Part 13
The ND waited for the AV-club to set up the "screen-thing" used during the showing of Run Joey Run. When they were done Artie hooked up his laptop to the projector and went out on the show choir competitions homepage.
"Let's see what Wes talked about", he said. "Here's a list of choirs that are competing in New York."
"There's Higher Talent", Rachel said but then gasped. "Oh…"
"Oh what", Puck asked and she pointed at the screen.
Beside the name Higher Talent was the name of the school the choir came from.
"Oh my Gaga", Kurt said, his eyes were big and he was pale.
"Higher Talent – New York Academy of the Dramatic Arts", Santana read aloud. "So?"
"That's not a high school choir", Rachel shrieked and flew up, her face was red in anger and they knew that if this had been a cartoon smoke would've come out of her ears. "That's the college Kurt and I applied to! The one Wes is attending!"
"College?!" a few voices yelled outraged.
"Artie check their info", Finn ordered and Artie clicked in and there was a picture of NYADA's logotype and the choir name at the top. Kurt felt a burning dread in his stomach… the logo was the same as the one on Wes' jacket. Had Wes been telling the truth? Was he a HT? Had he betrayed them? Then there was information of the choir. Artie read aloud:
"Higher Talent is the new show choir project of NYADA and its members are all under the age of twenty. HT has as of now twenty-one members, ten young men and eleven young women. All of them are the most talented students of the school's freshman year. Higher Talent's motto is 'Do or Die'."
"But", Rachel asked. "Why-"
"Higher Talent was invited to take part in the competition by the competition's board of directors", Artie read on. "The reason behind it has not yet been revealed. HT has qualified to their regionals without much resistant from the glee clubs they have competed against."
"Of course", Mercedes sneered. "Who'd want to yell at the school you want to apply to?"
"Higher Talent's members come from all over the country. Notable members are Sunshine Corazon and…" He trailed off and he could swear he heard hearts breaking, including his own.
"And Wes Montgomery", Rachel finished with a heartbroken voice.
"No", Kurt said shaking his head. "Wes would never-"
"He has", Artie said and marked a place in the text. "As it's written here... and as he said… He's their male lead."
"No", Mike said shaking his head. "It has to be a mistake… it must be some other Wes Montgomery. Wes would never backstab us like this. He's lying!"
"Yeah", Rachel said. "Wes is too much of a gentleman! Something must've happened! Maybe he has to do it because it's part of one of his courses!"
"Well we can figure out if it's him", Santana said and pointed. "There's a link to their performance at sectionals. Let's watch it!"
They all sat down and Artie pressed the link.
The NYADA auditorium was full of life and cheers for the choir that had just performed.
"And now", the emcee's voice was heard saying. "From New York Academy of Dramatic Arts, give it up for Higher Talent!" The audience cheered politely… well some cheered like crazy, the "homecrowd". The stage turned completely dark and nine spotlights came on showing nine boys in black hoodies – hoods up – black baggy trousers, black gloves and sneakers. All boys were posing. Then a voice said:
"It doesn't matter if you love him or capital H-I-M."
"Oh no", the lead of another choir said as the boys started to move in time with the music and flashing lights.
"Just put your paws up", the voice said and the boys did. "'Cause you were born this way baby."
"Crap", another choir singer said. "They're doing Gaga! Curse them!"
A female voice started to sing: (Lead, entire group):
My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
A few more lights came on and the nine boys danced around a girl dressed like them, she was the lead.
There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are
She said, 'cause He made you perfect, babe
So hold your head up, girl and you you'll go far
Listen to me when I say
All lights came up and seventeen people dressed exactly the same started to dance to the music.
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way, born this way
Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way
Baby, I was born this way
Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way
I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be
The singers that were girls, the audience thought, did some sexy moves and the boys danced around them. Everyone moved in perfect sync and it was so well timed that it was creepy.
I'm beautiful in my way,
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret,
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
I was born this way, hey
I was born this way, hey
I'm on the right track, baby,
I was born this way, hey
They danced perfectly the whole time and then froze when the last note was sung. Some of them were lying on the floor after break dancing and some were standing or sitting. The crowd was wildly applauding them and then all the boys, nine of them, started to move their left or right shoulder, depending on which side of stage they stood on. The nine boys started to sing in different harmonies: (all boys, girls, male lead, female lead, all)
Ra-ra-ah-ah-ah-ah
Roma-roma-ma-a
Gaga
Oo-la-la-a
Want your bad romance
A boy took centre stage with the girls dancing around him and touching him.
