(Skin Deep) Chapter 7: Marked/Joe's Place (7/10)
Title: Skin Deep
Part: Chapter 7: Marked/Joe’s Place
Author: Squeeka Cuomo
Rating: PG-13
Character(s)/Pairing(s): Kurt/Puck, Kurt/OMC, OFC, OMC and appearances by the glee kids.
Author’s Note: This fic takes place both in the future and past.
- I know there are tons of spoilers out for the upcoming episodes. Please don’t post them in the comments.
Warning: Everything that has aired is considered fair game. There are spoilers if you haven’t seen through “Original Song.”
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Summary: Seven years after graduation, Puck learns there are some wounds that are more than skin deep.
Skin Deep:
Skin DeepChapter 7: Marked/Joe’s Place
In which Kurt makes a demand…
Puck slid his hands around Kurt’s waist, relishing the feel of bare skin under his palms. Kurt’s precious linen shirt, the one he’d forbidden Puck to rip any buttons off of, hung open, exposing the pale skin of his chest. It was a wonderful sight, but Kurt was still standing, leaning over Puck as he reclined on the couch. And as far as Puck was concerned open shirt or not, that wasn’t close enough.
Puck reached out, and his hands found Kurt’s hips; he squeezed, holding onto the other boy tightly. Kurt squirmed a little and chuckled - a low throaty sound that Puck could feel in the pit of his stomach, warm and tempting. Wanting to hear that sound again, Puck tightened his hands around Kurt’s slim waist once more. And when Kurt laughed that same rich sound in response, Puck pulled him roughly onto his lap.
Despite the force with which Puck pulled him, Kurt fell lightly onto his legs, his knees landing on either side of Puck’s hips. As he settled in, Puck swallowed deeply, his fingertips still biting into Kurt’s hip bones. Puck was sure the pressure would leave bruises tomorrow, but Kurt wasn’t complaining so Puck didn’t let go.
They’d been together for a few weeks now, and they’d made out plenty of times before. But never quite like this. In the past, Kurt had always insisted on this or that. His hair couldn’t be mussed unless it was late at night. And his clothing, under no circumstances, could ever be torn or stretched.
This though…
This was different. It was raw and rough, and Puck could tell that Kurt wanted it as much as he did. Deep down, Puck knew they wouldn’t go all the way tonight. (Kurt had made his feelings quite clear on that when they’d become a couple.)
But he would take whatever Kurt was willing to give him.
Wanting more, Puck strained his neck upward and captured Kurt’s waiting mouth with his own. Their lips pressed together, and Puck parted his slightly, waiting for Kurt to respond. Kurt, however, didn’t. Instead, he smiled against Puck’s expectant mouth. The pressure from the simple movement against Puck’s lips caused a slow burn to spread through his entire body.
Slowly, so painfully slowly, Kurt began to move his lips again, the smile melting into a gentle pout. But he still didn’t give Puck what he wanted. Instead, Kurt began to trail small kisses over Puck’s cheekbone that left a searing path in their wake.
Puck dropped his head back as Kurt continued to move down his neck. With each kiss, he leaned in closer and closer. Puck luxuriated in the attention, his hands slowly sliding up Kurt’s back. Under his palms, Kurt’s skin was warm. And Puck loved the way his muscles moved and stretched with every breath Kurt took.
As Kurt began moving over Puck’s shoulder at the same agonizing pace, Puck decided he could no longer stand it. He couldn’t stand to just sit back anymore. He needed to act, to claim more of Kurt for himself. Digging his fingers into Kurt’s shoulders, Puck pulled Kurt flush against his body. With all of space between them gone, Puck felt more grounded, more secure. But it still wasn’t enough.
Clutching Kurt tightly against himself, Puck buried his face in Kurt’s neck and inhaled deeply. His scent was intoxicating, a mixture of fabric softener, cologne, and something that was indefinably Kurt. As he breathed in again, Kurt lifted his head a little and sighed deeply.
His lungs full to the brim with Kurt’s scent, Puck picked up where Kurt had left off. And just like Kurt had done only moments before, Puck pressed a slow, hot kiss into Kurt’s throat. But unlike Kurt, Puck wasn’t content to just trail kisses along Kurt’s neck. Flexing his fingers over Kurt’s shoulder, Puck opened his mouth and placed his teeth against the skin below Kurt’s ears.
But before Puck had a chance to scrape them along the smooth skin of his neck, Kurt yanked his head away.
“Wha- babe….” The sudden loss of skin under his lips made Puck feel like his head was spinning. “What’s wrong?”
“No marks.” Kurt’s voice was breathy, and it drew Puck’s attention to his softly parted mouth.
Puck tried to focus on what Kurt had said, but all he could think to say was, “Huh?”
“You can’t leave any marks.” Kurt met Puck’s eyes, and Puck finally realized what he was saying. “No hickeys, no scratches, no bruises….”
“But….” Puck slid his hands back down to Kurt’s hips, rubbing the places his fingertips had been.
