A/N: HOLY SHIT WHERE HAVE I BEEN LMAAAAO okay listen. I know it has been like seven months (?) since I last updated, so if you're following this fic, I'm sure it was a shock to see a new chapter lol. I also know the last few chapters have been drastically spaced out, and so it is hard to trust me when I say this but - I am actually back. For real this time. Part of the reason this chapter took so mf long to upload is because instead of actually writing I have been actively mapping out and planning the rest of this season. And the next. And with that said it is crucial, now more than ever, that you let me know if you're still here / still reading, etc.! I obviously understand that it's been over half a year since anyone has heard from me, so fair enough if a lot of you aren't still following. That said - those who reach out (specifically through PM) and are open to talking with me basically have a guaranteed spot in the next season. Not everyone does. More on that as we get closer, but I've already got the next chapter completely planned out, so while it might not be up immediately, it will likely be a 1-3 months at absolute most! And every chapter every regionals will reference what the characters plan on doing the next year, which is why it's so vital to know who is actually going to be here.

All of that out of the way - if you are still here reading this: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've said a million times, that you guys and your characters are why I love this fic and love writing it. And I promise to not leave you hanging like this again! And please enjoy regionals - it's a super important chapter to the whole lore of the fic, but also was a lot of fun to write and reminded me why I love this fic so much. Thanks, and I'll see you at the second A/N! (PS: Please enjoy the New Directions feel good mashup it took 8 years off of my life writing and technically arranging it)

FRIDAY EVENING

Tensions were high at Carmel High as the family and friends of competing schools filed into the auditorium. All three groups had a reputation of being the show choir to beat, and as if that was not enough, many of the supporters of the Vocal Adrenaline students were also somewhat worried about their own upcoming regionals competitions.

"I just don't know how I'm expected to sit here and act like our whole livelihood is not at stake," Sutton groaned.

"You didn't have to come," Ambrose reminded him, "In fact, I specifically asked that you didn't, since I knew you would act like this,"

"What kind of person would I be if I didn't come out to support me pre-cuff, supporting his estranged twin sister?" Sutton raised his eyebrows.

Opting to ignore the pre-cuff comment, Ambrose shook his head, "That doesn't explain why you dragged Oliver along with you as well,"

"He's here to support me, supporting you, supporting Kendall," Sutton nodded matter of factly.

"I also just… used to go here," Oliver reminded the two of them, "How quickly we forget," he sighed out to himself.

"Warblers!" A voice boomed from just behind them, all three boys recognizing it as a member of the council, "Fancy meeting you here!"

"Hi Tommy!" Sutton grinned happily.

"Where's… the rest of your family?" Oliver asked cynically, hoping that would lead Tommy to go back and bother them instead of him.

"Oh, they're all the way back there," Tommy nodded to where his family and friends were sitting, "But I thought I'd come here and sit with my boys!"

"Well," Ambrose spoke slowly, and politely, "You are more than welcome to join us," Ambrose, admittedly, was hoping to get some alone time with Sutton but that plan seemed to go out the door as soon as Oliver showed up.

"I can't believe he doesn't want to sit with us!" Tina gasped, looking at Tommy from a distance.

"I can," Cay groaned, earning a small giggle from Rey as the Abrams and Changs, per usual, took their seats together.

"Are you sure you don't want to sit with them?" Mike asked Teddy, nodding to where Tommy had wandered off to.

"I'll pass," Teddy spoke decisively, while he wouldn't have minded sitting with Ambrose or even Oliver, he got enough of Tommy and Sutton at school.

"I don't blame you," Kitty spoke knowingly. Tommy was, of course, her favorite child, but even she knew what he could be like.

"We're happy to have you with us, Teddy" Artie spoke up, hoping they could all just move on from that particular conversation.

On the other side of the room, another group was walking in, all sort of awkward with each other.

"I don't want to be here," Zoey announced, maybe a bit too loudly.

"Zoey," Madison gasped, before shushing her daughter, "Can you tone it back a bit please?"

"It's okay," Roderick spoke sheepishly, knowing he'd missed most of Emery's competitions, and mildly overwhelmed that his now girlfriend and her two kids were joining him for one of them, "I know it's.. a little weird,"

"I'm chilling," Addison shrugged, "I like Emery. And Xavier too actually. And a lot of the Vocal Adrenaline kids. I'm happy to be here,"

"See? Why can't you be more like Addison, Zoey?" Madison raised her eyebrows.

"Oh, I am not doing this right now," Zoey marched off, not giving anyone else a chance to respond as she left to go sit by herself.

Before anyone even had a chance to react, a few familiar faces made themselves known.

"Hey guys!" Dave Karofsky, grinned happily, Eric and Ash close behind him, as well as Trent, Zach and Oscar who they met up with on the way in.

"Hi Madison!" Eric waved.

"Hello boys," Madison smiled politely, though she still didn't like the idea of Addison dating anyone.

"Yo, Addison!" Zach leaned over, to complete the secret Warblers handshake with Addison before they all began to sit down.

"Aw, we love to see the Warbles unity," Trent laughed.

"Do we?" Oscar grimaced, earning a small shrug from Ash.

While Zoey had somewhat overhead this conversation and was glad she didn't have to partake, she also soon found herself cringing as someone else recognized her.

"Zoey! Oh my goodness, I can't believe you're here and sitting by yourself," Trina shook her head at her co-Troubletone.

"It's really fine," Zoey spoke dryly, "I actually prefer to-"

"Oh, don't be silly!" Sugar waved her hand, not even listening to what Zoey was saying, but knowing she was in Trina's group. "Once a Troubletone always a Troubletone. Or whatever."

"Isn't that what the Warblers say-" Joe started but was cut off.

"No! It's not," Sugar spoke authoritatively.

"I wish the New Directions had some kind of cool saying," Sophie sighed out, "It's always 'You're all minorities, you're in the glee club!' and never, 'You're all children of God, you're in the glee club!' You know?"

"I wouldn't speak too loudly," Zoey grumbled, "I can see your glee teacher from here,"

And sure enough, just a few feet away were Will and Flora Schuester walking in to the auditorium.

"Are you sure it's okay if you're here?" Flora asked nervously, "You know, since you're the competition and everything?"

"Look, Flora," Will sighed out, "There's nothing wrong with coming to see a show choir competition. It's an open event,"

"Yeah, but it still feels sort of… I don't know," Flora sighed out thinking of the word she wanted to use, "Vindictive or something,"

"There's nothing vindictive about it," Will responded, maybe a little too defensively before sighing out once more, "I also am trying to support you and this… St. James boy,"

"Did someone say St. James?" Jesse appeared out of seemingly nowhere, smiling just charismatically enough.

"Jesse," Will let out a sort of half laugh, half scoff at the appearance of the boy, "I'm, um, well I'm sort of surprised to see you here,"

"Why surprised?" Jesse, lifted his eyebrows, "Rachel and I created a beautiful son who happens to be, if we're being honest, the most talented member of Vocal Adrenaline. He does have our genes after all. What sort of father would I be if I didn't show up to support him?"

Before Will had the chance to respond, another person from his past made their sudden appearance.

"Wow, what is this? A reunion special?" Holly laughed, "William, great to see a familiar face,"

"Holly?!" Will laughed, suddenly standing up to give his old friend a hug, "Wow, it's great to see you!"

"Likewise," Holly smiled smugly as she hugged him back.

"You two know each other?" Jesse verified.

"Course we do!" Holly laughed, "I've made my rounds,"

"And… you two know each other?" Will also verified looking between Jesse and Holly.

"Obviously," Jesse sneered, "We both actually have kids who go to this school,"

"True that," Holly nodded, "Besides, you didn't think McKinley was the only school I ever subbed at, did you?"

"No, I mean, I guess, that um," Will laughed, shaking his head, "I guess that makes sense," he sighed out, and while he felt somewhat uncomfortable with the people currently surrounding him, he felt somewhat relieved that he didn't have to deal with anyone else, especially as he heard a familiar voice coming from not too far away.

"This sucks," Becky Jackson found herself groaning as she took a seat, not too far from Will, but far enough that she didn't see him.

"Well, Becky," Sue who was, of course, with her, started slowly, "If you hadn't taken so long to decide what to wear, maybe we'd be able to sit where you want to,"

"Whatever," Becky waved her old coach off, "I look hot,"

"You won't hear any arguments from me," Her husband, Darrell smiled.

"You know what?" Sue started once more, now directing her words to Darrell, "If it wasn't for the slight, irritating buzzing I hear whenever you speak, I would have completely forgotten that you're even here,"

"Well, what kind of dad would I be if I weren't here to support Sawyer?" Darrell raised his eyebrows.

"A good one. Take it from me," Sue barely gave him a chance to finish, still not making eye contact with him, "A father figure in this day in age is absolutely unnecessary,"

"Can you two stop fighting?" Becky whined, "I'm trying to eavesdrop on gay Blaine," she nodded her heads to where many of the Warblers alumni were congregating.

"How are we feeling today, gentlemen?" Blaine smiled kindly, waving at Jeff, Nick and Mack who all sat together, patiently waiting for the competition to begin.

"Great as always!" Jeff smiled happily in turn.

"Hi Michael! Hi Lex!" Mack waved at his co-warbler, and Lex who he of course knew from also being from a Warbler alumni household.

"Hey Mack," Lex grinned.

"Mind if we sit?" Michael asked kindly.

"I would be offended if you didn't," Mack laughed.

"Speaking of offensive, look who it is," Kurt gave a dry smile and a slight head tilt at the sight of Sebastian.

"Now, I know you're not talking about me," Sebastian smirked.

"You brought Frank with you," Nick noted.

"Of course! David and Wes couldn't make it, and he's basically our son in law anyways," Elliot laughed.

"Hi friends!" Frank grinned, perhaps maybe too wide, still on the high of the son in law comment, as he took a seat next to his peers.

Just as they were about to respond, their attention was drawn to a man passing through all of the seats, seemingly trying to find the best one.

"No, you don't understand," the man spoke almost demandingly to the poor innocent person sitting in the seat he wanted, "My son is the star of his glee club and is going to take them to victory and I need to be in this seat so I can watch him do that and so that he can see me being a supportive father.

"Who is that?" Lex questioned, furrowing his eyebrows.

"That," Blaine laughed, almost in disbelief, "Is Jean Baptiste,"

"Who?" Several of the group around them questioned at once.

"Do you not read the blogs?" Sebastian scoffed, a typical sense of superiority coming over him, "His son, Martin, is said to be the next up and coming show choir star. He's the lead of Throat Explosion and if his leading them to second place at nationals last year is any indicator, he's a force to be reckon with. Which is exactly why Sydney needs to pull it together for Vocal Adrenaline, because, let's be honest, she's the only hope that group's got, and she wouldn't be able to handle being the reason they lose,"

Opting to ignore the part about Sydney, Jeff, tilted his head to the side, questioning, "Martin?"

Backstage, the elusive Martin stood outside of Vocal Adrenaline's green room, lingering, watching them scramble as they tried to figure out what they would do for their mystery theme, which as it turned out, was a mashup.

"Having some trouble?" He snickered, catching the attention of Sydney, who looked him over for a few long moments.

He was tall with dark hair and big brown eyes, the spitting image of his father. Sydney did notice that he had a seemingly put on French Canadian accent, but elected to ignore it.

"What the hell are you doing here?" She questioned, putting a hand on her hip, which, of course, caused the rest of Vocal Adrenaline to look over to see who she was talking to.

"Who is that?" Sawyer whispered, though he was only met with a shrug from Chloe.

"Martin Baptisite," He introduced himself, speaking over the group, "And while I would wish you luck, seeing as you clearly need it, I have much better things to do like make sure my group is ready to destroy both you and the Unitards,"

"Is that why you're lingering in here?" Kendall quirked an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry," Xavier shook his head for a moment, "I'm having difficulty hearing you over your thick accent," he continued on, not realizing that his words may have come across as rude, "Did you say your name is Martin?"

"Mar-tan," Martin corrected the pronunciation.

"Well, 'Mar-tan'," Anthony mocked his voice, "Get lost, kid. We don't need the opinion of someone who is half the star that I am,"

"Is that why your mother missed your show choir competition? Though, rumor has it she's going to be a judge for another competition?" Martin smirked, leaving Vocal Adrenaline curious as to where he was getting his intel.

"What?" Anthony's eyebrows furrowed, this clearly being news to him.

"Oop!" Martin laughed, as over the intercom the Unitards were called to stage, "Time to watch the losers. See you later, other losers," he continued to laugh as he turned to walk away.

"What the hell was that about?" Unique eyed the young boy up and down, as she and Harmony walked in the room.

"He was um," Kate spoke up slowly seeing as nobody else was going to, "Trying to psych out the competition, I think. Especially since he walked in on us trying to come up with a mashup,"

"Well, don't worry about the mashup," Harmony spoke confidently, "I have a mashup that I've been performing literally since before I was any of your age,"

Unfortunately, just as she was about to reveal what that mashup was, the group heard the Unitards begin their own rendition of Anything Goes / Anything You Can Do.

"What the fu-" Harmony gasped in such a dramatic way that it would challenge a soap opera star's gasp.

"Alright, well," Unique sighed out, realizing that was Harmony's whole song, "Any other ideas?"

"I think I have one," Anthony spoke up, still somewhat in a daze, "I know I have one," he spoke more confidently.

"Okay, well, what is it?" Ingrid quirked an eyebrow.

"Just trust me," Anthony nodded, trying to get himself together to teach the group the song.

While it did take the group some time, they did eventually catch on, as usual, somehow managing to pull it together.

"I don't know that it's our best," Leslie spoke slowly, "But I think it will work,"

"I think it's good," Kate nodded, doing her best to keep up the positivity, "Besides, the Unitards were good but… I know we're better,"

"What about Mar-tan?" Isaac couldn't help but mimic Martin's voice, as Throat Explosion made their way to stage, "Isn't his group known to be pretty good?"

"Come on," Emery rolled their eyes, "How good can they be?"

But, as if on queue, Throat Explosion began their mash-up, which was, of course, Mr. Robot / Counting Stars, Martin following in his dad's footsteps in any way that he could. And, sure enough, they were incredible. So incredible that most members of Vocal Adrenaline were in awe just listening to them.

"You had to ask," Jude shook his head, nudging Emery slightly in response to the question she'd asked mere moments before.

"Well… we've still got our other songs down and we're going to nail it," Steven spoke with an almost desperate amount of hope in his voice, "We can still win this thing!"

"Yeah, I agree with Steven," Pilar nodded. "Anything they can do, we can do,"

"No, that was the Unitards!" Xavier exclaimed.

"Yeah, Ingrid, try to keep up," Anthony rolled his eyes.

"I'm Ingrid," Ingrid groaned.

"I'm Dana!" Dana grinned.

"We know," half of Vocal Adrenaline responded dryly.

"For the love of God, can you all please get it together?!" Harmony practically screamed out.

"I think, what Harmony is trying to say," Unique, thankfully, stepped in, "Is that it's not much longer until we go on. Let's keep running the song and then we'll deal with… everything else,"

And sure enough that's what the group did, just as they got called to stage, all just as anxious as each other to get their performance started. As the audience also were anxiously waiting for the performance to start, they were surprised that once the music started, one spotlight appeared one side of the stage, showcasing Chloe who began the first song – their country song – her voice actually strong and impressive since she was putting any amount of effort into it.

"Baby, when I met you
There was peace unknown
I set out to get you
With a fine tooth comb
I was soft inside
There was something going on,"

Chloe sang out as a second spotlight appeared, this time showcasing Dana as the two students stepped just vaguely closing together, both singing, Dana surprisingly, nailing the higher harmony.

"You do something to me
That I can't explain
Hold me closer and I feel no pain
Every beat of my heart
We got something going on,"

While Kitty and Artie were both surprised to see Dana have such a big part, they were impressed and applauded them, though Rey, Tommy and Mike all were cheering much, much louder.

"Tender love is blind
It requires a dedication,"

Chloe continued singing out once more, Dana once again joining in as they wrapped up the first verse.

"All this love we feel
Needs no conversation
We ride it together, ah-ha
Making love with each other, ah-ha,"

Once again moving slightly closer together, the pair on stage suddenly began their somehow very synchronized choreography as they sang out the chorus.

"Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ha
From one lover to another, ah-ha,"

While watching from the side of the stage, Xavier fought the urge to cheer out loudly for Chloe, he did clap slightly, distracting his sister. However, in her distraction, Chloe also noticed Pilar looking and smiling at her, causing a small smile of her own to appear on her lips. What she really wasn't expecting, however, was Ingrid to also be looking at her that way. Electing to ignore it, Chloe continued to move in sync with Dana.

"I can't live without you
If the love was gone
Everything is nothing
If you got no one
And you just walk in the night
Slowly losing sight of the real thing,"

Dana, now sang on their own, their higher range still shockingly good. The performance itself was impressive enough, but Zoey and Trina couldn't help but exchange a nervous glance as they both knew the Troubletones had also prepared a Dolly song. However, both of their attention was brought back to the stage as Chloe once again joined in singing with Dana.

