Part 10
Come Monday morning and the students of McKinley high was met with the now normal and expected arrival of Victor Montgomery and his new hair color. Mercedes was walking arm in arm with him and she kept casting looks towards her boyfriend's head. Sometimes she looked amused, sometimes she looked disgruntled and sometimes she just looked really confused.
"What color is your hair", she asked. "It keeps shifting in the light."
Victor smirked. "It's white."
"But why on Earth are your having your hair white?" she asked in confusion. "Do you want to look old… and take those freaky lenses out!"
"What", he asked innocently. "You don't like my white contacts?"
"Hell to the no", she said. "Take them out!"
"Why?"
"They creep me out!"
He chuckled but agreed and hurried inside a bathroom and took them out. When he got back out Mercedes was nowhere to be seen. He looked around in the hallway but couldn't see anyone. Suddenly his phone beeped.
"This better be important", he grumbled as he fished it out. It was a text from Puck, asking him to come to the choir room. Victor shook his head, shouldered his bag and started to walk down the hallway towards the choir room… and do not believe for one second that he didn't have his umbrella with him.
Victor stepped into the choir room and found it was completely dark. He reached for the light switch but then all lights came on at once.
"SURPRISE!" Everyone in the room, everyone from Glee Club, Mr. Schue, Coach Beiste and Kurt cheered. Victor jumped sky high and grabbed his heart when he recognized their faces. His eyes were huge and terrified, but then he saw the banderol that said:
"Congratulations Victor! McKinley Karate Champion!"
Victor shook his head and smiled.
"Thanks guys", he said and Mercedes was there at once hugging him. "You so told me that about the contacts just to delay me didn't you?" He accused.
"It was 50/50", she answered and their lips met in a short sweet kiss. "50 % delay and 50 % true… those eyes were freaky."
He chuckled and kissed her cheek.
"Then I won't use them again if they scare you."
"Talking about scaring", Beiste said. "We didn't scare you too bad did we?"
"No", he said, keeping his poker face on. He was still trying to calm his racing heart. He hated surprises like this because he never knew how he would react.
"Oh no", Brittany suddenly exclaimed sadly.
"What's the matter boo", Kurt asked her gently. Victor suddenly wondered why the Dalton boy was there right now… maybe there was a school free day at Dalton? It happened when the teachers went to seminars to educate themselves further in the newest methods and get to know new materials.
"We scared all the pretty colors out of Victor's hair", Brittany said and hung with her head.
"What", Victor asked confused.
"Your hair is white", she sniffled and a single tear ran down her cheek. "Mom says that when Lord Tubbington jumps onto the table he scares her so badly she fears her hair is gonna get white. We scared all the pretty colors away…"
Realization dawned on them all.
"No no pumpkin", Victor said and smiled at her. "I scared all the color away before."
"What did you do", she asked.
"Looked at myself in the mirror..."
She looked confused. "Was your face scary?"
"No but what was in there was", he said and walked up to her and put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "You see I colored it yesterday to be this wonderful shade of green."
"I like green."
"I know you do pumpkin. So I went to bed with grass green hair."
"Was your hair as soft as grass too?"
"You believe it darling", Victor said and everyone, even Santana and Rachel were smiling wide or gently. Victor had such a good hand with Brittany. She ran her hand through his hair.
"It's still soft", she said. "Like snow…"
"I only scared the green away", he explained. "You see I had a nightmare last night after watching that horror movie on TV… something about three men murdering an innocent little angel… anyway in my dream I lit the lamp in my bathroom and the murderers were standing behind me. I went into my bathroom this morning and lit the lamp…"
"And what did you see", she asked in anticipation.
"Someone was standing behind me", he whispered. "And this someone was really pale."
"Oh no… a ghost?"
"I screamed and flew around and do you know what?"
"No?"
"It was just my idiotic dad messing around with the skin cream I got from you and Kurt… stupid jerk."
Brittany was still tangling her fingers in his hair.
"I'm so happy we didn't scare the color away", she said. "Can we get it back?"
"By Monday pumpkin", Victor said and patted her shoulder. "So let's start the party!"
The others all cheered and Mercedes hugged him.
"You are so sweet to her", she said.
"And it was 50/50 true", he whispered. "Dad really did that to me this morning."
Victor had a free period and was on stage dancing to the music on his I-pod. He was dressed in navy blue jeans, blue shirt, black tie and black shoes. Mercedes had chuckled and told him he looked like they did when they performed Somebody to love last year. Victor was listening to a song called A New Tomorrow by the Danish group A Friend In London. As he made a little spin he saw someone stand by the piano and stopped dancing and took his earphones out. He turned and saw Kurt stand there smiling.
"Hi Kurt", he said. "What's up?"
"Oh nothing, just hanging around a little bit before returning to Dalton", Kurt answered smiling. "You look really happy and relaxed on stage… you belong on stage."
"Thanks", Victor said with a smile.
"Victor I've been meant to ask you…" he walked closer.
"Yeah?"
"What are you going to do after graduation? I mean… can you go to college if you are still hiding?"
