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Title: Ambrosia
Chapter: 3/?
Fandoms: Glee and Percy Jackson and the Olympians fusion
Author: setos_puppy
Pairings: Kurt/Blaine, Kurt/Dave, Dave/Blaine, eventual Kurt/Dave/Blaine
Rating: R overall
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee nor do I make any profit from this work of fiction.
Summary: Kurt starts at his new high school and makes new friends and learns about himself along the way
Warnings: alternate universe, copious usage of Greek mythology, hints of incest (this is greek mythology after all), demi-gods, underage drinking, angsty frosting
Notes: Written because I decided to watch the not so awesome Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief while in a writing slump and got bitch-slapped with this idea. Thank you to yakkorat_fics and poetic_kitsune for putting up with my relentless spamming, flailing and questions.
Previous Chapters: I, II
”Open your eyes, child.”
Kurt opened his eyes, sitting up slowly, taking in the sight of the rush, rolling grass in the meadow, and the cool, bubbling stream. His brows creased as he looked around the meadow, blooming with roses of all colours and various greens as well as flowers he couldn’t name.
“I’m dreaming, aren’t I?”
“Of course you are. Follow the stream away from the trees.”
Kurt rose to his feet and brushed away the dirt and grass that remained on his faded jeans (at least his dreams had the brains to put him in something comfortable) and headed in the direction he was told. The sun wasn’t too high in the sky, and breeze was warm and fragrant. There were birds chirping in a way that wasn’t annoying and wildlife frolicked through the grass. After a little bit of walking - it could have been hours or seconds - Kurt stopped short when he saw a woman reclined against a large rock, bathed in sunlight and twirling a budding stem in her hands, her long, dainty bare feet hanging over the rock, her toes dragging through the cool water.
She was beautiful. Her dark hair curled in places where it spilled from the pile atop her head and down her neck or framing her face. She had pale, delicate skin flushed high on her cheeks with pink and her lips were full and in a cupid’s bow. Her limbs were long and willowy but rather than looking oppressive, they looked graceful.
“Mom?”
Aphrodite laughed softly, her head falling back against the rock, her feet flicking out of the water to spray droplets of water everywhere. She rolled onto her stomach, the action making her soft, gauzy dress flow over her like water. “Yes, Kurt.”
She curled her fingers against her palm in a beckoning motion and Kurt rushed to her side, sitting beside her as she rose up on the rock, folding her legs under her. She folded her arms about his shoulders and drew him to her, Kurt fell lightly against her, his arms sliding around her waist as he hugged her close, his eyes shut. She smelled like roses and cinnamon, and of something heady and thick. She was warm; so warm, in a way that blanketed him and seeped deep within him, settling into his bones.
“You have grown to be so beautiful, my son.” She pulled him from her, tilting his chin up and brushing her hand over his cheek, wiping his tears away with her thumb. “I am so sorry to have missed so much.”
“I’ve seen you before, though. I know I have.” Kurt insisted, his hands clutching at her sides. “For moments, glimpses on the street, in dreams.”
Aphrodite nodded. “Yes. I have watched over you, Kurt. You were never alone. I am sorry I could not raise you as I wished to. Some children of gods are lucky enough to see their parents before their inheritance, but...” She trailed off, her eyes lowering. “Zeus is fickle and does much to control my visits to Earth. I was with your father for so long because I had been granted a favour by him, he allowed me to stay on Earth for five years. I fell so in love with your father, he was the first man I loved after Adonis. We had you and you were so beautiful, but Zeus got angry. Said that I was shirking my duties on Olympus. He made me leave.”
“So...” Kurt swallowed thickly, his hands clutching at his mother. “I am your only child with a human?”
“After Beroe, yes. She was...” Aphrodite sighed, shaking her head. “Amazing. But yes, myth is not always right. I wished I could have stayed for the allotted time, told you who you were, what you were...”
“You’re here, now, and that’s all that matters to me.”
Aphrodite smiled and wrapped her arms around Kurt again. “You are so like your father.”
“He misses you.”
Aphrodite nodded, her fingers stroking through Kurt’s hair. “And I him. Yet I do not want to make the same mistake I did with Adonis. I do not think my heart could take it.”
“I come into my powers when I wake up. I’m scared. I don’t know if I can control them. I don’t want to cause chaos and madness because I cannot control the love and desire I...” Kurt lowered his eyes, ashamed.
“Hush.” She pressed her lips to his temple softly. “If you need me, speak to a rose or to a dove and I will come. I promise you this. Now that you are sixteen Zeus cannot keep me from you any longer.”
Kurt nodded, a smile blooming on his face as he rose up on his knees and pressed his forehead to his mother’s, gazing into her seafoam green eyes. “Thank you.”
Aphrodite nodded and took his face into her hands, pressing a kiss to his forehead and making his eyelids flutter. “Now, close your eyes and let me breathe the pneuma into you.”
Kurt closed his eyes and let his body relax, he felt his head be tilted downwards and felt Aphrodite’s fingers curl into his hair before her lips pressed to the crown of his head and warmth spread through his body. His mother’s arms slipped around him in a tight embrace for a fleeting moment and then she was gone. Kurt lifted his head and found himself alone. Picking up the fallen flower his mother had been playing with, Kurt stretched out on the rock and shut his eyes again.
Kurt woke up slowly, floating into himself and he sat up slowly, stretching and yawning as he did so. He looked over to Mercedes’ side of the room, finding her bed made and her gone. He stole a look at the clock, it was just past ten in the morning. Throwing off his covers, Kurt stretched his arms over his head, sighing with satisfaction as he heard his joints pop. He wiped his eyes and looked to his computer desk, blinking to see a few neatly wrapped presents on the table top. Smiling to himself, Kurt walked over and poked at them, reading who they were from; Mercedes, Artie, two from his dad and one from Mike and Tina. That was really nice.
