Why Addy had suggested they host Thanksgiving for thirteen people, suddenly she didn't know. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, easier than trying to figure out whose parents they went to and whose ended up left out, but now that she pushed the cart around Target, a long as hell grocery list typed out on her phone, she had plenty of regrets.
"Turkey cold cuts would work just as well as actual turkey, right?" She murmured to her fiancée as she scanned the list distractedly. Just as she was about to slip her phone into her pants pocket, a notification from the PSU site showed at the top of her screen:
'Well I did call you "firecracker" for a reason...'
Addy rolled her eyes, chuckling under her breath. "Weirdo."
SUMMARY ➝ Josie rents out TABLE + ICE to make their engagement official.
JOSIE SCHUESTER
Josie couldn't believe it. She'd asked Addy to marry her in a bathroom. A bathroom. She needed to rectify it, and she needed to do it now. Not even a day after the lockdown, she made her way to several different jewelry stores until she found the perfect ring - one that was suitable for her fiancée. It had taken all day, but she'd finally found a ring so beautiful, that she was willing to pay three months of paychecks on it. Addy deserved. She deserved the best, after everything that she'd been putting her through. All the fights? They were over.
Josie had rented out all of TABLE + ICE, thanks to her newfound friendship with Immy Cortes, and she had been incredibly thankful. The place was beautiful, and even more so? Her fiancée was the most beautiful thing there. She walked them into the quiet restaurant, and turned around to look at Addy. "I wanted to do something special for you. After the whole lockdown, and the fighting, I just wanted us to have the most romantic night in the world." Josie slipped into the seat, making sure to sit on the same side of the table that Addy sat on. She couldn't help her grin, looking over at Addy. "I want to be as close as possible," she explained.
ADDY CORCORAN
It wasn't intentional, Addy asking Josie to marry her... In fact, she wasn't entirely sure which one of them had done the asking; they'd both just kind of said it and it had happened, and it was nothing like the proposal Addy had often thought about when it came to asking Josie to spend their lives together. It was perfect, though, because even if they were in a fucking bathroom, it'd still had the desired outcome.
Addy wanted to do things properly, though, so she'd dragged Simone around about a million ring shops until she'd found the perfect ring, and while she had no idea when she would actually present it to her, she planned to do it at the perfect moment, whenever that may be. So, she'd kept it on her person at all times, and as she arrived at TABLE + ICE with her fiancée, she wondered if tonight would be the night.
Dressed for the occasion, Addy entered the establishment with her hand in Josie's, at first confused by how quiet the place was. "Did you do this?" She asked, glancing from the empty booths and tables then back to Josie with a smile threatening her lips. She followed Josie to their table, settling beside her and keeping her hand safely in Josie's. "I mean, I told you I didn't want to be without you after the whole earthquake thing." She joked, the pad of her thumb brushing against Josie's knuckles. "It's perfect, baby. You're perfect." She looked towards the bar. "Wine would totally be perfect, too."
JOSIE SCHUESTER
"I did do this," Josie said with a grin. As soon as Addy mentioned that she wanted some wine, Josie got up and made her way over there. She and Immy had talked beforehand she'd paid her enough to take as much alcohol from the bar as she needed. Knowing exactly what type of wine her girlfriend - fiancée - liked. She poured them both a hefty glass of wine and then made her way back over towards the table. Sure, there were servers, but she wanted to serve the wine to Addy herself. She slid into the chair again, putting both wine glasses on the table. Before she could start a conversation, the waitresses came and asked for their orders. Josie ordered from the small menus Immy had curated for the two of them, and then she waited for Addy to do it as well.
Josie turned towards Addy. "I've never met anybody in my whole life who makes me feel the way that you do, Adeline. Did you know that? There hasn't been a person in this world that has made me laugh and smile as much as you have." She shook her head. "I'm not even trying to be sappy. It's the truth. I had thought that I was doomed to be alone for the rest of my life. You and I, though? We clicked so effortless. I find myself luckier and luckier every single day." Josie lifted her wine glass. "To us."
