Okay. So there was a change in my plans, freeing me up a bit. And then I started to feel guilty about the cliff hanger, so I wrote the rest of the story. Happy now? I hope so!
Enjoy. Ditto to the Glee is not mine from last time…
~oOo~
Gavin stood in the doorway, looking at his boyfriend of just a few weeks. When he looked in AJ's eyes, he had to look away. The pain and uncertainty were right there, right at the surface and Gavin could not do what he wanted, which was to fly forward and gather up AJ in his arms and tell him everything would be okay. Not yet, at least.
"Come in," Gavin said, moving to one side. AJ closed the door behind him. Gavin sat on the edge of his bed and AJ stopped, wondering where he should sit. He settled on Gavin's chair at his desk. The boys faced each other.
"Hi," AJ said quietly.
"Hi," Gavin replied.
"I'm here to apologize to you and to explain myself. If what you said earlier, that you don't want to see me again, is still true after we talk, I'll understand." AJ's eyes dropped to the floor.
"AJ, I…"
"Please, Gavin, let me say what I need to say before you decide anything," AJ said, assuming that Gavin's attempt to speak would simply result in him telling AJ they were through. "First, that center made horrible comments about how he was going to take you down. He tried to trash talk you and I told him he needed to rethink his plan. He made it pretty clear that his intent was to injure you, so I went into protection mode. I couldn't stand by and let you get attacked!" the volume of AJ's voice began to rise and tears started to flow. "Michael and Jacob told me that you thought I was fighting your battles for you. I know that you can take care of yourself, but I had to stop him! I love you too damn much to not step in and protect you from harm!" With that, AJ doubled over and sobbed. Gavin looked at his boy for a few moments and slid off the edge of his bed. He went to AJ and gently pulled him up from the chair.
Gavin tilted AJ's chin up so they were looking eye-to-eye. A small grin tugged at the edges of Gavin's mouth. "AJ Hummel-Anderson, did you just tell me that you love me?"
AJ's voice hitched and he attempted to gain his composure. "So what if I did?" he asked, a little of the attitude inherited from his Daddy Kurt in his voice.
"Well, then, I supposed I'd have to tell you that I love you too," Gavin said, pulling AJ even closer and hugging him with all his might. They released and Gavin reached over to kiss AJ softly. "Come sit with me," he said. AJ followed Gavin and they both sat on the bed, cross-legged and facing each other. "Okay, first, I'm sorry for how I treated you in the infirmary. I was pretty upset at everything that happened and it wasn't all your fault, but I took it out on you, which is not okay. Can you forgive me for that?" AJ nodded the affirmative.
"Next, I want it to be perfectly clear that I can fight my own battles. I have no intention of setting myself up the be the 'girl' in our relationship. I hate to say it that way because it makes it sound like girls are weak, which they aren't. You'll get a front row seat to strong women when you meet my family in a few weeks. But do you know what I mean? We have to be equals if this is going to work."
"I totally agree," AJ said. "But it seems to me that being part of a relationship means taking care of each other. Like, if the milk in the refrigerator was bad and I knew it, I'd throw it out so you wouldn't drink it and get grossed out or sick or something. I'd move things from the middle of the room if I thought you'd trip on them in the dark. In a way that's protecting you, right?"
Gavin smiled when he realized that he wasn't the only one thinking about and hoping that someday, he and AJ would live together. "You are right, and you know I'd do the same for you. I think everything was heightened with the championship game and the adrenaline flowing, and I'm not sure, but there may have been a teensy bit of testosterone on that field today," Gavin said, pushing on AJ's knee.
"Ha! More like several hundred gallon jugs of testosterone!" AJ scoffed. "So, I'm sorry for sticking my nose in your business. I'll try to be more careful in the future, or at least wait until I get the all-clear from you to get involved, okay?"
"And I'll try not to get too worked up if your need to protect me shows up because you are so taken by my soccer skills, my chiseled muscles, and my extremely handsome face," Gavin said, laughing.
"I'm not sure how you fit through the door with that big head of yours," AJ teased, making both boys laugh again. Moments later, both boys got quiet and looked into each other's eyes. "So, are we good?" AJ asked, taking Gavin's hand.
