CHAPTER 36: CHICAGO (PART TWO)
Thankful did not even begin to describe how Sam felt towards his friends, but he was too emotional to truly tell them. He simply whispered thank you to them and asked Will if Blaine could take him back to their room. Will agreed and the two boys left. The rest of the kids waited in his suite as he talked to Cooper and Emma in the hallway.
"I should stay and take care of Sam. Will you two be okay taking the kids to the pier?" he asked.
"I disagree," Cooper stated. "You and Emma should take them. I'll stay here with Blaine and Sam. I used to live in Chicago. I've been to the Navy Pier a million times. You should go with the kids. If you're really being honest with yourself, you know you haven't gotten to know half of these kids yet. Sam will be okay, but you've got an entire group to nurture."
"Will, I've got to agree with Cooper," Emma said. "I think what Sam needs right now is rest and his friends. Not us adults. And Cooper is also right in that I bet there are some of these kids you've yet to have a one-on-one conversations with. You should spend time with them, and it's a chance for us to finally have some fun time together. It might be selfish, but I want to go with you."
Will couldn't help but smile at his fiancée. He turned to Cooper. "Are you sure you don't mind staying with them?"
"Not at all. I'll make sure they're okay. Plus I'd be willing to bet that Blaine isn't the only one that wants to stay with Sam instead of go to the pier."
At the same time, Sebastian, Nick, Blake, and Michael were sitting in Will and Cooper's suite with the others.
"Nick, I need to ask you something?" Sebastian began.
"What is it, babe?" he wondered.
"I know you've really been excited about going to the Pier today, and I want you to go and have a great time, but would it be okay with you if I stayed here? I don't want to leave Sam, not now anyway. Do you understand?" Sebastian looked into his eyes and saw disappointment.
"I really wanted to spend the day with you though," Nick looked sad.
"I know, baby, but I promise I'll make it up to you. Chicago is only a few hours from home. We can come spend time together later this year. I know you're upset, but I just can't leave him today," Sebastian insisted.
"Okay, I guess I can hang out with Michael and Blake today," he insisted.
"Make that just Michael," Blake informed them. "Sam was the only reason I stayed sane this past week. After all he did for me, I can't desert him now. I'm going to hang here with Sebastian. You and Michael will have a good time. Hang out with the girls. It will be fun."
"You don't have to try to sell us on it, Blake. We get it. Nick and I will have a great time. Just the two of us, right, Nick?" Michael suggested.
"Yeah, we will," Nick weakly smiled and looked at Sebastian with sad eyes.
"Don't be mad," Sebastian whispered to his boyfriend. "Please understand."
"I do. It's fine, Sebastian. Take care of Sam," he said.
Blake got up to walk over to Mr. Schuester, but Sebastian sat watching Nick do his best not to look back at him.
"Sebastian, are you coming?" Blake asked.
"Yeah," he answered getting up and leaving Nick and Michael behind. The two boys walked over to the chaperones.
"Mr. Schuester," Blake began. "Sebastian and I don't want to go to the Pier. If it's okay with you we'd like to stay and hang out with Sam and try to cheer him up."
"Told you," Conner whispered in a very animated voice.
"Are you sure, guys?" Mr. Schue asked.
"It's not like this would be the first time I put everything aside to help Sam, and Blake and Sam have been getting that way. We promise, Mr. Schue. This is what we want," Sebastian insisted.
"Okay, but you have to check in with Cooper. He's going to be staying with you," Mr. Schuester stated.
"Definitely," Blake smiled. The two boys ran out the door before Will could change his mind.
Before Will could say anything else he saw Mike walking toward him with Tina, Sunshine, Lily, and Kallie.
"Wait, let me guess, you want to stay here too, right?" he asked.
"He's my best friend, Mr. Schue. I just wouldn't feel right going out and having a fun day when he's here like this," Mike told him.
"I agree," Tina added. "He and Blaine and I are three of a kind now. I want to be there for them."
"They're here for Sam, I want to stay so someone will keep watch on Blaine and make sure he's okay," Sunshine explained.
"Those are my boys, Mr. Schue. I'd really like to stay and help them," Lily expressed.
"Sam helped create the memorial for my parents. I just want to show him my support now," Kallie said.
Will actually felt better knowing that Sam would be taken care of. He agreed for the girls and Mike to stay. As they left, he got the attention of the rest of the group. "Alright, listen guys. We are going to head down to the Navy Pier. I want you all to stay in groups of at least three and make sure you eat while we are down there because when we get back we'll only have an hour before we have to go to sound check. "
Upstairs, Sam lay in their bed with Blaine holding him. The crying had stopped, and now he just felt weak and tired. He held Blaine's arms tightly around him just because he needed to know he was there. For Blaine's part, he knew he didn't need to say anything to Sam; he just needed to make sure his presence was with him. He knew that when the time was right, Sam would start talking, but until then, he would hold on to him tight and be his rock.
"I love you, Blaine," Sam whispered so low Blaine nearly missed it.
"I love you, Sam," he whispered back and kissed the back of his head.
"Can we just stay like this all day?" Sam asked.
"For as long as you want too," Blaine replied.
Sam turned his body so that he was facing Blaine. Touching his forehead to Blaine's he reached down and laced his fingers through Blaine's and pulled their hands up to his heart and held on tight. Blaine leaned in and kissed Sam softly on the lips. The blonde breathed deeply into the kiss, and reached with his lips for a second one before opening his eyes and asking Blaine, "So what's next?"
"Next?" Blaine smiled. "Next, you and I get to be happy. I know there are still issues out there. We don't know what's going on with Kurt or with Sebastian's father, but none of that matters because it's just you and me from now on, kid. We've both faced our demons and we made it passed them. We're just a week away from starting our senior year together and I love you so much. That's what matters. You and me making this the best year of our lives."
"I want to talk to you about something that I haven't told anyone, but now seems like as good a time as any," Sam looked in his eyes for reassurance.
"What is it?" Blaine smiled in anticipation. "I can see it in your eyes that you want to tell me."
"I know that NYADA is your dream, but what if it was our dream. I want to be an actor. I want to apply to acting schools like NYADA and Tisch and U of Chicago, but I really hope that you will still want to be with me so we can go to New York together," Sam revealed.
