Rachel is standing in the middle of Times Square looking around at all the sights New York City has to offer. It had been a long time coming for her and the Glee Club to get to this point and she couldn't help but soak in the glow of being in the place she had always dreamed she would one day live. "I made it," Rachel exclaimed in awe of the city she had waited such a long time to go see but it hadn't been easy to get there.
Cut back to a week ago back at McKinley High as Mr. Schue enters the choir room with Jesse St. James. "New Directions I would like to introduce you to our new show choir consultant Jesse St. James," Mr. Schue said as Rachel was the only one to clap excitedly for Jesse. "I don't trust this guy. He's gonna trick us into doing something stupid so his alma mater wins," Finn said defensively. "I don't need to do much tricking to get you to do something stupid, Finn," Jesse smirked. "Guys, Jesse is just a consultant. I still make all the calls. I have all the confidence in the world in you guys. I just think we could use all the help we can get because," Mr. Schue said as he pointed to the board which he wrote 'NATIONALS' on the board. "This is it. We've been working so hard for two years for this moment, and that moment is finally here. I was talking with Jesse and he agreed we should continue with our successful trend of doing original songs for the competition. I was thinking of doing one group number and one duet," Mr. Schue said. "Rachel and I should sing a duet.We killed it last year at regionals with "Faithfully"," Finn said enthusiastically "Yeah. It killed us. We lost," Quinn said sarcastically.
"May I?" Jesse asked as he raised his hand "Uh, yeah," Mr. Schue nodded. "I agree that Rachel should sing lead, but, Finn, I think it's best if you sit this one out. The fact is, most of the other guys in here are better singers and Mike Chang, who can't even sing, can at least dance. You kind of sing and dance like a zombie who has to poop," Jesse shrugged. "You see what I'm talking about? This guy's a jerk!" Finn said annoyed "Maybe you could be a little gentler with your advice," Mr. Schue said. "Gentle?" Jesse said in disbelief "Yes," Mr. Schue said. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize we were training for the "Good Try" ribbon at nationals. I thought we were in it to win the whole thing, and there's only one way we can do that," Jesse said. "Poison darts?" Brittany asked "The Vocal Adrenaline strategy is simple. Identify your best performer and build the entire performance around them," Jesse said as the New Directions seemed intrigued. "So what does everyone else do?" Mercedes asked "And who's our star performer?" Puck asked "We're gonna have auditions to find out. I'm gonna post a sign-up sheet later this afternoon," Mr. Schue said as most of the members looked enthusiastic about it, all but Finn and Quinn who figured Jesse would pull the performances in Rachel's favor.
Cut to Rachel walking down the hallway to sign up to try and get the starring slot. "To think, two short years ago I was marching down this hall to sign up for Glee Club auditions, and now look at me. Look at us. Nationals. So much has changed," Rachel grinned in her voice over as she wrote down her name. "I'd never had a boyfriend and I still had a tiny layer of baby fat. But there's one thing that hasn't changed my dreams. I'm still going to be a star. Which means I would kill to get this solo," Rachel said in her voiceover as she noticed Finn walking past the sign up sheet. "Hey, you haven't signed up to be the lead vocalist at nationals. Santana, Mercedes and Kurt have," Rachel said as Finn continued to walk "Hey, you're the male lead of this group. Everybody looks to you for guidance," Rachel frowned getting in front of Finn. "I don't need nationals to feel better about myself," Finn shrugged. "We've been working towards this moment for two years now," Rachel frowned. "And I've been busting my ass to be a better singer and dancer for two years and that Jesse kid comes in and wipes out all that hard work in 10 seconds," Finn sighed "My confidence is shot." "No, you're really good," Rachel objected "You have to believe me." "Yeah, I'm- I'm Lima good. Not New York City good. Rachel, I'm sorry. I'm not auditioning," Finn sighed as he walked off leaving Rachel upset. Rachel wished there was some way she could restore Finn's confidence but at this point it seemed like there was nothing she could do.
