Chapter 8: Sectionals

"Blaine, honey, come in." Carole said.

Blaine rolled his suitcase into the Hummel's house and then turned back to Carole and Burt.

"Thank you." Blaine replied.

"Blaine, what's going on? Do your parents know you're here?" Burt asked.

"No, they don't. And please don't tell them. Look, my dad doesn't accept me and I'm tired of living with him. We got into a fight and I've been crashing at Puck's house ever since then. He can't keep me there anymore and I didn't know where else to turn. I'm sorry."

"Have a seat, Blaine. I'll make you some tea." Carole said.

Blaine sat down on the sofa and Burt sat next to him.

"What did you fight about?" Burt asked.

"He doesn't accept my sexuality or my relationship with Kurt. I'm tired of trying to convince him that I really am attracted to men and that I'm happy to be Kurt's boyfriend. I got sick of it and just ran away. Please don't tell them I'm here."

Blaine looked broken and Burt couldn't help but feel for the boy. Carole returned with the teas and sat down on one of the chairs by the sofa.

"Blaine, it's been very stressful around here after everything that's just happened with Kurt. With that said, we care deeply about you. We need to talk it over and we'll let you know what we'll do."

"Okay."

Carole and Burt stood up and walked away. Blaine sat by himself for a few minutes before Finn arrived home. He walked into the living room, threw down his backpack and then let out a gasp when he saw Blaine.

"Dude, you scared me." Finn said.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to." Blaine replied.

"What's going on? Are you okay?" Finn asked.

"I ran away and your parents are talking about whether or not they'll let me stay here."

"Why did you run away?"

"My dad hates me."

Finn sat next to Blaine and rubbed his shoulder.

"Dude, I'm really sorry. Is he a homophone?"

"Homophobe," Blaine corrected. "And yes, he is."

"Well, I don't have a problem with you staying here. It's been kinda lonely without Kurt."

"I know the feeling. I need him right now more than ever."

"Do you know what happened to Kurt? All of us in glee are really concerned and none of us know what happened. Not even Mercedes knows and she's his best friend."

"I'm his boyfriend and I don't even know. He just left and I just said goodbye. I just wish I could've told him how much I love him. Without him here, I've realized that even more."

Burt and Carole walked into the living room. They greeted Finn and then turned to Blaine.

"You can stay here, Blaine. You deserve to be in a safe environment and it sounds like your home is not a safe place right now." Carole said.

"However, we are going to talk to your parents about what happened and we are gonna try to work it out but we won't do that until you're ready." Burt said.

"I can accept that. Thank you." Blaine said.

Finn stood up.

"Mom, what happened to Kurt? I'm his big brother, I should know."

"Your step-father is the only person who knows what happened to Kurt." Carole said.

"Burt? What happened?"

"It's not my place to tell you. Kurt doesn't want anyone to know."

"I want to know so I can help protect him."

"That's very sweet of you, Finn." Carole said.

"But right now, Kurt is safe."

"That's not good enough for me. I want to know." Finn said.

"Well it's just going to have to be. I appreciate your concern but I can't tell you what happened to Kurt."

"You can't even tell Blaine. Blaine is Kurt's boyfriend. He should know."

"Well, I need to have a conversation with Blaine and I will talk to him. But Finn, you need to respect Kurt's wishes in his privacy."

"Fine. Whatever. I'm sorry that I'm just trying to care about my brother."

Finn stormed away but not before unnecessarily kicking over a chair.

"Why does Finn always do that?" Blaine asked.

"The doctor thinks it's genetic." Carole answered.

"Blaine, we just got off the phone with Kurt and he wants you to come visit him."

"Of course. Anytime he wants me, I'll be there."

"Visiting hours are in about fifteen minutes so if we go now, we'll make it for the full session." Burt said.

"Okay, let's go." Blaine said.

"I'll have dinner for you all when you get back." Carole said.

"Thank you, Mrs. Hummel. I really appreciate your hospitality." Blaine said.

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Give Kurt a kiss for me." Carole said.

"I'm pretty sure Blaine will do more than that." Burt replied.

Carole and Burt both chuckled and Blaine blushed.

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Brittany knocked on the door to the Lopez home. She heard a man and a woman screaming at each other, which made her very sad. Santana opened the door and invited Brittany in. They walked upstairs, past Santana's parents yelling at each other and walked into her room.

"What's up, Brittany?" Santana asked.

"I was wondering if you wanted to have one of our sex marathons." Brittany said.

"Not right now, Britt." Santana said.

"Why? I even brought the vibrators."

"My parents are downstairs and they still don't know that I'm – well you know."

"What? Really good at sex?"

"No! Gay, they don't know I'm gay."

"But there's nothing wrong with being Lebanese."

Santana chuckled.

"I know, Brittany but they don't know that. Anyways, I'm being punished. When they found out about the fact that I got suspended, they freaked out and now I'm stuck in the house until I can go back to school next week."

"I'm sorry. That sounds really bad. But I know what can cheer you up."

"What's that?"

"Fondue for two!" Brittany asked.

"What?"

All of the sudden, Brittany's cat, Lord Tubbington appeared, reading a copy of Scientology and a small camera that Brittany had placed on Santana's desk.

"Hello, my lovely lesbians. This is Brittany S. Pierce with my super hot sexy girlfriend Santana Lopez."

"Brittany! We're just friends, friends who are girls." Santana said.

"Friends who have sex."

"Brittany!"

"So, Santana. Everyone wants to know. Are you on the top or the bottom?"

"Brittany! I don't wanna talk about that online!"

"I just want to know if you sleep on the top bunk or the bottom bunk?"

"Oh, okay. Well I sleep on the bottom bunk whenever I sleep in a bunk bed but why is that relevant?"

"No reason. It's just that people want to know how you have sex. I've got like a ton of questions of people asking how do girls have sex. I could explain it to you or I could just show you."

