Chapter 23
The morning of graduation dawned on a very clear and sunny day in early June. Kurt had actually finished his requirements for graduation about three weeks before hand, but he did like the fact that he was allowed to graduate with his teammates. Somehow the whole idea of just stopping by the school and being handed his diploma or being mailed his diploma, didn't seem as fulfilling as being able to stand up there with his friends and fellow classmates.
Those thoughts had been on Kurt's mind a lot for the past month. And as the month of May passed by, both the Professor and Father Taylor had helped Kurt realize that he had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
If anything, Kurt had earned the right to attend his graduation more than anyone else at Bayville High.
"Hey! Watch where you're going Gambit! The last thing I need is you in mah head this early in the morning!"
"Sorry chere. I'm not exactly very alert in the mornings."
Kurt grinned as he heard an irritated Rogue and a slightly amused Gambit outside of his door. Life with Gambit in the mansion had certainly made May quite an interesting month to say the least.
Mainly because whenever Rogue and Gambit ran into each other, there was always a confrontation funny enough to have Kurt rolling on the floor from laughter. Even if it was during an intense stomach cramp. Although the vomiting had disappeared by mid May ... except when Kurt was around eggs.
Logan had, of course, insisted that Gambit should have the same duties and responsibilities as everyone else in the mansion. The Professor had agreed with an amused grin on his face.
But then again, Gambit had taken the danger room sessions and the extra cleaning duties completely in stride. Even Logan couldn't find any complaints about him. Except he was vastly annoyed by him and Rogue constantly fighting. However, Logan was the only one. Everyone else was vastly amused by it.
It was with this on his mind, that Kurt woke up on the morning of graduation. The mansion certainly had needed some laughter these past few months.
Kurt stretched without even bothering to sit up in bed and was very thankful that the stomach cramp that had been plaguing him the night before had apparently vanished. The last thing he needed was to walk forward and get his diplomas while barely being able to stand up.
However, Kurt's stomach may not have been cramping that morning, but something definitely felt funny. Almost a fluttery feeling that was situated in his stomach.
Confused, Kurt sat up and placed a hand lightly over his stomach. He didn't feel nauseous, but something was sure churning in the pit of his stomach.
However, when Kurt suddenly woke up all the way he also realized what he was feeling. The baby was moving!
Suddenly excited, Kurt pressed his hand against his stomach a little harder in order to try and feel for any sign of the child. Unfortunately it didn't take Kurt long to realize that while he could feel the baby moving from the inside, he couldn't feel any movement from the outside.
"Vell at least I know you're actually in there ... and not causing me to lose my breakfast anymore," Kurt spoke out loud. It was a good thing Kurt had a room to himself or he would have had someone looking at him like he was insane.
With a slight sigh, Kurt pulled the covers back and hopped out of bed before someone came looking for him. However, pulling his covers away from his stomach made Kurt realize something that he hadn't been able to see through the bed sheets.
His stomach now had a noticeable bulge to it.
Groaning, Kurt quickly flipped on the lights on walked over to his mirror to get a closer look at what he hoped was just his imagination.
Unfortunately when Kurt turned sideways in the mirror, he realized that it hadn't been the results of his slightly sleep deprived mind.
His stomach was sticking out.
"Great," Kurt said to himself, "I just hope one of my shirts will cover this up."
Kurt, however, really didn't think that was going to be the case. He couldn't think of any shirt he owned that was lose enough to cover up his now protruding stomach.
And ten minutes worth of trying on shirts proved that point.
Even Kurt's loosest shirt still showed the bulge.
"Now vhat am I going to do?" Kurt groaned, "I don't think I'm going to be able to explain this at graduation."
Kurt was so lost in thought, that he jumped when a knock sounded at his door.
"Kurt? Are you in there? I thought I heard you talking to yourself."
Kurt released the breath he had been holding. "Ja, Keety. I ... just need a few more minutes."
Kitty must have heard something funny in Kurt's voice, because there was a slight pause before she replied to Kurt's voice. "Okay Fuzzy. Let me know if you need anything."
"Okay Keety," Kurt said back, but he really wasn't putting any thought into his reply.
