Trouty Mouth and the Leprechaun
Author's Notes: Final episode of Season 1. I'll be taking a short break before starting Season 2. Be sure to add a story/author alert so that you will be notified when it starts. It will be added onto this same story with the naming format Episode 26: S2 Episode Title so be on the lookout for that. :) I want to thank everyone who has supported this story with their reviews, messages, reading it, everything. It's really encouraging to have so much feedback when writing, and if you are someone who has dabbled with the idea of writing a fic, DO IT. It's addicting, fun, and even if it doesn't turn out just right, you can always keep working to improve your skills. If you have an idea, put it into writing! I can't wait to start Season 2, and if you have any plot ideas, things you would like to see, etc. just send me a message and it will be taken into consideration. :)
Beta Credit: SkewedReality
Recap: New Directions went to Nationals, but before they performed, Rory and Puck got stuck in an elevator, and Sam was worried when he couldn't find Rory and went off on him, so Rory ran away until Blaine and Kurt found him and convinced him to talk to Sam, so after they talked, they made up and then went on to win 5th place. When they got home, they had to fess up for their 2 weeks detention for the drama they caused, and Sam's folks put them on house arrest and Rory had to tell his dad by the end of the week and that's what you missed on Glee!
-ooo-
Episode 25: As We Go On
Rory decided not to put off calling his father any longer than necessary. He knew his father would ask when it happened, and if he told him that it was this past weekend, and he had waited too long, he would be in even more trouble.
"Sammy, can I please talk to me pap in private? I'm kind o' embarrassed," Rory admitted, a faint blush over his cheeks. Sam thought it a strange request since Rory usually spoke in Gaelic with his father, but he respected his wishes anyhow.
It was about twenty minutes before Rory ushered him back inside the room. Sam noticed right away that his eyes were a little reddened. He said nothing, but wrapped his arms around his Irishman in a tight embrace.
When they finally let go, Sam inquired as to how it went.
"He was upset. I just told him straight away that I had gotten into trouble," Rory relayed.
"What did he say?" Sam asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.
Rory sighed. "Exactly what I thought he would. 'Ye' know the punishment, me son. Ye' may as well expect it the second ye'r back home.'" he answered, imitating his father's voice.
Sam frowned. "I really don't like this. It makes me sick to think he's gonna do that. To Seamus, too." He hugged him again, nuzzling his chin in Rory's hair.
"That was the way it was in his home growing up, and it's the way now with us. Me and Seamus I mean,' Rory explained sadly. "The funny thing is, even though he was mad, after he said all that, he still asked how Nationals went, and what ye' were doing for graduation. I guess it's kind of nice, though, how even if he's upset, he still cares about the other stuff."
"I still don't like it. It's... it's bullshit, is what it is," Sam said softly. "I guess there's nothing I can do, huh?"
Rory shook his head. "No. Just don't worry about it. I'll call ye' when it's over, so ye' can cheer me up. How about that?"
Sam smiled. "Deal." Sam made a mental note to be mindful of not slapping his boyfriend on the rear anymore, even if being playful. He didn't like the association of one with the other.
-ooo-
Detention with Mr. Schuester wasn't exactly the worst thing in the world. Two weeks worth was a little boring, but it could have been a lot worse. The first day, he instructed Sam and Rory to write essays explaining exactly why they were in detention in the first place and reasons why their behavior was unacceptable. Then Tuesday they had to write an essay on the importance of glee and how it helped them grow as people and how it effects them personally. That was less of a punishment and more of an introspective reflection.
The rest of the week, Mr. Schue assigned Rory to put together a report on his experiences in America, how it helped him to grow as a person, and what he intended to accomplish junior year back in America. Friday he was to present it to them, complete with visual aids and a handout. Rory actually found that to be much more on the fun side and less on the punishment end of things as it was something he could take home to his family and share as well. He even worked on the project while Sam was at work and he on house arrest. By the time he was done, he had printed out a ridiculous number of pictures, put captions on them, and written essays until his hands hurt.
Considering that Rory had only two full days to work on it, he turned in a report that was near twenty pages of writing and another twenty of captioned pictures. Mr. Schuester was so impressed that he told Rory he would allow him to skip the next Friday's detention so he could compete in the swim meet.
Sam was impressed as well. "You didn't have to do that much. He only said five pages and a few pictures. You turned in a textbook!" he exclaimed, looking over the pictures again. "This is amazing."
Rory beamed. "It was actually kind of fun. I couldn't do much of anything else anyway, and it's something I can keep forever. There were a few pages I didn't put in there, though," he said with a sheepish smile.
Sam cocked his head to the side, curious. Rory took out his notebook and pulled out a a group pages held together with a binder clip. He handed it to Sam, blushing a little.
