"That son of a bitch!" exclaimed Wes, after Blaine had explained the events of that night to him on the phone.

"I hate him so much right now," Blaine practically growled. "And Kurt kept on insisting it was an accident and that he was really sorry for it. I don't know who he was trying to convince; me or himself."

"I mean, I've seen you angry with people. I remember when you first got to Dalton, but you never hurt someone. Not enough to give them a black eye at least," said Wes.

"I just... I don't know what to do. I don't want to push him into saying things because he won't trust me then. Should I talk to Alex?" Blaine asked.

"No! Do not talk to Alex. If he's as bad as we think then he'll probably have told Kurt not to tell anyone and if he thinks Kurt's told you then he might just end up getting angry at Kurt and Kurt won't tell you anything else," Wes told him

"True. I don't know what to do, Wes. I feel so helpless. What if I can't save him? What if something happens to him and I'm too late to help him?" Blaine dug the heel of his hand into his eye, holding back the tears he felt welling there.

"Have you told him about... you know?"

"Wes, I've known him for a week. It took months for you to find out and that was an accident because you found the picture. I don't think I should be spilling my darkest secrets to him just yet," Blaine reminded him.

"But you seem to care about him already. And it might help him," Wes defended.

"I care because no one should have to go through what he's going through. I care because I don't want anything to happen to him. If anything happens to him, I'll feel responsible," Blaine explained.

"What about his friends? Won't they feel responsible?"

"I've talked to his friends. He's been distant with them all. Apparently it's strange that he's talking to me and I don't know why he is, but I'm not going to question him on it. I assume that what he's been doing to his friends is what he did to me all of last week and I have an idea of why he's doing it. But they don't know what going on with him and Alex. I don't think anyone knows," said Blaine.

"Well, he obviously needs someone and is putting his trust in you. If what you're saying is true, he's probably not used to letting people in. Maybe give him some time and he'll open up a bit more to you," Wes suggested.

"You're right. Jeez, why are you always right?"

"Because I am your best friend and I am amazing. Now, when are you coming to Dalton? Or at least letting us all come crash at yours. We know your place is huge, man!" Wes said.

"You know you can come over any time. If you want you can come this weekend. Bring Niff and Trent and Thad and David too. But, for the record, your house is like double the size of mine," Blaine said.

"Sure dude. But, yeah, we'll be there. I'll bring the marshmallows for chubby bunny, Niff'll bring the chocolate and Trent'll bring the boring stuff like blow up mattresses. Kay?"

"Kay. It'll be good to see you guys. I haven't seen you in ages," said Blaine.

"Having Warbler withdrawal symptoms?" teased Wes.

"Don't you know it. We're definitely having a jam session!" Blaine chuckled.

"Awesome. Speaking of jam sessions, how's your duet going?" asked Wes.

"Great! We've perfected it. I believe the glee club are going to meet tomorrow lunch time so we can perform ours and I think Santana and Brittany are performing theirs too," said Blaine.

"See, that's the one thing the Warblers don't have. Girls. Man, if you weren't gay we all know you'd be tapping one of them," said Wes.

"Of course. I've already been asked out, dude," said Blaine.

"You have?"

"Yeah. Rachel Berry, lead singer, split up with her boyfriend not so long ago and after our first glee meeting she came after me. Something about how we'd have so much vocal chemistry that she was sure the other guys would expect us to become an item and we couldn't let them down," said Blaine. Wes burst out laughing on the other end of the phone.

"Aw man, guess it is lucky you're gay if the girls are all like that," Wes said.

"True. I'm going to go now, Wes. Got some homework to catch up on. You better call me sometime soon," Blaine insisted.

"No need to get possessive, man. You know you're the only guy for me," Wes said. Blaine could practically hear him winking.

"I have no idea why I talk to you," said Blaine.

"Because you love me and I'm the hottest piece of ass you're going to get so you have to live with me. Anyway, go do your homework," said Wes.

"Sure. See you soon, man," said Blaine.

"See you soon," replied Wes.

Kurt was back the next day, eye concealed so well that Blaine almost forgot what was lying beneath the makeup. They didn't share any lessons that day, but Blaine saw Kurt in the halls and at his locker between lessons. He was with Alex each time, so instead of doing what he wanted to do and running up to talk to Kurt, he kept his distance, giving Kurt a sure smile before continuing his journey to lesson.

They met up with the glee club in the auditorium at lunch and Kurt and Blaine went backstage to find microphones to perform with. As Blaine was setting up the microphones, he asked Kurt, "Can I ask you something? You might find it kind of personal."

"I-I guess so," replied Kurt.

"You don't have to answer. I was just wondering, why do you and Alex never hold hands?"

"Pardon?"

"It's just that, from what I've heard, you've been together for a while and the only time I've seen you act couple-y is when he wrapped his arms around you last week. And I think that was more for my benefit actually," Blaine explained.

"Oh, well, Alex isn't really big on PDA. We do that sort of thing at home and lunch time, but not when we can be seen," Kurt answered.

"Any reason why?" asked Blaine. "Sorry if I'm overstepping."

