Disclaimer: I only wished I owned Glee... But, alas, I do not.

A/N: A lot of angsty-angst in this chapter. But that shouldn't last long.

True Love Will Find You in the End

By ktfranceebee

Chapter 5

As soon as Kurt stumbled out on the porch, he shut the door behind him and collapsed against it. It was only a door, but it kept him upright; kept him grounded. It was more than what could be said about his coping methods the last couple of weeks.

Dry sobs wracked his body as it shook and shuttered; little tremors spreading all way down to his fingertips. He wanted to close in upon himself—to do nothing more than curl up into a pathetic little ball consisting of his own stupidity until somebody found him. But the last thing he wanted was to be the subject of any more humiliation. He attracted enough of that on his own. Besides… It would be difficult explaining to one of the other four Karofskys why the chubby little gay boy was crying into their welcome mat.

Kurt closed his eyes and immediately felt the burning of the tears forming behind his eyelids. When it became too much, he let them open and a few, fat tears fell, heavy and fast, clinging to his bottom lashes before spilling onto his mottled-red cheeks. He gasped softly. The hand that was hanging limply at his side clawed at the door while the other rose to cover his mouth. He bit the soft flesh of his lower lip so none of his wet hiccups could possibly be heard from the other side of the door.

Kurt didn't think it was possible to feel such an onslaught of emotions at one time. As he pulled away from the door, he thought about the boy who didn't want him—the same boy who forgot his sweater at his house on the last day that he saw him. He never did return for it. Apparently it was worth the loss if it meant breaking up with Kurt.

Kurt unsteadily made his way to the steps at the front of the Karofsky's home and sat down upon the first of them. His mind didn't stay focused on the thought of Blaine for too long. It was quickly overpowered by another.

His focus drifted to the boy just on the other side of that door; the one he just fled from. He was having a difficult time understanding the events that just took place. Kurt could still feel the ghost of the hands upon his cheek and waist. It was strange how the touch of his hands were the antithesis of each other. One was exceedingly gentle as it brushed leisurely against his skin and the other, so unyielding… As if afraid that Kurt would vanish before him.

If that was, indeed, one of Dave's fears, then Kurt sure did a hell of a job helping him realize it.

Kurt rested his head on his knees—drawn up close to his body—in exhaustion. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he recalled how safe he felt, senses blissed out with nothing but David surrounding him.

He couldn't help feeling as though he screwed up everything in its entirety. It was obvious, now, that David had feelings for him. Whether these feeling were present at the time of their confrontation in the locker room, he couldn't be sure. He was sure, however, of his sudden feelings for David. Despite how, at the time, he was still in his relationship with Blaine, Dave seemed to be the main subject of his thoughts since he saw him at Scandals. Kurt often wondered how he was doing at his new school; if he came out to his friends or family yet. He really had changed since that week of Junior Prom. But Dave didn't know Kurt anymore than Kurt knew Dave, and the sooner he realized that, the easier it would be for both of them to leave this strange situation with their hearts intact.

What was he able to give Dave when he clearly wasn't enough for Blaine?

Kurt noticed the light breeze that seemed to pick up while he and Dave were inside. The fluttery wind pulled in a few fluffy clouds as well, casting shade, quite fittingly, upon Kurt and his despondent thoughts. It was when he caught a bit of a chill and was picking at his rolled up sleeves—pulling them down over his goose-pimpled arms—that he heard a noise behind him.

Kurt froze in the midst of pulling down his second sleeve. He heard the click of a door knob turning, muffled slightly underneath the flesh of someone's palm, followed by the subtle creak of the door swinging open. Finally, he could feel the rather tentative, cumbersome footsteps upon the wooden planks of the porch.

Kurt's breath hitched as he felt something fluffy and warm encasing his shoulders, courtesy of the person standing behind him. Kurt was able to see, in his periphery, large hands upon either shoulder and, with them, the sweater that Kurt left on the chair in the Karofsky's kitchen.

