I have a few IMPORTANT announcements, so if everyone could read them before starting the chapter, that'd be great.
First off, sorry for the delay with this chapter, I had an unexpected event today. Apologies!
This is the Sectionals chapter! I've decided to only include one or two performances from each of the show choirs as I felt you'd all get bored just reading song lyrics the entire time. Also, I'm not changing any of the lyrics to match the performers.
Secondly, Oreh Keats asked in a review what actors portray certain characters. It isn't something I thought was important when starting this SYOC, but if you guys want me to ask the character's owners for actors, just let me know.
Finally, I won't be able to update this Sunday as I'm going away until the 20th of June. I may still be able to respond to reviews and PM's so if there's any questions, let me know! I'll make sure to make the next update in two weeks an extra long one:)
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the chapter!
Saturday 29th November:
Ryan William's POV:
Ryan sat in the Warbler's common room, alone, pouring over his homework. The door opened and Ryan looked up. He scowled when he noticed who it was.
"I didn't think I'd see you around here anytime soon." Ryan said.
Sebastian Smythe smirked, 'The Warblers are competing in Sectionals on Tuesday, how could I miss it?'
"Easy. Don't come." Ryan spat.
"Ouch." Sebastian said, putting his hand over his heart, 'That really hurt. What's with the snark?'
Ryan sighed and looked up from his homework, 'Oh, I don't know. Maybe I'm just a bit angry over the last time you came to visit.'
Sebastian laughed, 'Oh, come on. You loved the attention. I was trying to be romantic!'
Ryan scowled, 'Hitting on me and then trying to force yourself onto me with your boyfriend in the next room is not romantic.'
"Well, Blaine and I aren't together anymore," Sebastian announced, placing his hand on Ryan's shoulder seductively, 'Maybe we could have some... fun.'
Ryan shrugged Sebastian's hand off of his shoulder, 'I'm in a relationship, Sebastian. And you're a sleez.'
Sebastian frowned, 'Why won't you ever let anything happen between us? Everytime I try to kiss you or touch you... you just get like this. Come on, you're 18 in a few weeks! Live a little!'
"I don't like you. Even remotely. I'd even go as far as to say I hate you." Ryan replied, 'Nothing has ever happened between us, and nothing ever will.'
"Oh, come on Ryan!" Sebastian cried, standing up, 'I feel a real connection here, and I know you do too. We're the hottest guys in the history of the Warblers.'
"Sebastian. Go. Now." Ryan said through gritted teeth, 'I love my boyfriend, now leave.'
Sebastian sighed and left the common room.
Sebastian Smythe's POV:
Sebastian left the common room and turned to face Blake, who was standing outside.
"He wasn't having any of it." Sebastian informed him.
Blake sighed, 'I knew he wouldn't... Thanks anyway.'
Blake handed Sebastian some money and they parted ways.
Tuesday 2nd December:
Sectionals Day:
Avalon Brickstone's POV:
Avalon stared up at Aaron. He'd been oddly quiet today.
"Is everything okay?" Avalon asked, concerned.
Aaron looked at her, 'Hmm?'
"Are you okay?" Avalon repeated, 'You seem distant.'
"Oh," Aaron breathed, 'Yeah, yeah. I'm fine.'
Aaron pulled Avalon close into him. After a few moments, Avalon pulled away from Aaron and smiled.
"Good luck out there." Aaron said, planting a kiss on her forehead.
"I'm not the one who'll need it." Avalon joked.
Aaron stuck his tongue out at her and the two parted ways. Avalon made her way to where her fellow Troubletones were seated in the theatre. She sat down in-between Lindsay and Austen, who were chatting excitedly about their upcoming performance.
"Welcome to the 2013 Sectionals Show Choir Competition!" A voice boomed throughout the theatre.
Everyone hushed each-other and Austen squeezed Avalon's hand out of excitement.
"Please welcome our guest judges," The voice continued, 'Local actress and broadway star Rachel Berry, renowned vocalist Mercedes Jones and local superstar Sebastian Smythe! Make some noise!"
