Disclaimer: I do not own Glee, the concept for the X-Factor or any other copyrighted material mentioned in.
Santana's POV
You are surprised at how unfazed you are by the results show. The groups were prepped on the process: The first part of the show would focus on a group number, each group had selected 1 member who would represent their team. The Troubletones had selected Kitty for week 1, they figured since Kitty didn't have an opportunity to strut her stuff in their performance, they would let her go all buck "Wilde" in the group number. Then one by one each team would be deemed safe or not. Eliminations would be broken up by some videos and commercials, some weeks there would be a guest performer.
You watch in the wings, as Kitty hits her entrance in the group number. The producers had chosen the opening number from the Lion King, so that that large number of participants wouldn't be overwhelming. Kitty was "playing" the part of Rafiki. The Troubletones screamed back stage cheering on their teammate. You notice that she was paired for a moment with Brittany's friend Artie, you noticed the two had some undeniable chemistry. When the group number ends, the audience explodes and the show goes to commercial so the teams can regroup and get on stage for the first "save" of the night.
You meet the rest of the Troubletones backstage, tonight you are going with a black and gold motif. You find yourself rocking a pair of torn black jeans, a black sheer tank top with a gold bandeau. You hair is down with full curls, smoky make up adorns your face. You wear bold, chunky gold jewelry. Your favorite part of the outfit has to be your sneakers. The stylist really go all out in their product placement and you are wearing black and gold Michael Kors wedge sneakers. Not only do you like the added height, but they are shockingly comfortable. You are amazed at how much the stylist can already read your group. Quinn is wearing a simple, one shoulder black dress with long gold dangly jewelry and simple black pumps with gold bows. While Mercedes outfit is the loudest of the group. They somehow found a black and gold cheetah blazer for her, along with her signature Diva necklace.
Each team had a signature motif going on, The Warblers were back in their blue blazers, and The New Directions were decked on in white and red – Brittany had mentioned that red and white were their school colors. The blonde looked gorgeous wearing red shorts, a white crop top with a big white faux fur vest on top. On her feet were bright red converse. Anyone else might have looked ridiculous, but not Brittany. Her blonde hair was tousled in a messy, but chic pony. Her make up light and natural.
After a rather intense morning, the two of you parted ways deciding it would be best to spend time with your respective teams. You both agreed to not let your new label effect how you approach this competition or your teams, the only thing that changed was the outward "officialness" of the relationship. The label did not change how you felt about each other. You find yourself staring at the back of your girlfriend's head willing her to turn around before you went on stage. As if fate had laid a hand, the blonde slowly pivots in your direction and mouths a brief hi before the producers usher the teams on stage.
The Troubletones are placed left center stage and The New Directions four groups down, you try your hardest to not look at Britt for comfort. Behind you on the screen, the show had set up a montage of the private camera meetings. You hear Mercedes voice fill the auditorium
"We try to mix up our styles and be unpredictable. Our strength is definitely our versatility." The video cuts to a clip of your rehearsal from the previous week where you were testing the song out at full speed, "We never want the competition to know what's coming. Hell, Santana might even rap." Mercedes laughs and the camera pans over to you, and the producer asks for a sneak peak, without hesitation you bust out the Nicki Minaj verse from Fly by Rihanna. Mercedes jokingly starts to beat box and the clip ends with the two of your cracking up. Quinn just sits there shaking her head.
Other groups pop in and out of the montage, but you notice how the Troubletones segment was particularly long. That's odd you think. Usually the producers focus on the team that is getting kicked off. As if she can sense your nerves, Quinn places a hand on your lower back and mouths relax.
Soon the process of the saves begins, with the host explaining what would happen to the audience, and the lights dimming becoming far more dramatic. You expected the Troubletones time on stage to be short lived, but three teams have already been saved you and still stand on stage.
You hear the producer counting down "5,4,3,.." she mouths 2 1 and points to the host.
"Welcome back to the X-factor, we have just seen our first two saved teams make their way back stage and now we are going to have two other teams join them!"
You breathe deeply, letting confidence flow through your body, and try to think positively. The Troubletones were far and away the best team last night, anyone could see that, you had faith in America.
"Joining our safe teams…THE NEW DIRECTIONS" your head snaps up as you hear the host's words. You immediately get a knot in your stomach. You watch as Brittany and her team celebrates briefly on stage, and walk backstage. The blonde briefly searches for your eyes through her team members, her eyes flash with brightness. You're not sure if the knot is the result of jealousy, relief, frustration or disbelief. You're so glad Brittany is safe, but you can't help but think that the Troubletones should have been safe well before The New Directions. "Congrats to the New Directions" the host cuts back in, and also moving onto next week…." You zone back in and try to reconnect to the moment. You let yourself feel Quinn's hand in yours and rejoin your team, "VOCAL ADRENALINE."
