a/n: FINALLY got an update for you, I hope you like it. this is the last chapter before Nationals. From there, I'm not sure where I'm going since that's where the show takes off. News to come. See ya soon.
Chapter 18: April Showers
Santana roughly brushed through her hair in the bathroom, frizzy as all belief from the rain. Santana hated the last rainy days of spring, her hair never dealt with it well and it made Britany especially gloomy. The dancer trotted into the bathroom, sopping wet from a sudden heavy rainfall.
"Britt,you're going to freeze to death!" Santana worried as she helped the girl out of her soaked hoodie and began to ring it out over the sink.
"I didn't think the rain was too bad when I left home." Brittany shrugged, her white t-shirt clinging to her abs, momentarily distracting Santana.
"We have to get you something to wear…" Santana looked to her own rain jacket flung haphazardly over one of the stall doors. "Put this on and we can go to our lockers and find you something."
"But I used my last spare pants when Artie pranked me on April Fools by putting chocolate pudding in my seat." Brittany whined, pulling at her skinny jeans that were becoming more and more uncomfortable.
"We'll go to Sue's office then. Come on." Santana dragged the blonde, who's shoes squished and squeaked with every step straight into the cheer coach's office.
"Sandbags. Blondie. What's the problem?" Sue said, peering over her glasses.
"Britts beyond soaked." Santana sighed "and my spare clothes don't fit her."
"And why doesn't she have her own? Doesn't she still get slushied?" Sue questioned and Brittany nodded.
"They ruined my favorite cat sweater." the dancer pouted.
"Look, you know Britt has trouble remembering stuff like that. Can't you just give us a pair of sweats and a t-shirt?" Santana asked.
"Are you still on my squad?" Sue questioned and both girls shook their heads "Then why should you be strutting around in Cheerios gear?" Sue glared at them.
"Coach please." Santana asked as Brittany shivered involuntarily.
"I can't give you Cheerios gear but-" she opened the door that adjoined to the gym "ROZ" She shouted and Coach Washington approached irritably.
"What do you want, wrinkles?" she asked.
"Give this girl some of your sports team apparel." Sue demanded.
"As if. That girl doesn't play no sport of mine." Roz argued.
"If we had a dance team I would." Brittany said quietly.
"Whatever blondie. No sport no gear." Roz crossed her arms.
"Just give us the P.E uniforms." Santana said.
"Don't yall have one?" Roz tapped her foot impatiently.
"You know what I'll get it myself." Santana pulled the keys roughly off the coaches lanyard and marched to the storage room. She grabbed a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and returned, tossing the keys back to the Coach.
"I should suspend you Lopez." Roz said "But that took balls. Don't do it again." The coach left, closing the adjoining door to the gym.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help, really." Sue says quietly. "But it's Cheerios policy."
"You're the one who makes the policy." Santana pointed out as she dragged Brittany back to the bathroom to change. Luckily, Brittany's dance bag had extra shoes that hadn't gotten soaked despite the rain that had soaked most of the rest of the bags contents.
"My backpack got wet." Brittany said sadly, pulling out soaked notebooks.
"What about your laptop?" Santana asked quickly.
"Ma put a waterproof case on it ages ago. Just in case. I should've taken note."
"Don't you worry my love." Santana squeezed the taller girls hand "We'll fix this up." The bell rang and they found their way to Miss Pillsbury's office.
"As much as I love your company girls I need you to go to class." the counselor said, organizing some pamphlets.
"But then they'll see my waterlogged homework and notes!" Brittany protested.
"Oh dear." Emma said as Santana pulled out a dripping wet notebook. "Do you have any of it backed up?"
"I have the notes." Santana says "but our homework was individualized for the weekend."
"I wrote such a cool thing about Taylor." Brittany pouted.
"Let's see if we can recover anything okay?" Emma reassured and together, they peeled the pages apart and Brittany was able to rewrite most of her assignments. However, it took her nearly 3 hours and she was absolutely exhausted. Santana had left her to it and returned at lunch to see the girl putting things in a brand new binder and backpack from the student store.
"Hey Britt Britt. Did you get all your stuff redone?" she asked and the blonde nodded tiredly.
"My hand hurts." the dancer pouted and Santana softly sighed. She couldn't imagine. She kissed the girl's hand delicately.
"Better?" the Latina asked and Brittany nodded. Emma tucked Brittany's computer into the waterproof backpack and zipped it up.
"Now you won't need to worry about getting the bag wet. That'll be very helpful I assume?" Ms.Pillsbury asked.
