"Finn, just because they are gay doesn't mean they are crazy like Karofsky was!"

Nick's eyes snapped open when the same sentence swirled around his head for what seemed like the hundredth or so time. That name…it just sounded so familiar. It was driving him crazy! Slowly he sat up, smiling when Jeff mumbled a sleepy complaint. The blond looped his arms around his waist and pressed his face into his hip. Sighing he reached over to the nightstand to grab Jeff's ipad. It wasn't like he could get up and get his own laptop with the blond curled around him.

He turned the tablet on, yawning as the light shined against his face. He glanced at the time on the screen, blinking in surprise when the digital numbers revealed it was already three in the morning. He had been tossing and turning all night? He glanced at the blond nuzzling against his hip silently, amused that he hadn't woken up with the amount of times he had bumped or moved against him. Shaking his head slightly he opened the browser to google and began his search.

Nick hadn't known what he expected, but it wasn't what the search results had come up with. A few pictures popped up with a tall, chubby guy in an orange prison uniform with handcuffed wrists. Links were listed below them and he tapped on the first one, a little surprised when the article was dated back to almost six months ago. His face began to pale as he read.

Accused on multiple accounts of rape and assault to a male minor not named. Found guilty on all charges. The boy and the school that he attended wasn't listed due to privacy, and the only other information he could find about the boy from other multiple links was the lawyer who had represented him.

Jared Anderson.

"Shit!" Nick whispered, putting his hand over his mouth when Jeff stirred slightly. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. That was why the name Karofsky seemed so familiar the night before. Blaine had talked about his father last year when he was taking on the Karofsky case. The senior had said that his father wouldn't tell him much about it other than that the fact that he was thankful he hadn't found Blaine in the same position.

Could it be Kurt that the article and other links were talking about? None of them had Kurt's name attached and McKinley wasn't mentioned anywhere. He turned the ipad off before setting it on the nightstand again,rubbing his temples as his head began to ache. Maybe Kurt's parents had moved him to a different school because of other bullies like Karofsky. Surely they would of caught the other people who had been hurting the poor boy mentioned. Then again, maybe not.

"They will not hurt you like he did! And I swore to protect you!"

Finn's voice sounded in his head causing Nick to swallow and lean against the cushioned headboard of the bed. Kurt…was raped? Multiple times? He shook his head stubbornly. It could be someone else! Memories of the boy's actions came slamming back against his thoughts and he groaned.

He had had an abusive father who never held back when he was drunk., but he had never been touched against his will in that way by the man. He shivered thinking back to Kurt. The countertenor was so quiet and sweet, kind of like a frightened rabbit. Nick's stomach twisted slightly at the thought of the quiet junior being hurt. Why did he care so much about Kurt? He had only known him for three days! He shook his head, trying to get his thoughts to stop circling around the junior but he just couldn't. Because he knew somewhat how Kurt was feeling in this big school. Alone, terrified, and unsure about everything.

What should he do? He glanced down at Jeff and bit his lip slightly as he thought. No, he couldn't tell anyone, at least not yet. What if he was wrong and caused a big scene, especially if Blaine was involved? He ran his fingers through Jeff's messy blond hair and took a shaky breath. It was going to be hard to keep it from his boyfriend since he told him everything, but he just had a gut feeling he couldn't say anything right now. He would have to be careful and gain Kurt's trust to find out the truth. He nodded his head to the dark room, determination etched on his face. He might of only known Kurt for three days, but he wasn't going to let the junior go through things alone like he had before he met Jeff and the others.

Jeff felt fingers card through his hair and he smiled, opening his eyes. He was surprised when the black waistband of Nick's boxers met him instead of the others face. He sat up quickly, stifling a yawn and looking over Nick. "Nick?" He asked, wrapping his arms around the shorter warbler. He was a little surprised when Nick stiffened slightly but eventually he leaned into him. "What's wrong, baby?" he whispered, resting his chin on top of Nick's head. "Bad dream?"

"I wish…" Nick whispered, causing Jeff's eyebrow to arch.

"Nick?" Jeff asked, rubbing the other's lower back.

"It was just a dream, can you hold me for a bit?" Nick asked, snuggling into the warmth that was Jeff.

"You know you don't have to ask for that." Jeff replied, gently pulling them back down to lay on the mattress. He pulled the blankets over them and intertwined their legs as he pulled Nick closer, wrapping his arms around him.

Nick smiled as he felt the blond nuzzle into his shoulder. He reached up, running his fingers across Jeff's chest. "Do you remember our first time?" he whispered, closing his eyes when a gentle kiss was pressed against his jaw.

