Glee: the Next Generation Chapter 5: Changes, a glee fanfic

A/N: I wanted to post this yesterday, but I couldn't finish it in time as I had forgotten about a commitment that I had last night. I spent the whole day today trying to find songs for this chapter, so I hope you enjoy. Also, this is my first chapter solely written by me, so I apologize if it sucks. Thanks to my friend Hikaru for suggesting the Secondhand Serenade song. As usual, please excuse my horrible Spanish and French.

Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or any of the songs in the chapter: "Changes" by David Bowie, "Changes" by Olivia Newton-John, "Can't Change Me" by Chris Cornell, "World Turns" by Secondhand Serenade, and "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. Sensing a theme here? I know I am.

Kurt Hummel POV

I listened to the auditions as we waited in the wings of the stage. Most people who tried out were good, but a few really stood out. The one that interested me was a countertenor named Jacob Gonzalez who sang a Gaga song. My gaydar was going wild just looking and listening to him, and he reminded me of myself at that age, except I didn't have a Spanish accent, of course. I felt bad for him because I knew that he would be harassed like Blaine and I were when we were in high school, but I hoped he would find love too.

Suddenly, I heard Mr. Schuester announce who had made the cut, which was our cue to prepare to go on stage. I fixed my cloak and Blaine's too before Mr. Schue told the New Directions that he had a surprise for them, and with that, we all walked onto the stage, our faces blocked by the black fabric that was draped over our bodies.

There were 14 of us on the stage, mostly former New Directions, although we had to use Warblers as well. We had Artie, now able to walk thanks to a specialized surgery, Brittany, Mike, Tina, Finn, Rachel, Puck, Santana, Mercedes, Quinn, Blaine and I, along with Blaine's friends Wes and David. Lauren wasn't with us because she was training for Olympic-level wrestling, and Sam was sick with the flu. Everyone was dressed in their identical costumes, silver and black dresses for the girls and black suits and pants with a silver tie for the men. I had designed them, of course, as I was the most fashionable out of all our friends, and it was my career to create new clothes.

I looked out at the group of teenagers and realized how much we as a club had grown since we were in their positions. The Glee Club was struggling yet again due to neglect, and I was hoping that they would get back on their feet. Blaine and I had promised to give them the funds to go to Regionals or even Nationals, if they made it this year. As this was their first time together, I highly doubted they would make it that far, but with Mr. Schue as their coach and with their level of talent, who knew.

Suddenly, the music started, and we all took off our cloaks. The looks of surprise on the students' faces were priceless, especially Taylor, who was shocked to see her cousins on stage underneath the black cloths. I had the first solo, so I stepped forward and started singing while everyone danced behind me.

I still don't know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I'd got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet

Blaine winked at me as he took the next lines with Mercedes and I harmonizing behind him.

So I turned myself to face me
But I've never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I'm much too fast to take that test

Finn took the lead for the chorus, spinning Rachel around in a circle as we danced with our partners and sang in the background.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I can't trace time

Wes and David looked to each other before singing the next part with each other, putting their arms around each other and trying not to laugh.

I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same

Tina and Quinn, who had now become friends, fake pushed the boys out of the spotlight and belted out the next lines of the song.

And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're going through

Puck carried Artie to the front of the stage and set him down as they began to sing the chorus together.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don't tell t hem to grow up and out of it
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Where's your shame
You've left us up to our necks in it
Time may change me
But you can't trace time

Mercedes smiled and nodded to Mr. Schue before nailing her line.

Strange fascination, fascinating me
Changes are taking the pace I'm going through

Santana and Brittany sang the last chorus looking lovingly at each other:

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Oh, look out you rock 'n rollers
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-Changes
Pretty soon you're gonna get a little older
Time may change me
But I can't trace time

Blaine and I finished the song together, holding hands.

I said that time may change me
But I can't trace time

Will Schuester POV

The audience erupted into loud cheers as their song ended and all 14 former students took a bow. Their performances had really improved since the horrible rendition of "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat" when I had first started. Everybody really seemed to get along, even the Warblers, who had never really performed with us. I clapped for my former students while climbing onto the stage and nodding for all but four of them to leave.

"That was excellent!" I told the exiting performers, then turned my attention to the people sitting in the auditorium. "Now, that's a taste of what we could be like, if we work hard enough. They struggled to gain respect when there was none, and we're gonna have to do the same. However, we have some secret weapons that they didn't have...such as 4 amazing new coaches!" I motioned towards the four remaining New Directions members. "All right everyone, I'm sure you know at least one of them, but let me introduce these fabulous show choir legends! Actually, why don't you introduce yourselves? Say a little bit about yourselves and why you're a coach. Mike, why don't you start?"

He smiled and waved to the crowd. "Uh, hi, I'm Mike Chang. I currently co-own a dance studio in Cleveland with the lovely Brittany." He motioned towards the blonde next to him. "I am married to Tina, who was also in New Directions, and we currently have one daughter named Lily. I'm one of your coaches because I am a pretty good dancer, so I can help you guys with choreography. I won't create the routines, but I will show you the moves. And...that's about it! Um, Brit?"