Cut to Will's house where Emma is helping him sort through his things. "Wow, Will, that's a lot of vests," Emma said opening Will's closet door. "Um, okay, let's get started. So, I've got one box for going with you one box for storage and one box for giving away," Emma said indicating the three boxes she had played out. "I'm not going away forever, Emma. Rehearsals for April's show start two days after nationals. Opening night is 3 weeks later. I'm guessing we close that night, then I'm back on a bus back to my vest the next day," Will shrugged. "Will you stop with all that? You're too afraid to admit that you're leaving, but you are," Emma said. "That's why you asked me to help pack up your apartment," Will said honestly. "That's why we're going through your vests," Emma nodded understandingly before asking "Do the kids know?" "No way," Will said shaking his head "Can't let anything distract them from the task at hand." "Besides, by the time they get back from summer break, I'll be home," Will shrugged as Emma began sorting through the vests "You are so organized." "Thank you," Emma smiled as she was about to give away an important vest to Will. "Whoa! That one's a keeper," Will stopped her "I wore this the first week of Glee Club." "Mmm. Right. What about, um- What about this one?" Emma said pulling another vest "Did you wear this the first time you tried the new coffee machine in the teachers' lounge?" "That's the one I was wearing the first time I met you," Will said as Emma was taken aback that he knew exactly what he wore when he had met her. "Well, you know what? You have to let it all go," Emma said putting the vest in the give away pile "You're following your dreams." Will sighed, Emma might have a point, maybe he did need to move on from his past life.
Cut to the auditorium where Will and Jesse are seated ready to hear the kids who signed up to try out for the lead perform. "I'm not convinced this is the best idea. I don't want the kids to feel like they're losers," Will frowned. "But that's a crucial part of the process. I took a class at UCLA in judging for reality TV shows so I'm totally ready to give feedback that's both blistering and unhelpful," Jesse said as Will gave him a look "It was a really good class. I learned a lot." Jesse then talking into his microphone "We're ready for the first contestant." "My name is Santana Lopez, and I will be singing Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black"," Santana said as she began to perform 'Back to Black'.
As Santana performed Jesse pretended to take detailed notes on her performance, looking less than thrilled. Will clapped for her. "Fantastic Santana," he smiled as Jesse pretended to write down more notes. "Thanks so much for coming in," Jesse said simply. "That's all you have to say? You spent the entire performance scribbling notes," Santana said narrowing her eyes as we cut to Jesse's notes which are just a drawing of a cat. "Well, if you really must know, I was simply writing down that I don't think your performance went very deep into the emotional truth of the song," Jesse shrugged. "Oh. Is that so?" Santana asked as Jesse nodded "Well, I happen to have some feedback for you." Santana snarked. "Thanks Santana. That's all we'll need," Will said cutting her off "I'm about to go all Lima Heights," Santana huffed as she stormed offstage. "Thank you," Will said as Kurt then took the stage "Hello, I'm Kurt Hummel, and I'll be singing "Some People" from Gypsy," Kurt smiled. "Ah, great selection, Kurt," Will smiled back. "Hit it," Kurt said as he began to perform 'Some People'.
Once again Jesse pretended to jot down notes during the performance as Will clapped after Kurt finished. "Good job, buddy," Will smiled. "Kurt, you do know that song was meant to be sung by a woman, right?" Jesse asked Kurt "Yes, I'm aware. The Glee Club dealt with that whole boys singing songs meant for girls," Kurt said honestly. "Oh," Jesse said. "It's kind of old news," Kurt shrugged. "Then you must know that that song was done to great fanfare by such Broadway legends as Merman, LuPone, Bernadette. Those are some awfully big heels to fill, and I'm just not quite sure that you nailed it," Jesse said as Kurt made a face as he turned and walked away. Will looked shocked at the feedback Jesse was giving to the kids but was hopeful things would turn around. Mercedes then walked out onto the stage. "I'm Mercedes Jones and I will be singing 'Try a Little Tenderness' by Otis Redding," Mercedes said as she then began to perform 'Try a Little Tenderness'.
As Mercedes finished the song Will cheered for her. "Seeing you up there brought me back to the first time you auditioned for Glee Club. You were great back then, but you were just amazing now," Will said in awe "Thank you for singing that, and thank you for reminding me where we started. And where we're going to now: nationals." "Thank you, Mr. Schue. I couldn't have done it without you," Mercedes smiled. "You're not a star. You're just a girl who can really sing," Jesse said simply. "Excuse me?" Mercedes said in shock. "I don't think you want this badly enough, Mercedes," Jesse said before asking "How many times did you practice that song?" "Practice? No, I feel my material, and I sing with emotion. I'm in the moment, Mr. St. James. I don't need to practice," Mercedes said making a face. "Actually, you do. And how long did you work on that choreography? Oh, wait. There was none," Jesse said as Mercedes looked shocked "You're lazy, Mercedes." "Not too lazy to come up there and let you taste my fist," Mercedes said sassily. "Whoever gets this solo is gonna have to work on it day and night. Do you think you're ready for that?" Jesse asked. "I do," Will said. "I don't," Jesse said simply as Mercedes stormed offstage as Rachel, the final auditioner took the stage. "My name is Rachel Berry, and I'll be singing the most difficult song I've ever sung," Rachel said honestly. "Great. What song?" Will asked. "Barbra's closing number to my favorite movie, Funny Girl," Rachel smiled. "Rachel, in your head, are you singing to anyone in particular?" Jesse asked. "Not really," Rachel lied. "Oh," Jesse said as Rachel then began to perform 'My Man' from Funny Girl.
