Glee: The Fanfic Chapter 2: Battle Rounds, a glee fanfic

Chapter 2: Battle Rounds

The applications for academic clubs in McKinley are open, making the pressure increase among the students. A new and unexpected romance arises while Rachel tries to regain her own with Finn. The duel between Quinn and Santana gets increasingly tougher to decide who will be the new captain of the Cheerios. At the same time, Sue gets a strong new ally to destroy the glee club.

Songlist:

Me & U by Cassie (Sung by Brittany)
Use Somebody by Kings Of Leon (Sung by Vocal Adrenaline)
Nobody's Perfect by Jessie J (Sung by Rachel)
Mr. Saxobeat by Alexandra Stan (Sung by Santana and Quinn)

It was only the second week of class at McKinley and the pressure was already racing. The freshmen were chasing vacancies in the academic clubs to subscribe and the veterans doing everything possible to avoid losing their places. At the end of the year, these clubs would be essential for the yearbook, the ones to stay out would be considered eternal losers.

– So, have you decided on which club will you sign up this year? - Mercedes asks to Tina, the two walking side by side down the hall.

– Yes, I will join the academic decathlon with a group of asians. I even asked if Mike wanted to participate but he said he was making other plans.

– Interesting. Well, I have the glee club and it's all I need. I don't mind being labeled a loser for the rest of the school year.

– Hey, girls. Did you saw Finn today? - Rachel approaches the two to ask. She knew she needed to talk to Finn, but he was avoiding her since last week.

Mercedes keeps silent but although everyone agreed to ignore Rachel for a while, it was difficult for Tina to do it to someone.

– No, we didn't.

– Thank you, Tina. - Rachel thanks her and gets out of the way of the girls.

– I wonder what she's scheming up now. - Says Mercedes looking at Tina with a suspicious face.

– Hey, you came early! - Brittany enters the dance hall dressed in an appropriate outfit for it, a white regatta and gray legging pants, and her hair was stuck in a ponytail.

– It's that I was looking forward to do this. - Mike said smiling, sitting on the floor of the hall.

– So hurry up, no time for mumbo jumbo. I'll put up a song for our heating. I hope you don't mind if I sing. - Brittany and Mike laughs.

Brittany puts her pen drive into a stereo that is on the top of the bookcase and turn it on, the beat of the music begins to play repeatedly while Brittany releases her hair slowly making a heating and Mike watches her awestruck.

You've been waiting so long
I'm here to answer your calls
I know that I shouldn't have had you waiting at all
I've been so busy but I've been thinking 'bout what I wanna do with you

Brittany begins to perform a sensual choreography, rolling around in the middle of the room.

I know them other guys, they've been talking 'bout the way I do what I do
They heard I was good, they wanna see if it's true
They know you're the one I wanna give it to
I can see you want me too, now it's me & u

Brittany keeps doing the choreography, going toward the opposite side of the room and starts to dance facing a mirror and touching it. As she approachs the beginning of the chorus, she gives the mirror a kiss and walks over to Mike.

It's me & u now (uh)
I've been waiting (waiting)
Think I'm gonna make that move now
Baby tell me if you like it (tell me if you like it)
It's me & u now
I've been waitin
Think I'm gonna make that move now
Baby tell me if you like it

Now Brittany does an insinuating dance for Mike with a more elaborate choreography of hip hop while the boy watches open-mouthed, she will increasingly coming closer to touch him.

Baby I'll love you all the way down (uh)
Get you right where you like it
I promise you'll like it (I swear)
Just relax and let me make that move (it's our secret babe)
We'll keep it between me & u

Now she pulls the boy by the collar of his shirt to the center stage and insinuates spinning around him. At the last verse of the song's bridge, she smiles and waves for him to follow the choreography.

They both synchronizes the same hip hop choreography that Brittany was doing before, and at the last verses Mike gives Brittany a turn and grabs her in his arms. The song ends and they're smiling. As if unexpectedly, Mike grabs and kisses Brittany, which reciprocates warmly, but at the end of the kiss, the girl runs toward the door, leaving Mike standing in the center of the room. The two don't even realize that Santana was at the emergency exit of the hall with a face of surprise and disappointment. Something about the scene she just witnessed was somehow uncomfortable but she couldn't understand why and leaves the hallway before Mike sees her.

The principal Figgins enters the men's locker room making faces while he is accompanied by a mysterious person. By observing the students sitting and doing messy, he tries to take care of the situation, but he fails.

– Students, please! Listen to me! - The boys continue to make noise, everyone talking louder than the principal. – Boys, I'm trying to talk with you! It's important!

