"So here's what you missed.
Sue tried to get the Glee Club sent to Tripoli and kidnapped ("Honey Badger, I am lactating with rage!"), but instead Terry helped them get to New York, and then she told Will goodbye. The Glee Club wrote an original song for Nationals"let's light up the world toni-i-ight, you gotta give up the bark and bi-i-ite"), and Rachel and Sunshine made up. Then Finn and Rachel kissed and now they're back together. Blaine said he loved Kurt"I love you."...I love you, too"). Sam said 'Totally awesome,' and he and Mercedes are dating but don't want anyone to know.
And that's what you missed, on GLEE!"
Summer
First day of school.
Kurt sat in his car, regarding the exterior of McKinley High, his fingers toying with his phone. He slid a thumb over its smooth screen as his thoughtful eyes took in every detail. This would be his last year, and Kurt felt equally relieved and nervous. His eyes fell on the dumpster that sat ominously on the far side of the parking lot.
He had put on a Dolce Gabbana pinstripe vest over a crisp blue shirt with french cuffs, and honestly had not considered the possibility that the jocks now greeting each other nearby might toss him in. You're being silly, Kurt thought as he scoured the swarming mass of excited teenagers for a friend. They haven't done a thing to you in almost a year. Still, he glanced at his fleur-de-lis patterned cufflinks and wondered if it was too late to go home and change.
tap, tap, tap
Rachel gave him a small wave in greeting and waited for him to roll the window down. Kurt turned the radio down and smiled as his face appeared from behind the tinted glass.
"Hi Kurt, are you waiting for someone?"
She smiled eagerly but her eyes flew to the jocks, some who seemed to have grown even bigger over the summer.
"No, but I wonder how much has really changed. Look at them, reasserting their dominance already. Building a tier structure on grunts and chest hammerings, putting us in the lowest rung again." His fingers drummed on the armrest as he pondered.
"Would you like to sit with me? We can listen to-"
Before he had a chance to finish, Santana and Dave Karofsky had stopped behind Rachel. Santana hadn't lost that smirk of a cat that has stolen the cream. Karofsky shuffled awkwardly, but had an arm thrown over Santana's shoulder, and held her in a content manner.
"School's about to start in twenty minutes and you're still sitting in your car? Everything's cool, the Bully Whips are here."
Kurt rolled his eyes, but turned off the car. "Are you still pushing that agenda? I think the student population will be fine without a pair of red berets policing the halls."
Santana shrugged and leaned into Karofsky. Karofsky met Kurt's eyes and looked away.
"Shall we walk to the student office together, then?" Rachel suggested, smiling tightly but looking relieved to have the couple around.
Santana agreed, presumably speaking for Karofsky also and the group walked by the Neanderthals, who paused and watched them pass with curiosity. Karofsky tried his best to not look at them and tugged Santana closer. They weaved through the crowd into the school, where the halls echoed with thousands of conversations catching up on months of absence. Kurt felt oddly tall around all the new freshman.
Were we really that short?
And that nervous. Groups of terrified teenagers stared at the seniors walking by, but never for too long. One girl saw Rachel and was rewarded with a kind smile. She beamed in return and immediately returned to her friends. A thin African-American boy at her side looked at Kurt and his eyes widened into huge saucers, taking in his perfectly done hair and chic outfit. He gazed at the vintage pocketwatch that dangled from Kurt's vest lapel and noticed Santana eyeing him curiously, blushed bright red and looked at his schoolbooks.
Everyone was lining up against the walls adjacent to the student office under handwritten signs saying "A-L" and "M-Z" for their semester schedules. Nonetheless, Santana held Dave back as Kurt and Rachel got in line and continued talking about their boyfriends. She turned and looked up into his face.
"Have you thought about joining Glee Club?"
Dave Karofsky blinked quickly and frowned in confusion.
"Why would I join the glee club? I'm having a hard enough time as it is with you dragging me around like a pet," he said, voice getting quieter, and glanced around nervously.
Santana snorted impatiently.
"Sooner or later you're going to join Glee Club, and when you do someone will decide where you fall in the pecking order. Now, Mr. Schue knows you can dance. Well, at least better than I-live-with-rigor-mortis Finn. You can sing okay, but I want to score a duet for Sectionals. Then I can finally get up on that stage and show everyone how unbeleivably luscious I am."
...Unbelievably luscious.
He still couldn't understand where her mind found these crazy phrases. They had been together for a mere five months and only chatted sporadically during the summer. But every time without fail she would manage to confuse the hell out of him. Was she assuming he'd join Glee Club because it would elevate their status? Was she nuts?
"I-I'm not sure I'm ready to join the club. My friends will think I'm crazy and I'm trying to keep them around." He swallowed hard. "They're all I've got..."
Dave saw he said something she didn't like and hesitated. Santana leaned in, a sinister look in her eyes.
"This is the last year we're going to be in McKinley, and I won't take 'no' for an answer. You can either walk away with the scrap of dignity I'm willing to give you and do what I say,...or you can cling to your 'friends' until they figure out you get hard-ons dreaming of tasty man-flesh in football uniforms."
"I don't-"
Santana had already turned on her heel and walked away. What..the..hell..just happened?
"Hey there Butterball," Sue Sylvester called out warmly.
She walked past Will Schuester's shoulder, stopped and promptly turned to face him with an affectionate crooked grin. He willed himself to square his shoulders and returned it with an equally charming smile.
"Hello Sue. Woke up on the right side of the bed this morning?"
"Well, William. You know better than anyone here that if there's a right side of the bed for me, it's tastefully populated with voodoo miniatures of yourself, and your ratpack of horribly misshapened misfits. I happen to be in a terrific mood today. If my morning activities are any indication, most of them have lost the ability to viciously slaughter every tune in Billboard's Top 40, much less to get to school.."
He noted the pause in her voice. "What's wrong, Sue?"
"Nothing, really. But after that sacraficial goat earlier, your greasy mop is due to pop off right about now..." Her eyes flew to his scalp and waited patiently for the inevitable to occur.
Will gave a disappointed sigh.
"Sue, I saw a few of them before class and they seem just fine."
"I said most of them, Will."
"...Emma and I are welcoming the kids today with a project I think they'll really enjoy. You're welcome to j-"
Sue's hand interrupted Mr. Schue's offer. "William, the day I participate in your sadistic rituals will be the day you rouse Buddy Holly from the grave. Then the two of you can compete for the lustful attention of that love child Ashley Simpson had with T-Pain: the most unholy of all incarnations, Rebecca Black"
She shook her head sadly and walked past his stunned face.
I guess that would be a No.
Will closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Another year with Sue...
Thankfully the teachers weren't pushing long homework assignments on the first day. After sitting in Calculus with trepidation, Mercedes and Kurt collected their lunches and joined the rest of the Glee Club at a table they managed to score out on the deck.
Puck and Zizes were deep in conversation, sitting closely on one side of the table, his guitar strung across his back. Puck seemed happy to still have someone that would speak on his level, patiently waiting as he stumbled occassionally in forming links in logic. Lauren was scanning his face, her hand affectionately resting on his forearm.
Brittany sat at the far end of their bench with Artie positioned at the head of the table. Artie was telling her a story while she listened with rapture, her chin in her hand and half-eaten lunches lying before them.
