If you're still reading, I thank you. I hope you've at least tolerated the previous chapters. Now we get into the nitty-gritty of changing the established timeline for Glee, and introduce some more... diverse music.

While some of my details should indicate a rating of "M" and not "T" please keep in mind that real teens use language much harsher than what my dialogue has in it. Also, when I was in High School we were much cruder than anyone's been so far.

You'll also note that I include the label(s) for songs I use in this FanFic - I do this to establish who at least distributes them. I also hope it will prevent any issues from the copyright holders as I am clearly stating who has the rights (hint - it's not me). I will not list songs that are normally included within the series (for the timepoint being played out), so if there's a song, it's an added one.

So, enjoy this chapter. Or don't. Either way, let me know if you have the time.

Songs:

The Sending, Nobuo Uematsu, DigiCube (Japan)/SquareEnix (Dylan w/West Point Choir)

When I'm Gone, 3 Doors Down, Universal Motown Records (Dave/Karofsky)


Taming the Beast

Dylan had a pretty good summer until graduation week. It wasn't a good year in Afghanistan, and it finally hit him. A friend from Chicago was with a unit that got ambushed in the borderlands, and died en route back to a field hospital. Dylan was surprised to be included in the will, much less to have a request of him and be given something from the estate.

"General, you wanted to see me sir?" Dylan asked, doing his best to remain professionally stony.

"Please, have a seat Captain," the General replied. He handed the new Captain a box and a folder. "There has been a request that you perform a ceremony at Staff Sergeant Perry's funeral. Please open the closet," the General points to the small storage closet. Dylan's completely confused at what's in it.

"Sir?" Dylan asks as he turns to the General, his hand on the object.

"Yes Howard, that is what you think it is."

"A Spira Summoner's staff? Is this some kind of gag sir?" Dylan asks as he retrieves the staff and sits back down at the desk, the staff across his lap.

"Open the envelope and read it, Captain," the General replies, resigned to the request contained.

Dylan did as ordered, and as surprised as he was, thought it was appropriate. Mitch was a bigger fan of the Final Fantasy series than either Dylan or Dave had been, and even had the original Japanese cartridges from the NES, SNES, and N64 days. And this was, indeed, a replica of Yuna's staff.

"I'm... honored, sir. But, I'll need the choir to help with this," Dylan said as he looked between the General, the staff, and the will.

"Done. Gather what you need and meet the choir after mess hall," the General said flatly. As Dylan left to Romanize the lyrics and realign the sheet music, the General added, "And Dylan, I'm sorry about your loss of a good friend. I heard... that he was like an Uncle to you?"

"Yes sir. When he saw me walk home from physical therapy the first time, he took it upon himself to drive to and from whenever he was on leave," Dylan managed to get out before his voice started cracking. "He even, taught me how to... get chicks," Dylan said, then chuckled.

"He never minded having competition. He'd get annoyed when there weren't any other students to nip at his heels," the commanding officer replied. "Take your time Howard. I'm sure your students will understand."

"Thank you sir," Dylan replied as he left the office and prepared to perform an actual Sending. Thank God for all that LARPing I did back in Chicago he thought to himself as he walked to his dorm. As he re-read the final wishes, he kicked himself - he needed to be in traditional garb.

"What the hell?" Dylan yelled, startling his dorm mate. He looked at him for a second then daringly spoke.

"What is it Lieutenant?" the cadet asked.

"Actually it's Captain now, and I need to find a Summoner's outfit before tomorrow," Dylan blankly said as he slumped into his desk chair, handing the will to the cadet. "What do you think Richards?"

"I think, that you may be screwed. Unless..." he pondered for a second, then smirked. "Can you cover for me for about twenty minutes sir?"

"Yeah, but why?"

"I just might have a plan! And nice staff!" Richards loudly said as he dashed out of the dorm.

There was a handwritten note in the envelope that he had overlooked before. It was written in an Arabic/Farsi substitution cipher. After getting it deciphered he was surprised at what the message said:

Dylan,

I know Diane and Adam won't tell you this, but we're actually related.

We're distant cousins, not really all that connected. I've known about your past and

hope that you and David can get back together. I know that you attended my 'wedding,'

but that was just convenient. You need to find him before he can even consider bearding.

I love you brother, cousin, whatever we are,

Mitch Perry.

He managed to stash the note just before Richards and a female cadet ran in, carrying fabric, a sewing machine, a glue gun, and a small hand stitcher. Before he could ask questions they began measuring him.

"Sorry sir, but this needs to be done quickly," the female cadet said apologetically.

"Here, let me get to my skivvies. It's a more accurate measure," Dylan replied, shocked at both her boldness and the fact he didn't notice her rank of First Lieutenant. After taking proper measurements they found artists sketches of the summoners of Final Fantasy X online and from a strategy guide Anders had snuck in. An hour later the basic outfit had been made.

"How's that fit sir?" she asked as she tugged at the seams and hemlines.

"It's, looser, than I'm used to Lieutenant," he replied, trying to remember if this was actually a proper fit.

"I'm not surprised you'd say that. I actually wonder how you even move with uniforms that tight, sir," Richards half-mocked. He was right though.

"Ok, well everything's in line, the colors are right, having been picked by you. Now we just need to emblazon it. Any particular Aeon you identify with?" Anders asks.

"Shiva," Dylan replies, not explaining further. "I need to get the sheet music ready."

"Of course sir. I should be done in about an hour," Anders replies as she accepts the now cast-off garments.

The next day Dylan arrives at the service in his requested dress. At first many of the attendees, most from his class, take offense at what they perceive as an insult. A quick dress-sown and a curt "it was in his will" is all it takes to shut them up.

He gives his eulogy at the end of the main service, and proceeds to clear the 'stage' to perform The Sending. He double checked the stage, grabbed his staff, and nodded to the choir.

