CHAPTER ONE

It has been 10 years since McKinley high school ended, Kurt brilliantly succeeded at NYADA, he did a few shows at Broadway while working with Isabelle, he enjoyed this work and his co-operation with Isabelle Wright gave him a lot of chances in the fashion's world. He was a designer of a big magazine of New York, he worked with very important fashion photographers and his name was known by pretty much everyone around the country. He had a pretty nice life too. He lived in a loft with a Central Park view with Nathan, a collaborator who he had met 3 years ago while working for Isabelle.

On the other hand Blaine tried to enter the NYADA after high school in order to try to have Kurt back but after failing his audition he lost every hope and when he found out Kurt was still dating Adam after 6 months, he didn't even try anymore and the boys took their own different paths. Blaine flew to Los Angeles with Sam, without any specific idea. They found job at bars where they initially sang but then Sam found a job as a barman at a night club and Blaine became a model.

He started promoting shampoo labels and after a few years he became the icon of a male perfume's important label. He shared his house with Sam but they hardly ever met each other because Blaine was always around busy with his photography sessions and Sam used to work at night and sleep during the day. But that was cool, their lifestyle was convenient for them, without any relation, their lifestyles wouldn't allow that…

Santana and Brittany found each other again after 3 years, they didn't really forget each other, they also found home at New York. Santana had been working really hard during the past years doing several jobs just to afford the demo of her new album which had been truly successful when it came out, her music had a lot of success, it was played on American and European radios.

Meantime Brittany became a sort of her manager and she took care of the album's promotion. Santana was working on a new album, they didn't have time to get bored but they managed to find time to meet Kurt. They found each other by coincidence when one of Kurt's photographer worked at Santana's photography's session for her first album. Since that, they kept in touch and they usually organize double dates even if Santana and Brittany couldn't stand Nathan. They thought he was ordinary, way too ordinary for Kurt! Nathan, who shared the girls' thoughts, came from a big middle-class family, he was really polite and he talked in a strange way and using difficult words that Brittany didn't understand. This is the main cause of misunderstandings between the girls and Nathan.

DAY 1 (Monday, December 2nd)

On Monday morning, Kurt woke up very early trying not to wake up Nathan because he turned into a bad mood if he didn't sleep at least 8 hours. Kurt quickly took a shower and he wore one of his beautiful Italian black suits, a shirt which had the same color of the sky and a pair of black shoes and then he quickly looked at himself in the mirror before leaving.

He needed to make a good impression because today he was running his first meeting in order to find new models. He created a new spring/summer collection of clothes for men, he rented a place for the photography session and he also reserved his favorite photographer (the same who did Santana's album's cover), he knew exactly what he wanted to do, he only needed the model. And this morning he was about to find it! He hoped that there was the guy he needed.

When he arrived at the office he received a text from Nathan.

For Kurt

We didn't see each other yet this morning, you leave at dawn.. have a great day, what about having dinner together tonight? I love you.

Kurt immediately replied before his meeting started.

For Nathan

It's okay for the restaurant, but I don't know at what time I'll finish this afternoon, I'll text you. Bye.

Blaine knew his manager wanted to send him to New York for casting for an important fashion didn't know anything else, he took the flight and he didn't know when he would be back. He told Sam there weren't a lot of chances for him to be chosen and he would probably be back before weekend, because he was known in LA but going from this to being chosen, among other models, for a clothes brand which will be on a big New York magazine, he didn't put his hopes too high.

He quickly left his baggage at the hotel, took a shower, shaved his chest and his face. He didn't have time to do a lot with his hair , his curls were pretty much appreciated at Los Angeles and he didn't want to cut them just to have more chances to pass a casting there where it was hardly possible they would've chosen him.

He got into a taxi and gave the address to the driver but on Monday morning, at that hour, and the place he had to go… they were stuck in the traffic, and he was pretty sure he was late, he just hoped he could at least slip away because his manager would have been angry for paying a flight ticket for nothing. The meeting was at 9 o' clock and it was 8.58. And the driver said there were more than 15 minutes to go..

In the meantime 9 models already arrived, Kurt welcomed the first one who didn't match with the picture he wanted to give to his collection, he was too tall and too slim. The second one was too hefty, he would've a lot of alteration to do to every shirt, this one wasn't the one. The third one had tattoos on his chest, this one didn't match at all with the picture of chic summer clothes he wanted do give, plus he thought about taking some photos with the shirt opened and also with trunks, so tattoos were banished. The forth one wasn't so bad. He had white teeth, he looked tanned, yeah, not bad, he was just waiting to see the others but this was probably the right guy. The other 5 looked good but not enough for a big magazine anyway..

