Realizations
Author: emocezi
Wordcount: 5403 from 6:30p.m to 1:11a.m.
Rating: R for violence and language. Goodness, these High School boys.
Pairing: If you squint it's Puckurt. They're getting there, just taking aloooot of time to do it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee, nor do I make profit from this work of fiction.
A/N: I'll give you guys a warning, keep the tissues. Also, I give you copious amounts of Grease!Monkey!Kurt because I've fallen in love with him thanks to setos_puppy and her fantastic one shot. :D
Also, when the duet comes around, I recommend you listen to the Glee Cast version of Alone. It's what inspired the scene. I literally choreographed it listening to the song on repeat on the bus this morning. :D
Questions, Answers
“So what's with the song Mr. Schue?” Puck questioned, slowly packing up his Spanish notes as an excuse to talk to the teacher before Glee. Everyone had already left, Kurt fleeing as soon as the bell had rung. He'd been squirming the entire day, clearly uncomfortable with the jock's close proximity.
“It's an old favorite of mine.”
“Yeah, Kurt was saying it won you something big.”
“Indeed it did. See when I was in Glee I had this duet partner, she was a stupid cheerleader that cared more about popularity then anything. We couldn't agree on anything, and when I couldn't take it anymore I went to my teacher and she gave me the song.”
“Uh huh.” Puck nodded, still confused over why this song was such a big deal for the teacher.
“That stupid cheerleader is my wife of five happy years, and the mother-to-be of my baby girl.”
“You gave us your song?”
“Good luck.” Mr. Schuester ducked out of the class room, a huge grin on his face as Puck gaped after him.
What the flying fuck?
XxX XxX
Glee was quieter then usual, everyone was in their groups, talking quietly amongst themselves. Kurt had one earbud in, listening to their song and scribbling down notes every once in a while. Puck had asked about it, and the gleek had snapped that it was for choreography.
The jock had wisely backed off, twirling his pencil and tapping out drumbeats on his knees when Artie wheeled up, apologetic look on his face. Kurt paused his iPod which had been playing a faint rendition of the song they were doing.
“My dad's van keeps making this weird rattling sound. Can you look at it after school.” Puck opened his mouth to ask why the wheelchair kid would even think he knew anything about cars.
“Tell him to bring it around to where I park.” Kurt answered and Puck felt his jaw drop. What the hell. Kurt noticed, eyes narrowing and Puck snapped his mouth shut. “What?”
“Nothing.” Blue eyes narrowed even more and Puck once again felt like a jerk. He'd been trying to be nice to the kid, and had still been thinking of him as a cliché. “Just didn't think you liked cars.” The jock mumbled, trying to play it off as casually as possible without digging himself any deeper.
“Obviously I can't like fashion and cars. I forgot about that rule.” The gleek sneered. Puck began to speak, then realized he was only gonna come off as a huge jerk and slouched angrily in his chair, dangerously close to pouting.
XxX XxX
“Problems with your girlfriend Puck?” Matthews sneered at him during football practice. Apparently everyone had noticed how different Kurt had been treating him today. It was exactly the way he had before, like Puck barely existed on his field of view. Only around during class and Glee.
Fuck. Fuck.
“Shove it Matthews.” Puck grumbled, crouching on one knee for tackling drills. Coach Tanaka blew his whistle and Puck surged upwards, throwing all his aggression from the last few days into the dummy and pushing it back a good couple of meters.
“Good Puck, good. Keep that up and we'll win another game.” Coach smacked him on the shoulder. Puck snarled inwardly, wondering how he was supposed to concentrate on football, when fucking everything reminded him of stupid Hummel and his stupid...stupidness.
FUCK!
XxX XxX
“I think it's the heat shield.” Puck had to look twice to make sure he wasn't hallucinating from too many hits during practice. Kurt was half way in the engine, one leg bent at the knee, foot hanging in midair as he wiggled further under the raised hood.
Artie looked over, took in Puck's dropped jaw and grinned, wheeling himself further over so he was directly beside the pale gleek. He knew it was a dangerous gamble, but it was such great payback for all the times he'd been rolled in the port-a-potty's.
“Is it expensive to replace?” Artie's father asked, a worried look on his face.
“Hmm? No, it's not worn out, it's just come unhinged from the fuel nozzle. If you swing by my place tomorrow I can spot weld it back on for you.” Kurt stated, wiggling out from the engine and taking the rag Artie passed to him. He casually wiped his hands on it and stuck it in his back pocket like he was a seasoned mechanic. Puck could feel himself start to harden and cursed a blue streak in his head.
“Oh, Noah, are you coming over?” Kurt asked, spotting the jock. Puck tugged his dufflebag in front of him to hide his problem and shook his head.
“Can't. I've gotta help my mom with...groceries.” It was a good lie, though he'd never gone shopping with his mother in his life, even with her nagging at him that he'd have to learn how to fend for himself if he didn't find himself a good Jewish girl.
“Fine. Here's a copy of the choreography. Come by tomorrow and we'll go over it. We also have to find a version of the song we can both agree on.”
“How many versions are there?” Puck asked jokingly and glared at Artie as the wheelchair kid started snickering.
“I found four last night.” Kurt answered, his chin lifting in a way that told Puck he didn't appreciate the jocks humor.
“Oh.” Kurt rolled his eyes, grabbing his bag from Artie and pulling out a few sheets of looseleaf and crossing the small distance to hand them to Puck who grabbed them. Kurt raised an eyebrow, then rolled his eyes.
“Meet me at my locker after school.”
XxX XxX
What the fuck had that been about? Seriously, what the fuck had the been about?
It was like, the one time Kurt had been normal and his libido sat up and went I'll take two please.
What the FUCK?
XxX XxX
This time it was Puck that had squirmed all through class, and it wasn't just Kurt that had noticed. Mercedes shot him some strange looks during Bio, but he'd glared at her every time she opened her mouth, and it seemed to deflate any questions she might have had.
Glee was horrible, because Artie started talking to Kurt about his dad wanting to pay for the spot welding. It was all Puck could do to keep from fleeing the room. It was one thing to kinda like the pale gleek, it was another altogether to like the pale gleek.
Class dragged on, and when the bell finally rang Puck was out of the room so fast he surprised himself. Did he have to go to Kurt's house? How bad would the gleek be pissed if he just skipped practice for the rest of the week and they failed the duet. Fuck, Kurt would probably never speak to him again.
“What's wrong with you Puck?” Finn asked, his face all soft and concerned. Puck had never wanted to punch his friend more.
“Nothing, I've gotta go.”
“Puck, man I'm your best friend.” Finn's eyes were getting big and shiny, like he had jumped straight out of a Disney cartoon. “You can tell me anything.”
“Dude, Hummel's gonna skin me alive if I'm late for this thing. He's such a little bitch sometimes.”
