"Ready for round two?" Kurt asked as Blaine set two cups of coffee down on the table.

"Yeah. I'll go let them in. They've been waiting out there for nearly half an hour," Blaine responded. He made his way over to the door and let in the first wave of models. As usual, they were all very beautiful girls, all generally taller than Blaine, and diverse in body type and facial structure and features.

Choosing models was strange: they had to be viewed as objects of beauty, organic statues on which the designer's own work would look best draped over and on which it would shine even brighter – but, these young women were human beings. They all had names, histories, relationships, and emotions, and Blaine felt a bit odd during the whole process.

"Now walk for me," Kurt waved the girl forward and then gestured for her to turn. "Good. Next."

A blonde woman stepped forward and strutted in a similar fashion. Kurt and Blaine both grinned and nodded before calling on the next model.

The next woman who stepped forward immediately caught Blaine's attention: her skin was an olive tone, she had brilliant, light, gray eyes, her dark, brown hair was short and styled in a pompadour, and there was an energy in her eyes and a certain bounce in her step that caused Kurt to set his coffee down and focus all of his attention on her.

"Tell us your name," Kurt said, his hands now clasped, his thumbs at his lips as he leaned forward.

"Elyse," she answered, flashing a bright smile.

"Before you walk, can you actually put - give me a second," Kurt stood up and rushed over to the rack, "this – can you try this on for us?" he asked holding up what was potentially their showstopper gown.

"Of course!" she nearly squealed but then composed herself, looking a bit embarrassed. Blaine just smiled at her because he found her excitement endearing. Kurt handed the gown over to Blaine, and their eyes met for a brief moment. The energy he found in Kurt's eyes was almost intoxicating, and Blaine smiled to himself, attempting to control his own excitement; he had been thinking about asking Elyse the same thing before Kurt had even opened his mouth.

She undressed, and Blaine helped her into the gown, bringing it over her head. The silvery charmeuse fabric rippled and cascaded down around her torso, legs, and then halted just above her high-heeled feet. They both stared on in awe as she straightened out the garment on herself and walked from the first taped 'x' to the second and back again. The fabric moved with ease, hugging her curves perfectly, as the short train fluttered by her heels. It looked so natural, like it was made for her to wear. There was no question; they had found their girl.

As Kurt continued to watch Elyse in their gown, he imagined that this must be what having a muse felt like. Or perhaps she was a Siren, he thought, and they were about to crash and burn – or be eaten alive. He chuckled aloud at his absurd musings which received a baffled look from Blaine.

"Sorry, it's nothing. I mean – it's not nothing. It's perfect."

"What Kurt means to say is that we would love to have you work with us. You wear that piece quite well, and it would be wonderful if you would wear it for our big premiere," Blaine explained.

"I'd be honored. Thank you so much!" she said, and then, without thinking, she grabbed Blaine around the shoulders and hugged him briefly. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm just really excited," she said, letting go, as a blush managed to creep through her dark complexion.

"It's okay," Blaine laughed, "the enthusiasm is actually refreshing – and contagious."

Blaine helped her out of the gown, and she changed back into her t-shirt and shorts as Kurt added her information to the call sheet with the other models they had already chosen.

"We'll call you soon to let you know when we'll need you to come in. Make sure you keep your schedule open," Kurt said.

Elyse smiled brightly again before turning around and leaving the room to make way for the next girl. The next few models came through, and both Kurt and Blaine mindlessly watched them, asked a few questions, and then sent them on their way. These final few spots were not as significant. Now that they had found Elyse, their secret weapon as Blaine had begun to call her, who they were sure would bring down the house in the finale, all they needed was to pick a few more and be done with it.

"I really like her," Blaine said.

"Me too. I'm not even sure what it was, but, as soon as I saw her, I knew."

"She's fierce like Victoria Beckham with the bubbly personality of Reese Witherspoon. She's charming."

"Hm," Kurt hummed. "Actually, I think that's pretty accurate," he said, grinning over at Blaine as he pinned the final few photographs of the models up on the wall. He let out a breath he felt as if he had been holding forever, and it felt like a huge weight was lifted off his chest.

"There's still so much to get done, but I think we deserve a break. I think this calls for a celebration. How do you feel about throwing a little soiree next weekend in our apartment to get to know the girls and welcome them to the team?" Kurt asked.

"That sounds wonderful since we're going to be seeing a lot more of them in the next few months. It's best to not be strangers," Blaine said with a smile.

-s-

Kurt was thrilled to be doing something other than working on the line for once, so he spent the next few days planning the party. It was therapeutic: after fashion, planning events was his next favorite pastime. When everything was set, they sent out invitations to not only the models but a few acquaintances.

When the night of the party arrived, so did a very eager Cooper. Kurt answered the door, and he couldn't help but glare knowingly at him before shaking his head and letting in Blaine's ridiculous, but admittedly charming, brother.

"Behave yourself," he warned with a smirk.

"You don't have to worry about me. Let's just call this me cashing in on the rain check for that visit to set I never got," Cooper said as he made his way over to Blaine who was already chatting with the first few arrivals.

