A New Direction - SYOC CLOSED

by safeDbeginswiths

A second gen syoc! Please read details inside :)

12. Secrets

A/N: Hi everyone! This author's note is going to be a bit of a doozy so please forgive me! I've just got a lot of stuff to get through lol!

The first is that I want to say happy new year and thank you so much to everyone who's been keeping up with the story! It's insane to me that I've been writing this fic for six months, and exciting that I get to continue writing it into the new year! Your guys' support means so much, so thank you!
On that note, however, as we get closer to regionals I am going to begin slowly but surely writing some characters out, specifically those who I may not have heard from since near the beginning. I promise this is not a threat lol, but I just really need to know who's still here and writing so I can plan all of the post-regionals plots (as I've got everything up until regionals plotted and figured out)! So as much as I would love to hear from you guys every single chapter (and there are some of you that I do, so thank you for that!) just a PM or a review anytime between now and regionals (which is 4-5ish chapters away I think?) would be super appreciated to let me know you're still here!

Now onto the context of this chapter - this one is a DOOZY. There are no breaks the way there usually are between the glee clubs as it is a continuation of the last chapter and it all takes place in the same afternoon, save for the last scene. It's also the first chapter I've ever written to not include any songs. I was going for a very sort of John Hughes everyone spilling their guts sort of vibe so this chapter is also incredibly heavy compared to the others so I've left a list of possible triggers that I ask you check beforehand just to be safe! That said, this is a real turning point for a lot of the characters so I really would love to hear your thoughts about it and hope you all enjoy! (And of course, as always, my PMs are open for any sort of questions or concerns you may have!)

TW: Family issues, sexuality, body issues, mental health, homelessness, mentions of abuse, mentions of alcoholism, mentions of drug use.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON, CONT'D.

Hearing the news that they were all stuck here until they figured things out, the students at first, were very much annoyed and confused, wondering if that was even allowed. But, after a few moments of accepting their fate they all seemed to move on to talk to their friends, partners, and families.

"They're taking this… surprisingly well," Marley noted.

"Let's be happy it's that and not the opposite," Will nodded.

"So… what now? We just wait until someone confesses?" Trent spoke confused, and somewhat annoyed that he was not included in the decision to keep the kids here.

"Well, that stupid blog is bound to post something while we're here," Harmony rolled her eyes, "Maybe we can do something with that?"

"I'm so glad you mentioned that!" Sutton raised an index finger, interrupting their conversation.

"What's up, honey?" Marley questioned, intrigued.

"If something gets posted on the blog while we're in here, if I have a laptop I can trace it back and figure out whose device it came from," Sutton explained.

"You know how to do all that?" Ambrose, who was standing nearby, raised his eyebrows.

"Of course I do, I'm more than just a pretty face," Sutton grinned.

"While I'm just as confused as Ambrose seems to be that you have any sort of actual intelligence," Oliver nodded towards Sutton, "I'll let you use my laptop."

"No, I don't trust you," Ambrose shook his head, "You're just going to try to pin it all on Kendall."

"Why would you think that?" Oliver rolled his eyes.

"Because you tried to call her out earlier," Ambrose reminded him.

"Oh no," Sutton's eyes went wide, "This does not work with my fantasy."

"Okay, how about this," Unique intervened, "All three of you go and work this out. As a team."

"Hell yeah!" Sutton fist pumped.

"Fine," Ambrose conceded, shaking his head.

"Absolutely not, I'm not third wheeling," Oliver tried to stand his ground.

"Please, honey," Marley practically begged, "Don't you want to know how that story about you got posted?"

"Fine," Oliver finally responded in the same tone as Ambrose previously, "But I'm not happy about it."

"What do you think they're getting up to?" Cay questioned Nikki.

"I don't think I want to know," Nikki shook her head. "So uh, hey, what did Rey want to talk to you about, by the way?"

"It was, um, it was nothing," Cay shook her head, looking over to Rey somewhat sadly, not knowing if she'd lost her friend for good or not.

"It sure doesn't seem like nothing," Nikki raised her eyebrows, "Come on, I'm your girlfriend. You can tell me," She nodded encouragingly.

"She um, came out to me. As gay. And I'm very happy for her but…" Cay trailed off.

"Let me guess," Nikki smirked, "She has feelings for you?"

"How did you know?" Cay questioned a little skeptically.

"I mean, I can't blame her, clearly," Nikki laughed, "But being in love with your best friend is like, coming out 101," She shrugged.

"Huh," Cay nodded slowly, "I guess you're right," she quickly turned her head cringing slightly as she saw the scene happening not too far away from them, "yikes," was all she could muster.

"You said we'd talk about it later! It's later, now!" Xavier called out.

"I need time Xavier, real time!" Trina practically whined back, the two unaware they were causing a scene.

"I can't stand to be away from you," Xavier pouted.

"Really? Cause you could stand to not text me and leave me in the dark all day!" Trina spat back.

"Damn, she got you, bestie," Sophie smirked, appearing from seemingly nowhere, trying to high five Trina who did not notice.

"I was just as in shock as you were!" Xavier's jaw dropped, "I mean obviously Jude finds me irresistible but-"

"Oh my God!" Trina threw her hands up in defeat, walking away, Sophie close behind her.

"You know," Sophie sighed out, "We're not supposed to use the lord's name in vain. But I'll give you this one freebie. But you should talk about it in confession, that's between you and the big guy."

"How you holding up?" Kyla surprised Oscar by going to find him where he sat alone in the back of the auditorium.

"Oh uh, about as well as you can imagine," Oscar sighed out, not making eye contact.

"I uh," Kyla started slowly, taking a seat next to him, "I just want you to know that… the news that dropped about you, assuming it's real, it, you know, doesn't change things."

"It is real," Oscar suddenly looked up at Kyla, "What kind of things do you mean?"

"You know," Kyla suddenly felt very shy, "Like… between us?"

"There's… something between us?" Oscar's face suddenly grew hot.

"Yeah, dummy," Kyla nudged him, "I mean, I'm assuming you feel it too? I won't… make a big deal of it or anything, or like, obviously rush into anything but I just… think it's important for me to tell you that you being trans doesn't change how I feel about you. Not that it should anyways but, um, yeah," Kyla now also blushed.

"Um, thank you, for… saying all that," Oscar's face somehow got even redder, as he and Kyla inched closer and closer together.

"There you are!" Bryce called out dramatically before seeing what he was interrupting, "Crap! Sorry! Pretend like I was never here!"

"Too late," Kyla sighed out, "The moment's gone,"

"Thanks for nothing Bryce," Oscar murmured.

"Sorry, I just wanted to alert you guys that the uh… the gossip blog? Posted again," Bryce spoke shrugging.

"What? About who?" Kyla questioned.

"I am not a hoarder!" Sophie practically screamed down towards the front of the stage, most of the students making their way down, all reading the latest post on the blog.

"I mean, you do have a lot of crystals," Jude noted, patting his little sister on the back.

"That's not hoarding! That's cleansing!" Sophie pouted.

"Aren't you… super religious?" Savannah questioned tentatively.

"Yes, and?" Sophie placed her hands on her hips.

"I just didn't think someone so religious would be so into something like crystals," Savannah raised her eyebrows.

"I can be multiple things! I have depth!" Sophie pouted once more.

"We got it!" Sutton called out dramatically.

"Really?" Marley's eyes widened.

"Surprisingly, yes," Ambrose let out a half chuckle.

"Got what?" Steven questioned, curiously.

"Basically, I was able to track where the post was… well, being posted. Like what device, you know?" Sutton began to explain.

"Okay, so…" Leah began slowly, "Where is it coming from?"

"That's the thing," Oliver stepped in, "He doesn't know,"

"What do you mean you don't know?" Addison questioned, tilting his head.

"Well," Sutton spoke, trying to juggle the laptop in his arms, "I know it's coming from a cell phone in this room but it's still…. processing who the phone belongs to. Like the number and registration and all that fancy schmancy stuff."

"So we have to keep waiting?" Nikki verified.

"Yes," Sutton nodded, "It shouldn't take more than an hour, but there's a lot of us in this room so… it's best if we can stay busy for a little bit."

"Any ideas?" Lex tried.

"Hide and seek!" Sawyer suggested.

"No," Sydney and Anthony spoke in sync.

"We could talk about our feelings?" Mack tried.

"No, Mack," Teddy sighed out.

"We could… I don't know, share stories about ourselves or something though?" Eric took his turn making a suggestion.

"I mean… if gossip is going to find out about us all anyways, that's not the worst idea in the world," Kate agreed with her brother.

"Hard pass," Heather scrunched her nose up.

"Come ooooon, it could be fun," Mia nudged her girlfriend.

"Never thought I'd say this, but I agree with Heather," Zoey rolled her eyes, "Didn't we all do enough sharing this week?"

"You didn't share anything," Naomi pointed out.

"Exactly," Zoey raised her eyebrows, crossing her arms over her chest, "I'd like to keep it that way,"

"I think it could be good," Marley spoke up, walking towards her girls, "Like Kate suggested, the gossip blog is going to spread it however they see fit. Wouldn't it be better to know the truth from the source?"

After lots of grumbling between the students they finally all agreed to talk about themselves, and soon all fifty kids, along with all five members of staff sat in a very misshaped circle around the stage.

"So… who wants to go first?" Mr. Schue tried.

"This feels… kind of forced," Felix noted, "Like don't get me wrong, I'm down but…I'm not sure any of us even know where to start."

"I do!" Sutton surprised the group by speaking up.

"Are you gonna confess your love to Ambrose again?" Zach teased.

"Or drop another big secret like you being a genius?" Oliver raised his eyebrows.

"No!" Sutton breathed out, "But you all did just prove the point I was about to make. Nobody takes me seriously!"

"Yeah, me either!" Dana nodded furiously.

"Dana, respectfully," Kate spoke slowly, "Do you want to be taken seriously?"

"Huh," Dana paused for a moment, "Nope!" They called out before performing a sat-down version of the macarena.

"This is what I mean!" Sutton groaned, "I can't say anything without it turning into a bit!"

"We thought you liked doing bits?" Tommy tried.

"You know me, I do love a good bit," Sutton nodded, "But it would be… nice to be taken seriously from time to time. Like I'm not all jokes and goofs? I know we all end up laughing at the songs I try to perform, but sometimes it's shitty cause like… I know some of them are silly? But most of the time I am trying. I'm trying really hard."

"We didn't know you felt that way," Teddy was surprised at the confession from Sutton.

"I'm sorry, Sutton," Frank nodded, "I guess because you laughed about it, we all figured we could too?"

"Don't get me wrong," Sutton shook his head, "I want you guys to be able to laugh, but I want it to be laughing with me. Not at me."

"I don't think anyone was laughing at you directly," Eric tried to help.

"No, but it can feel that way," Ambrose stood up for Sutton, "I genuinely apologize if you've ever felt like I laughed at you instead of with you. That was never my intent. You bring a sense of… I don't know… joy? To every meeting. We all appreciate your light."

"God, get a room," Kendall smirked.

While both boys blushed, Sutton simply nodded uttering a small, "Thanks."

"I think," Trent clapped his hands together, "That's a great start. Does anyone else have anything?"

"I um," Eric took his turn speaking up, "I guess it's just hard for me to talk about these things sometimes? I guess, like, my life is pretty good, you know? I don't have much to complain about."