“Don't talk about Kurt like that. He's a really good guy. I don't know why you hate him so much. He's never done anything to you.” Finn was nearly pouting and Puck gaped. Was Finn blind?
“I'm not...I didn't mean...Fuck it. Just fuck everything.” Puck leaned up against his locker, running a hand over his face.
“What's wrong?” Finn asked, concern running rampant across his features. It was almost scary how you could read him like a book. Puck glared at the Cheerios who were staring openly at him.
“What the fuck do you want?” He snarled and they shook their heads, scurrying away.
“Puck, what's wrong?”
“NOTHING! I'm just having a bad day. Leave me alone, you don't have to know fucking everything.” Puck snapped, grabbing his backpack, slamming his locker and storming away. Finn gaping at his back.
XxX XxX
“What the fuck is up with this routine?” Puck snapped as he read over it for the fifth time while Kurt was surfing the web for different versions of the song they were to perform.
“I beg your pardon?” Kurt's eyebrow snapped up, his mouth curling into a sneer.
“There's like nothing here. It's all 'take a step forward, turn away, lift you hand, stare across the room.' This is such a fucking chick routine.”
“Sometimes Noah, simple is best. This song does not require flashy dance steps.” Kurt snapped back, fingers flying over the keyboard. Hades lifted his head and growled once.
“Shut the fuck up dog.”
“What is wrong with you?” The laptop hit the coffee table with a thunk, Kurt shifting to face the jock. “You've been acting like a bitch all day.”
“I've been acting like a bitch. That's rich coming from you.” Kurt glared, his face set in a dark scowl.
“Go home.”
“Why?”
“Because I can't work with you and your bitchfits.”
“I am not having a bitchfit.” Puck snarled and Kurt simply lifted an eyebrow. The gleek opened his mouth when the doorbell rang. The pale boy rose, shooting Puck one last fulminating look as he headed up stairs.
XxX XxX
Puck stayed downstairs, not wanting to chance going anywhere near Kurt in grease stained overalls, leather gloves two sizes to big and a welding mask covering his delicate face. From his reaction the last time he wasn't going to chance anything else.
XxX XxX
“Where's Puck?” Artie asked, fiddling with a screwdriver as Kurt flipped down his welder's mask, turned on the acetylene and sparked his welding torch.
“Noah has decided that I'm being too much of a bitch today, and my routine is too feminine for his stupid macho self. I don't know why I thought I could work with him, he's still the same asshole we knew in Jr. High.” Kurt snapped and Artie's eyebrows nearly met his hairline. Maybe he'd pushed it a little too far the day before. Though he could bet Puck had never imagined Kurt to be that sufficient when it came to vehicular repair. When you first looked at Kurt you didn't think of him as a mechanic, despite the fact that he'd been helping his father since he'd been old enough to know the difference between a wrench and a ball socket.
Artie wisely kept his mouth shut, instead choosing to wheel over to the iPod docking system in the garage. He flicked through songs until he came to 'Defying Gravity', pressing play with a small grin. He was positive Kurt had blown the song, but he wanted proof before he made his accusation.
A few more sizzles and Kurt stood up, shutting off the acetylene tank and taking off his mask. He shot a glance at Artie who shrugged and made a Well? motion. Kurt sighed, matching his voice effortlessly to the notes. Artie had to hand it to him, if you didn't know, you would swear it was a girl singing.
“I think I'll try defying gravity, and you won't bring me doooooooooo~wn.” Kurt's voice was high and clear, and he hit the high F like it was as easy as breathing.
“Dude...why'd you bail?” Artie asked softly and Kurt met his gaze, a soft look in his eyes.
“My father got an anonymous phone call. It would only get worse if I sang that in front of a thousand people. He's not strong enough to deal with it. He hasn't been strong enough to deal with a lot of things since my mother passed away.” The pale gleek shrugged. “You're safe to drive home, but keep the hood up when your parked so it can settle properly. Keep the clamps on till tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you Kurt.” Artie's father smiled at the pale boy.
“It's not a problem Mr. Abrams , I'm always happy to help a friend.” Kurt smiled. “I'd better get back to Noah before he picks a fight with Hades.” The gleek rolled his eyes as Artie snickered. The boy in the wheelchair motioned Kurt over, pulling him down so he could whisper in his ear.
“Between you and me, I think he likes the thought of you as a mechanic.”
“Are you serious?” Kurt wore a vaguely disturbed look and Artie nodded, fighting the urge to snicker. “Jesus Christ.”
XxX XxX
“This is what's put you in a bitchy mood all day?” Puck turned at the voice to find Kurt standing on the landing, one hand on his hip, wearing an expression that could only be described as a bitchface. “Seriously?”
“Shut up.” Puck's face was red, he could feel himself getting warmer. A portion of tan leather gloves could be seen poking out of the pocket of Kurt's overalls. There was a smear of oil on the back of his hand, and a faint red mark on his forearm. “Did you burn yourself?”
“What?” Kurt looked at his arm and rolled his eyes. “It didn't even blister, don't change the question.”
“Fuck off Hummel.” Puck mumbled, hating the fact that he was blushing.
“Oh my Gawd. Straight boys and their drama.” The gleek huffed and Puck could hear the eye roll. He kept his eyes averted as Kurt moved past the couch to his room, the door opening and closing. There was a rustling and Puck slouched into the sofa, groaning at the thought of Kurt sliding pale limbs out of the overalls.
What the fuck was wrong with him.
XxX XxX
“Are you finished with your bitchfit?” Kurt asked, settling onto the couch, back in his regular clothes. Some fancy priss designer that sold for more then Puck earned in a week.
“Shut up.” Puck whirled at the snicker, glaring at Kurt's overly serene face. “Did you just laugh at me?”
“Why would I laugh at you Noah. Here, can you sing this?” He pressed play, and a feminine voice filled the room, clear and sweet and just this side of husky.
“Um, no.”
“That's my part idiot. Just wait.” A few moments later and a man's voice came on, middle range, long clear notes that wavered with just the right amount of vibrato.
“Shouldn't be a problem.” Kurt raised an eyebrow, making a motion like 'well try it, moron' and Puck scowled. He took a breath. “I never really cared until I met you, and now it chills me to the bone. How do I get you aaaaa~loooone. How do I get you aaaaaa~looooone.”
“Good, that was good.” Kurt nodded and paused the song, grabbing a paper and scribbling something down.
“What are you writing?”
“We need to work on your stamina for long notes.” Kurt remarked absently and the jock smirked.
“I've never had any complaints about my stamina.” The gleek gaped at him and Puck started to snicker at the completely shocked expression. “What, it's true.”
“Ew.”
“You're just jealous you haven't gotten a ride on the Puckerman express.” Kurt burst out laughing, doubling over as he gasped for breath.
