Out of the Dark Chapter 3
Title Out of the Dark
Author Palaemon77
Rating Mature
Genre Supernatural
Pairing Kurtofsky
Warnings Character Deaths
Wordcount 31459
Spoilers Season 2
Summary After the locker room kiss, Kurt finds out that Dave isn't who he thought he was, but at least he thought Dave was human.
Links
{ Chapter 1 } { Chapter 2 } { Chapter 3 } { Chapter 4 } { Chapter 5 } { Chapter 6 }
{ Chapter 7 } { Chapter 8 } { Chapter 9 } { Chapter 10 } { Chapter 11 } { Epilogue }
Chapter 3
Kurt was at home waiting for five o’clock. It was only five more minutes. His plan was to see if Dave showed up, and if he did, just tell him the truth. It was family night and he forgot. Kurt figured with the way Beacon reacted to Blaine, it was better if maybe he waited outside for Dave.
Kurt looked out the front window and still didn’t see Dave. Kurt opened the front door and stepped out. He took a couple of step off the porch, stood next to the tree in his front yard and looked at his watch. It was five on the dot, and no Karofsky. Well, Dave had said so himself. Maybe it was fate telling them it wasn’t meant to be. As Kurt turned to go back inside, he spotted a figure leaning against his front door.
Kurt’s heart skipped a beat before he realized that was Dave.
“Do not sneak up on people like that. I’m not too young to get a heart attack, you know.” Kurt didn’t really believe that, but his dad had just returned home a few weeks ago after recovering from one, so it was fresh in his thoughts.
“Sorry,” Dave chuckled, “…and your heart’s fine.” Before Kurt could stop him, Dave turned around and opened the door.
“No!” Kurt shouted, but before he realized it, Dave had the door open and naturally Beacon was there waiting again.
Beacon leaped on Dave’s chest just like Blaine, but instead of standing on Dave’s chest growling, he was standing there licking Dave’s face. The man was lying on the ground being licked to death and apparently loving it.
“Beacon.” Dave said between licks. “Beacon - you need to let me up. Come on…” Dave couldn’t stop his joy from leaking through, but finally was stern. “Beacon. Down.”
The dog immediately healed and sat next to Dave. It looked as if the dog was straining to get in a few more licks but contained itself.
Dave stood and patted the dog on his head, “Good boy.” Dave squatted down and rubbed the dog’s back and scratched his ears.
Kurt was amazed. His dog never reacted like that to anyone, let alone a stranger. He was still wary of Finn, and Finn visited all the time now. Beacon reacted more like he did with Kurt, but he’d known Kurt for his whole life.
Kurt widened the front door and the three of them went inside. Kurt was so distracted with what had just happened that he forgot his mission.
“Beacon. Sit.” Dave said as he patted the dog. It was obvious that Dave was a dog person, unlike Blaine. Kurt had to explain to Blaine that he didn’t name him; his dad said he was already named when they got him. Blaine thought it was an odd name, but Dave didn’t. Dave seemed to…
Wait a minute.
How did Dave even know Beacon’s name? Kurt was sure he hadn’t even mentioned the dog, and definitely didn’t have a chance before the attack-and-lick maneuver.
“Dave?” Kurt said. They were both sitting on the couch; Beacon snuggled next to Dave’s leg, eating up the affection.
“Yea?” Dave said looking up from the dog to Kurt.
“How did you know his name?” Kurt started. “Beacon? I don’t think I ever told you his name.”
Dave just continued scratching the dog and pulled on his collar. He held up a bone-shaped brass dog tag. “It’s on his tag.”
Kurt stared for a second. That’s true; it was plainly visible - if you squinted, but Kurt couldn’t shake the feeling that Dave hadn’t had enough time to read the tag before being licked into oblivion. Kurt thought about arguing, but it was plausible that Dave could have read it while beacon was standing on his chest. Of course, if a strange dog was standing on Kurt’s chest, reading a name tag would be the last thing he’d be doing.
