Never Say Never

Rating: PG at the moment

Pairing/s: Sam/Kurt - pre-slash to start with, any canon coupling may be mentioned

Spoilers: Anything aired is fair game

Summary: As the bullying gets worse, Sam notices and an odd friendship is formed.

Author's Notes: I've been posting this on the samkurt LJ community but figured I should post it here as well now I have an account. So here are the first 4 chapters.

So I started writing this after Never Been Kissed aired, I've tried to keep to canon as much as possible as new episodes have aired but some things have not happened (eg. In the context of this when it gets to A Very Glee Christmas Kurt will not be 'in love' with Blaine).

I don't know how many parts this will end up being but as of the moment it's 73 A5 pages long so quite long!

Chapter 1

Contrary to what Finn had implied when he convinced Sam to join, Glee did NOT make you popular, a fact Sam found out quickly. Everyone in the club was bullied to some extent; luckily the girls seemed to get away with just being slushied now that their main former bullies (Quinn and Santana) were part of Glee. The boys got it worse, especially Artie, but as most of them were now on the football team they managed to have enough status to avoid overtly physical confrontation. That left Kurt.

It was one of those things that everyone knew but never talked about that Kurt got it much worse. Slushied at least daily, chucked in dumpsters regularly, shoved into lockers, clothes damaged, swirlies, not to mention the verbal harassment he got. All becaue he was gay. Sam hated the mentality that most of the school had that seemed to think Kurt 'deserved' it or brought it on himself because he didn't hide who he was. Hell, even Finn who was meant to be friends/almost brothers with Kurt was far more focussed on conforming than actually sticking up for him; Sam didn't know for sure but would put money on the idea that Finn had something to do with why Kurt had backed out of their duet – after all it would have been a 'death sentence' according to Finn.

So no one comments when Kurt walks into the choir room with Tina looking miserable, no one comments when word gets around that Mr Schue has had a 'talk' with him. No one comments when Kurt stalks out to spy on Dalton even though the boys all know Kurt's just glad to get out opf McKinley. No one EVER comments and it's doing Sam's head in. Because it doesn't take a genius to notice something's up with Kurt. Sam knows this because he definitely isn't a genius. Since the boys versus girls competition Kurt has withdrawn even more that he had done after the duets debacle and no one, not even Rachel this time, seems to have reached out to him successfully yet. And Sam is determined to find out what changed. He isn't sure why he cares exactly, maybe it's because he knows what it's like to be bullied for being different, or maybe its because somehow Kurt has managed to work his way onto the small list of people that Sam respects and actually cares about.

For whatever reason, Sam finds himself the next day slowly packing up his stuff after French so he can follow Kurt out. Sure enough, as Kurt walks down the corridor Azimio and Karofsky appear and shove him across the hall into the lockers, causing Kurt to collapse on the floor. As Azimio stalks off, Karofsky leans down and says something to Kurt that makes the smaller boy whiten before following his fellow Neanderthal, making sure to step onto Kurt's hand as he goes.

As Karofsky rounds the corner, Sam rushes over to Kurt, who hasn't made any attempt to get himself up yet.

"Here" Sam says, offering Kurt a hand.

"Thanks" Kurt mutters as he gets up and goes to walk away.

"Hey" Sam said, blocking Kurt's path. "Are you ok?"

"Having the time of my life"

"You should get that looked at" Sam gestured towards the reddening hand.

"Thanks Nurse Nacy I'll get right on that after school"

"Or..." Sam began as he gently directed Kurt towards the bathroom. "we can sort it now"

Kurt rolled his eyes but allowed himself to be moved along into the bathroom.

"Right run it under cold water to try and minimize the swelling" Sam informed him.

"I definitely couldn't have figured that out myself"

"Does the sarcasm actually work in getting people to leave you alone?"

"Mostly"

"Well not on me. Come on, give me your hand"

"Why?"