“Oh my god, ew. Ew ew ew.” Kurt caught the glare Puck was sending him and cleared his throat, sitting up straight and attempting to look serious. “No offense or anything, just....you are so far from my type it's not even funny.”
“And what exactly is that? Last time we got into this you kicked me out.”
“I suppose I can tell you, since I found out your little thing for grease monkeys.”
“Shut up Hummel.” Puck groaned, face flushing.
“Let's see. Nice eyes, good facial structure, big hands, not too muscly, good voice, good manners, and impeccable taste in clothes.”
“Ya know, take out the clothes and manners and you've got me.” Puck remarked, trying not to react at the thought of his big hands leaving marks on Kurt's lily white skin.
“With your attitude. I don't think so.” Kurt snarked jokingly.
XxX XxX
School was a thousand times less awkward the next day, and everyone noticed. Especially the jocks, during gym class in the middle of the day before Spanish.
“How good was the angry sex Puck?” Blaque asked, a crude smile on his face as he wrapped a towel around his waist.
“Wouldn't you love to know.” The jock snarled back, it was pissing him off. Everything he said, everything he did was somehow turned around as an extension of the pale gleek.
“Holy shit dude.” Matthews was quiet, the rest of the jocks staring at Puck who flipped them off, storming out of the shower.
XxX XxX
“Now what's wrong?”
“Nothing.” Kurt shrugged, going back to filing his nails and listening to Mr. Schuester talk about the differences between Mexican Spanish and Spanish spoken in Spain. “The guys on the football team are being assholes?”
“How is that news?” Kurt asked softly and Puck ground his teeth, trying to remind himself that Kurt wouldn't know the difference between friendly joking around and being a dick.
“They're being assholes to me.”
“Oh.” That small noise spoke volumes. The jock stared at the gleek, trying to figure out how Kurt managed to fit so much understanding into one syllable.
“Fuckers.”
“Noah, it's only going to get worse from this point on.” Kurt remarked in a quiet voice, tone soft, something underneath that Puck couldn't place.
“So.”
“You don't understand, it's going to get bad Noah.” Kurt's serene face was as serious as Puck had ever seen it. “Stephen Glish bad.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“I knew him, Stephen.” Puck stared, not sure he wanted to hear this. The bell rang, announcing the end of class and Kurt shook his head. “I'll tell you after Glee.”
XxX XxX
“So, what about the Gish Kid?” Puck asked after he'd buckled himself into Kurt's car.
“Glish. He lived just down the street from me and he'd walk me home sometimes when my dad forgot to pick me up from school.” Kurt paused, waiting for the stop light to turn red before he continued. “He was a jock, played hockey. I remember him trying to teach me how to do a proper slapshot when I was eleven. He told me to never give up an inch of who I was. I think he knew what was going to happen the week before.”
“What do you mean?”
“He said that no matter what happened to never let them win, never let them see that they get to you. That High School is just one stupid part of life, and that it gets better. He swore it got better, except he never got to find out.” Kurt's voice broke, and he brushed a stray tear off his cheek.
“You can't do this, you can't Noah. They'll kill you.” Puck was silent the entire rest of the way.
XxX XxX
Friday dawned, the day of the duet competition in Glee. Puck had been subdued since his conversation with Kurt on Wednesday. Once again the football team noticed, and it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
“Trouble in paradise Puck?” One simple question from Michaelson and Puck snapped.
“What are you assholes so fucking terrified of? You're scared of Hummel? You think you're gonna catch his gay?” The jock snarled, hurling the football he held with deadly accuracy into Michaelson's nose. There was a loud crunch and the jock crumpled to his knees, blood spouting from between his fingers.
“You broke my fucking nose.”
“TALK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN AND I'LL BREAK YOUR FUCKING HEAD!” Puck roared, the other jocks backing off, even Finn held up his hands, taking a step backwards. “I'VE PUT UP WITH YOUR SHIT LONG ENOUGH!” He turned to leave, then stopped. “You assholes make one move on Hummel and I'll fucking end you.”
XxX XxX
Spanish was a quiet class, Mr. Schuester announcing a pop quiz. Puck was surprised at how much he remembered thanks to Kurt's lessons during the quiet moments of Glee club. He finished his exam, thinking back to what he'd said and feeling rage stirring in his veins. He'd do it again.
Stupid motherfuckers. Conceited close minded assholes.
It was only when Kurt kicked his ankle that he realized he'd been muttering it aloud. The jock scowled at the gleek who ignored him in favor of filling in the blanks of his quiz.
XxX XxX
Glee arrived too soon, and even with all rehearsal work they'd done Puck still felt nervous sitting next to Kurt who looked as serene as always.
“Stop fidgeting” Kurt whispered, shooting him a glare out of the corner of his eyes. The gleek was sitting straight, left leg crossed over right, his fingers interlocking over his knee. Rachel and Quinn finished their rendition of 'For Good' from 'Wicked'.
“Alright, Kurt and Puck.” Mr. Schuester nodded and the boys got to their feet, moving to opposite ends of the room. The music started and Rachel's hand shot into the air.
“Mr. Schuester. Is it true you picked the song? Shouldn't that be against the rules?”
“This isn't a competition Rachel. And I think we all know that these boy's wouldn't be able to pick a song for themselves. Kurt was the one who came to me about it. Anything else?” Rachel frowned but shook her head, apparently upset that she hadn't been dramatic enough to warrant a song picked out from the teacher.
Puck glanced over, remembering what Mr. Schue had told him at the beginning of the week. The teacher smiled, nodding to the band and they began to play the song again.
Kurt started, his voice high and clear and just this side of husky. It made several eyebrows raise as no one imagined that sort of sound coming from the pale gleek.
“I hear the ticking of the clock
I'm lying here the room's pitch dark.
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slooo~w
Oh I hope that it won't end thooo~ugh
Alooooo~ne.”
He spun on his heel, now facing Puck who still had his facing in the opposite direction, the jock taking a single smooth step backwards as Kurt kept singing, hands clenching into fists as he projected everything he had into the words.
“Till noooo~w I always got by on my ooooo~wn.”
Puck took another step backwards and turned to face Kurt, the two harmonizing the next few lines.
“I never really cared until I met yooo~u,
And now it chills me to the booo~ne
How do I get you alooo~ne
How do I get you aloooo~ne.”
Kurt turned back to face the wall, taking a small step backwards as Puck reached out a hand as he sang the next few verses.
“You don't know how long I have wanted
to touch your lips and hold you tiii~ght, yeeeee~aaahh.
You don't know how long I have waited
and I was going to tell you toniii~ght.”
Puck let his fingers slide into a fist, his hand dropping as he turned back around. Kurt began to sing again, still facing away.
“But the secret is still my oooo~wn.”
Puck took another step backwards at the same time as Kurt did, the jock singing again.
“And my love for you is still unknooooo~wn.”
The two turning only their heads, eyes meeting from across the room.
