Summary: After Sam's audition a new friend admits a dubious connection to the New Directions, an old friend's shocking secret is revealed and the fate of Will Schuester is announced.

Notes: Santana narrates Sam's performance

The deaf girl from the previous chapter makes an appearance. Assume whenever she "speaks" it will be in sign language.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Sam Evans

Santana was taken aback by the sense of pride she felt wash over her as Sam walked in and picked up his guitar. This was definitely not the same "Trouty Mouth" she had bullied into being her boyfriend (*cough* beard) 2 years earlier. He was confident, not letting the moment be too big for him and…what the hell? "Mike Chang, why are you holding my hand and not sitting with your boy-toy?"

"I have been tasked with preventing you from overreacting to what you're about to see."

Sam was still tuning his guitar so Santana took advantage. "I don't over…" Yeah, even she knew that was an argument she couldn't win. "Ok, but why you and not Seb?"

"Because with all the McKinley people who seem to be flocking to NYC, I have accepted the position of New Directions Wes. Someone has to be the voice of reason."

"And what makes you think that's you?"

"Because I'm the hot Asian guy in our group…duh."

Although he answered with a throw away (but true) line, Mike being the go-to guy for their group made sense. He was definitely the most level-headed of the bunch. Add to the fact, with all the Warbler/New Directions intermingling, their quote/unquote leader should have a good relationship with Warbler "leader" Wes. Her relationship with Wes had improved over the past couple of months but she had to admit the guy still scared her a little bit. Puck constantly calling him The Godfather didn't help.

She was pretty sure Wes was the one who taught Blaine about consequences.

The lights went down, and like Blaine had done earlier, Sam went with a spotlight. Unlike Blaine, he stood front and center.

She's a good girl, loves her mama
Loves Jesus and America too
She's a good girl, she's crazy 'bout Elvis
Loves horses and her boyfriend too

A spotlight fell on Blaine when drums were added. Was she a little surprised he was on drums and not guitar? Sure, but Sebastian obviously didn't mind. The tight-ass shirt Blaine was wearing showed off the tone his arms had gained from the hours of drumming he did as physical therapy for his hands.

This was one of the things she loved most about Seblaine. No matter how mad they were, neither could hide how attracted they were to the other.

And it's a long day livin' in Reseda
There's a freeway runnin' through the yard
And I'm a bad boy, 'cause I don't even miss her
I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart

And I'm free

With that all the lights came on and Blam weren't the only familiar faces participating. Brody was on bass and Puck, Artie and Sugar were on guitar…wait? Sugar on guitar? Oh, her mom was the person who taught Blaine to play stringed instruments. It would make sense she taught Sugar as well. Those Anderson/Motta cousins could definitely keep a secret.

But there was more. Off to the side (waiting to give back-up vocals) was Britt, Jake, the freshman Cheerio who joined the New Directions when Blaine left and Kitty. This made no sense. Why bring in New New Directions when she was right here…literally 50 feet away? And why Puck and not her? Sure, she couldn't play guitar but she could sing back-up with Britt and the others.

This must have been what Mike had warned her about because him giving her hand a squeeze settled her. Yeah, he was going to make an awesome New Directions Wes.

Didn't mean at some point someone better tell her what the fuck was going on.

Free fallin'
Yeah I'm free
Free fallin'

The audience was completely into the performance, then the strangest thing happened. Sebastian stood and walked over to the previous candidate's section. He held out his hand to the guy's little sister and (after a few nods from who could only be her family) led her to the performance area. At first it looked as if he was headed for Artie but after some non-verbal Seblaine communication, he took her to Blaine.

Somehow, without losing a beat, the two of them were able to work the little girl onto Blaine's lap. He was even able to take her hands in his so she was drumming as well.

I wanna glide down over Mulholland
I wanna write her name in the sky
I'm gonna free fall out into nothin'
Gonna leave this world for awhile

The smile on that little girl's face…oh, that's right. She's deaf and can feel the music through the drums.

Now I'm free
(Free fallin', now I'm) (Free fallin', now I'm)
Free fallin'

What made Sebastian think of this?

I'm free
Free fallin'
Oh
(Free fallin', now I'm)(Free fallin', now)

The song complete, the little girl kissed Blaine's cheek and then turned to Sebastian, giving him the sign for pick-me-up…raised arms with grabby hands. There could be no miscommunication with that one.

