Singer Songwriters Chapter 3: Sgt Sugar's Lonely Hearts Club Band Pt 1, a glee fanfic

Disclaimer: The characters of Glee do not belong to me. They are the property of Fox network as well as the creators of the show. The songs used in this chapter are the property of Sony/ATV I think. In order, the songs used in this chapter are Help!, Eight Days a Week, Twist & Shout, I've Just Seen A Face (the Across the Universe cover), And I Love Her, and Oh Darlin!. I strongly suggest you look them up on youtube and listen to them as you read, or better yet, listen to them on my 8tracks mix: 8trackscom/burtonfan23/sgt-sugar-s-lonely-hearts-club-band-pt-1-and-2 (they don't allow posting a link on this site so...follow your instincts and add a dot to that address). The M rating will begin to apply starting part three of this chapter. Please review and enjoy! ;)

I've just figured out how to fix the spacing on these so I'm re-posting every chapter (sorry, and thanks for sticking around). Just a side-note, you're going to meet Allison in this chapter. I like to imagine her as Marissa Von Bleicken from the Glee Project ;) Also, for Oh Darlin, think Zack Hanson's concert cover (I know that sounds ridiculous, but I swear it's amazing ahah)

Sgt Sugar's Lonely Hearts Club Band Part 1

'I just want to start by telling you guys how proud I am of the work you did last week! We're all making great progress! Give yourselves a hand,' mr Schue exclaimed as everyone took their seats in the choir room. They were all a little distracted, however, by the odd looking brunette sitting at the front of the room behind him. She wore a leopard cardigan over a fitting black shirt, a white sports cap, and a goofy, oblivious expression on her face that felt both familiar and strangely foreign to them. Santana stared at her, mouth gaping, while Brittany looked at her curiously. 'I also have a few announcements to make. I'd like to introduce you all to Sugar Motta,' he announced, gesturing back at the girl briefly. She smiled at them arrogantly. 'Sugar's father has generously offered to fund our school musical this year as well as all of the glee club's activities.'
'What's the catch?' asked Kurt, suspiciously eying Sugar.
Mr Schue cleared his throat uncomfortably before continuing. 'There is no catch Kurt but there are a few conditions...The first is that we will have a co-director this year.'
'It's not Sue again is it mr Schue?' asked Quinn.
'No, no it's not Sue. It's, uh, miss Corcoran,' he answered looking even more awkward than before.

Quinn's jaw dropped and she stared at her teacher with wide eyes. Puck seemed deep in thought and Rachel looked confused. Still, no-one complained.

'Miss Corcoran will be helping us with practice and she will be preparing one of two numbers we will be doing for every competition. Now, I know it's going to be a bit of an adjustment, but I think it's going to help us be the best we can be this year! Also, I am going to have a little more time on my hands for a really special project which brings me to our next order of business: the school musical! It is my pleasure to announce to you that our school musical, which I will be co-directing this year, iiiiiis...CHICAGO!'

A roar of clamor swept through the room at this.

'Oh my God Britt, I so wanna be Velma!' Santana excitedly whispered to Brittany who smiled at her sweetly.
'The part of Roxy will look simply outstanding on my resume!' Rachel exclaimed loudly.

Brittany threw her an annoyed glance but held back the biting remark.

'And there is more news. I will be accompanied in directing the musical by both miss Pillsbury AND,' he paused for dramatic effect, 'a student co-director.'
'Oh, mr Schue I'm flattered but I simply couldn't-' Rachel began.
'You are so full of yourself,' Brittany said flatly. Sugar giggled and her smile was more genuine. Brittany looked over at her and suddenly twitched in surprise. Sugar quickly turned away, looking like she had just gotten caught in a lie.
Mr Schue laughed awkwardly. 'Actually, we were hoping that Artie would want the job!'
'Really?' the boy replied excitedly while Tina tapped him encouragingly on the back, 'I would be honored mr Schue! Thank you so much for the opportunity!' A pause. 'Wait, do I get paid?'
'We will be holding open auditions for every part so everyone interested should prepare both a song and should also be prepared to read a few lines for their character,' mr Schue continued, ignoring his question. 'Now, before I tell you about our last order of business, I want to introduce this week's assignment. Some of you have expressed concerns about focusing our attention on singer-songwriters, and I think the reason for that is that we haven't really talked about what a singer-songwriter is. So, who can tell me what a singer-songwriter is?'
'Someone who sings and writes songs?' Puck suggested lazily.
'Ok, good. A singer-songwriter is someone who composes, writes and sings their own music. Can someone give me some examples?' Will continued.
'Joni Mitchel?' Quinn answered.
'Lykke Li,' said Tina.
'Billy Joel,' contributed Puck.
'Stevie Nicks,' said Santana.
'Springsteen,' suggested Finn.
'Alright, those are all great examples. But the point I really want to make here is that a singer-songwriter isn't defined by the type of music that he makes, but by the fact that he makes it,' he paused for a moment to let them all reflect on that before continuing, 'What about Tupac? What about Amy Winehouse? Kurt Cobain, Mariah Carey, Adele, Bono, Kylie Minogue? These are all singer-songwriters in their own right and we will be studying all of these different genres in the coming weeks. Now, for this week, we are going to focus our attention on one of the greatest songwriting duos in history...Paul McCartney and John Lennon!'

