The week following the blizzard was rough for Kurt. Every day he was distracted and unfocused by thoughts of Blaine. At night he kept dreaming about Blaine's lips against his own, and sometimes those sweet, soft lips even moved to other, more exhilarating places. Whenever that happened Kurt woke with a start, his pajama pants tight and his chest soaked with sweat. He didn't know what he was going to do anymore or how to prove to Blaine that he was trustworthy again. Considering how much faith Blaine had had in him right before Kurt had turned his back on him, he honestly didn't blame Blaine for pulling back. It was probably taking all of Blaine's kindness just to give him the second chance he had right now.

Santana had weaseled the majority of what had been going on out of him. While she warned him about the fallout that would happen at school, all of the drama and especially the potential problems that left Brittany and her with, she didn't push him to cut contact. Her new maturity surprised him, but a lot could change in two years – a lot already had.

Unfortunately Quinn also took notice of his uncharacteristic silence and introversion. All week she prattled on about how he was moping and how she blamed Glee Club for it, just like she blamed Finn's new awkwardness around her on glee. He had everything he could ever want according to her, so he ought to hold his head high and enjoy it like she and the other Cheerios did.

Only Kurt didn't have everything he wanted, and it had taken him way too long to figure that out.

Blaine had still been over on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to tutor Finn, an while he and Kurt didn't have much chance to speak, just seeing Blaine and be able to freely smile at him and say hello was thrilling. It also made him realize the only thing holding him back from doing the same at school was himself. He was second only to Quinn on the Cheerios, and the lead male of their group. He had power now, the same power he'd only dreamt about as a freshmen. There was no reason openly befriending Blaine would dump him to the bottom, yet he was still scared of the consequences.

Still, every day at school he hesitated to approach, only managing a few uncertain smiles from across a crowded cafeteria or from down the hall. Blaine didn't push him, had never been one to force him to do anything until he was ready, and Kurt was grateful, but he also felt foolish and eternal indebted to Blaine. Even if he managed to overcome his own fears how was he ever going to make any of this up to Blaine? Every day he just dug himself in even deeper, and he couldn't think of a way out.

By Friday Kurt was beyond moping. At breakfast he refused to eat and then when Burt told him he was going to be late, Kurt didn't move. He couldn't do this another day, not when he knew he was going to chicken out like he had every day this week. For a brief moment he'd spot Blaine, take half a step in his direction, and then panic would flood him and he ended up smiling weakly as Blaine caught his eye.

Burt, however, refused to let him stay home. He had no fever or cough, and wasn't sneezing. Besides, his father had caught on to the last time he'd played sick a few weeks ago and was leery of him claiming illness now. Just to make sure Kurt actually went to school, Burt drove him and Finn in and dropped them at the door.

"Chin up, bud," Burt called before Kurt closed his door. "Only a few more hours until the weekend!"

As Kurt watched Burt's truck disappear past a huge mound of snow at the edge of the lot his stomach twisted painful. He was hungry and miserable, too heartsick with shame to even think about trying to eat something right now. Not when he was moments away from disappointing himself all over again with a pathetic little half-smile.

Blaine should just give up on him already and transfer to Dalton. At least there he'd be safe and happy. He'd find someone who could openly cherish him the way he deserved.

"There you are!"

Kurt was tugged into a locker alcove as he turned the corner. Finn had already disappeared without him noticing, but his stepbrother was very distracted these days.

Quinn and Santana were standing in the alcove and with a heart stopping jolt Kurt caught sight of the slushies in Quinn's hands. He'd completely forgotten about their Friday ritual. It had been over a month since they'd cornered Blaine, and now...

"Thought this might cheer you up," Quinn offered, waving one cup of frozen blue ice in front of his eyes. "It's been way too long since you've slushied that nerd."

"I– "

From over Quinn's shoulder Santana gave him a pitying, uncomfortable look. She hadn't said anything to Quinn then, but she wasn't going to help him out of this either.

Dread filled Kurt as Quinn smiled hopefully at him, and shook the slushy in front of his face.

"Come on," she urged, "let's have some fun."

"I– isn't that kind of... lame?" Kurt tried to sound convincing. "It's getting old. We're already on top, what's the point of– "

"Seriously?" Quinn spat, suddenly looking furious. "What is with you two?" her eyes flickered over to Santana, who looked slightly guilty. "We're doing this. Same as we always do. I'm already losing Finn to that pathetic Glee Club," she reminded Kurt angrily. "You're not cutting out on me, too."

A surge of guilt swept through Kurt at her words. He had plenty of information on Glee and why Finn was still hanging around, only he hadn't told her any of it. Telling Quinn that Finn had joined and then stayed because he liked being in Glee would only end in disaster.

Quinn forced a cup into Santana's hands and stepped out into the hall before Kurt could stop her. With an awkward glance Santana followed after her, and Kurt, heart pounding in terror, hurried after them. He didn't know what he was going to do, but the last thing he wanted was for Blaine to get slushied because of him again.

