Dependable. Reliable. Chapter Twelve / Epilogue.

May 16, 2011 01:18

 Title: Dependable. Reliable. Chapter 12/12 (and Epilogue)
Author: Pulpobsessed.
Pairing: Dave/OC. Dave/Kurt
Characters: This chapter: Dave Karofsky, Kurt Hummel, Mercedes Jones, Azimo Adams. Rachel Berry, Burt Hummel, Carole Hummel, the rest of the Gleeks, and Jess. 
Rating: R (for language and suggestive scenes)
Summary: 10 years after graduation. Dave is an openly gay man, living in Washington, DC, after a heartbreaking and soul crushing break up, he suddenly finds himself facing McKinley high and his past.
Genre: FutureFic
Disclaimer: Glee belongs to Ryan Murphy. Not me.
A/N. Here it is - the end of Dependable. Reliable.  The format is a bit different than my usual - the events of Sunday are told in a series of flashbacks as Dave drives to Columbus.  I want to say thank you to everyone who read and reviewed this fic - it has been an incredible journey for me to write this.  I decided to attempt fan fiction again because I had a story to tell - and I needed Dave to help me start working out a few things in my head.  Dave is very much a combination of what I see in the character and myself.  I can honestly say I loved writing every word of this fic.  Also, I promise that in the next week or so, things will begin to develop in my sequel.  I hope you enjoy the ending. And thanks for reading.

Previous Chapters. 1 | 2 | 3a | 3b | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |  11

Chapter 12

It has been said that if you rewind your life, you can often pinpoint those exact moments that change the direction of your life. As you scroll through the major instances of your life, moments stand out that show you precisely where things got either better or worse.

These moments of reflection give an individual perspective... letting you understand why you got to a particular place, or how you got there. They show what is important. Or what might have only seemed important, but was actually quite insignificant.

As Dave barrels his rental car down US33 towards Columbus and his plane home, he was quite sure that he didn’t need to reflect or rewind his life to understand or pinpoint exactly where his life had changed. It had happened over last seventy-two hours.

Nearly every single thing that had happened would appear important as he progressed through the rest of his life.

Ever since he had arrived in Lima, a shift started to occur in him. It had begun with his accepting and embracing his past actions - which eventually lead him to face those people who populated that past. Only to discover he was not hated, he was loved. He was missed. And he was forgiven. And it had certainly climaxed then Kurt kissed him for the first time on his bed in his hotel room.

Dave Karofsky had spent much of his life hoping to make up for past indiscretions, he had always pushed himself to do a little better. Be a little nicer. Make sure he was respectable, which ended up labeling him as dependable and reliable to his friends. If he wasn’t, if he took risks, then who knew what might happen... he often found that the consequences were rather dire.

This weekend, however, taking a risk had paid off. Big time.

Ten years ago, he had been on this same highway, driving as fast he could away from Lima, Ohio in a race to get away from his own monsters - monsters he had fabricated - monsters that he had spent a decade trying to bury. But those monsters clawed their way back up and forced a confrontation. Ten years ago, Dave had believed that he had left Lima, Ohio behind, but he had no idea that his future - the future of his sanity, of his emotional life, of his romantic life - would be found there.

Dave had run hard and fast from Lima...but Lima had other plans. He had returned a lonely, broken-hearted, scared man; he was leaving as someone on the brink of something amazing...maybe even with an amazing guy at his side... and surrounded by friends who saw past his epic failings and accepted him because they cared for him.

Dave glanced in the rearview mirror. The shape of Lima had dissolved into nothing but a shadow on the horizon behind him. And somewhere in that shadow...was Kurt.

Dave sighed at the thought of Kurt. Leaving him behind had been way too hard.

Dave could still feel Kurt’s kiss on his lips. Could still smell him. Could still see Kurt’s face as he said goodbye. They had promised to talk every night. Kurt had said he would visit... Dave could wait.

He thumbed his ipod to advance to the next song... and bland, generic pop filled the interior of the car. Dave let his mind recall that last kiss, one more time.

**************************************

*An Hour Before*

“This is way harder than I expected it to be.”

“Fuck. I know.”

“I wish you didn’t have to work tomorrow.”

“Me too. All I want to do is fall asleep and wake up to you, like I did this afternoon.”

“You looked so sleepy and happy.”

“That’s because I woke up to your smiling face. Otherwise, I would have been sleepy and grumpy.”

“Dave...”

“Yeah, Kurt?.”

“Nothing...” Kurt’s voice trailed off as he stepped forward and placed his forehead against Dave’s. “I just don’t want to say goodbye.”

Dave reached up and stroked Kurt’s cheek. “We’re not. We’re saying, I’ll see you soon, but talk to you even sooner.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” Dave smiled. He moved his hand to gently massage the back of Kurt’s neck.

Kurt and Dave were standing next to Dave’s rental car in Mercedes’ parent’s driveway. Dave had just said goodbye to Azimo, who was standing next to his girlfriend a few feet away. Both were wearing wide smiles - had been ever since they figured out Dave and Kurt had spent the night together.