Rachel pictured singing to Finn as she performed the number. She knew she couldn't admit this to Jesse. As Rachel finished the song Kurt looked in awe of her. "She may be difficult, but boy, can she sing," Kurt said shaking his head as he stood up and clapped "Bravo!" "I have to be honest. That was brilliant. I have nothing but the tip of my hat," Jesse said as Rachel grinned. "Garbage. This whole thing is rigged," Santana complained annoyed. "Hold on, Santana. Like I said before, I make the final call here," Will said. "Well, then make it," Santana shot at Will. "Out of respect to you all I'm going to take a couple days and consider all the results," Will said as everyone nodded, feeling like that was fair.
Cut to the choir room the next day where Mr. Schue enters as Santana, Kurt, Rachel, and Mercedes were ready to find out who got the solo. "Mr. Schue, thank God you're here to put these trolls out of their misery. Can you just announce my win so that I can get on with teasing the losers?" Santana smirked. "I heard your performance, Santana. This is mine, and you know it," Kurt said. "See, Jesse? This is the kind of infighting and "me first" attitudes I wanted to avoid," Mr. Schue said. "What you call infighting, I call motivation. And this is just the beginning. Once we get to nationals, I'll have them willing to kill each other for that solo," Jesse said excitedly. "No. I've changed my mind. We're going back to what got us here- original songs sung by the entire club. We're a team, and we're best when we work as one," Mr. Schue said. "You're going to lose," Jesse said. "Whatever we do, we're gonna do it together," Mr. Schue said. "Actually, Santana, you sounded pretty good," Kurt whispered. "Thanks. You guys were all pretty dope too. Even Rachel," Santana said. "I wish I could sound like you do, Santana. How do you get that raspiness? So nice," Rachel asked. "I smoke cigars," Santana shrugged. "Time to get to work. I want two hit songs by the time the wheels touch down at JFK," Mr. Schue grinned as the Glee Club began to work on two new songs.
Cut back to regular time where the New Directions are in New York City. "A year and a half ago the New Directions were nothing but a group of six misfits stumbling their way through a horrific rendition of "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat". Now here we are at the top of the show choir heap. Nationals!" Kurt grinned. "I want to hit up Central Park, get my frolic on," Tina grinned. "I want to throw stuff off the Brooklyn Bridge," Puck smirked. "Guys, we still need to rehearse our songs for Nationals and make sure we've got the best possible performances we can out of this," Finn frowned. "Okay, Mr. Bossy Pants. But I think we have some time for a tune before we leave," Kurt grinned as he started to sing 'New York, New York' as some of the other members joined in as Brittany rushed over to the group.
"Guys, you're never going to believe this! I got us all 13 tickets to Broadway's longest-running show ever - Cats!" Brittany grinned. "You might want to check the dates on those tickets, Brittany because Cats closed about 11 years ago," Rachel said as Brittany frowned. "No wonder they were so cheap. He charged my credit card by swiping it through his butt crack," Brittany said as everyone looked at her baffled. "And you didn't see anything wrong with that Britt?" Santana asked. "I just thought that's how they charge credit cards in New York," Brittany shrugged. Just then Mr. Schue approached the Glee Club. "Okay guys I'm going to get us all checked in to the hotel. We can have plenty of time to sightsee later. Let's go," Mr. Schue said as the New Directions all grabbed their things and checked into the hotel.
"Welcome to the Intercontinental New York Times Square. Your rooms are on the seventh floor," the receptionist said at the hotel. "Great," Will smiled. "Are you planning on fitting all those kids in two rooms?" the receptionist asked. "Yeah. Well, this is all we can afford. I was just thinking about splitting 'em up boys and girls," Will shrugged. "You guys in for the show choir competition?" the receptionist asked. "Yeah. Why?" Will asked confused. "Most of the other teams split by sexual orientation," the receptionist shrugged. "Oh," Will said in shock.
