DISCLAIMER - I don't usually do these so hopefully you know it's important to me when I do. Just a fair warning that there is sexual violence in this chapter. Please be aware of that before reading.

CHAPTER 37 – IT'S A SMASH

Michael Burke only had one destination in mind when he reached New York City. He'd only been there once before but he remembered the subway spot exactly. He walked down the street towards Cooper's house with anticipation in his step. He couldn't stop smiling. All he wanted was to see Cooper and feel his strong arms around him. At one time, he remembered Cooper promising to take care of him and now was his chance to do it. When Cooper's brownstone came into view he felt himself walking faster.

He practically knocked and rang the doorbell at the same time. "Cooper!" he called out. "It's Mikey. I'm here to stay with you."

There was no answer. He stood there confused. After waiting a few minutes he knocked again. He pulled out his phone to call Cooper but the battery was dead. Thinking about it, he knew Cooper was probably just at work so he would wait for him. He sat down his bag and started to rest on his front stoop. He was sure that Cooper would be home before long.

-GLEE-

"Okay," Mr. Murphy exclaimed. "I want to see where you take this performance." He and the other executives sat in the audience and the cast were in various positions around the stage. "Brody, I want to see you take the lead."

As everyone looked to Brody for guidance the band began playing.

(The Goodbye Song – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by the cast of FAME)

BRODY: The time has come. I'm flying away. Mouth is numb. Heart don't know what to say.

He put his arm around April's shoulder and walked forward.

BRODY: And although I'll be out of sight, dear, know I'll be right here. Right here forever, ever, ever, ever

The other actors began to partner up to dance and fill the stage with action.

BRODY: When you look to the night skies don't think of goodbyes. Think how I'm right here ever, ever, ever

Michael sat on the front stoop of Cooper's home, but he had no idea that from across the street, someone was watching him.

ALL: Come

BRODY: No, you can't come with me.

ALL: Stay.

APRIL: I wish I could

April/Brody: Goodbye-aye-aye-aye

BRODY: I know it's hard to say.

ALL: Come

APRIL: No, you can't come with me.

ALL: Stay.

BRODY: I wish I could

April/Brody: Goodbye aye-aye-aye

BRODY: I know it's hard to say

ALL: Ow.

BRODY: I know it hurts to say

Quinn took over as she stepped forward. She didn't see Ella step out of the auditorium to take a phone call.

QUINN: I'd stay if I could, but the universe won't let me. So please be good, and don't you forget me.

Ella's expression changed quickly and she turned to see Sam singing backup with Claire by his side.

CLAIRE: And although I'll be out of sight, dear. Know I'll be right here. Right here forever, ever, ever, ever

Sam/Claire: When you . . . when you look to the night skies. Don't think of goodbyes.

ALL: Think how I'm right here ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever

The whole cast danced around vocalizing as they finished the song. Ella walked back into the auditorium and walked over to Mr. Murphy and whispered something to him. As the song ended, everyone waited on instructions.

"That was good," he declared. "I think you can do better though. Let's take a ten minute break and come back to do it again," His attention turned to Sam. "Sam, there is some business you need to deal with. Ella will explain."

Sam saw the expression on her face and knew something was wrong. Before he moved, Blaine stood next to him.

"Is everything okay?" he asked.

"I don't know," Sam realized. He walked over to Ella and Blaine followed.

"Your Dad is on the phone. Something's happened."

Will explained the situation on the phone and Sam tired to think of something they could do. "Are you sure he came to New York, Dad?"

"I think you know why, Sam," Will insisted.

Sam turned to Blaine and gave him a knowing look.

"You think he came here for Cooper?" Blaine realized. "But he's not even in town. He flew to Los Angeles this morning to audition for a new television show."

"If Michael came to town he would go straight to Cooper's," Sam suggested. "But we can't go check on him because we've got another eight hours here."

"Sam, I'm really worried about Michael," Will's voice sung through the phone. "He has no one in this world looking out for him."

"I'm sure I could figure something out," Sam declared.

"You're not going anywhere," Ella ordered. "This is the project we've been working on for months."

"But I can't leave him out there alone," Sam prodded.

"I'll go," Lindsey walked up to them after hearing the conversation. "I can go stay at Cooper's house. Blaine, just give me the key."

"I don't have one. It's at the apartment," Blaine remembered.

"I do," Quinn joined the conversation. She reached inside her purse and pulled out the key and handed it to Lindsey.

"Perfect. I'll be there in a flash and let you know what I find out," Lindsey smiled before walking out of the auditorium.

-GLEE-

"Are you waiting on Cooper?"

Michael opened his eyes and saw a beautiful man standing on the sidewalk. The man in his mid-twenties spoke again.

"Cooper left this morning for the west coast. He has an audition," he smiled and Michael swore the man was checking him out. It made his inner-cockiness shine through his eyes. "I'm guessing this is a surprise visit because there is no way Cooper would let a beautiful boy like you wait on him."

"Well now you're just trying to flatter me," Michael smirked.

"Do you have somewhere to stay? The man with the smoldering eyes asked. "Cooper won't be back in town for a week. I believe that's what he told me."

"You're friends with Cooper?" Michael questioned.

"I would hope so. I've lived across the street from him for two years," his smile made Michael's heart race. His stare aroused him. "You have other friends in the City to stay with, correct? Cooper's little brother, perhaps?"

"They don't know I'm here and I'd rather like to keep it that way," Michael confided in him.

"Do you have money for a place to stay?" he questioned.

"I have some, but not a lot. How many days did you say it would be?" Michael wondered.

"A week."

"I don't have that much money," Michael spoke to himself more than anyone else. He looked up and flirted with the man. "I don't suppose a friend of Cooper's would be willing to help me out."

"I'm sure we could work something out," the man declared. "I have a spare bedroom and you are welcome to stay there."

"That would be appreciated, but I insist on doing something to pay you for it," Michael provided. "What is your name?"

"Derek Hale, and yours?"

"Michael," he stood from the stoop and picked up his bag. "Shall we go to your place?"

"Certainly, I should probably tell you I'm not alone. A very good friend of mine stays with me from time to time and he is coming into town today," Derek mentioned.

"Sounds good," Michael smiled. "I look forward to meeting him." They walked over to Derek's home and before going inside asked, "Could I charge my phone so I can call Cooper and let him know I'm here?"

Derek opened the door. "Of course, but I don't think that will be necessary."

Michael walked inside. "Why is that?"

Derek just smiled at him as he shut the door behind them and locked it. Someone grabbed Michael from behind and put into a chokehold. As Michael began to lose consciousness all he could see is the smug smile on his devious face.

-GLEE-

Blake sat at lunch on the phone with Lindsey. His friends sat near him anxiously awaiting to hear the contents of the conversation.

"Thank you for letting me know, Lindsey," Blake stated.

"I wish I could tell you more or have better news, Blake, but there was no one here when I got here and there's no sign anyone has been here either," Lindsey continued. "I called Ian and he talked to Cooper. He hasn't talked to Michael. He said he didn't know anything about him coming to see him. He may have gone somewhere else, Blake."

"We both know who he loves," Blake affirmed.

"If that was the case he'd still be in Lima. That's what I know," Lindsey let him know in polite terms that his thoughts were wrong. "But I'm going to stay here until they are done with the show and then Blaine is going to stay here until Cooper gets home. If Michael stops by we'll make sure we take care of him. Don't worry, Blake, we'll do everything we can."

"Thanks, Lindsey, and if we hear anything we will let you know as well," Blake ended the conversation before putting his phone back into his pocket and turning towards the others. "There's been no sign of him in New York. They are all busy with the new television show but they are taking turns looking for him."

"And he hasn't responded to any phone calls?" Nellie's face showed all her worry. She couldn't hide it.

"That could mean a lot of things," Kitty insisted trying to keep everyone calm. "He might still not want to talk to any of us; he might not have charged his phone. There are plenty of reasons that aren't negative so there is no way to think that way before we have too."

"Is there anything that we can do?" Jessie questioned. "I hate just sitting here."

"He has to be in New York. He doesn't have family anywhere else. We just have to trust that our friends there will find him," Stevie concurred.

"They'll have to because he ran away from us," Blake sighed before walking inside. Nick started to follow, but Kitty held him back.

"He needs time, Nick. He's doing good just to be here. Let's give him what he needs," Kitty determined.

"You think he needs to be alone?" Nick scoffed.

"She's right," Marley stood and walked over to him. "Blake doesn't like to show his emotions publically. Give him the time he needs."

Nick and the others seemed to agree. If something could cause Marley and Kitty to agree it had to be true.

Blake found himself escaping to the auditorium. He needed to grieve for Michael. He wanted nothing more than for him to come home and for him to forget the argument they had. He stood on the stage and looked out into the audience. His body trembled as he feared for Michael's safety. Suddenly he began singing almost as if it were a prayer.

(Run by Snow Patrol – cover from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by Blake Smith)

BLAKE: I'll sing it one last time for you then we really have to go. You've been the only thing that's right in all I've done. And I can barely look at you, but every single time I do. I know we'll make it anywhere away from here.

The stage lights seemed to appear and light up Blake on stage.

BLAKE: Light up, light up as if you have a choice. Even if you cannot hear my voice. I'll be right beside you dear. Louder, louder, and we'll run for our lives. I can hardly speak I understand why you can't raise your voice to say

From the backstage door, Nick and Stevie watched as Blake continued.

BLAKE: To think I might not see those eyes makes it so hard not to cry

From the stage right auditorium door, Kitty, Jake and Marley appeared to listen.

BLAKE: And as we say our long goodbye I nearly do.

Across the way, at the stage left auditorium door, Jessie and Jacob stood with Hunter and Mia listening.

BLAKE: Light up, light up as if you have a choice. Even if you cannot hear my voice I'll be right beside you dear.

In the stage right balcony, Nellie stood with Stacy and Sterling watching the performance.

BLAKE: Louder, louder and we'll run for our lives. I can hardly speak I understand why you can't raise your voice to say.

In the stage left balcony, Sugar, Kallie, and Cameron watched. As they watched the lamentation

BLAKE: Slower, slower, we don't have time for that. All I want's to find an easy way to get out of our little heads.

As they watched the lamentation, those with older siblings and relations began texting them begging for their help to find Michael.

BLAKE: Light up, light up as if you have a choice even if you cannot hear my voice. I'll be right beside you dear.

