Disclaimer: Another long chapter you guys! My longest one yet, I think. I hope you will bear with me on this one! Enjoy!
Chapter 12
Scheming, Plotting, with Bonding on the side
A lot of the New Directions were already inside the auditorium waiting for Mr. Schuester. Like him, others were also running late.
"So, how are you and Samuel doing?"
Marissa's lips curved upward. She was looking at Emily, who was also beaming.
"You know what? I think I do like him."
"Yeah, right. Like that wasn't obvious." She gives her a little push. "When did you realize that you did like him?
Emily twirled a tuft of her hair in her fingers. Her eyes narrowed in deep thought. "Well, I always have so much fun talking with him. We ask each other a lot of stuff, and we never keep anything secret. And…I never get bored when I'm with him, like really never. Maybe I liked him ever since."
She looked at her best friend, who was nodding, but she notices that her eyes were fixed on the pile of people in the middle. Cameron was there, with his new do, chatting and laughing with Hannah and Damian. She smirked.
"Why? Have you realized that you like someone?"
The redhead turned to her immediately. "N-no! I just…I was just wondering…"
She remembered during lunch, where she and the others were in one table. Cameron was in front of her, and she was glancing at him the entire time, him talking to the others as they all ate. She was still curious as to why he decided to change his look. He looked good, but he was fine the way he was, the glasses actually made him more different and unique. If it's because of the slushie-ing, it probably wouldn't matter since all the jocks remember their previous targets. If Damian did not pull her out from the cafeteria, she might've spent the whole lunch speculating about it.
She admits…the both of them had been through a lot since that first day of school. Why did she help him get out of the dumpster? She had always witnessed students being slushied, yet of all people, he was the one she first helped. Months ago, she wouldn't have taken a slushie for anyone, including Emily. Why did she take one for him? Why was she always helping him? She had always reasoned that it was always her urge to be kind and helpful, but now, she's not so sure anymore. And why the hell is my heart beating so fast every time I think about him!
"Yo. M." Emily waved her hands in front of her. "What are you thinking about?"
She shakes her head as she looked down. "Just…stuff. Stuff that's been going on lately…Stuff about Cameron—"
She stops talking, realizing what came out of her mouth. She can't believe she said that out loud. But it was true. She was thinking about him. But, blurting it out all of a sudden? Her heart is pounding again, this time a little bit too fast, and accompanied by a feeling of electricity in her whole body. Is this how it really feels like…when you like someone? Had she been denying it all along? Emily looks at her, her eyes widened, her mouth open, which slowly turns into a smile.
"No wonder you're blushing!"
She immediately covered her cheeks, looking at Emily. "This is just too much!"
Emily grabs her shoulders and shakes them. "You are just so adorable right now! I would love to see what's going on your mind right now! This calls for a celebration!"
She stands up, shouting that last sentence. The others turn to her, puzzled as Marissa pulls her back to her seat.
"What? I can't believe it took you this long to admit your feelings towards dumpster dude."
"Because! I wasn't sure if they were feelings of…attraction…towards…him… I thought I was just feeling awkward because every time we meet it's because of something weird, and I'm pretty sure that the gods of fate have been toying with the both of us this whole time!"
She takes a deep breath, rushing her whole statement. Emily just stared at her.
"Okay, I totally did not pay attention with that last part, but I'm glad that you finally acknowledged your feelings! Want me to get the two of you together?"
"No! I promised myself to be good friends with him. Friends!" She stands up, her arms folded.
The others were looking at the two, animatedly talking to each other. They could hear their voices, but couldn't make up the words.
"Wonder what they're talking about…" says Hannah. "It seems like a heated discussion."
Damian nodded. "I've never seen Marissa so worked up."
"It's probably Cheerios stuff." Cameron smiled as he looked at the entrance. "Boy, Mr. Schue is so late."
The brunette frowned. "Why are you so scared to take a leap of faith into this? He likes you and you like him. Obviously, you know what comes next!"
Marissa sighed and sat on her seat again. "But it doesn't always have to come next! I want us to be friends Emily. Being in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship always complicates things."
"What about me and Sam? I can't see anything complicated between us."
"Well yeah! You guys bonded because you were flirting with each other. We bonded over a dumpster and tons of slushies!"
Emily let out a loud laugh. "Oh my god! It would be so funny answering people if they ask how the two of you met!"
She calmed herself down and finally let out a smile. "Yeah…that'd be pretty funny." She was taking deep breaths, trying to relax. "So, I like him…okay then." She puffs out some air.
"Wow, from denial to acceptance. That's fast."
She nods. "I'm not going to make this a big deal. Just because I like him, it doesn't mean we're going to end up as a couple."