Blaine's face beamed. He rolled Sam over onto his back and kissed him. He looked at Sam with the biggest smile on his face. "Sam, do you know how long I've wanted the same thing. God, I love you, and I want to go on this adventure with you far past high school. I mean this year is going to be incredible, but to have you in New York with me. Working on our careers and supporting each other. I know in the grand scheme of things we haven't been together that long, but believe me when I say that what you just said is exactly what I want!"
"So then that's what's next. You and me together for senior year and then we move to New York together?" Sam began to smile.
"Yes, baby, just you and me!" Blaine kissed him again. They took a moment to just look into each other's eyes and smile.
It was Sam that realized music was playing in the other room. "Do you hear that?" he asked Blaine.
"Yeah, it sounds like someone is singing along, listen," Blaine suggested.
In fact, he was right. All of their friends that insisted on staying were now in the main room of the boys' suite. Blake played his guitar and Kallie was playing the portable keyboard they had with them.
"Do you recognize the song?" Blaine asked.
Sam smiled. "Yeah."
(Who Says by Selena Gomez)
(Performed by Kallie Anderson, Lily Mae Arnett, Tina Cohen-Chang, and Sunshine Corazon)
(Version sung by Caitlin Hart and Alex G on YouTube)
Sam sits up and moves to the end of the bed to listen and see if he's right about the song. Blaine moves behind him and puts his arms around his neck.
LILY: You made me insecure, told me I wasn't good enough. But who are you to judge when you're a diamond in the rough. I'm sure you got some things you'd like to change about yourself. But when it comes to me I wouldn't wanna be anybody else.
"They're singing to you, baby," Blaine whispered. "They love you too."
Sam didn't respond he just listened.
KALLIE: Na na na na na na na na na na na na na; Na na na na na na na na na na na na na.
LILY: I'm no beauty queen. I'm just beautiful me.
KALLIE: Na na na na na na na na na na na na na; Na na na na na na na na na na na na na.
LILY: You've got every right to a beautiful life.
Sam stood from the bed and walked over to the door. He wasn't ready to open it yet but he was making progress.
SUNSHINE: Who says? Who says you're not perfect? Who says you're not worth it? Who says you're the only one that's hurting? Trust me, that's the price of beauty. Who says you're not pretty? Who says you're not beautiful? Who says?
"All you have to do is open the door. We're all here for you. First step to the new life we just talked about," Blaine told Sam.
TINA: It's such a funny thing. How nothing's funny when it's you. You tell 'em what you mean, but they keep whiting out the truth. It's like a work of art that never gets to see the light. Keep you beneath the stars, won't let you touch the sky.
Sam opened the door and it got everyone in the room's attention.
KALLIE: Na na na na na na na na na na na na na; Na na na na na na na na na na na na na.
LILY: I'm no beauty queen. I'm just beautiful me.
Sam and Blaine walked into the room. Sam leaned against the door and Blaine held on to him.
KALLIE: Na na na na na na na na na na na na na; Na na na na na na na na na na na na na.
LILY: You've got every right to a beautiful life.
The four girls all looked at Sam and smiled. This was for him. This was their way of building him back up, and it was only the beginning.
SUNSHINE: Who says? Who says you're not perfect? Who says you're not worth it? Who says you're the only one that's hurting?
LILY: Trust me, that's the price of beauty. Who says you're not pretty? Who says you're not beautiful? Who says?
TINA: Who says you're not star potential? Who says you're not presidential? Who says you can't be in movies? Listen to me, listen to me.
KALLIE: Who says you can't pass the test? Who says you can't be the best? Who said? Who said? Won't you tell me who said that?
ALL: Who says? Who says you're not perfect? Who says you're not worth it? Who says you're the only one that's hurting? Trust me, that's the price of beauty. Who says you're not pretty? Who says you're not beautiful? Who says? Who?
Sam, overcome with emotion just mouthed the words "thank you" to girls. This time, the emotion was positive. He felt good for the first time that day. Tina ran over to him and hugged him.
"I love you, Sam. I'm sorry today has sucked so bad, but we're going to help make it better."
"You already are," he said.
The Pier
When the rest of New Directions arrived at the Pier they broke into four groups. Puck immediately pulled Brittany, Artie, and Sugar with him. Joe put together a group of Jacob, Jessie, Shanna, Mia, and Aylin. Emma and Will went off on their own and before she knew it, Lindsey was left with Michael and Nick.
"Well this is an interesting group," she smiled.
"One day. That's all you get," Nick almost barked.
"What are you talking about?" she questioned.
"Nick doesn't want to give you a second chance, and I'm still trying to convince myself that I should," Michael explained. "So what he means is you have one day to convince both of us not to permanently put you on our enemy list and keep you away from Blake forever."
"I still don't like you," Nick insisted on telling her. "What you did for Kallie was really nice . . . classy, even. But one right doesn't make up for all the wrongs. It's not enough. I don't trust you."
"Understood," she said. "You don't really have a reason too. So why don't we go play some carnival games and you can hit me with your best shot."
"You mean I can really hit you?" Nick perked up.
"I think she means with the questions you want to ask, Nick," Michael told him.
"Damn," he said but obviously joking.
The three of them walked down and found a booth selling drinks. The heat was getting to them already so Lindsey treated them to frozen pineapple juice. After playing two games, Michael stepped into the bathroom leaving Lindsey alone with Nick.
"So am I allowed to attempt an apology with you? We've never had a conversation passed screaming," she wondered.
"You can attempt to apologize, but I don't have to accept it," Nick snapped.
"Well, let me start by asking you a question. Do you think if I'd never made that stupid ass statement at prom we would have been less than enemies?" she asked.
"I think we should start with why the hell you thought it was okay to make that statement in the first place," Nick suggested.
Lindsey pointed to a table near the food court area where they could sit while they waited on Michael.
"I know you probably won't believe me, but what I said actually had very little to do with you. I was mad at Blake and I knew that you being his friend would be something that would make him mad. Had Michael been in high school at that point it would probably have been him instead of you because the way that he looks at Blake is so much more obvious than you ever were," Lindsey revealed. "And if I'm being completely honest with you, I really didn't think that if it came down between a choice of you or me that I would even stand a chance so I jeopardized things before it came to that. I didn't want to get dumped for a guy."
"Blake's straight, Lindsey, you know that," Nick wasn't sure he believed her.