"But that won't happen to us
And we got no doubt
Too deep in love and we got no way out
And the message is clear
This could be the year for the real thing,"

Though Harmony never would have admitted it, she was wildly impressed by Chloe's lower range, almost making her feel something as she thought back to Chloe's Vocal Adrenaline audition.

"No more will you cry
Baby, I will hurt you never,"

Dana sang out contently once more, as they and Chloe finally met at the middle front of the stage, holding hands as they turned and faced the audience, concluding the second verse.

"We start and end as one
In love forever
We can ride it together, ah-ha
Making love with each other, ah-ha,"

Now from either side of the stage came the rest of Vocal Adrenaline, all backing up their peers' vocals, as well as following their own group choreography, Sawyer, Isaac and Leslie filling out the rest of the harmonies, which, of course, sent Becky wild as she loudly cheered for her child, while Mack did the exact same thing for his brother, Jeff following suit, while Nick smiled and applauded politely and Unique wiped a proud tear from her eye from the side of the stage.

"Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ha
From one lover to another, ah-ha,"

Over the instrumental break, the group continued to move in sync, Chloe and Dana letting go of each other's hands, moving back to join the rest of their group.

"Ooooh, come sail away with me," Dana wailed out, just as the whole group started to move in sync with each other, wrapping up the song.

"Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ha
From one lover to another, ah-ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ha
From one lover to another, ah-ha,"

As the song concluded, the crowd, surprisingly, went wild, the show choir on stage bowing their heads, mentally preparing themselves for their feel good song, before all but three students started suddenly singing out.

"Ooga-chaka, ooga-ooga
Ooga-chaka, ooga-ooga
Ooga-chaka, ooga-ooga
Ooga-chaka, ooga-ooga,"

Xavier, who, of course under Harmony's direction got the lead on the song, stepped out in front of everyone, singing out confidently and surprisingly contained and controlled.

"I can't stop this feeling
Deep inside of me
Girl, you just don't realize
What you do to me,"

Moving just slightly forward, Trina cheered loudly, almost like a fangirl at a boy band concert, Sugar and Joe also cheering loudly for Xavier, Sophie noting that she'd 'seen better,'

"When you hold me
In your arms so tight
You let me know
Everything's all right,"

Wrapping up the first verse, Jude and Emery – the other two who were technically 'leading' the song – stepped up to sing with Xavier.

"I-I-I," The trio sang together, Jude and Emery moving to step in sync with Xavier.

"I'm hooked on a feeling
I'm high on believing
That you're in love with me,"

As surprised as many audience members were that Harmony and Unique allowed these three to lead a song together, they were more surprised that they made the perfect three-part harmony. All three now stepping away from each other, Xavier standing in the middle of the stage, Jude to his left and Emery to this right, the latter began singing out.

"Lips as sweet as candy
Its taste is on my mind
Girl, you got me thirsty
For another cup of wine,"

Emery normally would have been more nervous about performing in a competition but after last time, they had learned they were actually capable of it, and it showed, as she sang out confidently, smiling to herself at both her delivery and the fact that she noticed Sophie, Lex, Addison, Zoey, and most surprisingly of all, her father, cheering her on. Jude also noticed this, so genuinely happy for Emery that he nearly missed his queue to sing, though remembered just in time.

"Got a bug from you girl
But I don't need no cure
I'll just stay a victim
If I can for sure,"

Jude's voice was somehow cool, calm and collected, as he delivered his lines almost like he didn't care, which actually worked very well, as Sugar and Joe continued to cheer, this time for their actual son, Trina, surprisingly smiling and clapping, and Sophie cheering to an almost obnoxious degree.

"All the good love," Xavier began his part of this verse, just as confidently, happily, and almost absentmindedly as he had the first verse.

"When we're all alone
Keep it up girl
Yeah, you turn me on,"

Trina once again going absolutely berserk, it was Xavier's turn to almost forget to sing, distracted by his girlfriend, but, thankfully, was pulled back down to earth by the small smile Jude and Emery had shared as all three leading made their way back together, the rest of Vocal Adrenaline continuing to harmonize in the background, as well as moving together seamlessly, just in time for Xavier, Jude and Emery to all sing together once more.

"I'm hooked on a feeling
I'm high on believing
That you're in love with me,"

"All the good love
When we're all alone,"

Xavier sang out, turning to smile at his two best friends, just in time for Jude to sing out.

"Keep it up girl," Jude sang.

"Yeah, you turn me on," Emery sang their last solo line.

"I'm hooked on a feeling,
I'm high on believing
That you're in love with me,"

The golden trio once again sang together, all surprised by both the fact that this was the first time they'd all sang together as a trio, and how much fun they had doing it. Xavier, of course on the main melody, while Jude and Emery both harmonized as they prepared to wrap up the song.

"I'm hooked on a feeling
And I'm high on believing
That you're in love with me
I said I'm hooked on a feeling
And I'm high on believing
That you're in love with me,"

All three standing, Emery and Jude once again on either side of Xavier, they all called out one last, "I'm hooked on a feeling,"

Scurrying back to their group, the three found their place as Anthony and Sydney prepared themselves for the mash-up that Anthony had come up with last minute. While the previous song, once again, got a shocking amount of applause, a hush soon fell over the room, the group breaking it soon thereafter, as Sydney, Anthony, Kate, Steven and Kendall all called out together.

"Any way you want it
That's the way you need it
Any way you want it,"

As, just like at sectionals, many New Directions alumni recognized this immediately, most of them didn't have time to process as Anthony began to sing.

"She loves to laugh
She loves to sing
She does everything,"

While Jesse was watching almost cynically, Flora was less subtle, cheering out happily for her boyfriend as he continued to sing, Kendall harmonizing with him.

"She loves to move
She loves to groove
She loves the lovin' things,"

Without warning, Anthony and Kendall proved to be a dangerous combination, both of their voices totally cool and under control, though powerful and expressive, Holly cheering, just happy to see her daughter.

"It won't be long, yeah," Sydney now took their turn singing out, very quickly both proving and reminding everyone that she was the best singer in the group, "'til you're alone,"

"When your lover oh, he hasn't come home," Sydney belted out, Frank standing on their feet to applaud his partner proudly, just as Kendall came in, harmonizing and riffing just slightly over Sydney – another lethal combination.

"'Cause he's lovin' he's touchin', squeezin' another," Sydney continued to belt out confidently.

"Another," Kendall also now belted, showing off that she was nearly as good as Sydney, smiling as she noticed Ambrose also smiling and cheering her on, while beside him, Sutton was agasp at Kendall's pure talent, so much show, that he did not notice Oliver also cheesing at Kendall's impressive belt.

"Any way you want it
That's the way you need it
Any way you want it
He said any way you want it
That's the way you need it
Any way you want it,"

The whole glee club sang out, Ingrid and Pilar taking the lead melody, and Anthony and Sydney harmonized, something that was mildly nerve-wracking to Pilar and felt like home to Ingrid. However, as Pilar sang, she noticed her father sitting, and waving meekly at her, which allowed the already wide smile on her face to grow even wider, while Ingrid tried her best not to frown, noticing that her parents weren't anywhere to be seen.

"Na na na na na na, na na na na na
Na na na na na na, na na na na na,"

The group continued on, everyone secretly pleased that Pilar and Ingrid didn't ruin it for all of them. Smiling at each other, Kate and Steven now stepped up, Steven singing confidently.

"I was alone, I never knew what good love could do," While it was only one line, Steven knew he nailed it, as Elliott cheered loudly for him, something Sydney couldn't help but notice Sebastian didn't do for her. Now, or ever, really.

"Then we touched," Kate now joined in singing, somewhat surprising both the audience and her teammates with how well she sung, as though they'd forgotten she, along with the four others signing, was indisputably one of the best in her group, "then we sang about the lovely things,"

Kate now stepped aside to sing without Steven while Kendall once again harmonized and riffed, trying her best to ignore her father, Eric and Zach all cheering what she would deem embarrassingly loudly.

"'Cause he's lovin' he's touchin' , he's squeezin' another," Kate smiled as she sang out, before shooting a look to Kendall, who gave what was perhaps the most subtle nod in the world, as the two belted out together, "Yeah, yeah,"

Now Anthony and Sydney took the lead, Kate, Steven, Ingrid and Pilar all harmonizing beautifully, while Kendall continued to riff and repeat, really pulling the song together.

"Any way you want it
That's the way you need it
Any way you want it
He said, any way you want it
That's the way you need it
Any way you want it,"

Suddenly, as though something had come over every single student in the group, they all started smiling, moving in sync together, everyone in Vocal Adrenaline looking at each other, all feeling like they were, for once, actually having fun performing together as they all sang.

"Na na na na na na, na na na na na
Na na na na na na, na na na na na,"

All fifteen kids now standing in a line, as they came into the last chorus, Anthony, Steven, Kate, Ingrid and Pillar all took the main chorus once again, Sydney joining in with Kendall singing over the rest of the group with impressive licks, the whole group still moving together, by some miracle, pulling off not only the most last minute choreography they'd done, but arguably, also the most complex.

"Any way you want it
That's the way you need it
Any way you want it
He said, any way you want it
That's the way you need it
Any way you want it
Any way you want it
That's the way you need it
Any way you want it
Na na na na na na, na na na na na
Na na na na na na, na na na na na,"

All of them almost freezing, all fifteen kids in sync called out together, sticking a fist in the air, "Any way you want it, that's the way you need it!"

As the group made their way backstage, most were relieved and celebrating pulling of their performance, though, of course, Sydney and Anthony found themselves being followed by Martin into their greenroom.

"Cute performance, Adrenaline du Vocal," He snickered, once again feigning his accent, "But will cute be good enough? Only time will tell,"

"Whatever, your opinion doesn't matter to us," Anthony rolled his eyes.

"Spoken like a true loser," Martin snickered, "Jokes aside, may the best team win," he raised his eyebrows.

"We plan on it," Sydney narrowed their eyes, but Martin had already turned to walk out of the room.

"Are you guys… okay?" Flora asked meekly, as she came to congratulate Anthony on a great performance.

"Mind your business, Schuester," Sydney snapped, sauntering away.

"I'm fine," Anthony assured his girlfriend, trying to distract himself from everything, as he reached out to hold one of her hands, "How did we do?"

"Amazing, as expected," Flora cooed slightly before shaking herself out of it, "Almost as good as the New Directions are going to do," she couldn't help but tease.

"Flora," A voice came from behind her, as she turned to see Jesse standing behind her, "May I have a moment alone with my son, please?"

"Sure thing, Mr. St. James," Flora nodded, only mildly intimidated by the Vocal Adrenaline alum. "I'll see you later, okay?" Flora smiled, placing a small kiss on Anthony's cheek before leaving the room.

"What's up?" Anthony asked cautiously.

"Interesting mash up choice," Jesse cut to the chase immediately, "And bold of you to pick the one that caused your mother to lose her very first regionals,"

"But… we did really well," Anthony was surprised to see himself standing up to his father, "And on that topic… is mom really going to be a judge at another regionals?"

"Well… yeah," Jesse tried to refrain from laughing, "That's why she's not here. She needs to rest before hand,"

"Right," Anthony sighed out, and while Jesse continued to critique his performance, his eyes couldn't help but wander to where Pilar was actually having a very sweet moment with her father.

Pilar was very close with her father, and it showed. While he was nervous to come backstage and see all the other parents so he didn't stay long, it was obvious by the lengthy hug, and wide grin on Pilar's face that they were close and had a normal, healthy, loving relationship.

"Who's that?" Chloe came up beside Pilar, surprising her.

"Oh," Pilar laughed, shaking her head, mildly embarrassed, "That's my dad. We're um, we're really close,"

"Oh, word," Chloe nodded slowly, "Could never be me. Two moms, ya know? Happy for you, though,"

"Thanks?" Pilar laughed once more, before a slight blush came across her cheeks at the next few words, "You were… really incredible out there, by the way. Like, really good."

"Really?" Chloe now took her turn in laughing, an odd break in her usual neutral demeanor, "Thanks. I, you know, don't hear that very often. I just get my parts cause my mom is my mom. Kind of feels like I didn't earn them,"

"Well, I think you just proved that you did earn it," Pilar nodded, smiling.

"Thanks, Pilar," Chloe found herself surprised to be smiling, though it faded, as she noticed something across the room, "Excuse me," she moved to the other side of the room, where Ingrid had stopped Trina before she was able to get to Xavier, clearly flirting with the Troubletone.

"Oh, hey Chloe," Trina smiled and waved in a way that could only be described as oblivious.

"Back off," Chloe spoke directly to Ingrid, "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I'm… gonna go…" Trina spoke up, dizzily looking around for her boyfriend.

"What's your problem with me?" Ingrid placed a hand on her hip.

"What's your problem with other people being happy?" Chloe asked, defeated, "And didn't we just have this conversation at that… get together that definitely was not a party?"

"Look," Ingrid spoke, raising her eyebrows, "People think they know what they want – but they don't. I'm just trying to prove that,"

"Ingrid," Chloe looked her teammate in the eye, "I, respectfully, don't care about you. But I can see nobody is here to support you and I saw it on stage too. I also remember you just showed up one day, something about your parents like bargaining with the coaches to get you on the team? Which when you put it all together... makes sense. So you probably just do this to feel something. But find something else. We're all tired,"

Though Ingrid was at first shocked by how much Chloe spoke, she then felt somewhat attacked, but then a mischievous grin found itself on her lips as she realized something, "For someone who doesn't care about me, you sure notice and remember a lot about me,"

"What the hell do I know? I'm high as fuck, dude," Chloe shook her head, wanting to leave the conversation immediately walking over to Leslie, who she knew also had nobody there to congratulate her, since much like Chloe, her mother was also a coach.

"Hey dude," Chloe nodded towards her friend, "I know you didn't get a huge part or anything, but you did great out there,"

"Our job was to make you and Dana sound good," Leslie couldn't help but laugh, "I'd definitely say we succeeded."

"Hey I hope this isn't weird, but like," Chloe started slowly, "I'm glad you're here. Like, someone else who knows what it's like to have a mom as a glee coach? It's weird as hell, right?"

"It's totally weird," Leslie laughed, "I just wish my mom was as willing to go straight to the nepotism," Leslie half joked.

"That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about," Chloe spoke slowly, "If, you know, we win and go to nationals and my mom pulls the same shit, I want you to have my part. We started together, auditioned together, virtually had the same experience, except I got all the good parts cause of my mom."

"That's really… big of you Chloe. Thanks," Leslie smiled, nodding, "But I only want it if we share it,"

"You've got yourself a deal," Chloe took her turn nodding, moving to shake Leslie's hand.

Meanwhile, across the room, Mack and Sutton were also completing a handshake – the secret Warblers handshake, of course. While Mack had just finished telling his brother how good he was, and his parents were still congratulating Isaac on a job well done, Mack couldn't help but notice Sutton, Ambrose and Oliver all enter the room, leading Mack to wander over to them, and Sutton was the only one willing to do the handshake.

"So, you boys ready for tomorrow?" Sutton grinned, looking over to his two teammates.

"Not even a little bit," Mack shrugged nonchalantly, "I'm super worried about our mystery theme. I don't think I could come up with a mashup if I tried,"

Not having the heart to tell him that these teams didn't come up with their own mashups and clearly stole them, Ambrose simply sighed out deeply, shaking his head, "I'm certain that you'll be able to come up with something for whatever our theme is," Ambrose lied straight to the head of the council's face.

"Hold on a sec," Sutton spoke, putting his hands in front of him dramatically, "Where did Oliver go?"

"Uh, over there? I think?" Mack nodded towards where Oliver was stood talking to Kendall, as Sutton and Ambrose exchanged a confused but intrigued look.

"I'm surprised you came all the way back here to tell me I was good. Something I already knew," Kendall couldn't help but laugh.

"In my defense, it was actually Ambrose who wanted to come tell you 'good job', but then Sutton also had to come and you know how he is…" Oliver trailed off.

"Fair enough," Kendall spoke slowly, "But I still appreciate the compliment,"

"Yeah, well," Oliver shrugged, "It's true. Might as well say it,"

"Now what the hell is all that about?" Sydney narrowed her eyes, hand on her hip as she watched Kendall and Oliver talk.

"I dunno," Steven shrugged happily, but was soon distracted by their father walking in, "Dad!" He grinned.

"Hey!" Elliott smiled widely, "You two were amazing!"

"Duh," Sydney rolled her eyes, "Where's my dad?"

"He just wanted to save our seats! But seriously, great job kiddos," Elliott nodded, though, did sort of shoo Steven out of the way after a moment, opting to ignore Sydney's dad comment.

"So what's the real reason he's not here?" Sydney questioned skeptically, hand placed on her hip, watching as Steven skipped off to go talk to Sophie who also happened to be in the room.

