Title: You Can't Stop The Beat
Summary:It's Hairspray! With a Klaine twist. AU Set in the 1960's, Kurt is fashionable young diva determined to dance on the Holly Holiday Show. What happens when his dream comes true and he's dancing alongside Quinn, Rachel and more importantly the lead soloist Blaine? Who just happens to be dating Quinn… will sparks fly? Basically a Klaine AU of Hairspray
Rating: T ( I guess)?
Pairings: Klaine with side pairings of Brittana, Finchel and Samcedes.
A/N: …. I know right. I was actually trying to do physics when I had a craving. I blame those GQ photo shoots. I was watching Hairspray, the 2007 movie and just couldn't get the image of Blaine as Link and Kurt as Tracy out my head. So this was born. I did have to alter some parts of it so for those madly in love with Hairspray…sorry. I did try to do some research but I'm Australian, hence I have limited knowledge of America now let alone 50 years ago. If you have any corrections please drop a review! Drop a review anyway :P Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Glee or Hairspray.
Kurt Hummel never slept in. Never. As in they were never going to be able to afford a colour T.V, he was never going to be able to instantly talk to his cousin in England and he was never, in the world of ever going to be comfortable in the polyester shirts his step brother wore. Despite these facts Kurt Hummel still possessed an alarm clock that created an obnoxious ringing 7 o'clock every morning.
Oh, oh, oh
Woke up today
Feeling the way i always do
Oh, oh, oh
Aching for something
That I can't wear
While I style my hair
While Kurt was only seventeen he was in no means naïve, and was painfully aware what the reaction would be were he to actually leave the house in outfits he actually wanted to wear. Not that his high voice, small body and interest in fashion didn't immediately make people suspicious of his sexuality. Yep, Kurt Hummel liked boys which in 1966 was probably the only thing worse than being a negro. It wasn't like he woke up one day and decided to make his life hell by deciding to like boys.
In fact he was sure the only reason he was slightly left alone at school was due to the fact that his step brother Finn was mildly popular and friends with the resident celebrities from The Holly Holiday Show. With a heavy heart Kurt finished his morning facial routine, grimacing at the harsh texture of the soap against his skin; money was tight at the moment and they all had to make sacrifices. Less fabric for Carole's sewing, second hand clothes for Finn, extra hours for Burt at his garage and, as much as Kurt despised it, less beauty products for him.
A sharp bird song filtered in the window and Kurt turned with a smile, washing his face one last time before donning his outfit. If by outfit you meant the washed out, cookie-cut clothes that every other male teenager in the city of Baltimore wore. Taking one last glance in the mirror he grabbed his bag and headed out the door, adding his own melody to the bird song.
The rhythm of town
Starts calling me down
It's like a message from
High above
Oh, oh, oh
Pulling me out
To the smiles and the
Streets that I love
Good morning Baltimore
Every day's like an open door
Every night is a fantasy
Every sound's like a symphony
Good morning Baltimore
And some day when I take to the floor
The world's gonna wake up and see
Baltimore and me
Kurt swung around the metal railing, holding the last night with slight pride – there weren't a lot of vocally talented boys his age, except for those already on T.V. And even less that would be interested in him, if any at all. Kurt felt his smile dim slightly before shaking his head and continuing towards the bus stop.
Oh, oh, oh
Look at my hair
What "do" can compare with mine today?
Oh, oh, oh,
I've got my hairspray and radio
I'm ready to go
He had finally accepted the fact that due to his...situation there was an extremely good chance he would remain alone and that any grandchildren would have to come from Carole's side of the family. At first, having Carole and Finn part of the family had been terrifying, Kurt had only just told him father about him being homesexual, well to be fair Burt had confronted him on it. Kurt wasn't sure what he was expecting. Shouting, screaming, things being thrown; definitely not a large, slightly back breaking hug and teary 'I love you no matter what kid'. Yeah that had definitely not been high on his list of possible scenarios.
