A/N: Hudson-Hummel dinner time. I know some of you guys may have PTSD from the last dinner occasion but don't fret, there won't be any family break ups. Honest.

Disclaimer: As I always do I mention random pop culture shit (the Dog whisperer, Jonie loves Chachi - for anyone who knows who Scott Baoi actually is, a Bring It On and Harry Potter reference, Facebook, etc, etc). Don't own none of it son!

It takes Dave all of fifteen minutes to decide that he loves Amy. She's a breath of fresh air in terms of being surrounded by so much testosterone as of late.

She was pleasant and accommodating, but had the air of someone who would run you through with a kitchen knife if pushed too far, despite her mousy, rather delicate frame. Dave honestly liked that.

"Dave, please try some more of the scallops. I'm not afraid to say that I did them complete justice."

"You always do," Finn speaks through a mouthful of food.

"Finn - chew, please."

"Sorry," he mumbles. Jamie rolls her eyes at her Dad's antics but smiles, as if this was a regular occurence between her parents that left her highly amused more than annoyed.

Dave chuckles as he scoops a healthy portion onto his plate.

"You're more than finding your knack sis," Kurt compliments.

"Thanks sweetie. I wish I had time to take more culinary classes, but you know I stay pretty busy at the office - one day maybe."

"Where do you work?" Dave asks.

"Nowhere too exciting. I'm a dental assistant. I enjoy it enough. And it helps pay the bills so you won't hear me complain."

Dave nods in understanding.

"So how goes the cheer practice, speaking of work?" Kurt directs at Jamie.

"It's been okay I guess. They're talking about making me Co-Captain next year."

"Wow - Jamie, that's great. Co-Captain as a seventh grader's a pretty big deal."

"Yeah, I guess Uncle Kurt."

"What's wrong cutie?"

Jamie is averting his gaze, staring down at her plate as she picks at her food.

"I dunno. I just - I don't know if I love it anymore - you know?"

"Where's this coming from?" Amy queries. "You love dancing. You always have - "

"Yeah, I love dancing. I don't know if I love cheerleading though. It's all about popularity and caring all the time -"

"Well you should care -"

"About what everyone else thinks? Sometimes, I guess. But it feels like too much sometimes. I get tired of it."

"So - " Finn states awkwardly, an obvious subject change forth coming. "Um - have you got a chance to see Danny lately, Dave?"

Kurt drops his fork on the plate, the clanging causing everyone to look over at him. "Sorry - slipped," he explains while glaring menacingly at Finn who seems to visibly shrink.

"No," he supplies shortly.

"Stinks. Sorry to hear that."

"Yeah. It does. I've been dying to but it's been difficult to figure out when I can, what with Dad standing guard every waking moment he's not at work and her pitbull of a babysitter making it her personal mission to kill anything that moves on sight."

"Beverly, right?"

Dave looks up at Jamie in surprise. "Right. How'd you know that?"

"Oh. Um - well, Danny told me. Facebook."

"Really?"

"Mmhm."

Dave wants to comment on this unusual development, but honestly can't decide what words would be most suitable - "you used to laugh while other kids put maxi-pads on her back, doesn't seem like the best quality for a friend" - so he resigns against speaking at all.

Suddenly the sound of the doorbell interrupts his wildly running thoughts. It seems that every face at the table practically lights up with a suppressed, but still noticeable excitement.

"Hey Dave - would you mind answering that? You're sort of closer," Finn prompts.

"Mmkay," Dave shrugs, standing up and wandering toward the door. When he pulls it open, his heart nearly explodes with absolute delight.

"Hi," she greets, pushing her thick glasses up her nose. Dave hesitates for a milisecond, and then lifts her off the ground in a crushing hug.

"Dave! You're gonna crush me!"

"Whatever. As long as you're not imaginary, I can deal with you being flat as a pancake."

Finally he lets her down, his hands still glued to her shoulders as he stares in her face, still not fully believing she wasn't a figment of his imagination.

"What are you - How did you even get here?"

"Jamie told me you'd be here. Kurt invited me actually. He asked her to let me know."

"Facebook?"

"Facebook," she confirmed.

The silence sweeps over them. Their last painful exchange reminding them of the distance they'd experienced over the course of several weeks.

"Danny. I'm so sorry kid. I just - I never told you that stuff because I didn't want you to think less of me. I didn't wanna be some big hypocrite to you, I guess."

Danny glances at the ground, her glasses falling forward again, causing her to push them back in place with her index finger. "It does sort of suck, finding out your brother was the same guy who gives atomic wedgies to kid's like me."

