Welcome. This story is being co-written by ElementalDrift and Emmahaag. Please enjoy. This story was made because each of these characters barely got a chance to be interesting and respected characters. Also since everyone knows how Glee begins I'm going to skip to the introductions so we can get to the important stuff.
This story takes place in 2009 in a small town called Lima, in William McKinley High School. This story begins in a field where the internationally ranked, McKinley cheerleading squad, the Cheerios is rehearsing a performance, dancing to You Can Do It/You Keep Me Hangin' On.
After completing the performance one of the cheerios falls off their human tower, accidentally ruining the routine.
Their coach, Sue Sylvester reaches for her megaphone to insult them. "Do you think this is hard? Try being waterboarded. That's hard." She shakes her head. "Bunch of babies. That's it for today."
One of the male cheerleaders walks up to his blond cheerleading captain. He has short gelled black hair and hazel eyes. "Well, that went well." He said sarcastically.
The Blonde female cheerleader with similar hazel eyes narrows her eyes at him. "Oh really? What gave you that impression, Blaine?"
Blaine sighs. "You know what this needs right, Kitty?"
Kitty rolls her eyes. "No, I don't think we should do a musical number featuring you."
"Oh come on! It would be awesome. Not just because of my vocals but our dance moves. I mean, Cheerios perform right? So what's the problem with adding in one of the most renowned forms of performing?"
"Because no one here wants to hear you sing. And besides, even if I thought it was a good idea, which I don't, Coach Sue would never allow it. Knowing you, you'll want musicals. She hates musicals. I once saw her buy a copy of Grease, just to burn it." Blaine looks down in sadness, which makes Kitty feel slightly guilty. "Cheer up. Me and Bree are going for fro-yo later. Wanna come?"
Blaine shakes his head. "Nah, I think I'll just hang out in the school a little more. Clear my head."
Kitty shrugs. "Suit yourself." She said before grabbing her bag and leaving.
Later that day, we find ourselves in the teacher's lounge, where we meet the curly-haired, Will Schuester, who has a love of teaching, music, sweater vests, and bad hair products. (We heard Sue.) He and his friend and coach of the football team Ken Tenaka, find that there is no coffee pot in the coffee machine.
Will asked. "Where's the coffee pot?"
Ken was quick to answer. "Figgins got rid of it. Budget cuts. You know, I know for a fact that they are still getting hot java at Carver. We should strike."
Sue suddenly appears with a four-pack of lattes. "Hello, boys. Who needs a pick-me-up?"
"Wow. Lattes." Ken said as the two went to retrieve some coffee.
"Yeah. I'm a bit of a coffee snob. Now, the key to a perfect latte... is in the temperature of the steamed milk. I like mine scalding." She explained while the school guidance counselor, Emma Pillsbury walked in.
"Hi, Emma."
"Hey, Ken. Will, hi." Emma greets them.
"Hey." Will greets back.
"What's with all the lattes?" Emma asks.
"Oh, Emma, I just felt so awful... that Figgins cut the coffee budget to pay for a nutritionist for the "Cheerios"," Sue said.
"Yeah. I heard you guys went, like, $600 over budget on that." She said whilst getting her lunch.
"My performers didn't get on Fox Sports Net last year because they ate at Bacon Junction." Sue defended.
"Since when are cheerleaders performers?" Emma asked with resentment.
"Your resentment is delicious." Emma grins at that. "Well, I have a "phoner" in a couple minutes. That's an interview on the telephone with a major media outlet." Sue chuckles. "I'll probably do it on my iPhone. Enjoy." She said as she walked out the door.
"Thanks a lot, Sue." Will gives his thanks to her for the coffee.
Ken then proceeds to chat with Emma. "I missed you at the, uh, singles mixer last weekend, Emma."
"Yeah, I know. A big pipe exploded in my building. It was wild. I hate those mixer things though. Don't you? I mean, it's like a big meat market. It's just— Ew. I did give my number to a fireman though. But he hasn't called."
Will interrupts. "There's someone out there for everyone. I wouldn't even sweat it."
"Mmm. Hey, did you hear that Sandy Ryerson got fired?" Emma informs him, much to his surprise. To be honest, Sandy was kinda creepy, but he didn't think he'd get fired.
"Really? Who's gonna take over Glee Club?"
"I don't know."
There was a moment of silence. Will knew that there was only one solution. A solution that would make him feel more alive than ever before.
"I'd like to take over Glee Club." Will issues his opinion to the Principal, Figgins. No one knows his first name but they do know that Figgins is the guy in charge, and the guy to ask if you want to take over a club.
"You want to captain the Titanic too?" Figgins said with a look.
"I think I can make it great again." He said, sounding like a certain former president. "There is no joy in these kids. They feel invisible. That's why every one of them has a MySpace page."
Figgins takes a look at his calculator to see how much they'll need for the budget. "Sixty bucks a month. That's what I need to keep this program up."
"And you expect me to pay it?"
"Well, I'm certainly not going to pay for it." This baffles Will. "We're not talking about Cheerios here, Will. They were on Fox Sports Net last year. When Glee Club starts bringing that kind of prestige to the school again, you can have all the money you want. Until then, 60 bucks a month, and you've got to use the costumes and props we already have. But we need the stools for the wood shop." This... complicates things. He's going to have to work much harder to maintain the club. Maybe get a second job. But it's worth it.
Mr. William, Schuester intends to restore its show choir AKA Glee Club to its former glory. But he needs people to sign up for this plan to work. He sets up a sign-up sheet that says, New Directions sign-up sheet. Auditions in the auditorium. 3:00-5:00.
Later that day, Will arrives at the auditorium and checks the sign-up sheet. He finds out that only six decided to audition for the New Directions. He calls up the first name on the list. "Wade Adams?" He said and a pair showed up on stage. One is a tall, African-American boy, and a caucasian brunette girl, both appearing to be around Sophomore or Junior year.