Jeff rested his head against his pillow and looked at Nick with a confused expression. "How could I forget?" he asked, sliding one of his hands up to squeeze Nick's hip. "It was the best night of my life."

Nick smiled and opened his eyes, staring into Jeff's brown ones. "You were so gentle and patient." he said, blinking slowly as Jeff smiled.

"Of course I was, it was your first time." Jeff stated, pressing a kiss to Nick's lips. "What kind of monster would I be if I wasn't?"

Nick frowned, his bottom lip trembling slightly before he scooted closer to Jeff, burying his head into the blonds chest. Was that what Kurt thought of and called his rapist? Did the junior have dreams about someone chasing him down and doing the same thing over and over again? Kurt would never have the same experience like he had with Jeff, his was stolen from him and he could never get it back.

"Nick?" Jeff asked worriedly, tightening his hold on his boyfriend. He felt tears drip on his skin and he gently pushed Nick from him, grabbing his face in both his hands. "Sweetheart, what is going on?" He asked, kissing the wet cheeks that he held.

"The dream just shook me up." Nick whispered, closing his eyes as he felt Jeff's lips press against his.

Jeff knew better than to push too much about the supposed 'dream' Nick had from experience so he only sighed in return. "I love you, you know that right?" He whispered, tucking Nick's head underneath his chin and squeezing him tight.

"I love you too, you're not allowed to leave me, ever." Nick mumbled, wrapping his arms around Jeff, clinging onto him like his life depended on it.

"Hey, I'm the one that's supposed to be saying that." Jeff said, trying a chance at a light joke. He smiled when he felt a few kisses being pressed against his skin. Nothing else was said between the two warblers but soon enough Jeff felt Nick's breathing even out and he knew that he had finally fallen asleep. He closed his eyes, snuggling as close as he could against Nick before sighing.

"I'll never leave you."

Kurt didn't want to get up. Why couldn't he just stay in bed all day and enjoy the quiet of his room? Was it too much to ask for? As his alarm clock continued to scream at him he concluded that it must be.

Slowly he sat up in his bed, reaching over to turn the loud thing off with a little yawn. He lifted his arms above his head, grunting softly as he stretched out his back. Sighing he flipped off the duvet and sheets that were tangled around his legs before slipping off the bed, thankful his dorm room had carpet instead of cold tile as he stood up. He walked over to his window slowly, the bright light stinging his eyes slightly as he fumbled with the latch. He pushed the window pane up and smiled happily as a light breeze brushed against his face.

"Morning." He whispered before walking towards the bathroom. He was glad he didn't have a roommate, knowing it would probably seem odd to others if they saw him talking to the wind. They would probably think he was crazy. He smiled at the thought, relieving his bladder before walking to the sink and washing his hands. He hadn't had a bad dream for once. In fact, Karofsky didn't even pop up this time, something he was very thankful for. Instead he dreamed about sitting at a sewing machine and working on a outfit for a new line of clothes he had created. It had been a while since he had had one of those, but he loved them.

He looked at his face in the mirror and frowned at his reflection as he thought. He had to see Amanda today. Stupid Amanda who made him feel horrible. He hated her with a passion. She never did or said anything that made him feel better about himself. He always left feeling worse than he already had when he went to see her. All she ever wanted to talk about was his feelings, when all he wanted was to do was forget about them in the first place. He quickly washed his face and brushed his teeth before walking back into his room. After taking his phone off the charger and placing it on the desk next to his sketch book, he walked into his closet.

He looked longingly at the few designer jeans and shirts he owned but quickly shoved the thought of wearing them to the back of his mind. This place might be a little nice to him, and a few people even considered him as a friend, but he was scared to even wear the same clothes that had signaled him out to Karofsky in the first place.

It was the first day of high school and Kurt was excited. New teachers, new faces, and a new school. Maybe this year he could make a few friends and just possibly find a boy who was gay too. He knew it was a long shot, but maybe someone had come out of the closet over the summer.

He smiled fondly as he brushed his hands down his thighs to smooth out the wrinkles in his jeans. They had cost around a hundred dollars but the style they gave was worth it in Kurt's opinion. He was just thankful he had worked in his dad's shop all summer or he wouldn't have gotten half the clothes he wanted.

"Good luck, kid." Burt said with a forced smile. He was scared for his son. He knew he was gay and had no problem whatsoever about it. The thing that bothered him was the way other people would treat him now that he was choosing to dress a bit…flashier. "If you have any problems just call me alright?" he said, his heart melting when Kurt turned and gave him a smile so familiar to his mothers.

"Dad, its high school." Kurt began, reaching over and patting his father's hand when the car rolled to a stop in front of the building. "Its not like you're sending me off to college yet."