“Aaaa~loooooone.”
A brief pause and they were were harmonizing again, taking small steps backwards with every few words.
“Till now I always got by on my oooo~wn
I never really cared until I met yoooo~u
And now it chills me to the boooo~ne
How do I get you alooo~ne
How do I get you aloooooo~ne.”
Their backs met, and they both turned, circling around each other. Kurt singing and then Puck, each singing a different tone and yet managing to harmonize perfectly.
“Aaaaaa~loooooone.”
“Aaaaaa~looooooone”
They both took a breath at the same time and Puck had to fight a grin, knowing what was coming. They paused, staring at each other.
“Aaaaaa~looooone”
And Kurt hit his high F effortlessly.
“AAAAAAAAAAA~LOOOOOOOOOONE.”
The music slowed and they turned back around, each looking back at the other.
Silence and then the room exploded with applause. Mr. Schuester grinning and clapping as Artie and Matt whistled. Mercedes was screaming about 'her boy'. The Cheerios were living up their namesake and doing one of the routines they used for a touchdown in football, though Quinn's expression was somewhat dark. Finn was clapping, an odd look on his face, like he'd had a revelation about something. Even Rachel was clapping, looking shell shocked as she realized she'd been given the 'Wicked' solo the month before. That look alone was worth the drama of the entire week.
“That was fantastic boys. I'd like the rest of you to note that sometimes simple choreography is best. You don't always need flashy moves and exotic costumes for a good production.”
XxX XxX
“Hey Kurt.” The pale gleek turned, eyebrow raised at Rachel who had come up as he was packing his things.
“Yes?'
“Why did you give me the solo? I like to win things for the sake of winning them. You didn't have to be worried that you would hurt my feelings, I'm stronger then that.”
“I didn't throw anything for you.” Kurt remarked, one hand on his hip. Mercedes half turned from where she was talking to Matt, eyes narrowing.
“I think I deserve an explanation.” Rachel crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow of her own.
“Ask your father's about anonymous phone calls at three in the morning.” He said in leau of a goodbye, striding out the door with an air of confidence no one else at the school could match.
XxX XxX
“So man, what's up with you and Kurt?” Finn asked, as he pushed textbooks into his locker and rooted through the papers to find his homework for the evening.
“Why?” Puck half glared at his friend, not sure where this was going.
“Cause, you guys looked really into it.”
“It's a song man, you looked really into you're song with Tina.”
“She's kind of awesome when you get to know her. Did you know she can burp the alphabet?”
“Really? Awesome.”
“I know.” Finn grinned into his locker, his adolescent brain letting go of his question in favor of wondering what was for supper. Puck rolled his eyes, smirking at his friend. The boy wasn't stupid, he was just...simple. Get him off track and he'd forget what he was questioning you about.
XxX XxX
The entire table went silent when Puck dropped his tray at the empty spot next to Kurt at lunch on Monday.
“What are you doing?” The pale gleek asked, forkful of gravy covered French fries paused halfway to his mouth.
“Eating with you guys.” Puck stated with a roll of his eyes.
“W-why?” Tina got up the favor to ask.
“Something happen at the jock table?” Artie asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Maybe I just felt like a change of scenery.” Kurt rolled his eyes at the jock, going back to eating. He felt Puck nudge his foot under the table and nudged back.
“Hey Puck.” Finn grinned at his fellow jock, changing his routine and settling at the gleek table. “How come you're eating here today?”
“Do I need a reason?”
“It's not cause of what you did in gym is it?”
“What did he do in Gym?” Rachel asked, needing to know everything.
“Oh, some of the guys were ragging on him about all the time he's spent with Kurt, stop kicking me man. Anyway, he flipped out and threw a football into Michaelson's face and broke his nose.” Finn said, not noticing the looks Puck was getting.
Artie and Tina shared a look, then snorted. Rachel smirked, as if she knew far more then she would ever dream of letting on. Kurt nudged Puck's foot under the table, ignoring what Finn had said and Puck had to fight a grin.
XxX XxX
“So what now Puckerman, you're to good for us?” Puck cursed silently, not thinking about his routine until it was too late. He always went to the arcade after school on Mondays. Several of his former football buddies had surrounded him, and from the looks on their faces talking wasn't on the menu today.
“I've always been too good for you assholes, you've just never caught on.” He sneered, thinking about what Kurt had said, about not giving an inch of yourself over.
Someone caught his arms, holding him still as the other boys grinned and began to beat on him. Puck counted fifteen separate punches before a familiar voice started calling out.
“Get you're asses offa the kid or it'll be the last thing you ever fuckin' do.” Puck felt himself being dropped, in too much pain to do anything about it. A strong arm around his shoulders kept him from hitting the ground.
“You okay Noah?”
“Mr. Hummel?” He slurred, his lips feeling three times their size, one eye swollen shut, the other red with blood.
“Yeah. Shit, hold on.” Puck's world flipped upside down as he was lifted into a fireman's carry. It was pure luck that had Puck being attacked outside Hummel's Garage. Pure luck that had Burt Hummel spotting the attack before it got bad enough to call an ambulance.
Sure the kid had taken a beating to the face, but head wounds bled a lot. And Burt had given and taken enough punches to the face to know when one was far more serious then it looked, a lot of the damage was superficial, though he imagined the kid was feeling shitty at the moment.
“Kurt.”
“Yeah?”
“Grab the first aid kit and a couple of clean rags.” At Pucks groan Burt winced, setting the jock on the garage couch as gently as he could. “And a bucket.”
It surprised Burt some that his son didn't seem surprised at Puck being here and in this shape. When he questioned his son he got a shrug and a "I told him this would happen eventually if he kept being seen around me." That got a narrowed look and a dramatic eye roll from his son.
“Not like that Dad, in school. I'm sure you remember what it was like, as ancient as you are.” Burt chuckled, as queer as his kid was, you had to respect the smart mouth on him. That was another trait he'd gotten from his mother.
His trip down memory lane was cut short by the sound of retching. Looked like the poor kid was bringing up everything he had in his stomach. Tended to happen when your stomach took a pounding.
“Want me to call your mother?”
“No.” Puck rasped out, accepting the glass of water Kurt handed him with trembling hands. “She'll just think I got into another fight.” Burt raised an eyebrow, it always surprised him how some parents treated their kids. He shifted his gaze to Kurt who was sorting his wrenches by size and had to smile. His boy, all he had left of the woman that he'd loved and lost. He wasn't sure if it would ever stop hurting, that gaping wound she'd left behind.
He cleaned the kid up, spreading disinfectant on the small cuts and wiping up the blood efficiently.
“Sleep it off, I'll wake you up when it's time to close.” Burt grabbed an icepack from the freezer used to treat small scrapes and burns, a hazard of the trade. He pressed it gently against Puck's left eye and covered the kid in his jacket.