In a few moments, Dave had to get in his car and start the drive back to the airport, then fly back to DC, back to a life outside of Lima - none of which Dave wanted anything to do with at the moment.

But he had to - he, even in spite of the events of this weekend, still had a whole life that needed living. But Dave wanted to have Kurt as part of that life now. He didn’t want to leave him behind, he wanted to take Kurt with him. He didn’t want to let go of Kurt’s hand. He didn’t want to to miss Kurt’s kisses and embrace.

“I have to go...or I might not make that plane.”

“You’ll text me when you get to the airport? And DC? And...”

“Kurt, I will text you when I get to the airport. When I land. When I get home... and I’ll call you tonight.”

“And after...”

“Everyday.”

“Good...I’m giving this up.”

“Neither am I. Not in a million years.”

Dave cupped Kurt’s face in one hand, and brought their lips together. Dave savored the taste and feel of Kurt’s lips on his...the tingle it brought to them. The way they still felt remarkably cool against his. The way they moved against Dave’s lips - and the gentle prodding of Kurt’s tongue to slide inside Dave’s mouth. Which he allowed, happily.

Dave moaned as they deepened the kiss. Kurt wrapped his arms around Dave’s waist, pulling him closer to him. Crushing their chests together. Dave felt Kurt’s hand grasp at the hair at the back of his neck, locking their heads together.

Dave loved the slight and persistent way that Kurt pulled his hair...it reminded him of a few of their more ambitious antics from the night before.

Dave, hesitantly, pulled away from the kiss. Neither wanted to stop. Neither wanted to leave the erotic and intense comfort of each other’s mouths and bodies. Kurt pressed one more quick kiss against Dave’s lips.

“This is my least favorite part of the whole weekend.”

“MIne too.”

“I’m so glad you came. I’m so glad we got to have last night. I’m so glad I let myself...”

“Kurt... you talk way too much. Let’s not do that, ok? The more we say, the more it sounds like we’re saying good-bye for good or something. And we both know we’re not. So.. how about we say, thanks?”

Kurt nodded and smiled. “I like that. Thanks, Dave.”

“Thanks, Kurt. Crap, I need to go...”

“Yeah.” Kurt kissed him one more time. “Bye David. Go back to DC and fight the good fight.”

“I will... and I’ll call you tonight. I promise.”

Dave opened the car door. He lifted his arm in a wave to Mercedes and Azimo. “Bye guys! I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Bye Dave.” Mercedes called out.

“Bye Dude! Call you this week...and remember, I’m coming for a visit, like as soon as I can get the time off.”

“I’m holding you too it.” Dave climbed into the car.

Kurt leaned down, so they were again eye level. “Buckle up and drive safe.”

“I will. Bye Kurt.”

“Bye Dave.” Kurt was smiling, so Dave did too. Kurt kissed him one last time. Dave could feel the smile on his face as he did.

Kurt pulled back. Then stood up and closed the door for Dave. Dave pressed his hand on the window. Then he started the car and backed out of the driveway. He turned onto the street and started on his journey home.

He glanced back once, and saw Kurt waving after him from the foot of the driveway.

**************************

Dave watched as sign posts, billboards, gas stations and fast food joints sped past him. He reached down and grabbed the Burger King cup out of the drink holder, taking a long sip of the disgustingly sweet root beer. He wished he had taken Carole’s offer of making him a snack for the road - but he hadn’t wanted to impose.

He had, after all, spent a good majority of his afternoon asleep in their house.

Kurt had tried to convince him to take the offered food, telling him that Carole would be more than happy to ‘fix him up something nice for the drive.’ But anxious Dave had taken over and stressed that they would see him only as free loading... which he now thinks was totally stupid of him.

So, now he’s stuck eating disgusting fast food and drinking soda that tastes like someone was standing it in barefoot for a few hours. After taking another sip, he shoved the cup back in its holder, and reached for one of the bottles of water on the passenger seat...opening it and taking a long swallow.

Dave flexed his hand on the steering wheel. He has so fucking happy that he’d taken a nap in the afternoon, it had done wonders. The moment his head had hit the pillow in Kurt’s bed, he’d been out. Not even Kurt’s rather alluring body next to his could have prevented falling into a coma like sleep.

Dave continued to marvel at the change he felt in himself. As though this entire day had just been about renewal. Dave could almost feel the potential radiating from this day. Potential that seemed all the more real when waking up to Kurt’s face.

Dave again reached over to the passenger seat and grabbed a couple Red Vines - so much better than Twizzlers. By the time he landed in DC, he’d be crashing so hard from the sugar rush... Jess will just love that.

He munched on the candy. Humming softly to himself.

**********************

*Seven Hours Earlier*

“Your place hasn’t changed much.”

“Did you ever come over here in high school?”

“Once. We were practicing for a duet in glee. Carole tried to feed me my weight in cookies.”

“She’ll probably still try to do that.”

“Thanks for the warning.”

