605: The Hurt Locker Part 2: November 2014

Heres what you missed on Glee: Kitty and Unique clashed with the newbies over their ambitions concerning Glee Club, but in the end they all agreed they could do local competitions while still trying to get to show choir nationals. Months or years ago – who knows at this point – lesbians all over the world threatened to kill Sam when Brittany started eating from the floor and married a guy, oh wait, that didn t actually happen. No wait I got it now, people got pissed because Brittany went back to dating a guy, because you re only bisexual when you date a girl. Rachel got a date, but missed out on her first role post That s so Rachel  and Kurt and Blaine decided that the only way they could save their relationship was get professional health. I m sure something less depressing happened as well, but I don t remember. And that s what you missed on Glee.

Akron, Carmel High Teacher lounge

Will is pulling his pre-packed lunch out of his bag when a shadow falls over. Hed love to say that this has never happened before, but hed be lying.

"Sue, what do you want?"

Sue puts a flyer on Wills plate.

"Columbus Choir Competition," Will reads out loud. "What am I supposed to do with this?"

Sue slithers into the chair next to Wills.

"Do your former Glee kids a favor. Theyre even worse off now then they were when you were in charge, but theyve got big plans to go to Sectionals with only six singers and filling the other spots with random students. Sign your kids up for the Columbus competition and show the New Direction that participating in Sectionals is a spectacularly bad idea."

Will rolls his eyes. "And I guess youre doing this out of the goodness of your heart?"

"Hardly," Sue replies. Theres no point in lying to Will when she knows he isnt a fan of the new new New Directions because of his wifes involvement. "I just dont want them to embarrass McKinley and I know for a fact that you need to produce a few wins after losing Vocal Adrenaline Nationals in May."

Will winces. Carmels booster club hadnt been too happy when his team came in third at Nationals, a year after it reclaimed the title, and especially because previously, he had coached the only team that beat Vocal Adrenaline in five years. Some parents had accused him of losing on purpose, and while that wasnt true, Will knew he was on thin ice and had to do better this year.

"Alright," he concedes. "The only kids I know in the McKinley Glee club are Kitty and Unique and they could have followed me to Carmel after Glee club ended if they had wanted to. The rest, well I hope their four coaches arent completely incompetent."

Will feels like hes just sold his soul to the devil as he shakes hands with Sue Sylvester, but his team needs a win, and what Sue proposes seems to be an easy one.

New York City – Brooklyn Film School

"Hey, can I try something," Artie asks as he and Jess take a break from sifting through the footage for their project.

After hed gotten Jess on board, luckily the cast and the rest of the crew had followed and now they were back on schedule. Time to win Jess over.

"Sure," Jess shrugs, though she startles when Artie starts the music and his serenade.

Well do it all
Everything
On our own

:::

We dont need
Anything
Or anyone

:::

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

:::

I dont quite know
How to say
How I feel

:::

Those three words
Are said too much
Theyre not enough

:::

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

:::

Forget what were told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden
Thats bursting into life

:::

Lets waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads

:::

I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own

:::

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

:::

Forget what were told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden
Thats bursting into life

:::

All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes
Theyre all I can see

:::

I dont know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things
Will never change for us at all

:::

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me
And just forget the world?

"Um, that was nice, Artie, but what was it for?" Jess asks after Artie finishes.

Artie gives her his best smile.

"That was me asking you out. Dinner and a movie of your choice – I promise Ill be a gentleman."

"Artie, I told you Im not dating the people I work with," Jess replies. Artie remembers her telling him, but hed hoped shed have changed her mind since then.

"Then maybe after the project is finished?"

Jess is such a great girl and if theres even the smallest chance, hell keep trying.

Jess smiles at him, a genuine smile. "Ask me again when were done with the

movie."

GLEE

New York City – Therapist s Office

Kurts sitting in front of the therapist NYADA student counseling had recommended after telling him and Blaine that they werent qualified to help them further. Kurt had been hesitant initially, especially because therapy wasnt covered by his health insurance. After a talk with his dad, however, whod promised to pay for Kurts sessions, hed called the therapist and made an appointment. He didnt miss the irony that he was in therapy while playing a role in Next to Normal, a musical about mental health issues.

"It says here that you and your fiancé were in counseling because you called off the engagement," Molly - please call me Molly – reads from her iPad and Kurt nods.

"So tell me why you called off the engagement."