Kurt trained his eyes on his knees as he felt them welling up at the gesture. David, despite having not received a response from Kurt, further adjusted the article of clothing. He pulled both sides of the collar underneath Kurt's chin and did his best to cover the exposed skin of his arms. Without saying a word, Kurt brought his hand up to clutch at the collar to prevent it from slipping off of his body, and as he did so his fingers caught Dave's momentarily.

Kurt turned his head and his eyes locked upon Dave's face, almost level with his from where he was crouching down next to him.

Kurt searched Dave's face only to find that his eyes, which sparkled magnificently while they were in the house, seemed to dull to an earthy brown. He watched the steady, and almost calculated clench of Dave's jaw and the tight set of his thin lips. Kurt parted his own lips slightly—to say what, he didn't know—as Dave looked off to the side, pulling his hand away from Kurt's. He was looking for something, and lo and behold he reached into the back pocket of his jeans and pulled out a long piece of fabric… Kurt's scarf.

Kurt could see the noticeable up and down glide of Dave's Adam's apple as he toyed with the coarse threading of the accessory. Ever so tentatively, Dave brought the scarf up to one side of Kurt's neck, as if Kurt would either flinch or shoo him away. Instead, Kurt let his eyes flutter shut as the soft underside of Dave's wrist pressed lightly upon the juncture between Kurt's neck and jaw, just below his ear. Kurt felt the fabric drag against the hairs at the nape of his neck. He sucked at the slick inner flesh of his bottom lip as he felt the jostle of Dave's strong hands handling the delicate task of the scarf around Kurt's neck.

Kurt let out a little sigh, only for Dave's previous moves to cease and his hands to move away. Kurt opened his eyes and looked down to see the scarf tied into a knot similar to how it was before he took it off. The knot that Dave tied in the scarf was much looser, as if afraid of making it too tight or uncomfortable for him. To Kurt's dismay, Dave was no longer in front of him. Instead, he moved to the white porch railing. He slouched over it, leaning on his elbows and looking down at the neatly trimmed bushes below as Kurt studied his sad countenance.

Finally, Kurt looked away only to continue staring at the snowy-white fabric of his pants, and with a croak, he asked Dave, "How did you know I was out here?"

Slowly, and without a word or so much as looking at Kurt, Dave reached into the front pocket of his pants and, this time, pulled out a jingling set of keys.

"Left these on the counter," Dave said monotonously. Kurt turned his head to see Dave running his thumb over the ridged edge of one of the three keys.

"Oh," Kurt said quietly as he picked at a loose thread that poked out of the sleeve on his sweater.

After a few moments of nothing but the sound of distant laughter of children from somebody's backyard (Kurt wondered if any of those tinkling, carefree sounds could be from one or both of David's sisters), Dave finally spoke up.

"I'm sorry if I made an assumption," he began slowly, "but I sort of wanted to believe you weren't with that guy anymore; after all, he kept showing up at Scandal's with that other dude you two were with when I saw you that night."

Dave refused to look at Kurt and was still toying with the car keys in his hand. He could have just tossed them to Kurt when he came outside and told Kurt to stop moping around on his porch like a scolded child; but instead, he kept them on his person. He wanted to keep Kurt there, especially after he ran out once. He must have realized that Kurt had nowhere to run. So Dave followed him despite Kurt wanting to run away and not face his fears. Dave afforded Kurt the luxury that he, himself, had denied Dave of twice.

He went after Kurt.

And what was more, he went after Kurt wanting to explain himself and make things right once more in the belief that Kurt still had a boyfriend—even if it meant only salvaging their friendship.

"You assumed right." Kurt sniffed. He didn't miss the rapid movement of Dave's head turning in his direction.

The news about Blaine and Sebastian sneaking off to Scandals in secret was… Well… News to Kurt, but it wasn't surprising that it struck no painful chord within him. Kurt was done with Blaine. Has been done for a long time; at least since the time Blaine didn't consider Kurt's feelings when he accepted the role of Tony…when he much rather dance with a boy who he just met rather than his own boyfriend sitting ten feet away… since the day he tried to get him to have sex in the back of his car… And after all of the above?

