Fic: Mad World, Chapter 9, (Part 2)
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
"You have to aim! Aim!"
"Shut up, Finn, I know - holy crap!"
"Cover! Duck under cover!"
"I know, Hudson, shut the hell - damnit, damnit!"
"Okay, you two need to cool it - it sounds like a battleground in here!" His mom walked in, and Finn flicked his eyes from the screen just long enough to take in the hands on her hips and the flicker of amusement and relief on her face. They weren't in any real trouble.
Kurt was blowing the crap out of people on the screen, something he'd sworn he would never find fun. Finn had the feeling that most of this had to with his getting Kurt into his own bed before his father realized anything. This crazy six-hour marathon of video gaming was probably his way of thanking of Finn for not mentioning anything to either of their parents.
But there was no way he was faking the crazed energy with which he was hammering those buttons, or that intense look in his eyes, normally reserved for scrutinizing his closet when selecting an outfit.
A couple of hours after his initial wake-up call to smuggle Kurt back down to the basement, Finn had been woken up again by noise in the kitchen, this time by a fresh-faced Kurt who helped him fold the bed back into the couch. The video gaming came after a small breakfast - well, small for Finn since Kurt's breakfast normally wasn't much more than a bowl of granola with dried fruits and milk, and Finn had eagerly agreed to sharing when Kurt asked if he could try out the Xbox.
He'd picked Mass Effect because he figured Kurt would appreciate the utter coolness of being able to design his own character, physically speaking (even though the armour wasn't much to look at and there were no clothes of any kind to choose from), pick his own back-story, and the fact that the plot was crazy good and detailed.
While Kurt was surprised and pleased by these things, he also seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the 'shoot the crap out of the bad guys' part too.
The front door opened not ten minutes later, Burt calling out, "I'm home! I brought ice cream for dessert - and I won't be having any, Kurt, before you can . . . geez, are you two still plugged into that game?"
Kurt paused his battle, and both he and Finn turned to smile at Burt. Finn could see the man staring, eyebrows raised high on his forehead, but soon he was grinning at Kurt, eyes crinkling at the corners. It was easy to see why: Kurt was flushed, bright eyed, and there were no blankets in sight. He was dressed in clothes a little more like himself - tight designer jeans, a weird-patterned shirt with a thin, button-up sweater on top - and more importantly, he was smiling wide and true. Finn felt distinctly proud of himself and had to fight the urge to ruffle Kurt's hair; the boy had also actually taken the time to style it with something close to his usual effort. It was perfect and off his forehead, and Finn had a feeling that if he put a hand anywhere near that, he wouldn't be getting it back in one piece.
"Dad, I'm in the middle of taking out a band of alien mercenaries. As soon as I'm done, I'll help Carole with dinner and we shall discuss you having maybe one scoop of ice cream for dessert."
Burt rolled his eyes at Finn. "Listen to him talk as if he can determine what I eat and when I eat it."
"It's what I've been doing for more than a month - your argument would have more weight if you didn't take my orders, which incidentally, happen to also be your doctor's orders."
Kurt resumed shooting the hell out of the mercenaries and Finn was shrugging at Burt while holding back an amused grin - unsuccessfully. Burt grinned too and took his bag of ice cream to the kitchen. There were loud smacking sounds that drifted out from there not long after, and both Finn and Kurt exchanged vaguely disgusted looks. Finn was about to tell their parents to take it behind closed doors when the phone rang, interrupting everybody. His mom answered it right after the first ring.
"Hello? Oh, hey Rachel, did you want me to - oh?"
Finn had perked up at his girlfriend's name. She hadn't mentioned when she would be dropping by today, only that she would be. Why hadn't she texted or called him on his phone, though?
"Hold on a second, honey, I'm going to pass you to Burt, okay?"
Finn stopped pretending to be uninterested, and Kurt had paused the game again, craning his neck a bit to see Burt and Finn's mom standing close together as Burt listened to Rachel on the other end of the phone. His mouth was pressed into a stern line, and his brows were close together, but he was nodding along and saying, "Uh huh. We've considered it, yeah . . . okay, in that case, we'll see you all in about an hour and a half? . . . Right, did you want to talk to Finn?"
Finn stood up, walking with his hand outstretched for the phone. Burt held up his own free hand, shaking his head. "You'll talk to him when you get here. Right, that's fine, Rachel. Yeah, see you soon."
He pouted a little and was about to complain when Kurt called, "Finn, your phone is buzzing!"
Finn walked over and sat back down next to Kurt, checking his cell and seeing a message from Rachel: Sorry, been busy with my dads today but I'll see you soon! xoxoXO
He smiled happily to himself, and then almost jumped clean off the couch as Kurt let loose a victory shout. "I am ridiculously good at this! Finn, witness my talent, please."
Finn chuckled to himself, but resumed paying attention to Kurt's on-going saga, texting the other gleeks (as well as Blaine and Ida) randomly, giving them a much happier update on Kurt's state of mind.
Of course, things got tense again when the Berrys arrived. Somehow, everyone sensed this wasn't a simple dinner get-together, and despite the smiles and introductions going around, Finn could see Kurt closing in on himself again, becoming the phantom, insubstantial and soundless. He moved in closer to Kurt, trying to be a kind of silent support. He wasn't sure if it was working, if Kurt even noticed, but Finn stuck close to him, even with Rachel smiling brightly at him from between her two dads.
Rachel's dads were pretty cool - a tall black man that had a soft, kind smile, and a shorter white dude with glasses and a funny laugh - and both of them had been nice about Finn dating their daughter. Okay, Charles Berry had threatened him while cleaning his gardening sheers, but Finn couldn't fault the man for that.
"It's an honour to meet you, Mr. Hummel, Mrs. Hudson," Jacob Berry was saying, pushing his glasses further up his nose. "You have no idea how much Rachel natters on about Kurt - if it weren't for the fact that he were gay, we would've been sure that he'd be our future son-in-law."
Kurt and Rachel both blushed and then laughed when they caught sight of each other's red faces. Rachel bounced over to Kurt after that, grabbing his hand in one of her own small, olive-toned ones. "Can we talk alone?"
Finn watched as Kurt darted a look towards his dad, who was leading Rachel's dads towards the kitchen, and then back to Rachel.
"Can 'alone' include Finn? I've sort of gotten used to having my own personal Frankenteen following me around." Kurt flicked a small smile up at him as he spoke. Finn had never felt more like a big brother and he was totally unembarrassed to admit to himself that he kind of loved it. He ducked his head, grinning as Rachel giggled and lead the way to the basement.
Once they got there, Rachel and Kurt sat down on the couch together, while Finn grabbed a chair and lifted it over to them (Kurt had shot him a glare so lethal the last time he'd dragged it across the carpet, Finn had never attempted it again) so he could sit closer to the conversation. It was quiet for a minute, and then Rachel cleared her throat, sitting up straighter.
"I've been waiting all week for an opportunity to speak with you, but then everyone was here, all the time, and it . . . it wasn't something I wanted to discuss with the others around. I wanted it to be between you and me. Finn is an acceptable exception." She flashed him the warm, lovely smile that always made him feel like he could take on the world. Finn smiled back, widely and happily, but stayed quiet. He wanted Rachel to have her time with Kurt without him getting in the middle.
As Rachel spoke, Kurt nodded. "You're not the only one. I get the feeling Mercedes has been waiting to get me alone too, but then on Thursday . . ." Kurt trailed off, sighing softly. "I feel like I should apologize - and not just to you two. I shouldn't have lashed out at all of you like that -"
"No, no Kurt!" Rachel said firmly. "You were perfectly right. I wanted to tell you, first and foremost, that I am sorry. I'm sorry for not paying enough attention to what was happening to you. I'm sorry for not reaching out and being a better friend to you, especially considering my background." Her cheeks took on a pink flush, and she continued on, quieter than before. "My dads came to offer something to you and your dad today, to help you both out. I never . . . I never mentioned you having trouble . . . Papa made me feel really ashamed for that. We all know how amazing your dad is, Kurt, especially after he came into the school to make sure you had the opportunity to audition against me for 'Defying Gravity'. I assumed that you were fine, that with your dad you could handle anything, and that if there was anything wrong you would tell him, or Mercedes or any of us."
