Authors note: Continued and never ending thanks for the favourites, comments and alerts, it seriously makes my day!

Also you may have noticed I have changed the rating to an M due to language, slight sexual subjects and violence (most of which is in this chapter).

Kurt was buckling up in the front seat when he jumped slightly when a snore echoed through the car. Glancing over his shoulder, he found the source of the sound - Karofsky was stretched over the back seats, completely out for the count. Kurt raised his eyebrows in surprise - he had never seen anybody fall asleep so quickly.

'I really appreciate you coming with us, Kurt.' Hannah said as she started the engine and pulled away.

'Oh it's not a problem.' Kurt replied, turning back to face the front. 'I'm actually surprised your dad invited me.'

Silence fell over the two of them so Kurt started to skim through her CD's, an unconscious habit he had picked up when he was a child. It was mostly girl bands and female singers - No Doubt, The Pipettes, Le Tigre, as well as some Cure and Smiths. He pulled a slightly impressed face before leaning back into the seat, looking out of the window. I wonder if Karofsky's taste is anything like his sisters.

Nothing was said almost five minutes before Hannah quietly said, 'I'm sorry you're caught up in this Kurt.'

'Oh,' he said with a surprised tone, 'well… no, it's okay.'

'No it's not.' Hannah said sternly, her knuckles white as she gripped the steering wheel. 'What David has been doing to you is completely unacceptable.'

He couldn't argue with that. 'The fact that you're even willing to try and communicate with him outside of school just shows how,' she dithered as she tried to think of the right word, 'amazing you are.'

Kurt was taken aback by the compliment. He couldn't help but blush slightly as he looked intently at his lap. 'Thank you.'

'You're welcome.' Hannah said with a heavy sigh.

Another silence but this time Kurt could tell Hannah had more to say. 'What is it?'

Hannah glanced at him and gave him a tired look. 'Did David… did he ever do anything else? You know, besides what he told me?'

'How do you mean?' Kurt asked, feeling silly when he completely understood what she meant, he was just too embarrassed to answer honestly.

'Did he touch you, Kurt?' Hannah snapped, furious at the fact that she had to ask such a question.

With burning cheeks Kurt said, 'no. Not in that way.'

'So it was just that kiss?'

'Yeah…' Kurt mumbled, a frown of disapproval on his face - Hannah assumed it was because of the incident, but it was also because of the flicker of feelings it had made Kurt feel afterwards.

'How violent has he been?' Hannah asked, shaking Kurt out of his thoughts.

'Umm…' Kurt said awkwardly. 'Are you sure you want to know about this stuff? I mean, he is your brother.'

'If I don't listen to this stuff then nobody will.' Hannah said angrily.

'What about your mum?'

A familiar growl came from Hannah that caused Kurt to flinch away from her. It was kind of unnerving being around someone who, at times, was almost identical to Karofsky. 'She wouldn't listen.'

'Oh… that's terrible.'

'Everybody always thinks it's the fathers fault that kids are aggressive,' Hannah continued, ignoring Kurt's comment, 'and you know, that just makes me sick. Dave has been raised in a shit home with shit people and he's the way he is because of her! And George of course… we can't forget that arsehole…'

Kurt said nothing, he simply let her rant. Hannah quickly glanced back at her brother to make sure he was still sleeping before sighing. She shook her head before quietly saying, 'I'm sorry Kurt. You don't need to hear our families problems.'

'No, it's okay.' Kurt lied quickly.

Hannah looked at him for a few moment, smiling weakly. 'You are such a good kid Kurt. You'd have made a good friend to Dave if he hadn't of… well, you know.'

'Yeah…' Kurt murmured nervously as Hannah pulled into a driveway.

It was a large, welcoming house with a front porch. The garden was rather neat with a nicely kept lawn and colourful flower beds. Someone who lived there obviously had a passion for gardening.

'David,' Hannah said softly as she shook her baby brother by the shoulder, 'we're here.'

'Hmph?' Dave moaned, blinking awake. He sat up quickly when he saw Kurt standing in the door and wiped the drool from his mouth, embarrassed.

'We're here Dave. Come on.' Hannah said with a small smile, stepping aside so Karofsky could get out of the car. She folded her long arms across her chest when Dave didn't move. 'Get out of the car, David.'