– Silence! - Figgins is interrupted by the person who was in a dark side of the locker room. She takes a step forward out of the darkness to approach the students, who are frightened by the cry male and even more when they realize that it comes from a woman. – You guys are before the principal of this venerable school, it's time to do some justice to it!

All the boys begin to strange exchange glances with the woman, who looks manly, strong and high.

– Thank you, Shannon. Boys, this will be your new coach of the football team, Shannon Beiste. - Says Figgins, while some students begin to wonder even more the women before them and some others starts to laugh.

– Are you kidding with us? We will have a half man, half woman as a coach? - All students start laughing ironically at Puck's joke, unaware that he was extremely rude. Figgins feels uncomfortable with the situation without knowing what to do.

– What did you just said, boy? - Beiste takes a step forward facing the boy with a frown.

– It was... It was a joke. I was just kidding. - Responds Puck fearing the attitude of the new coach, while the other boys stop laughing also feeling frightened by the woman.

– What happened to Ken? - Mike asks Figgins, both intimidated by the coach.

– He had a heart attack after doing 300 push-ups. Don't worry, he's fine but cannot longer teach as he used to. Well, they are all yours, Shannon. Good luck. - The principal gets out of the room still feeling embarrassed by the whole situation leaving the students puzzled by the reason of Ken's departure.

– As your new coach, I demand the utmost respect! I don't know how things were here before but I want you to know that everything will change from now on! To begin with, you're all out of the team! - The coach yells at the boys, who are even more frightened by what they hear. – If you guys want to join the team again, you'll better show how much you want it! The audition will take place tomorrow afternoon and who does not attend punctually will be officially out!

– What? But we won the championship last year, you cannot cut off the team like that! - Finn stands demonstrating courage to face the woman.

– Sit down, boy! I've talked to Figgins and he totally agreed in reassess the physical ability of the team and that's exactly what I'm gonna do, so get ready! Now get out of my locker room! - Beiste mumbles with the same high voice and then points to Puck. – And you, see you in detention!

– Yes, sir. I mean, mistress. - Puck responds without malice and gets out of the locker room embarrassed.

Now alone, the coach takes a deep breath and heads up to a mirror at the other side of the locker room. She watch her reflection while her eyes begin to fill with tears. The truth is that having an appearance like her it was never easy for Beiste and her strong personality was just a way to show others that she didn't care, but down deep this bothered her so much and only she knew the pain she felt inside. All she wanted was for people to accept her the way she is.

– Mirrors, always showing us the depths of our souls. I don't like them, I don't have any in my house. - Sue enters the locker room looking at Beiste through the mirror, which turns frightened by her presence.– Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Sue Sylvester, coach of the Cheerios, the cheerleaders team of the school.

– I know who you are. What do you want here? - Asks Beiste looking at Sue's not so polite posture and trying to disguise the fact that she was crying.

– Well, let's say I like your attitude. You're a lot alike me, not physically, of course. I mean, cut off the whole team and get rid of the worst? I do this every year with my Cheerios. They get a lot of pressure on, but so what? It's life, and I like that.

– I'm sorry, but how did you know about that?

– Oh, please. I've installed eavesdropping in each place at this school. Someone has to do the dirty job that Figgins doesn't. - Sue responds, while Beiste keeps staring at her. To understand Sue's attitudes was a really difficult thing. – Well, let me cut to the chase. I want you to help me destroy the glee club.

– Didn't they lost the Regionals last year and became the shame of the school?

– Exactly. You also seems to always be on top of things. You know what? I already like you, Beiste.

– But what's your interest in ending this club? I mean, they already do it without any effort.

– In fact, they're stronger than they look, they're always singing about how they're losers and blah blah blah. The thing is, if you help me, half of the glee club's budget will go for your football team and the rest will be investment for my Cheerios, of course. What do you say? - After hearing the Sue's proposal, the two coaches exchange evil glances.

Last year may not have been the best for Kurt, but he was already doing a thousand plans to make this his year. This time, no premature pregnancies or treason cases would take away his chance to finally shine. Not to mention that next year he'll be graduating and his dream of studying at NYADA, one of the most required art colleges of New York, was about to become a reality.

The boy was walking down the aisle holding his books. After saw him, Karofsky gets closer to Kurt and pushes him hard against the lockers, dropping his stuff on the floor.

– The next time I see you walking around here dressed up like a girl, will be much worse! - Says Karofsky with a menacing look for Kurt, as he walks away leaving the boy lying in the middle of the hallway.

Kurt was scared. It wouldn't be the first time that Karofsky humiliated him like that, but this time he could feel something in his eyes, something he had never noticed before, but couldn't explain to himself what it was. Incredible as it may seem, the people around not even noticed what had just happened, or maybe they just didn't care. The boy picks up his things from the floor, his heart still pounding with fear, and leaves the hallway as soon as possible.