"Look, honey, you probably don't need to hear it right now, you're nervous enough waiting to hear the results and-" Elliott tried, but it clearly didn't work as Sydney interrupted him.

"Don't talk down to me," Sydney warned. "I can take it,"

After a few moments, of going back and forth, trying to decide if he should actually say it, Elliott finally gave in, "He said when you do something to prove that you actually want to win, that's when he'd come congratulate you. But, he just thinks the performance wasn't enough, which I totally disagree with!"

"Uh, thanks. For telling me the truth," Sydney nodded, swallowing hard. While she at first was going to try to just leave the room to be alone, something stopped her, as they saw their teammate surrounded by love and support.

"Hey," Sydney greeted her, "Can I borrow you for a sec?"

"Oh, um, sure," Kate smiled, nodding slowly, telling her father, her brother, and her boyfriend all that she would be back in a moment. "What's up?" She asked Sydney cautiously as they stood far away enough from everyone to not be in earshot.

"I just… you did an amazing job out there Kate," Sydney started, surprising Kate with the compliment, "You're, very clearly, one of our strongest singers and I don't tell you enough but when someone is that good, someone should tell them,"

"Wow, Sydney thank you. I wasn't expecting-" Kate started but was cut off by a quick but tight and strong hug from them, not even getting a chance to speak before Sydney turned and walked out of the room.

"That was… something," Zach noted, eyebrows furrowed.

"Are you okay?" Eric questioned Kate when she made her way back.

"Yeah, totally fine," Kate nodded, smiling, "Actually, really good. And… thank you, all of you, for being here to support me. I really appreciate it. Especially you, dad," Kate moved to hug her father, though her eyes followed Sydney out of the room, eventually trailing to Elliott who was leaving, then Steven who was still stood talking to Sophie and everyone surrounding her.

"I think you were almost as good as we're going to be! Maybe better, our feel good song is whack," Sophie admitted to Steven with a shrug.

"They're the competition! Don't give it all away!" Trina gasped dramatically.

"So are you!" Sophie pointed at her sister, "Beside, they already performed. What is there to lose?"

"Well, we could still lose the competition," Jude noted.

"Jude! How dare you!" Xavier gasped somehow more dramatically than his girlfriend. "We need to think positively!"

"I've been praying really hard for Vocal Adrenaline," Joe admitted, "I'm sure God's been listening and you guys will be fine,"

"Why haven't you prayed just as hard for the Troubletones and New Directions?" Sugar looked accusingly at her husband.

"I figured they didn't need it as much," Joe shrugged.

"Alright, I've had enough of this conversation," Jude turned, distracted by the sight of Emery talking with her father and also Madison, both turning to leave soon after.

As Jude made his way over, it became clear by the look on Emery's face that it was not the best of conversations, "Hey," he spoke gently, "You okay? That looked… rough,"

"Oh, uh, yeah," Emery shook their head, "To it being rough I mean. Jury's still out on whether or not I'm okay," She let out a small, pitiful laugh.

"Do… you wanna talk about it?" Jude asked.

"I just… I mean, he didn't even show up to sectionals, right? And then he's here at regionlas but with his new girlfriend and it's like… he didn't even come for me. He came to make Madison think he's a bigger part of my life than he is and… I don't know," Emery sighed out, finally taking a deep breath before continuing, "I guess, saying it out loud it sounds ridiculous but-"

"No," Jude cut them off, reaching to grab one of her hands, "It doesn't. And anyway you feel is… completely fair,"

While Emery was about to respond, both their heads turned at what was possibly one of the loudest 'Yee haw's that Ohio had ever heard, courtesy of Dana Abrams.

"We get it, Dana," Kitty grabbed her child by the shoulders, "You did a good job on your country song. A great job, even. But let's not forget our talk about inside voices."

"I think it's warranted," Mike, of course, stood up for Dana, "I mean, come on! They stole the show!"

"I couldn't disagree more, Other Asian," Sue Sylvester inserted herself into the conversation, "That plucky little godchild of mine is clearly the most talented member of this group. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to go find him to congratulate him."

"You interrupted our conversation," Artie pointed out, but was only met by a shrug from Tina, as all of their eyes panned across the room to see Sue, Becky, and Darrell all cooing over Sawyer.

While this did go on for a few long moments, everyone eventually wrapped up, all the friends and relations heading back to their seats. Soon after, the groups were called to the stage.

From left to right stood the Unitards, Throat Explosion, and finally, Vocal Adrenaline. Tensions were high as the loser was about to be announced.

"In third place… from Defiance, Ohio…. The Unitards!"

While scattered applause could be heard from the room, Sydney and Martin – the two clear leaders of their respective groups shared a look, just as the winner was about to be announced.

"And in first place….oh, now this is a shock. Vocal Adrenaline and Throat Explosion have tied! Both groups will be moving on to nationals!"

While there was a look of surprise on everyone in both group's faces, the audience had mixed reactions. Once the shock had warn off slightly, Trina turned to look to Sophie, questioning, "Did you know groups could tie?"

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Upon realizing none of the groups performing truly had their own auditorium, the Midwestern show choir board decided that they needed a neutral space to hold this specific regionals competition, which is exactly how the friends and families of the Rosedale Mennonites, The Haverbrook School for the Deaf, and of course, The Dalton Academy Warblers all ended up at McKinley High, a day before the actual McKinley High schools would be performing.

"Well," Kitty started slowly as she, Artie, Dana, Rey, Tina, Mike and Cay all entered, "At least we don't have to travel," she shrugged.

"It's so weird that we're going to be performing here tomorrow," Rey practically shuddered at the thought. While she and Cay were not on the greatest terms, they weren't exactly on the worst terms either.

"I know," Cay shook her head, "Hope you're ready to lose," she couldn't help but smirk.

"Ooh, we love some good friendly competition," Mike laughed, "But let's keep it friendly, ladies,"

What Mike hadn't realized though, is that this was the most friendly either girl had been with the other in several weeks.

"Hey, a little competish never hurt anyone," Artie waved Mike off, slightly.

"Besides, we've got a whole day for that, today we're here to support Teddy and Tommy," Tina smiled.

"I hope you don't mean in that order," Kitty couldn't help but instigate a little bit.

"Looks like the claws are out already," Blaine couldn't help but laugh as he walked past.

"Just having a little fun, you should try it sometime," Kitty smirked.

"Alright, alright, that's enough you two," Kurt put his hands up in mock defeat.

"Aw, come on, it's fun!" Lex laughed, walking close behind, Audrey in tow as she wanted to come out and support Michael with Lex and his family.

"See? Lex gets it," Artie nodded towards the teenager in question as he spoke.

"Oh, have we met?" Tina suddenly looked over to the other girl with Lex and Audrey.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" Audrey gasped, "This is Isa. She's an exchange student from Korea – she's staying with me and my mom right now,"

"Oh, that's amazing," Mike grinned, "How do you like it so far?"

"It's… very different. But I've made some friends through Audrey and through glee, so that's nice," Isa nodded.

"Glee?" Tina questioned.

"Oh yeah, she's in the Troubletones with us," Cay explained with a slight wave of her hand.

"Did someone say Troubletones?" Marley suddenly appeared with a wide grin on her face, Jake, Leah and Nikki not too far behind her.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Puckerman clan," Kitty snickered.

"Always a pleasure, Kitty," Jake sighed out, clearly not meaning the words he said, soon distracted by seeing Quinn's daughter, "Audrey. Wasn't expecting to see you here,"

"Yeah, I um, just came to support Michael," She nodded slowly.

The silence was almost as thick as the tension was, suddenly broken by the youngest Puckerman.

"What's up, Isa?" Nikki nodded towards her friend who waved back happily in response.

While Jake, Tina and Mike all shared a glance as they believed Nikki and Cay were dating and thought it was weird they didn't speak to each other, it was Marley who finally spoke up, "Well, I guess we should take our seats,"

"You're welcome to sit here," Artie spoke up, partially to be polite, partially to see the drama unfold.

"Oh, uh, thanks," Leah nodded, moving to take a seat closer to her own family as she wasn't sure how the other families felt about her.

"Respectfully, we are not sitting over there," Naomi spoke in hushed tones looking to both Kendall and her brother, both of whom she came with to try to support as they were supporting someone else.

"Why not?" Kendall snickered, "It looks fun,"

"It looks like drama," Simon corrected her.

"Exactly, what's your point?" Kendall raised her eyebrows.

"Don't you have an estranged twin to try to reconnect with?" Naomi raised her eyebrows right back at Kendall.

"See? We don't have time to get distracted with… all of that," Simon nodded.

"You're not off the hook either, lover boy," Naomi suddenly turned to face her twin, "I have nobody here to support. Which means I get to pick where we sit,"

"Nobody? You know… literally all of the Warblers, I think," Simon laughed.

"That doesn't mean I have to support them," Naomi pointed out.

"Oh, shit," Kendall suddenly noticed someone sitting by themselves, "Can you excuse me for a second? I should go say hi,"

Naomi and Simon simply shrugged at Kendall and then each other as they watched her run off.

"Hi, you're April, right?" Kendall smiled slightly.

"Now hold on a moment," April looked at her, "I know you from somewhere, don't I?"

"We um, we sat together at the Warblers sectionals a few months back," Kendall explained with a small smile.

"Well, that's right isn't it!" April grinned, "You're welcome to sit back down here if you feel like it,"

"No, that's okay, I should probably get back to my friends, but um, if you see Ambrose, can you tell him I say hi?" Kendall asked politely.

"Course I can!" April laughed, "Well, I could if you had your name,"

"Kendall," She smiled before turning to walk off, "Kendall Holliday,"

"Kendall Holliday," April thought to herself, "Huh, just like Holly. What a silly coinky dink,"

Not too far away from April, a big group was making their way into the auditorium.

"I just don't see why we had to come," Tia groaned, "We never come to the Warbler events,"

"It was important to Madison that we're all here," Mason tried to explain.

"Isn't she going to be busy sucking face with Roderick? Um, respectfully," Mia nodded thoughtfully.

"That could be us, but you're playing," Heather snickered, nudging her girlfriend.

"I adore you both, but can you please try to behave?" Jane practically begged.

"Who is both? Which two of us?" Felix questioned genuinely.

"All of you, actually. Please behave," Jane changed her mind quickly.

"It's like you don't know us at all," Spencer laughed, "We never behave. That's like, our whole thing,"

"Speak for yourself," Madison pointed a finger to her long term friend, "I try to keep myself and my children well behaved at all times,"

"Whatever you say mom," Zoey couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Can we leave yet?" Emery suddenly asked.

"We just got here, Emery, no," Roderick sighed out, defeated, "No, we can't go home,"

"For once I agree with her," Heather nodded her head towards Emery, "Let's blow this pop stand!"

"Heather, please," Alistair sighed out, "Just sit down,"

"If we all try to leave at once, they can't possibly stop us!" Felix exclaimed.

"Aren't you and Addison like actually friends?" Zoey quirked an eyebrow, "Wouldn't you want to support him?"

"Foiled again," Felix put a fist in the air.

Suddenly noticing a familiar face, Emery desperately tried to mouth the words 'Help me', but it seemed to be lost on Kate, who was there with her father.

"You okay?" Dave turned to look to Kate.

"Huh?" Kate shook her head, trying to figure out what Emery was saying to her, but not being able to, "Oh, yeah, I'm fine,"

"Greetings Karofsky's," two voices spoke eerily at the same time.

"Isn't it so cute how they do that?" Elliot laughed, nodding to Sydney and Sebastian who had just spoken.

"That's one word for it," a voice came from behind them all, "I'm so sorry I'm late,"

"Who's this?" Steven asked happily.

"I'm Ash. Patterson," They grinned reaching out to shake Steven's hand, which he did not notice, also neglecting to mention they met at the party, but taking note that Steven didn't remember them.

"They're a good friend of the Karofsky's," Dave explained.

"I suppose it doesn't take much, does it?" Sebastian noted.

"Good afternoon, gentleman," A voice suddenly interrupted, though a few short moments later, he made himself known

"Hi Wes," Sydney spoke up politely before noticing his husband close behind him, "Hi David,"

"How are you doing Sydney?" David smiled kindly.

"I'm great thanks, glad to see you made it," Sydney continued talking to them as though she was a Warbler alumni.

"Are they like… friends?" Ash whispered to Kate, who felt as though she was in no position to describe their common denominator.

"Do I see a Warblers party?!" Jeff suddenly made himself known, Nick and Isaac, of course, also with him.

"Not a party until you get here," Sebastian surprised the group by being genuinely nice to Jeff.

"Oh, good, we didn't miss anything," Nick spoke dryly.

"Hey Kate," Isaac offered her a small sup nod, which was returned by a kind smile and wave.

While the small talk continued for a few long moments, the group was soon distracted by what could only be described as a whiny man child.

"But I waaaanna sit with the Warblers. They're so cool!" Bryce whined loudly.

"And I don't want to make a scene," Oscar groaned, unable to believe this was actually happening.

"Why don't we just sit here?" Kyla finally spoke up, trying to come up with a happy medium, "We're close enough that we can say hi on the way out, but far enough away that we have our own space,"

"Fine," Oscar finally huffed out after a few long moments, making his way to walk into the seats.

"Fine, on one condition," Bryce shifted to make himself look somehow even taller, "I get to sit in the middle!" He grinned.

"Oh my god," Oscar moaned as Bryce obnoxiously made his way to sit next to Oscar, Kyla following closely behind.

"Look at this! My two besties!" Bryce grinned wrapping a long arm around each of them before suddenly realizing his mistake and loudly calling out, "Zach if you heard that I didn't mean it!"

"Huh?" Zach gasped, panic, as he stood lurking backstage, "What did Bryce not mean?"

"Zach, honey," Trent deep sighed out, "Can you please get back here?"

Dragging his son back into the greenroom, Trent sighed out deeply, "Alright, well, first off thank you gentlemen for making it here."

"Did… you think we wouldn't?" Michael half laughed as he asked.

"I did have… my concerns," Trent admitted, "But the good news is we're the last to perform. The bad news is that means we have the least amount of time to prepare for our surprise theme."

"Well, when do we find out?" Eric asked nervously.

"Not until the second group goes on," Trent sighed out.

"That's horse shit!" Oliver called out, "I thought we got two hours!"

"So did we," Teddy suddenly moved to stand next to Trent, "But the good news is that maybe we can figure out what genre or category it is by listening to the other groups."

"Who's first, anyways?" Bob asked curiously.

"Haverbrook School for the Deaf," Trent informed them.

"Damn, we won't even be able to hear them," Addison shook his head.

"We're not deaf, Addison, they are," Ambrose let out one of the deepest, longest sighs he had in him.

"Normally those sighs are reserved for me, that must have been a really silly question," Sutton spoke knowingly.

"Well, should we try to listen to the other groups?" Mack finally spoke up.

"Yes, thank you for joining us, Mack," Teddy's sigh matching Ambrose's.

"I think they're starting?" Frank took his turn speaking, nodding to the intercom that was playing the performance by the other group.

"Oh no," Trent's eyes suddenly went wide as they sang their apparent feel-good song.

"Is this… is this Safe and Sound?" Eric knew the answer but was still afraid to hear it said out loud.

"How does this keep happening to us?!" Tommy called out dramatically.

"Well, fellas," Addison spoke slowly, "You know what we do when all else fails?"

"Elton?" Michael asked for clarification.

After looking at each other for a few long moments, all three boys on the council nodded their head before stating the word "Elton" in complete unison.

The boys came in and out of the room trying to get their bearings, also taking into account that they still needed to figure what the mystery theme could be, while also learning a whole new song. It, however, wasn't until the Rosedale Minnonites went on, giving a riveting rendition of B-I-N-G-O for their feel good song, that the mystery theme was revealed.

"Christian synth pop?!" Sutton practically yelled, "What the hell does that even mean?"

"Who the hell has a Christian synth pop song just chilling in their back pocket?" Oliver called out, surprisingly, just as dramatically as his younger brother.

"I…" Teddy sighed out, looking for the one Warbler who could help them, though he was taking his turn watching the other group perform from backstage, "I, unfortunately, know what we have to do,"

"Is…." Tommy's eyes got wide as he got excited, "Is it finally time?!"

"It's time," Trent nodded, just as the Warbler they were looking for walked into the room.

"Time for what?" Mack asked curiously.

"The theme is Christian synth pop," Ambrose grabbed Mack's shoulders, looking at him with the upmost seriousness he could muster – which for Ambrose was a lot, "We need you, our fearless leader to walk us through it,"

"I can't believe this is really happening," Mack gasped, still processing that he would finally be able to sing the one song he always wanted to, "But... I'm only singing it on one condition,"

"Mack, this isn't the time for conditions!" Tommy threw his hands up in the air.

"He's our last chance, let's hear him out," Trent stepped between Tommy and Mack, "What's the condition?"