The boy steps forward to the microphone to speak first. "Hello, Mr. Schue." He said with a feminine voice. "I'm Wade, this is my BFF Marley. We were wondering if it's okay if we do a duet together?"
Will nods his head. "Oh, sure. Umm, go ahead."
Marley steps forward too. "Hello, I'm Marley Rose." She pauses for Wade to continue.
"And I'm Wade Adams, and we'll be singing I'm Only Me When I'm With You by Taylor Swift."
The music begins and they tap their feet to the beat before Marley starts the song.
Marley:
Friday night beneath the stars
In a field behind your yard
You and I are painting pictures in the sky
{Next is Wade, who has a surprisingly higher voice than you'd expect.}
Wade:
Sometimes we don't say a thing
Just listen to the crickets sing
Everything I need is right here by my side
And I know everything about you
I don't wanna live without you
Marley and Wade:
… I'm only up when you're not down
Don't wanna fly if you're still on the ground
It's like no matter what I do
Well, you drive me crazy half the time
The other half I'm only trying
To let you know that what I feel is true
And I'm only me when I'm with you
{Will seems to enjoy this song and writes on this note pad energetic, good voices, and positive}
Marley:
When I'm with anybody else
It's so hard to be myself
And only you can tell
Marley and Wade (Wade):
I'm only up when you're not down
Don't wanna fly if you're still on the ground
It's like no matter what I do
Well, you drive me crazy half the time
The other half I'm only trying
To let you know that what I feel is true
Well, I'm only me when I'm with you
With you (uh, yeah)
Will nods to them. "Thank you. I'll let you know soon." The pair then walk backstage with excited smiles on their faces. "Next!" After he calls that out, a tall boy with dreads who's holding a guitar walks up to the stage.
"Hey wassup?" The dreaded boy said.
"Hey." Will greets.
"Uh, my name's Joseph Hart and I'll be singing You Can't Always Get What You Want." He grabs his guitar and starts playing.
Joe:
I saw her today at the reception
A glass of wine in her hand
Oh, I knew she was gonna meet her connection
At her feet was a footloose man
No, you can't
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And I went down to the demonstration
To get my fair share of abuse
Singing, we're gonna vent our frustration
If we don't we're gonna blow A 50-amp fuse
{Will writes on his notepad, good guitar skills, rock n roll vibe}
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want, yeah
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, you just might find
you just might find
You get what you need
Will smiles at him. "Thank you, Joe. I'll let you know." Joe nods and proceeds to leave while putting on earphones.
Blaine walks backstage where he finds Joe leaving. He taps his shoulder. "Excuse me?" Joe turns to him and drops the earphones from his ears. "Is this where the auditions for the Glee club are being held?"
Joe nods. "Sure is, I'm Joe." Joe holds out his hand, which Blaine accepts.
"Blaine." He introduces himself. "Well, wish me luck." Joe nods as they go their separate ways.
Blaine walks up to the stage and faces Will. "I'm Blaine Anderson, and I'm going to sing to you, 'Part of Your World' from Little Mermaid." He walks to the piano and gestures for the piano to let him play, which he abides.
Blaine:
Maybe he's right
Maybe there is something the matter with me
I just don't see how a world that makes such wonderful things could be bad
Look at this stuff
Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?
Wouldn't you think I'm the boy?
The boy who has everything?
Look at this trove
Treasures untold
How many wonders can one cavern hold?
Looking around here you'd think
Sure, he's got everything
I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty
I've got whozits and whatzits galore
You want thingamabobs?
I've got twenty!
But who cares?
No big deal
I want more
I wanna be where the people are
I wanna see, wanna see 'em dancin'
Walking around on those, what do you call 'em?
Oh, feet
When's it my turn?
Wouldn't I love, love to explore that shore up above?
Out of the sea
Wish I could be
Part of that world
Will was very impressed with Blaine's audition. He's definitely in. "Thank you, Blaine. I'll let you know"
Next, A wheelchair-using blonde girl rolls on stage and moves the microphone down to her level. "I'm Betty Pillsbury and I'll be singing out Popular from the musical Wicked"
"Amazing. Show me what you got."
Betty:
Whenever I see someone
Less fortunate than I
My tender heart tends to start to bleed
And when someone needs a make-over
I simply have to take over
I know, I know
Exactly what they need
And even in your case (no offense)
Though it's the toughest case
I've yet to face
Don't worry,
I'm determined to succeed
And yes indeed
You
Will
Be
Popular
{Will wrote down, sounds good for high notes, watches musicals, and circled Ramps}
I know about Popular
And with an assist from me
To be who you'll be
Instead of dreary who you were (well are)
There's nothing that can stop you
From becoming popular (lar)
Celebrated heads of state or
Specially great communicators
Did they have brains or knowledge?
Don't make me laugh! He, he!
They were popular!
Just not quite as popular
As Meeeeeeeeee
As Meeeeeeeeeeeee
Woooo!
Will grins once more. Another great voice. "Nice work. I'll let you know tomorrow." Betty smiles at that and rolls away. "Alright, last audition!"
A black-haired girl with a red beanie walks in with an excited look on her face.
Hi. My name is Harmony Pearce, and I'll be singing Gimme Gimme from Thoroughly Modern Millie.
"Fantastic. Let's hear it."
Harmony then takes a breath before starting.
Harmony:
A simple choice, nothing more
This or that, either or
Marry well, social whirl, business-men
Clever girl
Or pin my future on a green glass love
What kind of life am I dreaming of?
I say, gimme gimme
That thing called love
I need it
Highs and lows, tears and laughter
Gimme happy ever after
Gimme gimme
That thing called love
That thing called love
{Can show vulnerability. Broadway.}
I don't care if he's a nobody
In my heart, he'll be a somebody
Somebody to love me
I need it
Gimme that thing called love
I want it
Here I am, St. Valentine
My bags are packed; I'm first in line
Gimme gimme
That thing called love
The music then ends and Will congratulates her. "Very nice, Harmony."
