A/N: For this story I have Karofsky being a year older than Kurt. I'm not really sure if that is what Ryan had planned but I needed it to be for this story. I have introduced some new characters. As for the rest of the characters, I do not own them but boy are they fun to play with. I hope you enjoy and if you do, please review. I live for reviews.

Chapter One

Kurt sat in his car, his hand resting on the door handle. He knew that there was nothing to be worried about. Karofsky had graduated; he was no longer at McKinley. That was one of the reasons he felt safe returning here for his senior year. He also didn't want his folks to have the financial burden of another year at Dalton. They had told him not to worry but he knew he wanted to go back. He'd missed them all so much and he'd missed his family. Also, Blaine had gone to work in New York after he had graduated, so there really wasn't anything left at Dalton for him. When Burt had seen how serious he was, he and Carol had agreed. They had told him that they would contact Dalton and get the ball rolling. He'd hugged them both and then rang Blaine to tell him what was happening. Blaine had been very supportive when Kurt had discussed the move with him. He knew that Kurt had never really felt comfortable at Dalton. Being back at McKinley would be the best thing for him. After hanging up from Blaine, Kurt rang Mercedes and told her that he was coming back. She promptly screamed down the phone so loud that Kurt had to pull the phone away from his ear. He waited for her to calm down before he started talking again.

That had been a month ago and now he was sitting here, hesitating. Just then there was a knock on his window, startling him. Turning his head, he saw Finn standing just next to his car. Kurt smiled and opened the door.

"Why are you sitting in your car? The bell's about to go. Come on dude, you don't want to be late, do you?"

"No I don't. Let's go Finn; this year is going to be our best year."

Locking his car, Kurt walked across the student car park and through the front doors with his brother to start his final year of high school. When he'd reached his locker, it was surrounded by his friends. Mercedes nearly knocked him to the floor when she hugged him. Britney was smiling and she handed him one of her hand-made cards. Santana patted his cheek while Quinn hugged him. The guys all high-fived him or patted him on the back while Lauren gave him a gentle punch to his shoulder. Looking around, he spotted Rachel quietly standing at the back of the group. He slowly made his way over to her; she wrapped her arms around him and whispered in his ear.

"You know that we are now competitors again. I'm not gonna just give you the solos. But I have missed you."

"I've missed you too." He whispered back. "And I will win all of those solos."

They were both smiling as they pulled apart, just as the bell went. Everyone agreed to meet up for lunch. Kurt gave Mercedes a final kiss before heading off to his first lesson. He settled back into the school routine easily. All his teachers were happy that he was back. The morning flew by and before he knew it, it was lunch time. As he left the classroom and joined the other kids in the hallway he took a deep breath, revelling in the feeling of safety. He wasn't scared to walk down the halls anymore. When he reached his locker, he put his books away, placed his fingertips to his lips and then placed them on the photo of Blaine that was stuck on the door. He then shut the door and headed off to the cafeteria. After he'd collected his food, he joined the rest of his friends. Mercedes pushed out the chair next to her, Kurt smiled and sat down. As he started to eat he was engulfed by the conversations going on around him. He just ate and listened until Rachel spoke to him directly.

"You know that we have some new members in glee don't you Kurt?"

"Yeah, Mercedes and Finn told me. How and when did Mr Schuester convince them to join?"

"Well, they were sophomores last year and when we placed at Nationals, most of them approached Mr Schue and asked to join. Of course he said yes and they started singing with us at the end of last year and they are still all keen to keep going this year."

"I can't wait to meet them all. Are they any good?"

"Well, not as good as me of course but then, who is? They are great to back us up but not to sing a solo, even though some think that they are."

Kurt smiled and looked at Mercedes who just rolled her eyes but then she whispered in his ear that Rachel was pretty much right. Just then the bell rang, prompting them all to stand up and throw out their rubbish before heading off to their afternoon classes. Once again, the time flew and Kurt was eagerly heading to the choir room. He'd been looking forward to it all day. Mr Schue was the only one in the room when he entered. Smiling he walked over and gave him a hug.

"Welcome back Kurt. You've been missed."

"I missed all of you as well. It's good to be back. Don't get me wrong, Dalton was great but McKinley is home."

Their conversation was cut short when a large group of kids entered the room. Most of them were his friends but there were many new faces. When they'd all sat down, Mr Schue placed a hand on Kurt's shoulder, encouraging him to stay with him, As soon as the others had quietened down, he spoke to them all and introduced Kurt to the newest members of New Directions. As he introduced each of them, they gave a small wave so Kurt would know who was who.

"Kurt this is Josephine Caldwell, Stephen Abbott, Crystal Brady, Jeremy Johnson, Richard Samson, Benjamin Hansel, Abigail Temple, Claudia Lewis, James Cutter and Jessica Maitland. Everyone, this is Kurt Hummel. He's returning to us after being away for some of last year."

"Mr Schue, why don't you now tell him what we prefer being called." Josephine said.

"OK, so in the same order Kurt, this is Jo, Steve, Crys, JJ, Rick, Ben, Abbi, Claudia, Jim and Jess. Happy now Jo?"

"Yes thanks." She replied cheekily.