He was done.

"Oh, awesome… So there's still enough bad blood between us that you would want to get as far away from me as possible when I tried to do something… Nice?"

It took Dave a while to find the right word, and when he did he threw his hands up in frustration. Kurt could think of a million-and-one other words better than "nice" to accurately describe Dave's actions in the kitchen; sweet, affectionate, romantic…

Loving.

"That's not it at all, David." Kurt rotated slightly, positioning his body on the steps so he could better see Dave. It hurt Kurt to think that Dave could still be beating himself up for the things he did the year before.

"I forgave you a long time ago. You were scared and didn't have anyone to turn to, and I see that now. I see how much you've changed. And frankly… I don't think I've ever been as proud of person as I'm proud of you."

Dave seemed to consider Kurt's words. His eyes softened as he looked down at Kurt who had one hand still clutching onto the sweater like it was a lifeline. His other hand found itself stretched out upon the wood surface of the porch next to him.

Kurt watched as Dave put the keys in his pocket once more, as if needing time to occupy himself as he contemplated what Kurt just said. Finally, Kurt caught the brief look of understanding flit across Dave's features as he gave the most imperceptible of nods.

Kurt pulled his hand back in his lap as Dave moved towards him before he finally, once close enough, lowered himself on the step next to Kurt, making sure to leave enough distance between the two of them.

"So, what's the problem?" Dave asked, like it was the simplest thing in the world.

It was strange how Dave seemed to be able to look right through him—to what was lying beneath the copious layers of clothes, accessories, and the intrusive layer of pudge that seemed to have accumulated around his already fairly soft belly, hips, and thighs.

"Why do you look at me like that?" Kurt asked in a frustrated tone as he turned his head away. He pulled the sweater protectively over him like a second skin.

"Like what?" Dave asked in a low voice. Kurt shook his head from where it was pressed against his shoulder farthest away from Dave. He closed his eyes tightly. He was stronger than this.

"Like you're the most gorgeous guy I've ever seen?"

Kurt whimpered at the hushed words that came out of Dave's mouth. Those words, however, were quickly chased by a hand—cold in comparison to Kurt's face flushed with shame—cupping his jaw and concerned words slipping past his lips.

"Hey… Kurt, what…?"

"Stop it," Kurt hissed, shaking Dave off as he attempted to tilt his face towards him to get a better look at him.

"You don't… Stop acting like I'm not…" Kurt bowed his head and pinched his temples as tears began to fall from both eyes.

"Not what?" Dave challenged, a hint of aggravation coloring his voice.

"Not disgusting." Kurt turned on him, the rims of his eyes discolored red. "Not fat. Not though I didn't have to altar half of my wardrobe in order to fit into my clothes."

Dave's brows knitted together as Kurt sniffled and wiped his eyes on his sleeve. Kurt half-expected Dave's eyes to rake over his body. He expected some triumphant "a-ha!" moment of realization, but it didn't come. Dave's eyes stayed on his face.

"Where would you even get that? Did… Does this have to do with your ex? Did he say something to you?" Dave demanded furiously.

"Might as well have," Kurt responded in an undertone.

"Are you freaking kidding me?" Kurt looked to Dave to find him clenching his hands into fists on top of his knees.

"Wha—"

"He broke up with you, because what? Because you put on a little weight? It's almost fucking Christmas! Who doesn't gain weight around the holidays?"

Kurt listened to the sound of Dave's breathing, heavy from his rage. Once he calmed down, he was the first to speak.

"I feel really stupid asking you this but…Do you… Do you like me, or…?" Kurt moved his head a fraction up and down. He heard Dave draw in a deep breath and exhale it slowly.

"Do you… Like me?" Kurt asked Dave shyly. As he turned to look at Dave, he saw his face soften. Some of the gleam that was missing when he first came out onto the porch returned to his eyes.

