Sam gets yet another surprise as he and his dad drive towards Florida. Kevin has snuck in to eavesdrop on the other choirs, and he is disturbed. Dean tries to get a chance to talk to Castiel, but the guy brushes him off. Their performance goes well, and after it is all over, John Winchester takes his boys out for burgers. Jo and Castiel tag along, while the rest of the choir has a sing-along in the classroom.
Songs in this chapter
Thnks fr th mmrs - Fall Out Boy - M: Patrick Stump, L: Pete Wentz
Hooked on a feeling - B. J. Thomas - M/L: Mark James
A little more than two hours into the drive, John Winchester exited the highway pulled into a gas station. "Should have filled up before we left, but anyway. I need something to drink. "He handed Sam a credit card. "Get some water or whatever you want, and buy some snack foods. He got out of the car and opened the lid to the gas tank.
The two of them hadn't uttered many words so far; Sam brought a book, and had pretended to read while his dad had been humming along to the different tunes on the radio. After loading up on junk food and drinks, Sam payed for the purchases and the gas before he went to sit in the passenger seat.
"No, come on. You can drive for a while." His dad waved him over to the other side of the car and gave him the keys. "Tell me about Lima, and about your friend."
Sam took his time before he started talking. "Ianto is a junior, and they have a big house." He had never really been driving on the highway before, and it was a little nerve-wrecking until he settled on a nice cruising speed. "They are really nice people." It was lame. Sam didn't know much about them. Even if he'd been to the house a few times, he hadn't been properly introduced to any of them.
"Dean wants to stay also." He wasn't sure if he should have brought that up, but couldn't think of anything else to say at the moment. "I know." Their dad shrugged, but didn't comment any more on the information.
Sam got a little surprised. He didn't know that Dean and their dad had talked about it.
When his dad didn't say anything more, Sam shut up as well. As he drove into the night, and his passenger fell asleep, he was really relived.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
"We don't stand a chance!" Kevin was back from his undercover mission in the auditorium. He got picked because he was a master in going undetected. Acting as a stagehand, and keeping in the shadows, he'd managed to overhear three of the other choirs perform.
"I mean, I didn't see much, but the few glimpses I got was quite unsettling." They were sitting in a little park not to far from the venue having a late lunch. The plan had been to go back to the school they were staying at to have lunch there, but after the crappy breakfast, John had offered to buy food for them all.
They all managed to squeeze in around the picnic table as John and Jack came back from the Chinese place they had found nearby. Paper plates and chopsticks were handed out before about twenty cubed cartons were pulled out of the big paper bags.
"Okay Kevin. Tell us everything." John opened one of the boxes, but pushed it away. "Who wanted sweet and sour pork?" Kevin sighed as he dug some white rice onto his plate. "Well. The choreography… I mean, they looked like professional dancers. The guys from, from, erm, San Diego were just… I don't know, but they could win this."
Gwen rolled her eyes. "That is not helpful. So okay, we know that we have fierce competition, and I don't think any of us are expecting to walk away with that trophy, but wasn't there anything, anything at all we could learn from this?"
Kevin shook his head. "No, I think not. If anything, my mission made it all worse. Or, come to think of it, maybe not." A few of the others looked up from their food and stared at him. He threw his hands out. "From what I could figure out, we have nothing to lose. We do not have to enter that stage nervously anticipating a placement. We can go in there and pretend that this is just another rehearsal at McKinley."
Gwen, Jack and Jane nodded in agreement. "That's right. Those choirs who are hoping to win, could make mistakes and screw up, but we, we don't have to worry about that." Jack panned the crowd around the table. "We sing well. I would say we have a few awesome performers with us. The songs are good and catchy, so let's put on a show for them without thinking about the aftermath."
A few hands were lifted and some of the guys high-fived each other. "We don't need to win, we just need to make memories." John was speaking with his mouth full, and had to swallow before he continued. "Sorry. Let's blow them away with our indifference."
They all laughed as they finished eating.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The ride took a little longer than John Winchester had scheduled. Sam took the blame easily. When he got too tired to drive anymore, he'd just pulled off the highway to park, and then he'd crawled into the backseat to sleep instead of waking his dad to get him to drive.
When Sam eventually woke up, they were on the road again. He had noticed that they were moving, but he'd been too tired to actually pay much attention.
For a moment, he felt an urge to excuse himself. They weren't supposed to just stop, but his dad wasn't bothered by it. "We'll still make the show. It's not on until late."
Climbing over the backrest to sit in the passenger seat, Sam suspected that this trip wasn't just a whim from his dad. The guy knew exactly where they were going and when to be there. He had possibly planned this way ahead of time.