"Yes I can and I will. I have applied for Julliard, NYADA and two other schools for the performing arts."
Kurt smiled gently and sighed.
"I also need your help with something", he said and sat down on the piano stool.
"Sure, what's up?" Victor sat beside him.
"I'm going to audition for regionals when it's time to do so… what… what song would you sing?"
Victor smiled. "Taking advices from one that knows this time are we?"
"Yes", Kurt grumbled. "Sorry about that…"
"It's okay. Hm I know the songs the Warblers perform isn't really songs you like to sing."
"Tell me about it", Kurt huffed.
"Buuut I may have the perfect song for you."
"Really? Which one?"
Victor smiled and started to play a really familiar song on the piano and sang:
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
Some say eat or be eaten
Some say live and let live
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give
In the Circle of Life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle, the Circle of Life
Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with the scars – Kurt couldn't see it but Victor scowled darkly here.
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps the great and small on the endless round
Kurt decided to join in, he just couldn't sit by here. (Vic, Kurt, Both)
In the Circle of Life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle, the Circle of Life
It's the wheel of fortune yeah
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding yeah
In the Circle, the Circle of Life
"You can't be serious", Kurt said wrinkling his nose when they were done singing.
"Aw come on Kurt… I really think you should sing something from the Lion King or maybe Hercules. It would go well with your range and just think of what amazing number it will make."
"Really?" Kurt asked smiling.
"Yes… go for it. I sang Circle of Life when I auditioned for the Warblers and got a shot at lead and would've sung lead if I wasn't forced to move..."
"Is that one on tape?"
"Yeah it should be."
"Good because we found a page made by some older Warbler that has all the videos of the auditions, even mine was there."
"What?" Victor paled in terror, he had forgotten that site.
"Yeah… Didn't you know?"
"No", Victor said and the bell rang. "Sorry Kurt… I uh gotta go. Be careful when you leave okay?"
"Yeah", Kurt said. "Sure…" He watched in confusion as Victor fled.
Mercedes was walking down the hallways after seeing Kurt off with help from Mike and Tina. She was now looking for her boyfriend that had vanished on them. When she walked past the Spanish classroom she suddenly heard a voice from within. It sounded slightly panicked and it said:
"Dad you got to make them remove that video! If Kurt watches it with one of the guys they will figure it out! I didn't even know the site was still running! When Michael graduated I thought the site would 'die'!" There was a small pause and Mercedes guessed whoever it was, was getting an answer from his dad. But Mercedes couldn't shake the feeling off that she knew this voice. It was slightly muffled by the door and she'd never heard anyone sound this panicky before.
"Of course they will", the boy yelled. "Blaine may be an oblivious idiot, though I am starting to worry about Thad, but the rest of them aren't! They will put one and one together and realize it's me and I'll have to go again! I don't want to go away again!"
Mercedes felt bad standing there eavesdropping but she couldn't help herself. She pressed her ear close to the door.
"What if they are watching the guys?" the boy went on. "What if they follow them around and put two and two together? They can't find me! Please dad you must take that video or the entire site down!" Silence again. "I am being careful! No one knows! I'm not even acting the way I did at Dalton! I act like a gentleman yes but I'm more relaxed, carefree and wild here. Blaine and Thad didn't recognize me because my hair keeps pulling their attention to it! Why do you think I do all of this in the first place?" More silence. "Okay… yeah dad I'm sorry I didn't mean to yell I just… when Kurt told me I freaked out… I… I also feel bad for keeping this from my girlfriend. Yes she is the sweetest thing… dad! Dad you can't say things like that! No, no I don't want to hear it! Stop! Dad stop, stop!" Silence again. "Yes I can ask her… you think… yeah… yeah okay dad. By I love you." Mercedes heard someone sigh and the door opened and her eyes widened. The boy in front of her did a double take and she stared at him in shock. It was Victor! He collected himself rather quickly.
"Mercy", he said and closed the door behind him as he stepped out into the hallway.
"Hi", she said shyly feeling really awkward. "I… uh was just going to see if you were alright. Kurt was worried."
"I'm fine… Um… Kurt's left?"
"Yeah a little bit ago…"
"Oh… um… okay then", he kissed her cheek. "Uh I'll see you in Glee today?"
"Y-yeah", she said and nodded. He smiled a tiny smile and kissed her gently before hurrying down the hallway. Mercedes was left staring after him, wondering what was really going on with her man.
When it was time for the Glee Club to meet and get their new assignment Victor and Mercedes acted as if nothing was up and no one noticed the tine awkwardness that was between them. Which both of them were thankful for.
"Okay guys", Mr. Schue said as he entered smiling. "Last week's performances were really great and this week will be no different."
"What's the theme", Rachel asked raising her hand.
"This week", Mr. Schue said smiling. "Is going to be all solo acts, for all of you and you must keep your ideas secret."
"But we're gonna hear the others practice", Finn said.
"No because we are going a cappella", Mr. Schue said smiling. "I want to see how well your voices have progressed since we started and it's easier to hear that if you sing without accompany music."
"Uh Mr. Schue", Mike said raising his hand. "I can't sing… at all."
