Season 1, Episode 3: Acafellas

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

= = =

"Five, six, seven, eight. Step and step. Step and step. And turn it around. Down and up. And hit, hit down hit." Mr. Shue states.

The now 10 members of New Directions are rehearsing choreography. Nobody's really having fun, except for maybe Finn, Violet and Kurt.

Rachel suddenly raises her hand. "Can we stop, please?"

"You don't have to ask me every time for permission to go to the bathroom, Rachel. You can just go." Mr. Shue states.

"It's not my bladder. It's the choreography." Rachel replies.

"Okay, what's wrong with the choreography?" The Spanish teacher asks.

"It sucks. We can't compete with Vocal Adrenaline with these steps. You're a great vocal coach, Mr. Shue, but you're not a trained choreographer. That's what we need to be the best. We need Dakota Stanley." Rachel answers.

    "Just because he understudied doesn't mean he ever performed." Mr. Shue argues.

    "Did you ever perform, Mr. Schuester? After high school. Did you even try?" Quinn shoots back.

    Mr. Shue says nothing and turns back to finish choreographing.

    Violet looks at Finn and Kurt with a weird look. "What's up with Rachel?"

    The boys look at each other, then to Rachel, and then back to Violet. They both answer at the same time.

    "I have no idea."

= = =

    The next day at glee rehearsal, everyone was waiting for Mr. Shue to walk into the classroom to start. Violet was getting worried that he wouldn't show. Her fears were confirmed when Rachel walked into the choir room... with a plate of cookies.

    "He's not coming."

    "What happened?" Violet asks.

    Rachel tells the club about her trying to give Mr. Shue the 'I'm sorry' cookies, and him declining them.

    "Of course he doesn't want anything to do with us after you kicked him in the nads." Finn says.

    "Then why did he thank me?" Rachel retorts.

    "Sarcasm. Ever heard of it?" Violet snaps. Rachel doesn't come up with a comeback and just shuts up.

    "The goal is to win. And now that Mr. Schuester has agreed to let us hire Dakota Stanley, we can." Santana says.

    "But he doesn't want us to. He just doesn't have the confidence to coach us anymore. Guys are real sensitive when it comes to this kind of stuff." Finn reveals.

    "And that's my fault?" Rachel guffaws.

    "Do you see anyone else in here With a plate of "I'm sorry" cookies? I don't. Just you." Finn retorts.

    "Way to go Rachel." Violet snarks.

    "I'm bored. All those in favor of hiring Dakota Stanley?" Quinn asks. Everyone's hands go up.

    Everyone except for Finn and Violet.

= = =

    "Have you ever kissed anybody?" Mercedes asks Kurt. Her, Violet, and Kurt were at Kurt's locker.

    "Yes. If by someone you mean the tender crook of my elbow. No, I haven't. But I want to." Kurt reveals. He glances over at Violet, imagining what it would be like to kiss her lips. Would they taste like that cherry mango chapstick she wears?

    "I haven't kissed anyone. Most of the guys here are dicks." Violet says. Kurt flushes at her blunt statement. Maybe he had a chance with her after all?

    Kurt snaps out of it when he sees Mercedes eyeing Puck making out with Santana. "All right, stop it right there, Mercedes. We are in glee club. That means we are at the bottom of the social heap. Special Ed kids will get more play than we will. The only thing that gets me by is my knowledge that we are superior to all of them. What are you and Violet wearing on our operation Dakota Stanley field trip?"

    "Is there a dress code?" Violet and Mercedes ask at the same time.

    Kurt blushes. "No, but every moment of your life is an opportunity for fashion. We'll hit the mall after school, the three of us. Meet me at lunch."

    "Okay." Mercedes says.

    "We'll see you at lunch, Mercedes." Violet speaks before walking down the hallway with Kurt to go to Spanish.

= = =

    Kurt and Violet are riding together in Kurt's car to Carmel High. They're going to try and hire Dakota Stanley.

    "Hey can I plug in to your aux cord? It's too quiet." Violet says.

    "Yeah sure." Kurt replies. Violet usually had some good music playing on her iPod.

Violet pressed the shuffle button, and the first song that played was 'California Love' by Tupac and Dr. Dre. "Ooh I love this song!" (Me too, Violet. Me too.)

Kurt keeps his eyes on the road, but hearing Violet rap every line in the song had him falling head over heels for her all over again.

[California Love by Violet]

    Violet blushes when the song finishes. "I'm so sorry Kurt. I must've been loud."

