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He'd fucked up again, and this time it wasn't something he could take back. Dave had been screwing things up for as long as he could remember, but atleast he found a way to deal usually. Kissing Hummel? That put too much out in the open! As hot and kind as his crush was, he was also one of the biggest gossips in the school.
His junior year had been hell already, and he had dug himself deeper into stress at each turn. Azimio had convinced Dave to join the football team, so gently putting "because puckheads are only cooler than those glee losers!". His best friend was right, and being part of the football team had boosted his popularity a lot. Hockey ruled, though, so he'd worked it out with Coach Beiste to let him be on both teams.
The stress of balancing two teams while keeping the biggest secret ever really started to get to him. On top of that, he was almost the most popular guy in school. Hudson was still the quarterback, but that whole shit with getting Fabray pregnant had knocked him down a peg. So he had to keep up appearances of being the "normal guy" everyone thought he was, even more than before.
That's when he upped the bullying. Okay, yeah, he was a dumbass and still felt awful about it every time he remembered. Holding onto all the stress, the expectation of his friends and family, had him thinking some dark thoughts. Yet there was Hummel, proud as can be and basically prancing down the halls showered in fairy dust.
Out of all the awakenings to what Dave really was, it had to be Hummel of all people. Freshman year, the first time they ever locked eyes by accident in the hallway, Dave felt himself develop a crush. He was beautiful in a manly way, and that made the jock nervous. Denial was the best strategy. Sophmore year Mr. Schue took over the Glee club, and they started becoming the punching bag of the school. Slushying Finn was the best feeling in the world, revenge for all the mockery in fifth grade. After that, it was just a way to prove dominance of the social order.
So, seeing Hummel all loud-and-proud really put a chip on his shoulder. The dude could get slushied and come back after changing clothes looking hot as hell. He was the bravest kid he knew, and part of Dave wished deep down he had the balls to act like that too. His "caveman brain," as Kurt would put it later, made him instead ramp up the bullying.
Shoving his crush made him feel like shit but it released some of the tension and kept eyes off him. That Lopez chick caught him checking out Hummel's ass though, and the smirk she gave really didn't seem good. On instinct, he slammed the kid into the lockers as proof it was just him eyeing down his victim. When he did it again later that same day, well, that was his biggest mistake. For someone shorter than him, when the kid had busted into the locker room, it immediately put him on edge. That wasn't how it was supposed to go down. He shoved Hummel, then he went and felt bad about himself after. That's all.
He was really scared of himself in that moment, not sure if he was going to throw a punch or run away. Not until those last bit of words: "extraordinarily ordinary." He'd never felt ordinary in his life, and now the only person who might've understood if he'd been less of a jackass was throwing his self-made image back in his face. Acting on pure instinct, he kissed him. The horrified look on the shorter boy's face told him what he already knew: Dave was a monster.
After he ran out of the locker room like a coward he didn't stop till he was up in his room freaking out. The realization of what he'd done only really kicked in after the adrenaline drained out of him. Kurt Hummel was one of the biggest gossips in the entire school, and he'd just shared his secret in the worst way possible.
<--->
Damage control was the first thing on his mind. There really weren't many things he could do to stop the impending disaster. Both his teams were going to hate him; hell, the entire school would! As the jock was letting the worst case scenario run through his head, he got a text.
'Yo fucker jump on COD! These dweebs I'm playing with suck ass.' Azimio, his best friend since first grade. Fuck! That's a friendship he couldn't bear to lose even if Az was an asshole most of the time. It'd be worse if he heard if from someone else instead of straight from Dave, and thinking it was going to be all over the school by tomorrow, he decided to believe in their friendship. Resigning himself to hell, he dialed the number.
"Hey D, see my text? I've been gettin' wiped out with these shitheads for teammates."
"Uh yeah...hey, you got a minute to talk, man?" The tremble in his voice must've been clear enough for even Az to pick up something was wrong. He heard the controller being tossed aside and a deep sigh on the other end.
"What's up? You get in trouble with Beiste again for skipping practice?"
"Fuck, I screwed up big time Az! I just need you to hear me out."
"Boy, it must be bad if you're this nervous to tell me." Concern mixed with apprehension edged into his voice. Dave was never one to talk about serious issues, for good reason. Building up the wait anymore was going to make him chicken out so he just dropped the bomb:
"I kissed Hummel!"
"What?" A chilling tension fell over the phone call. "D if this is a joke it ain't funny!" Anger and shock were starting to sink in.
