Coming to Terms – Chapter 10

A/N: First, I'd really like to thank everyone that's been leaving reviews for me. It makes me very happy to know that so many people are really enjoying this story, and it keeps me motivated to keep writing it. I've got what I hope is some great stuff planned for future chapters. Feel free to rec this story in any glee fan circles that you happen to frequent. Or not. Whatevs. :)

And now, without further adieu, on with the chapter!

Kurt wants me to dress nicely for tonight. I don't see why I should have to. It's just Blaine. We didn't even have to dress up for either of our first two dates, so why should Blaine get special treatment? Kurt said there's a dress code at the restaurant we're going to, but that neither of us should worry about paying because he's treating us. I'd argue, but shit, I saw the menu online. Place is expensive.

Damn it, I'm not prepared for this. What to wear, what to wear...

Dave searched frantically through his closet trying to find something that would be appropriate for the swanky place Blaine was taking them to. Fashion was not one of Dave's fortes. His wardrobe mostly consisted of jeans, polo shirts, graphic tees, and hoodies. He had a suit for when he had to go to a funeral or wedding or some other function, and he only had that because his mom made him measure for one and bought it for him. "You should always have a nice suit, David," she'd say.

"Yea, well thanks, mom, but I think the suit's a bit too formal for a simple dinner out with that pompous prick," Dave mumbled to himself while sliding hangers of clothes across the bar supporting them.

"UGH!"

"What is it, honey?" Mrs. Karofsky called from downstairs after hearing Dave's anguished cry.

"I can't figure out what I'm supposed to wear to this stupid dinner!"

"I'll be right up to help you."

Dave stomped away from his closet and over to his bed, which he flopped onto, exasperated.

A few minutes later, Dave's mother knocked on his door. "Are you decent?"

"Yea, mom."

"Okay," she said and walked into the room.

"So what's the problem?"

"Uh, Kurt and I are going to some fancy restaurant tonight 'cause his friend wants to hang out and is treating us and junk." Dave still felt awkward talking to his mother about Kurt. It had only been a few weeks since he'd come out. Thankfully, though, she seemed to take it in stride.

"Oh? Well that sounds nice. What restaurant?"

"I think it's Eel Tavulluh or something? It's near Dalton in Westerville."

"Oh, you mean Il Tavolo? Your father and I have been there. It's quite nice. It wasn't too fancy, if I remember. You could probably just wear a clean pair of dark jeans, and maybe a sweater and a collared shirt under it?"

She began rooting around in his closet, looking for the perfect outfit, no doubt delighted at the opportunity to dress her now grown son.

"But ma, Kurt said I have to dress nice."

"Oh, sweetie, I'm sure he just means don't come in some beat up jeans and a t-shirt. Anyway, from what you've told me about him, he sounds like he might be a stickler for clothes anyway, but he should understand that you're not quite as in to fashion as he is. Of course, if you'd bring him around one of these days, I could learn more about him..."

"Mooom..."

"Fine, fine. Whenever you're ready. Ah, here we go." Dave's mother seemed to have found what she was looking for, pulling out a few articles from the far back of his closet. She held them to her nose to check if they were clean. "Hmm, they smell just a bit musty, since you basically never wear them. Honestly, I don't even know why I buy you clothes sometimes. Anyway, it's nothing a few spritzes of Febreeze won't take care of."

She handed Dave the hangers, containing a white button-down shirt and a plain black sweater. Then she turned her attention to his dresser, where she pulled out a pair of dark blue distressed jeans and tossed them at Dave. She paused for a moment, though, looking at a peculiar object in the drawer.

"David?"

"Yea?"

"What's this?" She asked, pulling out a wedding cake topper.

Fuck. FuckfuckFUCK.

"Um...nothing..."

"Nothing? It seems like a something to me. It seems like a little bride and groom, designed to be placed on a cake. Were you planning on getting married and not telling me?" She was making light of it, but the question wasn't rhetorical.

"I just, like, found it somewhere. On the ground."

"You found it on the ground? Where? In front of a reception hall?"

"Could you just drop it, mom? Please?" Dave was annoyed and embarrassed and starting to feel a bit queasy.