"Hm", Mr. Schue scratched his head.
"Why can't we make Mike the emcee", Rachel asked. "It will be like we put up a show for ourselves and every show needs an emcee."
"How about it Mike", Mr. Schue asked and Mike nodded. "Okay then it's settled. You will all tell Mike what songs you are going to sing so that he can make presentations."
"Can we make this a competition", Santana asked. "Since we aren't allowed to tell each other anyway."
"Sure", Mr. Schue said. "I'll figure out a prize for you."
Victor looked at Mercedes and smiled and she smiled back. He took her hand.
"Can you come to my house after school", he whispered. "I need to talk to you about something and dad really wants to meet you 'officially'?"
"Okay", she said a bit shyly.
Not long after that Victor was walking towards the exit of the school. He finished earlier than Mercedes today and was going to get home and get ready to tell her the truth. He had talked things over with James and James agreed. When he walked by the office two men suddenly stormed out and one of them grabbed his shoulder.
"Yo kid", he said and Victor froze, he knew that voice. "Can ya do us a favor?"
"What", Victor asked and looked up, he had put in those lenses again and the guy startled a bit.
"Geez freaky… uh I mean do ya know this kid", he showed Victor a picture… a picture of himself from the year book from Dalton.
'Oh crap', he thought.
"No who is he? Ya kid", Victor drawled and looked up at the man. The guy didn't recognize him due to the hair color, eye color, clothes and the fact that he wasn't acting like his normal self.
"No just some kid we wanna get hold of", the other man with tattoos up and down his arm and a haggard and cold face.
"Well I can't help ya and I'm late for class…" he tried to move past them but they grabbed his arm.
"Listen kid are ya sure ya haven't seen this guy", the first man asked.
"I said no", Victor spat. "I've never seen the dude before!"
"Are you-"
"Gentlemen", said a cold voice and Victor had never been as happy as to hear the voice of Sue Sylvester.
"Coach", he said and smiled at her.
"Oz, are these men bothering you?"
"No… they just had a question and I answered it."
"Look lady", haggard face said to Sue. "We jus' wanna make sure that Oz ain't lying. We really need to find this kid." He handed the picture to Sue and she cocked an eyebrow.
"Why", she asked calmly.
"We just need to", the man said and shrugged.
"Well as you can see the boy on the picture is in a uniform and as far as I can see no one at this school is in such a monstrosity. Judged by the uniform itself he is a student at Dalton Academy and this is not Dalton and neither is it Westerville. Oz, come along… I need to talk to you about our organization."
"Yes coach", Victor said and walked up to her and she grabbed his arm and led him down the hallways as the two men left McKinley and Lima… for now.
"Have a seat Oz", Sue said and pointed at the chair in front of her desk and Victor sat down in it. She sat behind her desk and put the picture on top of it.
"So", she said. "Care to tell me why those men were looking for you Oz?"
"Me", Victor asked 'confused' and she held up the picture.
"I'm not as stupid as most people on this school or those two gorillas out there. I can see that this is you." She put the picture down in front of him and he looked at it.
"You got the wrong guy Coach", he lied again and looked at her.
"Take those freaky lenses out Oz… wait they make it harder to recognize you so keep them in. Now why are you lying to me?"
Victor sighed and ran a hand over his face and then looked at her.
"Coach, can I trust you?" he asked.
"It depends", she said and leaned back. "Can I trust you?"
"It depends", he mimicked and smirked.
They sat in silence for a bit and then Sue smiled.
"I like you Oz", she said. "You are ruthless, smart, calm, dedicated and unique."
"Thanks I think… but I'm not ruthless."
"Oh I have seen how you ruthlessly deal with Ben Israel and the jocks and I did see how you dealt with Berry when she had that silly crush on you."
He sighed. "Okay maybe I am a bit cruel to the ones trying to bully me or try to 'put me in my place' but it's the only way to get through to people at this school."
"I am aware of that and I am also aware of how you took care of my sweet Porcelain."
Victor smiled gently. "I knew you liked Kurt for real."
"I do and I like you Oz."
"Why do you call me that?"
"Because like the horse in the Emerald City you keep changing color but I already have people I call Horse, Emerald, City and Chameleon so I had to find something else."
Victor just shook his head and then sighed again.
"Fine", he said. "God knows I need more help and I think you can be of use…"
"Of course. Now tell me."
And Victor did, he told her his entire story and at the end of it he was shocked to see that she looked moved by his story. She got up quietly and looked out the window.
"Does anybody else know this", she asked calmly.
"Coach Beiste… my dad wanted me to find someone I trusted and I trust her", he mumbled knowing the hostility between Sue and Coach Bieste.
"We all need some muscles around us sometimes", Sue said calmly, surprising him. "But now you also have me", she turned to him. "And trust me I will make sure that you are safe here Oz."
"Thanks Coach", he said getting up. "I must get home now and tell my dad about all this… but I fear he will relocate me again if I tell him those guys were here."
"Then tell him the truth, that they didn't recognized you and that they have moved on now", she said sternly. "Since you and I told them there is no boy like that at our school they surely must have moved on. If your dad gives you any trouble have him call me. I need you in my organization."
