Here's the next exciting episode of SY; AKC! LOL, I had a lot of fun with this one and I hope you guys like reading it! Enjoy:

Senior Year; A Kurtofsky Chronicle

Chapter 14: Failure and Resolve

By lunch time on Monday everyone at McKinley knew about what happened to Kurt. The news had caught like wildfire over the week end and as most stories go in high school, this one had become twisted and exaggerated to where it couldn't even be recognized anymore. No matter how distorted the story got however, one fact remained the same: David Karofsky and Azimio Adams were heroes.

Everywhere he went Dave was greeted with smiles and cheers. It felt amazing, but the happiness was dimmed; dimmed because he was still hiding who he really was; because people thought he was a hero, but his hero, Kurt wasn't by his side. Azimio seemed to be relishing the experience. He walked proudly, recounting how he'd come into the bathroom and helped save the day. Dave didn't have the heart to contradict his best friend's slight exaggeration.

All Dave could really focus on during lunch was going to see Kurt that evening. He hadn't been able to see him yesterday as the singer was still in bad condition, but he'd been given the OK for tonight. He couldn't help but feel jittery. They'd only been apart less than 48 hours, but he still felt like he was going to see an old friend.

I have to let him know how I feel. I have to tell him tonight that I'm willing to do anything to be with him. I can't lose him again, and I want to protect him. Now that I know Az has my back, I don't care what the rest of the meatheads think. I've got Glee, I've got Az, and I've got my dad. I've even gotten Mr. Hummel's approval.

At that thought Dave's heart lit up inside of him, making him smile wide. It was like he was tasting air for the first time; like he'd been asleep for a million years and now he's opened his eyes and could see the sun. He was no longer a monster; no longer a prisoner in his own skin. He was free…

Not quite. I still have to apologize to Kurt, he thought. He'd felt ashamed of denying his feelings for Kurt. Dave spent all of his free time devising the perfect way to let Kurt know that it would never happen again. He had thought about asking for advice from his father, but before he did he'd had a change of heart.

Dad understands that I'm gay, but he doesn't understand how I feel about Kurt. He doesn't know how much it hurt for me to see Kurt's pain. I need to do this on my own. I need to figure out a way to get Kurt to know exactly what he means to me; how much I love him. I can't wait anymore. I never want to see him hurt again. I want to protect him, and even if he just wants to be friends, I need for him to know that my heart is his.

"You OK, D?" Az asked him.

Dave snapped from his thoughts and realized that he was still in the lunchroom. Some of the jocks were staring at him and snickering.

"Uh, y-yeah," he replied, letting out a nervous chuckle. "I hardly got any sleep last night."

"Oh, thinking too hard about what you're gonna say tonight, huh," Azimio said, nudging him with his elbow.

"Ha ha… yeah, I guess so," Dave replied, reddening slightly. He was so glad that Az was treating him the same. He'd been expecting at least a little bit of a change, but his friend apparently didn't see this as a very big deal. Azimio's words came flooding back into Dave's mind:

"You're my boy, D. I don't care who you love. If I've learned anything from watching Fancy, it's that being gay don't define who you are."

Those words echoed in Dave's mind and he felt a warmth pulsing throughout his body. He slapped Az on the back and got up from the table.

"I'm gonna head to the library for a bit," he said, grabbing his tray. "I have a calc test tomorrow so…"

Az shook his head and gave Dave a knowing look. Dave grinned widely and went to go dump his tray. On his way he passed by the Gleeks. Dave nodded to Fin, who gave him a big smile. Mercedes however, got up.

"David Karofsky," she said, walking over to him. He tensed a bit and noticed that the others had too. Crap, what now?

He was both relieved and surprised when she threw her arms around him and pulled him into a deep hug.

"Whatever doubts I had about you," she said quietly so only he could hear, "they're gone now. You saved my best friend's life. You have nothing else to prove to me."

She stepped away leaving Dave red in the face and slightly confused, but he quickly recovered and smiled. The rest of them smiled up at him too, a few shaking his hand. As he left the table, he shook his head slightly, still smiling.

