A/N: Thanks to those who have checked this story out and extra thanks to those who reviewed. It's a huge relief getting my first chapter out and I'm totally psyched to have y'all read the rest.
Disclaimer: Still don't own Glee. Still sad.
To be honest, defending Tina's clothing choices and her accused allegiance with certain members of the undead was not the way I imagined wheeling into the foray becoming good boyfriend material. However, she needed someone to support her and I was there for her… along with the rest of Glee Club and even Mr. Schue. I remember that all I could say, when she was sitting there in her jeans and sweatshirt, was that it was weird. Mr. Schue came up with the idea of her getting a new look and everyone had something to contribute. And I don't know why I just sat there. Was it because I couldn't think of anything to say? Do I still think she should wear tighter fitting clothing? God, I hope not. Or is it because I couldn't imagine her any other way? I like to think it's the last one. Imagining her in any other type of clothes was like imagining a celibate Puck or a nice Santana. It just didn't make sense in my head to suggest a new look when Tina's look was so undeniably Tina.
My Tina always dressed the way she wanted and no one else should be able to take away her freedom of expression. Just when I had my mind made up to tell her all of that, Rachel came in and told us about Vocal Adrenaline's newest routine. My chance to stand up for Tina in front of everyone was gone as everyone's attention turned from her legitimate problem to something about red lace and Christmas lights. Before I know it, we were supposed to do a Lady Gaga number for this week's assignment. I always figured that we could beat them at Regionals by playing our own game. So now we had to do a Lady Gaga number because Vocal Adrenaline did one? Doesn't that remind anyone of what happened at Sectionals? Sure, we're not stealing a song, but we're copying an idea. Even though we came out on top after Sectionals, I didn't want to end up ramming myself into a wall again and having a replay of that panicked green room meeting. Oh well, it was supposed to help Tina find a new look. If only I could figure out a way to convince Principal Figgins that there was nothing wrong with the way Tina dresses. Anyone who knew her knew that she hates those Twilight vampires and the only werewolf she loves is Remus Lupin.
Lost in thought over mythical creatures and Tina's threatened wardrobe, I methodically went through Glee practice. As I planned out my choreography to go along with everyone else's, I went over all of the things I wanted to say to her before. Practice ended sooner than I expected and I turned to Tina ready to make my declaration of support, but she was already halfway out the door before she saw me looking for her. Kurt and Mercedes told her to meet them in the parking lot. They gave me a wave and were gone in a flash. She walked towards me and excitedly told me that she was going over to Kurt's with Mercedes to work on their costumes.
The thrill of getting out of those jeans and plain gray sweatshirt and into something more interesting was beaming out of her. I told her to have fun right before I tugged on her arm just a little bit. It took a few seconds for her to realize that I wanted to be face to face with her. So she knelt down and for the first time ever, I initiated a kiss. After we parted, I told her that I wanted her to know that no matter what, she was beautiful, inside and out. Then, with my gloved hand lingering on her cheek, I pulled her in for another kiss. She smiled at me and we said our goodbyes. It was an amazing feeling to be the initiator for once, despite a tiny instance of awkwardness.
I couldn't stop myself from thinking that if I weren't in this chair, there wouldn't have been that awkwardness of getting her down to my level. It wouldn't have been a dirty, rough glove on her cheek, but rather the skin of my palm. I sighed to myself as I wheeled out of the choir room knowing that Tina deserves more than awkwardly positioned kisses and dirty gloves. However, there wasn't anything I could do about it, because this wheelchair thing is kind of forever. Just when I thought things couldn't look up, now Finn has cornered me and talked me into putting on platform shoes, tight pants, make-up and a wig. Whatever, at least I got to play a badass electric guitar.
When I wasn't a part of the KISS army, I was a Little Monster right along with the girls and Kurt. After I showed up at Kurt's house after my rehearsals to help them with costumes, I surprised Tina, Kurt and Mercedes with my mad glittering skills. I didn't get to see Finn, something about watching a game with Mr. Hummel, Kurt didn't seem like he wanted to talk about it. Admittedly, I needed help with my own costume and Kurt said he had a pair of extra platforms I could use. After seeing his shoes, I realized I didn't have it so bad, at least I didn't have to walk in them. Watching Tina out of the corner of my eye as I held the bubbles tight so she could glue them together properly was a joy I don't intend on taking for granted. Her silent concentration and attention to detail was only disturbed with a sarcastic comment about the argument Kurt and Mercedes were having over what color wigs they should rock. After a long night of Gaga, Little Monsters and drinking Monster, seeing all of us in our costumes was a pretty awesome sight. How often do you see a room with one Ace Frehley and three Lady Gagas? Later that night, I encouraged Tina to help choreograph the routine and teach the moves to the rest of the girls and Kurt, since she did so well the week before. Watching them rehearse was a blast especially because it gave Tina a chance to come out of her shell and be a leader. I wonder if she knows how good she is because even I was doing the routine while watching them kick the pants off of Bad Romance.
The next couple of days at school were kind of tough. Kurt told me about those two Neanderthals Karofsky and Azimio harassed him and Tina, but Kurt was able to handle the situation admirably. I was really grateful that he was there for her, but I was hit yet again with another wave of guilt. It was just another time Tina needed me to be there and I couldn't deliver. However, I did catch up with those two meatheads later and ended up in a dumpster for wearing weird clothes, being in a wheelchair, calling them certain names, threatening them for hurting Tina and running over their feet. They caught me as I came in for a second round and I hurt my arm while I fell into the foul-smelling dumpster.
It wasn't so bad because after a few minutes, I saw a familiar face peeking out from the top. Puck of all people helped me out saying that fellow badass rock stars need to have each other's backs, but told me that if I ever repeated when he said to anyone else, he could throw me back in like a Donkey Kong barrel. He also added that I was seriously lucky that Karofsky and Azimio didn't go God of War on my ass and that Puckzilla was there to save it. He kept on talking about video games, listing characters he could beat up in real life no problem. I wasn't really paying attention, but the idea of fictional characters coming into reality was intriguing and gave me an idea. I thanked Puck for his help and I left to call Tina right away. We then spent the entire night discussing her imaginary vampire heritage and just how we could get Figgins to fear them.
Seeing Tina the next day was one of the highlights of my life. She walked in looking beautiful in the clothes she belongs in, exuding confidence with every stride. I applauded her as loud as I could when she was done telling the club how she stood up for herself. I was so proud and so was everyone else. That whole day was incredible. The entire Glee Club stood up to the jocks. Tina became Tina again. It meant so much to me that I had a hand in Tina's happiness. I helped her find joy. Every single minute of those late nights gluing bubbles together, learning Lady Gaga dances and plotting minor blackmail worthy of the undead was worth seeing her absolutely shine and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. After Glee, she climbed into my lap to give me a hug and a kiss in thanks. I told her that she didn't have to thank me, that seeing her like this was more than enough but the hugs and kisses were still appreciated. For once, I did something right.