She continued looking at Cameron, happily talking with the others. She had finally sorted out her feelings for him. Now, what she makes out of these feelings, she doesn't know yet. But, she hopes that it wouldn't turn out in a bad way.
Samuel was walking towards the auditorium, happily whistling to a tune. He has been enjoying his high school experience so far, with a lot of friends, and a girlfriend for that matter. Their relationship with Emily, he has to admit, was a little fast. They just played around and started flirting, until one day he asked her if they could try things out as a couple. Unexpectedly, Emily says yes, and now, they've been an item for about 2 to 3 weeks. He wouldn't say that they really have feelings for each other, but at least they enjoy each others' company, and that sometimes is enough in a relationship.
His phone rings, and he answers it. "Hello?"
"Hey Sam, how's high school so far?"
"Oh, hey Nancy. It's great."
"U-huh. Doing anything interesting? Oh! Did you join their glee club? You were looking at that list the first time we went there right?"
"Whoa! Slow down with the questions okay?"
Meanwhile, Matheus and Ellis were also walking towards the auditorium. Ellis pauses and places her hand on his chest. They peek from the corridor and hear Samuel talking.
"Yeah, don't worry."
Matheus goes near Ellis. "Who's he talking to?" He looks again at Samuel.
"What? On Sunday? Sure, I'll swing by."
"Sam's being odd…" He looks again at Ellis, who was just listening in.
"Okay then. See on you on Sunday Nancy!" He sighed loudly. "Yeah yeah, love you too."
He flips his phone and enters the auditorium. The two freshmen straightened themselves up.
"Hmm, looks like we have dirt on Samuel." Ellis grins. "But we shouldn't conclude yet."
Matheus frowns. "Wait, are you thinking that he's toying with Emily?"
She shrugged and walked down the hallway. "If that's what you're thinking, we need proof…"
Matheus looked up and thought for a while. Samuel wouldn't do that. Sure he may have that bad boy look, but he can see that he is a nice guy. And he wouldn't be capable of doing that to a girl. He exhaled as he caught up with Ellis and entered the auditorium.
Lindsay slams her locker shut, without even a care if someone's ears got destroyed due to the bang it made. She started walking towards the auditorium for the Glee Club meeting. But, she feels she's not in the mood. Going there only means that she gets to see Rachel. She was supposed to be her mentor, but all she ever does is criticize her or try to bring her down. But, Lindsay will never let that girl get to her. She just needs to do one thing.
She sees Mr. Schuester walking to the auditorium. Her eyes brightened up and she chases him down.
"Hey Mr. Schue!"
He looked behind to see her catching up with him. "Oh hey Lindsay…" They walked side by side.
"Mr. Schue, I was wondering…would you be up for another Diva-off?"
He frowns at her. "What? Why? With who?"
"Well…" She shrugged. "I want to prove a point, I think…and I can't tell who yet."
Mr. Schue thinks for a while. "I guess we could do that before I announce this week's theme." He wanted to foster camaraderie among the club, so he would've disagreed with her proposal. But, Lindsay has a great voice, and she might be asking for a diva-off with another great voice, so it could turn out well.
"Yes! You'll never regret this, Sir!"
They both enter the auditorium. Everyone was looking at them as they go down the stairway. Lindsay rushes to the stage and sets up two microphones. Mr. Schue goes to his table and talks at the desk mic.
"All right guys! Sorry for being late!"
Murmurs were heard at where they were seated as the Glee Club teacher sighed. "Okay, before I give the theme for this week's assignment, Lindsay would like to say something first."
Lindsay nods as everyone looks at her. She goes near one mic stand. "Are you guys ready for a diva-off?"
The murmurs became louder from the students. Emily and Marissa looked at each other.
"Do you know anything about this?" The former asked, as the latter shrugs.
"I am requesting Ms. Rachel Berry to the stage please."
All of them was shocked, others gasping. Mr. Schue was frowning. If he remembers correctly, Rachel is Lindsay's mentor. Why would she want a diva-off?
Rachel, on the other hand, was also frowning. She tightened her lips and went to the stage, just beside her apprentice. "What are you planning this time?"
She rolls her eyes and faces her. "Oh please Rachel. As if you're not ready for this. I know you've been dying to put me down since day one."
"W-what gave you that idea? If I know, you're the one who's putting me down."
"Oh, I wasn't putting you down. I'm just simply doing what I do best. Beating the crap out of you and your voice."
Rachel gasps, and proceeds to her mic, her stomping audible to everyone. Lindsay signals Brad to start playing the piano.
