CHAPTER 53 – DYNAMIC DUETS
"Are you really sure you want to do this?"
Sam's question was so serious he hoped to change Will's mind. It had been a month since they'd returned from New York and the dissention between the members of New Directions had not dissipated at all. They'd barely gotten anything accomplished. Now team members were even skipping practices to stay away from each other. They only had one week until Christmas Vacation. Today was Monday and they only had until Friday before their two week holiday. Will was already stressed out with Wedding plans and he didn't need this on top of everything else. He'd devised a plan he was sure would work, but his four captains standing before him backstage in the auditorium were not as sure as he was.
"Yes, I'm positive. I need the four of you to trust me on this one," he insisted.
"We trust you, Mr. Schuester. It's just that this could really backfire," Blaine warned him.
"Well if it does then this isn't the team I thought it was," Mr. Schuester stated.
"Okay, we can do our part, but we need to prepare for the fact that anything could happen. We've got your back, Mr. Schuester," Tina insisted.
"Yeah, I mean I don't have problems with anyone, but I can fight with someone if that will make it better," Brittany chimed in.
"We actually want you to do the opposite, Brittany," Sam explained to her. "It's good that you're not fighting with someone that means you can help us keep other people from fighting."
"Alright, got it," she smiled.
"Mr. Schue, what if they don't show up. Your ultimatum telling them that if they didn't show up today they were out of New Directions could mess things up," Blaine added his concern.
"More than it already is? Blaine, I appreciate the concern, I really do. But if your teammates have forgotten what it means to be a team then we don't really need them," Will declared.
Before anyone else could make a comment he left the backstage area and walked out on to the stage. Sam, Blaine, Tina, and Brittany followed and as they headed down to the front row they noticed that about half of their teammates were already there.
"They have five more minutes. I'll give them that," Mr. Schuester stated before seeing Emma walk up from backstage.
"Will, can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked.
"Sure, Sam, keep up with the time. I want to know who is not here by 4:00 got it?"
Sam nodded and Will walked backstage with Emma. Blake walked up to Sam and Blaine.
"What is he planning to get out of all this, Sam?"
"He's pissed, Blake. He's keeping his cool at school, but at home he's already made the comment multiple times that he only needs twelve in order to compete and we have twice that many. I really think if everyone isn't here at 4:00 he's going to kick them out," Sam explained.
"This is my fault," Blake let his head fall. "I let this get bigger than it should be."
"Screw that," Tina entered the conversation. "Have you tried to talk to Michael?"
"Yes," he said.
"Did you try to talk to Nick?" she asked another question.
"Yeah, do you know what it's like to have your two best friends just ignore you for a month. If it wasn't for Lily I'd feel like a total loser, but even I know things aren't the same between us. She's upset with me too."
"Look, you know the three of us have your back," Sam said as he saw that Tyler, Jeff, and Nick Duval walked into the room laughing about something and sat in their own corner. Only five more were missing. "Just trust Mr. Schue to fix this okay?"
"Okay," Blake shook his head and returned to his seat with Lily. They were sitting to the side by themselves.
"How much longer?" Lindsey asked as she and Sunshine walked up.
Blaine looked at his watch. "One minute."
"There's two more," Sunshine pointed and looked relieved as Aylin and Jacob Reed walked in. "Why isn't Jacob sitting with Shanna?"
"You didn't hear? Something happened last night and she is totally pissed at him," Brittany chimed in with the gossip. "She caught him at the mall with Aylin."
"Thirty seconds," Sam watched his phone for the time.
"There's Jake," Lindsey saw the younger Puckerman walk in from the backstage door.
"Wasn't trying to be late. I had detention," he called out to Tina as she marked him off the list.
"Fifteen seconds," Sam called out.
"Come on guys," Blaine said under his breath. He really wanted everyone to show. He didn't want to lose anyone.
"Ten."
Their eyes focused on both doors.
"Five."
They heard the doors to the auditorium open and Michael and Nick walked in together. There was a sigh of relief from the captains. They wouldn't lose anyone. Tina's eyes went straight to Sebastian who watched the two enter the room and went right back to texting on his phone like it was no big deal. Blaine watched his little cousin, Kallie who sat with the hood from her hoodie over her head. He watched as Mia whispered to her that they were there. Sam was about to say something when his phone beeped with a message from Will.
Dad: Tell everyone that showed up to come to the choir room and sit where their name is.
Sam delivered the message and he and the other captains led the way down the hall to the choir room. When they walked in they saw 12 sets of chairs on the risers with numbers on them and then a circle of chairs with names on them.
"What? Are we in kindergarten?" Tyler joked.
"Just sit down," Blaine called him out.
"It is kind of ridiculous," Michael pointed out.
"Well you can always leave," Blake smarted off.
"I don't have too. I know what I want you don't have to ask," Michael smirked.
"Boys! Put them away! This isn't a macho contest," Tina barked.
"Do I really have to sit next to her?" Shanna asked realizing she was sitting next to Aylin.
"Seriously? If you'd shut up long enough to let me explain . . ." Aylin began.
"ENOUGH!" Mr. Schuester's voice boomed from the entrance of his office. "Sit down, shut your mouths and do not say another word until I give you permission!"
Everyone saw the anger on his face. It was a look they'd never seen from him before. They all took their seats and did as asked.
"I don't know what's wrong with you. Maybe I got spoiled because you managed to get along for so long, but I can't stand this anymore. You have wasted an entire month of preparation for Regionals. We are going against five of the strongest choirs in our state. The Warblers got the Wild Card spot. You haven't even all been in the same place for me to tell you that. You have to hit them again. On top of that we have to beat Vocal Adrenaline! Maybe I need to show you how amazing they are so that you'll realize it, but they haven't missed out on going to Nationals for the last ten years. Last year at Nationals was the first time we beat them, but that group was a cohesive unit that worked together. That was something that I thought you were. I thought you would be better, but all the hard work that we've put in this year you have given up in one month and it's time for you to figure out what your priorities are.
"There is one week until Christmas Vacation and we will be here every day during class and afterschool trying to put this group back together. That alone should tell you how much I care about this group and each and every one of you. My wedding is in six days. I'm under a lot of stress but this is still important enough to me to tack in on top of everything else I have to do this week. The question is whether or not it's still important to you."
"What do you need us to do, Mr. Schuester," Sunshine asked. "We want to do what we need too."
"I know you do Sunshine, but I'm not sure you all do. You guys have been arguing so much that most of you have forgotten what is happening at this very moment. Sugar, would you care to remind everyone," Mr. Schuester asked her.
"I just got a text from Mrs. Abrams. Artie's surgery just started. It's supposed to last 14 hours," you could hear the worry in her voice.
"Is this the one he told us could possibly . . ." Sebastian couldn't finish his question.
"Kill him?" Mr. Schue finished it for him. "Yes, it is. I would ask how many of you actually spoke to him before his surgery today but I'd be willing to bet that with how selfish you've all been the number would be in the single digits and that's just sad."
"I think we get your point, Mr. Schue," Nick Hall stated. "What should we do?"
"You have a small window of time to fix this. If I'm not satisfied with your progress by Friday I'm going to make cuts to this team because I'm not going to risk the legacy that we have because kids can't grow up and accept responsibility for their own actions," the sternness of Mr. Schuester's face let them all know he meant business. "I'm sure you noticed the chairs on the risers. Those numbers correspond with a number on the back of the card with your name on it. The person that sits in the chair next to yours is your duet partner for the week. If you can't make it work with them and make beautiful music together and tell us your story then I don't need you in this club. So, if you're willing to make the commitment to putting New Directions back together again pull the card off the back of your chair and go sit in the seat with the same number."
The captains didn't waste time. The four of them pulled their numbers off and started looking for their seats. Lily, Sebastian, Sunshine, and Lindsey were up almost at the exact same time. Just a few moments after them Mia, Sugar, Joe, Jessie, Marley, and Jeff moved to their seats.
"You'll probably notice I didn't leave these pairings up to fate. I made sure the right people were partnered up," Mr. Schuester explained.
At this point some of the pairs were already established and you could see what he meant by some of them. Tina and Sunshine were paired together. Even though they were doing better things still weren't back to normal between them. Sam got paired with Lily, which surprised both of them because they had no problems with each other. They actually felt relieved that for them, the week would be easy. Sugar was teamed up with Joe, which also seemed to be an amiable pairing.
Only one pairing remained empty. The next person to pull their card was Jacob Reed. His number led him to sit next to Mia. She gave him total Mercedes diva eyes as he sat down and he didn't even look at her.
"Am I missing some freshmen drama somewhere? What's going on with those too?" Sam asked Lily.
"I'll explain later. I'm just wondering why Blake hasn't pulled his card yet. What's wrong with him?" she asked Sam.
Sam followed his eye line and figured it out. "It's those two empty chairs. He doesn't want to get paired with Michael or Nick I'm betting."
Shanna pulled her number and she sat in one of the chairs for the empty pairing. Sam seemed to be right because as soon as the sophomore saw Shanna take that seat he pulled his card and stood up looking to see where he had to go. He looked at his empty seat right next to his ex-girlfriend, Lindsey Black.
"This is interesting," she tried to joke.
"I think we both know it could be worse," he said low enough that only she could hear. He was actually relieved that it was Lindsey and not one of the two guys he thought was his friend.
Next, Jake Puckerman and Tyler Trevino both pulled their numbers. Jake sat next to Jessie who seemed like she was okay with the pairing and Tyler sat next to Brittany. Again, an odd choice for Mr. Schuester to pair and both Sam and Blaine wondered why.
Aylin stood next and saw where her number put her. She turned her head and looked at her teacher. "Seriously, Mr. Schue?"
"Nip in the bud before it gets bad, Aylin. Take your seat."
She walked up the risers and sat next to a very surprised Shanna who crossed her legs and arms and turned away from the other girl.
Nick Duval pulled his number and it paired him with Jeff. They seemed okay with it, but Lindsey wasn't as happy.
"This is not happening, this is not happening," she kept repeating under her breath until Blake actually started to console her.
This left Nick Hall, Michael, and Kallie. Nick and Michael didn't like the possibilities. Kallie realized the remaining choices weren't bad for her so she pulled her card. She looked up and smiled when she saw her pairing. She walked up and sat with Sebastian.
"Looks like he paired the jilted exes," she said as she leaned on his shoulder.
Michael and Nick just looked at each other. One of them would have to work with Marley, the other would work with Blaine. One good choice for them, one not good choice for them. Marley and Blaine weren't that happy either. They both knew their pairings brought with them a lot of drama, the actual pit of dysfunction that had caused most of the issues. Michael and Nick pulled their cards at the same time. Nick let out a sigh of relief as he took his place next to Marley which left Michael teamed with someone who hated his guts, Blaine.
TINA COHEN-CHANG AND SUNSHINE CORAZON
The two girls didn't even leave the choir room before they started talking about their issues.
"I mean, I understand why Mr. Schue paired us up, but it's not like you and I are still angry at each other," Sunshine began. "I know things aren't back to normal for us, but we're getting there.
"I agree," Tina said as she picked up her things and the two girls began making their way down the hall. "I have a feeling his reasoning is more than that though. I mean his pairings look random but when you think about it there is a definite reason for all of them."
"So what do you think his reason for pairing us is?" the younger Asian asked.
Tina stopped and pointed ahead of them. "Her!"
Directly in front of them stood Tyler Trevino and the girl he dumped Sunshine for. She was the typical blonde bitchy Cheerio. They watched Tyler walk away and she turned toward the two girls and gave them a toothy evil grin and walked toward them.
"Is that bitch coming over here?" Sunshine questioned.
Before Tina could answer the blonde stood in front of them.
"Kitty, what the hell do you want now?" Tina asked.