-GLEE-

In New York, on the NYADA stage, the first read through was finished and the actors sat eating their lunch when the texts came through. First Blaine received one from Kallie. Then Quinn got a text from Sterling followed by Mercedes and Justin receiving one from Mia, Sebastian from Nick, and Sam from both Stacy and Stevie.

Finally, Tina asked the question. "Is there anything else we can do?"

"Lindsey and Zach are sitting at Cooper's house waiting to see if Michael will show up," Santana verified. "The kid is resilient. He's also not stupid. He doesn't want to be found, obviously, or we would have found him. But when he runs out of money he'll find us. He knows where we all live and knows we'd take care of him."

"But what if something happens to him that is out of his control?" Sebastian asked the obvious question.

"That could happen to him anywhere at any time not just because he came to the City," Santana reminded them.

"I'm afraid that's not the only problem," Lindsey walked into the room to the surprise of everyone.

"What are you doing here?" Sam questioned. "You're supposed to be looking out for Michael at Cooper's."

"Duty calls, Sam. But if you must know I had Sunshine and Artie come take my place before I left, but this couldn't wait," she turned to Claire. "Claire, can we speak in private?"

"What's going on?" the Australian voice called out.

"I got a phone call from Ian and I need to tell you about it," Lindsey tried to speak softly and confidentially, but Claire seemed to know what it meant."

"No, no I'm not going through this again," Claire declared. "You are not giving me this news."

"Walking away won't stop it," Lindsey spoke loud enough to stop her in her step.

Claire turned and spoke up in front of everyone. Her friends were thankful that the producers and director were dining in a different location. "Then just tell me here. It's not like I'm the only one that needs to know."

"Paul has left the rehab facility. He managed to disappear on his own without knowledge of the authorities there. Ian is searching for him but there are no leads yet. He wanted to make sure you knew in case he came for you," Lindsey announced.

Looking around, the news had the effect she knew it would and nothing about it was positive.

-GLEE-

When Michael awoke he found himself on a bed, his arms bound to the headboard. Looking down, he realized he was only in his underwear and could feel the cold of the air on his almost naked body. The door was far enough away that he could not see it. Peering to his left and right, he saw that there was no other furniture in the room and that there was nothing covering the windows.

"You're Cooper Anderson's boy toy are you not?"

The voice came from the doorway he could not see. It was familiar to him, but he did not know it.

"I'm not talking to a voice that I cannot see," he answered defiantly.

"Cute, boy, but the longer you defy me the answers I want you will hurt even more."

Michael could not control his shivering. It came partially from the cold and the rest from a fear that started to overtake him.

"What are you going to do to me?" Michael managed to ask.

He heard whoever stood in the doorway laugh. "What would be the fun in that?" he said before pausing. "Derek, have your fun. I'll be back later."

The floorboards creaked as someone walked towards the bed. Soon, into Michael's view, came the same man that seduced him that morning except he was sweaty and naked and possessed the largest dick he'd ever seen in real life. He could not control his arousal from the beautiful man nor his fear of what he might do to him.

"Well look at that," the brute of a man grabbed his crotch feeling its hardness. "Were you such a little whore like this for Cooper too?"

He continued to fondle Michael causing his body to give over to its desires. "You will do as I say," he was commanded. "I'm your Daddy now."

Michael orgasmed at the sound of the word.

-GLEE-

At the end of the evening, the first day of work on FAME was over and many of the cast and crew had gone. Claire sat in the front row staring up at this stage that could end up becoming such a huge part of her life. She needed to talk but Sam and Blaine left immediately to stay at Cooper's hoping Michael would appear. Quinn left with Santana, Rachel, Tina, and Mercedes for a final fitting of their bridesmaids dresses. As she looked around the room, she saw Brody and Nathan talking on one side of the stage, Mike and Keahu were working on choreography together upstage. At a glance, she noticed Aaron and Ella speaking with Mr. Murphy near the exit.

She didn't want to go home. She worried for what might be there waiting on her.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Claire turned to see Lucy and Max walking up to her and sitting on either side.

"Better yet, let me tell you ours," Max spoke up. "We've decided that until they find your ex that you should have someone by your side."

"Max is right. You shouldn't be alone. We'll go get you some clothes and you'll stay with me tonight," Lucy insisted.

"Don't you understand though?" Claire stood from her chair and moved to the edge of the stage. "I'm tired of being associated with him. I'm sick of our names being connected." Her voice was loud enough that everyone in the room stopped what they were doing and listened. "The stupid media and everyone in the world insist on attaching my name to his and I cannot handle it anymore. I need to be my own person and not deal with a lunatic sadomasochist."

"Claire, why don't we talk about this later," Lucy hoped to get her away from the prying eyes in the room.

"No! They need a storyline for me well they can have this bloody one," she stared at Mr. Murphy.

(Don't Forget Me – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by Claire Holton)

The pure emotion coming from her eyes spoke to Mr. Murphy more than anything he'd seen all day. Aaron and Ella saw it as well.

CLAIRE: They thought they could dispose of me. They tried to make me small. I suffered each indignity, but now rise above it all. Cause the price I paid was all I had, but at last I found release. And if something good can come from bad the past can rest in peace.

She turned towards Brody and Nathan whom, after she sang to them, lifted her up to the stage.

CLAIRE: So if you see someone's hurt and in need of a hand, don't forget me. Or hear a melody crying from some baby grand, don't forget me! When you sing happy birthday to someone you love or see diamonds you wish were all free, please say that you won't, I pray that you don't forget me!

Moving to center stage she sang with such passion, it inspired Mike and Keahu to dance behind her.

CLAIRE: But forget every man who I ever met, cause they all only live to control. For a kiss they'd pay a thousand yet they paid fifty cents for my soul. They took their piece, the price of fame, that no one can repay. Ah, but they didn't buy me, when they bought my name, and that is why I pray.

She began dancing with the boys and the producers in the back row began plotting a storyline then and there that would make her a major star of the show.

CLAIRE: That when you see someone's hurt and in need of a hand, you don't forget me! Or hear a melody crying from some baby grand, don't forget me! When you sing happy birthday to someone you love or see diamonds you wish were all free. Please say that you won't, I pray that you don't forget me.

Max and Brody jumped on stage and added to the spectacle. Nathan moved to sit in the front row next to his girlfriend.

CLAIRE: There are some in this world who have strength of their own, never broken or in need of repair. But there are some born to shine who can't do it alone so protect them and take special care.

Inspired, Mr. Murphy whispered an idea to Aaron who seemed to enjoy it. Claire stepped forward as the boys danced behind her.

CLAIRE: Take care! And don't forget me! Please take care! And don't forget me! When you look to the heavens with someone you love, at a light shining bright from afar, oh please see my face there and then offer a prayer and please let me be, let me be that star.

"Very nice, Miss Holton, I do believe I have an idea for you. Would you care to join Mr. Tveit for dinner?" Mr. Murphy asked.

She thought only for a moment before composing herself and smiling. "I would be delighted. Thank you."

She left the stage and Mike leaned over to Keahu. "I know I'm new to the industry, but even I know something just happened. What did I just witness?"

"Look down at Lucy's face and see if you could figure it out," Keahu instructed.

Mike looked down to see an expression that was one of fake happiness. He could tell that much. She smiled at Claire when she passed and then for a brief second she let her true feelings out as she rolled her eyes once Claire passed her.

"That is the face of someone knowing their co-star just got moved up passed them on the totem pole," Keahu whispered. Every show has one. Claire just gained the favor of the producer. The real question is what will happen when the other girls find out."

-GLEE-

"Would you like some water?" Derek asked Michael. The muscular god sat next to him on the bed. "I would imagine you are a bit dehydrated after the last couple of hours I put you through."

Michael didn't answer. He just laid there. He looked up at the handcuffs that held him to the bed. His wrists were cut up from trying to pull away from them.

"I'll get you something to heal those cuts. I did not mean for that to happen," Derek insisted. "You enjoyed yourself, didn't you? It wasn't just because I made you, right?

Michael looked into his eyes and seemed surprised to find sadness there. It was something he did not expect after the last four hours.

"Water," was all he whispered making Derek smile.

"Let me get you some."

Michael watched as the larger man moved a small table next to the bed that contained a pitcher of water and a glass. He sat on the bed next to him and poured a glass. Easily, he pulled Michael's body up next to his, wrapped a strong arm around him to hold him tight and helped him drink the water. It confused Michael why his captor would be so gentle with him after spending hours treating him roughly.

"I owe a debt to him. What I did to you was part of me paying that debt. I am sorry if I hurt you, and I'm afraid we are not done yet," his words caused Michael to try and pull away but Derek held him close. "Not now, don't worry. You need your rest. Would you like more water?"

Michael asked for more and he helped him drink another glass.

"Now I shall go because you need something for those cuts plus you have someone else to please tonight," Derek's evil eye returned.

"But you said you wouldn't hurt me anymore tonight," Michael cried.

"I'm not," he returned as he walked away. "But you're not my prisoner. You're his and that ecstasy I just gave you in your water will ensure that he leaves happy. Now be a good boy for Daddy and make my friend happy."

The room was silent for a moment and nothing could be heard except Michael trying to break free of his constraints. The burn that tore through his cuts caused him to scream out. He only stopped when he heard the same voice from earlier in the day.

"You really are the prettiest example of wrong place wrong time," the melody of the man's voice floated into the room.

"What do you mean?" Michael asked. He tried to turn his body so he could see who it was but whoever it was knew the room well and could not be seen.

"None of this was intended for you, little one. This trap was set for Cooper. All of this was to be done to him, but when you arrived it seemed almost poetic," Michael's eyes widened when the shirtless figure of Paul Sommers walked into view. "After all, I was the one that saved you both from being exposed to the world yet I never got a single thank you from him." Michael watched as he unbuttoned his jeans and let them slide to the ground leaving him in tight boxerbriefs. "Then there you were, his little boy wonder, the object of his affection waiting on his door step."

"What are you going to do with me," Michael began showing signs of the drug in his system.

The underwear disappeared from view and something else appeared engorged and spear like in front of him. He moved and crossed his legs over Michael's chest sitting his cock at the boy's chin.

"Anything I want."

-GLEE-

"You have that look on your face like you want to slap me," Sam stated as he looked across the booth at Santana. The two of them stopped by to have dinner on their way home. Rachel and Blaine decided to stay at Cooper's for the evening.

"Please, if you didn't want my opinion you'd be at Cooper's brothel house with Blaine and I'd be sitting here bored out of my mind listening to Rachel's theories about the pilot script. I swear to God if she tells me the number of lines each person has one more time she's going to eat the script," Santana barked back.

