Ch. 4

They beat everybody back into the conference by at least half an hour, and Kurt had already drawn up a design on his sketchpad. It was brilliant. Kurt had proposed that they all wear one of the shapers so that they could show customers that the product would work for them, no matter their shape or size. They could suggest using actual models when they did the real ad, but this way, they'd have something to present to the company's representatives. Kurt had taken all of the samples that the reps had provided and spread them out on the table.

Santana stood in front of Kurt with her hand perched on her hip. "Does my body look like I need a shaper? I paid good money so all my enhancements are permanent."

"Shapewear has more benefits than just concealing fat or lifting sagging body parts," Kurt countered. "They help improve your posture, warm your body for a more intense workout, and improve your confidence. On top of that, they can motivate you to eat better and control portion sizes for what you eat. They helped me greatly when I started my yoga workouts so that I could get rid of that pesky baby fat that I was telling you about. I ate less and felt better because I wasn't slouched over my desk or eating junk food. Once I saw how great my body could look, it was amazing motivation. You see what I wear now, and you can't dress the way I do without the confidence to carry it. That's what my shapers give me."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, Hummel. We all know that you just don't want to be the only one in your skivvies," Santana sassed back. "I understand why you'd want me because who wouldn't to buy a product when my rockin' body is featured on it. Hell, I even understand Elliott, Duval, or Anderson, because you all have fine asses, for guys. But do we really want Berry's hobbit body and whiskery chin plastered on a package," Santana sassed, her elbow on her hip.

"One, Rachel is beautiful. Two, you're jealous. Three," Kurt said, holding up three fingers, "We need all of us because the whole point is to show all types of people, feeling confident because of these products. It tells the company that we like their shapers, and we feel confident enough in them that we will wear them proudly. But my real suggestion is that we get their own company reps to be on the ad."

"Wait! Really? Kurt, that's genius!" Tina exclaimed. "I know I'm much more likely to purchase a product if I know that the company truly believes in the product they are selling. It makes it seem so much more authentic."

"I agree," Nick said. "I have to admit that when I first heard that they made shapers for men, I was dumbfounded. I've heard of compression shirts and even tummy shapers, but I never really thought about buying one. Then, when Jeff saw the one they gave us as samples yesterday, he convinced me to try it on. Then, he ripped it right back off a few minutes later. That's all it took for me to be sold," he laughed. "Although, I think there might be a hole in it now."

"I've said before that I can rock the hell outta a corset," Elliott laughed. "It wouldn't be the first time, definitely won't be the last."

"Kinky bastard," Nick laughed.

"What about you, Rach? Would you want to try it?"

"I've worn leotards before. I had to wear them every day when I had dance class with Mrs. Cassandra July at NYADA. I guess if it was just for the pitch, I could wear one of the more leotard-like ones."

"Tina?" Blaine asked.

"Yeah, I'll wear one with a corset. I love corsets."

"Santana?"

"I want the red, two-piece lacy thing. But the company is paying for my wax." Santana said, tossing her hair.

"I thought they already did," Blaine laughed. "Alright, everybody pick out the shaper they want to wear, and meet back here in an hour. Elliott, will that give you enough time to stage the area?"

"Yeah. It doesn't have to be top-notch. This is a concept photo. We just want to capture the idea. The lighting is still good for now, and I think it would be best to show the product if we were all standing so I don't really need much. Just all of you."

"Santana, were you serious about that wax?" Blaine asked.

"I already got one yesterday after we ended the meeting. I charged it to my room,"

"Alright, so everyone, go get ready and meet me back here at one p.m. sharp."


"Dammit!" Elliott cursed. "I don't have all of my equipment so I can't just snap a picture of all of us. Plus, I kinda have marks that don't need to be captured on camera," Elliott laughed.

Kurt just blushed because he knew he probably did too with the way that Blaine had kissed and sucked on his body an hour ago.

"That's what photoshop is for. Besides, you aren't the only one with marks," Tina laughed. "Blaine, what did you do at lunch? That looks like a hickey on the back of your neck. Did you hook up with someone last night?"

