~ NEW YORK CITY: STRUT YOUR WAY TO LOVE ~

"There are as many loves as there are hearts." At the twilight of the modern world, an affair shocked a nation. A bold vision of an epic story that will powerfully explore the capacity for love that surges through the heart.

I

~ The Big Apple ~

Diet mountain dew, baby, New York City
Never was there ever a boy so pretty
Do you think we'll be in love forever?
Do you think we'll be in love?

Kurt Hummel peered excitedly out of his porthole onto the sight of the looming city ahead as the plane started its descent. This was it, he crowed silently, his blue-green eyes sparkling. This was the place where his dreams were to come true. After nineteen years of living in the heavily prejudiced cow town of Lima, Ohio, he'd managed to escape its confines and head to the city he'd only briefly visited before, and what a breathtaking city it was.

He held his breath, marveling at the elegant skyscrapers that stroked the sky and the ocean that glistened magically. The sunset was casting the whole sky in a myriad of candy pinks and delicious oranges with the sun itself, stunning as ever, saying goodbye to the day.

Kurt had spent the whole of his previous afternoon packing his various belongings, selecting only the best outfits and pieces of clothing he'd accumulated over the years to bring with him. Although he was disappointed he couldn't transport his entire wardrobe, he'd been realistic, and it wasn't like he was never going to see them again. That and his new apartment didn't contain the vast amount of wardrobe space compared to his own room. Along with his items of fashion, he'd packed his makeup and skincare products, a collection of CD and DVDs ranging from the delightful musicals he'd fallen in love with to the concert tours of his favorite artists and any other objects he believed would be of use to him.

The next morning, his father, Burt, had sat him down at his desk in his study discussing topics ranging from overseeing his finances to generally being cautious when residing in the city. He'd been so worried about his only son getting lost in one of the most populous areas in the US that he'd even detailed directions and steps on how to successfully find your way through the crowd-filled airports. Kurt had rolled his eyes at his fretting father, insisting that he was probably as independent as they came, and that stress would only further weaken his father's health.

"Goodbye, son. Ring or text me when you land, okay? I want to be sure you arrived there in one piece."

Burt had driven him to Columbus airport, once again singing the extended version of the talk they had had earlier, with verses consisting of: 'I know you're not a girl but there's no shame in hiding a pepper spray in your bag just in case' and 'It's better to feel safe than sorry, Kurt.' His son had moaned in annoyance before leaning his head on his headrest and closing his eyes. Sure he was nervous but reminding him of the city's crime rate? Not a good start, dad!

"Don't worry, dad. Nothing's going to happen to me. I understand you not wanting to let me go but seriously, I'm not a kid anymore. You've got to let me stand on my own two feet. It's only how I'll ever learn." Kurt had pulled his father into a reassuring hug and he'd put his all into it. After all, he'd only see him during the holidays and maybe the odd visit if Burt was to ever visit him in New York.

"I trust you, son." Burt untangled himself from his boy so as to look intently into his young eyes. "You remind me so much of your mother. Elizabeth was an independent spirit and that's what people loved about her."

At this, Kurt's ears pricked up as he listened intently. Anything on the topic on his beloved mother would always capture his attention.

"You have her blood pumping through your veins and as long as you never forget that, I believe I can see great happiness in your future."

It was the only thing Kurt had ever wanted to hear from his father. The only time when parting words could wrap themselves up into a present that you always kept close, no matter what. With that in mind, Kurt had straightened up and had beamed a positive smile back at his father, one that had burst with confidence before he'd turned on his heel and entered the airport. New York City, here I come...

Thud! The plane's wheels hit the strip with a sudden jolt, braking ever so gradually before coming to a stop at the gate. Unlike many people he had come to know, Kurt didn't have a problem with planes. In fact, one of his favorite experiences would be when it would take off. That was the best part. He didn't know what it was, but he blamed it on the adrenaline. It was just something he couldn't get enough of. However, the same could not be said for his neighbor, who had vomited a total of six times throughout the entire journey.

Such repugnant activity would have disgusted the brunet to the core if it had not been for the small TV screens planted at the back of the seats in front of them. He'd managed to scroll through the small library of films offered to its passengers as a distraction, but had been correct in predicting that no musicals were in the selection. It wasn't that big of a deal. It had been time for him anyway to see other features across the media spectrum including Disney Pixar's 'Cars' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II'. Admittedly they hadn't been the most compatible of combos but they'd been a sufficient diversion from the hacking being done beside him.