"I'm not joking, man. I fucked up bad and it was never supposed to go down like this. You're my best friend Az, please I need help here." Dave was desperate at this point. Sure, Azimio threw around slurs like they were his personal catchphrase, but the guy seemed more interested in being popular than actually hating Hummel for being gay. He bullied all the Gleeks because they were easy targets, same as the rest of the jocks. Betting on that chance he really needed his best friend's help tomorrow.
"This is one hell of way to tell me you fucker!" After a few minutes of pause, that reply was hopeful. "You're not gonna start dressing like a princess or hitting on me, are ya?" The question was almost a joke, but there was a seriousness to it that they both knew needed cleared up.
"No! Look, I'm still me. I ain't changing or anything. I didn't even really know if I was just confused or not till recently. But today I fucked up and everyone could know by tomorrow! We've been best friends since first grade, man. You're practically a brother to me." At some point, the tears started coming without him realizing. His life was rough, but he could hand that. But not without his best friend. He hadn't even started to consider how his Dad would react.
"Alright, alright. You're right. We've been like brothers for years, just lets keep it that way. What the fuck happened?" That was the best he could hope from Az, neither of them were good with all the emotional shit. Focusing on retelling the events, Dave was feeling a little better by the end.
"-and you know he's got the biggest mouth next to Jones and Berry! The entire glee club probably has it circulating already."
"Boy, hold your horses! This is fucked up but Hummel doesn't seem the type to run his mouth about serious shit. I recommend telling him to keep his mouth shut first thing tomorrow. I got your back if he has talked, though. I'll deal with you being queer for him. Just give me a bit. See ya tomorrow, D." With as calm a tone as Dave could expect, the phone call ended. At least his best friend was still on his side. Throwing himself into his pillow, he just let all the exhaustion of the day seep over him. He'd deal with Hummel in the morning.
<--->
The hallway wasn't filled with people ready to slushy him, and no one was staring at him too long. Well, outside of the kids avoiding him out of fear. He'd passed Az in the parking lot and got a gesture of friendship, so that helped. Hummel was already at his locker when he rounded the corner, and so he set his face into a snarl.
"Listen, Hummel, we need to tal-" Before he could even finish his sentence, the smaller boy put a palm up between them.
"Kar- David, I agree. We need to talk." Hearing those lips say his name threw him for a loop. It took the aggressive energy right out of him. "I did some thinking last night. What happened yesterday was truly unacceptable. However, I am also sorry for what I said. If what you...told me...is why you've been harassing me so much, then I might be able to help."
"What?" Dave wasn't as dumb as people assumed yet right then he felt like a complete idiot. Lost in thought and just hanging onto the edge of the boy's words.
"I only came out myself last year, so I understand it's a struggle. I am not happy with the way you grabbed me yesterday, but I'm offering you advice on how to deal with it." There was a pause where Kurt considered something. "Friendship as well. The bullying has to stop, though. I won't ask for details, but if you truly are the same as me, then you need to deal with it better."
If it was anyone else speaking like that to Dave he would've started fuming. Yet here was his crush, the person he'd bullied most, offering him friendship! It was his chance to get out of the bullying role, and hell, he never expected Kurt to even look at him without disgust.
"Uh sure! Yeah, I promise I won't mess with you again. Just give me a bit, okay?" Not sure how to react, he gave the kid a genuine smile and awkwardly shuffled on towards his first class.
The first half of the day went by in a blur as Dave was thinking of a strategy. If he stopped bullying without a reason, the rest of the jocks would grow suspicious. He was walking to lunch, thinking of a plan, when he got jerked into an empty classroom. Without warning, an angry Santana Lopez was in his face.
"What the fuck did you do, jackass?? I saw the way you were looking at Kurt yesterday and then he comes to Glee all freaked out. He didn't even fight Rachel for a solo! Brittany also told me she saw you slam him into the lockers yesterday, again!" If Kurt had a tongue like a knife, Santana had one like a razorblade. He opened his mouth to reply, confused as all hell as why she even cared, but he got cut off.
"I don't give a rats ass if you're gay for him or what, but if you fuck with him again I'm going to get all the guys in Glee to beat your ass. Now speak! What did you do?"
"Uh...I told him I was gay." Damn. He did not want his first time admitting that aloud to be to an angry bitch, but it was better than telling her what he really did.
"Hmm... somethings fishy here, but he seemed fine in French class. Listen, I'm only warning you because you've never slushied Brittany, but I will rip your balls off and feed them to you if you step out of line again!" Seemingly done with her threats and making Dave flinch with that mental image, she started to walk away. The idea hit him suddenly.
