Find Yourself:
Ok so I know the transition between the 'filler' chapter and this is kind of awkward at best but like I said before 'Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night' is meant as a stand-alone and this chapter is being transitioned from the end of the actual chapter 24. That being said I hope you still like this verse as much as I love to write for it. Song excerpts in this chapter come from the song One Week by Barenaked Ladies. I thank my muse, Gina, and thoughts of a personal Karaoke bar experience for this choice…
--
It was Sunday night now and the plans were these. Kristina arrived at the Cohen-Chang household earlier in the afternoon to prep with Tina for their double date. After the date thanks in part to the fact that Monday was a school holiday she would also be spending the night with her gal pal.
Meanwhile at her own home it was announced that her mother and Burt had apparently had plans and so with her and Ethan unavailable Kurt and Molly would be spending the night together…god Kristina shuddered to think of what shenanigans those two could get into and she made sure she hid all copies of the Parent Trap before she had left.
-
Snapping into the now present moment however the doorbell to Tina's house echoed up the stairs as she watched Tina putting a final touch of make-up on her face.
"Are you sure I look all right," Tina asked with a nervous twinge in her voice.
This was her first real date and the fact that it was on Valentines Day of all days poised all kinds of pressure on her despite the fact that she knew going into it that nothing would come of her and Ethan Lovett…right?
Giving each other a final once over they headed downstairs and opened the door to see Ethan standing there.
Kristina looked over at her friend who was all dressed up for the occasion. Man he looked good.
--
Ethan's eyes fell upon the two young girls as they slipped on their jackets to mask their bare shoulders from the chill Ohio air.
Man he wished they were not jailbait.
"Wow" was the word that simply rolled off of his lips in his sleek accent.
Kristina grinned.
"You don't look so bad yourself," Kristina spoke back to him as she watched his eyes gaze in Tina's direction.
He silently was sizing her up with his eyes while she was trying not to blush.
"So," he spoke breaking the silence, "do you two lovelies know where this restaurant is."
Tina nodded as she had been living in the small town for the better part of her life.
"Good then you can ride shotgun," he said grinning as Tina let our a little giggle not knowing what was coming over her making her so…girlie.
--
After riding in Alexis's car (as she was out with Burt and Ethan was too young to rent his own ride) the threesome arrived to the small restaurant where their date was to be set.
Entering the place they instantly spotted Artie who was waiting for them.
Kristina eyed her date who like Ethan was all cleaned up for the occasion.
Her lips turned to a smile as his eyes took in his date's full appearance, especially as she took off her jacket.
He began from below, the way her red heels accentuated her perfect legs, her skirt hem dancing just above her knees and clinging to her every curve from there. Her long brown hair was twisted back in an up do and her lips sparkled a bright crimson color.
She was a vision, a goddess, and he couldn't believe that a beauty like this had fallen for him.
"This is for you," he spoke as his mouth turned into a grin.
Kristina looked at the stuffed teddy bear that was handed to her and smiled before leaning over to kiss him gently on the cheek before they were brought over to their table.
--
The restaurant in question wasn't fancy by any means but this was a small town where the pickings for a perfect date were slim. Sure there was the usual places like the Bowling Ally or the Movie Theater, and more upscale was the restaurant at the hotel downtown. However this small Italian joint that the foursome was in was both a mixture of classy and trendy at the same time.
-
Arriving at their table the waiter, a young man who from the look on his face loathed the fact that he had to spend the evening serving all these happy couples eyed them down.
"Since your minors I guess you don't need to see our wine list," he spoke with an edge in his voice.
Ethan pondered if he should speak up and say he was of age but thought that was a mute point.
Instead it was Kristina who spoke up.
"No, we don't need the wine list."
The man nodded as he looked from one person to another as he took their drink orders and went on his way.
As the man left Artie reached over and gently placed his hand on Kristina's.
"I guess some people can't be as in love as us."
Shaking her head she agreed as they watched Tina and Ethan who were sitting on the other side of the table and were in the midst of perusing the menu.
"So," Ethan said, "do we all want to get something to split to start or…"
Eyes drifted to one another as they made a decision.
