Hey there. Thank you all so much for sticking with me through out this story. It means a lot. Right, now. I know this isn't exactly normal for Kurt, but after having a rough few days he needed time to think.. and he couldn't do that at school. He just wanted some alone time.. I hope you guys don't mind the added element.

Disclaimer: Glee doesn't belong to me :'(

Chapter 14. Karofsky's Out.

That night Kurt barely slept. He spent most of his time thinking about the next day and what was going to happen. As long as Karofsky was at McKinley his life was going to be hell. As Kurt watched the hours pass by one at a time, he knew that the amount of slushie facials he'd get a day would probably double, maybe even triple. As a side note Kurt thought that maybe he should take a few more changes of clothes to put in his locker. Just incase.

Kurt's thoughts then moved on to think about how many more times he would be pushed into his locker daily but forced himself to stop. He really didn't want to know. Then his thoughts took a similar direction as he wondered how many more scars he would have to join the seven scars already scattering his back. He tried to stop his mind from drifting, but with no such luck, they drifted to the bruises that were currently covering his back, shoulders and even his chest where the dumb ass jock had shoved him yesterday.

He hated this. He hated everything that was happening to him, he hated how the school board where doing nothing. He hated that he'd never be able to go to Dalton. He hated it. The fear and pain seemed to swallow Kurt as he drifted into unconsciousness at 5am.

Kurt's alarm went of at seven on the dot, but for the first time in his life, Kurt smacked the alarm, shutting it up. He heard the sound of something falling over as he rolled over and drifted back to sleep. He really couldn't care less. The last thought in his mind: There was no way he was going to school today. Tomorrow, yes. Today, He just needed time.

When Kurt woke up he stared at his white ceiling for what seemed like ages before glancing at his alarm clock and the two photo frames he'd knocked over after his earlier outburst. 11:02. Wow, he never slept this late not even at the weekends. He always felt like he was wasting the day. However today Kurt couldn't care less. He was shattered and tired of everything. He dragged himself out of bed and down to the kitchen, where he found a note on the kitchen side.

Hey Kid,

After you ignored your alarm we assumed you weren't feeling well, so we let you sleep. Let me know if your okay. You've got us worried.

Dad and Carole.

Kurt groaned. What should he tell his Dad and Step mum to be? Should he feign an illness? Cold? Migraine? Or should he just tell them the thought of returning to McKinley made him sick?

After he made himself a cup of coffee he went up to his room, grabbed his phone and curled back up in bed. 6 new messages. Woah! What the hell. Kurt was never this popular. He read them one by one, deciding to text back after he'd read them all. It would mean less multiple conversations with the same person, if that was the case. The first one was Rachel. It was sent just after first period started at 9:01.

'Kurt where are you? Are you okay? You never miss school? x' wow Kurt thought 1 minute into lesson and she knew something wasn't right. That girl was fast.

The next time was from his diva best friend Mercedes.

'Hey Fashionesta, Are you okay?' a sad smile played on his lips. He loved Mercedes and he was surprised she'd text him. They hadn't spoken much as of late. Mercedes' wasn't to pleased that Rachel knew about Blaine before she did and that she had to find out with everyone else. She wasn't happy at all. He sighed, he'd have some explaining to do when he returned to McKinley tomorrow. The girls wouldn't let this go. He moved on to the next text.

It was Blaine.

'Hey. Just wanted to see how you where today. Remember I'm always here. Courage.' Kurt couldn't help but smile as he read Blaine's message. He only wished he had the courage to attend school today. He decided he would text Blaine back now. He'd break any rule for Blaine and he knew it.

'I'd say I'm okay, but I'd be lying and I don't want to lie to you. I could really use some courage now though.. I ditched school. I couldn't face him today. I, I just couldn't.' he sent it before he registered his complete honesty. He sighed and then onto the next text he went.

Rachel. Again.

'Kurt, I know you. You can't still be sleeping. x'

He skipped over the text, he'd reply in a minute. The sender of the next message shocked him.

Puck. Kurt looked at the name and his mouth popped open in shock. Why would Puck text him? He read on intrigued.

'Yo dude, That asshat hasn't touched you again has he? If he has I swear..' Kurt was amazed. He wasn't even sure why he even had his number, but the fact Puck actually text him because he was worried about him made Kurt smile as he stared at his screen in shock before moving on to the last text.

The last one was sent 10 minutes ago and was from Rachel, her third text.

