Chapter 2: Good Doesn't Always Triumph Over Evil
Mr. Schue burst into the boy's bathroom, anxious and a bit afraid. He was still trying to figure out what he was going to tell Kurt to calm him down, but that was bumped down on his list of priorities by the need to actually find Kurt. He heard a soft crying coming from the last stall and went to investigate. "Kurt," He started cautiously, "Are you in there?"
No reply.
"Kurt, I just want to help." He continued. "I just want to make sure you won't do anything that you'll regret later."
"What's the point? The whole school knows. I can't hide it anymore. The football players want to kill me. I want to die of pure embarrassment. Why I don't I just save them the trouble? Is it really worth it, for the few people who care, as opposed to the many who want me dead? We live in a homophobic society. Being gay just isn't culturally acceptable." Kurt wiped the tears from his eyes. Even if Mr. Schue just wanted to help, he couldn't possibly know what it felt like to be outed against your will. And if he didn't know what it felt like, then how much help could he really be?
"But it's who you are, Kurt. And you can't change who you are. And if you kill yourself, you'll only be giving them what they wanted all along. I know you must feel so horrible right now, but you can get through this. Kurt, you have so many wonderful people who love you and accept you for who you are. So many people who would miss you, myself included. You have such a bright future ahead of you. Don't throw it all away now, because of this. You're stronger than this, Kurt. You will get through this because you don't have to do it alone. You can do this, if you remember that you're never alone. As long as you have Glee club, you'll never be alone." Mr. Schue heard the lock click, and Kurt stepped out, eyes red, and a small smile on his face. Mr. Schue pulled him in for a hug and held him there, glad he'd found the right words to keep his student safe.
Kurt returned to class soon after, feeling only slightly better after his encounter with Mr. Schue. No matter what Mr. Schue said about not being alone, he couldn't help the fact that Kurt was the only outed gay at William McKinley High. The only one. Therefore meaning, he really was alone. Sure, other people could try to understand, but they never would. The only people who could maybe, possibly even come remotely close to understanding would be Quinn and Rachel. But even then, they hadn't had much of a problem with it. Like Karofsky said, he thought girls making out was hot. So people just kind of accepted them.
Fuck society and its double standards. Kurt thought to himself. I thought this was America, home of the free, land of the brave, and where everyone is inherently equal.
"Hey, faggot." Even if it hadn't been for the harsh words, the familiar voice was enough to send Kurt's mood spiraling downward. "Kiss any nice guys lately?" He teased, cruelly, before adding, "Oh, wait, that's right. The only guy you seem to be intent on making out with is me. But let me tell you something. I think that you are a freak of nature. I think that you would be better off pretending to like girls. And I also think that a good beating will teach you a lesson. Now, I have detention after school, thanks to that bastard, Mr. Schue, but I know people, who know people, that can order other people to beat you up for me. And those people will more than gladly catch it on film so I can watch it again. And again. And again. And there is nothing that you can do to stop me."
"I can get you expelled." Kurt mumbled, the words not coming out as powerful as they had in his head. "This is harassment. And I don't have to deal with it." His voice was getting stronger, as he gained more confidence. "I can get you expelled. Physical harassment is against the law. I could even take this case to court if I wanted to. And if I did, then there is no way you could win. So tell me, Dave, how powerless do you think I am now? I have people who love me and accept me for who I am. And those people are all that matters. Who cares what you and everyone else thinks?" Kurt stood up, so that he could look Dave in the eye properly. "I am Kurt Elizabeth Hummel, student at William McKinley High School, and yes. I am gay. It's who I am and you can't change that."
There were a few seconds before Dave spoke where his expression became even crueler, which Kurt didn't think was possible. Now, instead of wanting to beat the shit out of Kurt, he just looked like he wanted to kill. The next couple of seconds passed by very fast. "Watch me." Those were the last two words Kurt heard before Dave Karofsky took his right fist and slammed it into Kurt's face. The pain was dizzying, and there was blood everywhere. Kurt could feel hot tears trailing down his cheeks. He held on for as long as he could, but he wasn't strong enough. The pain was too much, and there wasn't anyone around who really cared enough. And besides, Dave didn't stop at one punch. He knocked Kurt to the ground, and just kept going. And going. And going. Until Kurt stopped moving.