They stopped for a quick meal at a roadside cafe where Sam decided to confront his dad about his suspicions. "Did you plan this? Did you plan to go and watch him no matter what?" Sam looked his father straight in the eyes, and got quite satisfied when the guy averted his stare.
"You did. You were going to go with or without me." Sam was pleased on Dean's behalf, and he was also quite surprised. "I've lost you… sort of." His dad drew his breath and exhaled audibly before he continued. "I know I'm a screwup. I'm not being the dad that you need, but I will try to make amends."
Sam didn't know what to say. He didn't really know what it meant, but if he and Dean could stay in Lima with their dad's support, it would be the best. "Does that mean…" Sam wasn't sure if he should say it. "Dean can stay as well, right?"
John Winchester got up from his seat. "We should get back on the road. Come on." He left a few dollars as a tip before he walked towards the door. As soon as Sam had caught up with him he turned around. "Yes. I'm not going to push him anymore. He is an adult. He can decide for himself."
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The judges had sat in on the dress rehearsals, and had already taken notes. For the main show, and in order to squeeze the whole thing into a one evening event, the twelve choirs had to pick two of their songs to perform in front of the audience.
After an afternoon of contemplating what to go for, Sam Evans and Santana Lopez decided to skip the One Direction song. It wasn't hard to see that some of the guys found it relieving. It was the one song that they had struggled the most with, although this morning they had managed to do it flawlessly on the second take.
Dean was especially happy. Even here in Orlando, miles away from his former team mates who had taunted him about it, he felt embarrassed when they did that song.
They had a little pep-talk before the show started, and it wasn't easy to understand that their chaperones were just as discouraged about the competition that the singers. They tried to hide it, and they both did their best to lift their spirit.
It was really pointless. Dean knew for sure that they had no chance whatsoever, but it was nice getting the support. He was more concerned about the fact that their speeches took so long. He wanted to get a chance to talk to Castiel alone before they were due on stage.
Not that he had any idea about what to say, but he was confident that he would come up with something. Technically, he hoped that Cas would be the one who spoke first, but Dean was pretty sure that it wouldn't happen before they were alone.
When Gwen asked to be excused because she needed to use the restroom, Jo and Madison followed suit. John just walked away, telling them that he had to get something to drink. Ianto waved for him to wait. "Me too, sorry."
That was really it. Sam and Santana realized that they had taken up enough of their time, and withdrew to go and sit with the audience.
Almost all of them walked away through the hallway leading to the backstage area. Jack was hanging back a little, and Dean was pretty sure he was looking for Ianto. Castiel looked like he wasn't sure what to do, but seemed to be about to follow the main crowd.
Dean had to step up. That Charlie was there, seemingly struggling to get her shoe on, didn't matter. That Madison couldn't decide whether she needed to pee or not, didn't matter either. Jack was totally in his own little world, as he looked over to see if John and Ianto would be back soon.
When Dean grabbed Castiel's arm to hold him back, the guy stopped abruptly and turned around. "This is not the time either." He whispered as he looked over at the stragglers. "Later."
He was gone before Dean got a chance to say a word, but 'later' didn't suit him well. He got a little discouraged. *Later' and 'this is not the time' seemed to be just that. Maybe Cas wasn't that into this? Maybe it would never happen?
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
There were no available tickets when they arrived. Even if John Winchester had made plans for this trip beforehand, he did not expect a full venue. Sam had to use his connections to get them inside.
"Now you show up!" Brad looked a little disgruntled. "We could have used you for the hauling." He quickly changed his expression and smiled. "Didn't know you were coming. Was it planned?"
Sam explained briefly what had happened, and that him and his dad made this trip on a whim. "But we need to get in there. Can you help?" It would be quite devastating if they came all this way just to hang in the parking lot until it was over.
"Sure. So you're Dean's dad? He's a good guitar player. I could use him." He shook hands with John before he continued. "It's quite packed in the balcony as well, but two rows are reserved for stagehands and musicians. Worse case scenario, you'll have to stand through the show, but I'll get you inside." He led them through the back door and pointed out the direction. "I can't go with you, but ask around. Tell them that you're with the band from McKinley."
It wasn't much of a problem getting to the balcony. A young girl followed them part of the way, and then she pointed to a staircase and told them to walk two stories up.
When Sam opened the first door they came to, he soon realized that it was not the one. About thirty girls were busy getting ready, and luckily none of them noticed, so Sam closed the door gently before he tried the next.
The show had just started as they snuck inside, and the emcee was in the middle of a speech. Sam panned the balcony to see if there were available seats, but there weren't any nearby. The judges got introduced and then the real thing started shortly after.
With everybody focused on what happened on stage, and with the loud music covering up the miniscule sounds they made, Sam and his dad scooted along the back wall to get to a row with a few empty seats.
