My thanks once again to IlovesMesomeGlee, for encouragement and reviews. Make sure to check out her story "High Anxiety", for a different take on David Karofsky's protectiveness and kindness. All reviews for my story have been reassuring and great, including aphass and Marl0u. This chapter is short. Thanks all!

Friday. Fridays at McKinley High School were festive days in autumn. The football team all wore their football jerseys underneath their letterman jackets. The Cheerios wore their uniforms and the marching band practiced two times, one of the times in full uniform. Very few tests were scheduled on Fridays in autumn and the faculty encouraged students to attend all of the football games.

Red. It was an overdose of red on football Fridays. Dave knew Kurt didn't like bright red, but it amused him more than anything else.

In between classes just before the last period of the day, Dave was walking alone down the hall. He knew he'd bypass Kurt and enjoy a little secretive glance. Lately, the secretive glances had become a life of their own. He put more energy and even a little more passion into them. He loved bypassing Kurt with an honest smile and an occasional little wink. Other times, when Kurt was looking cuter than usual, he couldn't help the bare lust in his eyes and subsequent wink. Dave would have to sometimes catch himself for fear of being exposed, but he couldn't help it. Dave really, really liked Kurt and was gradually becoming braver with his feelings. He thought Kurt was doing the same but wasn't sure. He wanted it to be real and not imagined.

As he was rounding the science hall, he spotted Azimio at the far end of the hall, talking animatedly to someone around the corner of the other hall. He noticed Azimio's arms flailing about from time to time and even one of Azimio's patented, goofy smiles. He was so grateful for his best friend. Azimio had accepted all of who Dave was, including secrecy, and Dave knew he'd have to include Azimio in more of his life. Usually, that just involved food and video games. Dave smiled.

Yeah, BioShock and Doritos – that'll work.

Dave was getting closer to Azimio and a funny thought struck Dave. He briefly considered Azimio was talking to and maybe even flirting with a Cheerio. Cheerios simply ignored Azimio, since there were only eight of them and nearly forty football players. Each Cheerio could have the pick of the litter, and Azimio was usually excluded. Azimio could be charming but his bullying, cruel side usually won out. Everybody on the football team, except Dave, wanted to bang a Cheerio. Even if a Cheerio wasn't cute, they still wanted to. It was a status thing after all.

But Dave got the shock of his life when he arrived beside Azimio. Around the corner, Dave saw that Azimio was talking to Kurt.

What the-?!

And Kurt was laughing.

Kurt's laughing? Is this Christmas come early?!

Kurt noticed Dave beside and a little behind Azimio and his smile broadened. Azimio turned around and his smile doubled in size.

"D, my bro!" Azimio announced with a heavy clap on Dave's shoulder. Azimio left his hand on Dave's shoulder.

Dave smiled.

"I was jus' havin' a little talk wid Kurt here." Azimio announced, turning back to Kurt.

"Yeah," Kurt began, "Azimio was just explaining the importance of my attendance at tonight's football game."

Azimio returned to Dave and kept his smile.

"Yeah, Kurt's comin' tonight." Then, Azimio returned to Kurt. "And you better be cheering Dave on!"

Dave looked at Azimio as Azimio looked back at Dave. Azimio's smile had changed to an ornery, knowing grin. Dave inwardly groaned and half-heartedly glared at Azimio.

"Azeee!" Dave whined.

"Aw, don't worry too much, Big D," Azimio said, still with that ornery, now evil grin, "I won't say nuthin'!"

Kurt look confused.

Abruptly, Azimio bumped his fist with Dave, and returned to Kurt.

"Kurt." Azimio acknowledged. He started to leave, and as he walked by Kurt, he gently tapped on Kurt's shoulder twice, leaving the two of them in the hall. Azimio was a good six or seven steps away before curiosity won Dave over.

"What was that all about?" Dave asked, just a little concerned.

"Oh," Kurt began, slowly turning back to Dave having watched Azimio's departure, almost affectionately, "he's just looking out for you."

Dave gave him a questioning look, but Kurt ignored it.

"One more class and then you're off to the locker room for the game tonight?" Kurt enthusiastically asked.

"No, not quite." Thank you Kurt. "It's a home game, so I'm going home for an hour or so." For still being my friend. "And then, I'm driving to school for the game." I want you so bad.

"Oh, OK."

The two boys looked at each other. A strange friction between them froze them in their time and place. No real thoughts existed in their minds and neither boy knew why.