Everyone cheered loudly as Rachel, Mercedes and Sebastian walked to their seats. They waved at everyone before sitting down.
Avalon remembered Shelby telling her that the New Directions, the Troubletones and the Warblers would be the only groups competing.
"Now, welcome to the stage, the Dalton Academy Warblers!" The voice announced.
The girls in the crowd went crazy as around twelve boys took their place on-stage, sporting their Warbler's waistcoats. Avalon felt Austen shake with excitement as the spot-light landed on Ryan and the other Warblers started harmonising.
(Ryan Singing, Warblers Singing)
I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I'm older
Avalon glanced at Austen. He was smiling widely as he realised what song Ryan was singing.
Now this mountain I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
I through the clouds I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colder
In my life there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
Can't stop now, I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life
Ryan looked directly at Austen from the stage and Avalon couldn't help but feel happy for her friend. The rest of the Warblers joined in for the chorus and the crowd started cheering.
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I'm gonna take a little time
A little time to look around me
I've got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me
In my life there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
I can't stop now, I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life
Ryan walked down the steps to the stage and started walking through the aisles. He walked to the end of the room and back. He winked at Austen and Avalon as he walked past their row.
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
And I wanna feel, I want to feel what love is
And I know, I know you can show me
Let's talk about love
I wanna know what love is, the love that you feel inside
I want you to show me, and I'm feeling so much love
I wanna feel what love is, no, you just cannot hide
I know you can show me, yeah
I wanna know what love is, let's talk about love
I want you to show me, I wanna feel it too
I wanna feel what love is, I want to feel it too
And I know and I know, I know you can show me
Show me love is real, yeah
I wanna know what love is...
The Warblers finished their first song and everyone began cheering. Ryan was outstanding. Their final songs were just as good as their first and Avalon was afraid that the Troubletones couldn't beat them.
Shelby lead the Troubletones back-stage and gave them a final pep-talk before they were brought on-stage.
"You guys are amazing," Shelby beamed, 'Now go out their and sing your hearts out.'
Ryan William's POV:
Ryan opened the door to the bathroom and spotted Blake standing against the back wall. Ryan walked towards him.
"I got your text... what's wrong?" Ryan asked.
Blake looked up. His eyes were blood-shot and there were huge purple bags under them. Ryan could smell the alcohol off of his breath from the door.
"Blake..." Ryan said worriedly, stepping toward him.
"I... I'm b-broken, Ryan..." Blake managed to choke out.
Ryan turned his head confusedly, 'I'm sorry, what?'
"I'm broken... I... I need you... You made me s-so ha-happy..." Blake stuttered.
"Blake... I told you... we aren't right together. What are you doing here?" Ryan asked.
"I came... t-to propose..." Blake replied.
Ryan's eyes widened, 'What?!'
"... to propose th-that we g-get back together..." Blake finished.
"Oh... thank God..." Ryan breathed out.
Blake slid on to the floor and Ryan sat down next to him.
"I do love you, Ryan." Blake said.
Ryan looked at him, 'It's a bit late now, Blake.'
"I need you... please..." Blake pleaded as tears began to roll down his face.
Ryan sighed, 'You're making this hard on me now, Blake.'
Blake kept staring at Ryan.
"I love Austen, Blake. You'll always be my first love... but what happened... what you did was... horrible..." Ryan started, his voice getting shakier as he continued, 'You seem to think that this wasn't hard on me... You think that I had it easy... but I had to leave... I had to go to New York to avoid seeing you, because everytime I did... my heart broke a little more...'
Blake looked at Ryan, shocked, 'I... I'm so sorry...'
"I know you are, Blake. And so am I... I wasn't the perfect boyfriend either..." Ryan admitted.
The pair sat on the floor for around five minutes before Ryan stood up and offered Blake a hand. He took it and Ryan hauled him up.
"Come on. I'll call you a taxi to take you home." Ryan said.
"No... I wanna stay... with you..." Blake replied.