Cut to Tina, Mercedes, and Quinn who are walking together in the hotel. "So what are these big plans you've been talking about Miss Quinn?" Mercedes smiled. "Yeah we've been dying to know," Tina agreed. "Can you guys keep a secret?" Quinn asked. "Of course," Mercedes said as Tina nodded to agree. "Okay. A few months ago I wrote to Shelby," Quinn said as Mercedes and Tina looked shocked. "Shelby as in Miss Corcoran Shelby as in the woman who adopted Beth?" Mercedes said as Quinn nodded. "I asked her if we made nationals if I could see Beth and she said I could," Quinn smiled a bit. "Quinn, that's amazing," Tina grinned as she and Mercedes hugged Quinn. "Thanks you guys. I just need to find a way to go out and head to Shelby's," Quinn said nervously. Mercedes and Tina looked at each other. "We've got you covered," Mercedes smiled. "Totally," Tina agreed. "Thanks," Quinn smiled a bit as the three girls walked off.
Cut to Rachel and Finn talking while they entered the hotel. "What's going on with you and Jesse?" Finn asked Rachel. "I don't know. He keeps texting me. But I told him I don't want to talk till I get back. No boys, no distractions until we win that trophy," Rachel said with laser focus as Finn looked nervous, he had wanted to talk to Rachel about possibly getting back together. "Hey, Finn, where the hell is Puckerman?" Mr. Schue asked approaching Finn. "Umm..." Finn said awkwardly as he looked around for Puck. Just then Mr. Schue spotted Puck and Lauren at the bar. "I'll have a Manhattan," Puck smirked. "Do you even know what's in a Manhattan?" the bartender asked. "Yeah. Me. For the first time. Which is why I wanna celebrate with a cocktail," Puck smirked as Lauren chuckled as Mr. Schue walked up behind them "Guys, group meeting. In the room now," Mr. Schue told them seriously as they quickly got up to join in on the meeting.
Cut to the room where Mr. Schue is going to talk to the group where Kurt is looking at the menu. "Do you know that I can get an ahi tartare and a steak sandwich at 3:00 in the morning from their all-night dining menu? I feel like Eloise," Kurt grinned. "I have pills for that," Brittany told Kurt seriously. "All right, guys. This is your time. Now, you are all on lockdown. We need to come up with the choreography to the song that Finn wrote as well as our group performance. I want at least one routine complete by the time I get back," Mr. Schue said as the New Directions looked at him bewildered. "Aren't you gonna help us?" Tina asked. "I, um- I will be back and see your amazing creations and give notes. But right now I have to head to the theater to, uh, fill out some paperwork," Mr. Schue said unconvincingly as he left the room.
"Okay something is up," Santana said as the other members of the New Directions nodded to agree. "Guys Mr. Schue is just entrusting us to do the routines on our own like we did when we won our first sectionals competition. I think it's an ingenious idea," Rachel said. "You would dwarf. Now, all those in favor of going out and about in New York City?" Santana smirked as most of the New Directions raised their hands all but Finn and Rachel. "Guys, I think Rachel's right. Mr. Schue trusted us to work on the routines," Finn frowned. "How are we going to do that in cramped hotel room exactly?" Quinn asked as Finn made a face. "Quinn has a point. Come on dude, we're in New York City, we should have some fun while we're here," Puck said as Finn sighed "Look we'll be back before Mr. Schue even knew we were gone." Finn nodded. "Okay...let's get inspired," Finn grinned as the New Directions made their way around New York performing a mashup of 'I Love New York' by Madonna and 'New York New York' from On The Town.
The New Directions celebrated at the Lincoln Center fountain as Rachel smiled a bit. "Okay you guys were right. Maybe we did need to get out and about," Rachel said. "See Berry? Life is so much better living it rather having a stick up your ass about it," Santana said as Rachel gave her a look. Quinn knew she had to jump at the chance to leave. "I'll meet you guys at the hotel," Quinn told the New Directions as they all looked surprised besides Mercedes and Tina. "Wait...where are you going?" Brittany asked confused. Quinn smiled a bit "Don't worry about it. I'll be back," she said as she hailed a cab to make her way to Shelby's apartment.
Cut to Will onstage at the Broadway theatre in awe as he is performing an original song of his own 'Still Got Tonight' on the stage for CrossRhodes.
As Will ended the song he heard applause as he tried to look to see where it was coming from. "April?" Will called out. "She's still at dinner with the rest of the crew," the director said as he walked up to the stage. "Oh. Sorry.I was just trying out a new idea for the show," Will said honestly. "I've been working here 25 years. Seen a lot of talent come and go. And let me tell you something, kid. You got it," the director said as Will looked in awe. This was everything he could've wanted to hear but why did it feel so...wrong?
