Entwined 20
Kurt shook his head in disbelief as he drove around town. He had truly meant to go see his Dad and Carole and take them up on their brunch invitation, but he couldn't face anyone, let alone his family. Especially considering that they had been after him for years to break up with Blaine.
Everyone had seen it, but him. They all told him Blaine was no good for him, but he, being stupid and not wanting to be alone and miserable, refused to listen.
So here he was 10 years gone by with a man who he had thought was the love of his life, only to find out that he was less than nothing to him. He had egg on his face, and he felt small and stupid and mainly just sorry for himself and the wasted years.
But there was little time for that, as he only had a few days to finish preparations at the school. He really didn't want to go back there and face Dave again, but had to. He had to explain his actions. He couldn't stand the thought of Dave thinking he would sleep with him and then go and sleep with Blaine. He didn't want to waste anymore time being weak and sad. He was going to tell Dave once and for all what he meant to him.
As he passed his former room with Dave, he saw him hard at work on a bulletin board. He desperately wanted to go in and just tell him, "I love you. I've loved you since fourth grade. So can we please stop all this crap and just be together?" But, he couldn't just spring something that large on him. He needed to prepare something, some way to get across that he really did love Dave, despite his previous actions.
He headed down the hall and found his new room. Mr. Schuester was posting posters on the wall and bopping his head to Bootylicious by Destiny's Child.
Kurt joined in and sang with him.
He helped, Mr. Schuester finish getting his room ready and sat at his desk.
His job was to write a letter to the parents of the students coming, laying out what the Spanish Class goals were and the expectations and guidelines.
He was engrossed in it when a knock came at the door. He looked up to see Mr. Schuester had left.
He looked up to see Tyler standing in his doorway with coffee and sandwiches.
"Hey, Kurt. You looked like you could use a distraction, also I sort of need to talk to you."
Kurt grinned and waved him in,
"Of course. Wow. I didn't realize it was getting that late. I'm starving!"
"Yeah, Mercedes said she got a text from you saying you went back to work."
"Yeah, needed to get last minute things done before school starts. So, what can I do for you Tyler?"
"Don't give up on, Dave, Kurt. Just don't. He isn't strong like you and I are. He deals with insecurity harder than most of us and I know it's hard for him to believe that anyone would love him. I don't know what he has told you about his parents and about how he came out to them, but it wasn't good, and it left him pretty scarred and dealing with issues."
Kurt felt terrible.
"No, Dave and I haven't really had any deep conversations like that."
"Just give him time. It may take some time for him to come around and trust you enough to share what's going on in that head of his, but I guarantee it's worth it when you do. Please, this is really important to me. I just want Dave to be happy, and I know that you are good for him and that you would make him happy. So please, no matter what Dave says or does, just hold on."
"I will do my absolute best to make him know that I love him and I want to be with him."
"Thank you. Seriously, you have no idea what this means to me. To know that Dave won't end up alone. It means so much. Also, you should know Mercedes and Azimio are on board as well. Rachel is making a campaign and Brittany and Santana both offered their services if you need them to woo Dave."
"I'm impressed, Tyler. You don't do anything half heartedly do you?"
"Nope. But then, matters of the heart are important especially when it has to do with someone I love."
They were smiling at each other, when Dave walked by.
He stopped short when he realized Kurt and Tyler were together again.
"Oh excuse me, I didn't realize I would be interrupting something."
He couldn't keep the bitchiness out of his tone.
Tyler grinned and stood up,
"Relax, Dave. Kurt and I were just talking about you. Speaking of which, I am heading to my office to type up the notes for the interview. So I'll leave you two in peace."
Tyler waved at Kurt and punched Dave on the shoulder on his way out,
"Dave, just please don't say anything stupid and quit jumping to conclusions."
Dave just rolled his eyes.
Kurt was still sitting at his desk.
"Seriously though, Kurt. Good for you. You manage to sleep with Blaine and me in the same night, and then get Tyler the next morning! Kudos! You are amazing."
Dave turned to stomp out of the room. He really couldn't care if he sounded like a bitch at that point.
