Always Shout Fire - A Glee Fanfic, Chapter 23/25
Title: Always Shout Fire
Chapter: 23/?
Author: AshtakRa
Fandom: Glee
Pairing: Kurt/Puck, mention of Sam/Blaine
Warnings: Adult themes, some violence and bad language and set in season 2
Spoilers: Spoilers for up to Duets
Summary: Kurt decides further investigation is needed regarding the Puckerman situation. He is both surprised and shocked to find his former nemesis brought low and how it changes them from team mates, to friends and perhaps...
Previous chapters: ( Chapter 21 ) ( Chapter 22 )
Chapter 23
The Winter Ball part 2
It was three more songs before Puck had to take a seat and Kurt was impressed; he knew how easily Puck still got tired so to stay on the dance floor that long was quite a feat. Kurt would have joined him too but Mercedes grabbed him and refused to let go and after her Quinn, Santana and even Blaine left Sam's side long enough for a quick groove to some horrid eighties number Kurt felt sure he would never listen to let alone dance. Somewhere along the way the hate group had disappeared, whether from shouting themselves hoarse and being drowned out or by threats of removal Kurt didn't care. He was unsure too how to handle the guys who had actually stood up to the group. Just because they didn't want the hate group here did not mean they would be friendly to Kurt now. Perhaps only time would tell.
"Zoning out on me again" Quinn whispered in his ear. When had she replaced Sam? Kurt was sure he should have noticed.
"Sorry," he spoke over the music. "Just pondering how tonight was full of surprises."
"Karofsky a great dancer being one of them," laughed Quinn.
"I am sure that is something I will never have to find out," muttered Kurt darkly.
Quinn grinned and took the lead as the music changed. "He was very smooth and quite the gentleman, Finn had better watch out because a man who can move like that… phew," she fanned herself with a free hand.
"Careful," smirked Kurt. "Excepting Finn you have a record of boyfriends who end up finding their own boyfriends."
They looked at each other, the laughter on both their lips before Quinn broke first while speaking, "And the jury's still out on him."
"Oh honey," Kurt shook his head. "The boy can sing but no-one who dances so badly has a queer bone in his body."
Quinn smiled at Kurt reaffirming Finn's heterosexuality. "Still, it was a good thing he did – supporting you and Puck and getting the students to accept zero tolerance."
"It was," agreed Kurt. "He's become quite the leader, you're truly the power couple once again."
Her eyes flicking to where Puck sat chatting with Sam and Blaine Quinn shrugged. "We may have some competition."
"No danger there," stated Kurt primly. "Blaine doesn't go to McKinley."
"I wasn't talking about them," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Us?" Kurt faulted on a swing step and laughed. "I'm not at McKinley either remember?"
"Well not for now," smirked Quinn. "But that could change… Puck's very persuasive you know."
"I know," Kurt smiled at his boyfriend who sensed it and gave a toothy grin back his way. "But for now you're safe Ms Fabrey – the money Dad and Carol put in for tuition they'd kill me if I transferred back."
After Quinn Kurt finally managed to leave the dance floor and made his way to Puck. He was still smiling and talking with Tina but Kurt could tell Puck was reaching his limit by the weariness in his eyes. To be sure Kurt wanted this night to continue but was not sure it could get any better. Puck had come out to the whole school and also proclaimed his love to Kurt. If he could get Puck home with enough energy left to fool around then it would be perfect. Kurt leered at the thought and refused to feel guilty, he was a teenage boy after all.
"I know that look," said Puck huskily. "Are we going to the nearest janitor's closet?"
Kurt blushed since it has been said in front of company, although it was a good thing Puck could suggest having sex with a guy in front of others.
"Easy tiger," he muttered, trying to hide his momentary embarrassment. "I may have other offers to field."
Puck's eyes narrowed and he surveyed the people around them. "No-one would dare," he growled, then smiled. "But it would confirm I've hooked the hottest boyfriend."