Kurt strode over to his closet, wondering what he was going to wear for his birthday - maybe a pair of jeans and a sweater - and opened the closet door. A swath of red fabric and a second swath of white fabric were draped over his hangers and the red fabric had a note pinned to it. Picking it up, Kurt let his eyes skim over the note: traditionally students wear a chiton on their sixteenth birthday. I have included material here for you. There was no signature, but Kurt was willing to bet it was Figgins, or maybe Coach Sylvester.
Sighing, Kurt took the fabric, folding it into squares, before resting the small bag with the rope belt and pins atop them and pulled out a fresh towel before crossing the room to his and Mercedes’ shared bathroom. Closing and locking the door, Kurt placed his towel on the back of the toilet and pulled off his pyjamas. Stepping into the shower, Kurt hummed quietly as he washed up at conditioned his hair. He felt better after his dream, much less afraid. His skin was buzzing and he felt restless.
After getting out of the shower, Kurt moisturized, brushed his teeth and pulled on a bathrobe while he blow dried and straightened his hair. He turned in the mirror, examining his face for any changes, before dropping his robe and looking at his back just incase some sort of new sign of his demi-godhood had appeared. Satisfied when he found nothing, Kurt pulled the robe back on and knotted it before heading out to tackle the curious problem of the chiton.
“Hey! Happy Birthday!”
Kurt smiled at Mercedes and waved, glad to see she was back in the room. “Morning.” He dropped his towel into the hamper and rooted around his storage bin for underwear. Pulling on the boxer-briefs under his robe, Kurt let it drop and picked up the first, long red swath of fabric. “Hey, ‘Cedes, do you think you can help?”
“Sure.”
Kurt smiled and handed the long rectangular sheet of fabric to Mercedes and lifted his arms helpfully. He watched as she picked up the bag, throwing the rope-belt over her shoulder and taking the safety pins in her teeth as she moved. She draped the fabric over his shoulders, getting him to hold it in certain places while she pinned. Once she was done with the basic pinning, Mercedes gathered the excess material and knotted the belt around Kurt’s hips with a flourish and a smile.
“Good? Are you cold?”
“It’s surprisingly warm.” Kurt observed, turning a little to test the feel of the fabric. “What’s with the other piece of fabric?”
“It’s if you get cold or if you go outside to make a himation. I... Think I have a pair of sandals you can borrow.” Mercedes crossed to her side of the room and opened her closet , she rummaged for a bit before pulling out a pair of sandals and headed back over. “Here.”
Kurt sat down and pulled them on, knotting the straps of leather up his legs and then stood. He wrapped his arms around Mercedes in a warm hug and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Hey, watch it, white boy.” Mercedes teased, stepping back with a smile. “Those lips are going to be deadly soon.”
“Oh, I wasn’t even --” Kurt stammered, cursing himself.
“I’m kidding! It just made me feel really good. Here, I want you to open it.” Mercedes said, turning from Kurt to pick up her metallic pink wrapped gift box and handed it to Kurt. “Go on.”
Kurt looked at Mercedes’ smiling face and down to the present before unwrapping the slim box. He lifted the lid and blinked down at the simple bracelet. It was made of leather but it had a metal face on it, one that strangely looked like the face of Medusa that Kurt had seen in his books.
“It’s an aegis. It’ll keep you safe. I made it myself.”
Kurt smiled widely and pulled the bracelet out of the box and let Mercedes tie it onto his wrist, before hugging her again. “Thank you. Now, can we get something to eat?”
They headed down to the kitchen, talking about the fact that a touring version of Phantom of the Opera was coming to the city over the summer and they both wanted to go. As they walked into the kitchen, Kurt spotted Artie, who was eating an apple and speaking with Brittany. He walked over and Artie looked up, smiling brightly at Kurt.
“Hey man, happy birthday. You look awesome.”
“Keep it in your pants, goat feet.” Kurt teased, pulling himself into the backed stool at the island and pulled over the pitcher of orange juice.
“I don’t know, you’re looking pretty tempting, all glowy and filled with love.”
Kurt ripped a piece off his toast and threw it in Artie’s face before taking a bite with a giggle. He smiled when Mercedes sat next to him, sliding over a plate with scrambled eggs, pancakes and sausage at him.
“Uh-oh. Here comes trouble.” Artie muttered, looking over Kurt’s shoulder.
Kurt turned in the chair, chewing on a bite of his pancake and swallowed. “Blaine?”
“Yep. Tina told me he’s been talking about you.”
“Really?” Kurt asked, smiling despite himself when Blaine looked his way and smiled. “I think he’s coming over.”
Sure enough, Blaine was striding over to their table, dressed in his usual faded jeans and a warm, soft looking hoodie. He was also without his maenads. “Morning. Can I sit?”
“Sure...” Kurt hedged after a moment, pushing a piece of his sausage through his syrup before taking a bite. He dropped his gaze to his plate while Blaine said his hellos to everyone at the table and Brittany excused herself.
“So, it’s your birthday, huh?” Blaine questioned, lightly brushing his hand over Kurt’s wrist, drawing Kurt’s attention away from his food. “Happy Birthday.”
Kurt felt a little flush. A nervous thrill running through him at the contact of Blaine’s hand over his. He offered a small smile and a nod and a stammering “y-yeah” before nonchalantly slipping his arm away from Blaine’s fingers and turning back to his food.
“Well,” Blaine started, finishing his small glass of orange juice and sliding out of the stool, “if you feel like... celebrating tonight, let me know.” He slipped past Kurt after squeezing his upper arm and walked out of the kitchen, Kurt’s eyes following him every step of the way; a dizzy, heady feeling spreading through him.
Kurt let out a slow breath, a smile spreading over his face which fell when he looked to Artie’s serious face. “I’m not going to do it.”
“Uh-huh.” Artie muttered, disbelief dripping in his voice. “The son of Dionysus wants to ‘celebrate’ with you and you’re not going to do it.”
“Well, he does throw good parties.” Mercedes pointed out, taking a bite of her oatmeal. “Remember that party he threw for Analise three months ago?”
“She ended up passing out from exhaustion.”