"He couldn't have. Kurt was in his room last night," Elliott said.

"Oh, that's a mosquito bite," Kurt blurted.

"You have mosquitoes in your room?" Nick asked.

"No, it was when I went outside, for lunch earlier. We got sandwiches from the little kitchen area earlier, and we ate outside on the little benches. To get fresh air," Blaine explained quickly. "Hey, Nick, what's wrong?"

Nick was rifling through the samples on the table frantically. "I told you that Jeff ripped the one I took, and I don't like the fit of this one, and they don't have another one in my size."

"I can fix that," Kurt shrugged.

"You sew?" Rachel asked in surprise.

"Of course I do. How do you think that I afford my wardrobe? I made the majority of it. My major was fashion design. Actually one of the first things I ever created for myself was a shaper. Any of you have a small sewing kit in your purse?"

"I do," Tina said, running to get her pocketbook. I sew too," Tina smiled. "So does Elliott."

"Awesome. That might be a helpful piece of information to store in my brain for later," Kurt laughed. "Nick, if you'll take that off, I can have it fixed in a few minutes. Elliott has to place everyone else anyway."

Nick unzipped the shaper and took it off and tossed it to him, as he stood in front of them in only his boxers.

"Damn, Nick!" Elliott laughed. "I think that he meant to go change and bring this back."

"Sorry, you know it's from force of habit," Nick laughed.

"What does he mean?" Kurt asked as he threaded the needle with black thread and tied a knot.

"Oh, that's how Elliott recruited Nick. He use to photograph him for ads all the time, and Elliott realized that Nick kept giving him ideas for how to stage products," Blaine explained. "He started out as Elliott's assistant, and then I realized that this guy played music on the side. Dad hired Tina, and I convinced him that I could use Nick as my assistant. So, that's how we became a team."

"So you could've been the model the whole time," Kurt stared at Nick.

"That was five years ago, man, and as I said, I never modeled shapers," Nick tried to explain. " I guess that I should've offered when I realized that you were uncomfortable, but you seemed fine showing that video to Elliott, and you seemed to be excited about the company, so you-"

"Nick, it's fine. I'm teasin'," Kurt laughed. "I can see it, with your posture and the way you glide when you walk. And I wish that I had your confidence," Kurt said as his fingers swiftly and skillfully mended the garment.

"I would've suspected the same from you. As you said, it takes a lot of confidence to wear what you wear. But I think your confidence is the reason that you are able to pull it off," Nick said with a smile. "Like Blaine, and his bright colors and his bowties. It shouldn't work but it does."

"Yeah, it shouldn't, but he makes it work," Kurt said, his eyes drifting off toward where Blaine was talking animatedly with Elliott. He was brought back to reality when he heard Nick yelp.

"Ow! I'm not a pincushion, dude," Nick laughed.

"Sorry. I got distracted. But I'm done. Now, put your clothes back on so that Elliott can get this picture shot, and we can finish writing this pitch."

Nick grinned knowingly. 'Mosquito bite, my ass,' he thought.


Kurt was euphoric, just giddy with excitement. He had never been in such an amazing meeting. The lead designer loved the ad so much that she asked them all to come back in a few weeks and shoot the photos of the whole management team in the shapers. Kurt could tell that Mrs. Simmons (she kept insisting that he call her Emily) really believed in her company's mission. She took suggestions and questions with such grace and kindness that Kurt liked her immediately. She reminded him of Isabelle, approachable, kind, and intelligent. It was obvious that her staff respected her. He could work for a woman like that. Actually, because they secured the account, he would.

That was just part of it. He had never seen Blaine's glow the way it had immediately after the meeting. That wasn't necessarily accurate since he had seen it one other time, the day before when they had sex with one another.

Unfortunately, they hadn't really talked since. They started to hug after Emily had given them the news that they had landed the account, but it was awkward, and they pulled away immediately. He knew they needed to talk, but they hadn't really had an opportunity. They hadn't really had the chance because they hadn't been alone with one another. They hadn't been alone together because other than when they were in the meeting, Kurt had been avoiding Blaine.