"I'm fine with that, though nothing with garlic," Kristina said.
"Why?" Tina asked before looking toward her best guy friend, "Never mind."
Giggles soon rang out however they were cut short, as they needed to decide what it was they were going to order.
"How about the calamari."
Tina rolled her eyes.
"What is it," Kristina asked.
"Squid, really."
Shaking her head Kristina realized that the pallets of the young adults of Lima just might not of been as advanced as a girl who had grown up in New York, especially to a girl whose father as monstrous as he was, had been an exquisite cook of Italian cuisine and a guy who had traveled to numerous places in his short twenty-one years of life (even if said travel was in the form of being a con man and grifter)
"I've seen you eating Sushi before Tina," Artie comment matter of factly. He hadn't commented about the interesting food choice Ethan had suggested so Kristina had simply assumed that her thoughts were wrong and her boyfriend's culinary pellet was more advanced then she thought.
"California Rolls don't count Artie," she simply replied before curving her face to a smile.
It was then that the waiter arrived with their drinks, asking them if they were planning on getting any appetizers or if they were simply ready to order.
The trio eyed Tina who simply shrugged her shoulders.
"We'll have an order of the calamari," was Ethan's reply.
Nodding the waiter walked away to put the order in.
"If I get sick it's your fault," Tina spoke poking an accusatory finger at the trio she was with.
--
"So," Ethan said smiling, "I know I said this the other night but you guys were simply brilliant Friday night."
Tina couldn't help but blush a bit even though she didn't have any solos in that particular performance while Kristina and Artie looked to one another and grins crossed both of their lips.
"Thanks," Kristina said, "I was all kinds of nervous."
"Well you didn't show it Kristina, you were a natural performer."
She grinned.
"That's what Rachel said, though I think now she's intimidated by me."
"Rachel's intimidated by anyone she thinks is a threat, did anyone tell you about the time back in September when she walked out on glee cause Mr. Schuster wanted to give me solo."
Kristina was not that shocked in hearing about he brunette's diva behavior.
"She later came back and made Mr. Schuster explicitly promise her the exclusives to sing the Maria part in any other number from West Side Story that New Directions does until either she graduates or Schuster steps down as faculty advisor, whatever comes first," the young girl continued, "that being said I have done a few solos since then with no complaints."
"Wow," was all Ethan could say when he heard this.
"I know I'm not Puck's biggest fan since he used to be the premier bully at McKinley before he joined glee but I'd like to know what he sees in Rachel sometimes," Artie asked.
Kristina grinned.
"Well they do say opposites attract."
Ethan smiled thinking of some couples back in Port Charles who fit that bill to a tee.
"Like Spinelli and Maxie," he said.
Kristina nodded thinking of the young couple and the way Ethan sang at their non-wedding and decided to shift the subject back to music.
"You know, Ethan is a pretty decent singer as well."
He blushed.
He knew he shouldn't have brought up the young couple, as he kind of knew that Kristina's mind would drift back to that summer.
However before they could finish the conversation the waiter showed back up at the table with their appetizer.
"So, are you ready to order your entrées yet or do you need more time."
They all shook their heads denoting that they were ready and placed orders.
And then the moment of truth came as Tina looked over at the plate of the fried substance that was placed before her and began to wriggle her nose.
Were those actual tentacles that were on the plate?
"Ladies first," Ethan said as he smiled pushing the plate in his dates direction telling her that the very tentacle pieces that she was grossed out about were in his opinion the best.
Picking up one of those pieces in that moment she sucked in a deep breath.
'Here goes nothing,' she thought to herself as she popped the piece of food in her lips.
Her three companions watched her face as she ate trying to read her reaction.
"So T how was it," Artie asked.
Swallowing the last bite she took a sip of her water and smiled.
"Better then I thought," she replied grabbing another piece as they all began to let out a chorus of laughter.
These laughs began to be broken as Kristina's eyes looked to the opposite side of the room where a stage had been sitting.
An evil glint crossed her eyes.
The others soon noticed that her eyes had been wandering to where on the stage something was being set up. An open mic or something.
