"I know, Mary." Paul said through the phone. "I know…I am…..well, you're not doing anything about it either!...I told you I'm handling it!...Oh, fuck off, bitch!"

Paul turned off his cell phone in a fury, missing the days when you could slam a phone down with purpose. The phone call with his ex-wife just set his jaw further on edge. He didn't know what to do about Dave and he knew he had to do something.

Dave was basically living with the Saranitys. He had run out after Paul found out one of Dave's big secrets, barely setting foot in his own house anymore. Dave stopped by for changes of clothes and always arranged it when his Dad was not home.

Paul would have to take action. The state championship game was in a few days and he knew his son was sick.

I bet that little faggot is nursing him back to health, Paul thought viciously. Well, Paul knew what he had to do.

.

When Matt and Dave emerged from Matt's parked car in the student parking lot, nearly every student present saw them together. Momentarily confused by the attention, a slow dawning smashed the boys as they looked at each other.

Dave's face became a scowl.

"Thanks for the ride, Saranity!" Dave coldly called out and ran towards the school. Matt, understanding what Dave was doing, simply nodded, unhappily. Dave hated seeing Matt's face like that, especially after taking such good care of him this past week.

But students took notice and soon, gossip mills would start. Dave was torn – he didn't want anyone to know about him and Matt yet, but he kind of didn't care. Nevertheless, he didn't want Matt to suffer any more than he had to.

"Karofsky!"

Dave whirled around, just as he was reaching the student entrance to see Azimio running towards him.

"What the hell?!" Azimio yelled.

"What?" Dave asked, confused.

Azimio spread his arms wide open in a stance of total confusion.

"Why are you riding around in that homo's car?"

Dave eyed his friend before he could catch himself. Azimio noticed, making him even more confused.

"Saranity gave me a ride to school." Dave said simply.

"A ride?" Azimio began affrontedly, "I could've given you a ride. Why didn't you just drive your truck? You've been out sick all week and you show up to school in that queer's car?" Azimio quickly walked right up to his best friend. "What's everybody supposed to think? You and that homo butt buddies or somethin'?! I haven't even heard from you in, like, a fuckin' week!"

Azimio rarely yelled at Dave, but his frustration was very clear. Azimio felt ignored and didn't like it. Dave shifted his feet, looking down momentarily, his mind racing, and then right back up at his best friend. Behind Azimio, Matt was slowly walking towards the student entrance with the worst possible timing imaginable.

"Az, he…doesn't live that far from me, so he offered me a ride." Dave said lamely.

"Bullshit!" Azimio sneered, "That queer lives across town. I live closer to you than him! What the hell is goin' on?!"

Matt had now reached the boys and was trying to pass. But Azimio caught him in his peripheral vision. Like a hunter, Azimio lunged for Matt with a snarl and was just about to grasp his shoulder when Dave snatched Azimio's arm back.

Azimio stared at Dave like he didn't know him. Matt, terrified, ran into the building. But Azimio just kept staring at Dave like he didn't know him at all. Dave's features hardened, harshly letting go of Azimio's arm.

"It was just a ride to school, that's al-"

"Oh, My God." Azimio exclaimed.

Dave froze. No no no no no no no…..

Azimio continued to stare at his best friend incredulously. Dave tried to save face.

"Az, come on. Let's get to clas-"

"All those years ago….." Azimio slowly said, staring at Dave like it was all a dream.

"W-what?" Dave asked nervously.

"Oh. My. God… All those years ago…"

Dave was now sweating bullets at Azimio's strange, accusatory behavior.

"What are talking about Az?"

Azimio turned to head into the building, but stopped when his body was perpendicular to Dave.

"Your Mom was right."

.

Sebastian was headed towards class. The halls were filled with excited students. The state championship game was on everyone's minds, except Sebastian. He could've cared less. As he was walking to his first period class, he heard footsteps rapidly approaching from behind.

Sebastian quickly turned his head to see a scared Matt Saranity running up to him.

"Sebastian!" Matt said, slowing when he reached him.

"Matt! What's wrong?"

Matt took a moment to collect his breath before responding.

"I think," Matt said quietly, "Azimio Adams has figured Dave and me out!"

Sebastian's eyes widened. "Oh nooooo."