ADDY CORCORAN
Addy watched with slight amusement but mostly just awe and affection as Josie got up to pour their wine. A teasing kind of smile played on her lips upon Josie's return. "The bartender thing suits you," she joked, accepting the glass with a grateful nod. She hadn't even looked at the menu yet, but studied it quickly as the waitress came over to take their order. She realized it was smaller than usual, catered specifically to them, and Addy's affection only grew. "You're kind of amazing, did you know that?" She hummed as the waitress left with their orders, ready to be all consumed by her fiancée.
As Josie turned, Addy did too, her focus entirely on the other woman. Her fingers curled around the wine glass where it sat atop the table, and listened with intent, a wave of emotion wrapped in a blanket of comfort overtaking her. It was enough to make her eyes grow misty, though the small smile never left her lips. "To us," she echoed, gently clinking her glass with Josie's. Addy leaned in to press a soft, lingering kiss to Josie's lips. "And I'm going to forgive you for calling me Adeline because that was so sweet." She sat back to take a sip of wine, then set her glass down on the table. "So did you rent the place out, or did you just threaten anyone who tried to book tonight?"
JOSIE SCHUESTER
"Threatening seems more likely, yes, but unfortunately I spoke with Immy and paid her a fair amount for the night. She was more than willing. She's actually the one going to be cooking our meal tonight. She wanted to be involved somehow," Josie smiled fondly. She didn't make friends easily, but with Immy it was natural. Most people annoyed Josie right off the bat. Knowing that the food would take some time to cook, Josie wanted to take that time to enjoy every single with Addy. She leaned forward, capturing Addy's lips in a soft kiss. She got lost in Addy, sighing against her lips before pulling away.
"I remember when I first saw you. You had a little scowl on your face and your brows were furrowed. You look like that a lot. When you're focused and when you're annoyed with me. Both things that happen frequently." Josie grabbed her wine glass, slowly sipping, enjoying the bittersweet taste. "Tell me, baby. What's the first thing you thought when you saw me?"
ADDY CORCORAN
“Then I think you’re very sweet and very thoughtful,” Addy said with a soft, sincere smile, her eyes slightly darkened and filled with admiration as she simply watched the woman she loved seated beside her. She easily returned the kiss, their lips fitting perfectly together. Addy scooted a little closer as they pulled back, not wanting to lose any contact.
Taking Josie's hand, she gently lifted her arm until she could slot herself comfortably into her side, humming contentedly. “That’s better.” She played with the stem of her wine glass as it rested atop the table, her lips pulling into an easy smile. “If got didn’t insist on pissing me off, I’d scowl at you way less,” she teased, looking up at Josie's face. “You’re gonna think I’m lying, but I remember thinking we were gonna be together,” she responded, letting the statement hang for a moment. “I saw you, and I thought you were freaking stunning, obviously. But I remember thinking, before we’d even spoken, that’s the person I’m gonna be with. Then I panicked a little about how Simone would feel about that…” She chuckled quietly. “But I just knew. It wasn’t love at first sight, but it was something. Something more than lust. More like…that’s my soulmate. I don’t know her, she doesn’t know me, but I just know.” Her cheeks coated pink. “That’s totally dorky, right?”
JOSIE SCHUESTER
Josie couldn’t help the smile on her face as she listened to Addy recalling the two of them meeting one another. For her, she’d known right away too. That cute little scowl told her everything that she needed to know. She couldn’t help but lean over and kiss both of Addy’s cheeks, and then her lips. “It’s so dorky and actually the cutest thing in the world. I love it. And you.” While Josie wanted to spend the whole night talking about how much she loved Addy, the servers came out and set their plates on the table. It smelled amazing, and Josie made a mental note to thank Immy for everything that she’s done for them — especially being such an amazing cook. The food was eaten in a comfortable silence, and she couldn’t help but look over at Addy every chance that she got. Soon enough, the both of them had eaten almost everything on their plates, and Josie felt her heart beating wildly. Addy had already said yes, but for some reason she was still incredibly nervous.