Brittany leaned in to kiss Santana but Santana stood up and turned off the recording. She then deleted the video.

"Britt, you know I'm proud of our relationship but I just can't have my parents find out. They're already mad at me about all the underage drinking I've been doing and the suspension."

"I get it. I'm sorry. I just wanted to cheer you up. I know you like lady sex and I just wanted to make you feel better."

"I appreciate it, Brittany. I just thought that you'd be mad at me about my drinking and all the damage it caused."

"I'm not mad. I do want you to stop because it's dangerous and because I don't like throw up. It tastes really bad."

"Yeah, well I'm not drinking again for a while so you don't have to worry about that."

"Good. I love you, Santana."

"I love you too, Brittany."

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Kurt was sitting by himself in his hospital gown. There was a living room area where the patients could rest and watch a movie. Some of them were seated at a table playing cards, some of them were passed out and a few were talking about their Christmas plans. Kurt felt as alone as he possibly could and the movie that was on was quite depressing which didn't help matters. He was just about to go back to his room when a nurse called him over. Kurt stood up and walked over to her.

"I'd like to talk to you, Kurt." She said.

"Did I do something wrong?" Kurt asked.

"No, not at all. I would just like to speak with you." She said.

Kurt followed the nurse into one of the rooms. It was a small room with a few chairs and a small television set.

"What is going on?" Kurt asked.

"You've been very quiet, Kurt. We tend to notice when our patients don't speak up in group therapy."

"What can I say? I'm a private person."

"We can't help you if you don't talk to us." She said.

Kurt looked at her for a moment and smiled at her. He then turned away and sighed.

"I can't even think about it. It's too horrible."

"Well, I don't want you to share anything you're not comfortable with but I do want you to know that you are always welcome to talk to any of us if you need any support."

Kurt smiled.

"Thank you. I appreciate it. I'm sorry if I'm being difficult."

"No, you aren't. We were just concerned, that's all. We just want to help you heal."

"I think I just need to take some time first."

"Completely understandable. Well that's all I wanted to say."

Kurt stood up and walked out of the room and sat back on his chair. Another nurse came up to him and told him it was visitor hours and he had visitors. Kurt walked over to one of the many private conference rooms and was shocked to see Blaine. Blaine looked very happy to see Kurt but at the same time, Kurt could tell he wasn't quite all there. Kurt rushed up to him and gave him a hug and then gave his father a hug.

"It's so nice to see you." Kurt said.

"It's nice to see you too, Kurt." Blaine replied.

"I'm gonna give you boys some time. I'll be right outside." Burt said.

He gave Kurt a kiss and then left them alone. Blaine walked closer to Kurt.

"So this is where you've been all this time?" Blaine asked.

Kurt nodded.

"Yeah, I'm sorry I had to be so mysterious. I just really didn't want anyone worrying about me."

Blaine chuckled.

"Kurt, everyone's worried. You're the strongest person I know but you can also be the dumbest."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kurt asked defensively.

"Kurt, do you really think people don't care about you? We all care. I'm in love with you and everyone at Glee loves you, granted not as much as me, but they still love you and everyone is worried about you. We all just wanted to know that you're okay."

Kurt laughed.

"Well please tell them that I'm fine. Everything's fine."

Blaine sighed and then turned away from Kurt for a moment.

"If everything's fine, then why are you here?" Blaine asked.

Kurt turned to look at Blaine. His expression completely changed.

"I mean, not everything's as right as roses but it'll be okay."

"What happened, Kurt? Please tell me. You know you can trust me. Whatever you say to me will be kept in my confidence. I'm your boyfriend. It's literally killing me that something bad happened to you and I wasn't there to protect you."

"It's not your fault."

"I still feel like it is. Baby, please tell me."

Kurt looked away from Blaine and unsuccessfully fought back tears as he told Blaine everything that happened that night. He stuttered throughout the story but was able to tell him the full thing. When Kurt finished, he turned back to Blaine. Blaine was also crying. Kurt rushed up to him and hugged him.

"It's all gonna be okay, Blaine." Kurt said soothingly.

"How can you say that? He-that monster-he-he, I'm gonna kill him." Blaine shouted.

"Blaine! Please!" Kurt replied.

Blaine turned back to him.

"He touched you without your consent! I can't accept that! You're my boyfriend. I'm the only one that should ever touch you like that!"

Blaine started to tense his hands and his whole body shook. Kurt called for his dad to come back in. When Burt came in, he attended to Blaine.

"Blaine, I need you to calm down, okay?" Burt asked.

Blaine then collapsed into Burt's arms completely broken.

"It's gonna be alright, Blaine. I'm here." Burt said.

"I shouldn't have told him." Kurt said.

"No, I think it was good for you to do it. In no way, shape or form will I ever accept this but I think it's good for you to just focus on moving on and trusting a few people who will keep your confidence."

Burt pulled up a chair and let Blaine rest in his arms. Burt felt deeply for Blaine. After what had just happened he couldn't help but feel like a father to Blaine especially when his own father had abandoned him.

"How is everyone back home?" Kurt asked.

"We're all okay, Kurt. Finn is very concerned. He wants to know where you are."

"Did you tell him?"

"No. I won't do that without your permission."

"I don't know. I mean, I want to tell everyone but at the same time, I just can't help but feel embarrassed. I mean, if I just hadn't gone to that stupid party."

Kurt then couldn't help but cry for what felt like the millionth time.

"Kurt, this was not your fault." Burt said.

"Whatever, it doesn't matter. I just wanna get out of here and go back home. I'm gonna be so behind in school." Kurt said.

"Don't you worry about that. I've contacted all your teachers and they all want you to take as much time as you need."

"What about Blaine? I can't stand it that he's so upset. I never meant to hurt him." Kurt said.

