Chapter 4: The Power of Madonna
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC.
Personal Note: This is the first episode that kind off shocked me due to the fact that Sue sang for the first time in this episode! Had I been a cartoon character, my mouth would have hit the floor in shock. And now that I got my fan moment out of the way, oh and a slight bit of A, rate and review :)
Upon walking into the school and hearing the sound of Madonna's 'Holiday' blasting over the PA, Felix had a frown of confusion for at least fifteen minutes. Kurt and Mercedes approached him with a small grin on their faces as he gathered what he needed for the morning and his frown deepened ever so slightly.
"Would you care to explain why I can hear Madonna?" he asked the two of them.
"It's Coach Sylvester's doing. Turns out she is a huge Madonna fan" Kurt said excitedly.
"And because of her scheming ways, she has no doubt found a way to blackmail Principle Figgins into allowing this?" he asked for confirmation.
"You're learning" Mercedes said.
"Well you have to admire her determination" Felix said as Mike approached them.
"Just about to go to the Choir Room, you coming?" he asked and with a collective nod they headed off to the Choir Room.
The song switched on the PA once more as they walked in to see most of the club already sat down and tapping their feet to the music. Soon they took their own seats and despite the fact that Sue had to manipulate the Principle to play this, Felix could enjoy listening to music whilst working. Mr. Schue walked into the room then whilst the girls were talking about the insensitivity of boys.
"Sometimes, girls, guys can be royal pains in the arse" Felix said with sympathetic look.
"You are one" Santana pointed out and Felix rolled his eyes.
"Not batting for that team remember? The fact of the matter is, boys can be really insensitive unless you are in a loving and committed relationship" Felix said, taking a seat as the others listened. "It's a crappy fact of life sometimes. Although I didn't expect it from the ones in Glee" he said with a brow raised.
"Hey, guys. I'm sorry to interrupt your little sorority, but I couldn't help but overhear. Are you really having that much boy trouble?" he asked.
"You wouldn't understand Mr. Schue. You're a guy" Quinn said before looking to Felix. "And straight" she added on and the Brit nodded with a thankful smile.
"Well have you thought about talking to someone else about it? Like Ms. Pillsbury" Will said.
"I tried that" Rachel said and told them the story.
"The fact is is that women are earning 70 cents to every dollar a man does for doing the same job. That attitude starts in high school" Quinn said as the bell rang and they got up to leave.
"Have most of the boys really become that misogynistic in Glee?" Felix asked as the group headed down the corridors. "I mean I expect it from the jocks, especially seeing as they don't discriminate when it comes to throwing slushies at us" Felix added on.
"Yeah, they have. It's a fact of life" Quinn said.
"Well that must suck. I have English first this morning so I'll see you in Glee practice" Felix said as they parted with their own farewells.
He was sat in class reading through the notes he had taken on his copy of the text and continuing to write out his answer on his paper. Mike was sat next to him, his face similarly concentrated on his work when he looked up to speak to Felix.
"You have any idea what our assignment is going to be for Glee?" the Asian asked.
"Well because the rest of the boys have decided to turn into total idiots, I'm assuming it'll be a thing that will act in the girls favour. Honestly, I don't mind. I think it's only fair" he said, putting his pen down and flexing his hand. "You know, I could get used to listening to music in class" he said out of the blue.
"It's a little distracting" Mike said with a shrug.
"You'd rather the suffocating silence?" Felix asked with a raised brow.
"It's all well and good in the halls, but in class, not so much" Mike said and the other shrugged.
"You're no fun" the Brit said and he received a playful punch in response. "Oi! Don't hit me just because you are as much fun as a graveyard on a grey day"
"You've tested that?"
"All the time" he said with sarcasm dripping from his voice.
The rest of English past by with relative ease, except Mike had to concentrate a bit harder because of the music. It got to a point when Felix had dipped into his bag and pulled out two small objects out of there and handed them to him.
"You carry these around?" Mike asked.
"I call them the anti-Rachel kit" he said.
"They're a pair of ear plugs" Mike said flatly. "Wait you really use these to block out Rachel?" he asked.
"Only when she goes on a little spiel on how good she is or how much she should have a solo and let's not forget when she has a tantrum when she doesn't get one" he listed off on his fingers and Mike gave a small nod and grin.
"Preparation is key?" he asked as he slipped one in.