"So why bother speaking on it at all?" Zoey looked at her nails, disliking Eric just because he was dating her brother, Addison.

"I just, um," Eric stuttered through his words, "It's difficult because I sometimes think people see me this like naïve, innocent, stupid guy. And I'm not stupid. I just… like to see things in a positive way."

"You're not stupid, babe," Addison immediately went to grab Eric's hand, "You're one of the smartest people I know."

"I guess… it just doesn't always feel like that, you know?" Eric shrugged.

"I agree with you, in a way, Eric," Kate nodded, "I feel like, and please don't take offence to this, Vocal Adrenaline, but you don't always… see me as a serious person in the group."

"I see you that way," Jude shrugged, "I think we all do after you yelled at us," He half laughed.

"You yelled at them?" Zach laughed, "That's awesome,"

"No, it wasn't," Kate sighed out, "But it did suck that that's the only way you guys would take me seriously."

"I know I can't speak for all of Vocal Adrenaline," Emery spoke up, "But I feel like we all have this sort of, like, unspoken thing where we all respect the hell out of you. Your positivity is incredible and you're like… the glue that holds us all together. I'm kind of jealous of your ability to do that."

"Really?" Kate's eyebrows raised, "I didn't think you even cared that I was in the group at all."

"We all care, Kate. You welcomed me the very first day I auditioned. I was one of the newest additions, and you have always treated me like I've been here forever," Isaac shrugged.

"Thank you for saying that, it's just… nice to be appreciated. It's just hard to have to be so happy and optimistic all the time, you know?" Kate shrugged.

"You shouldn't have to be, though," Sawyer nodded, "I mean, not that I'm one to talk, but you gotta do what makes you happy instead of doing what you gotta to make others happy. Does that make sense?"

"It does," Kate smiled kindly.

"But you are kind of hypocritical for that," Sydney raised her eyebrows, looking towards Sawyer, "You're all sunshine and rainbows."

"I mean sure, but that's just how I see the world! I just like to see the good in things and in people," Sawyer shrugged.

"So you have… no issues. At all? With anything?" Chloe raised her eyebrows in disbelief.

"I mean like, my mom is… a lot. She's very loud and very opinionated. She also, as a completely separate thing, has down syndrome. So like, we tend to get a lot of very odd looks when we go out as a family, and people usually… judge us before they know our story at all. But it's best to see the good in that, you know?" Sawyer let out a deep breath of air.

"I actually… know exactly what you mean," Rey nodded, "I also try to see the best in things, but my dad is in a wheelchair. So people sort of… judge us whenever we're out together. Like it somehow makes him less of a good dad? It sucks."

"That's awful," Sawyer shook their head, "But I'm glad you kind of… get it."

"Yeah," Rey offered a small half smile, "My dad and I are always doing stuff together too cause like, I dunno, sometimes it feels like my mom doesn't really like me? Or like me as much as she likes my siblings?"

"Now hold on," Tommy suddenly spoke up, "I always felt like Dad didn't really like me… certainly not as much as he likes you, anyways."

"Really?" Rey raised her eyebrows. "I just assumed you didn't care because you and Mom are so close."

"We are, and I love Mom, but sometimes I wish I could be close with Dad like you are," Tommy was surprised to find himself admitting.

"That is… so surprising to me," Rey half laughed, "Because I wish I could be closer with Mom."

"Maybe we switch up our typical Friday nights and I hang out with Dad, and you can hang out with Mom?" Tommy suggested.

"I'd like that," Rey nodded smiling, suddenly turning to Dana, "Do you have anything to add?"

"I love Mike Chang," Dana nodded.

"Unbelievable," Teddy shook his head.

"Look at you all!" Unique grinned, "This feels very therapeutic."

"Does anyone have anything else to get off their chest?" Trent questioned.

"I do," Kyla swallowed hard, looking around the room nervously, "I um…" She paused looking down.

"Take your time," Mr. Schue smiled kindly.

After several long moments, Kyla finally spoke up again, "I'm…I'm a Swiftie. I think she speaks to us as a nation and her music is incredible."

"I don't even know what that means," Oscar muttered.

"That's… not a big deal," Tia furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, "The Troubletones literally did a whole week devoted to her when we were singing about heartache."

"Look at me!" Kyla called out, "I am not a typical T Swift listener. I just… had to get it off my chest."

"That was your whole reveal?" Delia raised her eyebrows.

"Yes," Kyla spoke dryly, "I was hoping for more support than this if I'm being honest."

"We all support you," Bryce nodded, "Just uh, caught us off guard I think!" He tried to smooth things over.

"Did anyone else," Harmony spoke up, desperate to move on, "Have anything else they wanted to try to share?"

"I mean," Lex spoke up suddenly, Audrey immediately holding his hand in hers as he did, "My glee club already knows but um, I'm bisexual. I don't want a massive deal to be made of it, but it's cool to just be vibing now, you know?"

"Congrats on coming out, Lex," Emery smiled at him as they sat on opposite ends of the lopsided circle.

"Thanks! It was kind of weird, but, I'm glad I'm out," Lex grinned.

"I agree," Simon nodded, "I mean, I was outed by the gossip blog. Kind of? But it's nice to be able to say that I'm proud to you know, be gay."

"And I'm proud of you," Naomi grinned.

"Oh and uh," Simon's face flushed slightly as he made eye contact with Mack for a second, "I just wanted to say… to the whole room… that I am not, you know, having an affair with anyone in another glee club. I am um, single. Very single."

"Wow," Mack's eyes widened, "That's crazy um, I'm um, I'm single too."

"What the hell is happening?" Oliver turned to face Nikki who only met his glance with a shrug.

"Oh wow!" Simon responded, nodding, "Cool, cool, cool."

"Oh my God," Naomi laughed, embarrassed for and of her brother.

"Huh?" Tommy questioned, much like Oliver, trying to figure out what was going on.

"Did you… did you want to add something else, Mack?" Trent tried to move things along.

"Oh! I did actually!" Mack suddenly remembered, "I um, I dunno. This seems like a silly thing to complain about? But I'm, you know, um, demisexual?"

"So… what exactly does that mean?" Simon looked over to Mack, though he was asking the question that was on many of their minds.

"Oh, it um," Mack's face flushed, "It basically means that like.. I can, um, you know, have feelings for anyone? But it's difficult for me to have, like, physical or… beyond… attraction to anyone without forming a real bond with them first? Like, be emotionally in touch with each other, I guess?"

"That makes sense," Isaac nodded, hoping to move on from talking about his brother's personal life.

"I also just want to add," Mack started again slowly, "That I'm bi? I mean, I'm sure most of you know I'm LGBT+ but like…I'm not gay. It's actually a very harmful stereotype that just because I'm in touch with my emotions I must be homosexual. When that's not the case."

While many people were surprised by Mack's ability to deliver a genuine point and articulate it so well, it was Steven who finally broke the silence.

"I get that cause, I'm… straight," Steven spoke nervously, refusing to look at Sydney, "But because I'm very into musical theater and that sort of thing people assume I'm gay? My whole family is also… queer, so I sometimes find it hard to fit in."

"A straight cis white man having a hard time fitting in? Please," Naomi couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"In his defense," Leslie surprised the group as she spoke up, "Sydney was... kind of awful about it. At least in glee?"

"Way to throw me under the bus," Sydney sneered.

"No… Leslie is right. You always make me feel so excluded, like an outsider. At home and in glee. When my main motivation for joining glee was to try to get closer to you," Steven admitted.

"Wait, what?" Sydney was surprised to hear that.

"I know… our relationship hasn't always been great," Steven admitted, "But I really admire you. You're… my idol. I'm sorry that you find me annoying, I just want to be… a worthy brother for you."

"Steven…" Sydney sighed out, for the first time in her life realizing that her anger with Steven could have been misplaced, "I'm sorry for treating you so poorly. I genuinely am. You're annoying as hell, but I guess that's what brothers are for, right?"

"So true, bestie," Sophie spoke up nodding.

"Anyway," Sydney ignored Sophie, "I don't know. It's just hard. You and Elliot are so close, and I feel like I'll never be enough for Dad. I try and try again and then try even harder. I'm constantly pushing myself – and others – to try to be as perfect as I can. But he always has something to complain about or tell me I'm wrong, and I'm just…" Sydney was surprised to feel their voice cracking, "I'm just so tired."

While most of the room was in shock about this side of Sydney being shown, Frank who sat next to her, placed a comforting arm around her, everyone else waiting for someone to speak up.

"I," Xavier bit his lip, finally breaking the silence, "I can kind of relate to that, actually."

"Huh?" Harmony and Chloe surprised each other as they spoke in unison.

"I just feel like no matter what I try it's like… I didn't 'understand the assignment'," he put the term in air quotes, "I am trying very hard but sometimes it just feels like impressing my mother is impossible. Especially when she's my glee coach."

Before Harmony had a chance to say anything, another voice spoke up.

"Yeah I hear that. About your mom, and also my parents," Anthony huffed out, anyone who knew him was immediately surprised to hear him speak about this, "I love my parents so much but they're always just… too busy for me? Or like constantly putting each other first. Which I guess is fine because they're married, but I dunno, it just seems like they… totally forget me sometimes."

"Wow, Anthony," Sydney couldn't help but smirk, "Looks like we've got more in common than just being the most talented people in this room."

"I get that, in a sort of way though," Isaac spoke up, "I feel like my parents are all Warblers alumni and my brother is the head of the council-"

"Barely," Teddy muttered under his breath, interrupting Isaac.

"And like…" Isaac tried to get back on track, "I chose to go to Carmel to be different in that sense? But it is hard not being seen in the same sort of high esteem that they are, especially Mack, just because I go to a different school."

"Isaac," Mack breathed out, "I don't know if it helps, but I have no damn clue what I'm doing on that council."

"Shocker," Teddy laughed.

"I just want you to know," Mack continued, not hearing Teddy, "That you've got such a good head on your shoulders. And we're equals, I'm sorry if you've ever felt otherwise."

"Thanks, Mack," Isaac nodded, "It's just hard to talk about sometimes, you know?"

"I, um," A meek voice spoke up, "I kind of get that? What all of you were saying," Flora admitted.

"In what way?" Will questioned cautiously.

"I don't mean any offence to you by saying this but… it's a lot to be in a glee club with your parent as the coach. It's just like there's this weird unspoken pressure," Flora admitted.

"Preach," Nikki and Zach laughed after realizing they'd spoken in unison.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Will asked Flora, clearly very concerned.

"I just… you and mom worry about me. Too much, at times, I think. To the point where I didn't even really know anyone in glee despite them all knowing each other? But then I didn't realize the opposite would just be… stuck in the background? Or feeling like I'm not as good as Delia?"

"What?" Delia suddenly spoke up, "What do you mean by that?"

"Just that, I don't know," Flora shook her head, "Coming into glee this year and having you have been there for three years already was…intimidating. I know we're not the closest, but I feel like it drew us even farther apart in a way?"

"If I would have known that I would have switched to the Troubletones way sooner," Delia admitted, "The only reason I was hesitant to leave was because Dad made it sound like he wanted me there for your sake."

"Dad told you that?" The two girls now looked to their father, suddenly realizing there was a decently big chance that he was the reason the two girls felt so distant from each other for so long.