"Wait! I uh, actually need your help with something!" Giving him a look that told him he had 5 seconds, he continued on. "I don't want to be a bully anymore. Actually, I want to stop it. You've got sway with the cheerleaders, right?" With his part said, she smiled devilishly.
<--->
People always said not to make deals with the devil, and Santana was certainly the closest thing to Satan Mckinley had ever seen. After enlisting the help of Azimio to be her co-captain, the three of them met with Figgins to discuss her plan. The useless principle could barely get a word in edgewise when she tore him apart for allowing the bullying to happen openly. Everyone knew the teachers just ignored it. Hell, Coach Sylvester was one of the worst in the entire school.
They'd secured Bully Whips uniforms and full permission to operate between classes by the end of the meeting. Even without a spine, Figgins genuinely seemed to approve of the idea. That was all they needed to get started. Thanks to Az's grumbling, they settled on black and red lettermans with "Bully Whips" emblazoned on the back. Santana insisted the red beret was perfect for the entire team, but she didn't force them to wear it. Santana spent Friday sharing news of her organization and telling everyone it was just for Prom Queen. Dave was the first volunteer, but a few of the jocks in Glee and some cheerleaders had signed up too.
When he approached Kurt the following Monday, his crush greeted him with a small smile rather than fear. The new jacket didn't hold all the bad associations that the old one did.
"Mind if I walk you to class? Kinda my job now." He was thrilled he'd been assigned Kurt, probably thanks to Santana, but being chill about it felt appropriate.
"I'd like that, thank you!" The small smile becoming a genuine one was one of the most beautiful sights he'd seen. The blue-grey eyes lighting up in pleasure was something the jock would never get tired of.
The bullying in the school slowly whimpered out besides a few taunts thrown here and there. It made it a lot more bearable for students, and the teachers got to feel less guilty about overlooking it all. The added bonus of slowly becoming friends with his crush was the real win to him. After the first week of walking Kurt to class, Dave knew there really was something he needed to do before the awkward tension would break. Instead of heading to practice like usual when they approached the choir room, he watched the singer take his seat and then asked Mr. Schue if he could address the room.
"Hey, uh. I didn't really plan this, but I just want to say I'm sorry for all the bullying. I can't change what happened, but I'm hoping with the Bully Whips we can really change things for the better. You guys are pretty alright when I don't have my head stuck up my ass." The reception was mildly positive. His last comment got a few chuckles, and Kurt actually beamed at him. It felt good and better, yet he meant it. He really did regret using bullying as a way to stay popular when he could've been this version of himself the entire time.
They got closer after that, and maybe thanks to that he started letting all the walls he'd built up down. He always knew Kurt was a perceptive guy, but at times, those beautiful eyes seemed as if they could just see straight through his soul. All the self-hatred and regret kept bubbling to the surface when he least expected it.
That's why one random day he broke down crying outside of the singer's french class. "I'm so fucking sorry Kurt! For everything, especially the..." The kiss. They hadn't talked about it since it happened, yet he'd put two-and-two together. It was the first kiss either of them had shared with a guy.
"I- I promise to make sure no one hurts you here again. Especially me. I can't make up for it all but I'm going to do my best." He had beat himself up over the bullying for years, but he considered it a necessity to keep his secret. It was fucked up justification, but he had lived with the guilt already. The kiss? That should've never happened. He was bawling his eyes out and he didn't give a damn who saw as long as he could make Kurt know that would never happen again.
"Dave...I've forgiven you already. Thank you, and I really do see the real you now. Karofsky was the bully, but you are a good friend. That day really was the worst, but we've moved past it." Wiping his eyes and daring to face the other boy head on, he saw genuine forgiveness in those eyes. He'd already committed himself to never turning back into his old self. The look Kurt was giving him then made him want to strive to be an even better person. Unspoken understanding passed between them, then he headed to his own class before fresh tears came.
--
It seemed like the awkwardness was gone for good thanks to his apology. Instead of just giving him advice and being nice, Kurt started treating him like a real friend. Bitching about glee club and listening to him complain about the puckheads. They had more in common than he thought, and even some things he never expected of his friend.
"Fancy, can you really change oil faster than your dad?" The nickname he'd kept to himself slipped out when he was too comfortable.
"Why yes, David, I can. The oil stains really are a pain to deal with, but working for Dad is fun." Pausing and giving an uncertain smile, he continued. "Why do you call me that? I used to think it was an insult, but the way you say it..."