It all boiled down to the fact that he was terrified. Their encounter had been incredible, probably the best sex Kurt had ever had, and it wasn't even full-on sex, but there was just a connection between them that Kurt had never experienced with any of his previous partners. Not that there had been many. Just Adam and Chandler, and he and Adam had been long-time boyfriends before they had ever even talked about sex. And Chandler? Well, he had thought they were boyfriends. Whatever their relationship had been, they had known each other a while before they had become intimate. Yet, he and Blaine weren't even dating, and they had already had sex. Worse still, they were coworkers.

To make the situation even more complicated, there was a strict no-interoffice dating policy, and Blaine was the CEO's son. Blaine wouldn't get fired. He would. No. He couldn't risk it. This was the first paying job, aside from bussing tables, that he had ever had, and he actually was considered a vital part of the team. They landed the account because of his idea, and Blaine had even allowed him to deliver the pitch even though they were both leads on the account. Why had Blaine allowed him to do that?

There was a possibility that Blaine let him take the lead because he was the mastermind behind the pitch. It could be because he was the one who had the most knowledge and experience with body shapers. Possibly, it could be that Blaine was incredible at leading and conversing with his team, but he would become less than articulate when he was nervous. There was also a possibility that Blaine knew that Kurt was passionate about the company and the product and that he would do whatever he could to help this company be successful. It could also have something to do with the fact that Blaine said that he believed in him. Or perhaps, maybe, it meant something more.

No. Kurt couldn't allow his mind to roam into that dangerous territory of reading into what had transpired between them yesterday. Yes, Blaine had said that he was the most gorgeous man that he had ever met, but it could've just been a line. He knew that Blaine was single, but he also knew that Blaine occasionally hooked up with other men. It was obvious the first day that Kurt had started working at Anderson Advertising that Blaine had had sex recently with the way that he was limping. Hell, he had even heard Elliott giving him shit about it in his office in the days following. Their encounter could have been just a casual thing for Blaine.

What if that was all it was? They were two single, gay men that were constantly working so they didn't really have time to date. They had a lot in common, they found each other attractive (understatement of the year, judging by the way he felt Blaine's semi-hard dick poking into his thigh earlier when they had hugged). Maybe that was the reason that Blaine had pulled away so awkwardly. Or maybe he had felt Kurt start to get hard as well. Kurt sighed.

I can feel you panicking over there," Elliott laughed as he packed up his things. "You shouldn't. We did it. Well, you did. That was your pitch," he said as he carefully packed his haircare products in a small case.

"Mine and Blaine's." Kurt corrected as he scrubbed his face with a moist towelette.

"No. I've seen Blaine lead, and he's not a bad leader, but that was mostly you. But honestly, that's the reason that I like working with Blaine. He knows when to lead, and when to step back and let someone take the reigns. He's got a lot of faith and confidence in you. Do you know that he's never let me take the lead? Although I've never asked. I think when it comes down to it, he knows how seriously you take your work. You might've just saved our asses." Elliott said, pulling out a chair and sitting next to the sink where Kurt was still cleansing his skin.

"What do you mean?" Kurt asked, brushing his hair out of his face, and then he went back to his cleansing ritual.

"Mr. Anderson had threatened to split up our team if we couldn't land a campaign. This was our final chance,' Elliott explained. "Blaine took it pretty hard that we had so many failed campaigns after Mike left. He works so hard to get his dad to realize that he's not a complete failure at business."

"He's not," Kurt said matter-of-factly, his hand dropping from his face for a second.

Elliott sighed. "I've told him that, but it means nothing coming from me, Nick, or any of the rest of us. That's the reason that we kinda wish the old man would retire already. He was already supposed to a few years ago, but Cooper left the company to move to LA, and pursue his dream of becoming an actor."

"Cooper?" Kurt asked, bringing the towelette back up to his face, carefully removing the oil and dirt from his pores.

"His brother, Cooper Anderson."