"Yeah."

The boys looked at each other, not knowing what to do or how to handle this. Sebastian could easily see the worry and fear in Matt's eyes. He knew of their plan, of course, and knew they weren't ready to reveal themselves to the whole school and college football world. Sebastian took a moment to think.

"Let's get to the choir room before school starts. We need to come up with a plan." Sebastian said firmly.

"OK."

And just as they turned to go to the choir room, they both shot horrified looks over their shoulders. Azimio Adams was running towards them, a fierce scowl on his face. Dave was trying to catch up to Azimio in his weakened state.

Sebastian and Matt ran.

.

Dave was lumbering in Azimio's wake. He didn't see Matt anywhere, but knew his best friend was on a mission. He followed as best he could, still weakened from being sick. Running down the hall, he saw Azimio pick up speed and a sharp terror went through Dave's heart.

He must've found Matt.

Dave did his best to pick up speed, but he trailed Azimio considerably.

As Dave was approaching another cross hallway, he quickly looked left and right. He saw a large, red blur dart into the choir room.

Dave's heart sunk.

Panting, he ran down the hall and into the choir room. What he saw before him both angered and revolted him.

Azimio held Matt and Sebastian, one arm on each boy, up against the wall! Matt and Sebastian had terrified expressions on their faces and Azimio was furious.

"Az!" Dave roared.

"Get outta here, Karofsky!"

Dave quickly eyed the two scared boys, and then tunneled a feral stare at Azimio. Dave dashed for Azimio and the fight began.

Dave grabbed Azimio from behind, surprising him. Azimio fell to the side a little and Dave landed a punch to Azimio's rib cage. Matt and Sebastian stumbled to the side, suddenly freed from the wall.

Azimio rebounded, snarled, and lunged at Dave, throwing punches into Dave's stomach. Dave reacted as if nothing happened. Suddenly, he plunged his elbow into the middle of Azimio's back, forcing a cry of anguish from his best friend.

The two threw punch after punch at each other. Dave connected to Azimio's right cheek while Azimio connected with Dave's throat, momentarily knocking his wind away. Neither boy could see or hear Matt's strained efforts to stop the fight, but that didn't deter Matt.

"Stop! Stop!" Matt screamed. He tried to pull Dave off Azimio. But when Dave pulled his arm back to deliver a vicious punch, his elbow connected with Matt's chest. Matt careened backwards, smacking into the side of the piano.

Matt cried out. Dave immediately turned around in shock. Azimio smiled.

Azimio saw his opportunity. He immediately went to deck Dave.

"Dave!" Sebastian screamed.

Dave whirled around, but not in enough time. Azimio rushed Dave, knocking him to the floor. The boys rolled around on the floor, kicking, hitting, and even biting, angry snarls bubbling out of their mouths.

"HEY!"

All four boys whirled around to see Coach Paul Karofsky and Coach Michael Ayres glaring at the boys.

"My office! NOW!" Paul roared.

.

The walk to Coach Karofsky's office was quiet and tense. No one was speaking. Azimio was limping a little and Dave was trying to catch his breath. Sebastian was helping Dave on one side while Matt was inconsolable on Dave's other side. Azimio glared at the floor.

The two coaches and four boys all crowded into Paul's office. The boys sat – Dave sandwiched between Matt and Sebastian, Azimio just to Sebastian's side. Paul sat at his desk, a slight "hmph" coming from his mouth. Michael stood near Paul, arms crossed defensively.

Silence. Everybody just scowled at everybody. Azimio and Dave were glaring at the floor, while Matt and Sebastian looked to Dave sympathetically.

A disgusted sound filled the room them. The four boys looked up to see Paul with a repulsed scowl on his face. He was looking at Sebastian, Dave, and Matt. Michael appeared confused.

"Well?!" Paul angrily asked.

Nobody said a word. The angry, tense silence continued.

"Somebody had better say something and fast." Paul said annoyed. "This little incident can't be reported if I'm going to have my two best players play in the championship game."

Sebastian looked up at Paul, a little disgusted. Sebastian hated how important this game was to the community and couldn't believe that Azimio Adams might not be disciplined because of a dumb football game.

