The Storm

Chapter Eight

By Gayforkurt

Summary: David Karofsky is a billionaire who collects beautiful things – and people. Having seen the fabulous and famous countertenor Kurt Hummel perform, he kidnaps the diva – and suffers for it. NB: Warnings for dubious consent, some bitchiness and sex. Enjoy!

Rated: M

A/N: Thank you for the continued support, guys, you've been great. So many alerts, etc., it spurs me to continue. Remember, though, reviews feed writers.

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters; Murphy et al do, unfortunately. I'm just playing with them and plan to return them unharmed.

KHDK

Kurt rolled over and stretched luxuriously. He'd slept well and deeply and now woke with a smile on his face. He was leaving today. Yay! He laughed quietly as he planned what he was going to do when he got back to his flat and stretched again.

As he did, his hand bumped the long, narrow box that he'd discovered on his bed the night before. He had returned to his room after his little snuggle and flirt session with Noah and there it was, resting against the mound of pillows with a note attached to it.

Kurt had paused before taking up the items, but shrugged, figuring it wouldn't be something dangerous. Being ever curious, he'd opened the box after noticing the embossed logo on it, and his breath had caught in his throat. Lying on deep blue velvet was a delicate little platinum charm bracelet made up of musical notes and tiny instruments. It was utterly charming and Kurt fell in love with it immediately. He'd never seen anything quite like it before and as his hands caressed the little charms, his eyes fell on the accompanying note. With a sigh he took it up and began to read:

'Kurt,

I know words can never make up for what I put you through and I am deeply sorry. I hope one day you can forgive my impulsive actions; I never meant to alarm or distress you. I had my jeweler make this up for you and I hope that, even if you cannot find it in yourself to wear it, you will still keep it. Be well.

Yours,

David'

Kurt had scoffed and thrown the note onto the bedside table; as much as he'd been charmed by the bracelet, it did nothing to change his mind about his 'host's' high-handedness towards him. He had sat for a while, though, fondling the bracelet and wondering if he should just throw the thing back in the man's face.

He couldn't decide if he would keep the bracelet. He didn't think he would want to be reminded for a long time of the fright he had experienced. He just wanted to get on with his vacation and forget all about billionaire David Karofsky.

He had smiled to himself as he went through his nightly routines; Noah was really hot and he'd enjoyed their little interlude of 'stargazing'. Finally getting into bed, Kurt had snuggled down between the cool sheets and fallen asleep almost immediately to the wonderful thoughts of his imminent departure in the morning.

Now, as he glanced over at the jewelry box containing his gift, he pondered again whether he should take it or just leave it there on the bed for Karofsky to find. For some reason now, maybe because he knew he was soon to leave this island, he didn't feel that spike of anger he usually did when he thought of Karofsky.

He rolled over onto his stomach, his eyes still on the box and little flashes of all the times he'd clashed with Karofsky came back to him. They flickered past his mind's eye but the incident that stuck the most was, of course, their surprisingly hot little interlude right here on Kurt's bed. A feeling of regret followed hard on the memory of his arousal and he knew deep down that if he'd met the man on more equal footing, he could very well have felt more positively towards him.

Oh well, water under that bridge, Kurt told himself cynically. Rich people like the Karofskys probably thought everything and everyone was for sale; just whip out that big ol' checkbook, why don't'cha, he scoffed quietly.

Kurt finally rolled himself out of the bed and padded naked to the en suite, thinking maybe he would have a luxurious bath before getting ready for breakfast. It wasn't likely he would be spending any more time in such decadently wealthy surroundings so he'd better make the most of it. He particularly liked this bathroom as the huge shower enclosure was separate from the equally large bath that was surely big enough for three. Mmmm, kinky, he chuckled to himself.

Browsing through the various bottles of bath salts and foaming bath products, he selected one that smelled divinely of vanilla and almonds. The salts' combined scents were wonderfully soothing and gave the warm water a milky feel. Kurt gladly immersed himself up to his chin and sighed as he leaned back. Closing his eyes so as to maximize the experience, he started humming one of the songs he'd heard on that CD last night and involuntarily started thinking of one David Karofsky.

The man was something of an enigma; though he was one of the wealthiest men in the world under 35, he wasn't considered a jetsetter nor was he into partying hard. In fact, not a whole lot was known about him apart from the fact that he ran the Karofsky empire with a very firm hand and was something of a philanthropist. This stunt he'd pulled with Kurt seemed wholly out of character for someone on whom no one could find any dirt whatsoever. He'd even kept his nose clean during his university days.