“Oh, please.” Kurt squirmed in his grasp, and Puck couldn’t stop himself from squeezing tighter. “I don’t bruise that easily, Noah.”
“But….” Puck shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts some more.
“No buts.” Kurt’s voice was firm, and whatever Puck had been about to say disappeared. “Just kiss me.”
Puck didn’t need to be told twice.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
No marks.
Puck wasn’t allowed to leave a single blemish on Kurt’s skin.
It just wasn’t fair.
Why shouldn’t he be allowed to leave his mark on his boyfriend? After all, Kurt had left behind a few scratches and hickeys of his own (which Puck secretly loved). And now that he was thinking clearly, Puck couldn’t help but feel like Kurt was ashamed of him, of them. Worse yet was that it reminded him of all the pool moms he’d “serviced.” They’d said the same exact thing to him because of their husbands. He couldn’t leave any marks or else the jig was up. No more work. No more sex. And he’d gone along with it willingly.
But Kurt didn’t have a husband or a boyfriend he was cheating on. Puck was the boyfriend.
So what was the problem?
Puck looked from Kurt leaning over to check his hair in the vanity mirror to the shirts that had been discarded a few minutes ago. They were in a heap on the floor, a mix of green and pink, plaid linen and faded grey cotton. His eyes moved from the clothing to his school bag, unzipped but long forgotten. The top of his history book was sticking out, and it wasn’t until then that he remembered they were supposed to be studying for an upcoming test.
That didn’t seem to matter anymore though - not after Kurt’s announcement.
“Ok, study time.” Kurt’s voice pulled Puck’s attention away from his bag.
Looking up, Puck took in Kurt’s bare torso. It was unmarred in any way save for a freckle or two. But as stunning as the sight was, it was missing his touch. There were no lingering red marks that were sure to become bruises or scratches. Kurt’s skin was pristine, and even though Puck would never tire of seeing it, it bothered him. It was like nothing had happened between them.
“Are you embarrassed about dating me?” The question was out before Puck even knew it was coming. And as Kurt stared at him in shock, Puck felt more and more ashamed. “Look, forget it. I -”
“No.” Puck watched as Kurt hastily plucked his shirt off the floor. Throwing it over his shoulders, Kurt sat down on the love seat next to him. “Of course not.”
Puck stared at Kurt’s knees, afraid to see the expression on his face. “Well, you don’t want to tell anyone about us. And you won’t let me….” The words trailed off. Puck had never been big on discussing well… anything. And now he felt like he’d said too much.
“Noah….” Kurt slid closer to him, so close that their hips and knees were pressing together. Normally Puck liked the feeling of Kurt’s weight against him. But now he wanted nothing more than to put some space between them. Since the love seat was so small though, there was nowhere for him to go. “Look at me, please.”
If it hadn’t been for the note of pleading in Kurt’s voice, Puck would have gone on looking down. But when he did glance up, he was glad he had. Kurt was smiling at him apologetically. “After my breakup with Blaine… I’d rather keep my private life private. That’s all.” He reached over and took Puck’s hand, and Puck found that he didn’t mind the contact now. “I have no desire to end up on Jacob Ben Israel’s… whatever it is he hosts.”
Puck snorted. “I hear that.” Feeling suddenly childish, he dropped his eyes to his shirt lying crumpled on the floor. Not letting go of Kurt’s hand, Puck leaned over to pick it up. When he did, he noticed a red Sharpie sticking out of the front pocket of his bag. “I have an idea…”
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
In which Puck and Kurt catch up…
Joe’s Place was small and kind of a dive, but the food was great, and the service was even better. Puck had worked there as a bus boy for a few months before Sully had started paying him, and he still hung out there regularly. (Not to mention the fact that it was right around the corner from his apartment building.)
Joe’s featured a full bar whose tenders had the most sympathetic ears you’d ever find. The menu consisted mostly of standard bar/diner fare, burgers, wings, soup, etc. But even though you could find their menu in pretty much any diner out there, the food at Joe’s was above average. Joe only hired aspiring chefs from the local culinary school, and he encouraged them to cook the food their own way. You never quite knew what to expect, but it was almost always good, if not great.
When Puck had arrived a few minutes ago, Debby, a tall woman with close cropped, dark hair, had seated him in one of the more secluded booths towards the back. It was tucked away but not so hidden that he couldn’t still see the entrance. Puck had told Kurt to meet him there at eight o’clock, and it was now two after.
“Don’t worry, Noah.” Debby walked past his table, her tray laden with soup bowls. “I’m sure whoever you’re waiting for will show.” Puck looked up to see her smiling down at him. “Anyone would be crazy to stand you up.” Puck tried to smile but failed.
“Thanks, Debs.” In his time at Joe’s, he’d become friends with most of the waitresses. Debby was one of the few who hadn’t hit on him. And he liked her the more for it.