The rats on the street
All dance round my feet
They seem to say
"Kurt, it's up to you"
So, oh, oh
Don't hold me back
'Cause today all my dreams will come true
Good morning Baltimore
There's the flasher who lives next door
There's the bum on his bar room stool
They wish me luck on my way to school
While his mouth was singing one thing, Kurt found himself reminiscing how his father had first met Carole. Granted it had mostly been his meddling interference.
Good morning Baltimore
And some day when I take to the floor
The world's gonna wake up and see
Baltimore and me
Kurt head himself audibly groan at the memory, an ill attempt at trying to get closer to Finn. He'd much rather forget the entire situation. His family still didn't know and Kurt meant to keep it that way for, well…. Forever. But after he'd seen how happy his father was and how, surprisingly awesome it was to have Finn as a brother Kurt had completely discarded any romantic notions he felt for Finn. Besides there was another person recently.
HONK!
A blaring car horn made him jump, noticing for the first time that he had wandered out into the middle of the busy main street. Darting across to the other side, a large smile erupted onto his face and Kurt grabbed the nearest pole, using it to launch himself forwards.
I know every step
I know every song
I know there's a place where I belong
I see all those party lights shining ahead
So someone invite me
Before I drop dead!
So, Oh, Oh
Give me a chance
'Cause when I start to dance I'm a movie star
Oh, oh, oh
Something inside of me makes me move
When I hear the groove
My head tells me no
But my feet tell me go!
It's like a drummer inside my heart
The tell-tale sound of the school bus lurching away from the side walk behind him made Kurt spin around madly, sighing as he saw his ride to school disappear into the distance.
Oh, oh, oh
Don't make me wait
One more moment for my life to start...
Wait, was that… Kurt grinned madly, flagging down the faded and slightly rusty blue car. Swerving in a fashion that caused the brunette to cringe it pulled up next to the side walk and Finn's large smile greeted him.
"Need a lift dude?"
Deciding not to answer him, Kurt thanked the fact that Finn always slept in and hence had to drive himself to school before settling down into the worn seats.
"Don't call me dude. And I got distracted."
"You were singing again weren't you?"
A exasperate smile flitted onto his face and, ignoring his brother's question again pointed towards their school. "Drive," he commanded, his smile however not leaving his face. Out of the corner of his eye Kurt saw Finn poke his tongue out in a childish gesture and he couldn't stop the laughter bubbling out of his throat. If anyone had told him a year ago that he would actually be friends and brothers with Finn he would have called the crazy police. Especially if they had said that Finn would be one of the few people who knew his secret. Leaning his head against the window he began to sing softly under his breath, feeling delighted when Finn joined in.
I love you Baltimore
Every day's like an open door
Every night is a fantasy
Every sound's like a symphony
And I promise Baltimore
That some day when
I take to the floor
The world's gonna wake up and see
Gonna wake up and see
Baltimore and me...
Chemistry was plotting against him. Kurt was sure of it. He could have sworn the clock had been charmed to remain at 3pm and not move until everyone in the room was old and grey. It was times like these Kurt questioned his sanity in agreeing to take the subject.
"-obviously the two ant companies had an argument causing them to separate. It was over who got my last bread crumb. I tried to split it up."
Kurt turned his head to the left and allowed a small victory at the confusion on their chemistry teacher's face. "Separate into components Brittany. Com-pon-ents, not company ants."
The vacant look remained on the blonde's face.
"They're the same thing, didn't you know that?"
Kurt contained his snort as the teacher walked away in defeat. Yes his best friend was a bit...unique but Kurt loved her all the same. They had first clicked in Home Ec., which Kurt had to petition just to be able to join. The specific memory escaped him but Kurt was 99% sure that it involved an egg and a baby chicken's house. .. maybe. Brittany might not understand nor share his love for fashion, but she was a hell of a dancer, an amazing friend and so innocent in her acceptance of his sexuality that he felt his eyes misting at the memory.
"Did you meet another dolphin today Kurt? Is that why you're so happy?"
Kurt blinked at the question, mind whirring in attempt to translate Brittany's speech. Yes he had met someone but not a sea creature… at least not that he was aware of.
