AN :

Thank all of you for supporting this story! To all of the people who Favorited and Followed it, thank you soooooo much!

My thanks to umbrella0326, garethglee14,and grizzlylover1984. Your support is absolutely wonderful!

This chapter is split between Jack, and Kurt and Dave.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this chapter. Please leave kind reviews.

And, as always, have a nice day! - Ilovesmesomeglee

Chapter 35

"You…You were-"

"Dead?"

Burt's eyes widened but he didn't say another word. Jack glanced up at the business sign and then back at him, using an elongated hand to shield his eyes from the early evening sun.

"Well," Jack congenially began, "you look like you've done well for yourself!" And with that, he began wheeling his motorcycle past a STILL stunned Burt.

Burt stood rooted to the spot, not quite sure what to do or say or…anything.

Jack had just reached the entrance to the shop when Burt had to jog to catch up.

"Don't worry, Burt." Jack came to a stop right at the entrance.

"In my shop, customers aren't allowed where cars are repaired either."

Burt's eyes impossibly widened further.

"You were…?"

"Burt, do you think," Jack ornily began, "you'll be able to get out full questions at some point?"

He laughed sending Burt into suddenly relieved laughter.

"What happened to you?"

Burt asked.

Jack turned away from him and kneeled down, inspecting the muffler on his motorcycle.

"Nothing I'd care to repeat."

Jack said through gritted teeth.

"That's fair." Burt said, finally recovering enough to let social protocol take place.

"So, what's wrong with your…?" Jack pointed to the flat rear tire.

"Ah, I see."

Burt walked away from Jack and continued speaking.

"I don't often repair motorcycles. But let me seeeee…."

Jack watched Burt study the array of tires strewn on the back wall of the shop.

After a while, Jack's eyes roamed over to the cashier station where he noticed the typical signs – Visa/MasterCard, Discover, No Refunds, and then something caught his eye.

It was a photograph.

But THIS photograph looked specific…familiar… He finally had to snatch it off the side panel to look at it closer. And that's when it hit him that Kurt was his son.

His actual son.

"Kurt's your son?" Jack asked, eyes glued to the photograph.

Burt froze.

"Yeah. How do you know-?"

"Through a friend." Jack hoped that would be vague enough.

For the moment, he really didn't want to get into too many details about what happened earlier that day. For as much of an emotional roller coaster ride it was, he REALLY didn't want to rehash it with someone he hadn't seen in almost thirty years.

"Oh." Burt said.

The two were silent for a while. The harsh, fluorescent lights of the garage automatically flipped on, casting the men in pale, ugly light.

The contrast from warm evening sun to harsh, almost hateful light was devastating.

Burt finally emerged with a new tire and a smile on his face as he walked up to Jack.

"You're in luck," Burt began, squatting down next to the bike.

"I've got a few in stock."

"That's good." Jack whispered. Burt looked up noting the suddenly sad expression on the other guy's face.

Burt hesitated for a moment and then began unwrapping the tire from its shrink-wrapping.

"Looks like," Burt distractedly began, "you've had a helluva day."

"You could say that…."

Burt paused, still holding the tire.

His fingers grazed the uneven tread, debating with himself – something that had been eating away at him for almost thirty years.

Suddenly, Burt stood up, but did not face Jack.

"You know…"

Jack slowly looked over at Burt, noticing the protruding belly, the laugh lines, the crow's feet – a typically aged man and classmate.

Other than that, no other thoughts were in Jack's head. Burt's head was quite another story.

"Never mind."

Burt said, immediately dropping to inspect the busted tire.

Jack turned away, folded his arms around himself and took a few steps into the beautiful evening light. He looked up into the sky, seeing the first few stars in the sky illuminate the night.

Minutes passed. Jack still had his back turned to the shop when he suddenly looked over his shoulder.

That's when he noticed Burt was staring at him. Burt's eyes widened for a second, he cleared his throat, and got back to work on the bike. Jack noticed that very little work had actually been done – as if Burt was looking at him more than repairing the tire.

"Burt?"

Jack asked, taking a few steps into the brightly lighted shop.

"Yeah?" Burt reached for a ratchet set in his pocket, set on the bike's axle.

"You know I'm alright, right?"

Burt dropped the ratchet, his hands shaking in mid-air.

Jack's eyes widened a little and he quickly strode up right beside him.

"Are…are you OK, Burt?"

Burt wasn't.

He was far from OK.

He stared at his hands as if they suddenly stopped working.

Jack's eyes darted from those hands to the suddenly glossy eyes of the once proud and strong Burt Hummel, the football jock and former bully.

Jack was unprepared to see this and, oddly enough, he wanted to help.

"Burt. Talk to me. What's going on?"