"Oh just give it"

"Fine"

Sam gently started pressing around Kurt's hand. "Sorry" he murmured as Kurt winced. "Well the good news is that nothing seems to be broken, you're going to have a nasty bruise though...what?"

"So do you watch a lot of medical shows or-"

"My mum's a nurse. And being able to identify injuries comes in handy"

"Huh"

"What?"

"I just assumed you were very much an all-American boy with a housewife mum and a hard working dad that's all"

"That's the danger with assumptions, they're usually wrong" Sam pointed out. "By the way – what did Karofsky say to you?"

"Nothing" Kurt answered quickly"

"Uh huh. Ok let's try another one – why couldn't he say what he wanted to in ront of Azimio?"

"Look" Kurt began, picking up his bag. "Thanks for the help but this is my problem"

"Why? Why don't you report them?"

"Mr Schue knows, he's known for over a year and hasn't done anything. And Figgins is useless if you haven't puicked that up yet"

"But surely the kids in Glee would help-"

"Haven't you noticed? They all know they just don't do anything. What can they do? The Neanderthals won't take the girls seriously, and it's dangerous for the to attempt to stand up to those guys anyway, same goes for Artie. Puck is Puck and not above making homophobic comments himself. And Finn cares too much about his reputation. Mike can't do much on bhis own"

"That's garbage! They're meant to be your friends-like family."

"I'm used to it" Kurt smiled thinly. "Don't worry about it. I'll survive like I always do. I'll see you in Glee"

"See you" Sam said to the now empty bathroom, before kicking a nearby bin in frustration.

Sam was in different classes from Kurt for the rest of the day and so didn't see him again until Glee rehersal. Kurt was the last to arrive, with a different outfit from earlier and looking harassed, his nusually perfect nhair slightly unkempt. Sam waved awkwardly, indicating the seat next to him in invitation. Kurt smiled genuinely as he took the seat and that strengthened the resolve Sam had made earlier, if no one else would do anything to help then HE would.

"Slushie or dumpster?" he whispered to Kurt as Mr Schue rambled on.

"Dumpster" Kurt answered"

"Dude you're going to be black and blue!" Sam whispered louder.

"Shhh and I know"

"Sam" Mr Schue called. "What would you like to do more of seeing as I'm sure you were whispering about the question"

"Um..." Sam stumbled being put on the spot and frantically wracking his brains for an answer. "Singing in the Rain" he blurted out, b before wishing he could take it back as the rest of the club looked at him like he ahd grown an extra head. "I um mean it would be nice to do more from old musical-" he developed lamely, wishing the ground would swallow him.

"Duly noted" Mr Schue nodded before moving on.

"Oh shut up" Sam whispered to Kurt who was trying unsuccessfully to hide his laughter.

"I'm sorry. But you're face when you realized what you said! And everyone else's reactions at you wanting to do something other than top 40 music"

"You put that stupid musical into my head!"

"Like a month ago!" Kurt countered. "I'm flattered you remembered that though, I'll be careful not to mention things I don't want blurted out to the others in future"

"I don't make a habit of doing it"

"Just in case. Did you actually watch Singin' in the Rain? You kno in case Mr Schue asks what song you want to sing?"

"I bought it...just never got around to watching it"

"Well you better now"

Chapter 2

The next day Sam loitered in the parking lot until he saw Kurt arrive.

"Hey!" he called, jogging over.

"Um, hi. What's up?"

"Nothing. Just remembered we have Spanish together first period so-"

"You wouldn't have happened to also 'remember' that first thing in the morning tends to be my main dumpster time?" Kurt asked suspiciously as they walked past some jocks assembled near the dumpster.

"Well...yeah" Sam admitted. "It's worked hasn't it? You aren't in a dumpster yet"

"No but I bet your reputation is going down by walking with the gay kid"

"Hey LADIES" a jock called as he past them.

"Eh I've been getting that since I joined Glee" Sam answered in response to Kurt's 'told you so' look.

"Right" Kurt answered unbelievingly.

Midway through Spanish Kurt got a note which he opened curiously.