"I just find it so sad that the two of you still follow him around. He turned you both down and is obviously better off with me. I mean let's face it. The Bible says there shouldn't be any mixing of blood lines and I have that fine boy back on the straight and narrow if you know what I mean," she said raising an eyebrow.
"First off, he didn't break up with me. I broke up with him, and his arrow maybe straight but it tends to veer off at a tilt towards cute boys so be ready for that, okay?" Tina snapped at her with her best cheerleader impression.
"He doesn't veer anywhere now; not when he has someone that can give him everything that he needs," Kitty sneered.
"Well that would explain the tranny make-up then," Sunshine snapped.
"Very funny, Ching-Chong. Shouldn't you two be swaying side to side in It's a small World by now?" Kitty turned to walk away.
"You think you're going to insult us and leave?" Tina pulled her arm and spun her around. "Listen Bimbo Barbie, we're as proud of our heritage as you are, and you can have Tyler and all of his little hang-ups because we don't want to deal with them anymore," Tina got in her face. "But if you ever use Asian slang against me or my best friend ever again, I'm going to show you all of the other uses for chopsticks besides eating food. Trust me you won't like any of them. Now, don't you have a dream house to get back too?"
"Yeah, make sure your Ken doesn't run away with a G.I. Joe," Sunshine added.
Kitty ran off away from the two girls.
"Sunshine, I think I know exactly what song we should sing tomorrow and put all of this behind us," Tina insisted.
"Does it involve Britney Spears?" Sunshine asked.
"Looks like our Asian telepathy powers are back on track. Mission accomplished?" Tina assumed.
"After we sing a little song for Tyler it will be," Sunshine added. "Let's call in some back up."
The next day in the choir room during Glee period, Sunshine and Tina were already standing in front of the room when the bell rang. Mr. Schuester looked at the two girls and hoped that this was the start he wanted.
"Are you two girls ready to do your assignment?" he asked.
"We are. We realized that honestly we didn't have many issues at all," Tina said.
"Yeah, Just one issue and his name is Tyler," Sunshine cut her eyes at him.
Tyler looked around the room for a little sympathy but he didn't get any.
"So we're going to sing a song for Tyler and then we're going to let it go. He can have as much fun with his Bimbo Barbie this week and then whoever he moves on to next," Tina proclaimed.
"I don't think we need to insult anyone, Tina. That's not part of the assignment," Mr. Schue insisted.
"We're not insulting," Sunshine explained. "Tyler, we are going to be in this club together whether we want to or not because Tina and I aren't leaving and even though you won't admit it, you love Glee Club too so we have to learn to get along. In an effort to do that, there is just one thing we'd like to point out to you about how everyone thinks of you and then we'll let bygones be bygones."
She looked over to the band and motioned for them to begin.
(Womanizer by Britney Spears – Glee Version)
(performed by Tina Cohen-Chang and Sunshine Corazon)
As soon as everyone heard the opening hook to the song they knew exactly where this was going.
"Oh this is going to be bad," Blaine said to Sam.
"Or really good," Sam smiled in anticipation.
SUNSHINE: Superstar, where ya from, how's it goin'? I know you, gotta clue whatcha doin'. You can play brand new to all the other chicks out here, but I know what you are. What you are baby.
TINA: Look at you; Getting more than just a re-up, Baby you, got all the puppets with the strings up, Fake it like a good one, but I call em' like I see em', I know what you are, what you are baby.
The girls of New Directions all joined in singing the chorus from their seats as Tina and Sunshine danced.
BOTH: Womanizer, woman, womanizer; you're a womanizer, oh; you're a womanizer, baby. You, you, you are, you, you, you are, Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer. Boy don't try to front, I, I, know just what you are, oh oh, Boy don't try to front, I, I, know just what you are, oh oh.
TINA: You, you got me goin'; you, you're oh so charmin'; you, but I can't do it, you, you womanizer;
BOTH: Boy don't try to front. I, I know just, just what you are, oh oh; boy don't try to front, I, I know just, just what you are, oh oh
SUNSHINE: You, you say I'm crazy; you, I ain't got your crazy. You, you're nothing but a you, womanizer.
Brittany, Lindsey, Mia, and Marley got up to dance back up with the girls.
SUNSHINE: Daddio, you got the swagger of a champion. Too bad for you, you just can't find the right companion.
TINA: I guess when you have one too many, makes it hard, it could be too easy. Who you are, That's just who you are baby.
SUNSHINE: Lollipop, you must mistake me as a sucker, to think that I would be a victim, not another. Say it, play it how you wanna, but no way I'm ever gonna fall for you. Never you baby.
The dance continued but this time Shanna and Jessie joined in on the fun.
BOTH: Womanizer, woman, womanizer; you're a womanizer, oh; you're a womanizer, baby. You, you, you are, you, you, you are, Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer. Boy don't try to front, I, I, know just what you are, oh oh, Boy don't try to front, I, I, know just what you are, oh oh.
TINA: You, you got me goin'; you, you're oh so charmin'; you, but I can't do it, you, you womanizer;
BOTH: Boy don't try to front. I, I know just, just what you are, oh oh; boy don't try to front, I, I know just, just what you are, oh oh
SUNSHINE: You, you say I'm crazy; you, I ain't got your crazy. You, you're nothing but a womanizer.
TINA: Maybe if we both lived in a different world, it would be all good and maybe I could be your girl, but I can't, cause we don't.
BOTH: Womanizer, woman, womanizer; you're a womanizer, oh; you're a womanizer, baby. You, you, you are, you, you, you are, Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer. Boy don't try to front, I, I, know just what you are, oh oh, Boy don't try to front, I, I, know just what you are, oh oh.
TINA: You, you got me goin'; you, you're oh so charmin'; you, but I can't do it, you, you womanizer;
BOTH: Boy don't try to front. I, I know just, just what you are, oh oh; boy don't try to front, I, I know just, just what you are, oh oh
SUNSHINE: You, you say I'm crazy; you, I ain't got your crazy. You, you're nothing but a you, womanizer.
Tyler stood up and grabbed both girls by the arm and pulled them out into the hallway.
"Why do you want to embarrass me like that?" he asked.
"Embarrass you?" Sunshine looked like she wanted to karate chop his head off. "May I remind you that I'm the only reason you are even still in that room and then you go and break up with me through a text message. You didn't even have the balls to say it to my face. Don't talk to me about embarrassing you. You embarrass yourself!"
Sunshine walked back into the room leaving Tina in the hallway with Tyler.
"I guess you have something to say too," he waited for her verbal assault.
"No, I don't. I meant what I said. I'm over it and I've moved on," Tina hoped that maybe this could be the chance Tyler needed to realize what he was doing. "The thing is Tyler, I know there's a good guy in there somewhere. I know the guy I dated wasn't a complete act. That's why Sunshine is so pissed at you because you treated her one way and made her fall for you and you changed things on her with no explanation. You'll get no more beef with me, but she deserves an explanation."
Tina walked in leaving Tyler in the hallway to think. She walked inside and took her seat next to Sebastian.
"Okay, anyone else ready to do their assignment today?" Mr. Schue asked.
"We are," Lily and Sam said and raised their hands at the same time.
LILY MAE ARNETT AND SAM EVANS
The day before, once the pairings were given out and Mr. Schuester walked back into his office, Sam and Lily looked at each other with relief.
"Did we just get like the easiest assignment this week or what?" Lily half-laughed.
"I know, you and I haven't had any bad blood ever," Sam agreed. "So why do you think he paired us up?"
"I don't know. He's your dad," she laughed.
"We could just go ask him," Sam suggested.
Lily agreed so the two got up from their chairs and walked into Mr. Schuester's office.
"Hey, can we ask you a quick question," Sam asked.
"Sure, what's up?" he answered.
"Not that we aren't completely happy with our pairing, but Sam and I are confused why you put us together. All the other groups seem to have things to work out, but we love each other. We've got zero issues with each other," Lily began.
"That's exactly why you're together," Mr. Schue explained. "Sam is usually the sounding board for this group, but while his was gone, Lily, you took that spot and I really appreciated how you stepped up. You and Sam have a lot in common actually, but that includes your negative qualities too."
"How do you mean?" Sam wondered.
"When something is wrong you both have this 'I'm fine' fakeness that you give to people and most of the time people accept it and don't question you at all, but I see it. I've seen it from both of you a lot over the last month. So if you won't talk to your boyfriends about what's bothering you. if you won't talk to me about it then I want to challenge the two of you to talk to each other. Being so much alike you should be able to trust whatever is bothering you with the other."
"It's not that I didn't want to tell you, dad, you're just really busy with the wedding and . . ." Sam tried to explain.
"You don't owe me an explanation, Sam," Will interjected. "I know you will tell me when the time is right, but with the issues our team is having I need you two ready to deal with whatever. Can you do that for me?"
They both agreed. Sam looked at Lily. "Want to go somewhere and talk in private?"
"Auditorium?" she suggested.
"Great, is that okay Dad?" Sam asked.
"Sure," Will smiled.
The two used the office's hallway door to exit and started walking toward the auditorium.
"May I ask you a personal question?" Lily questioned.
"Of course."
"When did you start referring to Mr. Schuester as Dad? I've just noticed it in the last couple of days," she asked.
"I don't know. I realized I was doing it right before we went to New York, but Blaine said he noticed it around Sectionals but didn't say anything," Sam told her.
"I think it's great that you feel close enough to him to do that," Lily put her arm around him in a hug.
"Having family is nice," he smiled.
"And as of Sunday, you'll have a mom too," Lily stated.
"I already do. I actually went to her last wedding dress fitting with her last week. She wanted me to tell her honestly if I thought Dad would like the dress, and he'd be crazy not to. She looks beautiful in it," Sam declared.
"I can't wait for the wedding," Lily said as Sam opened up the doors of the auditorium to let them in. "I still can't believe they asked me to be a part of the wedding."
"I can, Emma loves you. She thinks you're the funniest girl that's ever been in New Directions," Sam said as they both sat on the end of the stage. "Being here reminds me of something. When we were in here earlier Blake said to me that he felt like you don't see him the same way anymore and I think he's worried you will leave him. Should he be worried?"
"Are you going to hate me if I say yes?" Lily wondered.
"No, but I'd want to know why," Sam continued.
She took a moment to collect her thoughts before moving on. "I don't doubt how Blake feels about me at all. I really don't, but watching how losing Michael put him in such a depression makes me question whether or not he loves him more."
"I haven't talked to any of them about what happened. Blake won't talk about it and I haven't had a conversation with the other two. I can't get near Michael if Blaine is with me or he'll go all fight club on the kid, and I'm just so disappointed in how Nick treated Sebastian that I haven't tried to talk to him."
"You should," Lily revealed. "I know how close you and Sebastian are, but Nick is pretty messed up. I have talked to him. He knows his reasoning for leaving Sebastian was wrong, he also knows that it's over. Sebastian won't even give him the time of day right now and rightly so, but he knows you know about him thinking you were the reason Sebastian wanted to graduate early. He didn't think he could compete with you. I think you should at least let the kid know you don't hate him. He looks up to you."
"I can do that. I should as captain anyway because he's on my team. What about Michael? I honestly don't know what happened there. I know how much Michael loved Blake and he finally got him and then it was over and . . . how incredibly awkward that statement must be for you. Lily, I'm really sorry I wasn't thinking," Sam apologized.
"No, it's okay. That's what Mr. Schuester wants us to be doing anyway, right?" Lily sighed. "I guess I should be thankful."
"Why?"
"Because I'm pretty sure if Blake had to choose between us, he'd be dating Michael right now," Lily's honesty surprised Sam.
"Do you think that maybe there's part of the conversation that only Blake and Michael know about. It just seems like there's a puzzle piece missing. I just don't know. I don't know how far they went or if it was emotional more than physical. It just . . ." Sam stopped and froze. Lily looked at his weird expression.
