Fic: I'll be there for you, Crossover Glee/Veronica Mars, PG, 1/2
Fic: I’ll be there for you
Rating: PG
Fandoms: Glee/Veronica Mars
Characters/Pairings: Veronica, Kurt, Burt, Finn, Elizabeth, Blaine, Jeff, Nick, Wes, David, Veronica/Logan, Burt/Elizabeth, Burt/Carole, pre Kurt/Blaine
Prompt: Wild Card for my au_bingo card
Word Count: 14,033
Summary: Five times Kurt called Veronica and needed her to come back to Ohio and one time Veronica went home to surprise Kurt.
A/N: So I started this back in November, not really sure where it was going but knowing I wanted to use it. Originally it was supposed to be for a musician prompt on my au_bingo card because I always wanted to write Veronica as a musician but I didn’t get it finished in time. Then I was looking through the prompt posts at kurt_blaine and saw one that wanted Veronica to be Blaine’s step sister. I thought that was pretty cool but the more I thought about it the more I thought it would be cooler this way. It took a bit to figure out, cause I didn’t want Keith to come off as a bad guy, but it finally did and I’m really happy with it. So I hope you take a second to comment.
A few things you should know. There’s about 10 years between Veronica and Kurt. I see it as Kurt being a miracle child and Burt and Elizabeth bring older than they most likely are in canon. Secondly I don’t accept for a second that Blaine is a junior no matter how many times the show tells me.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Please comment at the end, I’d like some feedback on it :D It also hasn't been beta'd so feel free to point out any mistakes :D
1.
When Veronica had gotten the phone call she had been working in the recording studio for four hours and had welcomed the break. Had she known what was coming she wouldn’t have answered.
She hopped the first flight back to Ohio, leaving behind the record deal she had stumbled into and the cute boy who had been asking her out, to be greeted by her father and younger brother at the airport in Columbus. Of course nothing else mattered but family. Hopefully the cute boy would be there when she was able to go back and she was sure she would be able to find another record deal. If she didn’t return she knew she would regret it forever and when it was her younger brother, Kurt, on the phone, pleading with her to come home she couldn’t refuse. She could never refuse him.
Rushing off the plane she pushed through the people only pausing to scan the room for her father. Spotting him at the other end of the terminal she broke into a run, dropping her carry on at their feet before being swept up into a bear hug by him. Holding on tight she didn’t let go for several minutes, knowing that no matter what everything was right in the world when she was in her father’s arm. She had to leave them though. She knew that the world was waiting and the news she was dreading was here.
“How bad is it dad?”
Burt pulled back, threading his fingers through her hair like he used to when she was a little girl, “It doesn’t look good at the moment.”
“I’m not Kurt dad. I’m not a little kid. I’m eighteen and I spent six months living in California by myself. You don’t need to sugar coat this for me. I can handle the truth.”
“Even if the truth breaks your heart?” Burt whispered, “Because it’s breaking mine.”
“Yeah dad, please.”
Burt nodded, “Ok. It’s not good, not good at all. They think she’s going to die and some days I think that too.”
“Is that why Kurt called me so I’d come back?”
“Yeah, I didn’t have the courage to do it.”
Veronica chuckled slightly, even though her mind told her it wasn’t the time for laughter, “Well Kurt always had more courage than most kids his age. I just wish this wasn’t happening.”
Dropping one arm from around her Burt grabbed the bag from the ground before guiding them towards the baggage claim. They remained silent as they found her bag and headed for the car. The silence between them was comfortable though, welcoming. When she had learnt that Elizabeth and Burt were adopting her she didn’t think that there could be moments like this, where words didn’t matter, they just needed each other’s presence to feel comforted. Then again she had thought the same thing when her parents had told her they were expecting Kurt. Of course she was ten and the world had changed, but not as much as she thought it would. It gave her room to grow and while one of the main reasons she had gone to California was to get to know her biological father, who hadn’t wanted to give her up, she knew in her heart that Keith Mars would never replace Burt Hummel.
And she would always be Veronica Elizabeth Hummel, even though she was tossing up between using her real name and the stage name Veronica Mars for her record.
Her family was all that mattered at the moment. Kurt would need her. He was only eight and if there mom was really dying then she would be staying in Ohio for a while. In terms of her career it wasn’t that big of a deal, she could make an album in Ohio or find another deal when it was all over. Sylvia understood why she needed to return. The cute boy would probably be gone but that didn’t bother her that much. Cute boys came and went like the seasons.
Family was forever though and if her mother was really dying then she couldn’t be anywhere else but here.
“Where are mom and Kurt?” Veronica asked as they entered the parking lot.
“They’re sitting in the car. You’re mom wanted to get you but the trip seemed to knock the spirit out of her.” Burt replied, “She figured that it would be easier if Kurt stayed in the car with her.”
“As long as I don’t have to wait three hours before seeing them I’m happy,” Veronica said as they rounded the corner. Spotting the car she wasn’t surprised when the backdoor opened and her little brother was flying into her arms. Hefting him straight up so he was completely in her arms she had forgotten how it felt to have him there. He was so little that he weighed nothing, especially since she wasn’t that strong. Her brother was so tiny for an eight year old, he wasn’t short just very skinny despite the amount he ate. It amazed her.
Carrying him with her to the car she brushed his beautifully smooth hair back and whispered in his ear, “How are you little man?,” as Burt placed her suitcase into the boot.
“Ok,” Kurt whispered into her clavicle, “Disney movie when we get home?”
“Oh defiantly,” Veronica replied with a nod, sliding them into the back seat, “I may have brought you a new one and a present.”
“I like presents,” Kurt said bouncing off her lap and into his seat.
“Well you’ll like this one the most I think,” Veronica said with a smile before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around the seat in front of her and her mother sitting in it, “Hi mom.”
“Hi sweetie, how was the flight?”
“It was fine,” Veronica whispered leaning further forward to place a kiss on her neck, “How are you feeling?”
“Better now that I know you’re here and you’re safe.”
The next two months held some of the hardest and some of the happiest times of her life. Veronica woke up every morning, got Kurt up, took him to school and then spent time with her mother. She watched as Elizabeth struggled with the chemo, some days ten times harder than others. She spent her time by her mother’s bed while she struggled, Veronica would hold her tight, letting her cry on her shoulder, and when she was good Veronica would play her the new songs that she was writing, loving getting her mother’s opinion on what would go on the album that was still going ahead.
Some days she had to go into the recording studio but that was unavoidable. Her mother understood, so did her father. Veronica always made sure that she was able to get Kurt from school, taking him back to the studio with her so that their parents could have some alone time. She loved nothing more than watching Kurt run around her in the studio, looking like the child he was for once and almost as if his whole world wasn’t falling apart.
When the worst day comes she feels like her heart is breaking, most likely cause part of it was. She hoped the day wouldn’t come, that her mother would go into remission, but she doesn’t. Instead one Sunday morning at breakfast, while she was upstairs waking Kurt, her mother collapses. Burt’s shouting alerts her to the fact that something is seriously wrong. She raced down the stairs startled to see Elizabeth on the floor. Reaching for the phone she calls for an ambulance and two hours later the three of them are crowded in the too small hospital room as the doctor informs them that this is it.
The moment to say goodbye.
Overall she knew it was unavoidable. She knew that her mother was dying. It was why she had come home but she hated that it was happening. It made her want to pull out her hair and scream into the wind. More importantly it made her want to take Kurt and run, to a world where there was no pain. Where she wouldn’t have to spend the rest of her life without her mother and where Kurt wouldn’t have to grow up without her. Somehow growing up without a mother seemed more painful than just living without a mother for the rest of her life, after all she did have another mother elsewhere, even if she had given her up.
In the end they spent the night in Elizabeth’s room, Kurt was curled up in her lap, the four of them just taking in what was left off their time. When Kurt fell asleep it was to the sound of their mother repeating her love for him, them in many ways, over and over again. She knows by that alone that her mother isn’t making it through the night so when Burt goes to get coffee she honours her mother’s last request. At the bottom of the page though she writes her first dedication, most likely the only one she’ll ever make, for her album. It made her feel special that she could share that moment with her mother like she had shared most of the album, before she left.
She drifts off for a few hours to allow her parents some alone time and when she was shaken awake she knows why. It’s over. Her mother is no longer in pain. She’s no longer with them either.
When the funeral comes around she’s barely holding it together and she knows that her dad is feeling the same way. She reaches out though, holds Kurt’s hand, the little boy better than them both, as her favourite the Beatles song plays in the background. She doesn’t remember much else. A big casket, lots of tears, the Beatles and her family. Everything else in her memory blurs, like it’s just out of focus, and she’s very grateful for that. There nothing that she would love to forget more than the funeral.
There life goes on. They slowly heal as a family. They keep up the tradition of their family night dinners even after Burt tries to serve them raw chicken. Eventually the bandages on their hearts hold the wound in place and six months later Veronica can’t avoid the inevitable. She has to go back to California. She’s just glad that she can return and know that Kurt and Burt won’t fall to pieces.
