Season 3, Episode 6:  Mash Off

Ownership of Glee:  FOX, Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk

= = =

Violet P.O.V.

Now that West Side Story is done, I can put all my focus into glee club. I still feel down about Mercedes, Santana and Brittany leaving New Directions for Shelby's all-girl glee club, the Trouble Tones. But I'm going to be supportive and be a good sport at Sectionals.

Everyone can sense the tension between Finn and Santana. I know it's been there since last year when Santana told Rachel that Finn wasn't a virgin. I'll never get that conversation out of my head.

Right now, Puck's singing 'Hot for Teacher' by Van Halen. It's a good song, but why is Puck singing about...?

Oh.

My.

God.

He's in love with Shelby.

[Hot for Teacher by Puck]

Everyone claps for Puck's performance.

"Puck, guys, spectacular!" Mr. Shue cheers.

"What a way to start off this week!" Shelby comments.

"You guys didn't even need an assignment to work on this. You just did it." Mr. Shue says.

"Mr. Schuester, while the performance was excellent – particularly the drumming – don't you think that the subject matter is a little inappropriate?" Rachel asks.

"Well, that depends on what Puck's intent was when he chose this song." Mr. Shue answers.

"I guess I just, uh, dig Van Halen." Puck replies.

"All right!" Charlie says.

"Rock on!" Finn says.

"Yep, good job, guys." Mr. Shue states.

= = =

We're having rehearsal in the auditorium. And it's ironic that the Trouble Tones are also having rehearsal in the auditorium.

"What are you doing here?" Finn asks Santana.

"Shelby told us she had something to show us. What are you doing here?" Santana answers.

"Mr. Shue said the same thing." Finn states.

"Let me guess, he wants to combine choirs for Sectionals." Santana remarks. "Well, it's not gonna happen. The Trouble Tones are here to stay. So why don't you shuffle your busted choir off our stage."

"Look, you guys, we can compete without being enemies. All right? We don't have to get vicious." I tell them. I really hate fighting, especially with my friends.

"Oh, I think we do, Little V. See, the Trouble Tones are 3F:  fierce, femme, phenomenal." Santana tells me.

"Phenomenal is actually spelled with a P." I say. Santana ignores me, which kinda hurts.

"Oh, and, guys, hurry up, go get some moist towels. We have to keep Finn wet before we can roll him back in the sea." Santana says.

"Okay, you know what, Santana, Finn is in great shape, and your meanness only highlights your own personal insecurities." Rachel claims.

"And, Rachel, your mustache is thicker than a Middle Eastern dictator's." Santana bites back.

"And all three of you are acting like children." I say in a serious tone. Rachel gets quiet, Finn looks down, and even Santana backs down from whatever she was about to say.

I think this is one of the very few times Santana Lopez doesn't talk back.

Mr. Shue and Shelby sing a mash-up of 'You and I/You and I.'

[You and I/You and I by Will and Shelby]

I clap for the teachers enthusiastically.

"Mr. Shue, Shelby, I think we can all admit that that was weirdly amazing." I say.

"But what exactly was the point?" Rachel asks.

"That sometimes bringing together two conflicting things can create something totally unexpected." Mr. Shue says.

"We're not combining Glee Clubs, Mr. Shue." Mercedes says.

"That's not what I'm talking about. Shelby and I agree that with Sectionals coming up for both of us, it's time we all got serious with some friendly competition. Each group's going to put together their own mash-up to perform head-to-head. For the first annual McKinley High Mash-Off." Mr. Shue says.

"Mash-Off." Brittany says.

"Yeah!" Artie cheers.

I smile. "Let's do this!"

= = =

I knock on the door of the choir room. Shelby's alone at the piano. "Hey. Mind if I come in?" I ask.

Shelby looks up and smiles. "No, come on in." She says. I sit next to her at the piano.

"So how's Beth? I hear Puck and Quinn have been coming to see her." I say.

Shelby smiles. "She's good. She whines when I talk to you. It seems she likes you." She says.

My heart melts when she talks about Beth. I've babysat for Shelby a lot this summer since she's been back, and Beth is absolutely wonderful. I don't know if it's a girl thing or a me thing, but apparently I'm great with kids.

"So is there a reason you came to see me? I would hope you're not looking to join the Trouble Tones." Shelby says.

I laugh gently. "Look I'm flattered, but, after everything I went through last year with Kurt... I think I'll stay in New Directions." I tell her. She nods understandingly.

"I was thinking we could sing a mash-up together. Y'know, we haven't really gotten to sing together very much." I offer.