"Sam . . . Sam, what's going on?" Lily started to get worried.
"Blake is me," Sam whispered.
"What?" Lily was totally confused. "What do you mean Blake is you?"
"Let me ask you a question, Lily, have you ever caught Blake checking out any guy besides Michael? Me? Blaine? Tyler? Sebastian? There are a lot of good-looking guys in our group. Have you ever seen him check out any of them?" Sam asked.
She thought for a moment and then shook her head. "No, never."
"Why didn't I see this before? Blake is like me. All of a sudden my whole romantic world shook and then Blaine was there. I never saw that coming. Blaine and I really weren't even friends during junior year. We saw each other during glee and that was pretty much it. When Michael and Blake did whatever they did, it shifted their romantic outlook. I can't explain Michael's actions but I think I can explain Blake's to you," Sam realized.
"Well please do. I'd love some insight," Lily noted.
"Blake is so confused he doesn't know which way is up. You didn't know me then, but the first month that Blaine and I were together, so to speak, I was an emotional wreck, total mental patient. Blaine was gone for two weeks and then he came back and when I saw him, I just knew. I knew he was it for me. Based on what I've heard happened, Blake and Michael never got that moment or that talk. It was cut-off before it could happen. Blake has all these feelings he doesn't know what to do with. He's holding it all in because he's scared to share with anyone. Michael was . . . is his person. Kind of like Santana is for me. She keeps me grounded and sane when the crazy happens. That is Michael for Blake but because he needs to talk about Michael he has no outlet. He can't go to you about it because you're his girlfriend and that would be incredibly weird. He can't go to Nick because of obvious reasons, and why, when you're a straight guy, would you feel comfortable going to anyone else about feelings you're having for another guy?"
"Impressive Mr. Evans, I think you may have diagnosed him. Though I'm not sure how that's supposed to make me feel better," Lily pointed out.
"Because he loves you. He didn't pursue Michael did he? When Michael stopped it you didn't see Blake go after him did you?" Sam asked.
"No," Lily smiled. "He was with me the whole time. I thought it was because he felt guilty," she continued.
"He probably did, but more importantly, he unconsciously chose you which means you're his choice Lily," Sam smiled.
"Well that's my problem solved let's talk about yours," she switched gears and Sam's smile went away and she knew he didn't want to talk. "Don't even think you're getting out of this without me getting the chance to Dr. Phil your ass like you just did mine, " she started laughing. "Feel your ass. I made a funny!"
Sam couldn't help but laugh at that. He thought about telling her but he hadn't told Sebastian, Tina, not even Santana. More importantly, he couldn't tell Blaine. But maybe that made Lily the perfect person to tell.
"Come on, Sam, you can trust me," Lily insisted.
"I know I can, but I haven't told anyone. Not Blaine, not Dad, not Santana. No one knows about this," Sam revealed.
"Is it bad? I mean you're okay right? There's nothing wrong with you is there?" Lily began to worry about her friend.
"No, it's nothing like that. It's a positive thing actually, which ironically is the bad thing. Everyone would make such a big deal about it that I would feel obligated and I'm not sure I should even be doing it," Sam confessed.
"Sam, what is it?" Lily laid it out there.
"I've been officially accepted into NYADA for next year," he told her.
"That's great, right?" Lily saw pain on his face not happiness. "Or not great?"
"When Blaine finds out that I got in, he's going to start planning our lives together in New York," Sam began.
"You're not breaking up with him are you?" Lily grabbed his arm ready to talk him off the ledge.
"No, not at all. I want to be with Blaine forever, but not at NYADA," Sam's confession was complete. "It's a school for musical theatre which is perfect for Blaine. It's absolutely the exact place that he needs to be, but I have no desire to be on Broadway. That's not me. I want to be an actor but in film or television and I want to record my own music, have my own band. Those are my dreams and I can't get the training I need at NYADA."
"What makes you think that Blaine won't understand that?" Lily asked.
"You just have to see his face when he talks about it, Lily. The idea of us going to the same school, being roommates is all he's talked about since we've been home from New York, and he's so sweet and genuine about it. And I want that too. I want to be with him and spend all that time with him. I guess I'll have to choose," Sam realized.
"You would go to a school that you don't like just to be with Blaine?" Lily set up the question that had been eating away at Sam since returning from New York.
"I love him, Lily. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the ones we love," he stated but she could see tears welling up in his eyes about the decision.
"You know what I think?" Lily slid over next to him. "I think you have plenty of time to make that decision. Right now, you should enjoy your time with Blaine, your parents' wedding and then Christmas! I think that everyone is so worried about everything they are forgetting to just live."
"Now who's the shrink?" Sam smiled.
"Demi Lovato," she winked.
"Excuse me?" Sam wasn't following.
"Our song choice. Let's let her words explain what we mean to everyone," Lily said.
The next day, after Tina and Sunshine's performance when Mr. Schuester asked if another group was ready to go, Sam and Lily volunteered.
"Okay, you two, let's hear what you've got for us," their teacher stated.
Lily and Sam moved two stools out in front of the piano as Brad took his place at it.
"Before we start, we just have one thing to say," Sam began. "Lily and I talked about all of us and we think the one thing that's wrong with all of us is that we have big hearts. When we get hurt we can't help but take it personally."
"And when that happens," Lily picked up where Sam left off. "We close ourselves off to the people that hurt us instead of talking to them about it. I really don't think anyone in this room is the type of person that would intentionally hurt anyone else, but sometimes we do. We just hope you'll take the advice we're giving with this song."
(Give Your Heart a Break by Demi Lovato – Glee Cast Version)
(performed by Lily Mae Arnett and Sam Evans)
LILY: The day I first met you, you told me you'd never fall in love. But now that I get you. I know fear is what it really was. Now here we are, so close yet so far, haven't I passed the test? When will you realize baby, I'm not like the rest?
Lily/Sam: Don't wanna break your heart wanna give your heart a break. I know you're scared, it's wrong
LILY: Like you might make a mistake.
Lily/Sam: There's just one life to live and there's no time to waste
LILY: To waste
Lily/Sam: So let me give your heart a break
SAM: Give your heart a break
LILY: So let me give your heart a break
SAM: Your heart a break
LILY: Oh yeah, yeah.
As Sam begins to sing his chapter with each line he makes a small gesture towards one of his friends.
SAM: On Sunday, you went home alone (he messes with Blake's hair) There were tears in your eyes (he kisses Kallie on the cheek) I called your cell phone, my love (and takes Sebastian's phone from him seeing who he's texting) But you did not reply (as he keeps singing he walks passed Nick Hall and pats him on the back and squeezes his shoulder.)
Lily/Sam: The is ours if we want it. We can take it.
LILY (Sam): If you just take my hand. There's no turning back now (There's no turning back) Baby, try to understand.
Lily and Sam stand together in the center of the room and sing.
Sam/Lily: Don't wanna break your heart. Wanna give your heart a break. I know you're scared it's wrong.
LILY: Like you might make a mistake.
Lily/Sam: There's just one life to live and there's no time to waste
LILY: To waste
Lily/Sam: So let me give your heart a break
SAM: Give your heart a break
LILY: So let me give your heart a break
SAM: Your heart a break
LILY: There's just so much you can take.
SAM: Give your heart a break
LILY: Let me give your heart a break.
SAM: Your heart a break
Lily breaks away from Sam and sits next to Blake to sing to him
LILY: Oh yeah, yeah; When you lips are on my lips
Lily/Sam: And our hearts beat as one
LILY: But you slip out of my finger tips.
Lily/Sam: Everytime you run.
Sam grabs Blaine's hand and pulls him up to hold him close and sing to him.
SAM: Don't wanna break your heart. I wanna give your heart a break
LILY: I know you're scared, it's wrong
Lily/Sam: Like you might make a mistake. There's just one life to live and there's no time to waste
SAM: To waste
Lily/Sam: So let me give your heart a break
LILY (Sam): 'Cause you've been hurt before (Give your heart a break); I can see it in your eyes (Give your heart a break); You try to smile away (Give your heart a break) Some things you can't disguise.
Lily/Sam: Don't wanna break your heart maybe I can ease the ache! The Ache! So let me give your heart a break.
SAM: Give your heart a break; your heart a break
Lily/Sam: your heart a break; There's just so much you can take, give your heart a break; Let me give your heart a break; your heart a break Oh yeah, yeah.
"Great job Lily and Sam," Mr. Schuester said. "Now that we've had two assignment performances, what do you say we attempt to actually get our second Regionals number cleaned up."
Everyone got up and headed for the auditorium. Lily and Blake walked out holding hands and smiling. Sam hoped they would be okay. He turned to grab his stuff. Blaine and Sebastian were waiting for him at the door. The only two still in the room were Nick and Michael. Sam got halfway out of the room and his two friends saw his conscious take over. He handed Blaine his back pack and jacket.
"Be there is a second," Sam smiled apologetically to Sebastian because he knew his friend wouldn't like this. He turned around and faced Nick and Michael. "Look, I've been ignoring both of you long enough. I don't condone what you did, but I have to believe there's a reason because you're both good guys so consider my silent treatment over. If you need to talk give me a call, okay?"
Michael didn't say anything but Nick smiled. "Thanks Sam, I appreciate it."
NICK DUVAL AND JEFF STERLING
"You know you don't have to make your staring at her so obvious," Jeff commented.
The boys left after the Monday rehearsal where Mr. Schue gave them his ultimatum. They were headed to Jeff's house to work on the project.
"I thought you said it didn't bother you," Nick responded.
"It doesn't when it's not all the time, but after Mr. Schuester yelled at us so much, I think it's pretty obvious to everyone why he paired the two of us together. We've both spent the last month trying to get Lindsey to choose one of us over the other that we haven't been team players. I don't want to get kicked off another team. I like it here with New Directions. I want to finish senior year and go to nationals with them, don't you?" Jeff asked.
"Of course I do," Nick felt like he was defending himself. "But I think Mr. Schue thinks we're more annoyed with each other than we actually are."
"I think we've balanced our friendship and both liking the same girl really well, but it doesn't mean that we're cool with it. We haven't really talked about it," Jeff said as they got out of his car and headed inside. "I mean we're not going to end our friendship. We've promised each other that, but eventually Lindsey is going to pick one of us, and we haven't talked about what happens then."
"Do you have a suggestion?" Nick wondered.
"We both like her so we alternate date nights with her, but once she makes her choice the other guy has to respect it. It's not just about our friendship it's about respecting her too. She deserves that," Jeff suggested.
"Agreed, but I think we should take our song and present it to her as her choice. Let her know that we're going to be respectful, but at the same time we both want to be with her. What do you think?" Nick asked.
"And we make sure everyone knows that if you and I can maintain our friendship through all of this then they should be able to put their differences behind them," Jeff smiled his goofy smile.
"You are such a nerd sometimes," Nick laughed.
"Maybe so, but I'm a nerd that got my acceptance to Yale today," he said opening the mail his dad left on the counter.
"So we're going to the same university then," Nick grinned.
"Looks like it, dork," Jeff rolled his eyes then laughed.
"Geek," Nick added.
"Buttface," Jeff continued their fake argument.
"Wanna be roommates?" Nick asked.
"Duh?" Jeff said like it was obvious. "Come on let's order pizza and work on our song for Lindsey. I've got some ideas."
SHANNA LEE AND AYLIN STEIN
After Tuesday's practice Joe and Mia devised a plan to put an end to the Aylin/Shanna/Jacob argument. Joe and Sugar planned to work at her house on their performance so Sugar offered to give Aylin a ride home and Shanna and Jacob got a ride with Joe like usual and they all ended up in the same place.
Joe held onto Jacob who tried to just walk away. Mia strong armed Shanna into the house where Sugar already had Aylin in her bedroom. The two girls just rolled their eyes at each other like two freshman girls do in a fight.
