Bring the pain, no fear, now that I know the way

my parents are off on a cruise this week, which means i've got the house to myself. and what better way to take advantage of that than with a little end-of-summer celebration? this was originally going to be a dalton-only thing, but then i figured this might be a great opportunity for a little cross-glee club bonding to celebrate the start of the new show choir season. we might be in rival glee clubs, but that doesn't mean we have to actually be rivals all the time, right? so, in the spirit of show choir unity, you're all officially invited to a little soirée this saturday at my place! there will be a heated pool and hot tub, snacks (requests are welcome), drinks (ditto) and some good old karaoke. i'd like to avoid any current show choir talk, though, just to keep things light and let the drama stay on stage. the only exception to this rule is anything pre-2000, as i've heard some rumours about your show choir director, new directions, and i need answers. let me know if you're in and i'll text you the address! bathing suits are not optional (unless you're not planning on using the hot tub or pool, of course). hope to see you there! ☀️ @encorehqsstarters

That sounds like an excellent idea, count me in, Blaine. Besides, who says we can’t all have fun together? It’s not like we all share Sue Sylvester’s mindset.

Just overheard a girl in my lecture say she’s “not like other girls” because she doesn’t wear makeup. Babe, you’re not like other girls because other girls have taste. This is college, not the pick me girl Olympics. Anyway, I showed up late, looked better than everyone, and still managed to make the TA nervous. Honestly? If you’re not causing at least one minor identity crisis per week, what are you even doing here? @encorehqsstarters

Okay wow… remind me never to get on your bad side. Also, pretty sure you just won the gold medal at the “Effortlessly Iconic Games.”

{ open starter @encorehqsstarters }

Hello Kitty highlighters? Kinda iconic, not gonna lie. I don’t think I’ve ever been this emotionally attached to school supplies, but now I’m wondering if that’s what I’ve been missing all along.

as a result of that thing from last year we don't need to talk about, i'm so pleased to announce that applications for my new bff are officially open! kind of like that paris hilton show, except better, because you get to be besties with me! rules are - you must be at least an eight - but not hotter than me - able to work around my schedule, and good at at least pretending to be interested in all the things i'm into. in return, i'll buy you whatever you want, so long as it's not ugly. <3 @encorehqsstarters

Whoa, tough rules, Sugar. I’m not sure I meet the “not hotter than you” requirement — it’s a daily struggle, honestly. But hey, I’m great at pretending to care about things, it’s basically my entire high school experience. Also, if free stuff’s involved… I mean, I’d be a fool not to apply. Do I submit a résumé?

Are we doing the whole ‘new year, new you’ thing again or can we just be weird and talented in peace?

Well, sorry to disappoint you, but in my case, the whole ‘new year, new me’ thing kind of applies.

What’s the most dramatic thing that happened to you this summer? Bonus points if it involves fire or feelings.

Oh I think the most dramatic thing was deciding to transfer from an all-boys college to Mckingley

oh, good. you know, don't get me wrong, the mob wife look is totally hot, but that all just seems like a world i'd rather stay away from. i owe you one, sam. let me know if i can ever make it up to you. oh, yeah? that right? huh. the more you know™️.

You will look good on that I can bet, but yes it is better to stay away of the mobs and mafias. And dont worry I´m just happy to help, and that´s what friends are for no?

Things with Sam were easy, and after the complex mess she'd made of her own life, easy was welcome. She wasn't blind. She knew he felt a certain kind of way towards her, but that didn't mean they had to act on it. His presence was warm, a welcoming distraction from the chaos she knew. Her smile wasn't fake. Somehow he managed to make everything else seem easy, and she wasn't sure if he understood just how comforting she found it. There was a part of her that wanted to show him her appreciation, but another part of her wouldn't allow it. Pride was a horrible thing, and she had too much of it.

He knew he was being a little obvious about his feelings for the girl, but it didn’t really bother him. At least for now, there was no need to take any action. It wasn’t that he wasn’t interested in trying something with her in the future — quite the opposite — but he didn’t want to pressure her. Besides, he wasn’t entirely sure if she saw him that way, so he preferred to enjoy that little loophole ignorance gave him. As long as he didn’t know for certain, he could let himself carry on like this, with nothing at risk.