Summary: The journey of Jeff and Nick from childhood friends to lovers. Takes place from kindergarten to their junior year in high school.

This can be used as a side story to my story Prince Kurt or may also be read on it's own.

(This is part 1 of 2)

I DO NOT OWN GLEE OR THE CHARACTERS!

5-years old:

Jeff was so excited to start kindergarten. He had picked out his favorite outfit—blue jeans and his favorite Spiderman shirt.

"Are you ready for your first day of school, Honey," Jeff's mom Annabelle said as he walked into the kitchen, his dad behind him lifting him into his chair.

"Yes Mommy, can we go now? Can we?"

Jeff's dad, Robert laughed.

"Calm down there buddy. You have to have breakfast first."

Jeff pouted but when Annabelle set his favorite cereal in front of him, he happily started to eat it. Robert and Annabelle looked at each other and smiled.

After everyone finished eating, Jeff was back to being excited about going to school.

"Okay Buddy, let's go," Robert said, "But give your mom a hug and kiss first."

Annabelle smiled as Jeff kissed her cheek and give her a big (well big for a 5-year old) hug.

"Have a good day Sweetie. I love you and I will see you when I pick you up."

Jeff nodded, gave her one more hug, grabbed his Spiderman backpack and ran out the door. Robert gave his wife a hug and kiss.

"Will he be okay," Annabelle asked, "What if he gets picked on? What if he can't make friends?"

"Sweetie, look at him."

The adults looked at their son outside. He was chasing after a butterfly. His eyes were sparkling and he was smiling and laughing.

"Do you really think he will have any trouble making friends?"

Annabelle and Robert hugged and kissed.

"Have a good day Anna."

"You too Robert."

Annabelle watched as her husband and son drove away—waving goodbye to them.

Annabelle Sterling was a wedding planner who worked from home. Robert Sterling was a journalist. He wrote stories and columns for two major newspapers. When Robert pulled up to the school building he noticed Jeff was not as peppy as he had been. He looked a little scared.

"Jeff, what's wrong? Aren't you still excited about your first day of school."

Jeff shook his head.

"Why?"

"Too big."

"What is Jeff?"

Jeff pointed to the building.

"Oh Jeff, I know it is a big new building bit do not worry. A lot of students go here but you only have to be in one room."

"Just one."

"Yeah, Jeff, do not worry I will not let you get lost."

Jeff dad's got out of the car and helped Jeff out.

"Come on Buddy, let's go find your class."

Jeff took his dad's hand and they walked into the building. Jeff had never seen so many people. There was three floors and the school was for grades kindergarten through second grade. All the kindergarten classrooms were on the first floor. Dad and son walked up to a room. On the wall was the room number 115. This was Jeff's class.

"You ready Jeff?"

Jeff nodded but was nervous. Robert opened the door and Jeff and he walked inside. It was a good size room. There were a lot of tables with activities for the kids and lots of toys. There were also a lot of kids. Jeff tried to hide behind his dad.

"Hello," a cheery voice said, "And who might this be."

Robert turned and saw young women walk up to them.

"I am Ms. Stephanie the teaching assistant."

"Hello, I am Robert Sterling and this is Jeff."

Stephanie knelt down to be face-to-face with Jeff.

"Hi Jeff, how are you."

Jeff just looked down. Robert knelt down to his son's level.

"Son, you were so excited this morning."

"This is common. A lot of children are scared their first day."

Robert nodded.

"Well hello," a voice said.

The two adults stood up.

"Mrs. Smith this is Robert Sterling."

"Hello Mr. Sterling," Mrs. Smith was a little older but seemed like a very caring teacher, "And this must be Jeffery. "

"Jeff," Jeff said quietly.

"Oh, I am sorry, Jeff. I am Mrs. Smith and I will be your teacher. Are you a little scared?"

Jeff nodded.

Mrs. Smith held out her hand. Jeff looked up at his dad and it was not until Robert smiled and nodded that Jeff took his teachers hand.

"Why don't you give your dad a hug and kiss and then you could go color. Do you like to color?"

Jeff nodded looking happier. Jeff walked up and hugged his dad.

"I love you Jeff. Go have fun and mom will be here to pick you up."

"I love you too Daddy."