"It's not your fault that I'm stubborn about telling people things, Rachel," Kurt said in an almost whisper, drawing his knees up to his chest, looking away. "It's not your fault I didn't complain to the faculty or . . ."
"That doesn't matter!" she burst out. "Because they know, they had to know how bad it was getting. They saw it happening and they're the grown-ups, they should have taken some action! As much as I appreciate him, Mr. Schuester should have done something the instant he saw you getting tossed into a dumpster or thrown against a locker."
She inhaled sharply, eyes gleaming. "I never once let it cross my mind that it was getting worse, because everyone around you, including me, acted like what you were going through was acceptable. And it wasn't Kurt, you're right. The same words they hissed at you in those hallways? They've been following me my whole life because of who my dads are. Because I'm lucky enough to have two parents that worked hard to get me, to love me, and spoil me - somehow I'm warped, twisted, because of it. I should have reached out to you because of course things we're going wrong. Of course you were going through the same things I was, if not worse, since somehow people seem to think that it's less violent or offensive to hit and insult boys rather than girls. I'm sorry, Kurt, I'm so, so sorry for being so selfish!"
Tears were escaping her brown eyes, and Kurt reached out and pulled her close, hugging her as his own shoulders shook. Finn had to hold back on hugging them both, on cradling his girlfriend to his chest, because it wasn't fair that two of the best people he knew had to go through so much crap because they were different in ways that they couldn't control.
Eventually they pulled away, Rachel looking slightly more composed, while Kurt looked fragile and shaky. Finn immediately reached for a blanket from one of the piles that seemed to be everywhere in the house lately, and tossed it over Kurt's legs. Kurt pulled it up higher, smiling wanly at him.
Rachel took in a deep breath and both Finn and Kurt turned to her again. "The day that everything happened, after that huge fight in the hall - I was so scared, Kurt, I called my dads, so they could take me to the hospital but . . ." Rachel moved in closer, biting her lip once. "My dads made me come home - they were scared. If you were hurt, the daughter of two gay men might be a target too. I'd never seen them that frightened. Ever. So I stayed home with them. But I really wanted to be at the hospital with you."
"Why do your dads even live here, Rachel?" Kurt breathed out as he pulled his blanket up even higher. "This town -"
"Because it's not . . . Even though I want to get out of here, it's a decent place, Lima, I mean, aside from the hellhole that is McKinley. I'm not afraid to walk outside at night, and not all our neighbours may be thrilled about it, but they don't act like they care that there are two gay men living next door - well, there was this woman, down the street, who tried to start something, but my dads told her flat out that if she said or did anything, they would call their lawyers and shut her up legally. There's homophobic people everywhere Kurt, even in the cities. We live here because it's a safe town, and daddy, he grew up here, so we have family nearby."
Kurt said nothing in reply to that, going silent again before asking, "You said your dads had something for me?"
Rachel nodded. "They wanted to let you know that their contacts at the ACLU are perfectly willing to open up a lawsuit on your behalf against the school board and Figgins. What happened to you was a direct result of their gross negligence and it is very likely that you would win if you decided to take such action."
Finn couldn't really tell what Kurt was thinking, but he could see that he was feeling tired again - and not the type of tired that meant he was getting sleepy. No, this was a completely different sort of exhaustion. His eyes would kind of go more grey than blue/green/grey, and then he'd sort of lose focus, his mouth tightening as if he was angry.
He knew Kurt just wanted all of this to be over, and a lawsuit could drag on for months and months, if not years.
"I think your dad is interested in doing this. My dads are talking to him and Carole right now. I asked them if I could tell you while they talk to them because, well, I just wanted to make it clear to you that I am behind you one hundred percent, whatever you decide, and I'll defend your choice, to your family, to my family. Whatever you need from me, Kurt, I'm there."
Kurt nodded slowly, still real quiet, his eyes doing that shining thing which meant that he was trying not to cry. Finn was just opening his mouth to throw in his own two cents when the doorbell rang, causing all three of them to jump or flinch. Finn stood up, putting a staying hand on Kurt's trembling shoulders. "Don't worry, dude, I'm sure mom or Burt are going to get it."
A few seconds later, the basement door was opening, and Burt was calling down, "Kurt? Could you stand another visitor, kiddo?"
Wiping at his face with the corner of his blanket, Kurt cleared his throat, before calling up, "Sure, dad."
Finn was not expecting Puck to come thundering down the stairs, looking wild and nervous and freaked all at once. When his eyes fell on Kurt, he seemed to pull himself together, and nod his direction. "What's up, dude? You, um, you feeling better?"
Kurt smiled faintly, seemingly amused. "Sure, Puck. A little better. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
Puck's eyes darted over to Finn. "I just, I had something really important I needed to tell Finn - like, really, really important. Would it be cool if we went outside for a minute?"
He was bouncing on the balls of his feet and Kurt blinked, exchanging confused looks with Rachel, and then glancing over at Finn who was feeling pretty lost himself. "If you want to, go ahead, Rachel and I are fine down here."
Puck exhaled loudly. "Awesome. Finn, move your ass, man." He turned and took the stairs up two at a time.
Finn raced up the stairs after him, waving briefly at Burt, his mom, and the Berrys, who were now sitting in the living room. "Just going outside to talk for a bit!" He then followed Puck out onto the porch, wondering out loud, "Dude! What is your malfunction?"
Puck's eyes were wide again and he was back to seeming both confused and panicked, the most out of control Finn had ever seen him.
"I went after Karofsky."
Finn balked, his own eyes widening painfully. "Oh no. Puck, man, tell me I don't have to -"
"Nah, I didn't lay a hand on him - uh, at least nothing too bad." Puck waved off Finn's concern. Finn relaxed a little, relieved to know he wouldn't have to help Puck bury a body, or provide an alibi. "I don't want to end up back in jail. No, I just wanted to shake him up a little, give him the lowdown on what would happen to him if he ever even thought about touching Kurt. And when he didn't bite, I went the 'I'll post all your deep, dark secrets on Jewfro's blog' route, because, well, everyone in this sorry-ass town has something to hide."
Finn was very familiar with this particular Puck tactic. It came from being a desperate housewives' gigolo; he knew far more about some of the more respectable members of this community than most. He was smart enough to keep quiet about it, because he wasn't into that kind of trouble, or at least that's what he said - Finn sometimes thought Puck had more of a conscience than he let on.
"Dude, the guy went ballistic! He flipped out, kept saying he was going to kill Kurt if he found out the runt had said anything."
Finn flinched, because that was a little too close to home, and wow, maybe it would have better if Puck had risked jail and roughed up the asshole.
"So, I tell him that Kurt didn't tell me anything - I found out on my own, or something. I mean, I had no clue what the hell the guy was talkin' about so I tried to get him to spill." Puck looked over his shoulder to the darkened, empty street, and leaned in close. "Finn, Karofsky was about to cry. He begged me not to tell anyone, and I told him that I wouldn't tell as long as he told me what he's been doing to Kurt. I wanted to know, once and for all, if he had anything to do with what Azimio did."
Finn froze, unable to speak. This is it.
Puck breathed out, eyes widening further, voice cracking as he spoke. "He didn't. But man, it's so freaking . . . he kissed Kurt."
The world screeched to a halt.
Now Finn couldn't move for a whole different reason. He stared, mouth open, eyes blinking. There was no way. "I . . . you must've heard him wrong. There's no way that . . . why would he even tell you that?" His voice sounded far away and weak to his own ears.
"I'm telling you how." Puck ran a hand over his mohawk, pushing out air as if he had to remind himself to breathe. When he spoke next it made only a little more sense (but not really - Karofsky kiss Kurt? How? Why? What the hell?).
"It went down like this: he was practically blubbering, saying that he didn't do anything, that he'd just snapped, and I got pissed man. I thought that maybe he'd done something to Kurt that we didn't know about. I shoved Karofsky up against a wall, told him it was over - that he was through, that I knew it all and I just wanted to hear him say it. He said that he'd only done it once and that it was a freaky, fluke thing, that he'd never wanted to kiss any guy . . ." Puck was rambling non-stop, wheezing and shocked. "I heard it loud and clear. And I let him go. Told him that he needed to stay away from Kurt, for good, or else I would spill it to everyone. But I don't even know what to do with this, man."
