Defying gravity was Kurt's favorite song. There was no denying that. After so much bullying and so many obstacles being thrown in his way throughout the years, the lyrics of the song provided a kind of hope that was at once fragile and precious. He loved Wicked for a number of reasons. It was however, largely owed to the fact that he could relate. There was no denying the parallels that existed between his life and Elphaba's.

For so long he had been misunderstood and in some cases even abused for his differences. The Glee Club had embraced him fully, but the rest of the school was much like the Munchkins - all too quick to react with harsh words and harsher actions. Had any of them ever stopped to take a moment to actually get to know him, it might have gone so differently. But so many were all too quick to dismiss him and to do anything they could to keep him away.

He understood the impetus for the actions and reactions now. It wasn't just ignorance - though that was a large part of it. Mostly, it was envy and jealousy. Gay, straight or in between, there was no denying the air of confidence, poise and control that Kurt had always exuded. It might have been a mask longer than it was the truth, but he had fully embraced who and what he was - though that had slipped a time or two - and many more of his high school peers could not claim the same.

High school was all about image and perceptions and he had turned their world on its ear without meaning to. He had never apologized for being gay, for being fashionable, and for being himself no matter how many times he was slushied, slammed into lockers or put down in any way. It had hurt, sometimes it had nearly shattered him, but he smoothed the cracks in the mask and kept right on walking. It was hard, some days almost impossible and if it hadn't been for his friends and later for the strong bond between he, Finn and Noah, then he might not have survived.

Because he was so very much himself, he had inadvertently made himself a target. They wanted to break him, to bring him down to their level of discomfiture and uncertainty and it had pissed them all off to no end that they had never succeeded in totality. They might have pushed him to leave but he was back before the school year was out so in the end it hadn't mattered. If anything it had been more like a strategic retreat to give him the safety to plan for a better attack. When he'd returned from that small retreat, he had come back even stronger and will a few more allies and life from there had changed in so many ways.

He tried to focus on the good that he had managed to do at McKinley even if it wasn't all directly him. Santana being inspired to create the Bully Whips to make the school safer so that Kurt would be able to return was something that had lingered. There was now a chapter of PFLAG at McKinley and they were instituting an anti-bullying policy that while not as encompassing as the one at Dalton, was impressive nonetheless. McKinley hadn't always been safe for Kurt but it would be safer for those that came after. He felt good about having made a lasting impression and a lingering difference.

He settled against Adam as they watched Wicked but when it was finally time for his favorite song, he stopped merely humming along. He rose to his feet and stood with his back straight, getting his support under him because if he was going to do this, he was going to do it right or not at all. Unbeknownst to him when he stood, Mercedes dropped the volume just enough that Kurt's voice would be the voice more easily heard. She, Tina and Adam all watched as Kurt went into performance mode.

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!

It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I am defying gravity

And you wont bring me down!

I'm through accepting limits
''cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!

I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you wont bring me down!

I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you won't bring me down!

Adam was blown away, not only was Kurt's voice beautiful - he knew it was beautiful - there was something about this performance. There was so much emotion, there was such a connection to the music and the lyrics for Kurt and Adam could feel it in the performance. It gave him the connection to the song that he'd never had before and he could now understand a little better why Kurt always said this was his favorite song. And that high F? Magical. Simply Magical.

He'd known that Kurt's range was classified as a counter-tenor, and they had sung together enough that he had felt he had a decent grasp of what that meant. Adam's own range was impressive, but no matter the notes he could belt from his lowest chest voice to his highest falsetto, the fact that Kurt belted that high F in full voice, not falsetto, gave Adam a whole new appreciation for the younger man's talent. Needless to say he was speechless. Mercedes had wisely paused the movie after Defying Gravity's notes ended, because she knew that they would need time to let Kurt's performance sink in and she wanted them to be able to appreciate it without missing the movie.

Kurt came out of performance mode to see Adam looking at him with something akin to wonder and awe and it was a little strange to see Adam looking at him that way. Tina began clapping which seemed to snap Adam out of his reverie. "I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing you perform that, Kurt." Tina says with a smile.

"You never should have blew the High F when you and Rachel had that Diva-Off." Mercedes agrees. "You know she still resents you for doing that - especially after we found you performing it for yourself in the auditorium that time."