All eyes on Mack, he swallowed hard before finally speaking up, "I want Teddy to sing with me,"

As the Warblers were called to stage, they all reluctantly made their way there, though managed to convince each other that this would be okay. While they were all somewhat nervous about the order in which they would be performing their songs, they all also knew Trent knew best. As they formed one straight line on the stage as they prepared to open with their feel-good number, Eric, Bob, Addison and Michael all took a step forward just as the other eight boys began singing the instrumental.

"I remember when rock was young," Michael had barely been able to get the words sang out as Kurt, Blaine and Audrey all called out in support while Lex stood up and began hollering. Somehow managing to tune this out, Michael continued, his voice smooth as he sang on.

"Me and Susie had so much fun
Holding hands and skimming stones
Had an old gold Chevy and a place of my own,"

Meeting Michael at the front of the stage, Eric now took his turn to sing out.

"But the biggest kick I ever got
Was doing a thing called the Crocodile Rock
While the other kids were rocking 'round the clock
We were hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock,"

Smiling widely as he delivered the words perfectly, Eric's grin only grew as he caught a glimpse of Kate smiling back at him, his father fist pumping and cheering out in support as well. Though he was almost completely distracted by this, Addison came up behind and between him and Michael, getting ready to deliver the chorus.

"Well, Crocodile Rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
I never knew me a better time
And I guess I never will,"

While Addison sang out confidently, he spread his arms and leaned back in preparation of delivering the next line.

"Oh, lawdy mama, those Friday nights," He called out dramatically, smiling at the reluctant grin on his sister's face. Though he couldn't see it, Sutton was also grinning, seeing that Addison listened to his advice on the best way to deliver that line.

"When Susie wore her dresses tight
And the Crocodile Rocking was out of sight,"

While the four boys spread out, just in time for Bob to sing, they all followed the very loose choreography that Tommy had come up with on the fly backstage.

"Laa, la-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa,"

Now Eric, Addison and Bob all standing and dancing together, Michael once again took the lead, surprising both himself and his peers with the stage presence he had managed to manifest while singing out the entire second verse on his own.

"But the years went by and the rock just died
Susie went and left us for some foreign guy
Long nights crying by the record machine
Dreaming of my Chevy and my old blue jeans
But they'll never kill the thrills we've got
Burning up to the Crocodile Rock
Learning fast as the weeks went past
We really thought the Crocodile Rock would last,"

Taking a deep breath as he fell back into place with the other three leading the song, Michael smiled to himself, proud that he had delivered it so well, and knew that no matter what happened he'd done the best he could. Now Eric and Addison stood on either side of the other two boys, getting ready to sing the chorus, as both Michael and Bob harmonized.

"Well, Crocodile Rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
I never knew me a better time, and I guess I never will
Oh, lawdy mama, those Friday nights
When Susie wore her dresses tight
And the Crocodile Rocking was out of sight,"

Once again starting on the la-la's, Bob saw his parents smiling and cheering in support which only lead him to try to push to do even better, surprised to see that even Sydney was applauding in support for him.

"Laa, la-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa,"

Preparing to head into the final verse of the song, the other eight Warblers appeared to be having the time of their life despite the occasional head turn to Tommy to make sure they were doing the moves right, something that, in fairness, went virtually unnoticed as Addison took center stage once more, Bob with him harmonizing.

"I remember when rock was young
Me and Susie had so much fun
Holding hands and skimming stones
Had an old gold Chevy and a place of my own,"

"But the biggest kick I ever got," Michael once again joined the other two on stage as he sang, Eric following him while singing the harmonies.

"Was doing a thing called the Crocodile Rock
While the other kids were rocking 'round the clock
We were hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock,"

Now with all four boys standing together again, they all sang out the last chorus powerfully together.

"Well, Crocodile Rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
I never knew me a better time, and I guess I never will,"

Suddenly everything stopped for a dramatic moment, as all twelve Warblers on the stage called out the next line, mimicking Addison's movements from earlier.

"Oh, lawdy mama, those Friday nights,
When Susie wore her dresses tight,"

As the audience both laughed and cheered, the four young men leading took control as the other eight continued on back up, they sang the last real line of the song together.

"And the Crocodile Rocking was out of sight,"

As Bob took over the la la's again, the other three harmonized, ending the song and tying it all up perfectly.

"Laa, la-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa
Laa, la-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa
Laa, la-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa
La-la-la-la-laa,"

As the audience cheered and whooped for the group on stage, they hardly noticed as they began getting in position for their country song – the only song they had practiced for more than an hour, and the song with the most number of Warblers with solo lines. This was truly the only song they all had any amount of faith in, and with a deep breath, they positioned themselves and waited for the crowd to quiet.

As the auditorium went virtually silent, Tommy, Frank, Oliver, Zach, Ambrose and Sutton all called out together.

"Baby you're a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise,"

Tommy, of course, made his presence known as he practically marched to the end of stage

"Yeah, when I first saw that bikini top on her
She's poppin' right out of the South Georgia water,"

Despite the randomly added twang in his voice, Tommy sounded surprisingly good, as his entire support team cheered out for him, Kitty, of course, being the loudest, just as Frank now made his way next to Tommy, singing out as their parents cheered him on.

"Thought, 'Oh, good Lord, she had them long tanned legs'
Couldn't help myself so I walked up and said,"

While they sang out surprisingly confidently, the confidence did not stop there as he smiled and winked at Sydney, who rolled her eyes but cheered and smiled for Frank, despite the side eye from her father.

"Baby you're a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise,"

Tommy and Frank sang out the melody confidently, Zach and Oliver taking the lower harmonies as Sutton and Ambrose took the higher harmonies, all six Warblers almost eerily in sync, as the six behind them also were.

"Down a back road blowin' stop signs through the middle
Every little farm town with you
In this brand new Chevy with a lift kit
Would look a hell lot better with you up in it
So baby you're a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise,"

As Zach now took his turn to take lead, he didn't even get the words out as Bryce cheered out wildly loudly in support, making Oscar cringe, despite the fact that he was proud of Zach for even making it that far.

"She was sippin' on southern and singin' Marshall Tucker
We were falling in love in the sweet heart of summer,"

Zach wrapped up, following Frank's lead from earlier and pausing to smile and wink at Kate who simply laughed and cheered him on in response, just as Oliver now took his turn to sing.

"She hopped right up into the cab of my truck and said
'Fire it up, let's go get this thing stuck',"

While Marley and Nikki, of course, cheered wildly in support for the oldest of the Puckerman children, Leah and Jake also cheered a respectful amount, though Oliver didn't notice as he was sort of secretly smirking and making eye contact with someone else in the audience. While Naomi and Simon noticed it was vaguely in their direction, they suddenly turned to look at Kendall who seemed to be looking at Oliver with the same expression.

Ignoring all this, Zach and Oliver now took their turn singing the melody of the chorus, Tommy and Frank now on the lower harmonies, Sutton and Ambrose still singing the higher harmonies.

"Baby you're a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise
Down a back road blowin' stop signs through the middle
Every little farm town with you
In this brand new Chevy with a lift kit
Would look a hell lot better with you up in it
So baby you're a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise,"

While there was instrumental, the six leading, took the time to separate with their singing partner, Tommy and Frank landing on the far left side of the stage as they sang out. "When that summer sun fell to its knees,"

"I looked at her and she looked at me," Zach and Oliver sang in surprisingly perfect unison as they fell into place at the far right side of the stage.

"And I turned on those KC lights and drove all night," Sutton and Ambrose now finally sang together, standing in the direct middle of the stage, just as all six sang the next line together.

"'Cause it felt so right, her and I, man we felt so right,"

"I put it in park and grabbed my guitar," Ambrose sang out, surprising virtually everyone that knew him with the fact that he could actually deliver any line from a country song so well, and while Kendall cheered in support, nobody was more proud than April.

"And strummed a couple chords and sang from the heart," Sutton sang out, putting on a similar twang in his voice to Tommy, though it seemed less obvious that he was putting it on, as his mother cheered just as loudly as she just had for Oliver, the rest of his family once again cheering out, surprising Sutton with the fact that Nikki was included in that.

As the two boys turned to face each other, neither could deny the absolute grin on their faces as they delivered the next two lines perfectly, and maybe a little too convincingly, which, of course, was not anything new for them.

"Girl you sure got the beat in my chest bumpin'
Hell I can't get you out of my head,"

As they turned back to face the audience, the leading Warblers began stepping backwards, falling back into place with the other six, as Sutton and Ambrose sang out the main melody, Tommy and Frank on the high harmonies, and Oliver and Zach on the lower, as Sutton, Tommy, and Zach all made sure the audience were clapping along.

"Baby you're a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise
Down a back road blowin' stop signs through the middle
Every little farm town with you,"

As all twelve Warblers picked up the energy, all twelve formed a straight line once more, all moving to the end of the stage, standing there as they began to wrap the song up.

"Baby you're a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise
Down a back road blowin' stop signs through the middle
Every little farm town with you
In this brand new Chevy with a lift kit
Would look a hell lot better with you up in it,"

"Come on!" Tommy called out, throwing a hand in the air, Dana mimicking his motions from their seat, as all six leading the song quickly glanced each other finishing the song on the best note possible.

"Baby you're a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise
Come on girl
Get those windows down and cruise,"

As they had expected, they earned an almost hysterical applause from the audience, which only made Mack and Teddy more nervous for their performance, knowing they really had to bring it home.

As the two councilmen made their way to the front and center of the stage, the other ten Warblers began on the instrumental.

"No way," Isaac laughed breathlessly, of course, recognizing this song immediately as Mack's favorite.

Mack, however, suddenly felt the nerves hit like a ton of bricks. He had been preparing for his moment for the whole three and a half years he'd been on the Warblers. No. He had been waiting for this moment his whole life. And now as he stood facing the audience, he swallowed hard, knowing the only thing that made this better was getting to sing it with one of his best friends. And not just any best friend. No. The best friend who was constantly telling him that they were not singing this song. Though, as they exchanged a small glance, Mack knew that none of that mattered now. He had a job to do.

"You would not believe your eyes," Mack sang out, confidently and brilliantly. He was not the best singer on the Warblers – not by a long shot. But for this one moment, for this one song, his voice was perfect.

"If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep
'Cause they'd fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude
But I would just stand and stare,"

As Mack wrapped up the first verse, Isaac and Jeff both cheered out wildly, Nick applauding, in all honesty, in bewilderment that Mack had somehow convinced them to let him sing this song, and even more surprised that he was able to get Teddy involved.

"I'd like to make myself believe," Mack continued to sing, Teddy now joining him on the lower harmonies.

"That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems,"

Stepping up nervously, Teddy, much like everyone else who knew either of the two boys, couldn't believe he was in this predicament. Much like Mack, Teddy's vocals tended to not be perfect, but just the same way that Mack was surprised, Teddy found that he could actually kind of sing this song.

"'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs
From ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance,"

Smiling as Mack began to take the next part of the verse, Teddy was proud of himself, and was even more proud as the Abrams-Chang collective cheered out for him, Tina wiping a proud tear from her eye.

"A foxtrot above my head
A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread,"

Mack sang out once more, Tommy, Ambrose and Sutton repeating behind them from their spots with the other Warblers, "Thread, thread,"

"I'd like to make myself believe," The two began to sing together once more, Teddy surprising them both by smiling as they walked to opposite ends of the stage.

"That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep,"

"Leave my door open just a crack," Mack called out.

"Please take me away from here," Teddy sang out slightly more quietly as they continued on with this pattern.

"'Cause I feel like such an insomniac,"

"Please take me away from here"

"Why do I tire of counting sheep?"

"Please take me away from here,"

"When I'm far too tired to fall asleep," Mack finished that part of the song with a small laugh, barely catching the eye of Simon in the audience, causing him to blush as he quickly averted his eyes to look at Teddy, who was beginning to sing once more.

"To ten million fireflies
I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell,"

Teddy sang out, somehow able to sell the fact that he wanted to sing this song, and that he had pure faith in himself singing this song, walking back to the middle of the stage to meet Mack.

"Said farewell," Tommy, Ambrose and Sutton once again repeated.

"But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar,"

Mack grinned as he looked to Teddy as they met in the dead center of the stage, turning just partially to look at the audience while still being in each other's line of sight while the three on backup repeated once more.

"Jar, jar, jar,"

"I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems,"

Both Teddy and Mack practically belted out, surprising them with the fact that the audience cheered for them as they did this, noting that the averageness of both of their voices meshed together perfectly and created something beautiful. As the boys met eyes they laughed quietly together for just a moment as they finally processed that they were really singing this song, and also processing that they were having a really fun time singing it together, as they sang out once more.

"I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems,"

While all this time the other ten Warblers were, thankfully, somehow able to stay in sync with each other, they also smiled seeing the song unfold, proud to have both boys on their council as they quieted, leaving Mack and Teddy to finish out the song on their own.

"I'd like to make myself believe," Teddy sang out turning to face the audience fully, as Mack did the same thing.

"That planet Earth turns slowly," Mack now sang out, matching Teddy's tone perfectly as they wound themselves up to wrap up the song together.

"It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep," They sang out in perfect unison, both grinning from ear to ear as they finished up, "Because my dreams are bursting at the seams,"

As they finished, and the crowd quite literally went wild, the Warblers began taking their bows, and got ready to head off stage, but not before Teddy and Mack laughed together once more, sharing a celebratory hug.

As the Warblers made their way backstage, Trent immediately met them with encouragement and support, congratulating them on a job well done. Finally making their way back to the greenroom, they all felt like they could finally take a deep breath.

"I am so impressed with you," Trent grinned, looking around at the students before them, "You guys… really did so well. I'm so proud!"

"Thanks Dad," Several of the Warblers responded back, Zach confused as he was not one of them.

While Zach was, initially, going to question if they all truly saw Trent as a father figure, he was distracted as a small group of people showed up to congratulate them on a job well done.

"Hell yeah!" Bryce called out as he practically stormed into the room, Oscar, reluctantly following behind him, thinking Kyla had the right idea to stay in her seat.

"You guys did… really well," Oscar spoke as he finally got to his father, watching the other parents start to file in.

"Thank you, sweetie," Trent cooed, but noticed the nervousness in Oscar's voice, "But don't let that throw you. You're going to do amazing at your competition tomorrow,"

"I hope so," Oscar swallowed hard, nodding, watching as Bryce and Zach chest bumped from across the room.

"Oh, be careful," Kate laughed out as her boyfriend nearly tripped over her coming down from the aforementioned bump.

"Oh! Kate!" Zach grinned sheepishly, "I didn't see you there,"

"I think that's why she was telling you to be careful," Bryce nodded knowingly, "But I'll leave you two alone for a moment," he grinned before wandering off aimlessly.

"You… did very well," Kate spoke kindly reaching to hold Zach's hand, "And I certainly wasn't expecting you to be part of the country song," she half joked.

"Well, you know what they say," Zach smirked, "Yee haw,"

"Get a room," Sydney marched in, walking directly between their hands breaking them up, as she made her way to Frank, immediately pulling him in for a kiss.

"Bold of her to say," Zach laughed before calling out, "Get it Frank!"

"Alright you two, that's enough," David raised his eyebrows, walking towards Frank and Sydney.

"Oh, uh, sorry Dad," Frank spoke sheepishly, face flushed.

"All that aside," Wes laughed, joining them with Bob in tow, "You two did incredibly. We are immensely proud of you both,"

"Aw, thanks guys," Frank grinned.

"Yeah, thanks!" Bob nodded happily, before being distracted by more loud congratulations happening on the other side of the room.

"That was crazy! I didn't know you could sing like that! Dude, that was sick!" Lex continued on hyping his brother up for several long moments before his father finally interjected.

"Lex is right," Blaine nodded happily, both to encourage his youngest, while also successfully getting Lex to stop talking, "That was so impressive,"

"Aw, thanks guys," Michael nodded slowly, admittedly, having a hard time believing it.

"We mean it, Michael. Seriously. Amazing job," Kurt nodded, making sure he knew that his words were true.

"I agree!" Karofsky came up behind Kurt, placing a hand on his shoulder smiling at his old friends as Eric followed, "These two really did an amazing job, didn't they?"

"So true, Dave," Blaine nodded in agreement, "You all did amazing and maybe I'm biased but Michael and Eric, you really took the cake for me,"

"That whole Elton number slapped," Lex spoke up once more, "Speaking of. Eric? Have you seen Addison anywhere?"

"If I had to guess," Eric spoke slowly, "I'd say he's being swarmed by the McCarthy collective,"

Eric, of course, was right, looking to where his boyfriend was seemingly getting cooed over by his mother and her friends and relations.

"Wasn't he just amazing?" Madison cooed over her son.

"He was fine," Zoey mumbled, rolling her eyes.

"I thought you did well, Addison," Roderick, who surprised everyone by actually being there, spoke up.

This of course, caused Addison, Zoey, and Emery, who was unhappily dragged in by her father, all exchanged a glance, as they all were equally as uncomfortable with this interaction.