"Yes, we are," Gavin said, shifting his body so he was closer to AJ. AJ moved as well, so that both boys sat side by side, arms tangled around each other. AJ placed his hand on Gavin's jaw and drew their faces together. The boys met in the middle with a soft kiss, which didn't remain soft for long. Something desperate and new developed between Gavin and AJ, something that needed to be there to back up those three simple words. Proof was created that evening, as the boys kissed and explored, hands finding sides and chests and necks. Knowing that any more would lead them places they were not ready to go, the kisses returned to the gentle side. Finally, they pulled apart, Gavin holding to both sides of AJ's face and smiling.
"Wow. That was…wow," Gavin said.
"You," AJ said, kissing his boyfriend, "are amazing. I love you. God, that feels so good to say."
"I love you too, AJ." Gavin hugged AJ one more time. "Crap, it's five minutes until lights out. I wish you could stay here with me tonight."
"Me too, baby, but…"
"I know, I know. You don't have to say it," Gavin replied. "Will you meet me for breakfast tomorrow? And since it is Sunday, maybe we can go do something fun. What do you think?"
"I think hanging around you is about as wonderful as it gets, but yeah, let's go do something fun! I'll pick you up for breakfast at nine? The boys will probably be with me, if that's okay."
"Of course it is!" Gavin replied. "AJ, I have to honest, it was Michael and Jacob who came to see me right after I got back from the infirmary. They were here on your behalf and wouldn't let up until I said I'd forgive you. They really are good friends to you, you know."
AJ was still and quiet for a few seconds. As crazy as the boys made him, they really were his true friends. He knew that Michael, Jacob, and he would be friends forever. They attend each other's weddings, celebrate milestones together, and they'd be there to listen and help. No matter where they ended up in the world, there would always be a bond between them that nothing could break. Michael and Jacob, AJ decided, were the equivalent to Uncle Wes and Uncle David to his dads. "The lads are good boys," AJ said with a faint smile.
A banging fist broke the quiet in the room. "Hey O'Keefe, is Hummel-Anderson in there with you, because he has about 42 seconds to get out and be in his room before I write him up for breaking curfew." It was the voice of Travis, the floor leader. Mild mannered Dalton boy by day, he became "Terrible Travis" by night, patrolling the halls at curfew, making sure everyone was where he was to be.
AJ opened the door and said, "Never fear, Travis, I'm on my way." Turning, AJ winked at Gavin and said, "Goodnight!" Gavin smiled and closed his door.
Travis was right on AJ's heels as he walked towards Room 208. "Hey, AJ, so, did you guys work everything out? I don't want to be snoopy, but is Gavin still mad at you?"
"Well, I'd be glad to fill you in, but it appears that I have three seconds to be in my room before I'm written up by the most efficient hall monitor I've ever met!" AJ said, grinning.
"Come on AJ, I won't write you up. So, are you two squared away?" Travis asked with an anxious look in his eyes.
"Yeah, man, we're fine. Thanks for asking."
"Whew!" Travis said, "Honestly, you two are good for each other. I hope someday that I find somebody…I'm not, you know…" Travis hesitated.
"Gay?" AJ asked, grinning.
"Yeah," Travis said. "But someday I hope I find a girl and that we are as good for each other as you and Gavin are. Now. get in your room before I report you," Travis said, smiling.
"Thanks. Night Travis."
~oOo~
Sunday was such a wonderful day, that come Monday morning, it was hard to believe anything as horrible as Saturday's soccer game could have happened. Reality came crashing down when a note requesting AJ's presence in the headmaster's office, arrived during Physics. "Here we go," AJ whispered under his breath, as he stood up from his desk and made his way to the door. Four of his teammates fist bumped him for good luck as AJ passed their desks. Evidently, his teacher had been filled in on the weekend's events, as a look of sympathy crossed his face when AJ made eye contact with him before leaving the room.
After getting the go-ahead from the secretary, AJ knocked softly on the door and entered the office when David said, "Come in." AJ quietly slid through the door and looked at his dads' oldest and dearest friend sitting behind a massive desk.
