Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee.
A.N.: Once again thoughts are in italics. This chapter gives us a glimpse into the boys' heads. Hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think. –Jen

Kurt was actually grateful for classes for once because it allowed him to think about something other than his connection with Puck and Karofsky. But now that school was out, that's all he could think about. He's so in his head that he doesn't even remember the journey home. Luckily I made it home safe and sound. When he got home, he was distracted to the point that he walked by his dad as if he weren't even there.

Burt tried cleared his throat to get his boy's attention, but Kurt didn't as much as blink. "Kurt." Nothing. A little louder, "Kurt." Still nothing. "Kurt!"

Kurt jumped and grabbed his chest. "Sweet Gucci, Dad, don't sneak up on me like that."

Burt raised an eyebrow, "sneak up on you? I was sitting here when you came in. You walked right past me."

The teenager hung his head, "I'm sorry. I got a lot on my mind."

"What's going on, son?"

"Dad…"

"Kurt, sit down. Start talkin'."

The boy plopped on the couch (gracefully, of course) with a huff. "Dad… today… my-my string connected."

Burt tilted his head in confusion. "Is that not a good thing?"

"It was never supposed to happen here!"

"It's fate, son. It happens when and with whoever fate decides."

"Well, fate has a screwed up sense of humor."

"Why, was it a girl?"

"Dad!"

Burt laughed at the look of disbelief on his son's face. "I'll take that as a no."

"No, it wasn't a girl. I almost wish it was. It was a guy; if you consider a neanderthal a guy."

"Ooookay… why don't you just tell me what happened."

Kurt got up and started to pace. "I don't know where to start."

"From the beginning?"

"Yeah, yeah. I, quite literally, ran into them. We saw our strings connect when we were picking our things up. But my string didn't just connect with one person, Dad, it connected with two."

Burt's eyes widened comically, "say what now?"

"Right?! I was convinced something was wrong, but Miss Pillsbury said it happens, it's just rare. She offered to do some research, and I couldn't agree fast enough."

"I haven't been ready to think of you finding your mate when it was one person, how am I supposed to handle it with two?" Burt asked digging his palms into his eyes.

"Just wait, it gets better. You'll never guess who they are."

"Good Lord. I'm glad I'm sitting down. Okay, give it to me."

"Puck."

"Mohawk?"

"Yup."

"Okay, it could be worse."

"Oh, it gets worse."

"Who, Kurt?"

"Karofsky."

Burt sits in stunned silence for a moment before exploding out of his recliner. "What the fuck?! That good for nothing sack of shit that threatened you? Please tell me you're kidding because this isn't the slightest bit funny, kid."

"I wish I was, Dad."

"Well, fate or not, it's not happening. No way." Now Burt was the one pacing.

"Dad, calm down. Your heart."

"My heart is fine." Burt dropped into his chair, running his hand over his head. "This is unbelievable. How did you manage to get through school today?"

Kurt perched himself on the edge of the couch. "Puck helped with that actually. Miss Pillsbury, thankfully, told us to take some time before we went to class. Puck managed to talk me out of my hysteria. He said that just because we've been matched, it doesn't mean we have to go through with it."

"I've gotta give it to the kid. He's a lot smarter than his hair makes him look." Kurt laughed at that. "I'm sorry about this, kiddo. Fate has a twisted sense of humor. You gonna be okay?"

"Yeah, Dad. I think I'm gonna go to my room and stare at the wall or something. Holler for me when dinner's ready." Kurt gathered his things, pat his dad on the shoulder, and trudged his way to his room. He was serious about staring at a wall.

