A New Direction - SYOC CLOSED

by safeDbeginswiths

A second gen syoc! Please read details inside :)

11. Coming Out

A/N: Hi everyone! Just wanted to issue a quick apology for the bit of delay on this chapter - I know things have been on a sort of schedule but going forward it's likely that the chapters will sort of just pop up! That said there should still be at least one posted a month, maybe two depending on how much time I have on my hands lol, but I think it makes more sense to do things this way from now on!

Another small note I'd like to make is that there is a bit of a content warning for this chapter! If you can't tell by the chapter name there's a lot of characters coming out or dealing with things along those lines, so if that's something you're not super comfortable reading please proceed with caution! I'd also like to note that this chapter is kind of weird and there's a decent amount of loose ends but that's because this chapter is the first in a sort of three part storyline! So this along with the next two chapters are sort of going to be a LOT but I promise I have virtually everything planned from now until regionals, and that everything will sort of be tied up by then. (That's also the reason you'll see there's the typical morning scene for the families but no end of the week scene, since the next chapter is primarily going to take place over the same day that this chapter ends on!) I know it sounds a bit confusing but just trust me lol.

All that said, please make sure you let me know via review or PM that you're still reading so I can plan some more long term things out for your characters, and as always I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thank you and enjoy!

TUESDAY MORNING

"Where is this coming from?" Nick questioned his son, Isaac.

"I don't know, I just thought it could be fun," Isaac shrugged in turn.

"What could be fun?" Mack questioned as he entered the kitchen, reaching for an apple.

"Your brother wants a pet," Nick explained, sighing out.

"Ooh, what kind of pet?!" Mack grinned excitedly.

"That's a good question, actually," Jeff nodded in agreement.

"I was thinking…" Isaac paused for dramatic effect, "Maybe a pigeon?"

"A what?" Nick's eyes went wide.

"So you hate me," Mack's jaw dropped.

"What?" Isaac looked to his older brother, confused.

"I hate birds! They're terrifying! Especially pigeons!" Mack deep sighed out.

"Where do you even find a pigeon?" Jeff thought out loud.

"There's like rescues and stuff," Isaac shrugged.

"For pigeons?" Nick clarified.

"Yes," Isaac spoke like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Well if you get one it's staying in your room. I've got enough to worry about without your scary bird," Mack sighed, defeated.

"I can live with those terms," Isaac nodded.

"Alright, fine, we'll consider it," Nick raised his eyebrows, "Now go on and get out of here, you're going to be late for school," Nick shooed Mack, Isaac and Jeff all out the door.

Meanwhile a few houses over, somehow a conversation that was both very similar and very different was happening over at the Smythes.

"I don't need a pet. I have Steven," Sydney rolled her eyes.

"Your brother isn't a pet," Elliot spoke, his voice calm, "Your father and I just thought it could maybe be good for you to have… something to care for,"

"There's no way Dad agreed to that," Sydney scoffed.

"Agreed to what?" Steven questioned curiously.

"A pet," Sydney sneered.

"I think a pet could be fun!" Steven smiled, "Like a little puppy or something!"

"What happens when I graduate?" Sydney sighed out, "You idiots are going to take care of it?"

"Please don't speak to Elliot that way," Sebastian finally spoke up, barely paying attention, though his voice was cool and dangerous.

"Sorry dad," Sydney rolled her eyes once more.

"That's alright!" Elliot smiled.

"I wasn't talking to you," Sydney spoke bitterly, "Are you coming?" They turned to face Steven.

"With you?" Steven asked, eyes wide. Sydney never drove Steven to school – she usually made Elliot take him.

"Yes, but if you stand there gawking any longer the offer is off the table." Sydney spoke, clearly irritated.

"Coming!" Steven didn't need to be asked twice, "Bye, love you!" He called out to his parents, Elliot returning the 'I love you' as he smiled knowing this is the best he'd ever seen them get along.

NEW DIRECTIONS

The New Directions were fresh off their sectionals win, and despite the lingering threat of the gossip blog, Mr. Schuster was in high spirits.

"Congratulations on your big win, everyone!" The glee coach smiled as he looked at the thirteen students sitting before him, "I think this calls for a celebration which is why, this week," he paused to write a few words on the white board before continuing, "We'll be doing songs written and performed by queer artists."

"As awesome as that is… what does that have to do with us winning sectionals?" Hazel questioned curiously.

"While we're obviously celebrating our win, I also want to celebrate who all of you are, as individuals, and a big part of that is what you identify as – in all terms," Will tried to explain.

"I'm not… comfortable with that," Rey surprised the group by speaking up.

"You know for someone with a wheelchair dad I thought you'd be more open minded," Savannah remarked.

"Savannah," Will raised his eyebrows as if to say knock it off before turning to Rey, "I have to say though, I am a little disappointed in you."

"It's not that," Rey shook her head, "My best friend is gay and I have no problems with it. And I like the idea of doing queer artists, but I don't like the idea of forcing people out of the closet."

"That's not what we're trying to do here, Rey," Mr. Schue spoke up, "I just mean it's important to know who you are."

"Well, I'm a straight cis guy," Felix shrugged, "So it's easy for me."

"I'll do you one better," Bryce smirked, "I'm a white straight cis guy."

"That's… not something to brag about," Rowan laughed.

"My point is," Will fought to regain control over the room, "That-"

"No, no, we get it," Sophie nodded, "We need to be proud. Hence pride, right?"

"Yes," Mr. Schue was surprised by how well Sophie got it, as she was someone who usually tended to miss the mark a little bit.

"So.." Finley spoke up, some want nervously, "We sing a song by a queer artist? That's it?"

"I'd like the song to reflect you, if you can find one that does," Will nodded.

"Didn't we already do a whole individuality thing?" Simon questioned, "Not that, you know, it's a big deal but it does feel... repetitive."

"I think it's different cause this is about the LGBTQIA2S+ community," Kyla spoke dryly, "Or something along those lines."

"I kind of have to agree with what Rey said though," Oscar took his time speaking up, "It feels a little… forced."

"Um guys?" Flora spoke up nervously looking at her phone, "I think that's the least of our problems."

"How do you mean?" Mr. Schue suddenly was also nervous.

"Oh no," Lex looked at his phone, "The gossip blog is back and bigger than ever."

"What are they saying?" Felix questioned curiously.

"It's saying they know something about the Jones'," Rowan breathed out, "About…us."

"What could they possibly know?" Hazel's eyes went wide, as Simon and Finley exchanged a nervous glance.

"Look, it's probably nothing," Mr. Schue spoke, trying to settle everyone down.

"Those are big words for someone who lost their mind at the Anthony and Flora story from Friday," Savannah pointed out, hand on her boyfriend's shoulder as she tried to console him.

"Well," Kyla suddenly spoke up, "Are you hiding anything? Or is Naomi?" she looked to the four Jones' sitting in the room.

"No!" Simon called out, "Unless one of you are."

"It actually… might not be all of us," Hazel suddenly realized, just as the bell rang "They said Jones' but they didn't say how many."

"Try not to let this worry you guys too much, okay?" Mr. Schue spoke out, "And try to think of some songs for the assignment!"

As everyone started filing out, Lex was surprised to be stopped by Finley. "Hey man," Lex grinned, "What's up?"

"I was hoping maybe you could help me with something?" Finley spoke softly, "It's for the glee assignment, and I know we don't talk too much but..."

"Say less," Lex laughed, "Anything to help a buddy out. Are you sure you don't want to ask Savannah though? I mean don't get me wrong, I'm flattered, but you guys always have killer duets."

"No," Finley shook his head, "This is something I've gotta do without her."

Not too far away, Simon was also surprised to be stopped by a familiar face.

"Hey," Rey spoke up, looking up at him, "Are you okay? About everything?"

"I'll uh, I'll let you know when I know," Simon laughed, "It's just a lot. Are you okay though? I saw the way you spoke up in there and uh, that was also a lot."

"I dunno this whole week just makes me feel kinda… on edge, you know?" Rey sighed out. She had always gotten along with Simon because their parents were friends, but the last few weeks she found Simon to be one of her closer friends in the glee club, "Can you keep a secret?" She asked him suddenly.

"I can if you can," Simon nodded, having a slight idea where this was going, both ready to tell the other something very few people knew about them.

THE TROUBLETONES

"Who shit in your oatmeal this morning?" Heather laughed at Leah and Audrey who both sat looking somewhat disappointed and lost in their thoughts.

"I thought the expression was pissed in your fruit loops?" Mia questioned.

"Who cares?" Zoey sneered, "Though I actually have to agree with Heather. Did someone run over your dog?"

"We don't look that bummed out," Leah huffed out. She was still reeling from the conversation she'd had with Jude that weekend, and was also out of it as she knew she was at least part of the reason Audrey was so miserable.

"Yeah, everything's fine," Audrey blatantly lied as she thought about Leah informing her about Beth and how she hadn't spoken to her mother since, as she was actively trying to avoid her. She also was very in her head about whatever it was that Lex had wanted to ask her after her sectionals performance and while she thought they were heading in a good direction, now she wasn't sure.

"Is that why you're so completely spaced out?" Tia snickered, as she and the other three girls took their seats.

"What's going on?" Trina questioned as she, Delia, and Naomi all entered the room, though she was, in a way, afraid to know the answer as she didn't want to get caught in the middle of anything.

"Don't ask, I don't want to know," Delia spoke, not even paying attention.

"Why do you all look so concerned?" Nikki suddenly laughed out at the group, "You look like a bunch of weirdos."

"They can't help what they are," Cay shrugged as the two girls made their way into the room together.

"Good morning, ladies!" Marley called out, "And congratulations on your big win!"

"Hey, it was all of us – you included!" Naomi smiled.

"Well, I can't imagine twelve better girls to have won with," Marley grinned, taking a sudden headcount, "Wait, where's Chloe?"

"She already transferred back to Carmel," Trina explained, reluctantly.

"What? How did she go back so quickly?" Audrey was in shock.

"And what did you guys do to make her leave?" Heather chuckled.

"Will our win even count if she's back over there?" Tia was suddenly concerned as she, per usual, ignored Heather.

"She was completely transferred here, right?" Delia raised her eyebrows.

"She was, yes. She had to be to compete, so we rushed to finish the paperwork," Marley explained.

"Then we'll be fine," Mia shrugged, "As long as she was a student here the whole time she performed with us, then we're good."

"That does leave one problem though," Marley sighed, "Now we're back down to eleven girls."

"How in the hell did we manage to win sectionals and still come out with not being able to qualify for regionals?" Cay sighed out.

"Look, I'm sure there are some more girls out there, right? We just have to try and look for them," Marley deep sighed out, also though, already feeling somewhat defeated.

"What the hell?" Naomi's eyebrows suddenly furrowed as she looked down at her phone.

"What's going on?" Leah peeked over her shoulder.

"The gossip blog…" Naomi spoke out breathlessly, reading the same thing the New Directions did about something about the Jones' being spilled later.

"That's awful," Trina shook her head, "What could they have to say about you guys?"

"Yeah, any deep dark secrets?" As Zoey spoke, somehow her tone was somewhere between curious and bored.

"No," Naomi lied, as the bell rang and she immediately made her way to find someone who she did know was hiding something. What she wasn't expecting was to find him talking to Rey.

"Hey," Naomi interrupted, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Simon paused, "Why?"

"The gossip blog… do you think…" Naomi stammered before looking over to Rey, unsure if it would be okay to continue.

"It's fine," Rey nodded, "Simon and I are, um, in the same boat."

"Oh…oh," Naomi realized what she meant, "Well, do you think this blog has anything to do with… that? It said multiple Jones'? Is someone else hiding something?"

"I don't know," Simon breathed out thinking about how it was too early for this, though he did also know Finley was hiding something in the same vein.

"Well, who else knows?" Naomi placed a hand on her hip.

"Just you two. And I think maybe dad? He's been real weird about stuff like that lately," Simon shook his head.

"I know it's not… my place," Rey suddenly spoke up, "But I feel like the best thing to do is just… be prepared. For anything,"

"Tiny Abrams is right," Naomi nodded, "I've got your back, though, Si. And yours too, Rey."

As the three got ready to go their separate ways, all of their minds were elsewhere as they simply wanted this to be over and done with.

THE WARBLERS

"Fresh off another sectionals win! We are kings of the world!" Sutton called out dramatically to a room of only the council and Trent.

"Heck yeah!" Mack grinned.

"Warblers supremacy!" Tommy shouted in agreement.

"Alright," Teddy put his hands up, "That's enough."

"Enough of what?" Frank questioned curiously.

"Yeah, what?" Bob repeated.

"I wouldn't bother asking," Ambrose shook his head as he entered, "I've learned I usually don't like the answer."

"Smart," Oliver nodded in agreement.

"Aw look at you two," Sutton cheesed, "Soon to be in laws getting on so well!"

"Enough," Ambrose deep sighed.

"Speaking of soon to be in laws," Zach spoke, unprovoked as he entered, "Hi Eric!"

"We're not in laws, Zach," Eric spoke, but laughed.

"Not yet," Zach pointed his finger.

"Zach got a girlfriend and forgot how to act," Tommy shook his head, "Could never be me."

"Yeah, because you still don't have a girlfriend," Addison laughed as he and Michael made their way over to sit with Eric.

"Hey!" Tommy pouted, "Just because we're not exclusive doesn't mean Naomi is not my girlfriend."

"Sure, champ," Oliver smirked.

"Alright, that's enough everyone," Trent finally spoke up, trying not to laugh, though he was, of course, proud of his boys for by some miracle winning their sectionals, "We made it through sectionals but that just means we've got to make it through regionals now."

"We're thinking about regionals already?" Eric spoke up, somewhat confused.

"Yes. I'm not sure what you were expecting," Teddy shook his head.

"I dunno," Addison shrugged, "We usually spend so much time goofing off that we kind of forget that there's competitions at all."

