July arrived and with it the time to move to New York.
Despite it all Kurt found out that it was less hard than what he expected, especially deciding what he wanted to take with him.
The piano and his mother drawer were the only two sentimental piece of furniture he didn't want to miss, and after asking his father, including asking Finn about the piano, if it was ok, Kurt had them both delivered to his new home.
The next important choice Kurt made about his living arrangement was splurging on a luxurious king sized bed. Big enough to either spread himself on it no matter on which form he was, or to comfortably allowing another person to sleep in it.
While the renovation were proceeding swiftly, Kurt started to look around for a job.
It was a mere coincidence that he had just decided to stop the search to read one or two articles on vogue dot com, allowing himself a distraction to enjoy a coffee break, when he noticed a tiny link saying that there were new openings available.
Checking on the openings on a whim he saw that one of them was right here in New York, it was a personal assistant for one of the senior editor. Without even thinking too much on it, Kurt sent his resume and his portfolio containing all the costumes and accessory he made since he was in middle school.
It was quite the surprise when he found himself being called for an interview only a couple of days later.
Once hired it took him no time to actually find his footing between the work at Vogue and finishing his nest.
One of the things he was most proud of, was that he managed to recreate a mini dancing studio on one corner of the loft.
He had found a bargain, four full figure mirrors that could be moved around to give both the front and side view of a position or put side by side and offer enough view to check out a choreography.
He ended up also splurging on a portable ballet bar, so he could train properly even in his own home and not just on the school's studios once he officially started attending it.
Nyada had been full of surprises.
First of all, Rachel had looked terribly and personally offended when she discovered Kurt was accepted in the school as well. She pushed things to the point that she refused to say hello to him during the first few days, and even refusing to look at him. Not that it affected Kurt that much, or at all in fact…
When she finally realised that all the gossipping she had done trying to put him down wasn't as effective since he wasn't living in the dorms like she did, a piece of information she managed to obtain after using her feminine charms on a student working as administrative aid in the dorm hall.
She quickly returned to see him as her best gay and started giving hints on how it would be amazing living together, and how sharing rent would be a lot easier, and how she was willing to do this for his benefit, since he was not able to get a place in the dorms like she had.
Kurt simply smiled and allowed Rachel to rant, before finding a way to distract her and move along without ever answering the veiled and not so veiled attempts at discovering where he was living.
He was past the point of caring for someone so ready to walk all over him once he was no longer useful. Especially if they had an history of returning, apologising while and expecting for things to return exactly the same, and then restart the cycle all over again.
One of the first things Kurt had done once he stepped officially into the school as a student, was to search for the Adam's Apples' posters.
He kept an eye out for James in the hallways as he moved through the school. It took Kurt about a week, to fully mentally map the school, and find the ways that were faster to move through his classes.
The second thing he had to do, was finding out a balance between keeping working with Isabelle for Vogue, and properly handle his schooling.
Fortunately at that time his nest had been already completed and he had already the time to settle and cosied up in his new home.
It took him exactly twenty one days before he managed to find the balance to start extra curricular activities. During that time he had already made friends with a few of his classmates. Especially some from the 'intro to costume design and care workshop'. Which he had soon discovered, despite the misleading name, was very much at the very least an intermediate class if not directly an advanced one...
The good thing about not having a choice on which course he could attend, was that he had his complete schedule for the next four years, and it looked gruelling…
But if he managed to keep the pace, he would came out a great performer, with enough technical knowledge to never have to worry about finding a job whether on the stage or behind the scenes...
All in all the prospect of such stability was very tempting and worthwhile.
The course were spreaded out in his schedule in a way that kept a pretty nice balance, alternating between active and physically oriented classes and the theoretical or light activity ones.
The one thing that Kurt hadn't figured out yet, was how come he could hear a lot of people badmouthing The Apples, while none of those who did seemed to even able to say the correct name of the group.
After the third attempt of yet another well meaning friendly classmates, about not joining a group of losers, Kurt made a vow to himself that as soon as he felt comfortable in the school, he would join the Adam's Apple.
The day Rachel Berry thought it was a good idea come to Kurt to say how glad she was that neither of them were underdogs anymore.
No longer part of the basket containing rag dolls and misfit toys, but proper members of the school's social hierarchy and ready to soar high above the masses.
It was the day that Kurt stopped postponing it and went directly to sign his name on the sign up flier. On a whim he left in there also his number with a smiley face and the message 'call me'
He wasn't sure why he got so bold, maybe it was because, like the very first time, the poster carried on it the now familiar scent of sugar cinnamon with that tantalising hint of peppermint that Kurt was steadily falling in love with.
He had tried to find at school, the person wearing it, but between all his classes and the overpowering mixed scent from all the other students, the very faint trace left in the air was never enough for Kurt to manage to meet that person.
By the time he reached the end of his school day, his phone had a new message from an unknown number 'If you don't have other previous engagements we're in the auditorium 2 on the west side of the campus. Adam'
Kurt found himself grinning broadly, his step quick and light as he travelled securely through the school's hallways to reach his destination. The closer he got, the more pregnant the air got with both familiar and new scents.
As he walked in, he saw many familiar face and felt a warm and welcoming humming sensation passing through his skin.
It wasn't invasive but it was clearly something someone was doing, as it didn't felt hostile at all, unlike other prodding Kurt had to deal with, he simply smiled and allow himself to be read openly, letting his walls consciously coming down.
As soon as he did that almost everyone in the room looked at him with a mix of awe and respect. James ginned madly and waved "Come on in Kurt it's so good to see you again. I'm glad you found us, you arrived just in time we were voting on what to work on next, come come we need your opinion"
Kurt raised an eyebrow asking curiously "I thought there was going some sort of audition first to join in?"
A tall blond man with a beanie, and a smile that could bring a ray of sunshine in the middle of a blizzard, said warmly in a soft british accent "Oh there were, but you already passed all the important ones, and we know already you can sing, or you wouldn't be a major vocal performer... By the way I'm Adam Crawford, nice to finally meet you in person Kurt"
Kurt thought back to all he had observed that far and started grinning "So that's why no one with clearly not so nice intention seems to ever get the name of your group right..."
