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I make no profit from this work of fiction

There were shocked and deliberative looks amongst the group, and started to speak, "Kurt, I-" but before he could continue Kurt interjected.

"I know that Rachel has the solo, she did win, but I'd appreciate this chance to sing it. Please." He directed this last part to both Will and Rachel. They could see Kurt really meant what he was saying, and that he wanted it badly, so after directing a searching look at Rachel, to which she nodded, turned to Kurt.

"Okay Kurt, let's hear it." Kurt exhaled heavily, everyone wheeled themselves to form two lines, and took Kurt's chair, which he'd vacated in favour of standing before them. Kurt smiled a true smile, before launching into the first verse of the song as Tinkles played the piano accompaniment.

His voice was filled with passion, strong and cleat, and so pitch perfect that everyone present was stunned into silence, in awe of how the talented singers voice filled the auditorium. Kurt had his eyes closed, singing the song for himself as much as the others. He felt such overwhelming joy as he sang; this song had always spoken to him, the lyrics seeming to have been written for him, they fit him so perfectly. None could deny the passion with which Kurt sang, nor how well he was performing the song. Many of the audience were deeply moved by the sound of his voice, and wished they could hear it more often, for the song that they'd heard both he and Rachel sing before had seemed to take a new meaning as Kurt sang it now.

But the audience was getting anxious, for the big note was coming up, and none of them could bear to hear him miss it a second time. The music seemed to swell along with the boy, as a rapturous expression overcame his face, whilst his voice rang out, hitting the high F so strongly, so perfectly on that note, that Mercedes and Tina leapt to their feet, hugging each other proudly at Kurt's achievement. Artie and Mike exchanged high-fives and the rest of the group was floored by the overwhelming emotion the countertenors' singing had evoked in them. Will and Rachel both had tears on their cheeks as Kurt sang out his very soul.

Distantly, Kurt registered these reactions, but he was flying high on a wave of accomplishment and pride, that it didn't matter that he'd not gotten the solo, because no one could take this moment away from him, no one could judge it. This, this moment, this feeling right now, this was what he'd wanted, the chance to sing this song to the best of his ability to a captive audience. As the final notes rang out through the auditorium, everyone sprang to their feet, and rushed Kurt, congratulating him, clapping him on the back and praising his performance. He smiled gratefully at them, feeling so elated, when Rachel stood in front of him, the tears still sparkling on her cheeks.

"That was beautiful, Kurt. It was incredible you are an extremely talented countertenor. I take back what I said about the judges at sectionals, I think they'd be blown away if we sang this as a duet." Kurt was dumbfounded; was Rachel Berry offering up one of her solos to share with him? Surely not.

"Rachel, I said before, you have the solo, just wanted to sing it right," but here cut him off.

"I agree with Rachel, Kurt, you guys would be amazing singing this together, the judges would be mesmerised. However I do think we should save this one for regionals; it'll be our ace in the hole."

"I…thank you . Rachel I would love to duet with you." Everyone beamed happily at the thought of winning regionals, and after hearing that performance they felt confident that they could win.

As the group chattered happily to one another, checked his watch, and was stunned to see that it was 5:15; definitely time to go home. He clapped hi hands together for attention. "Right guy's time to call it a day. Go home, I'll see you on Monday." Everyone collected their belongings and after making a neat line of their wheelchairs, made their way towards the exit, all still riding the performing high, eager for another day together on Monday, doing what they loved.