Sorry this took so long. I had other things going on, and I was also working on my Wattpad story: Sonic Prime: Shattered Hedgehog. Anyway, I hope this story goes well for you guys. BTW, I'm Christian. Just wanted to mention it on account of the episode.
Episode Synopsis: Finn has an existential crisis when he believes he sees the face of Jesus in his grilled cheese sandwich. Meanwhile, the rest of the kids rally around Kurt after his father, Burt, has a heart attack, which leads to a larger discussion among the group about their own theology. Rory tries his best to assist Kurt under the advice of his friends.
DISCLAIMER: The Original writers own Glee. I do not own any of these characters except for Gina and Preston.
About a week ago, Finn and Rory were hungry and decided to make some grilled cheese sandwiches. Rory made his first and it came out normal, but when Finn's came out of the cooker, what happened next surprised them… it was the face of God, Literally. Finn had made a Grilled Cheesus. It was beautiful. Who knew that someone could be so good at making sandwiches that a face could be made with one.
"Dude, tell me you see what I'm seeing." Finn asks Rory, not looking away from his Grilled Cheesus.
"Yep. This is real. You just made Jesus in a sandwich. This is by far the most amazing thing I've ever seen." Rory complimented him.
"Thanks dude. But I'm so hungry though." Finn sighs in disappointment. He can't cut his masterpiece.
"Then just cut it in half. But don't hit the face." Rory tells him.
"Oh, right." Finn then cuts it diagonally to eat the half.
Later that weekend, Finn turns to Rory while they are playing Call of Duty together.
"Hey Rory, do you think that this is a sign?" Finn asks him, still playing.
"The Grilled Cheesus?" Rory asks and Finn nods. "Then maybe. You never know. My pastor always said that God works in mysterious ways."
"I'm not the most religious guy- I sort of worship Eric Clapton and Ochocinco- but this was different so I decided to see what it felt like to, you know, pray." Finn tells him. Rory furrows his eyebrows and pauses the game.
"You want to pray to a sandwich?" Rory asks him.
"Not just any sandwich man. Grilled Cheesus. This could be a message from God saying he's giving me a direct line to him."
"I don't know Finn Hudson. That sounds a little off to me."
"Fine. I'll just pray that the football team wins our first game." Finn turns and lays down on the bed to face Grilled Cheesus. Rory decided to humor him and watch.
"Dear Grilled Cheesus, first of all, you're super delicious. Please, Grilled Cheesus- please let us win our first football game. It would mean so much to Artie, and I think you kind of owe it to him. I mean, you did sort of screw him in the leg department." Rory shrugs from behind Finn as he prays. "And in return, Cheesy Lord I'll make sure we honor you this week in Glee Club."
"I still have my doubts about this. There is no way, no way! That this is a line to God."
Then as the Thursday game went on, the McKinley Titans were able to win their first game with Artie as the M.V.P. Rory watched the game in shock as what he had doubted had just become true before his eyes.
"Huh... I guess I was wrong." Rory said in shock.
The following Friday, Kurt told Rory that he was going to go to Burt's tire shop to deliver his breakfast. Rory decided to come with because, well, why not? So they walked to the tire shop together. It turns out, Rory and Kurt have been getting along well lately. After their shared detention, Kurt started introducing Rory to some famous American artists and musicals, and in return, Rory introduced some of his favorite artists from Ireland and told him a little about Saint Patrick's day. They had just finished watching 'Singing In the Rain' and Victor/Victoria together, giving Rory some more culture. He really liked hanging out with Kurt, even if they don't have much in common besides their appearance.
Anyway, they soon reach Burt's tire shop to see Burt, who is currently working on a car.
"Hey, Dad." Kurt greets his dad.
"Hey, that's my boy and my favorite Irish kid." Burt said.
"You forgot your breakfast." Kurt hands his dad his food. "Suzanne Somers says that skipping breakfast is suicide."
Burt takes a look inside and is surprised to see what it is. "What is this?" He asks.
"It's an egg white wrap on a sprouted wheat tortilla with half a grapefruit and a green drink." Kurt tells him.
"Where's my usual breakfast?" Burt asks, still confused.
"You mean the Coke and two Slim Jims?" Rory asks, before Kurt does.
"Yeah. Breakfast of champions." Burt replies, causing Rory to chuckle.
"Dad, you are not a kid anymore. You have to start taking care of yourself." Kurt explains to him.
"I guess with enough hot sauce, this will be alright. Thanks." Burt thanks the duo.
"Yeah." Kurt nods.
"No problem Burt Hummel." Rory waves it off.
"Hey, don't forget, Friday night dinner is 6:00 instead of 7:00 this week. Carole has to work the night shift." Burt tells the two.
"We can't do this Friday." Kurt said, after checking his teeth with a removed car side window. "Uh, sing-along Sound of Music at the El Royale Theater. It's a once-a-year event and I got Rory and I two tickets."