On the way to the diner, Sam told Santana about his conversation with Blaine the previous day. He could tell from her response she didn't approve. "Just go ahead and say what you have to say."

"Look I know how much you like the little hobbit, and truth be told I like little Frodo Ballsack as much as the next faghag, but he's the one being selfish about this not you, and as soon as you realize this you'll be the better for it."

She was surprised when Sam didn't fight her on the matter. He was about to speak when Artie showed up with their order.

"Okay that's two chicken salads, dressing on the side with a side of fries for the lady and a fruit bowl for the underwear king," Artie joked. "Are you sure I can't get either of you anything besides water?"

"Actually, yeah Artie, would you get me some of that peach tea you made me last time I was here," Santana winked.

"Peach tea for my peach coming right up," Artie winked back and headed back into the kitchen.

"Why do you think he's being more selfish than me?" Sam asked as soon as Artie was out of ear shot.

Santana knew she needed to keep her snark to a minimum. "It's just a repeat of last year, Sam. That's all I'm saying. You wanted to spend the holiday with him and he put work first. Now he's doing the same thing. If Dani came to me and said she wanted to take me anywhere in the world that I wanted to go you wouldn't see me for a month because I would be gone."

"But being in that show is his dream," Sam defended Blaine.

"I seem to remember a time when you were his dream. When did that change?" Santana inquired knowing that Sam would not answer.

"Here you go Snixx," Artie handed her the tea she requested. "Is there any word on Michael yet?"

"Nothing," Sam answered. "But he knows where we all live, where we hang out, we work, go to school. When he wants to be found he'll find us, and we'll keep an eye out looking for him."

"Sam's right," Tyler joined them dressed in the same uniform as Artie. "Michael is a smart kid. He'll come find us when he needs us."

"You seem calm," Santana noticed.

"Actually I just hope it's not karma kicking me in the balls again," Tyler confessed.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Santana's snark returned.

"My love life sucks and it's my own damn fault," Tyler returned snark for snark. "I was horrible to Tina and Sunshine when I was younger. I had a great relationship with Michael and I screwed him up and probably started this destructive path he's been on. I messed up my friendship with Lindsey and it took me a long time to get her to trust me again and then all those times I hurt others came full circle and ripped my heart out."

"He's talking about Teen Jesus, right?" Santana whispered to Artie and he nodded in the affirmative.

"All I'm saying is a care about Michael and I would never want anything bad to happen to him. He puts up a great front but he's as emotional as the most emotional of all of us when it comes to love. I just hope he's okay and I don't want to think about any other option," Tyler proposed.

"I'm sure he's fine, Tyler," Sam hoped his words didn't fall on deaf ears.

Tyler looked up. "I'd rather he be okay than me ever finding love again," he saw the manager motioning to him and the stage. "Sorry, I have to cut this short. It's my turn to perform."

Artie sat down next to Santana, and along with Sam they watched Tyler take the stage. Another waitress began playing the piano and Tyler began to sing.

(Haven't Met You Yet – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by Tyler Trevino)

TYLER: I'm not surprised, not everything lasts. I've broken my heart so many times, I stopped keeping track. Talk myself in, I talk myself out. I get all worked up, then I let myself down. I tried so very hard not to lose it. I came up with a million excuses. I thought, I thought of every possibility.

He closed his eyes and sang not caring who watched.

TYLER: And I know someday that it'll all turn out. You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out. And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get. I just haven't met you yet.

Michael lay on his captive bed shivering as Paul got up and left him. He stared out the window wishing that Cooper would come home and save him. Hoping anyone would save him.

TYLER: I might have to wait, I'll never give up. I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck. Wherever you are, whenever it's right. You'll come out of nowhere and into my life. And I know that we can be so amazing. And, baby, your love is gonna change me. And now I can see every possibility.

As Tyler continued, he saw Tina walk in holding hands with Mike and followed by Brody and Keahu.

TYLER: And somehow I know that it'll all turn out. You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out. And I promise you, kid, I give so much more than I get. I just haven't met you yet.

His eyes connected with Keahu and that contact didn't break.

TYLER: They say all's fair in love and war, but I won't need to fight it. We'll get it right and we'll be united.

He continued performing for the entire audience mesmerizing them with his voice and beautiful looks.

TYLER: Oh, you know it'll all turn out. And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out. And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get. I just haven't met you yet."

He blushed after performing knowing that he had done a good job and that many in the room wanted to give him attention. The trouble was he had to guard his heart. He couldn't afford to be hurt again.

-GLEE-

There was no change the next morning. Sunshine and Tyler agreed to wait at Cooper's. She couldn't believe that Cooper chose to stay in LA for his callback instead of coming home to help find Michael. In her opinion it said a lot about him and none of it was good.

At NYADA, they had already gone through another read through and now had been split off into groups learning choreography. The boys were sent to the Round Room to rehearse while the girls remained on the main stage. Ella, stood in the back watching with Bianca, Dani, Lindsey, Zach and Justin. Aaron walked in and stood in front of them to speak.

"I have an announcement and I trust that you will get your clients ready and inform the managers of those not a part of our company," he began. "This Friday night, Mr. Murphy has reserved 54 Below for a special performance for executives at all five networks and at least ten cable channels. He is doing this so that they can meet our cast and see their talent. He believes that it's the best way to get one of them to commit to the show before they even see it. We're going to make that happen. Everyone understand?"

They all nodded their agreement. Mr. Tveit left to work with Mr. Murphy once again.

"He wants us to put on a show that makes someone pick up a show before they even see it?" Justin looked at the others to make sure they understood what they agreed too.

"Yeah, we just agreed to the impossible," Bianca allowed the realization to be vocalized.

"We will make it happen," Ella exclaimed. "We just need the perfect plan and the ability to work together. This could set us all for life and that is what you need to remember. We will get this done."

-GLEE-

"We need to talk," Lucy pulled Rachel to the side away from the others. "If there is anyone in this group that understands position it's you. Look up in the balcony," Lucy nodded and Rachel turned to see Claire sitting there with their CEO and executive producer. "Someone has been positioning themselves to be the lead over us. I don't know the others as well, but I know that using this show to push your career is as important to you as it is to me. We have to do something."

"If you knew the others you would know that their careers are just as important to them as ours are to us," Rachel exclaimed. "But if we want this show to work it will be by making each of us important. Not one over the others."

"That doesn't appear to be Claire's intention," Lucy instigated.

"Yes, we should do something about that," Rachel turned and went over to the other girls pulling Santana and Quinn close to her. She then did the same thing with Mercedes and Tina. She called Lucy over and whispered to her. She smiled and walked off the stage and made her way up to the balcony.

"Claire, you and I have rehearsal for our scene," she reminded her.

The blonde got up and excused herself from the men beside her. As soon as she left the room with Lucy the music began. The men turned towards the music and seemed surprised by what they saw. Five girls, onstage as they had been more times than the two men could ever count, stood there prepared to show them why a team of strong females was better than one star.

(Let Me Be Your Star – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by Rachel Berry, Tina Cohen-Chang, Quinn Fabray, Mercedes Jones, and Santana Lopez)

RACHEL: Fade in on a girl with a hunger for fame and a face and a name to remember. The past fades away because as of this day Norma Jean's gone. She's moving on.

TINA: Her smile and your fantasies play a duet that will make you forget where you are. The music starts playing, it's the beat of her heart saying let me be your star.

Moving around, Quinn found herself in front of the quintet.

QUINN: Flashback to a girl with a song in her heart as she's waiting to start the adventure. The fire and drive that make dreams come alive. They fill her soul. She's in control.

MERCEDES: The drama, the laughter, the tears just like pearls well they're all in this girl's repertoire. It's all for the taking and its magic we'll be making. Let me be your star.

The girls made a straight line across the front of the stage with Santana in the center.

ALL: I just have to forget the hurt that came before.

SANTANA: Forget what used to be. The past is on the cutting room floor. The future is here with me, choose me!

ALL: Fade up on a star with it all in her sights. All the love and the lights that surround her. Someday she'll think twice of the dues and the price. She'll have to pay.

SANTANA: She'll have to pay.

ALL: But not today

SANTANA: But not today.

ALL: She'll do all she can for the love of one man and for millions who love from afar. I'm what you've been needing. It's all here and my heart's pleading. Let me be your star.

"It worked," Aaron whispered to Mr. Murphy.

"Playing them against each other always brings forth the best performance in all of them. That's what we have to do if we want this to be a true hit. Each and every one of them has to be a star."

-GLEE-

"Are there still people there?" Derek walked over to the window where Paul looked out across the street to Cooper's house. There was no movement but Paul made it a point to know who was there. Currently, he knew that Tyler was there alone waiting for some sign that Michael was there.

"Yes, they seem to change every few hours. I expect a new group to arrive soon. I plan on leaving them a present that should shake them up," Paul smirked.

"Care to share?" Derek asked.

"No, you will take care of the boy. He reeks so you will give him a bath. There are enough drugs in his system that he won't put up a fight," Paul instructed.

"Do you really mean for me to hurt him again. I signed on to get back at Cooper for being treated like a whore when I was younger. He was supposed to be the target."

"And he is," Paul reminded him. "I do not wish for you to hurt the kid anymore. He is already submissive to you. That was the first part of the plan. Now you will make him trust you. You will be his new daddy."

"You're basically asking me to brainwash him," Derek refuted.

"I'm asking you to take him away from Cooper. Make him see that the man cares for himself more than anyone else. We're doing that kid a favor. If Cooper really cared about him he would be home by now yet there's no sign of him. Look at it that way, Derek. You're saving him in a way someone should have saved you six years ago," Paul convinced him. "Now go, you have work to do. Seduce him, drug him, make him yours while I have a little fun with Cooper and his friends."

-GLEE-

At Glee rehearsal, the boys sat in the front row of the auditorium with Mr. Schuester preparing to see a suggestion from the girls concerning their Regionals performance. Blake leaned over to Mr. Schuester. "Would it be possible for me to leave early today, Mr. Schue. It would be difficult to concentrate on anything else besides Michael missing."

"I understand how you feel, Blake, but there is nothing we can do here. You have a job to do and these girls have worked hard to seek our thoughts on this performance. Most specifically, Kitty who designed this herself hoping you would like it. As hard as it is for you to do so, I need you to be there captain and then after practice, I'll call New York with you and we'll get an update on Michael together."

