§Going The Full Diva §
By Muirnin CocanDisclaimer: I neither own nor claim any other rights in the characters and other concepts created for Glee. I make no money, nor do I seek any commercial advantage from this work. As such it constitutes "Fair Use" as defined in 17 U.S.C. §107. FAIR USE " Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."
Glee belongs to the powers that be - RIB (Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, & Brad Falchuk) oh and Fox …
Author's Note: This is what happens when the REAL Diva of Glee has a breakdown right before West Side Story and there is only ONE person who can help her … Ok this was originally going to be part of the NaNoWriMo challenge but it began going stronger on language etc … This story has taken some twists and turns that I honestly didn't expect again like my Spin the Bottle fic so … as such I needed to post this separtately from the rest of the drabbles … I have ended up posting this as a separate story due to the Rating issue …and finally I have abandoned any 12-step program for my addiction to reviews and being a review whore and so … I beg of you … please feed my addiction … You all are the best …
Going the Full Diva"Mama!" the blue eyed teen said as she tore through the attic looking for one specific item. Lizzy Hummel was desperate to find some clue as to how her parents got together … they were too perfect compared to the parents of her other friends.
The 15 year old girl was stunning … with long brown hair that was parted on the side … her bright blue eyes full of mischief and wonder … Her daddy always told her that she got her nose and her smile from her mama …
Her mama was theatrically famous … her daddy on the other hand was fashionably famous … she found that she was very careful of who she made friends with since for the most part of the kids liked to associate with her only due to her parent's fame and she just wanted to hide in obscurity … she was afraid she would never measure up.
"Barbra Elizabeth Hummel-Berry how many times have I told you to not make a mess up here … Come on now … I have to be at the theater in a little over an hour …" the former Rachel Berry said trying to get her 15 year old daughter under control.
"Mama, I need to find some stuff for school … from your high school days … we are doing a genealogy project and they want us to start with the first two generations … so that would be all the Grandfather's, Grandma … you and dad. I've already got my grandparents … both sides … all the Grandfather's, Grandma Carole … even Granny Shelby … I also have all the information about Uncle Finn's death … but I can't really find anything substantial about you and dad … Just a few press clippings from your first shows and Daddy's amazing first showing at Byrant Park … but where are your high school diploma's … your college certificates … something!"
"Lizzy … Sweetheart … I wish you had come to us about this … there's more to the story then what you may or may not have found. I'll tell you what … tonight after I am done with the show we will sit down as a family … then Daddy and I will explain everything to you and your brothers." Rachel said "You know how busy your Daddy gets this time of the year … He's been busy due to Fashion week … Anna has him really trying to get him to out do himself … which knowing your Daddy … he will"
"I know mama … how long is this run for your production?" asked Lizzy as they walked downstairs … her mother was staring as Maria (again) in West Side Story. Some in the press had thought she would be too old to play the lead of Maria … but it was a part that was perfect for her …
Rachel had stared as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl twice … even won a Tony for her portrayal of the vaudville comedianne at the young age of 20 … She also did a stint as well as Elphaba in Wicked where she was nominated … but none had brought a gleam to her eye and an enthusiasm to her life as West Side Story … She had also won a Tony for that role as well after her first time playing that role on Broadway.
"We, or I should say I am only going to be in this production another two weeks … I have another project I am going to be working on for the next year or so …" Rachel said with a twinkle in her eye.
"What's the project?" Lizzy asked.
"Your daddy and I will discuss this with all of you kids tonight after we get home from the theater … now can I trust you to watch your brothers or do I need to call Granny Shelby?" Rachel asked with a bit of teasing in her tone.
Granny Shelby was sort of a code for Broadway Baby Day Care … Granny Shelby really was their grandmother … only in the biological sense … but seeing as Lizzy and her two brother's Patric and Colin who were only 7 and 5 respectively … it also meant going to Granny Shelby's center and the only good thing of going there was spending time with her Auntie Beth who was only a couple of years older than she …
"No I can watch the boys … I may call Beth and have her come over … the boys seem to really like having her around …" commented Lizzy. She seemed to idolize her aunt almost to the point of a role model.