As the minutes ticked by, Puck felt himself grow steadily more nervous. Sitting there, waiting for Kurt to show… it was like Lima all over again. The worry, the fear, the impending sense of disappointment… it was all there, bubbling just under the surface once more.
Looking from the clock on his cellphone (it was now eight eleven) to the front door, Puck tried to tell himself that he was just being paranoid. After all, Kurt wasn’t really that late. He needed to be patient. Kurt, after all, had always enjoyed being fashionably late in order to make an entrance.
However, he couldn’t shake the foreboding that was filling him.
Debby walked by again, but her confident smile had faded a little. She stopped at his table for a second, and Puck could tell that she wanted to say something. But before she got a chance to spit out whatever it was, her face split into a wide, almost knowing grin.
Confused, Puck stared at the waitress. “Wha-”
“I’m so sorry.” Kurt slid into the booth across from Puck, and Puck realized what Debby had seen. “I had a harder time getting….” Puck noticed Kurt’s eyes flicker up to Debby. “Away than I thought I would. I am so sorry.”
Kurt’s sudden appearance shocked Puck so much that all he could do was sit there and stare. When Kurt smiled at him, Puck realized something. Subconsciously, he’d been expecting Kurt to stand him up again. Deep down, he really hadn’t expected Kurt to show. And now that he was sitting across from him, Puck didn’t know what to say. He was so shocked that it didn’t even occur to him to say hi.
Thankfully though, Debby jumped in and saved him.
“Hi, welcome to Joe’s. My name is Debby, and I’ll be your server this evening.” Puck looked up at her, and from her expression, he knew she could read the relief on his face. “Can I get you something to drink while I grab your menus?”
“Beer.” Puck spoke, not thinking about what he was ordering. Kurt’s appearance had thrown him for a loop, and he wanted something to take the edge off. “Please.”
Debby eyed him pointedly, and Puck stared at her as she made a show of turning to Kurt. “And what would you like?” Her (over) reaction left him confused and wondering what he’d done.
“I think I’ll have….” Puck’s attention shifted to Kurt who was looking at the bottles behind the bar. “White wine, please.”
“Alright. I’ll be back with those in a few minutes.” Puck watched as Debby walked away.
“Noah?” Puck turned back to Kurt. “I really am sorry about being late. Biff left later than he was supposed to. Apparently he’s staying overnight with his friends now. I-”
“No, it’s cool.” Puck knew it was rude to cut Kurt off, but he didn’t want to hear any more about Biff. “So, uh, you found the place ok?” He knew it was a stupid question since Kurt had obviously found the restaurant. But he needed to say something, and that was the only thing that came to mind.
“Yes. I took a taxi.” Kurt’s face wrinkled in distaste, and Puck couldn’t help but smile. “The driver knew right where to go.”
“Yeah, Joe’s is pretty popular around here.” Puck looked toward the bar, wondering where Debby was with their drinks.
She was nowhere to be seen though, and Puck could only assume that she was grabbing the menus. Why she hadn’t just brought them when he’d first arrived was beyond Puck.
“Anyway….” Kurt sounded hesitant, like he didn’t know what to say. And really, Puck couldn’t blame him. What were they supposed to talk about? Seven years apart had created a huge space between them. Puck felt like, even though they were sitting at the same table, there was a giant gap between them - one that he wasn’t quite sure how to cross. “I’m sorry about how Biff acted the other night.” And they were back to Biff again. Puck gave up trying to find Debby and looked back to Kurt. “He’s not usually like that. He only acts that way when he -”
“Drinks!” Debby appeared at the table, her tray balanced on one open palm. It took all of Puck’s restraint to keep from laughing nervously at her timing. His gaze found Kurt’s, and he could see the amusement there as well. And with that, a little of the tension seemed to melt away.
After she set the beer on the table, Puck pulled it to himself and took a long swig to steady his nerves. Swallowing the bitter liquid, he set the half-empty bottle back on the dark green monogramed napkin. At the same time, Kurt took a sip of his wine, closing his eyes as he did. The expression on his face made Puck wonder if he was trying to steady his own nerves as well.
“And here are your menus.” Debby slid the folded menus on the table, but Puck barely noticed. Kurt was looking at him over his glass, the corners of his mouth turning up in a soft smile. “Today’s specials are….” Puck tuned her out, the sight of Kurt looking at him like that… like they’d never been apart… was way more important than the soup of the day. And it took his breath away. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order.”
Once Debby walked away, Kurt set his glass back on the table and began to scan his menu. The loss of Kurt’s smile was so jarring that Puck felt as if some bubble had burst around him. For a few seconds there he’d felt… not like he was seventeen again, but like things were right. For the first time in years, Puck felt like his life was coming together. But the moment Kurt looked away, that had disappeared.
“Like I was saying….” Kurt scanned the menu, and Puck looked down at his own. He knew it inside and out, and he already knew what he wanted, but he picked it up anyway. “I’m sorry about how Biff acted.”
Biff.
Again.
