Love Beats

by GryffindorJedi1

This is a re-telling of Glee, how I think it should've been. Yes, I know it's all the same material from the original show, but the way I write it is only gonna get a bit more different. It'll be way better than the original. Also, if you wonder why I made Shelby Rachel's sister, it's because Idina Menzel kept saying how uncomfortable she was being her mother. Age difference wise.

10. Dynamic Swan Songs

Chapter 10

Dynamic Swan Songs

A new school year has begun. Rachel is now working her butt off at NYADA, no help from her new theater teacher, Cassandra July.

Back at McKinley, Jacob Ben Israel said, "Artie Abrams, sources tell me you were seen sitting with Cheerios."

Artie said, "Well, I'm usually seen sitting. National champs, baby."

"Sam Evans, from hobo stripper to glee club super star. How does it feel?"

Sam said, "Awesome and about time."

A girl said to him "Do Taylor Lautner again!"

"Bella, I love you. I'm a werewolf."

Tina said, "I never thought I'd have a freshman as my assistant."

Jacob said, "You and Mike Chang broke up because the long distance thing was hard."

"I still love him and we're still friends. I changed my tattoo from 'Mike Chang forever' to 'Make change forever.' Some change is good."

In the choir room, Jacob asked Artie, Tina, Blaine and Claire who the new Rachel was going to be. They all said, "I am."

Rachel's voiceover said, "It's nice to know I'm missed. I miss my dads. I miss Finn. I haven't heard from him in two months. Maybe he's just giving me the space I need to make it on my own. Surrender, right? That has to be it. My roommate seems nice, but I never actually met her yet."

One night, she heard someone singing in a shower. A young man stepped out. "You're a freshman, right?"

"Yeah. Rachel Berry. I'm majoring in musical theater."

"Me too. Junior. Brody Weston. Bet it's really tough with Cassie July. I got to be on Broadway, though."

"You were on Broadway?"

"Only for three performances, but still. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I'm straight."

Outside the next day, Rachel was on the phone with Kurt.

"New guy sounds interesting. And he's straight? Hot."

"I love you and miss you like crazy."

Kurt said, "Oh, is that why you're calling me every three hours?"

"I just want to make sure you're okay. How are you?"

"I'm busy."

Sue was holding her new baby, Robin, in her office. A new Cheerio walked in. "This is Kitty. She's my new head bitch."

Will put up the signup sheet, and before he knew it, just like that, people came running up to sign their names.

In the choir room, they all clapped and cheered. Will said, "Yes, we lost some big voices, but we still have some great ones in here. So, let's welcome one of our newest members, the MVP of last year's Nationals, Wade 'Unique' Adams. We're so excited to have you."

Blaine said, "I think Wade is great, but the competition for the new Rachel is already so intense."

"New Rachel?"

Tina said, "Every club needs a star performer."

"We win as a team. We still need new members."

Wade sat down next to Blaine and said, "Make no mistake. Unique will be the new Rachel."

Blaine said, "We decide this on our own."

In the auditorium, Tina said, "Hopefully the new Rachel will be me because that's what she would've wanted."

Artie said, "Though I'm not comfortable doing this behind Mr. Shue's back, I'm a director.

Wade asked, "What song are we singing?"

Tina said, "What Rachel would sing if she were here. Call Me Maybe, the song of the summer."

Claire said, "Yes."

"Do you need time to prepare?"

Wade said, "I can sing any song any time. Just hit play and get back."

They all sung it on the stage.

Blaine asked, "So, Artie, who's the new Rachel?"

In the Lima Bean, Claire said, "You guys are all seniors. I'm a junior. Rachel loved me the most, so technically, I should be the new Rachel."

Tina chuckled, "But your voice still cracks."

"It does not!"

Artie said, "And you hardly even belt out any high notes."

Claire shouted, "I can still sing!"

Blaine said, "Come on, you guys, give Claire a break. So, how's Henry?"

"He's still the same. Still in the navy, still brooding."

In the dance studio, July was making herself a smoothie.

A young man walked in and said, "Hi. Miss July. I can't be your TA this year. I start Wicked tomorrow."

July said, "Stop, it doesn't matter. This is your first Broadway show. You'll never forget it. I was 17. I was a dating spoon." She hugged him. "I am so proud of you, Benji."

"Thank you for everything." He walked out with a smile on his face.

In the cafeteria, a girl with a hat walked by. "Hi. You're the glee club, right? I might try out. I'm a sophomore. I'm Marley."

Tina said, "Right. Well, there's lots of competition. Break a leg."

Claire said, "It's nice to meet you, Marley. I'm Claire."

Wade sat down with them.

Marley walked to her mother, the lunch lady. "Do you think I have a chance of getting into glee club?

Millie said, "You have magic in your throat, Marley." They hug.

In the dance studio, Rachel stretched. July walked in and asked, "You tired? You lonely? You homesick?"

"No, not really."

"Well, you better decide how badly you want it because there are people here who will do whatever's necessary in this business."

"I've been practicing."

"I'm just giving you direction. What is it now?"

"Nothing. It's nothing."

"It better be nothing."

Rachel thought, "It smells like she has alcohol on her breath. Like vodka."

July announced, "Let me tell you something. I may be no ingénue anymore, but I can still dance circles around any of you."

In the auditorium, they were having auditions. A teenage boy signed up. "Jake." He was singing "Never Say Never."

Sugar said, "He is so sexy."

Wade said, "Yes, he is."

They smile at each other.

Will said, "Okay, Jake, thank you. We have a lot of people to see."

In NYADA, Carmen Tibideaux said, "Returning students, welcome back. New students, welcome to the round room. The acoustics are perfect. You will have the opportunity to perform twice. Once in here, the second time at the Winter Showcase at the end of the semester if you are cordially invited. Beatrice McClain." Beatrice walked up and said, "I am Beatrice McClain and I will be singing Ave Maria, written by Franz Schubert."

Tibideaux said, "Yeah, I'm gonna stop you right there. When I accepted you, I told you to practice."

"I did practice."

"Well, clearly not enough."

Poor Beatrice left the room.

Rachel said, "Did she just get cut?"

Brody said, "It happens."

Tibideaux said, "Rachel Berry."

