Glee – New Directions: Underdogs Once Again

Damn Yankees

"Roderick, I noticed you left a present on my doorstep on Christmas Eve," Amber stated, standing next to Rodercik, who was fiddling with his locker combination. It was the day after Christmas vacation opened, and he was still finding it hard to settle back into his routine.

"I did. I got presents for all my bros," he pointed out, smirking.

"Since when am I one of your bros?" Amber asked, smiling suspiciously.

"Ever since you did that wussy duet with me," he answered, still having problems with his locker. Amber rolled her eyes.

"You're doing it wrong," she added.

"I forgot my damn combo over the break," Roderick retorted. Amber shrugged, pulling out a couple of safety pins. She banged on the door to open it. Then, she lifted the lever up and put the safety pins together to pull on the lever.

"What are you doing?" Roderick asked.

"Rigging your locker," Amber answered. She closed the door, then opened it without entering a combination.

"Tah-dah! You don't need combos ever again. See you later, Roderick," Amber waved and walked off. Roderick stared after her. Is she some kind of Angel Hacker? Because that was so cool!

Dennis sat in Glee club, watching Antonio and Romeo interact. The two were like magnets. He never really saw them apart. They weren't obvious about their romance, but they weren't the most subtle either. Dennis sighed. He felt envious of them. He could never do that with James. Maybe if James was gay and liked me…I don't think anyone would fall for me, though. Dennis bit his lip and looked away from them. The folded his arms and crossed his legs. He leaned back in his chair slightly and glared at just one spot in front of him, not daring to look up.

"Dennis, are you okay? You look upset?" Lei asked. She sat beside him. He glanced at her, then looked back down.

"I'm fine," he lied.

"You sure?"

"Yeah…I'm just tired. I've got a lot on my mind lately," he stammered, rubbing his eyes.

"We can talk about it later. I don't mind being a vent! Really I don't!" Lei offered. Dennis sighed.

"Fine…I'd be lying if I said I didn't need to fume a bit," he accepted.

"Great! We can go to my place after Glee! My mom doesn't get home until late, so we'll have the whole house to ourselves!" Lei confirmed. Dennis nodded.

Mr. Schuester had already walked in earlier, but called for everyone's attention. He picked up the dry erase marker and scribed on the board. After he moved out of the way, the word "DAMN YANKEES" popped out in bold black. Antonio, Alexandra, Romeo, and Dennis dropped their jaws.

"Who here knows about the Damn Yankees?" Mr. Schue asked. The aforementioned raised their hands.

"Mr. Schue, if you're teasing us with that dumb musical, I will have to do something to you that you will not like," Dennis threatened.

"No, it's not the musical. It's the band. Antonio, would you care to tell us about the Damn Yankees? There are quite a few confused faces," Mr. Schue asked. Antonio walked to the front of the room.

"Styx. Night Ranger. The Amboy Dukes. Lyrnyrd Skynyrd. What do all of these bands have in common?" Antonio interrogated.

"Nothing, really," Stella stated.

"Wrong. The four members of the Damn Yankees are made up of members from each of those legendary bands. Tommy Shaw, the prince of Styx. Jack Blades, the king of Night Ranger. Ted Nugent, the god of rock n roll in general, but also the best Amboy Duke member. Michael Cartellone, the latest drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd. These amazing men were the members of the Damn Yankees, a band that should have been the most legendary of them all, but was very underrated," Antonio explained.

"And what does this have to do with us?" Roderick asked.

"This week is Damn Yankees week! Any song you sing has to be originally sung by one of the Yankees. You're open to do stuff from Styx if Tommy did it. Jack Blades and Night Ranger are open, and so is Shaw Blades. Ted Nugent songs are fine. Unfortunately no Lynyrd Skynyrd since Michael is only the drummer. However, that gives you all a million possibilities. I want to hear as many songs as possible," Mr. Schue ordered.

"Oh! Oh! I have one! Since you said Teddy is up for grabs, I have the perfect song!" Tate exclaimed. Romeo looked at him.

"You're a Ted Nugent fan? I never would have guessed," he spoke.