Burt promptly fell on his butt, staring forward at the empty expanse of air that represented the thirty years of guilt and self-hate. His mouth opened but no words came out.

His eyes widened and then softened. Simply put, Burt Hummel was…nothing.

Meanwhile, Jack was at a loss.

He didn't know if he should place a comforting hand on his shoulder or kneel down beside him or anything. In the end, he decided to just stand there and be the presence that he thought he should be – the customer who is seeing a former classmate and distant friend in need.

"I…" Burt began, and then dumbly repeated.

"I thought you were dead."

"I know." Jack replied.

"Many people did…thanks to my PARENTS."

Burt finally looked up at him for more answers.

But Jack shook his head.

"Burt, it's a long story. A story for another time and place." Then, Jack extended a hand. "So for now? How about fixing my bike?"

Burt looked at the extended hand, waves and waves of guilt overpowering him. He couldn't accept the hand.

Instead, he looked straightforward again as Jack slowly pulled his hand back.

Realizing Burt needed space or SOMETHING, Jack walked back out into the gorgeous evening sunset, watching the stunning orange and yellow rays settle in the West.

Burt watched him enviously, hoping against hope that Jack Hampton wouldn't know the truth about what happened thirty years ago.

After fifteen minutes, Burt had the new tire affixed on the rear axle and Jack himself got the engine to start.

"Well Burt," Jack warmly began with a smile directed at him.

"How much do I…?" But Jack didn't get to finish his sentence because when he looked at the other man, he was absolutely devastated.

The guilt and worry of thirty years suddenly washed over Burt's features and Jack was yet again thrust into the position of being a support system.

"Listen, Burt…I-"

"Jack, I want to tell you something."

Jack shifted on his feet, giving Burt time to think about what he should say, what he needed to say, what he HAD to say. He momentarily looked down and then right back up at Jack's beautiful eyes.

"Thirty years ago…"

Burt trailed off.

Jack waited.

A bug chirped noisily nearby as if it were also waiting for Burt to continue.

But Burt shook his head and didn't look Jack in the eye.

"HaveyouseenPaulKarofsky?"

"W-what?"

Burt took a deep breath.

"Have you seen Paul Karofsky?"

Jack smiled.

"Oh yeah! I'm staying with him this weekend!"

Burt almost burst into tears. He immediately turned away from Jack, away from the stunning evening sunset, away from himself.

Hands covering his face, he muffled, "On the house." And then, Burt Hummel quickly left the garage.

Jack, baffled at what and WHO he just saw, and the free service, simply wheeled the bike away and rode out into the awesome sunset.

.

Goddammit! Goddammit! Goddammit all to HELL!

Hands on his hips, Dave stared at the sky as if it held the answers to his sudden truck problems. In his peripheral vision, he could see the smoke or steam or whatever it was, lightly billowing into the sun shined morning.

He let his head slowly fall, letting his eyes settle on the wire that held his truck engine open.

Snarling, he slapped the wire out of position and the hood slammed back in place.

He heavily sighed.

Wish Kurt was here.

He could probably fix it.

But that morning, he just wanted to be away from his problem.

He briefly considered calling or texting Kurt or Burt, but dismissed it almost as soon as the thought came to him.

He just didn't want to bother them with this problem.

He just wanted to get to school.

So, after he made sure his truck was securely off the road, he resolutely turned and began his brisk walk to McKinley High School.

He had walked for at least half a minute before he came to a crushing realization – he had left his backpack in the backseat of the truck!

Growling, he turned and fast walked back to his truck. Furious hands clasped the innocent bookbag and slammed his door, resuming his angry trek. Dave was convinced that nature was playing a trick on him.

As he walked, he noticed that birds were chirping, morning sunshine was beautiful, gentle breezes flowed by…it would've been a perfect morning to sit on a porch with a cup of coffee and enjoy –

Coffee.

Coffee.

The word was like profanity – ugly and obscene.

He nearly dropped his bookbag at the realization. He left his coffee mug in the truck.

David Alan Karofsky started belly laughing.

He had no choice.

He was the victim of his own anger, not letting rational thought in for even a moment.

But that still didn't stop his anger and annoyance at himself for the atrocity of no morning caffeine.

He fast walked once again back to his truck.

But THIS time, he didn't nastily retrieve his item.

Dave surprised himself with how calm he forced himself to simply complete the task and, once again, trek back to McKinley. Coffee cup in hand, he closed and locked the door, and left – again.

A couple of minutes passed.

He marveled at how his temper cooled.

But it took a great deal of conscious effort to do so.

Dave smiled.

He didn't even realize it before, but right then he did.

He unconsciously took the advice of Kurt Hummel, on controlling his anger.

And it worked.

Shaking his head, he reached an intersection, only a half a mile from McKinley's student parking lot.

