Hey guys! I know this chapter has likely been one everyone has been heavily anticipating for a while, and rightfully so; it's time for NATIONALS. This episode has lots of guest stars, lots of heart, and lots of emotion. This has seriously been one of my favorite episodes to write, but at the same time, was so heavy and full of songs and other content. Between that and real life catching up to me, it took forever to get this out. I'm sorry for the wait; hopefully I'll shoot for monthly updates to the story from hereon out. Regardless of when I update, I do promise that I have not, and will not, forget about this story!
I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! Next up is "100," the big Glee reunion. Stay tuned!
Episode 5x11: This One's For You
Synopsis: The New Directions head to Los Angeles to take on Jean Baptise (Skylar Astin) and Throat Explosion at NATIONALS! Finn, joined by his mom (Romy Rosemont) and Burt (Mike O'Malley), race against time to try and make it from Lima to L.A. in time for the glee club's performance. Meanwhile, local celebrity Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley) is enlisted to help Marley regain her confidence. It's time for the 2013 National Show Choir Championship!
Home sweet home.
Finn Hudson, fresh off a wonderful finish to his freshman year of college, walked in the front door of his family's beautiful home with a wide smile on his face. Finals? Blew them out of the park. Dean's list? Made it without question! He was at an all-time high, and there was one more step in his stairway to success.
Nationals.
Finn played a big role in messing up Sectionals, and he missed Regionals entirely, so his heart was set on bringing home a trophy for the New Directions, for the second year in a row. And, of course, he wouldn't be doing it alone, no. He had a great support group behind him.
"Hi, honey!" Carole Hudson-Hummel, Finn's mom, greeted him with a bright smile as he entered the kitchen, giving him a great big hug. The hug was quickly followed by a fist bump from Finn's stepdad, Burt Hummel.
"You ready for Nationals, buddy?" Burt laughed as he messed with Finn's hair.
Finn took a seat at the kitchen table, motioning to his suitcase, before taking a deep breath. "I'm finishing the school year strong, right? Winning this competition will just be the cherry on top." He looked over to his mother. "So, when are we headed to the airport?"
Carole took a seat next to him. "Well, our flight was delayed a bit, so not until early tomorrow morning."
Finn blinked. "Wait, what?"
"Finn, sweetheart, don't freak out-"
"How could I not?" He proceeded to freak out. "We're gonna miss Nationals entirely! Mr. Schue and them are there already!"
"Well, we couldn't leave with them because of your tests. You know the competition is in two days, right?" Burt questioned quickly, sipping from his coffee mug.
"Our flight got delayed an entire day, number one. It takes three hours to get to the Cleveland airport, and then the flight itself is five hours. We'll have to get to the hotel, which will take forever since we're flying into LAX and Puck tells me LAX is a zoo, and we're gonna have to get checked in, and then probably sleep, and then the competition is during the afternoon! We're screwed. I'm screwed!"
Carole put a hand on his. "Honey, I know this isn't an ideal travel situation, but I also know how much those kids mean to them. I know how much you mean to them, too. I promise, we will be there."
Finn couldn't even stay in the kitchen in that moment. He was so frustrated; granted, it wasn't his mom or Burt's fault, and he knew that, but he didn't want to take his anger out on them. He stepped into his room and looked through his phone. He scrolled through his contacts before reaching Mr. Schue and giving him a call.
Over in LA, at the hotel, Mr. Schue answered the phone. "Finn, hey! You guys at the airport yet?"
"Flight got delayed until tomorrow."
"Oh, that sucks... I'm sorry. Finals go okay, though?"
"Forget about my finals, Mr. Schue, okay? What if I miss Nationals entirely?"
Mr. Schue chuckled on the other end of the phone. "Slow down, buddy, slow down. You will be here in time, okay? I promise. We don't even go on until 3 PM tomorrow."
Finn groaned. "Yeah, but I've proven to be a bad luck charm to this team. If history repeats itself-"
"Hey, you are far from a bad luck charm. You'll see at the competition, I promise." He glanced around after receiving the hotel keys before saying, "Listen, I've gotta go get everyone checked in. I'll see you at the competition, okay?"
Finn sighed. "Okay, okay. Bye, Mr. Schue."
{Mr. Schue hangs up with Finn as he begins to stroll through the hotel lobby}
[Mr. Schue]
Hate New York City
It's cold and it's damp
And all the people dress like monkeys
{Mr. Schue does a heel click in the hall as he begins to knock on doors. Members of the New Directions begin to enter the hallway and follow Mr. Schue}
[Mr. Schue]
Let's leave Chicago to the Eskimos
That town's a little bit too rugged
For you and me, bad girl
{The kids are all visibly excited, beginning to clap and cheer as they stop in the middle of the hall, surrounding Blaine}
[Blaine]
Rollin' down Imperial Highway
With a big nasty red-head at my side
{Artie wheels around Blaine and Mr. Schue}
[Artie]
Santa Ana winds blowin' hot from the north
And we were born to ride
{Artie wheels down the hallway as everyone follows him, running. The scene cuts to the New Directions and Mr. Schue are on a Hollywood tours bus, driving down the streets. Blaine takes pictures as he sings}
[Blaine]
From the South Bay to the Valley
From the West Side to the East Side
[Blaine and Artie]
Everybody, very happy
Cause the sun is shining all the time
[Blaine]
Looks like another perfect day
I love LA
{A montage of the New Directions enjoying the streets of Los Angeles is shown as the group harmonize}
[New Directions]
Na-na-na-nana, na-na-na-na-nana-nana
[Blaine]
We love it!
[New Directions] (Artie)
Na-na-na-nana, na-na-na-na-nana-nana
(Yeah! I love LA)
Na-na-na-nana, na-na-na-na-nana-nana
[Blaine]
We love it!
{Sam, Blaine, and Jake are shown taking food from a hot dog stand and bringing it onto the bus for the New Directions to eat. The girls are also shown posing with cardboard cutouts as the scene cuts to the New Directions continuing to drive around LA and enjoying the sights}
[Sam]
I love LA
[Jake]
I love LA
Oh, woah
I love LA
[New Directions]
We love it!
The scene cut to the New Directions, sitting in the hotel lobby as Mr. Schue stood to the side, texting on the phone with Finn for what felt like the millionth time that day. There was a three-hour time difference between Lima and Los Angeles, but that clearly didn't stop Finn from panicking that he was going to miss the competition. He paid extra to have internet access on the plane so he could keep Mr. Schue in the loop on damn near everything. Finn's passion was admirable, that was for sure, but it sure aggravated his mentor.
