*I do not own Glee, Karofsky, or Kurt. I do own several Glee cds.

**This is unbeta'd. Read at your own risk.

***PLEASE REVIEW! It is the only way I know if you enjoyed it, or thought it was utter tripe!

Coming to Grips

CHAPTER 3: A Good Man

A Glee Story

Dave watched Kurt from a distance after prom night. He sent him an anonymous e-card congratulating him and the Glee club on getting 12th place at Nationals. He saw Kurt in the hallways, talking to the heavyset black girl, the Asian chick, and the one with the big nose.

Santana plopped down next to him in the cafeteria, obscuring his view of Kurt. Dave moved to the left. Kurt was eating a salad and dipping each forkload of vegetables into a small bowl of dressing, rather than pouring the dressing directly onto his salad. Santana moved to the left. Dave leaned to the right. Kurt dipped his fork, held it steady, laughed, then nibbled gently. He never overloaded his fork. Santana moved to the right.

Dave leaned to the left. Kurt picked up his can of Diet coke and…

"Karofsky! Could you be any more little lost puppy dog? What is the point of having me as a beard if you are going to declare your love for Kurt through those big baby blues of yours? I think I actually see fucking stars in your eyes. Get a grip!"

Dave scrubbed his hand over his face and drug his eyes unwilling to Santana's.

"Look, your plan, whatever it was, didn't work. I thought we were through." When was his life going to return to normal? He'd work the summer with his dad, and soon enough, it would be the pain-inducing, depression-killing bouts of two-a-days in football. Coach Bieste was a maniac. He wouldn't have time to mope. Football season couldn't come back fast enough.

"Listen, K-dog, to Mama Santanita, and let me tell you how this is gonna work. I'm gone gits me a crown. Matta fact, I'm gone gits it all. Homecoming and Prom Queen, this girl right here. And when I'm the most popular bitch in this school, it won't matter if I date girls. So I'm gonna ride your Prom King coattails straight through senior year."

Santana leaned close. "And," she whispered, "I can help you get your heart's desire."

She casually looked over her shoulder at Kurt's table. Dave followed her eyes and saw that Finn and the wheelchair kid had joined the table. Finn kissed the big nosed girl, and fist-bumped Kurt.

"I can help you get Kurt."

Dave's heart pounded painfully. "I don't want…" he began.

"Save your denials for your therapist. I wants what I wants, and I wants to be the Queen bee."

Loudly enough for the entire cafeteria to hear, she called, "Later, baby," and dropped a kiss on his cheek.

Winking, Santana flounced away. She stalked past Kurt's table. Kurt saw her, and for a brief moment glanced Dave's way. His lips turned upwards in a slight smile. Dave turned away.

Summer came and with it a sense of anxiety, not the relief Dave had been expecting. He found himself driving by Kurt's house to try to catch a glimpse of him. On a whim, he drove past Kurt's dad's garage and was surprised to see Kurt helping his father fix a few cars. Kurt obviously knew his way around a car, which pleased Dave more than he could say.

Then, for weeks, Kurt disappeared. Dave went through a sleepless few weeks, anxious and wondering where he could be. He worked out a lot, attempting to settle his mind. He went golfing with his Dad, who watched him intently, but never mentioned that Dave was acting strangely. He did the "Thriller" dance in his room. He pretended he was on stage with the Glee club and sang loudly in his shower. He stopped when his mother commented on his beautiful voice.

Finally, he broke down and took his car for a tune-up at Burt's garage.

Burt glared at Dave with unveiled hostility, but Dave stood his ground.

"I'm not here to cause trouble. I just needed a tune-up, and I heard you are the best. I mean, Kurt said you were the best. Because he and I are cool now. Though I haven't talked to him this summer. Uh...is he having a good summer?"

Mr. Hummel just said, "I'll be done with it in an hour. Feel free to leave until it's done."

"Mr. Hummel, I can tell you're still mad at me…"

"No, son, I'm not. I just have a hard time letting go of things. Kurt told me that if I saw you this summer to be nice to you."

"He did?" Dave asked eagerly. "He talked about me?"

Burt's eyes widened. "Yeah. In fact, he said that he was going to try to get you to join the Glee club, that it'd be good for you, or something, and that I should stop being 'mean' to you."

"Yeah, well, I haven't seen him lately." Dave felt deflated. He missed Kurt so badly he'd jump at the chance to join the Glee club, if it meant that he could see Kurt.

"Yeah, he went with his boyfriend and his family to New York for a few weeks. They'll be back next week.

"Oh. Yeah. Right." Dave attempted a smile, but it just hung sadly on his face. Burt watched him closely.

"Uh, seriously, you don't have to stay. You can pick up your car later."

"No, I'm good. In fact, if you don't mind, I'd like to watch what you're doing. I like working on my car; I could learn a few things from you," Dave said. "If you don't mind."