Cut to Shelby's apartment as Quinn knocks on the door as Shelby opened it, seeming surprised to see Quinn. "Quinn...what are you doing here?" Shelby asked her surprised. "New Directions made Nationals. You told me I could see Beth if I was in New York," Quinn reminded her. "Oh yes...that's right. Come on in," Shelby said as Quinn walked inside her apartment. "I'm sorry about the mess," Shelby apologized. "No. It's fine," Quinn smiled a bit looking around the apartment. "Beth went down for a nap but you're welcome to stay here until she wakes up," Shelby told Quinn as she nodded. The montior went off as Quinn heard some complaining noises. "Right on time," Shelby said shaking her head as she went to get Beth. She carried her out. Quinn couldn't help but take it all in. She finally was getting to see her baby girl. "Wow...she's gotten so big," Quinn said shaking my head. "Yeah...she's about 14 months old now," Shelby smiled as Beth cooed. "Can I...hold her?" Quinn asked as Shelby nodded. "Of course," she said as she handed Beth to Quinn. Beth smiled at softly at her, something Quinn took in. "I think she likes you," Shelby smiled a bit. "Hi Beth," Quinn smiled trying not to cry. "Haaaiii," she cooed. "She's starting to say words," Shelby said as Quinn was amazed. Quinn couldn't believe how big Beth had gotten.
"Thank you. For letting me spend some time with her," Quinn said emotionally. "Of course. You're more than welcome to come back as long as you're here," Shelby told her seriously. "I think I will," Quinn smiled as Beth cooed and smiled. She then started to cry. "Oh my...I think it's time for her to eat," Shelby said as she took Beth to go feed her. "You're doing a great job with her," Quinn said as Shelby was feeding her. "Thank you," Shelby said "She's been doing great. The doctors have said she's exactly where she needs to be." "Good," Quinn smiled a bit before taking a deep breath. "Miss Corcoran?" Quinn asked as Shelby turned around. "Yes Quinn?" she replied. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you," Quinn said as Shelby looked intrigued. "I know this might be a lot to ask but I want you to come back to Lima," Quinn said. "Excuse me?" Shelby said narrowing her eyes at Quinn.
"Look, I know you have a career here in New York and I'm not saying that it doesn't matter. All I'm saying is I want a chance to really get to know Beth. Wouldn't you have wanted that chance with Rachel?" Quinn asked as Shelby shook her head. "Quinn, what you're asking is something I can't give to you. You remember we had a closed adoption right?" Shelby said as Quinn's heart sank "I allowed you to see Beth because I felt it was the right thing. But for me to have to give up my life here just so you could have a chance to get to know the daughter you gave up to me is a selfish thing to ask." Quinn sighed "I'm sorry I asked," Quinn said as Shelby held the door open. "You should go," Shelby told Quinn seriously. "But I didn't even get to say goodbye," Quinn frowned. "Make it quick," Shelby huffed as Quinn teared up. "Bye Beth," Quinn said as Beth waved to Quinn as Shelby ushered her out the door as Quinn couldn't help but stand there in tears, knowing she had lost the last meaningful part of her life.
Cut to back at the hotel where the guys are talking as they're working on the assignment. "Can we just talk about the Jewish elephant in the room?" Puck asked as her turned to Finn "Ask her out, dude." "Who?" Finn asked. "Rachel," Puck said simply. "But she's totally into Jesse right now," Finn frowned. "You're in New York, the city of love," Puck shrugged. "I thought that was Paris," Sam said confused. "Anything's possible here. You need to ask her out tonight. Take her on one of those big, awful dates you see in those unwatchable romantic comedies that you grow a vagina if you watch all the way through," Puck suggested as Finn thought about it. "This is your shot, dude," Sam agreed as Finn nodded. "Yeah. I'm going to ask Rachel out," Finn said as he then sent Rachel a message.
Cut to the girls room where the girls are having a pillow fight including Quinn who had just gotten there and needed to do something to take her mind off of what had just occurred. Quinn laughed as she hit Rachel with a pillow as Rachel looked annoyed. Just then Rachel's phone went off. Rachel checked it. There was a message from Finn that read 'Meet Me in Central Park at Bow Bridges. Dress Up.' Rachel looked at it, was Finn asking her out? This had been something she had been wanting for awhile. Why was Finn waiting until now to ask her out? Rachel got her nicest clothes as she went into the bathroom to change, she was going on this date whether Mr. Schue found out or not.