"Uh," turning away so his blush wasn't obvious, he'd realized honesty was the best policy when it came to his crush. "It's just true, y'know? You dress fancier than everyone in this damn town, like a prince or fashion model or something. Ya also talk all proper, even when you text. You're a fancy guy, Fancy."
"Wow. I think that's the most praise I've ever received from another guy." A beaming smile filled Kurt's face, and after that, he never minded the nickname. It'd become something of a powerful compliment.
<--->
Life seemed to move fast after that. With the support of his friends, he knew that even if his Dad reacted badly, he had Az's couch to sleep on. When he was wrestled into a bear hug and told, "You're my son! I love you no matter what!" it really healed something in him. He'd never admit that both Karofsky men had cried in each others arms, though. His step-mom had been overjoyed when he told her, mostly at the news Dave had helped stop the culture of bullying at Mckinley. Kurt might have been happier than his entire family at the news. It was weird knowing he'd been worried over. The feeling of gratitude that kept coming around for all the good Fancy had brought to his life was a welcome one.
Unexpectedly, Dave was invited to the Hummel-Hudson wedding. The entire event had a lot of chaotic energy he'd come to associate with the club. Finn, who had become a friend again, gave a corny speech and promised to be a good step-brother. Seeing Kurt genuinely happy was worth the awkwardness. The only wrinkle was meeting Blaine. He was still getting advice on how to deal with being gay and in the closet, and he'd heard plenty of praise about how smart the private school kid was. He seemed normal enough, if a little preppy. Rich kids really did live in a different world.
It could've gone worse, Dave supposed, because overall Blaine was Kurt's friend, and that meant he was an okay guy. The unwelcome jealousy was easy to bottle up when he focused on how awesome being friends with Fancy was. He wasn't about to screw it up by doing something stupid. That was the idea anyway. Fancy kept bringing up the guy during their hangouts, sharing the same advice he'd received. Hearing how perfect Blaine supposedly was hit a sore spot for him, it was painful listening to his crush sound wistful over another guy. It finally forced him to take a chance he never thought he would.
<--->
Walking into the Glee club with his guitar was nerve-wracking. He had to reconsider how ballsy the entire club was when he stood in the center of the room, and all eyes were on him. The only ones he cared about were right in the center of the bleacher. The pleasantly shocked expression on Fancy's face was already motivating him, and so he steeled his nerves and started strumming.
He'd heard Kurt singing the song under his breath a few times, and the lyrics just fit. He realized he was gay and started crushing on him after the first time he laid eyes on the beautiful guy. Finding Good Kid's version gave him the idea to sing it. It was the best way to say all the feelings he had.
After everything he put them through, it really was just love he could feel for the boy now. Sure, they bickered like real friends did at time. However, ever since he was given the chance to change, Dave had been happier. Hell, the last few months had been the happiest he'd been in his entire life. Even if Kurt rejected him, he still needed to put himself out there. He was grateful they were friends, but he wasn't going to lose to prep-school till he at least gave it a try. When the song came to a close and his legs started to feel weak, he took his shot.
"Kurt, will you go to prom with me?" The air was knocked out of his lungs as before he could breathe the man of his dreams was hugging him from the side and looking up with sparkling eyes.
"Yes!" The joy and happiness radiating off of Fancy was contagious. Letting the guitar slide behind him, he turned the embrace into a bear hug. After being awkwardly shuffled off stage by Schue, he had to go to practice. Avoiding the shocked looks of the Gleeks, he dashed down the hall, hoping Beiste wouldn't be too pissed. Hell, he could have taken on the entire world the way he was feeling.
<--->
The two weeks till prom passed too fast for Dave. Going to prom didn't mean they were officially a couple, so he wasn't sure how to act yet. He'd kept up his Bully Whips duties, and they both tried to act normal, but there was a nervousness he didn't expect. That feeling intensified to breaking point as he approached the Hummel front door.
Dave felt he'd cleaned up nicely. He let his stubble grow out a little because Santana had mentioned Kurt liked it. The tux he was wearing showed off his beefy build without making him feel fat, and the tie matched the color of Fancy's eyes. To top it off, he'd brought a bouquet of different flowers. Roses were romantic but too generic for someone as special as his date. When the door swung open and Burt Hummel greeted him, it was clear the man had some words to say. "Now listen, I trust my son's judgment, and he told me a bit about how you two got close." Shit. That wasn't good.
"However," Burt stared him down. "For a long time, it was just me and him. I'm a little overprotective, and Kurt can handle himself, but I don't think I need to tell you not to hurt him. Just be safe and take care of each other. Mckinley might be a better place this year, but I'm always going to worry." With a lighter talking to than expected, he was left waiting in the living room.