"Sex isn't the only thing a person can get dumped for," Lindsey corrected him. "He was emotionally involved with you more than me. Blake has this deep seeded need to take care of you and Michael. I've often wondered why you don't get annoyed with it. It would drive me crazy for one of my friends to think that I couldn't take care of myself."
"It's sweet how he takes care of us, but it does get old sometimes," Nick confessed. "We're the same age, and I'm not a weakling. I can take care of myself."
Lindsey paused for a moment and her face softened. It was something Nick couldn't help but notice.
"I'm sorry you got caught in the middle of it, and I'm sorry I was a bitch about it. I didn't really even know you outside of your relationship with Blake. I hope you also know it wasn't about you being bisexual either. I mean, it was about your liking Blake and me thinking you might take him from me, but it wasn't about the main idea. I mean Brittany and Santana are two of my closest friends. I love Sam and Blaine too. I just wanted you to know that I don't care about that. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I do apologize," she admitted.
"That almost seemed sincere," he said trying to read her expression.
"Like I said, I don't expect you to believe me, but I'm glad you heard me out," she returned as Michael rejoined them.
"What are you two talking about?" Michael asked.
"Lindsey was just apologizing," Nick smirked.
"And do we believe her?" Michael wondered.
"Why? Would you accept her apology?" Nick asked Michael.
"I think I already have. She was genuine when we spoke the other day. I don't think she was mad at me, I think she was pissed at Blake. I also think she was worried I'd bring Blake over to our side and it wasn't like she was making that up. I was totally trying to do that," Michael confessed.
"I'm still not convinced that you won't succeed, but that's not my issue anymore. You boys can have him," Lindsey admitted.
"Seriously? You're just going to give him up like that?" Michael was surprised.
"I made the same dumbass mistake twice. I'd be so stupid to risk doing it again. I'm just hoping he'll want to be my friend in the future. I was serious when I said I feel like I need to be alone for a while and just figure out who I am," Lindsey professed.
"Okay, Lindsey, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt, but that doesn't mean that I'm not watching to see where your head is at. I still think you could have other motives, but it's not like I can say anything," Nick said.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"I can get jealous too," Nick admitted. "I got mad at Sebastian earlier because he stayed with Sam instead of coming here with me. He knew that this was the main thing I was looking forward to on the trip and he just blew me off to stay with Sam."
"Hmm," was all Lindsey said which made Michael laugh and give his devious look.
"What does that mean?" Nick asked.
"I just apologized so I don't want to turn around and insult you," she smiled.
"I don't ever recall a time that Lindsey Black held back her words so why start now," he pushed her.
"Fine, but you asked for it," she relented. "I think it's rather ironic that you get pissed at me for being jealous and doing what I do, but your boyfriend wants to spend the afternoon with his best friend on the day that Sam's life completely changes and you get pissed. I think it's a little clingy. I mean at least on my end, I thought the people Blake was with wanted to sleep with him. I don't think you have that same problem."
"That's what you think," Nick said under his breath.
"What?!" Lindsey and Michael both blurted out.
"Nick, that's a pretty big accusation to say that Sam wants to sleep with Sebastian," Michael pointed out.
"I'm not talking about Sam. I'm talking about Sebastian," Nick confessed.
"Well, you know that we are going to sit here until you tell us. There is no way that Michael are I are going anywhere until we here this story," Lindsey smirked.
"Oh geez, I was about to say the same thing," Michael realized. "We might be the same person. Oh that's scary." The last part he said to himself.
"When we were in Orlando, and Sebastian found out about what his father did to Sam and it really hit him hard. We were in his room alone and he asked me to distract him," Nick began.
"So you let him fuck you," Michael assumed like it was no big deal. "Get to the good stuff."
Nick stared at his friend with spite for assuming correctly, but it wasn't something he planned to share with Lindsey. "He was lying in my arms and I started asking like fun sex questions just to get him to joke around and think of other things. Well I asked him if he could pick any of the guys for us to have a threesome with whom would he choose. Without missing a beat, he said Sam."
"He does have a perfect ass," Lindsey stated.
"And a big dick," Michael commented before seeing both Lindsey and Nick look at him with accusation. "What? I saw it in the showers after football."
"Anyway," Nick shook his head at his friend. "Ever since then, I see him looking at Sam and I'm sure it's nothing but just knowing that information makes me wonder."
"What was your answer?" Lindsey asked.
"What do you mean?"
"There's no way he answered that question without making you answer it too. So who did you tell him?"
Nick's eyes deceived him as he quickly turned them to Michael and blushed. Lindsey caught it. She turned to Michael and saw him blushing as well.
"Oh my . . . you two fucked didn't you? Nick, you did not cheat on Sebastian, did you?" she asked.
"No!" he defended himself. "But Michael and I did, well you know.'
"How is that not cheating?" she accused. She stared and Nick and turned to Michael and realized the answer. "Unless, you didn't just think about having a three-way? You three totally roughed it up together, didn't you?"
Neither answered.
"Wow, not only did you do the nasty together, you want to do it again," she read between the lines.
"We can't. Sebastian doesn't want to share me," Nick revealed.
"Doesn't mean you don't want to strip this boy down and do him again," Lindsey suggested. "And before you try to deny it, all I need are the looks you two have given each other for the last minute and the knowledge of how long you've been friends to know I'm right no matter what you say."
Nick just stared at the ground. Lindsey turned to Michael and caught him staring directly at Nick. Michael realized she was watching him. "What changed this time?"
Her voice was curious but not malicious. He knew that she was actually trying to help.
"We kissed," Michael whispered. "We've played around before, but we never kissed. We did this time though."
"And you felt something," her hand reached out and held Michael's. She turned to Nick. "And so did you, but you also love Sebastian. This kind of sucks."
"Tell me about it," Nick suggested.
"I'm sorry," Lindsey said. "I won't tell anyone. I won't tell you what to do either, but you know if you two do anything again, this doesn't end well, right?"
They both nodded. Lindsey looked up trying to find something to do that would get their minds off of things. Down the pier she saw an advertisement that was perfect. "Come on, follow me."
The boys followed her down the pier and into one of those walk in recording studios. She walked directly up to the nerdy guy running the counter and immediately charmed him. He went to set the booth up.
"What are you doing?" Nick questioned.
"There is just too much angst in this group right now, so let's do what we do best. Sing a song about it and get it out of our system," she winked.
"I don't want too," Nick sat down in the lobby.