Wanna come to mine after Glee? Got to wacth Singing in the Rain – better to do it wiv sum1 who wnot let me fall asleep. S

Haven't you destroyed your rep enough today? K.

...How will people no?

...Fair point but if they DO find out then consider yourself forewarned.

So is that a yes? :D

I suppose so. :)

"What class do you have next?" Sam asked as the bell rang.

"History"

"No way, what a crazy random happenstance"

"You're not in my history class" Kurt pointed out.

"No but I have Geography two doors over. So might as well walk with you"

"Smooth." Kurt replied. "And let me guess there's going to be a reason for you to walk with me everywhere?"

"Possibly" Sam said shiftily.

"Sam I'm not a little kid who needs protecting"

"I know. But I can't just ignore it. So I figure if walking with me gets you bullied even slightly less then why not?"

"Ruining your reputation?"

"This is more important"

"Uh huh, somehow I don't see Quinn agreeing"

"Come on we're going to be late" Sam cut in quickly, grabbing his bag and walking out.

True to his word, Sam met Kurt after History. This time as they walked through the school they were rewarded with slushie facials.

"Told you so" Kurt said with cherry slushie dripping down him.

"Oh wow you're right I can never walk with you again" Sam responded.

"Is that sarcasm Samuel? It really doesn't suit you"

"Whatever" Sam sighed as they started making their way to the nearest bathroom.

Once they managed to clean most of the mess off their faces Kurt disappeared into a stall to change his outfit, leaving Sam to look at his slushie covered t-shirt and wish he had had the forethought to do the same. Kurt seemed to think the same thing as when he reappeared he rifled through his bag before producing a jacket.

"Here, this should fit you" he said, throwing it to Sam. "It's big on me so should be normal for you"

"Um thanks, How many spare outfits do you have?"

"A few"

"How many do you get through?"

"Nice. Subtle way of asking how much I get bullied a day – I'm impressed"

"You haven't answered my question"

"Did you really think I would?" Kurt asked sceptically.

"Not really. I'm going to keep asking you know"

Kurt stopped. "Why do you care? You barely know me"

"Do I need a reason?"

"Now who's avoiding questions" Kurt said pointedly.

"We have English" Sam muttered as he left, Kurt following with a curious expression on his face.

"You seem bothered about something" Kurt commented later as they walked to lunch.

"I was just thinking...have you noticed how much Mr Hainsworth looks like Mr Smee from Peter Pan?"

Kurt burst out laughing, Sam following suit as they entered the cafeteria.

"So who would be Captain Hook?" Kurt asked through his laughter.

"Coach Sylvester obviously. And Mr Schie would so be Peter Pan"

"The boy who never wants to grow up – oh I love it!"

"What are you two laughing at?" Finn asked as they sat at the Glee table.

"Oh nothing" Kurt answered, managing to contain his laughter until Sam nodded at Finn and mouthed 'the crocodile' which set him off again.

"Seriously dude!"

"You wouldn't get it" Sam said.

"I might...hey isn't that Kurt's jacket?"

"We got slushied and Sam didn't come prepared Kurt told Finn as he composed himself.

"Oh right" Finn said confusedly before going back to his conversation with Artie.

"Hey ladylips" Azimio stopped to jeer on his way out later.

"Hey" Sam replied calmly, clocking how Karofsky had his hands resting on Kurt's shoulders in what could have passed as a friendly way if Kurt wasn't wincing. "Ready to go Kurt?"

"Sure" Kurt replied, standing up quickly.

"Since when have those two been friends?" Artie questioned as they walked out together.

"I dunno but it's weird" Finn commented.

"I think it's sweet" Rachel declared. "Kurt needs a friend; he's been lonely since the atheist and duet competition debacles if you guys hadn't noticed"

"I'll get Mercedes to ask him about it later" Tina said to break the silence that had fallen.

Sam isn't sure how exactly it happens. One minute he's walking to Glee with Kurt and the next Kurt is flying into a locker.

