A/N: Happy New Year everyone. My beta request is still standing for the story. I figured it would be easier to ask fellow readers than to go in blind with the beta profiles. At this point, I'll be looking for someone to assist with general plot; as I indicated earlier, I am not the avid 'Glee' watcher as I once was. There's a path that I'm wanting the characters to take, but getting them there is as always a process.

Thanks to all who read and review, and put up with sometimes often infrequent updates.

Rachel stood in front of the microphone in the Round Room with closed eyes. She had Finn's latest letter in her pocket for luck. She could feel the swell of her taped track starting. The tape would have to do until she could rehearse with the band and orchestra, who were too busy working on everyone's arrangements for the showcase to stop for practice. Lifting her hands into the air, she could almost feel Finn touching her body in the same way he did during so many other performances.

Rachel let out a staggered breath as the song ended, and was jolted by the sound of clapping from the entrance to the room.

"I thought these rehearsals were private," Rachel chided Brody as he came down toward her, clapping still.

"You know how the rumor mill at NYADA runs," Brody chuckled.

"Were you checking on me?" Rachel asked.

"I was curious. It isn't every year that a freshman gets an invitation to perform at showcase."

"Everyone keeps telling me that," Rachel laughed."I was rehearsing my other song for the performance, the non-holiday fare."

"From what I can tell, you made a very bold choice."

Rachel nodded her head."It came to me over Thanksgiving break, when a friend of mine passed away due to a car accident."

Brody stepped onto the stage, pressing his hand on Rachel's shoulder."I had no idea, why didn't you tell me?"

Rachel pulled away slightly, stepping back."I didn't want to ruin your holiday break."

"I'm your friend Rachel," Brody insisted."I want you to share things with me, good and the bad."

"Your friendship means a great deal to me. You are one of my few friends here at NYADA, and the only thing that's getting me through Cassandra's terrible course."

"I'll be there with you next semester as well. If you think this semester is rough, wait till the advanced course," he chuckled.

"Well that certainly gives me something to look forward to."Rachel turned back to the microphone."I have another thirty minutes of practice time before I have to leave. Care to give it another listen?"

"I'd love to," Brody said, taking a front row seat.

Rachel cued her music and her heart climbed up as the music swelled and she opened her mouth once more.

Rachel lifted her right arm to the audience as she finished her two songs. Opening her eyes, Rachel jumped with glee as Brody applauded her set.

"I am looking at the belle of the invitational," Brody said, spellbound.

"You mean it?" Rachel asked, stepping off the stage."It means so much coming from you, someone so experienced, who's seen so much here at NYADA."

"Who's in good standing with several of the professors," Brody continued."And they are going to love you as much as I do."

"What?" Rachel asked, tripping on the bottom step.

Brody offered his hand to steady Rachel, quickly recovering."I mean your set – they're going to love your set."

"Oh," Rachel breathed."I'm so glad."

"Me too," Brody said quickly."I can't believe your boyfriend is going to miss this."

"He'll hear plenty about it. And the way I see it, I can perfect my performance and give him an even better treat when he's on leave."

"It won't be like the real thing, in the Round Room, with all eyes on you."

Rachel twirled her curls around her index finger."I know that, but…it's the only thing keeping me together right now."

"The only thing?"

"Well there's my dads, my friends from Glee Club, my dreams, and you," she finished.

"Sounds like one great support system."

"Any notes from said support system?" Rachel chuckled.

"Don't practice too hard – spontaneity is an underrated will keep you fresh, on your toes, current."

"It goes against everything I've been trained for."

"Just try it, experience the freedom of a freeing performance."

"College is a time to try new things."

"Then you'll take my advice."

"You'll have to find out on invitational night," Rachel winked, heading for the door."Want some lunch?"

"Only if you let me buy."

"If you insist."Rachel walked arm and arm with Brody, feeling an oddly comforting feeling that she hadn't felt in months – a feeling that she once only felt with Finn. It's nothing, Rachel said as they hailed a cab. He's my friend, a very important friend, but a friend nonetheless. Because my heart is already claimed.