Kurt was shaken from his thoughts when the front door opened again and his dad appeared.
“Dad.” Kurt said, voice higher than he’d liked.
“Kurt.” Burt nodded. “Who’s your friend?”
Dave stood and reached out a hand to Burt, “Dave Karofsky, sir. Nice to meet you.”
“Burt Hummel. Nice to meet you too.” Burt released Dave’s hand and looked to Kurt, “So is he staying for dinner?”
Kurt wasn’t prepared for that question. “Uhh.”
Dave interjected, “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to impose…although…I am pretty good at chopping vegetables.”
Without waiting for Kurt to answer, Burt spoke, “That settles it. He’s staying…anything to get me out of prep work.”
Dave smiled at Kurt for approval.
Kurt figured if his dog and his dad liked him, Dave might as well stay for dinner. Burt told them that Carole was offered an extra shift, and so she and Finn wouldn't be there for dinner. Kurt was oddly happy that he wouldn't have to split his attention away from Dave.
After dinner, Dave thanked them for their hospitality before he departed. He had been so polite and genuine throughout his visit that it made Kurt pay closer attention. While prepping the zucchini and squash, Kurt noticed Dave’s arm muscles flex as he pushed down on the knife. He noticed Dave’s tongue peeking out the side of his mouth when he was concentrating on his tasks too. Kurt found it rather endearing and kind of cute. Dave was actually very good with the knife. He was quick and efficient. Kurt wondered if Dave’s mom taught him how to cook unlike Kurt who taught himself.
Kurt lay in his bed thinking about this guy that had almost metamorphosized right before his eyes. When his dad had asked how he knew Dave, Kurt spoke up and said that Dave had just joined Glee club. It was kind of a test to see what Dave would say, but Dave added that he’d been inspired by Kurt. He could imagine how he had inspired anybody unless it was to toss a body in the dumpster. Before Kurt could ask what he meant, Dave continued. Kurt sat open-mouthed as Dave Karofsky told his dad that he was gay, and Kurt’s bravery was his inspiration for coming out.
After a few minutes of his dad taking that in, Kurt had to reassure his dad that he and Dave were just friends, but surprisingly, his dad was rather calm. Kurt brought a boy home and his dad didn’t freak out. Of course the boy was nothing like Kurt. He was big and burly. Dave and Kurt's dad talked about sports and what teams they liked. Kurt was fascinated by it all. He had to admit that he was a little jealous because his dad’s face lit up when the topic moved to a particular team, and he could tell that Dave had a connection with his dad that he would never have.
On the couch, Dave sat near Kurt while Burt brought in dessert. They were homemade oatmeal cookies that Kurt made a couple of days ago, and they were fabulous. At one point, Kurt reached into the container and touched the back of Dave’s hand that was already there for a cookie. He immediately pulled it back, but Dave just offered up the cookie he had grabbed. Kurt reached for the cookie, but his eyes never left Dave’s gaze. How could it be possible that Dave was more attractive now than he was five minutes ago?
Kurt’s scrutiny moved from Dave’s eyes to his lips. Kurt vividly remembered those lips. They were full and gentle, and at the moment they were a deep burgundy. The contrast to Dave’s tanned skin was striking.
Kurt was shaken from his thoughts of the evening when Beacon hopped up on his bed.
“Beacon. Down.” Kurt snapped his fingers indicating the dog to get off the bed, but the stubborn mule just laid down next to Kurt’s feet. Kurt just sighed and shrugged it off. He was too tired to argue. As he drifted to sleep, Kurt remembered that he never asked Dave what he meant about protecting him at school. He was fighting slumber, so he’d have to remember to ask Dave about it on Monday.
School was going crappy again today. It rained overnight, Glee club was cancelled and Dave was absent. Kurt was so intent on not forgetting his missions today, but with those developments, he couldn’t help but let the air out of the balloon that was his tenacity. During lunch, Kurt asked Finn if he knew where Karofsky lived, but was only able to glean that Finn thought he lived on the east side of town.