"WHAT?" Rachel speaks to the mic. "You seriously believe you're going to beat me? And with this song?"
Lindsay does not look or answer at her, and faces the audience instead. Rachel's eyebrows met as she too faced the audience. Lindsay starts the song. "What is this feeling, so sudden and new?"
"I felt the moment; I laid eyes on you." Rachel looks at Lindsay. Then, they both sing the song together.
My pulse is rushing;
My head is reeling;
My face is flushing;
What is this feeling?
Fervid as a flame,
Does it have a name?
Yes! Loathing
Unadulterated loathing
Lindsay looks at Rachel. "For your face!"
"Your voice!" Rachel snaps back.
"Your clothing!" Lindsay removes her mic from its stand, and Rachel does the same. They continue singing the song. The others watching can feel anger in every note.
Let's just say - I loathe it all
Ev'ry little trait, however small
Makes my very flesh begin to crawl
With simple utter loathing
There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong!
Though I do admit it came on fast
Still I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing
Loathing you
My whole life…
Both of them were looking at each other, circling around the other. Santana rolls her eyes and frowns. "Is it just me or are they just fighting because they are so alike?"
"I know what you mean." Emily says, looking at her nails. "Just by looking at them singing, you could tell they're clones."
Santana looks behind as Emily looks at her. They both nod at each other, and looked back at the stage as the two continued singing.
What is this feeling
So sudden and new?
I felt the moment I laid eyes on you
My pulse is rushing
My head is reeling
Oh, what is this feeling?
Does it have a name?
Yes
Ahhh
Loathing
There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong!
Though I do admit it came on fast
Still I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing
For forever.
Loathing, truly deeply loathing you
My whole Life long!
Both of them were breathing deeply, glaring at each other. Rachel brings down her mic and speaks to her. "You're never going to steal that duet."
Lindsay pushes her, and Rachel takes two steps back. Rage becomes painted on her face and she pushes the other too. Soon, both girls begin pushing each other and pulling the other's hair.
"Hey! Stop it!"
Finn and Puck rushes to the stage to keep both away from each other. Mr. Schue sighs and presses his palm on his face. He thought the mentor-student dynamic was a good idea to make them much closer, especially with all the new recruits. He needs to teach them a lesson. All of them.
"I'm disappointed in you two." He pulled the mic closer. "I guess there is really nothing left to do."
He gets his things and starts to walk up the auditorium doors. Finn, still holding Rachel looks at him.
"Mr. Schue! Wait! It's just the two of them. We can get along just fine! I—"
"Finn." He shouted, not looking at his students. "We're a family, and whatever one or two people do, it affects everyone. I'm canceling all Glee Club meetings for the week. You all have to learn to treat each other as brothers and sisters."
He continued exiting the auditorium, until the students heard the door close. Finn was still looking at the door. All of them were looking at it, waiting for Mr. Schue to return.
The next day was weird for everyone in the club. It was odd not thinking about a homework assignment. For the first time, they felt like the whole week was going to be an empty memory. Mr. Schuester seems to feel the same way. Upon entering the school premises, whenever he sees a New Directions member, he doesn't even bother to look at them, and although he had to do it, it hurt him. They might be even wasting their time, as Sectionals is about a month away.
He knocks on a door, and sees Emma Pillsbury, seated, reading a brochure. She signals him to enter.
"Hey Will." She offered him a seat as she kept the brochure on the containers behind her. "How's Glee Club going?"
He sighed. "It's terrible." She looked at him, suddenly frowning, and waits for him to further delve on the problem.
"I've set up a mentor-student relationship with the new and old members, but some of them seem to not click. I was so disappointed that I canceled all meetings this week. I know I might've overreacted but I think I did the right thing."
"Then what are you doing here?"
He looked at her, still wearing a sullen face. "I don't know…I mean, I want to show them that sometimes you're forced to working with people you don't really like, and you must have to adjust, or maybe even get to know the other person."
Emma frowned, and thought for a while. "Well, you could set up a bonding session. Or even a group therapy session!" She does a little clap. "Let the mentors and the students get to know each other. But that might only happen if they had no one to talk to but each other."
"Yeah, I get your poi—." Mr. Schue gazed outside the window. He sees a police car passing by the school. Suddenly, his eyes brightened up. He smiles and stands up from his seat.
"Thanks Emma, you really helped a lot. I owe you so much!"
She looked at him, her eyes widened. "W-well, thank you Will. Although I don't know how I could've helped you."
"Oh trust me! You just gave the best advice. Talk to you later!"
She nods, as he exits her office. But still, she doesn't know what she said to help him.