"I didnt actually call it off," Kurt corrects her. "I just made him put the wedding planning on hold because he wanted to get married in a few months and I wasnt ready for that. Were still so young, so why rush it?"

"So, youre afraid to get married because youre too young, is that correct? Then why accept a proposal in the first place?" Molly asks, and Kurt wishes he wouldnt have to go through all those questions again.

"Blaine was still in high school when he proposed, so I knew we wouldnt actually get married any time soon, and trust me, if you had been there, you would know why I said yes."

"But you had to expect that you wouldnt be engaged forever. So what are you afraid of? The commitment? Or maybe you dont trust him enough to never hurt you again and are reluctant to take the final step?"

"I guess its in my file that he cheated on me?" Molly nods.

"But I do trust Blaine!" Kurt protests. "And Im not afraid of commitment. I got engaged to my high school boyfriend."

"So youre not worried hell cheat on you again the next time you dont pay him enough attention or bottle up your feelings and dont let him know how youre feeling?"

Kurt shrugs helplessly. "I wouldnt have given us a second chance if I didnt believe him when he promised to never cheat on me again. But he didnt mean to hurt me the first time around either, so how can I be sure he wont ever hurt me badly again, even if its unintentional?"

Molly smiles at him knowingly.

"You cant be sure, thats the point. You have to trust that you and your partner will do your best not to hurt one another. And it could easily be you who hurts him."

"Like when I took my ring off? I knew it would hurt him, but I didnt feel right to keep wearing it when I didnt know what was going to happen in our relationship," Kurt admits and Molly takes more notes.

"And now? You said youre doing better, communicating more openly and being more honest about your feelings. Why not put it back on?"

"Because he says he doesnt want us both to wear engagement rings until Im ready to set a date."

"Ah," Molly nods. "Which brings us to my previous question. "Why arent you ready to set a date?"

Kurt stares at his ring-less finger.

"What if we get married and I screw it up? I never pay him enough attention when Im stressed, Im mean, I refuse to talk about things that would make me vulnerable and frankly, quite often, Im not a very good boyfriend. Blaine doesnt see it this way, but what if we get married and he realizes Im not enough, or Im not the right one after all. As long as were not married, breaking up is easy, at least logistically, but I never want him to have to go through a divorce just because we rushed into a marriage."

Its oddly freeing to finally voice his fears out loud, but he knows that he and Blaine wouldnt have the problems theyre having, if he could just tell Blaine the same things.

"So that sounds like the issue isnt you not trusting your fiancé but not trusting yourself," Molly sums it up for him.

"I guess," Kurt shrugs. "Im just afraid that if I truly let him in, share all my insecurities and doubts with him, that he wont want me anymore."

"If he doesnt accept you for who you truly are, then your relationship is doomed anyway," Molly points out. "But if youre right about him, and he loves you unconditionally, then youll only be closer once there are no more walls between you. When you get married, you promise to be with someone during the good and the bad times, but going in, both of you should be aware what the bad times could entails, dont you think?"

Kurt doesnt doubt Blaines love for him. He wouldnt be here if he did, but what if Blaine doesnt like the person who hides behind a tough exterior whenever things get rough? The only way he could survive high school was never letting his tormentors know how much they were hurting him, always reminding them that he was superior to them, even when he felt like nothing more than the dirt under their shoes. Hed let Blaine in to an extent, because of their shared experiences, but hed never let go fully, no matter how many times Blaine had begged to be let in. But Molly was right, they couldnt get married until Kurt bared his soul and let Blaine catch him when he fell.

"Ill talk to him," Kurt decides. "When the semester is over and we go home for Christmas, Ill talk to him. I just hope youre right and it will make things better."

New York City – Theater District

Rachels waiting outside the theater, determined to convince Karen that she made a mistake and that Rachel is the right choice for the role. After all, shed convinced Madam Tibideaux to let her into NYADA after her failed audition and had successful changed the Funny Girl directors mind about her. Convincing the director of a childrens play that the role should be hers, should be a piece of cake.

Karen exits the theater with a girl Rachel had seen at her call back and she waits until they separate before approaching Karen.

"Karen, hi. I wanted to talk to you about my audition. I know you said you are going with someone else, but if you hear me out, Im sure I can convince you that you made a mistake and should cast me instead."

Karen sighs and opens the theaters door to let Rachel in. Rachel steps inside, a smile on her face. She has an audition for Christine in Phantom of the Opera later this afternoon and shes certain that by the time she gets there, shell be able to tell the producers about her current engagement. The timing couldnt be better, because the current Christine is contracted to appear till February 2015 and Rachel wouldnt start rehearsals till January.

