Barely Breathing Chapter 5: I'm Still Here, a glee fanfic

Okay, so there's a lot of music in this chapter and I recommend that you listen to each one as you go along to give it the full experience. Hope you enjoy! Review!

Chapter 5- I'm Still Here

Kurt blinked twice and turned to leave the stage, figuring whoever wanted him there forgot to come. Not really looking where he was going, he bumped into someone.

"Sorry, I should look where I'm—." Kurt stopped in his tracks, looking up at the person he bumped into.

"Why are you here?"

"That's a good question."

"A question that I want answers to."

"Oh, you'll get them."

Kurt felt the pair of lips crush against his and everything went black.

Kurt pushed the weight away from him with force he didn't know he even possessed. He looked across at the taker of his first kiss with nothing but contempt lighting up his eyes.

"Karofsky. What the fuck are you doing?! Are you gay or something?" Kurt sneered at him, bemusement overcoming his anger.

"Fuck you, Hummel. I'm not gay. I just—."

"You just what? You just figured it would be fun to kiss me, after everything you've put me through. I'm guessing it was you that put me in hospital wasn't it? Beating to an inch of my life one day and then kissing me the next, wow that's a great track record. So you'd better have an amazing excuse for both of them because I do not have time for this." Kurt wasn't angry and that surprised him. He thought he would be fuming at the sight of Karofsky. Something inside him told him to calm down, so he listened.

"This is your fault, Hummel! If you weren't such a faggot, I wouldn't be like this. You infected me with what you have!"

"Oh, simple Dave, don't you get it yet? You can't catch the gay. If you could, I probably would've given it to you just so you can see just what kind of treatment you've given me over the last few years and see how you feel once you're told that you don't deserve to live just because you're different!"

"Fuck you, Hummel." Karofsky turned and fled the stage, leaving Kurt to crumble on his own.

Curling up into a tight cocoon, Kurt just sat there, rocking back and forth, quite unsure about what had just happened. So Karofsky had bullied him incessantly for years, almost killed him and, when he recovered, kissed him? That would mean that Karofsky bullied him because he was gay himself and that Kurt was out and proud and the former was still hiding in the closet for sake of his reputation.

Kurt was disrupted from his thoughts by the door slamming open. A figure ran in, holding up their hands and coming towards him.

"Kurt, I'm so sorry I'm late, I was with Mrs. Carlton and she wanted me to do some extra homework to catch up and—Kurt? Are you okay? What's wrong?" Sam's deep voice carried through the large performance hall. Kurt barely looked up at him. So Sam sent him here and Dave somehow ambushed his plan. That was…interesting. But why did Sam want Kurt in the auditorium in the first place?

Sam curled an arm around Kurt's shoulders and placed his cheek on the smaller boy's head, rubbing his shoulders and bringing him closer. Kurt just wept. He finally had an outlet for the pain he had been desperately hoping would never surface. Then, Sam did something Kurt didn't expect. He kissed his cheek with such tenderness and passion that Kurt thought he might faint. Part of him wanted to flinch at his touch, but the more rational part of him kept him grounded and kept him still. Kurt turned his head slightly so that their faces were just inches apart. Kurt saw a look in Sam's eyes that he had recognised in Quinn's whenever she looked at Puck, Tina whenever she looked at Mike and even Mr Schue when he looked at Miss Pillsbury.

Really? It was love in Sam's eyes?

Yesterday, Kurt thought that nobody loved him that way. Then today, suddenly two guys wanted him. What was up with that?

"Really?" Kurt said, sounding utterly broken and that if Sam said no, he would shatter.

"Really." Sam responded just as gently. "We don't have to talk about why you're upset if you don't want to, but I'm here if you do. I'm always here for you."

"I know who beat me up." Kurt revealed, eager to let this information out. It was strange, but he actually trusted Sam, especially after everything.

Sam just raised an eyebrow, encouraging him to continue.

"It was Karofsky. I finally know why he's bullied me for the past three years. He kissed me, Sam. I pushed him away, but it was too late. He kissed me and it was my first kiss and I just feel so dirty and gross and I don't know why I'm telling you all of this." Kurt sobbed once more before straightening himself out and clearing his throat. "I'm fine."

"Kurt, I know fine, and that's not you right now. Karofsky's a dick. I swear to you, he'll pay for what he did. I know just how to make his life hell."

