Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Glee or any of its characters. I don't have a beta so all mistakes are mine.

Chapter 29

Back to school:

Monday morning the girls got up and ate a wonderful breakfast Shelby had made them than they headed to Cheerios practice. Shelby would be joining them in the afternoon to fill out paperwork and sit in on Glee. They were nervous about glee and the reactions of the other Gleeks as well as dealing with Mr. Shues in Spanish class that most of them share.

Cheerios practice had gone well that morning. After, Rachel had realized she forgot a book in the car and they headed out to get it. On their way back in they were met by what looked like the entire squad waiting at the door for them.

One of the flyers, Stacy, came up to them as they approached to give them an answer to their questioning looks. "I overheard some footballers talking a few minutes ago spreading rumors."

Quinn quirked a brow. "What were they saying that caused all of you to find us?"

Stacy squared her shoulders. "They are saying that there is mutiny in the squad and they are planning an attack our leader and that the squad supports them."

San stepped forward. "Who is trying to go against her?"

Stacy just shook her head. "No one is captain. That's why we are here." She motioned to the rest of the squad who were all nodding looking determined. "We came to walk her in to show our continued support and to ward off an attack."

The three girls were in shock. "You guys want to walk me in?" Rachel said in surprise.

Stacy nodded with a fierce look on her face. "They will not get away with attacking you. You are one of us, our leader and we protect our own."

Quinn looked to the rest of the squad who all looked just as determined as Stacy. "Is this how you all feel?"

A resounding 'Yes captain' came from all of them, echoing off the building.

Quinn and San shared a look then moved to flank Rachel as Britt, Sam and Marsha fell in behind them. All of the others fell in formation behind them.

Stacy moved to fall in behind the others but was stopped by Rachel. "Stacy," she motioned behind herself. "You're next to Sam." Placing her in a position of higher rank. Stacy looked shocked but nodded and fell in beside Samantha.

San leaned in to Rachel's ear looking behind them. "You ready for this querida?" speaking only where she and Quinn could hear her.

Rachel just squared her shoulders, "as I'll ever be. I hate the displays of power but if they are determined to do this I will not insult them by saying no. We are a team, and if this is how they choose to show it, so be it." She looked over her shoulder. "Look at them."

Santana and Quinn looked over at the squad and was met with looks of sheer determination and loyalty. Cheerios had always been a pretty tight nit group but they had never seen such a raw display of unity.

Rachel nudged San's shoulder and put a hand on Quinn's. "That's why I will do this."

They turned back around, San and Quinn set their best HBIC glares, Rachel set a determined face, the starting of a good HBIC glare. She moved forward a step then they took off behind her, two baby Cheerios holding the doors for them. They halls silenced and parted like the red sea, students diving out of the way to allow them to pass, terrified of the raw display of power. As they rounded the final corner to the hall with Rachel's locker they saw most of the football and basketball team waiting by her locker slushies in hand. What the boys didn't see was most of the Gleeks hidden, weaving in and around the growing crowd looking pissed as hell.

Azimio, Karofsky, and Nelson were leading the pack. Stacy whispered from behind them. "Those are the three spreading the rumors." She said nodding at the boys. Rachel just nodded back but made no other comment.

San and Quinn sensed her tense, but she showed no outward signs of distress. They gave each other a knowing smirk, that's our girl. The squad came to a stop in front of the boys. Rachel tilted her head and arched an eyebrow. "I need to get to my locker boys, what can I do for you this morning?" the boys looked taken aback by the wall of pissed off Cheerios at her back finally noticing the Gleeks coming up to flank the group.

Karofsky stepped slightly forward. "You cost us our captain. You need to pay."

San was in forward motion to lunge at the boy but Rachel stopped her with a hand and a shake of her head. "I assure you, your previous captain cost himself his spot, not I." she said with an eerie calm.

Azimio stepped up next. "That's bullshit. You are the reason he got kicked out and you talked his mother into making him quit because of it."

Now Quinn was ready to pounce as well, but was stop the same way San had been. It was not lost on anyone the show of control she had over the head Cheerios. Rachel lifted her chin a little higher. "His mother made that choice on her own."

San was seething. "Hudson screwed himself when he couldn't understand the concept of No means No assholes." There was an echo of gasps in the hall.

