A/N: Part two of Christmas Eve! Yes, there will be a chapter tomorrow. Enjoy!
December 24th
While the two young lovebirds talked the evening away, another couple intently watched their friends perform on stage.
"So, Dianna's actually Jewish like Lea?" the green-eyed boy asked, listening to the two girls singing a beautiful Hanukkah ballad.
"Yep," the hazel-eyed boy nodded in confirmation. "Which may or may not add to the reasons why people ship them together all the time," he laughed, applauding with the rest of the audience as the song ended.
The room was flooded with light as the stage crew rearranged the set for the next performance.
"I think Portlyn's and Penelope's songs are up next," Skyler murmured softly.
"Oh, I think Amber and Naya are singing with them," Darren added, scanning the room.
"Hey, um… I know this is a little sudden, but would you want to sing with me on stage?" he asked, looking at the taller boy with hopeful eyes.
Grinning widely, he replied, "Yeah, of course! What did you have in mind?"
"I was thinking about something off the first Glee Christmas album… 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' maybe?"
"Perfect," Skyler nodded happily.
"Great! Chris and I planned to originally, but he said he had a headache and went to go rest before our big group song. I'll go sign us up," Darren grinned, getting up from his chair and heading to the table.
After his companion had left, the lights dimmed once again and Skyler's eyes looked to the stage where the four girls stood in a single spotlight. In front was Mr. Condor, prepared to introduce them.
"Please welcome Portlyn Maddison, Amber Riley, Penelope Balatico, and Naya Rivera who will be performing 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' and 'Santa Baby.'"
As the music began, the girls looked down at the stage floor, waiting for their turn to sing.
Portlyn was the first to look up. Stepping forward, she smiled innocently and sang, "I don't want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need."
Following suit, Amber continued, "I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree."
Together, they crossed the platform in opposite directions, batting their eyes at the boys who watched.
I just want you for my own,
More than you could ever know.
Make my wish come true.
All I want for Christmas is you.
From where he was sitting, Skyler noticed Portlyn seemed particularly interested in James, as did Penelope with Chad.
I don't want a lot for Christmas.
There is just one thing I need.
Don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree.
While the two leads descended the stairs and strutted across the ballroom, they serenaded several different boys, grinning flirtatiously at each.
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace.
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day.
While the boys were being serenaded, they twirled the two girls around, chuckling and grinning.
I just want you for my own,
More than you could ever know.
Make my wish come true.
All I want for Christmas is you.
Somewhere else in the room, Chad's gaze drifted from the leads back up to the two backup singers on the stage. He could've sworn he saw Penelope wink at him, but quickly waved off the idea.
I won't ask for much this Christmas,
I won't even wish for snow.
And I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe.
As Penelope sang the harmony with Naya onstage, she ran through the plan in her mind once more. She smirked knowingly as she watched the confusion spread across Chad's face.
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick.
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click.
At the table behind him sat James and Sonny. As Sonny watched the performance intently, James nodded his approval to Penelope who acknowledged his signal with a slight nod in return.
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding onto me so tight.
What more can I do?
Baby, all I want for Christmas is you.
Returning to the stage, Amber and Portlyn set their microphones back on the stands and continued the song effortlessly.
All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere.
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air.
During this particular performance, Zora wasn't paying any attention to the music. Instead, she closely analyzed the behaviors of Portlyn and Penelope. She observed as the girls subtly flirted with James and Chad from a distance.
And everyone is singing.
I hear those sleigh bells ringing.
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need?
Won't you please bring my baby to me?
As Amber belted out the end of the bridge, Zora switched her focus from the girls to the boys. She noticed how James awkwardly returned Portlyn's smile before glancing to Penelope and then looking to his phone for an imaginary text message.
I don't want a lot for Christmas,
This is all I'm asking for.
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door.
She examined the clueless and confused look on Chad's face as he contemplated the possibility that he was hallucinating. As she shook her head, her best friend looked at her curiously. She assured her it was nothing and then returned her attention to the stage.
I just want you for my own,
More than you could ever know.
Make my wish come true.
Baby, all I want for Christmas is you.
As the song came closer to the end, the girls went back to their original places and pointed to the cameras.
All I want for Christmas is you.
The audience applauded loudly, cheering the girls on for the next song. Almost immediately after the first song ended, the second song's intro blended directly into the previous outro.
Switching places with the two leads, Penelope and Naya sauntered up to the front, dancing in place as they waited for their cues.
Starting with Naya, she sang, "Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree for me. I've been an awful good girl."
"Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight," Penelope finished with a smirk.
