A Seperate Room in Breadstix

Dave couldn't help but grin as he watched Hummel struggling with his obvious terror. He smirked at the way Hudson was turning all red, and how the other two were just sitting there pretending to ignore him. "What's that Hudson? You want to what now? I'd like to see you try."

Polly tugged on his sleeve, trying to pull his attention back to their own table, but he couldn't resist taking another long look at Hummel before turning forward in his seat.

Finn rolled his eyes as Karofsky continued to make an ass out of himself. He really wanted to go over there and shut the kid up but he was trying to be better- for Rachel and his family, and himself too. "You're right baby." Taking a deep breath to calm himself he grabbed Rachel's hand and squeezed it lightly, kissing her cheek to help ease the frustration building up inside of him. "So what's everyone ordering? I'm thinking the spaghetti and meatballs sound good."

Kurt swore he could feel Dave staring at him and for a few moments honestly thought he was going to be sick. He nearly fled for the bathrooms, but then realized that would be an awfully easy place for him to wind up cornered. Not that the others would let that happen, he assured himself. At least one of them would notice Dave disappearing right after he did. But still...he felt much safer staying put. And the last thing he wanted was to get anyone else hurt on his behalf. Well, next to last. Last was definitely getting trapped by Karofsky again. Especially after the latest threat. His grip on Blaine's hand tightened even more.

Kurt just didn't have much of an appetite. Second time at Breadstix that night and he still wasn't going to eat. He shook his head. "I'm really not hungry," he admitted quietly. "I'll just stick with water and enjoy some company," he added, letting out a nervous laugh at the incredibly cheesy line.

Blaine frowned slightly and gave Kurt's hand a tight squeeze. He felt how hard Kurt was gripping him and could sense how nervous he was with Karofsky so close. It was a feeling he knew all too well, and had experience many times back at his old school.

"I'll have to agree with you on the spaghetti and meatballs, Finn," he said with a grin, not really feeling like looking through the menu. And it took a lot to mess up spaghetti and meatballs, so he was sure they'd taste just fine. He looked over at Kurt and shot him a 'you okay?' look, though he was sure he already knew the answer, so he gave Kurt's hand another comforting squeeze. He knew that with Finn, Rachel, and himself here, along with all the other customers eating their meals, Karofsky wouldn't hurt Kurt physically, but the emotional effect he had on Kurt was obvious and Blaine wished he had a way to make everything better.

Kurt forced himself to smile back at Blaine as he saw the concerned look. He knew was overreacting to Karofsky’s presence. Nothing was going to happen, not here with all sorts of witnesses, and certainly not if Karofsky wanted his secret to stay secret. Kurt wouldn't tell, but if Karofsky didn't stop with the creepy looks, it wouldn't be all that hard for anyone else to put the pieces together. So for now, all Kurt had to worry about was the buffoon's “normal” bad behavior and a few of the usual homophobic taunts.

Still, he hitched his seat a little bit closer to Blaine anyway. He wished they really were boyfriends--not just because he was completely head over heels for Blaine, but because what he really wanted to do right then was to cuddle close and bask in the other boy’s warmth. He’d feel safer, less exposed and maybe he wouldn’t feel quite so…numb.

He was momentarily distracted as he received a txt message. Giving Blaine an apologetic glance he retrieved his phone, read the message and made a quick reply about meeting up in a couple hours...and laid the foundation for inviting Blaine to join them. Almost immediately Sam txted back a counter-offer of three hours. Again Kurt agreed readily. That might actually give him some time alone with Blaine...which both excited and scared him. He knew how he felt about Blaine, but wasn't so sure how Blaine felt about him...or at least not how Blaine would feel once he realized just how damaged Kurt really was. But if they got a little time alone, Kurt decided that maybe it was time to find out. He wanted--maybe even needed--to know what it was like to share a kiss with someone he trusted and adored; a kiss that wasn't a completely terrifying experience.

For now, he just needed to concentrate on keeping calm and acting normal.

"New Directions may currently have the advantage when it comes to theatricality, but the Warblers have a much tighter sound and a lot of very strong singers," he tried to pick up the friendly competition with Rachel. He smiled slyly and gave Blaine a small nudge with his shoulder as he continued, "And I'm working on convincing a few people about the effect added production value has on so many judges, so you're going to have your work cut out for you."

He glanced down at his phone again and rolled his eyes a little bit as he read about Sam's probably intoxication. All the more reason to ask Blaine to stay with him, he figured as he quickly texted back requiring Sam to contact him for a ride later. His car was out of commision, but Puck didn't live far; he (and Blaine?) could always walk over and drive Sam's car back.

