Co-Ed. Almost. Close enough.
For Hunter Clarington, it was always exclusive schools. Prep, military, it was all the same. At least being head Warbler changes things a bit. Working to defeat all is a challenge he took on. Now if only he can get that elusive ND member out of his mind. HunterxOC.
Chapter 1: Meet Sabrina
The Lima Bean
A week after Dynamic Duets
"Just ask her out already."
I snapped my head at the taunting voice of my team mate, and raised a brow. "Excuse me?"
Sebastian gave a chuckle and shook his head. "Oh, please Hunter. It's been, what, two weeks already and we've sat at this exact same spot. This same spot that correspondingly overlooks another constant...and that of...Jeff, help me out here." He nudged his blonde seatmate, another team mate of course.
Jeff laughed and raised his palms up. "Oh, I don't want to get into this. You are on your own, man."
Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Fine. Hunter, what are we doing here exactly?"
I shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm studying. You guys were always free to go."
"Sure you are," Jeff mumbled.
Sebastian snorted halfway through sipping his coffee.
I scowled at them.
Jeff laughed while shaking his head and stood up. "I'm going. But seriously, Cap'n, Sebastian is right. Just go for it. Later dudes."
"Bye Jeff," Sebastian said after high-fiving him.
I gave him a curt wave, my frown staying.
Sebastian turned to me. "So..."
I sighed and proceeded to ignore him, going back to my book.
"Oh. It looks like she's leaving early..." He trailed off.
And like an idiot, I fell for the oldest trick in the book. My eyes darted immediately to where she was.
Sitting comfortably in plain view, with no indication whatsoever that she was leaving soon was the raven-haired beauty that I just can't get out of my mind.
"Aha!"
Damn it.
"Well, well. You do have a heart." He grinned so slyly that I think I can see feathers stuck between his teeth.
No use hiding it now. "Okay, you caught me."
He smirked at me. "Now we're talking. For starters, her name is Sabrina Valmont."
Sabrina Valmont.
It was all true, what Sebastian said. For two weeks, I've been sitting on this exact same booth overlooking where she sits. It started with me really just wanting a nice place to study and relax when she entered. I was still, well, still am, actually, new here.
I was studying when something caught my attention, two tables down. I heard a pen drop, bringing me out of my concentration. It was, after all, a slow day for the café that you could easily hear the slightest things. When I looked to see where it was, all I saw was a curtain of long black shiny hair of one very beautiful girl. As the she picked up her pen and tucked her hair behind her ear, I saw how good her ebony hair stood out against her alabaster skin.
I watched her settle down and I couldn't help but stare. This girl is beautiful, I thought. When the waiter served her coffee, I saw a flash of pearly whites as she grinned at him in thanks. And I kept staring still as she blew her cup and took a sip. I couldn't help it, my eyes were drawn to her reddish lips. After some time I saw her eyes. They were a bright blue-green pair with an elegant slight slant that would hint at an Asian background. I could tell she wasn't full Asian. My best guess would be Eurasian heritage…and she looked so much like, oh wow, Kristin Kreuk. Snow White…Smallville…Beauty and the Beast. Deadly beautiful.
Normally, I was never one to shy away from asking girls out. Being in exclusive all boys' school was never a problem. Don't get me wrong though, I'm no player. Far from it. When it comes to taste, I'm rather picky and I don't like wasting time on senseless dating.
And this one... God, I can't get her out of my mind. But as luck would have it, I would come to realize later on, was that there was one big block that's preventing me from asking her out.
She was a member of New Directions.
Our main rival for Nationals.
"I know who she is." I muttered. Well her name and how she bites her lip when she was concentrating... or how she twirled a strand of her hair absentmindedly...
Stop. I should stop. I can't think about this. She's from McKinley for crying out loud! She's an enemy. An enemy I never really dug a profile on.
I couldn't. I just couldn't. I can't get attached. No distractions. Must. Think. Nationals. And now I'm thinking in pauses.
Damn it.
Sebastian smirked. "I know her more, I bet. I was the head Warbler after all last year so my research is sound."
"I bet." I replied, not sounding too eager.
"So, what do you want to know?" He was clearly enjoying this. I can't blame him, not after what I've been putting the Warblers through. No pain, no gain after all.
I just shrugged.
He raised a brow. "Fine. I'll just prattle on. She's currently a senior, you know that much."
I nodded.
"She transferred last year from one of those snooty prep schools in NYC," he continued.
I wrinkled my forehead. "Why go from prep school to public? And why Ohio?"
"Word is, his dad—you do know who her father is right?" He asked.
I shook my head.
"Seriously? Well let me educate you. She is the heiress to Valmont Inc. You know, the company that specializes in prosthesis and wheel chairs?"
Oh. I knew she was rich. I didn't know she was that rich.
"Anyway, they just acquired this new manufacturing warehouse here in Ohio, where Mr. Valmont's hometown is and they said that he wanted a quiet environment to settle down in and there you go." He smiled.
My brow knotted the tiniest bit. "Still doesn't explain why she'd attend a public school." I took a sip of my coffee.
