Woo, I made it to chapter 30! Hope no one is tired of me yet :)
If not, then reviews are great motivators to make me update!
The first few weeks weren't the best, but once they passed, senior year began to flow as it should. For the most part, Jeff seemed to have gotten over Zeus's death (as far as Nick could tell) and carried on as a council member. None of the Warblers brought up his little episode during the second Warbler's meeting, thankfully for him.
They held auditions for solos as planned. Nearly every single Warbler auditioned and the council came to the unanimous decision that Sebastian was their best bet as their soloist for sectionals.
They announced it at the next Warbler's meeting.
"Auditions were held two weeks ago, as you all know," Thad began the meeting. "The council discussed it, and we have decided that Warbler Sebastian Smythe will take over as the soloist for sectionals this year."
The room applauded their congratulations and hopeful's smothered their disappointment at being passed by. Sebastian, who was sitting on the arm of one of the sofas beside Jon, looked completely surprised. "Me?"
"We believe you are our best shot at winning sectionals," Thad answered. "Congratulations. The council will come up with a set list soon and we'll inform you what songs you'll perform."
Sebastian shook his head. "I really don't think I was the best," he protested. "May I suggest giving the solo to somebody else?"
Thad blinked and glanced between Jeff and Nick uncertainly. Nobody ever rejected a solo, so this was very much unheard of. "Er. Do you have anyone in particular in mind?"
"Yes, actually," Sebastian said confidently. "Everyone here has incredible singing voices, but I think Nick deserves this solo." He looked to where Nick sat at the council table with a white smile.
Nick sat up with surprise. "What?" He was the last person he expected Sebastian to name!
Sebastian nodded assertively. "He was awesome! Who agrees?" He directed the question at the room. There was a murmur of agreement in response, and Sebastian added, "Who thinks Nick should get the solo?"
Everybody raised their hands. Thad laughed awkwardly. "This is a first. It looks like the council has been overridden." He looked to Nick. "What do you think, Nick? Want to take the solo?"
It seemed like an odd response considering the circumstances, but Nick suddenly felt intensely embarrassed. "Erm, I uh. . . I-I don't know what to say," he stammered. His face felt hot and he was afraid of just how noticeably he was blushing right now. He wasn't used to having so much attention drawn to himself all at once.
"Say yes!" Jeff urged from where he sat at Thad's other side.
"You should," Thad agreed. "Sebastian's right. You're awesome. I think you'd be perfect for a solo at sectionals." He grinned.
Nick smiled self-consciously and said, "How can I say no?" Not that he didn't want a solo—every Warbler wanted a solo—but he honestly didn't think for a moment that he'd actually get one.
"Great!" Thad grabbed the gavel and struck it once against the sound block. "It's decided. Warbler Nick Romano will be our soloist at sectionals."
The room applauded enthusiastically and Nick looked down at the tabletop to cover up his embarrassment. Thad congratulated him and quickly brought the meeting back under control. "Now that that's settled. . ." He looked to Jeff. "Will you announce the dance choreographers?"
"Ah, yeah," Jeff said distractedly. He shuffled through the papers in front of him until he found what he was looking for. "To help me with the choreography, I chose three of our best dancers—Trent, Jon, and Sebastian."
"Alright," Thad said. He rapped the gavel. "You three will work on the choreography with Jeff. Congratulations."
With that decided, the meeting was quickly wrapped up. Thad dismissed soon after and everybody gathered up to leave. Nick and Jeff walked out together and headed for the parking lot where Jeff's car was parked.
"So, you got the solo!" Jeff exclaimed when the left the choir room. "Congratulations!"
Nick smiled vaguely. "Thanks. . . It was really nice of Sebastian to give up the solo. He deserves it more than I do."
"Nonsense," Jeff protested. "You're amazing. We've got sectionals in the bag!"
Nick looked to the ground, blushing yet again. Jeff said, "And there's the blush again!"
Nick shoved Jeff playfully. "Shut up. I'm embarrassed enough without you pointing it out," he said. "Is it really that obvious?"
Jeff grinned. "Right now? Nah. But in the choir room. . . Well, let's just say it wasn't exactly subtle."
"Well, you know I'm socially inept. I can't handle being the center of attention, especially when I least expect it."