"Don't remind me, that's only four years from now." Burt replied gruffly, watching as Kurt opened the door and slipped out of his seat, leather messenger bag propped on his shoulder. Once the door shut Burt didn't move the car until Kurt had walked inside the doors. He sighed when someone honked behind him, finally putting the car in drive and leaving the high school.

Kurt walked down the hallways with his head held high. He received a lot of stares, but he had been prepared for that. He knew it would be a little strange for him to come to school dressed like the way he was since he had dressed like all the other boys last year, too scared to announce anything. Over the summer he had decided he wasn't going to hide anymore.

Suddenly he was pushed into the lockers and he cried out in surprise. He looked to the group of football players who were staring him down. He glared at them heatedly, standing and straightening himself. "What's your problem?"

"You are the problem, fag!" a dark skinned football player called out, the others grunting in agreement.

Kurt winced slightly at the term they used but just turned on his heel to head down the hallway. His elbow was grabbed roughly and he was swung around until a fist connected with his stomach. He gasped, blinking back tears as he was shoved to the ground, his stomach sore and aching.

"We don't like fags in our school." a tall, chubby football player said. Kurt realized it was the boy who had punched him and gave him a cold stare.

"Tell him, Karofsky!" another football shouted out behind him.

After a few weeks of being punched and dumped in trashcans, Kurt had decided to forgo his new wardrobe and dress like everyone else, even if it did cause him to feel a little dead on the inside. The taunting had stopped for a few days, but Karofsky wouldn't let him live in peace and started in on him again.

Kurt shook his head before changing into a pair of loose fitting jeans and a green button up shirt. He rolled the long sleeves to his elbows before waling out of the closet and sitting on the edge of his bed, tugging on his shoes.

As he left he made sure he had his phone and wallet before closing his door. He turned around, walking down the hall and down the stairs, stopping when a familiar voice called out to him. He turned and couldn't stop the smile that graced his lips when Blaine walked up to him.

"Hey, Kurt!" Blaine said happily, glad he had caught the countertenor alone for once. "I was just heading for breakfast, would you like to walk over with me?" he asked hopefully, his face dropping slightly when Kurt frowned.

"I would love to, Blaine, but I need to go to the nurses office this morning to make sure she has my shot record." he said, coming up with a quick lie. He really wished he could of gone with Blaine, but if he didn't show up to his appointment the woman would come looking for him.

"Oh…" Blaine said disappointedly, looking away from Kurt's face.

Kurt thought quickly, really not wanting to be responsible for the kicked puppy look Blaine had. "I don't know where the nurses office is though, do you mind showing me?" Kurt asked hopefully. He didn't find the need to point out he had a folded up map in his back pocket.

"Sure!" Blaine said excitedly. He began to walk out the door, holding it open for the junior to walk through. " Shouldn't your shot record be in your transcripts?" Blaine asked as they walked toward the main building.

Kurt avoided eye contact and flexed his fingers. "They haven't been updated in a few years, and I've gotten a few shots since then." Kurt lied again, but it wasn't like he could tell Blaine he was a psycho and needed to speak to a shrink.

"Oh." Blaine said, sending Kurt a sweet smile. As they walked inside Blaine cleared his throat. "Kurt, can you tell me why you transferred?"

Kurt's eyes widened, his heart hammering against his chest. What could he say? He stopped, looking down at his shoes quickly.

"Hey, no pressure!" Blaine said quickly, mentally cursing himself for asking the question he had wanted an answer to ever since he had met him. "I was just asking because I transferred here too in freshman year."

Kurt looked up to Blaine, his heart calming as hazel eyes stared at him. "Why did you transfer?" he blurted, regretting it when Blaine frowned at him. "I'm s-sorry I should-"

"No it's okay. Its just embarrassing." Blaine said, smiling at Kurt. "I was bullied, Kurt." he said, looking away from the countertenor. He gently grabbed Kurt's hand and pulled him into a room off the main hall.

Kurt tensed slightly but didn't pull his hand away from the other's slightly calloused one. It was warm to the touch and a bit bigger than his own. He looked down to their hands as they were pulled into a room that looked like it held meetings regularly. Blaine led him to a chair and let go of his hand to sit in the one across from it. Kurt frowned, missing the warmth of the other hand on his. He sat down and looked at Blaine's face, watching different emotions flit across it.

"I transferred right after a few jocks used me as a punching bag. I had just come out and I asked the only other person out at my school to the Sadie Hawkins dance…" Blaine trailed off as he looked into Kurt's eyes. Somehow they looked understanding and it comforted him. "They beat the crap out of us, and when we complained to the staff, it was like they didn't care." he continued and shook his head. "It really pissed me off. So I asked my dad if I could transfer and its how I ended up here." he said, his heart melting when Kurt gave him a smile.