Her apartment is still there for her when she returns and while the cute boy next door has found another perky blond his hot roommate seems more than interested in getting to know her. In the end it seemed that everything had worked out, maybe not for the best but life carries on and they all keep trying to heal their hearts. Even though it takes a lot of phone calls from Kurt, in tears, as he tries to make sense of it all and she wishes she was with him again.
2.
Laughing she tried to pull Logan closer as the phone rang. Groaning she let her head fall backwards onto the pillow hating whoever was interrupting their alone time. It seemed that ever since she had gotten engaged to Logan they spent less and less time together. She was on tour, Logan was busy with his newest movie but somehow amongst it all that they had found time to get together every couple of weeks and it had brought them the best surprised of all. Of course they couldn’t tell anyone that yet. They were getting married in a week and there was no need for anyone to think that they weren’t doing it for anything other than love.
Not that her family would think any less of them. Both Burt and Keith would be overjoyed about getting their first grandchild and Kurt would be happy about being an uncle.
Still someone had to get the phone first and since she didn’t want to move it required one thing, the head tilt. “Logan,” she purred, “Be a dear and get the phone.”
Logan let out a groan of his own before dropping a kiss on her shoulder, “Don’t do the head tilt. Save your powers for another time. I’ll get it.”
Smiling as he rolled away she couldn’t help but feel happy. Her whole life seemed to come together. She was marrying Logan and was soon to become Veronica Hummel-Echolls. She had an amazing biological father and he had been accepting enough to understand that while she didn’t want to take his name, in fear of offending her dad who she loved dearly, she was willing to make it her stage name. Apparently she was spending time collecting last names. On top of all these wonderful things she had a great little brother, who she loved more than anything. She was a multi-platinum, award winning artist gearing up to release her third album whilst touring with her new singles. In seven days she would be back in her home town marrying the love of her life, surrounded by family and friends that they loved dearly, and she would be walked down the aisle by both her fathers, neither wanting to miss the chance. Running a hand down Logan’s back she couldn’t believe how lucky she had gotten sometimes. The death of her mom still hurt but she doubted that the pain would ever really go away.
Hearing Logan say Kurt’s name pulled her from her revere. Shaking her head to get rid of the cobwebs she pulled the phone slowly from Logan’s hand, “Kurt? Honey?” Hearing a sniff on the other hand she powered on, “What’s wrong? Are you ok?”
She almost missed what he said, sometimes she wasn’t sure she heard him right but when he whispered in her ear, “What’s a fag?” she knew she had to get home soon.
“Oh sweetie,” she whispered, her heart breaking slowly for her brother. It was times like this that she wished her mom was here with the answers. She always seemed to have the answers for these kinds of situations. “Who said that to you?”
“A boy in my class. I didn’t think that I should ask dad what it meant.”
Veronica nodded, moving to the edge of the bed and wrapping the sheet around her body, “Ok Kurt. Did anything else happen? Did you tell a teacher?”
“No and no,” the small voice whispered back. “I didn’t think I should.”
Spotting her shirt she leaned over to get it, pulling it over her head before responding, “Logan and I are going come home early, ok sweetie. We’ll be there in a couple of hours. I’ll call when we reach the town.”
“Are you going to tell dad that this happened?”
“No sweetie. I just want to be there for you. Is that ok?”
“Yes. I would like that.”
“Ok. We’re leaving right now.” Veronica replied before hanging up the phone. Finding and pulling on her pants she turned surprised to see Logan still sitting on the bed.
“Does this mean sexy fun time is over?” he asked.
“Yes, my brother needs me, let’s go.”
Logan nodded before pulling Veronica into his arms, “Ok. I understand but I think you should know why I understand.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Veronica I may be the love of your life but I’m so not your soul mate.”
Veronica stepped backwards, shocked. “What do you mean?” she whispered, “I think your my soul mate.”
“Maybe by the new aged definition that the person you’re in a romantic relationship with is your soul mate, because that’s our life long bond but the older definition is better in my mind.”
“Are you planning to quote your psych class to me?”
“Yes.” Logan said with a smile, “As long as you let me?”
“Well I guess that would be ok, but only this once.”
“Well a better definition is a twin flame, someone that you’re compatible with, like a twin soul. You share intimacy, love, similarity, affinity and compatibility. Sexuality is only a small part of it. I think in many ways that Kurt is your soul mate.”
“Why would you say that?”
Logan shrugged, “All you really have to do is think about your relationship. You seem to know when he needs you to come home, even before he asks. You know when he needs to hear your voice and he seems to know when you need to hear his. You laugh, smile and are sometimes so much happier with when you’re with him, whether you’re physically together or not.”
“Ok, so why are you telling me this?”
“Cause while I’m the love of your life, Kurt’s your soul mate and I want you to know that I’m ok with that. No matter what. Even if it means we have to give up one of our three days off to head to Ohio early so you can be there for him. I understand. I really do.”
Veronica nodded, “I don’t know what to say to that.”
Kissing her gently on the forehead he whispered, “You don’t have to say anything sugarpuss.”
“Don’t call me that!”
Pulling into the driveway three hours later Veronica couldn’t help but smile. She was happy to be home. Happy to be near Kurt. Maybe some of the things that Logan had said earlier where starting to ring true. While she didn’t understand it the way that Logan did she understood where he was coming from.
Leaving their things in the car she headed straight to the door, not knocking, heading through to the living room. Seeing Kurt and her father sitting at the table, eating dinner, brought a smile to her face. She was so glad that in all the sadness and sorrow that had come from their mother’s death that the two of them where able to form a family together, helping each other deal. Even when she had to leave she was glad they could function. That they still did the simple things, like Friday night dinner.
“So what’s for dinner all?” she asked, raising her hands slightly.
“Veronica!” They both cried leaping from their seats to engulf her in a hug. Squeezing them both tightly she smiled. She had missed family hugs most of all. Especially when she felt like she needed them the most.
“Hey guys,” She whispered, “I missed you both too but seriously, what’s for dinner?”
“Pork chops,” Kurt replied. Her smile grew as she pulled him tighter against her, “Dad can make them now.”
“Learning to cook, I’m impressed dad.”
“Well someone in this family had to. Can you imagine what would happen if someone else discovered Kurt at the stove?” Burt replied with a chuckle, “And there is more than enough for the two of you.”
Veronica threw a look over her shoulder at Logan. Seeing him nod his head with an amusing grin she took that as confirmation that she could tell them about their situation, “Actually dad,” she said, keeping her arms wrapped tightly around Kurt, “There are three of us to feed tonight.”
Watching his eyebrow raise in confusion Burt replied, “What do you mean? I’m slightly confused. It’s only you and Logan here.”
“Well, yes. There’s Logan, me and our baby.” She whispered, closing her eyes and pointing to her stomach, not sure that she wanted to see her father’s reaction.
“Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack.”
Burt scooped her back up into a hug, looking as over the moon as Veronica had always thought he would be when she told him the news. “So this isn’t a bad thing?” she whispered, “I know it’s not the best time to be having a child but I really think we can make this work.”
“Oh honey, we have all the time in the world to discuss what you’re both going to do. For now let’s just be happy and celebrate.”
“I like that idea.”
Burt nodded, guiding both his children over to the table as Logan followed behind, “Besides we have plenty of time to discuss where you should buy a house in Lima.”
Groaning she accepted the kiss on the forehead from Logan before taking her seat. She really should have seen that one coming.
Hours later Veronica knocked softly on the door. It used to be her room, before Kurt was born and even after, until she had moved out of the house. Kurt had claimed it a year ago, claiming that his room didn’t have enough room for his things. It didn’t really matter to her. The things she had left here had simply been moved to Kurt’s old room, which was now hers. She didn’t really need a room in the house but she was glad to have it. It made her feel like no matter what happened she would always have a place in this house. Of course her old room had a better wardrobe and a private bathroom but she and Logan made do in the other room when they were in Lima.
Moving into the room when she heard Kurt tell her it was ok she circled the bed before sitting carefully on the end. It was odd, the feeling that she shouldn’t be there but at the same time she knew that her brother would always give the room back if she truly needed it.
“Kurt,” she whispered, knowing that he was only at the vanity in the corner. It was their mother’s and even she found solace there from time to time. “Come out sweetie. I want to talk about what you asked me on the phone.”
Peaking around the corner Kurt shook his head, “I’m sorry I called you like that. I shouldn’t have... But I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
“I think we should, so come here please.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Well you can talk to me or I can go and tell dad the real reason why Logan and I dropped in unannounced and a three days early.”
Kurt sighed before moving over to her, “I don’t know why I let it get to me today. The boys always call me funny names like that and I guess I just wanted to know what it meant for once.”
“And that’s ok Kurt. I’ll tell you what it means.” Veronica whispered, “It’s a word that people use to put down homosexuals.”
“What’s a homosexual?”
