The choir room was filled with whispers and laughter as the Glee club members chattered and gossiped amongst themselves. Rachel and Mr. Schue were talking about the set list for Sectionals, the latter too distracted to keep order in his class.

"Can we go get ice-cream after this?" Brittany asks Santana sweetly, making Santana chuckle at her best friend.

"Yeah Britt, we'll stop at the parlor while going home," smiles Santana, before she turns to the blonde on her other side, "Q, wanna come?"

Quinn, who was staring at her hands, looks up blankly when she hears her name being called, looking at Santana in confusion.

"What?" Quinn asks, clueless as to what Santana was talking about.

"I asked you if you want to get ice-cream with me and Britt before going home," Santana repeats, looking at the hazel-eyed blonde with amusement and slight concern.

"Uh, no thank you, I'll pass for today" says Quinn softly, averting her eyes away from the Latina's.

Santana and Brittany frown at Quinn's odd behavior. As quiet and gentle as Quinn was, she was usually quite open and comfortable around her best friends and something seemed off today.

"Quinnie, what's wrong? Are you sad?" Brittany asks innocently, her bright blue eyes wide with concern.

"No Britt. I'm just not feeling that good today," Quinn says, trying her best to muster up a convincing smile, but Brittany and Santana immediately saw through it.

"Quinn, ar-"

"Santana, I'm fine. Just leave it alone," Quinn snaps, her eyes flashing with annoyance and finality. Santana and Brittany flinch at Quinn's sharp tone, which causes the hazel-eyed blonde to soften instantly.

"Hey, I'm sorry. I just don't want to talk about it," Quinn apologies softly, slouching in her chair with defeat and helplessness. Santana simply nods, knowing that when she was ready to talk, she would.

Brittany turns the mood around when she excitedly starts telling Santana about the routine she has planned for her upcoming dance recital, but their discussion is interrupted with when there's a soft knock on the door of the choir room, the clicking of heels against tile echoing.

"Emma," says Mr. Schue in surprise, as everyone's conversations stop, "What brings you here today?"

"Did the new student come to audition yet? Phoenix Winters?" Miss Pillsbury asks, her doe-like eyes wide and nervous, as usual. Mr. Schue walks towards Miss Pillsbury to talk to her about this new student, which gives the Glee club members the opportunity to start gossiping again.

"Phoenix Winters? Was a new student there is any one of your classes?" Mercedes asks, disappointed when everyone murmurs their no.

"He does hot and mysterious though, doesn't he?" Kurt exclaims excitedly, bouncing in his seat.

"Please Lady Hummel, you just want some action since you don't often get it in this school," Santana smirks, causing Kurt and Mercedes to roll their eyes.

"You d-don't even know w-what he looks li-like," Tina laughs and Kurt pouts in disdain.

"That doesn't mean he can't be hot though," Kurt defends, crossing his arms over his chest with a huff.

"Phoenix? Like the bird we saw in that movie? The fiery one?" Brittany whispers to Santana.

"Yep, exactly like that bird Britt-Britt."

"I do have to agree with the fact that the name is pretty cool though," Puck says nonchalantly, causing everyone to laugh at his offhand, uncharacteristic compliment for this stranger.

"Puckerman, are you changing teams?" Santana teases, causing Puck's cheeks to become pink with embarrassment before he smirks devilishly at the brunette.

"Of course not, I appreciate the female form way too much," Puck winks, his eyes roaming over Santana's body, causing her to turn away from him in disgust and making Brittany glare at him. The others simple ignored it, used to Puck's vulgar and disrespectful ways by now. They tried to take it in stride and not react to it too much.

However, Quinn shifts uncomfortably in her seat at the interaction, her eyes flitting nervously between Puck and Santana, a gesture which goes unnoticed by everyone else.

"Hey guys, can I have your attention?" Mr. Schue says, clearing his throat loudly, which makes everyone turn towards him.

And what they see makes all their jaws drop to the floor.

"This is Phoenix Winters, a new student at McKinley, who's going to be auditioning for the Glee Club," Miss Pillsbury says, gesturing to the redhead besides her with a bright smile.

Phoenix Winters was certainly not a guy.

But she was most definitely hot.

Next to Miss. Pillsbury stood a girl with straight, dark red hair that was just a couple of inches above her waist. She was wearing tiny denim shorts over thin, lace black stockings, a white tank top under a black leather jacket with biker boots, matched with a lot of bracelets on her wrists and a necklace around her neck. A thin sliver of skin was visible between her shorts and tank top, even that much sending the boys into quiet ecstasy. She had the whole mysterious hipster vibe going on, her slender and toned body evident. She had stunning features, defined cheekbones and heart shaped lips which were lifted up in a nervous smile. But the most attractive part about her were her solid, emerald green eyes, shining brightly and contrasting amazingly against her pale skin.