"What's going on mate," Ethan asked as he waved one of the busboys over to their table for a second.
"Karaoke," the man simply replied walking away.
It was now Ethan who had a wicked glint in his eyes as he looked in Artie's direction and winked.
Artie, though he didn't know the young Australian that well seemed to be reading his mind as he gave him an inconspicuous nod.
--
The meal came as the foursome continued to talk to one another.
Tina was hitting it off with Ethan, Ethan was really enjoying the young girls presence silently wishing that age and distance were not an object as he defiantly would of considered going out with her again without the presence of the two lovebirds that were also in his company.
Ethan and Tina could of sworn that if Artie had been physically able to than he and Kristina would have been playing footsie the whole evening under the table.
Since that wasn't the case however the duo spent most of the time hand holding and nuzzling one another.
-
Moments passed now when suddenly Artie excused himself for a moment with Ethan insisting that he had to go as well.
This turn of events caused the two girls to look over at one another.
"I thought it was girls that always went to the bathroom with one another," Kristina said.
Tina simply shrugged her shoulders when a guy headed over to the mic that was placed on the center of the stage.
"I can't believe that we'd actually have a victim tonight since it's Valentines Day… but we do, in fact we have two victims."
The ladies looked at one another seemingly knowing the names that the MC was going to say next.
"Artie Abrams and Ethan Lovett"
Yep they were right.
--
The two young women watched as their respective dates made their way onto the stage looking out at the crowd in their direction.
The girls met their gaze with a huge smile as they watched the young men grab mics and the music started to play as the guys began to sing (Ethan first) alternating the stanzas as they went:
It's been one week since you looked at me
Cocked your head to the side
and said I'm angry
Five days since you laughed at me saying
Get that together come back and see me
Three days since the living room,
I realized its all my fault, but couldn't tell you
Yesterday you'd forgiven me
But it'll still be two days till I say I'm sorry
Both girls instantly recognized the song and let their attention fall upon their dates hamming it up on the stage, listening as Artie sang a string of the fast paced lyrics:
Hold it now and watch the hoodwink
As I make you stop, think
You'll think you're looking at Aquaman
I summon fish to the dish,
Although I like the Chalet Swiss
I like the sushi
Cause its never touched a frying pan
He then paused to let Ethan take over:
Hot like wasabe when I bust rhymes
Big like Leann Rimes
Because I'm all about value
Bert Kaempferts got the mad hits
You try to match wits
You try to hold me but I bust through
Both guys looked at one another now grinning as they belted out the next round of lyrics in a simultaneous fashion:
Gonna make a break and take a fake
Id like a stinkin, achin shake
I like vanilla, Its the finest of the flavors
Gotta see the show,
Cause then you'll know
The Vertigo is gonna grow
Cause its so dangerous,
You'll have to sign a waiver
Artie went on to sing:
How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad
Trying hard not to smile though I feel bad
Followed by Ethan:
I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral
Cant understand what I mean?
Well, you soon will
Artie then continued with:
I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
While Ethan sang:
I have a history of taking off my shirt
It was amusing to say the least to watch the two very different guys perform to say the least though both girls were totally and utterly impressed. Not only did the two harmonize rather well with one another's vocal tones but the way they sung the words without much stumbling (ok so the lyrics WERE in front of their faces) was defiantly a sight to see.
As the two boys went on both their dates and the crowd had defiantly been going into it and soon they were both singing (and the crowd along with them)
It'll still be two days till we say were sorry
It'll still be two days till we say were sorry
Birchmount Stadium, home of the Robbie
Applause rang out from the young couples at the restaurant as countless women could be seen whispering to their husbands and boyfriends asking them to go up and sing however the eyes and thoughts of the four young adults were lost in a bubble that was all their own.
Kristina instantly tossed her arms around Artie and gave him a kiss as she told him how great the performance was before turning to Ethan telling him he wasn't half bad either.
Tina who didn't have as intimate a relationship with Ethan still couldn't help but be in the moment and tossed her arms around him as well telling him he did good.
"If you were still in High School I'd totally rally for Mr. Schuster to have you join glee…" Tina covered her mouth shocked she just said that though she was relieved when Ethan simply laughed.