Veronica laughed, “I should have known better than to use a big word like that, huh?” when Kurt nodded she continued, “Well a homosexual is someone who’s in a relationship with someone of the same sex.”
“Like two boys dating each other?”
“Exactly and people call them... fags... cause they don’t understand why they would want to be in a relationship like that.”
“So... fag is a bad word?”
“Fag is a very bad word and if anyone calls you that again I want you to go and tell a teacher, ok? I need you to promise me that. Cause I can’t always look out for you like other big sister’s can look out for their younger brother’s, so I need to know that at times you can always have someone else to go to.”
Kurt nodded, “I promise. I’d like it if you lived here again but I don’t really want you too.”
“And why’s that?”
“Cause when I’m older I’m going to be like you and leave as soon as I can. It’s the only thing to do.”
“I thought so too but that doesn’t mean you can’t come back. It also doesn’t mean that you forget anything about this place. There’s a chance that you could really like it here but I honestly believe that you will leave as soon as you can.”
“Ronica?” Kurt whispered, “Is it ok if I do think that I like boys?”
“It’s more than ok. As long as you’re happy I’ll be happy and so will dad. And wherever mom is she’d be happy for you too.”
“That’s good to know,” Kurt mumbled, curling himself into her thigh before drifting off to sleep. Manoeuvring them so they were lying on the bed Veronica stayed with him the whole night. The next morning they went on with their daily routines not mentioning their conversation again.
Veronica stayed with them until her wedding night and she was happy that Kurt didn’t need to ask the meaning of words anymore. It seemed as though it had settled down for now. She knew it wouldn’t be the end though. As Kurt came into his own personality there was a chance that more bullies would come out of the woodworks. Until then though she would hold her breath, pray she was wrong and keep his spirits high. It was really all that she could offer and somehow that made her feel worse.
3.
When her phone rang in the middle of her concert Veronica couldn’t help but feel confused. She had been about to go into her newest song, that would be on the new album, when her phone rang. Normally she would have turned it off but this phone was special. Only four people had its number, Logan, Allyson, Kurt and Burt. She knew it wasn’t Allyson. She could see her daughter out of the corner of her eye playing with one of the roadies. Her husband was filming late into the night and never contacted her unless there was something wrong with Ally. Since Ally was with her tonight she figured it wasn’t Logan. That left two people: her brother and her father.
Apologising to the crowd she pulled out her phone and answered it. Holding it too her ear she said, “I’m in the middle of a concert. Is this super important?”
“Yes,” Kurt whispered.
Moving away from the microphone she mumbled, “Kurt, what’s wrong?”
“Its dad,” the small voice said, “He’s in the hospital.”
“What happened? How bad is it?”
“He had a heart attack in the shop. A customer called for an ambulance. He’s in a coma now.” Kurt replied, trying to hold back tears, “I could really use you right now.”
Veronica nodded, “I’m on my way,” she responded without thinking. Shaking her head she started to formulate a plan. She couldn’t just leave in the middle of a concert. These people had paid good money to see her. Coming up with her idea she continued, “Give me an hour and a half. I need to finish this concert, somehow. Then I will take Ally, get in the car and drive all night. I’ll be able to pick you up from school when I arrive in the morning.”
“It’s a nine hour car trip.”
“I know,” she whispered, “But it’s a safer bet then trying to get a flight. Kurt, I will be there as soon as I can ok. I’ll even stay on the phone with you all night if you like. You can try and keep me awake.”
“I’d like that.”
“Are you going to stay at the hospital tonight?”
“Yeah, the nurses are ok with it as long as I don’t get in the way.”
“Ok sweetie. I’ll call you when I’m in the car. Just hang on.”
Hearing his mumbled goodbye Veronica hung up the phone. Sliding it back into her pocket she took in a shaky breath. She wasn’t sure how she was going to finish this concert but she knew she had to. Running a hand through her hair she tried to get some of her emotions under control before turning around. Heading to the microphone she took the guitar that she was had planned on playing while singing her new piece before sitting.
“That... that was my younger brother...” Veronica whispered into the microphone, praying that her voice didn’t shake too much, “He called... to inform me... that... that...” taking a deep breath she let it out with a sigh, “That our dad had had a heart attack.”
Hearing the crowd gasp she shook her head, “Normally we’d play on for another hour and a half but I was hoping you would all forgive me if I cut it down to an hour. I still have to get home to Ohio.” The crowd cheered their acceptance but it felt weird. It was unlike other cheers. It was hollow. They understood what was happening here. “I thought I could make it up to you a different way.” She continued, “You see I have this song that I wrote when my mum died. I love it dearly but I’ve never found the need to put it on an album. I was hoping you would let me play it for you because I feel like that’s what I should do.”
This time when the crowd cheered it wasn’t hollow at all. It was uplifting. Not that Veronica felt it that much smiling she turned to her lead guitarist, gesturing Bill over and whispering the songs name in his hear. Seeing him nod she crossed her and settled the guitar onto her lap properly. “Now Bill, the wonderful man that he is has agreed to help me.” Veronica informed the crowd as Bill took the offered stool and placed it next to hers, “This song is called When Time and depending on how this goes tonight I may putting it on the new album.”
Nodding at Bill to start the opening guitar progression while she waited the three bars before starting to sing, “I see you there on your death bed, your body is cold and still...” Opening her eyes she continued through the song letting the emotions she was feeling to have some control but not so much that she lost control of the technicalities of the piece.
During the instrumental she paused playing her guitar, letting Bill take the part, waiting for the moment she would need to move into the bridge. “...When time has taken its toll on me” Veronica sang out closing her eyes again to picture her parents as if they were in front of her, “When youth has long passed me by, When the lines of life are etched on me...”
Letting the last note ring out around her she sighed and wiped the stray tear that had made its way done her left cheek. Smiling as the crowd went wild she said into the microphone, “What do you say we cheer things up a bit and play no stop up beat songs?” Hearing the cheers rise in volume she smiled at them before handing over guitar and stool to the stage crew member who came out to get them and taking the microphone off the stand, “Ok then. Allyson come on out here. Let’s have some fun.”
An hour and a half later Veronica was clipping Allyson into her car seat while talking with Logan on the phone, “Look I want to come get you but I need to get to Ohio.”
“Look Veronica you can’t drive right now. I’m three minutes away,” Logan snapped, “Get Ally into her seat, get your guitar and your bag in the boot, then sit in the passenger seat. I’m just turning into the car park now.”
“But what about your car,” she whispered, accepting the guitar case from the stage crew member who was holding it for her. Pushing it into the boot next to her bag she slammed it shut.
“Trina is coming to get it tomorrow. Bill said he’d give her...” Logan replied as his car skidded into place next to hers. Jumping out he shut the phone, grabbed the two bags he had packed in a hurry before opening and shoving them into the boot next to Veronica’s, “The keys tomorrow morning.”
Accepting the quick kiss he gave her as he took her keys she whispered, “Ok. Let’s go.”
Nodding Logan whispered, “Get in the car. Call Kurt, make sure he’s ok. Find out if there is anyone else that needs to know what’s happening.”
“I called Aunt Millie once I got off the phone with you the first time,” Veronica whispered, “But I don’t know if the woman dad’s dating knows.”
“Well go find out,” he whispered in response, pushing her towards the car before turning to Bill, who had appeared without them knowing.”
Punching the numbers into to her phone she turned back to Ally to make sure the little girl was ok. Somehow between the time she had gotten the girl into the seat and she had gotten into her own seat, Ally had fallen asleep. It wasn’t that surprising. She took after Logan far too much. Logan was known to fall asleep in the car if he wasn’t driving. She knew that it was rational that Logan drove to Lima but she just wanted to get there.
Hitting the call button she smiled as Logan slipped into the driver’s seat, starting the car before he even pulled on his seat belt. He leaned over her to pull on her seat belt for her before moving the car into drive. Taking the twists and turns in the parking lot Veronica saw Logan pull on his belt just as they were about to exit the lot and just as Kurt picked up his phone.
“Kurt, honey, we’re leaving now. Just hold on.”
As they pulled into the school parking lot at Veronica turned to Logan, “Now I’m going to get Kurt. I’ll sign him out and we’ll meet you at the hospital because I don’t think we should leave his car here.”
Logan nodded, reaching over the consol to press a brief kiss to her lips, “It’ll be ok. I’ll see you there if you’re sure you’re up to being able to drive.”
“I’ll be fine,” Veronica said with a nod, “Just go back to dad’s place. Get some sleep, maybe some food. Kurt and I will be back later tonight, ok?”
“Ok, as long as you promise to call me if you need me.”
“I promise. Now go get some sleep. Are you coming with me Ally?”
Seeing the little girl nod she jumped out of her seat, reached into the back and undid the girl’s car seat belt. Taking her hand she turned back to Logan, “Do you mind pulling that out for me while we go get Kurt?”
“Not at all. I’ll leave it by the Navigator with Ally’s play bag.”