Lima wasn’t that big, so the East-West divide was easy. A block past Main was the wooded area that divided the town. Kurt’s house was at the east-most point before the woods. In a way, it was an invisible line that some never seemed to cross. There really wasn’t a difference, but that’s just how it was. Kids that lived west of the woods went to McKinley and Kids on the east side went to Lima East. Kurt figured that the dividing line must not be so black and white or Dave would be going to East.
After school, Kurt got in his car and started to drive home. He must have been distracted because he missed his turn and soon was passing the wooded area. As he drove through that part of town, he wondered where Dave might live. The houses all looked the same. They were the same postage-stamp design with the same look and feel of his house and every other house in Lima. Some were two-stories and some were larger ranch-style houses, but nothing stood out.
Kurt was just about to give up and turn around before he got lost, when he saw something sparkle down a cross street. The twinkle of light had come from a mailbox at the end of a dead-end street. Kurt turned down the street to investigate. As he approached, he noticed the mailbox was white with some sort of design on the side.
He parked his car and stepped out. For some reason, he felt that he needed to inspect the art that was painted on. To get a better look, Kurt stood facing his truck which was parked directly in front of it. The mailbox was a landscape. It was mostly white mountains with a thread of blue sky and the sun at the top. It was only the bottom portion of the sun that bled off the top of the box.
Kurt reached his hand to touch the paint. He wanted to feel the ridges that made up the mountainous terrain. He barely had a finger on the first ridge when he was startled by a hand on his shoulder.
“Kurt?”
Kurt withdrew his hand, whipped around and gasped. It was Dave. He was standing there with a concerned look. How did he find me? He didn’t look sick. Why wasn’t he at school today? Kurt had so many questions.
“Dave.” Kurt finally squeaked. “What are you doing here?”
Dave chuckled, “I live here.” He motioned to the house behind Kurt. Dave turned back to Kurt and asked, “What are you doing here?”
Kurt still couldn’t believe it. Somehow he happened upon Dave’s house. He felt like he was in the twilight zone or something. Kurt swallowed and said, “You weren’t at school today.”
Dave’s face turned serious, “I’m grounded.”
Kurt stared at Dave. He’d never met Dave’s parents before, but he must have them. He thought about what Dave just said. He was grounded…from school?
“You’re grounded…from school?” he asked anyway. “My dad has grounded me from many things, but school has never been one of them.”
Dave seemed to ignore the question and took Kurt’s hand and pulled him toward his house. “Come on.” He said as he held Kurt’s hand. Kurt would always know instantly that Dave was touching him. His hands were warm and comforting. As Dave pulled Kurt around the house to the back yard, Kurt fought off the urge to think about what it would feel like to have the rest of Dave pressed up against him, keeping him warm.
“I want to show you something.” Dave’s back yard was rather small but it opened up to the woods behind it. Kurt saw the direction he was being pulled and resisted, but Dave just held on more firmly.
“Dave.” Kurt started.
“Trust me. You’re going to want to see this.” Dave said.
Kurt obliged against his better judgment. Dave could be taking him out to the woods behind Dave’s house to murder him. Even as the thought crossed his mind, he dismissed it. Dave wasn’t like that. Kurt knew he could trust him. Dave’s touch reminded him of his dream. The warm hands that held his face in his dream felt exactly like Dave’s when he kissed Kurt in the locker room. They felt warm, safe and comforting.
After a few minute’s walk through the damp woods, Kurt started to have déjà vu. Kurt blinked his eyes a few times before succumbing to the realization that they were in fact in the clearing from his dream. Kurt used his free hand to pinch his other arm.
“Ouch.” Kurt said to himself. Dave must have heard him though because he looked at Kurt and his arm before grinning and shaking his head.
“It’s not a dream Kurt.” He said as they took the first few steps inside the giant circle. It was just as lovely as Kurt’s dream. He reached down and felt the grass flit between his fingers and watched the wild flowers sway in the light breeze.