Kurt motioned for Mercedes to sit first, and quickly unfolded a napkin for his seat. Sam watched Mercedes from his spot on top of the table opposite her, and smiled quickly when their eyes met. She smiled and let her eyes linger before Kurt began speaking again.
"-we won't see each other as much anymore. But I did help Blaine pick an outfit for our date yesterday."
"You?" Mercedes regarded him quizzically. "What happened to the poor guy? He must have looked like Mister Rogers meets Elton John, but with super-geled hair."
Kurt huffed, offended.
"I'll have you know, he's started using less product and it suits him. I may not fully appreciate his preppy-leanings, but he can pull off a polo shirt better than anyone."
Not everyone, Mercedes thought and she smiled at Sam again.
Rachel and Finn walked up to the group and joined Sam at the other table. Rachel set her lunch box on the table top and began munching on an apple, Finn sitting next to her facing the other way but leaning into her arm.
Finn listened to Rachel's excited chatter with awe, his lips slightly turned up at the corners. God, she was beautiful. The sun was dipping behind the clouds every few seconds, and seemed to illuminate Rachel every time she looked at him. That warm sparkle tugged at his heartstrings like no other. This felt right.
Puck moved his hand to put over Lauren's but she pulled it away and smirked, knudging his shoulder. He shook his head. Playing games, even now.
Hold on, the ball was in fact in his corner. He remembered the guitar and pulled it over his head, repositioning it properly as he stood up.
Oh God. Lauren searched Puck's determined face, hoping he wouldn't serenade her with something cheesy. Not with everyone here. Artie and Brittany looked up from their conversation immediately.
Puck strummed a few chord and adjusted the tuners. Kurt and Mercedes dropped their conversation and watched him with interest.
"Ah-woh-oo-oooooo..."
Puck locked eyes with Lauren and gave her an evil grin
I can dim the lights and sing you songs
Full of sad things
We can do the tango just for two
I can serenade a gentle prayer on your heart strings
Be a Valentino just for you
Zizes lifted one perfectly arched brow in skepticism. This song certainly seemed out of character for Noah Puckerman. An old dog could apparently learn new tricks.
Sam and Finn were smirking, and sang back,
Ooo Love
Ooo Lover Boy
Whatcha doin tonight?
Ooo hey boy
Puck winked at them,
Set my alarm
Turn on my charm
That's because I'm a good old fashioned loverboy
He played a short intermissive part, harmonizing with the notes, Just because I'm a good old fashioned lover boy,
(Hey boy, where'd you get it from?
Hey boy, where did you go?)
I learned my passion from the good old fashion-ed
School of loverboys!
With that, Puck spun on his heel and hit a solo, jamming to a melody with a deep pitch and high crescendos, glancing at Lauren throughout,
Dining at the Ritz, we'll meet at night..
(one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight)
..Precisely
I will pay the bill, you taste the wine
Driving back in style, in my saloon will do quite nicely
Just take me back to yours, that will be fine...
Come on and GET IT
(oh, there's that smirk again, Lauren thought),
(Ooo Love
Ooo Lover Boy
Whatcha doin tonight?
Ooo hey boy)
Everything's alright
Just hold on tight
That's because I'm a good old
Fashioned (fashioned)
Lover Boy!
Puck slammed out a few notes and stopped, breathing heavily. The members of Glee Club cheered proudly, Rachel clapping carefully with her apple. A few claps and a quiet boo came from the crowd around them, but Puck sat down next to Lauren, unfazed.
She remained frozen, stunned by his public display of affection. Taking the opportunity, Puck quickly grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze, winking as he did so.
Kurt and Mercedes looked at the couple, and each gave a sad sigh.
-COMMERCIAL BREAK-
Do-do-do-do-do-do
Everyone was sitting in their respective chairs when Will Schuester walked into the classroom, a full five minutes after the bell had rung. Santana raised a mocking eyebrow, but said nothing. The Glee members watched him put down a stack of papers and glance at the clock. Tardiness was not much of an issue, not on the first day. But still...
"Okay, guys! I'd like to welcome you back to Glee Club, and say again that I am so proud of you all for placing twelfth at Nationals. We had a lot of fun in New York, and this year when we go back, we are going to win."
"Before we start," Will picked up a sheet from the stack, "I have your first assignment of the year right here."
He was met with groans. Mercedes rolled her eyes.
"Mr. Schue, could we have just one day without homework? None of the other teachers are giving us any."
Will looked over his students, and hesitated. Then he saw Rachel perk up in anticipation and continued, "I want you to memorialize your summer with a song. Summer is about fun, heat, friends, and finding ways to pass the time that don't involve anything illegal." His eyes immediately went to Puck.
Brittany exchanged glances with Artie and asked, "Is that it? We're just singing about Summer?"
They had expected him to be more creative, and Will could feel their disappointment like a cold fog. The lyrics of his project sat in the far corner of his vision, taunting the teacher's lack of resolve.
Will nervously passed a hand over his hair and said to the ground, "Yeah, that's it. Just find a song you'd like to sing that sums up how you felt about your summer."
His words felt empty. The group started murmuring with each other, racking their brains for suitable song titles and Will sank onto the piano bench feeling defeated.
After a few minutes, Finn raised his hand. "Mr. Schue, are we singing in groups, or solos, or what?"
"You can sing in any arrangement you want. Guys, this is just like every other assignment we've ever done."
He glanced at the clock again. Where was Emma?
"Look, that's your assignment and you don't have to do anything else today. I have to make a quick call. So if you'll excuse me..."
And with that Will hurried out of the classroom, leaving behind a bewildered group of students.
Answer, damn it.
Will punched a speed-dial to Emma again, and waited.
"Hello?"
Her sweet voice sounded so innocent and expectant from the other end of the line. Will took a second to strengthen his resolve and asked, "Emma, is everything alright?"
"Oh course it is, Will. Why, is there something wrong?"
"Did you forget we were going to ask the kids to put together a quick performance for the assembly? I had sheet music ready, but more or less was counting on your optimism to get them to agree."
"I'm sorry, Will."
O-kay.
"I stayed home today, because I've had some...troubles."
"What, Emma are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I just wanted to give myself until tomorrow to get ready for the new year. Not very many kids are troubled or depressed, Will, when they've just returned from summer vacation. I'll be fine tomorrow. In fact, I have to go right now. Could you tell the kids I said hello?"
He nodded. Then quickly remembered he had a phone and said, "Yeah, I'll tell them. Take care of yourself, Emma. "
"I intend to, Will."
"Alright, talk to you later then."
"Bye." click
Yup, he'll have to drive over and see her as soon as school was over.
Mike looked around the classroom suddenly. Everyone had begun talking as soon as Mr. Schue had left, but amidt all the happy gossip, a certain sobering presence was obviously missing. Where was Quinn?
"What's wrong?" Tina asked, leaning into his shoulder. He smiled into her glowing face and kissed her cheek.
"Nothing, nothing at all. You look very beautiful today. In fact..." Mike took Tina's hand and kissed the knuckles, then pressed it over his heart. "I think you are more and more beautiful every day I see you."
Tina blushed happily and leaned in for a kiss.
Mercedes watched them out of the corner of her eye and sighed inwardly. Figures, that she'd finally have a man and he had to sit in the chair farthest from her. The blonde head of hair Mercedes was staring at turned and winked at her. She smiled back and turned to Kurt.