The interval was like heaven for the teachers of McKinley. All gathered in the cafeteria to relax and shoot the breeze. This routine was no different for Will and Emma. The two enters the staff room and stares at Beiste and Sue sitting on a table. Will comes closer to greet the new coach, followed by Emma who hesitates to realize that the two were whispering something to each other.

– Hello, I'm Will Schuester, I teach Spanish here and the glee club. - Will try to be polite and extends his hand to the woman who ignores the gesture.

– I know who you are. I heard many stories about your hair. I must say, I never thought I'd find someone with hair as bad as mine. - Beiste shows that she learned a lot from Sue in such a short time, leaving Will a little scared. – Oh, I'm Shannon Beiste, new coach of the football team, but you should already know this.

– I'm gonna stop you right there, Beiste. The only thing you need to know about Schuester is that he is an unsuccessful teacher. Let's say that his teaching ability to lead his students is equivalent to a wild baboon. No offense, Emma. - Sue mumbles with arrogantly without even looking at Will.

– Well, can we sit down at least? - Emma ignores Sue's words, noting that all the other tables are occupied.

– Sure you can, but just so you know, some pigeons came here and defecated in these chairs. - Sue responds ironically as Will finds that the chairs are really dirty.

– It's obvious that you put this dirt there, Sue. - Will says with conviction.

– You can't prove that. - Sue responds with one of his typical phrases.

– Emma, let's go find another place for us to stay. Oh, and Sue, my students don't have half of your age and they're more mature than you. Think about it. - Will leaves the room annoyed and Emma follows him shaking her head negatively to Sue.

Rachel was still feeling guilty for what she did to Sugar last week, she tried to apologize to the girl, but as well as Finn, she didn't hear a word. The other club members were also upset with Rachel and decided to ignore her all week, making her feel even worse. She walks by the cafeteria when she sees the girls sitting at a table and tries one last approach.

– So, what do you girls think? Are we gonna spy the new rehearsal of Vocal Adrenaline or not? I heard they're not as good as last year. - Rachel hears Sugar suggest to Mercedes and Tina as she approaches the table and replies to the girl's attitude.

– You cannot do that. It is against the rules of show choirs. If a member of a group is seen spying the other, all members take the risk of being expelled from the competition.

– Look who's talking. The girl who asked one of the vandals of the school to give a bath of slushies on the new girl. - Mercedes says with a little indignation in her voice.

– About that... Sugar, I'm so, so sorry. I didn't wanted to hurt you, I just...

– Instead of trying to find reasons for me to apologize, you should be getting a nose job. - Sugar interrupts Rachel without even looking at the girl.

– Won't you girls defend me?

Mercedes and Tina are silent, while Sugar rolls her eyes and chuckles. Rachel moves away from them and searchs for an empty table where she sits alone, feeling even more excluded and wondering when they would finally forgive her, especially Finn. In fact, he was the only thing mattered at that moment.

Quinn and Santana were on the gymnasium, each with a select group of cheerleaders to rehearse the musical number that they would present later. Sue certainly had manipulated the principal Figgins again, as they were exempt from all classes of the day, including the glee club. For this reason, Will were looking for the girls when he hears the loud music in the hallway and enters the gymnasium to find both groups performing a choreography that includes heavy steps of somersaults in the air and even stilts. When they finished the test, the teacher comes over to talk to Quinn and Santana.

– Girls, take five. - Quinn frees the group of cheerleaders for a while.

– Great performance, girls. I see that you are working hard here.

– That was just a rehearsal. Coach Sue wants every drop of sweat poured out to be used on the performance. - Quinn says breathlessly.

– Actually, I was looking for you girls. Why did you missed the Spanish class today?

– First, because your Spanish classes are totally cheesy, no offense. - Santana responds leaving the teacher a little embarrassed. - And Sue didn't tell you? She managed to free us of school today to rehearse. Just don't ask me how she did it.

– Believe me, I'd rather stay without knowing that. Well, we're gonna miss you in the glee club today. We would start to prepare the numbers for Sectionals today, but that can wait. - Says Will feeling really sad about the absence of the girls.– Sorry to ask, but what's the reason for this great performance?

– It's a competition so I can recover the position that belongs to me as the captain of the Cheerios. - Quinn provokes Santana that soon retaliates.

– That belongs to you? The only place that belongs to you here is the base of the pyramid.

– Hey, girls! Stop arguing, you are a family.

– She has a family, she is a mother! - Santana pushes Quinn hard almost making the girl fall to the ground.

– Don't you dare talk about my daughter! - Quinn reacts pushing Santana with the same force that she was pushed.