After Jeff said goodbye the teacher lead him to a table with a coloring book. Robert just watched his son light up when he sound it was a Spiderman coloring book.

"You can stay for a little bit if you want to make sure he will be okay," Stephanie told Robert.

"No, I do have to get to work but I am sure he will be fine."

"They usually adjust pretty quickly."

Robert thanked Stephanie and Mrs. Smith and after waving goodbye to Jeff walked out to the car. He was half way to work before it hit him that his little boy was growing up.

It was also Nick Duval's first day of school and he was equally as excited. He ran down the stairs in his blue jeans and Batman shirt.

"Wow there Nick, slow down. You might get hurt," Nick's mom, Jenna said to her son when he reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Sorry Mommy."

"Oh that's okay Sweetie, I just don't want you to get hurt."

Nick smiled at his mom which caused her to smile.

"Now, how about some food?"

Nick nodded.

"Fruit Loops."

Jenna laughed.

"Well alright Fruit Loops it is."

Nick sat at his spot waited patiently for his mom to give him a small bowl of cereal.

Nick was almost finished when his dad, Henry, entered the room.

"Hello Dear, would you like some breakfast," Jenna asked her husband.

"No thanks, I will just take some coffee and eat at the office."

Jenna nodded and started the coffee maker.

"So Sport, ready for your first day of school," Henry asked Nick.

Nick nodded.

"Where is Tim? Is he even up? He is going to be late," Jenna said referencing to her older son.

"I think he is putting the finishing touch on his uniform," Henry said looking proud.

Jenna poured her husband some coffee and sat down at the table. A few seconds later Tim Duval stood before his parents adorning a Dalton Academy Uniform.

"Oh you look so handsome," Jenna said to her son.

"A Dalton man no doubt," Henry said.

"Do you want some breakfast?"

Tim shook his head.

"No I think I will just get something to eat at school. I will take some coffee though."

"Just like your father," Jenna mused as she got up to pour him a cup.

Tim and Nick were ten years apart. Their mom and dad had been high school sweethearts. It was a shock when Jenna said at 17 she was not only getting married but was also with child. Family and friends had supported their decision but always figured the pair would not last but they proved them wrong. Then when Jenna was 27, Nick was born and five years after that brings you to present day—a family of four—a mom, dad and two sons aged 15 and 5.

Nick looked at his brother. He might have only been five but he could tell, or it seemed like, his dad paid more attention to Tim. Nick had inherited his mom's dark hair brown eyes, while Tim had his father's looks, lighter hair and brown eyes. In short, Tim looked just like their dad when he was a teenager.

Tim sat next to Nick.

"Hey Nicky, are you all ready for kindergarten?"

Nick nodded. He was getting tired of people asking him that.

"I loved kindergarten, best 3 years of my life."

Nick laugh but his dad sent Tim a glare.

Jenna brought her son a cup of coffee. After everyone finished breakfast they headed out. Henry was taking Tim to school and Jenna took Nick, who also had his Batman backpack. Henry Duval was a successful businessman and lawyer. He owned his own law firm. Jenna Duval was a stay at home mom. Nick looked at his mom and saw tears when they pulled up to the school.

"Are you okay Mommy?"

Jenna wiped away the tears.

"I'm okay Sweetie."

"You are sad."

"A little Nicky, but that is just because it is hard to see you grow up. I remember bringing Tim to his first day of kindergarten."

Jenna got out of the car and then noticed Nick was still sitting in the car with his arms crossed.

"What's wrong Nick?"

"I am not going."

Jenna was confused.

"Why, Nicky don't you want to go learn new things and make new friends?"

Nick shook his head.

"No, I'm not going if you are sad, I no like to see you cry."

Jenna couldn't help but smile. This was the exact opposite of when Tim started school. He could not get away fast enough.

"Aww, I promise I am okay Nick. I want you to go meet all your new classmates. I promise you will have fun."

Nick didn't move.

"Okay, Nicky I'll make you a deal. If you go to school today and not meet your best friend you do not have to come back."

Nick thought about it before smiling. Jenna got her son out of the car and the two walked into the school. After introducing themselves to Mrs. Smith and Ms. Stephanie it was time to say goodbye.

"Okay Nicky, you go have fun and I will be here at the end of the day to pick you up."

