AN: this is part of a personal challenge/project filling all the prompts of past Kadam weeks, and posting one every day from March 28 to May 8th, 7 prompts per year 5 previous rounds (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 last two managed by vcg73) the first week of May 2-8 will present to you the offering for the Kadam Week 2021 you can search for more on tumblr

This is the offering to Kadam Week 2015 prompt 4:Formal Occasion

What Kurt was surprised to find out was that Nyada, like some other colleges in New York, actually took networking seriously, and every year there was at least one opportunity in each semester to meet and socialise.

A formal ball, or maybe it was supposed to be considered a formal party? Kurt wasn't sure, what he was sure of though, was the fact that the event while being unconnected to the spring school production. It was still a golden opportunity to meet and greet not just all the other students of the school, but also alumni and some of the school's patrons for a night of dancing and fun.

The let's dress up and look our best kind of fun. This year, since Kurt started attending Nyada, Isabelle Wright had chosen to join the race for being a sponsor for the spring fling. And as the main patron of the event, Vogue had the pick of the theme...

The thrill of this event, at least for the student body, of course besides the chance of dressing up, were the guess the theme betting pools. Some were run inside groups, some were run at large by the students representative of the different majors, one of them was the individuals boons one...

The main currency of all of those betting pools were boons, to be exchanged and used by the end of the semester. The catch was that the winner took it all.
It wasn't quite like a win at midnight madness for performing majors was, nor like the medal for the tech showdown was. But it opened doors and allowed the winners to have favours to trade in, even if it was for a limited time.

Kurt had entered his name before the prominent patron was revealed, Adam knowing that Kurt was in joined as well.

Isabelle, despite being Kurt's Fairy godmother, was also very interested in trying to truly surprise her protege.

So Kurt had not been allowed to be directly involved in the pick for the spring fling ball theme, but he had been offered a perk as employee, to know exactly what was the venue chosen for the ball, which catering services and florists were being involved in the preparations for the evening...

That gave Kurt a rather defined view of possible themes. Taking part in any of those pools, was not really a mandatory requirement. Although it was highly encouraged by the faculty at large, and most of the senior students, especially those who were not on top of the social ladder, would try their luck with the individuals pool. Especially technical majors, who rarely had enough of the right connections, to guarantee large participation in their projects, by the performing majors students.

Once Kurt knew those information, he talked excitedly to Adam and the other Apples involved in the betting pool, sharing an idea that most found rather appealing.
"It wouldn't really be cheating if we all pick one a possible theme, and we can actually help each other out..."

Adam raised an eyebrow sending a patented worried look "Wouldn't still be rather close to cheating?"

Kurt stopped for a moment, giving the question a proper consideration before shaking his head vigorously "I don't believe so, I for one would call it at best levelling the field... First It's not like any of the people in this room would use any of their boons in a harmful way. Having seen the list of participants signed in, there're at least a couple of names I wouldn't be so sure, nor so ready to bet they wouldn't be nasty while using the boons should they win..."

Adam had to concede the point, at least one or two people were known to use boons in disparaging ways.

"And second it's not really such a more reduced pool of guesses… It's like saying Las Vegas. Sure then the theme we could aim to pick could be maybe risque performances, exotic dancers, gambling, card games, chance games, roulette, or it could be something completely different like marriage, or a performance of the Cirque du Soleil... All in all it is a smaller group of choices, but still large enough that couldn't be called cheating. If you'd feel better about it, we could all write down what comes up to all our minds, and then put them in a hat and pick... No one says we can't brainstorm before giving our entry."

That was true, and it was also true that it was very unlikely to happen for friends willing to do what they were going to do. It was pretty rare that the winner would use the boons as favours for others, and yet everyone in the room would be more than willing to do so.

In the end after put it on a vote they went with the hat idea. When it was all said and done, and the dean announced that year's patron had not only offered the venue for the ball but also a substantial financing to the school.

To everyone's surprise and amazement Adam had been the one with the correct guess, consequentially winning the individuals pool. Which, all thing considered, meant that he was surely going to be able to gather enough people for his final project. Without having to miscast or reducing and cutting pieces because of lack of cast.

