A/N: My apologies for the slight delay in updating. The plot bunny went into hiding for a few days. Many thanks to Spooky Bibi for helping me find it again :)
As always, thanks for all your lovely reviews and story alerts, they really make my day!
I hope this chapter has the right mix of story and fluff for you!
Chapter 10 Power Play (Part II)
Dave stood there, glued to the spot and stared at James. His brain had trouble catching up with the fact that he had just come out to one of the guys, and ok it was James, but still, and he actually seemed alright with it.
"What?" James said with a smirk. "Come on, before coach will go apeshit on us."
"Are you for real" Dave finally said, his mouth twisting in to the tiniest of smiles before squaring his shoulders and following James back into the locker room.
He had no idea what to expect from his team mates. He couldn't quite remember what exactly had actually happened earlier. He replayed the scenes in his head. The brawl had been more about them insulting Kurt and apart from Rick he couldn't actually remember anyone calling him gay.
He walked into the locker room with his head held high and daring anyone to say anything to him.
"Glad you two finally decided to join us" Coach Tyler shouted at them.
Nick was glaring at them and opened his mouth to say something.
"Put a sock in it" James barked at him as he walked past and Nick growled but closed his mouth again.
Dave scanned the room. Most of the guys were already lining up to go out again and didn't really pay him any attention. Breathing suddenly felt a whole lot easier.
"COME ON! We've got a game to win. LET'S GO DRAGONS" Coach yelled as he led them out of the locker room.
They all rushed out onto the ice again. The McKinley team was already there waiting for them. They still looked livid and most of their attention was aimed at Dave, who was circling on the ice while scanning the crowd for Kurt. He couldn't see him anywhere and was starting to worry. He hoped he didn't let the jerks get to him.
Dave had no time to worry further as he had to get ready for the faceoff. Again he was face to face with Rick, who gave him a disgusted look and mumbled some profanities under his breath. Dave really didn't want anything more at this point than to punch him but he had to concentrate. There was no way he would give McKinley the satisfaction of a victory.
The game started again and it was violent from the go. It definitely had become personal as far as the McKinley lot were concerned and their main target was without a doubt Dave, who was continuously slammed into and rammed into the boards by the opposing players.
Dave's body was hurting. There were only so many slams you could take without it starting to affect you but the adrenaline kept him going. Ever so often he allowed himself to scan the crowd and was relieved when he eventually saw Kurt and the girls come back and sit down.
The only positive thing about this whole situation was that the McKinley players were so hell bent on getting to Dave that they let their tactics and especially their defence slip, and by the time 10 minutes were up the Dragons had managed to score another goal.
When Rick skated past Dave and hurled a "faggot" at him, Dave might or might not have accidentally on purpose tripped him and slammed into him. He was furious when he was sent off and sat down fuming.
He had to watch McKinley score two goals and by the time the second period ended the score was a close 3-2 lead for the Dragons.
Coach Tyler was not happy with their performance and ordered them all back to the locker room IMMEDIATELY, so Dave only managed a quick wave at Kurt before heading back to the locker rooms. Kurt waved back excitedly.
Kurt was relived to see Dave back on the ice when they returned with their drinks. He hoped that meant that his team was ok with him. Of course, no one had actually accused Dave outright of being gay as far as he could remember. Their slurs had been directed more at him, so there might be a good chance they didn't know, and after what had happened Kurt would be more than ok with that. Maybe Dave was right, he just needed to get through high school and then get the hell out of this place before coming out.
Kurt watched the drama unfold on the ice and wished there was something, anything he could do. He knew hockey was a brutal sport but this game gave the word a whole new meaning. How Dave was still standing after all the assaults really surprised him.
He never wanted anything more than the Dragons to beat McKinley and put them in their place. He was glad to be distracted by the girls who had gotten out some props for cheering on their team and currently taught him some of the chants.
In the locker room coach Tyler gave them a good talking to and reminded them that in order to win they needed to play as a team. Despite Nick's death glare in Dave's direction somehow coach must have got through to them and when they came out for the third period they seemed to have gelled again and were ready to win this game.
Dave was happy to be on the ice again and took the faceoff as skilfully as he did the previous ones. The game got faster and more urgent as none of the teams seemed to be able to score and everybody knew that a one goal lead was nothing to get complacent about.
Dave was roaming the ice and passing the puck and generally orchestrating the game. The crowd was getting louder and louder as the clock ticked on and the Dragons could hold on to their lead.
