Hello readers! I know, I'm back so soon! I can't believe it. Anyway this chapter contains a bit of Crisspez friendship. I'm not sure yet if it'll develop into any romantic feelings yet, I'll have to see which direction the story goes. I might decide to steer it in a more angsty/dramatic direction later. Thanks for reading. Hope you like it and please please please review, I like to get feedback. x x x x
"DARREN! Oh my God what are you doing here? I thought you were needed on set?" Lauren squealed excitedly, releasing her tight hold from around his neck. "Nope, the show's going on hiatus for a few weeks so… here I am. Surprised?" he asked as he pushed Joe's apartment door open and stood back to let Lauren through, like a true gentleman. "Yes, I can't believe it! Usually you suck at surprises," Lauren responded with a smirk. "Excuse me," Darren responded indignantly, "but if you're referring to Dylan's surprise birthday party freshmen year, then I would like to remind you, that you're the one who left the voicemail asking what time to come over, which Dylan picked up." Lauren was saved from coming up with a clever response by Joe strolling out into the hall with a selection of DVDs in his hands. "Hey Lo, what do you want to watch. Spiderman, West Side Story or The Hunchback of Notre dame?" he asked, without looking up. "THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME!" Darren shouted before Lauren even had a chance to open her mouth. Joe's head snapped up in surprise at the sound of Darren's voice and before she knew it Lauren found herself squished between the two of them as they gave each other their traditional 'bro hug'. Lauren doubted they even realised she was in there and by the time they finally separated, she found herself gasping for breath. "Oh, sorry Lo," Joe quickly apologized. "It's fine, how can I complain about being trapped in between two of my favourite people in the world." It was true, she couldn't believe it. Getting to see Darren was one of the best surprises she'd ever had, even if it did interrupt her rare alone time with Joe. The guys smiled and pretended to be all bashful.
"Anyways, I guess The Hunchback of Notre Dame it is then," Lauren continued and turned to lead the way into the living room. She put the DVD in and went to take her place beside Joe on the sofa. Darren turned off the lights and jumped down excitedly into the armchair across the room. A few minutes into the movie Lauren looked over to see Darren mouthing every line word for word. She shook her head in amusement. Never in her life had she known anyone as big a Disney fan as Darren. She remembered the first thing he had said to her, back on the University of Michigan freshman introductory day, was a quote from Beauty and the Beast: "I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell." Well he was certainly getting that adventure… they all were. Although, he hadn't changed at all, she thought. Even with all the fame and success, he was still the same sincere, fun and goofy, appreciative Darren. She returned her attention to the film and snuggled deeper into Joe's arms, resting her head on his chest. She could feel his heart beating steadily and found the rhythm strangely comforting.
By the end of the movie both Lauren and Darren had tears streaming down their faces and Lauren knew that it was taking all of Joe's strength not to cry along with them. Lauren slowly lifted her head to allow Joe to get up to take out the DVD. "Do you hear something?" Darren asked. Lauren strained her ears and heard the familiar ring tone of Joe's mobile which seemed to be coming from the bathroom, of all places. Joe sauntered out of the room to answer it. He returned a few minutes later wearing an annoyed expression on his face. "Guys, I'm really sorry but that was my brother asking if I could collect him. Usually I'd make him get a cab or something but he sounded really drunk so I'd feel better if I knew he got home ok," Joe said exasperated, before looking at Lauren apologetically, "Lo I promise we will get to have our evening together some night, even if it means facing Julia's rage. Do you mind?" "Don't worry bro, I'll look after her and we'll have a great night," Darren cut in from his spot across the room. Lauren nodded in agreement, "Exactly. Joe, don't worry about me, Darren's here, I won't be alone and besides, there's food."
After countless apologies and promises to make it up to her Joe bent down and kissed Lauren before grabbing his keys and rushing out the door. Lauren slumped back into the sofa and sighed. She couldn't deny that she was a little disappointed. "Jeez Lauren, am I really that bad company?" Darren asked in a mock hurt tone. "Smile, I am going to rock your world." Darren jumped up and ran over to his suitcase which had remained just inside the apartment door where he'd abandoned it earlier. Lauren watched curiously as he pulled out two large plastic bags. She heard the distinctive clink of bottles from one. Darren came over and placed the bag, which she presumed contained alcohol on the table and placed the other bag into Lauren's lap. Her eyes widened as she looked inside the bag and saw it was filled to the brim with all her favourite gluten-free treats. "Darren! What the hell? This must have cost a s**tload! You even got me triple chocolate banana fudge brownies from Marios!" Darren's back was to her and she saw him shrug his shoulders as if it was no big deal. He smiled to himself and responded in a soft voice, "you're worth that s**tload, and besides what kind of friend would I be if I visited without bearing gifts for my best pal." Darren grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch and, sitting down beside Lauren, he threw it over the two of them. "What are we watching now?" Lauren asked. "Oh you'll see."
Lauren gasped as she saw the movie home menu appear on the tv screen, "Struck by Lightning? I should have known you'd make me watch this." Darren chuckled, "Well you can't expect me to ignore a film that features, not only my co-star and dear friend Chris Colfer but, even better my favourite actress of all time, Lauren Lopez." He clicked play and Lauren relaxed next to him, ready to watch her movie début. "By the way before we begin, what's all the alcohol for Dar?" "Patience grasshopper, good things come to those who wait." he responded with a mischievous grin. She questioned him no more and focused her attention on the movie as the opening music began to play. She felt like she was back in college again.
Note: All representations of characters are solely for the purpose of the story.