"Why do you think Mr. Schue had to leave?"
Kurt shrugged.
"Maybe there's a knitting convention down the road and he has to stock up for the year. In any case, I see that Quinn has made a point in not coming to Glee Club." He surveyed the seats in front of them and stated firmly, "No, she's not here."
Mercedes had looked at the seats again as well, surprised she had not noticed. Quinn would have said something about Mr. Schue's tardiness, just so he'd feel more guilty. Where had she gone instead?
Truth be told, Quinn had decided that morning she would stick her chin out, sit in Glee Club, and do her best to ignore Finn fawning over Rachel. Sitting in the back of Spanish class though, seeing them forget about the world as they stole glances at each other throughout the period, Quinn couldn't face going into Glee Club and seeing the loving couple. Any of them.
As a senior, she had the priviledge of having a few off-periods, and no one was thinking of taking attendance today. Being given one in the middle of the day didn't make any sense, but students could change their schedules before the end of the week. So Quinn thought she would rather wander the halls, wallowing in self-pity. She'd actually become very good at it.
This school. Quinn had known it as her domain, her castle, sanctuary, and vessel of opportunity. Some days it felt stifling, holding all her dreams in too compact of a space.
Today though it seemed overly-bright and active, making her feel weak in comparison. She saw her reflection in a trophy case and stopped. Well, the reflection didn't surprise her.
The subdued rose colored blouse tucked into her grey wool pencil skirt fit Quinn's mood perfectly. The color, she thought, made her seem less tangible and certainly not vulnerable to whatever vile opinons people threw her way. They didn't say anything to her, but Quinn could tell she had lost ground all the same.
Her eyes accidentally collided with Finn's image in a picture of his team winning a game. A dim ember of resentment sizzled in her core and faded.
Shit, he's everywhere, Quinn realized as she looked around her with new eyes. She wet her lips and hummed a few notes as she continued down the hall. Soon the words were forcing themselves out,
I saw a picture of you
Hanging in an empty hallway
I heard a voice that I knew
And I couldn't walk away
It took me back to the end
Of everything
I tasted all, I tasted all the tears
Again
Quinn rested a hand on the glass over a trophy the Cheerios had won with her as captain. Her eyes roamed to a picture of them in a pyramid, and the proud Quinn flashing a grin back at her,
I, can't,
Turn this around
I keep runnin into walls
That I can't break down
I said, I
Just
Wander around
With my eyes wide shut
Because of you
Everywhere that I go
I see another memory
And all the places we used to know
They're always there to haunt me
I walk around and I feel
So lost and lonely
You're everything that I want
But you don't want me.
An electric guitar solo echoed out from the band hall, and seemed to feed her emotions. Quinn's breathing quickened and she soaked in every note, letting the rush in her veins surge and ebb with the tune. It was tempting to turn to a positive thought, but maybe she could indulge this feeling a little bit longer. Quinn watched a student holding a hall pass turn around the corner and continued,
I can't turn this around
I keep runnin into walls
That I can't break down
I said, I
Just
Wander around
With my eyes wide shut
Because of you
I must see you walk on,
Walk on, Walk on,
I must see you walk on,
Walk on, Walk on,
Let me out of this dream...
Quinn stopped and watched the small figure walk closer, her intention to continue sulking forgotten. The thin girl wore a cute pair of espadrilles and a blinding white sundress, her white-blonde hair pulled into a tight ponytail. The girl's long lashes fluttered as she took in the nearly empty hallway.
Her eyes stopped on Quinn, who nearly took a step away from the intensity of her gaze. The girl ignored her and hurried to the restroom door a few feet away.
A discerning Quinn waited a few minutes and entered the restroom. The subject of her attention had finished washing her hands and was touching up her face with a layer of loose powder. Quinn went to the sink next to her and waited, but the younger girl gave her a quick side-long glance and returned to her polishing.
"Hi, I'm Quinn." She quickly gave her friendliest smile. "I haven't seen you around here before and thought I'd introduce myself."
The girl closed her compact and looked her over, then offered her other hand. "I'm Alicia, and I just moved here from Indiana."
Quinn shook her hand and returned, "Nice to meet you. Are you a freshman?"
"Yeah, I am," Alicia said, her eyes suddenly popping wide open. She knew now why Quinn looked so familiar. "I've seen your picture everywhere! You're in the Cheerios-"
"Yes, well, no. I left the Cheerios a while ago, but I was their captain last year. Are you a cheerleader?"
"I was in middle school, but it seems like some things are different here."
"Really? How?"
"Well, the lockers aren't assigned by grade level. You can eat outside but can't go off campus. People burst into song for no apparent reason (She looked at Quinn). And among other things, I couldn't find my homeroom class earlier, but when I asked a teacher, she nearly bit my head off."
Oh, no.
Quinn asked meaningfully, "Was she wearing a track suit and looked busy -but wasn't really?"
"Yeah, she did. She was busy, I guess. I asked because she was just standing there in the hallway, watching everybody."
Quinn shook her head. "That was Sue Sylvester, the Cheerios' coach."
Silence. "Maybe I don't want to be a Cheerio." Alicia bit her lip apprehensively. "Is she always like that?"
"Yes, most of the time." Quinn corrected herself. "All of the time."
"Why did you leave the Cheerios?" the girl inquired curiously.
Choosing not to mention Brittany's near brush with death, Quinn replied, "I was in the Glee Club and Coach Sylvester demanded we either choose the club or the Cheerios."
"We?"
"Me, Brittany, and Santana. We're kind of the top girls around here. Glee Club was helping promote acceptance and team spirit, so we forfeit the Cheerios to do a big number during half time at last year's Championship game."
The two girls studied each other, fully aware that this conversation had led to their futures being unavoidably intertwined. Quinn was beginning to recognize similarities in the timid figure before her. The freshman's noble posture, half-forced smile, hooded eyes, and thoughtful tilt of the head so eerily mirrored Quinn, she could feel goosebumps forming.
"Is the Glee Club looking for new members?" Alicia asked, interest piqued.
"Sure, I can ask our teacher, Mr. Schue."
"Shoe." Alicia suppressed a grin and nodded.
The girl then looked around for the clock and rushed, "Cool, I've gotta get back to class."
"Okay, it was nice meeting you."
And Quinn meant it.
"You too."
They exchanged shy smiles and Alicia hurried out the door. Quinn turned and met her reflection's eyes in the mirror. The past summer had been a lonely one, but now it seemed things were likely to turn around. Quinn hummed a few notes and strolled away from the gloomy image, feeling brighter than she had felt in days.
Broken pieces, break into me
So imperfectly what you should be
Will knocked on Emma Pillsbury's door and heard hands scrambling to open it on the other side. A flustered Emma flung the door open before he could give it a fourth rap. Though perfectly put-together, her huge eyes appeared delirious and desperate.
"Hi, Will!" she greeted brightly, smoothing her apron with two hands. Two rubber-gloved hands.
"Hey Emma."
William silently took in her spotless petite form and strained smile. She glanced uneasily at the road and houses nearby, then asked quietly, "Why are you here?"
"Oh, I just wanted to see how you were doing. May I come in?"