"That's fine. Everybody should know their way around an engine. That's what I've taught Kurt."

"Thanks, Mr. Hummel."

Dave was silent for a while, watching Burt lift his car on the hydraulic lift and begin to change the oil. He hoped Burt would talk about Kurt, but the older man was mostly silent, humming to himself.

Dave cleared his throat. "I know you didn't like me, and I don't blame you, after how I treated Kurt."

"Well, that's true enough. After Kurt's mom died, I swore I would take the best care of him that I could, even though I didn't know a lot about being a, whatchacallit, a "hands-on" parent. It's hard, being Kurt. He's got a lot to deal with. And I won't," Burt said, staring directly at Dave, "let him be hurt, not if I can help it. Not from ignorant bullies. No offense."

"None taken." Dave rushed to explain, to make the mechanic understand. "I was stupid. And ignorant, too! But I'm not anymore. I mean, I have apologized to Kurt, and I swear, I won't ever treat him like that again. I won't let anybody hurt him. I swear. I'd…I'd…I'd kill anybody who tried to hurt him."

Burt eyed him narrowly. It was eerie to see the same expression Kurt had so often on his father's face.

"How long you been in love with my son?"

Dave coughed and sputtered.

"No need denying it. Hand me that wrench?"

Dave found the tool and handed it over.

"That why you were so mean to him?"

Somehow it was easier to speak to Burt Hummel than it was to Kurt. Or his own father. Burt Hummel was the father of a gay son he loved insanely. He had already accepted what Dave found so hard to accept himself.

"I can't tell my dad," Dave whispered. "I can't tell anyone."

"Does Kurt know?"

"Yes. I mean, no. I mean, maybe. He knows I'm like…that. But he doesn't really know how I feel…I mean…we…that is, I…kissed. him. Once."

Burt's eyebrows climbed into his hair.

"I scared him. This kiss did, that is. I didn't mean to. And then I was so pissed at myself, I took it out on Kurt."

Dave's eyes looked far away. "But Kurt understood. I mean, eventually. He forgave me. Who does that?" Dave searched Burt's face. "What kind of guy forgives his bully, and becomes friends with him. Kurt is…well, he's special."

"Don't I know it. Listen, Dave. I knew Kurt for what he was for a long time. But I didn't want to accept it. I was hoping that he'd turn out…normal. But he is what he is, and I love him. He is the best part of me and his mother, and I couldn't wish for a better son. I wouldn't wish for a different son. But unfortunately, some fathers just can't accept something that is so different from the way they envisioned their boys. Now, I've met your dad, and somehow I don't think he would be like that. Have you tried giving him a chance? Ask Kurt. I'm sure it wasn't easy for him to just come out and tell me that he was gay. But he did, and I will forever be proud of how brave he was."

"I just want my dad to be proud of me. I lettered in hockey and in football to make him happy. It made me happy, too. But I loved seeing him be so proud of me. I was an Eagle scout, for Pete's sake. I can't let him down."

Burt put down his tools.

"Dave, are you a good man?"

"I guess."

"Don't guess. Tell me, are you a good man? Do you look out for others? Do you try your best to succeed? Are you a good friend? Do you help those who can't help themselves? Do you try to make the world a better place?

"I used to do all that. Then, I was…not so much. I want to be those things I again. I can be. I will be."

"Then you can't let your Dad down. You do those things, and you'll be a good man that your Dad will be proud of."

Burt smiled. He took the oil filter off the car and put a new on one. He let Dave think in silence for a while. Then he asked, "What are you going to do about Kurt?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it seems you aren't quite ready to let the world know about yourself, but you are intensely crushing on my son, who, if you hadn't noticed, has a boyfriend?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"I mean, what can I do? I'll just be his friend, I guess. That's enough, right now."

Burt looked skeptical.

"I can't…come out. I just can't right now," Dave sounded afraid, but he couldn't help himself. "And Kurt, he won't understand. He's been so brave at school. I don't deserve...I need to him trust me, first, to make up for what I did...and then there's Preppy.

"Who?"

"Preppy. The boyfriend. The one that looks like a Jonas Brother. Blaine. How can I compete?"

"Listen, Dave. I can't tell you what to do, and you gotta know first and foremost that Kurt is my priority. His safety, his health, and happiness, are my priorities."

Burt paused.

"And I like Blaine. He's a good kid. A bit pushy, and kind of know-it-all, but he has a good heart. The fact is, he's Kurt's first boyfriend. If Kurt was a girl, I'd tell him not to limit himself to the first boy that came along. He's going to have a lot of boyfriends before he settles down. With that in mind, Dave, why can't you compete?"

Dave blushed.

"Kurt deserves better than me. The Blaine kid is out, and proud about who he is. I just can't. I'm no good."

"If you were with my son, would you protect him, and keep him safe? From bullies and anyone else who wanted to harm him? Including yourself?"

