Something - Quinn Fabray

Chapter 9

It had been almost a week since Ryan had discovered his mother's identity. Shelby and Ryan hadn't seen each other since Shelby had dropped Ryan off at his house, and neither of them had gotten up the nerve to make contact yet. They had agreed to take it slow, anyways. Ryan was still a bit wary of Shelby. Despite the aura of overconfidence he put on for everyone, he was incredibly insecure since he knew everyone considered him a loser, and he was deathly afraid that if Shelby ever found out, she wouldn't want him anymore. Who would want the school loser as a son, anyway? Even his dads – no, he wasn't going to go there.

Shelby meanwhile was scared that her son would change his mind about their relationship, that he'd decide that he didn't really need her anyway. What if he had all these expectations, and she didn't live up to them? She didn't think she would be able to live with herself if he left. But unlike Ryan, she'd immediately informed her family of the latest development. The day after the big reveal she'd made a trip to her parents in Akron to tell them the news.

**Flashback**

"Mom!" Shelby burst through the door of the Corcoran home. "Where are you?"

Her parents quickly came out of the living room where they'd been watching the news. "Shelby? What are you doing here?" Her dad questioned.

Her mom hit her husband gently on the arm. "Don't listen to your dad, we're very happy to see you."

Tom rubbed his arm. "Of course we're happy, honey, just surprised."

"I've got some great news," Shelby beamed, giving both her parents a quick hug. "Ryan knows who I am now!"

Her parents gaped at her for a second before breaking out into huge smiles. "That's great, Shelby," Tom said.

"What happened?" asked Sarah.

Shelby quickly relayed the entire story. "We decided that we were going to take it slow, maybe have dinner once a week," she ended.

"I'm so happy for you," Sarah gushed.

"So, when do we get to meet him?" questioned Tom.

Shelby laughed. "Maybe let him get used to me first, dad. Soon though, if it goes well."

Sarah nodded understandingly. It wouldn't do to overwhelm the boy. Her grandson. She couldn't wait to meet him.

**End Flashback**

"Is it just me, or does it feel like we have a real shot at regionals next month?" Mercedes asked happily, as she came out of class with Kurt, Tina, and Artie.

"The Ohio show choir chatrooms have all been buzzing about how Vocal Adrenaline has lost a step," Artie said.

Kurt nodded. "I agree, the judges know all their tricks. They may have Jesse St. James, but we've got Ryan. As much as I still hate to admit it, he's our star."

At that moment, said star came bursting around the corner. "You guys have to come to the auditorium right now." Ryan turned around and ran in the direction of the auditorium.

The group looked at each other before hurrying after Ryan. Entering the auditorium, they found the rest of the New Directions in the audience area, while a large group of unknown students in blue tops stood on their stage.

"Sweet baby Jesus, that's Vocal Adrenaline," Kurt breathed.

"Why are you in our auditorium?" Finn demanded.

Jesse St. James, leader of Vocal Adrenaline, stepped forward, looking at each member before settling his gaze on Ryan Berry, whom he knew to the son of his coach, Shelby Corcoran. That didn't matter right now, though. This was just business. "The blogs and chatrooms say that we, Vocal Adrenaline, are finished and that you guys are ripe to topple us. We just wanted to show you a little something we came up with a few days ago, to see if you agree with that assessment." The rest of VA started getting into position around the stage. Music started playing.