Lunchtime came and the students were huddled in the cafeteria. The Glee kids were seated in 3 nearby tables. All of them were eating their lunches.
"So, this is how Mr. Schue gets when he's angry…" Alex said, chewing on his sandwich while flipping a magazine. Kurt nods. "Although I think he is just overreacting. Sooner or later, he's going to call us back for a meeting and we're all going to be one big happy family again!"
A student approaches one of the tables and gives them a piece of paper. Rachel grabs the paper and reads it out loud, so all the members can hear.
"Meet me on Saturday at the mall, just on the open space in front of the escalators. You must be there at 1:00 PM sharp. Be in your best behavior – Mr. Schue. What is this?"
Mercedes sighed. "Another free day is gone. This better help us in winning Sectionals."
All the others speculated on what they might do in the mall. Others thought they were going to do a surprise performance. Others then speculated that they must draw an inspiration within the mall and channel it in a song. But one thing's on their mind: they mustn't disappoint Mr. Schue again.
Saturday came way too slow for the members. They went through the past days doing homework and discussing what they were going to do when the day came. Now that it has actually come, they were all feeling nervous and anxious. They were all standing around the escalators waiting for Mr. Schue. Others were annoyed since Saturday was supposed to be a day for hanging out, going on dates and just simply having a day for themselves. But, since this is Glee Club business, they couldn't afford to miss it. All of them were there, except for Blaine and Mike. They thought that they must only be running late. The clock exactly hit 1 PM, and they see Mr. Schue going down the escalator. When he reached the ground floor, he looked at them one by one.
"Okay. I want the mentors and students to stay beside each other."
They all do so, even Rachel and Lindsay. It was obvious that there was still animosity between the two of them. All of them were lined up in a semi-circle fashion, looking at Mr. Schue, waiting for his next order. He places one hand on his pocket. Still, he wasn't talking.
"Hey! What the—"
The two pairs on the corners shouted, as two hooded guys came from the sides, putting something in the pairs' hands. Damian and Santana, who were on the left corner, looked at their wrists and their eyes widened.
They were in handcuffs.
"What the hell Mr. Schue!" Santana raised her arm, prompting to raise Damian's as well.
There was no time for escape, as the two hooded guys were fast in placing those handcuffs. They went beside Mr. Schue and revealed themselves. It was Blaine and Mike.
"Mike! How could you?" Tina looked at him, shaking her hand next to Hannah's.
"Mr. Schue! What is this?" exclaims Puck, who was uncomfortable since Matheus' arm was up all the time, due to his height.
Finally, Mr. Schue takes a deep breath. "This is what we're going to do. Until 4 PM, all of you must stay with each other and, let's say, get to know each other a bit more."
He looks at Rachel and Lindsay, about a foot apart, their arms hanging out from their bodies, connected by the shackles. "This won't teach us anything!"
"Oh really?" He gives a smile. "If you don't get along, I have the option of not letting you be separated after 4."
"But Mr. Schue!" Finn pleaded. "The only ones with problems are those two!" Rachel glared at Finn, who mouthed 'I'm sorry' before looking back at Mr. Schue. "The rest are getting along just fine."
"But what if you have misunderstandings in the future? I can't take the risk." He goes up the escalator. "Meet you at 4 PM! Oh and stay within the mall! Have fun!"
The pairs look up at Mr. Schue, as they all stand there, not knowing what to do. After 5 seconds, they all look at their wrists, trying to destroy the handcuffs, or see if their hands can fit through the holes. But whatever they're doing, it doesn't seem to work.
Kurt shot a look at Blaine. "Why are you in on this?"
Blaine gives an apologetic look. "Mr. Schue asked us to. And we can't really say no."
"Besides, we didn't have any protégés and I thought that this was going to be fun." Mike was holding the key. "Blaine and I have one key each, and they can unlock all handcuffs."
"But, we're afraid we can't unlock you until four. Again, we're sorry." Blaine smiles, but everyone was frowning at them.
"This cannot be happening!" Rachel walks away from the group, dragging Lindsay.
"Hey! Be careful will you!" She tries to fight back, but she doesn't want to risk getting hurt so she reluctantly follows her as they disappear from their sight.
"Oh man…" Samuel was looking at Artie, whose hand was hanging, due to their height difference. "Let's go somewhere where I can sit, so that your hand wouldn't be tired."
Artie looks at Samuel and smiles. "Thanks Samuel. Puck, want to come? I'm sure Matheus would love for you to sit."
Puck nods as he and Matheus follow both of them. Samuel nods at Emily as they proceeded to find some place comfortable. She smiles at him, and then she looks at her wrist, bonded with Quinn's. "So, what are we going to do?"