I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it's free
I want your love
Love love love
I want your love
One of the girls broke loose and jumped in among the guys and danced with them singing:
I want your psycho, your vertical stick
Want you in my rear window, baby you're sick
I want your love, love, love, love
I want your love
Love, love, love, I want your love
You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
'Cause I'm a freak bitch, baby
I want it bad, bad romance
I want your love and I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your love and all your lover's revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Caught in a bad romance
Walk, walk fashion baby
Work it, move that bitch crazy
Walk walk fashion baby
Work it, move that bitch crazy
Walk, walk fashion baby
Work it, move that bitch crazy
Walk walk passion baby
Work it, I'm a freak bitch baby
I want your love and I want your revenge
I want your love, I don't wanna be friends
I don't wanna be friends
I want your bad romance
Caught in a bad romance
I want your bad romance
The choir was now dancing some kind of hip hop dance around the leads that were dancing some sort of tango while they sang.
I want your love and I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
I want your love and all your lover's revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Want your bad romance
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Caught in a bad romance
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Want your bad romance
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Want your bad romance
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Caught in a bad romance
Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah
Roma, Roma-ma
GaGa, ooh la la
Want your bad romance
At the last note they all gathered around the two leads that where holding onto each other like they were about to die or something. The crowd went wild and during the entire number the hoods had stayed up, even during break dances and back flips. The scene faded to black.
The New Direction stared at the screen in shock and horror.
"Oh my Gaga", Kurt said feeling speechless. "They were… they were…"
"Fantastic", Rachel finished. "Amazing."
"Talented", Puck said. "But-"
Suddenly the screen came to life again and they saw Wes and Sunshine stand back to back. Sunshine looked up and said:
Then the man they would call Judas Iscariot
Went to his chief directors, and said:
Wes looked up and said:
"What will you give me to betray them to you?"
They paid him a free ride to nationals.
Wes looked down again and Sunshine said:
And from that moment, he began to look out for an opportunity
To betray them.
Schue felt a bit disturbed by that message and the screen became black once more.
"Well there's no doubt now", Tina said and sighed.
"It was Wes", Quinn said sadly and they all looked at her. "It was our Wes on that stage, he and Sunshine were leading. I recognized their voices… And it was clearly them in that message."
"No", Kurt growled and got up. "It was not our Wes on that stage. Whoever it was that was on that stage and crushed the dreams of all those high school students is not the guy that lead us through joys and turmoil in the past."
"But Kurt", Mercedes began.
"Something's happened to cause him to go… crazy", Kurt cut in. "We all know Wes, we've seen him sad, scared, spiteful, happy, hurt, sick, stressed and angry… but we've never seen him quite as angry as he seemed to be on that stage. Couldn't you feel it? He sang with anger flaring all around him. Whatever is going on behind the scenes has made him… that."
"But what can it be?" Santana asked.
"Well for one Mercedes cheating on him", Puck spat and glared at said girl.
"Don't blame her!" Sam tried to jump in but no one listened.
"Then the fact that we treated him worse than crap", Mike added.
"And that we gave him shit for getting Sugar to start the Trouble Tones", Santana added.
"And the Warblers threw hot coffee in his face", Blaine added and all heads turned to him and a blushing Kurt.
"What?!" they screamed, everyone but Mercedes, she already knew.
"You didn't know", Kurt asked confused. "Sebastian said he told Mercedes when he saw her and the 'Bulldozer' at the hospital."
All eyes twirled around to gaze at her and she blushed.
"I didn't say anything because we were all so worried about Blaine and didn't need more stuff to worry about", she said.
"So you just let us be complete jerks… again and not visit him", Santana shrieked.
"I just-"
"Shut up Aretha, before I force my fist down your throat! I'm sick of your bad excuses!"
"We gotta find Wes", Finn said and got up. "We need to find him and talk to him. This isn't only Mercedes' fault. We are all to blame, the Warblers as well."
"Let me and Kurt go and tell them about this", Blaine said. "I can't imagine Wes going there and just telling them like he did us."
"Good", Rachel said. "Go… but hurry up. Who knows what might happen if the Warblers don't get informed."
The Warblers were rehearsing for the regionals performance. They were in the auditorium of Dalton Academy and were practicing the dance moves. Everything was going smoothly, but they were all still worried about that bloody group Higher Talent that had sent them that record with their own songs… and with Wes' voices added into the mix.
