Part 18

The Warblers hurried into the greenroom where Wes was waiting for them. Jeremiah and Nick flew into his arms and he was soon caught in the middle of a huge group hug. The boys soon let go and they all sat down to talk, the New Directions had already performed so they boys didn't care about going back out to the stage to watch the other choirs.

"You think we'll go on to the next round", Luke asked.

"After that number it would be a scandal if we don't", Nick said grinning. "We were too awesome!"

"Don't get cocky", Wes scolded. "Anything can happen."

"Is that why you have sheet music everywhere in your hotel room", David teased and the Warblers laughed together. Jeff was thinking that this experience was fantastic but it would have been even better if Kurt and Blaine were still with them, then it would've been epic.

"So", Jeff asked and they turned to him. "What are we gonna do while we wait? We will run out of things to talk about soon."

"Oooh I know!" Olivre said grinning. "Story time!"

"What kind of stories?" David asked.

Oliver grinned and turned to David.

"How did you meet Wes the first time?" he asked and David chuckled and smiled fondly.

"Now that is a story", he said.

"Wear protective head gear and watch out for books and clothers from above", Wes remarked cryptically.

David's first day at Dalton had gone pretty well so far. He was going to board so he was carrying his suitcase towards the dorm he was going to stay at. He was going to stay at the dorm known as the Dragon, well the real name was actually Dalton East. He'd have to ask someone about that. The dorm had three floors. The first floor had kitchens and common rooms, the second floor was where sophomores and freshmen stayed. The third floor was for the juniors and seniors. The dorm was full of boys getting to their rooms and David ended up in the crowd going up the stairs.

There was a lot of pushing since people tried to get through with their suitcases. David's other stuff would arrive that night or the next day so he only had enough stuff to make it through the day and next. Underneath his arm was the package that contained his new uniform. David was close to the rail of the staircase and was holding his suitcase over the railing so that he could easier maneuver around. But when he was almost at the top he hit the suitcase against the wall and it opened.

"No!" David exclaimed as all his stuff, clothes mostly, his bathroom attires and two books fell down.

"Ow!" he heard from below. "What the heck?"

David blushed and managed to get down the stairs and around it and there he saw a guy sit on a bench rubbing his head while holding David's The Redemption of Althalus in his other hand. On the floor, the bench and on the guy were David's clothes.

"What the heck", the guy asked looking up towards the staircase again. "Oi! Whoever decided to bomb me with books should know that it bloody hurt!"

"Sorry", David exclaimed and hurried over to the guy and started to grab his clothes off of the guy.

"This is your stuff", the guy asked holding up a pair of socks that David hurriedly snatched back.

"Yes", David mumbled and started to pack his stuff hurriedly. He nearly tore the offered book out of the guy's hand and hurriedly left again.

David got to his room, room 215 and started to unpack. He had put his clothes away and entered the bathroom… that's when he noticed the stuff there. He blinked in confusion and then slowly walked out of the bathroom and into the room itself. That's when he noticed that the room had two beds, two desks and two wardrobes and one big bookshelf. He saw that two of the six shelves were already full of books and four were left empty. He opened the wardrobe and saw a bunch of clothes, shoes and a suitcase.

"You know", a voice said behind him and he twirled around, the guy from before stood in the doorway. "It is considered rude to snoop around other people's stuff."

David blushed.

"Sorry", he said. "W-what are you doing here?" As an answer he got a package thrown at him and he caught it.

"You forgot your uniform", the boy said smirking a little. "You will get more later on. You also forgot this", he handed David his copy of Regina's Song. "An Eddings-fan are we?"

"Yes", David mumbled. The boy grinned and walked in and flopped down on the second bed and started to roam through the bedside table.

"Uh didn't you say snooping around is rude", David asked.

"Yes I did, but it's not snooping around when you look for your own stuff David."

"What? How do you know my name? Who the fuck are you?"

The boy smirked and got up and pointed at their door. There was a paper there and written on it was:

David Mitchell – Freshman
Wesley Montgomery – Sophomore

"That's what I'm doing here David", Wes said smiling.

"Oh shit, sorry", David blushed. "I didn't even notice that note I was-"

"Still embarrassed from dropping your stuff down on an unsuspecting sophomore?"

"Something like that…"

Wes chuckled and then there was a knock on the door and David gulped. There stood a huge brown-haired boy. Wes got up with a grin.

"Hi there Rob", he said.

"You ready", Rob asked.

"In two seconds", Wes said and tied his tie with one hand. "There… Oh! Rob this is David Mitchell my roomy for the year. David this is Robert Barton, senior and council member of the Warblers."

"The what?" David asked shaking Rob's hand.

"The Warblers", Wes grinned. "Now come on Rob, let's go rally the troops and then start the show."

"Show", David asked but both boys had already left. He decided to follow them and check out the Warblers.

