A/N: Title taken from the Maroon 5 song. Of course :P

The song Darren sings, for those who don't catch it, is his own, titled Stutter.

Let me know if you have any questions or queries~

All in all it had gone pretty well. Burt had been shocked but resigned and told Kurt that he had wished he had told him earlier. Kurt had heaved more than one sigh of relief, thankful for having such a perfect father.

But after that Sunday when Darren had gone over for dinner, he realised that there was something still missing.

Kurt always talked about the New Directions, the glee club he was involved in at school. They had a family like bond that Darren equated to his own mind to Team Starkid and Darren knew how important they were to him.

So that's why the next Monday Darren found himself walking up the stone steps of McKinley High promptly at four o'clock, in time for their rehearsal.

He found the choir room easily, a wave of nostalgia for his own high school days washing over him as he walked down the halls, guided by his hearing as he heard voices from the third hall.

"-And so for Regionals we need to-"

Darren cracked the door open slightly, glancing in.

"Darren!"

He caught Kurt's eye across the room. His boyfriend looked surprised to say the least as he rushed over to greet him, his classmates watching with wide eyes as he flung his arms around him.

Darren smiled delightedly, spinning him around and kissing his hair. It had only been a few days since he had last seen him but the separation had been painful. He was so busy with the new musical and Kurt had school and finding time was hard. He had wanted to give him a nice surprise, and was glad he had seemingly made the right choice.

"Err, Kurt," Mr Schuester interrupted awkwardly as Darren set Kurt down, sliding his arm around his waist.

"Sorry," Kurt said with a smug smile directed at his classmates shock, "this is my boyfriend, Darren."

Realisation spread over the group and their reactions varied. A few of the girls squealed excitedly, a short brunette clapping excitedly. The guys looked less excited, a surprising amount of them glaring at him protectively, Finn simply shifting uncomfortably (making Darren snigger as he was undoubtedly thinking of the few times they had met before, most of them involving walking in on them making out – Finn was yet to learn the art of knocking).

"It's nice to have you," Mr Schuester said kindly, shaking Darren's hand politely. "But this is a glee club and since you're here I have to assume you are here to sing."

Darren couldn't help but smirk, shooting Kurt a quick wink. "Well, if you insist…"

"And he sings!" the same brunette squealed. Finn scowled beside her.

"That I do," Darren said smoothly, tapping Kurt's ass subtly out of view of his classmates. He moved over to the band, taking one of the offered guitars. He plucked a few strings absently. It wasn't as nice as his, but it would have to do.

"This is one of my songs, actually," Darren informed them, smiling at the knowing glint in Kurt's eyes as he ran over the first few chords. "I hope you like it…"

Remember that time…

Darren was on edge for the rest of the rehearsal. He sat in the back row and watched them argue a Sectionals set list, mulling over Kurt's reaction the entire time.

He had been awfully silent since the start of Darren's song, which made Darren wonder if he had made the wrong decision in coming in today and singing that song.

The Glee Club's response had been rather enthusiastic, which made him feel that at least he had sounded alright. But there was something about Kurt's reaction that he couldn't quite place and it put him on edge…

"Alright guys," Mr Schuester concluded finally. "We'll resume discussion tomorrow – same place, same time."

The Glee Club members began to file out. Some of them darted out quickly while others (cough, Rachel Berry) lingered, still shooting off ideas to their rather frazzled director.

Kurt was one of the former, snatching Darren's hand and practically dragging him out of the classroom in his haste.

"Kurt," Darren said once they were out of earshot of his peers, "I'm sorry if I-"

"Shut up, Darren," Kurt breathed, tugging him through a door. "You have no freaking idea, do you?"

A no was falling from his lips, but before he could even speak, Kurt smashed their lips together, shoving him up against the door.

"Mmmph- Kurt!" Darren gasped as Kurt grabbed his hair, tugging him closer as he rolled his hips down.

"That. Fucking. Song, Darren," Kurt growled, licking up Darren's neck, nipping lightly at the skin between each word; sending shock waves of pleasure through him. "I nearly took you right there…"

Darren let out a strangled moan at the idea and Kurt pulled him back against his lips once more, kissing him filthily.

"Kurt," he choked as Kurt slipped a hand between them, palming him roughly over his jeans.

"We don't have much time," Kurt said, his voice low and husky. Darren shivered, loving the way he was the only one who got to hear him like this – the only one who'd ever see him fall apart under his hands. "Otherwise I'd bend you over the bench and fuck you so hard you wouldn't walk for weeks."

Darren whimpered as Kurt pulled his hand away, sliding it into the back pocket of his jeans and pulling him even closer against him.