"What do you mean boo?
Brittany gave a tinkling laugh. "Another dolphin silly, like you? Dolphins are just like sharks who like other sharks."
Yep. Kurt had a major freak-out during that moment, until he realised that it didn't faze the blonde in the slightest. But then again this was Brittany. And now that he thought back to it, Brittany was actually a genius. 'Dolphin' quickly became their code word for discussing anything remotely related to his sexuality and for the life of him he still wasn't sure how Brittany had figured it out. 'One of life's great mysteries' Kurt mused to himself, glancing at the clock and resisting the urge to jump up and down at the time. Nearly time. Nearly there.
Mrs Pierce was extremely strict and had been adamant on Brittany graduating high school. Which why she put her in one of the 'academic' subjects. Why she put her in Chemistry, probably made more sense in her mind then Kurt's. And he couldn't leave Brittany in a classroom with flammables at the every turn, that and most days it wasn't half bad – except when they had it last in the afternoon.
The bell sounded and Kurt grabbed Brittany's hand, running out of the classroom and down the hallway towards the exit.
"Come on Brittany we're late!"
Knowing Finn was staying behind for football practice Kurt leaped onto the yellow school bus just before the doors closed and it surged off towards the city centre. Kurt let his body drop to the seat, buzzing with unused adrenaline and impatiently waiting for their stop.
"How are your hands so soft?"
Kurt smiled warmly at Brittany who had taken the seat next to him and was intently focused on their intertwined hands. He opened his mouth to respond.
"Yeah Hummel. How is it that even your hands are just as ladylike as your face?"
A round of sniggering followed and Kurt flinched involuntarily. Yes, having Finn as a brother had limited the bullying but unfortunately Finn wasn't with his throughout his entire school day.
"I like his face, it's soft and pretty. Its why his my favourite dolphin" Brittany said absently, tightening her grip on Kurt's hand and smiling innocently at the jocks. Yep, Kurt thought as he took in the boys' confused looks and stunned silence, Brittany surely was a genius.
"Quick, Quick we're missing it!"
The two teenagers flew into the room and Kurt all but dived for the small T.V screen, pushing the buttons with a dangerous amount of force. Relief flooded through him as the opening credits appeared on the screen.
Hey there, Teenage Baltimore!
Don't change that channel!
'Cause it's time for the Holly Holiday
Show! Brought to you by
Ultra Clutch Hairspray!
The peppy blonde host filled the screen and Kurt and Brittany grabbed each other, dancing wildly to the music.
Ev'ry afternoon
When the clock strikes four
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)
A crazy bunch of kids
Crash through that door yeah
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)
Well they throw off their coats
And leave the squares behind
And then they shake it, shake it, shake it
Like they're losing their mind
You'll never see them frown
'Cause they're the nicest kids in town
It was most definitely a guilty pleasure that Kurt indulged in. Really he had Brittany to blame, who had put it on in the background one afternoon whilst they were studying, needless to say Kurt was pretty sure they both flunked that English quiz.
So every afternoon
You turn your T.V. on
(na, na, na, na, na, na-na-na-na)
And we know you turn the sound up
When your parents are gone, yeah
(na, na, na, na, na, na-na-na-na)
One of the lead dancers was abruptly dropped to the floor and Kurt attempted to contain his laughter at the sour look on her face. Ah Quinn Fabray. Someone obviously skipped the brief for The Holly Holiday show because there was no way she was 'one of the nicest kids in town'. Her partner however…
And then you twist and shout
For your favourite star
And when you've practiced every step
That's in your repertoire
You better come on down
And meet the nicest kids in town
Nice white kids
Who like to lead the way
And once a month
We have our "Negro Day!"
And I'm the girl who keeps it spinnin' round
Ms Holly Holiday
With the latest, greatest Baltimore sound!
At the beginning Kurt had been amazed at all the dancers and attempted to follow each and every one of them , switching between them during the performance. That was before he saw those stunning hazel eyes and then the rest of the madly twirling teenagers didn't stand a chance.
