Disclaimer: As always, I do not own Glee or any of its characters.

A/N: This chapter has me holding my breath. I really want it to be just right. Burt and Paul are both great people and amazing dads, it just wouldn't be right to sell them short, a mistake I made the first time around (this is a revision, for any new readers) and have no intention of making again! Paul's POV.

Chapter 5: Whatever It Takes

After my very brief and ill-received phone call with Burt Hummel I feel as if the entire weight of the world rests upon my shoulders. I know I took a big risk calling, but I said I would do anything for David, and I meant it. This is why I have to try talking to Burt again. If I can convince him to hear me out I think he can help me. I know that he must have a lot of unanswered questions as well; perhaps if we talk some of those questions can be answered.

As I drive to the Hummel residence I go over and over again in my mind exactly what I want to say. Nothing sounds quite right, but I keep trying because I know what is at stake. I know it is probably not a great idea to show up there in person, but since the phone approach failed so terribly I can think of no other way. After ringing the door bell I wait a few seconds and hear footsteps approaching. I am usually not the kind of man who gets nervous, but I find myself sweating and my heart is racing.

I breathe a small sigh of relief when Carole Hummel opens the door. She recognizes me at once and greets me with a small smile. "Hello Paul. I thought I might be seeing you soon." I am a bit taken-aback.

"You did?"

"Yes. I can't imagine you would call Burt unless it was extremely important, so I thought you might try to see him."

"Is he home?"

"No, I'm afraid not. The tire store is closed for the day, so he went over there to spend some time alone and think about things."

"Do you think it would be alright if I stopped by there?"

"Burt and I had a long talk before he left, I think he might be able to listen to what you have to say, but he is still pretty angry."

"I understand Mrs. Hummel, but I really would like to try. Thank you."

"You're welcome Paul. Please call me Carole."

"Thank you Carole."

XXX

I arrive at the Hummel's tire store and I can see a light on in the back of the store. Even though the sign says closed I try the door. It is locked, so I knock. No one appears, so I knock again, only much louder. I see Burt emerge from what must be an office at the back of the store. He doesn't really look surprised to see me, but he doesn't look happy about it either. When he speaks he leaves no room for small talk.

"My wife called me and said you were on your way. You have exactly five minutes to say what you came here to say."

"I came to talk to you about David. I know how you feel about him, but he's my son and he needs me and to me he's worth asking for your help a second time, a third time, a fourth, as many times as it takes."

"You're right about my feelings toward your son, but I can respect a father caring that much to try and help his kid. What is it you think I can do for you?"

"I found something last night. A letter, a poem of sorts, that David wrote. I asked him about it this morning and with a great deal of trouble he admitted it was about your son."

"Are you sure I want to hear this?"

"No, not at all, though I hope you will allow me to continue."

"Go ahead."

"The poem expresses a great deal of conflicting emotion that seems to stem from an incident involving both of our children. I have not yet learned what that incident is, but I believe it is at the center of David's recent behavior toward Kurt. He has admitted as much, but is unable to tell me what happened between them. I thought you might know; that maybe Kurt shared what happened with you."

"Sorry. He didn't. At this point I know as much as you do. I kind of thought Kurt wasn't telling me everything, but I know him and he will when he's ready."

"This is so difficult. Burt, I know that Kurt is openly gay. I believe David has feelings for him, and it is tearing him apart. Whatever happened has everything to do with that. I want him to know that I still love him, no matter what, and that he can talk to me. The trouble is I have no idea what to say to him. He is so terribly embarrassed by this, but I think he is also relieved to finally have it out in the open. If he knows he has my support I think we can get through this, but I just don't know how to talk to him about it."

"Whoa! You kinda threw me a curve ball there Paul. I totally didn't see that coming! I'll be asking Kurt about this, you know I have to. This makes what your son did to him even more disturbing. I need to find out what went on there."

"Of course, I expected as much. It is indeed very disturbing. Burt, there is one other thing I need to ask, and then I will leave and never bother you again. When Kurt came out and told you he was gay, what did you say to him? It is obvious after our meeting at the school that you are very protective and supportive of him."

"Well, Paul, I mostly told him that I was proud of him for being brave enough to tell me. I sort of always knew, but hearing it from him was still a bit of a shock. Until he said the words I could just kind of pretend that maybe it wasn't true. But when I found out it was true I knew I could be okay with it eventually. I told Kurt that I would work on making it okay, even though I wasn't thrilled with the idea. He's my son, and I love him no matter what. That is the most important thing for Dave to understand. As long as he knows you're there for him he'll eventually be okay."

"I know I came to the right man Burt. I'll never be able to thank you enough. David has a very difficult road ahead, he is going to have a very hard time coming to terms with who he is and how he feels."

"You know, Paul, there is no need to rush things. Dave doesn't have to tell anyone he isn't ready to tell. Remember, you were the one who found out, accidentally, Dave didn't come out and tell you. That's very different than how things went with Kurt. He knew who he was. I know he's my kid, but that doesn't mean I can't see that he acts queerer than a three dollar bill! Dave's a lot more low key, so it isn't exactly obvious, you know? There's a lot of anger and confusion there. Just let him be the one who decides when and where and how he comes out. He might not while he's still in high school, and it may even be a long time after that. He needs to accept who he is first, before he can admit it to anyone else."

"I know you are still angry about everything that David has done, Burt, and you have every right to be. What David did was terribly wrong, and he needs to make full restitution for it. I do hope, though, that this has answered some of the questions you must have had. Maybe now Kurt can fill in the rest. I intend to ask the same of David, when he's ready."

"I am glad I talked to you Paul. I am still angry, you're right about that. I'll do anything, ANYTHING to protect Kurt, and if I ever find out Dave is giving him a hard time again there's gonna be hell to pay, but I understand things a little better now, and I hope Dave gets the help he needs."

"He will Burt, I will personally see to that."

A/N 2: Thanks again to vcg73 for giving me the insight I needed into Burt Hummel's character. Your suggestions are pure gold!