Rachel said, "Hi. I'm Rachel Berry and I'll be singing New York State of Mind…"

Marley said, "…written by Billy Joel."

Wade said, "Popularized by one Miss…"

Rachel said, "…Barbra Streisand."

Piano music started to play and Rachel and Marley sang flawlessly.

When Rachel was done, Brody clapped. Tibideaux looked at him, then said, "Nice."

They all clapped in the choir room. Will said, "Wow. Thank you. Now that was star quality."

Sugar said, "Ten."

Blaine said, "She's good."

The next day, Marley was so happy when she made the list.

In the choir room, Unique walked in. "MVP in the house!"

Tina said, "Quit stalling, Artie. Who's the new Rachel?"

Artie said, "After much deliberation, the new Rachel is…Claire."

Claire said, happily, "For real?!"

Artie said, "Blaine, you were a close second."

Tina said, "I came in third?"

"Let's not worry about that."

Will said, "Let's give it up for our newest member, Marley Rose."

They clapped and cheered.

Blaine said, "Marley, on behalf of all the New Directions, welcome."

Marley said, "Thank you. I'm really excited to be here."

Sugar said, "I really like your sweater."

"Thanks."

Millie said, "The only new member out of all those people?"

Marley said, "It wasn't that many. It was awesome! Hearing those people cheering for me, accepting me."

"That Rachel Berry everyone keeps talking about rode that club to Broadway."

"I don't want to be on Broadway. I want to sing on the radio."

"Well, then let the glee club help you there."

Outside, Brody saw Rachel looking at her phone.

"That your boyfriend?"

"Hey. Yeah, this is Finn. He's in the army, so we haven't been talking much together lately."

"I had a girlfriend when I first started NYADA. Anyway, I came to tell you that you killed it in Tibideaux's class."

"Thank you."

"That's why you came to New York. To be that new and improved girl. Don't fight the new you. Can I walk you to class?"

Rachel spun. July said, "That's slightly better. You're gutsy. I like it. It'll make it all the sweeter."

A car drove up to the airport. Burt said, "Okay. As soon as you find a place to live, I'll ship you the rest of your stuff. Look, all great artists need a little struggle. Good enough for Julia Roberts, good enough for Kurt Hummel. You scared?"

Kurt said, "Terrified."

"New York is full of people like you, people who aren't afraid to be different."

They hug.

"I'm gonna miss you, Dad."

"You can always come back."

Kurt left the car. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Kurt."

In the hallway, Kitty was standing with two football players and the bastards Slushed Unique and Marley.

Artie said, "Well, I guess this means you two have been officially welcomed to the glee club."

Unique said, "Unique's eyes, they're on fire!"

Blaine said, "Let's get you two cleaned up."

Will said, "I know your brother, Jake. Puckerman."

Jake said, "Half-brother. Our dad's like an NBA player."

"Noah never said anything about a brother."

"He doesn't know."

"After your first verse, I knew I wanted you in glee club. You're really good, Jake."

"You think I'm good?"

In New York, Rachel sobbed, "I miss you. My dance teacher is a monster. And my roommate is sleeping with everyone."

Kurt said, "Then maybe you should find a new roommate. Turn around."

Rachel was so happy, she ran to him and they hugged. "You're here!"

Anne Marie and Ian have officially become McKinley High teachers after Figgins gave them their teaching certificates. They walked in the choir room and greeted everyone. Blaine said, "Hey, look who's back!"

Anne shouted, "Surprise!" They clapped and cheered. Anne hugged Will and Claire. Ian hugged Will next.

Will then said, "Newcomers, these are some very dear friends. This is Anne Marie Tompkins and Ian Rivers. Now, Figgins has asked us to perform at this year's back-to-school pep rally this week."

Joe asked, "What are we gonna perform?"

Will wrote Britney 2.0 name on the board.

Tina smiled, "Are we doing Britney week again?"

Rachel and Kurt were riding bikes in their new apartment.

Rachel said, "This place is enormous!"

That night, they were having dinner on the floor.

"Have you heard from Finn?"

"He's just giving you your space."

"I know."

"Blaine said they're doing Britney Spears music again."

"It feels like a long time ago since we've been in that choir room."

"We are living in the future, Rachel."

"Not that that's good enough for Cassie July."

"Cassandra July? AKA Crazy July, the biggest train wreck in Broadway history? You can't give into her. You have to keep fighting."

Unique said, "Here's the deal. We're new here and new girls need to stick together."

Marley said, "Cool."

"First order of business, boys. Who do you have your eye on?"

"Jake's kinda cute."

"Oh, honey, no. Bad seed. Let me be clear. He's a womanizer."

In the gym, Jake said, "We should hang out sometime."

Marley said, "Yeah."

Unique said, "Girl, mm-mm." She and Tina shook their heads.

In the bleachers, Anne Marie was strumming her guitar and she and Ian were singing "You Drive Me Crazy" with a touch of "Crazy" by Aerosmith. When they were done… Anne Marie cleared her throat. Ian scratched the back of his head.

In the choir room, Will said, "Jake Puckerman, I'd like to introduce you to your brother, Noah."

Jake said, "You look more like dad that I do."

Puck said, "I never knew I had a brother. My mom and dad were arguing about him having a session with some waitress."

"That would be my mom!"

"I once beat up a police horse. I banged every girl in this school and none of it made me a guy. What made me a guy was sitting in this room. They made me a guy. One thing, whether or not you join glee club, you're my brother."

In the gym, Figgins said, "Quiet, please. First, I was like to address the rumor that I am like a cow and that I give wholesome milk. That rumor is untrue. It is my honor to welcome to the stage, the New Directions!"

They were all wearing black and performing "Circus."

Kitty shouted, "They're stripping!"

Brett yelled, "J'accuse!"

The crowd jeered and Blaine pulled the curtain.

In the choir room, Will said, "In the 58-year history of the McKinley High School Glee Club, there has never been such a debacle! We do not strip naked ever! Every gain we have made for the last three years have been wiped out! If the national board got wind of this, we could be barred from competing."

Jake said, "You think I could sit next to you in glee club?"

Marley said, "You want to join?"

"It helped."

"Just stick with me and I'll help you through it."