The girl in question grinned at the new Glee Club members, and I'm sure all of the guys about lost all conscious thought. "Um, I'm Brittany S. Pierce, and I run a dance studio with this guy over here." She pointed to Mike, and he waved again. "I'm currently engaged, and my fiancee and I are moving to Lafayette, Ohio together because it's closer to Cleveland. I'm also pretty good at dance, and I can also do flips and stuff, so that's why I'm here."

"Hey y'all, I'm Mercedes," the diva next to Brittany told the audience. "I currently have a record deal with a studio in New York City, but I've finished recording everything for now, so I'm here. I'm single and loving it. I'm one of your voice coaches because I love to belt, and I'm here for all you soul and R&B folks. And now, you, my dear?" Mercedes asked the short man next to her.

"I think they all know me, 'Cedes," the countertenor said, but he sighed and continued. "Anyways, if you don't know who I am, my name is Kurt Hummel. I am a fashion designer with clothing lines coming out soon in Europe. I am married to my wonderful husband, Blaine, who was also performing today, and we live here in Lima. Oh, and I know she would totally kill me if I told you all this, but my cousin Taylor Hummel has joined this very Glee Club. Say hello, dear."

"Jusqu'à la vôtre!" I heard her yell up to Kurt, but he just laughed and continued.

"Wonderful choice of words, cousin. Anyways, I'm your coach because I have quite a large vocal range, so I can help pretty much everyone. Also, I'm a pretty good resource if you love Broadway."

I turned to the new coaches and thanked them for the introductions. I then looked to the New Directions.

"Okay, everyone, now to your first assignment," I said, eliciting groans from a few people. "Don't worry, it's not too hard. Now, in case you haven't guessed from our special guests' song, the theme for this week is 'Changes', so I want you to either find a song with the word 'change' in the title or find a song about changing. Our lovely coaches will be more than willing to help you find a song and work on perfecting it with you, but you must pick the song yourselves. I want to see what you all are made of. Any questions?" There were none, so I dismissed them, telling them that I expected them at practice in two days. I wasn't sure what they would pick for songs, but I knew it would be interesting.

The next week...

"All right, so does everyone have their songs?" I asked the group as we sat in the choir room, and when the majority of people nodded, I asked for any volunteers. Rachel Sparks immediately stood up and walked towards the front of the room, and I could instantly tell by her attitude that our club had yet another Rachel Berry on our hands.

"Well, Mr. Schue, I chose a song with the word 'changes' in the title. Although I usually have many songs from Broadway musicals in my repertoire, I decided to sing a song by a performer from a movie adaptation of the classic Grease. My song is "Changes" by Olivia Newton-John.

I closed my eyes and braced myself as the song started to play.

We said a million times we'd change
Can't bring myself to say those words again
A piper never changes tune
You can't grow apples on the moon

The hurtful things we say still penetrate
And whispered sorrys always come too late
Then the damage has been done
What are we going to tell our son?

I want to spare his broken heart
Break it gently that we'll live apart
Don't know the proper words to say
He won't be seeing daddy every day

Those weekly outings never work, you know
Buying gifts and candy, picture shows
They can't replace the man around
Your voice, your touch, your manly sound

I guess the trouble is I love you still
And if it comes to that, I always will
No, please don't cry, it's just too late
Now hurry on, she's waiting at the gate

I was surprised at how well Rachel sang, but apparently she wasn't. She bowed and thanked the barely clapping audience as she sat down. I stood up and faced the club again.

"Alright, anyone else?" I asked, and when nobody answered, I picked at random yet again. I didn't want to pick Peyton Harley again, as I had already singled her out, so I decided to pick Sloan Jacobs, the track star. He had shown promise with his audition, and I hoped it would continue.

"Oh, okay, Mr. Schue," he replied when I told him that he would be going next. "Um, I decided on 'Can't Change Me' by Chris Cornell for my song. I just thought it was a pretty cool song. So, yeah..."

"Great!" I told him. "Whenever you're ready."

He motioned for the band to play as he moved to the center of the room.

She can do anything at all
Have anything she pleases
The power to change what she thinks is wrong
So what could she want with me?

But wait just one minute here
I can see that she's trying to read me
Suddenly I know

She's going to change the world

But she can't change me

No she can't change me

She has the daylight at her command
She gives the night its dreams
She can uncover your darkest fear
And make you forget you feel it

But wait just one minute more
I can see that she's trying to free me
Suddenly I know

She's going to change the world

She's going to change the world
But she can't change me

Suddenly I can see everything that's wrong with me
But what can I do?
I'm the only thing I really have at all

But wait just one minute here
I can see that she's trying to need me
Suddenly I know

She's going to change the world

She's going to change the world
But she can't change me

No she can't change me

Sloan finished his performance with a smile, and the room erupted into cheers. I had decided not to pick any certain person for lead vocals after Rachel Berry and Finn Hudson caused many arguments over solos, but if I was to choose a lead male, Sloan would probably be it. I applauded him before asking once again for volunteers, and Bryson and Cable raised their hands. I assumed that they were going to do a duet, so I picked them both and sent them to the front of the room.

