Kurt stopped long enough to grab his phone off the floor and shove it in his pocket. He turned back to follow Dave. He saw him head into the locker room, which was one of his least favorite places in the building, but he went in determined. He shoved the door back hard. "HEY! I'm TALKING to you!"

"The girls' locker room is next door," Dave said gruffly.

"What is your problem?"

"EXCUSE me?"

"What are you so scared of?"

"Besides you sneaking in here to peek at my junk?"

"Right. Because you think I'm stupid enough not to know how to access porn if I want to look at good-looking dicks? Why would I bother risking getting the crap kicked out of me to look at a bunch of Lima Losers' 4-inch, subpar dicks?"

"You watch what you're saying. You probably don't even have one."

"That's creative." Kurt rolled his eyes. "You think you're the first one to call me dickless or a girl? Surely you have a better comeback than that."

"Don't push me, Hummel."

"Or what? Go ahead and hit me." Kurt stood his ground. "You can't punch the gay out of me anymore than I can punch the ignoramus out of you."

Dave lunged at him, but instead of punching him, he grabbed for him to kiss him.

Kurt kneed him in the groin.

Dave doubled over in pain.

"Oh, no you don't. That's reserved for someone who takes me out for dinner and isn't afraid to be seen with me in public."

Coach Beiste walked into the area. "Somethin' I can help the two of you with? I heard the hollerin'."

"Oh, no Coach Beiste. We're fine now. Karofsky here, apologized and feels really bad for how he's been treating me and told me that he's joining the Glee Club like Puck and Finn and that he's going to do everything in his power to clean up his act and be a decent human being."

She narrowed her eyes and glared at Kurt, but he didn't waver under her scrutiny. "Is that so, Karofsky?"

"Yeah." He managed to stand back up and wipe his eyes. "That's so."

"Well, that's the best news I've heard all day. I'll drop by Glee this afternoon just to make sure you follow through on that commitment." She turned to Kurt. "Hummel, I want to see you in my office. I'm gonna to see what it would take to get you back kickin' for the team. Move it."

"Yes, coach." Kurt walked through the locker room to her office and sat down to wait for her.

She stayed behind and talked to Dave for a minute. "That kid's mom's been dead for eight years and his dad just came out of a coma two weeks ago. He needs crap from you like he needs a razorback for a pet. You've been on my radar since the day I showed up here. Six weeks in and you've been nothing but a bully with a bad attitude. This change of heart better be sincere or you're off the team and no hockey either. The reign of terror of athletes bullying students is over. Clean up your act or clean out your locker."

"Yes, coach."

She walked off to her office.

Dave grabbed the rest of the stuff he had gone to get and slammed his locker shut, smacking his palm against it. "Fuck my life." He grabbed his bag and stormed off to class.

Coach Beiste opened the door to her office and closed it behind her. She sat in her desk chair and propped her chin on her hands. She looked at Kurt intently. "That was a bold move in there, lyin' to my face. I saw what he did to you in the hallway before you followed him in. I went around the other hall and came in from this side. I heard what both of you said. All I can assume is that he tried to kiss you and you put a stop to it."

Kurt nodded.

"What are you going to do with this information?"

"Obviously, I just used it to make him join Glee Club. Not that I want him there, but it seemed fitting since he's done nothing but harass all of us. And joining seemed to put a stop to Puck's and Finn's bullying ways. I usually sit with the girls anyway. Were you serious about me being the kicker again?"

"I could be. What would make you consider it?"

"No football practice for one."

"I'm not sure I can do that, but go on."

"I won't wear the letterman jacket to school unless we're doing some kind of pep rally and sitting together."

"That's doable."

"Privacy stalls in the showers."

"That costs money."

"I'm aware. Do a carwash. Sell candy bars. Otherwise, I'll just need an escort to the stage to change in the guys' dressing room. I'll go home and shower."

"And away games?"

"I don't know. I didn't wake up today thinking of ways to rejoin the football team."

"I get that. How will you improve if you don't practice?"

"Make Finn and Puck practice with me. Finn can retrieve the kicks and throw them back to Puck for throwing practice."

"That could work."

"The team won't be pleased. Even when I won that one game last year, they didn't welcome me. I ended up quitting because it was an uncomfortable situation."