In the choir room, Will said, "New Directions, let's welcome our new member, Jake Puckerman."

Joe said, "Welcome to glee club, dude. God made you, and God doesn't make mistakes."

Kurt's voiceover said, "I've spent the entire weekend choosing the prefect outfit because I've snagged an interview with - drumroll, please - Vogue." He walked outside. "Yes, it's just for an internship. I haven't been this nervous since NYADA. I'm meeting with the new senior editor and designer extraordinaire, Miss Isabelle Wright."

The receptionist said, "Miss Wright will see you now."

Isabelle said, "Columbus."

"I'm sorry?"

"You're from Lima, I'm from Columbus. I even ate at an Italian place. It was called, um, Bread…"

"Sticks?"

"Breadstix, yeah, that's it."

"Can't believe you ate there."

"Well, I wish I hadn't. Isabelle Wright."

"Kurt Hummel." They shake hands.

"So, Mr. Hummel, I have to tell you I am impressed with your online resume. Bold clothing choices. Where did you find all these?"

"Well, I made most of them and I looked on the internet for bargains. Fashion has no gender. Like you said in Vanity Fair, I don't trust anyone who hasn't failed big at least once."

"Have a seat." He sat. "Who are your fashion icons?"

"Audrey Hepburn, Michelle Obama, and not to kiss up, but you."

"And have you done any writing on fashion?"

"Mostly self-journaling. I write blogs and reviews for Project Runway since the first season."

"Where would you be in four years?"

"Graduating from NYADA. I know that sounds presumptuous."

"No. Frankly, you should be more presumptuous. This is New York. Dream big. Listen, anybody who can pull off a hippo broach should be here. So, welcome to ."

"Thank you." Kurt was so happy. They hugged.

"Oh! That should come with a warning."

"It did."

Then one night, he and Rachel snuck into the building after midnight.

Isabelle shouted, "Freeze! Kurt?"

"I thought you were at dinner with Steve Buscemi and Yoko Ono."

"They cancelled again. What are you doing here, and who's this?"

Rachel said, "Oh, I'm Rachel, Rachel Berry. I'm Kurt's roommate."

Kurt said, "We were gonna do a music video for a website."

"He adores you."

"Rachel was gonna get a little makeover. She was gonna model with some clothes…"

"Stop, stop, stop," Isabelle smiled. "You had me at makeover."

"The Way You Look Tonight" and "You're Never Fully Dressed without a Smile."

Isabelle said, "Hey, Kurt, can I see you for a minute?"

Kurt walked into her office. "I saw your video and I forwarded it to Anna."

"Am I fired?"

Isabelle turned her iPad and Anna wrote "Great."

"That's the first time I ever saw a great from Anna. I am gonna print that and frame it."

"Does that mean they're gonna put the video on the website?"

"Sort of. We're gonna reshoot it in Bali, but you're getting credit for the idea."

"Oh! Thank you."

"Thank you."

"And thanks so much for helping out with Rachel. She seems so much more confident than when she used to be. It's so funny how a new image can change everything."

"Oh, I hope you never lose that unbridled, bright-eyed optimism. You know, I had an instinct about you, Kurt, and it's proven to be correct. I feel like we're real kindred spirits."

"I agree."

"You also have quite the aptitude for fashion. I'm famished."

The next day, Blaine and Sam won the student council election.

That night, Rachel tried to cook for Brody, but the pan set on fire. "Aah!" She tried to put it out as best as she could. There was a knock on the door and Brody held flowers. He said, "Wow. You're smoking."

"Um, it's actually the duck."

They were sitting on the floor with a pizza.

"I'm sorry, I was trying to cook for you, but this is what you get."

"This is good. I like it."

"Pizza."

"Hey, food is food. It's the effort that counts. A girl has never cooked me dinner before."

There was a knock on the door again and much to her surprise… "Finn."

The next morning, Kurt was making an egg. "Someone stayed up late last night. It's lunchtime. I'm gonna go. Good to see you, Finn."

"You too, little brother."

Rachel asked, "Can I make you some eggs?"

"Yeah, thanks."

"Finn, why are you here? Why aren't you in uniform?"

"Because I'm not in the army. I was in for 16 days. I was cleaning Rachel - they make you name your rifle - when suddenly… Ah! Right through my thigh. I got a semi-honorable discharge."

"So, the army didn't pan out. Some plans change."

"But what the hell am I gonna do in New York?"

In McKinley, Finn knocked by the door. Will said, "Oh, my God." He chuckled and hugged him. "Oh, I missed you, buddy."

"It's good to see you, Mr. Shue."

"What happened to the army?"

"Didn't pan out."

In the class, Sam hugged Finn. "Finn!"

Artie said, "Finn Hudson in the house!"

Jake said, "Do you know who that guy is?"

Marley shook his head.

Sam said, "This is Finn Hudson."

Claire hugged Finn next.

Tina said, "Hey, why aren't you in the army?" She hugged him as well.

Will said, "Because sometimes plans don't always go as planned. We're family and are always welcome here. Now, the fall musical for this year."

Joe said, "Peter Pan"?

Artie said, "What the hell?"

Unique said, "Unique wants to do Hedwig."

Tina said, "Tina wants to do Miss Saigon, the Flower Drum Song."

Finn said, "What about Grease? Everybody likes it, like my mom. It's about high school and being true to yourself. Plus, some of the songs rock."

Artie said, "The wisdom of Solomon." Please.

Will said, "All right. Looks like we're doing Grease."

Everyone clapped.

While planning for Grease auditions, Mercedes and Mike came back for a visit. They hugged.

Mercedes said, "We have plenty of girls lined up for Sandy, but we have a real Danny Zuko problem if Blaine won't do it."

Mike asked, "What about Sam?"

Finn said, "He has his heart set on Kenickie."

Mercedes said, "What about Joe Hart?"

Artie said, "Won't cut his dreads."

Finn said, "How about Puck's brother? He can sing."

"Not interested."

Outside in the football field, Finn found Beiste.

"Hey, Coach."

"Finn."

"Need some male leads for the musical."

Someone got the ball and someone else an end zone dance.

"What's his story?"

"Ryder Lynn, sophomore. Transferred here a while ago. Sweet kid, but he's kind of a loner."