He was still staring at his reflection in the mirror.
'I think it's time for me to get some new shirts for the coming months,' Kurt thought to himself, 'but that won't help me today.'
'Maybe I can borrow a shirt from Scott for today,' Kurt thought.
Holding an extra shirt in front of his stomach, Kurt quietly made his way down the hall and towards Scott's bedroom.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"And here I thought that we were so out of Bayville High," Scott said from where he was seated on his bed.
Jean laughed as she thumbed through Scott's closet. Though why she insisted on picking out a shirt for Scott was beyond him.
"Well Scott, don't you want to be there to support Kitty, Rogue, Tabitha and Kurt?" Jean asked, "I mean a little over a month ago Kurt thought that he wouldn't even be allowed to attend."
Scott nodded in defeat. "Yeah I know, Jean. He didn't say anything, but this graduation ceremony really means a lot to Kurt. I think he needs to be with these people and not feel ashamed of who he is."
Jean smiled as she walked over and kissed her boyfriend. "I like the fact that you're so sensitive."
Scott grinned at her. "Just don't tell anyone else. I have a reputation as an uptight, serious leader to maintain."
Jean held up her hand. "I vow never to say a word."
However, Jean's mock vow was completely ruined by the fact that she burst out laughing right after she said it.
Growling, Scott pulled Jean down on top of him and soon the two of them were involved in a wrestling match and were giggling so loudly that they didn't notice that someone had come into the room.
"Scott?"
Both Jean and Scott froze at the questioning voice and in unison they turned their heads toward the door to see Kurt standing there with a weird look on face.
"Don't give me that look, Kurt," Scott started, "I've seen you wrestling with Kitty."
Kurt had the grace to look completely embarrassed by Scott's words, but he also seemed to be embarrassed about something else.
*Geez Scott. Why did you have to say that? I've never seen Kurt looking this shy.*
Scott sighed at Jean's words running through his head.
*I don't think he's acting like that just because of what I said, Jean.*
Scott then turned his head to where Kurt was now standing. Kurt's gaze was directed towards the carpet and he was completely avoiding eye contact with either Scott or Jean.
"Kurt, ... what' wrong buddy?" Scott asked him.
Kurt still didn't meet Scott's gaze when he started talking. "Vell, Scott ... I vas vondering if ... I mean if it's not too much of a problem ...," Kurt finally lifted his gaze toward Scott, "could I maybe borrow one of your shirts for today."
Scott was a little surprised by the request. "Uh, ... sure Kurt. But what's wrong with your shirts?"
Kurt once again turned his gaze downward, and Scott was fairly sure that if Kurt didn't have fur there would have been a very visible blush covering Kurt's face.
"Vell, mein shirts ... they don't ... that is they're kind of ... they aren't ... they don't fit right ... anymore," Kurt stuttered out.
"Oh," Scott said. Then Jean kicked him in the shin and shot him a look that clearly said 'how can you not know what Kurt's talking about?'.
"OH!" Scott said again as it suddenly clicked. "I'm sorry, Kurt."
Kurt looked up at Scott and managed a tiny smile. "It's okay Scott."
Jumping off the bed, Scott motioned with his hand for Kurt to join him at the closet. "So, let's see what we can get for you. Are you sure you don't have any shirt of your own that won't work for today?"
Glaring slightly at Scott, Kurt let his arms (with the extra shirt in them) drop to his sides. "Zhis is the largest shirt I have."
Both Scott and Jean couldn't help but stare at Kurt's stomach. Somewhere in the backs of their minds, they knew that Kurt had just started his fourth month in the pregnancy, but actually seeing his stomach starting to stick was gonna take a little getting used to.
Kurt fidgeted under their gazes. "I know I should be used to being stared at but, ... can you guys please not do that."
Both Jean and Scott stammered out apologies. Then Scott returned to looking through the various shirts in his closet, but before he could find one for Kurt, the door opened and Kitty came in.
"Kurt I thought you were getting dressed?" Kitty asked.
Kurt winced as he turned around to face Kitty. Jean almost laughed at the dumbstruck look on Kitty's face.