Brittany gasped in excitement and clapped her hands silently. Santana grinned widely at her. Mr Schue turned around and wrote down their next assignment on the board, smiling at the club's enthusiasm.

'That's riiight, this week we will be covering songs from The Beatles! I think we could all learn a little something from their music, both in terms of lyrics and melody,' mr Schue explained, proudly looking at his students react positively to his suggestion, 'Now finally, for our last bit of exciting news, we have someone auditioning for glee club this morning!'
'Did you know about this?' Rachel asked Finn in an outraged whisper. When he gave her an angry glare in response, she looked away, suddenly remembering that they weren't on good terms.
'Alright Sugar, show us what you got!' mr Schue said, moving aside.

Santana and Kurt arched their eyebrows. There's the catch.

Sugar cleared her throat loudly before introducing herself. 'Hi, I'm Sugar Motta. I saw you guys singing in the cafeteria last week and, I have to say, most of you were really terrible...most of you,' she said, showing absolutely no restraint. 'You weren't,' she added looking at Santana who simply nodded at the compliment. 'Sorry, I have self-diagnosed aspergers,' she then explained to the group silently judging her. 'Anyway, for my audition, I'm going to sing The Beatles hit song Help! because you guys really do need all the help you can get!' She then signaled Will to press play on the CD player. As soon as the drumming and confused medley of sounds began, Sugar swayed her hips energetically.

Help!
I need somebody help!
Not just anybody help!
You know I need someone heeeelp!

They all cringed instantly at the impressive array of false notes that came flying out of her mouth except for Brittany who bobbed her head obliviously.

When I was younger so much younger than today
I never needed anybody's helping anyway
But now these days have gone, I'm not so self-assured
Now I find I've changed my mind
I've opened up the doors

To their dismay, she continued to dance around the room, her singing getting worse after every line. She shook Artie's chair and ruffled Tina's hair for emphasis.

Help me if you can I'm feeling doooown
And I do appreciate you being 'roo-ound
Help me get my feet back on the groooound
Won't you pleeeeeaaaase, please help me!

'Please, dear God, someone help her...' Quinn sarcastically whispered, half-amused, to Rachel who looked on at the performance outraged.

And now my life has changed in oh so many wayyyyys
My independence seems to VANISH in the haze

Sugar made wide gestures with her arms and Santana couldn't hold it anymore. A quiet, breathy, uncontrollable laughter took over her body. She leaned into Brittany trying to mask it.

But every now and then I feel so insecure
I know that I just need you like I've never done before

She got down on her knees in an exaggerated pleading gesture. Santana shook violently in laughter. Brittany looked down at her smiling widely.

Help me if you can I'm feeling doooohooown
And I do appreciate you being 'roooound

She spun her upper body around at the words and jumping back on her feet continued.

Help me get my feet back on the groooooound
Won't you pleeeeeeeeaaaaaase, please help me!

Her face suddenly took on a serious expression in an attempt to display emotion at the next verse. Quinn caught sight of Santana lost in her laughing fit and struggled visibly with containing her own laughter.

She moved up to mr Schue and pulled on his vest dramatically.

Help me if you can I'm feeling dooooooown
And I do appreciate you being 'roooooooound
Help me get my feet back on the grooooooooound
Won't you pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease, please help me!
HELP ME! HELP MEEEEEE OOOOH!

An awkward clap. Santana's voice echoed in the silent room as her laughter finally began to subside.

'Ahah wow! THAT was fantastic ahah!' she said wiping a stray tear from her eye, a radiant smile across her face.
'I loved it,' Brittany chimed in, honestly.
'It was uh,' Quinn stopped for a second, unable to hold back a small giggle, 'gr-great energy.'

Rachel looked at them, clearly only further outraged by their encouragements.