Marley asked Wade, "How psyched are you for Grease auditions? I want to play Sandy so badly."

"I'm not auditioning."

"Why not?"

"I don't want a part. I want the part - Rizzo. People see me in drag as a stunt."

"Artie and the guys know that. They'll give you a chance."

They were singing "Blow Me One Last Kiss" by Pink.

They clapped in the auditorium.

Mercedes said, "Okay, that had more energy than the last three auditions combined."

Artie said, "Ladies, any particular roles you'd like to play?"

Marley said, "Definitely Sandy."

Mike asked, "What about you, Wade?"

Unique said, "I would like to play the role of Rizzo."

Finn walked and found Ryder in a classroom. "Hey, what are you up to?"

"Uh, studying. I gotta work twice as hard as anyone else to do half as well. I'm on a C-minus average. Who are you?"

"I'm Finn. I graduated last year. Played football, too - quarterback."

"Awesome."

"I also had a C-minus average, but I graduated with a B-plus."

"You serious? How?"

"Glee club. Come try out for the musical."

Later, the teacher gave everyone back their tests. Ryder passed, but with a S-minus. "Another one? I don't understand. All I do is study. I haven't even seen The Dark Knight Rises yet."

"Oh, I saw it. Bane was a little hard to understand, but still so evil."

In the hallway, Ryder walked to Marley. "Hey, I'm Ryder Lynn."

"I know. I saw you in the football game on Saturday. Your end zone dances are awesome. I'm Marley."

"I know. Your mom rules. She always gives me extra meatballs on spaghetti day."

"Really? Wow, she must really like you."

"Uh, Finn Hudson told me that you were probably gonna play Sandy in the musical. I thought if we were gonna work together, I should at least say hi. I think they want me to play Danny."

Kitty walked by smirking at Jake. "What's that you're wearing?"

"What?"

"Just your lady friend talking to the hottest guy in school who also happens to be a star football player with yummy, old-school Justin Bieber hair."

"Come on, who wants Justin Bieber hair?"

Kitty walked to them. "Hey, Ryder. Hey, Mona Lisa."

"It's Marley."

"Oh, I know. I just find it so depressing how you're named after a Jamaican superstar and not a misbehaved dog. I heard you killed your Grease auditions and I know you think you're excited about playing Sandy since most poor people don't have a lot of opportunities to actually enjoy anything."

"Are you auditioning?"

"I am."

Ryder said, "Wow. You're kind of a bitch. What'd she ever do to you?"

"Nothing yet. By the way, I'm single." She walked away. Ryder scoffed.

In the auditorium, Jake and Kitty were singing "Everybody Talks" by Neon Trees. Claire was able to top that by somewhat performing Shakira's "Whenever, Wherever." Everyone clapped and cheered.

In the choir room, Finn said, "Okay, now we just need to give everyone their callbacks."

Artie is not only a terrible director, he is also bad at making choices. While he made the right choices to make Rachel as Maria, not for that reason, and Blaine as Tony, he needed to let the others have a say. Branch out. Make Marley Sandy and Unique as Rizzo. Finn wanted that, Mercedes and Mike agreed with that.

Sue was against casting Wade/Unique as Rizzo, but Figgins seemed okay with it. Finn scolded Sue, "Just because you helped us win Nationals and had a baby, do you think that's helped make you a somebody?" Sue stood up and walked away.

The next day, Finn put up the cast list. Tina got Jan. Sam got Kenickie. Wade, of course, got Rizzo. Jake got Putzie. Ryder was psyched that he got Danny. Marley was so happy she got Sandy. Claire shrugged when she got Marty. Kitty got… "Patty Simcox?" The head cheerleader. Yeah, that tracks. "I prayed really hard for this."

Joe said, "Maybe He didn't hear you because he was busy helping people with cancer."

"Shut it, Avatar."

In the choir room, the day after, Will told Finn he was going to Washington for a while. "I spoke to Figgins about it, and since glee club is not an actual class, we don't need a certified teacher to run it. We just need an adult."

"Mr. Shue, I'm not ready."

"I saw the way you stood up to Sue, how you found Ryder. You are ready. It's just for three months. So, will you do it?"

After Will told everyone else about his temporary sabbatical, they kinda had mixed feelings about Finn running the glee club. Finn could do it, he just needed to get the hang of it. Anne Marie and Ian were totally for it. They even offered to help him. Artie and Tina even noticed that Anne Marie and Ian were smiling very fondly at each other, more than usual. Claire noticed it too, but she was trying to keep herself from giggling.

In the auditorium, Claire and Sugar tried on their costumes.

Claire said, "You know, I look pretty damn good in this thing."

Kitty snarked, "Whatever you need to tell yourself."

Sugar said, "I thought you left because your role was too small."

"Well, spray-tan hawk nose, as Shakespeare once said, there are no small parts."

Marley said, "I don't understand. This fit yesterday."

Tina said, "Maybe it's just stress."

Kitty screwed around with the costume.

Sue and Santana are just stupid and blind. Finn is NOT fat! Neither is Marley. Millie was…well, she looked fine and nice.

In the studio, Rachel and Kurt were stretching. Kurt pulled out his phone. "Ooh, Grease update. Oh, Claire got cast as Marty Maraschino."

"Oh."

"Ryder Lynn got Danny Zuko and Marley Rose got Sandy Olsson. But for some reason, she can't fit into her costume."

"Oh, well, that's unfortunate. But it has nothing to do with us because we are not going."

That night, they went there anyway. They hugged Mercedes.

Backstage, Claire said, "Look who's here!"

Anne Marie said, "Rae! Kurt!" They hugged them. Ian hugged them, too.

Rachel said, "Oh, it's so good to see you all again. Claire, you look amazing. Anne, so do you."

Kurt said, "Ian, you look fantastic."

The curtains opened and when Blaine was done singing, "Beauty School Dropout," they applauded. Sugar was really into it.

Marley was wearing her black dress. Ryder said, "Wow. I mean, wow."

"You don't think it's ridiculous?"

"Not the word that comes to mind."

"I feel like I'm gonna shake."

"You're gonna destroy this. In the good way."

