June 1920
Kurt
Kurt waits patiently in the Brooks Brothers showroom, while Blaine changes into one of the outfits. It's the first day off that they've had to themselves since Blaine's disastrous birthday. As predicted, Blaine has spent every free moment practicing his songs for Mrs Dolloway's fundraising event. The only alone time they have spent together is late at night, when Blaine collapses into bed and instantly falls asleep.
Much to Mrs Dolloway's annoyance, Kurt has taken to joining Blaine at rehearsals, turning the sheet music as Blaine plays the piano, and bringing him hot cups of lemon tea when his throat is itchy and sore. Fortunately, they have come to an uneasy truce. Mrs Dolloway doesn't acknowledge his presence, and Kurt focuses on supporting the love of his life.
This showcase issue has really highlighted the differences on how he and Blaine approach life. Although Kurt values his father's love, it doesn't define him. He relies on himself and strives to be the best he can be by his own talents and efforts. Blaine, on the other hand, places a high value on his friendships and family. He needs to be part of something bigger than himself. His life has been weighed down with duties, and he thinks nothing of putting others' needs ahead of his own. Kurt feels that their differences are very complementary, like two puzzle pieces with different curves and edges, that fit together.
Kurt frowns when Blaine finally reappears from the changing room. The cut of the trousers are so baggy that Blaine looks like he's drowning in them.
"The more relaxed and looser fit is where men's fashion is going. These trousers are selling like hot cakes," the salesman notes.
Kurt isn't convinced, but he's not the only one that has a say in this. "Blaine, how do they feel?"
Blaine looks in the mirror and he moves his body this way and that. "I don't like them. They make me look like a clown at a circus."
"I agree. A suit should be timeless, and flatter your body. You can always add whimsy and fashion trends through the accessories, like the tie and hat. You are physically fit, and your suit should show that off."
Kurt returns to the racks of suits, and after a few minutes, he pulls out a suit more to his liking. He spends time to find a complementary vest, shirt, and bow tie. Meanwhile, Blaine is examining the sportswear and is also gathering clothes to try on.
"What did you find?" Kurt asks.
Blaine quickly passes the clothes to the salesmen to carry to the dressing room. "You'll see soon enough. Let me try on your suit first."
Blaine quickly returns to the dressing room to try on the new suit. When he walks out a few minutes later, Kurt lets out a low whistle because Blaine looks simply gorgeous. He's wearing a chamois brown suit with a complementary multi-colored tattersall vest. The light blue shirt has thin white pinstripes with a white collar. The brown bow tie has a discrete white cross pattern, and is cut in the latest style.
Blaine is practically bouncing on his toes. "I like this one. It feels extremely comfortable. What's the suit made of?"
The salesman replies, "It's an English wool and linen blend. It's the perfect weight for all seasons but winter."
Kurt inspects Blaine from all angles, appreciative of the view. "With very few alterations, this suit will look like it was made for you. It's absolutely stunning."
Kurt turns to the salesman. "Sir Anderson will need new shoes for this outfit. I rather liked the two-toned brown loafers. I also think that the jacket pocket square should be blue, maybe a shade darker than the shirt. He will also need a hat - perhaps one of the straw ones with a striped ribbon around the rim."
"Excellent choices. I'll get them at once."
While the salesman is collecting the accessories, Kurt leans close and whispers, "I can't take my eyes off of you. I can't decide whether I prefer you wearing this outfit or your birthday suit."
Blaine's eyes darken at Kurt's words. "How about both? I can wear this outfit when we go out on the town, and you can strip it off later when we're alone."
Kurt breaks away when the salesman returns with the shoes, hat and pocket square. Once Blaine inspects himself in the mirror, he says, "I'll take them all."
"Can you try on the white suit for me? It's different than your usual look, but it will be perfect for our holiday in the Hamptons. I think that the blue shirt and brown shoes will go nicely with it, too."
Blaine quickly changes into the white suit while Kurt finds a yellow and blue striped tie to go with the new outfit. They both agree that this suit is perfect for their upcoming holiday.
"I've got one more outfit to try on," Blaine says, and then scurries back into the changing room.