On the other side of the room, though, Tommy had excused himself from his family, also excusing Teddy as he pulled him along, soon after quite literally pulling Mack away from talking with Simon, happy to be alone with the other two councilmen, pulling them in for a group hug for the first time maybe ever.

"Wow!" Tommy grinned widely, "What a show! What a setlist! We did it besties!"

"Despite being forced into this hug," Teddy spoke dryly, "I actually… agree. I'm proud of us." He nodded, smiling.

"Awww…" Mack cooed out, trying to hide the happy tears in his eyes, "I love you guys,"

"Alright, that's enough," Teddy decided finally, breaking the hug, two other people not too far from them catching his eyes and piquing his curiosity.

"You're not so bad, Puckerman," Kendall nudged Oliver playfully.

"Huh?" Oliver hadn't even heard her come over to him, "Oh, um thanks. I think that's the first genuine compliment you've given me. Maybe anyone," he couldn't help but tease.

"Ha. That's so funny I forgot to laugh," Kendall rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest, "Seriously, Oliver. I mean it. You're kind of impressive,"

"What?" Was Oliver's initial reaction, still somewhat surprised by the words coming from her mouth, shaking his head as he got his thoughts together, "That… kind of means a lot to me," he was surprised to find himself admitting sheepishly. While both Kendall and Oliver's eyes lingered on the other's for just a little too long, Oliver snapped himself out of it, "Oh, um, have you seen Sutton? I probably should, you know, congratulate him on a good job,"

"Look at you actually caring about your brother," Kendall smirked, also snapping herself out of it, "I think I saw him out in the hall though. And there goes my brother to find him," She couldn't help but raise her eyebrows as she finished her thought, watching Ambrose exit the room.

Kendall was right though, as Sutton sat against the wall in the hallway by himself, barely looking up as Ambrose sat next to him.

"It's kind of funny, isn't it?" Ambrose smirked, looking over to Sutton.

"You? Finding something funny? Must be hilarious," Sutton teased, though he was clearly somewhat out of it, "What's so funny, though?"

"Last competition, sectionals, you came to find me out here… this time I found you. Which, I suppose, begs the question, what exactly are you doing out here?" Ambrose raised an eyebrow.

"I guess… I don't know. Just feeling sentimental," Sutton shrugged, "I really love this group, and I'm sure we're gonna win but I guess, I dunno, I don't know what I'm going to do if we don't."

"Sutton," Ambrose sighed out, scooching just slightly closer to the other male, gently taking Sutton's hand in his own, "We are going to win. I promise,"

"And what if we don't?" Sutton sighed out, shaking his head.

"I wouldn't lie to you... I couldn't lie to my…" Ambrose took a deep breath before nervously trying to catch Sutton's eye, "Boyfriend,"

Sutton's eyes suddenly lit up, his signature smile coming back to his face, moving to place a long, lingering kiss on Ambrose's lips, nodding, as if to say he agreed to the term. "Alright, fine," Sutton spoke just barely above a whisper, "I believe you,"

Almost like clockwork, Tommy came out into the hall, "Hey! Wrap it up! They're about to announce the winner!"

Looking at each other and smiling, Sutton and Ambrose shared one more quick kiss before standing up and walking hand in hand to the stage to find out the fate of the Warblers.

As all twelve boys stood together, on that stage, they all looked at each other, breathing in and that out almost in sync as the announcer began to speak.

"In third place we have… The Haverbrook School for the Deaf!"

As the audience applauded, and the students from Haverbrook made way to collect their trophy, The Warblers Council who were standing together all looked to each other and nodded, each holding their breath as the first place was about to be announced.

"And coming in first place and heading on to Nationals is… the Dalton Academy Warblers!"

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

"Well, if it isn't the infamous Jones'!" Renée Morgan grinned as she noticed Sam and Mercedes enter the auditorium.

"Renée!" Sam and Mercedes laughed as they spoke in sync. They'd known her years ago when they all went to McKinley, and since Renée and Sanna-Rose, along with Sanna-Rose's younger brother, moved back to Lima, they'd been enjoying getting caught up.

"How are you? I bet you're excited for Sanna-Rose's big debut," Mercedes gave a cheeky but knowing grin.

"Equally excited and nervous I think," Renée laughed.

"Hey, that all comes with the glee territory. But I'm sure she'll be great," Sam chuckled as he and his wife took a seat next to her.

"How about you guys?" Renée asked, "I'm sure it must be nerve-wracking seeing your kids perform against each other,"

"Well, I, personally," Sam began matter-of-factly, "Am rooting for New Directions. You know it's 80% of our kids and the group we both were in,"

"I'm rooting for the Troubletones," Mercedes couldn't help but snicker, "I mean, when I was in the Troubletones we were robbed at sectionals. All because you had to come back with your White Chocolate nonsense," Mercedes continued to laugh, leaning over, to squeeze Sam's hand.

"Yeah, we were like, totally robbed," Brittany, who seemingly appeared out of nowhere, nodded in agreement.

"Brittany!" Sam grinned, "Is Santana not with you? I thought she was home,"

"I knew I was forgetting something," Brittany's eyes went wide, though they were all soon distracted by the sight of their old friends coming in.

"Holy crap, could you walk literally any slower?" Kitty groaned, turning to the three adults behind her.

"Kitty, I can't walk at all," Artie pointed out, "So your problem is clearly with the Chang's,"

"Respectfully," Teddy sighed out, "We wouldn't be so far behind if your kids weren't… the way they are,"

"Hey, be nice to Dana," Mike raised his eyebrows at his son as all of their heads to look at Tommy and Mack trying to learn how to body roll, courtesy of Dana.

"Kid's got promise," Sam laughed, watching the whole thing unfold.

"Don't tell them that or they'll start getting ideas," Kitty warned.

"Good to see you all," Tina waved at her friends.

"Did you adopt another kid?" Brittany spoke somewhat deadpan, of course, referencing Mack.

"No, that's Tommy's friend. He's the head of the Warblers council," Artie began to explain, "He was there at sectionals,"

"Oh yeah," Mercedes couldn't help but giggle, "We know all about Mack,"

"Yeah, did he say who he's here supporting?" Sam couldn't help but instigate, himself and Mercedes sharing a knowing look since Mack seemed to be all Simon talked about these days.

"He said he's here to support Tommy," Teddy responded with a deep, deep sigh.

"Yes!" Mack suddenly began paying attention, trying to fight the blush on his cheeks, "And you know, um, of course, Cay and Rey too!"

"Well, you're more than welcome to sit with us," Mercedes smiled kindly at Mack before turning to all of the adults around, "Come on! Come sit,"

"So," Tina spoke in hushed tones virtually as soon as she sat down next to Mercedes, "Did you hear who one of the judges is?"

"Make way!" A booming voice echoed through the auditorium.

"No way," Sam laughed.

"Do you guys recognize them? They look super familiar," Brittany narrowed her eyes, "Did I sleep with them?"

Looking on, the group saw Jesse St. James leading his wife, Rachel Berry, a judge at this particular regionals.

"Jesse, honey, you're making a scene," Rachel spoke to him in an equally kind and condescending tone.

"So what? They should know to make way for such a big star," Jesse raised his eyebrows knowingly.

"While I do commend you recognizing that I am a huge star, I am here for one reason and one reason only. To be as fair and honest as a judge as I can be," Rachel nodded. "I'm sure they want someone who can be impartial but still remembering a time when I was the star of my very own glee club so I can relate, all while being a household name,"

"Either way, I'm very proud of you," Jesse nodded, "And surprised they didn't ask me to judge. But as long as one of us can I guess that's the main thing,"

"Yes dear, of cour- have you seen Anthony?" Rachel suddenly noticed their son was missing before Jesse pointed him out.

"Look at him actually making friends," Jesse smirked, "And with the second most talented member of that group, after him of course."

And so they looked on as Anthony had taken a seat next to Sydney, glad that someone there was actually paying attention to him.

"What took you so long to get here?" Anthony raised a skeptical eyebrow, referring to the fact that Sydney said they'd meet 20 minutes earlier than Sydney had actually showed up.

"I had… some business to take care off," Sydney responded just as skeptically, "I'm surprised you were able to escape your annoying ass parents,"

"They didn't even noticed I slipped off," Anthony waved his friend off, neglecting to mention that they never seemed to notice, "Besides, we're here to spy, right?"

"Something like that," Sydney smirked, "Though I'm sure you're here to see your little girlfriend, right?"

"Flora?" Anthony questioned.

"Who else?" Sydney scoffed, though was somewhat surprised by the reaction.

"Look, what matters is that I'm here and so are you, just like at sectionals," Anthony huffed out. "Besides, you were on my case about my parents, but I don't see yours anywhere,"

"They're off with their weird Warbler brethren like always," Sydney rolled their eyes, "That can't surprise you,"

Turning their heads both students turned to see Sebastian, Elliot, Kurt and Blaine all sitting together while in front of them sat Steven and Michael.

"It's definitely going to be a tight race," Blaine nodded, "Of course, we're all rooting for New Directions,"

"Respectfully," Sebastian started a little too smugly, "Isn't it more wise too root for a group with, I don't know, a fighting chance?"

"Respectfully," Kurt rolled his eyes, "The New Directions won nationals last year. As opposed to The Troubletones andVocal Adrenaline who didn't even cut the top ten or The Warblers who didn't even make it to nationals,"

"I think!" Elliot suddenly spoke up, "We should all just enjoy being here together, you know? How fun is it that so many of our kids are competing with and against each other?"

"So true bestie," Steven nodded in agreement.

"Do you and him… always agree like that?" Michael couldn't help but laugh.

"Sometimes," Steven chuckled in turn, "We're pretty close,"

"That's great," Michael nodded, somewhat jealous that Steven was close with either of his parents.

"Well, well, well, great to see you gents," Dave Karofsky grinned as he looked at the group before him, as Kate and Eric as well as Trent and Zach followed him in.

"You brought the whole gang with you," Blaine laughed, "It's fantastic to see you all,"

"Always good to see a fellow Warbler," Trent grinned right back.

"Even though you're not all Warblers anymore?" Kurt raised his eyebrows, as this group often all forgot that he too, was a Warbler at one point, though he never got to learn the secret handshake.

"Once a Warbler, always a Warbler," Blaine, Trent, Sebastian, Steven, Eric, Zach and Michael all spoke in what could only be described as an upbeat and eerie sync.

"How fun!" Dave grinned after a few long moments of silent.

"Are you a part of a cult?" Kate whispered just loud enough for Zach, who she was currently holding hands with, to hear.

"No babe, it's a brotherhood," Zach whispered back.

"Oh, Dad," Eric suddenly spoke up, "Is it okay if I go sit with Addison?"

"Of course honey," Dave ruffled Eric's hair before he ran off to see his boyfriend.

"Eric!" Addison grinned.

"Eric," Madison looked him up and down.

"Madison!" Mason called from a few rows behind them.

"Roderick!" Jane also called out as she, with her husband, noticed that Madison and Roderick were there together, of course, knowing that they were now dating.

"Spencer?" Alistair questioned, feeling like he had missed something.

"Spencer," Spencer laughed, confirming that he was there.

"I can't believe the gang's all here," Mason grinned, before turning to face Emery, "We haven't seen you this much in... years,"

"Yeah," Was all Emery responded as they fought the urge to roll their eyes.

"Well, I'm happy you're here with us," Addison made way to nudge Emery.

"I can't get over how much you've grown," Jane couldn't help but coo.

"And yet you still look just like your old man," Spencer laughed, "Well, the good parts of him, anyways,"

"Really such a beautiful young woman," Madison spoke, unsure if she was pressing her luck.

"Uh, thanks?" Emery cringed at all of the attention, being misgendered and Madison trying way too hard. Suddenly hearing a voice call out to her, Emery recognized it immediately. While normally it would be mildly annoying, they were actually happy to hear it, "Excuse me," she made her way down to the voice.

"I can't believe you're here!" Xavier climbed over the Hart clan who he was currently sitting with, to of course, support Trina. Sophie too, but he was mostly there for Trina.

"Well, I am," Emery shrugged, "Wait, what's Chloe doing here?"

"Supporting my old glee club," Chloe, who was also sat with the Harts, shrugged in turn, "I helped them win last competition, so it's the least I could do,"

"We are, unfortunately, rooting for opposite teams," Xavier let out a deep, and very dramatic sigh, "But please, come sit!"

Reluctantly following Xavier's instructions, Emery joined the gang, once again finding herself sat between Xavier and Jude.

"Oh, uh, hey," Jude found himself surprised to see Emery, and was even more surprised to find himself blushing as they sat next to him.

"Um, hey," Emery responded just as awkwardly, cheeks also blushing as she noticed the blush on Jude's cheeks.

"Oh, to be young and in love," Sugar cooed, watching the whole thing unfold.

"That's the great thing about love, you know?" Joe nodded, "God's love never dies,"

"Just like mine and Trina's!" Xavier also cooed.

"Shh, honey," Sugar turned to face Xavier, "Looks like there's drama," she nodded towards two parents entering the room at the same time.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't miss Lucy Caboosey herself," Lauren Zises snickered, "Been a while, Fabray,"

"Lauren," Quinn spoke through the forced smile on her lips, "Always a pleasure,"

"Sure, sure," Lauren waved her off, "Hey, here's a question. Why not sit with your old pals from New Directions?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Quinn replied simply.

"No you couldn't," Lauren snickered, "I was in that sad, sad excuse of a glee club for less than a year. If memory serves correct, you spent the best of your high school years there,"

"If you think glee is so sad," Quinn sighed out, clearly exhausted from this conversation, "Why bother to show up at all? And don't tell me it's because you want to support the arts,"

As both mothers reluctantly took a seat next to one another, Lauren took her turn sighing out, "While I'm sure most of these kids suck, my son included, he's here and in glee and I want to support him. Besides, it seems to, mostly, keep him out of the bad kind of trouble, so who am I to not support him, and, unfortunately, the New Directions?"

"I suppose that's a fair enough point," Quinn nodded, trying to ignore the figure she recognized immediately from the corner of her eye.

"Dad, could you just like, chill for a sec?" Oliver quirked an eyebrow, noticing his father glaring at Quinn.

"I just don't understand why she thought it was appropriate to show up," Jake muttered.

"Well, I mean, Audrey's in the Troubletones, right?" Sutton shrugged, thinking he was helping.

"That's not the point," Jake groaned, taking a seat just hoping and praying his kids would do the same.

"So, what's the point then?" Oliver asked, not about to pass up an opportunity to grill his dad.

"The point is that she should know better than to show her face here," Jake crossed his arms tightly over his chest.

"While normally I am a slut for some good drama," Sutton interjected, "This is kinda heavy. Let's just kick back and enjoy the show!"

"Don't call yourself a slut," Oliver rolled his eyes.

"Well, if not me, then who?" Sutton questioned genuinely.

Just as Jake was about to get up and walk away from his children, he noticed a few of the staff members of McKinley walking in and taking a seat.

"It's great to see you supporting the arts, Sue," Emma smiled kindly, "But I have to say I am a little surprised that you came, especially since Will told me you went to Sawyer's regionals. I would have figured one competition was enough,"

"Well, Arlene," Sue began, clearly still not bothered to call Emma by the right name despite knowing each other for as long as they did, "As the principal of this school it's important to me that at least one of our glee clubs win,"

"That's very big of you," Emma nodded, smiling.

"Oh, it's not for the kids' sake," Sue shook her head, "The further either of these glee clubs go, the more funding the school gets, which I get to spend however I see fit."

"So you're rooting for them… for your own benefit?" Emma clarified.

"I'm surprised it's taken you this long to realize majority of what I do is for my own benefit," Sue raised an eyebrow, shifting in her seat slightly, as the lights began to dim, the announcer making his way to the stage, "Now I'm going to politely ask you to stop talking as I don't need your mediocrity distracting me from the mediocrity that is bound to happen on the stage,"

"Good afternoon and welcome!" The announcer called out, "Before we get into the performances let's say a hello and big thank you to our judges! First we have, Mr. Hob Bandals, President of the Ohio Plummer's Union!"

As Hob waved slightly, he only earned slight applause before the announcer carried on.

"Local celebrity Rod Remington is also with us!" He called out, gesturing to the news anchor, standing up, smiling, and waving democratically, "And last but certainly not least, fresh off of Broadway we've got Mrs. Rachel Berry!"

Rachel also stood up giving a kind smile and wave, before sitting down and uttering to her husband, "Looks like I'm the only one qualified to judge, though I can't help but feel somewhat offended that they see me on the same level as those two clowns," Sighing out, Rachel was soon distracted as she looked to the back of the theater seeing a familiar face, "Oh my god, is that Brody?"

Sure enough it was, in fact, Brody Weston sneaking into the back row, giving a small, but polite smile and wave to Rachel and Jesse just as the announcer got ready to announce who would be performing first.

While all this was happening, backstage, the Troubletones were starting to feel the immense pressure.