"Hmm...okay, David. But if you feel like talking about it, I'm a good listener, and I'll try not to judge."

Thank you, mom.

"Anyway, that should do it. And wear those black boots of yours, not your sneakers. And maybe spritz some cologne on."

"Fine..."

Dave's mother started to leave the room.

"Thanks, mom."

"No problem, sweetie."

Dave went and got washed up, then got dressed in the outfit that his mother had picked out for him, and put on some Adidas Moves cologne that he'd gotten in his stocking at Christmas.

When he finished getting ready, he went to his dresser, opened a drawer, and pulled out the little figurines. He held the topper delicately in his hands, turning it slowly, gently, examining it. The figures were of a man and a woman, and he couldn't help but think of how inappropriate it was for him. He would never need a topper like this on his wedding cake, if he was even lucky enough to ever be able to get married in the first place. He laid down on his bed, facing up, holding the figurines above him, thinking about marriage, about his homosexuality, about Kurt and how stupid he felt that he still had this and hadn't returned it to him, wondering how he would ever find the right way to do it.

His phone rang on his nightstand, and he reached over and picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Hey, baby."

Dave smiled. "Baby, huh?"

"Yea, I'm trying it out. What do you think?"

"I like it, but really you could call me shithead and I think I'd be okay with that. Just you, though. Anybody else would have to answer to The Fury."

Kurt laughed. "Okay, easy there, tiger. So I just wanted to let you know that Blaine just picked me up at my place, and we're heading to you now. Are you ready?"

"I think so." Good thing it's only about ten minutes from his place to mine. He'll have less time alone with the prep.

"Good. We'll see you soon!"

Blaine pulled his Lexus into Dave's driveway and honked once. Dave came right out, as he'd been ready when Kurt called, and only had to put away the wedding topper and wait by the door. Dave opened the back passenger-side door and got in.

"Nice car you've got here, Blaine. Pretty fancy for a high schooler."

"Yea...it's my dad's old one...it's not really even a premium model..." replied Blaine awkwardly, trying to downplay his display of wealth.

"Ah, I see. So like, you mean it doesn't come with a chauffeur then?"

"Sooo...Dave, have you had a chance to look at the menu? They look like they have some very nice pasta dishes," Kurt interrupted, trying to dispel the tension between the other two boys.

"Um, yea. Looks good, Fancy. I'm sure the food will be great." Dave caught himself once Kurt jumped in, and remembered that he was trying to be on his best behavior. "Thanks for treating us, Blaine," he mumbled.

"Oh, it's my pleasure. I'm just glad to be able to spend time with you under different circumstances than the first time we met. Kurt is always gushing about you. I'm really happy for you two."

"Yea? Awe, Fancy, I'm blushing. You talk about me?"

"Of course! In fact, I probably annoy everyone with how much I talk about you. Mercedes seems to be jealous now because she's still single, Finn's always turning the volume up on the TV at home whenever I talk to him, and Blaine here, well I'm just surprised that you're not only not sick of me, but you actually want to hang out with both of us."

Blaine laughed. "Nah, I think it's great. You two are adorable together."

"Thanks, Blaine," said Kurt. He turned around to face Dave. "By the way, you look gorgeous today. That outfit really looks great on you. You should dress up more often..." Kurt looked Dave up and down slowly, carefully examining every aspect of him, and gave him a wink and a pout before turning back around in his seat.

I really need to thank my mom later, and ask her to go shopping for me more often.

The restaurant was dimly lit and carefully decorated. There were no knickknacks on the walls or plastic menus or loud music. Soft instrumental music played quietly over the speakers. It was all very adult, and nothing like BreadstiX. A clean-cut man in a white shirt and black dress slacks showed them to their seats and handed them somewhat heavy hard-cover menus.

Dave flipped through the menu idly, having already decided what he wanted, but disinterested in Kurt and Blaine's conversation. However, disinterested didn't mean not listening, because Dave was listening quite intently. They were discussing the Giorgio Armani spring collection, which had apparently just been unveiled in Milan.

"The runway show was really impressive, but oh did you see when that one girl stumbled?" asked Kurt.

"Yes, that was really a bit embarrassing, but she recovered gracefully, I thought, "replied Blaine.