"You'd have to ask her that yourself. All I heard was that it was her decision," he shrugged.
I nodded. Ask her about it...right. I can't help but feel a bit... Excited about that. But no. Nationals...
"She's not much of a key player in their diversity club, isn't she?" I prodded.
His eyes lit up. "Oh. That's just a matter of circumstance. Our girl here is talented. Very. I know she has a standing offer at Julliard among others. She's highly trained in classical ballet, and sources tell me that her voice is top notch. Though I haven't heard it being showcased yet, come to think of it. Hmm… I guess she rather keeps a low profile. Oh! And she was more Trouble Tones than ND so there was never an opportunity, I guess."
Oh no. Now I'm really curious. "That explains it. There are too many of them fighting for solos there. Too many...characters...Low profile?"
He nodded. "Yep. And that's all I know. That and she only got close to two people there. She's really tight with the Prom Queen, Quinn Fabray. You know how like in almost every film, tv show, or book where the token gorgeous blonde has to have that ravenous haired best friend? They were it. Betty and Veronica. Marissa and Summer. Serena and Blair."
I cut him off. "Okay, okay. I get it. But, if she's friends with her, what does that say about her?"
"I don't know for sure, but last year was a tough year for Fabray. She's okay, a bit bitchy and shallow at times, but she has her moments. And now that she's well, having it all, with knowledge that Sabrina stuck with her through it all before, then, Sabrina must be some friend. Anyway, why don't you just go see for yourself?" He nudged me and winked.
I moved away. "No. Sectionals is fast approaching. I have yet to whip your sorry asses to shape. Besides, aren't they a protective bunch? They'll all think its one big scheme especially after we tried to get Anderson back."
He thought about it. "That is true. And there is that thing with Jesse Saint-James and Rachel Berry so, yeah."
Exactly. Complicated. I propped my head with my hand and leant back. "Our set list is solid, but we have to perfect our routines...wait. You said two. Who was the other one?"
He stretched his arms and yawned. "You know the blonde who came with Blaine at Dalton? The one who stole back their trophy? Well Sam Evans and Sabrina dated briefly."
Suddenly it grew hot around here.
Sebastian was studying me intently before bursting into a chuckling fit. "Briefly, Hunter. Like two or three dates? It didn't work out."
I let out a breath. "Wow, Sebastian. How do you know all this? Seriously? Weren't you on bad terms with them?"
He held out his palms and wrinkled his nose. "I keep telling everyone. I've changed! No one believes me! Anyways, Blaine and I talk sometimes."
I raised a brow.
He rolled his eyes. "Not that way. He's madly in love with Kurt. Still is. We're just cool. Kid needs a gay friend from time to time you know." He winked.
It was my turn to roll my eyes.
"She's single, you know."
I swallowed.
"Oh you're pathetic. I never pegged you for a shy guy," he laughed.
I glared at him. "I'm not. I just don't think it's a good idea. She's just one girl. I have priorities, you know."
He patted my shoulder. "You keep telling yourself that."
I shrugged his hand off. "Why are you pushing this?"
"Hey man, just trying to help here. You're too...uptight. And serious. Really serious. I mean, we all want to win but you're too, you know."
"When I accepted the transfer, I promised a championship. I don't intend on holding out on a promise," I said firmly.
He waved me off. "We know that. The group appreciates that. But the group also knows that winning isn't everything. It's all about the music. And brother, you've been working too hard. Go out, have fun."
I sighed. That's true. I have been working too hard. But that's me. I'm a freaking robot. But...maybe I should just go for it. I dismissed my thoughts. No. Priorities.
"Well, since you are still mentally debating with yourself, I think I'll just go up and say hi." He was already out of his chair before I could stop him.
"Sebastian, what the hell?" I hissed at him but he ignored me and walked up to her. I had no choice but to watch.
"Hi there," he greeted her.
She jumped a bit in surprise but composed herself. I was feeling green with envy.
"Oh, hello... Sebastian, what's up?" she said politely.
I swallowed at the sound of her voice. Definitely jazz voice. Sexy alto.
"I was just about to head out and thought to say hi. I know we've never really formally met but since our school has that love-hate relationship, I see no point in ignoring you. Not when I've researched all of you thoroughly last year." he grinned.
"Thanks...I think." she smiled back. "I appreciate you...not ignoring me." she chuckled then grinned.
There they are. Perfect white.
"You've been studying seriously there. I noticed," he continued.
She nodded and wrinkled her nose. "Kind of."
"What are you laboring on?" He continued.
"AP Spanish. My dad has been pressing me to master it or I lose privileges," she shrugged. "But I've been struggling with this one. I barely made it through basics last year."
"French and Mandarin wasn't enough for him?"
So I was right. If Sebastian was implying what I think she was implying, then I was right about her heritage.
She shook her head. "Apparently not."
"Well, why not get a tutor?"
Oh no. I think I know where this is going.
"I've been thinking about that, but, at McKinley, no one seems to want to or whatever. And Mr. Schu's gone for the season so I'm kind of on my own on this one."
"But you're fluent in French right?"
Damn it. I was right. Damn you Sebastian.
"Oui," she answered with a nod.