**Puck & Kurt & Karofsky**

Puck is still calm when he lets himself into his house. His ma didn't get off work 'til five, and his sister was at a dance class so he had the house to himself for a little while. He dropped his bag and jacket at the foot of the stairs and dumped his body onto the couch. He didn't even bother turning a light on. I found my match. I really found it, and with two people. He figures that shouldn't be too surprising. Duh, I'm Puckzilla. I'm so awesome and badass of course it takes more than one person to handle me. Hello, threesome. Next Puck turns his thoughts to it being with two guys, and finds himself thinking about the threesome he had with Matt and April Rhodes. Doing that with Matt wasn't so bad. Dude was kinda good looking. It didn't hurt when the dude kept grabbing my ass like he did either. And with two dudes I wouldn't have to restrain myself like I do with chicks. Get a nice good, rough fuck. With their okay of course, I'm not some rapist. Yeah, that don't sound too bad. His thoughts then went to the two boys in question. Okay, let's see. First there's Kurt. Dude's very pretty. Okay, fine, he's smokin'. Svelte and lean. Graceful. He's got that smooth, creamy skin. Brittany wasn't kidding when she said he has baby soft hands. I wonder if his skin is that smooth all over. Those hips. Dear god, he should need a license to swing them bad boys the way he does. And definitely can't forget that ass and those legs. Legs that seem to go on for miles, up to that tight, perky ass. He unconsciously found himself licking his lips. Oh yeah, I can totally go for that. Now Karofsky… dude's not smokin' like me or Kurt, but he is good lookin' I guess. The dude isn't so bad when you can get Dave to come out instead of Karofsky. Dave is smart and funny and kind. Dave hasn't been around, though, since high school began and he got twisted up with Azimio. I'd be totally down if Dave came out of his Karofsky casing, but the guy is terrified of being gay; scared of what his folks and friends will say. Fuck that. He sat up straight. Now you know what you need to do, Puck. You gotta work on bringing Dave out of his shell. Bring out the dude you used to know. And you gotta get Kurt to somehow see that Dave is nothing like he acts. This is gonna take some work, but it should be worth it in the end. Right?

Puck was brought out of his thoughts when he hears the front door opening. Shit, did I seriously just sit here for over an hour thinking about this? His mom tilted her head in concern upon finding her son sitting in the dark living room alone. "Son? You okay?" she asked, hanging her coat and purse on the hook by the door.

"Yeah, Ma, I'm okay. Just thinking." He got up and gave his mom a hug. What? I need comfort too sometimes.

"Don't hurt yourself."

"You're hilarious, Ma. How was work?" Puck sat himself at the kitchen table, content to lose himself into listening to his mother as she puttered around the house. He could think some more later.

**Kurt & Karofsky & Puck**

When Dave Karofsky arrived at his house, he was relieved to remember his dad had a business dinner that he had to go to straight after work (his mom was meeting him at the restaurant) so he had the place to himself for a while. He grabbed a Gatorade out of the fridge, stomped upstairs, slammed his bedroom door shut, threw his bag and jacket at the closet door and started to walk from one side of the room to the other. What kind of fucked up shit is this? How can I be matched with Puck and Fancy? I'm not fucking gay. He took a sip from his Gatorade before tossing the bottle on his bed. His hands fisted in his hair.

'Are you sure?' A voice mocked him.

He pulled the tufts of hair to the point of pain. I'm not gay!

'Why do you pick on Kurt?' The voice asked him.

Because he's an annoying little shit. He walks around like he's superior to everyone. I can't stand the way he struts down the halls, shaking his ass like there's a sign on it that says 'hey, look at me!' His stupid fancy, prissy clothes. Those tight ass pants. I can't stand how he spreads his gayness for everyone to see. The way his cheeks color this pretty pink color when he gets mad at you for shoving him into lockers.

'So you think he's pretty,' that annoying voice tried to poke at him.

I said the color was pretty, not him! And his stupid eyes. They're so frustrating. You can't tell if they're blue or green. It's like they always change colors. His smooth skin. I've felt how soft it is sometimes. I've never felt anything that soft. Then there's his smile. He doesn't smile enough. I wish I could see him smile more.

'Maybe if you didn't push him around so much' the voice tried to point out unhelpfully.

And then there's his laugh. It sounds like music. I've never heard a better sound.