So every afternoon
Drop everything woo!
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)
Who needs to read and write
When you can dance and sing?
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)
Forget about your algebra
And calculus
You can always do your homework
On the morning bus
Can't tell a verb from a noun
They're the nicest kids in town
Carole poked her head out from the laundry and catching Kurt's eye motioned to the small coffee table to stood between the T.V and the lounge. Kurt followed the motion, eyes widening in recognition before skilfully ducking Brittany's dancing to move it to the side. There was no use in repeating last month's adventure.
R-R-R-R-Roll Call!
I'm Quinn!
Puck!
Tammy!
Artie!
Brenda!
Sketch!
Shelley!
Jeff!
Lou Ann!
Joey!
Rachel, Vicki, Jesse, Darla, Sam, Nick!
Noreen!
Doreen!
Come on, come on. Hurry up. Kurt watched as numerous faces passed by the camera, all decked out in the latest fashion with perfect hair that rivalled his own, anxiously awaiting for the dark haired teenager to be revealed.
And I'm...BLAINE!
Later on Kurt would definitely deny that it was nota girlish scream that emerged from his lungs at this introduction, no matter how much Carole insisted. But really, who could keep quiet when Blaine performed one of his dorky-yet-sexy poses?
So, if every night you're shaking
As you lie in bed
(pony-pony, ooh, pony-pony)
Shake it baby!
And the bass and drums
Are pounding in your head
(pony-pony, ooh, pony-pony)
Who cares about sleep
When you can snooze in
School?
You'll never get to college
But you'll sure look cool
Don't need a cap and a gown
When you're the nicest
Kids in town
Glancing around the room, from the animated T.V to his dancing best friend, over to the laundry where he could just barely glimpse Carole folding sheets with a smile on her face Kurt felt a wave of contentment wash over him. It was extremely stifling at school, to act normal when all he wanted to do was flail every time a new song was released, or a new fashion line was announced.
Nicest kids in...
Kids in town!
Woo!
Their combined applause was cut short when the front door opened and voices were heard.
"Of course Mrs Pierce. Your car is all fixed up. I took out the rattling noise and filled up your tank on the way. Hang on the keys are in here," Burt rounded the corner with a thin woman that possessed extremely sharp features. Kurt was never happier that he had managed to push Brittany, albeit gently behind the couch. Mrs Pierce was… strict. To say the least. She terrified Kurt and was extremely religious so honestly Kurt felt like he had good reason.
"Hey Kurt. How was school?" Burt asked as he fiddled with the numerous car keys littering the kitchen bench. It was the only drawback of the garage being located just two buildings over; the space in their house seemed to get cluttered extremely quickly with random bits and bobs.
"Good. Good. Nothing that interesting happened today."
"I see you're letting him watch that race music again Burt. Honestly. My Brittany would never be caught watching that rubbish."
Oh yeah. Her voice was just as annoying as Kurt remembered.
"I love watching rubbish. Sometimes we even have tea parties together."
Kurt froze and felt all eyes in the room snap quickly to Brittany who, bless her heart had emerged from her impromptu hiding place to make her statement. Looking back on it the way Mrs Pierce's eyes widened was extremely comical.
"Brittany! You are banned from this house!" In quick successive strides she had crossed the room and grabbed her daughter by the wrist, dragging her towards the door.
"But I like Kurt's house! It reminds me of the ocean. He is a dolphin after all."
Mrs Pierce ignored her daughter's comment, which made sense to Kurt considering all the random thoughts she would have heard from her daughter's mouth during her life and grabbed the keys from Burt's outstretched hand before stalking out in a rather undramatic fashion.
Honestly, she really needed lessons on how to make an exit.
"Give em' a hand folks, wasn't that amazing? Once again that was the Stricken Chicken and we'll be right back with some more of that hot Detroit sound."
A loud buzzer rang out and Holly allowed her posture to slump slightly.
"Amazing guys! Keep up the good work."
