CHAPTER 52 – NATIONALS
Four days after prom and one day before the competition began, the plane carrying New Directions to New York City arrived at JFK International Airport. Will Schuester, Finn Hudson, Shannon Beiste and Sue Sylvester walked the students through security and baggage claim before splitting them into two taxi buses to take them to the same hotel they stayed in the last time Nationals was in New York City. The entire process was very familiar to the junior and seniors who remembered the process two years ago. The boys rode in one bus with Will and Finn while the girls rode in the other with Shannon and Sue.
"So have you seen the ring?" Marley asked Kallie.
"Yeah, I can't believe I haven't shown you a picture," Kallie pulled out her phone and showed her the picture of Blaine and Sam with their engagement rings on.
"So when they were on Good Morning America earlier this week why weren't they wearing them?" she questioned.
"Because they want it to be just family and friends that know for a while. When they're in public they wear them on chains around their necks. I think part of it may have to do with their management that doesn't want engagement news to become a bigger story than the actual television premiere Thursday night," Kallie explained. "Blaine said they really want to share it with all their family and friends before the media goes crazy with it."
"I can understand that," Marley relented.
"So are we going to see them at the hotel?" Jessie questioned.
"No," Stacy spoke up. "Everyone is doing press today, but hopefully we'll get to see some of them tonight. I talked to Sam last night and he's making plans for Stevie and I to hang out with him somehow. I don't know how that's going to work before the competition starts though."
"Was he excited when he talked to you?" Mia was such a romantic at heart. She wanted to hear the entire story.
"Yeah, definitely," she smiled. "I think it was the happiest I've heard him in years. But he's busy and there are definitely some other things he's dealing with."
"Like what?" Kitty wondered but immediately had the realization set in. "Oh, nevermind."
In the other taxi bus, the reason for that frustration sat. Hunter had taken it upon himself to be Nick's defense mechanism ever since he heard what happened between him and Sebastian after prom. He was actually really proud of him for being strong and sticking to his convictions, but he also knew how much he didn't want to and how much it hurt him to do so. He wanted to be with Sebastian so much more than he was willing to admit, but with the way things went down, he knew things could not happen.
FLASHBACK: Prom Night
After leaving the prom early, Nick and Sebastian took Hunter home. They asked him to hang out with them for the rest of the evening, but that was not going to happen according to Hunter. He in no way wanted to hinder what might happen between the two boys. Insisting that they take him home, they drove to Cameron's house and dropped him off.
On the way back to Sam and Blaine's, the location they'd decided to use because they didn't want Nick's nosy parents around, they realized they were holding hands. Neither remembered when it started or even how it happened. It was like their hands just gravitated to each other and their fingers interlaced. Once Sebastian parked his rental in front of the house, they walked inside.
"Do you want something to drink or anything?" Sebastian offered.
"No, not really," Nick's eyes flirted with Sebastian even though he told himself not too. "I really just want to sit down with you and talk."
"Somehow I don't think you really want to talk," Sebastian couldn't help himself. He took a handful of Nick's ass in his hand and squeezed. He watched as Nick's eyes closed and he had to inhale to control himself at the sensation.
"You're right. I want to get naked for you and give myself to you right here in the doorway but we both know what something like that would mean and we need to talk about that first," Nick willed himself to listen to his head and not his heart.
"Do we really?" Sebastian looked deep into his eyes and held him tight before leaning in and kissing Nick's lips softly. "Are you telling me that you don't want that?"
"I do. I want it more than you know," Nick pulled away from Sebastian. He walked over to the oversized sofa in the den and sat down. "But before anything happens, Sebastian, I have to know that it's because you want me more than Colton and not because he cheated on you and you want to get him back."
The realization that Nick knew about Colton's indiscretion surprised him. He could tell from Nick's expression that he didn't plan on bringing it up but now that it was out there he couldn't pretend that he didn't know.
"Who told you?" Sebastian wanted to know.
"Sam," Nick didn't try to hold back at all. "He thought I should know that if I thought I'd made a mistake letting you go then I should know that this was the time to show you that."
"He shouldn't have told you," Sebastian sounded annoyed.
"Don't you even act like you're mad at him. If anything you're relieved that you don't have to tell me yourself," Nick knew Sebastian better than anyone.
"So are you planning to use it to your advantage?" Sebastian attempted to change the subject by moving over to the sofa and crouching over Nick like he was a predator wanting to eat his prey.
"That depends on you," Nick let himself calm down and put the ball in Sebastian's court.
"How so?" Sebastian lost his mojo and fell back onto the sofa cushions across from the beautiful blonde.
Nick moved closer to him and took Sebastian's hand in his. "Since I was a kid all I could imagine was going to California for school and when I got in I was so damn happy. Then that happiness just stopped when I realized what it meant for us. I guess that's why when I saw how you and Colton interacted and I knew there was some attraction there I convinced myself that you deserved the chance to find love that could be there with you the whole time, but Sam, Stevie, and Hunter have all told me things in the past week that make me realize that you're stupid if you stay with him."
"Your new best friend Hunter that you've been very close with?" Sebastian's snark was evident to Nick.
"Once. That's no comparison to the times you've been with Colton since we've broken up, and for the record, Sebastian, if it hadn't been for Hunter and his friendship I probably would have done something really stupid so you should cut him some slack and be nice to him. He took care of me when there was no one else there to do the job," Nick pulled away from Sebastian. He stood up and walked into the kitchen to collect himself. Again, he revealed something he never planned to at any point in time. The problem was he'd never been able to lie to Sebastian.
For Sebastian's part, his heart stopped hearing Nick's confession and suddenly Hunter was one of his favorite people in the world for taking care of his Nicky. He stood and followed Nick into the kitchen.
"Why didn't you call me?" Sebastian pulled Nick into his arms and held him tight. "I would have dropped everything for you and come home."
"Everything?" Nick looked up into his eyes. "Does that include Colton?"
Sebastian wanted to answer quickly but his heart didn't let him. He loved Nick, but he loved Colton too. Nick pulled away when Sebastian's phone rang. He pulled it out and Nick looked at the caller ID. "Speaking of the devil and he calls."
"I'll let it go to voice mail," Sebastian declared.
"No, answer it and see what he says because we both know this night is going to come down to you choosing between him and me," Nick connected the call for him and then walked back into the den to give Sebastian his privacy.
"Hello," Sebastian answered.
"Hey beautiful, I was totally expecting to get your voice mail. How's the dance?" Colton asked he sat in their bedroom dressed in his underwear lying under the covers.
"It's good. We're just taking a break. It gets loud you know?" Sebastian lied causing Nick to wonder why. Would he feel guilty if Colton knew he was home alone with Nick and all number of things could be happening?
"Yeah, I guess so," Colton smiled. "Look, I just wanted to tell you that you were totally right and Lily is a great girl. We talked things out today and Holland and I even took her to the Nick Jonas party. We've hung out all day and had a great time. I should have known. I haven't met one of your friends yet that I haven't loved. You attract great people."
"I'm glad you and Lily had fun. I'm sure she had a freak out meeting Nick Jonas," Sebastian turned to Nick to show he was surprised by the change in what was going on in New York.
"I don't want to keep you from Nick for too long. I just planned on leaving you a message, but I'm really glad I get to actually say this to you," Colton's voice sounded serious. "I just want you to know how much I love you and how thankful I am that you're willing to give me a second chance. I promise I'm going to make you as happy as humanly possible. I love you, Sebastian."