Dave and Kurt sat in Dave’s rental car in the Hummel-Hudson’s driveway. They had just driven over from brunch - although with a promise to drop by and say goodbye to Mercedes and Azimo before Dave hit the road.

“I’m so tired I don’t even know if I can get out of the car.” Dave moaned as he sagged forward, hitting his forehead on the steering wheel.

“Come on. I promise, there is a very comfortable bed inside with your name on it.”

“Will you nap with me?”

“I don’t know if us in the same bed is a good idea.”

“Kurt, trust me. I am so tired right now that even the idea of trying to get an erection makes me want to cry.”

“What if I promise to do that thing...”

“Please don’t finish that train of thought.”

“Ok, ok. Come on, though. Dad and Carole will be waiting.”

“Will I have to make small talk?”

“Probably. My dad is curious about you.”

“Can’t he be curious about me after I sleep?”

“Perhaps. Plus, they’re interested in the whole social work thing.”

“For Finn, you mean.”

“Yeah...” Kurt’s voice trailed off.

“Kurt... it’s ok. He’ll be ok. There’s nothing you could have done...”

“I know... I just feel, well, bad. Responsible, you know?”

“I know. But, have faith that you and everyone else who loves him will help. Just give him time and he’ll come back to you.” Dave knew he should tell Kurt what he told the others at brunch, but he couldn’t do that just yet... he was just too tired to get into that conversation right now.

“I know. Thanks Dave.” Kurt’s voice was quiet and sad. He sat silently for a second, then forcing himself out of the moment, exclaimed “Ok! Let’s get you inside and asleep so you don’t kill yourself or innocent people while driving to the airport.”

“Deal.”

The inside of Kurt’s family home had not really changed much in ten years - except for the addition of an enormous flat screen television in the living room. Dave immediately began to picture that hanging on his living room wall - Burt’s TV made his 40 inches look tiny.

Dave stood in the front entrance way, unsure exactly what to do. His body was threatening to just fall over at any second and his eyes were starting to feel heavier and heavier...they were threatening to start tearing up soon. Dave sighed and toed off his Converse sneakers...

“David!” Suddenly Dave was pulled into a massive hug by Kurt’s stepmom. “Look at you!”

“Hi Mrs. Hummel.”

“It’s Carole... and it is so lovely to see you. When Burt said that you and Kurt were spending time together, well...I was just so excited that you decided to come home.”

“I’m pretty glad to be back. I’m sorry I didn’t come in this morning, but Kurt didn’t want to be late to brunch.”

“That’s ok - he barely paused to say hello to us. Kurt did say that you two talked all night.”

“We did...”

“Well, there he is!” Burt’s voice rang out. The older man stepped out of the living room - blocking Dave’s view of that beautiful tv. Burt moved towards Dave, holding his arms out, Dave stepped into the hug. “It’s good to see you kid.”

“Thanks Sir.”

“Call me Burt.”

“Ok, Burt.”

“You look great!”

“Thanks...”

“You work out?”

“Yeah - a couple times a week.”

“Sports?”

“Used to play rugby. Might start up again.”

“Good. Well, come on in, let’s get you a coffee or something and catch up.”

Dave nodded, smiled tiredly. His eyes sought out Kurt’s - pleading with him to get him out of the coffee and let him lie down. Their eyes connected, and Kurt smiled.

“Hey Dad, Dave needs to drive to Columbus in a few hours - we didn’t get much sleep, so how about we let him nap for a bit and have a bite to eat before he leaves?”

Burt’s eyebrow rose, slowly. He smirked and nodded. “Of course. We don’t want you driving while exhausted or anything...”

“Certainly,” Carole stepped in, “why not go lie down in Kurt’s bed for a while?”

“Thanks Carole.” Dave said tiredly.

“Come on Dave, I’ll take you up.” Kurt put his hand on the small of Dave’s back. Pushing him towards the stairs.

“Make sure you two actually get some rest.” But called after them, laughter evident in his voice.

“Burt!” Carole snapped.

Dave looked sheepishly at Kurt, “Can I lie down now?”

Kurt’s room was not so much Kurt’s room any more as it was a tastefully decorated guest room. The bed was a large double - covered by tasteful navy blue duvet, white sheets and pillow cases. Next to the door was a large dresser with a series of family photos arrange around a large vase with some kind of white flowers in it. Next to the dresser was a small suitcase - Kurt’s. Hanging on the closet door was Kurt’s traveling suit bag - his suit from last night had been hung up carefully inside.

Dave pulled off his shirt and flopped onto the bed. Savoring the feeling of the soft cool bedding enveloping him. He moaned softly.

“Dave, take your jeans off. You’ll be more comfortable.”

Dave flopped over. Undid his jeans and started to pull them off. He got half way past his hips when he felt Kurt’s hands grabbing them and pulling them the rest of the way off.

“Thanks Kurt.” Dave mumbled as he toed his socks off.

“No worries, now get under the covers - and sleep.”

“Will you join me?”