"Woah," Mercedes says softly, ever the dramatic one.

"She's beautiful," Kurt whispers, his face awestruck, "But softer colors would suit her so much better and the things she could with her hair," Kurt quietly mumbles to himself, critiquing every other part of her outfit with his ridiculously high standards.

"I have to get my hands on that," Puck smirks, but his disgusting grin is wiped off his face when Mike slaps the back of his head and Tina kicks his chair in disdain.

"Wow. She's...gorgeous," Brittany breathes quietly, making Santana and Quinn give her amused looks. Brittany's baby blues were wide with awe and fascination, her mouth hanging open. Santana laughs softly at Brittany's reaction to the new student, a fond smile on her face as she looks at the blonde. What she finds odd though is this uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach as she found her best friend - her lover - staring unabashedly at the new girl.

Sex is not dating.

"She is pretty though, isn't she?" Quinn whispers in Santana's ear and the latter couldn't help but nod in agreement, craving a distraction.

"She's absolutely gorgeous. Maybe we should ask her to try out for the squad?"

"Definitely. I doubt she'll say yes though. She doesn't seem like the cheerleader kind," Santana shrugs.

"Phoenix, welcome to Glee Club. We don't have much time left for today, so let's skip introductions for now. Do you have a song ready?" Mr. Schue asks, a polite smile on his face.

"Uhh, not really," Phoenix says quietly, running her a hand through her hair, her voice soft and even raspier than Quinn's, "but if your band knows Halo? By Bethany Lenz?"

Everyone bursts into murmurs at Phoenix's unusual song choice, some surprised she didn't choose something more contemporary and some had never even heard about this artist.

"Weird choice," Kurt hums.

"I thought she was going to go with Beyoncé," Mercedes whispers.

"I've never heard of this Bethany Lenz, which is surprising because my knowledge of music is very vast," Rachel muses.

"Ooh, that's Haley from One Tree Hill!" Brittany whispers excitedly, looking at Santana with eager eyes. Santana nods with a smile on her face, winking at her best friend, remember the various sleepovers they had when Brittany insisted on One Tree Hill marathons. Well, amongst other things.

The band nodded at Mr. Schue when he sent them a questioning look, making Phoenix smile in relief.

"Well, Phoenix, take it away," Mr. Schue encourages, before he and Miss Pillsbury take a seat besides the piano. Everyone involuntarily leans forward as Phoenix moves towards the middle of choir room, her emerald eyes nervous. They were all eager to hear the voice of this girl, hoping she was good enough to be accepted into Glee Club.

"Even if she doesn't sing well, we should just keep her for aesthetic pleasure," Puck smirks, making everyone send him warning and disgusted looks. They look carefully at Phoenix, searching for a reaction, but she just smiles softly, avoiding eye contact.

As the band starts playing the opening cords, Phoenix takes a deep breath, before she starts singing.

I never promised you a ray of light. I never promised there'd be sunshine every day. I gave you everything I had. The good, the bad.

And everyone's jaws are on the floor for the second time today.

Phoenix was amazing. She was as amazing as Rachel and Mercedes, if not better. With her Adele-like voice, powerful, but raspy, she could've easily given established music artists a run for their money.

"Her voice has that Adele like, soulful quality, isn't it?" Mercedes whispers in Kurt's ear, who nods in reply.

"Also like the blonde girl from that new girl band, something mix?" Tina whispers into their ears, leaning forward. Quinn's shushing immediately stops their whispered conversation though.

I always said that I would make mistakes. I'm only human, and that's my saving grace. I fall as hard as I try, so don't be blinded.

Phoenix had started out shaky and nervous and it was obvious she was singing in front of an audience for the first time, but now, as the song progressed, so did her confidence. She was singing her heart out, emotion and strength shining through her in voice, as she hit notes that even Rachel couldn't with such ease. Mr. Schue would be an idiot to not take her into Glee Club and Rachel couldn't help but feel a little threatened. If this girl was anything like her, she was going to have to literally fight for her solos now.

Phoenix's emerald eyes were initially closed as she sang but now, as her confidence grew, she was looking at everyone, taking in each person's appearance and demeanor as she sang.

See me as I really am. I fall and sometimes I even sin. So pull me from that pedestal, I don't belong th-there...