"If you two try to leave I swear I will have Daddy's security stand at the door," Sugar stated. "You aren't leaving until you work this out. I'll have dinner sent in here for you."
She smiled at that statement like she was a great hostess. She and Mia left shutting the door behind them. Aylin and Shanna sat in silence for nearly ten minutes taking brief glances in the other's direction every now and then to see if either would talk. Finally, Shanna couldn't handle the silence.
"I can't believe that you made the moves on my boyfriend! I thought we were closer than that," Shanna belted out.
"Oh geez, Shanna, I wasn't putting the moves on him. Why can't you get that through your thick skull!" Aylin screamed back.
"So I just happen to catch you out in public with him on three separate occasions without my knowledge. I guess he could get something from you that I wouldn't let him have," Shanna crossed her arms and looked away.
"What the hell are you talking about!?" Aylin asked.
"I'm just saying that I think it's pretty convenient that just two days after Jacob suggested that we make our relationship more sexual and I shut him down he starts to hang out with you," Shanna laid the cards out.
"Are you calling me a slut?" Aylin couldn't believe it.
"If the birth control fits," Shanna snapped.
"You stupid bitch! Did you even stop to think that Jacob was worried that he made you uncomfortable? That he saw you physically pulling away from him and he thought that since you and I were friends I would know of a way to fix that? Did you think he and I wouldn't tell you about that because he cares so much about you that he wanted an answer before he talked to you," Aylin explained.
"Then why did he get so angry with me?" Shanna questioned.
"Because you basically called us out right there in the middle of the mall asking him if he slept with me! Possessive much?" Aylin vocally punched back.
"So what about the second and third times I caught you two together?" Shanna asked.
"The second time I was helping him pick out your Christmas present. The third time he was helping me find something for my boyfriend," she continued.
"When did you start dating someone? Who is it?" Shanna wanted to know.
"If your head wasn't so far up your ass sometimes maybe you could find out what's going on in your friend's lives and realize that there is no way I would do anything with Jacob because he's my friend, and I thought you were, but the main reason is because I have someone that makes me feel the way you two make each other feel," Aylin said.
"So who is it?" Shanna asked. There was no menace in her voice anymore.
"Charlie," she blushed.
"As in Warbler Charlie?" Shanna questioned. "You know we have to compete against them again?"
"Yeah, we weren't expecting that. We thought it was safe to date because their season was over. Then the Warblers found out last week that they got the Wild Card spot because of their score against us," Aylin seemed sad now. "I know it's a conflict of interest, but I'm finally happy with someone, Shanna, I don't want to end our relationship just because we compete with them."
Shanna sat down next to her. "You don't have too. Just tell Mr. Schuester. Tell Tina or Sam. They'll understand. It's not like you started to date when they were competition, and it's not like you're going to tell them our set list or anything, right."
"No, I'd never do that, just like I'd never ask him about theirs," Aylin determined.
"Then I don't see the problem," Shanna said smiling. "I'm happy for you."
"Did we just have a moment?" Aylin realized. "What happened to you being pissed at me?"
"Stupid controlling bitch is gone. You've got me back. Now tell me more about Charlie," Shanna turned to face Aylin so she could hear the story.
And just like that, like so many others their age, they were able to forget annoyances with each other because a new occurrence of love was in the air.
JOE HART AND SUGAR MOTTA
Sugar and Mia walked into the living room where Joe and Jacob stood.
"They're locked in there. They won't be coming out anytime soon," Sugar grinned.
"That's really not cool," Jacob huffed.
"Oh shut it, Jacob. Why are you so angsty anyway? We all know you didn't do anything wrong and you're just pissed at the world so why don't you let them work out their problems and you and I can go hang out in Sugar's game room and work on our song, okay?" Mia suggested.
"Fine," Jacob turned around and headed into the game room. Mia kissed Joe and followed him.
"She has her hands full," Joe said. There was no reply. He turned around to see Sugar reading a message on her phone. "Everything okay?"
She motioned to her phone. "I just got a text from Mrs. Abrams. Artie is still unconscious."
"You said he could be under for a day or so right?" Joe asked.
"It's been a day," she reminded him. "The longer he's under the less likely it is he will ever wake up."
"You are really worried about him, aren't you?" Joe moved to sit next to Sugar.
"More than I could even say. I know I usually just act shallow and talk about how much I love money and stuff, which I do, but I really love Artie too. I don't want anything to happen to him," Sugar said.
Joe had an idea. "Do you remember last summer when Mr. Schuester had us coming up with ideas for the first day of school performance?"
"Yeah, those were a fun couple of days with just our little group before it exploded in size," she remembered.
"Do you remember Artie doing that Nicki Minaj song and all of us laughing so hard?" Joe asked.
"Remember it? I recorded it on my phone," she stated.
"Did you ever download it on to your computer?" he asked another question.
"Yeah, I think so," Sugar said. "It would be in the editing room."
"You have an entire editing room?" Joe's voice had the excitement of a missionary in an African village.
"Yeah, daddy dabbles in film work sometimes," she shrugged. "He's helped fund some movies. John Travolta would be nothing without him."
"Then maybe we can make something for our performance that will make everyone see that all this fighting isn't worth it. We don't get to make a difference that often, but this could be our chance to do that. Come on, I have an idea," Joe said.
Wednesday (only 2 days left)
"So, I've been told that Mr. Duval and Mr. Sterling are ready to give their presentation," Mr. Schuester began.
"Thanks, Mr. Schue. Should we tell why we picked the song we picked?" Nick Duval asked.
"Yes, that's part of the assignment," their teacher insisted.
"Well then may I direct all of your attention to Miss Lindsey Black," Duval pointed to her.
"Oh God this is not happening," Lindsey shut her eyes and turned her face into Blaine's shoulder.
"No need to hide, beautiful. I think it is pretty obvious to everyone here that we both have the hots for you and the only reason one of us isn't exclusively dating you yet is because you don't want to hurt one of us," Jeff filled everyone in.
"That definitely has to be the reason because we're both smoking hot guys," Duval added receiving giggles from around the room.
"So we're going to make it easy for you. You're going to date us both until you make your decision," Jeff introduced their idea.
"And the other guy walks away no harm, no foul," Duval continued.
"You don't have to worry about our friendship. We won't let your decision affect that and if we do, that's on us not you," Jeff promised.
"Yeah, bros before . . . well same sentiment not same words," Duval faltered.
"I think you should probably sing now guys," Blaine suggested.
"Yes, good idea," Jeff agreed. "Lindsey, this is for you."
(Boys/Boyfriend Mash up – Glee Cast Version)
(performed by Nick Duval and Jeff Sterling)
Sebastian just leaned down and whispered something into Lindsey's ear that made both of them and Blaine laugh. Lindsey's cheeks were completely blushed before the song even began.
NICK D: For whatever reason, I feel like I've been wanting you all my life. You don't understand I'm so glad we're at the same place at the same time.
Jeff stepped in front of Nick to get closer to Lindsey.
JEFF: It's over now. I spotted you dancing; you made all the boys stare. Those lips and your blue eyes and that sexy hair.
Nick hip-bumped Jeff out of the way getting laughs from everyone in the room. His dancing was quite comical during this section.
NICK D: I should shake my thing. I make the world want you. Tell your girls you'll be back, I wanna see what you can do.
Then the boys got serious and started dancing together.
Nick/Jeff: What would it take for you to just leave with me? Not trynna sound conceited, me and you were meant to be. You're a sexy girl, I'm a nice guy, Let's turn this dance floor into our own little nasty world,
The girls in the room started their cat-calls and cheers for the boys. Lindsey sat there with an embarrassed grin on her face but she was loving it.
Jeff (Nick): If I was your boyfriend (Sometimes a girl just needs one); Keep you on my arm girl (to love her and to hold); I can be a gentleman (and when a girl is with one); If I was your boyfriend (Then she's in control); If I was your boyfriend.
Nick pulled a chair up in front of Lindsey and turned it around backwards, sat in it. He reached out and held Lindsey's hand.
NICK D: Tell me what you like, yeah tell me what you don't. I can be your Buzz Lightyear, fly across the globe. I don't ever want to fight, yeah you already know, I'mma make you shine bright, like you layin' in the snow, burr
Jeff kicks Jeff's chair out of the way pulled Lindsey out of her chair, sat in it and pulled her down to sit in his lap.
JEFF: Girlfriend, girlfriend, you could be my girlfriend, Until the w-world ends. Make you dance, do a spin, and a twirl and voice going crazy on this hook like a whirl wind, Swaggie.
Jeff gets up and Lindsey sits back down, but Sebastian, Blaine and Sam join the boys dancing back up.
Jeff (Nick): If I was your boyfriend (Sometimes a girl just needs one); Keep you on my arm girl (to love her and to hold); I can be a gentleman (and when a girl is with one); If I was your boyfriend (Then she's in control); If I was your boyfriend.
JEFF: So give me a chance cause you're all I need girl,
NICK D: Spend a week with your boy, I'll be callin' you my girlfriend. If I was your man, I'd never leave you girl, I just want to love and treat you right.
Jeff (Nick): If I was your boyfriend (Sometimes a girl just needs one); Keep you on my arm girl (to love her and to hold); I can be a gentleman (and when a girl is with one); If I was your boyfriend (Then she's in control); If I was your boyfriend.
BOTH: Na na na na na na na na na na na (yeah, girl); Na na na na na na na; yeah if I was your boyfriend, na na na na na na na na na; aye na na na na na na na na na If I was your boyfriend.
JEFF: Can't live with em
NICK D: Can't live without em.
The whole room jumped up cheering and laughing. The whole room loved the performance. Will looked around and saw that for the first time in a month they were all on the same page.
"Now that is what I'm talking about!" Mr. Schuester said and got up to shake both boys' hands. "Celebrating the talents of everyone in the room despite having differences. I'm really proud of both of you. Good job guys."
"Thanks, Mr. Schue," Jeff said.
"It's all for Lindsey," Nick D. blushed.
"Alright, I think on that note we'll move on," Mr. Schue stated getting the spotlight off of Lindsey which she was thankful for.
"Mr. Schuester, may I say something before you move on with the class," Aylin requested.
"Sure, Aylin, is everything okay?" he looked concerned because of the worry on her face.
"I hope it will be. I promise that I didn't do anything to purposefully mess anything up," she confessed.
"What's going on, Aylin?" Tina asked.
"After Sectionals, one of the Warblers asked me out on a date. He's a really great guy and we've been seeing each other ever since. I thought we were done competing with them so I didn't see a problem and then Mr. Schuester made the announcement about them getting the Wild Card bid which I didn't even know existed," she explained her problem.
"But we are competing against them now. It could be hard for you to keep everything from them," Jessie suggested.
"We've been through it before though and Aylin is being up front with us," Tina defended her.
"Exactly, we've been through it before and how did that work out, Tina? Jesse St. James remember him?" Brittany stood on the same side with Jessie.
"Guys give her some credit," Shanna stood up and walked down to stand with Aylin. "She's been there for all of us during our couple drama that every single one of us in this room has been through this year. And she's really happy with Charlie. She didn't do it intentionally and she's never given any of us reason to doubt her loyalty."
"Considering this is coming from the person I partnered you with because you couldn't get along, Aylin, I don't think there is anything wrong with you dating one of the Dalton boys," Mr. Schuester stated.
"Aylin, Tina, Sam, and I all got to meet him at Sectionals. He seems like an upstanding guy, but I think we do need to make it clear to both of you that under no circumstances should he ask you about our rehearsals nor should you ask him about theirs. Everything should be fair," Blaine spoke up.
"I don't have a problem with that," Aylin smiled thankful to have two of the captains on her side.
"So that's two captains okay with it and one against. Sam, what's your call?" Mr. Schue asked.
