Summary: Plans come together as the New Directions and Warblers take the Nationals stage.
Notes: Happy Seblainiversary 2020!
Flashback…Last Monday
"Blaine, your soon-to-be-cousin is mean!"
"What did Brody do?"
"He's making us work even harder than you and Seb did! He…"
"Stop! Guys, I can't be involved. But seriously, did you expect Carmen Tibideaux, the Director of NYADA, to send you a choreographer just so you could go on stage and do the Warbler two-step?"
"Um…"
"Well…"
"Noooooo?"
"We're not the Fucking New Directions! We can't just throw shit together at the last fucking minute!"
"Trent, Language"
"Oh, sorry Mr. Anderson. Didn't see you come in."
"I understand, but I need to talk to Blaine so he's going to have to shut down his computer for a bit."
"Bye guys…Ok, Dad. What's so important?"
"What if I told you I think there's a way to take down Schuester and whoever's helping him without bringing up Brittany? I don't know if it can be done in time for you to perform with the Warblers…"
"At this point, I've accepted that's not going to happen. What's your idea?"
End of Flashback...
"Well, that's 4 and a half minutes of my life I'll never get back" Copper said as he stretched then sat back in his seat.
"Cooper" Holly scolded. "They weren't that bad. It didn't help they came right after Throat Explosion."
"Who were they? The Pitchy Pipers? At least there's an intermission before the New Directions and Warblers take the stage."
"The Melodic Minstrels, and you're biased."
"Unabashedly, but come on, they tried to sing Let's Hurt Tonight as a sappy ballad and not the ode to my little brother's kinky sex life it was written to be."
Usually Holly wouldn't have an issue with what he said but…"Cooper! Xavier and Sierra are right behind us!"
"They know. Blaine and Sebastian have their own sex toy supplier and later, talk to Santana and ask about something called Seblaine" He then leaned close to Holly's ear and whispered "And you know being great in bed is something the Anderson brothers have in common. After all, you are still around."
Holly pulled away and looked like being in public was the only thing stopping her from slapping him. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You're the one who said in the beginning you have problems with commitment…can't stay at one thing too long. It's why you like substitute teaching."
Holly had to admit he was right. She had said it but things changed. And no, it wasn't just because Cooper was great (rocked her world, best she ever had) in bed. She was head-over-heels in love with this man and his crazy family. Maybe the constant drama was why she never felt the desire to leave.
Being with Cooper Anderson was anything but boring.
"Too late, I'm not going anywhere. Emma's having her baby in the fall and McKinley's going to need a counselor."
"Yeah, Dr. Carl's not letting her or that kid out of his sight until her divorce is finalized…wait, are you licensed to be a school counselor?"
"Does it matter? I mean, how long did they let Will teach Spanish?"
"Good point." This conversation hadn't gone as Cooper planned but he was nervous. Sugar had asked for three things for her birthday…Blaine to write her a song, Brody to officially be her brother (which was happening even though he still hadn't figured out how a person can adopt an adult) and for him to Get off his ass and get her an Aunt Holly.
A flawless 5-carat Harry Winston diamond engagement ring was currently waiting to be delivered to tonight's party.
He kissed her cheek and noticed two people making their way down the aisle to the seats next to them. "About time" Cooper told his mother. "Where's Dad?"
"He's got one last thing to take care of but your Uncle and I had to get back to see Sugar and the New Directions go on" Pam explained as Robert stopped and said Hi to Artie's mom. "He'll be here as soon as he can Cooper."
"I know Mom. I just don't want him to miss…" Lucky for him the lights flashed because he was close to saying something aloud he really shouldn't. Instead he kissed Holly's cheek again and took her hand in his, knowing she was just as anxious for his baby cousin as he was.
Behind them, Sierra was doing the same for Shelby. "Beth is fine with Quinn and Wes."
"It's not that, I know she is. I can't believe I'm this nervous. I won four National Championships with Vocal Adrenaline."
"You had total control of those and we both know how you like to be the one in control" Sierra teased with all the innuendo her brother was known for, trying to change the subject to distract her girlfriend. "By the way, I know you and Holly had lunch the other day with Blaine and Seb's friend Jeremiah."