Ryan sighed, 'How about this, I call you a taxi and you go home and rest. You really should be in school now, by the way... Anyway, I'll call you tomorrow and we can meet up and talk everything through, okay?'
Blake nodded his head, 'Thank you, Ryan... You're a... g-great friend...'
Charlotte Hudson's POV:
Charlotte enjoyed the first two songs that the Troubletones performed. She was cheering along with the crowd. Then, the opening to Don't Stop Believing began playing and Charlotte's face fell. The entire club knew how important this song was to the past New Directions and to Mr. Schuester.
(Avalon Singing, Austen Singing, All Singing)
The Troubletones stood in a long line, facing the audience. Austen stepped out and began singing.
Just a small town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train
Goin' anywhere
Avalon also stepped out and started walking towards Austen.
Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train
Goin' anywhere
A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
The crowd were frantic. Charlotte looked around at her fellow New Directions. They were all wearing shocked expressions on their faces. Mr. Schuester was frowning and narrowing his eyes.
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching
In the night
Streetlights, people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin' somewhere in the night
The crowd started clapping along. Charlotte's stomach twisted into a knot and she bit her bottom lip.
Workin' hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win
Some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching
In the night
Streetlights, people
Livin' just to find emotion
Hidin' somewhere in the night
By this time, the crowd were on their feet and were singing along. Charlotte's palms got sweaty. She was furious.
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlights, people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on
Streetlights, people
Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlights, people
Don't stop!
The Troubletones threw their fists in the air as the song came to an end and the crowd went wild. Charlotte glanced at Rachel. She didn't look happy.
Austen Fischer's POV:
"There will be a five minute intermission, after which the New Directions will be performing!" The voice echoed throughout the theatre.
"You guys were amazing!" Shelby swooned.
Austen blushed. He frowned when he noticed Mr. Schuester charging towards them, his face red with rage.
"Shelby!" He bellowed.
Shelby turned around, 'Yes, Will?'
"How dare you perform that song!" Mr. Schuester shouted.
Austen looked around. People were starting to stare. He'd never seen Mr. Schuester this angry before. It was very immature and unprofessional of him, in Austen's opinion.
"It's a song, William. You don't own it." Shelby countered.
Lindsay stepped forward, 'With all due respect, sir, we can perform whatever the hell we want.'
Mr. Schuester narrowed his eyes at the group before turning on his heels and barging through the crowd.
Austen felt someone's arms wrap around his shoulders and he smiled.
"You were amazing." Ryan whispered into his ear.
"Oh, please," Austen said, turning around to face him, 'A girl sitting in front of me almost fainted when you were singing.'
Ryan shrugged, 'Sit with me?'
Austen nodded. Ryan, Austen, Avalon and Lindsay all sat together in the second row. They had a perfect view of the stage.
"Welcome to the stage, the New Directions!"
Everyone cheered and the New Directions took their place on the stage. Lyssa and Charlotte took centre-stage while the rest of the group moved to the back of the stage.
(Charlotte Singing, Lyssa Singing, Both Singing)
Her name is Noel
I have a dream about her
She rings my bell
I got gym class in half an hour
Oh, how she rocks
In Keds and tube socks
But she doesn't know who I am
And she doesn't give a damn about me
Austen was amazed at how crystal clear Charlotte's voice was. The whole crowd were equally as impressed.
'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag baby
Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag baby
Listen to Iron Maiden maybe with me
Her boyfriend's a dick
And he brings a gun to school
And he'd simply kick
My ass if he knew the truth
He lives on my block
And he drives an IROC
But he doesn't know who I am
And he doesn't give a damn about me
Austen didn't expect Lyssa to be so amazing. He was starting to get a worried feeling in the pit of his stomach.
'Cause I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Yeah, I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby
Listen to Iron Maiden maybe with me
Oh, yeah, dirtbag, no, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Oh, yeah, dirtbag, no, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Man, I feel like mold
It's prom night and I am lonely
Low and behold
She's walking over to me
This must be fake
My lip starts to shake
How does she know who I am?