"Thanks Coach", Victor said and walked up to her and gave her a hug. "It means a lot to me."
"Let me go before I shave that multicolored hair off Oz", she threatened half-heartedly.
Victor just smiled, let go of her and hurried home.
Mercedes was nervous. She was sitting in the Montgomery living room with Mr. Montgomery while Victor was in the kitchen preparing something for them to eat and drink. Mr. Montgomery smiled kindly at her but she was still really nervous. She didn't know if Victor knew she'd heard him talk to his dad over the phone or not. Mr. Montgomery smiled.
"So how are you Mercedes", he asked politely.
"I'm fine thank you sir."
"Oh darling just call me James… sir makes me feel so old."
She smiled. "Am… Am I in trouble or something?"
"No… but my son will be if he doesn't get a move on!" the last he yelled in the direction of the kitchen.
"Hey the doctor told you to cut down on the coffee!" Victor said as he entered with a tray with coffee and sandwiches. "It's not my fault so don't let your lack of caffeine out on me."
"Cocky son of a-" James began as he took the cup Victor handed him.
"James", Victor snapped.
"Sorry", James grumbled and took a sip of his coffee. Mercedes were giggling.
"You are so funny", she said to her boyfriend. "One could think you are the dad."
"Well someone has to act responsible around here", Victor said sitting down beside her and handed her a coffee cup. "Two sugar and three drops of milk and just a tiny bit of cinnamon."
"Aw you know how I like my coffee", she teased kissing his cheek.
"Of course I do", he said and smiled. "What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't?"
They made small talk as they finished their coffee and sandwiches. Mercedes really like Victor's dad. He was funny and kind and the way he and Victor interacted was just hilarious. They acted more like best friends than father and son and Mercedes realized that Victor… had called him James when he scolded him… and not dad or father.
"Vic", she asked.
"Yes love", he said and looked at her.
"Why did you want to have me over?" She blushed when he raised his eyebrows. "I mean no disrespect or anything. I love you and to spend time with you. And your home is a amazing and your dad is nice and hilarious and I feel very welcome and-"
"Darling", Victor said and took her hand.
"Yes", she asked.
"You were rambling."
"Oh…" she blushed. "Sorry."
"Aw don't worry I think it's adorable. You're adorable."
"You are both so sweet I fear I'll come down with diabetes", James remarked teasingly.
"Dad!" Victor exclaimed.
"Sorry, sorry", James said and then sighed. "The reason I wanted your over Mercedes is that we have something to tell you… something very important."
"Oh God you're moving", Mercedes said and looked at Victor and he snorted. "No?"
"No", James said. "But Mercedes you must promise me and Victor, that what you hear will never leave this room. Is that clear?"
"Yes… of course."
Then James and Victor told her everything, when Wes witnessed the murder, about Oliver Queen, about moving to Dalton, life at Dalton, about Veronica and lastly of Victor's relocation to McKinley. Mercedes had grabbed hold of her boyfriend half way through the story, terrified that he might disappear on her or that he would hurt from telling the story.
"So uh", she said when they had finished the story. "Your name isn't Victor?"
"As long as I stay in Lima it will be", Victor said gently.
"But it's not Oliver either?"
"No."
"So is it Jerome, Adam or Wes?"
"I can't answer that I'm sorry Mercy."
She sighed and hugged him close. "It doesn't matter, you will always be Victor to me."
"Thanks love."
"But wait… James… wasn't that your father's name in Westerville as well?"
"It is", James/Howard explained. "But there has been a James Montgomery living in Lima Ohio for fifty years and if those bastards that are looking for us search on James Montgomery there will only be one in Lima and that's him. He's around 60 these days so they'll buy it… and they wouldn't recognize my boy here even if they saw him."
"How do you know that?"
"Because they met him today."
Victor told her what happened at school today and at first she was terrified but when she heard he now had both Bieste and Sue protecting him she relaxed. There were no one at that school as scary as those two… well maybe an angry Santana Lopez could be but she wasn't sure that she wanted to know. Mercedes bit on her lip.
"Is…" she asked. "Is there a chance that I might… you know…"
Victor and James looked highly amused at her shyness.
"Is there a chance I might see a tiny picture of this Oliver Queen, Jerome Adams, Adam Jordan or Wes Montgomery?"
Victor chuckled and went to fetch his laptop. He came back and sat it down in front of her and went out on the internet. He went to Dalton Academy's homepage and maneuvered his way to the student council's home page. On it were pictures of every single member of the council and they had all been… photo-shopped. Mercedes laughed at the first picture. It was of the council's cashier. The boy had a sly smile on and was rubbing his fingers together as money fell from his hands, he was also holding a lot of dollar bills in his hands and money was everywhere around him as well. Next picture was of the secretary and Mercedes cracked up again. The secretary was having thin glasses on his nose a very gelled back hair, his lips were thin and he was looking over the top of his glasses. In his hands were a pen and a clipboard. His uniform was in impeccable shape.
"Aw Robbie", Victor said fondly.
"What's with these pictures", Mercedes asked as they checked picture after picture of various members of the council.