Shelby turned 12 different shades of red, but it was everything she needed. Sierra brought out a side of her she had locked away since the disaster with Noah Puckerman. "Did you know the three of them plus some of the Warblers are going into business together?"
"You mean the toy store they're calling Santa's Workshop? Yes, Santana invested too. Did you hear Rachel took the money from vacating the loft early and did as well?"
No…no, she most definitely had NOT heard! "My Rachel?!"
"She didn't need the money for a new apartment since she's moving in with Chandler so she asked her Dads if she use it to go into business with Sebastian and Blaine. Don't know if she explained exactly what type of business."
"My Rachel? How do you know this?"
"She told me when…oops, looks like it's time. Your song is up first, right?"
"It's a combo of a song mash-up and part of a dance from an entirely different TroubleTones performance. Sam actually envisioned the two together, I just helped make it work. If he wasn't about to become a super model while going to NYADA and writing and playing music with Blaine, he would have been an amazing Glee Club Director."
Ladies and Gentlemen, from McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio…defending National Champions, The New Directions
Santana and Mercedes took a breath. They knew the New Directions were leading off with the Rumor Has It/Someone Like You mash-up but they had been kept out of all practices and hadn't been allowed to see one second of video. It wasn't because of the bad memories with Finn Santana associated with the song. It was because the two of them sang lead with the TroubleTones and killed it.
Ooh-oh, ooh-oh
Ooh-oh, ooh-oh
(Marley) She, she ain't real,
She ain't gonna be able to love you like I will
She is a stranger,
You and I have history,
Or don't you remember?
Sure, she's got it all,
But, baby, is that really what you want?
(Brittany) Bless your soul, you've got your head in the clouds
You made a fool out of you
And, boy, she's bringing you down
She made your heart melt
But you're cold to the core,
Now rumor has it she ain't got your love anymore
They were right, Marley and Brittany's voices didn't carry the song in the same way. However, as the girls sang Rumor has it, the boys came out and partnered with them, ready to dance.
The additional tickets might have been given out through Blaine sites but that didn't mean Sam didn't have his share of fans. The screams were so loud it was almost impossible to hear him when he took Brittany in his arms and began moving her around the stage.
I heard that you're settled down
That you found a girl and you're married now.
I heard that your dreams came true.
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you.
Santana smiled, wondering if anyone else noticed Sam didn't change the gender. Her interfering with and breaking up Sam and Brittany's relationship was not one of her finer moments but something (in her opinion) that worked out for the best. She and Britt belonged together and Nichole Duval was (in her opinion) perfect for Sam.
Surprising him with her at McKinley's prom had been a brilliant idea. Too many of those Cheerios were trying to get their claws into Sam's newly minted fame (and bank account).
It was just a shame she wasn't able to make it to LA.
Meanwhile, Nichole's brother had his hands full backstage. "Damn it, Seb! Did Sam have to have Jake and Kitty dancing so close?" Nick asked as the couple twirled past them for the 4th time.
Sebastian doubted it, then Jake found them, stared straight at Thad and sang…
You made my heart melt, yet I'm cold to the core,
But rumor has it I'm the one she's leaving you for
"Get Thad away from here" Sebastian snarled, although sure this had nothing to do with Sam. He talked almost every other day with Noah and he had mentioned his little brother was beyond annoyed the rich asshole couldn't get the fucking clue Kitty had moved on.
Thankfully, it didn't last much longer and if The New Directions kept to their playbook it was time for the power ballad which meant the strongest voice. Or voices, as Unique and Roderick moved to the front of the stage. Then Sebastian let out an audible grown as Tina and Kitty joined them.
He knew The New New Directions wanted to be sure everyone had a chance to shine because of Schuester's blatant favoritism…but why Kitty?
Oh god, it was a Katy Perry post break-up song.
I'm wide awake, yeah I was in the dark
I was falling hard with an open heart
I'm wide awake, how did I read the stars so wrong?
I'm wide awake, and now it's clear to me
That everything you see ain't always what it seems
I'm wide awake, yeah I was dreaming for so long
(Kitty and Roderick) I wish I knew then what I know now
Wouldn't dive in, wouldn't bow down
Gravity hurts, you made it so sweet
'Til I woke up on, on the concrete
Ok, Thad was handling this…
(Kitty) I'm wide awake
Not losing any sleep
I picked up every piece and landed on my feet
I'm wide awake, need nothing to complete myself, no oh
"Kitty…"
"For the love of god, someone lock him in a closet until it's time for us to go on!" Sebastian looked past the curtains to the audience and saw Cooper videoing the performance for Blaine. He should be there to watch Sugar.