Mr Schue cleared his throat awkwardly, 'Uh ok, so um thank you Sugar for that uh..we'll uh-'
'WE will let you know!' Rachel cut in loudly before mr Schue could say anything definitive.
'Thank you,' Sugar replied simply before grabbing her schoolbag and skipping out of the room.
'I like her,' Brittany deadpanned.
'Well, she's definitely gleeful,' Artie suggested.
'Guys NO! Her voice is terrible! She will ruin us at competition! We cannot-' Rachel vehemently argued.
'Pipe down Fran Drescher! I say we vote on it. Honestly, I'd love it if we didn't have to break open our piggy banks for funds this year and Rachel sings 90% of our competition solos anyway,' Santana countered. 'Besides, you have to admit that was pretty entertaining,' she added with a giggle.
'I love you,' Brittany whispered as she leaned into her subtly.
'We do need the money Rachel, and we could coach her you know?' Mercedes chimed in.
'Ok! Fine! Let's vote on it then!' Rachel conceded, 'all those in favor?'

To her horror, everyone raised their hands.

'Kurt? Really?' she reprimanded.
'Hey, the girl had on some pretty courageous accessories. Take notes Rachel,' he defended.
'All those opposed?' cued mr Schue.

Rachel stuck her hand up emphatically.

'Alright, well then I guess that settles it! We'll welcome our newest member, Sugar, tomorrow, and tonight I want you guys to work on your Beatles covers so we can get started!'

The bell rang as everyone was gathering their things and shuffling out of the room.

'You guys wanna go to Bacon Bits for lunch? I'm craaaving bacon like you wouldn't believe right now,' Quinn suggested, walking over to Santana and Brittany with Mercedes.

The other girls shared a knowing look. Quinn craved bacon whenever she was upset. But now was not the time to question her.

'Yep, I'm starving. Let's go muchachas!' Santana agreed.

She laced her fingers with Brittany, ready to walk out with her girlfriends.

...

'Mmmmmmm'

'Mmmhmmm God!'
'Quinn stop making those noises!' Mercedes half-heartedly chastized.
'Mmmmmh soooooo goooood!' Quinn exclaimed loudly, 'If I could eat bacon always and not get fat, I would.'
'I'd say you're crazy girl, but I feel the same way 'bout ma tots!'
'I think you're both crazy,' Santana said lazily with her mouth full.

Brittany was silent, eating Santana's fries and looking at each of their faces one by one with a content smile on her face. The latina glanced in her direction and blues eyes told her everything Brittany didn't want to say out loud. I'm so happy right now.

She could get lost in those eyes so easily... She turned to Mercedes to break the tension.

'So, you gonna audition for Chicago?'
'Mhm, the part of Mama's practically in the bag!' she said proudly, 'You going for Velma?'
Santana smiled radiantly, 'how'd you know?'
'Bitch please, that part was like written for you!' Mercedes hesitated before turning to Quinn, 'What about you girl? Are you gonna audition?'
'Oh! You'd be great for Roxy!' Brittany exclaimed.

The blonde laughed shyly at the compliment but seemed to consider it.

'You guys think I should?' she asked them hesitantly.
'Are you kidding? Q, you'd be amazing! You're a great actress, and we could all rehearse together and kill it!' Santana encouraged.
'Yeah Quinn, it would be so much fun!' Brittany continued. When her friends looked at her questioningly, she added with a shrug 'I'm auditioning for the part of the Hunyak. I just really want to dance that tango.'
'I don't know, I mean, I would really like to but I think Rachel's going for that part too, and you know I can't compete with her,' Quinn said matter-of-factly.
'Quinn, listen to me. Rachel's a great singer, but remember when we did Rocky Horror last year? She's a horrible actress, Quinn,' Santana told her confidently.

Quinn looked at her seriously for a moment, almost hopefully.

'But you know who's an amazing actress?' Brittany cooed.
'OK, OK,' Quinn gave in, 'but only 'cause I don't want to let you guys down!'
'Atta girl! Now eat your bacon, we don'ts got all day Fabray!'
'S, did you just rhyme? You're such a dork,' Quinn huffed.

Mercedes laughed loudly at that and, for the second time that day, Santana felt Brittany's hand slide down the small of her back, lean into her and whisper in her ear. I love you.

...

EIGHT DAYS A WEEEK!
I LOO-o-O-o-OOVE YOU!

Brittany sang loudly in the passenger seat while Santana parked the car in the driveway and turned off the ignition.

'Baby, why are there balloons on your porch? I thought Ashley's birthday was in April,' Santana asked curiously.

There was a moment, and when the blonde didn't answer, Santana turned towards her. To her surprise, she saw Brittany climb over the center console to straddle her on the driver's seat. She smiled at her softly and the blonde leaned in to kiss her breathlessly. Santana moaned. Her hands scratched at her girlfriend's thighs lightly when Brittany bit her lower lip playfully.

'Not that I'm complaining but what was that for?'
'You called me "baby",' the blonde explained moving her head down to nip at the latina's throat.

