Season 2, Episode 22:  New York

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

= = =

The New Directions have made it to New York City for their first Nationals competition.

Violet is standing next to Kurt as Will tries to get them checked into their hotel rooms.

"I can't believe we're in New York. The city that never sleeps." Violet says, holding onto her boyfriend's arm.

Kurt smiles. "Neither can I. It's such a beautiful city." He remarks. "But it's nothing compared to you."

Violet blushes as he kisses her cheek.

"You're such a flirt, Kurt Hummel. But I love you and your flirtatious ways."

= = =

Will has gotten the New Directions settled into the hotel room for songwriting.

"All right, guys. This is your time. Now, you are all on lockdown... till you finish writing
our songs for nationals. I want at least two solid verses by the time I get back." Will says.

"Aren't you gonna help us?" Puck asks.

Will stumbles over his words. "I, um- I will be back... and read your amazing creations and give notes. But right now I have to head to the theater to, uh, fill out some paperwork." He says and leaves.

Violet watches as Will leaves. She looks at the others expectantly.

"You heard the man — let's write!"

= = =

Brittany and Artie are up first, performing a song Brittany wrote called 'My Cup.' Puck is playing guitar, and he looks uncomfortable while doing so.

[My Cup by Artittany]

"Hold on. Are you singing about a cup?" Tina asks.

"Yeah. Totally." Brittany agrees.

"We gotta get out of here." Kurt says.

"Wait. No, no, no. Mr. Schue gave us explicit instructions. To write a song." Rachel says.

"And our problem is... is that our only inspiration are mattresses and bathroom cups." Quinn states.

"Quinn's right. We're in the artist capital of the world. Poets, musicians, actors, playwrights... every dreamer that's ever lived has passed through this city. If we want our dreams to come true, we need
to be out there with them, not stuck in here." Finn says.

"Guys, I don't think this is a good idea. I mean, we still got those songs to write. If we don't write them, we're gonna lose." Rachel states.

"No!" Brittany says.

"They're right. Can't you hear the city calling to you? We don't need to write songs for nationals. New York's gonna write them for us." Quinn states.

The New Directions sing a mashup of 'I Love New York/New York, New York.'

[I Love New York/New York, New York by New Directions]

= = =

The Unholy Foursome are in the girls' hotel room.

Santana bangs on the bathroom door. "Quinn, quit hogging the bathroom. I needs to re-pencil my eyebrows on. Doesn't she get - " she's cut off by Quinn.

"It's all yours." Quinn says.

"Everybody's already in the other room working." Brittany states.

"Oh, yeah? Is Mr. Schue in there? 'Cause I think I'm gonna tell him that Rachel and Kurt keep sneaking off." Quinn says bitterly.

"Q, you can't do that. He'll have to suspend them." Violet says, obviously not happy with Quinn's train of thought.

"And then there goes our chances at nationals. Darn." Quinn says sarcastically.

Santana starts a rant. "You know what? We get it. You're pissed about Finn dumping your sweet ass. Get over it."

Quinn is infuriated. "I don't wanna get over it, okay?"

"The only person that you're sabotaging here is yourself Quinn." Violet says.

Quinn snaps. "I don't care about some stupid show choir competition!"

"Well, you should. Because this is the one chance that we have... to actually feel good about ourselves." Santana says.

Quinn tears up. "Aren't we supposed to be
the popular girls? So why can't we have our dreams come true? Violet has love. Tina has it. Even Zizes hooks up. I just want somebody to love me." She admits.

Violet sits across from Quinn, Brittany and Santana, gently holding Quinn's hand in a sisterly fashion.

"I think I know how to make you feel better." Santana says.

"I'm flattered, Santana, but I'm really not that into that." Quinn states.

"No. No, I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about a haircut." Santana says.

"Yes. Totally." Brittany agrees.

Violet smiles. "Let's get you a new look."

= = =

Will smiles at his students. "We made it. We're one of the top 50 show choirs in the nation. Tomorrow only 10 will move on to showcase, where they'll vie for the national championship."

"We've so got this!" Brittany says.

"Okay. Usually I'm pretty cautious about getting your hopes up... but honestly, guys... I think we got a really good
shot at winning this thing." Will says to his kids.

Everyone smiles.

"All right. Everyone put your hands in the middle. One, two, three!" Will says as everyone gets in for their show circle.