The kids, on the other hand, were occupied with gawking at the Los Angeles sights. Kitty elbowed Unique and squealed, "Don't look now, but I think somebody famous just came in!"
Unique's head whipped around as the glee club watched a woman holding a dog, wearing sunglasses and the best designer outfit, walk into the hotel lobby. She flipped her hair as she approached the group, the high schoolers quickly realizing it was someone they knew all too well. "Even better!" Unique cheered. "It's Mercedes Jones!"
The older glee kids, Tina and Artie specifically, were the most excited, but everyone was happy to see her. Even Marley, who had been down in the dumps the entire trip, lit up with a smile. "I was hoping you'd make it!" Tina clapped as she trotted over, giving her fellow OG glee club member a big hug.
"Are you crazy?" Mercedes asked, hugging her friend back. "Baby, I wouldn't miss this for the world."
"Ooh! I heard that you got a record contract because either Usher, Kelly Clarkson, or Michael Jackson's daddy bought your album in a 7/11 parking lot!" Unique gushed.
Mercedes laughed, shaking her head. "I was selling my CD, Hell 2 The No, in a parking lot. Now, I ain't gonna lie, business was wack, but then this Mexican lady bought one. I think she felt sorry for me... turns out, that Mexican angel on Earth was the housekeeper to Kanye West! She gave it to Kanye, who gave it to Kim, who gave it to Ryan Seacrest, who gave it to Sony Records. The Sony Records! Next thing I know, I'm sipping Perrier with a bunch of rich dudes! Long story short, in exchange for writing six songs for artists on their label, I get my own album with all the perks, all the P&A they can muster, and two music videos they pay for. If it sells, I don't have to do a lame follow-up Christmas album!"
Although he was happy for his friend, Artie felt the need to address the elephant in the room... or, rather, the dog. "Hold up. Is that dog alive?"
All of the New Directions looked down at Mercedes's dog in hand, which turned out to be a stuffed animal. Brittany shook her head. "Hollywood has changed you, Mercedes. PETA would be so disappointed."
"What?" Mercedes looked at her with a confused face.
"Taxidermy is the devil." Brittany responded.
Mercedes chuckled at Brittany's comment, shaking her head again. "No, no. It's a faux-huahua! A fake Chihuahua?"
Artie clearly was still confused, as were most of the kids, but Tina laughed and wrapped her arm around Mercedes's shoulder, waving to Mr. Schue. "Mr. Schue, Mercedes is here!"
He looked up from his phone and waved nonchalantly. "Oh, hey, Mercedes." He greeted his former student before burying his face back into his phone.
"Hi!" Mercedes responded before looking to her friends. "What stick is up his butt?"
Artie rolled his eyes. "Finn."
Sam added, "His flight was delayed and now he's been freaking out that he's gonna miss Nationals."
Mercedes pinched Sam's cheek, causing him to instantly blush, and in turn, Tina to glare at the both of them. "That boy Finn Hudson used to be the opposite of what glee stood for, and now look at him!" She teased her friend, knowing he wasn't here to defend himself, before noticing everyone was a bit worried regarding Finn's absence. "I'm sure he'll make it guys, don't worry."
She began to usher the kids out of the lobby and into their rooms, trying to do Mr. Schue a favor while he was preoccupied, but Blaine and Sam stayed put, their eyes locked on the doors to the hotel as their worst nightmare arrived a bit early. "Oh, my god, that's them." Blaine whispered.
Throat Explosion, led by Jean Baptise, had just arrived, and were walking straight towards them.
"Who?" Bree asked, finally giving a rat's ass about show choir. Her confusion was echoed by several of her classmates.
Blaine shook his head and turned around. "Do you seriously have no idea who that is? None of you read the show choir blogs?"
"No, Blaine, we don't," Kitty responded sassily. "None of us read the show choir blogs. Just you!"
"That is Throat Explosion?" He responded, matter-of-factly. "That's their leader, Jean Baptise." He leaned over to Sam and whispered, "Jean Baptise was born in Quebec to acrobatic parents. He trained at Cirque du Soleil before emigrating to Fort Wayne, where he used his French-Canadian circus stylings to turn the show choir world upside down."
"Bonjour!" Jean Baptise walked up to the gang of misfits from Lima with a devious smirk. "You must be the New Directions, and you must be Blaine." He locked eyes with the former Warbler.
"How did you know my name...?"
"Show choir blogs."
Sam stepped in between the two. "I'm Sam Evans, and I'm the leader of the New Directions." Once again, the collective looks of confusion amongst the glee club spoke volumes. "You know, I know you guys are really good and stuff, but that's just gonna get us out of our comfort zones and send us over the top."
Jean Baptise, not taking him at all seriously, just smiled. "Well, it was really great to meet you, Sam." He looked to the rest of the kids and said, "Best of luck, New Directions. We really can't wait to see your set... and crush you like a bug. Bye!" He, followed by the rest of Throat Explosion, shoved through the pack of Lima kids, as they went to check in at the front desk.
"What is with the turtle necks?" Sam mumbled under his breath.
"That was tense..." Blaine, clearly shook, turned to the group, ready to address them.
Mercedes just laughed, once again, giving Tina a hug. She must have noticed Tina's attitude shift when she pinched Sam's cheek. "Oh, how I missed the show choir, high school drama! Come on, tell me all about it. Let's go." She began to usher the kids out of the lobby, this time to her success.
Sam and Blaine followed this time, however they were still angry over the Throat Explosion encounter. "Like a bug..." Blaine echoed. "That was good. He was right in my face. Why didn't I think of that?"
"He smells like a winner," Sam admitted in defeat, as the two followed Mercedes.
That afternoon, around the same time as the New Directions wrapped up their Los Angeles tour, Finn had finally landed in Los Angeles, after further flight delays and him being a nervous wreck the entire flight. As soon as the plane hit the ground, he unbuckled his seat and stood up, instantly hitting his head on the overhead compartment above him. Carole, sitting next to him at the aisle seat, shook her head. "You know we're at the back of the plane, right? We need to wait for practically everyone else to get off."
"Seriously, can't they wait? We're in a state of emergency here."
Burt, who had the window seat, was starting to lose his patience. "Finn, you need to relax. We're not going to miss anything."
"You don't know that!" Finn insisted, fidgeting in place as he waited for everyone to claim their carry-ons from the overheads and exit the plane. "We've already missed almost an entire day of prep time."
"We've still got plenty of time before the competition..." Carole pointed out. "It's, like, two in the afternoon and the competition isn't until three in the afternoon tomorrow."