"Oh my God, Dave. Tyler and I are not together. We really were talking about you and about how I shouldn't give up on you. I agree."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"It means I am not giving up on you. I know that I haven't been the nicest guy in the last few weeks and that I have treated you badly. I'm sorry for that. Really, you didn't deserve it. I was angry and bitter and you were an easy target. But, I promise that if you give me a chance to prove to you that I do care about you, you won't regret it. Before I say anything else, you should know that I did NOT sleep with Blaine last night. He took advantage of me while I was drunk and slipped into bed with me and took that picture and sent it to you from my phone. He is also on his way back to California as we speak, and he is out of my life for good. After talking to him I realized something that I should've seen a long time ago. Blaine was never the love of my life. Yes, we were together a long time, but it was never good. I never felt for him what a man in love should feel. I didn't feel like a hurricane sweeping me off my feet, or a river sweeping me away, or like fireworks. But, I did feel like that with someone. With you. I felt it the first time I saw you step off the bus in 4th grade, and the day you invited me for a slumber party because you wanted to get to know me better, and the night after your first freshman hockey game and you called me to tell me how much fun you had and how you saw me in the stands with Finn and had the confidence to play better, and the day you kissed me in the locker room. All of those days and many more made me realize that no matter what Blaine and I had, it didn't even compare. And then when you came back in my life, it was compounded, every time I'm near you, I want to kiss you, every time I kiss you, I feel like my head and heart are going to explode, and the night we had sex, I nearly blurted out how much I loved you. And I couldn't do that. I know you can barely stand me, and I know you only had sex with me because I pushed you to, but I was hoping at some point we could get over all our snark and miscommunication and maybe someday you could fall in love with me. And even if you see no way of doing that, I was hoping at the least we could be friends."
Dave stood there in shock.
Kurt watched his face for any sign of emotion. But nothing came except shock.
He really didn't want to stick around for what he was sure was going to be a
"You were right, we would never work out."
He stood up and moved to walk out of the room, but Dave grabbed his arm before he could.
Before he could move or say anything, Dave had pulled him close and was kissing him like he was a drowning man starving for air.
It felt like eternity, it felt like nothing, it felt like everything. Dave pulled back and stared into Kurt's eyes.
Kurt laughed shakily through his tears,
"What does that mean?"
"It means that I'm in love with you too. Seriously, 4th grade, Kurt? Because I fell in love with you the minute I saw you in those damn jelly shoes the first day of 4th grade, and the day you stood up to Jason in 5th grade for picking on Becky, and the day you gave me the mix cd in 8th grade, I was in love with you. I was in love with you then, and I was in love with you when I kissed you in the locker room, and the day I saw you perform in glee and you told me you hated me and wished I was dead, and I was in love with you when I saw you again for the first time in seven years, and I'm still in love with you. I don't question it. It's almost as natural as breathing for me. I know it. It's who I am. Loving you is what makes me, me. But, I'm not sure how this is going to work. Because as much as I love you, I also know that we fight and we hurt each other, and it's painful and messy, and I'm not sure if my heart can take anymore of that right now. If I'm with you, I want to be with you forever. I can't handle any more of this constant back and forth and bickering. So, I think we should take time and go on dates and do it right before we decided anything."
Kurt smiled,
"I can do that, Dave. I can wait. We've waited this long to tell each other how we felt. I already know that no matter where I go in this life or what I do, I will never stop loving you. So, let's go on dates, and make each other sappy mixes, and meet each other's parents, and do it right."
Dave kissed him again.
"One more thing. I don't want to have sex again, until we are both 100% that we are together, because I can't handle sleeping with you and not knowing where we stand."
Kurt sighed exasperatedly,
"Fine, if you insist, but don't blame me if you can't help yourself and you end up sleeping with me."
"I'm pretty sure that I can do it. I did it for over 10 years."
Just then, Dave's cell phone rang,
"Dave, you need to get to the hospital right now."
"Azimio, what's wrong?"
"Tyler is in the ICU. Just please, you need to come."
Dave felt a sharp pain in his heart.
"Kurt, I've got to go. Tyler is in the hospital."
"I'm coming with you. You shouldn't deal with this alone."
Dave just nodded. Kurt walked to him and held out his hand.
They walked hand in hand out of the school.
The entire way to the hospital, Dave was busy on the phone contacting Tyler's parents, and Kurt was watching the man he loved taking care of someone he loved. He felt proud and lucky and so much love for the man sitting next to him in the car. He was convinced that no matter where his life took him, Dave was his always and forever and that he would one day marry him.
Dave watched him warily,
"What are you staring at, Fancy?"
Kurt blushed and smiled shyly,
"Nothing. Just realizing how amazing you are, and how glad I am that I told you how I felt."
"Well, I'm glad you did too, because the truth is always easier than the constant angst and tension we were facing before. Let's not do that anymore."