"Shanna, do you trust her?" Sam asked.
Shanna looked at Sam and then to Aylin. "I do, Sam. I don't think she would ever hurt us in anyway. She's proven that to me."
"Then I say that I'm in your corner, Aylin, but since you don't have an older brother to check this guy out I think you need to let Blaine and I check him out for you," Sam smiled.
"We can double date," Aylin smiled.
"So I'm going to assume that you two have finished your assignment?" Mr. Schuester assumed.
"This was all on me, Mr. Schue," Shanna admitted. "I made an assumption about Aylin and Jacob that was wrong and I'm truly sorry for that. Aylin, I'm sorry, and Jacob you've never given me a reason to doubt you. I'm so sorry."
"It's something that happens. Everyone in this room makes mistakes. That's our big deal right now. So we picked a song about sitting and just talking which is what the two of us did for hours yesterday and what a lot of you need to do. May we, Mr. Schue?" Aylin asked.
"Of course," Will stated.
Shanna and Aylin pulled up three stools as Jacob walked up to them and picked up his guitar and sat on the left and the two girls sat next to each other. Jacob began to play.
(For The First Time by The Script)
(performed by Shanna Lee and Aylin Stein)
(based on acoustic version by Alex G and Jess Moskaluke)
SHANNA: I'm all laid up in bed with a broken heart. While he's drinking all alone in the local bar, and we don't know how, how we got into this mad situation, only doing things out of frustration, trying to make it work but man these times are hard.
AYLIN: She needs me now but I can't seem to find the time, I've got a new job now on the unemployment line, and we don't know how, how we got into this mess is this a god's test? Someone help us cause we're doing our best (best). Trying to make it work but man these times are hard. But we're gonna start by
Shanna/Aylin: Drinking old cheap bottles of wine, Sit talking up all night, Saying things we haven't for a while; a while ya; we're smiling but we're close to tears, even after all these years, We just now got the feeling that we're meeting for the first time.
Aylin looked up and caught Blake sharing a gaze with Michael and she couldn't help but smile. Maybe there was a chance for them to fix their friendship.
SHANNA: She's in line at the door with her head held high while I just lost my job but didn't lose my pride. And we both know how, how we're gonna make it work when it hurts, when you pick yourself up, you get kicked in the dirt, trying to make it work, but man these times are hard.
AYLIN: And we're gonna start by
Shanna/Aylin: Drinking old cheap bottles of wine, Sit talking up all night, Saying things we haven't for a while; a while ya; we're smiling but we're close to tears, even after all these years, We just now got the feeling that we're meeting for the first time. Oooooooh. Oooh. Ooooooh.
Aylin reached out for Shanna's hand and they held hands.
Shanna/Aylin: Oh these times are hard, yeah they're making us crazy. Don't give up on me baby. Oh these times are hard, yeah they're making us crazy. Don't give up on me baby.
The girls sang the final hook of the song a cappella.
Shanna/Aylin: Oh these times are hard, yeah they're making us crazy. Don't give up on me baby.
The girls gave each other a hug and then Shanna hugged Jacob, but Mia noticed that Jacob didn't really hug her back. His eyes looked blank.
-GLEE-
Michael and Nick Hall walked down the hallway leaving the weight room and heading back to the choir room for glee rehearsal after school.
"Have you and Blaine started working on your assignment yet?" Nick asked.
"Uh, no. He's texted me a couple of times, but I really don't want to be alone with the guy. If he didn't hate me before, he really hates me now," Michael told him.
"He hates you definitely, but he still has to finish this assignment just like you do," Nick reminded him. "Plus, Sam reached out to me. Maybe it will be okay."
"Did you talk to him?" Michael asked.
"We've been texting back and forth all day and we talked in the weight room while you were running on the track today," Nick informed him.
"How did that go?" Michael asked.
"He listened. He didn't try to tell me I was wrong. He just let me tell my side of the story. That's more than I expected," Nick said. "He told me not to worry about him turning against me or anything but that Sebastian is his boy and he always will be. That's not something I didn't already know. But he said he understood. I think that's about as good as it gets."
"So I should just bite the bullet and meet with Blaine then," Michael assumed that's what he meant.
Before he could answer he saw a large group of the Glee Club walking towards them and away from the choir room.
"What's going on?" Nick asked.
"Choir room is locked," he was surprised that Blake was the one that answered him. "There's a note that says to meet Mr. Schuester in the auditorium.
They joined the rest of the group and walked into the auditorium surprised to see it look like it did. There was a movie screen set up center stage. Mr. Schuester stood in front of it. To one side Sugar and Joe sat, her with a tambourine and him with his guitar. On the other side the four captains sat behind microphones as well.
"If you will all have a seat," Mr. Schuester ordered. The group came in and sat down in the front two rows nearest the stage. "I'm going to turn things over to Sugar. She has an update on Artie for us."
Sugar stepped out front. Everyone in New Directions was silent. They were all worried about Artie.
"Artie still isn't awake. There's only a small window left that they think he will. The good news is that his mom says the surgery was a success. If he wakes up he could actually regain the use of his legs. I hope that you all see that all of our little petty arguments don't mean anything when you think about what Artie is going through. It made Joe and I think back to this summer when we all met each other for the first time and so we decided to remind you of that with a little help," she referenced the captains. "They'll help with the chorus, but I'm actually talking about another guest which is going to make our duo a trio. I hope you'll think about whether the grudges you're keeping are really worth it in the grand scheme of things."
She took her place next to Joe and the lights dimmed in the auditorium and the screen lit up with a countdown. At "1" Joe began playing.
(Super Bass by Nicki Minaj)
(performed by Joe Hart and Sugar Motta)
(acoustic version by Tyler Ward, Alex G, and Eppic)
JOE: Girl, you got my heartbeat runnin' away; beating like a drum and it's coming your way. Can't you hear that
ALL: Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom baby super bass. Boom badoom boom, boom badoom boom yeah that's super bass.
The screen filled with Artie's face from the video filmed the previous summer. Many in the audience reacted to seeing his face.
ARTIE: This one is for the girls with the booming system. Top down, AC with the coolest system. When I come up in the club, he be blazin' up; got stacks on deck like I'm savin' up, and she ill, she real, she might gotta deal. She pop bottle and she got the right kind of bill. She cold, she dope, she might drink coke, she always in the air, but she never fly coach. She's a mother, mother trip, trip, sailor of the ship, ship. When she take a sip, sip; kiss him on the lip, lip. That's the kind of girl I was lookin' for and yes you'll get slapped if you're looking bro. I said, excuse me you're like one of a kind. I mean my, my, my you're pelican fly. I mean, you're so shy and I'm loving your tie; you're like slicker than the guy with the thing on his eye, oh, yes I did, yes I did, somebody please tell me who the eff I is. Mr. Artie Abrams, I mack them dudes up, back coupes up, and chuck the deuce up.
The lights come up on the live singers as video continues of all the different members of New Directions with Artie during the tour and in previous years.
JOE: Girl, you got my heartbeat runnin' away; beating like a drum and it's coming your way. Can't you hear that
ALL: Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom baby super bass. Boom badoom boom, boom badoom boom yeah that's super bass.
Captains: Boom (16x)
ALL: Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom baby super bass. Boom badoom boom, boom badoom boom yeah that's super bass.
On screen, a slide show of pictures from the tour reminding the all of happier times played on the screen.
SUGAR: This one is for the boys in the polos; Entrepreneur playas in the moguls. He could ball with the crew, he could solo, but I think I like him better when he dolo, and I think I like him better with the fitted cap on. He ain't even gotta try to put the mac on. He just gotta give me that look. He just gotta give me that look, when he give me that look then the shades comin' off, off, uh. Excuse me, you're a hell of a guy you know I really got a thing for American guys. I mean, sigh, sickenin' eyes I can tell that you're in touch with your feminine side. Yes I did, yes I did, somebody please tell him who the eff I is. I am Sugar Motta, I make them dudes up, back coupes up and chuck the deuce up.
JOE: Girl, you got my heartbeat runnin' away; beating like a drum and it's coming your way. Can't you hear that
ALL: Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom baby super bass. Boom badoom boom, boom badoom boom yeah that's super bass.
Captains: Boom (16x)
ALL: Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom baby super bass. Boom badoom boom, boom badoom boom yeah that's super bass.
During the chord change, video of the Sectionals win plays reminding them of what they accomplished together.
SUGAR: See I need you in my life for me to stay. No, no, no, no, no I know you'll stay. No, no, no, no, no don't go away.
JOE: Girl, you got my heartbeat runnin' away; beating like a drum and it's coming your way. Can't you hear that
ALL: Boom, badoom, boom, boom, badoom, boom baby super bass. Boom badoom boom, boom badoom boom yeah that's super bass.
There was no applause at the end of the song because everyone was deep in their own thoughts. Thinking about how Artie at that very moment was fighting for his life made them all really rethink the arguments they'd been having. Before anyone could say anything Jacob Reed jumped up from his seat and ran out of the auditorium.
"Jacob!" Mr. Schuester called out to him but to no avail. He turned to Jessie and saw her crying into Tyler's shoulder. "Jessie, what's going on?"
"Mia," Jessie turned her eyes to her best friend. "Go find Jacob, please."
"Sure thing," she nodded and she headed out of the auditorium.
"Mr. Schuester," Sugar pulled on his sleeve to get his attention. "I know you need to deal with whatever is going on with them, but I just wanted you to know that I'm going to miss your wedding on Sunday and I'm really sorry."
"That's okay, Sugar. Is everything okay?" he asked.
"I'm worried about Artie and Daddy finally broke down and agreed to fly me to New York to see him. I'm leaving now. I just wanted to finish my assignment for you first," she hugged her teacher. "I'm really sorry I'm going to miss it. You and Ms. Pillsbury are really important to me, but I have to see him."
"That's okay, Sugar, I think that's exactly where you need to be," Will told her. "When Artie wakes up you can tell him how much we all love him."
-GLEE-
MIA JONES & JACOB HART
Mia found Jacob sitting out in the courtyard alone. She was unsure what to say to him.
"Do you know what the deal is with him or are you just going into this blind?"
Mia turned around to see Jake Puckerman standing next to her.
"Do you?" she asked.
"Mr. Schuester partnered me up with his sister, remember? I finally got it out of her just a minute ago. I left her with Brittany and Tyler to come help you with Jacob," Jake stated. "No offense, but it's something he's more likely to talk about with a guy, but you two have been friends for awhile so together we might be able to help."
"Jake, what's going on?" Mia asked.
"Jacob and Jessie's dad has leukemia," he revealed. "They found out last week."
"When Jessie started acting crazy and Jacob cut everyone off," Mia realized.
The two freshmen walked over to their friend and sat on either side of him.
"Jacob, Jessie told us. I'm so sorry about your dad, but he's a strong guy and you will be there for him, and all of us we will be there for you," Mia said to him.
"She shouldn't have told you. It's our family's business," Jacob responded.
"Bro, no one knows how to push people away better than I do, but even I know what you're going through sucks," Jake stated.
"Really," Jacob scoffed. "How exactly do you know that?"
"Because the thing that is going through your head is not your dad's illness it's what happens if he doesn't make it. That would make you the man of the house, but you're only fourteen and can't do anything to really take care of your mom and sister. I know that because that is my life. My dad might as well be dead. He's never around unless he wants something," Jake revealed. "It's okay to be pissed. You have a right too. It's not fair that you should have all that pressure on you, but it doesn't change anything."
"Plus," Mia took over the conversation wanting to spin it in a more positive direction. "Having cancer isn't a death sentence anymore. "You're dad is going to get treatment and get better."
She put her arms around Jacob and hugged him tight. "You aren't the type to give up easily, Jacob. You're a fighter and so is your dad."