Smiles met her comment and Holly walked off the raised platform to the main stage and over towards the wings.
"Absolutely disgraceful! You call that good work?"
Holly sighed and turned to face the woman stalking towards her.
"Holly! Detroit sound? What's that, the sound of people being mugged?"
"Aw Sue, the kids dig the rhythm and blues. Chill out for a second."
Sue Sylvester followed the blonde host over to the side of the stage where her makeup was being reapplied.
"Exactly! They are still in their weening phases and we need to steer them in the white direction."
"Right direction?" Holly quipped.
Sue narrowed her eyes. "That's what I said, you obviously need to get your hearing checked. And don't forget you're just a pretty face and can be easily replaced." A wry smile crossed the station manger's lips. "And you people say song writing is hard. There's your chorus for you." She added before strutting over to the camera man and judging from the reactions, Holly felt almost sorry for the guy.
"What a bitch."
Smoothing his wild curl back once more, Blaine sighed while he watched Quinn tear into Rachel, yet again. Honestly he thought it was becoming a bit old, even Rachel seemed to only half-heartedly rebut her insults, the majority of her attention directed to the muscled teenager beside her, who in turn was checking out Brenda across the stage. No one could say being on this show was boring at least.
Dipping his hands into his pockets, Blaine felt his fingers grasp the cool metal that lingered at the moment. He was most definitely not looking forward to this. Which actually frightened him more, he was supposed to be excited for this. Quinn was a nice girl, his girl. She was gorgeous, a good housewife and smart which was why it wasn't much of a surprise when his dad had taken him aside the previous night, shoved the ring into his hands and told him that it was 'time'. He was supposed to propose.
Frustration crept into his mind and he hurriedly ran his fingers through his styled hair. Damn that hairspray was tough. Resisting the urge to pull each and every curl from his head Blaine pulled the ring out of his pocket and walked over to where his girlfriend- no fiancé was still biting at Rachel.
"-got that you little whor-"
"Quinn!" Blaine quickly interrupted her train of speech because Rachel was actually pretty amazing and over the past few years had become like a little sister to him.
"Hey Blaine! Great job!" Quinn gave Rachel one last sneer before turning and literally dragging Blaine a few feet away from the crowd.
Swallowing Blaine held the ring up, starting slightly at the frenzied look that appeared in Quinn's eyes. "It's time."
And whoa that squeal was high pitched. Before he could react Quinn's arms were around him and they were kissing. Yes, kissing. Kissing Quinn is good. It's what Blaine liked.
Definitely.
Suddenly he felt himself being pulled back forcefully and facing the scowling face of Sue Sylvester.
"Quinn, save your personal life for the cameras! In the meantime go and make yourself at least half decent to look at."
"Yes Coach."
Blaine felt himself stumble slightly when Sue stalked away to interrogate another cast member. See that was one thing he never got, why she insisted they call her coach. Her only job at the studio was manager, not that she did that much. Blaine honestly thought that the only reason she came to work was to yell at people.
Shaking his head at the madness that was his job, Blaine habitually shoved his hands back into his pockets, freezing when his fingers gripped air. He had just proposed. He was getting married. Suddenly he felt sick to his stomach and Blaine felt himself fall backwards onto the stairs just below the podium, hands coming up to cover his face. Dragging them down his face, Blaine looked across the studio at the rest of his friends, some of which had become like family to him over the last few years.
Panic began to stir in the bottom of his stomach. Him; Blaine Anderson, extremely popular, extremely rich and famous teenager was getting married to his equally popular and hot girlfriend. This was every boy's dream, it was what he wanted. But for the life of him Blaine couldn't understand that if he had everything he wanted, why did he feel so empty and hollow inside?
Love it? Hate it? Please review with any suggestions/corrections or if you just want to chat. :P I know a few characters haven't turned up yet but stay tuned! They will, promise. But I'm trying to stay true to the time period which has restrictions on certain friendships. The next chapter probably will be up this weekend/early next week as I actually have a physics exam I was supposed to study for. :S Goodnight Lovely people!