I'll Stand By You (Finn Hudson x OC)

FORTY FIVE

Season 3, Episode 1:  The Purple Piano Project

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

/ / /

Angela Abrams makes her way down the halls of McKinley High, her arm linked with Finn's. It's a new year. Finn and Angie's senior year.

They both have big plans for the year.

Angie smiles as they walk with their heads held high.

The two of them went through hell and back last year.

Now, they're back stronger than ever before.

/ / /

The New Directions have gathered into the choir room for the first glee club meeting of the year. Angie notices that three people are missing: Lauren, Quinn, and Sam.

Tina looks at Will. "Mr. Schue, why are all of our trophies in the middle of the room?"

"I was sure that our nationals trophy would grow during the summer." Brittany says.

Will smiles. "I want this image burned into your mind. This is what the difference between first and twelfth place looks like. It's also what it feels like."

Puck groans. "Are you planning on bumming us out all year long?"

They all sit down.

Will shakes his head. "No. I'm planning on pushing you harder than you've ever been pushed. We made it to nationals last year. This year I'm not gonna let anything or anyone stop us from winning at all. I let you down last year. I lost focus, let some Broadway pipe dream get in the way."

"And we're really sorry that the guy who replaced you in April Rhodes' musical won the Tony. I mean, I can only imagine your regret." Rachel states.

"Yeah, you know what I regret? Being the laughingstock of the show-choir world." Mercedes pipes up.

Artie nods. "And that's saying something."

"Mercedes has a point. Finn and Rachel's "the almost kiss that missed" already has twenty-thousand views on Youtube, and the comments section is just full of pithy banter like 'why is that T-Rex about to eat the Jew?'" Kurt says.

Finn sighs. "How many times do we have to apologize for that?"

Rachel nods. "Yeah, no more apologizing."

"The school hates us even more now." Mike says.

"Which is why we have to work even harder this year to recruit new members. We're three men down." Will says.

Santana nods. "Yeah, only because Puckerman couldn't convince Zizes to stay."

Puck nods. "She's the one that got away - really, really slowly."

"Where's Quinn?" Angie asks.

Artie shrugs. "MIA. No one's heard from her. It's sad, I miss her."

Mercedes shakes her head. "No one's gonna join, Mr. Schue."

Will smiles. "They will. All they need is a little inspiration...and I happen to have some, courtesy of Al Motta's of Motta's Pianos. Bring them in, guys. You guys are gonna love this."

Three purple pianos are brought into the choir room.

Kurt smiles. "Whoah, wow, okay. If there are purple pianos involved in this, I am on board."

Will sits on a piano. "These pianos were repossessed from foreclosed homes. They're cast-offs, just like all of us. Used, in need of repairs..."

"But they're still capable of making beautiful music." Tina finishes.