When he reappears, he's wearing a pair of pair baggy olive-green trousers that extend four inches below the knee and a white short-sleeved cotton knit shirt. Kurt is on board with any shirt that shows off Blaine's well-defined biceps.
"The trousers are called plus fours. Everyone wears them nowadays for sports," Blaine explains.
"And for what sport might you need these plus fours? Don't boxers wear different types of shorts?"
A worried expression crosses Blaine's face. "Boxing isn't really the sport for me. I don't like the idea that I could injure somebody. I've experienced too many things in the Great War, and it sets off the nightmares."
Kurt now appreciates why Blaine has been reluctant to go to the gym. The morning after his birthday, Blaine had told countless tales about his war experiences. Kurt isn't sure what was worse - being holed up in the trenches, spending time in the POW camp, or walking back to freedom while the Spanish flu was rampant.
"Honey, you shouldn't box if the nightmares are continuing as a result. Have you found another sport that you'd like to try?"
"Tennis. The trainers at the gym say that I have good hand-eye coordination, and they convinced me to learn tennis. I'd rather let off steam by smashing a little ball rather than a person. Once Granny's showcase is over, I plan to join the local tennis club."
"What a great idea." Kurt examines the shirt closely. "I've never seen a shirt like this before."
The salesman explains, "John Brooks himself designed this shirt, after examining shirts used by polo players. Even the French tennis player René Lacoste is wearing them."
"Do you think it would be too much to wear a bow tie as well?" Blaine asks.
Kurt chuckles. "A bow tie would be fine, but I suggest you take it off to play tennis."
"I think we're done," Blaine confirms.
"Yes, Sir Anderson. Please let us know when you can come back for the final fitting. We'll send the rest of the order directly to your uncle's address."
When the salesman leaves to write up the order, Blaine pleads, "Let me buy you a black tie suit. You'll need one for the July fundraising event. Granny gave me money to buy one, but my old black tie suit is perfectly fine."
Kurt thinks about this very carefully. He hates Blaine spending money on him, but he has been worried about what to wear to the July event; he doesn't want to miss Blaine's showcase performance. He doesn't have enough money to buy a formal suit, but he'll be damned if he would let Mrs Dolloway be right in thinking that Kurt uses Blaine for his money.
"How about a compromise? You could buy me a sewing machine so that I can make my own black tie suit. It would certainly cost less than one at Brooks Brothers, and I could create something rather unique."
Blaine smiles. "It's a deal. Buy any sewing machine you want. I'll even pay for the fabric and notions."
Blaine goes to the counter and makes an appointment to collect the tailored suits. When they walk out of the shop, he says, "We still have five hours before we're due at the theatre for Cousin Rachel and Finn's final performance. What do you want to do with the rest of the day?"
"You don't need to rehearse your music with your grandmother?"
Blaine shakes his head. "I told Granny that I needed the day off to buy outfits, and to clear my head. I'm not expected anywhere today."
"Well, in that case, I have an idea. Have you been to Greenwich Village before?"
"I was in the village when I was hunting for you at the boarding houses, but I didn't have a chance to look around."
"I hear that it's an artistic neighborhood. It should be fun."
They enter the nearest subway station and travel until the train stops at the Sheridan Square station. The streets are filled with young people visiting the many shops, cafes, art galleries, and dance halls. They walk along Washington Street looking at the shops' window displays. When they get to The Treasure Box, Kurt stops.
"Let's go inside. It looks so interesting."
The bell tinkles when they enter the shop, which is an emporium of gifts, rings, old trinkets, and Persian scarves.
"Grandmama would love this shop with all things from a bygone era."
A gentleman comes out from the back room. "Good afternoon. I'm Benjamin Will. Is there anything I can help you find?"
"We're just browsing. You have such unusual things in your shop," Kurt remarks.
"Teddy and I spend a lot of time at estate sales finding antiques and little treasures. When our apartment was overbrimming with things, we decided to open this shop."
"At least it pays for our obsession," a gentleman says when he enters the room. "Hello, I'm Teddy."
By the way the shop owners look at each other, it's obvious to Kurt that these two men are a couple. He's heartened to see that they are able to work and live freely in Greenwich Village.
