Warbler Infections

Chapter 9: "Somewhere only Niff knows"

Nick's POV:

This is my chance. My chance to tell Jeff how I really feel. But it's not easy to confess to your best friend that you want to make out with them. See the problem?

That's why I've been planning something big for a while. In regular circumstances it would be a date, but there's no way I could be that upfront with Jeff. I'll casually ask him to lunch at our spot and serenade him. He's a hopeless romantic so I'm sure he'll love it. And I love that he's into rom coms and Valentine's Day.

We've been going to the willow tree by the river bank for years. It's where we first met when we were thirteen. I was an awkward and timid songwriter and he was a bubbly happy-go-lucky athlete. There was no reason for him to befriend me. Everybody loved him but for some strange, yet wonderful reason he chose me.

I had been going to the willow every Sunday for years before I met him. It was my place to unwind and write my pent up frustration in peace. Until that fateful day when I heard footsteps and the rustling of my picnic blanket next to me.

"Watcha' writing?" I looked up from my journal to see the most gorgeous person I'd ever seen. He had honey blonde hair and golden brown eyes I could get lost in forever. There was no question that it was love at first sight for me.

"It's, well, I-I kinda write s-songs." How was I supposed to act normal when my heart was pounding out of my chest? "That's so cool! I wish I could write good songs. But I love singing and I'm not too bad." Shoot, he's talented too.

     "I'm sure you're great. Maybe I could help you write a song." He chuckled and flashed an award winning smile that gave me butterflies and hitched my breath.

    "I don't know, I mean I'm more of a sports guy anyway. I wanted to try out for my school's choir but my dad says it won't get me a lacrosse scholarship. Guess I'm just not brave enough to stand up for myself."

"You're brave enough just for being willing to talk to me." It may have been a bit self deprecating but he seemed like someone I could be honest with.

    "What do you mean? You looked lonely and I wanted to see if you were alright." I started picking at my thumbs, trying not to stare at him like I knew I inevitability would.

"You were hanging out with your popular sports friends and I'm just a loser writing crappy songs." He peered down at my notebook and with slight hesitation grabbed it and scanned the open page. Part of me screamed to take it back. The other part wanted him to know all my secrets. What was this feeling?

He turned to the cover and nodded. "Nick, I think it is? These lyrics are incredible! You have to share these songs with your friends and family. They're too good to hide. I know if I had your skills I would do everything to let other people hear them. You don't think these are worth anything?"

Yes. That would be too blunt. "I never really show these things to my parents, they never seem too proud of me. And I don't have any friends to show them to, ya know the whole outcast thing."

"Well that's changing today. I'm Jeff Sterling, your new best friend." How could he be so calm and collected? I took his outstretched hand, feeling an enticing burn as my skin touched his.

    "I'm Nick Duval, it would be an honor to have you as an acquaintance", I said in a faux British accent. I could shake his hand all day if he let me.

"I have to head back to the field, but you come here every Sunday right? So I'll see you around. Oh wait! Here's my home number. Call me when you get home. Maybe we can hang out some time soon?" I took the crumbled piece of paper with his number on it in my jacket pocket. Holding it made me grin for the first time in weeks.

"Yeah, I'd like that."

Since that day we had been completely inseparable. We know everything there is to know about each other. He knows how my voice goes up an octave when I lie and I know all about the birthmark on his left shoulder that looks like New Jersey. It might be weird to others but it gives me comfort.

Which is why this "date" has to be perfect. Because Jeff is perfect. I can't ruin our friendship though, that's the one thing holding me back. I may be able to handle rejection, but I can't afford to lose him.

I figured I should ask him today and then we can keep the tradition of going on Sunday. We were heading back from chemistry on Thursday night. Our dorms are in the same hall but a couple doors apart. "Night Nick, I'll see you tomorrow." He turned the key to his room and I knew if I didn't ask now I never would.

"Wait, Jeff!" He spun on his heel and gestured for me to go on. "Uh would you maybe want to have lunch at the willow this Sunday? It's fine if you're busy, or if you don't want to go. It was just a silly suggest-" Jeff shook his head and crossed his arms.

"Are you done? Of course I'll go, I wasn't gonna leave you hanging. Besides, I need some quality time with my favorite person in the world." He really had to stop saying stuff like that or I might fall even harder.

"Great well I'll see you on Sunday then. Don't be late!" Sure he was awesome but not exactly the most punctual. "I wouldn't imagine missing it!" He yelled as he yanked open his stubborn door. The second I crossed the threshold of my room I slid to the floor, covering my mile wide smile with my hands.

     Jeff was like my drug and just hearing him say I'm his favorite person in the world was like being high. And there's no way I'm gonna try being sober anytime if I always feel like this.

Hey guys! I know that the basis of this story is about Klaine but I like to include the other non cannon ships to make it more interesting. I already wrote the next chapter the same day I posted this but I'll post it on Wednesday so I can update more often. Oh and 175 views?! That's insane to me and I'm so grateful for every one of them. I'm not sure if anyone is actually reading these author notes so if you're reading this please comment you're favorite glee season. So I can know if anybody's seeing this and because I'm genuinely interested. Mines probably 2 but 3 is a close second. Have a great morning, afternoon, or night. Remember that you're strong.

Your fellow gleek,
Lindsay 💕