“Thanks,” Veronica whispered before pulling her bag over her arm. Walking quickly to the office, Ally’s hand holding her own, she was a little worried about what was going to happen. She had never tried to sign Kurt out before but there was a first time for everything and if she was lucky the administration lady would be the same one who had been there when she went to school. That lady had liked her and she would hopefully be nice enough to remember who she was and that she was actually Kurt’s sister.
Smiling when she saw the lady she said, “Hi, I’m Veronica Hummel-Echolls. I was hoping to pick my brother up, Kurt Hummel. Our father had a heart attack yesterday.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” The lady replied, typing into the computer, “Ok well you’re listed as being able to take him out of school so if you sign these forms I’ll send someone to go get him.”
Veronica took the pen from the woman smiling as she signed the form, “I’d like to go get him myself if that’s ok.”
“Sure,” the woman said with a nod turning back to her computer, “He’s in Glee at the moment. It’s in the choir room. Do you need directions?”
“No. I know the way thank you.” Veronica replied before guided Ally down the hall. Usually she would have shown the girl all the places that she liked going to while she went to school their but at the moment all she wanted to do was get to Kurt. Turning the last corner to get to the choir room she was surprised when she heard raised voices. Picking up her pace she was shocked to see a big, blacked haired boy yelling at her brother.
“I don’t know what it looked like to everyone else but I thought we were sort a family!”
“Hey!” Veronica yelled, “I don’t know who you think you are but don’t you dare raise your voice to my brother.” Smiling at Kurt she wrapped an arm around him, pulling him as close as she could, “What the hell is going on in here?”
“Hi Veronica,” Mercedes whispered from her seat. Waving to her brother’s best friend she turned back to the blacked haired boy waiting for his answer.
“Finn just wanted to know why I didn’t let him know about dad’s heart attack.” Kurt whispered, tightening his grip around her waist.
Smiling as Ally wrapped herself around both their legs she asked Kurt, “Why does it bother him?”
“Cause Burt is the closest thing I have to a father,” Finn whispered
“Well Burt is our father and I had Kurt on the phone last night just hoping to remind him he wasn’t alone while our only parent is lying in a hospital bed. I’m sorry he didn’t factor you into consideration considering my family had to travel nine hours to be here and we had to cancel a lot of important things.”
“What like your jobs are so important?” Puck scoffed. “Don’t come in here and yell at my friend.”
“Yes my jobs important. My management team is giving refunds for concerts for the next month and my producer is trying to talk down the record company and convince them that it will be ok if the record doesn’t come out for another couple of months.”
“Who are you?” Brittany whispered.
“Her stage persona is Veronica Mars,” Mercedes replied, “But she’s better known in Ohio as Veronica Hummel Echolls.”
“I’m Kurt’s older sister, that’s all that matters.” Veronica said with a roll of her eyes, “Now let’s get out of here. I don’t know about you but I really want to see dad.”
Kurt nodded into her shoulder. Rolling her eyes at Finn again Veronica guided him from the room towards his locker. Letting him pull free his books they went through the office, smiling to the lady before meeting Logan at the car. Letting him put in the car seat and deal with Ally she settled Kurt into the passenger seat, accepted a kiss goodbye from Logan and hopped in the car, heading off to the hospital, praying her father was ok.
Spending the day at the hospital had been fine. Allyson had taken up a spot in the corner, quietly colouring as she and Kurt sat on either side of the bed, holding Burt’s hands in their own. Logan stopped by with lunch but she hadn’t been hungry and she couldn’t blame Kurt when he didn’t eat either. By the time they had headed home there were no changes. The doctor just kept saying that he would come out of it when he came out of it. It was scary though, to see Burt like that. He looked so small and pale. In her whole life she had never seen the man that she had idolised looking like that. It made her scared, like it confirmed that he might not be coming back. That thought scared her most of all. Sure if Burt didn’t come back she would still have Keith, they didn’t have the relationship that she had with Burt but there would be a father figure in her life still. Kurt however would be parentless. She wouldn’t leave him by any means, she would move back to Ohio with Ally, Logan would be there when work allowed it and they would stay there until Kurt had graduated high school. It would only be for just over a year and a half then Kurt would be out of there. She would give him the inheritance she had created for him when she had earned her first million and he would be ok. Well as ok as he could be given the fact that he would be an orphan with a sister who wasn’t even biologically related to him. It would be hard but it would be doable but she couldn’t think like that for long. It made her sad to think that way, like her father wasn’t going to make it.
He had to make it. He had to know that he was needed.
Smiling at Logan as he pulled the car out to the front of hospital she hustled Ally and Kurt into the backseat before collapsing in the front. Placing a kiss to Logan check she smiled as he drove off taking them back to the house she had grown up in. Letting Logan deal with Ally she guided Kurt down to the basement, putting his school bag by the staircase before resting on the corner of his bed.
“Kurt,” she whispered as he walked around the room getting ready for bed, “Sit for a moment.”
“Ok.”
Veronica wrapped an arm around his shoulder, leaning into him, “Do you think that you’ll be ok to go to school tomorrow? And stay the whole day?”
Kurt nodded, “Yeah, if that’s what you want me to do.”
“Do you want to though?”
“It’s what I’d be doing if you weren’t here.”
“I know but I am and you know that you can call me anytime that you need me. You already do it often enough, so I won’t stop you from doing it more.”
“You have your work and Logan has his job though. You both have Ally. It just feels weird to admit that I’d need you to come home just for me and it doesn’t feel fair.”
“Well I don’t mind and I’ve actually been thinking about buying a house here so we can have somewhere to stay when we visit.”
“You shouldn’t have to,” Kurt sighed, “You left this place because you hated it as much as I do.”
“Yeah but you’re stuck here so I’m ok with having to come back to see you and help you out. I know how bad it can get here.” She replied with a shrug, “Even if you weren’t here though I’d be coming back as often as possible to visit dad. I just love that you give me more reasons to spend time with my amazing family.”
“What’s going to happen? If dad doesn’t make it?” Kurt whispered, almost if he was afraid that if he said it out loud it would be true.
“Then I would move back to take care of you. I can make music from anywhere and as much as you hate this place you shouldn’t be taken from your friends this close to the end of high school.”
“Why would you do that though? You don’t have to? You have no obligation what so ever?”
“Yes I do. When mum and dad took me in I was three years old. I’d lived at that orphanage my whole life and I’d seen all the pretty, cute, bubbly kids leave and I was left behind. The first time they talked to me I was sure that once they left they wouldn’t come back but they did. And they kept coming back until one day they took me home and never left me again. I thought I had it all and really it’s the first thing I remember. When was nine though they came to me and they said that they were having you, that mum was pregnant. I told them I was excited but really I was so worried. I packed my bags that night, knowing with so much conviction that they were sending me back to the orphanage, they had a child of their own now, why would they need me?
“But that night when dad came to tuck me in he saw me and all my stuff sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for them to take me back to orphanage. When he asked what I was doing I told him and he said to me that no matter what I would always be a member of this family. That in their mind I was their first born child and now I had to be a great big sister to you no matter what and that would get you through anything. When made my first million the year after mom’s death I put it in a trust for you so you would never have to worry about anything. It’s why I come here because dad always knew, even though I wasn’t biologically related I was a Hummel. That was all that mattered.”
Kurt nodded, “Stay in here with me tonight.”
“Of course,” Veronica whispered, knowing that her story had gotten through to him, “I’m just going to go say goodnight to Logan and Ally. I’ll be back. You start on your moisturising routine.”
“Deal.”
Taking the stairs two at a time she smiled seeing Logan at the top, her pyjamas in his hand. Taking them from him she kissed him quickly before whispering, “I love you.”
“I love you too. Ally’s already asleep so just go back down and be with Kurt. I’ll deal with her if she needs anything tonight.”
Veronica shook her head, tears forming in the corner of her eyes, “What did I do to deserve you?”
“Who knows, just be glad that you’ve got me.”
“I am, everyday.”
When Burt finally opened his eyes she couldn’t be happier. She tried her hardest with Kurt but teen angst made her sad and his friends made her kind of mad. They were selfish and self centred and she never really knew how to respond to what they were saying to Kurt without wanting to rip their heads off. It was sad but true. She was so glad she didn’t have to deal with high school drama anymore. She knew that Burt was better equipped for handling those situations, or at least she hoped he was considering how good he had been when she was in high school. Maybe mom had had something to do with it back then but she had obviously rubbed off on him.
It took two weeks before Burt was moved into the house again and only another two before he decided that it was time for her to leave. She was used to it though. Her father always felt like he had to deal with things by himself. Of course she had argued until she was red in the face but the only person she could never beat in an argument was her father. Hell she could beat Keith but put her up against Burt and she was a goner. After making both him and Kurt swear a million times that they would call the second they needed her she reluctantly packed a bag and headed to the concert spot that her manager had been trying to get her to for days.
It didn’t feel right to leave them but she knew that they were a strong enough family that Kurt could make it through this as long as he had them by his side.
