CHAPTER 1
In her home, Brittany was enjoying light but passionate kissing with Dina on her bed, without a care in the world that at any moment, her parents would come home.
"I know what you're thinking right now: how did it come to this? Santana and Brittany may have been a thing in the past, but everything about Brittany stands out to me. And it's all thanks to Artie", Dina thought, breaking the fourth wall, and she flashbacked to when Artie had suggested that she ask Brittany out.
FLASHBACK
"I know you're into boys and girls, but there is one girl in the whole school who is totally worth it", said Artie.
"And that is?"
"Brittany, Dina. She's into guys and girls, too. And I bet that if you ask real nice, she'd be willing to spend some time with you."
"Won't that be kind of weird, though? I mean, you two did used to date."
"Yeah, we did, but I'm totally into your sister now. Brittany may be the perfect one for you, Dina. I highly recommend you take the chance."
END FLASHBACK
"Artie's advice was very sound and well worth the risk, because Britt and I totally hit it off. I don't picture my future specifically with a girl, but Brittany is one of those girls that make it awesome. You may be wondering why I'm telling you all this. Well, I'll tell you why. It's because I need something in my life to make sense to me. Ever since I figured out my bisexuality, it tears me apart to think that my dad won't accept it and beat me just like he does every day. And just having someone kiss me is enough to make all that pain go away", Dina continued, and they stopped kissing.
"Is something on your mind?" asked Brittany.
"No, everything's cool. Why?"
"Eh, no reason", said Brittany, and they resumed.
INTERLUDE
Before classes started, Ray had managed to catch Alexander in the halls.
"How do you know it's me, Ray?"
"Well, the click of your cane isn't exactly subtle. I just wanted to tell you that I've met this amazing woman. She's got this incredible personality, she can sing like nobody's business, and she's got spunk, let me tell ya."
"Really? Well then, you two ought to get more acquainted. Head up to second base, as they say."
"Well, how do I do that? I'm not even sure she likes to be kissed, let alone touched."
"Did you two just meet?"
"Yeah, we did, last night. She goes to Carmel High School."
"The home of Vocal Adrenaline? Isn't that kind of suspicious?"
"Vocal Adrenaline isn't going to Nationals this year, so there's no problem. She actually hinted at transferring here next year."
"What grade is she in?"
"She's a Junior now, but I'm cool with that."
"Indeed you are. Go and get to class, my friend", said Alexander, and he quickly left the area, intent on not carrying out the conversation further.
"You know, maybe I'll introduce you to her sometime. Alex? You're already gone, aren't you?" said Ray, and he went to class discouraged.
INTERLUDE
The students and staff of McKinley High were excited for 2013 to begin, though only a few students were not looking forward to it. The start of the new year meant only a few remaining months until graduation came around, which largely discouraged most of the New Directions. Will had quickly taken notice of this and came prepared with an assignment.
"Okay, guys, the new year's right around the corner, which means that we have five months to prepare for Nationals in Hollywood and for the Seniors to prepare for graduation. Now, I'm proud of your hard work paying off last week, as we've managed to raise $112,000 to donate to the homeless and to help pay for our trip to the Golden State. But I've noticed that some of you have gotten kind of despondent over the new year."
"We're okay, Mr. Schue. We're just not in a celebratory mood right now", said Sam.
"This is going to be our last year, and we're worried about not being as successful as the year before at Nationals", said Sugar.
"Most of us are going to be permanently saying goodbye, even if we don't want to", said Brittany.
"Guys, I realize that this is disappointing, but think about your futures. Think about how successful you're going to be after high school. Because I believe that you will be", said Will.
"What if we don't, Mr. Schue? What if we become as successful as Kristen Stewart?" said Tina.
"I won't be around next year", said Rory.
"Some of us don't have solid plans", said Blaine.
"Well, don't worry about anything. I am more than willing to help you figure out where you can go", said Will.
"There's nothing wrong with that. We're just not ready to say goodbye just yet", said Matt.
"It's not like our fond farewell will be as effective as last year's", said Sam.
"You've come a long way in such a short amount of time. This year is your year, and I hate to think that you're going to make it seem like it's not worthwhile", said Will.
"Well, what do you suggest we do about it? We've made too many friends and memories here to just realize that we have bright futures", said Tina.
"I suggest that you find songs that speak to your inner selves. Songs that convey your deepest feelings and that help you understand what you want out of life. For this year's school play, we have been allowed to do The Phantom of the Opera. Anyone who's interested in participating can begin auditions this week. You can use this assignment to help with your auditions", said Will.