He must have been completely nuts when he came up with that idea, Kurt grinned to himself. His accomplice, as Kurt had come to think of Puckerman, should have tried to talk him out of it but Kurt guessed that, for men like Karofsky, employees didn't often get the chance to tell the man 'NO'.

Kurt took up the natural sea sponge from off of a ledge and started sponging his arm as he continued his musings. He felt really relaxed and he was in a surprisingly good mood this morning, so much so that maybe, he thought, having breakfast with Karofsky on his last morning might be a good idea.

Finally coming to that decision, he completed his ablutions quickly, rinsing himself off and stepping out to wrap himself in one of the huge, fluffy towels at his disposal. He hadn't washed his hair so he just slipped his fingers through it as he decided on his travel outfit. He walked into the closet and stood, biting his lip as he realized he'd have to pack when he got back from having breakfast.

While he was standing there thinking, there was a knock on his bedroom door. When he called out 'come', the door opened to reveal Lydia, the serious-faced housekeeper, and one of the maids holding a breakfast tray. As the two women stepped into the room, the housekeeper explained, "Mr. Karofsky sends his apologies and regrets that he will not be here when you depart. Mr. Puckerman will be at your disposal to fly you back to mainland."

With that she left the young maid there to stare at Kurt as she held the breakfast tray. Kurt, gripping the towel more firmly, simply asked her to set it up on the patio and he'd eat as soon as he was dressed. She nodded and with a little smile, headed onto the patio as Kurt turned back to get dressed.

Kurt, meanwhile, was feeling a little uncertain and maybe just a little put out that Karofsky wouldn't be there to see him off. He didn't know why he felt so unsettled but finally put it down to the fact that he'd wanted to bitch at him one last time and now he wouldn't get the chance.

Kurt eventually got dressed in pale blue jeans and a fitted long-sleeved polo shirt that hugged his torso quite nicely, he headed out to the patio, smiling as the gentle breeze ruffled his hair and the smell of tropical flowers came to him. It really was beautiful here and he settled down to enjoy his solitary meal, the piping hot coffee waking him up deliciously.

Just as he was sipping the last of his fruit juice, a knock on the door heralded the arrival of Petal and the young maid who'd brought him breakfast.

"Good morning, Mr. Kurt, everything good?" Petal's cheery voice sang out as she came towards the glass doors. Kurt looked up and smiled a greeting at her as he drank. Putting down the glass, he patted his lips with the napkin and assured her he'd had a wonderful night and now a delicious breakfast so everything was, indeed, good. Petal laughed with him and then told him they were there to help him pack as she'd heard he would be leaving right after breakfast.

Kurt stood to walk back inside with her and as they moved towards the walk-in closet, Petal chattered happily away about the food her mama was packing to send with him. "She heard how you liked her chicken last night, Mr. Kurt, so now she gonna pack you up!"

Kurt patted his tummy and 'hmmmed' appreciatively, making her crack up as she helped him fold clothes and pack them into his bags. After working quietly for nearly twenty minutes, she finally looked at him, some of the twinkle leaving her eyes, and spoke quietly.

"I wish you didn't have to leave so soon, y'know. You just got here but… I think I understand." She looked away from Kurt shyly, wondering if she'd overstepped her bounds but unwilling to stay silent.

Kurt sighed as he looked at her, not wanting to tell her anything bad about her beloved boss. In the end he just settled for patting her on the arm reassuringly. "I'll give you my number and you can text me whenever you want to, okay?" He did feel close to the friendly islander; she'd been so open and welcoming when he was feeling angry and vulnerable and she'd made him feel better.

She laughed at his words and nodded, yes, she'd do that, and they continued packing up his stuff. It still amazed him the lengths to which Karofsky and Noah had gone to get his things set up here. It was as if the man had really expected Kurt to settle in and make the place a second home or something.

Finally finished with the packing, Kurt turned towards the box that had not been too far from his mind since waking up. He was still torn as to whether he should take it or leave it and, opening it once more to gaze at the stunning craftsmanship of the bracelet, sighed and shook his head.

Petal, watching him from the doorway, came to stand beside him. As she looked down at the gift, she smiled softly. "Puck said he got that for you two months ago."