"I can't promise that I won't be bitchy from time to time."
"I wouldn't expect anything less, Fancy. Let's just not fight about stupid things and hurt each other. Cause I don't want to do that anymore."
Kurt squeezed Dave's hands and smiled,
"Deal."
They finally pulled into the hospital.
Dave rushed to the receptionist to find Tyler.
"Hey, I'm looking for Tyler Matthew's room."
"Your name, young man?"
"David Karofsky"
"Ahh yes, you are on the list of people Mr. Matthew's requested to see. Fourth floor, room 892. You'll need to stop and get special garments before you can see him."
Kurt stood there while Dave looked back at him,
"It's okay, baby. Go to him. He needs to see you."
The nurse spoke up,
"You aren't by chance, Kurt Hummel are you?"
"Umm yes, why?"
"Because, he also requested to see you. So follow Mr. Karofsky up."
Kurt looked at her in shock.
Dave held his hand out to Kurt then, and Kurt moved.
As they rode the elevator. Dave leaned against the wall and sighed.
"What in the world could possibly have happened to him?"
"I don't know David, but I'm here."
With that Kurt stepped to him and wrapped his arms around his middle.
He tucked his head under Dave's head.
"Thanks. That means a lot to me, Kurt."
They got off and got their robes on.
They walked into the special room and Dave saw Tyler lying in bed.
He looked pale and tired and worn.
He stepped closer and took his hand,
"Tyler. Can you hear me?"
Tyler's eyes fluttered open,
"David. Thank you for coming."
"Of course I would come, how could you ever doubt that?"
"Just thought you might still be mad at me for trying to steal Kurt from you."
He laughed then starting coughing.
Dave brushed his hair out of his face with his hand,
"Whoa, settle down there, Tyler. It's okay you don't have to speak."
"No. The time has come. I have to tell you something."
"What?"
"I love you, Dave. You are the best friend I ever had. You seriously made me so happy for so many years with everything that you did for me. But I haven't been completely honest with you. When we were together in high school, I was in love with you, but I never told you. I let you believe that I was using you to make someone else jealous, but truthfully, I wasn't. I did love you, and no matter what I said or did back then, you should know the truth. Now that being said, I had a reason for not allowing you to get too close to me. When I was 17 I was diagnosed with Leukemia. It was pretty awful, I went through chemo, radiation, had a bone marrow transplant, and when I turned 18 I went into remission. I decided then that I would live my life to the fullest. I finally came out to my parents, I went to a school in Ohio to start a new life, and I met you. For the first time ever, I felt good about myself, about my choices, and I had someone who I could be myself with. You gave me one of the greatest gifts that I ever had in this life. You gave me love, friendship, acceptance, support. You were everything I needed and loved. I started letting myself fall and I nearly told you that I loved you the night we first had sex. But that day, I had a random checkup and the doctors told me my white blood cell count was low again. They said it was only a matter of time before my cancer came back, they didn't know how long, but it wasn't a good sign. So I never said anything. I told you then that I was using you to make Brad, a random character on a soap opera by the way, jealous. Then you told me about Kurt and I knew then and there, that even as much as I loved you and was in love with you, Kurt was always going to be that guy. The one that got away, the one you would always want. The cancer didn't come back though, and by that time I too far invested in the story of Brad, and knowing you had Kurt, a real man you loved, to go back. I don't regret any of the time we spent together, because it made my college years the best of my life. And then I got a job in another city, you graduated and went into the draft, and we broke up, but remained great friends. Six months ago, I got a checkup, and found that not only was the cancer back, but it had spread to my lungs, liver, and brain. There was nothing the doctors could do. So, I decided then and there my last goal in life was to make sure you were as happy as you made me. So I came to Lima, to interview you as my last piece, and to make sure that you don't waste your opportunity and chance on love. You deserve happiness, you deserve love, and you and Kurt are meant to be together. I don't regret it, any of it. You are the best friend I've ever known, the best love I've ever known, and I'm grateful that in my short 25 years on this earth, that I got to have you in my life.
Dave sat by his side with tears streaming down his face. It was all too much to handle. He was shocked, angry, sad, and uncertain. Everything was thrown at him at once.
"Why didn't you try any treatments? Why are you giving up?"
"David, honey, listen to me. There is nothing the doctors could've done. It had metastasized by the time they found it. We all die at some point; it's just my time. Yeah, it sucks that I won't get to be around to be in your wedding or see you and Dave in your dream home, and your sure to be hilarious kids. I'm gonna miss seeing you so happy, and that is the only thing I regret. Nothing else. Had I gone through treatments, I would've been sick all the time, and feeling nauseous. I didn't want that as the last few months of my life. What I wanted was to see my best friend find happiness with the love of his life, and to be happy.