Nobody notices how Phoenix stutters so subtly at that one point, too enraptured to realize or too amazed to care. But Quinn does and she tries her best to suppress her laughter when she realizes what made her fumble.

Green had met blue.

Phoenix looked at Brittany for the first time.

And fell harder than she ever would.

/I wear a halo when you look at me, but standing from here, you wouldn't say so, you wouldn't say so if you were me and I, I just want to love you oh, oh I, I just want to love you/

Phoenix's eyes stay focused on Brittany as she belts out those particular words, the blonde enraptured by the performance, her cheeks a soft pink because of the piercing eye contact and the words in question. Quinn can't help but smile at the mutual fascination, impressed with the new girl.

On the other hand though, something stirs inside Santana when she sees the awe-struck looks that her Brittany was sending Phoenix. She couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was but she instantly knew that feeling of insecurity so she buried it deep, brushing off Brittany and Phoenix's silent exchanges as she concentrated on the latter completely bringing the house down as she finished the song.

/One thing is clear...I wear a halo/

The entire Glee club start clapping enthusiastically, even the usually disinterested Puck, for the redhead, her incredible performance immediately sparking admiration in every single one of them.

"That was so, so amazing," Brittany says a little breathlessly, next to Santana and Quinn, her eyes sparkling and bright.

"Sounds about right. She's going to be an incredible addition. Don't you think so S?" Quinn asks.

"Yep. That was good," Santana grudges with a small smile on her face. It was true, that although for some unfathomable reason, Brittany's amazement at the new girl made her uneasy, but there was just something different about Phoenix.

But she wasn't sure if it was a good different or a bad different.

"Well, I gotta say it," Mr. Schue says happily, once the cheers have died down, "That was incredible."

"Immensely so. You have some great pipes girl," Mercedes compliments enthusiastically, Kurt giddy with excitement at the new talent in front of them.

"Yes, yes, that is true. You are extremely talented Phoenix," Rachel compliments, forgetting about her initial reservation towards the redhead. She did need a backup singer who wasn't as bitchy and unwilling as Santana or as dramatic as Kurt or Mercedes.

"Thank you," Phoenix says softly, a bashful smile on her face, as the school bell starts ringing, signaling the end of the day.

"I guess we're done for the day now. And it shouldn't come as any surprise that Phoenix, since you definitely killed your song, welcome to Glee Club," Mr. Schue grins, making everyone cheer once again, Phoenix's face as bright as a tomato.

She was definitely not used to this kind of attention or appreciation.

"Can you guys quickly introduce yourselves before leaving?" Mr. Schue says, looking expectantly at the others, who were at their feet.

"I'm Rachel Barbra Berry. The leader and star of this club"

"I'm Kurt Hummel"

"Mercedes Jones. I can't wait to sing a duet with you."

The trio introduce themselves, shaking hands with Phoenix, before walking out, chattering about this week's assignment.

Everyone else introduces themselves too, the redhead politely smiling at all of them and shaking hands with some. Phoenix's quiet, but cheerful disposition only dropped for a second, her features overtaken by a look of mild disgust as Puck introduced himself last, suggestively winking and almost leering at her.

As Puck leaves the room, laughing and joking with Finn and Mike, a small, relieved sigh escapes her lips. She looks up, her eyes immediately greeted by the sight of the three cheerleaders looking at her with matching smiles, but before they can introduce themselves, Mr. Schue and Miss Pillsbury walk up to Phoenix.

"That really was good Phoenix," Miss Pillsbury compliments, making the redhead blush again, "You have your schedule for your classes right?"

"Yep, I've met with Principal Figgins already. I start school on Monday," Phoenix replies.

"Good, I'd like to meet you next Friday to check up on your progress, so meet me after school," Miss Pillsbury instructs.

"Will do," Phoenix smiles.

"And we'll have our next Glee club meeting after school on Monday, so I'll make sure Rachel gives you some details then," Mr. Schue says.

"Okay," Phoenix says, her polite smile not quite reaching her eyes. The tiny brunette certainly seemed like a handful and she seemed loud. Two things that Phoenix usually didn't like being associated with. Which she just realized seemed extremely hypocritical, considering the fact that she had just joined a Glee club.

"Okay, see you on Monday then. Have a good weekend," Miss Pillsbury says, before Mr. Schue and her walk out of the choir room.

Phoenix lets out a breath before turning to look at the cheerleaders, itching to find out more about the blue-eyed blonde who had intrigued her to no end. Her crush was slowly becoming bigger by the second and all it had taken was one look.