Emma worried her lip as she weighed her options. After a few seconds, she stepped aside reluctantly. "Sure, come on in. Would you like something to drink?" Will looked around as he answered, "Thank you, some water would be great."
She dashed out of the room within moments and he quickly assessed the sterile environment.
The room was dimly illuminated by the late afternoon sun filtering through damask lace curtains, so it was rather hard to see. Golden rays hit the pale blue walls and threw a small collection of fragile porcelain figures into relief.
The glass coffee table shone softly, devoid of any streaks or miniscule specks of dust. The carpet seemed to have been combed every which way, and threadbare from frequent use of an industrial vacuum. And the air reeked with the concentrated fumes of isopropyl alcohol, bleach, Lysol, and a variety of cleaning products that Will couldn't identify.
Emma returned and handed him a glass of water with trembling hands. She smiled and sat with them clenched in her lap, clearly wishing her nerves would settle.
Will took a sip and shifted his weight carefully onto the plastic tarp covering a sectional sofa. The glass rang as he brought it down too hard, making Will flinch and the woman next to him jump.
"I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorry," Emma said immediately.
Sorry, for what?
Mr. Schue leaned forward, elbows resting on his thighs, trying to get her to meet his concerned gaze.
"Emma, are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine, Will." Emma shook her head dismissively but refused to look him in the eye.
"We missed you at Glee Club today. I asked the kids to choose a song about summer and share it with the class this week. They didn't want an assignment on the first day, but most of them seemed relieved when I said it was all they had to do." Will looked at his hands, not sure what to do with them.
"That was nice of you. It might have been too soon to suggest they perform at the assembly. I'm sure they'll understand after everyone is accustomed to being in school again."
Will smiled sheepishly and nodded. "I bet you're right. They probably need a few days to start waking up early and give complicated coffee orders. I swear, those Glee kids drink way more coffee than is healthy for them."
He looked up and met Emma's curious stare. She smiled weakly in return, and suddenly appeared very interested in their knees, which were close enough that they were nearly brushing.
"Thank you for coming to see me. I'm sorry I didn't show up to the Glee Club's first day," she said softly.
"We missed you."
Emma hesitated, not sure how to reply.
"What have you been doing all day?" The young woman hung her head and began twisting her fingers.
Will took a good, long look at his host. Although the room was quickly growing dark, he saw a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead and bangs. Her throat was gulping nervously and dark circles he'd never seen before framed those enormous eyes. Emma's bottom lip quivered, her chin tucked in and eyes cast down in shame. Something was wrong. The medication, if she was evening taking it, certainly no longer had an effect.
"Hey," Will whispered. "It's okay. Here."
He took her small hands in his own and held them. Emma looked down at them and whimpered pitifully, her exterior beginning to crack. The skin above her blouse collar began to flush bright pink, and Emma's face crumpled as she fought to maintain composure.
Will shushed her quietly and pulled her into his arms. One hand stroked her hair and Will felt Emma heave choked sobs into his shirt.
I know the battles of
Chasing the shadows of who you wanna be
It doesn't matter, go on and shatter
I'm all you need
Broken pieces, break into me
So imperfectly what you should be
Lay here, it's safe here, I'll let you be broken open
Hide here, confide here so we can be broken open
If anything could make Kurt feel over the moon, it was Blaine.
They had met up after school and now sat together at The Lima Bean, poring over the new September issue of Vogue magazine. Kurt watched Blaine visually gorge on the glossy pages. His retinas seemed to take in everything with a superhuman speed that Kurt could potentially envy, if he didn't prefer actually savoring every aesthetically-pleasing detail.
Late afternoon sunlight spilled into the shop, heating the floor and making the walls and ceiling glow. The magazine was inadvertently illuminating his boyfriend's face and rather unexpectedly Kurt fell under his spell.
A five o' clock shadow was just beginning to form on the slopes of his cheeks, Kurt noted. Blaine's lips were parted slightly as he silently followed the caption of a runway picture. His brows furrowed together and he read it again. His warm, brown eyes shone in this light. And his lashes. He had very pretty lashes. Kurt sighed.
Blaine's eyes snapped to his face and Kurt stiffened. He tilted his chin and a glint of mischief lit up those expressive pools of mahogany brown.
"Can I help you?"
"No, it's nothing." Kurt took a sip of his latte and thought quickly. "I wondering how your day was..I mean, went..."
Shit.
Blaine hid a smirk and shifted in his seat to face Kurt. "My day went pretty well. We didn't have rehearsal after our meeting though, and everyone left rather quickly. But at least I get to see you."
He reached over and squeezed Kurt's hand. Oh, Blaine.
Kurt thought he must be the luckiest guy in the whole world.
"I should ask you, how did your day go? Did anyone try to start some trouble?"
"No, actually Santana has still made it her personal mission to keep Dave and the rest of them in check. Today she actually marched into the boy's room and physically assaulted someone for giving a freshman a swirly." Kurt closed his eyes and shuddered in horror.
"And I'm pretty sure she was the first person to visit the principal's office this year."
"I see. Are she and Karofsky still wearing the red berets and jackets?"
"Yes, they did after that incident. She felt the Bully Whips' presence was not being felt and happened to have them in her locker."
"Oh wow."
Kurt nodded his agreement and sighed dramatically. He took a few moments to observe Blaine again. Sadly, they didn't get to spend much time together during the summer.
Blaine had performed at Six Flags for the agreed two-weeks and left home for a camp counselor position a few weeks later; a camp that Kurt assumed taught boys how to be effortlessly dapper. And after he came back, the Warblers had insisted on stretching their wings and performing in as many venues as possible, encouraged by the response from the warm, receptive audiences.
He drove Blaine to as many gigs and rehearsals as his boyfriend would allow, and hung out with the guys after each performance. It wasn't the same as having Blaine to himself, but they spent every other moment together whenever possible.
Then Dalton began the semester a few weeks ago, and suddenly they had much less time for movies and cuddling. This was hard. Relationships are hard.
He's worth it though, Kurt reminded himself. Blaine caught his wandering eye and grinned. Yes, he's definitely worth it.
Eventually they would have to leave. Not yet, though. This felt nice. The next several minutes passed in a comfortable silence, the pair soaking in the atmosphere and each other's company. Finally, Blaine sighed and stood up.
"Listen, Kurt, I've got to get started on my homework. Can we have dinner tomorrow night?"
"Absolutely," Kurt agreed. Blaine put a hand on Kurt's shoulder and kissed his forehead.
"Good, I'll call you tonight."
Kurt watched him leave, sadly. Finding time for moments just like now will only continue to get harder. Maybe he should ask...
Finn stood before the class, his head down and fingers keeping time as the piece started. Drums began, then keyboard, guitars and trumpet jumped in,
It's too darn hot
It's too darn hot
I'd like to sup with my baby tonight
And play the pup with my baby tonight..
He lifted his head and began crooning, voice gradually increasing in volume:
I'd like to sup with my baby tonight
And play the pup with my baby tonight
But I ain't up to my baby tonight
Cause it's too darn hot
Sam and Artie chimed in, joining Finn in the middle of the classroom and snapping in unison,
It's too darn hot
It's too darn hot
Finn-
I'd like to call on my baby tonight
And give my all to my baby tonight
Finn, Sam, Artie-
I'd like to call on my baby tonight
And give my all to my baby tonight
Finn-
But it's too darn hot
Finn, Sam, Artie-
Cause it's too darn hot
It's too darn hot
It's too too too darn hot!