“But it is.” Kurt started. “This is literally my dream.” Kurt’s mouth was still open slightly. As his eyes swept over the scene, he caught Dave smiling at him. Kurt immediately snapped his mouth shut, but that didn’t deter Dave’s grin.
“You like it?” Dave asked.
Nodding was all Kurt could muster.
“Good. I built it.”
Kurt’s eyes widened even more if that were possible.
“What?” Kurt asked slowly.
Dave couldn’t wipe the proud grin from his face as he nodded.
“How? When?” Kurt came here for answers but ended up with more questions.
“I-“ Dave began but stopped abruptly. Cocking his head slightly. Kurt could swear he was listening for something. “My dad’s home. We gotta go.”
Dave pulled Kurt back into the woods and headed the same way they came. Kurt let Dave lead the way, but was still curious. “You could hear him from here?”
Tugging Kurt along, Dave shook his head, “It’s three o’clock. That’s when he gets home.”
Kurt looked at his watch and it was indeed three.
Back in Dave’s back yard, they snuck around the front towards Kurt’s car, but it was too late. As he passed the mailbox, he heard a different voice, a deeper, older voice.
“David?”
Dave spun around quickly. “Yes, father.”
“Aren’t you going to invite your little friend in?”
Dave looked unhappy. Kurt felt like a cheap hooker that Dave was hiding. Why was he ashamed of Kurt? Kurt wasn’t at all ashamed of Dave. Sure, he tried to push Dave’s buttons and failed, but he never tried to hide him.
“Yes, father.” He was resigned and sullen.
Inside the house, Kurt noticed that it was simple and a little rustic. All the furniture was older, but not in bad shape. Next to Kurt Dave sat with his head down like he’d been caught. Kurt knew Dave was grounded, but it was only from school, right? How bad could that be?
As Dave’s dad brought over a small tray with a few small cups and a pot, he looked from Dave to Kurt.
“Well since my son has forgotten his manners, my name is Paul.” After setting the tray down, Kurt reached his hand to meet Paul’s. This man was older than Kurt expected. He was graying and had a short-cropped goatee. Kurt estimated that he was in his mid-to-late fifties. Kurt immediately noticed that Paul’s hands were regular temperature, not warm like Dave’s. Oh crap, now he was comparing people’s hand temperature to Dave’s.
“I’m Kurt. Hummel. I go to school with David.” Kurt instantly noticed the quick look Paul gave Dave, not that Dave could see since he was still staring at some nonexistent thing on the coffee table in front of him.
Paul sat down and smiled, “David has never mentioned having a new friend.”
Kurt nodded and took a sip of tea. “Yea - we’re duet partners in Glee club.” Kurt noticed that Paul watched as he slowly brought the cup to his face and took a sip.
The comment made Dave glance up at his father who was waiting for the look. That was when Kurt realized Dave wasn’t ashamed of him; he was cowering, like a child in trouble. Kurt couldn’t help but to be worried for Dave. It was bad enough that he was grounded from school no less, but apparently he was getting Dave into even more trouble just for being there.
“You joined Glee club?” Paul asked Dave.
Dave nodded quickly and submissively.
Feeling the tension, Kurt moved to stand up, “Look - I just wanted to make sure David was okay. He wasn’t in school today. Of course, since Glee club was cancelled, it w-“
“Glee club was cancelled?” Dave spoke finally.
“Umm - yea. Mr. Schue got the flu or something. I don’t know. They said he was really cold…or he had a cold…I’m not sure…it’s all pretty vague.” Kurt noticed the concerned look Dave gave his dad. “What?” Kurt was confused. People get the flu all the time. Why were they acting like it was serious?
Paul stood up, leaving his teacup on the tray. Dave rose to meet his dad.
“See, dad? I told you.” Dave was more confident.
It was Paul’s turn to look nervous.
Paul took off for the other room before stopping and saying, “David - make sure the boy gets home safe.” Dave nodded an understanding.