"Well not this time around," Teddy spoke up before immediately getting annoyed at the phone in Tommy's hand, "Is whatever you're looking at really more important than this meeting?"

"I think… Naomi might be in trouble?" Tommy phrased it like a question.

"What kind of trouble?" Michael questioned curiously.

"Actual trouble or you trying to be a hero trouble?" Oliver asked skeptically.

"It's that stupid blog again," Zach shook his head, now also looking at his phone.

"What are they saying?" Trent nervously asked.

"Something about how whoever runs it has something on the Jones', they're going to reveal it later," Frank shrugged.

"All of them?" Mack's face suddenly went pale, "I hope they're okay,"

"That's awful, but it's not our problem," Ambrose spoke up, "There's nothing we can do, nor should we try. They'll be able to handle it themselves."

"He has a point," Teddy sighed out, "I know them all decently well, and while it is upsetting, we have bigger things to worry about."

"Like a competition that isn't happening for another several months?" Addison raised his eyebrows.

"Exactly," Teddy responded dryly.

"But…" Eric spoke up, "What if the blog eventually tries to get one of us?"

"Then we'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Trent nodded. "Seriously, let's try to not be so worried about it," he concluded as the bell rang, the boys trailing out, Mack and Tommy texting Simon and Naomi, respectively, to see if they were okay.

"Hey," A voice came from behind Ambrose, resulting in him groaning in annoyance.

"What do you want, Sutton?" Ambrose sighed out.

"What the hell was that?" Sutton spoke accusingly.

"What was what?" Ambrose scrunched his nose up.

"Just trying to sweep that whole gossip thing under the rug? I knew you were cold but that was… yikes," Sutton shook his head.

"I'm not cold," Ambrose sighed once more, "I just don't see why we're wasting our time on something that does not affect us."

"What if it was one of us? Would we care then?" Sutton pouted.

"Of course, we would." Ambrose spoke without thinking.

"Then how is this any different?" Sutton raised his eyebrows.

While Ambrose had about a million different explanations as to how this was different, he decided to not mention any pausing to turn and look at Sutton. "You've got a big heart, Sutton. It's one of the things I, reluctantly, like about you. But you can't let it get in the way of your life."

After pausing for a long moment thinking about what Ambrose had said, Sutton finally spoke up again. "So, you like me, huh?" He seemed to forget what they were talking about, as he walked out with Ambrose who greatly regretted having this conversation.

VOCAL ADRENALINE

"You're back," Leslie observed as she watched Chloe enter the auditorium, the two of them being the first to arrive.

"I told you I would be," Chloe shrugged, not thinking anything of it.

"Chloe?" Kate questioned as she entered.

"Chloe!" Dana repeated, walking in closely behind Kate.

"Is Chloe back?" Sawyer asked, peeking his head up behind them.

"We're going to be dealing with this all morning, aren't we?" Kate sighed out.

"Dealing with what?" Steven questioned, though he was not sure he wanted to know the answer. "Oh, hi, Chloe! Welcome back!" He grinned.

"Thanks," Chloe responded lazily.

"What are you doing back here?" Sydney suddenly entered, "I thought you were off with your little Troubletones."

"I was," Chloe nodded, "And now I'm back," she explained, not answering the question.

"But why?" Anthony questioned out dramatically, "Why make the jump back?"

"I dunno, cause I was bored?" Chloe shrugged, "Hey Xavier!" she waved to her brother as he walked into the room.

"Good morning, traitor," Xavier stiffened up, not once moving to look at her.

"Not this again," Emery groaned, walking just far enough behind Xavier as to not be associated with him.

"At least it's not us this time," Jude shrugged, walking in time with Emery.

"I thought…you'd be happy to see her back?" Isaac was confused as he too, slowly but surely made his way in. "You seemed pretty happy to see her at sectionals."

"That's because I thought she was just there to cheer me on! I didn't think she'd leave and come back to us so quickly!" Xavier sighed out dramatically.

"You… know she's in the room right?" Kate stifled a laugh.

"I know no such thing," Xavier slumped down into his seat.

"Chloe?" Kendall questioned as she was the last member of the group to enter the room, "That's hilarious."

"Thanks," Chloe grinned proudly just as the two coaches made their way in.

"Good morning everyone," Unique spoke happily, glad to be back in the group, "Before we get started, I'd just like to say congratulations on winning sectionals! Both Mrs. Pearce and myself are sorry we couldn't make it, but I understand Mr. Puckerman took great care of you."

"I wish he'd take great care of me," Kendall smirked, fanning herself off.

"Ew, that's enough," Harmony shook her head, disgusted at the few students who nodded in agreement with Kendall. "Regardless, you all managed to pull it off, so, good job, I guess."

"That said," Unique spoke up once more, "There is something we'd like to address."

"Uh oh," Dana shook their head.

"Did we do something wrong?" Sawyer questioned, their voice somewhere between sad and confused.

"No, not at all," Unique shook her head.

"Well, most of you, we have our suspicions," Harmony crossed her arms over her chest.

"About what?" Sydney rolled their eyes, already bored.

"We understand there's been a new gossip blog going around," Unique breathed out heavily, "And rumor is that the source is coming from inside this room."

As if on cue, nearly every head in the room turned to look at Kendall, who was busy on her phone until a few seconds later when she finally looked up, "What?"

"We know it's you Kendall," Anthony spoke up knowingly despite not actually knowing whether or not it was Kendall.

"You know what's me?" She squinted her eyes at Anthony.

"The gossip blog?" Kate tried.

"You have no proof," Kendall raised her eyebrows, "And I'm not under oath."

"You're the biggest gossip at this school, maybe even in Lima," Sydney raised her eyebrows back.

"You're also always on your phone," Steven meekly spoke up, smiling as he earned a nod of approval from Sydney.

"It's also obviously someone in our show choir circle!" Xavier gasped out loud.

"As much as I hate the term show choir circle, Xavier's right," Jude nodded in agreement. "I mean that story about Anthony and Flora? Then Oliver? And now the Jones'?"

"I reiterate, you have no proof," Kendall sat, arms crossed over her chest.

"Kendall if this is you, this is a serious issue," Unique raised her eyebrows nodding, "Especially by getting other schools involved."

"There actually is nothing this school or whatever school the gossiper is at can do," Kendall explained, "Since the blog has never actually mentioned any school or glee club by direct name there's nothing that can be pinned down."

"Isn't it still kind of cyber bullying?" Isaac furrowed his eyebrows.

"Wrong," Kendall pointed a finger, "It's journalism and as far as we know, everything that's been posted on there has been fact, so, it's not."

"And you just happen to know all this?" Emery looked to Kendall skeptically.

"Yes, I love journalism, I think it's fascinating," Kendall explained with a small smirk.

"We'll get to the bottom of this," Harmony began but was almost immediately cut off by the bell, "This afternoon."

"And if the person running the blog happens to be in this room," Unique spoke, looking directly at Kendall, "Please stop."

TUESDAY AFTERNOON, NEW DIRECTIONS

"How are you holding up buddy?" Rey spoke quietly to Simon as the two were the first to enter the choir room. At lunch the gossip blog announced that the news to be dropped was specifically about Simon and Finley would follow, which only made Simon sort of figure out what it would be.

"Surprisingly…okay," Simon sighed out, "Don't get me wrong, it's a lot, especially since I don't even know that this is…exactly what's being spoken about me, but I guess it's sort of time, right?"

"Of course," Rey smiled, nodding, "And I'm here with you and we'll do it together, okay?"

"Thanks Rey, but you don't have to," Simon sighed out.

"I know," Rey nodded once more, "But I want to."

"Now what are you two whispering about?" Savannah smirked as she walked into the room hand in hand with Finley.

"I think I can probably guess," Finley laughed nervously.

"Is this about the blog?" Kyla questioned as she, Oscar and Bryce walked in together.

"I've known you guys for less than a week, but I will fight for your honor should it be required." Bryce spoke up.

"Yeah!" Sophie called out, Flora close behind her, "Me too!"

"Well, hopefully that won't be necessary," Hazel spoke as she and Rowan came in together, "But obviously we've got your guys' back, too."

"I'll never turn down a good fight," Felix nodded, he and Lex being the last to enter other than Mr. Schue who was close behind them.

"Hey, no fighting," Mr. Schue spoke to his students, "And put your phones away while you're at it."

"What?" Oscar was confused, "Shouldn't we, you know, make sure whatever this blog says isn't incriminating?"

"I think it's probably better if we don't look," Rowan shook their head, "It might be good to try to not think about it for a little bit."

"I have to agree, let's just focus on the now," Lex smiled, ignoring the fact that he'd just texted Audrey that he wanted to talk to her after glee.

"Alright, get to it then," Will instructed as the kids slowly but surely all turned their phones off, "Now, did anyone have any song they wanted to try out for this week's assignment?"

"We did, actually," Simon surprised the room as he and Rey stood up.

"Really?" Mr. Schue was surprised. "What song did you pick?"

"Changes by David Bowie," Rey informed him as she and Simon swapped spots with Mr. Schue.

"Any particular reason why you chose that song?" Mr. Schue questioned curiously.

"We thought we'd talk about it after? If that's okay?" Simon spoke.

"Absolutely," Mr. Schue nodded, "Whenever you're ready."

The two looked almost humorous standing next to each other as Simon was at least a full foot taller than Rey, but as the song started, they exchanged a look, nodding.

"Still don't know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild, a million dead-end streets and
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet,"

Rey started the song off, her usual soft and pretty voice working beautifully against the slow verse, turning to face Simon as he took his part, noticing him swallowing hard but giving him a nod of encouragement.

"So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test,"

While he was a little shaky at first, Simon eventually found his footing, happy to have gotten through the verse, as he and Rey faced each other, singing out together.

"Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes, don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes, just gonna have to be a different man,"

They sang out, Mr. Schue noticing how good they sounded together, smiling as they finished out the chorus, both mustering all the courage they could.

"Time may change me
But I can't trace time,"

Rey clearing her throat just slightly she sang out once more, with Simon harmonizing, as many of the other students in the glee club exchanged a look wondering what this was really about.

"Strange fascination, fascinating me," Switching parts, Simon now took the melody with Rey harmonizing.

"Ah, changes are taking the pace I'm going through," Looking at each other once more, they smiled, silently agreeing to just enjoy singing together as they began wrapping up the song in unison.

"Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes, oh, look out you rock 'n rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, turn and face the strange
Ch-ch-changes, pretty soon now you're gonna get older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time,"

They both sighed out, coming to stand directly next to each other, as they finished up their song knowing what would come next.

"I said that time may change me
But I can't trace time,"

While they did earn a surprising amount of applause from the audience, everyone exchanged a glance wondering what was coming next. While the room was dead silent for a few long moments, Simon couldn't help himself from speaking, the sentence flowing from his mouth without thought, "I'm gay." he spoke decidedly.

While there was a very short pause of silence, Rey was quick to simply say, "Yeah, same."

"Wow… well, congratulations, both of you, on coming out," Will nodded, smiling, the room unsure of what to say or how to take it.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Rowan furrowed their eyebrows, confused as to why Simon never spoke up.

"I mean… I'm very religious. It's hard to… talk about." Simon spoke, breathing out.

"What about you Rey?" Flora questioned, hoping she wasn't pushing too hard.

"I just never really knew what to call it? I don't know. I knew I'm not… straight? But it's been… a lot trying to figure it all out," Rey sighed out.

"You don't owe us an explanation," Hazel spoke up, "Either of you. You are as you are, and that's okay."

"Yeah, thanks for like… having the confidence and trust to tell all of us," Oscar added in.

"Yeah, good job guys!" Bryce called out happily.

"Is this because of the blog?" Kyla couldn't help but ask.

"Thank you, all of you," Simon nodded, still trying to process this new feeling, "And yes? But no. It's hard to explain. I was… slowly starting to come out, anyways. I took this as God telling me it was time. You're some of the first to know for me. I mean, a few of my family members knew and, of course, Rey knew, but uh, very few people in between."

"You're all the first people I told, other than Simon," Rey admitted, shocking the group.

"Well, thank you both very much again," Will smiled, "And I really do applaud your bravery,"

As the group clapped once more for Simon and Rey the two took their seats next to each other, both relieved and nervous for what the rest of the day would hold for them after this meeting.

"Did anyone else have a song they wanted to share?" Mr. Schue urged his kids.

"We actually did," Lex stood up, turning to Finley, "If you still want to? It's another Bowie song. Kind of. I hope that's okay?"

"I do still want to do it," Finley nodded, though he was shaking.

"That is absolutely fine, boys," Mr. Schue nodded, smiling, "Did you have anything you want to say before you start?"

While Lex looked over to Finley, he stayed silent, before Lex spoke up, "I don't think so."

"Well, go ahead whenever you feel ready," Mr. Schue nodded, smiling encouragingly.

As the band began playing a familiar sounding baseline, Finley was the first to sing, his low range once again being shown off by the song of choice.

"Pressure pushing down on me,
Pressing down on you, no man ask for,"

Nodding at his friend encouragingly, Lex smiled taking his part next.

"Under pressure that burns a building down,
Splits a family in two,"

"Puts people on streets," Finley sang out once more, refusing to look at anyone as he sang out the next part of the song

"That's the terror of knowing
What this world is about
Watching some good friends screaming,"

"Let me out!" The two boys sang out together.

"Tomorrow gets me higher," Lex sang, his higher range contrasting Finley's but working very well together, nonetheless.

"Pressure on people, people on streets," The two harmonized again, their voices complimenting each other perfectly, as they continued on.

"Turned away from it all like a blind man,
Sat on a fence, but it don't work,"

"Keep coming up with love, but it's so slashed and torn," Finley sang, barely making it through as he was so in his own head, and was trying to not focus on the words or why he was singing the song.

Luckily the group barely noticed as Lex took his next part, his voice going higher than anybody knew he was capable as he belted out.

"Why, why, why!?"

Going back down into his lower range, Finley sang out, finally getting back on track and being able to clear his head long enough to get through his next few lines.

