Author's Note:
Greetings, reader! Ever since Glee's series finale in 2015, I have tried almost annually to create a new "season" of Glee. Some incarnations featured just the graduates, other incarnations about the young Season 6 New Directions, and others a blend of both. Nothing ever seemed to stick, and so I've taken a pretty long hiatus from Glee fanfictions. In that time, adulthood has progressed, and I often find myself just wishing I could turn on the TV and learn more life lessons from the rag-tag team of misfits that guided me through high school and my first two years of college. And that's when it struck me, to scrap the characters that no longer spoke to me, but to focus on characters that I would like to see narrating the current events of the 2020's.
This fanfiction will focus on six of our former regular New Directions: Rachel Berry, Mercedes Jones, Blaine Anderson, Tina Cohen-Chang, Jake Puckerman, and Kitty Wilde. These are the six that I feel personally invested in developing. Every single other member of New Directions will pop in for a visit (some more than others), and I have created several original characters to fill the story as well, which I'm super excited about.
I always wondered what Glee would do about Naya Rivera if it were still on the air. The thought of writing another funeral-type tribute episode seemed heartbreaking. Rather, this year, I was inspired by the real-life cast assembling for "Snixxmas," and built on that theme for this opening chapter: a Christmas special.
I dearly hope you will read this fanfic and let me know what you think! Please subscribe and review!
In case it's been a while since you watched Glee Season 6, here's what you missed on Glee! Lots of things happened between the years 2015 and 2020! Rachel Berry graduated from NYADA and went on to win a Tony, even while she was nine-months-pregnant with Kurt and Blaine's baby. Mercedes went on a world tour with Beyonce and gave a song to Artie to use for his Slam Dance film festival project, starring his girlfriend Tina Cohen-Chang. Mr. Schuester is principal of the William McKinley High School for the Performing Arts, where Sam is the director of the New Directions, and Sue is Vice President of the United States. The New Directions alumni reunited in Fall 2020 to rededicate the auditorium the Finn Hudson Memorial Auditorium.
EXT. STREETS OF NEW YORK CITY - MID DECEMBER 2021 - EVENING
The streets of New York City shined bright under the lights of dazzling Christmas decorations as far as the eye could see. Kurt and Blaine strolled through the busy streets, pushing the stroller containing their first child, Hepburn, now about 18 months old. They passed Radio City Music Hall. Kurt reminisced walking through this same street nine years ago with his dad.
Song: "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Michael Buble
Blaine: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look at the five and ten, it's glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes that glow
INT. MIDTOWN MALL
The Hummel-Andersons made a stop at the Midtown Mall for a family photo with Santa. Little Hepburn smiled big for the camera.
Kurt: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door
EXT. ICE SKATING RINK
The Hummel-Andersons walked past the ice skating rink, where Blaine and Kurt reunited for their first New York Christmas back in 2012.
Blaine: There's a tree in the Grand Hotel,
Kurt: One in the park as well
Both: It's the sturdy kind that doesn't mind the snow
EXT. STREETS
The family continued on through the streets, passing a boutique where three college-aged students sang through the window, ironically striking strong resemblances to Rachel, Kurt, and Santana, back in their day nine years ago singing 'Away in a Manger' through the glass in that same boutique.
Blaine/Kurt: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Soon the bells will start
And the thing that'll make 'em ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart
INT. HUMMEL-ANDERSON APARTMENT
In the living room, Blaine and Kurt worked together to wrap presents while Hepburn crawled around, excitedly playing with their own toys.
Both: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door
Sure, it's Christmas once more
INT. HUDSON-HUMMEL HOUSE
The next day, Carole and Burt were sitting together at their dinner table, sipping hot chocolate and reading the daily news. The doorbell rang, and the couple excitedly sprung up to answer it, revealing Kurt, Blaine, and Hepburn at the doorway.
"Welcome home, son!" Burt exclaimed, pulling Kurt in for a hug before doing the same for Blaine.
"How is our grandbaby doing?" Carole cooed, bending down to tickle Hepburn's chin.
"Well, it's Christmas Eve, so what say we continue the Hummel household tradition of exchanging one gift before we open the grand load tomorrow?" Burt asked.
"Let's do it!" Kurt exclaimed excitedly.
A few minutes later, the family was seated in a circle around the living room Christmas tree.