Nick didn't reveal that he could hear Colton talking through the phone. His words pierced his heart because he knew the guy meant them. It worried him that Colton might love Sebastian as much as he did.
"Colton, you know I love you too. I'll be home tomorrow so we can talk okay?" Sebastian answered and even though Nick knew it was a somewhat neutral answer it still told him everything he needed to know.
Sebastian hung up the phone and saw Nick standing up like he was ready to leave.
"Where are you going?" Sebastian ran after him stopping him before he could open the door.
"This can't happen tonight. I'm not going to be the reason that you stoop to Colton's level and cheat on him," Nick defended his actions.
"We don't have to do anything, Nicky. We can just sit and talk," Sebastian insisted.
"No we can't," Nick pulled away from him. "Don't you understand? I can't control myself around you. I love you so much that I would give up everything for you so the only thing I can do right now is the thing that scares me more than anything. I have to walk away from you and hope that you will pick me because you have a decision to make. Colton's a great guy, Seb, but so am I and I'm the better guy for you. I know that I'm just this kid that you met in high school and that first loves never seem to work out, but when have we ever represented how things are supposed to be," Nick pulled Sebastian in and kissed him knowing how much emotion was behind that kiss. "Make your decision, Sebastian, and if it is me you have to break up with him because it's the right thing to do."
Nick opened the door and walked away. He never intended on the night ending in an ultimatum, but it was the right thing to do. Now he would have to wait and he just hoped that his heart could handle it.
(Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) by Phil Collins – Glee Cast Version)
(Performed by Nick Hall and Sebastian Smythe)
Nick walked across the yard towards his home.
NICK: How can I just let you walk away, just let you leave without a trace. When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh. You're the only one who really knew me at all.
Sebastian stood at the front door watching Nick walk away from him.
SEBASTIAN: How can you just walk away from me, when all I can do is watch you leave? Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain and even shared the tears. You're the only one who really knew me at all.
Nick stopped walking and just looked around the neighborhood he grew up in realizing that nothing in his life would be the same without Sebastian.
NICK: So take a look at me now. Well there's just an empty space, and there's nothing left here to remind me just the memory of your face. Oh, take a look at me now. Well there's just an empty space, and you coming back to me is against the odds and that's what I've got to face
When Nick walked out of view Sebastian shut the door to the house and walked to his bedroom pulling off his jacket and bowtie and unbuttoning his shirt as he went.
SEBASTIAN: I wish I could just make you turn around, turn around and see me cry. There's so much I need to say to you, so many reasons why. You're the only one who really knew me at all.
He continued to change out of his suit and prepare for bed. Nick could be seen doing the same thing.
SEBASTIAN: Oh, so take a look at me now. Well, there's just an empty space, and there's nothing left here to remind me just the memory of your face. Now take a look at me now, cause there's just an empty space, but to wait for you is all I can do and that's what I've got to face.
Both boys sat on the edge of their beds in the boxerbriefs thinking about the other.
Sebastian/Nick: Take a good look at me now 'cause I'll still be standing here, and you coming back to me is against all odds, but it's the chance I've got to take.
Both guys laid down in bed wishing the other was next to him.
Sebastian/Nick: Take a look at me now. Take a look at me now. Oh hmm.
They both reached up and turned the lights out.
Present Day
"Hey," Hunter whispered to Nick. "You still with me? Where'd you just go?"
Nick shook his head. "Sorry, I must have zoned out thinking about things." He looked up and realized they were pulling passed Radio City Music Hall. "Wow, I must have really been out of it. We're here."
"Yeah, do you think Sebastian might be here waiting?" Hunter suggested hoping it would cheer him up.
"No, his picture is on too many billboards right now just like the rest of the cast," Nick reminded him.
"It's not like that many people would pay attention to that," Hunter again tried to make Nick feel better.
"Dude, I appreciate it, but we're about to walk into a hotel full of showchoir kids on the week that a new show about music and dancing premieres. Trust me, any of them walking into our hotel would not be coming through the front door."
"Point taken," Hunter relented as the taxi bus came to a halt.
"Okay, guys, I need you to get your luggage and follow Finn inside. He's going to keep all of you to one side while I get us checked in and I'll have you upstairs as soon as I can," Will directed and started to walk off the bus but stopped himself and turned back. "Oh, and no singing in the lobby this time, understood?"
"Wow, who did that last time?" Hunter acted like it was crazy.
Nick just turned to him and weakly smiled. "Who else? Sebastian."
The boys got off the bus and saw the girls getting off the bus in front of them. Nick and Hunter grabbed their bags and headed over to the front entrance of the hotel while Stevie passed by them after grabbing his. He walked over to where the girls grabbed their stuff. Ally was about to pick up her bag, but he beat her to it. She smiled and put her arm through his as they walked in with their bags.
"Look at that," Jake rolled his eyes as he, Jacob, and Cameron stood picking up their bags. Sterling was following Stevie's lead and getting Stacy's. "Those freshmen boys are showing us up."
"Yeah, I guess we better do the same before our girls get jealous," Cameron admitted.
The older boys learned from the younger ones to the surprise of their girlfriends. Mia, Marley, and Kallie got to walk in with just their carry-on bags. Jessie looked up and saw the boys helping their girlfriends and then looked at her two large suitcases she brought with her. It was a slap of stiff reality to her as she knew her ex was with his new best friend and she was left to fend for herself.
"What are you waiting for?" Nellie walked up next to her dragging her own suitcase behind her. "Aren't you ready to get this trip started? Five days in New York City, this will be fun."
"Yeah, I'm right behind you," Jessie smiled but dropped it the minute she turned around. She wasn't the most popular girl in the group currently, a position that she had never been in before. She wasn't used to it. Jessie knew that in every break up there was always one party that got the blame and she knew it would be her in this instance. She just didn't expect to be in the doghouse with so many. Nellie was on her side, her brother and Mia were also though she felt only by default. Then there was Michael but only when Blake was not around which wasn't very often. Then there was one other.
"Sucks being on the outside, doesn't it?" Bree pointed out. "For what it's worth I know what it's like and you won't get any judgment from me."
Bree headed inside leaving Jessie on her own outside the hotel.
"Are you coming sweetie?" Coach Beiste asked motioning with her arm to come inside. Jessie picked up her bags and headed inside with the football coach.
All the members of New Directions were crowded around a television screen in the bar area.
"Jessie, come quick!" Jacob called out. "They're on TV! They're about to perform on MTV!"
Jessie pulled her bags over and put them with the others. She turned to the television screen and saw Blaine, Sam, Tina and Sebastian. Blaine sat at the piano, Sam had his guitar and Tina and Sebastian stood where they could lean on the length of the piano.
(Loser Like Me – Glee Cast Version)
(Performed by Blaine Anderson, Tina Cohen-Chang, Sam Evans, and Sebastian Smythe)
BLAINE: You may think that I'm a zero and everyone you wanna be probably started off like me. You may say that I'm a freak show, but give it just a little time. I bet you're gonna change your mind.
The camera moved off of Blaine to include Sam and Tina as well.
SAM: All of the dirt you've been throwing my way
+ Tina/Blaine: It ain't so hard to take.
SAM: Cause I know one day you'll be screaming my name.
+ Tina/Blaine: And I'll just look away
SAM: Yeah I'll just look away.
Will walked over with the keys to the room and saw all of his team, Finn, Sue, and Shannon, enraptured by the television. He turned to see four of his kids, including his son (and future son) singing on national television and beamed with pride.
Sebastian/Tina: Just go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth so everyone can hear. Hit me with the worst you've got, knock me down, baby, I don't care. Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out you wanna be, you wanna be a loser like me.
