Chapter 7

Disclaimer: Still do not own Glee.

A/N: Hello again. Sorry for the late update. Life tends to get in the way when you least expect it. Anyway this chapter is a lot of Puck/Kurt fluff, further building of their relationship. Let me know what you think. Enjoy! -Jen

The bell rang signaling the beginning of their lunch period. Tina, Mike, and Artie were already waiting in the choir room just like they agreed. A couple minutes later, Puck came running in, slightly out of breath. "Sorry I wasn't here sooner. I told Mr. Schue some of what I wanted to talk to you all about, and he's gonna handle some things for me. Thanks, again, for agreeing to meet up with me here."

"Dude, we all care about Kurt. We'd do everything and anything we can if it'll help him," Mike assured him. "Let's shut the doors so no one eavesdrops on us." Puck agreed and shut the door he just came through while Tina went and shut the other. Puck dropped into a chair near where Artie was parked and heaved a big sigh. He had to figure out a way to get his plan across without telling them what really went down with Kurt. "From what you told us this morning, we're guessing you want us to help you make Kurt's return as easy and as unnoticeable as possible?"

"Yeah, pretty much. I'm trying to think of a way to explain my idea without breaking Kurt's trust. I can't and won't tell you what happened." That was one thing that Puck was absolutely adamant about.

"How about we take it one step at a time?" Tina suggested. "What are your main concerns with Kurt coming back?"

"Touching."

"Dude, if he has a bunch of bruises or something, that's understandable," Artie stated.

"It's not that. He doesn't like to be touched. We all know he's never been very touchy-feely, but it's more than that. If it was Tina or something, he'd probably be okay, but if it's a dude." Puck just shook his head. He felt terrible. Him saying that Kurt can't be touched by a guy felt like he was giving too much away; their friends weren't stupid after all. Damn if he didn't feel over his head at the moment. He got up and started to pace, running his hand through his mohawk. Suddenly the boy stopped in his tracks. "Fuck. I'm calling Kurt." He quickly retrieved his phone from his pocket and pushed the speed dial button for the boy. It didn't take long for the other teen to pick up. "Hey there, Angel." The other three gleeks watched in amazement as the jock's face instantly lit up and relaxed. They'd never seen him look so genuinely happy before. "I'm in the choir room with Wheels, Tina, and Mike. I wanted to talk to them about when you come back. I don't want to mess up and say the wrong thing; plus you deserve to be a part of this discussion. Is it okay if I put you on speakerphone?" There was a brief pause, Puck chuckled, and then pushed a button on his cell. "Okay. Can you still hear me okay?"

"Yes, Noah." Kurt's voice, laced with amusement, rang through the speaker. "Hi Tina, Mike, Artie."

"Hey, Kurt!" they said in unison. "We've missed you," Tina added.

"And I've missed you. Noah's been keeping me in the loop. Thank you for the card by the way. I loved it."

"It's true. It even made him cry," Puck interrupted.

"Noah!"

"Sorry."

"Uh-huh. So, about this plan of yours… where are you guys at so far?"

Artie spoke up, "Puck says he wants your return as easy and as unnoticeable as possible. That you wouldn't want any attention drawn to you."

"Yeah, that would be nice."

"Tina then asked what Puck's main concern was and he said touching. I thought he meant you were covered in bruises or something. He said you'd probably be fine with Tina touching you but not another guy."

"Babe, I'm sorry," Puck stated miserably.

"Noah, stop it. You didn't do anything wrong. You're just speaking the truth."

"It's not like I'm talking to Neanderthal jocks though. I'm not telling your business. I'm NOT."

"Take it off speakerphone for a moment, would you Noah?" Puck did as asked and listened intently to whatever it was that Kurt was telling him, nodding along even though the other boy couldn't see. The phone was once again put back on speaker. "Sorry about that you guys. Noah is right. Tina or any other girl touching me wouldn't bother me."

"And guys?" Mike asked quietly.

