"Watch it fag!" A hulking figure says slamming into Chris. His shoulder digs painfully into his locker.

"Ouch," he grumbles easing his sore shoulder off. The bell rings and he goes to class.

The day passes with people snickering and pointing.

More so than usual. It sets him on edge.

"Hey! Fairy!" A few tormentors  call. He runs.

"Where do you think youre going?" They taunt cornering him in the hallway. He looks to his peers for help, they continue on. They always do.

"You cant get rid of us fag. No one wants you here." One of the three sneer.

"I bet no one even mentioned our gift did they!" Another laughs pulling something off Chriss back.

It was a post-it that said "FAG". Chris felt his heart shatter.

No one told him. Not the teachers. Not the students. Not the staff. 

He had been walking around with that word on his back all day. He couldnt help the tears in his eyes.

"Aw we made the gay cry! Will you ever stop being such a girl." The third says pushing him into the wall behind him.

His knees gave and his books scattered.

"Let me help you!" The first says. Then they all kick and throw the books and rip pages.

"Please! Stop!" Chris crys.

"Are you talking to me!" One growls. He shrinks into himself.

"You dont talk to us." Another sneers. They grab Chris pining him against the wall. The other rams his fist into Chriss stomach. Over, and over and over again.

When the last bell rings they leave a bruised and battered body slumped against the wall. 

Chris stumbles to his feet and to his car. Its been vandalized again. Vulgar words and taunts covering it. He gets in and breaks. He crys and sobs. Then he screams.

Why him?

What did he do?

Why was he alone?*

"Chris! Wake up!" 

Darren? Whats he doing here?

"Chris!"

He opens his eyes. Hes screaming still. 

"Chris, its okay." Darren soothes pushing a stray hair out of Chriss sweaty face.

It was a nightmare. A memory. 

He wasnt at Clovis High. He was in a hotel with his fellow cast mates on tour.

"Its okay." Darren soothes rubbing his back.

"Darren?" Chris whispers.

"Im here," Darren whispers back pulling him into a hug.

"It was so real." Chris cried clutching to him like a lifeline.

"It was just a nightmare." Darren assures him. It only makes him cry harder.

"But it was real." Chris sobbed. Darren hugged him tighter.

"What do you mean sweetheart?" He asked. Chris wasnt even fazed by the nickname.

"I was back in high school. It was the most embarrassing day of my life!" He cried.

Darren stilled.

"Its okay now. They cant ever hurt you again." Darren promised.

"They already have." Chris whispered.

"Listen to me Chris, grammy nominated, book writing, golden globe winner, inspiration to everyone, Colfer. I am so sorry you went through what you did. But as selfish as it is, Im glad, otherwise you wouldnt be the same person you are today. I am so, so unbelievably happy that you are who you are. Scars and all." Darren say kissing Chriss hair.

"Is this your version of tough love?" Chris jokes lightly.

"Theres my sarcastic, pain in the ass, best friend." Darren says looking at his tear stained face. 

"Thank you." Chris says.

Darren smiles.

"Always." He replies