"Last week you had to camp out early so you could be first in line for those Grey's Anatomy DVDs." Burt adds.
"Season six, Dad." Kurt tells him.
"Those Friday night dinners are a ritual in our family- one your mom started." Burt reminds him. Rory tunes out of the conversation to check out the surrounding cars.
"I know, but I'm a teenager. Friday nights are kind of important to me. Plus, who knows how long Rory's gonna be in America before his visa runs out. I wanted to make it special." Kurt turns to look at the wandering Irish, who was looking at a bauer. "Hey Rory, make sure you don't drill your eyes out." He tells him, and gets a nod from Rory. He then turns back to his dad. "Why are you making me feel guilty about this? I, of all people, know how important the relationship is between you and Carole."
"Those dinners are more than important. They're sacred. The whole point of having something sacred is that it takes precedence over anything else you got going on." Burt reasons.
"Sing-along Sound of Music is sacred to me." Kurt defends.
"What, you think I don't know that? Wasn't I the one who bought you that Maria bonnet when you were six?" Burt reminds him.
"Enough with the bonnet." Kurt whispers, raising his head in frustration.
"The point is, if you start giving up stuff like Friday night dinners then you got nothing to hold onto. Okay, let's face it, Kurt- If we don't schedule it, then we don't hang out. If we don't hang out, then our lives just go right by each other. And we don't share very much." Burt tells him, trying to convince him to join in.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not missing something that I look forward to all year just for another dinner." Kurt starts to walk away. "Maybe we could do it Thursday or something. Come on Rory." Rory perks up at his name being mentioned and walks to Kurt.
"Later Burt."
"Yeah, sure Rory." Burt tries not to hold it against Rory since he's mostly just a follower here, but Kurt? He expected better from him. "I got to tell you, Kurt. I'm real disappointed in you." Kurt just walks away with Rory so they can get to class on time.
"That seemed rough. What happened?" Rory asks.
"Oh nothing, just my dad being bummed that we're skipping out on our Friday night dinner." Kurt replies as they make their way to his car.
"Oh. Well I guess I can get that. He just wants to stay close to his son. I miss my family so much it breaks my heart." Rory said, taking Burt's side.
"Missing one or two dinners isn't the end of the world. Even if I don't spend as much time with my dad as I would like, I still love him." Kurt defends himself.
"I'm only saying that you never know how long you have with your family. Try to cherish it." Rory adds.
"Look, can we talk about this later? I'm not in the mood." Kurt tells him, not in the mood to continue.
Rory and Kurt then make it to school for their morning Glee Club meeting
"Mr. Schue? I have something to say." Finn raises his hand and stands up. "Something happened to me and I can't really get into it, but it's shaken me to my core."
"Wait, Finn, is this about 'you know what?'" Rory asks his host brother.
"Yes it is Rory."
"Oh, my God, they're coming out." Puck assumes.
"Why, yes. There is a man who's sort of recently come into my life and that man is Jesus Christ." Finn announces, surprising a few people, namely the jewish members, Puck and Rachel.
"That's way worse. The weird thing is, with how much he hangs around Kurt, I expected Rory to at least be gay" Puck comments causing Rory to furrow his eyebrows in confusion.
"And I know there's others in here who dig him too. And so I thought maybe this week we could pay tribute to him in music. You know, pay tribute to Jesus." After Finn's idea comes out, the Christians of the room, namely Mercedes, Quinn, and Rory, are thrilled with this idea.
"Sorry, uh, but if I wanted to sing about Jesus, I'd go to church. And the reason I don't go to church is because most churches don't think very much of gay people. Or women. Or science." Kurt informs.
"I don't see anything wrong with getting a little church up in here." Mercedes agrees with Finn's idea.
"I agree." Quinn also agrees. "I've had a really hard year, and I turned to God a lot for help. I, for one, wouldn't mind saying thanks."
"Thanks for what? That it didn't come out a lizard baby?" Santana quips.
"I'm fine with it. I turned to God when I first came here. I don't see why not." Rory said.
"Whenever I pray, I fall asleep." Brittany informs, causing Rory to shake his head with a smile, finding her funny.
"Well, guys, maybe our song selections don't have to be about Jesus. We could do songs about spirituality." Mr. Schue reasons, causing Puck to roll his eyes. Finn catches that and responds.
"You got a problem with Jesus?" He said.
"Oh, I got no problem with the guy. I'm a total Jew for Jesus. He's my number one Hebe. What I don't like seeing is people using J-Money to cramp everybody else's style 'cause it seems to me that true spirituality- or whatever you want to call it- is about enjoying the life that you've been given." Puck responds. Rory tilts his head from side to side. He wasn't wrong. People do use God as an excuse for their own prejudices, and he does agree with that way of life. "I see God every time I make out with a new chick." That he didn't necessarily agree with, but it gave him a smirk.
"Okay, okay. That doesn't make any sense. In fact, it's stupid." Rachel insults, disagreeing with Pucks words.