"You're on the council. You're always the center of attention," Jeff pointed out.
"Not completely. You and Thad share the spotlight with me then," Nick pointed out.
"Well, you're the center of attention when you sing," Jeff said. "You handle that perfectly fine."
"That's different," Nick answered. "Singing is nothing like social conversation. People just listen when I sing—they don't ask questions or try to talk to me, so I don't have to come up with responses that only ever make me come off as socially awkward and weird."
"Aw, I don't think you're weird at all," Jeff said. He leaned over and kissed Nick on the cheek.
Nick smiled at his boyfriend playfully. "Maybe you're just weird, too."
"That's probably true," he agreed jokingly.
Nick laughed quietly at that. "So, it looks like Sebastian is quite the powerhouse," Nick said randomly. "He's a great singer and one of our best dancers, according to you."
"Yeah. He may even be better than me," Jeff said. "I haven't seen enough to tell."
"Well, we'll probably see eventually." Nick stopped at the exit doors. "Wait. Crap, I think I left my binder in the choir room," he said as he checked his bag. "Wait here, I'll just run and get it." He didn't wait for a response before turning back for the choir room at a brisk walk.
When he entered the choir room, he found it wasn't empty. Sebastian was still here, as was Trent. Sebastian stood by the coffee table while Trent sat at one of the sofas. When Nick entered the room, Trent nearly jumped out of his seat with a look of terrified surprise.
"Are you okay, Trent?" Nick asked concernedly, stopping just in the doorway. "Is something wrong?" He glanced warily at Sebastian.
"I was just asking the same thing," Sebastian said smoothly. "Trent seemed upset, so I decided to stay behind and talk to him."
Trent nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yes, that's all. D-don't worry," he stammered. His voice shook and his body was trembling uncontrollably, which made Nick think otherwise.
Nick ignored his binder, which was lying at the council table, and instead moved across the room to sit beside Trent. "You look like you're having a panic attack," he pointed out gently. He placed a hand on Trent's shoulder and felt just how badly he was shaking.
"No, I-I-I'm fine!" Trent protested, except his breathing was becoming faster and faster to the point where he was gasping for breath.
"You're hyperventilating," Nick said calmly. "Concentrate on your breathing. Try to slow down your breaths to one every five seconds, and breathe through your nose."
Trent did as he said and didn't protest again. It seemed to be working a little—he at least stopped gasping. Nick rubbed his back comfortingly. Trent ran his fingers through his neatly gelled hair stressfully and said weakly, "I feel like I'm dying."
"You're not," Nick assured. "Just breathe. Do you have asthma?" Trent shook his head and Nick said, "Then you're okay. Try to think of something positive. Relax your muscles."
Sebastian just stood by and watched without a word. Trent seemed to be coming around fast, thankfully, and within two minutes, his breathing sounded about normal.
It wasn't long before Jeff wandered into the room, no doubt wondering what was taking Nick so long. He noticed Trent and Nick and asked, "What's going on?"
"I think Trent's having a panic attack," Nick answered quietly. "But I think he's doing better now. . ."
Trent nodded. "Y-yeah. I'm feeling a little better," he mumbled. "Thanks Nick. You sure know what you're doing."
"I have panic disorder," Nick confessed. "So I have way too much experience with panic attacks."
"Do you need a ride home?" Jeff asked Trent.
Trent shook his head. "No, it's alright."
"How do you plan on getting home?"
"I usually walk, it's just right around the corner," Trent answered. "I don't want to put you out of your way. . ."
"It's really no problem for me, actually," Jeff insisted.
"We're not leaving you alone," Nick said resolutely. "Jeff will drive you home. Come on." He stood up and pulled Trent to his feet.
Sebastian followed them out of the choir room door. "Hey, Trent," he said. He patted the round-faced Warbler's back and said, "Feel better. I'll see you tomorrow at Warbler practice." With that, he waved and set off in the opposite direction.
When they reached the parking lot, Nick asked, "Can you tell me why you had a panic attack?"
Trent shook his head. "No," he said. "It's. . . um, it's personal."
"Did it have anything to do with Sebastian?" Nick asked.
"No," Trent answered confidently. "He was just trying to help me."