Blake relented and sat back in his seat.

"Or we can text them now," Nick whispered to him from the next seat. Blake looked over to see Nick texting back and forth with Sebastian.

The lights on the stage began to flash, and just like the older girls in New York had done earlier, the girls of New Directions immediately had the attention of the boys in the room as they entered the stage wearing the long white dresses that had a slit all the way up one side. Kitty stepped forward as the other girls danced behind her.

(Touch Me – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by the girls of New Directions)

KITTY: Look at me baby, tell me, tell me what you see. Wanna watch baby like a like a movie screen. Gonna get what I want want you on your knees. Give it up baby, don't you, don't you make a scene.

Standing in a straight line the girls began posing on stage with each phrase of the song garnering the attention of the twelve high school boys watching them.

GIRLS: So come and turn me on. Baby, be my Marlin Brando. Take a good snapshot. Get me from my better angle cause I like it hot and you know I love a scandal. Tell me what you what you waiting for.

The posing turned to dancing and several of the boys stood and cheered at the excitement on stage.

GIRLS: Touch me (touch me). I want to feel it on my body put your hands on me. Come on and love me. You want it get it boy. I give you till the count of three. Hold me closer don't wanna take it slow. I want to go somewhere we can be alone. Touch me (touch me). I want to feel it on my body put your hands on me.

Several of the girls convinced some of the boys to jump on stage and dance with them. The three Cheerios, Jake, Nick, and Sterling.

KITTY: Do you like when I'm leaning leaning into you. Close your eyes baby breath in breathe in my perfume. Dime the lights take it slow like a dream come true. Cause tonight I'm a show you show you what to do.

The girls and boys posed together this time as the rest of the guys, minus Blake and Mr. Schue, joined them on stage.

GIRLS: So come and turn me on. Baby, be my Marlin Brando. Take a good snapshot. Get me from my better angle cause I like it hot and you know I love a scandal. Tell me what you what you waiting for. Touch me (touch me). I want to feel it on my body put your hands on me. Come on and love me. You want it get it boy. I give you till the count of three. Hold me closer don't wanna take it slow. I want to go somewhere we can be alone. Touch me (touch me). I want to feel it on my body put your hands on me.

Kitty walked down the steps of the stage and took Blake's hand pulling him up from his chair. She turned around so that her back faced his broad chest and pulled his arms around her.

KITTY: Every move that I can make your watching me. Put your hands around my waist, boy set me free. How much more that I can take if you don't take it all.

Blake broke away from her and walked out of the auditorium. She stood there surprised and worried about her friend as the rest of her friends continued the performance.

New Directions: Touch me (touch me). I want to feel it on my body put your hands on me. Come on and love me. You want it get it boy. I give you till the count of three. Hold me closer don't wanna take it slow. I want to go somewhere we can be alone. Touch me (touch me). I want to feel it on my body put your hands on me.

Mr. Schuester put his arm around Kitty's shoulder. "Give him time, Kitty. His worry for Michael is more than he can feel for anything else."

"It's because he's in love with him even if he can't admit it to himself," Kitty understood.

"He could probably use a friend to explain that," Mr. Schue suggested.

"Why me?" she turned to look at him.

"Blaine has Rachel, Sam has Santana. Something tells me you two are destined to have that same relationship."

-GLEE-

In the Jacuzzi tub of the captive's house bathroom, Derek held Michael in his arms.

"I can't stop shaking," Michael admitted.

"You're coming down off the drugs. We're in the bath for me to clean you, but I could use it to warm you up," he pressed the button on the side of the bath causing the spa features to turn on and warm up the water they sat in.

"Thank you," Michael's body eased and the stronger man behind him took that as a cue to bathe the boy. They sat there silently as he took care of Michael and his wounds.

"Paul was too rough with you," Derek realized as he saw the bruises on Michael's body.

"Why are you being so nice to me? I thought you were supposed to hurt me," Michael opened up.

"No, boy, you are more like me than you know. I once fell for an older man that promised me everything and then gave me nothing," Derek mentioned and he rubbed the soaked sponge across Michael's skin. "I wish there was someone you loved more than Cooper. He does not treat you well."

"Cooper loves me," Michael defended.

"You've been here two days and he hasn't come home yet. You may hate me for saying this but if you love someone and they go missing you don't keep your own interests as most important. You look for them."

"I'm sure he's tried to call. If you'd give me my phone back I could show you," Michael teased. "I'd even repay you for the kindness. You want to be my new Daddy and all."

He felt the boy reach between them and stroke his manhood.

"I do not wish to be that to you. I don't want him to do to you what he did to me," Derek revealed as he pulled Michael's hand away from his manhood. "I charged your phone. It has been on silent because I didn't want Paul to find it. Cooper hasn't called or messaged you at all. Though someone named Blake has filled your phone with messages. He's very worried about you. Is he someone closer to your age?"

Michael spoke very softly. "He's my best friend."

Derek leaned down and whispered in his ear. "Paul is not done with you, but I will protect you so that you see this Blake again."

"Why?" Michael simply asked.

"Because I don't want you to become me," he kissed Michael's neck. "You can pay me as you see fit."

Michael turned his head so that he could fully look into the eyes of his captor. He pushed himself up the man's body so that his cock could now be felt beneath him. "Thank you for being so good to me." He slid himself down on the cock. "Now take care of me this way."

As Derek began fucking him, he knew that he had done what Paul asked. The boy now trusted him and gave himself to him freely. He hoped his debt would now be paid in full.

-GLEE-

"Do you ever think about marriage?"

Lindsey turned to Zach with surprise as he asked the question. She didn't know what to say.

"I know you think it is too early now, but I just wonder if you think about it like I do," Zach's face was shy and timid because of his question which made her love him even more.

"I do," she smiled and reached over to hold his hand. "I think about what it would be like to be your wife and mother to our child."

"I want to marry you, Lindsey. I think you know that. I want to raise children with you," he put a hand on her belly. "I want to raise this child with you whether I am the father or not. Because of that I want to ask you a question and I know you may not like it, but I need to ask you anyway."

"What is it?" she wondered with worry for what it might mean.

"With your permission I want to talk to Sam about my intentions with you and with our child. I know he is more your friend than mine, but he is a good man and I owe him the chance of understanding my intentions. I don't want to cut him out of the child's life it is his, but I do want us to be a family. Do you understand?"

"Does that mean that you want to marry me?" Lindsey blushed.

"We have about five blocks before we get to Cooper's and take Tyler's place on the next watch. Maybe we can talk about it. What do you think?"

"What do I think?" Lindsey couldn't help but show her happiness on her face.

(Mr. and Mrs. Smith – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by Zach Austin and Lindsey Black)

LINDSEY: Call the justice of the peace, but don't tell him our names. Don't put out a press release or mention baseball games.

ZACH: Book the nearest bridal suite. One room will suite us fine. For the desk clerk that we meet the only autograph we'll sign is . . .

They began walking down the sidewalk hand in hand.

Lindsey/Zach: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, simply the folks next door.

ZACH: People without a single clue know what an agent or grip is for

LINDSEY: Yes

Lindsey/Zach: Nothing can beat the view when as far as the eye can see there's

ZACH: No one but Mrs.

LINDSEY: No one but Mr.

Lindsey/Zach: Smith and me.

They looked across the street and saw a man and woman with their two children walking down the opposite sidewalk together. They stopped walking and Zach slipped his arms around Lindsey's waist.

ZACH: For a home the man provides that cottage built for two. We'll check the small town classifieds. Variety won't do.

LINDSEY: Then we'll move to main street, U.S.A. and sign the deed of trust. The mailbox at our hideaway will tell the whole wide world that we're just

Lindsey/Zach: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, merely the folks next door.

They continued walking in the moonlight.

ZACH: People who use their kitchen each night.

LINDSEY: Who've never been in to chores.

ZACH: Yeah,

Lindsey/Zach: Nothing can beat the view for as far as the eye can see there's

ZACH: No one but Mrs.

LINDSEY: No one but Mr.

Lindsey/Zach: Smith and me. No early calls, no big premieres, no lush romantic theme. We'll spend the nights making our own little league baseball team . . .

They made it to the block where Cooper resided.

Lindsey/Zach: We're no one you've ever seen.

LINDSEY: Movie stars don't live anywhere here except on the local drive-in screen.

Lindsey/Zach: Yes, I'd gladly disappear if it might guarantee a view of

ZACH: No one but Mr.

LINDSEY: No one but Mrs.

Lindsey/Zach: Smith and you.

Zach leaned in to kiss Lindsey, but as she leaned into him something in front of Cooper's door caught her eye.

"Ohmygod!" Lindsey ran around him and to the front door. Zach followed her and watched as she picked up a guitar next to the front stoop. She banged on the front door and screamed out Tyler's name.

"Lindsey, what is it?" Zach questioned.

"This is Michael's guitar. I'd recognize it anywhere," Lindsey confirmed turning it over to show him the McKinley High sticker on the back of it.

Tyler opened the door and his eyes bulged when he saw it. "It's Michael's. Where did you find it?"

"Outside the house. When was the last time you were out here?" she questioned.

"Half an hour ago," Tyler confirmed. "Someone left it here."

"I'm calling the police," Lindsey declared.

-GLEE-

Paul's laughter could be heard throughout the house. Derek entered the room where he watched Lindsey, Zach and Tyler down below.

"They found my present," Paul laughed. "I dropped the kid's guitar off for them. That should get the bastard home. Then we'll move on to the other two targets."

"I have nothing to do with them. My part only included Cooper," Derek reminded.

"Don't worry I'm going to take care of my brother and bitch ex-girlfriend all by myself," Paul promised. "Did you get the boy to fall for you? Does he trust you?"

"Yes, he does," Derek stated.

"Good, you will leave for the evening. I want to celebrate my win and fuck the kid all night," Paul's evil smirk freaked Derek out. "You're debt is paid. You can leave and not worry about me revealing your secret to anyone ever again."

"But I promised him that I would take care of him."

"I know," Paul eyes had evil in them. "And now he's going to witness another person breaking that promise."

-GLEE-

Kitty got out of her car and walked up to Blake's front porch where he sat on the porch swing. She knew that he saw her there but didn't make any attempt to acknowledge it.

"So that song was supposed to make you feel better not worse. Sorry about that," she apologized.

"Not your fault. I don't think anything could make me feel better unless Mikey called me himself," Blake spoke softly. "Now I don't even know if that will happen."