"No! There has to be something. I have money! I can get the best specialists! We can go to the Mayo Clinic!"
"Dave, no. Please, don't fight this. I collapsed in the office today. It's lucky that Azimio found me, otherwise I would probably already be dead."
"Azimio found you? What was Azimio doing there?"
"We had a date for lunch."
"What?"
"Azimio and Mercedes have been helping me out with my doctor's appointments and with trying to get you and Kurt together."
"So you're saying that they knew about your cancer?"
"Yes. They knew. Mercedes got suspicious when she caught me with a bag of weed one night and then it just escalated from there and by the time I was done with my last doctor's appointment everyone in your former glee club knew. They were all willing to help by driving me to appointments, cleaning my house, cooking for me, and they made my time here amazing. You have great friends, David. So I know that when I leave this world, you will be well taken care and well loved."
"Wait, is this why Azimio was always going to Columbus and Cleveland with you?"
"Yes, the trips to Cleveland was last ditch effort of Azimio's to keep me alive. He heard about some new untested things and tried to get me into trials, but because I was already so far gone, I didn't qualify. But you should know that we did try. If I had my choice I would not leave you. I would not give up. I would probably even put up a fight against David and lose for your heart. But, I can't do that. I have to go.
"So, everyone else should be here by now, so call them all in."
Dave wiped the tears from his eyes, and called Rachel in,
"Rachel Berry. You are amazing. You no doubt already know that, seeing as you an enormous star. But there is one thing I'd like to ask from you. Pursue your other dreams. Write that book you were afraid of writing, make that album of love songs and dedicate to those couples whose love is so immense that simple words in love songs could never adequately describe them. Follow your heart, Miss Berry. You have a huge one and you are talented and you will forever change the world.
It was Mercedes and Azimio's turn then,
"Ohh, you two. You are about as aggravating as Kurt and Dave. You barely talk to each other, but the longing glances and pining is quite obvious. Quit fighting it. Don't be afraid to follow your hearts. Be together; don't be afraid of getting hurt, because you'll never know that deep, intense love that you've been searching for. It's right there, so take the leap. Promise me you'll at least try. After all, are you two really willing to deny a dying man his deathbed wish? By the way, if you don't, I'll haunt you until you just give in and get together, so I'll stop. Either way, you'll end up together, and one day discover that good ol' Tyler was right and then you'll name your firstborn child after you."
Mercedes shook her head,
"Well, I'll leave the naming of the firstborn to Dave, but I promise that I will give myself a chance at love. She moved to hug him, all the while refusing to give up Mercede's hand."
Azimio gave him a fist bump and a,
"You got it, bro."
Mercedes and Azimio left wrapped around each other.
Then he called Kurt in, he asked Dave to give them some time alone,
Dave nodded and smiled a watery smile and went to get some coffee.
"Kurt Hummel, my favorite doppelganger. You are an amazing man. Quit hiding behind bitterness and fear. I know you were hurt a great deal by Blaine and by your dreams not coming true, but I'm telling you if you continue to keep an open heart and a dash of hope, you will always come out on top. You will do great things in this world; you already are as a teacher. Don't ever let anyone make you feel insignificant or small. You are amazing. Live your life with purpose and don't be afraid to go for what you want. My one request of you is to love Dave with everything you have, for as long as you can. You still have time do things right with him. You get the chance I never did and never will. You both deserve happiness. So just be happy with all your heart. Love and live and every once in a while, come talk to me and tell me how you're doing. I'll have plenty of time to listen; so don't hesitate to do so.
Kurt was openly weeping.
He hugged Tyler,
"Thank you. Thank you for loving Dave enough to let me love him too. I will never forget what did you for him, and for us."
"The only thanks I need from you is proof in action. Just love him and that's thanks enough."
"I told him I loved him today. Just before we got the call, actually. And he told me he loved me too. "
Tyler smiled and sighed and closed his eyes,
"Thank you, Kurt. I can seriously die happy and at peace."
Kurt squeezed his hand and told Tyler he'd be back later and that he should get some rest.
Kurt went to the roof and wept. He had never seen the kind of sacrifice that Tyler had just done for Dave and for him.
He raised his head when someone else opened the door.
It was Dave. Dave stared at him.