Nick nodded. He didn't think Sebastian would have anything to do with this, but anything was possible. Jeff fished his car keys from his blazer pockets and unlocked the car doors. Nick and Trent each took a backseat and Jeff, of course, got in the driver's side.
Trent gave Jeff the directions to his house and the car ride there was spent with Trent and Nick quietly talking in the back seat.
"So, you said you had 'panic disorder'?" Trent asked carefully. "What is that?"
"It's an anxiety disorder," Nick answered casually. "Basically, I'm susceptible to panic attacks. I used to have several of them a day before I was diagnosed and went to therapy. Now, I might get one or two every month, sometimes less."
"I didn't know that," Trent said. "It sounds awful."
"I don't tell many people about it," Nick admitted. "But I guess you and Sebastian both know about it now." Trent frowned and Nick said quickly, "Oh, but don't worry. It wasn't a secret or anything. I just never have any reason to tell anyone about it."
Trent nodded. To Jeff, he said, "Take a right turn here. My house is the third one on the left side of the street."
Jeff followed Trent's direction and parallel parked in front of Trent's house. "Here we are!" he said.
"Thanks a bunch, Jeff," Trent said sincerely as he unbuckled his seatbelt and opened his car door. "I hope I didn't put you out of your way too much. . ."
"Nah, I'm not in any rush to get home," Jeff said. "It's no problem."
Nick unbuckled his own seatbelt as Trent climbed out of the car. "I'll see you guys tomorrow," Trent said. "Thanks again, Nick."
"Happy to help," Nick answered. "Bye, Trent." Trent shut his car door and Nick got out of the car to take the empty front seat beside Jeff. As soon as he was seated and had his seatbelt buckled, Jeff reached over and slipped his hand around Nick's.
"I love having you next to me," Jeff said with a small smile.
Nick returned the smile and said, "Me too." He leaned over to kiss Jeff before he put the car back in drive and started for home.
They held hands throughout the whole rest of the car ride. Nick couldn't imagine having a better boyfriend.
. . .
Trent was acting peculiarly.
Ever since the panic attack, he seemed excessively wary of everyone and everything. He became very jumpy and never made eye-contact with anyone if possible and he spent a lot of time plastered to Sebastian's right side, along with Jon. They became a very unusual trio—the extremely flirty Sebastian, the overconfident Jon, and the timid Trent.
Trent didn't speak to Nick or Jeff much since the panic attack, and when he did, it was usually strictly Warblers business. Neither of them thought too much of it, though—it wasn't like either of them were very close to Trent in the first place.
Soon, a quiet-yet-popular Flint was added to the unusual trio to create an even more unusual quartet of sorts.
Warbler's practices went smoothly for a couple weeks. The choreography was coming along well, the set list was decided, and they were on their way to sectionals.
Then, Thad began to act strangely. His poised confidence and assertiveness disappeared all of the sudden. Every decision he made was made with an air of uncertainty. He started avoiding Nick, and the few times they did speak, Thad seemed immensely uncomfortable.
Nick couldn't help but wonder if he'd done something wrong or offended Thad somehow. They were great friends just days ago, and now he couldn't even talk to his fellow councilman without getting the feeling that Thad wanted away from him. When Nick asked him what was wrong, Thad denied that there was any problem and either changed the subject or made an excuse to leave.
Nick soon realized just what had gotten into Thad.
It was like any other Thursday. Nick was home after school working on homework when there was a knock at his door. He got up and went to answer the door, half-expecting it to be Jeff, but was surprised to find Sebastian at his doorstep.
"Oh, Sebastian," he greeted with surprise. "What's up? I didn't know you knew where I lived. . ."
"Oh, I knew Jeff's address, and it came up in a conversation once that you lived behind him," Sebastian said casually. "I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by to say hey."
"Is that all?" Nick asked.
"Well, not entirely," Sebastian admitted. "I was actually hoping that you might be able to help me out with my Italian homework. I didn't much understand today's lesson, and well, I figured since you're such a pro, you could help me out. So what do you say?" He smirked and said, "How about a little one-on-one study session?" He winked.
"Sure," Nick said. "As long as it's really just a study session and nothing more." It was sometimes hard to tell with Sebastian.
"Of course," he answered. "You know I kid."
