Never Let Me Go: A StarKid Fanfic

Chapter 10

BERNADETTE'S POV

The week inched by. I sat at my mediocre job with my less than mediocre boss, listening to the all the nonsensical crap that spewed out his pie hole on the daily.

But when I talked to Darren, none of the boring shit in my life. We texted daily leading up to the show, and when Friday came, I could barely contain the excited butterflies in my stomach. I think I was really starting to like this kid. And I hoped he liked me too.

DARREN'S POV

"Bernadette! You came!"

"Darren!" she replied happily, "Shouldn't you be backstage?" It was an hour and a half before the show, and I had told security to let Bernadette and her friend in a half hour early before the doors officially opened for our first night of the run.

"Nah, they don't need me," I said nonchalantly, "I just write the music."

Stuid, stupid, stupid, my brain shouted as soon as the words left my mouth, You sound like an asshole.

"Well, I'm sure it'll be totally awesome," Natalie said, "I'm gonna, uh, go see where we're sitting." She gave me knowing look as she departed, leaving Bernadette and I alone together. I ran my fingers through my hair, a quirk I had whenever I was nervous.

"So..." I said.

"So..." she replied.

"I just, I really want to thank you for coming tonight," I said, my eyes flickering to the fangirls who were already lined up outside to get into the show.

"Well, after Natalie got me into your shows, I'd be stupid not to pass up an opportunity like this," she said, tucking a piece of her brown hair behind her ear, "You guys...you're really good." I smiled.

"Thank you," I said, a warm feeling rising in my chest, "You know, I'm really glad I made that bet with you, Bernadette."

"And I'm really glad I lost that bet, Darren," she retorted, "Well, besides the fact that I had to pay for you and your friends' booze. But it was worth it." A rush a pink flooded her cheeks, and she tried to hide it, and failed. But I thought it was adorable.

"So, would you guys want to go backstage?" I asked, changing the subject, "I really don't want to be in here when they let everyone else in. I might just get torn to pieces."

"Ugh, you celebrities are so demanding," she joked, "But I guess I can convince Natalie to go backstage and meet her idols. It might be kinda tough though."

Suffice to say, it was not tough.

-oOo-

BERNADETTE'S POV

"That did not just happen. I must be dreaming, because there is no way on god's green earth I just met all the StarKids. Am I dead?"

'No, Natalie you aren't dead," I said as we sat down into our seats. It was a half hour until the show started, and after thanking them profusely, I finally pulled Natalie away from the StarKids, who were doing their vocal warm ups and show circle.

"Break a leg!" I said to Joey right before we left to go sit in our seats. He thanked me in return and I gave him a hug before joining the others. Even in my seat, his scent of Drakkar Noir and soap and oddly, apples, was still drifted into my nostrils. It was a weird combination, but it worked. I didn't get to speak to Darren again, but I prayed I would be able to see him after the show.

"Are you sure I didn't drop my heart while I was back there?" Natalie squeeked, snapping me out of my thoughts of Darren, "Because I'm pretty sure as soon as Joseph Shwartz Walker acknowledged my existence, I lost a vital organ or two." I cackled a laugh. Even though I was stressing about Darren, Natalie always had a way to put a smile on my face.

"So, I saw you and Joey had a little moment back there," she said, raising an eyebrow, "Something I should know about?"

"Like I said, he's a friend," I replied sheepishly, "You know who I have my eye on."

"Oh, says the girl who doesn't believe in love."

"I didn't say I was in love with him," I drawled, "Like I said before, I'm just...interested. That's all. And besides, with him leaving tomorrow, I doubt anything will come of it." I realized my tone was a little sad.

But I didn't know why. I mean yes, I was attracted to Darren, and I felt like he was attracted to me. But as the lights went down in the theatre, I felt worms wriggling around in my stomach, (metaphorically of course). The possibility of Darren and I ever becoming something more was next to nothing.

Because he was a big star, whether he realized it or not. And I wasn't about to give my heart away to someone who would never be around for me.

I was just so conflicted. And it sucked.

-oOo-

I wanna be a starship ranger, I'm gonna do everything I can!

I smiled and looked up at Joey. He was really good. He had definitely improved from his 'Granger Danger' days.

To always be, a starship ranger! It's everything, it's everything I am!

He winked in my direction, his jaw going all crooked as he sang the last note. I noticed Natalie giving me a sideways glance, but I brushed it off. Within the first act, I had thoroughly convinced myself I had to tell Darren how I felt about him. Tonight.

Except I didn't quite know how.

Here's a little thing about me: I overthink everything. Literally, everything. Especially when it came to relationships. Looking back, that's probably why I had only had three boyfriends in my life up until then.

The thing was, Darren was different than those guys. Especially Ian, who was way too clingy one minute and then shoving me away the next. We were never right for each other, never on the same page. But with Darren I just felt that we...clicked.

Act 2 was just as amazing and funny and awesome as Act 1. The whole play was spectacular, on such a higher level than their early works.

Natalie and I were able to catch up with some of the cast afterwards, which made me even more nervous to see Darren. But when we met up with the group, he was nowhere to be found. My spirits drooped.

"I think he's just taking a call from Ryan," Lauren explained. Ryan. As in Ryan Murphy. It still baffled me that a normal guy like Darren could be on such a high-profile show like Glee.

"He'll be at the party though," Walker stated casually, "You guys should come along."

I noticed he was glancing at Natalie.

"Yeah!" Joey chimed, "It'll be fun." Natalie gaped.

"You want us to go to your party?" she asked dumbfounded. This was literally a dream come true for her.

"What can we say," Joe said, giving her a half smirk to swoon over, "You've grown on us."

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Oohhh a party chapter next?

HOW FUN!!

Anywhore, aren't you happy I updated? I sure am.

Because I love you guys. And I'm sorry it takes me so long.

But with all these extracurriculars and AP homework, it's hard to find time and actually have the inspiration to sit down and write a chapter.

But I'm trying :)

Oh and shoutout to my friend from school, Mai. She checked out this fanfic and is hooked, which means so much to me.

PEOPLE FROM SCHOOL ACTUALLY LIKE THE WAY I USE THE COMBINATION OF 26 LETTERS TO CREATE A STORY.

So thanks, Mai. And see you at float building. xD

Byyeee everyone! And thanks for all the reads and votes! Keep commenting!

-Maria