She spent the rest of the time before their mother left watching Rachel as she began to warm up and prep for the performance tonight. Her Daddy came home and the pair of them did vocal runs together … her father had the most amazing voice and was even more handsome than the man they had cast to play Tony … but her Daddy had said that the only time he would ever get on stage would be to play opposite her Elphaba as Guy-linda. It seemed to be an inside joke for her parents.
Her parents walked back into the house after her mother's show was over … it didn't matter how busy her father was … he had never ever missed a Rachel Berry performance … and her mother always was there by his side for any fashion show or fashion week event that he could not get out of … they were perfect … there wasn't even any bad press about the pair … how she had no idea.
Gathered around in the living room her parents shared a love seat that was where they would always sit together. Rachel's face flawlessly free of any of the stage make-up she wore earlier and her long brown hair pulled back into a high-pony. Both were dressed in sweats and over-sized shirts.
"I know it's late … and a pair of little men we all know and love should be in bed by now …" the giggling from the brothers made who that statement was apparently for "But we have some things to talk about." Rachel had begun "The first part is going to be for all three of you … then the boys can go to bed." A groan of protest was heard "or not …" Rachel looked over at Kurt who just gave a slight smile and nod.
"What your mother and I have to say is not to leave this house … at all!" Kurt said firmly. "No gossiping to your friends … no whispering or yelling … this is a private family matter for the immediate family. Do not even think of discussing it with your Auntie Beth or any of your grandparents."
"Personally, I would never even discuss this with you … but your sister has called my hand and I am having to reveal everything … well as much as what she was looking for. Anyway the first bit of news …" Rachel started gaining strength from Kurt grabbing her hand and holding it tightly. "The project that I mentioned earlier to you Lizzy … is the fact that I am expecting another child … we are hoping for a sister so that we can complete our set …" she said with a smile. "I can only continue on for about two weeks more before I begin to show …"
"So I want everyone on their best behavior and help take care of your mother when I am away from the house …" Kurt said in a stern a voice as he could muster.
"Kurt …" Rachel scolded her husband but it didn't sound like the same type of scolding that she was known to do on the kids.
"Sweetheart … I know very well what kind of a diva you can truly turn into …" he said with a bright twinkle and smile "and honestly … I wouldn't have it any other way" he lifted her hand and kissed it tenderly "… I just don't think our children could handle the Full Diva experience."
"Ok … um … Daddy? … what do you mean the Full Diva Experience? I've never seen Mama as anything less than well who she is … Mama …" Lizzy asked looking at her mother and then looking back at her father.
Kurt looked tenderly at his wife and gave a sigh "and now we come the the second part of the program … it is a long story … one that I really do not want out there … not that I am ashamed but it could cause some problems for your mom as well as your Grandpa Burt … what with him now a States Senator … he and Grandma Carole have to live a life free of any suspicion and it was bad enough when this all went down … He almost didn't win the election." Kurt said sternly.
McKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM – Lima, Ohio – October 2011
The opening night was a day away and Rachel Barbra Berry was a complete and total nightmare … she was a wreck ... giving all a true … full blown … DIVA experience.
While Blaine was an excellent Tony, all Rachel kept thinking about was Kurt and how amazing he would have been as Tony … rather than Officer Krupky … She thought about how she had gotten the part but that wasn't enough … she put her name in the hat and tried to run for Senior Class president … against her best friend … the one the only Kurt Hummel.
It was like everything she tried to do or say lately had been wrong and she even was on the outs with Finn … all because she tried to get him to have sex … er … make love to her before her opening night.
Artie had made a comment here and an observation there and when Blaine had reached to take Rachel's hand … she just flipped out … storming off stage slamming the door to the small closet that she had found earlier in the day …
Miss Pillsbury walked up to the door and tried to talk to the young actress but she was inconsolable. Suddenly Kurt was at her side gently talking through the door
"Honey it's Kurt … come on sweetie … open the door and talk to me …" He turned to Miss Pillsbury "I'll find out what is going on …" as they heard the lock slide and the door open.
