Here's another chapter. This one has another song and I recommend you tubing it and listening to it while you read that part :)
Right now Quinn is the most suspected. And then Brittany, Artie, Sam tie for second place and Mercedes is also suspected. Funny how Blaine and Finn are suddenly no longer suspected when they were at the top. I am rather surprised people still suspect Artie actually, when I thought that suspicion was over.
Also, I wanted to confirm, these fairytales are the actual old Grimm Brother's fairytales, not Disney ones. So that's why you've seen Jack and Beanstalk and stuff, but you won't see Mulan or anything.
No one moved for a very long time. Blaine had grabbed the Sleeping Beauty fairytale and read it over and over. He kept crying until his tears had practically run dry. The rest of the club were in various states of grief. But most of them had found comfort in someone.
Puck and Artie were talking quietly in the corner, just remembering things. Every little story they had about Kurt, was told. Most of the Club were trying to ignore them because they couldn't stand it.
Finn and Rachel had given up on kissing and sat crossed legged opposite each other, looking into each other's eyes and leaning forward. After enough time doing this, their foreheads were touching. They didn't bother wiping away their tears. There was no point hiding them.
Blaine, Quinn, Santana and Brittany were still together on the couch. They couldn't help hearing the stories about Kurt. Blaine's sobs would become louder with every little detail, and that's why he kept reading the note from the killer, to distract himself and hold off the pain by turning it into anger. It didn't really work. He just ended up feeling worse. Quinn and Brittany were laughing occasionally at things being said, but they hadn't stopped crying either. Santana was a statue with tears flowing down her face. Her hands gripped Blaine and Brittany's shoulders as she sat, unmoving.
Sam was holding Mercedes close. She wasn't crying. It almost looked as if she wasn't breathing. Sam was stroking her hair in a continual motion.
"Do you still have those mp3s he sent you? Of him singing?" Mercedes asked suddenly.
"What, when we were going to do a duet?" Sam asked. "Probably somewhere here."
He took out his mp3 player and gave it to Mercedes. She quickly flicked through until she found them and then turned it up as loud as she could.
"Please go somewhere else." Blaine's voice sounded so tight it was as if he were choking. "I can't bear it if…"
Kurt's voice had already started and his whole frame was wracked with sobbing. Quickly, Mercedes got up and pulled Sam out of the room by the hand.
The door clicked shut behind them and left Puck and Artie's voices to fill the room. The faint whisper of Kurt's voice continued until another door clicked open and shut.
"I'm so hungry." Finn groaned. Crying always tired him out, and he also liked to eat when he was upset. So it only made sense that he was hungrier than ever.
"Let's go get you something." Rachel pulled him to his feet and dragged him towards the door. "You want ice cream?"
"You know me well." Finn smiled half-heartedly.
No one watched them go. They were too absorbed in Artie and Puck's stories. As Puck finished another one, Blaine stood up as well.
"I have to go." He couldn't stand it any longer.
"Will you be okay?" Santana asked quickly, trying to grab his hand as he went.
"Yeah, I'll be fine. I just want to…" He shook his head and backed out of the room without another word.
"Right, I'm following." Quinn said. "He can't be alone."
"But if you go, there'll be two of you." Santana pointed out. "And that's worse."
"Okay, come too then." Quinn told her.
"Britt are you-" Santana started.
"I want to stay. I want to listen to their stories." Brittany said, pointing at Puck and Artie, and already moving closer.
Santana looked torn, unable to bear leaving her. But then she thought of Blaine and how pained he'd looked. She thought of the comfort Brittany always took in her friendship with Artie. It was something she'd been jealous of when Artie and Brittany had been together. Now she accepted it because she knew Artie no longer pursued Brittany in that way.
So Santana followed Quinn out of the door.
…
Blaine was in his old room. And sure enough, he was lying where Kurt had slept each night. His eyes were squeezed shut and they stood uncertainly in the door when he didn't look up.
Then they realised he was talking. It was very quiet, but they could just pick it up.
"… I'll miss you so much. God, Kurt what will I do without you? You're everything, Kurt. You're everything. What do I even do now? I wish you were here. I wish you could tell me what to do next. I miss you so much. It's only been minutes, but I need you. You always know what to do. Kurt, I've never been more lost. Please," He rolled onto his side, curling up with his knees by his chest. "Please talk to me. Please come back and talk to me. I don't know what to do."
Santana stepped forward warily, but Quinn laid a hand on her arm. She shook her head, and nodded toward the door.
"He needs a moment." The words were so quiet Santana had to strain to hear them over the sound of Blaine choking on his tears.
Slowly, she nodded and followed Santana back down the hall.
"You can't be dead. I need you!" Blaine's desperation made them want to cry. "I need you, Kurt."