"I don't know much about your previous coach, but I'm not a pushover and what I say goes. If I tell them to lay off, they will or they'll find themselves off the team. Just like Karofsky. Be here after Glee today with the rest of the team. I'll write you a helluva recommendation letter for college next fall."

"And you'll keep Karofsky's secret."

"That too. I don't out people. He'll come out when he's good and ready to. That might not be for 10 years, but that's his choice, not mine." She pulled out a pass pad, wrote his name on it, and signed it for him to go to class late.

"Thanks for not calling my bluff and having my back."

"Sure thing. Get to class."

X-X-X-X-X

Kurt arrived for Glee Club first because he wanted to be able to get a seat in the back on the side most of the girls sat on. He waited impatiently for Dave to show up. Mr. Schuester came in and went to his office for a few minutes. Rachel stopped speaking to Finn and stared at Dave when he stepped inside the room. Everyone else fell silent, which caught Mr. Schue's attention. He stepped back into the classroom.

"Come on in, Dave."

"NO WAY!" Rachel practically screeched as she stood up and pointed at Dave.

"Rachel, sit down. This is a club. Dave is welcome to join after he auditions."

Rachel did as she was told with as much disdainful diva flair as she could muster. She sat resolutely straight-backed and glared at Dave as he stood in front of the piano. Coach Beiste stood in the doorway to Mr. Schue's office, leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed.

The violinist began to play and Brad joined in. They played an abbreviated version of the intro and Dave began to sing.

When I'm down,
And oh, my soul so weary,
When troubles come,
And my heart burdened be,
Then I am still,
And wait here in the silence.
'Til you come,
And sit a while with me.

You raise me up,
So I can stand on mountains.
You raise me up,
To walk on stormy seas.
I am strong,
When I am on your shoulders.
You raise me up,
To more than I can be.

The music faded and ended.

"That's great, Dave. It's nice to welcome a baritone to our group. You can sit wherever you'd like."

Coach Beiste stepped inside and sat in the seat closest to the office door.

Rachel put her hand up.

Mr. Schuester took a deep breath and ignored her. "Yesterday we had the girls' amazing mash-up and I'm looking forward to the guys' presentation tomorrow. Coach Beiste and Miss Pillsbury will be here again tomorrow. They'll give us their verdict after the guys sing." He looked at Dave. "You'll be excused this week because you just joined, but you'll need to join in on projects starting next week."

Dave nodded.

"So, anyone else who wants to sing for us today can do that. And the other thing I need everyone to do is to make three suggestions for songs for Sectionals and write them on a sheet of paper and put them in this box. I'll look through all of them and present the six to nine best choices for the group and we'll start discussing them next week. So, who wants to sing for us today?"

Kurt stood and moved down front. He put the sheet music on the piano. Brad nodded and began to play. Unlike Demi Lovato, Kurt sang out clear and strong. His voice did not waver. He looked around the room and made eye contact with each person as he sang.

…
Do you have to make me feel like
There is nothing left of me?

You can take everything I have.
You can break everything I am.
Like I'm made of glass,
Like I'm made of paper.

Go on and try to tear me down.
I will be rising from the ground,
Like a skyscraper.
Like a skyscraper.
…

Would it make you feel better to watch me bleed?
All my windows still are broken,
But I'm standing on my feet.
…

Go on and try to tear me down.
I will be rising from the ground,
Like a skyscraper.
Like a skyscraper.

Everyone clapped for him when he finished. He grabbed his music and sat back down.

Tina said, "Great job!" as he walked past her.

Mercedes gave him a high five as he sat down.

Dave was intentional in his lack of eye contact with Kurt, staring at the chair in front of him.

Rachel raised her hand and sang a song from a musical that no one but Kurt recognized. Everyone clapped politely when she finished, most of them clapping more for it being over than how it had been presented.

"Well, that's it for today. Both Coach Sue and Coach Beiste asked me to end early for team meetings. Don't forget to write out your song suggestions and drop them in this box tomorrow."

Kurt stopped by his locker on the way to the locker room. With trepidation, he opened the door and went to sit on the bench closest to the white board.

"Aww, hell no!" Azimio grunted out when he saw Kurt as he came in.