"Good afternoon, Teddy. I'm Blaine. I think my grandmama would love these scarves, and her birthday is coming up. I don't know that much about scarves, or women's fashion for that matter."
"Then let me show you them. Do you think that she would prefer something contemporary or a more timeless piece?"
"Definitely timeless. She still dresses as if Queen Victoria is on the throne."
While Blaine is busy looking at scarves for the Dowager Countess, Kurt examines a large bowl of trinkets. When he finds a piece of old jade carved in a symbol, he asks, "Benjamin, do you know what the symbol means?"
Benjamin comes over and inspects the piece. "It's the Chinese symbol for double happiness. It's used a lot at weddings. It symbolizes luck, joy and love."
"I love it. How much does it cost?"
"I can't vouch that it's real jade, so I'll sell it to you for a dollar."
"I'll buy it, but we need to be discreet. It's a present for Blaine."
Benjamin nods. "Teddy, I'm taking this young man into the back to show him what we found last weekend. We won't be long."
When they enter the backroom, Kurt hands the owner a dollar note.
"Blaine is a very lucky fellow to have someone buy him a double happiness charm."
"This symbol means something to me. We knew each other back in England. Before the Great War, I gave him a lucky charm to bring to the battlefield. In December 1916, Blaine was captured by the Germans and held in a POW camp until the ceasefire two years later. It was luck that he survived, a joy to find him again, and love..." Kurt blushes, not wanting to divulge too much to a stranger.
"A love that endures," Benjamin says. He hands the dollar note back to Kurt. "Consider this a gift from Teddy and me. You two deserve all the happiness in your lives together."
Kurt thanks Benjamin, and makes a mental note to return to the shop when he's looking for gifts. When they hear the sound of the cash register ringing up a sale, they return to the showroom. Kurt and Blaine leave the shop, both pleased with their purchases.
"I liked the owners. I told Teddy all about Healy's Tavern, and he's promised they will stop by soon for a meal."
"I liked them too. It's wonderful to see two men making their lives together."
"Like you and me?" Blaine asks.
"Like you and me. I don't know about you, but I'm a little peckish. Should we find somewhere to have a spot of tea?"
"I like the way you think, Kurt Hummel."
After strolling for five minutes, they step inside Garrett Coffee House. There is a long counter where orders are taken, and tables filled with young people. Blaine looks at the desserts on display and immediately hones in on the cake topped with strawberries. "What type of cake is this?"
"Cheesecake… New York City's finest," the lady behind the counter replies.
"Cheesecake? I've never heard of such a thing," Kurt remarks.
"Let's try it. We like cheese, we like cake, and we love strawberries. Can we also have a pot of tea?"
Once their order is ready and paid for, Blaine takes the tray to an empty table. When Blaine delicately slices a bite, and lifts the fork into his mouth, Kurt carefully studies his reaction to the taste of this most unusual dessert.
"Mmm… Kurt, you need to try this for yourself. It's absolutely delicious."
Blaine takes another slice, and feeds it to Kurt. Kurt lets out a moan - he has never before tasted anything like it. "I think I've died and gone to heaven. This cheesecake is the best thing I've ever tasted."
"Even better than fruitcake?"
Kurt diplomatically doesn't answer the question. He pulls the plate closer to him. "You better get another slice if you want another taste. I'm not sharing."
"I'm quite happy drinking tea and listening to you make the most sinful noises," Blaine teases.
Kurt finishes the cheesecake in record time, and licks the fork to catch the last tasty crumbs.
"Kurt, I have some news about the Hamptons."
Kurt clasps his hands together. "Do tell."
"I spoke to the Healy brothers, and we can take the first week off in September."
"That's a long way off," Kurt replies, trying very hard not to sound disappointed. He had hoped that they could get away before the autumn settles in. He quite likes the idea of lazing on the beach doing simply nothing.
"I'm so sorry, Kurt, but my mother will be here next month, so July is out of the question. I'm taking a few days off just before Granny's fundraising event. The Healys are taking their holidays in August, so they want me at the tavern to manage things."