Chapter 4
Author Palaemon77
Rating Mature
Genre Supernatural
Pairing Kurtofsky
Warnings Character Deaths
Wordcount 31459
Spoilers Season 2
Summary After the locker room kiss, Kurt finds out that Dave isn't who he thought he was, but at least he thought Dave was human.
Links
{ Chapter 1 } { Chapter 2 } { Chapter 3 } { Chapter 4 } { Chapter 5 } { Chapter 6 }
{ Chapter 7 } { Chapter 8 } { Chapter 9 } { Chapter 10 } { Chapter 11 } { Epilogue }
Chapter 3
Kurt was at home waiting for five o’clock. It was only five more minutes. His plan was to see if Dave showed up, and if he did, just tell him the truth. It was family night and he forgot. Kurt figured with the way Beacon reacted to Blaine, it was better if maybe he waited outside for Dave.
Kurt looked out the front window and still didn’t see Dave. Kurt opened the front door and stepped out. He took a couple of step off the porch, stood next to the tree in his front yard and looked at his watch. It was five on the dot, and no Karofsky. Well, Dave had said so himself. Maybe it was fate telling them it wasn’t meant to be. As Kurt turned to go back inside, he spotted a figure leaning against his front door.
Kurt’s heart skipped a beat before he realized that was Dave.
“Do not sneak up on people like that. I’m not too young to get a heart attack, you know.” Kurt didn’t really believe that, but his dad had just returned home a few weeks ago after recovering from one, so it was fresh in his thoughts.
“Sorry,” Dave chuckled, “…and your heart’s fine.” Before Kurt could stop him, Dave turned around and opened the door.
“No!” Kurt shouted, but before he realized it, Dave had the door open and naturally Beacon was there waiting again.
Beacon leaped on Dave’s chest just like Blaine, but instead of standing on Dave’s chest growling, he was standing there licking Dave’s face. The man was lying on the ground being licked to death and apparently loving it.
“Beacon.” Dave said between licks. “Beacon - you need to let me up. Come on…” Dave couldn’t stop his joy from leaking through, but finally was stern. “Beacon. Down.”
The dog immediately healed and sat next to Dave. It looked as if the dog was straining to get in a few more licks but contained itself.
Dave stood and patted the dog on his head, “Good boy.” Dave squatted down and rubbed the dog’s back and scratched his ears.
Kurt was amazed. His dog never reacted like that to anyone, let alone a stranger. He was still wary of Finn, and Finn visited all the time now. Beacon reacted more like he did with Kurt, but he’d known Kurt for his whole life.
Kurt widened the front door and the three of them went inside. Kurt was so distracted with what had just happened that he forgot his mission.
“Beacon. Sit.” Dave said as he patted the dog. It was obvious that Dave was a dog person, unlike Blaine. Kurt had to explain to Blaine that he didn’t name him; his dad said he was already named when they got him. Blaine thought it was an odd name, but Dave didn’t. Dave seemed to…
Wait a minute.
How did Dave even know Beacon’s name? Kurt was sure he hadn’t even mentioned the dog, and definitely didn’t have a chance before the attack-and-lick maneuver.
“Dave?” Kurt said. They were both sitting on the couch; Beacon snuggled next to Dave’s leg, eating up the affection.
“Yea?” Dave said looking up from the dog to Kurt.
“How did you know his name?” Kurt started. “Beacon? I don’t think I ever told you his name.”
Dave just continued scratching the dog and pulled on his collar. He held up a bone-shaped brass dog tag. “It’s on his tag.”
Kurt stared for a second. That’s true; it was plainly visible - if you squinted, but Kurt couldn’t shake the feeling that Dave hadn’t had enough time to read the tag before being licked into oblivion. Kurt thought about arguing, but it was plausible that Dave could have read it while beacon was standing on his chest. Of course, if a strange dog was standing on Kurt’s chest, reading a name tag would be the last thing he’d be doing.