A quiet voice said meekly "You actually are speaking to me?" she said in between her shuddering sobs of grief. "I've missed you so much …" she sobbed.
Entering the small space Kurt saw Rachel had moved back into a space in the corner. "What's going through that mind of yours right now? There are members of the cast that are waiting for you to rehearse." Kurt said bluntly as he moved the short distance to where she was huddled in the corner …
"Why are you talking to me … you hate me for running against you … everyone hates me … I can't do this without you Kurt … I am a complete nothing without you …" Rachel sobbed.
"Rachel … you are anything but a complete nothing … you are a complete Diva … a bit psychotic on your sociopathic climb to stardom … so yes you are a complete Diva but that is who you are … and I couldn't love you any less … now lets get you out there so you can finish the final run-thru of the show." Kurt said with his arm around her rocking her gently.
She started shaking her head no … "You better call Mercedes I am not going on … I can't … I … won't go on … not without you Kurt as my Tony … the way it was meant to be …" Rachel said sobbing again. "Us … singing together on the stage like we were meant to … like we did when we broke in to the Gershwin …"
Kurt looked over at Miss Pillsbury, who looked completely confused, and gave her a look like what do I do now. She turned and went to the other two director's
"That's what she said … She is not going on without Kurt to play Tony … I'm not sure what's changed or why she is suddenly so uncomfortable with Blaine but she said to call Mercedes … that she would not play Maria unless it was to Kurt's Tony."
"Its too late to recast … Mercedes doesn't know the part … not like Rachel does." Coach Beiste said "and what about the part of Tony … if we give into Rachel's demands does Kurt even know the part of Tony?"
"I can assure you he does …" Blaine said quietly walking up to the directorial trio "We both know each other's parts and he could probably play Maria as well … but if you need Kurt to play Tony … I can take his Officer Krupky role …" Blaine had no idea what had caused this outburst in Rachel but it probably was her inner diva coming out and having dealt with his own Diva in the form of Kurt he knew … Rachel needed to feel safe and secure.
"Well then let's get them informed immediately …" said Miss Pillsbury. As they wandered back to the the small space that they had left Kurt with Rachel they could hear Rachel begging for Kurt's forgiveness for sacrificing their friendship … that she was going to give up the presidency first chance she got when she saw Coach Beiste.
"Rachel?" Miss Pillsbury called out hoping that this would be a positive decision.
"She's here Miss Pillsbury … Come on in …" Kurt's voice said softly over the soft sobbing that was coming from Rachel.
Entering she saw Kurt holding a sobbing Rachel Berry in his arms rocking her gently with so much compassion … if it had been any other boy and specifically not one that was gay she would have automatically mistaken this action as love …
"We … the directors that is … have decided due to the time concerns mind you … that we will go ahead and recast Kurt as Tony … Blaine has offered to play Officer Krupky in his place … that's if Kurt agrees …"
"Really? Kurt you have to do it … please?" Rachel looked at him with her tear filled brown eyes. "It's all my fault you didn't get cast … I can't do the show knowing that you didn't get the part because of me … I have hurt you so deeply …"
"Rachel … I forgive you … but are you sure you want me as Tony?" Kurt asked honestly, fear inside him of taking the part from Blaine … who although he was angry with him from the night before about trying to make out in the back of the car he still cared for the gelled haired singer. "I've never sang the part with you … never played the part with you … as Maria … I don't want to do anything that will cause the show to be bad …" Kurt said to Rachel.
"I believe in you Kurt … you are my best friend and I am your biggest fan … you will do marvellous." Rachel said confidently.
"Ok let's do this … we will do a full complete run through and if it is not as good as it was before … you are going to go on with Blaine as Tony and not complain …" Kurt said sternly as Rachel nodded in agreement.
Kurt had run back to his house and quickly got clothing that would work for the role of Tony and came back … going through the entire show with a believable sincerity that all three of the directors were in shock.