"Are you calling Mr. Billy Joel stupid? At this time I'd like to continue my streak of doing only songs by Jewish artists." Puck said as he walked to get a guitar to do his song. "Hit it." He tells Brad, the piano player who obliges, cueing the band to start playing.
Puck:
Come out Virginia, don't let me wait
You Catholic girls start much too late
Oh but sooner or later it comes down to fate
I might as well be the one
Well, they showed you a statue, told you to pray
They built you a temple and locked you away
Oh, but they never told you the price that you pay
For things that you might have done...
Only the good die young
(Woah)
You got a nice white dress and a party on your confirmation
You got a brand new soul
Ooh, And a cross of gold
{Half of the class got up and started to dance near Puck}
Come out come out come out
Virgina don't let me wait
You Catholic girls start much too late
Sooner or later it comes down to fate
I might as well be the one,
You know that only the good die young
Tell me baby!
As the song ends, everyone starts clapping for Puck, with the exception of Kurt, who Rory noticed was looking at his phone with no care for the whole thing.
After the meeting was over, Rory joined Kurt on his way to French class. "Hey, Kurt, can we talk?" He asks.
Kurt turns his head and notices the Irish boy. "Oh, hey Rory. What do you need?"
"I noticed that you weren't dancing with everyone when Puck was doing Billy Joel. Is something wrong?" Rory asks his host brother.
"No. I just don't really care for all this bible talk." Kurt rolls his eyes at the subject.
"What do you have against us talking about our beliefs?" Kurt stops Rory when he asks that question.
"Look, I don't believe in God, okay?" Kurt tells him, surprising the kid. "I have nothing against you guys for believing in him, but even if I ignore the fact that the stories seem unbelievable the alternative is just him being kind of a jerk. I mean, have you read the bible? It's talking about slavery, sexism, and homophobia."
"But that's not the only thing it talks about. Isn't it sort of interesting to think about the idea of a higher power, who sacrificed his son so that the rest of us can go to heaven?" Rory counters.
"Maybe for you, but the fact that he had his own kid die and just watch just sounds morose to me." Kurt replies.
"Okay, I don't agree with you on that since it gave Jesus a peaceful place in heaven afterwards but I'll try to respect your atheism." Rory surrenders.
"That's all I ask." Kurt said as the two then reached their french class. While some of the class were using their time to do their homework, since there was a substitute, the rest, Kurt included, talked amongst themselves. Kurt was having an argument with Azimio and threw him off by speaking french until Mr. Schue and Ms. Pillsbury entered the room.
"Kurt? Can we talk to you outside? Rory, you can come too." The two looked at each other with worried looks on their faces. The teachers then took them outside to tell them that Burt had been taken to the hospital on account of him having a heart attack at the tire shop. Kurt wanted to go to the hospital immediately and Rory decided to come along for moral support.
They waited in the hall close to Burt's hospital room for the doctor. Kurt kept pacing, worried for his father. Especially since their last conversation brought Burt disappointment.
"Kurt, it's gonna be okay. Burt's the strongest man I know." Rory tries to help.
"The doctor said he had a heart attack." Kurt said.
"They also said he was stable." Rory counter argues.
"For now. What if our last conversation was it? What if that was the last time I got to speak to my father?" Kurt asks rhetorically. This brought a silence in the group until the doctor came to talk to them. "Where is he? Is he dead?"
"No, he's alive, but I'm sorry. I don't have any other good news." The Doctor said.
"I want to see him." Kurt tries to walk past the doctor, but is stopped.
"He hasn't regained consciousness." He said.
"I thought he had a heart attack." Mr. Schue said, questioning the doctor's wording.
"Brought on by an arrhythmia which caused a lack of blood to his brain. That's what made him lose consciousness, and what's keeping him comatose. We have him on Lidocaine, but there's no guarantees they're going to work or what kind of damage was done to his brain by the lack of oxygen."
"I don't understand what you're saying. When is he gonna wake up?" Kurt asked with tears coming out of his eyes.
"I don't know." The doctor replied.
"Okay, just- Just take us to him now, please." Mr. Schue pleaded, and the doctor allowed them to enter the room. They saw an unconscious Burt lying in his hospital bed, quiet, and alone. Kurt walked slowly towards him.
"I need a minute."
"I don't think you should be alone, Kurt." Ms. Pillsbury said, worried.
"I'll stay with him." Rory offers. This was enough for them.
"We'll be right outside." Mr. Schue tells them before he and Ms. Pillsbury leave
"Dad? Can you hear me?" Kurt takes Burt's right hand. "If you can hear me, squeeze my hand." Kurt takes a deep breath with a sad smile. "I'm holding yours right now. Just squeeze back. Come on, Dad. Just squeeze my hand."
Rory starts feeling sad for Kurt right now, so he proceeds to hold Kurt's right hand. Kurt squeezes his hand for comfort as tears start flooding down his face.