"Hello AJ," David said, starting off with his serious face, and then breaking into the ready grin that was familiar and comforting to AJ.
"Hi Uncle David," AJ said, still unsure as to what would happen.
"Talked to your dads lately?" David asked, eyebrows arched.
"Yes. I called them on Saturday after that series of unfortunate events occurred. Why? Have you talked to them?" AJ asked.
"Yes. Both of them, actually. They were really worried about you. I had to stop Kurt from getting on a plane and flying here immediately. Blaine was a little more down-to-earth. No big surprise there, right?" David grinned and AJ laughed.
"So, we have this issue that needs resolution. First of all, what on earth caused you to begin a scuffle with the boy from Edgefield?" David asked, looking directly at AJ.
"He was talking trash, saying he was going to hurt Gavin. I know he was just mad that we were ahead in the last half and that losing the game meant losing the championship, but he had no right to say the things he said about Gavin! So I told him he needed to rethink his plan. When it appeared he didn't, I went after him, which didn't matter because he went after Gavin anyway. I don't know what happened to me! All the sudden, it was just me and that forward on the field and I needed to get him back for that illegal slide tackle, which, by the way, everyone in the world seemed to miss, refs included. He didn't even get called for it and he walks away without a penalty and with the district championship, which really stinks because…"
"Whoa there, AJ. I get it, I get it. I know that your teammates are important to you and that loyalty runs deep in Dalton's soccer program, but let me ask you this: why the strong reaction to Gavin getting hurt?" David asked.
"Well, uh, we're sort of…dating," AJ said, and quickly added, "but don't tell my dads yet. I know they won't mind, but I want to be the one to tell them. And I will, when we travel to California in two weeks. You won't, will you?" AJ asked, looking at David anxiously.
"Ah, this is all starting to make more sense," David said, grinning. "Okay, so here's what has come to light since Saturday afternoon. First, every stinking member of the soccer team and some of the local parents have come through my office in the last 48 hours, pleading for me to take it easy on you. You have some good and loyal friends out there, AJ Hummel-Anderson, and don't you forget it. Your coach, too. You might want to update him on your status with Gavin, because I think he'll understand what transpired better with that information. One of the parents brought photographs he'd taken and printed. Seems he had a new camera lens with a high shutter speed for action shots and he was practicing at the game. He happened to catch the illegal slide tackle, second by second, so there is no doubt in the officials' minds that the boy from Edgefield was in the wrong. He, too, has been suspended from play for the rest of the season. Two of your teammates overheard your conversation with said center fielder and their stories mesh with yours. No one is debating that you were justified in your anger and your concern."
AJ waited, looking at David. A faint glimmer of hope told him that this whole situation was not going to end as poorly as AJ previously thought it would.
"So, the officials and the league and discussing how to handle awarding the championship title. Good luck to them, I say! I'm glad that's not one I'll need to sort out. Still at hand, we have the matter of you being involved in a physical altercation while representing our school in a sporting event. You know this is very serious, right AJ?" David asked.
"Yes sir," AJ said, looking at David in the eyes.
"Your record is clear, you've been a model student all three years at Dalton, so I see no need to impose a severe punishment. What I've decided to do is assign you to ten hours of volunteer time in the clinic. By the way, the nurse was in here just this morning pleading your case too. She said you seemed like such a nice boy and you were only protecting your friend, she said. What is it about you, boy, that makes everyone stick up for you? I would have KILLED to have had that support when I was here as a kid."
"I'm sure my dads could tell me why you didn't have…" AJ was cut off.
"Hold up there, son, It is not too late to make this consequence a little more uncomfortable!" AJ knew David was joking and both of them laughed. "Okay, so ten hours of time working with the nurse. Have her send me an email when you've completed your time. Any questions?"
"None that I can think of. Thank you, Uncle David, for…well, you know, being so supportive."
"Glad to do it. Besides, would you want to incur the wrath of Kurt if he thought his baby boy had been wronged? I'm not a stupid man, AJ!" David said.
"I totally get you there, Uncle David," AJ said.