There comes a time in everyone's life when something happens and they get a sense of 'Oh that's what they mean' … or the preverbial 'There you are' as what happened to Blaine who had at one time explained this to Kurt after Pavoratti's death … right before he was properly kissed the first time … not that hate filled kiss that Dave Karofsky had given him …
For Kurt it whispered silently to him when he was on stage with Rachel at the Gershwin Theater in New York City … but the reality of it hit him smack in the face as he played opposite Rachel in West Side Story … He had gotten to the part where he had to kiss 'Maria' for the first time and he was lost to her … and she was lost to him.
Since this was a run thru the director's were playing it like it was a true performance and not interrupting anything but when the kiss kept going on for over a full minute … which may seem like not much time … but seriously time it … That kiss went on forever even longer than the one between Finn and Rachel in New York City … and this kiss was scripted.
When they broke a part it was time to sing the song 'Maria' and Kurt nailed the song perfectly. As Rachel and Kurt played their respective roles it appeared as though they had been rehearsing for months to be so in sync with each other.
Even Blaine was shocked as he saw that they were not acting the love that was shared and he got a cold chill up his spine realizing that the love of his life … was in love with someone else. He decided it was better to figure this out now than later when Kurt and Rachel were living in New York City … and he was still here in Lima.
Artie approached the pair and spoke volumns about the fact that they were portraying the couple with so much love and definitely as soulmates would. He applauded them as did other members of the cast. None of the cast said anything untoward against the pair … as that would undermind the entire production.
Opening night was a success … and as Kurt and Rachel entered the after-party they both gave each other a look that said that they wanted to be anywhere but there. Everyone was spouting accolades for Kurt's portrayal of Tony including Blaine who stated that he wouldn't have been able to make Tony's love for Maria as believable as what Kurt's did.
Kurt smiled at the complements but knew that the real secret he was able to portray Tony's love for Maria was because of his own unspeakable love for the Diva … one Ms. Rachel Barbra Berry.
Something that he never thought he would ever have had happen. After an hour or more the pair separately made their departure and headed over to Rachel's house since surprisingly her dad's were away for the weekend in Akron rather than their baby girl's first performance.
When they got inside Kurt took Rachel by the hand and led her into the front parlor and sat on the sofa. "Rachel … what is going on here … what is happening to me?" He asked pleadingly as he gazed into her chocolate brown eyes.
"Kurt … I wish I knew … but whatever is happening to you … I don't know if this is also happening to me as well … but … I feel like I can't get enough of you … like there was a part of me that was missing and now it's found its way home." Rachel said as she gazed back in to his love filled glasz eyes.
Currently his eyes were showing more blue than the grey-green that they had in the past. Lightly she wondered if Kurt's eyes were a form of mood reactor … Like a Mood Ring's Stone … blue for passion … dark grey for anger. Only once had she seen the darkest grey in his eyes but that was when he had heard she was running against him for Senior Class President.
"That's it exactly … that's the way I feel right now Rach … to be honest with myself … I've fallen in love with you …" he admitted gently before taking her lips with his in a deep reawakening of the kiss that changed both their lives.
When the kiss broke a while later Rachel's silent admission "I'm in love with you too" caused another respark of the passion that was enveloping both of them.
It truly is amazing when you find that one person who fills your soul completely … and the teen pair were experiencing that right this moment.
While technically … Kurt was a year older than Rachel or even his brother Finn for that matter … he had always been looked at as younger. Even Finn called him his Little Brother … The reason being Kurt had lost so much time at school during the year long battle that ended up finally taking the life of his mother Elizabeth … he requested to be held back and join the next class. Burt had been in such an emotional turmoil and not in any mood to argue with the young boy so he agreed thinking that Kurt always knew what Kurt needed.
He was already 18 years old while Rachel would be 18 in December … the pair silently and consciously decided and had gotten off the sofa and began to walk up the stairs to Rachel's bed room. Before they got there was a knock at the front door. Opening it they found not only Finn who as in a foul mood but Blaine as well.
"So this is where the both of you disappeared to" Blaine said. "What is going on with you Kurt?"