Cut to Central Park where Finn is waiting on the Bridge for Rachel with flowers. Rachel walked towards him as Finn couldn't help but feel more in love seeing her walk up to him. "Hi," Rachel smiled. "Hi," Finn smiled back. "What's so important?" Rachel asked as Finn handed her the flowers. "Oh, these are for you," Finn said as Rachel took the flowers, smelling them. "They're beautiful," Rachel said. "Just like you," Finn smiled a bit as Rachel sighed. "Finn..." she began. "Yes Rachel?" Finn asked. "Why are you waiting until now to express how you feel?" Rachel asked as Finn sighed. "When I saw you and Jesse two weeks ago, I was jealous. It was in that moment that I knew that no matter how much I tried to fight it, I still have feelings for you," Finn said honestly. "This is all nice and romantic but Finn, I told you, I wanted to focus on Nationals and now you finally tell me what I've been begging to hear from you all along?" Rachel said as Finn frowned. "But I..." he began. "....should have spoken up sooner. I care about you Finn, I always will but I don't need any distractions right now," Rachel said honestly as Finn's face fell "Thank you for the flowers, they're beautiful but right now I'm solely focused on us winning Nationals." Finn nodded understandingly as he watched Rachel leave, feeling somewhat saddened that they hadn't gotten a chance.
Cut back to the hotel room where Santana and Brittany are waiting outside the bathroom as Santana bangs on the door. "Quinn, quit hogging the bathroom. I needs to re-pencil my eyebrows on," Santana yelled. Quinn sighed knowing she had to get out of there. Santana would not be pleased if she didn't. "Doesn't she get -" Santana began "It's all yours," Quinn said as she walked out of the bathroom. "Everybody's already in the other room working," Santana said narrowing her eyes at Quinn. "Oh, yeah? Is Mr. Schue in there? 'Cause I think I'm gonna tell him that Rachel and Finn keep sneaking off," Quinn smirked. "You can't do that. He'll have to suspend them," Brittany frowned. "And then there goes our chances at nationals. Darn," Quinn said sarcastically "You know what? We get it. You're pissed about Sam moving away Get over it," Santana told Quinn point blank. "You think this is about Sam moving? You clearly don't know anything about what I'm going through," Quinn yelled upset. "Oh please we're back to to the whole woe is me attitude," Santana said as she rolled her eyes "If you keep this up you're just sabotaging yourself." "I DON'T CARE!" Quinn yelled as she teared up as Santana and Brittany went on either side of her trying to comfort her.
"I lost the one thing I cared most about today," Quinn said emotionally. "Your car keys?" Brittany asked innocently as Santana shot her a look "What I lose them all the time." Quinn shook her head tearfully. "No. Not my car keys. Beth," Quinn sighed as Santana and Brittany looked confused as Quinn took a deep breath. "I went to see Shelby today and I got to see her. She's gotten so big," Quinn said emotionally as Santana hugged Quinn. Everyone had known how hard giving Beth up had been on Quinn, even though she didn't talk about it. They could see it in her actions. "What happened?" Santana said stroking Quinn's hair. "I asked Shelby to come back to Lima, you know so I could get to know Beth and that she could get to know Rachel," Quinn said emotionally as she shook her head "She turned me down and told me to go away." "Q, I'm so sorry," Brittany frowned as Quinn shrugged. "It's not like this should come as a surprise. I've had everything else taken from me and now this," Quinn sighed as that gave Santana an idea. "I think I know how to make you feel better," Santana said. "I'm flattered, Santana, but I'm really not that into that," Quinn said emotionally. "No. No, I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about a haircut," Santana smiled. "Yes. Totally. It'd be like a whole new you," Brittany grinned as Quinn thought about it. Maybe getting a haircut would help her feel like the weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Cut to the hotel lobby where Will is talking to the manager "I'm really sorry about the pillows. I mean, this really was a wake-up call for me as an educator and a chaperone, so," Will said to the manager. "Look, I get it. Kids are kids. Good luck at nationals," the manager said. "Thank you," Will said. "I'll second that," a voice said as Will turned around to see Dustin Goolsby, the Vocal Adrenaline Glee Director standing there. "And why would you be wishing my Glee Club luck at nationals?" Will said narrowing his eyes at Goolsby "Oh, I wasn't talking about the Glee Club. I was wishing you luck in your Broadway debut," Goolsby said coolly. "How did you find out?" Will asked shocked. "Well, it's all over the Broadway blogosphere. And by "Broadway blogosphere," I mean the one blog that actually cares about Broadway," Goolsby said coolly as Will looked surprised. "Can I give you a piece of advice?" Goolsby asked as Will nodded "Don't tell your kids. It'll shake their confidence at nationals. They won't perform as well." "Why are you telling me this?" Will asked as Goolsby smirked. "Because they already know. I just told them," Goolsby said as Will rushed up to the hotel room where the New Directions are sitting solemnly.