Carmen thanked Sam for his performance, then thanked the audience for their respect for the candidates and the audition process as a whole. The candidates and their mentors had each been assigned a room to wait but she advised the rest of the audience to go because deliberations could take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours.

Technically, it was less of an advisement and more of a Get the hell out of here before I have you kicked out.

Once Carmen and the rest of the faculty were gone, the Evans/Anderson section joined their friends upfront. Another person joined them as well. "Thank you" Trevor said as he took his sister from Sebastian and had her stand beside him. "Did you like that?" he asked the little girl in sign language but speaking for the others.

"Yes" she told him emphatically, then turned to Sebastian "Thank you"

Sebastian didn't have to ask, Trevor was already demonstrating how to sign "You're welcome". "I'm Trevor and this little jelly-bean is Bella."

"Isabella?" Sebastian asked, earning a look of confusion. "My niece is Isabella but I call her Izzy."

After a few signs from her big brother, Bella began jumping for excitement. They were all smiling at the little girl when Trevor cleared his throat. "Um, I think there's something I should tell you guys. I know a few of you, at least know of a few of you besides Sam and Blaine."

None of them could think of how but someone else knew. "I wondered if you were going to say anything" Rachel said, standing slightly outside the group.

Bella got her brother's attention and what she signed made him laugh. "Rachel, Bella said to tell you she's sorry her brother is such a doo-doo head."

Seeing Rachel and Trevor together gave Puck a flashback. "You were in Vocal Adrenaline with St. James."

"I was, and yes, I was one of those who threw eggs at Rachel. Thus, the doo-doo head comment. I had already told my family what happened but Rachel was much kinder than she probably should have been. I can only apologize and promise I'm not the same person." Trevor picked up his sister and kissed her cheek. "I'm just sorry it took me watching this little angel lose her hearing to realize what and who is really important."

"Well, you've definitely met the right people." Everyone stared at Sebastian, not knowing what he was getting at. "Seriously, guys? 18 months ago I was an asshole who didn't care who I hurt in order to win Nationals."

"No, Bas…"

"Yes, Killer. I lied, schemed, (looking to Rachel) blackmailed." He went back to Trevor, determined to get this out. "Then I did the unforgivable, even if by accident. I nearly blinded Blaine. He had to have surgery. Every day I live with the fact that the worst thing I will ever do is the reason I have the life and the person I love."

The silence amongst the large group was a stark contrast to the buzz around them. Sebastian's wasn't the only life changed by the Slushie. Kurt returning the tape without telling Blaine was what broke their bond. It gave Blaine the push to re-embrace Wolverine and Sam to send him back to Dalton. Blaine asking Santana and Puck for help lead to Santana being the golden girl at Vogue and Puck to Paris, shattering the fear he would be nothing but a Lima Loser. Sugar had gained tons of self-confidence since the revelation she was Blaine's cousin. Sam, Brittany and eventually Jake all appeared to be NYADA bound due to Blaine embracing (and manipulating) Carmen's infatuation with him…something he never would have done if he was still with Kurt.

Not to mention the chances of Mike and Beat being together were probably zero. However, the biggest change in Mike was his emergence as the leader he probably always should have been. "Trevor, all of us have things in our past we wished weren't there, the point is you learned from yours. Just know when you get accepted, and you will, you'll have a group of friends here in NYC who can relate."

"Yeah, hopefully you're all as forgiving when Throat Explosion kicks New Directions and Warbler ass at Nationals in a few weeks." JB quipped out of nowhere, lightening the mood. Blaine and Sam postured but only in jest, knowing why he said what he did.

They'd have a group smack-talk smack-down later.

Trevor didn't realize the sense of relief he felt until Bella wiped tears he didn't know were there. "Thank you. All of you, especially you, Sebastian. Unfortunately, even if I am accepted, I can't afford NYADA without the full-ride scholarship and from what I just saw, Sam's going to win it."

"I already told Madame Tibideaux I wouldn't accept it if offered." That bit of information turned attention to Sam. "What? The Anderson's told me if I didn't let them pay for NYADA they'd take my truck back. I love my truck."

The others teasing Sam gave Blaine a chance to pull Sebastian aside. "Bas, what you said…"

"Blaine, I promise we'll talk about it later but this isn't the time. You and Sam need to get the New Directions group to Sam's staging room. You know that means Rachel, too."

