Hi guys. Wow over 200 reviews. Thanks so much. Brace yourself for some Warbler goodness here. The Warblers locked in Dalton overnight. Oh dear. I don't own Glee.
A week before Regionals – this was officially the latest that they had prepared. Wes was freaking out as only he knew how, Thad was pacing and David was playing fruit ninja – his highest score was currently 857 thank you very much.
"David how can you play fruit ninja at a time like this?" Wes scowled at his friend.
David swung his chair onto two legs "Wes" he said clamly not letting his eyes leave his phone "there is never a bad time to hone your ninja skills. You should know that."
"Because I'm Asian?"
"Yup" David popped the p.
Wes clenched his fists.
"Relax I was joking."
"Were you" Thad wondered.
David shrugged.
Thankfully the tense situation was defused when the Warblers entered the music room with sleeping bags, snacks and winning mentalities in tow.
"Welcome Warblers" Wes smiled.
"Let's lock some shit up" Nick shouted pumping his fist in the air.
"Thank you Nicholas."
"You're welcome Wesley."
If looks could kill both Wes and Nick would have died spectacularly gruesome deaths. Kurt and Blaine were the last to arrive. Blaine wore a Roxy Music Tee shirt, sweat pants and no hair gel while Kurt was dressed in blue skinny jeans, a white button down and a grey vest; his hair was as always immaculate.
"Kurt didn't you get the text stating casual wear?"
"Yes I did thanks Thad; but I never miss an opportunity to look my best, besides this is casual."
Jeff spent the next five minute regaling Kurt and Blaine once again about how great mini golf was and how much of a gentleman Nick was as the boy in question blushed furiously beside him. Their conversation was cut short by Wes' hands clapping together.
"Warblers let's get to work."
The Warblers all took their seats as though it were a well-choreographed dance. Nick, Jeff, Kurt and Blaine all sat on a comfy three seater sofa. They didn't mind it gave each couple an excuse to sit close to each other.
"Phones on silent guys." For once Thad didn't stand up.
Kurt looked pleadingly at Wes.
"Kurt you're fine to have your phone on low but if we get interrupted it will have to go on silent."
Kurt nodded his head and smiled in thanks.
"Why does Kurt get to keep his phone on?" Jordan complained pocketing his phone.
"That's none of your concern." Wes snapped.
"No Wes, it's fine" Kurt turned to face Jordan. "My Dad had a heart attack a little while ago; he's doing okay but I still worry." He shrugged.
"Oh-ah sorry dude." Jordan mumbled.
Kurt smiled at him and turned back to the council.
"So welcome to the Warbler lock in." David smiled at the group.
"Regionals are in a week" Wes stated as though they didn't already know that fact. "We are up against some amazing competitors" another thing they already knew.
"Also and more importantly next Saturday is Jeff's birthday" David stated.
All the Warblers turned to Jeff to see him blushing as he buried his head in Nick's shoulder.
"The purpose of today" Thad added "is to practise for Regional's and to choose our closing number."
"Right enough with the pep talk let's get started."
Like they had with Sectionals they began with song suggestions
"Raise your glass would be a good way to end, ya know finish on a high." Jeff suggested.
David scribbled it on the whiteboard.
"Diva?"
"Trent stop suggesting that song." Blaine laughed.
"What? It's a good song."
"Silly love songs" Blaine added.
"Blackbird" Kurt countered.
"What about a medley?" Cameron asked.
For the next fifteen minutes song ideas good and bad were proposed – Trent also mentioned Diva by Beyoncé another 6 times.
Wes was getting visibly stressed by the fact that as time went on the Warblers were shouting out more and more ridiculous songs.
"Alright" Wes shot them a visibly strained smile "I think 12 is enough songs. Let's see if we can whittle it down from here."
At those words the Warblers switched from messing about to focusing; removing songs that wouldn't need much accompaniment, songs with suggestive lyrics and songs that were just wrong.
"I think we should do Raise your glass." Thad announced "it's a great song, good beat and fun."
The Warblers all seemed to agree.
"Great we have a set list." Wes announced happily.
"So who wants to audition to sing raise you glass?" David asked.
Blaine's hand shot up – and only Blaine's hand. "Don't you want to sing babe?" Blaine looked at Kurt.
"I couldn't do that song justice."
"Well if none opposes congratulations Blaine."
Kurt leaned over and kissed Blaine sweetly on the cheek.
The Warblers all clapped for their lead soloist.
"Let's practise."
The Warblers all jumped up and got into position. Running through their opening number that they chose last week was intense in the best kind of way.
As the number finished Wes couldn't help but notice the confused look on Kurt's face.
"You okay Kurt?" He walked towards his friend.
"Ah yeah; yeah." Kurt sighed "it just felt like the song was missing something. Can I, can I try something? Just to invoke some emotion."
Wes nodded.
"Hi guys" Kurt announced as he stood in front of them. "With your permission I would like to do an exercise to get a little more emotion into the song." He got no objections "Close your eyes."
Blaine was the first to do so. One by one the rest of them did the same.
"Think of the song we just sang." Kurt's voice was soft and soothing "think of the lyrics. What do they mean to you? Think of someone that makes you feel that way. The frustration, the anguish but you love them." Kurt began to walk back and forth in front of them "it doesn't have to be romantic love." He paused letting the boys create the pictures in their minds "we've all known someone like that; who makes us feel like that. Now open your eyes."
They did so.
"Think of that person while we sing the song through again."
Kurt went and sat next to Blaine and saw the solemn look on his face. As their eyes connected a smile fell on each of their lips.
They sang the song through again it was great last time but this time it was phenomenal. After the song finished the Warblers all knew how much better it sounded and the all rang to hug Kurt. He pretended to hate it but secretly loved it.
Group hug disbanded the Warblers got to work on Raise your glass. Kurt, Blaine and Nick worked on the arrangement while David and Jeff led the Warblers to the auditorium to work on basic choreography for the chorus (the part of the song they knew they would keep.)
Blaine, Kurt and Nick worked through the song meticulously and in about 35 minutes they had a version they were happy with. All three boys headed to the auditorium to learn the dance moves and show the rest of glee what they'd done.
The only reason they were stopping for lunch was that Trent kept threatening to vomit on Wes' shoes if he didn't let them have a lunch break.
"Alright take 20." Wes ordered.
"Take an hour guys" David countered "Wes" he walked over to his friend once everyone started to leave "relax, we're doing great. Let them have a real lunch break and they'll come back refreshed and ready to work harder." David clapped him on the shoulder.
"You're right. Sorry, sorry. You know how I get."
"We all know how you get Wes" Blaine yelled from the back of the auditorium. Let's go get some lunch."
Sitting in the cafeteria Wes looked around at his Glee club laughing and sharing food and he had a feeling – this was their year.
Next up Regionals who will win? I have no idea. Also I am going away on holiday next week for two bliss filled weeks. I will try my best to update but may not be able to.