Sam unclasped the pages and took the blank one off the top. He started to read the essay on top, printed specifically in large font.
The best part of my American journey, however, was meeting my best friend, Sam Evans. We became good friends right away. He welcomed me into his home and his family, and showed me how to experience things in America. He watched over me when I went through some rough times, and I watched over him. He has become a very important part of me life, and my trip to America has been amazing, largely in part to Sam and his family. He is not only me best friend, but me boyfriend. Sam is me true experience of America.
The following pages were filled with pictures, most of them taken from their vacation, birthdays, and prom. A few were random candid shots of the two of them. It brought a tear to Sam's eye.
"This is beautiful," was all Sam could muster up the nerve to say.
"Thanks," Rory replied, smiling brightly.
Sam flipped through the pictures again. "Why did you leave it out, though?" he asked, a little bewildered.
"Because it's not for Mr. Schuester to understand. It's not a memory for him to 'ave. It's my memory, to share with who I want to," Rory said, kissing Sam on the cheek. "See, I even made the type bigger so ye' couldn't have as much trouble readin' it."
"Only you would think to do that. Can I keep this?"
Rory nodded his head. "Yes, I made it for ye'," the teen said. "Ye' can look at it while I'm back home."
"You did all this for me, even after what I-" Rory placed his finger over Sam's lips and stared him in the eyes.
"How can we put that in the past if ye' keep bringing it up? That's not a memory to keep, so let it be where it is," the young man instructed. His eyes were bright and kind, giving Sam the warmth he loved but felt unworthy of having.
Sam hung his head a little. "I know, it's just hard for me to let go of it. I still have guilt," he said sullenly.
"Ye'r gonna 'ave to forgive ye'rself someday, Sammy. If I can forgive ye', then should ye'. Now stop ruining the moment, this is happy time!" Rory corrected him, giving a playful punch into his shoulder. Sam simply smiled and leaned over to kiss him.
Sam, on the other hand, had to spend the rest of his week writing essays for college applications that he had no real intention of turning in. They were far too late to be turning in for a serious consideration anyhow.
-ooo-
"Can I come in?" Mr. Evans asked, knocking on his sons' bedroom door. Rory invited him in, giving him a friendly smile.
"I want to talk to you a second if that's okay," Mr. Evans said, sitting down on the desk chair. Rory took a seat on the edge of the bed, suddenly unnerved about what the conversation might entail.
"Is e'erything okay, sir?" the nervous teen asked.
Mr. Evans only half-nodded. "I'm afraid I owe you an apology."
Rory was bewildered. "For what? Ye' aven't done anything to me."
His host father sighed and hung his shoulders. "I did, inadvertently. Sam told me about your father. About his methods of... discipline, so he called it." Rory's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "Don't be embarrassed. There's no shame in it for you. I want to apologize though, for making you tell him. If I knew that's how he would handle it, I never would have insisted."
Rory was even more confused. "But ye' said it was the right thing to do. That ye' wouldn't want it kept from ye' either," he replied.
Mr. Evans sighed. "I know that's what I said. But... I don't agree with that kind of punishment. I'll spare you my personal opinions about it, but they largely echo what Sam already told you. If I knew he was going to hit you, I would never have made you call."
Rory stood up and hugged Mr. Evans, much to the man's surprise. "I don't hold it against ye'. It's just how things are in me home. He grew up that way, too. Ye' were right in telling me to tell him. It is the right thing to do, even if I don't like it."
Mr. Evans looked like he wanted to cry. "Son, you are far too mature for your age. I'm sorry you'll have to go through that. No chance on changing his mind? What if I talked to him?"
Rory half-smiled. "That might only make it worse. Once he declares a sentence, there's no goin' back. I'll be alright, just like I told Sammy."
Mr. Evans smiled meekly and stood up. "You're a good man, Rory." he turned and left the room, guilt obviously still hanging on his shoulders.
-ooo-
The second week of detention was even easier than the first. Being the end of the school year, Mr. Schue had Sam and Rory help with cleaning things up before the summer, including a thorough cleaning of the choir room. Cleaning instruments and chairs was far less irritating that thinking of things to put in an essay, despite the fact it wasn't exactly fun.
By the time Friday rolled around, the choir room had never looked so good. Not only was it pristinely clean, but they had reorganized the file cabinets as well. Mr. Schue had already excused Rory from his final detention, so it wasn't much of a surprise when Sam reported to the room, that Mr. Schuester had a surprise for him.
"So what's on the menu today, Mr. Schue?" Sam asked, wondering what could possibly be left to do.
"For your final detention of your high school career, Sam, your assignment is to accompany me to the Aquatorium," Mr. Schuester replied with a mischievous smile.