"And when I saw the Warblers perform I just knew I had to join", David said grinning. Wes was smiling as well and the other boys were sniggering.

"I think I still got a scar from getting the sharp book corner into my scalp", Wes teased David. "Hey!"

Thad was checking his scalp by pulling a bit on Wes' hair as he searched. Wes sighed a sigh that told everyone he was surrendering to the treatment, but was not annoyed or love-struck or sad or angry.

"See anything Thad", he asked calmly.

"Nope", Thad grinned. "You're all clear." He put his arms around Wes neck and leaned his chin on Wes' head. Wes snorted and reached up with one arm and ruffled Thad's hair. The freshmen had noticed the closeness between Thad and Wes really fast after Wes appeared at Dalton and when Thad ended up at the hospital they got curious. They were wondering what was going on there. Rock had noticed Rasmus watch the two and he chuckled and patted the boy's shoulder. Then he turned to Thad and Wes, Thad was standing beside Wes now instead of hugging him from behind.

"Yo love birds", Rock called out to them and Thad glared while Wes just grinned. "Stop being so sweet and cuddly or get a room.

"Oh shut up Rock", Thad growled. "Or I'll eep!" The last was a squawk because Wes had pulled him backwards so that Thad was now in his arms bridal style.

"Wes!" Thad screamed in annoyance when the older boy refused to let go. "Let go of me you lug!"

"Nope", Wes said with a grin. Thad pouted. "Naw you're so cute when you do that."

"Shut up", Thad huffed and the Warblers from year sophomore to senior laughed. This was nothing new to them after all. But the New Warblers looked really confused. Wes chuckled.

"No", he told them before they could even ask. "Thad and I have never been in a relationship. I'm straight and Thad has-"

"They do not need to know that", Thad growled and then blushed when he felt all eyes on him. He glared at the grinning Wes and crossed his arms. "I hate you Wes Montgomery."

"I know", Wes said grinning. "Now let's see… how did you and I meet?"

Thad snorted. "I was crying up a storm and you acted napkin."

Thad Clearwater was at the biggest school he had ever seen and he felt even smaller than usual… and that was really saying something because he had been referred to as a dwarf-hobbit. He was also aware of that he had big eyes as well and wondered if that was why most boys were avoiding him whenever he walked by. No one in his year or his roommate from the year above talked to him or acted as if he was there.

"As usual", Thad mumbled. "No one wants to know of me…"

He felt sad and wasn't looking where he was going so he missed the first step of the staircase.

"Watch out!" someone called as Thad was about to fall. Thad closed his eyes waiting for the pain to come, but it didn't. He felt a strong arm around his waist and another one around his torso, they stopped the fall that was about to come. Thad opened his eyes, they were big with terror and he was pulled towards someone until he found his footing. Then the guy let go of him and Thad turned and looked up at an Asian boy. The boy had wide eyes, probably from shock. They stood there for a bit, just looking at each other. Then the Asian smiled and ruffled Thad's fluffy hair.

"God kid you scared me half to death", he said and bent down and picked up Thad's and his books. He handed Thad's books to him. Thad took them with shaking hands and the other boy smiled.

"I'm Wes Montgomery", he said politely. "You're the new boy, Thad Clearwater right?"

Thad nodded mutely. The Asian smiled gently, Thad knew now where he'd seen him before. He was one of the Warblers. Not just one Warbler, he was the Warbler. The one everyone was talking about. He was the famous leader of the Warblers. Thad had seen them perform one time so far but was too scared and shy to ask anyone about them. He jumped when Wes snapped his fingers in front of his face.

"Hi", Wes said grinning. "Where did you go?"

"I-I-I d-didn't…" Thad stuttered and tensed up when Wes put an arm around his shoulders and started to lead him down the staircase.

"So how do you like Dalton Thad", Wes asked kindly. "Is everyone nice to you?"

Wes didn't get an answer because suddenly the younger boy just took off… just as the bell rang and students filled the hallway. Wes lost the kid in the sea of boys. He got greetings from many of them as he tried to make his way through. When he finally did there was no trace at all after the short freshman. Wes sighed and set out to find him.

Wes had been looking everywhere and was on his way back to his dorm when he heard quiet sobbing coming from a classroom. He tiptoed over and looked inside. He didn't see anything or anyone and was about to go when he heard the sad sobs again. He walked into the classroom and started to look around. He found the crier underneath the window, it was a small teenager in a Dalton uniform. Wes knew who it was. He sighed and walked over and sat down beside the boy. He put a hand on his shoulder and Thad's head jerked up. His eyes were red and puffy and he had tearstains going down his cheeks. Wes smiled at him.

"Why did you run Thad", he asked.

"…"

Wes cocked an eyebrow at that.

"Sorry kid", he said. "I didn't get that."

"You don't want to be near me", Thad mumbled so low Wes only heard: "Don' wn nr me."