"How the fuck are we meant to beat the New Directions now?" Heather groaned. "I hate to give him any credit but this is entirely Felix's wheelhouse,"

"Bryce's too," Juliet spoke up.

"Since when do you care about Bryce?" Tia quirked a curious eyebrow.

"I don't," Juliet sneered.

"If you're finished protesting, we have to figure out what the hell we're going to sing," Naomi rolled her eyes.

The Troubletones had just learned that their mystery theme was classic rock and knowing what they knew about what the New Directions were good at, it simply did not bode very well with them.

"We're already kind of behind with country," Audrey sighed out, referencing one of the other themes, "I mean, Finley's got that on lock,"

"I mean, our country song is good though, right? And I like country music," Leah tried.

"Yeah, but you're not a whole country ass bumpkin like Finley," Nikki sighed out.

"Country ass bumpkin?" Isa repeated, clearly very confused.

"Let's not call people names," Cay rolled her eyes.

"I don't need your opinion right now, Cay," Nikki practically spat.

"Woah, lovers quarrel?" Zoey raised her eyebrows.

"Could never be me," Mia shook her head, linking arms with Heather.

"We'd have to be lovers for us to be quarreling," Nikki sighed out.

"Okay, um, should we get back on track?" Sanna-Rose surprised herself by speaking up, "You know, figure out what sort of classic rock we can do? I mean, I know some, and I'm sure some of you guys do too,"

"I actually agree with Sanna-Rose," Delia nodded, "Besides, I can guarantee that the New Directions will do a song sung by a man – think Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen - probably with Felix and Bryce leading as was pointed out earlier. We need to do the opposite,"

"Girl power!" Marley grinned as she walked in, "I couldn't agree more, which is why I have found the perfect song for us. A female lead song that represents us as whole – and sort of our own little shoutout to the New Directions to let them know we're not afraid of them!"

"Wow, someone's feeling feisty," Heather smirked, "Kind of hot, Marley,"

"So… who's singing it?" Isa questioned curiously.

"Well, there will be a few of you on it but I sort of wanted to pick someone who we might not expect to kill it on a classic rock song, you know the element of surprise," Marley nodded, "So… Trina will take lead,"

"What?" Trina's eyes widened, "Really?"

"Of course! You've always been happy to sing whatever you've been given," Marley nodded, "But your vocals are…. incredible, and admittedly, underused. So, this one is all you. And Sanna-Rose, Audrey, and Zoey… you'll all have parts too,"

"Sweet," Sanna-Rose nodded, smiling.

It wasn't too long after they began practicing their song that they were called up to stage.

"Alright ladies, before you go out there," Marley sighed out, "I want you all to know how incredibly and ridiculously proud I am of all of you. No matter what happens out there… you've made me so lucky to be your glee coach. I know things have been rocky and it's been a learning experience for all of us but… I love you girls so much,"

"Kinda sounds like you think we're gonna lose," Naomi raised her eyebrows, "But… we love you too, Marley,"

All 15 girls now huddled together in a group hug, before rushing off onto stage, preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.

"First up for this Regionals competition, please give a warm welcome to the McKinley High Troubletones!"

As the girls made their way to the stage, all stood together in a row, a familiar and pleasant beat began, as the Troubletones, per usual, moved in perfect sync, the New Directions anxiously watching from the side of the stage.

"Tumble outta bed
And I stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
And yawn and stretch
And try to come to life,"

Leah started the song out strong, stepping forward, smiling as she saw Sutton dancing along, albeit somewhat obnoxiously, to the music. Stepping up beside Leah, Cay was the first to surprise the audience by having a standout in the country song of all the themes.

"Jump in the shower
And the blood starts pumpin'
Out on the street
The traffic starts jumpin'
The folks like me on the job from 9 to 5,"

While Cay was vaguely shaken from the interaction with Nikki earlier, nobody in the audience could tell as she delivered the words with precision and excellence, her father cheering embarrassingly loudly for her, as her mother, brother, and the Abrams also called out in support. The surprises continued as Heather moved to the front of the stage, taking the main melody on the chorus.

"Workin' 9 to 5,
What a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by
It's all takin' and no givin'
They just use your mind
And they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy
If you let it,"

Heather had been spending a lot of time with Marley working on her vocals and it showed – she had finally reached the same level as the other Troubletones, and already had about 100 times the confidence as most of them. Spencer was of course, the first to notice this, cheering obnoxiously loudly for his daughter who was living her best life on stage just as Tia and Mia now came to stand on either side of her as the chorus continued, singing along the main melody with her while the rest of the girls harmonized.

"9 to 5, for service and devotion
You would think that I
Would deserve a fair promotion
Want to move ahead
But the boss won't seem to let me
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me,"

As Heather turned to stand with the rest of the Troubletones, she couldn't help but point at Felix who was still peeking from the side of the stage on the last line just in time for Tia to walk to the front of the stage with her twin, as Mia began to sing.

"They let you dream
Just to watch 'em shatter
You're just a step
On the boss-man's ladder
But you got dreams
He'll never take away,"

Mia's voice had the same unique and strong tone she always did, though somewhat more controlled, smiling as she knew she nailed her part, turning to dance in sync with her sister as she know started to sing, as Jane cooed and pointed at her girls, while Mason cheered loudly while also following along with the dance moves.

"You're in the same boat
With a lot of your friends
Waitin' for the day your ship'll come in
'N' the tide's gonna turn
And it's all gonna roll your way,"

Tia's bright and pretty voice also had become more controlled, the two twins smiling as they moved to separate sides of the stage, allowing Leah, Cay, and Heather to once again come stand at the front with them, Heather standing front and center as she once again carried the song, the other four girls harmonizing with her.

"Workin' 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by
It's all takin' and no givin'
They just use your mind
And you never get the credit
It's enough to drive you crazy
If you let it
9 to 5, yeah
They got you where they want you
There's a better life
And you think about it, don't you?
It's a rich man's game
No matter what they call it
And you spend your life
Puttin' money in his wallet,"

The rest of the Troubletones now moving up with them, the girls began their somewhat complex choreography, all somehow completely and miraculously in sync.

"9 to 5, whoa
What a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by
It's all takin' and no givin'
They just use your mind
And they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy
If you let it
9 to 5, yeah
They got you where they want you
There's a better life
And you dream about it, don't you?
It's a rich man's game
No matter what they call it
And you spend your life
Puttin' money in his wallet,"

All smiling together as they posed with one hand in the air about to call out the last lyric it was abundantly clear that though the girls may not have had a lot in common, they all desperately wanted this win.

"Working 9 to 5!"

As the crowd applauded uproariously, just as the first girls stepped back, allowing, Naomi and Delia to come front and center, Isa, Juliet and Nikki following close behind as a poppy song started behind them.

"The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one,"

The five girls who stood at the front all sang in sync, another surprising combination, specifically for the feel-good song, but it was becoming all too clear that Marley was using the element of surprise to her advantage and knew exactly what she was doing.

"I'm not the kinda girl
Who gives up just like that,"

Naomi sang out on her own, a confident smile on her face as she sang in sync with Delia

"Oh no," The two girls sang together, moving in perfect sync as Delia took her turn to sing on her own, Emma clapping and grinning from ear to ear as she watched her daughter perform.

"It's not the things you do
That tease and hurt me bad
But it's the way you do the things
You do to me,"

Turning in sync with Delia once more, Naomi sang out once more, both her parents cheering for her loudly, though Mercedes was, surprisingly, somewhat more obnoxious about it.

"I'm not the kinda girl
Who gives up just like that,"

"Oh no," The two friends once again called out together, wowing themselves and the audience as they joined the other three girls standing behind them,

"The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
Number one
Number one,"

As they sang in perfect five person harmony, they all grinned, knowing they were absolutely crushing it, just in time for Juliet to move to the front and sing out.

"Every girl wants
You to be her man
But I'll wait right here
'Til it's my turn,"

Her equally strong but subtle and gentle voice matched the music perfectly, just as she moved, finishing out her verse, a sudden determination in her eyes.

"I'm not the kinda girl
Who gives up just like that
Oh no,"

Smiling with the other girls, Juliet moved back to stand with them, all once again moving and singing just as rehearsed.

"The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
Number one
Number one,"

Nikki know made her way to the front of the stage, walking from one side of it to the other, singing out strongly, the other Troubletones backing her.

"Every time that I get the feeling
You give me something to believe in
Every time that I got you near me
I know the way that I want it to be
But you know that I'm gonna take my chance now
I'm gonna make it happen somehow
And you know I can take the pressure
A moment's pain for a lifetime pleasure,"

Nikki smiled as she spun, watching as Oliver stood up and whooped and cheered for her, Jake smiled proudly, and Sutton, begrudgingly, sang along. She soon though, switched places with Isa who was nervous and excited to make her competition debut.

"Every girl wants you to be her man
But I'll wait right here
'Til it's my turn
I'm not the kinda girl
Who gives up just like that
Oh no,"

Isa surprised both herself and the audience with the confidence in which she delivered her verse with a delicate ease, but was even more surprised when she saw that Quinn, who she was staying with, cheered for her. As Isa found her place back with the other four girls leading the song, they once again sang out in five part harmony.

"The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one,"

The other Troubletones in the back now also calling out once more, they all continued to move in perfect sync, as they linked arms and closely followed the intricate footwork they'd came up with together.

"Everytime that I get the feeling
You give me something to believe in
Everytime that I got you near me
I know the way that I want it to be
But you know that I'm gonna take my chance now
I'm gonna makeit happen somehow
And you know I can take the pressure
A moment's pain for a lifetime pleasure,"

As they once again grinned at the loud applause they received, they rearranged themselves one last time to perform the song they had the least amount of time to prepare for, just hoping and praying that they could pull it off.

As a familiar rock tune began, Sanna-Rose took the main stage, immediately showing off that her voice was strong and made for rock music.

"Well you're the real tough cookie
With the long history
Of breaking little hearts
Like the one in me,"

Smiling as Audrey came up beside her, placing an arm on her shoulder, Audrey was yet another Troubletone to surprise the group by her ability to perfectly deliver a song she may not normally sing.

"That's OK,
Lets see how you do it
Put up your dukes,
Lets get down to it,"

Trina now smirking to herself as she sang out the chorus with Audrey and Sanna-Rose backing her, Trina also surprised herself and the audience with her ability to carry a rock song and hold the attention of the audience.

"Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me
With your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away,"

Now taking her turn to step up to the front, Zoey matched Trina's smirk as she confidently sang out.

"You come on with a "come on"
You don't fight fair
But that's OK, see if I care
Knock me down, it's all in vain
I'll get right back on my feet again,"

Now all four girls sang together, Trina still taking the lead while Zoey, Audrey and Sanna-Rose all harmonized, the other girls dancing along.

"Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me
With your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away,"

While the four girls had made themselves into a small wall, they now broke it, revealing Heather as she played through the instrumental break, absolutely wailing on the guitar as the other girls continued to move around hyping the audience up, just in time for the four girls leading the song to make their way back to the front.

"Well, you're the real tough cookie
With the long history,"

Sanna-Rose sang out, her confidence both surprising and endearing, as her mother gasping and holding back tears cheered out loudly for her daughter, Sam and Mercedes cheering along.

"Of breaking little hearts
Like the one in me,"

Audrey took her turn, just as confidently as Sanna-Rose had, slightly thrown that her mother seemed to be almost aggressively cheering her on.

"Before I put another notch
In my lipstick case,"

Zoey smirked as she finished singing, and was shocked to see that her mother had applauded for her, and disgusted when Roderick did the same. However, she did see a few proud tears in Addison's eyes, which made her feel…something. Needing to distract herself, Zoey turned to see Trina deliver the last part of the verse.

"You better make sure
You put me in my place,"

Now separating but singing together, all four girls called out once more.

"Hit me with your best shot
Come On, hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot,"

Swallowing her nerves, Trina took to center stage, absolutely belting the crap out of the next two words, managing to hold it while the other three girls continued singing the last chorus.

"Fire away,"

While virtually everyone was surprised by Trina's pure, raw vocal talent, Xavier, who had been cheering since the song started, continued to cheer so loud the people around him thought he might throw up, but Joe, Sugar, and even Jude called out in support for Trina. While the other three girls in the song were both surprised and impressed they couldn't let that distract them from their singing.

"Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot,"

Just as the song wrapped up, all 14 Troubletones mimicked Trina's previous belt, once again, miraculously pulling it off.

"Fire away,"

As the girls gleefully made their way backstage, they were immediately stopped by their glee coach who was frantically wiping proud tears from her eyes.

"You girls were… amazing! Oh my goodness, you always make me proud but you just made me… so unbelievably proud," Marley grinned, pulling her girls in for yet another group hug.

As they pulled away and began making their way back to their green room, of course, running into New Directions as they started trailing off.

"Good job, loser," Felix snickered as he saw his sister.

"Better than you could do," Heather rolled her eyes, "Besides shouldn't you be congratulating your girlfriend? She wasn't nearly as good as me, but I guess she was there too,"

"What girlfriend?" Felix both half pretended he didn't know what they were talking about, and half really didn't know what they were talking about.

"Does stupidity run in your family?" Tia joined the conversation, Mia, of course, practically attached at her hip.

"Hey," Both Heather and Mia spoke up defensively.

"I was going to say yeah," Felix admitted.

"What the hell are you idiots talking about?" Zoey reluctantly asked as she walked by.

"You, actually," Tia snickered.

"Why?" Zoey regretted asking the second the words left her mouth.

"Ohhh, that girlfriend," Felix nodded, making the connection.

"Alright, that's enough of this conversation," Zoey rolled her eyes, "Ladies and Heather? Are you coming?"

"I mean, I guess," Heather mumbled, the girls walking off to their green room.

While Felix was somewhat put off by the conversation, looking at one of his teammates, he figured it could always be worse.

"Hey!" Bryce grinned just a little too widely.

"What do you want, Bryce?" Juliet rolled her eyes.

"We're finally on a first name basis! You know what that is? That's growth," Bryce continued to smile, "I just… thought you did a really good job,"

"Do you really think that or are you just saying that so I stop being a total bitch to you?" Juliet raised her eyebrows skeptically.

"Of course I really think that," Bryce was confused, "I also don't think you're, you know, a bitch. I'm sure you've got your reasons to be the way you are," he shrugged.

"I'm going to take that as a compliment and walk away now," Juliet sighed out, before turning, just in time to hide her small smile, which quickly faded as she walked by Naomi, still not her biggest fan.

Naomi, however, was preoccupied, talking to her twin.

"Are you being honest with me?" Naomi questioned, vaguely threateningly.

"When have I ever lied to you?" Simon couldn't help but laugh, "Seriously, you were just as amazing as you always are,"

"Thanks, Si. And you're going to be almost as good," She couldn't help but laugh, "Where are Finley and Rowan by the way? I see Hazel over there with Rey but it's.. weird that they're not here."

"They got… pretty sick a few minutes ago," Simon sighed out, "And not just them. Savannah and Lex too. Plus who knows who else? I guess there's something going around,"

"Well, let's hope we don't catch it," Naomi shook her head, "Hey good luck out there, by the way,"

"Thanks, Naomi," Simon grinned, though both sets of eyes traveled to see where Rey and Hazel were stood holding hands and laughing, just to be interrupted by Cay.

"Hey, uh, could I talk to you for a second?" Cay asked Rey suddenly.

"Um, I was uh, kind of in the middle of something…" Rey trailed off looking to Hazel.

"It's fine," Hazel grinned, "I'll see you in a little bit?"

"Sure," Rey nodded before walking a few feet away with Cay, "What's up?"

"I um, wow," Cay shook her head, "This is really hard to say,"

"Are you okay?" Rey asked, growing quickly concerned, "What's going on?"

"I um, well," Cay sighed out, growing quickly more anxious, "Nikki and I broke up,"

"Oh," Rey sighed out, unsure of how to process this, "I um, I'm sorry to hear that,"

"I just," Cay began once more, doing her best to swallow both her pride and her nerves, "I think… I think I might, you know, have… well, feelings. For you. And that's why Nikki and I didn't work out,"

"Wait, what?" Rey took a step back, even more confused than she was before.

"I know it seems sudden but-" Cay tried to explain herself.

"It's not just sudden it's… I don't know what to say," Rey shook her head, "I appreciate you telling me but…"

"But what?" Cay asked, suddenly feeling somewhat defensive.

"I… just started dating Hazel," Rey admitted, "I'm sorry, Cay. I just thought-"

"No, it's fine," Cay shook her head, feeling suddenly embarrassed, "Forget it,"

"Cay," Rey tried but was too late as Cay had already began walking away.

While Delia was, admittedly, watching all the drama go down, she was soon distracted by a familiar face, who she figured was not meant to be backstage.

"What are you doing here?" Delia asked skeptically.

"What, no greeting? Didn't your show choir daddy teach you any manners?" Sydney laughed.

"Hello, Sydney," Delia spoke very obviously falsely sweet, "What, pray tell, are you doing here?"

