Coming to Terms - Chapter 7

Dave was happier than he had been in a long time. He felt freer than he had in years, the burden of his secret finally lifted off his shoulders. He wondered to himself why he hadn't done this years ago, but he already knew the answer. There were, are, and most likely always will be people who will not accept who he is, and just because things seemed great now didn't mean that they would always be that way.

It's why he had waited until the end of the school day on a Friday to make his public display of affection to Kurt, revealing to the students who hadn't already left for the weekend that he was, in fact, gay. He wouldn't have to deal with the full ramifications of that decision until Monday morning. Still, he thought, those that had seen were surprisingly tolerant, and so he held out hope that things wouldn't be so bad.

Kurt and Dave left school together, hand in hand. Kurt was glowing with pride and admiration for Dave's courageous actions, and for his own newly formed relationship with him. Dave stood tall, no longer slumped in the tough-guy defensive posture that he had often assumed in the past, and though he was still wary of those around him, all eyes on the two of them, he decided not to let it bother him. No one said anything to them or hassled them as they walked out of the building and into the parking lot.

Dave unlocked his truck with his remote as they approached, and Dave let go of Kurt's hand in order to move a few feet ahead and open the passenger-side door. Kurt nodded at the gesture, pleased with Dave's chivalry, while Dave himself grinned, quite pleased with himself. He closed the door behind Kurt, went around to the driver's side and got in. After turning on the car, he reached across the center console and gave Kurt a sudden peck on the cheek, which made him blush. Dave returned to his side and pulled out of his slot and then the parking lot.

"So, where to?" Dave asked.

"Um, I don't know... how about the mall? I wouldn't mind picking up a few new accessories... and then later we could go to BreadstiX for dinner."

"Sounds good," Dave says, realizing that this is turning into his first date with Kurt. Then a thought occurs to him, and he frowns a bit.

"What's wrong?" Kurt asks, noticing the change.

"Uh, nothing. Just... I-I'm not sure I'm ready to strut around town with complete confidence about all of this. I'm not as brave as you, Kurt."

"You could have fooled me at my house yesterday, or back in the choir room, or in the hallway." However, Kurt could see that this wasn't making Dave any less nervous. "I'll tell you what, though. We can lay off the PDAs while we're out, at least for a while. I realize that this is all very new for you, and that you're trying very hard."

Dave looked back at his boyfriend with relief. "Thanks, Kurt. I realize that this must be frustrating to you. I'll do my best to adjust to all this as quickly as I can."

"You better," quips Kurt playfully. "But in the meantime, don't think that means that you'll get out of showering me with attention when we're alone." Kurt smiled devilishly.

"Oh, of course not," Dave said, smiling back.

They arrived at the mall, and Dave leaned over to kiss Kurt again before they left the truck. He planted one right on Kurt's lips, putting his hand behind Kurt's head, fingers laced in his hair, and pulling him into it. Kurt returned the kiss, and placed his hands on Dave's shoulder and neck. When they both released themselves, Kurt spoke.

"Remind me to pick up lip balm while we're here. I have a feeling my lips are going to need it if we're going to keep that up." Dave blushed and grinned. "Do you have any particular flavor preference? I'm partial to cola."

"They make cola flavored lip balm?" Dave seemed shocked.

Kurt rolled his eyes. "Of course, silly. They make a lot of unusual and tasty flavors." Kurt could see that Dave wasn't exactly the type of guy who would have flavored lip balm. "I'll just have to pick up a bunch so you can try them out."

"But I don't even use lip balm."

"I know," Kurt said with just the slightest hint of seduction in his voice, causing Dave's mouth to fall into an "o" and a wave of comprehension to wash over his expression.

Kurt had been leading the way through the mall since they got there, heading into one clothing store after the next, at least half of which sold predominantly girls' fashions (not that that seemed to bother him). As he picked out various items (a shirt here, a pair of jeans there, a scarf, a hat) he piled them into Dave's waiting arms, which were loaded down with bags by the end of the trip. While Kurt didn't so much as wink or blow Dave a kiss during their outing, Dave had a feeling that the other shoppers around them could tell they were dating anyway. Still, as long as they weren't overt, there was a seed of doubt, and that was enough to help Dave cope with this new turn that his life had taken.