Santana took in a deep breath, closing her eyes and basking in the smell of her lover. When she opened them again, she saw Brittany's father through the open garage door, excitedly looking through boxes for something. Once filled with things they didn't have the heart to leave behind when they moved into the house about twenty years prior, those boxes had long since been piled into the back of the garage and forgotten. A nip to her pulse point brought her back and she nudged Brittany back a little to lean their foreheads together.

'Hi,' whispered the blonde breathlessly.
'Hey,' she said back with a tender smile, 'so you gonna tell me what's going on? Even your dad's acting weirder than usual.'
'Well,' she replied tentatively, 'we've had a spare bedroom in my house since my brother moved out last summer. I wanted my parents to give it to Lord Tubbington but they said Charity might get jealous and Tubbington doesn't like to share so,' she paused and Santana smiled at the blonde's joke. 'Anyway, so my dad joined this program for families who want to take in a foreign exchange student. I think he was arriving today.'
'Wait, he's gonna be living with you?' she blurted out in sudden realization, 'What do you even know about this kid? What if he's some deranged lunatic and you're just gonna let him into your house just like that? What if-'

Her sentence was cut short by Brittany forcing her lips back onto hers. She moaned at the sudden contact and tried to pull back.

'No! Britt-' a kiss, 'what if,' another, 'baby, let me-'

At the sound of her new pet name, Brittany kissed her more fiercely and slipped her tongue past the latina's lips. Santana moaned loudly and her nails slid across Brittany's thighs, pulling the blonde more tightly against her.

'You're so sexy when you're jealous,' Brittany cooed seductively against Santana's lips.
'What? No! I'm not-'

Brittany pecked her on the lips a few times to stop her, smiling into every kiss. Santana sighed in surrender. She pressed their foreheads together again.

'Are you coming in?' Brittany asked, her voice breathy and smooth, sliding her fingers back and forth just slightly beneath the hem of Santana's shirt.

Santana considered it for a second.

'Not tonight,' she finally answered shyly. 'Not yet...Is that ok?'
'Of course,' Brittany answered softly.

They kissed slowly, tenderly, the urgency of the previous moment completely dissipated.

'I'll be here at 7 tomorrow to pick you up ok?'

Brittany shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

'Ok. Thank you sweetheart,' she said gratefully, and giving Santana one last peck, she climbed off of her and out of the car.

Hearing the sound, Brittany's father looked up and smiled at his daughter. Then, noticing that Brittany had gotten out of the driver's seat, he raised his eyebrows, warningly eying the brunette over his glasses. Santana waved at him awkwardly before turning the key in the ignition and backing out of the driveway, smiling when she caught sight of Brittany blowing her a kiss.

...

'Hey dad!' the blonde skipped towards her father happily.
'Hi honey! If you have time right now go see your mom ok? Rory's flight was delayed so we're going to try and clean up before he gets here and show this kid some Pierce family hospitality!'
'Ok sure! No problem!' she answered excitedly, running into the house.

Her father simply nodded in amusement and continued to look through the boxes for decorations.

...

'We'll be back in a few hours honey! There's dinner in the oven if you get hungry!' Brittany's mother yelled from the front door.
'Ok, merci maman!' the blonde shouted back at her.

She heard the door close behind them and the car back out of the driveway. Reassured that the coast was clear, she turned volume nob on her stereo up and continued to sort through the mess of things lying on her bed that she had to organize onto her shelves.

Well, shake it up, baby now
(Shake it up baby)
Twist and shout!
(Twist and shout)
Cmon, cmon, cmon, cmon baby now!
(Cmon baby)
Come on and work it on out!
(Work it on out)
Well, work it on out, honey!
(Work it on out)
You know you look so goooood!

She took a framed picture of Santana from her dresser and kissed it dreamily. The brunette was leaning towards the camera in her Cheerios uniform, pouting her lips as if to blow a kiss, her lips turned into a smile. The blonde giggled giddily at the fluttery feeling she felt in her stomach and sang along.

You know you got me goin' now!
(Got me goin')
Just like I knew you would
(Like I knew you would)

She set down the frame suddenly when she heard her phone vibrate. She flipped through the mess in a clumsy eagerness to find it.

'So what's this kid like? Is he big? Could I take him?'

Brittany couldn't hold back the goofy smile. She flipped the phone over to reply.

'My parents are picking him up from the airport now. Funny, I was just thinking about you beautiful.'

She sent the text and waited for a response. Her phone vibrated with a response almost instantly.

'I'm thinking about you too.'

She felt her pulse quicken and a familiar pressure in her lower abdomen. She smiled at the feeling but her face quickly fell as a thought crossed her mind.

'Hey honey, what did you mean in the car earlier when you said "not yet"?'

The blonde pressed the send button and waited nervously. There was a pause.