"Peeka-boo!" Carole cheered, to much giggles from Hepburn. "Peeka-boo!"
Carole looked back up and asked, "Blaine, are you folks going over to your parents' place for dinner?"
"Yeah, my brother Cooper is back from LA so we're doing a reunion get together tonight," Blaine explained.
"Now, there's going to be a point in time where it feels like they're outgrowing clothes by the week," Burt segued. "So, before you criticize my choice in sizing, be aware, these clothes are intended to plan in advance."
"I appreciate that," Blaine laughed, opening the gift.
"Well, I guess it's a good thing that those clothes should be around age three, because there is no way Hepburn is going to Kindergarten in that," Kurt said, pointing at a Mickey Mouse shirt.
"What? It's Mickey! Totally timeless-" Burt began.
"But probably not what this generation is into," Kurt reasoned. "I mean, Blaine, did our generation wear Mickey Mouse to school?"
"I can't say I remember that far, but I'm sure I did," Blaine said.
"That's my man," Burt said, high-fiving his son-in-law.
"Right? I mean, what five-year-old doesn't brag to their classmates by wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt to school after their family trip to Disneyland?" Blaine asked.
"That is exactly what happens," Carole chuckled. "When Finn was five, he would constantly beg for a trip to Disneyland because of all the Mickey ears and souvenirs his classmates would bring, especially after Christmas or Spring break. Of course, I never quite had the money to be able to make that work, but I'm sure Hepburn would love a little Disney."
"Okay, I'm sure Hepburn will love it too," Kurt laughed, sizing the shirt up against Hepburn to predict how much longer until they would properly fit the shirt.
"Alright, Carole, how's about you go next?" Blaine asked, extending the couple's gift to her. Carole eagerly rummaged through the packaging and extracted a set of aromatherapy diffusers for the house.
"Oh my gosh, I have been wanting more of these!" Carole exclaimed. "And oh my goodness, these new scents, I can't wait to try them out!"
"I just ask that if any of them smell like cinnamon you keep that in a room I don't frequent too often," Burt jokingly cautioned. "Makes me crave more sweets than are appropriate for my own good."
The family laughed. Kurt pushed a gift towards Burt. "Your turn, dad!"
Burt tore off the wrapping paper revealing a toolbox organizer. "Oh my gosh! I've seen this thing on TV. It's like that magic bag of Hermione's from Harry Potter; you wouldn't believe how many things you can store in this thing!"
"Exactly why we got it," Blaine laughed.
"Carole tells me some of your new hires may be lacking in the organization department, so I figured this can help you train them to organize the Burt Hummel way," Kurt said.
"I appreciate it," Burt said. "Now, here's what we got for you two."
Kurt and Blaine got matching gift sets. Both of them opened up their presents, revealing two books: Imposter Syndrome and The Defining Decade.
"I know that performers can feel an immense sense of 'imposter syndrome,' and we wanted you folks to remember that you are you, you are unique, you are talented, and you are intelligent beyond your years. Whatever you set your minds to, you can accomplish it," Carole said.
"A lot of my customers at work come through and I tell them about you guys and your little family and they say, wow, your son and son-in-law might not get to experience as much of their youth because they started a family so young," Burt explained. "And to that, I say, sure, maybe you guys don't get to go out to the bars as much or make a Friendsgiving trip to Vegas like the rest of your classmates, but you have each other, you have your little tike, and you've got so much more to live for, too. Make the most of your 20's as young fathers, young professional performers, and young people."
Kurt and Blaine grinned almost tearfully, and hugged Burt and Carole tightly.
"It's so nice to have you boys home," Burt whispered.
The family continued to play in the living room, under three portraits hung on the wall: Kurt's mother, Finn's father, and Finn himself.
INT. CHOIR ROOM
It had been six years since the choir room became a permanent fixture at McKinley High. Sam was now the director of the New Directions as well as a campus security officer. Several New Directions alumni were seated in the familiar seats: Joe Hart, Ryder Lynn, Unique Adams, Roderick Meeks, Mason and Madison McCarthy, Spencer Porter, and Jane Hayward. At the front of the room stood Brittany S. Pierce, Tina Cohen-Chang, Artie Abrams, and Sam Evans.
"Thank you all for joining us for the first production meeting of Merry Snixxmas," Tina announced.
