I've seen your picture
Your name in lights above it
This is your big debut
It's like a dream come true
So won't you smile for a camera?
I know they're gonna love it
- Peg by Steely Dan

May

Kurt's alarm clock rings at 6:00am. In spite of the hour, he quickly jumps out of bed and turns off the alarm. After a quick pit stop in the bathroom, he rushes back to his bedroom and quickly dresses in his favorite yoga pants and a long-sleeved T-shirt. As quietly as he can, since Rachel's still sleeping, he leaves the loft and bounds down the stairs. He runs to Dekalb Newsstand just around the corner.

"Have they arrived yet?" Kurt pants, still trying to catch his breath.

"Yes, I've got them right here," Ashley replies in a heavy Southern drawl. He pulls out a small stack of magazines from behind the counter and hands them over to Kurt. "Can you autograph one for me? The Missus would really appreciate it."

Kurt's jaw drops wide open when he looks at Vogue's May issue. He can't believe what he's seeing. It can't possibly be true. There, on the cover, is a photo of him. Kurt Hummel. In the wine-colored suit. With a huge smile on his face. Kurt squeals as he backs into the wall and slides down to the linoleum floor. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would be on the cover of Vogue. Instinctively, he knows that it was Blaine's decision, but he doesn't understand why Blaine hadn't told him before.

"You should have warned me. I would have tripled my order," Ashley comments.

"I…I didn't know. You have to believe me." Kurt quickly scrawls his autograph on the front of a magazine and takes the six copies that he had previously ordered. "Thanks, Ashley. I owe you one."

Kurt walks back home and takes a look at the neighborhood shops. They look run-down, but he loves that they are owned by people in the area, and makes it a point to patronize them. It's just after 6:30am, so most still have their store front gates pulled down and black plastic garbage bags on the curb, waiting for collection. He spots a barista opening the front gate at the Little Skips Coffee Shop, and decides to treat himself to a grande non-fat mocha and two cronuts. Calories be damned – he's got some celebrating to do.

After collecting his order, Kurt sits down in a comfy chair near the window. He closes his eyes for a moment, enjoying the early morning sun. His eyes snap wide open again, for he wants to have a really good look at Vogue's May issue. His fingers tremble as he opens up the magazine to the centerfold. The 'floral and pastels' article is eight pages long, and there are three photos of Kurt included. Kurt looks at the photos closely. He can recognize himself… And then again he can't. The suit looks like it was made for him, and he appreciates that Chandler is really good at his job. The suit hugs his body, making the most of his physique. Unique's fantastic at her job too - his complexion looks flawless and his hair has a slightly tousled, but smooth look. He can tell that the photos chosen were from the photo shoot's afternoon session, when Blaine was around.

What really takes Kurt's breath away is his expression. He hasn't seen a photo of himself smiling like that since his glee club won Nationals last year. He looks so genuinely happy. After devouring the article, he closes the magazine and further examines the cover. It's a close-up of his face, with a beaming smile. Kurt takes a closer look at his sparkling eyes in the photo. Kurt gently chuckles to himself because he knows he was probably looking at Blaine dancing and his silly faces singing 'Wannabe' when the photo was taken. He looks at the image of himself as a whole and thinks that Isabelle was right. It does exude a message of innocence and hope, with a sprinkle of sexiness. It does feel like spring.

Kurt starts to devour the issue from the front cover to the back page. He slowly flips the pages until he gets to Blaine's editorial, after the usual ads at the beginning of the magazine. The editorial starts off with an homage to Spring - which stands for fresh hope, symbolized by butterflies. The next few sentences make Kurt gasp.

Vogue found the perfect symbol of Spring in Kurt Hummel, our fresh face in this issue. Not only is Kurt an up-and-coming model, but he has his own unique flair for fashion. He's the creative source behind next month's issue and will be contributing to articles on the Vogue website. You'll be seeing a lot more of Kurt over the next six months, exclusively in Vogue. I'm sure you will agree with me that there is more to Kurt than meets the eye.