The class was clapping their hands with the beat as the guys pivoted and each took a turn across the floor.
Finn did an awkward number resembling a poorly-coordinated game of hopscotch. Sam slid one foot after another heel-to-toe, bopping his head and pumping his fists, finishing by doing the wave. And Artie gave himself enough momentum to allow his arms and shoulders to pull off some sweet popping moves, as Sam came up from behind and brought him to the center of the room again,
Finn-
I'd like to fool with my baby tonight
Break ev'ry rule with my baby tonight
Finn, Sam, Artie-
I'd like to fool with my baby tonight
Break ev'ry rule with my baby tonight
Finn-
But pillow you'll be my baby tonight
Cause it's too darn hot
Mr. Schue's eyebrows went up. Then Will reminded himself that they weren't really kids anymore, he couldn't pretend they were that naive, and decided to let them finish.
Oh when the thermometer goes way up
And the weather is sizzling hot
Mister gob for his squab,
A marine for his queen,
A G.I. for his cutie-pie is not!
Each of them threw a quick wink at their girls. Kurt's eyes flew wide open and he shook himself. Did Sam just wink at him? Wait a minute, no...
Finn, Sam, Artie-
Cause it's too, too
Too darn hot!
It's too darn hot!
It's tooooo...daaaarrrn...hot!
Finn-
Oh MAN, it's hot!
The Glee Club applauded loudly, and Rachel bounced in her seat, thrilled with Finn's Broadway song selection. Mr. Schue clapped as well, and thanked them for the performance.
"Now, who's up next?"
Santana stood, speaking as she moved to claim the floor. "I have the only song that does this subject any justice. Before I go, Dave, my love you may not be here. But you're in here," Santana patted one hand over her heart. The Glee members exchanged glances with each other, unsure how to respond.
Will nodded his approval. "Okay then, let's hear it." Santana's eyes slid to Brittany before she clasped her hands together and took a deep breath.
When they begin the beguine
It brings back the sound of music so tender
It brings back a night of tropical splendor
It brings back a memory of green
I'm with you once more
Under the stars
And down by the shore
An orchestra's playing
And even the palms
Seem to be swaying
When they begin the beguine
Everyone was silently listening to Santana, entranced. Brittany couldn't breathe. Memories were swirling around in her simple mind; bittersweet, toe-curling memories of her and Santana curling up on her parent's couch, kissing in the back seat of Santana's car, tanning by the pool, and laying in the grass at night as they inhaled the warm green scent and watched fireflies,
To live it again
Is past all endeavor
Except when that tune
Clutches my heart
And there we are swearing to love forever
And promising never,
Never to part
A moment's divine
Oo what rapture serene
Til clouds came along
To disperse the joys we had tasted
And now when I hear people curse the chance that was wasted
I know but too well what they mean
So don't let them begin the beguine
Let the love that was once a fire
Remain an ember
Let it sleep like the dead desire I only remember
When they begin the beguine
She couldn't stand it anymore. Santana's glimmering black eyes were boring holes into her soul. Brittany could feel her own filling with tears. Must not cry.
Oh yes let them begin the beguine
Make them play
Til the stars that were there before
Return above you
Til you whisper to me once more
Darling I love you
And we suddenly know what heaven we're in
When they begin the beguine
When they begin
The beguine...
The silence that followed lasted eons. Rachel and Tina were choking down sobs. Even the guys sat there frozen, moved beyond words. Tina finally squeaked and began crying into her hands. Mike moved to comfort her, hugging the emotional girl to his chest. Finn moved his arm around Rachel and she too let go. Mercedes looked over at Kurt and took his hand, wanting physical contact with someone. Anyone. Kurt glanced over, and they smiled, squeezing their hands together.
Mr. Schue mentally shook himself loose, and moved to the center of the room. "Wow. Thank you Santana, that was great. Um, did anyone else want to go?"
Rachel shook her head, large wet tears still traveling down her face. Will stood there for a full minute, with his hands out expectantly. However, no one seemed interested in following Santana's moving performance.
"Alright then, I think we did enough for today. I'll let you guys go early this one time... just don't get into any trouble."
-COMMERCIAL BREAK-
Do-do-do-do-do-do
Brittany couldn't stop thinking about Santana. That song struck her too deeply to forget. Santana seemed oblivious to the effect the song had had on her though. At their lockers, she gathered her books as nonchalantly as ever while checking her appearance in a mirror on the door. Then just as casually shut the locker firmly and sauntered away.
And when she laid awake that night, clutching her teddy bear, Brittany could see Santana moving around the bedroom with a predatory grace that was all her own. When she closed her eyes, Santana filled her senses.
"Aaaaaaggh," Brittany groaned into her pillow. This had to stop. It didn't. She ended up tossing and turning all night, until exhaustion let her slip away just minutes before the alarm clock went off. Brittany sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"Lord Tubbington, please come hug me."
The obese feline turned his head toward the sound of her voice, but flicked his tail and refused to oblige her.
Brittany picked him up instead, cuddling him to her chest and walked over to her vanity. She had forgotten to wash off her makeup the night before, and was greeted with the sight of two large eyeliner and mascara smears under her eyes. With the tousled, tangled mess in her hair, she almost looked like Ke$sha. Brittany was tempted to smile at the thought, but a picture of she and Artie that sat in the corner stopped her. They looked so happy. She wasn't though, not now.
Brittany's cell phone buzzed on her bedside table. She got up and slowly approached the phone, then picked it up and frowned at the screen.
1 New Message from
Santana
Hey r u up?
Yeah i am
Brittany sat there waiting for a reply as she tried to wrap her head around the situation. Twenty minutes later she didn't feel any more enlightened, but perked when the phone in her hand started ringing.
"Hello?"
"Hey Brittany, do you know what you're wearing today?"
"Santana, I can't think about clothes right now. Why did you sing that song in Glee Club yesterday?"
Silence.
"I-I thought everyone would like that song. Did you?"
"Yeah, I did. But..." Why couldn't Santana just say it, Brittany wondered.
"But what? I sang it for you."
Oh, she said it. Now Brittany had to think of a clever response. Uh... "Why?"
"Because, I thought it meant something to us."
"But you said the song was for Dave."
"I said that, but it was also for you. Look, I have to get ready. Can we talk about this later?"
"Okay, I guess we can."
"Great, see you in Glee Club."
"See you."
Brittany put the phone down and cradled her head. This was too much to think about, especially for her. She felt sick and so tired. Brittany dragged herself up and went to her bed, collapsing on the sheets. Mom will let me stay home, she decided and fell asleep instantly.
"Hey guys," Will greeted the students as he walked into the choir room. They looked up at him, and over at the clock. He was late, again. "I saw some of you running in as the bell rang. You know, it's not a good idea to get caught by hall sweeps on your second day," Will said generously, offering this advice as he put down his messenger bag.
"Meaning, I'll ignore that some of you are late, if you'll ignore that I'm the latest," Quinn drawled. Will's head snapped in surprise, and he realized Quinn was sitting in the front row of chairs, sarcasm dripping with every word. She met his look with one of disdain.