'Kurt, seriously. This isn't funny. Are you okay? Whats happened? Please text back. xx'

He let out a sigh and a sad smile, Rachel actually cared enough to text him, panicking about him because he hadn't replied to her texts within 3 hours. He felt guilty for not checking his phone sooner. He started on his reply.

'Sorry Rach, I was asleep and then I went downstairs to grab a coffee. Sorry. I'm okay I guess. Nothings happened. I just have a stress induced migraine, so having the day off to recover. Will be back tomorrow. xx'

He hit reply, he still hadn't properly decided on his excuse but he guessed now he was going with a migraine. Kurt put his phone on the bedside table and pulled the duvet over his head willing sleep to take over. He was just drifting off when his phone vibrated against the wooden surface of his bedside table. He let out a frustrated sigh while angrily reaching at his phone. Two messages. Why won't people stop texting him!

The first message was Rachel.

'Asleep? That late? Are you okay? I mean, I know your not but how are you holding up? A migraine, have you taken tablets for that? If you want, I can come back with Finn and see if your okay? xx'

Kurt was seriously annoyed at being disturbed, but felt some of the annoyance slip away as he saw how kind hearted and nice Rachel was actually being. Which was rare.

'I took two aspirin. Hopefully that'll do the trick. I'm as fine as I can be and Rachel you don't have to do that. But thank you for the offer. xx'

He sighed and stared up at the ceiling feeling stressed before reading the second text. It was Blaine, and suddenly Kurt didn't seem so angry any more.

'Oh Kurt I'm so sorry. I know exactly what your going through and I wouldn't wish that on anybody. If there was something I could say to help I would, but from being there myself, I know there's nothing I can say. So hear this. Kurt, If there is anything I can do don't hesitate to ask. Anything. Okay?' Kurt actually smiled. He didn't know a lot about Blaine's past but he knew he'd been through a similar situation. His smile left his face as he realised Blaine had had to go through this alone. And then he wanted to cry. He couldn't imagine going through this without Blaine. He picked up his phone and sent a reply. 'Thank you for just being here Blaine. There's nothing else you need to do for me. Just knowing your there, that's enough. I just wish I could have been there for you when you needed someone. Now, I'm going to sleep. So enjoy your day and I will speak to you later. Thank you.' As soon as the text was sent he turned his phone off and took out the battery. No one could disturb him now.

Kurt slept through the rest of the day, only to he disturbed by Carole when it was time for tea. Everyone, including Finn was concerned but Kurt said he'd just had a bad migraine. He knew they didn't know whether to be believe him, but they didn't question him which was enough. After dinner, Kurt checked his phone. Two messages, no surprise there.

'Okay.. I won't come over but i'll make sure Finn checks up on you. Feel better soon, Kurt and you promise I'll see you tomorrow? xx'

'Sorry Rach, I turned my phone off. Well, there was no need to do that, but he has done what you asked, he has been constantly checking on me since he got home. It's annoying. Thank you and I promise I will be in school tomorrow. (: xx' Finn had been constantly checking up on him and it was doing his head in, yeah he cared and all, and it was nice to know but every 5 minutes Finn would show up.

'You don't need to thank me, I will be here for you no matter what. Kurt, you don't need to worry about that, sure I was alone then. I'm not now, and I have you to thank for that. Speak to you later Kurt. Feel better soon.'

'I will be here for you to, even if it's just to listen to you complain about Wes and David. Good. I feel slightly better already thanks. Night.' Kurt smiled, Blaine said that he no longer felt alone any more because of him. That comment had made his day. He put his phone on the bedside table and slept.

Kurt kept his promise to Rachel and was back at school the next day. Morning lessons where boring. He'd already been slushied and pushed into his locker twice and it was only 12:11. It was going to be a long day. Kurt walked through the doors of the choir room where Finn and his Dad where waiting for their dance lesson to start. Kurt noticed as his Dad did a double take, noticing that Kurt was where a different outfit then the one he had on only a few hours ago. He let out a sigh of relief when his Dad didn't acknowledge the change of clothing. He must have put it down to Kurt's ever changing fashion. One advantage of being a diva.

Kurt was feeling better already as he danced with his Dad trying to get him prepared for his wedding. He wasn't all that bad Kurt thought, just a little bit stiff. "Hey Finn! Look I'm dancing!" his dad shouted sounding rather proud of himself, he couldn't help but smile at his dad. After a few minutes of dancing with him he left his Dad to try doing it alone as he went to work on Finn, and he knew it would take him twice as long being the terrible dancer he is. "Take my hand." he ordered to Finn who looked awkward and uncomfortable. Finn did what he was told but put the other on Kurt's shoulder. Considering he was learning the male part of the dance routine it was wrong. "That hand goes on my waist Finn." he said as he moved Finn's hand for him. Finn let go, stepped back and glanced to the open door. Embarrassment flooding his features. "Dude, maybe we should shut the door." Kurt sighed. This was ridiculous. "Finn. You'll be singing and dancing in front of hundreds of people at Regional's. Come on. It's easy." he said trying to be encouraging rather then show how irritated he was by the giant boy. Finn did as he was told.