Kurt blushed. "At the time, I threw it because my father had been getting some unpleasant calls - where people were calling me that nasty derogatory word and I thought it would only make things worse if I performed that song in public. My father reprimanded me when he found out. He can handle anything - it's more important to him that I remain true to myself. But at the time, I did it because I love my father more than I love the idea of being a star. I have never compromised myself as an artist since." Kurt explains.

Adam took in the information - all of it. "I can understand why you felt the need to throw the performance at the time, Kurt. But I agree with your father, that you should have given the performance your all no matter what. I'm glad that he supports you so completely and that you've since resolved yourself to remaining true to your art - no matter what. That kind of integrity isn't something that can be bought and it's very hard to learn, Kurt. As long as you can hold strong to that, it will serve you very well and it will set you apart from artists who do not have it." Adam says, his tone serious though his eyes are thoughtful.

He knew how hard it was in the industry. He knew what Kurt's hopes and dreams were and if Kurt could hold on to that integrity, it would serve him so very well. Kurt had the potential to go far and do so well but the industry could shatter a person if they didn't have a good solid foundation. Adam liked to think that Kurt had a good, strong foundation - thanks to his father mostly and then his friends and his boyfriends as well. He hoped he too had helped in the formation of that solid foundation for Kurt, but he would never just presume that he had. He tried to encourage Kurt as much as he could, but it was impossible to know exactly how much he had to do with the confident man that Kurt was turning into.

Adam smiled then, that devastating smile that was almost a smirk that lit up his eyes and affected Kurt on so many levels at once it was mind boggling. "On another note, honey... I have to say you never cease to amaze me. Every time I get the chance to hear you sing a song you haven't sung for me before I am always left in awe of your voice. I may have a decent range - between my chest voice and my falsetto, but I really don't think you understand how amazing your own voice is, Kurt. That High F - while I can go falsetto and it hit, you are in full voice when you reach it and I wonder if you know how incredible that is. I don't even want to think what your falsetto range must be like if in full voice the High F is in your wheelhouse. Regardless of that, your voice is so beautiful Kurt and I hope one day you can hear and feel what the rest of us are so privileged to experience when you sing." Adam says with such sincerity even the girls are affected.

"Thank you, all of you." Is all he can manage to say for a few moments. Adam rises from the couch once more to draw Kurt close, hugging him and then leading him back to the couch to sit.

"You put so much emotion into that song, Kurt... I think I finally understand why despite how many great songs are out there, you stand by Defying Gravity being your favorite. When you sing that song, because of the connection you've made to it, we get to share in that connection and it is nothing short of magical and I hope you understand that - I want you to understand the power you have over the audience at least with this song." Adam says softly but with deep conviction, holding Kurt's hands between his own.

Tina smiles, taking in the interaction between Kurt and Adam. "It isn't just Defying Gravity you know. Sure, I'd say that this is Kurt's strongest song... but whenever Kurt's been allowed to choose a song to perform for Glee, those performances all hold a similar kind of power over the audience. As long as Kurt can make a connection to the song he's singing, he somehow manages to share that connection with his audience. I think that's why Rachel's always fought so hard against him - because she always perceived him to be her biggest competition. She's a fabulous singer, she's got a Diva's range... but she never manages to connect with the same level of impact that Kurt does, even when he isn't singing something nearly as impressive as whatever song she's chosen. Rachel's always chosen songs that showcased her voice, Kurt has always chosen songs that showcase him." Tina explains.

"Tina's right. That seems to be the best way to explain what the difference has always been between Rachel and Kurt. Rachel knows her voice and her limits and she always plays to those strengths and does what she can to eliminate her vocal weaknesses. But even her belting out Don't Rain on My Parade, never had the same kind of effect as any of the songs Kurt chose himself to sing. Kurt's never been afraid to really take risks, vocally when he feels the connection to the song is much stronger than a song that plays to his vocal prowess but has no heart. Did he tell you what he used for his NYADA audition?" Mercedes inquires.

Kurt was blushing but no one seemed to notice. "No, we were going to talk about it but then I got pulled away by work and we haven't really had the time to get into any in depth conversations since. It was a conversation I intended to have with him while I was here though." Adam says with a smile.