'You like him.'

No!

'Yes, you do.'

No.

'I know what you can do.'

What?

'Stop picking on him. He'll smile more. He'll laugh more.'

If I stop pushing him around Azimio will start getting suspicious. He'll think I'm gay. I can't have him thinking that.

'Then you're shit out of luck.'

Dave crashed down onto his bed, and placed a pillow over his face. "Thanks, you've been a huge fucking help," he muttered.

**Karofsky & Puck & Kurt**

The next morning, Puck found himself sitting in his truck in the McKinley High parking lot waiting for Kurt's Navigator to pull into the lot. When it did, he exited his truck and made his way to where the other teen was getting out of his sweet ride. Kurt couldn't help but be surprised to find the jock patiently waiting for him. "Morning, Kurt," he greeted.

"Hello, Puck," he replied. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Huh?" Puck tilted his head in confusion.

"What's the reason you're out here waiting for me?"

"Oh, that. I guess I just wanted to see how you were holding up and shit. You know, 'cause of yesterday."

Kurt nodded his head, slowly heading toward the school. "I'm doing okay. I talked to my dad. It really helped. He agreed with what you said. How about you?"

"That's cool. I'm pretty much the same as I was yesterday," he shrugged. "I don't –"

"Yo, Puck, what's up, man?" Azimio Adams interrupted him. Karofsky stood behind him, but he was quiet and seemed to find the asphalt quite interesting. "Did Homo here infect you with his gay? Or are you escorting him to his well-deserved dumpster toss?"

Kurt's eyes were wide, his gaze shooting back and forth between Azimio and Puck. "Nah, dude. That shit ain't happenin'," Puck informed his fellow jock.

"Whatcha mean it ain't happening?"

"Do I need to spell it out for you? Say it real slow for you to follow along? The dumper toss is. Not. Happening. Understand me now or do I need to draw pictures for you?"

"Dude, what's gotten into you?"

"Maybe I grew up. Something you should try. So here's how it's gonna go. You and your little pal Karofsky here," Karofsky's wide eyes flew up at the mention of his name. When Azimio looked toward his friend, Puck sent the jock a wink and mouthed 'it's okay'. He continued, "Are going to turn around and get lost. And you're gonna leave Kurt alone."

"And why would we do that?" Azimio asked.

Puck drew up to his full height, a dangerous, menacing look on his face, "because I said so. Don't fuck with me asswipe. You won't like how it turns out for you."

Azimio scoffed, but wisely backed up, "whatever, homos." He tapped his friend on the arm and they both made their way into the school.

Puck relaxed, and turned a smile to the pale diva next to him. "That was fun."

"Have you lost your mind?! What was that?!" Kurt exclaimed.

"Calm down, Princess. Az was due to be kicked down a peg. As long as I'm drawing breath, you're not going back in a dumpster. I don't care if I have to walk with you into school every morning. Isn't this where you thank me?" he asked with a smirk. He placed a gentle hand on the boy's back to get him moving toward the school.

"Thank you. Of course I'm thankful, but now not only will he be on my case in other ways, but he's gonna try coming after you too."

"Let him try. It wouldn't be the first time I've beat the shit out of him. He doesn't stand a chance."

"And what was that thing you did with Karofsky?"

Puck kept his head straight ahead, "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

Kurt snorted, "don't try lying to me, you're horrible at it. Plus I was standing right there. You winked at him and mouthed something at him. What was that?"

"I guess I was trying to reassure him. I know for a fact that he hates the dumpster tosses."

"He does?"

"Yeah, man. He may push people around and slushy them, but he thinks the dumpster tosses are garbage. No pun intended. He has a line that he doesn't like to cross, and that's one of the first up there."

"Wow. How do you know this?"

"I know Dave. And I'm talking about Dave, not Karofsky. Dave's a completely different guy. Azimio mostly bullies Dave into doing the shit that they do."

"A bully being bullied into bullying?"