"Well, it doesn't really matter to me. I thought she had possibly the least interesting ensemble. I've seen more attractive outfits on the models at Target."

Blaine laughed as Kurt made a face, then turned to Dave. "What do you think?"

"Huh?" said Dave, surprised when he realized that he was being addressed.

"Oh, Dave doesn't really follow fashion," said Kurt, answering for him.

"Ah," said Blaine plainly. Dave felt uncomfortable that they shared an interest that he didn't.

"Though I'm starting to wonder, given what you're wearing tonight. I still can't get over it," said Kurt.

"Oh. Well, you know, it's just something I threw together," Dave said casually, hoping to convey a sense of ease and not seem like he was some sort of caveman who needs his mother to dress him...

"Well I must say, Dave, you really have a sense of style. That look is very modern, and yet timeless," added Blaine.

Dave smiled politely, but shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He wishes they would change the subject to something he had an interest in and knowledge of, but he doubted that they would.

"I need to use the bathroom. I'll be back in a few," Dave said, excusing himself from the table. They nodded and he headed to the men's room.

With any luck, they'll be talking about something else when I get back, or at least they'll have forgotten about me and my damn clothes.

He didn't really need to go, so instead he stood at the sink, looking at himself in the mirror.

I do look pretty hot, don't I? Sweet. At least one thing is going well tonight.

He washed his hands for something to do, and headed back out to the table. As he approached the table slowly, he listened closely to figure out what topic they were on now.

"So do you really think he's reformed? I mean, he really scared you for a while there, Kurt."

"I know what I'm doing, alright Blaine? And he really has changed. I've seen it. He's such a sweetheart. He's like a big Teddy bear."

"Yea, well all I know is that if I saw a bear in the woods, I'd be very careful not to piss him off."

"Blaine! I really care about him! He's not a danger to me, okay? I know you're just looking out for me, but drop it, alright?"

"Fine, fine. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply anything. I just worry, you know? I don't want to see you get hurt. I care about you."

"I know."

There was a pause in the conversation, and Dave waited a few more seconds, taking deep breathes to calm himself down, and thankful that they hadn't seen him yet. He walked up with a grin on his face and pretended that he'd heard nothing.

"I'm back. Did I miss anything?"

"No, nothing important," said Kurt, trying not to sound annoyed and glaring at Blaine briefly.

The waiter came and took their orders, allowing the conversation to segue away from what Dave had overheard, and as mad as Dave was about it, and as much as he'd like to confront Blaine about it, he decided that it was best to let it go.

The conversation fell back into its previous pattern, but both Blaine and Kurt tried to keep the topics geared more toward things that Dave would be interested in as well. Things like video games, movies and sports. As it so happened, Blaine and Kurt were both avid Xbox fans, which surprised Dave, and in particular both felt that they were pros at Rock Band, which surprised him slightly less. Blaine suggested that after dinner, the three of them should head to his dorm at Dalton and play, which suited Dave and Kurt just fine.

When the food arrived, Dave was thankful because it meant he could take a break from talking to Blaine, and he wouldn't have to hear him drone on (though he hated to admit that he actually seemed like an okay guy, aside from the comments he'd overheard him saying to Kurt). Once they had finished eating and Blaine had paid, they all piled back into his Lexus and headed to the dorm.

Blaine's room looked a lot like Kurt's had when he was still a student here, though his décor was just slightly less over-the-top than Kurt's. Blaine and Kurt began to set up the game, and Dave excused himself to the bathroom, only this time he actually had to go. Before he came back into the room, though, he put his ear to the door and listened.

"Blaine, I'm not really sure what you want me to say. I've already told you how I feel about him."

"I just don't want you to make a terrible mistake, Kurt. Maybe he's a bit nicer now, but doesn't it just seem too sudden? He threatened your life. You can forget that so easily?"

"I'll never forget that, but I can forgive it. And I have."

"I just think you could do better, that's all."

Dave couldn't listen to this anymore. He threw the door open.

"Like who, Prepie? Like you?"

"Dave, listen, that's not what I meant. You can't even know what I was talking about. You're taking it out of context-"

"I know exactly what you were talking about. I heard what you were saying. I heard you in the restaurant too. You think I'm violent? You think I can't change? Well you're about to get a piece of this. You ready for that?"