"So, ... that's why you sounded kind of funny a few minutes ago," Kitty said smiling politely in an effort to get Kurt to relax.
The ploy must have worked because Kurt grinned at her as he answered. "Ja. I wasn't exactly prepared to go around the Institute like zhis."
"I think this should do it," Scott declared as he pulled a red t-shirt out of his closet. "Why don't you try it on Kurt?"
Shrugging, Kurt quickly pulled off the shirt he was wearing and then just as quickly pulled on the one Scott was offering. He accomplished this so quickly that Scott, Jean, and Kitty were barely able to catch a glimpse of what his bare stomach looked like. Even so, it was clear that there was a noticeable difference.
Once the t-shirt was on, Kurt studied himself critically in the mirror. "Are you sure zhis is going to work?"
The other three all studied Kurt for a moment. The red t-shirt was much looser on Kurt than the previous shirt he had been wearing. After all, he was smaller than Scott. But if the shirt fell over his stomach just right, the bulge was somewhat visible.
"No one will even notice, Kurt," Kitty declared, "trust me. No one will be looking at your stomach."
"Besides," Jean added, "once you get your robe on, it won't be noticeable at all."
Kurt breathed out in relief. "I suppose you're right. Does this mean we can go and have breakfast?"
Scott, Jean, and Kitty all burst out laughing right on cue. "It's good to have at least something back to normal," Scott said, "what do you feel like eating buddy?"
Kurt grinned as he thought about. "Waffles with butter and syrup. And please ... no eggs!"
Kitty giggled. "Well, not completely back to normal."
"Look Cajun, quit teasing me! I was just trying it on!"
"I was not teasing you chere."
Kurt laughed. "Are zhey at it again?"
Scott also grinned. "I hate to say it, but I think life was actually dull around here before Gambit showed up."
Jean and Kitty laughed along with the guys as Rogue and Remy passed Scott's door.
"I just wanted to see how I looked with my graduation robe on," Rogue was saying, "you don't have to lie by saying it looks good on me."
"I'm not lying chere," Remy replied, "it makes you look smart and sophisticated."
"But I'm completely covered up," Rogue protested.
"So?" Remy returned.
As the duo headed down the hall, they were still exchanging words back and forth. While it at first sounded like they were simple fighting, there was also clearly a hint of flirtation amongst the words.
*And I thought teasing Kurt and Kitty was going to be fun* Jean said in Scott's head.
Scott grinned mischievously back at her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, I originally intended to have the actual graduation ceremony be the next chapter, but then I got this idea of Kurt being a little embarrassed about starting to show (I have a theory that men would start to show earlier) and I just had to right this little chapter. It also gives me a little more time to think about exactly what I want to do with the graduation scene. I have some ideas, but I haven't completely decided.
Also, I was kind of rushed in printing this story up because I got sick over the weekend and didn't get back to campus (and my computer) until this morning.
Anyway, on to the reviews:
~C~ Of course Gambit has other motives for staying at the mansion. Although I wanted to make Rogue and Remy's relationship, more of a flirtation right now. I don't want to put all the couples together right away. But I think I've already said that. Anyway, keep up with the crazy reviews.
Raskolian Phoenix: Glad you like Father Taylor. I wanted to get at least some good humans in this story. And I thought that a great place to start would be at Kurt's church. Anyway can't say what's in store for graduation ... haven't got it all planned out. And sorry about the typos. Unfortunately my spell check doesn't catch most ... or any of them and I never have time to look over the document before I post. I try to avoid typos, but even I can't catch them all.
InterNutter: I actually had the baby start moving in this chapter, but I was actually discussing this topic with C over the weekends. We were figuring that by about the fourth month, Kurt would be able to feel some slight fluttering, but the baby wouldn't be felt from the outside ... yet.
Mayzon: glad I could be of some help. Hope you like this chapter as well.
Amity Raven: I didn't even think about the priest from Les Miserables until you mentioned it. You're right. No offense to anyone who's catholic, but it's very rare that I see priests who are that tolerant. And actually some to take their words to heart.
I think I got all the reviewers. Anymore questions or suggestions, feel free to review.
Thanks!