She saw how he was clutching his phone in his hand. "Did something happen?"

"Lindsey just called. They found Mikey's guitar. They called the police. He's officially a missing person now. Like, he has a number and everything," Blake mentioned wiping a tear from his eye.

"Oh, Blake, I don't know what to say," Kitty sat next to him on the swing. "What can I do?"

"Just don't leave me, please," he pleaded. "I can't be alone."

"I'll call my mom, she'll understand," Kitty agreed and didn't leave his side.

-GLEE-

Derek Hale was completely dressed, his backpack hanging from his shoulder. He passed the open door entrance to the bedroom. He could hear Michael's muffled moans as his head was pushed into a pillow while Paul fucked him hard.

"I'm leaving," he spoke up.

"Good. Thanks for the help," Paul moaned. "Hopefully we'll never see each other again. Now get out!"

Derek walked out the front door but paused when he saw a crowd of individuals outside of Cooper's home. He heard Michael scream out from upstairs causing him to make a decision. He opened up the side pocket of his backpack and pulled out Michael's cell phone. It was fully charged. Walking out of the house and being as stealthy as possible he called the one person he knew cared for the kid the most and then hid the phone behind a pot on the front stoop before walking away.

-GLEE-

Blake's phone rang and both he and Kitty jumped up with they saw Michael's name illuminate the screen.

"Mikey?" Blake practically screamed into the phone. "Are you okay?"

There was no one on the other end of the line.

"Mikey, answer me buddy," Blake practically yelled through the phone.

Kitty started texting everyone. First it was everyone she knew in New York, and then it was everyone in town.

"He's not answering," Blake looked at her. "What do I do?

"What do you hear?" she asked.

"I hear voices. Like a conversation going on but they sound far away."

"Is it Michael?" she questioned.

"No, but now I hear sirens," Blake filled her in.

Kitty's phone rang. It was Lindsey.

"He called Blake? Are you with him now?" she asked.

"I am," Kitty answered but was more surprised by the fact that she also heard sirens in her phone. "Lindsey, Blake and I both hear sirens on our phones."

"The police just showed up to take our statements about the guitar," she exclaimed. When the cop car stopped so did the sirens. Kitty and Blake looked at each other and realized it stopped in both phones.

-GLEE-

"Sir, can you turn you siren back on, please. I promise it's important," Lindsey yelled at the police officer before he walked away from his car.

Santana, Tyler, Zach, Tina, and Mike were all looking at her like she was completely crazy.

"Just humor me, please turn the siren back on," Lindsey requested again.

"What in the hell are you doing?" Santana questioned.

The siren was turned back on and Lindsey and her friends could hear Kitty and Blake screaming over the phone.

"Okay turn it back off," Lindsey yelled which surprised everyone. She turned to her friends. "Kitty is with Blake. Someone called him from Michael's phone and I called Kitty. They were hearing the same thing." She spoke fast and her adrenaline flowed through her body. "They heard the siren at the same time, turn off at the same time, and turn back on at the same time."

"So his phone has to be around here somewhere," Tina realized.

Santana walked over and took Lindsey's phone. "Kitty, its Santana. I want you and Blake to yell as loud as you can through the phone. We're going to try and find it. It's got to be on the street so don't stop until we call you back or talk to you on his phone."

Santana sent Lindsey and Zach down the street one way, Tina and Mike down the other, and she, Tyler and the two cops crossed the street. Santana went straight across the street and stood still to listen. Almost immediately she heard Blake's voice and looked up. She would have been an incredible investigator. She whistled making Tyler turn around and he walked over to her.

She walked up the steps of the home and looked down finding the phone behind the pot.

"Blake," she whispered into the phone.

"Santana? You found it?" he realized.

"Santana," Tyler pointed to the door. "It's open. Should we go in?"

"Blake, I'll call you back as soon as we know something," she hung up the phone. She turned around and the others saw her and began walking over. When the cops got there they walked inside behind them. As they scouted out the first floor, Tyler heard a noise from upstairs and followed it.

"Tyler, stop," Santana whispered. "What are you doing?"

"Michael," the look on his face was definite. She knew he was without a doubt. She followed him up the stairs. Lindsey saw this from the door and she and Zach followed them.

What happened next surprised everyone. Santana saw Tyler pause in the door before screaming out and running into the room. By the time she got to the doorway, he had tackled someone off the bed and continually punched the naked man in the face. She looked at the bed and saw Michael lying there, beaten and bloody, the victim of sexual assault. Before she could say anything Tina and Lindsey both screamed at the sight. Lindsey began to run for Michael but Santana stopped her reminding her of her own pregnancy. Zach and Mike both ran over to Tyler. Mike pulled him off the assailant and Zach held the man down.

"You fucking bastard!" Tyler screamed out. "I will fucking kill you for hurting him! What did he ever do to you?" Mike had to use every ounce of strength he had to keep Tyler away from him. He was sure he'd kill him for hurting Michael.

The cops entered and helped Zach with the person he held down. Santana looked over at Tina. "Cover Michael, talk to him. I'll find the keys."

"Those are police cuffs. Try these," one of the young police officers said.

She took them from him and turned to Lindsey. "Call Blake back then tell everyone we found him."

"Santana, isn't that . . ." she pointed to the guy getting cuffed by the police.

"On second thought, I'll call Blake. You call Claire."

-GLEE-

Anyone that had ever been a member of New Directions and lived in New York City was in the lobby of Methodist Hospital waiting for word on Michael. It had been two hours since they took him back. No one would leave until they heard something. To no surprise to anyone, even though he was not there, Blake turned to Sam for comfort. He sat on the opposite side of the lobby alone and on the phone with Blake.

"Will you check on him for me?" Blake asked. "I'm dying knowing that I can't be there for him. You have to be there for him for me."

"I promise I will, Blake. I won't leave here before checking on him even if I have to stay all night. I've already made arrangements to take care of his stay and I'm making sure the best doctors help him," Sam assured him.

"What can you tell me about how he is doing?" Blake hoped for answers.

"He's going to be okay that's what you need to focus on," Sam promised.

"Tell me, Sam. If it was Blaine and I knew what was wrong with him you know I would tell you," Blake began to lose his temper.

"He's been beat up, Blake. There are lots of scrapes and bruises, but nothing is broken. He's been drugged, but I don't know what kind yet. He's dehydrated and he's been hurt sexually," Sam debated in his head about how much he should say. "They need to test him, Blake. He said there was more than one, but that's all he said."

"Who did this? Why would they do it?" Blake's emotions could be heard in his voice.

"The police have someone in custody, but they are trying to figure it out," Sam got distracted as he watched Cooper and Ian walk into the hospital lobby. He went straight over to his brother to get an update. It made Sam roll his eyes.

"Okay, Sam, thank you for this. I'm going to explain this to everyone here and then can I call you back in a bit?" Blake questioned.

"Absolutely, buddy, as many times as you need too. I'm here for you," Sam agreed. He hung up the phone and, instead of walking over to Blaine and speaking with Cooper, he actually turned and walked out the front door to get some air.

When he walked outside Sebastian, Santana, Rachel, and Tina all looked back and forth at each other nonverbally trying to decide who would follow him outside.

"He needs you," Colton whispered to Sebastian. "This isn't a girl issue."

Sebastian relented and stood from his seat next to Colton and walked outside where he found Sam leaning on the bike rack next to the street. He leaned on it next to him.

"Cooper's an ass," Sebastian guessed correctly.

"Yeah he is. How did it take him so long to come home?" Sam spat out the question. "He actually thinks he loves Michael after all this time yet he wouldn't come home for him when he was missing? That doesn't make sense."

"No, it doesn't. I know if something happened to Blaine you would drop everything to find him," Sebastian assumed that's what he needed to hear.

"Yes, I would. I just hope brother isn't like brother," Sam stated flatly.

The comment surprised Sebastian. "Where did that come from?"

"It's nothing," Sam started to walk away. "I'm just being selfish."

"Never once in the time I've known you have you ever been condemned for being selfish. Today isn't going to be the first one. So tell me what you meant," Sebastian insisted.

"Fine," Sam tried to think how to put it into words. "If the man you loved offered to take you away on the vacation of your dreams what would you do?"

"Start packing," Sebastian smiled at the idea. "Is that not what happened?"

"No, Blaine said it was a sweet gesture, and that he'd love to go but he couldn't risk leaving work for that long," Sam stood with his hands on his hips and Sebastian could tell his anger had built up. "It's just like this time last year all over again. If we're going to be together and really make our relationship work I don't want to be the 2nd most important thing in his life. I want to have the same position in his heart that he has in mine."

"There's nothing selfish about that, Sam. Have you told Blaine how you feel?" Sebastian asked.

"Why should I have too?" Sam made his point and leaving it at that. "I should call Dad and make arrangements for Blake to come with him next week when he comes for the wedding. It's Thanksgiving break so he won't miss school . . ."

"Sam," Sebastian interrupted him. "Let me take care of that. You go talk to Blaine and get things straight with him. That's what's most important."

Sam watched Sebastian pull out his phone and call Mr. Schue to make arrangements. He looked into the lobby as he walked back inside to see Blaine standing and talking to his brother and Ian. Michael's doctor walked in and took Cooper, Blaine, and Tyler back to his room to see him.

(Who You Are – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by Sam Evans)

SAM: I stare at my reflection in the mirror. Why am I doing this to myself? Losing my mind on a tiny error. I nearly left the real me on the shelf. No, no, no, no, no . . .

He followed the other men down the hallway with his hands dug deep into his pockets and not looking around at anyone else.

SAM: Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars. Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing. It's okay not to be okay. Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart. Tears don't mean you're losing. Everybody's bruising. Just be true to who you are.

He got on the elevator with them and stood in the back not speaking. When they reached the correct floor the others stepped off the elevator, Sam caught his reflection in a mirror as he stepped out.

SAM: Brushing my hair, do I look perfect? I forgot what to do to fit the mold, yeah. The more I try the less it's working, 'cause everything inside me screams no, no, no, no, no.

Walking down the hallway slowly he saw which room they walked into and walked in that direction.

SAM: Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars. Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing. It's okay not to be okay. Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart. Tears don't mean you're losing. Everybody's bruising. There's nothing wrong with who you are.

He leaned against the doorframe and noticed that even though Cooper tried to keep his attention, Michael made direct eye contact with him wanting Sam's help.