Jacob rested his head on Mia's. He really appreciated how much she wanted to be there for him but it didn't change the way he felt. When he spoke, his voice was weak. "What if I lose him, Mia?"
Her heart broke for her friend. "If you lose your dad it will be awful, but I've been at your house enough to know the last thing Mr. Reed would want is for you and Jessie to stop living your lives and worry about him. He's taught you both to be strong and depend on each other."
"I don't want to lose him," Jacob whispered.
"That would never happen. Your dad will always be with you no matter what, but you need to stop thinking about the negative," Mia turned him around to look him in the eyes. "Let's make this our assignment and pick a song that you could sing to your dad and let him know how you support him."
"That could work," Jacob weakly smiled.
An hour later Mia and Jacob were on the stage at the end of rehearsal and Jessie sat in the front row with a video camera ready to record the performance for their father. The rest of New Directions sat and watched after just finding out about the twins' father.
(One/Let It Be – mash up by Boyce Avenue)
(performed by Mia Jones and Jacob Reed)
JACOB: Is it getting better or do you feel the same? Will it make it easier on you now? You got someone to blame. You say one love, one life; it's one need in the night. One love, we get to share it; leaves you baby, if you don't care for it.
Mia reaches out and holds Jacob's hand as she picks up the verse.
MIA: Did I disappoint you or leave a bad taste in your mouth? You act like you never had love and you want me to go without. Well, it's too late, tonight, to drag the past out into the light. We're one, but we're not the same; we get to carry each other, carry each other
BOTH: one. (repeated)
Jacob stood from the stool and moved center stage. His eyes were closed and he let his emotions loose.
JACOB: Let it be, let it be. Let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
Mia stood and wrapped Jacob's left arm in hers showing him support and singing harmony to his lead. The two sounded angelic together.
Jacob/Mia: Let it be, let it be. Let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
MIA: One love
JACOB: One Blood
Jacob/Mia: One life you got to do what you should. One life with each other:
JACOB: Sisters and my brothers.
Jacob/Mia: One life, but we're not the same. We got to carry each other, carry each other. One love! One!
The members of New Directions moved to the stage to comfort both Jessie and Jacob. The younger Puckerman walked up to Mia who'd moved out of the way for the other members.
"You got the kid to smile again. I don't know what kind of magic you're slinging but I like it."
"Thanks," she blushed.
"Think you could help me with Jessie?"
Mia looked over at her friend who was currently wrapped in Brittany's arms.
"Let's see what we can come up with," she agreed.
-GLEE-
KALLIE ANDERSON & SEBASTIAN SMYTHE
After practice was over Blaine and Sam were off to help Mr. Schue with wedding stuff so Sebastian offered to take Kallie home. Truthfully, the duo had not worked on their performances at all. It meant that the two of them would have to talk about Michael and Nick and neither really cared to do that, but for really different reasons. When they arrived at the Anderson household, the parents were nowhere to be found. Kallie asked Sebastian if he wanted to stay and order a pizza. He agreed.
He ordered for them and while they waited they sat in the den and knew the conversation they'd been putting off was about to happen.
"How have you not lost your temper about all this?" Kallie asked him. "I mean I haven't seen you angry once since you came home from New York. Nick cheats on you and you just move on. I don't get it."
"That's just because my bad behavior happened while I was in New York," he tried to be humorous but she wasn't in the mood.
"I want to hurt Michael every time I see him just to make myself feel better," she confessed.
"You know that wouldn't really help anything. You'd feel better for a minute and then it would just be bad again. To answer your other question, I'm okay with it because it's a better situation," Sebastian stated.
"How can you say that though? I thought you were in love with Nick," she confronted him.
"I absolutely was. And don't get me wrong I was hurt, but I realized that I am leaving at the end of the year and Nick has two more years of high school. I don't plan on coming back to Lima that often. So in many ways it's a positive thing," Sebastian defended his statement.
"That really pisses me off you know that you can just move on. Why can't I do that?" Kallie shook her head in disbelief.
"Because you aren't letting yourself move on. I'm honestly at the point where I hope Nick finds happiness with someone. I don't think it's going to be Michael, but that's just me."
"How are you not upset with Michael though? I mean he had sex with your boyfriend," Kallie wondered.
"Michael wasn't who Nick cheated on me with," Sebastian revealed.
"What? Of course he was. We all know that Michael and Nick hooked up because Blake caught them," Kallie reminded him.
"True, but I'd already caught him cheating with someone else," Sebastian confessed.
"Are you freakin' kidding me?" Kallie couldn't believe it. "Who was it?"
"The Kitty girl that Tyler is dating now," Sebastian announced.
"Bible girl?" Kallie almost screamed out in disbelief. "But she is always going around and preaching to everyone about virginity and that promiscuity will lead to hell."
"In my experience those are usually the ones that are back on earth for vacation," Sebastian smirked.
"How did it happen?" Kallie's face finally had spark in it again. This news gave her something that was even worse than her own story which, in an odd way, made her feel better about her life.
"The night after Nick and I had our fight, the Cheerios hosted a big house party for the football team, remember?" Sebastian asked.
"Yeah, I went with Michael. It was a fun party," she said. "I think the only player that wasn't there was Sam and he was here with Blaine for the night."
"Well, I had tried to call and text Nick that entire day but he refused. It was actually Michael who returned my text and told me where Nick was. When I got to the party Tyler was at the front door and told me I couldn't come in because it was football players only. I smarted off and reminded him that my boyfriend was on the team and he laughed. He said that I would be surprised what Nick was up too and let me in. He walked me through the living room, up the stairs, and pushed the door open to one of the bedrooms and there he was naked on the bed with Kitty on top of him. Neither one of us broke up with the other. When he saw me standing in the doorway, and our eyes locked, we just both knew," Kallie saw the sadness in Sebastian's eyes as he spoke. "You should feel special. You are the first person I told that story too. Sam and Blaine don't even know the truth about our break up. They thought it was Michael and I just let them believe that because it was easier than telling the truth."
"Why is that?" Kallie wondered.
"Do you like having conversations with others about how your boyfriend broke up with you for another guy?" he questioned.
"No, it's the worst feeling in the world to feel like I wasn't enough for him so he switched teams," Kallie spoke quickly.
"Just because the roles are reversed doesn't mean I don't feel the same way. I'm a proud gay man and my boyfriend sleeping with a girl feels so much worse that if it actually had been Michael. Then I would think Nick is just a man whore, but now I'll always wonder if I was just a phase he went through," Sebastian confessed.
-GLEE-
The next day at the beginning of Glee period, Sebastian and Kallie were both sitting on stools as the rest of New Directions entered the room. When everyone saw them sitting there, they knew that this would be the tensest performance so far. Once everyone took their seats, Sebastian began.
"Kallie and I don't have to go through the details of why we were paired together. It's obvious to everyone. But after a long night of talking things out we came to one conclusion."
He turned to Kallie hoping that she would continue.
"Sometimes we have to forgive not for the people that wronged us, but for ourselves. If we have any hope of moving on then we have to give ourselves the opportunity. So this song is not to get back at anyone. It's for the two of us. To say what needs to be said and then move on with our lives."
(What Goes Around/Rehab mash-up by Boyce Avenue)
(performed by Kallie Anderson and Sebastian Smythe)
When the music began the tension filled the room even more. Michael felt for Kallie, he never wanted to hurt her in all this and he felt that he owed it to her to pay attention. Nick, sitting between Brittany and Lindsey, pulled his knees up to his chest and buried his face into his knees. It was apparent to Sebastian that Nick was crying. His heart began to crack as he started to sing.
SEBASTIAN: Hey girl, is he everything you wanted in a man? You know I gave you the world. You had me in the palm of your hand. So why your love went away I just can't seem to understand. Thought it was me an you babe. Me and you until the end. It's like I checked into rehab and baby, you're my disease. It's like I checked into rehab and baby, you're my disease.
The attention switched to Kallie who stared directly into Michael's eyes as she sang.
KALLIE: Now boy, I remember everything that you claimed. You said that you were moving on now and maybe I should do the same. Funny thing about that is I was willing to take on your name. Thought it was me and you, babe and now, it's all just the same. It's like I checked into rehab and baby, you're my disease. It's like I checked into rehab and baby, you're my disease.
Sebastian/Kallie: I gotta check into rehab 'cause baby you're my disease. I gotta check into rehab 'cause baby you're my disease.
Kallie felt tears running down her cheeks.
KALLIE: Oooooo, I've been travelin' on this road too long just trying to find my way back home. The old me is dead and gone. Dead and gone.
SEBASTIAN: Oooooo, I've been travelin' on this road too long just trying to find my way back home. The old me is dead and gone. Dead and gone.
KALLIE: Baby, you're my disease.
SEBASTIAN: Baby, you're my disease.
Sebastian watched as Nick's eyes moved towards him and they connected like they once did on a daily basis. Nick mouthed the words, "I'm so sorry." Sebastian nodded his understanding and he felt himself getting chocked up as he continued the song.
Kallie sang the "What Goes Around" chorus while Sebastian finished the song singing the "Rehab" chorus.
The song finished and Kallie excused herself from the room. Lily and Aylin asked if they could check on her and Mr. Schue told them to go.
"Mr. Schue," Sebastian began. "Could I talk to Nick in your office just for a second?"
Again, Mr. Schue agreed.
Sebastian walked over to the office and turned around to see Nick still looking at him. He motioned for him to join him. Nick didn't hesitate. They walked into the office and Nick began talking.
"Sebastian, you have to know that I . . ." he began.
"Nicky, I know you're sorry, you don't have to say anything, but I also know that you need time to figure out things about yourself," Sebastian told him.
"So you brought me in here to break up with me?"
"We need closure, Nicky," Sebastian finally allowed a tear to fall from his eye. "I promise that I will not abandon you or stop being your friend. You will always be my first love and I'll never forget that. You helped me realize I actually could love, but I have to break up with you. You and I both have a lot of growing to do before we can be the person the other needs."
"I love you, Sebastian," Nick cried.
"I'll always love you, Nicky," Sebastian hugged him tightly. "But this is the right thing for both of us."
He kissed Nick on the forehead and the two boys memorized how this moment felt knowing it would be the last time they were together like this.
-GLEE-
JAKE PUCKERMAN & JESSIE REED
"Hey, Mr. Schue, how about Jessie and I sing and lighten the tension in the room," Jake Puckerman suggested.
"I think that's a great idea," Mr. Schue agreed.
Jake and Jessie took their place in front of the room.
"I want to apologize to a lot of you," Jessie's sincerity was obvious to everyone. "I haven't been acting like myself lately and yesterday you figured out why. Jacob, we both kind of went into our own worlds to figure out things, but I want you to know that I love you and we will get through this together. I also have to say thanks to Brittany and Tyler, they have been great friends to me these past few weeks, and then definitely to this guy next to me. A week ago, I hadn't said ten words to Jake but now he is one of my favorite people. He made me see that closing off to all of you is the worst thing I could do. That's why we chose this song. Jacob, you're my brother, I love you and I know how close you are to our father. I want you to know I'll always be there for you. You are a part of me."
(Part of Me by Katy Perry)
(performed by Jake Puckerman and Jessie Reed)
(based on YouTube acoustic version by Jake Coco and Katie Behzadi)
JAKE: Days like this, I want to drive away. Pack my bags and watch your shadow fade. You chewed me up and spit me out like I was poison in your mouth. You took my light, you drained me down, but that was then and this is now. Now look at me,
Jake/Jessie: This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no this is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no throw your sticks and your stones, throw your bombs and your blows, but you're not gonna break my soul.
Jessie got up and went to sit next to her brother. She wrapped her arm through his and leaned her head on his shoulder.