"I'm not outing him, Sam. I refuse to do that to somebody."

"No, we won't out him, but we'll make him think that we are. But we'll need help. Someone else that you trust."

"You mean help as in Santana, don't you? Good, because after seeing her sing and dance to Wicked in my room at the hospital, I think she's genuine." Kurt giggled and Sam loosened his grip, standing up.

"Good, because we'll need her. Anyway, aren't you curious as to why I brought you here. Karofsky kinda pissed all over my parade now, so it won't seem like it did in my head when I planned, but just listen."

Sam walked over to the piano and Kurt smiled. He didn't know Sam could play the piano. He knew he was a skilled guitarist, but that was all that he knew Sam could play. He guessed that there was a lot more to Sam that he had absolutely no idea about.

Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel

(sung by Sam Evans)

SAM: Don't go changing, to try and please me
You never let me down before
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore

I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are

Don't go trying some new fashion
Don't change the colour of your hair
You always have my unspoken passion
Although I might not seem to care

I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are

I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you

I said I love you and that's forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are

Sam finished the song to applause from Kurt, who was beaming. He had stood up during the first verse and leaned on the piano, giving it the intimate feel that Sam was hoping for.

"Sam, that was beautiful."

Sam bit his tongue to keep from spouting the stupid pickup line he had had in his head for hours. It's just like you, then.

"Thanks. I mean every word, Kurt. You're beautiful, inside and out, and I don't want you to change a thing." Kurt blushed.

"I don't agree, but thank you." Kurt grabbed Sam's hand and squeezed it.

"Come here." Sam gave him a tight hug, but filled it with passion rather than strength. Pulling away, Sam thought the timing was right, but he had completely misjudged the situation. He leaned his head in, only for Kurt to flinch and step away."

"God, Kurt, I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking and I—."

"It's fine, Sam. I just need time to get over this stupid kiss from Karofsky. I-I want to, though. I really do."

"Of course, I get that, I just didn't think. Whatever you need, I'll give it to you. Time, space, love, hugs, anything."

"This isn't supposed to happen like this!"

"Like what?"

"You're supposed to walk away because I'm damaged goods and you don't want to have to wait to kiss me and—."

"Whoa, Kurt, you're thinking about this all wrong. I'm not like most other guys in your life. I truly care about you and I don't care if you grow another head or a third arm, I'll still love you because I love who you are. Who says I'm not damaged too?"

"Thank you." Kurt hugged him again.

"So are you ready for the Glee assignment?" Sam asked, defusing any residual tension.

"More than ready. I've been performing this number since I was twelve. I have my costume and my tech stuff is on its way. How about you?"

"Oh, there's still a little bit more to do, but I'll be ready." Sam smiled.

"Well, I can't wait to see it. I'm sure it'll be amazing."

"Like it could compare to yours. You've got four years of practise over everybody."

"Except Rachel, she's probably doing Don't Rain on my Parade which she's been doing since she was able to talk."

"No, she's not doing that. She's picked something else for this particular occasion. Look out for it."

"Oh, I will. Anything that isn't her usual performance intrigues me." Kurt laughed.

The day of the performance came and Mr Schuester had decided to sell tickets to fundraise for the bus to Regionals. Their Sectionals had resulted with a tie with Dalton, who were pretty good, but they needed to beat them at Regionals to advance to Nationals. There would not be another tie situation.

He trotted backstage where everybody was warming up.

"Right everyone, we've got a full house! Everybody's excited to see you all perform. I've put the running order on the wall but just a reminder. It will go as follows. Rachel, Santana, Mike, Tina, Mercedes, Artie, Brittany, Finn, Quinn, Sam, Puck and then Kurt. So Rachel, I need you ready to go in two minutes.

"Of course, Mr Schuester. I'm always ready for a performance and as team captain I would like to say a few words to everybody before I go and show the audience my amazing talent. Everyone, I know I can be obnoxious and self-centred. Look, I even started my speech talking about myself, but just know that I think you're all so talented and we have an amazing group of people here today. Let's go and show the audience and probably some Dalton spies what we have to take to Regionals and then Nationals in New York!" Rachel pumped a fist in the air and, surprised, everyone else followed.

