A/N: Hello, world of fic writing! I have missed you so! Yes, it's been a while since I last uploaded something, and really there is no excuse except for life.
BUT, never fear! Here I am with a new fic, an idea I have had for YEARS, but have sat on it all this time, so I hope you guys like it! Here we go!
Let Me Be Your Star- A Klaine AU Fic
by: dadiva18
Summary: Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson both took a risk and ended up making it on America's Got Talent.
Prologue Part 1: Kurt Hummel
Kurt Hummel auditioned because he felt like it was his last chance.
Yes, the Kurt Hummel that one may have known say, about five years ago would be all gung ho and would seize every opportunity given to him to get out of Lima, Ohio. After years of being told that he was not good enough that he was a freak, a loser, will never amount to anything, after countless locker shoves, punches, dumpster tosses, slushie facials, after never feeling a sense of belonging besides his own home and the choir room, he was ready to go. He had his post-McKinley plans all set: getting into college in New York (attending NYADA besides his best friend, Rachel, of course), graduating, performing on Broadway, and finding the man of his dreams, settling down, and having a family, finally having that acceptance he has been longing for for as long as he can remember.
His plan started well; his grades were within the top 15% of his class, his SAT and ACT scores were more than sufficient to get into NYADA, and he had advanced in the application process to audition in front of one of NYADA's prestigious staff on the board. He meticulously planned his audition, a high-energy and flashy performance of "The Boy Next Door" from The Boy From Oz, a song very unique to him and what he is about. He felt good after performing and the board member said that she was very impressed, which gave Kurt all the confidence in the world. However, come May when he and Rachel along with his step-brother and Rachel's boyfriend, Finn all gathered in the choir room to open their letters together, only one out of three had their golden ticket out of Lima: Rachel.
He kept the faith though. He just told himself Next year will be my chance. I just gotta try again. So he stayed in Lima, helping out in his dad's tire shop and becoming a barista at the Lima Bean, a popular coffee shop in town and one of Kurt's favorite spots to go when he was in school. He saved up every single penny he had so he can get out of Lima once he had that golden ticket into NYADA. The next application process came around and again, Kurt auditioned with an amazing number, impressing the board member again, more confident than ever that he was out of Lima and on his way to New York. But history repeated itself and his dreams of New York were cut short.
However he stayed positive and auditioned again.
And again.
Still with no luck.
With each passing day, after that second audition, his confidence started to crumble. He so desperately wanted out, wanted to prove to everyone that yes, he is good enough and yes, he will make it despite what his tormentors said. But with each passing day, seeing how well his old friends are doing, how they got out and have a life after McKinley, with each rejection, even from auditioning for local productions and shows, he started thinking that maybe they were right afterall, that his dreams were just a pipedream, so far out of reach, never going to achieve his goals.
So here is Kurt Hummel now: 22, still living in his parents house, still juggling both the tire shop and The Lima Bean and instead of looking at colleges, he's looking at apartments in the area that he can afford. As much as he loves his father and step-mother, he knows that it is time that he has a place of his own so he can start being an adult and living the remainder of his days in Ohio, forever a Lima Loser in his eyes.
So when he saw the post shared by one of his Facebook friends about an open call for America's Got Talent, he got to thinking. He has seen the show, Hell, he admits that he has voted as well and have followed the show the past couple of seasons, so he knows that anyone has a chance to be on it if they have what it takes. He was seriously considering auditioning. But then he saw that the open call for nearby Columbus has already come and gone and if he were to audition for the upcoming season, he would need to get to the open call in New York City in two weeks time. Which would cost money that he really did not have to throw around to travel to and from. For that first week, he hemmed and hawed, went through all the pros and cons for traveling to New York for a couple of days. He kept arguing with himself on whether he should do this, take this chance. I mean, it's only the pre-audition, you don't even get to sing in front of the judges, you sing in front of the producers first. What if this trip was just a waste of time and money and I am still stuck here? He argued with himself. But that little voice in the back of his head was telling him What if I did make it though and I got to go in front of the judges? I could have a shot at this! He was thinking so hard, he was giving himself headaches and could not focus on anything. So he went to talk to the only person that could and will ever help him keep his head straight: his father, Burt.
"...Now you see why I am so confused, Dad? Part of me is saying that I should go and take the chance, but the other part is telling me Why try? Your track record with auditions are not the best there, kiddo. You're just gonna fail again and come back to Lima. So why bother?" he explains, curled up on the couch, feet tucked under him, cradling a cup of tea.
"I get that, son. But from someone who has looked from the outside, I know that you never go anywhere anymore, you constantly work, which means you are overdue for weeks worth of vacation, never mind a couple of days, and I know how much Rachel has been wanting for you to visit her, especially since- Well, you know." Burt says, lowering his head for a moment.
It's an unspoken topic in the house, Finn's passing the year prior. It was really sudden, really surprising and very much out of the blue. Kurt barely remembers that week, it was like a blur: trying to console Carole when she found out, remembering the heart-shattering cry over the phone when he told Rachel, helping with the services, the reunion with his fellow Glee Clubbers, Finn's letterman jacket which is now hanging in a frame in his room, the service. It was really hard on not just him and his family, but his friends who came back for the services and especially Rachel. She really has not been the same since then and he admits that after the countless phone and Skype calls they have had since then, he know that she could really use a bit of cheering up and benefit from seeing a familiar face.
