A/N: I wrote this awhile ago. I didn't post it because I was going to make it into a longer story. I have way too many stories that need updating so I decided to give this to you all as a one-shot. Hope you enjoy!

Less than Perfect

"Kurt, he's such a perfect boyfriend," Mercedes sighed, with a slightly envious look on her face.

"I know." He followed her gaze, watching as Blaine waited patiently at the Lima Bean counter for their coffee. He had ushered them to their seats before going to get their order. He was very sweet like that. Kurt gave Mercedes a small smile as he bit back the words threatening to follow the first two... Almost too perfect.

Of course, Kurt was excited about spending time with his boyfriend and his best friend. It had been a little over two weeks since the day Blaine confessed his feelings and kissed him. Still, something was bothering Kurt. He just couldn't put his finger on it. Blaine was gorgeous and an amazing kisser. Kurt should have been ecstatic over his first boyfriend… but for some reason he wasn't. Not that he would tell anyone else that. Kurt figured it was just nerves. Getting a boyfriend meant possibly getting closer to having sex, and he wasn't ready for that. He just wanted the romance of it all. But sometimes he worried that it was all he wanted. That maybe he was just in love with love…

"Kurt?"

He mentally shook himself and smiled again at his best friend. He had to stop worrying about everything. Blaine was perfect. And Kurt should just be happy…

"What's up? I know that look on your face. Is something bothering you?"

"It's nothing, Mercedes."

She gave him a disbelieving look, and he was reminded again that his best friend knew him far too well. But how could he tell her what was wrong when he didn't really know himself?

"Okay, you got me," he said, finally. "I'm a little disappointed the Warblers lost Regionals. Although I'm happy for you guys. It's just singing means everything to me. Still there's the geriatric population of Westerville that we still get to impress."

"I wish you could come back to McKinley then you could go to Nationals with us."

"Leave Dalton just so I can keep competing?"

"Hopefully, that wouldn't be the only reason… we miss you."

He reached over and squeezed her hand. "I miss you guys, too…" His eyes strayed back to Blaine now making his way back to the table.

"But you're right, Kurt… that's kind of selfish of me. You just got a boyfriend. You couldn't just leave him."

Before he could reply, Blaine handed his no drip latte to him and then kissed him softly on the lips. His smile was brighter than a thousand light bulbs as he gazed lovingly at Kurt.

Kurt couldn't help but return his smile. He had to forget these lingering doubts. His boyfriend was absolutely perfect.

Kurt arrived home early. He told Mercedes and Blaine that he was tired. Mostly he just wanted to be alone. He was looking forward to a quiet evening. It seemed crazy that not that long ago, he would have killed for a boyfriend on a Friday night, and now here he was ditching him for some quiet time with his Celine Dion collection.

Once Kurt got to his room, he found he couldn't concentrate. The noise coming from Finn's room was unbearable. Really did they have to play video games so loud? And what was the purpose of yelling at the screen. Granted they were usually playing others on line. That didn't mean they had to shout.

He knocked on Finn's door, but it wasn't shut all the way so it opened at the impact. Kurt was surprised to see Puck all by himself.

"Hey, Kurt."

"Puck," he said in greeting. "Where's Finn?"

"He got a phone call. He's being secretive, but I know it's Quinn." He shook his head. "Why would he be stupid enough to fall for her crap again?"

"Don't ask me. I certainly don't understand boys. At all." Kurt sat down on the bed watching Puck play. It wasn't long before the other boy died and threw his controller down.

The silence was almost to the point of being uncomfortable when Puck spoke up.

"So what's going on, Kurt?" he said. "And don't give me that 'nothing' crap."

Kurt sighed. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure…"

Kurt hesitated still not sure if he should go on. "Being an honorary girl, I heard a lot of boyfriend complaints," he said softly. "In fact, there was a saying among the girls that if you wanted a guy to like you, you just had to ignore him or treat him like crap. Do you think that's true?"

"Yeah, it's definitely true. Guys want to do the chasing. If a girl's too desperate, it's a turn off. Look at Lauren. She didn't fall for the Puckster's charms. At least not right away. She definitely played hard to get. That was damn hot. It makes a girl worth getting if a guy has to work to get her."