"Rachel." Mr Schuester beckoned for her to take the stage.

"Good luck, Rachel." Quinn muttered.

"Thanks Quinn, but I don't need luck." She said, but not in the condescending way she usually did. It was more confidence than arrogance this time. Kurt looked at the girl, regarding her differently than he did before.

The audience were shushed as Rachel took the stage.

"Hi, my name is Rachel Berry and I'll be singing the song that means the most to me from my favourite movie, Funny Girl.

My Man from Funny Girl (Glee Cast Version)

(Sung by Rachel Berry)

RACHEL: Oh my man I love him so
He'll never know
All my life is just despair
But I don't care

When he takes me in his arms
The world is bright. Alright
What's the difference if I say
I'll go away

When I know I'll come back
On my knees someday
For whatever my man is
I am his, forever more!

Oh, my man I love him so
He'll never know
All my life is just despair
But I don't care

When he take me in his arms
The world is bright…alright!
What's the difference if I say
I'll go away

When I know I'll come back
On my knees someday
For whatever my man is
I am his…
Forever…more!

The applause thundered across the auditorium as Rachel milked every moment in the spotlight that she had. Mr Schuester had suddenly become the MC for the performance.

"Okay, that was amazing Rachel and I think everybody agrees with me! Okay, next up, we have Miss Santana Lopez. Rachel, that means that you have to leave the stage. Rachel." Mr Schuester laughed nervously as Rachel blew a kiss to the audience and left, Santana replacing her.

"I'm Santana Lopez, and I'm about to show you what real talent sounds like."

She left it at it and let the music do the rest.

Feeling Good by Nina Simone

(Sung by Santana Lopez)

SANTANA: Birds flying high
You know how I feel
Sun in the sky
You know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good, I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea
You know how I feel
River running free
You know how I feel
Blossom on the tree
You know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when the day is done, thats what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me, for me

Stars when you shine
You know how I feel
Scent of the pine
You know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
It's a new life
For me

And I'm feeling good
I'm feeling good
I feel so good
I feel so good

Santana took her applause unlike Rachel as she scurried off after it had died down.

"Amazing, Santana. Two performers down and such a high bar to be hit. Next we have the recently discovered voice of Mike Chang! Give it up for Mike!"

Mike exhaled deeply and walked out to cheers. It would be the first time he had ever sung in front of an audience, let alone a solo. He had chosen a song which fit him, but it also had a lot of dance involved. The fact that the character from the musical shared his name was just a feat he had never imagined he'd ever come across.

"Hi, I'm Mike Chang and this is the first time I've sang in front of an audience. I hope you enjoy it."

I Can Do That from A Chorus Line

(Sung by Mike Chang)

MIKE: I'm watchin' Sis
Go pitterpat.
Said,
"I can do that,
I can do that."

Knew ev'ry step
Right off the bat.
Said,
"I can do that,
I can do that."

One morning Sis won't go to dance class
I grabbed her shoes and tights and all,
But my foot's too small,
So,
I stuff her shoes
With extra socks,
Run seven blocks
In nothin' flat.
Hell,
I can do that,
I can do that.

I got to class
And had it made,
And so I stayed
The rest of my life.
All thanks to Sis
(Now married and fat),

I can do this.

That I can do!
I can do that.

Mike impressively showed off his amazing dance routines, tweaking the original routine from the musical and making it his own. He had skipped the duet part and did it as a solo, not wanting anyone to take his newfound spotlight. He had turned into Rachel's male counterpart. Oh dear.

"Wow, Mike, such an expressive routine, we're all very proud of you! Next we have the wonderful Miss Tina Cohen-Chang!"

Tina walked onto the stage and took her place. Time to show them, she thought. She was so used to coming in last out of the Glee girls that she felt that this was her time to show Mr Schuester just what she could do. She wanted to shock him with her song choice and make sure he knew that her voice fit different genres of music.

"Hello, I'm Tina Cohen-Chang, and this song means a lot to me right now and I hope you all enjoy it." The piano started and Tina came to life.

Clarity (Live) by Foxes

(Sung by Tina Cohen-Chang)

TINA: High dive into frozen waves
Where the past comes back to life
Fight fear for the selfish pain
It was worth it every time

Hold still right before we crash
'Cause we both know how this ends
Our clock ticks till it breaks your glass
And I drown in you again

'Cause you are the piece of me
I wish I didn't need
Chasing relentlessly
Still fight and I don't know why

If our love is tragedy
Why are you my remedy?
If our love's insanity
Why are you my clarity?