“Yeah, I’m just gonna go talk to Dad and Carole about this Finn thing and then I’ll be back up.”

“Kay.” Dave nestled deeper into the sheets. The pillow was so soft. He sighed deeply as he closed his eyes. The last thing he remembered was Kurt closing the curtains and shutting the door behind him.... Then he fell into unconsciousness.

Dave’s next conscious thought came a few hours later as he slowly became aware of a hand softly playing with his hair. He moaned softly and buried his face deeper into the pillow, nuzzling it.

He could not help the smile that was spreading across his face. He slowly opened his eyes. He saw Kurt’s face slowly materialize in front of him. His smile slowly broadened. “Hey there.”

Kurt smiled back. “Hey yourself.”

“How long have you been here?”

“I crawled in about an hour after you dropped off.”

“I had no idea.”

“I know... I got in and you just rolled over and cuddled into me.”

Dave leaned in and kissed Kurt. “I could easily get used to this.”

“What? The bed?”

“No, you in a bed with me.”

“Yeah, I think I could too.”

“What time is it?”

“Just after five thirty.”

“I don’t have to leave for an hour.”

“I know.”

“I wanna cuddle for a while.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

“And then I suppose I can spend a bit of time talking to your parents.”

Kurt moved into Dave’s arms. Pressing his face into the spot just under Dave’s chin - their bare chest rubbing against one another. Dave heard Kurt sigh contentedly.

“Tell me about your day tomorrow...”

“Why do you want to hear about that?”

“So when I think about you, I’ll know what to imagine.”

“Oh...well, I’ll probably get up about twenty minutes after my alarm goes off...and panic because I’m running late....

***********************

Dave could see the skyline of Columbus in the distance - he was nearly there. Occasionally, as he drove, he had to fight the urge to turn the car around and go directly back to find Kurt.

Waking up with Kurt this afternoon had been heaven - it had been so long since he’d felt that good waking up with someone. Sure there was a small corner of his brain that worried over whether they were moving too fast...but the way he felt, and clearly the way Kurt felt too, well it just felt right.

As the Ohio landscape whipped by him, Dave watched the signpost. But, instead of the sign posts, he saw figures from his past:

His parents - who loved him and told him so every time they talked. Who had accepted him and his sexuality unconditionally. Dave made a mental note to look into visiting Florida sometime soon...

Azimo - his oldest friend. Who, Dave expected a Big Mac in his face from when he came out. But instead, found friendship and acceptance. A guy he abandoned and betrayed, but who welcomed him back with open arms and a renewed friendship.

Rachel - a very annoying girl who always gave him her ear and shoulder should he need them. Someone who even after a decade of not speaking to each other still turned to Dave for help, and offered the same in return.

Finn - a guy Dave never really got to know - mostly because he was scared shitless that if he did, Finn would figure out how much he liked Kurt. Now, however, Dave only wanted to find some way to help Finn... use his connections and knowledge to get Finn back on track. And not only because of Kurt.

Mercedes - someone Dave was also frightened of as a teenager; but who turned out to be not only Kurt’s best friend, but his best friend’s life-long love.

The rest of the gleeks - from Artie to Tina. All made a huge difference in his life. Especially someone like Santana, with her take no shit attitude, showed him at the end of high school that being gay was just what they were. He missed her. Maybe a trip to Denver at some point...

Even Blaine was amongst those sign posts...as someone who helped Dave get a start on his life long self-discovery project. Blaine’s actions at prom had prompted him to push himself to be a better person. To be someone you would want to know.

And then there was Kurt... Dave had no idea exactly how to characterize Kurt. In high school he’d been Dave’s victim, his tormentor, his redemption, then is friend... he had also been Dave’s most significant unrequited crush. Now, he was Dave’s lover.

Never - ever - in a million years would Dave had thought that he could use those words... Kurt Hummel was his lover. He’d had sex with Kurt. Three times.

Now if that wasn’t life changing, Dave didn’t know what was.

All of these people had impacted his life. They had helped to make him into the person he is now. He had kept many of them boxed up and sealed in the airtight container known as Lima, Ohio. Two days ago - when he arrived on Friday - he had opened that container... and let every one of those ghosts burst back out.

And today, he was happily surrounded himself by them.

****************************

*Ten Hours Earlier*

“Remember when we did that Mariah Carey and Madonna mash-up and made Puck dress up like Mariah?”

“Of course I do!” Dave laughed, remembering the intense arguments that had burst out in the choir room as all the girls worked to convinced Puck that he needed to go in drag for at least one number.

“I don’t want to talk about this.” Puck muttered from the other end of the table.

“Oh please,” Lauren grumbled, “you strutted around that school with your make up on like you were the first man to ever think of doing drag.”

“That’s cause I had the balls to do it.”

“Really?” Dave chimed in, “and here I thought you just like the fact that the wig actually gave you good hair for once.”

“Karofsky, don’t make me turn your little kumbaya reunion moment into a bloodbath, dude.”

“You and what army? Oh... maybe that’s what the extra weight around your gut is.”