"Yes, sir. Always. I'll never hurt Kurt again. I won't let anybody else hurt him, either. Whether we…or not." Dave's face flamed like a forest fire.

"Then you're good. Like I said," Burt shrugged, "I can't tell you what to do, but you don't seem like a guy to give up that easily."

Dave left Mr. Hummel's garage feeling lighter. Kurt had mentioned him. Kurt had him in his plans for the future. That was a good thing, surely.

Could he get Kurt away from Blaine? If he truly wanted to?

You're not my type. I don't date chubby guys who sweat too much and will be bald by the time you're 30.

Screw that. It wouldn't work. Dave looked in his rearview mirror, disgusted by what he saw. "You need to take better care of yourself," he said to his reflection. Grimacing at a pimple on his chin, he resolved to let his mother give him a facial. Maybe he should cut down on the cokes and greasy burgers, too.

He lost himself in thought. It might have happened if he hadn't been so scared. Months ago, he had kissed Kurt's hand, and hoped for a miracle. Kurt had breathed his name, so gently, but before Dave could figure out what that breathy name meant, before Kurt could tell him yay or nay, Dave fled. Like ghosts were chasing him. He had avoided being alone with Kurt, and got other bullywhips to escort Kurt to class each day until the end of school.

Kurt would smile at him, if he happened to see him. Dave wouldn't return the smile, but he tried to avoid frowning. It didn't always work.

The last thing he wanted was Kurt to think that he was mad at him. But if he didn't frown, he'd giggle like a 12 year old girl, because when Kurt smiled at him, his heart fluttered like a hummingbird.

Argh! Kurt alone with Blaine for weeks! Dave hated the thought of it, but there was nothing he could do.

It might be possible to get him away from Blaine.

Kurt likes Blaine a lot. Is it fair to do that? Would I be hurting Kurt?

I won't break them up. I'll just give him a choice. Preppy or me.

He could find activities to be with Kurt during the day and after school. Glee Club was one, but Dave needed to maintain a manly status. How?

Dave snapped his fingers in triumph. Yes!

Their kicker on the football team had graduated. Kurt could come back and play. He'd quit last year, but surely he'd join the team again if Dave asked, told him he'd watch out for him. He could bond with the other football players, something that Dave as a Bullywhip would make sure of. His other Glee friends were on the team, too, so he wouldn't be alone. Even wheelchair kid was on the team.

Being on the team would give Kurt higher status at school, and make his life easier, and give Dave a strong excuse to be with Kurt. Dave could talk to Finn and ask him to help convince him.

It'd work.

At home, Dave began to mark days off the calendar. He was happier than he'd been in a long time. Kurt was coming home.

Kurt.

~The End, For Now

*Thank you for reading! Please review! It's the only "pay" that I get for writing fan fiction, and I love hearing from you. Do you think I've gotten the voices right? Have I captured some of the spirit of Glee? The humor? Any details you particularly like? Dislike? (Be kind). Thanks for your reviews. It keeps me writing!

A/N: About Burt: I struggled with writing this, so that it would make sense for Burt to encourage Dave to attempt to date Kurt. I think Burt can see that Dave is struggling with his sexuality, but is a good kid. I think he knows Dave's change is honest, and that Dave would protect Kurt with his life.

**I am really enjoying writing for Karofsky, and I am using this fanfiction to help me hone my skills when writing for gay male characters.

One of the characters in my book, "Descending Olympus" comes out in the sequel, "Apple of Discord," that I am currently writing. He has to deal with being a gay teenager, and being in love with his best friend, who is not gay. I won't be writing from his perspective until the third book, but in the second, we see his "transformation" through the eyes of his friends, and I want to be sensitive and poignant, but as true to life as possible. As a teacher, I see many young boys struggling in high school to come to grips with their sexuality. Thus, this fan fiction is my joy, as well as my teacher, in a sense.

***If you like my fanfiction, please check out my debut young adult novel, "Descending Olympus: The Stygian Chalice," (July, 2011). You can get it for the Kindle (or any media device with a Kindle App) on Amazon. Or purchase it online, hardback or softcover, from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or Authorhouse.

****Book Synopsis:

Zach Nikolas isn't a typical high school boy-no acne, no awkwardness for this high school god among boys. Gorgeous, charming, and athletic, every girl in school throws herself at him. Zach's parents, friends, and teachers worship the ground he walks on. He has never known want or sacrifice in his charmed life. He is on top of the world.

Things in Zach's perfect life begin to go horribly wrong. A murder attempt and a miraculous escape from certain death lead Zach to unheard-of powers, as an angry god seeks vengeance.

The one girl Zach can't have-the beautiful, intelligent Allie Connor, who hates his guts-is the key to everything.

When myths become reality, Zach must decide to sacrifice the girl he loves or let the world come to a fiery end.

Thanks, Velvia Wylie Keithley