But Paul wasn't deterred. He quickly smiled at Sebastian and then his angry scowl once again returned, staring the boys down. Sebastian really hated him.

As the mute showdown continued, the boys would occasionally look at each other, waiting for someone to begin. Still, no one said anything. Michael shifted his weight, nervously.

Surprisingly, it was Sebastian that spoke up.

"It was a misunderstanding."

Every pair of eyes looked at Sebastian in complete and total surprise. Sebastian, not noticing at first, fixed a little smile on his face, looking at Paul.

"Azimio thought I offended him. I didn't."

Azimio immediately scoffed. Paul and Michael glared at him.

"Is this true, Adams?"

Azimio's head shot up. "No."

Paul, eying Azimio, slowly leaned back in his office chair, studying the boys.

"Then, what happ-"

"Your son's a fag." Azimio rudely said.

Dave shot up out of his chair, going at Azimio again. But he wasn't fast enough. Michael ran between the boys, stopping Dave in his tracks. Sebastian shook his head to Dave and Dave sat back down.

Meanwhile, Matt had his eyes closed. Everything that he and Dave carefully planned for the last seven months was unraveling before their eyes. Two coaches, both sets of parents, and two classmates now knew the truth. Matt didn't know what all went wrong and he was suddenly so sad.

Dave, sitting back down, checked on Matt, somehow knowing something was wrong. He immediately grew concerned for Matt and reached out to him. Slowly, he stroked Matt's back.

Everybody in the room watched this loving gesture. Paul and Azimio glared vigorously, while Sebastian only seemed to glow. Only Michael watched dispassionately. The warm, loving moment didn't last long.

"Dave!" Paul roared. "Get your hands off….Saranity!"

Dave eyed his Dad with a sickened curiosity.

"Were you going to call him something else, Dad?" Dave asked quietly.

Paul narrowed his eyes at Dave but said nothing. Michael shifted his eyes between the father and son, hoping he wouldn't have to break up another fight.

"No." Paul side with a devious smile on his face.

Dave was angry.

"You know Dad, Matt has been the best thing in my life. We've been dating for seven months now."

Paul's eyes narrowed further, anger seeping from him. He clenched his fists together, shaking slightly.

"You disgust me." Paul whispered. Every eye in the room widened, except Dave's.

"Yeah, I know." Dave quietly responded. "But that doesn't change the fact that I love Matt."

"I should bench you." Paul said with a controlled anger.

"But you won't," Dave confidently began, "because you hate to lose. And you know I'll win this game."

Ugly, ferocious tension filled the room. Father and son glared at each other as if no one else was in the room. It was very clear there would be no reconciliation between them for the time being and no one could prevent that.

Bravely, Matt reached for Dave's hand and Dave snatched it strongly.

"I love Matt Saranity, Dad. And he loves me." Dave professed. "And you and no one" Dave glanced at Azimio and then right back to his Dad, "will stop us."

The barest traces of a smile graced Sebastian's face. He loved seeing such strength, such love. It did nothing to ease the tension and outright hate in the room, but love holds such promise. Sebastian leaned back a little, proud at the little display. He looked at Michael as Michael looked back at him. Michael now couldn't help but smile a little.

"Coach," Michael tentatively began, "we don't need this right now. Let's let the boys-"

"What?!" Paul angrily yelled. "Fuck each other in the ass right here?! Let a homo lead this team to the state championship?!"

"Yes." Michael said quickly. "Yes, let a great quarterback lead this team to the championship. Guide a great quarterback to college on a scholarship. Coach this awesome quarterback to a win. Teach us the true meaning of winning!"

Every eye stared at Michael, stunned.

"And Coach?" Michael gently continued. He leaned down a little, just barely getting in Paul's face. "You're a fuckin' idiot."

Eyes in the room couldn't have gotten wider. Even Azimio was stunned by the brazen display.

Paul stood up and got in Michael's face. The boys tensed.

"You got some nerve, Ayres." Paul said evenly. "Now you're gonna teach me how to do my job?"

"No, coach." Michael said, holding his ground. "Teach you to be a better man."

Paul glared at Michael. Nobody had stood up to Paul Karofsky, Head Coach of the McKinley High School Titans before. Truth be told, he was on unfamiliar ground.