Kurt is shocked that Blaine has already given him credit for the Broadway-inspired issue and is promoting his Hamilton behind-the-scenes articles. Kurt's thoughts are interrupted when his phone starts to ring. He looks down and sees the photo of his dad as he swipes the screen to answer.

"Hey, Dad. What's got you up so early?"

"Kiddo, I've been up for ages. I'm at the 7-Eleven and I've bought Vogue. You're on the cover! Just a sec, Kurt…. Hey Al, come take a look at this. That's my boy!"

Kurt smiles broadly when he thinks of his father at the Lima 7-Eleven, showing the Vogue cover to his cronies, who've come in to pay for their gas and pick up a cup of joe. Soon his father returns to the phone.

"Dave Karofsky works here as a cashier. You shoulda seen the look on his face when I bought the magazine. It was priceless."

Kurt can't help but grin at that last remark. That Neanderthal made his life a living hell back in high school. And here is Kurt Hummel, on the cover of Vogue, and Dave Karofsky, working for minimum wage at the Lima 7-Eleven. There is justice in this world after all.

"Son, you look real good in the photo. I'm so proud of you. I knew you could do anything you wanted, if you put your mind to it. It just takes hard work and a bit of luck."

Before Kurt can reply, his dad continues to speak. "Kurt, I've gotta go. Sue Sylvester just walked in and I wanna show her the magazine. I'll call you later."

A few hours later, Kurt takes the elevator to the Vogue offices. There are people he personally wants to thank for the opportunity to model for Vogue. When he exits the elevator, the receptionist jumps up to greet him. "Mr. Hummel. You look great in Vogue this month! What can I do for you?"

"Is Isabelle Wright available?"

"I'm sure she's available for you. Follow me."

As the receptionist leads him to Isabelle's office, Kurt can't fail to notice everyone stopping to stare at him along the corridors. It feels pretty awkward, but he makes it a point to smile at them.

As soon as he enters the office, Isabelle rushes over and gives him a big hug. "Kurt! I'm so glad you're here. You're Vogue's latest sensation!"

Kurt blushes at the compliment. "Really?"

"Oh my god, Kurt. You haven't seen Twitter this morning, have you?"

"No, I haven't had time. I wanted to come over right away and thank you personally for giving me the opportunity to model for Vogue."

"Kurt, you're too humble. It should be Vogue thanking you for rescuing the May issue. Vogue's website traffic has quadrupled this morning. Come sit with me and I'll show you the tweets."

Kurt slides into the chair next to Isabelle, finding it unbelievable that there are tweets about him already.

"Here's a discussion about what color your eyes really are," Isabelle points out as she scrolls through #KurtHummel on Twitter. "There's also a lot of comments about your long legs, your creamy skin, your hair, and every other part of your body. Both the fangirls and fanboys think you're sexy. Just wait when they see you now, after your make-over. You'll be trending!"

Kurt rolls his eyes, trying to convey disinterest, but inside he is squealing. People think he's sexy? It makes him feel so good, knowing that maybe he could be desirable to men. It's a pity the only man whose opinion matters to Kurt doesn't think of him in that way.

"I can't believe this is happening to me. It's a lot to take in. I'm meeting with Wes after lunch to go through future plans. But first, I have plenty of people to thank. Do you think Blaine will see me?"

"Of course Blaine will see you. I'll let Tina know that you're on the way up."

While Kurt's waiting for the executive elevator in the lobby, he thinks about the last time he saw Blaine. He had so much fun that Sunday when they were at the Brooklyn Flea Market. As that morning had progressed, he'd seen Blaine relax and really enjoy himself. And Blaine's reaction to his surprises – well, Kurt wishes that he had planned even more. He's already e-mailed the pocket-watch stall owner, who has placed the watch that Blaine really liked on hold for him.