Rachel's jaw clenched as Karofsky continued to harrass them. Wasn't it bad enough that he had driven Kurt out of McKinley? Did he have to mess with him in front of the rest of Lima now too? Taking her own advice, Rachel did nothing about Karofsky's words but to roll her eyes at him. She tried to grin but it came out looking very forced. "Maybe," she agreed. "But part of show choir is dancing, something that New Directions excels at. Especially with Mike and Brittany. Our vocals are superb and we bring a lot of energy. Not that you don't know that," she added. "But it wouldn't mean much if we didn't have to try for the win, so I'm looking forward to seeing the Warblers loosen up a bit."

Blaine smiled as Kurt nudged him. He had loved how Kurt tried to suggest some creative ideas for the Warblers' performances. He just wished that the council members weren't so...Well, uptight to put it nicely. The idea was brilliant and if he had been on the council, he would have accepted it right away. He still felt guilty for not standing up for Kurt, though. He knew that he was sort of a role model for Kurt, so he'd never admit to the other boy that he wished to be more like him. More outgoing and willing to be different. Once upon a time Blaine had been a more unique person. A person that only few people got to see these days. People like Kurt, and now Finn and Rachel. He had stuck out in his old school and been bullied for it, and now that he was at Dalton he did everything to fit in. But Kurt had still managed to stay true to his personality, and that was one of the many things that caused Blaine to fall for Kurt.

"The Warblers loosen up?" he echoed with a light laugh, snapping out of his thoughts as he returned to the conversation. "That sounds like a challenge," he said teasingly, trying to imagine the Warblers doing a more theatrical performance. "But you see, we have Kurt now," he grinned and nudged Kurt lightly. "I'm sure it'll be very close but that first place trophy is going to look spectacular in the Dalton trophy room."

"The only way that trophy will be at Dalton is if it's stolen or borrowed from us." Finn joked playfully. "Mike and Britt are working on some killer moves that even make me look better than usual. Not to mention our not-so-secret weapon." He wrapped an arm around Rachel and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "Rachel can outshine the very best, even you guys."

Kurt couldn't keep the amused look off his face as he heard Blaine mentioning the Warblers loosening up. He had his doubts as to whether it would ever happen, but that didn't mean that he wouldn't keep trying. And if he could truly get Blaine to side with him, he might make at least a little bit of leeway. Perhaps convince them that even if they didn't go full out theatricality, they could at least wear better outfits than the rather blah Dalton uniforms...

"The question is...will Schue actually let you use that secret weapon?" Kurt asked, giving Rachel a sympathetic look. He knew quite well what it was like to be shut out of solos, but not singing any leads at sectionals had to have been a huge shock to her. "He letting you sing yet?"

Rachel blushed slightly at Finn's compliment. "Thanks," she said softly. "It's true though. I am the most talented one there, and no one suspects that someone a bit-" she stressed the word. "Shorter than them could have such a powerful voice." And it had been a shock for her not getting to sing any leads at Sectionals. It wasn't her favourite option, but she would have been fine with someone else singing a solo for one song, but for her not to get any? Sheer madness. Rachel fidgeted a little and said, "We'll have to see. But if the way he treated me in rehersal the other day is any indication, maybe not. I come in making a tiny suggestion, and he snapped at me! Just because I thought we should do something other than Journey."

Kurt couldn't help but roll his eyes at Mr. Schue's music selection. Of course Journey was a huge crowd pleaser, but they'd used Journey to win sectionals last year. To win Regionals--especially against Vocal Adrenaline--both New Directions and the Warblers were going to have to majorly step up their games and do something big. Something unexpected--that *nobody* would see coming.

He almost gasped when an idea popped into his head. He almost dismissed it as he realized almost immediately that he'd have trouble convincing everyone (or really, anyone) to go along with it. But...the idea still intrigued him and he filed it away for further development. Maybe he'd run it past Blaine later. Or...maybe Rachel. If he would be able to get anyone else to support the idea, it would likely be one of those two.

For now, though, he simply gave Rachel a sympathetic smile. "If Schue wants to take you guys to Nationals, he's going to have to realize that he needs to use *all* the club's best assets," he assessed. "And since I'm no longer there," he flashed a mockingly smug smile as he struck an angelic pose for a moment before continuing, "that does include featuring the best vocies he has left." After a moment he added, "I was majorly missing me some Mercedes and Tina at Sectionals!" He gave Rachel a wink and warm smile to let her know that although he wasn't lying about Mercedes and Tina, he was only teasing by leaving her out of the list. "But of course, since the Warblers will be going to New York this year, you'll have to settle for placing 2nd at Regionals."