"What song will you both be singing?" I asked the two, who seemed to be fairly comfortable in front of their peers.

Bryson stepped forward. "Well, Cable wanted to show off his guitar skills, and I happen to be a Secondhand Serenade fan, so we chose 'World Turns'. It's basically about needing to change and getting ready for it."

Cable smirked and said, "Just be glad that it doesn't have a ukelele part in it. Bryce really wanted to use Sparkles, his pink one, in the song, but I shot him down."

"Just you wait till we sing a Hawaiian song," Bryson warned as he stepped back. "Now, Cable, just shut up and start playing."

Cable rolled his eyes but started strumming and singing.

Turn slowly,
Each day's so fast,
And I don't have the strength.
All I see,
Is broken glass,
With shiny shards of pain.

And change is coming my way,
But I still feel the same,
I still feel the same

And change is coming my way

But I still feel the same,

I still feel the same

Hold structure,
Don't let life pass,
Let yourself be free.
Cause your much more,
Forget the past,
I'm your enemy.

And change is coming my way,
But I still feel the same,
I still feel the same

And change is coming my way

But I still feel the same

I still feel the same

It's quiet,
It's calm now,
I'm waiting,
To fall down.

You showed me,
That I need hope,
That I need change
I still feel the same...

I was blown away by how wonderful they sounded. No offense to the former New Directions, but these new members were possibly more talented than the others. I knew at that instant that we would be a shoo-in for Nationals if they got the proper training and didn't kill each other in the process. After the applause had died down, I asked for anybody else who wanted to perform, and Taylor Hummel and Jacob Gonzalez stood up next to each other. I was surprised by the pairing, but I let them have the stage. I couldn't wait to see what they would sing together.

Taylor Hummel POV

Jacob Gonzalez and I had become fast friends since his audition. I could tell right away from his accent that he was Spanish, so I started talking to him in his native language. It turned out that he was friends with the people who I had stayed with in Spain, so he promised to say hola to them for me. Eventually, the conversation turned to the week's assignment, and we had agreed to do a duet together. I was excited because this would be my opportunity to impress Ash. Since Jacob was obviously gay, Ash wouldn't be jealous of us singing together. Then again, I was gay too, but I wasn't sure at that point where I stood.

Anyways, we had practiced our vocals with Kurt, who also knew Jacob was gay, and I thought we were very ready for our performance, so I volunteered us to go after Cable and Bryson. Even though they were good, we knew we would rock this song. We both practically skipped to the front of the room and stood in anticipation as Mr. Schuester asked for our song choice.

"Well, we wanted a very powerful and emotional song, so we chose 'Man in the Mirror' by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson," Jacob said, pausing to let the club members cheer a little with the song choice.

"Okay, sounds great!" Mr. Schue told us. "Let's see what you've got!"

I closed my eyes and felt the music as it started to play.

Gotta make a change
For once in my life
It's gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right

As I turned up the collar on
A favorite winter coat
This wind is blowin' my mind
I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind
Pretending not to see their needs

A summer's disregard
A broken bottle top
And a one man's soul
They follow each other
On the wind ya' know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change, yey
Na na na, na na na, na na na na oh ho

I've been a victim of
A selfish kinda love
It's time that I realize
There are some with no home
Not a nickel to loan
Could it be really pretending that they're not alone

A willow deeply scarred
Somebody's broken heart
And a washed out dream
(Washed out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind ya' see
'Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that change

(Na na na, na na na, na na na na)
Ooh
Oh yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
(Na na na, na na na, na na na na)

Make that change

I beamed as the club exploded with applause. Although I wanted to look at Ash, I looked to Peyton to see her reaction. She was standing and clapping, and I could detect no romantic intent in her eyes, so I turned to face Ash, who winked at me and mouthed, Good job! I hugged Jacob and whispered, "Eso fue maravilloso, mi amigo," to which he replied, "Ah, pero usted era la estrella del espectáculo, querida." I beamed at him as we took our seats and Mr. Schue spoke to the group.

"Wow, guys, that was absolutely spectacular! If this was a competition, you both would definitely win. Unfortunately, this being the first week, there is no winner, but next week we will have a competition. The winner, or winners, of the challenge will get a special prize to be announced that week. I'm sure you're eager to see what next week's topic is, so without further ado..." He turned to the whiteboard and wrote down the theme. We all strained to see what he wrote, and when he stepped back from the board, I couldn't believe what it was.

A/N: Woohoo, another cliffhanger! Can anybody guess what the theme is for next week? If you do, I will send you a shoutout and virtual hugs, although I highly doubt anyone will. Also, what are your favourite couples out of the new characters? I know that you've just met them, but I really would like to hear your opinions.

Oh, and here are the translations for the French and Spanish:

Jusqu'à la vôtre!- Up yours!

Eso fue maravilloso, mi amigo.- That was wonderful, my friend.

Ah, pero usted era la estrella del espectáculo, querida.- Ah, but you were the star of the show, my dear.

Thank you so much for all of the Story Alerts and Reviews, but please, keep 'em coming! I love to hear from you all, and if I like your ideas enough, I might put them in the story! Klisses and Klainebows for everyone!