Santa baby, an outer space convertible too, light blue.
I'll wait up for you, dear.
Removing the microphones from their stands, Naya and Penelope caught the two Santa Claus hats that flew through the air, tossed to them by the wardrobe team.
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight.
Placing the hats on their heads, the two girls strutted over to the stairs and descended them to mingle in the crowd.
Think of all the fun I've missed.
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed.
Before heading into the crowd, Penelope stopped by Chad's table, singing to him for a few lines. Her wink sufficiently confused him even more than he currently was.
Next year I could be oh-so good,
If you check off my check off my Christmas list.
Where Naya was, she circled around a table of teenage couples, singing to the guys who laughed and smiled politely as they held their girlfriends' hands and held them close.
Santa honey, I want a yacht and really that's not a lot.
I've been an angel all year.
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight.
As Darren made his way back to the table where Skyler waited, Penelope approached him. He chuckled softly as she blocked his path, twirling around him a few times before letting him pass.
Santa cutie, there's one thing I really do need,
The deed to a platinum mine.
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight.
Once he was reseated at the table, Darren whispered, "We're on after them, but it'll take ten to fifteen minutes to rearrange the set for us."
Santa baby, I'm filling my stocking with a duplex and checks.
Sign your 'X' on the line.
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight.
Skyler smiled, nodding in return, watching his costar sing. He was aware of how her gaze kept flickering between his best friend and the brown haired couple behind him.
Come and trim my Christmas tree
With some decorations bought at Tiffany's.
That's when pieces clicked into place in his mind.
I really do believe in you.
Let's see if you believe in me.
He gasped softly but sharply, alerting his companion.
"Everything alright?" he asked, placing his hand over the other boy's on the table.
Santa baby forgot to mention one little thing, a ring.
I don't mean a phone.
He smiled weakly, his hand tingling at the touch.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he whispered back, watching the girls approach the stage.
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight.
Hurry down the chimney tonight.
Hurry down the chimney tonight.
As the song concluded, all of the single boys in the room clapped the loudest, rooting and cheering for the girls.
"Thanks, guys," Naya smiled sweetly. "We hope you all have a happy holiday."
Once light illuminated the room once more, Sonny looked around and turned to James.
"When are we supposed to go?" she asked.
"Around 8:50 and 9:00," he replied, checking his watch. "So, in about 20 minutes."
"Oh, alright," she said, exhaling softly.
"What have you been up to lately? Write any new songs?" James asked quizzically.
"Yeah. Actually, I wrote a holiday song the other day," she nodded. "It's called 'Sing My Song For You.'"
"Oh? I'd love to hear it sometime," he smiled.
"Well, I have it recorded on my phone…" she said quietly, searching through her voice notes.
Plugging in her earbuds, and putting one in, she handed him the other and pressed play, scrolling through the lyrics.
While they listened to the song, waiting for the next performance, Darren and Skyler were being prepped inside a room replicated to look exactly like the scene from Dalton Academy. It was complete with the mahogany brown leather couches, a fancy fireplace, and festive winter garlands all over the room.
"Are you sure this is alright with Chris? I mean, this is kind of your thing," Skyler said worriedly, straightening out his red and blue blazer.
"Yeah, he's totally fine with it. We planned to do it originally, but before the party started he said he wasn't really feeling up for it tonight. I guess he was feeling sick. And he didn't want Mr. Condor to be mad so he told me I should look for another duet partner. Plus, I like singing with new voices," Darren smiled reassuringly.
"Okay guys, you're on in about thirty seconds," the cameraman said.
Smiling at each other, both took their places. As Darren waited in the hallway for his cue, he heard Mr. Condor's voice boom through the hall, "This next performance will be a bit different than the last. This time, a scene from last year's Christmas episode of Glee will be reenacted and extended a bit by Glee's very own Darren Criss and Mackenzie Falls' Skyler DeVane. Let's take a look at the screen."
Taking a deep breath, Darren strode into the room and set down a boom box on the table.
"Hey," he smiled at the dark haired boy sitting at the table with homework laid out in front of him.
Looking up from the papers, the boy smiled in return, "You scared me."
"Oh good, 'cause, uh. I'm actually Marley's ghost and I'm here to tell you to stop studying so hard," Darren joked, sitting across from him.
"What's with the boom box?" Skyler asked, his eyes flickering to it on the table next to the couch.
"I need you to sing with me," he said in a straightforward tone.
"Well, rehearse with me," he corrected himself. "I've got a gig singing 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' in the King's Island Christmas Spectacular."