"Yeah, thanks Ms.P" Brittany smiled swinging the backpack onto her shoulder "you helped a lot."
"Well, just go ahead and take those assignments to the classes you missed. I sent out an email explaining the situation." the counselor said before ushering them out.
The girls made their way through the halls turning in assignments before joining their friends in the cafeteria. What they encountered was definitely unexpected.
"So Karofsky thinks he can hide his secret when he's around all you?" Azimio asked, facing off with Jesse.
"Step off Azimio." Jesse said "We support David as he is."
"Cause he's one of you!" Rick the Stick pointed out "All y'all flaunting your disgusting love around here."
"Back off Rick." Jake took a stand beside Jesse "They're human just like you and me."
"Come off it. They've infected you" Azimio said.
"Hold my bag Britt." Santana said, storming forward.
"What do you think you're doing Azimio?" Santana asked.
"Oh look who it is, Queen Gay herself." Azimio said "Why don't you just go back to being a pillow princess sweetie?"
"You don't want to mess with me." Santana warned "Leave me and my friends alone."
"What are you gonna do? Have your whore mom come back and psychologically black mail us?" Rick chortled. Santana made a well placed kick between his legs to make him keel over in pain long enough for her to land a strong punch to his nose. She looked back to Azimio.
"Got anything else to say?" she asked as she watched Rick out of the corner of her eye.
"Whatever." Azimio walked off. Rick tried to say something but she took his hockey stick and broke it over his head.
"Santana, stop!" Brittnay said, pulling the girl back as the cafeteria doors burst open. Santana hid amongst her friends, Kurt and Karofsky quickly wiping her hand clean of blood from Rick's broken nose.
"Who did this to you?" Principal Finnigan asked as the nurse pulled the boy to his feet.
"Santana Lopez." he mumbled.
"Is that true Ms.Lopez?" he turned to the Glee Club.
"No sir." Jesse said "Rick was taunting us with homophobic comments and lost his footing."
"You're lucky I like you St. James" the principal left and Santana let out a breath.
"Good on you Santana." Jesse said "But you can't risk getting taken off the team."
"I know. I'm sorry." the girl looked down at her feet "I'm just so angry."
"So put that into your music," he said. "Maybe you could even write something." Santana took his words and mulled over them for the rest of lunch as Brittany cleaned up her cracked knuckles. She wasn't sure she could write something, but she knew that she wanted to channel her anger through song. But what song? And then it came to her.
"Ready to blow off some steam Lopez?" Jesse asked as the Latina breezed into the choir room later that day.
"Definitely." she handed Brittany her bag "Go sit down sweetie." she whispered before joining Jesse in the center of the room. Mr.Schue opened the door to his office and leaned against the doorframe as Brad started to play piano, and Jesse started to sing.
My lover's got humorShe's the giggle at a funeralKnows everybody's disapprovalI should've worshiped her soonerSantana took overIf the Heavens ever did speakShe's the last true mouthpieceEvery Sunday's getting more bleakA fresh poison each week
Together they sang
"We were born sick", you heard.them say itMy church offers no absolutesShe tells me, "Worship in thebedroom"The only Heaven I'll be sent toIs when I'm alone with youI was born sick, but I love itCommand me to be wellA-, Amen, Amen, AmenThe whole club joined themTake me to churchI'll worship like a dog at the shrineof your liesI'll tell you my sins and you cansharpen your knifeOffer me that deathless deathGood God, let me give you my lifeTake me to churchI'll worship like a dog at the shrineof your liesI'll tell you my sins and you cansharpen your knifeOffer me that deathless deathGood God, let me give you my life
Santana and Jesse sang the next verse and the bridge, joined by the club on the two remaining choruses. The way Santana sang, you could hear the anger and pain of betrayal in her voice. Brittany knew why the song resonated so much with her girlfriend. As the last note of the piano rang in her ears, she found herself launching herself at her girlfriend. She enveloped the smaller girl in the tightest hug she could muster. Santana squeezed back, gripping at Brittany's shirt as thunder shook the room and the rain began to pour, pounding on the ceiling of the school.