"You're damn right. I'll talk to you when the lesson is over" he said with an amused smile as he kept on taking more and more notes. Mike watched him for a moment as he rapidly scribbled down the notes, admiring his drive. He'd have no trouble getting into a prestigious university.
He had to be physically shaken to get him out of his trance because of the ear plugs. He jumped as he looked up at the source of the hand on his shoulder, finding the Brit shaking with silent laughter as he pulled the plugs out. The Asian packed his stuff away. By this time, he was sure that the songs had looped on themselves.
"Is this the same album?" Mike asked as they walked out.
"Think so" he said and then his phone buzzed.
"Who is it?" he asked and the smile on his face was wide.
"Kurt. Mr. Schue has called a meeting with the club because we have a free period" he said and they stopped by their lockers to drop off what they didn't need for the lesson and headed to the Choir Room.
Mr. Schue has written Madonna's name on the board and the excitement is clear to see on all of the girls and Kurt's faces. Mike and Felix smile as well, with the Brit giving the dancer a look that told him 'I told you so.'
"What do you think when you see that name?" the Spanish teacher asked.
"Genius" Mercedes answers quickly.
"Icon" Kurt chips in.
"Living legend of music" Felix said, earning a few raised brows from the male members of the group sans Mike and Kurt. "What can I say? Mum used to listen to her a lot and I love her music. Just because I'm the 'butch' gay as it were, doesn't mean I don't enjoy girly things" he said, earning amused chuckles from the girls.
"Hall of fame MILF" Puck chipped in and the others rolled their eyes.
"So we're all aware of Madonna's musical and cultural significance, which is why this weeks assignment is to come up with a Madonna number" Mr. Schue said and Felix grinned at the challenge that he was presented with.
"This'll be interesting" the Brit said.
"Uh, Mr. Schue? As a dude, Madonna makes me kind of uncomfortable" Puck said.
"Forgive me, but you just said that she was a 'Hall of Fame MILF.' What changed?" Felix challenged with a grin, earning a glare from the jock which he returned with a wider grin.
"Yeah, she's smokin' and everything, but can't some of us do something else? Like the guy version of Madonna? Like, you know, Pantera?" Finn suggested, earning agreements with some of the others.
Felix tuned out the rest of the lecture that the other boys were receiving for the way that they had been treating the the girls. Kurt then spoke up, catching his attention.
"Mr. Shue, I don't think we can have an honest conversation about Ms. Ciccone without acknowledging that her images are as indelible as her songs. I would like to honor her contributions by tackling a multi-media project. With Mercedes" Kurt said and Felix grinned. With Kurt and Mercedes working on it, you could bet it was going to be good. He was going to enjoy this.
Later he was walking through the halls with Mike rather aimlessly as they had a free period but they weren't permitted to leave campus for the day. His phone buzzed once more and he fished out of his pocket, reading the text and laughing a little.
"Kurt again?" Mike asked.
"It's regarding his video project"
"And what is so funny?"
"They managed to get Sue to star in the project that they were doing and we've also been invited to take part as background dancers for it" he said and Mike grinned. "I may not be much of a dancer but anything to see Sue sing and dance as Madonna would. Plus Kurt said that I would rock a suit judging by my last appearance in something rather formal"
"Turned out good in the long run then" Mike said with a grin.
"Still can't believe you had me wear my uniform" he muttered. "So, how does Vogue sound to you?" he said and had a grin in return.
Felix adjusted his tie before buttoning up his suit jacket and then slicking back his short hair. He didn't normally toot his own horn, but Kurt was right, he could definitely rock a suit. Mike then approached him.
"Looking good" he said with a grin.
"Not so bad yourself" the Brit replied.
"Nervous?" he asked and the other shook his head.
"The choreography is easy to get. I think I'll be fine" he said confidently and Mike patted his arm before they were ordered to their positions by Artie.
