Prompt was: Rachel's reaction when she sees Karofsky hurting Kurt.

Fear was all she saw in his eyes these days. It made Rachel frown as she watched him. While they had only recently become friends, she had seen it before. It was the hurt and pain of never fitting in, never knowing what it was like to go through a whole school day without worry for some part of your being being bashed in, even it was just your ego or you beating down your own emotions to never show them pain, that they were hurting you in some way.

Kurt never showed fear, nor the pain.

It scared her to see him like this.

"We've got to do something," said Rachel to Finn. He was sitting on the couch beside her, watching the basketball game and eating the chocolate chip cookies she had made for him.

"Sure sure," he said offhandedly. Rachel knew he wasn't even paying attention. She wondered if he had any worry about his future step-brother's welfare at all.

Tina and Mercedes hadn't been much help either. But then, no one wanted to deal with Karofsky. He scared people for a reason.

Santana maybe could put the fear into David, but there was no benefit to her, so Rachel knew better to even ask. Brittany would be of little help, as would Quinn and Artie.

Maybe Mike and Sam…?

She started to head to the gym to find them, but heard the loud slam of a locker and the sound of a body being thrust against it. She didn't even have to think. She ran towards the sound and found Kurt on the floor. Everyone was walking past like nothing had happened. Rachel looked around for a teacher with a sigh. They were supposed to be patrolling the hallways, but there was no one.

She walked towards Kurt who was holding his cheek and wincing. She could tell he was going to have a bruise on his upper jaw, if not more.

It was a wonder David hadn't gave Kurt a concussion yet. Or Azimio. She slid down to the floor beside him, not saying a word. He looked at her like she was insane at first, but Rachel took his hand in hers and held it gently. Kurt laid his head against the lockers and closed his eyes. The bell rang, but neither one of them moved.

Rachel gave Coach Sylvester a glare as she came up to the both of them. To her credit, Sue didn't say a word, but saw Kurt's cheek and frowned. It was started to swell up and turn red. She nodded to Rachel before walking off. She came back with an ice pack and handed it to Kurt, who looked confused at the cheerleading coach, but gave her a soft thank you.

There were't many times when Rachel felt gratitude towards Sue, but this was one of them. Kurt gave her a half smile as he held the cold pack to his cheek. She smiled back.

Even if no one else could help, she could at least keep him company so that he knew he wasn't alone.