I Never Imagined...

Chapter 1

Corey was seriously annoyed and he just didn't get it. On his way to work, he flashed another magazine stand and saw another picture of L & T. He was happy for Lea and Theo but 24 seven was grating his nerves. Lea was everywhere, and her recent trip to Mexico was making it possible for everyone to see her greatest ASSet. Not even he, had ever had that close up of a view.

It was common for actors to get a little jealous over trivial stuff like that especially when you work with other each other so closely. He knew and recognized that it went with the territory; you work with a person long enough so when your characters "break up" it can be difficult to mesh with a new person. All he could do was laugh at himself for acting so childish. After all, it was only for pretend.

It wasn't like Lea was his type any way. He was devlish, a flirt, ate red meat, liked long legged blondes, and getting physically dirty on his ATV vehicles and snowboard. Lea was a vegan who was more of a homebody who watched late night movies. Yet, Corey admired her love and devotion to family, friends, and causes.

This weekend a bunch of the Glee family was meeting over at Lea's for a Italian dinner and red wine. She would probably have them watch scary movies but he was so damn tired and not sure if staying out sounded like any fun.

The sky was pitch black as he entered the studio. 4:30 AM was the norm on a television show and he cradled his and her coffees for the occasion. As he opened the door, he saw Lea deep in conversation. When she saw him, she mouthed the word thanks as he handed her a coffee. She continued on with her conversation as she twirled her hair. Her eyes like black shadows from a continual lack of sleep.

Lately, it seemed like they never had time to talk any more. It made him sad to see his Gleek family growing apart but they all had new projects going on independently from Glee. At one time, they had noone but each other but success had changed that any was leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He decided that he was going to Lea's party. After all, didn't he want to enjoy his family while it lasted?

_Party Time

He put on his favorite skinny jeans and messed up his hair. Corey was tired of slicking his hair back on the set and looking like a high schooler. It was a blessing to look young but he was never the guy who looked totally together. There was always something fantastically messy about him but it worked on him and he knew it. The door buzzed and he laughed as Mark Salling made some cocky comment. The similarities between Puck and Mark were uncanny.

They hopped out of the taxi as they reached Lea's high rise. He felt great being with his friends and was on top of the world. Familiar and cozy. Lea answered the door with her flowered apron and big smile. It was apparent how much Lea loved cooking for her friends and family. She smiled at them and gave them each a fat kiss on the cheek.

"Whoah, where is mine?" teased Theo as he reached his arms around Lea's skinny waist.

Her dark brown eyes crinkled as she gave Theo a quick kiss.

"I have to finish cooking the pasta", she said in exasperation.

They all laughed in unison because they knew how much of a perfectionist Lea was. Theo motioned for them to enter the livingroom as Lea ran to the kitchen to cook her perfect pasta.

Corey sat down on the sofa stuffed with comfy pillows and realized he wasn't in the mood to communicate. So, he watched his friends have a good time as he took in her apartment and all the new photo frames with pictures of her and Theo. It must be more serious than he had imagined judging by all the stuff of Theo's spread out over the apartment.

He decided to take a break on the balcony and get some air. Cool night but a damn fine looking sunset. He heard a knock on the door and saw Lea smiling through the glass at him.

"What you doing out there?" Her arms waved at him to join her.

He couldn't help but smile at Lea as she never seemed to be in a bad mood. It was rather contagious really. So, he opened the glass door and heard the clink of a wine glass as she handed him a glass. She reached around his waist and gave him a little squeeze.

"You are supposed to eat the pasta while it's hot", she pointed out in exasperation.

"Lea, where are you?"

He heard Theo's voice and immediately became irritated. IT was going to be a long night. He just wanted to have a chance to talk to her alone. Theo was everywhere!