And why does she give a damn about me
Austen leaned his head on Ryan's shoulder and closed his eyes, while listening to the music.
I've got two tickets to Iron Maiden, baby
Come with me Friday, don't say "maybe"
I'm just a teenage dirtbag, baby, like you
Oh, yeah, dirtbag, no, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Oh, yeah, dirtbag, no, she doesn't know what she's missin'
Charlotte and Lyssa fell back into stride with their fellow glee club members and the group started singing Funhouse. The song was upbeat and fun and Austen was dancing in his seat. The choreography was amazing. Once Funhouse was done, Valery stepped forward and the opening to Stay by Rihanna started playing.
(Valery Singing)
All along it was a fever
A cold sweat hot-headed believer
I threw my hands in the air, said, "Show me something,"
He said, "If you dare, come a little closer."
Valery's voice echoed beautifully throughout the theatre. The crowd went silent.
Round and around and around and around we go
Oh now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.
Not really sure how to feel about it.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay
The New Directions started to harmonise as Valery continued.
It's not much of a life you're living
It's not just something you take–it's given
Round and around and around and around we go
Oh now, tell me now, tell me now, tell me now you know.
Austen was surprised at the New Directions' performance as a whole. He hadn't expected Lyssa, Charlotte or Valery to be as amazing as they were.
Not really sure how to feel about it.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, the reason I hold on
Ooh, ooh, ooh, 'cause I need this hole gone
Funny you're the broken one but I'm the only one who needed saving
'Cause when you never see the light it's hard to know which one of us is caving.
Not really sure how to feel about it.
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you.
It takes me all the way.
I want you to stay, stay.
I want you to stay, oh.
Valery finished and the crowd broke into sudden applause. She earned a standing ovation. She smiled down at the audience and the New Directions were brought off-stage. It was all up to the judges now.
Mercedes Jones' POV:
Mercedes sat across from Sebastian as Rachel started pacing the room.
"I can't believe Shelby did that." Rachel said, chewing her nails, 'She knows how important that song is to me.'
"We don't own the song, Rachel. And we can't just put the Troubletones in last place because of that," Mercedes replied, 'They were good. They were amazing. Plus, the crowd knows how amazing they were and there'd be a riot if we didn't have a good enough reason to put them in third place.'
"What if we all just say who we think deserves what position," Sebastian suggested, 'And then we'll go from there.'
Rachel nodded and sat down next to Mercedes.
"I think the New Directions deserve first place. Then second place should go to the Warblers and third place, the Troubletones." Rachel said.
Mercedes expected as much. Rachel was always stubborn.
'I think the Troubletones deserve first place," Mercedes started, 'The New Directions in second place and the Warblers in third place.'
Sebastian shook his head, 'The Warblers were amazing. They should be first, with the New Directions second and the Troubletones third.'
"So we all completely disagree with eachother?" Rachel sighed.
"The Warbler's choreography was flawless. Anyway, the crowd went nuts for Ryan." Sebastian said.
Mercedes could only assume that Ryan was the guy who sang I Want To Know What Love Is.
A man entered the room and informed them that they had five more minutes before a decision had to be made.
"First and second place move onto Regionals." He reminded them before closing the door behind him.
Quinn Fabray's POV:
Quinn watched from her seat as the Warblers, the Troubletones and the New Directions made their way on-stage. Her heart was thumping fast in her chest as Rachel took to the stage to announce the winner.
"We'd just like to say congratulations to everyone before we start," Rachel smiled sweetly.
The crowd applauded the show choirs and Rachel continued.
"First, we'd like to announce the winner of the MVP award," Rachel exclaimed, 'The winner of the MVP award for the 2013 Sectionals Show Choir competition is... Ryan Williams!'
The crowd cheered loudly and a very handsome boy stepped forward and accepted his trophy gratefully. He smiled and waved at the audience before taking his place next to the Warblers.
"This was a tough vote but we've finally come to a decision," Rachel announced, 'In second place, and moving on to the Regional Show Choir competition is... the Troubletones!'