"And thank you Sam for letting us use the choir room for this meeting," Artie said.
"Just super excited to have you all back together," Sam said excitedly.
"So, Merry Snixxmas is the title of a screenplay written by our very own Santana Lopez," Artie introduced.
"It's a parody of the famous children's story, Twas the Night Before Christmas," Tina explained.
"But only this time, the story is of a hopeful little mouse hoping for the arrival of the Snixx," Brittany elaborated.
"I'm sorry, um, what is a 'Snixx'?" Madison asked innocently.
"Snixx is Santana's alter-ego that she wrote into this children's story," Tina explained. "Think of it as the Santa Claus figure in this little mouse's story."
"Got it," Mason and Madison said together.
"Now, this special will air on PBS, exactly ten years after our 2011 airing of The Glee Holiday Spectacular," Artie continued.
"This time, our cause for charity will be to benefit the Herrera family," Tina said, revealing a photo on the board.
"This little guy is Josie Herrera," Brittany introduced. "Last week, his family's home in Lima Heights Adjacent burnt down. The Herreras are longtime family friends of the Lopezes. They're almost like family, and although Santana is busy working a case in upstate New York–"
"Is it true Santana's going to be starring in her own reality show called Snixx the Bounty Hunter?" Spencer asked.
"All of the proceeds earned from this Merry Snixxmas project will go to the Herrera family," Brittany continued, ignoring Spencer's question.
"This week, our Glee Club Alumni special guest is none other than Ms. Maribel Lopez and Abuela Alma Lopez," Sam announced. The Glee alumni cheered as Maribel and Alma walked through the door. They hugged their (grand)daughter-in-law Brittany, and waved at the cheering Glee alumni.
"Class of 2017 and Roderick, your first assignment, brainstorm an acapella number we can use for the opening scene," Sam instructed.
Jane glanced at the group sneakily. "I think we got this."
INT. AUDITORIUM
Alma, Maribel, Sam, Tina, Artie, Brittany, Joe, Ryder, and Unique sat in the audience as the Fall 2014 Glee Club incarnation took to the stage with candles in their hands and a dark background behind them.
Song: "Mary Did You Know" by Pentatonix
Roderick: Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Spencer: Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Roderick/Spencer: Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
Spencer: This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.
Madison: Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Jane: Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?
Madison/Jane/Roderick: Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
Jane: When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.
Roderick/All: The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb!
Mason: Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Roderick/Jane/Madison: Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
Jane: That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.
Roderick: Mary, did you know? (Madison: Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Madison: Mary, did you know?) (Jane: Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Madison/Jane/Spencer/Mason: Oh…)
All: Mary, did you know?
"Bravo!" Maribel exclaimed.
"Yes, I think that is the perfect opening song for the 'Snixxmas,'" Alma remarked.
Madison and Mason screeched excitedly. "Does that mean we get to open the show?"
"We got the Lopez seal of approval, so yes!" Tina announced.
"Okay, alumni, why don't you all go take a ten minute break, then let's reconvene here for another brainstorm featuring those of you who joined the Glee Club in 2013," Artie instructed.
"Come on, guys, I'll drive us over to The Lima Bean for a quick pick-me up," Joe offered to Unique and Ryder.
"Bet!" Unique cheered.
"Don't need to ask us twice," Ryder said excitedly.
Backstage, Roderick and the Glee Class of 2017 were catching up.
"It's been too long!" Jane exclaimed, hugging Spencer tightly. "What are you up to?"
"Super senior year, playing QB for the Bobcats," Spencer said excitedly. "So glad Coach Beiste got picked for the coaching staff."
"Great for him," Roderick said. "He was always so nice to me."
"How about you, Hot Rod?" Spencer joked. "Heard you've been interning at the music studios in New York?"
"Was in New York," Roderick clarified. "I moved out to LA, got a job as a sound production assistant at Columbia Records. What about you, twins?"
"Just touring the country as the lead acts of our parents' circus," Mason and Madison said in perfect synchronicity.
"And I just started my graduate program at Stanford - Master of Arts in Public Policy," Jane said.
"That's my girl!" Mason exclaimed, hugging his high school sweetheart.
Back in the auditorium, the creative team of Tina, Artie, and Brittany faced Alma and Maribel.
