Gleeful Grace - A Darren Criss Fanfic

I Won't Let You Go

After being in New York for almost a week I finally felt a little better. The familiar surroundings of my bedroom, small and dainty and still harbouring a lot of childhood memories, was a comfort to me. My Mom and Dad had been amazing, since my little brother had moved out last month they had felt a little lost so were lapping up me being back. Mom and I never got along particularly well but I think the distance must of helped because all of a sudden she wasn't that bad. Dad had gone away with work yesterday. As a sales executive he was always flying off here, there and everywhere. So me and Mom finally had 'the talk' as to why I had come home unexpectedly and been moping around ever since. Speaking to her, I realised how silly it was for me to run away without so much as a word to Darren. I never even gave him the chance to explain. But the longer I left it the harder it got for me to pick up the phone and call him. He had stopped trying to call me three days ago. The last text was 'Okay, you win'. Which caused another onset of tears and two tubs of Ben and Jerrys.
I knew I had to face him so had booked my flight for two days time. Ryan, fortunately had scheduled in a week break, and rearranged some stuff around so I was due to go back to worth the day after I arrived home. I knew I would be so busy making up for lost time, I probably wouldn't have a chance to talk to Darren even if I wanted to.
Chord and I had exchanged a few texts, our friendship was nowhere near back to how it was but at least he forgave me. I hoped in time we would go back to how it was. I think the thing that was holding us back was his attempts at getting me to speak to Darren. I was glad they made up but I still felt overwhelming guilt at the whole situation.
The paps had not been much help either, printing that I had flown to New York after a huge fight with producers and was considering leaving the show. My agent released a statement completely refuting these claims, but I knew I would have to go back to L.A and pick up where I left off.
Evening was approaching and my mom had gone to bingo with her friends. I loved having the place to myself. I threw on my PJs and plonked myself in front of the TV. My phone started to vibrate on the table. I looked at the caller display, it was Lea.
"Hello"
"Hey Lindsey, how are you?" She asked softly
"I'm good, a little better" I wondered how much she actually knew
"That's great, well.... I don't know if you know this but me and Amber have not long landed in New York. We have got to film tomorrow but have this evening free. I know you are having a tough time but we thought the perfect cure would be a night out with the girls"
I smiled at her thoughtfulness
"Thanks Lea, but I really wouldn't be much company" I said sadly
"Don't be silly, we are your friends and we want you to know that we are here for you"
"Thanks" I felt myself smile for the first time in what felt like forever
"So you will come?" She asked, her voice hopeful
I sighed "I don't know"
"Let me make this easier for you, if you don't get your ass over to Club 51 in an hour I will find out where you are and drag you here myself in whatever slobby clothes you are bound to be wearing" she chuckled lightly.
"Ok ok, I will be there" I gave in.

In all my time in New York I had never been to club 51 before. It was a high flyers club, full of singers and actors and people who had more money than sense. The club itself was dark and sophisticated, with black velour booths and a purple bar. There was a stage at the back which was occupied by some rock band and a VIP sections that was cordoned off and guarded by a man so big and buff, I honestly believed he could crush me with my little finger. I decided to wear an old dress I had left here. It wasn't designer but it was nice enough. A navy blue chiffon style dress. It was floaty and light, with and embroidered swirling pattern running through it. I didn't feel like dressing up too much, so the make up was minimal and I had swept my hair into a side pony.
The buff guy waved me through after Lea spotted me and talked in his ear.
I hugged her, probably a little tight than normal. It was so good to see her. Amber was close behind, she pulled me into her arms a gave me a hug.
'Lindsey, you look so pretty' Lea said she smiled as she walked me back to their table. There was a couple of crew members there too, whom I smiled and waved sheepishly at.
After a few drinks with Lea and Amber, I was almost cured. We had done nothing but laugh the whole time and I was having so much fun.
Lea who was tipsy by now leant over to my ear.
"I don't know what went down with you and Darren exactly but all I know is that he was crushed when you left"
I steadied my breath at the mention of his name and forced a smile
"Thanks, it all got so messed up, I just had to bail" I explain
She shook her head
"Oh no I completely understand....I have been there myself"
Amber returned the table with another round of drinks. I saw an exchange between her and Lea that made me a little suspicious.
"Ladies and gentleman, can I please have your attention for a moment"
The hairs on the back of neck stood to attention at the familiar voice that echoed through the club. My eyes shot to the stage and I gasped.
Darren was stood there, his curls looked thicker and longer than I remembered, and he had grown a light stubble on his face. He was dressed smartly, in dark trousers and a deep purple shirt, and he had his guitar draped over his shoulder. He looked amazing, but also, he looked a little lost. My heart began to thump and Lea put her hand on my shoulder.
"I'm sorry, we had to do this" she shouted through the cheers of the crowd at the sight of Darren Criss on stage with his guitar.
I looked back to her, still in a state of shock. My eyes snapped back to the stage quickly. I could not take my eyes off him.
"I was hoping I could sing you guys a song" the crowd went wild again. A small smile emerged on his face as he pulled the pick out of the strings.
"This song is for someone special, she knows who she is. And I just want you to know sweets, I mean every single word"
I felt lots of eyes on me from around the table, but I never looked back. I was mesmerised.
The crowd was wolf whistling now, as he began to play.

When it's black
Take a little time to hold yourself
Take a little time to feel around before it's gone
You won't let go but you still keep on falling down
Remember how you save me now from all of my wrongs
Yeah

If there's love just feel it
And if there's life we'll see it
This is no time to be alone, alone yeah
I won't let you go

Say those words
Say those words like there's nothing else
Close your eyes and you might believe
That there is some way out
Yeah

Open up
Open up your heart to me now
Let it all come pouring out
There's nothing I can't take

And if there's love just feel it
And if there's life we'll see it
This is no time to be alone, alone yeah
I won't let you go
(Won't let you go)
(Won't let you go)

If your sky is falling
Just take my hand and hold it
You don't have to be alone, alone yeah
I won't let you go
(Won't let you go)
(Won't let you go)

And if you feel the fading of the light
And you're too weak to carry on the fight
And all your friends that you count on have disappeared
I'll be here not gone, forever holding on

*** I had stood up. All of a sudden my surroundings didn't matter I weaves my way through the crowd, tears blurring the way. He was here. He had come all the way here. I got to the front of the stage and his eyes met mine, his too were shining and wet. He took the guitar off his shoulder and laid it next to the guy on the keyboard. He held out a hand and pulled me up on stage next to him. He turned to face me, one hand entwined with mine and the other on the mic as he continued to sing

If there's love just feel it
And if there's life we'll see it
This is no time to be alone, alone yeah
I won't let you go
(Won't let you go)
(Won't let you go)

If your sky is falling
Just take my hand and hold it
You don't have to be alone, alone yeah
I won't let you go
(Won't let you go)
(Won't let you go)

I won't let you go
I won't let
I won't let you go
No, I won't let
I won't let you go
I won't let you go

He barely held the last note as he pulled me into him. His lips on mine. It felt so good to be in his arms again. He flipped my pony tail behind my shoulder and pulled back. The crowd were still clapping and wolf whistles filled the room.
"I love you" he said, his eyes were so full of emotion.
"I love you too, I'm so sorry Darren" I said pulling him back to me.
Everything that had happened didn't matter now. What mattered was me and Darren, in this very moment. A whole new future ahead of us.
We hugged each other so tightly, never wanting to let each other go.......

Well that's the end of the story folks. I hoped you like it. Please comment or let me know what you think.

Thank you!