They had no idea when New Directions would be on, but as the first choir regrouped to sing their second song, Sam leaned over to a girl in front of him. "Is there a program of some sort? We don't know who are singing right now." The girl turned and shushed him, before she shoved a little pamphlet into his hand. With some telling hand-gestures she managed to explain that she wanted it back.
"Are they all this good?" Daddy Winchester nudged Sam as the choir from Arizona received their well deserved applause. "I don't know, but this was disturbingly well done." Sam knew that his friends were really good singers, but they could definitely do better in the dancing department. It was a competition for show-choirs, and New Directions had serious competition here.
He hurried to flip through the little pamphlet before he handed it back to the girl. He had found out that 'his' choir would be up seventh, and the closer they got to that, the more nervous he got.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The choir from Minneapolis had just had a beautiful performance of 'Send in the clowns'. The male dancer in a clown costume delivered an absolutely amazing lyrical dance at the end of the song, and it wasn't hard to notice that the audience was quite touched by it.
New Directions was up next, and they all looked at each other with concern. Kevin had to remind them about their take on it. "Indifference. We are not going out there to win, We are going out there to make an impression, and if we get honorable mention, we have made it." He whispered as he gestured for all of them to gather together. "Let's have fun out there." He lifted his hand, and all the others slapped it before they had to run out on stage.
The song 'Up" went as planned, and even if their steps couldn't compete with the dancing choir who started the show, nor with the emotional end to the previous performers, Cas was quite pleased.
He knew that Jack had been quite annoyed about not having the the lead on any of the songs they had planned for the competition, but the team spirit was high, and he could see that Jack seemed satisfied.
The cellists in the orchestra started playing their next song, and Cas didn't get time to ponder on their performance any more. He knew that Dean wanted to be the lead on this, but Mr Evans had decided to give it to Ianto. It was okay. He would get to hold Dean's hand.
"I'm gonna make you bend and break (It sent you to me without wait)
Say a prayer, but let the good times roll
In case God doesn't show (Let the good times roll, let the good times roll)"
It was fast paced and suited them all perfectly. mostly because it didn't have any elaborate choreography involved.
"One night and one more time
Thanks for the memories even though they weren't so great
He tastes like you, only sweeter…"
He couldn't help thinking about Dean as he sang the chorus. If he could sing this to a former girlfriend it would have been perfect. Not that he'd really had any, but it would have been a good fit if that had been the case.
"Been looking forward to the future
But my eyesight is going bad
In these crystal balls."
Waving his hands in the air in sync with the rest of his choir, Cas felt happy. Whatever the judges thought about their performance didn't count, This was a group of singers that didn't care. They were doing it for themselves, and a bad judgement would change anything.
"(They say)
I only think in the form of crunching numbers
In hotel rooms, collecting page six lovers
Get me out of my mind…"
Ianto did good. It was all just awesome. When Cas got to take Dean's hand as the boys walked up to the front of the stage, he knew for sure that he was in love. He was scared out of his mind, but he knew he had to face his fears.
"(One night, one more time)
One night and one more time
Thanks for the memories even though they weren't so great
He tastes like you, only sweeter…"
Dean squeezed Castiel's hand as they all took a step back. They were supposed to look straight forward as they sang, but Cas couldn't help throwing a quick peek to the side. Their eyes met briefly.
"One night, yeah, and one more time
(One night, one more time)
Thanks for the memories, thanks for the memories
(For the memories, for the memories
See, he tastes like you, only sweeter."
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
"In third place. The Glee choir from McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio." The emcee pointed towards the backstage area as New Directions came out whooping and cheering. Sam was disappointed, but he'd seen the whole show and knew that a third place was as good as it could get.
The smiles from the guys up there told him that they hadn't expected a placement at all, so he had to be happy for them.
His dad wasn't as forgiving and started booing before Sam managed to shut him up. "Seriously? Shut up! Can't you see how happy they are?" He pointed to the stage, and saw at the same time that his brother was holding on to Castiel as he was nuzzling his face into the crook of the guy's neck. It lasted only a second, and Sam was pretty sure that his dad couldn't possibly have noticed.
New Directions scooted back on the stage to make room for the choir in second place. Sam didn't even pay attention anymore. He got out of his seat and urged his father to follow. If they should have any chance to show Dean that they were there, they had to get downstairs quickly.
Sam ran down the stairs with his dad in tow. He had no problems backtracking their path, and before the winners were announced, they were next to the hall leading to the stage.
The bands and the orchestra were already busy hauling their equipment out. When Brad spotted Sam, he urged him to help out. "We are leaving as soon as possible. You need a ride?"
Sam wasn't sure what to do. He wanted to wait for his brother, but he felt that he had to chip in, "No. I don't need a ride, but I can help out anyway." He looked at his dad and gestured for him to stay put. "I'll be right back."