Iyeyui

Nobomeno

Renmiri

Yojuyogo

Iyeyui

Nobomeno

Renmiri

Yojuyogo

Hasatekanae

Kutamae

Hasatekanae

Kutamae

Dylan had become lost in the performance but had remembered not to cry. As he saw the sadness on the attendees faces and the tears in their eyes, he knew he had not only nailed it, but made his newly discovered cousin proud. He calmly left the stage, and proceeded to Mitch's wife, who pulled him into a bear hug.

"Thank you," she sobbed into his chest, tears of genuine loss flowing from her bloodshot eyes. "If he's watching, he's proud of you doing this for him."

"Melanie, do you know why he asked me to do this?" he asked as his voice began to tremble.

"He... he trusted you to make sure, that his spirit... made it where it was supposed to go. And that I would be able to move on and take care of our children," she managed to get out through sobs.

"Wait," Dylan whispered, "you have kids, together?"

"Uh huh," she says and nods into his lapel. She whispers "it... happens, when there's enough, pressure... to, fit in," as she breaks the embrace. "We don't want that for you and him," she mouths as she walks away to touch the box that will house her husband's corporal remains for eternity.

I won't let that happen. No matter how much hell I have to suffer again.

...

For Karofsky the summer was just annoying. He got fired from his fryalator job because someone didn't like having their zucchini replaced with zingers, and, even though he liked Home Depot, he wasn't sure he needed anything other than a mini-fridge for his room. Not that I can get beer to put in there he mentally seethed. At least I have the discount if I need something, or 'mom and dad.'

A week before classes started he had a strange dream that Dylan was doing Yuna's Sending from Final Fantasy X. At first he just thought of running up there and beating him to death with that staff, but didn't after seeing Marines with swords and an Honor Guard. He just enjoyed seeing the self-righteous jackass make a fool out of himself, until he heard that guy's voice again, about 20 decibels louder than normal.

You did great Dylan! And I remember the dreams now! David cheerily shouted.

When'd you get so loud homo? Karofsky sneered, unable to figure out what just happened or where this guy was. And why're you in my head?

Dunno, but it looks like you're on your way out!

We'll see about that! Karofsky screamed. When he woke up and went go get breakfast his parents were silently waiting for him at the table.

"What? It's morning, before ten, and I'm up," Karofsky rudely said as he looked to the stove, then the table. He grabbed a plate and loaded it up with sausage, pancakes, and bacon.

"You were having a shouting match with yourself in your sleep," Paul said as he reached for some grapefruit juice.

Karofsky raised an eyebrow. "Was I? Maybe I should drink a flask of whisky before going to sleep then," he replied with both a deadpan expression and a flat tone.

"Don't be a jackass dear, we're just worried that you might need, you know, professional help," Mary responded, just as her danger sense kicked off. She leaned back just in time to miss being hit with the plate her son just filled up.

"I'm not a Goddamn jackass!" he screamed and stormed up to his room. He thought his mumbling of 'bitch' was under his breath, but it wasn't.

"Grounded. One week!" Paul yelled to the stairway as he went to the family computer and blocked the Xbox, Wii, and cell phone from the WiFi.

"You were saying something about a mental hospital Paul," Mary prompted as she cleaned her son's mess.

"I don't know what happened this summer, but I think it's too late now. Besides, we'd need to jump to rufies, and that puts us in the bad-guy seat."

"Any luck with finding out if Dylan's alive? I know it's a longshot, but..."

"If he's alive, we couldn't find him. Not with Adam and Diane anyway," Paul sighed and slumped to the table. "We could pray for him to come back," he tried to joke. The glare Mary shot said 'not happening.'

"Yeah, because prayer work so fucking well last time!" she spit out with more hatred than he thought her capable of ever having. She threw the plate, utensils, and food in the trash and stormed to their room, slamming the door hard enough to knock a fridge magnet off.

Not the time to tell her about my affair with Princes Valium and Zoloft...

...

Dylan had no idea why the thought popped into his head. Well actually he did but he wasn't ready to admit it. Before he could stop himself he was at his counselor's office. After being informed that he was in he waited for him to come in. He saw Dylan and waved him into his cramped office.

"So, Dylan, how was your summer?" he asked while setting up and checking his paperwork.

"Not good. A friend was killed in Afghanistan, and it turns out he's actually my distant cousin."

"I'm sorry for your deepened loss. I won't pry anymore. May I ask why you wanted to see me?"

"Theoretically, is there a way to have my records ready to transfer to McKinley at the drop of a hat?" Dylan asked, unsure of how he managed to do it so easily.

"Is there a reason you want to leave? Is it pressure from Vocal Adrenaline?" he asked, stunned that someone could be so willing to change schools on a whim.

"To be honest Mr. Talton, I don't know. The question just popped into my head and kinda took over."

"I see. Well, there is a way, but you'll have to take semi-final type tests every Friday, and maintain perfect attendance. That last part shouldn't be an issue for you."

"And Principle Rubens? Doesn't he need to be involved?"

"He won't be happy, but he'll do it. You have no idea how much flak he gets because he follows the rules about inter-district transfers. You do realize there's no jROTC program at McKinley, don't you?"

"It's something I'm willing to... give up, under the right circumstances," Dylan manages to choke out.

"I've learned with you it's best to not ask questions. I'll get it set up, and you'll have to meet with their principle, Mr. Figgins. I'll warn you, he's... odd. And not just the fact he's Indian."

"I have to go there before I'm a student?" Dylan cries. Shit, what was I thinking?

"It won't be that bad. You can arrange it so that it's after school when most of the students have left. That is if you're worried about any possible run-ins..." Mr. Talton trails off. I'm curious, but not enough to risk being screamed at again.

"Something like that..." Dylan trailed off, glad that at least he gets it.

That day Dylan sets foot on McKinley for the first time. He manages to avoid Janet and Azimio. He almost runs into Dav... Karofsky as he's leaving campus, tossing some nerdy white kid in the dumpster. So that's Jacob Ben Israel. He looks doucier that Perez. A short talk later a transfer contract's signed. A copy is filed at both schools but the date is left blank. They shake hands and Principal Figgins leads Dylan out of the office. Dylan spots Karofsky again and smoothly sits in a chair behind a filing cabinet. He leaves when he sees his former soulmate turn a corner.