"Fine, you don't have too. Michael and I can do a duet, and personally I think it's the perfect song for you two and your, um, situation."
She handed Michael the lyrics and he smiled recognizing the song. They walked back to the booth and Nick stood outside to watch.
(What the Hell by Avril Lavigne)
(Performed by Lindsey Black and Michael Burke)
(based on YouTube version by Jake Coco and Kaitlin Hart)
MICHAEL: You say that I'm messing with your head; All because I was making out with your friend.
He can't help but look out of the booth window at Nick as he sings.
MICHAEL: Love hurst whether it's right or wrong. I can't stop cuz I'm having too much fun. You're on your knees, begging please
BOTH: Stay with me. But honestly I just need to be a little crazy.
LINDSEY: All my life I've been good, but now whoa, I'm thinking what the hell. All I want is to mess around, and I, I, I don't really care about . . .
BOTH: If you love me, if you hate me, you can't save me baby . . . baby. All my life I've been good, but now, whoooooooa what the hell!
Nick is caught in Michael's gaze. He can't help but feel his heart racing. The only way he can break it is to walk away so he does. Lindsey reaches out and grabs Michael's hand so he knows that he has a friend in this.
MICHAEL: So what? If I go out on a million dates?
LINDSEY: You never call me back or listen to me anyway
MICHAEL: I'd rather rage than sit around on you and wait all day
LINDSEY: Don't get me wrong, I just need some time to play.
BOTH: You're on your knees, begging please, stay with me. But honestly I just need to be a little crazy. All my life I've been good, but now whoa, I'm thinking what the hell. All I want is too mess around and I, I, I don't really care about. If you love me. If you hate me. You can't save me. Baby, baby. All my life I've been good, but now. Whoooooa what the hell.
MICHAEL: Whoooooa what the hell!
LINDSEY: Whooooah what the hell!
BOTH: Whooooah what the hell!
Further down the Navy Pier, Puck and his crew had just gotten off the huge Ferris Wheel and were sharing a pizza when he told them that there were two things he needed to talk to them about.
"So, my Dad who I get most of my man whorish tendencies from has moved back in with my mom and they are going to try and work things out," he announced.
"Puck, that's good though, right?" Sugar assumed.
"Not real sure about that, but the surprise to all of us is that I have a brother. Seems all the times he was out of town was because he had this other wife and family in Columbus and we didn't know about it. Well the kid's mom died last winter which explains why my father came snooping around home again. I went home when Mike visited you guys and I met the kid. I still hate my Dad, but the kid is cool. Mom has legally adopted him with my dad since they never divorced it was pretty easy. Anyway, he's going to be a freshman at McKinley this fall, and I really need to count on you guys to take care of him, okay?"
"Another little Puck running around? That's dangerous," Brittany laughed.
"What's his name?" Artie asked.
"Jake Puckerman," Puck answered.
"But we already have a Jake. That will be so confusing," Brittany said already getting confused.
"Shanna made him change his name to Jacob remember? She has total control over that boy," Sugar smiled thinking how much fun that would be.
"Good thing. Two Jakes would be so confusing. Jake and Jacob I can handle and it won't make my head hurt," Brittany thought aloud.
"We've got you, Puck. We'll take care of your little bro," Artie said with a fist bump. "What the other thing you needed to tell us?"
"Okay, I'm going to tell you but you've got to promise not to say anything to Blaine or Sam or Tina or anyone until after the show tonight, okay?" Puck insisted.
They all nodded their understanding.
"Kurt is in the hospital. Santana told Mike and I last night. We knew all that Sam would go through today so we didn't want to put more on him," Puck said.
"Don't you think they'd get some satisfaction out of Kurt being hurt after everything he did to them?" Sugar asked like it was the most obvious thing in the world to her.
"I don't know where their heads are about stuff like that, but I do know that, according to Santana, he got the shit beat out of him by Charles Smythe," Puck revealed.
"Sebastian's dad?" Sugar thought how weird that was.
"Wait? You talked to Santana this morning? I haven't talked to her in three days. Why did she call you?" Brittany felt hurt by this.
"I don't know, Brittany. She probably didn't want to worry you," Puck answered knowing that the real reason was because Santana knew Brittany couldn't keep the secret. After all Brittany told Sam's secret to her and Santana had told Puck before she knew it was a secret to be kept.
"Will he be okay?" Artie seemed to be the only one focused on Kurt.
"Yeah, he's just got to recover from the injuries. Hopefully by the time you guys get to New York he'll be able to see you," Puck believed.
"I don't want to see him," Sugar scoffed. "Not after what he wrote about me. He's lucky I didn't send my daddy's hitmen after him."
"Anyway," Puck continued while wondering if her dad really did have hitmen. She's going to send me an update tonight after the concert. I figure we tell them then."
"Maybe you can tell her to remember to call me," Brittany snapped and left the table to throw her trash away. She looked across at the other group from New Directions sitting and laughing. They all looked so happy except for Jessie. Brittany wondered what could be wrong with the girl.
Jessie was sitting with the two happy couples, Mia and Joe, Shanna and her brother Jacob, and Aylin.
"Are you going to be depressed all day?" Aylin asked. "We are in a beautiful place on a beautiful day. What is wrong?"
"Look at them," Jessie said pointing to the two couples. "Look how happy they are. I can honestly say that I've never seen my brother this happy in our entire lives. Shanna is so good to him, and she's even become a good friend to me. Then there is Mia and Joe. They're probably the two most moral people in our group and the fact that they found something together makes me happy. I've also noticed that after Mia's sister gave her approval in LA that she has opened herself up to him more. Joe obviously likes her."
"So what? You're saying that you're lonely?" Aylin wondered.
"Yeah, I am. Knowing that everyone is happy around you and being the person that has a crush but doesn't have the relationship is hard. I want someone to love me too and it sucks not having that," Jessie said.
"Just wait until we get back to school. There are so many hot guys at McKinley. You're going to absolutely love it," Aylin stated.
"Yeah, I guess I will," Jessie fake smiled at her wondering how she would feel if she knew her secret.
"So Joe, I've got a question for you?" Shanna called across the table.
"What is it?" his said with his arms around Mia and her head on his shoulder.
"I remember you saying like four cities ago that you were going to sing for Mia. I want to see it," Shanna winked at Mia.
"Yeah, me too," Mia smiled.
