A/N I'm so happy you guys are loving this story. The next book in the Argeneau series came out this week! I haven't had the chance to read it yet, but I know it will be great!
We're heading back to school this chapter! That means a little more cannon, though don't expect everything that happened on the show to happen in this story. Some events will remain the same, others will be mentioned but changed up a little, and other things didn't happen in this AU.
Reviews are always welcome!
…
School Daze
The first couple of weeks back at McKinley were a blur for Kurt. For the most part, Blaine's introduction to New Directions went smoothly, although Finn seemed a bit put out because he thought Blaine would push him out as co leader of the group. There were some ruffled feathers on both parts, but they managed to work things out for now.
While the jocks continued to harass him, and by extension, Blaine, it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been the previous year. Kurt was sad to learn that Karofsky had transferred schools. He had hoped the other boy would have accepted himself enough by now to come out, but Kurt couldn't blame him for not wanting to do so in this environment. He hoped the other boy would find peace and happiness.
As for Kurt, he was happy. His senior year was off to an awesome start. He had his lifemate by his side, the bullying was tolerable, and Mr. Schue was considering giving him a solo for Sectionals! And to top it all off, they were doing West Side Story for the school play this year, and auditions were just around the corner. He couldn't wait to try out, especially with Blaine there to tryout too.
They had talked about what parts they would audition for. They both wanted to play Tony, but Blaine said that if Kurt really wanted the part, he would try out for one of the other parts instead, since it was Kurt's senior year. Kurt had said that they should both audition for it, that all that really mattered was that they did this together, and that he'd be happy with whatever role he got.
Audition day arrived, and they waited in the wings to be called. "Are you nervous?" Blaine asked.
Kurt shrugged. "A little, but not as much as I thought I would be. Are you?"
Blaine laughed. "A little. I know I'm going to nail my song, but the dancing and acting parts still aren't where I'd like them."
"You'll do great, sweetie!" Kurt said, just as his name was called.
"Good luck!" Blaine called out as Kurt made his way on stage.
Kurt smiled at the three people who sat at the table set up in the audience, Coach Beiste, Artie, and Miss Pillsbury.
"Hello, I'm Kurt Hummel, and I will be auditioning for the part of Tony."
Artie smiled back. "Let's see what you've got."
Kurt nodded and took a deep breath. As the music started playing, he started to second guess himself again. The song he'd chosen wasn't something he'd normally perform, but it was well within his wheelhouse, and he wanted to show his versatility. He needed to show them that there was more to his talent than Broadway and High F's.
The intro ended, and he began to sing, his body finding the rhythm as he began flow gracefully across the stage. The choreography was simple but elegant, as if his body was part of the music.
I want to break free
I want to break free
I want to break free from your lies
You're so self satisfied I don't need you
I've got to break free
God knows, God knows I want to break free.
I've fallen in love
I've fallen in love for the first time
And this time I know it's for real
I've fallen in love, yeah
God knows, God knows I've fallen in love.
It's strange but it's true
I can't get over the way you love me like you do
But I have to be sure
When I walk out that door
Oh how I want to be free, baby
Oh how I want to be free,
Oh how I want to break free.
He retrieved his sai swords from the side of the stage, and continued his dance while twirling them, even more graceful now.
But life still goes on
I can't get used to, living without, living without,
Living without you by my side
I don't want to live alone, hey
God knows, got to make it on my own
So baby can't you see
I've got to break free.
I've got to break free
I want to break free, yeah
I want, I want, I want, I want to break free.
The panel was stunned for a moment, then broke out in cheers as Kurt finished.
"Wow, Kurt," Artie began. "That was impressive! Definitely not what I had anticipated. Well done!"
Kurt bowed and left the stage. Blaine pulled him in to a hug. "That was amazing! I didn't know you could do that!"
Kurt smiled and hugged him back. "Yes, well, there are still things you don't know about me. It's a hobby I've dabbled with a little over the years. One of the perks of immortality is you pretty much have time to learn anything you want."
"Blaine Anderson!" Coach Beiste called out.
"Good luck!" Kurt said, kissing his cheek.