"Vogue, take one. Sound speed... and action. And playback"
Strike a pose
Strike a pose
Look around everywhere you turn is heartache
It's everywhere that you go
You try everything you can to escape
The pain of life that you know
When all else fails and you long to be
Something better than you are today
I know a place where you can get away
It's called a dance floor and here's what it's for so
Come on, Vogue
Let your body move to the music
Hey, hey, hey
Come on, Vogue
Let your body go with the flow
You know you can do it
All you need is your own imagination
So use it, that's what it's for
Go inside, for your own inspiration
Your dreams will open the door
It makes no difference if you're black or white
If you're a boy or a girl
If the music's pumping it will give you new life
You're a superstar, yes, that's what you are, you
Know it
Come on, Vogue
Let your body move to the music
Hey, hey, hey
Come on, Vogue
Let your body go with the flow
You know you can do it
Beauty's where you find it
Not just where you bump and grind it
Soul is in the music
That's where I feel so beautiful
Magical, life's a ball
So get up on the dance floor
Come on, Vogue
Let your body move to the music
Hey, hey, hey
Come on, Vogue
Let your body go with the flow
You know you can do it
Vogue
Beauty's where you find it
Vogue
Beauty's where you find it
Greta Garbo, and Monrow
Dietrich and DiMaggio
Marlon Brando, Jimmy Dean
On the cover of a magazine
Grace Kelly, Harlow, Jean
Picture of a beauty queen
Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire
Sue Sylvester, dance on air
They had style, they had grace
Rita Hayworth gave good face
Lauren, Katherine, Lana too
Will Schuester, I hate you!
Ladies with an attitude
Fella's that were in the mood
Don't just stand there, let's get to it
Strike a pose, there's nothing to it
Vogue
Vogue
Vogue
Vogue
Oooh, you've got to
Let your body move to the music
Oooh, you've got to just
Let your body go with the flow
Oooh, you've got to just
Vogue!
Watching the video and then comparing it to the original, it was clear to see that the only real change that had been made was some of the lyrics and the fact that Sue was Madonna. What had really shocked the British student was that the woman who detested the club was actually a damn good singer.
"I had no idea you could sing Miss Sylvester" Felix said when they watched it back.
"It's Madonna, of course I can sing. I actually enjoy it, just as I like poking the elderly with many pins and instilling a constant terror into kids in this school. You see Red Rose, there's a saying. Never make an assumption, it makes an ass out of you. However you don't need to make any sort of assumption, I think you're an ass anyway" she said and the other rolled his eyes.
"Always a pleasure talking to you, Sue" he said.
"I find it a pleasure to talk to me as well" she said and he headed out with a wave, living Sue with a small, rare and fond smile. She pulls out a journal and begins to write.
"Dear Journal. I don't know what has gotten into me. Whenever I finish speaking with Red Rose, my lips curve into the disgusting shape known as a smile. A smirk is similar to this, except it's often used whenever I see a student's misery or if I see the flattened body of a cute furry animal that made contact with someone's car. I find it is best use when I make a successful insult against the floor mop that is William's hair. I guess this smile could be the result of the respect I have for him as he continues to stand up to me whenever I insult him or that club. His talk of unity still continues to make me physically ill however"
"That was absolutely amazing!" Kurt said as the four of them enjoyed a small break.
"I'm still in shock about the fact that Sylvester can sing. Who would've thought it?" Felix asked.
"The very woman who seeks to destroy our club can sing. How's that for irony? And personally, I think Madonna herself would be proud of that" Mercedes said with a grin. "Imagine Mr. Schue's face when he hears this"
"That would be a moment in history" Mike said.
A voice breaks through their talk and Felix's eyes widen.
"So the very school that my dear older brother is attending has a love for Madonna"
Turning around, there was no mistaken who she was. Same shade of hair, darker grey eyes. Her hair was kept in a low ponytail and she wore a plaid shirt and a pair of blue skinny jeans as well as knee high boots. A large smile graced Felix's features.
"I don't bloody believe it!" he exclaimed as she smiled warmly.
"Better believe it, come give Claire-bear a hug" she said as she approached him. He didn't hesitate in wrapping his arms around his sister and holding her tightly.
"I thought you were in Roehampton University?" he asked as he pulled away to face her.
"I decided that I wanted to come live with you and mum again" she said and they heard someone clear their throats.
"Well, Felix. I do believe introductions are necessary" Kurt said with a small smirk.
"Oh! Guys, this is my younger sister Claire, and Claire, this are my friends, Kurt, Mercedes and Mike" he introduced gesturing to each of them. She approached then and shook their hands, offering a smile to them as well.
"I must say Kurt, you're looking fabulous" she said and the boy in question smiled.
"Well I try" he replied.
"Have you been to see mum?" he asked and she nodded.
"How do you think I managed to get here because I assure you, I didn't get here through some sort of psychic ability. Oh and I'm joining the school" she said, but Mercedes raised an eyebrow.
