Chapter 8
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee.
A/N: YIKES! Time sure flies. I don't know if I'll have anyone is still following this story, and that's perfectly fine, but I want to continue this fic even if it's just for me. Let's hop right in.
PREVIOUSLY ON HERO, SAVIOR, MINE: Burt gave Kurt his customary buttered toast and a bottle of water on their way out the door; Kurt making sure that his dad would definitely be meeting them at the doctor's office after school. The ride to school was relatively quiet save the low sound of the radio playing in the background. Kurt wasn't really in the mood for food but, but he knew how important it was for him to eat no matter what. When they stopped at a stop light about half way from school, the nervous teen surprised the jock when he undid his seat belt and slid over into the middle seat and redid his seat belt. Puck seemed to understand immediately because he wrapped an arm around the boy and pulled him to him until his head rested on his shoulder. They stayed that way until Puck pulled his truck into an empty spot in the school parking lot. Pressing a kiss to his head, he asked, "You ready for this?"
"As long as I have you by my side…"
"Always, sweetheart."
Kurt nodded and sat up straight, "then let's do this."
"Come on. Tina texted and said her, Wheels, and Mike are gonna be waiting outside for us." They gathered their stuff and exited the truck. Kurt was quick to pull his hood up over his head. Puck shot him a smile, wrapped an arm around his shoulders, and started guiding them to where their friends were supposed to be.
Tina was the first to spot them. The biggest smile broke out across her face, and without thought she ran to Kurt and threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. He held her to him just as tightly. "I'm so happy to see you and I'm so glad you're okay. Welcome back, Kurt."
"Hi Tina," Kurt whispered. He couldn't begin to explain how it felt to be wrapped up in his friend's arms. He pulled back, "you look as beautiful as ever I see."
She blushed, "you're looking pretty good yourself."
"Even with the new clothes?" he cocked an eyebrow.
"Of course! You'd look amazing no matter what you wear."
"Hey, where's Wheels?" Puck interrupted.
Tina stepped back to Mike's side, "he was running a little behind. He should be here anytime; said to go on in and he'd meet us at the lockers."
Puck just nodded. "Hello Kurt," Mike said.
The pale boy smiled. "Hey Mike. You been taking good care of my girl here?"
"As much as she'll let me. We both know how stubborn she can be."
"I'm standing right here you know," she spoke up.
"Yes, but you don't mind," Kurt rolled his eyes, "do I get a hug hello Mike?" The eyes of Puck, Mike, and Tina all widened.
"Are you sure you're okay with that?" Mike questioned unsurely.
"I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't." Kurt cut off any other questions by walking straight up to the Asian boy and wrapping his arms around his waist. Mike hesitantly raised his arms and pat the smaller teen on the back, not wanting to spook him. Kurt stepped out of the hug with a big smile on his face, "see? That wasn't so bad, now was it?"
Mike couldn't help but smile in return, "it's really good to have you back Kurt. It just hasn't been the same around here without your fashionable self."
"Thank you. We should probably head inside; I really need to get to my locker." The rested nodded in agreement. Puck walked on Kurt's left side, Kurt looped Tina's arm through his, and Tina's right hand was tangled with Mike's. They walked like that the entire way to Kurt's locker, and luckily no one paid them any attention.
It took a couple of tries before the lock opened. It really had been a while. Kurt stood at his open locker talking with Tina. Puck was on his left, his hand secretly and securely placed on Kurt's right hip. Artie rolled up behind Kurt and realized he was eye level with the boy's ass. He was momentarily frozen until a low growl penetrated his mind. He looked up to find Puck glaring at him. "Mine," he hissed.
Kurt looked up, "what?" Tina took the time to whisper in Kurt's ear all that had just happened. Kurt blushed and looked to the jock, "down Noah. You have nothing to worry about." He gave him a quick pat on the chest, gave the hand on his hip a squeeze, and returned his attention back to his locker. Just as quickly he spun back around, "Artie!"
The wheelchair bound boy blushed, "hey Kurt."
"Is it okay if I give you a hug?" In answer Artie just held his arms out in an open invitation. Kurt bent and hugged the bespectacled teen. Kurt stepped back and returned to Puck's side. "It's good to see you Artie."
"You, too, Kurt. Hey Puck."
