Easy Tiger

Jeff Sterling // 18 // Dalton Warbler I sing, I dance, but I can't do math.

[jeffthesterling]

hqsmythe​:

Now you’re getting it. I’m almost proud, like when watching Pavarotti try to escape his cage for the first time.

Friends? Oh, no, Jeffrey. You must be mistaken. I’m just trying to get into your pants. 

So that’s what all of the late-night noises I hear coming from your dorm room are. I have to say, I’m relieved. Hunter and I had a running bet. I thought Nick was trying to learn self defense; Hunter thought you two were practicing your comedy routine. Clearly we were both wrong this time. 

Maybe I’ll cash in my favor sooner rather than later, and have you tell him I was right. But I’ll sleep on it. I’d rather get through these movies first and foremost. I’m already making a list of which ones you’ll be the least insufferable through.

I figured I’d impress you eventually. Here’s the thing--what could we get away with?

Heh, well, you’re doing a terrible job of it. 

Yeah, way wrong. Last time Nick took a self defense course, he knocked himself out. Its safe to say, he’s not the one for it. A comedy routine? Now, that’s a joke. We’re better at singing and dancing. 

That’s what you want to cash the favor in on? That?!  I’d do that anyway. It might come as a surprise, but I don’t like Hunter. I’d tell him you were right every day just to see him get pissed off. Sounds good, hey, could you text me which snacks you want? I’m going to run off campus and get some of the good shit. 

[jeffthesterling]

hqsmythe​:

Between you and me? They’d be all talk if they threatened that. Dalton needs scholarship students to keep their ranking as an all-inclusive school as high as it is. Without you, Sterling, this place is going under. And my Father’s sizable contributions happen to ensure that I’m in the same position. You and I are practically untouchable. 

Those are big claims. I’d be careful with handing out favors if I were you, because I fully expect to cash in. Really? You’re being awfully generous tonight. Be careful, I might start to think you like me. 

I’m not an animal, Jeff. I can compromise. We can watch both. That is if you don’t fall asleep through the subtitles first. 

I never thought about it like that. I guess I’ve been so caught in trying to keep my head down to keep them from calling my parents that--I never thought about it. Looking at it like that, yeah I’d say we are. There’s almost nothing we can do that they could get us for. 

I wouldn’t say it unless I meant it. I’m not the type and I know damn well you will. I’ll regret it, but I stand by it. I’m not an asshole, Bash. I look out for my friends, I wouldn’t say we’re there yet, but getting there. I never said I disliked you, but never I liked you either. It’s a grey area. 

Huh, I’ll survive. I used to watch anime with Nick. This’ll be nothing. 

[jeffthesterling]

slcpez​:

I deal with a completely different brand of dramatics on the regular and compared to that, yours is actually bearable….so far so it’s fine.

Well, excuse me while I feel a little extra proud of myself for being one of the major reasons why Kurt transferred back. I’d offer my services to you but situation’s obviously a lot different. You know, at the risk of sounding like the worst Hallmark-like card out there, maybe you can use your position now to get some change up in there. I mean on the surface, the matching blazers thing really screamed stuck in the 1950s and here you are confirming that underlining vibe is just that, too, pretty much so yeah, flip the script, you know? And thank you. Mine was fine but relatively uneventful which ultimately means I still haven’t been rightfully given my title as captain of our cheerleading team so that’s where I’m at. 

Still, thanks. That’s about as dramatic as I get. But I get that. Smythe is almost tolerable compared to some of the personalities we have here. 

You should feel proud. I really like Kurt, but he’s happier back at McKinley. It’s where he’s meant to be. I appreciate it, but I’m holding out because of how it’ll look on resumes. I think I can suffer for that. You’ve got a point. I mean, what are they going to do if I try? Give me detention? I could go full Dead Poet’s Society and really change some shit. I could get a few of the guys in on it. I’ll keep you updated on that, if you want the tea. I’ve got plenty to spill. That’s bullshit, why haven’t they? I mean, you’re the best cheer squad in the state, right? Why wouldn’t the couch want someone cut throat and driven pushing the team? Unless Sue, it’s Sue right? Unless she’s scared of you. If she’s scared you’re better at her job than her...That’s the only reason I see for not making you captain. 

[jeffthesterling]

losthudson​:

Yeah for sure. I agree with you there. Change it? How are we supposed to change school? I’m sure we could probably figure something out. I just don’t have any ideas off the top of my head.

No, that’s one monster we can’t touch. But what we do have is a glee club. Hold events to raise money for the glee club. I can’t guarantee that Dalton could help, but any chance for them to get the word out about us and get money for the school might work out. We can just make it fun, you know? 

[jeffthesterling]

quinnxfab​:

Do the Warblers practice often? Your performances always gave the impression that you had worked on your numbers for months. The New Directions, on the other hand, usually figured out what we were going to perform at competitions with maybe a week’s notice.

I think sneaking off campus will definitely be in my future. It doesn’t seem like it’d be difficult. No one pays attention to anything at this school.

We do, it can be a lot. Typically, we practice at least four times a week. Hunter wants to add weekend practices because we were “sloppy” last year. We start talking first competition sets next week. This week we’re focusing on solo auditions and getting back in the routine.  Wait, a week’s notice?! I mean, I’m impressed, you guys know how to bring it and sound great too. We might work our asses off, but you guys have real talent to do that. 