"And I have the most narcissistic."
"You love me."
"Actually," Kurt sat next to him and leant in to his ear. "I really do." It was almost unnoticeable but Puck shivered and Kurt felt the warmth within him at making Puck feel that way. Sure, it may have been obvious but just as Puck telling him it was important for Kurt to return the favour. They were in love, but it was nice to let each other know it. Waiting until Puck had seemed to recover a little Kurt pulled him back up for some more dancing – it was what they were here for after all.
There were two top 50s but then a few slower golden oldies and Kurt moved closer, melding his body with Puck's. He knew that his boyfriend did like to be called Noah sometimes but in his head he had reconciled Noah and Puck as the same person. As they moved around the floor Kurt took no notice of the couples around them and concentrated on the feel and texture of Puck's body. The returning musculature was evident, his upper body especially and he could detect his abdomen doing a lot of the work as they twirled and twisted around. His strong hand held Kurt in the small of his back and his thumb traced lazy circles, sending goose-bumps up Kurt's spine. Their heads were together so Kurt could rub his cheek against Pucks and enjoy the abrasiveness of his boyfriend's slight stubble. There were no words exchanged, they didn't need to as they communicated through touch and gentle sighs. Maybe Kurt had always pictured his perfect partner being taller than himself and engulfing him with his body but now Kurt saw that as the silly and yes, girlish fantasy, that it was. He and Puck were of a height, while slightly broader Puck was no larger than Kurt especially since Kurt had his own dancer muscles to match Puck's gym built ones. They were equals and Kurt saw this as the perfection it was meant to be. He hummed along to the music contentedly and gently kissed Puck's ear, holding his boyfriend as close as he was being held and wishing tonight would never end.
They couldn't do it forever though, especially Puck, and they made their way to the food tables and sat nearby once they'd loaded up. The comfortable silence between them continued but Kurt knew that the simple touch of Puck's knee against his own was better than conversation at this point. His earlier tension at being the couple 'on show' had already dissipated but he was sure more people than would normally came to say hello and compliment them on their dancing. It was unerringly courteous and Kurt thought this was what it must feel to be in the twilight zone. The majority of people here were McKinley students and yet the harassment was non-existent. Could the Rainbow Slushie website and Finn's speech really have changed things in such a short time?
Kurt certainly hoped that was the case as he leaned into his boyfriend and finished off his frosted cake. Maybe if this continued he really could consider a return to McKinley. He smiled as he saw Blaine dancing with Sam, not as close as he'd danced with Puck but then they were on their first date – Sam was obviously doing all the talking and Blaine was politely laughing. They may last, or not – but at least they were giving it a shot. It was also great to see Santana and Brittany slow dancing, poor Artie thought Kurt, but then he probably already knew – he was quite smart.
For just a moment the entire scene seemed to slow down, even the light shimmered more slowly and through a break in the crowd Kurt spotted a lady dressed in the purest white. His heart thumped loudly in his chest and he gasped as his eyes met ones similar to his own, above lips he had also inherited. She waved and smiled at him, tears in her eyes, then everything returned to normal and she was gone. For the first time in his life he felt okay that she was gone.
"Did you see her?" whispered Puck reverently.
Kurt could only nod as he clutched Puck's hand a little too tightly. He knew that he would not see her again.
His mother's work was done.
KPKPKPKPKPKPKP
As the last song played Kurt searched for wherever Blaine had gone, since he was their ride and was staying over in any case.
"They're meeting us outside," supplied Puck, obviously knowing Kurt's thoughts.
"They?"
"Apparently the blonde boy wonder is joining us… not surprising really."
"I hope he doesn't expect us to stay up and watch the SyFy channel."
Puck stood and wrapped an arm around Kurt, sneaking a quick kiss. "Nah, I think they have plans to get to know each other better."
Kurt gasped in feigned shock. "Not if their sharing my bedroom space they're not."