While cooking dinner for Janet he thinks to himself Why am I so scared? I know he can't seriously hurt me...

Actually, he can. He's getting wo... David's voice suddenly cuts off...

...

So, this is hell, Karofsky thinks as he stares blankly at his Trigonometry book. He tries to come up with the solutions, but gets frustrated and slams the book back into his backpack. He's been going through this for weeks now.

Azimio had really let him have it for shoving that Asian girl into the lockers, and he didn't care. He, however, made him listen. Since school started again he had come up with a plan: no one will let him get rid of Hummel, but maybe he can make him leave. After the first slushee Hummel looked even more sure of himself. Then his dad got sent to the hospital. I remember that feeling, that look, Karofsky thought. He had left him alone while he tried to place where that came from. When he couldn't, he went back to locker-checking Hummel whenever he saw him.

And what was Hummel thinking, trying to talk back to me? 'Rendering plant?' Whatever! A few weeks after his dad got released Hummel had left campus for some reason and when he came back he had a stupid grin welded to his face. Great, he found a boyfriend, Karofsky thought. They should just move in together and leave me alone, have a bunch of gaybies. I knew knocking his phone out of his hands would wipe that grin off his face, so I did it.

I didn't expect him to get in my face about it.

I didn't expect him to push all of my buttons (of course being an arrogant asshole means no one knows a damn thing about you).

I didn't expect him to keep advancing and not back down.

I didn't expect to kiss him when I wanted to break him.

I didn't expect to run out of the locker room crying.

And I didn't expect his buck-boy to try and out me in front of the whole fucking school.

I really didn't expect him to allow me to make a death threat.

He was supposed to be expelled or to walk out, not me.

And now it's just me. David won't even whimper anymore...

For the first time since the glee club was reformed, Karofsky was afraid of dealing with them when he went back tomorrow.

...

David, are you here? Dylan thought. This has got to stop, I can't keep meeting you like this...

There was a weak reply of 'yes, I'm here' before it faded. Dylan found a weak, pale, almost lifeless David Karofsky slumped against a tree.

"What happened? Has he been that out of control?" Dylan asked as he moved behind him and held him.

Earlier this week, the guys in glee minus Puckerman ordered him to stop harassing Kurt. He started a fight and threw Mike into Artie, then gave Sam a black eye. Sam really roughed us up. Then today he got expelled. Karofsky, not Sam.

"YOU are not HIM. Well, technically you are but you're mostly not." I have to find a way to protect you until we can deal with him...

It won't do much good. He always finds me, knocks me down, makes me leave him in control...

"There's a way, and I think I know how. And this time he might even join in. B-b-but not like last time."

Singing?

Yes. He needs you and we're gonna prove it! "I'm going to start the music, but you need to sing it. Can you do it, at least for me?" Dylan more pleaded than asked or informed. David's eyes briefly lit up.

When I'm Gone. Do you remember that one?

Are you kidding, I've made 6 ringtones from it.

Good. 3... 2... 1... hit it!

D: There's another world inside of me

That you may never see

There're secrets in this life

That I can't hide

Somewhere in this darkness

There's a light that I can't find

Maybe it's too far away...

Or maybe I'm just blind...

Or maybe I'm just blind...

So hold me when I'm here

Right me when I'm wrong

Hold me when I'm scared

And love me when I'm gone

Everything I am

And everything in me

Wants to be the one

You wanted me to be

I'll never let you down

Even if I could

I'd give up everything

If only for your good

So hold me when I'm here

Right me when I'm wrong

You can hold me when I'm scared

You won't always be there

So love me when I'm gone

Love me when I'm gone...

Karofsky pops in and is stunned. He studies the notes and jumps in.

K: When your education X-Ray

Cannot see under my skin

I won't tell you a damn thing

That I could not tell my friends

Roaming through this darkness

I'm alive but I'm alone

Part of me is fighting this

But part of me is gone

When Dylan nods David stands up and turns it into a Metal-Off.

D&K: So hold me when I'm here

Right me when I'm wrong

Hold me when I'm scared

And love me when I'm gone

Everything I am

And everything in me

Wants to be the one

You wanted me to be

I'll never let you down

Even if I could

I'd give up everything

If only for your good

So hold me when I'm here

Right me when I'm wrong

You can hold me when I'm scared

You won't always be there

So love me when I'm gone

K: Or maybe I'm just blind...

D&K: So hold me when I'm here

Right me when I'm wrong

Hold me when I'm scared

And love me when I'm gone

Everything I am

And everything in me

Wants to be the one

You wanted me to be

I'll never let you down

Even if I could

I'd give up everything

If only for your good

So hold me when I'm here

Right me when I'm wrong

You can hold me when I'm scared

You won't always be there

So love me when I'm gone

Love me when I'm gone...

Love me when I'm gone

When I'm Gone

When I'm Gone

When I'm Gone

David has regained strength and Karofsky look utterly confused as to what just happened. Karofsky begins to remember some of the good things that happened in the past, how he would sing and dance with Dylan and just have fun. And they wouldn't have to look over their shoulders or wonder if anyone would hurt them. Then he remembered the late night phone calls, the constant smell of gasoline and paint thinner, of sleeping in a different house every night. And seeing his best friend in a hospital, his connections to machines the only think giving him a chance at life. The 'Manimal,' as Abrams nicknamed him, went for a second round that week.

Dylan easily pushed K away from David, but he still ended up in a full nelson. What the hell?

Our dreams, not yours. I'm too weak to do much.

"Pike it Nancy-Boy!" as K squeezed tighter.

Okay, dream world, telepathy, I should be able to do something. Dylan latched on to the first thought he could come up with.

"Hey Karofsky! Remember how I made a copy of the 'Charmed' Book of Shadows?"