The only downer of the day had been when he mentioned Sam. Kurt had been surprised how Blaine's expression and mood instantly changed, like he and Sam were having some problems. Blaine even said that Sam could move out if he didn't like the penthouse make-over. What was up with that?

Blaine had certainly enjoyed his foot massage. Kurt was proud that he could make Blaine feel so good. His ramblings as he was drifting to sleep were adorable. Kurt only wished that Blaine would say "be mine' in other circumstances.

However, what Kurt remembers most of all about the day was watching Blaine sleep after the foot massage. Blaine's curls were splayed about the pillow, the ringlets looking soft and glossy. His full pink lips were slightly parted and he let out a soft snore. Only Blaine Anderson could make snoring seem so adorable. Blaine's eyelashes swept across the top his cheeks, and Kurt had so desperately wanted to kiss each of his eyelids to feel those lush lashes tickle his face. Blaine had looked so peaceful, so happy, as if he was having a good dream. It had taken every ounce of self-restraint for Kurt not to lie down on the couch next to him, pull Blaine into his arms and never let go.

When Kurt enters Blaine's reception area, he's immediately greeted by Tina. She gets up from her seat and gives Kurt a quick hug. Tina then pops out her hip and a fake pout forms on her face.

"Kurt Hummel! I should be angry at you. You've made my busy day even busier."

"Oh? I'm sorry, Tina, but I don't know what you're talking about."

"Ten minutes ago, Blaine authorized an additional print run for the May issue. I've got to go to the printers and convince them to work through the night without charging us overtime."

Before Kurt can respond, Tina's grabbing her coat and moving towards Blaine's office door. "Blaine…. Kurt's here. I'm off to the printers and won't be back today. I'll order you two lunch from the deli around the corner to be delivered. Cassie will be here after lunch to cover the phones."

Kurt can hear Blaine reply, "Thanks, Tina. Send Kurt in."

When Kurt enters the office, the first thing he sees is a poster-sized photo of the Vogue's May issue cover framed in the most prominent place in the office. His attention moves to Blaine, who walks toward him and shakes his hand in greeting.

"You're not getting away with just a handshake, mister. Come here," Kurt says as he crooks his finger and gives him come-hither eyes.

Blaine eagerly moves forward, laughing, and Kurt wraps his arms around Blaine's back. Kurt can feel the gentle vibrations from laughter fade and Blaine's muscles relax. Kurt whispers in his ear, "Thank you, Blaine. It's a dream come true." Kurt's not sure whether he means the Vogue cover or holding Blaine in his arms.

Once Kurt releases Blaine, he takes a good look at him. Blaine's curls look tussled, like he's been running his hand through his hair all morning. His beard stubble, as always, is the perfect length and looks sexy as hell. Designer glasses frame his face, giving him an intelligent look. He's wearing Hugo Boss suit pants that accentuate his tiny waist. The sleeves of his crisp white cotton shirt are rolled up to his elbow and his tie is slightly askew. Kurt can't resist straightening the tie before saying, "Sorry to bother you, Blaine. You look really busy. I just wanted to pop by and thank you for putting me on the cover."

"You're not interrupting anything… or anything that can't wait until after lunch. I'm glad you stopped by. I need a break. Come take a seat."

When Kurt sits down on the sofa, he notes that the framed cover photo is still in prominent view. "I can't believe the cover is already framed in your office!"

"I had the guys in maintenance hang it first thing this morning," Blaine replies, as he glances over at the cover.

"It's so big. Bigger than the rest."

When Blaine turns his head back towards him, Kurt can see Blaine's hands twisting in his lap, as if he's nervous.

"Ww…ell, I like it. Err... I'm proud of it…. It's my new favorite cover. Umm… so, yeah."

"Better than Marion Cotillard?"

"Better than Marion Cotillard," Blaine confirms with a laugh.

"So what's this about an additional print run that has Tina's knickers in a twist?" Kurt asks.

