Author's Note: Today was a weird sad day, that was somehow both triumphant and filled with tears! In fact, it was pretty much like the day Kurt is about to have in this chapter. So I thought I better stay up a little longer and put this out for you to enjoy. :3

Again, my hits messed up and say that nobody has read the latest chapter? I wish it would stop doing that :O Thankfully many of you have been nice enough to favorite/alert/review. Thanks so much, little things like that have really meant a lot to me. I want to personally thank the four reviewers of this chapter: Dorogaya, for sticking with it so long! D.H. Knightly for spending precious internet time on something like this! I hope it isn't expensive? Number1KurtHummelFan for your constant sweet support, you are too kind and your reviews have been so thoughtful. And JasonDragon64, I am very happy I could brighten your day a little. I'm also excited to see you're speculating a little bit...

This song is not on queenofficial's channel to my knowledge. I've heard it's because Freddie Mercury was embarrassed of it and didn't want it to reflect him as an artist. Still, it definitely gets across a lot of emotion...

You can listen to it here: www. youtube .com /watch?v=v4zmv1IFCOA

"Death on Two Legs"

The campaign had been going very well.

Kurt and Blaine held a seminar on makeup and dress tips for the female population, and encouraged most of them to vote Hummel. Through his classmate Brett, Kurt negotiated a special performance of Radio Gaga with the stoners. Their flashy costumes and special effects were enough to trip out the group and they easily became Kurt followers. Blaine made an appeal to the Old Maids club, and soon he was meeting with them every week like their private relationship counselor. When Kurt waved to them in the hall, the adoration in their eyes really creeped him out. But he tried to look past that.

And so on a particularly sunny afternoon, Kurt had let his guard down. He was skipping through the practice fields on his way back to the student parking lot. Not a care in the world, right?

When a football struck the back of his head and knocked him to the ground.

You suck my blood like a leech, you break the law and you preach
Screw my brain till it hurts, you've taken all my money
And you want more...

At first, all he saw was white. Grass blades scratched his left cheek. Breathe, Kurt thought, struggling past the spots in his vision. Blurrily, he saw Coach Bieste running and whistling. But she looked awfully far away. He needed to get up. If he didn't get up, he might die.

Kurt rolled forward onto his feet just in time to see Karofsky barreling towards him. With no time to think, his hands found the wrist and elbow of the fist coming at him and he twisted to the side.

David Karofsky went flying into the dirt.

He was aware that the football team and the cheerleading team had stopped practicing. Bieste was still coming, screaming. Kurt saw Sue Sylvester as well, but she simply stood, arms crossed.

Karofsky lunged at him again. Kurt turned his shoulders away and grabbed an outstretched forearm, tilting his hips up into the throw. The football player lost his balance and fell one more time.

And then Kurt ran as fast as he could because those were the only two Aikido moves he remembered.

Misguided old mule with your pig headed rules
With your narrow minded cronies, who are fools of the first division

"Get back here, you homo!" Kurt's vision was a blur of cheerleader uniforms. He fell at their feet, gasping.

"You freak! You think a pansy like you can be Prom King! More like Prom Queen, faggot!"

Karofsky had reached him. He looked up in fear, certain this was the end. Then his vision was filled with long legs and skirt hems. The Cheerios were protecting him.

"What did you say, meathead?" Quinn seethed. "What's wrong with wanting to be Prom Queen? Misogynistic much?"

"I would kill to be Prom Queen," Santana added. "I would even kill you, hockey loser. So why don't you walk away. Forever."

He seemed stunned. "Miso-what?" He looked at the girls that were slowly surrounding him. "Don't you guys think he's crazy? It's a joke, him as Prom King!"

"You are done here, Karofsky." Bieste had finally caught up and she had his hands locked behind his back before he could even notice her. "You are off the team. We are going straight to the principal. And we are calling your father."

Death on two legs, you're tearing me apart
Death on two legs, you've never had a heart of your own

Then he was gone. Quinn helped Kurt to his feet. He didn't know if he was going to faint or cry. Everyone was circling him. He was grateful for Quinn's unexpected kindness as she continued to hold his arm; he wasn't sure he could stand by himself.

"Not so fragile anymore, are you, Porcelain?" Sue said as she reached the pack. "Let me know when you're ready to rejoin the Cheerios."

Now there were football players crowding as well. Kurt saw Anthony, Mercedes' sorta boyfriend, approaching. "Oh my god, man. I had no idea it was that bad. But you were really cool, dude."