Kurt said:

Next! [..] Next! [..] No one? No? Okay guys, we're done for today, you can go, I'm staying here just to think about this and we'll meet at the meeting tomorrow morning at 9 o' clock to make a decision, see you tomorrow.

He started studying the curriculum of the forth guy paying more attention, while he was putting away everything, a big noise made him jump. His heart was beating fast, the door of the room had been opened forcefully and a big blow slammed on the desk which was right next to the door. The noise was sounded like a gunshot. It was breathtaking.

Blaine burst in the room screaming:

Wait,wait, I'm here, my taxi has been stuck in traffic , I'm so sorry, I really am..

He watched everywhere. The room was empty, there was just a man seated in front of him, he was watching him terrified and scared. Kurt was still shocked, he opened his mouth but nothing came out. Blaine just stared at him, he was petrified, they looked at each other and after a few minutes Blaine finally managed to say, stammering:

Kkkkkurt?

…

Kurt, is it you?

Kurt looked at him always staring and his heart skipped a beat, his mind went back to 10 years back and he had a kind of flashback playing in his head.

Blaine, is it you?

Yeah, I'm so sorry, what are you doing here? Are you the designer?

Yeeeeeah, yes it's me, but you? You're a model now?

It's a long story, but yes, I'm a model. I can't believe I missed this appointment with you.

Mmm.. I was going to have lunch, how long is it? Ten years, yeah about 10 years since we last saw each other! Do you want to come and have dinner with me?

Yeas, why not? You could tell me how you arrived here!

Blaine was still standing in front of Kurt, he looked him while he was putting away his things and putting on his coat, Kurt was as handsome as in his memories, probably even more, he looked happy.

Kurt, who was aware about Blaine staring at him, blushed and told him:

I'm ready, we can go he said looking back

So let's go, please, after you.. Blaine said stepping aside to let Kurt walk out the room.

CHAPTER TWO

They went out in the street and walked quietly for 15 minutes, they arrived at the restaurant and the situation was tense.

A table for two, please.

Oh! You're with someone today Mr Hummel, your usual table?

Of course Angelo, and prepare a good bottle of champagne for us because I've just run into an old friend.

Sure, take your seats, I'm gonna prepare it immediately.

You don't have to, the champagne I mean, it's not necessary. Blaine said.

Yes, but I want to. Kurt replied with a smile.

They took a seat and focused on the menu instead of looking at each other, the situation was pretty weird. They have found each other after all these years, they didn't know where to start.

So, do you always have lunch here? Blaine said.

Yes, every day for 3 years, since..

What happened?

Blaine, it's been 10 years, so many things happened during these years. Basically after succeeding at NYADA, Adam and I broke up..

Oh so you're single now? Blaine couldn't hide a smile.

No, I'm not. Working for Isabelle I met a man, one of her collaborators, and we've been together for three years, we had lunch here, at this restaurant, on our first date..

Blaine couldn't hide his disappointment , now that he found Kurt again he had the impression that his feelings didn't really disappear, they were just hidden…

But anyway, I was saying.. after NYADA I played in some shows at Broadway but my passion for fashion got the better of me and I started creating clothes and working for this big magazine , they immediately appreciated my work and they emphasized my creation. I'm still meeting with Isabelle, every now and then we get to work together. I also met a bunch of great photographers, they're brilliant, I'd love to introduce them to you, who knows, I could help you find an important contract!

Oh slow down, slow down.. whooa! You really seem like someone important, I'm so proud of you, I mean proud of everything you accomplished . I'm happy you made your dreams come true, really, but I'm not going to stay, you know, I have to go back to Los Angeles, my life isn't here.

Why leaving so early? You've just arrived!

I don't have a job here,so..

You have one now

( Kurt didn't even take the time to think, he had already made his decision. He didn't know exactly why but he didn't want Blaine to leave, not so early at least. )

What?

Yes, if you agree, I choose you to launch my new collection, if you don't have any problem of me being your boss. It sound a little odd but…

But I didn't even pass the casting! Are you really sure? I'd love to wear your creations, it would be an honor.

So it's official, you've got the job, I'm going to announce it at administration's council tomorrow morning at 9 a.m., you'd better be there, and don't be late he said with a wink.

Oh, yeah sure, I'm sorry, I'm not used to NY lifestyle, the taxis and the traffic… it's like the whole world is urged into this city, but I'm going to be in time, I promise, I'm going to leave my hotel earlier.

