you want me to do what?

     

blaine, please.

her eyes are wide, desperate as her fingers tug

     

at his sleeve. she’s a little embarrassed to be so on the spot, but she

     

wouldn’t be rachel berry if she didn’t turn it around. and while most

     

people wouldn’t find her current situation as something worthy of a full

     

blown breakdown, most people aren’t her. they don’t understand the

     

significance of being independent. of standing out in a sea of faces

     

just like her – hopeful, eager, and bursting at the seams with potential.

     

i know this is last minute, and i know we’re under prepared, but – i

     

need you. how can i go back in there and sing a song someone else just

     

sang? and at a winter showcase, no less? i’d be the laughing stock of the

     

entire city!

a beat, as she lets out a slow breath.

     

please?

Worry crinkled the corners of his eyes as he stared down at Rachel tugging his sleeve.  The song they painstakingly practiced for her performance for weeks was now..gone.  It was a blow to his friend that left her in a panic and he barely got her out into the hallway before it was clear to see she was terrified.  Rightfully so.  He’d be the same if he was in her..hold on?  

“Rachel, I–we don’t even have a–well–uh?”  What, exactly, was she asking him to do?  No.  He knew the answer.  Underprepared didn’t graze what they were.  

Stunned–Blaine felt his stomach sink.

How was he supposed to leave her high, dry and hopelessly lost?  Rachel needed this showcase and..the way she was staring at him in desperation?  His gut twisted in a sudden burst of nerves because–? Stuttering or not?  He couldn’t say no.  “O-Okay–okay,” get a grip..get an idea, “We are going to make this work.  You and me.  Only a hiccup and that’s never stopped you before.  Just–what song?  One you’ve always wanted to do.  One that will knock them right out of their seats and make them forget everyone else here tonight except you. “