Authors Note: WOO! New Story! This is extremely different than my previous stories. It does have some funny moments, but as the story goes on, it will become very dramatic. This isn't really going to be a 'sexy' story, but it will deal with some mature themes, so I'm giving it this rating. Also, this story is short. It will only be a few chapters and they will be much shorter than the chapters I usually write. Please read and let me know what you think. Thanks!

Disclaimer: Ryan Murphy you should really put Glee up to be publicly traded. It would be better for you and your fans in the long run.

When Cassie went down at Cheerios practice on Monday, the whole world tilted. As one of the best on the squad, she was often at the top of the pyramid and the attraction of several of the football players. She was also the head tumbler. Then everything changed when she sprained her leg. The doctors predicted she would be out for two games. TWO GAMES! And for the first time in McKinley history, the football team was actually winning. And since her usual weekly excommunication of a Cheerio has left her quad looking decadently thin, Sue Sylvester needed to make a change and fast.

When walking down the halls past the gymnasium doors, Sue noticed something very important. When Rachel did the clean back handspring into a double summersault, Sue couldn't help but be mildly impressed. She was small and thin easily able to be carried up high by people of the same sex.

"That was very good Rachel," chimed Coach Beiste as Rachel finished her layout. "Have you done any gymnastics before?" The large woman asked.

"As a matter of fact, I have," Rachel declared proudly with her head held high, her back straight, her tight pony swaying back and forth. "Between private voice lesions, dance lessons, and piano lessons; I also partook in four years of gymnastic, just for fun. And to keep physically fit. Now, since my schedule is much more demanding with glee and other obligations I have a vagarious elliptical regimen to keep in shape. As well as a strict diet of protein shakes to keep my nutrition levels in check."

"Well, that's very good, Rachel," Beiste responded. Completely unsure how to react to Rachel's detailed response to a yes or no question. "I'm going to go help some of the other students now, okay?"

"Okay. Thanks Coach Beiste," Rachel finished as she when back to the front of the mat do prepare for another layout.

Lurking in the background in the doorway of the gym, Sue took notice of Rachel Berry's effortless form as she continued to perform another tumbling pass.

How did I not notice this before Journal? Rachel Berry could easily be a temporary replacement for my squad. Sure, her fashion sense is atrocious and her dance moves could easily join Schueter's vests at the Blossom reunion; but she's insecure, easily manipulated, and self centered. All qualities I look for in a newbie to formulate from ordinary student into a competitive robot who will do any task I ask at the snap of my fingers. Congratulations Rachel Berry, you're my newest Cheerio.

Speed walking down the hall with Santana and Brittney skipping at her heels, Sue gave the two inside informants distinct instructions to have Finn Hudson walk down the hall past her office precisely 1:15; seconds after she peeks her eyes though the shades of her office window to look out to the hallway. The two Cheerios with Glee Club membership followed their instructions with perfect execution and Finn emerged at exactly the right moment…

Later that afternoon, Rachel politely knocked on the door of Sue Sylvester's office when she was summoned by Becky Jackson. "Coach Sylvester? You wanted to see?" Rachel said timidly. The last time she was beckoned to Ms. Sylvester's office, Rachel was invited to a meeting of the 'Sad Girls Club' where in which she was manipulated to continue dating Jesse even though he was New Directions' biggest competition.

"Take a seat, Rachel," Sue gestured. Rachel did as she commanded as Sue leaned forward towards the young lady, lurching threatening over her desk. "Do you know what it means to be an athlete Rachel?"

"Um, it means you're physically fit and choose to participate in a sport. And often times the barbaric cultural rituals associated with the team boding of said sport."

"That is absolutely correct, Rachel," Sue praised; causing Rachel to beam. "And the best athletes at the school have always been, and will always be, the William McKinley Cheerios."

"Okay…" Rachel shuttered in response.

"I saw your tumbling passes today in gym class, you have solid from." Sue complements.

"Thank-you…" Rachel responds, becoming increasingly more terrified by the second.