"Aha, a personal favorite." his companion nodded knowingly. "Too bad they'd never let us sing it together," Skyler paused. "I mean, as two… artists."
"Mm… So you can help me out here?"
"Anything to get me to stop reading about Charlemagne," he nodded.
"Very good then," Darren smirked, closing the textbook and standing up.
Walking over to the boom box, he pressed play and music began to fill the air.
As the shorter boy danced his way back to the table, Skyler sat in his chair, singing, "I really can't stay…"
Darren replied with, "But baby, it's cold outside," as he leaned back against the couch.
I've got to go away—But baby, it's cold outside.
Pretending to be disinterested, the green eyed boy looked away.
This evening has been—Been hoping that you'd drop in.
So very nice—I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice.
As Darren moved in on Skyler, the taller boy stood up and walked away with his hands behind his back.
My mother will start to worry—Beautiful, what's your hurry?
My father will be pacing the floor—Listen to the fireplace roar.
Slowly, Darren followed behind Skyler, pretending to beg him to stay.
So really I'd better scurry—Beautiful, please don't hurry.
Looking over his shoulder, Skyler smirked and backed towards him.
Well maybe just a half a drink more—Put some records on while I pour.
Grinning widely, Darren gestured to one of the couches where Skyler leaned against the arm rest.
The neighbors might think—Baby, it's bad out there.
Tilting his head to the side, Skyler asked, "Say, what's in this drink?"
Avoiding the question, Darren shrugged, "No cabs to be had out there."
"I wish I knew how—"
Leaning forward and looking into Skyler's eyes, he cut him off, singing, "Your eyes are like starlight now."
"—To break the spell," the boy blushed as he finished his line, circling around to the other side of the couch.
Following him, the hazel eyed boy sang, "I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell."
I ought to say no, no, no, sir—Mind if I move in closer?
He scooted closer to the tall boy smiling goofily.
At least I'm gonna say that I tried—What's the sense in hurting my pride?
Getting up from his spot on the couch, Skyler reseated himself on the piano bench nearby.
I really can't stay—Baby don't hold out.
Trailing after him, both chorused, "Oh, but it's cold outside."
Sitting at the piano together, Darren played along to the short interlude on the piano keys.
I simply must go—But baby, it's cold outside.
The answer is no—But baby, it's cold outside.
From the ballroom, several hundred pairs of eyes looked to the large screen, watching the boys sing to each other.
This welcome has been—How lucky that you dropped in.
So nice and warm—Look out the window at that storm.
The majority of the room smiled warmly as they observed and very few objected to the untraditional rendition of the song.
My sister will be suspicious—Gosh, your lips look delicious.
My brother will be there at the door—Waves upon a tropical shore.
Sonny grinned happily for her friend, knowing her was living one of his dreams.
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious—Ooh, your lips are delicious.
Well maybe just a cigarette more—Never such a blizzard before.
Smiling softly to himself, Chad watched his best friend and thought, "Finally. He's found someone just like him."
I've got to go home—Oh, baby, you'll freeze out there.
Say, lend me your coat—It's up to your knees out there.
Back in the Dalton room, Skyler stood by the fireplace with his hand on the mantle as Darren stood across from him.
You've really been grand—I thrill when you touch my hand
But don't you see—How can you do this thing to me?
As the other boy reached for his hand, Skyler retreated to leaning on the back of the couch.
There's bound to be talk tomorrow—Think of my life long sorrow
At least there will be plenty implied—If you caught pneumonia and died
Darren leaned forward from the other side, their noses almost touching before Skyler spun around and walked towards him.
I really can't stay—Get over that hold out
Plopping down on the couch together, the boys belted out the final notes.
Baby, it's cold outside.
From down the hall, they could hear the applause and roar of cheers from the ballroom. The boys grinned at each other, still looking into the other's eyes.
Breaking their gaze, Darren looked to the camera and said, "We hope you're spending this magical time of year someone special, whoever they may be."
"We hope the holidays bring you happiness and joy. Maybe you'll even have a little extra to send to a child who needs it this year," Skyler added with a smile as Darren subtly clasped his hand.
"Happy holidays!" they grinned from ear to ear, waving at the camera until they saw the red light go off. Immediately after the camera crew left, Skyler exhaled loudly, smiling uncontrollably as he caught his breath.
"Everything alright?" Darren asked, squeezing Skyler's hand gently.
"…This feels like a crazy hallucination. I can't believe that just happened," he nodded, grinning.
Relaxing his shoulders, he sunk into the couch, ready to collapse.
"Well, you'd better believe it. And if you need more confirmation that you are indeed not hallucinating, there'll be proof all over the internet later," he grinned.