"Love, love, love, love, love
Insanity laughs under pressure
We're breaking,"

Finley swallowed hard as Lex once again proved his raw talent, calling out the next few lines with as much power and emotion as he could muster, also trying to not focus too hard on the thoughts in his own head.

"Can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Why can't we give love that one more chance?
Why can't we give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love, give love?"

As Lex repeated himself, Finley began singing, the song starting to wrap up.

"'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word,
And love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night,
And love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves,"

Finley was beginning to break down and it showed, so in the part that was planned for them to sing together, Lex stepped up taking the most control over it, nodding to Finley to let him know it was alright.

"This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure,"

As they finished up, Savannah wasted no time in running over to Finley, wrapping him in an embrace, whispering over and over to him about how proud she was of him as Lex gave him a few strong, steady pats on the back as Finley was simply trying to regain his composure.

"What's… going on?" Bryce questioned, concerned, of course for his teammate, but also curious as to what would happen.

"I uh," Finley cleared his throat, practically clutching Savannah's hand, "I also need to tell you all something,"

"You don't have to," Mr. Schue tried to console him, "If you want to – we're more than happy to listen. But don't feel the pressure just because of this whole blog thing."

"It's not that," Finley shook his head, "I told Savannah a few weeks ago after our duet competition? And then Simon and I talked about it and then Lex and I, but, um," he swallowed hard, "I'm… I'm asexual."

While there was at first a bit of silence, it was finally Felix who spoke up, "Like a plant?"

"No," Savannah shook her head.

"Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong," Kyla spoke up slowly, "But isn't asexuality not feeling any sort of sexual attraction?"

"But… you're dating Savannah?" Sophie didn't mean to come across as so blunt, but was confused.

"Yes, but I'm not aromantic – I still have romantic feelings, and I happen to have, you know, very strong ones for Savannah," Finley did his best to explain.

"Well," Hazel spoke up once more, "I wasn't expecting that but… like we said to Simon and Rey, we obviously still all very much support you."

"Yeah, you're still my weird goofy brother," Rowan shrugged, "You're just weirder now."

Laughing, Finely nodded, "Thanks guys, like Simon said we're all… very religious. And while that's still something I'm going to have to deal with for… a while... it is nice to not have to hide anymore."

"Of course," Mr. Schue nodded, smiling, "And please, never feel like you have to hide in here. Any of you," he stood up, smiling at the group of kids in front of him.

As the kids spent the rest of their glee meeting figuring out any other songs for this week, Oscar was surprised to be asked to be spoken to alone by Kyla. As they made their way into the corner, Oscar ignored the blatant thumbs up and encouraging nods from Bryce.

"Do you want to do a duet with me?" Kyla questioned abruptly, "For the assignment this week?"

"I mean… yes?" Oscar laughed, "Our last duet went pretty well."

"Great," Kyla smiled, "What song?"

"Oh I uh," Oscar scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, "I don't actually know very many songs."

"What do you mean?" Kyla sort of half laughed.

"I mean, I knew that Hannah Montana one because Zach loved that show. But I… pretty exclusively listen to classical music." Oscar tried to explain.

"And yet you're in glee," Kyla laughed, shaking her head, "Lucky for you, I had a song just in case. It's by a queer artist and uh, my dad actually likes it a lot, so I thought it could be good?"

"Oh?" Oscar raised his eyebrows as this was the first time Kyla had ever mentioned family to him, "Sure, show it to me," he smiled.

Meanwhile, Rey and Simon were still over the moon with their performance and how well coming out for them worked.

"I… want to say thank you," Rey smiled, "Without you, I just… I don't know how long I'd be hiding."

"Aw, Rey," Simon began feeling choked up. The last few weeks and few days especially Rey had gone from being a family friend, to a regular friend, to someone Simon would consider his actual family, "Thank you for doing this with me."

"Of course," Rey nodded, "Your bravery has kind of rubbed off on me," she laughed, "I uh, I was actually thinking about telling someone about my feelings for them? But she's a long-time friend so I just… don't know how it's going to go?"

"Rey, that's incredible," Simon nodded having an idea of who she might have been referring to, "I'll tell you what. If you can do that, I'll try and talk to this guy that I kinda like about… everything."

"You like a boy?!" Rey spoke, forgetting to keep her voice hushed, "Do I know him? Does he go here?"

"No, to both things," Simon laughed, lying about the first, as she knew Rey would have to know him, "But here, I'll text him now. And let's keep each other updated, okay?"

"Of course," Rey smiled at just how bright things seemed to be when she wasn't hiding in the dark.

THE TROUBLETONES

"What are you two so smiley about?" Naomi raised her eyebrows skeptically, but smiled as she and Delia watched Cay and Nikki enter the room together.

"Guess you're going to have to wait and find out," Nikki smirked.

"Oh good," Delia responded dryly, "A reveal."

"Kind of?" Cay shrugged, her and Nikki taking their seats together.

"Speaking of reveals," Zoey smirked, herself, Tia and Mia entering the room, "How are we feeling about the gossip blog?"

"It hasn't been dropped already, has it?" Mia questioned, confused.

"No," Tia shook her head, "But any moment now."

"Is it bad that I want to see what it is?" Trina sort of half laughed as she also came in, "Not that, of course I want anybody to get exposed but, I dunno, it's good to know what kind of stuff they're saying so we can be prepared."

"I wanna know for the drama," Heather snickered, "Can you please hurry up?" She turned to face Audrey who was walking behind her but looking at her phone.

"Hmm?" Audrey finally looked up, "Sorry uh, just a little distracted. Lex says he wants to meet up after glee."

"About goddamn time," Heather snickered, "How are you two still not cuffed?"

"Well, I thought he was going to ask me at sectionals but even then, he seemed… off. I don't know," Audrey shook her head.

"I don't know if I feel bad for you or if I'm embarrassed for you," Zoey spoke, unprovoked.

"Oh no," Naomi suddenly felt her heart drop, as she looked at her phone, "They dropped the news about Simon."

As all the girls looked at their phones the article said something along the lines of Simon having a secret affair with a boy in a rivaling glee club.

"What's the big deal?" Tia rolled her eyes, "Lots of people are dating within other schools. Including some of our own," she nodded her head towards Trina.

"The big deal," Naomi sighed, "Is that Simon's not…out."

"What?" Delia was still trying to wrap her mind around all of it.

"Sorry I'm….late," Leah looked around the room, "What's going on?"

"Check your phone," Cay spoke dryly, "That should sum it up."

Leah did as told before looking directly at Naomi, "I'm… I have no words, I'm so sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for," Naomi sighed out, "Besides, it's not me who's going to need the support after all this."

"Alright everyone!" Marley walked into the room, knowing what everyone was looking at since she, of course, kept up with the show choir blogs, but figured it would be best to not bring attention to it. "I'm sure we all have a lot of… thoughts about everything going on right now."

"That's one way to describe it," Mia shook her head, still desperately trying to process everything.

"However, I think now is as good as an opportunity as any to sort of follow in the New Directions footsteps and do songs by queer artists. Whether that's someone who isn't straight or cis or any other label under the umbrella term," Marley explained.

"Are we always just going to do whatever they do?" Zoey challenged Marley.

"No, but I feel like this week in particular it's very important to talk about," Marley sighed out, "We don't know what else is going to happen in the coming days and weeks and with this blog now out and saying things… it's just best to be sure, and to know we can all trust each other and have each other's backs – especially in terms of how you all identify."

"Very woke of you, Marley," Heather nodded approvingly.

"Alright, I know it's… soon, but did anyone have any songs they wanted to try?" Marley asked, "Just off the top of your head?"

"We do!" Nikki surprised her mother by jumping up, grabbing Cay's hand as she did.

"Oh?" Marley noticed the contact between the two girls immediately.

"Yeah," Cay nodded, "And the song we had planned is by a queer artist anyways so, I guess it just kind of worked out?"

"Well, I can't wait to see what you girls have planned," Marley smiled, taking a seat.

The two girls sharing a pleasant but nonchalant smile, Nikki began singing, though her eyes never left Cay.

"I was hanging with you
And then I realized
I didn't think it was true
I was surprised
When I found out I'd fallen for you,"

While Nikki's voice was very pretty and suited the song, many girls exchanged a glance as they wondered if this song had anything to do with the aforementioned 'reveal'.

"I didn't wanna believe
My feelings for you
I didn't wanna believe
That I could lose you
If I told you just how I felt,"

Cay took her turn singing, both girls surprised to feel their faces turn slightly red at the idea of singing together, but smiling, they took it in stride, of course, sounding wonderful together.

"But I can't help it
I'm falling for you
And I can't quit it
Cause I'm stuck on you,"

While they smiled looking at each other, Trina looked over to Leah questioning, "Did you know about this?" to which Leah only shook her head in response.

"I'm scared
Of telling you how I feel"

Nikki sang, finally looking to the audience, smiling as she noticed the surprised looks on their faces.

"Maybe
It's better,"

Cay sang, both her and Nikki swaying to the music as they started singing together once more, their harmonies once again absolutely beautiful.

"If I just try to conceal
The truth
For me
And for you,"

As they shared a small almost secretive smile once more, they began finishing the song.

"But I'm still stuck on you
I, I'm still falling for you
For you,"

Taking a small bow as they finished, Nikki reached to hold Cay's hand in hers.

"So are you two…" Marley raised her eyebrows, genuinely not even realizing that Nikki was interested in dating, and especially dating girls. She didn't mind, of course, but was somewhat surprised.

"The hottest couple at McKinely?" Nikki answered, "Yes,"

"Now hold on," Heather made way to fight her on that, but was held back by Mia who assured her it was okay.

"So… when did this happen?" Naomi raised her eyebrows despite knowing it was none of her business.

"We've uh, been hanging out a lot lately?" Cay spoke, surprisingly shyly for her, "And it just sort of happened. It's still very new, but we're both happy."

"Well then," Tia gave a slight smirk, "I guess we can be happy for you."

"Looks like Leah and Audrey beg to differ," Delia couldn't resist the chance to stir the pot as she nodded towards both the girls in question, who were both sat with disappointed expressions.

"Sorry," Audrey shook her head, "There's still just… a lot on my mind," she spoke, referring of course, to Beth, though she also couldn't help checking her phone to see why Lex hadn't texted her back.

"Yeah, I don't know," Leah shook her head, "I guess I'm just not really feeling the lovey dovey mood."

"It's not our fault Trina's weirdo brother doesn't want you," Nikki stood with a hand on her hip.

"Hey," Trina and Leah spoke out at the same time.

"Alright, that's enough," Marley spoke, "Nikki? Cay? I am very happy for both of you" she smiled, knowing she would bother Nikki about this later. "Did anybody else have anything?"

"We…actually did," Audrey sort of half laughed as she motioned towards herself and then Leah.

"Does it fit the gay theme?" Zoey spoke, not really listening as she looked at her nails.

"It's by a queer artist, yes," Leah sighed out.

"Heather?" Audrey spoke up suddenly, "Think you could accompany us?"

"I don't even know what song you're doing," Heather responded, though made her way to grab a guitar anyways.

"I think you'll know it," Audrey smiled, "It's called 7 Things."

"Oh, say less," Heather nodded, strumming a few fairly basic chords as the girls got ready to sing.

As the girls stood, albeit somewhat awkwardly in front of the group, it wasn't long until Leah began singing.

"I probably shouldn't say this
But at times I get so scared
When I think about the previous
Relationship we've shared
It was awesome
But we lost it
It's not possible
For me not to care,"

Leah sang, her voice was absolutely beautiful, but it was her emotion was what sold the lyrics and made the performance what it was as Audrey took over singing.

"And now we're standing in the rain
But nothing's ever gonna change
Until you hear
My dear,"

Her voice was somewhat more gentle as she swayed to the music slightly, both girls getting ready to sing.

"The seven things I hate about you
The seven things I hate about you, oh, you,"

Their voices became suddenly more powerful as Audrey stepped up singing on her own once more.

"You're vain, your games, you're insecure
You love me, you like her
You make me laugh, you make me cry
I don't know which side to buy,"

Leah looked over to Audrey, breathing out as she took her part.

"Your friends they're jerks
When you act like them
Just know it hurts
I wanna be with the one I know,"

Both girls exchanging a glance as Heather continued to play behind them, they were surprised to see most of the other girls in the room either humming, singing or dancing along as they sang together once more.

"And the seventh thing I hate the most that you do
You make me love you,"

Audrey took her turn in sighing out, thinking once again about her secret sister and how she hadn't seen her mother really since she found out, singing out the next words, delivering them just as emotionally as Leah had during her verse.

"It's awkward and silent
As I wait for you to say
But what I need to hear now
Is your sincere apology
When you mean it
I'll believe it
If you text it
I'll delete it,"

Audrey fumbled slightly, getting caught up in her own thoughts but nobody seemed to notice as Leah sang once more.

"Let's be clear
Oh I'm not coming back
You're taking seven steps here,"

"The seven things I hate about you,"

The two girls called out in harmony once more just as Audrey once again took her part of the chorus.

"You're vain, your games, you're insecure
You love me, you like her
You make me laugh, you make me cry
I don't know which side to buy,"

The girls getting into somewhat of a rhythm they sang, moving around the room and also Heather who was living some sort of a rockstar fantasy as she aggressively strummed on the acoustic guitar in her arms as Leah sang out once more.

"Your friends they're jerks
When you act like them
Just know it hurts
I wanna be with the one I know,"

Leah inadvertently looked directly at Trina for the first line of her part, making Trina realize that if Leah was singing about what she thought she was, her boyfriend was likely one of the friends in question as she gasped, clutching her hand to her chest.

"And the seventh thing I hate the most that you do
You make me love you,"

Leah and Audrey called out together, just as the song began to slow.

"And compared to all the great things
That would take too long to write,"

Leah sang, her voice suddenly gentle again.

"I probably should mention
The seven that I like,"

As Audrey sang, her subtle tones matched Leah's brilliantly, a small smile on her face as she thought about Lex.