"We heard," Quinn sighed. "About you leaving to be on Broadway," Mercedes said as Mr. Schue sighed. "We get it and we're happy for you," Kurt said. "You've inspired us in so many ways, so this is just another," Rachel said honestly as Mr. Schue shook his head knowing he had made the wrong choice. "I'm not going. I'm staying with you guys," Mr. Schue said as the New Directions looked dumbfounded. "I had my moment on that stage, and it was glorious. But you and I have some unfinished business to take care of. Now get out your notebooks. Time to get to work," Mr. Schue said as the New Directions looked at him "Come on. This is nationals, people," Mr. Schue cheered as the New Directions all clapped knowing they had a lot of hard work to do to perform at Nationals.
Cut to Nationals as the New Directions are standing inside the venue. "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," Rachel grinned. "We've so got this!" Kurt cheered. "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," Mr. Schue smiled as the New Directions looked excited "All right. Everyone put your hands in the middle.One, two, three!" Mr. Schue said as the New Directions put their hands in the center. "New Directions!" they cheered as we cut to Nationals going on as the Singaz Wit Attitude are onstage performing Usher's 'Yeah!' as the crowd is into the performance.
Goolsby got up midway through the performance as Will followed him. "Hey. I got to talk to you," Will said annoyed. "Hold on a sec," Goolsby said as he went up to the merch stan "I do this thing where I get my kids to sign a T-shirt to send to all the teams we beat at nationals." "Yeah, well, don't bother getting us one. I have a sneaking suspicion that we're about to kick your ass," Will said as Goolsby laughed in his face. "You're about to go up against the top show choirs in the country and your team spent all week mooning about how fun and exciting New York is. You're a bag of meat," Goolsby smirked. "Take a large. You're about a large, right?" Will smirked as he picked up a shirt and put it up to Goolsby "Extra large. What are you doing?" Goolsby asked. "Buying you a T-shirt, Goolsby. I'll send it to you after we win nationals," Will smirked as he walked off leaving Goolsby angry and annoyed.
Cut back to the stage where Vocal Adrenaline are up with Sunshine on the lead on their performance of 'As Long As You're There' which is an original song they had written.
As the performance went on the New Directions couldn't help but look extremely nervous. Were they as good as they thought they were? The crowd cheered loudly as Sunshine beamed onstage as the New Directions headed backstage to prepare for their performance.
Cut to backstage where Finn and Rachel are waiting to go onstage. "You wrote an amazing song, Finn. I didn't know you had it in you," Rachel said honestly. "Who cares about the song? What I don't understand is all you've ever wanted is for us to be together and I'm basically standing here begging for you and suddenly you're not interested," Finn frowned. "I am interested. More than interested," Rachel said "This is my dream being here in New York. I'm not gonna let anyone or anything keep me from it. I'm sorry, Finn. I love you. But- There's nothing you can say or do that's gonna change my mind about it." Finn scoffed as he walked back to his spot. "And now, from William McKinley High in Lima, Ohio the New Directions!" the announcer said as the curtain went up. This was it. The moment they had been waiting for. Finn and Rachel took the leads on Finn's original song 'Pretending'.
Jesse arrived during the middle of the song, sitting with Will just in time to hear the New Directions perform. "I couldn't stay away," Jesse said honestly. "From the show or from her?" Will asked as Jesse watched Rachel perform. As the song went on Finn and Rachel couldn't help but feel more in love with each other and as it ended they pulled each other in for a kiss as the crowd was silent. "Was that scripted?" Jesse asked Will. "No," Will told Jesse who shook his head, this wasn't good at all. The New Directions joined Finn and Rachel onstage for their final song 'Don't Stop the Music' by Rihanna.