"Obviously," Dave answered like this piece of information was already common knowledge. He scooted a little closer to Kurt so their knees touched.

"Is that why you ran out on me like that? Because you were afraid I thought the same thing?"

Kurt considered this for a moment. His bottom lip trembled and he sucked in a breath.

"I'm just so scared of letting something like that happen to me again." Kurt whispered. He shut his eyes and he felt Dave's hand upon his face again. He didn't try to shrug him off this time.

"Can I tell you something?" Dave asked soberly. Kurt could feel his thumb moving along his cheekbone, just like it did in the house after the frosting fiasco. Kurt nodded into the broad palm of his hand.

"There's this guy I know. Bravest guy I ever met, really," Dave said. The fondness in his voice was palpable.

"I really look up to him," Dave paused, before emitting a little humored laugh. "Even though he is shorter than me."

"I think when I first met him I… I dunno. I guess I tried to find reasons to hate him—like it would prevent me from ruminating in all these thoughts and feelings."

"All those things that I tried to dissect from his personality that make him who he is… Turns out I just liked those qualities the most. How proud he is, his ambition, how he didn't care what other people thought about him… And good God, his voice." Kurt watched Dave tell his story. He was able to catch the myriad of emotions darting across Dave's face from somberness, to amusement, until, finally, he cast a teasing look in Kurt's direction.

"David…" Kurt knew exactly who Dave was talking about. Kurt thought he would have run out of tears by now, but it was obvious that he had a few to spare.

"Wait a sec… Let me finish my story," Dave said mischievously. He leaned in towards Kurt and bumped his shoulder with his. Kurt gave Dave a watery smile and nodded.

"All those things aren't going to go away just because you gain a few pounds, Kurt. It doesn't change who you are as a person." Dave shrugged a shoulder before he continued.

"But if it's any consolation at all," Dave sighed. "You're still the hottest thing I've ever seen."

Kurt rolled his eyes and attempted to hide behind his hand from Dave's resolute gaze.

"I never felt that all that appealing to begin with," Kurt divulged honestly with a sigh, thinking about dancing in empty warehouses, gas pains, and practicing sultry faces in the mirror.

"Are you kidding?" Dave asked in an incredulous tone. Kurt gave a one shoulder shrug. Dave turned further towards Kurt as he tried to shift away.

"The way you'd always strut down the hall like you owned the place? Or the way you move when you're performing with the Glee Club? People would have to be insane to not see how sexy you…" Dave trailed off when he caught Kurt staring at him with a look of skepticism mingling with amusement.

"You look at me a lot, David?" Kurt asked bluntly. He coyly raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow.

"No, not… No." Kurt could see the tell-tale sign of the blush staining Dave's olive skin.

"I really care about you, David," Kurt said decidedly as he changed the subject. He inched his fingers towards Dave's, which were pressed flat upon the porch in the space between their bodies. Dave looked down at Kurt's hand and curled his middle finger up and over Kurt's.

"But…?" Dave added, knowing Kurt had a stipulation.

"But… I'm not ready to be with someone who won't want to be seen with me; even if it's for a completely different reason." Dave gave Kurt a look of confusion.

"Why would I not want to be seen with you?" He drew his hand away.

"You know…" Kurt started tentatively. "Because you're not… Out… Yet. Right?" Kurt's eyes flickered across Dave's face. Dave was biting his lip, looking straight down at the steps in front of him as he attempted to fight the growing grin about to break out onto his face.

"No… You… David Karofsky, what are you not telling me?" Kurt demanded as he gave Dave a firm push against his bicep.

"Remember how I said I kind of admired you?" Dave asked shyly, rubbing his hands together.

"Oh, so you were referring to me." Kurt huffed. Dave continued on, more entertained by Kurt's annoyance than offended.

"Well, I guess it was you who pretty much gave me that courage that I needed to tell my parents."

"They know?" Dave nodded. "Since when?"