Wes narrowed his eyes and frowned as he tried to understand. The younger boy looked so terrified and miserable that it tore at Wes' heart.

"You think I don't want to be near you", Wes asked after a bit. "Is that what you said?"

Thad nodded.

"That's ridiculous!" Wes said. "Why on Earth wouldn't I want to be near you?"

"No one wants me", Thad whispered but Wes only heard: "No wan's me…"

"No one wants you", Wes asked and Thad nodded squeezing his eyes shut to keep his tears back. "Why do you think that Thad?"

"I'm all alone", Thad whispered and that Wes heard. He sighed. He'd been looking for the boy all day, knowing that none of the freshmen were bothering with getting to know the tiny new kid.

"No you're not", Wes said gently.

"Yes…" Thad mumbled miserably sniffing as the tears started falling again. "Mum and dad didn't want me either."

"Their loss then", Wes said. "I want you."

"No…"

"Yes I do."

"No!" Thad yelled and started to cry again. He was about to run off again but Wes grabbed hold of him and pulled him down so that he was sitting on Wes' lap. Thad trashed around a bit but Wes held on. After a bit Thad started to stop fighting and just cried. Wes started to run a hand through Thad's hair in a gentle way and Thad stopped fighting completely then and leaned into the touch. Wes smiled and continued with what he was doing, rubbing Thad's back as well and that broke it. Thad clung to Wes as he cried his heart out. Between the sobs Thad told Wes about his life and why he transferred schools. Wes' jaw tensed when he heard how Thad nearly got killed and promised the gods, God or whatever was out there that he'd help keep Thad safe.

Thad fell asleep in his arms and Wes got up, carrying him to the Dragon. Thad was in a room alone, two doors down from Wes and David. Wes ignored the horrified, confused and shocked glances he got as he walked down the hall. The freshmen recognized Thad and David followed Wes down the corridor. When they got to Thad's door David opened it and Wes got inside, kicking the door shut beside him. Wes put Thad down on his bed and then lied down next to him holding him close and safe in his arms. Thad whimpered and Wes guessed it was a nightmare so he started to sing softly:

Little birdie in the tree
Aim for the sky and always have a dream
Don't be afraid just hold on tight
With my help things you will take flight.
I promise you I will always stay
Little birdie come my way

Raise your voice now sing for me
Be who you were meant to be
Little birdie come my way
We'll be friends forever more
Don't cry what are tears for?
Little birdie,
Little birdie come my way

(A/N: The Warblers rewrote the song a bit when they sang to Wes at graduation ;) Just so you know).

Thad relaxed a bit in his arms and Wes stayed there until he fell asleep as well. The next day Thad followed Wes wherever he went, it wasn't his choice because Wes kept pulling him with him between classes and even to the Warblers. The Warblers questioned Thad's presence at their meeting and Wes explained that the Warblers, he himself and the freshmen had neglected their duty to help broken and lonely boys find a place and reach out a hand of friendship. Wes was making up for it now by keeping Thad with him wherever he went and the Warblers just had to deal with it. Wes had been growling this and no one, not even the seniors or juniors dared disobey or voice their complaints. Wes was not funny when angry and they all knew it.

"Naw", Connor teased. "That's so cute."

"Shut up", Thad said and tried to get up but Wes held him place. "Wes!"

"What", Wes asked innocently.

"Let go of me!"

"No", Wes said. "I'm freezing and you guys got all the warm trenchcoats. I need some warmth here. So I am not letting go."

It was true, it was freaking cold in their greenroom and they had found out earlier that the heating system in there was done. Thad cold feel that Wes' skin was really cold from where their hands were touching slightly.

"Fine", Thad huffed and crossed his arms. "But only if I can sit up better."

Wes shrugged and let Thad sit up, this was a side of him they all loved, the playful Wes-side. Thad sat on the armrest of the chair Wes was sitting in and was hugging him. Nick got a mischievous glint in his eyes and walked over and plopped down on Wes' lap. Then he mock glared at Thad.

"You", he said in a teasing tone. "Stay away from my future husband!"

Jeremiah who'd been drinking from a water bottle spit it all out into the air in front of him and started to cough. Roger hurriedly, yes he was a Warblers as well, started to pat his back hurriedly.

"You okay Miah", Wes asked leaning his head back so that he could look around Nick and at Jeremiah. His brother held up his hand while he coughed, asking for a moment to gather himself. Wes shrugged and waited and when Jeremiah had collected his breath he rasped out:

"Future husband?"

The freshmen and Roger were also looking confused and the older Warblers realized that they hadn't heard about Nick's little "proposal".

"Nick proposed to Wes at their first meeting", Jeff said grinning. "I don't know all the details but-"

"Actually no one does", Wes singsang from his spot and Nick hurriedly covered his mouth with his hands.

