Sorry about the major delay of the chapter. My Beta has been really ill, has been for a while, but it's been bad lately so I'm running without one for now.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews! I'm not going to answer any this time since it's been awhile since I updated so I want to get on with the story. I'll answer next chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own glee, just OC's.

"Have you text them yet?" Blaine asked, walking into Kurt's room early Saturday morning. Kurt was sitting on his bed patting his hair to make sure it was all still in place from when he styled it just moments before. Smiling at his boyfriends odd habits he moved to give him a quick peck on the lips. They were definitely getting better at the whole 'Kurt not smacking Blaine after every kiss' thing.

"Define 'them'? I text Zach and told him to bring Nikel. I figured if I text both of them Nikel would flip out and my phone would blow up from the sheer amount of angry responses." Kurt responded, standing up, "Zach, however, is excited. I don't want to ruin his happy mood. He needs it. So we're not going to bring up his sickness or anything negative at dinner tonight, okay?"

"Okay. What time did you tell him to meet us?" He questioned grabbing Kurt's hand and interlacing their fingers.

"Five at Breadstix, why?" They headed down the hall together.

"Oh just wondering how long I have you all to myself." Blaine stopped them, moving his hands to place them on either side of Kurt's waist. A throat cleared just as he was about to move him closer. Jumping apart they turned to see Burt staring at them, trying to fight a smirk.

Moving away quickly from the man's son, he went down the stairs ahead of them, obviously embarrassed.

Kurt turned and gave his dad a pointed look, "Dad. Be nice."

"I let him stay here, Kurt, not sure how much nicer I can get."

Groaning in true teenage fashion, Kurt left to follow his boyfriend, Burt right behind him.

Carole looked up from making pancakes as they entered the kitchen. Kurt immediately took the seat next to Blaine while Burt went to sit across from them next to Finn. Blaine and Finn were in a discussion about football, so Kurt left them to it instead talking to Carole. Even when they weren't focused on each other Blaine had Kurt's hand in his, rubbing his thumb across his skin gently.

"So what are your plans for the day?" Burt asked, drawing their attention.

"Yeah, please go out and do something. Watching you two be disgustingly cute sitting on the couch is well…disgusting." Kurt raised an eyebrow at Finn, who continued, "Not because you're two dudes but because, you know, you're, like, my brother so it's gross. You don't like watching me and Rachel being all you know."

Kurt rolled his eyes, saving Finn from his floundering, "We're going out to dinner with some friends. Don't worry Finn, Blaine and I will probably go to the mall or something."

"Just be careful." Burt interjected. Though Kurt didn't talk about it, Burt knew the boy who originally injured him was still running around town and he couldn't stand if his boy got hurt again.

Kurt wanted to give a sarcastic comment back, but the look in his dad's eyes -the fear- caused him to just nod instead. He knew his dad was just worried about him, they all were. Really didn't make it any less annoying for him though.

The rest of breakfast went by smoothly. Soon Blaine and Kurt found themselves in Blaine's car heading towards the mall, singing along with the radio. As they stopped at a stoplight, Blaine turned and looked at Kurt. The scared boy who first came to Dalton seemed almost like a faraway memory. He really has opened up. Of course there were situations where old fears arose, but the progress he's made was nothing short of amazing.

"Why are you staring at me? The lights green." Kurt teased, faintly blushing.

"I'm just…really happy with you, Kurt." Kurt gave him the most beautiful smile Blaine's ever seen before motioning for him to start driving again. Laughing, he complied.

They reached the mall and Blaine started to realize how bad of an idea this was as Kurt went on and on about all the stores they had to hit.

"Uh Kurt, I really don't like shopping. I'll make a deal with you. We'll go into eight clothing stores but then you have to go into a video game store with me and one of those clothing stores needs to be a sports shop. I need a new Buckeye's jersey."