Puck chuckled, "try saying that five times fast. Yeah, it sounds weird, but it does happen. Especially to some dudes on the football team. I'm not proud of it, but I've done it myself. I quit doing it after I joined glee club." The two boys had finally made it to Kurt's locker. "You need or want me to walk with you to first period or are you good?"

"Would you hate me if I asked if you would?" Kurt kept his head down, eyes focused on the inside of the locker.

"Of course not; I asked. Let me just go to my own locker real quick." Luckily Puck's was located a few lockers down and across from Kurt's. He got what he needed in no time and rejoined the singer. "You got everything?"

Kurt thought about it and nodded, "all good." He banged the door shut and turned down the hall with the jock. "Puck, I wanna thank you again for what you did outside. The only word I can think of for it is awesome. I think I'm still a little bit in shock over it."

Puck swung his arm around the teen's shoulder, "you're welcome. It's nice to do something good for a change."

**Kurt & Puck & Karofsky**

Later that day, two classes left 'til school ended, Karofsky was standing at his locker. His mind was still going to what Puck did at the dumpster this morning. He was beyond happy that he didn't have to toss Hummel in the trash. He hated doing that. He found it all kinds of wrong. What he couldn't help was to be puzzled about was Puck with that wink and shit. What's he playing at? He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard Azimio's loud voice further down the hall. Shit. Karofsky spun around, looking to see if he could find Puckerman somewhere in the crowd. When he heard the Jewish teen's laugh, he went to the end of the hall and looked to the left. There he was talking to that glee kid in the wheelchair. "Puck!" he hollered. The teen raised his head with a questioning look on his face. He waved the boy toward him. "You need to get over here. Now." He tilted his head in the direction he was talking about.

When Puck reached his side and saw what the bigger boy was talking about, he muttered a quick "shit." He patted him on the shoulder, "thanks, dude."

Puck quickly made his way to the scene in front of him: Azimio and a fellow jock, Marcus, were standing in front of Kurt, slushies in hand. "Hey, dipshits! Whatcha doin'"

They turned to look at him. Az replied, "we're having a tea party. What does it look like we're doin'?"

"I figured that's what you were gonna say. You really need to get some new material. But I got a different idea. You're gonna take those slushies and walk away. Or else I'm gonna start bashing your two heads together."

"And why would we do that?"

For not the first time today he growled, "Because I said," and took a menacing step forward. He surprised the two jocks when he snatched the icy drinks from their hands, and turned his attention to the small teen in front of him. "Hey, Kurt. You want one? Which one do you like?"

Kurt was so surprised it took him a moment to find his voice. "Um, I don't know. I've never actually drunk one before."

Puck held out the one in his right hand, "try this one. It's cherry; my favorite." Kurt hesitantly took a sip, sending a wide smile his way. Puck looked at the dumbfounded jocks, "you two are still here. Why?" He shrugged, "come on, Kurt, walk with me to class. You okay?" he asked once they were away from the two boys.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you for what you did. They've already got me twice today. I'm out of spare clothes so you really saved my skin there. Speaking of which, where did you even come from?"

Puck sipped his grape drink. "Karofsky."

"Karofsky?" he froze.

"Dude saw what was going down and found me. Pointed me your way."

"That was… not what I was expecting."

"It's like I was telling you before. The Karofsky… or Dave, I should say… that I know isn't actually a bad guy. At least the one I knew before he became a giant douche-sicle."

Kurt snorted (elegantly, of course). "Excuse me for being skeptical of that."

"Fair enough, Princess."

"Look, if you see him again, can you tell him I said thanks? I'd tell him myself, but I don't want him to freak out if I search him out and try to talk to him."

"I can do that."

The stopped outside Kurt's classroom. "Thanks, Puck. For all of it. I mean it."

"Not a problem. I was happy to do it." He nods his head at the door, "go learn something, Princess. I'll see you in glee."

Kurt stood there and watched the teen walk away. "This world just keeps getting crazier and crazier."