"Our distributors have reported a surge in demand for the May issue and are asking for more. So I authorized a print run for an additional two hundred thousand copies. That's a little over 15% of our usual sales."

Kurt whistles as he exhales. "That a huge number. I can't get my head around it."

"And it's only the first of the month. On Friday, I've got to decide if we need another print run. I've got people pouring over the stats, and financially modeling potential ad prices and distributions numbers for the June issue and beyond. I haven't even begun looking at the international sales numbers."

"Wow," Kurt says, impressed with Blaine's business sense.

"Just before you came, I was talking to our distributor for the Mid-West. They're experiencing an unprecedented demand for Vogue. Apparently, every copy has been sold out in Lima. You're the single most interesting man in all of Ohio."

Kurt's smiles broadly at this interesting bit of news. "I'm sure that's down to my dad. He's my number one fan."

Kurt relates the conversation with his dad earlier that morning. He can't help feel so happy about the Vogue issue sales and the attention he's getting. It makes it even more special that he can share this moment with Blaine.

Soon the lunch is delivered, and a selection of sandwiches, salads and drinks are laid out on the small conference table. "Wow, Blaine. This is enough to feed an army!"

"Don't worry about it. We'll eat what we want, and then I'll take the leftovers to the mailroom. They always appreciate a free meal. I get Tina to over-order on purpose."

Kurt mulls over the reply. This is one of the many reasons why he likes Blaine so much. He thinks about other people, what they might like, and then goes out of his way to make it happen.

"So what else have you been up to, other than work?" Kurt asks. He's curious to find out what Blaine does in his spare time.

"Thankfully, I haven't had to attend any events after work over the past week. So I've been doing evening runs in Central Park, playing the piano, reading, writing a bucket list… That sort of things."

"What! Run that by me again. A bucket list?!" Kurt exclaims.

"Yes, a bucket list. Our date at the Brooklyn Flea Market got me thinking. I haven't had a bucket list for years – work has been all-consuming. But there's a lot of new things I want to do… Experiences to have. And you've taught me that there's lots I can do without getting public attention. So yeah, a bucket list."

"That's great, Blaine. Now, I hope there's something on the list that involves you wearing that Nightbird outfit. I kinda want to see you in it."

Blaine blushes furiously and ducks his head. "Well, I'm sure that can be arranged. But I haven't worn it in ages. I don't think I have the best body for it anymore."

"What do you mean by that? Your body's fantastic! It might look even better on you now because the lycra will hug your body even more."

Kurt hears Blaine's quick inhale and sees his sandwich drop onto the plate. He's almost afraid to look at Blaine. When Kurt finally looks up, he can see that Blaine's pupils are blown wide and his eye color has darkened. It's the first time that he's seen Blaine look at him that way. Blaine clears his throat and quickly glances away. Suddenly, there is tension in the air and Kurt's not sure what to do about it. He excuses himself for the restroom, which gives him time to cool off and figure out what he's feeling.

Blaine shows him to his private bathroom (of course Blaine would have a private bathroom in his executive office!). Kurt does his business, and after washing his hands, he splashes water on his face. Kurt thinks he probably went too far with all the Nightbird comments. But shoot him, Kurt has fantasized about Blaine dressed up as Nightbird on more than one night. He's a hot-blooded man after all. Kurt reminds himself that he only told Blaine the truth. Blaine does have a fantastic body. Kurt closes his eyes and is transported back in time… to the penthouse, watching Blaine sleep.

Kurt was sitting at the end of the couch, soaking in the beauty of one Blaine Anderson sleeping. Then Blaine started to wiggle his ass, as if trying to get comfortable. Kurt decided to remove his tight-fitting jeans, to help him sleep better. Kurt straddled his body, taking care not to put too much weight on his legs. He undid the button and slowly pulled down the zipper. Then ever so carefully, he peeled the jeans down. When they were off, Kurt carefully folded the jeans and placed them on the coffee table. Kurt's attention went back to Blaine and his heart started to race.

