Chapter 2 of my foray into insanity: meeting the Warblers. I'll post the final part tonight to finish it off. Enjoy!


*~*~*GLEE*~*~*

"I was worried when Kurt went away to Magic Boy Castle, but now I'm glad. This place is awesome."

Britney and the rest of the New Directions followed Blaine and Jeff down an ornate hallway toward the Doherty Room, which Jeff had reserved as a practice space since it resided in one of Dalton's uncontaminated wings. To keep their minds off being up so early on a Saturday, Jeff was providing color commentary as they wound their way through the school.

"Named after Daniel Doherty, right, Blaine? 19th Century Warbler turned business man, revolutionized the lumber industry. They say he convinced four rival companies to merge through the power of song. Man, I wish I could have been at that meeting," Jeff laughed, pushing open a mahogany door and ushering them inside.

The furniture had been pushed against the wall to clear the rehearsal space, all except for a long banquet table set with an espresso machine and mountains of breakfast pastries. Trent, who had been straightening a tiered tray of scones, looked up and waved cheerfully, and the five boys leaning against the bookshelf behind the table jumped up and headed towards the newcomers.

The New Directions looked around in awkward confusion as Jeff addressed the other Warblers.

"Guys, I said get ready for rehearsal, not brunch! What's with the buffet?"

Trent rushed over and bowed over Tina's hand. "It's for the girls, Jeff! You can't invite girls over without feeding them, it isn't polite." He turned to take Britney's hand with a look of awe in his eyes.

"Ladies!" A tall, dark-haired Warbler opened his arms in welcome, then gestured grandly at the table. "In gratitude for your musical cooperation and in celebration of your presence here today, we have prepared a feast of welcome! Enjoy!"

The girls giggled. Jeff pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Take it down a notch, Tucker. They're just here to sing with us."

"Umm, hello?" Jake waved sarcastically. "Some of us are guys, man, this isn't just a group of chicks."

"Are those donuts?"

"Not helping, Ryder."

Ryder and Sam were already heading toward the table, closely followed by the rest of the club. Trent went over to help a skinny red-headed Warbler pass out plates and napkins; the boy blushed when Sugar smiled at him over the fruit tray.

Blaine walked with a resigned Jeff over to the espresso machine, Tina and Artie at his heels. He smiled at Nick, who clapped him on the shoulder as he headed over to help Finn with the Warbler's music database.

"So how did you guys avoid the flu?" Tina asked as Jeff passed out mugs.

"Well, Trent's family took up this new health regimen after they spent Christmas in Colorado, and now he only eats fruit and nasty health food. Bryan," he turned and pointed to the red-head, "has been locked away in the library for a week studying for a killer Biochemistry test."

They found spots along the bookcase and watched as a Warbler with tan skin and fiery eyes gave Sam a karate demonstration on an antique chaise lounge.

"We think Mace had a staring contest with the flu and sent it running back to Hunter's room in terror." Jeff shrugged. "He's a pretty intense guy. They say when his family went to watch the Running of the Bulls in Madrid, the bulls saw him coming and ran the other way. And Tucker never gets sick. It's obnoxious."

"What about you and Nick?" Blaine asked. Jeff suddenly became fascinated with the empty mug in his hands. Blaine raised an eyebrow.

"We've been studying a lot," Jeff said, now staring resolutely at the room's elegant chandelier.

Blaine smirked. "Sure you have."

Jeff scowled and gave Blaine a light shove before turning to address the room at large, pointedly ignoring Blaine's laughter.

"Okay, guys, let's finish with the food and get down to business!"


Finn stood and held up a list of song suggestions he and Nick had been working on.

"Alright, guys, first things first-"

"We need to decide on a new name."

Everyone turned to look at Tucker, who was rubbing his hands together eagerly.

Finn frowned. "I think we should pick which songs we-"

"We need a new name for our group!" Tucker strode over to the bookshelf and pulled down a battered notebook with a flourish. "We can't just be 'that weird combined group', we have to have an awesome name that catches the judges' attention and sets us apart."

He grinned and opened the notebook. "While awaiting your arrival, the boys and I put our heads together and came up with some options, no need to thank us."

He started reading down his list. "The Dalton McKinley Daredevils, the Dalton McKinley Experience…"

"Why can't we be the McKinley Dalton Experience?" Artie asked while the rest of the New Directions muttered in agreement.

"It's technically our group," Tucker held up a hand to stem the outcry from their visitors, "and it's alphabetical. Although I personally am still rooting for the Ohio Avengers."

At that point everyone began shouting suggestions at once.

"The Dalton McKinley All-Stars!"

"The Seductive Songsters!"

"The Warbling Warriors!"

"The Dalton McKinley Singers!"

"What, like the Von Trapps?"

"The Dalton McKinley Awesome Squad!"

"Hey, I've got it!" Everyone turned to Nick, who paused for dramatic effect.

"McDalton's!"

Everyone groaned as Nick and Jeff cracked up.

"What about…"

When the quiet voice faded away, Blaine glanced around and realized the speaker was Bryan, who clearly regretted thinking out loud.

"Well? Speak up, man!" Mace cried, giving Bryan's shoulder a shake. "Inquiring minds wanna know!"

Bryan blushed, then soldiered on. "How about the Dalton McKinley Connection?"

"That's kind of cool," Sam said, as the others nodded in agreement.

Tucker tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Simple and to the point, but still packs a punch. I like it."

"All those in favor of naming our Super Group the Dalton McKinley Connection?" Jeff asked. Blaine and the five remaining Warblers said, "Aye!" and the New Directions followed suit.

Jeff grinned. "The ayes have it. The first meeting of the DMC is now in session. Now let's figure out what the heck we're gonna sing at this thing."


Next up: Regionals! Thanks for reading!