Kurt pouted, "Fine, let me think for a moment. If I only get seven stores I need to strategize this perfectly."

"Is it really that complicated?"

"Yes, Blaine. Limiting my shopping is a huge crime in the name of fashion."

"I'm sorry, Kurt." He teased, moving to give the other boy a hug. Kurt immediately backed away from him, looking around, eye's wide.

"Are you crazy, Blaine! We are at a mall in the middle of Lima, Ohio. We are not at Dalton. Boys can't hug here." Kurt snapped, mumbling at the end, "At least not without ridicule and probably a beating."

"Breathe, Kurt, I didn't think. I'm sorry."

"It's fine, let's just…head inside."

Blaine hated how jumpy Kurt was then. They had a good morning joking and now Kurt was tense, worried what people could do to him. What people have already done to him. It broke his heart.

As their trip continued Kurt slowly relaxed. The last few stores they went in he was almost back to normal, talking about different designers and future fashion trends.

"That jersey is hideous."

Blaine frowned, looking down at what he was trying on, "It's a football jersey they all look like this."

Kurt rolled his eyes, "It doesn't flatter you at all."

Blaine couldn't help but laugh, "That's not the point of it, Kurt. You should get one."

He laughed harder at Kurt's disgusted face, scrunched up nose and all, "Uh no. I'd wear something from a Wal-Mart before that."

"Oh come on Kurt, live a little. Try one on. I'll make it worth your while."

Kurt didn't answer him though. He was looking beyond Blaine, his back rigid and he was trembling slightly. Confused, he turned to look behind him. A few boys had walked in all wearing Red and Gold letterman jackets Blaine recognized from the football game as McKinley's. They haven't seen them yet.

"Go wait outside, Kurt. I'll just take this off and follow you in a minute."

Kurt nodded and left without speaking, his head low, trying to avoid the notice of the bigger jocks. Once Blaine was sure he got out of the store unnoticed, he immediately went to remove the jersey and put it back.

Kurt kept his head down and stood outside the store away from the window, waiting for Blaine to come out. He should've known better than to go into that store. Of course, they would show up to ruin his day. At least Karofsky wasn't with them.

"S'up fag?"

Startled, Kurt looked up to find Karofsky a few feet away from him, smirking.

'Beg for it, fag.'

He shuddered; taking a deep breath he glared back, "What?"

Karofsky's eyes narrowed. He started cracking his knuckles, "You're a long way from your girlie clothes, Fancy. This is the men's area." He took a threatening step towards Kurt, who was too scared to even breathe.

"Is there a problem here?" A mall cop came over looking between the two boys.

Karofsky relaxed his stance, "No, sir, just waiting for my friends."

He turned to look at Kurt, "Are you okay?"

"Fine." He squeaked out, his eyes never leaving Karofsky.

'It's people like us who make sure natural order remains and little fags like you stay in the closet.'

Blaine walked out then. Staying close to his boyfriend they walked away, the cop staying by Karofsky to make sure the conflict was over. Kurt spared a glance behind him to see Karofsky looking straight at him. Seeing he had his attention and the guard wasn't looking he moved his hand to slice is across his throat in a very obvious gesture.

'I will kill you.'

"Are you okay?" Blaine asked as soon as they were in the car, away from prying eyes and ears.

"Fine, just take me home Blaine." Nodding they drove in silence.

Once home both boys immediately went up to Kurt's room. Kurt collapsed on his bed, quietly crying. Seeing his boyfriend's shoulder's shake with sobs Blaine laid down next to him gathering him up in his arms.

"Shh, it's okay. He's gone now."

They didn't know long they laid there -Blaine holding Kurt- comforting him, but eventually Kurt's phone went off with a new text. Groaning, he extracted himself from Blaine's arms to read it.

"Zach says he'll meet us at Breadstix in a half hour with Nikel kicking and screaming." Kurt read, "When did it get that late? I still have to get ready!"