Couldn’t Kurt talk about anything else?
Eyes trained on the menu before him, Puck said, “Don’t worry about it. I’ve dealt with way worse before. Trust me.” He still didn’t look up. But now it was because he felt Kurt’s eyes on him, like he was searching for something in what he’d just said.
Puck wasn’t about to give him the chance to find anything though. He wanted tonight to be…. Well, he didn’t know what he wanted it to be. But Puck did know that he didn’t want it to be sly remarks or petty arguments.
Things were difficult enough as it was.
“So, what have you been up to?” The question felt weird coming out of Puck’s mouth. Since graduating from high school, he’d pretty much lost track of everyone. And even though he’d had quite a few friends then, he didn’t really miss them now.
This, oddly enough, was the first time he’d played catch up with anyone from school. He couldn’t help but find it ironic that it was with Kurt of all people.
“Well, I’m still in New York.” Puck looked up from the menu in his hands. Kurt was flipping through the pages of his, but Puck could tell he wasn’t really reading them. “I work with kids, doing theatre workshops. And I’m a party planner. I’m just getting started, but I’ve already had a few high profile clients.” Kurt pressed his lips together, and Puck remembered how he used to do that when he didn’t know what to say. “That’s how I met Biff, actually. He hired me to throw his brother’s twenty-first birthday party.”
“Party planner, huh?” Puck completely ignored the part about Biff. “That’s not what I expected. Makes sense though.” Tired of fooling with the menu, Puck laid it back down on the checkered table cloth. “You did an awesome job on your dad’s wedding.”
“What did you expect?” Kurt cocked his head to the side, his curiosity obvious. The sight made Puck smile.
“You on Broadway. Your name in lights.” Puck shrugged as if that should have been obvious.
Kurt nodded. “I did some shows. Just small productions, though.” He closed his own menu and laid it in front of himself. “But it didn’t make me as happy as I thought it would.” Kurt smiled at Puck sadly, and Puck nodded. “I offered to throw a cast party for one of the shows, and the rest is history.”
Unsure of what to say next, Puck looked over Kurt’s shoulder and caught Debby’s eye. She smiled brightly and hurried over to the table, fanning herself and mouthing, “He’s hot!” Puck had to purse his mouth together to keep from laughing.
“Are you two ready to order?” Debby made a show of turning to Kurt first, and Puck rolled his eyes at her. He finally figured out what her problem was before.
“Yes, I’d like the veggie burger with fresh fruit on the side. And a salad, please.” Kurt smiled politely and handed his menu back to Debby. She took it from him and turned to Puck.
“The steak and baked potato.” Puck looked up at Debby, and she batted her eyes innocently. “And I’ll take the soup. Please.” He handed over his menu, and Debby excused herself.
When she was out of ear shot, Puck turned his attention back to Kurt. He was sipping from his wine glass again and studying Puck. The look made him feel strangely uncomfortable, like he was being studied. “I take it you two know each other?” Puck watched as he set the glass back down.
“Oh, yeah.” Suddenly, Puck felt self-conscious. Kurt was eyeing him, and there was hint of something unnamable in his eyes. “I worked here for a while before Sully started paying me. You don’t get paid when you first start apprenticing. Not at Skin Deep -” Puck’s cell began to chirp in his pocket. He smiled apologetically at Kurt and ignored it. “Not at Skin Deep, anyway.” The phone quit ringing. Thankfully.
“Ah.” Kurt nodded. “Well, it’s….” Puck followed Kurt’s gaze as he looked around. The place didn’t look like much with its plastic table cloths and candle holders filled with wax.
“A dive.” Puck laughed as Kurt’s eyes widened. “But the food is great. The cooks are -” Once again, Puck’s phone began to ring. “I’m sorry.” He pulled it out of his pocket, prepared to shut it off.
“Sounds like someone really wants you.” The comment was soft and sort of offhand, and Puck was oddly confused by it. “You should answer it.”
Looking at Kurt apologetically, Puck held the phone up to his ear. It took all of the strength he possessed not go growl as he spoke. “What do you want, Meena?”
Chapter 8: Private/Pumpkin
Squeeka Cuomo’s Notes
- I’ve decided to take part in puckurt’s 30 Days of Puck/Kurt June Drabble-a-thon. If you’d like to give me a prompt, head on over here. :)
- el_gilliath recently pointed out that Biff is the Norwegian word for steak. All I have to say is… Had I known that BEFORE I started writing this, it would have made this whole process that much more amusing, lol. Thanks for pointing that out! :D
- To each and every reader and reviewer… THANK YOU. Your support is amazing. There are some days when I couldn’t do this without you. No joke.
- Quack: You are one incredible person. I’m so glad we’re friends. Thank you for everything.
- Reviews are love.
