Authors note: Hope you all enjoy this chapter, and once again thank you for reviews and alerts! I am going to continue my tradition of having Cure songs in my fanfics :P
To answer some of your comments/questions:
Kerrbie - I started to write this before Paul was introduced, and when he did show up I decided to just continue using the name William - I guess this story takes place in an alternative universe J
Ella Greggs - I definitely wanted to make sure Kurt wasn't completely defenceless against Karofsky, I'm glad you thought the mace was a good idea. As for the wedding topper… Well, we just have to wait and see… :P
'You boys can put some music on if you'd like.' James said as he adjusted the drivers seat. James's car was a flash green sports car that only had two seats, so they were taking Hannah's instead.
'Uh that's-' Dave began before Kurt lent across from the backseat and said, 'what about the Cure CD?'
'Are you-' he began again but this time James interrupted and said, 'go ahead.'
Kurt popped the CD into the machine and sat back with a smile - he had had an urge to listen to them ever since he spotted the greatest hits in Hannah's car. They weren't the type of music he'd usually listen to, but even he couldn't deny liking "Love Cats" and "Just Like Heaven".
As James pulled away from the house and towards the hospital, the first track began.
"I would say I'm sorry If I thought that it would change your mind But I know that this time I've said too much Been too unkind"
Dave caught Kurt's eye instantly. Kurt pulled a face at the surprising relevance of the lyrics but he shrugged his shoulders, showing there was nothing to be done over a simple coincidence.
"I try to laugh about it Cover it all up with lies I try and Laugh about it Hiding the tears in my eyes 'cause boys don't cry Boys don't cry"
Dave's palm hit the eject button with unnecessary force, making James jump. He chuckled slightly and glanced at his step son. 'What was that for?'
'Nothing. I don't like that song.' Dave grunted, quickly glancing at Kurt who had an awkward look on his face.
'Fair enough. Maybe it's better without the music anyway.' James suggested. 'Maybe we should use this time to get to know each other?'
Dave tensed slightly at the offer, once again looking at Kurt for guidance who nodded eagerly. 'All right…'
Hannah splashed cold water on her face, letting it drip for a few moments before dabbing it away with a soft towel. Before she left the bathroom, she opened the airing cupboard, pulled out fresh sheets and then walked into the spare room at the end of the corridor.
Her father had said not to worry, they would sort out Dave's room later, but Hannah was getting restless and even doing something as dull as housework would be enough to distract her.
It was a large bedroom - soft cream paint with one wall covered in a bold, decorative blue wallpaper. A queen sized bed was in front of the decorative wall and opposite that was a desk, book shelf and chest of drawers. To the right of the bed was a large build in wardrobe.
Dave would be happy here, once he had gotten some of his things put away. She smiled as she thought where he might put his trophies, his laptop and his Jason Statham DVD's. Maybe he would put some photographs on the walls.
He would be safer here. No more George barging in whenever he wanted, hassling and threatening him. No more Adam mocking his grades and his sports achievements, comparing them to his own sons. But best of all, no more mother filling his head with hate.
Hannah sat down on the bed, rolling her eyes when she saw it was already made and neatly decorated with cushions and a cashmere throw. She let out a loud sigh and fell back into the soft duvet, her arms above her head.
She was so happy for Dave but she just couldn't stop herself resenting him for getting the chance to do what she never could.
After a such a long absence, William couldn't help feeling anxious as he pulled up in front of his old home. It looked pretty much the same except for perhaps a fresh coat of paint and some new lawn furniture. He rolled his eyes when he saw the willow tree he had planted with his children had been removed and replaced with a rose bush.
A few moments later he got out of the car and walked to the front door, drumming his knuckles against it a few times before putting his arms by his side. There was no response. He knocked again but once again was ignored. This was extremely unusual behaviour for Susanne who always seemed happy to start a fight.
'Susanne, I know you're home. Let me in, I'm here for David's things.'
Still no reply. He pressed a finger against the bell and the shrill sound buzzed through the house for a good five seconds. He listened carefully and heard muffled footsteps. The door was pulled open by George.
'What do you want?'
'I'm here for your brothers things.' William said with a frown.
'Mum said you're not getting in here.'
'Fine, then you can get them for me.' William said matter-of-factly.
'Like hell I will,' George snarled, 'I'm never touching that homo's stuff again.'
William looked at his eldest son long and hard before sighing and shaking his head. George bristled as he did. 'What?'
'I can't believe you have bought all of this, George. Your brother and sister haven't. I thought you were the smart one.'
'Shut up.' George snarled, his eyes narrowed.
'Why did you turn out like this?' William continued, 'why did you let yourself believe it all.'
George stepped right into William's personal face, his nose almost touching his fathers. William didn't flinch. 'You better shut your mouth before I kick your ass.'
'George,' William said soothingly, 'why are you so angry? Don't you get tired of it?'
'Shut up!'
'Please son,' he said with a look of honest concern, 'I just want to help.'
William Karofsky had not been hit in a long time. Years in fact. As he stumbled from his sons blow, he tried to remember it. College? No, it was when that guy went for James. As the pain shot through his face, he stopped thinking of the past and thought only of the present.
George glared at him, his large fists clenched and poised, ready to strike again. William looked into his sons eyes, eyes just like Susanne's, and looked for just the glimmer of guilt. His heart sank when he saw none. Whatever small amount of guilt he had shown after hitting his brother was non existent when it came to William.
The awkward moment was interrupted by a new voice. 'Hey! What's going on here?'
George looked over his fathers shoulder and smirked. William turned to see the new arrival.
'George,' the man said as he reached the pair of them, 'is there a problem here?'
'No problem at all.' George put an arm around the mans shoulder and said, 'Adam, I want you to meet William Karofsky.'
Fierce slamming awoke Hannah from the nap she didn't even realise she had taken. She sat up, stretching her stiff arms and frowned, trying to focus on the source of the ruckus.
'Karofsky! Get out here now!'
'Oh god…' Hannah gasped, her fingers clenching around the duvet as panic set in. 'Oh shit.'
'Karofsky!' Susanne bellowed from outside, repeatedly hitting the door with her fists. 'Open up now!'
Hannah considered hiding in the bedroom until James or her dad came home, but part of her knew that if she didn't answer, Susanne would just break in anyway. Taking a deep breath for courage, she nervously went downstairs, put the chain across the door and opened it.
Authors note: Sorry this is another short one, I hope you're all still enjoying it
Happy holidays everyone!