'I just...you how much I want you, baby, I do. I just want our first time as a couple to be really special. I want it to be romantic you know? I mean, we haven't slept together in a while and I just want to make sure that next time we do, it's really making love.'

Brittany let out a shaky breath as the words hit her. She typed in her response, feeling more confident than ever.

'I love you so much.'
'I love you too Britt Britt.'

Brittany sighed and looked over at the clock. Son of a nutcracker!

'I need to finish cleaning sweetheart, but I'll see you tomorrow! Try and get here early!"
'Why?' said the quick response.
'Cause if we're not getting our mack on any time soon, I'm going to need some sweet lady kisses before class tomorrow ;)'

...

'Honey! We're back!' Brittany's dad sing-songed from the bottom of the staircase. When he heard no response, he shrugged it off and turned to Rory. 'Alright young man, our youngest daughter, Ashley, is actually at a friend's house tonight but you can go right up and meet Brittany if you want. Your room is right upstairs, second door on the right. Why don't you go drop off your bag and get her while we fix you up some dinner?'
'Thank you so much mr Pierce,' Rory said happily making his way up the stairs with his suitcase.

As he neared the top of the staircase, he began to hear some music and some shuffling, as well as...the sweetest voice he'd ever heard in his life. He quietly put his bag down by the first door on the right and peering into the room where the sound was coming from. He was immediately mesmerized by the sight. He saw long tanned legs and beautiful flowy blonde tresses gliding around the room as the girl swiffered from one corner to the next, completely absorbed by the music. She turned, swiffer in hand, and he smiled...but then she looked up, suddenly catching sight of him.

'AAAH!' she screamed, dropping her swiffer.

Rory covered his ears, half-amused by the terrified expression on her face. She had a hand on her chest, desperately trying to catch her breath.

'Oh wow...oh my God...' she said, trying to catch her breath.
'Hi,' he attempted, 'I'm Rory Flanagan. Sorry I gave you a bit of a scare there.' He reached out his hand towards her.
'Hi...I'm Brittany,' she said through a breathy laughter, a little shy and embarrassed. She met his hand shake politely but was a little put off when he held her there a little too long. She cleared her throat awkwardly and he let go, suddenly shaking out of his daze.
'Uh your dad said to tell you to come downstairs when you're ready,' he relayed the message.
'Ok thanks,' she answered nicely, 'I'll be down in a minute.'

He turned around, grabbed his suitcase, and walked toward the next room, humming along to the song that had just come on on Brittany's stereo before singing the words quietly.

I've just seen a face
I can't forget the time or place
Where we just met
She's just the girl for me
And I want all the world
To see we've met
Mmmmm

He looked at the family pictures hanging on the side of the hall and smiled fondly at Brittany's features making his way to his room.

Had it been another day
I might have looked the other way
And I'd have never been aware
But as it is I'll dream of her tonight
La di di da di di

Falling, yes I am falling
And she keeps calling
Me back again

He walked into the room and dropped his suitcase on the bed. He opened it and pulled out a picture frame of him and his friends back home that he placed on the night table.

I have never known the likes of this
I've been alone and I have missed things
And kept out of sight
For other girls were never quite like this
La di di da di di

Smiling, he left the rest and walked back towards the hall cheerfully.

Falling, yes I am falling
And she keeps calling
Me back again

...

Santana puckered her lips, re-arranging her lipstick in the rear-view mirror. She flipped her phone open and quickly texted Brittany.

'Good morning sunshine ;) I'm right outside when you're ready.'

She placed the phone back on the dashboard, but it unexpectedly instantly vibrated with a reply.

'Hey, you might want to come in, this is probably going to take a little while :( '

Santana frowned at the message but didn't over-think it. She put the phone in her jacket and turned off the ignition. She walked up the front steps and let herself in (the Pierces had grown accustomed to her coming and going casually a long time ago).

'Oh! Good morning! Santana honey, would you like a breakfast bagel?' Brittany's mother offered kindly from the kitchen as soon as the latina had crossed the threshold.
'No thanks mrs P,' she answered politely. 'Is Brittany almost ready?'
'Yeah she's in her room. I think she's all set but you might need to wait a little for Rory. He was feeling a little queasy,' she leaned closer to the latina and continued secretively, 'you know, first day jitters.'

She nodded remembering the foreign exchange student. Rory, is it? Nice of you to rain on my parade...

'Alright, I'll just go up to see her then,' she said with a little wave to the woman who smiled back warmly.

She walked up the stairs, feeling a little dejected, and into Brittany's room. The blonde was standing in front of the dresser, fixing her ponytail. Santana leaned on the door frame and observed her for a second before speaking.

'Hi,' she greeted softly.

The blonde's breath hitched, she closed her eyes and her shoulders shot up slightly in surprise. She turned around to face the latina with a hand on her chest.