TINA: Mmmmmm
SEBASTIAN: A loser like me.
Nick could barely watch Sebastian but then he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw that it was Mr. Schuester who gave him an assuring look that made things better. They turned to see Sam continue.
SAM: Push me up against the locker, oh
Sebastian/Tina: All I do is shake it off. I'll get you back when I'm your boss.
SAM: I'm not thinking 'bout you haters, no
Sebastian/Tina: And I could be a superstar, I'll see you when you wash my car.
Blaine/Tina: And all of the dirt you've been throwing my way
BLAINE: It ain't so hard to take, oh, and
Blaine/Tina: I know one day you'll be screaming my name and I'll just look away.
They all watched with pride as their friends held their in-studio audience in the palm of their hands.
Sebastian/Sam: Just go ahead and hate on me
+ Tina: and run your mouth
Seb/Tina: So everyone can hear
Seb/Tina/Sam: Hit me with the worst you've got and knock me down baby I don't care. Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out you wanna be, you wanna be a loser like me
BLAINE: Ooh
TINA: Yeah, yeah
Seb/Tina/Sam: A loser like me
Walking in the doors of the hotel came Sunshine, Lily, Artie, and Tyler. Blake was the first to see them and he jumped up and ran over to them and scooped Sunshine up in his arms holding her off the ground while hugging Lily. Kitty ran to Artie and kissed him and Michael was the first to Tyler. Everyone took their turn saying hello except for Will and Sue who continued watching the performance.
SEBASTIAN: Just go ahead
ALL: Go ahead and hate on me and run your mouth
SEBASTIAN: Run your mouth
ALL: So everyone can hear, hit me with the worst you've got and knock me down
SEBASTIAN: Knock me down
ALL: Baby, I don't care. Keep it up and soon enough you'll figure out.
Sam/Tina: You wanna be
BLAINE: You wanna be, yeah
Sam/Tina: You wanna be
Sam/Tina/Blaine: A loser like me
SEBASTIAN: A loser like me
ALL: A loser like me
"Your boy and his boy look really good even with the sexy best friend brother with incestual tendencies and the Asian fag hag," Sue declared. Will started to correct her but then thought what's the point especially when Sue smiled. "Call your wife and gloat about your son. Give me the keys. I'll give them out and get them up to their rooms."
"Thanks Sue," Will handed over the key cards and pulled out his phone. "Emma, hey. I just saw Sam on MTV performing. He looked great . . ."
He continued the conversation as he picked up his bag and headed upstairs.
-GLEE-
At the back entrance of MTV, Sam and Sebastian stood waiting for their ride to their next interview. Tina and Blaine had already left for theirs.
"Since this next set of interviews are the last I'm going to head over to the hotel and see Dad and the rugrats. Do you want to go with me?" Sam asked.
"No," Sebastian answered shortly and with no more interaction than that.
Sam turned to him and noticed that he didn't even look at him.
"You're not still mad at me for telling Nick about Colton are you?" Sam questioned. "I thought he had a right to know."
"But not from you, Sam. He should have heard it from me not you," Sebastian raised his voice. He looked down at his feet. "I'm not mad at you, Sam, I'm just so damn stressed and I don't know what to do."
"I wish there was something I could do to help you, Sebastian, I really do, but I'm pretty biased on this one so I need to stay out of it," Sam admitted.
"I know," Sebastian actually managed a smile looking at his best friend. "We can't all be lucky enough to be engaged to our soulmates."
"It is pretty sweet," Sam beamed. "You'll find it, Seb. Look at it this way. You have two guys that love you and want to be with you. You just have to choose. Have you talked to Nick at all since you've been back?"
"No," Sebastian admitted. "Truthfully, Sam, I planned to break up with Colton when I got back to The City and convince Nick to move here with me but I never expected the kind of welcome home he gave me." Sebastian turned to Sam. "Say what you want about him, Sam, but Colton is a great guy and I love him too and he proved that he loves me."
Sam saw their car pulling up and Ella waving them over where people would see them leaving. "Look, I know Colton is a good guy. I'm sure that we'll all be friends in the future. I'm also sure that he loves you but you have to choose what is the best choice for you. I have my opinions and so does everyone else, but you know what will make you happy and I'll support you no matter what your decision is."
"Boys, come on, I've got to get you to Sirius Radio," Ella called out.
The boys stepped out into the city street. Fans on both sides screamed out and camera flashes blinded them as they waved and smiled before diving into the car with Ella. As it began moving into the street, Sebastian looked out the window as every detail of his return to New York flooded his memory.
FLASHBACK – Sunday Night After Prom
Sebastian's car drove down the street after dropping off Artie at his building. The trip back to Lima had not gone like he expected it too. The fact that Nick resisted his charms and gave him an ultimatum was something unusual. The one thing that his brain continued to focus on was the ultimatum of picking Nick or Colton. In his head, Sebastian had gone back and forth between the two boys over and over on the flight home. Artie slept the entire way back so he had nothing to do but think.
There were, of course, the major changes happening in New York while he was gone as well. Sunshine was back and he couldn't wait to spend time with her. He'd missed her so much and when he needed advice she was one of his favorite people to go to. Plus, when it came to major changes the biggest was that Sam and Blaine were engaged. He wanted nothing more than to celebrate with his friends but he had his own issues to deal with. The first thing that he had to do was talk to Colton no matter how much he didn't want to have the conversation.
He got out of the car and thanked the driver for helping him with his luggage. As soon as the elevator doors shut he felt the pressure of the moment. He wasn't sure what he would be walking into, if Lily would be there to buffer the awkwardness, or most importantly, Sebastian wondered how he would feel when he saw Colton again.
Unlocking the door and walking inside, Sebastian was immediately struck by two things: immediately as the door opened the smell of lasagna filled his nostrils and the second thing was that the lights in the apartment were not on but there were candles throughout the kitchen and dining room. He opened the door the rest of the way to find Colton standing there looking more handsome than ever before. He wore a beige linen suit with a blue oxford shirt underneath that complimented his blue eyes in the candlelight. His smile beamed when he saw Sebastian walk through the door.
"Welcome home," Colton walked over to Sebastian and they kissed and embraced. "I'm so glad that you are home. I made dinner so drop your bags off and I'll make you a drink."
"Okay," Sebastian smiled completely blown away by the attention Colton was giving him. He dropped his bags off in their closet and walked back to the kitchen where Colton stood waiting on him with a glass of wine. He looked over at the dining table and Colton had the meal he prepared waiting for them to sit down.
"I take it Lily won't be home tonight?" Sebastian assumed.
"She's staying at Lindsey's tonight so she can catch up with Sunshine," Colton explained. "Shall we sit and eat? You can tell me all about your trip."
"Are you sure you want to know all the details?" Sebastian couldn't resist the chance to test Colton.
Colton stopped as he was sitting down to look into Sebastian's eyes. "If we're meant to be a couple we have to trust each other and tell each other the truth." Sebastian could tell that he didn't want to say what came next. "All through the weekend I made myself accept the fact that you and Nick would be together. I'd be a fool to forget how close you two were or that in a situation like a high school prom you wouldn't remember that. I am the last person that has the right to judge you if you did spend the night with him after what I did."
His revelation surprised Sebastian. As he sat down looking into Colton's eyes he remembered all the moments that made him fall in love with this man. He had to admit the fact that he was completely in love with two men at one time.
"We can talk about that later though. Let's eat before our dinner gets cold," Colton suggested.
