan furrowed his brow. 'You did?"
"I did." Kurt nodded.
"Do you really know Caillou?"
"Uhm..?" Kurt looked to Puck for help and saw that the other man was vehemently nodding his head in the affirmative. "Yes, yes I do."
"Wow." Aidan's face was awed. "Daddy, put me down. I wanna play with Kurth."
"It's Kurt, Aidan." Puck corrected.
"That's what I said! Kurth." Aidan shot his father a disgruntled look once his sneakers hit the floor.
"Don't bully a four year old." Kurt teased, his hands going to Puck's biceps when the other man tugged him forward unexpectedly. Puck brought their faces close together but didn't move to connect their mouths.
"I love you." Puck smiled, keeping their gazes locked.
"I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing you say that." Kurt beamed. "So… you going to kiss me now or do I have to beg?"
Puck grinned. "You don't have to ask me twice." He bent down, closing the distance between their mouths swiftly. Kurt moaned softly at the feel of Puck's warm lips; it'd been so long. He brought his hands up to twine behind Puck's neck, his fingers stroking the soft hairs at Puck's nape. Puck smiled against his mouth, his tongue tracing Kurt's full bottom lip.
"Daddy!" Aidan shrieked. "No!"
Kurt and Puck broke apart to face the put-out little boy. Kurt had been so caught up in the kiss he'd momentarily forgotten they'd had an audience. As soon as Puck stepped back, Aidan darted forward to snag Kurt's hand, tugging him away from Puck. He was shaking his head adamantly.
Kurt remembered his father's words. What if Aidan had decided he didn't like him? His heart thumping in his chest, Kurt knelt down on eye level with the little boy. "Is something wrong, Aidan?"
"Kurth?" Aidan looked up at Kurt hopefully. "You wanna play cars with me?" He smiled and Kurt's heart melted at the sight of twin dimples. "You play the red one?"
Kurt looked at Puck and the older man looked impressed. "The red one is his absolute favorite. I don't even get to play with that one." His eyes glinted with pride.
Kurt accepted the little hand in his. "I'd love to."
"Okay." Aidan pulled him toward the door. "It's in my Thomas, down the stairs."
"Thomas?"
"His book bag," Puck filled in. 'It's Thomas the Tank Engine."
"He's a choo-choo train!" Aidan sang out happily.
"Oh…of course. " There was so much Kurt didn't know, for just a moment he was scared of all the responsibility, it was all so real. Then Puck smiled at him.
"You'll learn."
"Of course I will." Kurt replied hotly. All of his insecurities melted away as he saw the warmth in Puck eyes.
"You know, Aidan's a friendly kid but he's never taken to someone so quickly before. Draw some confidence from that."
"Really?"
"Really." Puck smiled. "You get him for now, Aidan." The little boy nodded solemnly at his father but judging by his blank face, Kurt guessed he had no idea what he was agreeing to. "But Kurt?" Puck waited until Kurt turned around and winked. "I want to play with you later!"
*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*'~'*
I want to say Thank You to everyone who reviewed, read, put it on favorites… Thank you very much! It is something that made me happy. Thank you all!