"Have we gotten model release forms and parental permission slips from all the Lima Heights kids who auditioned to play the mice?" Artie asked.
"Signed, sealed, and delivered," Maribel said, extracting the forms from her purse and setting it into Artie's lap.
"I still think Lord and Lady Tubbington should make a guest appearance," Brittany explained.
"Are they still alive?" Tina asked, bewildered.
"I feel like Lord and Lady popped out kittens eight years ago and that's who's been starring in Fondue for Two," Artie whispered.
"I think that's likely," Alma whispered.
"Have either of you heard from Santana?" Tina asked. "Will she still be able to film her role as the Snixx?"
"She wouldn't miss it for the world," Maribel said. "And, as costumer for the show, I would like to ask, do you know if there is like a costume shop at this school where I can find 'head-to-toe sequins and diamonds galore'?" she asked, quoting the storybook.
"I'm sure we have some sequins in storage from our old Glee days," Tina said. "Didn't Santana have this super shiny gold dress when she sang 'How Will I Know' with Rachel, Kurt, and Mercedes?" Tina asked.
"Gurl, was that real or is that some dream sequence you imagined in your head?" Artie asked.
Tina paused. "Let me call Mercedes and find out."
INT. WHITE HOUSE
Mercedes spoke on the phone with Tina as she and her team entered the White House.
"I mean, you tell me, Tina, does it really sound like me to get together with Kurt, Rachel, and Santana and put on expensive dresses and sing to an auditorium with no audience?" Mercedes asked. "You know what, don't answer that question. Anyway, I gotta go, girl, I'm at White House security and I gotta give up my phone."
"That's right, bitch," said Secret Service agent Becky Jackson aggressively.
"Nice to see you too, Becky," Mercedes said, releasing her phone. "Which way to the lawn?"
"Listen here, Jesus Freak," Becky said sassily. "Your Teen Choice Award winning ass isn't getting anywhere near the Vice President until you show me your pass."
"What pass?" Mercedes asked, glancing at her clueless manager.
"At ease, Becky," Sue said, coming down the stairs. "Welcome to the White House, Mercedes.
"Thank you for having me," Mercedes said. "Goodness knows, my career needs some rocket fuel to get me back in the eyes of the public."
"Ah, I heard, the R&B superstar of the mid-2010's Mercedes Jones is collapsing into a black hole as the universe gives birth to supernova Cardi B," Sue said sharply. "Heck, even Lizzo's got the hashtag-body-positivity crowd at her feet. But you, Mercedes Jones, you go out on a world tour with Beyonce, come back to America and pump out a couple of albums, only for Rachel Berry to win a Tony for a role that no one has ever heard of before."
"Hey, Rachel earned her Tony, and I will earn my first Grammy, when the time is right," Mercedes said.
"Ah, right, Mercedees Jones, trusting in the little man upstairs to give her the world when the time is right," Sue said. "I'm assuming you're still single and a virgin?"
Mercedes rolled her eyes. "Irrelevant. Show me to my dressing room."
"Demanding," Sue said. "That is no way to speak to the Acting President of the United States of America."
"Acting President?" Mercedes asked, eyebrow raised.
"That's right, hot stuff," Becky remarked as she trailed behind them.
"Indeed, President Jeb Bush is down for the count for a sudden colonoscopy," Sue said. "And while he's under, that leaves me as the first-ever Female President of the United States–"
"Acting, for two hours," Becky clarified.
"Hush, Agent Jackson," Sue hissed. "Anyway, our Assistant Director of Festivities Entertainment will escort you to your dressing room, where your backup performers have already been strip-searched and interrogated."
"Excuse me?!" Mercedes gasped.
"She's kidding on that last part," Becky said as Sue continued on down the hall.
"Oh, thank god," Mercedes said.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE
The lawn was full of patrons, most of whom with young children, looking forward to an evening of holiday performances by some of the music industry's brightest stars. In the front row with the presidential staff, nine-year-old Robin Sylvester was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mercedes Jones, who she knew as one of her mom's former students from Ohio.
"Mom, when is Mercedes going to come on?" Robin asked.
"In a minute, honey," Sue said gently. She leaned away from Robin and hissed into her assistant's walkie, "Agent Jackson, what is the hold-up with the headlining star of our engagement? The second daughter is getting impatient."