The next morning Blaine and Kurt walked to school together in tense silence. It was the first cold day of the season, and while Kurt never particularly enjoyed the harsh, frigid breeze he welcomed it today. It meant he could wear a coat and gloves and secretly hold Blaine's hand as they walked the three blocks to McKinley. With all the bulky clothing it was a lot easier to hide.

Blaine's fingers were laced through his in that precise way that made his chest feel funny. Their hands had always fit together so exactly, Blaine's fingers slotting perfectly between his own. The fit had always been a huge source of reassurance to Kurt, because Blaine was meant to be his best friend always since their hands fit together. They would always be linked together and close.

As they caught sight of the school building Kurt paused, his steps faltering as Blaine's hands tightened momentarily on his.

"It's going to be fine," Blaine warm voice reassured him.

Kurt turned and let Blaine's calm smile wash over him, before nodding. He wished he could be that certain about the confrontation they were walking into.

Hands still linked together they crossed the last street, headed across the parking lot, and up the steps into the main hall. People were already staring at them as they passed, and Kurt immediately knew there was already something big going on. Perhaps Quinn had already started some ridiculous rumor or spread the word on what she was planning, because the murmuring crowd followed them down the hall and towards the main staircase.

Quinn and Santana were there waiting for them by Blaine's locker, slushies in hand and looking determined. Between their sides, Kurt felt Blaine's hand squeeze his once more before letting go. Without Blaine's steady grip his hands started to shake as he stepped forward while Blaine opened his locker.

"Morning, girls," he greeted, trying not to sound terrified, but his voice shook like his hands and behind him Blaine was anxiously exchanging books.

"It's time we got a few things straightened out," Quinn began, one hand on her hip while the other carried a bright red slushy.

Nervously Kurt shifted until he was standing between Blaine and the girls, but both of them didn't seem to care.

"You're a Cheerio now. Do you know what means?" Quinn demanded quietly.

Around them the hall had fallen silent even though it was packed with students. There was no doubt in Kurt's mind now. They'd all definitely been warned in advance. Feeling queasy Kurt tried to offer an answer to Quinn's question as Blaine's locker closed softly behind him.

"It means I– "

"It means you're above him now," she snapped, glaring over Kurt's shoulder at Blaine. "You're either one of us or you're nothing. You ditch the nerd or give up that uniform. I'm done waiting for you to figure this out."

Santana shot Kurt a cruel little grin and nudged him over to stand between herself and Quinn. "Come on, Porcelain, you're so much better than him. Put him in his place and get this over with."

Kurt gaped at her. The crowd around them murmured in agreement. A few jocks pushed their way through, looking excited.

Now that Kurt had been pulled over he had a clear view of Blaine, standing alone with his back straight and head held high. Kurt knew without a doubt that the other boy was as terrified as he was, but he didn't show it. Just like he hadn't when they were ten and Kurt was being bullied on the playground.

"Just leave him out of this," Kurt insisted through gritted teeth. "Who I'm friends with shouldn't matter. It's not going to take away my talent– "

"You're not bringing down our rep," Quinn cut in fiercely. "Cheerios don't mess with scum like him."

Blaine's strong gaze faltered some at her words. Kurt yanked his arms free from their grasp and straightened his coat as Santana added slyly, "Besides you don't want him rubbing off of you... "

"What are you talking about?" Kurt snapped, stepping away from her, but Quinn's hand caught his forearm and held him in place. Her grip was surprisingly strong, and with the advantage of her height, Kurt couldn't pull away without causing a huge commotion.

"Just look at him," one of the jocks called out as thought it was obvious. "He's a little freak!"

Blaine shifted under all the scrutiny but Kurt held firm in his resolve. They weren't going to make fun of his friend like this.

"Leave him alone," Kurt snapped.

"Oh, have you got a thing for him, too, Hummel?" Santana teased. "Are you going to start giving McHobbit big, dopey heart eyes, too?"

"Look, just because he's gay that doesn't– "

Kurt snapped his mouth shut as soon as he realized what he'd said, but it was too late. A sickening horror sunk into the pit of his stomach as the gathered students started whispering and a few jocks started calling out gay slurs.

Blaine cowered slightly at all of the attention, and Kurt tried desperately to step over to him or meet his gaze. But Blaine's eyes were fixed firmly on the floor.

"I– I didn't mean– I just meant– "

"No, it's true," Blaine's voice interrupted softly, his head turning up and his eyes bright. "I am gay. I'm not ashamed to admit it either."

Blaine's chin was trembling as he stood his ground despite the disgusted whispers and the banana peel that flew through the crowd and hit him in the face.

"Jack off in that since no guy is going to want you in his ass!" One of the jocks in the crowd hollered, and a roar of laughter greeted the boy's words.

But Blaine's eyes were locked on Kurt's, terrified by determined, silently waiting for Kurt to say the same words he just had. It was plea Kurt had never wanted to face, not when there were tears in Blaine's eyes and a crowd around them already shunning Blaine for admitting to who he was.

