Part 42
Wes was happier than he had been for a very long time. Since Natch got back together the others started to get close again. Also, words of the newest couple at Dalton was spreading like wildfire… as was their couple-name. Gidiaz.
Justine Gideon, Dalton Academy's one and only female student and history's only Warblerette had been snatched at last. She had many admirers in and outside Dalton. But only the students at Dalton knew of her other side, Justin Gideon. The boys that fell for her outside of Dalton thought that she was a girl and the girls at Crawford envied her for being allowed to spend all her days surrounded by hot boys.
Any teenage girls' dream… attending a school with polite, handsome, smart, kind, funny, adorable and amazing boys as an only girl. God so much eye-candy and so many boys to choose from. Some did call her floozy since she'd probably had sex with all the guys at Dalton by now. When she heard that though she just laughed… as did every other student at Dalton. It always took the freshmen a while to realize she was in fact a guy but when they did they also joined in on the laughter.
Now to the guy that hat snatched her. One Austin Diaz, leader of the Warblers, uprising author and all in all an amazing guy. Many boys envied him for being able to catch Justine Gideon and some hated him for doing it… while others loved him for it.
Wes was one of them. He was happy for both of them and for Justine making Austin a bit… forgetful. Which gave him good opportunities to get his hands on that bloody whistle. Wes was happily walking down the hallway with the thing in his hand. He was on his way back from lunch and Austin had forgotten his blazer in the cafeteria and Wes had taken the opportunity to take the whistle out of the pocket. It wasn't really stealing. He just wanted to make sure he knew who owned the blazer before he returned it. So he found the whistle, knew it was Austin's blazer, returned it to him but forgot to give the whistle back. It wasn't his fault really… right?
He was thinking of where to hide it when he heard it… a slam against a door. He hurried up his steps and got around the corner and there was Jesse St. James, pressing a freshman up against the wall and growling something at him, before taking some papers from the guy. The freshman said something and Jesse handed him other papers. Jesse let the squirt down and then walked off. Wes narrowed his eyes and hurried up to the freshman.
"Are you okay", he asked and helped him up.
"Yeah", the freshman said. "I… um just ran into him and… um we mixed up our essays and he got angry because he's late and… it was just a misunderstanding."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes", the guy squeaked and ran off. Wes didn't feel convinced in the least and started to head in the same direction as Jesse. But when he got around the corner someone grabbed his collar and slammed him up the wall.
"Tell anyone of what you saw and it will be worse", Jesse growled and Wes opened his mouth to ask a question… but got a fist rammed into his stomach and doubled over in pain. He hit the ground and Jesse kicked him.
"Tell anyone and I will hurt you and the others far worse", Jesse spat. "Got it Montgomery?"
Wes nodded and Jesse walked off. Wes felt… scared. He had seen in Jesse's eyes that he meant. If he told anyone what had happened Jesse would hurt him and… the other. Wes had no idea who they were but he didn't want them to get hurt.
Wes noticed it more and more the next couple of days. Jesse would treat freshmen like dirt and forced the smartest of them to do his homework for him so he could enjoy himself instead. Jesse was in the martial arts club and Wes enjoyed the chances he got to fight with him because even though Jesse was two years older than him he could take him easily. Which Jesse hated and he took that anger out on Wes in the hallways. Pushing him into walls, lockers for non-boarding students, doors, windows and once nearly down the stairs but he'd managed to save himself by dropping all his books and gripping the rail.
Wes wasn't the only Warbler in this position. Both freshmen Warblers from the Dragon; Alexander Dumas and Logan Smith were terrified of the guy. Even though they were much taller than him. Jesse didn't stop there though... but the other freshmen Warblers weren't in as much trouble as them.
Jesse was not a complete idiot though… he hurt them in places that weren't visible and if it was… well it could easily be brushed aside. For example, a few weeks before sectionals Alexander was pushed into a doorframe by Jesse and got a black-eye. But Alexander was playing Lacrosse and got tackled later that day during practice and could explain that as the course of the bruises on his face.
