Gleeful Grace - A Darren Criss Fanfic

A Walk in the Park

I had just finished recording another song in the booth and I was whacked, I looked at my watch 6:45 I better get a move on if I was meeting Chord. I hadn't even seen him once today, I really hoped he was ok.

I picked up my bag off the chair ready to go when Darren walked in.
“Hey, your in here late” I smiled as I put my bag over my shoulder. Darren sat down on the chair I just took my bag off. I felt a little awkward standing so sat down on the chair next to him.
“Day from hell, everything is overrunning today” he sighed leaning his head right back in the chair. He looked really tired.
“Well I got to run, need to grab a shower before I meet Chord for coffee” I said standing up again, I was shocked as Darren grabbed my arm.
“You’re meeting him now?!!” Darren said, he looked quite shocked
“Yeaaaahh…why…what the hell is going on, your both freaking me out now”I said, a little too sharply
“Oh nothing, go have fun, knock yourself out” he said, in not a very nice way as he let go of my arm. I was a little taken aback by this as Darren had never acted this way before.
“What's wrong Dare?” I asked
“Nothing…everything is juusst peachy” he said turning his face away. Why was he being such an ass?
“Ok…I know you have had a rough day or whatever, but that doesn't mean you can take it out on me” I snapped. I put my bag back on my shoulder and left before he got the chance to reply. What a jerk. My heart was beating so fast and it my vision was getting blurred with tears as I hurried down the hall.

********

Starbucks was pretty busy, I was surprised Chord suggested here. I had changed into my black leggings with an oversized jumper and big fluffy boots. As I got to the door Chord was right in front of me, baseball cap on, and big sunshades, holding two cups.
“Very inconspicuous!” I chuckled
“Oh hey, I was gonna wait for you outside” he smiled
“We’re not staying?” I looked at him confused.
“Nah, I thought we could take them to the park and walk a little” he said as he handed me my cup and removed his shades, his eyes gave nothing away but he didn't seem quite himself.
“Skinny Latte, no cream, one sugar right?” He asked
“Perfectamondo, thanks” the warmth of the cup filled my hands. We walked a while and talked about work, upcoming plots and hectic schedules but I could sense there was something he wanted to say, we sat down on a bench. The park was eerily quiet as the sun had not long set, the lights barely illuminated the shadowy paths and the trees towered over us. I shuddered slightly.
“You cold?” He asked as he brought his hands up to his jacket.
“No, no..I’m good” I smiled
The silence between us was not as comfortable as it usually was, something didn't quite sit right with me and I had to bring it up.
I turned to face him
“Chord, you said you wanted to talk about something?”
He shifted on the bench and set his cup down on the floor in front of him and began twiddling his thumbs.
“Yeah….” His voice trailed off
“Okay….what's up. I have to admit I been worried about you as it seems kind of serious” I sat forward and put my hand on his arm to stop him from fiddling.
“Ok…I'm finding it really hard to find the words on how to tell you this…so I'm just going to show you….”
Before I had the chance to even register what he was saying, Chord leant over and took my face in his gloved hands. I felt his thick warm lips on mine, his kiss was sweet and gentle and full of hope but this was all such a shock. I pulled away quickly. Chord sat back and put his head in hands.
“I got this all wrong didn't I?” Chord sighed.
“I’m just….shocked Chord….I did not expect that….at all” I breathed still trying to take in what just happened.
“It's ok, don't worry about it” he said, standing up.
I stood up too. I didn't know what I could say, what I wanted to say. I had all these thoughts and feelings rush through me. My head was mush.
“I'm sorry Chord, I need to go..I can't…I think….I think I should go”
I turned from him and hurried away.

**********

I got home and went straight to my room, Blake wasn't in and I was secretly happy as I didn't feel like a conversation with anyone right now. I kicked my shoes off and flung myself on the bed. What the hell was all that about? Chord had never ever gave off any feelings like that, yes he flirted, but he flirted with anything that had a pulse! I grabbed a cushion and placed it on top of me. He was a great friend, and extremely good looking. He was funny and charming and really caring, but I just couldn't look past being anything more than friends.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, as I saw who the text was off my heart started to beat a little faster.

Darren: Lindsey, what can I say…forgive me? I'm so sorry I just had a shitty day and unfortunately your right I did take it out on you. Friends? :(
Me: That's ok, I'm sorry for snapping too. Sure we’re still friends :) xx

I flung my phone down on the bed and held my hands up to my head. Never in a million years would I ever have thought that would happen. Chord had kissed me….me! Chord Overstreet had kissed me!! And here I was…. wishing he hadn't. I knew deep down what the reason for that was. But I hadn’t admitted it, not even to myself. I had acquired some very strong feelings for one Mister Darren Criss.

Ever since that night with Darren I couldn't get him out if my head. He just made me feel so alive, and there was one moment he was talking and we caught each other's eyes and something hit me like a truck. It was like the atmosphere changed and it was kind of electric. I found myself hanging off his every word. He was so incredibly humble and sweet.
I sat up, all of a sudden my mind was clear. I made a decision. I am going to remain friends with both of them. Darren doesn't need to know how I feel about him and Chord certainly doesn't need to know that either. I will clear the air with Chord when I see him next. Everything will be much easier this way. I can get on with my work and them with theirs. I'm going to spend more time with other people and hopefully everything can go back to the way things were. My phone buzzed again…interrupting my thoughts.

Darren: Oh sweet that's great. See you tomorrow for the meeting xxx

A huge smile spread across my face as my heart pounded again. I suddenly realised what I was doing and groaned with frustration and started to hit myself in the face with my pillow.

Man, this was going to be hard….