I'm hoping that by outright lying about taking another break, that everyone will be genuinely surprised to find these next three chapters so soon.

GLEE: A Different Point of View

Chapter 21 - "Theatricality"

She just looked so... Different. She wasn't... herself. And, to be honest, it was really messing with everyone's minds.

Once everyone was seated in the Glee room, they all were given a close look at the brand new Tina Cohen-Chang. Due to him believing her to be a vampire, Principal Figgins threatened suspension or worse if Tina didn't start dressing as what he and the school board perceived to be normal.

"It's so weird," Artie commented.

As did Finn, "This so isn't you."

"It's like you're not Tina anymore," Mitchell said, "I don't like it. I feel like we lost another Glee member. I want our Tina back."

Tina didn't even feel like herself anymore, "I feel like an Asian Branch Davidian."

"Maybe there's another look you could try?" Mr. Schuester offered.

"Biker chick?"

No!

"Cowgirl?"

No!

"Hood rat?"

No!

"Computer programmer."

No!

"Cross-country skier?"

No!

"Jinx?"

No!

"Catholic schoolgirl?"

No!

"A Happy Meal, no onions. Or... A chicken?"

NO!

"I've got it," Mitchell spoke loudly, surprising everyone, "Psylocke from the X-Men!"

Okay, that's just wrong. And...

No!

"Look, I appreciate it, guys," Tina finally said, "But, it just isn't me. I know who I am, and I'm not allowed to express myself. It's like communism."

"Guys," Rachel stormed the choir room, "We have a serious problem! You know how I've been doing some deep background checks on Vocal Adrenaline?"

"Isn't that against the rules?" Artie asked, Mitchell wondering the same thing.

"No, not at all. Or probably," Rachel tripped over her words, "Whatever. Just... Listen to this; What I figured out, I rooted through the dumpsters behind the Carmel auditorium and I found eighteen empty boxes of Christmas lights."

"Oh no," Tina gasped.

"Wait... What?" Mitchell didn't understand why that was significant at all.

Rachel continued, "Which led me to Joelle Fabrics. I asked them about the red chantilly lace, and they were sold out!"

"Oh sweet Jesus," Mercedes nearly fainted.

"Oh my," Kurt was about ready to have a heart attack.

"Let me repeat Mitchell here," Mr. Schuester said, "What?"

"They're doing Gaga," Kurt informed the un-informed.

"That's it," Mercedes was ready to admit defeat, "It's over. Anyone got a towel we can throw in?"

"Exactly!" even Rachel was ready to accept a loss?

"We should have guessed it. They're going for full-out theatricality. They know it's the easiest way to beat us. Damn them!" Kurt rambled on and on.

"What's up with this Gaga dude, anyway?" Puck wanted to know, "He just, like, dresses weird, right? Like Bowie?"

"Lady Gaga is a woman!" Kurt quickly took offense, "And only the biggest pop act to come along in decades. She's boundary-pushing! Get it right, Puck! GET IT RIGHT!"

Holy crap!

Kurt wasn't done yet, "The single most theatrical performer of our generation. She changes her look faster than Britt changes sexual partners!"

"That's true," Brittany agreed.

"It makes sense that Vocal Adrenaline would do this. It's a brilliant move. She's perfect for them."

Mr. Schuester had an idea, "Wait, hold on a second. We might be able to kill two birds with one stone here. We can help Tina find a new look and find a competitive number for Regionals."

"This week, your assignment; Gaga."

"Aw man," Mitchell didn't want to do Gaga, "I don't wanna do Lady Gaga."

That... Sounded... Wrong.

:::In The Halls:::

The next day at school, Mitchell happened upon a couple of his Glee mates; Kurt and Tina. They were dressed in full Gaga. Mitchell had to hand it to them. Even if he wanted to go through with the assignment and deck himself out in Gaga, he would never have the gumption to go through it.

"Oh my god, you guys look incredible," Mitchell laughed as his friends struck a quick pose, "How did you come up with these in one night?"

"Gaga motivates like no other," Kurt answered.

"You saw how desperate I was for a new look," Tina explained, "I jumped on this like nobody's business."

"Like I said; Incredible," Mitchell repeated his praise.

"What about you?" Kurt asked, "You're creative, I'd thought you would jump at the chance for a little theatricality."

"And get bullied like you guys just were?" Mitchell wasn't brave enough, "Plus, I'm not really a fan of Lady Gaga, anyway."

"I see your hesitance," Kurt understood, "But, when will you ever have this chance again?"

"Kurt's right," Tina said, "We're too old for Halloween, and we're not popular, so the chances of getting invited to a costume party are non existent. We may never have the chance to dress up like this again. Why not make the most of it while we can?"