'Hi,' she breathed, 'wow, why does that keep happening?'
'Hey, last time you scared me!' Santana defended as she walked up to Brittany, wrapped her arms around her midsection and leaned her chin on the blonde's shoulder.
'True,' she answered, relaxing into the touch, 'but Rory scared me last night too.'
'Last night?' the latina inquired. Brittany sensed her body tense and saw her eyebrows arch in surprise.
'Yeah, it wasn't a big deal,' she quickly added, 'he just walked in on me when I was cleaning and scared me a bit.'
'Oh,' Santana said simply, but Brittany could practically hear the gears turning in her head.
'Be nice,' the blonde said as she turned in Santana's arms and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. 'He didn't do it on purpose...'

Santana instinctively pulled her in closer, and placed a lingering kiss on the blonde's neck possessively. Brittany laced her fingers through the latina's hair and sighed, automatically curling into her touch. There was a light knock on the door and Santana sighed in annoyance.

'Hey Brittany, are you ready to go?' Rory asked shyly.
'Yep!' the blonde chirped. 'Santana this is Rory, he's from Ireland,' she said gesturing to the boy, 'Rory this is Santana, my...my uh'

She fumbled a little, unsure of what Santana was comfortable with her revealing. To her surprise, the latina extended her hand to Rory and smirked arrogantly.

'Her girlfriend,' she finished for her, taking Rory's hand with more force than was necessary.

His jaw dropped and he looked back and forth between the two girls, obviously caught off guard.

'You're her...?' he trailed off.
'Girlfriend,' she stated matter-of-factly, giving his hand another tight squeeze for good measure. 'Now grab your stuff if you want a ride Irish. I don't have all day to baby-sit,' she finished condescendingly.

He shuffled uncomfortable under her intense gaze and shook his hand free.

'O-ok,' he stuttered, 'thanks.'

With that he walked out nervously to go get his backpack.

'Santana,' the blonde said warningly, shaking her head in disapproval.
'What?' the latina defended in staged innocence, 'I was nice.'
'So nice,' Brittany laughed sarcastically.
'Mhm, sweet as a cotton candy!' Santana said adorably.
'Come 'ere,' the blonde whispered, pulling Santana to her by the wrist.

The latina yelped in surprise and laughed. When Brittany's hand met the back of her neck, she hummed happily in anticipation and leaned up on her toes.

'Ok, lets go!' Rory announced as he came back from his room with his backpack.

Santana sighed in frustration as she moved away from Brittany.I hate this kid already...

...

Finn sat in his history class, staring blankly at the blackboard, trying to remember the words to Yesterday. He was shaken out of his daze when everyone around him began to shuffle their chairs around the classroom, getting ready to work in teams. He looked around for a partner, saw Rachel turn towards Quinn who held her book open for both of them and Brittany sit next to Santana who was already starting to write down their answers to the questions on the board. He suddenly felt a little nervous when he realized he didn't know anyone else in his class.

'You wanna be my partner Finn?' he heard a sweet, raspy voice ask from beside him.

He turned towards it and saw a girl he didn't recognize looking back at him. She had long died red hair and soft round features, freckles, and thin pink lips. Her skin was fair and had a Kurt-like smoothness to it. She wore a McKinley hoody and jeans and looked very laid back. She frowned at him when he didn't answer. His cheeks blushed in embarrassment, realizing that he had been staring at her.

'Uh, sure, thanks,' he finally answered.

Thanks? Sweet Cheesus, what is wrong with me?

'Cool,' she said as she sat casually next to him.
'Sorry, I didn't catch your name?' he asked politely.

Her expression changed suddenly at that.

'Are you serious? Finn, we've had almost every class together since the third grade, and it's not like I'm hard to miss,' she said incredulously.
'Really?' he confirmed, ignoring the odd comment she had made about her size. His voice was small and guilty and she took pity, her expression softening.
'Wow, ok...I'm Allison. Allison McCarthy.'
'Oh, nice to meet you.'

She smiled at his awkwardness. A slow chuckle was heard in the classroom, and Finn turned towards its source, recognizing it instantly.

'Someone you like?' the redhead questioned.
'My ex actually. She uh, she dumped me last week,' he answered bitterly.
'Why?' she asked curiously.
'She said that she loved me and that I would always be special to her but that she just wasn't in love with me anymore. Or at least, not the way she said she thought I deserved. And that was it.'

He felt the words sting as they passed through his throat, every one making it more real. Rachel didn't love him anymore.

'Would you have preferred she lied to you?' Allison said softly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

He paused for a moment at the unexpected question. He thought about it. He had had the feeling that they were drifting apart over the summer, but had chosen to ignore the nagging feeling repeatedly.