Mercedes frowned. “Oh yeah. Still, he apologized! The party was great.” Mercedes looked to Kurt. “Besides, I don’t think he’d do anything like that, he has the hots for you.”
Kurt looked back to the door of the kitchen, his mind reeling. “I’ll think about it.”
~*~
After eating, Kurt headed back to his room and unwrapped the rest of his presents - a new pair of boots from his dad along with a new iPod case, a book on Aphrodite and a journal from Artie, and a pair of pyjamas and new slippers from Tina and Mike. Once that was done and Kurt put everything away, he called his dad, informing him about his dream, which excited his father, and Kurt could practically hear the smile over the phone. Kurt told him about everyone he was meeting and all his new classes. His dad talked about work and his friends.
After he was done, Kurt googled the way to put on a himation before picking up the long stretch of fabric and folded it in the instructed way. It took a few tries to find a style that served as both a way to keep him warm and that he felt didn’t make him look like a complete idiot. He found one that wrapped around his waist and covered his shoulders loosely, with excess fabric that could be pulled over his head. The website said the style was more common amongst women, but he didn’t care, it felt good and it was keeping him warm.
Heading back down the stairs, his new book on Aphrodite in his hand, Kurt headed to the lounge. It was relatively empty, though a flash of blond hair - two heads - from the corner loveseat angled towards the TV told him he wasn’t completely alone. As he dropped onto the couch, one blond head swiveled and Kurt recognized the face as Sam, he and Sam (and Quinn of course) shared Religion and Mythology class.
“Oh, hi Kurt. Happy birthday.”
“Thanks. What’re you two watching?” Kurt asked, stretching out on the empty couch as he looked towards the brother and sister curled up, cuddled and sharing a blanket. They were too adorable.
“Oh, the Matrix is on a re-run. We can change it if you’re not interested.” Quinn offered, tipping her head in Kurt’s direction and smiling. “I like your himation.”
“Oh, thanks, and no, the Matrix is fine. I just came to read.”
Quinn nodded her head and rested it back on Sam’s shoulder, smiling as he stroked her shoulder. She tipped her head back and peered up at his face, his eyes lowered to her and he smiled at her in a way that displayed how much he cared for her before ducking his head down and pressing his mouth to hers. Kurt smiled faintly before opening up his book and beginning to read.
“Hey, Kurt.”
Kurt glanced up at his name, looking towards the voice and smiling softly at the sight of Dave Karofsky by the couch. “Hi! Fancy meeting you here.”
Dave laughed and smiled, shifting on his feet. “I was just going to head outside for some fresh air. The girls in the room across from mine are playing Beiber and... I... I can’t do it.”
Kurt pulled a face and stood. “I could go for a walk.”
They headed out the back door into the wide, possibly considered enormous back yard. They walked around the marble in-laid pool and Kurt rose his himation over his head, shielding his eyes from the sun. He actually hadn’t checked the back yard out in the short time he had been at the school, and it was beautiful. Flowers of all kinds would be growing in pots come sprint, leafeless trees lined the edges of the property after long stretches of grass. There was a pool and a gazebo, benches and wide open areas for sports.
“I think this place has everything you could ever need.” Kurt murmured, following Dave through the stretches of grass towards the trees. “So...” Kurt ventured, watching as Dave picked an old oak tree and climbed up it to a long, thick protruding branch Kurt took the offered hand and sat on the branch, leaning against the trunk. “How long have you known?”
“When I was fourteen I found out I could play any instrument I wanted. Up until then I had been in guitar lessons from a young age and I still sucked. Then I started getting the dreams; they always came true. It scared me and I told my mom, she sat me down and explained everything to me. I was shocked as hell, and some days I still am, but I came here.”
Kurt nodded his head, tipping it back against the tree as he watched Dave. “Do you ever see your dad?”
“When I sleep, sure. He visited twice, it was...” Dave trailed off, chewing on his lower lip, thinking. “Surreal. Why? Did you have a dream about your mom?”
Kurt nodded. “She was so beautiful.” He laughed softly. “I guess that’s the point, though, huh? She felt familiar though, like I had known her all my life.”
Dave nodded, plucking a twig from the tree and twirling it between his fingers. “So, do you like anyone here, yet?”
Kurt blinked, startled, before laughing. “I don’t know. I mean, I don’t even know who plays for my team.”
Dave laughed. “We’re Greek demi-gods. There is no team.”
Kurt laughed along with Dave and shook his head, plucking the twig from Dave’s fingers and played with it absently. “I don’t really... I mean, everyone says Blaine has eyes for me. He’s like... I don’t know. I don’t know how trustworthy he is.”
“Very. He likes to play and party, there are no ifs about that, but he takes things very seriously. My father wouldn’t trust his if Dionysus wasn’t reputable.”
Kurt made a noise in the back of his throat and let the twig go, watching it spiral to the grass. “Well, I’ll wait and see.”
“Good decision.” Dave nodded, dropping down a branch and helping Kurt before they were back on the ground. “Want to come back to my room and play some video games?”
“Do you have Rock Band?”
“Hell yes.”
Kurt looped his arm around Dave’s. “You have yourself a deal.”
~*~
The rest of the day went by fairly quickly, Kurt spent a few hours with Dave playing Rock Band and then they headed off for dinner - where Kurt had been surprise ambushed with a cake. Now Kurt was planning on watching some movies on his laptop and changing into something with pants. Pulling on a pair of skinny jeans and a long sweater and folded up the material and tucked it away in his closet. He was looking through his DVD collection when there was a knock on the door.
Sighing, Kurt straightened and crossed to the door, opening it and blinking in shock at Blaine on the other side of the door. “Um, hi.”
Blaine smiled, shifting his weight to lean against the doorjamb when Kurt opened the door wider. “Hey. I was coming to follow up on our plans.”
“We didn’t make any plans.”
“I invited you to celebrate. I thought maybe you could use some time out. Want to come out clubbing with me?”