"Well," Dave suddenly began, "I have to be at school at 5PM, even though the game doesn't start until 7 o'clock."

"7 o'clock," Kurt confirmed, "OK, I'll be there."

"Really? You hate football." Dave countered. Please come. Please come. Please come. Please come.

"I know. But it's important to you, so I'll be there." Kurt casually answered.

A heartwarming, gratuitous smile formed on Dave's face. He was so grateful for Kurt and Kurt was making time for him, doing something he hated. If there was any doubt that David Karofsky's affection for Kurt was turning from strong friendship to love, there was no doubt now. Dave loved Kurt. How could he not? Dave just wanted to touch Kurt, even just a little, warm grasp of his elbow. But in reality, he wanted to tightly hug Kurt so badly, but couldn't. This pained Dave, but he kept it hidden.

"That's…that's awesome, Kurt. But you don't have to." Dave shyly said. What the hell am I saying?!

"No, I'll be there." Kurt said resolutely, looking Dave squarely in the eyes. Kurt's focused stare forced Dave to take in Kurt's ocean blue eyes. Dave was simply lost in them, noticing the little flecks of gold and some other color he couldn't identify. He stared at Kurt as intently as Kurt was staring at Dave.

Kurt's eyes widened just a little and Kurt looked away. Dave's committed eyes bore into Kurt's and never left Kurt. MY Kurt.

The two boys might as well been completely alone. Students milled around them, but no one gave them a second glance. Former Bully/BullyWhip and Former Victim were simply mending their fences. If anybody cared enough, they could see the flooding passion from Dave's eyes, and the friendly, questioning, slightly scared looks from Kurt's eyes. There was something there alright, but the student body simply didn't care.

"Well, I better get to class and then glee….." Kurt said distractedly, not daring to allow himself to look at Dave.

"OK…." Dave said quietly, passionately. Dave was no longer concerned with hiding his feelings for Kurt. By now, Kurt should've gotten the hint that Dave wanted him and wasn't about to stop. Dave hoped that Kurt didn't want him to stop.

Kurt…..

Kurt found his inner strength and looked back at Dave. Dave was passionate. But Kurt couldn't handle it at that moment.

"Dave…." Kurt said weakly.

"Yeah?" Dave answered quietly, but slightly concerned.

"I….I…."

Dave watched, now completely concerned. Dave dipped his head a little towards Kurt, showing Kurt he had his full attention.

Then, Dave saw something he never wanted to see again. Kurt's eyes were watery. Dave took a half step closer but Kurt took a full step back.

"I can't." Kurt said pleadingly. "I just…can't."

And with that, Kurt practically ran the other away, away from his last period classroom.

Dave turned and watched Kurt run away, hurt terrorizing Dave's eyes.

Can't what, Kurt…?

.

After school ended, Dave drove home. His thoughts were only for Kurt. Dave didn't see Kurt the rest of the school day. He had grown accustomed to Kurt at least waving goodbye to Dave in the parking lot, or even waiting for Dave at his car to say goodbye. Kurt did neither. Dave was beyond worried. He was scared.

Dave drove home in zombie-mode.

Kurt…baby…what's wrong?

Dave mechanically ate a light dinner, only occasionally participating in conversation with his Dad. Dave then went to his room, thoughts totally absorbed in Kurt. He didn't know what was wrong, but something was holding him back from Dave. Dave was convinced that Kurt knew Dave had feelings for him. Strong feelings. Dave shook his head, fighting off tears and impulses to protect Kurt.

In short, Dave was in agony.

Dave later arrived at the school and spoke to no one. He put on his football gear and waited for the head coach to give her motivational speech to the team.

Dave noticed Azimio's concerned looks, but quickly shook his head, telling him he didn't want to talk and to leave him alone.

Azimio understood and gave his best friend his peace, but was unhappy about it.

It was time for the rowdy team to run out on the field, but Dave simply trotted. As the game began, he lined up in his right guard position, trying his best to ferally glare at the opponent across from him. He did, however, notice that the defense was lined up in a 5-2 defense, preparing for McKinley's strong running game. He watched the defense switch their defensive ends and Dave thought about Kurt's words.

I can't….I just can't…

He vaguely heard the quarterback, Finn Hudson, calling out signals as Dave thought about the hurt in Kurt's eyes.

Hike!

Dave, completely caught off guard, was knocked on his backside. From the ground, he saw the guy he was supposed to block tackle Finn for a loss of five yards.

Dave cursed at himself.

Kurt…..why?...

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