"The seven things I like about you,"

The girls performing looked at each other, taking the final chorus to sing in complete harmony, the rest of the Troubletones once again singing along.

"Your hair, your eyes, your old Levi's
When we kiss, I'm hypnotized
You make me laugh, you make me cry
But I guess that's both I'll have to buy
Your hand in mine
When we're intertwined
Everything's alright
I want to be with the one I know
And the seventh thing I like the most that you do
You make me love you
You do,"

They managed to finish out their song, both winded from the performance and the emotions they dealt with as they sang it.

"Wow that was… powerful, ladies," Marley smiled, glad both of her daughters did a song on the same day, but was now wondering at what cost, "Thank you very much for that."

"Yeah, that was fun," Heather grinned, placing the guitar down, hoping nobody would notice the string she broke.

"Thanks guys," Audrey smiled, "And thank you, Heather."

While things were somewhat awkward between the group, the glee meeting did eventually end, and Audrey was directly met with someone standing outside of the classroom.

"Hey," Lex grinned kind of nervously.

"Hi," Audrey smiled, just as nervously.

"Ooooooh," Tia and Mia spoke as they passed, the last to leave the room with Heather and Zoey just slightly in front of them.

Audrey rolled her eyes but smiled, "Sorry about them,"

"It's fine, I get it," Lex laughed, "So uh, I kind of, um, want to talk to you?"

"It's a good thing that's what we're doing then, isn't it?" Audrey couldn't help but tease, "What's up?"

Looking down the hallway, Lex walked her down a few steps just to make sure nobody else was around, "It's um, kind of serious?"

"Are you okay?" Audrey quickly grew concerned.

"Yeah, I just, uh, you know with the blog and everything? I wanted to be honest," Lex swallowed hard.

"Honest about what?" Audrey furrowed her eyebrows.

"Do you remember at sectionals? When I said I need to ask you something?" Lex questioned.

"I do," Audrey nodded.

"I uh, was, truthfully, going to ask you out, but I uh, realized I wasn't…I don't know, ready?" Lex couldn't look in her eyes.

"Oh," Audrey spoke nodding, also not able to make eye contact with him. While the first part of the sentence gave her butterflies, the second half made it feel like someone ripped them out. "I get it."

"It's nothing to do with you! It's… a lot more than that. I have to be honest with myself and deal with that before… anything else? But I do like you and do want to be with you it's just…" Lex trailed off.

"It's just what, Lex?" Audrey, at this point, was completely unsure of how to feel.

"I'm bisexual," Lex let the words slip out before he could even process thinking them.

"Oh, Lex," Audrey sighed out, reaching out to put a hand on his face, "Thank you for having the courage to tell me. Who else knows?"

"Nobody," Lex shook his head, "I don't know, I know it's not a big deal but,"

"Wrong," Audrey smiled, "It's a huge deal. And I get why you'd be… hesitant. About everything."

"So… you're cool with it?" Lex questioned.

"Lex, I'm bi too, you know that" Audrey laughed, "I get coming out is a big deal. But of course I'm cool with it. If anything, it makes me like you more, you know who you are and you can be honest about it."

"Thanks," Lex grinned, shaking his head, "So I uh, guess now would be a kind of weird time to ask you what I wanted to ask you at sectionals?"

"It's only weird if you make it weird," Audrey laughed.

Dramatically getting on one knee, Lex grabbed Audrey's hand, "So, uh, date me?" He flashed a big grin.

"Of course you goof," Audrey laughed as Lex stood up, both wrapping each other up in a big hug just moments before sharing a small, sweet kiss. "And I'll help you with this whole… coming out thing, if you want," Audrey spoke, as she pulled away, her voice low.

"I'd like that," Lex smiled, "Things might be easier with my girlfriend," he couldn't help but grin as he said the word again, pulling Audrey in for another, much longer kiss.

THE WARBLERS

"Alright gentlemen, settle down," Teddy spoke as all the Warblers were getting antsy, "I know that there is a lot on everyone's minds right now, but like I keep saying, it's best for all of us to just focus for now."

"I just don't know what we're meant to focus on?" Eric spoke up, "Respectfully, of course. I guess we just usually have like a theme or something to follow?"

"Well, I know at least McKinley is doing their LGBTQIA2S+ week?" Tommy tried, stumbling to remember all the letters, "We could copy them like usual!"

"I'm not opposed," Trent nodded, "Gender and sexuality is important, and while I know most everyone in here is comfortable with who they are I do just want to note that you do not necessarily have to be in order to enjoy the week."

"So… just songs by queer people?" Michael verified.

"I guess so," Mack shrugged, not thinking much of it.

"Great!" Sutton grinned, "Cause me and the boys got one ready."

"Which boys?" Oliver was almost afraid to know the answer.

"These boys!" Addison announced as he, Eric, Michael, and Bob all jumped to back Sutton up in his song.

"And it fits the theme?" Teddy double checked.

"Yes," Sutton spoke, refusing to say much more.

"Go on then, bestie!" Tommy encouraged.

"I would just like to say before I start," Sutton cleared his throat, "That I would like to dedicate this song to Ambrose."

"Why..." Ambrose asked, though it was more of a statement than a question.

"I guess you're just gonna have to wait and see," Sutton winked as himself and the small group around him all got into position.

As Sutton immediately started on the actual melody of the song, Addison harmonizing as those who recognized the song were completely caught off guard, everyone exchanging looks.

"I caught it bad yesterday
You hit me with a call to your place
Ain't been out in a while anyway
Was hopin' I could catch you throwin' smiles in my face,"

As Eric and Michael both started creating the background music and Bob started on percussion, it wasn't long until Zach and Frank also jumped in backing them up.

"Romantic talkin'? You don't even have to try
You're cute enough to fuck with me tonight,"

Sutton paused to shoot a cheeky grin at Ambrose who was absolutely mortified. However, all of the other Warblers now also jumped in to help back Sutton up, excluding Oliver, Teddy, and of course Ambrose.

"Lookin' at the table, all I see is weed and white
Baby, you livin' the life, but you ain't livin' right,"

As the song slowed, Teddy looked to Trent for help, but Trent was genuinely still just trying to process exactly what he was witnessing.

"Cocaine and drinkin' with your friends
You live in the dark, boy, I cannot pretend
I'm not fazed, only here to sin
If Eve ain't in your garden, you know that you can
Call me when you want, call me when you need
Call me in the morning, I'll be on the way
Call me when you want, call me when you need
Call me out by your name, I'll be on the way like,"

While the few remaining Warblers were trying to process everything, it was not long until Sutton was dancing around and singing directly to Ambrose.

"Oh, call me by your name
Tell me you love me in private
Call me by your name
I do not care if you lyin',"

As the boys wrapped up, it was Teddy who finally spoke up, "What the hell, prey tell, was that?"

"That was one of my favorite songs, however, I'm more interested in Ambrose's thoughts?" Sutton tried.

"I," Ambrose spoke up, but was grateful when Teddy interrupted as he was unsure what he was going to say.

"His thoughts aren't the most important thing regarding that performance. What is the most important is how incredibly inappropriate that song was."

"But we all had fun," Zach shrugged.

"Just because it's fun does not mean it's acceptable," Trent sighed out, shaking his head as he was finally able to process whatever it was, just saw.

"It fit the theme though," Bob sighed out sadly.

"Look, while it's great to see everyone working as a team, if we're going to do this we should at least do it properly. Sexuality is more than just… thirsting over your fellow Warblers, so to speak," Teddy sighed out.

"I guess that's fair," Sutton spoke, more looking to get Teddy to shut up then anything else. "I just guess I thought it would be fine since, you know, we have a no bullying policy. Supposedly. So who cares what we identify as?"

"I mean, we all should," Trent tried, "Identity is more than sexuality. It's important to take gender into account as well."

"But we're all guys here, that's the whole point, right?" Oliver questioned.

"I mean, not really," Frank spoke up, "I'm not a boy but I'm not not a boy? Like, my pronouns are he/they. Not just he/him."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Eric questioned softly.

"Nobody's ever asked," Frank shrugged, "And you all refer to me as he, which is fine. But my pronouns are more than that."

"Thank you for sharing that with us," Trent nodded, "We'll be more careful in future, and be sure to take that into account."

"Thanks," Frank nodded, smiling, "It's not a huge deal, but, I dunno. It would be nice to be identified as what I am, you know?"

"Absolutely," Mack smiled, "And if there's ever a day where you would rather be he or they just let us know! We'll do our best to accommodate," Mack finished, the room surprised at his ability to lead and take action.

"Thanks, Mack! Appreciate it," Frank grinned.

"Does anyone have anything else to share? No pressure, of course," Trent added, and while he looked at Teddy who sat uneasy in his seat, nobody spoke up. "Well then, I suppose we can all make way to work on the assignment?"

The group split up, everyone discussing potential songs as Ambrose surprised Sutton by approaching him.

"Sutton," Ambrose spoke, fumbling with his tie awkwardly.

"My beloved," Sutton smirked, "What's up?"

"Don't call me that," Ambrose shook his head, "I need to make sure you understand how inappropriate that performance was."

"Why are you like this?" Sutton asked suddenly.

"Excuse me?" Ambrose was taken aback by the question.

"Whenever we're in this room you're always on my ass about how this is inappropriate or I'm being annoying or unprofessional," Sutton sighed out, Ambrose shocked to see the more serious side of him, "But last week? At sectionals? When nobody else was around? I thought we had a real moment, you know?"

"Sutton," Ambrose took his turn sighing out, "I do, admittedly, enjoy your company. But you have to understand that order is important to me. Especially in here."

"I do understand that," Sutton was clearly getting frustrated, "What you have to understand is that there's more to life than this room. I, very clearly, am into you, Ambrose. And I get you don't want to complicate your whole life or whatever. But I'd appreciate it if you stopped talking down to me so much."

"I didn't know you felt that way," Was all Ambrose could think to say in regards to everything.

"You never asked!" Sutton called out dramatically, earning a few odd looks from some of the nearby Warblers.

"Look, Sutton," Ambrose sighed out once more, "I do, also, feel…something for you. But you said it best, my life is very complicated right now. But I do apologize if I have ever made you feel inferior. I will actively work on trying to fix that."

"Thank you," Sutton huffed out, "So, you feel something for me, huh?" He suddenly changed his demeanor, grinning and raising his eyebrows.

"I need to go speak to the council," Ambrose spoke suddenly, and turned using any excuse to not finish that conversation.

"You're the one who came over to me!" Sutton called back, as he also turned to walk to the council, distracted by whatever Mack and Tommy were talking about.

"What's going on over here, gents?" Sutton raised his eyebrows.

"Did you see the news on the gossip blog?" Tommy questioned.

"No, what's going on?" Sutton's curiosity was suddenly piqued.

"Well, they just dropped that Finley Jones wouldn't like… put out? Or something? Which is weird, and gross," Tommy nodded definitively, "And before that, they made a post about how Simon is having a secret affair with someone in another glee club."

"Is that why Mack's… being Mack?" Sutton couldn't help but laugh at the head councilman once again sat with his arms crossed on the table, laying his face on top of them.

"Good question!" Tommy practically shouted.

"I'm fine," Mack groaned, clearly not fine.

"I just hope Naomi's okay," Tommy nodded.

"I hope all the Jones' are okay," Sutton nodded, "I don't know them very well, but grew up around them."

"Why did Simon just text me?" Mack suddenly sat up straight.

"Maybe to tell you about the rumor? Let you know who this guy he's seeing is?" Tommy tried.

"What if he's one of us?!" Sutton suddenly looked around the room dramatically.

"He… wanted to apologize to me for lying about being straight," Mack spoke, though it was phrased more like a question.

"He told you he was straight?" Tommy furrowed his eyebrows.

"Who would've thought?" Sutton shrugged, "Not me."

On the other side of the table was Ambrose, who was glad Sutton was distracted as he didn't want to have to come up with a reason to talk to the council but found one anyways as he saw Teddy sitting awkwardly, trying to look busy.

"Are you alright?" Ambrose asked, making Teddy jump.

"I'm fine," Teddy swallowed hard.

"Forgive me for saying so, but you don't look fine," Ambrose raised his eyebrows. Teddy was one of the only other people in the Warblers who was almost always on the same page as him, and it had been that way since Ambrose joined. They had a sort of bond over that, which meant Ambrose could tell Teddy was not doing great.

"This whole… theme and then the gossip blog… it's just a little nerve wracking," Teddy sighed out.

"Is there… is there something you're hoping doesn't get out?" Ambrose questioned as delicately as he could.

"It's not like I'm hiding it, it's just… complicated. And a lot of people don't understand, or worse, choose not to," Teddy explained, his voice low.

"Well," Ambrose spoke slowly, "If you feel so inclined, I am here to listen and will do my best to understand."

While Teddy looked around the room, he was trying to double check that nobody would be listening. As all of the other Warblers were preoccupied, he nodded towards Ambrose and took a deep breath in before beginning to speak.

VOCAL ADRENALINE

"Um," Sydney spoke as she walked into the auditorium, noticing an average height, thin, blonde-haired girl sitting in the auditorium alone, "Who the hell are you?"

"I think the better question," She turned, showing off her tan skin, bright blue-green eyes, and unrealistically beautiful features, "is who are you?"

"I asked you first," Sydney placed a hand on her hip.

"I asked you second," The unknown female spoke.

"Who's this?" Anthony questioned.

"Ingrid Thomas," She introduced herself before turning to face Sydney, "Sorry, I thought it would be funny to try to establish a little back and forth."

"It wasn't," Sydney narrowed her eyes.

"New friend!" Dana called out, Sawyer and Steven close behind them.

"Hiya!" Steven waved to Ingrid, earning a dirty look from Sydney.

"Are you a transfer?" Sawyer questioned curiously.

"Who transferred?" Xavier called out curiously, walking in.

"If I had to guess, I'd say…her?" Chloe spoke lazily, following closely behind Xavier, trying to show her allegiance to him.