Kurt looked up at her, his eyes wide with surprise. "You all know about this… uhm, situation?" He almost cringed as he awaited her reply. She shrugged and kept looking at the bracelet, one finger tracing the outlines of the little charms.

"If you mean that he hasn't stopped talking about you for months? Yes, everybody knows… and now that we've seen you… we can understand why." She looked up at Kurt and smiled widely.

Kurt blushed furiously, embarrassment warring with that same funny feeling from before, when he was in the bath. He opened his mouth a couple of times to say something but stopped both times. Finally he took a deep breath and exclaimed, "Did you know that I'd never met him before I came here?"

Petal's eyes widened, surprise and curiosity then puzzlement washing over her pleasant features. "What_, really? That can't be true… I mean, I always assumed he knew you because he always talked about you; even if it wasn't directly to us, we always heard him talking to Puck, y'know?"

Kurt closed the box but kept it in his hands, his mind whirling as he thought about that strange, strange man, David Karofsky. He wished now that he could have seen him before leaving; he had some questions for him and now, with him deciding not to see Kurt off, Kurt would simply have to ask Noah about all of this and what it meant.

He moved to take up his bags, his mind in a bit of a daze, but Petal stopped him, telling him one of the men would come and get it and put it in one of the golf carts that they used to move around the island. Turning back to her, Kurt got out a bit of paper from the drawer in the bedside table, and quickly jotted down his mobile number. She accepted it with a smile and a hug which he returned enthusiastically.

He took up his brown leather bomber jacket, slipped his Prada shades in the front of his polo shirt and he and Petal headed out the door. They stopped by the kitchen where Mama Afflick and the staff were waiting and amid much hugging and entreaties for him to eat more (and protesting only faintly when she pressed a delicious-smelling package on him), he waved goodbye and followed Petal again.

By the time they reached the front doors where the electric golf cart was waiting with a driver, Kurt could see that his baggage was stored and all he had to do was hop in and be on his merry way to finish his abruptly truncated vacation.

Giving Petal one last hug and admonition to "text me!" Kurt hopped in the cart and settled down for the relatively short ride to the other side of the private island. The driver was apparently one of the workers on the estate for he was wearing the uniform and he whistled cheerfully as he drove, telling Kurt at one point that he thought the day was perfect for flying. Kurt slipped on his shades and just nodded and smiled as he listened to the guy prattle on.

Kurt enjoyed the feel of the balmy breeze flowing past his face and he looked forward to eventually getting to his own island retreat where he could sunbathe in the nude on his secluded patio as usual and forget about the rigors of performing nine months out of the year.

They finally pulled up to the hangar and as the driver leapt out to remove Kurt's things and stow them on the plane, Kurt grabbed his jacket and walked towards the building, wondering if it would only be him and Noah for their flight back to the mainland. As he approached the huge doors, a panel in one of them opened and Noah stepped out, his teeth flashing invitingly in his tanned face.

"Hey," he greeted, his eyes roving over Kurt's attire, a little bit of surprise showing. He would have sworn Kurt would have been dressed to the nines for his so-anticipated departure so he was a little surprised that the diva wasn't dressed in his usual provocative manner. He had to admit, though, that the singer looked hot in anything he wore, and those jeans revealed a heck of a lot more than one would think.

"Hey," Kurt answered back, a knowing little smile hovering over his lips. After last night, he was in no doubt as to how Noah felt about him. That hard on rubbing into his butt as they whispered and giggled had been hard to ignore. Still, he had not felt like taking Noah up on what was definitely a big 'come hither' on his part, and had excused himself to bed eventually, pleading the need to be fresh for the flight the next day.

Now as he removed his shades, he glanced over the larger man's body, allowing a hint of appreciation to come into his own eyes. Coincidentally, Noah's outfit was almost identical to his but whereas Kurt was wearing a white top, the other man was wearing black. His jeans didn't appear to be designer like Kurt's but was worn thin in spots which only served to draw attention to his powerful thighs. Kurt deliberately licked his lips as he stared, knowing somehow that Noah wasn't going to take him up on the flirting.

They stepped into the relative cool and gloom of the hangar and Kurt frowned when he saw the plane. He had hoped it would have been one of those cute little twin-engine jobs where he would have been able to sit up in the cockpit with Noah. Gazing up at the gleaming white private jet that sat waiting for them now just blew those plans apart. No pumping for information on the strange Mr. Karofsky, he whined to himself. Damn!