Luckily the fact that Kurt worked at Vogue was not considered a deterrent or a cheat by any of the upperclassmen. And even the underclassmen had to admit that as a current Midnight Madness winner, Kurt Hummel had nothing to really gain by winning the betting pool. In fact among all his was a pretty sweet boon, some lamented the fact that it was the boyfriend who got to snatch it...

The issue, that was also their advantage, of the boons was that they had to be publicly issued. Because it was a matter of keeping up one's word, which also meant that both what was being asked, accepted or counter offered might have had a repercussion on one's reputation.

In a small ecosystem that thrived on having the best possible reputation, the stakes were significant in all cases.

This was why everyone was surprised when the day after the theme announcement, after the pool holder gave the chequebook to Adam, the first boon Adam picked was Kurt's.

He chose the middle of the entrance hall near the end of the lunch break, he called out formally, as expected by pool's protocol "Kurt Hummel I'm here to request my individuals boon should you be able to listen to it now"

Kurt like any other participant had been instructed on the way to address a boon request by the winner, and how to present the request before signing the pool's chequebook, so he knew exactly how to properly answer that call "Adam Crawford, I am free now to hear in front of witness your boon request and give you my answer"

Adam managed to hold back a smile, treating it with the appropriate amount of solemnity and professionalism that the situation required "I would like to ask of you the boon of choosing for me the most suited formal attire for all the events that might need it, starting from the spring fling till the end of the semester. Do you accept to give me such boon?"

Kurt blinked surprised, like many of the witnesses, getting a hold on his emotions pretty quickly Kurt nodded and answered just as formally "I accept to owe you this boon and starting from the spring fling I'll select for you the appropriate formal attire for every event in which you might require it until the end of the semester."

The older students who had already experienced the ritual stated clearly "The boon has been accepted under the watchful presence of me as one of the witnesses."

After that everyone involved nodded and quite a few dispersed, most of the remaining ones grouped together murmuring and gossipping already about the fact that Crawford had not used the boon to attach himself formally to Hummel at the ball.

Kurt smiled but didn't take offence when they parted way soon after that, they were actually expected to be at the opposite side of campus after all, and they were having a date at the end of the day anyway.

Later that afternoon while out on a date Kurt asked curiously "You know you could have asked for anything else? I also heard from the grapevine that last year's winner asked to one of the Midnight Madness winners to actually help recruiting people for their final project..."

Adam shrugged a little self conscious, offering a small smile "Darling, the point is that a boon from the pool is not something you can walk away from. Not using one, is as close as a direct cut could be. It's basically saying that that person cannot offer the winner anything of value."

Kurt wrinkled his nose but accepted the explanation listening to Adam continuing "In the same way the first one used is considered by many, one of the most significant ones, it is the boon everyone will talk about for the longest time..."

Kurt nodded his understanding, "Ok that explains why you couldn't ignore mine, and I can say I'm really flattered you made mine your first, but you know I would have done what you asked anyway? It's not like I would have ever refused the chance of dressing you up at any given time luv."

Kurt frowned a little worried "Not that I wouldn't have helped you anyway but are you sure about it? There were so many other options you could have chosen, and what you picked certainly raised a lot of questions"

Adam smiled running his fingers through Kurt's hair "Love, you would have been a difficult and discussed boon no matter what I asked or when, the whole school knows how far gone I am for you, but you have to understand that what happened at lunch break it was not about you and me being together."

Adam bit his lower lip as he debated with himself on how to explain the situation without treating Kurt like a child to be taught. With a small sigh he settled on trying to explain how the boon exchange was viewed by their peers, trying to point out that no matter what Kurt himself felt, he was considered both scary and special by all the rest of the student body

"It was all about a soon to be graduating senior student claiming a boon from the latest most acclaimed Midnight Madness freshman winner. One who unlike any other student in this school, got in auditioning at the Winter Showcase. Love, while you might sometimes forget how talented and amazing you are, it doesn't mean the rest of the world has."

And suddenly Kurt started to understand, and whispered surprised "Oh, ohhh that's why the faculty encourages everyone to take part in this… The boons, they are a school time limited equivalent of a professional favour, aren't they? A teaching tool to learn how to balance asking for things that benefit you without giving offence, or destroy someone else's career, that makes so much sense, including encouraging taking the chances and make gambles."