"If I was still in High School I'd gladly relocate here to Lima and join your glee club."
"Why don't you move to Lima though, seriously," Kristina said as she was met with his curious gaze, "I mean Kurt's dad owns a garage I'm sure he'd give you a job and we have an extra room at our place and it'll be fun."
He let out a laugh.
"As much as I know it would be I can't," he replied as the waiter came by and placed dessert on the table.
The guys looked at their dates.
"I ordered while you disappeared," Kristina replied and they nodded.
--
Sitting now at the table talking of anything and everything Kristina decided to speak up at random.
"These cannoli are good but I can do better."
"You cook?" Tina asked.
"I thought you said your mother was a notoriously bad cook and you mostly ate take out, pop corn, and frozen meals at the Davis home," Artie said.
"Trust me Alexis is a horrible cook," Ethan said, "but Kristina…"
Flashing Ethan a grin she went on.
"I've learnt a few things from my father and grandfather."
Both of the friends she had only recently met looked at her wondering why this was one of the first times she mentioned her father other then that story on that first day of glee where she spoke of her fathers fear of choirs.
"So is your father a chef?" Tina asked as Ethan tried not to choke on the drink he just took a sip of.
Obviously Kristina never mentioned Sonny to her friends, a definite good thing considering.
She shook her head.
"No, just a good cook, though my grandfather does run a local diner back where I came from."
Tina and Artie just nodded, no more questions asked thankfully as Kristina promised that one day she'd cook for them.
Both Artie and Tina smiled at this notion.
Soon the check came and the gang all decided to split the bill four ways seeing as they all picked on each other's meals anyway and headed out to the front of the building.
Artie's father had yet to arrive and so Tina and Ethan excused themselves and headed to the car to give the couple some alone time feeling a small tinge of regret that they were there sharing in the first date of their friends.
"So," Artie and Kristina spoke at once.
They did that all the time it seemed and like Kristina predicted after the laughter subsided Artie motioned for her to speak first.
"So, is this how you thought our first date would go."
His lips curved into a smile as he thought about the night.
The way she looked, the food, the company, the impromptu performance, it was defiantly a memorable night.
"Well not the singing," he said trying to repress laughter.
"Not the singing," she replied nodding at his comment before they leaned over for a kiss.
As they pulled back he placed his hands into his pocked and flashed her a dreamy look.
"So, I know Ethan is only in town till Tuesday but there is no school tomorrow and I was wondering if you had any plans…"
"Are you asking me out on a second date already?"
He grinned.
He wasn't thinking about an actual second date in that moment but he decided he'd roll with it as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Well I'm spending the night at Tina's and other then that I don't know, I mean Puck came over yesterday and he and Ethan were talking about a poker game or something."
She paused as an imaginary light bulb popped up above her head as she had a brainstorm.
"You should come over too, heck I can call Kurt and Finn and maybe they can get Mike or Matt and you could make it a total guys day or something."
Artie rolled his eyes.
He really wasn't so sure of that.
Ok so Kurt was his friend though he didn't fancy himself one of the guys, and Ethan was great he really was. But the thought of spending time with Finn, Puck, Mike, and Matt more so then he had to be kind of weirded him out ever so slightly. It's not that the jocks were bad people it was more that he was just getting used to the idea that they were now acquaintances of his.
"I was kind of thinking about hanging out with you and not just the guys."
"Well if you don't mind sharing me you can come over and maybe we can watch some DVD's or something."
As his father's van pulled up he smiled.
"I don't mind sharing you at all."
Telling him she'd call him when she arrived back home the following day they embraced one more time as Kristina made her way to where Ethan and Tina were sitting in the car becoming immersed in each others conversation while they were waiting for her.
--
TBC
Ok so the chapter end fell flat but I wanted to update before I went to bed. Ok so next chapter is going to be members of the gang hanging out at Casa De Davis so any ideas for interactions loved. Then comes Tuesday at school where there is a shift in the wind and the plotline begins to move toward Regionals… also if you like this piece feel free to check out my first multi chaptered solo glee piece 'Night 2 Remember'