"Okay", Austin said calmly and gave Alexander a comforting smile. "Just be careful okay Alex? We don't enjoy seeing our youngest members hurt."
"I will Austin", Alex mumbled and sat down between Logan and Oliver.
"So", Austin said. "First things first… Wes you've stolen my whistle again… where is it this time?"
"Why do you think it's me", Wes asked and looked innocent.
"Because last time I found it in a potted plant in the library. The time before that I found it by mistake when I tripped on the stairs in the stairs on third floor… Wes how on earth did you get it onto the chandelier?"
The Everett twins snorted at that, they knew of course but weren't going to tell Austin.
"Threw it", Wes said and shrugged. "But I didn't take it."
"Wes there is a halo above your head", Austin said dryly and Wes cocked his head to the side.
"Doesn't that mean I am innocent", he asked.
"Have you never seen a cartoon?"
"I have."
"It usually means that the person is not innocent when a halo appears above their heads."
"But I am innocent… this time. I must say though that you're better at stopping me than Brad or Jerry."
"That's because Austin lives to keep it from you", Joseph said. "He never uses it."
"Just think of where it's been", Austin said and shuddered. "It would be like kissing Brad, Jerry and the guys before them… eeew."
Everyone laughed and Wes grinned. Austin winked at him.
"Now jokes put aside", Austin said. "Sectionals is coming up and we are up against Aural Intensity again and… Otto what was the name of that other choir?"
"Rhythm Explosion from McKinley high", Otto answered and snorted. "We don't have to worry about them though."
"Why", Austin asked.
"I checked them out on the web… none of them can hold a key."
"Well Aural Intensity may be kissing up all the time but they are still good", Nathan added, his arm around Mitch. "We can't take this easy."
"Which is why I think we should wow the judges with emotional ballads this time", Austin said. "Ollie is still healing from the accident and Mitch is getting his strength back too. We have all gotten that damn flu, some has it and is not here because of it. We should take it easy at sectionals, with the dancing at least. We need everyone to make it."
"I can pass the competition", Oliver said. "I mean… my leg keeps me from doing normal show choir stuff and-"
"Not another word from you", Justine told him. "We are not getting on that stage without you."
"Yeah", Tom Bedford said. "We are a team and you're one of the strongest basses we have."
"I think Ollie makes a valid point", Jesse said calmly. "If we just stand there we don't-"
"Jesse", Austin cut in sharply. "Drop it. I know that you are partly right, I know a lot of you think the same. But now I'm going to ask you all this… if you were in Oliver shoes, would you want to be part of a club that you love and its members show you sympathy by doing two out of three numbers without advanced dancing you can't handle or be a part of a club where no one is doing anything to help you… at all? It's not Oliver's fault that that car exploded. It's not his fault he has an artificial leg and we are not and I repeat we are notgoing to give him hell for it. Have I made myself clear?"
Low murmurs were heard.
"I said", Austin said sharply. "Have I made myself clear?"
"Yes sir", the whole room said and Austin sat down again.
"We have three numbers to plan, two where we don't dance and one where we do. Is that okay with you Ollie?"
"You shouldn't lower our chances because of me", Oliver mumbled. "I shouldn't force you too… I… I can stand in the sides with Wes and cheer you on instead."
"Are you sure", Peter 'Pan' asked. "We will if you want us to."
"We most certainly will not", Austin said sharply and Wes was yet again amazed at the power in his voice.
"Austin it's no problem", Oliver said. "I'm okay with it."
"You mouth speak one meaning but your eyes a complete different one Oliver", Austin said softly. "We are a family and we won't do this without you. We need you."
"Oh please all I do is cause you guys trouble and distress because I can't dance… you don't need me."