Dave saw an opening and rather than passing the puck he shot straight at the goal and straight through the goalie's legs. The crowd went berserk and his team mates all came rushing towards him. Even Nick gave him a nod. There were three minutes left on the clock and McKinley was getting desperate.
Two players slammed into Dave who in turn was slammed hard into the boards and shit, he could feel a pop in his shoulder. Play was stopped and both the McKinley players were sent off, which meant that the Dragons had the advantage for the last two minutes of the game which was as good as victory.
The crowd already chanted and celebrated and Kurt was soaking up the atmosphere, shouting Dave's name and chanting along with the rest of them, jumping up and down.
Before they knew it, the game was over. The Dragons had won 4-2. All the guys were rushing towards each other and hugging and slapping each other on the back. There was cheering and shouting and then the guys with girlfriends skated over to the boards and lifted their respective girlfriends over the board onto the ice.
Dave smiled at Kurt and wanted to do nothing more than to skate over and give him a big hug just like the other guys did with their girlfriends. Not that he thought of Kurt as his boyfriend that was! He just really wanted to share this moment with someone special.
Kurt was jumping and waving and shouting Dave's name. Dave looked so happy and the way he smiled at him had Kurt's stomach in all sorts of knots. Of course, he blamed it on the exhilaration of the actual victory.
Dave finally made up his mind with a 'screw 'em' and skated over to Kurt and pulled him into a big hug, laughing as Kurt let out a high squeaked sound.
"You were great out there" Kurt laughed and looked up into Dave's eyes and suddenly he felt his stomach flutter again.
"Yeah, can you believe it? We won. Wow, this is just wow…" Dave was too excited to speak and instead laughed again and took in the atmosphere around him. He smiled at Kurt. He was so happy that he was here sharing this moment with him.
They both got lost just looking into each others eyes for a moment and for all they cared they world could have stood still, suddenly everything else becoming a white noise in the background.
They didn't notice Rick and the other McKinley players staring at them in disgust and the way they whispered to each other and nodded their heads.
James skated over and gave Dave a big slap on the back. "Well done, man! I don't think we could have won without you."
He then turned his attention to Kurt. "Hi, you must be Kurt nice to finally put a face to the voice. You look like you enjoyed yourself."
Kurt smiled at James. He decided there and then that he liked the guy. "Yes, loved it. I never expected it to be this exciting." He smiled at Dave.
"Well, you had someone to watch didn't you" James said with a smirk which earned him a shove from Dave and a giggle from Kurt. "Shut up" Dave said teasingly.
James just laughed at that. "Ok, dude… well Kurt, I very much hope you and Dave will come to our little victory celebration afterwards."
Both Dave and Kurt looked at one another and hesitated. "Mmm, I don't know if that is such a good idea, I mean I'll have the long drive home…" Kurt said, while Dave said an "ahh… I don't know, I feel pretty battered…." at the same time.
James wasn't having any of it. "Nonsense, you played your ass off out there earlier Dave and I am sure all the guys agree with me, without you we wouldn't have won today so you better get your pretty little behind to the party and make sure your friend will come along to keep you company."
Dave shrugged, knowing James well enough that as far as he was concerned the matter was closed.
He smiled shyly at Kurt "Whaddaya think? We could just tag along for a little while?"
Kurt rolled his eyes. "well, let me think… having to spent more time with you after having to endure watching you skate around the ice for hours on end… as opposed to going home and spend the rest of the evening alone in my room, curled up in bed… well, it's kind of a hard choice" Kurt winked at Dave.
"Aww, sorry for that" Dave replied with a goofy grin.
"Well, ok then, let's go for it but I really can't stay too long, curfew and all… or my dad will go crazy." Kurt looked up into those hazel eyes again and wow, they were pretty, especially with Dave smiling like that.
Soon it was time for the ceremony and Kurt watched as the players from both teams were shaking each others hands and then it was time for the trophy. Kurt was busy taking pictures of the Dragons and especially Dave as they lifted the trophy. He was still standing with the girls who all looked just as proud of their boyfriends as he felt about Dave.
Kurt really hoped that there would be more games of Dave's he could attend. He had no idea whether there would be any more this being the finals but he sincerely hoped so. Kurt let his mind wander for a second and his eyes settled yet again on Dave. He has rarely ever seen him so happy. It was obvious that sports was such a big part of what makes Dave Karofsky, not to say that he also looked kinda sexy in his gear, and Kurt could suddenly feel himself blush and quickly averted his gaze.
When all the official bits were over the guys were all heading back to the locker rooms. Well except for Dave that was. He skated back over to Kurt.
"Hi" Kurt smiled. "Shouldn't you be heading for the showers?"