"Well, we should at least be civil about this. Want to roam around the mall?"
"Sure. You lead." They pass by Finn and Marissa, and Emily flips her hair with her free hand. "Catch you later, M."
She smiles as the two walk away. She looked at Finn. "So…where do we go from here?"
"I'm not sure." He smiles back at her. "Oh! I think we should go—oh no…not now…"
"What? What's wrong?" She looks at Finn, who was tightening his lips. He looks at her, his face slightly remorseful.
"I think I need to pee."
Marissa opens her mouth, no words coming out. Damian looks at them, and then turns to Santana. Her eyes widened.
"Now what? Don't tell me you wanna take a leak too?"
Damian nods, and Santana rolls her eyes. "What do you say Red? Shall we experience this together?"
"Yes…please…" They both drag their two boys, finding a sanitary mens' restroom, which might be a challenge.
"Britt, you coming?" Santana called on.
Brittany looked at Alex, who smiles at her. "Let's go then, sweetie. We don't have anything better to do anyway."
Meanwhile, Mercedes seems to have a plan up her sleeve. "Wait, I know what we can do! We could go in the salon and have our nails done!"
Ellis frowned. "I'm sorry, but I think I'm gonna pass."
"Well, you can just accompany me then! Let's go." Mercedes pulls her mentee down the path, as she waves goodbye to Sam and Bryce. Both guys look at each other.
"Hmm, do you know the best place in this mall?"
Bryce nodded. "Way ahead of you. Best way to kill 3 hours."
The two of them walk on, acknowledging the other pairs. Tina was still looking at Mike, and then faced Hannah. She gave a nod to Tina.
"Mike, I'm never speaking to you again." Both girls turned around and walked on, not bothering to look back at the Asian guy.
"T-Tina! Wait!" He chases the two girls. "Sorry Blaine, I have to attend to this."
Blaine nodded, as he looks at the last pair, Kurt and Cameron. "So, what are you going to do?"
The tall boy looked at his mentor. "Well, you said you'd help me with Marissa, right? I think now is the perfect time!" Kurt looked up and sighed.
"I suppose you're right. Let's find someplace where we can chat without any disturbances." He nods and looks at Blaine. "Oh come on, you know I'm not mad at you. Care to join us?"
"Of course, milady." Blaine approached the two guys as they walked around the mall.
Emily and Quinn were walking around the mall, their hands still linked together with these chains. However, their time together was a quiet one. Quinn looks at Emily, who was looking at the different shops in the mall. All right, you're the mentor. You have to start the conversation somehow.
"So, congratulations on being captain."
The brunette turns to her. "Thanks…I never expected it though. It all came down to who had the guts to slushie someone."
"What?" Quinn frowned and stopped walking, prompting the other to stop as well. "That's why you slushied those two guys?"
She shakes her head. "To be honest, I wasn't thinking about that at all. When I saw Marissa get slushied, I knew the line had been crossed. No one does that to my best friend. Spur of the moment, I guess."
Quinn snickered. "And that made you captain." She laughed again. "I had to work out like hell to get that spot. I've been doing everything I can, even starving myself to be the perfect candidate. You get handpicked by the coach just by looking at you, was a member for a few weeks, and now you're captain."
Both girls approach a bench, and they both sit down.
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I don't really know why too. Then again, I don't think anyone gets how Coach Sylvester thinks."
The blonde nods. "I know I may be stupid for asking this, but have you considered quitting?"
"Actually I haven't." She looks at Quinn. "I think that I owe her, because she gave us a spot…but right now, I'm actually feeling that I deserve that spot. We all do."
"But aren't you wondering why she chose the three of you? I mean, she never saw you since the gym auditions." She holds Emily's hand. "I know the Coach, and she has a reason for everything, even if it doesn't make sense. There's always something up her sleeve, and you can never be too careful."
"I think I'm willing to reserve my judgment. No offense though."
"None taken." She lets go of Emily's hand. 'Now, what's next on our topic to talk about?" They both smile at each other as they continued talking.
Puck, Matheus, Samuel and Artie were all sitting at an outside table at a fastfood chain. It was only 2:00 PM. Samuel sips on his drink, while Artie takes a French fry.
"So Samuel, how are things going on between you and Emily?"
Samuel smiles and nods. "It's going really great. She's a handful, but hey, I'm not complaining."
"Girls start out like that. Soon, they will drive you crazy…" Puck, looking as bored as ever, leaned on his arm. He knew he should've bailed today.
"Well well well. Fancy seeing you here, Puck."
Puck turns around to see McKynleigh, standing behind him. He straightens himself. "M-McKynleigh. Hey."