"Wait, I need the loo." Quinn said just as they reached the door. She turned and made her way back to the bathroom. Santana went back inside the Hall, to find only Brittany and Artie were still there. Brittany was crying.
"Shit sorry," Santana said, dashing to Brittany's side. "I'm so sorry I shouldn't have left."
Brittany leaned into her side and she stroked her hair back, kissing her gently.
"What's been happening, Artie?" She asked.
The boy in front of her looked terribly guilty. "It was just one of the stories. She made me tell it again three times, and then she started crying."
"What story?" Santana asked
"Just about when Kurt and Brittany both dated. You know, way back in our first year of Glee Club." Artie said. He was watching them with huge eyes.
"What and you're shocked that made her cry?" Santana snapped.
Artie's tears spilled over and quickly Santana's expression softened.
"Sorry," She said with a sigh. "I just don't like it when Britt cries."
"I am sorry, I didn't think…" Artie began
"No," Santana interrupted. "It's good to remember him."
"He was the most unicorn of all." Brittany said, her voice muffled. Artie and Santana exchanged smiles through their tears.
"He was." Artie agreed.
…
Puck had joined Finn and Rachel in the kitchen, grabbing a packet of cookies. But when they started making out again, he went back through to the kitchen and pulled himself up onto the bench. He just sat there, eating, and staring out of the window.
Suddenly he heard a loud "Eww, guys please!" from Artie. The boy wheeled around the corner with his nose screwed up in disgust and Puck laughed.
"They still going at it?" Puck asked.
"Very much," Artie sniffed, looking back at the door and shaking his head.
"Brittany done asking you to repeat that story?" Puck asked. He'd left after the second time.
"Yeah, I made her cry." He looked deeply uncomfortable. "I didn't think about how awful it must be for her to remember. I just sort of told her."
"Ah, so I'm guessing Santana's with her now?" Puck asked.
"Yup," Artie grabbed his own packet of Oreos and wheeled up to the window, leaning an elbow on the window ledge and looking out with Puck.
"You look like you have something on your mind." Puck stated.
"Yeah, I just think I know who the killer is." Artie told him. He glanced back at the door to where they could still hear Rachel and Finn faintly. "Could you-"
He didn't even need to finish the sentence. Puck jumped up and shut the door.
"So who is it?" He asked as he returned to his post.
"Rachel," Artie glanced back at the door one more time as he said it. "I can't help but think it's her."
"Really?" Puck asked. "But she's such a peacekeeper lately."
"Exactly," Artie said. "She's suddenly trying to keep the peace? She was so dramatic back home. It seems really out of character for her. A good way to stop us from suspecting her is to try calm everyone down. Also, with Finn getting so worked up all the time, she doesn't need to create drama and stress herself."
"But Rachel wouldn't kill Kurt." Puck said slowly.
"Maybe, if Rachel actually cared about any of that. But if she's the killer, it's unlikely she ever really cared about anyone." Artie pointed out for what seemed like the millionth time. He'd been telling himself this over and over again with every suspect, because each time his humanity seemed to try and remind him of how these people were his friends. Artie had to force himself to stop thinking like this, just like he had forced himself not to break down when they'd seen Kurt's body.
"I guess the notes seem like her…" Puck agreed. "You know, dramatic and all that."
Artie nodded. "That's what I thought too. And she may have also been jealous of Finn's affection for Kurt. Because Rachel has always wanted Finn to herself,"
"Unless she doesn't love Finn." Puck said.
"Yeah, true." Artie cursed himself for, once again, taking everyone's love for granted.
"Dammit, Artie," Puck groaned. "I almost wish you weren't always right."
"I'm not always right." Artie said sharply.
"When have you not been?" Puck asked with a chuckle.
"I could be wrong, Puck. It's just a theory." Artie said sternly. "Please take everything with a grain of salt. We can't go accusing and hating Rachel. I'm just saying, she's the one we should watch."
"Yeah I guess," Puck rubbed the back of his neck as he thought it over. But he did trust Artie, and in the end, he was pretty sure Artie was right.
"We should tell Quinn." Puck said suddenly, standing up. "She hangs out with Rachel a lot."
"Okay sure," Artie agreed, wheeling after Puck as he went to the door.
…
"Where's Quinn?" Puck asked as soon as they were back in the living room.
Santana and Brittany were kissing as well, and Brittany drew back as they entered. Santana turned to face Puck and Artie.
"She's over there." She jerked a thumb to a mound of blankets.
"Quinn!" Puck yelled. Quinn's face emerged from one end of the blankets and she sighed.
"Seriously Puck? Can I have two seconds alone? I only just found my place." She waved a book in the air and Puck just rolled his eyes at her.
It was odd how quickly the clouds of depression around Puck melted, just seeing Quinn's face.
"I have to talk to you." He said.
Santana and Brittany stood and wheeled Artie over to join them.