"Kurt, his parents rejected him. He is living with us temporarily. He's just had a rough couple of weeks. I think he just needs to cry right now." Burt said.

"That's awful. How could they do that to him? Blaine is so sweet and kind, how could anyone reject him let alone his own parents?" Kurt asked.

Blaine turned to Kurt and smiled at him.

"I love you." Blaine said.

"I love you too, Blaine. I promise when I get out of here, I'm gonna be with you and I'm gonna support you every step in the way in this whole mess." Kurt said.

Blaine smiled through his tears. He stood up and hugged Kurt passionately.

"Thank you for trusting me. I promise what you told me will stay between us."

"Thank you." Kurt said.

"Stay strong, Kurt." Burt said.

"I will, Dad." Kurt replied.

"I'll come visit again really soon." Blaine said.

"I'll look forward to it." Kurt said sweetly.

Burt hugged his son and gave him a kiss and Blaine kissed Kurt on his lips softly but passionately and the two men left Kurt alone.

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Mr. Schue had his back to the class as he wrote the word sectionals on the whiteboard and then turned around.

"It's finally arrived! Sectionals!" Mr. Schue cheered.

The glee club members cheered in appreciation.

"Now, congratulations are in order because Mercedes won the solo contest!"

Artie let out a cheer of congratulations for Mercedes, who beamed. Everyone but Rachel was happy at the news.

"Alright, so Mercedes will lead with a big solo and then we need a big final number to wrap it up."

"Well, what should we do for that?" Tina asked.

"Well, the theme is that we need to focus on songs by African-American artists so I thought we could choose a song by a popular African-American group."

"Well, yeah but I meant what actual song?" Tina asked again.

Quinn stood up.

"I have an idea. It's one of my favorite songs and it definitely fits in with the theme." Quinn said.

Rachel stood up.

"I also have a song that I think will be perfect for the number. Since I wasn't chosen for the solo, I should be able to pick the song we perform. After all, I am the captain."

"Co-captain." Finn said.

"Nobody cares." Rachel added.

"Well, it seems like we should have a competition to determine who's song will be chosen." Mr. Schue said.

"Mr. Schue, why would we do that just days before the competition? Shouldn't we be practicing?" Artie asked.

"No, we don't need practice." Mr. Schue said.

"Well, I think that we should just pick one. Rachel, Quinn, tell us what songs you have in mind." Sam said.

"The Way We Were." Rachel said.

"Waterfalls." Quinn replied.

"Oh, definitely Waterfalls. That's my jam, yo." Artie said.

"I'm gonna have to agree with Artie. I grew up with TLC." Mercedes said.

"Let's put it to a vote. All in favor with Quinn's idea, raise your hand."

All of the glee club rose their hands except Rachel and Brittany, who was focused on picking her nose. Rachel groaned and crossed her arms.

"Alright. Waterfalls, it is. You guys are great problem solvers. I like it." Mr. Schue said.

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Rachel was furious and decided to take out her rage in song. She walked into the auditorium and began practicing an angry ADELE song when Quinn walked in.

"Hey, are you alright? You seemed angry." Quinn said.

"No, Quinn. I'm not okay. I wanted to do Barbra." Rachel said.

"You always want to do Barbra." Quinn replied.

"She's the best singer ever. I don't understand why people don't understand that." Rachel said.

"She's also not black which was the whole point of the Sectionals theme."

"Oh, details, details. They wouldn't have cared when they heard how beautiful my voice was."

Quinn walked closer to Rachel.

"Rachel, sometimes I feel like you're a little bit too much."

"Too much? What's that supposed to mean?"

"You always want it your way. You always talk about how talented you are and you never let anybody else have a chance to sing."

"That's not true."

"You know that you are the only one here that knows that Barbra song. You would've taken the solo even though it's supposed to be a group number."

"It would help us win, wouldn't it?"

Quinn shook her head.

"Rachel, it's that kind of attitude that makes me question why we're even together."

"What? Quinn, don't say that."

"It's how I feel, Rachel. You're really frustrating. No wonder Finn stopped caring about you."

Rachel looked at Quinn with a tear in her eye.

"Is that how you really feel?" Rachel asked.

"No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that." Quinn said.

"You're right, you know. He did stop caring. He was a jerk but I also could've been less selfish. I know I'm selfish and demanding and a diva but it's only because I feel like I have no worth unless I'm singing. I just want everyone to like me and to feel like I'm worth something." Rachel said.

"Rachel, we do like you. It's just you try too hard sometimes and it can be overbearing." Quinn replied.

"Do you want to break up with me? You can if you want. I understand, I know I'm crazy."

"Break up? Rachel, I don't want to do that. Why would you even mention that?"

RACHEL

RIGHT FROM THE START, YOU WERE A THIEF

YOU STOLE MY HEART AND I YOUR WILLING VICTIM

I LET YOU SEE THE PARTS OF ME THAT WEREN'T ALL THAT PRETTY

AND WITH EVERY TOUCH YOU FIXED THEM

NOW YOU'VE BEEN TALKING IN YOUR SLEEP, OH OH

THINGS YOU NEVER SAY TO ME, OH OH

TELL ME THAT YOU'VE HAD ENOUGH OF OUR LOVE, OUR LOVE

QUINN

I'M SORRY, I DON'T UNDERSTAND

WHERE ALL OF THIS IS COMING FROM

I THOUGHT THAT WE WERE FINE

RACHEL

OH, WE HAD EVERYTHING

QUINN

YOUR HEAD IS RUNNING YOU WILD AGAIN

MY DEAR WE STILL HAVE EVERYTHING

AND IT'S ALL IN YOUR MIND

RACHEL

YEAH, BUT THIS IS HAPPENING

QUINN

YOU'VE BEEN HAVING REAL BAD DREAMS, OH OH

YOU USED TO LIE SO CLOSE TO ME, OH OH

RACHEL, QUINN

THERE'S NOTHING MORE THAN EMPTY SHEETS

BETWEEN OUR LOVE, OUR LOVE, OUR LOVE, OUR LOVE, OH

JUST GIVE ME A REASON, JUST A LITTLE BIT'S ENOUGH

JUST A SECOND, WE'RE NOT BROKEN, JUST BENT

AND WE CAN LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN

QUINN

I NEVER STOP, YOU'RE STILL WRITTEN ON THE SCARS OF MY HEART

RACHEL, QUINN

YOU'RE NOT BROKEN, JUST BENT AND WE CAN LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN

RACHEL

OH, TEARDUCTS AND RUST

QUINN

I'LL FIX IT FOR US

RACHEL

WE'RE COLLECTING DUST BUT OUR LOVE'S ENOUGH

QUINN

YOU'RE HOLDING IT IN

RACHEL

YOU'RE POURING A DRINK

QUINN

NO, NOTHING IS AS BAD AS IT SEEMS

RACHEL

WE'LL COME CLEAN

RACHEL, QUINN

JUST GIVE ME A REASON, JUST A LITTLE BIT'S ENOUGH

JUST A SECOND WE'RE NOT BROKEN, JUST BENT

AND WE CAN LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN

IT'S IN THE STARS, IT'S BEEN WRITTEN

IN THE SCARS OF OUR HEARTS, THAT WE'RE NOT BROKEN

JUST BENT AND WE CAN LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN

RACHEL

OH, WE CAN LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN

OH, WE CAN LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN

QUINN

OH, OH

THAT WE'RE NOT BROKEN, JUST BENT

RACHEL, QUINN

AND WE CAN LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN

"Rachel, I didn't know you felt this way. I want you to be able to share your feelings with me. I mean, this is how relationships are supposed to be. We're supposed to be able to talk to each other."

Rachel smiled.

"Thank you. I guess I'll try to do a better job of being more open. I'm sorry if I've been overdramatic. I'm gonna try to work on it." Rachel said.

"That's very kind of you, Rachel. Now come on, let's go find the others and practice." Quinn said.

Rachel held Quinn's hand and walked out of the auditorium with her.

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Mercedes grabbed some food as usual and then sat down at a lunch table all by herself. She saw some of her friends but she just wasn't in the mood to sit down with anyone today. As she was about to put her headphones in, she saw Tina and then put them away.

"Hey, do you wanna sit with us?" Tina asked.

"Thanks, Tina but I just wanna be alone today." Mercedes replied.

Tina sat down and looked concerned for her friend.

"What's wrong?" Tina asked.

"Nothing. Everything's fine." Mercedes said unconvincingly.

"Mercedes, you can talk to me. I promise it'll be just between us." Tina said.

"Okay. I asked a guy out. I had been crushing on him for weeks and I decided to take the plunge and just go for it and you know what he said? He said, sorry I don't date girls that look like you."

"That's awful." Tina said.

Mercedes looked at Tina and then looked away.

"No, it's not. I know how I look. I've been trying to lose weight but it's really hard." Mercedes said.

"You're beautiful just the way you are, Mercedes."

"I don't feel beautiful. No boys at this school will ever want me. I mean, I'm one of the few black people at this school and to top it all off, I look well I look like this."

Tina held her hand and smiled.

"Any boy would be lucky to be with you."

"I don't believe you. I'm gonna be alone for the rest of my life." Mercedes said.

"You're not alone. You always have your friends, don't forget that. I can't fully relate to you but I do know that being single can be really lonely but you're never alone. I promise I'll always be here." Tina said.

"Thanks, Tina. I feel a little better now." Mercedes said.

Tina squeezed her hand.

"No problem. So, have you picked a solo yet? I'm sure you'll kill whatever song you do."

"I have an idea but it's a really hard song. I'm not sure I can pull it off."

"I'm sure you can. You're the best singer I know. Don't tell Rachel." Tina said.

Mercedes chuckled.

"I won't."

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Blaine walked into a classroom to find Finn, Puck, Artie and Sam waiting for him.

"What's going on?" Blaine asked.

"Have a seat, Blaine." Finn said.

Blaine sat down.

"The Warblers are our opponents at Sectionals and we want to know everything about them so we can beat them." Artie said.

"I mean, you guys beat us last year. Nothing has changed." Blaine said.

"Apparently they have a new captain now and he's like super rich or something." Finn said.

"I don't know anything about that." Blaine said.

"Well why don't you find out? Go over there and spy on them." Finn said.

"That won't work. They know I transferred." Blaine said.

"Can't you just say you're visiting?" Artie asked.

"I mean, I guess but Westerville is like two hours from here."

"We'll help you with gas money." Artie replied.

"Alright, fine. I'll go visit." Blaine answered.

"Thanks, man."

"So was that it?" Blaine asked.

"Yeah." Finn replied.

Blaine stood up and left. Artie said goodbye and left the three boys alone. Finn turned to Puck and Sam.

"Hey guys." Finn said.

"Hi Finn." Puck replied.

"Is there anything else I can say?" Finn asked.

"It doesn't matter for Puck anymore. He's completely straight." Sam said.

"Knock it off." Puck replied.

"What are you talking about?" Finn asked.

"Oh, you didn't hear? Puck has a cute girlfriend now. He's telling everyone it was just a phase. That doesn't help the bi community out at all." Sam snapped.

"It's not my job to destroy all bisexual stereotypes." Puck snapped.

"It's not your job to be one either." Sam replied.

The two boys started yelling at each other but Finn broke it up.

"Guys, calm down. You two are best friends. You shouldn't be fighting."

"What's it to you, Finn? This is all your fault anyway." Sam said.

"I know. I'm not denying it but I just really want to be friends again." Finn replied.

Sam laughed.