"I don't know if that's exactly how I worded it," Mr. Schue tried to step in.

"It doesn't matter," Delia retorted, "You've always put Flora before me, and now I'm just finding out she feels like she's being compared to me? That's fucked up."

"Watch your language, Delia" Will tried to regain any sort of control, but failed as Delia interrupted him.

"Flora, I… owe you an apology. While I'm realizing now and am disappointed but not surprised that our father inadvertently turned me against you, I also have a bit of… difficulty, letting people in. But that's not your fault," Delia finished with a small nod.

"I'm sorry too," Flora sighed out, "And thank you for being honest. About the whole… not letting people in thing? Because that's all I've kind of ever wanted from you."

"Delia's not the only one who has trouble letting people in," Mia sighed out, defeated.

"Respectfully, Mia," Audrey couldn't help but laugh, "You're one of the most emotionally available people I know."

"I'm not talking about myself," Mia stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Oh, here we go," Heather rolled her eyes.

"Trouble in paradise?" Zoey smirked.

"I just want you to be more open with your emotions! Is that so difficult for you to do?" Mia ignored Zoey, her voice raising just slightly.

"I'm always open with my emotions! It's not my fault you don't notice!" Heather clearly was growing more and more irritated.

"Name one time that you were open with your emotions with me," Mia tested her.

"I sang that whole dumb ass Taylor Swift song to you!" Heather reminded her.

"You know how I feel about that, why would you say that?" Kyla groaned.

"Okay that is enough!" Unique finally stepped in, "While I'm glad we're all… getting some things off our chests, I feel like this is getting somewhat… out of hand."

"We're all just sharing, I thought that was the whole point?" Rowan spoke up, not rudely, but genuinely confused.

"I just think… there are better ways to go about it," Marley spoke, "Like maybe we don't necessarily jump into couples counseling or calling out other people. Maybe let's just keep talking about ourselves."

"On that note," Trent spoke slowly, "Does anyone have anything personal about themselves they'd like to say?"

"Yeah, I've got something," Frank spoke up suddenly.

"Oh?" Trent looked over to them.

"Yeah, I um, this is hard to talk about," he started slowly, "But I feel like the Asian American community doesn't accept me," he breathed out.

"Frank, you're black," Sydney was surprised she even had to remind him.

"We don't know that for sure!" Bob argued.

"Now what the hell is this?" Naomi blinked in absolute bewilderment.

"I'm sorry could you… elaborate?" Ambrose asked despite being almost afraid to.

"Each of our dads had one of us biologically. With a different surrogate. So we don't know who's dad is who," Frank tried his best to explain.

"I always thought I was David's?" Bob spoke, feeling weirded out by saying his dad's first name, "But now I'm not so sure,"

"Wait," Addison shook his head, "So you both technically have a different dad and a different mom but they're still… biologically your parents?" he asked for clarity.

"It's complicated," Frank shrugged.

"Yeah, complicated," Bob nodded in agreement.

"I think…I actually kind of get that," Kate laughed, "Eric and I are both surrogate, the same woman but, I think people always just sort of… assume we're adopted?"

"They definitely do. And I mean, Kate and I look pretty similar, so I can't even imagine what that's like for you guys," Eric shook his head, "Um, no offence."

"None taken," Frank waved him off, laughing.

"I mean, we've kind of got a weird family thing too," Lex sighed out, looking at first to Michael and then to Anthony.

"Oh yeah, I always forget about that," Anthony thought out loud.

"I can't help but feel like we're missing something?" Sydney raised their eyebrows.

"Anthony's mom was my surrogate," Lex did his best to explain, "So biologically, we're you know, related."

"Don't remind me," Anthony rolled his eyes.

"And then I'm adopted," Michael spoke up, "Clearly."

"So you and him are brothers by adoption," Ingrid slowly spoke up nodding towards Lex, "But he and Anthony are actually related?"

"Yeah, it's um, actually kind of a sore subject," Michael admitted.

"What?" This caught Lex completely off guard, "Really?"

"Yeah, I don't know," Michael shook his head, "Like… I just always feel sort of like an outsider. In all aspects. Like don't get me wrong, I enjoy being alone, but I don't enjoy feeling alone."

"I'm sorry you've ever felt that way," Lex took his turn shaking his head, "I wish I would have known. You know you can always come to me about anything, right?"

"I mean kind of?" Michael sighed out, "I hope you don't take offence to this but it's just like… I don't it feels like you sort of always have your own stuff going on? I don't want to get in the way of any of that."

"Michael, you're my brother, I'll always make time for you," Lex spoke, his voice sad, "But I do wish you'd communicate with me more. I don't want to feel like I'm annoying you or anything?"

"You've never annoyed me, past the like, typical brother stuff," Michael smirked.

"Good to know," Lex laughed, "I love you, really. I'm glad we're brothers."

"I love you and I'm glad you're my brother too," Michael smiled genuinely.

"If only all family issues were fixed that easily," Heather sighed out dramatically.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Felix suddenly got defensive.

"Oh not you," Heather shook her head, "I'm just tired of explaining to people that we're related. We're the only indigenous students at this school. People are either super fucking weird about it, or assume our parents are weirdos who adopted us from two separate indigenous families as an act of like white heroism or something."

"Yeah, it's uh, pretty bad," Felix agreed.

"So you guys are biological siblings?" Finley verified.

"Yeah, I don't know why that's so hard for people to wrap their heads around," Heather shook her head.

"Especially since we got adopted as like… older kids," Felix shrugged.

"Really?" Audrey was surprised.

"Don't get him wrong, we weren't like… old. But I was I dunno like 5 or 6? Felix would have been 7 or 8 I think? We both still remember being adopted." Heather explained.

"I think it's the kind of thing that's harder to forget than to remember," Teddy sort of half laughed.

"Oh?" Mack spoke up, hoping this would lead to Teddy talking about his feelings, like he was always trying to get him to.

"Yeah, Cay and I, you know, were adopted from the Philippines. I would have been four I think? But I remember it clear as day," Teddy shook his head, "Our mom came in the room to get me, and I remember wanting to be excited but being so terrified of what would happen to Cay. Luckily, our dad came in moments later and I found out we were all leaving together. But I also know so many siblings get separated. It's terrifying."

After a few long moments of silence, Ambrose nodded slowly, "Yeah, I um, I guess I could get that," he shared a sad look with Kendall. "Thanks for sharing that."

"Of course," Teddy nodded, "I guess that's why I get so focused in on school and stuff? Adoption law is very important to me, so that's what I want to do with my life."

"That's amazing, Teddy," Trent nodded, smiling genuinely.

"How are you feeling Cay?" Marley noticed how quiet and almost withdrawn Cay got during all of that.

"I guess, I don't know, I didn't know Teddy felt that way?" She tried, "He's always been very protective of me… but I guess that explains why. And I think I feel kind of guilty for not remembering the way he does."

"You shouldn't feel guilty about that," Teddy immediately spoke up, "You were so young."

"I know I just," Cay sighed out, "I um, I'm sorry, this is hard for me to talk about," She swallowed hard.

"Take as much time as you need," Nikki placed a gentle hand on her back.

"I struggle… like really struggle, with anxiety," Cay finally admitted, "I guess it just dawned on me it could have stemmed from that."

"Mental health," Marley began slowly, "Is a very curious thing. Sometimes it's rooted in something and sometimes it's not. But either way you just did a very brave thing by stepping up and telling us about it."

"Thanks, Marley," Cay offered a sad smile, "It's just… a lot most days."

"I hope you know," Trina spoke up, "I think I can speak for all of the Troubletones when I say… you always have a support system in us."

"Absolutely," Leah nodded in agreement, "I know we don't all always see eye to eye… but I think we can all rely on each other and that's something really special."

"Yeah, I mean… we all have issues," Audrey spoke almost shyly.

"Was there…" Will began hesitantly, "Something you wanted to share, Audrey?"

"I just… have a lot of self esteem issues? I guess? Like… body image issues," She sighed out.

"I mean, I can get that," Emery nodded, "That's something I kind of deal with too?"

"It's definitely something I think a lot of us deal with," Kyla sighed out.

"It's weird…" Audrey thought out loud, "Because it doesn't help my issues? But it does feel… kind of weirdly nice to know other people deal with the same thing."

"I think," Naomi spoke up, "We all kind of deal with this kind of thing, in one way or another. Not to try to make your point moot because your feelings are obviously entirely valid! But, I have a lot of self esteem issues, too."

"Really?" Hazel piped up, genuinely surprised to hear Naomi say that.

"Yeah," Naomi nodded, "I mean, that's why I kind of am, you know…"

"Bossy?" Simon finished her sentence, before seeing the look she shot him immediately uttering, "Sorry."

"Don't be," Naomi shook her head, "You're right. I just like… crave the need to be right and to have control over absolutely everything I do because I compensate for how small I feel on the inside. Like if I'm not at the forefront everyone will forget me. Or if I'm not trying to take control of things, nobody will."

"I guess I'm kind of the same way?" Teddy thought out loud, "Just in terms of like, I feel like I have to be in control because if I'm not then everything becomes utter chaos."

"That tracks," Mack nodded.

"I actually, weirdly feel that way, too," Zach was surprised to find himself admitting.

"Don't take this the wrong way," Ambrose began slowly, "But you're… sort of a chaotic type. So I find that surprising."

"I mean, in glee, sure," Zach shrugged, "But at home, I don't know. I feel like I have to have some kind of control just because I worry so much about Oscar."

"You don't have to worry about me," Oscar spoke up, unsure if he should be offended or not.

"No, I know I don't," Zach shook his head, "But it's one of those things where like… our whole family has just been through so much. That's why I'm always annoying you about where you are and what you're doing."

"I… hadn't realized that," Oscar spoke almost sadly, "I feel kind of guilty that you feel like you have to look out for me that way."

"I didn't say it to make you feel guilty," Zach's sad tone matched Oscar as he responded.

"I know you didn't but it's just like," Oscar sighed out, pausing to figure out how he wanted to say what was on his mind, "It's just shitty when I feel like I don't measure up to you or dad anyways? Or any of the Warblers. I know it's not your fault," Oscar turned to face Trent slightly, "But ever since you took over and then Zach joined I just feel like I'm… I don't know, not as important? Or when I am, I'm being babied? And being in New Directions is now just one less thing I have in common with both of you."

"Oscar," Trent sighed out, "I'm so sorry. I guess I have been a little… distracted with the Warblers lately. But thank you for being honest with me. I love you boys so much."

"We love you too, Dad," Zach smiled, "And Oscar, um, sorry if you ever feel like I'm babying you."

"That's okay, I know you mean well," Oscar nodded, "But I don't need to be taken care of,"

"If I may," Ambrose suddenly interjected, "You're very lucky that you seem to take care of each other."

"What are you implying?" Trent questioned, suddenly worried about Ambrose's home life.

"I just, well," Ambrose sighed out, "I take care of my mom. I have to. I love her to death but she's got a plethora of problems. I genuinely don't know if she would eat or drink water if I wasn't around. Sometimes it feels like I'm the parent. It's just exhausting when I've got enough going on outside of that, and I worry about what will happen to her when I graduate."

"I had no idea," Sutton spoke, gently placing a hand over Ambrose's, suddenly realizing why Ambrose was the way he was.

