Mordecai walked into the cafeteria and looked around for Rigby.

His eyes landed on a familiar raccoon sitting alone at a round table in the far corner of the room.

The bird walked across the room until he was near the table.

Rigby looked up as he heard footsteps and his eyes lit up when he saw Mordecai.

"Hey, man. It's great to see you," he said happily as Mordecai sat next to him.

Mordecai smiled when he heard the joy in his friend's voice.

Maybe this first day's been better for him than the others.

"Hey, dude. How's your day been so far?" he asked.

Rigby immediately frowned and Mordecai pushed his thoughts away as he became concerned.

"My day was fine until my fourth class," Rigby said quietly as Mordecai listened.

"What happened in that class?" Mordecai questioned as Rigby looked down at the table.

"Jablonski," Rigby muttered before leaning on his arm.

Mordecai frowned this time as Rigby sighed.

He opened his mouth to reply when a pair of sunglasses caught his eye.

Mordecai glared at the bully who walked into the cafeteria.

Rigby looked up when he noticed the silence and looked to where his friend was staring.

He growled quietly when he saw Jablonski across the room.

Mordecai looked back over at Rigby when he heard him growl.

"Rigby, did he do anything to you in that class?" he asked as he waited for the raccoon's reaction.

Rigby's gaze traveled back to Mordecai before he spoke.

"Not much. You know, just the usual pushing and shoving," he mumbled before looking back down.

Mordecai's frown deepened as he observed Rigby. "Hey," he said softly as Rigby slowly looked back up. "If he ever hurts you, I want you to tell me so I can kick his butt."

Rigby gave him a small smile. "Like you haven't already done that."

Mordecai grinned when he heard the comment. "Seriously, if he gives you any trouble, I'll teach him a lesson just like last year."

Rigby looked in his friend's eyes and began laughing when he remembered what had happened the year before when Mordecai found Jablonski shoving him against the lockers.

Mordecai smiled when he saw Rigby laugh and joined in.

"I still can't believe you just went up and punched him right in the jaw," Rigby said after catching his breath.

Mordecai's grin grew. "Man, the look on his face was priceless."

"Well, I'm starving," Mordecai said as he began to unzip his backpack. "What about you?"

"Yeah, I'm about to lose it if I don't get something in me," Rigby replied as Mordecai took out his lunch.

Mordecai looked at Rigby confused as the raccoon sat there. "Dude, where's your lunch?"

Rigby's eyes widened before he looked away. "I kinda forgot it."

Mordecai chuckled. "How'd you forget it?"

Rigby blushed lightly in embarrassment as he looked back at Mordecai. "I was trying to get to the bus stop on time and avoid Don at the same time."

Mordecai smirked as he held out a half of his sandwich. "Here, I'll share with you."

Rigby looked shocked for a few seconds before he smiled and took the half. "Thanks, Mordecai."

The blue jay smiled back before the two started eating.

"Hey, guys!" The two friends looked up a few minutes later to see Don standing before them.

Mordecai smiled while Rigby sighed. "Hey, Don. How's your day been?" Mordecai asked as Don sat by him.

Rigby's thoughts wandered to all the times Jablonski had bullied him as Mordecai and Don chatted.

I hope this year goes by quickly.

"Dude, you okay?"

Rigby jumped as he was startled from his thoughts.

He saw Mordecai looking at him in concern. "Yeah, yeah, I'm good. I was just thinking."

"What were you thinking about, dude?" Mordecai asked curiously.

"Oh, uh, just Jablonski," Rigby said.

Mordecai opened his mouth just as Rigby changed the topic.

"Where's Don? I didn't see him leave."

"He left about two minutes ago. He wanted to be early for his next class. He said he was leaving. Didn't you hear him?"

"I guess I didn't. Sorry, dude," Rigby said just as the bell rang.

Mordecai and Rigby stood up as they prepared to leave.

"Hey," Mordecai said as they began to walk to the door, "You can always talk to me, Rigby. Alright?"

"Okay, but where's that coming from?" Rigby asked.

Mordecai smiled as he pat Rigby's shoulder. "I just want you to know I'm always here if you need anything."

Rigby smiled up at Mordecai. "Thanks, man."

"No problem. Now let's get to our P.E. class."