Never Let Me Go: A StarKid Fanfic

Chapter 8

BERNADETTE'S POV

"TGIF bitches!"

"Nat, can we not get totally hammered tonight?" I said at the bar that Friday, "I'd like to actually be able to remember where I live before I leave this bar." I had an early day at work the next day, but I had been so stressed that I gave in to Natalie's pleas to get me out of the apartment.

"Fine, fine," she replied. waving her hand to grab the attention of the same cute bartender, "Two strawberry margaritas, please."

His light green eyes scanned the two of us, and I smirked.

"Don't even card me," I said, "I just saw you three days ago."

"Oh, right, you were the girl talking it up with our big celebrity," he said, his eyes sparkling as he made our drinks.

"You flatter me man, but I wouldn't consider myself a big celebrity."

My heart nearly leaped out of my chest as Darren hopped onto a bar stool, his knee touching mine.

"Uh, you're Darren Freakin' Criss!" Natalie said, all too excitedly, "You are the celebrity right now." I was very surprised by Natalie's composure. I would've expected her to jump him the second he sat down next to us.

"Darren, what are you doing here?" I asked, masking my excitement with a slightly annoyed tone. I didn't want him to think I was too eager.

"Post rehearsal drink," he said, a small smirk on his face, "Watching your friends run through a three-hour show two times back-to-back really takes the energy out of you."

"You certainly have it rough," I said, feeling electricity as his leg moved closer to mine.

"You have no idea," he said, his voice gravely and soft, his mouth curving in a slight smirk. His amber eyes were mesmerising me yet again.

"Wow," Natalie said, ending our little moment, "You're a bigger sarcastic fuck than I imaged."

Way to go, Nat. Really making a good impression.

"Feisty," Darren replied, sticking out his hand, "Darren Criss, at your service. And you are...?"

"Natalie Stevenson," she said, a suggestive look in her bright blue eyes, "And you can service me any time you like-"

"Natalie!" I scolded, my face turning scarlet. Thirty seconds into a conversation with Darren Criss and she makes a sexual innuendo. That's my best friend for you. I looked at Darren in horror, but he was just laughing.

'Lighten up, Bernie, I was just joking," she retorted, even though I knew she wasn't, "So, anyways, hello Darren Criss. Huge fan. Really, I love your work."

"Thanks," he said, his smile sincere. He turned to me, that arrogant smirk playing on his lips, "Bernie...?"

"Childhood nickname," I explained, feeling the blush creep up my neck once again, "Natalie does it just to embarrass me."

"And it looks like I completed my objective for the evening," she said, hopping off the bar stool, drink in hand, "Now if you would excuse me, I see a fine piece of man across the bar that I just have to get acquainted with. It was nice meeting you Darren." She gave him a playful smile, "I'd love to talk to you again sometime."

"Ditto," he replied as she walked to the other side of the bar. I thanked god for Natalie. She would always help me with men I liked. Or, thought I liked. The point is, I knew could always count on her to give me space and not be a total cockblock with a guy. I had had friends like that in the past, and it was a nightmare. But I knew Natalie would help me, even though I knew it was hard in this instance. Because this guy happened to be perfect, guitar-playing, angel-voiced Darren Criss.