"Same for you Rach … I think I deserve some answers …" Finn shouted.
Each of the teens paired off with their apparent signifigant other to talk … or break up which is what they both wanted to do at that moment.
Kurt sat Blaine down on the sofa that he had just been making out with Rachel on and sighed. "Blaine, I've known who or I should say what I was since I was a little boy … but after I kissed Rachel on Stage that first time … all that I knew was that I could only be me with Rachel physically in my life … I remember all the arguments that you and I had when I gave you such a hard time when you kissed Rachel … but I was sober when I came to this decision … and kissing Rachel filled me … made me complete. I'm sorry Blaine I can't be with you anymore ... I not only love Rachel … I'm in love with Rachel."
Blaine sat back and stared at the grey eyes flashing back at him … informing the young man in front of him. "Oh marvellous … you are in love with Rachel Berry … Do my feelings count for anything? How does Rachel feel about you?"
"That's why I wanted to tell you up front …"
"Oh you mean up front like you've been tonight … you leave a cast party … a cast party that was thrown for a show that both you and Rachel were the stars in … and what about Finn and I … we are your and Rachel's boyfriends … and we had to go in search for you? What were you just going to fuck her and still be gay for me?" Blaine screamed at the countertenor.
"Blaine I never wanted to hurt you … I care about you …"
"Well you sure as hell did hurt me … you care about me? Bull shit! You care only for yourself … God … you are as much a diva as that bitch in there …" Blaine ranted "Do you even believe what you are saying? Obviously given the state that you both were in when we found you … you do. I left Dalton to be with you …"
Tears were already falling from Kurt's eyes at the hurt that he had caused his once boyfriend.
In another part of the house a similar discussion was taking place. "A part of me will always love you Finn but … I have to break up with you because I can't be with you when … I'm in love with Kurt … and he's in love with me." Rachel said trying to sound as bright and vibrant about the love rather than sad at the break up she was instigating.
"Well that just tears it … I guess tonight is the night of disappointments … I sat there still in my uniform and he chose Shane over me … I'm not going to Ohio State. Now I come here and find out that you are breaking up with me and for who … of all people my brother … not only that but my GAY brother? How am I supposed to be alright with this? First Quinn does this with my best friend and now You do this to me with my gay brother? What the Fuck is wrong with me?" Finn said disbelieving at the outcome of his day.
"Finn, there is nothing wrong with you … you are a wonderful person … I can't explain what happened between Kurt and I … We never expected this at all … honestly … we didn't … but we can't hide it either … I've never felt this complete in my life … my heart races thinking about him … even now when we are in the same house I am terrified … if I lose Kurt … I lose myself …" Rachel pleaded and assured the Quarterback.
"That's how I feel about you Rachel …"
"Not all the time you don't … otherwise you wouldn't have gone back to Quinn last year … Finn you just need to find who you are … you are a great leader … you lead the team … you lead the Glee Club …"
"No … you lead the Glee Club"
"Finn seriously you lead … I might make a few … ok a lot of suggestions but if you stand behind my suggestions the team follows you … I can see you in a few years being just like Mr Schue … teaching young students to be all that they can be …" Rachel said trying to strengthen his crumbling façade.
"I never thought about that …" Finn admitted.
"Well you already know that Kurt and I have our futures planned out … we ARE going to New York City … we are going to NYADA and we are going to be on Broadway … those are realities that will not be changed … not for anything" said Rachel adamantly. "Finn, you do not have any dreams or goals for after graduation. You had based your future on Ohio State … that needs to change …"
"Well what happens when you don't get accepted to NYADA? What are you going to do then?" Finn challenged.
"No matter what Finn … I am going to New York … I will be on Broadway … Nothing you say or do is going to change that …" Rachel restated.