Skin Deep
Chapter 1: Promises/Seven Years
Chapter 2: Acceptance/Inked
Chapter 3: Out/Initials
Chapter 4: Decisions/Infected
Chapter 5: Doo Wop/Muffins
Chapter 6: Sweaters/Scared
Part: Chapter 7: Marked/Joe’s Place
Author: Squeeka Cuomo
Rating: PG-13
Character(s)/Pairing(s): Kurt/Puck, Kurt/OMC, OFC, OMC and appearances by the glee kids.
Author’s Note: This fic takes place both in the future and past.
- I know there are tons of spoilers out for the upcoming episodes. Please don’t post them in the comments.
Warning: Everything that has aired is considered fair game. There are spoilers if you haven’t seen through “Original Song.”
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Summary: Seven years after graduation, Puck learns there are some wounds that are more than skin deep.
Skin Deep:
Skin DeepChapter 7: Marked/Joe’s Place
In which Kurt makes a demand…
Puck slid his hands around Kurt’s waist, relishing the feel of bare skin under his palms. Kurt’s precious linen shirt, the one he’d forbidden Puck to rip any buttons off of, hung open, exposing the pale skin of his chest. It was a wonderful sight, but Kurt was still standing, leaning over Puck as he reclined on the couch. And as far as Puck was concerned open shirt or not, that wasn’t close enough.
Puck reached out, and his hands found Kurt’s hips; he squeezed, holding onto the other boy tightly. Kurt squirmed a little and chuckled - a low throaty sound that Puck could feel in the pit of his stomach, warm and tempting. Wanting to hear that sound again, Puck tightened his hands around Kurt’s slim waist once more. And when Kurt laughed that same rich sound in response, Puck pulled him roughly onto his lap.
Despite the force with which Puck pulled him, Kurt fell lightly onto his legs, his knees landing on either side of Puck’s hips. As he settled in, Puck swallowed deeply, his fingertips still biting into Kurt’s hip bones. Puck was sure the pressure would leave bruises tomorrow, but Kurt wasn’t complaining so Puck didn’t let go.
They’d been together for a few weeks now, and they’d made out plenty of times before. But never quite like this. In the past, Kurt had always insisted on this or that. His hair couldn’t be mussed unless it was late at night. And his clothing, under no circumstances, could ever be torn or stretched.
This though…
This was different. It was raw and rough, and Puck could tell that Kurt wanted it as much as he did. Deep down, Puck knew they wouldn’t go all the way tonight. (Kurt had made his feelings quite clear on that when they’d become a couple.)
But he would take whatever Kurt was willing to give him.
Wanting more, Puck strained his neck upward and captured Kurt’s waiting mouth with his own. Their lips pressed together, and Puck parted his slightly, waiting for Kurt to respond. Kurt, however, didn’t. Instead, he smiled against Puck’s expectant mouth. The pressure from the simple movement against Puck’s lips caused a slow burn to spread through his entire body.
Slowly, so painfully slowly, Kurt began to move his lips again, the smile melting into a gentle pout. But he still didn’t give Puck what he wanted. Instead, Kurt began to trail small kisses over Puck’s cheekbone that left a searing path in their wake.
Puck dropped his head back as Kurt continued to move down his neck. With each kiss, he leaned in closer and closer. Puck luxuriated in the attention, his hands slowly sliding up Kurt’s back. Under his palms, Kurt’s skin was warm. And Puck loved the way his muscles moved and stretched with every breath Kurt took.
As Kurt began moving over Puck’s shoulder at the same agonizing pace, Puck decided he could no longer stand it. He couldn’t stand to just sit back anymore. He needed to act, to claim more of Kurt for himself. Digging his fingers into Kurt’s shoulders, Puck pulled Kurt flush against his body. With all of space between them gone, Puck felt more grounded, more secure. But it still wasn’t enough.
Clutching Kurt tightly against himself, Puck buried his face in Kurt’s neck and inhaled deeply. His scent was intoxicating, a mixture of fabric softener, cologne, and something that was indefinably Kurt. As he breathed in again, Kurt lifted his head a little and sighed deeply.
His lungs full to the brim with Kurt’s scent, Puck picked up where Kurt had left off. And just like Kurt had done only moments before, Puck pressed a slow, hot kiss into Kurt’s throat. But unlike Kurt, Puck wasn’t content to just trail kisses along Kurt’s neck. Flexing his fingers over Kurt’s shoulder, Puck opened his mouth and placed his teeth against the skin below Kurt’s ears.
But before Puck had a chance to scrape them along the smooth skin of his neck, Kurt yanked his head away.
“Wha- babe….” The sudden loss of skin under his lips made Puck feel like his head was spinning. “What’s wrong?”
“No marks.” Kurt’s voice was breathy, and it drew Puck’s attention to his softly parted mouth.
Puck tried to focus on what Kurt had said, but all he could think to say was, “Huh?”
“You can’t leave any marks.” Kurt met Puck’s eyes, and Puck finally realized what he was saying. “No hickeys, no scratches, no bruises….”
“But….” Puck slid his hands back down to Kurt’s hips, rubbing the places his fingertips had been.