Darren kissed every inch of him he could reach, his sweat and skin salty on his tongue as they moved together messily, grinding their hips once, twice before coming together hard, their broken cries filling the humid air.

Panting for breath, Darren smiled weakly up at the boy above him, taking in his mussed hair, vividly bright eyes and flushed cheeks. His chest swelled with pride and adoration, knowing that he had done that to him.

And that he was his boy.

Darren let out a shaky laugh, pressing a chaste kiss against his lips.

"You are perfect."

The following day Darren climbed the stone steps to McKinley once more, wincing with every step, but unable to stop smiling. He had Kurt's usual coffee in his hand, a salad sandwich in the other. Kurt didn't talk about his school life much but he did always complain about the cafeteria food.

And Darren was just in time for lunch.

He walked through the school, navigating his way tentatively. Kurt had been pretty hurried to leave yesterday (dragging him back to his house for round two of the locker room) and Darren had no idea where anything was.

He was still looking for the cafeteria when he passed the locker room, a smirk tugging at his lips as he recalled yesterday's activities.

But that smirk faded away quickly as he heard the harsh voices exchanged within…

"Stay away from me, Karofsky. I told you I wouldn't tell anyone."

Darren's breath caught and he froze. It was Kurt's voice.

"Well," the other voice growled, "let's just make sure of that-"

Darren burst into the room as quickly as he could, his eyes widening at the sight of a beefy teenager in a Letterman jacket shoving his trembling boyfriend up against the lockers, his fist raised and shaking with the force of it.

The boy released Kurt with a start at the sight of Darren, fear flickering momentarily in his eyes. Kurt let out a strangled sob.

"Darren," he breathed, his eyes a mix of shock and horror.

But before Darren could console him his anger overpowered and he grabbed the jock by the jacket and shoved him with all his force against the lockers, pushing himself up into his personal face.

"Stay the fuck away from him you psycho," Darren screeched, kneeing him in the groin.

"Darren!"

He ignored Kurt's cry behind him, unable to stop the anger bubbling in his chest.

"What are you?" the boy yelled back, trying to push Darren off him. "His little fuck buddy?"

"Nope," Darren grunted through gritted teeth, trying to hold him off, "I'm his boyfriend fuck-head so stay the fuck away from him or I'll rip your fucking clit out and shove it down your throat."

With one final shove, the boy pushed him off and gave him one last push, sending him flying towards the lockers across from him.

"Fuck off butt boy," the jock spat, giving Kurt one last icy look before storming out.

As the door slammed shut behind them, Darren's chest heaved with relief and he collapsed against the lockers, sliding down to the floor, tears burning in his eyes.

"D-Darren?" Kurt whimpered, kneeling beside him.

Darren let out a shuddering breath, quickly drawing Kurt into his arms. Kurt let out a little sob and Darren cradled his head against his chest, kissing his hair.

His poor, beautiful boy.

"What happened, Kurt?" Darren asked softly, steadily as he tried to keep his voice from breaking.

Kurt was silent and all of a sudden it dawned on him.

"How long have you been keeping this from me?"

The bell rang out before Kurt could answer and Darren let out a sigh of frustration. This was always happening to them.

Time. They never had enough fucking time. In their whole relationship they were always waiting for their time to be up; for Burt and Carole to come home; for Kurt's school; for Darren's gig; for Glee rehearsal; for Starship rehearsal…

Joey had sympathised, telling him that it was the same for all relationships. But that didn't ease Darren's distress…

"I have to go," Kurt uttered quietly. Darren stroked his cheek gently, caressing the stunning length of his flawlessly defined jaw.

"Later," he intoned seriously and Kurt gave him a weak smile. Darren leaned in to press a gentle kiss to his lips but Kurt pulled away, his eyes wide and sad and sorry.

"W-We can't," Kurt whispered regretfully and Darren fucked his head, trying not to let his disappointment show. It wasn't Kurt's fault. He was right – they couldn't do this here.

"I'm sorry," Darren said quietly, getting to his feet and offering his assistance to Kurt. Kurt took his hand gratefully and allowed himself to be pulled to standing.

"Thanks," Kurt said gratefully. For your hand, for your understanding, for standing up for me.

Darren nodded; giving him a small smile that he truly hoped conveyed his promise.

Later.

They found their later even sooner than Darren had hoped and that night after Glee rehearsal; Darren opened the door to his anxious looking boyfriend.

Darren quickly ushered him in, Joey and Kurt exchanging quick "hello's as they passed him in the hall. Darren gave him a serious look and Joey understood the unspoken plead. His quick nod was a silent agreement and he slipped quietly into his own bedroom, making a point of turning his IPod up as loud as it would go.