    Kurt laughs gently. "You're fine, Vi. Honestly, I loved that. Don't be embarrassed."

    Violet smiles, trying to ignore the fast-paced beating of her heart. She couldn't believe Kurt did this to her with just a smile or laugh.

= = =

    "Damn, Kurt, this car is fly." Mercedes says when she sees Kurt's 'baby.'

Violet loves riding shotgun in his car — it gives her a sense of belonging. They were parked in Carmel High's parking lot.

"My dad got it for my sweet 16 after I swore to stop wearing formfitting sweaters that stop at the knee." Kurt says.

"Kurt? Isn't that a formfitting sweater that stops at the knee?" Violet asks.

"What he doesn't know doesn't hurt him." Kurt answers with a raised eyebrow.

"If you say so," Violet says as she walks with him, side by side.

    "Are we even sure they're rehearsing today?" Quinn comments.

    "Vocal Adrenaline rehearses every day from 2:30 until midnight." Rachel comments.

    "That's a lot of vocal strain. That's not healthy." Violet voices her concern.

    Rachel throws a glare her way. "Vocal Adrenaline is our competition, Violet. You can't have sympathy."

    "I'm just so nervous these Vocal Adrenaline kids are gonna laugh at us. They're so cool and popular, and we look like we just stepped off the short bus." Mercedes comments.

    "Those sweaty Nazis have just had more time to practice. We have more heart. And you don't look touched in the head. That outfit is amazing." Kurt comments.

    "So, would you ever, you know, want to hang out?" Mercedes asks. Violet is now paying attention to the conversation.

    "Come over. It's Liza Minnelli week on AMC! Violet won't mind... will you, Vi?" Kurt asks.

    Violet sees Mercedes and Kurt's hopeful expressions, and gives them a smile. "Of course I don't mind. We need a third person for Liza Minnelli week!"

    Before the conversation can go any further with Kurtcedes, Rachel butts in. "Guys! That's Andrea Cohen. She won Outstanding Soloist last year at Absolutely Tampastic."

    "You can't leave rehearsals for any reason. That includes heat exhaustion or Crohn's disease." Says a Vocal Adrenaline girl. One of her teammates was vomiting into a trash can.

    "Are you guys Vocal Adrenaline? We'd like to talk to Dakota Stanley about choreography for our glee club." Rachel implies.

    "Don't! He's a monster." The second girl shudders.

    Violet glares at Rachel. "This better be worth it Rachel."

= = =

    The New Directions steps into Carmel High's auditorium to see Vocal Adrenaline hard at work, performing 'Mercy.'

[Mercy by Vocal Adrenaline]

    Suddenly, a short and angry man yells "Get off my stage!" Vocal Adrenaline exits the stage.

    "Well he seems lovely." Violet comments sarcastically. Finn nods in agreement.

= = =

    It turns out the short and angry man was Dakota Stanley. Rachel and the rest of New Directions were running him down.

    "Mr. Stanley! We're the McKinley High glee club." Rachel says.

    "No interviews." Dakota says shortly.

    "We'd like you to choreograph for us." Tina adds.

    "Look, my fee is $8,000 per number, plus a $10,000 bonus if you place in the top three. And with Dakota Stanley at the wheel, you will place at the top three. Move it." Dakota says as he drives away.

    "How are we gonna get $8,000?" Rachel asks.

= = =

    Violet and Finn walk together to the Spanish room, hoping to talk some sense into their teacher. They weren't liking glee club all that much anymore. It wasn't as fun.

    Finn knocked on the door, even though it was open. "You got a sec, Mr. Schue?"

    "Yeah, of course. What's up you two?" He asks in return.

    "I just want to tell you that Violet and I are quitting glee, too." Finn states. Violet nods in agreement.

    "I didn't quit glee." Mr. Shue says.

    "Bullshit." Violet mutters under her breath. Luckily, neither Finn nor Mr. Shue heard her.

    "Well, you might as well have. It's nutty in there. I try and talk sense into Rachel, but she's gone all chick-batty. I gotta be honest with you. It's hard being the quarterback when I get in the huddle and all the guys are calling me "deep throat." Glee's bringing down my rep, man." Finn whines.

    "Seriously? Man up, Finn. Stick to your guns." Violet says.

    "What do guns have to do with this?!" Finn asks. Violet sighs and rubs at her temples.

    "I swear I'm losing it." She says.