Blaine's legs were so muscular, and Kurt shuddered when he thought about what those powerful thighs could do. Blaine's waist was so tiny, and not an ounce of fat could be seen. His T-shirt had ridden up, showing off his abs and the most delicious-looking olive-toned skin. Then Kurt spotted the dark hairs and followed the happy trail down… down… down. If Kurt thought that Blaine's jeans were tight-fitting, he was wrong. Blaine was wearing a pair of very snug, low-rise, red bikini pants. Kurt's mouth moistened as he looked at Blaine's cock - thick and hard, stretching the bikini to its max. He could even make out the vein running the length of his cock. Kurt felt like his face was on fire when he noticed the little damp circle where the underpants met the tip of Blaine's cock. If Kurt needed any confirmation that he was gay, he just got it.

And just when Kurt didn't think the view could get any better, Blaine started to wiggle his ass again. Only this time, he heard little moans escape Blaine's mouth. Kurt quickly looked away, as if his face was being singed by fire. He carefully tucked the newly-purchased throw blanket around Blaine. He needed a diversion to stop thinking about what he just saw. So after a quick inspection of the fridge contents, he decided to go to the corner deli to pick up dinner and cool off at the same time.

As Kurt dries his face and hands, he wills his erection to go away. He can't think of that vision of Blaine without getting himself (and his cock) worked up. His usual images of grandmothers and starving children and Rachel in animal sweaters aren't working. So his mind fills with the image of the ultimate cock-blocker… Sam.

No matter how much Kurt wishes it otherwise, Sam is the one the Blaine belongs to. Sam is the one that gets to have intimate moments with Blaine and explore that delicious body. Kurt refuses to be the wrecking ball in that relationship - he thinks too highly of them both to do that. If the only way Kurt can have Blaine in his life is as his friend, he'll take it. Blaine's far too special not to have in his life.

When Kurt enters the office again, he sees that Blaine has just returned. The lunch has been cleared up, so he must have made a trip to the mailroom.

"Hey, Kurt. I've been thinking. There is one item you can help me cross off on my bucket list."

"Ooh… I like the sound of that. Do tell."

"It has something to do with going out to dinner with you on May 27th."

"That's my birthday. How did you know?" Kurt shyly asks.

"It's on the resume you gave me when you came for the interview. I pay attention to details."

Kurt nods his head, excited that he's going to have another date with Blaine. He then scolds himself for the romantic visions floating in his mind. Kurt has got to stop thinking like this. Blaine's just a friend, and it's always going to be that way.

"I'd love to… you know, go out to dinner with you on my birthday. Do you want to invite Sam? I'm sure that I can rustle up a plus-one, even if it's only Rachel."

"Uhhh… No. I don't want to invite Sam. I wanted it to be… just you and me."

"Okay, that's cool. It's a date."

Kurt's in Wes' office, and after exchanging pleasantries, Wes gets down to business. "Vogue's May issue is generating a lot of interest in you. I've already had a half-dozen calls, asking if you're available for a modeling job. They weren't too happy when I told them that you are under an exclusive contract with Vogue for the next five months."

"Well, I'm happy that I am. So what am I going to be doing next?"

"As you know, the Hamilton-inspired photo shoot starts next Monday. You won't be the lead model on the spread – they've decided to use a person of color instead. But you'll be in June's issue."

Kurt nods his head. "I think that Vogue's made a wise decision. Just tell me I'm not going to be wearing an outfit to look like King George."

"No, you won't. Vogue wouldn't do that to you. Besides, there are other developments. Marc Jacobs wants to use you in his ad campaign for this new Hamilton-inspired line."

"What!? I didn't know that! I just saw Blaine an hour ago. Why didn't he tell me?"