Thad was wondering if ND had gotten a record yet and he was wondering if Sebastian knew anything about this because he was very… nervous every time the subject was brought up… and he always sought to hold Thad's hand in a way that told Thad his boyfriend needed support. Thad gave it to him because he knew Sebastian wasn't a bad guy, if he was he would not have taken care of Thad in such a great way ever since he started at this school.
"Thad wake up", Fred teased and the short brunette jumped high and the Warblers laughed. "Where did you go?"
"Sorry", Thad said and blushed. "I was just thinking of that record we got… and if ND have gotten one yet."
"Who cares if they did", Trent grumbled. "All I care about is that those jerks stole our song arrangements. How did they even do that?"
"I don't know", Thad answered and sighed. "They must've seen us perform at nationals last year… and even at sectionals and regionals."
"But how did they know our arrangements of Bills, Bills, Bill, Animal and Somewhere Only We Know?"
"Maybe they've stolen our sheet music from the archive", David supplied.
"That sounds plausible", Trent said with a nod. "They stole our sheet music and copied Wes' voice from our performances at nationals where he was leading."
"Au contraire Trent", a voice said by the door and they twirled around and saw Wes stand there, leaning on the door frame. He was wearing jeans, sneakers, white T-shirt and a black Letterman-like jacket. It had a familiar logo on the chest that some of the Warblers knew that they had seen before but couldn't place. On his back was written Montgomery and underneath it was the letters HT. His hair was grass green and he did not have a smile on his face. He looked almost nonchalant… or just… impassive.
"I know for a fact that they didn't copy my voice or stole the sheet music", Wes continued and slowly walked into the room. The only Warblers he had talked to since the coffee incident were Thad and Sebastian.
"What do you mean", Nick asked. "How do you even know that?"
"I know it because I recorded it with them", Wes answered. "And I gave them the sheet music."
"What?!" all the Warblers screamed and Thad felt his heart break. Wes said those things… with no regret in his eyes… there was only stone-cold anger in those eyes.
"You heard me", Wes said. "I gave them my arrangements and recorded the songs with them."
"Those weren't yours", David yelled. "Thad made them!"
"That's not true is it Thad", Wes asked and looked at the short brunette. Thad sighed.
"He's right", he said sadly. "Wes made them and I just made the finishing touches… they are more his than mine… than ours."
"Why did you record with Higher Talent then", Jeff asked and looked at Wes, but the former Warbler just shrugged and then moved a hand across his face and the Warblers paled a bit. Remember they had not told Thad and Sebastian about the coffee and neither did they know the two of them already knew.
"No reason at all", Wes said sarcastically. "Oh wait there is one."
"W-what", Jeff stuttered out.
"I'm their male lead."
The room was quiet and then:
"What?!" All Warblers that knew him shouted at the same time.
"I'm their male lead", Wes said with a shrug. "So of course I'd be singing on that record when we recorded all the songs. I bet you never thought I'd do something like-"
"Guys!" they heard someone shout and in through the second door rushed Kurt and Blaine. Blaine was the one to shout.
"Guys Wes has gone crazy", he continued. "He's the male lead of Higher Talent!"
Kurt patted Blaine on the arm and they saw Wes look at them with an evil smirk on his lips.
"Took you long enough to get it", Wes told them. The room felt so cold then and the Warblers looked between the duo and Wes.
"Wes", Nick asked feeling sad. "How could… how can you do such a thing? You're cheating with Higher Talent. You are not a high school student."
"Neither are they", Blaine said sadly and the Warblers looked at him but he was only watching Wes. "We watched the competition's homepage Wes… we know everyone in your group comes from NYADA… it's said there but not why."
"Why indeed", Wes said and looked at his nails looking bored. "That's what I asked myself when my so called friend threw scalding hot coffee in my face, when my other friend never told anyone about the bus accident to single me out, when my friends broke their promises to me, when my former best friend kept a secret from me that hurt and told two of my other friends but not me and when my so called girlfriend cheated on me over and over again." He looked up, his eyes cold and hard. "Why indeed."
"Look we know that we did wrong Wes", Fred said moving closer. "But this is a bit too far don't you think?"
"No it's not nearly far enough."
"Look whatever we did we're all sorry", Nick hurriedly said. "We never meant for you to get hurt… but we don't understand why you are doing this."
"I just told you."
"But what does it mean", Thad asked and felt really sad. "Wes please tell us… tell me."