Kurt pursed his lips. It seemed like a really Bad Idea. But Dave’s words swirled in his head, the affirmation that despite everything, Blaine was a good person. Besides, getting out of the house would let him relax for a little while and forget about all the craziness. “Alright, but only for a little while.”
Blaine’s smile widened and he pushed off the door frame. “Grab your bag and coat.”
Kurt nodded and turned from the door, leaving the door open. He shrugged into his coat and pulling on his coat, Kurt scribbled a note to Mercedes and stuck it to her lamp before walking out the door and following after Blaine. “Let’s go.”
“Excellent. I hope you don’t mind walking. It isn’t too far.”
They walked to the club, talking about their favourite movies and music to pass the time. Kurt groaned at the long line and frowned to himself, digging for his iPhone, ready to play some Angry Birds to pass the time when Blaine grabbed his wrist and pulled him to the front of the line.
“Perks, Kurt. I have them.”
They were let into the club and checked their coats without a fuss. Blaine led Kurt deeper into the club, which was pulsing with music and filled with writhing bodies. Kurt looked around, this... this was definitely way different than the all ages clubs back home.
“What do you want to drink?”
“What?”
Blaine’s mouth curved into a smile and he settled his hand on the back of Kurt’s neck, pulling Kurt’s head down to his level to press his mouth to Kurt’s ear. “What do you want to drink? I’m getting a Jack and Coke.”
Kurt rose his head, shivering a little at the feel of Blaine’s hand on the back of his neck, at the way it felt when Blaine’s fingers toyed with the hair there. He wasn’t really a drinker. He had a Smirnoff once. But it was his birthday and he was with the son of a wine god. Why not? Kurt ducked his head back down. “Bring me something sweet.”
Blaine nodded and Kurt watched as he headed off through the crowd towards the bar. A few minutes later, Blaine returned with a drink in each hand. He jerked his head towards the couches secluded in a dimly lit corner and Kurt followed after him, dropping onto the couch as Blaine sat next to him, holding out a tall glass with a blue drink.
“It tastes like raspberry ice.”
Kurt took the glass with an appreciative smile, stirring the drink with the neon green straw before taking a sip. Blaine was right, it really did taste like raspberry. Kurt set the drink on the table in front of them and folded his arms on the back of the couch, turning on his side to look at Blaine. “Why did we have to go out?”
“I like clubs. They make me feel right somehow; in control.” He took a long sip of his drink and set it down beside Kurt’s. “People are honest when they’re out of control. When you’re free, when you’re letting chaos take you over, there’s nothing to hide behind.”
Kurt picked up his drink, stirring it a little and looked over at Blaine. “Is that why you brought me here? To set me free?” Kurt picked up the cherry skewered in the little sword and slid it off with his tongue and bit into it, flicking the sword playfully in Blaine’s direction. “I bet you say that to all the boys.”
Blaine laughed and picked up his drink, taking a sip. “I came here to people watch. To see their freedom. Though I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t mind if you let loose either.” Blaine turned his attention to the couple in a few couches over, they were draped against each other, hands clasped and resting on the leather between them. He slid closer to Kurt, nodding in their direction. “How do you feel when you look at them?”
Kurt turned his head in the direction of the aforementioned couple, still drawing on his drink, taking long, deep sips through the straw. “Happy.” It was a simple but honest answer. “They’re very much in love, can’t you feel it?”
Blaine smiled faintly, shaking his head a little. “That’s your power. You feel drawn to couples in love. Drawn towards people longing for it. I’m also betting you have quite a kiss and...” Blaine lowered his eyes clearing his throat and draining the last of his drink. “Well, that’s not appropriate.”
Kurt rose an interested brow but finished his drink, enjoying the way it felt burning pleasantly through his body and making him feel light. “C’mon.” Kurt stood, pulling on Blaine’s wrists. “Let’s dance.”
“I don’t know if you want me to dance with you. I tend have a bad effect on people if they aren’t used to it.”
Kurt draped his arms around Blaine’s shoulders, smiling when Blaine’s arms locked around his back and they began to move. “You’re so cocky. Or are you nervous? Maybe you’re worried I’ll light unbidden desire within you.”
Blaine laughed, his arms sliding away from Kurt’s sides and he spun them so Kurt’s back was flush to his chest, his arms sliding down Kurt’s front to lock around his hips, guiding Kurt as they swayed. Kurt’s head fell back against Blaine’s shoulder as his eyes hooded and he let his worries melt away and let the music seep into him.
“Gods you’re sexy.”
Kurt felt a smile - no a smirk - slide over his face at that. He felt pretty damn sexy if he was going to be honest. He let an arm slide over Blaine’s, pressing their hands together, sliding their fingers together. His other hand rose to bury in his own hair as he thrust his hips back against Blaine’s. His skin felt hot and the base of his spine itched in a way that actually felt pleasant. Kurt rolled his hips with Blaine’s in time to the beat and rolled his head on Blaine’s shoulder looking at Blaine’s glassy eyes and blissed out face and smiled.
He wanted... He wanted...
Closing his eyes, Kurt let everything fuzz out, focusing as his skin felt even hotter and he whimpered, the itch at the base of his spine spreading over his body. He felt free and loose, like for once everything was finally making sense. He rolled his hips back against Blaine, his lips parting as he puffed out quick breaths, his heart pounding...
“Kurt, stop!”
Kurt jolted back into himself as Blaine stepped away and stumbled slightly, breathing hard. He looked to Blaine, who looked much less put together, his hands smoothing over his button down shirt in an almost nervous gesture. Kurt swallowed and looked around, before looking back to Blaine. “What happened?”
“I...” Blaine started, a flush high on his cheeks. “When you let go, you really let go.”
Kurt frowned before realizing that by letting his inhibitions go, he had not only tapped into his powers, but let them loose too. “Oh, oh my... Are you okay?”
“Nothing a cold shower won’t fix.” Blaine cleared his throat, recovering himself. “We should go.”
Kurt nodded, feeling embarrassed, and followed after Blaine. They paused briefly to gather up their things and headed out into the cool night air.