And so Nick let Sebastian into his home. They went to Nick's bedroom and worked on homework together. It was as innocent as you'd expect, aside from a few flirtatious remarks made by Sebastian, but that was just the way he was. He flirted with everyone so Nick didn't take him seriously.
Nick left the room once to get drinks—iced tea—per Sebastian's request. But when he returned, Sebastian was suddenly in a rush to leave. "My mom texted. She wants me home so I can let the dogs outside since she's working late. But I'll see you tomorrow." With that, he gathered up his school things and left.
It wasn't until the next morning that Nick discovered Sebastian's ulterior motive. He was stopped in the parking lot just before school started by the tall, meerkat-faced Warbler. He said nothing and merely reached inside his blazer to pull out a notebook. He waved it at Nick. "Remember this thing?"
Nick's entire body went ice cold. He recognized the composition notebook only too well, with its tattered edges, bent corners, and wrinkled pages. It was his old therapy journal he used to keep back in 7th and 8th grade. He wrote everything in there—including in-depth details about his depression, suicidal thoughts, and deepest secrets.
Why did Sebastian have it!
Nick couldn't speak. He could only stare, horrified, at his darkest possession, now held tauntingly in Sebastian's hand.
"Ah, it seems like you recognize it!" Sebastian sneered. "Your hiding place wasn't really original, tucked behind the books on your bookshelf. It was one of the first places I checked." He flipped through the pages uncaringly. "It's a good read. This journal is a lot like you, really. It seemed unremarkable and boring on the outside, but when you start to delve into it, you find things you would have never expected."
Good read? What and insensitive jerk! Nick wrote about his suicide attempt in that journal, and Sebastian thought it was a good read?
Still, Nick was too petrified to speak. He seemed to have forgotten how. His heart pounded against his ribcage like a caged bird.
"I take it you would just hate for anyone to know what you've written in here," Sebastian drawled on. "I know I would."
"What?" Nick managed to get out. "Are you. . .threatening me?"
"Look who catches on fast!" Sebastian chimed patronizingly, a snake-like grin plastered to his face.
"But why?" Nick demanded desperately.
Sebastian gave a soft laugh and tucked Nick's journal away in his satchel. "That's what the others said. Trent was especially pathetic. You're all just so naïve."
"Why?" Nick demanded more strongly.
"I need to make sure no one questions me," Sebastian stated casually. "I need an absolute, unquestioning following so the other's don't doubt me. And that following is you, Thad, Trent, Flint, and Jon."
No one on that list was less than a junior. So he went for all the central members, except. . . "Not Jeff?" he said without thinking.
"No," Sebastian spat as if the idea itself was repulsive. "Why would I want that blundering idiot anywhere near me? He's too stupid and empty-headed for me to even bother with."
Against the urge to defend Jeff to Sebastian, Nick was relieved. Jeff wasn't being blackmailed. He was safe.
"Then what do you want from me?"
"Not much," Sebastian answered dismissively. "Your secrets will be safe with me just as long as you give me your complete and unquestioning loyalty."
"That's it?" Nick said. So, what? A solo at regionals? Deciding on the Warbler's set list? If that was all, then this should be simple enough.
"Yep, that's it," Sebastian answered. "So, are you in?"
Nick scowled. "It's not like I have another choice," he muttered.
Sebastian smirked. "Excellent."
. . .
The next day, Sebastian called for a Warbler's meeting after school with his little group of blackmailed 'followers.'
Nick really didn't want to go. Ever since his encounter with Sebastian in the parking lot, he felt like he was constantly fighting an anxiety attack. In Warbler's practices, Nick could scarcely meet Sebastian's eyes without feeling a sudden rush of horrible panic.
This first meeting was incredibly awkward and uncomfortable. Nick sat in his usual seat at the council table and stared at the table. Thad sat where Jeff normally sat, leaving the middle chair empty. Trent lingered fearfully in the back of the room. Flint sat at one sofa, face buried in a book that he probably wasn't reading a word of.
They all knew why they were here. No doubt, everyone was wondering the same thing: What was Sebastian blackmailing the others with? What could innocent Trent possibly have to hide? What had Sebastian dug up on Thad? What dark secret did Flint have to hide?