"Listen Rachel, you did really well in your audition, but in the end we decided to go with a more experienced actress. If the role had involved singing, it would have gone to you, but Marsha is the stronger and more experienced actress."

"Are you saying Im a bad actress? I was on Broadway and the star of a TV show," Rachel asks incredulously.

"Not at all, but you lack experience and training. That may help you with certain roles, but unfortunately not with this one."

Rachel cant believe what shes hearing. After her dancing was criticized during her very first auditions back in New York, shed signed up for dance classes, finally acknowledging that maybe Cassandra July wasnt just mean to her because she was jealous of Rachels talent. But acting lessons? None of her professors at NYADA had told her that she lacked talent. Sure, they never praised her either but very few students in her classes actually earned the praise of the teachers. No, this was just the world out to get her, trying to humble her because they were intimidated by her talent and star quality. They kept her out, afraid that she would overshadow them all.

"I need to go," she tells Karen and barely refrains from running out of the theater.

She walks uptown to her audition and when she steps on stage, she lets her frustrations pour out of her in song.

Like anyone would be

I am flattered by your fascination with me

Like any hot-blooded woman

I have simply wanted an object to crave

But you, you re not allowed

You re uninvited

An unfortunate slight

:::

Must be strangely exciting

To watch the stoic squirm

Must be somewhat heartening

To watch the shepherd need shepherd

But you you re not allowed

You re uninvited

An unfortunate slight

:::

Like any unchartered territory

I must seem greatly intriguing

You speak of my love like

You ve experienced live like mine before

But this is not allowed

You re uninvited

An unfortunate slight

:::

I don t think you unworthy

I need a moment to deliberate

Lima, McKinley High School

"Coach, cant you find someone else to help you with those boxes? Roderick and I need to leave soon," Kitty groans as she carries a cardboard box full of trophies to the third floor where principal Sue is turning an empty classroom into a Sue Sylvester museum.

"He needs the exercise," Sue regards Roderick coldly. "I will not let a select few students destroy my success rate. This is not a fatty school anymore."

Kitty winces but keeps her mouth shut, because the last time she gained two pounds coach Sue had demoted her from head cheerleader.

"Here we are, second door to your left," Sue announces as she slowly takes a key out of her pocket and hides it behind her back. "Just put the boxes down by the window."

Kitty and Roderick enter a dilapidated classroom filled with broken chairs and something that looks like a large magnet on the windowsill. As they carefully lower the boxes, the door slams shut behind them and when Kitty swivels around, a key is turned in its lock.

"Why dont you clean up in there while you wait," Sues voice rings through the door. "Ill come and get you once your teammates have been disqualified from the competition."

Roderick runs to the door and tries to open it, but even when he pushes against it with force, they remain trapped.

"Help! Can anybody hear us?" Kitty yells as she tries to get a signal on her phone. "Were locked in!"

Roderick bangs his fist against the door, hoping against hope that some students may have snuck up to the third floor for a smoke as its currently closed for remodeling.

"Fuck!" Kitty swears. "I cant get a signal. Try your phone."

Roderick pulls out his phone, but doesnt get a signal either.

"Fuck!" Kitty repeats. "Were supposed to leave for Columbus in ten minutes. Whats gonna happen if they dont find us? They cant compete with only four people in the group."

"And theyll have to redo the setlist. Youre supposed to sing a duet with Mason."

"Arg! I hate you Sue Sylvester!" Kitty yells into the empty classroom.

Roderick goes back to banging his fists against the door, while on the other side Sue pulls out her phone and types out a message to Will Schuester.

Good luck in Columbus. You should barely have any competition.

New York City – Lopez – Pierce Apartment

"How was the shoot?" Santana asks when Brittany returns from the bathroom, her hair and body wrapped in towels.

Brittany curls up next to Santana on the couch.

"It was fun. I got to wear this gorgeous lingerie set all day and they even let me help with choreography. The choreographer totally asked me out after we were done with filming," she laughs. "How about you? Are you done with filming for the week?"

Santana doesnt want to discuss her first week of filming. All she can focus on is her girlfriend in just her underwear and some douche bag hitting on her.

"Do you want to sleep with him? Is that why youre telling me, because its cheating even if the plumbings different. God, I knew youd leave me for a guy eventually. Girls like you will never fully commit to girls like me because you always go for the dick in the end," Santana seethes, not realizing shes gone too far until she sees the look in Brittanys eyes.