"Yeah, well… I am kind of waiting for the other guys to finish first." Dave said looking embarrassed. "With everything that happened earlier I don't know if I want to be in there with them at the moment or if they want me to be in there."
Kurt looked at Dave with a questioning look. "Does that mean they know?" he asked quietly.
"Well, not exactly, I mean… oh, I completely forgot to tell you that I told James earlier and he is like totally cool with it."
"Oh Dave, that is great" Kurt tried pulling Dave in for a hug but Dave winced out in pain. "Oh, my shoulder…sorry, I must have sprained it earlier. It probably will be ok in a few days. Nothing that hasn't happened before. "Dave said pre-empting Kurt's question as to whether he should get it checked out that was written all over his face.
"Ok" Kurt said still looking at him with concern. "So, does that mean the other guys don't know?"
Dave shook his head. "Not really, I mean I have no idea what conclusion they might draw from Rick's little display earlier and in a way I don't really care anymore but at the same time I am shitting myself." Dave nervously scratched his head as the thought of the possible implications.
Kurt let out a giggle. He understood perfectly. "But…" Kurt said after a moment. "If they don't know then what are you doing here waiting for them to finish? I mean nothing has changed then really, or has it? You don't want to give them any reason to talk, do you?"
Dave stared at Kurt and gulped. Kurt was right of course but still, it felt different now, but on the other hand he should just carry on as normal after all nothing really has changed. He was still the same person he was a few hours ago.
He nodded at Kurt in appreciation. "Well, thank you Mr Hummel. You're right as always."
Kurt smirked "Way to go to inflate my quite sizeable ego even further but of course I am right! Now get yourself in the shower. I'll be waiting outside the locker room for you."
"Yes sir!" Dave let out in a mock salute as he turned to skate towards the exit for the locker rooms.
Kurt smiled. Dave was really cute like that he thought to himself. He was so glad that he got to know the real Dave that had been hiding underneath this fake persona of Karofsky and that despite the little knock backs Dave was becoming more and more comfortable with himself and the world around him.
Kurt didn't quite know when or how but he couldn't and wouldn't want to imagine a world without him anymore.
He caught up with Lindsay and the others who were outside waiting and still in animated conversation about tonight's game. They were more than thrilled to hear that Kurt was tagging along to the after party and were going on about how great Dave had been on the ice, which filled Kurt's chest with pride.
Dave sneaked into the showers and was happy to notice that most of the guys had already finished and were getting dressed. There was whooping and cheering going on and everyone was obviously still high from the victory. No one really paid him too much attention, just the occasional 'great game Karofsky' and slap on the back and Dave was grateful for that. Even Nick seemed to have piped down for now being too caught up in celebrating.
He let the warm water wash over his body. The hot water felt amazing on his battered body. He would feel this match for days to come and could already see the bruises forming on body from all the checks he had to endure. His shoulder still hurt and he gave it a tentative roll in order to loosen it up.
"Hey Dave! Don't be too long. We'll be waiting for you in the carpark" James shouted into the showers.
"Yeah. I'll try and hurry" Dave shouted back.
When he eventually came back to the lockers everybody had left. Dave towel dried himself and got out his change of clothes and started to get dressed.
Dave pulled up his pants and yelped out in pain. Shit, his shoulder. He could feel a stab of sharp pain shooting through it. He couldn't move it or lift up his arm. That last slam must have done more damage than he initially thought. Try as he may, he could not lift his arm above waist height and he hadn't even put on his shirt yet. 'Great', he huffed out.
Well, he just had to suck it up and somehow try to get this shirt on so he could get out of here. He placed his good arm into the sleeve and tried to manoeuvre the shirt over to his other arm but fuck, he yelled out again. There was no way he was able to lift up this arm. He sat down on the bench in frustration and stared at the wall.
Kurt was still waiting outside the changing rooms. He had watched everyone come and go but there was no sign of Dave. He was getting a bit nervous but tried to reassure himself that Dave was ok. James told him that he was waiting for them in the car park but that was like 15 minutes ago.
"Dave?" Kurt yelled into the locker room, not really wanting to go in there. "What's taking you so long? You're ok?"
Kurt's voice got Dave out of his funk. "Yes, I mean no… I am actually not alright."
At Dave's words Kurt rushed into the locker room without giving it a second thought. What could possibly be wrong with Dave? He was worried.
Dave saw Kurt rush in and instinctively jumped up from where he was sitting, shirt still hanging off one side of his body.