Daren led Kurt into his own bedroom and he didn't miss Kurt's small affectionate smile at the whirlwind chaos that was torn over the space. CD's scattered across his desk; his guitar lay across his unmade bed; scrunched papers splattered with inky scrawl littered the carpet. Kurt took a seat on the bed in the middle of the mess and he traced his fingers across the wood of the guitar almost reverently.

"You should teach me to play," Kurt said absently as Darren sat cross legged on the mattress across from him.

"One day," Darren promised, stilling the path of Kurt's fingers, encasing them with his own. "Although it would ruin your beautiful skin…"

Kurt shrugged carelessly. "I like your hands," he said with a small smile. "They're sexy."

Unable to help himself, Darren let out a breathy laugh and after a moment they were both chuckling at the ridiculty of the comment. The tension diffused slightly and Darren squeezed his hands gently, signally his silent ready.

"I'm sorry," Kurt said at last. "I shouldn't have lied to you."

"No," Darren frowned, "you shouldn't have – I'm your boyfriend, Kurt, I want you to be able to trust me."

"I do trust you!" Kurt insisted quickly. "Of course – of course I do," he assured him so earnestly that Darren's heart swelled.

God. He loved this boy so much.

"I just didn't want you to worry."

"Well, I'm worried now," Darren said seriously, his concern seeping through his urgent tone. "You have to tell me everything now – and please don't spare me because you're worried about…" Darren searched, "my… my feelings or whatever because today was about as fucking serious as it gets."

Kurt nodded solemnly. "Okay," he breathed, closing his eyes and readying himself. Darren gave him a reassuring smile even though he knew he wouldn't see it.

"I am," Kurt began slowly, his voice thick with unshed tears, "the only out gay kid at my school. And before I met you… I was completely alone."

Darren's heart clenched at the image. Kurt. Beautiful Kurt. Alone and lonely, with friends but no one who could truly see him.

"They tried," Kurt amended, "my friends, I mean," he added hastily. "We've all been bullied. They- the school- they… hate the Glee Club. We stick together because we're outcasts." He let out a sarcastic, almost bitter laugh. "You know what they say; you can't choose your family."

Kurt shook his head, continuing.

"But they didn't have it the same as me. No one called them Lady or Gay face or Fag-" Darren winced at the slur, "-and none of them had a Karofsky."

"That was him, wasn't it?" Darren asked. "That guy in the locker room." Darren's hands now his own, tightened into firsts at his sides as anger bubbled in his chest at the memory.

Kurt nodded slowly. "The jocks are bad – with the exception of the Glee boys of course,' he corrected himself. "But Karofsky," his voice trembled on the name, "it's like he's made it his life's mission to make my life a living hell."

Darren's stomach twisted painfully as Kurt spoke. He felt instantly guilty for being so neglectful, so ignorant. How could he have not seen the signs? It was so obvious now. Why he always avoided discussions about actual school, only talking about Glee Club and – oh god.

He was a motherfucking dickhead.

"That bruise," Darren choked out. Kurt's eyes widened almost imperceptibly but Darren caught the gesture and it confirmed his suspicions.

"Kurt," Darren moaned against his neck, the vibrations sending a shiver up Kurt's spine. He tugged at the hem of his shirt and Kurt eagerly lifted his arms, allowing Darren to swiftly strip him.

Darren gasped and suddenly Kurt stiffened in his arms.

"It's nothing," he said hastily, but Darren traced his spine carefully, concern flooding through him.

"Kurt," he breathed, "what happened?"

Gracing the small of Kurt's perfect back, swelling across the flawless pit of porcelain was an ugly purple bruise.

"Drama class," Kurt explained quickly. "We're studying physical theatre – you know how intense it gets."

Darren let out an exhale of relief. "Thank god," he breathed, kissing the tender skin lovingly. "Ugh, that was an awful semester."

Kurt nodded. "Tell me about it…"

"You weren't studying physical theatre at all, were you?"

Kurt bit his lip, worried for his reaction as he shook his head guiltily. He couldn't bear it if Darren was mad at him now…

"So it's physical," Darren said sharply, "what he's doing to you?"

Kurt nodded, still hesitant. "And… verbal… both."

Darren's jaw tensed visibly and he swallowed thoughtfully, considering his options

"Darren," Kurt ventured softly after Darren was silent for a full minute. "Please don't hate me."

Darren shut his eyes. "I just don't understand how you could keep something like this from me… I thought we were honest with each other."

"I'm sorry," Kurt whispered and after a tense moment, Darren opened his eyes, nodding.