"I'm sure she has a name!" Kate smiled, looking over to her, waiting for an answer.

"You don't know that," Jude smirked, walking in with Kate.

"I do," Ingrid laughed, "I'm Ingrid."

"Who the hell is Ingrid?" Emery asked Isaac who she was walking in step with, clearly confused.

"Beats me," Isaac shrugged.

"Do you guys… always do this?" Ingrid laughed.

"Do what?" Sawyer tilted their head to the side.

"If I had to guess, she's referencing us talking in circles," Kate laughed.

"Ingrid?" Kendall suddenly called out, her and Leslie being the last to enter the room.

"Hi Kendall," Ingrid waved, smiling.

"You two… know each other?" Leslie raised her eyebrows.

"We share a lot of classes," Ingrid explained, "I take part in many extracurriculars but don't actually participate in any of the arts programs here. Since I'm hoping to get into a really good college, I need to cover all my bases. Kendall suggested I join glee."

"Without auditioning?" Steven spoke, feeling confused.

"Don't worry about that," Harmony waved Steven off, "But yes, this is the newest member of Vocal Adrenaline; Ingrid."

"What?!" Most of the group called out in sync.

"Don't worry, we've gone through all the motions with Ingrid in private already. And there's no cap on how many students we can have," Unique began to explain, "We believe she'll be a great addition to our group."

In truth, Ingrid's parents had paid Unique and Harmony off to let Ingrid join. However, they did show them a video of Ingrid singing and truthfully, she was quite good. So it was a win/win for the two coaches.

"It's lovely to meet you all!" Ingrid spoke up happily.

"For now," Sydney smirked.

"Alright, alright, that's enough," Unique spoke up, "Now, we do need to talk about the gossip blog as more news has been dropped. While it is nothing incriminating, and did not directly out two students at McKinley… it came close enough."

Once again, every head turned to look at Kendall.

"Enough!" Kendall called out, "It's not me!"

"Be that as it may," Unique began.

"Or may not be," Harmony interrupted.

"Either way," Unique took back control of the room, "We'll be following suit and performing songs by queer artists, as are many of the other glee clubs."

"That's kind of gay," Sydney rolled her eyes.

"That's… the point," Jude shook his head.

"You may choose an artist who either is gay, lesbian, bi, pan, trans, nonbinary or anything in between," Unique spoke up.

"Now wait," Anthony spoke up, "I thought this was about sexuality?"

"It's about how you identify," Harmony corrected him.

"So? I don't get it," Anthony shrugged.

"Gender and sexuality are two completely different things," Emery spoke up, "Even who you're interested in romantically can be a completely different thing from sexuality."

"Now you're just making things up," Anthony shook his head.

"No, she's not," Kendall stood up, "And you're ignorant for thinking that way," she turned to look at the teachers, nodding towards the stage, "May I?"

"Sure," Harmony spoke, truly not caring.

As Kendall got onto the stage she spoke up, "I am a pansexual transwoman. And while both of those things are part of my identity, they are not who I am. Who I am is a badass bitch. I've prepared this song – by a queer artist – to prove that." She paused, dramatically just before singing.

"I buy my own things, I pay my own bills
These diamond rings, my automobiles
Everything I got, I bought it
Boys can't buy my love, buy my love, yeah,"

Immediately many of the females realized what song this was, cheering out for Kendall as she sang out, her confidence making her glow as she strutted around the stage, her voice beautiful and deep as she continued on.

"I do what I want
Say what you say
I work real hard every day,"

She paused dramatically once more before continuing, smiling as Leslie called out "Hell yeah!", as well as Kate cheering out loudly in support.

"I'm a motherfucking woman, baby, alright
I don't need a man to be holding me too tight
I'm a motherfucking woman, baby, that's right
I'm just having fun with my ladies here tonight
I'm a motherfucker,"

Kendall smirked, hands on her hips as she looked out into the audience, knowing she was absolutely owning the song as both Sydney and Emery surprised each other and everyone else by loudly calling out cheers for Kendall at the same time.

"Don't buy me a drink, I make my money
Don't touch my weave, don't call me honey
I run this shit, baby, I run this shit,"
Don't buy me a drink, I make my money
Don't touch my weave, don't call me "honey"
'Cause I write this shit, baby, I write this shit,"

Kendall chanted out looking at every single person in the audience, everybody now on board with the song and the message she was delivering as virtually everyone cheered her on, most of the female and nonbinary students singing along with her as she finished the song out.

"I'm a motherfucking woman, baby, alright
I don't need a man to be holding me too tight
I'm a motherfucking woman, baby, that's right
I'm just having fun with my ladies here tonight
I'm a motherfucker,"

She finished just as confidently and proudly as she started, surprised that despite the rumors of her being the gossip blog, she got a standing ovation.

"Alright, alright," Anthony spoke out, "Point taken,"

"You're going to agree that easily?" Leslie spoke, surprised.

"I am many things but I do try to not be ignorant," Anthony shrugged.

"I think!" Harmony called out, as Kendall went to take her seat, "It's time for another sexuality and gender check!"

"Gender?" Dana called out, "I hardly know her!"

"Sorry," Kate half laughed, "They always say that when someone says gender,"

"Gender? I-" Dana, however, was cut off.

"Why sexuality?" Isaac questioned, bringing the conversation back on track.

"Because it's important that we all know everything about each other, of course!" Xavier grinned, "I'll go first. I'm Xavier and I'm bisexual and my pronouns are he/him!"

"I mean, I just said mine," Kendall shrugged. "But she/her,"

"Well I'm straight and he/him," Anthony announced a little too proudly.

"Yeah, we can tell from the literally everything about you," Sydney rolled her eyes, "I'm bisexual and she/they,"

"She/they?" Harmony furrowed her eyebrows.

"Yeah," Emery suddenly spoke up in defense of Sydney, "So am I."

"I'm he/they," Sawyer added on.

"Well... do you have a preference?" Harmony asked, as she scribbled notes about everyone's pronouns.

"Not really," Sydney shrugged.

"I guess it depends on the day?" Emery spoke up, "Some days I'm more they and other days I'm more her. It's hard to explain. I guess sometimes I feel more feminine and sometimes I don't. I just know I'm not a woman and it's tiring being misgendered. It's not a big thing and I don't want to make a big thing of it, but it is important to me."

"I'm kind of in the same boat," Sawyer nodded.

"Well," Unique began, "If there's ever a day you don't want to be called one of those pronouns just let us know, okay?"

"Yeah, okay," Emery nodded, Sawyer nodding in agreement, though Emery sank back into their seat as the room grew silent, eyes still on them.

It was Jude who eventually broke the silence, trying to get the attention off of them, "He/him and uh, straight," He nodded.

"She/her and bisexual," Kate took her turn speaking up, also just wanting to get a move on with things.

"Same here," Leslie nodded in reference to what Kate said.

"I know I'm new, but I'm also she/her and bisexual," Ingrid smiled kindly. "It's nice to see so many other bisexuals here."

"Weird point, but same," Chloe nodded lazily.

"I'm uh, he him and… gay?" Isaac piped up.

"I'm Dana!" Dana called out.

"What about you, Steven?" Sydney smiled, pushing Steven to speak.

"I'm uh…he/him… and straight," He swallowed hard, knowing what would be coming next.

"I'm sorry you're what?" Sydney's tone suddenly grew harsh.

"Straight…" Steven repeated his words nervously.

"How come you didn't tell me?! Oh no, this won't fly. How do you know you haven't just found the right boy yet?" Sydney continued to push.

"Uh, Sydney?" Kendall stifled a laugh, "Did you not know?"

"Oh just wait until Dad hears about this," Sydney ignored Kendall, already making her way out of the auditorium.

"I guess glee's over then!" Harmony threw her hands over her head in defeat, but also not wanting to deal with… whatever that was.

As the group sort of shuffled out, Kate was quick to grab Ingrid.

"Hi!" She smiled to the newest member of the group, "I'm Kate! I just wanted to quickly introduce myself and properly welcome you. I know that was… a lot,"

"Kate! Hi!" Ingrid smiled, surprising her, by pulling her in for a hug, "I've heard a lot about you through Kendall. All good things of course! You're the one who's dating someone in the Warblers, right?"

"Oh," Kate suddenly felt her face flush, "I am, yeah. His name's Zach," she nodded, unsure if she should be flattered that Ingrid even remembered that or bothered that Kendall told her.

"Well, you're incredibly beautiful, so he is very lucky," Ingrid grinned, placing a gentle hand on Kate's shoulder, "You know, you've already been so kind to me. I'd love if we could hang out and you could sort of help me get adjusted to glee," She smiled innocently.

"Oh, um," Kate thought, thinking about everything else she had going on, but knowing that she could never say no to someone asking for help, "Sure! Here take my number and we'll figure something out," Kate smiled.

"What do you think she's talking to the new girl about?" Emery questioned, as she and Isaac were lazily making their way out of the auditorium.

"Probably just being the welcome committee," Isaac shrugged, "She did the same for me and basically everyone else who joined this year."

"Fair enough," Emery shrugged, not thinking much of it.

"Hey, uh, I just wanted to say, I thought it was really cool of you to stand up for your pronouns and try to explain it," Isaac nodded, "It's good to know there are people here who care about stuff like that."

"Um, thanks," Emery was confused, but flattered, "I just think everyone needs to respect each other, you know?"

"No for sure, I um," Isaac paused fumbling with his backpack strings, "I think I need to get something off my chest, and there aren't many people here I trust. Is it okay if I tell you?"

"Of course," Emery nodded, suddenly getting more serious, "I mean I know we're not the absolute closest or anything, but I also know we've got each other's backs,"

"Yeah, exactly," Isaac smirked nodding, "I um, I'm not just gay. I'm asexual."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Emery spoke, though their voice was surprisingly gentle.

"It's not something I even really know how to describe. Especially since I am romantically interested in men," Isaac shook his head.

"Well look," Emery looked at Isaac, "It's nothing to be ashamed of. But I get it. And if you need any help with… anything, I'm here for you okay?"

"Yeah," Isaac nodded smiling, as they began making their way out once more, "Thanks, Emery, I really appreciate it."

"Of course, dude," Emery nodded, turning to face Jude and Xavier who they were walking by, "You losers coming?" Emery asked.

"In a minute!" Xavier called out, "Just wait for me outside!"

"Okay?" Emery laughed, not wanting to know what they were talking about as she and Isaac left the room.

"So what's up, bestie?" Xavier spoke in a hushed but admittedly excited tone to Jude. Since Jude rarely ever spoke to Xavier, let alone asked him for advice, this was huge for him.

"I uh, kinda need to talk about something? But I don't know exactly how to say it and I dunno, it's sort of.. a lot?" Jude tried.

"I am here and I am listening," Xavier reached out to grab Jude's hands, who instantly shook them off, "Whatever it is you can tell me,"

"I uh, I think I might be bi?" Jude phrased it like a question.

"What?!" Xavier's eyes went wide, "First of all, my darling best friend, thank you so much for trusting me. How long have you known?"

"I dunno, a while? I guess I've kind of always known," Jude shrugged, "I just really only ever had any sort of relationships with girls so I didn't care that much."

"So… what changed?" Xavier's eyes widened as he hung on every word out of Jude's mouth.

"I uh, I think, I mean, I know, I'm starting to have like… actual feelings… for someone who does not necessarily identify as a woman," Jude stuttered through his words and trying to choose them carefully, wondering why he chose Xavier to talk about this to but knew he was too far gone now.

"You mean..." Xavier's eyes went wide when he thought he knew what Jude was saying.

"Yeah," Jude nodded, not saying much else.

"Well listen," Xavier placed a firm hand on Jude's shoulder, "I am so very flattered. But you know I'm so in love with your sister! I mean maybe if something ever happened to her, but-"

"What?" Jude shook his head, "No, not you!"

"Don't try to fight it," Xavier shook his head in turn, "But you can't tell anyone else, okay? This has to be our secret. I am happy to be your friend, but I can't reciprocate your feelings. Will you ever find someone as good as me? Unlikely. But I'll help you settle for second best."

"Oh my god," Jude shook his head, "You know what? Forget I said anything," he half laughed. There were a couple of ways he saw that conversation going but that was not one of them.

"You can't fight your feelings forever!" Xavier called out, watching Jude walk out. Turning to the audience, Xavier thought he was alone until he saw a familiar face, "What are you still doing here, Kendall?"

"Oh you know," Kendall waved her hand looking around the room, putting her phone away, "Just getting a little work done," she said with a smirk.

"Oh," Xavier nodded, not thinking much of it, "Well, see you in class tomorrow!" He waved.

"You sure will," Kendall raised her eyebrows, as she went back to typing away on her phone.

THURSDAY MORNING, NEW DIRECTIONS

"Heard the news, buddy," Felix came in, slapping Lex on the back as they were the first two to enter, "Congrats on finally getting your girl."

"Hey, thanks Felix," Lex laughed, "I'm very happy about it."

"Welcome to the cuffed club," Savannah smirked, she and Finley walking in, hand in hand.

"We can double date!" Finley suddenly realized.

"Hell yeah we can!" Lex and Finley high fived.

"Spirits seem pretty high in here today," Hazel laughed, "That's good."

"It's weird," Simon spoke as he entered with Hazel, and Rowan, "I feel like a weird sort of weight has been lifted?"

"That's great news, buddy," Rowan smiled, nodding.

"I agree," Rey smiled as she, Flora, and Sophie walked in.

"That's the spirit!" Sophie smiled. "And I'm not talking about the holy one,"

"Are you still going to… you know, tell your crush how you feel?" Flora asked, though her voice was low, as to not draw attention.

"I think so," Rey nodded.

"I believe in you, kiddo," Bryce spoke up as he entered with Kyla and Oscar, despite the conversation being none of his business. Turning to Oscar he spoke up once again, "When are you gonna talk to your crush?"

"Knock it off," Oscar whined.