Rubbing the back of his head, Skyler simply nodded with a smile.
"Hey, uh, I never got a chance to ask you… Would you want to maybe get coffee sometime?" Darren asked, looking over at him.
Barely hesitating, he replied, "I'd love to."
"Great, when's good for you?"
"Well, we're here in New York until the morning of January 2nd. If you're too busy between now and then, just give me a call whenever you're in LA," he suggested.
Nodding in agreement he smiled, "Sounds like a plan."
Releasing his hand, Darren stood up as he straightened out his blazer.
"Well, I'd love to stay here and just talk with you for the rest of the evening, but better get back to the ball. I'm needed on stage in a bit," he smiled apologetically.
"Oh, it's alright. My friends are probably looking for me," Skyler nodded.
Walking towards the door together, they paused just under the doorframe.
Turning to the taller boy, Darren said, "Thanks for singing with me, Skyler. You were flawless."
He smiled softly, blushing as he replied, "Anytime. It was kind of a dream of mine to sing with you… And it was way better than anything I could've ever dreamed of."
Then, he felt something brush lightly against the top of his head. Looking up, he saw a tuft of green mistletoe swinging back and forth above him. Glancing down at the shorter boy, he could feel his face flushing a deep shade of red.
Before he could say another word, Darren slowly leaned in towards him. Letting his eyes flutter shut, Skyler leaned in as well. When their lips had made contact, Skyler found himself wrapping his arms loosely around Darren's shoulders. After a few moments, the boys pulled away and gazed into each other's eyes, smiling speechlessly before leaning in again.
Back in the ballroom, the rest of Darren's cast was preparing to go onstage in less than five minutes. Sonny gently bit her bottom lip as she nervously glanced around.
"Hey," James said softly, resting his hand on her shoulder. "You're going to be amazing, Sonny."
She smiled weakly, saying, "Thanks. I just hope I remember the lyrics."
Turning around, he swiftly strode towards the girls and tapped one of them on the shoulder. From Sonny's perspective, she saw him point to her and smile. Suddenly, she noticed James making his way back towards her. Moving aside, he let the girl reach Sonny first.
"Sonny, I assume you recognize Lea Michele," he said with a smile. "Lea, this is my friend Sonny Munroe."
"Hello, Sonny. It's nice to meet you," she greeted Sonny with a warm smile as she extended her hand towards her.
"Hello, Lea! Same to you," she grinned back, shaking her hand.
"Lea agreed to help you run through the lyrics with you one more time while I go see if Chris is feeling up to perform with Darren," James stated before turning on his heel to find the missing singers.
"Thank you all for watching the Condor Network's First Annual Holiday Benefit and making lots of generous contributions to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Tonight alone, we've raised around fifty-thousand, which is enough to grant about ten wishes," he announced, the crowd applauding loudly in return.
Once they had calmed down, he continued to say, "And now, for our final performance of the night. Please welcome So Random's Sonny Munroe, Mackenzie Falls' guest star, James Conroy, and the cast of Glee singing their original song, 'Extraordinary Merry Christmas'!"
As the music began, the stage crew pulled the screen away like curtains, revealing two wide marble staircases leading from the balcony to the floor.
Already on the ballroom floor were the dancers of Glee: Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, Harry Shum Jr., and Jenna Ushkowitz. Up above them on the balconies were Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, Mark Salling, Dianna Agron, Chord Overstreet, Amber Riley, Damian McGinty, and Naya Rivera, who were all wearing headset microphones to keep their limbs mobile.
As each line began two couples would be set into motion on the stairs, then one on the dance floor.
It came into my dreams last night, a great big man in red and white.
The first to descend the staircase on the left was the tall brunet, Cory, along with Lea.
As Mark and Dianna descended in sync with Cory and Lea on the right, Mark sang, "He told me that it's gonna be a special year for you and me."
Behind Cory and Lea came Naya and Damian McGinty. As Damian smiled, singing with his fairly noticeable Irish accent, Jenna and Harry waltzed around in the open space on the floor.
Underneath the mistletoe, hold me tight and kiss me slow.
After Mark and Dianna, Chord followed behind with Amber, setting off Heather and Kevin as he sang, "The snow is high, so come inside. I wanna hear you say to me…"
Appearing behind the middle balcony railing were James and Sonny, smiling attentively at each other.
It's a very, very, merry, merry Christmas.
Gonna party on 'til Santa grants my wishes.
The pair circled around each other and sang as their co-performers danced to the beat of the music below them.
"Got my halo on, I know what I want, it's who I'm with," James sang, looking into his companion's eyes sincerely.