~Ice~
The morning of graduation dawned on a very clear and sunny day in early June. Kurt had actually finished his requirements for graduation about three weeks before hand, but he did like the fact that he was allowed to graduate with his teammates. Somehow the whole idea of just stopping by the school and being handed his diploma or being mailed his diploma, didn't seem as fulfilling as being able to stand up there with his friends and fellow classmates.
Those thoughts had been on Kurt's mind a lot for the past month. And as the month of May passed by, both the Professor and Father Taylor had helped Kurt realize that he had absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
If anything, Kurt had earned the right to attend his graduation more than anyone else at Bayville High.
"Hey! Watch where you're going Gambit! The last thing I need is you in mah head this early in the morning!"
"Sorry chere. I'm not exactly very alert in the mornings."
Kurt grinned as he heard an irritated Rogue and a slightly amused Gambit outside of his door. Life with Gambit in the mansion had certainly made May quite an interesting month to say the least.
Mainly because whenever Rogue and Gambit ran into each other, there was always a confrontation funny enough to have Kurt rolling on the floor from laughter. Even if it was during an intense stomach cramp. Although the vomiting had disappeared by mid May ... except when Kurt was around eggs.
Logan had, of course, insisted that Gambit should have the same duties and responsibilities as everyone else in the mansion. The Professor had agreed with an amused grin on his face.
But then again, Gambit had taken the danger room sessions and the extra cleaning duties completely in stride. Even Logan couldn't find any complaints about him. Except he was vastly annoyed by him and Rogue constantly fighting. However, Logan was the only one. Everyone else was vastly amused by it.
It was with this on his mind, that Kurt woke up on the morning of graduation. The mansion certainly had needed some laughter these past few months.
Kurt stretched without even bothering to sit up in bed and was very thankful that the stomach cramp that had been plaguing him the night before had apparently vanished. The last thing he needed was to walk forward and get his diplomas while barely being able to stand up.
However, Kurt's stomach may not have been cramping that morning, but something definitely felt funny. Almost a fluttery feeling that was situated in his stomach.
Confused, Kurt sat up and placed a hand lightly over his stomach. He didn't feel nauseous, but something was sure churning in the pit of his stomach.
However, when Kurt suddenly woke up all the way he also realized what he was feeling. The baby was moving!
Suddenly excited, Kurt pressed his hand against his stomach a little harder in order to try and feel for any sign of the child. Unfortunately it didn't take Kurt long to realize that while he could feel the baby moving from the inside, he couldn't feel any movement from the outside.
"Vell at least I know you're actually in there ... and not causing me to lose my breakfast anymore," Kurt spoke out loud. It was a good thing Kurt had a room to himself or he would have had someone looking at him like he was insane.
With a slight sigh, Kurt pulled the covers back and hopped out of bed before someone came looking for him. However, pulling his covers away from his stomach made Kurt realize something that he hadn't been able to see through the bed sheets.
His stomach now had a noticeable bulge to it.
Groaning, Kurt quickly flipped on the lights on walked over to his mirror to get a closer look at what he hoped was just his imagination.
Unfortunately when Kurt turned sideways in the mirror, he realized that it hadn't been the results of his slightly sleep deprived mind.
His stomach was sticking out.
"Great," Kurt said to himself, "I just hope one of my shirts will cover this up."
Kurt, however, really didn't think that was going to be the case. He couldn't think of any shirt he owned that was lose enough to cover up his now protruding stomach.
And ten minutes worth of trying on shirts proved that point.
Even Kurt's loosest shirt still showed the bulge.
"Now vhat am I going to do?" Kurt groaned, "I don't think I'm going to be able to explain this at graduation."
Kurt was so lost in thought, that he jumped when a knock sounded at his door.
"Kurt? Are you in there? I thought I heard you talking to yourself."
Kurt released the breath he had been holding. "Ja, Keety. I ... just need a few more minutes."
Kitty must have heard something funny in Kurt's voice, because there was a slight pause before she replied to Kurt's voice. "Okay Fuzzy. Let me know if you need anything."
"Okay Keety," Kurt said back, but he really wasn't putting any thought into his reply.