Sam's face lit up. He had been very upset he was going to miss Rory's final swim meet. "You mean it? I can go see the meet?"
"Yes, Sam, you can go to the meet. But you have to sit with me, you know, as part of the punishment and all," the teacher replied. It wasn't really part of the punishment, but it was probably the last activity he would get to spend with Sam, who had, over the two years he was at McKinley, become one of his favorite students.
"Before we go, though, I wanna say something," Mr. Schuester said. Sam gave him his full attention, happy now that he was getting what he wanted. "I'm really gonna miss you, Sam. You're one of the best singers we've had, and really, one of the nicest teenagers I ever met. I'm glad to have had the honor to be your glee club sponsor."
Sam smiled and hugged the man. It meant a lot to hear that, not just because he was a teacher, but because it was Mr. Schue; a man he had grown to admire professionally and in talent. "Rory's in good hands next year, Mr. Schue."
The two men made their way down the hall toward the aquatorium, a comfortable silence between them. Other than the graduation ceremony, this was the final event he would attend as a student of McKinley High, and he was glad to spend it with his favorite teacher.
-ooo-
As always, the Aquatorium was packed, nary a free seat in the bleachers. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had taken off work early so they could bring the kids and see Rory's final meet of the season.
This meet was for the advanced swimmers only. It wasn't going to be a huge event like past ones, hence the fact it was on a weekday. Rory paced nervously in front of the bench, anxious to get the race over with. There were three events, with ten competitors from each of the three schools. He looked up at the stands, not expecting to see Sam up there, Mr. Schuester right next to him. His face brightened immediately, Sam waving to him when they met eyes.
After the usual opening commentary and pledge, the first event began. Rory and Vinny were the top competitors for McKinley, and Rory took first place in the event. The second event he came in third, but the final race Rory passed the other racers, including Vinny, by less than six inches.
When the Irish fish came up out of the water he could hear cheering, numerous people calling his name. He looked up at the stands to see the entire Evans family standing, clapping, and cheering. Several of the other glee club members were cheering for him as well. It was then that it the idea of going home truly stung. He missed his family, but he would miss this family just as much.
It was a moment of triumph, however, so Rory put his thoughts aside and let himself be happy. He beamed as the lead judge placed the first place advanced medal for the season around his neck. The cold metal on his wet chest made him shiver a little, but the excitement quickly warmed him up.
As soon as the excitement died down a little, the announcer made one final declaration or congratulations, and then it was all over. Friends and family alike swarmed from the stands to greet their competitors. Sam dashed from the stands three steps at a time until he collided with Rory, lifting him up off his feet in a tight hug.
"I am so proud of you!" Sam exclaimed. He stood back and looked at the medal, turning it over in his fingers as if appraising the piece. Stacy and Stevie latched themselves on to Rory's legs, cheering for him as well. Mr. and Mrs. Evans weren't too far behind, lacking the extreme amount of energy their children had.
After Rory showered and changed into regular clothes, Coach Roz met the entire team out by the pool one last time. She gave them a short speech about achievement and her pride for them, then passed out certificates to them.
"I wanna see!" Stacy exclaimed, reaching up for the scroll of paper. Rory handed it down to her, smiling.
Stacy tried her best to read what was on the paper. "Rory Flan-gan. Kert-eye-fied Sweye-mer and Firs Place Whiner in the Aid-van-sed Die-veye-shown of Mac-Ken-Lye Hig-uh Skool."
"Very good try, Stace. You're a little off, but that's okay," Sam praised, patting the little girl on the head. "It says: Rory Flanagan, Certified Swimmer and First Place Winner in the Advanced Division of McKinley High School."
Both of the young children cooed in unison. It sounded so official to them. They were proud of their adopted older brother.
In celebration, the entire family went to BreadstiX for dinner. Their waitress remembered Sam, Rory, and the kids from their previous visit, relaying to the adults just how pleasant the children were.
-ooo-
"Don't bother getting dressed," Sam instructed Rory as they were getting ready for bed. It was only eleven, but the graduation ceremony started at one the next day. It was going to be busy, and emotional, so Sam needed a good night's sleep.
"Aww, Sammy, it's late. Ye' need ye'r rest," Rory protested playfully. They hadn't fooled around since returning from Nationals, and Sam had actually been rather apprehensive about initiating anything physical. He had no reason to, but somehow he felt hesitant, as if Rory wouldn't be able to find him attractive anymore after his outburst.
I think Rory's right. I need to forgive myself. I'm being stupid. We've never had issues with sex. Nah, he won't turn me down, I'm just being paranoid. Sam thought. He closed the distance between them and took him in a tight embrace, their nude bodies feeding each other warmth.
"If you don't want to, we don't have to," Sam said nervously, trying to push his insecurity out of his head.