Quinn looked into the boys eyes. "He tried to forcibly grab her, sexually harassed her then over break tried to force himself into her home. That sounds like it was his fault, not hers."

Azimio smirked, "you have no proof. It's her word against his."

San was moving forward again only to be restrained by Sam and Britt when Rachel said 'grab her'. "No you piece of shit. It's not. I was there, Quinn was there," she motioned to Mike and Matt who had come up alongside of them moments before. "Matt and Mike had to physically coral him until his mother arrived to make his sorry ass leave. She saw him making an ass of himself. That's why he isn't on your team anymore." She had calmed a bit and the girls released her.

Karofsky was looking at Rachel. "Is that true? Did he do all that?" Rachel nodded slightly. "Ok." He said turning to the group at his back. "Let's go boys."

Azimio and Nelson were still seething. "What the hell Dave?" Azimio yelled. "You're just going to take her word for it?"

Karofsky just nodded. "Yes. There's no reason not to. We don't need that kind of guy as our captain or on our team at all." He turned back to the group again. "I am captain now and I say this is over. She's off limits." He says looking to Azimio and Nelson. "No one treats girls like that on my watch." He turned to Rachel. "You have trouble with him when he gets back, find me." The team nodded their agreement and turned to follow Karofsky away from the girls.

The girls are floored at his reaction and offer for help. San and Quinn share a look 'well that narrows it to two'. They look to Rachel who has visibly deflated after the boys left. San pulls her in by the waist. "You ok querida?" Rachel nods and lays her head on her shoulder grabbing Quinn's hand. The crowd disperses and the Cheerios leave to make their way to class with either pats on her back or see ya laters.

Rachel squeezes Quinn's hand, nuzzles San's shoulder then moves forward to her locker getting her stuff for the day. She turns to the remaining four Cheerios and addresses Stacy. "Thank you, I'm glad we didn't have to face that alone."

Stacy places a hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone anymore Rach. You're a Cheerio." She says with a wink and walks away with Sam, Marsha and Britt in tow.

Rachel chuckles but San does not seem amused. "I don't know whether to thank her or punch her for flirting with you."

Rachel full out laughs lightly slapping her arm. "Oh she was not flirting."

Quinn moved in. "She most certainly was." She says no happier then Santana.

Rachel pulled them both to her not thinking about where they were. "It doesn't matter if she was or not." She smiled up at them. "There is no contest between her and the two of you. She isn't even close to being in the vicinity of your league."

The girls beam at her, hugging her to them, then release her and head off to class. They did not notice that the Gleeks were still present seeing and hearing the entire exchange. Matt, Mike and Puck gave concerned looks to each other. Unsure of the reactions from the others and then notice Mercedes walking away looking as angry as they had ever seen. They would have to warn them before lunch or glee.

Puck found them right before second period and told them of what happened and that he thought the cat was out of the bag about their relationship. They just decided to take as it came. They were not going to deny being together if asked.

The rest of the day goes well. Anytime they found themselves in the hall with Cheerios around they were joined by them until they went into their class. Shelby got done with her conference call for her new play early so she picked the girls up for lunch. When she dropped them back off she took care of all the paper work for Santana and Rachel added her as emergency contact. She told them that she would be back before glee. She had a meeting with coach before rehearsal.
After school Sam, Britt, and Marsha met up with them and they made their way to the choir room running into Shelby on the way there. "Hey girls, I think I'm lost." She chuckles.

Rachel just shakes her head indulgently. "Mom, you are right around the corner from it. You didn't need to walk us there."

Shelby gasps slightly at Rachel calling her mom. It's the first time she has said it to her. She recovers quickly. "Ok." She laughs "Busted. Coach sent me ahead to find you and said she would be there ASAP. Figgins wanted to talk to her before they talked to the club. I'm to wait in the glee office."

Rachel nodded. "Well we will show you to the office. There's a door to it through the choir room."

When they entered the entire glee club was there minus the girls with her. Mercedes immediately on her feet. "Oh hell no you don't need to bring your entourage in here with you. Besides I thought you guys quit."

Rachel held up a hand to stop the verbal assault about to erupt behind her. "One, they are trying out today. Two, I was asked to come back so we did and brought new members with us."