If they were lucky, none of them had to find out.
Sebastian entered the room with Jon at his side. "Alright, let's get this meeting together," Sebastian announced. Jon sat across from Flint on the other sofa and Sebastian remained standing. "I've called you here to discuss our first order of business—the council."
Thad went white and Nick felt himself tense up. "What about the council?" he asked warily.
"Jeff is on it," Sebastian spat matter-of-factly. "Why you guys voted him onto the council in the first place is beyond me."
"You want us to kick Jeff off the council?" Nick gasped in disbelief.
"Yes, and vote me in his place," Sebastian confirmed with an evil smirk. "Let's face it—the kid is useless. He never has an intelligent thing to say, he can't sing, and he follows Nick around blindly like a lost puppy. The only talent I've seen in him is his dancing, and even that need serious improvement."
It took all of Nick's willpower to stay silent. The fear probably helped, too, but Nick wanted nothing more than to speak up and defend his boyfriend. Jeff could sing, he was definitely smart, and he was an incredible dancer. But saying these things out loud could have terrible consequences, so Nick held his tongue.
"Thad and Nick, as councilmembers, you will have to be the ones to propose Jeff's replacement on the council," Sebastian went on.
Nick's heart sank in his chest like a rock in water. "B-but I can't do that to Jeff!"
Sebastian rounded on Nick. "You can, and you will unless you want everyone to know about your journal," he snapped in a menacing snarl.
Nick fell silent and dropped his gaze to the table, terrified to meet anyone's eyes. Sebastian had mentioned his journal. Everyone now knew more about Nick secret than anybody else's. Sure, it was vague, but it was information he would have rather kept to himself.
Fear hung thickly in the air as Sebastian went on. "I would like this done in the next Warbler's meeting. Understood?"
Thad nodded. "We'll do it," he said. He glanced at Nick uneasily and added, "Don't worry."
. . .
Nick seriously considered skipping the next Warbler's meeting, but he knew Sebastian would never let him get away with it. So he hurried to his seat at the council table and immediately busied himself with pretending to look through the Official Minutes as everyone settled down for the meeting. To Nick's absolute relief, Jeff took his place at the council table without saying anything to Nick.
The anxiety was killing him. His heart fluttered in his chest like hummingbird wings knowing what he was about to do to Jeff.
Thad glanced almost apologetically at Nick before pounding the gavel for silence. He met Sebastian's eyes with a brief nod. "Before we begin," Thad announced to the assembled Warblers, "there is...a small matter we must first address."
Nick and Thad exchanged nervous glances. Some Warblers looked confused, others attentive and curious. The blackmailed Warblers' faces were grim with dread.
Thad went on, saving Nick the pain of having to say it. "It has come to our attention that the council this year is inadequate. We are ill-prepared for sectionals and it is the council's duty to make sure we are fully prepared."
Confused mumbling buzzed through the room. Sebastian called out from the sofa, "What are you getting at?"
"I believe it is time that we replace Warbler Jeff Griffin from the council with somebody a little more competent," Thad said quickly in an unwavering voice.
Jeff wasn't the only one who was shocked. The room burst into loud interjections, questions, and many "What!"'s.
Jeff stared at Thad with burning hazel eyes, but Thad refused to meet his gaze. "What the hell are you talking about?" Jeff demanded furiously.
"The Official Warbler Rule Book states in chapter 394 that we may replace one councilmember as long as the other two agree and a majority vote is counted," Thad informed him in a business-like manner. "Nick and I both agreed to put it to a vote."
"What?" Jeff looked at Nick. "Nick? Is that true?"
Nick couldn't speak. He tried to nod assertively, but he only managed one short, quick nod. The immediate hurt in Jeff's eyes was almost too much for him to bear. He almost took it back before he noticed Sebastian glaring threateningly in his direction.
"Why?" Jeff asked in a small, plaintive voice.
"We can't afford to lose regionals again this year," Thad answered, once again saving Nick. "No offence, Jeff, but your participation on the council is very insignificant. We need the best of the best of here, and that isn't you." Before Jeff could respond, Thad called out, "All in favor of removing Jeff from the council?"