Kurt stopped in his track and couldn't help but stare. There was Dave standing shirtless, well sort of, in front of him and wow, Kurt thought, he never realised Dave looked so hot. He had to gulp but couldn't get his eyes to look away. He took in Dave's impressive biceps and broad chest, covered in a layer of hair.
Dave just stared back, not really sure how to interpret that look on Kurt's face. Gosh, could he just please stop looking at him like that, he pleaded silently.
He suddenly felt very naked and a bit self-conscious. He was well aware that he didn't have a perfect body. He tried to cover himself up with the shirt as best as he could which only resulted in another cry of pain as his shoulder made itself known again.
"Oh my god, what is it Dave?" Kurt asked concerned moving closer on impulse.
"It's my shoulder Kurt. I've no idea how but I just can't lift my arm. I can't even get this bloody shirt on" Dave huffed out frustrated.
"Oh… let me" Kurt said moving closer and taking hold of Dave's shirt. He guided it round Dave's back and gently moved Dave's arm into the sleeve before shrugging it over Dave's shoulder, taking care not to aggravate anything.
He moved to Dave's front and started to do up the buttons, his fingers brushing against Dave's skin ever so often. Dave gasped out at the touch and suddenly became very aware as how close Kurt was being to him.
Kurt misinterpreted the noise as Dave being in pain and instinctively put his hands on Dave's shoulder as if to soothe the pain. His eyes never leaving Dave's and his mouth suddenly feeling very dry.
What on earth was Kurt doing? Dave wondered. He was way too close for comfort and Dave was getting lost in those blue eyes. He swallowed but couldn't make himself move away. He zoned in on Kurt and everything else just sort of faded away.
All he would have to do was lean in a bit closer. He could practically feel Kurt's breath on his face. As if hypnotised he closed in and instead of pulling away Kurt actually closed his eyes and let his head fall back a bit.
Suddenly Dave's phone went off.
Both Dave and Kurt jumped back having been brought back to reality. Dave rummaged for his phone and pulled it out of his pocket.
"Hey, what's keeping you so long? We really want to head to the party. You haven't changed your mind I hope?" James enquired.
"What? No… I mean… I… we'll be there in a minute" Dave stuttered, looking at Kurt with panic in his eyes. What on earth was he just about to do? Ruin a really great friendship because he couldn't keep his hormones under control, Dave cursed himself.
"Ahhh… We? Can in infer from that that you're not alone? Do I get a feeling I don't want to ask?" James laughed.
"Noooo… nothing like that" Dave protested all too eager. "I can't move my shoulder and Kurt was just trying to help me to get on my shirt…"
"Well, whatever" James chuckled. "As long as you two get over here soon. We don't want to miss all the fun. And I'll have a look at your shoulder. Probably just sprained."
"Yeah, we'll be there in a minute." Dave said before hanging up.
Kurt had suddenly become very interested in checking his phone for any messages but when Dave had hung up he put his phone away. He couldn't really bring himself to look at Dave. He was too busy beating himself up for almost crossing a line and ruining everything he and Dave had become over the last couple of months.
Dave coughed to get Kurt's attention. He still needed help with his buttons and probably his shoelaces as well. Kurt looked up and gave him a nervous smile. He moved closer again to do up the remaining buttons but this time taking great care not to touch Dave's skin or to look up at him.
Dave sat down and Kurt did up his laces as well before grabbing Dave's things and carrying them out for him.
"Come on, we don't want to keep James waiting any longer" he said trying to sound casual.
Dave nodded and followed Kurt out of the locker room.
James and Lindsay were outside waiting for them. "Finally, what kept you so long?" he said with a smirk but when he noticed the uncomfortable silence between them he let it rest.
He noticed the way Dave was holding his arm. James had a quick look at it and realised that the shoulder was swollen. "Man, that really looks messed up. You think you can drive?"
"Oh" Dave hadn't even thought about that yet. Driving probably wasn't such a good idea. "I really don't know. I think I will just have to give it a try." Dave said but was cut off by a protesting Kurt.
"No way Dave! You can hardly move your arm at all. There is no way I am letting you get behind a wheel until you have this checked out."
James smiled at the worry and affection he could hear in Kurt's voice.
"Yeah, I think the guy is right" James agreed.
Dave knew there was no point arguing with Kurt, plus he had a bad feeling that he really wasn't up to driving, so he just nodded.
"Ok, how about you go in Kurt's car and Kurt can follow us to the diner. And later you can crash at my place. No point in driving home if you can't come back here tomorrow. We can get your shoulder checked out in the morning."