Dave placed his order and busied himself with the first of many breadsticks. He tried to pay attention to the gossip that Polly and Azimio's girl kept yapping about, but after he heard the third mention of one of their friend's "tragic" breakup he tuned out.

His attention was drawn back to the other table when he heard Hummel's voice. He tried to ignore it and focus on his girl, but the more she talked the less interested he became. He caught himself looking back at the other table again. He couldn't help but notice how close Hummel was sitting to that prep school kid and it made his blood boil. Hummel was doing this purposely just to get a rise out of him, he knew it. Dave couldn't stand it anymore when he saw the way Hummel was smiling and looking so proud of himself.

Dave was out of his chair before he even knew what he was going to do. From the corner of his eye he saw Polly looking up at him with surprise. "Bathroom," he excused himself. His eyes didn't leave Hummel as he approached that table. As soon as he caught Hummel's eye he grinned maliciously. As he passed the table, he reached out and shoved the preppy boy hard, knocking his chair back even as he kept walking.

Finn chuckled as the group continued to banter playfully about the upcoming competition. He was happy that he and Rachel had worked everything out, because sitting here on an impromptu double date with her and Kurt and Blaine... it felt right. Like it was the way things were supposed to be. He had his brother and he had his girl, and glee and football. His mom was happy and New Directions was getting better every day, and Kurt seemed to be happier at Dalton. Plus, this Blaine kid didn't seem bad at all. He seemed like the type that really cared about Kurt and Finn got a very good vibe from him, it was obvious that he was a good guy.

And then there was Karofsky. The jerk had to ruin everything it seemed. And while the insults and slushies and name calling severly pissed Finn off to no end, he had been working on keeping his cool. Rachel hated when he got violent and getting punished was never fun, plus it really ticked off his mom. So he'd been doing better at ignoring things like that. But when you started putting your hands on the people he cared about, Finn couldn't help but lose his cool. He felt himself go all Hulk as his anger level rose higher and higher.

"HEY!" Standing up abruptly from his chair, he stepped around Rachel and grabbed Karofsky's arm, turning the boy around to face him. "Keep your hands off my brother." He said angrily.
"

Kurt froze as he swore he could feel someone watching him. Sure enough when he looked up, he saw Karofsky coming over to the table. He shrank back in his seat as he saw that horrible grin spreading across Dave's face. He could feel his heart pounding and it felt like his throat was closing up. He couldn't breathe.

He was almost to the table and Kurt could feel himself starting to tremble a little bit but couldn't look away from the impending disaster.

Despite his fear he was caught completely off guard when Karofsky lashed out and shoved Blaine over backward, and just kept walking. All of Kurt's fear fled and he flooded with anger.

"Hey!" Kurt blurted out furiously as he lurched to his feet. He stared incredulously at Dave's retreating back. He was torn for a moment, but...chasing after Karofsky hadn't ended well the time before. And Blaine was far more important than Dave would ever be. He allowed himself one more moment glaring after Dave before quickly turning his attention back to Blaine. He was relieved that Blaine hadn't been knocked all the way back. Still..."Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes wide and apologetic.

He was mortified as he heard Finn going after Karofsky. Once again he was torn with what to do. Blaine first, then make sure Finn doesn't do anything stupid...

[Note: Offensive language. I just think Dave would use it...I normally wouldn't!]

Karofsky actually laughed as Hudson came at him, telling him not to put his hands on Hummel. If Hudson only knew. He almost groaned as he remembered how incredibly soft and smooth Hummel's skin had been as he'd slid his hands up under the thin material of his t-shirt. Dave's eyes flicked back to Hummel again as he heard the boy yell at him. His eyes lingered briefly on the oh-so-tight jeans and the way they hugged his hips, and then he had to look away, focusing his attention back on Hudson. "Tell your 'brother' that he needs to stop flaunting his...*fagginess* then," he shot back. "Look at him. Wearing that shit ain't normal. Now get your hands off me," he growled, shoving Finn back. "Or is this your way of admitting you're a fag, too?"

Blaine was extremely thrown off by being shoved by Karofsky, his eyes slamming shut as he caught his balance. He took a deep breathe and opened his eyes to smile gratefully at Kurt, trying to pretend as if that shove did not bring back strong memories of his days back at his first high school. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you," he murmured back to Kurt, smiling for his friend's benefit. How could he preach to Kurt to show courage without demonstrating it to him? "Thanks," he said again before glaring over at Karofsky. "I'm sorry, but I think you'e got the definition of 'normal' all wrong," he said to the larger boy, trying to keep his voice calm. He couldn't stand how Karofsky treated Kurt and everyone around him, and the homophobia really pissed him off. He understood that Karofsky was confused but this was really no way to handle it, though Blaine knew better than to make fun of someone who was still in the closet. "We haven't bothered you, so if you don't mind it would be great if you could leave my friends alone."