It was already dark out by the time they left the mall, though that was more a result of the season than the shopping. Even though Dave found himself loading six bags worth of clothes into the back of the cab of his truck, they had only been a few hours. It was pretty obvious to Dave that Kurt loved to shop, but it was also apparent that he could be efficient when he wanted to be, and whether it was to spare Dave the agony (though Dave didn't mind, really), or that he was anxious to go to dinner, Kurt had managed to make quick work of it all.

They arrived at BreadstiX a short while later, and to both their delight were seated in a small booth in the back of the restaurant. Sandy, one of the regular waitresses comes and takes their orders. If anything about the two of them sitting and having dinner together seems out of the ordinary to her, she doesn't show it. Sandy went off to place their orders, and Dave looked to Kurt to see him looking back at him with a smile, hands resting in his palms as his arms rested on the table.

"Uh... did I do something?" Dave asked, looking perplexed.

"Mm, why, are you feeling guilty?" Kurt retorts, with a look of amusement and mischief on his face. However, when he sees Dave shift uncomfortably and avert his gaze, he decides to stop teasing him.

"David, look at me. You didn't do anything wrong. I was just...admiring you. I just can't get over how different you are now compared to before. Where have you been hiding this part of yourself?"

"Um, well I guess...in the closet?" Dave said, trying his best to keep a straight face, and Kurt's mouth fell open just a bit. And then both of them cracked up, doing their best to stifle their laughter so that they wouldn't create a scene. During this fit of hysterics Dave's hand found itself resting on top of Kurt's. After they had finally regained their composure, Kurt looked down at it, then back up at Dave.

"Um, Dave, your hand..."

"Yea?" Dave challenged Kurt, smiling.

"Shouldn't you, I mean, what if someone sees?"

"Ohmigosh! You're right!" Dave feigned shock and realization, but didn't move his hand.

Kurt ignored Dave's cutesy sarcasm. "But what about what you said earlier?"

"Yea...I've been thinking about that..." Dave looked at Kurt seriously now. "And I figure, you know what? Everyone's gonna know eventually. By Monday there won't be a student or faculty member at McKinley who doesn't. Hell, half of Lima probably knows by now. And I feel like...I feel like I owe you this."

"David. You don't owe me anything," Kurt scolded.

"Don't I, though? I mean, it's great that you don't think so, don't get me wrong. And it's even better that we're here, together, starting something. It's more than I could have hoped. But I mean, you forgave me, and so quickly, for some pretty fucked up shit. And I just want to make sure you always realize that I remember and appreciate that fact, and that I'm not the person I was, and I hope I never will be again."

Dave reached his other hand across the table and clasped Kurt's dainty hand between his two large, rough paws. The look of determination on his face made certain that Kurt would not object, and would let him finish his thought.

"You were my first crush, and my idol. Even as I couldn't face myself, I saw you every day dealing with the hardships that come with being gay. I'm sure it was hard, but you made it look easy. I have to be there, for you. You're willing to give me this chance, and I can't fuck it up."

Kurt's eyes moistened as his boyfriend reached a new level of heroic for him. He knew how difficult that all of this must have been for Dave to wrap himself around, but here he was, putting on the brave face and pushing forward, for him.

"Oh, Dave...thank you."

After dinner, Dave drove Kurt to home. Outside the Hummel residence, Dave reached over and kissed Kurt, and expected, with a tinge of disappointment, that Kurt would then hop out and say goodnight. Instead, Kurt continued to sit in the seat, wringing his hands together mildly in his lap, and looking down.

"What's wrong?" Dave looked concerned. Everything seemed to be going so well, so he couldn't even begin to think of what had changed on the drive over.

"I...I was just wondering...and I don't even want to ask, because I know how much you're already trying, and how all of this is so very new and all..." Kurt trailed off.

"Kurt, just ask."

"I was wondering...if you could come in for a minute, and...introduce yourself to my dad."

"Uh, Kurt? I already met your dad, remember? I met your whole family when I came out to them," said Dave, rather confused.

"Yes, but you didn't introduce yourself...as my boyfriend. And if you'll recall, my dad wasn't entirely thrilled by your visit the first time, even if he did warm up to you by the end."

Dave could see that Kurt was really a wreck about this, and that it was important for him that he have his dad's approval. Dave knew a thing or two about the need for approval too, and he had already decided that he was willing to go to great lengths to make this relationship work, even if it was only in its infancy.

"Sure thing, babe."

Kurt smiled up at Dave, a mix of surprise and joy on his face, followed by amused befuddlement.

"Did you just call me babe?"