"That's fine, Blaine. We'll avoid the summer crowds, and have the place to ourselves."
They continue their stroll through Greenwich Village. The side streets are built up with red brick three-story dwellings. Some are dilapidated with broken shutters and dingy windows, but a few have been fixed up with flower boxes filled with red geraniums. It's a neighborhood with elderly and young alike.
They make a quick stop at Washington Square book shop. Blaine makes a beeline to the new bestsellers, and Kurt goes to the periodical section to browse the magazines. He picks up the latest issue of Vogue, and he smiles at the cover picture of two lady tennis players. He flicks through the pages of the latest men's and ladies' fashions for the summer and gets ideas for both his black tie suit and an outfit for Rachel Berry. If she is going to be famous one day, he's got to do something to help her with her fashion choices.
When he joins Blaine at the cash register, Kurt sees him paying for a book. "What did you find?"
Blaine shows him the cover entitled This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. "It's written by a new American author, and after three months, it's already on its second printing. It's about a young Midwesterner that leaves his sweetheart to attend Princeton University. He fights in the Great War, and upon his return, courts a New York debutante."
Kurt frowns. "I certainly hope that he doesn't leave his long-term sweetheart for some new sparkly lady. That would certainly be shallow. I don't want this book to give you any ideas."
"I'll have to read the story to find out what happens to the man, but he would be a fool to leave his one true love for a new lady. I could never imagine myself doing something like that. I think promises are forever, don't you?"
Kurt's heart swells at Blaine's earnest response, knowing that he'll have a place beside his lover for a very long time. "I think promises are forever, too."
"You picked out a lady's fashion magazine?" Blaine asks.
"It's also got pictures of men's fashion. It's not only given me an idea for my black tie suit, but I think there's an outfit that would look spectacular on Rachel."
"I certainly hope it doesn't include big bows, ruffles or appliqued animals," Blaine jokes.
After they leave the bookshop, they still have two hours before the Vaudeville show. As they turn onto Christopher Street, Kurt spots a sign for Bonnie's Stonewall Inn. "Let's stop and get an early dinner before the Vaudeville show."
When they enter the inn, their eyes adjust to the dimmed lights. There is a long counter along one side, that must have been a bar before prohibition came into effect. There are long tables where groups of people are chatting and eating. Kurt notices that there are far more men in the establishment than ladies. In the corner is a young man playing a jazz tune on the piano.
Once they've settled at a table, they order cheeseburgers, French fries and A&W root beer. When their drinks arrive, Kurt is amazed by the thick, foamy head at the top of the mug. Although it looks like beer, it has no alcohol and is far sweeter.
After taking a sip of his drink, Kurt remarks, "We've certainly had a good look around Greenwich Village this afternoon. What do you think?"
Kurt smiles when Blaine sets down his mug, because he's sporting a white mustache from the root beer foam. Kurt leans over the table, and dabs it off with his napkin. He looks around to see if anyone has noticed this tender moment, but nobody seems fazed by it.
Blaine finally answers Kurt's question. "I really like the feel of the Greenwich Village. Even though we are still in Manhattan, it's more relaxed than the other districts. There seems to be more creative people than the usual businessmen and socialites. I could definitely spend a lot more time here."
Kurt leans in and whispers, "I agree. Have you noticed that there are other men who are couples, too? I'm not just talking about the owners of The Treasure Box, but we see them everywhere."
"Like the two guys at the table next to us?"
Kurt glances over to see two men eating, holding hands beneath the table.
Blaine's foot gently rubs at Kurt's ankle. "We could do that, too."
Once their cheeseburgers and French fries are served, they eat like they haven't seen food in days. And if their feet are intertwined underneath the table, it's nobody's business but their own. Blaine's eyes have a distant faraway look, like a sailor staring out to sea. Kurt leaves him to his thoughts. Blaine hasn't had any relaxing time recently, and Kurt is hesitant to stop the daydreams.
#
At the end of the performance, Blaine jumps up from his seat and shouts, "Bravo!" Kurt joins in the applause for the Vaudeville show. Bunches of flowers are thrown on stage when Rachel Berry makes a heartfelt speech after her final bow. Finn happily stays in the background to allow his wife to receive all the accolades.