Kurt watched his lifemate perform Something's Coming, and knew that there was no doubt that the curly haired boy was the perfect Tony. Was Kurt jealous? Maybe just a little, but he knew someday he'd get the leading role. And besides, watching Blaine own that stage was kind of hot.
"Stop drooling, white boy!" Mercedes teased as she moved up to his side.
"Cedes! Hi! Are you auditioning for Maria?"
"I am, and I'm gonna kill it! Rachel Berry better watch her back, because this is MY senior year too, and I refuse to take a backseat again."
Kurt hugged her. "Go get 'em, girl!"
Blaine came off the stage then, and hugged her as well. "Good luck, Mercedes!"
The dark skinned Diva strutted out on stage when her name was called. The music began, and Kurt grinned. The song selection was perfect.
And I am telling you
I'm not going
You're the best man I'll ever know
There's no way I can ever go
No, no, there's no way
No, no, no, no way I'm living without you
I'm not living without you
I don't wanna be free
I'm staying
I'm staying
And you, and you
You're gonna love me, oh ooh mm mm
You're gonna love me
And I am telling you
I'm not going
Even though the rough times are showing
There's just no way, there's no way
We're part of the same place
We're part of the same time
We both share the same blood
We both have the same mind
And time and time, we've had so much to see and
No, no, no, no, no, no way
I'm not waking up tomorrow morning and finding that there's nobody there
Darling there's no way
No, no, no, no way I'm living without you
I'm not living without you
You see there's just no way, there's no way
Please don't go away from me
Stay with me stay with me
Stay, stay and hold me
Stay, stay and hold me
Please stay and hold me, Mr. Man,
Try it mister, try it mister
I know, I know, I know you can
Tear down the mountains
Yell, scream and shout like you can say what you want
I'm not walking out
Stop all the rivers, push, strike and kill
I'm not gonna leave you
There's no way I will
And I am telling you
I'm not going
You're the best man I'll ever know
There's no way I could ever, ever go
No, no, no, no way
No, no, no, no way I'm living without you
Oh, I'm not living without you,
Not living without you
I don't wanna be free
I'm staying, I'm staying
And you, and you, and you
You're gonna love me
You're gonna love me, yes you are
Ooh ooh love me, ooh ooh ooh love me
Love me, love me, love me, love me
You're gonna love me
Kurt and Blaine cheered, and the three panelist gave her a standing ovation.
…
"What do you mean, double casting?" Mercedes shouted a few days later. Kurt watched his best friend, and could see the hurt she was trying to hide with her angry outburst. He and Blaine weren't too upset to be double cast, but Kurt had to admit that double casting Mercedes and Rachel for Maria was wrong. Mercedes had definitely given the better performance during the auditions.
"Why is everyone always bowing down to Berry? Look me in the eye and tell me she was better than me!" Mercedes demanded. None of the three panelist could look at her. "I see. You know what? Screw it. Give her the part, I don't want it. I'm so sick and tired of being in someone else's shadow. Just remember one thing, Miss Rachel Berry, the real world doesn't revolve around you, and I can't wait to see life smack you in the face with that fact one day. You think you will be handed roles on a silver platter when you get out of this one trick pony town? Girls like you are a dime a dozen. You'll be lucky to get a flash in the chorus. I'm out of here!"
Kurt rushed after her. "Mercedes, wait!"
"No, Kurt, I'm tired of waiting. You and I both know I was way better than her!"
"I know, honey. I just want to make sure you're okay. Do you wanna have a pity party at my house tonight? We can invite Amani, and Jeff and Nick. I know you aren't too happy with Artie right now, but we could invite Stephanie too, if you want."
Mercedes took a deep breath. "Thanks, Boo, but I don't think that will help. It's so not fair, though. It's my senior year too. When do I get to shine?"
Kurt studied her intently, and let out a sigh. "I really hate myself for suggesting this, but I want you to be happy. So, why don't you consider joining Ms. Corcoran's new group? You could shine pretty bright there. Maybe show Rachel just how good you really are?"
"But what about New Directions?"
"Well, we'll still have to kick your butt. But that just means we'll have to work a little harder. Seriously though, 'Cedes, you gotta do what's best for you."
Mercedes smiled and hugged him. "Thanks, Kurt."