Kurt rolled his eyes. "How Neanderthalish… and charming."

"What's this about, Kurt?"

Kurt studied his nails instead of looking at Puck. "I've had this crush on Blaine for a long time. Since before I even came to Dalton. He never noticed. In fact I had to point it out to him after the Gap incident. And then he kissed Rachel… It made me realize I was putting him on a pedestal. That and the fact that he always got all the solos. I basically told him I was tired of it. And I stopped following him around like a lost puppy."

"And suddenly he noticed you?"

"Exactly."

"So what's the big deal? You got what you wanted didn't you?" Puck was watching him closely, and it made Kurt feel uncomfortable.

"I guess… The thing is… it's still all about Blaine. It's like he lost my attention, and he had to do whatever he could to get it back. But is it because he really likes me? Or because he really likes attention?"

"Guys are pretty self-centered, Kurt."

"Yeah, I know. I'm a guy." Kurt stood up and folded his arms across his chest. "So you think I'm wrong? Am I just making it all about me?"

"Maybe…" Puck said. "Does it matter? You get a boyfriend, and you get to make out with a hot guy… according to all the girls. Don't get any ideas, Hummel."

Kurt smiled at him. "You're right, Puck. I'm probably thinking about this too hard."

Suddenly Finn rushed back into the room. "Oh, hey Kurt. Want to play video games with us?"

"No thanks," he said walking toward the door.

"Dude, what was so important that it had to interrupt our game?" he heard Puck ask.

"Uh… that was a… wrong number."

Even without looking Kurt could tell Puck was rolling his eyes.

The mall was crowded on Saturday morning. Spring seemed to finally be here and everyone wanted to be out and about. Kurt decided a little retail therapy was just what he needed. Although this wasn't anything unusual, the fact that he was shopping alone at the mall was. How was he supposed to figure everything out if he was constantly around Mercedes or Blaine?

After a few hours and many stores later, Kurt felt better. He was making too much out of this. He loved Blaine, and he was sure Blaine loved him too… or was close to loving him.

Kurt was in Macy's when his good mood came to a screeching halt. A few isles away was the very reason he left McKinley in the first place.

David Karofsky.

Maybe he could just sneak out without his former bully seeing him. He was distracted…talking to someone. Kurt couldn't see who it was since they were behind a mannequin. Probably Azimio. No telling what the pair of them would come up with to torture Kurt.

Still Kurt didn't move, as he watched the other boy warily. For some reason he didn't seem as intimidating as before. Maybe it was because he wasn't wearing his letterman jacket. He had on a dark blue polo, and Kurt had to admit it looked good on him. Okay he wouldn't ever admit that out loud to anyone else.

The person next to the jock moved, and Kurt could see it was an older woman. She was holding a red button up shirt. Karofsky shook his head and that was when Kurt realized what was going on. David Karofsky was clothes shopping with his mom.

Kurt couldn't help the smile on his face. This was just too good.

He was more than a little surprised… and that surprised him even more. It was almost as if he thought Karofsky didn't have a mom. What did he think? That the jock had just appeared out of the head of Zeus or something? Not that he was comparing him to a Greek God or anything. Still having a mom fuss over him somehow made him more human. And Kurt had sort of a weakness when it came to moms.

It wasn't just that Karofsky had a mom but the fact that she was able to convince him to go clothes shopping. He noticed Karofsky taking the shirt with a grimace and walking toward the changing room. He found himself smiling again at the boy's reaction. Guys notoriously didn't like trying things on. Finn and his dad included. Of course, Kurt loved it but he was a fashionista.

He knew this was his time to escape, while Karofsky was in the changing room. Something stopped him though. Now that he knew Dave was a momma's boy, it was time to have some fun.

Kurt followed them to the changing area. He felt like a total stalker, but it was nothing worse than what the other boy had done to him. After a moment Karofsky came out to model the shirt for his mom, and Kurt had to focus on his breathing. Although his heart was racing, he was sure it was more about facing his bully than the fact that the boy looked really hot in that shirt. It fit him nicely, and Kurt was surprised to find he wasn't as chubby as he had originally thought.