Kurt was silent for a moment, "there's a good chance I'd have a major anxiety and/or panic attack. Noah and my dad are the only two I'm truly comfortable with touching me. Artie… and I don't want you to take this the wrong way please… I should be okay with because I know you won't and can't hurt me. I'm sorry, I know that sounds really mean."

"It's okay Kurt. With me in the chair, I'm less threatening. The worse I could do is run over your feet," Artie reassured. He didn't say it, but he had mixed feelings about being seen as nonthreatening. Considering the situation, he figures it's best to try to see it as a good thing.

"I'm still sorry Artie. You're very dear to me and I never want you thinking that I think less of you or that I see you as less of a man because I don't. You're one of the strongest men I know." Artie blushed. Being seen as a non-threat wasn't so bad after all, he thought. "And Mike. You've got to be one of the kindest, gentlest people I've ever met. You never once took part in the bullying, and you've always been nice and respectful to me. My brain knows you would never hurt me. That said, there is the minute chance that I would flinch or freak if you touched me. I assure you that it wouldn't be intentional. It'd just be a subconscious reaction. After I was beaten up, and I was in the hospital with Noah, my dad had started to run up to me and give me a hug and I flipped out. We all know my dad would never lay a hand on me. If that were to happen, Mike, I ask that you please don't take it personally."

"I get it Kurt. We'll take it one step at a time, okay? I'll take my cues from you. Like if you want a hug, just hug me or say something. I'll follow your lead. And I promise to not touch you out of nowhere. If I'm going to even reach near you, I'll make sure you see my hands the entire time. You have my word. I know it's not personal so don't worry about that. It'll be okay."

Kurt breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. You guys have no idea how much that means to me. Noah, is there anything else that you're concerned about?"

"Glee club. They haven't noticed you're gone so I guess they assume you've been here the whole time. I figure if we don't parade you in front of people then they shouldn't make a big deal of it. Maybe we could kind of shield you from view so to speak. Wheels could park at the bottom of the risers like he usually does, but on the side closest to Schue's office. On the first riser, and slightly to the side of Wheels, is where Tina and Hopper could sit. You and I could sit behind them, and we could place our bags in the chairs immediately surrounding ours."

"Are we building a fortress?" Kurt quipped. Mike, Tina, and Artie laughed. "And what the hell is a Hopper?"

"Mike is. I'll explain when I get home later. Now back to what I was saying. Before glee starts I figure Artie could be turned to face the risers, you'd be sitting in your seat, I'll stand next to you at an angle with my back towards the chairs to our right, and then Mike and Tina can stand in front of you facing us. So we'd pretty much be forming a circle around you, keeping you from immediate view."

"I think… I think that would work. Noah, do you have a hoodie or sweatshirt I could wear? If I'm slumped in the chair with the hood up, I'd be even less visible. In fact, that would come in handy throughout the day. I'll just keep the hood up and shield my face as best I can."

"Yeah, I can get you one. Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"It was my idea to go back to school. I want to try to get things as back to normal as they can be. If this is how I have to do it then I will. Are you guys sure you want to do this? While I appreciate the help, I understand if you don't want to or think it's too much."

The three looked at each other. "Will it make you feel safe?" Mike was the one to ask.

"Yes. Yes, I believe it would."

"Then of course we'll help. You're our friend Kurt. We're family. You do whatever you have to in order to protect your family."

"Thank you," Kurt whispered obviously choked up. Hormones, he thought with a roll of his eyes.

"Kurt?" Tina started hesitantly.

"Yes?"

"I know you don't want to talk about what happened, but I have to ask. Did Karofsky beat you up?"

The silence was deafening. Kurt gulped thankful, at least, that she didn't ask any more than that. "Yes. He beat the living daylights out of me. I had a fractured wrist that still hurts sometimes and my ribs were messed up pretty bad. There was lots of blood, bruises, and I got stitches at the top of my forehead. It was bad enough that Noah had to carry me up and down the stairs and even to get across the room."

"I'm really glad Puck found you and helped you."