"You'll get it when you least expect it," Joe raised an eyebrow. "I'm full of surprises."
Jacob laughed. 'You have no idea."
Joe turned to him and gave him an odd look. He wondered if the comment had to do with the secret he revealed to the guys in Seattle.
"What does that mean?" Shanna asked with curiosity.
"Just means my boy over there is self-sufficient. He can take care of himself," Jacob tried to hold in his laughter. "So if he says he has something special in store for Mia I say wait for it. I'm sure it's huge!"
"Cute," Joe said trying to cover up his embarrassment.
"No harm man, I'm just trying to set you up," Jacob smiled.
They heard a guitar begin to play. Joe and Mia turned to see a street musician had opened his guitar case next to the railing and began playing hoping people would donate to him. Joe got up from the table and walked over to the guy.
"I'll give you $20 if you let me borrow your guitar and whatever money you make while I play you keep. How does that sound?" he asked.
The guy agreed and handed his guitar over and Joe started playing.
(It Girl by Jason Derulo)
(Performed by Joe Hart and Mia Jones)
Joe stared directly at Mia as he began to sing.
JOE: I've been looking under rocks and breaking locks just tryna find ya. I've been like a maniac insomniac five steps behind you. Tell them other girls, they can hit the exit check please . . . cause I finally found the girl of my dreams. Much more than a Grammy award. That's how much you mean to me.
Jacob decided to back him up with a harmony line on the chorus.
JOE: You could be my it girl. Baby, you're the shi-girl. Lovin' you could be a crime. Crazy how we fit girl. This is it girl. Give me 25 to life. I just wanna rock all night long. And put you in the middle of my spotlight. You could be my it girl. You're the biggest hit girl. Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like . . .
GIRLS: Oh oh oh oh
JOE: Let me play it loud let me play it loud like
GIRLS: Oh oh oh oh
JOE: Let me play it loud.
Mia surprised Joe by getting up and singing the second verse to him. He was completely unaware that people all around the Navy Pier were stopping to listen. Several were throwing money into the guitar case as well.
MIA: You can't help but turn them heads, knockin' them dead. Dropping like flies around you if I get your body close not letting go hoping you're about to. Tell them other girls they can lose your number you're done! They don't get another shot cause you're . . . love drunk. Like a TV show playing reruns. Every chance I get Imma turn you on.
JOEMIA: You could be my it girl, Baby you're the shi-girl. Lovin' you could be a crime. Crazy how we fit girl. This is it girl. Give me 25 to life. I just wanna rock all night long. And put you in the middle of my spotlight. You could be my it girl. You're the biggest hit girl Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like . . .
GIRLS: Oh oh oh oh
JOE: Let me play it loud let me play it loud like
GIRLS: Oh oh oh oh
JOE: Let me play it loud.
The rest of the little group was now up and dancing around and joining in on the fun. The guitar case easily had over a hundred dollars in it now so the street musician was freaking out.
JOE: Can't seem to stop you from . . . from running, running through my, through my mind, mind. Just keep it coming, coming til I make you mine, mine. You've got that something, something. I wanna be with girl. You're my greatest hit girl. Just say this is it girl . . .
JOE: You could be my it girl, Baby you're the shi-girl. Lovin' you could be a crime. Crazy how we fit girl. This is it girl. Give me 25 to life. I just wanna rock all night long. And put you in the middle of my spotlight. You could be my it girl. You're the biggest hit girl Let me play it loud, let me play it loud like . . .
GIRLS: Oh oh oh oh
JOE: Let me play it loud let me play it loud like
GIRLS: Oh oh oh oh
JOE: Let me play it loud.
"Wow, man!" the street musician said. "This is more than I make in a day usually. Thanks so much!"
"No problem," Joe smiled reaching out and lacing his fingers through Mia's.
"Joe?" she asked.
He turned to her.
"Take me on the ferris wheel?"
"Anything for my girl," he said leaning down to kiss her soft lips.
Back in the hotel, Sam sat with Kallie and Sebastian in the living room of the suite. The others went to the McDonald's next to the hotel to get food, and planned to bring food back to the three of them.
"Do you realize how much the three of us have in common now?" Kallie asked as she went over to pull three water bottles out of the mini-frig. She came back in and sat on the sofa handing one to Sam sitting on the other side and the other to Sebastian sitting on the floor.
"Well we probably already did since we're all in Glee, but how so now?" Sebastian asked.
"Well, we've all been abandoned by fathers for one. I know it wasn't in the same way, but I see all three of us reacting the same way. We've all retreated, put on brave faces acting like nothing is wrong. That works until it gets to be too much and we have a breakdown. Am I accurate here?"
Sebastian looked at Sam and they both nodded.
"I spent the first half of the tour bottled up inside my own head. I haven't gotten to know very many people in the group," she turned to Sam. "Outside of Blaine, there's you, who I only got to know because of Blaine, and then there's Michael who I've had some great conversations with. Sebastian, I think this is the first time you and I've actually been in a conversation together."
"I think you're right," he realized. "I didn't realize you and Michael were so close."
"He's a great guy. He's the kind of guy I usually fall for. I mean not like with him, but who knows. It's just nice to think about and get your mind off of things."
Again, Sam and Sebastian shared a knowing glance.
"Kallie, you do realize Michael is a little . . . unconventional?" Sam posed.
"He hasn't told me, Sam, but no one misses how he looks at Blake and Nick. It's pretty obvious. It's not how best friends look at each other. But Nick told me he has liked girls in the past too. So who knows? I'm not that conventional either," Kallie mentioned.
"You think he looks at Nick the way he looks at Blake?" Sebastian questioned.
Sam saw the look in Sebastian's eyes. It was worry. He'd been so worried about his own situation he hadn't paid attention to what was going on in his friends' lives. Why was Sebastian worried about Nick all of a sudden?
"It's not as often, but there's definitely something going on there. I mean they have hooked up in the past. I think it happened last year or the year before. I'm not sure. I'm sure that's all it is," Kallie assumed.
Sebastian didn't respond. His mind was on the fact that Nick had hooked up with Michael before their three-way and never told him. He asked himself if this changed things. He didn't know how to answer it.
"The father thing," Sam tried to change the subject. "I guess you're right about that. I'm glad we're all moving on from it though. I mean Blaine's parents are amazing and I know that you are the daughter they've wanted, and Will is an awesome dad. He's been there for me so much. We're lucky."