Harmony, thinking she's already succeeded said: "When do we start rehearsals?"
The six who auditioned had all been accepted into the Glee club and were told to meet in the choir room after school. As they waited for Will, or to them, Mr. Schue to arrive, they sat in silence for a few minutes before Blaine took a breath and decided to break it.
Blaine stands up and turns to the group. "You know guys, if we're gonna be in this club, we should really get to know each other. You know, build some bridges." He was met with another awkward silence. "Fine, I'll start first. My name is Blaine Anderson, Sophomore. As you can tell by my uniform, I'm a member of the Cheerios. I'm mostly here to sing, but I was very excited to be in a club where I can sing with friends. Oh, and you've gotta meet my best friend Kitty. I am literally begging her to join us. Alright, I've said by bit. Who's next?"
Joe shrugs. "I guess I'll go." Joe stands up next to Blaine. "My name's Joseph Hart, but you can call me Joe. Also a Sophomore. I came here because I'm new, and I've been homeschooled my whole life, but this past year I realized my best friend was my mom, so I decided I wanted to get out and experience the world. You wouldn't believe how sheltered I was. Until last week, I only knew Christian songs. And I still don't know what Twitter is." This causes people to stare at him. Does he not have a phone?
Harmony stands up and talks next. "My name is Harmony Pearce, also, a sophomore. I guess you could say 'I'm a Broadway baby'." She said that the last part of her sentence was in song. "I was the Gerber baby. It's from a commercial, and since then I've been doing some commercials back in Modesto. I used to live in California before I moved here last year. It was fun, but my mom got a new job so... yeah. Alright, who's next."
Betty rolls up next to the others. "Well, I'm Betty Pillsbury, and unlike you guys, I'm a freshman. My parents thought it would be a good idea for me to travel, so they gave me a ticket to Ohio to live with my aunt. I've been in a wheelchair since I was two, but don't worry I'm proud of it. I don't let anything stop me from going anywhere in life. Except sometimes stairs. But if you guys mess with me... then I'll go crazy on you."
Wade steps up next. "Well, I'm Wade Adams, Sophomore. I was actually born and raised here in Lima. I sang a lot at church since I was a toddler, but my dream is to get out of this town and become a star in L.A. So I thought this would get some practice and to make some friends here."
Marley finally stands up. "I guess I'm last. My name is Marley Rose. I'm a Freshman. I've lived here my whole life but I just transferred here due to bullying. I don't want to get into that right now. So yeah, I'm new, and I needed to join a club. Why not start with my favorite thing in the world? I met Wade about a week ago, and we auditioned together. But I don't know you that much so, it's great to meet you all."
Harmony nods. "Likewise."
Will then walks in and greets the piano player before getting to the others. "Welcome, everybody! Can I just say what an awesome job you all did in your auditions? I was... I was blown away. Okay, so..." He grabs rubber gloves and sheet music from the music stand and hands them out to everyone. "Grab a pair of gloves and some sheet music."
Marley stares at the title. "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat?"
"Yep, by the legendary Frank Loesser. We did this at McKinley's Christmas concert my sophomore year, and we got a standing O. Betty, why don't you take the lead?"
"Nice," Betty said as they put on their gloves.
"Mr. Schuester." Harmony alerted Will. "Don't you think people might find this approach to be kind of odd?"
"That's the point. The irony will add something to the song. I mean you don't mind right Betty?"
Betty looked up for a second before answering. "Nah, it's cool."
"Now don't worry everyone. You're gonna have plenty of opportunities for a solo; we'll all take turns. In fact, I was thinking for sectionals, we would do a medley from Grease. Who wants the Sandy part?" He got raised hands from Harmony and Marley. "Ok, we'll flip for it later, everyone read your sheet music, and let's get to rehearsing." They took a few moments, but they got it down relatively quickly. Then they worked on choreography. Now that's when it got tricky.
Betty (New Directions):
And I said to myself, "Sit down" (Said to myself "Sit down")
Sit down, you're rockin' the boat (Sit down)
And I said to myself, "Sit down" (Said to myself "Sit down")
Sit down, you're rockin' the boat
And the devil will drag you under (Ohhhh)
By the sharp lapel of your checkered coat
Sit down
Betty with New Directions:
Sit down, sit down, sit down
Sit down you're rockin' the boat
Wade with New Directions:
Sit down, you're rockin', sit down, sit down
Sit down, you're rockin' the boat
Marley and Wade:
Sit down, you're rockin', sit down, sit down
Sit down, you're rockin' the boat
Betty and Marley with New Directions:
Sit down
Marley with New Directions:
You're rockin' the boat
{They end it with lousy posing and Betty getting distracted and hitting a wall.}
"We suck," Joe said.
"Uh, It'll get there. We just need to keep rehearsing." Will tries to encourage them.
"Fine, but I need some air," Harmony said before leaving.
"Harmony. Harmony!" Will tries to stop her but she closes the door.
Will decides to close up rehearsals and follow Harmony. He finds her sitting alone on the benches watching the cheerios.
"Something wrong?"
"Nothing. Just stressed. You know, I thought that it would be going better you know. Look, they're nice people, but I don't see any male leadership in Joe, and Blaine's a cheerleader. Maybe the girls will be good but this team has to be great. Being a part of something special makes you special, right?" This gets her a pause from Will. "If this is gonna work we need a good male lead."
"Blaine's a really good singer."
"But our voices don't match. We need a new member."
"I'm not sure if that's possible."
Harmony looks at him beggingly. "Please try." Will looks at her with guilt in his eyes and then nods.