"Wheels. Shit, I just remembered something. You and Tina have second period with Kurt, right?" Artie nodded. "And, Mike, you have fifth period with him?" Mike nodded as well. "Good. Those are the only two classes I don't have with Kurt. Will you guys stick with him for me please?"
"Of course we will," Tina spoke up.
"Guys, you don't have to do that. Noah, you don't have to keep going through all this trouble," Kurt insisted.
"Angel, please do this for me. If you have no one with you then I'll worry the entire time. I need to know you're safe and not alone. Please?"
"Okay Noah. I'm sorry. You've been worrying about me for two months now, ever since you found me. If there's something, anything, that I can do to ease some of that worry then I will. I owe you that much at least. More than that actually."
"You don't owe me anything. I'm here because I want to be. No other reason, I promise."
A throat cleared behind them. They turned around to see a concerned looking Artie, "is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's cool," Puck reassured. "Just clearing something up. Angel, you ready to head to first period?"
Grabbing his book and a notebook, Kurt closed his locker and took a deep breath, "I think so. I'm kinda nervous though. You realize that my voice alone will gain attention, don't you? If a teacher calls on me and I have to answer then I'm done for."
"Since I'll be sitting beside you, you can raise your hand, tell me the answer, and then I'll say the answer out loud."
"Do you have the answer for everything?"
"Not everything. It's all about making things easier for you." Puck put his mouth by Kurt's ear so no one would hear and whispered, "Making things easier for the both of you. I gotta take care of my top two priorities." The blush that spread across Kurt's cheeks was unstoppable. Noah always knew how to make him feel so well-taken care of. Puck straightened, "thanks again guys for all your help. I can't you how much it means to me. To us." He hugged Tina and fist bumped Mike and Artie. "We're gonna head to first period. Wanna get him in there before the room's too full. See ya in a bit."
When they reached first period, Puck quickly explained to the teacher about not drawing any attention to Kurt. She agreed, quietly welcomed Kurt back, and the boys made their way to a table in the back corner. "So far so good. Wouldn't you say?" Puck asked the smaller teen slightly hunched beside him, doing whatever he could to make himself look as non-visible as possible.
"For now," he whispered.
"You worry too much. We totally got this. You trust me, don't ya?"
"You seriously did not just ask me that."
"There's my boy and his sass."
Kurt just looked over and sent the boy a quick wink. He wrapped the other boy's jacket tighter around his body, releasing a contented sight. "Damn, I love this jacket."
Puck, who had been focusing on a paper in front of him, looked up slightly confused. "Huh?"
"I said I love this jacket. Especially that it smells like you. It's almost like when you hold me when we go to sleep at night." Kurt was actually surprised when a blush began to spread across Puck's cheeks. He couldn't believe that he, of all people, managed to put that there.
"I'm glad you like it. When it starts to not smell like me we can change it out for a new one."
"You'd do that for me?"
Face serious, Puck grabbed Kurt's left hand and settled it in his own left hand (so he'd be able to keep a hold of it) and stared the boy straight in the eye, "haven't you realized by now that I would do anything for you?"
Glasz eyes watered, "I think I'm really starting to get that."
"Good." The teacher called for attention at the front of the room. Using the hand he was still holding, Puck pulled Kurt close and whispered, "And you best not forget it my angel." He winked at Kurt's blush. Turnabout was fair play after all.
**Puck & Kurt**
After reluctantly leaving Kurt with Tina and Artie, since they had second period together, Puck was at his own locker switching out books when a fellow jock, Carter, approached him. "Dude, Puck, man, what's up with what I saw outside earlier? Did I see Hummel in your truck?"
Puck was anxious. It was Kurt's first day back and someone had already noticed him. He had been seriously hoping it wouldn't happen so soon. "Yeah. So what? I gave him a lift."
"Just a lift in your truck or a lift on something else?"
"Nice. I'm gonna take a guess that you stole that from your 8 year old sister. Moron." Puck slammed his locker shut and faced the other teen. "So, tell me, how many people saw me and Kurt this morning?"
"Just me as far as I know. I haven't heard it from any of the other guys."
"Good and it's going to stay that way. You're not going to bring up Kurt to anybody or else Coach will find out about your weed problem."
"Dude!"
"I'm serious. I want no talk of Kurt spread. Do we understand each other?"