"Well, sometimes you don't get what you want. I really wanted you, Puck. I was gonna tell you that I loved you, you asshole and now, well I hope you're happy with your girlfriend who you don't even have feelings for. I hope you're happy knowing that you lost the one person who was gonna give you everything." Sam said.

Sam then stormed off.

"You should go after him." Finn said.

"This isn't Failure to Launch, Finn," Puck snapped. "Besides, I have a reputation to protect. I'm a badass and badasses aren't gay or bi. I have to be straight."

"You should be who you want to be. Screw what anyone else thinks." Finn replied.

Puck shook his head.

"You just don't get it, do you? Everyone hates gay people. It's like some stupid rule that everyone follows. You don't have street cred if you're a dude who's into dudes. All the guys hide their junk from you in the locker room cuz they're worried you're gonna try something. Do you have any idea how annoying that is, Finn? No, of course you don't. You're too busy living in your own privilege to see how much it hurts to not be a member of the elite heterosexual club!" Puck shouted.

Puck then stormed out of the room leaving Finn with an idea.

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Blaine didn't want to go back to the Warblers but he really wanted to prove his loyalty to the New Directions and show he was a valuable team player. He took the usual drive to get there. All he could think about was Kurt and how his life had completely changed when he met him on the staircase a year ago. In many ways, Kurt was Dalton. Being there without him just didn't make any sense. Nevertheless, he arrived by the gates, parked his car and walked in to the school. He still had his old student id card that let him in. When he walked into their rehearsal space, he was greeted by Nick and Jeff.

"Blaine! What are you doing here?" Nick asked.

"I just wanted to visit." Blaine replied.

"That's so cool!" Jeff said.

"Sorry, no can do." A voice said.

Blaine turned around and saw a boy a few inches taller than him walk in. He had a very uptight demeanor.

"What do you mean? Blaine can stay! He should sing with us." Jeff said.

"No, he can't. He's not a Warbler anymore. He's probably spying on us."

"No way. Once a Warbler, always a Warbler." Nick said.

"Who are you?" Blaine asked.

"I'm Sebastian. The captain of the Warblers."

"What? That's not how it works. There's a counsel." Blaine replied.

Sebastian shook his head.

"Not anymore. My parents bought out the whole place, it was going bankrupt. In exchange for their financial support, the school appointed me to lead this club and a few others."

Blaine rolled his eyes.

"Well, I used to come here and I just wanted to visit my friends." Blaine said.

"Well, I guess that's alright. Maybe we can show you a little number we've been working on. It won't be for our competition, but it's just a fun little something we've been throwing together."

The rest of the Warblers walked into the room behind him. Sebastian nodded for someone to play the music.

SEBASTIAN (WARBLERS)

NOW LISTEN TO ME BABY (OH WOAH OH)

BEFORE I LOVE AND LEAVE YOU (OH WOAH OH)

THEY CALL ME HEARTBREAKER

I DON'T WANNA DECEIVE YOU

IF YOU FALL FOR ME

I'M NOT EASY TO PLEASE

I MIGHT TEAR YOU APART

TOLD YOU FROM THE START (BABY, FROM THE START)

SEBASTIAN, WARBLERS

I'M ONLY GONNA BREAK BREAK YOUR BREAK BREAK YOUR HEART

I'M ONLY GONNA BREAK BREAK YOUR BREAK BREAK YOUR HEART

I'M ONLY GONNA BREAK BREAK YOUR BREAK BREAK YOUR HEART

I'M ONLY GONNA BREAK BREAK YOUR BREAK BREAK YOUR HEART

SEBASTIAN

AND I KNOW KARMA'S GONNA GET ME BACK FOR BEING SO COLD

LIKE A BIG BAD WOLF, I'M BORN TO BE BAD AND BAD TO THE BONE

IF YOU FALL FOR ME, I'M ONLY GONNA TEAR YOU APART

TOLD YOU FROM THE START

SEBASTIAN, WARBLERS

I'M ONLY GONNA BREAK BREAK YOUR BREAK BREAK YOUR HEART

I'M ONLY GONNA BREAK BREAK YOUR BREAK BREAK YOUR HEART

I'M ONLY GONNA BREAK BREAK YOUR BREAK BREAK YOUR HEART

I'M ONLY GONNA BREAK BREAK YOUR BREAK BREAK YOUR HEART

Blaine clapped for everyone.

"That was great." Blaine said.

"Thank you." Sebastian replied.

"All of you, truly. Your dancing has gotten even better, Jeff!" Blaine said.

"I totally love you, Blaine!" Jeff said cheerily.

"Well I really have to get going but it was nice visiting. Good luck this weekend!" Blaine said.

Everyone said their goodbyes to Blaine except for Sebastian, who followed Blaine outside. Sebastian was carrying a cup filled with fruit punch and purposefully tripped and stained Blaine's shirt.

"I'm so sorry about that." Sebastian said.

"It's fine. It's just a shirt. I'll manage." Blaine replied.

"No, please. Come up to my room. You can wear one of mine while I wash it." Sebastian replied.

"It's really not necessary." Blaine said.

"I insist." Sebastian said strongly.

Blaine shrugged and followed Sebastian up to his room. Blaine took off his stained shirt and handed it over to Sebastian. Sebastian immediately stopped dead when he saw Blaine's chest. Under Blaine's cute prep boy demeanor was a complete sex god. Sebastian felt himself getting hard and tried to not let Blaine see it.

"Thanks for changing your mind about me visiting the guys. I appreciate it. Sometimes I miss this place." Blaine said.

"Why did you leave?" Sebastian asked.

"My heart is at another school." Blaine said.

Sebastian turned to Blaine.

"I'm sorry, Blaine. I actually don't have any clean shirts. I'm really behind on laundry. But you must be really sticky from the juice. Why don't you get out of those clothes and take a shower in my room and I'll go clean all your clothes."

Blaine shrugged.