"Adams, have a seat," Coach said firmly as she approached the group from behind. "Hummel is here at my request."

Azimio didn't say anything.

"What was that, Adams?"

"Yes, coach."

"Everyone sit down and listen up. I've been through your first six weeks grade reports this afternoon. Effective immediately, each of you will either attend two hours of tutoring each week or you will provide two hours a week of tutoring to someone in this group. I have pinpointed your lowest grade and made note of the highest grades as well. I will post the roster of who is tutoring and which one of you will be getting tutored by that person. There will be no complaints. Am I clear?"

A round of "Yes, Coach Beiste" was heard.

"Now, Hummel, here has agreed to rejoin the team."

Several groans were heard, along with "Not again." and "No way."

"Enough," she bellowed. "Langanthal is more suited to being halfback if he can learn to catch better. He's fast on his feet, but his kicking skills are marginal at best. We can win more games with a good kicker."

She began to hand out the papers she had been holding.

"You'll find this to be quite clear and straightforward. You need to take these home and bring them back tomorrow with your parents' or guardians' signatures on them."

One of the guys spoke up. "A non-bullying contract? What is this?"

"You just read it out loud. It's exactly what it says it is. It delineates all the types of behavior that I expect to NEVER see you participate in. And it explains the Titans football team code of conduct. You are leaders in this school, not the mob. Leaders are respected because of their skills and talent, not because they intimidate people smaller than them through physical violence, bullying, or intimidation. If I see a slushie in your hands, you'll be running extra laps. Those things are devoid of nutrition value and they're not gonna to be used as ways to humiliate your classmates anymore. My number is on that paper. If your parents have questions about the information, they can give me a call."

More groaning could be heard.

"If I don't receive the signed forms at the beginning of practice tomorrow, you will not practice. And you will not play in the game Friday night. No arguments, no exceptions. In light of Karofsky's absolute need to be the top offender at this school, he joined the Glee Club this afternoon since the joining that club has successfully reformed the previous top offenders. He was the first. Adams, you're second on my list. Knock of the bullying or you'll be singing show tunes with the Glee Club too."

"No way, coach. I can't do that."

"Then I expect to see that paper with your signature and your parents' before practice tomorrow. And in case any of you have some insane notion of forging those, I made phone calls to your parents and guardians already informing them of the importance of the form being returned tomorrow. Y'all are free to leave."

The group got up and started milling around.

"Hummel, to my office to collect your uniform."

"Yes, coach." He went back to her office to wait.

"Adams!"

He turned around. "Yes, coach?"

"If you think I'm jokin', try me. I'm not to be trifled with. I told you all that I wouldn't put up with insubordination. Get your head in the game. If you want scouted, you can't be sittin' home watching football on TV. Capisce?"

"Yeah, coach. I got it. No slushies. No bullying. Make good grades."

"Good. You've got the skills, Azimio, but you're never gonna to get scouted when none of your teachers will vouch for you. I have to be honest too. Right now, you're not a good team player. Change that and you might change your future."

He nodded.

"You can go. I gotta deal with Hummel."

"No one wants him here, you know. No disrespect meant."

"I know that. I'm not stupid. The thing is we need a kicker who can make field goals more than once in a blue moon. We may be winnin' most of our games now, but if you want us to make it into the playoffs, we need a kicker with a better average than that. That one point makes all the difference sometimes. You better help see to it that Hummel feels welcomed this time around."

"Right," he said sarcastically.

"I mean it, Adams. You might help keep the other team from sackin' Hudson, but unless you know someone who can kick better than Hummel, he's all we got right now. Langanthal obviously isn't cuttin' it. Now, go on. Get your parents to sign that form after y'all read it."

X-X-X-X-X

"You know I really don't want to do this. And no offense, but a single well-written reference letter next year doesn't really make this seem that much more attractive."

"Karofsky won't bother you anymore. With you on the team, I can make sure that none of them bother you anymore. The tutoring will look good on your college applications too. Have you heard of PFLAG?"

"I have. I know it's not polite to ask, but are you gay?"

"You're right it's not polite to ask, but my behavior is unusual for a teacher, I'm sure. I'm not gay, but my brother is. Times are changin', but Lima's not keeping; up with the times. I've observed for six weeks and worked behind the scenes. I needed some things in place before I could make many changes. Sue has made it very difficult for me here, and now she's the principal.