– Enough, stop! This is not what I teach you in the glee club and I'm sure you didn't learn it at home! - Will separates the girls who keeps trying to fight.

– Right, see you at the presentation, loser. And you better come prepared. - Says Santana, while she gets out of the gymnasium leaving Quinn very upset.

The teacher looks quite disappointed with the girls and then leaves the room too. Quinn is alone with her hands on the hips thinking on a strategy to win the competition and become the captain again.

The day was not going very well for Kurt. He was still frightened by the way Karofsky assaulted him earlier. All he needed at the time was a friend, but he couldn't find Mercedes or Tina, who he used to spend some time with. Feeling alone, he goes to the cafeteria, take his lunch and leaves looking for a secluded place to stay. The choir room has always been like a shelter for him, he felt it was there where he should stay. Kurt walks through the crowded hallways dodging the huge number of students to reach the entrance to the room, but before he could get there Karofsky stumbles brutally at the boy making all the food fall against him, spoiling his new and expensive coat. Kurt couldn't accept the aggressions of Karofsky anymore, so he recomposes himself and decides to confront his bully.

– Have you lost your mind? - Kurt screams at Dave chasing him through the crowd and calling everyone's attention. – I'm talking with you, Karofsky!

– What did you say? - The boy stops and turns around when he hears Kurt's cries.

– You cannot walk around and hurt people like this!

– And who do you think you are to tell me that? You're just a fagot! - Karofsky tries to offend Kurt verbally, while the students around them get scared and move away from the two.

– This kind of words doesn't affect me, you can call me whatever you want, but I won't take your tantrums anymore! You need to be educated, Dave!

– Do not call me Dave! You don't know nothing! Test me and you'll be sorry! - Karofsky punches the locker next to him, leaving Kurt scared and gets out of the hallway, stumbling on him again.

Tears begin to fall off Kurt's face. He had never been so humiliated and couldn't understand the reason for Karofsky threaten him that way. First it should be the simple fact of him being gay or a glee club loser, but now he could see something more in Dave's eyes, something wrong. The boy walks up to the men's room without bothering with the crowd of students around him, he didn't want to give anyone more reasons to be attacked. Upon entering, he closes the door, sits down and starts crying. A few minutes later, Sam goes into the bathroom and soon finds Kurt collapsing in tears.

– Kurt? Why are you crying? What happened? - Sam approaches trying to help Kurt, who is soon surprised by the boy's presence and runs to the sink to wash his face. – I know something's happening. Don't be afraid to tell me, I'm your friend.

Sam's words seem to comfort Kurt, who dries his face and turns to the blond boy.

– I... I have been bullied by someone. - Kurt breaks out afraid of Sam's reaction, not even wanting to look him in the eyes.

– What? By whom? Anyone here from school? - Sam shows to be really worried.

– Yes... Karofsky. - Kurt responds by lowering his head and staring at the floor.

– Wait. Karofsky from the football team? - Kurt just nods as a sign that Sam is right. – You have to tell a teacher, someone who can help you. I can do it for you.

– No! Please don't do anything. This will only make things worse. I'm fine, it will pass. - Kurt says quite nervous.

– Ok, but if this happens again, please tell me, right? - The boy nods again to lower his head in agreement. – Come here, I'll help you clean yourself.

Sam picks up some tissues and begins to clean the dirty coat of Kurt, who still looks a little scared, but somehow, being there with Sam is calming him down. Suddenly, someone else enters the bathroom. It's Azimio, who observes the scene with a mockery face.

– Look what we have here, the gay couple of the year! - Says the black kid aloud. – I didn't knew you plays for another team, Sam. I mean, your trouty mouth is already a big sign, but now I have no more doubts.

– That's not what you're thinking. - Sam gets angry and drops the tissues on the floor. He walks away from the bathroom, stumbling into Azimio before he apologizes to Kurt. – I'm sorry.

– What are you looking at, boy? - Asks Azimio in a mocking tone.

– Nothing. - Kurt picks up the tissues from the floor and quickly walks away from the bathroom leaving Azimio with a ridiculous grin on his face.

The interval was over and since there would be a vague class at that time, most students took the opportunity to take care of other plans, clubs to sign up, auditions to make. Artie also had a plan in mind, but first he needed to share it with his girlfriend.

– Hi, honey. - Says Artie when he sees Tina putting some books in her locker. – We need to talk.

– Oh, God. You're breaking up with me, aren't you? - Tina was already nervous, spying on Vocal Adrenaline certainly would not be a good idea.

– No. Why would I do that? - Asks the kid in the wheelchair wondering at the nervousness of his girlfriend..

– Oh, nothing. Just me being stupid. - The girl finally calms down when realizes that she was overreacting.

– First you have to promise me you won't judge me when I say it.