Shelby nods with a smile. "I'd love to do a mash-up with you. What songs were you thinking?" She asks.

"Beyoncé's 'Crazy In Love' and Rihanna's 'Diamonds.' It's like an acoustic version of both songs." I say.

Shelby's impressed. "Good song choices."

I smile. "Thanks. I'm gonna grab a guitar; Puck and Charlie have been giving me lessons. I've gotten a lot better." I tell her.

We decide to practice and save the actual performance for tomorrow.

= = =

Shelby and I stand onstage in front of the New Directions and the Trouble Tones.

"So Shelby and I have been working on a mash-up of our own to sing for you guys. Is that okay, Mr. Shue?" I ask my director.

Mr. Shue nods enthusiastically. "Yeah of course. Um... what-what songs did you guys choose?" He asks.

"We can't tell you. That's why it's called a surprise." Shelby says.

I grab my guitar and start playing the intro chords to Rihanna's 'Diamonds.' Our mash-up is in the key of 'Diamonds.'

Shelby
Violet
Shelby and Violet

Find light in the beautiful sea, I choose to be happy
You and I, you and I, we're like diamonds in the sky
You're a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy
When you hold me, I'm alive
We're like diamonds in the sky

I knew that we'd become one right away
Oh, right away
At first sight I felt the energy of sun rays
I saw the life inside your eyes

So shine bright tonight (Got me lookin so crazy right now)
You and I (Your love's got me lookin so crazy right now)
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky (Got me lookin so crazy right now)
Eye to eye (Your touch got me lookin so crazy right now)
So alive (Got me hopin you page me right now)
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky (Your kiss got me hopin you'll save me right now)

Shine bright like a diamond (Lookin so crazy in love)
Shine bright like a diamond (Got me lookin)
Shine bright like a diamond (Got me lookin so crazy in love)

I look and stare so deep in your eyes
I touch on you more and more every time
When you leave, 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
Yeah, 'Cause I know I don't understand
Just how your love can do what no one else can

Lookin so crazy in love
Got me lookin
Got me lookin so crazy in love

Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond
Shine bright like a diamond

We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky

[Crazy in Love/Diamonds by Shelby and Violet]

When we finish, I smile at Shelby.

"That was awesome." I tell her. She nods and laughs a little. "It was definitely awesome." Shelby says and gives me a hug.

We get a standing ovation from both glee clubs.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Mr. Shue says excitedly.

"Queen V!" Artie cheers.

I take my seat next to Kurt in the audience, who showers me with kisses to my face.

"You were amazing!" He praises.

"Thank you. Hey Puck, Charlie, how'd I do with guitar?" I ask them. 

Puck smirks. "You're even more of a badass."

Charlie nods. "I feel like a proud dad."

I smile and hug them both. "Thanks for the lessons."

Kurt smiles as I sit down and he wraps an arm around my shoulder.

"My girlfriend's hot and she's a badass."

= = =

Mr. Shue gathers the New Directions in the choir room. "Okay, guys, we have our work cut out for us this week with this mash-off. The Trouble Tones have a lot of powerful voices, so song selection is key here. Any suggestions?" He asks.

"What about The Clash?" Tina offers.

"Uh, The Police?" Rachel offers.

"REM!" Finn says.

"No." Mr. Shue says.

"Spice Girls." Kurt offers.

"Jonas Brothers." Charlie suggests.

"Guys, no, no, we can't use any of those bands. The only thing they have in common is that they all broke up, and right now the New Directions need to feel united." Finn says.

"I like what you're saying, Finn. It's not just about the music, but where it comes from." I speak. Finn shoots me a smile and I smile right back.

"Who do you think we should use?" I ask Finn.

"How about this? People think Hall and Oates are famous for their cool, puffy hair and that dude's banging 'stache." Finn says.

"Awesome." Rory says.

"But also they're awesome for staying together over the long haul. Just like us, despite all their differences." Mr. Shue notes.

"I think we should give the solo to the new guy. Get him prepared for what's in store when the stakes get high." Puck says.

"Rory, I think you'll do a good job." Finn states.

Rory chuckles. "Thanks, Finn, but I don't think I'm ready for that honor just yet."

"Come on. You're totally ready, Rory. You'll kill it." I tell him.

"We'll all help you." Finn adds.

"It's a great idea, Finn." Mr. Shue compliments.

"Thanks." Finn says.

I gotta tell you... Finn's really stepping up as leader this year.

= = =

Now we're playing dodgeball against the Trouble Tones. The one thing I'd hate to do:  compete against my girls. But I'm not going down without a fight.

"You ready to lose, Violet?" Mercedes asks.