"She's difficult period. After observing for two years, I've seen no pattern to her behavior whatsoever. I've decided that her strategy to staying on top depends upon no one being able to predict her behavior. It is generally self-serving, but she has bouts of kindness. Unpredictability is her only predictable behavior.

"That actually makes sense in a completely illogical way."

Kurt nodded. "I'm currently a benched Cheerio. I have no idea what she's written on the roster to keep me active, but when I tried to quit at the beginning of the year, she refused to accept my resignation."

"She tried to disband the football team before y'all arrived. She backed off when I asked her who the Cheerios would cheer for without a football team."

"Right."

She changed the subject. "I can't start a group myself. A student has to start the group and find a willing sponsor."

"Oh." It dawned on Kurt what she was hinting at. "Coach Beiste, will you sponsor a chapter of PFLAG?"

"I'd love to. Thanks for asking." She winked at him. "I've already filled out all of the charter papers and everything. I'm sure you can get the Glee Club to join, and by extension, that means Karofsky will have to join."

"Did you know?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Hummel."

He nodded. "So, is there something I need to sign to officially start a PFLAG chapter as the student leader?"

She pulled a folder off her shelf.

X-X-X-X-X

The next afternoon, Dave sat by himself on the other side of the piano while the guys performed their mash-up. When they finished singing, everyone clapped for them.

"That was great, guys. Go ahead and change back while our judges confer in my office."

The guys left for the dressing room. Miss Pillsbury and Coach Beiste went into Mr. Schuester's office and closed the door. By the time the guys got back, the girls had moved the chairs back to the raised steps and everyone had resumed their usual seating patterns. Dave got up and sat in the top row down near the band end of the room. The guys took their seats, and about a minute later, Coach Beiste and Miss Pillsbury came out of the office and stood down front.

Coach Beiste was the one to speak. "We enjoy both performances. They were both really good, but we considered the challenge was for the girls to do guys' song and for the guys to do girls' song. We were told the more opposite the performance, the better. So, with that in mind, we've chosen the girls as the winners. The guys jackets were nice, as were their songs, but they didn't feel feminine. Yes, they sang songs that had been recorded by women, but their performance just lacked a feminine touch. Perhaps some ballad love songs would have gotten you farther in the opposite direction of your usual choices."

Miss Pillsbury took it from that point. "So, congratulations to the girls who really wowed us with their leather jackets and rock music."

The girls clapped and cheered for themselves.

"I'd like the girls to come on down and collect their prizes."

"Wait, woah," Puck said. "No one said anything about prizes."

"It was a contest, was it not?" Miss Pillsbury asked.

"It was," Artie replied. "What did the girls win?"

Santana was the first to take a slip of paper from Miss Pillsbury. She looked at it. "A free large smoothie from the Dairy Barn," she said, boastfully.

"Aww, man," Finn said. "I love the Dairy Barn."

"Who doesn't?" Puck asked.

"I haven't been there," Sam said.

Quinn winked at him. "Maybe we can go together. They even have this low-carb ice dream soft serve." She sat down next to him.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and smiled back. "Really?"

She nodded and leaned over and put her head on his shoulder.

"Sounds great," Sam said.

Kurt leaned out of his chair and looked towards the guys. "Those certificates could have been ours if you had listened to my ideas instead of sending me off to Dalton to spy."

"Dude, keep it down," Artie scolded.

Puck asked, "What did you find out, anyway?"

"I went two weeks ago, and you're asking now?"

"Better late than never," Artie said.

"Well, they're going to kick our butts if we don't actually get started on our songs. They are a well-oiled group of good-looking guys in prep school uniforms who have a lead singer backed up by a vocal band."

"They're a cappella?' Artie asked.

"Mmm hmm. And amazing. On key, like 8-part harmony – with an awesome beatboxer."

"We're dead," Puck said.

"We've still got time," Rachel added her two cents and joined in the conversation.

Kurt agreed. "We do, but not if we keep horsing around with in-class competitions and showboating by you requesting to sing a solo every time we meet."

"Fine. I'll limit myself to once a week."

"Amen," Santana said.