"Oh my God! The Free Credit Rating Guy?" Kurt dropped the towelette on the sink in surprise. "That's his brother. I didn't even know Blaine had a brother!"

"The same. He started as an intern in the fashion department, but he was quickly drawn to modeling. He and Nick worked together some. And I would photograph them. One of our team members talked him into starring in the credit commercial because we couldn't afford a big name. The commercial went viral, and he got a call from some agent out in L.A. Cooper left and never looked back."

"Oh my god," Kurt sighed. "That explains a lot. I always wondered how Blaine ended up working for his father. They obviously don't have a good relationship." Kurt plopped down on his bed. "How the hell did he wind up in the fashion department."

"He's never told you?" Elliott asked, cocking his head curiously to one side.

Kurt shook his head. "You know he doesn't like to talk about his family. Hell, I didn't even know he had a brother."

"Blaine started at Anderson Advertising, like Cooper, except he interned in the music department. They loved him there. Mr. Berry even said that Blaine would make an incredible department head when he retired. However, you know how talented Blaine is. Mr. Berry heard him sing at a company party and convinced to write an album. He couldn't sign him because it was a conflict of interest or something, but he advised Blaine to finish the internship and then come back to see him after the album was done. However, a few days before Blaine's internship was over, Cooper left, and Mr. Anderson put so much pressure on Blaine that he stopped working on the album and came to work in the fashion department full time, and Mr. A never even said thank you," Elliott explained as he perched his elbows on his knees and rested his chin on his folded hands.

Kurt nodded. "I didn't realize that, but I wondered what made him work here when he clearly wasn't passionate about advertising. I mean, I knew that his dad must've pressured him or something, but I didn't know that his brother left."

"It's a long story, and it's not mine to tell. But yeah. It was kinda rough when Cooper was here. He was such a loud and obnoxious person that Blaine was ignored when they were both in the room. Mr. A always talked about how he wanted to pass his legacy on to his boys to run the company, and then Cooper ran off to L.A., and Mr. A was furious. He took it out on Blaine. And Blaine put all of this pressure on himself. He said that he just wants to make his father proud of him. Did you know that Blaine was valedictorian in high school, and he got two degrees in college in five years while being named Suma Cum Laude? Mr. A didn't even go to his graduation. He doesn't even bother to tell him when he does a good job. He threatened to demote him a couple of weeks ago."

Kurt shook his head. "I hate that for him. We can't let him fail."

"We won't. We know what a great leader he is. Even Santana will tell people that. Well, she won't admit it in front of him, but she really respects Blaine."

"She acts like she can't stand him sometimes," Kurt said. "Although, I guess she lashes out at all of us sometimes.

"Santana acts tough, but Blaine actually stuck his neck out for her when one of her campaigns was a massive fail. She gives him a hard time, but she'd walk through hell for him if it came to that," Elliott shrugged. "We all would."

"When his dad retires, then what?" Kurt asked. "Is he going to leave the company to Blaine?"

Elliott shifted from the chair and moved the chair back under the desk. He sat down next to Kurt on the bed. "God, I hope not. That would kill his spirit. He needs to go back to his music. You've heard his jingles. They're good, but his original stuff is inspired. You should see him play."

"Does he play anywhere anymore?" Kurt questioned.

"He plays open mic nights sometimes. He's good. I'll let you know the next time that he has a gig. It would mean a lot to him if he had someone there to cheer him on, besides me. I play with him, so I don't count." Elliott laughed.

"I'm glad that he has you. He needs someone to help him see what an amazing person he is."

"Be careful, Kurt." Elliott warned, looking him solemnly in the eye.

"What do you mean?"

Elliott gave him a knowing stare."You're falling for him. I see it in the way that you look at him. Besides, you told me that you tried to kiss him. I don't blame you, but things are complicated. Normally, I wouldn't say anything, but I don't want you and him to find yourselves over your heads."

Kurt let out a long exasperated sigh and let his head drop into his hands. "It may be too late for that. I like him a lot. God, El, we slept together yesterday."

"I fuckin' knew it," Elliott laughed, patting Kurt's shoulder firmly. "Nick owes me money."