The show goes to another commercial break and you storm off stage to get a drink. Mercedes and Quinn chase after you.
"What the fuck is happening? We nailed it. We were the best by a mile and I am not even being biased, I am being honest. This doesn't make any sense, we shouldn't be in the bottom half" you all but scream backstage. You try to control the sound of your voice. Right now only 5 teams remain unsafe.
Quinn and Mercedes don't seem to have any answers or explanations, so the three of you stand in the corner backstage. "Come on" Quinn motions for you and Cedes to join her "We are the leaders of the group, and it doesn't look good that we are huddled back here, while our teammates wait for the unknown. We have no control over this. We know how good we are, that needs to carry us through."
Brittany's POV
Shock is the only feeling you are registering at the moment. You sit in the green room with the rest of the safe teams, watching as the show comes back from commercial break unveiling the remaining five teams. The New Directions were the fourth to be announced safe, and you were flooded with relief. After watching the playback from last night's performances, you all felt comfortable that you were stronger than some teams and would be safe, but it was still nice to have the confirmation. You quickly made eye contact with Santana leaving the stage and she gave you a tight smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Sitting in that green room, with the teams chatting, the only mutual feeling amongst the teams is that they can't understand how the Troubletones aren't safe yet.
"They were head and shoulders better than the other 9 teams" a girl from Vocal Adrenaline, a New York City based team comments, "I don't think any of us are stupid enough to contest that."
You try not to show how nervous you are, but watching Santana up there and seeing the fear in her eyes, and watching her foot tap nervously, you can't help but mimic the girls emotions. Quinn is clearly trying to calm her, you see the vice like grip she has on your girlfriend's hand. You find yourself lost in your thoughts that you don't notice it when someone plops down in the empty chair beside you.
"Are you okay, honey? You look like you might be sick."
You turn and see the fresh faced Warbler sitting next you. You didn't notice from on stage, but he had added a few embellishments to the classic blazer look and was wearing a unique broche. "Um, yeah, sorry. My girlfriend is in The Troubletones" you say quietly hoping to not draw attention to yourself.
"That must be difficult, my boyfriend is in my group and we are having trouble enough with our relationship and balancing it with this competition" he says understandingly. "I am Kurt by the way, Kurt Hummel." He extends his soft hand out to shake yours.
"I'm Brittany. Which one is your boyfriend?"
"Blaine, the dream boat front man" he coos. "What about you? Which of those lovely ladies do you get to call yours?"
"Santana" you breathe knowing that further explanation is unnecessary.
Kurt rests his hand around our shoulders as you continue to watch the results. Two more teams are deemed safe and the Troubletones still remain on that stage. You wish you could run out there and comfort Santana, whisper happy thoughts in her ear or just hold her hand. You can't imagine the knot that must be building in her stomach; the nerves overcoming her small body. The host begins talking and it seems that his schpeel is longer than before. You turn the volume up on the speakers and all of a sudden the crowd in the green room quiets down to listen.
"…treating things a little bit differently this year, every few weeks we will award the team that received the most votes. Currently on stage stand three remaining teams. One, unfortunately, will be leaving us, another will be safe, and the third actually received the most votes after last night's performances. The team with the most points has a unique advantage for next week, they will be given the power to dictate the entire show order, as well as the theme."
The live audience audibly reacts, and the three teams on stage stare at each other as the plot thickens. The green room remains quiet, as all of you realize that another team will soon hold a power over you. With bated breath you await the host to go on,
"America, by your decree, the team receiving the most votes after last night's show and returning next week as the team to beat….THE TROUBLETONES!"
You watch as Santana bows her head, almost in prayer, as the rest of her group jumps around. Sugar even sprints over to the host and jumps in his arms.
"Well, fuck…" someone in the green room says breaking the silence.
Santana's POV
After it is announced that you were the "winning team" the producers usher you into a room off the backstage area to brief you on what needs to happen between now and dismissal. Basically, from the remaining nine themes, the Troubletones had to choose one and then select the show order for next week, and then present to the rest of the teams in the green room.
When the producers shuffled out, you all looked at each other and squealed.
"Holy shit that was nerve wracking," sighed Kitty "I thought America had some kind of melt down and forgot to vote for us."