Dave agreed and gave his dad a quick call to see if that was ok. After they stopped off at his truck to put his stuff in they headed over to Kurt's Navigator and followed James and Lindsay. The drive was filled with awkward small talk, both of them too busy with their own thoughts to give conversation much attention.
They pulled up outside the diner 10 minutes later. The team and hangers on were already inside and pretty much had taken over the place.
They all cheered when Dave and James came in, well apart from Nick and a few of his friends, who just nodded at them before throwing a not too friendly look at Kurt and then went back to ignoring them. Well, as long as they just ignored them and left them alone Dave would be ok with it.
Dave noticed that even Coach Tyler and a few parents had tagged along. That would explain the relatively tame behaviour compared to some other celebrations they had had in the past.
He and Kurt were pulled along by James and Lindsay and joined the main table. People were still cheering and then Coach Tyler went into one of his infamous speeches of the importance of team spirits for any victory and went on to thanking as many people as he possibly could.
People tried to look interested and knew better than to interrupt him in mid-flow. Dave nudged Kurt and rolled his eyes which elicited a small giggle from Kurt and just like that the awkwardness that had built up between them was broken.
They spent the next hour chatting and laughing. Lindsay monopolising Kurt for a fair bit, telling him all about how she and James met; in return wanting to know everything about him and Dave. Kurt skipped over the more sensitive details but assured her that they are great friends to which she gave him a mischievous smile.
Dave was deep in conversation with James and a few others of the players, analysing the game. Kurt just enjoyed seeing him so lively. Their legs touched at one point and neither of them felt the urge to pull away.
This was kind of nice, Kurt thought as he looked around. Everyone seemed to get on and had a great time. Even the douches on the other table seemed to have mellowed and joined in the conversations, not minding him much anymore.
It sounded weird in his own mind but Kurt felt normal, if there ever even was such a thing as being normal and Dave just looked happy and relaxed and it made Kurt very happy indeed.
At one point Kurt checked the time and jumped up "Oh gosh. I really need to head home otherwise there is no way I am going to make it in time." He said his goodbyes. Both Lindsay and James gave him a big hug and he had to promise them to meet up again soon. Kurt waved a general goodbye at the other guys at their table.
"Wait. I'll walk you to your car" Dave said, following Kurt across the diner, choosing to ignore the bemused looks from some of his team-mates.
They walked across the car park in silence. When they got to Kurt's car they both didn't quite know what to say or do. Dave nervously shuffled his feet while Kurt checked over and smoothed out some non-existing wrinkles on his shirt.
"Um… thanks for coming. It really meant a lot to me." Dave finally said.
Kurt chuckled and made himself look up into Dave's eyes. Big mistake! As his stomach was starting to flutter nervously again. "No, thanks for inviting me. I wouldn't have missed this for the world. I had a blast and also finally getting to know James was a real plus. I am so glad you've got a friend here who seems to like you just as you are." Kurt took Dave's hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Dave looked at their intertwined hands and felt the heat rise up his hand and arm. He looked back up at Kurt. "Yes, who would have thought? You know, maybe things do get better after all. I mean my family and now James. I know there will always be some people who won't approve but… you know… I actually start believing that maybe one day I can be happy."
"Of course you will be" Kurt beamed at Dave and gave his hand another squeeze and silently pleaded with his stomach to stop playing up.
"Well, I think I should get going now. Goodnight Dave and please get that shoulder checked out." Kurt leaned in to give Dave a hug before opening the door.
"Ok, I will." Dave's emotions were all over the place. Was he imagining Kurt blushing as he said his goodbyes? He just didn't know anything anymore.
"Kurt" he shouted after him.
Kurt who was about to get into the car turned around and looked at Dave and could feel the flutter again.
"Yes" he said in a voice more husky than he had intended.
Dave just gulped but didn't actually know what he wanted to say. "Nothing… Just… drive carefully."
"Oh… ok, I will" Kurt sounded almost disappointed but smiled at Dave anyway. What did he expect him to say?
Dave watched Kurt drive away before going back to the diner. He really could do with some distracting now. When did things suddenly get complicated? He knew he liked Kurt like THAT but that friendship was all he could possibly hope for and he was more than happy with that. Then today he felt like getting all these weird signals and didn't know what to make of them. It all just didn't make sense.
Kurt spent the whole drive home wondering why on earth his stomach refused to behave itself when around Dave lately. If he even had the slightest inkling, he did his utmost not to allow his thought to go there. He and Dave were friends and he didn't want anything to mess that up.
Long chapter again, I know. Would you prefer me to break them down im more palatable chunks when they get to a certain length or are you happy to plough through?