"Th-thanks," Kurt breathed. All sorts of terrible feelings were washing over him. He could have died just then. He could have ended up in the hospital. Tears began to well up in his eyes. "S-sorry, I…"

"Okay, show is over!" Sue screamed in her megaphone. "You can show your respects to him later when you vote him Prom King!"

Quinn, Santana and Brittany remained standing with him a little longer, but none of them said anything. Then he realized why; they were waiting for the boys. Finn and Sam must have went to find Blaine, because suddenly the three of them were jogging across the field. Within moments, Blaine had scooped Kurt into a warm protective hug.

Once Blaine's arms were around him, Kurt sank to the ground again. All the tension was gone from his body, leaving only tears and trembles.

"Sorry. Sorry," Blaine kept repeating. "I was helping the AV club, I got caught up... I'm so sorry, Kurt..."

"He's okay," Quinn said. "Karofsky was no match for him. He's just a bit shocked."

Kurt buried his face in Blaine's collarbone. If he wasn't so upset he would have been completely embarrassed to be oozing tears all over his best friend's shirt. In front of an audience, no less. Blaine stroked his hair until he was quiet.

During the silence, the other glee club members respectively returned to practice. Kurt tried to look up at him but Blaine had turned his face away, pressing his cheek against Kurt's hair.

"I wasn't there for you," he finally said.

"No. Blaine, it was fine. Blaine?"

"Don't look at me right now please." Kurt saw Blaine wipe at his eyes.

They were in silence for a few more moments before Blaine lifted his face. As Kurt suspected, his eyes were a little red. "I am so sorry, Kurt. I failed you."

"You didn't!" Kurt felt like his stomach had fallen out of his body. "I'm not mad. You've been a great bodyguard!"

But Blaine just smiled in a very controlled way. Carefully, as if Kurt might break, he cupped Kurt's face in his palm. It was the same way that Karofsky had held him when they had kissed, but this was with so much more delicacy. Kurt's mind was still spinning out of control with adrenaline but his body at least knew what it wanted. He tilted his face up at Blaine. His hands slipped to the boy's chest, waiting.

They didn't kiss. Blaine reluctantly released him and began to gather the bags and books which had scattered during the attack. Kurt found himself suddenly aware of how many people were still standing around and felt incredibly vulnerable. If Blaine had wanted to kiss him, it wasn't the right time.

If he had wanted to.

"I'll drive you home," he said. "Finn can take me back for my car later."

Finn had been waiting at the edge of the bleachers. The two boys worked out all the details in hushed tones. Kurt appreciated it, but was also embarrassed by the protective treatment. By the time they reached the house, Coach Bieste had already called Burt. He and Carole were angry and it was clear a huge family discussion was about to take place.

Blaine was invited to stay for dinner, but he declined. And Kurt couldn't help but worry about what that meant.

He squeezed Kurt's hands as he left the house. "You were so strong today," Blaine told him. "I do want to stay, but now isn't a good time. I'll see you tomorrow."

Kurt would have been a little more reassured if Blaine would have made eye contact with him.

Kill joy, bad guy, big talking, small fry

The first half of the family meeting was mainly Burt screaming, and everyone else trying to rationalize.

"You can't kill him, honey," Carole rationalized. "We can't stoop to his level."

Finn took a phone call, then reappeared. "It's the principal on the phone, Mr. Hummel. They want to know when you can meet with Dave and his parents?"

"Now!"

"Dad, no!" Kurt scolded. "You need time to calm down. And you have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Finn, tell him two days from now."

Burt grumbled, "But the next day we will be there and make sure that jerkwad is expelled!"

Then there was supportive hugging and words of encouragement, which just made Kurt tear up more. He had trouble sleeping that night. Blaine didn't text or call at all, which was really out of character. Kurt couldn't help letting his insecurities get the better of him while he lay alone, in the dark.

You're just an old barrow boy
have you found a new toy to replace me? Can you face me?
But now you can kiss my ass goodbye

He didn't see Blaine in the morning either. It wasn't until lunch that they reunited. But Blaine still wore a weak smile and seemed down.

"Stop worrying about me, Kurt. You're the one who suffered."

"I'd feel a lot better if you'd cheer up."

Blaine sighed. "I promise I will cheer up tomorrow, okay?" He gulped down the rest of his orange juice, making an awful face. "If the cafeteria food doesn't take its toll on me finally."