Kurt went to hug him, but Dave pushed him away,
"You know for being in love with me, you have a really shitty way of showing it."
Everyone had seen it, but him. They all told him Blaine was no good for him, but he, being stupid and not wanting to be alone and miserable, refused to listen.
So here he was 10 years gone by with a man who he had thought was the love of his life, only to find out that he was less than nothing to him. He had egg on his face, and he felt small and stupid and mainly just sorry for himself and the wasted years.
But there was little time for that, as he only had a few days to finish preparations at the school. He really didn't want to go back there and face Dave again, but had to. He had to explain his actions. He couldn't stand the thought of Dave thinking he would sleep with him and then go and sleep with Blaine. He didn't want to waste anymore time being weak and sad. He was going to tell Dave once and for all what he meant to him.
As he passed his former room with Dave, he saw him hard at work on a bulletin board. He desperately wanted to go in and just tell him, "I love you. I've loved you since fourth grade. So can we please stop all this crap and just be together?" But, he couldn't just spring something that large on him. He needed to prepare something, some way to get across that he really did love Dave, despite his previous actions.
He headed down the hall and found his new room. Mr. Schuester was posting posters on the wall and bopping his head to Bootylicious by Destiny's Child.
Kurt joined in and sang with him.
He helped, Mr. Schuester finish getting his room ready and sat at his desk.
His job was to write a letter to the parents of the students coming, laying out what the Spanish Class goals were and the expectations and guidelines.
He was engrossed in it when a knock came at the door. He looked up to see Mr. Schuester had left.
He looked up to see Tyler standing in his doorway with coffee and sandwiches.
"Hey, Kurt. You looked like you could use a distraction, also I sort of need to talk to you."
Kurt grinned and waved him in,
"Of course. Wow. I didn't realize it was getting that late. I'm starving!"
"Yeah, Mercedes said she got a text from you saying you went back to work."
"Yeah, needed to get last minute things done before school starts. So, what can I do for you Tyler?"
"Don't give up on, Dave, Kurt. Just don't. He isn't strong like you and I are. He deals with insecurity harder than most of us and I know it's hard for him to believe that anyone would love him. I don't know what he has told you about his parents and about how he came out to them, but it wasn't good, and it left him pretty scarred and dealing with issues."
Kurt felt terrible.
"No, Dave and I haven't really had any deep conversations like that."
"Just give him time. It may take some time for him to come around and trust you enough to share what's going on in that head of his, but I guarantee it's worth it when you do. Please, this is really important to me. I just want Dave to be happy, and I know that you are good for him and that you would make him happy. So please, no matter what Dave says or does, just hold on."
"I will do my absolute best to make him know that I love him and I want to be with him."
"Thank you. Seriously, you have no idea what this means to me. To know that Dave won't end up alone. It means so much. Also, you should know Mercedes and Azimio are on board as well. Rachel is making a campaign and Brittany and Santana both offered their services if you need them to woo Dave."
"I'm impressed, Tyler. You don't do anything half heartedly do you?"
"Nope. But then, matters of the heart are important especially when it has to do with someone I love."
They were smiling at each other, when Dave walked by.
He stopped short when he realized Kurt and Tyler were together again.
"Oh excuse me, I didn't realize I would be interrupting something."
He couldn't keep the bitchiness out of his tone.
Tyler grinned and stood up,
"Relax, Dave. Kurt and I were just talking about you. Speaking of which, I am heading to my office to type up the notes for the interview. So I'll leave you two in peace."
Tyler waved at Kurt and punched Dave on the shoulder on his way out,
"Dave, just please don't say anything stupid and quit jumping to conclusions."
Dave just rolled his eyes.
Kurt was still sitting at his desk.
"Seriously though, Kurt. Good for you. You manage to sleep with Blaine and me in the same night, and then get Tyler the next morning! Kudos! You are amazing."
Dave turned to stomp out of the room. He really couldn't care if he sounded like a bitch at that point.