They hadn't even moved full circle when Karofsky walked past the open door. All three of them noticed as Karofsky let his wrist go limp as he pulled a face at Kurt before walking off. Kurt blew it off and returned to Finn. However, his Dad wasn't going to let this slide. "What was that about?" Burt said sounding concerned and angry. "Nothing." Kurt replies bluntly looking at the wall behind his Dad. "That didn't look like nothing." A few minutes of silence passed before Finn spoke. "Tell him Kurt." what the hell? He hadn't told his Dad for a reason! "Tell him Kurt." he said seriously. "Or I will." his threat and honest intentions evident in his voice. "Tell me what?" his Dad sounded angry, worried and seriously concerned. The two boys continued to glare at each other before Kurt spoke. "He's just a guy that's been giving my grief for who I am. That's all."

"Has he ever done anything to you Kurt?" his dad demanded sounding angrier then Kurt can ever remember him getting. Kurt was having a huge debate in his head right now. Should he tell him? Obviously not about the kiss. That's his secret to tell. But about the death threat? It did have him scared sick but what if nothing happens and Karofsky just gets worse. He looked at his Dad and then Finn, both staring at him waiting for an answer. "He threatened to kill me." he told them emotionlessly. "What? You've got to be kidding me" Finn sounded confused, shocked and damn right furious. Burt said nothing but headed out the door chasing Karofsky down the hall way. "Burt." Finn said chasing after him, "Burt!" Kurt following suit.

Kurt rounded the corner to see his Dad pinning Karofsky up against the wall, Finn just reaching them and trying to pull him off. Kurts heart was racing. His Dad was still recovering from the heart attack he shouldn't be running, let alone getting all worked up and angry. He ran to his Dad who was yelling at Karofsky "You like picking on people huh? Why don't you try me?" "Burt stop." Finn said sounding demanding, worried, reassuring and somehow angry all at the same time. Kurt put a hand on his Dad's shoulder gently pushing away and pleading. "Please Dad your sick." worry and panic evident in his voice. His dad looked at him for a moment before returning his hard glare in Karofsky's direction and he let the jock go. Burt raising his hands as Karofsky shook out his shoulders trying to seem unfazed by the situation. Finn stood there with a hand on Burt Glaring at Karofsky. The hatred obvious on his face. As the bully walked off Burt stood there breathing heavily for a few seconds before turning to Finn. His eyes cold and accusing. "What the hell have you been doing while this was going on?" Kurt was a little annoyed at this. Why did everyone get angry at Finn for not protecting him? Kurt didn't need to be protected. He had to fight his own battles. Yeah it would have been nice if Finn had even noticed or stepped up to show he cared. But this wasn't Finn's fight. Burt turned away then and walked down the hall. Kurt threw an apologetic smile at Finn, who stood there shocked and upset, before chasing after his Dad who was heading for Sue's office. Great.