Stunned and just utterly curious he stopped trying to choke David and blankly nodded.

"Well, that won't work here, but this will!" and he froze everything but David. He pried the massive arm off his neck and took several steps back.

"Piper huh? I always figured you for a Phoebe. Or a Paige," David replied, still gasping. Then the freeze wore off.

"Huh? OH! Real nice trick. Now for mine!" Karofsky roared as he charged. Nothing was happening, just his trying to rush them.

"Bored now," Dylan mocked, trying to sound as 'Evil Willow' as possible as he raised and opened his hand. And just like in that episode of Buffy the same thing happened to Karofsky.

David screamed and dropped to his knees. He was in pain, but he wasn't visibly hurt.

"I can't keep doing this. I need to put you somewhere he can't find you until you can do this on your own!"

"He's too strong. And besides, I still haven't found a way to do anything you just did."

"Yet this is your dream that we're in?" Dylan asked, half confused, half exhausted. "I have an idea, come with me."

"Dyl, he's waking up."

"No, he's still 'dead,' but he won't be for long," he replies as they walk toward the ledge that Karofsky isn't facing. "And now to combine the power of psychology and dream absurdness. I always was the biggest geek in any group..."

"Yep. I still love you though -" David gasped. He had never said that out loud, at least, not in the 'waking' presence of Dylan.

Dylan gave a chaste kiss to David, took his hand, and squeezed. "You have to trust me. You have to trust that I love you too."

David squeezes back and nods. "You're gonna put me back to 'Cube,' aren't you?"

"It's different each time we're there. And you're the one that made it in the first place. Looking in from the outside though, I was able to figure it out."

"So... what? I disarm the traps?"

"I don't think there's any traps. Your fear of the cube" he points to Karofsky, who still hasn't moved, "gives him strength, or at least keeps you from being able to handle him. Something made you snap and think that being gay is the worst thing ever, and love always ends up causing pain and death."

David thinks about this, remembering that they do, in fact, love each other. Does Karofsky love Kurt Hummel? No, not likely. Well, other than having the shit scared out of me what can it hurt.

Ok. Send me there. But, what if he comes after me?

He can't. He needs me to do it and I won't let him.

Wait, if you die, won't I be trapped in there forever?

If I die, he dies. You stay in there until you find your way out, like I did. Well, after I became a Scientologist.

"You became a what?" David squealed. There was a soft groan from behind them.

"We have to do this now," Dylan said as he closed his eyes and mumbled something. A semi-solid door appeared leading to an all-too familiar room.

"You will be here when I'm done, and we will talk about you going all Tom Cruise on me!"

"He's not as hot as I am," Dylan joked and pushed David into the portal. It disappeared instantly. He walked to the now breathing, fully-skin-having Karofsky.

"Where did you send him?" he weakly asked.

"Doesn't matter," Dylan replies as he kneels next to the panting young man. Am I the only person who's seen him like this?

"Why'd you do it? He's just going to get hurt if he stays around, like you, me, everyone."

"You haven't moved on. And you won't. You're a Fiend, to use a Final Fantasy term. Only you have to Send yourself. In this case, literally."

"I don't feel any... different..." he rolls and gets on his knees, "than you. Only I'm not a fag!"

"And how many knockers and snizzs have you busted to Karofsky?" He expects to be mauled, or at least tossed into a tree.

"... None. I've tried, it just doesn't..." he trails off, suddenly realizing that it might be important. He's not afraid of me, and he's not trying to hurt me...

"You, are goingto talk with me from now on, got it? What you're doing now will land you in prison, and then shanked to death. Maybe killed with a plunger or a wrench up the fudge-pipe."

"I don't need you! I don't need anyone!"

"Then, why is this," Dylan lifts the cake-topper from his jacket pocket "on you? Isn't this Kurt's?"

Karofsky is totally stunned. He doesn't know why he took it, other than to have something he wasn't 'allowed' to have. "Ho-h-how d-d-do you know 'bout that?"

"I have eyes and ears at McKinley," Dylan replies, smiling, offering a hand to Karofsky.

"So, you really gonna trust me? Knowing what I've done, what I... am?" he asks, taking the offered hand.

"What you did, can't be changed. The effects of those actions, yes, can be changed. As to what you are, you're just a gay guy. Who likes sports and steaks and manly stuff. Other than liking to play tonsil hockey with dudes, you're... we're just like other guys."

"But we can sing and dance..."

"Which means Kid Rock, Bon Jovi, and Creed lose groupies when we're on tour. So what?"

Karofsky snicker-sneers. "Ok, whatever. Let's just wake up, ok?"

"Sure. See you later," as Dylan disappears.

"Freaks... each and every one of them," he says as he wakes up. He finds the cake-topper in his hand, the one Dylan shook in his dream. The Twinkie box he hid it in is on his desk, open, and... full? This was a new box. The one he hid it in was an old one from a month ago, and was behind his desk, under the drawers.

...

While Karofsky and Dylan went to school for the next few weeks, David tried to figure out why he was here. I mean, what's the point? It's just a giant multidimensional puzzle. After thinking about it through several rooms, he noticed that he was feeling better, stronger. After a few more rooms he noticed something else: when he doubted himself the room would be a memory. He started by trying to escape those rooms but was always pulled back into it. What's that saying, 'You got to face your fears?' He took a deep breath and began doing just that. He quickly realized that as he moved through it got smaller. He also noticed that he was becoming as confident and sure of himself as Karofsky was unsure and afraid of him. So this was the plan... as long as he doesn't kiss him...

Karofsky, however, became more paranoid and withdrawn. After locking Puckerman in a Port-A-John, he felt a little bad about it. Not enough to walk back and let him out, but enough to think about doing it. Z wasn't talking to him much anymore, and even less once that Janet cheerleader pulled him out of practice yesterday. His dreams were swinging wildly though. One night he'd be chatting up a storm with Dylan, the next night he was on the receiving end of what he'd done to Hummel, by Hummel. And that pretty-boy 'friend' of his.