"I know," he said at last and Kurt let out a breath he didn't know he had still been holding. "But I'm still mad…" Kurt frowned sadly but nodded, knowing he deserved it. "And I'm calling your father."

"No," Kurt shot out, his eyes widening greatly in alarm. "Dare, you can't – his heart…" he shook his head frantically. "It'll kill him."

Darren set his jaw, clearly at an impasse. Kurt tried to inject the full force of his puppy dog eyes, wide and pleading and wondered if quivering his lower lip was too much.

"Kurt," Darren let out at last and Kurt's chest tightened painfully at how very heartbroken he looked. His shoulders slumped and his face crumbled. "I have to. Please don't do this…"

"What are you going to do?" Kurt whispered. "If you call my Dad?"

"I'll ask him to join me tomorrow,' he answered after a moment.

Kurt quirked an eyebrow. "And what's tomorrow?"

"We're going up to the school," Darren continued, his tone firm and assured. His mind was made up. "And we're going to report Karofsky to your principal."

Darren's tone was so final that Kurt knew any argument was futile. At last, he nodded, accepting, his stomach fluttering nervously with fear for the following day and his heart swelling with love for his Darren, Darren who would do anything for him.

His Darren, who he was so ridiculously in love with that it hurt. It was like a slow, steady, constant burn, flaring up passionately at moments like these. And he knew he wouldn't be able to hold it in for much longer.

But he was scared.

What if it was too soon? What if Darren didn't love him back?

He wanted Darren to be the one to say it first.

"Good…" Darren breathed, relief washing over his features, his eyes softening and a small smile tugging at his lips. "Good… thank you." He grabbed Kurt's hands once more and kissed the back of them sweetly and Kurt's insides melted. He wasn't mad…

"Can I stay the night?" Kurt asked hopefully.

"Let me call your dad first," Darren compromised and Kurt pursed his lips, nodding grudgingly. Darren kissed his forehead quickly, ducking out of the room.

Half an hour later, Darren was still on the phone with his father and Kurt was just a little worried, snuggling up to Darren's pillows under his bed covers, trying to let the sweet surrounding scent of him relax him.

He was flipping absently through the pages of the paperback Darren had on his bedside table when another figure appeared at the doorframe, his stance careful but his smile easy, Darren's familiar beanie dumped over his scruffy hair.

"Hey, Joey," Kurt greeted him, closing the book politely as he entered the room.

"You know," Joey grinned, "I was actually going to come and get you to make me pancakes since Dare's still on the phone but you look so fuckin' adorable I don't want to ask you to get up."

Kurt rolled his eyes at the "fuckin' adorable" comment. As much as he tried to deter them, all of the Starkids persisted that he was 'the cutest effing thing'. Lauren sympathised a bit, but even she joined in, grateful that the heat was taken off her for once.

He'd gotten used to it eventually, learning that it was just another one of their endearing displays of affection along with the relentless teasing and invasion of personal space.

And since they were not just Darren's friends, but his family, who spent as much time at Darren's apartment as Kurt did, eh had gotten so used to them that when Joey crawled under the covers and laid his head on his shoulder he didn't so much as flinch.

"Pancakes," Kurt laughed, "for dinner? Joey, really?"

"Kurt," Joey whined, "I'm hungry…"

Kurt sighed worriedly. "He's still talking to him? They're not fighting, are they?"

"Nah." Joey shook his head. "Dare loves you too much to get on your Dad's bad side… he isn't that much of an idiot."

The burn of Kurt's heart flared up once more.

"Dare loves you too much to get on your bad side."

Joey thought he loved him?

Kurt sighed a little wistfully, slumping against Joey's side, a spell of tiredness washing over him.

If only Darren would just tell him.

Darren hung up the phone with a shaky sigh. The conversation had been long and hard and Darren just wanted to curl up in a ball, far, far away from all of it. On a nice island, somewhere. With lots of sunshine and Kurt, too, of course. And maybe Joey.

Burt agreed that Kurt could stay the night and Darren had thanked him endlessly. He just needed to hold him tonight, keep him safe the only way he knew how.

"You're a good man, Darren. Thank you."

Burt's parting words rang in his ears and tears stung against his eyelids. He wasn't deserving of his praise.

When he re-entered the bedroom he clasped his hand to his mouth, muffling the sob that was thick at the base of his throat. Kurt and Joey were both asleep, their heads resting together, looking so peaceful and adorable and calm; the way that they both deserved to be.

Crossing the room quietly, Darren climbed up on the bed on Kurt's side, ducking under the covers and curling up against his warmth. He heard Kurt let out a contended sigh and felt him lean back against his body. Darren nuzzled his face into his shoulder and kissed the base of his neck, holding onto him tightly.

He never wanted to let go.