Chapter 3,

National Treasure?

As Kurt entered the choir room and sat in his normal seat he watched as the military man made a circuit of the room checking for who knows what. When the man was done and looked over at him he said "While I appreciate what you and the other men will be doing for me, I apologize that your time is being used in this way."

"Mr. Hummel" Captain Taylor began, "my men and I are not wasting our time, don't ever think that we are. Irregardless of having been ordered here to do this job, every man in the group has read the file that has been compiled on you and would have gladly volunteered their free time in order to help you."

"What? Why would they do that? And what file are you talking about?" Kurt asked.

"As I understand it, after you came to the attention of the First Lady and she brought you to the attention of the President, a file was compiled on you of anything and everything that could be found. In fact, on the way to Ohio, my men and I watched a DVD of performances of you that had been posted on the internet. At the end of the performances was a posting you had made on 'It Get's Better'.

Looking directly into the eyes of the young man before him, the Captain added "a posting that every member of my team, myself included, wishes they were able to make."

Sitting up even straighter in his chair more than he already was, Kurt asked "you mean... I'm sorry, it's none of my business."

"Yes Mr. Hummel, every member of my team is gay. We wanted you to know at the earliest opportunity. While we may not have your artistic abilities, we are all special in our own ways. Some of us suffered like you have when we were in school and if we can prevent that happening for even one student, regardless of their sexuality, then it is worth it."

Tears beginning to form in his eyes, Kurt nervously wiped them away saying "thanks".

Before anything else could be said, the doors to the choir room opened and Mercedes walked in with a great sigh of relief saying "Kurt, thank goodness! I was hoping this was where you would be, now tell me what's going on."

As the army man moved over to stand against the wall out of the way, Kurt said "let's wait to see who else shows up first Mercedes, I'd prefer to only have to go over it once."

"Whatever you say white boy, but don't make me wait too long!" Mercedes replied as she sat next to Kurt while trying to get a good look at the man standing quietly against the wall.

It didn't take long before the rest of glee club had made their way to the choir room, as well as Mr. Shue. It seemed they all believed that Kurt would take the opportunity to be in the one place he had felt safe in the school.

Once everyone had quieted down Kurt stood up and quickly and calmly explained what he had been told, ending with "and this evening, General Reynolds is coming over to explain what happens in the future."

Unable to answer most of their questions, Kurt simply told them they would have to wait, just like him.

Finished with his day, Kurt went to his locker and getting the books he needed for the night proceeded to the parking lot followed the entire time by Captain Taylor. Not one word or physical action had been made towards him during the trip, it was an unusual experience for the young man.

As they reached Kurt's own SUV, Captain Reynold's touched Kurt on the arm and getting his attention asked for the keys.

Understanding that the man wouldn't let him drive, Kurt just handed over the keys without question. Once in the vehicle, the drive was quiet with the exception of directions being given to Kurt's home.

Arriving home, Kurt called his dad at the shop and telling him it was important, asked him to close up early and come home. After explaining that he was safe, uninjured and that everything was ok, the older man was finally convinced to come home as soon as possible.

xxxxxxx

Kurt heard his dad coming in the front door and calmly began to stack up his homework that he had been working on while sitting at the dining room table with Captain Reynolds. The two had been chatting a little as Kurt did his homework, slowly getting used to each other.

Standing as his dad walked into the room, Kurt waited.

"Kurt, where are you? Oh, here you are." Burt Hummel was saying just as he walked into the room and saw the man sitting at the table his son was now standing beside. Looking between the two he asked "Um, Kurt? Can you explain please?"

"Let's go into the living room dad, this might take awhile." Kurt said as he ushered to two men into the other room. Before taking a seat he introduced to two men to each other and then proceeded to explain to his father everything that had happened that day, ending with the comment about the general arriving at 7pm that night.

Taking off his hat and rubbing his head, the father sat there trying to make sense of what he had been told. Looking at his with a small smile, he said "the President of the United States of America has named you a National Treasure of this country. Huh, guess it's about time everyone else find out what I've known for years."

Relieved that his dad was taking the information so well, Kurt couldn't help but be embarrassed by what his father had just said but tried to cover it by saying "It's a few years ahead of my original plan, but I guess not everything goes to plan all the time."

The two sat there smiling at each other for a few seconds before the older one turned to the military man and said "Captain Taylor, first call me Burt please; second, you and your men are welcome in this house anytime you need to be. I appreciate what you will be doing for my son, I just ask to be kept informed as to who will be here and what is going on."

"That will be no problem sir, in fact I know it is something that General Reynolds is planning on discussing with you this evening." Captain Taylor said in response.

"That will work, but again, please call me Burt." the older man answered adding "will you be staying for dinner this evening?" as he reached for the tv remote.

"Yes sir, if it's alright with you, whoever is with him at meal times will take that particular meal with your son." the Captain replied.

"Dinner! I need to get busy if we're going to be done and cleaned up by 7pm." Kurt suddenly said as he stood and made his way to the kitchen.

As intense and stressful as the day had been and looking forward to the meeting later with some trepidation, dinner itself turned out to be a calm and somewhat relaxing affair and the three men became used to the changes in their lives.