His grades were slightly improving, but not enough to pass anything other than Trig and Spanish. He looked at last year's report cards and they weren't much better. Shit, I'm a year behind now. He shrugged and tried to get more homework done. If I get enough done I can goof-off all Christmas Break...

...

"I just don't get it babe, one minute he's all freaky-creepy animal and BAM! He comes back the next day and he's like a lost puppy, that's freaky-creepy" Azimio complains as he sips on his smoothie, eyeing his new girlfriend. Well, not girlfriend yet. She hasn't revealed her catch to their being together.

"This is why I've been dreaming of you for so long. You're a great friend, hot, cuddly, and so not gay. I seem to be a magnet!" Janet playfully says as she takes a long sip of her iced mocha. "Long story, not gonna go into details here. So, you want into this temple?"

"Damn babe, slow down. I'm still admiring the workmanship of it all," Azimio playfully bites back. "You said something about helping both of our best friends?"

"To be honest, our best friends used to be best friends," she says while making her eyebrows dance. She caught him flushing, and filed that as an Ebony God turn-on.

"Wait, are you saying what I think you're sayin'? 'Cause if you are, I'm totally in Princess!" I can't believe this - she can't be talking about Dylan, can she? Even I can't find him.

"Yep. My best friend's Dylan Howard, and..." she puts her foot lightly against his crotch, "he set the bar pretty high," she finishes as she licks her lips very suggestively.

"Oh damn girl," he moans. "Let's save that for later! Can we meet him?" Not that it's the same guy mind you.

A motorcycle zooms past the couple outside as Janet looks and smiles. It's showtime girls! she thinks.

"C'mon, that's him!" as she pulls Azimio out of his seat and through the door. He barely manages to grab both of their drinks.

"I still can't believe you drive a SmartCar Jannie," he stammers out, trying not to drop the icy drinks.

"Turbo charged, so it gets 40mpg easy," she replies as she unlocks the doors and pulls out the drink holders. She sees him looking a little uneasy so she adds "and I always have a place to 'crash,'" as she raises her eyebrows and winks.

"What exactly are we going to be doing Jan?" he asks as he gets in and sets the drinks, then clicks the seat belt. It is kinda roomy in here.

"You help with our plan, and we'll be doing each other, for as long as you can stay awake," she purrs as she rubs Azimio's thigh, briefly touching his package.

Softly moaning and definitely down for whatever she has in mind, he breathlessly replies "you're the Goddess Janet." She leaves her hand on his thigh, just barely on the 'spot,' as they make the ten minute drive.

She must come here a lot, he thinks as they pull in. She backs up to the fence, grabs the drinks, and a card from her purse. He follows her to door that looks like it leads into the garage, and taps the card to where a door knob should be. There's a 'click' and she pushes the door open. She hits a button and they're going down. A lift, really? Z thinks as they quickly come to a stop.

"Dylan, you ready for company?" Janet calls as she leads her new boyfriend into the giant room. Azimio notices that there's buffeting on all of the walls, the floors are hardwood, and there's a small galley too. With a full-sized fridge. There's nothing too gay about the decorations - actually, this is close to what he thought of his bachelor's pad being like.

"Yeah, I just need to throw on some shorts Janet!" came a soft yet thundering reply from what must have been the bathroom. "Azimio, grab yourself a Mountain Dew from the fridge. I have regular, Voltage, and Code Red."

Without thinking he replies "Thanks D!" Holy crap, they are like the same person!

Janet hands their iced drinks to her new boyfriend and takes a seat on the couch and begins going through stuff strewn on the coffee table.

"You want something babe?" Z asks as he tries to see what she's messing with.

"Just an orange Steaz hon," she replies, looking up and into his eyes. God they're beautiful!

He nods and retreats to the galley as Dylan enters the room. Azimio can hear mumbling and the occasional scoff. He grabs a Voltage for himself and a Code Red for his new 'friend.' He at first wants to throw the red can at the guy, but after taking a second he sees that they're just laughing and goofing around, like a brother and sister.

"So, you're the stud that got K all out if it and hard?" Azimio asks as he hands out the drinks. "I can see why now. Hey, is that a tattoo?"

"Yes it is, and you don't mince words, do you? I can see why Davy would keep you as a friend."

"Life's too short to be all PC and shit all the time. If I have to do it, I can," Azimio states, feeling like he can be more himself here than around his other friend.

"So here's the deal Ebony God," Janet begins. "Dylie here's working on getting Karofsky's mind back to sanes-ville, and I'm working on a plan to have them 'meet' each other. What do you think of this plan?" she asks as she hands a folder to Z.

He glosses it over and tosses it to the table. "It's lame. You've seen The Notebook and 50 First Dates too many times!" He gages their reactions and continues. "We had that scuffle awhile ago, and the Port-A-John two days ago, and it's about two and a half weeks before Christmas. Will D be able to handle seeing you by then?" He turns to Dylan.

"I'm not sure. You know how psychologists break the personality into the Id, Ego, and Super-Ego? I kinda managed to separate them, like, giving them a break from fighting each other for awhile."

"Well I need you to be sure D. 'Cause I have a plan that's gonna make anything Hummel's planned in his life look like a WalMart party!" he says while smiling ear-to-ear. "If you can have him ready by Christmas - and I'm just going to ignore the fact you're prolly doing some kind of Borg-Telepathy-Buffy shit to do it - we can give him a Christmas surprise he'll never forget."

Janet is stunned. She never thought he would be that smart, much less more caring than Dylan's been toward her. She catches Azimio's eyes and sees what she's seen in every one of her dreams. Yep, this is my husband. He might not realize it, but he's speaking love!

"That... actually works," Dylan manages. "What, exactly, do you have in mind Z?"