"Hell yeah, I'm a Ted fan! You gotta kill it before you grill it! I love his songs! Stranglehold, Little Miss Dangerous, Wango Tango…and I love this one that I'm about to sing more!" Tate explained, walking to the front of the room. A heavy guitar riff started playing. Tate drew a picture of a feral cat on the whiteboard before beginning the song.

"Well, I don't know where they come from, but they sure do come! I hope they're coming for me! And I don't know how they do it, but they sure do it good! I hope they're doing it for free! Give me cat scratch fever! Cat scratch fever!" Tate sang, acting feisty. He grooved over to Kourtney and sat next to her.

"Well the first time that I got it I was just 10 years old. I got it from some kitty next door!" he sang, putting a pair of fake cat ears on her. He stood back up and went to the front of the room again.

"Well I went to see the doctor, and he gave me the cure. I think I got it some more! They give me cat scratch fever. Cat scratch fever. I got it bad scratch fever. Cat scratch fever," he sang. He loosened his posture a bit.

"It's nothing dangerous," he sang, and began to hug himself, slowly kneeling to the floor, "I feel no pain! I got to ch-ch-change!" He went to Stella and pretended to be attracted to her.

"You know you've got it when you've gone insane!" he sang, twirling his finger near his head and walking away from her.

"It makes a grown man cry! Cry! Oh, won't you make my bed?" Tate sung more. He dragged Kourtney out of her chair and twirled her. He got her to join in with a very energetic dance. At first she was hesitant, but then sunk into it, enjoying herself. Tate ran his hand through her hair.

"Well, I make the pussy purr with the stroke of my hand! They know they're gettin' it from me!" Tate sang to her, invoking her to blush. He stepped away from her and she continued dancing, putting her hands on her hips and shaking them, alternating stomps with her feet.

"And they know just where to go when they need their lovin' man. They know I'm doin' it for free! I give 'em cat scratch fever! Cat scratch fever! They got it bad scratch fever!
Cat scratch fever! Cat scratch fever! Cat scratch fever! Cat scratch fever! Cat scratch fever!" Tate finished. Kourtney swooned a little, hugging him right after he was done.

"That was so…so…amazing…and hot, Tate! Woo! Ahem…sorry…pregnancy hormones…" Kourtney giggled, blushing. Tate put his arms around her, and led them both to their seats.

"That really was good! You set the bar high!" Mr. Schue excitedly yelled.

Later that evening, Dennis followed Lei into her house. He felt nervous. The only girl he ever talked about personal things with was Shantel, but it got increasingly harder to talk to her for good advice. It would be fine, he reasoned with himself. All he had to do was tell Lei a couple things, and then he'd be on his way.

Lei had him sit on the couch in her living room. She left him for a couple of minutes to bring out a couple slices of cake. She set them on the coffee table and sat down beside him.

"So what's been going on? I could help but notice you're a lot more upset looking lately…"

"Well, I could tell you that I'm just stressed from school, but you wouldn't believe me, would you?" Dennis asked.

"No. I know you're not normally like this. You're tough and school wouldn't get you down."

"And how do you know that?" Dennis asked, putting the fork to his mouth.

"Glen and Shantel told me. They noticed you've been really stand-offish and mean. Apparently you used to be really nice and welcoming, which I totally believe! It's actually really sad, because you must be hurting a lot," Lei explained. Dennis slowly chewed his cake and swallowed. He looked down at his lap, setting the fork on the plate. Had he been that noticeable?

"They're worried?" he calmly asked.

"A lot. They at least seemed really concerned when they talked to me," Lei answered. Dennis had a feeling of guilt pool inside him. He didn't want to make his friends feel bad or alienated.

"I didn't know I was pushing them away…I mean, I didn't mean to, but…it just couldn't be helped…I'm acting like such a boob about this," Dennis muttered.

"About what?" Lei asked, "Go on. You can spill your guts to me. This is a room of closed doors. Whatever you say will not leave this room. I'm good at keeping secrets!" Lei prodded. Dennis clenched his eyes and teeth shut. He sighed a shaky breath and began to explain.