Looking first to his left, he didn't see anything. But when he looked to his right, he found he couldn't stop looking at the radiant Mr. Kurt Hummel approaching him.

Suddenly, sunshine wasn't nearly as bright to him.

"Dave!"

Kurt exclaimed, increasing his speed towards him, which made Dave oh so privately pleased.

"Wait up!"

Dave came to a grinding halt, happily smiling at his crush rapidly approaching him.

A couple of seconds later, a nearly out-of-breath Kurt came to a stop right beside the jock.

"W-what…?"

Kurt closed his eyes and took a deep, calming breath.

Dave's eyes found a bead of sweat flowing freely down the side of Kurt's face.

Momentarily distracted, he unconsciously let Kurt catch his breath.

"W-what…?"

"Am I doing here walking to school?"

Dave supplied.

Kurt chuckled and bent over in embarrassment.

He righted himself quickly and smiled apologetically.

"Yeah. Why are you walking?"

Dave's smile faltered.

"Damn truck."

Kurt looked at him perplexed.

"I mean," Dave explained, "there's smoke coming from the…thingy."

Kurt exploded in laughter.

Dave half-heartedly glared at Kurt as the soprano was now doubled over and wiping his hand across his eyes.

"I'm so-…I'm so-…."

And that's as far as Kurt got before eruptions of laughter began again!

Dave turned and looked towards the sky, trying his best to patiently wait for Kurt to stop laughing at him.

But if he were completely honest, ANY reason to make Kurt laugh was a good one.

Several seconds later, Kurt could finally talk.

"OK, OK," Kurt began, straightening himself up, "If you want, we could go back-"

"No," Dave interrupted, with surprising authority, "I just want to get to school. Will you…will youwalkwithme?"

Kurt's head cocked to the side, confused by Dave's sudden embarrassment or hesitation or something. But at the same time, Kurt found it…ENDEARING.

"Of course," Kurt kindly replied.

"Dave, I thought it was obvious. I want to walk with you."

There goes David smiling again because of something Kurt said about AND to him.

They just smiled at each other – for different and yet similar reasons.

"Cool." Dave said.

Had this conversation been said between two Harlequin romance characters, this would've been the time for something sweet and romantic to happen.

Instead, 'cool' was the only thing Dave could muster and he was a bit embarrassed by it.

Kurt only found it even MORE endearing.

Simultaneously, the boys walked towards the school.

Kurt readjusted his bookbag over his right shoulder and Dave merely watched him do this.

A soft breeze tousled some of Kurt's hair near his eyes and, irritated, brushed it away.

Dave watched Kurt's delicate fingers become a sturdy instrument to complete the task.

Dave suddenly caught himself.

He just realized that he watched Kurt do two simple tasks and they both fascinated him.

Dave had to shake his head a little.

I am soooo whipped.

And as his thoughts swirled around this, he soon realized that Kurt deserved to know the truth.

Kurt had voluntarily become involved in The Karofsky Drama and something important happened.

Something that Kurt deserved to know.

As Dave was consumed with his thoughts, Kurt knew him well enough to know that something was bothering him.

He briefly considered asking Dave if everything was OK, only to have Dave beat him to the punch.

"I called my mom." Dave quietly said.

"Oh," Kurt said, not quite knowing what to say to that.

"Is…was that a problem or something? How did she take the news that-?"

"No, Kurt." Dave despondently said.

"No, that's not what I meant."

Suddenly Dave came to a complete stop.

Kurt did too.

"I mean…"

Dave swung his left arm in the air, as if conducting the words to come out of his mouth.

Kurt watched patiently.

"I mean, I called her."

"Yeah, I know," Kurt said, "I'm sure she was surprised to see Jack-"

"I'm the one that told her."

Kurt blinked twice.

"Told her…what?"

Dave took a deep breath, swatting a sweat bead from his temple.

"I'm the one that told her Jack was with dad last Saturday."

Kurt stared at him for a few seconds…and then exploded.

"You did what?!"

Kurt screamed.

"Do you…do you have ANY idea the harm you caused?!"

Dave winced.

"I didn't know-"

"Of course you did! You KNEW EXACTLY what you were doing? How could you be so selfish David?"

"Kurt, I didn't know-"

"Yes you did! Do I have to repeat myself AGAIN?! You knew what you were doing and you knew FULL well how she'd react!"

Dave looked away and mumbled, "I know."

Kurt huffed in amazement.

"You knew. You knew. You KNEW and hoped your mom would get rid of Jack!"

Dave couldn't look him in the eye.

"Y-yeah…"

Immediately, Kurt took off towards the school at full speed.

Surprised, Dave jogged the few steps it took to get to him and it didn't take much effort, thanks to his athleticism.