~~~ PART FOUR~~~
Chapter: 3/?
Fandoms: Glee and Percy Jackson and the Olympians fusion
Author: setos_puppy
Pairings: Kurt/Blaine, Kurt/Dave, Dave/Blaine, eventual Kurt/Dave/Blaine
Rating: R overall
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee nor do I make any profit from this work of fiction.
Summary: Kurt starts at his new high school and makes new friends and learns about himself along the way
Warnings: alternate universe, copious usage of Greek mythology, hints of incest (this is greek mythology after all), demi-gods, underage drinking, angsty frosting
Notes: Written because I decided to watch the not so awesome Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief while in a writing slump and got bitch-slapped with this idea. Thank you to yakkorat_fics and poetic_kitsune for putting up with my relentless spamming, flailing and questions.
Previous Chapters: I, II
”Open your eyes, child.”
Kurt opened his eyes, sitting up slowly, taking in the sight of the rush, rolling grass in the meadow, and the cool, bubbling stream. His brows creased as he looked around the meadow, blooming with roses of all colours and various greens as well as flowers he couldn’t name.
“I’m dreaming, aren’t I?”
“Of course you are. Follow the stream away from the trees.”
Kurt rose to his feet and brushed away the dirt and grass that remained on his faded jeans (at least his dreams had the brains to put him in something comfortable) and headed in the direction he was told. The sun wasn’t too high in the sky, and breeze was warm and fragrant. There were birds chirping in a way that wasn’t annoying and wildlife frolicked through the grass. After a little bit of walking - it could have been hours or seconds - Kurt stopped short when he saw a woman reclined against a large rock, bathed in sunlight and twirling a budding stem in her hands, her long, dainty bare feet hanging over the rock, her toes dragging through the cool water.
She was beautiful. Her dark hair curled in places where it spilled from the pile atop her head and down her neck or framing her face. She had pale, delicate skin flushed high on her cheeks with pink and her lips were full and in a cupid’s bow. Her limbs were long and willowy but rather than looking oppressive, they looked graceful.
“Mom?”
Aphrodite laughed softly, her head falling back against the rock, her feet flicking out of the water to spray droplets of water everywhere. She rolled onto her stomach, the action making her soft, gauzy dress flow over her like water. “Yes, Kurt.”
She curled her fingers against her palm in a beckoning motion and Kurt rushed to her side, sitting beside her as she rose up on the rock, folding her legs under her. She folded her arms about his shoulders and drew him to her, Kurt fell lightly against her, his arms sliding around her waist as he hugged her close, his eyes shut. She smelled like roses and cinnamon, and of something heady and thick. She was warm; so warm, in a way that blanketed him and seeped deep within him, settling into his bones.
“You have grown to be so beautiful, my son.” She pulled him from her, tilting his chin up and brushing her hand over his cheek, wiping his tears away with her thumb. “I am so sorry to have missed so much.”
“I’ve seen you before, though. I know I have.” Kurt insisted, his hands clutching at her sides. “For moments, glimpses on the street, in dreams.”
Aphrodite nodded. “Yes. I have watched over you, Kurt. You were never alone. I am sorry I could not raise you as I wished to. Some children of gods are lucky enough to see their parents before their inheritance, but...” She trailed off, her eyes lowering. “Zeus is fickle and does much to control my visits to Earth. I was with your father for so long because I had been granted a favour by him, he allowed me to stay on Earth for five years. I fell so in love with your father, he was the first man I loved after Adonis. We had you and you were so beautiful, but Zeus got angry. Said that I was shirking my duties on Olympus. He made me leave.”
“So...” Kurt swallowed thickly, his hands clutching at his mother. “I am your only child with a human?”
“After Beroe, yes. She was...” Aphrodite sighed, shaking her head. “Amazing. But yes, myth is not always right. I wished I could have stayed for the allotted time, told you who you were, what you were...”
“You’re here, now, and that’s all that matters to me.”
Aphrodite smiled and wrapped her arms around Kurt again. “You are so like your father.”
“He misses you.”
Aphrodite nodded, her fingers stroking through Kurt’s hair. “And I him. Yet I do not want to make the same mistake I did with Adonis. I do not think my heart could take it.”
“I come into my powers when I wake up. I’m scared. I don’t know if I can control them. I don’t want to cause chaos and madness because I cannot control the love and desire I...” Kurt lowered his eyes, ashamed.
“Hush.” She pressed her lips to his temple softly. “If you need me, speak to a rose or to a dove and I will come. I promise you this. Now that you are sixteen Zeus cannot keep me from you any longer.”
Kurt nodded, a smile blooming on his face as he rose up on his knees and pressed his forehead to his mother’s, gazing into her seafoam green eyes. “Thank you.”
Aphrodite nodded and took his face into her hands, pressing a kiss to his forehead and making his eyelids flutter. “Now, close your eyes and let me breathe the pneuma into you.”
Kurt closed his eyes and let his body relax, he felt his head be tilted downwards and felt Aphrodite’s fingers curl into his hair before her lips pressed to the crown of his head and warmth spread through his body. His mother’s arms slipped around him in a tight embrace for a fleeting moment and then she was gone. Kurt lifted his head and found himself alone. Picking up the fallen flower his mother had been playing with, Kurt stretched out on the rock and shut his eyes again.
Kurt woke up slowly, floating into himself and he sat up slowly, stretching and yawning as he did so. He looked over to Mercedes’ side of the room, finding her bed made and her gone. He stole a look at the clock, it was just past ten in the morning. Throwing off his covers, Kurt stretched his arms over his head, sighing with satisfaction as he heard his joints pop. He wiped his eyes and looked to his computer desk, blinking to see a few neatly wrapped presents on the table top. Smiling to himself, Kurt walked over and poked at them, reading who they were from; Mercedes, Artie, two from his dad and one from Mike and Tina. That was really nice.