"Oh, alright. I guess that's okay."

Blaine stepped into the bathroom and shut the door. Sebastian found a freshmen and forced him to wash Blaine's clothes. He walked back into the room and then opened the bathroom door. He heard Blaine singing in the shower and found himself even more aroused. He set up a small camera and placed it in the corner of the bathroom. He then stepped outside.

Blaine stepped out of the shower and was looking for a towel but was unable to find one. He opened the bathroom door slightly to talk to Sebastian.

"I can't find a towel." Blaine said.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry, those need to be washed too." Sebastian said.

"Oh, well. You know I'm not wearing anything." Blaine said.

"We're both boys here, Blaine." Sebastian said.

That comment turned himself on even more. Blaine thought about it for a moment but eventually decided he could trust Sebastian and he walked outside naked.

"Well, I guess you can really get to know me." Blaine said.

"Let's just cut the bullshit. You're hot and so am I. Let's have sex." Sebastian said authoritatively.

"What?" Blaine asked.

"Come on. You're already naked."

"I have a boyfriend!"

"He doesn't have to know."

Blaine shook his head profusely and desperately tried to find something to cover his body up but he found nothing. Before he knew what was happening, Sebastian whipped out his cell phone and took pictures of him. Blaine tried to cover up his privates but was unable to in time.

"Delete those!" Blaine yelled.

"No, I don't think I will. I don't care what you said. You were here to spy on us so you could tell your little public school friends about how we perform. Well now you're not going to do that. I mean, you can if you want to but if you do, then I'll just accidentally leak the photos."

"I won't tell them anything if that's what you so desperately don't want!" Blaine yelled.

Sebastian shook his head.

"I think you know what I want from you, Blaine. Come on, you can't tell me that I'm not attractive."

"I mean I'm gay and you're a guy, so I mean yeah you are attractive but that doesn't matter. I have a boyfriend who I'm in love with and I'm not cheating on him. Not now, not ever."

Sebastian chuckled.

"Relationships are worthless. Sex is really the only thing worth it these days. Besides, he won't know and I'll delete the pictures. If not, I'll post them everywhere. Everyone will see them and you'll be in so much trouble."

Blaine started to cry.

"I don't care if you send them out. I'm not cheating!"

Blaine then ran out the door. He didn't care that he was naked or that he lost his clothes. He found Jeff's room and knocked. Jeff opened the door and Blaine explained what happened. Jeff gave him some clothes and promised him he would talk to Sebastian. Blaine thanked him and left. The entire drive back home, Blaine felt so degraded. He couldn't help but wonder if Kurt felt this way but significantly worse with Karofsky.

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As the week rolled on, the gang of New Directions was busy practicing for their Sectionals performance. It was decided that Jacob Ben Israel and Lauren Zizes would be joining them so they would have twelve members since Santana and Kurt were unable to compete.

"I totally can't wait to watch Rachel and Quinn make out." Jacob said.

"I totally can't wait to cut a bitch." Lauren said.

Soon, Saturday approached. All of the New Directions got onto the buses and sat in their seats. When everyone was situated, they drove away. Mercedes was seated next to Tina and she wanted to talk to her.

"I'm so nervous." Mercedes said.

"You're gonna be amazing." Tina replied.

"I've been practicing a lot but I just don't know if I can do it."

"Mercedes, don't think too much about it. No matter what happens up there, we will always love you and support you."

"Thanks, Tina. I just really wish Kurt was here. He always knows how to keep me calm." Mercedes said.

"I'm sure wherever Kurt is he's rooting for you."

"Yeah, he's with me in spirit. I can feel it."

Tina massaged her shoulders.

"You are going to kill it, Miss Jones. We are going to win. I just know it."

Mercedes smiled at her.

Finn was sitting by himself in the back of the bus. He wanted to sit with Puck or Sam but Puck was with Artie and Sam was with Blaine. So, he just decided to sit in the back. He had his phone out and he decided to make the decision he had been thinking about doing. He made a facebook status and posted it. After he did that, he called his parents. They picked up immediately.

"Hello."

"Hey, Mom."

"Hi, sweetie. How are you? Are you excited?"

"I'm a little nervous but I'm hanging in there. I was just wondering if Kurt was gonna come with you guys."

"No, Kurt can't come but Burt and I will be there."

"Why can't Kurt come?"

"Finn, we told you we can't tell you."

"Why not?"

"Kurt isn't ready. You have to be sensitive."

"I'm his brother. Doesn't that mean anything?"

"Of course it does. But you just have to trust me on this. We'll see you soon."

"Fine! Okay, fine. I'll see you then."

"I love you, honey."

"Yeah, me too. Bye."

Finn hung up the phone in defeat. He really wanted to know what happened to Kurt but he was ready to accept that it simply wouldn't happen for a while.

"So why is this song so special to you?" Rachel asked.

"I used to listen to it all the time when I was a kid. I loved it. Whenever my parents were fighting and my sister was being rude to me, I would go upstairs and turn on the song. I used to always imagine myself looking at a waterfall and just thinking to myself, that with time, everything's gonna work out. It's gonna be okay. I think that's what the song's about. If you try to force it, it's not gonna work. You should stick with smaller steps. Don't rush. It's really gonna be okay."

Rachel couldn't help but smile at her.

"That's beautiful, Quinn. I can't wait to perform it with you." Rachel said.

"I can't wait either."

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After watching several disturbing performances including a group who did an acoustic Baby Got Back rendition, New Directions was ready to perform. Everyone wished Mercedes good luck as she walked onto the stage. She took a deep breath and started to sing.