"Hi, Quinn. It's great to see that you're back!"
She scoffed and turned her head, Kurt and Mercedes watching her with matching looks of disgust. Lauren shook hers sadly. Rachel and Finn sat in their chairs, visibly uncomfortable and trying not to look at each other. Will dismissed this and said brightly, "I have some great news for all of you! Mr. Figgins has asked us to perform at the assembly this Friday, and I think this would be a great opportunity to remind everyone why we're here."
He was met with blank stares. Sam tilted his head in confusion. "And why are we here...?"
"School spirit."
The Glee students looked at each other doubtfully. Really? But the entire school hated them. Despite their best efforts, it was unlikely the audience would be any more enthused to see them than before. Will's confidence shrunk a little. That excuse didn't work. Getting them to agree might be more of an uphill battle than he had thought.
"But Mr. Schue," Puck said. "No one wants to be at these assemblies, much less stay longer just to hear us sing. I mean, I don't wanna go up there and get booed any more than the rest of these guys do. So what's the point?"
"Well, the assembly is to welcome everyone back from summer break, and I thought we could perform I Gotta Feelin by the Black Eyed Peas! Get it across to everybody that summer may be over, but there's still plenty to look forward to. We were great at Prom last year, and went on to beat out competition from 38 other states at Nationals. We can do this, and we need the practice."
Kurt put in, "But do we really have to? There will be plenty of other chances to perform this year, what with Sectionals, Regionals, and dare I say, Nationals to look forward to."
"We don't have to, but guys, I already gave Figgins my word that we will. I know it's just the beginning of the year and I'm asking a lot out of you so we can perform it this Friday. But this is, again, a great opportunity and I'd hate to see us pass it up."
"Why exactly?" Mercedes pressed, still doubtful.
Will hesitated. He didn't want to cause a panic, but their reluctance was pushing him into a corner. "Because we have to begin recruiting and soon, so that there's still a Glee Club next year." Each person's reaction was different, but all seemed to understand the problem. Mr. Schue was right. After this year, he would be left with starting nearly from scratch again if they didn't get lower classmen interested. That wasn't fair, not after all he'd done for them.
Artie nodded firmly. "We'll do it, Mr. Schue." The rest of the students nodded as well. Will released a breath he didn't know he had been holding.
"That's great news guys, and I really appreciate what you're doing. I hope you all know that."
Will then sat at the piano and led the group in their vocal exercises. Mike patted Artie on the shoulder, who looked at Brittany's empty chair. His face fell, and for the rest of class his thoughts were of the look on Brittany's face when Santana sung for her. For only her. Something in his heart ached with the memory and Artie tried his best to sing with the group, though his teeth continued to clench every time the thought popped up. He wasn't going to lose her. He couldn't.
"Brittany!"
Brittany turned away from her open locker and saw Santana hurry towards her. She sighed and faced the locker again. Why does Santana have to look so good every day, Brittany wondered. Don't lesbians wear mullets, baggy pants, and tank tops without any bras? Santana's pushup made her long-sleeved leopard-print dress look downright scandalous. And unbelievably sexy.
"Brittany, you missed Glee Club... Wait, what's wrong?"
"Why don't you tell me."
Brittany threw another book into her locker and traded her Government binder for an English one. She glanced up as one hand stuffed her gym clothes in the bag with her binder and zipped it shut. Santana shot her a look that said quit acting like that and answered, "I don't know, that's why I'm asking you."
Brittany rolled her eyes, shut her locker door and started to walk away.
"Wait." Santana held Brittany's arm, stopping her. "Tell me what's wrong."
Zing. That familiar spark shot up her arm and made Brittany tingle all over. Like Tinkerbell. The hall suddenly felt more crowded and that people were slowing as they passed them, intent on catching a few words from their conversation. The blonde ducked her head and spoke.
"I know you still have feelings for me, but I can't break up with Artie again. He's super nice to me, and hasn't called me stupid once since Prom."
"Okay..that doesn't explain why you came to school late."
Santana stood there patiently as she searched for the right words, familiar with Brittany's tortoise-fast thought processing. Brittany pulled her courage together and admitted, "I couldn't sleep last night...because I was thinking about you. My mom let me sleep this morning and drove me here an hour ago."
"You were thinking about me?" Santanna gripped both her arms. As Brittany started pulling away, she held tighter and whispered, "No wait, what were thinking?"
"I-I was thinking about how you love me, and I love you, and I'm just really, really confused." There was more, but Brittany didn't know what, much less how to say it.
Santana let go, and bit her lip. Brittany tried not to look at her as she straightened her backpack and hair. Finally, Santana sighed and said, "Brittany, I do love you. We're not together, but I'll always be here for you... Do you want to skip class and grab something to eat with me instead? Then we can talk about this somewhere more private."
Brittany read her face, and seeing genuine concern, nodded and smiled. Santana grinned and threaded an arm through hers. "Let's go then. I'm sick of all these freshmen anyway. If one more scrawny little boy 'accidentally' backs into the ladies, I'll pull a wedgie so far over his head, his balls will never drop."
Puck collapsed on a chair next to the curtain, forehead glistening with trails of sweat. They had practiced the show for an hour, but after Mr. Schue left, Rachel took it upon herself to lead them in rehearsal. That wasn't fair; a girl that small shouldn't have so much energy in reserve. And yet she stood there impatiently tapping a foot, looking at the rest of them slump in their seats.
She's lost it, Kurt decided. This monster was one Berry short of a bushel and should be locked up in a madhouse. Not here, putting them through her unique form of torture.
Finn leaned down and tossed him a water bottle that Kurt let fall to the floor. His entire body was one big bundle of unhappy nerves and nothing sounded better than dying right there, on the spot. Mercedes bent over and picked it up, setting the bottle down at his feet.
Rachel argued quietly with Finn and shouted, "Alright, we are almost there! The next number is when the boys move to the back and the girls pass between them. Then we stop right here and, well... I need you up here to actually go over it."
Brittany brushed back her bangs and took a big gulp of water from her bottle. Santana ran her hands through her weave, only mildly interested in what Rachel was saying. Lauren ignored her entirely. And Puck was glaring at Finn as though Rachel's behavior was entirely his fault.
Quinn spoke up. "Rachel, we need a break. I don't know about you, but it literally feels like something was pulled in my back." She grimaced and put a hand on her hip, gingerly rotating her spine.
"But we can't stop now!" Rachel threw her hands out and gestured at the open floor before her in exasperation. "You guys, we still have half of the song to work on."
The blonde glanced at Tina and Mike, arguably the best dancers in the group. They were barely winded, but were frowning at the petite girl centerstage. "I think most of us are too tired to keep going. We can pick this up tomorrow and make better progress then," Quinn insisted. What does a slipped disc feel like, she wondered. Can it happen just from dancing? This routine Rachel had dreamt up was genius, intense and impossible to get it to meet her expectations. But the aberation before them was not giving up that easily.
"By tomorrow morning, we'll all hurt too much to do anything. No! We've got to get this down tonight!" Several of them answered with a groan. Lauren and Puck looked about ready to knock the girl unconscious, and Finn stood there helpless, nervously observing the animosity building between his classmates and girlfriend.