"How is it 2 PM?" Finn looked at her, confused. "We took off at noon and the flight was five hours."
"Time change. Pacific Standard Time?" Burt reminded him.
"Oh."
"So, will you relax? Please?" Carole stood up as their row as finally preparing to exit the plane. "We will be there in no time."
Finn let Burt and Carole walk ahead and talk about God knows what, but his mind continued racing. He thought about school, about Nationals, about Penny, about Rachel... any and everything he had gone through this year was at the forefront of his thoughts in that moment. He just decided to keep quiet, as he could tell his mom and Burt were about to snap on him. He was being annoying, he'll give them that, but this was a huge deal for not only himself, but for his friends. His kids. They had busted their asses all school year, and he would be dammed if he had to miss that.
The three approached the rental car desk, which was empty. All the lights were off.
"Let me guess. They're not open." Finn mumbled to himself.
Burt took out his phone to Google it, but Carole had already waved an airport employee over to help. To their surprise, and as Finn, expected, the rental car service was not open, and wouldn't be open until 3:30 PM. "I could've sworn they'd be open!" Carole wondered out loud as the three took a seat near the desk. "Who would've thought rental car employees took a lunch break?"
Finn's eye couldn't help but twitch.
"Are you sure we should be doing this?" Unique asked, a flashlight in hand. The New Directions were on location as they entered the theater in which they'd be performing for Nationals in the next day. It was pitch black inside, and the group decided to explore a bit as Mr. Schue took a nap. "I mean, if we get caught..."
"Just go!" Tina sighed, shoving Unique forward as she followed.
"Trust me," Blaine reassured his teammate as he walked out onto the stage. "When I was on the Warblers, sneaking onto the stage the day before a show was tradition. We had other traditions, which I can't really speak about..."
"Why, because they're totally gay?" Bree asked, laughing with Kitty at her own joke.
"Very funny," Blaine rolled his eyes.
Sam put a hand on Unique's shoulder, who was clearly still nervous. "We're not doing anything wrong. We're just getting a feel for the layout of the stage! Our stage?"
Artie wheeled next to them, looking a bit concerned himself. "So, should we sing a song, or hold hands, or say a prayer, or something? If I'm being honest, these ghost lights are kind of freaking me out."
"I'm down for a prayer!" Joe exclaimed.
"Relax, dude," Ryder elbowed Artie. "We're gonna be up here kicking ass tomorrow. No big deal."
"Ryder is right," Sam began, clapping his hands and rubbing them together. "Finn promised us that we'd all be going back to Nationals together this year, and look where we are? Through every setback, everything that stood in our way, we made it back. And we are going to kill it out there!"
The New Directions cheered, and as the cheers faded, Artie added, "This is pretty badass. Can't wait for Finn to see the surprises in our setlist."
"Well, well! Les Directions Nouveau!" The pow-wow was ended by Jean Baptise, who walked into the auditorium alone, a smirk on his face as he trudged down the aisle. "Apparently, we had the same plan for an illegal midnight rehearsal."
"We?" Blaine looked him up and down with a sneer. "You're alone."
"Am I?" He replied snarkily as the lights poofed on and members of Throat Explosion began to come out of the woodwork. "Existentially, yes, Blaine. Perhaps we are all alone... but tonight? Tonight, this stage belongs to us." Jean Baptise hopped onto stage, pointing in Blaine's face cartoonishly. "From midnight until dawn. I called in a few show choir favors, so we'll just give you three minutes to gather your feelings and leave." He walked around in a circle, eyeing every member of the New Directions down. "You have our mercy tonight, New Directions, but tomorrow, you will not have our mercy or restraint. We are Throat Explosion; expect us!" He clapped his hands and motioned to the exit as he and his teammates walked out, staring down their competition every step of the way, leaving this group of kids from Lima feeling very intimidated.
That night, Ryder groggily walked down the hall to the vending machine. He wasn't sleeping well and was craving something sweet, so he was hoping there were gummy worms or something in there. As he walked in he found Marley, who jumped as she heard the door open. "Crap, Ryder, I wasn't expecting anyone to come in!"
"Can't sleep?" He questioned.
She shook her head.
"Me neither," he said as he stared into the vending machine. "You doing okay?"
"Yeah, why?" Marley Rose was a terrible liar.
"Well, I noticed you changed your Facebook status."
"What, are you waiting to see if Jake and I broke up?" Marley asked jokingly, forcing a laugh as she was clearly upset.
"Oh, totally," Ryder responded teasingly. "No, I just.. I'm talking about where you put where your job is? It used to say 'Singer-songwriter' and now it says 'undecided.'"
Marley sighed, leaning up against the wall and closing her eyes in defeat. "I entered my songs in this contest..."
"Did you lose?"
She nodded. "That was only one of the dozens of contests I entered. I only heard back from one. All the others have announced winners and stuff and I only heard back from one. I took that as... I don't know, a wake-up call?" She shook her head. "Anyways, with that being said, now I'm thinking of joining the accounting club when we get back."
Ryder chuckled, not exactly seeing Marley as a math girl. He didn't see Brittany as one either, but he guessed anything was possible at that point. "Well, I think accounting club interferes with the glee club." He looked into Marley's eyes, who instantly looked away, a frown growing on her face as Ryder started to put two and two together. "Wait, hold on. Are you planning on quitting glee club?"
Marley half-smiled as she looked down before looking back up at him. "I don't want to let anyone down... the team, Mr. Schue, Finn... this is going to be my swan song, and I just want it to be fun, so please don't tell Mr. Schue or Finn? Please?"
Ryder nodded as she gave him a quick hug and exited the vending machine room. He leaned against the wall and sighed heavily. Marley was one of the most talented girls who ever entered the New Directions, and she was going to quit just like that? It wasn't right; the New Directions needed her, and one could argue she needed them too. He had to do something... but what?
The next morning, Jake laid in his bed in the hotel room, absent-mindedly flipping through a magazine, with his shirt off. Ryder exited the bathroom and looked at him, shaking his head. "Dude, get dressed, we've gotta be downstairs in 15 minutes."
Jake ignored him at first, but then glanced up at Ryder, who was giving him a look. "Alright, alright. Don't cry, I'm going." He chuckled, lightly hitting him on the shoulder with the magazine as he headed into the bathroom.
As he waited for Jake to return, Ryder remembered his conversation with Marley. She made him promise not to tell Mr. Schue or Finn, which he knew he wouldn't do, but he had to do something, and it seemed like Jake was just the guy to talk about it with. She was his girlfriend, after all. He was just the guy to talk to. "Listen, I'm not supposed to say anything, but Marley's quitting glee club when we get back," he called to Jake in the bathroom.
