A/N: It's been a while and here is my dearest apology: I'm sorry, really I really really am. Too many really's in there. Anyway, real life has recently taken me by my hair and spun me around like it's favourite toy. It's coming to the end of my school year which means revise, exams, revise, exams etc. etc. And boy, does it suck. Not only that but the personal life I share with my boyfriend has recently been completely abused and caused not only myself but all my friends some stress. Life's a bitch. So this chapter has been slowly and disjointedly coming along - I'm really sorry for the wait. I hope you stick around, I'm not ready to abandon this story but updates may take a while for now. Thank you for everything, I'm still so grateful.
I have also recently joined LiveJournal (imkindofaninja) where you can check out a few more of my stories there - you know, if you want to.
Long authors note is long, anyway: enjoy!
When Viola came through to check on the boys, due to the alert button being pressed, she smiled then tutted and shook her head with a light chuckle. She saw Kurt snuggled up against Finn, talking softly and in low, hushed tones and then saw the taller of the two make strange faces trying to understand something. Seeing Finn awake and fully in control of his body was a change from the last time she saw him.
"Good morning, boys."
"He's awake," Kurt smiled and stated the obvious.
"I can see that, Kurt." Viola reached her hand out to Finn, "I'm Viola Fitzgerald, your doctor, my team and I have been looking after you since you've been here."
"Oh. Thank you," Finn said, still as awkward as ever. "How long have I been here?"
"Only two days, and since you're awake now it won't be long until you're out of here, if that's what you're wanting," she smiled and wrote things down on the clipboard that sat in the pocket at the foot of the bed.
"No, no, I was just wondering... for Kurt's sake," Finn smiled down at the boy snuggled into his side.
"I'll jab you in your ribs," Kurt suggested as a punishment for teasing him.
"But you love me, so you wouldn't really do that," Finn mumbled into Kurt's lips.
"As much as I'd love to see you two rekindle your flame, I need to check Finn," Viola smiled and ushered Kurt of the bed.
"Okay," she continued, "I'm just going to poke around a bit but you must let me know if you feel any pain, okay?"
Finn nodded and Viola prodded his body, very medically Kurt assumed. She then went on to explaining all of his injuries and what that meant to his everyday life and how he lived, listing off things he could and couldn't do.
"No football or any sport for that matter for a while, no singing or dancing – your chest needs to heal before you allow it to be used to different ways, no running around or anything out of the ordinary, be careful whenever you move around and try to avoid bumping to things."
Kurt snorted; "That's going to be the hardest task."
"Shurrup," Finn mumbled.
"And I don't know if you two are sexually active but assuming so, you need to know that sex is not an option right now and I mean that. Finn's body will be working hard and as great as sex is, it really isn't a practical option. Not to mention that fact that it could result in bigger injuries due to your body not being able to heal properly."
The boys blushed but nodded anyway, they'd gone for weeks without sex before so it shouldn't be that much of a problem. Viola continued talking to Finn about his memory and how although he can't remember it, bringing it back to his mind or making him remember it may make his mental state worse than it was with him not knowing.
Kurt sent a text to Carole, his dad, Mercedes and Dave to let them know that Finn was finally awake and was doing really well, informing them he'd be out by Friday since they needed to keep him in to watch his internal bleeding. It was their main worry, Viola said, that it would rupture again and he'd be in surgery for a third time.
"I don't want to remember it."
"We're not saying you have to, Finn, we're just letting you know that if you chose to we have people here at the ready," Viola patiently replied, ignoring Finn's interruption.
"I don't want to remember," he said firmly with his hands playing at the frayed material of the hospital gown.
"That's fine, but we will need to keep you in for recovery and someone will come by to check on your mental health anyway, since you were hit in the head pretty hard."
Finn reached up with his good hand and traced the fine hairs on his head, before he grazed across an area covered in stitches. It was sore and both Kurt and Viola noticed his wince at the touch. Finn nodded slowly and reluctantly at what Viola was saying, even though he really just wanted to go home.
"Well then, I'll leave you to it," Viola exited the room, nodded to Kurt and shut the door behind her.
Kurt made his way over to the bed again, settling down next to Finn just like before. They were quiet as Finn mapped patterns on Kurt's arm and Kurt rubbed the hospital gown between his fingers.
"What will happen?" Finn eventually spoke up.
"What do you mean?"
"What will happen after this? I-I don't want to go to the police. I just want everything to go away."
"No one's told the police, if you don't want anything to happen it doesn't have to happen. Besides I just want you back," Kurt beamed up at Finn.
"I'm scared. What if Azimio finds me and beats me up again?"
"He won't and if he does, then we'll get the police involved. But for right now, he won't be touching you again." Kurt shifted on the bed and read a text from Mercedes. "I'm going to a meeting with dad, Carole, Figgins, 'Cedes and Dave this afternoon, to talk about it and then dad and Carole have the pleasure of meeting Azimio and Mr Adams to discuss his future."