“Oh, please.” Kurt squirmed in his grasp, and Puck couldn’t stop himself from squeezing tighter. “I don’t bruise that easily, Noah.”
“But….” Puck shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts some more.
“No buts.” Kurt’s voice was firm, and whatever Puck had been about to say disappeared. “Just kiss me.”
Puck didn’t need to be told twice.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
No marks.
Puck wasn’t allowed to leave a single blemish on Kurt’s skin.
It just wasn’t fair.
Why shouldn’t he be allowed to leave his mark on his boyfriend? After all, Kurt had left behind a few scratches and hickeys of his own (which Puck secretly loved). And now that he was thinking clearly, Puck couldn’t help but feel like Kurt was ashamed of him, of them. Worse yet was that it reminded him of all the pool moms he’d “serviced.” They’d said the same exact thing to him because of their husbands. He couldn’t leave any marks or else the jig was up. No more work. No more sex. And he’d gone along with it willingly.
But Kurt didn’t have a husband or a boyfriend he was cheating on. Puck was the boyfriend.
So what was the problem?
Puck looked from Kurt leaning over to check his hair in the vanity mirror to the shirts that had been discarded a few minutes ago. They were in a heap on the floor, a mix of green and pink, plaid linen and faded grey cotton. His eyes moved from the clothing to his school bag, unzipped but long forgotten. The top of his history book was sticking out, and it wasn’t until then that he remembered they were supposed to be studying for an upcoming test.
That didn’t seem to matter anymore though - not after Kurt’s announcement.
“Ok, study time.” Kurt’s voice pulled Puck’s attention away from his bag.
Looking up, Puck took in Kurt’s bare torso. It was unmarred in any way save for a freckle or two. But as stunning as the sight was, it was missing his touch. There were no lingering red marks that were sure to become bruises or scratches. Kurt’s skin was pristine, and even though Puck would never tire of seeing it, it bothered him. It was like nothing had happened between them.
“Are you embarrassed about dating me?” The question was out before Puck even knew it was coming. And as Kurt stared at him in shock, Puck felt more and more ashamed. “Look, forget it. I -”
“No.” Puck watched as Kurt hastily plucked his shirt off the floor. Throwing it over his shoulders, Kurt sat down on the love seat next to him. “Of course not.”
Puck stared at Kurt’s knees, afraid to see the expression on his face. “Well, you don’t want to tell anyone about us. And you won’t let me….” The words trailed off. Puck had never been big on discussing well… anything. And now he felt like he’d said too much.
“Noah….” Kurt slid closer to him, so close that their hips and knees were pressing together. Normally Puck liked the feeling of Kurt’s weight against him. But now he wanted nothing more than to put some space between them. Since the love seat was so small though, there was nowhere for him to go. “Look at me, please.”
If it hadn’t been for the note of pleading in Kurt’s voice, Puck would have gone on looking down. But when he did glance up, he was glad he had. Kurt was smiling at him apologetically. “After my breakup with Blaine… I’d rather keep my private life private. That’s all.” He reached over and took Puck’s hand, and Puck found that he didn’t mind the contact now. “I have no desire to end up on Jacob Ben Israel’s… whatever it is he hosts.”
Puck snorted. “I hear that.” Feeling suddenly childish, he dropped his eyes to his shirt lying crumpled on the floor. Not letting go of Kurt’s hand, Puck leaned over to pick it up. When he did, he noticed a red Sharpie sticking out of the front pocket of his bag. “I have an idea…”
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
In which Puck and Kurt catch up…
Joe’s Place was small and kind of a dive, but the food was great, and the service was even better. Puck had worked there as a bus boy for a few months before Sully had started paying him, and he still hung out there regularly. (Not to mention the fact that it was right around the corner from his apartment building.)
Joe’s featured a full bar whose tenders had the most sympathetic ears you’d ever find. The menu consisted mostly of standard bar/diner fare, burgers, wings, soup, etc. But even though you could find their menu in pretty much any diner out there, the food at Joe’s was above average. Joe only hired aspiring chefs from the local culinary school, and he encouraged them to cook the food their own way. You never quite knew what to expect, but it was almost always good, if not great.
When Puck had arrived a few minutes ago, Debby, a tall woman with close cropped, dark hair, had seated him in one of the more secluded booths towards the back. It was tucked away but not so hidden that he couldn’t still see the entrance. Puck had told Kurt to meet him there at eight o’clock, and it was now two after.
“Don’t worry, Noah.” Debby walked past his table, her tray laden with soup bowls. “I’m sure whoever you’re waiting for will show.” Puck looked up to see her smiling down at him. “Anyone would be crazy to stand you up.” Puck tried to smile but failed.
“Thanks, Debs.” In his time at Joe’s, he’d become friends with most of the waitresses. Debby was one of the few who hadn’t hit on him. And he liked her the more for it.
