Ch. 33
The New Directions walked into the theater, awing at the pure largeness of it. It was the largest place they'd ever performed at, making them even more nervous. As they carried their costumes into the green room, they watched as the other show choir groups talked in the hallway, already in costume and ready to go. Mr. Shuester brought them into the green room and the teens broke off to get ready, the girls wearing white dresses with lace covering the top portion of the dress with black lacy halter straps and a black bow adorning the waist. The boys wore black pants, white short-sleeved button-down shirt, black ties, and black vests.
The group finished getting ready, the girls applying their makeup and curling their hair, placing them into side ponytails. After they had finished dressing, the group walked to the stage where everyone was performing. They sat down in the same row, looking at each other nervously as they watched group after group perform. When Vocal Adrenaline performed, they grew increasingly more nervous as they watched Sunshine Corazon sing "All By Myself" perfectly, tears coming to most of the audience's eyes.
Two groups before they had to go on, the New Directions went back to their green room, most beginning to pace nervously. Will smiled at them before ushering them all to form a circle.
"I am so proud of all of you. Last year, we didn't even make it past Regionals, but look at us now. We're in New York, where we're gonna win Nationals. I believe in all of you so much, so have fun out there and kick some butts!" he said, the teens cheering with him. They formed a show circle, screaming out "New Directions!" as the lights in the room flashed, signaling that it was their time to perform. They walked to the stage together, smiling confidently at each other.
Rachel walked onto the stage alone, the spotlight shining solely on her. She smiled at the crowd before taking a deep breath.
The whispers in the morning The music began softly as Rachel began the song, looking out into the crowd meaningfully.
Of lovers sleeping tight
Are rolling like thunder now
As I look in your eyes
I hold on to your body
And feel each move you make
Your voice is warm and tender
A love that I could not forsake
'Cause I'm your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
Even though there may be times
It seems I'm far away
Never wonder where I am
'Cause I am always by your side
'Cause I'm your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love
The sound of your heart beating
Made it clear suddenly
The feeling that I can't go on
Is light years away At the high note Rachel hit, the crowd stood up, applauding her as she continued to belt out the song.
'Cause I'm your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love Rachel held the high note as long as she could, tears forming in her eyes.
The power of love
The crowd clapped loudly as Rachel looked on with a smile. She nodded at the audience before turning her head to look off stage, smiling as she caught Alison's eyes. Alison smiled back before Rachel turned back to the audience again.
*Rachel= italicized, Alison= bold, Both= bold italicized*
Every single day, Rachel began, singing to the crowd as she stood on stage alone.
I walk down the street
I hear people say 'baby' so sweet
Ever since puberty, everybody stares at me
Boys, girls, I can't help it baby
So be kind, and don't lose your mind
Just remember that I'm your baby
Take me for what I am
Who I was meant to be
And if you give a damn
Take me baby, or leave me
Take me baby or leave me
A tiger in a cage can never see the sun Rachel moved to the middle of the stage, continuing to sing sassily to the audience.
This diva needs her stage Rachel sang, pointing herself.
Baby, let's have fun.
You are the one I choose
Folks would kill to fill your shoes
You love the lime light too, now baby
So be mine and don't waste my time Alison began singing as she walked onto the stage, the crowd murmuring in surprise.
Cryin' 'oh honey bear, are you still my, my, my baby?'
Don't you dare Rachel mock-glared at her, as Alison began walking towards her.
Take me for what I am
Who I was meant to be
And if you give a damn
Take me baby or leave me
No way, can I be what I'm not Rachel looked at Alison as she sang, smiling slightly before looking back at the crowd.
But hey, don't you want your girl hot?
Don't fight, don't lose your head
'Cause every night who's in your bed?
Who? Who's in your bed?
Kiss Pookie?
It won't work Alison walked to the center of the stage, stepping in front of Rachel who huffed at her.
I look before I leap
I love margins and discipline
I make lists in my sleep baby
What's my sin?
Never quit, I follow through
I hate mess but I love you
What do with my impromptu baby?
So be wise 'cause this girl satisfies The crowd began whooping as Alison began to add more sass to her singing.
You got a prize who don't compromise
You're one lucky baby
Take me for what I am Alison began walking towards the other side of the stage, Rachel following.