Finn nodded but didn't speak for a while, "will he be expelled?"
"I hope so. I don't think I'd feel safe knowing he could be just around the corner in the hallway. Or knowing what he could do to you again. Or David for that matter."
"And if he's not?"
Kurt avoided looking Finn in the eyes or at Finn in general. He didn't have an answer to that yet, and he was almost certain he wouldn't anytime soon. What kind of decision would that leave? Either Finn moving school or being terrified every single time he leaves a classroom – God, Kurt hoped Azimio would be forced to leave.
"I don't know, Finn."
They sat in silence, knowing that that question didn't really have an answer yet – and when it did it probably wouldn't be a nice one or one they wanted.
"But," Kurt spoke up and finally looked at Finn, "I'm going to do my best to plead your case."
"It's okay Kurt, I'm sure I can just get home schooled or something."
"And what? Let him win? Let him know that if he does the same to every gay person he'll get what he wants? Get rid of us all?"
"Okay, I get it!" Finn snapped and closed his eyes tight.
"No, babe, I'm sorry. I-I just. I'm tired of always being treated differently and I know that it gets worse as you grow up and this is probably not the end of it but if I – if we can do something about it, my mind will be at rest a little. We're fighting this and we will win."
"I know, I know. I know this is what we are and we'll be put to more suffering but that's the future. Fuck the future, it'll always be there – right now I just want to focus on us and you no matter what anyone else thinks," Finn explained and took Kurt's hand in his.
"I love you," Kurt whispered.
"I love you, too Kurt."
"Just don't ever do that to me again. Never leave me again," Kurt said quietly. "I was so scared you... you wouldn't wake up and God, I-I just don't know what I would've done."
"I'm glad I woke up then," Finn smiled and Kurt sighed happily. "I don't want you to hurt like that, never again."
Kurt leaned up and pressed his lips against Finn's with a little smile. He sniffed and brushed some of Finn's hair back, caressing his face and kissing his nose lightly. Finn scrunched his face up and smiled, sharing another set of sweet kisses with his boyfriend. The rest of the world seemed irrelevant, people who walked past, people who entered the room – they didn't notice and as sad as it was it was because they were too lost in each other's eyes and wrapped up in each other's words to notice.
Kurt's phone beeped from his pocket and after some shuffling he got it out and read the text from David.
"Do you know why he asked me out? The day of the attack?" Finn asked, reading the text over Kurt's shoulder.
"No," Kurt frowned.
"I didn't want to tell you because I knew you'd probably tease him," Finn smiled and chuckled at Kurt's offended face. "He had a date, a very important date and he wanted some advice."
"Aw, he's growing up," Kurt pouted and felt like a proud mother. "Wait – he came to you of all people?"
"Hey! I'm not that bad at romance!"
"Oh shush, I'm not saying that. I'm just saying you could murder an innocent rabbit and I'd still somehow manage to swoon over you because, Finn Hudson, I'm head over heels in love with you. However," Kurt paused. "David isn't head over heels in love with this guy and I'm pretty sure this guy isn't head over heels in love with him."
"You want me to murder a rabbit?"
"No babe," Kurt laughed and kissed him even though Finn didn't understand why he was being kissed. "I meant that maybe your 'romance' won't be suitable for a first date since we've been together for like eight months."
"I suppose but still, do you think he went on it?"
"The date?" Finn nodded at Kurt's question. "I don't know, he was pretty shaken up and felt guilty after the attack."
"Will you ask him when you leave? I just really want to know if he did or not," Finn smiled.
"Oh, look at you caring," Kurt smiled and kissed Finn again.
"Yeah, well you told us to get along and he's actually a nice guy."
"Thank you," Kurt mumbled and got off the bed to slip his coat on. "Your mom is coming in to visit in about an hour, but until then I have to go and see Figgins. Will you be okay?"
Finn took Kurt's hand and brought it up to his lips, placing a soft kiss there and stroking his knuckles. "I'll be fine, just – go and make me proud."
Kurt blushed and bent down to lightly brush his lips against Finn's forehead.
"There shouldn't even be a discussion about this!" Burt stated getting irritated and clenching his fists. "He beat up my fiancé's son, someone who I also consider a son!"
"Dad, calm down, shouting won't solve this."
"Principle Figgins, I agree with Mr Hummel," Dave spoke up. "I know Azimio and he won't stop, he'll go after whatever he can and he won't stop until he gets it."
"You know him?" Burt asked, eyes burning into Dave's skin.
"We used to be friends. But, erm, not so much anymore," he shrugged.
"You could've stopped him!"
"Dad, no! David and Azimio haven't talked in months," Kurt looked at Dave with a knowing look and smiled with his eyes. "Ever since David came out Azimio has been on his back and mine and Finn's."