SAM: Yes, no's, egos, fake shows like boom. Just go and leave me alone. Real talk, real life, good luck, good night, with a smile, that's my home, that's my home, no, no, no, no, no, no

Sam stopped singing there because he knew what he needed to do.

"Okay, now that everyone has seen Michael and knows he's going to be okay, I think the doctor would agree with me that Michael needs his rest," Sam ordered.

"I'm not leaving, Sam. I just got here," Cooper declared. "There's nothing that could keep me from staying here."

"So staying here isn't a problem, but getting here was. Okay, as long as I have that straight," Sam ridiculed.

"Excuse me?" Cooper couldn't believe Sam spoke to him like that.

"Sam, that was harsh," Blaine hoped to correct him.

"Yes it was, Sam why don't you just go," Cooper spoke down to him.

"How's this for a reason," Sam turned Cooper around to face him and look him directly in the eye. "I have power of attorney for Michael. He's adopted into my family. I'm here to take care of him."

"Cooper," Michael spoke up. "Please go. I want Sam to stay."

"But baby I came home from Los Angeles to be with you, I'm going to take care of you," Cooper tried to explain to Michael why he was the right choice.

"I'm not your baby," Michael declared and rolled over to look away from Cooper. The move made both Sam and Tyler smile.

Cooper had nothing else to say. Ian suggested that they go home and get rest.

"Are you going to stay all night?" Blaine asked Sam wrapping his arm around the blonde's waist. "We start filming in the morning. You won't be at your best sitting up in a chair all night."

"Some things are more important than work," Sam replied. "Go home with your brother. Make sure he knows that."

"I could stay with you if you want," Blaine offered.

"I'm sure you have work stuff you need to do," Sam said flatly. "I'll see you in the morning."

Blaine didn't know how to take Sam's attitude but he was sure he wasn't happy about something. Blaine went to kiss Sam but he turned away letting him kiss him on the cheek only. After Blaine, Cooper, and Ian left, Sam walked over to Tyler.

"I need you to go home too," Sam continued.

"What? No, I'm going to stay with him," Tyler insisted.

"Tyler, you leaving is for a totally different reason. I need you to stay with him. I can stay with him tonight, but I can't tomorrow. I'm just asking you to go home and get some sleep so that you can take care of him tomorrow," Sam explained.

Tyler nodded his understanding. "I got it. I can do that." He walked over to Michael and knelt by the bed so he could kiss him on the forehead. "I'm really glad I found you, kid. I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I didn't."

"Thank you Ty," Michael spoke softly.

Tyler walked out of the room leaving Sam and Michael alone. Michael laid on his side so Sam sat next to him and rubbed his back. He was thankful that Michael didn't pull away. It meant he felt safe with him.

"Does it stop?" Michael asked. "Feeling like this, I mean. I don't want to feel like this anymore."

"With the right people it will, I promise. Love conquers all," Sam declared.

"What do you mean?" Michael turned to look at Sam and saw his phone held up to his ear.

"Blake, hey, I've got someone here who needs to talk to you," Sam announced before handing Michael the phone. "I'm going to step outside, find something to eat. You talk as long as you need too."

Sam shut the door behind him feeling good about what he'd done. If his relationship couldn't figure itself out at least he could help two people find each other again that he knew should be together.

-GLEE-

An hour later, Quinn and Claire found themselves in Times Square inebriated and pissed at their ex boyfriends.

"My bitch of an ex didn't even come home to protect the kid he claims to love. The same kid that ended our relationship mind you. I can't even be mad at him anymore. I empathize with him because I may have gotten treated horribly, but the way he was treated was way worse," Quinn held up the bottle in her hand like she was making a toast and took a large sip of the liquid.

"That's nothing," Claire took a swig of her bottle of vodka. "My ex was the one raping him. I get the award for dating the crazy fuck. I literally have the worst choice in men ever."

"We need to just act like the boys and use our feminine sexiness to seduce them all and send them crying to their mothers," Quinn took another drink. "Or we could just beat the shit out of our exes."

"Both of those sound incredibly fun," Claire drank more. If it weren't for the alcohol she would look like an angel in her white pants, shirt, and faux fur white coat. "I just think too much of who we are is wrapped up in these stupid boys."

"Agreed," Quinn heard a street performer on his keyboard. She looked over at another playing five gallon buckets as drums. There were hundreds of people in Times Square. "God, I love it out here. You can come here to make a name for yourself or get completely lost in the crowd."

"I'll drink to that," Claire clinked bottles with Quinn who was dressed in jeans, brown boots, and a brown cardigan.

Quinn had an idea. "Yeah, that's sounds right. Let's make our own moment for the producers. A little blonde ambition of our own."

Before Claire could stop her she was whispering in the keyboard players ear and he smiled at her and shook his head yes.

"What are you up too?" Claire laughed in a drunken stance.

"Don't you mean what are we up too?" Quinn took another drink.

(Cheers (Drink To That) – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by Quinn Fabray and Claire Holton)

QUINN: Life's too short to be sittin' 'round miserable. People gonna talk whether you doing bad or good, yeah. Got a drink on my mind and my mind on my money. Looking so bomb, gonna

Quinn/Claire: Find me a honey.

"Come on, it's your turn," Quinn used her hand to show Claire her makeshift stage in Times Square.

CLAIRE: Got my Ray Bans on and I'm feelin' hella cool tonight. Everybody's vibin' so don't nobody start a fight

The girls looked around and realized they were garnering a crowd. They just smiled before putting on a performance they wanted to see.

Claire/Quinn: Cheers to the frickin' weekend. I drink to that, yeah-e-yeah. Oh, let the Jameson sink in I drink to that, yeah-e-yeah. Don't let the bastards get you down. Turn it around with another round. There's a party at the bar. Everybody putcha glasses up and I drink to that. And I drink to that.

Over 100 people had stopped to watch the impromptu performance. Cameras were out everyone taking pictures and video of the two blondes.

CLAIRE: 'Bout to hop on the bar, put it all on my card tonight, yeah. Might be mad in the morning but you know we goin' hard tonight.

QUINN: It's getting Coyote Ugly up in here

Quinn/Claire: No Tyra. It's only up from here, no downward spiral.

CLAIRE: Got my Ray Bans on and I'm feelin' hella cool tonight. Everybody's vibin' so don't nobody start a fight.

They turned to the audience wanting them to get into singing the song with them.

Claire/Quinn: Cheers to the frickin' weekend. I drink to that, yeah-e-yeah. Oh, let the Jameson sink in I drink to that, yeah-e-yeah. Don't let the bastards get you down. Turn it around with another round. There's a party at the bar. Everybody putcha glasses up and I drink to that. And I drink to that . . . And I drink to that . . . I drink to that.

CLAIRE: And I drink to that.

Both girls couldn't help but laugh.

"Come on, you're hanging with me tonight," Quinn put her arm around Claire's waist and they walked down Broadway together.

-GLEE-

Sam was tired. Spending the night at the hospital was not comfortable, he didn't get a lot of sleep, but he never doubted that it was the right thing to do. Now dressed in his clothes for the first day of filming, he sat there conflicted with his personal life, nervous about the pilot he was about to film, but nothing more so than his relationship with Blaine and how things were not working out the way that he wanted it too.

There was a knock on the door before Blaine walked into his dressing room.

"Hey, I just wanted to check on you and make sure you were okay. Did you get any sleep?" he asked.

"A little. I'll be good today. I actually only have three scenes to film," Sam proclaimed.

"How's Michael?" Blaine wanted to know.

"He wouldn't sleep until I moved my chair next to the bed. Once he could see I was there he fell asleep and slept most of the night. He was asleep when I left. Tyler is with him now," Sam explained.

"That's good. Tyler would protect him with his life. He'll be fine," Blaine stated.

"That's what you do for people you love," Sam got up and got a bottle of water from his refrigerator.

"Are you mad at me?" Blaine finally asked. He wasn't sure what was going on. "I felt like you were trying to get rid of me last night. It kind of feels like you don't want me here now."

"I want you here. I want you with me all the time. I love you with all my heart and I'd never want you anywhere but by my side," Sam declared. "But I'm not sure you feel the same way."

"What are you talking about? Sam, I love you. You know that!"

"I don't doubt that you love me," Sam promised. "I question where I am in your list of priorities."

"Why would you question that?" Blaine didn't understand.

"You love me, right?" Sam questioned.

"With all my heart," Blaine answered.

"Then if you had to choose between me and this business which would you choose?"

Blaine stood stunned by the question. He couldn't answer.

"Twice already in our relationship you've picked your career over me. I should have known it would happen again. I love you, Blaine. I always will, but I can't play second fiddle."

"Is this about the vacation?" Blaine asked.

Another knock came to the door. When it opened, it was a production assistant. "Mr. Evans, you're wanted on set now. I'm supposed to walk you there."

"Okay, thank you. I'll just be a few seconds," Sam agreed and the PA waited outside the door.

He walked over to Blaine and took him in his arms and whispered in his ear, "It doesn't mean that I don't love you or want to be with you, but I can't be me if I don't tell you how I feel."

He let Blaine go and walked out of the room. Blaine followed and shut the door behind him. He walked across the hall into his dressing room and shut the door behind him not wanting to speak to anyone.

"Five minutes everyone!" another production assistant called out. "Everyone on set in five minutes."

(Under Pressure – from the television show SMASH)

(performed by the cast of FAME)

The door to Rachel's dressing room opened and she walked down the hall.

RACHEL: Pressure pushing down on me. Pressing down on you, no man ask for.

Santana walked out of her dressing room and followed Rachel.

SANTANA: Under pressure that burns a building down Splits a family in two puts people on streets.

Sebastian fell in line behind the girls and walked with them.

SEBASTIAN: It's the terror of knowing what this world is about. Watching some good friends screaming

SEBTANA: Let me out!

In front of them, Lucy held the door to the elevator for them.

LUCY: Pray tomorrow takes me higher. Pressure on people – people on streets.

After they entered the elevator, the doors shut and they made their decent. As the doors shut Max and Claire passed the elevator and chose the stairs instead.

MAX: Chippin' around, kick my brains 'round the floor. These are the days – it never rains but it pours.

CLAIRE: People on streets . . . people on streets.

When they hit the lobby, Mercedes joined them as they headed for the auditorium door.

MERCEDES: It's the terror of knowing what this world is about. Watching some good friends screaming

Mercedes/Max: Let Me Out!

The crew from the elevator joined them as they walked in.

RACHEL: Pray tomorrow gets me higher and higher and higher

LUCY: Pressure on people . . . people on streets

From the opposite door, Quinn, Mike, and Keahu walked in together.