"Trust me, Blaine desperately wanted to be the one to tell you. Blaine told me that you're becoming friends and are spending time together. That's why I told Blaine that it was my job, as your agent, to inform you about the proposed modeling job. That it was best to keep to the usual practices when you're dealing with each other in business. Kurt, I will always have your best interests at heart. There might be a situation where Blaine may have to decide between something that is good for Vogue and something that is good for you. It's better to have Blaine deal with me in all business matters."

"Okay. That makes sense. How did Marc Jacobs know about me? The May issue hasn't even been out for a day."

"Blaine showed MJ the proofs for the May issue last week and made a convincing case as to why you should be selected."

"Bb…ut, why would Blaine do that?"

"Kurt, if you think about it, it's a brilliant move on Blaine's part. He really believed that you would be a sensational hit once the May issue was released…. And he was right. By placing you in the Marc Jacobs ads, people will remember you as the face of Vogue and they'll buy the next issue or go to the website to see more of you."

"But Wes, why would Marc Jacobs agree?"

"Marc Jacobs is a big advertising revenue stream for Vogue. Blaine would have pitched it that you were going to be the next hottest supermodel in the industry, and Vogue was investing a lot of time and money to make that happen. Blaine would then have gone on to explain about the six-month exclusive contract, but would have made it clear he was willing to release you for MJ's ad campaign. A special favor for a special friend."

"Wow, Blaine is more business-savvy than I realized. But if I have an exclusive contract with Vogue, how can I be in Marc Jacob's ad campaign?"

"Good question, Kurt. Your contract stipulates that you can engage in other modeling work, with Vogue's approval. They are typically happy to give it, providing the timing doesn't conflict with work at Vogue and the job is in line with their plans for you. And this job definitely ticks all the boxes."

Wes adds, "Kurt, the decision is all yours. You don't have to agree to be in Marc Jacobs' ad campaign if you don't want to. Marc Jacobs knows that, so he is offering you $75,000 to sweeten the pot."

Kurt's jaw drops. "Oh. My. God. $75,000! I can't believe it! In no lifetime of mine would I reject modeling work for Marc Jacobs. But I guess I should ask, what do you think? Is it a good offer, Wes?"

Wes nods his head. "Thanks for asking about my opinion, Kurt. That's what I'm here for. Yes, I think you should accept the offer."

Sebastian scowls as he hurtles Vogue's May issue across his executive office. Blaine Anderson has done it again. His college buddy, who runs a printing company, rang him ten minutes ago and told him that Blaine's authorized an additional 200,000 print run. He's looked over the stats at Elle. Sales are low and the traffic at the Elle website is dead.

Sebastian was right in thinking that Vogue's fresh face is male. Looking at Kurt's photo, Sebastian can tell that he's just Blaine's type - all pale and long legs, looking like the biggest twink in Twinkville. Blanderson can't handle real men like himself. Sebastian decides to make it his top priority to poach Kurt to Elle magazine. He can't wait to rip those heart-eyes from Anderson's face and, once and for all, prove he's the best man.

Sebastian jots down notes, and his lips curl up in a wry smile. He has the beginnings of a new plan, which he's calling 'Operation Gay Face'.

He buzzes his assistant. "Phone Chandler Kiehl and tell him to haul his ass here pronto. And when you've done that, come here. I've got something in my pants that needs taken care of."

Author's notes

Thank you to Lilyandersteen, the most fabulous beta ever, although all mistakes are mine. Come visit me a Tumblr (HKVoyage) for the story artwork and my thoughts when writing this chapter.

A reader sent me an ask on Tumblr asking if something will happen in the future that could be a trigger. I'm more than happy to answer any questions privately, but I don't want to spoil the story for other readers. Therefore, could you please send me Tumblr any asks off anon and (that includes the previous ask). Even better, you can send me a PM here.

Next up: The
Hamilton-inspired photo shoot, Funny Girl's opening night and Sam gives Blaine a make-over.