His knees felt like jelly - Finn collapsed against the porch railing, lifting a hand to wipe cold sweat from his brow. Crap. How could this be happening? How could Kurt - but then again, why would Kurt tell? If Karofsky was some sort of closeted (Karofsky, who the hell would have guessed?) creep . . . Was this why Karofsky had been so dead-set on throwing Kurt around lately? The thought occurred to Finn just as Puck leaned against the railing next to him. "It makes a weird sort of sense - I mean, Karofsky's been so focused on nailing Kurt -"
Finn squeaked out a noise and Puck winced. "Yeah, okay, bad choice of words. Um, yeah, I don't know when it happened, but . . . I mean, Finn, what do we do?" He was gripping the railing tightly, knuckles turning white.
There was nothing Finn could think of to say, because there was nothing he could think of to do.
They sat there, in silence, until the front door opened and Kurt stuck his head out. "Hey, you two still talking? Dad says there's dinner. Puck, you can stay if you want."
"Uh, that's cool," Puck said, shoving his hands deep into his jeans' pocket. "But I should be getting home - Sabbath and all. Good to see you, Kurt."
Kurt smiled at Puck. "Are you coming by tomorrow with everyone else?"
Puck darted a look at Finn, his eyes full of a million unasked questions. "I think so. You okay with all us of coming? I think Sam's bringing the original Tron over."
The boy shrugged. "Sounds good to me. See you tomorrow, Puck."
Puck gave Finn one last look before darting down the porch steps and disappearing. Kurt stood there, frowning. "Was everything okay with him? He seemed off."
Finn tried to come up with a believable excuse. "Yeah, man, he's just . . . worried about you. He was asking me a bunch of questions - I think he was going to tell everyone to back off and give you another couple of days." It was a half-truth, which was the only way Finn could lie about this and not give anything away. His brain was overloading, burning with the need to ask Kurt about Karofsky, but he held it in, though it hurt like hell to do it. Seriously, what the fucking hell?
Kurt's eyes widened. "Wow, that's . . . wow. Puck? Really?"
Finn struggled to find more words, feeling both proud and surprised at how casual they sounded when he finally got them out. "Yeah, he's like Schuester's undersheriff at school. He's hardcore about keeping things from getting out of hand again, and protecting you, even though you're not coming back."
Kurt didn't seem like he knew what to do with this information, and Finn was just trying to not let his inner freak out lead to an outer freak out. They both stood there, looking at each other, and Finn was opening his mouth to say who the hell knew what, when Burt called, "Dinner! C'mon you two, get inside!"
They ended up having a fairly easy-going dinner with Rachel's dads, and Finn tried to force his newfound, frightening perspective on Karofsky's bullying to the back of his mind.
It was when they were all having desert - some ice cream, a carrot cake the Berrys brought over, and a plate of fruits for Rachel (and Kurt, as he turned down a slice the cake, though he did have one scoop of ice cream, using the fruit as topping) - that Jacob Berry cleared his throat loudly, bringing silence to the table.
He leaned forward, looking at Kurt with serious eyes. "I know Rachel told you some of what we came to tell your dad, Kurt. I realize you've had very little time to absorb it all, so feel free to disregard this question, but do you have any idea which way you're leaning towards?"
Finn didn't think it was fair to ask Kurt this right now, but Burt wasn't saying anything, so he kept his mouth shut. He could see Kurt process the question, his expression becoming closed off. "I'll be honest, Mr. Berry, my first inclination is to say no."
Burt let out a sigh. "I figured that would be it. Son, I'm not doing anything without your approval, but could you tell me why you don't want to make them pay? 'Cause the thought had crossed my mind before Charles and Jacob brought it up tonight."
Finn noticed Kurt's hands trembling, but the other boy slid them off the table before anyone else could. Kurt replied in a quiet, even tone, "Because, dad, I don't want this hanging over my head for months. I don't want to call any more attention to myself than I already have. Azimio's been arrested, I'm transferring schools. Please, let that be enough." Finn's instincts about Kurt had been right, and honestly, he was on Kurt's side for this - he wouldn't want it to drag on forever either.
His mom shifted in her seat. "Kurt, honey, I wish that it could be. But as it stands, this is already drawing a lot of attention. Mr. Schuester, Burt and Mrs. Callaghan have been putting pressure on the school board to consider implementing a zero tolerance policy at McKinley, and they are not the only parents trying. Artie's mom has been right there with us, and so have Tina's mother and father. The police have been considering planning an anti-bullying assembly, and there's been news coverage on a state-wide level. I don't want you to have to go through any more pain, but there are so many things in motion right now . . ." She stopped there, glancing towards the other adults sitting around the table, Burt in particular. He put a hand over hers and smiled encouragingly, which seemed to be all she needed to continue. "Maybe it would be better to take action now when it's fresh in everyone's minds, so that something like this can never happen here again."
Everyone was quiet as they watched Kurt, who was staring down at the tablecloth, not saying a word. Finn took in what his mom said, wincing inwardly. It sort of sounded like Kurt was becoming a poster boy for this zero-tolerance thing, and that just wasn't something he could see Kurt wanting. His friend seemed more interested in blending into the background now, but even the Kurt that was loud and proud probably wouldn't have wanted this - to be this victimized gay kid on the eleven o'clock news or on Nancy Grace. That wasn't Kurt Hummel. It shouldn't be the only thing about him that gets noticed, Finn thought with a lot of anger and a little sadness. This just never stops sucking.
"Kiddo, I told you - whatever you decide is what I'm gonna go with, okay?" Burt reached his other hand out to rest gently on Kurt's shoulder.
"And the news coverage, it's been very vague - they can't release names because you and that boy are both minors," his mom said reassuringly.
"Why haven't I heard about this before?" Kurt lifted his eyes from the tablecloth.
"Because," Finn's mom said, sounding both frustrated and upset, "up until now, I've managed to badger the hell out of them, and keep it from getting too out of hand, but pretty much as soon as state networks picked up on it, I lost the battle. I'm still on their case - while they can't release names, I want to make sure that nothing of your private life makes its way onto the air. I wish I could make them stop completely, Kurt, I really wish I could."
"A lawsuit would probably make all that worse," Charles Berry sighed. "Depending on how hard the school board fights it, it could get a lot of attention - bring in a lot of people, on both sides of the issue."
"Especially once it gets out that the student attacked is gay," Rachel's other father pointed out. Rachel was keeping quiet, just like Finn, and her eyes were full to the brim with sadness as she leaned in close to Charles.
"Which is exactly why I don't want to do this," Kurt broke in, his voice coming out a little louder. "I don't want this becoming a national campaign. I just want to forget it ever happened. Please, dad. Please."
The hand on Kurt's shoulder squeezed. "Okay. But it's only been a few hours since you heard about this, so how about you give it another couple of days before you decide?"
Kurt inhaled. "Fine. I . . . appreciate everything, Mr. and Mr. Berry, but I'm feeling tired. May I be excused?"
Burt nodded, frowning as Kurt got up from the table. Finn watched him go, feeling the urge to follow; Kurt had rarely left his sight in the past few days, even though up until last night, he and his mom had been going back to their old house every evening. They hadn't really bothered packing too much since they knew Burt was already looking for a new house for them. Finn was looking forward to having his own room - right now most of his stuff was in a large walk-in closet next to the main bathroom. The sofa-bed had proven itself comfortable, and Finn figured once school started up again for him, he could ask Kurt if it would be okay for them to share a room until they moved out. He'd gotten used to being around the boy, and it felt weird, not knowing what he was up to. Finn wondered if there was something wrong with that.
"There's nothing wrong with that," Rachel told him a half hour later, as they stood together on the porch. Her dads were inside, saying their goodbyes to his mom and Burt. "You're worried about him, and you care about his well being. I'm pretty sure if Mercedes had her way, she'd be living here too, just to keep an eye on him. I personally find it reassuring that you've been suspended, if only because you can be there when his dad and your mom can't."
"Until he goes to his new school," Finn said miserably. "It's so weird, Rachel. I've never been so freaked out about someone before. And angry. I'm so angry, all the time. I don't know what to do with that." Karofsky, a random voice in his mind piped up, Karofsky kissed Kurt. That son of a bitch kissed Kurt, and there's no way Kurt wanted that. God, that asshole.