"HEY" Sam yells as he runs after Azimio, catching him off guard as he shoves him. "How do you like it?"

When he turns back to where Kurt was the smaller boy has disappeared. Ignoring the wave of panic Sam runs past the lockers and into the closest bathroom.

"What the hell?" he called as he rounded the corner to see that Karofsky had Kurt pinned against the wall.

Upon seeing Sam, Karofsky let go of Kurt abruptly, letting the smaller boy fall to the floor and barging into Sam on his way out.

"Are you ok?" Sam asked worriedly as he helped Kurt up.

"I'm fine" Kurt sighed, making sure his outfit hadn't creased in the confrontation.

"Why on earth has he got such a problem with you?"

"Has anyone seen Sam or Kurt?" Mr Schue asked.

"They were together earlier" Artie provided.

"Sorry we're late Mr Schue" Kurt said as they walked in.

"Peter Pan" Sam whispered, correcting him. Getting a thin smile from Kurt in reply.

"It's ok – take a seat guys"

"Still up for Singing in the Rain?" Sam checked as they took their seats and Mr Schue started talking.

"Of course, you don't get out of it that easy Evans"

"I just thought-"

"Sam this is less bullying than an ordinary day for me – I'm fine. I'm not a china doll"

"Good job or you'd be smashed by now" Sam muttered to himself darkly.

Chapter 3

"Nice house" Kurt commented nervously as they arrived at Sam's. "Big"

"No bigger than yours"

"How do-"

"Finn commented on it when he was around"

"Oh. Um, your parents?"

"Are at work. Relax we're watching Singing in the Rain not facing a firing squad"

"Sorry it's just..."

"You're worried they're as homophobic as most of the people in this town?"

Kurt smiled apologetically.

"They're cool. Don't worry about it."

"Popcorn" Sam pronounced, collapsing onto the sofa next to Kurt.

"Wow you go all out watching films"

"Well I'm still making up for the crazy dieting I did over the summer so this is my treat"

"Dieting, dyeing your hair – you really were desperate to fit in here weren't ylou?"

"I don't die my hair" Sam responded automatically.

"And I don't like fashion" Kurt deadpanned.

"Oh whatever, are we starting this or not?"

"Let your education commence"

Half way through the film Sam looked across from his slouched position at Kurt who was sitting stiffly at the very edge of the sofa.

"Relax Kurt – you're making ME feel uncomfortable sitting like that"

"Right" Kurt said, relaxing back into the sofa a bit more.

"Are you always this tense around people's houses?"

"No, but that's usually just Mercedes"

"And so you're worried that I'm going to suddenly freak out for no real reason?"

"Shh you're missing a good part" Kurt deflected, leaning closer to the television.

"I'll take that as a yes" Sam muttered.

"That's it?"

"Yep"

Wow it's highly overrated!" Sam exclaimed, dodging away from Kurt.

"Hey don't criticize it! What did you think of the music? Answer carefully!"

"The music was great it was the story I found lacking"

"Like all your favourite films are brilliant stories?"

"Most of them! Have you SEEN Avatar?"

"Pocahontas in space? No I tend to stick to the classics"

Sam moved over to his DVD shelf and produced Avatar. "You up for it?"

"I should be getting home for dinner..."

"We can order pizza"

Kurt contemplated this for a moment. "Fine if you think your film is that great. I'll just phone my dad"

"I'll dig out the pizza menu"

Kurt sighed as he dialled home.

"Kurt?" came Burt's voice on the other end of the phone. "Where are you? Carole and Finn are here"

"Oh it's Friday, right. I'm sorry I totally lost track of time. I'm not going to be able to make dinner"

"Where are you?"

"I'm at Sam's house"

"That's more important than our family dinner?"

"Of course not dad. But...it's nice. How many straight males friends do I have or are actually comfortable being alone with me?"

"You have Finn..."

"Seriously? Mr 'you can't sing with another boy because it'll get him bullied'? That's who you're going with?"