"I'm not," Sebastian accepted.
"What do you mean?" Kallie wondered.
"You and Sam get new beginnings, but I'm in the same place. My Dad still has everything in life he wants and all his millions and millions in funds and I'm living in a house with my mom that we don't even own. I'm wearing clothes that I couldn't even afford and my friends bought for me. I have no car and I'm poor. This is just so not who I am but it's who I am now, and I don't know this person. I know that everyone hated the old me, but there are times that I miss just being myself."
"Don't give me that," Sam stopped him. "All the other stuff, I understand. You've been through a hell of a lot and that bastard owes you and I'm going to do what I can to help you get it, but don't say that asshole that you used to be is who you really are because I've seen who you really are."
"Really, Sam?" Sebastian asked with ridicule but had hope in his eyes. "Who am I, really?"
"You're broken just like me. You want to be loved, just like I do. You feel like because of things that you've done in your past that no one can truly love you, and we share that as well. You know, I dealt with that by putting a smile on my face and acting like everything was perfect all the time. You became the version of Sebastian that we all met first and hated, but after one day with you one on one I realized that wasn't who you were. That Sebastian would have stayed with his father because he didn't want to risk not having the money and the lifestyle. He never would have chosen to stay in a shelter with his mom. That Sebastian never would have single-handedly started a movement to help that shelter out and make it what it is now. That Sebastian is someone I would never think of like a brother, but the person sitting in front of me now, is. Seb, I get that things are tough for you, and you're right, Kallie and I do have new fathers, so to speak, but you might not have gotten a new father, but you did get a new family. I don't call someone my brother if I don't mean it. So don't insult my brother by saying that the real him is that ass from Dalton. Because the truth is, the real Sebastian is who is sitting in front of me now and he's ten times the man that Warbler was."
"I wish everyone saw me like that," Sebastian whispered.
"I do," Kallie spoke up. "I didn't know this old version of you, but as an outsider looking in I've never seen you do a single thing that indicates you being selfish or evil. You have always been kind and considerate to me and all the new kids in glee. Everyone loves you. Nick adores you. I can't even imagine why you would think you're alone. I've never met your mom either, but you can bet when this trial starts I'll be in her corner with you and so will everyone else. Don't be down on yourself, Sebastian. Life is so short, and you never know when you will lose the people you love so cherish every day with them. Don't waste one feeling sorry for yourself."
Before Sebastian could respond the others returned with their lunch. The room filled with noise and laughter and three friends, who had just shared such a tender moment together, allowed this intrusion to happen. They grabbed their food and began to eat as everyone started talking about several things.
"So you've got to tell Sam about this morning," Blaine insisted talking to Lily and Blake.
"What happened?" Sam wondered.
"It seems as if the friendly Warblers have turned evil," Mike joked.
"Laugh if you want, but that new head Warbler is crazy!" Lily added.
"Total bitch," Sebastian rolled his eyes at him.
"You were there too?" Sam asked.
"Definitely, that's how it started. That little punk, Abraham went after Sebastian and Blaine," Blake told Sam.
"What happened then?" Sam wanted to know.
"Lindsey happened that's what," Kallie laughed.
"Yeah, her evil powers are amazing when they're directed at someone else," Blake pointed out.
"She managed to trick them into an accapella sing-off and we beat the crap out of the Warblers at their own game," Lily smirked.
"They were really good. Alicia Keys is the only one that can sing Alicia Keys that good!" Blake said proud of them.
Sebastian got up and asked to speak with Blake in private so they walked into their bedroom. Sam was sure he knew what it was about but wanted to let Sebastian deal with this on his own. He would come to him if he needed help.
"What's up?" Blake asked shutting the door.
"I need to ask you a question, and I promise I'm not trying to pry in on your friendship with Nick, but I really need you to be honest with me, okay?"
Blake saw the sadness in Sebastian's eyes and knew something was wrong.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Before Nick and I started dating did he and Michael ever fool around?" Sebastian asked.
Blake was taken aback by the question and unsure how to answer. He opted for the truth. "Yes, they did. I don't know really what they did, but I know they hooked up, but it doesn't matter now. I mean Nick loves you he talks about you all the time. He'd never cheat on you."
"Yeah," Sebastian sat on the bed and looked at the floor. "Thanks, Blake, for being honest with me. I appreciate it."
He expected Blake to leave but he didn't. He sat next to Sebastian on the bed. "What's wrong?"
"Hypothetically speaking, of course because you're not gay, but hypothetically, if you and Lindsey were still dating and she suggested having a three-way and brought this other guy in and you agreed and had a lot of fun, but then afterwards you found out that she used to date that guy too, how would that make you feel?" Sebastian turned and stared into Blake's eyes.
Blake now knew exactly what happened. He was surprised nick suggested it, and even more surprised Michael did it considering how he'd been feeling the last several days.
"Do you love Nick?" Blake asked.
"Completely. He's the only person I've ever loved," Sebastian admitted.
"Then ask him. He's the only person that can truly answer your question. If he loves you the way you love him he'll understand why you're asking," Blake suggested. "Nick is my boy and I love the kid, but he's not always thinking things through before he does them. But, the kid had a heart as big as Texas. If he knew this was how you felt, he'd want to fix it."
Across in the other bedroom, Mike pulled Sam in to talk.
"So I've really got to run something by you, and I'm freaking out," Mike was all smiles.
"What is it?" Sam felt happy again just watching his friend.
"Remember right before we parted in the Orlando airport I told you I made a big decision about Tina?"
"Yeah, then we didn't get to talk about it because I got pulled away," Sam remembered.
"I'm going to ask her to marry me," Mike blurted out unable to hold it in anymore.
"What?!" Sam was in shock. "Are you kidding me? That's awesome! Are you really ready for that?"
"I love her, Sam. As crazy as it is, our little test we had in Orlando told me exactly how much I love her. I can't even imagine life without her. I know this next year will be crazy with her in Lima and me in Chicago, but I want to be with her. Am I crazy?" Mike asked his best friend.
"Crazy in love," Sam grinned. "I'm happy for you man, and I promise I'll take care of your girl and watch out for her while you're gone."
"Thanks man!" Mike hugged him.
"So when are you going to do this?" Sam asked.