    "Have the guts to stick with it a little bit longer. You are a gifted performer, Finn. You can't quit now. If you do, you're just gonna regret it for the rest of your life. Trust me. I know. And Violet? You're also a very gifted performer." Mr. Shue says.

    "Well with Rachel calling the shots, I might as well be happy to even be seen." Violet comments.

    "What?" Mr. Shue asks. Violet quickly says "Nothing."

    "It's just not fun anymore." Finn cuts in.

    "Hey, Finn, wait. There's something I want to talk to you about." Mr. Shue says.

    Violet looks between the two men. "Well if you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I believe I have to get to Cheerios practice."

    She ran out of the Spanish room quickly. She did NOT want to stick around to hear them talk about guy stuff. Nope. No way.

= = =

    As soon as Violet turned the corner, her wrist is grabbed by Tina. "What the hell?! Let go, Tina!"

    "S-Sorry Violet. R-Rachel said t-to g-get you." Tina stutters as she walks down the hallway with the Cheerio in hand.

    Violet is confused as to where they're going until they come face to face with Rachel and Mercedes. "Okay... I don't get it."

    Rachel rolls her eyes. "We need to have a gay-vention. That's a gay intervention."

    "I'm not stupid Rachel. I know what a gay-vention is." Violet says.

    "It's K-K-Kurt. He's lady fabulous." Tina tells Mercedes.

    Oh. That's why they need her. They need confirmation that Kurt could be gay.

    "It's obvious you like him. We just don't want you to get hurt by feelings he can't reciprocate." Rachel explains.

    Violet has to try and keep calm. Rachel making assumptions about her best friend's sexual orientation did not sit well with her. It left a vile taste in her mouth, and she felt like she'd be sick. Even more so when hearing that Mercedes has a crush on Kurt.

    "Look, just because he wears nice clothes, doesn't mean he's on the down-low." Mercedes argues.

    "She's right, Rachel. And you can't go making assumptions about him, either. What if he's bisexual?" Violet defends.

    "Thank you, Violet." Mercedes thanks.

    "He wore a corset to 2nd period today." Rachel claims.

    Violet snorts. "Rachel, it's no secret that Kurt sometimes wears corsets. He looks nice in them. Says he feels like Madonna when he wears them. There's nothing wrong with wanting to flaunt a bit of femininity."

    "You can do better, Mercedes." Tina comments. Ouch. Violet felt that burn. This felt like a conversation directed at the both of them.

    Mercedes wasn't having it. "Really? Well, what if I can't? There's not a lot of guys around here knocking down my door for a date. Or yours, for that matter. Nobody notices us. Hello? We're in glee club. And I'm tired of being lonely. Aren't you? But Kurt... Kurt is sweet to me, and he likes who I am, And I like how I feel when I'm with him. And he's in our group, he understands what I'm going through. Now, maybe that's not enough for you guys, but it's enough for me."

    Violet watched as Mercedes walks away. She walks off in the opposite direction, trying not to let her tears fall.

    Violet Berry and Mercedes Jones liked the same boy, and made them feel the same way.

= = =

    Violet was surprised when Coach Sylvester told the Cheerios that they were helping with the car wash that the New Directions were hosting in the parking lot. Violet changed out of her Cheerios uniform and slipped into a green sleeveless shirt (it looks like a tank top), black Nike shorts, and black running shoes. She pulls her hair up into a bun and walks out with the other Cheerios to wash cars.

    Outside, the New Directions were scattered about, washing cars with the Cheerios. The guidance counselor, Emma Pillsbury, was standing next to Coach Sylvester to make sure everything was going smoothly.

    Violet, Rachel and Finn were washing Principal Figgins's car next to Kurt and Mercedes, who were washing Kurt's car. Violet was trying not to show her extreme jealousy, but Finn could see right through her.

    Violet hears Mercedes sigh. "Your rims are clean. We've polished them, like, three times already." Violet smiled at the comment. Kurt kept his car in mint condition; it always looked like it came right off the showroom floor at the dealership.

    "Did you bring a change of clothes? Because we're going straight to sing-along Sound of Music." Kurt says. Violet's heart breaks just a little bit. Why didn't she get invited?

    "So, listen, Kurt, this is like the third time we've gone out. Can we just make it official?" Mercedes asks. Violet is washing rims as she listens.

    "Make what official?" Kurt asks the same question that's on Violet's mind.

    "You know, that we're dating." Mercedes answers. Violet blanches and stands up to start washing the hood of the car.