"Ye' know I always want ye', Sammy. Ye'r the hottest guy I e'er saw," Rory said, his tone turning to one of desire.
"Is that so? What's so hot huh?" Sam asked, knowing he was fishing for compliments, just because when Rory said them, it turned him on all the more. It was egotistical, sure, but he always made sure he gave vivid descriptions to Rory of exactly what about him was so arousing as well.
Rory grinned mischievously. "Ye'r trouty lips. Bright green eyes. Those washing board abs of ye'rs. The way those little hairs trail down from ye'r navel to ye'r big... hard..." Before he could finish, he pressed his lips against Sam's, and wrapped his hand around the older boy's manhood.
They spent the better part of an hour making love, working each other over with their mouths and tongues until their jaws were sore. When they couldn't handle their oral ministrations any longer, Sam slid himself into Rory, and they made slow, passionate love, lasting longer than either of them expected. It was so sensual, so erotic. They were both so aroused by the time they reached the point of no return, their bodies turned to jelly.
That was the last time they would make love before Rory went home to Ireland.
-ooo-
Sam woke up to find his three favorite people standing by his bedside, all grinning. Stevie was down at the end, about to tickle Sam's feet, when the teen kicked his feet just enough to startle the boy.
"Nice try, champ," Sam teased. Rory leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.
"Good morning, Sammy. It's ye'r last day as a high school senior. After one o'clock this afternoon, ye'r a graduate," Rory declared.
Stacy leaped up on the bed and wrapped her arms around her big brother. "I'm so proud, Sammy! You're all grown up now!" she squealed. He ruffled her hair and smiled at her. "Hey! Watch the hair!" the little girl protested.
"Oh my god, she sounds like Kurt!" Sam exclaimed, a look of terror on his face.
"She's young, there's still hope for her," Rory teased. He pulled the girl off the bed and told the two children to alert their mother that Sam was awake.
Sam sat up in the bed, wiping the gunk from his eyes and stretching his arms. "That was a great way to go to bed," he said, recalling the activities from the previous night. "I'm really gonna miss you," he added, trying not to let himself feel down. It was a festive day of celebration – there wasn't time for frowning.
"It's not forever. But anyway, it's time for ye' to get up. Breakfast is almost ready, and ye' mammy made something special this morning," Rory stated, pulling on Sam's arm. "Come on, up and at them!"
Sam shook his head. "You gotta put a southern twang on it. Up an' at'em!" He threw his legs off the bed and stood up, stretching again. Rory poked his tummy, tickling him. He tossed Sam a tee shirt and they walked hand in hand to the kitchen.
Mrs. Evans had indeed prepared a special breakfast. It was more like a buffet really. She had pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, bacon, assorted fruit, orange juice, apple juice, and fruit juice.
"Oh my god, mom! That's enough to feed an army!" the older teen exclaimed, looking over the variety of food.
"Oh now honey, you're a growing boy, you can manage. I've seen you eat, you can put away some, what do you kids call them these days? Noms?" Mrs. Evans replied.
Sam giggled. "Yes, mom. Noms. As in om nom nom," he explained. Everyone else stared at him like he was nuts. "Just go with it," he laughed. He picked up a plate, about to pick out some 'noms' when Rory snatched it from him.
"Sit. I'll bring it to ye'," the Irish lad told him.
"Okay, but I want-" Sam started.
"Shh. I know what ye' want, and what ye'r gonna get. Here, drink some juice," Rory replied, handing Sam a big glass of orange juice. He knew by now that it was Sam's favorite breakfast drink; fruit juice was reserved for midday.
Sam watched in amazement as Rory fixed his plate, picking out almost perfect portions of each item, right down to the amount of syrup on his pancakes. Rory sat the plate down in front of him with a smug grin. "There ye' go. Eat up, ye' need your energy today." He kissed the top of Sam's head and made his own plate.
"Now that is amazing," Mr. Evans said. "I helped birth the kid and can't even tell you what he'd eat for breakfast. You've known him a few months and got it down to a science."
"That's Rory for you," Sam mumbled through mouthfuls of food.
"Don't talk with ye'r mouth full," Rory scolded. "Ye'll set a bad example for ye'r brother and sister."
"Yeah! Chew, swallow, then talk!" Stacy agreed, looking smug.
Sam swallowed his food and then laughed. "I thought I was the one getting out of school and instead I'm being schooled on table manners! It can only go uphill from here."
Sam shoveled more food in his mouth, taking big bites and large swigs of his juice. Rory just shook his head, always amused by Sam's gobbling of food. The boy was never shy to a fork, and his appetite proved it.
After breakfast, Rory helped clear the table and the dishes while Sam showered and got dressed. The graduates were required to wear dress clothes and ties under their gowns, so Sam reappeared in a pair of black dress pants and a white button up shirt with a navy blue tie.