"No", Wes said.
"What did we do that caused you to… to betray us", Blaine asked feeling angry. "Why did you turn into a traitor?!"
"Well let's see", Wes said darkly. "You are clearly too stupid to get it the first time so I will make it simple for you." He marched up to Blaine. "You chose to befriend the ND and cut me out of your life so that you could become one of them."
"Wes", Kurt began but was cut off when Wes was in his face now instead.
"You, abandoned me when I needed you most and you knew that Mercedes was cheating on me with Sam."
"I only suspected it", Kurt said and then clamped his hands over his mouth and Wes snorted at him.
"And yet you didn't say a word, you just left me behind you on the grass", he said and turned around and locked his eyes on David. David felt himself pale as he met those angry eyes.
"You", Wes said walking slowly towards him. "Nearly broke my pup with the way you treated him and you knew everything about my bus accident but did not tell a soul."
"I-I didn't know", David stuttered out.
"Oh but you did Mitchell", Wes growled. "You made a mistake when Thad demanded the truth from you that day in his room. You said: 'How was I supposed to know Wes was telling me he was in a bus accident'. I never mentioned a bus before that." David blanched even more but Wes turned from him and was now glaring daggers at Fred.
"You", he spat. "Did not only throw hot coffee in my face, you didn't tell Sebastian or Thad about it and it was you that took the plastic of the slushee wasn't it?"
"No", Fred objected as all eyes turned on him. "I-"
"You did it so that everyone would suspect David so that you could get him kicked out", Wes cut in. "I know how you work Richards! You are protective of the little guys! David hurt one of yours so you had to get rid of him!"
"Fred", Thad said aghast.
"How could you", Nick began. "You got Blaine hurt!"
"I didn't mean for it to be so bad", Fred mumbled.
"Ha", Wes spat. "Was it the same with the coffee?"
"I thought that was a slushee!"
"And that's supposed to make it better?"
"Look it was a mistake okay?"
"No", Wes spat. "Not okay, certainly not okay! I have had enough of all you backstabbing jerks in these two fucking schools! I was always there for you when you needed me, but whenever I needed you, you were not there! Where were any of you when I needed you?"
The room was quiet.
"How many of you call me other than to get help with something", Wes yelled but got no answer. "No one?" He laughed without mirth. "And that I once called all of you my friends. How could I have been so stupid?"
"Wes we are still your friends", Trent said and slowly walked towards the angry young man. "We'll be there for you… just… just tell us what you need."
"What I need", Wes asked him darkly. "You want to know what I need?"
"Y-yeah."
"Fine", Wes spat. "Fine I'll tell you what I need. I need to see both your choirs crushed at nationals by me and Higher Talent. I need to see you squirm and feel failed and let down. I need you to suffer as I suffered… waiting for a helping hand that will never reach out. I need you to feel the pain of betrayal. I need to see your dreams and hopes get crushed. I need to see you in pain!"
The Warblers and Klaine stared at him and saw the sorrow surround him like a dull grey cloud while his eyes were so angry they could not meet his gaze. Wes was about to yell something when his phone rang, the expression on his face turned worried.
"Hi", he said as he answered. "What? Okay, hang on I'll be right there. Do not do anything stupid." He looked at the Warblers and Klaine.
"I thought Once a Warbler Always a Warbler meant something", he said. "Clearly it doesn't to you people." He stormed out and no one moved to stop him. As he moved down the hallway Nick started singing. Now follows another typical Glee scene. Wes would be moving through Dalton in slow motion as Nick sang. The scene would continue to shift between Wes, The Warblers, Klaine, the ND, Sue and Mr. Schue.
Nick: Should've stopped you there
I should've been by your side
I should've watched those eyes
Instead of run and hide
I should've called you out – The Warblers started to vocalize behind him and we'd see a flashback of the Warblers laughing and hugging as Wes returned.
I should've said your name
I should've turned around
I should've looked again
Kurt and Blaine grabbed each other's hands and the scene would've changed to McKinley where the New Directions were watching clips from last year's assignments… watching Wes.
Nick & Klaine: But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away
Here Mercedes would leave and walk to her locker.
Mercedes: Should've held my ground
I could've been redeemed
For every second chance
That changed its mind on me,
I should've spoken up
I should've proudly claimed
That oh my head's to blame
For all my hearts mistakes
She'd open her locker and take out a picture of her and Wes.