Adam nodded, a smug pleased smile taking place on his face, seeing that expression made Kurt puff out his chest with pride at having managed such accomplishment.
As soon as Kurt had walked up the group Adam offered him his hand to shake, when they touched a spark of electricity travelled down his spine.
Whether it was because of that first skin on skin contact or because, once he had got close enough he was finally able to identify that Adam was the one carrying around the familiar scent he had been searching for.
The one scent that had kept Kurt sane and grounded since the very first time he stepped foot on Nyada all those months ago.
Following Adam's example everyone took a turn to introduce themselves and wave a welcome to Kurt, already accepting him as a member of their community.
Kurt didn't realise it at the time, but from that moment on he would always stand in Adam's vicinity.
And while the other Apples would at times pat him on the back or have some small occasional touch, like quick hugs, or crying on Kurt's shoulder and receiving comfort, Adam was the only one allowed casual lingering touches, legs brushing, a hand left on Kurt longer than strictly necessary.
Being a member of the Adam's Apples was a new and amazing experience for Kurt, the feeling of being accepted without question or conditions almost a little heady.
He relished in it, returning the smiles and feeling more at home than he ever thought possible.
It took Kurt longer than he would have liked to admit, almost until Halloween, for him to realise that every single member of the Adam's Apples had supernatural heritage.
To realise that his initial act of good will, lowering his walls for all of them, had been taken exactly for the huge sign of trust that it was.
And when he realised that, one of the times they were the last one left to straighten up the auditorium after practice, Kurt found himself asking Adam "Is it because we all have supernatural heritage that every time we sing together the air vibrates and makes all our scents stronger and mingle together into a single harmony?"
Adam turned to look at Kurt intently, he unconsciously licked his lips before asking surprised "You feel that too?"
Kurt looked up confused and then asked "Doesn't everyone? I thought it was one of the reasons why we always end up together one way or another. Especially the day after practice, each one of us carries on our mixed scent and it feels like we're all part of… Well same as a colony I guess? Or maybe a community? I'm not sure neither term seem just quite right though they both come close enough…"
Kurt was frowning trying to translate the sound ringing in his mind into human language. Its meaning larger than family, but it also represented a cohesive unit, it was puzzling him.
Even more puzzling was the fact that Adam was staring at Kurt, almost as if he was unsure of something, his hands clenching around the journal in which he often scribbled the arrangements for their group.
It was barely above a whisper, but in the silent room Adam's words sounded as clear as crystal bells "A clan..."
And as soon as Adam said the word Kurt looked up and he felt as if he was completely raw and exposed. A question burning inside him, a question that was important, vitally so.
The kind of questions that only had life altering answers, and as it raised from the very centre of his soul, Kurt's voice become incredibly soft as he asked shyly "Ours?"
What Kurt didn't know, but that Adam could see, was that Kurt's eye had shifted, slit pupils and silver shining giving away exactly Kurt's heritage for the first time.
And Adam found the sight downright breathtaking, the air between them vibrating with promises and opportunities.
Not wanting to risk losing his chance, or give Kurt the wrong impression that he was being rejected Adam answered just as softly
"Ours if you want to accept the responsibility of taking care of them together."
Kurt smiled and nodded "I'd love for that and more"
then a little self conscious he asked hesitantly "Adam, can I tell you something weird without risking losing you?"
Adam smiled reassuringly "Kurt I can promise you that no matter how strange it might seem, it won't be the reason for me to want to leave you"
Kurt appeared reassured by the honest and realistic answer Adam gave him "I love your scent. I've loved it since the first day I stepped in the school and I met James. And I don't know why but since I joined the Apples, I find that I am missing it and you all the more every time we are apart, and I'm sorry it probably sounds creepy I promised it did not sound that bad in my head."
Kurt groaned and hid his face into his hands a pained whine leaving his throat.
Hearing that sound made Adam react without even thinking. He moved faster than either of them expected and wrapped his arms around Kurt's shoulders, nuzzling his face on top of Kurt's head, slowly making his way down to the crock of Kurt's neck.
Efficiently scent marking Kurt as his, Adam's eyes shifted, the vertical slit and the iridescent ocean blue colour shown openly, perfect match as Kurt's own eyes.
To Adam's immense surprise and pleasure, Kurt's whine transformed into a soft purr as he threw his head back and allowed Adam to continue the action also on the other side of his neck, completely drenching Kurt in Adam's own scent.
Kurt didn't know when he closed his eyes, but the moment he reopened them he was staring into Adam's shifted eyes, he leaned forward and started nuzzling his nose against Adam's.
An action that made the other man exhale a sigh and hold onto Kurt a fraction tighter than before. Feeling a rush of delighted pleasure hearing the sound, Kurt mirrored Adam's actions in the reverse order. Starting nuzzling his face on Adam's neck working his way from one side to the other, his hand wrapped possessively around Adam's waist.
Kurt stopped only when all he could smell was their combined scent, a small satisfied growl left his throat as he rested his forehead against Adam's breathing in the result of their combined effort.
In what sounded like a teasing purr Kurt asked with a grin "Does this mean we are going to go out on a date anytime soon?"
Adam chuckled, and said jovially "If you pick up your bag we can go now. I know just the place, it has a mean cuppa and I've been told a killer cheesecake. We could try it out and you can tell me if it is as fabulous as it's rumoured to be, if not we could go on another date until we find our cheesecake..."
Kurt grinned picking up his bag quickly and then offering his hand to Adam who accepted it in his in a heartbeat before entwining their fingers together.
Kurt chuckled and asked playfully "You know right that after such introduction it is basically guaranteed that I'd call it not as up as it's hyped, just for the sake of having more dates in which we chase the perfect cheesecake?"
Adam grinned and winked at Kurt before answering tongue in cheek "You say it, like mentioning that part wasn't exactly all part of my great master plan..."
Kurt laughed amused and then leaned forward to place a peek on Adam's cheek before saying pleased "I'm glad you have such plans for us, please feel free to think more of them, I've liked all our adventures this far..."
Adam grinned and true to his word, he lead Kurt to their first official date.
By the time every corner and every door frame of Nyada carried a ribbon with mistletoe, everyone in the school knew to not to ever trying bring trouble to The Apples.