"Well, I kind of sort of have feelings for someone. Except they live a long ways away, and I know there's not a big chance of them liking me back. I didn't even begin talking to them until last October and it turns out they're really nice. I mean, this person is probably the most perfect person I've ever met…except…I don't think they'll ever like me back…"

"That's not true! You're really cool, and you're cute! There's no reason any girl wouldn't want to date you!" Lei complemented. Tears started to well up in Dennis's eyes.

"That's just it though! I'm in love with a boy!" he blurted by accident. His eyes widened and he quickly shut his mouth. Dammit, did I just out myself?! Dammit, Dennis, control your mouth!

"Dennis? You're…gay?" Lei tenderly asked. A couple tears rolled down his cheeks. He quickly covered his mouth.

"I'm not gay! I'm straight as a line!" he tried to convince her. Lei gave him a gingerly look.

"Dennis, I won't judge you if you're gay. I know you can't help it. I know it's a really hard thing to come to terms with, too…" Lei coddled. More tears leaked from Dennis's eyes. He accidently let out a gentle sob.

"…my secret's out then…it's true…I'm gay. I know it seems like something really minor to be upset about. I'm pathetic. Romeo and Antonio can freely show their relationship, and when they get bullied, it makes them stronger. When I see them get bullied, it drives me deeper in the closet. I really hate being gay, you know. I discovered in the worst way possible…when I was going into puberty; I began feeling huge attraction to Glen. That drove us apart, because I couldn't let him know. That drove Shantel away, too. I'm not attracted to him anymore, but I still feel attraction to other boys…like the one I was just talking about. I want to tell him so badly how I feel, but I don't think he's gay. He'd never love me! I'm a wreck, and I'm sure he can see that!" Dennis fumed. He covered his eyes with his hands and hunched over into a sobbing fit.

"That sounds awful. I can't even begin to think what it's like to love someone you don't feel would ever love you back! I'm sorry! I wish I could help!" Lei said, rubbing his back comfortingly.

"I should just go to one of those camps that straightens fags like me out! Then maybe I can learn to like myself again…and then I can go back to being the old me…I wouldn't have to bother anyone again with my unbearably emo behavior," Dennis croaked out. Lei hugged him.

"Don't do that! I know it may be hard, but you'll feel ten times better once you accept your orientation. Going to some straight camp isn't going to help you! You'll just be dead inside all the time! Please don't change! You're perfect the way you are!" Lei yelled. Dennis looked at her.

"You really think so?" he asked.

"Totally! I think you just need to be reminded of your awesomeness! How about you spend the night with me? We can do a lot of fun things to cheer you up! Maybe then you'll feel better about this whole love thing," Lei offered. Dennis nodded.

"Okay…"

"Who has a Damn Yankees song?" Mr. Schue asked. Stella ran to the front of the room.

"I'm singing a Night Ranger song. This one is well known, and it speaks to me!" Stella informed. She nodded to the band. The opening notes to "Sister Christian" began to play. Mr. Schuester gave her a confused look.

"Wait, wait, wait! …I said to sing Damn Yankees," he interrupted.

"You said we could do Night Ranger, too!" Stella argued.

"IF the song is sung by Jack Blades. 'Sister Christian' is sung by Kelly Keagy. But good try, anyway! You can sit now," he explained. Stella huffed and stomped back to her seat.

"Mr. Schue, I actually have a Night Ranger song sung by Jack Blades," Antonio spoke.

"The floor's yours."

"Alright, the song I'm about to sing means a lot to me. It's my favorite Night Ranger song, and it used to be my go-to audition song until I switched to 'Blue Collar Man.' One day when I am a successful lawyer and make enough money to start a band, this will truly be my song," Antonio lectured. "Secret of my Success" started playing in the background. Antonio grinned, tapping his foot to the beat of the song.

"Think of it, I hold the world in the palm of my hands. Run a comb through my hair; head on out for some new foreign land! And all this could seem like a dream out the door with everyday people face down on the floor!" Antonio sang. He grabbed his shutter-shades from his belt, holding them with his right hand.

"I always said 'I can make it, and be who I am.' There's a new look in sight. What a change for the new modern man! With all this it seems like I'm dying for more!" he sang, slowly sinking to the floor. He bounced back up.