Burt sighed defeatedly. "Does Finn know this Sam?"

"Yes dad he's in Glee, the new kid I was meant to have sung with"

"...be careful Kurt"

"Dad he's fine"

"Hmmm. See you later, back by midnight"

"I will be, bye"

Sam walked in from the kitchen. "Sorry I heard that"

"It's ok my dad just worries about me"

"Right. I was talking about the Finn part actually, he really said that to you?"

"Yeah" Kurt admitted.

"He said pretty much the same thing to me, I was still going to sing with you until you backed out you know?"

Kurt smiled wanly. "Pizza?"

As they waited for the pizza to arrive ('because you can't just pause Avatar in the middle!' Sam had protested) Kurt asked Sam the question he had been wondering all day.

"So...while you're walking me to classes, sitting with me, inviting me over – where's Quinn?"

"No idea" Sam sighed. "After the Bieste incident she said she needed some time alone to think, probably about Puckerman"

"Oh"

"Yeah...I mean they have a history, I knew that from the start so I don't expect to win against that"

"You might"

"Maybe...Ok I answered that – you answer a question of mine"

"O...k"

"Why has the bullying suddenly got worse?"

"I'm guessing because Karofsky convinced Azimio to"

"Why-"

"That's another question" Kurt pointed out.

"This conversation isn't over!" Sam told him, going to answer the door.

"Look" Sam began as he rejoined Kurt with pizza. "I get that you keep these things to yourself and I'm just the new kid you're getting to know. But you should know that I'm going to keep asking so you'll have to tell me eventually. You can't deal with the bullying on your own, maybe if I knew why I could do something to help"

"Nice thought but you can't do anything about it either. Now can we eat this pizza and watch the film? We'll talk about it later"

"Promise?"

"Promise" Kurt agreed grudgingly.

"Totally called it! Pocahontas in Space!" Kurt said triumphantly as the credits rolled.

"Well done. Enjoy it?"

"It was better than I was expecting"

"Well that's something I guess. Sorry for the lack of songs"

"Oh we're apologising for our films now? Then sorry for the lack of Na'vi speaking blue people in Singin' in the Rain"

"This was fun. We should do it again"

"A movie swap night?"

"Why not? A favourite of mine and one of yours"

"Sure that sounds good" Kurt checked his watch. "And now I have to go before curfew"

"Right. After you te-"

"Don't make me spoil a good night?"

"You promised" Sam reminded it.

"If I tell you part of it you have to swear you won't tell anyone, because things will get so much worse for me if other people find out"

"I swear I won't"

Kurt bit his lip. "Karofsky's gay"

"No way! That's...unexpected and makes a lot more sense why he bullies someone who represents what he's repressing..."

"Exactly. I'm going now"

"I was wondering...um I'm going to see Harry Potter 7 tomorrow, want to come?"

"In public?"

"Yes but I was thinking of the IMAX not the local cinema, just to make sure we don't have trouble with any jocks"

"I haven't seen the other ones" Kurt said, ignoring Sam's expression that was part shock and part disapproval. "But sure"

"Great, I'll pick you up at 5"

"I can come here-"

"I was thinking that I should assure your dad that I'm not a serial killer before we go out of town" Sam explained with a smile.

"That's...probably a good idea actually" Kurt admitted.

"Then I'll see you then. Night Kurt"

"Night"

Chapter 4

Sam arrived promptly at 5pm the next day. Kurt heard his father going to answer the door and checked himself over in the mirror before rushing up to rescue Sam.

"You try anything and-"

"Ok Sam, time to go" Kurt interrupted, practically pushing the blond out of the door.

"Don't be back too late!" Burt called after them.

"We won't. Nice meeting you Mr Hummel!" Sam called back from Kurt's car. "Well that didn't go too bad" he said lightly to Kurt.

"What did he say to you?"