"It's gonna be okay Kurt. Burt's not gonna leave us. He's gonna wake up and we'll have chicken to celebrate, you hear me?" Rory said, not just to Kurt but to himself. Burt was a really amazing guy, and an even better host father. He wasn't ready to lose him just yet.
Rory had gone to Breadstix later that day to meet with Sam and Sunshine. He wanted to introduce them to each other, but could also use some support from friends due to what's been happening with Burt. He waited in a booth for 5 minutes before Sam entered the entrance and looked for him. Rory stood up to signal him, getting his attention. Sam walked towards him and embraced him immediately. Rory was quick to accept the hug. Rory then saw Sunshine enter the restaurant and waved to her. After pulling away from Sam, he was pulled in by Sunshine. "I'm sorry about Burt. I wish I could understand what you're going through." Sunshine told him, before pulling away.
"It's fine." Rory replied.
"No it's not. Is he okay? Is he gonna..."
"He's not gonna die, Sam." Rory assured his friend.
"Oh, so you're Sam! The third guy who wanted to audition. I'm Sunshine. Cool to meet you." Sunshine said, turning to Sam and holding out her hand for a handshake, which he quickly took.
"Yeah. Sorry I didn't show up."
"It's fine. If it's any consolation, I quit in day one. I transferred to Carmel to join it's show choir. Mr. Goolsby is thinking about making me the soloist at Sectionals." Sunshine informs them.
"Cool. I mean, I'm more of a football guy myself. I made Quarterback." Sam said with a smirk.
"Damn. Not everyone can make that as a Sophomore and a transfer. Congrats." Sunshine congrats.
"Thanks." Sam replied before sitting down in the booth, and Rory and Sunshine join shortly. "So what's happening with Burt right now?"
"The doctor says he's unconscious from a lack of blood in his brain, but... he's stable." Rory said while looking down.
"That's great. And I know you're feeling down right now but that might just be a good thing." Sam tells him.
"How can that be a good thing?" Sunshine asks with a raised eyebrow.
"It's a sign he's gonna make it. Whenever my head hurts after a test, I know I passed it." He said, bringing a small smile in Rory's face.
"I texted the Glee Club about it. Some of them want to pray for Burt." Rory tells them.
"That might be a good idea. Helping however you can." Sunshine said.
"Plus, I'm Christian so I'm totally on board for that." Sam said.
"Cool. I mean, I'm agnostic but good for you." Sunshine informs them.
"I'm just feeling lost. I had to leave my family behind to come here and my American dad is facing death. I feel terrible. And it's not just that. It's Kurt. That's his dad. What am I supposed to do?" Rory said with tears in his eyes. His two best friends felt really bad for him. Sunshine proceeds to put her hand on his left one.
"It's gonna be okay Rors. Just be there for him. That's all some people need. Just being there." Sunshine tells him.
Sam takes his right hand. "I don't know Burt, but I know based on how much you care that he's a good guy, and God will be on his side."
"...Thanks lads. You're the best mates I could ever ask for."
The next day, at the Choir Room, Rory sat next to him, trying to do what Sunshine advised and be there for Kurt as much as possible. They didn't go to Sound Of Music last night so Kurt must really be down. The Glee Club enters the room and the two stand to greet them. Kurt is given a hug from Tina and two shoulder pats from Quinn and Mike. Brittany and Santana then stop in front of Kurt.
"Hey, Kurt. We're really sorry about your dad's heart attack." Santana said, surprising them both. She really does have a heart.
"Thanks, Santana." Kurt thanks him.
"I did a book report on heart attacks if you want to give it to the doctor. I got knocked down an entire letter grade 'cause it was written in crayon." Brittany hands him the report and the Cheerios walk away.
"What the hell happened?" Finn walks in and asks.
"My dad's in the hospital." Kurt tells him.
"I know. He didn't show up to dinner last night, and my mom just told me. I feel like I'm the last one to know." Finn said, feeling upset.
"Well, I'm sorry, Finn. It didn't occur to me to tell you, because he's not your father." Kurt told him, emotionlessly.
"Yeah, well, he's the closest I'm ever going to get, okay? I know it may not look like what everybody else has but I thought we were sort of a family." Finn stops talking, feeling sad. "Look, I guess I just- I didn't like overhearing other people talking about it in gym class." Finn then walks away and sits down.
"Hey, guys. Our thoughts are all with Kurt and I know it's sort of hard to really focus on anything else-" Mr. Schue tries to talk to them but is interrupted by Mercedes.
"Mr. Schue?" Mercedes said.
"Yeah?" Mr. Schue said.
"I've been struggling, trying to figure out what I wanted to say to Kurt all day and I realize I don't want to say it, I want to sing it." She stands up and walks to the middle of the choir room. "This song is about being in a very dark place and turning to God. It's a spiritual song, Mr. Schue. Is that okay?"