I can't believe I never did this before, he thought to himself. There was such a huge upsurge of support from all of the people he'd told that he honestly thought he could fully come out really soon. After dumping the scraps and depositing his tray, Dave walked out of the cafeteria heading for the library. He couldn't wait until tonight. It had to be perfect if he was going to have any chance at all of getting Kurt to forgive him for denying him at the theater. Tonight I'll make sur e he knows that he's the one who saved me.

Kurt woke up dizzy and disoriented, but alive. He hadn't opened his eyes yet, but already he could feel someone was in the room with him. Among the strangely melodious humming and beeping of machines there was a sound of soft, even breathing. He could hear the sound coming from somewhere to his right and stayed still until he was sure that whoever it was was asleep. If it had been his father, Kurt would have recognized him right away; his father snored deeply in his sleep.

Slowly and carefully, Kurt slid his left hand under the bed sheet up his side to where he felt the dull pain. As he touched the spot his mind flashed back to the scene in the movie theater bathroom. It was a misty memory, but he saw himself there, standing in the dimly lit, half tiled room. He remembered the mirrors and the five other people with him, three on the ground and two of them bickering.

Dave. It had been Dave and Azimio. The memory got a little clearer and he could see the jocks talking, their words not really reaching his ears, partly because he didn't want to remember them. He knew the gist of it: David was still too scared to admit to Azimio about his and Kurt's relationship –not that we really had one… Kurt thought. He remembered that panicked look in David's eyes; shame and fear mixed together into a green pool of denial.

Still he owed this boy his life. He knew that when he saw the glint of silver. It seared his eyes, it was so bright as the blade of the knife appeared out of the thug's pocket and slashed towards Dave. Kurt knew neither of them had even noticed the boy getting up. He knew that he was the only one and without thought of risking his own life, without thought of how painful it would be, he leaped into action. He remembered the tremendous weight of David as he slammed into the jock barely budging him, but it was enough; enough to make him turn his head and take a step back. It was enough to save him.

Then Kurt's body knew pain; excruciating and tremendous. The knife slit through his side, cutting him. It felt like burning; like he'd been bitten by fire, deep and hard. He saw his hot red blood spew out of him, splattering onto David's hands as the rest of him lunged to catch Kurt's falling mass. He remembered the pain flooding him, his mind grasping him around the neck and dragging him into its recesses where the pain could not reach.

The very last thing he remembered were the green orbs in David's face glazing over with pure, unadulterated rage as the boy roared, leaping over him and into his attacker, fists flying back and forth so fast they seemed blurred. Azimio was holding him, a blood soaked cloth torn from the boy's own shirt pressed against the wounds. And then the world faded.

How long have I been here, he wondered. How long was I out? Did he come to see me? At that last thought Kurt remembered the breathing and his eyes shot open.

He sat up too fast. The pain ran through his body, making every pore scream out until it he finally let out his own. There was a gasp and a rush and a shuffling of feet as someone rushed to his side. Tears glossed his vision, but soon enough there was no mistaking who the sleeper was.

"Oh my god, Kurt," said the silk voice, making his heart shudder. "What are you doing! You shouldn't be trying to get up, you're still very tender."

Blaine Anderson wrapped his arms around the singer, gently forcing him on his back. Kurt was still blinking away the tears when he could make out the Warbler's arm reaching across to the other side of the bed, grabbing a small remote and pushing the button to call for a nurse.

"Why," Kurt began, wincing a bit as his words found themselves unable to escape his dry throat.

"Shhh…" Blaine noised, running his finger over Kurt's forehead and sweeping the hairs from his face. "You just sit back and focus on getting better. I heard about it from your father. He said he didn't know why he was calling because you'd told him we were broken up, but I was the first person he could think of."

Kurt frowned, but it must have been mistaken by Blaine for a wince of pain because the Warbler's face flashed concern again and he squeezed Kurt's arm gently. Kurt would have kicked himself if he could- he still couldn't manage to convey his feelings with facial expressions. At that thought he reddened a bit remembering what Blaine had said about his sexy faces.