"Yeah. Whatever. Asshole." Carter gave one last disgruntled look before walking away without a second glance. Puck breathed a sigh and rested his head against the cool surface of his locker. He felt a sudden cool, soft hand on the base of his neck eliciting a near quiet moan from his mouth. A loving grin unwillingly took over his face. He slowly turned his head to find a curious Kurt Hummel smiling at him. That smile definitely caused his heart to skip a beat and let loose the butterflies he wasn't even aware took residence in his stomach.
"Angel," came out rough and husky. If he guessed correctly, he felt a slight shiver run through Kurt courtesy of the hand still at his neck. He was glad to know he seemed to have the effect on Kurt that he felt.
"Hi Noah." Without another word Kurt pulled Puck's head down and cupped his hand by his ear as if he were going to whisper something in it. In actuality he placed a soft yet warm kiss to the tan teen's cheek.
"What was that for?" the jock asked with a slight grin.
"I just wanted you to have it. Hopefully it'll hold me over 'til next period." The boy shrugged.
Puck's grin spread with a chuckle, "I'll take that anytime. Not sure how long that'll hold me over for. Third period will need to hurry up and get here."
"Definitely. We better get to class," he glanced back and gestured to Tina who stepped forward and looped arms with him.
They only took two steps before Puck's hand grabbing Kurt's stopped them. He leaned toward Kurt, "have I mentioned lately how good you look in my hoodie Angel?" Reluctantly he released the boy's hand with a wink. "See you after class babe." A giggling Tina pulled a blushing, yet grinning, Kurt off toward their class. "Third period can't get here fast enough," he mumbled to himself as he set off to his own class.
**Puck & Kurt**
Kurt and Puck had decided that they wanted to spend lunch alone in the choir room. They shut the doors, locked them, and kept the lights off. Puck situated himself into the corner of the top of the risers. He looked where Kurt was rooted at the bottom, and patted the spot beside him. "You just gonna stand there all day babe or you going to have lunch with me? Ma packed it. She said none of it was bad for the baby and that it shouldn't be too hard on your stomach. Wait, is something wrong? With you or the baby?"
Kurt flashed a quick smile to show everything was okay, and slowly made his way to the worried teen's side. "We're fine Noah. I just hadn't realized how much I missed being in this room. Even in the dark. So what did Mama Puckerman pack for lunch? We're starved." At that exact moment, Kurt's stomach grumbled loud enough for Puck to hear. The jock laughed and quickly unpacked the lunch and ginger ales his mother had put together. The boys ate in relative silence. Anything that Kurt couldn't eat, whatever made him get that queasy feeling, he passed off to Puck who ate it willingly. There was still plenty of time left in the lunch period when they were done eating. After disposing of their trash and resuming his position, Puck directed Kurt to lean against him. Arm thrown around the pregnant boy, Kurt entwined his fingers with Puck's and rested them on his belly. They truly felt connected this way. It was Kurt, Puck, and their baby. It made them feel a sense of peace.
Puck kissed the top of Kurt's head. "How's the day going for you? If it's too much, you know we can head out early."
"It's going okay. Better than I expected, and that's all thanks to you Noah. You made it easy."
"There's no thanks to me. You made the brave decision to come back. I just made it easier. I'm looking out for you and being with you. Both things I can't imagine not doing. I enjoy being with you. Do I like the events that set everything in motion? Hell no. But I will never regret being with you and beside you."
"I can't possibly imagine anyone by my side except you. It's what feels right."
"Good because you're stuck with me. I seriously can't wait 'til after school."
"Me either. We're actually gonna hear our baby's heartbeat. I know I'm going to cry already."
"I'm pretty sure that's normal babe."
Kurt poked him in the stomach, "you can't tell me you won't be affected."
"Hey now," he chuckled, "I never said I wouldn't be affected. Hell, this baby has affected me ever since Dr. Warner told us you were pregnant."
"You're a great dad Noah Puckerman," Kurt whispered, squeezing the hand entwined with his. It was that moment in which the bell chose to ring. Both boys stayed quiet as they gathered their things, joined in a brief but touching embrace, and headed off to their next class.
**Puck and Kurt**
Luckily the rest of the school day went by quickly for the two teens (and with no incidents). They quickly made their way to Puck's truck. When Kurt started to put his seat belt on in the passenger seat Puck cleared his throat. "What are you doing?"
"Oh, you know, just this thing they call a seat belt. It helps protect you in the case of an accident."