"Of course you didn't," Ambrose sighed once more, though his voice was not unkind, "I don't talk about it. Like I said, I love her but it's embarrassing. It's hard living with a single mother when I feel like, I don't know, if I'm not there I don't know what's going on?"

"I feel that," Audrey offered a small, sad smile, "I love my mom so much. But lately it's like… there are all these secrets? I can't keep track, like everything is happening behind closed doors?"

"What kind of secrets?" Mia asked, genuinely concerned.

"I um, I recently found out I have a sister? That I just didn't know about at all. I only found out because Leah told me, because she thought I knew. So I don't resent her for telling me, but I am sort of, I don't know, starting to resent my mother for hiding it from me?" Audrey shook her head.

"Holy shit," Heather muttered, "Guess that explains your shit attitude this week."

"It's just… been a lot. Like my mom is also a single parent and it's just like… she's always away or busy I feel like, a lot of the time, it's just me alone in the house, it's terrifying," Audrey breathed out.

"At least you have a house to be alone in," Emery muttered the words before they could stop them from coming, nearly every eye turning to look at her.

"Emery?" Isaac questioned, concerned for his friend.

"I um," Emery swallowed hard, "Things aren't… great money wise for me and my dad. I get that you all also have a stressed relationship with your parents and I'm sorry. But I never see my dad. After the divorce, he's always been off looking for work or doing some shitty job for someone, just trying to do anything to make ends meet. A little while ago he got at least a part time gig so we were able to get a tiny little apartment on the bad side of town. But we were… homeless. For a long time."

Once again silence filled the air, everyone trying to think of something to say, but it remained quiet until Addison finally had a revelation.

"That's why we hadn't seen you for so long," Addison sighed out, "I'm so sorry Emery."

"Why didn't you say anything to any of us? We would have helped you out," Felix spoke up.

"It's not something either of us, you know, enjoy talking about. Things are still kind of shit for us. We never see each other, I'm always alone, our front door doesn't lock so I don't sleep most nights, it's just… not a good situation. I never see my dad and we never know what's going on with each other. It just is what it is." Emery admitted.

"I know it's not the same thing," Kyla spoke up before anyone even really had a chance to react, "But I'm um, kind of in the same boat, actually. My dad is always working. And again, we sort of just live in a shitty apartment. Luckily, our door locks, and we're in an okay part of town… but I can relate to the strained relationship and sort of, like, not being able to think about anything other than the next paycheck."

"Exactly," Emery was surprised to see that someone else got it.

"Wow, well," Marley spoke slowly, "Thank you both… very much for sharing that. If there's anything any of us can ever do for either of you… please, just say the word."

"Yeah, Kyla, you know my house is always open to you," Anthony nodded.

"What?" Oscar and Flora spoke in confused sync.

"I am also confused," Sydney looked between Kyla and Anthony, "Aren't you… technically exes?"

"Kind of?" Anthony spoke before turning to Kyla, "Should I tell them?"

"I will," Kyla shook her head, looking at the many confused faces, "When Anthony and I 'dated'," she was sure to put the words in air quotes, "We didn't actually. I was just staying at his place because my Dad was back home in New York, and I didn't want to stay in the apartment alone."

"So why did you stay with Anthony?" Kate spoke, still trying to understand everything.

"My dad… works for Anthony's parents," Kyla admitted, "He and Anthony's mom knew each other from way back and we were in… a very rough place. So Rachel gave him a job sort of… helping around the house and with Anthony,"

"So a nanny?" Kendall raised her eyebrows.

"I always called him my Manny," Anthony explained.

"And so the whole dating thing," Oscar spoke slowly, "Was just a cover up for that?"

"Yes," Kyla nodded.

"I mean, it was the perfect crime," Anthony spoke dramatically, getting ready to monologue, "Kyla didn't want anyone to know what was going on at home or what her dad did for a living, so we needed something believable as to why we'd be hanging out. Of course, it was during the group week for us luckily, but that wasn't enough. Why else would she be over at my house so much? Besides, as you all can see I am very talented and very handsome, so it was believable that Kyla would want and be pining for me. The least believable thing was that I would want her back. No offence."

"Alright, that's enough out of you," Kyla rolled her eyes.

"I'm still confused," Sydney announced, "What did you get out of it, Anthony?"

"The drama of course. Getting to act like our break up was a big deal whenever I saw Kyla in public. Gave me a chance to work on my acting. Plus, it, I don't know, kind of felt nice to do something for a friend," Anthony admitted.

"That's… actually kind of sweet," Flora noted, smiling, not realizing Anthony had this sort of side to him.

"And you shouldn't be embarrassed of what your dad does," Mr. Schue spoke to Kyla, desperately trying to ignore Flora speaking to Anthony, "It seems like he's doing it all for you."

"Yeah, I mean," Felix spoke up, "Our dad is… now how do I phrase this delicately…"

"He sells weed," Heather shrugged, "Like out of pocket. Grows it at our house. It's a whole thing."

"Spencer does that?" Zoey raised her eyebrows.

"No dumbass, it's Alistar," Heather rolled her eyes right back.

"And you're… embarrassed of that?" Nikki tried to clarify.

"Not at all," Felix shrugged, "But it's just… weird. And it's hard to explain to people, since in a way, it does affect us."

"That's why we never invite people over," Heather shrugged, "We always go to our friends houses instead."

"Which by the way, Em," Felix started,

"Don't call me that," Emery responded blandly.

"As I was saying," Felix continued, "If you know, your dad wants in on the action-"

"I think that's good," Addison stepped in, smiling at Emery. Since the other two did not get along with many of the other kids they grew up with, they always had a sort of unspoken pact, and in that moment, Emery was very grateful for it.

"Either way," Heather shrugged, trying to move things along "That's just how things are for us."

"That's dope," Bryce nodded, "My dad was sort of into that stuff, I think. At least that's what my mom tells me."

"It's just you and your mom?" Savannah questioned.

"Yeah, it's not a huge deal or anything, I love my mama," Bryce smirked, "But you know, there is that sort of… emptiness I guess? I don't even really know anything about my dad."

"I mean, I sort of have the same but opposite problem," Savannah half laughed, "I know my mom… too well. But she's usually away. So I'm still with my other mom, but there still sort of feels like something iis, I don't know, missing?"

"My mom is around… too much," Addison sighed out, shaking his head, "Which I guess I feel like a bad person for complaining about? But it's like… I have no freedom."

"What about your dad, though?" Felix asked, "He's cool right?"

"He um," Addison paused, unsure of how to answer the question.

"He filed for divorce," Zoey spoke up, rolling her eyes.

"What?" Heather was surprised, before turning to Tia and Mia, "Did you know about this?"

"Yeah," Tia responded with a shrug, "But we were asked to not talk about it,"

"You still could have told me?" Heather furrowed her eyebrows, speaking to Mia directly.

"It was none of your business," Zoey snapped.

"How long ago? Did he file for it I mean?" Felix questioned curiously.

"I dunno, a while ago, I guess?" Addison sighed out, "We didn't know about it til like last month? But, uh, yeah."

"What?" Zoey was confused. "No, we knew about it like… before school started,"

"Maybe you did," Addison scrunched his nose, "Mom doesn't tell me anything."

"I find that hard to believe," Zoey rolled her eyes.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Addison suddenly felt himself getting defensive.

"Mom never talks to me. I don't know what you expect?" Zoey matched her twin's defensive tone, "Though I guess you don't really talk to me either."

"You haven't given me a reason to? Every time I do you're rude or dismissive to me. Besides, do you think I enjoy being smothered? Because I don't. You get to go out there and live your life and I feel like I'm stuck in a glass box. It's not enjoyable for me," Addison tried to explain.

"At least you have someone who cares if you make it home alive," Zoey practically spat the words out.

"Zoey," Addison's voice suddenly grew very sad, "I care."

"You don't act like it," Zoey sighed out, her voice also becoming sad, "It's exhausting only getting along with Tia and Mia. Out of all of our family and people we grew up with. They're the only two who seem to like me."

"It's not like I didn't try," Heather suddenly spoke up, "You've always had a shit attitude with me. And it only got worse when Mia and I became exclusive. I get what you're saying but you can't blame your problems on everyone else."

"Oh, that's real fucking bold of you to say," Zoey spoke back.

"Alright, alright, that's enough girls," Marley finally stepped in. "This is… clearly a very tense topic. Thank you for sharing but we don't want any fights to break out."

"Any progress on figuring out who's phone the gossip blog is attached to?" Mr. Schue turned to ask Sutton.

"I mean, I thought I had it," Sutton sighed out, reaching to grab the laptop placed lazily in front of him, "Because it showed me Kendall's phone? But that's not where the most recent post came from."

"So we know it's Kendall!" Xavier called out.

"We already knew that," Jude reminded him.

"Does anybody want to make a confession?" Trent knew it was unlikely but thought he would try anyway.

"I'll say this much," Nikki surprised the group by speaking up, "I am, in a way, an accomplice."

"What?" Cay was taken aback.

"Excuse me?" Oliver looked at his sister, feeling somewhat hurt.

"Look, I didn't post anything. I didn't say shit about anyone either. I don't think any of the stupid lies I made up to try to cause drama even got approved by Kendall. But I was, you know, a part of it," Nikki admitted.

"Nikki," Marley sighed out in disbelief, "Tell me this isn't true."

"I just don't understand," Audrey paused for a moment trying to figure out how to word what she wanted to say, "How are you involved if you didn't actually… do anything?"

"Because I'm how Kendall found the person who is behind everything," Nikki spoke cautiously.

After a few long moments of silence, the group was suddenly up in arms, accusing everyone Nikki had ever met of being the person behind it all. As the teachers eventually got them to calm down, the Puckermans were all still arguing with each other.

"This is why mom doesn't fucking love you!" Sutton cried out to Nikki.

"That's enough Sutton!" Leah fought back.

"Oh, so now you're on Nikki's side?" Oliver raised his eyebrows, "That's pretty fucking suspicious."

"I just think we need to calm down!" Leah argued back, "Besides, how do we know you didn't post about yourself at sectionals to cover your own ass?"

"Because Oliver is stupid, but he's not an idiot," Sutton rolled his eyes.

"ENOUGH!" Marley called out, "Nikki, just tell us who it is."

"No." Nikki responded almost too quickly.

"What? Why?" Oliver furrowed his eyebrows.

"Look, I'm not here to throw anyone under the bus," Nikki spoke up, "Either they'll speak up for themselves or boy genius over there will figure it out soon enough,"

"And why do you suddenly trust me?" Sutton questioned skeptically.

"Because," Nikki started, rolling her eyes, "I want this to be over just as much as everyone else does. I'm tired of having to keep this inside."

"That's great, and we appreciate you telling us that you were a part of this. But you're still in trouble," Marley spoke to Nikki.

"Yeah, I know," Nikki nodded, "And I do want to apologize for… things getting out of hand. That was never my intent. I just wanted a little drama to keep things interesting. I thought they'd all be crazy lies. I didn't think anyone would ever actually… get hurt."

"I get it," Oliver nodded, "Sometimes things just… get out of hand."

"You're not mad?" Nikki questioned hopefully.

"Am I disappointed that you let yourself get involved in this bullshit? Of course. But I can't blame you for wanting to get in a little trouble," Oliver smirked.