Dave had stomped up to Blaine now, and was holding his fist in the air threateningly. He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, breathing in and out through his nose like an enraged dragon, flaring his nostrils as he did.

"David! Please!"

"Stay out of this, Fancy. This is between me and this punk."

"That 'punk' is my friend, and while he could have been a bit more subtle, I believe his heart is in the right place."

"I can't fuckin' believe I'm hearin' this. I can't...I can't fuckin' be here right now. I can't be right here, right now."

Dave lowered his fist and took a step backwards. Tears were welling up in his eyes, but he blinked them back. He turned and made his way out through the open doorway and quickly down the hallway. When he reached the lobby of the school, he collapsed onto one of the plush couches. He punched the cushions hard a few times before wrapping his arms around himself and rocking back and forth, letting the tears come.

"Fuck!" he yelled to the empty room.

As if I didn't have enough to deal with? Being gay isn't enough? Feeling like I'm a nothing isn't enough? Now this pretty boy wants to move in on Kurt? Why the FUCK didn't he make a move when he was still single?

Dave screwed his eyes shut as hard as he could, hoping to stop the tears, but they just burned his eyelids. Still, he didn't open them again. The pain was distracting, and he wanted a distraction.

"Dave?"

Blaine's voice was soft, and sounded distant to Dave against his inner monologue.

"Dave, are you okay?"

Eyes still closed, still rocking, still crying, but slightly less, Dave could feel the cushions shift as Blaine sat down next to him.

"What the fuck do you want? You proved your point. I'm unstable, angry. You should be holding him and whispering 'I told you so's' in his ear by now, or did you just come here to rub my nose in it?"

"I came here to see how you were. We were worried about you."

"'We?' How come it's just you here then?" Dave had opened his eyes, and he stared at Blaine through the tears.

"Well, he was still a bit...upset. He doesn't like that you didn't trust him, that you thought he would dump you at the drop of a hat."

"Well, why shouldn't he? You're more his type anyway, aren't you? You both like the same things, you're prettier than me, and anyway, you never did shit to him. I'm the asshole here, and you're prince-fucking-charming. How am I 'sposed to compete with that?"

"This isn't a competition, David, because he isn't interested in me, and I'm not interested in him. Not in the way you think. My intentions are pure. I really just didn't want to see him hurt. I hadn't seen the way you changed. I only heard it from him. But now I have, and I believe it."

Blaine put his hand on Dave's shoulder, but Dave bat it away. Undeterred, Blaine continued.

"You know, you and I have things in common too."

Dave let out a mocking laugh. "Oh yea? Like what?"

"Well, I'm an avid football fan. Been to more than a few OSU games, hope to make it to some NFL games eventually, but I'm content to watch them on TV for now, and play my fantasy football league."

"Big deal."

"I've seen you play...at the Championship game. You were really good."

"What's your point?"

"Just saying, you think I'm going after Kurt because we have so much in common, but here we are. I couldn't talk to Kurt about football. His eyes would glaze over and he'd probably go into some sort of coma."

Blaine chuckled softly to himself. Dave had more or less stopped crying at this point, and he even cracked a small grin.

"And don't say you're not good looking, because you are. You shouldn't be so down on yourself." Dave sent him a questioning look. "Just saying," said Blaine in reply, throwing up his hands. "My point, I suppose, that you shouldn't jump to rash conclusions. I'm sure Kurt appreciates a little jealousy as much as anyone. It reminds us that we're wanted. But maybe you need to tone it down just a bit. Eavesdropping, getting ready to punch people, that's a tad excessive."

Dave nodded, not sure why he suddenly felt comforted by Blaine's words and his presence. "...So...you're saying that you're not trying to break up Kurt and me and take him for yourself?"

Blaine laughed. "Cross my heart," and he made the gesture.

"...Okay. I guess I can live with it then. Do...do you think he'll talk to me?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Cool. Thanks, dude. And sorry."

"Don't worry about it," said Blaine as they both stood up. He extended his hand to Dave, who took it and shook. Blaine pulled Dave in closer and gave him a hug, patting his back a few times. Dave was so surprised that he didn't even resist. He just hugged back, then pushed awkwardly away.