XxX XxX
Next
Wordcount: 5403 from 6:30p.m to 1:11a.m.
Rating: R for violence and language. Goodness, these High School boys.
Pairing: If you squint it's Puckurt. They're getting there, just taking aloooot of time to do it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee, nor do I make profit from this work of fiction.
A/N: I'll give you guys a warning, keep the tissues. Also, I give you copious amounts of Grease!Monkey!Kurt because I've fallen in love with him thanks to setos_puppy and her fantastic one shot. :D
Also, when the duet comes around, I recommend you listen to the Glee Cast version of Alone. It's what inspired the scene. I literally choreographed it listening to the song on repeat on the bus this morning. :D
Questions, Answers
“So what's with the song Mr. Schue?” Puck questioned, slowly packing up his Spanish notes as an excuse to talk to the teacher before Glee. Everyone had already left, Kurt fleeing as soon as the bell had rung. He'd been squirming the entire day, clearly uncomfortable with the jock's close proximity.
“It's an old favorite of mine.”
“Yeah, Kurt was saying it won you something big.”
“Indeed it did. See when I was in Glee I had this duet partner, she was a stupid cheerleader that cared more about popularity then anything. We couldn't agree on anything, and when I couldn't take it anymore I went to my teacher and she gave me the song.”
“Uh huh.” Puck nodded, still confused over why this song was such a big deal for the teacher.
“That stupid cheerleader is my wife of five happy years, and the mother-to-be of my baby girl.”
“You gave us your song?”
“Good luck.” Mr. Schuester ducked out of the class room, a huge grin on his face as Puck gaped after him.
What the flying fuck?
XxX XxX
Glee was quieter then usual, everyone was in their groups, talking quietly amongst themselves. Kurt had one earbud in, listening to their song and scribbling down notes every once in a while. Puck had asked about it, and the gleek had snapped that it was for choreography.
The jock had wisely backed off, twirling his pencil and tapping out drumbeats on his knees when Artie wheeled up, apologetic look on his face. Kurt paused his iPod which had been playing a faint rendition of the song they were doing.
“My dad's van keeps making this weird rattling sound. Can you look at it after school.” Puck opened his mouth to ask why the wheelchair kid would even think he knew anything about cars.
“Tell him to bring it around to where I park.” Kurt answered and Puck felt his jaw drop. What the hell. Kurt noticed, eyes narrowing and Puck snapped his mouth shut. “What?”
“Nothing.” Blue eyes narrowed even more and Puck once again felt like a jerk. He'd been trying to be nice to the kid, and had still been thinking of him as a cliché. “Just didn't think you liked cars.” The jock mumbled, trying to play it off as casually as possible without digging himself any deeper.
“Obviously I can't like fashion and cars. I forgot about that rule.” The gleek sneered. Puck began to speak, then realized he was only gonna come off as a huge jerk and slouched angrily in his chair, dangerously close to pouting.
XxX XxX
“Problems with your girlfriend Puck?” Matthews sneered at him during football practice. Apparently everyone had noticed how different Kurt had been treating him today. It was exactly the way he had before, like Puck barely existed on his field of view. Only around during class and Glee.
Fuck. Fuck.
“Shove it Matthews.” Puck grumbled, crouching on one knee for tackling drills. Coach Tanaka blew his whistle and Puck surged upwards, throwing all his aggression from the last few days into the dummy and pushing it back a good couple of meters.
“Good Puck, good. Keep that up and we'll win another game.” Coach smacked him on the shoulder. Puck snarled inwardly, wondering how he was supposed to concentrate on football, when fucking everything reminded him of stupid Hummel and his stupid...stupidness.
FUCK!
XxX XxX
“I think it's the heat shield.” Puck had to look twice to make sure he wasn't hallucinating from too many hits during practice. Kurt was half way in the engine, one leg bent at the knee, foot hanging in midair as he wiggled further under the raised hood.
Artie looked over, took in Puck's dropped jaw and grinned, wheeling himself further over so he was directly beside the pale gleek. He knew it was a dangerous gamble, but it was such great payback for all the times he'd been rolled in the port-a-potty's.
“Is it expensive to replace?” Artie's father asked, a worried look on his face.
“Hmm? No, it's not worn out, it's just come unhinged from the fuel nozzle. If you swing by my place tomorrow I can spot weld it back on for you.” Kurt stated, wiggling out from the engine and taking the rag Artie passed to him. He casually wiped his hands on it and stuck it in his back pocket like he was a seasoned mechanic. Puck could feel himself start to harden and cursed a blue streak in his head.
“Oh, Noah, are you coming over?” Kurt asked, spotting the jock. Puck tugged his dufflebag in front of him to hide his problem and shook his head.
“Can't. I've gotta help my mom with...groceries.” It was a good lie, though he'd never gone shopping with his mother in his life, even with her nagging at him that he'd have to learn how to fend for himself if he didn't find himself a good Jewish girl.
“Fine. Here's a copy of the choreography. Come by tomorrow and we'll go over it. We also have to find a version of the song we can both agree on.”
“How many versions are there?” Puck asked jokingly and glared at Artie as the wheelchair kid started snickering.
“I found four last night.” Kurt answered, his chin lifting in a way that told Puck he didn't appreciate the jocks humor.
“Oh.” Kurt rolled his eyes, grabbing his bag from Artie and pulling out a few sheets of looseleaf and crossing the small distance to hand them to Puck who grabbed them. Kurt raised an eyebrow, then rolled his eyes.
“Meet me at my locker after school.”
XxX XxX
What the fuck had that been about? Seriously, what the fuck had the been about?
It was like, the one time Kurt had been normal and his libido sat up and went I'll take two please.
What the FUCK?
XxX XxX
This time it was Puck that had squirmed all through class, and it wasn't just Kurt that had noticed. Mercedes shot him some strange looks during Bio, but he'd glared at her every time she opened her mouth, and it seemed to deflate any questions she might have had.
Glee was horrible, because Artie started talking to Kurt about his dad wanting to pay for the spot welding. It was all Puck could do to keep from fleeing the room. It was one thing to kinda like the pale gleek, it was another altogether to like the pale gleek.
Class dragged on, and when the bell finally rang Puck was out of the room so fast he surprised himself. Did he have to go to Kurt's house? How bad would the gleek be pissed if he just skipped practice for the rest of the week and they failed the duet. Fuck, Kurt would probably never speak to him again.
“What's wrong with you Puck?” Finn asked, his face all soft and concerned. Puck had never wanted to punch his friend more.
“Nothing, I've gotta go.”
“Puck, man I'm your best friend.” Finn's eyes were getting big and shiny, like he had jumped straight out of a Disney cartoon. “You can tell me anything.”
“Dude, Hummel's gonna skin me alive if I'm late for this thing. He's such a little bitch sometimes.”