"Although I didn't think he'd actually do something this bad, he usually just shoves and verbally abuses people," Dave admitted.
"Look, David, no one is blaming you," Carole spoke up, sensing the bigger boy's self hate. "We just want this monster kept away from Finn, my son."
"I know, that's why I'm here – I want the same as you."
"So," Kurt spoke up, looking at Mr Schue who had been invited to the meeting at the last minute. "What's going to happen to Azimio?"
"There's enough evidence to prove him guilty so with that and Figgins approval we can address the school board and get an expulsion sorted. His parents will be addressed and told the news and Azimio will not be returning," said Mr Schue.
"Yes, considering his parents are coming in shortly after this the expulsion can start immediately, he won't be walking these halls anymore," Figgins nodded and scribbled something on paper, calling through to the office to ring the school board.
"Finn doesn't want the police involved," Kurt said, starring at the floor.
"That's fine, Kurt. But if something like this with Azimio happens again to either of you or to someone else you will be required to make a statement, okay?"
Kurt nodded as did David and Mercedes who thanked Mr Schue for the support. As they flooded out of Figgins' office Kurt hugged his dad tightly.
"Thank you for standing up for Finn, it means a lot to me."
"You mean a lot to me, Kurt, as does Finn. You're not alone in this, don't ever think you are," Burt kissed Kurt's forehead and nodded so he could join his friends.
"Hey, David I need to ask you something," Kurt smirked.
"Oh, okay. What?"
"Finn tells me you were going on a date on the day of the attack, why didn't you tell me? And more importantly why did you go to Finn for romance advice?"
Dave chuckled; "Because if I went to you, you'd just dress me up and tell me what not to wear."
Kurt smiled and nodded proudly, putting his arm around Dave's waist and walking him to his next lesson. "So, who is he?"
"His name is Blaine, he goes to a private school in Westerville," Dave smiled.
"I know that smile, that's the smile that says 'we totally hit it off and he's really sweet and we're meeting up again real soon and did I mention he's really sweet?' I know that smile!" Kurt beamed and starred David down.
"Hold up," Mercedes interrupted. "A private school in Westerville? It's not Dalton Academy is it?"
"Yeah, that's the one! How'd you know?" Dave looked amused and then confused, it was rather funny to watch.
"They're our competition for Regionals," Mercedes looked scandalised.
"Oh! Dave, you can be our own little spy!" Kurt smirked mischievously.
"Dude, no, I really like this guy," Dave shook his head and pushed Kurt towards the exit door.
"You're no fun!"
"I'm plenty fun, now you're meant to be at home or looking after Finn – so go," Dave teased and pushed him again.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll see you guys tomorrow," Kurt mumbled before hugging them both and heading out to his car.
\\&/
"Home sweet home!"
Finn came home on the Friday; his wounds healed as much as they possibly could, with his ribs still bruised and his wrist still broken. Kurt skipped school to tend to him with only slight hesitation because his attendance record was well and truly ruined. However Finn was still Finn and he collapsed onto the couch with little restraint and then moaned when he twisted his body the wrong way.
"You still have to be careful Finn!" Kurt cried through from the kitchen and handed him a bowl of ice cream as well as a pat on the shoulder.
"Blah, blah. I'm fine, just got to remember I'm still injured," Finn smiled and stuffed his face with the ice cream Kurt promised.
"Well you're still on bed rest for the rest of next week so get used to not being about to move about loads," Carole spoke up as she placed her coat on the hanger and cautiously sat down next to Finn.
"Aw, man," Finn whined, sulking as he shovelled the cold treat into his mouth.
"Do you want to get better?"
"Yes," Finn mumbled and looked down towards the bowl settled in his lap. "I suppose and I can just watch some movies and play some video games or somethin'."
"Babe, I think you're forgetting that," Kurt smiled and pointed to the splint and bandage around his wrist.
"Ah, man!"
"There's more to life than video games and movies Finn, I managed to get a few days off work so we can see if we can find something to entertain you," Carole smiled and put her hand on Finn's thigh.
"Thanks mom, love you," Finn replied, slightly embarrassed.
"No problem, honey. But as of right now, I do need to work. Will you two be okay by yourselves?"
"Yeah, we'll be fine. I'll whip us up some cakes or something and then we'll probably snuggle or something in front of Friends or Scrubs re runs," Kurt beamed and kissed the top of Finn's head before making his way into the kitchen.
"Can't we watch Family Guy or something? Or South Park, babe, I haven't watched it in months!"
They settled down onto the couch, Finn curled up against Kurt while Kurt leisurely brushed his hands through Finn's hair. Thankfully the hospital had given him some time to shower and get his hygiene levels back to normal otherwise Kurt wasn't going anywhere near him. Kurt couldn't help but smile at the smile Finn was wearing as he watched Family Guy. After a while Kurt found himself bored and hungry, he hadn't eaten properly for a while due to the stress of Finn being away, but now he was rather peckish and God, he really needed some food.