Kurt's head shot up in shock. "Nick knows?"

Elliott shook his head. "I didn't say anything to him, but you two are kinda obvious. I mean, hell, the way you look at each other. It'd be kinda cute if it wasn't such a disaster. Look, I hope that you two can figure something out, but could I give you some advice?" Kurt shrugged as if to say go ahead. "If you think that you two can make something outta this, wait until his dad retires. If Blaine takes over, he can get rid of that stupid 'no relationships rule' and maybe you two will have a fighting chance. But as things stand, it could get really complicated."

"It already has," Kurt said with a sigh as he grabbed his suitcase.

"Shit, do you think that you can handle rooming with him tonight?"

"No," Kurt admitted. "Look, can you do something for me. Tell him that I had to go to my dad's early. I can't handle being alone in that room with him. I just can't."

Elliott perched his hand on Kurt's shoulder."Kurt, you need to talk with him. Sit down and have an honest and open conversation with him."

"I will. I just can't right now. Could you please?" Kurt begged. "Please. Just tell him that I'll see him at the airport, ok."

Elliott nodded. "Ok, man. But I hope you know what you are doing."

"Me too," Kurt sighed. "Me too," he said as he started placing his clothes into his suitcase.


Blaine screwed up. Kurt left right after the pitch, and they had never talked about what happened between them. Now, he was having dinner with his mother, and she was telling him a story. He currently had no clue what she was talking about because all he could think about was Kurt. He hadn't even said goodbye. Kurt had assured him that they would talk, and then Kurt just took off without even saying a word. Elliott had to tell him that he had already left.

Blaine had thought about shooting him a text to ask if he was ok, but he didn't want to be rude to his mother by getting out his cell phone while she was telling her story. He waited until she left the table to pull out his phone and quickly pull up Kurt in his contacts.

Blaine: Hey, Are you ok? You left without saying anything.

Kurt: Yeah. My dad just wanted to come in early so we could do Friday night dinner. It was this tradition that we had when I was home.

Blaine: I wish you would've told me. I was worried.

Kurt: Sorry to worry you. Gotta go. We'll talk on the plane.

Blaine: Good, because you and I really need to talk.

Blaine: We left some things on the table that I think we need to discuss.

Blaine: Kurt?

Blaine sighed . This was the reason that he avoided getting romantically involved with co-workers in the past. Maybe it wasn't too late to just pretend like there wasn't anything between them. Blaine scoffed at the absurdity of that idea. They had seen each other cum. Kurt had his fingers inside of him. They had crossed boundaries that friends aren't supposed to cross. Yet, they were adults. They could talk about this.

However, in order to communicate, they both had to be engaged in the conversation, and Kurt was avoiding him. His mom returned to the table, and he tried to ignore his phone. Maybe Kurt wasn't avoiding him on purpose. It was possible that he was doing the same and trying to pay attention to his family instead of being wrapped up in his screen. Surely, Kurt would respond later. Right?

His cell phone buzzed and he picked it up from the table and glanced to see if Kurt had responded, but he hadn't. The text was from Elliott just alerting him that they had arrived safely. Blaine frowned. He must've done something to upset Kurt for him to be avoiding him.

"Blaine, honey, Are you alright?" Pam asked, her eyes furrowed in curiosity and concern. "Are you expecting a call from your father?"

"No. It's fine, mom. I'm sorry for being inconsiderate. It was just Elliott letting me know he arrived back in New York safely," Blaine said quickly.

"Oh, is that the handsome guy with all the eyeliner? The next time you're in Ohio, you can bring him along. You know that I won't react like your father if you bring a boyfriend along."

"Mom, Elliott and I are just friends. We always have been. I'm single. At this rate, I probably will remain that way."

Pam patted her son's hand sympathetically. "You'll find the right guy. I just know it. You're too wonderful of a man. Don't rush it and don't fret. You haven't really said much about work. Are things going better on that front? I know that you and your father don't always see eye to eye."