Dave tightened his grip on Matt's hand, fearing the worst. Sebastian snatched Matt's other hand, fearfully. Even Azimio glanced at the other boys, not quite knowing what to do.

Then, Michael very slowly smiled. He knew the coach was flabbergasted. Backing up a little, he turned towards the boys.

"Dave," Michael began, authoritatively, "you're a helluva quarterback. Play to win. Adams, keep your mouth shut about this. We need the team's support to win the championship and if you or anyone else says anything about their relationship, we'll lose. Matt, Sebastian, keep your mouths shut about this and go about your business."

And then, Michael turned back to Paul.

"And Coach?" Michael asked, as Paul looked over at him, "He's still your son."

And with that, Michael turned and briskly left the room.

Nobody said anything for a long moment. Stunned, Paul sat back down at his desk, staring at absolutely nothing.

"Dad?" Dave asked quietly. "Did Mom know about me?"

"Yes." Paul and Azimio chorused. Both men's eyes shot up, staring at each other in wonder.

"Your Mom," Azimio said, suddenly looking at the floor, "asked me to watch over you just before she left your Dad. That happened when we were eleven. She thought you were gay and knew you'd need a…friend."

"You knew?" Dave asked incredulously.

Azimio slowly nodded.

"You got some nerve comin' after me then!" Dave roared.

"I didn't want it to be true!" Azimio whined.

"Well, I didn't either!" Dave fired back.

Neither boy said anything then. The wheels of memories were turning over and over in Azimio's and Dave's heads. All those lost years of lies and deceit were ever so slowly constructing a divide in their friendship and they didn't even know it.

"You should've told me." Dave whispered.

"And you should've told me." Azimio quickly returned.

A tear was falling down Matt's cheek as he watched the fascinating exchange. Sebastian and Paul were silent, both lost in agonizing thought.

"Is that true, Dad?" Dave asked, looking up at his lost father.

Paul dumbly looked at Dave.

"Did Mom leave because she figured out I'm gay and you were going to try to make me go straight?"

Paul didn't even respond. He didn't have to. Years of anger and hate were taking its toll on the elder Karofsky. Just the barest hints of sadness were now evident on Paul's face.

"Leave. All of you." Paul quietly said.

No one hesitated. Four boys left Paul Karofsky to his thoughts and sadness.

.

True to their word, the four boys kept the fight and meeting in the coach's office silent. No one said a word to anyone. Azimio didn't speak to Dave and walked away from them, while Dave left with Sebastian and Matt.

"Dave," Sebastian began sympathetically, "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be." Dave responded. "Nothing's your fault."

"I know that." Sebastian replied, "It's just…." Nothing came out of his mouth.

"I know." Dave quietly said. The boys came to a halt in the hallway. Class was in session, so no one was around.

"Thank you for helping us." Dave said to Sebastian. Sebastian huffed.

"I didn't do anything." Sebastian replied.

"Yes, you did." Dave insisted. "You're being supportive of our plan. And you helped me get over being sick." Dave looked down to Matt. Both boys smiled, but Matt only smiled briefly, a pensive look on his face.

Sebastian recognized that a whole other conversation needed to take place and it was his time to leave.

"It's too bad you're taken, Dave. You're quite a guy." Sebastian earnestly said. Dave smiled as Sebastian turned and left. Sebastian ignored the slightly jealous look Matt was giving him.

Now, it was just Dave and Matt. It would always be Dave and Matt, as far as they were concerned.

"You 'K?" Dave asked.

"I should be asking you that question, Dave." Matt responded.

The boys began to stroll down the hall. They didn't even know what time it was and didn't know if they were heading in the right direction for their respective classes. But given what just happened in Dave's Dad's office, neither boy cared.

"We can still make this plan work." Matt said simply.

Dave came to a halt. He turned and faced his incredible boyfriend, snatching both of his hands into his.

"Damn straight we can make this work!" Dave happily declared.

Matt couldn't help but smile.

"But, first things first." Matt said.

Dave questioningly looked at him. Matt took the moment to close the gap between him and Dave, gently tugging Dave's shirt down. Dave took the hint, his lips just an inch from Matt's. But before their lips slowly met, Matt finished his thought.

"Go win that dumb game."

.