"No, i-its okay. Just, the first week we started dating, I asked if he'd hold my hand and he did. Some of the guys on the hockey team saw and called us some names which he didn't like. He got angry and said he didn't want to do that in public. It's like, they know we're dating but as long as we don't act on it they can ignore it," Kurt explained.

"You mentioned lunch. Where do you go at lunch? I never see you in the cafeteria," Blaine asked.

"Oh, we usually go behind the bleachers. No one's ever there. The team sometimes practices at lunch too, so I watch," said Kurt.

"I see. Well if you ever need company whilst you watch, you know where to find me," Blaine said.

"Thanks," Kurt said with a small smile in Blaine's direction. "Ready to do our duet?"

"As I'll ever be," Blaine grinned.

Their duet went perfectly. Blaine knew it would. He was buzzing after, practically bouncing on his feet for the rest of the day. Well, until 5th period. Blaine had forgotten his Spanish textbook and had to head to his locker, still grinning like an idiot. However, that grin faded when a large jock walked past, carrying a cup of what looked to be a slushy. The next thing he heard was the slap of ice hitting skin and a sharp intake of breath. He turned to see Kurt covered in red slush, Alex standing next to him with narrowed eyes. But they weren't narrowed at the jock. They were narrowed at Kurt.

"Go clean up," he heard Alex tell Kurt. Kurt nodded and rushed off in the direction of the bathroom, not even noticing Blaine. Blaine didn't even think before he was storming up to Alex.

"What was that?" he demanded.

"What was what, hobbit?" countered Alex.

"That guy just through a slushy at Kurt. That guy is one of your team mates. Why did you not yell at him?"

"Why would I do that?" asked Alex.

"Because Kurt is your boyfriend. Isn't it your job to defend him from your dimwit friends?" said Blaine.

"Look, don't tell me how I should or shouldn't act. Just because Kurt's going to be sissy about getting some ice in his hair doesn't mean I should get my ass kicked by them guys!" said Alex.

"I cannot believe you. What is wrong with you?"

"Look, smartass," stated Alex, grabbing Blaine by the collar and bringing him to his toes so that their faces were close. "You don't tell me how to treat my boyfriend. He belongs to me. Not you."

"Kurt doesn't belong to anyone. He's his own person," Blaine growled.

"You don't get a say in this. Stay away from him. He doesn't need you and you certainly aren't getting him. He's mine and he'll always be mine," snarled Alex.

"Maybe, one day, he'll see that he can do better," said Blaine.

"You think you're better?" asked Alex.

"Anyone's better than you. If you really cared for him, you'd have a word with those boneheads and you'd be in that bathroom helping Kurt clean up," said Blaine.

"I told you not to tell me how to treat him," said Alex.

"Well, that's how you should treat him," said Blaine.

Alex shoved Blaine away, the surprise of the shove sending Blaine into a locker. He pointed at Blaine and stated, "Stay away from him, or this won't end well. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm late for class." With that, Alex left, walking in the complete opposite direction of the bathroom. Blaine had to take a minute to catch his breath but as soon as he realised the situation, he scurried off to find Kurt.

Sobbing. That's what Blaine heard when he first entered the bathroom. Kurt was crying, the sound so heartbreaking that Blaine just wanted to gather Kurt in his arms and keep him there forever.

"Kurt?" he called out, making his presence known.

"Blaine?"

"Can I come in?"

"Please," Kurt whimpered.

He stepped inside and his heart sunk at the sight. Kurt was sat on a plastic chair in front of the sink, his jacket abandoned revealing the slushy stained shirt he wore beneath, his hair was wet from washing out the slushy, which made it hang over his forehead the way Blaine had seen it the previous day and his concealer had washed away to reveal the bruised eye, which was pooling with tears. Blaine didn't speak. He couldn't. All he could do was rush to Kurt's side and wrap his arms around him. Kurt put his head into Blaine's shoulder and let his tears flow, a whimper emitting from him every few seconds.

"I'm so sorry, are you okay?" asked Blaine, rubbing his back soothingly.

"No, I-I'm sorry. I don't mean to be s-such a baby ab-bout it. I-I just thought th-that they'd stopped b-but apparently n-not and I forgot h-how cold they were," Kurt sobbed.

"This has happened before?" asked Blaine.

"I used t-to get them t-twice a week. Th-they haven't done them for a couple of weeks now though. I-I guess I got my hopes up," said Kurt.

"Do you need me to get my gym shirt?" asked Blaine, eyeing Kurt's red stained shirt.

"N-no, I have spare shirts in my locker," Kurt assured him.

"What's your combination? I'll go get one," said Blaine. Kurt whispered the numbers and Blaine practically ran to his locker. He opened it, found a shirt and quickly locked it, running back to the bathroom. Kurt had stopped sobbing, but his eyes were still red rimmed and he was wiping at them furiously. He handed the shirt to Kurt who took it with a small "Thank you" and a grateful smile. Blaine was a bit taken aback when Kurt simply stood and lifted his shirt off, revealing the undershirt he was wearing. His toned arms were on show, but the shape of his arms wasn't what caught Blaine's attention. It was the bruises.