Instantly, he shot out of the bathroom, now fully dressed. "What? Why?"
"She sent her songs into some stupid contest, and never heard back. She thinks it's the universe trying to tell her to give it all up."
"That's crazy," Jake insisted. "I've heard her songs, and she's incredible. I thought she entered more than one contest, though?"
"She did. Either didn't hear back or straight up got rejected by all of them."
"And how do you know all of this?" Jake raised an eyebrow, somewhat suspicious.
"Vending machines last night." Ryder laughed softly. "Right place, right time, I guess."
Jake sat down on the bed, taking a deep breath. "Well, with some of the big voices graduating, we're gonna need her on the team. Plus, she's way too talented to throw this all away."
"I was thinking that if we found someone out here in LA... you know, someone real, we could tell them about Marley."
"Sure, I've got Cee-Lo on speed dial!" Jake said sarcastically.
"We do know someone almost famous, you know..."
A knock on the door subsided the conversation. Jake stood up to answer it, and outside stood just the girl they were looking for; Mercedes Jones. She stood with a hand on her lip and her right foot tapping impatiently. "Mini Puckerman, Finn Jr., get your butts downstairs, now," she barked as she made her way down the hall.
"Mercedes, wait!" Jake called, poking his head out into the hallway. She stopped and turned to face him, as well as Ryder, who was now next to him. "We need your help."
Finn sat in the backseat of the rental car, twiddling his thumbs as his mom and Burt sat in the front, the three of them stuck in the hustle and bustle of LA traffic. There was something different about their dynamic in that moment, however. Finn wasn't freaking out about being late for Nationals. Instead, he remained quiet, staring out the window, deep in thought.
Burt looked up at him through the rear view mirror. "A penny for your thoughts?"
Finn looked at him, and shook his head. "It's just... I'm sorry for being a pain in the ass throughout this whole trip. I'm just super stressed about this whole situation and I've been taking it out on you two. I know it's been getting on both of your nerves, and I just wanted to apologize."
Carole turned around in her seat and looked at her son, giving him a soft smile. "Oh, honey, you haven't been getting on our nerves!"
"Yes, you have," Burt said without hesitation as he kept driving. Carole lightly smacked him on the arm, as he chuckled. "Hey!"
Finn, instead of getting offended, laughed himself. "It's okay, Mom, you don't need to sugarcoat it."
Carole shook her head. "Maybe just a little." She reached her hand back and took Finn's, squeezing it. "You don't have a thing to worry about, Finn. You coached the hell out of those kids over the course of this school year. They are going to be incredible. No doubt in my mind that you guys will win another title."
"Yeah, but what if we don't?"
"Well, the graduating seniors have already won one," she pointed out. "And for the younger generation, they'll have at least two more shots at winning it all. Between you and Schuester leading the way, the New Directions will for sure win another title."
"That's the thing, Mom. If we lose, Sue's getting rid of the glee club!"
"Sue Sylvester is the definition of a bluffer," Burf scoffed in the front seat. "How many times has she threatened to put an end to your group of singing and dancing misfits? How many times did she follow through?" He locked eyes with Finn once again in the backseat, who said nothing. "Yeah, my point exactly. She's all bark, no bite. Nobody messes with the Hudson-Hummels, don't forget that."
"And win or lose, those kids are about to have the time of their lives. You're the reason that was possible... so I consider this season a win in my book, regardless of what happens today!" Carole replied enthusiastically.
Finn nodded, smiling from ear to ear. "I love you guys," he said. "Thanks for always being there for me."
"We love you too, kiddo," Burt kept his eyes on the road, but Finn could see a small smile form on his face. "Now, let's give these Throat Explosion kids hell."
With the rest of the New Directions backstage, getting themselves together for the performance of a lifetime, Marley stood outside, leaning over a fence as she stared into space. She was about to be on the biggest stage when it came to show choir, and she didn't feel an ounce of the confidence she felt at Sectionals, or even Regionals. All she could think about were that rejection letter, and the countless other auditions she never heard back from. It was incredibly disheartening, and she felt currently no motivation to continue on with the glee club or music as a whole. She may have been a star in Lima, but as far as she was concerned, that's all she would ever be. Her heart was empty.
[Marley]
Well, I woke up to the sound of silence and cries
Were cutting like knives in a fist fight
And I found you with a bottle of wine
Your head in the curtains and heart like the Fourth of July
{Marley stares down at her feet as she continues to sing}
[Marley]
You swore and said we are not
We are not shining stars
This I know, I never said we are
{Mercedes walks out and begins to sing while approaching her, much to Marley's surprise}
[Mercedes]
Though I've never been through Hell like that
I've closed enough windows to know you can never look back
If you're lost and alone, or you're sinkin' like a stone
Carry on
May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground
Carry on
Carry on, carry on
{Mercedes puts an arm around Marley, whose facial expression slowly begins to change}
[Mercedes]
Whoa, my head is on fire, but my legs are fine
After all, they are mine
Lay your clothes down on the floor
Close the door, hold the phones, show me how
No one's ever gonna stop us now
{Marley smiles and gives into Mercedes, beginning to sing along with her}
[Marley]
'Cause we are, we are shining stars
We are invincible, we are who we are
On our darkest day when we're miles away
So we'll come, we will find our way home
[Marley and Mercedes]
If you're lost and alone, or you're sinkin' like a stone
Carry on
May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground
Carry on
[Mercedes]
Oh-woah
[Marley]
No one's ever gonna stop us now
No one's ever, no one's ever gonna stop
No one's ever gonna stop us now
[Marley and Mercedes]
No one's ever, ever, no one's ever gonna stop
No one's ever gonna stop, no one's ever gonna stop us now
As their song concluded, Marley couldn't help but smile at the New Directions legend that stood before her. Mercedes was always one of her favorite alumni, one she always felt like she related to. She admired her talent, and thought she was an excellent vocal coach. She could probably give Finn a run for his money as their assistant coach! Regardless, she loved Mercedes, so when she spoke, Marley listened. "Three minutes. The next time one of your songs gets rejected, you can throw yourself a pity party for exactly three minutes. Then, you need to haul your ass up and start writing another one." She looked at her, as the two stood by the fence. "But your songs are really good. I don't care that a bunch of yahoos rejected them. They're stupid, and they're wrong, and they're gonna be sorry someday.