ND & Mercedes: But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away
Schue would here walk by the auditorium and see the 'ghost' of Victor Montgomery sing I Will Always Return… and then Schue would walk on.
Schue: And it's, you...
And it's, you...
And it's, you...
And it's, you...
And it's falling down
As you walk away... – The scene would turn to Wes as the young man started running towards his car, still in slow motion and then shift to Dave Karofsky sitting alone in his room… watching his computer.
And it's on me now
As you go...
The scene would turn to Sue sitting alone in her office watching a picture of the Glee Club of the year before, closely watching Wes' face. She had made him ruthless, she knew what he had done, she knew what he'd become, she had seen something was up but did nothing… and it was all her fault.
Sue & Schue: But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made...
I'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away
The scene would again change and Wes would now be seen getting into his car and then shift to the Warblers watching him from the door or windows.
All: And it's falling down
As you walk away...
And it's on me now
As you go...
Schue would be seen walking towards Sue's office, Sue would still be seen looking through last year's yearbook, the ND would still be watching assignments, Mercedes would be walking towards the choir room and Karofsky would get up off his bed and walk up to the window.
But oh, I'm staring at the mess I made
I'm staring at the mess I made...
I'm staring at the mess I made
As you turn, you take your heart and walk away.
The last scenes would be of Wes driving out of the gates that led to Dalton Academy and disappear from sight… as Klaine and the Warblers started crying, then it would shift to the ND choir room where the clips ended, then to Schue walking into Sue's office and end with her closing the yearbook… fade to black.
Wes ran out of his car and didn't even care to knock on the door as he rushed in. He heard a woman scream and heard a man curse and yell but ignored that. He just ran up the stairs and threw open the door to Dave's room. He saw Dave coming out of his closet when he heard the sound. He was dressed in his best suit and held a belt in his hands. Wes jumped him and they fell to the ground.
"Nothing stupid I told you!" Wes yelled at him. "And trying to kill yourself is stupid!"
"I have nothing left to live for", Dave yelled at him, trying to get loose. "All my friends hate me and think I'm disgusting! No one likes me, everybody hates me!"
"If I hated you… would I have saved your-"
He was interrupted when he heard a shotgun being made ready to fire behind him and he and Dave both looked at the door to see Mr. Karofsky stand there.
"Who the hell are you", the man said and aimed at Wes. "And what are you doing in my house?!"
"Sir I can explain", Wes said and got up. "I'm a friend of your son's and he called me and asked me to come over… as quickly as possible. I feared he would do something so I didn't knock or ring the doorbell… I'm sorry."
Mr. Karofsky looked at the young man and then at his son and saw how he was dressed… and what he was holding.
"Dave", he said feeling dread build up. "What are you doing son?"
"Dad", Dave got out before he started crying. Mr. Karofsky threw his gun aside and Wes moved aside so that the father could comfort his son. Wes walked up to the computer and read the comments there on Dave's Facebook page and his face turned red in anger. He sent a friend request from Dave to himself before signing out and then signed in with his own name. He got to Dave's page and wrote a comment. He wrote:
"A wise frog once said that being green is not easy but I say that being green is far easier than being gay. Gay people have to live through the kind of shit you are throwing out here. I have had a lot of gay friends and most of them I met because they fled to my school after their so called friends and classmates nearly got them killed or nearly had them kill themselves. By luck I just managed to save Dave's life, an innocent life.
The things you are writing is not only hurtful but plain wrong. Being gay is not an anomaly, but pushing someone to suicide willingly is. People say that being popular gives you strength and confidence but in my time I have never met people more insecure than the popular kids. These kids can't be themselves and it takes strength and courage to be yourself and David Karofsky is being brave by coming out of the closet. It takes more nerve than you can muster in a lifetime.
You all make me sick, Dave is a human being and he can't help who he loves. Now some of you will probably comment and say that then there is no difference between a gay guy and a pedophile because neither can help who they love. No that's not true. Pedophiles are sick and twisted and their 'love' hurt and destroy. A homosexual person's love is not vicious, cruel, wrong, sick, hurting or destroying. It's love.
I love my girlfriend and my love is not hurting her. My best friend loves his boyfriend and his love does not hurt anyone. There are different kinds of love and the love shared between two people are beautiful, it doesn't matter if that love is the love between a man and a woman, a woman and a woman, a man and a man or a parent and its child. There are different kinds of love out there and no one has the right to tell anyone what they should feel about someone. What you guys don't understand is that homosexuality is not a sin, not a disease, not something disgraceful or dirty. It's love and love is a powerful thing. Love gives you the strength to continue with your life, it gives you the strength to get out of your bed and live your life another day.