"Don't", he growled. "You. Dare."

Wes cocked his head to the side and looked at something behind Nick. Jeff and David were advancing on him. Nick felt Wes smirk underneath his hand and his eyes widened, that couldn't be good. Suddenly he felt hands grabbed him and he was hoisted off and back from Wes and dragged across the room. Wes smirked at him as Jeff put his arms around him and held him in place.

"Now", Wes said. "Who wanna hear a cute little love story that didn't end in the usual 'and they lived happily ever after'?" All the Warblers, save Nick and Jeff, raised their hands. Jeff was nodding eagerly though and Nick was glaring daggers at Wes.

"Well then", Wes continued. "It started like this."

Nick Sullivan was having a crappy day. It was the first Saturday of his freshman year at Dalton and he was the only one up. Nick had been running away his entire life from bullies. If he wasn't bullied for being short and having curly hair it was because he was gay. Now he jumped if anyone sneezed or dropped a book. He hoped Dalton would help him get over that, make him feel safe and protected.

He hadn't met his mentor yet, yes they had a junior-freshman mentor program at Dalton. The juniors would make sure the freshmen felt at home, found their way around the school and just acted like a good friend towards the freshmen. Nick's mentor was this Asian guy named Wes Montgomery and one of the seniors had told him that he couldn't get a better mentor. Nick hadn't met him yet because the guy hadn't returned from summer vacation yet (Total lie Wes never left). But everyone assured him Wes was a great guy. Nick had met Wes's roomy, an African-American guy named David and this David had assured him Wes was nicer than nice.

Nick was right now in the kitchen… trying to save his breakfast. He didn't know what happened. At first everything was fine, then the coffeepot boiled over and he rushed to save it, then his eggs started to smell burnt, as did the towel he'd forgotten on the stove and now his bacon was starting to get smoky as well.

When Nick was about to get into a full blown panic someone suddenly snatched the towel out of his hands, threw it in the sink and started the water, next this someone turned off the coffeepot, lifted the frying pans away and lowered the heat before returning them to the stove. Nick just stared at the food and then back at the blur saving him. It was a rather cute Asian guy. He was a bit taller than Nick and turned to Nick with a smile on his face.

"Let's try not to burn down the kitchens the first thing in the morning shall we", he asked and Nick smiled slightly. "Hey! Not even a minute's of conversation and I get a smile already? That's a new personal record."

Nick smiled again and saw the guy moving his eggs and bacon into the same pan and then put on coffee in another machine. After a bit Nick had his breakfast, saved and ready to be eaten.

"There you go", the Asian said smiling and put the plate and coffee by Nick. The younger boy looked at the food and he was so overjoyed with gratitude that he just jumped into the guy's arm so he was held bridal style. Nick flung his arms around the other boy's neck.

"I love you marry me!" Nick cried with a big grin on his face. "I promise I will make a good faithful husband! I can't give you kids but we can adopt! Marry me!"

The older boy chuckled, but didn't let go or just throw him off, which must've been a good sign.

"Now aren't we being a little fast here", the Asian asked amused. "I don't even know your name."

"Doesn't matter", Nick said. "I can be whoever you want me to be! Just marry me!"

"Sorry kiddo", was the answer he got and he was gently put down on the floor. "But I'm not gay or bi."

"But… but… can't you marry me anyway?" Nick pouted and gave him puppy eyes. "Pretty please? I swear that I Nick Sullivan will be faithful to you forever and ever!"

The Asian grinned wide.

"Oh so you are my little Nicky then", he said and held out his hand. "Wes Montgomery, pleasure to meet you."

Nick grinned too and shook the hand eagerly.

"Now back to my proposal", Nick said grinning.

"Not gonna happen Nicky", Wes said and ruffled his hair. "It would be like dating your little brother. Now eat up and I'll show you around the old place okay?"

Nick grinned and nodded and happily started to eat.

"Baby I feel betrayed!" Jeff told the blushing Nick. "First you sit on the lap of another man and now I hear it's the man you've promised to marry!"

"I am not marrying Wes!" Nick defended himself. "It was just a joke!"

"Now I feel offended", Wes said in teasing tone and Nick flipped him off. "Now that was very un-gentlemanly."

"Shut up", Nick grumbled. "Serves you right for embarrassing me!"

"I thought it was cute", Max said blushing slightly. "Do we have time for another story?"

Wes looked around at the boys around him and then rubbed his eyes, he felt really tired all of a sudden. Thad noticed this and frowned in concern.

"Are you okay", he asked his coach, still sitting on the armrest.

"Yeah", Wes answered and leaned his head on Thad's arm. "Just a bit tired… now who feels like he wants to tell of the first meeting?"

Rock started to talk and Wes had no idea of when he drifted off… but he did, he fell asleep while the boys all talked and had fun and no one noticed it.

TBC