When he finally laid eyes on Kurt as he was coming down the stairs, he realized for the thousandth time what a lucky bastard he was. With a jacket and a kilt, he really did look like something straight out of Dave's hottest daydreams. When their eyes met the once over and appreciative smile had him blushing.
"Wow." He'd literally short circuited. Fancy really could make any outfit look good, but he was breathtaking then. There was a falter to the boy's smile.
"Is the kilt too much? I know, I'll go change-"
"You're beautiful, just simply perfect!" The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. That must've been the right thing to say because he immediately was rewarded with a blinding smile.
"Thank you, David. I must say you're look very handsome in that suit yourself. Uh," seeing him being the nervous one for once was really cute. "Shall we? Karen wants some pictures, and if we hurry, we might make it out before Finn gets back with Rachel."
Despite the cheesiness of being dragged into family prom photos, Dave was already having a blast. They'd planned to meet up with Santana, Brittany, Azimio, Tina, Mike, Mercedes, and Sam before all going in together. The entire glee club might know, but he was still nervous. The actual dance was popping off when they made their "fashionably late" entrance. Questioning looks were thrown their way when people noticed Kurt's arm was linked with his, but he paid them no mind. His attention was too focused on enjoying the time with newfound friends, and most importantly, his date. It was easy to lose time as he was actually enjoying himself. Kurt wasn't just hot. He was funny and cool. He was losing himself in the moment, dancing, laughing. Seeing Santana dancing with Brittany was a bonus. Clearly, he wasn't the only one who grew some balls.
"It is now time to announce the 2011 Junior Prom King & Queen!" Figgins announced as the dance floor started to clear. "This year's junior prom king is..." Some of the glee guys looked nervous, as the prom queen contestants looked intense. "David Karofsky!!" A good amount of applause is spread around the room as Dave, very confused, was ushered onto stage to receive a crown. The gleeks were mixed between jealousy and joy for their new friend. Az and Santana clapped the loudest. Santana and Azimio had officially ran for king and queen together so the fact they were cheering must mean they weren't too upset about losing.
"Now, your 2011 junior prom queen, with an overwhelming amount of write-in votes, is..." The pause in Figgins face when he opened the envolpe immediately set Dave's nerves on fire. "Kurt Hummel."
The room went dead silent, save for a few puckheads laughing in the back. Everyone seemed more shocked than even Dave. Santana had already started marching through the crowd towards the hecklers, the rest of the Gleeks seem dumbfounded, and there was Kurt. All eyes slowly turned towards him as the spotlight fell over him. All it took was a few idiots stuffing a box, and the man he loves was tearing up in a crowded room. The rage he'd long held onto bubbled deep inside. It wasn't time to let those feelings reign yet. He'd make those fuckers pay later. Without missing a beat, he grabbed the stupid silver crown from Figgins' hands and marched off the stage towards the boy he promised to protect.
“May I have this dance?" The question snapped Kurt out of his despair. There, holding out a hand with the crown in it, was the guy he'd come to rely on. He took a deep breath, placed the offending accessory on his head, and took Dave's hand. It was a cruel joke at his expense, yet with defiance, they both danced. It wasn't a long moment, but them being together made the joke fall flat.
"Its fucking prom, get out there and dance!" Santana shouted. She'd already bitched out the hockey players and her anger, both at losing prom queen and at a friend being ridiculed, made the rest of the students get with the program. With the tension broken, the rest of the Gleeks came to check up on them. Kurt had other plans as he grabbed Dave's hand dragged him quickly off the dance floor and out into the hall.
"Where are we going?" The jock was surprised but happy to be taken anywhere by Fancy. With no reply, they kept walking to the familiar sight of the empty French room.
"Sorry, I just needed to get out of there. Thank you. You really saved the day." The sadness was slowly leaving him, and it was Kurt's turn to be bold.
"They're jackasses who are just jealous that you're hotter than half the chicks in this school." That got a giggle out of the smaller boy, so Dave considered it a win. "So why here specifically? We can just leave, if you're ready too."
"Well, I have a secret, and I wanted to tell you." Pulling Dave into a hug, he worked up his courage.
"I'm all ears, Fancy." The mischievous glint in those blue-grey eyes was tantalizing.
"After I met the real you, I've loved you from the start too." With that confession, Kurt kissed him. Pulling him up into a bear hug, Dave kissed back. When asked later, they would tell people that was their true first kiss. It was the one that really mattered.
-FIN-