Josie pushed herself away from the table and then motioned for Addy to face her. She pulled out the engagement ring (yes, she hid it in her bra), and immediately got down on one knee. “Baby…” She smiled, tears already in her eyes. “I’ve always known too. Through our ups and downs, I’ve known that I wanted to spend all those moments with you. Good or bad. For the rest of my life, my love. I’m yours, and I’ll always be yours. Now what I want to know.. Adeline Kendall Corcoran, will you be my wife? Will you marry me and make me the happiest woman in the world?”
ADDY CORCORAN
As predicted, the food was incredible. It always was at Immy's place, especially when she was the one to cook it, but it tasted even better tonight. Everything was even better tonight, in fact. Addy was about to say so when Josie moved from her seat, Addy watching with intrigue as she pulled something from her bra—a ring. Realization quickly hitting her, Addy's heart began to race. This shouldn't have been nerve-wracking, they were already engaged, and yet she found herself filled with nerves and excitement, her eyes glossing over with salty tears as Josie lowered to her knee.
Addy listened, her eyes growing mistier and mistier, until Josie asked the ultimate question. "You know I will, baby," she said, her voice cracking slightly with her happy tears. Addy looked from the ring to Josie, then leaned over to rest her palm to Josie's cheek, capturing her lips in the process. At the same time, she stretched her other arm behind her back towards her purse, where she found the ring box easily. Pulling back only an inch or so from Josie's lips, she brushed her fingertips against her cheek. "But only if you'll be mine."
In as swift a motion as she could, eyes still locked on Josie's and hand still cupping her cheek, she slipped from her seat and down to one knee too, mirroring Josie's position. Finally, she brought the ring box in front of her, lowering her hand from Josie's face to instead rest on the box. "I've been breaking all of my own rules for you for over three years now, Josie. Every stupid barricade I've ever put up, you didn't even have to try to fight your way in, I just let you, because I want you in here with me. I've always wanted you here." Keeping her teary eyes, the liquid from which had spilled over her lids and begun to roll down her cheeks, locked on Josie's face, she pulled open the small cushioned box. "Josephine Lily Schuester, you're the love of my life. I want you forever. Longer than forever. I'll be your wife if you'll be mine?"
JOSIE SCHUESTER
Josie couldn’t believe it. Well, she could, but her mind was still reeling. After everything, Addy was presenting her with a ring as well. At this point, the two of them were an emotional mess, and Josie laughed through her tears. She slipped the ring onto Addy’s ring finger, already in love with how it looked on her — she was hers. Forever. “It would make me the happiest woman in the world. You make me the happiest woman in the world.” There were tears streaming down her cheeks as she held out her hand and Addy slipped the ring on her finger. She held her hand next to Addy’s, so amazed at the situation. Still kneeling, Josie pulled Addy in for a kiss. She wasn’t sure how long she was kissing her, but just that she knew that she never wanted to stop. The tears were still flowing, and when she finally needed to breathe, she pulled away.
Josie laughed, and then finally pushed herself back up onto her feet. “Is it terrible of me to want to take you home?” She laughed, putting a hand over her mouth, cheeks red. Now that they were officially engaged, Addy looking absolutely stunning… Josie could think of nothing better to spend then night rolling around in their sheets with Addy, showing her exactly how much she loved her. “I had planned on them bringing out dessert, but now I want my wife to be to be my dessert,” Josie pouted, pulling Addy in close, nuzzling her face into Addy’s neck.
ADDY CORCORAN
Every feeling, every emotion—all of the good ones—flooded through Addy as she watched Josie slip the ring on her finger, taking a moment to admire it through her tears, before she slipped Josie’s into place, too. “They look so good together,” Addy commented, her voice thick with happy tears. She laughed as Josie pulled her in, her hands resting on her hips to tug her body in closer. When they finally pulled back, Addy couldn’t help her laugh. “Dude, why are we crying so much? We were already engaged.”
Chuckling, she looked up as Josie stood, wanting to just admire her. “Baby, you know there is never anywhere I want to be more than at home with you, preferably in our bed.” Eyes never moving from her fiancée, Addy stood, grabbing her purse in the process, then settled her hand on Josie’s cheek, thumb swiping away her tears. “Come on.” She murmured with darkened eyes filled with want and admiration. “I want to go make love to the woman I get to spend the rest of my life with.”