After the curtain comes down for the final time, Kurt and Blaine stand patiently at the back door of the theatre, waiting for Rachel and Finn to leave. After an hour, Rachel makes her appearance, blowing air kisses to her fans, while Finn follows laden with bouquets of flowers. Rachel spends time speaking to people and signing playbills, while Finn joins them.
"Sorry it took us long to leave. Rachel insisted that she give some last words of advice to Fanny Brice, her replacement."
Kurt spots a rather attractive man leaving the stage door. "Finn, who's that man? I certainly would have remembered him if he was on stage. He's a dreamboat."
"That's Cary Grant. He'll be taking over my part. It's a really small world, because he's from Bristol. I don't need to give him any advice. He's so handsome that he could just stand on stage, and the ladies wouldn't care if he had any talent at all."
Kurt notices how Blaine purses his lips and his body tenses at the talk of the handsome Cary Grant. "Can you imagine what the ladies will be thinking during Blaine's showcase performance? Not only is Blaine more handsome than this Cary Grant, but he sings like a dream. We'll be busy fending off admirers at the end of the event."
Kurt smiles when he sees Blaine perk up at the compliment. He wishes that he could kiss Blaine to melt his jealousy away.
When the fans have left, Rachel finally joins them. "Hi, Blaine and Kurt. Did you enjoy the show?"
Blaine gives her a quick hug. "We loved it. Thank you so much for giving us tickets to the final performance."
"James is waiting with the car around the corner," Finn reminds them.
"Blaine and I are going back to my boarding house this evening. We have the lunchtime shift tomorrow."
"Kurt, if you don't mind, I think I'll return to Fifth Avenue tonight. I need to write a very important letter to my father. Perhaps I can have that sleepover tomorrow instead?"
Kurt tries to hide his disappointment at the turn of events. He was looking forward to having Blaine in his bed. "Sure, that will work. After our shift at the tavern, I plan to go buy that sewing machine we were talking about earlier today."
"Can we give you a ride?" Rachel asks.
"No, it's out of your way."
"The least I can do is find a taxicab for you," Blaine remarks.
Blaine hails a taxicab and gives the driver the address. He opens the backseat door for Kurt, and whispers, "I hope you're not upset with me about the change of plans. I really do need to write to my father about something very important. I want the letter to be sent in tomorrow morning's post."
"No, it's no problem at all. I'll see you tomorrow."
Kurt twists around and waves as the taxicab driver pulls away. He wonders what on earth Blaine needs to write his father about so urgently. He decides that it must be something about the Countess's visit next month. His thoughts drift to Blaine's showcase performance, and the one-of-a-kind black tie suit he intends to make.
Author's notes
I hit the jackpot when I found out that Brooks Brothers opened its flagship store in Manhattan in 1818. It was known for introducing the ready-to-wear suit and creating the polo shirt for leisure wear. All the suits described in this chapter are from Brooks Brothers Great Gatsby collection. I have posted on my Tumblr account (HKVoyage) images of each outfit. From my home page, click on the 'Life in the Big Apple' button'. On the next page will have 'Chapter announcements with photos'. You will find the photos there, including photos of places they visited in Greenwich Village.
Trivia: Vaudeville was extremely popular in North America during the 1920s. A typical performance was made up of a series of separate, unrelated acts of singers, dancers and comedians, grouped together on a common bill. Many movie stars got their start in Vaudeville shows, including Cary Grant, Will Rogers, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, and Fred Astaire, to name a few. Fanny Brice got her start in burlesque revues, before the comedian launched careers on Broadway, radio and TV. Funny Girl is a semi-biographical account of her life.
Extra trivia: The famous Stonewall Inn in New York City has undergone several changes and locations over the years. In 1920, it was called "Bonnie's Stonewall Inn", and was a restaurant in Greenwich Village.
Many thanks to my fantastic betas - Fearlessly, Lilyvandersteen, Dblmalfunction. I made the last-minute edits and performed the final proofreading by myself, so all mistakes are mine.
I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: Blaine's showcase performance and the Countess of Westerville's visit to New York City.