"We let the photography club loose on us…" Victor explained as the pictures rolled by. "Oh… the vice president."
Mercedes looked at the picture, snorted and then said:
"Charming."
"Yeah he wasn't too happy about that."
They sniggered and James walked around the sofa to watch over their shoulders and he started to laugh. The poor Asian boy on the picture was standing with his arms crossed and his face was angry. It looked as if he stood in the dark surrounded by green smoke and his face was lit up by some green light… his eyes were shining green as well.
"He reminds me of Scar", Mercedes laughed and remembered the scene with Be Prepared.
"He was always jealous", Victor said with afterthought, he was rubbing his chin. "I think they did the Scar-thing on purpose… especially after what they did with my picture."
"Oh I gotta see this", she rolled down and came to the close up picture of the student council president and she started to laugh. A very hot Asian boy was sitting… on a throne with his elbows resting on the armrests and his fingers interlaced in front of him. He had a sexy half smirk going on and he was dressed in the normal Dalton Academy uniform… but he had this… the photo club had added a divine glow all around him, coming from him.
"Almighty", she commented and then her eyes widened when she saw the name underneath the picture. "Wait is this you?"
"Yes", Victor remarked.
"Oh my God! I didn't even recognize you!" she turned to her boyfriend. "You don't look the same! This guy looks way more serious than you! He even looks older… are you sure it's you?"
"It's me", Victor said with a chuckle. "That's how Wes Montgomery look."
Mercedes looked between him and the picture and then ruffled his white hair.
"I like my man better than that guy", she said and he kissed her cheek.
"Wanna see the picture they put together of the entire council", he asked and she nodded. Victor scrolled down to a big picture and Mercedes started to laugh. It looked like a throne room and now she saw Wes Montgomery sit on a huge throne with one leg resting on the other leg's knee, hands and the upper body was just like the close up but a cape was hanging over the chair and a gavel lied by his feet. In front of the throne the other members were divided in two lines with the "envious" vice president and the secretary closest to the throne. She also noticed that Wes Montgomery was sitting on a kingly cloak with Dalton colors. She also noticed a crown levitating above his head.
"I wanna meet the boys that put this together", Mercedes laughed. "This is hilarious!"
"Well I was king back at Dalton ow!" Victor said but then James had knocked him on the head.
"Don't brag so much", James scolded.
Mercedes laughed again and then Victor turned on her.
"So tell me…" he said smirking that sexy half smirk from the picture. "Are there pictures, like this, of you somewhere?"
"Oh hell to the no", she said laughing. "You've seen the pictures from Gleeky Horror and that's it I think… or there might be pictures from my time as a Cheerio."
"You were a Cheerio?" Victor looked stunned.
"Kurt and I."
"WHAT?" He was shocked. "How come I didn't know this?"
Mercedes shrugged.
"Wow", Victor said rubbing his forehead. "My girlfriend was a cheerleader."
"You got a problem with that", she asked cocking an eyebrow.
"No no", he assured her. "I just… never saw someone like me with a cheerleader…"
"Aw please so many girls on the Cheerios are crushing on you… just out of curiosity… if you had to choose a Cheerio to date… who'd it be?"
"Santana", he said after thinking a bit. "I like a girl with attitude… but it could be Brittany also because just so freaking adorable."
"But Quinn is way prettier", Mercedes said.
"No", he snorted. "You are."
"Flatterer", she said and swatted him.
"I prefer the title pleaser thank you very much", Victor said… at the same time as James did.
"Hey!" Victor snapped. "That's my line!"
"I know", James teased and ruffled his hair. "Well kids I have to go work a bit. Don't do anything stupid."
"We won't dad, I'm not you remember", Victor said. James slapped him up the head as a reward and when he was gone Victor turned back to Mercedes.
"Just so you know, there will never be anything between Santana and me", he told her with a smile on his face.
"I wasn't-" Mercedes began but he cut her off by putting a finger to her lips.
"Oh yes you were", he said with a gentle smirk. "Santana is a good looking girl and has the reputation about her to steal boyfriends am I right?"
"Yes…"
"But you don't have to worry, there will never be anything between me and her because a: I got you and that's far better and b: Santana is lesbian after all."
"What", Mercedes asked in shock and Victor blushed.
"Aw man", he said. "She hasn't told anyone? Wait… does she even know it herself? Aw shit…"
She took his hand.
"Have you told anyone else this", she asked with a serious tone in her voice. She knew this could destroy Santana's life if he told the wrong person.
"No", he said with a snort. "I'm not stupid. I've seen how the school treat homosexuals."
"Are you sure she's lesbian?"
"My gaydar has only been wrong once in my life", he said and grimaced. They looked at each other. "You think she knows?"
"No", Mercedes said and rubbed his hand.
"Well we shall not tell her then, she has to figure it out on her own", Victor said calmly. "Soooo what song are you going to sing?"
"Oh I was gonna sing a song by", she began but then realized that she was about to give him a heads up on the competition and she smirked. "Nice try."
"Damn", he said smiling. "So close."
They laughed and continued to hang out for the rest of the day.