Mr. Schue clapped his hands after he finally quit talking to the other two adults. "Listen up. I need you to put your song suggestions in this box before you leave. I'll see all of you next Monday."

Kurt got up quickly and handed his signed form to Coach Beiste before she had time to leave the room.

"You need to come to practice today. I have the tutoring assignments posted and you need to show me that you can still kick."

Kurt sighed. "I can't stay today. I needed to know ahead of time. I have to go work at the shop."

"I'll walk you out."

Kurt went back to his seat and grabbed his bag and followed her out into the hallway.

"Is that why you said you can't come to practices?"

"Yeah. I can't just leave my dad in a lurch. I had no intention of joining the football team and my dad's only been out of the hospital for a couple of weeks. I need to take up the slack for him not being able to work right now. "

"I get it. I knew about him being sick and all, but I didn't think about how you might be the one taking up the slack."

"I looked last night. Even if we make it to the end of the playoffs, that's just six weeks of games. But my dad can't go back to work for another month, and even then, it's light duty."

She put her hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "I'll write you a pass to miss third period tomorrow. You can come to my office. We'll go out and you can do some practicing. I'll look through everyone's schedules tonight and pull two people whose grades are good enough to withstand missing class."

"Thanks, coach. I really have to go. I have to close the shop and get home to make my dad dinner. And eventually get around to my homework."

She nodded. "You'll need cleats."

"I still have mine from last year." He hurried off towards the parking lot.

X-X-X-X-X

The next morning, Kurt got a pass at the beginning of third period to report to the locker room. He quickly changed into uniform and went to Coach Beiste's office.

"Looking good, Hummel. Let's go see if you can kick."

He followed her outside where Mike and Dave were waiting. The four of them went out on the field. Coach Beiste sent Mike down by the goal posts and had Dave hold the ball for Kurt.

After Kurt kicked the first time, Dave spoke in a low voice. "I'm sorry about the other day."

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

"You don't have to be a bitch about it you know? I'm trying here. I really am sorry. You have to realize that I couldn't risk anyone finding out that I'm 'you know'. My dad would probably be okay with it eventually, but not my mom. There's no way she would accept me."

Kurt finished his stretches. "As in, what?"

"She'd send me some place to 'cure' me."

"Oh," Kurt was speechless. "Your song the other day was actually surprisingly good. I never took you for a Josh Groban fan."

"Yeah, well there's a lot you don't know about me."

"Touché. The same is probably true for you about me."

"Unlikely." He placed the ball for Kurt to kick it.

Kurt backed up and set himself up for the kick and followed through. The ball went through the goal posts, off to the left a bit instead of right through the center, but it went through. He adjusted his stance a bit and kicked two more times, making it through the goal posts more towards the center and a little higher. He kicked once more, which was better than the previous three. They moved back 10 yards while they waited for Mike to bring the balls back.

"What makes you think I don't know anything about you?"

"I'm not just a stereotype," he smarted back.

"Look, can you lay off the attitude? I'm trying. And I know that you're not just a stereotype. And yes, I know what that means. I know that you work at your dad's shop fixing cars. I know that you could fight back if you wanted to. And honest to God, I don't want to 'watch you bleed' like the line in that song you sang, but it did make me think."

Kurt did a few more stretches and didn't respond.

Mike dropped the footballs and ran back down to the end zone.

"Look, I know I've been an ass, but I saw you last year dressing like – I don't even know, a hick, a Lima Loser like the rest of us. And you dated Brittany. I'm not the only one who's tried blending in."

"Yeah, but I didn't shove anyone into lockers or break anyone's phone trying to be someone I'm not."

"I have some anger control issues."

"You don't say?" Kurt said sarcastically while rolling his eyes.

"You really are a bitch sometimes, you know?"

"Oh, I know. I reserve it for the people who treat me like crap mostly."

"Yeah, I deserve that. I know. But now I have to be nice or I get kicked off the team. I don't have to pretend to hate you anymore."

"What?"

"Just kick the damn ball before Beiste comes over here to see why you stopped."

"Right." Kurt set up and kicked four times in a row again, managing to kick the ball through three out of four times.

They scooted back 10 more yards. This time, he only made two out of the four attempts.

Beiste moved from the sidelines to the field to talk to him.