"Ha ha smartass. I'm well aware of what a seat belt is. My question is why are you sitting all the way over there?"
"Would you like me to sit next to you Noah?"
"Only if you wanted to. I wouldn't force you to if it wasn't what you wanted." Puck drove the car out of the parking lot and headed to Dr. Warner's office. He was stopped at a stop sign when Kurt released his belt, slid across the seat, and rebuckled himself. Without saying a work Puck put his arm around Kurt, who in which instinctively rested his head on his shoulder. The rest of the car ride was done in silence: no radio, no talking, nothing. It was simply one of those moments in which nothing had to be said. They were soothed and comfortable in the silence. Puck parked his truck a couple spaces over from where he thought he saw Burt parked. Burt got out of his truck and waited for the boys to join him. Kurt pulled his dad into a hug.
"Hey, kid. How did school go today?"
"It wasn't too bad. Noah took real good care of me. He made sure I had someone with me at all times. We kind of couldn't wait for school to be over though since we were so excited about this appointment." Kurt's eyes were practically sparkling and he was nearly bouncing out of his shoes.
"Well, come on then, let's head inside so Doc Warner can show us that baby of yours," Burt said before he went and opened the office building's door for his son. They walked into a warm and welcoming waiting room, surprised to find it empty. The boys took a seat while Burt signed Kurt in.
As soon as they sat down, Kurt, with his hands on his knees, started bouncing his legs up and down. Puck gently placed his hand over one of Kurt's, stopping the movement. Kurt blushed, "sorry."
"You don't need to apologize."
"Everything okay?" Burt questioned as he took the seat next to them.
Puck nodded," yeah. I think that while Kurt is excited he's also a little nervous."
"Nothing to be worried about, son. I promise."
"Hummel?" A voice spoke from the doorway that lead to further back in the office. "We're all ready for you. Would you like to come on back?" The woman seemed to be in her mid 40s, had her brunette hair pulled back from her face, and wore a friendly warm smile.
Puck smiled reassuringly at the pale teen, placing his hand on the small of his back as they made their way back.
"Hello, Kurt. My name is Gina. I'm one of Doctor Warner's nurses."
"Hi. This is my dad, Burt, and my friend Noah."
"Nice to meet all of you. We're going to go into the first door on the left hand side." She gestured to the door in front of them. "Why don't you go ahead and get settled on the exam table, Kurt? I'm just gonna take your vitals real quick." Burt settled himself into one of the chairs against the wall. After a moment's hesitation, Puck sat next to him. He would have preferred being at Kurt's side, but he didn't want to get in the nurse's way. "Kurt, you're vitals look great. I'll go and let the doctor know you're ready for her. It was nice meeting you all." She quickly exited the room; Puck instantly moving to Kurt's side. Kurt's pale hand reached over for the jock's tan one. They shared a sweet smile. There was a soft knock on the door before it slowly opened to reveal a smiling Doctor Warner.
"Hello, gentlemen. It's good to see you." She shook Burt's hand before taking a seat on the small rolling chair. "Kurt. How have you been doing?" she asked with a smile.
"Well, I have my good days and my bad. Morning sickness hits just about every morning of course. I went back to school for the first time today. I'm just kind of trying to take it one day at a time."
"Good. I'm glad to hear that. How was your first day back? Have any problems being around all those people again?"
"No, not really. Noah really took care of things. He made sure I was never on my own. We worked to make sure I flew under the radar so I didn't really draw any attention to myself. Plus, I couldn't stop thinking about this appointment so that really helped keep my mind occupied."
"You're quite the tough young man. However, I do highly recommend you going and speaking with a therapist. I think it would be in the best interest in the health and well-being of both you and the baby. In my office I have a card for a woman who I know has previously worked with victims of assault and has been quite successful. I'll get that for you before you go. And, Noah, I think it would be a good idea for you to join for a few sessions whether they're with Kurt or not. But only when she feels like it's the right time."
"Why do I need to go?" Noah asked.
"While you didn't experience the trauma that Kurt did, you still suffered your own trauma being that you're the one that found him. Do you understand what I mean?"
"I get it. I'll go."
"Great." She clapped her hands together once and swept her gaze across the three men. "Now, enough about that. You guys ready to see the baby? Hear the heartbeat?"
"Yes, please!" said Kurt, eyes already shining.