"I was always wrong. None of what I did then was really who I was. I was too scared of being myself, too scared to break away from the pack and draw attention to myself. So I became the worst one of them - one of the biggest regrets of my life."

"You really hurt Kurt, like that?"

Dave nods placidly. "I really did."

"But he seems to like you now."

"I think so. I'd like to think so anyway."

Danny catches his eye then, hers boring into his with a grave intensity, a strong desire to understand.

"You learned to be friends even after all of that stuff. So it can happen - letting it go, I mean."

Dave pats her head, his eyes still fixed steadily on her, "The bigger man was always Kurt. Because he was able to forgive me. That takes more courage than anything else. Any idiot can throw a punch or an insult. It takes someone with real character and grit to be able to forgive and let it go. I think that's way harder by far to do. Don't forget that."

Danny smiles up at him, her eyes shining with the glare from the porch light, and unmistakable tears.

"And how did you get here?" Dave hastens on, his arm now draped over her shoulder.

She pointed behind her, a familiar mini-van parked by the curb.

"You didn't."

"I did."

As if on cue, a thin hand is waving out the passenger side window at him. "Davey! Come say hello to your Grandma."

"Hey, why don't you go inside. I'll be there in a minute."

Danny nods, then waves goodbye to their Grandma Mary before disappearing inside the house. Dave strides over and ducks his head inside the driver's side window to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey Nana."

"Hey yourself little Crockett."

"So you busted her out of house arrest, huh?"

"Took some convincing. That Beverly sure is a aurnary little bitch. But she does her job. Kind of reminds me of that Lisa -"

"Nana stop. Lisa really wasn't that bad."

"Maybe not. Only two people who love each other can have an understanding that nobody else quite understands."

"Er- right. Well, anyway, thank you for bringing her by. It was a nice surprise. I haven't seen her in a while - "

"Davey, when are you and your Father going to stop this foolishness? It's nothing but a whole bucket of stubborn between the two of you. Somebody's got to pour it out - give up that pride and mend this. If anything for that poor child in there. She's got enough loss in her life just as you do. Don't make it any harder on her or yourselves -"

"Nana, Dad made it pretty clear how he feels about me -"

"Oh come now, David. You know that man is as stubborn and thick as the wall of China. He get's things stuck in his head and he'd die before he'd admit he was wrong. You know that. Unfortunately he got that characteristic from me. I'm just wrinkly enough now-a-days to have learned that there are more important things than your pride."

"This isn't pride for me. It's acceptance, or rather the lack of."

Grandma Mary leans back, looking off into the distance, a thin smile veiling her pink lips.

"He went through the same thing - your Dad, with your Grandpa. I don't know what it is with you Karofsky men. Always so badly trying to prove yourselves and most times at the expense of others. Now who do we have here?" she announces while looking past Dave's shoulder with a renewed smirk.

"Hello there," the brunette greets jovially.

Grandma Mary was beaming at the poised figure walking toward them. Dave felt his insides squirm with unparalleled adoration at the sight.

"Why hello dear. Now who might you be?"

"Kurt Hummel, ma'am."

"Ah, Kurt. Ooh and so polite. I'm Maredith Karofsky. But most people know me as Grandma Mary. Very pleased to make your acquaintance. I've heard a bit about you."

Dave can feel a surge of panic rising into his throat. He thinks he recalls having mentioned this boy so many years ago, usually to complain how he'd all but ruined his life at McKinley.

"Oh?"

"Sure. Danny's mentioned you a few times. She really seems to adore you."

Kurt provides a humble nod. Dave exhales, feeling slightly faint.

"Well the feelings mutual."

"That's nice. Let me get a closer look at you dear. Don't be shy."

Kurt slowly eases forward.

"Come now I won't bite. I just want to get a good look at you."

She beckons him forward with her reedy hand and Kurt tilts toward her. She carefully takes his chin in her fingers, nudging him upward as if inspecting him, her cool eyes darting over his heated skin.

"Beautiful. Absolutely handsome." She gently releases his face, and smiles up at him. "I can see the appeal. Big heart too. I can feel it."

She quickly eyes Dave, a disguised sign of approval, and slants back in her seat as if readying herself to drive off.

"Well it was lovely to meet you Kurt. I best get going."

"Oh - er - Grandma Mary. We would love for you to join us. It'd be an honor."

She reaches out and pats Kurt's cheek affectionately. "Aren't you just a doll. Thank you so much for the invite but I'm afraid I have prior engagements."

"Like what?" Dave poses, genuninely curious at what a nearly eighty year old woman would have to do at this hour.