– Ok, I promise. - Says Tina with her fingers crossed.

– I'm gonna audition for the football team.

– What? Are you crazy? - Tina is seriously frightened by the idea.

– You promised you wouldn't judge me.

– I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. But how are you gonna play football? You know, your legs don't work.

– Yeah, I know that. I already have everything planned, I just need you to support me.

– I believe in you, Artie. - The girl leans over and gives a kiss on her boyfriend. – But please be careful. I heard that the new coach is rigid.

– Don't worry. After all, what's so bad that could happen?

– Are you kidding me, boy? - On hearing Artie asking for a last minute audition, Beiste gets mad and yells at the kid in front of everyone in the locker room.

– No, I'm serious. - Artie says scared of the coach's reaction.

– First, you arrived late and I don't accept people who don't comply with the time! And still first, you're trying to turn me into some kind of witch to let a boy in a wheelchair enter to the football team? - The irony of Beiste makes Artie shut up and bow his head.

– It was my fault, coach. - Finn tries to protect his friend when he realizes the situation. - I asked Artie to say that and play a trick on you.

Artie quickly raises his head trying to understand why Finn was defending him like that.

– And you thought it was funny? Schuester told me that his students were mature, but I think he was wrong. And that was enough! You're out of my team, Hudson!

– Wait, what? You cannot cut off our best quarterback in years! - Puck says really annoyed with the decision of the coach.

– The team is mine, I can cut off anyone I want and whenever you want! - Beiste responds by increasing her tone of voice. – Sam, you're the one that showed more potential on the training, I want you to be the new quarterback. And you two, Hudson, Abrams, out of my locker room!

– Thank you, coach. - Sam thanks her with a smile on his face, while Artie gets out of the locker room, followed by Finn, who takes a look of distrust for the blond boy.

– Why did you do that? - Artie asks Finn as the two walk down the aisle.

– You're my friend. Remember when I took you from that chemical toilet on the first day of school? Friends help each other.

– I appreciate that, but don't you think risking your place on the football team was a little extreme? I mean, I know how much you love this team.

– It may have been, but I just did what felt right. - Finn extends his right hand to his friend in the wheelchair, who immediately tightens it. – I promise I'll find a way back to the team and also put you in.

– How exactly will you achieve this? - Asks Artie curious.

– Believe me, I got a plan. - Finn responds with a look of confidence.

– Okay, guys. I think you've rested enough. If you want to win again this year, you'll have to sweat as if you were on the mouth of a volcano. I want to see everyone here working hard and always with a smile on your faces, even if it's forced! - A tall and blonde woman grumbles, wearing modern clothes and with a serious air of authority.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the auditorium, Sugar, Mercedes and Tina, who'd escaped soon after the interval at McKinley, were hiding behind the seats trying to spy on the Vocal Adrenaline's rehearsal and their new coach. Apparently, it was the first time that Tina killed a lesson on purpose and that's why she couldn't stop talking, she was so nervous.

– Girls, we should not have come here. Rachel was right. If we get caught spying, we'll be expelled from the competition and everyone will blame us for the rest of the year, then we're gonna be a part of a subgroup, the excluded of the excluded ones. I don't want... - Tina whispers loudly to the other two girls, but she is interrupted.

– Shh... Relax. It's not as if we were violating any law. The rules are just for show choir. Also, I came here last year with Rachel and Quinn and nothing happened. - Says Mercedes trying to calm the girl down and keeping down the level of her voice.

– What were you girls doing here last year? Spying too? - Asks Sugar curious.

– Ah, not exactly. It's a long story. All you need to know is that's how we found out that Shelby, the former coach of Vocal Adrenaline, is actually Rachel's mother. - Mercedes responds as if telling gossip in a beauty salon.

– Hmm... That's interesting. - Sugar doesn't seem to be shocked by the story, but displays a look of confidence on her face.

– Wow, this new coach talks a lot. We should go. - Says Tina looking frustrated.

– Looks like someone I know. - Mercedes makes it clear that she is referring to Tina and chuckles with Sugar.

– Look, it looks like that the rehearsal will finally begin. - Tina warns the girls pointing to the stage.

The members of Vocal Adrenaline begin to prepare and adjust the details of their costume and moving into their respective positions on stage. The lights go down and a classic rock beat begins.

I've been roaming around
Always looking down at all I see
Painted faces, fill the places I can't reach
You know that I can use somebody

The reflectors light up and everyone starts to sing along to the music that keeps getting faster. The boys of the group make a dance around the girls who remain standing with their heads down.

Someone like you, and all you know, and how you speak
Countless lovers under cover of the street
You know that I can use somebody
Someone like you

Another reflector lights up the girls, who raise their heads and start dancing intensely on the stage, running their long dresses as they approach the boys. They form pairs, each boy holding the hand of his partner and makes her spin exchanging of pair again.