Love is life and you are trying to take both away from another human being. Love is life and I won't let you murder it because of your own lack of knowledge and compassion. Love is life and it's worth fighting for even if you love boys or girls. L is for life, O is for outstanding, V is for vital, E is for extraordinary and D is for devotion. Love only has positive meanings when two people share it and it does not matter if those two are of the same gender or not. Love is life so cherish it and don't condemn it."
He hit send and after just a little bit "likes" started to flow in and comments that agreed with him. Wes smiled and turned to Dave and his father and saw them talk. He moved over and Dave pulled him into a hug, then Dave's phone rang and Wes answered and pressed speaker.
"Hello", it was Azimio. "Dave are you there? Look buddy I'm sorry for what those jerks wrote to you. Man I am sorry if I didn't speak up for you earlier and I just want ya to know that… I love ya man. Don't go and do something stupid because I need you in my life, gay or not I'll always be there with ya. I'll always follow ya. Come back to McKinley and I'll show you just how much.
That Montgomery kid said all the right stuff and I just… look I don't hate gay people. I know it seemed that way the last couple of years when I followed you around when we bullied those Glee kids… but it… I just… you're my friend and I only followed your lead because dude you're my hero. You always speak your mind and I admire that. I wanted to be like you… now I know you only did it out of fear of who you are… look dude just call me okay? Love ya man."
The dial tone came and Mr. Karofsky took the phone from Wes' outstretched hand and smiled at him. Wes nodded at him before leaving.
Now remember that the song scene stopped after Schue entered Sue's office? Well this is what happened next.
"William", Sue said. "I know why you are here."
"Look Sue I am… flattered I guess about you wanting my", Schue began but she cut him off.
"I'm gonna cut you off right there", she said. "I don't need your sperm anymore because I am already pregnant and we both know you are not here to deny me the chance of getting kids with curly mops of hair and butt-chins."
Schue sighed and sat down.
"Did you hear about Wes", he asked.
"Yes William I did", she said. "And I'm sorry about it."
"Why?"
"Because I think that it is my fault. I showed him how to be ruthless and now he uses my teachings against me, you and the Glee Club."
"Sue I don't think that's why he's doing it. There is something brooding underneath the surface. I am not fully into the situation between my kids and Wes but I know they did something that made him angry."
"It must be the fact that they blamed him for Montjones breaking up", she said and got up. "Or the fact that Kurt, Rachel and Blaine knew that it was not his fault but never said anything and he found out."
"How?"
"Well yours truly may have sent him a video showing just that."
"Sue!"
"He deserved to know the truth, we both know it."
Schue ran a hand over his face and then looked at her.
"I don't think that's all", he said.
"I agree William", she said. "Lieutenant Ruthless is the most ruthless boy I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and when angered he is the most entertaining thing because he puts fear in everyone, but it takes a lot to make him grow hateful. So these two reasons can't be the only ones."
"I just wish I knew what has happened… I mean… there is something brooding underneath the surface but I can't figure out what it is."
"Well maybe someone outside of the school knows William."
"His dads?"
"Most likely, or that girlfriend of his."
Schue nodded and got up and headed for the door.
"William", Sue said and he looked at her. "I will watch your performance at regionals and if I were you I would not do Michael. Wes knows what you have planned… he will tell the others. Prepare something else."
Schue only nodded at left.
That evening the Warblers were nervously waiting in the auditorium of a school they had never heard about before. They had watched Twiddle Dee Kiss Me Baby and Guitar Man perform and it was their turn now. They had decided against doing Michael because they knew Wes knew their plans… but they didn't know if he would find it in him… to betray them and tell the other choirs. Thad and Sebastian were talking in private.
"Are you sure you had no idea this would happen", Thad asked his boyfriend.
"I swear Thad I had no idea they'd release those CDs and I had no idea Wes would turn so… cold… I've never seen his eyes like that. I've seen him sad and hurting but never in this way… couldn't you feel it when he yelled at us? It may have seemed as if it was in anger… but it wasn't. He was so sad Thad… so broken. His loyalty is only to HT now."
"And you knew of HT?"
"Yes… I knew the choir would exist… but we still don't know why. I'm… I'll join them after my transfer." As soon as he said transfer Thad threw his arms around him.