He was still staring at his reflection in the mirror.
'I think it's time for me to get some new shirts for the coming months,' Kurt thought to himself, 'but that won't help me today.'
'Maybe I can borrow a shirt from Scott for today,' Kurt thought.
Holding an extra shirt in front of his stomach, Kurt quietly made his way down the hall and towards Scott's bedroom.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"And here I thought that we were so out of Bayville High," Scott said from where he was seated on his bed.
Jean laughed as she thumbed through Scott's closet. Though why she insisted on picking out a shirt for Scott was beyond him.
"Well Scott, don't you want to be there to support Kitty, Rogue, Tabitha and Kurt?" Jean asked, "I mean a little over a month ago Kurt thought that he wouldn't even be allowed to attend."
Scott nodded in defeat. "Yeah I know, Jean. He didn't say anything, but this graduation ceremony really means a lot to Kurt. I think he needs to be with these people and not feel ashamed of who he is."
Jean smiled as she walked over and kissed her boyfriend. "I like the fact that you're so sensitive."
Scott grinned at her. "Just don't tell anyone else. I have a reputation as an uptight, serious leader to maintain."
Jean held up her hand. "I vow never to say a word."
However, Jean's mock vow was completely ruined by the fact that she burst out laughing right after she said it.
Growling, Scott pulled Jean down on top of him and soon the two of them were involved in a wrestling match and were giggling so loudly that they didn't notice that someone had come into the room.
"Scott?"
Both Jean and Scott froze at the questioning voice and in unison they turned their heads toward the door to see Kurt standing there with a weird look on face.
"Don't give me that look, Kurt," Scott started, "I've seen you wrestling with Kitty."
Kurt had the grace to look completely embarrassed by Scott's words, but he also seemed to be embarrassed about something else.
*Geez Scott. Why did you have to say that? I've never seen Kurt looking this shy.*
Scott sighed at Jean's words running through his head.
*I don't think he's acting like that just because of what I said, Jean.*
Scott then turned his head to where Kurt was now standing. Kurt's gaze was directed towards the carpet and he was completely avoiding eye contact with either Scott or Jean.
"Kurt, ... what' wrong buddy?" Scott asked him.
Kurt still didn't meet Scott's gaze when he started talking. "Vell, Scott ... I vas vondering if ... I mean if it's not too much of a problem ...," Kurt finally lifted his gaze toward Scott, "could I maybe borrow one of your shirts for today."
Scott was a little surprised by the request. "Uh, ... sure Kurt. But what's wrong with your shirts?"
Kurt once again turned his gaze downward, and Scott was fairly sure that if Kurt didn't have fur there would have been a very visible blush covering Kurt's face.
"Vell, mein shirts ... they don't ... that is they're kind of ... they aren't ... they don't fit right ... anymore," Kurt stuttered out.
"Oh," Scott said. Then Jean kicked him in the shin and shot him a look that clearly said 'how can you not know what Kurt's talking about?'.
"OH!" Scott said again as it suddenly clicked. "I'm sorry, Kurt."
Kurt looked up at Scott and managed a tiny smile. "It's okay Scott."
Jumping off the bed, Scott motioned with his hand for Kurt to join him at the closet. "So, let's see what we can get for you. Are you sure you don't have any shirt of your own that won't work for today?"
Glaring slightly at Scott, Kurt let his arms (with the extra shirt in them) drop to his sides. "Zhis is the largest shirt I have."
Both Scott and Jean couldn't help but stare at Kurt's stomach. Somewhere in the backs of their minds, they knew that Kurt had just started his fourth month in the pregnancy, but actually seeing his stomach starting to stick was gonna take a little getting used to.
Kurt fidgeted under their gazes. "I know I should be used to being stared at but, ... can you guys please not do that."
Both Jean and Scott stammered out apologies. Then Scott returned to looking through the various shirts in his closet, but before he could find one for Kurt, the door opened and Kitty came in.
"Kurt I thought you were getting dressed?" Kitty asked.
Kurt winced as he turned around to face Kitty. Jean almost laughed at the dumbstruck look on Kitty's face.