"Then maybe I have a tutor for you," he said trying to sound as casual as he could.
"Wait, I'm sensing that this tutor you're saying needs a tutor too?" She said slyly.
He chuckled and nodded. "Clever girl, you are Ms. Valmont. This tutor has been trying real hard to master the language of love. And since you are fluent, maybe you could teach him? Teach him and he'll teach you the language of sex." He winked.
I have never wanted to strangle someone as hard as I wanted to kill him right now. Sebastian Smythe must die. Now.
But surprisingly, with only a minute show of disgust, just a cringe of her nose before she took this by stride. "On second thought, I'm don't think I'm highly qualified. Sorry, no thanks." She chuckled. "Really? Language of sex?"
He laughed and shook his head. "Just made that up. I don't know. It's a sexy language. Anyway...excuse me for that. I was only playing around. But on a serious note, my friend truly is fluent in Spanish but he speaks crappy French. You guys were made to help each other out. What do you say?"
She thought it over and suddenly I'm torn on whether to wish she would say yes or not.
"I don't know. I have a feeling I know who you're referring to..." She bit her lip.
What did she mean by that?
"And...if I'm right, maybe a New Directions member isn't exactly his cup of tea..."
Oh.
Sebastian waved her off. "Nonsense. In times of need, you get what you can. You know our captain right?"
She nodded and… did she blush?
"Of course."
It was definitely getting hotter.
Sebastian looked at me and I had no choice but to play his game. I gave a tight smile and waved at them and holy-she's looking at me.
She waved back and gave a shy unsure smile.
"You guys haven't formally met too so, let's remedy that. Hunter, come meet Sabrina." He called me over smiling triumphantly.
You. Are. Dead. Smythe. Dead.
I closed my book, put my hands in my pockets and walked casually over to her. I hate to admit it but my heart was pounding. But I had no choice but to muster every ounce of calm and cool I had.
And here she was. In front of me. Oh help me God, she's beautiful.
"Hunter, this is..."
"Sabrina Valmont." I cut him off. I nodded at her and gave a small smile.
She quirked a brow at me and I have to hand it to her, she was going to play it cool as well. She nodded back and smiled at me.
"Hunter Clarington," she answered. "Finally, we say hello. Hello head Warbler. Good to know, you know your enemy's name. She said cheekily.
I had to chuckle. "It's never personal. Just business." I winked at her.
"So it's French you've been working on for days now..." She said.
I blinked. So she noticed me too.
"Yes, as my teammate blatantly pointed out," I gave Sebastian a look.
"Just making conversation," he answered innocently but I could see the devil behind his eyes.
Before anyone could say anything, a phone rang.
"Oh excuse me, I have to take this. One moment." She said and she excused herself.
I glared at Sebastian.
He shrugged. "What? I didn't orchestrate anything. It's all, you know, coincidence... Or you know...fate?" He chuckled.
"Seriously?"
She came back effectively cutting us off.
"Sorry, I have to go." She looked at us apologetically.
"Everything all right?" I asked and I could see that she was taken aback by my question...or surprised.
She recovered quickly. "Everything's peachy. I forgot I had to attend this thing. Anyway, it was nice to meet you." She said sweetly.
I gave a real smile this time. "You too."
She gathered her things and poised herself to leave. "Okay, so I'll see you guys around, or at Sectionals, or whatever."
"Wait, no tutoring sessions then?" Sebastian had to press this. That's it, I owe this guy the beating of his life.
She looked up and bit her lip. "I don't know." She looked at me. "We'll see. You're always here and I'm usually here so, let's figure it out next time."
I just nodded.
"Bye Sebastian...Hunter."
"Bye Sabrina. Drive safely," Sebastian called out.
I gave her a wave and she nodded at us before going out.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was keeping.
"You're welcome, by the way."
Moment ruined.
I glared at him for the nth time of the day.
"You're making a mistake," I grimaced.
He just laughed and raised a brow. "Am I?"
I huffed and went to get my things.
"You were cold as ice there. You might want to turn on the charm next time and just go with it. At least you have an opening. It's just sad if you blow it." He continued.
"Whatever." I muttered.
"I'm going ahead. See you at practice, Captain."
"Yeah, you'd better prepare," I warned him.
He looked offended. "Who me? Always." With a wave and gales of laughter, he left.
That damn Sebastian.
Still.
I couldn't help but allow myself to smile.
I don't know if I'll take this chance or what but at least something happened today.
Knowing there was this opening...this chance even if it wasn't definite... it was still ...something.
I thought back. When was the last time I went out with a girl? Come to think of it, when was the last time I actually had a girlfriend?
Six months.
The last date I had was six months ago with a tall brunette who was student body president of her school. I met her during one of the mixers back in Colorado. It was just one date. Pleasant, but nothing much.
I shook my head and dismissed thoughts of my ex girlfriends. There were only two anyway and they both ended because it ended. No point really in dwelling on the past.
Especially now when the present and not to mention, the future warrants my attention.
Suddenly Sabrina's smile flashed.
I took a deep breath.
Sabrina Valmont.
To know her or not know her?
That is the question.