"Just scoping out the potential nationals competition." Sydney smirked.

"That's big words for someone who didn't place last year," Delia pointed out, "Is that really why you're here?"

"Of course it is," Sydney rolled her eyes, "Now if you'll excuse me I need to be getting back to my seat. Oh, and, don't drink from the fountains if you can help it. I heard there's something in the water."

As the New Directions made their way back to their dressing room, they heard the announcement that the Hoosierdaddies were about to take the stage.

"Alright guys, do we have our rock song down?" Mr. Schue questioned, not wanting the kids to be distracted by just how good the Troubletones were or how good he knew the Hooiserdaddies could be.

"Obviously we're ready to nail it," Felix laughed just as he heard the Hoosierdaddies begin their rock song – Carry on Wayward Son, "Wait, I sang this for my audition," Felix noted.

"I'm sure that's just a coincidence," Will sighed out, "Besides no matter how good our competitors may or may not be we need to focus on ourselves and make sure we come out on top – like we always do and like I know we can,"

While the group sort of reluctantly agreed, it wasn't long until the Hoosierdaddies began their second performance, their country song, making Finley's jaw drop.

"Is this… is this Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90's?" He asked, his eyebrows furrowed.

"I guess?" Savannah tilted her head to her side, "Why?"

"This… was my audition," Finley noted.

"There's… no way they could have known that, right?" Simon questioned nervously.

"Come on guys, don't you think you're… maybe reaching a little bit?" Will tried to calm them down.

"I mean, maybe," Bryce shrugged, "Still weird though,"

"I…. actually agree with him for once," Oscar let out a half laugh at the revelation, "It's certainly… odd,"

"Come on guys, it's just a coincidence!" Flora did her best to try and cheer them up.

"She's right," Hazel nodded in agreement, "The worst thing we can do is focus on what the other teams are doing,"

"Yeah, I agree with Hazel," Rey nodded, smiling towards her girlfriend.

"Unless they're also doing the weirdest mashup of the century, I think we should be focused on them," Kyla mused, barely loud enough to be heard.

"Come on, the mashup is great!" Will argued, truly only coming up with the mashup as a way to try to gain control over his glee club.

"It's…. not the worst mashup I've ever heard?" Lex tried.

"Shush!" Sophie suddenly called out.

"Huh?" Grey questioned, looking to Rowan who simply shrugged in response.

"They're…. they're doing I Wanna Dance With Somebody. My audition song," Sophie gasped at the realization.

"Technically it was also Trina's," Rowan pointed out, not realizing that they were not helping.

"Okay gang, look," Mr. Schue breathed out, surprised when all of the students turned to look at him, "I know it's… jarring to have another team do your audition songs – but they don't have the talent or charisma or burning want and need for this the way you do. And the same goes for the Troubletones! They were good… maybe even great. But you guys are even better. And I believe in you,"

While the New Directions looked at each other, they sighed out, just as they were getting called to stage, thinking that maybe, just maybe, their teacher was right.

The New Directions made their way to the stage, nervously all taking a deep breath in as they thought about their setlist – while they weren't mad about their songs, they were, admittedly, stressed. Mr. Schue had instructed them to open with their least practiced song and end with their feel-good song – a mashup none of them were overly happy with. But as they knew they didn't have much of a choice, and the guitar started behind them, Felix stepped up to sing.

"I got my first real six-string
Bought it at the five-and-dime
Played it 'til my fingers bled
Was the summer of '69,"

While Felix was genuinely nervous about leading their song, and admittedly wasn't feeling so well, he very quickly repressed it all, marching his way around the stage as he continued to sing.

"Me and some guys from school
Had a band and we tried real hard.
Jimmy quit, Jody got married
I should've known we'd never get far,"

Felix grinned as his parents cheered for him, Alistar leading the encouragement, of course, as the rest of the parents he grew up around followed suit, glancing just slightly to the side as he noticed Zoey also watching and smiling back at him. Moving now, he made room for Kyla to take over for the chorus.

"Oh, when I look back now
That summer seemed to last forever,"

Kyla sang out, almost literally gasping when she noticed her Dad smiling and waving at her – something she couldn't have even imagined in her wildest dreams. Though she was nervous about that performance, it gave her the push she needed to finish the chorus.

"And if I had the choice
Yeah, I'd always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life,"

Kyla was, admittedly, somewhat thrown by the sight of her father, and Bryce was equally as thrown by the sight of his mother, which was made obvious by the two colliding with each other just slightly as they moved to switch places for Bryce to take over for the verse, the rest of the New Directions glancing nervously at each other, though it was not entirely noticeable from the audience.

"Ain't no use in complainin'
When you've got a job to do
Spent my evenings down at the drive-in
And that's when I met you, yeah,"

Bryce finished off, proud of himself for doing well, as his mother, surprisingly, cheered embarrassingly loud for him, Quinn rolling her eyes next to Lauren.

"Standin' on your mama's porch," Grey suddenly moved to sing, assuming that the awful feeling in his stomach he was feeling was just nerves. Pushing through that though, Grey clearly had a voice for rock music as he continued to sing.

"You told me that you'd wait forever
Oh, and when you held my hand
I knew that it was now or never
Those were the best days of my life,"

Now moving to stand back with Kyla, Grey was happy he got through his part, but disappointed his mom didn't come to see him perform. He tried to continue on though, watching as Bryce and Felix joined forces at the front of the stage to sing together.

"Oh, yeah
Back in the summer of '69, oh,"

The two boys smiled, high-fiving each other just as Felix began to sing once more.

"Man we were killin' time," Felix belted out.

"We were young and restless
We needed to unwind,"

Both Felix and Bryce sang out, both clearly built to sing a song like this, and just as clearly suited to sing together as even the audience could tell that despite everything, they were having fun.

"I guess nothin' can last forever," Bryce called out dramatically, just barely catching Juliet's eye as she watched in awe, leading him to smirk as he finished his line "Forever, no!"

"Yeah!" Felix called out, fist pumping and breaking Bryce out of his trance, as both boys made room for the last person to have their standout moment in the song.

"And now the times are changin'" Oscar sang out, surprising himself and everyone who knew him with the edge he was able to bring to his voice.

While Zach had cheered out loudly for his brother virtually the second he'd started singing, but soon Trent also cheered, as he also wiped proud and happy tears from his eyes while Oscar wrapped up the last verse.

"Look at everything that's come and gone
Sometimes when I play that old six-string
I think about you, wonder what went wrong,"

As all five students who had their own lines moved to stand together, they all sang out the last chorus together with Bryce and Felix singing the main melody and the other three harmonizing, all trying to do the best they could to prevent themselves from messing up the song they'd learned so last minute.

"Standin' on your mama's porch
You told me that it'd last forever
Oh, and when you held my hand
I knew that it was now or never
Those were the best days of my life,"

The rest of the glee club now moving slightly closer to them and closer to the center of the stage, Bryce and Felix finished out the rest of the song.

"Oh, yeah.
Back in the summer of '69, oh.
It was the summer of '69, oh, yeah.
Me and my baby in '69, oh.
It was the summer, the summer, the summer of '69, yeah,"

While they did earn a lot of applause, it was, admittedly, their parents and families being incredibly loud. Despite that though, the group managed to get in position for their country song, hoping and praying that it would work out as the music started, Savannah moving to sing the first part of the song, as she mentally prepared herself for her and Finely to take home the gold with another duet.

"You know I'd fall apart without you
I don't know how you do what you do
'Cause everything that don't make sense about me
Makes sense when I'm with you,"

As Savannah stood on the far right side of the stage, Brittany whooped and hollered for her daughter smiling from ear to ear just as Finley began walking to the other side, singing his part.

"Like everything that's green, girl, I need you
But it's more than one and one makes two
Put aside the math and the logic of it
You gotta know you're wanted too,"

Finley's parents, much like Brittany, cheered out loud for their son, Sam fist pumping just as the chorus started. While Finley and Savannah began moving closer together, Rowan, Flora and Hazel all moved out to stand together, singing out the chorus in three part harmony while Savannah and Finley also sang together.

"'Cause I wanna wrap you up
Wanna kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
And never let you forget it
Yeah, I wanna make you feel wanted,"

While the Jones' continued to cheer loudly for their children, Emma also cooed absolutely in awe of her youngest daughter.

Grinning as she looked at her boyfriend, Savannah sang out once more, her voice smooth and pretty, taking a few steps closer towards him, pointing a flirtatious finger in his direction.

"Anyone can tell you you're pretty, yeah
And you get that all the time, I know you do,"

Grinning at the words, Finley looked at Savannah with what could only be described as sincerity and admiration as he sang out.

"But your beauty's deeper than the make-up
And I wanna show you what I see tonight,"

All five teens on stage now moved in perfect sync– while the choreography was not necessarily complex, it was enough to make them look put together as they continued on.

"When I wrap you up
When I kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
And never let you forget it
'Cause, baby, I wanna make you feel wanted,"

Now meeting in the direct middle of the stage, Finley and Savannah sang out together, smiling at each other.

"As good as you make me feel
I wanna make you feel better,
Better than your fairy tales
Better than your best dreams,"

While the scene was cute, Flora, Rowan, and Hazel all exchanged quick glances as Savannah and Finley seemingly ditched the choreography as they caressed each other's faces, the three of them wondering if they had forgotten where they were, but electing to ignore it as the couple continued to sing.

"You're more than everything I need
You're all I ever wanted
All I ever wanted,"

Flora, Rowan and Hazel all now separating and spreading themselves out at the front of the stage on either side of Finley and Savannah, all once again moving in sync with each other and the rest of the group, wrapping the song up.

"And I just wanna wrap you up
Wanna kiss your lips
I wanna make you feel wanted
And I wanna call you mine
Wanna hold your hand forever
And never let you forget it
Yeah, I wanna make you feel wanted
Baby, I wanna make you feel wanted,"

While they ended on a strong note, they all turned to look at Savannah and Finley to truly finish on the strongest note possible.

"You'll always be wanted," They sang out together, looking at each other with pure joy as the song ended, and they earned both loud rounds of applause and awes from the audience.

The group frantically now got in position for the next song – the mashup they didn't like, with the most complex choreography they'd done in a song yet. In order, Lex, Rey, Simon and Sophie all stood together while the rest of the New Directions began clapping in rhythm, while also calling out several "do-do-do's"

"Ooooh..." Sophie called out dramatically, resulting in Xavier, Joe and Sugar all immediately cheering out loudly in support, while Jude and Emery clapped an appropriate amount.

"You might not ever get rich
But let me tell you it's better than digging a ditch,"

Sophie sang out, as the group moved around the stage, her moving to dance with Lex as he also sang out.

"There ain't no telling who you might meet
A moviestar or maybe even a chief,"

Lex sang out giving a cheeky grin, as his parents and brother cheered loudly for him, and even Rachel looked up smiling at him.

On the other side of the stage, Rey and Simon had began to dance together, both terrified of messing up, and Rey slightly distracted and not exactly in the mood for a feel good song, which only mildly showed as she sang out, trying to not think too hard about what had just happened with Cay.

"When I get to be in your arms
When we're all, all alone,"

Rey, of course, sounded absolutely amazing, and was appreciative of her family cheering obnoxiously for her and the Changs and even Mack were cheering out for them as well, but something about Teddy cheering for her absolutely threw her off. However, it was the head of the Warblers council cheering out that threw Simon off, as he, for some reason, didn't expect Mack to be there at all and felt his face flush as they met eyes, desperately trying to just sing on tune, trying to not think too hard about it to the point where he almost missed his own family cheering him on.

"When you whisper sweet in my ear
When you turn, turn me on,"

Despite the distractions, both Simon and Rey smiled as they got through at least that part of it without much of a problem, beginning to go into the chorus.

"Oh, that's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh
I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh,"

As they moved in sync, Lex and Sophie also moved in sync, smiling through the pain as they sung out their half of the mashup.

"Working at the car wash,"

The group of four moved closer together as they continued each singing their designated songs.

"That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh
I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh,"

"Working at the car wash, yeah,"

Lex was still trying to look at Rachel, not realizing she was a judge, trying to figure out if the face she was making was out of disgust or nostalgia as the group continued.

"That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh
I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh,"

Rey suddenly looked at Simon as they both suddenly started feeling incredibly ill, desperately wanting this performance to be over.

"Come on and sing it with me, car wash," Sophie and Lex exchanged a glance as they noticed Rey and Simon, both trying to not think about the feeling they were each feeling in their own stomach.

"That's the way, uh-huh, uh-huh
I like it, uh-huh, uh-huh,"

"Sing it with the feeling now, car wash yeah,"

All of the New Directions now joined in singing together all desperately trying to sing and move in sync.

"Do do do do do do do do do
Do do do do do do do do do
Do do do do do do do do do
Do do do do do do do do do,"

As they all somehow managed to just barely get themselves together, the four on stage joined forces, switching so that Rey and Lex were now dancing together, as were Sophie and Simon, all singing together in unison as the rest of the group tried to keep up with choreography and finish the song out on as high of a note that they could manage.

"Car wash
Talking about the car wash yeah
Car wash yeah
Come on y'all and sing it with me
Car wash
Sing it with feeling
Car wash yeah
Wowowoh
Those cars never seem to stop coming
Keeps those rags and machines coming
Let me tell you it's always cool,
And the boss don't mind sometimes if you, act the fool,"

Breathing a breath of air, and smiling at getting through that performance, Simon, Sophie, Lex and Rey let out one last final "That's the way I like it,"

The group posing for just the right amount of time, they were finally ready to leave stage. While Mr. Schue was waiting to tell them how well they did, unfortunately, most of the group ran directly past him out of fear of throwing up.

The Troubletones also noticed the New Directions running past, confused as they exchanged glances wondering what happened. They soon realized though, that nobody really knew so they retreated back to their green room, most of the girls pacing back and forth trying to just distract themselves from the fact that this was make or break for them. If they didn't win, then that was it. No more Troubletones.

"Come on girls," Marley sighed out, seeing the worry on most of their faces, "You need to keep things positive!"

"This isn't sectionals, Marley," Tia raised her eyebrows both referencing the seriousness of regionals and the song they performed at sectionals, "We were obviously good, but we don't know that the judges aren't misogynists,"

"Well, at least Rachel is a judge, and-" Marley tried but got cut off.

"And she has an obvious bias towards Lex. Isn't she his surrogate?" Mia pointed out.

"Leave Lex out of this," Audrey groaned.

"No, no I don't think we will," Heather crossed her arms over her chest.

"Girls can we please just calm down?" Marley practically begged.

"I… agree with Marley," Naomi spoke up, "We did great. And that's all we can do. Regardless of everything else, we got here and we did the best we could. And the best we could was, in my opinion, marginally better than New Directions or even the Hoosierdaddies. We just have to wait it out,"

"Woah, good pep talk," Trina noted.

"Yeah, you're a natural," Sanna-Rose nodded in agreement.

While Naomi had opened her mouth to respond, she was soon distracted by Mr. Schue standing at the door way.

"What do you want?" Naomi lifted a skeptical eyebrow.

"Naomi, please, let me handle this," Marley sighed out before cautiously making her way over to Will and speaking much more quietly than Naomi had, though she also asked, "What do you want?"

"I just… wanted to congratulate you on a great performance," Mr. Schue smiled.

"Well… thank you," Marley smiled, reaching out to shake his hand, "You as well. And are your kids… okay? They seemed to run off that stage pretty fast,"

"Yeah, they all suddenly got sick… I don't know what happened," Will shook his head, walking further into the room.

"It's the… ugh," Felix breathed out heavily, also walking into the room, the rest of the New Directions following slowly in behind him, "Our water, I think. It ain't right," he shook his head.

"What?" Virtually all of the heads in the room turned to face Felix, trying to make sense of this.

"Marley… I hate to ask but you… you don't know anything about this, do you?" Will spoke in hushed tones.

"Just… what exactly are you accusing me of?" Marley furrowed her eyebrows, shocked and upset that he would think she was even capable of that. However, as many of the friends and families of the kids came in to congratulate them, Marley tried to not let it show.

"Look, it's no secret that the Troubletones are sort of… threatened by the New Directions. Even if you didn't do it, I don't know, maybe one of your kids did? Like this isn't beyond Heather or even Leah since we found, you know, everything else out…" Will trailed off.

"Hey, watch it Schuester," a threatening voice came from just behind Marley as Jake made himself known, "And keep our kids out of it,"

"Jake, it's nothing personal it's just-" Will tried but was cut off.

"Well, I take it very personally. Before you go accusing my wife and child of intentionally poisoning your team you should take a step back and realize they've all been too busy with the same regionals competition you just performed in. We'll figure out what happened, but you've got to cool it," Jake pointed a finger at Will, which Marley reluctantly pushed down.

Normally she would have been embarrassed or even annoyed at Jake going off like that, but this time it felt warranted. After mouthing a small thank you to her husband, Marley turned back to her old glee teacher, "I'll see you later, Will,"

Will was shocked and mildly embarrassed at his accusations as he suddenly felt his wife standing beside him.