Kurt was shaken from his thoughts when the front door opened again and his dad appeared.
“Dad.” Kurt said, voice higher than he’d liked.
“Kurt.” Burt nodded. “Who’s your friend?”
Dave stood and reached out a hand to Burt, “Dave Karofsky, sir. Nice to meet you.”
“Burt Hummel. Nice to meet you too.” Burt released Dave’s hand and looked to Kurt, “So is he staying for dinner?”
Kurt wasn’t prepared for that question. “Uhh.”
Dave interjected, “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to impose…although…I am pretty good at chopping vegetables.”
Without waiting for Kurt to answer, Burt spoke, “That settles it. He’s staying…anything to get me out of prep work.”
Dave smiled at Kurt for approval.
Kurt figured if his dog and his dad liked him, Dave might as well stay for dinner. Burt told them that Carole was offered an extra shift, and so she and Finn wouldn't be there for dinner. Kurt was oddly happy that he wouldn't have to split his attention away from Dave.
After dinner, Dave thanked them for their hospitality before he departed. He had been so polite and genuine throughout his visit that it made Kurt pay closer attention. While prepping the zucchini and squash, Kurt noticed Dave’s arm muscles flex as he pushed down on the knife. He noticed Dave’s tongue peeking out the side of his mouth when he was concentrating on his tasks too. Kurt found it rather endearing and kind of cute. Dave was actually very good with the knife. He was quick and efficient. Kurt wondered if Dave’s mom taught him how to cook unlike Kurt who taught himself.
Kurt lay in his bed thinking about this guy that had almost metamorphosized right before his eyes. When his dad had asked how he knew Dave, Kurt spoke up and said that Dave had just joined Glee club. It was kind of a test to see what Dave would say, but Dave added that he’d been inspired by Kurt. He could imagine how he had inspired anybody unless it was to toss a body in the dumpster. Before Kurt could ask what he meant, Dave continued. Kurt sat open-mouthed as Dave Karofsky told his dad that he was gay, and Kurt’s bravery was his inspiration for coming out.
After a few minutes of his dad taking that in, Kurt had to reassure his dad that he and Dave were just friends, but surprisingly, his dad was rather calm. Kurt brought a boy home and his dad didn’t freak out. Of course the boy was nothing like Kurt. He was big and burly. Dave and Kurt's dad talked about sports and what teams they liked. Kurt was fascinated by it all. He had to admit that he was a little jealous because his dad’s face lit up when the topic moved to a particular team, and he could tell that Dave had a connection with his dad that he would never have.
On the couch, Dave sat near Kurt while Burt brought in dessert. They were homemade oatmeal cookies that Kurt made a couple of days ago, and they were fabulous. At one point, Kurt reached into the container and touched the back of Dave’s hand that was already there for a cookie. He immediately pulled it back, but Dave just offered up the cookie he had grabbed. Kurt reached for the cookie, but his eyes never left Dave’s gaze. How could it be possible that Dave was more attractive now than he was five minutes ago?
Kurt’s scrutiny moved from Dave’s eyes to his lips. Kurt vividly remembered those lips. They were full and gentle, and at the moment they were a deep burgundy. The contrast to Dave’s tanned skin was striking.
Kurt was shaken from his thoughts of the evening when Beacon hopped up on his bed.
“Beacon. Down.” Kurt snapped his fingers indicating the dog to get off the bed, but the stubborn mule just laid down next to Kurt’s feet. Kurt just sighed and shrugged it off. He was too tired to argue. As he drifted to sleep, Kurt remembered that he never asked Dave what he meant about protecting him at school. He was fighting slumber, so he’d have to remember to ask Dave about it on Monday.
School was going crappy again today. It rained overnight, Glee club was cancelled and Dave was absent. Kurt was so intent on not forgetting his missions today, but with those developments, he couldn’t help but let the air out of the balloon that was his tenacity. During lunch, Kurt asked Finn if he knew where Karofsky lived, but was only able to glean that Finn thought he lived on the east side of town.