So, Will went to Sue first for some new members. but she just said that the Glee club was just a bunch of nobodies, except for Blaine, who she described as society's charitable donation. Then after helping Emma get gum off her shoe, she recommended that he goes to the popular jocks for recruits. And since he knew Ken well, he was able to get a meeting arranged... in exchange for a good word with Emma.
Ken blows his whistle, getting everyone's attention. "Circle up!" Ken ordered and they obliged. "Now Mr. Schuester is gonna talk to you. You don't listen, you do laps. You mouth off, you do laps. Got it? They're all yours, Will."
"Thanks, Ken. Hey, guys. How are you doing? I think I recognize some of you from Spanish class. But, uh, I'm here today to talk to you about something different. Uh, music." He chuckles nervously. "Glee Club needs guys."
One of them furrows his eyebrows. "Seriously?"
"Yeah, totally. You interested?"
"Hell no. I wouldn't be caught dead in that choir room. It's lame. Only people with a social death wish would go to that right Ryder?" He turns to his Bieber cut friend who hesitates for a second before replying.
"Uh, ye-yeah. Social death wish got it, Jake." He said.
"Come on guys, I'm just trying to open doors. If this Glee Club works out, I guarantee it will be the coolest club in school."
Jake nods half-heartedly. "Good luck with that."
Ken glares at him and mouths laps.
"I'm gonna put the sign-up sheet at the door. So if anyone wants to sign up, please Thank you."
[Whistle Blows]
Ken blows the whistle again. "Dismissed! Jake, in my office in five minutes."
Later Will comes back and sees the signup sheet he left in the locker room was left with 3 fake signatures. Gaylord Wiener, (Believe it or not Gaylord is a real name), Butt lunch, and last and least... Penis. Not even clever. He nearly lost all hope until he heard a voice in the shower.
Ryder:
Now that she's back from that soul vacation
Tracing her way through the constellation, hey, mmm
She checks out Mozart while she does Tae-Bo
Reminds me that there's a room to grow, hey, yeah
{Will walks into the shower and finds the singing Ryder.}
Now that she's back in the atmosphere
I'm afraid that she might think of me as
Plain ol' Jane told a story about a man
Who was too afraid to fly, so he never did land
He realized why he wanted to do this, to bring out the talent in these kids. And here he is now, a kid singing right in front of him. What can he do to get him to join? Wait... former coach Sandy Ryerson gave him something perfect for this situation. But what he did next... was the blackest moment of his life.
Will called Ryder to his office later that day. "Hey, Mr. Schue. I'm sorry about the stuff that Jake said. I'll be sure to talk to him about it." Ryder says as he sits down.
"Thank you. But I'm not here to talk about that." Will pulls out a weed brand called The Chronic Lady in front of Ryder. "You want to tell me how long you've had a drug problem?"
Ryder's eyes widen from this. He's never seen that before. "Whoa, whoa that's not mine. I've never even seen that."
"Look, if it were up to me, we wouldn't have mandatory biweekly locker checks."
"But I've never seen that before, Mr. Schue. I swear. I didn't do anything. Why would I even do this." Ryder was met with a disapproving face. "Okay, I'll prove it. Let me take a drug test."
"Look, it wouldn't make any difference. Possession is eight-tenths of the law. I'm pretty sure that much pot is a felony." Ryder covers his mouth completely, and utterly scared.
"Oh my God."
"Yeah. Look, you'll get kicked out of school. You'll lose your football scholarship."
"Wait, I- I had a football scholarship? To where?"
"You could land in prison, son. Oh, my God."
"Please, you can't. I'll do anything. Just please, don't kick me out of school." Ryder begged. "I can't believe this is happening to me." Ryder started to grow tears, guilting Will. This kid doesn't deserve this.
Will sighs "Look, I see a lot of myself in you, Ryder. I know what it's like to struggle to make good life choices. And I don't want to see you throw away everything you have to offer the world. I just expected more out of you, Ryder." This makes Ryder feel ashamed. Sure he didn't do this, but he just watched as the football team bullied people. He talked Jake out of it sure, but he could be doing more.
"We have two options here. I'm running detention now, so you can do six weeks after school. But that's gonna remain on your permanent record."
Well, he can't have that. "What's the other option, Mr. Schue?"
Will leans in for suspense. "Glee club." He said with a smile.
"...What?"
After agreeing to the second option Ryder is then guided to the choir room, where he saw the band on standby. He had no idea what was going on. Was he supposed to wait for everyone else?
"Alright, so before you join the club, I'm gonna have to hear you sing. Everyone's gotta audition."
Ryder furrowed his eyebrows. "But, I already agreed to join."
"It's still a tradition. The band here will play this song, and you're gonna have to sing it. You know this one right?" Will hands him some sheet music, and Ryder sees its title, Drops of Jupiter.
"Oh, yeah. One of my all-time favorites." Ryder chuckles. Maybe this won't be so bad.
Will then sits on a stool. "Okay, whenever you're ready."
Ryder looks around at the band, feeling kinda nervous. He wasn't sure if he was ready for something like this. He normally just sings in the shower. But after getting an encouraging look from Will, he takes a deep breath before signaling the band to start playing, and he soon begins singing.
Ryder:
Now that she's back in the atmosphere
With drops of Jupiter in her hair
Since the return of her stay on the moon
She listens like spring and she talks like June, hey
Hey, hey, yeah
But tell me, did you sail across the sun?
Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded
And that Heaven is overrated?
{He starts to smile, feeling a lot more confident}
And tell me, did you fall for a shooting star?
One without a permanent scar, and did you miss me
While you were looking for yourself out there?
Now that she's back from that soul vacation
Tracing her way through the constellation, hey, mmm
She checks out Mozart while she does Tae-Bo
Reminds me that there's a room to grow, hey, yeah
Now that she's back in the atmosphere
I'm afraid that she might think of me as
Plain ol' Jane told a story about a man
Who was too afraid to fly, so he never did land
But tell me, did the wind sweep you off your feet?