Kurt sat outside Sue's office as his dad spoke to her about the situation. He knew he should be in there but he really couldn't be bothered to deal with this useless crap again. It would only take them the same place they'd gotten yesterday. Nowhere. Kurt closed his eyes and let his head rest on the wall behind him. Twenty five minutes later and Kurt was sat in Sue's office with Burt, Carole, Sue, obviously. Karofsky and his dad. Karofsky looked scared and worried but when he looked at Kurt his eyes seemed almost sort of pleading and seemed to hold little hatred and a glimmer of something else. Kurt had never seen him look so vulnerable. Sue's authoritative voice broke his train of thought. "So it seems The situation has reached Boiling point." she stated. "Your damn right it has!" his dad said obviously furious. "Nothing happened." Dave interjected trying to play innocent. "Is that right? I'll Tell you what happened. Mr Karofsky." Burt was practically yelling. "Call me Paul." Karofsky's dad said sounding drained. "Paul. Your kid threatened the life of my son." silence followed. "Porcelain. Is that true?" her voice was soft. Before Kurt could speak Karofsky was already talking. "Thats not true. I didn't say anything." his voice was soft has he tried to play the innocent victim. "That's what he said." Did he really think he'd get away with this now? "He told me he'd kill me if I told anyone." the jock sent a look that could kill his way while the parents stared in confusion. Don't look so tough now do you? "Told anyone what?" Sue said sounding curious. Kurt looked at Karofsky who was just glaring at him, he was trying to seem hard and threatening but he was trying to hard. Kurt could see past that. He could see how scared he was. ".. Just that he was picking on me." Karofsky let out a huge sigh of relief. Why was he protecting this dumb jock who threatened his life. Kurt sighed. Sometimes he hated his own morals. "He's making all this stuff up." Karofsky said. Seriously. Why did he even bother if this was how he'd repay him. "Oh is that right." Kurt glanced at his Dad. He was furious. "Hold on a second." it was Karofsky's Dad Paul who was the one to talk now. "You have been acting differently lately David." Kurt looked at Dave now. He was staring at his shoes. "You used to get A's and B's, now your getting D's and C's. Your angry all the time, lashing out. And now we're sat here." his voice was low and tired. "So let me ask you. Why would Kurt make that up?" it surprised Kurt that his Dad didn't try and defend Karofsky, who remained staring at his shoes looking uncomfortable, before he glanced up at Kurt and then looked at his Dad.

"Maybe he likes me." You have got to be kidding me! This is ridiculous. Kurt couldn't believe he'd actually sunk that low. Blaine was right, he wouldn't be coming out any time soon. Burt sighed frustrated and irritated. "I think. We are wasting our time here. It's your job to protect people." he said looking at Sue. "I couldn't agree more. After hearing both sides of the story you are here by expelled." What? "I will not have one student threatening the life of another." He's expelled? No way. I can't of heard that right. "If you don't think this is fair you can appeal to the school board but you will leave campus immediately." Her voice was cold and almost threatening. Mr Karofsky let out a tired sigh as he stood. "Thank you for your time." he walked out the door and his son followed without looking back. "Thank you." Burt said to Sue his voice full of gratitude. "Pleasures mine. Enjoy your wedding." He and his Dad got up and left. Burt hugged and smiled at him before patting him on the back and heading towards his car. Kurt made his way to Glee still processing what just went down.

Kurt's head was spinning as he arrived late to Glee Club and took his seat The room fell silent as he entered and they all stared in anticipation. He sighed obviously Finn wouldn't have kept this to himself. After a long silence Me Schue prompted him. "Well..?" five more minutes silence. "Karofsky was expelled today." the room irrupted in cheers and sighs of relief as they all knew this meant there friend would he safe. But would he? Safe from the closeted jock yes. From the rest of the football team? Not so much. Rachel practically threw herself at him, interrupting his thoughts and screeching in his ear "Yes! I'm so glad he's gone! You will be safe now Kurt." Mr Schue interrupted the commotion. "That's great Kurt. That's really great. But we must get back to rehearsing for this wedding. It has to be perfect."

'Karofsky's out.'

Two words and Blaine was straight on the phone. Kurt giggled at how quick he was at responding. "Hello?" he sounded a little coy but happy. "He's out? Are you serious? They actually expelled him? I never thought they would! They never would have at my old school. How are you?" barely stopping to take a breath, "Kurt are you there?" Kurt couldn't stop himself from laughing, "Yes Blaine. I'm here. You just wouldn't let me get a word in edge ways!" Blaine started to laugh on the other end of the line. "I feel.. Relieved." Kurt said answering his question and letting out a sigh "but I feel kind of scared too." Kurt could just imagine the confused look on Blaine's face. "Scared? Why scared? He's been expelled. He can't touch you." No, he can't touch me Kurt thought. "The football team can" Kurt pointed out. Blaine thought a moment before answering. "Kurt I really don't think you need to worry about that. From what you've said Karofsky was the ring leader. You won't receive anything from them. I'm sure of it." Kurt smiled. He knew that Blaine couldn't be sure of anything but the truth in his tone would make Kurt believe anything he said. "Your right. Karofsky's out. I can finally semi-enjoy high school!"
"Semi-enjoy?" Blaine asked, confusion and concern in his tone. Kurt rolled his eyes. "It's high school Blaine. Most kids don't enjoy high school."
"Oh yeah.." Blaine murmured as if he was embarrassed to have not gotten it straight away. Kurt just laughed. The two spent hours on the phone. Kurt telling Blaine everything that had gone down with Karofsky and Blaine listened only butting in every 5 or so minutes.

That night Kurt slept peacefully.. He was going to school tomorrow.

And for the first time in a really long time he wasn't scared.