Which meant no matter what he'd have to deal with…"What is Thad's fucking problem now?"
Flashback…Last Tuesday
"How can we be sure you're not trying to sabotage us?"
"Think about it. I was able to get Jean-Baptiste's number through a friend but what do the rest of you have in common with me…NYADA. And who could set us all up on a conference call…?"
"I believe Sam. The Show Choir Association is trying to fix the competition."
"So, what do you want us to do?"
"Convince your directors and everyone chose one of Blaine's songs to perform. I don't know everything that happened but I do know the Warblers cannot perform anything Blaine had a hand in producing. The Show Choir people probably meant their set list but the ruling is kind of vague."
"And if we all perform a song Blaine wrote then they either have to disqualify all of us or admit they tried to fix the competition so the Warblers couldn't win."
"The Warblers are the only one we know. Who's saying they aren't doing things behind the scenes to screw more of us?"
"Everyone go to your directors then get back to me. First come, first serve on the songs. Hey, Jean-Baptiste can you hold back a minute."
"Ok, the rest of them are gone. Loved the got my number from a friend comment…yeah, Blaine two months ago."
"They don't need to know we're friends but since we are, I have a favor to ask."
"Sure, Sam. What?"
"I'm going to send you a song to use as your Blaine song. He and I just finished it a few days ago."
"Then why don't you do it?"
"A couple reasons. First, if the fact all the choirs performing a different song of his isn't a big enough message, you having this will tell Blaine we're up to something."
"Makes sense…and second?"
"We're performing Rise. I know it's not fair we already have something but I have a bet with Blaine. I had to make sure his cousin had at least 4 lines of a duet and she's not the best singer and she's practice real hard…"
"No, I get it…but tell me about this bet."
Back to reality...
The crowd gave a thunderous applause but the screams were back when Sam went front and center with Sugar at his side.
Have you ever felt like you woke up
(With Sugar) On the wrong side of your heart
Has it ever felt like it's broken
(With Sugar) Like the world tore it apart
Have you felt so weak,
You could hardly stand
(All With Sugar) Like if you ever fell
You could never tell
If you'd ever get back up again
As they moved aside for Artie, Joe and Ryder to drive the vocals on the rest song, Sam squeezed her hand and quickly mouthed Blaine would be proud.
Blaine watching on a livestream wasn't the only one who was proud. Backstage Brody wiped away a tear before turning his attention back to the Warblers. "You guys ready?"
"For this to be over so you can't torture us anymore…absolutely" Trent said, but with a smile. "What about you Seb?"
"You kidding me? I just have to stand there and sing while you guys do all the work. Hey Duval, we better bring Harwood back. Looks like the New Directions are about to finish."
And they did with quite the flourish. Adding Alice and Allister to Brittany and Jake allowed them to do things they had never been able to do in years prior. The entire group took their bows then rushed off-stage to hugs and the blazing smile of Mr. Martinez.
"I'm so proud of all of you!"
"So am I! You were amazing!"
The cheers stopped. Sam stepped forward but before he could do anything someone was in front of him. "You have exactly 3 seconds to leave."
"I don't know who you…"
"My name is Brody W…Brody Thomas Anderson Motta. At least it will be officially in 3 weeks and I know exactly who you are Schuester. I also know my soon-to-be Dad, Al Motta, has a restraining order against you being within 100 feet of Sugar, so back the hell up. Or, I'm sure Cooper has a few guys here who will help you."
"Damn! Killer's going to be pissed he missed this." Sebastian laughed, joining Brody. "You heard Sugar's brother, Schuester? Why are you still here?"
"Is there a problem?" the President of the Association asked as he arrived with two of his assistants.
"My family has restraining order against this man being near my sister who is on the New Directions."
One of the assistants pulled out her tablet and after a minute handed it to the President. "Oh, yes, I see we have that on file. Since the New Directions are to stay here while the Warblers perform, Mr. Schuester you'll need to step back the appropriate distance. Warblers, take the stage."