Even Glee club seemed lackluster. Everyone had heard about the attack and most didn't know what to say.

Feel good, are you satisfied? Do you feel like, suicide?(I think you should)

"Sometimes," Mr. Schuester said, "you should express your feelings about this kind of thing even if the person you are angry with will never know about it. Get it out. Give yourself a little catharsis. Do you need that, Kurt?"

Is your conscience all right Does it plague you at night?
Do you feel good feel good?

He did.

You talk like a big business tycoon, you're just a hot air balloon

They listened as he sang. The song was full of vile insults and repulsive descriptions. And so was Kurt's heart. He put all his frustration towards Karofsky, Azimio and the others into his song. And his glee family listened and watched. Silently encouraging him.

So no-one gives you a damn, you're just an overgrown schoolboy
Let me tan your hide

"Beautiful," Will said. "If anyone else would like to sing about something that has pained them, I'd love to hear it."

Rachel hesitantly raised her hand. "Mr. Schuester, I would like to sing 'It's Late' during tomorrow's practice."

Kurt couldn't help but notice Finn's side glance at Rachel. Perhaps her strategy was actually working.

When he was back home, Kurt received a text message from Blaine.

BLAINE: Go to this link. Don't interfere unless necessary. I know what I'm doing.

The lump of anxiety was already forming in Kurt's throat as he logged onto the computer. It was a live stream. Of the McKinley locker room.

Blaine was leaning patiently against the lockers. Waiting. Waiting for Karofsky, who entered shortly after.

A dog with disease, you're the king of the 'sleaze'
Put your money where your mouth is, mister know-all

Kurt wasn't even aware he had screamed until Finn was by his side. "What's wrong?" Finn asked.

"I don't know," Kurt replied and they watched the screen.

"Got a death wish, homo?" Karofsky was saying to Blaine.

"Not exactly. Just came to talk." From the camera's vantage point, the audience could see Blaine's hands trembling behind his back. But he kept a cool demeanor upfront. "It's too bad they are taking you off the team. You've got skills. I'm a huge football fan."

"I don't give a shit."

"I'm a big football fan AND I'm gay," Blaine continued. "You see, gay people come in a lot of varieties. Even hockey players might be gay. And there's nothing wrong with that."

"Oh my god, what do we do," Finn whispered. "We can't just watch this."

"He told me not to interfere," Kurt whimpered. He thought fast. "Finn. Can you drive to the school? I'll stay here and watch, and if he's in trouble I will text you immediately."

Finn nodded and crashed out of the door as fast as he could.

And Kurt had no choice but to watch the events unfolding, helpless and far away.

Was the fin on your back part of the deal? (Shark)

Karofsky had gotten very close to Blaine's face. "Leave me alone, queer. Or I'm going to beat all of your teeth out."

"Leave Kurt alone. You don't really want to beat him up anyways." Blaine's voice shook a little, but Kurt didn't think anyone would know unless they really knew him well. His head was tilted up and he never wavered from looking directly into Karofsky's eyes.

"You're just scared, Dave. And jealous. Jealous that we're walking around doing whatever we want and you can't." Blaine smiled, but it wasn't malicious. "But you're not alone. I keep trying to tell you. You don't have to be expelled. You don't have to go through this by yourself."

Was it working? Karofsky's face seemed to soften. Kurt clutched his cell phone tightly. He could barely breathe.

Karofsky said something very softly that the camera didn't pick up. He definitely seemed less aggressive.

"You can," Blaine said.

Dave turned his face to the ground. "At first I just wanted Hummel to notice me."

Kurt felt very alone in his room. And almost like a voyeur. This wasn't something he shouldn't be hearing.

"I just wanted him to know who I was. It's so stupid. I know. But he just kept parading around no matter how often I messed with him. He just kept ignoring me."

"Kurt doesn't hate you, he just wants peace. There are other ways to get him to talk to you."

"I'm not like you though," Dave continued. His voice was thick with encroaching tears. "He'll never notice me now. Now that you're here!"

Death on two legs, you're tearing me apart
Death on two legs, You've never had a heart (you never did)
of your own (Right from the start)

Karofsky slammed Blaine into the lockers, and Kurt jumped in his seat, scrambling for the phone. But Blaine's next words froze him.

"Dave, I am you."

Karofsky's fists were dug into Blaine's shirt collar, noses almost touching.

"I was a football player once too. And a bully." Blaine never took his eyes off of Dave's. "I picked on a kid, made him miserable. And one day I realized why. We realized why, actually."