    "I'm sorry, Mercedes, But I thought I made it very clear. I'm in love with someone else." Kurt announces, making Violet's heart break. Who stole the heart of Kurt Hummel?

= = =

    Kurt glances over at Violet, and just as Mercedes turns around, Rachel's blocking Violet from both of their lines of sight.

    "Rachel?" Mercedes asks incredulously.

    Kurt almost wants to throw up. Never in his life would he ever have romantic feelings for Rachel Berry. But he needs to give Mercedes an answer.

    "Yes. For several years now."

= = =

    "Yes. For several years now."

    Violet can't believe what she's hearing. Has Kurt been in love with Rachel this entire time? Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a loud crash sound. She turns around to see a hole in Kurt's windshield, and Mercedes looking somewhat pissed off.

    "You busted my window. How could you do that? You busted my window!" Kurt says in disbelief.

    "Well, you busted my heart. Hm!" Mercedes responds and walks off with a huff.

    Violet drops whatever she's doing and places a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "Kurt... I am so sorry."

    Kurt inhales shakily and grabs her hand. "She just busted my window."

= = =

    The glee club raised $8,000 to hire Dakota Stanley with their car wash. Instead of putting that money into future props, costumes, and other things the club will need, they put it into hiring a choreographer. Violet is visibly uncomfortable with Dakota being in their choir room.

    "Okay, please examine your personalized menus. This is what you're going to be eating for the next six months." Dakota says as he hands everyone personalized menus.

    "Um, mine just says coffee." Mercedes notices.

    "Mm-hmm." Dakota hums absentmindedly.

    "What's smelt?" Rachel asks.

    "A pungent, low-carb freshwater fish. Okay, let's start with today's business. Artie, you're cut. You're not trying hard enough." Dakota states.

    "At what?" The wheelchair-bound boy asks.

    "At walking. We can't be wheeling you around during every number. It throws off the whole dynamic, and it's depressing." Dakota says offhandedly. Violet found his statement to be incredibly rude.

    "So, you're kicking him out?" Mercedes questions.

    Dakota nods. "Mm-hmm. Also you. Youse got to go, Effie. No, no, no. Yeah."

    "You can't kick people out of glee club because you don't like the way they look." Kurt states. Violet nods in agreement.

    "Uh, why don't you shut your face-gash And stay away from aerosol cans because you could burst into flames at any second?" Dakota snaps back.

    The choreographer then looks at the Unholy Trinity. "You three — you're great. You're perfect. Seriously. Don't change a thing." The three beam proudly.

    Dakota gets to Rachel. "Uh, you — ew, nose job." Rachel hides her nose in embarrassment.

    Violet is almost certain Dakota can see the fear in her eyes when he looks at her. "You? You don't get a menu. But you will when you lose 20 pounds. Otherwise, it'll take three guys to lift you off the ground."

    Violet covered her midsection. She always had an insecurity about her weight, but Dakota just announced she needed to lose more weight. She was 120 pounds; if she lost more weight, she'd be underweight. No one says a thing. Kurt grabs her hand and pulls her to his side.

    Finn, now even more fed up with this dickhead, decides to say something. "Now just hold on a second."

    "What? What was that, Frankenteen? Why don't you, uh, wipe that dopey look off your face and get some lotion for those knuckles you've been dragging on the ground?" Dakota snaps.

    "What's wrong with you?" Finn asks.

    "What's wrong with me? What's wrong with me is that you're freakishly tall. I feel like a woodland creature." Dakota spits. There's silence, so he takes this as a cue to continue. "Um, am I hurting your feelings? Did I say something wrong? Because I thought you wanted somebody who respected you enough to tell you the truth. But maybe you don't have the confidence to hear it, hmm? Maybe you need somebody who's going to lie to you and tell you things like, "you got what it takes." But you know what? As far as I can see, you don't. So, why don't you just take a little second, take a breather, and ask yourself, 'Do I want to be a winner or not?'"

    Finn angrily threw down his menu. "Screw this. I quit."

    "Me t-t-t-too. Let's roll, Artie." Tina says as she begins wheeling said boy.

    "I quit too. Come on Kurt." Violet says softly. The pair walk towards the door with Mercedes, Finn, Tina and Artie.

    Rachel immediately gets a thought. "Wait. Barbra Streisand. When Barbra was a young ingénue, everyone told her in order to be a star, she'd have to get a nose job. Thankfully, she refused."

    "Where's this going, Yentl?" Dakota asks impatiently.