His dad did not follow directions, When John Winchester understood what Sam was up to, he ran over to help as well. With the extra pair of hands, they managed to get everything out of there in a jiffy.
In the meantime, the show was over, and all the singers came running through. Being in the back of the line, New Directions came out last. Sam looked for his brother, but it took a while before he eventually emerged..
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
The surprise of seeing his father when he came off stage, almost surpassed the fear that Castiel was wishy-washing. Their embrace as they received the trophy for third place had been a little awkward, and Dean had felt that Cas wasn't quite into it.
Maybe it was just his own insecurities that played tricks on him, but it was a fact that even if Castiel had sent cute little texts, he had always some excuse for not hanging out with Dean alone.
Before he got a chance to express that he was happy to see his family, Sam slapped him on the shoulder. "We can stay in Lima if you want." The smile on his brother's face, and the nod from his dad told him that it was the truth, and every other worry that he'd had got wiped out of his head for a moment.
"Really? You mean it?" Dean stared at his dad for a second before he went over and hugged the man. "Thank you, but we have to move." Both Sam and John seemed a little startled, and it could look like his brother was about to pass out.
"Oh. No. I mean, erm, we have to find another place to live. It's not safe there." Dean chuckled a little nervously. "Sorry. Didn't mean to…" He didn't need to finish the sentence. Sam sighed heavily as he shook his head. "Man, you scared me."
"Hi, Sam. Didn't know you would be here." Castiel stopped and shook hands with Sam before he threw a quick peek at John. Dean composed himself, and nodded towards his father. "John Winchester, my dad." He pointed at Cas as he addressed his father. "Jim, er, Cas Novak. He's in the choir."
A loud scream made them all turn around. Jo came running towards them and threw herself into Sam's arms. "You came. Did you see us? Are you staying long? This is so cool. We can't stay out late; our plane leaves early tomorrow, but we can hang out for a little bit, right?" She looked at the three others, but didn't let her eyes linger before she turned back to Sam. "Can we?"
John winked at Dean before he nodded towards Sam and Jo. "I did plan to take you boys out for a quick bite before Sam and I have to get on the road to go back, but I guess we can bring her as well."
Dean swallowed his pride, and looked at Cas. "I'm sure you can come as well." And then turned to his dad he added: "I, er, me and Cas planned to hang out after the show, so if it's okay…?" The lie wasn't really a lie. Cas had said 'later' and this was later. That they didn't get to be alone was a minor concern. Dean just wanted Cas around no matter what.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
"Ooga-Chaka Ooga-Ooga
Ooga-Chaka Ooga-Ooga
Ooga-Chaka Ooga-Ooga…"
They had borrowed a guitar from the music room at school, and after tuning it, Ianto was leading a sing-along in the classroom they used as their sleeping quarters. He wished that Dean could have been there; he was a much better guitar player.
"I can't stop this feeling
Deep inside of me
Girl, you just don't realize
What you do to me."
John started singing as he danced around Unique. All the others were 'ooga-chaka-ing' quietly in the background as Ianto did his best to remember the chords.
"When you hold me
In your arms so tight…"
Unique played along and pulled John into an embrace. The friendship between the two of them had evolved after prom, and Ianto almost got a little jealous. Everybody joined in on the chorus, and the harmonies sat well.
"I'm hooked on a feeling
I'm high on believing
That you're in love with me."
Jack jokingly pushed John away and gave him a piercing stare before he took the lead on the next verse.
"Lips as sweet as candy
It's taste is on my mind…"
He kissed Unique on the lips before he moved away and dragged Jane out on the floor to dance with her.
"Got a bug from you girl
But I don't need no cure…"
Jack let Jane go and he pulled a very reluctant Garth into a slow-dance. Ianto cursed silently to himself. With the guitar on his lap, Jack wouldn't come for him. Again, he wished that Dean was there.
"All the good love
When we're all alone
The chorus was back on and this time everybody was more or less screaming it out. It didn't really matter anymore if the chords were right; nobody could hear the guitar anyway. Jack had let go of Garth now, and he sat down next to Ianto on the teacher's desk.
"I'm hooked on a feeling
I'm high on believing
That you're in love with me."
Ianto was very aware of how close he and Jack were sitting. The guitar blocked it somewhat, but he could feel the heat from his body. "Do another one. I'm sure you good enough." The little whisper as he could feel Jack's finger trail his spine, threw Ianto off. The others were still singing and didn't notice that the guitar went quiet.
"I'm hooked on a feeling
I'm high on believing
That you're in love with me..."
The look he got from John was discouraging to say the least, but Ianto couldn't help feeling happy. Jack was still interested, and even if it would only be for a one night's stand, Ianto was more than willing to give in.