"That was powerful. Really really powerful." Mr.Schue said, patting Jesse, who for his part was breathing heavily running a hand through his curls. "This is what we need. This is what music is about. Take your emotions, take your triumphs and tragedies and pour your soul out." he said. "Some of you have been doing that since the beginning and others of you" he looked to Santana and Brittany who were retreating to their seats "have gotten there. But some of you have yet to tap into that. I want you to find solace in the music." He wrote solace on the board. "I want those of you who have kept your strongest feelings buried to set them free. You know who you are, and I expect your comrades to hold you accountable. This is more than a performance. This is a chance to be free." Karofsky knew he was the main target of the assignment, and for the first time in a while, he was going to take Glee club seriously.
While Karofsky was finding a song, some other members of the Glee club knew Mr.Schue expected something from them. Artie, Kurt and Quinn in particular knew they hadn't quite reached the depths Mr.Schue knew they were capable of. Most of the older members of the club had conquered this and were more than willing to offer a hand to the Freshman who were having trouble navigating the challenge. Quinn knew what she wanted to channel, she just had to figure out what song would lend itself best.
"Q, you're just like me." Kitty said, taking her seat next to the freshman. "For one thing, you're Head Cheerio. For another you're hot and blonde. And three, I think our voices are totally similar. Look, when I first got to Glee club, I was shut off cause I didn't want to get close to "losers". I wanted to be Little Miss Perfect." Kitty said
"That's it! Kitty, you're a genius." Quinn ran up to Rachel's seat asking her about a song that sounded like it was from a musical, and Kitty watched in utter confusion. Meanwhile, Artie had teamed up with Jake. He hated that he couldn't dance, cause it was something he loved, and it just wasn't the same in the chair. With a little persuasion, Mr.Schue allowed them to do a duet. Kurt, however, was ignoring Jesse telling him to open up about how scary it was being out. Kurt had very little fear left when it came to his sexuality. What he felt most, to the day, was the loss of his mother. It tormented him.
The rest of the week passed by pretty smoothly, everyone who'd previously met the goal showing they still could. Mr.Schue consistently reminded those who hadn't performed that this was what he was expecting. At least, Glee club had been smooth. Unfortunately, the school hadn't stopped tormenting the gay members of the Glee club and they were getting fed up.
"Why the hell does it bother you? Cause I can get a girlfriend easier than you?" Santana shouted at Azimios taunts.
"Nice one." Jesse said "But cool it."
"I'm tired of it. This goes against school policy. Why should we have to put up with it?" Santana asked.
"You shouldn't." Sue said, led in by Kitty and Quinn. Beside her was Coach Washington and Coach Beiste both fuming at members of both their teams. The jocks quickly piped down as they got a verbal lashing. Sue dealt it out to a few defunct Cheerios as well.
"Took you long enough, Q." Santana said as the blonde slid in beside her.
"I didn't do it for you. I did it for me. And I did it for Rach." Quinn said looking at her girlfriend talking animatedly across the table with Kurt.
"I'm wounded Q. Thought we were best friends." Santana feigned insult before clapping her friend on the back and whispering "But really, good on ya, time somebody else dealt it out round here." Quinn smiled. She couldn't wait for Santana to hear her song Friday.
Friday came and the Glee club gathered in the auditorium, noticing most of their mortal enemies in there. However, they were accompanied by their coaches. Mr.Schuester was quick to explain the situation.
"I know you may be confused why I've invited our guests but it's important that they hear what y'all have to sing. Their coaches believe this will teach them respect. Let's get started then." the teacher opened up the floor. Jake and Matt pushed out some ramped wood platforms onto the stage ad Artie rolled out. Jake nodded at the band and they took on "I Don't Dance" from High School Musical 2, twisting it to fit Artie's feelings. It was surprisingly heartfelt for a silly Disney song, though Brittany said they were the best songs. Quinn found her way to the stage next, Rachel giving her a huge thumbs up.
Straight hair, straight A's,straightforwardStraight pathI don't cut cornersI make a point to be on timeHead of the student council
Quinn sang softly at first but she looked out to the club in front of her and saw not just encouraging signs from her girlfriend but all her friends.
A pretty girl walks by my locker
My heart gives a flutterBut I don't dare utter a word'Cause that would be absurdbehaviourFor little miss perfect
Quinn looked to her girlfriend apologetically as she sang the last part, knowing Rachel had made up for what she'd done in the past.
Rewind, induce amnesiaDeny the truth, that's easierYou're just confused, believe herWhen she says there's nothingthereIt's never worth itWhen you're little miss perfect
The Glee club erupts in applause, and she looks to see the Cheerios applauding as well, and even some of the jocks can't hide the fact they're impressed. Kurt hugs her, telling her how great she was and sucking up some of that bravery for himself. He steels himself, making sure to not make eye contact with the jocks as the piano starts. He looks up, singing to his mom and his dad, hiding up in the last row.