“You’re an ass.”

“A lovable one at that.” Kurt said, smiling happily across the table from Dave.

Az, who was sitting next to Dave, leaned over and whispered, “Dude, seriously, you and Kurt hooked up?”

“We didn’t intend on it. It just kinda developed that way. We stayed up all night talking and then this morning... well you know.”

“You found out the happiest place on earth is actually in Kurt’s pants?”

Dave snorted, almost spitting his coffee out of his nose.

“Wha...” Dave furiously wiped at his face. “Jesus, Az.”

“What? Come on, dude, this is huge! You’ve been wanting to get with Kurt since like junior year. Then all that shit with Blaine went down, totally fucking you up. And now, you and Kurt end up doing the nasty...”

“Az, it was more than that. It was ... I don’t know... something bigger.”

“Like...dating, relationship type big?”

“I think so. It feels like it...god, I hope so.”

“So go for it, dude. I mean...you kinda already did.” Az jabbed Dave in the ribs, smirking suggestively.

“Will you shut it.”

“What? You worried everyone will find out?”

“No...”

“Good, cause everyone already knows. The way you two walked in here, practically attached at the hip. The whispered conversations. Plus the fact that I can almost see the two of you playing footsie under the table.”

Dave face was slowly turning a very bright shade of red. Not only at the fact that his and Kurt’s adventures last night, but at the sensation of Kurt’s foot slowly sliding up his calf under the table.

Dave glanced towards Kurt, finding that Kurt was staring, quite intently, at him. Kurt smiled and then extended his hand to Dave. Dave, without even giving it a second thought, reached out and clasped Kurt’s hand.

“I knew it!” Quinn suddenly yelled out! “Dave and Kurt totally went home together last night. They’re holding hands! They. Are. Holding. Hands!”

“Yes, Quinn, we are.” Kurt said drolly. “And as for what happened last night, well... that’s a whole lot of none of your business, lady!”

“Hey, not saying you guys have to kiss and tell... just pointing out what everyone can see.”

“Screw that.” Puck said, “I wanna hear every single detail. Come on! Porn this motherfucker up!”

“Puck!” Lauren snapped at him. “Stick it back in your pants, and leave them alone.”

“Way to kill my buzz.”

“Yeah, well, apparently I’ve been doing that for ten years now. Asshat.” Lauren muttered under her breath. She turned her attention back to her omelette, an unhappy look on her face.

“How about we talk about something else?” Dave asked. And while he very much wanted them to stop talking about him and Kurt, he had no intention of letting go of Kurt’s hand. Kurt, however, clearly had other ideas... such as eating. 

“Dave,” he said softly. “Would you mind if we ate and then held hands after?”

“Oh, right sorry.”

He fell into an easy conversation with Mercedes about the hospital and how she was handling residency in the emergency.

It was in the middle of a conversation about the best way to properly suture a wound to prevent scarring - with Az and Mercedes arguing over the best technique - when Rachel appeared.

She hurried towards them.

“Rachel!” Kurt said, smiling. “We were wondering where you guys were....Um...where’s Finn?”

“Kurt can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure.” Kurt got up from the table, concern and worry etched all over his face. He glanced at Dave, smiling weakly. “I’ll be right back guys.”

“Kurt, you want me to come?” Dave asked softly.

“No. I’ll be right back.” Kurt and Rachel moved away, apparently towards the front of the restaurant.

“Ten to one, he’s gone again.” Az said.

“Yeah. Bet he was gone before Rachel even woke up this morning.” Tina muttered, shaking her head.

“What do you mean?” Dave looked up and down the table.

“This is a repeating pattern.” Quinn spoke up. “We all know that Finn and Rachel are sleeping together - I’m sure I know exactly when it started, sometime shortly after the divorce, but he runs to her when he says his family is suffocating him. She takes him in, tries to convince him to get help. He cries and says that he wants to get better, that all he wants is to go back overseas. They have sex. Then he’s gone the next morning. Along with any alcohol that she might have lying around.”

Quinn paused for a moment, looking down at her coffee. Then she continued. “He shows up again in a couple days, stinking of booze and promising to try and get clean. He tries to get better for a while, but then something sets him off again. Sometimes he goes to Rachel - even flying to New York - and sometimes he just finds a local bar.” 

“It’s usually seeing me that sets him off.” Quinn sighed as she sipped her coffee.

Dave pushed a slice of french toast around his plate, ponderously. “So, um, where would he go?”

“Probably off to one of his military buddies or down to Cincinnati. To bounce around the bars for a few days. Who knows really...”

“Quinn,” Mercedes spoke up, finally, “We can’t always assume that he’s going on another bender. You never know...”

“Yes, yes we can. Finn probably had another one of his moments last night, needed Rachel to comfort him and then decided this morning that he couldn’t handle seeing us again or dealing with whatever it is that we represent. Or more to the point, he could not face seeing me - the person he blames for all his troubles in life.”

“Is it so wrong to have some faith in him?”