Rachel was worrying her lower lip, wrapping her arms around him. "You're angry, and I'm scared. All the time. I keep thinking that this will get my dads noticed, get my family in trouble. I keep thinking that something else might happen to Kurt and . . ." She shuddered, and Finn put aside his dark thoughts on Karofsky, focusing on hugging her closely, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"Yeah. Everything's really messed up right now." More than you know. "But Kurt's okay. Nothing's going to happen your dads, or to you. Burt, and my mom, and Ida's mom, and like, everyone else's parents, they're all doing something to make it all better for us. That's gotta count for something."
Rachel sniffed, burying her face in his chest for a few seconds before breathing out and looking up at him. As soon as Finn saw those beautiful but worry-filled chocolate coloured eyes, he had to smile. And then he had to kiss her - kiss his gorgeous, loud, talented and frighteningly determined girlfriend. She had every right to be scared, but Finn didn't want her to be. He kissed her softly at first, then wrapped his arms even more tightly around her, lifting slightly so that he could get a better angle and kiss her more deeply.
She sighed quietly once their mouths parted, and gazed up at him all sparkly eyed and pink-faced. "I may need a lot of that for the next while."
Finn raised his eyebrows, grinning. "Well, make sure you come find me then. Don't be shy about asking."
Rachel laughed and snuggled into his arms again. "And just for the record - I think it's normal that you're angry, Finn. It's probably going to take a long time for us to stop being scared and angry, so until then, we're going to stick close together. All of us."
The front door opened and Rachel's dads stepped out. Finn instantly put a little distance between he and Rachel, though he kept an arm wrapped around her shoulders. Rachel poked him in the side teasingly at this, and then leaned into him as Burt and Finn's mom followed her dads out. They all stood there for a second.
"Where's Kurt?" Finn asked, trying to see if he was maybe standing behind everyone.
"He's down in his room," Burt replied, taking off his baseball cap, turning it around in his hands a few times before jamming it back onto his head. "I'll check on him in a few minutes - didn't want to smother him after . . . after dinner."
"Give Kurt our best," Jacob said quietly.
"We're sorry for keeping Rachel away from him, and from you, Finn, during Kurt's stay at the hospital," Charles said, and Rachel went to her father's side immediately at the sound of his regretful tone. "I'm sure Rachel has told you why."
Finn nodded. "And you really don't need to apologize, Mr. Berry. I'm glad she was with you guys - Kurt understands it too."
The rest of the good-byes were light, and Finn promised Rachel to let her and all of the rest of their friends know if Kurt wasn't up to seeing them tomorrow. Once the Berrys were gone, Burt turned to Finn. "I'm going to check on Kurt. Give your mom a hand with the dishes, will ya, kid?"
Finn followed his mother in kitchen. She pulled him into a hug after tying an apron around herself; he accepted it gratefully, hugging her to him tightly. They pulled back silently and exchanged small smiles before starting in on the dirty stuff in the sink, all the plates, cups and cutlery. His mom wasn't loading the dishwasher though - she was washing them all by hand, handing them to Finn to rinse and put in the dish drying rack. He didn't say a word. He understood the need to keep one's hands busy.
When they were about half way through the pile, Burt appeared in the kitchen, sitting down at the table and watching them. Finn glanced over after a few minutes of silence. Burt caught his gaze. "Kurt's real tired. He said he's gonna turn in early. But he's still okay with your friends coming on by tomorrow. I think he wants the distraction."
That was good to know, Finn supposed, but he still felt like popping in on Kurt himself. Maybe he'd just look in on him before he went to bed.
"Maybe we shouldn't have sprung all this on him so soon." His mom turned away from the sink, wiping her hands on her apron. Her voice was cracking, rasping a little. Finn instinctively put a hand on her shoulder, and she covered it with one of her own, flashing a tearful yet loving smile.
Burt shook his head. "I just want to get everything out in the open - I don't want him thinking we're doin' these things behind his back. And if we're going to do this, I'd want to start sooner rather later. As fast as I can let this be over . . ."
"But the whole thing with the lawsuit, that could drag on forever," Finn pointed out, timidly at first. "I get why you want to do it - hell, I kinda want it too - but I get what Kurt is saying. And I'm on his side."
Burt looked over at him, and Finn couldn't read the expression on the man's face. After a second, he smiled and Finn smiled back.
"It's good to know you're in his corner, buddy." Burt stood up from the table, stretching and scrubbing at his face once his back cracked. "I'm gonna have a quick shower, and then head to bed. Sorry for bailing on the dishes, Carole."
"I volunteered, honey, please. I'll join you once I'm done here, Burt." His mom had turned back and resumed washing dishes. Burt disappeared soon after that, and Finn wondered if he should tell his mom about what Puck had found out.
For somewhere in the living room, Finn's cell phone rang out, but he didn't rush to get it, moving to help his mom with dishes again. His mom glanced at him. "Go on, sweetheart, it's okay."
He pressed a quick kiss to the top of his mom's head, and then went to grab it, without looking to see who was calling. "Hello?"
"Dude, did you tell Mr. Hummel what happened?"
Finn immediately moved further away from the kitchen. "Are you crazy? I think Burt would freakin' murder Karofsky and bury him in our backyard." It was a possibility he hadn't considered until he said it - he had no idea what Burt would do if he found out about this, on the heels of everything else that had happened to Kurt, but, then again, didn't he have a right to know?
"Yeah, yeah you're probably right." Puck breathed out heavily. "It's just, it doesn't feel right, man. Someone needs to know about this. Like, what if Karofsky is like . . . I don't know, sort of in love with Kurt? Don't you think that could lead to a worse mess somewhere down the line?"
"I don't know." Finn ran a hand through his hair. "Listen, at some point, I'm gonna talk about this with Kurt. We don't know what happened, and I'm thinking that since Karofsky is so freaked out about it, that means it was just a one time thing, and that he's not going to go blabbing any time soon. He stopped Azimio from hurting Kurt. I'm kinda hoping that means that he's just messed up and scared as opposed to really jacked up and creepy."
Puck was silent for a while, and Finn went over his own words in his head, nodding to himself. As pissed off as he was about Karofsky, if he tried to be a little reasonable, a little optimistic about the whole thing, he could see that Karofsky might not be the villain in this situation. Just another victim.
Kurt was surrounded by people who loved him for who he was - people who occasionally said offensive things, but never to actually hurt him (though Finn knew that's what happened and being oblivious to someone's pain, it turned out, could be just as bad as causing it). Dave Karofsky, on the other hand, was surrounded by the same jackass jocks Finn had learned to distance himself from, and had built up a reputation and popularity based on being one of the so-called 'cool' asshole popular kids. He could say with a degree of certainty that there would probably not be a single one of those guys who would stick by Dave if he came out of the closet, and that included his best friend, Azimio.
And since Dave had spent most of life abusing and hating on the very people who would accept him for who he was . . . Finn winced. He wasn't sure what he would have done if Dave came to him with this - if he would have been the better person and tried to help the guy out. As of now, he was still simmering on a low boil with anger, and it was difficult to imagine lending a hand to the very guy who so often pushed, shoved, threw slushies, and said awful things that Finn now knew could apply to Dave.
"I'm thinking Kurt's dealing with enough bull-crap, right now." Pucks words were uncharacteristically soft. "The news has started in on McKinley - I saw it this morning, and I heard some guys talking about it at the mall today. It's starting to be a big deal. You and I can handle Karofsky for him."
Finn's happy but slightly disbelieving laugh had Puck chuckling too. They didn't need to say why they were suddenly laughing. He was pretty sure that the Finn and Puck of now would be total strangers to the Finn and Puck of a year ago, of a few months ago even.
"I'm going to tell him we know. I don't get how he could keep this a secret for so long, but I think that telling him we know, and that we aren't going to do anything he doesn't want us to do . . . that's gotta be a help, right?"
"Fuck if I know, Hudson. But yeah. Listen, I've gotta go. Catch you later?"
"Tomorrow," Finn said and hung up. He had wandered as far from the kitchen and bedrooms as he could, lingering near the front door. As he walked back out into the living room, he saw that the kitchen was empty, the sofa-bed laid out for him, and his mom was nowhere in sight. She must've finished and headed to bed, something Finn was thinking of doing himself. He felt so tired, even though he'd done nothing much other than watch Kurt play video games and listen to other people talk.