"It's fine."
"Tina, Quinn, can you help me out, please?" The two stand up and walk to the side, near the band.
Mercedes (Quinn and Tina):
As I lay me down
Heaven hear me now
I'm lost without a cause
After giving it my all
Winter storms have come
And darkened my sun
After all that I've been through
Who on earth can I turn to?
I look to You,
I look to You
After all my strength is gone
In You I can be strong
{Rory never actually noticed this before since he's never heard her sing besides Empire, but Mercedes has a fantastic voice. It's impossible to think about anything else, as he in entranced by the musical beauty that is Mercedes Jones}
I look to You (To You)
I look to You, ohhh, oooh (Oh-oh-oh)
And when melodies are gone, yeah (Melodies are gone)
In You I hear a song
I look to You
Oooh
I look to You
Everyone applauds Mercedes and her song.
"Your voice is stunning, but I don't believe in God." Kurt said, surprising everyone but Rory, who he told the past day.
"Wait, what?" Tina said, surprised.
"You've all professed your beliefs. I'm just stating mine. I think God is kind of like Santa Claus for adults. Otherwise, God's kind of a jerk, isn't he? I mean, he makes me gay, and then has his followers going around telling me it's something that I chose as if someone would choose to be mocked every single day of their life. And right now I don't want a heavenly father. I want my real one back." Kurt said, upset. Rory tried not to comment on the thing about Santa Claus thinking that Kurt is really upset. He doesn't mean to disrespect their religion.
"But Kurt, how do you know for sure? I mean, you can't prove that there's no God." Mercedes argues.
"You can't prove that there isn't a magic teapot floating around on the dark side of the moon with a dwarf inside of it that reads romance novels and sh**t lightning out of its boobs but it seems pretty unlikely, doesn't it?"
"Is God an evil dwarf?" Brittany said.
"We shouldn't be talking like this. It's not right." Quinn said, annoyed.
"I'm sorry, Quinn. But you all can believe whatever you want to. But I can't believe something I don't." Kurt stands up and turns to them. "I appreciate your thoughts but I don't want your prayers." Kurt walks away. Rory decides to follow.
The next day, the team learned that Kurt had complained about spirituality week, and that Coach Sue Sylvester went to the school board and got the theme cancelled, and boy were they not happy about it.
"Last week we were too sexy. This week we're too religious. We can't win." Tina complained.
"Now I know what Miley feels like." Brittany commented.
"The real tragedy here is that I found the most perfect spiritual song to sing this week and now it's been torn away from me like Sophie's daughter." Rachel said. Rory rolls his eyes.
"Seriously? That's the worst thing you about this? That you don't get to sing a solo?" Rory said with disbelief.
"You may not understand this Rory, but my solos are very important and well-earned to me!" Rachel replies.
"Guys, you can still sing whatever songs you like that sum up your feelings about God, about spirit. You just can't do it on school time." Mr. Schue said, trying to chill them out.
"I hope you're happy, Kurt." Santana said sarcastically.
"Having the week of my life, actually." Kurt tells her.
"Guys, back off Kurt, okay? He had every right to speak his mind." Mr. Schue said.
"Look, Kurt, we're sympathetic to what you're going through but siding with Miss Sylvester isn't gonna do anyone any good." Mercedes shares her opinion.
"It's doing me some good. Now I don't have to sit around listening to all you mental patients talk about how's there's a God when I know there isn't one." Kurt said, summing up his opinion of this week. He can't stand them talking about God at the worst days of his life.
Rory continues to understand what he's going through, and tries not to complain. He still has to be there for him. Later the Club came together and thought it would be a good idea to sing to Burt at the hospital and pray. Quinn, Rachel, and Mercedes all agreed to take turns singing.
Rory joins the Glee Club at Burt's hospital bed. Rachel decided to sing her song first. It was 'Papa, Can You Hear Me' by Barbra Streisand. It was admittedly soothing. After she completes her song to Burt she turns to the rest of the group. "Who's next?" Rachel asked.
"What's going on in here?" Kurt said, surprising them all with his sudden entrance.
"We-We were just praying for your dad. Rachel, Quinn, and I are taking turns. We're from different denominations and religions so we figured one of us is bound to be right." Mercedes explains.
"I didn't ask you to do this." Kurt tells them in tears.
"Honey, I know you're upset about what's happening. I get it. But friends help out, even when you don't ask." Carole tries to help her boyfriend's son understand.
"Mr. Kurt Hummel?" A nurse with a hijab enters the room.
"Dude, why didn't you just tell us you wanted to pray in Muslim?" Finn asks with a smirk.
"I'm not Muslim. I'm a Sikh."
"She's gonna see if acupuncture will improve the circulation to my dad's brain. Amazingly, needles pierce the skin better than psalms. Can you all please leave now?" Kurt politely asks.
Everyone starts to leave the room, giving Kurt the space he needs. Rachel stops to talk to him real quick.