"Hold up, girlfriend. How? I thought you were in university?" she asked.
"My sister skipped a couple of years but despite her brains, she chose a more creative path deciding to do an art course. You remember some of the art work in the house, Mike?" he asked and the dancer nodded.
"Yeah, some beautiful art. No name though" he said and he saw Claire wear a triumphant smile.
"That would be mine" she said and he gave an impressed look. "So what's this I heard about you joining up with the Glee Club?" she asked and he smiled sheepishly. "We did think that a fresh start would have you singing again. Dad would be proud" she said, wrapping her arms around him again.
"He wouldn't want me to live in the past" Felix agreed with her.
"So, can someone tell me why is Madonna blasting out on the school PA?" she asked.
"Coach Sylvester is a massive fan of Madonna and she has quite an 'influence' when it comes to the running of this school. She managed to convince Principle Figgins to play it over the intercom" Kurt explained.
"'Influence?' Sounds more like blackmail" she said and at their grins she had her answer. "This is a normal occurrence?" she asked.
"The woman is determined. She will not let anyone come between what she wants, not even the Principle" he said, just as she walked right on by.
"You're damn right Red Rose" she said and then she noticed Claire. "Is this another lackey for that angst pit that needs a nuke?" she asked and he could see Claire bristling. Whereas Felix was the younger, Claire had what he would call a temper.
"Actually Coach, this here is my sister" he said and her eyes widened a fraction.
"So she's Red Rose two?" Sue asked.
"Ironically, we moved to York to be with my dad's parents when she was born. So no, she's a White Rose" Felix explained easily and Claire calmed down enough to raise a brow at him. "It's her term of endearment for me. Prior to this I was known as Tetley" he said and she smiled slightly.
"Okay so White Rose it is. So is she another member of that diverse group of idiots?" she asked.
"No" she said and then Sue looked relieved. "But I will be" she added.
"I look forward to the challenge. Your brother is the only student who has challenged me whilst looking the slightest bit confident. Let's see if you can too. I'm starting to have hope that the future generation will not mess up this planet, although you seem to be doing a good job by ruining some of the biggest hits in this world. And I must go, I have Cheerios to coach and I shouldn't be exposed to this many hormones at one time" she said, before stalking off.
"I'm not going crazy am I? That just happened?" Claire turned around to ask.
"That was gentle. It'll get worse as the year goes on I assure you" Kurt said as the bell went.
"Well I have to go. Myself and Mike have study hall today and I need to go over these English notes in preparation for the essay I have next week. What about you, Claire?" he asked and she reached into her bag.
"Free period" she said and he nodded.
"Well we'll meet you at the Choir Room where we have Glee then, okay?" he asked and she nodded. He wrapped his arms around her once more and sighed happily. "It's so good to see you again. I've missed you terribly" he said as she tightened her hold on him.
"University was fun, but been here with you and mum is better" she said before releasing her hold. "Go on, before you're late" she said as they all bade her goodbye, save for Kurt and Mercedes who had a free period also.
They were relaxed as they began to do something to occupy their minds. Felix was in full study mode as he scribbled note after note in quick succession, Mike watching in fascination once more. It was rare to see more than thirty students totally dedicated to their work.
"See someone you like?" an amused Felix said as he continued to work.
"I've just never seen someone work so hard" Mike said, hiding his blush.
"English is my favourite subject. I'm hoping to get into a university where I can do that and still be able to sing or act" Felix said, finishing off the massive paragraph of a note to look up at the other. "I know I still have a couple of years before that day comes, but it's still playing on my mind. That's why I'm getting as much work done as I possibly can. To maximise that chance"
"At least you have a choice to want to do that" Mike said rather bitterly. "My father wants me to get into Harvard, Yale, anywhere that's well known or in the Ivy League. He'd rather that than have me dancing" he said and Felix's gaze softened.
"Let me know when I'm overstepping my boundaries here but surely your father would want to support your dreams?" he asked and Mike laughed humourlessly.
"So long as my dreams are to become a doctor or a lawyer. According to him, I can't make a career of dancing or singing" he said and Felix chuckled.
"Well obviously he hasn't met the celebrities who made it happen" he said.
"No he hasn't" Mike conceded with a small smile.