It's an extraordinary merry Christmas.
As Sonny and James descended the stairs, the girls on the platform each sang a line of the chorus.
The camera panned to Lea during, "It doesn't come as a surprise, who's been naughty, who's been nice."
Zooming on Dianna, she grinned and spotted Darren in the back of the room with a boy she'd seen him with earlier. She nearly laughed as she sang, "There's someone here for everyone. Another year has just begun," because she had noticed that both had a case of mild-makeout hair.
"Silent night, numb inside. Sleigh bells ring until the light," sang Amber as Chord spun her around under his arm.
Walking straight up to one of the cameras in a very Santana-Lopez-like manner, Naya sang, "Hearts explode, here we go. It's all right there inside your eyes."
Together, Sonny and James slowly walked in opposite directions across the back of the platform.
It's a very, very, merry, merry Christmas.
As they passed each other, everyone twirled clockwise around in sync with the background lyric, "Even better than the one before."
Gonna party on 'til Santa grants my wishes.
The pair crossed paths once more as the dancers twirled counterclockwise, singing, "Think he's knocking on my front door."
Striding up to the center of the platform together, they resembled a king and queen who were addressing their subjects.
Got my halo on, I know what I want,
It's who I'm with.
It's an extraordinary merry Christmas.
Artificial snow began drifting from the balconies to the floor in slow motion as James took Sonny's hand.
Won't you meet me by the tree?
Slip away so secretly.
From where Chad observed them in the crowd, he frowned slightly. He wasn't very fond of the way James was looking at Sonny. He was gazing at her with a lovestruck look in his eyes.
Can't you see how this could be
The greatest gift of all?
Glancing over at Chad, Chase saw the envy in his eyes. Following his gaze, he saw how happy Sonny looked up on the stage. "Ah, young love," he thought, smirking the slightest bit. "Well, jealousy is progress at least."
It's a very, very, merry, merry Christmas.
(Even better than the one before.)
Everyone paused in place, smiling widely and catching their breath, as the drumbeat ceased for a few moments.
Gonna stay with you 'til Santa grants my wishes.
(Think he's knocking on my front door.)
When the beat resumed, they continued their routine, perfectly in sync with each other.
Got my halo on, I know what I want,
It's who I'm with.
It's an extraordinary merry,
Joining in with the rest of them, Sonny let James guide her as they waltzed across the platform.
Very, very, merry, merry Christmas.
(Even better than the one before.)
At first, Sonny focused all of her attention on recalling the dance moves she had observed.
Gonna party on 'til Santa grants my wishes.
(Think he's knocking on my front door.)
Now, she genuinely smiled and let her figure skating instincts take over.
Got my halo on, I know what I want,
It's who I'm with.
The main pair ended up back in the center of the platform, but continued to spin and twirl in time with the music.
It's an extraordinary merry Christmas.
(Even better than the one before.)
Catching a glimpse at his eyes, Sonny saw how delighted James looked. She finally understood how vigorously they had all rehearsed, just for her.
It's a very, very, very, merry Christmas.
(Even better than the one before.)
Simultaneously, they all slowed to a standstill with huge grins plastered onto their faces, chorusing the final line together.
It's an extraordinary merry Christmas.
When the crowd applauded wildly, standing since they believed it was the final performance of the night.
Quieting them down, James said into his headset microphone, "Thank you, thank you. We actually have one more very special song for you guys. It's actually an original song written by Miss Sonny Munroe. I believe it's called, 'Sing My Song For You.'"
Grinning, he signaled for the stage crew to roll the piano back onto the stage. She stared at him, her mouth agape.
The audience clapped and took their seats as Sonny put her hand over her microphone and whispered to him, "What are you doing?"
"Just go with it. I've got everything planned out already," he whispered back, walking towards the piano.
Sliding onto the piano bench, he looked at her as she joined him reluctantly.
Once the entire Glee cast was settled onstage, including Darren and Chris Colfer, Sonny began playing her song.
Didn't know what to get you.
Ordinary just wouldn't do.
But I just found my perfect gift for you.
While she was Christmas shopping, Sonny had found perfect presents to give everyone, except for one person. She had absolutely no idea what to get him. Finally she just sat down in the recording studio and began playing, letting her emotions out. Often times, Sonny's happy place was Wisconsin. Every time she wrote a song, her mind immediately went to her idea of paradise.
I hear church bells ringing.
Carolers are singing harmony with me now.
You are looking so lovely.
Even if the lights go out…
Altogether, the massive group of singers chorused in a beautiful harmony.