"Please don't go", he sobbed. "I want you here with me."
"I know", Sebastian said and hugged him close. I want to bring you with me but I can't. You… you applied for NYU right?"
"Yeah", Thad sobbed. "You won't get rid of me that easy Smythe."
"Wouldn't dream of it." They kissed and then headed for the stage where the Warblers were waiting for them.
"Everybody ready", Fred asked.
"Yes", the Warblers grumbled and Sebastian sighed.
"Cheer up lads", he said and everyone looked at him. "Sure Wes is mad at us and backstabbed you… so let's show him how wrong he is. Let's show him that we can stand tall on our own, that we haven't changed. Let's show him that the Warblers are the same happy and friendly guys that they have always been. Let's go out there and show the world."
One by one the Warblers grinned and Thad kissed Sebastian's cheek.
"And now from Dalton Academy in Westerville", the emcee said. "The Warblers!"
The curtain was pulled aside and the Warblers performed their renditions of Stand and Glad You Came. Throughout the number Thad scanned the audience, praying of seeing some abnormal hair color or maybe someone from the New Directions. The numbers were running smoothly and Thad was enjoying himself but he couldn't shake the feeling of the competition being arranged so that the Warblers would win. Their opponents had been horrible to put it mildly. Most of them sang off key or sang wrong words… or messed up choreography or just left the stage. Thad did not like it at all and he caught Sebastian's gaze when they gathered for the final formation in Stand Sebastian's eyes asked him:
"What?"
And Thad gave him an almost awkward smile and gazed to the side where they could see Guitar Man watching them. Sebastian looked at him with an apologetic smile and then they got back into their show-faces. Their last number went by perfectly and it was clear that they were the favorites of the audience. But Thad still didn't like it. They had been put to compete with the worst of the worst and they did not have to wait long to be declared winners… which annoyed him to no end.
Sebastian kept sending him apologetic glances and when he went to take Thad's hand when they returned to Dalton the younger boy just stormed off… leaving Sebastian looking hurt and leaving the Warblers confused.
Thad collapsed onto his bed and started to sob because he now knew that Sebastian would leave. He had no reason to stay now since they had gotten to nationals. That's why Thad was so annoyed with them being declared winners so quickly and being up against such bad competition. They didn't need to spend any time there which lead to him having less time with Sebastian. He didn't want his boyfriend to leave him! He didn't want to be without him! There was a soft knock on the door but Thad ignored it. He heard the door open and someone entering, before it was closed gently. He just kept sobbing and then felt the bed dip a bit as someone sat down. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Thaddy?" Jeff asked carefully. "What's wrong dude? Come on man look at me." Thad slowly sat up and looked at Jeff who smiled.
"There we go", the blonde said. "Now what's up? Did you and Sebastian have a fight or something?" Thad only cried and leaned on Jeff for comfort and the blonde held him. Jeff was wondering what was going on. He had seen Thad upset after David hurt him and it was nothing like this. This was not tears of hurt, this was tears of sadness and longing. What was going on?
"Seb's…" Thad sobbed out. "His dad… he's forcing him to t-transfer schools."
Jeff's eyes widened and he held Thad closer and felt sad himself.
"What?!" Fred yelled at Sebastian in the Warblers Hall.
"My dad is forcing me to change schools", Sebastian said with a sigh. "He wants me closer to home."
The room was completely quiet and some of the Warblers looked really upset, but clearly none would be as upset as Thad.
"Does Thad know this", Nick asked and Sebastian nodded. "So that's why he stormed past you in that upset manor?"
Sebastian nodded and a tear slid down his cheek.
"How um…" Trent rubbed his neck. "When are you forced to leave?"
"Tomorrow", Sebastian said and more tears escaped his eyes.
"No", Nick said and looked at him sadly. "Does Thad know?"
Sebastian could only nod because he was fighting very hard to keep his tears at bay.
"Then go to him", Fred said and got up. "Don't hang around us. Be with your boyfriend. Do you leave in the morning, around lunch or in the evening?"
"Early tomorrow", Sebastian answered and then squawked as he was pulled into a tight hug by Trent. The other Warblers joined in on the hug, except for David.
"It was awesome to have you in the Warblers", Fred told him when they let go. "You made us a better team even."
"Thanks and don't worry", Sebastian said. "This whole Wes-situation? I'll help you with that."
"How", David asked.
"I'm moving to a school in New York", Sebastian said. "I'll find him and figure out everything that happened."