"That looks great on ye', Sammy," Rory complimented. "Me turn now!"
Rory spent about a half hour getting ready, taking his time to make sure he looked perfect. It was a big day for Sam, and he wanted to look his best. He parted his hair just so, putting just the right amount of gel in it. His clothes had been ironed and of course, he finished it off with a blue bow tie.
"You look amazing!" Sam declared. "I swear, Blaine has you addicted to those bow ties. I think we need to stage an intervention for bow tie addicts."
"I thought ye' liked them," Rory remarked, frowning.
Sam kissed him on the forehead. "I love them, baby. I'm just teasing."
Sam had to arrive early to get ready with the rest of the senior class, get last minute instructions, and of course, socialize a little beforehand.
Seating was limited, so he knew the only ones in the audience to see him would be his parents, the kids, and Rory. That was just right, in his opinion, since they meant the most to him out of anyone else in the family.
Finally, the clock on the wall in the locker room struck one. It was time for the ceremony to begin, and the seniors to make their final appearance.
-ooo-
Everyone in the bleachers, and the chairs arranged down on the floor, turned around to watch the seniors file in as the school band played the usual 'Pomp and Circumstance'. They were dressed in red gowns with gold tassels, several students with special cloaks denoting special rank in academics or arts.
Rory watched intently, his camera in his hand, ready to go the instant he spotted Sam walk in. He snapped what must have been ten pictures before the senior class was fully present and Figgins led the entire audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The next part of graduation was the part everyone dreaded - family and student alike. It was the speeches from several teachers, as well as some special guest speaker that nobody except Figgins had ever heard of. By the time they got to the valedictorian, most of the room was in a half-asleep daze.
It was a little disappointing that the valedictorian was someone that Rory wasn't familiar with, and that Sam was ambivalent about. It made the speech have much less impact for either of them, despite how inspirational it was intended to be.
When the speech was over, the gym filled with the roar of clapping, whistles, and cheers. Nobody would ever know if that was because the speech had its intended effect on the crowd, or if everyone was glad the speeches were over and the diplomas were about to given out.
"Okay, honey, get ready, because there's so many seniors they don't get much time to walk up and get their diploma. Get as many pictures as you can," Mrs. Evans instructed Rory. Her words were wasted, however, since the boy had every intention of capturing each memory that he could as many times as his fingers would click.
Rory listened as he heard his friends' names being called, clicking off pictures for each one. Rachel Berry. Michael Chang. And then "Samuel Evans." Rory's fingers worked like pistons, clicking off picture after picture - Sam walking up the steps to the stage, Sam shaking hands with Figgins and several other teachers, Sam holding his diploma, Sam walking offstage to return to his seat.
"Don't use up all your film," Mrs. Evans said quietly, putting her hand on Rory's camera. "Not film, memory, oh you know what I mean!"
Quinna Fabray. Kurt Hummel. Mercedes Jones. Santana Lopez. Brittany Pierce. Noah Puckerman. The call of Puck's name actually caused the young Irishman to look confused, as he had never known Puck by any other name and assumed it was his first name. He never would have guessed such a badass would be named 'Noah'.
The names of his friends finally all called, Rory simmered down on the picture taking. The last ones he clicked were when Figgins announced the senior class of two thousand and twelve, and the entire group threw their caps into the air, cheering.
When the seniors left the gym, this time they were far less orderly and pretty much just exited in a large mob. The cafeteria was providing light refreshments while family and friends got an opportunity to see their graduates - some for the very last time.
Rory's appearance in the cafeteria was preceded only by Sam's two blonde cheerleaders, Stacy and Stevie. They ran at full speed up to their big brother, tugging on his arms, hugging him, and cheering at him. Sam plopped his cap down on Stacy's head.
"Hey! Watch the hair!" she squealed.
"Kurt! I have found your soul mate over here!" Sam shouted to his friend, waving. Kurt strolled over to join them, hugging both of the small children, then Sam, and finally Rory. Blaine wasn't too far behind, offering his own hugs and congratulations.
"Okay guys, picture time. Be back in a little bit," Sam told them, walking off with Kurt to join several of their friends for various photo opportunities. Rory trailed behind, wanting to make sure he didn't miss a single chance to snap a picture.
People were snapping pictures left and right, the flashes going off like strobe lights in a night club. The seniors felt like celebrities, taking so many pictures, and even signing yearbooks.
Mr. Evans took the camera and snapped some pictures as Sam dragged Rory with him for some pictures as well. Mike and Kurt were doing the same with Tina and Blaine. There were so many combinations of people in pictures that Facebook would be going into overdrive with picture tagging that evening.