We've got mistletoe and firelight,
On this cold December night.
More artificial snow rained down to the floor. This time around, the snow drifted all throughout the room and not just the stage area.
The snow outside will set the mood,
As I sing my song for you.
Closing her eyes and letting her fingers dance over the piano keys, Sonny smiled calmly, thinking about the person she had written the song for.
We've got mistletoe and firelight,
On this cold December night.
The person she thought about was also thinking. Looking to the balconies, the certain three-name blond internally wondered, "Seriously? More snow? How much of this stuff does Condor have?"
The snow outside will set the mood,
As I sing my song for you.
Sing my song…
Opening her eyes again, she peered over the piano at the bright and happy faces looking back at her. Locking eyes with the boy sitting next to her who sang the harmony of her song, she smiled warmly.
Sing my song for you.
As the song came to an end, the whole room burst into applause. The fangirls in their warm and cozy homes gushed over every little detail, from James' and Sonny's chemistry during the songs to Darren's mysterious messy hairdo.
Speaking into her microphone, Sonny said, "Thank you all so much for your amazing support! I'm honestly amazed by how much money we've raised tonight. Thank you for watching us all perform, whether it be physically here or at home on your TV. We wish you all the best in the year to come!"
"Happy holidays!" the rest of them chorused, waving to the cameras.
Once the cameras shut off for the last time, the lights brightened and everyone went back about their business.
Sonny stood up from her place at the piano and headed towards James and the Glee cast.
"Hi! I just want to thank you guys so much for rehearsing and performing so hard," she grinned.
"Hey, it's what we do!" Cory shrugged, grinning as he hugged her.
"Well, it was a lot of fun," Amber added with a big smile.
"Yeah," everyone nodded in agreement.
"Nevertheless, it was amazing. I never thought I'd ever be a part of something like this," she smiled shyly.
"Aww, come here," the hobbit grinned, hugging her tightly.
"Guys… Darren's finally made a friend that's shorter than him," Chris teased, causing them to laugh good-naturedly.
Chad watched as the group lingered on the stage, talking and laughing like a family.
Just then, he felt a tap on the shoulder and turned around. Meeting his gaze was a brunette girl with light brown eyes.
"I'm sorry for bothering you, but I've kind of been dying to meet you all night," she blurted, blushing crazily.
"It's alright," he replied with his signature smile. "What's your name?"
"Samantha Martin," she grinned.
"Well, Samantha Martin, why don't you have a seat?" he gestured to the empty chair across from him. He hadn't seen him leave, but he figured Chase went off to find Rider or one of the other guys. However, he had noticed that Sonny was on her way towards him.
Once she was seated he asked, "So, how are you?"
"Kind of starstruck," she smiled, biting her bottom lip gently.
Laughing, he smirked softly and said, "What brings you here to Condor's? Family member in the business?"
Shaking her head, she corrected him, "Boyfriend, actually. He's over there, talking to your friends." She nodded to a boy with jet black hair who resembled a rock drummer. "His mom starred in the latest action movie that Condor produced. I can't seem to recall the name…"
"Oh? I think I know the one you're talking about. It was pretty good," he nodded knowingly.
Letting his mind drift from the conversation a bit, he realized who Samantha reminded him of. Brunette hair, brown eyes. She made him think of Sonny. He wondered if she would end up with some punk rock drummer just like Samantha if he never made a move. "No, if she would end up with anyone else, it would be Conroy," a voice inside his head assured him, causing him to shudder internally. Time was running out for him. "Tick tock, Cooper…"
As Sonny approached the table, eager to ask Chad what he thought about her performance, she noticed the brunette girl sitting with him who appeared to be deep in conversation. Hesitating, she fled the area to search for her mother instead.
Thoughts ran through her mind faster than a New York subway. "Who was that girl? She was pretty. Of course she is, otherwise he wouldn't be talking to her. What do I do?" she contemplated. "It's simple, really. Do something or do nothing. Your choice, but you're running out of time. Tick tock, Allison," her conscience replied.
Dispelling the thoughts from her brain, she set her mind on finding her mom. Within the next five minutes, she spotted her at a table across the room, speaking to a man dressed in a brown jacket, white shirt, and red bowtie. Slowly, she approached the pair, reluctant to interrupt them.
"Oh! Hello, dear. Charles, this is my daughter, Sonny. Sonny, this is Charles Carson," Connie introduced.
As she shook his hand and smiled, Sonny asked, "Carson? Would you happen to be related to Demetri Carson? He was up on the stage earlier, playing guitar for some of my friends."