"I'm so sorry Blaine, you didn't deserve any of it." Kurt whispered, feeling sorry for his friend. He knew how bad bullies could get and it made him sad to think that Blaine might of gone through some of the things he had.

Blaine smiled at Kurt, leaning back in the chair he was sitting in. How could Kurt make him feel better about the whole thing when the thought of running from the very thing that scared him still taunted him? He watched as the junior crossed his long graceful legs.

Kurt looked down at his hands as he spoke. "I was the only out kid in my whole school, and this Neanderthal made it his mission to make my life a living hell." Kurt whispered, closing his eyes as Karofsky's face popped to the front of his mind. Something warm suddenly covered his interlaced fingers and he opened his eyes to see Blaine's hand over his. He lifted his head and stared into the senior's face.

Blaine couldn't have stopped himself from touching Kurt even if he had tried. The way Kurt spoke and the way the frail shoulders drooped in defeat pulled at his heart. So he had leaned forward and placed his hands on top of Kurt's. "You didn't deserve it either, Kurt." he whispered.

Kurt stared at Blaine in shock, blinking back a few tears. Sure people had told him this before, but it was his dad, Carole or Finn. Amanda had also said it, but he didn't give a flying flip about what she thought. For some person who had known him for only a few days, and had gone through some of the same things as he had say it, made it seem more believable. "You really think so?" he asked, scared of the answer. What if Blaine hadn't meant what he said?

"I promise you, you didn't deserve anything he did to you just because you are gay, Kurt." Blaine said with a smile, brows furrowing when tears rolled down the junior's cheeks. "Kurt?"

Kurt sniffed quickly before taking his hands from Blaine's and wiping his cheeks. "I-I'm sorry. No one has ever said that to me before." Kurt said with a sad smile in Blaine's direction. No one had ever put it in those words before. It had always been, 'you didn't deserve' or 'that kid was sick in the head'. No one had ever said it the way Blaine had, and it lifted a weight from his chest he didn't think he had had. He knew he was gay and was at terms with it, but when Karofsky had started going after him he started to think that if he wasn't, he wouldn't of had to go through the things he had. "Thank you."

Blaine had the strong urge to pull Kurt into his arms but he reframed, standing up and holding out his hand. "You have to go to the Nurse right?" He asked with a bright smile. When the smaller hand grabbed his he could of swore his heart stopped for a second.

Kurt looked at their linked hands again as Blaine led them from the room. It was nice holding his hand he decided. He looked up again when the shorter teen stopped.

"Can I have your number?" Blaine asked, pulling out his phone. He smiled when Kurt gave him a confused look. "If you ever need to talk or something."

Kurt was a little surprised but nodded, telling him his number. They began to walk again, Kurt cherishing the touch of Blaine's hand. It was probably the last time he would ever feel it within his own. When they stopped again they were in front of the nurses office and Blaine let go of his hand.

"What's wrong, you look nervous." Blaine stated, watching Kurt fidget.

"I guess I'm just uneasy, I don't get along with other people very well." Kurt said, smiling to Blaine when the senior smiled at him.

"You'll be fine, no one here is going to get you." Blaine said before waving his hand. "Well I got to get going, see you at dinner?" he asked hopefully, resisting the urge to jump in the air and click his shoes together at Kurt's nod.

Kurt watched Blaine walk until he turned the corner then turned to the door of the nurses office. Now he was alone, and had to face Amanda on his own. The stupid woman who made him feel like nothing and useless at the same time. He stood outside the door for a few minuets, mentally preparing himself. Suddenly his phone vibrated causing him to jump. He pulled it from his pocket, confused at the unknown phone number. He tapped the message and his face broke out into a real smile.

One simple word shouldn't make someone so utterly happy and optimistic, but Kurt didn't care. He added Blaine's number into his contacts before putting his phone away. He stood up straight, holding his head high before twisting the door knob and walking into the nurses office to face Amanda.

Blaine smiled as he watched Kurt walk inside with a smile on his face. He had stopped around the corner to watch him. Yes, even to him it sounded like something a creeper would do, but he couldn't help the curiosity. He had looked so scared outside of the door that Blaine sent him the text, watching from his hiding spot as Kurt's whole face lit up.

He walked away, heading towards the dining hall with a new bounce in his step. He knew getting closer to Kurt was going to be a challenge, but somehow that didn't deter him in the least. Kurt was still hurt from his old school, but as long as Blaine went to Dalton, nothing would ever cause Kurt grief if he could help it.