"Crush, huh?" Kyla couldn't help but laugh, a small smirk on her lips.

Luckily for Oscar, he didn't have the chance to answer as Mr. Schue walked in, "Alright everyone, good morning! I know so far this week has been a lot, but I think now is a good chance to appreciate each other and enjoy our time. Oh, and no phones again today."

"Really?" Savannah raised her eyebrows.

"Really," Mr. Schue confirmed, "Look, we don't know what that gossip blog is saying or is going to say. It's best to not think about it."

Though it was reluctantly, everyone did eventually agree, stumbling to turn their phones off.

"Alright," Mr. Schue clapped his hands together, "Now did anyone have anything they wanted to sing before heading to class?"

"We did," Kyla raised her hand after motioning to Oscar.

"Great initiative! Go ahead, you two," Mr. Schue smiled, taking a seat as the two stood up in front of their peers.

"So this is a song by someone who fits the bill, and uh, we thought it might just be fun to try it out as a duet?" Kyla explained as the music began.

"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,"

Kyla sang out, her gentle voice singing out the words beautifully, noticing the somewhat nervous look on Oscar's face, moving so they were looking at each other, giving him an encouraging nod as they began singing in harmony.

"Now here we are, so close
Yet so far, how didn't I passed the test?
When will you realize
That baby, I'm not like the rest?"

"Hell yeah!" Bryce cheered out. While he did earn a few looks, nobody could argue that they didn't sound good. Just like when they performed their duet a few weeks back, they truly were a good match.

"Don't wanna break your heart
Wanna give your heart a break,"

Oscar sang on his own, surprising the group by the sheer power he was able to manifest.

"I know you're scared, it's wrong," Kyla took her turn singing on her own before they sang together in perfect harmony once more.

"Like you might make a mistake
There's just one life to live
And there's no time to wait, to waste
So let me give your heart a break,"

"Damn," Sophie noted at the very noticeable chemistry and tension between the two as Kyla took the main harmony, Oscar repeating 'give your heart a break' over her.

"'Cause you've been hurt before
I can see it in your eyes
You try to smile it away
Some things you can't disguise,"

Finally realizing they'd been looking at each other for far too long, the two turned to face the audience as they finished the song out.

"Don't wanna break your heart
Maybe I can ease the ache, the ache
So let me give your heart a break
Give your heart a break
Your heart a break
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,"

Both blushing as the song finished, they quickly took their seats, both smiling at the applause, but also at how well they worked off each other.

"Wow, amazing job guys! And a great way to wrap up this week," Mr. Schue smiled.

"Wrap up?" Felix questioned, "We've still got this afternoon."

"You're right. Kind of," Mr. Schue began to explain, "There's going to be a mandatory glee meeting in the auditorium this afternoon. To kind of touch base on everything that happened this week."

"So us and The Troubletones?" Rey asked nervously.

"We will both be there, yes," Mr. Schue nodded, "And you're still all welcome to come up with a song if you'd like to! But no pressure either way."

"Um, if this is the end of just us being here for this week," Lex suddenly spoke up, "I have something I want to say."

"Sure," Mr. Schue nodded, though he was confused, "Take it away, Lex."

"This week has given me… a lot to think about. And while, as I'm sure many of you have heard, I have recently, finally, began a relationship with Audrey. But, um, I don't want that to take away from what I'm about to tell you," Lex nodded, looking around the room as all his peers looked at him curiously, "I am bisexual."

"Welcome to the club," Savannah laughed, "And congrats on coming out,"

"Yeah, nicely done!" Felix nodded.

"Thank you guys! It's uh, it's good to know I've got a support system in here and, uh, yeah! I'm very excited to start this journey knowing fully, exactly who I am," Lex grinned.

"Well, I think I can speak for all of us," Will began, "When I say that we are all incredibly proud of you," he paused turning to look at everyone in the room, "And we're all proud of each other and it makes me happy to see how you've all got each other's backs," He nodded, just as the bell ring, "Alright, we'll see you in the auditorium this afternoon!"

As the group all waked out, Oscar was stopped by a female in the hall, "I thought I was done with this when Bryce joined. Were you listening in?"

"No," She shook her head. She was incredibly short and had wavy shoulder length blonde hair, and green eyes, and dressed far too lavishly for going to school at McKinley, "I was looking for you, though,"

"Okay," Oscar raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"I've been thinking about what you said, about joining glee? It could be good for me," She spoke.

"Oh, that's great, Juliet," Oscar smiled, "I can talk to Mr. Schue about it if you want?"

"What?" Juliet shook her head, "No. Absolutely not. I want to join the Troubletones."

THE TROUBLETONES

"Good morning fellow clowns," Heather spoke, walking in, looking at Cay, Nikki, Trina, and Zoey who were already present for glee.

"Clowns?" Cay raised her eyebrows.

"Speak for yourself," Zoey rolled her eyes, already sick of Heather's shenanigans.

"I think she did," Nikki snickered.

"Good morning, Heather," Trina spoke, her tone as neutral as possible as she simply did not feel like getting into it with her or anyone else, but also did not want to be rude.

"See? At least someone here has manners," Heather straightened herself out.

"I know you're not talking about yourself," Tia smirked.

"Hey!" Heather called out defensively.

"She's got a point babe," Mia laughed, greeting Heather with a small kiss.

"One day you'll like me more than you like Tia," Heather sighed out.

"Doubt it," Tia laughed.

"What are we laughing about?" Leah questioned curiously.

"Heather being dumb, per usual," Zoey spoke, not looking up from her phone.

"Good for her," Audrey smirked, entering the room, Delia and Naomi close behind.

"Is encouraging her really the best idea?" Delia raised her eyebrows.

"Is it so hard to appreciate me all the time? What gives?" Heather pouted.

"Good morning girls!" Marley grinned, "How's everyone's Thursday going?"

While she was met with various responses all at once, it was Zoey who eventually grasped everyone's attention.

"Holy shit," She laughed.

"What is it?" Naomi asked curiously.

"The gossip blog," Tia laughed, now looking at her phone too.

"Well, what's on it?" Cay questioned both annoyed and a little worried.

"I think Trina should do us the honors," Zoey smirked.

"Why…me?" Trina furrowed her eyebrows.

"Oh, you'll see," Mia spoke, her and Heather snickering.

Quickly everyone, including Marley, were checking the latest article on the gossip blog, Trina being left absolutely speechless.

"What the hell is this?" She spoke, genuinely very confused as she read an article about how things were heating up between Jude and Xavier, and that they were on their way to being the next big couple in the show choir circle.

"Oh… my god?" Leah was at a loss for words as she also read through the post.

"No… no this… this isn't true," Trina shook her head, "Jude is straight."

"Clearly he's not," Tia laughed, "Trina, you've got a man to collect, apparently."

"I don't see why we care," Audrey spoke, not realizing how her words came across, "It's all talk."

"Wow, Negative Nancy over here," Heather raised her eyebrows, "I mean sure, but did everything else not turn out to be at least kind of true?"

"Whatever," Audrey rolled her eyes, "I just think it's nonsense."

"I… need to leave," Trina admitted suddenly, getting up to leave.

"I'll go make sure she's okay," Leah announced as Trina exited, as she was just as confused about the post as Trina was.

"Damn, that was crazy," Heather noted. "Anyways, I was interrogating Audrey."

"Well don't," Audrey snapped, "It's none of your business."

"Alright, that's enough," Marley spoke, though everyone was surprised at how Audrey spoke to who they all assumed was one of her closer friends, "Seriously. Let's not let this blog affect us."

"That's very easy for you to say," Audrey spoke up once more, "You have nothing that can be said about you. You're safe."

"Audrey," Marley spoke just as the bell rang, "Can you please stay back? I'd like to talk to you."

"Sure?" Audrey was confused and a little bit irritated.

"Oh! And before I forget! Meeting is in the auditorium this afternoon!" Marley called out to the girls who were leaving, "Make sure to tell Leah and Trina!"

"So," Audrey spoke once everyone left, "What is it?"

"Are… are you okay?" Marley asked, "I won't pry, but you seem… off this week. Since sectionals, actually. If there's anything I can do, you know I'm here, right?"

"As my teacher or as my aunt?" Audrey asked skeptically.

"Either?" Marley laughed, "Both? Whatever you need."

"Thanks," Audrey nodded, "Just uh, some family drama,"

"Oh?" Marley questioned.

"No, nothing to do with you," Audrey shook her head, trying to spare as many details as she could, "Just uh, some stuff going on with me and my mom. It'll pass, but I'm just trying to avoid her, it's a lot."

"Oh," Marley repeated, nodding this time, "Well, I'm very sorry to hear that. Obviously, I think it's very important for you and your mother to communicate, but I also… get it," She thought of all the times she tried to reach out to Quinn.

"Yeah, I dunno, it's just a lot to talk about," Audrey nodded, "But thank you. For listening and… for being here. It's nice to know there's an adult I can come to,"

"Of course," Marley smiled, reaching to place a hand over Audrey's, "Whatever you need. Seriously."

"I know," Audrey nodded, "I gotta go but uh, thanks. For everything," She smiled making her way out.

As Marley watched Audrey walk out, she sighed out, knowing that her daughter Leah had let it slip about Beth, but that they both knew it was better to keep it between them. Marley did feel guilty though knowing that it happened and there was absolutely nothing she could do to help without making the situation that much worse.

THE WARBLERS

"Good morning, Fellas!" Addison called out as he and Eric walked in, waving their cusped together hands back and forth as they entered.

"Good morning, Fellas!" Tommy grinned, repeating the phrase back to him.

"What's on the agenda for this morning?" Zach asked curiously as he, Frank and Bob all came in.

"I just wanted to… address something," Teddy, per usual, spoke diplomatically, "But we'll wait for everyone else to arrive first."

"That sounds like a good plan to me," Ambrose spoke up, being the only person to know what Teddy was going to say.

"I could not agree more," Sutton spoke, following behind Ambrose, though he had no idea what he was agreeing with.

"Did we miss anything?" Michael spoke, Oliver close behind him.

"Not yet!" Mack grinned, "Teddy, the floor is yours!"

"I have, actually, um, prepared a song for the assignment," Teddy spoke, "I am not usually one to sing since, as you all know, I tend to do percussion but thought it was important to cover all our bases."

"Aw, how exciting!" Eric cooed.

"Take it away whenever you're ready, Teddy," Trent encouraged him. While it was unexpected, he was quite excited to see what Teddy had planned.

"I uh," Teddy cleared his throat, wondering if it would be best to explain his song choice or wait til later, he eventually decided on later, "I guess I'll just go for it?"

"You got this, king!" Mack cheered him on just before Teddy began.

"Baby you're a work of art
A shooting star
Lighting up the darkness
So lucky that we found this, yeah
You know you've got me losing sleep
I can't believe the beauty of this moment
It's all I've ever wanted
But I can't love you,"

While many of the boys were exchanging looks, wondering what this was about, the few that were familiar with the song jumped in to back him as he sang out the chorus.

"I can't love you today
I can't love you tomorrow
I can't love you anyway
I can't love you anyhow
I can't love you, love you,"

While he, admittedly, started the song a little bit shakily, he found his way by the chorus, impressing the group with how he seemed to improve every time he sang, as he began wrapping the song up.

"I can't love you today
I can't love you tomorrow
I can't love you anyway
I can't love you anyhow
I can't love you, love you,"

While the group loudly cheered and even wolf whistled for Teddy's performance, there was a look on his face that was still somewhat uneasy.

"What an incredible performance, Teddy," Trent smiled, "Was there… any particular reason you chose that song?" he gave him a look, knowing it looked like Teddy wanted to say something, but also hoping Teddy knew it was alright if he didn't.

"There is, yes," He nodded.

"So," Oliver looked at him, "What is it?"

"I… need to first start by apologizing if anything I said on Tuesday seemed… unfair. While that song was greatly inappropriate, I did also let my own discomfort get in the way," Teddy tried to explain.

"Discomfort?" Bob questioned, confused.

"Yes, I, um," Teddy sighed out, "I'm asexual. And aromantic."

While the room looked around it was Zach who finally spoke up, "So… what exactly does that mean?"

"It means," Teddy began trying to explain, "That I'm not attracted to anyone. Physically or romantically. It's how I've always been and I truly don't believe that will change. It's who I am and that's okay."

"That's awesome, Teddy!" Frank grinned, "The fact you can just be yourself? I love that."

"Yeah, that's pretty dope," Addison nodded, "Thanks for sharing."

"You… don't have any other comments? Or concerns?" Teddy laughed.

"Why would we?" Oliver shrugged, "It's your life and your business. You didn't have to tell us but you did anyways. Mad props, dude."

"Thank you. All of you," Teddy nodded, smiling. "Was there anything else?"

"I got something to say," Sutton stood up suddenly.

"Oh, god, here we go," Ambrose rolled his eyes, deep sighing out.

"I owe you an apology, Teddy. Ambrose, you too. Everyone actually. But mostly you two," Sutton nodded, "I picked that song the way I pick most of my songs – something I can make kind of funny and dramatic and lighthearted. But I did not take into account how anybody else would feel about it."

"That was… actually very profound," Teddy smiled and let a small half laugh escape him, "Thank you, for saying that, Sutton. And of course, apology accepted."

"Likewise!" Sutton grinned, "I'm hoping we can move past this and all just, you know, vibe," he tried.

"I'm sure we can, and thank you again," Teddy nodded, barely believing how well that went just as the bell rang. "Thank you all for this morning! We'll see you this afternoon!"

"Hey," Ambrose came over to Teddy, giving him a small pat on the back, "I just wanted to let you know that what you did today was very brave, and I'm very proud to be your friend."

"Thank you. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you – genuinely," Teddy spoke kindly, "Though I have to ask, what's made you be so kind to me? Not that it's not appreciated but I don't think I've ever heard you speak so genuinely heartfelt before," Teddy half laughed.