"I do. Brody has a place for you to wait until it's time. Last chance to back out."

"Not happening." Sebastian turned and was overcome by the almost debilitating case of nausea he had had a few times the last couple of days. This time it happened seeing Mike and Beat talking to Trevor and Bella.

"Bas? Are you alright?"

"Um, yeah. Uh, Santana told me there's a deaf Glee Club. Is that real?"

"You mean for Bella? Well, it's high school so she's too young. Hopefully the advisor is gone by then. He's a tool."

"No, it's just…" He didn't quite know how to describe the picture he saw in his head. "Has the deaf Glee Club, Vocal Adrenaline and New Directions ever worked on something with the Warblers at Dalton?"

"No, and I'm fairly certain since the New Directions have only been around for 4 years. Are you saying we should?"

"No, never mind. I must be thinking of something else." He wasn't but it wasn't time to analyze these feelings. Guess he could add it to the list for his appointment with Dr. Sheppard. "I'll get Sam and Brody to get this moving while you talk to David. I'm sure our new friend changed things a bit."

"Bas…"

"Killer, we're good" Sebastian leaned in and gave him a kiss. "See you soon."

As Blaine watched him go, he felt the need to call out "I love you."

"Remember that."

Huh? What the hell…

"Blaine"

He hadn't noticed David now standing beside him but Sebastian was right, they needed to get moving. "Hey, what do you think about Trevor?"

"You mean if he doesn't win, DFC Memorial gives him a full-ride?"

"That would make 2 with Britt."

"With your parents paying for Sam I see Trevor winning. I'm also predicting the first guy and Lady Gaga girl don't get in."

"Leaving Rachel's girl and Kurt. So, the 2 one-year scholarships DFC Memorial planned for will be enough."

"If not, adjust to make it work. Are you sure you want to do this, Blaine?"

"Absolutely"

By the time Blaine wished Trevor good luck, thanked Chandler and JB for coming, told David and Beat he'd see them later, made sure Cooper's guys knew what was going on and got over his panic that Sebastian and Brody were spending time together alone…all those associated with the New Directions were in Sam's staging room.

"Hold up, I love you Blainers but isn't this a New Directions meeting."

"Not yet, Tana." He sat down on the floor next to Sugar and let her climb in his lap. "Right now this is a Will Schuester meeting. But, I'm just here for any questions Sam can't answer and to support my sweet, baby cousin."

"That's still so weird" Puck whispered to Jake.

"Tell me about it."

"Um…I'm sorry" Rachel said, still surprised she had been included. "What do you mean by a Will Schuester meeting? Is this about him cornering Sugar when he found out Sam was a finalist at NYADA?"

"How did you find out?" Sam asked knowing what happened wasn't common knowledge.

"He called and asked me to speak on his behalf. He wouldn't say what happened, just that he made a mistake, so I called Emma…Ms. Pillsbury-Schuester. Needless to say, I said no."

"We get that since the hearing was today. Madame Tibideaux speech and Blaine's performance were the opening testimony. My performance was most likely the final."

A light-bulb came on for Rachel, remembering one of Cooper's guys with the lighting crew. The only internet connection was in that area and he must have been livestreaming. "I'm sorry, I'm confused. Sugar, why are you here and not at McKinley?"

"Daddy and Cooper are there. I testified via Skype. Auntie Pammy and Uncle Charlie were with me in Madame Tibideaux's office."

"Britt, Jake, Kitty, Alice and I all showed where we stood by performing with Sam. The others still in Lima sang back-up for him as well. When I get home, I'll splice the video together and give everyone a copy."

"That's it. Sorry Mikey, I've held my tongue as long as possible." Santana gave herself a pat on the back for holding back so long. "I get why Blaine was there, but why only Puck of the Old New Directions? Mikey and I were already here. Mercedes and Quinn would have come. Hudson…" There was something about Finn's name that drew subtle reactions from Blaine, Sam and Puck. "Tell me he didn't testify on Schuester's behalf."

"Puck, you want to tell them?" He shook his head and then went to the back of the room. Sam hoped he would be able to hold his temper. "Finn was supposed to be here and play drums. Blaine took over, that's why I had Puck replace him on guitar. I knew he knew the song."

"Finn was supposed to be here?"