☆ FULL NAME: Josephine "Josie" Lily Schuester
☆ GENDER: Ciswoman
☆ PRONOUNS: She/Her
☆ AGE: 36 (March 9th, 1988)
☆ TYPE: Full sibling; solo (open to twin)
☆ HOMETOWN: Columbus, Ohio
☆ JOB: Music Therapy Professor; Music Therapist
☆ SCHOOL: PSU Alumni
☆ SEXUALITY: Lesbian
☆ FACECLAIM: Brittany Snow
ABOUT JOSEPHINE
Being the first born Schuester, Josephine always knew that she had large shoes to fill. Her parents expected a lot out of her without ever really pressuring her, but she still listened nonetheless. They'd enrolling her in acting classes, vocal lessons, dancing lessons and everything in between, hoping that she would follow in Will's footsteps. Josephine absolutely loved it. She loved being surrounded by music, to watch people move their bodies in sync with a rhythm, the way they brought characters to life. It all fascinated her, and she grew quite fond of the community. The issue, however, was the Josephine wasn't good at any of it. Will had hoped that the more classes that she took, that there would be an improvement. Unfortunately, that never came. What she had in enthusiasm, she lacked in talent.
Josephine continued doing what she loved, though - she was oftentimes cast as the chorus, or the character that didn't have a line in the school play. She was rejected, but she didn't mind - she wanted to be like her father, and she was going to continue working at it. Around the time when Josephine was a teenager, she came to the realization that she just simply had no talent. The firstborn of Will Schuester had zero talent. Embarrassing, but she embraced it anyway. She still saw how music had transformed people, the way her father took so much care in the people he'd taught - and how it could change their lives. It was essentially therapy, she'd thought.
Which is exactly why she declared her major as Music Therapy. She fell in love with the subject, and learning more and more about both psychology and music changed her whole world. She was good at something and that was all that mattered to her.
After college and starting her career, Josephine met Addy Corcoran. The two fell in love quickly, and for a while, their relationship felt like the one stable thing in Josephine's life. But work became more demanding and she found herself increasingly consumed by work. The long hours started to create a rift between her and Addy. Josephine struggled to separate her professional life from her personal one, and the constant stress led to more and more fights. Despite how much she loves Addy, Josephine finds herself repeating the same mistakes —working too much and not knowing how to balance her career with her relationship.
FAMILY BACKGROUND
The very epitome of theater kid himself, Will Schuester’s life was always going to be surrounded by performance. Unfortunately for him, marrying his high school sweetheart, Terri, turned out to be more sour than sweet, and when their relationship turned toxic, with Terri faking a pregnancy in an effort to keep him around, Will had to give up on his then-dream job of coaching a winning high school Glee Club for free to focus on his main Spanish teaching job. When news of Terri’s fake pregnancy came to light, Will filed for divorce, seeking comfort in the arms of his colleague, the school’s guidance counselor, Emma Pillsbury. The two wed in the year to follow.
Supported by his new wife—who made more than him financially anyway—Will decided to quit his job as high school Spanish teacher, and instead secure a space to open a performing arts studio. The studio and its classes growing in popularity quickly, Will was approached by a production company interested in making a reality show. Soon, The Schue Must Go On, a show focusing on the studio’s child performers with Will the adult face as the main teacher and owner, was born. It was supposed to be something of a filler show, but it gained followers quickly, and soon America was obsessed with watching bratty children compete against each other in their dance, voice and acting classes under Will’s guidance, his family shooting to fame in the blink of an eye.
As parents, Will and Emma can be described best as helicopter parents. They’re very over-protective, and try to be involved in every aspect of their children’s lives, despite how busy they are with The Schue Must Go On, which, somehow, is still going strong and has spawned many an off-shoot instalment. Will is an esteemed performing arts coach, and has appeared as a guest judge on various talent shows (AGT, The Voice, DWTS, etc.) alongside his role as head of his studio, and of the Schuester family.