"You'd really do that for us?"
"Sure, you guys are my friends… I will try to watch your performance at nationals."
"Good", Frank said. "Now go to your boyfriend before we kick you all the way there!" Sebastian didn't need to be told twice, he practically ran out the room.
Later that evening found Sebastian and Thad snuggled up together in bed. Both had been crying, both had been sobbing and both had been desperate to just touch the other. Sebastian had buried his nose in Thad's hair and relished in his scent and Thad was gripping tight onto Sebastian relishing in the feeling of safety in his arms. They fell asleep like that and when Thad woke up next morning Sebastian was gone from the bed. Thad sat bolt-right up and looked around the room. But there was no trace of Sebastian and none of him even being there. Thad threw his covers aside and just ran. He ran down the hallway, down the stairs, out of the dorm and towards the front of the school and saw his beloved walking towards a car.
"Sebastian!" he shouted and the boy turned and saw him. Sebastian dropped his bag and caught Thad as he slammed into him.
"Th", was all he got out before Thad kissed him deeply. Sebastian got remembered of that night he had kissed Thad for the first time… during the spin the bottle game.
Flashback
They headed out on the balcony… and Sebastian had never felt any more nervous than he did right then and there. Thad turned to him and smiled. Sebastian walked over and put his arms around Thad's waist and Thad put his around Sebastian's torso. Sebastian kept biting his lip nervously and it didn't help that some Warblers stood in the door giggling drunkenly. Thad chuckled and Sebastian looked at him. Thad moved closer and whispered:
"I want you to kiss me."
Sebastian didn't need telling twice. He pulled Thad to him and kissed him almost desperately and the Warblers cheered and started taking time. Sebastian felt so happy. He was kissing the boy he loved, he couldn't feel those sparks or see those fireworks people talked about. But he felt an incredible warmth spread through his body and he saw a supernova.
He pulled Thad flush against him. Thad stood on his toes to reach better and gripped the fabric of Sebastian's vest and shirt. Sebastian decided to give him better access so he hoisted him up and Thad hooked his legs around his waist and put his arms around his neck. Sebastian held one hand on Thad's back and the other on his butt to keep him from falling down, he was also pressing him slightly against the wall for support. He dared to squeeze Thad's butt a little and Thad moaned into his kiss. That caused shivers of pleasure to go down the older boy's spine. Sebastian had never felt like that before when kissing someone, never.
"Five minutes!" someone called and they parted Thad looked at him, still arms resting over his shoulders and legs around Sebastian's waist. They were leaning their foreheads on each other and their noses were touching just slightly. Thad smiled.
"Kiss me again", he said and Sebastian chuckled and dared to squeeze Thad's butt again.
"You're drunk", he said when Thad moaned in what sounded like pleasure, but only Sebastian heard it.
"Please", Thad pouted. "Just a little one."
Sebastian grinned, kissed his him just beside the mouth before putting him down and they headed inside to cheers and laughter.
End of flashback
"Don't leave me", Thad whispered and Sebastian came back from his trip down memory lane. He looked at his boyfriend and saw the hurt and the tears. "Please don't leave me."
"I won't ever leave you", Sebastian said and held him close. "Just as long as you think of me. We are not over yet… we will never be over. I love you."
"I love you more."
"I love you most."
"Seriously", Thad chuckled through his tears. "A Tangled reference?"
"You started it!" Sebastian said and kissed him again before moving back slightly. "I'll have to go now… I'll keep an eye on Wes to figure out what is going on with him. There must be a reason for him to do this… last time I saw him here he was still refusing to join HT. Something must've pushed him over the edge."
"Bring him back", Thad sobbed. "Please Smythe bring him back to us."
"I will try", Sebastian kissed him gently. "I will try."
Ten minutes later Fred found Thad sitting on the stairs outside of the school looking at the gate, tears going down his cheeks. Fred sat down beside him and put an arm around his shoulders and Thad leaned into him and cried. Ten minutes later for Sebastian, at the moment Fred arrived to Thad, he was talking with Wes over the phone, telling him that he was done and on his way home.
TBC Gott nytt år! happy new year everyone! Sorry for the "short chapter" but it felt right to cut it here.
SPECIAL THANKS to AliceInRawenclaw for suggesting the use of the song The Mess I Made!
Lissi47 - he won't be talking to anyone in the nd or the warblers... and Wade/Unique, Sunshine and Seb are also HT ;)