"Kurt!" Dave loudly pleaded.

"Kurt please! Listen to me! I wanted-"

"I know EXACTLY what you wanted!"

Kurt screamed, a little out of breath.

"How could you be so stupid?!"

For the first time in quite a while, Dave grabbed Kurt by the arm and hostilely brought him to a dead halt. For the briefest of moments, Kurt was afraid of the Karofsky-like motion, but calmed himself.

This was no longer Karofsky he was dealing with. It was David. A very stupid, selfish David, in Kurt's mind.

"It wasn't stupid." Dave snarled.

"I don't like what Jack is doing to dad. He 's getting dad's mind all screwed up. He's making dad sad. He's making dad CONFUSED. He's MAKING DAD A MESS. HE'S MAKING DAD…"

"Gay?" Kurt asked, with feigned innocence.

Dave growled.

He actually growled, tightening his grip on Kurt's arm.

Kurt bravely looked at Dave in the eye, not allowing himself to be afraid.

For now, his anger guided his own sanctimonious thoughts and wouldn't detract from the situation. Kurt was right.

Dave slowly relaxed his grip and Kurt snatched his arm back.

The two merely stared at each other.

An occasional car would pass, possibly headed towards McKinley High School.

"Look," Dave softly began, "I'm…scared." Kurt stared at him, willing himself to stay silent.

"No, that's not quite right."

Dave cleared his throat twice, probably two too many times unnecessary.

"I'm TERRIFIED."

Kurt's eyes widened momentarily.

"Why?"

"Kurt…"

Dave's eyes glistened and it wasn't from sweat.

Kurt took a step closer to the former bully, silently urging Dave to continue.

"Kurt, what if…what if dad…IS…g-gay?"

Kurt shifted his weight and whispered, "So what if he is?"

Dave swallowed and took a deep breath.

"It's…too close, Kurt. It's too close. To ME. I can't…I can't even come out of the closet. If my dad's…if HE'S…g-gay, then I…"

Dave looked down.

He blinked twice, turned, and slowly walked towards the school.

Kurt joined him.

"Dave," Kurt slowly began, "you don't have to be afraid. YOU are in control of when you come out. It's scary, I know. And you probably don't even believe me when I say-"

"Kurt, if you say 'it gets better' I'm going to ignore what you say from that point on."

Kurt sighed.

"No Dave. I was going to say that you might not believe me when I say that your dad coming out and YOU coming out are different. You both will be doing it when you're ready."

"So…" Dave hesitantly began, "So, you're saying that my dad, who might or might not be gay, has nothing to do with me?"

"Exactly."

"You're right Kurt. I don't believe you."

Kurt sighed, noting how incredibly sad Dave was, just as they were maybe a hundred yards from the school.

"Your dad," Kurt started, "and Jack were…prevented from WHEN they could address themselves. And they had each other."

Just like I have you, Dave thought.

"Dave, you know their history. You and I are extremely lucky we don't have to face…what THEY faced."

"Yeah."

"And…why can't you see that IF your dad comes out and IF he and Jack…rekindle," Dave recoiled, "their relationship, that that is THEIR business. Not yours or ours."

Kurt took a sympathetic step closer to the struggling bigger boy and placed a gentle arm on his shoulder.

"Let them figure it out, Dave. They…they HURT."

Slowly, Dave lifted his head and almost fell apart right there. The overwhelming sincerity, the assassin of sadness, the azure-eyed beauty made perfect sense.

A tear escaped Dave's right eye.

And just when Kurt reached up to wipe the tear away, Dave gently clasped the hand. Kurt's eyes widened and all speech vanished, as he was so, so softly pulled a little closer.

Dave's other hand stroked Kurt's face as the soprano's eyes closed at the gentle gesture.

Lips met. Tender. Tender. Lips met.

And just when it began, it was over.

Dave pulled back and Kurt's eyes dreamily opened.

"Thank you, Kurt." Dave whispered.

"Thank you…"

Kurt rapidly blinked and released his hand from Dave's grip.

"Let's…let's get to school."

"Please wait." Dave breathed.

Two steps away, Kurt came to an abrupt halt, head slightly bowed, silent, erratic pants escaping.

Neither boy said or did anything for a long moment.

The air was still and silence was a vacuum.

Finally, FINALLY, Kurt slowly turned around. Dave, a picture of Michelangelo's 'David', stood there, deep in thought, eyes a million miles away…

"Y-yes, David?"

"I love you."

AN: SO WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK? MORE TO COME.

I FORGOT TO MENTION FROM NOW ON THE CHAPTERS WILL BE A LOT LONGER. :)

I HOPE YOU ALL LIKE? PLEASE REVIEW :)

HAVE ANICE DAY-ILOVESMESOMEGLEEX3