"Yes we do", Austin said calmly and moved away from the table and walked up to Oliver. "Ollie you are just as a big part of this group as anyone else. You are one of the strongest basses we have and you are a great help when it comes to keep the other basses in tune. They follow your and Rob's lead which is perfect. Without you the bass section would be good instead of perfect."
"Austin come one, you don't mean that."
"I'm saying it in front of everyone so I must be. Look Ollie when you joined the Warblers Justine, Mitch, Joe and I assured you that we would make sure you could always perform with us. We promised you and I intend to keep that promise. Now stop looking so sad and get that amazing smile onto your face again."
They heard chuckles all around.
"Thanks bro", Oliver said and smiled at Austin. "It means a lot to me that I can always count on the Warblers."
"I know the feeling", Austin said with warmth in his voice and he returned to the council table. "Now shall we get started?"
"What songs should we do?" Rob asked. The council smirked and shared a look.
"Uh oh", Mitch said. "That's not good."
"What isn't darling", Justine asked him.
"You know Joe and Austin, together they are good at causing mayhem… and added in one half of the prankster king duo only makes it worse."
"Hey!" the council objected as the Warblers all laughed, they soon joined in. And then… Austin told them their plan to wow the judges. They would start with a duet between Jesse and Kim. They'd do No Matter What. Just a few people had sung the year before but with all 28 of them it would be amazing. Wes grinned happily and smiled at Kim who looked nervous. Then Austin dropped a little… bombshell on them.
"Followed by Mitch soloing with Shooting Star", he said.
"Wait what", Mitch asked in confusion and Justine squealed. "I did not sign up for this!"
"Nope", Joseph said. "But we overheard you sing in the dorms and we are not taking no for an answer."
"But-"
"Come on baby", Nathan told him and kissed his cheek. "You can do it, we all believe in you."
"But-"
"And we finish with a faster number", Austin cut in before Mitch could object. "Jesse find a song for us please?"
"Sure", Jesse said and smirked. "I have the perfect one."
"Nothing to crazy since a lot of us are still recovering from various diseases and injuries."
"How about We Built This City?"
"Isn't that a duet?" Wes asked and Jesse glared at him. "Of course you could handle it on your own."
"We can try it", Austin said and looked at Jesse. "Let's get started on rehearsals boys."
Sectionals came upon them faster than ever before and they were ready, as always. The Warblers never waited until the last minute after all and they always had a couple of extra plans. For the moment Austin had in his pocket plan B to plan Z.
Wes was not sitting in the audience this time. He was standing to the side, where William Schuester would soon stand and watch his own choir perform. He smiled as he saw all his friends getting onto the stage, they were last out and Otto had been right. Rhythm Explosion were horrible and Aural Intensity was kissing up to the judges… like always, but the Warblers had soul, spirit, talent and heart.
Wes bit his lip and waited for them to start. Jesse sang the parts where Stephen Gately used to sing and Kim sang Ronan Keating's part. Wes seriously thought of recording this and sending it to Boyzone, calling it: "No Matter What 2006". Wes couldn't deny that Jesse sounded amazing and his voice blended perfectly with Kim's and of course the Warblers doing the backup were amazing as well.
Wes had been allowed to help Austin get all the music and harmony together… for two reasons. The first was Austin seeing potential in Wes as a music arranger and the second… getting the whistle back from Wes' pocket. Austin had guessed that Wes would hide it there because it would be the absolute last place Austin would look, because it would be too easy, but it was ingenious at the same time, which is why Wes did it.
The audience loved the energy the boys sent out even though they were barley moving. Oliver still had his crutches but Wes and he had a plan for the next number. When Mitch was singing a bit into his song the Warblers would start moving around to show that they were shooting stars and Oliver would throw his crutches to Wes and walk on his artificial leg for the first time, his family was in the audience and he wanted to show them that he was strong. The first number ended and the audience cheered and Kim and Jesse bowed before moving back and Mitch slowly moved forward and the boys started the backup and then Mitch started singing (the words in () are the Warblers doing backup).