Kurt was glad when Karofsky once again disappeared into the small changing room. He needed to get in control of his traitorous mind and body. He took deep breaths and this seemed to help. Once the other boy emerged again, Kurt moved in. He didn't want to give himself a chance to chicken out. He was finally going to put the jock in his place.

Karofsky was turned away from him when he reached the pair.

"Why hello, David Karofsky," Kurt said with a wide smile on his face. The other boy turned to him with a shocked look. His mouth was open but no words came out. As Kurt raised an eyebrow at him, Karofsky's mouth clamped shut. Kurt smirked as he turned to the older woman. "You must be Dave's mom. I'm Kurt. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too. Are you a friend of Dave's from school?"

Kurt looked over at the other boy in surprise. He assumed Karofsky's mother would have heard his name before, especially considering the suspension and how they went to the school board to get it reversed. Evidently not. This was getting better and better. "Friends? You could say that." It wouldn't be true but you could say it. He turned back to Mrs. Karofsky. "But I don't go to McKinley anymore."

"No, Kurt left us for some preppy private school."

Kurt didn't miss the hurt note in the other boy's tone. At first all he could do was stare. Karofsky was upset that he left? Then he came to his senses and his anger returned. If it wasn't for Karofsky he wouldn't have had to leave in the first place. Jerk.

Still, he didn't let it show as he smiled at the dumb jock. "You know, I can't even remember why I left…. Oh, wait, it's coming back to me now." He noticed that Karofsky was looking at him with alarm. Good.

He smiled at Karofsky's mom. "Bullies," he said simply. "They're terrible at McKinley."

"Oh, you poor thing," she said before looking at her son. "Dave, I hope you stood up for your friend. There's no reason for kids to be so mean."

Kurt smiled sweetly at the larger boy. "Dave did the best he could, I think," he said placing his hand on the other boy's arm. "Isn't that right, Dave?"

The jock's face turned red, and Kurt wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment or barely suppressed rage. Kurt knew he should probably be afraid of what the other boy would do but for some reason he wasn't. At least with his mom there, Kurt felt safe.

They stared at each other for a few moments when Karofsky turned back to his mom. "I'm sure Kurt has lots of shopping left to do, so we should go look at shoes already."

Kurt smiled as they said their goodbyes. He realized then he was still holding on to the other boy's arm and he dropped his hand. As they walked away he felt a tinge of disappointment. It wasn't because of the stupid jock though. He didn't know why but (except for singing) in those few minutes, he felt more alive than he had in months.

When he stopped for lunch, Kurt was glad to find an almost empty table at the food court. Of course, he had to stand close to an obviously done couple until they got the hint and left. Sighing happily, he ate his Chinese food. There were a lot of carbs but he decided to splurge just a little bit.

When a dark shadow fell across him, stealing his light he glared at the intruder.

"Karofsky…"

The other boy shifted uneasily. "Listen Hummel, my mom went to get our food. Since it's so crowded, she thought we could sit with you…."

"Since we're such good friends, right?"

"Shut up, Hummel."

"You're not playing nice, Dave. Why should I let you sit here?" Kurt was really enjoying the jock's obvious discomfort.

"Fine… please?"

"Actually, Dave, since you owe me, I'm going to need you to give me something in return." Kurt knew he was pushing his luck. He could totally get his ass kicked by the jock.

Karofsky's looked at him in panic. "What? Here?"

"I'm talking about an apology, David. What were you thinking, you perv."

The other boy's face was beet red as he glared at Kurt.

"And you better hurry. Your mom's on her way over." Kurt raised an eyebrow at him expectantly.

"Fine… I'm sorry, Hum…Kurt. Okay? I didn't like hurting you, I was just so angry all the time… I'm really sorry." He looked down, and for a moment Kurt actually believed him.

"It's a start," Kurt said as he motioned to the chair across from him. The jock sighed in relief.

"Thanks, Kurt. I owe you."