As the ramifications became clearer Kurt paled slightly and looked at Adam and continued talking "That's why all seniors are strongly encouraged to take part and freshman are suggested to do it for the experience… Adam was this the kind of situation that you were worried about when the odds of us getting a better chance to win the pool increased?"

Adam nodded and moved closer, his hand caressing gently Kurt's face, a proud smile on his face as he commented awed "You are figuring this out way faster than most students do, I know it took me till the end of sophomore year to get clued in. But yes it was something I worried about, and well, how you'd react to it all and to the kind of boon I could safely ask of you. I don't want you ever doubt that I would choose to be with you no matter where your status or your career is. But I would also like for you to know that I'm not with you for what you could do for me or my career..."

Kurt's eyes softened and he leaned forward to convey with a kiss of his own bone deep knowledge of being loved by Adam just for being himself. It was a little later when Kurt asked the doubt that was forming in his mind "Would you have prevented me to make the mistake of ruin your reputation in my enthusiasm had our roles been reversed?"

Adam smiled and kissed Kurt lovingly before resting his forehead against Kurt's and said calmly "No, it wouldn't have been a big mistake to make, despite the general cutthroat attitude in the school it wouldn't have been too much of a big deal. You're still a freshman on your first semester at Nyada, you would have had a lot more leeway than everyone else. And as Midnight Madness winner, you already have the chance to simply throw your name out to obtain things, you could obtain boons just for granting the proximity of your presence"

Kurt snorted unamused "That's not me, I don't like that kind of attitude. Granted I'm not above exploiting it, and I recognise it can be useful in certain situations, but do it too often and it'll lose effect."

Adam nodded in agreement "Still I would have stood by your choice and by your side for as long as you'd have allowed it."

Kurt then grinned mischievously "You do realise that you've just volunteered to come with me and give me hours upon hours fashion pleasure?"

Adam smirked smugly wiggling his eyebrows for good measure "And here I thought I had only volunteered to be your personal ken doll to dress and especially undress at your pleasure"

Kurt snorted, swatting Adam's shoulder with one of his hand, while with a cheeky tongue in cheek he said "I think not, I prefer considering you my personal model, both mannequins and ken dolls lack in a department I'm very fond of fondling" Kurt's other hand had playfully found its way from Adam's chest to reach a stop on his groin.

Kurt palmed unashamedly the proof of Adam's interest, making a very clear point on what he alluded with his words.

Adam's eye grew darker as he hummed his agreement directly on Kurt's soft lips, and pressed himself against Kurt's open palm seeking more pressure than the light touch was offering.

Any further discussion of the school's social norms, boons or clothes was soon forgotten when they both found it more interesting letting their hands do the talking.

It wasn't until their next free weekend that Adam started wondering if using Kurt's boon that way was really such a good idea… Since instead of having a nice morning in bed with lazy sex and cuddles, his boyfriend had excitedly lured him into the shower.

Which admittedly had been really good, if it wasn't for the fact that it had been followed by a way too cheerful "Since we're up we can go and start working on deciding what we'll wear to the spring fling... After all my own reputation now depends on how good we both look"

Adam sent a scared look at Kurt, especially when he was dragged inside the Vogue's offices... Adam's suspicions were basically confirmed when an older man approached and put a friendly hand on Kurt's shoulder "Oh honey have you finally come to make my day and you brought with you an eye candy as well... Please tell me you're letting me dress up the both of you"

Kurt grinned widely and nodded "We're here to check on the outings of the vault if there's something suitable for us for the Nyada's ball And Chase darling the eye candy is my boyfriend Adam Crawford. Adam this wonderfully sweet flirt is Chase Madison, he had been the first one to ever pick up the pieces of the ex debacle, and he has been so supportive all this time, the best friend I could have ever hope to find "

And for the first time since meeting his boyfriend, Adam found himself grateful Kurt had been and sometimes still was unable to really notice when other men were making a pass at him.

He looked at the veiled pained expression in Chase's eyes and when their gaze met he offered a small smile and a barely imperceptible nod, at the questioning look in there. To Adam's surprise it was returned with a proper smile and a pat on Adam's shoulder from the older man "Well then boys let's see what magic we can conjure for such handsome men"

If Adam thought going shopping with Kurt was very close to the definition of daunting, being in Chase's hands was a whole different level. The other man took a measuring look at Adam and returned with five different suits, that looked all very similar almost to the point of being identical to Adam's untrained eyes.