"Are you okay?" Emma questioned nervously. "That seemed like… a lot,"

"I mean…maybe? I don't know," Will sighed out, "I just… really need these kids to win. They've been through enough, you know?"

"I know," Emma nodded, before smiling as she spotted her daughters, "At least they seem to be getting along for once,"

"Yikes," Delia cringed as she watched the whole thing unfold, making way to stand with her little sister, "What do you think that was about?"

"At this point, I'm afraid to ask," Flora shook her head, "Um, you did really great out there, Delia."

"Huh?" Delia turned to face Flora directly, "Oh, thanks. You… you did well too,"

While it was becoming more common these days, it did still feel mildly weird for the two to compliment each other.

"Thank you, Delia," Flora nodded slowly, unsure if she should really believe it.

"I am being honest, by the way," Delia noted the skepticism, "You did great. But, before you get too emotional about it, I do have to ask. Are Sophie and Anthony… close?"

"Huh?" Flora was taken aback by the question, "I didn't know they even really… knew each other," she suddenly directed her attention to where Anthony and Flora were talking and seemingly flirting, suddenly leaving her sister to go see what was going on.

"So true, bestie," Sophie nodded, laughing in agreement to whatever it was that Anthony had just said.

"What's going on over here?" Flora made herself known, arms crossed over her chest.

"We were just having a little chat," Anthony shrugged, "How are you feeling by the way? I heard someone poisoned the water hole," he shivered at the thought.

"And how exactly did you know that?" Flora suddenly felt like she was putting him through the third degree. She knew she should trust Anthony – he was her boyfriend after all, but something felt… off.

"Because everyone's talking about it?" Anthony laughed, "Are you okay?"

"I'm just gonna… go…" Sophie tried.

"No, stay, I need a witness," Flora pointed at her friend, "Do you… know anything about this?"

"I can't believe you're accusing me of this! What would I get out of it? I already won," Anthony breathed out, exasperated, "It was probably someone from the Hoosierdaddies and they'll get caught and then disqualified. It's going to be okay,"

But before Flora even really had a chance to respond, a voice came from behind her, turning to see Anthony's dad.

"I am so sorry to interrupt," Jesse gave his typical sort of charming smile, "But I'd, once again, love to have a word with my son,"

"Please, be my guest," Flora sighed out, walking away, no bothering with formalities this time, Sophie trailing behind her.

"Listen, Anthony. I think it is very bold of you to try to poison the competition. Genius even. But while your mother is a judge? I thought I raised you better than that," Jesse shook his head.

"What?" Anthony was genuinely shocked, "I didn't do it, Dad! I don't know why everyone thinks I did, but I didn't,"

"Well, do you know who did?" Jesse raised his eyebrows.

"No! I didn't even know it happened until a little while ago," Anthony sighed out.

"Well, you better figure it out. Because if it doesn't get figured out, it's your ass on the line. You're already the number one suspect. Now I have to go wait for your mother to finish making her decision. But think about what I said," Jesse said before walking away.

"Hey, are you okay?" A voice surprised Anthony by stepping beside him, looking up, Lex was the last person Anthony was expecting to see.

"Um, I don't know," Anthony answered honestly, "How are you, Lex?"

"Threw up, and feeling great now," Lex laughed, "How weird is it that your mom is a judge, huh?"

"If you're trying to get brownie points," Anthony rolled his eyes, thinking he knew what this was about, "You can save it,"

"Brownie points?" Lex furrowed his eyebrows. "No, I just genuinely thought it was weird. Do you think she's going to write about regionals in her memoir?" he joked.

"Hm, maybe," Anthony shook his head, laughing slightly, "I uh, think you're being summoned though," Anthony nodded towards where Blaine was waving his son over.

"Wow! You did great, kiddo!" Blaine smiled as Lex approached him, pulling him into a tight hug.

"Thanks," Lex laughed, "Hey, where'd Michael and Dad go?"

"It would appear," Blaine spoke slowly, scanning the room for the other half of his family, "They're over there talking to your girlfriend and her mother,"

Looking over, Lex made his way over to where Blaine was looking, immediately wrapping Audrey up in a hug, "You did soooo good," Lex cooed.

"Aw, thank you," Audrey met his embrace happily, "You did too,"

"How sweet," Quinn spoke dryly, her arms crossed over her chest as she stood next to Kurt.

"Your sense of innocence and wonder never fails to astound me," Kurt responded just as sarcastically as Quinn had.

"Whatever," Quinn rolled her eyes as she watched the young couple before her continue to canoodle. "Can you believe Berry is a judge at this thing, by the way?"

"I, unfortunately, can believe it," Kurt smirked, "I think she's trying to appear humble which we both know is going to take more work than a measly regionals appearance,"

"I'll guess we'll see when her book comes out," Quinn shook her head at the thought, "Oh crap, I gotta go," She suddenly turned, walking to anywhere that wasn't there.

While Kurt was, at first, confused and vaguely concerned, he soon saw Jake and his two sons making way to try to find, presumably, Leah and Nikki.

"What up, nerd?" Oliver chuckled nudging his youngest sister, "You did really well up there,"

"I know," Nikki smirked back, "But thank you. I'm kind of, you know, nervous, about… everything,"

"Well, today's been a big day," Jake jumped into the conversation, "You should both be very proud of what you accomplished.

"By you both…" Sutton started slowly.

"Yes, Sutton, I meant Leah," Jake sighed out. Obviously what Leah did was wrong, but now felt like ages ago, and he, maybe more than anyone, knew sometimes people made stupid and bad decisions.

"Thanks, Dad," Leah smiled, "But I agree with Nikki… I just sort of want to know the results, you know?"

"Could never be us," Sutton laughed as he high-fived Oliver.

"Alright, not the time to be celebrating your win. Especially since you did get… lucky with who you competed against," Jake pointed out.

"Whatever, dad," Oliver waved him off.

"Are you okay?" Jake suddenly lowered his voice looking to his youngest daughter who was, admittedly, off looking to Cay as her parents surrounded her.

"Hm?" Nikki shook her head, "Oh yeah, I'm fine,"

Cay, however, barely noticed Nikki was looking at her as her parents, and the Abrams plus Mack surrounded both her and Rey, both uncomfortable with having to be that close to each other.

"Aw, both groups did so well!" Tina spoke, trying to not cry as she looked at her daughter with the upmost pride, "But I am so beyond proud of you Cay,"

"We both are," Mike grinned as they reached to hug her.

"And we are even prouder of you," Kitty spoke loudly, turning it into a competition for no other reason than she thought it might be fun as she wrapped an arm around Rey.

"Yep," Artie nodded in agreement, "The most proud,"

"I don't see why we can't be equally proud," Teddy muttered just loud enough for Tommy to hear.

"Because the Abrams' are the proudest! Always!" Tommy grinned.

"I see that," Teddy held back a dry laugh as he shook his head.

"Well, well, the Abrams-Chang collective," Mercedes laughed, as she along with Sam, and all of their kids, Brittany, Savannah, Sanna-Rose and her mom all joined in the small group.

"We were just talking about how proud we all are of everyone," Tina grinned looking at all of the kids.

"As we should be!" Sam called out happily, "These kiddos did amazing!" He reached over to rustle Finley's hair slightly.

"Definitely so true," Brittany nodded, placing an arm on Savannah's shoulder.

"Hey," Hazel gently pulled Rey to the side, "How are you feeling? You did… amazing up there,"

"Do you really think so?" Rey asked shyly.

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't," Hazel grinned, reaching over and squeezing her girlfriend's hand slightly.

"Looks like love is in the air," Sam smirked, nudging Mercedes.

"And they're not the only ones," Mercedes grinned, nodding her head to where Mack and Simon had also stepped just far away enough from the group to not be in the middle of it.

"Wow you um… you did really well," Mack spoke shyly, barely being able to make eye contact with Simon, "You are very impressive,"

"Really?" Simon's cheeks flushed at the compliment. It didn't matter how often they saw each other, they still somehow managed to feel slightly overwhelmed with each other's presence.

Mack nodded, hesitantly reaching to hold Simon's hand, "Really, really,"

"Hold up," Naomi, who'd been watching and, admittedly, cooing over her twin and Mack suddenly noticed something, "Where'd Rowan go?"

Rowan, however, left their family when they noticed Grey sitting by himself on the far side of the room, "What's with the long face?" Rowan couldn't help but ask.

"Hm?" Grey questioned, "Oh, you know, just not feeling well,"

"Cause of the weird rumor that someone messed with the water? Or something else?" Rowan raised their eyebrows.

"Kind of both," Grey let out a dry laugh, "My um, parents are divorced, I live with my mom? And I expected her to come… but she didn't. And then my dad showed up just long enough for the last song but then… dipped. I dunno. It's just… a weird feeling,"

"Holy shit," Rowan blinked a few times, not expecting Grey to open up at all, "That's rough, buddy."

"Yeah," Was all Grey could say back, somewhat embarrassed by the fact that he'd opened up.

"If it makes you feel any better," Rowan started slowly after a few long moments of silence, "This is somehow the first competition I haven't been sick for,"

"What?" Grey shook his head, though laughed slightly.

"It's a whole thing," Rowan spoke with a wave of their hand.

"Looks like you're getting replaced as Grey's bestie," Kyla teased, coming to stand behind Oscar.

"I think I'll survive," Oscar rolled his eyes but smiled, "Hey, great job out there,"

Just as Kyla was about to say thanks, a mysterious figure appeared beside them.

"Wow, Kyla you were… incredible," Brody spoke, clearly in awe of his daughter before turning to the boy next to her, "And it's… Oscar, right? You also gave a very impressive performance."

"Oh, um, thank you?" Oscar was surprised by many things, though more than anything, he was surprised that Brody was there and knew who he was.

"Dad, you're embarrassing me," Kyla groaned, but smiled, "Um, thank you for coming,"

"I wouldn't miss it. I mean, I know I did miss sectionals but, I guess that's all the more reason I couldn't miss regionals," Brody smiled.

"Ooh, a whole little party over here," Trent laughed.

"Trent?" Brody clarified, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Brody, Kyla's dad,"

"It is equally as nice to meet you," Trent smiled back, shaking Brody's hand, "How amazing were these two?"

"So good!" Zach, who'd finally caught up, nodded almost aggressively in agreement.

"I couldn't agree more," Brody laughed looking over to Zach who had already managed to zoom away from the group he had just spoken to, "Where did…he go?" Brody asked cautiously.

"It's best not to ask," Oscar responded, shaking his head disappointingly.

"Hell yeah!" Zach called out to get Bryce's attention, who of course, came back responded with a "Hell yeah!" of his own.

"Way to go, dude! You killed it! I'm so proud," Zach grinned as he and Bryce completed a handshake that changed basically every time they tried to do it.

"Thanks, Zach," Bryce grinned, "I'm on such a high! And I feel so just like proud and impressed with myself, you know?"

"I'd say you're not the only one who's impressed," Zach grinned nudging Bryce, and nodding towards Juliet, who was talking with Isa but looking in Bryce's direction.

"Are you two… friends?" Isa questioned, genuinely curiously.

"No," Juliet spoke dryly,

"Then why do you keep looking at him?" Isa was growing quickly more confused.

"Can you shut up?" Juliet snapped slightly, "He's coming over this way,"

"Greetings, ladies. May I say, even as your competition, you both did a lovely job," Bryce grinned.

"Why are you talking like that?" Juliet furrowed her eyebrows.

"Like what?" Bryce questioned, "I'm quite sure I don't know what you mean,"

"Like a normal person!" Isa exclaimed thinking she was helping, but quickly realized she wasn't, "I'll um, leave you two alone for a moment,"

"Was there something I can help you with?" Juliet crossed her arms over her chest.

"I genuinely just wanted to tell you that I think you did a good job. It's cool that you guys all got a standout moment and I thought yours was impressive," Bryce shrugged, "But I can leave you alone now, I guess,"

"Wait," Juliet sighed out, "Thank you, Bryce. I appreciate that. You, admittedly, also did very well. It's clear you were having fun which is something I need to work on,"

"Well," Bryce started slowly, "If you ever need a teacher, you know where to find me," he winked as he walked away.

"Ooh, things heating up in the Bruliet community," Sophie grinned, raising her eyebrows.

"The what?" Jude narrowed his eyes, "Actually, don't answer that,"

"I think they're cute together!" Xavier grinned, "And I can say that confidently as someone who doesn't know either of them literally at all!"

"That makes you perfectly qualified!" Trina's smile matching her boyfriend's, "Not as cute as us, of course, but they can be a close second!"

"Oh, I completely agree," Sugar jumped in the conversation, barely knowing what they were talking about, "So true besties,"

"Amen," Joe nodded.

"Well," Emery, who'd been stood there the whole time finally spoke up, "As riveting as this was, I'm going back to my seat,"

"Please don't leave me alone with them," Jude practically pleaded.

"You're on your own," Emery held back a laugh, though as she turned, was greeted with the sight of her father, Madison, and the rest of the gang all gathered together.

"Get over here, Emery!" Addison called out, mostly because he did not want to be the only non McKinley kid in the small group of them.

"Hi Emery, honey!" Madison grinned, "Didn't they all do so well?"

"Uh, yeah," Emery nodded slowly.

"Very convincing," Tia rolled her eyes, "Anyways, Madison is right. We killed it. The New Directions are as good as gone,"

"No offense, Felix?" Mia added on at the tail end.

"Yes, offense, Felix!" Heather stuck her tongue out at her brother, "We kicked your ass,"

"Heather, language," Spencer started slowly, "You haven't fully won yet. You should have said we're going to kick your ass,"

"But we already performed and that's the main thing," Zoey pointed out, still hesitant to interact with Felix, but glad it was at least in a lighthearted way.

"Alright, come on. We don't know who won yet," Jane, as usual, spoke up as the voice of reason, just as everyone was called to go back to their seats.

As everyone made their way out of the room, they ran into the judges leaving after making their decision. While Rachel had, of course, been trying to keep her head down since she was in no mood to sign autographs, she still wasn't surprised when she got stopped.

"I'm sorry, I'm not signing autographs or stopping for photos at the moment," Rachel spoke as diplomatically as she could, still not looking up at who'd stopped her.

"Oh, please," Quinn raised her eyebrows, "I wouldn't want you wasting one of your silly gold star stickers on me,"

"Quinn," Rachel paused. She, admittedly, hadn't seen most of the people she went to school with, in many years – since her career had taken off she had sort of forgotten to check in on the little people, "It's good to see you,"

"Save the small talk," Quinn breathed out, "Look, I know you're here to judge, but I also know you have biases. Of course, I want the Troubletones to win, but it's more important to me that you're honest with your vote. You have ties to New Directions, not to mention the fact that Lex was pushed out of you,"

"Quinn," Rachel repeated, "I am shocked and upset that you think I'd be dishonest with my vote. I am here to be impartial and truthful about who I think deserves to win. I would never do anything that would tarnish my reputation in that way. I know that it may be hard for you to understand, but my success did not change me,"

"I see that," Quinn muttered, rolling her eyes slightly.

"Besides," Rachel began speaking again, "Even if that was the case – which I must reiterate, it is not – it would be too late to change my vote. At this point the winner is already selected. Now we just have to wait to see who it is. It was nice seeing you Quinn, but I have to get back to my seat."

And just like that, Rachel was being escorted back to the audience, and Quinn was simply left to follow suit.

As everyone else was sat back in the audience, the groups were sent out to the front, waiting for the announcements.

With the Troubletones on one side of the stage, and New Directions on the other further side, the Hoosierdaddies directly in between them, a few students tried to look over to their peers, but soon realized it wasn't worth it, all groups holding hands with their teammates. The announcer began to speak, but to the McKinley High students it all just felt like unintelligible murmurs until his next few words changed everything.

"In third place… from McKinley High…"

A/N: As usual, if you got through that whole chapter, thank you! I want to take this time to apologize for any spelling or grammatical errors as I normally edit through the chapters 3-4 times, but just did it the once since I wanted it to be posted as soon as possible. That said, as usual the songs used in the chapter will be listed below! (I'm not going to bother adding the songs that were just mentioned, just the ones actually performed). That's it from me for now, but once again, please don't hesitate to reach out via PM or review to let me know you're still here and how you liked this chapter, and I will see you all (sooner than seven months lol) at the next chapter where the A/N will contain more info about the true future of this fic. Thanks so much!

Islands In the Stream - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
Hooked On A Feeling - Blue Swede
Any Way You Want It / Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin' - Journey / Glee Cast (?) lol
Crocodile Rock - Elton John
Cruise - Florida Georgia Line
Fireflies - Owl City
9 to 5 - Dolly Parton
The Tide is High - Atomic Kitten
Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams
Wanted - Hunter Hayes
Car Wash / That's the Way (I Like It) - Rose Royce ./ KC & The Sunshine Band