"Such a prude," chuckled Puck, pulling Kurt towards the doors.
Outside the winter chill hit quickly and Kurt snuggled close to Puck as they tried to find Sam and Blaine. Since his face was pressed into Puck's neck Kurt saw no trouble but felt it when his boyfriend's muscles tensed and he stopped walking.
"What is-." His question was cut short as Kurt saw the people standing before them. They were unfamiliar but their silence and stance were menacing. Without a word Puck moved in front to shield Kurt and he stared down the group. Knowing they would stand a better chance as a united front Kurt moved to beside Puck, puffing himself up and giving his best icy stare. He knew Puck wasn't happy about it but he had to understand that Kurt did not always need to be protected. Whatever they did seemed to be enough and the group walked off as if nothing had happened. He let out a breath and heard Puck do the same.
"We can't change the whole world overnight you know," Kurt said as he saw how frustrated Puck looked.
"Yeah," Puck muttered. "Just spoils the night you know."
"No," Kurt bumped Puck's shoulder. "It doesn't because we won't let it. Let's find Blaine and go home… and have a drink," he laughed at Puck's incredulous expression. "Since no-one spiked the punch we'll have to raid Dad's liquor cabinet."
"Hey guys!" yelled Sam, joining them with Blaine on his arm. "S' up, are we going or what?"
"Yep," answered Puck, grinning from ear to ear. "Kurt has it all planned out."
KPKPKPKPKP
The whiskey burned but in a good way as Kurt finished off a third shot. Puck did the same and scowled. "There was no mention of having the house to ourselves earlier."
"Was a surprise," Kurt slurred just a little bit. "Didn't want you sweeping us out of there the moment you knew."
"Pffft, I would have waited at least three songs."
"Really?"
"Two?"
"You would never've left the limo," suggested Sam, somehow two more shots ahead and little sign of drunkenness. "You'd have Kurt back here and pressed into the mattress while we were still walking up the stairs."
"Well… yes." Instead of sounding ashamed Puck's voice was full of pride that it was indeed what he would have done.
"Hic!"
Kurt laughed at Blaine's only comment and patted the guy's curly haired head. Kurt may be a light-weight but Blaine was a super light-weight – two shots and he was staring at them cross eyed. It was a fair bet the Dalton boys did not get the chance to drink… probably ever. Pity for Sam if he was expecting any action but Kurt suspected between Sam's gentlemanly ways and Blaine's inexperience there was not ever going to be more than kissing between them tonight. Probably the same for himself and Puck if they kept drinking.
They were sitting on the floor around the coffee table with a bottle of Jamesons Irish whiskey almost finished in the middle, half eaten snacks and a card game long forgotten. Kurt had already texted his Dad to say they were home, not risking a phone conversation in case Burt gave him some safe sex advice. Quite apart form the fact Kurt was not going to have sex with Puck tonight it was still weird to have his father not only okay with such things but seeming to encourage it by taking Carol away to a motel for the night. With Finn having gone somewhere with Quinn they really did have the house to themselves and could go to separate rooms if the two couples wanted. Blaine had offered to stay elsewhere but that was impossible now anyway due to his huge binge of two shots.
Mostly they were just rehashing the night's activities and getting a little drunk. Not exactly party animals but they didn't feel the need. A rumble announced an approaching storm and Kurt considered if they had candles ready, then realized he didn't care since he was wedged between Puck's legs with owner of said legs nibbling on his ear when he wasn't kissing the back of his neck.
"So was I imagining it or did Karofsky dance with Quinn?" Sam asked, pouring himself another shot and slamming it back without hesitation.
"Yup… Queen Quinny was with the fat man," Blaine slurred and Kurt couldn't decide what was more amusing, his drunkenness or his words.
"I have already warned her given her past suitors," put in Kurt, softly nudging Puck behind him and flashing a toothy grin at Sam, who just poked his tongue and reached for the bottle again.
