Kurt was at his house, sitting in the kitchen. He was waiting for his father to come home from work. Kurt wanted to have a conversation with his parents ever since Pavarotti died but he hadn't found the time. As soon as New Directions won Regionals, Kurt focused all of his time on Blaine and not much of anything else. He still hadn't told anyone that he was dating Blaine. It wasn't that he wanted to keep it a secret, it was just that he hadn't found time. Normally, he would tell Mercedes right away, but she was so happy to be celebrating with New Directions that he just didn't feel like it was appropriate to say anything. He was interrupted by a door slam. He knew Burt would be home. Finn was upstairs, talking on the phone with Quinn and Carole was out getting groceries. He knew his decision would involve his entire family, but he wanted to talk to his dad first. Burt walked in and smiled at Kurt as he went over to the sink to watch his hands. Burt had been happy for Finn's win but upset over Kurt's loss. He didn't ever talk about glee club around Kurt for fear of upsetting him.

"Hey Dad. How was work?" Kurt asked.

Burt knew as soon as his son had spoken that something was up. He knew Kurt wouldn't say it right away, so I decided to play it safe.

"It was good. How was school?" Burt asked.

"It was okay." Kurt said.

Burt grabbed a piece of bread and bit off the corner of it, Kurt winced at his father's informality but shrugged it off, there were more important things to think about.

"I don't know how to tell you this, Dad." Kurt began.

Burt was now getting scared. What was happening?

"What's going on, Kurt?" He asked.

"I want to go back to McKinley High and to New Directions." Kurt said.

Burt was genuinely shocked. He thought Kurt was happy at Dalton. Why would he want to transfer?

"Do you not like Dalton?" Burt asked.

"No, it's not that. I just- when Pavarotti died, it just made me realize something. Pavarotti was a lot like me. He was in a cage, he was safe and no one bothered him, but he lost his voice, his life. Obviously, I'm not getting a stroke, I eat perfectly, but Dad- my individuality has died. I wear a uniform, I sing backup all the time. I feel like there's a part of me that's missing and the only way I can get it back is by going to New Directions."

"Does this have anything to do with wanting to go to Nationals?" Burt asked.

Kurt winced. He knew that suspicion would be cast on him. While Kurt wanted to go to Nationals, that wasn't his reason for wanting to transfer back to McKinley. The main reason was that he was tired of running. Getting bullied sucks but being surrounded by amazing friends, and having the chance to shine and dress himself in his own clothing again, that would be nice.

"I really just miss my friends, I hardly see them anymore. Seeing all of them win Regionals without me, it just broke my heart. I tried to put on a brave face but it hurt. I felt so separated, like I was losing all of my friends." Kurt said.

Kurt got emotional saying that, he even started to tear up a little. He hadn't planned on sharing that with anyone but it just seemed like the right time. Burt shot him a sympathetic smile and hugged him.

"I can understand that. Kurt, I don't want you going back if you're not safe. I can't feel right sending you back to McKinley knowing bullies like Karofsky can hurt you."

Kurt knew Karofsky would be brought up at some point in their conversation. In all honesty, Kurt hadn't thought about what Karofsky would do seeing him again. Besides Blaine, no one knew that Karofsky had kissed him. It seemed like old news now and after his kiss with Blaine, he had pretty much forgot about it. Kurt didn't know what he would do with Karofsky but then his memory flashed back to right before he left McKinley High. Some of the guys had offered to protect him. That might work out. Karofsky didn't like a crowd. He should be okay.

"The glee club can keep me safe. Finn, Puck, Sam, all the football guys, Karofsky won't come near me if he knows the team's got my back."

Burt looked into Kurt's eyes for a while and then smiled.

"Okay, you can go back," Kurt smiled and hugged his Dad. "But the minute anything bad happens, you tell me. I'm not gonna let what happened last time happen again."

"I promise." Kurt said.

"Okay. Now freshen up for dinner, we have a lot to talk about tonight."

Kurt left the room. Burt's thoughts were racing with worry but also happiness. He was happy that Kurt would be back with all of his old friends, he just hoped he made the right choice. Burt then heard Carole come in.

"Hi Burt." Carole said.

Burt raced over to help Carole with the groceries she was holding.

"What's up, hun?" Burt said with a kiss on Carole's cheek.

"Just the usual stuff. How about you?"

"Kurt just talked to me."

"Oh, about what?"

Carole was half-listening, half-preparing for dinner.

"Kurt is going to transfer back to McKinley."

Carole turned around quickly and looked at Burt.

"Are you sure that's such a good idea? I mean, where did this come from? I thought Kurt was happy at Dalton."

"He misses his old friends and he went on about him being like his dead bird." Burt said.

"What about his safety? That bully?"

"That's what I want to talk to you about. I want Finn to keep an eye on him. Finn's come a long way after our wedding and I think he really loves Kurt. I don't think Finn would ever let anyone hurt him, but just to put my mind at ease, could you talk to him for me? I don't want Kurt to know about this. He'll feel embarrassed."

Carole nodded.

"I'm happy to help in whatever way I can. I hope that Kurt will be happy with the new change."

Kurt was incredibly excited. He couldn't wait to tell his friends from New Directions that he would be coming back! He didn't know who to tell first. He figured Mercedes should be the first to know, or- and then Kurt's heart started to break. How would Blaine react to this? They had only been dating for two weeks and their relationship got stronger and stronger by the day. Having Kurt back at McKinley meant that he wouldn't see Blaine nearly as much. For now, Kurt just decided on not telling him yet. He picked up his iPhone and looked up Mercedes's name so he could call her, however a text interrupted him.

BLAINE: Can we go out tomorrow night?

Kurt stared at his cell phone screen. Normally he would text Blaine back immediately but this was different. If he saw Blaine in person, he felt that his face would betray him and he would have to tell Blaine he was leaving Dalton. Kurt decided to lie.

KURT: Sorry I can't. I have to be home for a family dinner.

Kurt hated himself for saying that. While his family always had Friday night dinners, this one was cancelled because Burt and Carole were going out just the two of them. Finn invited Puck over and said that Kurt could chill with them if he wanted to. Kurt would normally rather be with Blaine but he just couldn't see him right now. At school was different, he could just tune out while Blaine sings yet another solo. Kurt's phone buzzed.

BLAINE: Okay, well we still need to go out soon.

KURT: Kay

Kurt usually never said "Kay" in his texts but he was distracted. He then decided to not call Mercedes just yet. Besides, maybe a dramatic return would be a better option.

"Kurt, it's time for dinner." Burt's voice roared.

"Be right up Dad." Kurt said.