'No. Just… leave me alone.' Dave said, reaching over to pull the door shut. He couldn't help but be impressed when Hannah yanked it out of his grip, a stormy look on her face.

'Get. Out. Of. The. Car.' Hannah said, emphasising each word with an increasingly impatient tone.

'Piss off!'

Kurt had to hide his smirk behind his hand when Hannah lent down, grabbed the front of Dave's shirt and heaved him out of the car. He stumbled on the door of the car and fell into his sister but she kept her balance, sturdy as a rock. Dave squirmed in her vice like grip but Hannah wasn't letting go anytime soon.

'Stop acting like a child. Dad only wants to help!'

'I don't want to see him!'

'I know you're scared David, but so help me god if you do not stop acting like a child I will drag you inside that house kicking and screaming!'

'That won't be necessary.'

All three of them turned to face the two men standing on the porch. The one on the right was a silver haired man who was dressed in smart black trousers and an olive jumper. The other was like looking into Karofsky's future, if he had spent his adult life abusing steroids and suddenly getting a flair for fashion.

Hannah smiled at them both, her fist still making Dave's shirt ride up, something Kurt scolded himself for noticing at such a time. Mentally slapping himself, he focused on the situation at hand and looked at Karofsky. He was staring at the lawn, his hands balled up tightly into two defensive fists.

With a shaky voice and the arm of his lover around his waist for support, William Karofsky greeted his son after a four year absence. 'Hello, David.'

Dave had not answered his fathers greeting. In fact he had barely moved. Hannah was prepared to follow through with her threat of physically dragging her brother inside but William insisted that was unnecessary.

'I only want to help you, David. Please come inside so we can talk. I've missed you.'

If William Karofsky ever spoke to Kurt in that welcoming, calm voice, he probably would have done whatever he asked right there on the spot, and apparently Dave was unable to resist as well. With his eyes still firmly locked on the ground and his fists still balled up, he walked up the stairs, passed his father and entered the house.

Uncomfortable with the awkward situation, Kurt busied himself by looking around the room and taking note of every detail. The inside of the house was just as neat as the outside. It was tastefully decorated - muted colours and a nice collection of art on the walls. There was a beautiful bouquet of home grown flowers in one corner, and almost every surface was covered in photographs of children.

'Hi dad,' Hannah said as they all gathered in the living room, wrapping her arms around her colossus of a father and hugging him. She then smiled at the silver haired man and said, 'nice to see you James.'

'Hello sweetheart.' William smiled as he held his daughter before turning to face Kurt. 'You must be Kurt Hummel.'

'Yes sir.' Kurt quickly, his arms by his side as he craned up at this enormous man.

'Nice to meet you.' William said with that hypnotic voice as he held out his hand to him. Kurt shook it, his hand getting swallowed up.

'You too.' Kurt said, unable to stop staring at this man.

All this time Dave had been standing in the corner of the room, his hands in his pockets and his head lowered. He had stopped staring at the floor though - he was now looking at the enormous collection of photographs that were littered around the room. He saw pictures of himself and his siblings when they were younger - birthdays, holidays and vacations - as well as some more recent ones. There was a year book photo and a large selection of Dave at his sports games that Hannah must have snuck to their dad.

Dave's mind was racing as he looked at all his childhood photos, many of which he couldn't remember being taken. There was one William and the children at Niagara Falls, another at Disney world and another taken during William's last Christmas before he left. Dave's stomach lurched at the memory and he had to stifle yet more tears. Crying in front of Hummel was bad enough, there was no way he was going to cry in front of his father.

There were photos of James as well. Dave had never met him but he knew the silver haired man had to be him. There were photos of their holidays and their birthdays, and in front of a huge bunch of flowers there was one of them both dressed in finely tailored suits. They were holding hands and they had cream roses attached to their lapels. Dave felt himself go cold as he came to a realisation. His father had remarried.

'David?'

The voice jolted Dave back to reality and he instinctively looked over to the person who had spoken to him. He saw four people staring at him and he suddenly felt very naked. He frowned and went back to looking at the photos.

'David, please. Come and sit down.' William said, smiling at his son.

'I'm fine here.' Dave grunted.

'Dave-' Hannah sighed, ready to argue again but stopping when her father shook his head.