Quinn was a little surprised when Rory approached her. "Can I take a picture with ye'?" he asked with a soft smile. She smiled back at him, happy to oblige. She had finally come to find peace in the fact that Sam was never returning to her and that he had found himself someone that truly made him happy. This time, when she smiled at the Irish lad, it was a genuine smile, followed by a tight hug.
"Take good care of him, Rory. He's real special to a lot of people," she whispered in his ear.
"I will. I promise," the teen said before departing to take the next picture with someone else.
"Wait a sec, Ror. Take one of us," Sam said, appearing out of nowhere and taking Quinn by the hand. "I'm gonna miss you, Quinn. It was a rocky year for us, but you're still a great friend." he said to her, looking her in the eyes. He hugged her, not even minding that she held on a little longer than most friendly hugs.
"Time for me to make some more amends," Sam said quietly to Rory, looking over at Mercedes. "Give me a minute, then come snap a pic."
Sam walked up to Mercedes, giving her a warm smile. "You look great," he told her. "I want us to part on good terms, okay?"
Mercedes smiled and hugged him. "We were never on bad terms, Sam. We just never wrapped up loose ends," she said quietly. "I'm happy for you, and I'm happy with Shane."
"I'm glad. Keep in touch when you go off to college, you hear?"
"I will, Sam. I promise," she replied. At that point, the Irish photographer showed up to snap more pictures. He had never grown close with Mercedes, but just looking at the two exes, Rory could see that the two of them still held mutual respect and admiration for each other. He had to wonder why Sam never tried to re-establish a close friendship with her, but he would never ask.
Next on Sam's mental list was Santana. She actually smiled when she saw him - most likely because it would be the last time. "I just wanted to say thanks, again," Sam told her. "For knocking sense into me back in San Francisco. I really screwed up."
"Yeah you did, jackass," she said playfully. "I was afraid my hand might get swallowed up by those massive lips of yours to be honest."
"I'm gonna miss you, believe it or not. Brittany, too," Sam admitted, throwing an arm around each of the girls.
"Don't get mushy, trouty mouth," Santana warned. After a picture was snapped, she hugged him, kissed him on the cheek. "Take care of the leprechaun. He's annoying, but he has a good voice. Glee club's gonna need it next year."
Rory said his goodbyes to Brittany. "Thank ye' for e'erything ye' and ye'r family did for me. I'll definitely miss ye'. Ye'r a right funny girl, Brittany," he told her with a smile.
Brittany smiled back. "I'm gonna miss you too, Rory Leprechaun. I know I said there wasn't such a thing as leprechauns, but I think you're the exception."
Rory cocked his head. "Why do ye' say that?"
"Because you're magical," she replied, hugging him, kissing him on the cheek, and then trotting off with Santana, all before he could respond to her.
That girl sure is clueless, but she's the sweetest girl you ever wanna know. Santana better treat her right or she'll see just how magical I am.
After about an hour, the crowd was thinning out. Stacy and Stevie were becoming bored and hanging onto their parents' arms, wanting to go home. Sam was emotionally tired, desiring to go home and relax with his boyfriend, watching a movie and eating popcorn.
"I'm ready to get out of here," Sam told his family. "Let's go home. I need some rest. Too much for one day."
Rory wrapped his arm around Sam's and held onto his hand. "Let me guess, ye' wanna go home and watch Avatar and eat popcorn?"
"You know me too well," Sam replied with a grin.
They went home and did just that. Around seven, Mrs. Evans called them in for dinner, and then they played video games until hitting the hay around ten, exhausted from the day's events.
-ooo-
Sam woke up Sunday morning far earlier than he expected. At five in the morning, he was sitting up in bed, his eyes locked on his slumbering boyfriend. He was drowsy but couldn't fall back asleep. All he could think about was the fact that this time tomorrow, they would be putting Rory on a plane back to Ireland. The thought made him sick.
Around seven, Rory woke up, rolled over, and saw that Sam was staring at him. He smiled, scratched his belly like a kitten, then got up to go to the restroom. He returned moments later, slipping back under the covers. Sam was still watching him intently.
"What are ye' lookin' at, Sammy?" he asked with curiosity.
"You," Sam replied. "Fuck, I am going to miss you so much," he added, his voice choking up.
Rory's face softened, his eyes drooping a little. "Please, Sam. Don't cry. If ye' cry, then I'll cry, and then we'll both be cryin', and we both cried so much in the last few weeks, me eyes hurt."
Sam tapped him on the nose. "No promises. But I'll try." He smiled and then started to run his fingers through Rory's hair until the boy fell back asleep.
-ooo-
Mrs. Evans had cooked a breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, and hash browns, convinced that Rory needed one last southern style meal before he went home to potatoes of every size, shape, and recipe.
