4

They arrived at the high school moments later. Kurt pulled into a vacant parking space and shut off the engine, but he didn't make any move to get out of the car. He stared through the windshield and took a deep breath.

"You okay?" Finn asked, hand pausing on his door handle.

Kurt nodded, but he still didn't move.

"It's going to be fine," Finn said encouragingly.

Kurt nodded again, and then he opened his door and got out, looping his bag over his shoulder and locking the car as Finn stepped around the front to join him.

"I need to go to the office to get my schedule," he said. "It should be the same, but Dad said I have to sign in or something. First day back and all."

"I'll come with you," Finn said, leading the way as they approached the building. He didn't miss the way Kurt steered well clear of the dumpsters, even though there were no bullies in sight. He half-expected his stepbrother to protest his offer, but Kurt smiled instead.

"Thanks."

They stepped into the school, and Kurt relaxed a bit. The atmosphere was familiar—jocks roaming the halls in letterman jackets, Cheerios milling about in short skirts and ponytails, everyone being the loudest and most obnoxious they could be. Yes, this was public school.

None of Kurt's bullies were to be seen, but Finn kept an eye out as they navigated the chaos toward the front office. He jumped forward instinctively when someone bolted suddenly out of the crowd and tackled his charge.

"Kurt! Ohmigod, you're here!"

The squealing reassured Finn that there was nothing to worry about even before he recognized the "attacker" as his brother's best friend.

Kurt hugged Mercedes back, a little winded but beaming broadly.

"You're looking gorgeous today, 'Cedes," he said, stepping back and surveying her outfit with a critical eye. "I approve."

Mercedes' smile stretched to match Kurt's own. "I bet you missed this at Dalton, with those boring uniforms and all!"

Kurt winked. "Oh, but there were plenty of scrumptious boys to supplement the view."

The two broke into a giggle fit, and Finn felt uncomfortable.

"Um…"

"Oh, I'll take it from here, Finn," Mercedes said, waving him away. "Shoo." She threaded her arm through Kurt's and they took off down the hall, chatting merrily.

Finn couldn't resist a pout, until Kurt waved over his shoulder once, mouthing 'Thank you.'

:

Kurt reached into his locker for his math book, humming quietly to himself. His first day back had gone very smoothly, so far. Besides Mercedes, he'd seen Tina and Mike (a tight hug and a fist-pump were the respective greetings), Rachel (she'd immediately launched into listing several duets she thought would be perfect for the pair of them), and Artie, Brittany, and Santana (earning another fist-pump, a third hug, and a nod and smirk).

He knew these meetings were far from random; his friends kept appearing outside his classes, insisting on escorting him to the next even when they weren't in them. He hadn't had a moment to himself all day. The upside to this was that he hadn't seen Karofsky, either.

Kurt surveyed his makeup in his locker mirror one last time before swinging the door shut. Before he could step away, he heard heavy footsteps coming up behind him, and felt breath on his neck. He froze.

"Hey, man."

He relaxed when he heard Puck's distinctive drawl, and turned to smile at the other teen.

"Hello, Noah."

"Feel weird to be back?" Puck asked, leaning against the wall of lockers.

"A little," Kurt admitted, hoisting his bag further onto his shoulder. "But then again, I haven't yet met the pleasure of a slushie facial. It isn't home without them." He flashed Puck a wry smile.

Puck smirked. "Right. Well, as you probably have guessed, your next class just happens to be on the way to mine. So I'll walk with you." And he slipped a pair of sunglasses over his eyes.

Kurt's eyebrow arched. "You're really enjoying this whole Secret Service idea, aren't you?"

His response was a devilish grin and a slap on the back. Sighing, the shorter boy followed his friend down the hallway.

:

At lunch, Kurt sat with Mercedes and Artie.

They were planning a trip to the mall—that is, Kurt and Mercedes were planning as Artie pretended to be interested—when Kurt saw him.

Karofsky was standing across the cafeteria, tray in hand, as he laughed with Azimio and another football player. Kurt knew he was all too easily visible, and he ducked his head just a little lower, hoping none of them would happen to glance over.

Luck was not with him. Most likely searching for some of their buddies, Azimio's eyes panned across the lunchroom and he spotted Kurt.

"Ah," was all Kurt could say as the bulky player nudged Karofsky and motioned their way.

Mercedes and Artie turned just in time to see Karofsky drop his tray. It landed with a clatter, food spilling everywhere. The room hushed and heads swiveled to the guilty party, who stared at Kurt for a split-second longer before laughing loudly and mumbling some excuse to his friends which made them laugh and slap him on the back. People turned away again, and the moment was gone.

Mercedes reached out and lay her hand over Kurt's.

"Don't let him bother you, Kurt. He's so not worth it."

Kurt nodded and forced his thoughts away from his tormentor. Karofsky was just a scared, closeted boy, and Kurt was determined to prove he was stronger.

:

It was Rachel who walked with him to glee practice. It was sort of weird, having her hanging onto his arm as she talked his ear off, but then, things had changed between them since he'd left for Dalton. He wondered if their newfound closeness would last for long now that he was back at McKinley.

She tugged him up to the auditorium doors, reaching for the handle.

"Okay, well, see you in a bit, Kurt!"

And she pulled him inside before disappearing. The room was dark, and Kurt blinked. Everything was very quiet.

"Rachel?" he breathed, a little nervous. He groped forward. "Hello?"

"Kurt!" A familiar voice sounded to his left and he gave a little jump as a small light illuminated the face of Will Shuester. The man touched Kurt's arm, grinning. "It's great to see you again."

"You too, Mr. Schue," Kurt said smiling. "Um, what's going on?"

"Oh, you'll see in a minute. Come on."

Using the light—a cell phone, Kurt realized—as a guide, Mr. Schue led the way down the center aisle to the third row of seats. Beckoning Kurt to follow, he slid halfway down the row and sat. Bemused, Kurt seated himself next to his teacher as Mr. Schue shut off the light.

They were left in the darkness.

"What-?"

Kurt was cut off as music suddenly filled the room, and the curtains opened.