"What, too soon for nicknames?" Dave smirked. Kurt just smiled back at him.

The two of them approached the house, and Kurt opened the door with his key. Burt Hummel was in the living room watching TV as Kurt approached, Dave not far behind him.

"Hey, Kurt," Burt said over his shoulder, not turning around.

"Hi, Dad," Kurt replied, nudging Dave gently with his elbow.

"Good evening, Mr. Hummel," Dave said.

Burt mute the TV as he turned around to face the two boys. "Well hello there, David. I didn't expect to see you here this evening."

"Yea, I'm a bit surprised myself, to tell you the truth." Kurt smiled at Dave, then at his dad, then back at Dave. "I, uh, I wanted to ask you something, if that's okay."

"Shoot."

"Well, first, I wanted to let you know that I came out at school today."

"Congratulations! I'm proud of you. That takes a lot of guts." And really, Burt did look proud. He had been through hardships with his own son, and he knew that there were no doubt more to come, and so he felt that he must applaud others in similar situations if only to give them the positive support that they need and so rightly deserve.

"Thanks. I also, uh, wanted to ask if it's okay if I, um... date your son?"

Burt's smile quickly faded, but he didn't look mad, but rather contemplative. He remained silent for a moment, and between him, the two teenagers clearly holding their breath, and the muted TV, you could hear a pin drop.

"You want to date my son?" Dave hesitated for a second, but out of nervousness rather than uncertainty. "And I assume that, obviously, you want this too, Kurt?" Kurt bit his lower lip and nodded as well.

Burt removed his baseball cap and ran a hand over the top of his head, while obviously thinking long and hard about what was being asked. Finally, he reached a decision.

"Kurt, I'm your father, but I can't make your decisions for you. I can only give you wisdom and hope that you make the right choices. I'm not thrilled with the idea of you dating, but if you want to date David here, you have my approval. Just always be careful." He turns to David. "David, I know that we've had our differences, and obviously I'm happy that you have found yourself and I can see that it's made a noticeable difference in your life and behavior. However, that doesn't mean that I won't be watching you. This here is my son," Burt says sternly, gesturing to Kurt. "And I don't want to see him get hurt. You treat him right, or you'll hear from me. You got that?"

"Yes, sir, Mr. Hummel. You have my word," Dave said, and he meant it.

"Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go back to my show."

Outside on the porch, Dave pulled Kurt close to him and put his arms around his lower back, lacing his fingers together. Kurt, in turn, placed his hands around Dave's neck. Smiling at each other, Dave leaned down and kissed Kurt, slowly, tenderly and then reluctantly pulled his lips away, staring into Kurt's eyes.

"I should go, but I just wanted to say that I had a really great time tonight."

"Me too. Thank you, Dave. It means a lot to me that you were willing to come out and be out, with me."

Dave blushed. "Hey, don't thank me yet. We haven't even had our first fight yet."

"David," Kurt said, mock-scolding his boyfriend. "We started this relationship fighting. Don't you remember?"

"Oh yea. Well then I guess there's nothing to worry about!" Dave displayed a grin so wide, so innocent and child-like, that Kurt couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Oh dear, I'm dating a goofball." Kurt gave Dave one more peck on the lips, then removed his hands from Dave's neck, prompting Dave to let him go. "So I'll talk to you tomorrow then?"

"Sure thing, babe. Sleep well."

"You too!" Kurt waved as he stepped inside and closed the front door, and Dave headed to his truck, and back home.

When Dave arrived at his house, it was nearly midnight, and a familiar vehicle was parked out front. Dave slowed as he came down his street, anger and apprehension building inside him at the sight of Azimio's car. As he rolled up to the curb and shut off the engine, Azimio stepped out of the driver's side, and took a few steps toward Dave and into the light of the streetlamp, but then didn't come any closer. Dave got out of his truck and followed Azimio's lead, stepping close enough to hold a conversation without yelling, but no closer.

"What the hell are you doing here, Az?"

Azimio didn't say anything at first, simply looking at Dave, as if there was something off about him and he just couldn't put his finger on it.

"Look, if you're just gonna stand there and stare like a creepy dirtbag, then at least whip it out and wank it so you really look the part," Dave growled.

"So there are some rumors floating around school," said Azimio, sounding somewhat more subdued than usual.

"Oh yea? Like the ones you and the guys started?"

"Kinda like them, yea, only we didn't spread these rumors."