Lima wasn’t that big, so the East-West divide was easy. A block past Main was the wooded area that divided the town. Kurt’s house was at the east-most point before the woods. In a way, it was an invisible line that some never seemed to cross. There really wasn’t a difference, but that’s just how it was. Kids that lived west of the woods went to McKinley and Kids on the east side went to Lima East. Kurt figured that the dividing line must not be so black and white or Dave would be going to East.
After school, Kurt got in his car and started to drive home. He must have been distracted because he missed his turn and soon was passing the wooded area. As he drove through that part of town, he wondered where Dave might live. The houses all looked the same. They were the same postage-stamp design with the same look and feel of his house and every other house in Lima. Some were two-stories and some were larger ranch-style houses, but nothing stood out.
Kurt was just about to give up and turn around before he got lost, when he saw something sparkle down a cross street. The twinkle of light had come from a mailbox at the end of a dead-end street. Kurt turned down the street to investigate. As he approached, he noticed the mailbox was white with some sort of design on the side.
He parked his car and stepped out. For some reason, he felt that he needed to inspect the art that was painted on. To get a better look, Kurt stood facing his truck which was parked directly in front of it. The mailbox was a landscape. It was mostly white mountains with a thread of blue sky and the sun at the top. It was only the bottom portion of the sun that bled off the top of the box.
Kurt reached his hand to touch the paint. He wanted to feel the ridges that made up the mountainous terrain. He barely had a finger on the first ridge when he was startled by a hand on his shoulder.
“Kurt?”
Kurt withdrew his hand, whipped around and gasped. It was Dave. He was standing there with a concerned look. How did he find me? He didn’t look sick. Why wasn’t he at school today? Kurt had so many questions.
“Dave.” Kurt finally squeaked. “What are you doing here?”
Dave chuckled, “I live here.” He motioned to the house behind Kurt. Dave turned back to Kurt and asked, “What are you doing here?”
Kurt still couldn’t believe it. Somehow he happened upon Dave’s house. He felt like he was in the twilight zone or something. Kurt swallowed and said, “You weren’t at school today.”
Dave’s face turned serious, “I’m grounded.”
Kurt stared at Dave. He’d never met Dave’s parents before, but he must have them. He thought about what Dave just said. He was grounded…from school?
“You’re grounded…from school?” he asked anyway. “My dad has grounded me from many things, but school has never been one of them.”
Dave seemed to ignore the question and took Kurt’s hand and pulled him toward his house. “Come on.” He said as he held Kurt’s hand. Kurt would always know instantly that Dave was touching him. His hands were warm and comforting. As Dave pulled Kurt around the house to the back yard, Kurt fought off the urge to think about what it would feel like to have the rest of Dave pressed up against him, keeping him warm.
“I want to show you something.” Dave’s back yard was rather small but it opened up to the woods behind it. Kurt saw the direction he was being pulled and resisted, but Dave just held on more firmly.
“Dave.” Kurt started.
“Trust me. You’re going to want to see this.” Dave said.
Kurt obliged against his better judgment. Dave could be taking him out to the woods behind Dave’s house to murder him. Even as the thought crossed his mind, he dismissed it. Dave wasn’t like that. Kurt knew he could trust him. Dave’s touch reminded him of his dream. The warm hands that held his face in his dream felt exactly like Dave’s when he kissed Kurt in the locker room. They felt warm, safe and comforting.
After a few minute’s walk through the damp woods, Kurt started to have déjà vu. Kurt blinked his eyes a few times before succumbing to the realization that they were in fact in the clearing from his dream. Kurt used his free hand to pinch his other arm.
“Ouch.” Kurt said to himself. Dave must have heard him though because he looked at Kurt and his arm before grinning and shaking his head.
“It’s not a dream Kurt.” He said as they took the first few steps inside the giant circle. It was just as lovely as Kurt’s dream. He reached down and felt the grass flit between his fingers and watched the wild flowers sway in the light breeze.