QUINN: turned away from it all like a blind man. Sat on a fence but it don't work.

MIKE: Keep coming up with love but it's so slashed and torn

KEAHU: Why, why, why?

Colton and Blaine walked in together to find Sam and Tina walk onstage to join the others from backstage.

COLTON: Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking

TINA: Can't we give ourselves one more chance?

BLAINE: Why can't we give love that one more chance?

TINA: Why can't we give love, give love, give love, give love

Sam/Tina: Give love, give love, give love, give love?

The cast made a show circle on stage and sang together look at each other eye to eye.

CAST: 'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word and love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night and love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves.

The producers, crew and managers watched as the circle became a straight line across the front of the stage.

CAST: This is our last dance. This is our last dance. This is ourselves. Under pressure . . . under pressure . . . pressure.

"Places," Mr. Murphy ordered. "Let's make FAME live forever."

-GLEE-

For Colton and Sebastian, the first day of filming was a short one. They were done by 7 pm and home by eight. It was nice to have time to themselves, but it also gave them the opportunity to talk to each other about things they didn't necessarily want to say.

"Seb, can I ask you a question about Nick?" Colton asked.

Sebastian was sitting on the sofa reading a book and Colton was lying down with his head in Sebastian's lap. He looked down and saw the inquisitive look on his lover's face and he couldn't say no so he agreed.

"Nick and Michael are close friends, right?"

"Yes," Sebastian answered.

"Then why hasn't he called you to ask about him since he's been in the hospital?" Colton wondered.

Sebastian thought about it but was actually more surprised that he hadn't already questioned it.

"He was probably with Blake every time he got an update from Sam so there was no need. Though, I guess it's just as bad that I didn't call him about Mikey either," Sebastian guessed.

"Okay, don't get mad, but you know how you joked about the fact that if I needed to know any gossip or information on your Lima crew I just needed to ask Tina?" Colton continued and saw a smirk cross Sebastian's face that let him know it was okay. "Well, I did and she told me that back in your home town all Nick has been talking about is getting into the film school at UCLA and how excited he is to go."

"He didn't tell me," Sebastian was saddened by the fact.

"Do you think that's why he's okay with me?" Colton questioned. "I mean I really like the guy and you obviously love him, and he obviously loves you, but the missing piece is why he's okay with me and you."

The realization killed Sebastian. "Vacation of a lifetime," he spoke softly and Colton couldn't make it out. Sebastian blew it off. "Nicky did this before. He was worried that him being in Lima and me being here would cause problems. Now I'm guessing he thinks the same thing about us being on opposite coasts," he thought for a moment. "I think he wants me to fall in love with someone else so he doesn't have to break up with me. That way he doesn't feel guilty for picking school over me."

"That seems a bit selfish," Colton admitted. "But I'm not trying to bad mouth him or anything."

"I know that," Sebastian smiled. "You don't have it in you, but then if I asked you to drop everything and take a trip around the world you wouldn't make excuses."

"No, I'd just ask what kind of clothes I should pack."

Sebastian's heart warmed as he remembered his conversation with Sam the previous night. Colton was in love with him and he just gave him the sign without even knowing it.

"I love you," Sebastian spoke quietly but he knew Colton heard him.

Colton sat up. turned around and sat on his knees facing Sebastian. "Do you know how long I've been waiting to hear you say that?" His smile was radiant. "I love you too."

(History Is Made At Night – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by Colton Haines and Sebastian Smythe)

Colton took Sebastian's book from him and placed it behind him on the end table.

COLTON: Put down the playbook cause the things I want to show you can't be written down. Let my lips do the teaching.

SEBASTIAN: Turn off the camera, kick your shoes off. For this scene you should be sitting down, yes, sitting close enough for reaching.

Sebastian grabbed Colton and pulled him around so that he was sitting in his lap, one hand behind his back, the other feeling him up from his ass all the way down his thigh.

COLTON: Turn down the lamp for the last page has been turned.

SEBASTIAN: When the dawns breaking through

COLTON: We can stop and review

COLTBASTIAN: All the lessons you have learned.

The boys stood from the couch, Colton walking backwards, Sebastian walking towards them as they both seductively unbuttoned their shirts and walked into Sebastian's bedroom and shut the door behind them.

COLTBASTIAN: Cause history is made at night. So close the books turn off the lights and listen! Let my heart be the teacher. No one here to disapprove as we review the lessons you've been missing. Let the moon be our only light. Cause history is made at night.

Both boys removed their pants and underwear and stared at how excited the other was to be together. Sebastian couldn't help but lick his lips as they pulled down the sheets of the bed and crawled towards each other on top of them.

SEBASTIAN: I see the questions burning in your eyes or is it just reflections of the stars high above you.

Sebastian kissed down Colton's body all the way down to the perfect V-shape he loved so much.

COLTON: I'm just a student and I hope you won't be shy. Please make corrections, yeah, on the sweetest way to love you.

Sebastian wrapped his arms around Colton and let them slide down his body until he had two handfuls of one of the most beautiful asses in the world.

SEBASTIAN: Come whisper close tell me just when to say when

COLTON: Then we'll sleep through the day

SEBASTIAN: Then whenever you say

Sebastian turned Colton around so that his ass was in front of him. He connected them together and the two boys did everything they could to keep their hands on each other while they thrust their bodies together.

COLTBASTIAN: That's when school begins again. Cause history is made at night. So close the books turn off the lights and listen! Let my heart be the teacher. No one here to disapprove as we review the lessons you've been missing. Let the moon be our only light. Cause history is made at night.

Colton pushed Sebastian down on the bed and straddled his waist while taking control of their love making as he filled himself with Sebastian and began to move his hips.

COLTON: Come here. Someday they'll write lots of books about our fame and glory.

SEBASTIAN: But afar their reports are just movies and sports

COLTBASTIAN: They'll be missing the whole story. Cause history is made at night. So close the books turn off the lights and listen! Let my heart be the teacher. No one here to disapprove as we review the lessons you've been missing. Let the moon be our only light. Cause history is made at night.

As they continued pleasing each other, Colton smiled and looked down at Sebastian and grinned, "So where are we going on that vacation?"

Colton squeezed his ass muscles and Sebastian knew he was done for.

-GLEE-

It was 11:00 pm and Rachel and Sam were the only ones still on set. Everyone else had gone home for the day. They sat on the glass steps in the foyer waiting on the final shot to get set up. Rachel took it as her opportunity to speak to Sam about Blaine, but she needed a way to ease into it.

"Is Blake or Nick coming to see Michael in the hospital?" she asked.

"Nick's leaving on vacation with his family for Thanksgiving so he can't but Sebastian made arrangements for Blake to come with Dad. I got Dad a hotel room two blocks away because he insisted on Blake staying with me. Didn't want a minor in a hotel room alone," Sam joked. "They'll stay through Mercedes wedding next weekend and go home. Hopefully we'll be able to take Michael home by then too."

"That's good. I'm so thankful he'll be okay," Rachel noted.

"Me too. I don't know what I would have done if it had been worse," Sam concluded.

She determined it was now or never.

"So, Blaine told me about your ultimatum," she began.

"It's not an ultimatum," Sam corrected her. "I never asked him to choose. I just needed him to see my side. I need him to know how I feel."

"I get that," Rachel nodded. "That doesn't mean that it doesn't feel like an ultimatum to him though."

"Maybe it should," Sam shrugged his shoulders.

"Do you really mean that?" Rachel prodded. She waited for Sam to answer but he didn't. Instead, she decided to give him advice. "You know, I often wonder if Finn is ever going to ask me the same thing. He would have every right to look me in the eyes and mention every time he gave up things to come to New York and be with me and I hardly ever go back to Lima," she wanted Sam to see that Blaine wasn't the only one that thought the way he did. "When you're on that stage every night it does something to you. It's addictive. I've only been gone for a month and I already crave it again. We're actors, we need to work. We need to do our craft."

"But you love Finn?" It was Sam's turn to question her.

"With all my heart and more than anything else in the world," she answered emphatically.

"Then if he asked you to make the choice what would it be? Your love or your addiction?"

Rachel's face gave away the fact that she wasn't ready for Sam to hit her with a question like that even though she brought up the subject area.

"Rachel, Sam, Mr. Murphy is ready for you," the PA came and got them before walking them outside to the deck where the skyline of New York provided a perfect backdrop for this pivotal point in the pilot.

"Okay, Sam, I need you to deliver you line to Rachel with as much honesty as you can muster, kiss her on the cheek and then walk away to your mark. Rachel, you need to sing with the playback, got it?"

They both agreed and he instructed them to get in their places.

"Action!"

"Lea, you're a beautiful girl, inside and out, and I'm honored that you would want to be with me, but as much as I'm flattered I'm just not at a point right now where I can be in a relationship with anyone. I need to know who I am before I can love someone else," Rachel got lost in Sam's eyes and honest performance as he spoke. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek before pulling away and looking back in her eyes. "Maybe I'll figure everything out before I'm too late and another guy has swept you off your feet."

Sam let go of her hands and walked away.

"Chord," Rachel, as her character Lea called out to Sam's character, Chord. He turned around to look at her again. "Thank you for being honest . . . and a good man."

The camera framed his glowing smile perfectly in the shot and Mr. Murphy knew immediately it would be in the teaser trailer and a poster on walls around the world. Sam turned and left as Rachel began to sing as she watched him leave.

(They Just Keep Moving The Line – from the television show SMASH)

(Performed by Rachel Berry)

RACHEL: The field was bright with clover, I saw the finish line. I started as a rover, and then victory was mine. I thought the race was over, but they just keep moving the line.

She turned around and the camera caught her face in the moonlight with the school in the background.

RACHEL: They cheered at my persistence, but prayed for my decline. The path of least resistance led to Hollywood and Vine. I tried to go the distance, but they just keep moving the line. I jumped all of the hurdles, to break out of the pack; I started on the outside and then hit the inside track. I left the other fillies, back at the starting gate, was ready, on my mark, I got to set to hurry up and wait.

As she saw Mr. Murphy smile in her direction, she turned around and found herself fast-forwarded to Friday night at 54 Below and the performance for all the television executives put on by the managers of Five-Star. She wore a beautiful silver dress that hugged her figure perfectly.

RACHEL: So talent, and ambition, won me a chance to shine, I aced the big audition, but it's rainin' on Cloud 9. Can't beat the competition, cause they just keep moving the line.