Dalton doesn’t either, as long as you’re back before curfew and not causing a problem during class hours--they look the other way. If you ever wanted to grab lunch or something--and I mean that in a completely friendly way, I’d be open to it.

[jeffthesterling]

slcpez​:

Godsend? Alright, you might need to calm down a little with that but since this is a time of distress and all, I’ll give you a pass. 

Wait, so they treat people who are on scholarship different? That’s some bullshit. And I have no idea what mini-Clairingtons means but it reeks of privilege and I’m exhausted for you. God help us all if there’s wanna-be Smythes crawling all over that place. One is enough. I don’t know really what to tell you, man. I could give that whole copy and paste ‘it gets better with time’ speech but I’m more of a realistic bitch though I do hope it actually gets better for you. Week one’s always a bitch 

Sorry, I’m not usually that dramatic. But really, thanks. 

Welcome to the magical World of Dalton: Home of Bullshit. If you’re not a trust fund or your family is in the upper middle class or higher you might as well be dirt. I think they offer them to pad their reputation. Oh yeah, it is. It’s like being surrounded by tiny republicans.I feel you on Smythe, I tolerate him, but--he can be a headache. No, I appreciate you not doing that. I hate that shit, I rather get the honest answer. I hope yours is going better. Someone deserves a good first week.

[jeffthesterling]

losthudson​:

That’s what I heard too. But I’m right there with you, dude. I just want to know when it’s supposed to be the best year.

I think we deserve one easy or good year after twelve years of government regulated education. It’s cliche, but my mom always says: if you don’t like something, change it. I wonder if there’s a way we could...spice things up, ya know?

[jeffthesterling]

slcpez​:

Uh oh, trouble in blazer wearing bird paradise? You know, Auntie Tana is always here for a little vent session so feel free to spill the tea. 

Tana, you are a godsend. 

If paradise is a level of hell, then yeah, it’s fucking peachy. I’m on a scholarship, but to them that means give me grunt work then hold it my head. I’m stuck ‘mentoring’ mini-Clairingtons and wanna-be Smythes who verbally attack each other and fucking T-pose every five minutes. It’s only for a week, but I don’t know if I can last that long. I never understood why people murder until now.  

[jeffthesterling]

hqsmythe​:

What happens if you tell them no? Have you ever tried it? That’s not rhetorical - I’m actually curious.

I have a few different options. While my heart says Scandals, I’ll save you for tonight. Just do me a favor, Chris Parker - don’t get used to it.

Hunter’s God-knows-where, so you happened to luck out this evening. My dorm is free for visitors. You can stream those unrealistically joyful films you like so much. With the added bonus of my company, of course. 

I don’t know, I might get a warning since I’ve been a ‘model student’. Truth is I think they’d take away my scholarship and my parents can’t afford this place. So I’ve kept my mouth shut and suffered through. 

...Thank you, Bash. I’ll bring snacks and--if you ever need a favor, I got you. Seriously, I fucking owe you one. We don’t have to just watch those. I can stomach those foreign films you like with the subtitles. 

[jeffthesterling]

hqsmythe​:

Well, Jeffrey, if it’s a party you have in mind, maybe I can be of service. 

Ditch the stiffs and come around to my dorm instead. You look miserable babysitting. And I refuse to have you with frown lines for Nationals.

Why are you letting yourself be dragged around, anyway? Don’t tell me it’s your conscience getting in the way. Might as well just gag me now. 

Last I checked you and I have very different definitions of ‘party’, Bash. 

But, I’m willing to hear you out if it’ll keep me from suffering anymore hours with the toddlers. Service hours, it’s part of my scholarship agreement. They leave out the fine print when you win these things. I’m not that good of a person to do it willingly. So, whatcha got in mind? 

[jeffthesterling]

hqsam​:

Well according to She’s All That, senior year is basically a countdown to who gets crowned prom king and queen. Does Dalton even have prom? How does that work? Do boys just ask boys? 

Yeah, you’re right. It’s about the journey that gets you to that moment that makes it. We do, but we usually share it with Crawford Country Day--it’s an all girl school. We are allowed to ask people from other schools. Some of the guys just ask the girls at Crawford Country, but yeah some of the guys ask other guys if that’s how they swing. I haven’t even thought about prom yet...I probably should. I don’t want it to come and I’m completely clueless ‘bout it. 

[jeffthesterling]

I heard senior year was supposed to be the greatest year yet. When is that suppose to happen? Did I miss the memo or not get the invite? ‘Cause this is not the party I was expecting. Not that it’s bad, just disappointing. 

[jeffthesterling]

quinnxfab​:

I’m honestly a little shocked at how much spare time I have in my schedule without practices for glee club or the cheerios. It’s nice to leave school on time and not wait around for the countless extracurriculars I used to be tied up in. I’ve got a free period after lunch, which I would be happy about if it wasn’t a total waste since it’s ‘not recommended’ to leave the school grounds during it. But no one seems concerned that I have nothing to do. 

Is anyone else already looking forward to this year being over?

I second that. I’ve still got Warbler practice,I mentor a few of the freshmen, and work on the weekends. But outside of that it’s nice to not worry ‘bout anything after class other than homework.  If they don’t notice you’re gone then where’s the harm in sneaking off?  Who’s it gonna hurt? Not that I’ve done it or anything.