His school files, Kurt thought. Ms. Pillsbury wasn't just concerned about the Blaine being bullied; he used to be on the other side. Kurt wished he had talked to him about this. What if he died in this display of goodwill?

"And that kid told everyone that I was a fag to protect himself. That's how I ended up at private school. I ran from a life where I was picked on every day over something I can't help. I still can't help it, Dave. And neither can you."

But, unbelievably, his campaign speech seemed to be working. Blaine put his hands on Dave's shoulders, and the other boy just sighed in relief.

"This isn't about Kurt or me. It's about Dave," Blaine said. "You have to go through this eventually. But if you do it now, we can do it together."

Then Dave Karofsky actually hugged Blaine. If he wasn't so petrified, Kurt might have been a little jealous. He couldn't believe that Blaine had actually survived without being assaulted. Kurt relaxed and even had to smile as Blaine turned to the hidden camera and appeared to wink.

But another voice spoke in the dark.

Insane you should be put inside
You're a sewer rat decaying in a cesspool of pride

"Well, well, well." Azimio appeared around the corner. Kurt forced himself to look away as he frantically texted Finn.

"So you were a lady all along. Man, I thought I KNEW you."

"No!" Dave yelped, shoving Blaine away. "This guy, he's trying to seduce me or something."

"Cut the bullshit, I heard the whole thing." More football players entered the room. "We have to think of a special punishment for you."

Kurt cried out as he saw Blaine shoved to the ground and the boys began to descend. In the madness, he saw Blaine roll away under a bench, but with so many varsity jackets moving it was hard to tell what was happening.

And then the glee club boys were there and so was Coach Bieste and Mr. Schuester. The room was chaos. Kurt waited until he saw Blaine's hands grab the camera and turn it off, then he was out the door and in his car.

Should be made unemployed, then make yourself null and void
Make me feel good I feel good

It takes twenty minutes to drive to school, but Kurt was at the back door of the gymnasium in ten. The room was full of people. Football players yelling and taunting, faculty members scolding. Kurt ran up to Finn, who thankfully looked unharmed.

"It's okay. They weren't after Blaine. He's with Ms. Pillsbury."

Kurt found himself looking around for Karofsky also, but the boy was missing. He ran to the guidance counselor's office.

Ms. Pillsbury and Blaine were having tea, which should have been completely absurd but somehow seemed appropriate. It would have been more dapper if Blaine hadn't needed both hands on his cup to stop it from shaking.

"Blaine!" Blaine looked into Kurt's eyes and visibly relaxed. He slammed the teacup back to the desk and launched himself into Kurt's arms.

"You're an idiot, Blaine," Kurt couldn't help but say. "I was so scared."

"Name calling is counter-productive," Emma chided, but she was smiling as the boys clutched each other.

"C-courage," Blaine said weakly.

"Why on earth were you filming? What kind of stupid plan was that?" Now that the shock had worn off, Kurt regained his composure. He reluctantly removed himself from Blaine's arms so that he could scold him properly. "There's a difference between courage and a snuff film!"

"The stream was my back up plan. If he got violent or uh, passionate, I would tell him people were watching and I was going to blackmail him." Blaine turned to Ms. Pillsbury. "Not actually, mind you, just threaten him a bit. Otherwise he was just going to keep coming."

Then Blaine's eyes met his again, and Kurt found it very hard to hold on to his anger. He also found his face was turning pink. In all the drama, he realized there had been a lot of emotional holding going on that they weren't talking about.

"Boys, I think everyone is impressed with your creativity and strength of character," Emma said. "But from now on, you need to let us take care of things. Principal Figgins and I already have a meeting set up with your father tomorrow, Kurt. This incident will certainly factor into that discussion."

"So, can I be your bodyguard again?" Blaine asked shyly as they left the office.

Kurt sighed. "That's really the best you can say right now?" They smiled at each other, but it felt like something more needed to be said. "Blaine? Your past..."

"It's just the past," Blaine said, looping his arm through Kurt's. "We have too much future together to worry about that!"

Karofsky was not expelled. His fate was worse. He was expelled for another week, but when he returned, the bullies turned their efforts against him full force. Kurt did find pity in his heart as he watched Dave being shoved and slushied day after day. But he selfishly wanted to enjoy the reprieve.

So even though the scars of this incident remained, they turned their focus back to prom.

Next: (Princes of the Universe) Sam and Kurt duke it out. Highlander style.