Again Blaine mistook the biological function of Kurt's blush and stroked his cheek, an adoring smile spreading across his lips.

"I was so scared I'd lose you," Blaine whispered, his face creeping ever closer to Kurt's. "I-I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you. I know you're still mad about our fight, but Kurt… I'm still in love with you."

Kurt flushed, his eyes widening as Blaine's lips grazed his own playfully before they came together. Blaine's kiss was passionate and real. It had so much emotion; love, regret, and tenderness. Through it the Warbler tried to convey all of his feelings about Kurt, about their relationship and how he really loved him. It was a sweet gesture, even flattering… but it wasn't the same. It wasn't Dave's.

And at that moment, Kurt's eyes bulged, his heart racing and his mind screaming to end the kiss. He pushed Blaine off and gasped, panting for air.

"Kurt, what's wrong?" Blaine asked, a little confused and hurt. But Kurt only stared at the doorway, wishing so bad that he had the use of his voice at that moment.

As Dave went through the double doors, his heart began racing. This is it, he thought. He approached the front desk where a very pretty nurse sat shuffling through papers and clicking away on the computer. Dave was hesitant, but the young lady looked up when he'd approached and smiled brightly.

"Hi, how can I help you this evening?" she asked.

"I-I'm here to visit Kurt Hummel," Dave said. He gave the nurse the room number which he'd memorized when Burt told him on Sunday. She did some typing on her computer, printed him out a visitor's pass, and sent him on his way.

"You've got until 8 o'clock," she said in a sweet voice before resuming her duties.

Dave swallowed as he approached the elevators. He had in his mind all that he wanted to say. He'd been memorizing it all day and had even gone into the library during the second half of his lunch period to write it down because he remembered someone telling him it was a good way to memorize things. He'd spent the time in the spot where he and Kurt had talked. Kurt had told him he was beautiful there. Dave gushed, remembering the dreamy look in Kurt's eyes when he'd said it. He couldn't help but smile as the elevator came down, a small ding indicating it had arrived.

The jock stepped in and pushed five, folding his hands in front of him as an elderly woman came on with him. She smiled at him and asked if he would press three, which he kindly obliged. As the doors closed, Dave looked into the bright overhead lights and wondered about the beautiful boy lying upstairs.

A couple of floors later, the elevator stopped. He held the door open with one hand while the woman shuffled off, turning back to smile and thank him.

"I wish my grandsons were as much of a gentleman as you," she said before turning around starting down the hallway. Dave smiled to himself as he let the doors close and the elevator lurched and began ascending once again. On the fifth floor, the elevator stopped to let him out and he turned right, heading towards the recovery rooms. His hand absently grazed his pocket where he'd stashed a card to give to Kurt.

His heart started to beat faster as he approached the room. Dave could feel his fingers tingling as he reached up to straighten his collar, but as he got closer, he heard a voice. It wasn't Kurt's and it wasn't one he ever wanted to hear again.

"I'm still in love you," he heard Blaine Anderson saying. He was about to bolt in and raise hell when he saw it: the two boys were locked in a loving embrace, Kurt's face red with passion. Dave's heart cracked and he stumbled back before he was seen. He turned abruptly and looked around, spotting the staircase and pushing open the door.

He bolted down the five flights of stairs, his feet hitting every step with a loud and purposeful thump.

Fuck! Dave screamed in his mind. Why did I think that bastard wouldn't find out? Why didn't I think Kurt would go running back to him after what I said; because I'm a hero? He almost had to laugh at his own stupidity, but the fresh, hot stream of tears racing down his face sobered him. He clutched the railing as he made the first landing swinging himself to the door but stopping short. I need to pull myself together, he said, taking deep breaths and drying his tears.

It's obvious how badly I messed up. After all of the progress I made, I still denied him in front of his face. I denied my feelings and now he's chosen to go back to that- that ASSHOLE! Damn it! Is he really better than me? Why the fuck can't I do anything right? Why can't you just let yourself love him?