"Sorry, Madame President," Becky said over the walkie. "The diva's wardrobe team had a quick hair scare. She's coming on now."
"Make her hurry up, mom!" Robin whined.
"Any second now, sweetie!" Sue assured her.
"And now, Sony Records' own recording artist, Mercedes Jones!" the announcer's voice rang over the White House lawn. The crowd cheered loudly, and Robin Sylvester was on her feet cheering for her favorite singer.
Song: "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Mariah Carey
(Christmas) The snow's comin' down
(Christmas) I'm watchin' it fall
(Christmas) Lots of people around
(Christmas) Baby, please come home
(Christmas) The church bells in town
(Christmas) Are ringing in song
(Christmas) Full of happy sounds
(Christmas) Baby, please come home
They're singing Deck The Halls
But it's not like Christmas at all
'Cause I remember when you were here
And all the fun we had last year
(Christmas) If there was a way
(Christmas) I'd hold back this tear
(Christmas) But it's Christmas day
(Please) please
(Please) please
(Please) please (please) please (please, please)
Baby please come home
(Christmas) baby please come home
(Christmas) baby please come home
(Christmas) baby please come home
Oh yeah, yeah…
The crowd was already on their feet, but gave Mercedes a standing ovation. Mercedes took her bow with her backup singers and dancers and exited the stage. An hour later, Mercedes was making her way through the crowd to say goodbye to Sue.
"How was that, Madame President?" Mercedes asked.
"You can cut it with the 'Madame President,'" Sue said. "President Bush came out of his colonoscopy an hour ago. I'm just regular Vice President Sue Sylvester now."
"Still," Mercedes laughed.
"Mercedes! Mercedes!" Robin cheered.
"Is that little Robin Sylvester?" Mercedes gasped, stooping down to give Robin a hug.
"Mercedes, do you mind if I catch a picture of the two of you?" Sue asked.
"Of course I don't mind!" Mercedes exclaimed, smiling for the camera, hands on Robin's shoulders.
"How's that?" Sue asked, showing Robin the photo.
"Make that your wallpaper!" Robin said happily.
"Give me your phone, Madam Vice President; let me snag a mother-daughter Christmas photo of the two of you with that gorgeous tree in the background," Mercedes said.
"No one touches the Vice President's phone!" Becky barked.
"Becky, hush," Sue said through gritted teeth, smiling for the camera as Mercedes took a gorgeous photo of her and Robin.
"Thank you, Mercedes, I really appreciate it," Sue said. "As Vice President, I often can't even spare two seconds to capture memories like this."
"Well, one day when Robin is no longer living it up in the Vice President mansion, I'm sure she would love some pictures of this time in her life with you," Mercedes said. "Merry Christmas, Vice President Sylvester."
"Mercedes, you've seen me at my most ruthless and in my hour of need; you can call me Sue," she chuckled. "Speaking of which, would you be able to get this to Santana for me?" Sue extracted an envelope from her winter coat and gave it to Mercedes. "It's a $1,000 check for that little boy from Lima Heights. Tell her to put it towards good production value on that TV segment that Wheels is directing."
Mercedes grinned. "Will do. You've always had such a giving heart for the holidays, except that first year you went all Grinch on us. Just, promise me as Vice President, you'll extend that same giving heart to the American people who are really depending on you to pull through for them, and not just for the holidays."
INT. SPOTLIGHT DINER
Kitty was waitressing, while Jake and his roommate Mena Hassan (a 24-year-old Egyptian-American who also graduated from Julliard) bussed tables. Restaurant Manager Mandy Rosario was conducting an interview with a prospective new waiter.
"Good morning, mister, uh…Ka-Heel?" Mandy hesitated, glancing at the resume.
"Kahele," the young 22-year-old said. "Brandon Kahele."
"Ah," Mandy said. "Sounds Hawaiian?"
"Yes," Brandon said.
"Well, nice to meet you, Brandon," Mandy said. "I'm Mandy Rosario and I'm the manager of the Spotlight Diner. Thank you for your interest in joining our team of singing and dancing waiters. Start off by telling me about your qualifications."