**Puck & Karofsky & Kurt**

Kurt was the first kid to arrive for glee club. He took a seat in the back left corner of the risers. Rachel, Finn, Brittany, and Artie were the next to arrive. Kurt pretended to be looking at something on his phone in the hopes that it would keep them from bothering him. Puck walked through the glee room door with two slushies in hand, causing the fellow members to freeze for a moment. Rachel, of course, broke the silence. "Noah Puckerman, how dare you?! How dare you resort to past behavior and have the gall to bring two slushies into this club's inner sanctum? Do you have –"

"Shove it, Berry." Puck made his way up to Kurt. "Hey, Kurt. I brought you another slushy. I got one grape and one cherry. I didn't know if you'd wanna try grape or stick with cherry so I brought both."

"Cherry was good, but let me try grape. Plus, you said cherry was your favorite, so I don't want you to miss out on it again." Kurt took the drink and straw offered to him. He cautiously took a sip, and his eyes lit up. "This is delicious!"

Puck laughed and took the seat next to him, sipping his own drink. He then noticed the looks on the faces of those in the room with them. "What? Weren't you in the middle of something? Mind your own business." The kids quickly averted their eyes, but they kept sneaking looks at the two smiling teens on the risers. "So I see you made it here in one piece. No more incidents with Azimio?"

"Thank Gucci, no. You shoulda seen me sneaking along the hallways, dodging in and out of people. Can I ask you a question?"

"You mean other than that one? Sure." He took a deep draw of his drink, and then grabbed his forehead. Shit, brain freeze!

Kurt chuckled at him. "Way to go genius. I wanted to ask why you were doing all this. Is it because of the strings?" He whispered the word strings. The last thing they needed was for everyone else to hear about their connection.

Puck thought for a moment, watching as more members of the glee club arrived. "Honestly? I think that's part of it. Whether people end up together or not, what kind of person just stands by and watches shit happen to their mate? I can't do that. But there's more too. You're not a bad guy, Kurt. I already fucked up by bullying you before, and I'm sorry about that. More than you'll ever know. I figure this is kind of like me trying to make up for that in my own way. Is that okay?"

"Which part?"

"Uh… any of it?" Puck asked confused.

Kurt laughed, "yeah, it's okay. Thank you. And, for what it's worth, I forgive you."

Puck was stunned. "You do?" he whispered.

"Yeah, I do. If looking out for me makes you feel better, I'm certainly not going to complain. I like not smelling like garbage."

Puck laughed and leaned over to smell Kurt. "You smell like apples. I like it."

Kurt couldn't contain his blush. "Thanks."

"Okay, kids!" Mr. Schue came in, clapping his hands. The boys shared a smile before turning their attention to their glee teacher, each feeling warmth in their chests.

**Karofsky & Kurt & Puck**

Puck pulled his truck up outside the Karofsky home. There was another car in the driveway next to Dave's truck. That gave him an idea. He made his way to the front door with more purpose in his stride. He didn't have to wait long after knocking before the door swung open, a shocked Dave standing before him. "What?" Dave asked with a gulp. Puck didn't get to say anything because Dave's dad, Paul, stepped up behind his son.

"Puck, right?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Come on in. Son, let your friend in."

"Okay. Um…come in Puck," Dave muttered.

"Thanks, man." Puck was quiet as the three of them gathered in the living room.

"How are you, Puck? I haven't seen you around here in awhile," Paul spoke.

"It's really has been a bit. I'm doing well, sir. How about you? And how's your wife?"

"We're doing well, thank you. Anything new with you?"

"Yes, actually." Dave shot eyes full of fear at his fellow jock. "I had my string connect the other day."

"That's wonderful!" Paul exclaimed. "Are you happy with the match? Anyone I know?" Paul's eyes twinkled.

"Yeah, I think it's a cool match. And you've met them, actually. It's Kurt. Kurt Hummel."

The father's eyes widened in surprise, "And that doesn't bother you?"

"Should it?"