'It's okay. You stay there, that's fine.' he gestured for everybody else to sit down which they all did - William and Hannah sat together while James and Kurt took the two armchairs.

'Okay… let's get started, shall we?' William said with a heavy sigh. He looked at his son and said, 'Hannah tells me you've been having some… unusual feelings?'

'Shut up.' Dave said through gritted teeth.

'Apparently you've been taking these feelings out on Kurt.'

'Shut up!' Dave bellowed, startling everyone else in the room.

William watched his son in silence before getting to his feet. Dave watched his father with caution as he approached him, peering up at him as he got closer and closer. His fists were still ready for a fight but Dave knew that if he did dare take a swing at his dad, he would have his arse handed to him not only by him, but by Hannah as well.

'David,' William said in a very soothing tone, 'I only want to talk. There is no need to yell.'

'If you only wanna talk, then why are they here?' Dave grunted, squirming under his fathers stare like he was a child.

'Who?'

'Those two fags over there!' Dave yelled, pointing at Kurt and then at James.

His eyes widened when he saw his sister getting to her feet but William raised his hand and said, 'stay there.' He looked back down at his youngest son, a patient expression still on his face and said, 'please don't talk like that David.'

'You can't tell me what to do.' Dave growled.

'I'm your father.' William said with a very slight frown.

'I haven't seen you in four years and you still have the guts to call yourself that?' Dave snapped, his arms folded across his chest.

'And whose fault was that?' Hannah cried, once again on her feet.

'Hannah!' William snapped, his voice raising ever so slightly.

Kurt had never been so uncomfortable in his life. He was pressed as far back into the seat as he could go all he wanted to do was get sucked into the cushions and disappear. He glanced at James who caught his eye and smiled a very small smile, like he understood how he felt. He was just as uncomfortable as he was.

'No! Dave is being a complete child!' Hannah continued, unable to stand by and listen to her father be insulted. 'He is the one that has been harassing Kurt and the entire time he's been blaming it on someone else! I have been trying to help and Kurt has as well, god knows why! And now you and James want to help but once again he just bullies people and hides behind all that crap that George taught him!'

Dave felt the ever tightening knot of guilt in his stomach tighten at his sisters out burst. He knew she was right, every word of it, he just did not want to hear it. He glanced up at his father whose eyes were closed as his daughter ranted. His eyes flickered back down onto the floor when William opened his own, but it was too late, the connection had been made, and they both knew it.

Kurt watched in silence as he saw Dave slowly wrap his arms around his fathers waist. It made his heart race and butterflies gather in his stomach, and he was unable to stop the tears welling up in his eyes.

William returned the hug, squeezing his son gently before almost pinning his body against his, unable to stop the wave of emotion at their reunion. Dave held onto his father just as tightly, squeezing him as hard as he could - he let out all of his feelings on his dad in the form of one massive embrace, knowing his dad was probably the only person who wouldn't crumple underneath him.

'I'm sorry.' Dave muttered into his fathers chest, his eyes watering.

'It's all right son. It's all right.'

'I'm so sorry…' Dave repeated, quickly blinking his eyes to try and stop the inevitable tears.

'It's all right.' William insisted, his voice cracking.

Kurt had to look away from this display, it felt way too invasive. He shouldn't be here. He looked at James to try and catch his eye so he could perhaps get permission to slip away. James did as he hoped and nodded in understanding. Kurt got slowly to his feet in order to disappear and was surprised to find that James got up with him.

'It was really good of you to come with David, Kurt.' James said in a hushed voice as they stopped in the hallway.

'Oh it's not a problem, but I just think this is way too personal, you know? I shouldn't be here, I feel like I'm invading.'

'I understand how you feel,' James chuckled, 'I feel like a bit of a third wheel as well.'

'It's different for you,' Kurt disagreed, 'you're William's boyfriend, you're meant to be here.'

'Husband, actually.' James said with a smile.

'Really?' Kurt said, unable to hide his surprise. Besides Rachel's fathers, Kurt had never met another gay married couple. He couldn't help feeling more at ease. 'That's fantastic.'

'Thanks, we think so too.' James smiled. 'Look, why don't you come and have a drink with me in the kitchen? William will come and get us when they're ready to talk. Okay?'