"The streets are on fire! Never seen it before!" he finally put the shutter-shades on, doing a twirl, "it's like the sound of electric guitars! Worlds collide, and hearts will be broken! Over and over, it's the same every day! How can I say what has never concerned me? The secret of my success is I'm living – twenty-five hours a day!" Antonio sung, stretching out the last word. He took his shades off and tossed them to Romeo, who happily caught them.

"The harder they come, the harder they fall. I never say maybe, and I go for it all! Just like the sound of electric guitars! Worlds collide, and hearts will be broken! Over and over, it's the same every day! How can I say what has never concerned me? The secret of my success is I'm living – twenty-five hours a day!" the instrumental break started. Antonio power walked to the audience, making sure to play around with them. From ruffling Amber's hair, he made his way to the end where he dragged Romeo and Natalia to the back with him. They leaned against the window.

"With nothing to show, just sweat from my soul, my heart's on the line, and I'm dying to go!" Antonio sang.

"Dying to go!" Romeo and Natalia echoed.

"Look at us now. Gonna make it somehow! Hold on to me baby!" Antonio sang.

"Can't hold me down!" Romeo and Natalia joined with him. Natalia and Romeo skipped to the front of the class room. They grooved to the song. Romeo tossed Antonio's shutter-shades back to him. He put them back on and walked out to stand in the middle of them.

"Oooh yeah!" Antonio yelled.

"Worlds collide!" the three sang.

"And hearts will be broken!" Antonio sang solo.

"Over and over!" they sang together once more.

"It's the same every day!" Antonio bellowed.

"Same every day!" the other two echoed.

"How can I say what has never concerned me? The secret of my success and I'm living – twenty-five hours a day!" Antonio sang. Romeo and Natalia began singing the "na na-na na" part in the background.

"The secret of my success and I'm living – twenty-five hours a day!" Antonio repeated.

"Twenty-five hours a day!" the three finished.

After everyone in the club left for the day, Romeo stopped Antonio in the choir room. Antonio turned around and smiled at him. Romeo put his hands in Antonio's and the two looked into each other's eyes.

"That was a great performance you gave earlier," Romeo complimented. Antonio blushed.

"Thanks! I've had a lot of experience with that song…" Antonio replied. Romeo smiled gingerly at him.

"I know. You told me about all the times you did a duet of it with Tino. Back to the point, though, no one has actually performed a Damn Yankees song. Ted and Night Ranger are great, but it's Damn Yankees week. I've chosen a song to sing, but I didn't want anyone around to hear me sing it," Romeo explained. Antonio tilted his head.

"You aren't seriously nervous, are you, Mr. Ex-Vocal Adrenaline star?" he sarcastically asked. Romeo shook his head.

"Not at all. However, I chose this song…because I want to sing it to you," Romeo quietly said.

"Really? What song is it?"

"That's a surprise…I hope you don't mind, but I did it acoustically. It's just sweeter that way," Romeo answered. He led Antonio to a chair and had him sit. He then walked to the corner of the room and grabbed a guitar case. Romeo brought it over and sat in the chair next to Antonio. He opened the case and pulled an acoustic guitar out. He began gently strumming.

"Look out, I'm a man with a mission! Tell you what I want to do. We've gotta move, we don't need no permission! Just need me and you," Romeo softly sang. Antonio smiled happily as he realized what song it was.

"And you ought to know of there's a way, I will come crashing through your door! Mmm-hmm. I'll take you higher than you've ever been before, so come on won't you tell me how you want it? Tell me what you want me to do! Someday I'm gonna be a rich man! Baby, you got nothing to lose! Now I know you've got a heart like a lion! How much can you take?You and me gotta run like the river! This dam's about to break," Romeo continued. Antonio fought back tears as he listened. Romeo scooted slightly closer.

"Rolling like thunder, from above I'll take you there! Hey yeah! It's now or never - Gotta get up while we can! You gotta tell me how you want it. Tell me what you want me to do! Someday I'm gonna be a rich man! Baby you got nothing to lose!Whoa-oh-oh, Tell me how you want it (how you want it)! Tell me what you want me to do (whoo-ooh)! Someday I'm gonna win you over – You got nothing to lose!" Romeo sang. Antonio wiped a stray tear from his cheek as he continued to listen to the beautiful arrangement.