"Oh he asked me what my intentions towards you were, what exactly we were doing and was moving on to threats if I tried anything"

"Oh no, I'm sorry"

"Don't worry I think it's sweet how protective he is"

"Unnecessarily. The "he's straight" message didn't get through to him obviously"

Sam coughed. "Anyway do I get the rest of the Karofsky story?"

"I don't know. I feel bad for telling you that bit. You can't tell anyone, he's still closeted and he's a horrible bully but he still has to sort this out in his head in his own time-"

"Kurt stop. I get it, I really do. And I gave you my word last night, I intend on keeping it"

Kurt smiled at the sincerity in Sam's tone.

"The rest?"

"Not tonight"

"Oh my god that was EPIC!" Sam exclaimed as they left the cinema.

"It was very good I agree" Kurt smiled. "You are such a dork! Harry Potter love, Na'vi, comics-"

"Sorry"

"Don't apologize, I think it's endearing. And much healthier than say Artie's obsession with video games"

Sam grinned. "Want to get something to eat?"

"Sure. What?"

"Dunno, what do you fancy?"

"Pasta? Make the most of decent food outside Lima" Kurt suggested.

"Sounds good to me – WOAH!" Sam warned, grabbing Kurt's hand and pulling him out the path of a motorcycle. "You ok?"

"Fine" Kurt said, catching his breath. "Um...you can let go now"

Sam looked down at where Kurt's hand was still firmly in his grasp. "Sorry" he apologized, dropping it quickly. "So, pasta?"

"Thanks for tonight" Kurt said as they got out of Kurt's car outside his house.

"No problem" Sam smiled. "Thank you for coming with me, I'd have looked like a right loner on my own"

"But you're popular! Well as popular as Glee kids get anyway"

"Yeah, but I don't 'fit'. Sports aren't all I think about. I'm a dork, you said it yourself"

"As a good thing!"

"I know. And it is a good thing, just not a typical jock thing son it's not really something I can share with them. Even Quinn looked at me like I grew an extra head sometimes and we were meant to be dating"

Kurt paused. "Well you can be dorky around me anytime. I may not have a clue what you're talking about but I won't judge you for it"

"You're so going to regret saying that. Besides we have our movie swap nights and I'm sure that will lead to an excuse to show you comics at some point"

"Oh what have I let myself in for?" Kurt said dramatically. "Well I'll repay the trauma in musical theatre things"

""Great...I think you should probably go in, your dad keeps subtly walking past the window"

"Right! See you Monday?"

"Yep, see you" Sam said, watching Kurt get into the house as Sam climbed into his car.

As he drove away he found himself deep in thought about how it was so much easier to be around Kurt than anyone else.

Kurt opened the door on Sunday afternoon to find Sam on his doorstep.

"What are you doing here?" he asked bemusedly.

"Nice to see you too" Sam greeted. "Want to come out for coffee?"

"Sure I guess. Let me grab a jacket"

"Awesome"

"You aren't taking me up on the dorky offer already are you?" Kurt asked as they sat in a quiet coffee shop, it was the one place Kurt had found to not be frequented a lot by McKinley students, or anyone in fact so being here was probably the safest place for him to be outside of home. Especially as at times, like now, it was deserted except for an old couple and him and Sam.

"Nah, I'm saving that for another day, I just felt like a trip out and I knew you didn't have plans today-"

"Ok seriously Sam why are you doing this?" Kurt interrupted. "Why do you care about me? Honestly? And before you say it I know you don't need a reason to care usually but when spending time with me is going to end up hurting you, you need a reason."

"Honestly?" Sam asked, hesitating before answering. "Everyone knows you get bullied but none of them do anything. It drives me crazy because I can't just sit there and not do anything while it goes on and is getting so bad that you're isolating yourself and losing weight because you feel like no one cares or understands, you think that they just feel that you've brought it on yourself and so really they're no different from the bullies except that they act like they're nicer and more accepting." Sam stopped as he paused for breath.

"Ok so that was either really really perceptive or from personal experience" Kurt commented softly.