"For the record," Sutton spoke up, "I'm… surprisingly not that mad either? You goofed, but at least you were honest about it,"

"Yeah, I agree with Sutton," Leah nodded. "You did the right thing by speaking up,"

"Thanks guys," Nikki smiled.

"I don't think I've ever seen all four of you agree on anything. Ever." Marley sort of half laughed, still trying to process everything.

"That happens with big families," Rowan suddenly spoke up, surprising the group.

"I'm sorry, what exactly do you mean by that?" Naomi raised her eyebrows.

"Don't like… take this personally. But I dunno," Rowan shrugged, "It's just hard to get along when you and Simon are so close."

"Yes, well," Naomi looked to her youngest sibling, "We're twins."

"No, but I kind of get what Rowan's saying," Finley shrugged, "Me and Rowan were close because we felt like we had to be. Not that we don't, you know, love each other. But it's hard always feeling like you two like each other better."

"I mean," Simon spoke up, "I don't think there's anything wrong with Naomi and I being close? I get what you're saying, of course, and you're obviously allowed to feel what you feel. But I don't know. I guess it's weird that you didn't bring it up until now?"

"I guess I never really noticed it until Finley got a girlfriend," Rowan admitted, "You two were always tight, and so Finley and I were by extension. But then Finley started dating Savannah."

"What?" Finley furrowed his eyebrows.

"You do spend a lot of your time with her. Not that we mind, but it was just, you know, a bit of a change," Simon shrugged.

"But you're close with Hazel, right?" Naomi directed her attention back to Rowan.

"We're close, yeah," Rowan nodded, "But I feel guilty because I didn't even give her a chance until I was dumped by Finley."

"I didn't dump you, dude," Finley sighed out.

"It's okay," Hazel nodded, "You're still the closest person I've had in… any house I've been in."

"What do you mean any house?" Rey questioned curiously but cautiously.

"I um," Hazel swallowed hard, "I grew up in a really awful home. My father was… aggressive. And mean. And I hopped around the foster care system for a while after that, too. But it was bad to the point that I had to change my given name. My name at birth was not Hazel. I can't say what it is, but things got… rough. Pretty fast. I guess I just mean most of the other houses I was in weren't much better. And it took me a while to get used to being in this one."

"Wow… that's…. a lot," was all Felix could think to say, "Thanks for saying all that though. Makes a lot of things sort of… make more sense."

"I um," Leslie finally spoke up, "I actually have been in a very similar situation."

"Leslie," Unique began softly, "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to."

"I know," Leslie nodded, "But I want to."

"What do you want to tell us, Leslie?" Kate questioned kindly.

"I um, also hopped between houses a lot. My biological parents weren't great… and then I got put in a home I really liked. But then the woman I stayed with had a boyfriend who was also… aggressive. Anyways, I moved around a bit until, Unique, who I consider to be my real mom, took me in. And I've been forever grateful. But it is sort of… a lot," Leslie concluded with a small nod.

"Wow Leslie," Kendall shook her head, "Thank you for sharing all of that."

"Of course," Leslie nodded, "For the most part things are good now. I still just, I don't know, I guess I have a hard time expressing myself? Or being true to the people around me?"

"Yeah, I have the same thing," Hazel offered a small smile.

"I also get that, though," Mia nodded, "Obviously I sort of, don't have as much… trauma? No offense," she was unsure how to phrase it, "But I struggle to be my own person all the time. I think a lot of people just sort of see me as this… like bonus Tia. Like I constantly need to prove myself."

"I get that though, because we've talked about this," Tia sighed, "I obviously like being seen as a separate person too. But I just like to prove myself. I know that I don't have to. I don't know, maybe it's strange,"

"You two? Being strange? Never," Heather spoke sarcastically.

"Not the time, Heather," Tia rolled her eyes.

"It's just hard. Not being someone outside of your sibling," Mia sighed.

"I completely understand," Trina gave a half laugh, as Jude and Sophie exchanged a confused glance.

"How do you mean?" Audrey questioned.

"Just that," Trina took a deep breath before continuing, "It's like, Sophie is such a strong personality. And Jude, respectfully, is a ticking time bomb. And even with Xavier who can be a lot, I just feel like I'm.. stuck in this box of having to be the normal, boring one."

"Ticking time bomb?" Jude furrowed his eyebrows.

"She said respectfully," Sophie shrugged.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Xavier asked sadly, as he ignored both Jude and Sophie for the first time in his life.

"I guess I felt like it didn't matter? People are going to see me as they see me," Trina shrugged.

"I… actually completely know what you mean," Bryce nodded his head, "About people assuming they know about you, I mean. Not the boring thing."

"I don't think anyone here thinks you're boring," Oscar laughed.

"Thanks little buddy," Bryce smirked, nodding. "But I don't know, it's like… hard to explain? Like, because I'm not boring – no offence Trina – people tend to like… use me?"

"In what way?" Kyla questioned curiously.

"Like, a lot of, you know, girls," Bryce spoke, surprising the people in the room with how his usual energetic and over the top demeanor suddenly became more of an awkward one, "They like, want to, you know, date a 'bad boy,' and I have priors and I'm tall and think fire is real cool and so they use me to like, piss their parents off."

"Priors?" Trent's eyebrows shot up.

"That sounds… awful, actually," Oscar spoke, "About being used, I mean. The priors too, but mostly being used."

"Yeah, I dunno," Bryce shrugged, "I just want, like, a nice girl who likes me for me, you know?"

"I hear that," Rey smirked.

"It's just hard being put into this box of someone people think you are. I guess that's it." Bryce shrugged once more.

"Yeah like," Chloe shocked the room by speaking up, "Everyone just assumes I'm lazy and awful and don't care. And don't get me wrong, I don't care. About almost anything. But I'm not that lazy."

"I don't think I follow?" Kate spoke, not trying to cause any more arguments, but also curious as to where Chloe was going with this.

"I um," Chloe paused, "I smoke like… a lot of weed."

"I think we all knew that," Kendall rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, even I knew that," Harmony scoffed.

"What?" Chloe shook her head, "No I mean like, a lot of weed. I'm high right now."

"Alright, I think that's enough of that," Mr. Schue tried to quickly move on from the conversation, "This is a conversation I think you and your parents need to have."

"We are," Harmony looked at Will, visibly annoyed.

"So are you saying that we shouldn't talk about substance abuse?" Kyla suddenly stiffened up, "That we should all just talk to our parents about it? Despite knowing that not all of us have good relationships with our parents?"

"Is there… something you want to share?" Unique asked Kyla delicately.

As she felt all eyes on her, Kyla immediately regretted saying anything. "I, um, just, well, you know…" She stuttered through her words, trying to collect her thoughts. "I previously had a problem with alcohol. Before anyone comes down my throat I obviously know I'm underaged. Especially because this was early high school for me, but," she sighed out, "I'm two years sober and I'm actually really proud of myself. But it was kind of shitty to see Chloe shut down so fast. I'm sure lots of other kids struggle with this shit. Like I said, I'm clean now, but it wasn't easy."

While there was a long silence for a while, Bryce couldn't help but asking a question, "Does your dad know?"

"Yeah," Kyla nodded, "Sort of found out by accident. That's why, you know, when he was gone I stayed at Anthony's place. Just in case."

"You're very brave for telling us all that," Oscar offered a small smile and nod, moving to hold Kyla's hand in his own.

"In case of what?" Sophie questioned, not fully understanding.

"Relapsing," Kyla admitted, "I'm good but, it's still you know, something I need to be careful of."

"But you said it's been two years? I understand needing to be careful but surely it's easier now," Delia spoke, not realizing that she was being somewhat ignorant.

"That's not how addiction works," Jude suddenly spoke up, clearly annoyed. "And I'm with Kyla. It's disappointing how little you all seem to know about this shit and how little you all seem to want to know."

"Jude?" Xavier spoke, clearly very concerned, "What's going on?"

"I think it's time to tell them," Trina spoke, surprisingly gently.

"Tell us what?" Sophie questioned, genuinely confused and concerned.

"I, um, also struggle with substance abuse. I have for a while," Jude admitted, looking at the ground, "Not weed, or alcohol either. Hard drugs," He concluded, his voice low.

"Currently?" Kate questioned, genuine concern in her voice.

"No, no. I just um," Jude swallowed hard, "I had a really tough few weeks. Things got really bad and I uh, relapsed and I had a close call. Had to go to the hospital and everything. That's why I missed a few weeks a while back. I'm good now, but it was still… very recent."

"Holy shit," Sydney spoke out in disbelief, "I… I'm sorry. If I ever said anything awful about your disappearance. Who knew before now?"

"Uh," Jude paused to think about it, "My parents, obviously. Though mostly my mom. Trina, Leah, and I told Emery about it when I got back. I think that's it?"

"I'm confused," Sophie spoke slowly, "Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"Because it's a lot," Trina sighed out, "I also know Jude didn't want more people than necessary knowing."

"Well, we all know now," Kate noted, "But we're here for you."

"Yeah, we've got your back, dude," Emery smiled, leaning in and nudging Jude slightly before, holding his hand in hers.

"I um," Leah suddenly spoke up, "I think I owe you an apology, Jude."

"You do," Jude nodded, "But I'm curious as to what for."

"I knew you weren't well and I still… treated you pretty badly when we dated. I know I certainly wasn't helping any sort of issues you already have. And I'm sorry," Leah nodded slowly.

"What?" Marley was confused, "What do you mean by that?"

"I um," Leah swallowed hard, "I mean, on top of what I think some people would call pretty consistent manipulation, I have anger issues. Serious anger issues. And I sort of always took that out on you, Jude. I'm really sorry."

"I appreciate that," Jude nodded, "I know dating me wasn't… the easiest thing in the world. But yeah, you did fuck me up a little bit. I don't think I can forgive you just yet. But it's a start."

"I'll take it," Leah smiled, nodding. "There's um, one more thing I sort of wanted to say."

"Or should I?" Sutton suddenly looked up, meeting Leah's gaze, catching the sudden look of fear in her eyes.

"What… what do you mean?" Leah questioned nervously.

"What's going on?" Marley questioned, really hoping what she thought was happening wasn't the case after all.

"I trusted you," Sutton spoke, his voice cracking in both sadness and disbelief, "How could you do this?"

"Do what?" Lex was still trying to wrap his brain around absolutely everything.

"It was only a matter of time," Kendall raised her eyebrows.

"Leah?" Will was shocked, "You're the source?"

"I am," Leah nodded, her voice now also cracking. "I'm so sorry."

"But… why?" Naomi shook her head.

"I just…" Leah sighed out, trying her best not to cry, "I don't even really have a good reason? I just felt like I was losing control of my life and I knew Kendall ran the gossip blog and then I saw what she posted about Anthony and Flora and…"

"And you leaked me being in the Warblers on a technicality," Oliver put the pieces together.

"Is that why you told me about Beth?" Audrey was almost afraid to know the answer, "To try to create drama?"

"How did you know I was trans?" Oscar furrowed his eyebrows.

"Because she was standing in the hallway one of the days we were talking about it," Bryce thought out loud, "I remember saying hi to her because we're in the same history class."

"Leah?" Marley looked to her oldest daughter, "Please, say something. Anything."

"I," Leah looked around the room at all 54 pairs of eyes looking upset, angry, disappointed or a combination of all three, staring right at her. "I have to go," she announced quickly, running out of the auditorium.