After breakfast and showers and getting ready, it was time to tackle the task both boys had been dreading. Packing.
Rory was only going to be gone about two and a half months, but he still had a ton of things he needed to take with him. He knew Sam was coming to visit, and he knew they were taking a vacation, but other than that, he would be bored out of his mind, so he packed up his game system and games.
Sam showed him an easy and efficient way to pack up his clothes. There were certain things, like his winter clothes, that Rory knew he wouldn't need, so he left those behind. He left his DVDs behind for Sam to watch.
Rory packed up everything that Sam had given him - cards and such - that were precious to him, and kept them separate. He wanted them nearby so he could bring them back with him to America, because he never wanted to leave them behind anywhere.
The boys skipped lunch - neither one had an appetite. They would have skipped dinner as well, but Mrs. Evans insisted they eat. Airport food was ridiculously expensive and greasy, and airplane food was just as disgusting, so she wanted to make sure Rory had some decent food in him before he left.
"I want to say goodbye to the ducks, and the fish," Rory said playfully after dinner. They left the house, hand in hand, walking to the park. It was around eight at night, so there wasn't anyone around, as usual. They made their way to the woods and walked in silence to the bridge.
Sam waited while the boy said goodbye to the fish (the ducks were asleep or hunting, or whatever ducks do when there aren't people around to give them bread). Sam could never forget how adorable his boyfriend was, speaking to the animals as if they were able to understand him.
Rory was leaning against the rail when he found strong hands on either side of him. He turned around to face Sam, who already had tears in his eyes. "I know I promised I would try, but I tried and I failed," he whispered, referring to his promise to try and avoid tears.
The young teen reached up and wiped Sam's eyes with his finger. "I don't want to say good bye," Sam said softly. "It's too hard."
Rory smiled at him - the smile that always melted Sam's heart and made him weak in the knees. The smile that made Sam fall in love with him. The smile that brought out his bright blue eyes. The smile that made the world feel so much better no matter how much it was going to shit. That magical, leprechaun smile.
"So how about we don't?" Rory replied.
"Huh?"
"How about we don't say goodbye?"
"What do you mean? We have to say goodbye, you're leaving in the morning," Sam protested.
Rory smiled again. "Yeah, I'm leaving, but I'm coming back. And ye'r coming to visit in a few weeks. So why do we need to say good bye?"
Sam sighed, trying to smile, but failing.
"Good bye is for when ye' know ye'll never see each other again. We're gonna see each other soon, so we should say something else," the teen explained. "We'll say 'See you later!' or "See you soon!' or something like that. But never good bye."
Sam leaned forward and hugged him. "Stuff like that makes me love you even more."
They stood there at the bridge, looking in each others' eyes, then kissing passionately before staring at each other again. It was as if they were studying each other, memorizing what the other looked like.
"It's getting late. Everyone wants to say go- I mean, they want to tell you 'see you later'," Sam corrected himself. Rory smiled yet again, finally coaxing one out of Sam as well. They walked back home, saying very little, holding hands and swinging their arms.
-ooo-
When they walked back into the house, Mr. and Mrs. Evans and the two children were hiding in the boys' bedroom. Sam flipped on the light and to Rory's delight, his host family was there. Stacy and Stevie were holding up a sign they had made themselves, declaring "We Love U Mr. Rory!" Mr. Evans handed him a small flat box with a card attached to it.
He opened the card and read the message inside.
Have a safe trip to Ireland and enjoy your time with your family. We look forward to when you come back in August. You always have a home and a family here for you in America. We love you, and see you in a couple of months!
All of them had signed it, including the kids with their messy signatures. Next, Rory opened the box to find a photograph in a picture frame of the six of them. It brought a tear to his eyes, which he wiped away swiftly.
"Thank ye'. Thank ye' all so much," he sniffled. I love all of ye', and I can't wait to come back. There aren't enough thanks in the world to show how much I appreciate e'erything ye' have all done for me."
Mrs. Evans was the first to uncork the dam of dears. She threw her arms around him, squeezing him tight until Rory started to poke her in the arm.
"Air, becoming an issue," he said playfully. She let go and giggled.
"Sorry about that, dear," she said. He smiled at her, tears in his own eyes. Mr. Evans stepped forward, Rory holding out his hand to shake. Mr. Evans tossed the boy's hand aside and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Evans men hug, you know," his host father informed him. "You come back safe, y'hear?"
"Yes, sir!" Rory said, giving a salute.
The kids were next, Stacy in tears, Stevie trying to remain stoic.
"Aww don't cry, I'll be back," Rory told the little girl, kneeling down to hug her.
Stacy sniffled. "Yeah but that's a looooong time away. I want you to come back now!" she squealed.