Samuel, Matheus, and Artie were looking at Puck, who looked a little flustered. They looked at each other, smirking.
"Wait, do you work here?"
McKynleigh shakes her head. "Nope. Just meeting some of my friends at 3." She looks at Puck's companions. A boy with dreadlocks, a cripple and a short guy…an unusual group to be in.
"Oh! Yeah. These are my friends from Glee Club. Artie, Samuel, and Matheus. Guys, this is McKynleigh."
"Hey hey!"
"How's it going?"
"Love your name."
She nods and gives a polite smile. "Thanks…um, why are you cuffed to each other?"
"Oh right!" Puck raised his hand, and Matheus's went up. "Glee Club assignment. We're supposed to be having a mentor-mentee bonding session."
"Right…interesting." She was frowning, not too keen on what they are going through.
"But this is just a one-time thing! Some of the girls were fighting and he thought that we should be a family. And now we're here, imprisoned to each other."
She smirked. "So, any more pep talks for me to join your club?"
Puck's eyes wandered. "Well…"
"Why don't come to our school next week?" Matheus grins. "We'll give you a tour and we can ask Mr. Schue if you could sit in during our meetings!"
She looked at Matheus, who was looking excited. Puck was nodding. "That's a really great idea. So, you game?"
"Hmm, I guess I could go." She takes out a piece of paper and scribbles something down. "Here's my number. Text me when and where." She smiled at them as she enters the eating place.
"Looks like Matheus scored you a girl," Artie says as he gives the freshman a high five.
"That was great, man!" Puck looked him. "She'll be great for the club!"
Samuel let out a chuckle. "Are you sure it's only for the Glee Club?"
Puck looked at him, frowning. "Of course. It's our last year. We have to win Nationals, and adding her might be a good thing."
The other looked at each other, knowing that that was not the case at all.
"Worst experience ever!"
Marissa brings out a sanitizer from her bag and puts some over her and Finn's hands. She then hands it to Santana, who pours herself and Damian a generous serving.
"You girls are overreacting!" Finn said, waiting for the redhead to finish scrubbing her palms as he does the same. "We did proper handwashing 5 times inside!"
"Well, my dad always says you can never be too careful," Santana says, vigorously rubbing away.
Damian sighed and looked at her. "Thanks a lot for doing this."
"Yeah, whatever."
Alex smiles and looks at the four of them, cleaning their hands like there's no tomorrow. "I bet that was fun. So, where do you guys want to hang out?"
"San, I wanna go to the arcade. Let's go play Dance Dance Revolution."
The Latina looks at her and smiles. "Sure BrittBritt. Let's go, Ireland." She pulls Damian as the four of them walk to the arcade, leaving the two behind.
"I apologize for that, Marissa," Finn looks down. "That must've been very uncomfortable." She could see that he was really sorry.
She shakes her head. "No no, it's all right. At least I have another story to tell during dinner."
"Just don't mention my name, okay?" He laughed a little and looked at her. "So, where do you want to hang out?"
She shrugs. "I guess we could follow the purpose of this assignment. Get to know each other?"
"Yeah, I like that." He points to an empty bench and looks at her, as she smiles and nods.
Blaine, Kurt and Cameron were seated inside an Italian restaurant. They all only ordered iced tea, but the manager was very hospitable, so that wasn't a problem.
"So, what are you guys planning?" Cameron asked, smiling. A lot of them were helping him in this, and he was glad that his mentor was thinking the same.
Kurt looked at Blaine. "Actually we haven't thought of anything yet."
"What? But—"
"Relax Cameron." Blaine nods. "Judging by how Marissa took a slushie for you, and how she reacted to your new look, I'd say she has a thing for you too."
His eyes widened. "R-Really? You think so?"
Kurt sighed. "But, we can't bank on that speculation. You still need to bring you're A-game, especially since she has a duet with Damian."
"What? What's Damian got to do with all of this?"
Blaine leaned closer to the tall boy. "He did choose her as a duet partner. Surely he must have even a slight interest. We're just looking at all sides here."
Kurt nods. "It's always best to look at the full spectrum. So, I think that next time we have a homework assignment, you ask her immediately, all right?"
Cameron smiled. "I'll make sure of that."
Sam and Bryce were at the arcade. They were both playing Marvel vs. Capcom, but they were having a little difficulty due to the handcuffs. Bryce let go of his controls and let Sam win the game.
"Hey, why'd you do that?"
"The same thing you did a while ago." They both chuckled. Bryce looks at the clock. Only an hour has passed, and they still have more time to kill.
"How was your first time at the school?"