Everyone also knew that every moment in which they were not in class, where Adam Crawford was Kurt Hummel wouldn't be much far, with the reverse being just as true…
Rachel had tried unsuccessfully to claim back even a semblance of closeness with Kurt, but Kurt had lost any regard for her a long time ago, exactly the moment when she did as Kurt had always suspected she would, and dumped Finn like yesterday's trash.
All for the sake of courting the grace of an older Nyada's student, trying to gain a better social standing within the school's social hierarchy.
As cold as it might have sounded, the girl that used to be his friend had disappeared the moment that the diva returned with an ego bigger than ever before.
Believing she was the best of the best because a senior asked her, a freshmen to star in his project, she had no shame in posing nude for it, and it gained her many admirers.
Kurt couldn't do anything else but shake his head at the spectacle and hoping against hope, that she knew what she was doing. He might not have considered her a friend anymore, but he didn't want to see her professional reputation destroyed because of a stupid mistake she made on her first year in college...
But alas, she was not part of the ones under his care, and between everything going on in his life, he really couldn't spare the energies or the time mothering a girl who didn't even realise how coddled she had been all her life…
Once the golden tickets for the Winter Showcase were handed out, another wave of jealousy and envy was aimed directly at Kurt, for he was the only freshman this year to be invited.
On that evening he demonstrated exactly why he earned his golden ticket, as he won the event with his performance.
Adam couldn't have been more proud of his boyfriend, however when people came around and he tried to give Kurt space, allowing him to bask in his well deserved glory, Kurt surprised him and everyone else in the Round Room.
When one of the school generous patrons asked him how he could perform with such vivid emotions Kurt simply smiled, wrapped his arm around Adam's waist and said
"By knowing I have the full support of my partner and our friends. Knowing that he will be here for me every step of the way, flying high by my side and never resenting my time in the spot light. Because he is just as sure as I am, of our individual skills, and he knows we'll all have our time to shine. I wouldn't stand where I am now if I hadn't met him and our friends."
Adam knew it wasn't Kurt's intention to try to promote him or the other Apples. But having a Winter Showcase Winner sharing the spotlight, putting his name and reputation on the line promoting other students, and talking about them with such conviction, it was almost unheard of, and thus something to take note of, something that piqued the curiosity of many people.
Especially because Kurt's belief in them being the truth reverberated in each and every word he spoke that night.
Their first christmas together as a couple saw Adam and Kurt rounding up at the loft all the members of their clan who were not going home for the holidays, and make a three days long sleepover, with shared cooking and stories, and lots of lit candles and songs.
With the new year new challenges awaited, Adam and Kurt's relationship was growing deeper and stronger the more time they spent together.
The Apples formed a protective shield around the couple, when it became known that in the midst of the group of prospect coming over to visit the school and take their final auditions, there was also Kurt's ex.
Who, despite not having had contact with Kurt in almost a year, and despite the fact that Kurt had been in a relationship with Adam for quite few months now, still believed he could somehow have any claim on Kurt.
Certainly he demonstrated to be annoyingly persistent, to the point that more than one student, even those who didn't like the fact that Kurt wasn't willing to play their social intrigue games, were more than willing to push the hobbit under the bus...
And if that school wide show of support had started, because a couple of the Apples had been talking about how Kurt would be glad to anyone keeping the midget away from him...
Well no one would be stupid enough to admit openly to eavesdrop other people discussions...
And if that conversation had been carefully planned to happen within the earshot of two of the most well known gossips of Nyada...
Well knowing glances were exchanged within their clan, but no one openly commented on it.
Except the casual "Oh look what happened, I wonder how that came to be" said with knowing grins.
Blaine had been shocked by his reception at Nyada to say the least. He had expected to walk in there as an acclaimed rock star. He expected Rachel and Kurt to pat his back for his accomplishments of coming so far. Well to be completely honest, he expected Rachel to be top of the world and Kurt to be completely lost and floundering without him… Instead the rumours he could hear, told him a whole different story, one he didn't want to listen to.
So Blaine did what he knew how to do best, he ignored everything that didn't fit his view of the world, like people somehow respecting and finding Kurt to be more interesting than himself.
Sure that it would all go away as usual, and the proper order of things would soon be restored and great things were waiting just for him when he'd step into the school the coming fall...
Rachel was starting to feel the pressure of being all alone. She was surrounded by admirers who were starting to wavery slip away.
Especially once her connection to Blaine became known, while the school as whole seemed to have a sudden unreasonable and unprovoked dislike for her friend.
She was getting desperate, nothing she did seemed to please her professors, they kept repeating that she was taking the easy way out, that she wasn't pouring her effort into her studies, that she wasn't trying hard enough...
It was frustrating to say the least, but her new boyfriend offered her a great solution to remedy most of her problem, she simply had to challenge Kurt to a Midnight Madness duel.
Given his position as Winter Showcase Winner he couldn't refuse the challenge without losing face, and Rachel simply needed to tell Brody which song she could beat Kurt with, and he would take care of the rest, making sure it would be randomly be extracted for their duel.
And Of course as per Midnight Madness tradition as the challenger she could go and sing first, adjusting the key of the song to her range, creating more difficulties for Kurt.
Needless to say that when Rachel came and threw her challenge gauntlet at Kurt's feet, as last act of kindness to honour the friendship they had shared in the past, Kurt offered Rachel a way out, to take back the challenge while there were no other witnesses than both of theirs boyfriends, and let things go.
Rachel of course only saw that as Kurt being too afraid of loosing to her, like he always had before.
Blindly believing in her own ability she simply called out the attention of everyone nearby and repeated her challenge.
Kurt shook his head but accepted the challenge and then in a lower voice he said to her "I hope you're happy in the end. Remember this I tried to stop you, what happens next it's all on you."
Rachel too self assured in her own arrogance she said condescendingly "I will remember that when I'm back on top of the pyramid and you're back on the bottom where you belong"
After such callous remark Kurt completely washed his hands of her.
As their duel date grew closer Adam stood by Kurt's side, reminding him that it was ok to let go of toxic people.
A couple of days before the duel Kurt asked Adam worried "Are you sure our clan won't see this as me turning my back on one of my friend..."