"Believe what you want, but I'm glad I joined Glee. It looked like fun, but I could never get up the nerve to join on my own and face the bullying. I know. I can dish it out, but I can't take it. That's why you're stronger than I am."

Mike came back with the footballs about the time Beiste made it over to them. She sent Mike and Dave back to class.

"Well, we need to make sure we're as close to the end zone as possible tonight, but that was some pretty fancy kickin' for someone who hasn't done it in a year. And a far cry better than Langanthal who's been practicin' all season. You're up tonight. Show up in your uniform. You can leave without showerin'. You missed it yesterday, but we're havin' a car wash this Saturday mornin'. You're excused from attendin' since you have to work. I'm workin' on gettin' the Titans Booster Club to match the funds we raise. I'm gonna get those doors you want."

"Thanks."

"Go change and get to lunch."

"Yes, coach."

X-X-X-X-X

Monday at lunch, Kurt met with Dave in Coach Beiste's office during lunch. She ordered a pizza and left two-thirds of it in her office with some drinks.

"This is obviously a set up," Dave said.

Kurt sighed in agreement. "Obviously." He took a slice of pizza and started to eat it.

Dave joined him. "I don't need a French tutor. I have a B in French."

"I don't need a math tutor. I have an A- in Algebra 2." He rolled his eyes. "We're setting up a PFLAG chapter. I want you to come. It stood for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, but now it's a group for all LGBTQ+ people and their friends and families."

"Just kill me know."

"Stop saying that. I'm giving you a heads up so that you can think of whatever reason you need to, so your parents won't be upset or whatever. I'm going to get everyone in Glee Club to join, so you'll have to join or look like a homophobe, which his what you're supposed to be overcoming by us working together."

"I'm not a homophobe."

"It's actually possible to be homophobic and gay. It's internalized homophobia from dealing with the crap that society says about us all the time. We begin to hate ourselves for not being able to be what society wants us to be, which is straight."

"Did you ever hate yourself?"

"Not exactly for being gay, but for being too chicken to tell my dad. I only came out to him about a year ago. I knew he wouldn't kick me out, but I didn't know whether he would just shun and ignore me after he knew. But he said he had known since I was young, which was pretty frustrating, truth be told. I struggled for years not knowing how he'd respond, so I kept it to myself. If he had broached the subject, even casually, it would have taken a lot of stress off our relationship."

Dave grabbed another slice of pizza. "I think my dad will be supportive in the you're-my-kid-I-won't-kick-you-out way, but he'll be disappointed because being gay pretty much ruins my chances of playing football or hockey in college or professionally."

Kurt looked confused.

"There are no out guys in professional sports. I won't be welcomed."

"Oh, I didn't realize."

"I figured not since you're not into sports. Why did you agree to join again?"

"Honestly?"

Dave nodded.

"Because Coach Beiste agreed to sponsor the PFLAG group. In a school of about 600, somewhere between 30-60 students aren't straight. Now that I know you aren't, that makes two that I know of. With the bullying stopped and a PFLAG group, maybe a few of the other 28-58 will feel more at ease to come out. Maybe not even this year or next year, but if we can get some of the freshmen and sophomores to join, maybe in a few years, it won't be like it has been."

They finished up the pizza. And Dave folded the box up and put it on top of the trashcan.

"What are we going to do now?"

Kurt said, "Well, we can talk, or not. Or I can go over something from your French lesson. The only reason I had an A- at midterm was because I hadn't turned in all of my make up work yet, but I have now."

Dave pulled his French book out. "I guess we could go over the vocabulary for this week."

"Sure. Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"Why did you try to kiss me?"

Dave flushed. "Fishing for compliments?"

"What? No. I just don't understand."

"For someone so smart, you sure are dense." He opened his book to the list of words he needed to memorize.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I tried to kiss you for the obvious reason that most people try to kiss someone."

"I still don't get it. Why did you think I'd let you?"

"I wasn't really thinking it through clearly at the time, you know? You get me all hot under the collar when you start bitching at me, which is something I hadn't intended on you finding out. Fuck my life. Why can't I just sit here and keep my mouth shut?"

Kurt was chuckling silently. "You think it's hot when I bitch at you? That explains so much." He didn't quite manage to keep his laughter down. "Oh, my God. You irritate me to get me to bitch at you and you get off on that while everyone else thinks you hate me. It's a win/win for you."