Kurt opened his mouth, but no words came out. Terror had seized his insides and taken control of his throat. He couldn't do it. He wasn't ready, especially not in this hallway full of his judgmental classmates.

Santana's arm curled through his, one hand playfully tugging on a strand of his hair as Quinn forced a slushy into his hand.

If he admitted to anything or chose Blaine then everyone would guess the truth. He pleaded with his eyes for Blaine to run or to do something, but Blaine stayed where he was. And Kurt knew the reason why. He was Blaine's best friend. The one person in the world that would never turn his back on him or treat him the way everyone else did.

"Throw it," Santana ordered, her voice only a whisper in his ear, but Blaine's entire body was shaking now, and tears were starting to cloud Kurt's vision.

Up and down the hall a chant had started up, ringing deafeningly in his ears as a tear leaked out of Blaine's eyes and he folded his arms over his chest, still desperately waiting for Kurt to defend him, to step back over and take his hand in the reassuring way they always had.

"Slushy! Slushy!"

Kurt's hand shook as Santana leaned back in and reminded him of what exactly was waiting for him if he refused right now. "Slip now and its gone. You'll be the gay trash of McKinley and get trampled on for the rest of your life."

Quinn's hand was on his elbow in the next moment, and with the crowd roaring around him, Kurt was barely conscious of what he was doing. His mind was screaming so many conflicting things at him that he wasn't even aware of his decision until the chant stopped and a loud, pained gasp filled the silence.

Blaine's face was covered in red, melting ice, his expression shocked as it dripped down onto the floor and puddled around his feet.

But it was the heartbreak in Blaine's tear-filled eyes that sliced right through Kurt's chest as Quinn eased his slushy-wielding arm back to his side. He'd done that, and even a split second later Kurt knew he'd never forgive himself for it.

Kurt raced down the halls towards Blaine's locker. He was more than familiar with the route Quinn, Santana and himself normally took and he was determined to go around and cut them off. He skidded around the far side of the hall, attracting a lot more attention than he wanted to. Even Blaine looked up in alarm as Kurt darted past him, pushing other students out of the way so that he could head Quinn and Santana off at the top of the hall.

"Kurt, what– "

But Kurt didn't stay close enough to Blaine to hear the rest of his sentence. He registered that Tina and Mercedes were with him today, but after that his sole focus was on the two cheerleaders parting the crowd as they headed towards him.

"Quinn, we really don't need to do this anymore," Kurt insisted, knowing he sounded frantic but not caring at this point. He couldn't do this to Blaine again. He couldn't prove the other boy right for not trusting him. Kurt wasn't going to break Blaine's heart all over again.

"Yes, actually, I think we do," Quinn said snidely. She eyed him suspiciously. "What? Has that Glee Club made you soft now?"

"Actually I think some of its members have made him rather hard," Santana commented softly from her side.

"What?" Quinn snapped, looking furious and confused. She glared at Santana, clearly waiting for her to elaborate.

"Look, Kurt's got a point," Santana said bluntly. "This slushy stuff is getting old. We aren't freshmen trying to make our mark anymore– "

"We've still got our positions as the head Cheerios to uphold, and letting these losers– "

"Letting them what?" Kurt spat, fury starting to pound through him. "Letting them get on with their lives when they aren't bothering us? He's done nothing wrong– "

"Since when do you defend him anymore?" Quinn demanded.

The crowd around them had fallen silent. It was eerie to Kurt, and a stark reminder of a Friday morning when he'd been in the exact same spot, standing between Quinn and Blaine. Right now he didn't care about being heard, or ruining some pointless reputation. He cared about keeping Blaine safe and not letting him down for once in his life.

"Since– he– this isn't right," Kurt flustered, stamping his foot in annoyance. He still couldn't bring himself to admit to anything out loud, but that didn't mean it was going to stop him from putting an end to this.

"Neither is having to share a school with a bunch of scum," Quinn said haughtily. She shoved past Kurt with her shoulder, pausing to call back to him. "Keep this up and it'll be you getting slushied next week."

Santana gave him a sympathetic look but followed Quinn past him and down the hall towards Blaine's locker.

Kurt's heart was hammering a dent into his chest. Fear like he hadn't experienced in two years was running wild through his veins and he couldn't think. There was only one dominating instinct coursing through him and that was to get to Blaine first.

His feet carried him swiftly back down the hall, past the crowd of expectant students waiting for the usual Friday morning slushy. Even as the crowd parted for him he didn't think he'd make it. Quinn and Santana were already closing in, and Blaine, looking stunned by the argument he'd just witnessed, was standing still, his eyes fixed on Kurt rushing towards them.

What happened next was so quick nobody in the hallway seemed to register it. Quinn raised her arm to throw and Kurt, still several feet away flung himself forward, his sneakers sliding across the floor and carrying him the rest of the distance to Blaine.

There was a loud gasp so similar to the one from two years ago, only this time it wasn't because Blaine's face has been slapped with a cup of frozen ice. Kurt was staggering between Blaine and Quinn, his face going numb as slushy dribbled down his neatly pressed uniform and onto the floor.