Kitty said, "I'll tell you who's gonna destroy us in the bad way. Fletcher Mantini. He's in the audience."

"Who's that?"

"He's the theater critic from the McKinley Muckraker. See you on the ice!"

Ryder said, "Hey, you can't listen to her."

"I know. It's just..."

"Hey, look at me. You look amazing. You sound amazing. You are amazing."

"Yeah." She nodded.

Ryder couldn't help but kiss her. Jake looked at them.

Ian said, "Not too shabby for casting choices, huh? Just like Rachel and Blaine last year."

Anne Marie said, "Can't wait to see what they do for this performance."

They got stuck in a doorway prop. They said, "Oh, God, sorry." They got stuck in each other's spots. They were breathless for a bit.

Marley and Ryder were fantastic singing "You're The One That I Want."

Rachel was thinking about it with Finn. Kurt was thinking about Blaine.

Everyone clapped and cheered again. Rachel and Kurt left.

In the choir room, Artie was reading the positive review. "Is this what Michelangelo felt like when he painted the Sistine Chapel? Mr. Hudson and Mr. Abrams plucked stars from NASA and named them Marley Rose and Ryder Lynn. Three words: Grease, McKinley, bravo."

Will said, "Now that's what I call a rave review."

They clapped and cheered.

Blaine started a superhero club.

Tina said, "I'm Asian Persuasion. My superpower is mistress of manipulation."

Sam said, "Blond Chameleon over here. I can impersonate anyone."

Joe said, "Tarantula Head here. I can lash you with my dreads."

Sugar said, "Sweet N Spicy. My power is money."

Blaine said, "I'm Nightbird, the Nocturnal Avenger."

Artie said, "I'm Dr. Y. My superpower is wheelies?"

"Welcome, Dr. Y. Next."

Claire said, "I'm the Black Arrow. My archery skills are really on point. I'm very arrow-dynamic."

Blaine raised his eyebrows. "Wordplay. Nice."

Some of the others rolled their eyes.

Jake walked to Marley. "So, are you on board with this superhero bandwagon?"

"A club where you have to wear full body spandex?"

Ryder walked up to them. "You're really intimidating."

Marley said, "Guys, please don't do this."

Jake said, "Let me ask you this. What kind of name is Ryder Lynn? It sounds like your parents named you after a cowgirl who comes with her own pony."

Ryder said, "I don't want any trouble, dude. You know how I know you're such a badass? Because you ride around on a razor scooter."

They started to shove.

Marley said, "Stop, please!"

Finn said, "Hey! Hey, guys, cut it out!"

Tina said, "I persuade you to stop fighting immediately."

"Thanks, Tina. Glee club, 20 minutes."

In the choir room, Finn said, "Okay, first order of business, please welcome our new members, Kitty and Ryder."

Claire squinted. "Why is she here?"

Kitty said, "Take it easy, Artemis. This wasn't my first idea."

Tina said, "I'm with Claire. Don't we get to vote on her or something?"

Finn said, "Well, Tina, Kitty was fantastic in Grease."

Kitty said, "In spite of my part."

"And we're under the gun. We perform at Sectionals next week. We need 12 members to compete." He pulled out a marker, but it snapped off. So he picked up a pen and said, "We are gonna sing songs by Foreigner wearing all the colors of the nations."

Artie said, "Wait, seriously? That's your idea?"

Blaine said, "Finn, it's a pretty good start, but we're National champions now. We need to exceed all expectations."

In the teacher's lounge, Beiste told him, "It's only your first day. It's always the hardest."

Finn drank from his cup. "Ugh! Is that what coffee tastes like? How do people drink this?"

"Look, pumpkin, Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, Peter Parker - they were all awesome guys. But it was Superman, Batman and Spider-Man who inspired people."

"Who are you supposed to be anyway?"

"I'm the Beiste Master. I can cry at the drop of a hat. Be their hero, Finn. I'm just saying."

In the choir room, Finn walked into wearing a super suit.

Artie said, "Oh, dear God."

"Look, I know my Foreigner idea was bad. So I decided to try something new. Dynamic Duets. This could be fun and it involves something you all like, superheroes."

Marley said, "So are we all gonna wear costumes?"

Artie said, "And who are you supposed to be exactly?"

Finn said, "Well, I am Treble Clef, the uniter of glee."

Ryder said, "Let's hear him out."

"Thanks. Look at the Avengers, or the Justice League. Individually, they all have powers. But as a team, they cannot be stopped."

Artie said, "This idea was slightly better."

Tina said, "Still not taking any chances."

Jake and Ryder put on suits, hats and glasses. They were singing a song entitled, "Superman." They were looking at Marley. She smiled. Kitty was mad.

Jake and Ryder took off their hats and glasses, then their suits.

Anne Marie said, "Amazing. It's like Christopher Reeve vs Brandon Routh."

Claire said, "Or Tim Daly vs. George Newbern."

MS stood for Mega Stud. Sugar was stunned.

Artie asked, "Isn't MS a degenerative nerve disease?"

Jake and Ryder's performance was cut short when they started a tackle fight. Finn and Sam stopped them. Sam said, "Full Nelson! Full Nelson! Not so tough now, are you?"

Ian said, "What the bloody hell was that?!"

In the auditorium, Finn shouted, "You guys need to get your act together!"

Jake said, "It was a lame exercise."

"No. You know what's lame? You know what's not cool? Losing at Sectionals. If you two can't stop arguing, we're gonna lose, and that'll be it!"

Ryder said, "I don't trust this guy. He's working his way through every girl in this school and Marley deserves better!"

"You two think you hate each other? I think you two don't understand each other. Only by admitting your weaknesses can you find strengths."

Ryder said, "Dude, that is so Yoda."

"Deal do we have?"

Claire said, "Hey, guys, what are you having?" She picked up a carrot stick. "These are cold."

Ian said, "Hard to believe you haven't called Henry yet."

"I couldn't stand Jake and Ryder's fight back there. I am so sick of men. They expect so much out of you. Who am I, Wonder Woman?"

Anne Marie said, "Well, we are supposed to be heroes this week."

Kitty put on a cat suit and named herself Femme Fatale. Marley called herself Wallflower. They sung "Holding Out for a Hero."