"Don't tell anyone because it's a secret but Mr. Schue got them to agree to fly in Puck, Mercedes and I to New York so that the old New Directions can all perform together in Radio City Music Hall. I want to propose to her in New York!"
"That will be awesome. Can I help?" Sam wanted to know.
"Yeah, I'll let you know how once we get there," Mike agreed.
Sam gave him another hug and they walked back into the main room.
"So, guys we have to be on our best game tonight. With The Warblers and Vocal Adrenaline in the audience, we've got to show them exactly why they don't stand a chance in hell of beating us," Blaine was telling the others.
"Don't worry," Sam said and when everyone turned to him they saw the old Sam smile back across his face. "There's one number in particular that with the added effects we have working tonight is going to rock their socks off."
(Tour Song #17 – Singing in the Rain/Umbrella Mash Up – Glee Cast Version)
(Performed by Sam Evans, Brittany Pierce and New Directions)
The screens behind the stage filled with lightning and water began to fall like a waterfall on the back of the stage. The audience went crazy for the special effects which included a misting of the audience.
BRITTANY: Uh-huh, uh-huh
ARTIE: Yeah, Brittany
BRITTANY: Uh-huh, uh-huh
ARTIE: Good girl gone bad
BRITTANY: Uh-huh, uh-huh
ARTIE: Take three . . . action!
BRITTANY: Uh-huh, uh-huh
ARTIE: Woah!
Brittany takes center stage in her overcoat, fedora and umbrella and she and the girls dance as she sings.
BRITTANY: You have my heart and we'll never be worlds apart. May be in magazines, but you'll still be my star. Baby, cause in the dark. You can't see shiny cars. And that's when you need me there. With you I'll always share. 'Cause I
Sam comes through the middle entrance of the stage with the rest of the boys in their Singing in the Rain Costumes and Umbrellas.
SAM: I'm singin' in the rain.
ND: We'll shine together
SAM: Just singin' in the rain
ND: We'll be forever
SAM: What a glorious feeling
ND: Be a friend
SAM: And I'm happy again.
ND: Stick it out 'til the end.
SAM: I'm laughing at clouds
ND: More than ever
SAM: So dark, up above
ND: We'll share each other.
SAM: I'm singin', singin' in the rain
ND: Umbrella
ALL: You can stand under my umbrella (ella, ella, eh, eh, eh) Under my umbrella (ella, ella, eh eh eh eh eh eh.
Their teammates made two groups on either side of them as Brittany and Sam stood under an umbrella and the video screens made it look like water was falling on them
SAM/BRITTANY: These fancy things will never come in between. You're part of my entity here for infinity. When the world has took its part. When the world has dealt is cards. If the hand is hard together we'll mend your heart. 'Cause I . . .
The entire group gets together in formation and does a dance with the umbrellas.
SAM: I'm singin' in the rain.
ND: We'll shine together
SAM: Just singin' in the rain
ND: We'll be forever
SAM: What a glorious feeling
ND: Be a friend
SAM: And I'm happy again.
ND: Stick it out 'til the end.
SAM: I'm laughing at clouds
ND: More than ever
SAM: So dark, up above
ND: We'll share each other.
SAM: I'm singin', singin' in the rain
ND: Umbrella
ALL: You can stand under my umbrella
SAM: Umbrella
ALL: Ella, ella, eh eh eh
SAM: Just singin' in the rain
ALL: Under my umbrella
SAM: What a glorious feeling And I'm happy again.
The song continued repeating the chorus until the ending. The audience went crazy setting up New Directions for their Nationals routine that won them the championship.
When they arrived back in the lobby of the hotel, Mr. Schuester had the entire group sit in a far corner to speak to all of his kids.
"Guys, you had an amazing show tonight, and I am really proud of you and how amazing you guys have been through this tour. You know, it's almost over. We have finished eight cities and have our two biggest ones left, but I want to talk to you about something else," Mr. Schuester gained all of their attention. "I think that this tour has taught us so much more than how to be a strong team together. We have gone through so much. Different individuals in our group have gone through major life changes that they didn't expect. It makes me proud to look out at this group of students and see those same kids full of life, smiles on their faces, and prepared for the next stop on the tour. What makes me even prouder is watching how protective the rest of you have been of them. Each and every one of you has stepped up in some capacity. It almost feels like the end of the year except we start our season when we return to McKinley next weekend. Seeing this group in front of me, I am incredibly excited to see what this year has in store."
"So am I."
Will turned at the voice and saw Shelby Corcoran and all of Vocal Adrenaline standing there.
"Shelby! It's good to see you," Will hugged her.
"You too, Will," she smiled before turning to New Directions. "I just wanted to come over with my kids and tell you all how much we enjoyed your show. The amount of talent that is in New Directions . . . I'm just amazed by the growth this group has had in the past three years. Our two crews haven't exactly gotten along in the past, but we hope that changes this year. We just want to make sure the National Champions are from Ohio again, and even better that we don't hit each other until we get to Nationals!"
"We hope for that too!" Will laughed.
"Thanks, Ms. Corcoran, that means a lot," Tina smiled.
"And thanks to Vocal Adrenaline too. You guys were a great audience tonight!" Blaine expressed.
"Okay guys, it's time to get upstairs. You know the drill by now. Pack your bags, get some sleep and be downstairs in the morning by 7:00 so we can get to the airport and head to D.C.," Will informed them.
The members of New Directions all headed upstairs with Vocal Adrenaline leaving Shelby downstairs with Will, Emma, and Cooper.
"It really was an amazing show, Will. You should be very proud!" Shelby smiled.
"Thanks, Shelby. That means a lot coming from you," he said. "I'm glad you found your way back to Vocal Adrenaline. You'll make them the best they can be."
"You may not be saying that later this year," she grinned.
"Bring it," he smiled.
"All kidding aside, I don't know if the kids have told you yet, but it's Jesse St. James with the Warblers. He's the one that leaked that article. You need to watch him, Will. He wants to prove himself so desperately so you have to watch him. They won't put us in the same regional or sectional because we are both national championship teams, but one of us is going to have to take out the Warblers and Jesse," she warned him.
"Are you suggesting an alliance?" Will asked.
"You and Emma are friends, Will. And yes, I am going to do my damnedest to beat you for nationals this year, but until we get there I give you my word there will be no funny business on our end. It's just as important for me to teach these kids respect, honesty, and hard work as it is to teach them how to win. Jesse just wants a win," she continued. "One other thing from a national championship coach to another. You've got 20 in New Directions right now, correct?"