"You would have been able to do it on your own," Ambrose assured his friend, "And I uh, I just guess I've had some influence to my change in demeanor,"

"Speaking of," Teddy suddenly thought out loud, "What was that with Sutton? I am very impressed, but incredibly shocked. He seemed so… professional."

Ambrose paused for a moment before answering, smiling as Sutton waved goodbye to him from a distance as he left the room. "I guess he's been influenced a little bit, too."

VOCAL ADRENALINE

"Whose fault is this?!" Xavier called out dramatically as he entered the auditorium, waving his phone around violently.

"Whose fault is what?" Sawyer questioned as they and Dana were the only other two in the auditorium.

"Gossip blog, I'm assuming," Kendall snickered as she walked in, closely followed by Ingrid and Leslie.

"What's on gossip?" Steven questioned, relieved to see Sydney was not in the room yet.

"I uh, I think we're about to find out," Kate laughed nervously.

"Trina's going to be so upset," Xavier continued to whine.

"She'll get over it," Chloe shrugged.

"Who's getting over what?" Anthony raised an eyebrow.

"I'm trying to figure all that out…" Ingrid spoke thoughtfully.

"Nobody asked you, new girl," Sydney rolled their eyes.

"Have you seen the latest drop on the gossip thing?" Leslie spoke up, addressing Anthony's question.

"I think we all have," Isaac smirked walking in with Emery.

"So," Kendall turned to face Xavier, "Where's your man?"

"Knock it off, Kendall," Emery spoke up, "We all know it's you and you're just trying to start shit."

"Sounds like someone's jealous," Kendall smirked.

While Emery's face did turn slightly red, they simply mumbled a "Whatever," as they sat down.

"Oh no, don't tell me you're in love with me too!" Xavier called out dramatically.

"Nobody's in love with you," Harmony sighed out, entering the room with Unique close behind.

"Hey! Trina is!" Xavier pouted.

"Who's Trina?" Ingrid whispered, still trying to figure out everyone's connections to each other.

"Alright," Unique spoke up, desperately trying to move things along, "Was there any song anyone wanted to try before class?"

"I had one actually," Isaac surprised the group by speaking up.

"Oh?" Sydney questioned, taken slightly aback.

"Yeah I uh, won't go too far into it, but I thought it could be good? And it fits the theme," Isaac began to explain.

"Well then," Harmony spoke dryly as she gestured to the stage.

"Is it um, is it cool if Emery helps?" Isaac asked.

"Of course," Unique nodded, most students surprised that either of the two making their way to the stage had the initiative to try and prepare something.

As the two made their way up, Emery paused to pull Isaac over for a moment. "Are you sure you want to do this? I mean if you want to come out to this group, I am super happy for you, but I just want you to know nobody is forcing you."

"I mean, I'm not… hiding?" Isaac tried, "I just need to be honest with everyone. But thank you. Really. I'm um… I'm glad to have such a good friend in glee."

"Me too," Emery nodded. While she, of course, had a friend in Xavier and even Jude, it was nice to have a friend outside of that. Especially since they seemed to just get each other.

As they made their way onto the stage, Isaac spoke to the audience once more, surprising the audience with the haste. "So not that it's actually anybody's business, but I'm um, asexual. And it's cool and not a big deal. It's just a lot with that but also being homoromantic? But anyway, don't ask me any questions about it. Here's a song me and Emery put together this week, cause it kind of, I dunno makes sense with everything going on," he concluded, his end bit referring to all the rumors.

While that was the most basically anyone had ever heard him speak, they all took a long moment to process it as Emery picked up a guitar and began strumming a few basic chords as Isaac began singing.

"Things are shaping up to be pretty odd
Little deaths in musical beds
So it seems I'm someone I've never met
You will only hear these elegant crimes
Fall on your ears from criminal dimes
They spill unfound from a pretty mouth,"

Isaac's voice was crisp and cool and while most of the group was still processing Isaac's little monologue, Kate and Leslie both smiled kindly and encouragingly, as Emery took their turn singing.

"Everybody gets there, and everybody gets there
And everybody gets their way,"

Emery's voice was more clear than normal but kept a sort of edginess to it, both them and Isaac proving their voices fit the song as Isaac sang once more.

"I never said I missed her when everybody kissed her
Now I'm the only one to blame,"

Isaac took over once more as Emery continued strumming, both of them singing together, their voices complimenting each other nicely.

"Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I feel the same, I'm on my way, and I say
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I feel the same, and I say
Things have changed for me, and that's okay,"
I feel the same, and I say
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I'm on my way, and I say,"

The two on stage exchanged a small glance and a smile as they finished out in perfect harmony.

"Things have changed for me," They sang out, as everyone applauded politely and Xavier applauded wildly in support of Emery.

"Great job," Unique smiled, "And Isaac, thank you for sharing,"

"Alright, get out of here," Harmony waved everyone off.

While a few people hung around to try to speak to Isaac, he was pleasantly surprised that they all had nice things to say to him. In the back of the auditorium, Steven found the courage to stop his sister.

"Hey," He breathed out, "Can we talk?"

"No," Sydney responded sharply.

"I just… don't see what the big deal is," Steven shook his head.

"You're straight," Sydney sneered, "I can't be caught dead with you."

"That doesn't even make any sense!" Steven was clearly getting frustrated, "I thought… I don't know. I thought we were maybe on our way to being in a good place."

"Well, you thought wrong," Sydney snapped, turning to walk out. As she walked out she couldn't help but notice a conversation happening just a few feet away from the auditorium exit, but simply didn't have the patience.

"Hey," Emery spoke slowly, managing to slip out of glee virtually unnoticed.

"Hey," Jude responded back, not able to say much else.

"I uh," Emery started slowly, "I read the gossip. Are you okay?"

"No," Jude laughed, shaking his head.

"Do you want… to talk about it?" Emery tried.

"I'm just," Jude breathed out, lowering his voice so that it was barely audible, "I wasn't out to anyone. As bi, I mean. And this isn't… how I wanted it to happen,"

"That is completely valid," Emery nodded, more surprised, albeit somewhat disappointed, that he didn't correct the thing about Xavier but knew it was not their business, "I'm sorry it happened."

"It's fine, I don't really want to talk about it," Jude sighed out, shaking his head, but was soon surprised, "What are you doing?" he half laughed.

"Hugging you," Emery responded, doing their best to comfort him, laughing as they both hesitantly pulled away looking at each other for a few long moments.

"There you are!" Xavier suddenly called out, distracting them both, "Jude we need to talk."

"Gotta go," Jude rolled his eyes, blatantly ignoring Xavier, "But uh, thanks, Em," He smiled as he turned and walked off.

"He wants me so badly," Xavier finally caught up to Emery as they both watched Jude walk off.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

"So… why are we in the auditorium?" Rey questioned; her eyebrows raised.

"If I had to guess, I'd say the same reason we always are," Savannah rolled her eyes.

"Scrimmage?" Simon suggested, admittedly, somewhat hopefully.

"Yes, but no," Will laughed.

"So… are the other schools coming?" Bryce questioned, of course, hoping to see his best friend, Zach.

"They are, yes," Mr. Schue nodded.

"Shocking," Kyla muttered just as the Troubletones appeared in the corner.

"Trina!" Sophie called out, waving.

"Audrey!" Lex called out, smiling wide at the sight of his girlfriend.

"Cay!" Rey took her turn calling out, though she was very nervous to see and speak to her.

"Weirdos!" Heather called out in turn to New Directions, laughing out as they all met them on the stage.

"Be nice!" Felix called back out defensively.

"Hard pass," Heather rolled her eyes.

"Hey buddy," Naomi immediately made way to stand next to Simon, "You holding up okay?"

"I am holding up… surprisingly well," Simon laughed, turning his head just slightly to see Rey speaking to Cay, trying to see if he could figure out how things were going.

"Hi," Rey spoke to her friend somewhat suddenly, "Can I um, talk to you for a minute?"

"Um, sure," Cay laughed, though she was confused as she excused herself from Nikki, walking to a quiet corner of the stage with Rey, "What's up?"

"I uh," Rey swallowed hard, "I need to tell you something and it's not something that's super easy or fun for me to talk about and-"

"Rey," Cay interrupted her, laughing, "You're rambling again."

"Right, sorry," Rey shook her head, eyes looking at down at her shoes "I um, I'm…gay. Very gay. And I know you are too and so it should have been easier for me to come out to you but I um, you know, I have… feelings. For…you." Rey finished, finally looking back up to see Cay's reaction.

Cay, however, was incredibly taken aback. She had gone most of her life thinking that Rey was straight, and while she, of course, accepted Rey no matter who she was or what she identified as, all of this was a lot to take in. As Cay was left speechless thinking about what to say next, her thoughts were soon interrupted by Rey.

"Please… say something. Anything," Rey sighed out, fumbling nervously with her sweater.

"I'm…happy that you're out," Cay started slowly, nodding her head, "But I'm…I'm dating Nikki."

"Oh….oh," Rey's eyes widened, "Of course, um, sorry," She turned to walk away, glad Simon was practically right there.

"I take it… that didn't go great?" Simon asked.

Shaking her head, Rey swallowed hard trying to repress the feeling of wanting to cry, "No, it didn't."

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Simon placed an arm around her, bringing her into a small hug, just as they were soon distracted by a loud voice from the auditorium entrance.

"REY!" Tommy called out loudly and dramatically, running to make his way to the stage, all of the other Warblers pretty close behind him, "Aw! Look at you and Simon being friends! That's great because you will clearly be in laws one day."

"Alright, let's slow down," Naomi laughed, coming to stand with Tommy, placing an arm on his shoulder.

"Have you guys seen Teddy?" Mack questioned, popping up behind the group.

"I thought he was with you?" Tommy furrowed his eyebrows, "Oh well, we'll find him later."

"Um, hi Mack," Simon spoke up somewhat awkwardly.

"Oh, uh, hi," Mack smiled back sheepishly.

"Tommy, Rey, let's go talk over here," Naomi quickly realized what was going on, pulling the two Abrams along with her.

"How um…how are things?" Mack questioned, trying to act casual.

"Good, good, uh, crazy week, you know?" Simon laughed awkwardly, "Look, I know we've been, you know, sort of texting back and forth but um, it's…it's good to see you in person after… everything."

"Yeah, same to you, and, you know, congratulations on coming out. I know it was…I guess kind of forced? But I'm really happy for you," Mack smiled genuinely as he nodded. "Oh and um, tell your secret affair that I say hi, alright?" He sort of gave a sad half laugh.

"Oh that part wasn't-" Simon began trying to explain but was cut off by Mack excusing himself as he noticed Vocal Adrenaline entering.

"Isaac!" Mack called out, waving his hand over his head ecstatically.

Dana had, of course, immediately battle called out to their siblings, Tommy responding just as wildly, and while Rey's was more half hearted, she of course did it as well. While basically everyone was running to get reunited with their friends and family and partners, there was one couple that was slightly less excited to talk to each other than normal.

"I don't want to talk about it," Trina sighed out.

"There's nothing to talk about!" Xavier called out dramatically, "It's not my fault that all of the Harts love me!"

"Not all of the Harts," Sophie spoke up, raising her eyebrows, arms crossed over her chest.

"Look," Trina spoke up, ignoring Sophie, "I'm not…as bothered by what the gossip blog said as much as I am the fact that you haven't tried to talk to me about it."

"I didn't know what to say!" Xavier sighed out, "The part about us being together is not true! He does have feelings for me, which you of all people should understand."

"No he doesn't," Sophie spoke dryly, barely paying attention at this point.

"Enough," Trina sighed, "We'll talk about this after, okay?" She nodded towards the directors who clearly wanted to get a move on with things.

While Xavier had opened his mouth to reiterate, he was interrupted by his own mother.

"Alright, shut up and sit down." Harmony directed the kids.

"What I think Mrs. Pearce is trying to say," Marley started slowly, not wanting to step on any toes, "Is that if you would all be so kind and come take a seat, we'll get started."

While there were mumbles and grumbles, everyone did eventually move off of the stage and sort of sporadically throughout the auditorium.

"Alright so, we're not here for a scrimmage," Trent started, "As I'm sure many of you would have come to assume."

"So why are we here?" Sydney questioned, raising their eyebrows.

"Because" Mr. Schue stepped forwards slightly, "Given the events of this week, we thought it would be good for us all to gather and sort of… talk about it. Or sing about it."

While he was met with various groans, it was Unique who stepped up to speak next.

"Gender and sexuality are very important and while you are still young, it's important to start thinking about it," Unique tried to explain.

"Exactly!" Trent agreed, "And while you don't necessarily need to figure out who you are right now, it's important to know about it. Which is why we'll treat this as a normal glee meeting, but bring a sense of… togetherness."

"Which reminds me!" Marley spoke up, "A few of my girls put something together. Tia, Mia, Zoey and Heather? Are you ready?"

"Only always," Zoey smirked as she led the three other girls up the stairs and onto the stage.

Standing in a row all holding the same pose a beat began behind them, all four girls talk-singing in turn.

"Lookie here..
Listen up...
I'm the one, oh,"

Taking the front of the stage, Zoey began talk-rapping through her verse.

"Hey, girls, my name's Alaska
I got a tiny little question to ask ya
Who's that bitch that's on the top?
Oh, wait, that's me! Hey, Porkchop!
You're born naked, the rest is drag
But your face just needs a paper bag
Gimme a challenge and I'll crush you all
Changin' the game like my name's RuPaul
Line 'em up, front to back
I'm sendin' bitches home like a heart attack
Mess with me and you'll wind up in a casket
I'm Dorothy, you're Toto, get in the basket!
I'll read you down beneath the ground
Could you hold my purse while I snatch the crown?
Legacy, remember my name
'Cause you're gonna see me hangin' in the hall of fame,"

Tia and Mia moved in perfect sync behind her as Heather very clearly was falling behind, all four girls singing together again.

"Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you
You've been read
I'm the one, one, one
I'm- I'm the one, one, one, one
I'm the one, one, one
I'm- I'm the one,"

While there was a bit of confusion among the audience, they didn't have much time to process as Tia took over next.