Adam came right behind Kurt and held him in a gentle embrace "Darling, I'm pretty sure we all see how your relationship with Berry can barely be called acquaintanceship. She had not been willing to spend time with you at the beginning of the year, by the time thanksgiving had came around she wasn't even saying hello to you in the hallways... That's not friendship. So no, my love don't worry, we all know you take good care of your friends. And it's perfectly ok to stop considering someone your friend if they have stopped being one. In fact I have to say that I personally found it more worthy of praise, knowing when to walk away from things that are not good for you, especially if you have people depending on you. My love do you understand how important you are to me? How much your happiness and wellbeing mean to me?"
Kurt simply nodded slowly and resting his head on Adam's shoulder leaving small kisses on the exposed skin under his lips
Despite the delightful sensation Adam kept talking seriously and said "Do you realise that once you became the other leader of our clan you pledged to take care of every member of our clan, that my dearest, includes yourself. So please don't worry so much about what she could do, or how our clan will react when you defeat her, because I can tell you exactly how it will end. You will win despite the machination that surely Berry and Weston have going on, and then we'll have everyone asking to come over to your place to celebrate your victory and end staying up until dawn"
Kurt chuckled at what sounded like a pretty accurate description of their clan's usual behaviour. He leaned in and kissed Adam properly allowing his tongue to take in the sweet spicy taste that was so characteristically Adam before asking right on his partner's swollen lips "Does that mean you're coming home with me starting tonight so we can prepare enough food to have our place invaded by the hoard of famished friends that are also the loved members of our clan?"
Adam's smile grew bigger at hearing Kurt calling the loft their place. It was sort of the unofficial truth in a way, they ended up spending most of their time at Kurt's place because it was bigger and the presence of both the piano and what could be considered a mini dance studio, was the optimal set up for arrangements and choosing choreography without having to spend hours to no end on the school's grounds. The loft had also all the best facility within easy reach, like the stocked kitchen and a comfy bed.
On the rare occasion they were not at the loft, they both could be found at Adam's small flat.
It didn't allow the same amount of freedom as the loft did, but on the brighter side it had been in Adam's family for many years, making it the kind of sure base no one could ever kick them out from.
It was the kind of security that made the slightly cramped space still very much cherished and worthwhile.
As things were, Adam was more than willing to help out preparing the feast for Kurt's celebration.
The night of the Midnight Madness came, and as Adam had predicted Weston was the judge, casting some shadows on the randomness of the songs selection, especially when the song extracted was Defying Gravity, and Rachel had a very satisfied smile on her face.
Kurt only sighed softly and shook his head, pity shining in his eyes.
After Rachel performed, Kurt found out that the musicians were not going to adapt the score to his key. He simply shrugged it off and proceeded in giving one of the best performance anyone in the room had ever seen from him.
And once more, just as Adam predicted, he won with a landslide. Even before reaching Bushwick texts of congratulations and requests to drop by the loft started, and once everyone arrived the rest of the night passed between laughters smiles and happiness.
By the time Adam and Kurt had been left alone and everyone else had dispersed Kurt asked teasingly "You know, sometimes I wonder if you have at least a small skill like premonition or foresight... You were pretty accurate on what was going to happen last night"
Adam chuckled softly "Last night wasn't even a guess, it was simply a deep knowledge of all the people involved in the situation. I knew you are an incredible singer. I knew Berry was too full of herself, and that Weston had too many reasons to want Berry to succeed. And I've known some of our clan's members for the past four years. With all that knowledge there wasn't even need to guess on how the night would have evolved."
Kurt nodded, the reasoning was perfectly logical and yet he felt like there was something more, smiling softly he tilted his head to the side and asked curiously "Should I take your lack of general answer as an indication that I ended up poking to a family secret you're not allowed to share with me?"
Adam blinked slowly registering the calm acceptance coming from Kurt, his scent as open and welcoming as ever.
And Adam felt himself fall a little deeper in love with Kurt, because he could read in every line of Kurt's body, in every sound of his wonderful voice, that Adam could answer that yes it was a family secret, and it would be accepted without a second thought. No additional pressure or demands. And that thought of complete trust and acceptance was almost too much to bear. Adam came standing in front of Kurt and kissed him passionately.
When they both emerged from it short on their breath, Adam rested his forehead on Kurt's and said very lowly as it if was a secret that needed to stay just between the two of them "There is a little bit of foresight in the family but it's not one of my abilities"
Adam should have expected it, really, but seeing the look of awe Kurt sent his way, and all because he opened up a little. It was breathtaking, he noticed how Kurt turned wistful as he said just as softly and lowly as Adam had, intuitively mimicking the intentional spell of keeping those words from anyone else's ears "I wish I'd knew that much or anything really about my own heritage and family's abilities"
Adam blinked confused, no one with so much power and control could be anything else but the descendant of two lines with no less than five, maybe six generations of member of the family able to shift completely. He never asked or seen for himself but Adam was was sure Kurt was able to shift completely.
Because it mattered not how the air moved into the loft, there was not a single place that didn't smell mainly of Kurt. Even if his own scent had been around and present long enough, that anyone with a nose could reach the loft's door and know that even if only one person was found inside, there was also someone else guarding the treasures inside.
Adam could see the honest hint of sadness and regret that added a touch of acre undertone to Kurt's usually fresh scent of mint honey and rosemary. It smelled like loss, and things were not making much sense to Adam, and following an instinct that screamed at him that he was missing something important he asked impulsively "How long have you known?"
Kurt bit his lower lip and started shuffling things around, not really looking up at Adam when he said "less than a year ago, I found out the day I broke up with Blaine, it was like something just broke inside of me. And next thing I know my dad takes me for a field trip into the woods, instead of going home for dinner.
He brings me to a canyon with a spectacular view, that I'm pretty sure was out of place in Ohio, he tells me he didn't know how else to do it, that he wished my mom was still with us to help him out. And to forgive him for what he was about to do.
Then he frikking walked back over the edge and I lost at least a decade of my life in that exact moment. Not even knowing how or why I dived after him, the next thing I know we have both shifted into dragons and he's giving me direction with a series of growls that shouldn't have made as much sense as they did. And then grinning like he hadn't given me the scare of a lifetime he said something about how I did well.
Before he had the gall to ask me if I could figure out how to turn back human on my own, or if we needed to find a way to take me home in that shape. I was soo mad at him, and none of the sound I could produce were adequate to express exactly what I wanted to tell him"
Adam raised a hand to cover his mouth, seeing how incensed Kurt still was, almost a year later from the episode, gave him a pretty good indication that if nothing else his rage born of fear had been enough to allow Kurt to find a way to return to his human form on his own.
Kurt noticed Adam silent chuckle and levelled him a glare "It was not that funny at that moment, though it was one of the only few times my dad simply allowed me to vent at him till the very end of everything I had to say afterwards"
Adam simply nodded still smiling, and Kurt continued
"Well he also explained to me he really didn't know what to do, as he refused to do as his father did, despite that being the same exact way how his father's father had doe, dad was adamant about not wanting to simply push me off a cliff..."
As Adam wrinkled his nose Kurt took in that despite the humour there was no apparent surprise in his boyfriend stance, nor in his scent, so he asked perplexed "You don't seem surprised?"
Adam shook his head "Not really love, those have been indeed way to test out kids to see whether they just had potential, or if they could only access part of the family's abilities, or if they had the gift strong enough to make a full shift. Despite sounding more traumatic, a long fall like a cliff or a canyon would give the child the time to shift without coming to harm or giving the elder the time needed to rescued them should they be unable to shift."
Kurt raised his eyebrow "And what exactly would be a seemingly less scary and more dangerous way?"
Adam grinned and shrugged as he said totally unbothered "A game of let's see who can jump higher done from the roof or a two floors cottage in the middle of the English's countryside..."
Kurt looked taken aback and blinked. Adam could see the gears turning inside his mind "You must have been a kid to do that kind of game, I really can't picture a teenager doing anything of the sort if not for a challenge..."
Adam nodded pleased as he hummed his confirmation "I was a tad younger but I wanted to play with my older brothers who were around ten and eleven, at the time"
Kurt nodded understanding shining in his eyes "Dad said he was twelve when it happened to him, and that he vowed he would never do that to any child of his, so he was sort of stuck on how to handle it I guess"
Adam really wanted to know just how long Kurt's mom had been out of the picture, and also how could it be that with so much control he still seemed to know so little, or at least have a very insatiable thirst for any kind of knowledge.
He bit his lips trying to find a non offensive and not demanding way to ask and have his doubts cleared up
Either Kurt understood him better than Adam gave him credit for, which was a valid option. Or his thoughts and doubts were openly on display on his face, which was pretty much understandable as the loft felt like home, basically yet another secure place in which he could be himself without being judged or having demands loaded on his shoulders…
Or lastly, it could also have been that Kurt had some mental abilities and could pick up other people thoughts and emotions giving him a better reading on another person...
Bottom line was that Kurt sat on the coach and patted the seat next to him as an invite and then proceeded to answer Adam's doubts "Dad suspects my mom wasn't aware that he was a dragon. They never discussed it while they were married, and once I was born probably it wasn't evident. I know now that she did something to me when I was five maybe six. I used to be bullied by the other boys in the playground. That was the first time I've ever remember feeling my emotions roaring up and I remember pushing back one of my tormentors. I remember that mom looked furious. But looking back now, if she thought dad didn't have any supernatural heritage, then probably it was fear for me, by that time dad told me they had already seen the first signs of the illness that took her, she was a fighter, but if she thought I might have ended up alone... I don't know maybe I'm just trying to make up excuses for her, maybe she hated her heritage and simply wanted me to have the normal life she desperately tried to have..."
Adam looked horrified at that mere thought so he wrapped himself around Kurt for both their sakes "She blocked your abilities?"
Kurt raised a finger and tapped it repeatedly on his lips thinking... "That's what dad said to… But to be honest I'm not so sure block is the right way to look at it. The way it felt when they unlocked, it was more like she had put a restraining cage on them, she had asked me to mind my temper, to never ever see or seek violence as an answer to a conflict, and to remember that there were always other ways. I was to do that every time I felt something crawling under my skin ready to explode at a moment's notice... Through the years I learnt to redirect my rage and stronger emotions into words, and they had worked, I never attacked anyone..."
Adam was looking mesmerised, of course in children fear was one of the strongest emotion, but if Kurt's first strongest one had been rage it would have been reasonable put on a dampening on the child and try to teach him ironclad control first.
As far as Adam knew though it was unheard of for a child to hold on into those calming and managing technique way after reaching puberty…
And then something clicked in Adam's mind "By any chance, did this block break after your eighteenth birthday?"
Kurt blinked and thought back before nodding "Yeah why?"
Adam looked up and said softly "What if it was planned that way? If she wasn't sure she'd be able to be with you during the time you were supposed to be taught, and she didn't know that your dad would have been able to take over your education. Then letting your abilities starting to emerge after you were eighteen and legally free to move out if something went wrong with your dad it might have been her way to keep you safe while she wasn't present to guarantee your safety."
Kurt nodded seeing the logic in that, "I know both my parents started suspecting I was gay by my third birthday when I asked for a pair of sensible heels. Dad told me it took him years to changes his way from how he was when he was just a stupid kid. So probably she wasn't too sure that a supernatural heritage on top of it wouldn't have made dad flip. Not if they were still having discussions about him needed to take his head out of his ass and do his job of loving me no matter what."
They were both pondering on that when Kurt asked suddenly "But wouldn't have that made me more vulnerable in the long run? leaving me with no clue of what was going on?"
Adam hummed softly and shook his head "Not really because you would have registered as a youngling to anyone meeting you, and you would have been claimed by a mentor before you even knew or properly realised it. Didn't you said once that you have known for a long time you'd came to New York?"
Kurt nodded "Yeah I did, but I don't see how that matters?"
Adam looked lovingly at Kurt and gently caressed his face "Tomorrow I'll take you to two very special places, and you'll understand better. One is a library and no don't you dare wrinkle your nose cutely at me. You'll see, I will have to drag you away by force and with bribing and promises of returning soon… The second is the Lexington Home for Retired Performers"
Kurt looked at Adam really intrigued, "A retirement home?"
Adam nodded grinning, "once we'll get there you'll be able to feel it, and it will appear just as magical as the library, both places are so full of knowledge eager to be shared..."