Sleep sounded awesome right about now.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
Next: Chapter 9, Part 3
"You have to aim! Aim!"
"Shut up, Finn, I know - holy crap!"
"Cover! Duck under cover!"
"I know, Hudson, shut the hell - damnit, damnit!"
"Okay, you two need to cool it - it sounds like a battleground in here!" His mom walked in, and Finn flicked his eyes from the screen just long enough to take in the hands on her hips and the flicker of amusement and relief on her face. They weren't in any real trouble.
Kurt was blowing the crap out of people on the screen, something he'd sworn he would never find fun. Finn had the feeling that most of this had to with his getting Kurt into his own bed before his father realized anything. This crazy six-hour marathon of video gaming was probably his way of thanking of Finn for not mentioning anything to either of their parents.
But there was no way he was faking the crazed energy with which he was hammering those buttons, or that intense look in his eyes, normally reserved for scrutinizing his closet when selecting an outfit.
A couple of hours after his initial wake-up call to smuggle Kurt back down to the basement, Finn had been woken up again by noise in the kitchen, this time by a fresh-faced Kurt who helped him fold the bed back into the couch. The video gaming came after a small breakfast - well, small for Finn since Kurt's breakfast normally wasn't much more than a bowl of granola with dried fruits and milk, and Finn had eagerly agreed to sharing when Kurt asked if he could try out the Xbox.
He'd picked Mass Effect because he figured Kurt would appreciate the utter coolness of being able to design his own character, physically speaking (even though the armour wasn't much to look at and there were no clothes of any kind to choose from), pick his own back-story, and the fact that the plot was crazy good and detailed.
While Kurt was surprised and pleased by these things, he also seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the 'shoot the crap out of the bad guys' part too.
The front door opened not ten minutes later, Burt calling out, "I'm home! I brought ice cream for dessert - and I won't be having any, Kurt, before you can . . . geez, are you two still plugged into that game?"
Kurt paused his battle, and both he and Finn turned to smile at Burt. Finn could see the man staring, eyebrows raised high on his forehead, but soon he was grinning at Kurt, eyes crinkling at the corners. It was easy to see why: Kurt was flushed, bright eyed, and there were no blankets in sight. He was dressed in clothes a little more like himself - tight designer jeans, a weird-patterned shirt with a thin, button-up sweater on top - and more importantly, he was smiling wide and true. Finn felt distinctly proud of himself and had to fight the urge to ruffle Kurt's hair; the boy had also actually taken the time to style it with something close to his usual effort. It was perfect and off his forehead, and Finn had a feeling that if he put a hand anywhere near that, he wouldn't be getting it back in one piece.
"Dad, I'm in the middle of taking out a band of alien mercenaries. As soon as I'm done, I'll help Carole with dinner and we shall discuss you having maybe one scoop of ice cream for dessert."
Burt rolled his eyes at Finn. "Listen to him talk as if he can determine what I eat and when I eat it."
"It's what I've been doing for more than a month - your argument would have more weight if you didn't take my orders, which incidentally, happen to also be your doctor's orders."
Kurt resumed shooting the hell out of the mercenaries and Finn was shrugging at Burt while holding back an amused grin - unsuccessfully. Burt grinned too and took his bag of ice cream to the kitchen. There were loud smacking sounds that drifted out from there not long after, and both Finn and Kurt exchanged vaguely disgusted looks. Finn was about to tell their parents to take it behind closed doors when the phone rang, interrupting everybody. His mom answered it right after the first ring.
"Hello? Oh, hey Rachel, did you want me to - oh?"
Finn had perked up at his girlfriend's name. She hadn't mentioned when she would be dropping by today, only that she would be. Why hadn't she texted or called him on his phone, though?
"Hold on a second, honey, I'm going to pass you to Burt, okay?"
Finn stopped pretending to be uninterested, and Kurt had paused the game again, craning his neck a bit to see Burt and Finn's mom standing close together as Burt listened to Rachel on the other end of the phone. His mouth was pressed into a stern line, and his brows were close together, but he was nodding along and saying, "Uh huh. We've considered it, yeah . . . okay, in that case, we'll see you all in about an hour and a half? . . . Right, did you want to talk to Finn?"
Finn stood up, walking with his hand outstretched for the phone. Burt held up his own free hand, shaking his head. "You'll talk to him when you get here. Right, that's fine, Rachel. Yeah, see you soon."
He pouted a little and was about to complain when Kurt called, "Finn, your phone is buzzing!"
Finn walked over and sat back down next to Kurt, checking his cell and seeing a message from Rachel: Sorry, been busy with my dads today but I'll see you soon! xoxoXO
He smiled happily to himself, and then almost jumped clean off the couch as Kurt let loose a victory shout. "I am ridiculously good at this! Finn, witness my talent, please."
Finn chuckled to himself, but resumed paying attention to Kurt's on-going saga, texting the other gleeks (as well as Blaine and Ida) randomly, giving them a much happier update on Kurt's state of mind.
Of course, things got tense again when the Berrys arrived. Somehow, everyone sensed this wasn't a simple dinner get-together, and despite the smiles and introductions going around, Finn could see Kurt closing in on himself again, becoming the phantom, insubstantial and soundless. He moved in closer to Kurt, trying to be a kind of silent support. He wasn't sure if it was working, if Kurt even noticed, but Finn stuck close to him, even with Rachel smiling brightly at him from between her two dads.
Rachel's dads were pretty cool - a tall black man that had a soft, kind smile, and a shorter white dude with glasses and a funny laugh - and both of them had been nice about Finn dating their daughter. Okay, Charles Berry had threatened him while cleaning his gardening sheers, but Finn couldn't fault the man for that.
"It's an honour to meet you, Mr. Hummel, Mrs. Hudson," Jacob Berry was saying, pushing his glasses further up his nose. "You have no idea how much Rachel natters on about Kurt - if it weren't for the fact that he were gay, we would've been sure that he'd be our future son-in-law."
Kurt and Rachel both blushed and then laughed when they caught sight of each other's red faces. Rachel bounced over to Kurt after that, grabbing his hand in one of her own small, olive-toned ones. "Can we talk alone?"
Finn watched as Kurt darted a look towards his dad, who was leading Rachel's dads towards the kitchen, and then back to Rachel.
"Can 'alone' include Finn? I've sort of gotten used to having my own personal Frankenteen following me around." Kurt flicked a small smile up at him as he spoke. Finn had never felt more like a big brother and he was totally unembarrassed to admit to himself that he kind of loved it. He ducked his head, grinning as Rachel giggled and lead the way to the basement.
Once they got there, Rachel and Kurt sat down on the couch together, while Finn grabbed a chair and lifted it over to them (Kurt had shot him a glare so lethal the last time he'd dragged it across the carpet, Finn had never attempted it again) so he could sit closer to the conversation. It was quiet for a minute, and then Rachel cleared her throat, sitting up straighter.
"I've been waiting all week for an opportunity to speak with you, but then everyone was here, all the time, and it . . . it wasn't something I wanted to discuss with the others around. I wanted it to be between you and me. Finn is an acceptable exception." She flashed him the warm, lovely smile that always made him feel like he could take on the world. Finn smiled back, widely and happily, but stayed quiet. He wanted Rachel to have her time with Kurt without him getting in the middle.
As Rachel spoke, Kurt nodded. "You're not the only one. I get the feeling Mercedes has been waiting to get me alone too, but then on Thursday . . ." Kurt trailed off, sighing softly. "I feel like I should apologize - and not just to you two. I shouldn't have lashed out at all of you like that -"
"No, no Kurt!" Rachel said firmly. "You were perfectly right. I wanted to tell you, first and foremost, that I am sorry. I'm sorry for not paying enough attention to what was happening to you. I'm sorry for not reaching out and being a better friend to you, especially considering my background." Her cheeks took on a pink flush, and she continued on, quieter than before. "My dads came to offer something to you and your dad today, to help you both out. I never . . . I never mentioned you having trouble . . . Papa made me feel really ashamed for that. We all know how amazing your dad is, Kurt, especially after he came into the school to make sure you had the opportunity to audition against me for 'Defying Gravity'. I assumed that you were fine, that with your dad you could handle anything, and that if there was anything wrong you would tell him, or Mercedes or any of us."