"Try the morning after I saw you at Scandals," Dave revealed. He seemed to be having a hard time keeping the exhilaration out of his voice. That seemed to explain the newfound confidence and the way Dave seemed to hold himself now—to a higher esteem. Kurt bit his lip contemplatively.

"I really am proud of you." Dave thought for a moment, as if considering for the first time how he truly felt.

"For the first time in a long time, I'm actually kind of proud of myself too," Dave said in a soft tone, as if he was surprised to be hearing himself say those words. But he sobered up and continued in a grave voice.

"I know I still have a long road ahead of me, Kurt, but… I know how much I care about you. How happy I am around you. And I know, if you let me, I could try my hardest to make you happy too, because I know… I know that I would never do anything to hurt you again. Ever." Dave rested his hand on top of the coarse material of Kurt's pants just above his knee, squeezing reassuringly.

"I know," Kurt said in a welcomed daze. Dave thought he was attractive—wanted to be with him. Kurt's heart fluttered at the barely-there feel of Dave's thumb moving back and forth across the material. Kurt tilted his head up only to find Dave looking at him like he really was the most gorgeous thing in the world.

Kurt lifted his hand slowly, pausing for a moment to judge Dave's reaction. Dave let his hand slip off Kurt's leg only for his opposite hand to meet the arm that was peeking out of Kurt's sweater. Dave let his hand rest gently upon the inside of Kurt's elbow before sliding it all the way up the length of his forearm until it reached the back of his hand.

"It's okay," Dave assured Kurt as he covered the back of his hand with his palm. He guided Kurt's hand toward him until it met Dave's cheek.

Kurt splayed his hand out on Dave's cheek, gliding his fingertips over his freckles. Dave closed his eyes as his hand dropped down, stroking at the silky flesh at Kurt's wrist while Kurt touched the corner of Dave's arched eyebrow.

"You shaved," Kurt uttered as his hand trailed down in the direction of where Dave's facial hair would be it he had not shaved that morning.

"Hmm…?" Dave could only hum contentedly, too mesmerized by the feel of Kurt's skin upon his.

"I distinctly recall you having a rather scrumptious looking beard yesterday." Kurt let go of his sweater and it immediately pooled around his waist and bottom. He turned, tucking one foot underneath the knee of his opposite leg to better face Dave. He lifted his other hand and positioned it on Dave's face so that it mirrored the other.

"Mmm," Dave groaned. Kurt couldn't help thinking how cute the little upturn of the corner of his mouth was when he smirked. "I'll have to remember that next time."

Kurt leaned forward, letting go of Dave's face and allowing his forearms to rest on Dave's broad shoulders.

"Next time, huh?" Kurt asked, letting his eyes drift shut. He could feel Dave's ragged breath upon his lips and wondered if he could feel just how close he was despite not having his eyes open to see him.

Before Dave could say anything else, Kurt pressed his lips against Dave's.

The kiss was cautious, to say the least. Kurt heard the uptake of breath filling Dave's lungs and he seemed afraid to move, as though Kurt would be quick to remember their first kiss and push him away. But as far as Kurt was concerned, he was kissing a completely different person. Despite everything that occurred the year before, they were both better people for it.

Kurt curled his arms around the back of Dave's neck. He marveled at the way Dave's lips seemed to fit perfectly with his. Kurt let the fingers of one hand toy with the hair at the back of Dave's head. Kurt bumped his nose against Dave's cheekbone, coaxing him to reciprocate. Finally, he felt a hand clutch at his waist and the other found its home upon Kurt's thigh once more.

Kurt regretfully pulled away from Dave, accepting the air into his burning lungs. He rested his forehead against Dave's, beaming.

"Next time," Dave said. Kurt had to think about what Dave was referring to as he was far too lost trying to count the different shades of green, alone, in his irises. Dave tilted his head up and placed a firm kiss on Kurt's widow's peak. Kurt ducked his head demurely.