"If you must know, nosey, they're having Bingo night at the Palace Inn which I simply can't miss. And don't worry yourself about Danny. I'll be back in time to pick her up. Have fun boys. And little Crockett?"

Dave steps up and allows her to place a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Think about what Grandma Mary said, okay? I'm sure whatever it was, it was priceless. It usually is when I'm without my wine. Less amusing, but important."

"Yes ma'am."

"Love you now."

"Love you too."

And Grandma Mary peels off and hits the corner like a person not even a quarter her age.

"She's absolutely delightful."

"You're just saying that cause she called you beautiful."

"True. She also just seemed very loving. I like that in a person."

Dave is still staring at the place she'd disappeared from, smiling to himself. "Me too."

"Well, shall we Crockett?"

"Oh shit no. Don't start -"

"What? I think it's cute."

"It's something that I will only ever tolerate from my Grandma. It took me years to get to the point where I didn't want to punch her for saying it so don't push it."

"Your hostility is clearly an attempt to hide your shame. I know this from experience," Kurt states teasingly, his shoulder nudging against Dave's. "So are you going to tell me the story behind it's origin?"

"Look if I tell you, will you promise to give it a rest?"

"I solemnly swear..."

"Fine. It started when I was four. Somehow I became obsessed with Davey Crockett. I don't remember how or why. I just vaguely recall liking that he was an adventurer and had the same name as me. I even had a stupid raccoon skinned hat to top it off."

"... That I am up to no good, Mr. Crockett."

"Oh and now you're gettin' it."

"David, stop it! Stop!" Kurt squealed as Dave picked him up and tossed him over his shoulder.

"No mercy, Fancy!" He shouts as he spins them both around, Kurt hollering and wailing on his back. Dave carries them over to the grass, still spinning and feigning as if he was going to drop him.

"Okay, okay. I'm seriously going to hurl David -"

"You give up?"

"Yes, yes. I give up - I give up," he chokes out between strained laughs. "Just put me down before I liven up your shirt with an unflattering puke pattern."

"Alright your majesty." Dave begins to slide Kurt off of his shoulder when he feels himself being weighed down unexpectedly, losing his footing.

"Shit!"

They both topple to the ground, David laughing hysterically, as Kurt lands on top of him. Kurt swats him on the arm with a delicate grin, attempting to mask his utter amusement, but thankfully failing.

As the laughter dies down, Dave realizes that he is in fact lying down, with one Kurt Hummel spread on top of him. Neither were drunk, neither were out of their minds or emotionally compromised. Both seemed to have recognized their predicament, but yet had failed to untangle themselves from the awkward position.

Dave's smile becomes shy, but he keeps his eyes trained on the man hovering above him, Kurt's blue eyes piercing despite their warmth. Dave reaches up and brushes his hand over Kurt's face, gently cupping his cheek. Kurt leans into the touch, then places his own hand over Dave's.

Dave leans in, his lips brushing tentatively over Kurt's, barely tasting them. Kurt reciprocates, timid, but so perfect. It seemed to last forever though it had likely been no time at all.

Kurt pulls away with a soft smack, his blue eyes brimming with some emotion Dave couldn't easily recognize.

"We'd better get back inside, Mr. Crockett," he whispers with an air of seduction that caused Dave's cock to twitch.

"Well when you say it like that..."

Kurt smirks mischievously as he pulls himself up and offers Dave a hand. Dave grabs it and stands, still holding Kurt's hand firmly in his own. They walk back to the house hand in hand, reluctantly letting go once they reach the door.

"It takes well practiced skill. Only those with the gift can pull it off so easily... And she's got it! Crap that was good!" Finn shouts excitedly gesturing toward Danny.

"Hold your head back kid - "

"I got this Davey," she asserts, allowing her hands to settle on the table, the spoon glued in position on the tip of her nose.

"Only in our family is this considered a formidable skill set," Kurt chortles.

"Don't knock it cause you can't do it Hummel."

"Is this a challenge Finnegan?"

"Now it is since you used my horrible first name. That makes it personal."

"Bring it!"

"It's already been brought'en," Finn mocked in a scratchy valley girl voice.

"Hold on," Dave interrupts. "I propose we make this a table wide affair. Every man and woman for themselves. Longest spoon holder gets five bucks and the coveted title of the spoon whisperer."

"Count me in," says Amy. "Plus I love that show, Dog Whisperer. The things he seems to understand from those dogs, it's like wholesome witch magic for dog lovers."

"James?" Finn questions.

She sighs, then picks up her spoon as in answer.

"Cool. Get ready. I'm setting the alarm on my phone and... Start!"