"I know about rejection," she continued, placing a hand on Marley's shoulder. I lost almost every single solo to Rachel Berry in high school. I got dumped by my first record label. I even got dumped by Sam Evans!" Marley's eyes widened, but Mercedes corrected herself with a quickness. "No, wait. I dumped him. Twice." The two girls then shared a laugh together, like two old friends. "You are loaded with the gills with talent," she pointed out to Marley. "Someday soon, I'm gonna be hitting you up for songs."
"Thank you," Marley laughed softly. "How did you-"
"Couple of birdies..."
"Ryder must've told Jake..."
"Talented and smart!" Mercedes cheered, the two laughing once again. "Those guys, especially Jake, they really care about you. They want to see you succeed... and so do I. Don't ever give up on your dreams, Marley Rose. You're too good."
The two shared a hug, with Marley's eyes clouded with happy tears. Mercedes Jones was someone that she looked up to, so hearing those words of encouragement from her really changed everything. If someone as good as her believed in Marley, maybe she needed to reconsider and start believing in herself again.
"Now, come on," Mercedes said as she pulled out of the hug. "You've got a competition to win, girl!" The two interlocked hands and rushed back inside the theater.
Inside the Orpheum Theater, it was showtime. An announcer began to speak; "A reminder from the City of Angels! The 405 Freeway is closed for repairs this month. Also, the subway isn't working and the bus service isn't working due to snipers! Also, if you try to walk, people will look at you weird. Also, watch out for terrorists!"
In the interim before the judges were announced and the competition began, Mercedes entered the auditorium with Marley, leading her to where the New Directions sat in the audience. The crowd began to stand and clap for Mercedes, as she was a local celebrity. Someone even yelled, "Oh, Hell 2 The No!" Marley made her way to her seat as she gave Artie a side hug and whispered to Mr. Schue, "Where is Finn?"
Mr. Schue motioned back a few rows before saying, "I don't think he and his parents are here yet. Traffic."
Mercedes nodded, patting Artie on the back once again as she made her way to her seats, guarding the two seats where Burt and Carole would sit with her life.
The announcer continued. "And now, let's meet our judges. Please welcome living legend and Academy Award winner, Miss Marlee Matlin! Give a warm hand for entertainment icon and Emmy award winner, Jackée!" Unique in particular was excited at the idea of being in the same room as Jackée. "A round of applause for the inventor of the fitness craze that's sweeping the nation, Prancersize, Joanna Rohrback!" The last celebrity judge began to prance across the stage as the crowd erupted. Blaine and Sugar stood up and gave her a standing ovation!
"And now, from Oklahoma City, the Amazonians!"
{The Amazonians appear on stage with pink and red costumes on, as well as red beach balls in hand}
Da da, dad'n-da da, dad'n-da, dad'n-da da
Can't seem to get my mind off of you
{The Amazonians start bouncing the balls and do spins}
Back here at home there's nothin' to do, ooh
I see I was wrong
And I'm not so strong
I should've known all along
That time would tell
{The Amazonians throw the balls into the crowd as the audience hits them into the air}
Two weeks without you and I
Still haven't gotten over you yet
{The Amazonians begin to perform their choreographed dance}
Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent alone
Meant to be spent alone, oah
{The scene cuts to a car being parked in the parking lot. Finn, Burt, and Carole get out of the car and rush to the entrance}
Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
{Finn, Carole and Burt are let inside and stand in the back as they watch the performance}
Vacation, meant to be spent
Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, had to get away
Vacation, meant to be spent alone
Vacation, meant to be spent
Vacation, meant to be spent alone
The audience roared with applause, as Carole and Burt made their way to their seats, hugging Mercedes quickly as they sat down. Finn crept down the aisle to where the New Directions sat, and as soon as he locked eyes with Mr. Schue, his problems all began to fade. The kids were excited to see him as he took his place next to Mr. Schue. "Glad you could make it, Finn," he elbowed his apprentice playfully as the two smiled.
"Yeah, I'm excited to see these kids to that Journey medley! Full circle moment."
"Right." Mr. Schue smirked, knowing Finn was in for a surprise.
Down the aisle, Blaine whispered to Sam about the Amazonians' performance. "Okay, a Belinda Carlisle triple medley is impressive, but it's not that great. We're still safe."
"And now, from Fort Wayne, Indiana, please welcome Throat Explosion!"
{The lights cut out in the theater as Throat Explosion entered the stage, in costume, wearing masks. Blue lights began to light up around them}
[Throat Explosion]
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Mata ah-oo hima de
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Himitsu wo shiri tai
{The group circles around Jean Baptise, who removes his mask, doing robotic movements across the stage}
[Jean Baptise] (Throat Explosion)
You're wondering who I am
(Secret secret, I've got a secret)
Machine or mannequin
(Secret secret, I've got a secret)
With parts made in Japan
(Secret secret, I've got a secret)
I am the modern man
{Throat Explosion and Jean Baptise begin to run around the stage in synch, as the judges watch in awe. Jean Baptise comes center-stage as the group continues to move around him}
[Jean Baptise] (Throat Explosion)
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo! (Roboto!)
Domo! (Roboto!)
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo! (Domo roboto!)
Domo! (Roboto!)
{Jean Baptise looks directly into Sam and Blaine's souls}
[Jean Baptise] (Throat Explosion)
The time has come at last
(Secret secret, I've got a secret)
{The rest of Throat Explosion discards of their masks}
[Jean Baptise] (Throat Explosion)
To throw away this mask
(Secret secret, I've got a secret)
Now everyone can see
(Secret secret, I've got a secret)
My true identity!
(Domo!)
{Two members of Throat Explosion approach Jean Baptise and rip off his costume to reveal and blue and white suit and tie as they transition into their second part of the mashup. The rest of Throat Explosion also have a costume change, now sporting blue and white suit and ties, and dresses}
[Throat Explosion]
Lately I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Baby, I've been, I've been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars
{The New Directions, Kitty and Artie in particular, are shown looking quite concerned}
[Jean Baptise]
Like a swinging vine
Swinging my heart across the line
And in my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and ye shall find
[Jean Baptise] (Throat Explosion)
(Old)
But I'm not that old
(Young)
But I'm not that bold
I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told
{In the judges box, Joanna Rohrback is shown Prancersizing}
[Jean Baptise]
I feel something so right
Doing the wrong thing
And I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I could lie, could lie, could lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
[Throat Explosion]
Lately I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Baby, I've been, I've been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars
[Jean Baptise]
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned
[Throat Explosion]
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I've learned
Take that money
Watch it burn
[Jean Baptise]
We'll be
We'll be counting stars
The mashup concluded with the spotlight shining on Jean Baptise, center stage, as the audience once again roared with applause. He soaked in his moment of glory, smiling bright for the entire venue to see, as once again, fear wiped over the faces of the New Directions.
