Author's Notes: I don't have much to say about this chapter, but I really think it's one of the best. Thank you again for reading and reviewing!
Day 14: Challenge #7: Windy City
Autumn's grand old drag
in torched and tumbled chiffon
striking her weary pose. - Doty
Kurt lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, trying to will his body to move. He felt like he was part of a scene straight out of a Tarantino film, waking from a coma. This competition was taking a toll on him, and he made a note to get plenty of sleep once this whole thing was over. In fact, three whole days' worth seemed appropriate.
This was the penultimate challenge, and the finalists would be chosen after today. There were only four designers remaining. All at once, he realized he wasn't in his own bed. This was Blaine's room, but Blaine was nowhere to be found.
He sat up and scanned the room. Then he heard the shower running. Oh. Before things had the chance to become awkward, he quietly got up and left the room.
As Kurt entered into the main room on his way to his own bedroom to prepare for the day, he was stopped in his tracks, startled, when he heard someone deliberately clear her throat.
"So...you two seem to be getting pretty chummy," Amanda sneered, drawing out each word. "Are you going to make a habit out of this? I couldn't help but notice your night time visits."
"It's none of your business," Kurt replied defensively.
"Probably not, but Blaine is sorta my friend here, and, I don't know what you think you're doing, but he's a good guy, and I don't wanna find out that you're taking advantage of him."
"He is a good guy," Kurt responded, pausing thoughtfully, and then continued, "He's great, actually."
Amanda stared at Kurt curiously before opening her mouth again to say, "Alright...well, good luck, I guess."
Kurt wasn't sure how to react, so he smiled slightly, put his hands in his pockets, and continued to his room, closing the door behind him.
Blaine turned off the water, wrapped himself in a towel, and dried his hair off with another. He peeked out of the bathroom just in case, but he wasn't expecting Kurt to still be there. He wasn't.
He sighed, and his thoughts turned toward the final challenge and the finale. The title could be his, but he knew Kurt deserved it more, worked so hard, and was so talented. And the things he overcame to get this far made Blaine see how much more important it was for Kurt to win this.
Amanda, Morgan, and Kurt had already congregated in the main room by the time Blaine joined them, prepared to face the biggest challenge yet. Amanda took Blaine aside, said a few things that Kurt couldn't quite make out, slipped her arm around Blaine's linking them, and opened the door to head over to Parsons.
"This is it, guys," Amanda called over her shoulder. They walked out, Blaine and Amanda arm in arm, followed by Morgan and Kurt.
-s-
"I'm so excited to announce that we're sending you all on a field trip, and you're going to need a plane to get there! As you guys probably already know, the city of Chicago is well-known for its unique architecture and for being a metropolitan area for the arts and history," Heidi explained. "So, go pack your bags, designers, because you're spending a weekend in the Windy City for the final challenge! You will be drawing inspiration from the city around you. Anything goes, designers, so continue to wow us."
Kurt had only been to Chicago before once in his life, and it was for a competition. He didn't really have the opportunity to explore the city.
Blaine received this news in quite a different manner. Wait. He was going home before the finale? He had spent his entire life in this city and was so familiar with the cityscape that it would be difficult for him to estrange himself in order to become inspired for the challenge. Yet, he had always been inspired by his hometown; he loved walking along Lake Michigan and how clean and laid back the atmosphere was compared to New York. He did miss it.
"I've got another surprise for you guys. We understand the stress you are under during this competition, so we are giving you a day off to enjoy the city, relax, and see the sights," Heidi added. There seemed to be a collective exhalation as the four designers were relieved by this news.
"On the second day, you'll be given an hour to roam and sketch before returning to New York to complete the challenge. You will get two days for this challenge because we understand the possibility of jet lag, and we also want you to blow us away. Good luck, designers!"
-s-
The four designers gathered their carry-ons from the plane's overhead compartments and followed the crowd as it emptied out into the airport. O'Hare was bustling with people, mostly what appeared to be businessmen, and Kurt found himself immediately distracted, analyzing their suits, neckwear, and shoes.