"So am I. I wouldn't be here without Noah." That single statement spoke volumes. "Well, Dad just hollered down that lunch was ready and I know the bell should be ringing for you guys soon so I'll let you guys go. Thank you for being so amazing. I'm lucky to have you guys and I can't wait to see you Friday."

"See you Friday Kurt," Artie said.

"Miss you," Tina spoke up.

"Can't wait to have you back. See you Friday," Mike added.

"I'll be there right after school, okay Angel?" Puck said. "You… well, don't forget what I said this morning."

"I know. I remember. Get home safely, okay? We'll – I'll be waiting."

"Good. See you then babe."

"Bye Noah." Puck hung up the phone with a sigh. He looked so sad now that Kurt wasn't on the line.

He turned his attention to his three friends. "Thanks, again, for helping with this whole plan thing. Sorry it took up your whole lunch period."

"It's fine," Mike shrugged, "we're just glad we can help."

"Cool. Well, I need to head to my locker so I guess I'll see you guys later." Tina surprised him with a hug, which he quickly returned, and he traded fist bumps with Mike and Artie before heading out.

With the three alone, Artie spoke, "is it just me or is something going on between Kurt and Puck?"

"It looks that way. The difference in Puck's demeanor when Kurt got on and off the phone was kind of a shock. If something happens, I think it's a good thing. They deserve to be happy," Tina stated.

Mike nodded, "they do. I gotta ask… Are we just going to ignore the fact that Kurt can't handle being touched by men?"

"Yes. It's not our place to demand answers. He'll say more when he's ready," Tina said firmly. She added, "If there's even more to be said. We can't assume anything." Even with the smallest inkling that something more happened to Kurt, they were okay with letting the matter be for the time being. They weren't ready to face that possibility yet.

**Kurt and Puck**

Puck shut the basement door behind him and descended the stairs. "Kurt?"

A smiling Kurt appeared from the bathroom, ran up to Puck, and threw his arms around him, "hi Noah!"

"Hey, babe. I take it you missed me."

The pale teen blushed, "yeah, maybe I did."

"I missed you too my angel. How are you feeling?" he asked pulling back to take a look at the boy.

"Wonderful. I have a surprise for you. Put your stuff down." Puck did as ordered and dropped his backpack on the couch. "Hold out your hand." Pale fingers wrapped around the tan wrist. With his other hand he lifted his shirt up slightly and placed the larger hand on his stomach. "Feel around a little."

Puck carefully moved his hand over Kurt's belly, a look of concentration on his face. "You've always had a firm stomach, but it feels… tighter? More firm? Maybe the slightest curve, but I could be imagining that."

"I noticed it when I was drying off after my shower and I wanted you to be the first person I showed. My body's changing. Tighter, like you said. It's our baby Noah," the awe was clear in Kurt's voice.

The jock got down on his knees, placing his other hand on Kurt's stomach as well. "Hey there, baby. It's your daddy. One of your daddies I mean. You're obviously growing. We can tell already and we want you to keep on growing so you're nice and healthy when the time comes. We can't wait to meet you. We love you baby." His voice was thick with emotion. He slowly pressed several kisses over the pale skin and got to his feet. "Kurt…"

"What you said? It was beautiful, Noah." Kurt stretched up on his toes and placed a kiss on the jock's cheek for once. Back on his feet he blushed.

"Thank you, Kurt, for sharing this with me."

"I wouldn't want to share it with anyone else. Just think about how we have so much more to look forward to." The two shared a smile. Puck pulled Kurt to him, his arms linking around Kurt's waist and Kurt's going around Puck's neck. They slowly began to sway to music only they could hear. They couldn't be more content.

**Kurt and Puck**

The boys were settled on the couch, Kurt lying against Puck's side and the jock's arm around his back. Kurt shifted slightly so he could see the other boy's face. "Would you think it was weird if I said that laying here like this, with you, feels normal and perfect?"

"Nah, not at all. When you were falling asleep at my place you said something similar to that and I couldn't help but think about it. Surprisingly, it made sense. Your body fits against mine as if they were meant to be brought together. Like they were separated years ago, but are just now finding their way back together. Having you next to me feels right. I'm not gonna fight that."