Backstage, the New Directions were preparing to go on stage. Everyone was getting into positions as Finn made his way backstage with his parents. "Dude, we're so glad you made it in time!" Sam said happily, giving his friend a bear hug.
"Yeah, but you probably should've waited for Frenchie to perform before showing up," Bree muttered under her breath, standing with Kitty. "There's no way we can follow that up."
"I thought his name was John..." Brittany whispered gently to herself.
"Okay, guys, bring it in." Mr. Schue motioned for a show circle; everyone obliged, except for Carole and Burt, who stayed back and watched as Finn rejoined his team. Mr. Schue began, "We're not like the other teams here. We don't have the big budget, or the giant pool of students to choose from. We're also different from these teams because we didn't come here to win. We came here to sing and dance our hearts out!"
Finn, despite not being there for a majority of Nationals preparation, decided to speak up. "Come on, Mr. Schue." The students all collectively whipped their heads to pay attention to Finn. "This is Nationals! We are the reigning champions. So what if, John the Baptist and those guys went out there and knocked out socks off-"
"It's actually Jean Baptise," Blaine corrected.
"I thought it was John too!" Brittany repeated, agreeing with Finn.
"Whatever," Finn shook his head and hands. "We have nothing to be afraid of. I told you guys that we'd be going back to Nationals, together, and here we are. We're gonna go out there, and wipe the floor with those guys! Come on, let's show them how it's done!" He looked to Mr. Schue. "Anything else you want to add?"
Mr. Schue chuckled, patting Finn on the back. "Couldn't have said it better myself." He looked to the kids. "Alright, you heard Finn. Let's win this thing."
Finn looked back to his mom and Burt, who smiled at him. They didn't have to say it, but Finn knew; they were so proud of him and the man he became by joining glee club that day sophomore year. This was his moment, and it was time to own it.
"Hands in!" Mr. Schue motioned to the middle of the circle, as everyone put their hands in. Carole and Burt even joined in. "Aaaaaa-mazing!"
"And now, raise the roof for last year's national champions, from Lima, Ohio, the New Directions!"
{The New Directions begin to harmonize and face the audience. Blaine walks across the front of the stage}
[Blaine]
I looked out this morning and the sun was gone
Turned on some music to start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
{Blaine makes his way to Tina, taking her hand and pulling her from the crowd}
[Blaine and Tina]
I closed my eyes and I slipped away
{The boys and girls of the New Directions stand in two separate lines, each gender moving in unison with each other}
[Blaine] (New Directions)
It's more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
[Tina]
When I hear that old song they used to play
{Blaine and Tina run across the stage as the rest of the glee club dances behind them. Blaine then leads the boys in their own dance as Tina leads the girls}
[Blaine and Tina] (New Directions)
And I began dreaming
(More than a feeling)
'Til I see Marianna walk away
[Blaine]
I see my Marianna
[Blaine and Tina]
Walking away
{The crowd cheers as Blaine and Tina harmonize while hitting their high notes, as the boys and girls of the glee club partner up to dance}
[Blaine]
When I am tired and thinking cold
{Blaine takes Tina's hand and pulls her away from the crowd}
[Blaine and Tina]
I hide in my music, forget the day
[Blaine]
And dream of a girl I used to know
I closed my eyes and she slipped away
{Blaine picks Tina up and spins her}
[New Directions]
She slipped away
[Blaine and Tina]
She slipped away
{The New Directions come together on stage and point upward to the sky, just as Finn and the OGs did during their performance of Don't Stop Believin' back in the Pilot episode. On the side of the stage, Finn's eyes are shown lighting up as he claps, with Mr. Schue watching him with a smile}
[Blaine] (New Directions)
It's more than a feeling
(More than a feeling)
[Tina]
When I hear that old song they used to play
[Blaine and Tina] (New Directions)
And I began dreaming
(More than a feeling)
'Til I see Marianna walk away
[New Directions]
More than a feeling
{The New Directions all look down to their feet as the number concludes, the audience cheering}
As the audience cheered, Finn and Mr. Schue themselves clapped on the side of the stage. "Mr. Schue, that was incredible!" Finn said with a bright smile on his face. "I love that song, but what happened to the Journey medley?"
Mr. Schue just put a hand on Finn's shoulder. "Some last minutes changes. You're gonna love them."
{The judges are shown clapping in the judges box. Ryder high-fives Jake, as the New Directions all begin clapping as their next number begins, the kids lining up in a row at the front of the stage. Artie wheels forward, beginning the number, as Carole, Burt and Mercedes cheer in the crowd, knowing what the kids have done for Finn}
[Artie]
Far
We've been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star
{As the rest of the New Directions get into formation, Sam and Kitty move forward, harmonizing}
[Sam and Kitty]
Free
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang onto a dream
{Kitty leads the girls in their dance}
[Kitty]
On the boats and on the planes
They're coming to America
[Kitty and Unique]
Never looking back again
They're coming to America
{Kitty grabs Artie's wheelchair and begins to wheel him around the stage as the rest of the glee club dance around him}
[Artie] (Artie and Kitty)
Home
(To a new and shiny place)
Make our bed, and we'll say our grace
(Freedom's light burning warm)
Freedom's light burning warm
[New Directions]
Freedom's light burning warm
{The New Directions begin to clap again and harmonize, as Finn is shown bouncing with excitement on the sidelines. The boys and girls partner up once again}
[Sam] (Unique)
Everywhere around the world
(Everywhere)
They're coming to America
(They're coming to America)
[Sam and Unique]
Everytime that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America
[Artie and Kitty]
Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America
Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America
[New Directions]
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
They're coming to America
Today!
[Artie]
They're coming
[New Directions]
Today!
{Sam stands center stage}
[Sam] (New Directions)
My country 'tis of thee (Today!)
Sweet land of liberty (Today!)
Of thee I sing (Today!)
Of thee I sing (Today!)
[New Directions] (Unique)
They're coming to America
(Yeah yeah, yeah yeah, yeah yeah)
Today!
As the third and final song began, confusion fell onto Finn's face. "Wait a second, U2? This is my favorite song!"
Mr. Schue wrapped his arm around Finn. "Finn, they're singing all of your favorite songs."