Kurt strode over to his closet, wondering what he was going to wear for his birthday - maybe a pair of jeans and a sweater - and opened the closet door. A swath of red fabric and a second swath of white fabric were draped over his hangers and the red fabric had a note pinned to it. Picking it up, Kurt let his eyes skim over the note: traditionally students wear a chiton on their sixteenth birthday. I have included material here for you. There was no signature, but Kurt was willing to bet it was Figgins, or maybe Coach Sylvester.
Sighing, Kurt took the fabric, folding it into squares, before resting the small bag with the rope belt and pins atop them and pulled out a fresh towel before crossing the room to his and Mercedes’ shared bathroom. Closing and locking the door, Kurt placed his towel on the back of the toilet and pulled off his pyjamas. Stepping into the shower, Kurt hummed quietly as he washed up at conditioned his hair. He felt better after his dream, much less afraid. His skin was buzzing and he felt restless.
After getting out of the shower, Kurt moisturized, brushed his teeth and pulled on a bathrobe while he blow dried and straightened his hair. He turned in the mirror, examining his face for any changes, before dropping his robe and looking at his back just incase some sort of new sign of his demi-godhood had appeared. Satisfied when he found nothing, Kurt pulled the robe back on and knotted it before heading out to tackle the curious problem of the chiton.
“Hey! Happy Birthday!”
Kurt smiled at Mercedes and waved, glad to see she was back in the room. “Morning.” He dropped his towel into the hamper and rooted around his storage bin for underwear. Pulling on the boxer-briefs under his robe, Kurt let it drop and picked up the first, long red swath of fabric. “Hey, ‘Cedes, do you think you can help?”
“Sure.”
Kurt smiled and handed the long rectangular sheet of fabric to Mercedes and lifted his arms helpfully. He watched as she picked up the bag, throwing the rope-belt over her shoulder and taking the safety pins in her teeth as she moved. She draped the fabric over his shoulders, getting him to hold it in certain places while she pinned. Once she was done with the basic pinning, Mercedes gathered the excess material and knotted the belt around Kurt’s hips with a flourish and a smile.
“Good? Are you cold?”
“It’s surprisingly warm.” Kurt observed, turning a little to test the feel of the fabric. “What’s with the other piece of fabric?”
“It’s if you get cold or if you go outside to make a himation. I... Think I have a pair of sandals you can borrow.” Mercedes crossed to her side of the room and opened her closet , she rummaged for a bit before pulling out a pair of sandals and headed back over. “Here.”
Kurt sat down and pulled them on, knotting the straps of leather up his legs and then stood. He wrapped his arms around Mercedes in a warm hug and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Hey, watch it, white boy.” Mercedes teased, stepping back with a smile. “Those lips are going to be deadly soon.”
“Oh, I wasn’t even --” Kurt stammered, cursing himself.
“I’m kidding! It just made me feel really good. Here, I want you to open it.” Mercedes said, turning from Kurt to pick up her metallic pink wrapped gift box and handed it to Kurt. “Go on.”
Kurt looked at Mercedes’ smiling face and down to the present before unwrapping the slim box. He lifted the lid and blinked down at the simple bracelet. It was made of leather but it had a metal face on it, one that strangely looked like the face of Medusa that Kurt had seen in his books.
“It’s an aegis. It’ll keep you safe. I made it myself.”
Kurt smiled widely and pulled the bracelet out of the box and let Mercedes tie it onto his wrist, before hugging her again. “Thank you. Now, can we get something to eat?”
They headed down to the kitchen, talking about the fact that a touring version of Phantom of the Opera was coming to the city over the summer and they both wanted to go. As they walked into the kitchen, Kurt spotted Artie, who was eating an apple and speaking with Brittany. He walked over and Artie looked up, smiling brightly at Kurt.
“Hey man, happy birthday. You look awesome.”
“Keep it in your pants, goat feet.” Kurt teased, pulling himself into the backed stool at the island and pulled over the pitcher of orange juice.
“I don’t know, you’re looking pretty tempting, all glowy and filled with love.”
Kurt ripped a piece off his toast and threw it in Artie’s face before taking a bite with a giggle. He smiled when Mercedes sat next to him, sliding over a plate with scrambled eggs, pancakes and sausage at him.
“Uh-oh. Here comes trouble.” Artie muttered, looking over Kurt’s shoulder.
Kurt turned in the chair, chewing on a bite of his pancake and swallowed. “Blaine?”
“Yep. Tina told me he’s been talking about you.”
“Really?” Kurt asked, smiling despite himself when Blaine looked his way and smiled. “I think he’s coming over.”
Sure enough, Blaine was striding over to their table, dressed in his usual faded jeans and a warm, soft looking hoodie. He was also without his maenads. “Morning. Can I sit?”
“Sure...” Kurt hedged after a moment, pushing a piece of his sausage through his syrup before taking a bite. He dropped his gaze to his plate while Blaine said his hellos to everyone at the table and Brittany excused herself.
“So, it’s your birthday, huh?” Blaine questioned, lightly brushing his hand over Kurt’s wrist, drawing Kurt’s attention away from his food. “Happy Birthday.”
Kurt felt a little flush. A nervous thrill running through him at the contact of Blaine’s hand over his. He offered a small smile and a nod and a stammering “y-yeah” before nonchalantly slipping his arm away from Blaine’s fingers and turning back to his food.
“Well,” Blaine started, finishing his small glass of orange juice and sliding out of the stool, “if you feel like... celebrating tonight, let me know.” He slipped past Kurt after squeezing his upper arm and walked out of the kitchen, Kurt’s eyes following him every step of the way; a dizzy, heady feeling spreading through him.
Kurt let out a slow breath, a smile spreading over his face which fell when he looked to Artie’s serious face. “I’m not going to do it.”
“Uh-huh.” Artie muttered, disbelief dripping in his voice. “The son of Dionysus wants to ‘celebrate’ with you and you’re not going to do it.”
“Well, he does throw good parties.” Mercedes pointed out, taking a bite of her oatmeal. “Remember that party he threw for Analise three months ago?”
“She ended up passing out from exhaustion.”