Kurt and Blaine came into the room. "That goes double for me as well to both you and Blaine … I will also be going to New York City … and if I don't make it on Broadway I will be highlighting at Bryant Park …" Kurt walked over to Rachel's side and slipped his arm around her tiny waist "We will be making a life there … make no mistake about that. Now gentlemen … are we all through tonight? Rachel and I had some plans to work on …"
Blaine and Finn got up and headed towards the front door … tears were falling down Blaine's cheeks and Finn turned and looked at his brother … "What happened to you dude? You used to never be like this …"
"I fell in love … found a part of me that was missing … don't wait up for me Finn we are going to be … talking about our futures … long into the night." Kurt said with as much maturity as he could.
"Do you think that your Dad is going to like you staying out all night Little Brother?" Finn said.
"Why do you never remember that I am almost a full year older than you …" Kurt asked.
"Well … er … you are littler than me" Finn responded.
"That's what you think …" Kurt said as he shut the front door on the pair of former boyfriends.
"Oh my Gawd … Kurt … you didn't just …" Rachel said blushing.
"I had to … he was grating on my nerves tonight." Kurt said letting out a breath he had been holding. "Tonight we are going to speak about our future …"
"I like that … we have a future … together. I don't think I could survive New York without you by my side." Rachel said as she cuddled into his side.
After locking the front door … they walked up the stairs to Rachel's bedroom … "I spoke to Coach Beiste earlier and asked her to remove me from the Presidency race …" Rachel said as she sat down on her bed with her back to the head board.
"Thank you Rachel … I'm sorry I got so angry with you about that … I'm just so afraid of not being able to get into NYADA …" Kurt said as he took his place next to her with is back against the headboard.
"Sweetheart … if you don't get into NYADA then there is always FIT … its right there in New York City as well." Rachel reassured. "You are so talented … very gifted … there is no way that you won't get in to one of your choosen schools."
"I love you Rach … you will get into NYADA … and remember … you don't have to have a college degree to get a part on Broadway." Kurt said as he leaned over and kissed her again.
Back at the Hudson-Hummel home Finn was still angry that Rachel had broken up with him. Pulling out his phone he called the one person who could possibly make a difference.
"Hi … this is Finn … I just thought you should be aware of a new development while you have been out of town … Kurt and Rachel are spending the night together … No … she and I broke up … I don't think it's as innocent as that … I know they have had sleep overs before … they both say they are in love with each other. Well I thought you should know … ah yeah … Have a safe trip home." Finn said as he hung up his phone.
"That should teach the pair that they aren't ready for this type of relationship …" Finn said.
"I can't believe you just did that … you know they will never forgive you" said Blaine shaking his head. "Well I am going to head home … try and get some sleep Finn."
"Yeah I will …" Finn agreed. He knew beyond anything else that the new romantic pair would be very angry with him … and he was going to just have to deal with the outcome when the time came.
"Daddy! You can't let Mama stop there … what happened next?!" Lizzy pleaded.
"Well I think this is a perfect place to stop the story … you won't be putting any of this into writing anyway … but if you look over there your brothers are both asleep so I think we will end this for the night." Kurt said tenderly picking up the larger of the two sleeping boys while Rachel had gathered Colin into her arms.
"He's still so little … takes after his Daddy …" Rachel commented with a grin "He really does looks like you Kurt"
"Well Patric has your eyes and nose …" Kurt said "I think he looks more like you than Lizzy does."
Laying the sleeping pair of boys in their beds the parents leaned down and gave them kisses on the foreheads and then closed the doors.
"Sweetheart … I'm really not sure I want to tell Lizzy about what happened after …" Rachel said shaking a bit as they went to their room.
"Its ancient history honey … They will understand … besides they all love you so much." Kurt said "and I don't think that Lizzy is going to want to take after you as much as you think she does …"
"Let's just hope you are right."
TO BE CONTINUED:
Author's Afterword : the info regarding Kurt's age versus Finn's age is from Glee's wiki pages where they list Kurt's age as 20 now even though Finn was 19 when he died … and Rachel's age is based off of her date of birth December 18, 1994 making her at this time in our story only 17 … she wouldn't turn 18 until just before Christmas.
All of my stories will be continued on even though they won't be posted before the end of November as I obvously didn't get all my words typed before the end of the month … but I have way too many stories started!