“I’m tired of having faith in him. I’m tired of trying to see the good in him. And I’m tired of being his emotional punching bag.” She sighed and stared down at her plate. “My life got ruined too...he’s not the only one in pain.”

Puck, who was sitting next to her, reached out and put his arm around her. “I know, babe.”

The whole table fell into an awkward silence. Everyone staring down at their plates. Dave looked at each person sitting there...he knew this Finn thing had larger emotional consequences than Kurt or Quinn or Rachel had let on. Perhaps it was bigger than they even realized. And it was pretty damn obvious that they were all beating themselves up over it too.

“I just sometimes wish we could do something to make this better...you know?” Mercedes muttered.

“Look,” Dave started, “I don’t really know everything that happened, and I’ve been absent for the past ten years...but... well, there’s nothing you can do. It’s not up...”

“Dude! Look, no offense...”

“Puck, shut up.” Quinn snapped.

“Yeah, man, let Dave talk...he has like experience with this shit, ok.” Azimo barked out.

“Go on, Dave.”

“Well... it’s not up to you as to whether Finn gets help or not. It’s Finn who has to really decide that he needs help. Finn has to make the decision that enough is enough, and that he actually wants to break out of the pattern that he so clearly is trapped in right now. He needs to know that he won’t be coddled... that he is fucking up. It sounds like that he runs away does a bunch of bad shit, and when he comes back every one loves him and just treats him like everything is going to be ok. Well... it’s not. Not until he gets help. If you want to help him. Break the pattern. Don’t welcome him back with open arms... he needs to know he fucked up.”

“But...”

“No buts, Tina. If you’re going to help Finn, he needs to see just how bad it can get. Quinn, Kurt, his mom, Burt...all of you... you’re reinforcing his behavior. Stop doing that and he’ll eventually fuck up so bad that he’ll have to go into rehab. But he needs real help - psychological help - post-traumatic stress won’t just go away. He needs help. And holding his hand isn’t gonna cut it anymore.”

The table fell silent again. Dave hoped he had not gone too far.

“If it will help him... I’ll do it.” Quinn’s voice was determined. “I just want him to get better.”

“I’ll do anything I can.” Mercedes agreed.

“Kurt and Rachel are coming back...so let’s shut it on this for now. You know how they get...” Lauren hissed, shutting then all up.

Kurt slid back into his seat across from Dave. He looked pale and worried. Rachel looked equally worried.

“What happened?” Dave asked.

“Finn’s gone - he told Rachel that he needed to get away from everything for a while. The reunion was too much...or something. It was another Finn excuse.” As he said this, he caught Dave’s eye... the look Dave saw there told him that something else had happened.

The noise Quinn made at Kurt’s words suggested she knew something else had happened as well.

“Look,” Kurt said, attempting to sound cheerful, “why don’t we have a pleasant brunch and we can talk about Finn after - I mean Dave’s only here for a few more hours...”

“I agree.” Rachel said, also struggling to sound as upbeat as possible, “we can be all doom and gloom for the rest of the day. Right now, let’s try and just have some fun?”

There was a mummer of agreement around the table. Slowly they all fell back into various conversations. 

Dave looked over at Kurt and mouthed, ‘Are you ok?’

Kurt nodded. ‘I will be.”

Before Dave could respond, he was being pulled into a conversation with Rachel about theatre in the DC area...and how she could clearly make it big there.

As Rachel was babbling on about American theatre, Azimo leaned into Dave. “Hey, dude. Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“If I wanted to, you know, visit you sometime. Would that be cool?”

“It would be more than just cool! Yes, I want you to visit. I have a guest room you could stay in!”

“We could have a boy’s weekend!”

“Az, I absolutely want you to visit me in DC.”

“Cool! I’l talk to my boss on monday about when I can get time off next, and then we can plan something.”

Dave could feel his blood pumping with excitement. He could also feel Kurt’s leg rubbing against his. As he made plans with Az, along with describing the Kennedy Centre to Rachel, he realized that he not only had the makings of an amazing boyfriend sitting across from him, but he had gotten his best friend back from high school...

Dave smiled and he took another bite of his breakfast and described the time he’d attended the Kennedy Center honors a couple years ago.

*********************************

The airport was madness. Absolute madness. There were people milling about everywhere. Which Dave was not exactly expecting, seeing as how it was a Sunday evening...and not exactly a big vacation time of year.

After dropping off the rental car, he hurried over to the Southwest Air counter to check in. He had forgotten to check in on-line this morning at the hotel or at Kurt’s dad’s. Before going through security, he quickly sent a text to Kurt, reassuring him he had survived the drive and thanking him again for the day.

As he stood in line for security, he saw a couple standing off to the side, clearly saying goodbye to each other. The girl had her arms around the man’s waist and was pressing her face into his neck, while he was rubbing reassuring circles into the small of her back. Dave smiled at the image. And smiled even more at the flood of memories from that morning it caused.