Puck began to explain Artie's theory. Quinn opened her mouth to argue, but Puck silenced her with a finger to her lips and she flushed and forgot to argue.
"… So that's why we think it was Rachel." He finished.
"It fits." Santana agreed. But Brittany was quiet by her side, and Quinn looked annoyed again.
"Guys stop it. I keep telling you that guessing the killer will get us nowhere. Please can we change the subject?" She asked.
"Sure thing beautiful," Puck said, his voice immediately becoming lighter.
"Oh no," Quinn groaned.
"Tell me, what book are you reading?" Puck asked.
"Redeeming Love," Quinn told him. "I no, I doubt you've heard of it or would enjoy it so don't bother asking about it."
Puck pouted. "Well, is it good?" He asked instead, well aware that Artie, Santana and Brittany were watching the scene with raised eyebrows.
"Yes it's very good. Not that I've had much of chance to read it with you busting in the moment I got settled." Quinn sighed.
"Well what were you doing before that?" Puck asked.
"Peeing. Seeing as none of us have peed all day, because of Kurt's death distracting us, I'm shocked your tiny bladder had lasted this long." Quinn said.
"Well damn, now I need to go." Puck groaned, pushing up from his seat. "But don't think you've escaped me, Miss Fabray. I'll be back."
He winked as he shut the door behind himself.
"Oh gosh, he's so bad." Santana said as soon as he was gone. "I can't believe I used to think his lame flirting was hot."
"I can't believe he's flirting with me again." Quinn said, shaking her head.
"I can't believe you don't want to tap that again." Brittany's comment shocked them all.
"What?" Quinn asked.
"You guys were super cute together." Brittany shrugged. "I liked it."
Quinn was blushing even more.
"No," She said. "I don't need to go back down that path."
"I need the toilet as well." Santana said abruptly, standing and kissing Brittany on the top of her head before following Puck out the door.
"I'm serious, get with him." Brittany said as Santana walked away.
"Britt, leave it. I'm not getting with Puck because we were cute, okay?" Quinn said.
"Then get with him because you like him." Artie contributed.
"He's an asshole." Quinn wasn't very convincing. Santana smirked as she shut the door on their conversation.
Hopefully they would convince Quinn. She wanted to deal with Puck.
…
"Hey Puck!" She called as she entered the bathroom. He hadn't bothered to shut the stall door behind him, so she could see his back. "Do you really think that's how you'll win Quinn back?"
"What?" He asked, zipping up his fly as Santana shut herself in her own stall.
"I mean seriously, the cheesy lines and everything?" Santana continued. "Quinn's a little more classy than that."
"Okay, so you're suddenly the expert?" Puck asked, starting to wash his hands.
"Yeah, pretty much." Santana said.
"Okay, not listening to you." Puck responded, and the tap turned off.
"Whatever, don't get Quinn back then." Santana said. There was a drawn out silence. She could tell Puck wanted to listen to her, but was fighting against his pride. She flushed the toilet and came outside, to find Puck still there.
"Okay fine." Puck said. "What's your advice?"
"Stop trying so hard. I'm serious, Quinn is used to being chased and told that she's beautiful. Pretty much every guy who sees her would tell her that. But you have the advantage because she's already likes you. You don't need to pursue her. The more you do, the more she convinces herself it's the wrong idea. If you back off a bit, she'll come straight to you. You can still flirt, flex your muscles and all that shit, but don't be so obvious about it. Let Quinn come to you." Santana was surprised Puck had let her finish her speech.
She turned on the tap and started washing her hands.
"Okay," Puck said slowly. "I see. Thank you."
"Yeah whatever," Santana said, and then she paused. "There's one more thing. Have you showered today?"
"Not for a couple days, why?" Puck asked.
"Didn't think so," Santana smirked again. "You think Quinn likes smelly guys?"
"No," Puck looked guilty.
"Then have a shower." Santana said.
Puck sighed, but agreed. Santana left him and he went into the nearest cubicle.
…
Puck finished his shower and came back to the Main Hall to find Rachel, Quinn, Artie and Brittany were gathered round Rachel's mp3 player again.
Puck squinted at the mp3 player's screen just as they paused it at a song called You'll be in my Heart, from disney's Tarzan.
"What're we doing?" He hissed.
"Singing," Rachel said back. "It's mostly for Blaine actually. We thought we'd practise it now."
"Wait, where's Santana?" Puck asked suddenly.
"Oh, she popped in briefly to tell us she's sitting with Blaine. He's sort of telling her the 'Kurt and Blaine' story. You know, how they met and all that." Artie told him.
"Oh okay." Puck shrugged, turning as if he was going to join them. "I wouldn't mind hearing that."
"Nuh uh," Rachel grabbed him "You're helping us practise this song to sing to Blaine later."