While the rest of the group looked at each other, unsure of what exactly they were meant to do now, Sutton was the first to speak up.

"I um, I get why you didn't snitch now," He half laughed, turning to face Nikki.

"Yeah," Nikki nodded, "Again I'm sorry, I just… I don't know."

As the kids spoke among themselves trying to establish what exactly just happened and to regain some kind of composure, the teachers all pulled each other to the side to try to figure out where to go from here.

"I'll deal with Leah and Principal Sylvester," Marley sighed out.

"I'll talk to Sue with you," Mr. Schue nodded, "Your Leah's mother so it might get… tricky."

"What do we do with the rest of the kids?" Harmony sighed out.

"I think we need to let them go home, first of all," Trent spoke, "But also let them know they don't need to leave right away if they want to talk to us about anything first."

"Not to only be thinking about glee," Unique spoke up, "But I think it could also help to give them something to sort of… look forward to? To help deal with all of this?"

"I agree," Will nodded.

After several long moments of waiting around, and still mumbling trying to figure out what was going on, Marley and Will left the room to take care of the Leah situation, leaving the kids with Trent, Unique and Harmony.

"Alright," Trent spoke up, "Since we did get to the bottom of all of this, you're all free to go. Of course, you're just as welcome to stay and process everything that we just found out. About the gossip blog, or otherwise. All three of us are happy to speak to you and help in any way we can."

"We've also decided," Unique started, "That all four glee clubs will meet back here tomorrow. We know it's been a weird week already, but please come prepared with any song you'd like to dedicate to someone else here. While we'd love to see you work in groups or maybe people you haven't worked with before, anything you can come up with is wonderful. I think we all need each other's support more now than ever."

"So… just pick anyone here and sing to them?" Sutton raised his eyebrows.

"Yes, specifically someone you think needs it," Harmony spoke.

"Or someone you need to say something to, but don't know how," Trent suggested.

"As long as it's showing some form of support that's the main thing," Unique nodded.

"So we're just serenading our friends?" Lex verified.

"Essentially, yes," Trent nodded.

"Sick," Rowan grinned, looking around the room at everyone else who, surprisingly, seemed to be okay with it.

"Do we all have to sing a song?" Ingrid raised her eyebrows, "Not that I wouldn't want to, but I just… don't know anyone that well yet."

"No, there's no pressure," Unique shook her head, "Especially because I know many of you have sort of… been through enough this week, without the external pressures of us now telling you that you need to sing."

"But other than that, there's no limits? As long as it's a dedication?" Xavier wanted to make sure he perfectly understood what was being said.

"Correct," Harmony nodded.

As the kids looked around at each other, they all decided that those terms were agreeable, and they could deal with that. While tensions were still high among a few of the students, Ingrid couldn't help but overhear bickering coming from two girls she did not have the pleasure of meeting properly yet.

"You really want do this right now? Here?" Heather was audibly annoyed.

"Yes!" Mia responded, exasperated.

"Uh… hi," Ingrid walked up cautiously, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but… are things okay?"

"Who are you exactly?" Heather raised her eyebrows, momentarily forgetting her beef with Mia.

"Sorry, I'm… I'm Ingrid? I just started in Vocal Adrenaline but you two seemed to be… well, honestly, not great, and so I just wanted to see if you were okay?" Ingrid tried.

"Thank you," Mia sighed out, clearly annoyed, "But it's really none of your concern,"

"More like none of your business," Heather raised her eyebrows.

"Would it kill you to be nice for once?" Mia groaned, "Or even polite?"

"I am polite!" Heather impolitely spoke back.

"I'll um, I'll get out of your way then," Ingrid smiled politely, "But I hope you two are able to work things out. I'd hate to see anything get in the way of your relationship."

"That was cryptic as hell," Heather was clearly offended.

"She was being nice!" Mia fought back.

"God, do they ever stop?" Zoey rolled her eyes, watching the events unfold as she spoke to whoever happened to be in close enough vicinity to hear.

"I mean, it's not that bad," Felix, who happened to be beside her, "I mean, I know better than anyone that Heather can be… a lot. But I mean, you know them. They rarely fight like this,"

"Yeah, well you're not in glee with them. I'm tired of hearing about their relationship all the time. The good and the bad," Zoey crossed her arms over her chest.

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

"Of what? Them? Absolutely not." Zoey's face scrunched into a look of disgust.

"The lady doth protest too much, methinks," Felix raised his eyebrows, seeing Zoey's look of confusion before he added in a quick, "Hamlet?" as though that would help clarify.

"Whatever," Zoey sneered, "All I'm saying is if I ever dated someone you would never catch me slipping up like that, and you can bet your ass I'd kick them to the curb at a petty argument like that. I deserve much better than that."

"Yeah," Felix nodded, after thinking it over for a long moment, "You do deserve someone good."

This was the first time in a long while Felix and Zoey had spoken by themselves and as she turned to look at him after he spoke, both were taken aback by the fact that there was now a palpable tension around them.

"I uh, I should go," Zoey cleared her throat, turning to leave.

"Yeah, um, me too," Felix nodded, looking for an excuse to be literally anywhere else.

"What the hell was that?" Tia scrunched her nose up watching whatever the hell just happened between two of her close friends.

"I swear everyone's shacking up these days," Nikki shook her head.

"Nikki, you literally just started dating Cay," Tia pointed out.

"Exactly!" Nikki called out like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Hey um, I'm glad you're here actually," Tia suddenly realized she had wanted to speak to Nikki.

"Oh?" Nikki was confused but intrigued.

"First of all I want to remind you that you being an accomplice to all this was… super fucked up. But I know you know that," Tia sighed out.

"Hard to forget when people keep reminding me," Nikki groaned, "Is that why you wanted to talk to me? To lecture me?"

"Surprisingly… no," Tia shook her head, "I just wanted to let you know that while I know it was wrong… I would have done the same thing."

"Come again?" Nikki furrowed her eyebrows, clearly taken aback.

"I understand you feeling the need to protect your sister. I know I had my whole thing about wanting to be seen as a different person than my own sister, but I still love her and would do anything for her. So I get why you did it. And I get why you wouldn't tell us it was Leah," Tia nodded in conclusion.

"Thanks Tia," Nikki was pleasantly surprised – she and Tia were never close by any means, and she barely considered her a friend, but hoped that maybe after today she could, "I think I needed to hear that."

"Are you mad at her?" Oliver nodded towards his youngest sibling.

"I actually think this is the least mad I've ever been at her," Sutton half laughed.

"Really?" Oliver was surprised – he knew Sutton and Nikki had never gotten along but before now he hadn't really cared. Oliver and Nikki had always been close, but now he and Sutton were getting closer, and with all of the Leah drama, he figured it wouldn't be a bad thing for them all to tolerate each other at the very least.

"Really," Sutton nodded in confirmation, "I mean, is Nikki a pain in my ass? Absolutely. But so are you. Doesn't mean I love you guys any less," Sutton shrugged.

"Oh," Oliver spoke out loud, realizing this was the first time since he could remember any of his siblings had saying they'd loved him or each other out loud, "Yeah, I get that, actually."

"Seriously, Oliver," Sutton raised his eyebrows, turning to face his brother, "I know we tease and pick on each other and didn't even really get along until this year but… I am glad you joined the Warblers. And I'm glad we're finally close, you know?"

"I do know. I actually do completely know what you're talking about," Oliver offered a small, but genuine smile. "What I don't know is when you got so soft and articulate about your feelings," Oliver couldn't resist nudging his brother.

"I have my moments," Sutton shrugged simply.

"You're staring," Teddy raised his eyebrows, walking up beside Ambrose.

"I'm not," Ambrose corrected him, "It's just… nice to see them getting along."

"I didn't realize you cared so much," Teddy turned to face his friend.

"I care about all the Warblers," Ambrose admitted, sighing out, "Some of them, reluctantly. But as Tommy so often reminds us it is, at the end of the day, a brotherhood."

"You are absolutely right about that," Teddy nodded. "I'm glad you see it that way too. Family is important. Even if it's this family," Teddy smirked looking around the room.

"Yes, which, by the way," Ambrose began slowly, "I think it is incredibly admirable of you to become a lawyer with a focus in adoption laws. Obviously, that is something that is very important to me as well. I'm proud of you for that. For understanding what you're meant to do, especially something you're so passionate about."

"Thank you, Ambrose," It was Teddy's turn to start speaking slowly, "You know, I know it's a bit early to say but, we're going to need two new councilmen for next year. And we're going to need someone level-headed who cares a lot about these boys. Is that something you've ever thought about?"

"Of course it is," Ambrose was somewhat surprised by Teddy's outright discussion of next year's council, "Respectfully to Mack and Tommy, I do think it could help to have someone more… focused on the council with you next year."

"I couldn't agree more," Teddy smiled before looking as he saw Tommy, who they'd just been speaking about, talking to Cay.

"I'm surprised you're even talking to me," Cay shook her head, genuinely confused.

"Why wouldn't I?" Tommy titled his head to the side. He, of course, knew about the whole complex situation between Rey and Cay but also was not the kind of person to hold something like that against Cay – especially where he'd always seen her as a part of his family.

"You know just… everything with Rey…" Cay trailed off.

"Oh, pish posh," Tommy waved her off, "That'll pass. Us Abrams always land on our feet!" He grinned proudly.

"So… why are you here to talk to me then?" Cay somehow became more and more confused as the conversation went on but then again, she wasn't sure what else she was expecting from a conversation with Tommy.

"I dunno," Tommy shrugged, "I just wanted to say I think it was cool of you to speak up today. About your anxiety and all that? I'm proud of you, kiddo."

"Really?" Cay was somewhat surprised to hear this.

"Yes," Tommy nodded definitively, "Seriously, Cay. I know you think things are going to be weird between us now, but they're not! And they won't be! So stop making them weird!" He sort of half laughed at the end.

"Alright, alright fine," Cay shook her head, but smiled. She'd always seen Tommy as a sort of general annoyance, but thought maybe there was more to him than that, "But, do you think she'll be okay? Rey, I mean."

"She'll be just fine," Tommy nodded.

"Oh no, I hope they're not talking about me," Rey muttered to herself looking at Tommy and Cay talking about her.

"Hope who's not?" Hazel came up behind Rey, giving her a small startle.

"Oh, just uh, my brother and Cay," Rey nodded towards them.

Hazel simply nodded back. While it had only been a short while, everyone sort of knew what had happened between Rey and Cay, even if they didn't know the details. After a few long moments of silence, Hazel finally spoke up. "So… are you okay?"

"That's a bit of a loaded question," Rey couldn't help but laugh, "I mean I will be. Are you okay? That was sort of… a lot. What you told everyone back there."

"Yeah I dunno it's just like… it's strange, you know? Like it was one of those things that made me feel so ashamed and awful, but the more I talk about it, the less awful it makes me feel? Not that what happened to me isn't awful but… I don't know. I guess it gets easier knowing there are at least a few people who support me," Hazel spoke, surprising herself by how easily she found opening up to Rey was.

"I guess I kind of get that," Rey nodded, "But I hope you know you always have people in glee who support you. I mean, I've got your back at least," She messed with her glasses as she finished speaking.

"I really appreciate that Rey, seriously," Hazel let out a small sigh of relief.