"Ive had it with your biphobic bullshit, Santana. First of all, I was hit on by a girl and I told her no thank you, because I have a girlfriend and secondly, why are you even with me, if youre so sure Im going to cheat on you or dump you eventually? I know that its cheating even if the plumbings different, but I convinced myself that it wasnt so I could be with you while I was with Artie. Im not stupid, and I would never cheat on you, because I love you."

Santana watches helplessly as Brittany turns, runs from the room and slams the bathroom door shut behind her.

Inside the bathroom, Brittany sinks to the floor and starts sobbing.

New York City – The Majestic (Theater)

"Thank you, Rachel. That was great. However, we will not be asking you back. Youre reputations unfortunately proceeds you and frankly, its too risky for us to work with you. Everyone in the city knows about the stunts you pulled with Sidney, your horrible attitude and unwillingness to work in a team, and our financial backers would never approve you."

Rachel throws her hands up in frustration.

"So what, Im going to be punished forever for one mistake I made? Shouldnt my talent be more important?"

"Lets put it this way," the director elaborates. "If you were an established performer with a large fan base, people would still work with you even if youre known to be a diva. But youre not. Youre known as the girl who walked out of her commitment without any notice, came and went as she wanted during rehearsals, and who lied to her producers about her whereabouts. You need to rebuild your reputation before anyones letting you back onto a Broadway stage. I suggest trying your luck off-Broadway and re-auditioning for Broadway once youve established yourself as a reliable performer. Until then, it wont matter how talented or how right you may be for a role, youre too big a risk too cast. Im sorry."

Rachel nods stiffly before she walks off the stage. She doesnt know how to follow their advice, because her very first professional role had been a Broadway lead, accepting anything less in some third rate basement theater, feels too much like giving up. And also, everybody knows you cant be nominated for the Tonys if you arent on Broadway. Rachel wipes a stray tear from her cheek, before she puts on her best show smile for her trek back to Brooklyn. After all, she supposedly had her first rehearsal today and if she looks like shes been crying, Kurt will badger her about it until she tells him the truth. But her friends can never know; she just needs to find a way to discourage them from trying to see her show.

Lima, McKinley High School, Parking Lot

"Where are they? Neither is picking up their phone and if we dont leave soon, we wont make it to Columbus in time," Mercedes paces in front of her car, while Shannon tries Kittys phone again

Mason, Madison and Jane shrug, and Unique frowns.

"Kitty and Roderick were in my last class today, so I dont know what happened."

Mercedes sighs and turns to Sam.

"Go and find that Spencer kid. Maybe hell help us out for today. Shannon, you and I will keep calling them and ask the students who are still here if theyve seen them. And Emma, once we know if Spencers on board, can you drive the others to Columbus. Well follow in my car once we find Kitty and Roderick."

Everyone nods and Sam runs back into the building.

Lima, McKinley High School

Sam nearly collides with Spencer in front of the locker room.

"Hey man, I was looking for you. I know you said you dont want to join glee club, but we could really need your help today. Weve got a competition in Columbus but two of our group have vanished and we need five people in the group to compete. I promise it will be a one time only thing and you dont have to join the club after," Sam rambles.

"This is really important to you?" Spencer asks after making sure theyre alone.

He likes being top dog at McKinley and if not being associated with the Glee club will keep him on top of the food chain, then he wont join them, hed decided earlier in the week. As long as it was only a one time thing however and no one found out about it, Spencer was definitely interested.

Sam nods and Spencer pulls out his phone.

"Let me call my mom while you fill me in."

Lima, McKinley High School Parking Lot

When Sam leads Spencer to Emmas SUV the other kids climb in.

"This is Spencer," Sam introduces the jock. "Hell be filling in for Roderick and Kitty. Teach him the song on the way to Columbus, okay."

Unique nods and drags Spencer into the car next to her.

"Im Unique and in the back row we have Mason, Madison and Jane," she points out each one in turn. "The theme of the competition is love, so weve picked three songs that have love in their titles. Jane will take over Kittys part and duet with Mason. Madison has her solo and youll be helping us out in our group number. Im sure youll know the song."

Sam and Mercedes watch Emmas car pull out of the parking lot when Shannon jogs over to her.