The couple sat at the dining table eating, talking, and laughing. Over the next half hour Sebastian forgot about the difficult decision he had to make. When they were done eating, Colton cleared the table, poured him and Sebastian another glass of wine and took his hand.
"Come into the den. There's something I want to show you," he led Sebastian to the sofa and used the remote to turn on their entertainment system. Pulling up YouTube on their television, he said, "My personal promo for the show went live this evening. I wanted to show it to you because I picked the song specifically for you. I wanted you to know how I feel."
He found the video online and hit the play button as he sat next to Sebastian.
(Need You Right Now by Bethany Mota – Cover by Corey Gray)
(Performed by Colton Haines)
On the screen, Sebastian saw Colton sitting behind a piano playing the song as images of his character's on-screen romance with Lucy's played in the background.
COLTON: Like an earthquake brought us to the floor we're shattered pieces on the ground. I wanna find what we had before the walls came crashing down. Picking up, moving on, waking up alone, second guess, every second looking at my phone. Thinking back, what we had, where did we go wrong? And now you've got me screaming out.
Colton turned to watch Sebastian watch him on the screen. It was moments like this when he saw the emotional softness in his boyfriend that made him love him so much.
COLTON: I need you right now. I can't wait for your love, ohh. Lost beyond the circle of our hearts, I know, I need you right now. I can't wait for your love, ohh. A million miles separate our hearts, I know. I need you right now. I need you right now.
The montage of Colton and Lucy's characters through the pilot played. They would be the seemingly perfect couple in a cast of people with all the romantic problems you could imagine.
COLTON: Like a thief you robbed me in the dark, but I thought I locked all the doors. You told me we didn't have that spark then you burned me to the core. Picking up, moving on, waking up alone. Second guess, every second looking at my phone. Thinking back, what we had, where did we go wrong? And now you've got me screaming out.
It was Sebastian's turn to watch Colton watching his video. He remembered why Colton pulled him away from Nick in the first place.
COLTON: I need you right now. I can't wait for your love, ohh. Lost beyond the circle of our hearts, I know, I need you right now. I can't wait for your love, ohh. A million miles separate our hearts, I know.
Colton turned and caught Sebastian watching him. He blushed. Sebastian smiled. Neither could look away from the other.
COLTON: Never know what you had, what you list in the end. Never know what you had. Now it's gone, it's gone, it's gone. Never know what you had, what you lost in the end. Never know what you had 'til it's gone, it's gone, it's gone. But I need you right now. I need you right now oh, oh, oh. I need you right now oh, oh, oh.
Colton leaned in and kissed Sebastian. He leaned over pushing Sebastian down and laid on top of him continually kissing and making Sebastian think about him and not Nick.
COLTON: Never know what you had 'til it's gone in the end. Never know what you had 'til it's gone. Never know what you had until it's gone, gone, gone.
Colton looked into Sebastian's eyes. "I know you still love Nick and I understand that, but I'll love you for the rest of my life. I'd do anything for you."
Present Day
"Sebastian, we're here," Sam shook him. "Snap out of it, buddy."
Sebastian shook his memory. He was more conflicted than ever and he had no idea which love he would choose.
-GLEE-
"So how were your interviews today? I caught the MTV performance. I loved how you and Sam arranged our old song," Rachel spoke up. She and Blaine met up once their interviews were over and took a car across town heading to the hotel to see their friends.
"They were good. Sam went with Sebastian and I spent most of the day with Tina," Blaine answered.
"Are you two deliberately trying to stay away from each other in public? Afraid you won't be able to control yourselves?" she teased.
"Pretty much," Blaine admitted. "Changing things from boyfriends to fiancés kind of has us to the point of not wanting to keep our hands off each other. We're just trying to keep that to ourselves at home, you know?"
"I don't know, actually. It's been awhile. That's why I can't wait to see, Finn," Rachel admitted as their car pulled up to the hotel.
"You know he's sharing a room with Mr. Schuester, don't you? I can't imagine you being able to do him there," Blaine teased.
"Which is why I booked a room here," Rachel winked before holding up a key card. "One I'll share with you because something tells me you and Sam will need a break at some point. I'll give you the other key card if you help me out and cover for Finn for a half hour."
Blaine took the card. "Deal."
The two of them walked through the back entrance and followed one of the hotel concierges to the service elevator that took them to the floor where New Directions was staying. When the elevator opened, they saw Kallie, Kitty, and Marley rehearsing a section of one of their songs in the hallway.
"Looks good," Blaine announced their presence. Kallie turned and ran over to her cousin and hugged him. Both Kitty and Marley walked over to say their hellos to Rachel. "Okay come on let me see it."
"Well hello to you too," Blaine laughed. "I think you want to see it more than you want to see me."
"You know I love you," Kallie exclaimed. "But I've been waiting to see this ring since we got here. I want to know if he has good taste."
"It's Tiffany's, honey. He's got great taste," Rachel added.
"Well now I want to see it too," Marley admitted.
Blaine pulled the silver chain he and Sam bought for each other out from underneath his shirt to reveal his engagement ring to the girls.
"It's beautiful," Marley beamed as she saw the glimmer of the ring in the light.
"It looks just like what you would want. Your boy did good," Kallie grinned.
"Can I see?"
Blaine looked passed Kallie and the senior girls to see Stacy standing in the middle of the hallway with Stevie.
"Yeah, I'd kind of like to see it too," Stevie grinned.
The two siblings of Blaine's fiancé walked towards him looking at the ring that shimmered in front of him.
"I told you we'd be family one day," Stacy smiled before hugging Blaine.
"Yeah, looks like that's going to be sooner rather than later. It's about damn time," Stevie added to the hug.
"You can say that again," Blaine looked up when he heard Will Schuester's voice. His former teacher and future father-in-law stood in the doorway to his hotel room. "Think I can get a look at that ring?"
"Absolutely," Blaine grinned as he let go of the kids and headed over to Will. "I was coming to see you anyway. That, and to deliver a present to your roommate."
"What about me?" Finn walked to the door. "What kind of present?"
"Me," Rachel grinned as she walked the rest of the way over to the room. "Think I could borrow him to get a drink, Mr. Schue?"
"Of course, go have fun. Just remember, Finn, we leave in an hour to go have our last rehearsal," Will reminded his protégé.
"I'll have him back don't worry, Mr. Schue. I thought maybe I'd come to rehearsal to if you could use my help," Rachel offered.
"I'd love to have you there," Will agreed and then turned to Blaine. "I'd love to have both of you there actually, the more the merrier."
Rachel and Finn said their goodbyes and headed over to the elevators.
"Why don't you guys all go back to your rooms and get ready to leave. Marley let everyone know we'll be ordering our food to the rehearsal site so make sure everyone brings money," Will instructed.
Blaine followed Will into his hotel room.
"You just missed Sunshine and Lily. They just left with Artie and Tyler," Will smiled.
"Yeah, it's been incredible having them both back in town," Blaine smiled. "Sam surprising me with Sunshine's return was almost as great as his proposal."
"I told you I had a feeling we'd be family one day," Will offered Blaine water from his mini-fridge.
"Stacy said the same thing in the hallway," Blaine blushed.
"I guess great minds think alike," Will's expression went serious for a moment. "You're both okay with wearing your engagement rings around your necks instead of on your fingers, right?"
"Oh, yes sir. That was a decision we made together. The last thing either of us wanted was for our engagement to take press away from the show. We care about too many people involved with it to steal its thunder," Blaine explained. "Plus, we like just our family and friends knowing right now. We're not planning a wedding yet or anything and we don't want to rush it so we like how things are. You and Mrs. Emma are happy with it, right?"