Mercedes was fuming, then she noticed Shelby. "What the hell is she doing here? That's Vocal Adrenaline's coach."

They all looked confused to Shelby. "No I'm not. I'm a choreographer, I just choreographed their sectionals routine." She looked to Rachel. "Why, are they your competition or something?"

Rachel smiled at her. "Yes, we are going up against them at Regionals." She paused looking at her. "Why didn't you choreograph for Regionals for them?"

Shelby chuckled, "I didn't like their coach and their lead is a jackass that I couldn't stand working with."

Rachel laughed, "I've met him. He's fuller of himself then I am."

Mercedes had had enough of being ignored. "Why is she here? We don't have the money for or need for a choreographer. We have Brittany."

Before any of them could reply they heard a voice from behind them. "Actually you have Streisand." Coach comes into the room. "Or were you not paying attention when Brittany told you all that Rachel was the one choreographing your routines." She moved out of the way for Figgins to enter

Figgins motioned for them all to sit and coach ushered Shelby to the office, coming back out to stand next to Figgins who was addressing the group. "Students, due to his inappropriate behavior after the duets competition Mr. Shuster has been suspended from being Glee club coach for two months." He paused while they all gasped in disbelieve. "In his stead Coach Sylvester will be taking over as Temporary coach until we can find a replacement. If Mr. Shuster chooses to return after his suspension it will be as assistant coach."

Mercedes went to speak but he held up a hand to stop her. "This decision is final. I suggest you make the best of a bad situation and work hard for Regionals." With that he nodded to Sue and left the room.

Sue turned back to the group after he was gone. "Ok here's how this is going to go down. Streisand is still Captain, Mr. Hudson has quit Glee and will not be returning."

Mercedes stood up. "And why did he quit? Because of her?" She pointed to Rachel.

Before a reply could form Mike stood up fuming. "You were there this morning Mercedes, you know why. Stop being this way and listen to coach." They were all speechless at the normally quiet boy.

Coach cleared her throat looking at Rachel "What happened this morning?" Rachel relayed what had happened with the jocks that morning. Satisfied that it had been taken care of she continued. "Well ok then. You all know why he won't be back. So, I am assigning new co-captains. Santana and Quinn will be her second in command." She held a hand up to Mercedes. "You will stop interrupting me or I will kick you out and you won't be allowed back. Is that understood?"

Mercedes sat back fuming but quiet and coach went on. "I have also chosen the set list for Regionals and Streisand has already got a routine set for it." She paused looking around. "It's a new day people, things will be run different in this club from now on. I will run it as I do Cheerios. You have a chain of command." She motioned for Rachel to join her. "Just like Cheerios she is in command, she is your leader. If you have to ask why or question it maybe you don't belong here because you know nothing about what it take to win. You put your best foot forward and she is the best."

She stops speaking at the scoff that Mercedes let out. She turns hard eyes on her. "Ok Wheezy you are really starting to try my patience. If you don't like what I have to say, there's the door." She points to Sam and Marsha. "We have plenty of replacements available, you are not needed." She pauses at the incredulous look Mercedes gives her. "So this is the way it will go. Rachel will be training you from here on out, I will supervise and change or make comments as I see fit." She motioned for Rachel to takeover speaking.

"Alright, the theme for Regionals is inspirational. We have a solo, duet, and a group number. The duet as you know is the duet that won the competition. The group number is the Beatles Let it Be. Most of us will have a part to sing in this except those who are given special dance parts, Mike, Brittany, Matt, Samantha, and maybe Marsha if Noah can bring in another boy that can really dance."

Before she can continue Mercedes buts in. "Why do they get a special part, they haven't even auditioned yet?"

Sue Stands back up. "You will stop interrupting your captain. They auditioned for her already and will be auditioning for the group today. She already knows they are good. NOW SHUT UP."

Mercedes sits back down while the rest of the group gives disapproving looks to her then giving their attention back to Rachel. "Ok, as I was saying those who don't have special dances will be highlighted vocally in the group number. The solo is Demi Lovato's Skyscraper sung by me, which will also have special dance highlights in it. The duet is the only number that doesn't have dancing in it. It will be raw, just like at the competition. Just us and the piano."

Mercedes and Kurt raise their hands. Coach looks at them. "What is it Porcelain?"