"Going nowhere ain't no pleasure. It's pain when you're living a lie! Don't make it over, don't talk it over! Just jump in my car, jump in my car and we'll run, run, run, like there's no tomorrow (whoa-oh-oh)! Run, run, run, run (ooh! oh! yeah!) Yeah! Rolling like thunder from above I'll take you there! I'll take you higher than you've ever been before! Now come on, yeah
You've got to tell me how you want it (won't you tell me)! Tell me what you want me to do! Someday I'm gonna be a rich man! Baby you got nothing to lose," Romeo sang more. He quickly shifted to be lying on the chairs. He rested his head on Antonio's lap and looked up at him, still playing the guitar in perfect time.

"Oh-oh-oh! Tell me how you want it (tell me how you want it)! Tell me what you want me to do! Someday I'm gonna win you over! You got nothing to lose! Tell me how you want it. Tell me how you want it! Tell me how you want it. Tell me how you want it!" Romeo finished. He sat back up, and set the guitar down in its case.

"Well, Romeo Jensen…you've blown me away yet again…" Antonio stammered, "but why the sudden love song?"

"Because I wanted to do this…" Romeo answered. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small, velvet box. Antonio's heart jumped. Romeo slowly opened it, revealing a glimmering silver ring. The top of it curved into two hearts, both with a diamond encrusted. There were three diamonds trailing down on either side. Antonio put his hand to his chest, feeling it hard to breathe.

"What is that?" Antonio shakily asked. Romeo smiled lovingly.

"It's a promise ring. I want you to wear it on your ring finger…" Romeo muttered, taking Antonio's right hand and sliding it on, "and if anyone asks, tell them the love of your life…your knight in shining armor…your boyfriend…he gave it to you."

"Romeo…I don't know what to say! How much did it cost?"

"Cost doesn't matter. You can't put a price tag on love," Romeo answered with a smile. He held up his right hand, revealing a similar ring. "Look, I've got one too!"

"…I…I'm at a loss of words…um…" Antonio trailed off. Romeo put a finger to his mouth.

"Shh…don't speak…" Romeo whispered. He leaned forward and put his lips against Antonio's. The two shared a single loving kiss.

Amber walked by Stella on the way to her locker. Stella glared at her and followed in pursuit.

"You sure think you're some kind of hot piece of ass, don't you?" Stella asked. Amber laughed.

"Not really. But I do think you're a huge bitch with an equally huge mouth!" Amber retorted. Stella gasped.

"That was uncalled for!"

"You started it, bitch-breath!"

"That's because you're stealing my man!"

"And who would that be?"

"Roderich! You're all over him like a wet cat in heat, Amber!"

"Oh, well excuse me! I wasn't aware that socializing turned into a way to express attraction. If you want, I can 'spray my juices' on someone else! And since when did Roderich belong to anyone? Last I checked, you turned him against relationships in general!" Amber yelled, visibly angered. Stella smirked.

"You know what? Fine. Maybe Roderich does hate relationships. Maybe my constant flirting with him leaves him hating the thought of being with anyone. That doesn't change the fact that you have less of a chance than I do. But let's make a deal…you give me a quickie…and I'll leave the both of you alone," Stella seductively whispered in Amber's ear. Amber blushed, glancing angrily at Stella.

"Are you crazy? I'd never have a quickie with you!"

"I guess you don't want me off your back, then!" Stella sneered. Amber slapped her. Stella punched her back. Amber winced and yanked Stella's hair. Stella squawked. She pushed Amber into some lockers. Amber bounced back quickly. She flipped Stella, who responded with a yelp.

"I'm from Lima Heights. I suggest you don't mess with me. Got it?"

"No!" Stella yelled back. She grabbed the ribbon around Amber's neck and yanked on it. Amber began choking. She instinctively kneed Stella in the stomach repetitively. Stella let go. Amber was about to clean her clock once and for all until she felt a hand grab her wrist from behind.

"That's enough, bro. You don't want to get expelled," Roderick said. Amber tried to pull her wrist free, but it was useless.

"But I want to end her!" Amber protested.

