Gleeful Grace - A Darren Criss Fanfic

The Invite

I opened my eyes and in an instant everything from the night before came flooding back. I cringed as I rolled over…maybe I should call in sick? We had a cast meeting today headed by Ryan and both Chord and Darren would be there. No… I wasn't going to let this make my work suffer. I threw my legs out of bed and stood up stretching dramatically as I walked down the hall to the bathroom.
I decided to wear a baggy jeans today with an old hoody. It was Friday and after the meeting I had nothing scheduled in for after so was finishing early. Blake had the weekend off work again so we decided to spend it together so we could catch up. He knew something was off with me but we were like passing ships in the night, him with college and the bar and me with work. It was going to be really nice reconnecting with him again as truthfully? I had been feeling a little lonely.
My taxi pulled into the studios and I made a mental note to find the time to buy myself a new car as I handed over the 20 dollar bill. I had my first pay check and boy was it fat….but had no time to spend it!
The meeting room was pretty much full when I got there Lea and Chris waved me over as there was a seat next to them. As I took my seat I looked around. The room was huge, with the biggest mahogany table I had seen surround by countless chairs. There was a huge leather swivel chair at one end of the table which I guess was Ryan's. There was a trophy cabinet at the other end from floor to ceiling and was jam packed with awards and trophies.
“Hey missy, long time no see” Lea poked me as I took out my notepad and pen from my bag
“Yeah, I know we must have complete opposite schedules” I laughed.
“I know right? How you fixed for the weekend, I think we all have it off…I'm hosting an impromptu ‘Yay we have the weekend off’ party at my place tonight. How about it?” She said with a little song in her voice
“Oh that would be-..oh I can't I promised my housemate I would spend the weekend with him” I said as my face fell.
“Bring him along, as long as he is very gorgeous” Lea smirked placing her hand on my arm
“He is, but also very gay” I laughed
“Even better” Chris chimed in.
“Ok, sounds like fun, who else is going….?” I asked looking around, luckily Chord and Darren hadn't arrived yet.
“You know, the usual….everybody!!” Lea clapped her hands together excitedly and wiggled a little dance in her chair.
The meeting room door opened and in walked Darren, who held the door open for Chord. Darren looked amazing, with dark skinny jeans and a red shirt under a blue sweater with the sleeves pulled up showing his tanned arms. He had a couple of leather bracelets on one wrist and a watch on the other. His hair seemed wet and his curls tussled around his beautiful Hazel eyes. He looked around at everyone and when his eyes caught mine, a smile emerged on his face. I smiled back reminding myself to breath. Chord looked rough, he had circles under his eyes and his hair was messy like he had literally rolled out of bed and through the meeting room door. I couldn't help but smile a little as even though he looked so bad, he was still cute. He had big baggy jeans on and a jumper that was like a million sizes too big. When he his eyes met mine I smiled, but he quickly looked away and a slight frown appeared on his brow. They both took seats on the other side of the table.
“Hey guys, you’ll be there tonight, did you get my text last night?” Lea shouted over to them
“A party ain't a party without Chord and Darren present” Chord smiled
Uh oh….I thought….what have I let myself in for.
Just then Ryan burst through the door.
“Let's get this shit over with so we can all finish early” he boomed across the room plonking a shed load of paper down on the table in front of him…..

****

When I arrived home a few hours later, Blake was painting his nails in the lounge. He looked up and mouthed a kiss before looking back down.
“TFI Friday darling”
“I know” I sighed happily, plonking myself down on the couch opposite him.
“So…plans??” He chimed
“Ok so I know we were meant to be spending the weekend together but….” I started
“No uh uh Miss Jones…you are not bailing on me again for work” Blake interrupted he put the brush back into the pot and looked up with a threatening glare. I smiled at his over dramatic face.
“Noooo no not exactly, I have been invited to a party, as have you…” I smiled awaiting the eruption that was about to happen.
“Oh really darling and where would such party take place?” He raised an eyebrow, I could see his eyes shining with anticipation whilst he was very much composed.
“One party would be talking place at one Miss Lea Michele’s house”
That was it, Blake jumped himself up off the chair and threw his arms up in the air with delight and screeched. After a second, he brought his arms down by his sides and fixed his hair.
“I will have to check my diary darling” he said his face serious
“You dumb ass” I laughed as a smile broke out on his face and he started dancing.
“Well, we best get a move on” He said turning off the TV
“For?” I asked curiously
“The mall, we got to get ourselves pampered and pruned and one fine hot outfit each” He said
I grabbed my keys and followed him out of the door.