Part Two
Rating: PG
Fandoms: Glee/Veronica Mars
Characters/Pairings: Veronica, Kurt, Burt, Finn, Elizabeth, Blaine, Jeff, Nick, Wes, David, Veronica/Logan, Burt/Elizabeth, Burt/Carole, pre Kurt/Blaine
Prompt: Wild Card for my au_bingo card
Word Count: 14,033
Summary: Five times Kurt called Veronica and needed her to come back to Ohio and one time Veronica went home to surprise Kurt.
A/N: So I started this back in November, not really sure where it was going but knowing I wanted to use it. Originally it was supposed to be for a musician prompt on my au_bingo card because I always wanted to write Veronica as a musician but I didn’t get it finished in time. Then I was looking through the prompt posts at kurt_blaine and saw one that wanted Veronica to be Blaine’s step sister. I thought that was pretty cool but the more I thought about it the more I thought it would be cooler this way. It took a bit to figure out, cause I didn’t want Keith to come off as a bad guy, but it finally did and I’m really happy with it. So I hope you take a second to comment.
A few things you should know. There’s about 10 years between Veronica and Kurt. I see it as Kurt being a miracle child and Burt and Elizabeth bring older than they most likely are in canon. Secondly I don’t accept for a second that Blaine is a junior no matter how many times the show tells me.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Please comment at the end, I’d like some feedback on it :D It also hasn't been beta'd so feel free to point out any mistakes :D
1.
When Veronica had gotten the phone call she had been working in the recording studio for four hours and had welcomed the break. Had she known what was coming she wouldn’t have answered.
She hopped the first flight back to Ohio, leaving behind the record deal she had stumbled into and the cute boy who had been asking her out, to be greeted by her father and younger brother at the airport in Columbus. Of course nothing else mattered but family. Hopefully the cute boy would be there when she was able to go back and she was sure she would be able to find another record deal. If she didn’t return she knew she would regret it forever and when it was her younger brother, Kurt, on the phone, pleading with her to come home she couldn’t refuse. She could never refuse him.
Rushing off the plane she pushed through the people only pausing to scan the room for her father. Spotting him at the other end of the terminal she broke into a run, dropping her carry on at their feet before being swept up into a bear hug by him. Holding on tight she didn’t let go for several minutes, knowing that no matter what everything was right in the world when she was in her father’s arm. She had to leave them though. She knew that the world was waiting and the news she was dreading was here.
“How bad is it dad?”
Burt pulled back, threading his fingers through her hair like he used to when she was a little girl, “It doesn’t look good at the moment.”
“I’m not Kurt dad. I’m not a little kid. I’m eighteen and I spent six months living in California by myself. You don’t need to sugar coat this for me. I can handle the truth.”
“Even if the truth breaks your heart?” Burt whispered, “Because it’s breaking mine.”
“Yeah dad, please.”
Burt nodded, “Ok. It’s not good, not good at all. They think she’s going to die and some days I think that too.”
“Is that why Kurt called me so I’d come back?”
“Yeah, I didn’t have the courage to do it.”
Veronica chuckled slightly, even though her mind told her it wasn’t the time for laughter, “Well Kurt always had more courage than most kids his age. I just wish this wasn’t happening.”
Dropping one arm from around her Burt grabbed the bag from the ground before guiding them towards the baggage claim. They remained silent as they found her bag and headed for the car. The silence between them was comfortable though, welcoming. When she had learnt that Elizabeth and Burt were adopting her she didn’t think that there could be moments like this, where words didn’t matter, they just needed each other’s presence to feel comforted. Then again she had thought the same thing when her parents had told her they were expecting Kurt. Of course she was ten and the world had changed, but not as much as she thought it would. It gave her room to grow and while one of the main reasons she had gone to California was to get to know her biological father, who hadn’t wanted to give her up, she knew in her heart that Keith Mars would never replace Burt Hummel.
And she would always be Veronica Elizabeth Hummel, even though she was tossing up between using her real name and the stage name Veronica Mars for her record.
Her family was all that mattered at the moment. Kurt would need her. He was only eight and if there mom was really dying then she would be staying in Ohio for a while. In terms of her career it wasn’t that big of a deal, she could make an album in Ohio or find another deal when it was all over. Sylvia understood why she needed to return. The cute boy would probably be gone but that didn’t bother her that much. Cute boys came and went like the seasons.
Family was forever though and if her mother was really dying then she couldn’t be anywhere else but here.
“Where are mom and Kurt?” Veronica asked as they entered the parking lot.
“They’re sitting in the car. You’re mom wanted to get you but the trip seemed to knock the spirit out of her.” Burt replied, “She figured that it would be easier if Kurt stayed in the car with her.”
“As long as I don’t have to wait three hours before seeing them I’m happy,” Veronica said as they rounded the corner. Spotting the car she wasn’t surprised when the backdoor opened and her little brother was flying into her arms. Hefting him straight up so he was completely in her arms she had forgotten how it felt to have him there. He was so little that he weighed nothing, especially since she wasn’t that strong. Her brother was so tiny for an eight year old, he wasn’t short just very skinny despite the amount he ate. It amazed her.
Carrying him with her to the car she brushed his beautifully smooth hair back and whispered in his ear, “How are you little man?,” as Burt placed her suitcase into the boot.
“Ok,” Kurt whispered into her clavicle, “Disney movie when we get home?”
“Oh defiantly,” Veronica replied with a nod, sliding them into the back seat, “I may have brought you a new one and a present.”
“I like presents,” Kurt said bouncing off her lap and into his seat.
“Well you’ll like this one the most I think,” Veronica said with a smile before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around the seat in front of her and her mother sitting in it, “Hi mom.”
“Hi sweetie, how was the flight?”
“It was fine,” Veronica whispered leaning further forward to place a kiss on her neck, “How are you feeling?”
“Better now that I know you’re here and you’re safe.”
The next two months held some of the hardest and some of the happiest times of her life. Veronica woke up every morning, got Kurt up, took him to school and then spent time with her mother. She watched as Elizabeth struggled with the chemo, some days ten times harder than others. She spent her time by her mother’s bed while she struggled, Veronica would hold her tight, letting her cry on her shoulder, and when she was good Veronica would play her the new songs that she was writing, loving getting her mother’s opinion on what would go on the album that was still going ahead.
Some days she had to go into the recording studio but that was unavoidable. Her mother understood, so did her father. Veronica always made sure that she was able to get Kurt from school, taking him back to the studio with her so that their parents could have some alone time. She loved nothing more than watching Kurt run around her in the studio, looking like the child he was for once and almost as if his whole world wasn’t falling apart.
When the worst day comes she feels like her heart is breaking, most likely cause part of it was. She hoped the day wouldn’t come, that her mother would go into remission, but she doesn’t. Instead one Sunday morning at breakfast, while she was upstairs waking Kurt, her mother collapses. Burt’s shouting alerts her to the fact that something is seriously wrong. She raced down the stairs startled to see Elizabeth on the floor. Reaching for the phone she calls for an ambulance and two hours later the three of them are crowded in the too small hospital room as the doctor informs them that this is it.
The moment to say goodbye.
Overall she knew it was unavoidable. She knew that her mother was dying. It was why she had come home but she hated that it was happening. It made her want to pull out her hair and scream into the wind. More importantly it made her want to take Kurt and run, to a world where there was no pain. Where she wouldn’t have to spend the rest of her life without her mother and where Kurt wouldn’t have to grow up without her. Somehow growing up without a mother seemed more painful than just living without a mother for the rest of her life, after all she did have another mother elsewhere, even if she had given her up.
In the end they spent the night in Elizabeth’s room, Kurt was curled up in her lap, the four of them just taking in what was left off their time. When Kurt fell asleep it was to the sound of their mother repeating her love for him, them in many ways, over and over again. She knows by that alone that her mother isn’t making it through the night so when Burt goes to get coffee she honours her mother’s last request. At the bottom of the page though she writes her first dedication, most likely the only one she’ll ever make, for her album. It made her feel special that she could share that moment with her mother like she had shared most of the album, before she left.
She drifts off for a few hours to allow her parents some alone time and when she was shaken awake she knows why. It’s over. Her mother is no longer in pain. She’s no longer with them either.
When the funeral comes around she’s barely holding it together and she knows that her dad is feeling the same way. She reaches out though, holds Kurt’s hand, the little boy better than them both, as her favourite the Beatles song plays in the background. She doesn’t remember much else. A big casket, lots of tears, the Beatles and her family. Everything else in her memory blurs, like it’s just out of focus, and she’s very grateful for that. There nothing that she would love to forget more than the funeral.
There life goes on. They slowly heal as a family. They keep up the tradition of their family night dinners even after Burt tries to serve them raw chicken. Eventually the bandages on their hearts hold the wound in place and six months later Veronica can’t avoid the inevitable. She has to go back to California. She’s just glad that she can return and know that Kurt and Burt won’t fall to pieces.