"So, I checked the cars in the student parking lot and there is a yellow VW Beetle. So unless Kitty left with another student, shes still here somewhere. We should separate and search the school. If we find them in the next twenty minutes, maybe we can still make it to their final number."

On the third floor, Kitty and Roderick watch Mrs. Pillsbury drive off with their friends and the Titans quarterback. When their other three coaches walk back toward the school, she and Roderick start banging on doors and windows again.

Columbus – Community Center

Twenty-five Carmel High students step on stage and perform You Give Love A Bad Name. Will watches proudly from the wings for a moment but then nature calls.

Columbus – Community Center

Emma drops her kids off at the designated green room before she heads to the restrooms. When she rounds a corner, she runs into the last person she expected to see here.

"Will. What are you doing here?"

Shed mentioned signing her kids up for a local competition but shes pretty sure she hasnt actual told him the specifics because she was certain he didnt have time to come watch.

"Vocal Adrenaline is performing right now. Actually, I should get back to them," her husband replies and Emma narrows her eyes at him.

"Why is Vocal Adrenaline performing at a choir competition in Columbus?"

"I just thought it would be a good idea to let the new kids get some competition experience before we head to Sectionals. Isnt that what youre doing?"

It dawns on her then, that he didnt seem to be surprised to see her. He knew she would be coming to Columbus and probably signed his group up to humiliate her kids. God, she just hopes he isnt involved in the disappearance of two of her students as well. Still, she has to ask, because if he knows something then she needs to know it.

"Will, where are Kitty and Roderick?" Will frowns in confusion.

"I havent seen Kitty and I dont know who Roderick is. Shouldnt you know where your kids are so close to your slot."

He seems sincere in his confusion and so Emma focuses on the real issue.

"You didnt have to come here. If experience was what you were looking for for your kids, Im sure you could have found a competition closer to Akron. Apparently, spending so much time with Vocal Adrenaline has turned you into a bully just like them. Im very disappointed in you, Will."

Will rolls his eyes.

"You know as well as I do that the New Directions thrived when they had an enemy. Im pretty sure Im doing you a favor here, because if your kids get pummeled today, Im sure theyre going to work even harder to win Sectionals. And now excuse me, I need to head back in. May the better team win."

Emma watches Will go and wonders what happened to the man she married.

New York City – The Loft

Rachel slams the sliding door shut behind her and throws her bag onto the couch, startling Kurt whos taking a nap.

"What the hell, Rachel?" he says and glares at his friend.

"I hate Sidney," Rachel fumes. "Hes ruining everything for me. No one in this city is hiring me because he told them Im unreliable and a nightmare to work with."

"Get to the point where hes lying or let me go back to sleep. I have the night shift at the diner," Kurt replies, fed up with constantly having to listen to Rachel whine about how unfairly everyone is treating her.

"So youre on his side as well," Rachel hisses, looking at him as if hed just had declared that hes going to wear only real fur from now on.

"When the shoe fits," Kurt rolls his eyes. "You messed up, and the sooner you stop saying that everything just fell apart and admit your part in it, namely that it was you who burned your bridges, the sooner youll be able to move on and focus on whats important. And by the way, has it ever crossed your mind to apologize to Sidney? You dont want to end up like Cassandra July, right? Also, why is this so important right now – you just got a new gig?"

"Rehearsal was great," Rachel lies quickly, "but its only a few shows and I would have been perfect for Christine. But they wont even call me back, because of my bad reputation," she complains.

"Uh hah," Kurt nods along. "Does you having a job mean, youre finally going to start paying rent? Because Blaine and I, we dont have a problem with you staying here until you get your own apartment, but if youre gonna keep using our hot water and electricity, you need to help out financially. After all, Blaine and I are both still in school and our parents dont give us money for the apartment so we can let friends stay with us for free."

Rachel busies herself with searching her purse for her cellphone.

"Um, Im kinda strapped for cash right now," she admits while avoiding eye contact with Kurt.

"What? You told me how much they paid you for the three episodes you filmed and I assumed you werent paying rent because you were still waiting for a check," Kurt says incredulously. "You cant have spent it all already."

"I had to pay the penalty fine for breaking my contract with Funny Girl," Rachel argues. "That didnt leave much and I need to pay for my dance lessons and other necessities."

Kurt looks at her as if shed just grown a second head.

"You broke your contract knowing youd be fined for doing so? You only had five months left on it!"

Rachel crosses her arms over her chest. "When they told me how much they would be paying me per episode, I didnt worry about Sidneys fine. How was I supposed to know the network would cancel Thats so Rachel after only one aired episode," she huffs.