As the minutes ticked by, Puck felt himself grow steadily more nervous. Sitting there, waiting for Kurt to show… it was like Lima all over again. The worry, the fear, the impending sense of disappointment… it was all there, bubbling just under the surface once more.
Looking from the clock on his cellphone (it was now eight eleven) to the front door, Puck tried to tell himself that he was just being paranoid. After all, Kurt wasn’t really that late. He needed to be patient. Kurt, after all, had always enjoyed being fashionably late in order to make an entrance.
However, he couldn’t shake the foreboding that was filling him.
Debby walked by again, but her confident smile had faded a little. She stopped at his table for a second, and Puck could tell that she wanted to say something. But before she got a chance to spit out whatever it was, her face split into a wide, almost knowing grin.
Confused, Puck stared at the waitress. “Wha-”
“I’m so sorry.” Kurt slid into the booth across from Puck, and Puck realized what Debby had seen. “I had a harder time getting….” Puck noticed Kurt’s eyes flicker up to Debby. “Away than I thought I would. I am so sorry.”
Kurt’s sudden appearance shocked Puck so much that all he could do was sit there and stare. When Kurt smiled at him, Puck realized something. Subconsciously, he’d been expecting Kurt to stand him up again. Deep down, he really hadn’t expected Kurt to show. And now that he was sitting across from him, Puck didn’t know what to say. He was so shocked that it didn’t even occur to him to say hi.
Thankfully though, Debby jumped in and saved him.
“Hi, welcome to Joe’s. My name is Debby, and I’ll be your server this evening.” Puck looked up at her, and from her expression, he knew she could read the relief on his face. “Can I get you something to drink while I grab your menus?”
“Beer.” Puck spoke, not thinking about what he was ordering. Kurt’s appearance had thrown him for a loop, and he wanted something to take the edge off. “Please.”
Debby eyed him pointedly, and Puck stared at her as she made a show of turning to Kurt. “And what would you like?” Her (over) reaction left him confused and wondering what he’d done.
“I think I’ll have….” Puck’s attention shifted to Kurt who was looking at the bottles behind the bar. “White wine, please.”
“Alright. I’ll be back with those in a few minutes.” Puck watched as Debby walked away.
“Noah?” Puck turned back to Kurt. “I really am sorry about being late. Biff left later than he was supposed to. Apparently he’s staying overnight with his friends now. I-”
“No, it’s cool.” Puck knew it was rude to cut Kurt off, but he didn’t want to hear any more about Biff. “So, uh, you found the place ok?” He knew it was a stupid question since Kurt had obviously found the restaurant. But he needed to say something, and that was the only thing that came to mind.
“Yes. I took a taxi.” Kurt’s face wrinkled in distaste, and Puck couldn’t help but smile. “The driver knew right where to go.”
“Yeah, Joe’s is pretty popular around here.” Puck looked toward the bar, wondering where Debby was with their drinks.
She was nowhere to be seen though, and Puck could only assume that she was grabbing the menus. Why she hadn’t just brought them when he’d first arrived was beyond Puck.
“Anyway….” Kurt sounded hesitant, like he didn’t know what to say. And really, Puck couldn’t blame him. What were they supposed to talk about? Seven years apart had created a huge space between them. Puck felt like, even though they were sitting at the same table, there was a giant gap between them - one that he wasn’t quite sure how to cross. “I’m sorry about how Biff acted the other night.” And they were back to Biff again. Puck gave up trying to find Debby and looked back to Kurt. “He’s not usually like that. He only acts that way when he -”
“Drinks!” Debby appeared at the table, her tray balanced on one open palm. It took all of Puck’s restraint to keep from laughing nervously at her timing. His gaze found Kurt’s, and he could see the amusement there as well. And with that, a little of the tension seemed to melt away.
After she set the beer on the table, Puck pulled it to himself and took a long swig to steady his nerves. Swallowing the bitter liquid, he set the half-empty bottle back on the dark green monogramed napkin. At the same time, Kurt took a sip of his wine, closing his eyes as he did. The expression on his face made Puck wonder if he was trying to steady his own nerves as well.
“And here are your menus.” Debby slid the folded menus on the table, but Puck barely noticed. Kurt was looking at him over his glass, the corners of his mouth turning up in a soft smile. “Today’s specials are….” Puck tuned her out, the sight of Kurt looking at him like that… like they’d never been apart… was way more important than the soup of the day. And it took his breath away. “I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order.”
Once Debby walked away, Kurt set his glass back on the table and began to scan his menu. The loss of Kurt’s smile was so jarring that Puck felt as if some bubble had burst around him. For a few seconds there he’d felt… not like he was seventeen again, but like things were right. For the first time in years, Puck felt like his life was coming together. But the moment Kurt looked away, that had disappeared.
“Like I was saying….” Kurt scanned the menu, and Puck looked down at his own. He knew it inside and out, and he already knew what he wanted, but he picked it up anyway. “I’m sorry about how Biff acted.”
Biff.
Again.
Couldn’t Kurt talk about anything else?
