It was just another beautiful day in LA as Darren headed out to his car. He couldn't help feeling chipper. He'd finally scored a gig on Glee after trying out so many times. His new character, Blaine, was debuting today at rehearsals and he couldn't wait. He'd been on the phone this morning to his folks, and had explained his new role...well, as much as he knew of it. A high school student in an all boys preppy school. A high school student who may or may not be a little bit gay.
Growing up in San Francisco, he'd had plenty of chances to interact with "alternative" lifestyles, but he had to admit he was a little nervous. Not because he had to "play gay", but because he had a sneaking suspicion that Ryan Murphy had plans up his sleeve involving a guy called Chris Colfer. Never one for labels, Darren had always been cautious with his private life. Never referring to himself as "gay" or "straight"-he preferred the fluidity of sexuality. Not saying the he was a man ho, just a guy that knew what he liked. And it didn't necessarily have anything to do with gender. He'd experimented through school, but was never open about it. Private life was just that. Private. And he intended to keep it that way.
Heading onto the freeway to the studio, he cranked the windows down and the stereo up. Katy Perry blasted out of the speakers as he sang along. A song he had never really liked much, but now it was going to be his introduction to the world of Glee. It was funny how life worked sometimes.
Pulling up to the studio, he rummaged through his glove box to find his pass. This still felt so surreal. Like being the new kid at school when everyone is a couple years ahead of you. Lifting his sunglasses onto the top of his head, he flashed his biggest smile at the security guy in his booth and handed over the pass. "Welcome to the set Mr Criss. Head to the bottom of the parking lot, and follow the signs to the trailers. You should find yours no worries, but there will be heaps of folk around to show you the way. Have a great day!" Darren thanked him, waited for the barriers to lift, and drove onto the lot.
The security dude wasn't wrong. The place was buzzing. This was going to be the 6th episode of the season so far, so the regular cast were back up to speed and in the swing of things. He spotted Amber and Lea heading into their trailer and nearly swerved off the road. He needed to play it cool. He was "one of them" now...weird.
Pulling into an empty space, he rolled the windows up and sat in silence for a moment, composing himself. He could do this. It would be a breeze. Right?! "Deep breaths Darren. Just breath." Repeating the mantra, he opened the door a little too excitedly and jumped out of the car...straight into some guy walking past. "Oh shit! Dude, I'm sorry. You all good?" Standing upright after bending to collect his notebook, the stranger turned toward Darren. Shit. Chris Colfer himself. Great work Darren. Way to go. "You must be Darren" smiled the not-so-stranger. "I'm Chris. I hear we're going to be working together. Nice of you to jump right on in with the introductions" Chris grinned at him, stretching his hand out towards Darren who was still staring like an idiot. Did Chris look this good on TV? He couldn't be sure. But man, those eyes..."Stop it. It's day one Darren. Behave yourself". Once he'd finished giving himself a stern talking to, he offered his hand in return. "Darren Criss. Nice to meet you in person. You know, rather than on the TV or internet. Not that I watch you on the internet. Dammit. Man, I'm sorry, I babble when I'm nervous...you'll get used to it". Chris couldn't help but laugh-he'd heard Darren be compared to an over zealous Labrador puppy before-with the big brown eyes and super over excited personality...he could see the similarities.
"So, do you know where you are going?" asked Chris. "No, not really" said Darren. "Could you point me in the direction of my trailer? Man that sounds so crazy...like, I have a trailer. Insane". Allowing Chris to take the lead, Darren locked his car and followed behind him toward the trailers. "This is you I think". Chris motioned to a smaller trailer ahead of them. "Awesome. Thanks man. I guess I'll see you in there? The set I mean, not the trailer. Not that you can't come in if you want to. You know, I just mean..." "I get it" laughed Chris. "It's all good. See you in 30?" With that, Chris left, leaving Darren to head into the trailer, sit on the couch and call himself an idiot. Over and over again.