"Well, I dont care. Get a job and help out with the rent or find somewhere else to live. Gunters hiring now that Santana quit for her soap opera."

"I thought you were my friend," Rachel says, ready to start crying on the spot to let Kurt know what she thinks about his ultimatum.

"I am and thats why Im telling you. Grow up, Rachel. Take responsibility and stop blaming everyone else but yourself for your misfortunes."

Rachels answer is a truly epic storm out.

Columbus, Community Center

(Jane)

Tonight youre mine completely
You give your love so sweetly
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes

(Jane & Mason)
But will you love me tomorrow

(Mason)

I had no choice but to hear you
You stated your case time and again
I thought about it

(Jane)

You treat me like Im a princess
Im not used to liking that

(Jane and Mason)
You ask how my day was

Youve already won me over in spite of me
And dont be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Dont be surprised if I love you for all that you are
Will you still love me tomorrow

New York City – Lopez – Pierce Apartment

Santana knocks on her and Brittanys bedroom door with tears in her eyes.

"Please let me in honey. Im so so sorry – I never meant to hurt you. Just sometimes its so hard to believe that you settled for me, when you could have anyone in the world. I love you Brittany, only you, and I trust you. Id marry you on the spot, thats how much I love and trust you," Santana begs.

The door finally opens and Santana stumbles into Brittanys arms.

"I love you, too, Santana," Brittany whispers. "But when the time comes I expect a better proposal."

Their kiss is wet with tears, but Santana couldnt care less.

Columbus – Community Center

(Jane and Mason)
Tonight with words unspoken
When the night meets the morning sun

Youve already won me over in spite of me
And dont be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Dont be surprised if I love you for all that you are
Will you still love me tomorrow

(Mason)

Youve already won me over

(Jane and Mason)

Will you still love me tomorrow

Will you still love me tomorrow

Jane and Mason take a bow as the hall erupts in applause. Then they step aside and Madison takes center stage.

Youre the light, youre the night
Youre the color of my blood
Youre the cure, youre the pain
Youre the only thing I wanna touch
Never knew that it could mean so much, so much

Youre the fear, I dont care
Cause Ive never been so high
Follow me to the dark
Let me take you past our satellites
You can see the world you brought to life, to life

So love me like you do, love me like you do
Love me like you do, love me like you do
Touch me like you do, touch me like you do
What are you waiting for?

Chicago, Mikes apartment

Mikes in the middle of practicing a dance routine in the middle of his living room – the coffee table and couch are pushed to the walls to create enough space – when he gets a Skype call from Tina. Hed been surprised to hear from her two weeks ago, but theyve talked every other day since then. Mike had forgotten how much he had missed her presence in his life until she had returned, but hes glad that she did.

"Hey Mike, I hope Im not interrupting," Tina greets him when she sees his workout clothes and the way hes breathing heavily.

"Nah, I need a break anyway before I head to the dance studio to practice with Natalie. I just wanted to run through the routine on my one once more, so she cant accuse me of sabotaging her because we broke up. Never thought it would be my life that turns out vaguely Black Swan-esque," Mike grins, because no matter the hard work, the aching muscles and the often nasty competition, hes still so happy he gets to be a professional dancer who gets paid for doing what he loves.

"She sounds like a bitch," Tina replies and Mike makes a face.

"Hence the break up. But it wasnt anything serious and she usually behaves in rehearsals with the director. But I guess you werent calling me to hear about my dating woes with my co-stars." Tina shakes her head.

"How much Asian is too Asian?" Mike gapes at her.

"Excuse me?" Tina winces herself.

"That came out wrong. Im supposed to meet Jasons family later tonight and well, there exist a lot of stereotypes about Asians and I just dont know how they expect me to behave."

Mike shakes his head sadly, because he blames himself a bit for Tinas freakout. After all, he and his family had labeled Tina not Asian enough when theyd been dating, when actually not-traditional enough was what they should have used.

"First of all, be yourself and theyre going to love you. And secondly, I guess that means you made up your mind?" Tina sighs.

"I havent but Im not ready to let him go either. At least not yet. Maybe thatll change after I meet his family, but for the time being, Im going to hope we can find a compromise we can both agree on."

"I wish you all the best. You deserve to be happy."