"Don't do it here, then. Do it in an alley or something. Just don't get into trouble. You're my bro. I can't stand to see my bros get in trouble," Roderick jokingly replied. Amber sighed and relaxed her muscles.

"Fine. I'm going, though," Amber stated. Roderick let her go. She walked down the hall. Stella was right behind her.

"So…is it agreed that we're meeting tonight?" Stella asked. Amber nodded.

"Yes…"

"Anger sex~ My favorite! See you then," Stella happily said, skipping off. Amber blushed.

Dennis and James were sitting on a park bench. The weather was particularly sunny that day, and there was only a slight chill in the air. It would be their only chance to hang at a park, so they made sure to take advantage of it.

"So how has life been for you, James?" Dennis curiously asked.

"It's been great! Dude, you should transfer to Dalton. You won't have to do school work. You can just sing all day! It's great!" James answered. Dennis chuckled.

"While that sounds fun, my family lives in Lima. While it's just under a two hour drive, it's quite the distance away from home," he explained.

"I guess that's true, dude. Besides, the Warblers don't have a lot going on since you beat us back at Sectionals," James joked. Dennis blushed.

"Well, it wasn't just me. I almost considered not going on stage at all. It was a mediocre performance on my part," he fumbled.

"It was much better than our rendition of 'Paint It Black,' though. Don't sell yourself short. You really are an amazing, dude," James reassured.

"Really?"

"Sure! You guys rightfully won, and it's only because of you doing that kick ass cover of 'Come Sail Away'"

"Thanks, then. It means a lot!" Dennis happily closed his eyes and smiled. Dennis's happy mood was soon ruined. A couple of jocks appeared behind them.

"Well, if it isn't Darling Dennis? Oh, and his best faggot!" one of them said.

"I didn't know our favorite queer to straighten out had a boy toy! This day couldn't be more perfect!" the other said. Dennis winced.

"Please go away, you two! James isn't my boyfriend! And I'm not gay!" Dennis defended. James looked over. He pursed his lips.

"Not gay? Not your boyfriend? That's not what your little diary said!"

"Diary?" Dennis stammered. One of the jocks held it up.

"We found this little beauty on your desk during math! You left it like the scatter brain you are, so we decided to take a little peek! Care to read an excerpt, Jake?"

"Oh, certainly, Evan!" he replied, opening. He cleared his throat.

"'October 20th. Today, I finally talked to him! I saw him at the Laundromat like I do normally. However, I accidentally used all my damn detergent in one load. It took some courage, but I asked him for some. What did he do? He invited me to talk with him! I was so happy! I hope one day we can be friends…and perhaps even more!'" Jake read. Dennis's expression got more and more frightened with every word. James glanced at Dennis.

"I remember that. You also made that comment about the air, dude. That was funny!" James laughed.

"How about a more recent entry, Evan?" Jake asked. He handed the notebook over. Evan opened it and tried to look as feminine as possible while reading.

" 'January 4th. Tonight I'm at Lei's house. I had a real heart to heart with her. I'm actually proud of myself. I came out to her. She's the only one that knows I'm gay, but she can keep a secret. She suggested I try to tell James how I feel. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that. He'll probably reject me. I just don't know what to do! For the sake of our friendship, I'll keep it to myself. I just hope that I can start acting happier. I'll keep my fingers crossed!'" Evan finished, ending with a limp wrist. Dennis's jaw dropped. He snatched the notebook away from them.

"You two are assholes!"

"Dude, you're gay?" James asked. Dennis felt himself unable to breathe. He ran like a bat out of hell. James stood up.

"Dude, wait! Was it something I said?"

"Aww, I guess Darling Dennis was lusting after you this whole time. Doesn't that anger you?" Jake asked. James looked at the both of them.

"Yes, I'm angered. No, I'm not angered by Dennis. What you two did was terrible. I feel bad enough that apparently I've been making him depressed, but you two should be ashamed. Not cool, dudes. Not cool. Now excuse me. I have to go find my friend that you two just emotionally damaged," James retorted. He ran off in the direction Dennis went.