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day
And head back to the Milky Way?
And tell me, did Venus blow your mind?
Was it everything you wanted to find, and did you miss me
While you were looking for yourself out there?
{He gestures for the drummer to let him play, which he obliges allowing him to play surprisingly well}
But tell me, did you sail across the sun?
Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded
And that Heaven is overrated?
And did you finally get the chance To dance along the light of day?
And did you fall for a shooting star? Fall for a shooting star?
And are you lonely looking for yourself out there?
The song ends and Ryder's more pumped than ever before. This was a lot more fun than he thought it would be. Ryder, while out of breath, looked to Will with a grin. who easily returned it.
"Follow me."
After thanking the band for their time the two then separated. Will had told Ryder that he could meet the rest of the glee club in the auditorium. So the next day, he ran up to the choir room to get his students ready to meet their newest member.
"Everybody up! We're moving to the Auditorium."
Betty raises her eyebrows. "The Auditorium? I thought Alcoholics Anonymous had the auditorium."
"Not anymore. Principal Figgins believes in us so much, he's giving it to us." He pauses. "For a while. Let's go. And grab a copy of You're the One That I Want."
"Hold up, who gets to sing the Sandy part? My main girl Marley, she's been practicing constantly." Wade said, which caused Marley to sheepishly grin.
"Oh, right. Well, like I said earlier, we're gonna flip for it. Marley, call it." Will pulls out a coin and flips it.
"Heads!"
Will catches it and places it on his backhand. He looks at her apologetically. "Oh, sorry Marley. It's tails."
"Yes!" Harmony cheers.
"Hey, not cool," Joe said, not appreciating Harmony's ignorance.
"Sorry, I'm excited."
"Well, it's been settled. Harmony gets the Sandy part. I was hoping that the new guy I recruited could get the Danny part."
Harmony raises her eyebrow. "New guy?"
Brad, the piano player, starts playing 'You're the One That I Want' from Grease. After the group grew accustomed to Ryder, they let him sing the song with Harmony. Things went surprisingly smoothly. Ryder managed to convey the rockstar personality that Danny conveyed, and Harmony was by far the best actor, so her winning the coin toss was a sign of luck for the New Directions.
Ryder:
I got chills, they're multiplying
And I'm losing control
Cause the power you're supplying
It's electrifying
Harmony (New Directions):
You better shape up (Doo doo doo)
Cause I need a man (Doo doo doo, doo doo doo)
And my heart is set on you (And my heart is set on you)
You better shape up (Doo doo doo)
You better understand (Doo doo doo, doo doo doo)
To my heart I must be true (Doo doo doo)
Ryder (And Harmony):
Nothing left, (Nothing left for me to do) (New Directions: Doo doo doo)
Harmony with Ryder (New Directions):
You're the one that I want (You are the one I want)
(with New Directions: Ooh, ooh, ohh) Honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
(with New Directions: Ooh, ooh, ohh) Honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
(with New Directions: Ooh, ooh, ohh)
The one I need (One I need)
Oh, yes indeed (Yes indeed)
You're the one that I want (You are the one I want)
(with New Directions: Ooh, ooh, ohh) Honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
(with New Directions: Ooh, ooh, ohh) Honey
The one that I want (You are the one I want)
(with New Directions: Ooh, ooh, ohh)
The one I need (One I need)
Oh, yes indeed (Yes indeed)
Harmony and Ryder with New Directions:
You're the one that I want
"Woo!" Joe cheered, causing everyone to get fired up and cheer as well. This was like, the first time they've actually been good.
"Yeah!" Will agreed to the joy that was brought out by his students. "Listen up guys. I need each of you to take these permission forms."
Betty reads through it. "What is this for?"
"A uh, Field Trip to Akron. There's gonna be an invitational next Saturday at Carmel High. Carmel is in our bracket at the regionals, and I was thinking we could take this as a chance to see how they perform. These guys are national champs. We've gotta be ready for them. So I want you guys to take these papers home, and show them to your parents. Then we're headed off to Carmel. Class dismissed."
As the group left Joe intercepted Ryder. "Hey man, welcome to the team. I'm Joe. Nice to meet you." He holds out his hand which Ryder accepts.
"Ryder Lynn."
"I know. You're the quarterback of the football team."
"Oh." Ryder's not sure how to talk to this guy, but he seems chill. "So, why are you here?"
"I'm just looking for some friends. Look, I know you're feeling nervous, but don't worry, God has a plan." He taps his shoulder.
"Totally," Ryder said before splitting. He turns while walking backward towards the exit. "I've got to go. Good talk!"
Over the weekend, the New Directions had gone to McKinley at 9 AM to get picked up by bus and chaperoned by Betty's aunt to Akron. It took about an hour before they got there. 40 minutes in, Ryder is feeling a little distressed due to lying to Jake. He told him that his mom just had heart surgery. He had to lie to his best friend. He would kill him if he found out. Ryder then decides to sleep it off. After dozing off, he's awoken by announcing that we're here. 20 minutes ahead of schedule even. "Alright, everyone! Make sure to leave a good impression on McKinley while we're here." He states as they all get off the bus single file. Some of them eventually join a line for snacks to watch the invitational.
"You know, I'll be the first to admit, you're better than one would expect." Harmony complimented Ryder, surprising him.
"Really?"
"Mhm. I watched one of your games. Those dances you do after getting a point were fun to watch. I can see why you chose football."
"Thanks."
"I'm Harmony by the way."
"Good to know." This sets an awkward silence between the two.
"So, Blaine says you've got a girlfriend?"
"Oh, yeah. Kitty. Kitty Wilde."
Harmony widens her eyes. "Cheerleader Kitty Wilde? The president of the celibacy club?"