Walk on through a red parade
And refuse to make amends
It cuts deep through our ground
And makes us forget all common sense

Don't speak as I try to leave
'Cause we both know what we'll choose
If you pull then I'll push too deep
And I'll fall right back to you

'Cause you are the piece of me
I wish I didn't need
Chasing relentlessly
Still fight and I don't know why

If our love is tragedy
Why are you my remedy?
If our love's insanity
Why are you my clarity?

Why are you my clarity?
Why are you my remedy?
Why are you my clarity?
Why are you my remedy?

If our love is tragedy
Why are you my remedy?
If our love's insanity
Why are you my clarity?

Mr Schuester was shocked. He had never seen Tina perform so well. He figured that she wanted to show him what she could do and the song was perfect for doing just that. He smiled and applauded loudly with everybody else.

"Tina, I don't know what to say, that was just phenomenal. You've definitely improved since last year. Amazing! Next up, we have Miss Mercedes Jones!"

Mercedes dragged the microphone on stage with her and signalled to the band that had organised themselves behind the performers.

"Hi, I'm Mercedes Jones and I'll be performing a song that is for somebody who has no idea that I'm singing it for them. Anyway, I hope they're listening, because this is important to me."

Crazy In Love by Beyonce (Emeli Sande Version from The Great Gatsby)

(Sung by Mercedes Jones)

MERCEDES: I look and stare so deep in your eyes
I touch on you more and more every time
When you love I'm begging you not to go
Call your name two, three times in a row

Such a funny thing for me to try to explain
How I'm feeling and my pride is the one to blame
Cause I know I don't understand
Just how your love can do what no one else can

Got me looking so crazy right now
Your love got me looking so crazy right now
Got me looking so crazy right now
Your touch got me looking so crazy right now

Got me hoping you'll page me right now
Your kiss got me hoping you'll save me right now
Looking so crazy
Your love
Got me looking, got me looking so crazy in love

When I talk to my friends so quietly
"Who he think he is?" Look at what you did to me
Tennis shows, don't even need to buy a new dress
If you ain't there, ain't nobody else to impress

It's the way that you know what I thought I knew
It's the beat that my heart skips when I'm with you
But I still don't understand
Just how your love can do what no one else can

Got me looking so crazy right now
Your love got me looking so crazy right now
Got me looking so crazy right now
Your touch got me looking so crazy right now

Got me hoping you'll page me right now
Your kiss got me hoping you'll save me right now
Looking so crazy
Your love
Got me looking, got me looking so crazy in love

Cause your love got the best of me
Baby you're blind
Baby you can't see
Baby you got me
You got me, you got me

Got me looking so crazy right now
Your love got me looking so crazy right now
Got me looking so crazy right now
Your touch got me looking so crazy right now

Got me hoping you'll page me right now
Your kiss got me hoping you'll save me right now
Looking so crazy
Your love
Got me looking, got me looking so crazy in love

Got me looking so crazy right now
Your love got me looking so crazy right now
Got me looking so crazy right now
Your touch got me looking so crazy right now

Got me hoping you'll page me right now
Your kiss got me hoping you'll save me right now
Looking so crazy
Your love
Got me looking, got me looking so crazy in love

The Glee Club clapped from behind the stage, curious as to whom Mercedes was singing.

"Amazing job, Mercedes, you've shown me that you definitely are a Beyonce, not a Kelly Rowland." Mr Schuester laughed, remembering the first couple of weeks of rehearsals. "Anyway, next up is the uniquely talented Artie Abrams."

"Hi, I'm Artie Abrams and I'll be singing a song that I've loved ever since I learned how to sing it.