At least this time he poured three shots, finishing off the bottle and evidently not providing one for Blaine, who seemed past noticing. Puck reached for his and gave Kurt a mouthful of bicep, definitely on purpose.
"Maybe Quinn will stick it out with Finn this time," suggested Puck, his motions indicated to Kurt that he took the shot after saying this.
Kurt waited exactly three seconds before joining Sam in a fit of laughter.
PKPKPK
The vodka was pulled out next just as the storm hit. As he had predicted the power went out but they soon had a few tea candles out and continued their talk and drink. Blaine managed one more shot but after that his head hit the table, so they moved him on to his side and let his soft cat-like snores echo around the room. A blanket completed the cute factor and Kurt was pleased to notice that Sam changed positions so he could keep an eye on his date. Obviously Sam wanted to keep drinking but he wasn't giving up on Blaine entirely.
"To the Rainbow Slushie," announced Sam, clinking their glasses. "May we never know it anymore except in cyberspace."
"Cheers," both Kurt and Puck said, downing their drinks in unison. The vodka might go down easier thought Kurt, but the whiskey smelt better and left a pleasant after-taste.
"To Sam", announced Puck, deftly preparing another round from behind Kurt. "For staring those bastards down." He saluted Sam and this time they all sipped instead of taking the whole amount. "It can't have been easy dude, I respect that."
Sam blushed and ran a hand over his stitches, Kurt had noticed him do that a lot and Sam probably didn't even realize he was doing it.
"It was kind of scary," he dropped his eyes. "I couldn't even go to the bathroom alone, I tagged along with Finn who probably thought I was hitting on him."
Kurt patted his arm. "Maybe now the students have agreed to stop the bullying Figgins will go after them."
"Nah," Sam shook his head and sighed. "Half of them aren't even students and I just want to forget it happened you know?"
Thinking about the way he said it Kurt nodded slowly in understanding. "Either way you know we're with you." He hugged Sam and Puck joined them and they stayed that way for a while. It wasn't sexual, just the comfort of togetherness.
KPKPKPKP
In the early hours another thunder storm had come through and woken Kurt. Next to him Puck slept on, his profile illuminated by the flashes of lightning. As Kurt had predicted the alcohol prevented anything beyond some fierce kissing and inept groping. It also left them still half clothed, if boxers and singlets counted as clothing. He breathed deeply, enjoying the smell of the storm mixed with Puck's natural scent. Watching Puck's chest rise and fall in the low light became almost meditational as sleep eluded Kurt. They had the heat on so the sheets had been kicked down long ago and one of Puck's hands absently lay upon Kurt's hip. Tracing a line up his hand and arm to Puck's shoulder Kurt smiled at the smooth texture of his boyfriend's skin and the soft dry warmth he exuded.
It was hard to believe they had gone from barely friends to close lovers in such a short time. Well it had been months but for much of that Puck had been sick, and maybe thought Kurt, that is what helped. They had got to really know each other, not just jumped into bed and relied just on the physical. He knew that Puck still kept things back, like his ongoing treatment and what the doctors were telling him. Sure, Puck seemed back to almost full health but that didn't mean the cancer was gone – just that they had it under control. His hand moved down to Puck's stomach. There, under that perfection, the sickness was still within him. Hard to imagine really as his hand was lifted up and down by Puck's steady breaths. It was a bad memory now, how ill Puck had looked and how badly the experimental treatment had affected him. Kurt still saw Finn look at Puck with sadness sometimes, maybe thinking what Kurt did – if it happened again could he survive another round?
Snuggling into Puck's side Kurt finally felt his lids growing heavy again. Like Puck was always telling him – if it happened he'd face it then. They had to enjoy the here and now. His eyes closed but the thought nagged him; he loved Noah Puckerman and fell more in love every day – but was he setting himself for more heartbreak if the worst happened? Sleep claimed Kurt with his question unanswered.
Tbc…