When not staring blankly at his screen or pulling disgusted faces at his neighbor, who unfortunately to top it all off, hadn't been introduced to the concept of personal hygiene, judging by the foul odor, greasy hair and dandruff-sprinkled shoulders, Kurt had looked out of his porthole, mesmerized by the sea of marshmallow clouds obscuring the land itself. After he'd been heart-wrenchingly rejected by NYADA, the college he'd only ever dreamed of attending, he'd started questioning his future. What on earth was he going to do now? The establishment he had attempted to break into was clearly rejecting him in the form of a pathetic piece of paper which he'd shredded immediately. He couldn't stand it, he couldn't bear it. Just the thought of bringing in such a negative object into the house was, of course, out of the question.

His best friend, Mercedes Jones and her boyfriend Sam, had rushed to shore up his crumbling state of mind, which had led to eating tub after tub of Häagen-Dazs ice cream and watching comedies like 'Web Therapy' and 'Cougar Town' on repeat. He'd only stopped wallowing, however, once Mercedes had completely given up unsuccessfully trying to sooth him before she'd grabbed him in exasperation and shoved him in front of his full-length mirror.

What he'd seen looking back at him had made him want to scream. A depressed-looking boy wearing a fitted white tee shirt stained with chocolate and strawberry remnants, tight sweatpants that seemed to have been on a quest on squeezing the life out of his hips… and his hair! Oh, his hair had gone beyond all repair. Following the trail of destruction, his face had been pale, dull and devoid of life and his puffy eyes had been ringed with red, with tear streaks engraved in his cheeks.

The fact that he'd gained weight as well as not taking care of himself, resulting in acne-covered skin, deep under eye circles and slimy hair had been a very loud wake up call. Sure, NYADA could have cruelly snatched away his dream of studying with them this coming educational year, but that didn't mean they could rob him of his usually perfect appearance. Hell to the no!

As a result, Kurt had quickly returned to his former glory and had decided whilst doing so to continue pursuing his dreams of Broadway stardom. He'd successfully arranged a year's work experience at a small community theater in the heart of New York, telling himself that if he wasn't going to study, he might was well learn the crucial tricks of the trade from those in the profession. It was going to be very useful and who knew how much he'd get out of it? Even if it killed him, he vowed to sing on a Broadway stage by this time next year.

Once Kurt had disembarked from the plane, finally managed to wave over a taxi and arrive at his new apartment, he was exhausted. His body had been drained of all energy and his mind was too consumed with thoughts of the comfortable bed that would be awaiting him in his room. His tiredness even eclipsed his love of unpacking, and although it was something he was going to have to undertake before the actual settling down process began, he just couldn't be bothered in the slightest. He'd not even had time to properly scan his new apartment, what with his heavily lidded eyes.

The place itself, which was located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, wasn't small but it wasn't large either. It was reasonably quaint with a kitchen, dining room, study, living room, bedroom and bathroom, all moderate in size and all modern in design. It was great. In fact the whole building had only been recently built within the last year which meant that everything was up to date, fully furnished and as sleek as a raging new Rolls Royce Phantom, yet he wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for Burt. His father had insisted on helping him secure a good place to reside in the city even if it was the last thing he did. After all, his son required high standards of living and it was only natural to offer him the best, even if Kurt hadn't been happy about it. The brunet had wanted to survive on his own, live out the full New York experience but after much pestering and nagging, enough to shame even the bossiest of housewives, Kurt had finally given into his father's assistance. After all, who was he to say no?

Later that night, the pale boy lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling as the moonlight cast a soft blue glow through the windows onto the opposite wall. He was here. He'd arrived in one piece. He'd texted Burt, of course, to let him know that he was, indeed, alive and was on his way to his new home in a vehicle not rigged with explosives. It was the least he could do. Sticking to his promises was something he always did. Plus, he didn't want any drink his father was to have to stir itself up after being held in a shaking hand. The contents would fly absolutely everywhere.

"Don't forget to keep me updated, son. I want to hear from you every day."

The brunet couldn't help but smile at his father's response. It was just so like him and he loved it. He no longer found Burt's worrying nature annoying now that we was all alone in a big city, but began to see it as more of an invisible security blanket. Something he could always turn and snuggle into when in doubt. I'm fine. I'm going to be fine...

Diet mountain dew, baby, New York City
Can we get it now low, down and gritty?
Do you think we'll be in love forever?
Do you think we'll be in love?

~ PLEASE REVIEW ~

(But if you wish to criticize, may it be constructive. I'm not going to learn from my mistakes and improve if you vent.)

Author's Note: Hi everyone! This is my first Puckurt story and fan fiction tale so thanks for reading the first chapter. Hopefully what you've read is of interest to you and you will be entertained to read further. This is indeed an Alternate Universe tale set during Glee Season 4, however due to this there will be characters from the show alongside characters I have created myself. I've rated this narrative Fiction M for a reason. Although it won't appear any time soon, there will be sex scenes as well as use of strong language and profanity. Just to let you know.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the characters from Glee since I don't own the show. I'm not earning money from this and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. I mean only to please whoever stumbles upon my Love Story.

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