Things at Dalton weren't as peaceful at the moment. David and Blaine both stayed clear of Thad and Kurt and the other Warblers were just confused. The two boys couldn't fool Niff and Trent though. The trio had cornered them and demanded an explanation to this "relationship" because they couldn't feel a spark between the newest couple at Dalton. After a bit of harassment Thad and Kurt confessed their reasons and the trio smirked evilly, enjoying their plan. They all agreed that Blaine was an oblivious idiot and that the plan seemed to be working its wonders on him slightly. But… it was doing David stir crazy. Trent told them that if you looked at him when he snuck glances at Thad and Kurt you'd see David literary turn green.
"He's gonna face you soon Kurt", Nick said happily. "He is going to demand you keep your paws off of his man."
Thad rolled his eyes and Kurt chuckled.
"David doesn't scare me", he said. "He's as menacing as a puppy."
"True", Jeff said and then nudged Thad with his elbow. "And Thad's as scary as a church mouse."
Thad rolled his eyes again.
"Yeah Shorty ain't that scary", Nick said smirking.
"Hey you're not that much taller than me!" Thad objected.
"I am tall", Nick said.
"No", Trent snorted. "You, Blaine and Thad all make up the Warbler hobbit league."
"Hey!" the two shorter boys objected and Kurt smiled.
"Wes was in that league as well I assume", he asked. He'd seen pictures of the Warblers, taking to be in the year book and Wes had been standing with Blaine and David in one and Wes weren't that much taller than Blaine.
"Wes isn't short", Nick said shaking his head.
"Of course he is", Kurt said confused. "The pictures you've shown me tell me so!"
"He's not short", Jeff said. "Wes' as tall as me."
"Hell to the no", Kurt said shaking his head. "I swear your friend Wes is as short as Nicky."
"I'm not short", Nick objected.
Kurt tried to convince them a bit more that Wes was short but they wouldn't hear of it and Kurt wondered why. This was a mystery to him… he'd have to ask Fred and Rock, two of the tallest Warblers, but he feared they'd say that of course he was short comparing to them everyone was short. He was about to argue again when a hand landed on his shoulder.
"Kurt can I talk to you for a second", a voice asked and he turned to see David.
"Sure", Kurt said and turned to Thad. He winked before kissing Thad on the cheek. "See you later love, guys."
David all but dragged him from the place and Jeff said happily:
"Here we go."
David closed the door to his and Rock's room and then turned to Kurt.
"Why are you with Thad", he growled.
"He's my boyfriend", Kurt said calmly and noticed jealousy flash over David's face.
"No", he growled.
"No", Kurt asked cocking an eyebrow.
"You are in love with BLAINE!" David almost yelled. "Not Thad!"
"I gave up on Blaine because he's so oblivious", Kurt said crossing his arms. "And Thad is cute and adorable and sweet-"
"No", David said grabbing Kurt by the shoulders. "That is not true!"
"Of course it's true", Kurt said a little annoyed. "Why would you say something like that about your friend David?"
"It's all a lie! It has to be!"
"It's no lie David", Kurt yelled. "What's wrong with you?"
The room became quiet and Kurt thought that the livid David would actually hit him… but then David sighed, rubbed his hands over his face and then sat down on his bed.
"I can't do this", he said and Kurt could see tears go down his cheeks.
"Can't do what", Kurt asked gently and sat down beside him.
"I can't handle this", David sobbed.
"David."
"First Wes moves and we lose him forever, then the pressure of taking over for Wes, something no one can do and now this! Now I lose the love of my life because I'm too chicken to confess my feelings for him!"
"David."
"And he doesn't see it!" David yelled through his tears. "He can't see that I love him! He's the best guy anyone could want! He's cute, he's smart, he's adorable, he's funny, he's-"
"David!" Kurt yelled and the other boy looked at him. Kurt sighed and put his hand on David's arm.
"How long have you been in love with Thad", he asked carefully.
"Since last year", David explained. "He was one of the reasons I joined the Warblers…"
David Mitchell was having a nice studying time on one of the libraries at Dalton when he noticed how an Asian boy he knew was a Warbler rose. The boy did some motion with his hand and all around the room boys started to sing and David grin. He loved the Warblers so he hurriedly put down his books and got up so that he could have a better look.
He recognized Blaine and some other boys from his year, an Asian from the year above him and some other guys but then he gasped. He saw a short brunette boy dance and sing close to the Asian. David knew the Asian was W-something Montgomery, the Warblers' famous leader, but David had no idea who that cute little brunette was. He was new to the Warblers David realized and probably new to Dalton as well, maybe he was a freshman? No David had seen the photographs on the school's website. Every year Dalton took pictures of all the classes and put them out on their website, the only ones to get access to the pictures though was students and staff at Dalton. Some kids' parents were insanely rich after all.
Blaine finished of the song and everyone applauded. Montgomery patted Blaine's back and had his arm around the cute little brunette in a brotherly way. David walked closer slowly, hearing Montgomery praising "his" Warblers for a job well done. The boys all left except from Montgomery and the cute brunette… and David of course.