"As I'm sure you're aware, since it has been the height of news in the McKinley halls this week, one of my Cheerios has taken a serious injury and instead of fighting though like the cheerleader I thought she was, she has decided to ride the bench for the rest of the football season." Rachel nodded as Sue got up from her chair, looked out the window to the hallway and continued. "Therefore, there is now a vacancy on my squad of champions. Oh, girls have been clawing each other's eyes out for an opportunity to try out." The ego dripping from Sue's voice permeated thought the room as she turned and leaned her legs against the edge of the desk, placing herself directly in front of Rachel; shaking Rachel to her core. "You, Rachel, are a somewhat attractive, physical fit teenager with flexibility. Plus you pass my less-than-90-pounds requirement. Rachel Berry, I am asking you if you would like to be the next Cheerio."

Rachel looked up at Coach Sylvester utterly confused by the proposition asked of her. "Is this a joke? Because it's not really funny," she asked the older woman towering over her.

"This is not a joke," Sue finished grabbing the bright red, black, and white fitted uniform from behind the desk. "So are you in?"

She can't honestly be serious. Coach Sylvester hates me and she hates the glee club. What the hell does she want with me? And why the hell does she want me to be a Cheerio. There are lots a pretty, thin girls walking through these halls every day, why on Earth would she select me? Is she really THAT despite? But then again, as I see Finn walk down the hall though the narrow rectangular window in Sue's doorway in a not at all staged attempt to say me sway my decision, I ponder the opportunity before me. The Cheerios are leaders at this school. Stars, if you will. And getting to join their little sorority might be just the practice I need for being adored by others. Plus the physical exhaustion of the rigorous practices and competitions would be perfect for getting my breath and stamina in shape for 8 shows a week in my starring Broadway debut.

"You know what Ms. Sylvester," Rachel replied cheerfully; rising from her seat. "I'm in!" The two women shook hands and nodded in unison agreement. Rachel accepted the uniform displayed in Sue's hand and marched out of the office; preparing herself for cheer practice.

Finn Hudson was putting his book bag in his locker when Rachel walked into school the following day. She noticed him right away; like always. Then again, Finn wasn't exactly hard to miss. Thankfully his head was hidden in his locker as she shook pony-tail down the hall towards her own locker to get her books for first period. She didn't have to bring her books home anymore, because she didn't have to do her homework anymore. Because she was a Cheerio. Rachel silently admitted to herself that she could get used to this fast. She held her head high, her spine was straight, and she felt powerful. The looks she was getting in this uniform made her feel good. And, okay she still had to do some of her homework, but nearly to the level that was previously expected. Plus, some of the Cheerios did seem to carry their book bags and cheer duffels down the hall from time to time.

Finn turned around as Rachel Berry sauntered down the hall in her Cheerios uniform. Fuck, it looked really good on her. But more importantly, what the fuck was going on? Why was Rachel Berry dressed a Cheerio? As Brittany and Santana walk up to Rachel, pinkies locked, Finn needed to remove himself from the scene he was watching. And fast. He slammed his lock shut, and quickly walked down the hall in the opposite direction. Storming into the choir room, Finn didn't even feel safe in here. His face fell into his hands as he slouched into a chair. He shook his head from left to right and his legs gave out from underneath him; slowing leading him onto the floor. His back and limbs sprawled out over the tile, Finn's head still rocked from side to side in disbelief. How did this happen? And why?

When Santana and Brittany marched up to Rachel in the hallway early in the morning, Rachel was terrified. When she accepted the offer to join the elite alliance of Cheerios, she was expecting one of two scenarios to happen; the others would either be elated or horribly angry. When neither of those options occurred, Rachel was so unsure what to think about her new stance in high school standing. It also seemed like the other Cheerios were unsure as well. It was like they had to accept the fact that Rachel was a Cheerio because they didn't have a choice in the matter. And Rachel didn't have the right to say anything about the way they were treating her because she was new and she understood that she needed to earn their respect.

Anyway, when the bi-curious twosome sauntered over, they had on death glares and fear bubbled up inside of Rachel.

"Hey, Troll," Santana snarkly began as she stood in Power Stance; arms crossed over her chest, bitch-face on her features.

"Hi…" Rachel replied, unsure what to say. Unsure what they wanted with her.

"Look, just because you're wearing the uniform, doesn't mean that you're a Cheerio overnight," Santana explained.