Her apartment is still there for her when she returns and while the cute boy next door has found another perky blond his hot roommate seems more than interested in getting to know her. In the end it seemed that everything had worked out, maybe not for the best but life carries on and they all keep trying to heal their hearts. Even though it takes a lot of phone calls from Kurt, in tears, as he tries to make sense of it all and she wishes she was with him again.
2.
Laughing she tried to pull Logan closer as the phone rang. Groaning she let her head fall backwards onto the pillow hating whoever was interrupting their alone time. It seemed that ever since she had gotten engaged to Logan they spent less and less time together. She was on tour, Logan was busy with his newest movie but somehow amongst it all that they had found time to get together every couple of weeks and it had brought them the best surprised of all. Of course they couldn’t tell anyone that yet. They were getting married in a week and there was no need for anyone to think that they weren’t doing it for anything other than love.
Not that her family would think any less of them. Both Burt and Keith would be overjoyed about getting their first grandchild and Kurt would be happy about being an uncle.
Still someone had to get the phone first and since she didn’t want to move it required one thing, the head tilt. “Logan,” she purred, “Be a dear and get the phone.”
Logan let out a groan of his own before dropping a kiss on her shoulder, “Don’t do the head tilt. Save your powers for another time. I’ll get it.”
Smiling as he rolled away she couldn’t help but feel happy. Her whole life seemed to come together. She was marrying Logan and was soon to become Veronica Hummel-Echolls. She had an amazing biological father and he had been accepting enough to understand that while she didn’t want to take his name, in fear of offending her dad who she loved dearly, she was willing to make it her stage name. Apparently she was spending time collecting last names. On top of all these wonderful things she had a great little brother, who she loved more than anything. She was a multi-platinum, award winning artist gearing up to release her third album whilst touring with her new singles. In seven days she would be back in her home town marrying the love of her life, surrounded by family and friends that they loved dearly, and she would be walked down the aisle by both her fathers, neither wanting to miss the chance. Running a hand down Logan’s back she couldn’t believe how lucky she had gotten sometimes. The death of her mom still hurt but she doubted that the pain would ever really go away.
Hearing Logan say Kurt’s name pulled her from her revere. Shaking her head to get rid of the cobwebs she pulled the phone slowly from Logan’s hand, “Kurt? Honey?” Hearing a sniff on the other hand she powered on, “What’s wrong? Are you ok?”
She almost missed what he said, sometimes she wasn’t sure she heard him right but when he whispered in her ear, “What’s a fag?” she knew she had to get home soon.
“Oh sweetie,” she whispered, her heart breaking slowly for her brother. It was times like this that she wished her mom was here with the answers. She always seemed to have the answers for these kinds of situations. “Who said that to you?”
“A boy in my class. I didn’t think that I should ask dad what it meant.”
Veronica nodded, moving to the edge of the bed and wrapping the sheet around her body, “Ok Kurt. Did anything else happen? Did you tell a teacher?”
“No and no,” the small voice whispered back. “I didn’t think I should.”
Spotting her shirt she leaned over to get it, pulling it over her head before responding, “Logan and I are going come home early, ok sweetie. We’ll be there in a couple of hours. I’ll call when we reach the town.”
“Are you going to tell dad that this happened?”
“No sweetie. I just want to be there for you. Is that ok?”
“Yes. I would like that.”
“Ok. We’re leaving right now.” Veronica replied before hanging up the phone. Finding and pulling on her pants she turned surprised to see Logan still sitting on the bed.
“Does this mean sexy fun time is over?” he asked.
“Yes, my brother needs me, let’s go.”
Logan nodded before pulling Veronica into his arms, “Ok. I understand but I think you should know why I understand.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Veronica I may be the love of your life but I’m so not your soul mate.”
Veronica stepped backwards, shocked. “What do you mean?” she whispered, “I think your my soul mate.”
“Maybe by the new aged definition that the person you’re in a romantic relationship with is your soul mate, because that’s our life long bond but the older definition is better in my mind.”
“Are you planning to quote your psych class to me?”
“Yes.” Logan said with a smile, “As long as you let me?”
“Well I guess that would be ok, but only this once.”
“Well a better definition is a twin flame, someone that you’re compatible with, like a twin soul. You share intimacy, love, similarity, affinity and compatibility. Sexuality is only a small part of it. I think in many ways that Kurt is your soul mate.”
“Why would you say that?”
Logan shrugged, “All you really have to do is think about your relationship. You seem to know when he needs you to come home, even before he asks. You know when he needs to hear your voice and he seems to know when you need to hear his. You laugh, smile and are sometimes so much happier with when you’re with him, whether you’re physically together or not.”
“Ok, so why are you telling me this?”
“Cause while I’m the love of your life, Kurt’s your soul mate and I want you to know that I’m ok with that. No matter what. Even if it means we have to give up one of our three days off to head to Ohio early so you can be there for him. I understand. I really do.”
Veronica nodded, “I don’t know what to say to that.”
Kissing her gently on the forehead he whispered, “You don’t have to say anything sugarpuss.”
“Don’t call me that!”
Pulling into the driveway three hours later Veronica couldn’t help but smile. She was happy to be home. Happy to be near Kurt. Maybe some of the things that Logan had said earlier where starting to ring true. While she didn’t understand it the way that Logan did she understood where he was coming from.
Leaving their things in the car she headed straight to the door, not knocking, heading through to the living room. Seeing Kurt and her father sitting at the table, eating dinner, brought a smile to her face. She was so glad that in all the sadness and sorrow that had come from their mother’s death that the two of them where able to form a family together, helping each other deal. Even when she had to leave she was glad they could function. That they still did the simple things, like Friday night dinner.
“So what’s for dinner all?” she asked, raising her hands slightly.
“Veronica!” They both cried leaping from their seats to engulf her in a hug. Squeezing them both tightly she smiled. She had missed family hugs most of all. Especially when she felt like she needed them the most.
“Hey guys,” She whispered, “I missed you both too but seriously, what’s for dinner?”
“Pork chops,” Kurt replied. Her smile grew as she pulled him tighter against her, “Dad can make them now.”
“Learning to cook, I’m impressed dad.”
“Well someone in this family had to. Can you imagine what would happen if someone else discovered Kurt at the stove?” Burt replied with a chuckle, “And there is more than enough for the two of you.”
Veronica threw a look over her shoulder at Logan. Seeing him nod his head with an amusing grin she took that as confirmation that she could tell them about their situation, “Actually dad,” she said, keeping her arms wrapped tightly around Kurt, “There are three of us to feed tonight.”
Watching his eyebrow raise in confusion Burt replied, “What do you mean? I’m slightly confused. It’s only you and Logan here.”
“Well, yes. There’s Logan, me and our baby.” She whispered, closing her eyes and pointing to her stomach, not sure that she wanted to see her father’s reaction.
“Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack.”
Burt scooped her back up into a hug, looking as over the moon as Veronica had always thought he would be when she told him the news. “So this isn’t a bad thing?” she whispered, “I know it’s not the best time to be having a child but I really think we can make this work.”
“Oh honey, we have all the time in the world to discuss what you’re both going to do. For now let’s just be happy and celebrate.”
“I like that idea.”
Burt nodded, guiding both his children over to the table as Logan followed behind, “Besides we have plenty of time to discuss where you should buy a house in Lima.”
Groaning she accepted the kiss on the forehead from Logan before taking her seat. She really should have seen that one coming.
Hours later Veronica knocked softly on the door. It used to be her room, before Kurt was born and even after, until she had moved out of the house. Kurt had claimed it a year ago, claiming that his room didn’t have enough room for his things. It didn’t really matter to her. The things she had left here had simply been moved to Kurt’s old room, which was now hers. She didn’t really need a room in the house but she was glad to have it. It made her feel like no matter what happened she would always have a place in this house. Of course her old room had a better wardrobe and a private bathroom but she and Logan made do in the other room when they were in Lima.
Moving into the room when she heard Kurt tell her it was ok she circled the bed before sitting carefully on the end. It was odd, the feeling that she shouldn’t be there but at the same time she knew that her brother would always give the room back if she truly needed it.
“Kurt,” she whispered, knowing that he was only at the vanity in the corner. It was their mother’s and even she found solace there from time to time. “Come out sweetie. I want to talk about what you asked me on the phone.”
Peaking around the corner Kurt shook his head, “I’m sorry I called you like that. I shouldn’t have... But I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
“I think we should, so come here please.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Well you can talk to me or I can go and tell dad the real reason why Logan and I dropped in unannounced and a three days early.”
Kurt sighed before moving over to her, “I don’t know why I let it get to me today. The boys always call me funny names like that and I guess I just wanted to know what it meant for once.”
“And that’s ok Kurt. I’ll tell you what it means.” Veronica whispered, “It’s a word that people use to put down homosexuals.”
“What’s a homosexual?”