Sam looks at him and sighed. "It was a good start, and then it went downhill, and then, now I'm pretty much content with where my life is."
"Downhill, you say? Why so?"
"Well…" He shrugs. "Try having 2 girlfriends in one school year. Quinn Fabray and Santana Lopez."
Bryce's eyes widened. "Really?" He imagined how Sam and Quinn would've looked like if they were a couple, and it can actually work. "What happened?"
"Quinn went back to Finn, and…never mind about Santana. It was never real to begin with."
Bryce gazed up on the ceiling and thought for a while. He remembered that time when he saw her crying. Basing it from that, Quinn does not look like the dumper or the cheater type. But then again, he really doesn't know her that well.
"Wanna join the party boys?"
The two boys looked behind and saw Damian, Santana, Brittany, and Alex.
"What are you doing here?" asked Sam.
"We're gonna play DDR. Want to watch?" asked Brittany who was smiling.
Bryce frowned. "How are you going to play with those handcuffs?"
"Oh we have our ways." Santana let out a sly smile, as the four hurried to the machine.
The blonde looks at Bryce. "So, do you want another go at this game?" The tanned one nods, as they put another coin in the slot.
Ellis was looking at the glass window, seeing all the people roaming outside the mall. She then looks at her mentor Mercedes, who was having her nails done.
"Are you sure you don't want to pamper yourself?"
Ellis shakes her head. "No, thank you. The only pampering I do for myself is sleeping."
Mercedes shrugs. "I know what you mean. Saturday is supposed to be a rest day." She looked at her mentee, who was staring again outside.
"You thinking about Matheus?"
Ellis scowled, her eyebrows scrunched. "And what gave you that idea?"
"Nothing…" She smiled. "It's just that you look cute together. You're both small, and freshman and—"
"So, you being dark-skinned and brunette, and Sam being Caucasian and blonde, your logic tells me that you don't look cute together."
Mercedes' face was painted with repulsion. "What the hell did you just say?"
The freshman sighed. "I'm sorry if that sounded rude, but I don't see why people would date or be a match made in heaven just because they look alike. The perfect example is you and Sam. There, I reverted it. Happy?"
"Not really," her mentor said, shaking her head. "But I get your point. Thanks anyway."
"Sure thing." She looks at her watch. "I bet Mr. Schue is having fun imagining the stuff we're going through right now…"
Rachel and Lindsay were seated on a bench by the mall fountain. They were on the opposite sides, their hands being the closest in contact. Lindsay glances at her, but looks away again. She knew that it was maybe her fault that the others got into this mess. She was the one who proposed the diva-off. She was the one who pushed her. So, maybe, she should be the one to apologize.
Rachel, on the other hand, was not budging. Lindsay had no right to push her on the stage, and there is no way that she is going to forgive her for that. But, she did push her because she kept stressing that she was going to steal Marissa's duet. She had every right to push her, especially if she was being accused of something not true at all. She contemplated for a while. She was the mentor, and if she wants to be the better person among the two of them, she should be the one to apologize.
"I'm sorry."
The both of them looked at each other, simultaneously uttering the same words.
"I should've never assumed that you were trying to steal the duet." Rachel said, looking as sincere as possible.
Lindsay moves a little closer. "I never should have pushed you on stage."
"No, you had every right."
"But, no one has a right to physically hurt someone."
"It's okay."
"No it's not."
"I think we should stop!" Rachel let out a smile, knowing that they could be arguing again to who is right among the two of them. "You know, Lindsay, I never really got the chance to get to know you."
"Well yeah. You immediately had disliked me when I chose to sing 'On My Own'. You never even supported me."
Rachel nods a little. "Maybe that's because…I see myself in you." Lindsay's eyes narrowed, her expression puzzled. The older one continued.
"The songs you have chosen, were what I would've chosen. I mean, we almost have the same tastes in music." She shrugged. "Maybe, it made me feel not unique anymore."
"I think there's room for one more Broadway enthusiast." Lindsay bluntly states. "Glee Club is all about accepting others."
Rachel nods. "You're right. Although, to be honest, I don't think I'm going to get along with you immediately."
"Obviously," says the younger one, who turned away from Rachel. "But, can we at least respect one another?"
"Sure. I think that would be best."
Lindsay looks at Rachel and gives her a polite smile. She looks at her watch. "So, we still have two hours. Want to scan for some sheet music?"
"Um…I guess so…it beats sitting here talking to you. Not that I don't want to talk to you, or anything." She shot a look at Lindsay, trying to be as friendly as possible.
"Okay Rachel, I know what you mean." They both stand and start walking to their destination.