Eyes trained on the menu before him, Puck said, “Don’t worry about it. I’ve dealt with way worse before. Trust me.” He still didn’t look up. But now it was because he felt Kurt’s eyes on him, like he was searching for something in what he’d just said.
Puck wasn’t about to give him the chance to find anything though. He wanted tonight to be…. Well, he didn’t know what he wanted it to be. But Puck did know that he didn’t want it to be sly remarks or petty arguments.
Things were difficult enough as it was.
“So, what have you been up to?” The question felt weird coming out of Puck’s mouth. Since graduating from high school, he’d pretty much lost track of everyone. And even though he’d had quite a few friends then, he didn’t really miss them now.
This, oddly enough, was the first time he’d played catch up with anyone from school. He couldn’t help but find it ironic that it was with Kurt of all people.
“Well, I’m still in New York.” Puck looked up from the menu in his hands. Kurt was flipping through the pages of his, but Puck could tell he wasn’t really reading them. “I work with kids, doing theatre workshops. And I’m a party planner. I’m just getting started, but I’ve already had a few high profile clients.” Kurt pressed his lips together, and Puck remembered how he used to do that when he didn’t know what to say. “That’s how I met Biff, actually. He hired me to throw his brother’s twenty-first birthday party.”
“Party planner, huh?” Puck completely ignored the part about Biff. “That’s not what I expected. Makes sense though.” Tired of fooling with the menu, Puck laid it back down on the checkered table cloth. “You did an awesome job on your dad’s wedding.”
“What did you expect?” Kurt cocked his head to the side, his curiosity obvious. The sight made Puck smile.
“You on Broadway. Your name in lights.” Puck shrugged as if that should have been obvious.
Kurt nodded. “I did some shows. Just small productions, though.” He closed his own menu and laid it in front of himself. “But it didn’t make me as happy as I thought it would.” Kurt smiled at Puck sadly, and Puck nodded. “I offered to throw a cast party for one of the shows, and the rest is history.”
Unsure of what to say next, Puck looked over Kurt’s shoulder and caught Debby’s eye. She smiled brightly and hurried over to the table, fanning herself and mouthing, “He’s hot!” Puck had to purse his mouth together to keep from laughing.
“Are you two ready to order?” Debby made a show of turning to Kurt first, and Puck rolled his eyes at her. He finally figured out what her problem was before.
“Yes, I’d like the veggie burger with fresh fruit on the side. And a salad, please.” Kurt smiled politely and handed his menu back to Debby. She took it from him and turned to Puck.
“The steak and baked potato.” Puck looked up at Debby, and she batted her eyes innocently. “And I’ll take the soup. Please.” He handed over his menu, and Debby excused herself.
When she was out of ear shot, Puck turned his attention back to Kurt. He was sipping from his wine glass again and studying Puck. The look made him feel strangely uncomfortable, like he was being studied. “I take it you two know each other?” Puck watched as he set the glass back down.
“Oh, yeah.” Suddenly, Puck felt self-conscious. Kurt was eyeing him, and there was hint of something unnamable in his eyes. “I worked here for a while before Sully started paying me. You don’t get paid when you first start apprenticing. Not at Skin Deep -” Puck’s cell began to chirp in his pocket. He smiled apologetically at Kurt and ignored it. “Not at Skin Deep, anyway.” The phone quit ringing. Thankfully.
“Ah.” Kurt nodded. “Well, it’s….” Puck followed Kurt’s gaze as he looked around. The place didn’t look like much with its plastic table cloths and candle holders filled with wax.
“A dive.” Puck laughed as Kurt’s eyes widened. “But the food is great. The cooks are -” Once again, Puck’s phone began to ring. “I’m sorry.” He pulled it out of his pocket, prepared to shut it off.
“Sounds like someone really wants you.” The comment was soft and sort of offhand, and Puck was oddly confused by it. “You should answer it.”
Looking at Kurt apologetically, Puck held the phone up to his ear. It took all of the strength he possessed not go growl as he spoke. “What do you want, Meena?”
Chapter 8: Private/Pumpkin
Squeeka Cuomo’s Notes
- I’ve decided to take part in puckurt’s 30 Days of Puck/Kurt June Drabble-a-thon. If you’d like to give me a prompt, head on over here. :)
- el_gilliath recently pointed out that Biff is the Norwegian word for steak. All I have to say is… Had I known that BEFORE I started writing this, it would have made this whole process that much more amusing, lol. Thanks for pointing that out! :D
- To each and every reader and reviewer… THANK YOU. Your support is amazing. There are some days when I couldn’t do this without you. No joke.
- Quack: You are one incredible person. I’m so glad we’re friends. Thank you for everything.
- Reviews are love.
Skin Deep
Chapter 1: Promises/Seven Years
Chapter 2: Acceptance/Inked
Chapter 3: Out/Initials
Chapter 4: Decisions/Infected
Chapter 5: Doo Wop/Muffins
Chapter 6: Sweaters/Scared