"Yeah, Rachel, but he went to DC to talk to his mom and Burt." Sam watched his words as not to say Finn was saying goodbye since he was going with Puck to Paris. Finn wanted to be the one to tell her.

"Most of you don't know the story of how Finn joined the New Directions. Mr. Schue heard him singing in the shower and went hard in on recruiting him, thinking having the Quarterback on Glee Club would make it more popular. He said no. Two days later Mr. Schue found pot in his locker and told Finn he wouldn't turn him in…if he joined the New Directions."

"Wait…wait…wait." Santana stood and began to pace, the wheels in her mind obviously spinning. "Finn's done a lot of stupid things, not you Berry, but he wouldn't do drug…Son of a bitch! Schuester planted it! Didn't he?"

"He admitted it right before graduation. Finn thought it was cool at the time but put it together with some of the other things he's done, like cornering Sugar, and it paints the man we all once respected in a different light."

Kitty rolled her eyes and let out a scoff "I never respected him. He abandoned us at the beginning of the year but then blamed Finn and Blaine when we lost Sectionals."

A strew of anti-Schuester comments built off of Kitty's until Brody showed up with the Andersons. "I take it this means it's over?" Blaine asked his parents.

"He was fired" Charles said, thankful he had overheard the earlier comments. He couldn't think of a way to break this gently and was glad he didn't have to. "It wasn't unexpected. What he did to Sugar was basically imprisonment not to mention intimidation. He's lucky he's not in jail."

Pam added "Although, Ryder saw what happened, it was only the end. Your statements went toward his character since some board members had difficulty believing last year's Teacher of the Year would do such a thing."

As much as they wanted to talk about what had happened, Brody reminded them they had to take it off campus. Pam offered the Anderson apartment for everyone to await the results and they all accepted except for Santana. Since Sebastian had given her and Brittany theater tickets, she had to go back to the loft and get something to wear.

"Or…" She looked to see Blaine on his phone "Go back to Bibbi's office. Abby will open the vault for you."

With Sierra Smythe's business card in her purse that could be a little awkward but…FREE CLOTHES! "Hey! How did you text Vogue?"

"The blocks are only in the Round Room. Brody, is there a room I'm supposed to wait in." Blaine knew there wasn't since he wasn't a candidate, but he was hoping Brody would get the hint to take him to Sebastian. He wanted to talk about the comments he had made to Trevor.

"Actually, I need you and Rachel to come with me."

It didn't take long for the others to go, but Santana stayed behind saying she'd keep Sam company until Brody came back. No one believed her excuse.

With good reason

"You're telling me Al Motta is letting this go?"

"He doesn't…"

"Fine. You're telling me Cooper Anderson is letting the school board take care of this?"

"Emma's pregnant."

Well, she wasn't expecting that. "So…?"

"If he fucks up again, all bets are off. Does that answer all your questions?"

"Not even close."

He really needed her to leave before the announcements were made. Blaine and Sebastian didn't want any of the others around to give them (one of Blaine's favorite terms) plausible deniability. "One…one question then you need to get out of here before Tibideaux finds you."

"I get why Kitty is here, she's Sugar's best friend, but what's with the Cheerio."

"Alice."

"Ok, what's up with Alice especially since I know Cheerios Nationals are soon. I don't see Roz excusing 3 members from practice at one time."

"With everything going on, you think for one second Sue's going to deny any request from Sugar? Alice is here because she can dance, like Brittany dance. We're taking a page from the Warbler's Diva-off playbook. Take a routine that's already done and adapt it. We're going to do the TroubleTone's Adele mash-up set to the Survivor partner dance. Shelby offered to help adapt it and work with Britt, Jake and Alice tomorrow so we can go home with something."

"You mentioned something like this the other day, even before Schuester went after Sugar."

"Let's just say I didn't have a lot of faith in him not getting a third strike. I will say I didn't expect him to get straight-up fired, only to lose the New Directions." Sam's phone pinged with a text and the message was exactly what he hoped.

"What are you grinning at, you Cheshire Cat?"

"I took your advice and mentioned something to Sue. She texted me to say it's happening."

"What did I say?"

"McKinley isn't a private school like Dalton. We have to have a faculty advisor."

"And…Oh, my God! Are you shitting me?"

"Nope. The New Directions have a new advisor and McKinley has a new Spanish teacher."

End Notes:

Free Fallin: Petty, Tom; Lynne, Jeff 1989