"Yes, nine boys and eleven girls," Will told her.
"Check the rule book. The National Show Choir Association, section 12, page 129, part E . . . the determinant for a perfect squad is twenty four, 12 couples. You should think about it. It will make you much stronger. You only have to have them all on stage for one song, but it's a powerful visual that you could use," Shelby offered.
"Why are you giving me that tip, Shelby?" he asked.
"Because I want you at your fighting weight when I beat your ass," she smiled. "That way they'll be no doubt when we win."
"Just keep telling yourself that," Will scoffed.
She hugged him again and then hugged Emma. "Enjoy the rest of the tour. I am very proud of you and your kids. Give Rachel, my love when you get to New York, okay?"
"Definitely," Will smiled.
Shelby walked off and Emma followed after her.
"Shelby," she stopped her. "I'm stuck with the boys all this time and I could really use a woman to talk to about something. Would you mind getting a cup of coffee with me?"
"Of course not," Shelby smiled. "Let's go."
"I wonder what those two are up to." Will asked.
"I don't know, but I think I might have a way to fix your Jesse problem," Cooper suggested.
"How?"
"Call him to your room. Ask him to come talk, and then get out and leave the rest to me," Cooper planned.
Will knew exactly what he was planning. "Why would you do that?"
"Because I owe you," Cooper said. "Let me help you and your kids."
Upstairs, Sam and Blaine had already said goodnight to the other boys, packed their bags, and were already in bed together. They hadn't said anything. Sam ran his hand down Blaine's smooth back and over his bicep. He reached across his chest and noticed Blaine hadn't had a chance to shave his chest in a few days.
"I like this," he smiled.
"I thought you liked my skin smooth," Blaine questioned.
"I do, but I like this too," Sam answered. He placed his palm over Blaine's heart. "I can feel your heart beating."
Blaine moved his hand to Sam's chest and to his heart. He could feel Sam's heartbeat. He watched Sam lift the fingers of his free hand to his throat like he was checking his pulse. He listened for a moment and Blaine caught the smile crossing his lips.
"What?" Blaine almost laughed.
"Our hearts," Sam looked into his eyes. "They're beating in unison."
Blaine took his pulse and felt it. "That's really cool."
"Blaine, thank you for everything. I wouldn't have made it through this day without you," Sam said.
"No thanks necessary. We do everything we can for those we love and I love you, Sam Evans."
"I love you Blaine Anderson."
Blaine blushed. "I know it's crazy to say, but it feels so much longer than two months since that first kiss in your bedroom. It's really hard for me to remember a time when I didn't love you."
"I can't look back," Sam weakly smiled. "But I do remember that kiss. Haven't you ever wondered why I didn't overreact like you thought I would."
"I thought you were just being typical sweet Sam."
"Maybe that was part of it," Sam winked. "But, Blaine, you took my breath away. I knew you were about to kiss me, and I chose to let you. At first I think it was because I knew you were hurting and I didn't want to reject you, but it changed. Right before your lips touched mine I wanted to know what it felt like. That kiss gave me chills and made me rethink everything in my life in just five seconds. I never felt that with Quinn or Santana or Mercedes. It's just you, Blaine. You're the only one that made my heart stop so it would restart beating for you."
Blaine closed the distance between them and kissed Sam again.
"Yeah, it still has the same effect," Sam stared into Blaine's eyes.
"Is it weird that we're both seventeen, but I feel like I am lying in bed with my soul mate, my best friend and the person I want to spend my life with? I hope it doesn't freak you out for me to say that," Blaine blushed again.
"I was thinking the same thing. You and I become successful actors; a Hollywood Gay power couple, and we get a house in the Hollywood Hills and in New York for when you're on Broadway. Then maybe we can even start a family together."
"Sam, are you saying that you what to have kids with me?" Blaine's smile couldn't be contained.
"Two boys and a girl. Our little girl would need to be the oldest. I figure we make Santana and Rachel her godmothers so they can teach her all the girlie stuff. I mean they're our two best girls so I think they would be the right choices for the job."
"Not to change the mood, but Sam, do you realize this is the first time you've referred to yourself as gay?" Blaine wondered if he knew he even said it.
"I do, but I figure since I never plan on having sex with anyone but you then I can't really call myself bisexual when I'm not sleeping with women anymore," he explained.
"I really hope you never get tired of me saying how much I love you because I feel like I'm going to be saying it a million times tonight," Blaine kissed him again.
This time Sam kissed back and put more emotions into it. Blaine felt Sam pushing him down on the bed and his hand running down his side and cupping his ass.
"Take them off," Blaine whispered in Sam's ear. Sam looked into his boyfriend's face for reassurance. Blaine nodded and Sam pushed his hand inside Blaine's underwear and pulled it down his legs. He went back to kissing Blaine, but reached down and pulled his own underwear off as well.
Sam lifted himself and repositioned between Blaine's legs so they could feel their naked skin against each other. Their complete focus was on their lips touching. That was their concentration and love. The rest was a reaction to the two boys showing the other how much in love they were. When Blaine began to wrap his legs around Sam's waist he knew he wanted more. He reached down and lined his dick up with Blaine's hole. He pushed against it gently and listened to the moans of desperation coming from his soul mate.
"Do you want to . . ."Sam's voice trailed off.
"Please . . ."
Sam pushed gently and it was as if the two parts were supposed to be together. Both of them felt the pleasure immediately and Sam's forehead rested on Blaine's as the stared directly into the other's eyes.
"I love you, Sam."
"With all my heart, I'm yours, Blaine."
Across in the other bedroom of the suite, three of the four boys were asleep. Sebastian was wide awake. He and Nick were not cuddled into each other like usual. What bothered him was that Nick didn't even try to and he was the one that usually initiated cuddling not Sebastian. He looked over at the boy and took in how beautiful he was in the moonlight coming through the window. Sebastian propped up on one shoulder and leaned over Nick. He whispered, "I don't know what's going on, but I love you."
Nick mumbled a few words, but Sebastian could only make out one.
Michael.
Crushed, Sebastian got out of bed and grabbed his pillow and the extra blanket and moved into the main room to sleep on the sofa. He couldn't deny it anymore. His boyfriend had feelings for someone that wasn't him.