Puck stayed. He let Rachel arrange him with the rest of the group. They'd already shoved all the sofas back against their beds, creating a nice open space to dance in.
"Wait, what about Finn?" Puck suddenly said.
"He doesn't want to help Blaine. He's still in the kitchen." Rachel sighed.
Puck groaned. Finn was so bloody immature.
"Now stop asking questions and get ready to sing. You do know the song?" Rachel asked.
"Yeah!" Puck said. "I was totally into Tarzan as a kid. He's a badass."
"Anyway," Rachel said sternly. "Let's sing please,"
"What about Sam and Mercedes?" Puck asked.
"God Puck, it's fine!" Rachel screeched. He backed up with his hands raised in a gesture of defence. She was obviously very tightly wrung after the death of her best friend. It occurred to him it was probably a lot of effort for her to keep from breaking down like Blaine now that she'd calmed down from her initial lot of sobbing had subsided. "They're probably with Santana and Blaine and I bet Mercedes is still pretty upset so I'd like to get this ready and sing it for Blaine if you don't mind."
"No I don't mind. Sorry I was just checking, I don't want anyone separated." Puck said.
Rachel sighed. "I know, Noah. I'm sorry. I just… I have to sing or I'm about to snap."
"Okay, start us off then." Quinn said gently from behind her, turning her around with a gentle hand on her arm.
Rachel stood at the front again and took a deep breath, nodding for Brittany to press play on the mp3 player.
"Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight"
Rachel started the song with the first few words. They rest began to join her as they sang the next part:
"I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cryFor one so small,
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry"
Though the first part was going to be directed towards Blaine, their eyes turned upwards at the next part, thinking of their dead friends.
"'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever moreYou'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always"
Their eyes skirted over each other as they began the next bit. As misfits who never thought they'd be friends with each other, it really seemed to fit.
"Why can't they understand the way we feel?
They just don't trust what they can't explain
I know we're different but deep inside us
We're not that different at allAnd you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more"
Briefly the song became about the murderer, and standing up to them. It was about holding out against them.
"Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know (what do they know)?
We need each other
To have, to hold.
They'll see in time
I know"
And then they sang to their dead friends again.
"When destiny calls you
You must be strong (you gotta be strong)
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
I'll be there from this day on,
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart (you'll be here in my heart)
No matter what they say (I'll be with you)
You'll be here in my heart (I'll be there), always
Always
I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there always."
The song ended with them all standing together, arms around each other, and crying again.
"I love you guys." Rachel whispered, burying her face in Quinn's shoulder and feeling the other girl's arms tighten around her.
"We love you too Rachel." Quinn chuckled through her tears as the hug shifted and everyone else joined.
"And now we can do that song for Blaine." Artie said in an over cheerful voice from his chair beside Rachel.
"Should we go fetch everyone?" Brittany asked.
Rachel pulled back. "I'll get Finn I guess."
"Good, because I'm not going anywhere near him." A voice said from the door way.
They turned to see Santana grinning at them. "That was awesome guys. I just heard the end when I came to check if you were ready for Blaine, but I can tell you it looked perfect."
Brittany joined her at the door and said "Let's go get Blaine."
…
When they returned, Rachel, Finn, Artie and Puck were sitting in the sofas at the end of the room.
Blaine was still sniffling and clutching the killer's note, but at least he'd stopped sobbing uncontrollably.
"Britt says you need me." Blaine said.
"Yeah didn't Mercedes and Sam come with you?" Rachel asked.
"No they weren't with us, I thought they'd come back in here." Santana said, her face falling slowly.
"But they were in the room with you." Puck snapped.
"No, they were just down the corridor. We thought they were still listening to those mp3s of Kurt singing." Blaine said. He'd gone pale.
"Fuck," Finn swore, lurching upright. "I knew we shouldn't have let Blaine go off alone. He probably killed them before Santana joined them."
"Hey now," Artie said. "That's not fair."
Blaine was already crying again.
"Why are we still standing here?" Quinn suddenly burst out. "We have to go find them!"
And so the Club followed her from the room, hearts racing, to see if their friends were still in the room they'd been left in.
They paused a second, taking a deep breath, outside the room Sam and Mercedes had shut themselves in. They couldn't hear Kurt's voice singing anymore.
Slowly, Quinn reached out and turned the handle of the door. It swung open ominously and they held their breath.
The room was empty…. Except…
In the centre of the room was a coil of something dark. Quinn winced at the sight of it and stepped closer to see what it was
"Oh my god," She breathed, bending down beside it. "It's hair."
And sure enough it was a matted and hurried braid.
"Mercedes," Quinn choked.
Tucked into a ribbon at the end of the twist of hair, was a small piece of paper. The Killer had struck again.
So the poll has been re-set. Please vote and review and all that. If you're confused about anything, go look at the Map of the island, or ask me! Love you all!