"Yeah, I know. But I can't afford it! Flying from New York and back a week beforehand is a lot of money. Yes, I have money saved up, but after helping with the services and trying to help out around here, I'm kind of back at square one."
"Not when I have already got you round-trip tickets that can not be refunded." Burt says, pulling out a printed sheet confirming the plane tickets. Kurt places down his mug of tea on the table and grabs the piece of paper slowly, staring at it like it's something out of a dream.
"But Dad, you can't afford this either! And does Carole know? How did you know when-"
"Hey, your old man can navigate himself around a computer." Burt says, throwing his arms up as if to say "What now?". "I looked at the website for the dates of the audition and I called in a favor with someone who works for one of the airlines. He said that he would be more than happy to help you out seeing that you work so hard and deserve a couple of days off. Not to mention how well you change his oil every time he comes in for one." Burt says with a smile. "And it was Carole's idea to ask in the first place. She wants you to be happy just as much as I do." Before Burt can gauge his son's reaction, he finds himself having arms thrown around his neck, being engulfed in a hug.
"Thank you, Dad! Thank you so much!" Kurt sobs, muffled by his head being buried in his dad's shoulder. Burt simply holds his son tighter, letting the sobs subside.
"Now, you need to do one thing for me." he says as his son detaches himself, looking into the younger man's eyes.
"Anything, Dad." Kurt quietly says, his eyes red from crying.
"Promise me that, no matter what happens, no matter how the audition go, you will let yourself enjoy the trip. It may only be a couple of days, but enjoy it! Spend time with Rachel. Go see a show. Go have some fun!" the older man tells his son.
"Promise." Kurt affirms, wiping his eyes. He stands up, grabs his mug. "I gotta go tell Rachel I'm visiting her!" he excitedly says, disposing the mug in the sink then swiftly up to his room.
The next week was a blur for Kurt: Telling Rachel that he will be in the city that next weekend, much to the excitement of his friend, picking a new outfit for the audition, requesting time off (quite easily, since he is ALWAYS working) and getting ready for his trip. He could not sleep the night before, too excited about his upcoming travels. He was really doing it, even if it was only for a couple days.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Not even the crick in his neck from the flight nor the baby that cried from the moment they lifted off to the moment they landed could keep him from getting annoyed or sad. And no matter what negative things that may have happened on his flight, it all dissipated the moment he saw the beaming smile of his best friend at the terminal, barreling towards him with open arms. Luggage forgotten, he caught his friend, both sobbing from sheer joy of seeing each other, feeling at peace.
The whole first day was such a joy. Right after he dropped off his things and changed in Rachel's loft, they explored the city, Rachel showing Kurt her favorite places to go, the NYADA campus, walking around Central Park arm-in-arm, seeing a Broadway show that night. It was like no time has passed since they last saw each other, just two best friends enjoying life.
It was not until they got back that night and was getting ready for bed when his nerves kicked in, knowing he had an audition the next day.
"I don't know if I should do this afterall, Rach." he says softly, sitting on Rachel's bed, hugging his knees.
"No, you are not backing out of this." Rachel crawls in front of him. "You listen to me, Kurt Hummel." she says, reaching out to face his head to hers, looking into his eyes. "You are one of the most talented people I know. You ooze confidence when you are on stage and you dress to kill. They would be stupid not to take you. I should know, I'm very talented as well." she says with a small smile. That's the Rachel Berry that I know and love Kurt thinks as he smiles back. "And no matter what happens, I am going to be right here, right next to you. You are worth it, remember that." Rachel says. Tears well up in Kurt's eyes. "God, I missed you, Berry." he says before engulfing her in another one of their many hugs they have had that day. They both go to sleep that night, the most fitful sleep that they have had in over a year.
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"...I went on a picnic and brought an apple, a beach ball, chicken wings..." Kurt lists off the items, playing the alphabet game. Kurt and Rachel arrived at the audition venue promptly at 8am, no issue signing in, being escorted into the holding room with the hundreds of others auditioning. After being told by producers to take off anything indicating that is fall instead of summer and quick checks in the mirror and warming up, it was now the Waiting Game as they wait to call Kurt's group of numbers. While they waited, they met a group of people that had common interests and ended up waiting together, talking, laughing, playing games and spreading the good mojo to others. It's nice to be relaxed going into an audition for once Kurt thinks to himself as they call his group. He stands up and gives Rachel a hug.
"Are you sure you don't want to audition Rachel? You would be a shoo-in."
"I'm sure. While it would be a great experience, you know it's good ol' fashion theater for me. Plus, how can you win if I'm there?" Rachel smirks to her best friend. Kurt laughs.
"Keep dreaming, Berry." they break apart. "Here I go." Kurt says after taking a deep breath and starts to follow the group.
"Break a leg!" Rachel calls as they part to which Kurt quickly turns around and blows her a kiss."