"Sure!" Brandon exclaimed, articulating very professionally. "Well, I graduated from college in Hawaiʻi last May, I just moved to the city to start auditioning for shows, but of course, living in the city is expensive, and I think that working at this diner would be a great place to work. I mean, past wait staff have included Tony-winning Rachel Berry, her legendary save-the-day understudy Santana Lopez–"
"That was years ago, even before my time managing this diner," Mandy said. "As you may or may not know, most of our diner staff are current or former students of institutions like NYADA, NYU, AMDA, and Julliard. This little university on some rock in the Pacific is one I've never heard of of before, and to be frank, you don't appear to be the most physically fit applicant to come through my doors. Would you be able to keep up with the demands of a schedule that requires not only waiting tables, but pirouetting on tables and tour jete'ing off counters as well?"
"Yeah, I've taken dance classes and I'd say I can pick up choreography pretty well," Brandon said confidently.
Mandy eyed Brandon down, unconvinced. "Allow me and my staff to put on a little demonstration for you, and after that, you tell me if you can keep up. Mena! Start the music."
Jake hit the cue on the jukebox. Kitty, Jake, Mena, and five other waiters and waitresses joined Mandy in her performance.
Song: "Underneath the Tree/Santa Tell Me" by Kelly Clarkson & Ariana Grande
Mandy: You're here where you should be
Snow is falling as the carolers sing
It just wasn't the same
Alone on Christmas day
Jake: Feeling Christmas all around
And I'm tryna play it cool
But it's hard to focus when I see her walking 'cross the room
"Let It Snow" is blasting out
But I won't get in the mood
I'm avoiding every mistletoe until I know
(Jake/Kitty): It's (true love) that she (thinks of)
So (next Christmas)
I'm not all alone, girl
Mena: Santa, tell me if you're really there
Don't make me fall in love again if she won't be here
Next year
Santa, tell me if she really cares
'Cause I can't give it all away if she won't be here
Next year
Jake (Mandy): Oh, I wanna have her beside me like oh-oh-oh (And then, one day)
On the 25th by the fireplace, oh-oh-oh (Everything changed)
But I don't want a new broken heart (You're all I need)
This year I've got to be smart, (Mandy: Underneath the tree), oh baby
Brandon clasped his hands over his mouth as Mandy riffed to the heavens from atop a booth seat, her staff dancing around her with holiday cheer.
Kitty (Mandy): You're here where you should be
Snow is falling as the carolers sing
It just wasn't the same (Oh yeah, yeah!)
Alone on Christmas day (Oh yeah, yeah, yeah!)
Presents (oh, you're all I need), what a beautiful sight
Don't mean a thing if you ain't holding me tight (Underneath the tree)
You're all that I need (Underneath the tree)
Underneath the tree
Tonight
The diner patrons applauded as the waiters and waitresses returned to their posts. Mandy returned to Brandon's table, where he was gaping at her in awe.
"Ms. Rosario, your riffing is out of this world," he squealed.
Mandy shrugged off the compliment and took her seat.
"So, Brandon, now that you've seen the caliber of my staff, do you still think you can keep up with them?" Mandy asked.
Brandon nodded confidently again. "I really think I would enjoy it here."
Mandy looked down at the application disappointedly, as if she was hoping that just watching the performance would make Brandon want to withdraw his own application. "Tell you what. Let's have you audition. Right here, right now. You down for that?"
"Oh, wow," Brandon said nervously.
Brandon flashed back to his college days, being one of only two plus-sized dancers in their winter production of The Nutcracker. Size aside, Brandon moved just as well as the slim and muscular male dancers surrounding him, in fact, even better than some. Lifts with his female dance partner looked effortless, and although his technical skills weren't as sharp as some of the more elite dancers on the stage, he moved well.
"All throughout my life, I've heard judgment after judgment. A guy my size can't dance. A guy with my voice can't sing. A guy who barely ever speaks a word in class can't act. A guy who can't look a bully in the eye can't lead. And yet, I've danced on the front lines at dance shows, I've sung solo in front of full houses, I've served in student leadership positions, and I've gotten paid, albeit in small sums, to act. Everyone always told me that when I moved to New York, I'd hear no after no after no. Well, I've heard these no's my whole life, and I'm not about to start accepting those no's now."
Brandon looked back to Mandy. "Yes. I'd love to audition for you."
Mandy grinned with a cruel undertone. She beckoned for Brandon to take to the stage.