The group sits down and begins to discuss the focus for next week knowing that you don't have a ton of time to figure this all out.
You stand up walking over to the wheel, "Let's pick the theme first, and then split into small groups and each decided on a show order and see how many coincide." You spin the wheel watching as the remaining themes whiz by.
80s
Kings and Queens of Pop
Tribute
Punk
Top 40
Country
"The Mash-Off"
Balladeers
Just Dance
Some stood out to you as being straight-forward, others had more room for interpretation. Group members started shouting things out, and it was clear that you weren't going to come to a consensus with each of you trying to talk over each other. It wasn't until Dani spoke up that things became a little clearer,
"I think we can look at this two ways. 1. We pick something that we know we will kick ass at like 80s or Top 40. Those are our strengths, and we can almost guarantee that if we bring it, we will be safe or option 2. We can ride the wave of our popularity and eliminate a theme we aren't as comfortable with and hope that the watered down competition will sway the curve in our favor. So not only are we safe, but we don't have to worry about tackling a genre we aren't comfortable with when the competition is stiffer. I personally am in favor of option 2." She looks around, and everyone in the group nods in agreement, except Sugar who is still DYING to do Kings and Queens of Pop.
Mercedes stands up and walks to the wheel, "The choice is obvious" she says as she reaches up to slide out a wedge.
She turns and holds it out to the group. You all look at each other a nod.
Next the team breaks up into two groups – you, Marley, Kitty and Quinn and Mercedes, Dani and Sugar to decide show order. You set a stopwatch for 5 minutes, so you aren't wasting time. When the clock beeps the two teams come together. Unsurprisingly, your lists are almost exactly the same. Both teams decided to keep the Troubletones in the second to last spot. It is especially important for next week because if your reviews aren't great, it is not the last remarks the audience remembers. Both groups put the Warblers in the middle spot, hoping they might get lost in the shuffle. The only major difference is that your team had placed The New Directions second, while the other group had went with 6th.
Dani rolls her eyes, "Santana you can't give The New Directions an advantage because your newest shiny toy is on that team. They are good, and we need to think of this strategically." You look at the floor knowing she might be right.
Sugar speaks up, "I mean does it really matter? There are still 9 teams, so does the different between 2nd and 6th really matter? They are definitely strong enough to move on."
"Let's take a vote" says Quinn, "Who thinks The New Directions should go 2nd? You, Quinn and Kitty raise their hands.
"Fine" you breathe "they will go 6th."
Brittany's POV
The other 8 groups are awaiting The Troubletones to announce what is happening for next week. The team that got kicked off, "The Chords", had just said their goodbyes and were heading back to their townhouse to pack up. Rachel was pacing back and forth in front of the group, her nerves getting the best of her.
"I really don't like this wrinkle one bit. Giving another team a clear advantage is distinctly unfair, and The Troubletones of all teams? How many more advantages do they need? They already had a mass following before the show opened and now they hold our fate in their hands. I must say the gall of the producers to change the nature of the show in this manner shocks me to my very core. And, I am sure Santana Lopez is just having a field day with this. Ever since that time I first introduced myself to her, I knew we were not meant to be friends. I am sure she is doing whatever she can to take me down. Intimidated by my talent, no doubt!"
Rachel was still unaware that you and Santana were dating, and now did not seem like an ideal time to bring it up. "Just relax, Rachel" Artie interrupts your thoughts and her pacing, "No offense, but I am sure that the Troubletones aren't distraught over the mystique that is Rachel Berry. Like any other group, they are going to put themselves at an advantage this week. We would do the same thing. Are you telling me if we won, you wouldn't make sure the Troubletones got a middle slot and we picked a genre they would struggle with? It's the nature of the competition."
You are so grateful for Artie's support. You are thinking about what the Troubletones must be discussing. After seeing their set up for analysis of the playbacks, you know this is not a power they are taking lightly.
Suddenly the door to the green room opens and in walks the producers along with the Troubletones. Santana is in the middle of the back, but you notice she is carrying a wedge of the theme wheel, and Quinn is carry a large sheet of paper. Santana must be acting as Team Captain for the night. The Troubletones rotate their captains between Quinn, Mercedes and Santana to make sure no one member of the groups voice is heard more. Santana doesn't lift her head up and she seems to be avoiding looking out into the room, but you know she is avoiding looking at you. You wonder why she would be doing this. You want to connect with her, want her to know how worried you were, but how relieved you are that she is still here. Her eyes are shifting back and forth and she is more fidgety than usual.