So as it turns out, the main reason why Ryder has a C-minus average was because he had dyslexia. Mrs. Penkala tested him. He did pretty well. He misspelled a couple of words, but he still did all he could.

"Am I stupid?"

"No. You're actually really smart."

Ryder said to Finn, "I'm dyslexic. You know, it didn't matter how hard I worked. Everyone kept saying, 'Ryder needs to focus, get better, work harder.' But deep down, I knew they were wrong. My dad has a freaking PhD. You know how someone has a secret identity. Not like Tony Stark or Barry Allen. But the kind that people don't know who you really are. And if anyone ever found that out, if they knew the real me… You know, they tell you in first grade, you learn to read."

Finn said, "Hey, your power is that your brain just works a little bit differently."

"Hey, thank you for helping me with this, Finn. I owe you."

"Actually, you owe Jake."

In the cafeteria, Jake said, "Thank you, Miss Rose. There is something different about you. I that a new hairnet?"

Millie giggled, "No. It's the same old one. I did lose a little weight, though. Six pounds."

"Well, I knew it had to be something. You look great."

"Thanks. You know, Marley would kill me if I told you this, but she talks about you all the time."

"You know, I had my chance and I blew it."

"It's never too late to change."

Lipoff and his buddy slimed up.

Jake said, "You make this so easy when it's just the two of you."

Ryder said, "Hey. Jake's my boy now. From now on, you mess with him, you mess with me."

Artie said, "And me."

Joe said, "And me."

Claire said, "And me too." She pulled an arrow back. "Don't make me pull the trigger."

The stupid football players all walked.

Anne Marie said, "Claire, you cannot just use your arrows. You could hurt somebody with those."

"I think that was the idea."

Jake said to Ryder, "You didn't have to do that."

"You had my back. Now I have yours."

In the choir room, they gave Finn a brand new set or magic markers.

Finn said, "Thanks. Huddle up. Next week at Sectionals, we are gonna kick some Warblers' sorry asses."

They all said, "Amazing!"

The last two days in November came by and they put Sectionals on Thanksgiving Day. Mercedes, Mike and Santana all came back to watch. Quinn and Puck came back, too. Finn suggested they do "Gangnam Style." Claire was very much against it. Sam is literally brainless, but that's way beside the point.

Santana took one look at Kitty and said, "That bitch is pure evil." You would know, Santana. Guess it takes one to know one.

At Vogue, Kurt found Isabelle still in her office. He walked in and sat down. "So, Les Mis or The Hobbit"?

"Hmm, well, I love Peter Jackson, but I'm also all for the French Revolution, so…"

Then they said at the same time, "A double feature."

Statistically, The Hunger Games did better than the second part of Twilight: Breaking Dawn.

Ryder was trying to practice in the auditorium. Jake found him.

Ryder said, "I have to memorize the lyrics."

"Dude, it's Korean. Just sing gibberish. No one's gonna know the difference."

In the apartment in New York, Kurt and Brody were making the dinner.

Rachel said, "It's almost time for Sectionals."

Kurt asked, "Why are they doing it on Thanksgiving?"

"Well, they figured with everyone home for the holiday, they'd sell more tickets."

Brody said, "Most high schools have football games."

"I remember our first Sectionals. I was so nervous."

Unique put on her persona. Marley said, "Wade, I mean, Unique, you're back!" She ran to hug her.

"Yes, in all of her glory. And as you can see, Miss Marley, she is ready for her closeup."

"I thought your parents didn't want you wearing…"

"They don't. They're trying to protect me, but what they need to understand is I cannot and I will not be ashamed of who I am."

"You look beautiful. I think it's inspiring how brave and proud you are. I wish I was more like that."

Unique smiled, "Stop it."

Mercedes said, "Ladies, get in. And welcome back, girl."

Marley asked, "What's a show circle?"

Tina said, "It's a tradition before every competition."

Finn said, "It's something Mr. Shue came up with. Joe, why don't lead us in prayer?"

Puck said, "Dude, old testament. There are Hebrews here."

Joe said, "This is one of my favorite Bible verses from Isaiah. Considering that it's the first competition for some of you, I think it's appropriate. Do not fear because I'm with you. Do not be dismayed. I will strengthen you. I will uphold you with our righteous hand."

Artie said, "And our righteous dance moves, amen."

Finn said, "I remember our first Sectionals like it was yesterday."

Santana said, "On three?"

They all joined hands. "One, two, three. Amazing!"

The announcer called, "Lima's obituary editor, Stan Cook! Chief historian of the Lima Locomotive Museum, Harrison Paolucci! And the 2012 Defiance County Catfish Queen, Allison Metcalf!" Applause and cheers.

Marley hugged her mom. Millie whispered, "Break a leg."

The lights dimmed and we are introduced to… "I'm Hunter Clarington of the Dalton Academy Warblers."

Somehow while they were performing, they were better. They were even doing flips. No one is that athletic.

The announcer said, "Next up, they travel 87 miles by horse and buggy, the Rosedale Mennonites!"

They were doing an upbeat version of "Grandmother's House" and then "Round the Mountain."

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for the New Directions!"

The music started. They all got up and danced. Claire saved the performance by singing "Naturally" by Selena Gomez and the Scene. The dancing was too much for Marley that she lost consciousness. They ran her to the choir room to revive her.

Unique said, "Give her some space."

Anne Marie said, "Does anyone have anything she can eat?"

Tina said, "I have some leftover Halloween candy in my locker."

Blaine said, "I think I may have a juice pouch."

Marley sat down.

Sue slimed up and the Warblers won.

Claire was so angry at Finn, "I told you we shouldn't have done "Gangnam Style!"

After Thanksgiving, Kurt said to Rachel, "Bad news. That was Blaine. They lost."

"Oh, no."

"Yeah, apparently the new girl Marley passed out and the Warblers won. Claire tried to save the night, but they only came in second."

"Oh, poor Marley. And that was Claire's first real solo, too. Wait, so, that's it, then. But what are they gonna do now?"

"I don't know. I just feel bad for Blaine. If he were still on the Warblers, he'd be on his way to Regionals. Well, our friends' feelings aside, I've got one more chance of getting into NYADA and I can't blow the audition."