"For almost four months now. She's cool. I mean, once you get used to her."
"I don't really see how someone like her would end up with someone like you."
"Well, she was really mean to me when we first met, but over the past year, we've been getting closer. She asked me out... and I said yes. We've been dating ever since."
Harmony nods at that. "Well, I'm happy for you."
"Thanks. I wonder if they have Sour Patch Kids." He passes her when they reach the end of the line. He doesn't notice the sad look on her face. She liked singing with him, and he was admittedly cute. And to lose him to someone like Kitty? That's not exactly comforting. I mean have you met Kitty? She's Kitty!
Later, everyone makes it to their seats in the very crowded auditorium to see Carmel's show choir, Vocal Adrenaline, perform for them. In an effort to comfort them, Will tries to inspire pride and hope. "Hey, guys. So this is supposed to be our "competition." But I honestly don't think that they've got the talent that we've got. But let's be a good audience. Give them some of that old McKinley High respect." This effort pays off with the smiles on their faces.
"Please give a warm Buckeye State welcome... to last year's regional champion, Vocal Adrenaline!" The announcer said, causing everyone to give very loud shouts for them, which shocked and kinda scared them. Vocal Adrenaline was filled with numbers 5 times their size. With the men wearing suits with no vest with blue suspenders, and the women wearing blue dresses with black polka dots. They begin by singing Rehab.
Vocal Adrenaline:
Ohio, Ohio, Ohio
They tried to make me go to rehab
But I said, "No, no, no"
Yes, I've been black
But when I come back
You'll know, know, know
I ain't got the time (Vocal Adrenaline Girls: The time)
And if my daddy thinks I'm fine
He's tried to make me go to rehab
But I won't go, go, go
Vocal Adrenaline Girls:
I'd rather be at home with Ray (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: With Ray)
Vocal Adrenaline Boys:
I ain't got seventy days
Vocal Adrenaline Girls:
'Cause there's nothing (Vocal Adrenaline Boys: Nothing)
Nothing you can teach me
Vocal Adrenaline Boys:
That I can't learn (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: Can't learn) from Mr. Hathaway
Vocal Adrenaline Girl:
Yeah, yeah
Vocal Adrenaline:
I didn't get a lot in class (Vocal Adrenaline Boys: Whoah, oh, woah)
But I know it don't come (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: Don't come)
Vocal Adrenaline Girl with Vocal Adrenaline:
In a shot glass
Vocal Adrenaline:
They tried to make me go to rehab
But I said, "No, no, no" (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: No!)
Yes I've been black
But when I come back
You'll know, know, know
I ain't got the time (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: Got the time)
And if my daddy thinks I'm fine
They tried to make me go to rehab
But I won't go, go, go
The entire crowd went wild for them. They were amazing. They could sing, they could dance. They were just spectacular. How could they measure up to that? Later, the group came back with the boys wearing black shirts and pants with red belts. The girls wore black pants with black sleeveless jackets and red skirts. As rock music started playing a curly-haired boy stepped forward.
Vocal Adrenaline Boy:
Living easy, living free
Season ticket on a one-way ride
Goin' down
Party time
My friends are gonna be there too
Vocal Adrenaline Boy with Vocal Adrenaline:
I'm on the highway to Hell (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: I'm on a highway)
Highway to Hell (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: I'm on a highway to hell)
I'm on the highway to Hell (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: I'm on a, I'm on a)
Highway to Hell
Vocal Adrenaline Boy:
Oooh, don't stop me (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: Oh whoa oh whoa oh)
Oow! (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: Ooh yeah ooh)
Ooh yeah yeah yeah (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: Hey yeah oh oh whoa)
Vocal Adrenaline (Vocal Adrenaline Boy):
Highway to hell (I'm on the highway to Hell)
Highway to hell (Oow yeah)
Vocal Adrenaline Boy (with Vocal Adrenaline):
I'm on the (highway to Hell)
I'm on the (highway to)
Hell (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: I'm on my highway to hell)
Vocal Adrenaline:
Highway to Hell (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: Yes, I am) (Vocal Adrenaline Boy: Ooh)
Highway to Hell (Vocal Adrenaline Boy: Oh oh, yes I'm on)
Highway to Hell (Vocal Adrenaline Boy: I'm on my highway to hell)
Highway to (Vocal Adrenaline Boy: Oooh!) (Vocal Adrenaline Girl: My highway to hell!)
Vocal Adrenaline Boy:
Don't stop me! Oh yeah!
THEY HAD FREAKING FLAMES. They were unstoppable, and their male lead... that kid should be on Broadway.
"You still think they need our respect?" Betty said, causing a few glares from her teammates. "Oh come on, just trying to lighten the mood."
Jake is out on his jog, having to come back early from football practice for his water bottle when he turns and sees Ryder's house. He thought maybe he should say hi, and give his condolences for the surgery.
Jake knocks on the door, which is soon answered by Ryder's mom Linda. "Oh, Jacob, come on in."
"Thank you, Ms. Lynn. So, have you seen Ryder? He said he was gonna be here."
"I haven't seen him all day. Probably still on that field trip."
This news confuses the half-black man. "What field trip?"
"He told me he was going on a trip with a club he was in."
"He told me he was gonna be here, watching you because of your surgery."
"What surgery?"
"Your heart surgery. He told me-... Wait, what club did you say he was in?"
Ryder showed up to school on Monday still feeling ashamed about the field trip. They were completely outmatched. Why did he even bother with this club? He should've just taken the detention deal. He continued walking outside the school in the yard, walking past the band, when he was stopped by members of the Football team who carried paintball guns.
"Yo Ryder. We heard from your buddy Jake that you've been hanging with the losers from the Glee Club You broke the rules. For that, you must be punished."