Kurt hummed and closed his eyes thinking for a couple of minutes then asked "Have I ever registered as a youngling to you or the others?"
Adam shook his head "No darling not at all, you just felt like an enigma, young and curious, a little inexperienced maybe, but with none of the lapses of control one would expect from someone feeling that way..."
Kurt nodded "Guess dad's crash course did work enough then"
Adam rejoiced in feeling the low purr rumbling in Kurt's chest as he gently allowed his finger to playfully slip under Kurt's shirt, searching for skin on skin contact, once he rested his fully open hand on Kurt's stomach, right about where the purring's vibrations were stronger, he asked
"Out of curiosity, how long did your dad train you?"
Kurt shrugged, "Just from the time we discovered it until I moved to New York"
Adam nodded understanding and commented softly "So a good three, four months that explains it..."
Kurt cough embarrassed and looked to the other side as he mumbled "More like three four weeks, I've been living here since July..."
Adam's voice might not have been a scream, but the level of incredulity and indignation he was able to pack in a single word was just as strong "Wut?"
Kurt simply shrugged, "I don't know the details on why, but dad had cut himself off all supernatural communities for years now"
Adam's offended expression morphed into one of sadness and pity "Which meant there really wasn't that much he could offer you if not the very basic notions, most of which you probably had figured out either on your own or with very little guidance..."
Kurt nodded and shrugged once more "I learnt long ago my dad is just a person, he does what he thinks it's best, and hopes it was the right thing, just like we all do"
Adam nodded slowly as Kurt continued "There's just so much I don't know, and it's so hard to even know how to ask. Because while I might know I'm not knowing something, not knowing what that something is makes it difficult searching for it..."
Adam pressed himself on Kurt's side and entwined their legs "It's ok love, you're not alone anymore. And now that the picture it's a little clearer for me, I can at least point you toward what I think you should learn first, after that, we can go from there and see to what we need."
Kurt leaned forward and kissed him lovingly, after whispering a tender "Thank you " on Adam's lips.
As Adam promised the visit to both the library and the Lexington home had been treasure trove of knowledge and useful information.
He did hit off with quite few of the residents there. All of them more than happy, to have yet another new ear, willing to listen to their stories, and someone who'd ask for their opinion and help.
Not all the residents had supernatural heritage, those who did, never flaunted it, but they all made a tight knitted community.
One that fully embraced Kurt, and once he sat with Ernie for a while, he discovered exactly what Adam had meant about being taken under someone's wing...
Indeed to Ernie Kurt felt little more than a small kid, with so much to learn that one might despair about not having enough lifetimes to do things properly.
Unsurprisingly the first lessons were about etiquette, on how to properly interact with other people with supernatural heritage and with people without, most of the basis were the same, rather unsurprising.
Some intricacies came to play including some of the more formal forms, rituals and tradition that youngling should know before they decide whether to follow or discard them...
It surprised Kurt to no end, that Ernie invited him to his room after less than an hour talking. Then once they walked in, and Kurt felt like he had been wrapped into a soft comforting warm blanked, he was asked
"With any other person I wouldn't dare to be so rude as to ask at how far have you gone with your boyfriend, it is a rather impertinent, inopportune and just plain rude question, but I believe there're things you need to know. Things you need to understand before the situation gets too out of hand and you find yourself into something bigger than you originally thought or planned for... Because if it happens I want you to be fully conscious of what's happening and what you're choosing."
Kurt blinked confused and blushed furiously "Hmmm what exactly do you mean? I'm not sure I understand your question..."
Ernie looked at Kurt intently , trying to judge how much it was real confusion and how much it was Kurt trying to yank his chain.
Having come to a decision Ernie took a seat on his bed and patted it, inviting Kurt to sit closer "You and your fellow came in here as a couple, holding hand and walking proudly around with your heads held high, and your scents so mingled together it's barely possible to distinguish which one belongs to whom..."
Despite not really meaning to, hearing that made Kurt preen happily at the mere thought, a pretty blush appearing on his face was all Ernie needed, to know that at least as far as what scent marking was, and what it meant for two people to walk around with each other's scent meant, were notion Kurt had.
"Ok I can see you know what that means and what it means to others who can smell it, now tell me have you two shared with each other what kind of heritage you have?"
Kurt nodded slowly but refrained for saying, after all it wasn't only his own secret anymore the action made Ernie grin pleased "Good, very good my lad, not sharing your own or even worse someone else's heritage is very important, and usually one of the first mistakes younglings tend to do. Next step is have you shared part of your shifted form with one another?"
Kurt nodded slowly thinking back of how Adam's eyes changed when they formalised their position as leaders if their clan. The memory made Kurt saying "We did that when we sort of formalised that our group of friends is our clan..."
Ernie grinned and asked "and how did you do that?"
Kurt flushed, "It might have started as an accident, but I was just expressing what I felt in my heart, our friends are ours to protect, I didn't know the word then, Adam gave me the proper translation for the rumbling in my chest, I asked him if they were ours, and he said yes "
Ernie hummed pleased and nodded "Good, very good son indeed you were right and that was already a ceremony you too took. And I'm pleased that you recognised it as such. Just for your information, that too it's something that for those who can see, it's as clear as a sunny summer day. You two are the head of a community, there're people who believe and trust in the fact you'll be there for them doing the best you could to lead, nurture and protect"
Kurt nodded fully understanding this on a soul deep level. Ernie tutted and continued
"All this is good and true, but I still am more concerned bout you two as young lads in love, with heads filled with romantic notions. That's the part I want to discuss with you the most... Tell me, have you two been intimate while in your shifted form?"
Kurt's eyes grew like sausages unsure on how to take the suggestion, he shook his head flushing and added quickly "No, no we haven't even shifted in each other's presence yet..."
Ernie looked confused and blinked "Now you are the one confusing me young man, do you know of any other ways of being intimate while shifting than showing your complete shifted form?"
Kurt coughed and sputtered, his mind had offered ample imagery of the possible way he could be very intimate with his mate... Then out of pure curiosity and in a desperate attempt of regaining some semblance of control, after his blood roared and sang in his vein at the thought of finally seeing and mating the other dragon in all of his glory.
Kurt asked "Is it common for people of different heritage ending up together or it's more common that like calls like?"