MERCEDES

I KNOW THAT WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME

THERE'S SO MUCH, THAT YOU JUST DON'T SEE

BUT IF YOU WOULD ONLY TAKE THE TIME

I KNOW IN MY HEART YOU'D FIND

OH, A GIRL WHO'S SCAED SOMETIMES

WHO ISN'T ALWAYS STRONG

CAN'T YOU SEE THE HURT IN ME

I FEEL SO ALL ALONE, I WANNA RUN TO YOU

I WANNA RUN TO YOU

WON'T YOU HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS

AND KEEP ME SAFE FROM HARM

I WANNA RUN TO YOU

BUT IF I COME TO YOU

TELL ME, WILL YOU STAY OR WILL YOU RUN AWAY

RUN AWAY, OH, I NEED YOU HERE

I NEED YOU HERE TO WIPE AWAY MY TEARS

TO KISS AWAY MY FEARS, NO, NO

NEW DIRECTIONS (In Background, appearing on stage)

IF YOU ONLY KNEW

MERCEDES

IF YOU ONLY KNEW

NEW DIRECTIONS

HOW MUCH

MERCEDES

I WANNA RUN TO YOU

I WANNA RUN TO YOU

WON'T YOU HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS

AND KEEP ME SAFE FROM HARM

I WANNA RUN TO YOU, OH, OH

BUT IF I COME TO YOU, OH, OH

TELL ME, WILL YOU STAY OR WILL YOU RUN AWAY

As Mercedes finished her song, she was in tears from the emotion of it. It summed up everything she felt about relationships. She was worried people wouldn't like her performance but those worries were put to rest as she received a standing ovation from the entire room. She smiled.

"We are the New Directions!" Mercedes shouted.

She stepped back into line with the others who began dancing to their next number.

QUINN

A LONELY MOTHER GAZING OUT OF HER WINDOW

STARING AT A SON THAT SHE JUST CAN'T TOUCH

IF AT ANY TIME HE'S IN A JAM, SHE'LL BE BY HIS SIDE

BUT HE DOESN'T REALIZE HE HURTS HER SO MUCH

RACHEL

BUT ALL THE PRAYING JUST AIN'T HELPING AT ALL

CAUSE HE CAN'T SEEM TO KEEP HIS SELF OUT OF TROUBLE

SO HE GOES OUT AND HE MAKES HIS MONEY

THE BEST WAY HE KNOWS HOW ANOTHER BODY

LAYING COLD IN THE GUTTER

RACHEL, QUINN

LISTEN TO ME

NEW DIRECTIONS

DON'T GO CHASING WATERFALLS, PLEASE STICK TO THE RIVERS

AND LAKES THAT YOU'RE USED TO, I KNOW THAT YOU'RE GONNA

HAVE IT YOUR WAY OR NOTHING AT ALL

BUT I THINK YOU'RE MOVING TOO FAST

ARTIE

I SEEN A RAINBOW YESTERDAY BUT TOO MANY STORMS

HAVE COME AND GONE, LAVIN' A TRACE OF NOT ON GOD-GIVEN RAY

IS IT BECAUSE MY LIFE IS TEN SHADES OF GRAY

I PRAY ALL TEN FADE AWAY, SELDOM PRAISE HIM

FOR THE SUNNY DAYS

PUCK

AND LIKE HIS PROMISE IS TRUE

ONLY MY FAITH CAN UNDO

THE MANY CHANCES I BLEW TO BRING MY LIFE TO ANEW

CLEAR BLUE AND UNCONDITIONAL SKIES

HAVE DRIED THE TEARS FROM MY EYES, NO MORE LONELY CRIES

TINA, BRITTANY

MY ONLY BLEEDIN' HOPE IS FOR THE FOLK WHO CAN'T COPE

WITH SUCH AN ENDURING PAIN

THAT IT KEEPS THEM IN THE POURING RAIN

WHO'S TO BLAME FOR TOOTIN' CAINE IN YOUR OWN VEIN

WHAT A SHAME

SAM

YOU SHOOT AND AIM FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S BRAIN

YOU CLAIM THE INSANE

AND NAME THIS DAY IN TIME FOR FALLIN' PREY TO CRIME

I SAY THE SYSTEM GOT YOUR VICTIM TO YOUR OWN MIND

NEW DIRECTIONS

DREAMS ARE HOPELESS ASPIRATIONS

IN HOPES OF COMIN' TRUE

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, THE REST IS UP TO ME AND YOU

DON'T GO CHASING WATERFALLS

PLEASE STICK TO THE RIVERS AND THE LAKES THAT YOU'RE USED TO

I KNOW THAT YOU'RE GONNA HAVE IT YOUR WAY OR NOTHING AT ALL

BUT I THINK YOU'RE MOVING TOO FAST

DON'T GO CHASING WATERFALLS

PLEASE STICK TO THE RIVERS AND THE LAKES THAT YOU'RE USED TO

I KNOW THAT YOU'RE GONNA HAVE IT YOUR WAY OR NOTHING AT ALL

BUT I THINK YOU'RE MOVING TOO FAST

After their number ended, they received an epic amount of applause. All of the New Directions members clapped their hands together and kept each other pumped as they walked back into their dressing room.

"We totally did amazing!" Brittany exclaimed.

"We're totally gonna win!" Tina shouted.

"Yeah and if we don't win, then we'll lose!" Brittany shouted eagerly.

Everyone looked at her with confusion for a minute and then lost interest. After a few minutes of waiting, New Directions was called onto stage with two other show choirs. One of them was the Warblers. Blaine saw Sebastian staring at him seductively and turned away in disgust. An announcer was on stage waiting to receive an envelope from the judges.

Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes and Rod Remington were all in the judges room talking.

"Look, the only reason I'm here is to convince everyone that I'm not a bad party girl anymore but a lovely sweet girl who likes to sing." Amanda said.

"I'm here to show people that I haven't completely abandoned my musical roots. High School Musical made me who I am today. A sexy leading man that women and many men want to have sexual intercourse with."

"I can't deny that you make me question my sexual orientation." Rod said.