"We just wanted to do something." Rachel tells him before walking away.
Rory also stops to talk. "We really care about you Kurt. If there's anything we can do, let us know." He said before joining them out.
To help take Rory's mind off of the whole thing with Kurt's dad, he accepted Sam's invite to come to the game. And it turns out, it was sort of working. It didn't make him forget, but it was nice seeing some of his best friends out in that field aspiring for victory, especially since last time he was here, Grilled Cheesus was basically confirmed. After Sam calls a hike, the football team splits, giving Sam room to move in the left field. Unfortunately, Sam was tackled by a Cornerback, causing him to land on the ground, groaning. Rory was starting to get worried, and then they carried him out and put an ice pack on his shoulder, causing Rory to just go to the infirmary to check up on his close friend.
Rory reaches the infirmary to find his friend hurting. "Sam! Oh my god! You good mate?"
"Yeah, just a little bruised." Sam said with pain in his voice. Clearly he was sugar coating so Rory turned to the nurse.
"He dislocated his shoulder." the nurse said.
"Oooh." Rory winces at what he heard.
"No worries. I'll be back on the field in no time." Sam said.
"Actually no. He won't be able to be on the field for a long time. I just spoke with the coach. Until your shoulder is completely healed, you are benched from the team. You won't be able to play for at least a month, and Finn Hudson will be taking your place." the Nurse told them and Sam's eyes widened.
"What?! But that's insane. I'm fine."
"You clearly aren't. Adding more stress to your shoulder will only make it worse, and over time, it may become impossible for you to play again." the nurse informs him before walking away to get a bandage ready for when she reset's the shoulder. As disheartening as it is, she's right. Sam can't abuse his shoulder right now, especially in football.
"Sorry to hear that lad." Rory tries to console.
"Nah, my problems are nothing. How's Burt?" Sam asks.
"He's the same but let's not focus on that now. You basically just got your arm ripped of and now you're gonna lose your popularity."
"Don't remind me." Sam groans as he rests his on the pillow of his rest bed.
"You know, we could still use you in Glee Club. You're really talented."
"I don't know. I'll have to think about it. Thanks for the offer though. But I wish you luck on the whole thing with Burt."
"Thanks lad. Rest up." Rory accidentally taps his dislocated shoulder, bringing a pained groan on Sam's face. "Sorry."
Next day at the choir room, Mr. Schue stands before the Glee Club to bring good news.
"I know things have been pretty morose around here this past week but I want to celebrate some good news for our little family. Let's hear it for Finn, on getting back his quarterback job and leading the Titans to a win in their second game of the season." The team applauds this news with great cheers.
"Too bad that Sam kid had to have his arm basically ripped off for it to happen but it's good to have you back in the saddle, brother." Puck congratulates his friend. Kurt then stands up and walks to the center of the room.
"Mr. Schue, if I may?" Kurt raises his hand.
"Yeah."
"Um, I wanted to thank everyone for your kind emails and queries about my dad but for your information, his condition remains the same. I need to express myself so with your permission, Mr. Schue I've prepared a number for the occasion."
"Of course, Kurt." Mr. Schue walks to the back row of the seats.
"On the day of my mom's funeral when they were lowering her body into the ground, I was crying. I mean, that was it. It was the last time I was ever going to see her and I remember I looked up at my dad and I- I just wanted him to say something- just something to make me feel like my whole world wasn't over. And he just took my hand and squeezed it and just knowing that those hands were there to take care of me- That was enough. This is for my dad."
Kurt:
Yeah, I'll tell you something
I think you'll understand
When I'll say that something
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
Oh, please, say to me
You'll let me be your man
And please, say to me
You'll let me hold your hand
Now let me hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
And when I touch you, I feel happy inside
It's such a feeling that my love I can't hide
I can't hide, I can't hide
Yeah, you've got that something
I think you'll understand
When I'll feel that something
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand
Other than Kurt's snorts from his crying, no sound was made. They just sat in silence to Kurt's sadness. Rory knew that this was his time to act. Kurt needed him and his friends more than ever. Now was the time to really talk to him and help him stay close to his friends.
After the meeting is complete, Rory decided to talk to Kurt at his locker. Mercedes is close by, as she looks through her locker.
"Kurt Hummel, I need to talk to you." He said, getting Kurt's attention. "My friend's told me that just being there for someone is enough, but in this case it isn't. So I need to act. Our friends aren't trying to hurt you, they're trying to help you and Burt any way they can. But you've just been pushing them away. I told you I respected your side of the argument and I still do, but that doesn't mean you don't have to be at least a little bit more sensitive about their faith. And please don't push us away when you need us the most." Rory argues.
Mercedes, who had finished filling her bag turns to join the conversation.
"He's right Kurt. I know you're going through a really scary time right now, but I feel like I don't know how to be around you anymore, and I know you're not really spiritual or whatever, but I feel like you're closing yourself to a world of experiences that might surprise you."
