Cory Monteith shoved his way through the crowded corridors of the tiny wings located backstage of the Imperial Theater in bright and shining New York City. He was tall enough that he was able to spot the head of pinned up brown hair belonging to his wife. Of course a dozen other people were swarming around her at that moment as well. She had just returned from her brief visit with screaming fans that stalked outside the stage door and was currently busy working her way back to the dressing room. It was no use going after her just yet. He'd let the crowds die down.
Once the path seemed to have cleared, the tall Canadian mustered up a genuine crooked grin and tapped twice on the door with the little label reading 'Lea Michele'. A miniature woman, a whole foot below him, peered out from her room, still clad in full costume. Her stage makeup really accentuated her eyes and her prominent nose wrinkled as she formed an award winning smile.
"Three standing ovations. Not bad." She boasted playfully as she stepped up onto her tippy toes to place a loving kiss to Cory's lips.
Five years ago he had been handed a script and told to read for the part of Finn Hudson. The same tiny woman had extended a hand and introduced herself as "Lea Michele. Your Rachel Berry."
And his Rachel Berry, she was.
They had come along way since then. They started out as co-stars. Friends. Family.
Somewhere between the second and third season of their smash hit television series, Glee, a romance had blossomed. For various reasons they had agreed to keep their relationship under wraps and it stayed that way until the end of season four.
It was hard to keep an engagement from friends and family, after all. So the public soon found out as well.
The end of the summer brought many changes. The project that was so very near and dear to their hearts-that had brought them from nobodies to somebodies; that had brought them to each other-had now come to a close and that ending was bittersweet. They packed their bags in Los Angeles, married on the stage of a Broadway Theatre, and moved to pretty New York loft overlooking the hustling, bustling Big Apple. Just the way Lea liked it.
They both constantly kept their eye out for movie auditions, but were choosy for the time being. They weren't just going to take any role offered their way; life in New York was amazingly quiet in a sense. Cory was content producing and performing in a band, while Lea dug back into her Broadway roots after being offered the role of Eponine in the revival of Les Miserables. There was less traveling. There was more free time.
Life was comfortable and life was good.
"There's my girl." Cory laughed, scrunching down to enclose the woman in his arms. He handed her a bouquet of flowers and kissed her on the forehead. "You were amazing. I'm so proud."
Lea poked her nose into the mass of roses and inhaled their sweet scent. "Thank you! I caught a glimpse of you during A Little Fall Of Rain and there was definitely a little fall of rain on your face. Ahahahahah!"
Cory rolled his eyes, despite the loud cackle that she always seemed to emit after her own jokes.
"Nah, I wasn't crying! I was just like...confused because you were singing but you were dying..."
"Musical theatre, honey." The little diva patted his chest and made her way to her mirror to scrub off her makeup. "Are you sure you have everything?"
"Yup!" The lanky man swayed on the balls of his feet. "Suitcases packed and in the trunk! Feel like I haven't been on a plane in forever. Not since we've been married anyways."
"Thank goodness. We've traveled enough for a lifetime. I do wish I could come with but-"
"Your shows." Cory shrugged. "I know. Besides, it's only three days so it's not like I'm gonna have much free time. All work. My mom'll probably protest since I'm in Canada but she might have to get in line for an autograph."
Her face was now bare but just as beautiful.
"You should probably go. I don't want you to miss your flight, you're pushing it as it is."
"Yeah yeah but I had to come see you!"
"I know. And I'm so grateful you did. Means the world."
Lea met her husband in the middle of the tiny space and moved her gaze upwards.
"Only three days." He assured her with a gentle 'boop' to the nose. "You'll be at the theater in the evenings and it'll fly by."
"Of course." Lea nodded. "Since when have I needed you by my side every second? I'm fine. Have a safe trip, babe. I love you." She placed a kiss on his lips, flashed a smile, and pulled down her hair before heading towards the shower.
"Miss Independent. Gotcha. Love you."