– Oh, God. They're getting even better. - Mercedes says to the other girls watching the performance with her mouth open.

Someone like you, somebody
Someone like you, somebody

The small chorus kicks in and they continue singing in choir until the end of the song. The boys hold their partners at the hips and the girls in the air, while they pose like a ballerina.

I've been roaming around
Always looking down at all I see

The song ends, each member back to its original position, the reflectors go out and everyone bow their heads down in tune.

– Very good work, everyone! Only it's still a bit raw. I want to see sparks coming out of your bodies while you dance on stage! Anyway, take 5. - The coach claps her hands, making it clear that the performance was not good enough, while the group members withdraw from the auditorium. – Ok, girls. What do you think?

The woman turns around, spotting the girls hidden behind the last seats of the audience. They get scared and leave the hideout feeling guilty.

– Wow, you're good. How did you knew that we were hiding back there? - Sugar asks the coach.

– Oh, please. I knew it all the time. You girls must be terrible in hide and seek.

The girls look bewildered by the situation. She soon realizes the nervousness of them and goes straight to the point.

– My name is Holly. Holly Holiday. Funny name, huh? - They didn't seem to be amused. – Ok, don't worry. I may look like, but I'm not a bitch. I won't report you for spying our rehearsal. After all, it wouldn't be the first time.

– Thank you. We were really worried. - Says Tina feeling relieved.

– You girls are part of a choir from another college. McKinley, right?

– Yeah, but we weren't here to plagiarize your performance or something. Just wanted to know what we're gonna be facing later. - Sugar tries to convince the coach of the good intentions of the girls. Apparently, the girl knew how to be honest when she wanted..

– We kinda lose for you guys last year at Regionals. - Mercedes says completing the sentence of Sugar.

– Actually, I saw your performance last year. It was well prepared and emotional. You only need to work out a little harder. Listen, I'm looking for a new vocalist for the Vocal Adrenaline. By chance, wouldn't you be interested in a audition? Usually, I don't let anyone sign up, but I can make an exception and... - Holly is excited about the idea, but is interrupted by Tina.

– We appreciate that, but we are very faithful to our group. Sorry. - She tries not to disappoint the coach.

– Well, speak for yourself...

– Sugar! - Mercedes scolds the girl. - I think we're going. Thanks for the offer and for not denouncing us.

– You're welcome, girls. Just don't do it so often, if someone in the group finds out, they won't stay tight-lipped for sure.

– We got it. - The girls talk at the same time, while they say goodbye to Holly and get out of the auditorium. The coach turns around and calls the group back to the stage.

– Ok, guys. It's been more than five minutes, your lazy! Everyone in your positions...

Back to McKinley, some members of New Directions were gathered in the choir room for what they thought it was the best part of the day, but this time the mood was tense and awkward. After discovering what Rachel had done last week, they began to ignore her, seeing her as a traitor for trying to throw away the only opportunity they had to win the Regionals this year. Rachel had tried to get closer to Finn all day, but he definitely had no intention to hear any excuses she could say.

– Good morning, guys. - Will enters the room a little disappointed, while the students respond to the compliance and soon realizes Mercedes, Tina and Sugar entering softly by the other door. – Is there something going on?

The three girls sit in silence and everyone is making it clear that something was actually happening, but all had previously agreed to let the teacher out of it.

– Wait, where are Quinn and Santana? - Says Tina breaking up the tension by noting the absence of the two.

– About that... They won't be able to participate in the glee club this week. Both are preparing for a last minute competition that will decide the new captain of the Cheerios. - Will answers and suddenly everyone starts talking about it.

– Well, I couldn't compete with that. - Puck was still very upset about Quinn, but if this was part of her future plans, so be it.

– Anyway, unfortunately we cannot argue the numbers for Sectionals without Quinn and Santana. So I suggest that the theme of this week is free.

– Mr. Schue, I have something prepared, actually. - Rachel says raising her right arm and looking sideways at Finn.

– Good, Rachel. Does anyone have any objection? - Will asks directly to the class, but everyone was too tense to care. – Ok, then. Let's hear what Rachel has to say.

The girl gets up and walks to the center of the room, avoiding looking at her colleagues. - Listen, I know that the last thing you want to hear right now is an apology, but you need to know how I felt after what I did. I was selfish, didn't want to accept the fact that there was someone as talented as me in the group and I somehow felt threatened. The truth is that you are all talented in your own ways and I can see it now. And Sugar, I'm really sorry.

Nobody seemed interested in hearing Rachel's words, especially Sugar who was pretending to be sending messages from her cellphone.