That's when it hit him. More Than A Feeling, America, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. They were all songs he would've sang if he were on that stage. Mr. Schue and the kids changed up the setlist at the last second for him, to honor him. When that realization came to his mind, Finn's eyes swelled up with tears. In the crowd, his mom's eyes would do the same.
{The New Directions begin to vocalize as Sam looks off to the side of the stage, pointing to Finn and smiling}
[Sam]
I have climbed highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you
{A flashback of Finn and Sam hugging from the Season Two episode "Rumors" is shown}
[Sam and Blaine]
I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you
{A flashback of Finn and Blaine fist bumping from the Season Three episode "Hold Onto Sixteen" is shown}
[New Directions]
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
{Artie comes centerstage with Tina next to him}
[Artie]
I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing fingertips
It burnt like fire
This burning desire
{A flashback of Finn pushing Artie in his wheelchair from the Season One episode "Pilot" is shown}
[Artie and Tina]
I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
{A flashback of Finn and Tina hugging from the Season Four episode "Swan Song" is shown}
[Tina]
I was cold as a stone
{Tina blows a kiss to Finn offstage, who waves with tears in his eyes}
[New Directions]
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
{Burt and Carole are shown in the audience, moved, as a flashback of the two of them with Finn from the Season Three episode "On My Way" is shown. Directly after that, a flashback from the New Directions' performance of Lean On Me to Finn and Quinn from the Season One episode "Ballad" is shown, which is followed by a scene of Mercedes in the crowd, also moved}
[Blaine, Artie and Tina]
I believe in a kingdom come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
{A flashback of Finn singing in the shower from the Season One episode "Pilot" is shown}
[Blaine]
But, yes, I'm still running
[Tina]
Yes, I'm still running
[Artie]
Yes, I'm still running
[Sam]
You broke the boards and you lose the chains
Carry the cross and all my shame
All my shame
You know I believe it
[Artie]
I believe it
I believe it
{A flashback of Finn with the New Directions in the choir room, in the Season Four episode "Dynamic Duets" is shown}
[New Directions]
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
{Mr. Schue looks at Finn. A flashback of the two hugging from the Season One episode "Preggers" is shown}
[New Directions]
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
{A flashback of the New Directions "slushing" the crowd at Regionals from the Season Two episode "Original Song" is shown, directly followed by a clip of Finn holding their Nationals trophy from the Season Three episode "Nationals" is shown}
[New Directions]
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
As the song concluded, the audience cheered for an emotional New Directions squad, who looked happy and content with their song performance. On the side of the stage, once again, Finn looked incredibly emotional, cheering and clapping the loudest out of anybody in the building.
After their performance, the New Directions celebrated backstage, cheering and clapping for themselves. The cheering subsided, however, when Finn walked backstage, his mom, Burt and Mercedes walking closely behind. They all looked at him, seeking his approval, as he looked from Mr. Schue to Mercedes, and then to his mom and Burt.
"Never in a million years did I think you'd be standing right here, coaching these kids," Mercedes spoke, a bit choked up, laughing softly. The rest of the kids laughed afterwards as well.
Finn laughed, walking up to the students, his students, and taking a deep breath. "Maybe you didn't, Mercedes, but I am so glad I am." He put his arms around Sam and Ryder before continuing, "I love you guys. This is easily one of the greatest moments of my life, and coaching you guys this year has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I don't even care what happens with the judges... I won today because of you guys. We won. Thank you, all of you."
The New Directions came together for one final group hug before Mr. Schue ushered them out onto the main stage for the awards ceremony. It was time to see if the New Directions made it.
The three teams (New Directions, Throat Explosion, The Amazonians) stood on stage as they anxiously awaited the news, their competition results.
"Third place goes to... our bronze beauties, The Amazonians!" Jackée announced, tossing the envelope to the side and handing the group their third place trophy.
That left the New Directions and Throat Explosion, who stared at each other in fear. Finn had his fingers crossed and his eyes closed; all their hard work needed to pay off. This would cap off one of the best years of his life.
Jackée continued, "And now, the pivotal moment is here."
"There can only be one champion show choir per nation," Joanna Rohrback added.
"Second place goes to..."
The two groups stared in anticipation, hoping and praying their name wouldn't be called. When Jackée opened the envelope, it seemed like the rag-tag group of teens from Lima's biggest nightmare had finally came true.
"New Directions. Which means, the winner of the National Show Choir Championship is... Throat Explosion!"
As Jean Baptise and his group basked in their success and victory, Finn, Mr. Schue, and the New Directions stared blankly into space, not fully processing their loss just yet. It wasn't until Jean Baptise, in a surprisingly respectful manner, approached Finn and Mr. Schue to shake their hands, thanking them and congratulating them for their hard work and success across the school year. He meant nothing malicious by the comment, but it stung. Hard. It stung especially hard for Mr. Schue and Finn, who realized one thing;
Sue Sylvester's words were going to come back to haunt them.
"Alright, guys, time to put our new trophy in the case."
Back in Lima, in the choir room, Mr. Schue held their second place Nationals trophy, the kids surrounding him, looking on with frowns. Finn stood by the case, opening it up with a soft smile.
"I always found that second place trophies are just a lasting reminder that you didn't win," Artie said, disappointedly.
"There were 16 teams at that competition," Mr. Schue insisted. "We beat 14 of the best show choirs in the country!"
Sam looked up to Finn. "I'm sorry we let you down."
Finn looked at him, bewildered. "Wait, what?"
Blaine also looked disappointed in himself. "We really want to win this. For us seniors, for you..."
Tina spoke up. "We had a plan to give your mom and Burt the trophy to keep. You did so much for us this year, and we didn't perform well enough..."
"Tina, stop," Finn said, looking to everyone. "I-I don't wanna hear anyone beat themselves up about this anymore, alright? It burns me that we lost to Throat Explosion. This is my unbiased opinion but you guys were robbed. You were better than them, and you should've won... but the pity party is over." He looked over to Marley and smiled. "What did Mercedes tell you?"
"She told you about that?" Marley blushed, embarrassed.
Finn nodded. "Go on, tell me. What did she tell you?"
"Three minutes."
"That's right." Finn cleared his throat before continuing, "Even though most of you haven't been in a show choir before this year, you still stood tall against the best of the best."
"How can you talk like that?" Bree spoke up, obnoxiously. "How can you make it seem like we won?"
"Because I have you guys," Finn admitted. "I had the best group of kids, the best friends anyone can ask for. I'm so, immensely proud of you all."
"I suppose second place is better than when you and Rachel made out on stage, which led to us getting 12th..." Artie chuckled.
"There's always next year, right?" Ryder asked, smiling a little.