"Of course. And I know it's none of my business but even with your family… I know they all really care about you. Simon and I are pretty close and… um…" Rey paused trying to figure out how to word what she was thinking, "They just all really care about you. Even if they're distracted by their girlfriends," Rey laughed, nodding to where Finley and Savannah stood talking.

"I think it was really cool how open you were about your family stuff," Finley nodded, smiling at his girlfriend.

"Thank you," Savannah smiled back sweetly, "I have to be honest; it did take me a little bit aback when your family said that, you know, you spend too much time with me."

"They definitely didn't mean it like that, you're just my first girlfriend, you know? We're a close enough family that it's just a big change for us," Finley did his best to explain.

"They'll get used to it," Sophie butted into their conversation nonchalantly.

"Who will get used to what?" Savannah raised her eyebrows, somewhat taken aback at Sophie interrupting them.

"Finley's family will get used to him having a girlfriend," Sophie explained like it was the most obvious thing in the world, "When Xavier started dating my beloved sister, it felt like it was all she cared about too. But I got over it. And we're almost closer now because of it. Like Finley said it just takes some adjusting."

"Sophie that was… incredibly profound," Savannah shook her head at the surprise of it all.

"And very helpful," Finley laughed quietly, also surprised. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me! Thank the father, the son and the holy spirit!" Sophie grinned widely, and before either student had a chance to reply, she had already made her way over to Simon and Rowan, once again speaking without being spoken to, or really being a part of their conversation. "I fixed all your problems friends!"

"What… problems?" Rowan asked cautiously.

"Finley completely understands where you're coming from! All because of me and Jesus," Sophie explained with a nod, "So you're welcome."

"We didn't say thank you," Rowan tried to say but was interrupted by Sophie.

"Don't thank me! Thank the father, the son and the holy spirit!" She repeated before skipping away.

"Amen," Simon half laughed watching her go, what he could only assume would be, to try and fix someone else.

"So uh," Rowan began awkwardly, "Are we… you know, are we good?"

"I won't lie, I was a little… surprised that you said you felt the way you did. About Naomi and I. But I also get it." Simon nodded, "I just wish you would have said something sooner."

"Yeah, that's on me for sure," Rowan nodded slowly, "But I am glad you took it so well. I just don't want to not have a bond with you before you graduate, you know?"

"Rowan," Simon offered a small and sad but genuine smile, "We'll always have a bond. I swear,"

"Good," Rowan smiled back, "I uh, I guess I should talk to Naomi too but she looks a little busy, huh?"

Looking over to where their sister Naomi was, in fact, busy speaking to someone else on the Troubletones.

"I knew it," Naomi shook her head, "I knew he was fucking awful."

"Okay well, let's not carried away with the f bombs, he is still my father," Delia sighed out.

"Which, okay, sorry," Naomi began but was cut off.

"Sorry for dropping the f bomb? Or sorry that he's my father?" Delia questioned for clarification.

"Both. But now that you mention it, definitely more so the second thing." Naomi smirked.

"Yeah, I'm sorry he's my father too," Delia rolled her eyes, "But he's not the worst person on the planet. I just can't believe that he quite literally spent the last 18 years of my life unintentionally turning my sister and I against each other."

"Are we sure it wasn't intentional?" Naomi raised her eyebrows, "Respectfully, I don't trust that man as far as I could throw him."

"Respectfully," Delia raised her eyebrows in turn, "As my friend, I'm asking you to drop it."

"You consider me a friend?" Naomi was surprised but pleasantly so, "I don't think I've ever heard you refer to anyone as your friend."

"Well, yes. You convinced me to join the Troubletones and I am not easily convinced. Besides that, while I understand there was obviously something in it for you, you also saw how poorly I was treated in New Directions and wanted something better for me. I appreciate you for that as it seems like something a friend would do," Delia explained nonchalantly.

"Guilty as charged," Naomi nodded, smirking slightly, "So alright, friend, what's going on with your sister and the St. James kid?"

What Naomi was referring to was the fact that the two aforementioned students were standing talking to each other, pulled off to the far side of the stage as if to not be seen or bothered by anyone else.

"Would you stop saying that?" Anthony practically groaned, but was surprised to find himself smiling, nonetheless.

"Nope! It's true," Flora grinned right back, "You're a good person."

"Doing one good thing doesn't make someone a good person. I'm like an amazing person. But not because of good deeds," Anthony smirked.

"You are an amazing person, that's true. But I didn't know you had such a big heart. I think you helping Kyla out is really admirable," Flora nodded, smiling genuinely.

"I think being around someone with such a big heart has helped influence that," Anthony offered a sly grin, "I'm talking about you, by the way," He clarified.

"Yeah, I got that," Flora laughed, reaching to grab one of his hands in her own.

"Woah, not you getting handsy," Anthony raised his eyebrows, "Aren't you afraid the old man will see?"

"I'm done hiding from him. From everyone. I don't care if they see," Flora smiled.

"Looks like your man's moving on," Bryce laughed, nudging Kyla.

"Oh shut up," Kyla rolled her eyes but laughed along with him.

"I hope you know I'm just teasing," Bryce surprised Kyla by suddenly speaking sincerely, "I think you're real cool."

"You do?" Kyla couldn't help but laugh.

"Yeah! You're like, kinda edgy and different, you know? Plus you're always super honest which is cool too! I mean I know what you said earlier couldn't have been easy but I dunno. It's good to talk about stuff like that sometimes," Bryce shrugged.

"Huh. Never would have pinned you as a big softie. Well, up until today," Kyla smiled, "But thanks for saying that, Bryce. For real."

"Of course! I dunno, it's just nice to know that like… everyone's kind of got shit going on, you know? It's weird cause like, I feel less alone knowing that but it also reminds you that like… you never know what someone else is going through," Bryce spoke, not realizing that he was rambling.

"And you're a little chatterbox too," Kyla grinned.

"Little? I'm 6'7'…." Bryce trailed off.

"I'm kidding, Bryce," Kyla laughed, "But yeah, I do get exactly what you mean. It's also… nice to have a conversation with you where you're not spending the whole time trying to set me up with Oscar."

"What? Psssh. No! I would never… where would you even get that idea?" Bryce tried to brush her off. "Speaking of though, whattaya think he's talking to her about?" Bryce nodded to where Oscar was standing.

"It's… honestly fine," Oscar shook his head.

"It's not," Kendall shook her head in turn, "If I got outed as a transwoman like that… I'd be so angry. I don't understand why you're not."

"I mean, I'm always angry. About a lot of stuff. But being angry doesn't do any good. I should have figured it would happen one way or another. Especially with that blog," Oscar sighed out.

"Yeah, but it's my blog. I know I wasn't the one who ran that story, but I also didn't stop it. I just want to make sure you're okay," Kendall spoke, surprising both herself and Oscar with how heartfelt her words seemed to be.

"I really appreciate your apology. And I can forgive you. I obviously don't approve of all you're doing but… I get it. You didn't mean any harm." Oscar shrugged.

"Thank you. For being so… cool about this. There aren't a lot of trans kids in Lima, you know? We've gotta look out for each other," Kendall nodded.

"I… think you've actually got a point," Oscar sort of half laughed.

"I know I have a point. Seriously, if anyone ever gives you any grief, you come to me, okay? I seriously owe you, and I just hope you'll have my back in the future, too," Kendall spoke.

"As long as it's not more… gossip…I think that's a pretty good deal," Oscar smiled.

"She better only be speaking to him to get info on him or the New Directions," Sydney gritted her teeth, speaking to whoever was listening, hoping it was a member of her own team that heard her. It was not.

"Sydney, have you ever, like, considered chilling out for a sec?" Zach let out a small laugh.

"Excuse me?" Sydney practically spat back at the man who appeared beside her.

"Like, no offense or anything but like, you always seem so wound up. Have you literally ever relaxed?" Zach shrugged.

"I fail to see how that's any of your business," Sydney stuck their nose up.

"I mean, I guess it's not," Zach scratched the back of his neck, "But any friend of Kate is a friend of mine so I just wanna make sure you're like, chillin', you know?"

"So this is about Kate," Sydney asked, though it was spoken more as a statement.

"Well actually, it was about you shit talking my brother. Normally I would have argued with you about it, cause I'd do anything for that little booger," Zach smirked, "But you know, after everything we heard today I figured we could all use just a little more kindness."

"I wasn't expecting you to speak so profoundly," Sydney admitted, "And I appreciate your kindness, but I don't need it. I'm fine, thank you,"

"Well, I'm gonna stay and hang out with you anyways!" Zach announced.

"Why?" Sydney groaned, "Shouldn't you be annoying your brother or girlfriend or weirdo tall friend who just started in glee like yesterday?"

"They're all busy," Zach shrugged simply.

In fairness, they were all involved in talking to others. Kate was surprised, but happy, as she was speaking to Dana, but felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Oh, hey Sawyer!" Kate grinned, "What's going on?"

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Sawyer began meekly.

"Not a thing!" Dana called out as they moved to begin doing burpees just a foot or so away.

"I um," Sawyer laughed, momentarily distracted by Dana's impromptu workout, "I just wanted to say I really like what you said in the group today,"

"Really?" Kate let out a small, half laugh.

"Yeah! I mean, I guess it's just important for me to let you know that, I just like, really value you and see you as one of the big sort of leaders in the group," Sawyer shrugged, "I know we don't talk too much or anything, but you're just a joy to have around!" Sawyer concluded with a big grin.

"Sawyer," was all Kate could think of to say before pulling them up into a hug, "Thank you so much for saying that. I really needed to hear it. I think you are just the brightest, friendliest, loveliest person in the whole group,"

"Awww thanks!" Sawyer laughed just as Dana stopped burpee-ing to come join the hug.

"Yay! Besties!" They wrapped their arms dramatically around Sawyer and Kate.

"Aw man, I always miss the group hugs!" Steven whined.

"Tell me about it!" Frank shook their head before turning to face Steven, "So, how you holding up, little buddy?"

"Fine," Steven couldn't help but laugh slightly. He'd grown up with Frank because of the whole Warblers alumni for parents thing, but Frank was always closer with Sydney. "How about you?"

"Oh, I'm cool," Frank nodded, "I know that was just… a lot, you know? And I know everything you said was not necessarily the heaviest thing we heard today or anything, but still completely valid and everything. Plus I know you and Syd haven't always had the… easiest relationship. So just wanted to see how you're doing," Frank shrugged.

"Wow…I… I really appreciate that, Frank. Thank you," Steven nodded, "I know you've always just seen me as Sydney's annoying little brother but-"

"I never thought of you like that," Frank cut him off, "Obviously I sort of, you know, tried to be closer to Sydney but…I just always saw you as one of the other kids I grew up around,"

"Really?" Steven was surprised by all of this, "I um… thank you,"

"For what?" Frank tilted his head to the side, truly not knowing how much any sort of validation meant to Steven.

"Just… for being you," Steven laughed.

"Speaking of me, have you seen Bob? I think I lost him somewhere back there," Frank shook his head.

Bob was in fact, just a few feet away from them but involved in a conversation with another kid they all grew up with.

"I'm so proud of you, friend!" Bob grinned.

"Thanks, Bob," Isaac shook his head, always pleasantly surprised with Bob's support for him, "But I have to ask… for what?"

"For talking about your feelings!" Bob laughed like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"You mean about my brother?" Isaac laughed in turn.