"Hi", Montgomery said when he noticed David. "You're David Mitchell right? New star on the football team?"
"Y-yeah", David stuttered out. "I'm a sophomore."
Montgomery smiled. "I'm Wes and this is Thad, I believe he's in your year. Right Thad?"
The brunette nodded shyly, he looked almost afraid of David.
'Wait', David thought. 'If Thad's a sophomore… why have I never seen him before?'
Thad took hold of Wes' sleeve. Wes smiled and shook his head fondly.
"You'll have to excuse him", he said softly rubbing the cute brunette's head. "Thad's a bit shy. He barley talks to anyone and even though he joined the Warblers last year no one 'saw' him."
"Really", David asked confused and looked at the adorable boy that still clung to Wes.
"Yes", Wes continued. "It took me two weeks last semester to get him to trust me… people usually trust me a lot quicker. So what can I help you with David?"
"Uh", David said dumbfounded. He wasn't used to this kind of directness. But he found himself actually trusting this Montgomery… Wes was it?
"I", he said. "Uhm I want to join the Warblers."
"Oh", Wes said cocking an eyebrow. "Can you sing?"
"Well uh… more or less… more I hope. I love music and stuff and I am a bit of a dancer and I think it would be fun to be in a group that believes so much in what they do and who they are and-"
"David you're rambling."
"Sorry." David blushed madly.
"Don't apologize", Montgomery said kindly. "Well if you want to you it's not up to me… only."
"But", David looked confused. "Aren't you the Warbler leader? The Godfather?"
Montgomery started to laugh.
"That what the freshmen call me this year?" he asked.
"Yeah", David said with a grin. "We called you Emperor or Mao."
Montgomery wrinkled his nose. "That's so racist."
"But it's true", David said grinning.
"Oh no, it isn't", Montgomery said shaking his head. "I am not a dictator."
"Wes is only our council leader", a quiet, and to David's ears beautiful, voice said. "He's chairman and Paul and Rolf are the others on it… they're seniors."
Wes grinned at the brunette that was still holding onto his arm.
"Hey I think your treatment is working", he teased fondly and Thad blushed. "But he's right David. The entire council will have to agree… so come for an audition tonight okay?"
"Yeah… okay", David said without taking his eyes off of Thad. The brunette was blushing madly and mumbled something before fleeing. David hurriedly left as well… but in the other direction. Left behind was an amused Wes Montgomery.
Kurt sighed and pulled David into a hug as the taller boy cried with heartbreaking sobs. Kurt felt bad for him. He couldn't really imagine how David was feeling. First he loses a good friend, Kurt had understood that Wes was one of David's best friends and now Kurt just march in and steals his crush away from him. Kurt… the new boy just walks in and takes the boy David has loved for over a year, with no effort what so ever. The thought nearly makes Kurt cry. He sighs knowing what he must do.
"David", he says.
"I don't know what to do", David sobs and Kurt sighs again.
"Yes you do", he says and David looks at him.
"What", he asked sounding miserable.
"You are going to get up", Kurt got up and pulled David to his feet. "Then you are going to run to wherever Thad is and you will kiss him."
"But", David looked shocked. "He's your-"
"No he's not", Kurt said and shook his head. "Thad was sad and I noticed and asked him what was wrong. He said he's in love with you but thought you didn't feel the same because he was sure you are in love with that guy Wes."
David blushed in embarrassment and started to sputter something that Kurt had no way of understanding. Kurt smiled gently.
"David", he said and David looked at him with big eyes. "Thad thought you didn't like him but I told him you do", Kurt was proud of about how good he was lying right now. "So I offered to help making you jealous to help you realize you love him… We just didn't know you actually did already."
David grabbed Kurt by the shoulders and stared into his face.
"Thad loves me", he asked. Kurt nodded. "You are not dating?" Kurt shook his head. "Thad loves me?"
"Yes David", Kurt said calmly.
"Thaddy loves me", David mumbled.
Kurt grinned at David and David had tears going down his cheeks. But this time it was happy tears.
"Go get him", Kurt said gently and David hugged him close.
"Thank you so much Kurt", he said and then fished out his phone and pressed 2 on speed dial. "Thad? Where are you?"
When David got his answer he just ran, Kurt followed.
Thad was confused. David had just asked where he was and Thad had explained that he was out by the fountain and then David had hung up. Thad was out by the fountain with Niff, Trent and Blaine talking about some assignment and ideas for the Warblers. Suddenly Thad heard running feet behind him and turned… only to be rammed by David. Thad, who was much smaller than David lost his footing and to keep from falling he grabbed hold of David. But that only resulted with the both of them falling into the fountain. The others gaped in shock and then they started to laugh.
"David!" Thad yelled as he sat up but then to his shock found lips kissing his face… everywhere. David was lying on the sitting boy, one arm around his neck, the other around his waist and kissing every inch of Thad's face… as he mumbled:
"I love you", between every kiss. Thad's eyes went from angry to huge and the other boys were laughing hysterically and then he saw Kurt come towards them, huffing and puffing. He leaned on Nick that stood the closest.