"Hey! It's good to see you, man," Blaine said, hugging Cooper.

"You too, little bro. How have you guys been holding up? Everything still going strong?"

"Yeah, we're doing well. It's been a bit of a struggle, but we'll power through it. I don't doubt Kurt's abilities at all, and I think he feels the same –"

"What are you saying about me?" Kurt said, walking up beside Blaine with a smile. He snaked his arm around Blaine's waist and pulled him closer to his side.

"I was just telling Coop how much we've finished already, and how we're doing alright," Blaine said, leaning into the touch. Blaine watched Cooper as his eyes wandered around the room at the models, looking on with sad eyes. He was like a puppy begging for permission to be let outside to relieve himself and make his rounds of the yard - and when let out, he would chase the first round, bright object that crossed his path.

"Go on. No one is keeping you here," Blaine said, shooing Cooper, who grinned, immediately turned as one of the blonde models walked by, and then rushed off to catch up with her.

Another small wave of guests arrived, and among them was Elyse. Kurt moved immediately to the door to greet her, paying no mind to the others. It's not like he had been waiting for her to get there, except that he really had. She was their star, in a sense, and Kurt wanted to give her the star treatment.

"I'm so glad you could make it," he said, beaming. He took her jacket and hung it up in the small closet by the door.

"Thank you so much for throwing this. It's really thoughtful of you guys," Elyse said.

"Would you like a drink? Anything at all. We have an open bar tonight," Kurt joked, motioning to the counter where numerous bottles and glasses were set out.

"I'll just take a cranberry and vodka - if that's okay," she added quickly.

"Easy enough," he said as he went to work mixing the drink. Blaine soon approached the two.

"Hey, Elyse," Blaine said with a smile before wrapping her in a brief hug. "I'm glad you're here. This should be a great opportunity to get to know the rest of the girls, and, of course, we'd love to get to know all of you, too," he said, gesturing around the room.

Kurt handed Elyse her drink as he rejoined the circle. "We saw that you've been modeling for three years now, and you're from…?" Kurt asked.

"Seattle," she answered. "I actually started modeling during my freshman year of college," she began before an all too eager and curious Kurt interrupted.

"College? Oh! Where did you go? What was your major? Oh, sorry; I don't mean to grill you," he said, growing quiet.

"It's perfectly alright," she giggled. "I was at Columbia," she paused for a moment, "for political journalism."

"That sounds impressive," Blaine chimed in, but then he noticed how her excited expression seemed to melt away into one of melancholy. "Was it not what you expected?" he asked, hesitant.

"It's not that – it was everything I expected, but the – I feel foolish telling you two all of this," she said, looking down into the drink in her hands.

"No, no. Go on. Unless you feel uncomfortable, that is," Blaine added.

"Well, I began modeling to pay my college bills. I figured it was respectable enough, and it turns out that I'm kind of a natural," she said. "But I never really pictured myself continuing in the field, actually."

"You looked great during the casting," Blaine gushed. "So, did something happen with school?"

Elyse blushed before continuing. "Even with the modeling, I couldn't afford to finish. But it wasn't all bad. I found out that I really enjoy being a part of the fashion world, and it was taking up so much of my time that I barely had time for my studies, anyway."

"I hope you don't regret it…?" Blaine said.

"Regret it? No. It's bittersweet, though. Maybe one day I'll go back and complete my courses, but, for now, I truly believe that this is where I'm meant to be."

"I hope so. What matters the most is that you're happy," Kurt said.

"I am," Elyse said with a smile that would have fooled most people. But Kurt knew that smile. The one that didn't quite reach the eyes. It was the one he had been wearing recently himself.

All of a sudden, the room felt very small, and Kurt needed out.

"If you two don't mind, I'm going to have a drink – or three," Kurt said with a laugh. "I'll catch up with you later," he said to Elyse, excusing himself. Blaine just shook his head, knowing full well what alcohol did to Kurt. But it was a special occasion, so he wouldn't make a fuss.

"Well, that's my cue to start the music. Kurt and I…we sort of can't throw a party without a bit of dancing. And music is kind of a big thing for us," Blaine explained to Elyse. "So, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go play DJ for a few minutes – or rather, I'm going to press play on a good playlist."

"Alright," Elyse laughed as Blaine, with a wink, turned and headed for the corner of the room where a laptop was set up. A brief moment later, an eighties pop song began pumping through the speakers in the main room, and a few of the attendees smiled and looked around before moving a bit to the beat.

Blaine danced his way over to Kurt and grabbed his hips from behind.

"Oh!" Kurt gasped. "Okay – just give me a second to put my drink down," he said as he drained the rest of his cocktail. He set the glass down on the counter, turned, and smiled mischievously at Blaine. Blaine grabbed Kurt's tie and led him out into the crowd.

A few of the models were dancing nearby, and one girl looked on and giggled at Kurt and Blaine as they moved to the rhythm. Kurt pulled Blaine in close to his body as they danced and sang along, and Kurt wrapped his arms around Blaine's neck and began to grind up against him.