Dancing With Myself by Generation X (Glee Cast Version)

(Sung by Artie Abrams)

ARTIE: On the floors of Tokyo
Down in London town's a go-go
With the record selection
And the mirror's reflection
I'm a-dancing with myself

Oh, when there's no one else in sight
In the crowded, lonely night
Well, I wait so long for my love vibration
And I'm dancing with myself

Oh, dancing with myself
Oh, dancing with myself
Well there's nothing to lose
And there's nothing to prove
And I'm dancing with myself

If I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes seem to pass me by
And leave me dancing with myself

So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had a chance, I'd ask one to dance
And I'd be dancing with myself

oh, dancing with myself
oh, dancing with myself
Well there's nothing to lose
And there's nothing to prove
And I'm dancing with myself

So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had a chance, I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
I'll be dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think

oh, dancing with myself
oh, dancing with myself
Well there's nothing to lose
And there's nothing to prove
And I'm dancing with myself

Artie did a very creative routine with his wheelchair, using the band to lean on and support him as he rolled around the stage, going crazy with his number. The audience loved it, though, as did everybody else. Mike was watching from the wings, smiling at how impressed he was by Artie. Mike knew that if he was paralysed, he'd give up on his dream of dancing because it would be too different. But here Artie was, dancing, and he had so much respect for the boy.

"Give Artie a hand, everyone! Such a compelling performance, Artie! I remember seeing you perform that in the auditorium once. That inspired our wheelchair week in Glee Club. It's so much better now than it was then."

"Thanks, Mr Schue." Artie smiled and rolled offstage, Mike steering him to where everybody else was.

"Artie, that was incredible!"

"Thank you. And hey, I'm happy for you and Tina. I know I've been bitter and a jerk to you, but you're a good guy Mike and you deserve her. I didn't and I accept that. So just make sure you look after her and don't let her go like I did. Tina, get over here girl, give us some love." The three shared a hug that meant more to Tina than everybody but Sam and Kurt knew. The blonde boy smiled at them, getting a knowing glance from Kurt.

"That's what she's wanted for months. She loves Artie and wants to be his friend again. I'm glad she has that now."

They all heard Mr Schuester's voice amplified from the stage.

"Okay, so we're going to take a five minute break and when we come back, Miss Brittany Pierce will be taking to the stage so stay in your seats, guys!"

He hurried backstage and just looked at them all. He was so proud of how far they had come and they didn't even realise it.

"Rachel, Santana, Mike, Tina, Mercedes, Artie, you were all sensational. I realise now that I may have slightly neglected some of you last year. This is going to change. You'll all be featured at each competition. We have too much talent to let people go unnoticed. Before every competition, we're going to hold impartial auditions for the solo, the duet and the group leads. Everyone is auditioning. Do it alone, in a pair, in a small group, but impress me and you'll get the lead. Brittany, are you ready?"

The blonde girl was stretching herself impressively. She nodded and Mr Schuester went onto the stage to announce the return of the show.

"Next up we have Miss Brittany Pierce!"

Brittany strutted fabulously onto the stage, smiling brightly at the crowd, waving at someone.

"I'm Brittany S Pierce, and I'll be singing something that I hope is heard by someone backstage." Everybody knew she meant Santana, but they kept quiet. Santana was biting her lip, hoping the song that was thinking of did not start to play.

It did. Santana sighed, hoping she would pull a miracle out of her ass and not sob her heart out at Brittany' song selection.

Everytime by Britney Spears

(Sung by Brittany Pierce)

BRITTANY: Notice me
Take my hand
Why are we
Strangers when
Our love is strong
Why carry on without me?

Everytime I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby
And everytime I see you in my dreams
I see your face, it's haunting me
I guess I need you baby

I make believe
That you are here
It's the only way
I see clear
What have I done
You seem to move on easy

And everytime I try to fly
I fall without my wings
I feel so small
I guess I need you baby
And everytime I see you in my dreams
I see your face, you're haunting me
I guess I need you baby

I may have made it rain
Please forgive me
My weakness caused you pain
And this song is my sorry

Ohhhh

At night I pray
That soon your face
Will fade away

The audience clapped and wiped tears from their eyes. Kurt sniffled. Brittany's rendition was so haunting and beautiful that it had everyone backstage crying. Noah pretended to look fierce whilst blowing his nose, but Kurt was worried about Santana. She was frozen, tears rolling down her face. He approached the back of her chair and wrapped his arms around her. She smiled and leaned her head into his touch. Santana was capable of affection, despite what everybody around her thought, but she was careful not to show it.

Mr Schuester sniffled. "Brittany, that was…something else. Extraordinary. You're a truly gifted vocalist. You really shined up there."