What the hell is she doing, Quinn wondered. It was already eight o' clock, and staying for another four hours was clearly not an option because of school tomorrow. "Stop it, Rachel," she spat out. "We've been here long enough, and some of us have homework to finish."
"This is more important. If we blow this chance, no one will ever join Glee Club," Rachel whined.
"Well, with that attitude, no one will want to stay in Glee Club either," Quinn snapped back, her temper starting to boil. How did Rachel revert so quickly back to being so insufferable? She doesn't learn. Damn her talent! Look at her, standing there emanating smug superiority. Rachel caught her eye and smirked. Quinn's jaw clenched, muscles working furiously as she fought to contain composure.
The others' attention were on the two girls now. No one could forget their history, and clearly there was still a score to settle. I lost everything, her throat choking as the realization dawned, and in one way or another had lost it all to her. Quinn's eyes darkened, expression murderous. Rachel dragged her eyebrows together into a reproachful glare and moved towards the blonde.
"Quinn, you have to quit being a BRAT so we can finally get this section right, and then maybe we'll go home..."
Ohmygod. Quinn froze, her mind vaguely wondering, did she just call me a brat? A few jaws dropped and everyone held their breath, bracing for the impact. Rachel and Quinn's eyes were locked, tension building as she began to recover from the shock and soon a hot furnace of bitter fury burst in Quinn's small frame. Tears of rage sprung up in her eyes, then Quinn simultaneously screamed and stamped her foot.
"That is IT!" Quinn screeched. "I have had enough of taking orders from you, Miss Rachel Berry! I never should have come back, not after you've stolen my boyfriend - TWICE! And you, (she pointed at Finn, who jumped back in alarm) you had the nerve to think you could break up with me and nothing would ever happen! I hate you both!"
"This," she continued heatedly, "this is a club, not a boot camp! Mr. Schue was crazy to think we could perform before the entire school in just three days. But you - Rachel - you have no right to stand there and give any of us orders! I am done with this-this joke we're all in. We're only here because no one else wants us, and it's PATHETIC. You're all pathetic!"
Tears flew as Quinn bent over and swung her bag over her shoulder, biting back a shriek of pain. Red, fuming, and face contorted into a mask of rage, Quinn turned back to face the club.
"I am leaving because I've had it to here with all of you. This isn't where I belong. And I deserve better," she said, shooting a look at Finn that made him rock on his feet. The impact felt as though she'd physically driven a spear into his chest, and Finn's belly rolled making him instantly nauseous.
They watched her march purposefully towards the back of the theater, slam the door open and storm out. Then the group stared at each other and time slowed to a crawl. Mercedes bit her lip and fought to think positive, to not admit that what Quinn had said was true - the pathetic part. Sam shuffled a little closer, but Kurt took her hand and squeezed tightly. She looked up and saw equally pained blue eyes survey her face. He smiled sadly and put an arm around her. Mike hugged Tina close and Artie threaded his fingers through Brittany's, feeling comforted that she didn't seem to understand what had happened. Santana hugged herself tightly, chin down in thought. Puck quietly scooted his chair closer and grabbed Lauren's hand, still undercertain on what his reaction should be. Finn sat heavily on the piano bench and momentarily broke the silence as it dragged against the floor. Rachel kept her eyes on the ground, wishing it would swallow her whole. Her lip quivered and after a few minutes she whispered, "That's enough for tonight. Let's go home."
The gymnasium was packed with impatient students jostling and pushing each other in the bleachers. Principal Figgins had attempted several times to get them to quiet down, but finally gave up and found the Glee Club backstage. The members were dressed in colorful summer attire and fairly easy to spot.
The girls wore various combinations of denim and yellow cotton, though Brittany had decided to add a plush Tigger backpack to her outfit. The guys opted for denim shorts, white undershirts and blue button-down shirts that some left open. Kurt, naturally, insisted on wearing a pair of designer jeans that closely hugged his tall frame and had his shirt buttoned to the neck. They had all refused Sam's suggestion to add cowrie-shell surfer necklaces, so he wore his and glowered stubbornly at the stage floor.
"Well, guuuys, how are we feeling?" Mr. Figgins inquired from the nervous bunch.
Artie spoke for them all. "We're ready to do this."
"That sounds great! I hope you are all ready to bring this house down. The school board had considered cutting the budget for this program - or cutting it altogether - but I said, 'No. Give the Glee Club a chance to show what they can do, and then decide.' I told them you are going to win at Nationals, and I am sure you will prove it today."
He patted Finn on the shoulder in passing and grinned. Finn returned the smile with a shaky one of his own and the principal left the stage. The Glee Club members clung to each other, terrified. In a few moments they could potentially ruin their collective reputation beyond all repair, and Mr. Figgins had made it clear that this was their only shot. If they blew it, the school would allocate their funds elsewhere.
Mr. Schue slipped in through the stage door and walked over to the group, rubbing his hands together excitedly, oblivious to their distress. "This is it, guys. The whole school's out there and they are about to be blown away thanks to all your hard work. No matter what, I'm proud of you... Now go out there and break a leg!"
As he left, they heard the microphone come to life and Principal Figgins give their intro. Now or never. They took their places, the gymnasium lights dimmed and the music began.
They stood with their backs to the audience, silhouetted against a red curtain that was lit from behind. The tail ends of a few remaining conversations drifted away, and a spotlight that was focused on center stage lit up on a tall blonde male standing in the middle as he slowly looked up at the crowd,
Sam-
I gotta feeling...
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night
Brittany spun around and joined Sam in the spotlight,
Sam-
A feeling,
Brittany-
Woohoo
Sam, Brittany-
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night
A feeling (woohoo) that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night
Artie came over, taking center while Sam and Brittany fell back and started dancing. The other Glee members began appearing one by one and joining in the number,
Artie-
Tonight's the night, let's live it up
I got my money, let's spend it up
Go out and smash it, knock on my door
Jump off that sofa, let's get, get off
Santana-
I know that we'll have a ball
If we get down and go out and just lose it all
I feel stressed out, I wanna let it go
Let's go way out, spaced out and losing all control
The glee members had split into two rows and weaved around each other as the stage lit up, until half held center floor and the others had formed a semi-circle around them.
Fill up my cup, mazel tov
Look at her dancing, just take it off
Let's paint the town, we'll shut it down
Let's burn the roof,
And then we'll do it again
Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it, let's do it
And do it and do it, let's-live-it-up
And do it and do it and do it, do it, do it
Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it
The guys took the foreground, and the girls formed a line behind them, punching their fists in the air,
Guys-
Tonight's the night (Girls- Hey!)
Let's live it up (let's live it up)
I got my money (my pay)
Let's spend it up (let's spend it up)
Go out and smash it (smash it)
Knock on my door (knock on my door)
Jump off that sofa (come on!)
Let's get, get off
The boys split and joined up in the back as the girls took the front,
Girls-
Fill up my cup (Guys- drink)
Mazel tov (le heim)
Look at her dancing (move it, move it)
Brittany jumped out from the line and rolled her hips, throwing the audience a sultry look,
Just take it off!
Let's paint the town (paint the town)
We'll shut it down (let's shut it down)
Let's burn the roof
Mercedes-
And then we'll do it agaaaaaain!