They back him towards the wall and aim their guns at him. "Wait, wait, wait. Wait, y-you've got the power here. Y-You don't have to do this!" They shoot him tons with their paintball guns, completely humiliating him.
The group rounds up in the auditorium for rehearsal. After his humiliation at the hands of the football team, Ryder decided to quit the club, but before he could get to it, what he heard next shocked him.
"Alright, guys, before we get started, I need to tell you all something. I'm leaving McKinley and getting a new job as an accountant in H.W. Menkin." He said, which saddened everyone but Ryder. Does this mean he's off the hook? Is the Glee Club canceled?
"You're leaving us? When?" Marley asked.
"I've given my two weeks' notice. But I promise I'm gonna find a replacement for you before I go." He said,
"Is this because those Carmel kids were so good? Because we can work harder." Wade attempted to persuade him.
"This isn't fair, Mr. Schuester. We can't do this without you." Harmony pleaded.
"So, does this mean I don't have to be in the club anymore or-" Ryder was interrupted by Blaine slapping him on the back of the head. Ouch, that hurt.
"Look, this isn't about you guys. The truth is, my wife's pregnant. I need to get another job so I can provide for my family. Being an adult is about making difficult choices. It's not like high school. Sometimes, you have to give up the things that you love. One day, you'll grow up and understand that. I have... loved being your teacher." And on that note, he walked away. Ryder took that as his chance to quit since it's probably gone anyway.
The next day, he was at his locker getting his textbooks when he was stopped by Harmony. "Didn't see you at Glee Club today."
Ryder raises his eyebrow. "I thought Glee got canceled. Without Mr. Schue, there's no director."
"Maybe so, but according to my research in the show choir rule book, show choirs are allowed to compete without an adult adviser. Luckily, Blaine, Wade, and I have dance training. We can choreograph."
Ryder nods. "Good for you." He closes his locker and picks up his backpack. "Look, I've gotta-"
Kitty walks into the scene with Bree beside her. "Hi, Ryder. Frenchy."
Ryder smiles at his girlfriend. "Hey, Kitty."
"What are you doing talking to her? You might catch her loser."
"We're just talking about a... Science project."
"We're partners," Harmony adds.
"Fine." Kitty turns back to Ryder. "Christ Crusaders tonight at 5:00, my house. Don't be late." She struts away with Bree.
"Can't wait." He waits until she's out of earshot to continue. "Look, I should go. I can't do Glee anymore. It conflicts with-"
"Your reputation?" Harmony deadpanned.
"Yeah, what else?" Ryder didn't see it.
Harmony sighs before continuing. "Ryder, you can't just throw away your talent. If you go now you might regret it forever."
"...Look, I'm sorry, but... it's over." This brings a saddening pause. "Well, I gotta go. Send the team my regards." He walks away to get to practice, leaving Harmony alone in her disappointment.
He later decides to talk to Jake about what happened. Both members of the bromance felt betrayed by the other. Ryder for being ratted out, and Jake for being lied to.
"Look, I'm sorry about the paintballs, but you shouldn't have lied to me." Jake defends.
"Really? When Mr. Schue talked to the football team about Glee, you called it stupid. A-and I wasn't going to take that from my best friend, so I lied."
"...Okay, I can understand that. But why even join the Glee club, to begin with? You never showed interest before."
Ryder wasn't sure what to say. What was he supposed to say 'Sorry, Mr. Schue found weed in my locker and forced me to join.'? He would think he's crazy. "Mr. Schue told me he'd give me enough extra credit to pass Spanish if I joined the club. You know how my grades have been going lately. If I failed another class, I'd be off the team. Look, it's over. Okay? I quit today."
"Fine. Look, what happened the other day, let's forget about it and focus on practice."
"Okay, fine-" They're interrupted by Azimio, the guy who used him as a canvas the other day.
"Yo Ryder. If we're gonna be having you here, we're gonna have to see if we can still trust you. Get over here." He waved his hand at him, gesturing for them to follow. As they did so, they heard some rumbling and a muffled voice.
"What the hell is that noise?" Jake said as they followed Azimio to the port a Potti. They saw the football team gathered up.
Ryder turns to the potty."Who is that?"
"We got that wheelchair kid inside," Azimio explains. Betty? Why would they do that? "We're gonna flip it." He then laughs.
"I'm sorry what?" Jake asks, baffled by this man's words.
"She's already in a wheelchair. Come on, Ryder. We'll let you go first." He said with a laugh.
Ryder just sighs, shaking his head, before opening up the door and releasing Betty.
"Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Oh, my God. The smell." Betty said, relieved.
"What the hell, dude? I can't believe you're helping out this loser."
"Don't you get it, man? We're all losers. Everyone in this school. Hell, everyone in this town. Out of all the kids who graduate, maybe half will go to college. And— And two will leave the state to do it. I'm not afraid of being called a loser, 'cause I can accept that that's what I am. But I am afraid of turning my back on something... that actually made me happy for the first time in my sorry life."
"So, what? Are you quitting to join Homo Explosion?" The team laughs at this.
"Hey, watch your mouth," Jake warns.
"No. I'm doing both. 'Cause you can't win without me, and neither can they." Ryder then grabs Betty and rolls her away from them. Jake then follows.
"Hey, umm. I'm sorry about what happened."
Ryder shakes his head. "Nah man, it's fine."
"No, it's not. I should've done something." He pauses for a second considering something before grumbling and deciding what he was thinking was the right thing to do. "Do you... have room in that club for one more?"
Betty and Ryder's eyes both widen at his request. "You want to join the club? You?!" Betty said shocked.
"Don't make this harder for me okay?"
Ryder is still not convinced. "Why would you want to join this club?"
"I don't. But I owe you a little bit for causing all this... and I do happen to be a pretty good performer." He looks down embarrassed.