"My…" Kurt gasped. "My plan to help you Thad… it… it worked…"
"Pardon", Blaine asked in confusion and stared from Kurt to the boys in the fountain.
"Thad was upset", Kurt explained and made sure all the Warblers nearby could hear him. "He thought David didn't feel the same…"
Thad blushed and looked down on his lap and David looked at him feeling sorry for him.
"Of course I do", David said tilting Thad's face up. "I. Love. You!" He kissed Thad then and the shorter boy looked shocked while their friends all cheered. Blaine actually took Kurt's hand and gave it a squeeze… Kurt couldn't have been happier.
The show had been going on for a bit and Victor had to fight to keep his a cappella "teacher" side at bay. He wanted to give the others tips or hints after their performances… but feared they'd compare him to Rachel… or that someone might be watching him and would put one and two together. Mike was a hilarious emcee at times and completely serious at other times. And Victor enjoyed every minute of the show. It was his turn now and Mike was about to introduce him:
"We all know to never trust a wolf, but who knew a wolf could help lull kids to sleep? Our own rainbow tenor did. So give it up for Victor Montgomery and the Wolf's song."
The club cheered and Victor stepped out on stage. They had all dressed up in different costumes. Victor was dressed in black pants and a white shirt that hung from him. He was barefoot and his hair was tussled, as if he'd just woken up. He smiled and started to sing:
The wolf he howls in the forest of night
He wants to, but cannot sleep
The hunger tears his wolf stomach
And in his nest it is cold
Oh wolf, you wolf do not come here
You shall not have my baby
Oh wolf, you wolf do not come here
You shall not have my baby
The wolf he howls in the forest of night
Howls of hunger and anguish
But I shall give him a pig's tail
It suits in a wolf-stomach
Oh wolf, you wolf do not come here
You shall not have my baby
Oh wolf, you wolf do not come here
You shall not have my baby
Sleep my child in your bed with your mum
Let the wolf howl in the night
But I shall give him a chicken leg
If no one else has taken it
Oh wolf, you wolf do not come here
You shall not have my baby
Mm…
You shall not have my baby
The group cheered happily and Victor jumped off the stage to listen to the rest of the Gleeks perform. Mercedes took his hand and they looked at each other.
"You were really good", Mercedes whispered.
"You were as well", Victor said kissing her cheek. Then someone patted his shoulder and he looked behind him to see Rachel. "What is it Rachel?"
"You were really good", she said. "Would you mind helping me work on my a cappella? I thought it sounded as if I sang too strong and off key a few times, even though I am really sure of myself and know that I'm good but-"
"No Rachel", Victor said darkly. "After how you bugged me and treated my girlfriend I do not want to help you. Now shut up so I can listen to Sam sing."
"But why her", Rachel questioned.
"Because she is the most beautiful girl at this school", Victor hissed as Sam sang. "And a much better person than you ever will be. I know about all your little love-affairs Rachel and I am not going to try to help improve your status at this school."
"But we could be the next power-couple!" Rachel objected and Victor knew that Mercedes was trying her hardest not to attack the shorter girl. Victor smirked.
"But Rachel", he said. "There is already a power couple here… four if I think of it."
"Excuse me", Rachel asked. "Are you talking about Ken and Barbie?"
"No… my friends Sam and Quinn, Artie and Brittany and Mike and Tina… oh and Mercy and I of course", he said smirking and Mercedes smiled at him and squeezed his hand.
"Why do we need another power couple", she asked and then cheered for Sam as the boy finished his song. Victor smirked at Rachel and she pouted angrily and glared at them… although they couldn't care less. Sam was the last one out and now Mr. Schue took the stage.
"Okay guys", he said happily. "You all did a great job and I am happy to announce that you have all become better since last year."
"But Victor wasn't here last year", Brittany said. "Did you watch him sing before?"
"No… But Victor is really good, a strong tenor."
Victor grinned.
"So who won", Quinn asked. "And what did the winner get?"
Mr. Schue smiled.
"The winner gets to have a solo at the next school assembly and we will vote for the winner, judged on performance only." He handed out papers to everyone and pencils. "Vote now." They all started to scribble and handed in their slips. Mr. Schue turned around to count the votes and turned back with a chuckle.
"Well", he said. "The group is unanimous on their choice for winner."
Rachel rose.
"Mike Chang", Will said and the Asian looked shocked.
"What?" he asked… at the same time as Rachel.
"Mr. Schue this has got to be a joke", Rachel said.
"I agree", Mike said and turned to the others. "Why me?"
"Because you didn't get a solo act today", Tina said patting his cheek.
"And your moves need some spotlight", Sam said.
"And it makes Rachel crazy", Victor added and she glared at him.
"You", she spat and pointed at him. "This was your idea wasn't it? This is all your work!"
"Innocent until proven otherwise", Victor said and got up and offered his arm to Mercedes… and his other to Santana. Mercedes smiled happily and the trio walked out. Mike, Tina, Artie and Brittany left together. As did Finn, Puck, Quinn, Lauren and Sam… Mr. Schue walked out as well and Rachel was left alone… fuming in anger.
TBC