"Of course we are," Will smiled and put his arm around Blaine's shoulder. "Remember back last August when I told you I'd always be here for you no matter what happened between you and Sam?"
"Yes sir," Blaine remembered.
"That's still true, but it's even truer because I can't wait for you to officially be my son. I'm proud of you, Blaine," Will beamed with pride.
"Thank you, Mr. Schue," Blaine felt more love from this man than he ever did from his own father.
Will chuckled. "You've really got to get used to calling me Will . . . or Dad, whichever you prefer."
-GLEE-
A couple of hours later, Sam arrived at Five Star Entertainment with Ella after his final interview of the day. They walked in heading towards the auditorium rehearsal area.
"I can't believe they are rehearsing here," Sam thought aloud.
"Well it pays to have a student in your group whose father runs and Entertainment Company in New York and a former student who owns it."
"Good point," he laughed. "I wish I could have gotten here earlier. They're probably almost done now," Sam realized.
"I'm sure Will and all the kids will love seeing you and some of the others are already here," Ella confirmed. She opened the door to walk into the auditorium. "You coming in?"
She saw that something had caught Sam's attention.
"I'll be in just give me a minute," he walked down the hall where he saw the young blonde sitting alone with his phone in his lap."
"Penny for your thoughts?" Sam asked as he sat down in the chair next to Nick. "Shouldn't you be rehearsing right now?"
"Hey Sam," Nick attempted to smile. "I just needed a break to make a phone call and they are rehearsing the girls' number. I was about to go back in, I promise."
"You don't have to promise me just like you don't have to tell me who you tried to call," Sam had no doubt he was trying to call Sebastian. "Did he not answer?"
Nick just shook his head no. "He still hasn't made a choice has he?"
Sam had to be team Sebastian in that moment. As much as he wanted his best friend to pick Nick he knew it was just as possible for Colton to be around instead. He had to be fine with it either way. But that didn't meant he wanted Nick to get hurt.
"It's not easy for him, Nick. He doesn't want to hurt either of you and he knows it's going to happen no matter what he tries to do. I have talked to him about it a lot," Sam admitted. "Just give him time. He's going to make his decision this week so trust him. Right now, you have your own job to do and I know they need you because you're who you are. So can I walk back in with you?"
"Do you think he'll pick me, Sam?" Nick asked him point blank.
"Well let me ask you a question. He told me you'd do anything for him. What if he said yes to you and asked you to come to New York instead of Los Angeles?" Sam wanted to know.
"I got into NYU Film School. I wouldn't have anywhere to live because it's too late for student housing but I could go to school here if I wanted. Sebastian's more important than a college choice especially if it meant I'd lose him forever. I could never pick a school knowing that," Nick realized.
"Did you tell him that?" Sam prodded.
"No," Nick answered quickly. "I want him to base it on his feelings not what I can say to sweeten the pot. I want him to want me over Colton. If he doesn't then he shouldn't pick me in the first place."
"I guess that's a good way to look at it," Sam declared. "For what it's worth I hope he picks you."
"That makes two of us," Nick smiled a bit more sincerely this time. "Come on, I better get back and I'm sure Blaine is wondering where in the hell you are anyway."
The boys headed to the doors and walked inside. The girls were just finishing up their number. Nick pointed over to the Glee boys and he headed over to them. Sam looked down and saw Blaine and Rachel sitting in the third row but they weren't alone. Mercedes and Quinn were both there to watch their younger siblings as well. He headed in that direction but was cut off when Stevie nearly tackled him to the ground and he saw Stacy walking up to him as well.
"It's good to see you too," Sam whispered to Stevie.
"I can't wait for you to see the show. It's awesome! We're going to win!" Stevie whispered back."
"I'm ready. That's why I'm here," Sam held his other arm out for Stacy. "Hey sweet girl. You look beautiful as always."
"Thanks Sam," Stacy grinned. "Did Stevie tell you we both have solos?"
"No!" Sam looked back to his brother and swelled with pride. "Now I really need to see this show."
"Well, we're about to run it," Sam looked up to see his Dad. He stood up quickly and gave him a hug. "Do you mind watching it and then coming back to the hotel with Blaine and Rachel and letting me know what you think?"
"Anything I can do to help Dad," Sam affirmed.
"Great," Will smiled. "It's so good to see you." He reached for Sam's neck and pulled out the necklace around his neck and looked at Sam's engagement ring. "Plus your dad would like to talk to you about some other things too."
"I figured," Sam laughed.
-GLEE-
After the rehearsal was over and Mr. Schuester got everyone back to the hotel, he sat in his room with Finn, Rachel, Sam, and Blaine to talk about the show and other things as well.
"Are you sure all your kids will stay in their rooms tonight?" Sam asked his dad.
"You mean like your crew did when you were in high school," Will raised an eyebrow. "Sue and Shannon are taking turns patrolling the hallways so that I can talk to the four of you."
"I thought the show was great Mr. Schue," Rachel interrupted. "I can't imagine that there will be many choirs to keep you from the top ten."
"And from what Stevie's told me your final round routine is better than what we saw tonight. It helps that it's in your wheelhouse though," Sam replied.
"Thanks to you and Blaine. You were the two that insisted the choir learn a cappella all those years ago and it's been a tradition that's stayed with us. Hopefully that will work to our advantage."
"I think it will, Mr. Schue. I feel really good about it after watching them tonight. They are really focused," Blaine pointed out. "So everything starts in the morning?"
"Yeah the first group begins at 9am," Finn answered.
"Are there any big hitters in the morning?" Rachel asked him.
"The team that is now the default national champions from last year since Throat Explosion got disqualified are in the first block. They'll be the main group in the morning. Then we're second to last tomorrow night," Will answered.
"Yeah I wish you three could be there," Finn added.
"Yeah, it sucks that our shows premiere night and showchoir nationals are on the same day, Sam mentioned. "We won't get to be there at all and I hate that."
"It's understandable, son. You three have an important job to do tomorrow just like so many of my other kids," Will reminded them. "That's why I asked Sunshine and Lily to hang out with us tomorrow. I think Artie and Tyler are coming too after they get off work," he wanted them not to worry about the group. "I hate we'll miss your live performance on Good Morning America too."
"You can watch it on YouTube later," Rachel assured him. "Just know, Mr. Schue, that we're going to be checking in all day."
"I know you will," Will smiled. He looked at his watch. "Looking at the time, you three should get home so you can get some sleep. You have one of the most important days of your lives tomorrow. I want you to be rested and enjoy every minute of it."
"Okay dad, we'll go," Sam stood and gave Will a hug. Rachel kissed Finn goodbye and the three of them headed to the elevators.
"I hate not telling them about the real reason we can't be there," Rachel said as soon as the doors shut.
"They'll find out tomorrow and they'll understand," Sam put his arm around her. "Plus they'll be happy when they find out how much we'll be involved and they just don't know it."
"Yeah, Rachel. It's all going to work out. Right now we just need to be prepared for everything that we have to do tomorrow," Blaine added. "I'm so thankful we have people telling us where to go and keeping up with us tomorrow."
They walked out the back entrance happy to see that their car was waiting for them in the garage.
"We are lucky and Mr. Schue is right. We all need to enjoy tomorrow and have a great time," Rachel determined. "Cause no matter how crazy this life gets we'll always have each other to depend on."