“But it is.” Kurt started. “This is literally my dream.” Kurt’s mouth was still open slightly. As his eyes swept over the scene, he caught Dave smiling at him. Kurt immediately snapped his mouth shut, but that didn’t deter Dave’s grin.
“You like it?” Dave asked.
Nodding was all Kurt could muster.
“Good. I built it.”
Kurt’s eyes widened even more if that were possible.
“What?” Kurt asked slowly.
Dave couldn’t wipe the proud grin from his face as he nodded.
“How? When?” Kurt came here for answers but ended up with more questions.
“I-“ Dave began but stopped abruptly. Cocking his head slightly. Kurt could swear he was listening for something. “My dad’s home. We gotta go.”
Dave pulled Kurt back into the woods and headed the same way they came. Kurt let Dave lead the way, but was still curious. “You could hear him from here?”
Tugging Kurt along, Dave shook his head, “It’s three o’clock. That’s when he gets home.”
Kurt looked at his watch and it was indeed three.
Back in Dave’s back yard, they snuck around the front towards Kurt’s car, but it was too late. As he passed the mailbox, he heard a different voice, a deeper, older voice.
“David?”
Dave spun around quickly. “Yes, father.”
“Aren’t you going to invite your little friend in?”
Dave looked unhappy. Kurt felt like a cheap hooker that Dave was hiding. Why was he ashamed of Kurt? Kurt wasn’t at all ashamed of Dave. Sure, he tried to push Dave’s buttons and failed, but he never tried to hide him.
“Yes, father.” He was resigned and sullen.
Inside the house, Kurt noticed that it was simple and a little rustic. All the furniture was older, but not in bad shape. Next to Kurt Dave sat with his head down like he’d been caught. Kurt knew Dave was grounded, but it was only from school, right? How bad could that be?
As Dave’s dad brought over a small tray with a few small cups and a pot, he looked from Dave to Kurt.
“Well since my son has forgotten his manners, my name is Paul.” After setting the tray down, Kurt reached his hand to meet Paul’s. This man was older than Kurt expected. He was graying and had a short-cropped goatee. Kurt estimated that he was in his mid-to-late fifties. Kurt immediately noticed that Paul’s hands were regular temperature, not warm like Dave’s. Oh crap, now he was comparing people’s hand temperature to Dave’s.
“I’m Kurt. Hummel. I go to school with David.” Kurt instantly noticed the quick look Paul gave Dave, not that Dave could see since he was still staring at some nonexistent thing on the coffee table in front of him.
Paul sat down and smiled, “David has never mentioned having a new friend.”
Kurt nodded and took a sip of tea. “Yea - we’re duet partners in Glee club.” Kurt noticed that Paul watched as he slowly brought the cup to his face and took a sip.
The comment made Dave glance up at his father who was waiting for the look. That was when Kurt realized Dave wasn’t ashamed of him; he was cowering, like a child in trouble. Kurt couldn’t help but to be worried for Dave. It was bad enough that he was grounded from school no less, but apparently he was getting Dave into even more trouble just for being there.
“You joined Glee club?” Paul asked Dave.
Dave nodded quickly and submissively.
Feeling the tension, Kurt moved to stand up, “Look - I just wanted to make sure David was okay. He wasn’t in school today. Of course, since Glee club was cancelled, it w-“
“Glee club was cancelled?” Dave spoke finally.
“Umm - yea. Mr. Schue got the flu or something. I don’t know. They said he was really cold…or he had a cold…I’m not sure…it’s all pretty vague.” Kurt noticed the concerned look Dave gave his dad. “What?” Kurt was confused. People get the flu all the time. Why were they acting like it was serious?
Paul stood up, leaving his teacup on the tray. Dave rose to meet his dad.
“See, dad? I told you.” Dave was more confident.
It was Paul’s turn to look nervous.
Paul took off for the other room before stopping and saying, “David - make sure the boy gets home safe.” Dave nodded an understanding.
Chapter 4