"Hey there," Quinn says, looking at Phoenix and smiling, "I'm Quinn Fabray. This is Santana Lopez and that's Brittany Pierce," Quinn introduces, involuntarily going into head cheerleader mode, subtly nodding towards each of her friends as she introduced them.

Brittany Pierce.

The name rings in the redhead's ears, as she tries her best to maintain eye contact with Quinn and not look at Brittany and get lost in those dazzling blue orbs.

"Phoenix Winters. But I guess you already know that," Phoenix laughs, her cheeks a soft pink in embarrassment. The cheerleaders laugh along with her, a friendly spark immediately running between the four of them.

"You sang really well. It's going to be amazing having you here. We all need a break from Berry," Santana rolls her eyes, making Phoenix laugh. Thank god she wasn't the only one with that opinion on Rachel.

"You really were amazing. It's super nice to meet you," Brittany says excitedly and Phoenix finally looks at her and immediately melts at the innocence and happiness she sees.

Yep, her crush was definitely growing by the second.

"It's incredible to meet you too," Phoenix blurts out softly, a fond smile on her face.

"So, are you thinking about joining any other clubs? Cheerleading perhaps?" Quinn asks, immediately cutting to the chase.

"Not really, I don't think so," Phoenix says sheepishly, "Cheerleading really isn't my thing."

"Well, a girl has to try, right?" Quinn laughs, ignoring the 'I told you so' look that Santana was shooting her. Brittany was still too occupied practically drooling at Phoenix to react.

"Do you want to come and get some ice cream with us?" Brittany asks suddenly, an eager, hopeful grin on her face. Santana and Quinn shoot her a surprised look, the former frowning at the fact that Brittany was inviting a stranger to their ice cream trip.

"Oh Brittany, I'm so sorry," Phoenix says softly, her heart dropping when she sees the blonde's face drop in disappointment, "I have a couple of things to do right now. Rain check? Next week?" Phoenix asks hopefully, making blue eyes light up again.

"Definitely, it'll be awesome," Brittany says happily, moving forward and taking Phoenix by surprise as she wraps her arms around the redhead before squeezing her, "We'll figure out the details later"

Phoenix's eyes widen at the sudden proximity of her new found crush, heat rushing through her veins as she instinctively embraced Brittany back. Santana frowns at the exchange. She knew that Brittany was forward with everyone she liked, but something about their interaction was filling her stomach with an unsettling feeling. But Phoenix seemed surprisingly nice so Santana couldn't really protest. And honestly, it felt like the four of them would definitely hit it off.

Besides, what Brittany wants, Brittany gets.

"She's a hugger," Quinn mouths to Phoenix.

"Just go with it," Santana adds and Phoenix simply smiles, having no complaints about being close to the most beautiful woman she had ever seen.

Brittany pulls away after a few seconds and moves back to stand next to Santana, automatically interlocking their pinkies.

"Well, San and I have to go now, so we'll see you on Monday Phoenix. Q, we'll drop you off first," Brittany says, an underlying tone of finality in her voice, something Phoenix was sure that neither of the three cheerleaders had realized.

"Okay," Quinn agrees, shooting Phoenix a smile, "Wait for us on Monday morning at the benches outside school, we'll show you around. Is that okay?"

"Oh, you don't need to do that. I'm sure I'll be able to find my way," Phoenix says quickly.

"It's no problem, really," Santana speaks up, "Besides, it'll be your first day and you're new. Stick with us and no one will bother you."

"What do you mean?" Phoenix asks in confusion.

"You'll see on Monday," Santana says cryptically as Quinn sighs and Brittany pouts.

"Okay," Phoenix answers simply, not insisting on an explanation.

"We'll see you on Monday then, I hope you have a good time here," Quinn says, putting on her picture perfect head cheerleader smile.

"Likewise," Phoenix smiles, sending Brittany a shy wave as the cheerleaders strut out of the choir room.

Phoenix smiles when she's left alone, immensely surprised at herself. That was the longest and the most she had spoken to someone in a long, long time. It sort of felt good to just have a simple conversation, as strange as that might sound.

Although her entire audition and meeting everyone - specifically Brittany, Santana and Quinn, to be honest - and having actual conversations had felt weird, it also felt so utterly natural and comfortable with the cheerleaders.

It was like she had known them her whole life.

"Brittany Pierce," Phoenix says softly, a bashful smile involuntarily gracing her features as she walked out of the school with only with a particular blue-eyed blonde on her mind.

She didn't even realize it yet, but she was falling in so deep.