Hey readers! Sorry I haven't uploaded in a long time… I've been super busy! Here's Chapter 9 though! This one was really fun to write, as were all of the others… drama! I think you guys are going to like this chapter a lot, though… read and you'll know why!

A Monchele Romance

Chapter 9- Not Just an Acting Kind of Kiss

When they pulled into the parking lot in front of the café, Cory walked around to the passenger's side of the car, opening the door for Lea as she stepped out. As soon as they walked into the café, people recognized them and rushed to get their autographs, but finally everyone left them to enjoy their morning. Stepping into the line, Lea already knew how she wanted her coffee: dark with a splash of rice milk. When they got to the front of the line, Lea was about to say what she wanted when Cory said it for her. She had no idea that he knew her coffee order but didn't say anything as he paid and they sat down at a table to wait for their coffee.

While Cory and Lea were sitting there, the door would open occasionally when a customer arrived. One of the customers, though, was someone that they were not very comfortable with…

Cory was in the seat that faced the door. He was just talking to Lea when he came in. Cory swallowed and tried to keep Lea from noticing, speaking quieter. Lea had noticed how awkward he was acting all of a sudden, though.

"What is it?" she asked, looking curious. "What happened?" She turned around, scanning the line of customers when she saw the guy that Cory had seen. Swallowing, she turned back around, trying to act normal. "I was bound to run into Theo sometime. It's no big deal. If he see's us, we just walk away."

Cory was concerned for Lea, though. "Are you sure? We can go if you want."

"No, it's fine." Lea shook her head. "I'm not going to let him ruin my morning… he might not even see us-"

A girl suddenly came up to their table. "Hi, I'm a huge fan of your show, Glee. I was wondering if I could get an autograph from both of you."

Cory and Lea politely gave the girl their autographs, but soon there was a short line of people waiting for their turn, and of course, this caught Theo's attention. Looking over the people, Theo saw who everyone was making a commotion about. He was surprised, though, to see that she was with Cory.

As soon as the line disappeared, he began to walk over to their table. "What are you two doing here together?"

Lea cut Cory off, who had opened his mouth to say something. "We're just getting coffee and we're leaving soon. Now, if you don't mind, we'd like to enjoy our morning without any interruptions."

Theo scoffed. "Well then go somewhere private if that's the truth. Do you seriously expect me to believe that when you just had a mob of fans and were completely okay with it? I'm not going anywhere soon, why don't we chat?" Theo dragged a chair to sit next to Lea, obviously close to her.

Lea sat on the other end of her chair. "That's different. They're fans and signing a few autographs here and there isn't an interruption."

"Fine, well then I'm just like a fan." Theo leaned closer to her. "What can you do about it?"

Lea shook her head. "I can leave." She got up and picked up her bag, Cory standing up as well. Before Theo could do anything, they rushed out of the café with their coffee and got in Cory's car. Theo watched as they pulled out of the parking lot.

Lea looked out the window, holding back tears.

Cory looked over at her. "Hey, don't worry. You did the right thing, breaking up with the jerk. He'll stop bothering you soon… just don't let him bother you."

She turned her head to look at him. "What if he doesn't stop, though? It's not like I can avoid him for the rest of my life… I don't know, I just- I think I want to go home now."

Cory nodded. "Of course."

They were silent during the rest of the drive and Cory walked with her into her apartment. Lea looked up at him after shutting the door.

"Thanks, for taking me out and trying to cheer me up. I'm sorry that I had to end it."

"Don't worry about it Lee," Cory said. "I would have wanted to go home too."

Looking at each other, Cory couldn't help but get lost in Lea's big brown eyes. Lea stared up at him, not knowing what to say. Suddenly, they both leaned towards each other until their lips met in a soft kiss. It wasn't like the fake kisses that they shared while acting or anything like that. It was a real kiss that told each other how they've always felt about each other in just one instant. The five seconds seemed like an eternity, and time seemed to freeze as they both felt a spark between them. Stunned, they pulled back, unable to process what had just happened.

When Cory could speak again, he spoke softly. "I-I'm sorry… I need to go."

Then he walked out of the room. Lea stood there for a long time, just remembering how their lips had fit perfectly with one another's.

Lea barely slept all night, and neither did Cory. They both kept thinking about what would happen next. They knew that they loved each other and would do anything to be together, but what would happen to their careers? What would Ryan say if they decided to be together and he found out? Most of all, though, what would they do when they saw each other again?

Unable to wait until Monday, Cory called Lea, but she didn't answer. He called many times, but Lea didn't know what she would say to him if she picked up her phone. Finally, Cory called Dianna and, knowing that he could trust her, told her what had happened and that he needed to talk to Lea. Dianna wasn't shocked; she knew that they had chemistry and that this would eventually happen. She called Lea immediately. Not knowing that Dianna knew, Lea answered the phone.

"Dianna?"

"Lee, are you okay?"

"Y-yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"Listen, I know what happened…"

"What? But how-"

"Cory has been calling you all morning and you haven't been answering so he finally called me. He told me everything."

"Di, I don't know what to do!"

"Look, I think you need to call him. You need to figure this out or you could lose your chance."

"My… chance?"

"Oh please Lea, don't try and keep secrets from your best friend. I know that you like him. The thing is, I know something else… he totally likes you back."

Lea blushed to herself. "What are you talking about?"

"Listen, you two? Yeah, you're perfect for each other and you know it. Plus, it's super obvious that you guys like each other. Once again, don't try to keep things from me. These are the things that girls need each other for." It was silent for a moment. "Come on, tell me about it."

Lea couldn't hold back any longer. "Di, it was perfect! I felt sparks and everything! It was the most amazing moment of my life… I seriously wish that it could have lasted a million years."

Dianna giggled. "That's adorable! Listen, I know that you're worried about being with him because of other people… my advice, if that's why you guys won't be together: have a secret relationship. If that's the only way, then so be it, but you two are meant for each other. Just until you guys decide that you want to tell, you can keep it a secret!"

"I don't know… do you really think that would work?"

"Listen, why else would I be encouraging you to keep a secret like that? I'm warning you though, it's going to be hard and you're not going to be able to have a normal relationship with him if you need it to be a secret. There's going to be consequences."

"But?"

"But I know that you'll agree with me when I say it'll be worth it."

Lea smiled into the phone. "I think you're right."

"Now, call Cory! Frankenteen's dying to talk to you. He's really worried."

They said goodbye and hung up. Taking a deep breath, Lea called Cory's cell phone.