~oOo~
After spending his first two hours helping in the clinic, AJ began to feel guilty. While replenishing supplies, making beds, and filing records, he found himself feeling really comfortable in the atmosphere of the infirmary. AJ had this uncanny sense that this was the environment in which he belonged. He began looking forward to his afternoons there, plotting ways in which he might extend his volunteering stint. He and Nurse Natalie got along famously, cracking each other up and talking about everything under the sun.
The true test came on an afternoon when Natalie stepped out of the clinic to run some records over to the main office. A freshman boy came in, looking ghost white and complaining of feeling sick. AJ recognized the pre-vomiting look on the boy's face, and grabbed for a garbage can immediately. He rubbed the boy's back as he emptied the contents of his stomach, reassuring him that he'd be fine. As soon as the puking stopped, AJ got Graysen (as he found out the boy's name) to a cot so he could lie down. AJ prepared the thermometer so that Natalie could take his temperature when she returned. He asked Graysen if he'd like a blanket or some water. They were in the middle of a chat about the assignments in freshman English, when the nurse entered, surprised to find a patient waiting for her.
"AJ, wow! You did exactly what I would have done! Thank you! I'm impressed!" Natalie said, as she reached for the thermometer.
"He's going to make a really good doctor," Graysen said, smiling at AJ. AJ stopped, startled. He's always pictured himself as a teacher, but in that moment, it all fell together: the feeling "at home" in the clinic, the sense of what needed to be done for a patient, the ease he felt around the equipment, the supplies and the records.
"Huh. I'm going to have to think about that!" AJ said, smiling at Graysen. With that, AJ stood up, grabbed his bag and said good bye to patient and nurse. "I'll see you tomorrow, Natalie. I have to run and meet Gavin for dinner."
"Tell him 'hi' from me, and don't forget to study for your history test!" Natalie called behind him.
AJ stopped at the clinic door and said in his best exasperated tone, "Yes, Mo-ther!" With a quick grin and a loud laugh from Natalie, AJ was out the door.
~oOo~
On Friday night, Gavin and AJ were cuddled together on Gavin's bed, watching a movie on the laptop. After it ended, conversation turned to the next week, when they'd both head for their respective homes. After a few days apart, the Hummel-Andersons would head to Southern California, where Gavin and his family lived. They'd spend time in the Disney parks and both families would gather for a meal on Christmas Eve. While both boys quietly dreaded the separation, they knew it was temporary and they both looked forward to their first vacation (well, sort-of vacation) with each other.
After several kisses, the boys continued talking about their plans, which included telling both their families that they were officially dating. Neither was nervous, but both felt a bit guilty keeping the news to themselves.
"Hey, I had a bit of a revelation in the clinic the other day," AJ started.
"Oh yeah! How is my boyfriend-on-probation doing with his community service?" Gavin asked, grinning.
AJ grabbed a nearby pillow and bonked Gavin on the head with it. "Seriously, I think that maybe I'm supposed to be a doctor." AJ went on to explain what happened with Graysen, and how he felt so at home in the infirmary.
Gavin nodded his head in understanding. "My dad always says that it's a lucky person who figures out what he was put on the earth to do. The earlier the better, he says. I can't imagine doing a job just because you had to, you know what I mean?"
"Totally. Well, I'm going to start looking into this whole medical school/doctor thing," AJ said as he stretched and got up to return to his dorm room.
"Well, having a doctor in the family could come in handy!" Gavin said, jokingly. "Just think, our 27 kids will never have to go to the hospital for stitches! You'll be able to fix them up at home. Maybe we should look for a house with a surgery in the garage. What do you think? Gavin's eyes sparkled and a big smile took over his face. They played like this, sometimes. Always light and in a joking manner, but both secretly hoped that the other would be in his future.
"Ha! Yeah! And with 27 kids, you'd best find a profession that comes in handy. How do you feel about cutting hair? Haircuts would cost a fortune for 28 people," AJ said.
"Hey, I said 27 kids," Gavin said.
"Well, there's me too. I make 28," AJ returned. He leaned towards Gavin and kissed him. "I love you, Gavin. See you in the morning?"
"Love you too, AJ. Sleep well."
~oOo~
I'm officially exhausted. Night night all! Talk soon.
GirlFromTheWest xxoo