Will glared as Sugar stood in the background waving but he did move back and the officials went with him. "Damn it, Will! You didn't say things were this bad. Sugar…that's Anderson's cousin, right? And you never mentioned a brother."
"I didn't know about a brother and if Cooper Anderson brought his goons…"
"Goons? As in the mob?" the woman with the tablet whisper-shrieked. "You never mentioned the mob!"
"It's not the mob-mob. Cooper's more of a locally connected wannabe."
"I don't care! You had us go after his brother?"
Will stepped closer to the officials as voices were beginning to raise. "You guys wanted out from under the influence of East Coast universities like NYU, NYADA, Julliard and Berklee and work with West Coast schools. What better way than to take down Julliard's and Carmen Tibideaux's golden boy?"
"Not by pissing off the President of a major record label to the point she threatened to cut off my balls!"
"Listen, let's get through whatever the Warblers were able to throw together then declare our winners and move on."
Evidently, Will didn't notice someone take a particular interest in overhearing the winners had been decided and one of the teams had yet to take the stage.
Ladies and Gentlemen, from Dalton Academy in Westerville, Ohio…our final performers of the competition, The Warbles.
Sebastian closed his eyes and took a deep breath, remembering everything Adam and Rachel had drilled into him throughout the week.
Flashback…yesterday
"Sebastian, you have to stand perfectly still. Sell the role with your face."
"No one is going to see my eyes from that far away."
"But they will see your smirk…your attitude."
"Rachel, what do you think?"
"That it fits you perfectly and you guys were right to chose this instead of something by the Beatles as your 60's piece."
"Beatles are cliché"
"Then trust Adam. Don't tell Jesse, but I really think this could rival Vocal Adrenaline's Bohemian Rhapsody."
Out of Sebastian's head...
When the curtains opened, he was met with a wall of cheers…oh yeah, the Seblainers. He really wished he wouldn't have let Rachel show him Tumblr.
His eyes remained closed while Beat and his group established the rhythm. Finally, he heard the cue to open them and willed himself to remain perfectly still.
Please allow me to introduce myself
I'm a man of wealth and taste
I've been around for a long, long year
Stole many a man's soul to waste
And I was 'round when Jesus Christ
Had his moment of doubt and pain
Made damn sure that Pilate
Washed his hands and sealed his fate
Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
But what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game
As he stayed still, the Warblers danced and tumbled their asses off around him while keeping the rhythm. He was the character but they were his chaos. It was actually pretty brilliant. Adam and Brody knew what they were doing.
Just as every cop is a criminal
And all the sinners saints
As heads is tails
Just call me… Lucifer
'Cause I'm in need of some restraint
Wasn't the first time someone called him the Devil.
So if you meet me
Have some courtesy
Have some sympathy, and some taste
Use all your well-learned politesse
Or I'll lay your soul to waste, mm yeah
He knew what was coming, or at least what should be. He looked toward the upper sky boxes and the particular one where he should see a signal.
What's my name
Tell me, baby, what's my name
Tell me, sweetie, what's my name
There was a brief flashing light followed by the stage going into total darkness.
Flashback…Last Monday
"Lights?"
"Second-year Phillip's brother works at the new venue and he's taking care of it."
"Country?"
"Jackie got Keith Urban. Happy?"
"Yes, did she get the drums?"
"USC band. Beat's great uncle has his name on a building."
"Shit! I forgot. Guess I'm really going to have to tell Sam."
"He's going to be pissed."
"Beat and I are taking him to the Ranch this summer. He'll forgive us. What about…?"
"Boom?"
"Yeah, Boom?"
"Sorry, Killer. They're still working on it. Now you want to tell me your dad's plan?"
Notes:
Rumor Has It/Someone Like You: Adkins, Adele Laurie Blue; Tedder, Ryan; Wilson, Daniel 2010
Wide Awake: Perry, Katy; Gottwald, Lukasz; Max, Martin; McKee, Bonnie; Walter, Henry 2012
Yes, I changed out Jake from the canon performance. And while Jake and Kitty made sense for the Thad problem, Rodrick would have been chosen for vocal power.
Rise: Criss, Darren 2015
Sympathy For The Devil: Jagger, Mick; Richards, Keith 1968