A/N: Hey everybody! Don't forget to see the author's note at the end, it fit better there this time around. Just want to say the song is by Boys Like Girls (but girls also like girls). Okay, all jokes aside, hop on in!
Chapter 23: The Great Escape
Nationals. The biggest competition of the year. It was all coming together. All week they'd worked tirelessly, perfecting notes and dance moves. had them practicing for hours, but they all knew it was worth it. This would make or break them. The New Directions were new in the game, a bright young rising star. All eyes were on the kids from Ohio. Could they compete at a National level, or were they bound to stay in the Midwest forever? Nationals were being held in Florida, meaning they were leaving the comfort of home and meeting the bright humidity of the incoming summer. With plenty of distractions, the odds were stacked against them. As they flew into Orlando, Santana finally realized how close they were-and she only hoped her anxiety didn't get the best of her.
was perplexed at how to split the rooms up, the diversity of his team giving him a headache. He ended up just handing two key cards to the group and letting them split as they wished, praying they all had a shred of decency in their bones. He went up to his own room and the kids settled in. In one room were Faberry, Brittana and Klaine. On the other were Finn, Artie, Mike, Tina, Sam, and Mercedes. In the first room, the couples shared beds cause they all had the insecurity and decency to not defile the room. However, Finn and Artie insisted the couples in their room were split, ending with two beds of boys and one bed of girls. There was some argument, but at the end of the day, Mercedes was also more comfortable with the arrangement. Once they'd settled in and chosen their sleeping spots, gave them the afternoon to explore. Asher was more excited about the beach than his mom's, Santana taking off his vest and letting him be off duty for the afternoon. Brittany played fetch with him while Santana sunbathed, never one to give up a good tan. After about an hour, however, Asher was exhausted (and smelt like saltwater) and they decided to head back to their hotel. It had been some trouble getting Asher on the plane, but luckily the hotel was pet-friendly anyway so they didn't have to explain why he was there. There was even a doggy daycare at the hotel where he could stay during the competition. Santana had her reservations about him not being there- the competition was bound to be crowded and nerve-wracking, but after talking it over with her therapist, she realized she'd be worried if he was there. Still, as they got back to the hotel and took Asher to check out the daycare, she couldn't help but feel like she was making a huge mistake.
After using the dog bath downstairs they headed back to their room and were surprised to see Quinn and Rachel there too. Rachel was laying in Quinn's lap listening to music while Quinn read a book. The blonde looked over her book at them in acknowledgment. Santana set up Asher's bed with his blanket, but before going to bed he nudged Quinn's hand (which was hanging off the bed) letting the girl pet him. Santana eyed the girl curiously, wondering if Asher sensed something.
"Santana, we're all stressed about the competition." Quinn smiled softly "Asher just knows me. He's helped before."
"Right but he hasn't been like that with B" Santana looked to the closed bathroom door where the dancer had disappeared.
"She's not worried." Rachel piped up "Brittany isn't concerned with winning like the rest of us. She dances because she loves it. Sure, she likes winning, but she doesn't let losing get her down either."
"How do you figure that Berry?" Santana sat down on the edge of her bed "I mean she seemed psyched to compete."
Rachel sat up and sighed "Santana. Brittany is competitive, but her self-worth doesn't come from achievement. It comes from doing what she loves, being with who she loves." the brunette eyed the Latina "How come this surprises you?"
"Because apparently, I don't know my girlfriend at all." Santana tugged at her sleeves nervously, and Asher looked up from his bed before trotting over and nudging the girl's hands. She scratched his head but he pawed at her knee that was bouncing now that her hands were preoccupied. She patted the bed and he hopped up and did DPT. Brittany emerged from the bathroom and saw. She looked to the other two girls and Rachel explained. Brittany rushed from the room, catching Asher's attention just slightly and he barked, but the blonde didn't return. He licked a tear that rolled down his Mami's face. He barked at Quinn and Rachel and they looked to each other before another bark broke them from their stupor, Rachel rushing to find Brittany, Quinn finding Santana's meds. She calmed down some after the meds, but Brittany's sudden disappearance had her worried.