"You mean you're ballet lessons?" Jake looks up surprised he knew about that. "You're mom talks about it a lot." They have a good laugh after that. "Okay, are you really sure about this?" Jake nods at this question. "...Okay, welcome aboard." They shake hands at this.
"Hey, I hate to break up this touching moment, but rehearsals just started."
"Oh right. Right." As they all traveled across the field Ryder stopped when he heard music playing on a radio. He recognized it as Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'' This was a good song. He loved hearing it as a kid. And this piece of nostalgia gave him an idea.
"For the last time, we're not adding boy band spins to the routine," Harmony said during an argument with Blaine.
"Look, I know what I'm talking about. I'm literally a Cheerio." He shows narrow eyes to Harmony. "Who do you think has more dance experience?" This greatly offends her.
"Guys, we're losing focus can we please get back to..." As Wade tries to calm things, He notices Ryder walking in with Betty and Jake in tow. "This is a closed rehearsal."
"Look, guys, I know that you're mad at me but I'm here because I want back in. I don't want to be the guy who just hurts people's egos by throwing eggs at them."
"That was you?" Harmony said shocked.
"You and your friends threw pee balloons at me," Wade adds.
"I know."
"You nailed all my lawn furniture to my roof."
"I wasn't actually there for that, but I'm really sorry."
"I was. It was actually kinda funny." Jake said, earning an elbow to the stomach to shut him up.
"Look, that isn't who I am, and I'm tired of it. You know what I want to do? I want to be here, right now, with you guys. Whether it hurts my rep or not, I have to stay true to myself or... I might regret it forever." He ended that sentence looking to Harmony, whom he shared a smile with. "And I've already got a game plan. Joe, you play guitar, right?"
Joe nods. "Yeah, man."
"Think you could recruit the jazz band?"
"Totally."
"All right. Wade, Marley, we need new costumes, and they have got to be cool. Can you do that?"
"Boy! Do you see what I've got on?"
"Harmony, Blaine, Jake you can do choreography."
"What does he know about dancing?" Harmony asks, and Jake stares at her.
"Get ready to be amazed." He stands back before starting a dance routine. (Watch his performance 'I Wish' from 0:23-0:50)
"Question withdrawn."
"And what are you bringing to the table, Justin Bieber?" Betty asks.
Ryder grins. "I've got the music."
After a few rehearsals, they were ready to do their private performance. They were red T-shirts with jeans and Converse. They had Blaine, Jake, Wade Betty, and Marley singing background at the mikes, with Joe playing guitar. Harmony and Ryder were chosen to sing lead.
Ryder:
Just a small-town girl
Livin' in a Lonely World
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Harmony:
Just a city boy
Born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Ryder:
A singer in a smoky room
Harmony:
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
Ryder and Harmony:
For a smile, they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on
Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlights people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Harmony:
Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Ryder and Harmony:
Payin' anything to roll the dice just one more time
Harmony:
Some will win
Ryder and Harmony:
Some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
{They stopped for a guitar solo by Joe. While singing, they didn't notice the faces watching them. Sue Sylvester, Blaine's coach. Kitty and Bree were also watching with her. And of course, most importantly, William Schuester, their coach.}
Ryder and Harmony with New Directions:
Don't stop believin'
(Ryder and Harmony: Hold on to that feelin')
Streetlight people
Don't stop believin'
(Ryder and Harmony: Hold on to that feelin')
Streetlight people
Don't stop!
After they ended their number they heard a clap sound which turned out to be Will, congratulating them. "Good, guys. It's a nine. We need a 10. Harmony, you need to hit the ones and the fives. Ryder, I think if we worked on it, you could hit a High B."
"So does this mean you're staying?" Ryder asks amazed.
"It would kill me to see you win Nationals without me. From the top."
Thank you for reading this collab story. Again this is by ElementalDrift and Emmahaag.
STARRING:
Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn
Samuel Larsen as Joe Hart
Alex Newell as Wade Adams
Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose
Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson
Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman
Becca Tobin as Kitty Wilde
Lindsay Pearce as Harmony Pearce
GUEST STARRING:
Erinn Westbrook as Bree Westbrook
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester
For everyone's knowledge, this is a swap story, meaning that certain characters will be replacing others. While they will be filling in, they are still their own characters and will be treated as such. Please read the following.
Ryder Lynn as Finn Hudson
Harmony Pearce as Rachel Berry
Blaine Anderson as Kurt Hummel
Wade Adams(Soon to be Unique) as Mercedes Jones
Betty Pillsbury as Artie Abrams
Marley Rose as Tina Cohen-Chang
Kitty Wilde as Quinn Fabray
Bree Westbrook as Santana Lopez
Sugar Motta as Brittany S Pierce
Jake Puckerman as Noah Puckerman (Obvi)
Joe Hart as Mike Chang
Rory Flanagan as Matt Rutherford/Sam Evans(Though there will be someone else filling in for some of Sam's actions in season 2)
SONG(S):
I'm Only Me When I'm With You (Originally by Taylor Swift): Performed by Marley Rose and Wade Adams
You Can't Always Get What You Want (Originally by The Rolling Stones): Performed by Joe Hart
Part of Your World (Originally by Cast of Little Mermaid): Performed by Blaine Anderson
Popular (Originally by Cast of Wicked): Performed by Betty Pillsbury
Gimme Gimme (Originally by Cast of Thoroughly Modern Millie): Harmony Pearce
Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat (Originally by Frank Loesser): Performed by Betty Pillsbury with New Directions
Drops of Jupiter (Originally by Train): Performed by Ryder Lynn
You're the One That I Want (Originally by Cast of Grease): Performed by Harmony Pearce and Ryder Lynn with New Directions
Rehab (Originally by Amy Winehouse): Performed by Vocal Adrenaline
Highway To Hell (Originally by AC/DC): Performed by Vocal Adrenaline
Don't Stop Believin' (Originally by Journey): Performed by New Directions