"...Dalton Academy Warblers!"
It was as if the world came to a standstill. I could vaguely make out the series of hands patting my back. Whoops filled my ears and I felt a body pressed against mine.
As I watched Hunter step up to receive the trophy dragging Sebastian in tow(Strange... I made a mental note to investigate that further), I shuddered as Nick engulfed me in a hug.
"Jeff! We did it! We beat New Directions thanks to you!"
I snaked an arm around his waist, revelling in the way his blush crept around his cheeks. I knew of his crush on me. He doesn't realise that he talks in his sleep. ("Jeffy. You're so cute I wanna kish you all over..") That happened two weeks ago and I've been keeping it a secret ever since. I've been fighting my feelings for him for years but I was afraid to take it further. We've been best friends for years, what if we don't
work out?
To stop my mind from thinking about the matter further, I began overcompensating. The ride back to Dalton, I engaged Hunter in conversation about preparing the dance moves for Regionals much to the annoyance of Nick and Sebastian. Over the next few days, I avoided Nick as much as I could, opting to eat meals separately to focus on my dancing. I felt bad pushing him away so much but I had to focus! As a senior, winning regionals and going ahead to win nationals would guarantee me the college of my choice. I wasn't a good enough singer like Hunter, Sebastian, Blaine and even Nick but I was confident enough in my dancing to know that it will take me far.
Later that day as I returned to the room we shared, I was greeted by a very furious Nick Duval.
"Where have you been?! I barely see you anymore. We don't even talk." He began his puppy dog pout. "I thought we were best friends.."
"I'm so so sorry!" I flopped down heavily on his bed. "I've been so busy choreographing our moves for regionals. Come on Nicky, you know how much this means to me." Two could play this game.
I tried to divide my time between Nick and my private dance practices. I knew it still irked him that it was all I could talk about.
As we were eating lunch,
"How about more backflips?"
"Jeff..."
Before we went to bed,
"Maybe I can incorporate some jazz.."
"Goodnight, Jeff!"
During our french exam,
"I got it! We can let Hunter and Sebastian have a dance off duet to get rid of their sexual tension!"
"JEFF STERLING IF YOU DON'T
SHUT UP ABOUT DANCING I'M..I'M...WE'RE NOT GONNA TALK ANYMORE!"
Everyone stared(Including Hunter and Sebastian who were furiously protesting what I said about them) as Nick left the room.
After class I went to look for him, knowing that he would always run off to sit in a tree we have claimed as ours whenever he was upset.
"Nicky?"
"Jeff, let me talk." He said curtly, glaring at me. "I have this feeling that you don't care about me anymore. I can't take it, Jeff. I love you so much. Can't you see that? I want to be with you. Hold your hand. Cuddle before we go to bed. Brush away your beautiful hair and..k-kiss you. But you go on and on about dancing and I...I know it has always been and will always be your first love but don't forget about me too. Even if we remain just as friends."
At this I thought, this is it. This is the moment. I reached forward and kissed him gingerly on the lips. As he gasped into my touch, I took the opportunity to probe his mouth with my tongue enjoying his sweet taste.
"I love you too Nicky. You're my first love. Have always been and will always be."