A control freak
Who I was meant to be
A snob yet over attentive
And if you give a damn
A loveable droll geek
Take me baby or leave me
An anal retentive
That's it Rachel and Alison looked at each for these lines, both giving as much attitude as possible.
The straw that breaks my back
I quit
Unless you take it back
Women
What is it about them?
Can't live with them or without them
Take me for what I am The girls began walking back to the center of the stage, looking at each other before looking into the audience.
Who I was meant to be
Who I was meant to be
And if you give a damn
And if you give a damn you better
Take me baby, or leave me
Take me baby, take me or leave me
Take me baby or leave me
Guess I'm leaving, I'm gone! At this, the girls walked away from each other, going to opposite sides of the stage. They bowed as the crowd applauded, giving each other smiles. The rest of the New Directions came onto the stage
*Finn= italicized, Artie= bold, Santana= bold italicized, Quinn= underline, Mercedes= bold underline, Group= regular*
Da da da, da da dada, da da da da da The group began harmonizing, just the girls starting before the guys came in.
Da da da, da da dada, da da da da da
Da da da, da da da (Come on Eileen) The teens began doing a southern looking dance, moving their feet back and forth, the girls moving their skirts back and forth.
Da da da, dada da dada da
Da da da, da da da (Come on Eileen)
Da da da, dada da dada da
Poor old Johnny Ray Artie rolled toward the front, the teens performing a spin with their do-si-do type of dance.
Sounded sad upon the radio
But he moved a million hearts in mono
Our mothers cried
Sang along, who'd blame them
You've grown (You're grown up) Santana stepped towards Artie, smiling at the audience as the other New Directions continued to spin behind them.
So grown (So grown up)
Now I must say more than ever (Come on Eileen)
Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye, aye
And we can sing just like our fathers
Come on Eileen The group split into pairs, Alison and Finn dancing in the front as he began to sing, the group harmonizing behind him.
Oh, I swear what he means (what he means)
At this moment you mean everything The guys twirled the girls, switching partners.
You in that dress
My thoughts I confess
Verge on dirty
Oh, come on Eileen The guys spun the girls again, the girls immediately going into the do-si-do again.
Dada dada dada dada
Dada dada dada dada
Da da da, da da da (Come on Eileen)
Da da da, dada da dada da
These people 'round here Quinn sang, smirking at the crowd as the New Directions continued to harmonize behind her.
Wear beaten down eyes sunk
In smoke dried faces
They're so resigned to what their fate is
But not us (no not ever)
But not us (not ever)
We are far too young and clever (Remember)
Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye, aye Artie rolled next to Quinn, and they looked at each other as he sang.
And you'll hum this tune forever
Come on Eileen The group returned to their first pairs, harmonizing behind Finn and performing many spins and twirls.
Oh, I swear (what he means)
Aah, come on let's
Take off everything
That pretty red dress
Eileen (tell him yes)
Aah, come on let's
Aah, come on Eileen
That pretty red dress
Eileen (tell him yes)
Aah, come on let's
Aah, come on Ei, please
Come on Eileen, too-la-rye-aye The teens formed multiple lines, clapping along to the music as Mercedes stepped forward to belt out the notes.
Come on Eileen, too-la-rye-aye
Now you're full grown (toora)
Now you have shown (toora too-la-ra)
Oh, Eileen
Say, come on Eileen (Come on Eileen, too-la-rye-aye, come on Eileen, too-la-rye-aye)
These things they are real and I know
How you feel
Now I must say more than ever (toora toora too-la-ra)
Things 'round here have changed
I say, too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye-aye (Come on Eileen, too-la-rye-aye, come on Eileen, too-la-rye-aye, toora toora too-la-ra)
Come on Eileen The New Directions began doing more dances moves in pairs as the music quickened, Mike and Brittany performing a complicated dance as the other pairs did a simpler one.
Oh, I swear (what he means)
At this moment, you mean everything
You in that dress, my thoughts I confess
Which are dirty
Aah, come on Eileen
Aah, come on Eileen
Oh, I swear (what he means)
At this moment, you mean everything
You in that dress, my thoughts I confess
Well, they're dirty
Come on Eileen
Come on Eileen The group held the note out, harmonizing together as they lifted their right arm up in their signature ending move, dropping their head down as the song finished.
The audience began clapping, the New Directions bowing before leaving the stage. As soon as they got off stage, the teens began yelling in excitement and hugging each other. Finn lifted Alison off the ground as they hugged, holding each tightly.