They both end the Skype call with smiles on their faces

Columbus – Community Center

(Madison contd)

Fading in, fading out
On the edge of paradise
Every inch of your skin is a holy grail Ive got to find
Only you can set my heart on fire, on fire
Yeah, Ill let you set the pace
Cause Im not thinking straight
My head spinning around I cant see clear no more
What are you waiting for?

Love me like you do, love me like you do
Love me like you do, love me like you do
Touch me like you do, touch me like you do
What are you waiting for?

Yeah, Ill let you set the pace
Cause Im not thinking straight
My head spinning around I cant see clear no more
What are you waiting for?

Love me like you do, love me like you do
Love me like you do, love me like you do
Touch me like you do, touch me like you do
What are you waiting for?

As Madison takes the stage, Will sits down next to Emma.

"Theyre good," Will admits. "But they wont win against us. There is no choreography, no pomp and you dont have a lead singer that can carry the whole team."

"At least my kids have a heart and theyre having fun," Emma retorts. "Vocal Adrenaline is obsessed with winning, I can never tell if they even enjoy themselves or if theyre only in show choir because their voices are there only talents."

The watch the rest of Madisons solo in silence.

Columbus, Community Center

Mercedes car skids to a halt in front of the community center and Mercedes, Sam, Kitty and Roderick tumble out.

"Go ahead," Shannon tells them. "Ill park the car."

Together, the foursome sprints through the hallways, just as the first notes of All Out Of love start.

"Were too late," Kitty bemoans, but Mercedes grabs her hand and drags her and Roderick backstage.

"Make it look like youre supposed to join in later," she instructs as Unique starts to sing on stage.

(Unique)

Im lying alone with my head on the phone
Thinking of you till it hurts
I know you hurt too but what else can we do
Tormented and torn apart

(Spencer)
I wish I could carry your smile in my heart
For times when my life seems so low
It would make me believe what tomorrow could bring
When today doesnt really know, doesnt really know

(New Directions 3.0 without Kitty and Roderick)
Im all out of love, Im so lost without you
I know you were right, believing for so long
Im all out of love, what am I without you
I cant be too late to say I was so wrong

During the chorus Unique spots Kitty and Roderick waiting in the wings and as subtly as possible she signals them to take their original lines and alerts Jane and Madison to their presence as well. The audience breaks into applause when Kitty and Roderick join the others on stage and take the next lines.

(Kitty)
I want you to come back and carry me home
Away from these long, lonely nights
Im reaching for you, are you feeling it too?
does the feeling seem oh, so right?

(Roderick)
And what would you say if I called on you now
And said that I cant hold on?
Theres no easy way, it gets harder each day
Please love me or Ill be gone, Ill be gone

(New Directions 3.0)
Im all out of love, Im so lost without you
I know you were right, believing for so long
Im all out of love, what am I without you
I cant be too late to say I was so wrong

(Unique)
Ooh, what are you thinking of
What are you thinking of
What are you thinking of
what are you thinking of

(New Directions 3.0)
Im all out of love, Im so lost without you
I know you were right, believing for so long
Im all out of love, what am I without you
I cant be too late to say I was so wrong

New York City – Midtown Coffee Shop

"Thanks for meeting me last minute," Rachel tells Ben when he returns with coffee for both of them.

"You sounded like you needed someone to talk to," Ben replies with a smile on his face.

"My roommate and I got into a fight and I couldnt stay in the apartment after," Rachel admits.

Ben briefly covers her hand with his.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Rachel shakes her head.

"Lets not talk about my problems or our jobs tonight. Lets just get to know each other."

"What would you suggest?" Ben asks and Rachel wishes hed hold her hand again.

"Why not start with a game of twenty questions," she suggests, takes a deep breath and slips her hand into his. Ben squeezes it briefly and doesnt let go.

"Alright, Rachel Berry. Whos your role model?"

Rachel smiles at him.

"Easy Barbra Streisand. You?"

"Kenneth Branagh. And Im not surprised by your answer. Ive seen Funny Girl and you played Barbra playing Fancy Brice extremely well."

Before all the nos shes gotten during auditions, she would have taken it as a compliment, but now she isnt so sure if it wouldnt be better to let go of Barbra and try to great her own legacy.

"Thanks," she replies uneasily, before quickly changing the subject. "Next question."

Ben nods. "Sure."

Columbus – Community Center

Theyre all waiting in the audience as the judges debate because there isnt enough space for all the groups on stage. Finally, a tall, bald man, steps to the microphone.