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
"Thank you all, that was great. Because we are still auditioning, we will not be contacting you until February to April to whether you will be singing in front of the judges. Again, thank you all for coming out and best of luck." the producer Kurt auditioned for, droned the clearly scripted passage as they were escorted out of the audition room and back to the holding room. Rachel quickly found him.
"How did it go?"
"I thought it went well." Kurt started. "I did Rose's Turn and they looked intrigued enough. I also think I sounded good."
"So what now?" Rachel asks.
"Now we wait." Kurt sighs, grabbing their coats and scarves and heading back out into busy life of Manhattan.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
November turned into December which turned into January and February. Life continued as normal for Kurt. Wake up, early morning shift at the Lima Bean, lunch, helping out at the tire shop, go home, make dinner, nightly activities, bed. Repeat. As much as he loved the trip and thought that he did a great job and did his best, he knows that being called back for those kind of things are a longshot and is really the luck of the draw. While he hoped for some sort of sign, he prepared for the other situation as well went back to normal life rather than obsessing over waiting for a phone call or an email.
It was a typical morning at the Lima Bean, mid-March. Kurt just served a couple of customers and is going to refill the sugar when his phone rings unexpectedly. No one calls while I'm working unless something is up Kurt starts to internally panic as he reaches into his pocket, thoughts going straight to his dad who had a heart attack a few years ago. He looks at his phone and does not recognize the number. He hesitantly answers the call.
"Hello?"
"Hello, I am looking for Kurt Hummel." the unrecognizable female voice says, sounding a little tinny over the phone.
"Yes, this is he."
"Hi Kurt, this is Jenny Fairweather from NBC and America's Got Talent, how are you?"
His heart stops. Could this be it? He internally freaks out. He keeps his composure though, his voice calm.
"Doing well and yourself?"
"Doing well as well, thank you. Do you have a moment to talk?"she asks. He looks up to his co-worker, looking at him with a quizzitive look on her face. He motions that he has an important phone call and she gave his excuses as he stops what he is doing and walks outside the Lima Bean replying with "Yes, I do, give me one moment to get somewhere a little quieter.". He turns the corner to the back of the building, the still slightly bitter air starting to chill him.
"Okay, all set- it's Jenny, correct?"
"Yes it is. Now you are probably wondering why I am calling."
"Yes I am." Kurt answers, his once stopped heart now pounding in his chest.
"As you know, you attended the New York pre-audition for America's Got Talent in November. The producers have reviewed your audition and would like to invite you to audition in front of the judges this May."
The world stopped. Time has stopped. I must have heard that wrong. he tells himself.
"I'm sorry, can you repeat that, you fizzled out for a minute there." he lies to prompt the woman to speak again.
"Sorry Kurt. I said that the producers really enjoyed your audition and would like you to audition in front of the judges in May. Will you be available?"
"Yes. Yes, I will be available to audition." he breathlessly replies, a wide grin forming on his face.
"Great! We will email you with the specifics for your audition. Best of luck to you, Mr. Hummel."
"Thank you, Jenny. Thank you very much."
"You're very welcome. Have a great day."
"You too, goodbye." he quickly replies before hanging up.
Did that really just happen? Am I dreaming? He asks himself. He reaches down and pinches his quickly numbing thigh and feels the small, sharp pain, proving that he is indeed, not dreaming.
"OH MY GOD!" he yells before emitting a high-pitched squeal. He was going to do it! He was going to audition in front of the judges! He was going back to New York!
He knew who to call first, it was on auto-pilot.
"Hummel Tires and Lube, Burt speaking."
"Dad? I have some news..."
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RachelBBerry Have anyone ever ever died on stage? Kurt pockets the phone. He's been backstage for the past hour and he is next to walk on and sing in front of the judges. It's been a rough day, hearing the audio feed from the holding room. They have not been advancing many of the acts auditioning today. As soon as the tweet sends, he feels the vibration, signaling a new notification almost instantaneously.
KHummel4 Oh sweetie, you have nothing to be so nervous about. #GoodMojo
RachelBBerry Yes, I do! What if I 4get the words, or crack at the high notes? #ItCouldHappen
KHummel4 But u won't. Once u perform, the only people dying out there will be those judges, because u are going to kill it. #YouGotThis
RachelBBerry Well, at least I know one person that will be cheering for me. #Thanks4BeingHere
KHummel4 You think I wouldn't miss your big audition? Never in a million years! #LoveYou #BreakALeg
Kurt finishes reading as the act before him finishes her act, something that has to do with baton twirling while doing stand-up. Needless to say, she did not advance, and walked off stage, tears in her eyes. The crew quickly clears off the stage, replaces the set-up with a simple mic in a mic stand.
"Okay, who's next?" he hears the voice of Simon Cowell and feels the slight push on his back, telling him to walk on stage. He takes a deep breath and squares his shoulders. He talks to himself as we walks on, getting blinded by the bright lights on the stage for a second:
Breathe. You got this. You can do it. This is your chance…
And that's the beginning for our favorite Countertenor! Blaine's journey is the next chapter up. Please comment or like if you want, or you can find me on most social media too, dadiva18.
Thanks again! :)