"It's not your last chance, you know. You can still reapply."

The next week, Carmen Tibideaux cordially invited Rachel to the Winter Showcase. Everyone in the dance class was so happy for her.

In the choir room, no one sat in chairs. Sam said, "So, that's it, then? No more glee?"

Will said, "Not until next September."

Artie said, "Sugar already bailed."

Tina said, "Can I just say? Claire, you are definitely Rachel. But I knew Rachel Berry. I was friends with Rachel Berry. And even though Artie made you the new Rachel, you are not Rachel Berry."

Claire said, "What the hell is your point? If I didn't sing that awesome Selena Gomez song, we'd all be disqualified."

Blaine raised his eyebrows.

Ian said, "She makes a good point." Jake smirked.

Artie and Tina officially suck!

Finn said, "Guys, enough. We've been preparing all week for this. If this is our swan song, let's make it the best it can be."

Anne Marie said, "And if any of you have a problem with this, keep it to your damn selves."

In the hallway, Artie rolled in a majordomo suit.

Tina and Blaine joined the Cheerios.

Ryder said, "That's why we joined the basketball team."

Jake said, "That's not why I joined the team. I joined because I'm actually good at basketball."

Unique rolled in on rollerskates. "Unique joined the floor hockey team."

Joe said, "I joined the paintball team."

In the auditorium, Finn said, "I can't believe it's been what? Two days and you've already moved on? Artie, your costume is ridiculous. It looks like a white dove died on your hat."

"It's called a plume."

"Whatever."

Claire glared at them, especially Artie and Tina. "You guys are still mad that we lost at Sectionals? How pathetic. I'm done with both of you!"

Tina said, "Claire..."

"You really don't want to touch me." She walked away in a huff. Ian was stunned. Anne Marie sighed heavily.

Joe said, "Wow. She was mad."

In the NYADA room, Tibideaux said, "Welcome to the New York Academy for the Dramatic Arts' annual Winter Showcase. While this is a competition, it is also a celebration. Each year, our faculty chooses 10 students who exemplify the best of what we are trying to achieve."

In a classroom, Anne Marie walked in. "Ian, Claire is out of control."

Ian said, "You don't think I know?"

"Artie and Tina deserved to be berated, but Claire just totally lost it. It's like she's a completely different person. It's like she's on drugs or something."

"Claire would have to be on drugs to be on drugs. Besides, I'd let her cool down. She needs to process this on her own."

"So…uh, are you doing anything later? I hear that Rachel is doing Winter Showcase at NYADA. Maybe we could watch it on TV or something?"

"Do they even televise those?"

Tibideaux said, "Our next performance is from the freshman class. Please welcome to the stage Miss Rachel Berry." Applause.

"Hi, I'm Rachel Berry and I'm just going to sing for you." She performed "Being Good isn't Good Enough."

Applause and cheering. "Encore!"

"This is my favorite holiday song." Then she did O Holy Night.

Applause and cheering again. Rachel ran to hug Kurt and Brody.

Tibideaux said, "Rachel, that was wonderful. No, that was superb. And now, we will take a brief intermission, and when we come back, if he's ready, we'll have a performance from Mr. Kurt Hummel."

Kurt said, "Carmen Tibideaux is insane."

Rachel said, "She just wants to see how you perform under pressure."

"I don't even have a song prepared."

"You have an entire repertoire."

"I guess I could do Wishing You Were Somewhere Here Again?"

"No, not Phantom. Not in front of this crowd."

"With One Look?"

"From Sunset Boulevard?"

"Being Alive?"

"Yes. That's perfect."

"There's just one problem. I think Carmen hates it. Who am I supposed to dedicate this to?"

"Dedicate it to yourself."

Kurt walked and everyone applauded. "Hi, I'm Kurt Hummel. Tonight I'm going to sing a song I loved since I was six. I think for the first time, I finally understand what it means." He was singing "Being Alive."

Everyone clapped and cheered.

Later, after Rachel won the showcase, Kurt opened a letter.

"Oh, my God, what happened?"

"I got my NYADA letter. I got in."

"Oh, my God, you got in!" They hug again.

Finally, it was Christmastime, and it was the 50th annual tree decorating contest.

Claire said, "Do I have to be here for this? I'm gonna be 18 a year from next Wednesday."

Marley asked, "Your birthday's next week and you didn't tell us?"

"It's not enough to matter."

Will said, "Well, merry Christmas, everyone."

Blaine said, "Christmas club looks an awful lot like glee club."

Tina said, "Christmas is cancelled!"

Artie said, "Not quite yet, Tina."

"Christmas is saved."

Beiste said, "Joseph was a deeply-tan Jew."

Jake said, "Thank you?"

Marley said, "I'm a virgin."

Kitty said, "That's a shocker."

"Yeah? Well…you wear a smaller bra than me." Oh, snap! Good one, Marley! Kitty was shocked and Wade tried not to laugh.

In the apartment, Santana came to visit Rachel and Kurt. They got a gig singing and dancing as Santa's elves. The guy who dressed up as Santa was nothing compared to Billy Bob Thornton. Santana said, "I look good in this outfit. Lord of the bling. Do we have a plan?"

Rachel said, "There is always a plan."

Santana was singing "Malfoy for Christmas" by Swish and Flick from Jingle Spells 3.

None of the kids seem to know what they were singing. The other elves seemed really into it, though.

The next day in the choir room, everyone was decorating the tree singing, "House Elf Party" also from Jingle Spells 3. Claire shouted, "Party with Melissa Joan Hart!" Everyone else was also getting their decorating on. The girls were congaing with antlers.

Everyone was humming "O Christmas Tree." Sue judged the tree. Tina and Sam walked up. Sam even held up a cute little vole he named Richie.

Sue smiled at him. "Well, glee club, I gotta hand it to ya."

In a flashback, Becky decorated everything green like it was St. Patrick's Day. Took it too far and too much.

"You're still humming. Okay, I won't be announcing the winner until tomorrow morning, but I have to admit, you actually did a bang-up job. Happy holidays."

In the auditorium, Will and Beiste were having Nativity scene auditions. Tina, Unique and Marley were singing "Mary's Boy Child." The boys cheered. Kitty said nothing. Claire took off her glasses mid-performance. Artie danced.