"New Directions!" They all cheer.

= = =

Rachel and Finn sing 'Pretending,' which was written by Finn.

[Pretending by Finchel]

Finn and Rachel have a passionate moment onstage. They kiss.

When the song ends, the applause feels more forced than genuine.

The New Directions transition to 'Light Up the World,' which was written by the New Directions.

[Light Up the World by New Directions]

After they walk offstage, Violet looks at Kurt with a hopeful expression.

She just hopes that they're able to bring home a national championship for McKinley.

= = =

"Oh, my God!" Kurt says as he runs up to Violet, who's talking with Mike and Tina.

"What's happening?" Tina asks.

"They just posted the top 10 for showcase." Kurt announces.

Everyone gathers behind Will.

"Okay, come on, everybody. Gather around. It's a moment two years in the making!" Will says.

Everyone cheers.

Will sees the list and his smile is gone.

"What did we place?" Finn asks.

"Well, Mr. Schue?" Puck insists.

"Say it. What did we rank?" Santana asks.

"We didn't. I'm so sorry, you guys. We aren't in the top 10." Will says morosely.

The New Directions have downcast looks. They didn't place in the top 10 for Nationals.

Violet and Kurt just hold each other, not saying anything.

= = =

The next day, Charlie and Blaine are at the Lima Bean. Charlie's filling Blaine in on what happened.

"Oh, my God. You should have seen it. We all looked at the top 10 list for showcase, and we all just went numb. And then Jesse kept going on and on... about how Rachel and Finn's kiss is what cost us nationals." Charlie explains.

"While I understand passion, I do think that was unprofessional. But- Sorry. Keep going." Blaine says.

Charlie nods. "Okay. Then we get back to the hotel... and Santana loses it. I mean, and the plane ride home was completely silent. Like, no one said a word. We all just sat there with our faces buried in our complimentary copies of SkyMall."

Blaine looks confused. "Wait. I don't get it. You don't seem that sad at all."

"Well, it was still amazing. I mean, I flew in a plane for the first time in my life. I got to perform at Nationals with my friends." Charlie explains.

Blaine smiles lovingly. "I love you."

Charlie finishes his sip of coffee. "I love you too. You know, when you stop and think about it... Charlie Dean has had a pretty good year."

"Oh, look who's here." Blaine says, seeing Sam and Mercedes coming their way.

"Hey. What are you guys doing here?" Charlie asks.

"Just, uh, getting a coffee." Mercedes answers.

Sam nods. "We ran into each other in the parking lot."

"Well we're headed towards Between the Sheets; Blaine needs sheet music for his audition at Six Flags." Charlie tells them.

Sam and Mercedes nods. "We'll see you in class." Sam says.

"Bye, guys." Mercedes waves.

Samcedes gets into line.

"Do you think they know?" Sam asks.

"I don't think anybody knows." Mercedes says.

They're holding hands.

= = =

Violet and Kurt ride home in silence.

They walk into the house in silence.

The two decide to put on a random movie that's on TV. While the movie's playing, Kurt looks at Violet.

"Are you disappointed that we didn't place in the top 10?" Kurt asks.

Violet sighs. "I'm not torn up about it. I see our loss at Nationals as a reason to come back stronger and harder next year. Especially with most of you guys being seniors next year."

Kurt nods at her words. "Are you rejoining Cheerios next year?" He asks.

"No. After what Sue tried to do to Brittany, I made up my mind. I don't want to be a Cheerio anymore. It was fun while it lasted, but I'd rather have all of my attention going to glee club next year." Violet answers.

Kurt smiles. "Well I'm proud of you for making such a grown-up decision. I love you Violet."

Violet smiles. "I love you too Kurt."

The couple share a kiss, and Kurt's mind is focused on one thing:  Making the most of next year with Violet.

Because after he graduates, he's going to focus on the biggest project he's ever given himself:  proposing to Violet.

Kurt can't wait for next year.

Violet can't wait for next year.

= = =

1534 words

Songs Mentioned/Performed
1. My Cup - Artittany
2. I Love New York/New York, New York - New Directions
3. Pretending - Finchel
4. Light Up the World - New Directions

WE MADE IT TO THE END OF SEASON 2! I hope you guys enjoyed season 2; I know I did!

Next update:  Season 3 Cast