"Oh my God, Dave. Tyler and I are not together. We really were talking about you and about how I shouldn't give up on you. I agree."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"It means I am not giving up on you. I know that I haven't been the nicest guy in the last few weeks and that I have treated you badly. I'm sorry for that. Really, you didn't deserve it. I was angry and bitter and you were an easy target. But, I promise that if you give me a chance to prove to you that I do care about you, you won't regret it. Before I say anything else, you should know that I did NOT sleep with Blaine last night. He took advantage of me while I was drunk and slipped into bed with me and took that picture and sent it to you from my phone. He is also on his way back to California as we speak, and he is out of my life for good. After talking to him I realized something that I should've seen a long time ago. Blaine was never the love of my life. Yes, we were together a long time, but it was never good. I never felt for him what a man in love should feel. I didn't feel like a hurricane sweeping me off my feet, or a river sweeping me away, or like fireworks. But, I did feel like that with someone. With you. I felt it the first time I saw you step off the bus in 4th grade, and the day you invited me for a slumber party because you wanted to get to know me better, and the night after your first freshman hockey game and you called me to tell me how much fun you had and how you saw me in the stands with Finn and had the confidence to play better, and the day you kissed me in the locker room. All of those days and many more made me realize that no matter what Blaine and I had, it didn't even compare. And then when you came back in my life, it was compounded, every time I'm near you, I want to kiss you, every time I kiss you, I feel like my head and heart are going to explode, and the night we had sex, I nearly blurted out how much I loved you. And I couldn't do that. I know you can barely stand me, and I know you only had sex with me because I pushed you to, but I was hoping at some point we could get over all our snark and miscommunication and maybe someday you could fall in love with me. And even if you see no way of doing that, I was hoping at the least we could be friends."
Dave stood there in shock.
Kurt watched his face for any sign of emotion. But nothing came except shock.
He really didn't want to stick around for what he was sure was going to be a
"You were right, we would never work out."
He stood up and moved to walk out of the room, but Dave grabbed his arm before he could.
Before he could move or say anything, Dave had pulled him close and was kissing him like he was a drowning man starving for air.
It felt like eternity, it felt like nothing, it felt like everything. Dave pulled back and stared into Kurt's eyes.
Kurt laughed shakily through his tears,
"What does that mean?"
"It means that I'm in love with you too. Seriously, 4th grade, Kurt? Because I fell in love with you the minute I saw you in those damn jelly shoes the first day of 4th grade, and the day you stood up to Jason in 5th grade for picking on Becky, and the day you gave me the mix cd in 8th grade, I was in love with you. I was in love with you then, and I was in love with you when I kissed you in the locker room, and the day I saw you perform in glee and you told me you hated me and wished I was dead, and I was in love with you when I saw you again for the first time in seven years, and I'm still in love with you. I don't question it. It's almost as natural as breathing for me. I know it. It's who I am. Loving you is what makes me, me. But, I'm not sure how this is going to work. Because as much as I love you, I also know that we fight and we hurt each other, and it's painful and messy, and I'm not sure if my heart can take anymore of that right now. If I'm with you, I want to be with you forever. I can't handle any more of this constant back and forth and bickering. So, I think we should take time and go on dates and do it right before we decided anything."
Kurt smiled,
"I can do that, Dave. I can wait. We've waited this long to tell each other how we felt. I already know that no matter where I go in this life or what I do, I will never stop loving you. So, let's go on dates, and make each other sappy mixes, and meet each other's parents, and do it right."
Dave kissed him again.
"One more thing. I don't want to have sex again, until we are both 100% that we are together, because I can't handle sleeping with you and not knowing where we stand."
Kurt sighed exasperatedly,
"Fine, if you insist, but don't blame me if you can't help yourself and you end up sleeping with me."
"I'm pretty sure that I can do it. I did it for over 10 years."
Just then, Dave's cell phone rang,
"Dave, you need to get to the hospital right now."
"Azimio, what's wrong?"
"Tyler is in the ICU. Just please, you need to come."
Dave felt a sharp pain in his heart.
"Kurt, I've got to go. Tyler is in the hospital."
"I'm coming with you. You shouldn't deal with this alone."
Dave just nodded. Kurt walked to him and held out his hand.
They walked hand in hand out of the school.
The entire way to the hospital, Dave was busy on the phone contacting Tyler's parents, and Kurt was watching the man he loved taking care of someone he loved. He felt proud and lucky and so much love for the man sitting next to him in the car. He was convinced that no matter where his life took him, Dave was his always and forever and that he would one day marry him.
Dave watched him warily,
"What are you staring at, Fancy?"
Kurt blushed and smiled shyly,
"Nothing. Just realizing how amazing you are, and how glad I am that I told you how I felt."
"Well, I'm glad you did too, because the truth is always easier than the constant angst and tension we were facing before. Let's not do that anymore."
"I can't promise that I won't be bitchy from time to time."
"I wouldn't expect anything less, Fancy. Let's just not fight about stupid things and hurt each other. Cause I don't want to do that anymore."