What's your hotel?

the Districkt Hotel

Ok, first of all, you're going to change the hotel. You're going to stay at the Salisbury Hotel, so you'll have less problems to arrive in time at work because it's a 10 minutes - walk away to the bureau.

I can't accept it, it's too much

It's in my interest too. I wouldn't want you to arrive 30 minutes late everyday. It'll not be fruitful and I'll waste time.

Talking about time, how long will this last?

Well, about a month I think. The time to let you know everyone, do a few retouches on the clothes so they'll fit perfectly, then there will be the photo-session , which is going to take about a week for the whole collection, then the choice of the photos for the magazine and we'll have to take part at some event to promote the collection. What do you say?

Yeah, sounds good, I'm going to tell Sam, no problem.

Sam? You hang with Sam? You are… but I though Sam was…

Oh, no no no, Sam is not gay, he is still straight, he didn't change, we're just co-tenant. We work at different hours so it's not a problem and in this way we can afford to live in Hollywood, prices are too expensive otherwise...

Angelo arrived with a bottle of champagne. They toasted to Blaine's new job they ordered something to eat. Kurt chose a vegetarian pizza and Blaine chose pasta with carbonara sauce. They kept on talking after eating their delicious food.

Tell me everything, your journey I mean

You know, there's nothing so important to mention, I tried to enter the NYADA for… well… for… it's not important anymore, but I failed my audition. Sam and I became great friends and we decided to leave to Los Angeles, you know, the sun, Hollywood life, the hot weather. We started singing at bars then Sam got a job as a barman in a night club and I started posing for some advertisement photos, but nothing important at the beginning, then they chose me to pose for a big label of watches and now I'm the icon of an important perfume, then I don't know, I never know what tomorrow will bring me.

You tried to enter the NYADA? I've never known that! Why didn't you tell me before?

it would have not changed anything, would it?

I suppose it wouldn't Kurt was a little lost in his thoughts.

Angelo came to ask if they wanted a dessert, but their meals were enough so they decided to just have a coffee. Kurt's phone buzzed. He took it from the pocket and look at it, smiling.

To Kurt

Are you in for the restaurant?

Kurt quickly replied

To Nathan

Sure, my meeting has already finished and I found the person I needed. We'll talk tonight, come find me at the bureau at 7pm

What's his name?

Who?

The one who makes you smile…

Oh Nathan, his name's Nathan

You seem happy, I'm happy for you, you really deserve it.

Yes, I am. We're fine together, he's a little special sometimes, we have some arguments every now and them, but he's kind.

Kurt got up and went to pay the check, he had insisted for that. They went out and Blaine opened the door for Kurt once again. This time there was a smile on his face too.

I need you phone number so I can contact you, can I take a photo of you?

Sure.

Kurt stretched his arm and took a photo of Blaine. A smile was starting to spread on his lips while taking the photo, then he gave Blaine the phone so he could write his number.

Can I have yours? Blaine said I could need it…

huh, yeah I suppose it's a good idea, just in case

Blaine took his phone and took a photo of Kurt, Kurt took Blaine's phone from his hands and wrote his number.

I'm going back to the office now, I've got work to do, do you think you can go to your hotel on your own?

Yes, don't worry, I'm taking a taxi, I've got plenty of time, I don't have plans pro this afternoon, I'm going to pack my stuff and go… in which hotel do I have to go, again?

Salisbury. Give me your hand, I'll write the address and the name of the hotel so you won't forget.

Kurt took a pencil from his suitcase and stretched his hand waiting for Blaine's hand. Blaine gave Kurt his hand and when his hand touched Kurt's he could feel prickles all over his body. It had been so long since he'd felt this way. What he didn't know was that Kurt had felt the same way, even if he hadn't let it show.

Well, see you tomorrow, I guess

Yes, see you tomorrow, thanks again for the job and the hotel

He came closer the him so he could kiss his cheeks but stopped when he felt Kurt tensing.

I'm sorry, oh God, sorry Kurt, I forgot that now we work together, I should've not done that…

No, no, it's me, I am sorry, even if you work for me it's not like we are strangers, we're still friends, aren't we?

We are. said with a few regrets

So I suppose friends have the right to kiss on the cheek to say hello or goodbye

Kurt leaned closer to kiss Blaine's cheeks, he felt weird, he shook his head and walked on the opposite direction without looking back. Blaine watched him leave, he was going to spend a month seeing Kurt everyday and he really didn't know how to manage that.