"You owe me so much, David Karofsky, it's not even funny."

Kurt couldn't help but smile as Momma Karofsky joined them. Something about have Karofsky backed up into a corner, where he had to be nice to him, put him in a good mood. And he totally wasn't thinking about how interesting it would be to physically back him into said corner. And in this scenario, that he wasn't thinking about, said jock totally wasn't wearing that shirt his mom had made him buy. The one that emphasized the size of his arms.

"Kurt, honey, are you okay?"

"Of course, Mrs. Karofsky, I'm fine."

A kick under the table caused him to glare at the jock. Karofsky looked nervous, like he thought Kurt was planning something. Something evil. Of course, he wasn't, but if he kicked him like that again, it was so on.

"So did you find shoes that you liked, David?" he asked sweetly.

"Yeah, I guess." It was more of a grumble, but it was close enough for Kurt.

"Then would you mind keeping them off my Gucci skinny jeans? Because I guarantee you these cost more than your whole wardrobe."

David's mom had gone in search of napkins. Probably for her son, since he seemed to have taco sauce everywhere. Subsequently, she missed their little interaction.

"What 's your problem, princess?"

"Don't call me that. Why are you kicking me?"

He turned red at the question, and Kurt found his curiosity piqued. He raised a questioning eyebrow at the other boy.

"I can't help it, okay. There's like no room here. And as you've pointed out in the past, I'm a big boy. Sorry if I messed up your fancy clothes."

"It's fine," he murmured, trying not to blush. Why in the world did he have to take that moment to wonder just how big a boy David Karofsky actually was? He had a boyfriend. A perfect boyfriend. A perfectly nice boyfriend. A perfectly nice boring boyfriend.

He let out a huff of air in frustration.

"I said I was sorry, dude."

Kurt almost corrected his misconception but then changed his mind. He could make this easier for Karofsky, but why would he? "I'm not sure which is more offensive, being called princess or dude. Oh, wait I do know. They're both equally offensive. My name is Kurt. Try using it. Although it's better than some names you've called me." He smiled sweetly at him.

Karofsky was about to make some, no doubt, witty comment in return but as his mom sat down again, handing him the stack of napkins, he seemed to change his mind.

"This is so nice. You boys having a chance to catch up. Kurt do you enjoy your new school?"

"I do. Everyone there is so nice and friendly." Kurt smiled at the boy across from him as he answered his mother. The jock sat up straighter, a worried look on his face. He had every right to be concerned. Kurt suddenly saw his chance to make the other boy squirm. "One of the best things is that being at Dalton has really saved me on clothes."

David gave Kurt a warning look as his mom just looked confused.

"It's because of the uniforms, right Kurt? He has to wear uniforms at his new school so it saves on his clothes. Right, Kurt?"

"Exactly right, David," he replied. "And there's no accidental slip of the wrist resulting in blue slushie on my Prada shirt."

"Did that happen a lot?" Mrs. Karofsky asked in surprise.

"More than you would think," Kurt replied.

Dave glared daggers at him, but Kurt barely noticed. "I'm just so glad that kind of stuff didn't happen to David. It would've ruined his nice letterman jacket."

At that point Kurt felt another kick to his leg. This time he was sure it was no accident.

As punishment, Kurt accepted Mrs. Karofky's offer to join them on the rest of their shopping trip. Plus the chance to get to help pick out clothes for Karofsky was too good to pass up. Makeovers were like crack to him. It had nothing at all to do with the chance to really show off the strong arms and nice bottom-not that he was looking but some things were hard to miss. Of course, there was just a little chub around the middle but not much, and there were ways to minimize that.

"You're practically drooling. Stop it," Karofsky whispered as they followed slightly behind his mom.

"What can I say, I love a good project."

"I am not a project, Kurt."

"Really? Well someone needs to teach you how to dress."

Before the jock could reply they were shooed into the next store.

"Here, David," Mrs. Karofsky said, grabbing a few things. "Try these on."

"Fine," he grumbled, heading for the changing room. At the last moment he turned. "Kurt? I think I'm going to need some help with these."