Kurt stands. "May I politely inquire as to how the singers were chosen for the group and solo coach?"

Coach just crosses her legs. "Because I have eyes and ears I have chosen the singers myself."

Mercedes hand shoots up again. Coach sighs and motions for her to speak. "Why can't we audition for the solo?"

Coach stands, "You really think you can beat her in competition for that song?" She asks incredulously.

Mercedes smiles smugly. "Yes I do coach."

Coach thinks for a moment. "Ok, do you want to do this today or Wednesday so you can prepare?"

Mercedes stands up, "We can do this now, I don't need to prepare I know that song well."

Coach just smirks, "Ok, we will do this and your peers will judge you. If you lose you have to let this crap go and just listen to what you're told or you can show yourself to the door. I will not have this constant push and pull in here." She motions for Rachel to step to the side. "You go first Wheezy."

Shelby sticks her head in the room. "Coach, may I come in and watch them sing?" Sue nods

Mercedes crosses her arms, "Is she judging?"

Shelby walks up beside Rachel and she murmuring in Rachel's ear, "If I was judging her it wouldn't be about her vocals."

Rachel stifles a giggle and slaps her arm "Stop it."

Sue just smirks, "Nope just the students. I'm not even judging."

Mercedes smirks and nods. She takes her spot and belts it out when the music starts giving an awesome rendition of the song. The Gleeks all clap madly for her and she smugly sits down.

Rachel takes her cue and kills it. The utter heartbreak and emotions that pour out of the girl leave them all speechless and in tears. Shelby and the girls having a hard time containing their own emotions their hearts breaking for the tiny diva because they know this is not an act for the song. Even coach has a small tear of her own. As she finishes the song the group erupts standing and thunderously applauding her and Mercedes knows she has lost.

Coach stands as Quinn and San rush Rachel to comfort her after unleashing all the emotions she just had. She turns to the group as they sit and settle down. Then looks at Mercedes. "Do you see why? No one else in this room can do that with that amount of emotion and power. You have the power, San or Quinn would have the emotion. But Rachel, she has it all. That's why I chose her, because it's not forced or fabricated. It is just her and that right there will win us Regionals all on its own." Mercedes deflates and nods her defeat.

Coach sits back down. "Now, let's see the auditions." Sam and Marsha get up and head to the front of the room.

Rachel, San and Quinn move to sit by Shelby. She holds her arms out to Rachel, still feeling the emotions rolling out of her girl. Rachel falls into her arms and crawls in her lap. San and Quinn rubbing her back.

Seeing this display Kurt raises his hand again. "If I may coach. I am still confused as to why Ms. Corcoran is here, and what is up with that?" He says pointing at her and Rachel.

Rachel just burrows further into her. Shelby looks over. "I am just here to observe. I wanted to see her in glee. I just like to hear her, San and Quinn sing." She pauses at the baffled looks chuckling. "I'm Rachel's Mother."

Gasps echo off the walls. Finally everyone sees the resemblance. Kurt holds a hand to his heart. "Oh my god she could be your clone. Do you sing too?"

Shelby nods, "Yes, but not as good as she can."

Rachel sits up and slaps her mother's shoulder. "Stop that, you have an amazing voice."

Shelby smiles. "Yes I do, but yours is one in a million. That's why my career is primarily in teaching and yours will soar to the stars baby."

Rachel just blushes and buries her head again mumbling out. "Ok. Auditions." She sits back up and leans against Shelby to watch her friends perform.

Sam looks down. "I'm not sure I want to audition after that. I feel inadequate." Marsha nods her agreement.

Rachel just waves them off. "You both have beautiful voices. Just show them what you showed us."

They nod and move to their marks as Britt cues the music and begin.