"Did you know Q? She always seems so torn up when she doesn't do well in school…" Santana scratched Asher's fluffy head.
"When we did Cheerios we never lost, but honestly Britt never got stressed before comps as I did." the girl shrugged "I thought she just was super confident. She hates tests though."
"Is it possible your girlfriend is wrong?" Santana met the girl's hazel eyes.
"Not on this…" Quinn shook her head "Did you really think Britt cared deeply about winning Nationals?"
"Yeah." Santana looked down at Asher "I really did."
Downstairs, Rachel found Brittany dancing in one of the empty meeting rooms. She knocked lightly on the wall and the girl finished her move before looking to the diva.
"You fucked up big time Rach." Brittany said "She feels like I've been lying to her. Like she doesn't know me. Tell me exactly what you said."
"Just that your self-worth doesn't come from winning." Rachel held her hands up in innocence.
"You're right but Rach, I still feel bad when I mess up. San has seen me fall apart at a bad grade." Brittany explains "She equivalents winning with success."
"Okay that makes sense, but she seemed really surprised when I said winning doesn't matter to you." Rachel crossed her arms.
"BECAUSE I DO care. Because I know how much it means to you" she looked down at the diva "How much it means to the rest of this club. How much it would mean to her, for her parents to get a newspaper and see her name listed as part of a winning team of a national competition. That she is so much better without them." Brittany stomped away, Rachel running after her and stopping her.
"Well, why'd you stomp out of the room when she's the one who needed to hear that?" The brunette demanded.
"Because...Rach, I don't know. She thinks she should've figured it out. How did you?" The dancer asked.
"Because I've seen you dance and I've seen Mike dance. He never takes a day off before a competition. He's a totally different person." Rachel explains "I just put the numbers together. I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorry. We need to get back up there don't we?" Brittany said and Rachel nodded. They headed up the stairs and found Santana leaning her head on Quinn's shoulder, Asher draped across their laps. The smaller blonde gently moved and let the taller blonde take her place, Santana immediately cuddling closer. The dancer smiled and softly explained, Quinn and Rachel leaving halfway through. Santana looked up at Britt and kissed her chin gently. The blonde giggled and gave the Latina a proper kiss.
"So you're okay?" Brittany asked, Asher still watching Santana carefully.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Hear that boy? You did a really good job." She scratched behind his ears "My beautiful boy."
"Thanks for taking care of your Mami. Mama is sorry for freaking out." Brittany reached out a hand and Asher barked before hitting it with his paw. He nudged it afterward, and left the bed, satisfied with Santana having calmed down.
"Y'all can come back now!" Santana yelled and Rachel and Quinn sheepishly crept back in.
"What do you guys think of room service, my treat?" Brittany asked.
"Actually, why don't we go out?" Santana asked.
"Cause Schue will totally realize he wants us to practice tonight." Quinn pointed out. With that comment, they ordered the cheapest room service they could. And Quinn turned out to be right. was going nuts.
The next morning revealed they'd be performing that evening. The competition went for two days, so this meant they would have to sit in suspense Sunday morning until the judges announced the winners. They got a hearty breakfast and everyone practiced nonstop, running through the performance in order. They stopped for a quick lunch break before getting back to work. An hour before they went on, they made the short trip to the venue, Asher checked in at the daycare earlier that day. They did warm-ups as they got dressed, Santana shaking her nerves out. She looks down at her arms that she decided to leave exposed even though Tina said she had a quick fix if she changed her mind. She was determined, however, to be brave. As they lined up in the wings, Artie made sure his wheels were perfect, Blaine straightened his bow tie and Brittany and Mike stretched. Santana did her breathing exercises with Quinn. And finally, they lined up behind the curtain.
Are you ready?
It's time for me to take it
I'm the boss right now
Not gonna fake it
Not when you go down
Cause this is my game and you better come to play
Tell me what you want
What you like it's okay
I'm a little curious
Too
Brittany approached Mike and they began their dance routine.
But you've had me underrated
We're cool for the summer
Take me down into your paradise
(What's wrong with being confident)
Don't be scared 'cause I'm your body type
At this point, Brittany danced with Santana and Mike with Blaine. The boys had managed to nearly perfect stage chemistry. Once their song came to a close they stepped back as Artie wheeled out and the second curtain raised revealing the rest of the club doing a capella.