Veronica laughed, “I should have known better than to use a big word like that, huh?” when Kurt nodded she continued, “Well a homosexual is someone who’s in a relationship with someone of the same sex.”
“Like two boys dating each other?”
“Exactly and people call them... fags... cause they don’t understand why they would want to be in a relationship like that.”
“So... fag is a bad word?”
“Fag is a very bad word and if anyone calls you that again I want you to go and tell a teacher, ok? I need you to promise me that. Cause I can’t always look out for you like other big sister’s can look out for their younger brother’s, so I need to know that at times you can always have someone else to go to.”
Kurt nodded, “I promise. I’d like it if you lived here again but I don’t really want you too.”
“And why’s that?”
“Cause when I’m older I’m going to be like you and leave as soon as I can. It’s the only thing to do.”
“I thought so too but that doesn’t mean you can’t come back. It also doesn’t mean that you forget anything about this place. There’s a chance that you could really like it here but I honestly believe that you will leave as soon as you can.”
“Ronica?” Kurt whispered, “Is it ok if I do think that I like boys?”
“It’s more than ok. As long as you’re happy I’ll be happy and so will dad. And wherever mom is she’d be happy for you too.”
“That’s good to know,” Kurt mumbled, curling himself into her thigh before drifting off to sleep. Manoeuvring them so they were lying on the bed Veronica stayed with him the whole night. The next morning they went on with their daily routines not mentioning their conversation again.
Veronica stayed with them until her wedding night and she was happy that Kurt didn’t need to ask the meaning of words anymore. It seemed as though it had settled down for now. She knew it wouldn’t be the end though. As Kurt came into his own personality there was a chance that more bullies would come out of the woodworks. Until then though she would hold her breath, pray she was wrong and keep his spirits high. It was really all that she could offer and somehow that made her feel worse.
3.
When her phone rang in the middle of her concert Veronica couldn’t help but feel confused. She had been about to go into her newest song, that would be on the new album, when her phone rang. Normally she would have turned it off but this phone was special. Only four people had its number, Logan, Allyson, Kurt and Burt. She knew it wasn’t Allyson. She could see her daughter out of the corner of her eye playing with one of the roadies. Her husband was filming late into the night and never contacted her unless there was something wrong with Ally. Since Ally was with her tonight she figured it wasn’t Logan. That left two people: her brother and her father.
Apologising to the crowd she pulled out her phone and answered it. Holding it too her ear she said, “I’m in the middle of a concert. Is this super important?”
“Yes,” Kurt whispered.
Moving away from the microphone she mumbled, “Kurt, what’s wrong?”
“Its dad,” the small voice said, “He’s in the hospital.”
“What happened? How bad is it?”
“He had a heart attack in the shop. A customer called for an ambulance. He’s in a coma now.” Kurt replied, trying to hold back tears, “I could really use you right now.”
Veronica nodded, “I’m on my way,” she responded without thinking. Shaking her head she started to formulate a plan. She couldn’t just leave in the middle of a concert. These people had paid good money to see her. Coming up with her idea she continued, “Give me an hour and a half. I need to finish this concert, somehow. Then I will take Ally, get in the car and drive all night. I’ll be able to pick you up from school when I arrive in the morning.”
“It’s a nine hour car trip.”
“I know,” she whispered, “But it’s a safer bet then trying to get a flight. Kurt, I will be there as soon as I can ok. I’ll even stay on the phone with you all night if you like. You can try and keep me awake.”
“I’d like that.”
“Are you going to stay at the hospital tonight?”
“Yeah, the nurses are ok with it as long as I don’t get in the way.”
“Ok sweetie. I’ll call you when I’m in the car. Just hang on.”
Hearing his mumbled goodbye Veronica hung up the phone. Sliding it back into her pocket she took in a shaky breath. She wasn’t sure how she was going to finish this concert but she knew she had to. Running a hand through her hair she tried to get some of her emotions under control before turning around. Heading to the microphone she took the guitar that she was had planned on playing while singing her new piece before sitting.
“That... that was my younger brother...” Veronica whispered into the microphone, praying that her voice didn’t shake too much, “He called... to inform me... that... that...” taking a deep breath she let it out with a sigh, “That our dad had had a heart attack.”
Hearing the crowd gasp she shook her head, “Normally we’d play on for another hour and a half but I was hoping you would all forgive me if I cut it down to an hour. I still have to get home to Ohio.” The crowd cheered their acceptance but it felt weird. It was unlike other cheers. It was hollow. They understood what was happening here. “I thought I could make it up to you a different way.” She continued, “You see I have this song that I wrote when my mum died. I love it dearly but I’ve never found the need to put it on an album. I was hoping you would let me play it for you because I feel like that’s what I should do.”
This time when the crowd cheered it wasn’t hollow at all. It was uplifting. Not that Veronica felt it that much smiling she turned to her lead guitarist, gesturing Bill over and whispering the songs name in his hear. Seeing him nod she crossed her and settled the guitar onto her lap properly. “Now Bill, the wonderful man that he is has agreed to help me.” Veronica informed the crowd as Bill took the offered stool and placed it next to hers, “This song is called When Time and depending on how this goes tonight I may putting it on the new album.”
Nodding at Bill to start the opening guitar progression while she waited the three bars before starting to sing, “I see you there on your death bed, your body is cold and still...” Opening her eyes she continued through the song letting the emotions she was feeling to have some control but not so much that she lost control of the technicalities of the piece.
During the instrumental she paused playing her guitar, letting Bill take the part, waiting for the moment she would need to move into the bridge. “...When time has taken its toll on me” Veronica sang out closing her eyes again to picture her parents as if they were in front of her, “When youth has long passed me by, When the lines of life are etched on me...”
Letting the last note ring out around her she sighed and wiped the stray tear that had made its way done her left cheek. Smiling as the crowd went wild she said into the microphone, “What do you say we cheer things up a bit and play no stop up beat songs?” Hearing the cheers rise in volume she smiled at them before handing over guitar and stool to the stage crew member who came out to get them and taking the microphone off the stand, “Ok then. Allyson come on out here. Let’s have some fun.”
An hour and a half later Veronica was clipping Allyson into her car seat while talking with Logan on the phone, “Look I want to come get you but I need to get to Ohio.”
“Look Veronica you can’t drive right now. I’m three minutes away,” Logan snapped, “Get Ally into her seat, get your guitar and your bag in the boot, then sit in the passenger seat. I’m just turning into the car park now.”
“But what about your car,” she whispered, accepting the guitar case from the stage crew member who was holding it for her. Pushing it into the boot next to her bag she slammed it shut.
“Trina is coming to get it tomorrow. Bill said he’d give her...” Logan replied as his car skidded into place next to hers. Jumping out he shut the phone, grabbed the two bags he had packed in a hurry before opening and shoving them into the boot next to Veronica’s, “The keys tomorrow morning.”
Accepting the quick kiss he gave her as he took her keys she whispered, “Ok. Let’s go.”
Nodding Logan whispered, “Get in the car. Call Kurt, make sure he’s ok. Find out if there is anyone else that needs to know what’s happening.”
“I called Aunt Millie once I got off the phone with you the first time,” Veronica whispered, “But I don’t know if the woman dad’s dating knows.”
“Well go find out,” he whispered in response, pushing her towards the car before turning to Bill, who had appeared without them knowing.”
Punching the numbers into to her phone she turned back to Ally to make sure the little girl was ok. Somehow between the time she had gotten the girl into the seat and she had gotten into her own seat, Ally had fallen asleep. It wasn’t that surprising. She took after Logan far too much. Logan was known to fall asleep in the car if he wasn’t driving. She knew that it was rational that Logan drove to Lima but she just wanted to get there.
Hitting the call button she smiled as Logan slipped into the driver’s seat, starting the car before he even pulled on his seat belt. He leaned over her to pull on her seat belt for her before moving the car into drive. Taking the twists and turns in the parking lot Veronica saw Logan pull on his belt just as they were about to exit the lot and just as Kurt picked up his phone.
“Kurt, honey, we’re leaving now. Just hold on.”
As they pulled into the school parking lot at Veronica turned to Logan, “Now I’m going to get Kurt. I’ll sign him out and we’ll meet you at the hospital because I don’t think we should leave his car here.”
Logan nodded, reaching over the consol to press a brief kiss to her lips, “It’ll be ok. I’ll see you there if you’re sure you’re up to being able to drive.”
“I’ll be fine,” Veronica said with a nod, “Just go back to dad’s place. Get some sleep, maybe some food. Kurt and I will be back later tonight, ok?”
“Ok, as long as you promise to call me if you need me.”
“I promise. Now go get some sleep. Are you coming with me Ally?”
Seeing the little girl nod she jumped out of her seat, reached into the back and undid the girl’s car seat belt. Taking her hand she turned back to Logan, “Do you mind pulling that out for me while we go get Kurt?”
“Not at all. I’ll leave it by the Navigator with Ally’s play bag.”