Samantha/Marsha/both

You took your coat off and stood in the rain,
You were always crazy like that
I watched from my window, always felt I was outside looking in on you

You were always the mysterious one
with dark eyes and careless hair,
You were fashionably sensitive, but too cool to care
Then you stood in my doorway, with nothing to say
besides some comment on the weather

Well in case you failed to notice,
In case you failed to see,
This is my heart bleeding before you,
This is me down on my knees

These foolish games are tearing me apart
You thoughtless words are breaking my heart
You're breaking my heart

You were always brilliant in the morning
Smoking your cigarettes, talking over coffee
You philosophies on art, Baroque moved you,
You loved Mozart and you'd speak of your loved ones
As I clumsily strummed my guitar

Excuse me, think I've mistaken you for somebody else
Somebody who gave a damn,
Somebody more like myself

These foolish games are tearing me, are tearing me, are tearing me apart
You thoughtless words are breaking my heart
You're breaking my heart

You took off your coat and stood in the rain
you were always like that

As the final cord plays the Gleeks are clapping wildly again. Matt stands, "That's what I'm talkin about. You guys are awesome." The rest of the group nod vigorously.

Rachel stand and walks over to them. "Welcome to Glee ladies." She hugs them both and they head back to their seats. Rachel turns to address the group. "Ok. Wednesday come prepared to work, you may want to bring dance or workout clothes with you because we are about to work hard. The routine will be a lot more difficult than you are used to since we have two months to practice. Get ready to work for it people. We will be winning Regionals and moving on to Nationals." The Gleeks roar in applauds

Coach got up and walked over to Rachel. "This is the new order people. Fall in line or get out. I will not put up with mutiny and in fighting, ask any Cheerio." She nods to Rachel to call practice.

Rachel takes a breath. "Ok, Wednesday we meet in the auditorium for dance training. I will assign parts for the group number and special dances then. We will not be having weekly assignment like usual, at least for a while. We have too much work to do. We will still have it open at the beginning of practice if you want to sing something that's on your mind. Otherwise we train. Have a good night." She finishes and heads back over to her girls and mom.

Puck walks over to them and takes Rachel in his arms hugging her tight. "You. Are. Awesome." He says as he releases her. "I have two maybe three guys that will be coming Wednesday to tryout. After that display this morning it kinda tipped the scales in your direction." He chuckled "Army march much Rachel."

Rachel chuckled. "Tell any of the boys they can tryout first thing Wednesday at practice. We need at least three new boys to even us out if it's possible. And Noah, the Army march as you call it was not my doing. They met us at the door and told us what was going on with the jocks and insisted on walking with me."

All the Cheerios in the room nodded confirming her statement. "We take care of our own." Marsha put in.

Rachel clapped her hands together. "Ok people Bread Sticks for dinner, I'm starving and in the mood for vegan lasagna." They all cheered, Shelby smiling shaking her head indulgently. Rachel looked to the rest of the Gleeks. "You are all welcome to join us. My treat." They cheered too and they all headed out.

Shelby turned to Sue. "Would you like to join us Sue? I don't want to be the only adult in the mix. Please don't make me." She put her hand to her heart and mock whispered, "Teenagers everywhere." She gave a fake full body shiver causing the girls and Noah to laugh at her antics.

Coach looked unsure and Rachel grabbed her hand. "Yes coach, join us please. Save mom from the torturers of teen depravity." Sue nodded chuckling at both of their antics and they headed out.

They met all the others at Bread Sticks minus Mercedes who opted out when Kurt asked her to join them. After getting over the shock of Coach joining them they had a nice dinner. They laughed and talked about the glee numbers, dances Rachel had designed for them and everything else under the sun. Coach and Shelby sat together and talked about the girls and Coaches search for a new Glee coach. After dinner they all headed home, watched TV for a while, and then turned in for the night.

The next day was pretty uneventful. They had morning and afternoon Cheerios practice that went well as usual. The Cheerios were still shadowing Rachel in the halls but had calmed a bit and didn't look as murderous to the other students. Their evening was pretty normal as well. Dinner, homework, a little vocal practice, board games and bed. Rachel was a little apprehensive about Glee after school Wednesday. She had a pretty intense routine for their set list and hoped that she wouldn't have to pull too many teeth to get it done. The Cheerios had spoiled her. They do anything she asks, no questions asked, and put their all into it. If she could get half that determination and loyalty from the non-Cheerio Gleeks she would be happy. She fell asleep in her girls' arms, hopeful for the day to come.

A/N: Next Glee rehearsal and other goodies with our girls. We will be finding out in the next couple of chapters who the asshat that hurt Rachel is and Sue will find a new Glee coach before the end of Shue's suspension.

Sam and Marsha's song: Foolish Games by Jewel and Kelly Clarkson