"It's not your fault that I'm stubborn about telling people things, Rachel," Kurt said in an almost whisper, drawing his knees up to his chest, looking away. "It's not your fault I didn't complain to the faculty or . . ."
"That doesn't matter!" she burst out. "Because they know, they had to know how bad it was getting. They saw it happening and they're the grown-ups, they should have taken some action! As much as I appreciate him, Mr. Schuester should have done something the instant he saw you getting tossed into a dumpster or thrown against a locker."
She inhaled sharply, eyes gleaming. "I never once let it cross my mind that it was getting worse, because everyone around you, including me, acted like what you were going through was acceptable. And it wasn't Kurt, you're right. The same words they hissed at you in those hallways? They've been following me my whole life because of who my dads are. Because I'm lucky enough to have two parents that worked hard to get me, to love me, and spoil me - somehow I'm warped, twisted, because of it. I should have reached out to you because of course things we're going wrong. Of course you were going through the same things I was, if not worse, since somehow people seem to think that it's less violent or offensive to hit and insult boys rather than girls. I'm sorry, Kurt, I'm so, so sorry for being so selfish!"
Tears were escaping her brown eyes, and Kurt reached out and pulled her close, hugging her as his own shoulders shook. Finn had to hold back on hugging them both, on cradling his girlfriend to his chest, because it wasn't fair that two of the best people he knew had to go through so much crap because they were different in ways that they couldn't control.
Eventually they pulled away, Rachel looking slightly more composed, while Kurt looked fragile and shaky. Finn immediately reached for a blanket from one of the piles that seemed to be everywhere in the house lately, and tossed it over Kurt's legs. Kurt pulled it up higher, smiling wanly at him.
Rachel took in a deep breath and both Finn and Kurt turned to her again. "The day that everything happened, after that huge fight in the hall - I was so scared, Kurt, I called my dads, so they could take me to the hospital but . . ." Rachel moved in closer, biting her lip once. "My dads made me come home - they were scared. If you were hurt, the daughter of two gay men might be a target too. I'd never seen them that frightened. Ever. So I stayed home with them. But I really wanted to be at the hospital with you."
"Why do your dads even live here, Rachel?" Kurt breathed out as he pulled his blanket up even higher. "This town -"
"Because it's not . . . Even though I want to get out of here, it's a decent place, Lima, I mean, aside from the hellhole that is McKinley. I'm not afraid to walk outside at night, and not all our neighbours may be thrilled about it, but they don't act like they care that there are two gay men living next door - well, there was this woman, down the street, who tried to start something, but my dads told her flat out that if she said or did anything, they would call their lawyers and shut her up legally. There's homophobic people everywhere Kurt, even in the cities. We live here because it's a safe town, and daddy, he grew up here, so we have family nearby."
Kurt said nothing in reply to that, going silent again before asking, "You said your dads had something for me?"
Rachel nodded. "They wanted to let you know that their contacts at the ACLU are perfectly willing to open up a lawsuit on your behalf against the school board and Figgins. What happened to you was a direct result of their gross negligence and it is very likely that you would win if you decided to take such action."
Finn couldn't really tell what Kurt was thinking, but he could see that he was feeling tired again - and not the type of tired that meant he was getting sleepy. No, this was a completely different sort of exhaustion. His eyes would kind of go more grey than blue/green/grey, and then he'd sort of lose focus, his mouth tightening as if he was angry.
He knew Kurt just wanted all of this to be over, and a lawsuit could drag on for months and months, if not years.
"I think your dad is interested in doing this. My dads are talking to him and Carole right now. I asked them if I could tell you while they talk to them because, well, I just wanted to make it clear to you that I am behind you one hundred percent, whatever you decide, and I'll defend your choice, to your family, to my family. Whatever you need from me, Kurt, I'm there."
Kurt nodded slowly, still real quiet, his eyes doing that shining thing which meant that he was trying not to cry. Finn was just opening his mouth to throw in his own two cents when the doorbell rang, causing all three of them to jump or flinch. Finn stood up, putting a staying hand on Kurt's trembling shoulders. "Don't worry, dude, I'm sure mom or Burt are going to get it."
A few seconds later, the basement door was opening, and Burt was calling down, "Kurt? Could you stand another visitor, kiddo?"
Wiping at his face with the corner of his blanket, Kurt cleared his throat, before calling up, "Sure, dad."
Finn was not expecting Puck to come thundering down the stairs, looking wild and nervous and freaked all at once. When his eyes fell on Kurt, he seemed to pull himself together, and nod his direction. "What's up, dude? You, um, you feeling better?"
Kurt smiled faintly, seemingly amused. "Sure, Puck. A little better. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
Puck's eyes darted over to Finn. "I just, I had something really important I needed to tell Finn - like, really, really important. Would it be cool if we went outside for a minute?"
He was bouncing on the balls of his feet and Kurt blinked, exchanging confused looks with Rachel, and then glancing over at Finn who was feeling pretty lost himself. "If you want to, go ahead, Rachel and I are fine down here."
Puck exhaled loudly. "Awesome. Finn, move your ass, man." He turned and took the stairs up two at a time.
Finn raced up the stairs after him, waving briefly at Burt, his mom, and the Berrys, who were now sitting in the living room. "Just going outside to talk for a bit!" He then followed Puck out onto the porch, wondering out loud, "Dude! What is your malfunction?"
Puck's eyes were wide again and he was back to seeming both confused and panicked, the most out of control Finn had ever seen him.
"I went after Karofsky."
Finn balked, his own eyes widening painfully. "Oh no. Puck, man, tell me I don't have to -"
"Nah, I didn't lay a hand on him - uh, at least nothing too bad." Puck waved off Finn's concern. Finn relaxed a little, relieved to know he wouldn't have to help Puck bury a body, or provide an alibi. "I don't want to end up back in jail. No, I just wanted to shake him up a little, give him the lowdown on what would happen to him if he ever even thought about touching Kurt. And when he didn't bite, I went the 'I'll post all your deep, dark secrets on Jewfro's blog' route, because, well, everyone in this sorry-ass town has something to hide."
Finn was very familiar with this particular Puck tactic. It came from being a desperate housewives' gigolo; he knew far more about some of the more respectable members of this community than most. He was smart enough to keep quiet about it, because he wasn't into that kind of trouble, or at least that's what he said - Finn sometimes thought Puck had more of a conscience than he let on.
"Dude, the guy went ballistic! He flipped out, kept saying he was going to kill Kurt if he found out the runt had said anything."
Finn flinched, because that was a little too close to home, and wow, maybe it would have better if Puck had risked jail and roughed up the asshole.
"So, I tell him that Kurt didn't tell me anything - I found out on my own, or something. I mean, I had no clue what the hell the guy was talkin' about so I tried to get him to spill." Puck looked over his shoulder to the darkened, empty street, and leaned in close. "Finn, Karofsky was about to cry. He begged me not to tell anyone, and I told him that I wouldn't tell as long as he told me what he's been doing to Kurt. I wanted to know, once and for all, if he had anything to do with what Azimio did."
Finn froze, unable to speak. This is it.
Puck breathed out, eyes widening further, voice cracking as he spoke. "He didn't. But man, it's so freaking . . . he kissed Kurt."
The world screeched to a halt.
Now Finn couldn't move for a whole different reason. He stared, mouth open, eyes blinking. There was no way. "I . . . you must've heard him wrong. There's no way that . . . why would he even tell you that?" His voice sounded far away and weak to his own ears.
"I'm telling you how." Puck ran a hand over his mohawk, pushing out air as if he had to remind himself to breathe. When he spoke next it made only a little more sense (but not really - Karofsky kiss Kurt? How? Why? What the hell?).
"It went down like this: he was practically blubbering, saying that he didn't do anything, that he'd just snapped, and I got pissed man. I thought that maybe he'd done something to Kurt that we didn't know about. I shoved Karofsky up against a wall, told him it was over - that he was through, that I knew it all and I just wanted to hear him say it. He said that he'd only done it once and that it was a freaky, fluke thing, that he'd never wanted to kiss any guy . . ." Puck was rambling non-stop, wheezing and shocked. "I heard it loud and clear. And I let him go. Told him that he needed to stay away from Kurt, for good, or else I would spill it to everyone. But I don't even know what to do with this, man."