"Not really. I didn't even wanna play dodgeball in the first place. But I wish you guys good luck." I tell her.

Santana rolls her eyes at me. "Violet you're too nice. You should try trash talking. Go ahead." She offers.

"Um... okay. If you're talking behind my back, you're in a good position to kiss my ass." I say.

Santana looks impressed. "I didn't think you had it in you. I'm proud. Now get back over to your side of the gym before I ends you."

"So I see Auntie Snixx has arrived." I mutter as I walk over to the New Directions side.

Finn shakes his head at me. "You can't talk to them like you're friends right now, Violet. They're our competition."

I sigh. "I never thought the day would come where you sound just like Rachel. It's really disappointing."

I walk to the back and stand in between Kurt and Charlie. "We're totally gonna get our asses kicked."

Kurt sighs. "Thanks babe. Now I feel even worse. I'm horrible at dodgeball."

I shrug. "I'm just keepin' it real."

Finn and Santana break out into a mash-up of 'One Way or Another' and 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot.'

[One Way or Another/Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Finntana]

Everyone gets hit during dodgeball... except for Finn and I. Finn gets hit square in the nose, which takes him out of the game. That leaves me on my own against Mercedes, Santana and Brittany.

Mercedes throws her ball first. I catch it, which takes her out. I throw the ball at Brittany, who gets hit and is out.

It all comes down to me and Santana. Santana chucks her ball at me and I catch it in my hands. The New Directions cheer, knowing that I'd won the game.

I walk over to Santana and lightly tap her shoulder with the ball. "Good game, Santana." I tell her. I extend my hand for a handshake.

She shakes my hand back.

"Good game Violet."

= = =

The next day, Mr. Shue claps his hands from the stage. "Welcome, everyone, to day one of the first annual McKinley High Mash-Off!" He says.

Everyone claps.

Shelby smiles. "Okay, a couple of ground rules. Everyone, there will be no heckling of any kind, okay?" She says.

Everyone nods. I'm not heckling anyone; I'm supporting my girls.

"All right, here we go. Finn will represent
the New Directions; Santana, the Trouble Tones for the rock-paper-scissor face-off to see who will perform first, all right? Let's get it going!" Mr. Shue says.

Finn and Santana walk to the middle of the stage.

"Let's do this." Finn says.

Santana loses when she pulls out rock, and Finn pulls out paper.

"Okay, paper covers rock. New Directions, take the stage!" Mr. Shue says.

I take Kurt's hand as we go to get ready for our performance.

= = =

We perform our mash-up of 'I Can't Go For That/You Make My Dreams Come True' with highlighted solos from Rory and Tina. I admit, I love my dress, but I feel like I just came out of an '80s movie with my hair.

[I Can't Go For That/You Make My Dreams Come True by New Directions]

When we're done, the Trouble Tones clap for us. I wave to my friends, who wave back.

At least it's friendly.

= = =

The next day, the Trouble Tones take the stage with their mash-up. They're singing Adele's 'Rumour Has It' and 'Someone Like You.' I don't care about competition; my girls are killing it! I'm up out of my seat, dancing to their singing. These are phenomenal girls.

[Rumour Has It/Someone Like You by Trouble Tones]

When the performance is over, Santana walks to the walkway of the stage. She's looking at Finn and Rachel.

"What did you just say to her?" Santana demands.

"I said I thought you were great." Finn says.

Santana shakes her head. "You're lying."

"No, he literally just said that." Rachel claims.

"Did you tell her, too?" Santana asks.

"Santana – " I'm cut off by the girl herself.

"Everyone's gonna know now, because of you!" She accuses Finn.

"The whole school already knows, and you know what? They don't care!" Finn says loudly.

I look at Kurt. "What are they talking about?" I ask him.

"I have no idea." Kurt says as he grabs my hand.

"Not just the school, you idiot... everyone." Santana implies.

Finn looks so confused. "What are you talking – ?"

SLAP!

Santana Lopez just slapped Finn Hudson across the face.

Everyone is speechless.

What the hell has this come down to between them both?

= = =

2540 words

Songs Mentioned/Performed
1. Hot for Teacher - Puck
2. You and I/You and I - Shelby and Will
3. Crazy in Love/Diamonds - Shelby and Violet
4. One Way or Another/Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Finntana
5. I Can't Go For That/You Make My Dreams Come True - New Directions
6. Rumour Has It/Someone Like You - Trouble Tones

*The Shelby and Violet mash-up is actually designed after a mash-up from a group I was a part of for singing Valentine's in choir.*

Next update:  I Kissed a Girl

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