Blaine, who had fallen asleep on the plane, was being escorted by Amanda as he drowsily shuffled along. He instinctively headed for the exit to the street where they were sure to have shuttles waiting to pick them up to transport them to the hotel. It was nice to be back home, surrounded by the familiar, but as they exited the airport, the designers were met with a dismal, gray, drizzle. It wasn't too much that it could ruin a day in the city, but it wasn't ideal.
Blaine took out his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he found Cooper.
"Hey. This is crazy, but I'm actually home, well, not home, but in the city today for one of the challenges. Are you up for dinner tonight?"
"Of course, little bro. Our usual place in the neighborhood?"
"Yeah, that sounds great. I'll see you around six?"
"Sure. See you then."
As Blaine ended the call, he overheard Kurt on the phone with someone.
"Dad - nah, it's only for a day. Don't bother. It's not exactly close. I promise, I'll come visit soon, or I'll make you come see me once the competition is over. - Oh. Yeah, I know. It's alright, I'll let you know what happens with that. - Thanks! - I love you too - I miss you," Kurt ended a little brokenly.
Blaine's heart ached for Kurt. There he was, home, when he knew Kurt must be as homesick as he had been in New York. Blaine took out his phone again and texted Cooper:
Change of plans. Navy Pier at 6. I'm bringing a friend.
"Kurt," Blaine said as he put his phone back in his pocket, "what are your plans for today in the city?"
"I dunno...I figured I would check out all the touristy type things, Buckingham Fountain, the Cloud Gate, walk the Magnificent Mile, maybe visit a museum -"
"...Navy Pier? At six o'clock for dinner?"
Kurt's heart skipped a beat.
"My brother and I are meeting up, and I figured you might want to come along..."
Oh. "I'd like that," Kurt said.
"Great! Well - I guess I will see you then?"
"Yeah."
The shuttle had pulled up as they were talking, and the driver loaded all their bags into the back. They climbed in and headed for the hotel.
-s-
Blaine paid the driver and climbed out of the taxi by the entrance to Navy Pier. He checked his phone: 5:46. There was no sign of his brother or Kurt yet, so he walked over to a bench and took a seat.
Something made him suddenly wonder - what if Kurt doesn't show up? It wasn't like it was a date or anything, so he wasn't being stood up, but it would still hurt. He sat there for a few more minutes, watching people walk by as they entered and exited the restaurants along the pier.
Then he saw a tall figure approaching where he sat. He had a hood pulled up over his head, so Blaine couldn't make out who it was at first. Then he recognized the blue eyes, wide smile, and dark hair.
"Coop! Hey, it's great to see you again," Blaine said, pulling his brother into a hug.
"You too, man. So where's this friend you were bringing...?"
"He hasn't shown up yet -"
"Hey, guys," came a voice from behind Cooper.
"Kurt! Oh, great! I was worried you weren't coming or got lost or something."
"Me? Get lost? Ha. After living in New York the past eight years, you think I can't navigate Chicago?" He shot back facetiously.
"I never doubted you. I just knew it would break my heart if you didn't show," Blaine found himself shamelessly flirting.
"Oh really? Well, I'm happy to oblige," Kurt teased then turned his attention to the other man. "So who is this fine gentleman?"
"I'm Cooper Anderson, Blaine's brother," he said extending his hand to Kurt.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kurt Hummel" Kurt replied, taking his hand to shake firmly and briefly, looking Cooper up and down.
"I know who you are," Cooper said, "I've only been forced to watch every episode. My little brother here -"
"Coop -"
"He was obsessed with the show, especially season two during which he couldn't stop talking about this one designer who he thought was just the cutest thing…"
"Coop!" he said louder now, beginning to blush, as Cooper continued to intentionally ignore him.
"…probably re-watched every episode of that season over a million times. I wouldn't be surprised if it was still on his DVR," he said, smirking.
A slight blush crept up Kurt's neck and into his cheeks. Well, he had to admit it was flattering. So, Anderson had a boy crush on him, huh?
"Ahem," Blaine said, absolutely glowering at Cooper. "So...shall we get something to eat?" Blaine asked before Cooper could embarrass him any further. It also made him a little uncomfortable the way Kurt was eyeing Cooper. "I'm starving after walking around the city all day."
"Yes, sir. I second that," Kurt said, now smiling at Blaine. Cooper watched the two of them suspiciously, but altogether amused, as they walked towards the building, entered the restaurant, and were seated.
-s-
During the meal, they spoke mostly about the competition, and, naturally, Cooper asked several questions about Heidi Klum and the models, which amused both Kurt and Blaine.
"Why, yes, Cooper. We do see the models naked. Every day," Blaine mused, rolling his eyes. They all laughed. Blaine felt something brush against his leg under the table, but he didn't think anything of it and continued on with the conversation.
"In that case, I'll have to visit you guys on set soon," Cooper replied, smirking.
"Gross," Kurt said, taking a sip of his diet coke. "I can see that you and Blaine don't have one particular thing in common, that's for sure."
"Too bad we're almost done shooting," Blaine said. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait for the show to air to see what goes down...blurred out. Darn that censorship," Blaine said snapping his fingers and laughing mockingly, to which Cooper responded with an over exaggerated frown, feigning disappointment.
They finished their meals, and dessert arrived. Kurt was positively beaming at the cheesecake as if it was the best thing to ever happen to him. He was like a child who had just received a Nintendo on Christmas day. Blaine couldn't help but snicker.
"What?" Kurt scoffed. "Don't tell me you don't like cake? I'd have to wonder about you."
"No, I love cake, just, the look on your face -"
"Shut up, Anderson."
"Ooh, I stepped in it now...we're back to surnames," Blaine said, still snickering. This time Kurt rolled his eyes and then smiled at Blaine.
As they finished up dessert, Cooper announced, "Well, it's getting late, and I need to head home. I'm gonna hit the restroom before I go...Blaine, can I talk to you for a second?" Cooper asked, pulling Blaine aside and away from the table.
Kurt watched curiously for a moment but then returned his full attention to the last few bites of his cheesecake and final sips of a cappuccino he had ordered.
"So...what's going on between you two? It seems like you worked your differences out."
"We did, but there's nothing really going on. We're just friends. I think Kurt isn't ready for anything more. I'm not even sure if he's considering pursuing anything more with me."
"Well, he seems to be interested from what I just witnessed over dinner."
"R-really?" Blaine stuttered. "I mean, I couldn't help but notice the way he was looking at you," he said with a little hurt in his voice.
"Oh, Blaine. Like I've said before, it's the Anderson charm, and you know you have nothing to worry about. But, honestly, I think there's something between you two that you haven't fully realized yet. Give it time, you'll see. And you obviously didn't see the way he was looking at you, sir."
Blaine looked at Cooper and saw the earnest expression in his face, and, in that moment, was so incredibly grateful to have an older brother who cared about him. He knew that Kurt was still struggling with something deeply personal and difficult, but he hoped that Cooper was right. Blaine had admired Kurt as a designer, but now he admired Kurt on a much deeper, more personal level.
"Coop - I'm just confused - even if this did turn into something, I don't know what happens after the competition is over. I mean, Kurt's talent is sure to take him to the finale and the win, and that means - it means I return to Chicago and he makes it big in New York. He'll move on with his life, forget about me. I wouldn't blame him either."
"Blaine. If this is really important to you, I'm sure you'll find a way to make it work." Blaine laughed at Cooper's word choice.
"C'mon now. I'm serious. I understand your fears, but I think you should focus on the here and now. Did you ever think that maybe you will win the title? What would happen then...?"
"I guess I would move to New York...where Kurt is. But then I feel selfish for wanting that. I want desperately for him to be happy, and he needs and deserves to win this."
All of a sudden, Cooper grabbed his shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes. "I need you to really hear what I'm about to say." Blaine nodded. "You need to be selfish right now, Blaine." Cooper continued, "You've always been so self-sacrificing in relationships, and look where it got you. I'm not saying you should be a total ass, I'm just saying that you need to be confident in your own ability, to win this, to win over Kurt."
Blaine listened with a heavy heart. Cooper was right. Now was the time to fight for everything he wanted, and he couldn't let the competition be something that determined the relationship he might have with Kurt. If it was meant to be, then it would be.
"I'm gonna catch a cab now. You two, you should, uh, talk. Tell Kurt I said goodbye, will you? He seems like a really nice guy."
"Alright, will do. Well, I'll see you later then."
Cooper waved to Kurt who had glanced back up again to watch the two as they talked. Kurt waved back as Blaine made his way back over to the table. The server arrived, placing the check on the table, and Blaine quickly grabbed it before Kurt could see it.
"Blaine!" Kurt scolded. "That's not fair. I won't let you."
"No. This one's on me. I invited you out after all."
"But -"
"You heard me. Arguing will get you nowhere."
Kurt's shoulders slumped as he reluctantly gave in. Blaine didn't owe him anything, and he felt guilty for letting him pay, not that he was giving him a choice. Blaine paid, leaving the tip on his card which caused Kurt to start angrily again, but Blaine gave him a look that made him back off. Arguing was pointless, so he took it for what it was.
Blaine hailed a cab to take them back to the hotel. They were silent throughout the cab ride, until Kurt finally spoke.
"Thank you for inviting me. You know you really didn't have to pay."
"I know, but I wanted to. It's not a big deal at all, so you should just let it go."
"Okay - but, Blaine?"
"Yes?"
"Don't ever think about doing that again."
Blaine rolled his eyes, laughed, and focused his gaze out the window. They rolled up to the hotel and proceeded to get out.
The other designers were already back in the temporary suite, and Amanda couldn't keep her mouth shut when they walked in together.
"Seriously, guys. First you're biting each others' heads off and now you're...well, I keep seeing you sneaking off together. Are you two forming some sort of coalition against Morgan and me? Are you planning on taking us down in a battle of the sexes? Or are you guys just having your own battle of the sexes, if you know what I mean...?" Amanda smirked.
Kurt blushed, but forced himself to anger at Amanda's snarkiness.
"Amanda, that's completely inappropriate," Blaine said warningly. "Kurt and I are friends, and, no, we're not plotting anything or screwing each other (Kurt blushed again), we just went for dinner so we wouldn't starve."
"You really should lay off of them, ya know," Morgan chimed in. "You're being a bit of a nosy, pardon my French, bitch."
"Whatever, you guys. Someone's getting eliminated soon, and I'd hate to see you two get too close and then be ripped apart by the competition. It's not exactly a good idea to befriend your competitors -"
"Says the girl who would have been eliminated sooner if Blaine hadn't saved your pathetic ass in your season -"
"Hey! Don't even go there, Hummel. I'll have you know that-"
At that, Blaine jumped forward. "GUYS! Guys! Seriously, calm down. God. I know this is stressful for all of us, and we don't have to get along, but if you could at least try to be civil, we'd all be better off," Blaine said, agitated, even though inside he was beaming, knowing that Kurt had, in fact, watched his season.
"I've just been watching all of you and keeping to myself for the most part. And I'll do my damnedest to win this, but you better believe that I'm in this for me and only me. Have fun with your petty bickering," Morgan said as she rose from the couch, walked to her bedroom, and shut the door.
"Kurt and Morgan have a point, Amanda. It's really none of your business what's going on between me and anyone else, and it's not like you and I ever had any lack of interaction."
"I guess I'm a little jealous," she said unconvincingly, crossing her arms across her chest and glaring.
"This is all going to end sooner than we think, and I'd just like to see us get through this without killing each other," Blaine said.
Amanda rolled her eyes, stood up, and began walking towards her own bedroom, but stopped when Kurt spoke.
"I'm just going to say one last thing. May the best man win. And I mean that wholeheartedly," Kurt said, placing a great deal of emphasis on the word man which Amanda caught.
"Whatever. I'll see you guys on the runway, and I'm not pretending to be anything but your competition," she finished as she, too, shut the door behind her.
Blaine stood there dazed and lost, processing the situation. That was completely uncalled for, but he had to admit that it was actually surprising that no one had snapped quite like this up until this point. Yeah, this was the end, the challenge that would determine the finale, and perhaps everyone was given too much time to think during their day off.
Kurt watched Blaine for a moment, pondering what might be going through his head. But, wow, Blaine became incredibly defensive when Amanda tried to take a cheap shot at them, which, Kurt had to admit, was really admirable and made him feel special. He also thought about what everyone had said. This is the end. It's do or die from this point on, and Blaine knew it too.
"I'm going to turn in for the night," Kurt told Blaine, bringing him back.
"Oh, uh, yeah. I should too. We have another early morning and two very long days ahead of us. I'll see you in the morning. Good night," he said awkwardly.
"Good night, Blaine."
He shut his bedroom door, undressed, and laid down in the hotel bed, pulling the covers up over himself. Kurt wasn't sure if he was making the right decision, putting as much trust in Blaine as he was, letting down his defenses, and letting himself feel the things he was letting himself feel.
What were they, really? He and Blaine had grown close, but was this something more? Was Kurt ready to make it something more? The simple answer was 'yes', yet it still wasn't that simple. After learning all he had about Blaine, after Blaine's hospitality and the way he treated Kurt that made it obvious he cared about him, Kurt thought he was finally prepared to make this a thing if Blaine would have him.
Except, he suddenly felt a pang of fear. What would happen to Blaine if Kurt won? How would Kurt feel if Blaine won? Would he be able to live with the fact that he may be a failure of a designer while this kid moved up in the world? He knew himself well enough to know he would undoubtedly be bitter which would taint their relationship. And what if a loss meant that he could no longer pay his rent...? He would have to move back home with his dad, which wasn't the worst thing, but he would forever feel horrible and not be able to live with himself.
At that moment, Kurt had an epiphany. What if there was another option? Now he had a plan, and he hoped it was foolproof. Kurt Hummel knew exactly what he would do now to get everything he wanted in the end. The judges were in for one hell of a surprise.
-s-
Day 15:
The designers had spent their time studying the buildings and the skyline and had various sketches and photographs to work from. The return flight was exhausting, as they lost an hour of the day that was sure to be busier than any other. This time a shuttle was waiting, wasted no time with their luggage, and took them across town to MOOD and finally back to Parsons.
This work day was like the very first in the sense that everyone was so consumed by their own projects that no one bothered saying a word. The tension was so thick that, if anyone had dared to open his or her mouth, it probably would have resulted in a massive shit storm.
Blaine kept alert as he worked, anticipating even the tiniest spark that would set off an explosion.
Kurt downed multiple cups of coffee and worked furiously, muttering quietly to himself as he stitched this and draped that.
Morgan worked off in her corner, executing her own masterpiece, also silent but nonchalant.
Amanda worked with a perpetual scowl.
It was so quiet, they could literally hear a pin drop, which they did when Blaine knocked a pin cushion onto the floor, wincing at the sound.
-s-
Day 16:
The following day wasn't much different. When break time came, Blaine sat in the cafe area eating a salad, zoning out. Kurt grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down across from Blaine, stirring him from his zombie like state.
"How are you feeling...?" Kurt asked.
"I'm alright...you?"
"I'm faring. Listen," Kurt stopped for a moment, to gather his thoughts, turning his eyes toward the table. Then, meeting Blaine's eyes again, he continued, "When we started this competition, I was a jerk. I'm going to be honest with you. I was jealous and conceited. I thought that somehow I was better than you because I was some big shot at FIT, and you were just some kid, an untrained amateur. But, oh how I was wrong. I've been watching you design often filled with envy, and I even began to doubt myself at times." He paused again, and sighed heavily. "I just needed to get all of this off my chest, and I wanted to apologize to you. I am so, so sorry for how I treated you. You've been so amazing to me, and, Blaine, I think you're amazing."
Blaine took in everything Kurt had to say. His words filled him up with a new sense of clarity and of meaning. This was clearing the slate, wasn't it? Leveling out the land in order to allow something new to be built. This was Kurt opening the door for Blaine the way in which Kurt was able to express it. Blaine looked into Kurt's bright and eager eyes and smiled, a smile that spread from ear to ear.
"What a way to begin when it's all ending," Blaine said softly.
"You know it's not over for us, Blaine. We've got more talent combined than the whole of the All Stars cast. Those girls don't stand a chance."
"But only one of us can win, and you know that."
"I am well aware. Blaine...? Good luck. I know we'll both be headed to the finale."
"Thanks. Good luck to you too...I really believe you'll win this whole thing...really."
Blaine finished the last bits of his salad and returned to the workroom. Kurt sat for a few more minutes, staring into his coffee. Kurt Hummel, he told himself, this is all you ever needed. He drained the remaining coffee from the cup and reentered the workroom to utilize the final four hours of the night.