"Sometimes, Mitchell, you just gotta live."

Then Kurt and Tina went about their business, leaving Mitchell with something to think about.

:::Mr. Schuester's Office:::

"Ah, Mitchell, you just missed Finn."

"Oh."

"And don't worry, I gave your guys' Kiss idea the go-ahead."

"Actually, Mr. Schue," Mitchell couldn't believe he was doing this, "That's not why I'm here. Well... I guess it is... In a way. Not exactly, I mean."

"All right," Mr. Schuester set aside his work to listen to the student, "What's on your mind?"

"I want to be theatrical, too. Just... Not with Lady Gaga or Kiss. I mean... If that's okay?"

Mr. Schuester was perfectly fine with that, "Just as long as you're theatrical, that's okay."

"Cool," Mitchell turned to leave, "Thanks, Mr. Schuester."

"Hold on," Will stopped him, "Aren't you going to tell me what you're gonna do?"

Mitchell half-smiled, "It's a surprise."

:::Glee Club:::

"Little monsters, take a bow."

The following day had come and it was time for the Glee girls - and Kurt - to show off their Gaga outfits. They all looked really good. Theatricality was put on display in only a way that New Directions could do it. Plus, they were each having a blast.

"Sientate," Mr. Schue used Spanish for a second, "Impressive, ladies. And, you know what the best part about this is? Each one of your costumes shows off a different aspect of your personalities."

"Wait, where's Rachel and Mitchell?" Puck had noticed the two of them were absent from the meeting, "Oh no, she's not Gaga'ing him, is she?"

Mr. Schuester smiled, "As far as Mitchell; I am very proud to say that he's likely busy crafting an outfit. I don't know what it is yet - although, I do know that it's not Gaga inspired - But, he seems really excited about getting theatrical."

Kurt and Tina flashed a brief knowing look of accomplishment to each other.

"Rachel kinda got some intense news yesterday," Mercedes announced to the club.

Quinn jumped in, "We were spying on Vocal Adrenaline and..."

Mr. Schuester quickly interjected, "Guys, that's not fair. You gotta stop doing that. But, uh... you know... what'd you find out?"

"Ya'll ready for a bomb?" Mercedes, "Ms. Corcoran - their coach - is Rachel's mom."

"Are you serious?" Will was stunned.

"Way to bury the lead Mercedes," Artie mumbled.

"We're screwed," Puck saw it a mile away, "Rachel's gonna jump ship over to Vocal Adrenaline!"

"Never," everyone looked to the door, seeing Rachel, and holy crap she was covered in Beanie Babies, "I really don't want to talk about it, though. I'm still processing the news. And, my dads are moving my therapist to our spare room later this afternoon. A-A-All I know is that I'm not going anywhere, and I've chosen a Lady Gaga look that expresses the longing for a childhood I was deprived of."

"You look terrible," Brittany with the awesome one-liners, "I look awesome."

"And we have a jumper," Kurt remarked as a beanie fell, then he quickly gasped as his eyes went wide and his lips curved in an excited smile, "Oh my goodness, Mitchell Marcus Mason!"

"I believe this is yours, milady," Mitchell leaned over, picking up Rachel's beanie baby and sticking it back on her outfit.

There was Mitchell Mason as had never been seen before. For starters, he was decked out in a slick black suit. With shoes to match, by the way. But, it wasn't just the suit. It was that he was painted in full make-up... Eyes with thick black circles around them. Lips colored black with stitching-like black going up almost to his ears with little lines sprinkled throughout.

"Jack Skellington!" Tina exclaimed excitedly, "I love the Nightmare Before Christmas!"

"As far as animated musicals go," Kurt said, "It does rank up there."

"What the hell, dude?" Puck just shook his head. The guys didn't share the girls' enthusiasm.

"Well, I, for one, am a fan of the Nightmare Before Christmas," Mr. Schuester surprised everyone, "It truly was a first of its kind. Mitchell, show us what you..."

The music started, Mitchell jumping into character...

"Kidnap Mr. Sandy Claws?" he asked.

He raised a hand, "I wanna do it!"

Then brought it down, "Let's draw straws!"

He slapped himself, "Jack said we should work together."

"Three of a kind! Birds of a feather! Now and forever!"

"Da lalalalala lalalalalala. La lalalalalala lalalalalala! Kidnap the Sandy Claws, lock him up real tight. Throw away the key and then turn off all the lights."

Mitchell played like he was a scheming henchman, telling the Gleeks his plan, "First we're gonna set some bait inside a nasty trap and wait. When he comes a-sniffing we will snap the trap and close the gate."

Then Mitchell straightened, extending a pointer finger and raising his arm up high, voice getting louder, "Wait, I got a better plan to catch this big red lobster man. Let's pop him in a boiling pot and when he's done, we'll butter him up."