Puck led him up the steps into the craft and suddenly he was all business as he settled Kurt in, showing him where the facilities were and where the refreshments were stowed. With one last little grin at Kurt, he headed off to do his pre-flight checks and Kurt was left to pout, sitting alone in the cabin that was surely large enough to seat at least 14 people. Kurt folded his arms petulantly as he took in the elegant appointments of the private jet and finally admitted to himself that a billionaire probably didn't feasibly have much use for a twin-engine Cessna.

Finally, the cabin PA system clicked on and Noah's voice informed him that they would be airborne in 20 minutes and that the weather was perfect for flying. With the tailwind that they would probably pick up so soon after the storm, they would probably make good flying time and their estimated time of arrival would be in two hours.

Kurt reclined his seat, grabbed one of the magazines he'd noticed lying about and prepared to endure the flight in relative silence. The cabins of these fancy jobs were a little quieter than those of commercial jets, he knew from experience, so maybe he'd even manage to fit in a little snooze. He settled back and proceeded to flip through the aeronautical journal he'd unknowingly picked up. Okay, this would probably keep him from being bored for a while, he thought, as he flipped through the pages.

Meanwhile, in the cockpit, Puck having finished his pre-flight checklist, notified Dave back at the house that they were about to leave. He knew his boss hadn't seen the singer that morning as he'd been with him in the gym when Lydia told him Kurt was up and having breakfast. Puck had seen the way Dave's face had shuttered in a vain attempt to hide his pain and he'd looked away to give the man some privacy. He could tell that Dave was feeling unmoored and, probably for the first time in his life, unsure about everything. Puck hated to see this strong, intelligent man being buffeted by emotions he probably couldn't even describe. Man, I'm never gonna go there if it makes me that weak. As he placed the weights back on their rack, he called out to Dave that he would go out to the hangar to await the singer.

He hadn't waited for Dave to respond, he just got the heck out of there to go shower and change. He hoped that when Kurt left, things would go back to normal for Dave; if not immediately, then eventually. Poor bastard, all the money in the world can't heal a broken heart, he mused. He wanted the old Dave back, the ruthless business man who had any underlings who dared to be inept quaking in their boots. Puck almost wished for some business crisis to pop up that would distract his boss from his heartache and return him to the powerhouse that he'd been before all this stuff hit the proverbial fan.

Oh well, the old folks say time heals all wounds and Puck sure as hell hoped they were right.

KHDK

When Puck had the jet cruising at the perfect height, he put the plane on autopilot and slipped back to the cabin to stretch his legs. He stopped at the sight of Kurt sleeping, the magazine having slipped from his lap to the floor. He eased past gently so as not to wake him and paused to look down at the peaceful face that had brought so much upheaval into their lives.

As he stared down at the sleeping diva's fair face, he couldn't find it in himself to blame Kurt for his reaction. God knows he would have woken up fighting and snarling and looking to break open a few heads if this had happened to him. He felt a faint stab of regret that he'd taken part in the ridiculous scheme, but he had bought into the whole 'it's just a prank' thing, against his better judgment.

The fact that Kurt hadn't mentioned anything about bringing charges against them for kidnapping, etc., only showed that the diva wasn't as cold as he'd tried to portray. Puck's eyes wandered down the delectable body and as he watched, a tiny shiver ran through Kurt, making Puck realize how cool it was in the cabin.

Taking Kurt's leather jacket from the seat where he'd thrown it, Puck eased it gently over the singer's upper body, tucking it in around him as much as the seat allowed. A little murmur was the only response, and Puck continued on his way to use the head.

As he finished up and washed his hands he found himself wishing that things had turned out exactly as Dave had hoped; that the singer could have found himself attracted to the man who was so besotted with him. Life's not a bloody fairy tale, Puckerman, get over it! He stepped out of the head, closing the door softly so as not to disturb Kurt, and tiptoed past. He was looking forward to the end of this flight when he could deposit the singer back at his flat and wash his hands of the whole enterprise.

Kurt, stirring as he felt something brush past him, looked around just in time to see Noah duck back into the cockpit. He stretched and looked around, slowly recalling where he was and how he'd fallen asleep to the hum of the jet's engines. He looked out of one of the windows to notice he could see the darker blue smudge of what must be land against the sparkling turquoise of the ocean and decided to get up.