"Noah, how are we supposed to act when we get back to school?"

"I don't know exactly what you mean. We act like we usually do I guess."

"So back to us acting like we can't stand each other," the pale boy mumbled sadly.

Puck's eyes grew wide. He wiggled around, trying to shift Kurt, "baby boy, sit up and look at me please." He waited until the slightly teary glasz eyes met his. "That wasn't what I meant at all. I'm so sorry. I could never go back to ignoring you; not even if I wanted to. I figured we'd act like we do now."

"We can't act like we do now. I sit on your lap, we hug, you hold me, sometimes you hold my hand, you kiss my head and cheek, we cuddle, and you call me cute little names. People would definitely notice if we kept doing stuff like that."

"Well I damn sure can't ignore you or act like I can't stand you. I'm also pretty damn sure I can't go without touching you either. This is going to sound totally not badass of me, but even just pressing my hand to your arm or your shoulder comforts me. I need that contact. I guess it's a way for me to know that you're here and you're okay and safe. I mean, it's more than that too, but, yeah."

"I crave every single one of those moments we have Noah. I enjoy and take comfort in them just as much as you do. But if you were to do that at school people would notice. They'd probably suggest that I set out to molest and convert you and it worked. That I'd turned you into a fag and then they'd come after the both of us. They'd come after me for turning you, and then they'd beat the crap out of you because they'd think you're with the school fairy. Just the idea of them coming after you kills me."

"Sweetheart, stop! You're working yourself up for no reason. You need to calm down; it's not good for you or the baby." Puck watched as Kurt closed his eyes and took several deep, calming breaths. "Much better. Now, here's how I see it. If I put my arm around your shoulder as we're walking down the hall, who cares? If I give you a hug and place a kiss to your temple, who cares? It's not like I'm gonna throw you up against some lockers and start sticking my tongue down your throat. Although that sounds like it would be all kinds of fun." He couldn't hide his smirk. He's couldn't wait for the day that Kurt was okay and comfortable with the idea of kissing because damn if he didn't want to kiss the boy. Focus, Puck!

"Noah, do you not understand the consequences of the school – especially the jocks – thinking that you're dating me?"

"Let them think we're dating. Hell, there are times even I forget we're not dating because it feels like we are."

"But –"

"No. Our relationship, whatever it may be, is nobody's business but ours. If they want to assume we're dating then let them. I don't give a damn what they think. I care about you. I'm not letting their stupidity dictate how we interact. I've actually thought about this before. We're having a baby together for Pete's sake. The baby being mine won't stay a secret for long. When that information gets out you can bet your ass that I'm not gonna let them think I ran out of chicks and used you as a quick fuck. You're worth a hell of a lot more than that. You mean something, Angel. Any guy, me included, would be seriously damn lucky to be able to call you their boyfriend. But back to my point. Let them douches say whatever the hell they want. I'm not gonna refrain from touching you like we have been. I'll try to make sure we're not overly affectionate if that'll make you more comfortable, but I stand firm that we stay the way we are. Unless you're not comfortable with how things are, then I'd be willing to take a step back."

"Please, don't! I meant it when I said I crave those moments. I'm honestly just worried about what they'll do."

Puck placed his hand gently on Kurt's cheek, rubbing it softly with his thumb. "Baby, please trust me on this. We'll take this one day at a time. If anyone notices or says anything, then we'll talk through it. Can you do that for me sweetie?"

Kurt closed his eyes and turned his head to place a sweet kiss to Puck's palm. "Okay. I trust you Noah."