Jon instantly raised his hand, followed by a tentative Trent, then Flint. Slowly, other raised their hands as well. Almost every Warbler raised their hand, although many seemed uncertain or unhappy about it.
Jeff stood up abruptly. "Fine," he spat. "I see what you all really think of me." His eyes swept the room accusingly until they fell on Nick. "I quit."
With that, he snatched up his schoolbag and stormed out of the room.
"Jeff—" Nick called after him, but it was no use. The blonde ignored him and slammed the door shut behind him when he left.
"I say we vote Sebastian onto the council," Jon announced suddenly.
Sebastian smiled with fake sincerity. "Oh, I couldn't possibly..."
"Come on!" Jon urged. "You'd be perfect!"
"I agree," Flint spoke up. "Sebastian is one of the best singers and dancers we have."
"I have no objections," Thad said. "All in favor of voting Sebastian to fill the empty council chair?"
And just as the plan called for, everybody raised their hands in favor.
. . .
"I'm so sorry, Nick," Thad said distraughtly to Nick after the meeting. "I shouldn't have been so harsh. Maybe if I'd gone about it more nicely, he wouldn't be so angry."
"I don't blame you," Nick assured. "You did what we had to do. I actually should be thanking you. I could have never said those things to Jeff, but we both know the consequences if we hadn't."
Thad shuddered at the thought. He stared at the ground for a long moment before blurting out, "I should have warned you."
"What?"
"About Sebastian. I knew what he was doing. I should have warned you. But I couldn't. I was too afraid. And now we're both stuck, and it's all my fault—"
"Thad, it's okay," Nick interrupted reassuringly. "I understand. And I don't blame you. This is completely Sebastian's doing."
Thad nodded in agreement, but he still seemed extremely unhappy. Nick said, "I have to go find Jeff. I'll see you later, Thad. And don't beat yourself up, alright?"
"Okay," Thad said. "Good luck."
Nick waved goodbye and hurried out of the choir room. He instinctively headed for the parking lot where Jeff's car was parked, and sure enough, he found the blonde brooding just outside the school doors.
"Jeff?" Nick greeted fearfully. "Are you okay?"
Jeff glared at him. "You really have the nerve to ask me that after what you did?"
Nick winced. "I'm so sorry, Jeff. I didn't want to do that—"
"Then why the hell did you?" Jeff demanded. His face was flushed red with anger and he tugged at the sleeve of his blazer agitatedly. "You and Thad humiliated me in front of everyone. So if you have an explanation, I'd love to hear it!"
Nick wasn't sure what to say. He couldn't tell Jeff about the blackmail. There were things in that journal that not even Jeff knew about, things Nick would rather take to the grave with him. And what if Sebastian found out Nick had told someone? He couldn't risk it.
But how was he supposed to explain this to Jeff?
Jeff sighed. "You know what? Forget it." He turned for his car.
"Jeff, wait!" Nick protested.
Jeff whirled around to face him once again. "You stabbed me in the back!" he snapped. "I thought I meant something to you?"
"You do, Jeff," Nick insisted. "You mean the whole world to me."
"Apparently winning a show choir competition means more," Jeff muttered.
"That's not true!" Nick cried. "Jeff, I love you. I'm sorry for what happened. I didn't want to do it, but. . . . . . . . . I'm sorry..."
"But what?" Jeff demanded.
"Nothing. I just..." He couldn't come up with an excuse. How could he possibly justify kicking his boyfriend off the council? "I wasn't...thinking..." His voice was faint, knowing what a pitiful excuse that was.
"You weren't thinking," Jeff echoed incredulously. "Don't even try to act stupid. That's bullshit and you know it."
Nick flinched at the raw anger in Jeff's voice. "I'm sorry, Jeff. I really am," he said softly.
"Sorry doesn't cut it," Jeff muttered. "I don't know if I can forgive you for this."
Nick unconsciously held his breath, trying to swallow back the cold rock lodged in his throat. He didn't think he'd ever seen Jeff so angry before. And to make it worse, it was his fault.
"I'm done with the Warblers," Jeff went on. "And I'm done with you."
Nick froze as soon as the words left Jeff's mouth. As he struggled to remember how to breathe again, the blonde-haired ex-warbler turned and stalked off.
Oh, no! Did Niff just break up!
...Remember to review ;)