Still fears what we don't know And God loves all his children it's somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written 3, 500 hundred years ago
I don't know
Artie hits the rap perfectly and Quinn sounds beautiful as she sings.
My love, my love, my love
She keeps me warm
The choreography for this song is simple but sweet, all of them pairing up how they'd like, save for Rachel who's paired with Finn since Quinn and Artie are paired.
Finally, Mercedes steps forward.
'Cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down, no, no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down, oh, no
So don't you bring me down today
They all sing together, ending with great notes from Santana and Mercedes. The crowd gives them a standing ovation and when they get back to their dressing room, informs them it's the first full crowd standing ovation of the competition.
"I think the fact that what you sang really meant something...that changed this. Now, let's go get some pizza and relax. There's nothing left for us to do."
The next morning they sit in the audience and nervously watch the last of the performances. A few others bring a good helping of the crowd to their feet, and as the last choir takes their bows the judges go off to deliberate. They're called to the stage along with four other schools.
"And now presenting our top five teams in this year's Show Choir Nationals!" the Mc introduces each team, everyone looking extremely nervous. He announces the 4th and 5th and they make the top 3. And suddenly, after hearing third and making the top two they hear the words they've been striving for.
"AND THE WINNERS OF THIS YEAR'S SHOW CHOIR NATIONALS ARE…FROM WILLAIM MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL IN LIMA OHIO THE NEW DIRECTIONS!"
They all hug as confetti pours down from the ceiling and the trophy is handed to them. They bow again and listen as the judges explain how inspiring they'd been, and how they couldn't wait to see them soar to new heights next year.
"I can't believe we won," Santana said that night as everyone gathered in one hotel room.
"I knew you'd blow them away." Brittany flirted and the Latina kissed her cheek. Asher barked happily.
"Yeah yeah, lovebirds. We all did it together." Finn said, "a toast to the best team ever?"
"Cheers to that!" Artie agreed and they all bumped their cups of cider together.
"How about one last celebratory song?" Rachel asked.
"Not from you babe." Quinn said, "No one wants to hear don't rain on my parade."
"I wasn't suggesting that. I thought that the MVP should sing." she smiled. Santana had won the award for MVP at the competition and she shrugged.
"Alright, Britt, what do you think?" Santana said.
"I've got the perfect song." the blonde hit play and Santana smirked
Paper bags and plastic hearts
All our belongings in shopping carts
It's goodbye, but we got one more night
Let's get drunk and ride around
And make peace with an empty town
We can make it right
Throw it away, forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
And we won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway
Watch it burn, let it die
'Cause we are finally free, tonight
Tonight will change our lives
It's so good to be by your side
We'll cry, but we won't give up the fight
We'll scream loud at the top of our lungs
And they'll think it's just 'cause we're young
But we'll feel so alive
Throw it away, forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
And we won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway
Watch it burn, let it die
'Cause we are finally free, tonight
All of the wasted time, the
Hours that we've left behind, the
Answers that we'll never find
They don't mean a thing, tonight
Throw it away, forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
We won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway
Throw it away, forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
And we won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway
Throw it away, forget yesterday
We'll make the great escape
And we won't hear a word they say
They don't know us anyway
Watch it burn, let it die
'Cause we are finally free, tonight!
A/N: Alright this means that the first year is coming to a close. It's time for summer vacation, and honestly, I'm not entirely sure where I'm going quite yet. I know this chapter was mostly lyrics, and for that, I do apologize. However, I didn't want to do too much plot around Regionals, it's really only the span of three days. Plus, I've got a whole summer to have fun with. UNFORTUNATELY, I'm not on summer break like them, so I still can't promise any consistency with an update.
If there are any songs or bands you're dying to see included, please let me know. Dirty Little Secret by the All American Rejects is on my list but hasn't found its place yet. I don't claim to be an expert on the genre, so if your favorite band hasn't been included it's because I constantly get stuck on specific songs and bands.
See y'all in the nest update-GEK