– Well, I imagined that you wouldn't pay attention to my words, then just listen to the lyrics of this song.

Rachel looks at the musicians in the room and they soon begin to play their violins, while Brad accompanies them on the piano.

When I'm nervous
I have this thing yeah I talk too much
Sometimes I just can't shut the hell up
It's like I need to tell someone
Anyone who'll listen
And that's where I seem to mess up

The lights go down around the room and just a central light keeps lighting up Rachel. The girl begins to sing dramatically looking at each of the people she has hurt and that somehow have hurt her.

Yeah, I forget about the consequences
For a minute there I lose my senses
And in the heat of the moment
My mouth's starts going
The words start flowing

Some just stop ignoring the colleague and start to really pay attention to the lyrics. There was nothing better than to express themselves through art and Will taught them just to use the biggest weapon they have, the voice. Holding that thought, Rachel continues to sing in the center of the room slowly.

But I never meant to hurt you
I know it's time that I learnt to
Treat the people I love
Like I wanna be loved
This is a lesson learnt

Upon hearing this verse, Sugar, who was still pretending to use her cellphone, looks up and starts to watch Rachel's pure and sincere performance. The fact is that Sugar knew how talented Rachel was and in her place she would probably have done the same thing.

And I hate that I let you down
And I feel so bad about it
I guess karma comes back around
Cause now I'm the one that's hurting yeah
And I hate that I made you think
That that the trust we had is broken
So don't tell me you can't forgive me
Cause nobody's perfect, no

Comes the chorus and the music starts getting a little agitated with a few beats, but still with the acoustic touch of the piano and the violins. Rachel walks across the room and sings each verse looking at Finn, who seems to be the only one not paying much attention to the girl.

I'm not a saint no not at all
But what I did it wasn't cool
But I swear that I'll never do it again to you

The girl gives a few laps around the piano and sits on a bench near the band to sing the last chorus. That performance was liberating for Rachel. She not only wanted the friends to forgive the mistakes she made, not only that one, but all the others ones. But what she really wanted was for Finn to saw her the way she was, with her qualities and defects.

And I hate that I let you down
And I feel so bad about it
So don't tell me you can't forgive me
Cause nobody's perfect

– So, can you guys forgive me now? - Asks Rachel when finishes the song, looking earnestly at her colleagues.

Everyone is silent for a while, until Sugar gets up and speaks on behalf of the class.

– Ok, we forgive you. - The girl looks around at the students who nod and smile at Rachel. – I kind of owe you an apology also for what I spoke of your nose earlier. Sorry, Aspergers.

– Can I give you hug now?

– Not, actually. - Responds Sugar, leaving Rachel uncomfortable. - Just kidding. Sure you can, come here.

Sugar waits Rachel with her open arms and the two embrace each other, but Rachel soon realizes that Finn is still upset when she looks at him.

– No, I cannot forgive you. - Finn gets up and leaves the room.

– Finn, wait! - Rachel breaks the embrace and follows Finn, leaving everyone in the room baffled.

– Finn! - Rachel is still chasing him down the hallway until both stop near some lockers. Finn looks at Rachel without saying a word. – How come you can't forgive me?

– I should be asking that. Can't you see that I was the person most affected with this whole story? And I'm not talking about the slushies they throwed on me or the fact that you have betrayed the trust of people who care about you.

– They forgave me. - Rachel observes Finn with a look of sadness on her face.

– Did you forgave yourself? - Upon hearing Finn's words, Rachel tries to reflect for a moment. – You turned out to be a totally different person than I thought you were just when I was about to ask you to date me. Perhaps all this was a mistake.

– You know what? You're right. I'm selfish, egocentric and dramatic. In fact, I'm just a bad person. - Says Rachel with tears in her eyes.

– No, I didn't mean it like that. Is that... - Finn tries to explain himself for having hurt the girl's feelings.

– Then what it is, Finn? That's not all I am. You just found out some faults of mine and suddenly I'm not good enough for you?

Finn is quiet for a few seconds and decided to tell her the truth.

– Ok, this has nothing to do with you. I... I was expelled from the football team.

– Why didn't you tell me? - The girl is a little surprised by what she hears, but still feeling resentful of the previous words of Finn.

– Because we cannot be together. I'm not the popular guy of the school anymore, I'm just a loser from the club now.

– I thought you had learned something that Mr. Schue taught us last year, but you clearly haven't learned anything.

Still in tears, Rachel withdraws from the hallway until she vanish from Finn's sight, who punches his own locker in anger. As if in a sudden, his situation with Rachel was reversed and he no longer knew who was right or wrong anymore.