"Demetri? Yeah, he's my nephew. His father and I work for Mr. Condor," Charles smiled.
"Cool!" she grinned.
"Did you want something, Sonny? Or did you just come to say hi?" her mother asked.
"Oh, right. When do you think we should leave? I'm going to go find everyone and let them know."
Checking the time on her wristwatch, Connie replied, "11:00, maybe? So, about half an hour? That way we can beat out most of the traffic."
"Alright," Sonny nodded. "It was nice meeting you!" she smiled to Charles.
"It was nice meeting you too, Sonny," he nodded.
Sonny went about rounding everyone up to let them know when they would be leaving. Nearby where she'd spoken to her mother, Sonny informed Hannah, who was speaking intently with the Carson children's father, Cameron.
She found Cassie and Demetri at the same table they'd been at all evening, Zora and Audrey discussion pranks with some actors and actresses their age, and the Random boys with some teenage New Yorkers. She stopped Caleigh's game of tag for a few moments to let her know that they would be leaving soon, to which she nodded before running away.
She stopped by the Mackenzie Falls' boys table where Chase had his nose in a book while Rider texted and Luke and Logan were on the verge of falling asleep. Somewhere on the ballroom dance floor, she approached Tawni, Penelope, and Portlyn who were consumed in a gossip session with other snobby teen actresses who waved her off.
Unable to find Skyler anywhere, and procrastinating on approaching Chad and the mysterious girl, Sonny wandered down the hall until she found the Dalton Academy set. Inside, she caught a glimpse of the boys sitting on the leather couch, Darren's eyes closed with his head resting on Skyler's shoulder, their hands clasped together. When Skyler noticed his friend in the doorway, she whispered her announcement before slipping out of the room silently.
Heading back to the ballroom, she sighed before gathering the courage to find Chad.
"Um, hey," she greeted softly when she had reached the table.
"Oh hey, Sonny," he said submissively. "Sonny, this is Samantha Martin. Samantha, this is―"
"Sonny Munroe," she finished, grinning excitedly. "This is definitely the best night ever. Meeting Chad Dylan Cooper and now Sonny Munroe!"
Smiling kindly, Sonny replied, "Hello, Samantha."
"So, what's up, Sonny?" Chad asked, looking up at her.
"Just wanted to tell you that we're leaving in about ten minutes," she stated.
As Chad nodded, Samantha said, "Oh? Did you two come here together?"
"Well actually, we came here with our castmates, my mom, and his sisters and housekeeper," Sonny explained.
"Ahh, I see," she smiled sheepishly.
Before anyone could say another word, Sonny felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she was face to face with James again.
"Hey, Sonny," he met her with a smile.
"Hi, James," she said, blinking the feeling of tiredness away.
"I wanted to give you your Christmas present since I probably won't see you tomorrow," he explained as they walked towards a less crowded part of the room.
"Oh, you didn't have to get me anything. Performing tonight was more than I could've asked for already."
Shrugging, he pulled an envelope out of his jacket pocket and replied, "Yeah, well…"
Taking the envelope, she opened it slowly and pulled out two slips of paper.
"I got us two tickets to Phantom of the Opera on Broadway this Friday at 8:00 PM," he grinned, seeing the look of surprise on her face.
"Oh my gosh, James! This is unbelievable," she exclaimed, hugging him impulsively.
"I just knew you'd like it."
"You were correct on that one," she grinned.
"So, I assume you want to go?" he asked teasingly.
"Yes. I would love to," she smiled, rolling her eyes.
"Great! So it's a date."
Seeing her smile falter slightly, he said, "Okay, wrong choice of words. Either way, I'll pick you up at 7:00."
Nodding, she agreed, "Sounds good."
Seeing Zora waving, beckoning her to come with her, she said, "Well, I'd better go. I'll see you Friday."
"Yeah. Bye, Sonny," he nodded.
"Bye, James," she waved, advancing towards her friends.
Back with the main group, Cassie hugged her new friend tightly and said, "You better text me."
"Don't worry, I will," Demetri smiled as they pulled away.
His younger sisters and Caleigh giggled as they watched their older siblings.
Rolling her eyes, Dakota sighed, "Well, I'm just going to go now."
"Hey," Lexi said, causing her to pause. "If you ever get bored, I left our home phone number on that whiteboard upstairs. We're in New York during the school year, but we'll still be able to talk..."
Without turning around fully, she muttered, "Whatever," over her shoulder before exiting the room, passing a pair of boys on their way in.
"So… Coffee?" Darren asked, rubbing the back of his head, still not quite fully awake.