JESSIE: I just want to throw my phone away. Find out who is really there for me. You ripped me off, your love was cheap was always tearing at the seams, I fell deep, you let me down, but that was then and this is now, now look at me,
Jake/Jessie: This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no this is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no throw your sticks and your stones, throw your bombs and your blows, but you're not gonna break my soul. This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no!
Jessie went back to sit next to her duet partner. Jake caught Marley looking at him and he couldn't help but smile.
JESSIE: Now look at me I'm sparkling; a firework, a dancin' flame. You won't ever put me out again. I'm glowin', oh woah,
Jessie (Jake): So you can keep the diamond ring. It don't mean nothing anyway, In fact you can keep everything, yeah, yeah
JESSIE: Except for me!
Jake/Jessie: This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no this is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me, no throw your sticks and your stones, throw your bombs and your blows, but you're not gonna break my soul. This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me.
Jacob Reed stood from his seat and walked up to his sister and gave her a hug. He looked over to Jake and whispered a thank you to him. The rest of New Directions applauded the twins and how they'd made the promise to get each other through their father's illness.
-GLEE-
BRITTANY PIERCE & TYLER TREVINO
At the end of 6th Period Glee class, Brittany ran after Tyler.
"I have a brilliant idea," she said grabbing his arm.
"Well there's a first time for everything," Tyler joked.
"Let's sneak off and go get ice cream. Don't you like ice cream when it's cold outside? It will totally work because Coach Bieste isn't having practice this week and neither is Coach Sylvester. We can go get ice cream and be back in time for Glee practice after school," Brittany told him her plan.
"And I'm sure it has nothing to do with us finishing our glee assignment," Tyler stopped in the middle of the hallway to turn around and look Brittany in the eyes.
"Okay, let me put it another way then. I'm the only one here at McKinley that actually knows all your secrets and I've kept them a secret for you so if I maybe want to spend an hour with you so that I get to finish my senior year in Glee then you can do that and take me to get some ice cream," Brittany stood her ground.
"Even if I wanted to I don't think Kitty would like me going on a date with another girl," Tyler admitted.
"Please, I don't want to go on a date with you. I mean I know you and I made out that one time, but that was just for fun," she reminded him.
"It was also the night that all this mess started," Tyler's demeanor fell. "I really know how to mess things up."
"This is why we should go talk. I'm the one person that's really on your side totally. I know why you really started dating Kitty and I'm all for that plan and willing to help, but I help you then you've got to help me, you know?" Brittany insisted.
"What do you want?" Tyler asked.
"Both of our girlfriends are freshmen. I really like Jessie. You like the credibility Kitty gives you as your girlfriend. She is a shoe in for head Cheerio unless Lindsey goes after it. That sets you up as the power couple next year, but you want your position back now. When Blaine and Sam beat me for Student Body President, I knew I had to find my other thing to make my senior moment. So since our girlfriends can't go to prom with us, you and I need to go after prom king and queen together," Brittany smiled knowing she'd come up with a great plan.
"How do you propose we do that?" Tyler asked.
"We start with Glee. You and I both know that you don't like Kitty. We both know who you really like, but you're never going to go after him because you care about your reputation too much. So we make our two couples the power couples of the school and everyone will see you and I together and before we know it we're easily on that ballot," Brittany suggested.
Tyler smiled.
"You know, you're a lot smarter than you let people believe," Tyler told her.
"Let's keep that between us," she smiled. "Now come on, I still want that ice cream."
-GLEE-
LINDSEY BLACK & BLAKE SMITH
"Lindsey, you got a minute?"
Lindsey turned away from her conversation with Sunshine to see Blake standing there. It surprised her. Even though they'd been amicable to each other since their break up on the tour they had not had a one on one conversation since. She waited for what he wanted.
"I know you don't have Cheerios practice and I don't have football. I asked Mr. Schuester and he said that we could use the auditorium to work on our duet if you want too," Blake suggested.
"Sure," Lindsey agreed. "I actually had a song picked out if you'd like to listen to it," Lindsey said as she grabbed her bag and the former couple walked down the hall to the auditorium.
"If you have a song I guess that means you know why Mr. Schue partnered us then. I'm still clueless," Blake said and thought it might have sounded bad. "I mean honestly I was happy it was you because I was really worried it would be Michael or Nick or even Kallie. I think I would have just had to quit Glee before working with one of them."
"You don't mean that," Lindsey corrected him. "As crazy as it is you and I drank the Glee Kool-Aid and we love it. Neither one of us could imagine high school without it now."
"So why has it taken us so long to do the duet that keeps us in the club?" Blake asked as he opened the door of the auditorium for Lindsey.
"Because you and I are more alike than either of us want to admit. We would rather ignore our problems instead of deal with them and this time we both have the same problem. I think that's why Mr. Schue partnered us up. I mean it's not like you and I have really tried to restart our friendship. We've just been cool being in the same room with each other," Lindsey explained.
"I guess you're right," Blake realized. "It's not that I haven't wanted to hang out with you, I just didn't want to make Lily uncomfortable."
"That's a cop out, Blake. Lily and I have been fine for a long time and we actually managed to create a friendship. Don't use her as an excuse. That's not fair to her especially after how she's stayed by your side through all your issues," Lindsey argued with him.
Blake sat on the end of the stage thinking about what she'd said. He knew that Lindsey was right.
"I don't deserve her," he looked down at the floor. "She's an angel and she treats me so well and I know I hurt her even though she says she's okay with it. And you're right plus you were right about me back when we were dating and everyone hated you for it. That wasn't right and I let it happen. I'm sorry."
"Blake, I didn't say that for you to get down on yourself," she moved to sit next to him. "You're one of the good guys. I was lucky to get the chance to date you and so is Lily. Everyone's entitled to moments where they aren't like themselves. I'm pretty sure it's part of growing up. Hell, I can't judge. I have two great guys that are fighting over me and I'm not making a choice. If I did the right thing I'd choose one of them and let the other go, but I honestly don't know which one to choose, but that right there is your problem, isn't it?" Lindsey pointed out.
"What are you talking about?" Blake wondered.
"That I get to choose between Jeff and Nick, but your choice was taken from you. You finally opened yourself to the possibility of something with Michael, something that you for the longest time, you never thought was even possible. I know we haven't been close in a few months but I still know you well enough to know that you don't choose to love someone half-ass. You let yourself feel for him and that was on top of what you already feel for Lily. You were confused, but for a while you had the choice and that made it okay, but then Michael took the choice away from you. That's why you're hurting because the choice was taken away from you and you didn't get the chance to sort out your feelings, and in one moment you lost your best friend and your girlfriend and yourself."
"He told me he loved me," Blake whispered. "He told me he loved me and then the next day he told me to forget it ever happened, but how do you do that? How do you forget something like that?"
Lindsey took his hand. "You don't. And the last thing you need to do is what you're doing. Have you talked to anybody about this?"
"Not really. I mean Lily said she was okay with what happened but she didn't want to talk about it. Sam cornered me and tried and I talked to him but I didn't tell him everything," Blake confessed.
"Well who do you normally go to when you need to talk?" Lindsey asked.
Blake just looked at her with watery eyes.
"Michael," she realized. "Michael is your person."
"I didn't get to choose, but I made my choice," Blake revealed to her.
He stared into Lindsey's eyes and she saw the truth in them.
"It's Michael, isn't it? You would have chosen him over Lily," Lindsey realized.
"I love Lily, I do, but Mikey is my soul mate and my best friend. I don't know if that means a relationship or anything like that, but I'm just not the same without my best friend. I don't know what to do," Blake stated.
"Have you tried talking to him?" she asked.
"Once, but he walked away with his new best friend, Tyler," Blake rolled his eyes.
"Why is he hanging out with him? I've noticed that a lot lately too," Lindsey wondered. She noticed that Blake stopped looking her in the eyes. All of a sudden she knew the answer. "No! Tyler!? I thought that Michael hooked up with Nick."
"Turns out that was a onetime thing," Blake explained. "Mikey turned to Nick because he couldn't talk to me, but the reason he broke up with Kallie was because of Tyler. The reason he pushed me away was Tyler. Evidently the sex with Tyler is the best he's ever had."
"So everyone thinks that Nick caused all this when it was actually Tyler," Lindsey started putting the puzzle pieces together in her head. "What about him dating Kitty?"
"You've heard her preaching her anti-gay anti-everything message. Tyler's way of handling that is making her think he likes her. He's using her. That way she has no idea about him and doesn't out him to the whole school," Blake said.
"That's kind of genius when you think about it. Cold and heartless but genius," Lindsey admitted.
Blake appreciated how open Lindsey was to listening to him but he began to get uncomfortable again and wanted to change the subject.
"What about the song you had picked out?" he asked.
She smiled a knowing smile.
That afternoon at Glee Rehearsal, Blake and Lindsey were on the stage and the band began playing as soon as members of New Directions entered.
(Jet Lag by Simple Plan)
(performed by Lindsey Black and Blake Smith)
(based on acoustic version by Jake Coco and Alex G)
BOTH: Whoaaaaahhh!
Blake rocked out on an electric guitar and Lindsey danced around the stage as the song began. Their friends ran into the room excited about the song these two came up with.
BLAKE: What time is it where you are?
LINDSEY: I miss you more than anything.
BLAKE: I'm back at home you feel so far.
LINDSEY: Waitin' for the phone to ring.
BLAKE: It's getting' lonely livin' upside down. I don't even wanna be in this town. Tryin' to figure out the time zone's makin' me crazy.
Michael stood halfway back in the auditorium alone watching Blake who kept looking straight at him. Lindsey's two men couldn't take their eyes off of her.
Blake/Lindsey: You say good morning when it's midnight going out of my head alone in this bed. I wake up to your sunset and it's drivin' me mad. I miss you so bad and my heart heart heart is so jet lagged. Heart heart heart is so jet lagged. Heart heart heart is so jet lagged, is so jet lagged.
Lindsey's smile could not be stopped. She smiled down at Nick Duval and Jeff as she sang.
LINDSEY: What time is it where you are?
BLAKE: Five more days and I'll be home
LINDSEY: I keep your picture in my car
BLAKE: I hate the thought of you alone.
LINDSEY: I've been keeping busy all the time just to try to keep you off my mind.
BOTH: Tryin' to figure out the time zone's makin' me crazy!
Blake didn't take his eyes off of Michael during the entire chorus. Brittany and Tyler entered the auditorium and saw what was going on.
Blake/Lindsey: You say good morning when it's midnight going out of my head alone in this bed. I wake up to your sunset and it's drivin' me mad. I miss you so bad and my heart heart heart is so jet lagged. Heart heart heart is so jet lagged. Heart heart heart is so jet lagged, is so jet lagged.
The song continued and people started to see that Lindsey and Blake were a perfect duo on stage. Mr. Schuester complimented them and had a huge positive reaction to it.
"It's nice to see the old Blake back," Mr. Schue whispered to him when he hugged the two.
"Mr. Schuester, Brittany and I are ready to sing our duet," Tyler called out.
"Great, let's go," he said and let them get ready on the stage. They began singing Love Bug by the Jonas Brothers.
As Tyler sang the first verse, Marley looked around and noticed that Nick Hall wasn't in the room. She sneaked out the side door and began looking for him throughout the school. As she walked down the hall she heard a guitar playing out in the courtyard. She followed the sound and saw Nick sitting on a bench playing. She could tell from his face that he'd been upset for quite a long time.
NICK HALL & MARLEY ROSE
"So I don't know exactly what's going on, but I can promise you this," Marley said as she sat down opposite Nick on the bench. "You'll get no judgment from me, but you've got to talk to someone."
"Sebastian officially broke up with me today," Nick whispered while never looking up and continuing to play his guitar. "My life is officially over."
"Don't talk like that," Marley insisted.
"It is though, you have no idea how much I love him. Knowing that he's the best thing that's ever happened to me and knowing that I have to let him go is killing me," Nick continued to not make eye contact.