(Home by Phillip Phillips – Cover by Savannah Outen, Corey Gray, Jake Coco)
(Performed by Blaine Anderson, Rachel Berry, and Sam Evans)
Sam reached over and took Rachel's hand in his.
SAM: Hold on to me as we go; as we roll down this unfamiliar road. And though this wave.
RACHEL: Wave
Sam/Rachel: Is stringing us along. Just know you're not alone. Cause I'm going to make this place your home.
The three of them took the moment to look out the windows of the car and take in the city and exactly how lucky they were to have the lives they lived.
ALL: Settle down, it'll all be clear. Don't pay no mind to the demons they fill you with fear. The trouble it might drag you down. If you get lost you can always be found. Just know you're not alone cause I'm going to make this place your home.
The car pulled up to their building and the three of them walked in together
ALL: Ooo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo. Oo-oo-oo-oo (x2)
Walking up the stairs the boys stopped on Rachel's floor so that they could say goodnight.
ALL: Settle down, it'll all be clear. Don't pay no mind to the demons they fill you with fear. The trouble it might drag you down. If you get lost you can always be found. Just know you're not alone. I'm going to make this place your home.
"I just love that I always know I can depend on you boys," Rachel kissed each of them on the cheek and walked to her apartment.
The boys continued up their stairs. As they got to their door, Blaine asked, "Have you noticed that unlike the rest of our friends, Rachel has been down since we told her we're engaged."
"Yeah, I've noticed, but there's something I've got to tell you that Finn told me tonight that I think might change her attitude."
Sam pulled Blaine into their apartment and shut the door behind them.
-GLEE-
The following morning the members of New Directions dressed in their traditional red and black suits and dresses that they wore every year to nationals. It was now something they were known for. When they walked into Radio City Music Hall and found their seats, the new members of New Directions could feel the eyes that were on them. They knew that other choirs considered them contenders but until you felt the eyes on you, you could never understand how it felt.
Stevie sat next to Ally on one side and Jacob on the other. "Do we always get looked at like this?" he asked Jacob.
"It's a little more intense than normal this year," Jacob whispered. Stevie noticed how tightly Mia held his hand. She was nervous too. "With Throat Explosion not in the competition our stock went up and it seems like they know some specifics too."
"Like what?" Stevie wanted to know.
"Well we have a Tony winner who graduated from our group who happens to date our student director. We have two other Broadway stars, Santana has hit it even bigger and one of the biggest young stars in the world is the son of our director and his two younger siblings are in our group," Jacob pointed out the obvious.
The four freshman, Stacy and Sterling were on the other side of Ally, all began to sweat at the realization. Stacy and Stevie just looked at each other and gulped.
"Okay, guys it's about time to start. I've also heard there is a guest host for the competition so make sure you're on your best behavior. Remember we are being judged the entire time that we are here not just when we are on stage," Will warned them.
Everyone sat down and prepared themselves for the choirs they were about to watch. The lights dimmed to let everyone know the competition was about to start. The music began and suddenly there was a voice introducing the host of the competition.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our host for this competition. She is one of the stars of MTV's Teen Wolf and can be seen this summer in Nicholas Sparks' newest movie The Guardian, Ms. Holland Roden."
The audience stood and applauded her as she entered the stage looking breathtaking. Stevie whistled for the girl before noticing Ally's expression.
"Don't worry," he winked. "She's one of my brother's friends. I've still only got eyes for you, beautiful," he hugged her tightly before they all sat down to await her first words.
"Thank you so much for that ovation!" she exclaimed. "And welcome to the 2015 National Showchoir Championships. We have the fifty best choirs in the country ready to compete and I am excited to be your guest host for the competition. Now if I can have the technicians bring down the lights."
The lights in the theatre went out and the curtains opened revealing a large movie screen. Holland was illuminated with a spotlight. "Before we get started we do have a word from our sponsor, ABC television. Why would they sponsor this event? Well as many of you know tonight a new television show for the fall schedule is having a spring premiere and I have a feeling it's going to be the new favorite show of most of you in this room. But that presented one little problem. You're all going to be here. So my friends on the set of FAME have a message for you. Starting off with someone you used to see me share the screen with a lot."
Holland's spotlight went out and the movie screen lit up. The sound of the Fame theme song came on and soon thereafter Colton could be seen on the screen and changed to each actor when they spoke.
COLTON: Hey guys, I'm Colton Haines.
LUCY: I'm Lucy Hale.
CLAIRE: I'm Claire Holton.
SAM: What's up, guys, My name is Sam Evans and we're just a few of the cast members for ABC's new series FAME which debuts on the network tonight.
COLTON: But you guys are all sitting in Radio City Music Hall preparing for the biggest competition of your year and won't be able to watch.
CLAIRE: And that's just not cool because if there is a definite built in audience for our show it's all of you.
LUCY: So we wanted to do something special for all of you.
SAM: That's why tonight after the last choir sings and while the judges are deciding who will be in the top ten we are going to give you guys a special screening of our premiere right there in Radio City Music Hall.
LUCY: And who knows, some of us might even stop by and watch it with you.
COLTON: So good luck, break a leg, and have a great time because your competition starts right after this sneak peak of our show. Enjoy!
The room went dark for a moment before the preview began to play. For the kids of New Directions it was so weird and exciting watching their friends and siblings on the big screen as the music video for FAME played.
-GLEE-
Lily and Sunshine walked into the theatre with Artie and Tyler looking for Finn and Mr. Schuester.
"Did we make it in time?" Lily asked as they sat down next to Finn.
"Yes, they're next. You've got perfect timing," Finn told them.
Tyler had to walk over and hug Coach Beiste. "Good to see you Coach."
"You to pumpkin, we'll have to catch up after they get done," she winked.
"I'm glad you four are here," Mr. Schuester smiled at the four of them. "This is what I need to know. Watch them and give me your honest opinion of how they do okay?"
"It looks like they're about to start," Sunshine pointed to Holland standing under her spotlight.
"The next choir represents the 2012 and 2013 National Championship teams and 2014's runners-up. Ladies and gentlemen please welcome to the stage, from Lima, Ohio, THE NEW DIRECTIONS!"
As everyone applauded, Finn leaned over to Sunshine. "We're starting out with our traditional showchoir number and then we'll get into stuff that's more our style."
"Traditional showchoir?" Sunshine whispered wondering what he meant.
"Well you know me and Mr. Schue," he grinned. "We have to get our one '80's song in."
The music began and they heard the members of New Directions creating the back ground vocals as they stood on stage turning around one at a time.
(More Than A Feeling by Boston – Glee Cast Version)
Hunter took a step out of the group and walked forward as his team danced slowly behind him.
HUNTER: I looked out this morning and the sun was gone. Turned on some music to start my day. I lost myself in a familiar song.
He took Marley's hand and pulled her out front with him.
Marley/Hunter: I closed my eyes and I slipped away.
All of the team danced behind the couple.
HUNTER: It's more than a feeling
New Directions: More than a feeling.
MARLEY: When I hear that old song they used to play.
New Directions: More than a feeling.
Hunter/Marley: And I begin dreaming
New Directions: More than a feeling
MARLEY: 'Til I see Marianne
Marley/Hunter: Walk away
HUNTER: I see my Marianne
New Directions: walking away, hey
The eleven other couples began choreography together and Hunter and Marley continued taking the lead.
HUNTER: When I'm tired and thinking cold
Hunter/Marley: I hide in my music, forget the day
HUNTER: And dream of a girl I used to know
Hunter (all): I closed my eyes and she slipped away.