Kurt smiled and waved at the group before quickly taking a seat next to Mercedes. It would be so different this year. There were so many new people. He'd have to wait and see what happened, he was sure that Mr Schue would be able to make it work. He sat back and listened as Mr Schue outlined what he wanted to do this year. Looking around he noticed that a couple of the new kids were looking at him; he smiled at them and nodded his head before turning his attention back to Mr Schue.

He waved at me and he smiled as well. I know it was quick, but he must have seen me earlier. I mustn't let him down. Maybe if I'm subtle. I'll leave him a note. Although I'd better follow him tomorrow, find out where his locker is. Find out what he likes, which I'm sure is the same as me. I will make him so very happy.

When glee was finished, all of the new kids came up to Kurt, they all shook his hand, and some of them hugged him and a couple of them held on for a little longer than they needed to. Kurt politely excused himself and left with Mercedes and Quinn.

"Wow, some of them are pretty intense."

"Yeah, but they're keen and they're actually all quite nice. You'll like them, once you get to know them. Give them a chance."

"OK Quinn, I will. Now, who's up for a latte?"

Sticking out both elbows, he waited for the girls to link their arms through his before he headed off down the hall.

He was so sweet, but once they started dating, he would have to ditch those girls. He won't have time for anyone but me. I will be his entire world and it will be perfect.

As they walked towards the front door, Kurt couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Turning his head, he looked around but the only people he could see were the other kids from glee. Britney and Artie were just behind them; Santana and Sam were leaning on the lockers, lips locked and hands roaming all over each other until Mr Schue hurried them along; Rachel was walking behind Finn, watching him with such a look of love that Kurt actually felt sorry for her. He knew that Finn still loved her and he felt like kicking his brother and telling him to stop being an arse and to get back together with her. He knew none of his friends would ever hurt him so he shook off the feeling and tuned back into the conversation the girls were having. He'd missed hanging out with them. They were an odd trio: the out and proud gay; the big, beautiful black diva and the popular, gorgeous former head cheerleader, but they were great friends who loved each other and had been there for each other. Mercedes had been there for Quinn when the whole Finn/Sam saga had blown up last year. She had helped her through it all just like she had the previous year. Kurt led them to his car and opened the door for each girl before hopping in behind the wheel. As he drove past the front of the school, if he'd just looked up, he would have seen the person who'd been watching him.

He has such a beautiful car, which was only right, seeing as he was so beautiful. Now I have his licence plate number. It's time for me to go home and download those wonderful photos that I took of him this afternoon. I'll just cut those girls out; they'd only ruin a beautiful photo of Kurt anyway.

Mr Schue watched as Kurt walked out of the front doors. He was smiling and laughing with Quinn and Mercedes. Will was glad, the last time he'd seen Kurt here at McKinley, he'd been pale, thin and terrified. Now he was happy and healthy and back amongst his friends. Looking around the hall, he hurried the remaining kids towards the front doors. Just as he was about to lock the doors, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw Crys and Jo heading towards him.

"Sorry Mr Schuester, we were in the bathroom."

"That's ok girls. See you tomorrow."

"Bye Sir."

Will locked the door behind them and started to walk to his office. When he reached the stairs he was surprised to see Steve coming down them towards him.

"Sorry sir, I left my biology research in my locker. I need it for homework. Have you locked the doors?"

"Yeah I have, come on, I'll let you out."

When they reached the door, JJ and Jim were there as well. Will just shook his head. Next time, he'd make sure they all walked out together. Opening the door, he watched the boys walk down the stairs. He stood and waited till they reached their cars. He could hear them saying goodbye. After they'd left the only cars in the lot were his, Figgins and a couple belonging to the cleaners. He knew that, because he was often here late. As he walked back to his office, he thought about the kids who'd joined glee. He was glad they had, there was so much more scope for the songs they could sing and on the plus side, he'd have enough kids to keep glee going next year once his senior kids had graduated. Sitting down at his desk, he finalised his lesson plans for the next few weeks.

After their coffee and chat, Kurt drove Mercedes and Quinn home, walking each girl to the front door. He then drove home himself. It was so good to walk inside to the sound of someone else in the house. When the screen door slammed behind him, Carol walked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel.

"Hi sweetie, how was your first day back at McKinley?"

"It was great. I felt so safe and I realised how much I'd missed everyone."

"That's wonderful. Your dad will be home in about an hour. We'll have dinner then."

"OK, I'll just go make a start on my homework."

Grabbing his bag, Kurt headed off to his room. They had decided not to move house but to renovate. They had built another floor which had become Burt and Carols' retreat, it had their bedroom and bathroom; complete with a spa bath and a huge TV room. Most nights the boys had the lounge room to themselves. That meant that Finn had inherited Burt's old room and ensuite. Kurt got his basement room back to himself. Tossing his bag on the bed, he pulled out his French book, turned on his music and started his homework.

The photo came out of the printer and was caressed lovingly. He was so beautiful and he needed to be told. Flipping the photo over, the words 'You are beautiful' were written with care on the back and a love heart was drawn next to it. Tomorrow it would be placed in his locker and he would know that he was loved.