"Kurt, can I share the story then?" Mercedes asks. Kurt nods his ascent.

"For months, he had been practicing Music of the Night. It's a lovely song and I love Phantom of the Opera as much as the next girl, but it was a song that he chose with Rachel's help. Rachel felt it was a strategic advantage and it would hopefully showcase that Kurt could indeed play straight if needed. Tina helped him practice, playing the part of Christine - though she doesn't have to sing, he does need that connection and interaction... I watched them perform it a few times and I have to say, as much as I love my boo's voice - for me, there was always something missing when Kurt performed it. Don't get me wrong he sounds good singing it... but he sounds good singing almost everything." Mercedes giggles, pausing.

"But what was missing, was the emotional connection that makes Kurt such a brilliant performer. Him singing Music of the Night was Rachel singing Don't Rain on My Parade. It showcased his voice but it didn't showcase him. I overheard him talking about doing Not the Boy Next Door from the Boy from Oz, but Rachel shot him down saying it was too risky and she sweetened the deal by offering to be his Christine. They do make an awesome team when they work together. But after hearing what he wanted to do, I talked to him and we figured even if he didn't use it for NYADA he should still get to do it. So Kurt, Tina, Brittany and I got together and worked a version of it out... And it was such a different performance. Kurt came alive when he performed Not the Boy Next Door. He became so vibrant and it was clear to see how much he believed in the song. We tried to convince him to do it but he said Rachel was right, it was NYADA it wasn't the time to take a risk doing a song he barely practiced." Mercedes explains.

Adam took in the information. "So, what did he do?" Adam inquires.

"He was in costume for Phantom but he had told us to be ready just in case. He was hemming and hawing about it up until the last minute. He stood there on the stage in front of Carmen Tibideaux and right on that stage at the very last minute, he decided not to perform Music of the Night. He shocked us all, under his Phantom costume he had gold lame pants and a black shirt for Not the Boy Next Door. And Carmen Tibideaux applauded his bravery. It was brilliant, Adam you should have seen him." Tina chimed in, taking over the storytelling.

"He really was. He told us later that he was so nervous that he wanted to throw up for the first few moments until Carmen started talking. He thought he was going to faint when she complimented him. I was so proud of my Boo in that minute. Kurt could have played it safe but I honestly think that had he done Music of the Night he wouldn't have gotten into NYADA. Not because it would have been bad, but because it wouldn't have been Kurt. I really do think that it was because Kurt showcased himself instead of just his voice is what put him over the top." Mercedes finishes.

"And to top it off... Rachel, did Don't Rain on My Parade which she has been singing in some capacity since she was like two. So that's like 16 years... a song she should know inside and out, backwards and forwards... But I think because it's always been just a song to her and there's no connection other than the fact that it's Barbara and she wants to be Barbara, it was never going to be the song that she hoped it would for her. In fact, I think the lack of emotional connection to the song is what made her choke when it came time to perform it. Girl can probably sing it in her sleep. But up there, in front of Tibideaux, she forgot the lyrics." Mercedes explains with a sigh.

"You're right you know. That is probably why she couldn't keep hold of the song when the nerves got so high. But emotions can fuck a performance just as bad as nerves can." Adam says with a half sigh half chuckle.

"What do you mean?" Tina inquires.

Adam laughs then. "Do you remember the AMA performance a couple years ago - the one where I did For Your Entertainment?" He inquires, the girls nod and Kurt just kind of chuckles and blushes. "Well that wasn't my best performance was it?"

"Honestly, no... you went flat and sharp a few times and it just seemed over the top but not in a good way like you usually are... It was just... a mess compared to your usual standards..." Kurt answers as neutrally as he can. The girls of course tried to defend Adam but they didn't understand - they would soon though.

"Kurt's completely right. I was a mess for that performance. Less than 48 hours before I went on that stage, I had met Noah for the very first time and I was missing him so fucking much and I was a mess inside because my mind and heart were blown to be truthful. So that's what I mean when I say that emotions can fuck a performance as easily as nerves." He laughs. It had sucked then but he could find the humor in it now.

