A.N: This plot bunny crept in after seeing episode 17 of season 5 and just wouldn't leave me alone. So, that combined with a slow weekend led to this little piece. Please review or share your thoughts and also warning for possible minor spoilers.
Huddled together on the chilly New York street, the group of happy individuals were immune to the early morning chill as they collectively basked in the warm glow they shared Rachel's success, Mr Schuester's happy news and the comfort of their united camaraderie.
It was only the realities of hunger and sore feet that broke the group out of their bubble of warm fuzzies and daydreams. Collecting themselves, the group started back toward the comfort and seclusion of the loft.
Everyone else seemed preoccupied with talk of breakfast and getting to bed as soon as possible. But it was the mention of sleep and bed which brought the horror of what they had walked in on back in full force to Kurt's mind.
"Uhh, guys, do you think Sue was serious about getting freaky all over the apartment?" he asked, shuddering at the very idea.
"Ugh, well if she did at least now the wicked witch has gone back to the West, thanks to our midget hero Dorothy, here." Santana quipped, giving Rachel a friendly nudge.
"I'm serious," Kurt said vehemently, "she was staying in my room. So at the very least my sanctuary has been polluted, and I don't know about all of you, but I honestly don't think I'd feel comfortable sitting on the sofa or eating off the table until they've been thoroughly decontaminated."
"I'm sure she was just messing with us about the sofa and the rest of the apartment. But I'll help you pull your mattress out onto the fire escape and we can spray it down with Lysol after we've had something to eat, honey" Blaine said reaching out and giving Kurt's hand a squeeze.
But when the group stepped in through the wide sliding door all their talk of food and sleep and showering dropped away to an awkward silence. Everyone looked around skeptically at their surroundings, scrutinizing every surface and object. Kurt flinched in shock when everyone simultaneously scattered, babbling about cleaning products and disinfectant wipes. Pausing for a moment to thank his lucky stars, Kurt went to join the others in their various cleaning activities.
It was only at the point where Rachel was attempting to spray down the rope swing which was coiled up on a shelf, seemingly where it had been left in an untouched state, that Kurt realized things were about as pristine as six sleep deprived and starving young adults would be able to achieve without resorting to industrial cleaners or a blowtorch.
In the midst of the chaotic cleaning the living room furniture had been shifted, along with the bed from Kurt's sleeping area to air out by the window which led out to the fire escape. Some of the bedding had also been laid out on the floor where the living room furniture had been. It was bathed in a pool of light that filtered down through the hazy skylight. This is where Artie found everyone curled up or lying sprawled in various states of comfort when he rolled in through the door several hours later.
Looking over the haphazard pile of his friends Artie filled the coffee maker with water and flicked the switch. If this party has been anything like their 'Blame it on the Alcohol' party he couldn't wait to hear how this interesting situation came about.