Mitch: Oooh
No one seems to think too much of me here
and they're glad to tell it to my face
And they're right I'm not supposed to be here
I'm completely out of place
Somehow there has got to be a reason
Even as I try to think it through
There's a bolt from the blue
And I see a shooting star (And I see a star)
Set apart from all the rest
While the other stars are standing still (ooh)
He's on a quest
Every night this shooting star (Every night this star)
Dancing across the twilight sky
Cause he knows he doesn't quite fit in (ooh)
And he's longing to know why, why (longing to know why)
I feel so much better when it's night time
That's when I can sort of disappear
When the sun is set and it's the right time
For pretending I'm not here
Sometimes I just stare into the heavens
Wondering if the answer is inside
That's when I see the light
Of my sent that shooting star
On his way to who knows where (On his way to who knows where)
He's so unlike all the stars (ooh)
But he outshines out there (shines out there)
And the solitary star (solitary star)
Is an awful lot like me (ooh)
On an endless search in time and space
For a place that won't seem wrong (place that won't seem wrong)
The Warblers slowly started to move from across the stage, like they had rehearsed and made small spins and dance moves when they reached the edge, before going back to stand around Mitch.
If we both hang on for long enough
We both somehow are strong enough
We'll find out where we belong
As Mitch held that long note Oliver suddenly did something the Warblers didn't expect. He picked up his crutches and threw them to the side. Wes caught them and darted off the stage. Oliver then made a little spin, like the guy opposite him and Mitch smiled at him and walked up and hugged him tight.
Every night this shooting star (every night this star) – Mitch held his arm around Oliver's shoulders and the rest of the Warblers joined in so that they were on a long line, arms around each other's shoulders.
Dancing across the twilight sky
Cause he knows he doesn't quite fit in (ooh)
And he's longing to know why (why)
Know why (why)
Why (why)
Why (why)
Know why (why)
The audience cheered and Oliver and Mitch got big hugs. Wes jumped up and down cheering and then… the last number started. When it did Oliver walked over to where Wes stood and joined him in just watching. The boys started with the backup and Jesse then came in and did the solo.
All: We built this city,
Built this city on rock an' roll x2
Jesse: Say you don't know me, or recognize my face
Say you don't care who goes to that kind of place
Knee deep in the hoopla, sinking in your fight
Too many runaways eating up the night
Marconi plays the mambo, listen to the radio
Don't you remember?
We built this city,
We built this city on rock and roll!
All: We built this city, we built this city on rock and roll
Built this city, we built this city on rock and roll – Wes and Oliver sang where they stood too and made their own simple little dance.
Jesse: Someone always playing corporation games
Who cares they're always changing corporation names
We just want to dance here, someone stole the stage
They call us irresponsible, write us off the page
Marconi plays the mambo, listen to the radio
Don't you remember?
We built this city, we built this city on rock and roll!
All: We built this city, we built this city on rock and roll
Built this city, we built this city on rock and roll
Jesse & Kim: It's just another Sunday, in a tired old street
Police have got the choke hold, oh then we just lost the beat
Jesse & Nathan: Who counts the money ,underneath the bar
Who rides the wrecking ball, into our guitars
Jesse & Otto: Don't tell us you need us, 'cause we're the simple fools
Looking for America, coming through your schools
Jesse: Don't you remember
All: Marconi plays the mambo, listen to the radio -
Don't you remember 'Cause
We built this city, we built this city on rock and roll
Built this city, we built this city on rock and roll
Jesse: Built this city, we built this city on rock and roll
All: Built this city, we built this city on rock and roll
Jesse: We built, we built this city yeah
We built this city
We built, we built this city
The dancing had been normal show choir level but the energy and emotion the Warblers were almost transferring into the audience was noticed by everyone and when the final act was done the audience cheered so loud Wes was sure the roof was going to fall off. Wes and Oliver cheered from their places. Oliver raising his hands above his head and cheering loud while Wes just clapped. The Warblers bowed and Austin winked at the two on the side. Wes made thumbs up and Oliver was pulled out on the stage to join into the adoration. Wes knew he'd be there next time, as a true Dalton Academy Warbler.