Kurt closes his door and takes a breath. "You're right. I'm sorry you too. I shouldn't be pushing my friends away, especially friends as fabulous as you Mercedes. And Rory, I'm sorry I've been so cold."
"It's fine." Rory waves it off.
"Do me a favor. One thing? Come to church with me this Sunday. Our church does this thing where we dedicate the service to someone and I got them to dedicate this Sunday to your dad." Mercedes tells him.
"I don't know." Kurt is skeptical.
"You get to wear a fabulous hat." Mercedes adds.
Kurt smiles at this. "Mercedes, you had me at "fabulous hat"."
"Oh, and you're welcome to come to Rory." Mercedes said after chuckling at Kurt's thing.
"It would be an honor." Rory said.
"Come on, let's go to class." Mercedes said as the three go to class together.
At the next Glee meeting, Finn begins singing 'Losing My Religion'. According to what he had told Rory prior to that, he chose this song to forgo his attachment to Jesus after finding out Grilled Cheesus wasn't real, which sort of bummed Rory. Not only is the Christian community losing someone, but they also have to real line to God. Oh, well. Finn's singing now.
Finn:
Oh life, it's bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
I've said enough
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
Just a dream, dream
"I thought we couldn't sing songs about religion." Tina comments after the song ends.
"Evidently, we can't sing about faith but we can sing about losing faith." Mercedes said.
"That's sort of what I want to talk about today. Earlier in the week, Finn, it seemed like you felt differently." Mr. Schue said, feeling confused about Finn's change in heart.
"I used to think God was up there looking over me. Now I'm not so sure." Finn said, feeling down.
"Is this about Grilled Cheesus?" Rory asks him.
"Basically, yes Rory." Finn said.
"Wait, that sandwich I saw you praying at? That's what caused this?" Puck said.
"It's a long story and I don't want to get to it right now." Finn said.
"Okay, well, sorry to hear that Finn." Mr. Schue said, but was a little weirded out about the grilled cheese thing.
The following weekend, on Sunday, as they said, Kurt and Rory went with Mercedes to her Church. Kurt even brought that fabulous hat they talked about. It was surrounded by black Christians. Kurt looked around.
"I'm very impressed with everyone's Sunday best. It's so Christ chic." Kurt said as they walked.
"This brings back memories." Rory mentions.
"What? The decor?" Kurt asks.
"No." Rory chuckles. "Before I came to America, I would sing in Church every Sunday. It was some of my best memories. Coming to Church and singing with my friends."
"Well I'm glad you get a chance to relive it Rory, and I'm glad we're here to see it." Mercedes politely said, bringing a smile to his face.
"Thanks Mercedes."
"As nice as it is, I just hope our genuflection to the great Spaghetti Monster in the sky don't take too long. My Sikh is coming again today at 2:00 to do more acupuncture on my dad." Kurt tells them.
"Is it working?" Mercedes asked, concerned.
"Not yet." Kurt replies. "Nothing is." Kurt said. Mercedes just guided the boys to a bench. Kurt proceeds to do a cross sign before sitting. Rory just sits down so he doesn't draw attention.
"Thank you for inviting us Mercedes Jones." Rory thanks her. "I haven't really had a lot of new places to go to."
"Thanks for being formal, but for simplicity just call me Mercedes.I have to go be with my choir." Mercedes then gives Kurt a gentle kiss in the cheek and Rory a cheek pat.
"Wait, don't- Don't-" Kurt calls out quietly, not feeling comfortable being almost alone with strangers.
"Is she single?" Rory whispers to Kurt, who is surprised to hear that.
"I'll uh... put in a good word for you?" Kurt said.
"That would be grand." Rory said with a grateful smile.
"Hi, church. I have a favor to ask you guys. My friend Kurt Hummel's dad is in the hospital and it's pretty bad. And I know we have all of our own worries and troubles but if we could just put them aside and focus all of our prayers and give them to Burt Hummel and to my friend Kurt. I know you don't believe in God. You don't believe in the power of prayer, and that's okay. To each his own. But you've got to believe in something- something more than you can touch, taste or see- 'cause life is too hard to go through it alone without something to hold onto and without something that's sacred. Anyway, Kurt, this song is for you."
The Church Choir (Mercedes):
Oh troubled water, give it up
Why don't cha, why don't cha, let it be (Yeah)
Mercedes:
When you're down and out
When you're in the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort
Mercedes with the Church Choir harmonizing:
I'll take your part
Yeah, whoa, when darkness comes
And there's no one
Mercedes (with the Church Choir):
No one you love around
Just like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
(Like a bridge over troubled water)
I will lay me down, yeah yeah, ooh
{Everyone, including Kurt and Rory stand up to clap along to the song.}
The Church Choir (Mercedes):
Oh troubled water (Yeah, yeah)
Give it up (Give it up, yeah)
Why don't cha, why don't cha, let it be
(Let it, let it, let it, let it, let it, let it, let it be yeah)
Still water run deep, yes it do (Hey hey)
Mercedes with the Church Choir:
Ohhhhh, yeah...