“Don't talk about Kurt like that. He's a really good guy. I don't know why you hate him so much. He's never done anything to you.” Finn was nearly pouting and Puck gaped. Was Finn blind?
“I'm not...I didn't mean...Fuck it. Just fuck everything.” Puck leaned up against his locker, running a hand over his face.
“What's wrong?” Finn asked, concern running rampant across his features. It was almost scary how you could read him like a book. Puck glared at the Cheerios who were staring openly at him.
“What the fuck do you want?” He snarled and they shook their heads, scurrying away.
“Puck, what's wrong?”
“NOTHING! I'm just having a bad day. Leave me alone, you don't have to know fucking everything.” Puck snapped, grabbing his backpack, slamming his locker and storming away. Finn gaping at his back.
XxX XxX
“What the fuck is up with this routine?” Puck snapped as he read over it for the fifth time while Kurt was surfing the web for different versions of the song they were to perform.
“I beg your pardon?” Kurt's eyebrow snapped up, his mouth curling into a sneer.
“There's like nothing here. It's all 'take a step forward, turn away, lift you hand, stare across the room.' This is such a fucking chick routine.”
“Sometimes Noah, simple is best. This song does not require flashy dance steps.” Kurt snapped back, fingers flying over the keyboard. Hades lifted his head and growled once.
“Shut the fuck up dog.”
“What is wrong with you?” The laptop hit the coffee table with a thunk, Kurt shifting to face the jock. “You've been acting like a bitch all day.”
“I've been acting like a bitch. That's rich coming from you.” Kurt glared, his face set in a dark scowl.
“Go home.”
“Why?”
“Because I can't work with you and your bitchfits.”
“I am not having a bitchfit.” Puck snarled and Kurt simply lifted an eyebrow. The gleek opened his mouth when the doorbell rang. The pale boy rose, shooting Puck one last fulminating look as he headed up stairs.
XxX XxX
Puck stayed downstairs, not wanting to chance going anywhere near Kurt in grease stained overalls, leather gloves two sizes to big and a welding mask covering his delicate face. From his reaction the last time he wasn't going to chance anything else.
XxX XxX
“Where's Puck?” Artie asked, fiddling with a screwdriver as Kurt flipped down his welder's mask, turned on the acetylene and sparked his welding torch.
“Noah has decided that I'm being too much of a bitch today, and my routine is too feminine for his stupid macho self. I don't know why I thought I could work with him, he's still the same asshole we knew in Jr. High.” Kurt snapped and Artie's eyebrows nearly met his hairline. Maybe he'd pushed it a little too far the day before. Though he could bet Puck had never imagined Kurt to be that sufficient when it came to vehicular repair. When you first looked at Kurt you didn't think of him as a mechanic, despite the fact that he'd been helping his father since he'd been old enough to know the difference between a wrench and a ball socket.
Artie wisely kept his mouth shut, instead choosing to wheel over to the iPod docking system in the garage. He flicked through songs until he came to 'Defying Gravity', pressing play with a small grin. He was positive Kurt had blown the song, but he wanted proof before he made his accusation.
A few more sizzles and Kurt stood up, shutting off the acetylene tank and taking off his mask. He shot a glance at Artie who shrugged and made a Well? motion. Kurt sighed, matching his voice effortlessly to the notes. Artie had to hand it to him, if you didn't know, you would swear it was a girl singing.
“I think I'll try defying gravity, and you won't bring me doooooooooo~wn.” Kurt's voice was high and clear, and he hit the high F like it was as easy as breathing.
“Dude...why'd you bail?” Artie asked softly and Kurt met his gaze, a soft look in his eyes.
“My father got an anonymous phone call. It would only get worse if I sang that in front of a thousand people. He's not strong enough to deal with it. He hasn't been strong enough to deal with a lot of things since my mother passed away.” The pale gleek shrugged. “You're safe to drive home, but keep the hood up when your parked so it can settle properly. Keep the clamps on till tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you Kurt.” Artie's father smiled at the pale boy.
“It's not a problem Mr. Abrams , I'm always happy to help a friend.” Kurt smiled. “I'd better get back to Noah before he picks a fight with Hades.” The gleek rolled his eyes as Artie snickered. The boy in the wheelchair motioned Kurt over, pulling him down so he could whisper in his ear.
“Between you and me, I think he likes the thought of you as a mechanic.”
“Are you serious?” Kurt wore a vaguely disturbed look and Artie nodded, fighting the urge to snicker. “Jesus Christ.”
XxX XxX
“This is what's put you in a bitchy mood all day?” Puck turned at the voice to find Kurt standing on the landing, one hand on his hip, wearing an expression that could only be described as a bitchface. “Seriously?”
“Shut up.” Puck's face was red, he could feel himself getting warmer. A portion of tan leather gloves could be seen poking out of the pocket of Kurt's overalls. There was a smear of oil on the back of his hand, and a faint red mark on his forearm. “Did you burn yourself?”
“What?” Kurt looked at his arm and rolled his eyes. “It didn't even blister, don't change the question.”
“Fuck off Hummel.” Puck mumbled, hating the fact that he was blushing.
“Oh my Gawd. Straight boys and their drama.” The gleek huffed and Puck could hear the eye roll. He kept his eyes averted as Kurt moved past the couch to his room, the door opening and closing. There was a rustling and Puck slouched into the sofa, groaning at the thought of Kurt sliding pale limbs out of the overalls.
What the fuck was wrong with him.
XxX XxX
“Are you finished with your bitchfit?” Kurt asked, settling onto the couch, back in his regular clothes. Some fancy priss designer that sold for more then Puck earned in a week.
“Shut up.” Puck whirled at the snicker, glaring at Kurt's overly serene face. “Did you just laugh at me?”
“Why would I laugh at you Noah. Here, can you sing this?” He pressed play, and a feminine voice filled the room, clear and sweet and just this side of husky.
“Um, no.”
“That's my part idiot. Just wait.” A few moments later and a man's voice came on, middle range, long clear notes that wavered with just the right amount of vibrato.
“Shouldn't be a problem.” Kurt raised an eyebrow, making a motion like 'well try it, moron' and Puck scowled. He took a breath. “I never really cared until I met you, and now it chills me to the bone. How do I get you aaaaa~loooone. How do I get you aaaaaa~looooone.”
“Good, that was good.” Kurt nodded and paused the song, grabbing a paper and scribbling something down.
“What are you writing?”
“We need to work on your stamina for long notes.” Kurt remarked absently and the jock smirked.
“I've never had any complaints about my stamina.” The gleek gaped at him and Puck started to snicker at the completely shocked expression. “What, it's true.”
“Ew.”
“You're just jealous you haven't gotten a ride on the Puckerman express.” Kurt burst out laughing, doubling over as he gasped for breath.
“Oh my god, ew. Ew ew ew.” Kurt caught the glare Puck was sending him and cleared his throat, sitting up straight and attempting to look serious. “No offense or anything, just....you are so far from my type it's not even funny.”