"Yeah!" Bob nodded, "You know I also kinda feel like my brother's shadow so, I dunno, was cool to hear you say it."

"You should've said something then," Isaac spoke, "Why didn't you?"

"Just didn't feel like it was my time," Bob shrugged, "I'll have lots of chances to speak up about that stuff. But I didn't want to take away from anyone else."

"You're… always like that, huh? That's why you don't talk much around anyone else?" Isaac asked for clarification.

"I mean, yeah. It does take me a while to get comfortable with people but I dunno, I'd never want to step on anyone's toes or take away attention or validation from someone else, you know?" Bob shrugged.

"Well, you speak a lot around me," Isaac pointed out, laughing, "Are you not worried about invalidating me?" He joked.

"I know you'd tell me if you felt that way," Bob explained with a wave of his hand, "Besides, you and Frank are two of the only people I feel comfortable enough around to really speak to. Besides my parents, of course."

"Huh," Isaac thought out loud, "That's really nice to hear."

"Aww, look at them bonding!" Mack cooed.

"That's your brother, right?" Michael verified.

"Yep! Isaac, I mean. Bob is Frank's brother. I think," Mack looked to the ceiling thoughtfully, "Speaking of brothers, you okay, Michael? You sure did tell us how you felt! In a good way, of course."

"I… I didn't mean to.." Michael suddenly felt somewhat taken aback.

"Oh! No I was just kidding! Just a little bit of teasing between Warblers, y'know?" Mack shrugged.

"Oh, sure," Michael nodded, "I guess I uh, just wasn't expecting it,"

"Why not?" Mack tilted his head to the side.

"I guess, I don't know. Feel like I sort of fade into the back at glee. Which is fine, I really don't mind it! But I don't know, I guess I didn't realize you even knew who I was," Michael admitted.

"Of course I know who you are!" Mack laughed, "You joined with Eric! You sang Post Malone and it was great! You also saved our tail at sectionals when you did Seize the Day with Addison. You're a big talent in the Warblers,"

"Wow do you… remember stuff like that about all the Warblers?" Michael couldn't help but laugh along with Mack.

"Of course I do! I know I don't seem like I've, you know, got much going on up here," Mack pointed to his temple, "But it's just cause my little noggin is full of Warblers stats."

"That's… incredibly impressive," Michael laughed, suddenly understanding why Mack was actually great as head of the council.

"Aw, it's nothing!" Mack waved him off, "But I'm glad we got to talk, Michael! It's nice getting to know everyone in the group!"

"Yeah," Michael smiled, "I agree."

"Look at Michael putting himself out there… schmoozing with the head Warbler. I'm so proud," Lex laughed.

"It's nice to see him coming out of his shell," Eric grinned, "It's also so nice having him in glee with me. I wish you were there too though, Lex. I miss seeing you!"

"Aw, Eric," Lex grinned, they, much like many of the other students knew each other well just because of their parents, "I miss seeing you too, buddy! But I love being in New Directions. They're the best."

"It also probably does not hurt that your girlfriend also goes to McKinley, huh?" Eric laughed slightly.

"You are absolutely right! Though those are big words for someone dating someone in their own glee club." Lex raised his eyebrows.

"True, but Addison and I did not join glee for each other, more so with each other," Eric couldn't help but tease Lex back.

"I'll give it to you, you got me there," Lex chuckled, "But I think it's working out pretty well."

"You don't find it difficult being in different glee clubs?" Eric tilted his head to the side.

"Nah, it keeps things exciting, if you know what I mean," Lex grinned cheekily.

"I don't," Eric shook his head.

"I barely know what I mean too," Lex shrugged but smiled wide as he caught Audrey's gaze from across the room, "But things really are going very well."

"Cute," Trina grinned, noticing how Audrey waved to Lex.

"Us? Oh, um, thank you," Audrey suddenly felt shy, which was rare for her. "How are um… how are you holding up? With… you know, everything?" Audrey questioned nervously.

"I could ask you the same thing," Trina offered a small but genuine smile, "Everything with your mom seems like… a lot."

"Yeah," Audrey sighed out, "It is."

"I know it's not my business since we're not that close but, I do hope things get better for you," Trina nodded.

"Thanks, Trina, seriously. Me too." Audrey nodded.

"I will say though, as a family who had, very clearly been keeping a pretty big secret from everyone with the whole, you know, Jude thing… I know it's hard to be kept in the dark. But your mom probably has a reason for keeping things from you." Trina sighed out.

"I appreciate where you're coming from, but you don't know my situation," Audrey suddenly felt aggravated by the conversation.

"And you didn't know mine. Not until Jude talked about it," Trina pointed out, "I'm not saying this to be a bitch or be awful. I'm telling you as someone who knows. And to let you know you have my support."

Pausing for a moment, Audrey realized Trina's heart really was in the right place, "Well thank you. For the support," she nodded, about to say something but was soon distracted by Trina.

"Oh, of course they're talking!" Trina called out dramatically, suddenly turning to look at a conversation happening not too far away from her.

"I just don't know why you didn't tell me!" Xavier called out just as dramatically as Trina had.

"Because I didn't tell anyone," Jude rolled his eyes, "How many times do we have to go over this?"

"Well, how come Trina knew but not me?!" Xavier placed his hands on his hips trying and failing to intimidate Jude.

"Because she's my sister?" Jude almost laughed at the ridiculousness of the question.

"How about Emery then?" Xavier spoke, mentally going through the list of people who Jude said knew about his absence.

"Emery's different," Jude explained dryly, truly not wanting to get into it.

"How?! I'm your best friend! I'm the person you have a fat and embarrassing crush on!" Xavier pleaded.

"I do not have a fat or embarrassing crush on you. I don't have a crush on you at all… you know what? Never mind," Jude shook his head once more, "But you're right. You are one of my best friends. Genuinely."

"So… why didn't you tell me?" Xavier questioned, trying to not show his excitement at Jude calling him one of his best friends.

"I didn't tell you because you're one of my best friends. It's a lot for anyone to deal with. I didn't want to, I don't know. Worry you? Or anyone else for that matter," Jude explained with a deep breath.

"You always worry me! You're my best friend!" Xavier sighed out, "But I can... maybe understand that. Maybe."

"Thank you," Jude sighed out in relief.

"But now we have to deal with the clear feelings you have for me and how it's coming between me and Trina," Xavier spoke decisively.

"My god he's embarrassing," Chloe shook her head, eavesdropping on her brother.

"You're lucky to have him, though," Leslie smiled, walking to stand next to Chloe.

"Meh. I guess," Chloe shrugged, "I guess it's hard to see it that way when I've never known anything different."

"Grass is always greener, huh?" Leslie laughed, "At least we both know what it's like to have a mom as a glee coach, right? That's a weird similarity."

"For the same glee club and everything," Chloe smirked, "I'm kinda glad though, you know? I don't, I dunno, I can't be bothered to make friends most of the time. But it was easy with you."

"You… consider me a friend?" Leslie smiled, genuinely shocked by this revelation.

"Of course I do. You're… basically the only person who I even told I was coming back to Vocal Adrenaline after sectionals. You don't spill that kind of juice to just anyone," Chloe spoke lazily and nonchalantly per usual.

"I'm really glad you see it that way," Leslie smiled. "I consider you one of my friends too. As sort of… weird as our moms are, at least we got a cool little friendship out of it, huh?"

"Speak for yourself. Your mom might be weird," Chloe spoke slowly, confusing Leslie until she finished her thought, "But my mom is fucking insane."

"Hey, you said it, not me," Leslie laughed, surprised by how easy Chloe was to actually get along with.

"What could they possibly have to talk about?" Emery half laughed, noticing Chloe and Leslie laughing and getting on.

"People could say the same thing about us," Addison laughed in turn.

"Well, daddy issues for one," Emery smirked.

"That!" Addison paused dramatically, placing a single finger in the air, "Is a really great point, actually. Which, uh, speaking of, I did want to reach out and just let you know that I'm here for you."

"Really?" Emery was surprised, but impressed, "Not that I don't appreciate it but…why?"

"I mean for one, we grew up together and I totally get why we hadn't seen you for a few years and could never hold that against you. From the sounds of it we also both hate being home and really don't get along with anyone else we grew up with. I mean, Felix is pretty chill but the rest of them are… a lot," Addison chuckled.

"You can say that again," Emery shook her head, "But… thanks, Addison. You always were my favorite of all those kids. And I would like to try to get close again."

"Then it's a deal!" Addison grinned, "Maybe you could play Fortnite with me sometime. It's usually me, Felix and that kid Xavier? I think you guys are friends?"

"Oh my God," Emery laughed, "That sounds perfect," They smiled, though it did not last long. "Are you okay?"

"Um," Addison looked down at his phone, genuinely confused, "My mom just texted me."

"Saying what?" Emery questioned out of both concern and curiosity.

"That she's…" Addison looked down and then back up at Emery, "Going on a date tonight?"

THURSDAY EVENING

"You boys okay?" Nick questioned as he watched Mack and Isaac enter the house together, both visibly tired.

"Yeah, just a weird week," Isaac shrugged.

"Good weird or bad weird?" Nick raised his eyebrows.

"Jury's still out I think," Mack laughed.

"Well, we did have something to tell you that might cheer you up…" Jeff started slowly.

"We're going to Disney World?!" Mack tried hopefully.

"No, Mack. We're not going to Disney World," Nick spoke, trying to remain patient.

"We are taking a trip this weekend though…" Jeff continued to build the anticipation.

"We're going to Six Flags?!" Mack tried again to no avail, met only with a disappointed sigh from Nick.

"We're going to go get you a pigeon, Isaac," Nick spoke, simply to try to get Mack to stop guessing.

"Wait, really?" Isaac's eyes lit up, "You mean it?"

"That's awesome, Isaac," Mack smiled, genuinely happy for his brother.

"Really? What happened to you hating pigeons?" Isaac tilted his head to the side skeptically.

"I just think… you deserve something good," Mack nodded smiling.

While this was a somewhat surprising revelation, Jeff and Nick shared a small smile, glad to see that the pigeon situation sort of worked itself out. Meanwhile just a few houses down, Sydney and Steven had entered their own house in synchronization, both visibly tired and burnt out.

"You two look exhausted," Elliot couldn't help but note as his two children walked in the door together.

"It's been a long day," Steven explained as ambiguously as he could.

"It's been a long week," Sydney shook their head just thinking about it.

"It's only Thursday," Sebastian reminded them, his tone dry, barely paying attention.

"Okay, and?" Sydney surprised the room by speaking back in a clearly annoyed tone to her father.

"Well," Elliot quickly jumped in, "What happened?"

"You had to be there," Steven and Sydney once again surprised the room by talking in sync. "Nice," they spoke together once more, both laughing slightly shaking their heads, as they both made way to head up to their rooms.

"What the hell is going on?" Sebastian questioned, genuinely confused, and upset about not being in the loop.

"Let's not… question it," Elliot spoke quietly as he watched his two children walk off, talking and getting along – something nobody in the room had ever seen them do.

A/N: Thank you again for reading! I know this chapter was very heavy and a lot, so I just wanted to add this second A/N to thank you all for reading and to once again remind you that my PMs are open if you have any comments, questions or concerns. Thanks again so much, and I'll see you in the new year!