Mercedes frowned. “Oh yeah. Still, he apologized! The party was great.” Mercedes looked to Kurt. “Besides, I don’t think he’d do anything like that, he has the hots for you.”
Kurt looked back to the door of the kitchen, his mind reeling. “I’ll think about it.”
~*~
After eating, Kurt headed back to his room and unwrapped the rest of his presents - a new pair of boots from his dad along with a new iPod case, a book on Aphrodite and a journal from Artie, and a pair of pyjamas and new slippers from Tina and Mike. Once that was done and Kurt put everything away, he called his dad, informing him about his dream, which excited his father, and Kurt could practically hear the smile over the phone. Kurt told him about everyone he was meeting and all his new classes. His dad talked about work and his friends.
After he was done, Kurt googled the way to put on a himation before picking up the long stretch of fabric and folded it in the instructed way. It took a few tries to find a style that served as both a way to keep him warm and that he felt didn’t make him look like a complete idiot. He found one that wrapped around his waist and covered his shoulders loosely, with excess fabric that could be pulled over his head. The website said the style was more common amongst women, but he didn’t care, it felt good and it was keeping him warm.
Heading back down the stairs, his new book on Aphrodite in his hand, Kurt headed to the lounge. It was relatively empty, though a flash of blond hair - two heads - from the corner loveseat angled towards the TV told him he wasn’t completely alone. As he dropped onto the couch, one blond head swiveled and Kurt recognized the face as Sam, he and Sam (and Quinn of course) shared Religion and Mythology class.
“Oh, hi Kurt. Happy birthday.”
“Thanks. What’re you two watching?” Kurt asked, stretching out on the empty couch as he looked towards the brother and sister curled up, cuddled and sharing a blanket. They were too adorable.
“Oh, the Matrix is on a re-run. We can change it if you’re not interested.” Quinn offered, tipping her head in Kurt’s direction and smiling. “I like your himation.”
“Oh, thanks, and no, the Matrix is fine. I just came to read.”
Quinn nodded her head and rested it back on Sam’s shoulder, smiling as he stroked her shoulder. She tipped her head back and peered up at his face, his eyes lowered to her and he smiled at her in a way that displayed how much he cared for her before ducking his head down and pressing his mouth to hers. Kurt smiled faintly before opening up his book and beginning to read.
“Hey, Kurt.”
Kurt glanced up at his name, looking towards the voice and smiling softly at the sight of Dave Karofsky by the couch. “Hi! Fancy meeting you here.”
Dave laughed and smiled, shifting on his feet. “I was just going to head outside for some fresh air. The girls in the room across from mine are playing Beiber and... I... I can’t do it.”
Kurt pulled a face and stood. “I could go for a walk.”
They headed out the back door into the wide, possibly considered enormous back yard. They walked around the marble in-laid pool and Kurt rose his himation over his head, shielding his eyes from the sun. He actually hadn’t checked the back yard out in the short time he had been at the school, and it was beautiful. Flowers of all kinds would be growing in pots come sprint, leafeless trees lined the edges of the property after long stretches of grass. There was a pool and a gazebo, benches and wide open areas for sports.
“I think this place has everything you could ever need.” Kurt murmured, following Dave through the stretches of grass towards the trees. “So...” Kurt ventured, watching as Dave picked an old oak tree and climbed up it to a long, thick protruding branch Kurt took the offered hand and sat on the branch, leaning against the trunk. “How long have you known?”
“When I was fourteen I found out I could play any instrument I wanted. Up until then I had been in guitar lessons from a young age and I still sucked. Then I started getting the dreams; they always came true. It scared me and I told my mom, she sat me down and explained everything to me. I was shocked as hell, and some days I still am, but I came here.”
Kurt nodded his head, tipping it back against the tree as he watched Dave. “Do you ever see your dad?”
“When I sleep, sure. He visited twice, it was...” Dave trailed off, chewing on his lower lip, thinking. “Surreal. Why? Did you have a dream about your mom?”
Kurt nodded. “She was so beautiful.” He laughed softly. “I guess that’s the point, though, huh? She felt familiar though, like I had known her all my life.”
Dave nodded, plucking a twig from the tree and twirling it between his fingers. “So, do you like anyone here, yet?”
Kurt blinked, startled, before laughing. “I don’t know. I mean, I don’t even know who plays for my team.”
Dave laughed. “We’re Greek demi-gods. There is no team.”
Kurt laughed along with Dave and shook his head, plucking the twig from Dave’s fingers and played with it absently. “I don’t really... I mean, everyone says Blaine has eyes for me. He’s like... I don’t know. I don’t know how trustworthy he is.”
“Very. He likes to play and party, there are no ifs about that, but he takes things very seriously. My father wouldn’t trust his if Dionysus wasn’t reputable.”
Kurt made a noise in the back of his throat and let the twig go, watching it spiral to the grass. “Well, I’ll wait and see.”
“Good decision.” Dave nodded, dropping down a branch and helping Kurt before they were back on the ground. “Want to come back to my room and play some video games?”
“Do you have Rock Band?”
“Hell yes.”
Kurt looped his arm around Dave’s. “You have yourself a deal.”
~*~
The rest of the day went by fairly quickly, Kurt spent a few hours with Dave playing Rock Band and then they headed off for dinner - where Kurt had been surprise ambushed with a cake. Now Kurt was planning on watching some movies on his laptop and changing into something with pants. Pulling on a pair of skinny jeans and a long sweater and folded up the material and tucked it away in his closet. He was looking through his DVD collection when there was a knock on the door.
Sighing, Kurt straightened and crossed to the door, opening it and blinking in shock at Blaine on the other side of the door. “Um, hi.”
Blaine smiled, shifting his weight to lean against the doorjamb when Kurt opened the door wider. “Hey. I was coming to follow up on our plans.”
“We didn’t make any plans.”
“I invited you to celebrate. I thought maybe you could use some time out. Want to come out clubbing with me?”