"I'm not going to tell you what to do, merely what I think you should do. Sit down and talk with him. Tell him that whilst his plans for you would lead to a good life, sometimes you just have to follow your own dreams. You do what you want to do, no what would make you miserable or what anyone else wants you to do" he said and Mike looked in thought.
"Thank you, Felix. Where have you been all my life?" Mike asked with a grin.
"In Britain, drinking tea and enjoying Wimbledon" the other said with a grin.
"You play tennis?" he asked.
"From time to time. Was considering joining up for the school in preparation for competitions" he said and Mike nodded.
"I think you should go for it. It's about time this school had something to be proud of"
"They do have something to be proud of. You guys one Sectionals with an improvised set list. I've never heard of that happening before" Felix said, before leaning back in his seat. "You need to stop putting yourself down, about your dreams, your singing voice. Mike you are an amazing person. For a jock, you are one of the nicest alongside Finn and Puck" he said and Mike blushed.
"Thanks. For giving me the confidence to speak to my parents. I'll talk to them tonight"
"Good. You'll text me, right?"
"What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?" Mike asked and the other smiled.
The assignment had made the boys who had been treating the girls like dirt see the error of their ways and they performed brilliantly. Upon getting home with his sister, the three of them had dinner and then he had changed into a t-shirt and some pyjama bottoms when his phone was buzzing and he found that Mike was calling him.
"Hey, Mike" he said cheerfully.
"Felix, I have a problem" he said, sounding downtrodden. "I'm locked out of the house"
"What?! How?!" he asked sharply attracting the attention of his mother and sister.
"I spoke to them, told them what I wanted to do and then my dad just went really cold on me before telling me to get out and that I wasn't his son any more. My mom didn't say anything" his voice was slowly breaking. "Felix what am I going to do?" he asked as the Brit wrote what was going on down on a piece of paper and handing it to his mum.
"I'm going to come and pick you up now" he said as his mother nodded earnestly.
"Are you sure? It's late..." he said but Felix cut him off.
"I don't bloody care, Mike. I'm going to get you and you're staying with me tonight. Now tell me your address" he said, as his mother handed him the keys to her car that he was insured on. I'll be there as soon as I can, just stay where you are" he said, putting the phone down.
"What the bloody hell was that?" his mother asked, confused.
"Mike told his parents about what he really wanted to do instead of going along with what they wanted for him. They've kicked him out and locked the door" he said and his mother clearly bristled with anger. "Take some extra pillows and the like upstairs and I'll sort it out when I get back. I'll see you in a few minutes" he said as he grabbed the satnav on the way out.
Mike was sat on the side walk in front of him when the 2011 Ford Explorer pulled up. Felix switched off the engine and got out of the car, looking at the house with such disdain, but he stopped himself from shouting any obscenities lest he have the police on him for harrassment.
"Mike?" he called out gently and a set of brown eyes looked up with tears in them. "Come here" he said and the dancer got up and walked over to the open arms. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have suggested it"
"No. It's not your fault" Mike said. "Are you sure you don't mind me spending the night?" he asked.
"My mum insists. Let's go" he said, climbing back in.
Felix closes the door quietly before walking downstairs to see his mother and sister sat in the living room waiting for him.
"How's he doing?" Annette asked.
"Emotionally drained. He went straight to sleep as soon as he laid down. I feel absolutely horrible, I should never have suggested it until he was ready to say it himself" he said, sagging onto the sofa and holding his head down.
"He couldn't go on lying to them. He knew that. It's in no way your fault" his mother said, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "You gave him advice, just as any other friend would"
"Perhaps. I think I'm going to go to bed. We'll see what happens now in the next few days" he said, leaving his mother's embrace. With worried eyes she watched him walk back upstairs, feet padding along the soft carpet.
He opened the door quietly and stepped in, aware that he could hear silent sobs coming from the bed that was made up on the floor. He sighed sadly and lowered himself to the floor and climbing under the covers, startling the Asian.
"I figured you could use the company" he offered with a soft smile.
"Thank you"
An arm comes up around him and he's pulled into an embrace. Felix snuggles into his chest and wraps a single arm around Mike's waist.
"You're living here, now. My mum has agreed to it" he said sleepily.
"I don't know how to thank you guys"
Just before he fell asleep, a pair of lips pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead as the arm tightened around him. With a pleasant feeling in his stomach, he snuggled closer to that broad chest and allowed himself to drift off to sleep to the sound of Mike's heartbeat.