Kurt squeezed Dave's hands and smiled,
"Deal."
They finally pulled into the hospital.
Dave rushed to the receptionist to find Tyler.
"Hey, I'm looking for Tyler Matthew's room."
"Your name, young man?"
"David Karofsky"
"Ahh yes, you are on the list of people Mr. Matthew's requested to see. Fourth floor, room 892. You'll need to stop and get special garments before you can see him."
Kurt stood there while Dave looked back at him,
"It's okay, baby. Go to him. He needs to see you."
The nurse spoke up,
"You aren't by chance, Kurt Hummel are you?"
"Umm yes, why?"
"Because, he also requested to see you. So follow Mr. Karofsky up."
Kurt looked at her in shock.
Dave held his hand out to Kurt then, and Kurt moved.
As they rode the elevator. Dave leaned against the wall and sighed.
"What in the world could possibly have happened to him?"
"I don't know David, but I'm here."
With that Kurt stepped to him and wrapped his arms around his middle.
He tucked his head under Dave's head.
"Thanks. That means a lot to me, Kurt."
They got off and got their robes on.
They walked into the special room and Dave saw Tyler lying in bed.
He looked pale and tired and worn.
He stepped closer and took his hand,
"Tyler. Can you hear me?"
Tyler's eyes fluttered open,
"David. Thank you for coming."
"Of course I would come, how could you ever doubt that?"
"Just thought you might still be mad at me for trying to steal Kurt from you."
He laughed then starting coughing.
Dave brushed his hair out of his face with his hand,
"Whoa, settle down there, Tyler. It's okay you don't have to speak."
"No. The time has come. I have to tell you something."
"What?"
"I love you, Dave. You are the best friend I ever had. You seriously made me so happy for so many years with everything that you did for me. But I haven't been completely honest with you. When we were together in high school, I was in love with you, but I never told you. I let you believe that I was using you to make someone else jealous, but truthfully, I wasn't. I did love you, and no matter what I said or did back then, you should know the truth. Now that being said, I had a reason for not allowing you to get too close to me. When I was 17 I was diagnosed with Leukemia. It was pretty awful, I went through chemo, radiation, had a bone marrow transplant, and when I turned 18 I went into remission. I decided then that I would live my life to the fullest. I finally came out to my parents, I went to a school in Ohio to start a new life, and I met you. For the first time ever, I felt good about myself, about my choices, and I had someone who I could be myself with. You gave me one of the greatest gifts that I ever had in this life. You gave me love, friendship, acceptance, support. You were everything I needed and loved. I started letting myself fall and I nearly told you that I loved you the night we first had sex. But that day, I had a random checkup and the doctors told me my white blood cell count was low again. They said it was only a matter of time before my cancer came back, they didn't know how long, but it wasn't a good sign. So I never said anything. I told you then that I was using you to make Brad, a random character on a soap opera by the way, jealous. Then you told me about Kurt and I knew then and there, that even as much as I loved you and was in love with you, Kurt was always going to be that guy. The one that got away, the one you would always want. The cancer didn't come back though, and by that time I too far invested in the story of Brad, and knowing you had Kurt, a real man you loved, to go back. I don't regret any of the time we spent together, because it made my college years the best of my life. And then I got a job in another city, you graduated and went into the draft, and we broke up, but remained great friends. Six months ago, I got a checkup, and found that not only was the cancer back, but it had spread to my lungs, liver, and brain. There was nothing the doctors could do. So, I decided then and there my last goal in life was to make sure you were as happy as you made me. So I came to Lima, to interview you as my last piece, and to make sure that you don't waste your opportunity and chance on love. You deserve happiness, you deserve love, and you and Kurt are meant to be together. I don't regret it, any of it. You are the best friend I've ever known, the best love I've ever known, and I'm grateful that in my short 25 years on this earth, that I got to have you in my life.
Dave sat by his side with tears streaming down his face. It was all too much to handle. He was shocked, angry, sad, and uncertain. Everything was thrown at him at once.
"Why didn't you try any treatments? Why are you giving up?"
"David, honey, listen to me. There is nothing the doctors could've done. It had metastasized by the time they found it. We all die at some point; it's just my time. Yeah, it sucks that I won't get to be around to be in your wedding or see you and Dave in your dream home, and your sure to be hilarious kids. I'm gonna miss seeing you so happy, and that is the only thing I regret. Nothing else. Had I gone through treatments, I would've been sick all the time, and feeling nauseous. I didn't want that as the last few months of my life. What I wanted was to see my best friend find happiness with the love of his life, and to be happy.