Dave's blush grew deeper. "I'm really sorry I shoved you so hard the other day. I forget my strength, plus I'm used to shoving people in pads."

"I get that, but that hurt like hell. I have bruises on my shoulder and upper arm and my phone screen is broken. I'm fresh out of money to have it replaced again, so I'm trying to keep it hidden from my dad's view. I'll have to wait until I get paid two weeks from Friday. My dad makes me save half of what I make and I have to use the other half to pay for my car insurance and my 'frivolities', as he calls them."

Dave raised an eyebrow.

"My special skincare stuff, clothing, my data on my phone, stuff like that. I'm spreading the new screen out across two paychecks. And avoiding doing any shopping or spending of any sort. Why did you knock my phone out of my hands?"

"You looked so fucking happy reading whatever it said. I just lost it. I'm so miserable 24/7 that seeing you out and proud and smiling at your phone just pissed me off. I'm sorry. I'll pay to repair your screen, but I'll have to give you the money in installments. My parents give me $30 a week allowance. I'll cut back to spending $10 a week and give you the other $20. I can't get a job. They won't let me, but they pay for my insurance and my phone."

"Sure. I need to get it fixed ASAP. I can't wait because I don't want to explain to my dad what happened. He doesn't need the stress. He thinks school is fine."

He pulled his wallet out and took out a $20 bill. "Here, this is for this week. I'll bring another $20 on Monday."

"Thanks. I've spent hundreds of dollars replacing clothes and books. None of you ever considered the damage you did. Humiliation is one thing, but ruining our clothes and whatever we're holding is costly."

"You're right. No one thinks about that. Maybe after the carwash, we should do something else to help cover the cost of the damages we've caused."

"That would be amazing. It really would. We can talk to Coach Beiste about it."

X-X-X-X-X

The next week, they got no closer to having songs chosen for Sectionals than they had the week of the boys versus girls competition because Mr. Schue was out sick. They did have quite a bit of fun with Miss Holiday, but ultimately, their fun didn't make any progress towards being ready for Sectionals.

Dave and Kurt met again in Coach Beiste's office during lunch for their tutoring sessions on Monday and Wednesday.

Kurt practiced with Finn and Puck before the team practice started on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.

Thursday evening, Kurt finally told Burt that he had rejoined the football team. Burt went to the game that Friday night. Kurt kicked two field goals, like he had the week before. The Titans won 14-6. Burt was surprised, but excited to see Kurt back out on the field.

X-X-X-X-X

The next Monday, Puck showed up with Lauren in tow, saying that she saved his life. Apparently, they were dating. She was willing to join Glee to even out the numbers. They finally got started on their songs for Sectionals that afternoon.

Tuesday morning, Burt and Carole showed up and found Kurt and had him take them to Finn. They announced that they were engaged and wanted to get married as soon as possible. Burt was planning to take them all to Waikiki for a honeymoon.

When they got home that evening, they went out to dinner to celebrate and Burt drove them all to a house he thought would be perfect for the four of them. The realtor was there, waiting to take them on a tour.

Kurt was surprised at the suddenness of everything, but felt much better about the whole situation than he had the spring before when his dad had been determined to move Carole and Finn into their small house.

Kurt did all of the planning for the wedding which took place less than two weeks later.

X-X-X-X-X

"Hey, Kurt," Blaine said, as he approached from across the lobby where the choirs were standing around waiting to be let back into the dressing rooms for Sectionals.

"Oh, hey."

"Long time, no see. Well, you know what I mean."

Kurt nodded. "I've been really busy. I planned my dad's wedding last weekend. I also rejoined the football team and we're heading into the playoffs. We also have mandatory tutoring two hours a week – either providing it or getting help. I still have my job and homework. I've also started a PFLAG group. Our football coach is the sponsor."

"So, things are looking up then, it sounds like."

"Definitely."

"Kurt!" Dave hollered from across the room. Everyone had followed Mr. Schuester except for him.

"I gotta go. Good luck."

"You too."

X-X-X-X-X

Three hours later, the New Directions were heading towards their bus.

"Regionals, here we come!" Finn shouted and pumped his fist into the air.