"Okay, Kurt, I'd like you to lie back and lift up your shirt please." While Kurt got himself situated, Doc Warner pushed a few buttons on the ultrasound machine. "Burt, would you be so kind as to hit the lights for me?" Darkness covered the room save for the ultrasound monitor.
Puck adjusted his grip on Kurt's hand and placed a gentle kiss to his forehead. "You read for this, Angel?"
"Ready as can be. You?"
"Honestly? Nervous as hell." Kurt couldn't contain his small giggle.
"Okay, Kurt, you ready?" Dr. Warner asked.
"Yes, ma'am."
She grabbed a bottle with some clear gel stuff in it. "This is gonna be a little cold." The cold gel spurted onto his stomach, making him jump a little. "I know; I'm sorry. Give me one second to look around here," she said as she grabbed the transducer probe and started to move it around the mound of gel on Kurt's stomach. "So far everything looks good. I'd say you're approximately 9 weeks along. Baby's measurements are normal. I see no abnormalities. Ready to see your baby?"
The boy had no words so he simply nodded. With the press of a few buttons, the image of the baby appeared on monitors placed on the walls. Kurt gasped. There was his baby.
"It kinda looks like a blob," Noah blurted.
"Noah!" Kurt swatted the other teen on the arm.
The doctor chuckled. "Don't worry. You're not the first person to say that. Let me point out a few things for you. Up here, at the top, is the umbilical cord. To the left is your baby's head."
"Wow," Kurt sighed.
"And now…" Doc Warner pressed a button and a whooshing sound played throughout the room.
"Is that…?" whispered Kurt.
"Your baby's heartbeat? Yes. Nice and strong."
Kurt turned to the jock, tears slowly dripping down both of their faces. "Noah, can you believe it?"
Puck wiped the tears from Kurt's cheeks before slowly placing a soft, simple kiss to the boy's lips. "That's our baby, Kurt. Our baby."
The brightest smile lit up Kurt's face. He looked towards his father, who was also crying. "What do you think, daddy?"
"I think that's one of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard. I'll never forget this moment." Burt's voice was rough.
"Kurt, would you like a copy of the baby's sonogram printed?" asked Doctor Warner.
"Oh gosh, yes, please!"
"How many copies would you like?"
He closed his eyes for a moment to think. "Do you think five would be possible?"
"Not a problem. I'll be right back. You can use one of those towels on the counter to wipe off your stomach and feel free to sit up whenever you're ready."
Once she was out of the room Puck asked curiously, "Angel, why do you need five copies?"
"One for me and you of course, my dad, Carole, and Ruth."
"Oh, okay. Sounds good." Neither Puck nor Kurt could keep the smiles from their faces. They had just heard their baby's heartbeat for the very first time. Even better was the fact that everything looked normal and the baby was growing as it should be.
A quick knock at the door drew back the boys' attention. "Alrighty you guys. Here are your pictures, the card for the therapist we discussed, as well as a prescription for some prenatal vitamins." Burt accepted each item from Doc Warner with a nod. "Kurt, I just want to tell you how proud of you I am. You're doing so well. Being a pregnant male isn't the most common thing in the world, but I promise you that we're gonna look after you and your baby closely. We'll treat it as we would any other pregnancy that is of a higher risk. Your visits with me will get more frequent over time. For now, I would to see you again in 3 weeks. Does that sound okay?"
"I'll do whatever you suggest as long as it's the safest thing for the baby and me. I'm not looking forward to it, but I'm even willing to see that therapist since it's best for the baby's well-being."
"That's great, Kurt. You're free to go. Just continue taking care of your body. Try to avoid extremely stressful situations also if possible. You're blood pressure is one of the things we're going to monitor more closely down the line."
"Thanks, Dr. Warner. You've been really great about this," Kurt said as he shook her hand with a shy smile. "Ready, Dad?"
"You bet kiddo. Here are your pictures," he handed the photos to his son, "why don't you and Noah go on outside while I check you out and set up your next appointment?"
"Okay." Burt watched his son and the Jewish jock join hands and make their way out.
"You've got yourself one strong, brave kid there, Burt."
"He gets it from his mother. He's gonna be okay?"
"We're all going to try our damnedest to make sure he is," the doctor spoke firmly.
"Thanks, Doc," he replied as he joined the receptionist at her desk to set up the next appointment.