The Church Choir (Mercedes):
Oh troubled (Troubled) water (I'll be there when you need a friend)
Give it up
Why don't cha, why don't cha (To lay me down)
Let it be (I'll be your bridge over troubled water)
Still water runs deep (hey hey yeah)
Yes it do (Yes they do)
Mercedes with the Church Choir:
Oh troubled water...
Rory applauds the song loudly. He was really happy to be here, and hoped Kurt was too. The whole sentiment brought and the song really made his day. He was feeling a lot better.
After Rory and Kurt left the Church, they went back to the hospital to see Burt. Once they reach Burt's room, Kurt decides to talk to the comatose father while Rory stood by his side.
"Mercedes took me and Rory to church on Sunday. It's funny, but when the choir was singing this memory flashed into my head. Do you remember our first Friday night dinner after Mom died? You tried to make a chicken. I guess you wanted me to feel like there was something still normal. You put it on the table and you cut into it, and it was raw." Kurt chuckles with a sad smile. "And we both looked at each other for a second and cracked up before we remembered that we weren't supposed to yet." Kurt said with a smile, causing Rory to chuckle a bit sadly. Kurt then starts to tear up. "I'm sorry about the other day, Dad. I should have let those guys pray for you. It wasn't about me. It was about you, and it was nice. I don't believe in God, Dad but I believe in you and I believe in us. You and me. That's what's sacred to me. And I'm- I'm so sorry that I never got to tell you that." Kurt cries as he takes Burt's hand. But then suddenly, Burt's finger started moving towards his hand, surprising them both. "Dad?"
"Nurse Nancy! I think he's waking up!" Rory called out as he exited the room.
"Dad, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere." Kurt tells Burt.
The next day, to end their spirituality week, they all asked Mr. Schue if it was okay to sing just one more God song. Luckily he accepted, and Kurt even offered to sing in it.
Tina:
If God had a name
What would it be?
And would you call it to his face?
If you were faced with him in all his glory
What would you ask if you had just one question?
Finn with New Directions:
And yeah, yeah
God is great
Yeah, yeah
God is good
Yeah, yeah
Rachel with Finn, Mercedes, and New Directions:
Yeah, yeah, yeah
What if God was one of us
Rachel with Finn New Directions (with Mercedes):
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Tryin' to make his way (home)
Tryin' to make his way home
Kurt (with Quinn and Rory):
(If God had a face)
What would it look like?
And (would you want to see?)
If seeing meant that you would (have to believe)
In things like heaven (and in Jesus and the Saints)
And (all the Prophets)
Finn with New Directions (with Rachel):
And yeah, yeah
God is great
Yeah, yeah
(God is good)
Finn and Rachel (and Mercedes) with New Directions:
Yeah, yeah
(Yeah, yeah, yeah) (Mercedes: Yeah)
Rachel with Finn and New Directions (Mercedes):
What if God was one of us (What if God was one of us)
(Rachel: Oh) Just a slob like one of us (Just a slob like one of us)
(Rachel: Oh) Just a stranger on the bus
Tryin' to make his way home (Tryin' to make his way home)
Just tryin' to make his way home (Tryin' to find his way home)
Tina (New Directions):
(Yeah, yeah, God is great) Nobody callin' on the phone
(Yeah, yeah, God is good) 'Cept for the Pope maybe in Rome
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
STARRING:
Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester
Damian McGinty as Rory Flanagan
Jake Zyrus as Sunshine Corazon
Chord Overstreet as Sam Evans
Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson
Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones
Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel
Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina Cohen-Chang
Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams
Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray
Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez
Heather Morris as Brittany Pierce
Mark Salling as Noah Puckerman
Harry Shum Jr. as Mike Chang
SONG(S):
Only The Good Die Young (Originally by Billy Joel): Performed by Rory Flanagan
I Look To You (Originally by Whitney Houston): Performed by Mercedes Jones with Quinn Fabray and Tina Cohen-Chang
I Want to Hold Your Hand (Originally by The Beatles): Performed by Kurt Hummel
Papa, Can You Hear Me? (Originally by Cast Of Yentl): Performed by Rachel Berry
Losing My Religion (Originally by R.E.M.): Performed by Finn Hudson
Bridge Over Troubled Water (Originally by Simon and Garfunkel (Aretha Franklin version)): Performed by Mercedes Jones
One Of Us (Originally by Joan Osborne): Performed by New Directions
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I kind of liked it better than I thought. I'll try to make Duets happen soon. And if you felt like Sunshine hasn't been involved much, don't worry, that'll be fixed next chapter. I have something fun in store for her and her Vocal Adrenaline friends. Also, question. Do you prefer Drift Out or Drift Away. But until I get an answer...
Drift Out!