As he stretched he realized that Noah must have covered him with the jacket. He smiled ruefully as he thought on the two strange men he'd met. Certainly they needed to get out of the kidnapping business. They didn't seem to have the mental fortitude for it, he grinned to himself. In fact, he realized that he had been fortunate that all this had turned out to be in essence a misunderstanding on Karofsky's part. This 'kidnapping' could have turned out to be a great deal more sordid and painful for him, Kurt, and he had to admit to relief when Karofsky had explained about the 'prank' he'd gotten the idea from.

Fool, Kurt muttered to himself. The idiot could have given me a heart attack, he continued ranting in his mind as he made his way to the facilities. After taking care of his business, he washed his hands, all the while staring at his reflection in the mirror over the sink. Suddenly he smiled as he remembered the look on Petal's face as he had reeled off the list of things he said he wanted for breakfast. A little chuckle broke free and before he knew it, he was doubling over, laughing his head off.

Slowly the laughter died down and he straightened up and as he noticed the moisture on his cheeks, just like that he burst into tears. Stumbling back to sit on the lid of the toilet, his mind blanked and he cried as he hadn't in ages. His body just took over as it vented all the fear and frustration he'd shoved behind a wall of anger just to appear strong in an uncertain situation, the remnants of tension he hadn't even been aware of, rolling off of him at last

Finally he sniffled, his chest slowing in its heaving, and he tore off some paper towels to wipe his face and blow his nose. He took several deep breaths before standing and then he went about the business of trying to reduce the redness around his eyes and his nose. His fair skin revealed every emotion, every distress and he'd resigned himself over the years to hiding behind judicious applications of concealer. He continued for a few minutes to pat his face with the cold water and then went to retrieve his pouch.

By the time Noah's voice told him they were about to land and he needed to be buckled in, Kurt was cool and collected; the diva once more reigned as there was no sign of his distress left on his delicate features. He gazed out of the window, watching the land rise swiftly to meet them, and he realized how skilled Noah was; there had not even been a bump or jerk as the jet landed.

He unbuckled himself swiftly and rose to take his gift from Mama Afflick from the overhead storage bin. Gathering up his jacket and pouch, he turned to wait for Noah to come out of the cockpit.

"Hey, everything okay," the pilot/driver asked, his eyes piercing as they noticed something different about Kurt's face. "Did you sleep okay?"

Kurt took a deep breath and smiled brightly. "Yes, pretty good, considering I don't usually sleep on flights. You're very good." His light, lovely voice was the essence of urbanity; it was almost as if they had met under more auspicious circumstances and they'd just spent a pleasant afternoon together.

Puck's eyes narrowed as he sensed a change in Kurt, not knowing at the moment if the change was good or bad. He simply nodded, though, at the compliment as he moved to open the door and lower the steps. He stepped back to let Kurt precede him and his body brushed against the singer's, reminding him unexpectedly of the night before. He moved quickly away, not wanting to overstep any boundaries the touchy singer might have as he knew that what went on in the night in a romantic setting wasn't always accepted in the light of day. People were just funny that way, Puck reminded himself.

Kurt glanced up at him and smiled shyly, he too recalling the night before, and faint color watched his cheeks as he moved past Noah and down the steps. At the bottom he waited for Noah to escort him to the limo he could see was waiting for them a few feet away from their jet. A couple of men, probably employees of Karofsky's, hurried to remove Kurt's luggage from the plane and stow them in the limousine and then Noah was ushering Kurt into the back seat before sliding in beside him.

Kurt looked a little startled as he turned to the larger man. "I thought you were the driver."

Puck smiled as he looked at Kurt before shaking his head. "The boss arranged for another driver as I'm doing the flying. He pampers us like that and I certainly don't mind the break." He sat back and tapped the glance of the privacy partition and the car moved off smoothly. "I'm sure you have questions for me and I've been told to answer them all – within reason, of course." He quirked an eyebrow and waited for Kurt's response.

Kurt for his part was a little taken aback. He hadn't envisioned this scenario, having figured he'd have to wheedle whatever information he could get out of Noah during their flight. Now, however, he was at a momentary loss for words but, naturally, that didn't last for long. Throwing a quick glance at the partition, Kurt leaned forward and lowered his voice slightly.

"What the hell were you two knuckleheads thinking?" The fierce whisper burst from him as if it had been waiting just behind his teeth.