She hopped (literally on one foot) backstage and saw Santana crying. She ran over to her and hugged the girl, Kurt backing away.

"I love you so much, Britt." Santana said through her sob.

"I love you, too. I guess I need you, baby." She sang the last part and the two shared a lovely kiss that made everybody coo adorably. Santana smirked and waved them away, still kissing her soulmate.

"Finn Hudson, take the stage!"

"Uh, hi I'm Finn Hudson and I'll be singing a song that I wrote with the help of my brother, Kurt, for my girlfriend who I love very much. This is for you, Rachel." Finn said, knowing she was listening. She looked across to Kurt, who was smiling. He winked at her and mouthed you're welcome. She smiled back and listened to Finn. Kurt was happy that his songwriting skills had been showcased in some way. He only wrote the first verse and the chorus and Finn wrote the rest, but it was nice to be recognised.

Pretending by Glee Cast

(Sung by Finn Hudson)

FINN: Face to face and heart to heart
We're so close yet so far apart
I close my eyes I look away
That's just because I'm not okay
But I hold on, I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong

Will we ever say the words we're feeling
Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls
Will we ever have our happy ending?
Or will we forever only be pretending?
Will we always, always, always be pretending

How long do I fantasize
Make believe that it's still alive
Imagine that I am good enough
And we can choose the ones we love
But I hold on, I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong,

Keeping secrets safe
Every move we make
Seems like no ones letting go
And it's such a shame
Cause if you feel the same
How am I supposed to know?

Rachel beamed and clapped, tears glistening in her eyes. She ran over to Kurt and hugged him.

"Thank you." She whispered in his ear. "Also, judging by your outfit, I know your song selection. It's a gift of mine. You'll nail it. Knock 'em dead, honey." She kissed his cheek and left to welcome Finn with a long kiss.

"Thank you, Finn, that was expressive and emotive, amazing job! Next, Miss Quinn Fabray."

"Hello I'm Quinn Fabray and I'll be singing a song that means a lot me. I went through a difficult time last year and I'm back on my feet now, but there were moments when I thought I was lost. I realised that it only takes some amazing people to show you the way."

Gone by Madonna

(Sung by Quinn Fabray)

QUINN: Selling out
Is not my thing
Walk away
I won't be broken again
I'm not
I'm not what you think

Dream away your life
Someone else's dream
Nothing equals nothing

Letting go
Is not my thing
Walk away
Won't let it happen again
I'm not
I'm not very smart

Why should I feel sad
For what I never had
Nothing equals nothing

Turn to stone
Lose my faith
I'll be gone
Before it happens

Selling out
Is not my thing
Walk away
I won't be broken again
I won't
I won't fall apart

Dream away your life
Dream away your dream
Nothing equals nothing

Turn to stone
Lose my faith
I'll be gone
Before it happens

Turn to stone (turn to stone)
Lose my faith (lose my faith)
I'll be gone
Before it happens

Turn to stone (turn to stone)
Lose my faith (lose my faith)
I'll be gone

Quinn finished with a broad grin. She loved to sing, and expressing herself with a solo in such a manner was a blessing.

"Thank you, Quinn! That was some amazing vocal work and a lot to live up to! But I can safely say you nailed it!" Quinn beamed and ran off stage.

"Quinn, that's my favourite Madonna song. You did it so well. I'm proud of you." Kurt hugged her and squealed.

"Thanks, Kurt. I actually heard you sing it in your car once. I remembered the lyrics and found the song and fell in love with it. So thank you for showing it to me."

"What? When was this? You're welcome, anyway." Kurt grinned.

"Sam Evans, take the stage!"

Sam hugged Kurt and whispered "Listen to every word" in his ear. Kurt nodded and wished him luck.

"Well, hi I'm Sam Evans. I'm going to be singing to someone close to my heart." It's now or never, Sammy. "This is for you, Kurt."

At the mention of Kurt's name, everyone's eyes widened, including Kurt's. He hadn't expect Sam to out himself to an audience like that. Tina smiled knowingly and he glared at her, wanting the details later. Sam didn't give the audience time to react though, as the music started instantly.

Love Will Remember by Selena Gomez

(Sung by Sam Evans)

SAM: Now is all we got and time can't be bought
I know it inside my heart.
Forever will, forever be ours
Even if we try to forget,
Love will remember.