All-
Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it, let's do it
And do it and do it, let's-live-it-up
And do it and do it and do it, do it, do it
Let's do it, let's do it, let's do it
The group came together in the middle, jumping and throwing all their energy into the words, as multi-colored lights traveled across the room,
Here we come, here we go, we gotta ROCK (rock rock rock rock rock)
Easy come, easy go, now WE on top (top top top top top)
Feel the shot, body rock, rock it, don't STOP (stop stop stop stop stop)
Round and round, up and down, around the CLOCK (rock rock rock rock rock)
The group spread out and teamed into pairs, rotating around each other and breaking off to form separate pairs, filling the stage and encouraging the audience to get up,
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (do it!)
Friday, Saturday, Saturday to Sunday (do it!)
Get, get, get, get, get with us, you know what we say, say
Party every day, p-p-p-party every day
The rest of the stage lights dimmed as Puck and Kurt came forward, each taking a spotlight on far ends of the stage, and stood there facing the audience,
Puck-
I gotta feeling,
Kurt-
Woohoooooooo
Puck and Kurt-
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night
The rest of the Glee members lined up at the front of the stage, exhausted and happy,
All-
A feeling, woohoo, that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night
Woohoo...
Before the last note finished, a thunderous applause shook the stands and everyone jumped to their feet. As the Glee Club fell out from the sheer thrill of performing, the it began to dawn on them that the crowd had loved it. Had loved them. They each hugged the person closest to them and came forward to form a chain, bowing together. The music began again and they took turns bowing individually and exiting the stage.
As Kurt twirled and skipped to the curtain, Mr. Figgin's voice came over the sound system.
"That was the Glee Club, performing 'I've Got a Feeling' by the Black Eye Peas. They will be holding auditions all next week, so I encourage you to go and audition. Now, if we may turn your attention to the screen, I'd like to go over announcements from some of our other student organ-i-zations..."
Sue sat facing her collection of trophies, contemplating dastardly plans for the demise of her nemesis, the relentlessly perky Will Schuester.
Seeing the Cheerios lose at Regionals last season had been only the first drop in the bucket. Somehow her design for the Night of Neglect had backfired and Sue felt somewhat responsible for sending the Glee Club to Nationals, giving them an unwarranted high from the experience. It was only great misfortune that kept her from successfully creating a heinous international incident that would have inevitably led to the impeachment of her other greatest enemy, that left-wing smug little bastard Obama. And Sue was banned from running for office in any federal institution after some good-for-nothing journalist dredged up the more sordid details of her life and published them in a twenty-six-part series in The Lima News. Initially furious, Sue began saving the articles until the story was discontinuing after the news service was flooded with complaints and threats to withdraw subscriptions.
The Glee Club placed in Nationals though, Obama found Osama bin Laden, and where was she? Thinking alone in a dark office after hours and tapping a pencil between her fingers, staring into the light coming from the trophy cases. There was her trophy from 1986, when she had fought a hernia to win the state title. Flipping off the top of that pyramid was one of the most painful experiences she could recall. Sue kept that trophy in bed with her after the operation, using it to whack unwanted guests in the middle of the night, be it family or hospital staff. She insisted those attacks were the result of her medication. They weren't, of course. It just felt good to give it to the nurses who woke her for blood draws. Sue always gave as good as she got.
"Coach Sylvester?"
Quinn had knocked on her door and opened it, but was hesitant to step over the threshold. Sue spun around in her chair and observed her with disinterest. "What is it, Ostrich Legs?"
"May I come in?"
Sue nodded at the chair across from her and Quinn meekly made her way over and sat. Now that the moment had come, she didn't know how to ask. The minutes of silence seemed to stretch as the clock marked time with precise, even ticks.
Sue sighed impatiently. "Are you going to tell me why you're here, Quinn? You've interrupted the one hour I have solely dedicated to planning my ultimate return to the top of this crap pile of a school. I was just about to go down the hall, and sign for a delivery of twelve rambunctious squealing pigs that I will oil up and then leave for the entertainment of the members of the faculty."
Quinn blinked. Sue slapped her pencil on the desk and leaned over. "Why are you here, Quinn? Don't make me ask that again. I have my dental kit and a whole stash of electric cattle prods sitting in my desk drawer, and they sure could use some breaking in." She watched Quinn glance nervously at the desk and look up to meet her eyes.
"I want to join the Cheerios." Sue sat up in disbelief. "I'm sorry, you said what?"
"I want to join the Cheerios, and be head cheerleader again."
Sue scoffed, amused. "You're too late, Quinn. I will only give that spot to someone that's willing to die for my cause. That's more than you ever had to offer." She was regarding her incredulously with arms crossed and mouth pulled into a closed-lip sneer.
"That's fine, I just want to be a Cheerio," Quinn answered amiably.
"There's no such thing as 'just a Cheerio.' My Cheerios are champions. And what about the Glee Club?"
Quinn rolled her eyes. "They'll be fine without me." The coach frowned, puzzled and not sure she liked where this was going.
"But you quit the Cheerios to go with that hoard of Four Loko-hyped blockheads and prance around our football field like a bunch of sex-crazed poodles. Your clubaccomplished more than I'd care to admit, and then there's Frankenstein and Whats-Her-Lips. Everyone in this school saw it coming, even you. Really, you should't have been surprised." Sue was growing visibly uncomfortable, hating that she was in a way praising the program that she loathed to her core.
Quinn's thoughts stuttered as she comprehended this, resentment gathering darkly that Sue was looking for reasons for her to stay in Glee Club. "Yeah, well, they're not my concern anymore."
"I don't believe that Quinn, not even for a second. Try lying to me again, and you'll discover that tooth extraction can be a very lengthly, albeit enlightening process."
Quinn stiffened.
"I'm sorry," Quinn muttered. "Yes, I'm upset that they're back together but there's nothing I can do now. I'm not interested in going back to the Glee Club and pretending everything is alright when it's not. I am never going to get a solo I've realized, and going to Nationals showed that I can't count on them to want to win. They don't, not enough to do everything to make it happen."
This conversation was putting Quinn on edge and flooding her mind with desperation. Here she was, begging to join the cheer squad when just months ago she was leading all their practices after-school.
Wasn't it enough that Quinn was willing to walk away from her two closest friends, and every bit of progress she'd made with most of the members? Thinking of Finn and Rachel though nearly made her want to run out and smash their car windows. Or find another outlet that was as equally satisfying. Her blood boiled as she listened to Sue's diatribe.
"And why should I believe that you want to ditch your friends and take us all the way when you, Dumb, and Dumberer betrayed me just minutes before what would have been a performance so catastrophic and brilliant, we would have been canceled by Good Morning America and invited to the Early Show. You betrayed me, Quinn. And you humiliated yourself with those desperate attempts to hold onto the captain of those sad sacks we claim as our football team. I don't have time for that nonsense, and you know it. Now tell it to me straight. Why in God's name should I let you join the Cheerios?"
Quinn leapt up. "Because I HATE GLEE CLUB!"
Sue stopped and really looked at the blonde before her. The girl was nearly vibrating with hellish fury. Her hands were clenched into fists, knuckles showing white and hot tears were beginning to fill in the corners of her eyes. This was Quinn being honest, a rare event indeed. And quite simply Sue could now detect something of her former champion-seizing self in the cheerleader. This may be the opportunity she has been looking for.
"You're in, sister."