"Well announce the top five now. Please send to performers each on stage to represent your group."

Everyone agrees that Kitty and Unique should represent the New Directions should they be in the top five, because theyve been part of the group the longest.

"Can we please get someone from Vocal Adrenaline, Columbus Universal, The New Directions, Sound Fire and Columbus A Capella on stage."

Kitty spots her when they walk toward the stage. Coach Sylvester is standing in the front row, a frown on her face.

"She locked me and Roderick in a classroom to stop us from competing," Kitty whispers to Unique. "And for me that was the last straw. Sue has to go."

"What about cheerleading?" Unique whispers back.

"Screw cheerleading. Ive already gotten early acceptance to two colleges and you got yours as well. Lets take Sue down once and for all."

"Im in if you come up with a plan," Unique agrees and they shake on it before they step on stage.

"In fifth place we have Columbus Universal, congratulations," the MC announces and an elderly woman steps up to take her participation ribbon.

"In fourth place, a first time contestant, Sound Fire."

Kitty and Unique links hands as Clint from Vocal Adrenaline glares at them.

"On third place, we have another first time contestant. A lot of newcomers this year and I can tell you right now that one of them has dethroned Columbus A Capella. But before we get to them … on third place, Vocal Adrenaline."

The two Vocal Adrenaline representatives look ready to maim the MC before they turn to their coach, who seems to shrink under their angry gazes. Sue storms over to Will.

"And on first place, we have the New Directions," the MC announces and Mercedes and Sam fall into each others arms before they include Emma and Shannon in their hug.

"We, the judges, feel that their set list worked best for this years theme and they focused on the voices of the individual singers instead of distracting us with flashy performances with little substance. Congratulations to them."

There are tears in both their eyes when Kitty and Unique accept their trophy.

Then Unique turns to face Vocal Adrenaline.

"Were back, bitches!"

Outside in the hallway, the members of New Directions take turn holding the trophy and Mercedes nudges Sam when she sees the wistful look in Spencers eyes when hes holding it.

"You know, if you change your mind about Glee club, youll always be welcome," Sam tells him quietly.

"And youre sure it wont interfere with my role on the team?" Spencer asks, just as Shannon joins them.

"Pumpkin, Ive head plenty of crossover between Glee and football since I took this job. And if anyone gives you grief about it, Ill take care of it," she assures the sophomore.

Spencer takes a deep breath. "Okay, then Im in."

Hes buried in a group hug only moments later.

Carmel High School – Teacher s Lounge

Wills hiding from his students in the teachers lounge, because they looked ready to lynch him on the way back to Akron three days ago. To make matters worse, he cant even enjoy his lunch, because shes back.

"I had it coming. Ive been saying for years, never trust a man with curly hair, and I broke my own rules. But I honestly believed that you are less useless now that youre no longer at McKinley, but boy was I wrong. You cant even do the simplest thing and beat a lousy five people stool choir."

Will can feel the eyes of the other teachers on him, but when he came to school this morning, everyone had already known about Vocal Adrenalines defeat anyway and he doubted his coworkers were learning anything new.

"I never should have agreed to team up with you, because when has that ever worked in my favor? Instead, I should have trusted that my kids are talented enough to beat the New Directions without any smear tactics. And had we performed at a show choir competition, we would have wiped the floor with them. Which we will do, if they miraculously win their Sectionals."

"I really dont care about you winning, William. I care about the New Directions losing, because that means no money being funneled into club. And with you not being their Sectionals competition, theres a chance theyll advance to Regionals, because when have your twelve members ever sung on stage at the same time. Theyll bully some other losers into swaying behind the less tone deaf and before you know it, theyre back to being a rash that just wont go away. This was supposed to end in two weeks, but instead of demoralizing the New Directions, you probably gave them the boost they needed to win their Sectionals. Im disgusted with your level of sucker-y."

To emphasizes her point, she grabs his mayonnaise based sandwich and throws it into the nearest trashcan, before stomping out of the classroom.

New York City - Brittany s Spanish Class

After the class ends, Brittany approaches her Spanish teacher, senor Lopez. She checked and he isnt related to Santana.

"Senor Lopez, I was wondering if you could help me with something. Im really liking your class but Im not learning what Im trying to say fast enough, so could you maybe help me translate it into Spanish and teach me how to say it?"

"Es importante?" Senor Lopez asks and Brittany nods.

"I want to tell some special, something very important." Senor Lopez smiles at her.

"Then Im happy to help."