Warbler Infections

Chapter 21: "Wanna be startin' something"

Tuesday September 21st, 2010
Nick's POV:

   Perfection.

   That's what it feels like being with Jeff. I never thought I'd be into dating. The flowers, the kisses, the cuddles. It all seemed too intimidating. Boy was I mistaken.

   Jeff doesn't expect any of that mushy garbage from me. All he wants is to know how much I love and appreciate him. He's totally fine keeping our relationship on the down low, one of my requests. Do you know how quickly he would have updated his Facebook status if I didn't?

   "So then I told Marcus that he would break his spine if he slid down the stair banister and-what's wrong? Dang it, do I have spinach in my teeth again? Is there a bug on me?" Now Jeff was frantically picking at his gums and running fingers through locks of honey blonde locks.

   "Can I not stare at my wonderful, gorgeous, hilarious boyfriend?" I teased. He immediately colored to a tomato, setting down his gaze in a way that was so innocent and pure. He isn't usually one to become reserved or timid, but I can't help but love this new romantic side to him.

   "I guess I'll allow it, on one condition."

  I took a sip of my cappuccino, sassily raising an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? And what would that be?"

   Jeff's expression turned smug. He sat one elbow on the café table, resting his chin on his hand. "Go to the dance with me."

  That's not what I expected, but I couldn't refuse him. Every fall Dalton has a formal with Crawford Country Day so the boys wouldn't be denied some estrogen. Normally I stayed in my dorm, not interested in the whole boy and girl thing for obvious reasons.

  Sometimes my twin Ellie would come by to say hello, but last year she was too caught up with her boyfriend. I guess I never actually considered the prospect of going this year, but if it's what Jeff wants, I don't mind at all.

   "Jeff, you know I'd love to go with you if that's something you'd like to do. But this would pretty much be our way of going public. I know that you're ready to tell the Warblers and your family, but there are still dangerous people out there. Heck, some of them go here. I just want us to have a night with no pressure or harassment. We will go, but let's tone down the PDA, it's what's safe for us."

  He pouted slightly, but cheered up when I took his hand in mine. "Yeah, you're right. But it's unfair that we can't hug at a dance while the other guys will be spending the whole time eating the girls faces." He shuddered at the thought.

  "I know Jeffy but we can still have a great time. On a lighter note, what do you want to wear? There's a good month before the formal so we have time to choose." I was putting complete faith in him to make the decisions. Not only because he's a visionary, but because I utterly lack taste in fashion.

  He whipped out his phone, typing at the speed of light. Did he not hear my question? "Uh, what exactly are you doing." He excitedly sipped his latte and closed the phone.

   "I asked Kurt if he'd go to the mall with us on Saturday to help pick out suits. He's an expert and needs something to wear too. We'll get outfits for the dance, and hang out with our friend. Brilliant plan on my part, I'd like to think."

   I wasn't going to complain about receiving formal wear advice from the best dressed teen in Ohio. "Who's he going to the dance with anyway?" I hadn't seen him set his sights on anyone here yet.

   Jeff scrolled through the texts again quizzically. "He didn't say, maybe he's flying solo or going with a friend. Let's not meddle into his business. So, wanna head back to my dorm and watch trashy reality T.V?"

He's lucky I love him because I will not watch season who even knows of Keeping up with the Kardashians.
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  "Kourtney's so overreacting. I mean Kris is throwing the birthday party for Scott, even if it's belated. She should be thankful, not house hunting in New York."

   Jeff was lying on my stomach, currently using colorful language at the screen. I know, I know, I said I wouldn't watch the Kardashians curse about Las Vegas properties but he brought out the puppy dog eyes and I'm weak.

  "You do know that this show is mostly staged and we're giving them free views?" I remarked. Jeff scowled, throwing popcorn at my hair. "You're no fun Nick. We watch it because rich people being dramatic is prime entertainment." 

  I rolled my eyes and decided to shut up and agree with his criticisms. I'm not proud to say that we binged every show on TLC for the next three hours. Time goes by when you have amazing company.

"Curfew starts in fifteen minutes Jeff and I don't want to hide in a potted plant like last time. Sweet dreams, my love. I'll see you at breakfast after my guitar practice."

  He was nearly asleep, eyes fluttering in and out of consciousness. "G-goodnight Nicky. Love you too."

  I gave him a quick peck on the forehead, turned if the television and tiptoed to the door. I couldn't leave before stealing one more glance at his peaceful grin and gentle snores. I snapped a picture, admiring his bed hair and the way he clutched my hoodie.

   I think I just found my new lock screen .

   Hey guys! Time for another sickeningly sweet chapter that makes us all feel more single 🥳. I might start putting the dates farther apart so the story doesn't take me like three years. Also, HOLY CRAP GUYS WE ALMOST HAVE 1000 READS!!! You can't imagine how much it means to me to see encouraging comments and votes. I thought it would be January by the time we got to 1k but I'll probably hit it before my birthday in two weeks. Thanks for the present everyone! Remember to vote and add to libraries. I love seeing the comments that understand my references. Comment your favorite glee episode of you see this! I want to know (mine is either original song or Saturday night gleever). Have a great morning, afternoon, or night. You are magical!

  Your fellow gleek,
   - Lindsay 💕