Before Finn or Mr. Schue could respond, Becky Jackson entered the choir room. She pointed to the two teachers and said, "Coach Sue wants to see you two butt buddies in her office. The principal's office." They gulped and followed Becky down the hall to what was once Figgins's office. As they entered, she snickered, "Dead men walking!"
Principal Figgins was just finishing up cleaning his office of his belongings when Mr. Schue entered the office, Finn walking in after him. He looked at the two with a sad look in his eyes, like a puppy begging for food. "Schuester, Finn Hudson. It has been an honor." He hugged the two as he looked around his office one last time, before leaving for good. The two then looked down to see Sue Sylvester, sitting prompt and attentive at Figgins's desk.
"Ah, don't get all weepy-eyed just yet. He's still going to be here for the graduation ceremony," Sue chuckled, motioning for the two to take a seat in the chairs before them. They took a seat, afraid to admit the fate that lied before them. Sue picked up on that. "I bet you're hoping for a last minute reprieve... and then I'll say something about how your plucky band and pinhead minstrels worked hard to get to where they did, and that second place is actually an achievement."
"I can't say that I wasn't secretly hoping you'd consider it," Mr. Schue admitted.
"Well, I have considered it. More than you know," Sue replied, with a hint of disappointment in her voice. "But, I just can't. In the words of ex-Principal Figgins, my hands are tied."
"Give me a break," Finn snapped, standing up and facing Mr. Schue. "This isn't fair at all, Sue is just a petty, cold-hearted bitch who has had it out for us since day one. She can save the glee club, she's just choosing not to!"
"Finn-"
"Finn nothing, Mr. Schue," Finn continued, turning to face Sue. "You're a bully. You've been put down your entire life, so now that you're in a position of power, you're deciding to put down everyone around you. We're the only people who've had your back, despite your constant schemes, verbal assaults, and every single time you've torn us down. We were there for you when you were going through that face 'Sue-icide' depression, we were there for you when you had your baby, we were there for you when Jean-"
The mention of Jean Sylvester, Sue's late sister, was enough. In a surprisingly calm manner, Sue stood up and said, "That's enough, Hudson." She pointed to the door. "Take a walk."
Finn was flabbergasted. Full of anger. He looked at Mr. Schue, and back to Sue, before stomping out of her office, promptly kicking something on his way out.
Mr. Schue's head whipped back towards Sue. "I am so sorry-"
"Don't worry about it," she said with a deep breath. "Finn's still a kid. He can't control his emotions yet. I understand; but I'm the principal now, William. My job is now concerned with the health of the entire school, not just the fiefdoms that I like. I do like you, William, and that's why I'm so mean to you." She motioned out into the hallway, "Him, too," she said, referring to Finn. "With that being said, the Cheerios stay because they won. So does the debate team, the football team, the girls soccer team, and the Mock UN. However, diving, academic decathlon, actual decathlon, and yes, glee club, need to go."
Mr. Schue was full of emotions, but he still stood up for himself and his kids. "Should I fight? Should I make a speech about the arts or, or how much this club means to me personally?"
"Save that for your wife, it'll probably turn her on." Sue moved seats and sat next to Will. "Fighting won't make any difference here."
"So... this is really it." A tearful Will Schuester looked over to Sue. "What's gonna happen to the choir room?"
"Oh, well, it's prime real estate. They'll probably turn it into two classrooms. And, since we won't be needing the band anymore, to play everything from obscure Broadway to Queen at a moment's notice, probably sell off their equipment and buy some computers." Sue was being totally honest, totally transparent in her plans to change McKinley as the principal, but she still emphasized for her long time rival. "Butt-chin up, Schuester. Look where you were four years ago when you started this thing. You've got a National championship trophy from last year in that case, and a bunch of other loser trophies standing with it! You and your team have done phenomenally well... and you did it with the world's greatest nemesis playing her best game against you.
"You didn't lose, William. The game's just over."
Mr. Schue sighed. He took a look at Sue and in her eyes, he could tell there was no turning back. For the first time in his life, he accepted defeat.
It was all over.
In New York, at the Spotlight Diner, Kurt rushed out from the kitchen, a look of despair washed upon his face. His phone was in his hand as he ran up to Rachel and Santana, who were sitting at the counter filling salt shakers. "Oh, my God."
"Now what?" Santana asked with an eyeroll. "You booked us a huge gig playing a show at the Union Square subway station?"
"I just got off the phone with Blaine. It's the glee club. They've disbanded. They didn't win Nationals. They're turning the choir room into a computer lab or something, and Sue isn't backing down this time." Kurt was out of breath, panicked, as the looks of sorrow made their way to Rachel and Santana. It was only a matter of time before the news reached the rest of the alumni, who would likely share similar reactions.
All Rachel could say was, "Wait, what?"
"It's over." Kurt gulped.
glee
Season Five, Starring Cory Monteith
STARRING
Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson
Lea Michele as Rachel Berry
Matthew Morrison as William Schuester
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester
Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel
Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez
Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams
Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina Cohen-Chang
Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson
Chord Overstreet as Sam Evans
Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose
Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman
Becca Tobin as Kitty Wilde
Alex Newell as Wade "Unique" Adams
Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn
GUEST STARRING
Romy Rosemont as Carole Hudson-Hummel
Mike O'Malley as Burt Hummel
Samuel Larsen as Joe Hart
Vanessa Lengies as Sugar Motta
Erinn Westbrook as Bree
Heather Morris as Brittany S. Pierce
Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones
Skyler Astin as Jean Baptise
Ian Brennan as Show Choir Announcer
Marlee Matlin as Herself
Jackée Harry as Herself
Joanna Rohrback as Herself
Lauren Potter as Becky Jackson
Iqbal Theba as Principal Figgins
SONG(S) PERFORMED:
Randy Newman - I Love LA: Performed by William Schuester, Blaine Anderson, Artie Abrams, Sam Evans, and Jake Puckerman with New Directions
fun. - Carry On: Performed by Marley Rose and Mercedes Jones
The Go-Go's - Vacation: Performed by The Amazonians
Styx/OneRepublic - Mr. Roboto/Counting Stars: Performed by Jean Baptise with Throat Explosion
Boston - More Than A Feeling: Performed by Blaine Anderson and Tina Cohen-Chang with New Directions
Neil Diamond - America: Performed by Artie Abrams, Sam Evans, Kitty Wilde, and Wade "Unique" Adams with New Directions
U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For: Performed by Sam Evans, Blaine Anderson, Artie Abrams, and Tina Cohen-Chang with New Directions