Dennis was walking back to his house. The opening music of "The Silence is Broken" started playing. Dennis huffed. What a great time to play that song. Thanks, Universe…

"Never again…You say the words and let the sunshine in again. You can close your eyes, and know it's safe inside to sing you lullaby! Now I lay me down…" Dennis sang. He walked into his house and kicked his shoes off.

"You broke the chains, and you won't be silent anymore! Oh no! Now you're gonna shout about it! No! No more! Yeah yeah this is the end!" he continued, climbing the stairs to his bedroom.

"The silence is broken now! It's over now! The words have been spoken. And with every word you say! You blow away the tears of another time…" he sang, going into his room and slamming the door. He leaned against the door and slid to the floor.

"Face to face…Anyone can see you're not the child you were before!" Dennis sang, looking at an old picture of his younger self, which was smiling happily.

"Now I lay you down…You take your place. No one can take away your heart! Oh no! There can be no doubt about it! No! No more! Yeah yeah this is the end!" he stood up and went to his vanity stand. He lit one candle, illuminating the dark room.

"The silence is broken now! It's over now! The truth has been spoken," Dennis sang, lighting one on the other side. His face reflected in the mirror from the candlelight.

"And with every word you say, uou blow away…Yeah!" Dennis lit two more candles, brightly lighting the surrounding area. He reached into one of the drawers and fumbled around. He pulled out a pocket knife. He examined it in his hand, running his fingers against every part. He extended the blade out and took his shirt off. His upper left arm had a several scars and a few cuts on it. He pressed the knife against his arm.

"Never again…You say the words and let the sunshine in again…" he sang, gently piercing it. He smiled a bit in pleasure at the blood.

"You can change the world! No one can take away your heart! The silence is broken now! It's over now! The words have been spoken…And with every word you say! You blow away the tears of another time…" Dennis sang. He smiled more, letting out a sigh. He dabbed some blood away from the cuts that had an l, o and a \ scribed.

"The silence is broken now! It's over now! The truth has been spoken! And with every word you say, you blow away! The scene of another…crime!" Dennis finished. He put the knife back where he found it and dabbed more blood away. He had cut the word 'love' into his arm. He reached for a bandage and began bandaging it up. He was about to put his shirt back on when he heard something hit his window. He went over and opened it. He poked his head out.

"You have a minute?" James asked below. Dennis looked surprised.

"Um…yeah. Wanna come up? I'm the only one home, so no one's gonna stop you," Dennis offered. James smiled.

"Sweet! I'm coming up, then!" Dennis closed his window after he saw James enter his house. He sat on a chair and waited. He narrowed his eyes in confusion. Why would James pay him a visit after that scene? Then again, why would he not? Something good or bad was about to happen, and Dennis didn't really want to know what said thing was. He knew the impending doom was near, though. He sucked up his pride and accepted whatever outcome that followed.

"Can we talk?" James asked, inviting himself in. Dennis mustered a smile.

"I figured you'd want to. I'm all ears," he replied. James sat on his bed so they were face to face.

"Tell me the truth…I think I deserve to know…" James cautiously demanded.

"Fine. I'm gay, and I'm in love with you. I have been for a while, now," Dennis choked out.

"Have I been making you depressed?"

"Not really. It's more of my pathetic inability to be honest with myself and tell you how I feel. That's all. It just eats me up inside…and I feel like now that you know, a huge burden should be taken off my shoulder. I feel more broken than before, though," Dennis answered.

"What makes you feel so broken up?"

"I can tell you probably don't feel the same way about me…it hurts…" Dennis muttered. James smiled at him.

"According to my roommate's girlfriend, I'm gay. She made sure to tell me. However, I've never really looked into it. Who's to say her 'expert' gaydar is wrong, though? Gay or not, I know one thing…" James muttered. Dennis blinked back tears.

"What's that?"

"I know I have undeniable feelings for you. And I know that for weeks now I've been literally holding myself back from doing something to you…"

"Doing what?"

"This…" James smiled and kissed him on the lips. Dennis's eyes widened. He felt a tingling feeling run through his body. He closed his eyes and vigorously kissed back. The two parted. Dennis stared at him in awe.

"Am…am I dreaming?" Dennis asked. James shook his head.

"You're not. Did you like it?"