    "Where it's going is that we don't need you. Let's face it, we're never going to be as good of dancers as Vocal Adrenaline. We're gonna win because we're different. And that's what makes us special." Rachel explains.

    "They told J. Lo her booty was too big." Mercedes recalls.

    "Curtis Mayfield was more successful after he became paralyzed." Artie notes.

    "Jim Abbott." Finn includes.

    "I have no idea who that is." Kurt states.

    "He was a one-armed pitcher for the Yankees. Pitched a no-hitter." Finn explains.

    "Stevie Wonder had an amazing music career, and he's blind." Violet includes.

    "Okay, so, yeah. Misfits and spaz-heads and cripples can make it, too. That's great. What's your point?" Dakota impatiently says.

    "Our point is that you're fired. And I'm taller than you." Rachel says smugly.

    "Barely." Dakota mumbles as he walks away.

    Violet felt a surge of pride for her sister at that moment.

= = =

    Kurt was at his locker, smiling at a picture of him and Violet that had been taken over the summer. He was brought out of his daze when he saw Mercedes.

    "Hey, Kurt. I just wanted to say I'm really sorry I did that to your car. I'll pay for it to get fixed." She offers.

    Kurt sighs. "It's okay. My dad took my baby away after he found my tiara collection in my hope chest."

    Mercedes gives him a smile. "And I just wanted to say I hope it works out between you and Rachel. You'll have really cute, loud babies."

    Kurt has to bite back bile. "Mercedes, I lied to you. I don't like Rachel. I'm bisexual."

    "Why didn't you just tell me?" She asks.

    "Because I've never told anyone before." He admits.

    "You shouldn't be ashamed of who you are, Kurt. You should just tell people, especially the kids in glee. The whole point of the club is about expressing what's really inside you, remember?" Mercedes says.

    "I can't. I'm just not that confident, I guess." Kurt says sadly.

    "If you're not in love with Rachel, then who are you in love with?" Mercedes asks. Kurt gives her one of the biggest smiles he's ever had.

    "Violet Dorothy Berry."

= = =

    Violet was happy to see Mr. Shue back in the choir room where he belongs the following day at rehearsal. "Uh, uh, step, ball change and head. Step, ball change and head. Low and up. Low and high! Oh, what do you guys think?" He asks while teaching the choreography.

    "Mr. Schuester?" Rachel asks with her hand raised.

    "Yes, Rachel?" He calls.

    "It was really good." She compliments.

    "Thank you. Thank you. Okay. From the top!" He instructs.

    Just before rehearsal ends, Kurt raises his hand. "Mr. Shue? I have an announcement I need to make."

    The teacher moves aside and lets Kurt take the floor. Kurt sighs shakily as he faces his fellow glee clubbers. He finds a bit of calming when he sees Mercedes give him a thumbs up and sees Violet's smile.

    "For a while, I've been struggling with my sexuality. But I finally realized who I was last year, but I've hidden the truth from everyone. It wasn't until earlier today that I came out to Mercedes, and was honest about who I was." Kurt explains.

    Violet braces for the heartbreak, yet, there's a smile on her face for Kurt's sake.

    Kurt inhales deeply. "I'm bisexual. I like boys and girls." He announces.

    Silence is a response. Violet walks over to Kurt, who's about to cry, and hugs him. Kurt hugs back, letting a few tears fall from his porcelain cheeks. "I'm so proud of you, Kurt." She whispers in his ear.

    Seeing the display of affection, Mercedes hugs Violet and Kurt as well. Finn, Rachel, Tina, Artie, and the Unholy Trinity follow after her. Kurt chokes back a sob, feeling so much love from his peers. Mr. Shue can't help but smile warmly at the sight.

    When everyone breaks away from the hug, they disperse, even Mr. Shue. Violet is the one that remains at Kurt's side. "That was so brave of you, Kurt."

    Kurt blushes a bit. "Thank you Violet. And thank you for accepting me." Violet smiles and kisses his cheek. "I'm your best friend, Kurt. As long as you're happy, I'm happy." She walks away from him to get to Cheerios practice.

    Kurt feels his cheek where her lips had just been. A smile breaks out onto his face. He was so happy that not only did the New Directions accept him, but Violet also accepted him.

    "I'm so into you, Violet Berry."

= = =

3946 words

Songs Mentioned/Performed
1. California Love - Violet
2. Mercy - Vocal Adrenaline

I was able to sneak in a double update today! Tomorrow's updates include Preggers and The Rhodes Not Taken.