Nick hugged his mom and gave her a kiss. After Jenna gave him a kiss on the cheek and one last 'I love you,' she said goodbye to the teachers and left. Nick slowly walked to one of the toy cars and started to play with a toy car.

'I am not going to make any friends. Then I will not have to come back and make Mommy sad again,' Nick thought.

Jeff was excitingly coloring in the coloring book. He was humming to himself. However, he looked up and saw all the other kids in groups having fun. No one had come up to be friends with him. He started to feel sad when he saw another boy come in the room with what looked like was probably his mom. After his mom talked to the teachers she hugged and kissed the boy on the cheek she left. The boy went and sat down on the rug and started playing with a toy car. Jeff tore out the pictures he colored and put them in his backpack before going over and sitting down by the boy.

"I'm Jeff."

The dark haired boy looked over at Jeff.

"Nick."

Jeff noticed Nick's shirt.

"I like Spiderman the mostest but I like Batman too."

And just like that Nick smiled (and forgot about his master plan not to make any friends) and the two boys became best friends. When Mrs. Smith read them a story they sat side by side, when they played a game they always played together—they became inseparable.

Jenna was one of the first parents there at the end of the day.

"Hello, Mrs. Duval. Nick was such a joy," Mrs. Smith said, "He was no trouble at all and I look forward to having him in my class all year."

"Oh, why thank you Mrs. Smith. We had a little trouble when we got here but I knew he would adjust fast."

Nick looked up from his desk (which was next to Jeff's after Mrs. Smith and Ms. Stephanie agreed to let them sit by each other) and saw his mom. He hurried and put all his thing in his bad and ran over to his mom with Jeff not far behind.

"MOMMY," Nick yelled and Jenna knelt down to properly hug her son.

"Hi Nicky, how was your day?"

"It was amazing. I played with some toys and colored and got read a story-" Nick just kept going on and on about his day while Jenna smiled and listened.

"Oh and Mommy I met my bestest friend ever."

Jenna smiled even bigger.

"Yeah."

Nick nodded and Jeff walked closer.

"Mommy this is Jeff, my best friend."

Jeff smiled and waved. Jenna waved back.

"Hello Jeff."

"Hi."

After Nick and Jeff said goodbye Nick took his mom's hand and walked out to the car.

Jeff walked back to his desk and gathered his things. He was sad that his friends had left but knew he would see Nick tomorrow. A few minutes later Annabelle walked into the room. After she talked to the teachers he ran up to her.

"Hi Mommy."

Annabelle gave her son a big hug. On the ride home Jeff told her all about his day.

"—and then there was a story."

"Well you had a busy day."

"Yeah, but I was sad at the end."

Annabelle was a little worried.

"Why?"

"Nick had to leave."

"And who is Nick. Did you make a friend?"

"No Mommy, Nick is my bestest friend like for a long time, even though he likes Batman more than Spiderman."

Annabelle laughed.

"A long time? How long?"

"Oh really, really long like forever long."

Annabelle was glowing. Her husband had been right. He had no troubles making a friend

10-years later (Freshman year)

It was Nick and Jeff's freshman year of high school and the best friends were excited. Both families decided to send them to Dalton Academy. Jeff was heavily bullied in middle school, even though Nick always stood up for his best friend, and going to Dalton was a family tradition in the Duval house. Jeff and Nick met up outside the doors after saying goodbye to their parents. Nick was excited when he saw his best friend.

"Hey Jeff."

Jeff looks up and smiled.

"Hey."

Nick noticed that something was off with his friend.

"Are you ready for high school."

"Yeah I am excited but kind of nervous. I have heard that Dalton has a tough curriculum."

"Yeah, I know Tim always complained about the workload."

The two friends headed in and started to look for their classes.

"I heard that Dalton was working on building a dorm building and letting students live on campus," Nick said.

"That would be cool," Jeff said but Nick could tell something was on his friends.

"Is everything okay Jeff?"

"Yeah just nervous for how today is going to go."

Nick and Jeff had no morning classes together but they did have the last three classes of the day together. They came up to a class and Nick stopped.

"Well this is my first class, math. Well if you are sure you are okay I'll see you at lunch."