Kurt hesitated for a moment, but then curiosity got the better of him. What could Karofsky possibly want with him in a dressing room? He squashed the first thoughts that raced through his mind.

Once inside the small room, Karofsky turned to face him.

"You realize you've proven my point?"

Karofsky's mouth hung open, as if the words he planned on saying were stuck somehow. "What?"

"My point," Kurt repeated. "That you cannot dress yourself without my assistance."

The bigger boy continued to stare at him, and Kurt realized his words were somewhat… suggestive. "I mean, not that I'm going to dress you. I just mean…" Kurt suddenly noticed how really small the room was, especially with David in it. He was just so big… and then those thoughts he had not had earlier resurfaced. This time Kurt could not stop the blush rising on his cheeks.

Karofsky smiled. Actually smiled, and Kurt felt the tables turn. And it was a terrifying feeling.

"Kurt, are you imagining what it would be like to undress me?"

"You wish, Karofsky," he said, but his blush just deepened.

"Cuz you know, I meant it when I said I'd do anything to make it up to you. Is there anything you'd like me to do, Kurt? Right here? Right now?"

The suggestive look in his eyes paired with the seductive tone of his voice almost had Kurt convinced to use his imagination to its fullest. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. It was strange that with Blaine, he didn't have these dirty thoughts. Romantic? Yes. Down deep in the gutter? No.

But thankfully, just thinking about Blaine was as good as a cold shower. He had a boyfriend. Blaine. He needed to remember that.

"Is this what you pulled me in here for, Karofsky? Or do you really need help dressing yourself, like a two year old?"

"Whoa, chill dude. I just wanted to thank you for not saying anything to my mom." He rubbed the back of his neck, nervously. "She was visiting my aunt when I got suspended and my dad never told her about all that stuff. I don't want her to know, okay?"

"Okay."

Karofsky glanced down at him with hope in his eyes. "Really? You're not going to say anything?"

"Of course not. Mothers are my soft spot. I guess because I lost my mom when I was young. I couldn't break any mother's heart. Not even yours."

"Thanks, Kurt. I mean it. I know I was awful to you, and I really am sorry."

Kurt couldn't reply. The way the other boy was looking at him was making speech difficult. It was insane. He should not be feeling any sort of attraction for his former bully. And the only thing that made the whole situation worse was the fact that he now realized what was missing from his relationship with Blaine.

Kurt had thought it was him. Blaine was obviously attractive so if passion was missing from their relationship, then it was plainly Kurt's fault. He was as sexy as a baby penguin. And yet before him was David Karofsky, the boy who had made his life hell. He'd tortured him. Harassed him.

But the air in the small dressing room practically crackled from the sparks of electricity between them. He couldn't deny the nervous, scared, but still smoldering looks he was getting from the other boy, and he knew they matched his own intense gaze.

Still David Karofsky had made his life hell. Kurt wasn't just going to forget that. Not at all. He was going to use it to his advantage.

"I have to go," Kurt said, enjoying the look of disappointment in the other boy's eyes. "But remember this, David Karofsky. You owe me. And not just for today." He placed his hand on David's arm, just below that wonderful bicep. Leaning in closer, he whispered, "And you will be making it up to me."

David nodded seriously. "Whatever you want, Kurt. I mean it. Whatever you want."

Kurt placed his hand on the jock's chest as he smiled at him one last time. "Goodbye, David. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other soon."

His said his goodbyes to Mrs. Karofsky before making his way happily to his Navigator. It had been a productive day. He finally felt like he was on the right track.

And since Kurt was a list person, he spent the ride home making his to-do list for the next week.

-Break up with Blaine.

-Transfer back to McKinley

-Make David Karofsky his bitch.

He knew there was more to it than that. Convincing his dad it was safe to go back was a major obstacle. And he knew David wasn't ready to be in any type of relationship, since he could barely admit he was gay.

So maybe it wasn't a perfect plan.

But nothing was perfect.

And that was fine with him.

A/N: It is a one-shot as I said. But then I think of all the ways Kurt could have Dave make it up to him... and then my mind is way down deep in the gutter with Kurt's.