Kurt untangled his arms, letting them trail down Dave's front before dropping them on top of his thigh.

Dave looked at Kurt as he reached into his pocket, pulling out the keys once more. He managed to keep the one hand still securely on Kurt's waist.

"You still wanna leave?" Dave dangled the keys from a finger in front of Kurt. Kurt quickly reached up and snatched them, not missing the look of disappointment forming on Dave's face. He quickly remedied the situation with a peck on his lips.

"Not a chance," Kurt said after he pulled away. He gathered up his sweater and pushed himself to his feet. "I'm hoping that chocolate didn't set. If not, we could probably reheat it or melt some more. And hopefully we have more icing left in the bowl than what is on your shirt." Kurt giggled, just noticing the dried on icing still on Dave's white shirt. Dave looked on at Kurt's sudden optimism with an amused smirk.

"And I'll be damned if we let those cakes burn. Come on, hurry up." Kurt held out his hand and Dave allowed him to help him up. "We've got a cake to finish.

"That has to be the gayest looking cake I've ever seen," Dave said bluntly as he looked on, hands on his hips as he admired Kurt's handiwork. Kurt stood next to him, putting on a few more M&Ms on top of the cake. He was trying to make sure that there were no bare spots revealing the chocolate frosting underneath. Circling the dessert were the Kit Kats that Kurt brought, as well. "You sure it's not too much?"

"Shush, she's gonna love i—Hey!" As Kurt was carefully placing each M&M onto the cake, Dave reached into his hand and plucked up a few that were in a pile in his palm. Kurt pouted as Dave plopped them into his mouth as Kurt resumed to his work.

"Yeah, just what every thirteen year old girl wants for her birthday… Diabetes." Dave snorted.

"You asked for my help and I gave it to you," Kurt said with an upturned nose, pretending as though he wasn't offended. Dave noticed this quickly, however, and followed Kurt to where the paper bags were on the counter. "You should just thank your lucky stars the cake didn't burn while we were outside."

Kurt unfolded it and felt around the bottom like he was looking for something. As he did that, however, Dave snuck up behind and slid his arms around Kurt's waist and rested his head on the top of Kurt's shoulder.

"I'm so sorry I upset you, baby." Kurt knew Dave was only teasing him, but the "baby" part of that sentence made Kurt pause in his search. He never would have guessed that Dave would be into nicknames—and especially so soon.

It seems that Kurt was learning more and more about David by the minute. He couldn't the little flutter of hope in his belly hoping that the little sobriquet would turn up again sometime soon.

Eventually, Kurt found what he was looking for: A long, green and white polka-dotted ribbon. As he made his way back to the cake, Dave followed behind him without letting go. Kurt laughed as stepped in time with him.

"No…" Kurt bemoaned. His eyes were pinched shut from smiling so hard. "I can't work under these conditions!"

"You never know until you try."

Kurt pursed his lips in an attempt to control the smile burning his cheeks. It didn't help that Dave was now nuzzling his cheek with his nose.

Kurt wrapped the ribbon around the outside of the cake and tied it into a neat bow. The bow seemed to be what held it all together, but really… It just added to it. The cake held up fine on its own.

"There," Kurt said with an air of finality. He dropped his hands down to Dave's arms circling his waist. "Finished."

"It looks great, Kurt. Really." Kurt could feel the move of Dave's chin upon his shoulder as he talked.

"I'm really glad you're here," Dave said softly without waiting for Kurt to respond. He laid a gentle kiss on Kurt's cheek.

"I'm really glad I'm here too," Kurt replied in an equally hushed tone. He closed his eyes and leaned back into Dave, breathing in the scent of aftershave and sugary icing.

Hopefully the ending of that one cheered you up some. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Looks like I just have the epilogue left!

Oh! And if you want to see a picture of the cake or want the recipe, you can go here:

http : / www. recipegirl. com/ 2011/ 11/ 02/ kit-kat-birthday-cake-and-a-recipe-girl-cookbook-deal/

Please review!