“And what exactly is that? Last time we got into this you kicked me out.”
“I suppose I can tell you, since I found out your little thing for grease monkeys.”
“Shut up Hummel.” Puck groaned, face flushing.
“Let's see. Nice eyes, good facial structure, big hands, not too muscly, good voice, good manners, and impeccable taste in clothes.”
“Ya know, take out the clothes and manners and you've got me.” Puck remarked, trying not to react at the thought of his big hands leaving marks on Kurt's lily white skin.
“With your attitude. I don't think so.” Kurt snarked jokingly.
XxX XxX
School was a thousand times less awkward the next day, and everyone noticed. Especially the jocks, during gym class in the middle of the day before Spanish.
“How good was the angry sex Puck?” Blaque asked, a crude smile on his face as he wrapped a towel around his waist.
“Wouldn't you love to know.” The jock snarled back, it was pissing him off. Everything he said, everything he did was somehow turned around as an extension of the pale gleek.
“Holy shit dude.” Matthews was quiet, the rest of the jocks staring at Puck who flipped them off, storming out of the shower.
XxX XxX
“Now what's wrong?”
“Nothing.” Kurt shrugged, going back to filing his nails and listening to Mr. Schuester talk about the differences between Mexican Spanish and Spanish spoken in Spain. “The guys on the football team are being assholes?”
“How is that news?” Kurt asked softly and Puck ground his teeth, trying to remind himself that Kurt wouldn't know the difference between friendly joking around and being a dick.
“They're being assholes to me.”
“Oh.” That small noise spoke volumes. The jock stared at the gleek, trying to figure out how Kurt managed to fit so much understanding into one syllable.
“Fuckers.”
“Noah, it's only going to get worse from this point on.” Kurt remarked in a quiet voice, tone soft, something underneath that Puck couldn't place.
“So.”
“You don't understand, it's going to get bad Noah.” Kurt's serene face was as serious as Puck had ever seen it. “Stephen Glish bad.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“I knew him, Stephen.” Puck stared, not sure he wanted to hear this. The bell rang, announcing the end of class and Kurt shook his head. “I'll tell you after Glee.”
XxX XxX
“So, what about the Gish Kid?” Puck asked after he'd buckled himself into Kurt's car.
“Glish. He lived just down the street from me and he'd walk me home sometimes when my dad forgot to pick me up from school.” Kurt paused, waiting for the stop light to turn red before he continued. “He was a jock, played hockey. I remember him trying to teach me how to do a proper slapshot when I was eleven. He told me to never give up an inch of who I was. I think he knew what was going to happen the week before.”
“What do you mean?”
“He said that no matter what happened to never let them win, never let them see that they get to you. That High School is just one stupid part of life, and that it gets better. He swore it got better, except he never got to find out.” Kurt's voice broke, and he brushed a stray tear off his cheek.
“You can't do this, you can't Noah. They'll kill you.” Puck was silent the entire rest of the way.
XxX XxX
Friday dawned, the day of the duet competition in Glee. Puck had been subdued since his conversation with Kurt on Wednesday. Once again the football team noticed, and it was the straw that broke the camel's back.
“Trouble in paradise Puck?” One simple question from Michaelson and Puck snapped.
“What are you assholes so fucking terrified of? You're scared of Hummel? You think you're gonna catch his gay?” The jock snarled, hurling the football he held with deadly accuracy into Michaelson's nose. There was a loud crunch and the jock crumpled to his knees, blood spouting from between his fingers.
“You broke my fucking nose.”
“TALK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN AND I'LL BREAK YOUR FUCKING HEAD!” Puck roared, the other jocks backing off, even Finn held up his hands, taking a step backwards. “I'VE PUT UP WITH YOUR SHIT LONG ENOUGH!” He turned to leave, then stopped. “You assholes make one move on Hummel and I'll fucking end you.”
XxX XxX
Spanish was a quiet class, Mr. Schuester announcing a pop quiz. Puck was surprised at how much he remembered thanks to Kurt's lessons during the quiet moments of Glee club. He finished his exam, thinking back to what he'd said and feeling rage stirring in his veins. He'd do it again.
Stupid motherfuckers. Conceited close minded assholes.
It was only when Kurt kicked his ankle that he realized he'd been muttering it aloud. The jock scowled at the gleek who ignored him in favor of filling in the blanks of his quiz.
XxX XxX
Glee arrived too soon, and even with all rehearsal work they'd done Puck still felt nervous sitting next to Kurt who looked as serene as always.
“Stop fidgeting” Kurt whispered, shooting him a glare out of the corner of his eyes. The gleek was sitting straight, left leg crossed over right, his fingers interlocking over his knee. Rachel and Quinn finished their rendition of 'For Good' from 'Wicked'.
“Alright, Kurt and Puck.” Mr. Schuester nodded and the boys got to their feet, moving to opposite ends of the room. The music started and Rachel's hand shot into the air.
“Mr. Schuester. Is it true you picked the song? Shouldn't that be against the rules?”
“This isn't a competition Rachel. And I think we all know that these boy's wouldn't be able to pick a song for themselves. Kurt was the one who came to me about it. Anything else?” Rachel frowned but shook her head, apparently upset that she hadn't been dramatic enough to warrant a song picked out from the teacher.
Puck glanced over, remembering what Mr. Schue had told him at the beginning of the week. The teacher smiled, nodding to the band and they began to play the song again.
Kurt started, his voice high and clear and just this side of husky. It made several eyebrows raise as no one imagined that sort of sound coming from the pale gleek.
“I hear the ticking of the clock
I'm lying here the room's pitch dark.
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slooo~w
Oh I hope that it won't end thooo~ugh
Alooooo~ne.”
He spun on his heel, now facing Puck who still had his facing in the opposite direction, the jock taking a single smooth step backwards as Kurt kept singing, hands clenching into fists as he projected everything he had into the words.
“Till noooo~w I always got by on my ooooo~wn.”
Puck took another step backwards and turned to face Kurt, the two harmonizing the next few lines.
“I never really cared until I met yooo~u,
And now it chills me to the booo~ne
How do I get you alooo~ne
How do I get you aloooo~ne.”
Kurt turned back to face the wall, taking a small step backwards as Puck reached out a hand as he sang the next few verses.
“You don't know how long I have wanted
to touch your lips and hold you tiii~ght, yeeeee~aaahh.
You don't know how long I have waited
and I was going to tell you toniii~ght.”
Puck let his fingers slide into a fist, his hand dropping as he turned back around. Kurt began to sing again, still facing away.
“But the secret is still my oooo~wn.”
Puck took another step backwards at the same time as Kurt did, the jock singing again.
“And my love for you is still unknooooo~wn.”
The two turning only their heads, eyes meeting from across the room.