Kurt pursed his lips. It seemed like a really Bad Idea. But Dave’s words swirled in his head, the affirmation that despite everything, Blaine was a good person. Besides, getting out of the house would let him relax for a little while and forget about all the craziness. “Alright, but only for a little while.”
Blaine’s smile widened and he pushed off the door frame. “Grab your bag and coat.”
Kurt nodded and turned from the door, leaving the door open. He shrugged into his coat and pulling on his coat, Kurt scribbled a note to Mercedes and stuck it to her lamp before walking out the door and following after Blaine. “Let’s go.”
“Excellent. I hope you don’t mind walking. It isn’t too far.”
They walked to the club, talking about their favourite movies and music to pass the time. Kurt groaned at the long line and frowned to himself, digging for his iPhone, ready to play some Angry Birds to pass the time when Blaine grabbed his wrist and pulled him to the front of the line.
“Perks, Kurt. I have them.”
They were let into the club and checked their coats without a fuss. Blaine led Kurt deeper into the club, which was pulsing with music and filled with writhing bodies. Kurt looked around, this... this was definitely way different than the all ages clubs back home.
“What do you want to drink?”
“What?”
Blaine’s mouth curved into a smile and he settled his hand on the back of Kurt’s neck, pulling Kurt’s head down to his level to press his mouth to Kurt’s ear. “What do you want to drink? I’m getting a Jack and Coke.”
Kurt rose his head, shivering a little at the feel of Blaine’s hand on the back of his neck, at the way it felt when Blaine’s fingers toyed with the hair there. He wasn’t really a drinker. He had a Smirnoff once. But it was his birthday and he was with the son of a wine god. Why not? Kurt ducked his head back down. “Bring me something sweet.”
Blaine nodded and Kurt watched as he headed off through the crowd towards the bar. A few minutes later, Blaine returned with a drink in each hand. He jerked his head towards the couches secluded in a dimly lit corner and Kurt followed after him, dropping onto the couch as Blaine sat next to him, holding out a tall glass with a blue drink.
“It tastes like raspberry ice.”
Kurt took the glass with an appreciative smile, stirring the drink with the neon green straw before taking a sip. Blaine was right, it really did taste like raspberry. Kurt set the drink on the table in front of them and folded his arms on the back of the couch, turning on his side to look at Blaine. “Why did we have to go out?”
“I like clubs. They make me feel right somehow; in control.” He took a long sip of his drink and set it down beside Kurt’s. “People are honest when they’re out of control. When you’re free, when you’re letting chaos take you over, there’s nothing to hide behind.”
Kurt picked up his drink, stirring it a little and looked over at Blaine. “Is that why you brought me here? To set me free?” Kurt picked up the cherry skewered in the little sword and slid it off with his tongue and bit into it, flicking the sword playfully in Blaine’s direction. “I bet you say that to all the boys.”
Blaine laughed and picked up his drink, taking a sip. “I came here to people watch. To see their freedom. Though I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t mind if you let loose either.” Blaine turned his attention to the couple in a few couches over, they were draped against each other, hands clasped and resting on the leather between them. He slid closer to Kurt, nodding in their direction. “How do you feel when you look at them?”
Kurt turned his head in the direction of the aforementioned couple, still drawing on his drink, taking long, deep sips through the straw. “Happy.” It was a simple but honest answer. “They’re very much in love, can’t you feel it?”
Blaine smiled faintly, shaking his head a little. “That’s your power. You feel drawn to couples in love. Drawn towards people longing for it. I’m also betting you have quite a kiss and...” Blaine lowered his eyes clearing his throat and draining the last of his drink. “Well, that’s not appropriate.”
Kurt rose an interested brow but finished his drink, enjoying the way it felt burning pleasantly through his body and making him feel light. “C’mon.” Kurt stood, pulling on Blaine’s wrists. “Let’s dance.”
“I don’t know if you want me to dance with you. I tend have a bad effect on people if they aren’t used to it.”
Kurt draped his arms around Blaine’s shoulders, smiling when Blaine’s arms locked around his back and they began to move. “You’re so cocky. Or are you nervous? Maybe you’re worried I’ll light unbidden desire within you.”
Blaine laughed, his arms sliding away from Kurt’s sides and he spun them so Kurt’s back was flush to his chest, his arms sliding down Kurt’s front to lock around his hips, guiding Kurt as they swayed. Kurt’s head fell back against Blaine’s shoulder as his eyes hooded and he let his worries melt away and let the music seep into him.
“Gods you’re sexy.”
Kurt felt a smile - no a smirk - slide over his face at that. He felt pretty damn sexy if he was going to be honest. He let an arm slide over Blaine’s, pressing their hands together, sliding their fingers together. His other hand rose to bury in his own hair as he thrust his hips back against Blaine’s. His skin felt hot and the base of his spine itched in a way that actually felt pleasant. Kurt rolled his hips with Blaine’s in time to the beat and rolled his head on Blaine’s shoulder looking at Blaine’s glassy eyes and blissed out face and smiled.
He wanted... He wanted...
Closing his eyes, Kurt let everything fuzz out, focusing as his skin felt even hotter and he whimpered, the itch at the base of his spine spreading over his body. He felt free and loose, like for once everything was finally making sense. He rolled his hips back against Blaine, his lips parting as he puffed out quick breaths, his heart pounding...
“Kurt, stop!”
Kurt jolted back into himself as Blaine stepped away and stumbled slightly, breathing hard. He looked to Blaine, who looked much less put together, his hands smoothing over his button down shirt in an almost nervous gesture. Kurt swallowed and looked around, before looking back to Blaine. “What happened?”
“I...” Blaine started, a flush high on his cheeks. “When you let go, you really let go.”
Kurt frowned before realizing that by letting his inhibitions go, he had not only tapped into his powers, but let them loose too. “Oh, oh my... Are you okay?”
“Nothing a cold shower won’t fix.” Blaine cleared his throat, recovering himself. “We should go.”
Kurt nodded, feeling embarrassed, and followed after Blaine. They paused briefly to gather up their things and headed out into the cool night air.
~~~ PART FOUR~~~