Maybe Rachel was right, maybe the Troubletones did intentionally give your team a bad spot. Maybe Santana was ashamed to look at you because she didn't want you to be hurt. You assumed Santana would walk in here with all the confidence in the world, and strut into the room like she owned the place. Right now she looked defeated and nervous, and not like the confident, amazing woman you know she is. You wanted her to look at you, so you could express that is was okay. That no matter what, you wouldn't be upset. You both knew this competition was going to play a role in your relationship, but you couldn't let it dictate your feelings. Santana was visibly over thinking what was happening.
During your inner monologue the producer was congratulating the rest of the teams for moving on and again congratulated the Troubletones for their victory. She even mentioned that they had never had so many votes for one team, even in a finale. You see your girlfriend turn tomato red at this announcement and turn to whisper into Quinn's ear. You hear Quinn giggle and can't help but feel left out. You wish you could be standing next to your girl celebrating this moment. As you get lost watching the Latina, you barely notice that producer clear her throat and motion towards Santana.
Santana steps out in front of the group "First of all, I speak for my entire group when I say congratulations. I think we can all agree this is the most talented season of group X-Factor yet, and we are all lucky to be a part of it." You smile slightly, knowing these are not Santana's words, but perhaps Quinn's influence on the girl. Santana says the congratulations in a very robotic voice, clearly anticipating the next part of her announcement. You take a moment to take in just how breathtaking Santana looks in her outfit. Making a mental note to find the stylist and thank her, the gold and black makes her caramel skin stand out, and the smoky makeup make her eyes look even more alluring. Your favorite part has to be the hair. You imagine running your hands through the dark brown tresses. You realize that your mouth is hanging open as you stare at the girl, slowly her eyes lift and catch yours briefly. Noticing your state, her façade breaks and she throws a wink in your direction. She continues her announcement, "After some deliberation, The Troubletones decided that show order will be as follows" she turns to where Quinn is hanging up a large sheet of paper numbered down the left side. Everyone's eyes leave Santana as they find their place in the order. Murmurs explode through the room.
6. Six wasn't so bad. It definitely wasn't a good number, but it wasn't smack in the middle. You would be opening the second half of the show. You noticed the Troubletones picked second to last and you found that interesting, you thought for sure they would want to open or close. The Warbler's were given 5th and you look over to Kurt and see his head bowed with Blaine. You understand the Troubletones choice here, besides themselves, The Warblers were certainly the team to beat. Maybe the TTs selecting you to go 6th showed their respect for you. Maybe they actually saw you as competition.
Pretty soon the murmurs turn into full-blown conversations that overtake the room. The chaos is broken, "Ay, Calmate" Santana calls out, "Ah dios mio. You all don't even know the theme yet, so before you have a total freak out, at least give me something for you to freak out over." As if on cue, the entire Troubletones group grins as if they are all in on an inside, which you guess they kind of are. "Week 2's theme is Country. Giddy up!"
Almost immediately, all the teams group together and begin plotting. They are flooding out of the green room and to the shuttles that will take them back to the compound. You linger in the green room, and watch as a few teams walk over to congratulate the team decked out in black and gold. Santana slinks away from the crowd and grabs a bottle of water from the food table. You glide up behind her and slink your arms around her narrow waist, and plant a kiss just under her ear.
At first, the smaller girl jumps in your arms, but then hums into the embrace. She slowly turns in your arms, "There's my girl" she whispers, "It is crazy that I've missed you since the morning? I feel like I have been on a emotional rollercoaster today!" She has her hands locked around your lower back and she is staring into your eyes like she is trying to solve a math problem, "So, about show order…"
"Hush, I get it. We have talked about this" you lean up to give her a soft kiss, "I was freaking out watching the results. I couldn't imagine losing you, right when I first got you."
Santana blushes, "You wouldn't lose me. I have would sleep in your bathtub and stay. Nothing is taking me away from you."
You give her another short, sweet kiss before disengaging and grabbing her hand, so you two could head back to the compound. The two of you walk in comfortable silence down the hallways, before you stop shortly and turn the Latina towards you, "Country?" you ask incredulously.
She laughs boisterously, "Ride me, cow girl." She winks at you and your mouth drops at her forwardness. Santana starts to walk away leaving you speechless in her wake.
AN: Just wanted to give a heads up to people following the fic - I won't be covering every theme week. There will be some time gaps. Just an FYI. Would love some song ideas for the themes that are left - 80s, Balladeers, Mash-Off and Top 40! The rest will be covered briefly in the next update. I will be weaving Santana and Brittany's background into the story more. I wanted to establish a strong show basis first.