"We'll make a bunch of videos, like a diary, some music videos, and leave them on the porch on Christmas. I'm usually over there anyway while my mom's in the kitchen. That also keeps me from having to get into a fist-fight with my dad and uncles over which team should win the game. When I show up I can say they were there, and I'll text you if I think it's okay to pop in!"

"Daaammnn babe, that's a totally genius idea!" Janet half-screams as she jumps in Azimio's lap, nearly toppling the chair he's in. She lays a deep, passionate kiss on him, leaving him stunned.

"Actually, I'm with that. I can do a scrapbook too, and framed pictures from -" Dylan's thoughts get cut off from a sound from his computer indicating a contact's online and ringing in. He checks it, sees it's Skype, and sends the feed to the TV, tapping Jamio into being proper.

"Colonel, what do I owe this honor to sir?" Dylan asks, realizing there's a sudden loss of ease in his stomach.

"Dylan, you should sit down for this," she replied. It must be serious if we're going straight to first names...

"Megan, what's going on?" The unease has become a knot, and it's getting worse.

"Dylan, do you know what this is?" she asks, producing a piece of paper with both Farsi and Arabic, written together.

Dylan swallows a lump that appeared in his throat. That's Mitch's note to me. How'd she get that? "Yes ma'am. That's a ciphered note."

"Do you know where it came from? And I need, want, direct answers. There's already an ending to this."

Dylan looks to Janet, who is no longer in the mood, holding Azimio's hand, who has her in a side-hug. They both have expressions saying that they already know where this is heading.

"Megan, that's a cipher note to me from the honored deceased Staff Sergeant Mitch Perry."

Jamio look at Dylan and just mouths 'damn.' To them it might as well be a demented infant's scribblings.

"I'm going to read the deciphered version. Or do I need to bother?" Her eyes are pleading for him to just shake his head.

"Please read the clear note Megan," Dylan shakily replies.

After reading the note, she continues with the discussion. "While this was obtained without a warrant, because it was taken out of your uniform, it shouldn't matter. However, it prompted a deeper background investigation. That's where the brass found out about Emily."

"Megan, there's no records of Emily anymore," As Jamio listened their hearts broke, knowing that this must be a serious betrayal.

"Actually, there are," she holds up a birth certificate and a form to re-identify gender. "I'm sorry, but even with your history the UCMJ still doesn't allow you to serve. I know it's enforced irratically, but it's being enforced this time."

"How long Megan?"

"Until the start of your Winter Break. I managed to wrangle something for you though. It'll be a 'Mutual Separation,' and you'll receive VA Medical, which includes the Karofsky family. They did raise you as one of their children."

"Thank you Megan. I assume a faxed signature on the confirmation sheet'll be fine?" Dylan forced out.

"... yes," she sighed, looking down. "I really am sorry Dylan..."

"Don't worry about it. My records should still stand... Have a good evening Colonel," Dylan replied and saluted. She did the same and signed off. Was that a tear? I thought she was made of stone... Dylan slowly walked to his computer, closed the connection, and made it halfway back to the sofa before collapsing to knees, sobbing. He had been pushing all of his doubt and fear aside to get this far, and he didn't have the strength to do it anymore. He let it engulf him as Janet and Azimio tried to comfort him.

After a couple of hours he fell asleep, and Janet tried to pull him to bed. She managed to get him to his feet, but couldn't move him.

"Damn baby, you're strong!" Azimio called as he grabbed the other side of his new friend.

"He's just too solid. Ok, hold him," she smiled and crawled into the bed.

"What're you doin' baby?" he asked, puzzled.

"Ok, set him down. Slowly," she whispered as she cradled Dylan's head. Once carefully lain they cleaned up their drinks and leaned against the counters in the galley.

"This' some shitty curveball, ain't it?" Janet seethed.

"Yeah. Hey, I have an idea. You mind doing some running?"

"What do you wanna run?"

"Grab a jacket of his and wrap it in one of those dry cleaning bags I saw. I'll grab another and swap it with one of K's. Then you bring that one here."

"That's... kinda a good idea. Creepy like 'Valentine/Single White Female' but romantic like 'Bedazzled.'"

Azimio leans in and puts a hand on her face. She can smell and feel his breath as his gentle eyes look into hers. He gives a gentle kiss and pulls her into a hug. He whispers in her ear "You're the one for me, Janet Jeong. Since I first saw you last year."

"I feel the same way Azimio," she breathlessly answers, sliding her hands to his broad, cuddly shoulders. They spend a few minutes in this embrace, then start on their plan to get their friends back together. Not a single thought of taking the embrace further crosses the couple's mind.

...

Why do I hear crying? Karofsky thought as he walked through the park by his first school. He had gotten bored with homework and decided to watch TV. He didn't expect to watch Logo, but everything else was either a reality cooking show or a Mythbusters he'd already seen. There was some documentary (boring) on called 'The Butch Factor,' so he decided to watch it. He was surprised to see that many of them were pretty well built and just liked doing guy stuff. One of them was a prison guard, another a contractor. One guy even played football (it was flag football though. I mean, really?). The next one was called 'The Adonis Factor' and Karofsky wondered why someone would use crystal meth. It makes you horny and limp. You can't even 'handle' things when you're limp.

After seeing that it was 2a.m., he had gone to sleep. And in his travels he found Dylan, crying, sitting against a tree. He wasn't in his uniform. Hell, he barely had clothes on, just a pair of lounging shorts. His neck, arms, chest, legs, every exposed piece of skin he could see had scars on it. Not like, you know, a body tattoo of scars, but they were everywhere. Karofsky plopped down to his left.

"Oh, hey Karofsky," he said as he wiped his eyes and nose. "Sorry, just had a rough day."

"Oh? What happened?" Why do I even care? he wondered.

"They found out I'm Trans and booted me," he replied as he regained some composure.

"Ouch... that's not allowed?"

"Nope. I don't know why, the reg book doesn't explain beyond implying it's a 'deviant' trait."

""Deviant' huh? But they didn't care that you're gay?" Really? Did I just call someone 'gay' and not 'fag?' What's with me lately?