**Kurt and Puck**

The sound of Puck's boots bouncing off each step seemed to echo as he made his way down to Kurt's basement. "Hey, babe, I'm here. You ready for your first day back at school?" He placed the black hoodie he had promised to bring for the other boy on the end of the bed. Since he still hadn't gotten a reply, he froze and listened very carefully. That's when he heard it. He walked to the bathroom door, knocked once, and slowly opened the door poking his head through. There, in front of him, was Kurt curled up on the floor in front of the toilet. His cheeks were flushed a light red. Puck went to the sink and filled the cup on the counter up with water, quietly passing it to the sick teen. He received a small smile in thanks. He crouched down and began to rub soothing circles on Kurt's back. "Morning sickness?" The boy just nodded. "I'm sorry. We can skip out on school if you want."

Voice rough, "no. We agreed I'd go back today and that's what I'm going to do. Morning sickness is normal; I can't let it stop everything. Besides, I think it's eased off for now. I'll take some crackers or something with me just in case. Can you help me up please?"

"Sure." Puck took the glass back, sitting it on the counter, and held out his hands. Kurt placed his own pale ones in the larger ones, allowing the jock to ease him to his feet. "There ya go."

"Thanks."

"Any time. I brought the jacket that you wanted." He gestured to the dark blue hoodie he'd placed on the bed.

"Thank you. What do you think of my outfit? You don't think it'll draw attention, do you?" Kurt held out his arms and turned in a circle. He was wearing a pair of black converse, black skinny jeans (just not as skinny as he used to wear), and a plain dark blue, long-sleeved shirt.

"It's certainly not an outfit I'm used to seeing you in, but you look no less amazing than you usually do. You should be able to stick under the radar dressed like that. You won't get too hot with the hoodie and the long sleeve shirt?"

"I should be fine. I have a tendency to get cold easily." Kurt scooped up the hoodie and pulled it over his head. If it weren't for the elastic at the end of the sleeves, they would've been too long. It was obvious that it wasn't meant for someone of Kurt's size; that it was better suited for someone of Puck's build. The best part, however, was that it smelled like Noah. It gave him comfort.

"Sorry that it's a tad big, but it'll work. I have to be completely honest here. I love seeing you in my clothes. You look so damn good in them. We may have to get you in some more of 'em again soon."

Kurt blushed, "when my stomach starts getting bigger, I just may have to take you up on that."

"It'll be my pleasure then. Can't believe I'm gonna say this, but we should probably head out. I told the three amigos that we'd meet them in the parking lot and we don't want to show up late."

"We definitely wouldn't want that. I'll get my bag." When Kurt started to put the strap of his bag on his shoulder, he was surprised to feel someone pull it away. He looked up with a questioning gaze. "What are you doing?"

"Carrying your bag. Have to be careful about what you lift, remember?"

"My bag isn't that heavy. And that applies more to when I'm further along."

"I don't want to take any chances. Would you please just humor me for now?"

Kurt sighed," fine, but only for now."

"I wouldn't expect anything less from you Angel."

Burt gave Kurt his customary buttered toast and a bottle of water on their way out the door; Kurt making sure that his dad would definitely be meeting them at the doctor's office after school. The ride to school was relatively quiet save the low sound of the radio playing in the background. Kurt wasn't really in the mood for food, but he knew how important it was for him to eat no matter what. When they stopped at a stop light about half way from school, the nervous teen surprised the jock when he undid his seat belt and slid over into the middle seat and redid his seat belt. Puck seemed to understand immediately because he wrapped an arm around the boy and pulled him to him until his head rested on his shoulder. They stayed that way until Puck pulled his truck into an empty spot in the school parking lot. Pressing a kiss to his head, he asked, "you ready for this?"

"As long as I have you by my side…"

"Always, sweetheart."

Kurt nodded and sat up straight, "then let's do this."

"Come on. Tina texted and said her, wheels, and Mike are gonna be waiting outside for us." They gathered their stuff and exited the truck. Kurt was quick to pull his hood up over his head. Puck shot him a smile, wrapped an arm around his shoulder, and started guiding them to where their friends were supposed to be.

Tina was the first to spot them. The biggest smile broke out across her face, and without thought she ran to Kurt and threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. He held her to him just as tightly. "I'm so happy to see you and I'm so glad you're okay. Welcome back, Kurt."