Puck reared back and burst out laughing, the look on Kurt's face priceless as he glared at Puck. Finally getting control of himself, Puck shook his head, a few chuckles still managing to escape as he responded. "Oh, my god, that was good. Wow, I don't think I've ever heard the boss referred to as a knucklehead," and he was off again, throwing back his head as he laughed uproariously.

Kurt stifled a grin as he pretended to be miffed, folding his arms across his chest in familiar petulance. "Noah, stop laughing at me! I mean it, I could have died of fright when I woke up and found myself in a strange place." At last he'd gotten the man to sober up and take him seriously, and Puck's eyebrows lowered as he stared at him.

He didn't respond to Kurt for a couple of minutes and then he took one small hand in his, an apologetic look on his tanned face. "Look, I really, really am sorry about this. I don't think either the boss or I can apologize enough. I know that." He looked down at the slender, pale fingers clutched in his darker hand and placed the hand back on Kurt's leg.

Puck sighed as he glanced out the tinted glass at the passing scenery. Without looking at Kurt he continued: "The boss has been obsessed with you for years. Every time your company performs a new opera or show in a new city, he's there. He has every recording you've ever made since the first time he saw you. I don't think he's researched your background or private life; it's just the public stuff, so he isn't a stalker or pervert or anything like that." He broke off as he turned back to a stunned Kurt who was staring back at him.

"Don't get me wrong, he's had lovers over the years but, I guess, I shouldn't even call them lovers. He's never been in love as far as I know – until now. I know he regrets making you unhappy and all I can say is that," he paused and took a deep breath: "Love makes fools of all of us at some time."

Kurt was silent, staring at but not really seeing Noah. "What do you want me to say, Noah? That I forgive him for what he put me through?"

Puck looked almost angry as he turned back to glance briefly at Kurt's pale face. He looked away as he spoke. "I only know that I wish he'd never seen you. I wish he'd never fallen in love with you… and I sure as hell wish we'd never met you."

The two men didn't speak again as the car prowled through the streets, heading towards their destination at a steady pace. The silence in the car was beginning to get oppressive, neither man willing to break it as they both felt there was nothing else to say.

The heavy limo eventually swung over to the curb and the engine shut off; Puck leapt out of the backseat and headed to the car's rear. Kurt followed much more slowly as he gathered his jacket and packages but when he stepped onto the sidewalk, it was to the realization that they had stopped right behind his own car.

Puck and the limo driver stood waiting on Kurt to open the trunk of his car and when he'd done so, they stowed the luggage in it and the driver slammed the lid shut. Puck turned back to Kurt just as the singer stepped up to him. Kurt said nothing as he held something out to Puck. When Puck realized it was a jewelry box, he looked up questioningly at the singer.

"Your boss left this in my room last night; I want you to return it." Kurt's voice was not as firm as he would have wished but he'd been stunned by Noah's words and he was still feeling a little unsettled by it all.

Puck raised both hands and stepped back, a look of dismay sliding briefly across his face. "Hell no, princess, if you don't want it, you give it back. What the heck?" He glared at Kurt, wondering if there was even a heart in that beautiful body. Who gives back a gift through someone else?

Kurt ducked his head as he explained stiffly. "I hadn't realized I had put it in my jacket when Petal came to collect me this morning. I hadn't really planned on accepting it." He straightened his shoulders and looked back at Noah, a little angry now at being made to feel churlish. "I'll drop it in the mail then. Goodbye." He spun on his heels and headed to his car, his back rigid as he left before Noah could reply.

Puck just watched him walk away, convinced more than ever that Dave had made the right decision in the end. There was no way life would have been its usual calm if that sexy little spitfire had returned Dave's affections even a little bit. He lifted his eyes to the cloudless sky, savoring the soft summer breeze and breathing a sigh of relief.

Nope, he whispered to himself, no more storm clouds on that horizon, it would be smooth flying all the way back to the island. Soon, Dave's life would return to normal, he hoped, now that Tropical Storm Kurt had passed by.

End Part One

A/N 2: So, there you have it, you wonderful people, the end of part one that I think of as 'the encounter'. The second half I think of as 'redemption'. Whose redemption? I haven't decided as yet but I'd love to hear your ideas. You have all given me various takes on Kurt's and Dave's actions and I've been tickled pink by your reactions. Thanks again and look out for Part Two coming soon.

TH