The performance that would set who will be the new captain of the Cheerios was about to begin. Quinn was in the bathroom touching up her makeup and adjusting her police uniform for the number. She felt increasingly nervous, this was the only chance she would get to not stay on the base of the pyramid, which is considered too insignificant for any cheerleader. Moreover, another good reason is that it she was sick of Santana's aggressiveness, so she decided to put all of her anger in this dispute. Losing or not, it would be like a release for her. The girl was finally ready, but when gets out of the bathroom she stumbles at Puck, who was supposedly going down the hallway at the same time.

– Oh, God. Do you still spies on the women's restroom? How old are you? 4? - Quinn mutters to the boy, as she attempts to readjust the rumpled uniform. Puck keeps looking at her completely paralyzed.

– You look beautiful. - Quinn is distracted by the words of Puck and looks directly at him.

– Thank you. I mean, it's been a long time since nobody tells me that. I think they all still see me as the pregnant girl from high school. - For the first time Quinn was being honest with Puck and to herself.

– No, seriously. I'm not flirting with you. Is that you're looking simply wonderful. - Says Puck still staring at the girl. The two exchange serious glances. Quinn didn't know what was happening inside of her at the moment, a mixture of feelings that she couldn't explain, but she couldn't experience it all over again, she needed to move on.

– Again, thank you. I... I gotta go, if I arrives late for the performance, coach Sue won't let me stay on the team not even as the water girl. See you around. - Embarrassed, Quinn retires from the front of the boy and walks onto the gymnasium without even looking at him in the eyes. That could be her last chance and she wouldn't let anything get in the middle of her plans.

Everyone were gathered in the gymnasium of the school, many of them still don't understanding the reason until the principal Figgins appears to give one of his classic mini speeches.

– Students, before we watch the musical number of our beloved Cheerios, I must announce that the warehouse is permanently restricted to students since they stole a whole stack to use as toilet paper, which I promise you it won't be lost this year. - Some students bursts out laughing when they hear the words of Figgins. – Well, now let's receive Quinn Fabray and Santana Lopez presenting something about saxophones.

After the principal retires from the center of the gymnasium, the curtain rises. Quinn and Santana appears using police uniforms. The beat of the music starts and a group of cheerleaders joins the two girls who have their backs to each other and begin to sing together, each walking to one side of the stage.

You make me dance
Bring me up, bring me down
Play it sweet
Make me move like a freak
Mr. Saxobeat

Santana takes the center stage, while all the Cheerios make a line behind her, including Quinn and sings her verses.

Hey, sexy boy, set me free
Don't be so shy, play with me
My dirty boy, can't you see
That you belong next to me

Quinn takes the front and repeats the same verses while the Cheerios spread across the stage and begin to make a sensual choreography in double.

Hey, sexy boy, set me free
Don't be so shy, play with me
My dirty boy, can't you see
That you belong next to me

At this, all the Cheerios are side by side with Quinn and Santana in the middle, and they intertwine their arms and begin to make a synchronized choreography with their feet as they sing each verse alternately.

You make me dance
Bring me up, bring me down
Play it sweet
Make me move like a freak
Mr. Saxobeat

By repeating the last lines of the chorus, they spread out again and each one gets a truncheon on the floor of the stage and begins a choreographed most abused and obscene

You make me dance
Bring me up, bring me down
Play it sweet
Make me move like a freak
Mr. Saxobeat

At the end of the song, everyone is euphoric screaming obscenities at the girls. Sue, feeling quite embarrassed, asks Beiste to put an end to that..

– Beiste, end up now with this freak show! I don't care how, just do it!

– I'll think of something. - Says Beiste, heading to the stage and closing the curtains. – The show is over, guys! We've had enough! Ouf of the gymnasium, all of you!

The students withdraw gradually with disappointment on their faces after hearing the screams of Beiste by the megaphone. Sue walks to the center of the gymnasium, thanks the coach and takes the stage behind the curtains.

– Quinn, Santana, in my office! Now! - Sue screams at the two girls who were already waiting for it.

In the office, Sue looks at Quinn and Santana with a serious and challenging face until she decides to break the silence.

– Ladies... What the hell was that? - Sue screams after a short pause.

– That is what we call a sexy show. - Santana responds as who apologizes for something they didn't did wrong.

– It's not our fault if the kids at this school are all perverts. - Quinn complements the response of Santana.

– Well, you both gave them reasons for that. - Says Sue while fixes her glasses.

– Oh, please. The glee club made a performance very much worse than ours last year. - Quinn says trying to justify what just happened on the gymnasium.

– That's true, but I wasn't expecting to see my own Cheerios acting like sluts. That's why I've made a decision.

The girls feel a little offended, but soon forget it and begin to be apprehensive for Sue's decision.

– The new captain of the Cheerios is...