It was pause now as they all waited for the judges to talk about who to send. Wes had left the greenroom to get some air and to stretch his legs. As he walked around he looked at the happy couples around him and smiled slightly. A lot of the Warblers were dating but Wes hadn't dated or thought about girls since he broke up with Becca… who he had met at sectionals last year. He shuddered thinking of her. But then… he saw her. She was walking down the hall with a guy that Wes had helped her get rid of the year before. Wes just shook his head and when she saw him she kissed the new guy, Wes didn't even remember his name. Wes snorted and walked by the couple, patting the guy on the back.
"Good luck with her", he said. "You'll need it."
The guy stared at him while Becca glared. Wes just walked on and then heard a giggle. He looked to his right and saw a girl his age, with long brown hair and dark eyes. She was dressed in jeans and a shirt.
"That was very funny", she told him. "I never knew a boy would dare say something like that to Bitcy Becca."
"Well I dated her for a bit but dumped her when I found out what a bitch she is", Wes said and walked up to the girl.
"She really is a bitch", the girl said and smiled. "I'm Olivia."
"I'm Wes", Wes said and shook her hand. "Do you live here in Indiana?"
"No actually", Olivia said and smiled at him. "I live in Lima, which is why I know the number one bitch over there."
"Poor you", Wes said and grinned.
"She lives with her mum in Lima and she's a pest. We go to school together."
"I feel for you, I only see her once or twice since I live in Westerville."
Olivia looked at him.
"You are one of the Warblers aren't you?" she asked. "Judged by your uniform."
Wes laughed.
"Yeah I am a Warbler", he said.
"So why aren't you onstage with them?"
"Too young, I'm just in 8th grade."
"I thought Dalton was a high school."
"It is", Wes said and smiled. "But my staying there is a long and complicated story, let's just say I really don't have anywhere else to go."
"Okay", she answered with a smile. "I live in Lima but have only been here for a year. My family is from England."
"I figured from your accent. It's cute."
"Thank you love."
"You mean British people really say things like that?"
"I do sometimes just to tease people… Or I call them a wanker or a git."
Wes laughed. The lights started to flicker.
"It was nice talking to you Olivia", Wes said and smiled.
"It was, we should do it again. Oh! Here's my number. Text me anytime okay?"
"Sure", Wes said and added her number in and then gave her his. He smiled and ran off. He met the sophomores at the door to their greenroom and they were smirking at him.
"What", Wes asked.
"Who was that girl Smurf", Isaac asked and Wes rolled his eyes.
"Are you starting with that again?" he asked.
"What it suits you", Kim teased.
"I am not blue."
"Except for-", Eric began.
"-your blazer", Brett finished.
"Fuck off", Wes grumbled and they walked up to the other Warblers and joined them onstage. Where the Warblers got declared winners, without any hesitation. They had been the best after all. Wes hugged Mitch and then Justin, Austin and lastly Oliver. He got squished into a quadruple hug from the Everetts and Otthan. The two duos had gotten over their jealousy over who Wes played pranks with and all four were know a terror at Dalton with all their pranks and mischief. But they all tried to keep Wes out of the pranks… because a: he was dangerous when angry and b: his vengeance was always far worse than anything they could come up with. Little did the prankster know that Wes got help from Austin and Joseph. Everything was peaceful within the Warblers again and now… Halloween was around the corner.
TBC Sorry for shortness!
Answer to non-members' (or not signed in members') reviews:
Singing Violet - Darren Criss is in it? Well then I will absolutely NOT watch it. I don't like Darren... at all. And now I realized people will hate me but I'm just being honest. I do not like his voice or acting so sue me!