"And what rumors would they be?"

"Well...rumor has it that you kissed Hummel flat on the lips in the hallway right after last period today."

Obviously Dave knew that Az would find out eventually. He had just hoped that he might be able to wait until tomorrow, at the very least. However, since that didn't work, Dave saw no benefit in denying it. "Yea? And?"

"So it's true then?"

"Sure is."

Azimio paused, as if he didn't expect this conversation to go this far, or turn out this way. "So...so then what does that make you?"

"Hm...let's see. Well I guess that makes me a fag. A faggy faggy faggot," Dave said, referencing Azimio's comments from earlier that day.

Where Dave expected Azimio to laugh at him maliciously, or throw slurs at him, or throw punches at him, he instead did nothing. No, that's not quite right. He did do something. He shoved his hands in the pockets of his letterman and looked down at his feet, shame clearly slathered across his face. Dave didn't know what to do, so he tried to give him a jump start.

"What's the matter, Az? Not what you wanted to hear? I thought for sure you'd be all up in my face right now."

"Man..." Azimio started, looking up, but then he found that he couldn't meet Dave's gaze, and so he looked back down. "Why didn't you never tell me?"

"Right, 'cause I was really gonna tell you that I'm gay. That woulda gone over big, right? You'd have thrown me some big gay coming out party, slapped me on the back and said, 'good job, man. I'm proud of you.' That about right?"

"Hey, Dave, don't act like you know what I'da done, aight? 'Cause you don't."

"Right, because it isn't totally obvious. Dude, you hate fags."

"No, man. You hated fags. I just kinda...went along with it."

Dave had been prepared to stand tall and ward off whatever it was that Azimio was prepared to sling at him, but this statement took him off-guard.

"Wh—huh?"

"I don't really have a problem with gays in general. I mean, yea, I make fun of Hummel, but he's in the glee club, and he can be such a prissy little bitch sometimes. As for all the fag this, homo that...well I picked that up from you, man."

"Bullshit." Dave wasn't prepared to believe any of this; however, he was starting to doubt himself.

"It's true, man. When we started in high school, you and I, we decided we was gonna run this school. We decided, and we knew that to reach the top, we had to make sure to keep other people down, like those damn gleeks. But then Hummel came out, and you were like obsessed. You were on like a personal vendetta against him. What was I supposed to think? My best friend, and and he's picked his prey. I just went along."

Dave felt sick. He stumbled a few steps back and leaned against the hood of his truck.

"Dave, you alright?" Azimio asked, as he rushed over to him. Dave swat at Az futilely, if only to signal him to stay back. Azimio complied.

"So then you're telling me that, what, you harassed me and started calling me a fag because I taught you to be a homophobe? That's fucked up, dude."

"Naw man, it isn't like that. I mean, yea I guess I sorta picked up the habit of tossing them words around from you, but like, I only started using them because I didn't want you to turn on me as a friend. And like, when you started getting chummy with the gleeks, it was like the same. I thought we were losing you. I was mad. If I'da known, though, that you actually were...you know, like, gay..." Azimio looked away, a look of pain and betrayal on his face.

"Wait...so you're, like, okay with me being gay?"

"Well, I mean, as long as you don't plan on hittin' on me or leerin' at me in the showers or nothin'..." Azimio turned back to him and cracked a slight grin. "We've been friends since middle school, Dave. You think I'd throw that away over what kinda tail you like to chase?"

Dave was stunned. He felt extremely foolish, realizing that he misjudged his friend. He realized that he'd misjudged a lot of people. He figured that things were hard for gays, and that harassment and ridicule and stares and whispers and silent judgment were a given, an inevitability. As such, he was so certain that even those closest to him would turn against him that he had kept himself in the closet for years, lashing out to express his frustration. He felt that he owed his friend an apology, but before he could attempt one:

"Man, I'm really sorry. Can you forgive me?" Dave didn't know what to say, and so he simply nodded, and before he knew what was happening, Azimio had lunged over and was giving him a big bro-hug. Dave reciprocated Az by giving him a hearty slap on the back.

"Thanks, Az."

"Nah, dude. S'what friends are for," Az said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his car keys. "I gotta go, though. Been waiting here for like an hour. I dunno where you've been—not sure I want to—but I wanted to make sure I set shit straight. See you Monday?"

"Yea, dude. See ya."

With a final wave, Az got in his car and drove off, leaving Dave by his truck, stunned but smiling.