But a glance at Kurt and Chase, listening to the both of them commenting on each piece as if they were all as different from each other like day and night made Adam feel grateful his input apparently wasn't required at all in this situation.

He couldn't see what they were seeing, but he trusted Kurt.

After what felt the hundred times he changed out and into new clothes, Adam was deemed appropriately outfitted and it was Kurt's turn to go through the process.
As Kurt changed with the rapidity of a pro and trying out surprisingly fewer choices, Adam took the time to observe the outfit they had selected for him.

It was a three pieces ensemble the shirt was an ice grey silk with a tone on tone damask motif, while the waistcoat and the jacket were a charcoal grey, while the cut was not as stiff as his black tux it was still making him look very sharp despite the still missing tie...

When he looked at Kurt he was wearing a checkered tweed three piece suit in a lighter shade of grey. Chase indicated Adam to stand next to Kurt and he started mumbling something to himself before asking "You do plan to go together yes?"

Adam nodded "Yeah that's the idea, unless Kurt decides to dump me before the ball..."

Kurt snorted and smacked Adam's ass playfully "Keep dreaming on Crawford you're mine now, you're not getting rid of me that easily... I have a whole semester worth of dressing you up by your own volition, you're so not getting out of that…" Then added he with a rather fond look in his eyes "I'm in for the long haul"

And Adam could see what appeared a look of longing in Chase's eyes before he nodded and said to the both of them, "Well sweethearts stay here I have a small gift for you two. If you indeed plan to stay strong that far, then I believe those will be perfect and those will not go out of fashion that easily, not anytime soon…"

Saying that Chase presented them two identical sets of silk ties and handkerchiefs in a tone of light blue that to Adam's immense surprise went perfectly with both their suits. With one last smile, they were sent on their way and the eager request to seriously consider Isabelle's offer.

On their way back home, keeping their suites in the travel bags safe from possible damage, Adam asked curiously "What was Isabelle's offer?"

Kurt chuckled shaking his head, a teasing grin, "She wants to have us in for a photoshoot I said I would report it to you, but this far I could barely convince you to few hours of shopping experience or coming peeking at the Vault like today. I didn't really have much hope of convincing you to do such thing."

Adam wiggles his eyebrow playfully "And here I thought you had more than a way to be persuasive with me"

Kurt snorted amused and quipped back "As if I am not completely aware that any kind of persuasion I might employ would be for nought if you weren't in agreement with what I was proposing…"

Adam smiled touched that despite the teasing they had going, Kurt was aware of Adam's character. Then Kurt continued shaking his head. "Kidding aside, even I wouldn't want to face a photoshoot alone, and let me tell you luv I saw your face on both of those occasions. And consider this those two were way more relaxed and slow paced compared to how a photoshoot is."

Adam's eyes must have shown his pure unadulterated panic at the idea that what Kurt had him facing had been nothing but a watered down and relaxed experience, because Kurt exploded into a full belly's laugh "Don't worry my love I am not going to force such a nightmare on you. I mean you know I do love fashion myself and I love getting dressed up, but even I found the first photoshoot kinda traumatic, not something I'd put you through."

On the night of the ball, Adam couldn't have been happier. If Kurt had looked good in the Vault as he wore his clothes in broad daylight, that night Kurt looked like he just stepped out of a fairytale book. Maybe it was more than just the well fitting clothes, maybe it was the soft lights that mimicked the candlelight that made the location and the whole evening assumed a dreamlike look.

Both of them looked like a dream, and while the purpose of the evening might have been networking more, Adam and Kurt were never too far apart when they weren't dancing or standing together.

The couple was so focused on each other that they never realised one of their friends took a picture of them standing together looking very much like a pair of fairytale princes in love.

Five years later, on their wedding day, they both wore the same outfit as they did at their first spring fling together.

The day after their friend took out the picture of that night, and placed it next to their wedding picture, the love Kurt and Adam's eyes was still the same, if it wasn't for those pictures being taken in clearly different places at different times of the day, the only noticeable difference between them was a set of matching rings comfortably resting on their ring fingers...