Silver is gleaming off of every nose, each individual looking focused and determined as if they were competing for an olympic medal. It was pretty hilarious actually, observing silverware dangling precariously from each nose around the table.

Suddenly a clang is heard, signalling the fall of a spoon.

"Damn it!"

"Finn, language!" Amy scolded, but the sudden jerk of her head caused her spoon to follow suit with a loud metallic clank. "Shit!"

Finn's retaliatory laugh was boisterous. "Amy, language honey."

She scowled at him as he continued to bark out his laughter. Dave's chuckling at their exchange causes his spoon to drop.

"Then there were three whisperers."

"Shut up, David. You're going to make me laugh and I wants my five bucks," Kurt warns.

"Did you just bring out your inner Santana Lopez? Sweet Versace... You do want this win - "

"Stop, talking," Kurt blurts in between giggles.

"She'd be proud. And there's so many things you can do as a grown man with impeccable fashion sense with five dollars: like purchase... wait for it... a pair of crocs. That or a happy meal."

Kurt's spoon hits the table, his laughter bursting forth as he smacks Dave on the arm.

"You owe me five dollars just for the absurdity of putting me in a sentence with Crocs of all things. What in Gaga is wrong with you sir?"

"Everything. But you love it, so why fix it?"

There was something heavy that seemed to loll between them, the words meant to be joking, but feeling anything but.

"Exactly," Kurt answers, his grin spreading as his blue eyes hold Dave captive.

Another 'clang' sound brings them back to reality, both looking over to figure out what was going on through all the noise and clapping.

Dave's smile brightens as his sister stands from the table and takes a bow, spoon still dangling.

"Now she's just bragging," Finn laughs.

Jamie is laughing too, unhindered and openly. Dave had only been around her on one other occasion, but he definitely got the impression that this wasn't something that happened often with her unless at someone's expense. She looked all the more pretty when her smile was genuine.

"Well kid, it looks like you are now the official spoon whisperer. Your five dollars as promised," and Dave slips a five dollar bill in her awaiting hand. "What do you plan to do with your winnings oh great, whisperer?"

"What do you think? This has got two scoops of black cherry written all over it."

"A wise choice young metal warrior," Dave validates.

"Is black cherry really that good?" Jamie asks.

"Not to everyone. But to the rare few who can truly appreciate it's taste, definitely," Danny answers, shooting Kurt an amused look dripping with reminiscence while tucking the five bucks into her pocket. "You should try it sometime. It's gotta be more exciting than plain vanilla anyway."

"I second that," Finn remarks. "It's a crime for vanilla to go without anything on it. A pure trapesty -"

"Travesty smarty," Amy corrects and kisses him on the cheek while she begins to clear the dishes.

"Yeah. Maybe I will next time," Jamie says thoughtfully. "And if it sucks, you have to get me another flavor of my choosing," she points at Danny.

"Do I detect another bet coming on?" Dave leers playfully.

"Fine. As long as it isn't vanilla."

"Deal."

"Deal," Danny affirms.

"Thank you for positively influencing these girls, boys. I'm sure they'll soar to new academic heights if gambling becomes a new elective option," Amy comments while gathering empty dishes.

"Well the least I can do for my services is help you wash up," Dave states.

"That's the least, true. Normally Kurt ends up being my washing buddy but he can take a break this evening. Dish washing is the best way to break in a new member. Nothing like grease build up and food stains to see what you're really made of."

He winks at Kurt as he leaves to assist Amy in the kitchen with the clean up.

As he's rinsing and scrubbing, he can't help but overhear the laughter wafting in from the living room. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this happy. He'd kissed Kurt... Great Grilled Cheesus... without alcohol or jealousy spurning him onward. He'd been sober for more than a month now. He was here with his sister, watching her enjoy herself with other people for once.

Damn... his eyes were stinging. If Ian were here, he knows he would automatically be subjected to an endless parade of gay insults ... "you are seriously having your period out of your eyes right now - that's how gay you are," or, "you are the gayest link, goodbye!" ... Yep. Definitely something like that.

A/N: Now Kittybits, I know what you're thinking... Danny and Jamie suddenly being friendly is corny and unbelievable and what have you. But I had to do it. These two are becoming the twine that is tying our boys together and them being a united force serves the purpose more effectively. Plus I'm planning on making it interesting so as to simmer down the corniness a bit. Hopefully... Also leftrightbrain, it wasn't a knock down drag out fight between Danny and Dave but I hope you liked it. I kinda thought they'd been through enough with the separation and were ready to just forgive and get on with their lives. Thanks for your guys support and words of wisdom. Much obliged. Also thanks to everyone else for your thoughts and beautiful comments. Love it! Please continue.