Jeff nodded. Jeff found his history class easy enough but he had trouble concentrating in his first class. He felt guilty. He was not just nervous for the first day of school and he had never lied to Nick before. Something had happened over the summer that Jeff could not really explain. Sometime in the last couple months Jeff noticed a change in himself. Every time his brother said something or joked about Dalton's sister school, Crawford Country Day, and how pretty the girls were, Jeff would just laugh. Jeff did not want to date a Crawford girl, he didn't want to date any girl. Jeff realized not only that he was gay but that he was in love with his best friend, who he was pretty sure was straight. The morning went pretty fast and the next thing he knew it was time for lunch. He walked to the cafeteria and saw Nick waiting for him.

'He looks so hot in that uniform,' Jeff could not help but think.

"Hey Jeff how was your morning."

"Pretty good. The teachers seemed nice enough but it is a lot of work. We will have to form a study group or something," Jeff said and smiled.

"Yeah that could be fun," Nick said noticing Jeff's smile.

'Well he seems to be in a better mood. Maybe he was just nervous earlier,' Nick thought as they headed to get some food. After they went through the line they found a spot in the back that was unoccupied. They were talking about their days so far when two other boys came up to them.

"Umm, do you mind if we sit with you. There are not many open spots left," one of the boys said.

"Not at all," Nick said as Jeff and him made room for the new arrivals. After sitting down the two boys introduced themselves.

"I am David Thompson," the dark skinned boy said.

"And I am Wesley Montgomery but I go by Wes," the Asian boy said.

"I am Jeff and this is Nick."

"Best friends," David asked.

"Yep," Nick said.

Something in Jeff stung but he kept up appearances.

'Yes Jeff, he is your best friend and nothing more,' Jeff told himself.

"So are you guys going to audition," Wes asked them.

"Audition," Jess asked confused.

"I think he means for the glee club, the Warblers," Nick told his friend.

"That's correct. David and I are. I hope to be on the council someday."

"Wow so you have had this planned for a while," Jeff said.

Wes smiled.

"I am," Nick said.

"Really," Jeff said. Nick had never mentioned wanting to do that.

"Great. Auditions are Thursday at 3:30," Wes said.

"I already have it marked on my calendar."

Jeff was so confused. Why hadn't Nick told him about this? He thought they told each other everything—well almost everything.

The afternoon went pretty fast and Nick and Jeff were waiting for their parents to pick them up. The week went fast and the next thing Nick knew it was Thursday at 3:00. He was pacing outside the Warbler hall waiting for his audition.

"Nick," he heard someone call. He looked up and saw Jeff.

"Hey, I thought you went home."

"I told my mom I was staying later with you so if your mom could give me a ride that would be nice."

"Totally but why did you stay late?"

Jeff looked Nick straight in the eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me you wanted to audition? I would have helped prepare you for this. Did you tell anyone?"

Nick shook his head. Jeff looked upset.

"But-"

"Look Jeff I am sorry I didn't tell you. I wasn't going to bring it up until I found out if I got in or not. I didn't want to be a disappointment."

"A disappointment? Nick I would never see you as that. What else is going on Nick?"

"Tim."

Jeff was confused again, what did his Nick's brother have to do this this.

"On the first day every single one of my teachers said 'Oh you are Tim's younger brother. He was so popular when he was at Dalton and blah-blah-blah," Nick said, "I have been compared to him my entire life, especially with my dad. He was on the lacrosse and swimming team, and somehow got amazing grades and was really popular and always dated the prettiest girls at Crawford. Not only did he graduate at the top if his class but he was valedictorian. The thing you have to understand Jeff, is that I don't want to get in the Warblers, I need to. It is the one area in this school where I could make a name for myself, be myself, and be Nick Duval and not 'Tim's younger brother.' I just want to make people proud of me."

Jeff looked down. He was ashamed. He had been so caught up in his thoughts he didn't even notice his best friend was struggling.

"Nick, I am proud of you. You are one of the smartest guys I know. Of course you are going to get in. I have heard your voice, it is amazing and don't worry about the teachers or your dad. Make these four years a time where you are proud of yourself. That is the important thing right. And besides I will always be proud of you."

Nick smiled and thought back to kindergarten.

"Even though I like Batman better the Spiderman?"

Jeff and Nick laughed.

"Yes, Nick, even though you like Batman better then Spiderman."

The doors opened and a boy that looked slightly older than them came out.

"Duval, Nicholas."

"That's you Nick. Go show them what you can do."