Ernie pondered the question a little and then answered honestly "It's a mystery, there is no rhyme or reason on who people fall in love with. There is however the statistic that say most likely one will attract with more ease another person with the same if not a compatible supernatural heritage. However in this times and days, with our numbers dwelling it had became pretty rare that two with the same heritage and breeding would manage to find one another..."
Kurt looked at Ernie confused and asked "What do you mean with breeding?"
Ernie frowned a little and then he began to explain "there had been a time when it did matter knowing just how many generations before a specific individual, were able to carry on the gift in its strongest form, with a complete shift. It was a matter of pride."
Kurt asked trying to understand despite being uncomfortable with the concept "Something like royalty? A pride in their blood?"
Ernie shook his head "A pride in the strength of their gift. A family line able to produce more than three consecutive generations of shifters was considered a very good line to marry into. The more generations a family could claim, the strongest were their affinities and skills, but more importantly, they had the best control on their gift... Imagine this son, someone with supernatural abilities, able to control them perfectly, precisely, on command..."
Kurt looked awed "Woah that sounds like some sort of superior being..."
Ernie nodded and continued gravely "That was one of the takes to old bloodlines, one that sent many families in hiding, and ended up creating the constant need for secrecy we're no living with... The point though, is that those lines still exist, and those who can see and sense, will be able to read it off of you, and let me tell you this, you and your lad have the same regal air in your steps. You both come from long lines merged with other long lines"
Ernie saw Kurt ready to protest "Son, you might not know about it, even your parents might not have known that themselves. But I can see it in the both of you. Your own control and the pleasant harmonic hum of energies that surround you tells me not only that both your parents were of supernatural heritage, but they were both of the same kind."
Kurt looked alarmed and Ernie smiled softly "Worry not my lad, those days no one will really feel that comfortable looking too close, especially because people with such pedigree usually are not fond if it being pointed out. They also usually tend to reach positions in which angering them would not be wise…"
Kurt sat there lost in thoughts, trying to absorb all the new information, trying to make sense why it would be so important to understand until it clicked… "You're worried that in a moment when our defences would be down, like being intimate with each other we'd start a bonding or something of that sort?"
Ernie chuckled softly at the way Kurt worded it but nodded "That's exactly it son, it would be a pity see you tied for life by mistake. It's the kind of bonds that would work only with such old merged lines. But the conditions are right for you two, and you deserve it to be the precious moment it's meant to be..."
Kurt looked at Ernie though half closed eyes contemplative "Let me guess, once bonded it would be difficult to spend much time apart, to the point that it would become more reasonable living together?"
Ernie looked just as calculating with a small smile "Seems like I'm not the only dragon with a little bit of an eye for the future that you met, son… I wonder if I should even guess how you came to that conclusion"
Kurt smiled and shrugged, not seeing the harm in revealing a rather small and non descriptive detail "It's part of my lease contract, one year after its start I am supposed to come back and see if we need to amend the names on the lease, in which case there's another year the renting to own before we'd become the owners of the place where I live."
Ernie grinned and chuckled
"I should have known Lionel would be the first to get his grabby claws on you. Do me a favour son, when you get home call your landlord and tell that living fossil, that he should pay visit to his elders.
And that I expect to see him before a week has passed. If he dares to make it a fortnight just to spite me, I'll show him how old doesn't mean frail for those with our heritage…
Now off you go son, go back to your lad, and remember, if you want to follow your instincts, those coming for your heritage tends to be lifelong commitments that you can't walk away or leave behind with a piece of paper. Be sure it's what you want, if there's even a grain of doubt halt everything and wait until no more doubts are present."
Kurt nodded and walked back to the entrance hall, where Adam's worry eased as soon as their eyes met. Uncaring of who could see Kurt walked straight into Adam's arms and held him tightly "Thank you for all you've done for me love. You were right. I had a very informative and great time here, though if you don't mind I'd love for us to go back home?"
Adam hummed his approval and hugged Kurt just as tightly, unconsciously rubbing his face against Kurt's reinforcing his claiming on his boyfriend.
It was irrational, he knew that, but he was also feeling very off kilter, like something had happened that could change the course of his whole life, but he couldn't see what that might have been.
After their first visit, the library became a biweekly stop, Kurt devoured books at an impressive speed, loving the chance to discuss them with Adam. Some things were the same as Adam was used to, some things written down were actually slightly different and they both enjoyed trying to guess where the discrepancies came from, whether if it was just an antiquated notion that never got updated, or if there were reasons for preferring one way over the others.
Visits at the Lexington's home were pushed up to be every other week. They had tried to make it a once at month occurrence, but as soon as they returned they both got such a scolding and from more than one of the residents.
That both Adam and Kurt had been quick to agree to come more often, and if after that they noticed how their mentors actually kept a close eyes on their interactions, they never raised the subject wondering just how long those looks would go on...
Kurt had never lived through a blizzard in New York, fortunately Adam had kept an eye on the weather warning, and he made sure that Kurt would have the loft stocked with all the necessary provision that could be needed during such time.
And that was a good thing, because they ended up snowbound together. Those days were quiet and still pretty pleasant, however by the end of the second day, they were both starting to feel the strain of not having their usual hours of freedom in their shifted form.
Kurt had been the first one to lose it, he blurted out "Ok this is getting ridiculous, we can't go on like this. I can feel you being ready to crawl up the walls. We both need to shift. I don't know about you but I've been pretty much constantly used to have at the very least the whole night time in my shifted form. If not a lot more. I don't want us to be forced into this, I can go and stay in the bathroom let you have the loft for yourself for a while, or I can be blindfolded but I can't handle watching you being so uncomfortable Adam, please"
Adam froze for a moment and then crawled closer to Kurt. He stopped kneeling right between his boyfriend's legs, resting his elbows on Kurt's knees before cradling Kurt's face in his hands. Adam asked softly
"Kurt, my love, I need to know this, are you offering to hide or blind yourself for my benefit or yours?"
Kurt looked deep into Adam's eyes, and said calmly "yours"
Given the position they were in, Kurt was able to feel the light tremor shaking Adam's whole being.
He licked his lips nervously, he desperately needed to know that Kurt was aware of what he was offering.