The audience applauded as she changed keys and continued proving who the star voice in the room really was.

RACEL: I handled every corner, each bump along the track, and when I saw the ribbon, well, there was no turning back. I won the photo finish; I posed for all the men. But before I got my trophy, well, the race began again. So I made friends with rejection. I've straightened up my spine; I'll change each imperfection, til it's time to drink the wine! I'll toast to resurrection, but they just keep moving the line. Please give me some direction, 'cause they just keep moving the line!

The audience, and her cast mates all stood from their seats and applauded. They saw Blaine walk up from the other side of the stage to sit at the piano.

"Your boy is up next," Santana showed him. "Do you know what he's singing?"

"He wouldn't let me see. He just said to listen closely," Sam told her. "I don't know what that means. "

"It means he's going to tell you something," Sebastian stood on his other side with Colton next to him. "Stop trying to read into it more than it really is."

"Thank you so much, ladies and gentlemen," Rachel said from behind the microphone. "It is my pleasure to introduce the next performer coming to the stage. He is one of my favorite people in the whole world and it's not because we performed at Broadway theatres that were side by side for nearly a year. He and I go way back and his talent is beyond measure," she turned to Blaine and winked. "Many of you know him as the current Jack Kelly in Disney's The Newsies on Broadway, but in our show Fame he plays my twin brother, Darren Porter. Please welcome, Mr. Blaine Anderson."

Rachel walked down the steps sitting next to Santana at their table. Blaine began to speak.

"Thank you, Rachel, and thank all of you for coming to experience the incredible talent that we are all getting to know. I've had the privilege of working with the greatest cast on Broadway now for almost a year and I thought I'd reached the pinnacle until this cast assembled for this pilot. I have been inspired every moment I've been at work," Blaine exclaimed. "But tonight is about you and making you feel something and there is no greater emotion than love," he stopped speaking for a moment which quickly started to feel too long. Everyone in the room felt it. Members of the cast started to look around to each other nervously. Then he continued.

"For me, in my life, I've had two major loves, which is pretty awesome. I never thought they would conflict with each other and I hope they never will. I don't know what I would do, but I do know this. My love for the music has never forsaken me. Since I was a child all I wanted was to be a Broadway star and now that I'm here I consider myself one of the luckiest men in the world."

Blaine began to play which took everyone at Sam's table by surprise. He wasn't mentioned. No one turned to look at him. They didn't know what to do.

(Broadway, Here I Come – from the television series SMASH)

(Performed by Blaine Anderson)

BLAINE: I'm high above the city. I'm standing on the ledge. The view from here is pretty. And I step off the edge. And now I'm falling, baby, through the sky, through the sky. I'm falling, baby, through the sky. It's my calling, baby, don't you cry, don't you cry. I'm falling down through the sky.

Blaine looked up from the piano keys and immediately saw Sam's eyes.

BLAINE: Toward the street that I'm from. Oh Broadway here I come. Broadway here I come.

He turned his gaze away from Sam and began performing and flirting with the audience so they would fall in love with him just like Mr. Murphy wanted.

BLAINE: The pressure it increases the closer that I get. I could almost go to pieces, but I'm not quite there yet. See I've been braving crazy weather drownin' out my cries. I'll pull myself together. I'm focused on the prize.

Santana looked back and saw Sam's hand shaking on the table. She took it in hers and pulled it under the table resting it on his knee.

BLAINE: I'm falling, baby, through the sky, through the sky. I'm falling, baby, through the sky. It's my calling, baby, don't you cry, don't you cry. I'm falling down through the sky. It's a tune you can hum. Oh, Broadway, here I come.

"What message is he trying to send?" Colton questioned.

"He doesn't want to go on vacation," Sebastian whispered back to him and Colton looked at Sebastian with a mixture of sadness and disbelief.

BLAINE: Will I remain the same, or will it change a little bit? Will I feel broken or totally complete? Will I retain my name when I'm the biggest hugest hit? Or will I blend in with the rest of the street?

Rachel turned to check on Sam and was shocked back into sitting forward when she saw a tear running down his cheek.

BLAINE: The people all are pointing. I bet they'd never guess that the saint that they're anointing is frightened of the mess. But even though I fear it I'm playing all my cards. Baby, you are gonna hear it when I give them my regards.

Everyone looked around and the audience was enraptured following his every note. He had done exactly what was asked of him.

BLAINE: I'm falling, baby, through the sky, through the sky. I'm falling, baby, through the sky. It's my calling, baby, don't you cry, don't you cry. I'm falling down through the sky. And I refuse to go numb.

Sam was tapped on the shoulder by a PA. "You need to get your guitar in the Green Room."

He stood and walked out and the only person in the room that noticed was Blaine.

BLAINE: Oh, Broadway here I come. Broadway, here I come. Broadway here I come. Broadway, Broadway, here I come. Here I come! And the last thing I hear as the impact grows near is it a scream or a cheer? Well, never mind, I'll never find out, 'Cause Broadway, I am here!

Backstage, Sam sat with his guitar remembering the chords to the song when his phone buzzed in his suit jacket pocket. He pulled it out and saw his Dad's face.

"Did you make it into town?" Sam asked.

"Yes, Blake and I are on our way to the hospital now. I think I deleted the message you sent me with his room number," Will lamented.

"He's in 406. Sunshine is there now with him. As soon as I get done with this production I'll meet you there. I don't imagine Blake will want to leave anytime soon," Sam instructed but Will could hear the sadness in his voice.

"Sam, are you okay?"

"No, but we can talk about it later, Dad, I have to get ready to perform and impress all these rich people," Sam responded.

"You'll be great, Sam. You always are," Will comforted his son.

"Thanks Dad. I'll see you in a couple of hours."

After hanging up, he turned around to find Blaine standing there. He was so conflicted because the song hurt him so much but there stood Blaine looking as handsome as ever in his grey suit and curly hair.

"Mr. Schue made it to town?" he asked.

"Yeah," Sam answered. "He and Blake are going to see Michael now. I know that will cheer him up faster than seeing any of our faces."

"Sam, about the song . . ." Blaine began but Sam interrupted him.

"Can we not do this right now? I still have to go out there and impress them myself and I don't think I can do that with a broken heart," Sam overdramaticized the situation.

"I think you took it the wrong way," Blaine corrected him.

"How else do I take you telling and singing to an audience that Broadway is your first love and not me? Did you lie to them or did you lie to me?" Sam posed a very simple question but it put up a wall in the room higher and faster than any that had ever been between them.

In the quiet, they could hear the music for Santana's number coming to a close.

"I've got to go. I'm next," Sam declared walking passed Blaine and towards the stage door. He got there as Santana was finishing up.

"Thank you so much," she smiled at the audience. "Now I have the privilege of introducing the boy with a body for sin and the voice of an angel. Don't believe me about the body? After this show go take a walk to Times Square, his eight pack is actually eight stories high there, the audience reacted positively to her description and Sam blushed. "But his voice is without a doubt my favorite thing about him . . . except maybe his trouty mouth. Ladies and gentlemen, when you see FAME he plays the southern charmer Chord Covington. Please welcome, my best friend and partner in crime, Sam Evans."

He walked on stage with his guitar and hugged Santana and kissed her cheek.

"Sing from here," she put her hand on his heart and winked at him. "They'll fall in love with you."

She moved to sit down and at the same time Blaine walked in and sat down between Tina and Quinn at the next table over. Sam pulled a stool up from next to the piano so he could sit behind the microphone.

"Hi, everyone," he blushed. "I guess what Santana says is true. The thing people know me best for is my body. Practically every job I've had it's been the center of attention more than I've been. It's almost like we're two different people," Sam's words hit everyone hard. No one ever thought he had a problem with it. "My dad is my music teacher and my hero. He told me that the most important thing to a person is being honest with themselves because if you can't be honest with yourself then how can you ever be truthful with other people." He looked at Blaine briefly before continuing. "I hope through this show you get to know me and not just my abs because where I find truth is with this guitar strapped around my shoulders and my words coming from my heart. So this is something I wrote for this occasion. It's not upbeat but it's truthful and I hope you enjoy it."

(The Love I Meant to Say – from the television series SMASH)

(Performed by Sam Evans)

All his friends watched in anticipation as they had no idea what this could be.

SAM: Over, I can't believe it's over. I can't believe the love I left to show some other day.

Both Aaron and Ella watched in awe as all the noise in the room stopped except for Sam and his guitar. No one in the room looked away from him.

SAM: Listen, I hope that you can hear me as I kneel down and pray with the love I meant to say.

Sam looked directly into Blaine's eyes as he sang. All of his friends began to tear up. They feared what they might be witnessing.

SAM: Shadows, you took away the shadows, before you life was black and white though tonight the room's gone gray.

In the hospital, Michael looked up to see Blake standing in the door. It caused him to smile the biggest smile he could ever remember having.

SAM: Golden, all the love you gave was golden.

Sam broke eye contact with Blaine and turned to his table. Rachel was sobbing, Colton let the tears fall. Santana and Sebastian held it in but he felt their empathy.

SAM: Gold that I would gladly pay to show the love I meant to say.

Will and Sunshine watched as Blake knelt on the floor beside Michael holding his hands and the two boys laughing together.

SAM: Oh, music, you made me hear such music.

Quinn, Claire, Lucy, all watched with an understanding for how he felt. Tina and Mercedes both held on to their men to let them know how much they loved them.

SAM: Without you here to guide me, I fear our song will fly away.

In the last line of the song, Sam's voice cracked on the word "stay" and the tears fell. He let his guard down and everyone saw it, including Blaine.

SAM: Sorry, that's the word I wanna sing to you. The other word is stay to hear the love I meant to say.

There was no applause in the room when he finished. He looked up so see tears in the executives' eyes. He had touched them where it counted, their hearts not their pocketbooks.

Turning to see Mr. Murphy, he saw tears on his cheeks and a smile on his face. The song may not have been what they asked him for, but it was what they wanted.

-GLEE-

"Mr. Schue, have you eaten?" Sunshine asked. "I know you and Blake have to be starving. There's actually good food in the cafeteria if you'd like to come eat with me?"

"I'd love too, Sunshine. We can catch up," Will smiled. "Blake, do you want to come with us?"

"No," Michael answered for him. He looked directly into Blake's eyes. "Stay . . . please stay with me."

Blake crawled into Michael's bed and put his arms around him. He whispered in his ear. "Of course I'll stay. I'm never leaving you again."