Nick got up smiled and headed into the room and came face to face to the council.

Jeff waited as patiently as he could but curiosity got the better of him and he lead his ear against the door and he could hear the end of Nick's song. He struggled to hear what feedback he go.

"Good…needs improvement…" Jeff heard one say.

"Not to horrible…could be great…" another one said. Oh how Jeff wished he could hear all they were saying.

"Liked it…very interesting."

Oh that was it. Jeff was not letting his best friend go through this alone.

The council members were discussing the auditions as the boys sat aside and waited. Then the head council member stood up and started to speak.

"Okay, since the auditions have concluded I am-"

"WAIT!"

The doors flew open and Nick saw Jeff storm in the room and up to the council members. Jeff looked over and saw Nick, Wes and David. No one looked that optimistic and some of the boys looked downright scared.

"I want to audition."

"I am sorry but we have gone through everyone on the list and will not be holding anymore auditions until November."

Jeff glared.

"Look, all I want is a chance to audition. If you hate me then no harm no foul but if I am good why would you want to wait a few months to have me join."

The head Warbler looked to the other council members and they both just shrugged their shoulders. Jeff had a point.

"Fine, I will bend the rules this one time but you better be good. Now, what was your name?"

Nick's jaw dropped. What was Jeff doing?

Jeff said his name and sang his piece before going and sitting with the others.

"That was awesome. The way you stood up to them, so cool," David said.

"Were you scared," another boy asked.

"Terrified," Jeff answered truthfully. Jeff was never one to talk back to try to bend the rules.

"Well I am a strong believer in rules and enforcing them, but you were really good so I think it was worth it," Wes said and smiled.

Jeff looked over and saw that Nick was looking down. He had yet to say anything to him. Jeff did this to support him but he hoped that Nick was not mad. After what felt like hours but was only a few minutes the head Warbler stood up again and started to speak.

"No assuming there will be no more interruptions," he said and glared at Jeff, "We would like to announce the newest members into the Dalton Academy Warblers."

Everyone clapped as the head Warbler read off the names:

"Nick Duval."

Everyone clapped as Jeff smiled as Nick went up and received his Warbler pin.

"Thad Harwood."

"Wes Montgomery."

"Trent Nixon."

"David Thompson."

As more names were read off Jeff figured he did not make it.

"And as a last minute addition, Jeff Sterling."

Jeff went and got his pin but got a glare from all council members, a warning not to step out of line again. He went over and sat by Nick, Wes and David. All the other boys were dismissed and the new members were told the next Warbler meeting was the following Monday. As the boys walked out to wait for Nick's mom, Jeff asked Nick a question.

"Are you mad at me. I didn't mean to steal your spotlight or anything."

Nick shook his head.

"I'm not mad. I'm sorry if I made you think that. You were amazing. I just so stressed and then you came in I was scared that they were going to be too hard on you or too harsh and I just-"

"It was a long day with a lot to take in," Jeff finished and Nick nodded. Jeff was just glad Nick was not mad at him.

"So why did you do that. I am not mad just curious."

Jeff thought before speaking.

"I just wanted to support you and I like to sing too."

Nick smiled.

'And I did it for you because I think I am in love with you,' Jeff thought.

"What?"

Jeff turned around and say a wide eyed Nick.

"What?"

"You think you are in love with me."

Jeff wanted to die.

"Crap, I-I-I said that out loud."

Nick nodded.

"Oh, what I meant to say was that I love your singing, I mean you have a nice voice and-and," Jeff was so embarrassed.

"I am going to walk home. Bye Nick."

"Jeff wait," Nick called but Jeff ran and he ran the entire way home.

A few minutes later Nick's mom arrived and Nick got in the car.

"How was your day sweetie."

"Fine, I guess."

"So why did you stay late."

"I'd rather wait until I can talk to you and dad at the same time. And Tim is coming over to right."

"Yes he is and okay Nicky. I hope this isn't something bad."

"No, mom I promise it's not."

Later that day after dinner the Duval's were all sitting in the living room.

"Well, Henry and Tim, Nick said he had something he wanted to tell us."

Henry and Tim looked at Nick.

"Is this about school," Henry asked.

Nick nodded.

"Okay, well, I guess I should say I really like Dalton."

Henry and Tim smiled.