"So like how do we choose and can we make it fast? I wanna do crack after this." Amanda said.

"Well, those Warblers were fun although I question their song choice, I mean isn't that song about giving head?" Zac asked.

"Well I mean they're all gay, so I'm sure they have some practice with that. Am I right?" Amanda asked eagerly.

Zac and Rod both looked away awkwardly.

"What about those New Directions? They had such heart and spirit." Rod said.

"Yeah, whatever. We'll pick them. God, I'm tired of being a good girl. I'm gonna smoke crack and then sue Perez Hilton on twitter." Amanda said.

"I'm gonna go make a gay romantic movie because chicks totally like to see two dudes having sex." Zac said.

"I would watch that." Rod said.

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The envelope was taken to the announcer. After farting rather loudly, she announced the New Directions as the winners. The audience applauded as Will was handed the trophy. Everyone was ecstatic except for Sebastian, who sulked at the Warbler's loss.

A few hours later, everyone was back in the bus, ready to head back home. Will stood up.

"Alright, guys. We did it! Let's focus on getting ready for Regionals! I want you guys to work hard but at the same time, celebrate yourselves! You all showed some real growth as performers. Mercedes, you were incredible in your song. You truly showed your talent and your passion for music. Congratulations New Directions!"

The gang cheered and sang all the way back home.

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When Finn and Blaine went back to the Hudson and Hummel house, Carole and Burt gave them kisses and told them how great they were on stage. Carole offered to make them some homemade pizza while Burt offered the boys a beer. They both accepted it and had a very nice meal together. A few hours later, Burt and Carole went upstairs and left the boys alone.

"It's driving me crazy." Finn said.

"What is?"

"I still don't know what happened to Kurt. I thought they would tell me by now."

"It's too awful to even discuss."

"Wait. You know?"

"I just recently found out. I visited him and he told me. I'm sorry, Finn. I can't tell you. Kurt's a private guy and he doesn't want to make a big fuss. He really does love you though. I think he might tell you later on. He just needs some time right now."

"Is he alright?"

"I think he'll pull through. He'll be back soon."

"That's good to hear. I need some good news."

"Sam told me what happened."

"Do you hate me now too?"

"It's not my fight but I don't support what you did but I also don't think you're a horrible person."

"I appreciate that."

"However, I'm curious. Since when were you gay?" Blaine asked.

Finn stood up.

"I'm not. I mean I support gay rights and gay sex and all that, but I don't want to have sex with a guy. I mean one time I had a dream like that but it was only once and I was thirteen. Okay, forget I said that."

"I'm confused."

"I'm gonna pretend that I am. I came out on Facebook, a bunch of the football guys have sent me all kinds of nasty hate messages and I've lost a bunch of my friends."

"Why would you do that?"

"I've been so privileged and I don't want any of it. I want Sam and Puck to know how horrible I feel about what I did and I want us to be friends. If I pretend to be gay and everyone treats me horribly and I lose everything then I will lose my privilege and that's exactly what I want. I don't want to be treated like I'm better than anyone else just because of who I'm attracted to. It's wrong."

"I think it's a pretty bizarre plan but it's really sweet. I won't say anything to anyone."

"Thanks, man. Well, hey. I'm gonna go hit the sack. Let's watch the football game together tomorrow. I'll go get some chips and dip."

"Sounds good. Goodnight."

"Night."

Finn walked upstairs. Blaine reflected on everything that had happened to him this week from hearing about what Kurt had been through, to being manipulated and degraded by Sebastian and all he really wanted was Kurt to be here. He opened the screen door and walked outside and looked to the stars.

BLAINE

I CAN BE TOUGH, I CAN BE STRONG

BUT WITH YOU, IT'S NOT LIKE THAT AT ALL

THERE'S A BOY, WHO GIVES A CRAP

BEHIND THESE WALLS, YOU JUST WALKED THROUGH IT

AND I REMEMBER ALL THOSE CRAZY THINGS WE SAID

YOU LEFT THEM RUNNING THROUGH MY HEAD

YOU'RE ALWAYS THERE, YOU'RE EVERYWHERE

BUT RIGHT NOW, I WISH YOU WERE HERE

ALL THOSE CRAZY THINGS WE DID

DIDN'T THINK ABOUT IT, JUST WENT WITH IT

YOU'RE ALWAYS THERE, YOU'RE EVERYWHERE

BUT RIGHT NOW I WISH YOU WERE HERE

DAMN, DAMN, DAMN WHAT I'D DO TO HAVE YOU HERE, HERE, HERE

I WISH YOU WERE HERE

DAMN, DAMN, DAMN

WHAT I'D DO TO HAVE YOU NEAR, NEAR, NEAR

I WISH YOU WERE

I LOVE THE WAY YOU ARE, IT'S WHO I AM

DON'T HAVE TO TRY HARD, WE ALWAYS SAY

SAY IT LIKE IT IS, AND THE TRUTH IS THAT I REALLY MISS YOU

AND NO, I DON'T WANNA LET GO

I JUST WANNA LET YOU KNOW THAT I NEVER WANNA LET GO

NO, I DON'T WANNA LET GO

I JUST WANNA LET YOU KNOW THAT I NEVER WANNA LET GO

DAMN, DAMN, DAMN WHAT I'D DO TO HAVE YOU HERE, HERE, HERE

I WISH YOU WERE HERE

DAMN, DAMN, DAMN

WHAT I'D DO TO HAVE YOU NEAR, NEAR, NEAR

I WISH YOU WERE

Song Credits:

-Just Give Me A Reason, by P!nk: Performed by Rachel & Quinn

-Break Your Heart, by Taio Cruz: Performed by Sebastian & Warblers

-Run to You, by Whitney Houston: Performed by Mercedes

-Waterfalls, by TLC: Performed by New Directions

-Wish You Were Here, by Avril Lavigne: Performed by Blaine