'Sure. Sure that sounds great.' Kurt agreed, happy to continue talking to James about his life with William.

James and Kurt happily chatted for around twenty minutes - they discussed high school, college, movies and married life. They were both enjoying home made ice tea when Hannah walked into the kitchen. She had red eyes and she had her arms wrapped around herself.

'Oh sweetheart,' James cooed as he quickly went to her, wrapping his arms around her middle, apparently used to the fact that it was very difficult to put your arm around the shoulders of a Karofsky. 'Are you all right?'

'Yeah,' Hannah chuckled through her tears, 'yeah I'm fine.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yeah… it's just a little overwhelming you know?' she smiled, sitting down on the spare seat.

'Of course honey.' James smiled as he sat back down. 'Are they still talking?'

'Kind of. It's mostly a lot of crying and hugging.' Hannah laughed, sniffing loudly.

'Well that's to be expected.' James grinned. 'Are they ready to talk to Kurt?'

'Yeah. Go on through Kurt.' Hannah said, squeezing his hand reassuringly. Kurt smiled at the gesture and walked out of the kitchen, trying desperately to hide the fact that his legs felt like jelly.

'Hi…' Kurt said gingerly from the living room door, looking at William but he was unable to make himself look at Karofsky for fear he'd pummel him.

'Hello Kurt,' William said with that wonderful voice, 'come in and sit down. Let's get this started, shall we?'

'Um, sure.' Kurt agreed, taking a seat on the sofa opposite the father and son.

'David has told me all about what has been going on. Let me just say how sorry I am, Kurt.'

'You don't have to-'

'Yes I do Kurt. David is my son, my responsibility.' William insisted. He glanced at Dave and said, 'do you have something to say to Kurt, David?'

'Yeah… yeah I suppose.' Dave mumbled, glancing at Kurt.

This was it. He was actually going to get an apology from David Karofsky. Years of bullying, name calling and physical abuse and now he was finally going to get an apology. An "I'm sorry" for stealing his first kiss. Kurt could hardly believe it.

'I'm sorry, Kurt. I'm sorry I scared you. I'm sorry I… I followed you around the school. I'm sorry I… I kissed you.' David said, quickly glancing at his dad to make sure he hadn't missed anything. William smiled weakly in approval, which made Dave feel like a kid again - he had missed his father and he was now desperate for his approval and guidance. He looked back to Kurt who had a stunned expression on his pretty face. 'Do you… do you forgive me, Kurt?'

'David, don't put Kurt on the spot-' William began.

'No, it's okay.' Kurt interrupted. He met Dave's eyes and said, 'I don't forgive you Kar- Dave,' he continued, stumbling on David's name, 'but I do appreciate the apology and I hope that one day, I can forgive you.'

That obviously wasn't the answer Dave had been hoping for. Kurt could hardly stand to look at the look of disappointment on his face. But even if it did upset him, it was the truth and Kurt wasn't prepared to hide his feelings anymore.

'Thank you, Kurt.' William said, surprising both the boys.

'For what?'

'For what you just said. It was so much more than you needed to. I am so grateful.'

'It's… no it's fine.' Kurt stammered, catching Dave's eye and smirking slightly when he saw he had the same confused expression on his face.

More confusion hit him when he saw Dave smile back.

'Yeah, thank you Kurt.' Dave mumbled after a little while.

'You're welcome, David.' Kurt said with a very polite voice, smirking across at his former bully. Dave couldn't help but laugh.

'Okay boys,' William smiled, squeezing his sons shoulder, 'I'll leave you two alone. We'll have something to eat soon.' William got to his feet, patting Kurt on the shoulder as he walked by him, and headed into the kitchen.

Silence fell over the two teenagers. Kurt awkwardly smiled at Dave who was staring at him. Oh god, he was lying. Nothing has changed. Oh god he's going to kill me.

'I meant what I said you know.'

'Huh? Oh. Well, good. So did I.' Kurt replied, shaking away his conscience.

'Thanks.'

Dave Karofsky saying "sorry" and "thank you" was still hard for Kurt to get through his head. Dave must have been able to tell this from his expression.

'I know you don't believe me, but it's true.'

'No I believe you.' Kurt fibbed.

'You're a crummy liar.' Dave chuckled, wiping his tear stained eyes.