'No,' he answered in a voice he barely recognized as his own, realizing that tears had gathered in his eyes.
'It's ok to be sad Finn. It's ok to be hurt too. But you should express that, you know? Get it out of your system, and then you can start moving on with your life.' she continued encouragingly, rubbing small circles onto his back.
'Thank you,' he said sincerely, moved by her kindness towards him.

The bell rang then and his face turned to panic.

'Alright, everybody hand in their answers at the front of the class on your way out. If you did it in teams, make sure both your names are on your answer sheet!' the professor commanded loudly over the noises of students moving everything back to its original position.

Finn turned to Allison to apologize, but she held her hand out in front of his mouth in anticipation and smiled.

'No worries Hudson, I already did it,' she reassured him confidently, pulling out her answer sheet. 'Just write your name on it.'
'Oh thanks!' he said relieved. As he wrote his name down though, a thought crossed his mind. 'But wait...if you'd done it already, why did you team up with me?'
'You looked like you needed the company,' she said kindly, taking the answer sheet with both their names on it and walking away.

...

'First day of Beatles week guys! Yeeeaaaah!' mr Schue exclaimed loudly, sounding hip in his own mind while coming off as the dork that he was to his classroom. 'Everyone give our new member, Sugar, a warm welcome!'

Everyone applauded politely and Brittany whistled and pumped her fist in the air.

'Thank you,' Sugar said simply in the most arrogant tone she could muster.
'So, who's got a song ready today?' mr Schue continued, trying to keep the momentum.

Brittany and Finn's hands shot up in the air at the same time. Santana rolled her eyes and huffed in annoyance.

'Ok, hey! No, fighting! Just rock, paper, scissors for it,' Mercedes suggested.
'I got this,' Brittany assured Santana, turning to Finn with a competitive look in her eyes.

Finn scuffed at the challenge. The tension built around them as they threw their fists up between each other and shook them up and down three times. It was Quinn's turn to roll her eyes at the drama of it all. Finn extended his hand flatly while Brittany made a scissor shape at the same time. She clapped her hands once in celebration and pulled her tongue at him. He couldn't help but smile at the childish gesture and sat back to watch her perform. She moved to the front of the class while mr Schue took his usual seat to watch. Brittany cleared her throat shyly. Puck quickly followed her with his guitar, winking at Santana, letting her know she was in for a good surprise. He sat down on a stool and began to pluck the strings of his guitar. Brittany stood still, wringing her hands together and taking a deep breath before beginning softly, her eyes fixed on Santana.

I give her all my love
That's all I do

Her eyes scanned every other face in the room as she continued.

And if you saw my love
You'd love her too
I love her

Sugar watched in amazement, her hands covering her mouth. She first looked back and forth between Brittany and Santana, and then turned to Quinn with a moved smile. Quinn furrowed her brows at her but smiled back nonetheless and rubbed a hand on her shoulder almost protectively, a gesture which came to her oddly naturally. Santana's mouth dropped in an 'o' shape as she watched Brittany lovingly. She struggled to hold her gaze, clearly overcome by the feeling.

She gives me everything
And tenderly
The kiss my lover brings
She brings to me
And I love her

Her voice wavered slightly, but she held her composure. Her eyes shone with adoration, and for just one moment, it felt as though they were alone. Just the two of them.

A love like ours
Could never die
As long as I
Have you near me

Quinn and Mercedes looked on at both girls proudly. Artie shuffled in his chair, visibly uneasy. Sam smirked at the girls simply while Finn smiled sadly. Tina sighed and leaned onto Mike's shoulder who wrapped his arm around her sweetly.

Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her

Puck softly slid his fingers across the neck of the guitar. Trying his best to do Brittany's feelings justice, he played with a quiet gentleness and Santana sighed.

Bright are the stars that shine
Dark is the sky
I know this love of mine
Will never die
And I love her

The guitar faded out slowly. The room remained quiet until Puck has plucked the final note. As soon as the song had come to an end, Santana got up from her seat and practically ran into Brittany's arms, holding her close.

'Thank you. That was so beautiful,' she whispered into her shoulder, 'God, you're so beautiful.'

The sound was muffled and hidden beneath all of the applause, still Brittany felt heat rush to her face and blushed furiously but held the latina close.

'Woooow,' Sugar commented dreamily.

Santana was too happy to notice the strangeness in the compliment and simply looked at Brittany proudly while the blonde thanked her.

'Ok, you're up Finn,' Santana said more nicely than anyone had ever heard her.

Finn's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Mercedes chuckled.

'It's like Brittany tamed her!' she joked.
'Shut it wheezy!' Santana bit back, before being soothed Brittany's hand rubbing circles on her lower back and leading her back to their seats.