Hannah and Tina were in a café sitting on a table. Tina brings out her laptop from her bag. "Thank god for Wifi. How about we watch some cool videos?"
"Oh! I'd love that!" Hannah exclaimed as both of them looked at the screen. A few moments later, Mike enters the café and kneels in front of Tina.
"Tina, I'm so so sorry. But, you know Mr. Schue. He'll forgive all of us and we'll be back to our normal Glee Club selves."
Tina looks at him, then looks at Hannah, who nods. "Uncuff us then."
"What? I can't!"
"Oh come on Mike!" the ginger said. "You know that the two of us, or even three of us get along quite well! We don't need to be handcuffed!"
Mike stands up and sighs. "Fine." He brings out the key from his pocket and unlocks their hands.
"Yes!" Tina stands and kisses Mike on the cheek. "Now this is why I love you. Wanna go get something to eat?"
Mike nods as he wraps his arm around Tina's shoulders. Tina turns to Hannah. "You want anything Hannah?"
"Nah, I'm good. Just going to watch some videos here." She smiled as the two of them walked to the counter.
She was searching on the internet browser, and after a few minutes, she accidentally clicks on the minimize button. She looks at the files on the desktop, and sees something odd.
"What's this? 'Damian&Marissa'? And it's a video!" She looks at the two Asians, who were still in line. There were 3 people in front of them. She looks back at the screen and clicks on the video. Her eyes were glued to the laptop.
When was this? She analyzes the clothes they were wearing. They're from that day we went at the Lima Bean! She continues watching the video. Suddenly, both hug each other. Oh wow! She looked back at Tina and Mike, now at the front line. She immediately closes the video and clicks on the internet browser.
She sits there thinking. Damian and Marissa? But, he explained that they went to the pharmacy to get some medicine. Were they lying? Why would they lie? What's so bad about keeping this? Unless…
She gasps. What if they are keeping a relationship? He did choose her as a duet partner. And she might've reciprocated the feelings based on the hug. If this is the case, why would they keep it a secret? Then again, maybe they didn't want anyone to know first. Maybe they wanted to reveal it at the right time. She smirked. It's too late for that one. How did these guys even take the video?
Tina and Mike walked back to their tables. Tina looks at the laptop. "Oh good! The video's loaded." She clicked on play as the three of them watched. Although, Hannah's eyes were in the monitor, her mind was thinking about Damian and Marissa.
Author's Rant (because it's long ^^):
It took me forever to finish this chapter! Too many additions and removals and I hope I put together a good chapter. So yeah, the unexpected thing was the handcuffs. I wanted more mentor-student interaction because quoting Marissa from the Pairability episode, "Glee is about sharing", so everyone has to be in the spotlight even for just a little while. But then again, I thought it'd be a comedic goldmine if they're all handcuffed and it provides for creating more plotlines.
Speaking of plotlines, I was most excited for three things here. First, Marissa's internal conflict with herself and how she realized that she likes Cameron! Although, I think these two should take it slow, because them getting together immediately would mean less chapters and no cute moments! Second, I was really excited about Hannah discovering the video. What she will make of it, I'm still not sure yet. You'll have to stay tuned. And third…McKynleigh's going to visit the school! That's going to be fun too.
The only song in the chapter is 'What is this Feeling' from the musical Wicked. I love the musical and I thought the song suited these two vocal powerhouses' situation.
SPOILERS! My Thoughts on the Generosity Episode: Who was shocked? I know I was! I thought for sure Samuel was a goner, but no….Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan decided to be trolls and not eliminate anyone! I did not see that coming. The episode was I think about 50% pointless, but I'm not complaining since I got to see Lindsay's rendition of Defying Gravity, which blew me away for sure! And have you seen the preview for Raise Your Glass? Everyone looks so so so awesome and glammed up, but personally I'm most excited to see the eliminated contenders.
As usual, reviews and suggestions are appreciated. A little shoutout to natural diaster: I know that the Girls vs. Boys weren't mash-ups, and yeah, I really couldn't think of any good ones. My song repertoire is little, I think. I hope I won't disappoint you next time! And to the newbie readers: iefgheii, chisukyaa, rmya55 and Myrle_16! Thanks for reading! You regular reviewers will get your shoutouts next chapter. :)
Chapter 13 (one of my favorite numbers) is titled Firsts, which again will be released before the final episode of The Glee Project airs! Now go ahead and be excited and speculate what this title will entail! Of course, a lot of things come to mind when we say Firsts, like a first _ or a first _...Okay I'll stop teasing ^^
Thanks so much for being patient in waiting for the update and for taking time to read this story! 130 reviews, I couldn't believe it at first, but it was you guys who made it happen! Once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!