"That's one of my all-time favorite productions!" Emily squealed excitedly.
"Geez, take a chill pill, nerdette", said Amanda.
"Artie, since you've done such a great job directing our production of West Side Story, I'd like to personally offer you the position of director of this production", said Will.
"It would be an honor", said Artie.
"Like I said, we'll begin casting calls this week, so let's focus on the assignment. I don't want anyone thinking that this year isn't going to be worth anything", said Will, and the bell rang, and everyone filed out to go to class.
INTERLUDE
Blaine had decided soon after Regionals to go to Kurt and make up for his mistakes, buying flowers in the process. He went up to the apartment that Kurt had rented out and knocked on the door, and was surprised to see Karofsky answer.
"Oh, boy. Hey, Blaine", said David.
"Uh, Karofsky, what are you doing here?"
"I, uh… stayed the night. Would you like to come in? I'm fixing breakfast."
"Where's Kurt?"
"Hey, Dave, who's at the door?" asked Kurt, who had appeared behind David, and he was shocked to see Blaine.
"Kurt, what are you doing here, with him?" asked Blaine, looking from Kurt to David.
"Blaine, I'm so sorry, I should have called you…"
"No, answer my question. What are you doing here, with him?" Blaine demanded again.
"Look, Dave and I really connected, and he stayed the night. But nothing happened, I swear."
"It doesn't matter if nothing happened. I can't believe you'd hurt me like this!"
"I never meant to hurt you, Blaine. But our relationship's been so on the rocks lately, and…"
"Maybe I should go", said David.
"No, you stay here. I want an explanation", said Blaine, yanking him back.
"Nothing happened between us, Blaine", said Kurt.
"That's not true, Kurt. I saw you two that night, singing and dancing together and having such a good time. You guys came to within an inch of kissing."
"If you hadn't made the wrong choices, I wouldn't have had to be so hard on you", said Kurt.
"Do not put this on me! Not once have I cheated on you in any way, I returned to the New Directions, I did everything in my power to come back to you, and this is how you repay me?!"
"Blaine, I'm sorry!"
"Yeah, I'm sorry, too", said Blaine, and he tearfully tore up the flowers and threw them at Kurt's feet. He gave them one last angry look before storming out, performing "Enough Is Enough" by Eli Young Band to fulfill the week's assignment, auditioning for the role of Monsieur Andre and thinking of Kurt the entire time.
INTERLUDE
Will had been called into Principal Cooper's office after rehearsals, but had not been told why. He did not feel any better seeing Cooper's hardened expression.
"You wanted to see me?" asked Will.
"Yes, I did. I wanted to have a little discussion with you regarding your Glee club, Will."
"What about it?"
"Your little group may have been able to clinch a National title, but even now, the school's not making the money it used to. Yeah, you raised plenty of money to afford us a second football field, but that's beside the point. Your second consecutive first-place National win will earn you a six-hundred-million dollar cash prize."
"So, this is about money?"
"I'd rather you not borrow money from your rich kids like you did last year."
"Well, Sugar willingly gave it to us."
"To me, that creates a conflict of interest. It tells me that your kids are not willing to work hard the whole way in order to achieve victory. From here on out, I don't want those kids donating money for anything regarding the Glee club, and that goes especially for Ms. Motta and Alexander."
"Okay, I'll see if that will work out."
"There are no ifs about it, Will. Now, on a second matter regarding the school funds, we can't keep up the resources necessary for your club's continuation. If you don't place first at Nationals this year, I will disband the club permanently."
"But, sir, that's insane. These kids need the club to continue pursuing their dreams."
"I understand completely, which is why I'm raising the stakes. Figgins may not have had the guts to go through with it, but I do. Financially, we cannot continue the program if it does not bring in the goods needed for it. Place first, or no more Glee club."
"Sir, with all due respect, we have the goods, and they come in the form of various talented kids. We won in Chicago last year."
"And now you're going to Hollywood, among the biggest names of success in the arts. And I don't want to put more pressure on your kids, but most of them are headed for graduation this year, so this will be their last shot going on their skills alone", said Cooper, and Will grunted in frustration.
"If we win Nationals for a second consecutive time, we will be recognized as worthy of going on to the Showcase competition. But some of the kids won't make it that far."
"By my calculations, Will, eight of your fifteen students will be graduating, and one more will be transferring, before the Showcase competition takes place, leaving you six spots to fill to qualify. Surely that's more than enough time for you."
"We'll… we'll do our best, sir", Will sighed.
"I have no doubt of it", said Cooper, and Will left the office, mulling over the terms of their agreement over and over to figure out how to tell it to the New Directions.