Dave fell against the wall and let himself cry for a few minutes to get it out of his system. He let all of the tears and emotions flood out before wiping his eyes on his sleeve and opening the door. He walked into the lobby and made a straight shot for the door. As he came upon them, he quickened his pace, not wanting to be in there a minute longer. His eyes were burning again and he needed to make it to his truck. As the double doors slid open, a rush of cool night air hit his lungs and made him gasp.

He hurled himself into the driver's seat and slammed the door hard. Counting to ten, and breathing in and out slowly helped calm him some and he inserted his key and turned on the engine.

Pulling out of the hospital parking lot, Dave drove around aimlessly, too upset to go home. He knew he would just curl up in his bed and cry himself to sleep and he couldn't stand how incredibly weak that made him feel.

No, I need to get Kurt to listen to me, he resolved after about a half hour of circling the neighborhood. He looked at the clock and cursed himself. Fuck! It's already past 8; too fucking late. Good going Karofsky, now it'll be another day or so before you can go see him again. I can't come back tomorrow because of football practice and the Wednesday is Glee club. I wonder if I can get them to come to the hospital to see Kurt. I'm sure they'd all do it, but how can I tell him then, in front of everyone? Besides, he can only have a few visitors at a time…

Dave parked his truck at a nearby gas station and sat thinking to himself. I need to find a way to see him before it's too late. I don't care if he's chosen already, I need to let him know how I feel. That ass-hat will never be able to love him like I can, I just know it. He's too self-absorbed; too obnoxious… I need to make Kurt see that I can be with him proudly. That I'm willing to do anything it takes to make sure he never hurts again. I'm not giving up!

At that moment he got an alert on his cell phone. His hand flung into his pocket and he ripped out his phone. His heart fell when he saw it was an administration alert from the school:

Anti-Bullying Assembly!

Mandatory for all students!

All students are to meet in the gymnasium for a compulsory Anti-bullying

Assembly on Wednesday October 12, 2011, at 2 pm.

As you all know a recent attack was made on one of our students. In light of the

situation, we are holding an anti-bullying rally to speak out against all forms

of violence against our students. It is imperative that we come together and stand

against these vile acts. Guest speakers from the Sherriff's department and the

Mayor's office will also be joining us to speak about the dangers and

consequences of bullying.

Dave read the email over and over, not really paying much attention, but still trying to find a way to reach Kurt. He'd given up on reading the message when his phone alarm went off again. This time it was Mercedes.

Hey! Guess u know and 4got to tell us Kurt was coming back on Wed! Bet Ur happy XD ~ mercymercy92

Dave's heart jumped in his throat.

I didn't get 2 c him… dad called in sick 2 work… ~D.K_77

O! tell him feel better! NEway, Glee's doin something 4 Kurt after the assembly. Find a song U want 2 sing 2him. ~ mercymercy92

Then it came to him; A song! That was the perfect way to tell Kurt everything he was feeling! Dave's mind instantly ran a list of songs he could sing, but none of them seemed perfect enough. He needed to let Kurt know that while he wasn't perfect, he was going to be there for him –always. Dave grinned and picked his phone back up, texting hurriedly to Mercedes:

THX! I luv you so much rite now! ~D.K_77

Wat? U OK white-boy? ~mercymercy92 was her response, but he only glanced at it before revving the engine back up and pulling out of the gas station.

Dave knew what to do now. It was so obvious when he thought about it. He knew Blaine could sing –he'd heard him when Kurt got back to McKinley last year- but he was just going to have to be better. Dave grinned to himself as he drove home to find the perfect song and practice.

With Kurt on the line, I'll sing circles around Pretty-boy any day!

Aaaaand cut! LOL, I was just thinking of how this scene would have played out like an episode of Grey's Anatomy meets Glee. OK, that's totally stupid, but IDC! XD I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter and look forward to the next one! As always: reviews = 3! XOXO

~Jay