"I was bullied at my old school" Sam explained. "I was made to feel that I didn't fit in anywhere, I had 'friends' who turned on me – why do you think I'm so desperate to fit in here? The hair, the diet, dating the head cheerleader...but I look at you and I remember how desperate I was for someone, anyone, to reach out to me. You're great Kurt – smart, funny, passionate about the things you love and more people should know that."

Kurt stared at him, stunned for a moment before speaking. "I'm sorry"

"I transferred before it got as bad as yours is, don't feel too sorry for me"

"I'll keep that in mind. I...how do you feel about transferring?"

"Happy. I mean the effect they had on me will probably always be around but, I'm away from them, all of them" Sam paused. "Hold on, why are you asking? Not considering it yourself are you?"

"Not right now, don't panic" Kurt assured him. "But...I don't know how much more I can take before I break down"

"That sounds even worse than I thought it was" Sam commented.

"I'm being harassed verbally, physically, s- by someone who should know what it's like. He's like me Sam and-"

"Hold on" Sam cut in as something struck him. "This guy is so far in the closet that he's in Narnia – how did you find out?"

"It doesn't matter" Kurt said flippantly.

"You're right" Sam agreed. "It didn't really matter, that is until you didn't answer the question. NOW it matters"

"Sam, just leave it"

"No"

"Please?"

"Why is it so bad that you can't tell me?"

"Because it's personal"

"Bullshit. How did you find out?"

"Sam..."

"How. Did. You. Find. Out. He's. Gay?"

"He kissed me" Kurt confessed quietly, causing Sam to recoil.

"He WHAT? I swear I am going to-"

"Shh you can't do anything. PROMISE me Sam. I've trusted you!"

"But Kurt how can you let him get away with this? It's like assault!"

"He's gay"

"SO? That doesn't excuse it!"

"No, it doesn't. But I can't bring myself to out someone. Not when I've been there, so confused because everyone around you every single day is telling you that you shouldn't be who you are. And that's me, I'm obviously gay, it must be even worse for him. It's personal and something he has to deal with himself"

Sam shook his head.

"Well if that doesn't work thing about this. If this is how bad he is now, what is he going to do if I tell people? Worse bullying or claiming that I kissed him? And face it, who are people going to believe? The queer kid who had an obvious crush on a straight guy last year or a popular jock who no one in the school will dare to say anything bad about?"

"It's not right"

"I know but just – promise me that you won't do anything?"

"Fine" Sam gave in. "I promise, but if I get any excuse to beat the crap out of him without it being taken as relating to that then I'm doing it" he warned.

"Deal" Kurt agreed.

"But Kurt...are you ok? I mean, the bullying before was bad, this is so so much worse"

"It's nothing, I'm fine"

"I don't believe you. You shouldn't be fine" Sam told him, not surprised when Kurt refused to meet his eye.

"I'll deal with it"

"By being terrified? Bullied in every way?" Sam said angrily. "That's putting up with it!"

"And what else CAN I do Sam" Kurt replied hostily, allowing his voice to rise for the first time. "Run away from it like you?"

Sam recoiled. "No" he told Kurt. "You're better than that – running doesn't solve things. But letting things contine as normal doesn't solve them either"

"Nothing does, nothing can. People like me are always going to be bullied because the majority of adults feel the same way as the bullies do"

"That doesn't make it any more acceptable. Surely Mr Schue?"

"One person. And he's known for at least a year but it's still happening. Did you tell the adults at you school?"

"Yeah"

"And?"

"They said that they would do things and then didn't"

"Exactly"

"You've got me?"

"No I haven't"

Sam paused, "What are you on about?"

"I love that I actually seem to have found a decent friend in you. And, as a friend I am NOT going to let you get bullied for me"

"No chance I'm going to let you do that. You can't stop me being around you"

"I can't? Sam this is what needs to happen. We can be friends outside of school, but you can't protect me inside it. Because it's only a matter of time before you get so harassed that you realise it's better to be away from me"