You said you loved me.
I said I loved you back.
What happened to that?
What happened to that?
All your promises,
And all the plans we had.
What happened to that?
What happened to that

Boom gone, yeah we move on.
Even if we try to forget,
Love will remember you
And love will remember me.
I know it inside my heart.
Forever will, forever be ours
Even if we try to forget,
Love will remember.
Love will remember.
Love will remember.
Love will remember.
Love will remember.

The trip we dreamed of taking.
The tacks left on the map.
What happened to that?
What happened to that?
When all you had was nothing.
And all we did was laugh.
What happened, what happened,
What happened to that?

Boom gone, yeah we move on.
Even if we try to forget,
Love will remember you
And love will remember me.
I know it inside my heart.
Forever will, forever be ours
Even if we try to forget,
Love will remember.
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember

Break down the walls.
Let heaven in.
Somewhere and forever we'll dance again.
We used to be inseparable.
I used to think that I was irreplaceable.
We lit the whole world up.
Before we blew it up.
I still don't know just how we screwed it up.
Forever, forever, forever.

Love will remember you
Love will remember me.
I know it inside my heart.
Forever will, forever be ours
Even if we try to forget,
Love will remember.
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember
Love will remember

Kurt listened to the song with tears in his eyes. So Sam really did love him. Sniffling, he roped the person next to him into a huge hug. It was Noah, who was still crying from Brittany's performance and now Sam's performance. Noah's strong arms wrapped around Kurt and he leant over to Kurt's ear.

"He really loves you. I've never seen anybody so in love before." Noah's voice rumbled in Kurt's ear.

"Thank you, Noah."

Sam re-appeared and went straight to Kurt, only stopping to wink at Tina.

"I love you."

"Sam. Kiss me."

"Are you…sure?"

"Just kiss me, Sam."

Sam leant in kissed Kurt squarely on the lips, deepening it tentatively, testing the water for Kurt's green light. He got it and he pulled away, knowing there'd be plenty more time to kiss Kurt in the future. He got his guy.

"Noah Puckerman, everybody!" That jolted everyone. Noah stepped up on stage.

"I'm Noah Puckerman and I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. I've disappointed so many people and I need to start making up for that. So, uh, yeah, this song is for Quinn."

Quinn frowned, not knowing this. She looked to Sam, who smiled gently and just silently asked her to listen.

(Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer (Jason Walker Cover))

(Sung by Noah Puckerman)

NOAH: Kiss me out of the bearded barley
Nightly, beside the green, green grass
Swing, swing, swing the spinning step
I wear those shoes and You will wear that dress.

Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me

Kiss me down by the broken tree house
Swing, swing upon it's hanging tire
Bring, bring, bring your flowered hat
We'll take the trail marked on your father's map

Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
(Yeah, yeah)
So kiss me

So kiss me

Kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling

Oh, kiss me, oh, beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
(Yeah)
So kiss me

So kiss me

"Nice job, Pu-Noah! You really shined with that song. Good work, buddy. And last but certainly not the least, we have Mr Kurt Hummel. Wrap us up, Kurt!"

Kurt pecked Sam on the lips and went to take the stage.

"Hello, I'm Kurt Hummel and a lot has happened over the past couple of days. It's evident by the lovely shiner I'm sporting that I got attacked. I got attacked for being myself. Because some ignorant boys don't like who I am. So the general theme of this day is singing to a loved one, but I'm going with a different route. I'm singing this to the jock block. The guys currently being forced to sit in the front row." Kurt looked to the front row. "I hope you know that this won't change me. I'm still me. I always will be. You don't scare me. You don't frighten me anymore. I'm over it. So, I now invite you to listen. Do you worst. I'm ready."

The music started and Kurt got into position. He sat on the piano, idly swinging his legs to and fro.