The full group danced in their first unison performance. On the side of the theatre Aaron and Ian walked in. Seeing that New Directions were already performing the found their seats and continued watching.
New Directions: She slipped away.
Hunter/Marley: She slipped away.
HUNTER: It's more than a feeling
New Directions: More than a feeling.
The alumni in the audience watched the current crew on stage and saw that they were having a great time and putting together a flawless performance. They couldn't help but smile.
HUNTER: It's more than a feeling.
New Directions: More than a feeling
MARLEY: When I hear that song they used to play
New Directions: More than a feeling
Hunter/Marley: And I begin dreaming
New Directions: More than a feeling. 'Til I see Marianne walk away . . . more than a feeling.
The whole of New Directions ended the song across the front of the stage in a team pose and the final notes of the music. When the second song began the audience immediately noticed the different style as the music was from the past year and the dancing become more rhythmic.
(Best Day Of My Life by American Authors – Glee Cast Version)
The girls jumped around and began dancing in unison with a step routine before Stevie moved to the center stage position.
STEVIE: I had a dream so big and loud. I jumped so high, I touched the clouds. Wo-oah-oah-oah-oah-oah-oh-oh.
New Directions: Wo-oah-oah-oah-oah-oah-oh-oh.
STEVIE: I stretched my hands out to the sky. We danced with monsters through the night. Wo-oah-oah-oah-oah-oah-oh-oh.
New Directions: Wo-oah-oah-oah-oah-oah-oh-oh.
Blake joined Stevie as the rest of the boys joined the girls into the military like step routine.
BLAKE: I'm never gonna look back
STEVIE: Woah
BLAKE: I'm never gonna give up.
STEVIE: No.
Stevie/Blake: Please don't wake me now.
STEVIE: Two, three, four.
Both Stevie and Blake joined in with their team in their unison dance.
New Directions: This is gonna be the best day of my life, My li-i-i-i-i-ii-fe. This is gonna be the best day of my life, my li-i-i-i-i-ii-fe. Woo!
Blake went out front as the majority of the team moved up to the risers except for the boys and girls that did gymnastics stunts across the stage behind him.
BLAKE: I howled at the moon with friends and then the sun came crashing in. Wo-oah-oah-oah-oah-oah-oh-oh.
New Directions: Wo-oah-oah-oah-oah-oah-oh-oh.
BLAKE: But all the possibilities, no limits, just epiphanies. Wo-oah-oah-oah-oah-oah-oh-oh.
New Directions: Wo-oah-oah-oah-oah-oah-oh-oh.
BLAKE: I'm never gonna look back.
STEVIE: Woah
BLAKE: I'm never gonna give up.
STEVIE: No.
Stevie/Blake: Just don't wake me now.
The crowd applauded as the whole group danced together. It looked like they were all connected it was so smooth and together.
New Directions: This is gonna be the best day of my life, My li-i-i-i-i-ii-fe. This is gonna be the best day of my life, my li-i-i-i-i-ii-fe.
The team spread across the bleachers and marched in place as they sang together. Gradually, they moved closer together until they were in the traditional New Directions pyramid formation.
New Directions: I hear it calling outside my window. I feel it in my soul. The stars were burning so bright, the sun was out 'til midnight. I say we lose control.
Their head and hand movements blew people away with how together they were. Everyone danced and Stevie and Blake continued together.
Stevie/Blake: This is gonna be the best day of my life, My li-i-i-i-i-ii-fe. This is gonna be the best day of my life, my li-i-i-i-i-ii-fe.
As they finished the song, Tyler leaned over to Lily. "This is so clean, but it's so technical."
"According to what Sam and Blaine told me last night that's about to change."
"Oh trust me, the next two songs are sexy. You're in for a treat," Artie winked at Tyler. "Especially since your jiggly bits puff up for boys and girls."
Tyler blushed at Artie's abruptness but appreciated how comfortable he finally felt with him and his lifestyle.
(Justin Timberlake Mash-Up by Anthem Lights)
The boys began the song by moving to their partners and moving into Latin dancing. Jake Puckerman was in the front with Marley as his partner.
JAKE: Senorita, I feel for you. You deal with things that you don't have to. He doesn't love ya I can tell by his charm if you feel this real love. If you just lay in my
BOYS: Arms, arms, arms.
JAKE: I just want to love you baby
BOYS: Arms, arms, arms
Nick took over as all the girls except the three Cheerio dancers (that included Bree) and their partners performed a lyrical routine to the boys who posed across the front of the stage staring into the eyes of the people in the front five rows.
NICK: If I wrote you a symphony just to say how much you mean to me
BOYS: What would you do?
NICK: If I told you you were beautiful would you date me on the regular
BOYS: Tell me would you?
NICK: Well, baby, I've been around the world, but I ain't seen myself another girl
BOYS: Like you
NICK: This ring here represents my heart, but there's just one thing I need from you
BOYS: say "I do."
NICK: You don't have to say what you did. I already know. I found out from
BOYS: Him.
NICK: Now there's just no chance for you and me. There'll never be and don't it make you sad about it.
By this point all the girls had return and the lyrical dance the audience watched three couples do was now done by all twelve.
BOYS: I can see us holding hands walking on the beach, our toes in the sand. I can see us on the countryside sitting on the grass laying side by side. You could be my baby, let me make you my lady, girl, you amaze me. Ain't gotta do nothing crazy. See, all I want you to do is be my love
Hunter walked forward with Jessie as Cameron walked forward with Kallie. The other couples continued the lyrical dance.
Hunter/Cameron: Is this the way it's really going down.
CAMERON: Is this how we say goodbye.
Hunter/Cameron: Should've known better when you came around that you were gonna cry me a river. It's breaking my heart to watch you run around when all I want you to do is be my love. But that's okay baby 'cause in time you will find.
All twelve girls left the stage and the boys turned their heads to the audience and the lights on the stage began to flash like cameras.
MICHAEL: Those flashing lights come from everywhere.
JACOB: The way they hit her, I just stop and stare.
STERLING: She's got me love stoned without a care
CAMERON: And she knows, I think that she knows.
The boys start moving from the back, singing together, as they move forward to the stage left where they created a boy band mob flirting with girls in the audience.
BOYS: Those flashing lights come from everywhere. The way they hit her, I just stop and stare. But I'm love stoned and I can swear that she knows, think that she knows.
The final song in the medley began and the girls in the audience went wild and the boys danced together using Timberlake choreography that everyone recognized. All twelve of these boys together made a beautiful sight.
BOYS: As long as I got my suit and tie I'm a leave it all on the floor tonight. And you got fixed up to the nines let me show you a few things. All pressed up in black and white and you're dressed in that dress I like. Love is swinging in the air tonight so let me show you a few things. Let me show you a few things show you a few things about love. Now we're in the swing of love let me show you a few things. Show you a few things about love. Take back the night!
A final pose from the boys cause another ovation as the lights switched to center stage where Mia stood center back of the risers and the band began to prove why Mr. Schue kept them around all these years.
(Ain't No Other Man by Christina Aguilera)
MIA: YEeeeeAAAAHhhh! Do your thang honey!
All the girls ran on and took their places around her.
KALLIE: I could feel it from the start. Couldn't stand to be apart. Something about you caught my eye. Something moved me deep inside.
Senior Girls: I don't know what you did boy but you had it and I've been hooked ever since.
The girls spread across the stage and did their 1950's style dance routine that got the crowd rolling. It was the most talented group of female dancers they'd seen all day.