"Ready to go back up?"

"Yea."

Back in the room, Kurt sat on the bed with his legs crossed and his hands in his lap. He stared blankly at the wall, his face a jumble of mixed emotions. He wanted to be so angry at Dave for mistrusting him, and for generally being a bit of an ass toward Blaine all evening. At the same time, though, he knew that Dave struggled with his self-image, and he realized how he must feel. And then there was another feeling for Dave, one that he had felt developing for a while, one who's development had accelerated since he apologized, one which he couldn't identify.

Blaine reentered the room, followed by Dave, who walked in timidly, hunched over, dragging his feet.

"All is well, Kurt. Dave apologized to me for overreacting, and he's sorry for upsetting you. Aren't you, Dave?"

"Yea...Kurt...I really am sorry. I...I just..."

"It's fine, David. I understand," said Kurt, though he didn't move from his spot on the bed.

"I'd also like to apologize, to both of you. Kurt, I was out of line to question David to you. I shouldn't have doubted your word. And Dave, I'm sorry that I gave you reason to be jealous. I didn't mean to try to come between you two."

"Blaine, you don't have to apologize-"

"No, I do, Kurt. And I hope that you forgive me, but more importantly, I hope that you forgive David." Kurt looked up to see Dave still standing near the doorway, looking emotionally wounded. "I'm going to go grab us some snacks from the vending machines. I'll be right back."

Blaine left the two of them alone as he headed down the hallway. Neither of them moved from their spots or said anything at first. Finally, Kurt looked up.

"Dave," he said, prompting Dave to look up and into his eyes from across the room. Kurt pat the space on the bed next to him, and Dave cautiously made his way over and sat down. Another moment passed in silence, and then Kurt turned to him and placed his arms underneath Dave's, tilting him to face him as well. He slid his arms further forward and wrapped them around Dave's back, pulling him close as he rest his head on Dave's shoulder. Dave put his arms around Kurt's lower back and held tight, placing his head on Kurt's shoulder.

"What do I have to do to prove that I want to be with you? That I'm not just dating you out of pity?"

"I'm sorry, Fancy."

"Don't be sorry, baby. Just be happy. I'm here for you."

After an indeterminable about of time, they released from each other's grasps, and Kurt kissed Dave softly on his cheek and smiled. Dave smiled back, placed his hands on Kurt's face and gently pulled him forward, kissing his mouth deeply, then pulling away and looking into his eyes.

The two of them heard footsteps coming down the hallway, and so Dave dropped his hands from Kurt's face, but picked up one of his hands. Blaine entered and paused for a moment at the site of the smiling couple on his bed.

"Ah, you've made up. I love happy endings. Here," said Blaine, throwing a bag of Skittles on the bed in front of them. "Taste the rainbow."

"Is that a gay joke?"

Blaine and Kurt both looked at Dave, momentarily shocked, before the three of them burst into laughter.

"Haha, oh man! So...anyway, did we want to play a little Rock Band before I drive you guys back?"

"Sure, sounds good to me. I wouldn't mind kicking some ass right now."

"Beware, Dave, for I am a rock god," said Blaine, while playing an air guitar.

"Psh, as if."

"Boys, boys, please! Don't fight!" Kurt held his hands up between them, as if preparing to break up a brawl. "There's no point when I'm going to beat you both anyway!"

"Haha, you, Fancy?"

"Yea, Kurt, are you sure you're up to the challenge?"

"Gimme that mic, I'll show you both!"

"You're on. Oh, hey, before I forget, when do you guys want to hang out next? How about next Friday?"

"Um, well I actually have a football game that day...but, hey, do you guys wanna come watch?"

"Sounds like a plan, Dave."

"You know I was going to be there for you anyway, baby, but this is good. With Blaine there, maybe he can actually explain to me what's going on."

"Awesome!" Dave smiled, glad that things had worked out, as he picked up his guitar and selected The Resolution by Jack's Mannequin, the first song of the evening.

A/N: The clothes that I've described Max wearing can actually be found on some press shots of Max Adler, for those that are interested in checking it out.