His knees felt like jelly - Finn collapsed against the porch railing, lifting a hand to wipe cold sweat from his brow. Crap. How could this be happening? How could Kurt - but then again, why would Kurt tell? If Karofsky was some sort of closeted (Karofsky, who the hell would have guessed?) creep . . . Was this why Karofsky had been so dead-set on throwing Kurt around lately? The thought occurred to Finn just as Puck leaned against the railing next to him. "It makes a weird sort of sense - I mean, Karofsky's been so focused on nailing Kurt -"
Finn squeaked out a noise and Puck winced. "Yeah, okay, bad choice of words. Um, yeah, I don't know when it happened, but . . . I mean, Finn, what do we do?" He was gripping the railing tightly, knuckles turning white.
There was nothing Finn could think of to say, because there was nothing he could think of to do.
They sat there, in silence, until the front door opened and Kurt stuck his head out. "Hey, you two still talking? Dad says there's dinner. Puck, you can stay if you want."
"Uh, that's cool," Puck said, shoving his hands deep into his jeans' pocket. "But I should be getting home - Sabbath and all. Good to see you, Kurt."
Kurt smiled at Puck. "Are you coming by tomorrow with everyone else?"
Puck darted a look at Finn, his eyes full of a million unasked questions. "I think so. You okay with all us of coming? I think Sam's bringing the original Tron over."
The boy shrugged. "Sounds good to me. See you tomorrow, Puck."
Puck gave Finn one last look before darting down the porch steps and disappearing. Kurt stood there, frowning. "Was everything okay with him? He seemed off."
Finn tried to come up with a believable excuse. "Yeah, man, he's just . . . worried about you. He was asking me a bunch of questions - I think he was going to tell everyone to back off and give you another couple of days." It was a half-truth, which was the only way Finn could lie about this and not give anything away. His brain was overloading, burning with the need to ask Kurt about Karofsky, but he held it in, though it hurt like hell to do it. Seriously, what the fucking hell?
Kurt's eyes widened. "Wow, that's . . . wow. Puck? Really?"
Finn struggled to find more words, feeling both proud and surprised at how casual they sounded when he finally got them out. "Yeah, he's like Schuester's undersheriff at school. He's hardcore about keeping things from getting out of hand again, and protecting you, even though you're not coming back."
Kurt didn't seem like he knew what to do with this information, and Finn was just trying to not let his inner freak out lead to an outer freak out. They both stood there, looking at each other, and Finn was opening his mouth to say who the hell knew what, when Burt called, "Dinner! C'mon you two, get inside!"
They ended up having a fairly easy-going dinner with Rachel's dads, and Finn tried to force his newfound, frightening perspective on Karofsky's bullying to the back of his mind.
It was when they were all having desert - some ice cream, a carrot cake the Berrys brought over, and a plate of fruits for Rachel (and Kurt, as he turned down a slice the cake, though he did have one scoop of ice cream, using the fruit as topping) - that Jacob Berry cleared his throat loudly, bringing silence to the table.
He leaned forward, looking at Kurt with serious eyes. "I know Rachel told you some of what we came to tell your dad, Kurt. I realize you've had very little time to absorb it all, so feel free to disregard this question, but do you have any idea which way you're leaning towards?"
Finn didn't think it was fair to ask Kurt this right now, but Burt wasn't saying anything, so he kept his mouth shut. He could see Kurt process the question, his expression becoming closed off. "I'll be honest, Mr. Berry, my first inclination is to say no."
Burt let out a sigh. "I figured that would be it. Son, I'm not doing anything without your approval, but could you tell me why you don't want to make them pay? 'Cause the thought had crossed my mind before Charles and Jacob brought it up tonight."
Finn noticed Kurt's hands trembling, but the other boy slid them off the table before anyone else could. Kurt replied in a quiet, even tone, "Because, dad, I don't want this hanging over my head for months. I don't want to call any more attention to myself than I already have. Azimio's been arrested, I'm transferring schools. Please, let that be enough." Finn's instincts about Kurt had been right, and honestly, he was on Kurt's side for this - he wouldn't want it to drag on forever either.
His mom shifted in her seat. "Kurt, honey, I wish that it could be. But as it stands, this is already drawing a lot of attention. Mr. Schuester, Burt and Mrs. Callaghan have been putting pressure on the school board to consider implementing a zero tolerance policy at McKinley, and they are not the only parents trying. Artie's mom has been right there with us, and so have Tina's mother and father. The police have been considering planning an anti-bullying assembly, and there's been news coverage on a state-wide level. I don't want you to have to go through any more pain, but there are so many things in motion right now . . ." She stopped there, glancing towards the other adults sitting around the table, Burt in particular. He put a hand over hers and smiled encouragingly, which seemed to be all she needed to continue. "Maybe it would be better to take action now when it's fresh in everyone's minds, so that something like this can never happen here again."
Everyone was quiet as they watched Kurt, who was staring down at the tablecloth, not saying a word. Finn took in what his mom said, wincing inwardly. It sort of sounded like Kurt was becoming a poster boy for this zero-tolerance thing, and that just wasn't something he could see Kurt wanting. His friend seemed more interested in blending into the background now, but even the Kurt that was loud and proud probably wouldn't have wanted this - to be this victimized gay kid on the eleven o'clock news or on Nancy Grace. That wasn't Kurt Hummel. It shouldn't be the only thing about him that gets noticed, Finn thought with a lot of anger and a little sadness. This just never stops sucking.
"Kiddo, I told you - whatever you decide is what I'm gonna go with, okay?" Burt reached his other hand out to rest gently on Kurt's shoulder.
"And the news coverage, it's been very vague - they can't release names because you and that boy are both minors," his mom said reassuringly.
"Why haven't I heard about this before?" Kurt lifted his eyes from the tablecloth.
"Because," Finn's mom said, sounding both frustrated and upset, "up until now, I've managed to badger the hell out of them, and keep it from getting too out of hand, but pretty much as soon as state networks picked up on it, I lost the battle. I'm still on their case - while they can't release names, I want to make sure that nothing of your private life makes its way onto the air. I wish I could make them stop completely, Kurt, I really wish I could."
"A lawsuit would probably make all that worse," Charles Berry sighed. "Depending on how hard the school board fights it, it could get a lot of attention - bring in a lot of people, on both sides of the issue."
"Especially once it gets out that the student attacked is gay," Rachel's other father pointed out. Rachel was keeping quiet, just like Finn, and her eyes were full to the brim with sadness as she leaned in close to Charles.
"Which is exactly why I don't want to do this," Kurt broke in, his voice coming out a little louder. "I don't want this becoming a national campaign. I just want to forget it ever happened. Please, dad. Please."
The hand on Kurt's shoulder squeezed. "Okay. But it's only been a few hours since you heard about this, so how about you give it another couple of days before you decide?"
Kurt inhaled. "Fine. I . . . appreciate everything, Mr. and Mr. Berry, but I'm feeling tired. May I be excused?"
Burt nodded, frowning as Kurt got up from the table. Finn watched him go, feeling the urge to follow; Kurt had rarely left his sight in the past few days, even though up until last night, he and his mom had been going back to their old house every evening. They hadn't really bothered packing too much since they knew Burt was already looking for a new house for them. Finn was looking forward to having his own room - right now most of his stuff was in a large walk-in closet next to the main bathroom. The sofa-bed had proven itself comfortable, and Finn figured once school started up again for him, he could ask Kurt if it would be okay for them to share a room until they moved out. He'd gotten used to being around the boy, and it felt weird, not knowing what he was up to. Finn wondered if there was something wrong with that.
"There's nothing wrong with that," Rachel told him a half hour later, as they stood together on the porch. Her dads were inside, saying their goodbyes to his mom and Burt. "You're worried about him, and you care about his well being. I'm pretty sure if Mercedes had her way, she'd be living here too, just to keep an eye on him. I personally find it reassuring that you've been suspended, if only because you can be there when his dad and your mom can't."
"Until he goes to his new school," Finn said miserably. "It's so weird, Rachel. I've never been so freaked out about someone before. And angry. I'm so angry, all the time. I don't know what to do with that." Karofsky, a random voice in his mind piped up, Karofsky kissed Kurt. That son of a bitch kissed Kurt, and there's no way Kurt wanted that. God, that asshole.