Just a little more than twelve hours ago, Dave had been naked in bed with Kurt Hummel making love. The taste of Kurt’s skin, the taste of it, was unlike anything else Dave had ever experienced in his life. The way Kurt’s body responded to his - arching to his touch, writing against his tongue, blushing against his kiss.

Dave could still feel the wet warmth of Kurt mouth on him. The strong legs wrapped around his waist. The sensation of his tongue gliding across Kurt’s neck and chest.

Kurt had managed to turn Dave on in ways that he did not even know was possible.

He apparently still had a small private smile on his face when he went through security, as the guard commented on it. Dave just laughed it off, not really wanting to get into a big thing with the guy. Dave walked towards his gate. Stopping at one those ‘buy everything you never thought you would ever need when flying’ stores to get a bottle of gatorade, a large bag of jujubes, and a magazine.

As he sat at the gate, he tried to fool himself he was actually interested in playing the latest version of Angry Birds, and was not secretly hoping that Kurt would respond to his text message. Sighing in defeat, he opened up the messages app again.

Am at gate. Missing you. Looking forward to talking later. xoxo

He then resumed staring at his phone, willing it to ring.

After twenty minutes of sitting there, he heard his flight being called. Kurt was probably just busy, maybe driving to get to Cincinnati for his flight...which actually was tomorrow, but Dave decided to ignore that fact... or he was spending time with Burt and Carole. Dave would arrive in Washington with like half a dozen texts or something. Dave boarded the plane. He was trying to ignore the overwhelming sense of nervousness in his gut about the lack of response... but for Dave, who had always found himself on the wrong side of anxiety, that was not the easiest thing to do.

Sitting back in his seat. Candy at the ready - not sure if more sugar was such a great idea at this point... Dave closed his eyes and let himself slide back to that morning...

***********

“I wish we weren’t in this car right now.”

“Oh, and why’s that?” Dave looked over at Kurt, who actually did seem slightly miserable. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just that upstairs, in that room, it was like a whole separate world. We could just be with each other. No one had any expectations of us...I guess, i don’t want to go back to the reality of life. A step-brother who is slowly killing him self with alcohol, a job I love in a city I’m so lonely in, a love-life that makes a Benediction monk look like a rent boy...upstairs, was easy. It was nice. And it’s because of you.”

“Kurt, I loved every second of it too. I don’t want this to end either. And I don’t think it has to. Sure, we’re going back to our separate lives, but New York’s what like three hours from DC by train... we’ll see each other all the time. And if you really want out of New York... I’ll help you. I want you in my life, Kurt.”

“And I want you...”

“So, then, leaving that hotel room was not about ending something, it was about beginning something.”

Kurt leaned over towards him. “David...”

Dave pressed his forehead against Kurt’s. “Let’s start something awesome. Ok?”

“Okay. I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Neither can I.”

“Promise me we’ll make this work?”

“I promise.”

Kurt lifted his head to capture Dave’s lips in a kiss. They sat there in the parking lot of the Courtyard Marriott, kissing. Dave was sure, absolutely sure, that this moment was truly the start of a whole new life for him.

“Ok, we better get you changed, we have a brunch to get to.”

“Ok.”

“Hey, what are we gonna be like around... well... the others?”

“I’m not hiding what’s happening. Besides, Mercedes will be able to take one look at me and know exactly what’s going on.”

“Ok, I was actually thinking about climbing a few buildings and yelling it out from the rooftops...”

****************************

Dave stared at his phone. Anxiously waiting...again.

After getting off the plane at Reagan airport in DC, he had immediately turned off airplane mode - ten seconds later a series of texts from Kurt had come in.

Dave had nearly cried in relief.

The first text had been simple: Glad you made it to the airport. Thank you for the amazing day!

The second one had been sent seconds later: Have a safe flight. I miss you.

Then the last one had worried Dave: So much crap going on. Wish you were here to talk to.

Dave had quickly fired off a response as soon as he’d read that. Hey! Flight was ok. Read a magazine and part of my novel. Are you ok? Tell me what’s wrong. Worried about you!

So far, there had been no response. Dave was back to willing his phone to make a noise. He’d pretty much decided that he could not control technology with the power of his mind.

Dragging his carry-on wheeled suitcase behind him, he moved towards the arrivals area...he could see Jess leaning against one of the pillars, waiting for him. She looked up from her phone, he waved to catch her attention. She broke in to a huge smile and started to walk towards him.

“Hello you.” He said softly as he stepped into her arms. He pressed his face against her soft blond hair. She hugged back tightly.

She stepped back from the hug, and looked at him with a quizzical look. “Something happened since we texted last night. What?”

“Nothing.” Dave laughed and smiled at her. “Except I’m exhausted.”

“You had sex.” She said in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.

“How do you do that?”

“Body language. You have this really relaxed way about you. You only get that when you’ve had sex - more specifically, good sex.”

“Jesus...”

“So you and Kurt huh?”

“Yeah, this morning... we stayed up all night talking, and then around six am...well, it just happened.”

“That’s amazing! I’m bloody excited for you.”