"It won't be too long, I promise. How about this? Practice swimming all summer. Get real good, so when I come back, ye' can beat me in e'ery race, got it?" Stacy thought a moment and decided that was a doable assignment.
"Okay, Mr. Rory. But no crying when I beat you good!" Rory smiled at her, and kissed her on the head.
"I sure hope you come back quick. Sammy's gonna be a big old grump while you're gone. He's already grumpy in the mornings, but now he'll be that way all day," Stevie announced. Sam shot him a foul look, more out of playfulness than offense.
Rory turned to Stevie, still crouched down. "If he starts being a grump, drag him outside and make him play soccer with ye'. Then, make e'ery goal and tease him about it. If that doesn't work, push him into the pool," he instructed, ruffling up the boy's hair.
Stevie looked back at Sam with an evil grin. He had official permission to wreak havoc on his older brother. What more of a parting gift could a little boy want?
The Evans family traded more hugs and farewells before it was time to go to sleep. On their way out of the door Rory said one last thing to them.
"Ye' all watch out for me Sammy while I'm gone. He needs washin' once a day, feedin' three times a day, and make sure to clean out his litter box," he told them. Both kids wrinkled up their noses at the mention of a litter box.
When the door was shut, he turned to Sam, who was quietly choking back his emotions. He walked up to the blonde and wrapped his arms around him, and just held on, saying nothing, the two of them letting the dam flow until they were too tired to go on.
-ooo-
Sam and Rory woke up at five the next morning. Both of them were quiet and somber. While Rory showered, Sam took his bags to the car, despite the fact his body wanted to refuse.
The entire ride to the airport, Rory told Sam about some of the things they could do when he visited. He continued to focus on his upcoming visit, hoping that Sam would look forward to it and realize how soon it was coming up, rather than focus on Rory not being there.
When they arrived at the airport, Sam insisted on helping carry the bags in and see that he checked in alright. The rest was going to be up to Rory to handle on his own. He was under strict instructions to text Sam as soon as he made it through customs and to his gate, and again at his layovers and arrival in Ireland. Sam had a copy of the flight schedules and would be keeping a close eye on his phone.
They shared one last kiss before Rory crossed the barrier that separated passenger from visitor. Sam stood and watched until he couldn't see Rory any longer, finally turning away to go to his car. He sat and waited until he received the text from Rory that he had made it to the gate. Only then would he return home.
Sam turned his music up loud for the ride home, attempting to sing along but to no avail. He was too choked up to sing. Upon arriving home, he noticed he had missed a text message - something he started to curse himself for. It was from Rory.
Sammy, check ye'r computer and push play. Love Rory
His curiosity piqued, Sam sat at his desk and wiggled the mouse, turning off the screensaver and bringing it back to life. The screen displayed iTunes, a track merely titled "Please" was selected. As instructed, Sam pushed 'play'.
Rory's voice began to fill his ears as music played in the background. Sam bit his bottom lip and he tried to remain quiet and listen to the words.
Sun falls slowly on our lonely goodbye bedroom, you're my only
My last night home is first-night nervous
Take me over, remember all this 'til then...
Please save this for me
I'll come back for you, love. I promise to
Please save this for me, for until I return,
My love will burn and my heart will stay
It's gone cold now, we'll sleep somehow
I'll be gone by first light, last chance, hold tight until then...
At that point, Sam couldn't hold back any longer. the tears flowed as Rory's voice reverberated in his ears. By the time Rory finished the chorus again, Sam had quieted down.
I lie awake and memorize your face as you sleep next to me
The falling moon is calling me as I leave
Sunrise slowly, the road looms lonely, but I will not fail...
Please save this for me
I'll come back for you, love, I promise to
Please save this for me, for until I return
My love will burn and my heart will stay
My heart will stay
As the song came to an end, the room was again silent, except for the muffled sounds of Sam Evans sobbing, his face buried in his arms as he lay his head on his desktop.
-ooo-
Rory sat in the plane leading out of Lima, waiting for it to take off. He stared out of the window, anxious to get moving so he could get home. He wanted to see his family, he wanted to get his punishment over with, and then be able to relax until Sam's visit, and then vacation. The sooner it was all done and over, the sooner he could get back to Lima and be with his boyfriend.
The flight attendant finally announced their departure. After the usual drivel about safety, the plane began to take off. Once it was high up in the sky, Rory looked out of the window, down at the land below, knowing that Sam was down there, somewhere, missing him. he wondered if Sam had listened to his song yet. He wouldn't know until he landed for his layover, when his phone finally reconnected, and there was a text waiting for him:
That was beautiful, just like you are. I love you so much, 'soon' is not soon enough. Love, Sam
-ooo- END OF SEASON ONE -ooo-