Song: "A Christmas Song (Reprise)" from Elf the Musical
Brandon: Just sing a Christmas song
It's like magic if things go wrong
Just spread some Christmas cheer
By singing loud for all to hear
Kitty, Jake, and Mena watched with positive curiosity from the counter. Brandon had a very sweet melodious voice. He wasn't a tenor, but he also didn't sound like your typical bass or baritone.
Before the instrumental even kicked in, Mandy cut the track. The smile on Brandon's face vanished.
"Sorry, Brandon, but your voice just isn't what we are looking for on this staff," Mandy said bluntly.
Jake, Mena, and Kitty all dropped their jaws. Was Mandy kidding?
Brandon nodded politely. "I understand. Thank you for the opportunity, Ms. Rosario." Brandon put his winter coat back on and then exited the diner.
"Well, that just made turning in my two weeks a whole lot scarier," Mena sighed.
INT. FINN HUDSON MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
The cameras rolled as Artie directed Ryder, Joe, Rachel, and Tina in their caroling scene of Merry Snixxmas.
Tina/Ryder: Just sing a Christmas song
And keep on singing all season long
Think of the joy you'll bring
If you just close your eyes and sing
Rachel/Joe: Just sing a Christmas song
It's like magic if things go wrong
Just spread some Christmas cheer
By singing loud for all to hear
INT. VICE PRESIDENT'S HOUSE
Sue watched with maternal pride as Becky helped Robin open presents.
Sue: Just sing a Christmas song
And keep on singing all season long
Think of the joy you'll bring if you just close your eyes and sing
INT. AUDITORIUM
All of the Glee alumni were appearing as mice, celebrating Snixxmas visiting their home, now full of gifts galore and decorations abound.
Unique/All: And if you're short on cheer
Think about that year
You woke up to find a brand new snow had fallen
The ornaments you made
Way back in second grade
Unique/Joe: Untangling the Christmas lights
Took your father several nights
Rachel/Tina: Your mother claimed that she had proof
There were reindeer on the roof
Tina/Joe: Remember who you were back then
Let those moments live again (Unique/Ryder: let those moments live again)
Tina/Joe/All: Just sing a Christmas song
It's like magic if things go wrong
Just spread some Christmas cheer
By singing loud for all to hear
A 7-year-old red-headed boy took to center stage in an adorable mouse costume.
"You did it, Snixx! You saved Christmas!" he exclaimed.
The spectators led out a huge "aww!"
"That's Danny Schuester!" Carole whispered to Burt.
Tina/Joe/All: Just sing a Christmas song
And keep on singing all season long
Think of the joy you'll bring
If you just close your eyes (3x)
Maribel Lopez took to the stage as a stand-in for Santana, script in hand.
"Merry Snixxmas, and to all a good night!"
Rachel/Tina/Joe/All: And sing…
"Aaand cut!" Artie called.
The actors cheered as the take concluded.
"Now I know y'all didn't just perform an alumni number without the Mercedes Jones!" said a voice from the top auditorium entrance. The alumni gasped as Mercedes made her way down the steps with Kitty and Jake.
"MS. JONES IN THE HOUSE!" Unique cheered.
"Santana's getting changed in the dressing room," Mercedes announced. "We all just took the last flight in from New York."
"We're so glad you made it!" Kurt exclaimed, hugging his high school best friend tightly.
"Can I have everyone please take a seat in the audience?" Artie requested. Everyone retreated to the audience section as Sam and Jake took to the stage with guitars and Ryder with reindeer bells.
"Wait, what's happening?" Tina asked.
"Tina," Artie addressed. "I may be just about the worst person qualified to shop for Christmas gifts for you, and it bums me out because you are the greatest girlfriend a man could ask for, and you deserve the world. But, as I was brainstorming, I realized that what makes up our world is our shared love of music and the arts, and as we approach the end of this wonderful Christmas Eve, in true New Directions fashion, I would like to gift you a performance."
Tina pressed her hands to her heart, leaning her head onto Kitty's shoulder.