"They kept me mostly because I know so many languages and taught for two semesters. A teenager, teaching adult cadets. Yet..."

"Hey, it'll be ok." Not really though. Why am I caring again? "They don't deserve you anyway. They can just find a housewife somewhere to do that work, right?" He had hoped this would come off as a true joke.

Dylan scoffed. "Good luck with that! Not too many housewives speak Arabic, Farsi, French, Spanish, Chaldean, English, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalong, Latin, and Filipino, much at fluent or near-native levels."

Karofsky balked. That's what, 12 languages? What's with this guy? "You need a hobby dude..."

"Languages are kinda my hobby. The only guys I have to choose from are closet-cases, and I don't do down-low," Dylan replied, knowing he was being more than obvious with that hint.

Dude has it bad for me? I don't know... "Well, there's always college, right? Not that you should, you know, have to wait that long."

"Well, the guy I want to be with is pretty messed up right now. And he thinks I'm dead," I'll just work on the assumption he doesn't really know who I am so far.

"Okay... why would he think that?" I think I know where this guy's from...

"Well, I kinda died in his arms six years ago, and there's a grave and all..."

SNAP! Karofsky finally pulls the puzzle together: The silent communicating with him (where was that wimpy bastard anyway?), the languages, knowing stuff about his past, the scars... This is Dylan!

Dylan notices this even with the bad angle. He slowly stands up and squats in front of Karofsky. "That milkshake of cells you're turning into brain solve the puzzle Karofsky?"

He stares up at his friend, his scarred, muscular, smiling friend. There's a small amount of worry in his eyes, clouding the normal endless hope that used to be there. He reaches out a hand to caress his face, but a fist forms instead, knocking him over.

"Shit, shit, shit, SHIT!" he screams as he runs over to pray there's no damage done. "I did not mean to do that Dylan! I am so sorry!" He reaches out a hand to help Dylan up, which he takes. Dylan looks at him questioningly for a second, then takes him in a strong hug.

"I know you didn't mean to Karofsky," he says while holding him. He can feel Karofsky's heart beating faster and harder, but no indication it's from not wanting to be held.

"How can you," he begins, pulling the arms around him away. "How can you just do this? I hit you! Shouldn't you be fighting me or something?" This guy's a lot more strange than he looks.

"Because I saw the panic in your eyes," he replies, taking the other teens' large yet soft hands in his, "and I know you didn't mean to. You're going through a lot..." The bigger teen rips his hands away and begins to march off.

"I don't deserve you! I'm sorry!" he shouts as he breaks into a full run. Dylan tries to keep up, but Karofsky disappears.

"What's with that guy?" Dylan asks as he slumps to the ground, crying again. A cold chill washes over him, but he doesn't really care. As he cries himself awake he can hear David's voice echoing in his head: I'm ready. You're getting close to bringing us back together, to taming the beast.

...

Since that morning everything's seemed, well, lame. Karofsky woke up crying, and loud enough to wake his parents. He didn't bother trying to make the waterworks stop, there wasn't a point to that. He let his mother hold him and his father to sit at the foot of the bed. Before they could ask what was wrong, he told them about the dreams.

"...Then I punched Dylan. I didn't intend to, I didn't want to. I just wanted..." he trails off, not sure if he could trust his parents.

"You wanted, to hold him, didn't you?" Mary finished. She briefly increased the strength of her embrace, hoping the message would be conveyed.

"David, we know. At least, we prepared for the possibility. David, are you gay?" Paul asked as he placed his hand on his son's leg. "If things had been different, you and Dylan would probably be together now..."

He was stunned. They know? But how can they know? Am I... of course I am! What kind of straight guy wouldn't be able to get off watching three women doing 'stuff' to each other? He weakly replied "yes," before breaking into sobs.

"Why were you fighting this so hard hun?" Mary asked as she lightly rocked her much-larger-than-her son.

"I... don't know... after I lost Dylan..."

"That did not happen because you or Dylan were gay, or because he was Trans," Paul begins as he takes one of his son's hands in both of his. "That happened because those people were close-minded, Bible-thumping, assholes who only see the world in black & white/good & evil. Anything that they don't like or makes them uncomfortable is in the 'evil' category and they're taught to always be comfortable."

"And no matter how evil and wrong, if it's them doing it, they honestly believe it's right. That won't happen here. I know it won't," Mary finished her husband's thought. "Has anyone else done what you did to that boy?"

"No... I'm the only... douchbag... to do that..." he looks at his mother and father, and still wanting to punish himself for what he did in his dream, he comes clean about what he's done. Then, he bites the bullet.

"Mom, dad..." he regains some control of his voice. "I did threaten to kill Kurt. I did it because... he... I..."

"I know you're terrified, but whatever's going on with you, this can help," Paul encouraged. "You've already done it, and we won't punish you. You've done enough to punish yourself, and we want our real son back. Not this person trying to be something you're not."

"... He got in my face about what I was doing to him, and wouldn't back down. I... wanted to break his jaw. Instead... instead I... kissed him," those last words were spit out with shamed disgust. His face was drained of all color, as were his arms. His parents weren't exactly ready for this.

"So he found out? I am a little disappointed. But... I still love you David," Mary said, tightening her embrace again.

"That does explain a lot of what's been happening. I want you to start trying to make things right. You may find that when you're ready, those glee kids you were tormenting, maybe even that Hummel boy, will accept you," Paul said as he gave his son a kiss on the forehead. Mary broke the embrace and gave him a proper hug.

"David, do you want a cup of hot chocolate?" she asked. That used to calm him down when Dylan was still around and away with Paul, making sure he was still sure about himself.

Karofsky just nodded and pulled himself up.

"I'll bring some right up then," as she disappeared down the stairs. Once in the kitchen Mr. & Mrs. Karofsky hugged and teared up. Somehow, we're getting our son back. Whoever or whatever you are, thank you.

...