I'm Still Here from Follies (Glee Cast Version)

(Sung by Kurt Hummel)

KURT: Good times and bad times, I've seen them all
And my dear, I'm still here
Plush velvet sometimes
Sometimes just pretzels and beer, but I'm here

Oh, I've stuffed the dailies in my shoes
Strummed ukuleles, I've sung the blues
Seen all my dreams disappear, but I'm here
I've slept in shanties, guest of the W.P.A., but I'm here
I danced in my scanties
Three bucks a night was the pay, but I'm here

Oh, I've stood on bread lines with the best
Watched while the headlines did the rest
In the depression was I depressed?
Nowhere near, I met a big financier and I'm here

I've gotten through Herbert and J. Edgar Hoover
Gee, that was fun and a half
When you've been through Herbert and J. Edgar Hoover
Anything else is a laugh

Oh, I've been through Reno, I've been through Beverly Hills, and I'm here
Reefers and vino, rest cures, religion, and pills, but I'm here
I've been called a 'Pinko', commie tool, got through it stinko by my pool
I should've gone to an acting school, well that seems clear
Oh, still someone said, "She's sincere", so I'm here

Black sable one day, next day it goes into hock, but I'm here
Top billing Monday, Tuesday, you're touring in stock, but I'm here
First, you're another sloe-eyed vamp
Then someone's mother, then you're camp
And then you career from career... hey, to career
I'm almost through my memoirs, and I'm here

I've gotten through, "Hey, lady, aren't you whoozis?
Wow, what a looker you were"
Or better yet, "Sorry, I thought you were whoozis
Whatever happened to her?"

Good times and bum times, I've seen 'em all
And I'm still here
Plush velvet sometimes
Sometimes just pretzels and beer, but I'm here

I've run the gamut, A to Z
Three cheers and dammit, C'est la vie
I got through all of last year, and I'm here
Lord knows, at least I've been there, and I'm here
Look who's here, I'm still here

Kurt Hummel is here
Whoo, yeah

Everybody was amazed. Nobody had ever heard Kurt sing like that. Someone in the back of the audience, Kurt thought it was Burt, shouted "ENCORE". He looked to Mr Schuester, wanting to do his first ever encore. Mr Schuester nodded and Kurt smiled gratefully.

"So this next song has the same theme, but a completely different message. Thank you."

Rose's Turn from Gypsy: A Musical Fable (Glee Cast Version)

(Sung by Kurt Hummel)

KURT: All that work, and what did it get me?
Why did I do it?
Scrapbooks full of me in the background.
Give 'em love, and what does it get ya?
What does it get you?
One quick look as each of 'em leaves you.

All your life, and what does it get ya?
Thanks a lot, and out with the garbage.
They take bows, and you're battin' zero.

I had a dream.
I dreamed it for you, Dad.
It wasn't for me, Dad.
And if it wasn't for me, then where would you be,
Miss Rachel Berry?

Well, someone, tell me; when is it my turn?
Don't I get a dream for myself?
Starting now, it's gonna be my turn!
Gangway, world, get off of my runway!
Starting now I bat a thousand!
This time, boys, I'm taking the bows and...

Everything's coming up Kurt!
Everything's coming up Hummel!
Everything's coming up Kurt!

This time for me, ha ha ha ha ha!
For me!
For me!
For me!
For me!
For me!
For me!
Yeah!

The applause came again and Rachel was scowling playfully. She thought back to the diva-off for the Defying Gravity solo (THAT NEVER ACTUALLY HAPPENED) and frowned. Did Kurt blow the note? She knew he could hit the High F, but just thought he was nervous and missed it. She would be having words with him about this incident.

Burt Hummel was looking pretty damn impressed with his son and certainly was not crying. He was not wiping a tear from his eye, looking at Carole proudly.

Kurt ran backstage and hugged his friends. Oh yeah, Kurt Hummel was still here. He looked to Sam.

"I'm so proud of you. That was beautiful."

Kurt hugged him thankfully and sank into his arms.

Author's Note: So this was a really long chapter of this story! I know most of it was music, but I've set up plot points here which I plan to elaborate on in future chapters. There will be:

Kurt and Sam's relationship
The Bullying situation (and Santana's involvement)
Santana and Brittany's relationship
Quinn and Puck's relationship
Artie and Mike getting to know each other
And a suprise twist.

Stick around. Also, review! You know you love me. XOXO- Gossip Girl. Agh, sorry, I've been watching too much Gossip Girl over the past few days. I'm hooked and I'm on my third rewatch. Is that bad? Anyway, review! :)

Also, I would've had this and Chapter 4 up yesterday, but my account was locked for some reason and I have posted Chapters 4 and 5 to make up for waiting so long. Hope you enjoy!