"Yes…it was magical…" Dennis said in awe. James laughed.

"Care to join me here? This bed is comfortable," he offered. Dennis nodded. Before he could stand, James stood. He inched closer to Dennis and picked him up bridle style. Dennis gasped.

"You're strong!"

"Sure am!" James replied. He laid Dennis down on the bed and lied beside him. The two touched their foreheads together.

"You're the only person I can be myself around…I love you…" Dennis finally admitted. James kissed his cheek.

"Took the words out of my mouth"

"You know what I noticed?"

"What?"

"You haven't called me 'dude' at all during this conversation," Dennis pointed out.

"I can't call my boyfriend that! I'll come up with a pet name for you soon enough, love," James informed. Dennis felt a satisfying warmth at being called his boyfriend and love.

"One more request, James…"

"What is it?"

"Can this be our own secret? Us? I don't want anyone else knowing for a while…"

"Sure…I'm not in any hurry to shout our relationship from the mountain tops. It can be like a game! Now I have a request…"

"Yes, James?"

"Can we stay entwined in each other's arms all night?" James hopefully asked. Dennis nodded.

"I wouldn't want it any other way…"

The next day, James had followed Dennis to school. After the bullying from the previous day, he didn't want Dennis getting harmed. Dennis protested, but there was no use convincing him to do otherwise. James would be Dennis's bodyguard for the day, and that was that.

"There's a message I'm receiving. And it's coming in clear! But it's not the one that I need to hear! So if seeing is believing, you better take another look because I'm half-way gone, and I'm hardly here! What if? What if you find you made a mistake? What if? what if it's worth the chance to take?" James sang. He saw someone coming toward them with a slushie. Dennis flinched.

"I would never want to see you standing in the line of fire!" James sang, taking the slushie for him, "You're the one who has to come to grips with your own desires!"

"Get a hold on yourself now! Of your heart and your soul! You've got to make a few decisions! You've got to get some self-control! What if? What if, what if you make a mistake? What if? What if? What if it's worth the chance that you're taking!" James sang. He stood in front of Dennis as a small mob of people baring slushies came toward them. They immediately threw the slushies. James brushed the ice out of his eyes.

"I would never want to see you standing in the line of fire! You're the one who has to come to grips with your own desires. And you're the only one who can decide! Yeah! I would never want to see you standing on the line of fire! You're the one who has to come to grips with your own desires! I would never want to see you standing in the line of fire. But you're the only one who knows what your own desires are," James finished. He dropped Dennis off at Glee club, promising to be back in time to pick him up. Dennis walked in and sat down.

"Who has a song today?" Mr. Schue asked. Roderick bounced forward.

"I chose an actual Damn Yankees song. I hope you like my choice!" Roderick announced. He looked at Amber specifically. The music started.

"Dressed to kill and lookin' dynomite, with her high-laced stockings and her sweater so tight. I asked her her name, she said her name was "Maybe." Well she walked up to me, and she asked me to chance. I said, "I am lookin' for some wild romance"! She gave me a wink-she said I should think about it, maybe. She said, "What you got babe, is what I need. Your kind of love got me on my knees." I'm so tied up. What you got got a hold on me. Your kind of love make a man outta me! I'm so tied up! You got me so fired up," Roderick sang.

"Little sister, hits the stage! She can't help it, she's comin' of age! Little junior, he's all in a rage! Did you notice she was comin' of age?" Roderick continued. Before he knew it, most of the room was up dancing to his song.

"If looks could kill, I'd be dead on the floor! You got me all tied up, honey, beggin' for more! Somebody call a doctor! I think I'm goin' crazy," Roderick energetically sang, acting out dying.

"Little sister, hits the stage! She can't help it, she's comin' of age! Little junior, he's all in a rage! Did you notice she was come, come, comin' of...Little sister, hits the stage! She can't help it, she's comin' of age. Little junior, he's all in a rage! Did you notice she was come, come, comin' of age? She's come, come, comin' of age! Yeah she come, she come, she come!" Roderick finished. He looked at Amber again, smiling at the happy look on her face.

Longest chapter yet D: so much. I wanted to make it spectacular since "the world's ending tomorrow". I wanted to go out with a bang *shot*