Finn glared at the hateful boy. "I'm telling you dude, don't start with me! Just leave us alone. That shit won't fly anymore. I'm done listening to it!" Feeling the force of Karofsky's push Finn frowned and pushed him back harder.

Dave smirked at the preppy boy and his ridiculously proper response. He let out a snort and was about to start back to the table to have a little chat with the kid when Hudson had the nerve to shove him again.

He reared his fist back and swung, catching Hudson in the jaw.

Rachel looked up in horror as Karofsky came over to their table. She was so sick of him ruining everyone's lives. And then Karofsky started shoving Finn around too. She had enough. Rachel pushed away from the table and stalked over to stand between Finn and Karofsky. "Stop!" she yelled. "Just stop it! This is ridiculous! There is going to be no more fighting, alright?" she insisted. She drew herself up to her fullest height, though she still felt like a dwarf compared to all the boys. "That is enough Dave. Isn't it enough that you've already made Kurt's life a hell? Now you have to bully other people too?" Rachel got up on her tiptoes and jabbed a finger in Karofsky's face. "You are going to leave now and never bother any of us again. Understand?"

Kurt was relieved that Blaine was okay, but his relief turned to horror as he looked up and saw Finn shoving Karofsky. Not that he didn't appreciate Finn coming to his defense and protecting Blaine, but...Dave punched back. And then Rachel was getting up and getting between them. He just feared that Dave...wasn't the type who cared if he hit a girl.

"No!" he cried out, seeing Karofsky punching Finn in the face. He rushed forward, barreling into Karofsky and shoving him back away from Finn and Rachel. "Just stop!"

Dave peered down at Berry in disbelief. His lip curled as she shoved a finger toward his face. How dare she talk to him like that? Still he let out a little chuckle as he stepped closer to her. Staring her down to let her know that he understood, but just didn't care. He was tempted to reach out and just...twist that finger until it broke. Instead he reached out and squeezed her hand hard once before shoving it away from his face, then he stared down at her, sneering, "The little hag has to fight her fag's battl--" he was cut off as Hummel suddenly was there, shoving him away.

He looked at all three of them. He could take each of them, no problem. Probably Hummel and Berry together. But all three...? It was probably time to retreat, especially since it appeared that Azimio's gal had him castrated and he wasn't coming to help. He held up his hands as though he were surrendering and backed up a step.

Blaine stood up as Kurt shoved Karofsky, feeling relieved that the bully seemed to be backing off. Another thing he loved about Kurt; Kurt was a lot braver than he was. Blaine had never stood up to his own bullies like that in the past and he respected Kurt more than words could say. And Kurt's friends were just as amazing. Sadly, Blaine didn't have those back at his old school. He didn't have friends to defend him. Honestly, he barely had any friends at all until he came to Dalton and met people Wes and David...And more importantly, Kurt. He found himself at a loss for words. It seemed as if everything had been said, so he leaned his hip against the table as he waited for Karofsky to continue on his way and leave them all alone.

As soon as Karofsky backed off, Kurt retreated back to the table, standing close to Blaine. Probably too close, but he just...needed to feel safe, and Blaine made him feel safe. He really just wanted to curl into Blaine's arms and cry, but he'd already caused enough of a scene, so he held his head high.

"I'm so sorry," he apologized to Blaine, still absolutely mortified that Karofsky had tried to hurt Blaine because of him. "You sure you're okay?" he fussed worriedly.

Blaine smiled sympathetically as Kurt walked over to him. "I'm fine. Promise. Even if I did hit my head, I've got this hair to protect me," he joked, trying to lighten the situation. "You okay?" he asked softly as he reached out to rest his hand on Kurt's upper arm, slowly letting it trail down the other boy's arm until it reached his hand, where Blaine's fingers intertwined with Kurt's and gave his hand a light, comforting squeeze. Kurt was clearly fine physically, but Blaine had a feeling that he wasn't doing as well emotionally or mentally.

Rachel fell back, clutching her injured hand to her chest. She glared at Karofsky's retreating form. Hopefully he had gotten the message. "Is everyone alright?" she asked shakily. Rachel was far more concerned about Kurt and Finn than anyone else at the moment. Briefly scanning over Kurt to make sure he wasn't physically injured, she moved over to Finn. Gently touching his face where Karofsky hit him, she asked, "How are you?"