"Finny, you did so amazing!" Alison exclaimed when Finn set her down. Finn smirked at her in response.
"So did you, Ali. You sounded so hot up there," he said, a slight blush forming on Alison's cheeks. She smiled, leaning up to kiss him. They began kissing before they heard the group groaning behind them.
"You two are ridiculous. Can you go five minutes without practically mauling each other's faces off?" Kurt snarkily said, Alison sticking her tongue out at him. She extracted herself from Finn to give him a hug, squeezing him tightly.
"Love you, Kurt," she said, ruffling his hair slightly. Kurt glared before smiling at her.
"Love you too, Berry," he replied, ruffling her hair. She laughed before turning to the group
"Let's go see how bad our competition is this year, guys," Alison said, laughing when Puck yelled out "Fuck yeah!" The group left backstage, smiling at how well they had done.
-FS-
The New Directions stood together in a group, waiting nervously as they waited for the results to be posted. Kurt excitedly bounded over to them.
"The results are up!" he exclaimed, jumping up and down slightly. The group looked at Will as he nodded, leading the New Directions to the list.
"Mr. Shue, you look," Finn said, holding onto Alison's hand as she held onto Rachel's along with his. Will looked at them with a smile before looking at the list. He stood there silently, his back to the group as they looked at him in nervousness.
"What place did we get?" Rachel called out. Will sighed before turning to look at them with a solemn expression.
"We didn't place, guys. We didn't win," he said, everyone's faces instantly dropping. Tears filled Alison and Rachel's eyes; as a sob ripped from Rachel's throats, both girls began sobbing earnestly, turning to their boyfriends for comfort. Puck and Finn both immediately tried to comfort their girlfriends, trying to hide their own disappointment.
-FS-
It was two days after the New Directions had returned from Nationals. When they first arrived back at the school, all of them were met with multiple slushies to the face, everyone laughing in their faces. After the slushies, the teens were wallowing in self-pity before Will decided to throw them a little party, the teens finally feeling okay with the results of the competition. The next day, they were all back to normal, happy that junior year was finally over.
Finn and Alison were at her house the last day of school, making out on her couch since her parents weren't home, a normal occurrence. Their lips were moving frantically against one another, Finn hovering over his petite girlfriend on the couch. Finn separated their lips as he began kissing down her neck, Alison practically purring with pleasure.
"Finn. Stop," Alison suddenly said, Finn lifted his head from her neck in confusion.
"What's wrong babe? Did I accidentally pull your hair again?" Finn asked. Alison ushered him to get off of her, both of them sitting up to look at each other.
"No. I was just going to suggest that we move this upstairs," Alison suggested, causing Finn to smirk at her.
"We're gonna do more of that, babe?" Alison shook her head before smiling at him.
"No, Finny. I'm finally ready."
"Ready for what?" Finn questioned, confusion clearly written on his face.
"I'm ready, Finn. I'm ready to make love to you," Alison sincerely said, love clearly written on her face. Finn looked at her in uncertainty, although excitement was in his eyes.
"Are you sure, Ali? Because I'm totally cool with what we're doing now," Finn said, causing Alison to smile wider.
"I know. And that's why I know I'm ready. I love you so much and you're the only person that I want to make love to," Alison explained, a smile appearing on Finn's face. He kissed her passionately, cradling her face in his large hands.
"I love you," he whispered tenderly as he pulled away. Alison smiled in response.
"I love you." Alison pulled away and got off the couch, walking a few feet before turning to look behind her.
"You coming?" she said, Finn instantly jumping off the couch and picking her up bridal style, Alison giggling as he carried them up to her room.
-FS-
A.N. This is the last chapter of "Falling Slowly", but my sequel "If This Is It" should be up soon. I received a review asking who would play Alison, and I always pictured a cross between Miranda Kerr and Lea Michele. Seeing as Alison is Rachel's cousin, they should look similar, except that Alison's skin is not as tan as Lea Michele's. Ali sorta looks like Miranda Kerr, but is 5'2 instead of Miranda's 5'9. So, just morph those two in your minds to get Alison.
Anyway, please read and review and look out for my sequel, "If This Is It". I should start writing that soon and then I will try to update as soon as possible.
-FinnHudsonismine5