"Kurt," Blaine said quietly, beginning to feel the effects of the friction between them, "let's save that for later," he said, knowing that, if they didn't stop, the situation could turn embarrassing very quickly.

"Gladly," he responded breathily. "Later," Kurt whispered into Blaine's ear, sending chills rippling through his body. Then Kurt turned around and made his way back over to the alcohol, looking back only to shoot Blaine a flirtatious look.

Blaine shook his head and laughed as he continued to dance on his own. After the song ended, Blaine glanced over at Cooper who was chatting it up with a few of the models. There's that Anderson charm, he thought, laughing to himself. The girls couldn't help but flock to him. Blaine made his way over to the group, touching Cooper's arm to let him know he was there.

"Oh, hey," Cooper said, shouting slightly over the music and stepping to the side to make room for Blaine beside him. He wrapped his arm around Blaine's shoulders. "Blaine here, your boss, is my little brother. He's like the most talented person I know, and all of you are lucky to be working for him," he said, flashing a toothy grin. Some of the women giggled.

"Oh, stop it, Coop," Blaine blushed slightly. "Are you guys all enjoying yourselves? Ana, right?" Blaine said to the dark-haired woman.

"Yes. It's been a lot of fun," she said, beaming.

"Thanks, little bro," Cooper whispered out of the side of his mouth, nudging Blaine in the arm. Blaine rolled his eyes knowing full well that his brother had his eye on her but had most likely forgotten her name already.

The party went on for another hour or so before people began emptying out and going their separate ways. Blaine bid Cooper goodbye who left with Ana and a few of the others, and then he made his way back over to Kurt who was engaged in what looked like a drunken giggle fit with Elyse. Blaine knew he was in for an interesting night.

"You're wonderful hosts," Elyse said. "Really, this was incredible," she added, touching Kurt's arm before breaking into yet another bout of giggles.

"I'm so happy to hear that," Blaine responded. He linked arms with Kurt who looked close to falling over. Elyse gathered her belongings and headed towards the door. "Thank you guys so much, again."

"You're always welcome. I need to get this guy to bed – do you want me to call you a cab?" Blaine asked.

"Oh! I'll be alright. I got it," she said as she pulled out her phone and dialed. "Thank you," she mouthed and waved goodbye as she stepped out into the hall and shut the door behind her. Now the apartment was empty save for a tired Blaine and a very drunk Kurt.

"Blaine," Kurt whined, "what if I don't wanna go to bed? Maybe I had something else in mind. You said later, Blaine – I remember," Kurt said with a grin. He placed his finger on Blaine's chest and ran it up towards his chin. Then, leaning all of his weight on Blaine, he kissed him gently on the mouth.

"Mm," Blaine hummed. "How much did you have to drink?"

"Oh – dunno. Maybe three or four somethings," Kurt slurred and laughed again.

"Alright," Blaine laughed. "Bed. Now."

"Okay," Kurt said, slapping Blaine's butt. "You don't have to tell me twice."

They made their way into the bedroom, and Kurt collapsed onto the bed. Blaine unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it aside as Kurt looked on with a lascivious expression on his face.

"When you're done there, you should come over here and undress me," Kurt purred.

"Kurt," Blaine began, as he fought with himself. The first - and last - time they had sex while intoxicated left Blaine feeling guilty, but he could barely help himself as he looked over at Kurt draped across the bed, hair mussed, cheeks rosy, and shirt already partially undone. He slipped out of his pants and crawled across the bed towards Kurt. Blaine slid off Kurt's already loosened tie and unbuttoned his shirt the rest of the way as he planted kisses along Kurt's neck and collarbone.

Kurt, feeling especially warm, sank down into the bed, closing his eyes, and allowed Blaine to continue. Blaine carefully stripped Kurt down to his underwear as he felt the heat of his skin against his own. Kurt opened his eyes for a brief moment to glance down at Blaine, his eyelashes fluttering as he smiled, and then closed his eyes again.

"Kurt," Blaine said, lifting his head from where his lips had been grazing Kurt's abdomen.

"Hm," was all Kurt managed to hum, barely audible. Blaine watched as Kurt's breathing slowed and steadied. His body lay there limp and heavy, and he wasn't responding to Blaine's touches anymore. He must have completely passed out.

Slightly disappointed, Blaine laughed quietly to himself. Figures, he thought, as he tucked Kurt in then pulled the covers up over himself. After the night they had had, it didn't take Blaine long to fall asleep.

Unaware of how much time had passed, Kurt began to regain consciousness, his vision blurred and his head still spinning slightly. He slowly opened his eyes again as his mind and body registered the absence of Blaine's touch. He shivered. Pulling the blanket back up around him, he rolled over onto his side, facing away from Blaine.

They lay in bed, bodies draped across opposite sides of the bed, no contact, no warm touches, just silence. In his drunken state, Kurt suddenly felt hollow, a clenching feeling in his stomach, an illogical loneliness. All he needed to do was reach out and curl up to Blaine. But, instead, he lay there in the darkness until he felt himself begin to lose consciousness again.