Her body visibly relaxed and Mercedes' stifled a laugh. Santana huffed but no longer argued. Finn moved to the front of the class and began to move the drum set to the center of the room. Once he was finished, he sat behind it, drum sticks in hand and took in a deep breath.

'I've gotten back into drumming recently and, uh, I'm trying this new thing where I really express my emotions instead of letting them bottle up inside. So, this song is kind of a part of that. I hope you like it,' he spoke nervously to the room, but especially to his mentor, mr Schue.

Oh darlin!
Please believe me!
I'll never do you no harm
Believe me when I tell you
I'll never do you no harm

His arms hit the drums passionately and his voice rang across the room with a rough quality they had never heard in him.

Oh darlin!
If you leave me!

The girls began to sing a few background vocals for him.

I'll never make it alone
Believe me when I beg you
Don't ever leave me alone

He energetically tore at the drum set and when his voice returned, it was pleading, desperate and raw.

When you told me
You didn't need me anymore!
Well you know I nearly broke down and cried

When you told me!
You didn't need me anymore!
Well you know I nearly fell down and di-i-ied!

Mike air drummed to the song while everyone looked on at the performance, impressed by Finn's progress.

Oh darlin!
If you leave me!
I'll never make it alone

Believe me when I tell you
I'll never do you no harm

Finn locked eyes with Rachel as he continued, more passionately than ever.

When you told me
You didn't need me anymore!
Well you know I nearly broke down and cried

When you told me!
You didn't need me anymore!
Well you know I nearly fell down and di-i-ied!

His voice was a little strung from the performance as he finished, but this only added to the quality of it, in the end, and everyone cheered him on as he continued.

Oh darlin!
Please believe me!
I'll never let you down

Believe me when I tell you
I'll never do you no harm!

He hit the drums in time until the end of the song, when he put the sticks down and stood up, ready for whatever criticism they might send his way. To everyone's surprise, Rachel got up from her seat then. Quinn observed the scene, an indescribable expression in her eyes. Rachel walked up to Finn and wrapped her arms around his torso.

'Finn, that was amazing,' she said encouragingly, but in a way that could only be described as friendly. Finn swallowed back the emotions that were threatening to overcome him.

And then you can start moving on with your life.

'Thanks Rachel,' he gratefully returned, and when he did, he felt for the first time in weeks that things were just as they should be.

...

'So, do you guys want to come over to my place later? I was thinking we could watch Chicago and work on our audition pieces,' Brittany asked her friends hopefully as they walked towards their lockers.

Santana, Brittany, and Quinn had had adjoining lockers since they had first become friends in the sixth grade. Mercedes' locker was a little further down the hall, but she had taken the habit of walking down with them, arms laced together in a tight chain.

'You guys could meet Rory! He's a new foreign exchange student staying at my house right now. I'm kind of trying to help him make friends,' she continued excitedly.
'Sure, why not,' Quinn agreed.
'Yeah, we can have a girls' night,' Mercedes joined in.
'Oh! You guys could sleep over! We'll let you in on our sleepover rituals,' Brittany told

Mercedes who looked at her suspiciously.

'Rituals? Britt, that sounds kind of creepy...'
'No! No, it's really cool! It's like-'

Santana stopped dead in her tracks, tugging Brittany back in the process. The blonde looked at Santana questioningly and her expression fell. Santana's face was pale. Her eyes stared at something ahead of them with a cool numbness that almost scared her. It was a look she'd never seen before. She followed Santana's gaze until she saw what the latina had noticed before her. She saw their lockers, hers, Quinn's, and Santana's between the two. Bold red letters were spray painted across them. The larger part of the word was splayed across Santana's locker, clearly the intended target.

DIKE

Something heavy burned into the back of the blonde's throat and she swallowed dryly trying to make the feeling pass. Her vision blurred suddenly. Her eyes scanned the hallway for the culprit.

'Cmon guys, lets just go talk to Figgins.'

Quinn's words came out as a whisper. Brittany heard a snicker. Then another. Then, she saw a group of football players across the hall from them smirking at the scene and scanning Santana's body with their eyes. Her Santana.

Suddenly, her brows furrowed and she felt anger boil within her. She tried to move forward, but Santana held her firmly into place. Quinn turned her body towards them, pushing gently, as if to shelter them.

'Guys, cmon lets go,' she repeated.

Brittany looked over at Santana. Her head was tilted down and the blonde couldn't see her face through her tears and the latina's hair, but she could feel her trembling.

'San,' she choked out.

She felt her shiver. Her voice woke Santana from her daze, but the latina only shook her head, slowly at first, then quickly, as if refusing to accept the sight before them. Her breathing quickened. She released Brittany's arm, turned around and walked away in the opposite direction, shoving through the crowd of students that had formed around her locker.

'San!'

Santana took to running. Brittany chased after her, leaving Mercedes and Quinn behind.