“And then it just kinda happened two more times.”

“Three times - you machine.” Jess smiled.

Dave just laughed. “It was a lot more than just sex, Jess.”

“Oh really? Does Davey had a boyfriend?”

“DAVE has a person of interest.”

“I hate that term... either you’re dating or not...”

“We want to see where things go... ok?”

“Fine...you hungry?”

“I could eat. And then I could definitely sleep.”

“Wanna be bad and get fast food?”

“That’s all that will still be open.”

“Yes! Big Mac and nuggets, here I come.”

“For such a small person, you eat so much.” Dave muttered as he glanced at his phone again.

“You ok?”

“Yeah... he just sent me a weird text, said that some had happened. He hasn’t responded to me since I asked him what was wrong.”

“Dave, it’s after one in the morning... maybe since you two stayed up all night talking, he went to bed?”

“He would have texted me to say so.”

“Uh oh...are we going to get crazy now?”

“No, Jess, I promise I am not going to go to the crazy relationship place.”

Jess rolled her eyes. “Ok, but just have some faith in him. He’ll probably text you by the time we get home, or there’ll be one waiting for you when you get up.”

“We’re supposed to talk before we go to bed.”

“I am going to avoid sticking my fingers in my mouth and make a gagging noise... but you should know, the sentiment is there.”

“When he comes to visit, I’ll be sure we become the most annoying couple in the world every time we’re around you.”

“And suddenly all future house-sittings, drives to the airport, stalking of exes...dries up.”

“Oh please, the next time you have a boy emergency, you’ll call me for a late night Haagan Daas and forget all about it.”

“Add in a bottle of gin and you’ve got a deal.”

“Deal.” Dave said laughing.

“Seriously, though, I am really happy that this weekend went so well...I know how insane it was making you before you left. And I’m even happier that you and Kurt managed to bump uglies and form a deep psychic and soulful connection.”

“At least I know you were sincere for most of that.”

“What!? I meant all of it. I am happy for you.”

“A deep psychic and soulful connection...?”

“Fine...I’m happy you and Kurt made up and actually acted on all those deep and unresolved feelings. Does that sound more honest?”

“And the bumping uglies was pretty awesome too...”

They had arrived at her car. “Get in, let’s go eat bad food...and you can tell me all about the ugly bumping.”

Dave put his suitcase in the backseat and climbed into the passenger seat. He could feel the intense exhaustion again...his entire body screamed for his bed. He missed his bed. God, he couldn’t wait for that massive king size pillow top mattress, with his body pillow and memory foam head pillows. He relaxed into the seat, closing his eyes and let his mind wander back over the whole weekend.

It seemed like the last three days had been some kind of crazy dream or weird drug trip. So much of it seemed surreal.

The weekend was a blur - going from nearly having an anxiety attack over the thought of walking through the doors of McKinley high for the first time in ten years, to waking up in Kurt’s bed on Sunday afternoon...Dave had no idea how to even begin processing the last seventy-two hours...

He looked out the window of Jess’ car and watched the Washington Monument lit up in the distance. Ever since he had moved to DC, that phallic pillar had been one of his favorite sights in the whole city - not only was it an amazing site of power, but when you stood on the raised ground it sat on you could see all the major spots of the city: The White House, the Lincoln Memorial, The Capital, even the Jefferson memorial. Dave had always gone there when he needed to think, when he needed to remind himself that he was in one of best places on earth, when he needed to remember that he was doing good in this world...because that monument was a testament to exactly how much good one person could do.

As Dave watched the white tower grow closer, he knew now that he never had to worry that his friends would reject him, they all saw the good in him... it just took him a decade to find his way back to them.

He smiled in the darkness of the car. Tomorrow, after work, he’d go make a visit to the memorial...just to spend some time processing and thinking.

The past was finally where it belonged - in the past. And the people who populated that past were also where they belonged... as part of Dave’s present and future. He no longer had to be anxious or frightened about the past...it had just accepted him.

Dave Karofsky had come a long way... but there was no way that he could only be described as boring...or dependable, reliable...anymore. And just as that thought formed...he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

He smiled and reached for his phone.

fin.

Epilogue.

Dave stood at the foot of his bed, smiling down at the deep brown duvet that covered, what he knew was an incredibly soft mattress. The moment he lay down on it it would surround him, practically hugging his entire body.

He couldn’t wait.

Taking a deep breath, he leaped off the ground, and flung himself onto the bed. He relished the way the bed seemed to fold up around his body. For a second it reminded him of the way Kurt had wrapped his legs and arms around Dave that morning.

Dave reached out and grabbed his cellphone off the nightstand. It might be late, but he really wanted to hear Kurt’s voice.

He dialed the number...after five rings, it went to voicemail.

“Hi, you’ve reached the voicemail of Kurt Hummel. I can’t get to my phone right now, but if you leave me a message, I’ll call you right back!”

“Oh, hey Kurt. It’s Dave...

ship: dave/kurt, rating: r, author: pulpobsessed, fanfiction

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