"Oh, absolutely not." The older man shook his head in apology. "I'm sorry. Never doubt fate. Kurt seems like a wonderful young man. I'm happy for you both."

"Thank you, sir. Kurt's awesome. I'm incredibly lucky."

"That's great. I'm sure you didn't come here to talk to Dave's old man though, so I'll let you boys get to it. And congratulations to you and Kurt. Tell him I wish you both the best."

"You got it, sir. Thank you."

"Um... we, we can go to my room," Dave mumbled, and practically flew from the room, leaving Puck to follow after him. The door barely shut before Dave turned on him. "What the fuck was that?"

Puck took a seat on the end of Dave's bed with a roll of his eyes. "What, you're not happy for me and Kurt?" he asked, eyebrow raised.

"Dude…"

"Look, I was trying to make a point."

Dave slouched in his desk chair. "What point would that be? That you're an asshat?"

Puck laughed. "No. I was trying to show you that your dad isn't gonna care that you've connected with a guy."

"Like he would say differently to your face."

"That's why you wait 'til after I leave. See if he says anything negative or whatever later."

"Whatever, man. Is that why you came over here?"

"No. I only got that idea when I saw his car in the driveway. I came here because of Kurt. He wanted me to thank you."

Dave sat up straight in shock, "what?"

"Kurt said thank you, for what you did in the hallway. He knew you wouldn't want him to approach you at school, so here I am. He's grateful. Azimio had already gotten him a few times so he was out of clothes. So, thank you."

"Uh – uh, sure. No problem." Dave's cheeks turned pink.

"Cool. I better get going; I don't like leaving my sis at home by herself longer than I have to." Puck stood up and turned toward the still seated jock. "You okay, dude?"

"Huh?" he shook his head, trying to clear it. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Okay. Text me later if you need to. You're not alone, Dave." He patted the bigger teen on the shoulder. He noticed his eyes getting teary, but decided not to mention it. "See ya." He left the jock to his thoughts. Please, God, don't let me have screwed that shit up.

**Karofsky & Kurt & Puck**

When Dave's mom called him down for dinner, his stomach was in knots and he felt like his entire body was shaking. He's never had less of an appetite than he did right then. He slowly made his way downstairs, and took his usual spot at the kitchen table. He sat with a lump in his throat as he watched his mom brought everything to the table. "I made your favorite lasagna, honey."

Dave had to clear his throat a few times before he could croak out, "thanks, Mom."

"You're welcome. Paul! Get in here!" she hollered.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," Paul assured as he came around the corner. "Sorry about that; I had to finish an email. Smells incredible, hon."

"Thank you. Dig in boys," Debra Karofsky ordered. "How was school, sweetie?"

"It was fine," Dave mumbled.

"That's good. How was work, Paul?

"Not too bad. Had a few meetings. Thankfully, we came out of each with what we wanted."

"That's wonderful, dear." She sent a proud smile to her husband. "Anything exciting happen today?"

"We did here some great news this afternoon." Dave felt like the few bites he had been able to eat turned to stone at his dad's words. "Do you remember Dave's friend, Puck?"

"Which one is he again?"

"The one with the mohawk."

"Yes, yes, I remember him. What happened?"

"He found his match. It's with Kurt Hummel."

"Oh, how delightful. I remember you telling me about that boy. Sounded like a good kid. What good news." It was at this point that Dave zoned out of the conversation. Am I dreaming or did that just happen? Holy shit! The rest of the meal was spent in Dave's head. Good thing his parents didn't ask for his input or opinion on anything.

"That was real good, mom, thank you. I'm gonna go work on my homework."

"Sounds good, sweetheart. Don't stay up too late."

"I won't." Back in the safety of his room, Dave found his cell phone and sent a text.

To Puck:
Dude.

To Karofsky:
What up dude

To Puck:
Mom & Dad didn't say shit

To Karofsky:
Told u dude

He tossed his phone back on his night stand and lay back on his bed. Unbelievable.