"So, ... that's why you sounded kind of funny a few minutes ago," Kitty said smiling politely in an effort to get Kurt to relax.
The ploy must have worked because Kurt grinned at her as he answered. "Ja. I wasn't exactly prepared to go around the Institute like zhis."
"I think this should do it," Scott declared as he pulled a red t-shirt out of his closet. "Why don't you try it on Kurt?"
Shrugging, Kurt quickly pulled off the shirt he was wearing and then just as quickly pulled on the one Scott was offering. He accomplished this so quickly that Scott, Jean, and Kitty were barely able to catch a glimpse of what his bare stomach looked like. Even so, it was clear that there was a noticeable difference.
Once the t-shirt was on, Kurt studied himself critically in the mirror. "Are you sure zhis is going to work?"
The other three all studied Kurt for a moment. The red t-shirt was much looser on Kurt than the previous shirt he had been wearing. After all, he was smaller than Scott. But if the shirt fell over his stomach just right, the bulge was somewhat visible.
"No one will even notice, Kurt," Kitty declared, "trust me. No one will be looking at your stomach."
"Besides," Jean added, "once you get your robe on, it won't be noticeable at all."
Kurt breathed out in relief. "I suppose you're right. Does this mean we can go and have breakfast?"
Scott, Jean, and Kitty all burst out laughing right on cue. "It's good to have at least something back to normal," Scott said, "what do you feel like eating buddy?"
Kurt grinned as he thought about. "Waffles with butter and syrup. And please ... no eggs!"
Kitty giggled. "Well, not completely back to normal."
"Look Cajun, quit teasing me! I was just trying it on!"
"I was not teasing you chere."
Kurt laughed. "Are zhey at it again?"
Scott also grinned. "I hate to say it, but I think life was actually dull around here before Gambit showed up."
Jean and Kitty laughed along with the guys as Rogue and Remy passed Scott's door.
"I just wanted to see how I looked with my graduation robe on," Rogue was saying, "you don't have to lie by saying it looks good on me."
"I'm not lying chere," Remy replied, "it makes you look smart and sophisticated."
"But I'm completely covered up," Rogue protested.
"So?" Remy returned.
As the duo headed down the hall, they were still exchanging words back and forth. While it at first sounded like they were simple fighting, there was also clearly a hint of flirtation amongst the words.
*And I thought teasing Kurt and Kitty was going to be fun* Jean said in Scott's head.
Scott grinned mischievously back at her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Well, I originally intended to have the actual graduation ceremony be the next chapter, but then I got this idea of Kurt being a little embarrassed about starting to show (I have a theory that men would start to show earlier) and I just had to right this little chapter. It also gives me a little more time to think about exactly what I want to do with the graduation scene. I have some ideas, but I haven't completely decided.
Also, I was kind of rushed in printing this story up because I got sick over the weekend and didn't get back to campus (and my computer) until this morning.
Anyway, on to the reviews:
~C~ Of course Gambit has other motives for staying at the mansion. Although I wanted to make Rogue and Remy's relationship, more of a flirtation right now. I don't want to put all the couples together right away. But I think I've already said that. Anyway, keep up with the crazy reviews.
Raskolian Phoenix: Glad you like Father Taylor. I wanted to get at least some good humans in this story. And I thought that a great place to start would be at Kurt's church. Anyway can't say what's in store for graduation ... haven't got it all planned out. And sorry about the typos. Unfortunately my spell check doesn't catch most ... or any of them and I never have time to look over the document before I post. I try to avoid typos, but even I can't catch them all.
InterNutter: I actually had the baby start moving in this chapter, but I was actually discussing this topic with C over the weekends. We were figuring that by about the fourth month, Kurt would be able to feel some slight fluttering, but the baby wouldn't be felt from the outside ... yet.
Mayzon: glad I could be of some help. Hope you like this chapter as well.
Amity Raven: I didn't even think about the priest from Les Miserables until you mentioned it. You're right. No offense to anyone who's catholic, but it's very rare that I see priests who are that tolerant. And actually some to take their words to heart.
I think I got all the reviewers. Anymore questions or suggestions, feel free to review.
Thanks!
~Ice~