Mitchell returned to normal, "Kidnap the Sandy Claws, throw him in a box. Bury him for ninety years, then see if he talks."

"Then Mr. Oogie Boogie Man can take this whole thing over then," he declared proudly, "He'll be so pleased I do declare, that he will cook him rare!"

Mitchell spun happily as the music continued, arms out-stretched, the club getting a kick out of his performance.

Back to the scheming, approaching Quinn, talking with his hands, "I say that we take a cannon, aim at his door and then knock three times and when he answers, Sandy Claws will be no more!" he giggled.

Then he straightened, a mean expression on his face, anger, "You're so stupid, think now, if we blow him up to smithereens, we may lose some pieces and then Jack will beat us black and green!"

Back to normal, a marching in place dance-step, "Kidnap the Sandy Claws, tie him in a bag. Throw him in the ocean and see if he is sad."

"Because Mr. Oogie Boogie is the meanest guy around. If I were on his boogie list," his voice went very high as he explained, "I'd get out of town."

"He'll be so pleased by our success," he sang to Tina, who was enjoying the whole performance, "That he'll reward us too, I'll bet. Perhaps he'll make his special brew, of snake and spider stew."

Mitchell moved through the seats, looking at everyone, "We're his little henchmen and we take our job with pride. We do our best to please him and to stay on his good side."

Then he stopped, "I wish my cohorts weren't so dumb."

"I'm not the dumb one!" he turned.

Turned again, "You're no fun!"

Then he roared as he stepped back onto the floor, facing away from the group, "Shut up!"

"Make me!"

Then he faced them once more, smiling again, fingers tapping each other, his voice childish and mischievous, "I got something, now listen. This is real good, you'll see. We'll send him a present to his door, upon there will be a note to read. Now in the box we'll wait and hide. Until his curiosity entices him to look inside. Then we will have him one two three!"

Then he moved to Rachel, circling around her as she stood, a crazed look to his black eyes, a wicked grin on his face, inches away from her, "Kidnap the Sandy Claws, beat him with a stick! Lock him up for ninety years and see what makes him tick!"

He continued the haunting tone of voice, still at Rachel, "Kidnap the Sandy Claws, chop him into bits! Then Mr. Oogie Boogie is sure to get his kicks!"

On the next beat, she joined in with him, "Kidnap the Sandy Claws, see what we will see! Lock him in the cage and then throw away the key!"

The performance finished, Mitchell took a bow to an applause.

"Now, ladies," Mitchell stepped to the side, "I hand the floor to you."

They then performed an expert version of 'Bad Romance.'

:::In The Halls:::

What an amazing performance. Lady Gaga would have been proud. In high spirits, Mitchell was heading down the halls still dressed in his Jack Skellington best when he was met by two people he seriously did not want to come across while wearing a full costume...

"Tell me something, Dave. How does someone go from kicking it with Santana Lopez to dressing up like a damn skeleton fairy?"

"Let's call it... Falling from the top of the ladder."

"Skellington," Mitchell corrected them quietly, trying to get past, "It's from Nightmare Before Christmas."

"Damn, Mitchell, you showed some serious potential, too," Azimio recalled what he thought of as Mitchell's glory days, "Could have been gold. But, you decided to ditch it for Camp Faggy."

"Don't say that," Mitchell warned, though his tone of voice was anything but threatening.

Karofsky shoved him lightly just enough to intimidate, "What you gonna do about it?"

"Just leave us alone," Mitchell was getting more nervous by the second.

"Gettin' ancy for some man love, huh?" Azimio with some more, "That damn Hummel plague is spreading."

"You guys suck, you know that?" Mitchell spoke louder, finally being able to get past the two bullies, "You just... Really suck!"

Then they started chasing him down the halls...

"SORRY! SORRY!"

:::Glee Club:::

An uneventful 48 hours passed by - at least for Mitchell, which was welcomed - and minus the Jack Skellington make-up, he had returned for another Glee meeting. This one coming off the heels of the rest of the guys performing a Kiss number. Which, Mitchell had admit, was definitely a highlight. He was actually a little regretful that he opted for a solo performance rather than participating with the group. But, there would be other opportunities.

Mitchell noted that something must have happened between Finn and Kurt, as there seemed to be some tension and regret from both of them. However, Mitchell just kept quiet, waiting for Mr. Schuester to come. And, speak of the devil...

"All right, let's get started..."

But, Mr. Schuester was cut off by Puckerman coming in behind him, "Mr. Schue, I have something I want to say to Quinn. And... I want everybody else to hear it, too."

"Okay," Mr. Schue gave him the floor.