GIRLS: I told my mother, my brother, my sister and my friends. Told the others, my lovers from past and present tense. That every time I see you everything starts making sense.
The girls posed through the break in singing and then went right back into it.
GIRLS: Ain't no other man can stand up next to you. Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do. You're the kinda guy a girl finds in a blue moon. You got soul, you got class, you got style with your with your bad ass. Ain't no other man, it's true. Ain't no other man but you.
Lily and Sunshine looked at each other with surprise when the youngest Evans, Stacy took center and blew the top of the place. They both starting texting Sam at how amazing she was.
STACY: Never thought I'd be alright
GIRLS: No, no, no
STACY: 'Til you came and changed my life
GIRLS: Yeah, yeah, yeah
STACY: What was cloudy now is clear. You're the light that I needed. You got what I want boy and I want it. So keep on givin' it up.
Stacy moved to the center of the girls and they formed a line dancing together; every style from kick-line to salsa.
GIRLS: So tell your mother, your brother, your sister and your friends and the others, your lovers, better not be present tense. Cause I want everyone to know that you are mine and no one else's. Ain't no other man can stand up next to you. And the others, your lovers, better not be present tense. 'Cause I want everyone to know that you are mine and no one else's. Ain't no other man can stand up next to you. Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do. You're the kinda guy a girl finds in a blue moon. You got soul, you got class, you got style with your bad ass. Ain't no other man, it's true. Ain't no other man but you.
The crowd jumped to their feet as the girls did a Rockette's style kick-line in honor of being in Radio City. It had a cheerleader's flare to it but the crowd loved it. Tyler whistled loudly.
GIRLS: Ain't no other, ain't, ain't no other other. Ain' tno other, ain't,ain't no other lover. Ain't no other, I-I-I need no other.
MIA: Ain't no other man but you.
Kallie, Mia and Stacy pulled themselves out of the line up and let the other girls continue as they sang lead.
KALLIE: You are there when I'm a mess.
STACY: Talk me down from every ledge.
KALLIE: Give me strength, boy you're the best.
MIA: You're the only one who's ever passed every test.
The girls separated and danced in unison before they partnered up in cha-cha style.
GIRLS: Ain't no other man can stand up next to you. Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do. You're the kinda guy a girl finds in a blue moon. You got soul, you got class, you got style with your bad ass. Ain't no other man, it's true. Ain't no other man but you.
The boys headed back onto the stage and found their partners finishing out the same routine but now in twelve couples.
MIA: And now I'm telling you said ain't no other man but you!
GIRLS: Ain't no other man can stand up next to you. Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do. You're the kinda guy a girl finds in a blue moon. You got soul, you got class, you got style with your bad ass. Ain't no other man, it's true. Ain't no other man but you.
The music to the next song started and Blake, Michael, and Nick moved up front while the dance style turned hip-hop.
(Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj –
Cover by Max Schneider, Kurt Schneider & Sam Tsui)
BLAKE: She got a body like an hourglass and I can give it to her all the time.
NICK: She got a booty like a Cadillac. Oh, I can send her into overdrive.
New Directions: You've been waiting for that . . . Step hold up swing your bat
MICHAEL: See anybody can be bad to you. You need a good boy to blow your mind.
All the New Directions' fans in the audience couldn't help but smile and watch. This was an incredible performance that Blake had put together.
New Directions: Bang Bang into the room.
BLAKE: You know you want it.
New Directions: Bang, bang all over you.
MICHAEL: Ooh, so let me have it.
New Directions: Wait a minute let me take you there. Wait a minute 'til ya ohhhh. Bang, bang there goes your heart.
NICK: I know you want it.
New Directions: Back, back seat on my car.
MICHAEL: Ohh, let me have it.
New Directions: Wait a minute let me take you there. Wait a minute 'til ya
It turned into a dance party on stage as each member of New Directions did their own thing.
BLAKE: He might of let you hold his hand at school but I'm a show you how to graduate. No I don't need to hear you talk the talk just come and show me what ya mama gave . . . oh
New Directions: You've got a very big . . . mouth but don't say a thing. See anybody can be good to you. You need a bad boy to blow your mind.
New Directions: Bang Bang into the room.
BLAKE: You know you want it.
New Directions: Bang, bang all over you.
MICHAEL: Ooh, so let me have it.
New Directions: Wait a minute let me take you there. Wait a minute 'til ya ohhhh. Bang, bang there goes your heart.
NICK: I know you want it.
New Directions: Back, back seat on my car.
MICHAEL: Ohh, let me have it.
New Directions: Wait a minute let me take you there. Wait a minute 'til ya
The group went into a hip-hop step routine as Jacob took over with a rap.
JACOB: It's Myx Moscato. It's Frizz in a bottle we going through throttle let ya oh, oh swimming in the lotto we dipping in the pot of blue foam. It's a we, max and party if they test me they sorry. Ride us up like a Harley. Then pull off in this Ferrari if he hanging we banging, phone ranging, he slanging. It ain't karaoke night but get the mic 'cause he's singing.
The girls (and several boys) went crazy for Jacob as the whole choir went into the chant together.
New Directions: Ah, B to the A to the N to the G to the uh B to the A to the N to the G to the Heey.
MICHAEL: See anybody can be good to you.
Michael/Nick: You need a bad boy to blow your mind . . . your mind.
New Directions: Bang Bang into the room.
BLAKE: You know you want it.
New Directions: Bang, bang all over you.
MICHAEL: Ooh, so let me have it.
New Directions: Wait a minute let me take you there. Wait a minute 'til ya ohhhh. Bang, bang there goes your heart.
NICK: I know you want it.
New Directions: Back, back seat on my car.
MICHAEL: Ohh, let me have it.
New Directions: Wait a minute let me take you there. Wait a minute 'til ya. Oh.
The full team went across the front of the stage to create a line and dance around and sing directly to everyone in the audience.
New Directions: Bang Bang into the room.
BLAKE: You know you want it.
New Directions: Bang, bang all over you.
MICHAEL: Ooh, so let me have it.
New Directions: Wait a minute let me take you there. Wait a minute 'til ya ohhhh. Bang, bang there goes your heart.
NICK: I know you want it.
New Directions: Back, back seat on my car.
MICHAEL: Ohh, let me have it.
New Directions: Wait a minute let me take you there. Wait a minute 'til ya ohhhh!
Sunshine pulled out her phone as everyone applauded her team. She texted Blaine and Sam and the rest of the alumni in FAME to tell them that the kids had done amazing. She had no idea they were already on the way there.
-GLEE-
There was one more choir after New Directions, but they weren't very good. When they finished and made it back to their seats, Holland walked out to the stage.
"As our judges leave let's give them a round of applause," Holland led the audience as the judges stood from their seats and headed out of the theatre. "Now as we told you at the beginning of the day tonight we have a treat for you. Just an hour ago, Fame premiered on national television and now you are going to watch it right here in Radio City Music Hall. But before we begin there are a few people who wanted to come watch it with you."
The curtains opened and the audience jumped to their feet in applause as the entire cast of Fame walked out and took a bow. For those in New Directions it was a moment of pride getting to see their alumni shine in this moment. For each of them, it was a chance to finally see what they'd been working on all this time.
It was time to see what FAME was all about.
WRITER'S NOTE - There's really two ways I can go from here. 53 could be the rest of Nationals and just move on with the story OR 53 could be the pilot episode of FAME that they watch in Radio City Music Hall. I know some of you have mentioned you want to know what the show would actually be like but I also know some of you just want me to get on with the story. So send me a message or tell me in a review which you would prefer.
