AN: So, I'm back! I didn't mean for it to take this long and I don't really want to get into why it took so long so here's the run down. Pretty much this year has had some lows. I lost a lot of my motivation for writing due to lots of personal reasons and have been struggling to actually start writing again. I'm finally starting to find my passion for anything that I use to love and am happy to be back and sharing it with y'all.

Now, I've wasted enough of your time (about 6 months of it) so onto the story!

Everyone in the room was shell shocked at what the happy blonde had been hiding. Never in the Warbler's wildest dreams did they imagine that their friend- no brother could be hiding stuff like this from them. It was almost too much for them to handle; it was too much for some of them to handle. Denial settled in among some of the younger and less experienced members. Even some of Jeff's closest friends had trouble fighting off the talens of denial. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, experienced it just as Jeff did, they wouldn't have believed it.

The Warblers could see the rose-colored glasses that they didn't know they were wearing come off. They had just seen through the façade Jeff had put up. As the world crumbled around them, they couldn't help but wonder questions for the boy who's secrets just came to life.

The New Directions had no idea what to do. They weren't close to the Warblers but also couldn't fathom this happening to anyone. They knew some terrible things had been revealed about their own so they could relate to what the Warblers were feeling, some could even relate to what Jeff would be feeling, but that doesn't make it easier.

Jeff's eyes fluttered open and as the realization of what came to light filled his head, he ran his hands over his eyes and through his hair.

When everyone noticed that Jeff was awake, the Warblers hesitated and shared looks. No one really knew what to do or say. Would it be better to give him space?

Nick took the initiative and quietly made his way over to comfort his roommate.

After an initial tense when Nick rested his arms firmly around Jeff, Jeff melted into Nick's embrace as he let Nick protect him from the world.

The rest of the Warblers made their way over to the pair in waves and, in a time span that felt both instantaneous and like an eternity, there ended up being a huge Warbler hug.

Once the hug had disbanded, the group dispersed some but didn't go far. Nick kept his love firmly in a side hug, rubbing up and down his arm.

No one really wanted to speak for fear of making Jeff upset and facing the wrath of Nick. Wes, being arguably the most responsible Warbler, decided to break the ice in a relatively safe way.

"So… When were you gonna tell us you were with a record label, rock star?" The words held a familiar, friendly tone that it caused some to chuckle at the brotherly mocking in the nickname. Even Jeff had to crack a smile.

"I don't know." A shake of the head and look of moral support were shared before more words came out.

"I liked no one knowing 'cause it gave me a chance to be normal. A chance to have friends that didn't constantly ask if they could be in our music video or come to the latest party or anything else that comes with slight fame. I know you guys like me for me, not for who the media paints me out to be."

With that, most of the Warblers took it as a sign that it was okay to ask questions, though they didn't miss the warning sign that Nick's face bore.

"So, um, who are you?"

Jeff looked away from his friends. He knew it had to be done, but he wasn't sure if he was ready to close the book on that chapter yet. He loved how blissfully unaware his friends were of who he was outside of Dalton. Nevertheless, Jeff knew it had to be done.

"Riker Jeffery Anthony Lynch. The bassist and one of the soloists in R5."

Everyone in the room looked pretty shocked at how open he was.

"So you have a label, tour, the whole shebang?"

Jeff groaned and rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, but I hate our label so much! They're all obsessed with our image that it doesn't matter what are feelings are or who we are as people!"

Nick looked up hesitantly at Jeff with love in his eyes, although Jeff refused to look at him.

"Feeling like, for me?"

Jeff sighed and closed his eyes as he tried to figure out his wording.

"Nicky, I- it's complicated."

"How? I like you and you apparently like me." Confidence grew stronger with every word, "Why didn't you tell me after you saw my memories? We can give us a shot!"

"It's not that simple! My choices don't just affect me! I can't risk my siblings' careers for us."

"Why not? No one has to know? We can keep the relationship inside Dalton like your secret life."

Jeff sighed but nonetheless, he seemed tempted.

"Nicky…"

"Jeffy, I'm serious. I care about you and want to be with you. You make me happy and I want to make you happy too."

Jeff blinked back tears at Nick's speech. When he looked into the brunette's eyes, all he saw was love and honesty.

He hesitantly nodded.

Nick slowly grabbed Jeff's hand as he pulled up close to his love.

All the surrounding Warblers exchanged looks. They were happy for the pair but also knew that the conversation was not over. The only problem was that no one wanted to be the one to bring it up.

Wes took a deep breath before broaching the topic.

"Jeff, we all want you to be happy, but we can't ignore what we just saw."

"You have to open up to us, bud, or else we can't help you."

Blaine's puppy dog face worked its magic like always and Jeff let his head fall back.

"I just, it's too much." Tears started to well up in Jeff's eyes as he spoke.

"What is, babe?" The pet name seamlessly slipped as Nick ran a hand through Jeff's hair to calm him.

"Everything!" A sharp intake of breath then, "The hate mostly. I'm never good enough for people and the internet gives them this veil to hide behind as they just keep tearing me down."

Jeff started to cry and sought comfort in Nick.

As Nick held Jeff in his arms, various Warblers chimed in.

"Jeffy, you're perfect the way you are!"

"You're more than good enough."

"Bro, the haters mean nothing. You're better than all of the combined."

Although his friends comments helped, it was Nick who really got through to Jeff.

"Babe, look at me." A hand pushed Jeff's chin up so Nick could look him in the eyes.

"Those people who say mean things mean nothing because all they are is jealous. Jealous of your talent and the fact that they can't hold a candle to you. I never want you to feel like you're not good enough because you are perfect to me. You are my world and I never want you to forget that."

Jeff engulfed Nick in a hug as everyone in the room awed at the soon-to-be couple.

Wes sighed: He always had to be the bearer of bad news.

"Jeff, you do know that this isn't over right? We can't let you continue down the path you're on. I really think you need professional help and I'm going to do everything I can to help you."

Nick could sense the blonde's fears and discomfort at the prospect of seeking help.

"Don't worry, Jeffy, I'll be there every step of the way, so will everyone else. You can come to us for anything, but you have to agree that this is serious and that you need help. Just remember, we're here for you."

Nick could feel Jeff nod into his chest before he slowly pulled away from the hug.

"I'll do it."

Everyone cheered at that: They all wanted their friend happy, healthy, and safe.

"Are we done here?"

No one was quite sure who asked the question once the cheers died down, but they didn't get an answer and were instead met with silence.

Suddenly, Sebastian collapsed on the floor.