"Please don't stop the music, music, music. Please don't stop the music, music, music. Please don't stop the music, music, music. Please don't stop the music, music, music," the New Directions girls sang. "It's getting late I'm making my way over to my favorite place. I gotta get my body moving, shake the stress away," Brittany sang. "I wasn't looking for nobody when you looked my way, possible candidate, yeah," Santana sang. "Who knew that you'd be up in here looking like you do. You're makin' staying over here impossible," Artie sang. "Baby, I'm a say your aura is incredible if you don't have to go, don't," Puck sang. "Do you know when to start it? I just came here to party but now we're rockin' on the dance floor, actin' naughty," Rachel sang. "Your hands around my waist. Just let the music play. We're hand in hand, chest to chest, and now we're face to face," Finn sang. "I wanna take you away. Let's escape into the music DJ, let it play, I just can't refuse it. Like the way you do this. Keep on rockin' to it. Please don't stop the, please don't stop the music. I wanna take you away. Let's escape into the music DJ, let it play. I just can't refuse it. Like the way you do this. Keep on rockin' to it Please don't stop the, please don't stop the, please don't stop the music. I wanna take you away. Let's escape into the music DJ, let it play. I just can't refuse it. Like the way you do this. Keep on rockin' to it. Please don't stop the, please don't stop the, please don't stop the music. Please don't stop the music. Please don't stop the music, music, music. Please don't stop the music, music, music," the New Directions sang as the song ended as the crowd cheered.
Cut to backstage where Brittany is holding up a t-shirt talking to Mercedes, Lauren, and Tina. "Don't you think this is gonna look so hot on Lord Tubbington? I'm gonna go find an extra large," Brittany grinned as she rushed off as we cut to Finn and Rachel. "I think we were good," Rachel smiled. "Good? We were amazing," Finn grinned. "The kiss was interesting," Rachel said. "Yeah. I'm calling it the kiss of the century," Finn said as Jesse approached them. "You're wrong, Finn," Jesse said as Finn and Rachel turned around to face him "That kiss was unprofessional. It was too personal and intense. The judges won't like it. They'll consider it common and vulgar, and it cost you nationals." Jesse then turned to Rachel who looked shocked "Hi, Rachel. You look amazing. And you sounded great. You just shouldn't have kissed him." "Why are you here, Jesse?" Rachel asked. "For you," Jesse said honestly as Rachel looked torn. "Dude, back off," Finn huffed annoyed "You're just jealous. Jealous of what we have and what we shared with the entire audience. Because it was shared between two people who love each other." Finn looked back at Rachel "It was the Superman of kisses. It came with its own cape. Right, Rachel?" Rachel just smiled at him as pandaemonium was going on around them.
"What's happening?" Rachel asked confused. "They just posted the top 10 for showcase. Okay, come on, everybody. Gather around. It's a moment two years in the making," Kurt exclaimed as everyone rushed over. "Okay, okay. What should we do?" Rachel asked. "Let's go look at it together," Mr. Schue said as the New Directions walked over to the Top 10 board searching for their name but they were nowhere to be found. Everyone looked incredibly heartbroken knowing they hadn't made it to the showcase.
Cut to the Lima Bean where Kurt is talking with Blaine about what had occurred. "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," Kurt said. "While I understand passion, I do think that was unprofessional. But Sorry. Keep going," Blaine said as Kurt continued. "Okay. Then we get back to the hotel and Santana loses it," Kurt said as we cut to a scene at the hotel where Sam, Mike, and Quinn are holding Santana back. "Listen I'm from Lima Heights Adjacent and I'm proud. Do you know what goes down in Lima Heights Adjacent? Bad things!" Santana said yelling at Rachel in Spanish which most of the New Directions didn't understand as Rachel looked terrified.
Cut back to the Lima Bean with Kurt and Blaine. "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," Kurt said honestly. "Wait. I don't get it. You don't seem that sad at all," Blaine said confused. "Well, it was still amazing. I mean, I flew in a plane for the first time in my life, I got to go to New York City which has always been a dream of mine, and most of all, I've got you," Kurt said as Blaine took his hand smiling at him. "You know, when you stop and think about it Kurt Hummel has had a pretty good year," Kurt smiled. "Well I'm glad you can look at this with such perspective Kurt," Blaine smiled. "After how devastated we were last year, thinking we were losing the club forever, we still made it to Nationals which is such a huge achievement," Kurt said as Blaine nodded. "There's something I've been wanting to ask you," Kurt said as Blaine smiled. "What?" Blaine asked. "I was wondering if you would come to McKinley next year...with me," Kurt said as Blaine looked in shock. "Wait what?" Blaine said. "I know it's a lot to ask but after everything that I went through this year, I always felt something was missing when I went back to McKinley and that something is you Blaine," Kurt said as Blaine smiled back at him. "You know what? I'll do it," Blaine smiled. "Really? Kurt grinned. "Yeah. Next year will be for us. Nationals here we come," Blaine said as Kurt looked ecstatic next year was going to be the year to look forward to.