Hunter couldn't quite believe it. New York. He was finally there. They were finally there. Nationals were right around the corner, and he was convinced they were going to win. They had worked so hard for this. They deserved it, didn't they?
Lost in his own thoughts and soaking in the city's energy, Hunter didn't notice when the rest of the Glee kids began to regroup in Times Square. It wasn't until Artie's voice cut through his daydream that he realised he had been standing alone in the middle of the square.
"I want to hit up Central Park, get my frolic on," Tina said, as Hunter started to make his way over to the group.
"I want to throw stuff off the Brooklyn Bridge," Puck chimed in, making Hunter laugh as he joined Sam and Quinn.
"Guys, hold on," Finn said, getting everyone's attention. "I mean, we still have two songs to write."
"Oh please, we all know I'll end up writing the songs solo with zero help from anyone," Hunter muttered, which made Sam and Quinn crack up.
"Okay, Mr. Bossy Pants," Kurt teased his step-brother with a grin."But I think we have some time for a tune before we leave."
With that, Kurt launched into "New York, New York," and soon enough, the whole group was singing along, laughing and enjoying the moment together.
"Guys, I have news!" Rachel announced excitedly, cutting through the group's impromptu sing-along. "To celebrate our impending win at Nationals, I got us all 13 tickets to Broadway's longest-running show ever... Cats."
Cheers erupted from the group, but Hunter noticed Quinn raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, you did?" Quinn said with a skeptical look. "You might want to double-check those tickets, Rachel. Cats closed about 11 years ago."
Rachel's excitement faded as she examined the tickets, realising Quinn was right. "He did seem crazy. He charged my credit card by swiping it through his butt crack."
"That's disturbing," Hunter whispered, astonished not only by Rachel's mistake but also by the bizarre method of payment she had encountered.
Seeing Hunter's discomfort, Sam grinned and threw an arm around his shoulders. With a playful gesture, he pointed at the bustling city around them.
"That's New York for you, baby," Sam said, using one of his impressions as Hunter laughed, trying to hide his blush at the affectionate nickname.
***
"Do you know that I can get an ahi tartare and a steak sandwich at 3:00 in the morning from their all-night dining menu?" Kurt announced, reading from the menu in his hands. "I feel like Eloise."
"I have pills for that," Brittany offered casually.
"All right, guys. This is your time," Mr. Schue said with a smile as everyone turned their attention to him. "Now, you're on lock-down till you finish writing our songs for Nationals. I want at least two solid verses by the time I get back."
"Aren't you going to help us?" Tina asked, frowning slightly.
"I, um, will be back to read your amazing creations and give notes," Mr. Schue said awkwardly. "But right now, I have to head to the theater to, uh, fill out some paperwork."
And just like that, he was gone, leaving the group to work on their own. Hunter settled on the bed next to Sam, fully absorbed in his notebook as he jotted down ideas. He wasn't sure how long he'd been lost in thought, but it must have been a while, because he snapped back to reality when Brittany and Artie announced they had something to share.
He looked up, smiling as the two of them moved to the front of the room where everyone was gathered. Puck got up to help with the guitar, and soon enough, Brittany began singing her song with infectious enthusiasm.
YOU ARE READING
Always and Forever - Book 2
FanfictionHunter Blake is starting his Second year at McKinley High School and his second year in the Glee club. What will the year have in store for him? How will he cope with the arrival of an old friend? Will Hunter be able to balance his life between Glee...