Blaine watched him get ready. He could still the tension in his posture and he sighed. Wasn't he just thinking this morning how much progress Kurt made? One encounter ruined that. Not just any encounter though Karofsky was dangerous, the main tormentor.

Finally, Kurt turned away from the mirror and gave Blaine a small smile, "Let's go meet the circus."

That statement couldn't have been any more true. They beat the other two boys to Breadstix and quickly snagged the most secluded booth they could find. They ordered their drinks and waited for their friends to arrive.

Zach walked in first. Kurt raised an eyebrow as he slide into the booth across from them, "Why do you have a split lip?"

"Hi! Nice to see you too!," Zach said before smiled evilly, "Got into a fight. You should see the other guy."

Nikel walked in then and they took in the fact he had a black eye.

"Nice black eye. Who did you two fight?"

Zach snorted, "I told you: you should see the other guy. I totally won."

Blaine laughed then, "I knew it. I said one of two options. Though, I was leaning towards the other one honestly."

"What are you talking about, hobbit?" Zach asked.

"Nothing." He replied, innocently, "And stuff it Blondie."

"That sounded convincing." Nikel muttered, "So, Kurt, why did you choose Breadstix?"

Kurt understood what he left unspoken. Since he had a major panic attack the last time he was here why would he want to come back?

"It's open mic night so McKinley jocks rarely show up. I wouldn't be surprised to see Rachel though. She'd do anything to show off."

"Open mic?" Nikel perked up at that.

Zach glared at him, "Don't you dare, you son of a bitch."

"My mother is a nice lady."

Kurt turned to look at Blaine while the two continued to bicker.

"Why did I invite them again?"

Blaine grabbed his boyfriends hand and discreetly kissed it, "Because you're amazing and wanted to cheer Zach up."

"Well I'm regretting it." He replied tuning back into the argument.

"I know you are but what am I?"

There was no way he was going to listen to this for the next hour, "Ladies, you're both pretty now shut up."

That broke the tension and soon things relaxed. They ordered their food and discussed upcoming Regionals. From there they shifted their discussion to classmates.

"You told Gabriel about me." Zach stated more than questioned Kurt.

Kurt looked at the table, sighing, "Yeah, sorry. I was stressed and he asked about you. I figured you two used to be friends or at least tolerate each other."

"I'm not mad. He just came up to me to talk yesterday it was weird. I guess we have you to thank for his personality transplant." Zach teased.

"He's not that bad, guys. I think he just really misses Nathan and blames himself."

"He should." Nikel mumbled, before Kurt could say anything he changed the topics, "Speaking of Nathan, anyone really talk to Sammy lately?"

"He's acting weird again," Blaine replied, shaking his head.

"Think he's using again?"

"Using?" Kurt asked, looking between the boys.

Blaine gave Kurt a weak smile and took his hand, holding it under the table, "Sammy drinks as I'm sure you aware. He also, occasionally, dabbles in drugs. Pot's kind of regular, but sometimes he does cocaine. We've tried to intervene but only Allina can really pull him out of it. He just gets in a funk, I guess."

"Should-Should we have a talk with him or something?"

"Not yet, Kurt. I'll talk to him on Monday and call Allina if need be." Nikel sighed. They collapsed in a dreary silence.

"Well." Nikel stood up, "I'll be right back."

Zach froze a second later, "He better not be doing what I think he's doing."

A voice suddenly sounded over the speakers, "So I'm Nikel and this song is for a certain someone."

"Oh God!" Zach moaned.

"I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you"

"You have to admit, it's a beautiful song."

"Shut up, Kurt." Zach whined, laying his head down on the table.

"I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true."

Zach listened to the rest of the song in complete silence. The people broke out into applause as the song ended and Zach just shook his head.

Nikel sat back down and looked at Zach expectantly.

"I hate you."

"Thanks." Nikel replied, both glaring at each other.