"They're fine, I guess. We landed an account. That's the reason I'm in Ohio. I was the lead. Well, Kurt and I were, and we got the account. Dad actually seemed happy when I told him," Blaine said with a smile.

"Who is this Kurt? Have I met him? You've mentioned him a few times, but I don't think you've ever talked about him before now," Pam smiled knowingly. She knew her son, and she saw the twinkle in his eye when he said this boy's name. He had said it once or twice at dinner just in random conversation, even though he probably wasn't even aware that he had. There were just some things a mother knows about her son.

"No, but he's from Ohio. His family lives in Lima. He's the new writer on my team. I was kinda checking my phone to see if he was still going to meet me at the airport. You know I don't like to fly alone," Blaine added.

"Of course not, dear," she smiled. "It's fine. He sounds like a nice young man. I'd like to meet him."

"Mom, I'm not seeing Kurt, either. He's just a friend and a coworker," Blaine said with a sigh.

"Em hmmm," Pam nodded, not buying it for a second.

"Mom, really. He's a good friend," Blaine said, even though he didn't know how true that statement was because Kurt had bolted from the hotel without even a word, not that he blamed him. He was confused with everything that occurred between them, especially since there had been no opportunity to talk about it. "He's a great guy, and I like working with him, but that's all it can be. I told you about the policy regarding office romances, so even if it was more than a friendship, which it isn't, we couldn't really pursue a relationship while we were working together."

Pam nodded. "Well, that's kind of absurd, but I'm not surprised that your father thinks that he can control matters of the heart, although he's always been like that. He's married to that company and his old-school ideals. He expects everyone else to live at that office too and get married and never see their family. Don't do it. Some things are more important than your job," she said matter-of-factly.

"He set me up with a girl last week. Mr. Corzone's daughter. She didn't even show up, but I know it's because we've met up before and I explained my sexual orientation. It was awkward having to explain to her that my father refuses to accept that I'm not going to marry a trophy wife. It's fine, mom. I've accepted that he hasn't accepted me. He's set in his ways. But on the plus side, he did entrust me with an account. I don't know. It'd be nice to know where we stood," Blaine sighed.

"Look, I know it's not what you wanted, working for your father and looking after the company, and I know why you did it, but that was a long time ago. I won't blame you if you leave. It's not your dream. You can accomplish anything that you put your mind to," Pam said assuredly.

"Thanks mom. I never really wanted the company. I just wanted to help out, and I wanted to make him happy. I'm beginning to wonder if that's even possible." Blaine said sadly.

Pam nodded in understanding. "I get it. I'll support whatever you choose, but you need to talk to your father. And you need to go after all you want. Sometimes if you want change, you need to be that change."

"What did you just say?" Blaine's mouth dropped open in surprise.

"Just saying what you said to me many times before, and I think it's time that you take your own advice," Pam said simply as the waiter placed the bill on their table.

Blaine nodded as he slipped his credit card into the payment booklet. "You're right, mom." They both stood, and he kissed her cheek. "You're one hundred percent right."

"Well, dear, I'm sorry, but I really do need to be going. It was nice to see you. Come see me again when you're back in Ohio. And hang in there in regards to your father. I know he's not always an easy man to get along with, but I think he might eventually come around," she said with a soft smile.

At that moment, Blaine's phone buzzed with a text message. He had intended to glance at it quickly since it was probably just Elliott, or Nick, or even one of the girls, but he totally wasn't prepared for the text that he received.

Kurt: Hey, I just wanted to let you know I changed my flight so that I can visit my family a little longer. I'll see you on Monday .

Blaine's head was swimming. What did that mean? Did Kurt change his flight to avoid talking to him? Kurt was very family-oriented, so it was possible that he just wanted to visit them longer, but Blaine couldn't help but think that Kurt was purposefully trying to avoid him.

He exited the restaurant into the cool, night air, his head swimming in thoughts of what Kurt had intended with his text. His Uber had arrived, so he got in and rode silently the entire drive to the hotel. He had so much that he had wanted to say to Kurt on the flight home. Now, he'd be spending all that time contemplating if he screwed up everything.