It might have appeared to gounnoticedBut I've got it all here in my heartI want you to know I know the truth,of course I know itI would be nothing without youDid you ever know that you're myhero?You're everything I wish I could beI could fly higher than an eagleFor you are the wind beneath mywings
He sings his way through the Bette Midler ballad before the tears fall and he quickly makes his way off stage, Santana jumping from her seat and Burt making his way down to the wings as well.
"Don't worry you two." Kurt brushes them off "I'm okay. I miss her, of course. But these are tears of gratitude. We've got to support Dave." Kurt steels himself and looks up to the football player as he enters the wing and hands him the microphone. To Kurt's surprise, Jesse takes it and trades Dave a pair of drumsticks. They make their way on stage and Kurt and Santana return to their seats. The band starts playing their guitars and then Dave brings in the drums. As they get to the chorus, Dave leans into the microphone suspended beside the drums.
If I could find a way to see thissane, I'd run awayTo some fortune that I, I shouldhave found by nowI'm waiting for this cough syrup tocome down, come down
Jesse smiles as they continue the song. As they reach the last chorus Dave sings solo.
If I could find a way to see thisstraight, I'd run awayTo some fortune that I, I shouldhave found by nowAnd so I run now to the things theysaid could restore meRestore life the way it should beI'm waiting for this cough syrup tocome downOne more spoon of cough syrupnow, oh-whoaOne more spoon of cough syrupnow, whoa, whoa
The stage goes dark quickly and when the lights come back up Dave is standing at the mic, the band and Jesse gone.
I'm waiting for this cough syrup tocome down.
He sings one more time and the auditorium erupts in applause. The majority of the jocks stand to their feet as does the Glee Club and the Cheerios. Karofsky can't believe that he got a standing ovation, and Jesse comes back onto the stage as the applause dies down. He pats him on the back. That was what Mr.Schue was looking for. Mr. Schue takes the stage and thanks their guests for coming. Once they're gone he speaks directly to the Glee Club.
"You all blew me away this week. We have finally reached where we need to be for Nationals. We've only a month before we head off to compete. I expect all of you to be putting in the time and effort tit takes to win a National competition. This is like nothing you've faced yet. Auditions for solos and duets are next week and I expect song suggestions ready to go. This is crunch time. With that said, I want to remind you to take care of yourselves. One thing about you being raw and emotional in these songs helps show me how you're doing. Take time for yourselves over the weekend as well. I need a healthy club too." Mr.Schue dismisses them, and they go their separate ways for the weekend. Saturday morning finds Rachel, Quinn, Brittany and Santana at the Lima Bean.
"Quinn, I loved your song yesterday!" Brittany says energetically as Santana places a hot chocolate in front of her. The rain is drizzling outside as Santana takes her seat next to the window, watching the water droplets race as she drinks her Americano.
"Thanks Britt." Quinn says, nursing a mocha "Rachel helped me find it."
"I just pointed to where you were already headed." the brunette smiled, stirring her tea absent-mindedly. "Did any of you have any brilliant ideas for sectionals yet?"
"Santanas in a slump." Brittany confesses, the Latina still watching the rain. "She feels like she put her best songs out there for our assignments and there's nothing left for the competition.
"I can't deny that she's been really putting her all in weekly. I can imagine it's getting tough. Are you okay San?" Quinn looks to the Latina who snaps her eyes to the cheerleader.
"Peachy Q." Santana frowns. "I just wish Mr.Schue would consider what we've already performed as the audition. This was some of my best work." Santana shakes her head "What about you three? You got anything?"
"I think we're all a bit burnt out too." Rachel smiles softly "Perhaps if we all put our heads together we could figure this out?"
"Wouldn't putting our heads together make us own head instead of four?" Brittany asked.
"One really awesome head, B." Santana said softly "Maybe. Do you all want to hit up the music store up the block and see if anything strikes our fancy?"
"It can't hurt." Quinn said "But you and I better get a coffee to go as well." Santana nodded.
"Can I please have another cocoa San?" Brittnay asked and Santana obliged, even though she knew Brittnay would be extra energetic with the sugar. Armed with to go cups, they made their way to the shop. They perused through the records and CDs, eventually having not only a plethora of ideas to flush put, but armed with a few new things to bring home. As they hung out in Rachel's basement listening to the records, Santana knew that Nationals was going to be either a nightmare or a dream come true.