"No! There has to be something. I have money! I can get the best specialists! We can go to the Mayo Clinic!"
"Dave, no. Please, don't fight this. I collapsed in the office today. It's lucky that Azimio found me, otherwise I would probably already be dead."
"Azimio found you? What was Azimio doing there?"
"We had a date for lunch."
"What?"
"Azimio and Mercedes have been helping me out with my doctor's appointments and with trying to get you and Kurt together."
"So you're saying that they knew about your cancer?"
"Yes. They knew. Mercedes got suspicious when she caught me with a bag of weed one night and then it just escalated from there and by the time I was done with my last doctor's appointment everyone in your former glee club knew. They were all willing to help by driving me to appointments, cleaning my house, cooking for me, and they made my time here amazing. You have great friends, David. So I know that when I leave this world, you will be well taken care and well loved."
"Wait, is this why Azimio was always going to Columbus and Cleveland with you?"
"Yes, the trips to Cleveland was last ditch effort of Azimio's to keep me alive. He heard about some new untested things and tried to get me into trials, but because I was already so far gone, I didn't qualify. But you should know that we did try. If I had my choice I would not leave you. I would not give up. I would probably even put up a fight against David and lose for your heart. But, I can't do that. I have to go.
"So, everyone else should be here by now, so call them all in."
Dave wiped the tears from his eyes, and called Rachel in,
"Rachel Berry. You are amazing. You no doubt already know that, seeing as you an enormous star. But there is one thing I'd like to ask from you. Pursue your other dreams. Write that book you were afraid of writing, make that album of love songs and dedicate to those couples whose love is so immense that simple words in love songs could never adequately describe them. Follow your heart, Miss Berry. You have a huge one and you are talented and you will forever change the world.
It was Mercedes and Azimio's turn then,
"Ohh, you two. You are about as aggravating as Kurt and Dave. You barely talk to each other, but the longing glances and pining is quite obvious. Quit fighting it. Don't be afraid to follow your hearts. Be together; don't be afraid of getting hurt, because you'll never know that deep, intense love that you've been searching for. It's right there, so take the leap. Promise me you'll at least try. After all, are you two really willing to deny a dying man his deathbed wish? By the way, if you don't, I'll haunt you until you just give in and get together, so I'll stop. Either way, you'll end up together, and one day discover that good ol' Tyler was right and then you'll name your firstborn child after you."
Mercedes shook her head,
"Well, I'll leave the naming of the firstborn to Dave, but I promise that I will give myself a chance at love. She moved to hug him, all the while refusing to give up Mercede's hand."
Azimio gave him a fist bump and a,
"You got it, bro."
Mercedes and Azimio left wrapped around each other.
Then he called Kurt in, he asked Dave to give them some time alone,
Dave nodded and smiled a watery smile and went to get some coffee.
"Kurt Hummel, my favorite doppelganger. You are an amazing man. Quit hiding behind bitterness and fear. I know you were hurt a great deal by Blaine and by your dreams not coming true, but I'm telling you if you continue to keep an open heart and a dash of hope, you will always come out on top. You will do great things in this world; you already are as a teacher. Don't ever let anyone make you feel insignificant or small. You are amazing. Live your life with purpose and don't be afraid to go for what you want. My one request of you is to love Dave with everything you have, for as long as you can. You still have time do things right with him. You get the chance I never did and never will. You both deserve happiness. So just be happy with all your heart. Love and live and every once in a while, come talk to me and tell me how you're doing. I'll have plenty of time to listen; so don't hesitate to do so.
Kurt was openly weeping.
He hugged Tyler,
"Thank you. Thank you for loving Dave enough to let me love him too. I will never forget what did you for him, and for us."
"The only thanks I need from you is proof in action. Just love him and that's thanks enough."
"I told him I loved him today. Just before we got the call, actually. And he told me he loved me too. "
Tyler smiled and sighed and closed his eyes,
"Thank you, Kurt. I can seriously die happy and at peace."
Kurt squeezed his hand and told Tyler he'd be back later and that he should get some rest.
Kurt went to the roof and wept. He had never seen the kind of sacrifice that Tyler had just done for Dave and for him.
He raised his head when someone else opened the door.
It was Dave. Dave stared at him.
Kurt went to hug him, but Dave pushed him away,
"You know for being in love with me, you have a really shitty way of showing it."