Kurt frowned, "Well this is awkward so I'm going to butt out now and use to restroom. I'll be back. Zach, please keep Blaine away from the open mic since you did such a wonderful job with Nikel."

"Haha, you're funny...not." He snapped, smiling to show he was joking.

Laughing, he walked to the back of the restaurant where the restrooms were. Trying to the door, he found it locked. Just his luck. Groaning, he leaned against the wall and stared at the ground. They really needed to invest in some better bathrooms. Hearing the door open he barely looked up before he was grabbed and pushed out the back door. Regaining his balance he turned and froze. Standing before him was Karofsky.

Karofsky grabbed him by the arm before he could run and threw him into the side of the building. His head bounced off the concrete and the copper taste of blood filled his mouth. Karofsky came up behind him and held him against the wall, his head scraping painfully against the rough wall.

"You fucking told you stupid little fag. I could see it in that pretty boys eyes when he saw me. He knew. I told you not to tell." Moving away he drew his fist back and punched Kurt in the side.

Letting out a straggled breath he fell to his knees. He closed his right eye as blood from his head wound dripped down his face and into his eye, stinging. Karofsky lifted his foot and kicked Kurt in the stomach, propelling him backwards onto his back. Standing over the fallen boy he brought his foot down hard on his lower ribs, instantly breaking them once again.

Blood bubbled out of Kurt's mouth as he opened it to try to scream. He looked at Karofsky looming over him, but could barely focus on him. It hurt, it hurt so much. He just wanted to sleep. He wanted Blaine.

"You're garbage and I know exactly where you belong." Grabbing the limp boy he dragged him over to the garbage bin and threw him in, "Rot in hell, homo." With that he let the lid shut and ran, getting away from the scene as quickly as he could.

Kurt didn't know how long he laid there. It was January and he could feel the cold seeping into his bones. He was just so tired. It felt vaguely familiar, but at the moment he couldn't figure out why. Where was he? He couldn't remember. He was so cold, so cold and so tired. He wanted Blaine. Why did he want Blaine? Who was Blaine? That was his final thought before his eyes fell shut and his thoughts went quiet.

He regained consciousness when he heard voices. They sounded so far away.

"Why would he come out here?"

"I don't know. Is that blood?"

"KURT! KURT! Are you out here?"

Weakly he kicked out his leg, wincing as it connected with the side of the bin. The noise wasn't nearly loud enough.

"There's blood over here as well." Blaine's voice sounded way closer now. Mustering up his strength he kicked again, a little bit louder this time. His ribs were killing him and the effort it took to breathe was exhausting.

His eyes slid shut for what felt like the last time and a beam of light shown above him. It hurt too much to breathe.

"KURT!"

Blaine sat in the most uncomfortable chair he's ever been in, holding his boyfriends hand, but he refused to move until said boy woke up. The constant beep of the heart monitor was a surprising comfort even if it was annoying as hell. As long as it beeped in its rhythmic manner Kurt was fine.

"When will he wake up?" Zach whined, pacing back and forth.

"When he's ready."

"It's been a week."

"Sit down Zach, you just got out of Chemo." Nikel snapped, pulling Zach down next to him. Blaine ignored the two, too focused on his boyfriend. He was vaguely aware of Burt also in the room or Sammy right outside the door glaring down Gabriel. Those two still couldn't be around each other.

"Come on, Kurt." He whispered, squeezing his hand.

A sudden squeeze back made his jump up from his chair, toppling it over. He didn't care though as bright blue opened slowly. His excitement about his boyfriend waking up soon vanished as Kurt started thrashing around, screaming.

Blaine stepped back as doctors flooded the room, never has he felt so helpless.

I hope everyone liked it. It didn't quite turn out how I expected but oh well.

It's been decided. Someone will die and I've started writing the chapter. It'll probably appear within the next 3-5 chapters. The chapter is called Russian Roulette. I'll probably post some teasers on my Facebook page.