The girls were shocked, they didn't really know how long this had been going on between the boys, and Kurt had never really elaborated in totality - largely because a good portion of it was Noah's story to tell and not his. "At least Rachel was still able to get into NYU's program. She deserves to be in New York and she and I had been dreaming of New York for so long it would be weird without her there. She won't be with me at NYADA but she'll still be in New York... and honestly, I think that this will work out for her much better in the end. She'll still get to perform but she needed the reality check. She was so focused on singing that she forgot about herself. I'm not trying to be rude, but the only times I've ever believed and felt connected to a performance she gave were the times when she would be singing in reaction to something that happened to her." Kurt muses.

Mercedes and Tina ponder the information and as they think back over all of the performances they had seen Rachel give and they realize that Kurt is right. "Oh my god, I never noticed it before. But you're right Kurt. Rachel has such an amazing voice that it's easy to get wrapped up in her voice and not realize you're not feeling anything when she sings." Tina marveled.

"How did she take having to trade NYADA dreams for NYU?" Adam asks.

"Not well at first. Her fathers were very worried for her and it was worried that she was going to end up sitting shivah, mourning NYADA as if she was mourning the loss of her immediate family. She moped for three days, refusing to leave her room or shower and barely eating, before LeRoy and Hiram finally made her stop. They called me and I got the Glee girls, and we had a little bit of an intervention." Kurt laughs.

"What did you do?" Adam inquires, curious now.

"Oh there are a small handful of things that I know none of my girls can refuse when I offer them..." Kurt says with a Cheshire cat's grin.

"Those would be what?" Adam asks with a laugh.

"Mani-pedis, facials, retail therapy and any of my baked goods. I made her my vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and the girls were with me to force her into showering, donning fresh clothes and accompanying us to the bigger mall in Westerville for retail therapy. I likely could have gotten her to do most of it myself, but the girls and I tend to stick together when we're pressed. I've been an honorary girl since I came out to them. And it was really better that Tina and Britt were the ones that got her into the shower." Kurt chuckles.

"So she has two fathers?" Adam asks, trying to merely confirm the information he's taken in.

"Yes, LeRoy and Hiram have been together for ages. They can be a little over the top at times, but I suppose Jewish fathers must be like that. Hiram was always Jewish, LeRoy converted and Rachel's birth mother wanted Rachel to be raised Jewish." Kurt explains.

"As much infighting as there has been in the New Directions, we're a family of friends, now more than ever. We've always got each other's backs even when we don't see eye to eye. Kurt may not be seen as one of the guys, but he's still a guy just as much as he's an honorary girl." Tina explains.

"Oh I got a glimpse of the guy behind the couture... When he arrived today, he was still in his coveralls from working at the garage." Adam says with a smirk.

"It was just a good thing that I had already had the chance to do the grocery shopping for girl's night in and Tina had agreed to bring the rest of the things that I hadn't any time to get because I had a car to finish up. I hate leaving jobs unfinished. Dad thought I was going shopping and I had originally intended to do so but things got slammed at the shop and I had to stop working on the engine I had taken apart to help do some of the oil changes and minor repairs. Dad pops in when he can but he'd been doing Congress work most of today and there was hardly anything going on when he'd stopped at the shop. After he left it just kind of exploded." Kurt laughs.

"You should have seen the looks on the faces of the Glee guys when they found out that Kurt was actually a licensed mechanic." Mercedes laughs.

"I can imagine it didn't reconcile in their heads that the guy who dresses in Alexander McQueen and avoids getting dirty whenever he can, would willingly get greasy to work on cars and do everything needed to be certified and licensed." Adam chuckles.

"Mike was the only guy that never seemed phased by the information." Kurt muses.

"He figured it made sense that since your father owned Hummel Tire and Lube that you would probably have followed your father into the garage, especially after your mother passed. While we only see the fashionista, he figured that there was probably a lot more about you that none of us knew. Of course I think he could make that correlation because of how much the Glee club never knew about him." Tina giggles.

"Ain't that the truth! He's too quiet." Mercedes laughs.

"Okay, so what's next on tonight's agenda?" Adam inquires. Not that he wasn't having fun gossiping and all, but it was getting later now that they'd watched four movies and well he was curious to just how long they intended this all to go on.


Thank You to nubianamy for letting me play in your world!