'I'll have you know I am a brilliant actor.' Kurt tutted.

'Whatever…' Dave smirked, scratching his head absentmindedly. 'Do you wanna get some air or something? I dunno about you but I definitely need some.'

'Um yeah. Sure why not.'

The two boys headed for the door and after Dave called out to tell him father where they were going, they headed off down the road. The two boys walked along side each other, Dave with his hands in his pockets and Kurt with his folded behind his back. They had been silent the entire time until Dave said, 'I'm leaving McKinley High.'

'What?' Kurt exclaimed before he could stop himself.

'I'm going to move in with my dad.'

'Really?'

'Yeah. He thinks it's for the best. James does too. They say it's not safe for me to go back to my mums.'

'Well yeah that makes sense but…' Kurt paused and then shrugged.

'What?' Dave questioned, surprised by Kurt's reaction.

'Nothing.'

'Tell me, Kurt.' Dave insisted, reaching out to poke the boy in the arm but stopping himself before he did.

Before Kurt could stop himself he blurted out, 'I just… I mean, I think it's great you're progressing and accepting this, and I definitely agree that, from what I've heard, it's one million times better for you to be here than back there but… do you really have to leave McKinley High?'

'Well… I dunno. I guess. I mean… they're going to kill me at school.'

'Why? Why would they?'

'Oh come on… Azimio will beat me within an inch of my life when he finds out.'

'You're going to come out to the whole school?' Kurt gasped.

'Well, yeah… I mean, isn't that you did?' Dave questioned.

'What does it matter what I did? I'm not you, and you're not me!' Kurt cried, wanting to shake some sense into the big lug. 'Do you feel ready to come out?'

'Um… well, not really but…'

'Well there you go! God Karofsky, you've really gotten learn to calm down! I love that you're eager but if you're not ready it is definitely not the right thing to do.' Kurt tutted, slapping Dave on the arm, momentarily forgetting who it was he was slapping.

'Why do you even care?' Dave asked with genuine interest, ignoring the light slap.

'I dunno… I guess I just think it's a shame that we've finally reached a point where we can be civil to be one another and now you're moving away, you know?' Kurt shrugged, embarrassed.

Dave kept quiet.

'And maybe… I don't know, maybe it's stupid, but… I thought we could… be friends?'

Before Kurt could back track or Dave could say he had hoped the same thing, he had fallen on top of the smaller man. Kurt shrieked as the massive teenager fell on him, but he did his best to keep them both up. 'Karofsky get off me!'

Kurt was ready to tell him off but the words got stuck his throat when he saw an enormous man standing above them. 'Jesus!' Kurt cried, trying to shake Dave. 'Get up get up get up!' Kurt hissed into Karofsky's ear as the man lent down and grabbed the back of Dave's shirt, heaving him to his feet like he was made of marshmallows.

Dave's head was spinning as he was lifted back onto his feet. He knew there was only one person who would move him like that was and that only meant bad things. He cried out in pain as his brothers fist slammed into his gut. He didn't even have to cradle his stomach before another fist connected, this time with his jaw. He stumbled back and thudded down onto the path, yelling out in pain.

He could hear Kurt screaming for help. He could hear George roaring with anger. He knew he had to get back up, he had to stop George before he hurt Kurt. He had finally started mending things, building bridges, and he knew he couldn't let this happen.

'Run Kurt!' He groaned from his position on the floor.

'Dave!' Kurt cried, running to him. He was knocked back easily by the huge hand of George Karofsky. 'Get away from him!' Kurt bellowed but his words fell on deaf ears.

'I will not let you be a fag!' George yelled at Dave, glaring from Kurt to his brother, his fingers gripping onto his short hair. He then locked eyes on Kurt and yelled, 'this is all your fault you little shit!'

Kurt felt his heart jump into his throat when he realised George was speaking to him. He backed away from the raging man. He knew he had to get help. He had to get his mace. 'I'll get help!'

'Oh no you don't!' George snarled, reaching out for the smaller man. He stopped when Dave grabbed his ankle and tried to hold him back.

'Run Kurt!' Dave repeated, glaring up at his brother. 'Leave him alone you stupid-'

Dave's words were cut short when George's size fourteen foot slammed into his face.