“Thanks,” Veronica whispered before pulling her bag over her arm. Walking quickly to the office, Ally’s hand holding her own, she was a little worried about what was going to happen. She had never tried to sign Kurt out before but there was a first time for everything and if she was lucky the administration lady would be the same one who had been there when she went to school. That lady had liked her and she would hopefully be nice enough to remember who she was and that she was actually Kurt’s sister.
Smiling when she saw the lady she said, “Hi, I’m Veronica Hummel-Echolls. I was hoping to pick my brother up, Kurt Hummel. Our father had a heart attack yesterday.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” The lady replied, typing into the computer, “Ok well you’re listed as being able to take him out of school so if you sign these forms I’ll send someone to go get him.”
Veronica took the pen from the woman smiling as she signed the form, “I’d like to go get him myself if that’s ok.”
“Sure,” the woman said with a nod turning back to her computer, “He’s in Glee at the moment. It’s in the choir room. Do you need directions?”
“No. I know the way thank you.” Veronica replied before guided Ally down the hall. Usually she would have shown the girl all the places that she liked going to while she went to school their but at the moment all she wanted to do was get to Kurt. Turning the last corner to get to the choir room she was surprised when she heard raised voices. Picking up her pace she was shocked to see a big, blacked haired boy yelling at her brother.
“I don’t know what it looked like to everyone else but I thought we were sort a family!”
“Hey!” Veronica yelled, “I don’t know who you think you are but don’t you dare raise your voice to my brother.” Smiling at Kurt she wrapped an arm around him, pulling him as close as she could, “What the hell is going on in here?”
“Hi Veronica,” Mercedes whispered from her seat. Waving to her brother’s best friend she turned back to the blacked haired boy waiting for his answer.
“Finn just wanted to know why I didn’t let him know about dad’s heart attack.” Kurt whispered, tightening his grip around her waist.
Smiling as Ally wrapped herself around both their legs she asked Kurt, “Why does it bother him?”
“Cause Burt is the closest thing I have to a father,” Finn whispered
“Well Burt is our father and I had Kurt on the phone last night just hoping to remind him he wasn’t alone while our only parent is lying in a hospital bed. I’m sorry he didn’t factor you into consideration considering my family had to travel nine hours to be here and we had to cancel a lot of important things.”
“What like your jobs are so important?” Puck scoffed. “Don’t come in here and yell at my friend.”
“Yes my jobs important. My management team is giving refunds for concerts for the next month and my producer is trying to talk down the record company and convince them that it will be ok if the record doesn’t come out for another couple of months.”
“Who are you?” Brittany whispered.
“Her stage persona is Veronica Mars,” Mercedes replied, “But she’s better known in Ohio as Veronica Hummel Echolls.”
“I’m Kurt’s older sister, that’s all that matters.” Veronica said with a roll of her eyes, “Now let’s get out of here. I don’t know about you but I really want to see dad.”
Kurt nodded into her shoulder. Rolling her eyes at Finn again Veronica guided him from the room towards his locker. Letting him pull free his books they went through the office, smiling to the lady before meeting Logan at the car. Letting him put in the car seat and deal with Ally she settled Kurt into the passenger seat, accepted a kiss goodbye from Logan and hopped in the car, heading off to the hospital, praying her father was ok.
Spending the day at the hospital had been fine. Allyson had taken up a spot in the corner, quietly colouring as she and Kurt sat on either side of the bed, holding Burt’s hands in their own. Logan stopped by with lunch but she hadn’t been hungry and she couldn’t blame Kurt when he didn’t eat either. By the time they had headed home there were no changes. The doctor just kept saying that he would come out of it when he came out of it. It was scary though, to see Burt like that. He looked so small and pale. In her whole life she had never seen the man that she had idolised looking like that. It made her scared, like it confirmed that he might not be coming back. That thought scared her most of all. Sure if Burt didn’t come back she would still have Keith, they didn’t have the relationship that she had with Burt but there would be a father figure in her life still. Kurt however would be parentless. She wouldn’t leave him by any means, she would move back to Ohio with Ally, Logan would be there when work allowed it and they would stay there until Kurt had graduated high school. It would only be for just over a year and a half then Kurt would be out of there. She would give him the inheritance she had created for him when she had earned her first million and he would be ok. Well as ok as he could be given the fact that he would be an orphan with a sister who wasn’t even biologically related to him. It would be hard but it would be doable but she couldn’t think like that for long. It made her sad to think that way, like her father wasn’t going to make it.
He had to make it. He had to know that he was needed.
Smiling at Logan as he pulled the car out to the front of hospital she hustled Ally and Kurt into the backseat before collapsing in the front. Placing a kiss to Logan check she smiled as he drove off taking them back to the house she had grown up in. Letting Logan deal with Ally she guided Kurt down to the basement, putting his school bag by the staircase before resting on the corner of his bed.
“Kurt,” she whispered as he walked around the room getting ready for bed, “Sit for a moment.”
“Ok.”
Veronica wrapped an arm around his shoulder, leaning into him, “Do you think that you’ll be ok to go to school tomorrow? And stay the whole day?”
Kurt nodded, “Yeah, if that’s what you want me to do.”
“Do you want to though?”
“It’s what I’d be doing if you weren’t here.”
“I know but I am and you know that you can call me anytime that you need me. You already do it often enough, so I won’t stop you from doing it more.”
“You have your work and Logan has his job though. You both have Ally. It just feels weird to admit that I’d need you to come home just for me and it doesn’t feel fair.”
“Well I don’t mind and I’ve actually been thinking about buying a house here so we can have somewhere to stay when we visit.”
“You shouldn’t have to,” Kurt sighed, “You left this place because you hated it as much as I do.”
“Yeah but you’re stuck here so I’m ok with having to come back to see you and help you out. I know how bad it can get here.” She replied with a shrug, “Even if you weren’t here though I’d be coming back as often as possible to visit dad. I just love that you give me more reasons to spend time with my amazing family.”
“What’s going to happen? If dad doesn’t make it?” Kurt whispered, almost if he was afraid that if he said it out loud it would be true.
“Then I would move back to take care of you. I can make music from anywhere and as much as you hate this place you shouldn’t be taken from your friends this close to the end of high school.”
“Why would you do that though? You don’t have to? You have no obligation what so ever?”
“Yes I do. When mum and dad took me in I was three years old. I’d lived at that orphanage my whole life and I’d seen all the pretty, cute, bubbly kids leave and I was left behind. The first time they talked to me I was sure that once they left they wouldn’t come back but they did. And they kept coming back until one day they took me home and never left me again. I thought I had it all and really it’s the first thing I remember. When was nine though they came to me and they said that they were having you, that mum was pregnant. I told them I was excited but really I was so worried. I packed my bags that night, knowing with so much conviction that they were sending me back to the orphanage, they had a child of their own now, why would they need me?
“But that night when dad came to tuck me in he saw me and all my stuff sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for them to take me back to orphanage. When he asked what I was doing I told him and he said to me that no matter what I would always be a member of this family. That in their mind I was their first born child and now I had to be a great big sister to you no matter what and that would get you through anything. When made my first million the year after mom’s death I put it in a trust for you so you would never have to worry about anything. It’s why I come here because dad always knew, even though I wasn’t biologically related I was a Hummel. That was all that mattered.”
Kurt nodded, “Stay in here with me tonight.”
“Of course,” Veronica whispered, knowing that her story had gotten through to him, “I’m just going to go say goodnight to Logan and Ally. I’ll be back. You start on your moisturising routine.”
“Deal.”
Taking the stairs two at a time she smiled seeing Logan at the top, her pyjamas in his hand. Taking them from him she kissed him quickly before whispering, “I love you.”
“I love you too. Ally’s already asleep so just go back down and be with Kurt. I’ll deal with her if she needs anything tonight.”
Veronica shook her head, tears forming in the corner of her eyes, “What did I do to deserve you?”
“Who knows, just be glad that you’ve got me.”
“I am, everyday.”
When Burt finally opened his eyes she couldn’t be happier. She tried her hardest with Kurt but teen angst made her sad and his friends made her kind of mad. They were selfish and self centred and she never really knew how to respond to what they were saying to Kurt without wanting to rip their heads off. It was sad but true. She was so glad she didn’t have to deal with high school drama anymore. She knew that Burt was better equipped for handling those situations, or at least she hoped he was considering how good he had been when she was in high school. Maybe mom had had something to do with it back then but she had obviously rubbed off on him.
It took two weeks before Burt was moved into the house again and only another two before he decided that it was time for her to leave. She was used to it though. Her father always felt like he had to deal with things by himself. Of course she had argued until she was red in the face but the only person she could never beat in an argument was her father. Hell she could beat Keith but put her up against Burt and she was a goner. After making both him and Kurt swear a million times that they would call the second they needed her she reluctantly packed a bag and headed to the concert spot that her manager had been trying to get her to for days.
It didn’t feel right to leave them but she knew that they were a strong enough family that Kurt could make it through this as long as he had them by his side.
Part Two