"Detox comin' at you with a slow verse
I'ma speed it up, I had to shut it down first
Killin' bitches so hard need a pink hearse
I ain't sayin' I'm the best, but I ain't the worst
You see me shinin' I'm tryin' to take this primetime
I see you whinin' and cryin'; take that to Lifetime
So epic that it's poetic, I spit it on a dime
On Reddit, you look pathetic with that nursery rhyme
You can't stand me? I don't blame you
If Ru's number 1, then I'm number 2
You disagree? Well, that's on you
Eyes on the chalkboard, I'll spell it out for you
D to the E to the T to the O to the- Hold it!... X
Naomi Campbell-ing the hoes to the crown, next!"

"Um," Felix spoke as he was very confused as to what was happening, but looked around the room at everyone else who seemed to just let it happen as the girls sang together once more.

"Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you
You've been read
I'm the one, one, one
I'm- I'm the one, one, one, one
I'm the one, one, one
I'm- I'm the one,"

Now taking her turn, Mia stood on the front of the stage, her voice becoming low and almost raspy as she now talk-rapped her way through her verse.

"Yekaterina Petrovna Zamolodchikova
But your dad just calls me Katya
I'm the bright red scare with the long blonde hair
Always keep 'em coming back for more
You're a basic ass hoe and it's your time to go
So bitch let me show you the door
Cause it's me whose getting laid and I'm always getting paid
The only high class Russian whore
I'm a scorching hot mess in a skin tight dress
That's a rash, not a herpes sore
Lenin in the streets, Dostoyevsky in the sheets
Baby, are you ready for this Cold War
Katya Zamolodchikova,"

As the girls went back in sync moving and singing, Marley had considered asking them to stop but kind of wanted to see where this was going.

"Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you
You've been read
I'm the one, one, one
I'm- I'm the one, one, one, one
I'm the one, one, one
I'm- I'm the one,"

As Heather took over to do her part on her own, her just speaking was somehow out of tune.

"I'm Roxxxy Andrews and I'm here to make it clear
I know you love me, baby, that's why you brought me here
Was a bitch on Season five, I'm gonna make it right
Give me a sewing challenge and I'll give you what you like
I'm full of tricks, baby, just like on Halloween
A room full of monsters and it makes me wanna scream
I have to get this right so you don't waste your time
Not like my comedy, I'm killing on this rhyme
I'm gonna show you what I can do
You're going crazy and seeing two
It's not my fault, you can't blame my game
All these other hoes, but they're all the same,"

As Heather, for some reason, sang the end of her verse, it left most people in the audience cringing, just for the girls to sing together, coming together in a pose once more as they finished out the song.

"Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you, read you
Wrote you, told you, now I- now I read you
You've been read,"

While the audience was divided between those who were applauding, those who were laughing and those who were confused, it was broken up by Mr. Schue speaking up, "Great energy, but um, that song was entirely inappropriate."

"Whatever, William," Heather waved him off, as the girls made their way off the stage.

While Will looked to Marley for help she simply shrugged as Trent spoke up.

"Were there… any other performances?" He questioned looking around.

While everyone else looked around too, it seemed nobody did have anything planned.

"Well, of course Vocal Adrenaline has something planned," Harmony spoke up decisively looking around the auditorium. "Chloe?" Her eyes landed on her daughter.

Vocal Adrenaline did not have anything planned, but slow as ever, Chloe surprised her mother and everyone else that knew her by shrugging and making her way to the stage, Dana in tow.

"You… have something planned?" Unique questioned nervously.

"Enough," Chloe shrugged.

"This'll be good," Isaac murmured to Mack who he was sitting next to.

Badly strumming along on a guitar once she got on stage, Chloe began singing in a very dry and deep voice.

"Tell me somethin', girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more?
Is there somethin' else you're searchin' for?"

"Yes Chloe!" Xavier called out excitedly for his sister, momentarily forgetting that he was going through an inner turmoil.

"I'm falling
In all the good times I find myself longin' for change
And, in the bad times, I fear myself,"

As Chloe wrapped up, she continued strumming, Dana jumped in immediately belting out.

"I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I'll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface where they can't hurt us
We're far from the shallow now,"

Tommy and Rey who sat together cheered almost unrealistically loudly for Dana just as they really called out into the audience.

"Oh, ha, ah, ha
Oh-ah, ha
Oh, ha, ah, ha
I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I'll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface where they can't hurt us
We're far from the shallow now,"

Still strumming with great disinterest, Chloe now sang along with Dana as they closed the song out together.

"In the sha-ha-sha-ha-low
In the sha-ha-sha-la-la-la-low
In the sha-ha-sha-ha-ha-low
We're far from the shallow now,"

Much like the group before them, they earned confused but excited applause.

"That was… something!" Marley tried to speak optimistically.

"If there's nothing else," Will spoke up, not wanting any other performances like either of those, "We'd like to talk to you all about the gossip blog that's going around."

"Good timing," Addison shook his head, "Cause they just posted again."

"Who's the victim this time?" Eric questioned curiously.

"I'm going to fucking kill them," Zach stood up suddenly angry as he looked at his phone.

"Zach," Kate grabbed his arm trying to get him to calm down.

"Nah, whoever did this is going down," Bryce agreed just as angrily.

"I…" Oscar looked down at his phone, dropping it before running out of the auditorium.

"Oh no…." Marley looked down, finally getting caught up on the gossip blog, completely outing Oscar as a trans man.

"Kendall this is low, even for you." Kate shook her head.

"Listen, I've done some shitty shady shit, but I would never intentionally out someone. I'm a trans person too, I know what it's like." She was confused and upset as she looked at her phone.

"But we know you're behind the gossip," Oliver surprised the group by speaking up, "So if not you, then who?"

"I don't know!" Kendall threw her hands in the air, "I swear to God this wasn't me."

"Respectfully it is just…a little hard to trust you," Steven spoke up.

"She didn't do it," Ambrose took his turn surprising the people around him, "I know Kendall and I aren't…. incredibly close. But I was there when she came out to me. She didn't do this."

"I mean… Ambrose has never lied to us before," Sutton nodded, sticking up for him.

"Alright," Trent sighed out, finally getting his head wrapped around all this, "We're going to try to figure this out. But I need to go find Oscar," He announced.

"I'm coming with you," Zach spoke decisively.

"No… I will," Kyla swallowed hard.

"Neither of you are coming, thank you, but I think it's best if I just go," Trent nodded, heading out.

"Just… hold tight guys," Marley shook her head, sighing out.

While things were somewhat awkward, the kids eventually took this time to mingle among each other once more.

"So…. you two are dating?" Teddy spoke to his sister and Nikki.

"Would appear that way, Teddy," Nikki smirked.

"Well, if that's the case I'm… happy for you," He tried to force a smile.

"Don't worry, I'm nothing like Sutton," Nikki mused.

"That… actually does make me feel better," Teddy laughed.

"There you are!" Mack called out to Teddy.

"Oh good," Teddy sighed out, "If you two will excuse me," He smiled to Nikki and Cay before turning to face Mack, "What is it?"

"I've been looking all over for you!" Mack was clearly out of breath from running to grab his co-councilman.

"I got that. But why?" Teddy was confused.

"I just thought what you said in glee this morning was really cool and there's someone I want you to meet," Mack explained with a shrug.

"Okay? You're not trying to set me up are you? I thought it made it very clear that I'm not interested in dating," Teddy shook his head.

"Not at all! But this," Mack pulled Isaac who was only a few feet away over to them, "Is my brother Isaac. And he actually came out as asexual to his glee club today too."

"Really?" Teddy looked over to Isaac.

"Yeah," Isaac nodded slightly, "I'm homoromantic, so I guess we're different in that? But I've uh, I don't think I've ever met another asexual person."

"I know of one," Teddy nodded, referring to Finley, "But they also sort of… came out this week, it would appear."

"Big week for coming out," Isaac smirked.

"Well, I'll let you two gentlemen get acquainted!" Mack spoke, proud of himself for remembering what acquainted meant.

"Sure and Mack?" Teddy spoke out.

"Yeah?" Mack was confused but turned to face Teddy again anyway.

"Thanks," Teddy smiled.

"Of course," Mack nodded, fist bumping Teddy just before wandering off.

"How come you didn't tell me?" Leah had managed to pull Jude aside, referring to him being bisexual.

"Because it's none of your business. Please stop talking to me," Jude sighed out, defeated.

"I meant while we were dating," Leah raised her eyebrows.

"Honestly? Because I thought I was gonna be stuck in that shitty relationship with you for the rest of my life. And so it didn't matter! Besides, I didn't want to pile on to the millions of problems we already had," Jude spoke, his voice low but clearly angry.

"I just think I should have known. And I'm tired of you acting like you're the victim. You put me through a lot, Jude." Leah soon matched his anger.

"I was sick, Leah. I'm still just trying to get better. And you're not helping," Jude began to walk away.

"Oh, and that weirdo girl that you and Xavier are always hanging out with is helping? What is she doing that I'm not?" Leah was embarrassed about how frustrated she was getting.

"First of all, they're not a girl. Secondly, leave Emery out of this. Thirdly, she's nice to me, something you never were," Jude practically spat his words out.

Sighing out, Jude turned to go try to find Emery, desperate to sort things out. He was quickly confused and concerned though as he saw them talking to Sophie.

"Are you sure you don't want to come to confession? I think it would be so much fun. Bestie bonding!" Sophie tried.

"I'll uh, I'll get back to you," Emery laughed.

"Oh, God," Jude sighed out.

"Exactly!" Sophie grinned.

"Can you please stop trying to bring all of my friends to confession?" Jude pleaded with his youngest sister.

"Don't get big headed. Emery's my friend," Sophie placed a hand on her hip.

"Okay well, then can I talk to your friend? Alone?" Jude raised his eyebrows.

"Alright, fine. Emery? If he tries anything, let me know. I'll tell God and let him deal with it," Sophie noted before walking off.

"Uh, thanks, Sophie," Emery laughed before turning to face Jude, "She's a little firecracker, isn't she?"

"Yeah, she's alright," Jude smirked, "So I uh, just wanted to talk to you about… everything. I know today has already been a lot and-" Jude was surprised that Emery cut him off.

"Sophie told me. About you know, the spread of misinformation. I know you don't, you know, have a crush on Xavier, but that you are bi." Emery explained.

"Is that… all Sophie told you? About, you know, um, crushes and that kind of thing?" Jude asked, suddenly nervous.

"Nope," Emery smirked, partially at Jude, and partially to herself as she walked off to talk to go say hi to Lex.

As things started calming down inside the auditorium, Oscar finally found himself sitting on the floor alone and catching his breath out in the hallway. He didn't even know how anyone knew. The only people around him in any vicinity that should have known were Zach, Bryce and his dad, and he knew none of them would ever tell. As he was lost in his thoughts he soon felt a shadow over him.

"You doing okay, kiddo?" The voice got closer as the man before him knelt to be close to the same level as him.

"Not… really," Oscar shook his head. "Sorry…coach…Beiste, right?"

"That's me," Sheldon smiled proudly, "You're one of them glee kids, right? Will's actually asked me to come say a few words but kind of looks like you could use some on your own."

"What were you going to talk to us about?" Oscar asked curiously.

"Well, I know you're doing that whole queer thing this week, so I was asked, as a gay trans man, to come talk about my experience," Coach Beiste explained.

"You're… a trans man?" Oscar questioned, not realizing this.

"Sure am. Proud one too," Sheldon smirked, nodding.

"There you are!" Trent called out from the end of the hallway, "Oh honey, I was so worried!"

"Come on, lemme help you up," Sheldon offered his hand for Oscar to take as they both stood up straight.

"Thank you, very much," Trent smiled to the coach before looking to his son, "Do you want to go back to glee? Or just go home?"

"I'll…" Oscar weighed his options for a moment, "I think I should go back to glee."

"Atta boy," Trent smiled, "I know your brother is worried about you. Kyla too."

"Oh?" Oscar's face got flushed for a moment, "Oh and um, Coach Beiste? Thanks,"

"Not sure what you're thanking me for," Sheldon laughed, "But my office is just down there," he paused to point, "If you need anything, and I do mean anything, you come on down, okay?"

"I will," Oscar nodded, "Thanks."

Walking back into the auditorium, Trent and Oscar were not expecting to see the uproar before them that they did.

"What's going on?!" Trent questioned, very much confused.

"Nobody is leaving until we get to the bottom of who the gossip blog is," Will stated to Trent just as he did to everyone else just moments ago.

"What?" Oscar's eyes widened.

"We need to figure it out. It's too much," Marley nodded in agreement.

While the kids continued to argue back and forth over who they thought it was and how it was unfair that they were all now stuck there, Kendall had pulled one of her sources to the side.

"When I gave you access to the site I didn't mean you could out someone. That was so incredibly uncool," Kendall spoke her voice low.

"So? You outed Simon and Finley and Jude. How is this any different?" Her partner in crime questioned.

"Because I didn't know! I was just going off what I was told by you. And it was never directly outing someone. That was seriously fucked up," Kendall shook her head.

"Listen, I won't do it again," The words were followed by a deep sigh, "But do you want to know the information I have on Sophie or not?"

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! Just wanted to pop back in here quickly to say as I've sort of mentioned at the beginning I'm sure many of you have more questions now than what you started with, so please if you have any queries or concerns about your characters or where things are going, don't hesitate to reach out! Thanks, and have a great few weeks and happy holidays if there's no new chapter before then!

Changes - David Bowie
Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie
Falling for U - Peach! ft mxtoon
7 Things - Miley Cyrus
MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) - Lil Nas x
Woman - Kesha
Give Your Heart a Break - Demi Lovato (inspired by glee cast lol)
I Can't Love You - Adore Delano
That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed) - Panic! at the Disco
Read U Wrote U - Rupaul ft. Alaska, Detox, Katya, Roxxxy
Shallow - Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga