Glee is back! What a bliss :D
This chapter is not beta'ed yet, which means there could be mistakes ;)
Hope you will enjoy this one because Kurt is going into full force fashion mode.
Chapter 9 - Rules Of Fashion
Saturday came with all it's emptiness and waste of time. Kurt barely managed to drag himself down to the theater and with the prospect of nothing exciting happening all day and an evening spent alone in the apartment he was hopelessly trapped in a funk.
As predicted by Charleen only 6 actors were called in for rehearsal; The Evil Four, Michelle and Kurt. That decision alone set off the alarm clocks in Kurt, because Coalan and Cordelia didn't interact directly with The Evil Four. But once more logic was not considered important in the war Dubrowski had started. His true agenda was, without the shadow of doubt, to remind Kurt who was in charge. Unfortunately Michelle was forced to pay the prize as well and there was not much Kurt could do about it. While Dubrowski worked with The Evil Four they were left in the front row of the theater with nothing to do. After awhile they started a whispering conversation as the went through the script. Kurt pointed out passages in the dialogue where Michelle had to be extra careful to convey the nature of Cordelia. Michelle scribbled little notes and remarks down in the margin and nodded eagerly now and then. She had made an appointment with Rose the following week, but for now this was her rescue.
Now and then Dubrowski glared their way as he ran a hand over his beard. Kurt was pretty sure he made an effort to hear what they were talking about, but he refused to give him the satisfaction and he made sure they were really quiet.
Suddenly Dubrowski exploded and with crossed arms and brows furrowed into a monster look alike he barked from the stage. "I see the two of you are enjoying coming in here on a Saturday to the extend where you're completely disrespectful for other peoples time. How are we supposed to concentrate up here with the two of you gossiping like high school teenage girls too stupid to understand that they are NOT the center of the world."
Kurt could practically feel Michelle's anxiety radiate from the seat next to him which made him meet the directors stare provokingly calm. "Oh, we're just discussing some of Michelle's scenes. She had the impression that you weren't quite satisfied with her take on Cordelia."
"I see," Dubrowski hissed. "Does that mean you all of sudden have become director of this play? Because last time I checked you were an actor. And in my world actors are not hired to question the dírectors call, they are hired to act. And maybe that's Michelle's biggest problem as well as yours."
Kurt honestly didn't care about all the stupidity Dubrowski threw his way. He would even consider it a victory to have the moron lose his temper. But Michelle deserved to be treated differently.
"With all due respect, sir, we have been sitting here for two hours doing absolutely nothing. I don't see the crime in being useful with our time, that for the record is just as precious as yours."
That remark earned Michelle and Kurt another hour off the stage.
Right before lunch Kurt's phone buzzed, deeply buried in his pocket. He decided to tiptoe out backstage even though he wasn't allowed to leave. Dubrowski could scream all he wanted. Kurt would simply claim it was an extremely important conversation no matter who the caller was. It could be a saleman for all he cared as long as somebody was distracting him from this nightmare.
He secretly hoped it was Blaine, of course, but when he heard Joyce's sweet voice chiming in his ear, he forgave her right away.
Joyce and Kevin had come tumbling in to Blaine and Kurt's life last year when Kevin had been Blaine's piano student. Blaine wasn't teaching any more but Kevin had stolen both their hearts and since his dad was dead they had been lucky enough to get a special place in the teen year old boy's heart as well.
"Kurt, I'm having a fashion emergency. I really, really need you help!" Joyce burst out, not wasting time on small talk.
"Okay, okay," he chuckled, "but what's the rush, honey?"
"I have a date, Kurt, and he is really sweet, and I just want everything to be perfect. And I haven't done this dating thing in … gosh … um a very long time. I know I shouldn't be nervous because what's the worse thing that can happen, right? I mean he must be interested in me if he ask me out. But I'm freaking out anyway, which is so typical me … and I just …" She exhaled shakily. "Kurt, can you please make me perfect?"
"Wow," Kurt said and tried to hide his amusement. "He really must be something special if he can freak you out like that, Joyce. You're always so calm and collected."
"No, no, no, I'm never calm and collected, hon, I'm just faking it. But I can't fake this one and it scares the shit out of me. Sorry."
"Hm … first things first. You're already perfect, Joyce, and I can't believe nobody's asked you out until now. When are you going?" Kurt asked.
"Tonight," Joyce answered with a small voice.
"TONIGHT? Oh my god, Joyce, couldn't you have given me some more time to level with here?" Kurt said shocked.
"I know, I know, Kurt, it's so stupid. He asked me three days ago. And I just thought I would wear something nice from my closet, you know. But then I tried on practically everything I own this morning, and suddenly nothing felt right … AT ALL … and now I don't know what to do!"
Kurt's fashion rescue mode kicked in full force and he didn't miss a beat. "When was the last time you bought a beautiful dress for yourself, Joyce? And you better be honest."
Joyce went quiet. "Um, oh my god, my last dress was … black, it was for my husband's funeral," she trailed off.
"So you haven't bought a dress for three years? How am I supposed to save you here?" Kurt scolded.
"I'm hopeless, I know. But don't you see, that's why I'm calling you. I clearly suck at this," she laughed, complete untouched by his shock. "So will you help me?"
"Of course I will help you, but we have to move fast," he said and checked up on time. "I only got one hour lunch break, and I mean one hour exactly or else I'll be in trouble. Can you meet me here at theater in ten minutes?"
"I can do whatever you ask me to do," Joyce said. "I'm leaving right away."
The moment Kurt left the theater, Joyce stood waiting for him, panting and red cheeked. "You are saving my day," she gasped and grabbed his elbow as they started walking.
"I think you're saving mine too," Kurt said happily. "This could very well be the highlight of my Saturday."
"Wow, then I feel sorry for you. Is Blaine busy?"
"He's in LA, but I hope he'll be back soon. He'll be so excited to hear that you have a date."
"I know," Joyce said and massured her steps to Kurt's. "He was ready to give up on me. So where do we go?"
"Two blocks away they have this amazing store. Carol always go there when she and my dad are visiting. But don't worry, they'll have something for younger women, too."
"I don't even know what my style is anymore," Joyce confessed, "or what colors to wear. I used to be interested in fashion before I got Kevin, but then it kind of slipped away."
"Well, you're a very classic girl which means that there would be lot of obvious and predictable choices. But I think we need something a bit more out there. You should be proud of being a New Yorker girl."
"You're already making me nervous. I don't feel like a fashionable New Yorker girl. I feel like a … mom."
"Then we'll make you a fashionable mom. And don't be nervous. This is supposed to be exciting and magical."
After a good ten minutes walk they entered the store Kurt had had in mind and with squinting eyes he scanned the different sections of clothes, looking for something that would match the pictures he had in his head.
It didn't take him long to pick out three different dresses. They were all cut just above the knee and accentuating the waistline. The first one was moonstone blue with a very beautiful asymmetric neckline that gave it an exquisite look. The second one had a much lighter expression with a graphic pattern in emerald green. This one would require very simple accessories in order to work, but Kurt knew Joyce could pull it through. The last dress was maroon with drapings on the top, a V neckline and laced sleeves. They were all beautiful in different ways, now it was more a matter of fitting and the best overall expression.
He handed Joyce the three dresses with a satisfied nod. "One of these will do."
She held out the dresses and examined them one by one. "Well it's not what I would have picked on my own, but they are really beautiful."
Kurt tilted his head. "Let me guess, you would have ended up with another black dress."
Joyce bit her lip, embarrassed that she was so easy to read. "I will rest my case. But we need to find them in size 10. I've always used size 10."
"But you're a size 8," Kurt stated with a raised eyebrow.
"No, no, this will be too clingy and I will be all subconscious about ... you know."
"About what?" Kurt asked challenging.
"About my ... belly," she mouthed.
Kurt looked onto Joyce's blueish eyes. He enjoyed telling this amazing woman how gorgeous she really was. "Listen to me Joyce," he started. "You brought me here for a reason. I know about fashion and how things are tailored, and you have to trust me. You're a size 8, spot on, and you don't have to worry about your belly for a split second. You have a very beautiful body and it's about time you show it. I know you've had a tough time and that your main concerns have been Kevin. But look at the little guy, he's fine. Now it's about time that you start to enjoy life and believe that you have something to offer."
Joyce' eyes widened by Kurt's bold statements. "Okay," she replied with a small voice. "I'll just … go and try these on."
Kurt hid a smile as she disappeared to change. Whoever was taking her out to dinner tonight was a lucky guy. If it turned out to be a lasting thing he and Blaine would have to invite them over, just to make sure that he was good enough for Joyce and Kevin. He picked up his phone and called Blaine while he was waiting.
"Hey, baby," Blaine said as soon as he picked up.
Kurt could literally feel his face light up the entire store. "I was thinking about you and I just needed to hear your voice," he purred and walked through the stands as he absentmindedly let his fingers run over the hangers.
Blaine hummed. "Does that mean that you miss me?"
"You have no idea."
"I miss you too."
"What are you up for today?" Kurt asked.
"As this is my first day without visiting Sam since I got here I decided to do a little sightseeing and some shopping. And then Artie's taking me to a concert later tonight."
"Sounds better than my day," Kurt stated dryly.
"Aw, I'm sorry."
"Oh guess where I am right now?" Kurt asked excited.
"Um … at the theater having the time of your life."
"Now aren't you funny. No I'm out shopping with Joyce. She is going on a date tonight."
"I KNEW it!" Blaine burst out. "I knew something was going on."
"How?" Kurt laughed.
Blaine was getting eager now. "Kevin told me last week that his mom was suddenly singing and smiling all the time and he thought it was really weird."
"Mystery solved I guess."
"Wow, this is huge, Kurt. I've told her for ages that it was about time to start dating again. Promise me you'll find something over the top for her to wear. She is going to knock out that guy. Oh and he better be nice."
"I've got her covered," Kurt said reassuring. "She is trying on three different dresses as we speak."
"I wish I was there," Blaine complained. "You have to send me pictures."
"You know what, if you give me a couple of minutes I'll text you the photos. Then you can tell me what you think. Just remember that I'm having the final call."
"Great," Blaine said happily. "I'm anxiously waiting."
Joyce stepped out of the dressing room in the first dress just as Kurt was hanging up. It was the blue one; very simple tailored in straight refined lines, but wrapped perfectly around her body. She looked at him hesitantly and then she took a peek in the huge mirror, hanging on the wall.
"What do you think?" Kurt asked excited.
"It looks … amazing," Joyce said surprised. "It's a size 8 and it looks … amazing."
"I told you it would."
"Oh my god, Kurt. I will never question your choices in clothes ever again."
"Can I get that in writing?"
"You can get that anyway you want to as long as you help me pick my dresses from now on," she replied giddily.
Kurt laughed and decided not to mention the suggestiveness in her phrase. He held up his phone. "Okay, I promised Blaine to take a picture of the different dresses, so it's time to say cheese."
"What, no wait." Joyce said horrified and ran a frantic hand through her dark hair. Then she licked her lips, took a straight up and down pose and shot Kurt a flustered smile.
Kurt lowered his phone slowly. "Joyce, I'm going to need something more sexy than that. You're going on a date. You're not about to get fired."
"I'm not good at sexy, Kurt. Sexy is … a lot to ask from a woman who hasn't dated for like … a trazillion years."
Kurt tilted his head and smiled gently. "Have you ever really seen yourself, Joyce?"
Joyce looked confused. "Of course I have, but I'm not really good at stuff like this, Kurt."
"But it's easy," he said and walked to her. "Try to put your hand on your hip, one foot in front of the other and then twist your body a bit." Joyce followed his orders with a very determined expression on her face. "How does that feel?" he asked.
"This is okay, actually," she replied and started to relax in the pose.
"Great." Kurt stepped back again and waited for the right smile before he tapped the camera icon. He took a couple of pictures from different angles and chose the best one to send to Blaine.
"What do you think?" he asked and turned his phone for her to see.
Her eyes grew big and her jaw dropped slightly. "Wow … I mean, I know I'm not supposed to say that about my own picture … but, well, wow."
"You are wow."
Joyce beamed at him. "Thank you, Kurt, for all of this."
"It's my pleasure, Joyce. I'll text this one to Blaine and then you go try on the next dress."
With all three dresses being photographed and texted across the country, Kurt knew he had a favorite. Now he just wanted Blaine's opinion, so he called him again as Joyce was twirling in the last dress.
"What's the verdict Mr. Anderson." Kurt said, smiling widely as he searched for accessories.
"Oh, I definitely like you the best," Blaine sighed longingly.
Kurt turned around to walk away from Joyce. "I mean the dresses, honey, you have to stay focused for me."
"Oh, you're right, you're right. I um … I don't think I can make a decision until you say you love me."
Kurt shut his eyes tight. "Blaine, I'm in a store, people can hear me," he whispered frantically.
"I need to hear it and then you can have my honest opinion about the dresses. Pleeease."
"You're pouting right now, aren't you?" Kurt asked.
"I certainly am."
Kurt took a deep breath. "Okay, okay." He could already feel his cheek burning. What he didn't do for that man. "Blaine Devon Anderson, I love you like crazy, I always have and I always will."
"Really?"
Kurt could hear the huge smile in Blaine's voice. "Yes, really," he repeated and felt his heart leap with joy. He caught a glimpse of Joyce standing with her back to him, hugging herself as she simulated a heavy make out session with waggling hips. "Oh my god, you are NOT going to believe how much Joyce is mocking me right now. You don't think she has it in her, but then she surprises you out of nowhere."
Joyce fell apart in a giggle attack and the sales manager hid a smile on her own.
Kurt covered his eyes. "Blaine, honey, I need to know what dress you pick; things are getting majorly embarrassing around here."
Blaine laughed. "I'll go with the maroon one, and then give Joyce a kiss from me."
Kurt rolled his eyes as he secretly celebrated that Blaine had picked right. "You should go with the maroon dress," he said to Joyce, who was trying to pull herself together again.
"So, not the blue one?"
"The blue one is too classic and secure for a first date, and the green one is a bit too much. The maroon is just perfect. It draws attention and it's a bold choice without trying too hard."
Joyce nodded in understanding. "Can I buy the the blue one too?"
"You can buy whatever you want, honey. It's your money."
Joyce put a finger to her mouth as she evaluated her options. "Okay, so let me get this right. The blue dress could be for a job interview or a parents teacher meeting?"
"It would be great for a job interview. If you wear it for a school meeting I'm sure you can get Kevin off the hook if he's in trouble."
"Kurt, you are … bold today. I'll give you that much," Joyce smirked.
Kurt shrugged innocently. "So, who are looking after Kevin tonight?" he asked, watching the time closely. He had to be back at the theater in ten minutes.
"His aunt. And he is not thrilled!"
Kurt lit up. "Why don't you drop him off at my place. I'll be happy to spent some time with him. It's been awhile since he visited us the last time."
"Is that alright with you," Joyce asked frowning. "You must have better things to do on a Saturday night."
"I haven't, remember?" Kurt said dryly. "And if I already had plans, I would have cancelled it for Kevin anyway."
Joyce stood on her toes and kissed Kurt on the cheek. "He is going to be thrilled when I tell him. Now go so you won't be late. I owe you big time for this."
Blaine had a blast with Artie!
They skipped the concert once it turned out that Artie couldn't get in with his wheelchair. Instead they ended up at a perfect little piano bar downtown. After a beer Blaine couldn't keep away from the shiny black and white keys that were practically begging him to play. Artie joined him with a huge grin and before they knew it an audience circled them and encouraged an impromptu, unplugged concert.
Music was a healing power and Blaine felt how life and renewed energy ran through his veins faster and faster for each duet they pulled off. He loved performing with the band but this was so freeing. Nobody knew him and nobody expected more from him than what he was willing to give at this moment.
The apartment was empty when he got back later in the evening. Mercedes and Quinn were staying at a spa and wellness hotel close to Sam's rehab center and Mercedes wouldn't be home until Sunday night. The silence around him was a bliss. He needed time on his own right now just to make his soul keep up with the hectic pace in his life. But at the same time the quietness revealed the emptiness that the absence of Kurt was leaving deep inside of him.
He went to bed around midnight and for once sleep came easily. So much weight had been lifted off of his shoulders after the reunion between Sam and Mercedes and it felt good to finally drift away more relaxed than he'd been in a very long time.
When the phone suddenly rang persistently and without mercy it was pitch black around him. He was dizzy and confused when he answered, unsure if he had slept for one hour or three. He halfway expected to hear Kurt's melodic voice, when a stranger talked to him instead.
"Mr. Anderson, I have some information for you that I think you might find interesting."
"Who is this?" Blaine asked, trying to clear his mind as he sat up straight and turned on the light at the bed stand.
"You don't need to know who I am and I will make this very short," the voice said. "While you have been supporting a friend in LA, Kurt has been seeing his ex-boyfriend in New York. And if you confront him about it, he will probably deny it and lie to your face."
Then the line went flat.
Blaine dropped the phone on the bed, trying to make sense of the strange call. He rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand. While you have been supporting a friend in LA Kurt has been seeing his ex-boyfriend in New York.
It was beyond stupid, really. Kurt would never do something like that to him. It had to be a sick prank. He walked out to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water as an unsettling feeling stirred somewhere deep in his gut.
He was positive that he didn't know the caller, but how did this stranger know his phone number and what did he know about Kurt and his past with Benjamin? Blaine frowned. The guy even knew that he was in LA "supporting a friend".
He closed his eyes and tried to connect the dots when his heart suddenly picked up pace and a terrible thought hit him. Could the call be connected to Sam somehow? A warning from Joseph perhaps? Just to tell them that the activity around Sam was being monitored. He had to tell Kurt; tell him to look out for anything suspicious. He was probably asleep but this could turn out to be important.
He was just about to hit speed dial to Kurt, when a text came through with a picture attached. First he didn't know what to make of the image as if his brain struggled to comprehend it and process it. Then all blood drained from his face and his mouth dried out. Right there, on the display, was a picture of Kurt and Benjamin, looking anything but innocent. It was taken in broad daylight on a street close to the theater where Kurt was working. Benjamin had a hand on Kurt's shoulder and Kurt's arm was resting half way around Benjamin's waist. They were both smiling, maybe even laughing at something.
Blaine searched frantically after an explanation, something that would make room for logic or common sense. Maybe the picture was manipulated somehow or it could be old. If it was more than a year old Kurt would still have been engaged to Benjamin.
He zoomed in with swiping fingers, scrutinizing every detail. It didn't look like a manip though. Their bodies were too connected and his theory about the picture being old was shattered when he realized there was no ring on Kurt's finger; and that the coat he was wearing, was bought only a month ago. He had been so proud of that coat, purchased for a bargain through his contacts in Vogue.
A desperate sound escaped Blaine's throat. There had to be a catch somehow. But as the minutes slowly ticked by every explanation he could think of vanished before his eyes.
His finger hovered over the speed dial to Kurt once more when he suddenly started shaking, and doubt found a crack in his heart. What if this was the truth? What if Kurt was really seeing Benjamin behind his back? The caller had said that Kurt would deny it. Was he honestly ready to call Kurt and hear hesitation in his voice?
The thought alone shook him to the core as he tossed his phone away and blinked the streaming tears away from his blurred sight. Everything inside of him screamed that it couldn't be the truth. He knew Kurt better than that. He saw nothing but love in the blue eyes, from the moment they woke up till they fell asleep in each others arms. But didn't the picture show the same look in Kurt's eyes, right there on the street, or was he just losing his mind completely?
Blaine started pacing the floor as a huge hole grew inside of him. The darkness around him and the fatigue played with his perception of things and threw him back and forth.
What if?
What if Kurt wasn't as happy in their relationship as Blaine was?
What if he wasn't satisfied enough or challenged enough? Blaine could be so oblivious at times and it wasn't impossible that he had missed some signs that he should have seen.
And what if Kurt would deny everything?
He obviously didn't know about the picture, which meant the Blaine would know if he was lying. And would Blaine ever be able to trust him again if that was the case? Or would he be suspicious of every little detail that could indicate this nightmare to be real? Would he be one of those freaks who'd go through his boyfriends phone or e-mails? He and Kurt weren't like that, but who knew what he would become like if he felt he couldn't trust the one he loved the most.
For three hours Blaine was spiraling into an abyss of darkness that threatened to consume him and keep him there, too afraid to do the simplest thing of all; to call Kurt and talk to him. They talked about everything now, even the hardest things. But whenever Blaine looked at the picture he got paralyzed with fear.
At four in the morning he couldn't stand it anymore. Kurt could still be sleeping, but that would only be an advantage. Then he wouldn't have the time to make up something that wasn't true.
Blaine sat down on the edge of the bed and captured his own shattered stare in the mirror as he finally made the call.
I know you hate me right now but this is important - and it will be worth it.
Next chapter will be my favorite so far ;)
Please review.