“Aaaa~loooooone.”
A brief pause and they were were harmonizing again, taking small steps backwards with every few words.
“Till now I always got by on my oooo~wn
I never really cared until I met yoooo~u
And now it chills me to the boooo~ne
How do I get you alooo~ne
How do I get you aloooooo~ne.”
Their backs met, and they both turned, circling around each other. Kurt singing and then Puck, each singing a different tone and yet managing to harmonize perfectly.
“Aaaaaa~loooooone.”
“Aaaaaa~looooooone”
They both took a breath at the same time and Puck had to fight a grin, knowing what was coming. They paused, staring at each other.
“Aaaaaa~looooone”
And Kurt hit his high F effortlessly.
“AAAAAAAAAAA~LOOOOOOOOOONE.”
The music slowed and they turned back around, each looking back at the other.
Silence and then the room exploded with applause. Mr. Schuester grinning and clapping as Artie and Matt whistled. Mercedes was screaming about 'her boy'. The Cheerios were living up their namesake and doing one of the routines they used for a touchdown in football, though Quinn's expression was somewhat dark. Finn was clapping, an odd look on his face, like he'd had a revelation about something. Even Rachel was clapping, looking shell shocked as she realized she'd been given the 'Wicked' solo the month before. That look alone was worth the drama of the entire week.
“That was fantastic boys. I'd like the rest of you to note that sometimes simple choreography is best. You don't always need flashy moves and exotic costumes for a good production.”
XxX XxX
“Hey Kurt.” The pale gleek turned, eyebrow raised at Rachel who had come up as he was packing his things.
“Yes?'
“Why did you give me the solo? I like to win things for the sake of winning them. You didn't have to be worried that you would hurt my feelings, I'm stronger then that.”
“I didn't throw anything for you.” Kurt remarked, one hand on his hip. Mercedes half turned from where she was talking to Matt, eyes narrowing.
“I think I deserve an explanation.” Rachel crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow of her own.
“Ask your father's about anonymous phone calls at three in the morning.” He said in leau of a goodbye, striding out the door with an air of confidence no one else at the school could match.
XxX XxX
“So man, what's up with you and Kurt?” Finn asked, as he pushed textbooks into his locker and rooted through the papers to find his homework for the evening.
“Why?” Puck half glared at his friend, not sure where this was going.
“Cause, you guys looked really into it.”
“It's a song man, you looked really into you're song with Tina.”
“She's kind of awesome when you get to know her. Did you know she can burp the alphabet?”
“Really? Awesome.”
“I know.” Finn grinned into his locker, his adolescent brain letting go of his question in favor of wondering what was for supper. Puck rolled his eyes, smirking at his friend. The boy wasn't stupid, he was just...simple. Get him off track and he'd forget what he was questioning you about.
XxX XxX
The entire table went silent when Puck dropped his tray at the empty spot next to Kurt at lunch on Monday.
“What are you doing?” The pale gleek asked, forkful of gravy covered French fries paused halfway to his mouth.
“Eating with you guys.” Puck stated with a roll of his eyes.
“W-why?” Tina got up the favor to ask.
“Something happen at the jock table?” Artie asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Maybe I just felt like a change of scenery.” Kurt rolled his eyes at the jock, going back to eating. He felt Puck nudge his foot under the table and nudged back.
“Hey Puck.” Finn grinned at his fellow jock, changing his routine and settling at the gleek table. “How come you're eating here today?”
“Do I need a reason?”
“It's not cause of what you did in gym is it?”
“What did he do in Gym?” Rachel asked, needing to know everything.
“Oh, some of the guys were ragging on him about all the time he's spent with Kurt, stop kicking me man. Anyway, he flipped out and threw a football into Michaelson's face and broke his nose.” Finn said, not noticing the looks Puck was getting.
Artie and Tina shared a look, then snorted. Rachel smirked, as if she knew far more then she would ever dream of letting on. Kurt nudged Puck's foot under the table, ignoring what Finn had said and Puck had to fight a grin.
XxX XxX
“So what now Puckerman, you're to good for us?” Puck cursed silently, not thinking about his routine until it was too late. He always went to the arcade after school on Mondays. Several of his former football buddies had surrounded him, and from the looks on their faces talking wasn't on the menu today.
“I've always been too good for you assholes, you've just never caught on.” He sneered, thinking about what Kurt had said, about not giving an inch of yourself over.
Someone caught his arms, holding him still as the other boys grinned and began to beat on him. Puck counted fifteen separate punches before a familiar voice started calling out.
“Get you're asses offa the kid or it'll be the last thing you ever fuckin' do.” Puck felt himself being dropped, in too much pain to do anything about it. A strong arm around his shoulders kept him from hitting the ground.
“You okay Noah?”
“Mr. Hummel?” He slurred, his lips feeling three times their size, one eye swollen shut, the other red with blood.
“Yeah. Shit, hold on.” Puck's world flipped upside down as he was lifted into a fireman's carry. It was pure luck that had Puck being attacked outside Hummel's Garage. Pure luck that had Burt Hummel spotting the attack before it got bad enough to call an ambulance.
Sure the kid had taken a beating to the face, but head wounds bled a lot. And Burt had given and taken enough punches to the face to know when one was far more serious then it looked, a lot of the damage was superficial, though he imagined the kid was feeling shitty at the moment.
“Kurt.”
“Yeah?”
“Grab the first aid kit and a couple of clean rags.” At Pucks groan Burt winced, setting the jock on the garage couch as gently as he could. “And a bucket.”
It surprised Burt some that his son didn't seem surprised at Puck being here and in this shape. When he questioned his son he got a shrug and a "I told him this would happen eventually if he kept being seen around me." That got a narrowed look and a dramatic eye roll from his son.
“Not like that Dad, in school. I'm sure you remember what it was like, as ancient as you are.” Burt chuckled, as queer as his kid was, you had to respect the smart mouth on him. That was another trait he'd gotten from his mother.
His trip down memory lane was cut short by the sound of retching. Looked like the poor kid was bringing up everything he had in his stomach. Tended to happen when your stomach took a pounding.
“Want me to call your mother?”
“No.” Puck rasped out, accepting the glass of water Kurt handed him with trembling hands. “She'll just think I got into another fight.” Burt raised an eyebrow, it always surprised him how some parents treated their kids. He shifted his gaze to Kurt who was sorting his wrenches by size and had to smile. His boy, all he had left of the woman that he'd loved and lost. He wasn't sure if it would ever stop hurting, that gaping wound she'd left behind.
He cleaned the kid up, spreading disinfectant on the small cuts and wiping up the blood efficiently.
“Sleep it off, I'll wake you up when it's time to close.” Burt grabbed an icepack from the freezer used to treat small scrapes and burns, a hazard of the trade. He pressed it gently against Puck's left eye and covered the kid in his jacket.
XxX XxX
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