Everyone waited, listening. Especially Quinn.

"At first, I didn't get the whole theatrical assignment. You know, being all larger than life and putting it all out there. 'Cause, let's be honest, I'm pretty much like that all the time," he paused for a second, "It's how my dad was too. He was too busy being all crazy and rock and roll to be there for his kid. And, you know what? I didn't care that my dad was a bad-ass. I just wanted him to be there, and he never was."

Mitchell suddenly found himself feeling less animosity towards Puck. Not because of pitying him or feeling bad. It was just... Something about how he was coming out with all this. The sincerity, the genuine way he was speaking. The honesty. It was to be admired. Even though this was winning Quinn over greatly at the same time.

"Then I learned all this Kiss stuff and while Jackie Daniels is a great name for a power boat or something. It's not right for a baby girl. So, if my Kiss-mates will help me out, I got a better idea. Grab a stool, guys."

Finn, Artie, Mike and Matt all headed down. Surprising everyone, Jack also stood, going over to the piano after exchanging whispers with Puck. Mitchell suddenly felt very awkward. He wondered if he should go down there too, or what? He didn't know, and didn't want to step on any toes, either.

Then, lead by Puck, they went through 'Beth'. Mitchell sat quietly, trying to watch Quinn from the corner of his eye, seeing the look on her face. Puck was reaching her. Like, really genuinely reaching her. It was heartfelt, and she even had tears starting to flow. Mitchell then saw the look on Puck's face, how much he at least appeared to actually care.

Puck was a better fit for Quinn than Mitchell was. There could be no denying that anymore.

The song ended, and Puck walked over to Quinn, "I know that you want to give her away. But, before you do, I think you should name her Beth. And, I know that we've had this on-again off-again relationship. But, I think we should make it official. I want to be with you - only you - if you'll let me. And, if it would be okay, I'd like to be there when she's born."

Tearful, Quinn nodded her head before standing up and giving Puck a hug, which he returned.

Mitchell just kind of looked away.

:::Glee Club:::

For the meeting at the end of the week, New Directions had decided amongst themselves to all dress in their theatricality costumes one more time and surprise Mr. Schuester.

"Whoah!" Mr. Schue laughed as he walked into the room, surprised, "Guys, why are you all in your theatricality costumes?"

"I haven't taken mine off yet," Brittany mentioned, getting a chuckle out of Mitchell aka Jack Skellington.

Artie spoke up, "It's the end of the week. We were kind of hoping to learn what the lesson of the assignment was."

"Yeah," Mitchell followed Artie, wiggling an itchy nose, "We all had a good time, but we're wondering... what for?"

"Well," Mr. Schuester started, "You guys have had some great numbers this week, but I'm not sure I know either."

"Stands to reason," Jack remarked and everyone laughed.

"I do," Tina entered, revealing herself to have returned to her normal attire, which everyone was very glad to see, "I refuse to dress like somebody I'm not to be somebody."

"Whoo!" Mitchell applauded.

"And," she wasn't done yet, "I learned it's good to be a little theatrical at times."

She then proceeded to explain to the club how she managed to talk Principal Figgins into letting her go back to the way she wanted to dress.

Now everyone was clapping as Tina bowed, finally smiling once again.

Jack had something to say, "I'm impressed. There may be something to you after all, Jinx."

"I'll take that as a compliment," she said, "Thanks, Jack."

:::Guidance Office:::

"Wow," Emma laughed, "Mitchell, I love your costume."

"Thanks," Mitchell somewhat smiled, seeming to be a bit nervous as he entered the office, taking a seat in the usual place.

Emma instantly sensed something was amiss with the teenager, "Are you all right, Mitchell?"

He shrugged, eyes shifting around, "Umm... I'm, like, supposed to tell you this."

"Okay."

He sat up, taking a deep breath, "A couple weeks ago, Quinn pretty much told me that there's no chance we'll end up together. And then her and Puck made it official this week that they're an honest couple. And..." he hesitated, obvious difficulty in accepting the truth.

Emma gave him time.

"I told my parents about how bad I've been feeling lately, and they said... sent... me to a therapist. And," he was struggling with this, "He said that my main problem is anxiety. So, he prescribed anti-anxiety medication. I guess it's supposed to clear my head and help me focus. Well... and get rid of the anxiety I have over Quinn."

"Okay," Emma nodded, "Well, thank you for letting me know. It is school policy that I be told if a student is on a form that medication."

Mitchell swallowed, "I had a question, too."

Emma gestured for him to continue.

"It'll fix me, right?"

"Fix... you?" that wasn't appropriate, "Mitchell, you're not broken."

"I can't get over her," Mitchell confessed, "No matter what I try. If this doesn't work, what am I supposed to do?"