"I though that's exactly what it meant…" Brittany slowly muses.

"I understand," Rachel concurred with Santana.

"It takes a whole lot more to be a Cheerio. But… and as much as it hurts to admit me to admit this; and trust me, it does… you didn't do bad yesterday. Not good; and certainly not great, but it was a start. Your annoyingly small frame and even more annoying big mouth are decent attributes in cheer."

"Thank-you… I think…"

"You can tumble well and do a split," Britt said.

"I am not your friend, and in my opinion you'll never have the attitude to truly be a Cheerio…" Santana began.

"But, welcome to the team…" Brittany finished, as the two walked away in the same unison in which they approached Rachel in.

Unsure how to feel about the exchange that just transpired, Rachel wasn't sure if they were being genuine or not. They kind of just complemented her, that's never happened. Except for when she came to school one day dressed as Britney Spears. It just felt wrong. In a lot of ways this all felt wrong. Like the universe was messing with her. But a much larger part of her just didn't care. Rachel wanted to get Finn's attention. She wanted to go back to feeling happy. To feeling like she could actually get through the misery of high school. Or the misery of a high school break-up. Sure, she had some good times, but there is a numbing pain that has been festering inside since her since she was no longer one half of the cutest couple in school. And how much it's killing Rachel to see Finn every day.

Rachel had been quiet in glee club the past few weeks. She always was able to sing her emotions, but lately the only thing she felt was hurt. And it was slowly killing herself inside. It hurt. Staring at the foot holding up piano that looked like a cross between a bear paw and a fresh fall leaf, Rachel was snapped back to the reality of being it the choir room when Mr. Schuester asked her a question.

"Rachel? Rachel?" the curly haired teacher repeated trying to get her attention.

"Huh? What?"

"I said that I would like for you and Finn to figure out a duet for Regionals. It coming up in a little over a month and we really need a perfect ballad."

"Um…," She looks up to Finn on the other side of the room; a few steps up on the risers. He looks at her nervously and nods. "Okay…" Rachel replies nervously.

"Why do they get to perform the duet?" Tina asked, to the surprised, questioning brows of the rest of the club.

"Well, Tina, actually it's just a ballad performed by two people, in which I was planning on having the rest of the club join in, but would you like to be part of the duet?" Mr. Schue asked.

"Yes, I would. With Mike, if possible."

"Mike, Finn, Rachel… are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, it's fine," Finn replies. Honestly thankful to not have to sing with Rachel and be reminded of last year.

"Yeah," Rachel says fast and nervous, slightly thankful as well.

"No!" Mike says loudly, eyes popping out of his head.

"Why?" Tina asks; disappointed all over her face.

"Well… you didn't even ask me! And to be completely honest, I'm not that confidant in my singing for you guys to trust me with that much responsibility. I mean, if we were to lose and not get to New York because of me, I would feel horrible. It's too much pressure."

"But I would be there with you there the whole time," Tina explains to Mike taking his hand.

Rachel—in her immaculate Cheerios gear, complete with tight, high ponytail – takes a deep breath, looking up at Finn longingly. He meets her gaze and breaths in as well. No one else seems to notice.

"Please think about it," Tina finishes with hope. Mike nods in return.

"Okay… think about it Mike. We still have a little time." Will states. "Okay, moving on. Since this week is the Super Bowl. One of the biggest cultural, musical, and sporting events of the year; I thought it would be appropriate for you guys to come up with a number that was a reenactment of a famous Super Bowl Half Time Show from the past." Santana looks over to Puck and raises her eyebrows. "And note that I said 'famous', not 'infamous', therefore, recreating Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction is out." Mr. Schue finishes to disappointing groans from some of the students. The bell rings and students start to file out of the choir room. "Please be prepared with some Super Bowl ideas to-morrow," Will calls out, but there's no point. They've all left and stop listening.

A/N: So… what did you think? Thank-you so, so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. And even if you didn't, please let me know what you thought. I know it's just a start, BUT any feedback is great for a writer. And personally always pushes me to do better. There will be more of this story up very soon. I'm hoping to have it done before new episodes and I'm already cooking on the next few seconds. Thanks again. Please review! :)