Canary in a Coal Mine

Summary: When Karofsky shows up at Dalton Academy, as a new student no less, Kurt reverts to old McKinley High survival tactics. This doesn't bode well with anyone, especially Blaine.

Chapter I: Heart Attack

Blaine was very good with faces, it was a necessary skill at Dalton, so when he saw David Karofsky sitting in the Dean's office his heart skipped a beat. Blaine no longer cared about getting to Spanish as the bell rang, the memory of what Kurt had told him only a month ago began flooding back into his mind:

"You met him, he's a Neanderthal, and I had tried my best to be brave," Kurt had quietly sobbed on his first night in the dorms, "But things got out of hand, he threatened to kill me, Blaine! I couldn't stay! He terrified me!"

Blaine had never been so furious in his life: sure he had dealt with the occasional teasing back at his old High School, but in comparison to the abuse Kurt had put up with, Liberty High seemed like a dream. Blaine had, had no idea how serious the bullying at McKinley had been when giving Kurt his advice and had regretted it ever since.

The most important thing was to figure out why Karofsky was here, expedite his departure, and make sure Kurt never found out about the whole situation. Blaine gracefully entered the Dean's office greeting Anabelle, the elderly secretary.

"Anabelle, what's up with that kid over there? I don't recognize him." Blaine questioned, making sure to flash his charming smile.

"I'm fairly sure he's a new student," Anabelle replied nonchalantly, shuffling papers, "His father is in with Dean Ford as we speak. Two emergency transfers in such a short time…it's so strange,"

Blaine's mind froze. Strange, indeed. He turned to Karofsky and gave him another glance over and his heart began to beat in double time. The former McKinley football player stared blankly at the photographs hung meticulously on the wood paneled wall. Blaine sucked in a deep breath: Kurt needed to know, even if Blaine wanted to shield his newest friend from the news, Kurt had a right to know.

The warbler bolted out of the Dean's office and headed towards the Library. Kurt had a study break now, and usually preferred to get homework done. Blaine burst into the library, which earned him a harsh glare from the librarian. Ignoring the negative waves being shot in his direction Blaine sought Kurt out. It didn't take long to find the normally chatty junior, he was sitting in one of the window nooks reading. Blaine stopped short and took the scene quietly in: Kurt looked so peaceful, with the bright sun reflecting on his perfectly chestnut brown hair…

This certainly wasn't the time to admire the perfection that was Kurt Hummel, Blaine was about to share some terrible news, he needed to put on his game face.

He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, and approached Kurt, "Hey there."

Kurt looked up from his book, but despite his smile, the curiosity in his tone prevailed, "Don't you have Spanish now, Blaine?"

Blaine's fingers uncurled, as Kurt's smile broke his heart. How could he possibly break the news to Kurt? Smiling, happy, shining Kurt? How could he possibly be the messenger of some of the worst news imaginable? He didn't think twice about lying, "Mr. Rodriguez is out sick this week, so I have a study break this period too."

Kurt beamed and Blaine's resolve shattered completely. He would tell Kurt eventually, just not right now, Blaine would protect Kurt from the news for just a bit longer…

"So how's your history term paper going?" Kurt questioned and the two friends fell into conversation for the entire study block.

!*!

Warbler practice started normally, Wes calling the meeting to order. Blaine, excited about preparing for Regionals, hadn't even noticed their missing new member.

"Before we start I have some bad news," Wes said, staring at Blaine as he spoke, "Kurt has quit the Warblers, so we'll need to actively seek a new recruit for Regionals or recruit Kurt back in order to have a complete roster."

Wes' glare towards Blaine communicated to the lead singer was excused from practice and as Blaine left the room David calmly chimed in, "Go get em'."

For the second time in a day Blaine's mind was frozen. Where would Kurt be, if not at Warbler practice? He dashed towards the dormitories.

!*!

What Blaine didn't know was that Kurt was face to face with David Karofsky who was moving into a dorm down the hall. The lumbering football player was fully decked in the Dalton Academy uniform, carrying a box of books, and glaring down his former prey.

"Hey Princess, long time no see," Karofsky teased, chuckling as Kurt began to start to take a step back, "What's the matter? Didn't think you'd be seeing me again?"

"T-t-there's a zero tolerance policy for bullying here, you can't get away with what you did in McKinley." Kurt bravely spat, his face pale and his knees shaking.

"Whatever you say Princess," Karofsky laughed, "You are still my punching bag of choice, fag."

"HEY!" Kurt could recognize that voice anywhere, it was Blaine, his footsteps pounding towards the run in, "Watch your mouth Karofsky."

Blaine stood in front of Kurt. The senior, who was at least at eye level with the bully, returned a menacing glare, "Get lost."

Karofsky backed off, though he didn't stop chuckling. Kurt took the opportunity to retreat to his room, slamming the door behind him. His roommate, Marshall, jumped in surprise but instantly calmed when he realized it was Kurt. Kurt threw his bookbag onto his bed and flung himself right next to it.

Before Kurt could even begin to think there was a knock at the door, "Kurt?"

Kurt didn't feel like talking to Blaine.

There was a bang at the door, "KURT!"

Kurt didn't move. His roommate raised an eyebrow at Kurt and got up from his desk, opening the door, "Hey Blaine, what's up?"

"Kurt, are you ok?" Blaine called into the room, pushing past Marshall, "Kurt…"

Kurt was trying to stifle his crying, burying his head deeper into his pillow. Blaine sat on the edge of the bed and began to stroke Kurt's hair, he started to whisper reassuring words, "We'll figure this out, I promise, I promise…"

Marshall, noticing the intimate moment developing before his eyes, quietly excused himself from the room.

"I was supposed to be safe from him, I was suppose to be free," Kurt half screamed, half sobbed as he began to sit up, he was gasping for air.

"You'll be safe Kurt," Blaine said wrapping him in a hug, and pressing Kurt's head into his shoulder, "We'll figure this out."

!*!