"What are they from?" asked Blaine, nodding at the bruises. Kurt turned and quickly pulled on his shirt, as if he'd forgotten Blaine was even there.

"Sorry, I'm so used to doing this on my own," Kurt said. He put his hand to his right arm and give his upper arm a gentle squeeze. "Those are mainly from locker checks. But like I said they haven't been as bad lately."

"They shouldn't be doing that at all. Why do they?" asked Blaine.

"At first it was simply because I was gay and not afraid to let it show. Then it was because I'm in glee. Then it was because they insisted I turned Alex gay too. Pretty much any excuse I guess," Kurt said with a sad smile.

"I'm sorry, Kurt. I know it sucks being bullied," said Blaine.

"You've been bullied?" asked Kurt.

Blaine nodded. "Before I went to Dalton I went to public school. I didn't have many friends there, but I was okay for the first few months. Then I came out and the guys on the football team didn't really like it. They teased me, shoved me into lockers, called me names. It was horrible. And then there was this dance, this Sadie Hawkins dance. I really wanted to go so I asked this guy, the only other gay guy I knew, to go with me. It was meant to be a kind of 'up yours' to the jocks who hated us. The night was great, we really did have a great time. But then after, we were waiting for this guy's dad to pick us up and these jocks came and... beat the crap out of us."

"Oh, God, Blaine, I'm so sorry," said Kurt, wrapping an arm around Blaine.

"No, it's okay. I was in hospital for a week or so but I healed and, after talking to my parents, we agreed that Dalton would be the best option for me. I'm glad it happened otherwise I'd have never have known the guys from Dalton. They helped me through a lot," Blaine said with a reassuring smile.

"You speak highly of the Warblers," commented Kurt.

"They're my best friends," said Blaine. "They're my New Directions."

Kurt's smile dropped. "The New Directions hate me now."

"Why would you think that?" asked Blaine.

"Because I've been horrible to them. I've avoided them even when they tried to be there for me. I've shut them out, I've not participated in glee," Kurt said.

"Why did you?" asked Blaine.

"I thought I was doing them a favour. They're such good friends and what am I? I don't deserve them. I don't deserve you. I just got a bit caught up with having you as a friend that I didn't want to stop. But I really don't deserve your friendship," Kurt said.

"Why do you say that? Of course you deserve me. What you don't deserve is the way that you're being treated," Blaine insisted.

Kurt's eyes were pooling with tears again. "I do," he whispered.

"Why would you think that?" asked Blaine. Kurt didn't answer. "Have you been told that?" Once again Kurt didn't answer. Blaine tried again. "Did he tell you that?" When Kurt didn't answer again, Blaine understood. His fists clenched in anger.

"Please don't be angry at me," Kurt whispered, wrapping his arms around himself and sitting away from Blaine.

"Of course I'm not angry at you. It's him I'm angry at. How could you let him tell you that? How could you date him?" Blaine asked, his voice raising in anger, but he tried not to yell and scare Kurt.

"He loves me. He's the only guy who's ever going to love me. Who could love me? I'm damaged," Kurt said, his voice cracking.

"Don't believe that for one second, Kurt. You'll find someone who treats you right. Who loves you and doesn't hurt you," Blaine replied. He paused before asking, "You know earlier you said that most of those bruises are from locker checks?" Kurt nodded. "Are the rest from him?"

Kurt wrapped his arms tighter around himself and whispered, "He gets angry sometimes. He doesn't mean to hurt me. He's always so sweet afterwards, apologising and hugging me and kissing the bruises better. He gets so upset when he sees what he's done."

"You don't need to defend him, Kurt. He shouldn't be hurting you at all, no matter how apologetic he is. If he has problems controlling his anger, he should take it out on something else. Not you," Blaine said.

"Why do you care so much, Blaine? You barely know me and I barely know you. Why would you care?" asked Kurt.

"Because, Kurt, no one should be treated this way. No one should feel the way you feel and no one should let someone who is supposed to love them hurt them," clarified Blaine. "It can end badly, and I don't want to see it end badly for you."

"How do you know?"

"I-I just..." Blaine paused and shook his head. "Please just trust me."

"We need to get to class," Kurt said.

"You're not going to class in the state you're in," Blaine said. He picked up Kurt's bag and offered him a hand to help him up. "Come on. I'm taking you home."

"But I have my car," said Kurt.

"I'll pick you up for school tomorrow," said Blaine. Kurt glanced between the hand that Blaine offered and his eyes before taking it. Blaine pulled him up gently and led him out of the bathroom towards the car park. As they buckled up in Blaine's car, Kurt turned to Blaine and said, "Blaine? You're not going to tell anyone what I've told you are you?"

"Do you not want me to?" asked Blaine. Kurt shook his head. "I'm not going to break your trust, Kurt. I think you should talk to someone, your dad or your friends at least, but if you don't want to then I won't force you to. Just please tell me when you're upset. Don't suffer in silence, okay?"

Kurt nodded and wiped the tears from his eyes, a true smile taking over his face.