"And today I auditioned for the Warblers," Nick finished and waited for a reaction.

"The singing group," Henry asked his son looking unimpressed.

"Oh no Dad," Tim said looking very excited, "The Warblers are not just a glee club. They are like the top-dogs. I know you didn't pay much attention when you went there but they are like rock stars."

"Well how did it go," Jenna asked a huge smile on her face.

Nick was stone faced until he broke in a huge smile.

"I got in."

His mom hugged him and said how happy and proud she was. Tim gave him a high-five and said he was coming to every performance. Nick turned to his dad and saw he had a small smile.

"Well, this is great. I am glad you are getting involved. I am happy for you."

Nick was so happy when he saw hoe proud his family was of him but he could not stop thinking about Jeff.

"Did Jeff audition," Tim asked.

"Yeah he did and he got in to."

"Well that is great. You two can be together," Jenna said.

Nick smiled but looked down. He had to figure out things with Jeff. Did he really love him? Was it possible that someone that was as amazing and beautiful as Jeff could love him?

Nick looked up and saw three pairs of eyes looking at him.

"Are you okay son? You got pale all of a sudden."

"Yeah, I'm just tried. It has been a busy week. I think I am going to go lie down." Nick was excused and went to his room. But he was not as sneaky as he thought as Jenna watched her son go up the stairs to his room she started to put two and two together.

It was around 8:00 when Nick's mom knocked and entered the room.

"How are you feeling," she asked.

"Better. Just working on some homework," Nick said from his desk. He finished what he was writing and turned to face his mom who was sitting on his bed.

Jenna took a deep breath.

"What's his name?"

"Who's name?"

"Whoever you have been thinking about?"

"I never said it was a guy."

"I know, but it is isn't it?"

Nick nodded, sighed and told his mom about his whole day. From the classes to his audition and Jeff's audition and ended with what Jeff had said before running off.

"Oh wow, and how do you feel."

Nick mumbled.

"What was that?"

"I said the feeling might be mutual."

Jenna smiled.

"I know you feel you are too old to get advice from you mom."

"I will never be too old mom."

Jenna smiled.

"Then can I give you one piece of advice."

Nick nodded.

"Go get your man!"

Jeff was exhausted the next day at school. He had barely got any sleep the prior night. Both of his parents were home when he got home and they could tell he was upset. He broke into sobs when his mom hugged him. He came out to his parents that night. It was a shock to Annabelle and Robert at first but reassured Jeff that they loved him the same and did not care what his sexual orientation was. Jeff then told them it was Nick who he was interested in, about the audition and what he said out loud while waiting for Nick's mom. He spent most of the night in his room. He didn't even have dinner—he was too concerned with the state of Nick and his friendship. He was hoping to avoid Nick but then remembered that he had three classes with him. Jeff sighed as he walked into school. He was on the way to his class when a hand grabbed his arm and pulled him into an empty classroom. When Jeff looked to get a look at who had a hold on him he saw it was Nick.

"Hey."

Jeff avoided looking Nick in the eyes.

"Hey."

"Why didn't you call me or text me last night," Nick asked.

It was true that Nick called multiple times.

"I was busy," Jeff said.

"Hey, look at me."

"No. Nick if you are disgusted by me just tell me that our friendship is over and stop dragging the inevitable out."

Nick suddenly looked sad.

"Ending our friendship is the last thing I want to do."

Jeff looked up and finally into Nick's eyes. He saw concern and love in them.

"But I said-"

"I know what you said and you ran off before I could respond."

Jeff felt hopeful.

"And how would you have responded."

Nick smiled and took Jeff's face in his hands.

"Like this."

And the next thing Jeff knew Nick's lips were on his and he was kissing back. Once they parted they were both flushed. Jeff put his arms around Nick's neck and Nick placed his hands on Jeff's waist.

"Wow," was all Jeff could say.

"Ditto."

"So I guess this means the feeling is mutual."

Nick laughed.

"Definitely."

At the end of the day Annabelle and Jenna waited in Dalton's parking lot. They watched as Jeff and Nick came out holding hands.

"Well they make a cute couple," Jenna said.

"They sure are. And I can't think of anyone more perfect for either one of them," Annabelle told her.

I will have part 2 up as soon as I write it. Part two will cover sophomore and junior year.

Please review =)