Song: "Mistletoe" by Justin Bieber
Artie: It's the most beautiful time of the year
Lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer
I should be playing in the winter snow
But I'mma be under the mistletoe
Artie/Sam: I don't wanna miss out on the holiday
But I can't stop staring at your face
Artie: I should be playing in the winter snow
But I'mma be under the mistletoe
Artie/Sam: With you, shawty with you
With you, shawty with you
With you under the mistletoe
Artie (Artie/Sam): Everyone's (gathering around the fire)
Chestnuts (roasting like a hot July)
I should be chilling with my folks, I know
But (I'mma be under the mistletoe)
Word on the street Santa's (coming tonight)
Reindeer's flying (through the sky so high)
I should be making a list, I know
But I'mma be (under the mistletoe)
Sam/Boys (Artie): With you, (shawty with you)
With you, (shawty with you)
Artie (Artie/Sam): With you under the (mistletoe)
Sam (w/ Artie): Aye, love, the wise men followed the star (Artie: the wise men followed the star)
The way I followed my heart
And it led me to a miracle (miracle)
(Aye, love), don't you buy me nothing (Artie: don't you buy me nothing)
'cause I am feeling one thing, (your lips on my lips)
That's a (merry, merry Christmas)
Sam (w/ Artie): It's the most (beautiful time of the year)
Lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer
I should be playing in the winter snow (Artie: I know)
But I'mma be under the mistletoe
Sam/Boys (w/ Artie): I don't wanna miss out on the (holiday)
But I can't stop staring (at your face)
I should be playing in the (winter snow)
Sam/Artie: But I'mma be under the mistletoe
Sam/Boys (Artie): With you, (shawty with you)
With you, (oh, woah)
With you under the mistletoe
Artie: Under the mistletoe
Sam/Boys (Artie): Kiss me underneath the mistletoe (Kiss me underneath the mistletoe)
Show me baby that you love me so-oh-oh (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
Oh, oh, ohhh (oh-oh, oh-oh, oh)
Sam: Oh, oh, ohhh
Tina brushed tears out of her eyes before ascending the stage and embracing Artie. Sam removed a mistletoe from his pocket and held it above Artie and Tina, who then shared a kiss.
Brittany then entered the stage from the wings. "I first want to convey that I find this performance very confusing for the heart because, between these two guys, they've dated virtually every single woman in the Glee Club plus Emma's niece, and Kitty, but also, I wanted to say that Snixx is in costume and is ready to film the final scene!"
The group cheered as a mystical female character took to the stage.
INT. WHITE HOUSE
As Robin lay peacefully sleeping, Becky hooked up a live stream to the television airing the Merry Snixxmas special. The two watched into the night as their former students and classmates performed an immensely sweet music version of Santana's poem. The finale came on, featuring Santana performing as Snixx, singing a soulful version of 'Silent Night' for the little mice, asleep after a wonderful Christmas.
Song: "Silent Night"
Santana: Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep, sleep in heavenly peace
Ohh ohh ohh
As Santana sang, various Glee Club parents, teachers, and alumni narrated the final reading.
Burt: The Snixx leaned in closely, her eyes shone like the moon.
Carole: Her melodious voice, made the little mouse swoon
Tina: Snixxmas is glamor; it's tinsel, pizazz!
Sam: Heralds, and trumpets! And all of that jazz!
Maribel: The Snixx does love baubles, and carats, and bling.
Alma: But my little mouse, that's not everything.
Sue: The way Snixxmas looks, my sweet sugar plum, is only one facet.
A part of the sum.
Kurt: Giving and caring, and sharing your heart.
Blaine: Time spent with loved ones, why, that's the best part.
Artie: Join me, young mouse in true Snixxmas style
Mercedes: Selflessly giving, if only a smile
Alma: Take it from me, if you help those in need
Brittany: And honor thy neighbor, in thought and in deed
Maribel: Joy will burst forth, thwarting all Snixxmas woe
Alma: Your heart and your home will be all aglow
Ohh Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Woah ohh ohh ah,
Sleep in heavenly peace
Ohh,
Sleep in heavenly peace
EXT. MOTEL
As Santana's voice rang out over the last few lines of her song, Maribel, Alma, Brittany, and Santana (still dressed as Snixx) paid a visit to little Josie and the Herrera family, staying in a motel with whatever they had left. Maribel presented a check to Mr. Herrera with all of the money fundraised by the New Directions alumni. Brittany bent down to deliver a big wrapped Christmas gift to little Josie. Alma handed a pan of holiday turkey to Mrs. Herrera. The Herreras welcomed the Lopezes inside, grateful for the generosity of Snixx's real-life family.