"Do you want anything to eat babe?" Kurt asked as he gently shifted Finn to the side to get out from under him.
"Nah, I'll just eat something of yours," Finn smiled brightly as Kurt rolled his eyes and walked into the kitchen.
He returned a few minutes later with a nice full plate of sandwiches and spent no time in shoving them into his gob with little mercy or manners. He was hungry! Finn chuckled and mumbled something about adopting the same mannerisms and reached over to grab a handful of tortilla chips.
"Hey, watch your TV show and let me eat boy!"
"Ew, dude, shut your mouth," Finn grimaced at the food Kurt willingly showed in his mouth to tease Finn endlessly.
\\&&/
It was around 4 o'clock when Carole came home and was met with the unmistakable shouting of two boys from the living room.
"Go! Go, go! Behind the greenhouse, go! Quick, dude, come on – now lie down, yes! Okay wait –"
"– I'm doing it! Hold on."
"Finn, I thought we said no video games," Carole called through from the hallway, heading into the living room to see Kurt sitting next to Finn, crossed legged with a controller in his head. "Oh, Kurt."
"Hey Carole!" Kurt almost shouted, way too caught up in his excitement. "Someone's coming, what do I do? What do I do!"
"Damn. Okay, so you see the river over there," Finn said pointing randomly at the screen.
"Yeah, do I need to go over there? They're in the house though, they'll shoot me."
"Just trust me, okay, just head towards the river," Finn pointed again, scooting over and pushing various buttons on Kurt's controller to reload his gun.
"Well okay, I'll leave you boys to it," Carole looked bewildered and headed into the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea.
"Ah! They're coming! Ah, Finn!" Kurt's shrill voice pierced through the house until it was rivalled with the sound of the doorbell.
"Door! Mom!" Finn shouted through, Carole sighed and readied herself for a week of meeting Fin's demands.
"Don't worry boys, I'll get it. Don't move at all, you just sit there and play your mindless army games," Carole smiled sourly as she patted Kurt's shoulder, making her way to the door.
The boys heard a chorus of 'hi Carole!' from the hall and frowned slightly before remembering Kurt was under attack and turned their attention back to escaping the armed enemy. Kurt squealed a little and jigged about on the couch next to Finn, moving the controller around like a sensor that would somehow magically control the solider in the game by waving it around aimlessly.
"Whoa, dude you weren't kidding when you said your boy plays CoD!"
"His boy has a name, Puckerman," Kurt shot back while shooting constantly at a sea of soldiers.
"Chillax dude."
"Can I join?" Sam asked quietly.
Kurt looked over for a quick second and saw the whole of New Directions standing at the doorway of the living room, he smiled knowing they were all here for Finn. He pressed pause and stood up, handing the controller over to Sam with a nod.
"Here take over, I'll go get you all something to drink. Just make yourselves at home," Kurt chimed and floated into the kitchen, kissing Finn on the one his way.
He heard the commands being yelled by Finn and Artie who Kurt assumed joined in soon after as Mike was also shouting things and tips. Carole was already on the job, however, and was making three jugs of delicious drinks. She smiled knowingly and reached for the cupboard which secretly held all the sweet and fattening food that they had to keep away from Finn. Kurt smiled and whispered a thank you as Carole set everything out and carried it through to the main room.
"I'm really sorry, dude," Kurt heard a faint voice behind him, making him spin abruptly on his heels almost dropping the three glasses in his hand.
"Noah, please stop calling me 'dude'."
"Oh, sorry... again," Puck blushed.
"For?"
"Finn. I just keep thinking that those guys – they were me, once upon a time and I just can't think of how sorry I'd be if I hadn't changed. You two don't deserve all the shit you get and I know I don't do it anymore but I can't help but feel... guilty," Puck let out in a quick breath.
Kurt smiled and walked over, wrapping his hands around Puck's waist and hugging him tightly.
"You have nothing to be sorry for Noah, this wasn't your fault and the past is the past. We're moving on – we have moved on. Okay?" Kurt replied.
"Okay, but if I can't be sorry about that I'm still sorry about Finn. I can't imagine what you've all been going through."
"You don't need to be sorry, trust me. People have been saying sorry all week even when it's not their fault. The woman at the cafe in the hospital apologised and besides he's doing well, you've seen him in there. There's really no need for your sympathy or anything of the sort but thank you anyway," Kurt smiled and ran his hands through Puck's mohawk.
"Yeah, well it doesn't change anything. But I'm here to help and I'll stick by you two like the friend I'm supposed to be – you have any trouble I got your back. Deal?" Puck smirked and held his fist out.
"Deal," Kurt laughed and fist bumped Puck before taking the glasses back into the living room with him.