Or at least what every fibre of his body, mind and soul wanted Kurt to mean. His voice came out more pleading than he would have normally been comfortable with, but this was Kurt, and it was one of the most important steps they might end up taking together.
He couldn't allow his partner to walk into that kind of bond unaware. Not when Adam knew he was a ninth generation on his mother side and a twelfth generation on his father side.
Especially when he knew for sure that Kurt was at least a forth generation from his father side and no less than five or six on his mother side, if not more, on both of them…
If they were to take this step it was practically guarantee a lifelong bond would be forged, and while Adam had enough foresight flashes to be certain he was right and that Kurt was his mate, he didn't want to pressure Kurt too soon and have what was supposed to be a happy occasion become reason of regret in time.
Adam asked once more "Darling this is very important, it's not something that we can walk away like nothing happened. Do you understand there's possibly nothing more intimate than this that we could do, it's not that I don't want to, believe me I just don't want to ever have us a chance to regret this, I need you to be sure you understand what you're offering me, here I.."
Kurt took a deliberately slow blink, focusing on shifting just his eyes, like he did instinctively that one time in the fall when he claimed a leading position of their clan. "Adam you never commented on the fact I have one of The Adam's Apples poster in my loft, nor did you ever commented how it is in the one position that is perfectly visible from every single spot of the loft"
Adam nodded having noted that it was placed in such way that it would be visible even from the ceiling. Kurt continued calmly "I suppose you know that James was the one giving it to me, since all of the posters have a barrier around them preventing to be ripped away or damaged, And I believe even touched unless certain conditions are met"
Adam had an half grin forming on his lips, he didn't know Kurt knew of all that, especially since from the moment he joined the clan, he got automatic recognition of being one of the individuals allowed to touch them. And when he claimed his spot at Adam's side in leading the clan, Kurt had basically acquired the skeleton key to any enchantment done to protect the clan...
Kurt smiled back "What you might not know, or have only a small idea of, is the fact that since that first time your scent centred me, it called to me, and I couldn't leave it behind.
I don't know how it was possible but your scent stayed strong and with me until I met you.
After that, it slowly faded away, and then I started inviting you to spend more time in my nest instead."
Adam looked completely surprised by the explanation, his heart started to beat a little faster especially as Kurt continued staring at him directly in the eyes, with his shifted eyes openly displayed, and for the first time since Adam had been just a kid, his eyes shifted as well, without his conscious control, to return the open gesture offered so freely.
A flicker of emotion passed into Kurt's silvery eyes turning them brighter than ever before as he continued steady "I know exactly what I'm offering, I'm offering you to make a home with me, a nest where to rest when the winds are too strong, a safe place where to shed your worries at the door and walk in wearing any form you feel more comfortable with at any given moment, might it be human, full shifted or anything in between. Knowing that you are respected, loved, cherished and appreciated. Knowing that I am willing to support you just as much as you are willing to support me."
Kurt licked his lips and placed his hands on Adam's and leaned forward letting their forehead touch
"I haven't been more sure that I could not find a reason to regret choosing you above others to stand beside and fly high. But I don't want you to regret this step either. Especially if what I've heard about what would happen next would mean asking you to take permanent residence at my side, which might be inconvenient with your job and the rest of your life that doesn't include me."
Adam, unable to express just how much the care and consideration Kurt was showing for him, had affected him, simply moved forward and closed the space between them.
He then closes his eyes and in a blink of an eye where Adam had been kneeling there was a western dragon curled around their couch with his head resting on Kurt's knees.
The now familiar iridescent ocean blue eyes looking up from the short snout, where two lines of increasingly bigger horns were arranged in a V shaped formation that ended on the top of his head with the two longest horns curved backwards to follow the skull's shape.
Adam's skin was smooth and leathery, of a pale green that was going to look its most wonderful in the midst of a foggy morning in the English's countryside.
His wings, with a medium spawn were a perfect balance between raw strength and agility, both his arms and legs were muscular but not bulky, showing the flexibility of quick movements both airborne and on land.
The claws present at their extremities sharp equally able to attack or protect.
On Adam's backside two lines of small ridges formed a Y shaped design starting from the point where the wings connected to his back and ending on the pointed tail.
Adam offered a playful growl that sounded almost like whining, Kurt chuckled softly and placed a placating kiss on Adam's snout earning an adoring look of longing from the dragon.
he walked around the coach making sure to not have any furniture in his way and concentrated on releasing his shifted form.
Sitting regally like a cat with their tail curled around him was Kurt in all his beauty, if Adam had thought Kurt was attractive as human, his dragon form was even more alluring.
While he too was a Western dragon, his skin was covered with a myriad of shiny silvery scales, he had no ridges or horns, the only apparent pointy parts of Kurt's anatomy seemed to be his snout and the arrowhead ending of his tail. That of course until the tail moved on the side and revealed how Kurt had also talons other than claws at the extremities of his arts.
His body, while tonic, was not overly defined in his muscular mass. His wings similarly in built as Adam's, had a slight wider span and were slightly thinner in their width, all in all, Kurt's frame gave away that it was built for agility and precision.
The one detail that intrigued Adam the most, were two flexible appendage placed where horns usually were, that looked more like thin tentacles, moving in the air just like jellyfish's tentacles would move in the water.
Kurt was shining like a treasure, looking regal in a way uncommon in most shifters.
Adam advanced with the same cautious movements he would have used while approaching a small kitten he had never met before.
Kurt stayed absolutely still looking attentively as his mate approached slowly, and as soon as Adam passed completely the coffee table Kurt emitted a joyful growl that sounded in Adam's ears like gotcha ya, before he pounced and head butted Adam who found himself rolling on the floor in surprise, only for Kurt to have already jumped back and went midair just out of Adam's reach.
Only to dive in closer enough to give Adam another gentle head butt before flying away once more, the third time Kurt came closer Adam was ready and he returned the head butt before running away taking shelter under the kitchen table.
That was how their first game of tag and catch started.
If they had been in their human form laughter would have resounded in the air, but in their shifted form the air was filled with excited thrills and small growls full of carefree joy.
As two nearly adult dragons played like hatchlings without a care in the world, the world outside the loft door was kept into a frozen hold by the blizzard raging over the city.