The crowd went wild as Avalon proudly collected the trophy. The Troubletones moved off-stage as Rachel continued.
"In first place, and also moving on to the Regional Show Choir competition is..."
Charlotte Hudson's POV:
Charlotte's heart was thumping. She watched nervously as the Troubletones walked off-stage.
"In first place, and also moving on to the Regional Show Choir competition is..."
The crowd went silent. Charlotte spotted Quinn in the audience. Quinn shot her an encouraging smile and Charlotte nodded back at her.
Rachel inhaled loudly before screaming, 'The New Directions!'
The crowd went nuts and Charlotte's mouth fell open. Mr. Schuester stepped forward and accepted the trophy. He handed it to Charlotte and she held it high above her head as the crowd cheered loudly.
Ryan William's POV:
Ryan shot his fellow Warblers an encouraging smile before exiting the building through the fire exit. Ryan spotted Aaron standing a few metres in front of him, leaning against a wall. Ryan noticed the cigarette Aaron held between his fingers.
"Hey," Ryan greeted him, 'Congratulations.'
"Thanks. Hard luck. Congrats on the MVP award." Aaron replied, turning to face him.
The pair had become good friends because of Avalon and Austen's close friendship. Ryan saw Aaron as one of his closest friends, although they'd only known eachother for a month or so.
"Are you okay?" Ryan asked.
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" Aaron groaned.
Ryan laughed, 'You look upset.'
Aaron sighed, 'Can I trust you?'
Ryan looked at him with a serious look on his face, 'Well, if you have to ask...'
"Can I trust you?" Aaron repeated.
"Yes, of course."
Aaron sighed, 'Remember last week when we were waiting for Austen and Avalon in the mall?'
"Yeah."
"And I got a call and I had to leave?"
"Yeah, Avalon was really worried." Ryan replied.
Aaron looked down at the floor, 'It was a call from my dad in Korea.'
"I thought you said that you and you're dad aren't close?"
Ryan and Aaron had become so close recently that they'd opened up to each-other about things that no-one else knew.
"We aren't. The call was about my mom. She... she was in a car accident..." Aaron trailed off.
"Oh my god... Aaron. Is she okay?" Ryan asked, concern in his voice.
"No... she's in hospital... She's in critical condition. I'm meant to go see her for Christmas. I'm leaving on the 23rd." Aaron explained.
Ryan remembered Aaron telling him that his mother and him were very close. All Ryan could do now was comfort him.
"I'm sure she'll be fine." Ryan assured him.
"Hopefully..." Aaron replied, 'But there's more.'
Ryan motioned for Aaron to continued.
"My dad wants me to move back to Korea... He wants me to take over the hospital." Aaron said, his eyes watering.
"But you still have two years of school left?"
"He wants me to finish school in Korea and go to college there. Then he wants me to take over the hospital." Aaron explained.
"Have you told Avalon this?" Ryan asked.
"No... I've tried... but I can't bring myself to do it..." Aaron's breathing became heavy, 'I know we've only been together for a few months... but I feel like she's the one... I love her, man.'
"And she loves you," Ryan replied, 'She'll understand.'
"I don't have to move to Korea until February... so I still have some time with her..." Aaron said.
"Well that's good!"
"Yeah I guess..." Aaron trailed off, 'I don't think I can go to Korea alone...'
Aaron looked up at Ryan.
"Are you gonna bring Avalon?" Ryan asked.
Aaron shook his head, 'No... my father would bring up my move to Korea before I'd have a chance to tell her...'
Ryan nodded his head understandingly. Aaron began to sob and Ryan patted his back.
"Can... can you come with me? To Korea? Just to see my mom with me..." Aaron asked.
Ryan was taken aback.
"I know we've only been close f-friends for a short time... but... you're the closest I've ever been... to a guy..." Aaron sobbed.
"Of course I will, Aaron."
Aaron looked up at Ryan and smiled thankfully.
I hope you enjoyed! The next chapter will be a fast-forward to the day before the Christmas dance!
See you all in two weeks!