He had a lot of free time to take his father up on his request he make things right. Karofsky hadn't slept since that night. Three days later he saw Chang, his girlfriend, and that Mercedes (that was her name, right?) girl walking down the hallway, about to get slusheed by some guys that just walked into the building. Good, Z ain't one of them. He saw a beach towel sticking out of Lacy Jenson's backpack (why? Who knows...) and pulled it out. She of course got bitchy about it, but he didn't care. She wasn't trying to get it back.

He managed to pull ahead of them and swung the towel at the right time to both prevent them from getting an icy wake-up call and to slushee his fellow players. All six of them were totally stunned. He simply mumbled "Sorry, thought I saw a flying spider," and kept walking, trying to find Lacy.

"Did Karofskyjust prevent us from being slusheed?" Mercedes asked as if she just saw a Grammy being taken from Mariah Carey's deserving hands.

"And slushee non-glee guys on the football team?" Tina added as she pulled Mercedes and Mike away from the players.

"Hey, you guys ok?" Mike asked his teammates. He carefully pulled the towel away and saw that they were completely frozen. He pulled them to the nearest bathroom.

"Hey, can you two get some towels bring them here?"

"Yeah, sure Mike. Be right back," Mercedes replied as she and a still stunned yet amused Tina went to the girls locker room to grab towels. The three Titans were so deep in 'what-the-fuck-just-happened' shock that they didn't register the fact their intended target was cleaning them up until he had almost finished.

"The burning won't stop for a few hours. The eyes are just too damn sensitive," he says as he pulls a box of Visine out of his backpack. "These might help though. Run 'em under some hot water for about a minute before you use them." They just nodded and stood there as Mike left the bathroom.

Karofsky had by then caught up with Lacy and explained what had happened. She didn't care and reminded him of why he never had a date or a girlfriend, to which he handed her two twenties and walked away when she ripped them out of his hand. In the last hallway to his English class he saw Puckerman and Evans talking while walking toward him. He politely stopped them and waited for their faces to have color again.

"Evans, I'm sorry I gave you a black eye. I was an asshole. And Puckerman, I'm sorry I got the guys to lock you in a Port-A-John... and for rolling it. I won't do it again," and he walked off, not waiting for a reply. The two gleeks were honestly shocked as they watched the biggest douchebag on campus enter a classroom.

"Dude, was that really Karofsky?" Sam asked, still staring and trying to look for something to show him he was not high.

"Yeah," Puck answered, confused. "Or maybe one of those pod-people from Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Or one of Wario's evil minions."

...

Karofsky had texted Azimio asking to save a seat for him and that he'd join him and Janet a little late today. He didn't tell him that he was looking for Abrams to apologize for knocking him out of his wheelchair a couple weeks ago. He had finally found him when he saw Suzy Pepper pulling something out of her locker. A red CD with a man on it with his hands in the air. He saw in the bottom right corner something written in Arabic, to which he only recognized the second word, 'Why?' He calmly walked to her locker.

"Hi, Pepper? Was that a CD you put in your bag?" he asked as he ensured that there was no hostility in his voice or intimidating body language.

"Uh, yeah. You're not gonna shake me down for lunch money are you?" she asked, more puzzled and annoyed that intimidated.

"May I take a look at the CD? Please?" he asked. There's gotta be a reason I actually have an interest.

"Will it make you go away if I do?" she replied, not bothering to hide her annoyance.

"Yes."

"Fine," she spat out as she pulled out the CD and shoved it into his hands. As he reviewed the case she saw his expression change to one that she didn't think he was capable of: he was trying to figure it out, like he knew what it said. Did I just wake up in an alternate universe or something?

"May I borrow this and bring it back tomorrow? I swear I'll take good care of it."

"What? Umm, sure, I guess," she replied. She then absently closed her locker and left in a daze. What would he want with an Arabic music CD? I just remembered to bring it home because my mom would be pissed if she thought I didn't still have a present she got me...

After Karofsky had stashed the disc be caught up to Abrams, who was now with Brittany, Chang, and his girlfriend. He approached them just out of view of the kids in the cafeteria. After waving off what they were going to say he began speaking.

"Artie, Mike, I'm sorry for throwing you into each other and knocking you out of your wheelchair. Tina, right?" he asked and waited for a nod, then continued."I'm sorry for all the slushees. You don't deserve it and never had. Also, I was a real asshole for locker-checking you when you had on that Gaga costume. And Brittany, I'm sorry for thinking you were an idiot. You did a really smart thing getting with Abrams. Artie's a great guy." And once again he left, walking past them and entering the cafeteria. He didn't notice the four gleeks staring at him like he had just grown a tail and gold, spiked hair.

When he got to the table with his friends he heard them talking but didn't understand what they were saying. He took a seat across from them, waited for an opening to speak, and simply said "I'm gay" in Japanese. This got their attention while anyone else who might have heard just carried on about their lunch.

"Wait, what? Are you finally realizing this, or just admitting it?" Janet asked, keeping the non-English conversation going.

"What do you mean?" he replied.

"Dude, you really think I didn't know? I've known since that first talk we had while you were moving in," Azimio replied. "And I was proved right when we visited Dylan's grave."

"It doesn't matter Dave. If it did we would've cut you loose long ago," Janet said without missing a beat. "And I'm not going to tell you know I know, just that I know. It looks like you just might find out how though," she finished as she placed a hand on his, smiling.

Karofsky smiled at this and turned his hand to give hers a little squeeze. He spent what time they had left that period to explain what had happened. He did, however, leave out his kissing Kurt, and said he'd take their advice on trying to sleep again and apologize to Dylan. Just two more days until vacation starts...


Ok, so I started an alternate timeline a little early. What can I say, my arcs are changing a bit as I write. You'll also notice that for the songs I use Romanization's. Each time something's translated into another language it loses something. There's phrases and cultural things that don't go from, say Japanese to English, or Arabic to French. I hope this won't be a turn off, but I just like having songs in their original language.

Another chapter coming soon...