Rachel was worrying her lower lip, wrapping her arms around him. "You're angry, and I'm scared. All the time. I keep thinking that this will get my dads noticed, get my family in trouble. I keep thinking that something else might happen to Kurt and . . ." She shuddered, and Finn put aside his dark thoughts on Karofsky, focusing on hugging her closely, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"Yeah. Everything's really messed up right now." More than you know. "But Kurt's okay. Nothing's going to happen your dads, or to you. Burt, and my mom, and Ida's mom, and like, everyone else's parents, they're all doing something to make it all better for us. That's gotta count for something."
Rachel sniffed, burying her face in his chest for a few seconds before breathing out and looking up at him. As soon as Finn saw those beautiful but worry-filled chocolate coloured eyes, he had to smile. And then he had to kiss her - kiss his gorgeous, loud, talented and frighteningly determined girlfriend. She had every right to be scared, but Finn didn't want her to be. He kissed her softly at first, then wrapped his arms even more tightly around her, lifting slightly so that he could get a better angle and kiss her more deeply.
She sighed quietly once their mouths parted, and gazed up at him all sparkly eyed and pink-faced. "I may need a lot of that for the next while."
Finn raised his eyebrows, grinning. "Well, make sure you come find me then. Don't be shy about asking."
Rachel laughed and snuggled into his arms again. "And just for the record - I think it's normal that you're angry, Finn. It's probably going to take a long time for us to stop being scared and angry, so until then, we're going to stick close together. All of us."
The front door opened and Rachel's dads stepped out. Finn instantly put a little distance between he and Rachel, though he kept an arm wrapped around her shoulders. Rachel poked him in the side teasingly at this, and then leaned into him as Burt and Finn's mom followed her dads out. They all stood there for a second.
"Where's Kurt?" Finn asked, trying to see if he was maybe standing behind everyone.
"He's down in his room," Burt replied, taking off his baseball cap, turning it around in his hands a few times before jamming it back onto his head. "I'll check on him in a few minutes - didn't want to smother him after . . . after dinner."
"Give Kurt our best," Jacob said quietly.
"We're sorry for keeping Rachel away from him, and from you, Finn, during Kurt's stay at the hospital," Charles said, and Rachel went to her father's side immediately at the sound of his regretful tone. "I'm sure Rachel has told you why."
Finn nodded. "And you really don't need to apologize, Mr. Berry. I'm glad she was with you guys - Kurt understands it too."
The rest of the good-byes were light, and Finn promised Rachel to let her and all of the rest of their friends know if Kurt wasn't up to seeing them tomorrow. Once the Berrys were gone, Burt turned to Finn. "I'm going to check on Kurt. Give your mom a hand with the dishes, will ya, kid?"
Finn followed his mother in kitchen. She pulled him into a hug after tying an apron around herself; he accepted it gratefully, hugging her to him tightly. They pulled back silently and exchanged small smiles before starting in on the dirty stuff in the sink, all the plates, cups and cutlery. His mom wasn't loading the dishwasher though - she was washing them all by hand, handing them to Finn to rinse and put in the dish drying rack. He didn't say a word. He understood the need to keep one's hands busy.
When they were about half way through the pile, Burt appeared in the kitchen, sitting down at the table and watching them. Finn glanced over after a few minutes of silence. Burt caught his gaze. "Kurt's real tired. He said he's gonna turn in early. But he's still okay with your friends coming on by tomorrow. I think he wants the distraction."
That was good to know, Finn supposed, but he still felt like popping in on Kurt himself. Maybe he'd just look in on him before he went to bed.
"Maybe we shouldn't have sprung all this on him so soon." His mom turned away from the sink, wiping her hands on her apron. Her voice was cracking, rasping a little. Finn instinctively put a hand on her shoulder, and she covered it with one of her own, flashing a tearful yet loving smile.
Burt shook his head. "I just want to get everything out in the open - I don't want him thinking we're doin' these things behind his back. And if we're going to do this, I'd want to start sooner rather later. As fast as I can let this be over . . ."
"But the whole thing with the lawsuit, that could drag on forever," Finn pointed out, timidly at first. "I get why you want to do it - hell, I kinda want it too - but I get what Kurt is saying. And I'm on his side."
Burt looked over at him, and Finn couldn't read the expression on the man's face. After a second, he smiled and Finn smiled back.
"It's good to know you're in his corner, buddy." Burt stood up from the table, stretching and scrubbing at his face once his back cracked. "I'm gonna have a quick shower, and then head to bed. Sorry for bailing on the dishes, Carole."
"I volunteered, honey, please. I'll join you once I'm done here, Burt." His mom had turned back and resumed washing dishes. Burt disappeared soon after that, and Finn wondered if he should tell his mom about what Puck had found out.
For somewhere in the living room, Finn's cell phone rang out, but he didn't rush to get it, moving to help his mom with dishes again. His mom glanced at him. "Go on, sweetheart, it's okay."
He pressed a quick kiss to the top of his mom's head, and then went to grab it, without looking to see who was calling. "Hello?"
"Dude, did you tell Mr. Hummel what happened?"
Finn immediately moved further away from the kitchen. "Are you crazy? I think Burt would freakin' murder Karofsky and bury him in our backyard." It was a possibility he hadn't considered until he said it - he had no idea what Burt would do if he found out about this, on the heels of everything else that had happened to Kurt, but, then again, didn't he have a right to know?
"Yeah, yeah you're probably right." Puck breathed out heavily. "It's just, it doesn't feel right, man. Someone needs to know about this. Like, what if Karofsky is like . . . I don't know, sort of in love with Kurt? Don't you think that could lead to a worse mess somewhere down the line?"
"I don't know." Finn ran a hand through his hair. "Listen, at some point, I'm gonna talk about this with Kurt. We don't know what happened, and I'm thinking that since Karofsky is so freaked out about it, that means it was just a one time thing, and that he's not going to go blabbing any time soon. He stopped Azimio from hurting Kurt. I'm kinda hoping that means that he's just messed up and scared as opposed to really jacked up and creepy."
Puck was silent for a while, and Finn went over his own words in his head, nodding to himself. As pissed off as he was about Karofsky, if he tried to be a little reasonable, a little optimistic about the whole thing, he could see that Karofsky might not be the villain in this situation. Just another victim.
Kurt was surrounded by people who loved him for who he was - people who occasionally said offensive things, but never to actually hurt him (though Finn knew that's what happened and being oblivious to someone's pain, it turned out, could be just as bad as causing it). Dave Karofsky, on the other hand, was surrounded by the same jackass jocks Finn had learned to distance himself from, and had built up a reputation and popularity based on being one of the so-called 'cool' asshole popular kids. He could say with a degree of certainty that there would probably not be a single one of those guys who would stick by Dave if he came out of the closet, and that included his best friend, Azimio.
And since Dave had spent most of life abusing and hating on the very people who would accept him for who he was . . . Finn winced. He wasn't sure what he would have done if Dave came to him with this - if he would have been the better person and tried to help the guy out. As of now, he was still simmering on a low boil with anger, and it was difficult to imagine lending a hand to the very guy who so often pushed, shoved, threw slushies, and said awful things that Finn now knew could apply to Dave.
"I'm thinking Kurt's dealing with enough bull-crap, right now." Pucks words were uncharacteristically soft. "The news has started in on McKinley - I saw it this morning, and I heard some guys talking about it at the mall today. It's starting to be a big deal. You and I can handle Karofsky for him."
Finn's happy but slightly disbelieving laugh had Puck chuckling too. They didn't need to say why they were suddenly laughing. He was pretty sure that the Finn and Puck of now would be total strangers to the Finn and Puck of a year ago, of a few months ago even.
"I'm going to tell him we know. I don't get how he could keep this a secret for so long, but I think that telling him we know, and that we aren't going to do anything he doesn't want us to do . . . that's gotta be a help, right?"
"Fuck if I know, Hudson. But yeah. Listen, I've gotta go. Catch you later?"
"Tomorrow," Finn said and hung up. He had wandered as far from the kitchen and bedrooms as he could, lingering near the front door. As he walked back out into the living room, he saw that the kitchen was empty, the sofa-bed laid out for him, and his mom was nowhere in sight. She must've finished and headed to bed, something Finn was thinking of doing himself. He felt so tired, even though he'd done nothing much other than watch Kurt play video games and listen to other people talk.
Sleep sounded awesome right about now.
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Next: Chapter 9, Part 3