Smiling, he nodded, squeezing the other boy's hand. "Give me a call sometime tomorrow if you have a chance and we'll work it out."
"Alright, alright," Hannah said, clapping her hands together. "Let's get a move on. We've got to get going now if we want to beat traffic."
"Yeah! We have to get home before Santa Claus!" Caleigh chirped, pushing her brother by his back.
"You still believe in―" Lexi began in a skeptical tone before Demetri clapped his hand over her mouth.
"Thanks," Cassie whispered with a smile.
"No problem―Ugh, Lex!" he exclaimed, wiping his slobbery hand with a napkin from a nearby table as she grinned innocently.
Laughing out loud, Cassie followed her brother and sister, waving back at Demetri as she glanced over her shoulder.
Everyone trailed behind the Coopers, wanting to linger just a little bit longer. Sonny waved goodbye to her new friends from Glee before her mother prodded her along. Skyler gave the hazel eyed hobbit one last hug as Chase caught his elbow, pulling him away.
The last to exit the ballroom were the So Random boys who continually glanced back at their blond friend who was waiting patiently for a girl with sleek red hair to hand him a slip of paper. Each boy walked at a snail's pace in order to spy on the whole chat. Once they saw the girl hug him and then leave to find her friends, Grady coolly walked up to his friends.
"So?" Nico asked eagerly.
Once they had passed back through the entrance of the ballroom, he calmly held up the scrap of paper with ten numbers scribbled on it, saying, "Got it."
"Yeah, man!" Damien grinned, clapping his hand on his friend's back supportively as they grabbed their coats from the coatroom and ran after the rest of their group.
Immediately after arriving at the complex, Caleigh demanded that everyone go to sleep in order for Santa Claus to come. Everyone complied to keep the little girl happy and because they were all nearly ready to pass out. In fact, Logan and Luke collapsed onto the couch together the moment they had stepped out of the elevator. Within thirty minutes everybody was fast asleep, except for one dark brunette actress.
Her phone buzzed loudly on her nightstand, snapping her awake. She had gotten a text message from a boy across town.
Previously she had sent him, "Hey. Everything go as planned? She seems pretty happy."
Now, he replied with, "Yeah, pretty much. Almost had a minor setback, but I fixed it. Remind me not to use the word 'date' around her until after Friday."
Blinking confusedly, she asked, "What happened?" before shutting her eyes once again.
Almost an hour later, she opened her eyes, remembering that she had been talking to James. Unlocking her phone, she tapped on her messages and read, "Don't worry about it. All you need to know is that Chad will be yours after Friday night." Smiling softly, she set her phone back on the nightstand and snuggled down into the covers, satisfied with the day's work.
In the living room, the two boys were still fast asleep on the couch. Stirring slightly, Logan opened his eyes and looked around. As he rubbed his eyes, the younger boy's eyes fluttered open. Realizing that'd he had fallen asleep on Logan's shoulder, Luke blushed, thankful that the room was dark.
"Guess we'd better go to bed," the auburn haired boy remarked softly.
"Yeah," the platinum blonde agreed, standing up and holding his hand out towards Logan.
Smiling, Logan took his hand and stood up, putting his arm around the younger boy's shoulder. The still groggy pair slowly ambled towards the hallway. Pausing outside the doorway to their room, Logan glanced up to see mistletoe hanging above them. Following his gaze, Luke noticed the romance inducing garland and blushed an even deeper shade of red. Leaning down, the taller boy kissed him on the cheek before quietly opening the door and slipping in. Luke lingered in the hallway, speechless and hopelessly confused, bringing his hand to his tingling cheek.
Slowly and silently, Luke slipped into the room, shutting the door behind him. He sat patiently on the bed waiting for Logan to finish cleaning up. When Logan exited the bathroom, he saw Luke scribbling furiously in his notebook. Sitting on the other side of the bed, he softly whispered, "What are you writing in there?"
Jumping slightly, Luke shut the notebook and clutched it to his chest. "What? Oh, uh. Nothing," he said, feeling flustered. Sliding off of the bed, he dropped the notebook in his suitcase and picked up his pajamas, heading into the bathroom. A few minutes later, he emerged calmly and shut off the light. Silently, he crawled back into bed, turning on his iPod just loud enough for him to hear faintly and letting his mind plunge into thoughts of, "Why did he do that? Does he know? Please tell me he doesn't know. I don't even know for sure."
He lay awake for about fifteen minutes before feeling how heavy his eyelids were getting. Allowing to them droop, the last thing he remembered hearing was, "I don't know what to do, I think I'm falling for you…"
A/N: Luke and Logan think you should review this chapter. Mhm.