"What do you mean? I'm confused," Marley asked.
"Sebastian is destined for so much more than Lima, Ohio. He's like Sam and Blaine. He's going to get out of here and become a star. I'll be lucky if I get out of Lima at all. Sebastian had to leave me so he could focus on his future," Nick began playing a melody that Marley recognized.
"So you slept with someone so he'd break up with you?" she asked.
"No, I did that because I was stupid and trying to forget how much I was hurting. I was drunk and I just wanted to feel normal for a change," Nick continued.
"Do you still love him?" Marley pushed the subject.
"What I love doesn't matter. I love him enough to let him go," Nick insisted.
"Really then why are you playing that particular song? It's not exactly a break-up song," she pointed out.
"Because the right thing to do and what I really want to do never seem to be the same thing," Nick stopped playing and finally looked in her eyes and he saw someone that truly cared about him.
"Don't stop playing. This is our song for the duets assignment. I want to hear you sing," she hoped to cheer him up through song.
(Don't You Wanna Stay by Jason Aldean)
(performed by Nick Hall and Marley Rose)
(based on acoustic version by Julia Sheer and Jake Coco)
NICK: I really hate to let this moment go. Touching your skin and your hair falling slow. When a goodbye kiss, feels like this.
Nick/Marley: Don't you wanna stay here a little while? Don't you wanna hold each other tight? Don't you wanna fall asleep with me tonight? Don't you wanna stay here a little while. We can make forever feel this way. Don't you wanna stay?
Will and Emma came around the corner heading to their car. They stopped to listen. Across the courtyard, Sam, Blaine and Sebastian came in from the parking lot because they'd heard the music. Sebastian's face was full of surprise.
MARLEY: Let's take it slow I don't want to move to fast. I don't wanna just make love, I wanna make love last. When you're up this high, it's a sad goodbye
Nick/Marley: Don't you wanna stay here a little while? Don't you wanna hold each other tight? Don't you wanna fall asleep with me tonight? Don't you wanna stay here a little while. We can make forever feel this way. Don't you wanna stay?
Michael walked into the courtyard with Tyler, Brittany, and Kitty. They didn't expect the impromptu concert.
MARLEY: Oh Yeah!
NICK: Oh it feels so perfect baby . . .
MARLEY: It feels so perfect baby . . .
Nick/Marley: Don't you wanna stay here a little while . . .
"I can't believe I'm about to do this," Blaine whispered to Sam. He pulled out his phone and sent a text message
Sam looked at the message. "That's why I love you, baby."
"Yeah, yeah," Blaine rolled his eyes. "Sebastian, will you take Sam home?"
"Yeah, sure," Sebastian mumbled and it was obvious to both Sam and Blaine that Sebastian was transfixed by Nick's performance. He was still singing the song with Marley.
"Maybe we should go now, Sebastian," Sam suggested as he grabbed Sebastian's hand to get his attention.
Sebastian turned around. "Yeah, that sounds great."
The three boys walked into the parking lot and Sam got into Sebastian's car and they headed home. Blaine leaned on the hood of his car waiting. He heard the music stop and just a few moments later he saw Michael walking towards him.
"I got your message," Michael called out to him. "Are you sure this isn't your sneaky plan to get me alone, kill me, and hide the body?"
Blaine thought about it for a few seconds and then determined, "No, not today. I don't feel like getting my hands dirty. I was thinking a cup of coffee at the Lima Beam would be much better."
"But you hate me," Michael felt like he was reminding Blaine of this.
"I don't hate anyone. I think you're an ass, a male whore, you hurt my little cousin, you broke the heart of one of my friends, you helped break up another relationship of two of my friends, and then there's the one thing that bugs me more than anything else," Blaine opened up the passenger door of his car for Michael. "After hearing the part of the story Sam found out, and the part Sebastian knows, I'm starting to think that there's actually something noble about what you did and I'm really hoping that I'm wrong."
Fifteen minutes later, Blaine and Michael sat in a corner booth at The Lima Bean.
"Okay, let's start with the one question I really care about," Blaine said taking a sip of his coffee. "Why did you break my little cousin's heart?"
"I didn't want too," Michael confessed. "But it was do it now or do it later when it really would hurt her."
"What made you make the decision?" Blaine asked.
"Let's just say I discovered something about myself, and I knew it wasn't fair to date her anymore," he admitted.
"I'm not following," Blaine told him.
"Remember how jealous you got when Quinn Fabray was trying to make a move on Sam?" Michael asked.
"Yes, but I think I had a pretty good reason," Blaine defended himself.
"I agree. She was obviously trying to take him from you, but I'm willing to bet that deep down inside you knew Sam would never betray you. Am I right?"
Blaine took another sip of his coffee. "You're right. In my heart, I knew he wouldn't hurt me."
"Even though he's bisexual and still finds girls sexy too?" Michael questioned.
"Yes, I was worried, but I believed in him," Blaine once again defended his position.
"I didn't want Kallie to ever wonder about me," Michael told him. "Blaine, I didn't want to lie to her. After Blake and I, you know, I knew I had something more in common with you than I do with Sam in this particular department."
"Meaning what exactly?" Blaine thought he followed correctly but wasn't sure.
"Blaine, there's nothing bisexual about me. I knew after being with Blake that I'm gay," he confessed.
Blaine sat there in shock as this piece of information permeated his brain.
"Okay, I'm officially not pissed at you for breaking up with Kallie anymore. You're right. That would have been worse for her, but I still don't understand why you . . . well broke up with isn't the right words, but why you ended things with Blake before they began," Blaine stated.
"Kitty Wilde," Michael rolled his eyes. "Her little holy war caught me kiss Blake in his car the morning after we were together. She threatened to out him to the whole school in an effort to pray away the gay. I couldn't let that happen to him."
"Damn, I was right. You did do it to protect him. This is scary," Blaine realized.
"What is?"
"Once upon a time I ended things with Sam in order to save his reputation as well. You see how that turned out," Blaine informed him.
He saw a glimmer of hope in Michael's eyes. "How did you get back together?"
Blaine smiled. "Because Sam never gave up on me, and you and I know that he and Blake are practically clones when it comes to personality. My guess is Blake hasn't given up on you either."
"I don't want to hurt him," Michael spoke softly.
"Don't you think that should be Blake's choice?" Blaine proposed.
Michael sat there and thought about it. Finally he looked across the booth at Blaine and asked, "Help me?"
"I thought you'd never ask," Blaine smiled.
-GLEE-
Friday, the final day of class before Christmas vacation and New Directions threw a Christmas party on their last class of 2012. All of a sudden Blaine was at the piano and Michael had his guitar. Everyone realized that the final dynamic duet had now started.
(Tattoo/No One/Where is the Love Mash-up by Boyce Avenue)
(performed by Blaine Anderson and Michael Burke)
BLAINE: No matter what you say about love, I keep coming back for more, keep my head in the fire, sooner or later I get what I'm asking for.
MICHAEL: No matter what you say about life I learn every time I bleed. The truth is a stranger soul is in danger. I gotta let my spirit be free to admit that I'm wrong and then change my mind. Sorry but I have to move on and leave you behind.
Blaine's eyes connected with Sam's and for a few moments they were the only two in the room.
BLAINE: No one, no one, no one can get in the way of what I'm feeling. No one, no one, no one, can get in the way of what I'm feel for you.
It was Michael's turn. He looked at Blake who was already looking at him. He sang the next lyrics directly to his best friend.
MICHAEL: Sick of playing all of these games. It's not about taking sides when I looked in the mirror, didn't deliver. It hurt enough to think I could stop admit that I'm wrong and then change my mind.
BLAINE: Sorry but I've gotta be strong and leave you behind.
Just as Blaine and Sam had earlier, all of a sudden Michael and Blake were the only two in the room.
MICHAEL: No one, no one, no one can get in the way of what I'm feeling. No one, no one, no one, can get in the way of what I'm feel for you.
BOTH: People killin', people dyin'. Children hurt and you hear them cryin' would you practice what you preach or would you turn the other cheek.
BLAINE: Father, Father, Father, help us send us guidance from above 'cause people really got me questioning where is the love.
MICHAEL: The love, the love Where is the love?
BLAINE: The love, the love
MICHAEL: And no one, no one, can get in the way of what I'm feeling.
BLAINE: No one, no one, no one, Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
BOTH: No one, no one, no one, Can get in the way of what I feel for you. Can get in the way of what I feel for you. Can get in the way of what I feel for you.
All the members of New Directions applauded for their friends. Will and Emma walked to the center of the room and all the students sat down.
"I'm really proud of all of you. At the beginning of this week, I wanted to wring all of your necks because of how you'd all been acting, but in true Christmas spirit all of you have managed to put your differences aside, create great music, and you've given me some great inspiration for Regionals. But I've yet to give you my present which is also in song, but I'm not singing it. Brad, band members let's get this Christmas present for New Directions underway.
(Homeward Bound/Home – Glee Cast Version)
(performed by Rachel Berry, Mike Chang, Quinn Fabray, Finn Hudson, Mercedes Jones, Santana Lopez, and Noah Puckerman)
The band began to play and the door to Mr. Schuester's office opened and everyone got excited when Rachel Berry walked out of the door.
RACHEL: I'm sitting in the railway station. Got a ticket to my destination.
From the door behind the band members, Noah Puckerman walked into the room.
PUCK: On a tour of one-night stands my suitcase and guitar in hand.
Rachel/Puck: And every stop is neatly planned for a poet and a one-man band.
Mike Chang and Santana Lopez walked in the hallway door on the left side of the room.
Mike/Santana: This wave is stringing us along.
Rachel/Mike: Just know you're not alone.
MIKE: 'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home.
SANTANA: Everyday's an endless stream of cigarettes and magazines.
From the opposite door, Mercedes entered causing Mia to scream out excited to see her sister.
MERCEDES: And each town looks the same to me. The movies and the factories. And every stranger's face I see reminds me that I long to be.
ALUMNI: The trouble it might drag you down. If you get lost, you can always be found.
Finn entered from the same door as Mercedes.
FINN: Just know you're not alone.
Rachel/Puck: Cause I'm going to make this place your home.
The alumni held out their arms to greet their friends. Tina ran straight into Mike's arms. Finn hugged Will and Emma. Rachel shared a double hug with Blaine and Sunshine. Puck went to his little brother and Mercedes to her little sister. Santana shared a moment of eye contact with Brittany before wrapping her arms around Sam.
SANTANA: Where my thought's escape me
MERCEDES: Where my music's playing.
Blaine saw over Rachel's shoulder as one last member of the alumni entered the room from Mr. Schue's office.
QUINN: Where my love life's waiting for me.
EVERYONE: Settle down, it'll all be clear. The trouble it might drag you down. If you get lost, you can always be found.
Mercedes/Finn: Just know you're not alone
Quinn/Puck: Cause I'm going to make this place your home.
There were several glances between different people in the room. The majority of them were positive, but there were still worried looks because with all the members of New Directions in one room some wondered what could happen.
SANTANA: Where my music's playing.
Santana pulled Sebastian in for a hug with her and Sam and then joined the Rachel/Blaine party happening next to them. Sam wrapped his arms around Blaine and held him tight. He wanted to hold on to Blaine in this special moment, but part of him did it to put all his strongest-willed friend between them and Quinn.
MERCEDES: I'm gonna make, gonna make this place your home.
Mercedes pulled in her little sister and pulled Joe into it as well.
MERCEDES: Know you're not alone. I'm gonna make, make this place our home.
They sang the end of the song together and began to visit and catch up with the alumni. Emma kissed Will on the cheek.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"We're getting married in two days and already look how many great kids we have," she smiled. "This is going to be the greatest weekend of our lives."
"I love you, Emma," Will kissed her.
"I love you too."