Beiste said, "Ladies, I was deeply moved. I also have a little Jamaican in me."

The next day, Sue announced, "The top-three finalists for the tree decorating contest are the Biology Club, the 420 Club, and Beiste and the football team. And the winner of the tacky glass-made angel is…the Glee Club." They all cheered.

In the apartment, that night, Rachel, Kurt and Santana were having a little Christmas party of their own by singing Tonks and the Aurors' version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

In the choir room, the next day, Unique was singing "Love Child" while doing a very different and explicit version of the birth of Baby Jesus. Kitty was horrified.

Outside, they were all singing "Away in a Manger." Kitty was Virgin Mary. Rachel, Kurt and Santana were singing as window displays. A girl smiled at them. Snow was falling.

Six days until Christmas, Finn was helping Artie out of his wheelchair because it slipped on some ice. When Artie was sleeping, he was having a black-and-white dream. He could walk. Tina was stuttering. Finn and Puck were jackasses. Artie asked, "Tina? Why are you stuttering again?"

Rory appeared and said, "She never stopped."

"Rory? What are you doing here? And talk slowly so I can understand you."

"I'm your Christmas guardian angel."

Artie was singing "Nothing to Fear" by Ministry of Magic from Jingle Spells 3.

In the auditorium, Rory explained, "You were the glue of glee, Artie."

When Artie woke up, Finn helped him back in his chair. "Sorry you have to be stuck in this chair, Artie."

"Well, for better or worse, it's a part of me." He rings a bell.

Five days until Christmas, Rachel closed her suitcase so she could spend the holidays with her dads. "There's going to be a Jesse Tyler Ferguson look-alike contest."

Kurt asked, "What about Shelby and Jack?"

"Oh, they're actually spending Christmas in LA this year."

"Christmas without snow is like Halloween without candy, but I guess it doesn't matter where you spend the holidays."

Knock on the door. Burt surprised them with a new tree. Kurt said, "Dad!" They hugged.

Rachel said, "Burt?"

"Seasons' greetings."

They put up the tree together.

Burt gave Rachel a new apple ornament. "Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah."

"Oh, it's lovely."

"It's for your first New York holiday."

"Thank you." They hugged.

Four days until Christmas, Jake didn't know what to do with his holiday. It was also the Winter Solstice, which means that it was the Mayan apocalypse day.

Tina, Joe, Jake, Marley and Ryder were all joined together in the library.

Anne Marie said, "Okay, you're all probably wondering why we brought you all here today. It's because it's the last day before Christmas vacation and it's also the first day of winter, which means the world may or may not end tonight."

Joe said, "That's exactly what we're wondering."

Ryder said, "Wait, where's Claire?"

Anne Marie said, "She said she was busy."

Sam said, "Guys, they're right. Science guys are already working tirelessly to prevent this crisis."

Jake said, "Yeah. Merry Christmas, you guys." The others left.

Sam was singing "Light the Castle Up" by the Remus Lupins.

In the teacher's lounge, Beiste gave Sue a Secret Santa. She got Marley's mom. "Millie Rose. The mother of that ravishing, golden-throated, brown-haired beauty."

Millie said, "We don't really need anything."

Marley said, "Not even a tree?"

"Marley, a tree is $50. If you want to give me a gift, sing me something."

Marley sang, "The First Noel." Millie, smiled. Sue also did.

Millie said, "That right there is the best present I could ever ask for."

Three days until Christmas, the Mayan crisis was thankfully averted by Desmond Miles in Assassin's Creed III. And by the Avengers in their first film when they battled the Chitauri and Loki. Those, however, were not the only reasons, but they were major events.

Jake decided to spend it with Puck in LA. They strummed guitars and sung Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah." They got Jerusalem tattoos and Puck said, "Happy Hanukkah!"

They were laying down in chairs. Then they left when the owners came home.

Two days until Christmas, there was a Christmas tree in Marley and Millie's living room. They were surprised. "Marley!"

"Oh, my God. This sweater is from Bennington."

"There's $800 here."

"Merry Christmas, Mom."

"Merry Christmas, Marley."

They hug. Sue and Becky smiled outside.

"We should probably still call the cops." And what, report a delivery?

One day until Christmas, that night, it was Christmas Eve. Kurt and Burt were in the apartment. Burt was watching football while Kurt was making dinner.

Outside, Blaine surprised Kurt so they could skate on the ice and sing.

"Package for Mr. Kurt Hummel."

"Blaine."

"Burt told me. I'll keep an eye on him. Besides, we have another important tradition."

"Our annual Christmas duet."

"You are glad to see me, right?"

"Yeah, always."

They were skating and singing "White Christmas." Burt smiled at them.

Puck and Jake came back from LA and had dinner at Breadstix with their moms.

Puck's mom said, "I saw you once, you know. You waited on us. Like you didn't even know who I was."

Jake's mom said, "I didn't."

"Your father really was an ass."

"An epic ass."

Puck said, "Let's make a toast to the power of the holidays. Merry Hanukkah, dude."

Jake said, "You too, bro."

In New York, the clock was chiming.

Blaine said, "It's midnight. It's Christmas."

Kurt said, "Yeah. Officially." He hugged him.

Puck and Jake's moms were really hitting it off. Puck said, "It's a true Hanukkah miracle."

Jake said, "Are you moving back here?"

"I mean, I can screen-write anywhere."

"You're a screenwriter now."

"LA is great, but someone needs to look out for you and our moms."

Claire said, "So, now that the world didn't end, you guys want to watch another movie? Maybe if we give our most sincereness to Coach Beiste, she'll want to join us."

Anne Marie said, "It's worth a try."

Ian said, "Not even she can stay mad forever."

Kurt sat down and asked, "Who's winning?"

Burt and Blaine said, "Celtics."

Kurt picked up a magazine. They groaned.

Burt said, "Twenty seconds. That's a new record. Pay up, Anderson. I know my son."

Blaine said, "You couldn't have just toughed it out for a few more seconds, Kurt? Just a few more seconds."

Everyone was singing "It's Not Christmas" by the Moaning Myrtles.

Applause. "Merry Christmas!"